Canton residents Charles and Carla Sunberg receive honorary doctorate degrees from Olivet

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Rev. Carla and Rev. Charles Sunberg received honorary doctor of divinity degrees as part of Olivet's 2012 Commencement

BOURBONNAIS, IL (05/08/2012)(readMedia)-- During the 99th Commencement ceremony, Olivet Nazarene University conferred honorary doctor of divinity degrees upon Rev. Charles H. (Chuck) Sunberg and Rev. Carla D. Sunberg.

Citing their exemplary professional achievement, Christian influence and dedicated service to the Lord, the Church of the Nazarene, Olivet and their family, Dr. Gregg Chenoweth, vice president of academic affairs, stated: "The Sunbergs are wedded not only in marriage, but in ministry. They have distinguished themselves as gifted ministers for more than 20 years. They began a work from scratch in the former Soviet Union, a region double the land mass of the United States. After planting the Moscow Church of the Nazarene, they planted 50 churches in Ukraine, Armenia, Kazakhstan and other fledgling states."

Currently, Chuck and Carla Sunberg are serving as co-district superintendents of the Church of the Nazarene's East Ohio District. They are the first husband-wife team to serve in this capacity. Their appointment was effective November 1, 2011.

From 2005 to 2011, they pastored at Grace Point Church of the Nazarene, Fort Wayne, Ind., where Chuck served as senior pastor, and Carla as evangelism and discipleship pastor.

From 1992 to 2005, they were pioneer missionaries and field directors in the former Soviet Union. Their work helped to establish the Church of the Nazarene in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Giving leadership to more than 60 ministries during that time, they led believers in starting churches, compassionate ministry centers and clergy education centers. They also raised their two daughters, Christy and Cara - now both Olivet alumnae - during that time.

Carla is the author of "Faxes from Russia" (Beacon Hill Press, 1996), as well as numerous articles for such publications as "Holiness Today," "Grow Magazine" and "Reflecting God Magazine." She has served as president of the Wesleyan Holiness Women Clergy group. A graduate of MidAmerica Nazarene University, she was recognized as Alumna of the Year in 2008.

Chuck received his bachelor's degree from Olivet in 1978. In 2009, he received Olivet's "O" Award for dedicating his life to ministry. He has also served on Olivet's Alumni Board and Board of Trustees.

Both Chuck and Carla are graduates of Nazarene Theological Seminary, and are ordained elders in the Church of the Nazarene.

Olivet Nazarene University is an accredited Christian, liberal arts university offering more than 100 areas of undergraduate and graduate study, including the Doctor of Education in ethical leadership. Olivet has one main campus in Bourbonnais, Ill. - just 50 miles south of Chicago; three sites: Rolling Meadows and Oak Brook, Ill., and Hong Kong; and more than 100 School of Graduate and Continuing Studies learning locations throughout Chicagoland and the Midwest. From Oxford to Tokyo, hundreds of Olivet students also experience the global classroom each year, whether through study abroad opportunities or worldwide mission trips.

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ONU news is also available on the web. Go to http://www.olivet.edu and click on "News & Events." Licensed University photos and official logos available upon request. For additional information, contact Laura Warfel at 815-928-5403, or lwwarfel@olivet.edu.