It’s not every day Columbia International University students get to hear from professional musicians or football stars.  

CIU’s Business Administration and Sport Management majors got a mixture of both as part of a class seminar. The featured speakers were former NFL standout Corey Miller of New York Giants fame and Jim Sonefeld of the 1990s rock band Hootie & the Blowfish. Their appearance was part of “Worship + Mixer Night,” hosted by the Cook School of Business.     

Both men had fascinating stories to tell about how they found redemption through Jesus Christ amidst their lives of fame and temptation.

Miller spoke primarily about how his career as an NFL linebacker was truly his dream job, but led him into sinful habits that he did not plan on pursuing.  

Sonefeld had a similar story to tell, as he too had found fame relatively early in life as the drummer of a rock band. But it did not come without its own issues, as he had to deal with temptations and often simply gave in to them. But later on, when he became a husband and a father, he realized he could not continue living his way, knowing that his children were looking up to him. The only way to redemption was through Christ.

“It was not only educational but also very engaging,” said freshman Josh Carlson. “Getting to hear these stories from such famous people, especially someone from a very popular band, offered a lot of perspective.”  

CIU is celebrating 100 years of its mission to “educate people from a biblical worldview to impact the nations with the message of Christ." The university consistently ranks among the Top Regional Universities in the South by U.S. News & World Report, as well as a Best Value Regional University in the South. Apply now or request information on enrollment by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.