The Beacon - Fall 2024 by Bushnell University

Fall 2024

THE CAMPAIGN FOR BUSHNELL UNIVERSITY

Venture Forward Surpasses $18 Million Goal Raising Nearly $22 Million

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Dr. Joseph Womack, President

Dear friends, Give thanks to the Lord, proclaim his greatness; tell the nations what he has done. Sing praise to the Lord; tell the wonderful things he has done. (Psalm 105: 1-2, GNT) I can’t think of a better way to end a campaign than to tell the wonderful things He has done and say “thank you”…first to our Lord, and also to those whom He moved to work diligently and give generously. This October we celebrated the success of the Venture Forward campaign for Bushnell University that inspired 225 families of alumni and friends, and a number of key organizations and foundations, to contribute just under $22 million, surpassing our goal of $18 million. Please read through this edition of The Beacon knowing how deeply grateful I am for the amazing support shown to our ongoing efforts to provide a life-changing educational experience for our students. Your support strengthens our mission to chase after the wisdom of God, centered on faith in Jesus Christ, leading to lives of meaningful service. C.S. Lewis wrote that “a pleasure is full grown only when it is remembered” (Out of the Silent Planet, 1938). Through these pages I invite you to join me in a full-grown celebration for what God has done for Bushnell University. Even as we reflect on the goodness of our Lord, we recognize that remembering God’s past goodness reinforces our trust in His future provision. As we make plans to Venture Further (our next campaign for Bushnell now in the works) we dream of what might be next as we allow God to mold us and situate us so that He is able to carry out His plans in us. What a joy to know that our Heavenly Father has been faithful throughout our nearly 130-year history to celebrate that He is faithful in our lives today and will continue to be tomorrow. What a pleasure it is to express my gratitude to all who gave to the Venture Forward campaign, who prayed, and worked on the University’s behalf to ensure its success. Enjoy reading and thank you for venturing with us. Yours,

Joseph D. Womack ’89, Ed.D. President

IN THIS ISSUE

Fall 2024

President Joseph Womack ’89, Ed.D. Vice Presidents Gene De Young, MBA Michael Fuller, M.A. Jocelyn Hubbs ’09, MBA ’14 Reed Mueller, Ph.D. Keith Potter ’84, D.Div.(hon) ’11

You Stood With Us: Historic Capital Campaign Prepares Bushnell for the Future

Goodrich Hall Stands as a Timeless Monument to Wisdom, Faith, and Service

Duke Commons: God’s Timing is the Best Timing

Bushnell’s Home Field Brings Community Together

Photography Logan Adams, M.A. Tom Boyd, AHM Brands Lucas Pauly

Song Nai Rhee Honors Program: A Strong Academic Foundation

Art Direction, Design, and Production

Local Donors Invest Nearly $4M in Nursing Education

Editor Corynn Gilbert, Ph.D. Assistant Editor Meredith Goehring, M.A. Contributors Corynn Gilbert, Ph.D. Meredith Goehring, M.A. Erin Mueller, Ph.D. Keith Potter ’84, D.Div.(hon) ’11 Kim Williams Joseph Womack ’89, Ed.D.

The Beacon is published by Bushnell University as an information service and is posted on the Bushnell University website. For information, call 541-684-7318. Readers are encouraged to submit text for publication via email to alumni@bushnell.edu or via mail to: Office of Advancement Attn: Corynn Gilbert, Editor 828 E. 11th Avenue Eugene, OR 97401 Bushnell reserves the right to edit all copy. Articles should include names and class years (if applicable) for all individuals mentioned. Need to Update Your Information? Bushnell.edu/alumniupdate

2 13 15 21 22 24

President’s Letter Life in Womack Hall Donovan Kimball’s Love for Christ and Baseball A New Nursing Major at Bushnell Celebrating Our Founders Faithful Engagement: Navigating Anxiety in a Polarized Election

26 New Master of Arts in Theology and Culture Degree

27 28 30 32 36 38 39

Bushnell Supports Small Business Owners Bushnell Athletics News Bushnell’s New Premier Golf Facility Meet your Advancement Team In Memoriam From the Archives From My Point of View

You Stood With Us

Historic Capital Campaign Prepares Bushnell for the Future WRITTEN BY KIM WILLIAMS, BOARD CHAIR

erving Bushnell University in a season of growth and expansion is a great privilege. Because my family has been involved for decades, I’ve also seen the University survive lean times and make hard decisions. I’ve watched us expand our curriculum, change our name (from NCC to NCU to Bushnell), and enlarge our footprint in the campus district, community, and region. As board chair in 2024, it’s now my privilege to celebrate a landmark achievement. After three years of diligent effort with generous donors, we can officially celebrate meeting and far surpassing our $18,000,000 Venture Forward campaign goal. I was there when the vision for Venture Forward was first finding form at the most unlikely time – during a pandemic. Early key donors helped us boldly enlarge our original goal from $14 million to $18 million, a move that accommodated then-unpredictable rises in construction costs due to Covid. The projects have come to fruition in beautiful ways. The timely opportunity to repurpose Womack Hall came several years early as a gift from God, fulfilling the dreams of the thoughtful people who crafted that vision decades ago. My mother, Linda McKay Korth, was a trustee and an active part of those discussions back in the 1990s. Now the former Phoenix Inn is our best student residence hall serving nearly 200 undergraduates. At the same time, a partnership grew to build a shared-use baseball stadium in Springfield, which now serves us and many others as the finest facility in the Cascade Collegiate Conference. Goodrich Tower is nearly completed, with an elevator and stairs, bathrooms on each level, four beautiful melodic cast-iron bells, and a large cross on top. It stands connected to the historic Goodrich Hall on every floor, which has been fully renovated for classroom and administrative use. We will break ground on the new Duke Student Commons (home of a new dining hall and student center) soon. The new nursing program, the Song Nai Rhee Honors Program, and Bushnell Baseball programs have also been boosted by campaign giving. And, at the close of the campaign, we celebrate a grand total of $21.9M in gifts to make all these dreams come true.

