Summer 2012 Update Highlights in this Issue:
NOW IS THE TIME Greetings from Dr. Gresham
STUDENT SUMMER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES SECURING THE
FUTURE OF SNU Campaign for the Sciences Update
IT’S ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS Alumni Drs. Brad and Heather Wilson
DR. SHARON YOUNG Heritage Fuels Long Career
DR. DON BEAVER His Lasting Legacy
NOW IS THE TIME! Greetings from President Gresham “Timing is everything!” is a phrase that can apply to just about any venture in modern life. Those three words can be applied to a new business venture, investment strategies, networking or even a golf swing. At Southern Nazarene University we believe the time is right for the Campaign for the Sciences – which was publicly launched in January of 2012. It is a multi-year – multi-faceted effort to continue the academic excellence in the Sciences that has been a hallmark of SNU for decades. The record of our outstanding Science faculty, past and present students who have excelled and the strong financial support of those who believe in the future of SNU makes a compelling case for this effort to move forward and
now is the time!
As you read through this Science Campaign Update, I think you will agree with me that conditions are right to do something that has only been a dream for the past many years and now we’re on the verge of seeing it all come to fruition with the construction of Phase I – the J.D. & Mary West Science Laboratory. I hope you will be moved to act upon what you read
Sincerely,
and consider doing at least two things: 1) Pray for SNU mission fullfillment and this Campaign 2) Consider financially supporting the Campaign with a gift that will add to the momentum we have already gained to this point. We need everyone who desires to secure the future for Southern Nazarene
Loren P. Gresham, PhD.
University’s excellence in the sciences to participate.
Quick Fact: SNU’s QERC Rain Forest Campus in Costa Rica hosts students and visitors from around the globe
More importantly, the Oklahoma City resident feels that his current career path is the best way for him to help build the kingdom of God.
In fact, Niazi feels that studying science is actually a form of worship to God. He feels that learning about the complexities of life is
MORE THAN just AN EDUCATION
worship because he is gaining insight into how intricate our world is and how big God is.
Mo Niazi, Biochemistry Senior
Niazi also credits his professors who have been a When Mo Niazi decided to attend Southern Nazarene University to pursue
tremendous help and encouragement to him during his first few years
a degree in biochemistry, it wasn’t just the university’s stellar science
at SNU. Most of all, he has appreciated the way they have reached out
program that he found appealing. Niazi was seeking a place where he
to help him any time he struggled with a course, or when they spent
could not only forge a strong educational foundation for his future, but
additional time with him to ensure he was understanding what he was
also a place where he could grow spiritually and relationally, as well.
learning. “I would have never gotten to this point had it not been for the
“I felt like the conditions were all optimized to help increase my potential
education I’ve received here at SNU and the great leadership,” he said.
as a student,” explained Niazi. “I wanted to go to a school that had
“Going to college is a huge investment, so why not invest in something
a nurturing environment that would allow me to reach my maximum
that’s high quality,” said Niazi.
potential to not only get into medical school, but also become the best doctor that I could be.”
Niazi, a junior at SNU, is attempting to pursue one of the most difficult degrees in the scientific and medical fields. Niazi aspires to earn the MD-PhD degree, which will afford him the opportunity to practice medicine and conduct research simultaneously. “I really enjoy exploring the frontiers of science; however, I also love patient interaction. I feel like I would be the happiest and be able to fulfill my potential with this degree, said Niazi.”
Quick Fact: Over 90% of SNU’s Pre-med majors accepted to medical school
Scan this code with your mobile device to see a video interview with Mo. Or go to snu.edu/niazi
prepare you for grad school or medical school. That’s something you don’t have at larger schools.” Burgweger, who hails from De Soto, Kansas, said she is still deciding on exactly which field of medicine she will pursue upon graduating from SNU. She is leaning towards pediatrics or becoming a general physician
SNU PROVES TO BE THE BEST CHOICE Chesney Burgweger, Biochemistry Senior For Chesney Burgweger, Southern Nazarene University may not have
because of her love of kids and teens. In fact, Burgweger’s passion for young people led to her to help mentor a small group of pre-teen girls at her church.
been her first choice, but it ended up becoming her best choice.
“I’ve built up a passion for young people and hope to use that in my career as a doctor,”
The senior biochemistry major originally enrolled in a large public
As Burgweger considers her own future once she graduates from SNU,
university with the desire of having the “big college experience” that so
she is also excited about the future that awaits the university’s science
many of her friends had talked about in high school; however, during
department as a result of the Campaign for the Sciences that is
her freshman year, she paid a visit to one of her friends attending SNU.
currently underway.
