From the President
Defining Moments Most of us are able to identify events, decisions or individuals that influenced us at defining moments in our personal lives. When we share our life experiences with others, a very personal story emerges that reminds us of those significant moments in time that somehow changed everything. The story of MidAmerica Nazarene University cannot be told without including the names of faculty and staff who lived out their commitment to its values, ideals and purpose. The familiar stories of these pioneers of faith continue to inspire and challenge us today. When circumstances confronted them and impossible obstacles blocked their way, it was their unshakable faith in God and a contagious spirit of unity and common purpose that carried them and MNU through the most difficult of days. When I ask graduates about their MNU experiences, they almost always share a story of a favorite faculty or staff member whose life intersected with theirs in a very meaningful way. These moments are forever preserved and imprinted deep in their hearts. Whether a brief conversation or encouraging word, godly counsel or a special time of prayer, God used these defining moments to bring about change deep within. Our commitment to be a Christ-centered university is at the very heart of our mission and is being fulfilled each day through the influence of our dedicated faculty and staff who share their gifts and talents and live their faith before their students. Through high standards of academic excellence, we are committed to prepare students for a life of purpose. It’s often in these defining moments when the lives of students, faculty and staff intersect that they experience the love of Jesus Christ together and a life transformation occurs. We celebrate the influence of our faculty and staff as they continue to fulfill our mission and respond to the challenge of Psalm 145:4: “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.” Their stories become our defining moments and His story continues to transform theirs.
Dr. David J. Spittal
Volume 37, Number 3
President
Managing Editor
Art and Design
Carol (Knight '81, MA '08) Best
Daniel Hawkins ('06) Kelly (Lawler, '11) Chesley April (Loomis, '92) Hansen Jeremy Hoffpauir
Contributing Editor Kim (Suderman, '05) Campbell
Contributors Kelsey (Luffman, '13) Beck Katy Ward (CS '14) Chad Jenkins Rachel Phelps ('09) 02 Accent Magazine / Fall 2013
Photographers Daniel Hawkins ('06) Dan Videtich
Accent is published by MidAmerica Nazarene University and mailed free to alumni, friends and supporters of MNU. It is produced for University Advancement by the MNU Marketing and Communications Office. Postage is paid at Olathe, Kan., and additional mailing offices. News or comments: accent@mnu.edu