President Emeritus Jim Womack ’63

4 The Beacon / Fall 2024

Let me offer my congratulations to President Womack, the Board of Trustees, the Advancement team, and the whole campus community for a prayerful, courageous approach to this effort. And thank you to alumni, friends, corporate partners, and granting agencies for believing in our students and in our mission. What’s next? We are already turning the corner into the next campaign, Venture Further, to answer emerging needs and opportunities. First, we were able to purchase the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, which occupies 1.1 acres on Alder Street in the middle of our campus. We’ve prayed for this potential acquisition for decades and will now demolish the old building to make a home for Duke Student Commons. Second, we have acquired use of the original clubhouse at Pine Ridge Golf Club to be repurposed as the Bushnell Golf Player Development Center. This new development gives us the marquee facility for NAIA golf programs in the region. While the initial launch of the Accelerated BSN required $1M (part of the $18M Venture Forward goal), the quick expansion of the program plus growing interest in our mental health counseling programs has fueled further growth in the College of Health Professions. The vision is expanding and people, both new to us and longtime supporters, care deeply about the importance of quality healthcare in our region and have reinforced that care with significant financial investment. Bushnell is answering the urgent call for nurses and clinical mental health counselors and, in partnership with other healthcare agencies, we are learning where the next unfolding needs are.

Going forward, I’d like to offer a few important reminders. The University has an ongoing need for a fully engaged base of alumni and friends. Every year, the Trustees make decisions on tuition and room and board costs that balance the need for institutional viability and student affordability. Students and their families are often naïve to the profound generosity of donors who make it possible for us to keep costs relatively low. Many of us are unaware of the number of people who contributed to our own education years ago. Like other universities, we rely on a “pay it forward” model with alumni and friends making a Bushnell education feasible, especially for low income and first-generation students. All to say, we still need you and others. Please join us in rallying to our cause and encouraging widespread involvement. And please remember, “Prayer is the radical starting point of fundraising because in prayer we slowly experience a reorientation of all our thoughts and feelings about ourselves and others” (from Henri Nouwen’s A Spirituality of Fundraising). Occasionally, I hear people lament the feeling of being overasked or over-taxed by various organizations and institutions. And I understand that feeling. Nonetheless, we believe in what God is doing and continue to hope that you see Bushnell University as a worthy investment of your generosity as you steward God’s provision in your life. Again, what a privilege to serve this place and this community. Thank you for making my job a pleasure and for making the work of advancing the University even more satisfying by doing all you can to join us. Bushnell University 5

Venture Forward Donor List $1M AND ABOVE The Estate of Gail Bash Carol and Jim Cure John and Marilyn Duke Lane Community Health Council Frank and Linda Morse The Estate of Elizabeth Pierce Jim and Donna Pomajevich $500K - $999,999 Kathleen Carr Doug McKay M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust Janet Swanson Trillium Community Health Plan $250K - $499,999 Bob and Marilyn Hutchins The Estate of Crystal Mitchell $100,000 - $249,999 Anonymous Family Foundation The Estate of Ethel Davis Justin and Jenny Freeman George and Peggy Gittins Rick and Lisa Hutchins Joe and Cathleen Karcher Linda McKay Korth Barbara Olson Song and Sue Rhee Bruce and Carol Shelby The Estate of Evelyn Tapp Pat and Dick Turanski Joe and Kristy Womack

Top left: Trustee Juanita Metzler ’94 and Vice President for University Advancement Keith Potter ’84 Top right: Dr. Song Nai Rhee ’58 and Mrs. Sue Rhee ’61 Middle: Steve Womack ’92 Bottom left: Retired professor Dr. LeRoy Lane Bottom right: Trustee Clare Buhler ’80

6 The Beacon / Fall 2024

$40,000 - $99,999 Bridget Baker Kincaid and Keith Kincaid The Estate of Donald Cole Jeff and Pam Elling The Faye and Lucille Stewart Foundation Starly Hodges Ada O. L. Lee McKay Investment Company Ike and Jodie Olsson Kim and Dale Williams The Womack Family