Immediately, Burgweger was taken with the friendliness of the students and science faculty. “During my visit I had the opportunity to eat a meal with one of the professors, who would later become one of my favorites,” she said. “There was something that just drew me to SNU and it was a great opportunity.” After her visit, it became obvious that a change was in order and she
She feels the addition of the new laboratory will help tremendously in attracting new students and expanding their educational options. “Our science professors have put the time into creating a unique environment for students here at SNU,” said Burgweger, “and the new science building will be phenomenal with the new labs. It’s something that future students can look forward to.”
transferred to SNU. Burgweger was also impressed by SNU’s pre-med program, which is recognized as one of the best in the state. The balance of a quality education and a close-knit community where professors and students care for each other was just the sort of place that Burgweger knew she needed to be. “The seniors and juniors are great about reaching out to the sophomores and freshmen,” she explained. “The
Scan this code with your mobile device to see a video interview with Chesney. Or go to snu.edu/burgweger
professors show a personal interest in you and help you succeed and
Quick Fact: SNU’s Nursing majors consistently pass national boards (NCLEX) at well above national norms
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIPS Drs. Brad & Heather Wilson, SNU Sciences Alumni When Brad and Heather (Stallings) Wilson reflect back upon their time at Southern Nazarene University’ science department a decade ago, it’s the relationships with other students and professors that they remember the most. According to Heather, those friendships she made during her time at SNU have continued to this day and have played an integral part in her life.
“I think the thing I value the most are my friendships,” she said. “It is so nice to have such wonderful friends, who keep me grounded and remind me that it is okay to not always have the answers.” Both Brad and Heather credited chemistry professor Dr. Daryl Cox as the professor that had the greatest impact on them personally and professionally. “He was such an incredible teacher,” explained Brad.
“Dr. Cox always challenged students to take responsibility for their learning and pushed them to be better scholars.” The Wilsons are extremely grateful for the excellent education they received from SNU that helped prepare them for their current careers. Brad, who graduated in 2003, is currently in medical
Quick Fact: Over 3,000 SNU science graduates serve worldwide
residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center, while Heather, who graduated in 2004, is a pediatric physician at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. While the Wilsons are grateful for the foundation SNU provided for their careers and in growing their faith, they are also passionate about ensuring that the next generation of science students will be just as impacted by SNU as they were. “In order for SNU to provide quality science education, it will take more revenue than what tuition alone can generate,” said Brad.
“It is important we raise the funds necessary to support our science professors, as well as continue to attract great teaching talent to SNU. “
SECURING THE
FUTURE OF SNU Now is the time! Throughout its history, Southern Nazarene University has trained, developed, and prepared thousands of students who have gone on to make a difference in our world through careers in science. The time has come to invest in future generations of science students with the addition of a new laboratory facility. Not only is the Campaign for the Sciences an opportunity to invest
for the investment he made in his life while at SNU.
“Donating to a fund in honor of Dr. Heasley is one small way of expressing appreciation for his long years of dedicated service,” said Dr. Hodges.
in the future of SNU’s science department, it is also a great way for
“The professors of the university provide
alumni and friends of the university to honor those science professors
excellent, caring instruction in the sciences
who impacted their lives or to ensure their family’s SNU legacy will be
while modeling Christian faith and character.”
remembered for generations to come.
To learn more about the Campaign for the Sciences, visit
Naming opportunities are now available for the new laboratory that will
snu.edu/campaign-for-the-sciences. To inquire about naming
be built adjacent to the existing science building. There are a variety
opportunities for the new facility, call 405-717-6292.
of labs, classroom spaces, and office spaces available for honoring
Every gift moves SNU one step closer to reaching our goal of preparing
significant faculty or family members through your financial support of
science graduates to think with clarity, act with integrity, and serve
the Campaign for the Sciences.
with purpose. Please prayerfully consider the part you can play in the
For Dr. Ronald Hodges, who graduated in 1973 with a B. S. in
Campaign for the Sciences.
Chemistry, the Campaign for the Sciences is a unique way to honor long-time chemistry professor Dr. Gene Heasley, thanking Dr. Heasley
Dr. Ronald Hodges
To view a video tour of the planned facility follow this QR code on your smartphone, or visit www.snu.edu/campaign-for-the-sciences.
