TOMMY'S STORY

Christian rapper and pastor Tommy Kyllonen started as a rebellious preacher’s kid in Philadelphia. He says Southeastern helped him channel his rebelliousness into new ways to reach and disciple the hip-hop generation... >>

Making A Difference

I am Cedrick Valrie from Mobile, Alabama. I grew up in the public housing ranks where I saw a lot of hopelessness, defeated lives and many drug dependencies. I was reared by a strong mother and grandmother. I truly know that only the grace of God has allowed me to escape the familiar and painful scenes of my notorious neighborhood. I would like to share with you how God led me to Southeastern University.

Uniquely, I came to Southeastern through a conversation en route to the Birmingham airport. Southeastern's president was the keynote speaker at the Alabama District Council and needed a ride to the airport. My pastor was headed in that direction and volunteered to take him. In the process of that fifteen-minute ride, my pastor told the president about a young man, me, who he had invested in and now needed to attend a Christian university. Shortly thereafter, I applied to Southeastern and consequently received an acceptance letter.

As a pastoral ministry major, “quality” is the word I use to describe Southeastern University. Southeastern is providing me with lasting and effective tools that I need to actively fulfill my calling. While the university is adamant about strong academia, it is equally concerned about the character and integrity that each of its students possess. In fall 2004 I entered my senior year. God’s grace and your generous contributions have made my university degree a reality.