$20,000 - $39,999 Gene and Karen DeYoung Allene Hays Sharon Hudson Carl and Arlene Ihle Gary and Rochelle Jurden Don Kimball The Merrill Family Foundation Ron and Kay Naff Sandy and John Park Keith and Sue Potter Mike and Patty Petersen Dan and Dana Smith Ted Stock Greg and Sharree Strausbaugh Jim and Sharron Kay Womack $10,000 - $19,999 Robert Bray Frank and Val Castle Roger Davidson Marvin Eckfeldt Lynn Finch JCK Restaurants, Inc. Jerry's Home Improvement Center Steve and Lisa Korth Brent and Michelle Laing Jeannie Lee Juanita and Michael Metzler Jim and Jodi Newport Olsson Industrial Electric Eric and Theresa Pearson Neil and Cherie Reynolds Sylvia Stock Kelly and David Thakkar Steve and Margo Womack $5,000 - $9,999 Ambient IT Solutions Arbor South Architecture Arkeo Financial Group Caleb and Jane Burns Dick Busic Sheryl Caddy Larry and Paula Coburn CW Walker & Associates, Inc. Idong and Jennifer Ekwere Evergreen Roofing of Oregon Doug and Ruth Freeman Saxon and Corynn Gilbert Mike and Mary Ann Hackman

Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Jim and Linda Huckaba Dotty and Cliff Judy Gary & Kristie Kronmiller LeRoy Lane LeRoy and Joy Lawson Dave and Janice Lim Martin Enterprises Minuteman Services Inc. Joan and Randy Mogen The Original Pancake House Rexius John and Diana Richardson Michael and Sharon Rimmer Mary Roth Steele Group Insurance Agency Gene and Barbara Swanson Russ and Donna Taylor Yung and Choongja Yang $1,000 - $4,999 Jill Workman Anderson and Dan Anderson Anonymous Alumni Anonymous Friend Charles Bahn and Esther Rhee Cascade Medical Associates Lars and Janel Coburn Brent and Jill Cole Duane and Susan Cox Peter and Monica DeLuca Chad and Jodi DePaoli Lisa and Jack DeSemone Mike and Trisha Dryden Randy Ellis Dick and Mary Goff Gene Hill Matt and Amy Hogan Debbie and David Johnston Byung and Hyun Jun Gene and Janette Knippers Alex Korth Elizabeth Korth Austin Korth Whitney Korth Yong and Eun Lee Dennis and Karen Lindsay Milton and Betty Mikesell Tim Page Michael and Wendy Raz Richard and Rina Rhee

Kailee Ricker Roseburg First Christian Church Dave and Rachel Schiffer Greg and Nani Skaggs Gary and Robbie Smith John Sugar Rodger and Lisa Terrall Joel and Carlynn Thakkar H. Micheal Thomas Tomlin Health Insurance Lucas and McKenzie Walker Keith Watkins Yvonne Wildish Ellise Williams Lonnie Woodruff UNDER $1,000 Dick and Susan Abraham Lynne Armstrong Melvin and Nina Armstrong Charles and Burnell Babcock Rob and Becky Blakely Darwin Bowser James and Glenda Buckley Clare and Twila Buhler Caleb Cha and Susan Lin Dottie Chase Ronald and Jamie Coleman David and Karen DeBow Wallace and Roberta Detering Donald and Kathleen Dodson Diana Eagen Samuel and Tanya Elling Douglas and Marcy Goodwin Donnamae and Glenn Grannemann Melaney and Doug Grenz Dorothy Grover Don Jones and Yvonne Hansom Terry and Linda Hanson Tim and Christa Haskell David and Kathy Helseth Jay and Jacqueline Hobson Glenda Hopkins Thomas and Peggy Hoyt Ivan and Nancy Isaacson Irvin Johnson Dennis and Chelsea Konrady Patrice Kubota Lisa Lee Donna and Marvin Leroux Dave and Julie Lipp Adam McColley

Sylvia McDonald Forrie and Molly McIntosh Glenn McKerrow DeLeesa and Norval Meashintubby Jeff and Mary Miller Nolan and Randi Nelson Erin Patterson Kathy and Kent Pauly Mike and Vikki Perkins Douglas and Caroline Perry David and Linda Presley Marjorie and Douglas Priest Gordon and Znette Read Rebecca Rhee Ki-Won and Youn Rhew Donald and Sharon Riordan Scott Roberts Rory and Mandy Robison George Russell and Jane Burgess Dennis Sabin Dale and Susan Scobert Janet Sharp Tracy and Stacey Sims Trace and Lisa Skopil Dan Sparkman James and Beverly Stephens Gary and Dorothy Stevens Sam and Mariam Thomas Steve Torrence Ann and Weimin Tung Judy Van Scholten Patricia Vath Linda Veltri Pamela and William Wagnon Patrick and Elizabeth Walsh Wells Fargo Bank Timothy Womack Stanley Young GIFTS-IN-KIND Ginger Banks Hugh Brown Krystal Canaday Robin Ehrhardt Margaret Kruit Aubyn Marath Valerie Neuhaus John Pfanner Wipf & Stock

Gifts and pledges to Venture Forward reached $21.9M. Timely estate gifts during the campaign pushed total giving over $25M. Bushnell University 7

The school’s graduates have served the Church with distinction throughout the nation and in the mission fields of the world.” – Martha Goodrich, History of Northwest Christian College, 1940, namesake of Goodrich Hall