Quick Fact: National Society of Physics Students names SNU an “Outstanding Physics Department”
Phase I J.E. AND L.E. MABEE FOUNDATION ISSUES CHALLENGE GRANT TO SNU
Two-story Laboratory Addition south of the existing Beaver Science Building 25,891 square feet Base Building Five Biology Laboratories
In October, 2011, SNU received written notification that a Challenge
Three Chemistry Laboratories
Grant in the amount of $800,000 was issued by the J.E. and L.E.
Two Research Laboratories Laboratory Support Spaces
Mabee Foundation. The terms and conditions of the challenge were
Five Offices and Ancillary Support Spaces
accepted by the University, including the provision that, by October,
Six Student Gathering Areas
2012, the fundraising goal for Phase I would be met. We gladly and
Atrium Space
gratefully accepted this Challenge Grant and alumni and friends of
Estimated Cost: $5,500,000
SNU generously and sacrificially gave to reach our Challenge Grant
Phase II
goal. This generous grant will go far in making it possible to begin construction of the J.D. and Mary West Science Laboratory.
Elevator and stair connection to all floors of existing Science Building
Now our Science students and faculty need your help to complete
5,154 square feet
the mission. Phase II and III are critical to the needs of our bright,
Estimated Cost: $1,100,000
dedicated students.
Now is the time for every friend of SNU who values the transformative mission of this institution to come alongside us and make a financial commitment – at whatever level – to this historic effort. The Campaign for the Sciences can set a new course for SNU!
Now you can help us renew the present W. Don Beaver Science Building with a new elevator tower and connecting spaces in Phase II so renovation can be completed for Nursing and other departments housed in this historic building.
Now you can give to make it possible to complete Phase III, finishing out the second floor of the new building to give our outstanding Chemistry students and faculty the best possible environment and resources for learning.
Now is the time!
WHAT CAN WE DO TO ENSURE THE FUTURE OF SCIENCE EXCELLENCE AT SNU?
Phase III Interior Finish Out and Furnishing of Second Floor
Estimated Cost: $2,100,000 Campaign for the Sciences Total Goal:
$8,700,000
Support the Campaign financially today! • Mail your gift or pledge using the enclosed card OR give securely online at www.snu.edu/giving • Pray for SNU’s Faculty and Students – and for those who will teach and learn in this new facility for years to come! • Identify prospective students and encourage them to visit SNU!
Quick Fact: SNU regularly collaborates for internships with the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Finkenbinder as having a very special place in her heart. “All three were wonderful friends,” she added.
“They took such an interest in all of our lives.” Dr. Siems’ rich Nazarene heritage was one of the driving factors that led her to Bethany, Oklahoma as a student. She said that, while all of her sisters attended Nazarene schools, she chose SNU as did two of her sisters. Now, Dr. Siems’ deep heritage with SNU has been extended to a new generation. She has served SNU as the campus physician since 1997 and also as the medical director of SNU’s athletic training department,
A PASSION FOR HELPING OTHERS Dr. Ami Siems, SNU Sciences Alumna While Dr. Ami Siems was drawn to the medical field because of her love of science and the opportunities such a career would afford her, it was her love for people and building relationships that has fueled her career over
in addition to maintaining her private practice in Yukon, Oklahoma. Furthermore, Dr. Siems’ daughter, Mary, is carrying on the legacy as a senior biochemistry student at SNU.
In looking ahead to the future, Siems hopes her family’s legacy with SNU will continue for generations to come.
the past 30 years. Upon completing her biochemistry degree at Southern
Dr. Siems is passionate about the positive impact the university’s
Nazarene University in 1981, she realized that conducting research in a
Campaign for the Sciences will have in preparing future science and
lab was not her calling and becoming a physician was the best way for her
medical students to meet the ever changing needs of their professions.
to interact with others, as well as invest in their lives.
“The science building is the same as when I went to school 30 years ago,
“It’s not just the science of medicine, but the interpersonal relationships that I really get excited about,” said Dr. Siems. During her time as a student, Dr. Siems said it was the relationships she
but the students are not the same and the level of education is not the same,” said Dr. Siems. “Everything, including technology, has advanced over the last 30 years and to give the students and professors a state-ofthe-art facility will help the science department take off to a new level.”
formed with her fellow students and professors that she treasures the most and were most instrumental in helping develop her into who she is today. She especially cited Dr. Sharon Young, Dr. Robert Judd, and Dr. Leo
Quick Fact: SNU offers national internships through the NASA SpaceGrant Consortium
HERITAGE FUELS LONG CAREER Dr. Sharon Young, SNU Sciences Professor Emeritus
students she has taught and mentored. While she enjoys teaching, she said it is the moments that she spends one-on-one with her students that she values the most. “I love just sitting here in my office talking to students, and I love lecturing
Because of her rich Nazarene heritage, Dr. Sharon Young, professor emeritus of biology, believes she was destined to teach at Southern Nazarene University. In fact, her family’s legacy dates back to the origins of the Church of the Nazarene, as her grandfather was present in 1908 when the Church began in Pilot Point, Texas. She believes that this legacy is one of the driving forces that led her to SNU.
