Jay Ezelle met his best friend Joy in August 2007 when he was studying at Columbia International University. In addition to a love of Christ, the two also quickly bonded over other shared interests such as fitness and helping the less fortunate.

So begins the article about the CIU alumni couple written by reporter Shawn Nowlin of the Salem (Virginia) Times-Register newspaper. The article details Jay and Joy’s dreams and journey together leading to the grand opening of E3 Fitness Center in Southwest Virginia, and their nonprofit E3 Initiative that serves the needy and the homeless.

The Ezelles graduated with the Class of 2010; Jay was a Youth Ministry major and Joy a Psychology major.

Read their story “New E3 Fitness Center offers group class, personal training and more.”

Where will a degree from CIU take you? With record enrollment for five straight years, CIU 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. Request information on enrollment at CIU and Columbia Biblical Seminary or call (800) 777-2227, ext. 5024.