8 The Beacon / Fall 2024

Goodrich Hall Stands as a Timeless Monument to Wisdom, Faith, and Service

ne of the most meaningful features of the Venture Forward campaign has been the restoration of Goodrich Hall, which will reclaim its place at the heart of campus when it reopens its doors this winter. “The aggressive renovation gives a beloved, aging building a long future with high functionality, as well as offering an attractive, six-story bell tower and a cross to declare visibly and audibly the centrality of Christ at Bushnell,” (Wisdom, Faith, and Service, p. 50) Goodrich Hall opened its doors on October 18, 1908. It was one of the first three buildings that the University built on land acquired in 1896. James Bushnell was instrumental in the fundraising efforts for the building, and he and his wife gave the funds to purchase a set of rare Bibles for the school’s growing library. By the time of the building’s dedication, 53 students were enrolled and the University library contained 3,000 books. At the time it was known as the Administration Building and considered the centerpiece of campus

life for what was then Eugene Divinity School. Goodrich has housed almost every program and department at some point in the last 116 years, even the university library. In 1998, the building was renamed the Goodrich Administration Building in honor of Martha Goodrich, a lifelong friend of and advocate for the University. She died in 1996, leaving $1,000,000 to the University, in addition to her long legacy of devotion and strong faith. Today, the building is known simply as Goodrich Hall. It will be home to six large, high-tech classrooms, as well as study rooms and common space. The third floor will house the Office of the President and the Office of Advancement & Alumni Relations, where all alumni and friends of the University will be eagerly welcomed. A visual historic timeline of the University will adorn the walls of this space, where all generations of alumni, staff, faculty, and friends will be able to come see their history as a piece of the grand whole.

Bushnell University 9

There were three principal donors to the Goodrich Hall renovation: M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, Doug McKay, whom the advancement conference room will be named after, and the Jim Pomajevich ’64 family. The tower will, in some way, be named to honor the late Donna (Racine) Pomajevich ’63.

From the journal of James A. Bushnell, President of the Board of Regents, 1908: Attended the commencement exercises at the Eugene Divinity School at Eugene, also the annual meeting of the board of regents. Transacted a good deal of business. There were six graduates and four ordained as ministers of the Gospel. The foundation of the new building is laid 60x80 and work will be pressed on it in hopes of having it ready for the fall term of school.

The four bells that will hang at the top of the six-story tower were an especially momentous piece of this project. Each bell honors a different person or family: Ada Oi Lan Lee, Linda Lee McKay Korth, The Faye & Lucille Stewart Family, and Edwin M. “Ted” Baker. Each honoree claims a deep, enduring connection to the University, the Church, and the local Eugene community. The cross at the top of the tower will be one of the tallest markers in the University District area, reminding our community of our faithful calling on this historic location. The bells will issue the call to weekly worship in campus chapel, as well as mark the beginning of the year at convocation and chime twice yearly for graduation. Together, the bells and the cross represent Bushnell University as a champion of wisdom, faith, and service in our community and our world. A vital piece of campus has been missing since Goodrich Hall closed for construction in 2022. Without it, classroom and office space elsewhere on campus has been constricted while the building has lain dormant under a curtain of construction equipment. With Goodrich coming back to life, our community will enjoy a lively hub for learning and connection, enhanced by increased accessibility and comfort. Soon, Goodrich’s grey, rusticated stonework, pillared sandstone entry façade, and classic Italian Renaissance style will be illuminated again by the bright smiles and keen minds of students in its halls. We can’t wait.

Photos to left: 1907 Goodrich Construction (top) 1908 Goodrich Building (center) 1920 EBU Day (bottom)

10 The Beacon / Fall 2024

LETTER FROM J.A. BUSHNELL ABOUT THE FIRST CAMPAIGN

Eugene Divinity School, This growing institution located in the City of Eugene, and in close proximity to the Campus of the State University of Oregon, with which its relations are most cordial, had its inception in the fertile brain of the present Dean, E.C. Sanderson, through whose efforts mainly the school has been brought to its present state of efficiency. In the Autumn of 1895 articles of Incorporation were obtained with J.W. Cowles, W.H. Osborn, J.H. Hawley, J.A. Bushnell, J.D. Matlock, J.J, Calison and J.P. Flints as a Board of Regents. The School opened October 15, 1895 in a rented but commodious building, the attendance being very satisfactory. The foundation of a Library was laid during this year, which has steadily grown until it contains several hundred volumes. The second school year 1896-1897 now drawing to a close has been even more satisfactory, the attendance of students from all parts of the State testing the capacity of the building. During the Summer of 1896, the opportunity of acquiring a splendid plot of ground adjoining the University campus presented itself, and was promptly taken advantage of by the Board, upon which, it is in contemplation to erect soon a building which will be an honor to the noble cause for which we plead and from which shall go forth in coming years, scores of young men and women fully equipped to preach the pure Word of God and uphold the banner of the Cross against all assailants. Sister Cowles, widow of Regent J.W. Cowles, who has kindly consented to fill his place on the Board, will start the work by giving one thousand dollars to the building fund – others will follow, and we are sure that the liberality and loyalty of the friends of the School will not be found wanting in the time of its greatest need. - J.A. Bushnell, Pres. Board of Regents