“SNU was in my blood,” she said. “I was destined to be here before I was born.” Dr. Young’s long relationship with SNU began in 1964 when she enrolled as a student and received her Bachelor’s degree. After having gone on to receive her M.S. and Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University, her love of SNU brought her back to BNC/SNU. In 1968 where she began her career as a biology professor in the then brand new W. Don Beaver Science Building, which continues to serve the science students and professors today. Over the past 44 years, Dr. Young has left a legacy for thousands of
to students,” added Dr. Young. “I don’t like grading or testing, but I enjoy the personal interaction.”
Dr. Young said that she has always been concerned that her students grow spiritually, as well as in scientific knowledge. She recalled a favorite story where she was working with a student from China. As they worked, he began to ask her questions about Christ, and she attempted to answer them all. Even though she humbly felt that she played only a small part, the student told her that she helped lead him to asking Christ to be his Savior. “As a professor, your accomplishment is seeing what your students accomplish,” Dr. Young added. “It’s great when they become physicians or professors, but what I really like to hear is that they are also leaders in their local church or sing in the church choir.” Dr. Young is also excited about the impact the Campaign for the Sciences will have on future generations of science students. Her hope is that having new facilities and equipment will encourage more students interested in the sciences to choose SNU, so that they can not only grow in the vocation, but also grow spiritually. “There will be some positive emotional aspects to the new facility, as well as positive scientific aspects,” Dr. Young said.
Quick Fact: The current Science building opened in 1968 – This fall will be its 44th year in use
DR. DON BEAVER: HIS LASTING LEGACY W. Don Beaver, SNU Sciences Professor Emeritus Dr. W. Don Beaver’s name has become synonymous with Southern
Dr. Beaver’s passion for chemistry was also seen in his students. He
Nazarene University’s science department over the past several
said that he would often find students staying in the labs longer than
decades. During his long tenure as a chemistry professor,
required, and that one of his greatest thrills was seeing students make
Dr. Beaver taught and mentored thousands of students who have gone on to do great things in their respective
new discoveries, especially when it occurred within the confines of the
fields of science.
when solving problems that arose within the lab.
Much of the admiration and respect from his students comes from his
“I remember when John Norell needed some gold for a particular
hands-on approach to learning. Dr. Beaver explained that his
desire was to make chemistry interesting, yet challenging,
experiment he was conducting,” recalled Dr. Beaver. “We didn’t have
no matter if it was on a field trip or in the science lab. “Translating
dorm room to retrieve his mother’s old wrist watch. John melted it
textbook material to hands-on learning was exciting,” said Dr. Beaver.
down and proceeded with his experiment.”
lab. He especially reveled in those students that exhibited ingenuity
any gold in the stock room so he left for a few moments, going to his
he has guided and mentored in the sciences over the years, he is also passionate about the future of Southern Nazarene University’s science department and the future generations of students. As a result, Dr. Beaver believes that the Campaign for the Sciences is a vital next step in advancing the science department to its maximum potential.
“Being able to provide students and faculty with up-to-date facilities and equipment is of paramount importance,” explained Dr. Beaver. “Knowing this institution is setting goals for improving its offering to students and faculty alike will encourage them to seriously consider Over the years, Dr. Beaver has watched many students like Norell enter into his lab as young, bright-eyed students with an interest in science and go on to become medical doctors, dentists, research scientists, college professors, and teachers.
SNU as their academic choice.” As with most things in life that are important, Dr. Beaver said it will take commitment in order to accomplish the Campaign’s goal of completing the 25,891-square-foot laboratory adjacent to the current
“It was exciting to follow their careers and progress,” Dr. Beaver added. Dr. Beaver’s rich heritage with Southern Nazarene University began in 1942 when he enrolled as a student at what was then known as Bethany-Peniel College. Being the son of a Nazarene minister, Dr. Beaver received great encouragement from his family and his church
science building that bears his name.
“To support worthy causes always requires commitment at some level,” he said. “We are expected to do only our best and others will see the need and do the rest.”
to attend what is now SNU. Even as Dr. Beaver enjoys reflecting on the past and the many lives
Now is the time!
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