Max Kruemcke
I’ve known Max since grade school. We both went to Redeemer Lutheran School, and were Boy Scouts together for years. We’re both Eagle Scouts – but it should be noted that we’re still unable to start fires without matches and tie complex knots in emergency situations.
Since we went to college, we’ve done unbelievable things together – including Arboretum golf (hitting tennis balls into the lake), stealing flags from country clubs (that’s not an endorsement!), and 2am Warm Delights (courtesy of the Lakeline Wal-Mart). He’s a great friend to me, and I’m sure we’ll be friends from years to come, after Max’s film career hits the big time. He’s a brilliant filmographer; I love getting the inside look at his work!
Max has one more year to go at UT-Austin before he graduates with an RTF degree. You should check out some of his short films on his Youtube channel.
Jordan Jolly
I accidentally picked up a cupcake – part of Jordan’s wedding cake – at his wedding reception in 2008, before the ceremonial “cutting of the cake.” I immediately panicked, and ended up asking Jordan what I should do. He smiled and told me to eat it – and enjoy it. I think this speaks volumes about why I admire Jordan…for his relaxed, genuine, caring character. He’ll probably tell me I’m wrong. He’s one of the most humble people I know.
My memories with Jordan include talking about philosophy in his kitchen for hours on end (forgetting we were actually washing dishes while defining the concept of truth), setting a pizza on fire (also in Jordan’s kitchen), and shimmying into Airman’s Cave (we decided not to have my bachelor party inside due to ventilation issues). Jordan just graduated with an Economics degree from UT-Austin – and he’s the perfect candidate for any job out there (this is an explicit advertisement). I hope I don’t get as much male lingerie as Jordan did at his bachelor party…
Nick Brown
It should first be noted that Nick’s driving skills saved my life last month, as we slid over a snowy median on I-70 west of Denver. Nick’s not only a great driver, of course. He’s kind, active, and other-focused. I admire these things about Nick. I could go on and on, though, about his outdoorsman skills.
My memories with Nick include rock climbing in Barton Creek Greenbelt, building a BBQ pit (in half an hour) for a Texas Tech tailgating party, and the perilous ride on an icy I-70 without anti-freeze windshield wiper fluid. Nick will graduate from Texas Tech and move with his wife Kacee to Salt Lake City, where he’ll be an engineer (and build cool stuff).
Mark Pulliam
Mark’s an outstanding speaker and listener. He’s an encouraging person, and could probably inspire a group of rocks to assemble themselves into a magnificant building. I admire his patience and humor.
Mark and I were youth ministry leaders together during college, and share countless memories of trying to get high schoolers to focus on something of substance for more than a few minutes. We had plenty of times to talk about all matters of life, and have grown a bunch throughout college – but not enough to keep us from trespassing on Concordia’s nature preserve, sneaking onto the Hyatt’s rooftop veranda in San Antonio, and discussing the moral reprocussions of preaching naked like the prophet Isaiah. I believe Mark’s going to be an amazing, fully-clothed pastor. He graduates in May, and will move on to a seminary program through Concordia University-Irvine.
Mark’s wedding to his wonderful fiance Laura is a week after our ceremony. Cat and I are coming back from our honeymoon to attend! Since our weddings are so close together, we’ve been able to bond with them in the context of everything wedding-related. They’re a great encouragement!
Thomas Devery
Thomas is a dear friend of mine. We’ve spent many nights together debating theology and philosophy (this is enjoyable for me). I’m sure we’ve influenced each other in the past few years.
Thomas and I have rock-climbed at the 360 Bridge, and have frequented locations that inspire reflection (Mount Bonnell, the Arboretum, etc). Thomas has been a part of the high school Bible study I lead for four years now – the Bible study where I met Cat! In fact, Thomas knew Cat long before I met her because of the Bible study. He was even with me the first time I met Cat’s parents, and harvested her mom’s backyard kumquats. He’s very interested in people, and I value his tireless search for truth and justice. He has one of the strongest cares for humanity of anyone I know; I admire his uncanning ability to inspire people.
Thomas graduates from McNeil High School in June, and will move on to the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley this fall.