Bushnell University 11

Duke Commons: God’s Timing is the Best Timing

very objective established for the Venture Forward campaign has been completed above and beyond what anyone expected. The last one, although far from complete, has already surpassed our expectations for God’s goodness to Bushnell. The need for a student commons is long-established; somewhere with an expanded dining hall, community space for students to gather, and a central location for the student life division. We want Beacons to have a place of their own where they feel free to ideate, fellowship, and enjoy their college years to the fullest. They need a home for campus organizations, Beacon Nights, Senior Banquet, and the many other traditions which mark their undergraduate experience. The dream to build this crucial campus hub turned into a reality when donors John and Marilyn Duke pledged the $5 million lead naming gift for the project. Carol and Jim Cure’s $2.25 million gift commitment followed and soon the plans began to take shape. The original campus plan had been to bring down Richardson Hall and replace it with the new Duke Student Commons. But God’s better plan and divine timing became clear when the University

was presented with the long-awaited opportunity to purchase the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at 1000 Alder Street. Generations of alumni will remember the fraternity (across the street from what is now Womack Hall) as the dwelling between the Mill Race and the Original Pancake House. Though at times a valued neighbor, through the years it has brought its own set of challenges, including noisy afternoon parties and trash dumped in the Mill Race. In Spring 2024, President Joe Womack and the Board’s discussions with Sigma Phi Epsilon’s national leadership became conclusive: they agreed to sell us the building. At the time of this writing, Bushnell University is the new owner of this sizeable property that completes and connects our campus footprint all the way from Siefke, Richardson, and Pomajevich Hall on one side of the Mill Race to Works Village and Mom Richart apartments on the other. Best of all, this will become the site of the new Duke Student Commons, the construction of which will include an in-depth clean-up of the Mill Race, a waterfront park, an entirely new cafeteria and food court, more student housing, and much more.

Venture Forward raised the money we needed to fund the construction of the Duke Student Commons on existing University property, but the purchase of Sig Ep property brings about another fundraising opportunity: raising money for the land. To be part of this once-in-a-lifetime project, visit give.bushnell.edu.

12 The Beacon / Fall 2024

*Architectural rendering as of October 2024 1

WELCOME CENTER Admissions Marketing Visitor Parking Visitor Information

WOMACK HALL Campus Ministry Residence Life Student Programs Wellness Programs ASBU Nursing Simulation Lab Student Housing

MORSE CENTER Athletics Fitness Center Gymnasium

Life in Womack Hall

hirty years ago, President Emeritus Jim Womack reached a visionary agreement with the Phoenix Inn. He signed a 6 BURKE-GRIFFETH HALL long-term lease which allowed the Inn to build and maintain Beacon Beanery Cafeteria Oskar Bucher Room a hotel on University property, with the building coming to the Rug Room Security Student Housing University, free and clear, in 2026. 7 KELLENBERGER LIBRARY 4

GOODRICH HALL

FENNELL HOUSE Facilities IT Help Desk

Center for Career & Academic Resources Classrooms Commuter Lounge Computer Lab

The unique pressures of COVID led the Phoenix Inn to relinquish occupancy early, in 2021. Immediately renovation commenced, and 9 POMAJEVICH HALL Academic Advising today the renamed Womack Hall faces Franklin Boulevard downtown Academic Affairs Classrooms Registrar as a proud reminder of our historic and continued presence in School of Arts & Sciences School of Bible & World Christianity School of Business, Leadership & Technology Eugene. The Womack Hall renovation was made possible by a $1 School of Nursing 10 RICHARDSON HALL Business Affairs million donation by Frank ’66 and Linda ’64 Morse who wanted Classrooms Financial Aid Finance & Payroll Jim ’63 and Sharron Kay ’63 Womack’s legacy. Millto Race honor Conference Room Student Billing 8

New Aquisition: 1000 Alder Street

PRICE HALL & EVANS CHAPEL Classrooms Practice Rooms Ross Evans Chapel School of Music & Performing Arts

11 SIEFKE HALL

Classrooms Mental Health Clinic Office of the President School of Education School of Psychology & Counseling Science Labs University Advancement

Womack Hall now serves as a residence hall and home for our admissions, enrollment, and student life offices. With 200 beds, we 12 MOM RICHART APARTMENTS Student Housing have nearly doubled our on-campus community and significantly 13 WORKS VILLAGE Student Housing increased available parking and gathering spaces. Womack Hall is a reminder of how God often takes our best plans and blesses them beyond our expectations, leaving us in awe of how he cares for his people.

The renovation of Womack Hall has created excellent spaces for student housing and practical places for students to connect. One of my favorite Beacon Nights of the year is the ‘Womack Open’ where we turn each of the halls into a miniature golf course. Last year we had over 100 students participate and the back patio created a great atmosphere to roast s'mores under the stars. For students who couldn't travel home for Thanksgiving, we were also able to host a ‘Friendsgiving’ and cook a traditional family meal together. It made students feel at home away from home.” – Paul Wright ’01, Director of Student Programs Bushnell University 13

Photo by Josh Rainey

Bushnell’s Home Field Brings Community Together

n 2018, the University was thinking expansively. In the flow of record-setting annual enrollment trends and in the process of devising a sweeping capital campaign, the University was looking to purchase a property to build a baseball stadium. This multi-million dollar proposition, even as part of a larger campaign, was an expensive one. Then came promising partners like Ike Olsson, owner of Olsson Industrial Electric, and Kelly Richardson, owner of Richardson Sports. Their dream to establish a local collegiate woodbat summer league complemented President Joe Womack’s desire for a baseball program at Bushnell. Together, they began to think outside the box, or rather, the diamond. In concert with the Springfield Public Schools, a field of dreams began to take form as a shared-use stadium between Bushnell Baseball, the West Coast League Springfield Drifters, and Springfield High School. Now three years into existence, the stadium has gained a reputation as the finest in the WCL and the Cascade Collegiate Conference. Springfield High was the only team in their league to finish one rainy Spring season because of the excellent drainage and 100% artificial turf. Currently called the Hamlin Sports Complex (to be named later), the field is now busy in every season with

14 The Beacon / Fall 2024

games, camps, outreach, and other community events. Numerous other donors and corporate partners have joined “the team” and our dreams keep coming true. Best of all, the Drifters and Beacons teams have been able to actively serve the Springfield youth community through various service projects and partnerships with organizations like the Hope Project and youth sports organizations. Drifters co-founder Kelly Richardson shares, “We’re very proud of the new baseball facility at Hamlin Middle School and the work done by The Springfield Drifters, Bushnell University, and the Springfield School District that made it a reality. It’s rewarding to see the field being used year-round by kids of all ages and providing a facility the entire community can be proud of.” Just this fall, hundreds of local students came to the stadium to receive new backpacks and school supplies to start the school year off right, something that brings inspiration to co-founder Ike Olsson: “The Drifters are thankful for the wonderful partnership with the Hope Project, Springfield School District, and Bushnell University. Whether it’s the annual Christmas food box handout or backpack give aways at the Drifters games, we are proud of the impact that we are having on the children and families in the community.”

Donovan Kimball’s Love for Christ & Baseball Stands Strong

ushnell Baseball became a reality in 2022 because of generous donors like friend of the University Don Kimball, a long-time educator and devout Christian with historic ties to the Willamette Valley. His wife’s parents traveled to the region on the Oregon Trail in 1952, the same year as members of James Bushnell’s family.

Don Kimball and pitcher Gregory Joe, senior from St. Michael’s, Ariz.

Don played third base for the Oregon Ducks for four years, graduating in 1950, but his bride, Dorothy (McBee) had been a student at Bushnell (then NCC). Don even coached basketball at the University in 1948, making him the oldest living Bushnell coach. After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, Don became a teacher at Pleasant Hill High School. Eventually, he became assistant superintendent for Springfield Schools and volunteered on the Lane County ESD Board. Don gave generously to the baseball project because he knew “it would open doors to draw more students to Bushnell to receive a Christ-centered education…our country is starving for spiritual leaders.” His gift also honors his beloved late wife Dorothy (Tinker) Kimball who attended the University from 1946-1948. His deep Christian faith and heart for the next generation inspires our students to live up to those aspirations.

Bushnell University 15

Song Nai Rhee Honors Program: A Strong Academic Foundation WRITTEN BY DR. ERIN MUELLER, DIRECTOR

am delighted to be in my second year serving as the Program Director for the Song Nai Rhee Honors Program here at Bushnell University, where I am inspired to witness students pursue their passions and engage with their learning community. The Honors Program provides avenues to discover academic interests and deepen vocational exploration through self-designed and faculty-guided Honors contracts. Moreover, the Honors Program builds community through shared experiences and special events. It is an integral part of the fabric of Bushnell, and I am so excited to see it strengthen and grow in the years to come.

As the Director, I value collaborating with campus partners, including faculty, admissions, registrar, advising, financial aid, and marketing, among others, to increase our presence on campus. In the past year, we have created a new logo, grown the Honors scholarship competition, produced a brochure and various merchandise, and established a communication flow for recruitment and enrollment. Furthermore, we conferred three Honors degrees, which exceeded previous years and was an exciting accomplishment for the individual students and the larger Honors Program. Moving forward, I am anticipating even more bright spots in the Honors Program. This fall, we have our inaugural Honors section of First Year Seminar, which will enrich the Honors experience right out of the gate. We will be adding a second scholarship competition next winter in order to reach later applicants with financial aid. We are more closely monitoring aspects of the Program with an eye to improvement, including expansion and reach, but also the quality of the Honors experience. Of course, we will continue to enjoy special events together, such as the delightful Honors banquets – true highlights each fall and spring. I am very grateful to all those who have helped achieve past goals and continue to support the Song Nai Rhee Honors Program. More importantly, I appreciate all of the students who engage in the Honors community. It truly is an individually tailored experience, which is perhaps what I love most about its design. All are welcome to give it a try and choose their path, perhaps even leading to a Song Nai Rhee Honors degree. Song Nai Rhee Honors Program Inductees: Jessica Woods ’24, Benjamin Randol ’24, Kalani Miller ’24, (featured to right). *Remaining photos feature Bushnell students and faculty celebrating student academic achievements at the annual Honors Convocation in May 2024.

Being a Song Nai Rhee Honors Scholar provided me with opportunities for deeper connections with faculty and the ability to explore areas of interest more fully than can be covered in class. Additionally, I was able to engage in a variety of engaging programming through the honors program that enhanced my college experience and created new friendships. The Honors Program allows you to create a unique path through your time at Bushnell and really feel connected to your studies on a whole different level. 16 The Beacon / Fall 2024

– Jamison Hanson ’23, MBA ’24

Bushnell University 17

WISDOM FAI •

TH SERVICE •

Bushnell University 19

Local Donors Invest Nearly $4M in Nursing Education

ddressing the nursing shortage in Oregon is a problem that will take a team approach. Thankfully, Bushnell’s School of Nursing is recruiting and signing a full lineup of supporters. In the past 12 months, nearly $4M of private, foundation, and corporate funds have been committed to the University to expand the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. The University received a sizable grant from Lane Community Health Council (LCHC) to expand its efforts to meet the nursing workforce shortage in Lane County. As the governing arm of PacificSource’s Community Care Organization (CCO), LCHC’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of residents of Lane County. LCHC has designated $2.5 million to help build a state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Lab and to provide scholarships for student nurses completing nursing degree for clinical practice. Trillium Community Health Plan’s CCO also stepped in to support the cause. A $500,000 grant from Trillium will support the ongoing recruitment and training of a diverse nursing workforce. This grant will help fund Bushnell’s admissions and advising efforts, as well as provide additional scholarship dollars for students who face significant financial obstacles. Several private donors and family foundations have contributed a total of nearly $1M in additional funds to the School of Nursing, including individuals with deep ties to healthcare causes and awareness that health professions training is critical to our community’s future and well-being. 20 The Beacon / Fall 2024

Bushnell University has quickly distinguished itself among the ABSN programs in the state for its innovative approach and successful clinical and academic outcomes. The funds raised through the Health Professions Initiative provide much needed start-up costs to equip and staff the programs as well as provide scholarship support. These funds will support ongoing excellence in the School of Nursing as one of the best healthcare programs in the region while also maximizing student enrollment capacity in the program. Bushnell’s nursing graduates are already making a difference in Oregon, with 62% of them choosing to stay in Lane County and over 90% practicing in-state. ABSN students can complete this fulltime, pre-licensure, post-baccalaureate nursing program in 12 months. Bushnell graduates currently have a 100% first-time passing rate on the required licensure exam for nursing practice (NCLEX-RN) and a 100% job placement rate upon completion. The program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and approved by the Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN). The College of Health Professions is also home to Bushnell’s master’s of clinical mental health counseling degree, one of the most respected and robust licensure-track programs in the state of Oregon. Over 100 students are enrolled in the 27-month program and graduates are entering the workforce at a critical time to meet our community’s mental health needs. In early 2024, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) partnered with Bushnell by awarding over $800,000 in scholarship funds to promote student enrollment.

A NEW NURSING MAJOR AT BUSHNELL The Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program is an innovative curriculum that takes students through the didactic and practical learning needed to become a registered nurse (RN) in just 12 months, providing the fastest track to RN licensure in Oregon. To date, this program has only been available to students who already held a prior bachelor’s degree. Now, we are excited to announce that this career pathway will be available to undergraduates seeking their first bachelor’s degree at Bushnell beginning Fall 2025. HOW DOES IT WORK? Students coming to Bushnell will have the opportunity to pursue the ABSN as their first undergraduate major, graduating with a B.S. in Nursing in 40 months. During freshman and sophomore years, students will focus on general education requirements and nursing prerequisites – courses like biology, anatomy & physiology, microbiology, and nutrition. As juniors they’ll be able to apply to the School of Nursing, and they can join an ABSN cohort as early as midway through their junior year.

Bushnell will continue to fund the Health Professions Initiative through ongoing fundraising efforts and community partnerships. Additional resources will serve the growing needs of the School of Nursing and expand behavioral health education through the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CHMC) graduate programs. Through this Initiative, Bushnell will be able to enhance scholarship opportunities, train and graduate more healthcare professionals, and enlarge the scope of health education options in our region.

BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY Until now, there have been no pathways for students in the southern Willamette Valley to pursue a traditional 4-year college experience and complete a degree in nursing. Thanks to this new development, students can now pursue a career in nursing while benefitting from the transformational college experience provided at a Christ-centered university. Transfer pathways are also being developed with our area public universities to allow students to take advantage of the ABSN for their senior year. With the development of this new pathway, the School of Nursing hopes to introduce 64 qualified nurses to the local workforce every year. Learn more at bushnell.edu/nursing Bushnell University 21

Celebrating our Founders

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

OCTOBER 15, 1895: A SPECIAL DAY IN BUSHNELL’S HISTORY

elebrating Founders Day every October 15 is our chance to reflect on God’s faithfulness over decades and the service of His people to the mission of the University. This year, students in Dr. Steve Andes’ HIST 207 Exploring Your Community class dug into the archives to learn more about our founders and tell the centurylong story of the school through an interactive history display for alumni and friends to enjoy. The class assignment was to plan, create, and display their own Bushnell museum installation with the learning goal of “connecting the past to the present for a wide audience.” Each season of our journey was represented – from our earliest days as Eugene Divinity School in 1985, through our decades as Northwest Christian College, to our new identity as Bushnell University. Students found delight in discovering old audio recordings of the NCC Male Quartet from the 1940’s, video footage of the college during the earliest days after WWII (1947), and even old grade books from our first Dean, E.C. Sanderson. An original letter from James Bushnell announcing the purchase of the land which became our signature building, Goodrich Hall, was displayed (see pg. 11 for the full text) along with early architectural drawings of the concept (front cover photo) and photos of our first students laying the first stones (see pg. 10). One particularly special discovery was a personal photo album of student Marjorie Knott (1915-1916) whose memories provided a window into how college students are still very much the same as they were over 100 years ago, with friendship and fun, making memories and experiencing new adventures all marking their college years.

Celebrating Bushnell Together The broader Bushnell University community gathered at Venue 252 to celebrate Founders Day and the successful completion of the Venture Forward campaign on Saturday, October 19. Current campus leaders, including Dr. Womack and others, shared about the state of the University, the effect of the campaign on student life, and the vision for Bushnell’s future. The University Choir brought the best of their musical talent to the room and the inspirational evening marked both our long history and our forward progress. To be sure, the legacy of Bushnell University stands strong, and Founders Day lives on as our chance to celebrate the bold wisdom, faith, and service of those who sought to establish a University to help spread the Word of God throughout the pioneer west. Today, our mission remains very much the same. It is the goal of our Christ-centered higher education community to help each other grow in our knowledge, love, and obedience to Jesus Christ. Just like our earliest days, all students are exposed daily to a Christian worldview, are encouraged toward pursuit of a Christian faith commitment, and study scripture and Christian doctrine as a part of their core curriculum. Bushnell University 23

Faithful Engagement: Navigating Anxiety in a Polarized Election

n November of 2023, the Office of the President at Bushnell University hosted the first Becoming Beloved Community event exploring biblical perspectives on racial reconciliation. We continued the conversation in February of this year as we excavated “God’s Global Story,” a look at the historical and global roots of Christianity. These campus efforts reflect our commitment to Dr. Martin Luther King’s call to love well: “We have before us the glorious opportunity to inject a new dimension of love into the veins of our civilization…this love might well be the salvation of our civilization, and its end is reconciliation. It is redemption, the creation of a beloved community” (King, Lecture 1956). In September, Bushnell hosted a third session in our Becoming Beloved Community series with events focused on “Faithful Engagement: Navigating Anxiety in a Polarized Election.” The conversations on campus highlighted biblical perspectives on how to faithfully love our neighbor rather than create division as we navigate difficult issues in the days ahead. “Our hope is that our conversations around what it means to live as Christians in our world will teach us to become intellectual bridge builders and interpersonal peacemakers – on the way to becoming the beloved community,” said Dr. Reed Mueller, Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Bushnell faculty member Dr. Agam Iheanyi-Igwe

Keynote speaker and author Dr. Richard Beck, professor of psychology at Abilene Christian University and Senior Fellow of the Landon Saunders Center for Joy and Human Flourishing, returned to campus to bring his unique theological perspective on human behavior. Dr. Beck’s chapel message called us to seek the welfare of our local community, reiterating that change always happens best when we are actively engaged in loving others regardless of national political realities.

Bushnell friends - I don’t know what’s going to happen in November… but Christians have been losing elections for 2000 years. We have lived in Babylon and planted gardens. We know how to do this. We know how to be non-anxious because the Lord God is our hope.”

– Dr. Richard Beck

Over the course of the two-day event, Bushnell also hosted panel discussions for students, community members, and local pastors. Featured speakers included: Dr. Doyle Srader, Professor of Speech and Communication at Bushnell, who promoted the power of practicing good listening; Pastor Matt Holmes of Turner Christian Church (OR) whose background in political science informs his understanding of the role of government with a Christian worldview; and Dr. Agam Iheanyi-Igwe, Professor of Bible and World Christianity, inviting followers of Christ to view themselves as immigrants in the world.

Guest speaker Dr. Richard Beck

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: This event is part of the Becoming Beloved Community series of events presented by the Board of Trustees and Office of the President at Bushnell University. This series explores biblical perspectives on racial reconciliation and important issues facing our community. Event recordings can be viewed online at bushnell.edu/belovedcommunity

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

WHAT PEOPLE SAID ABOUT “FAITHFUL ENGAGEMENT”: The Faithful Engagement event was timely and immediately practical. I couldn't stop taking notes. Thank you, Bushnell University!” – Pastor Tom Welch, Bethesda Lutheran, Eugene

Don’t let the noise of the national political divide dominate my attention. Instead focus on my local situation- family, neighborhood, church community. Thanks for bringing Dr. Beck to campus and reminding us to give our anxiety to God so we can be light and leaven in our broken world – a non-anxious presence.” – Larry Coburn, Executive in Residence, Bushnell University

Doyle Srader’s 10 minutes on listening – a game changer. Imminently practical. Matt Holmes contrasting the politics of scarcity vs abundance explains the reason behind seemingly irrational behaviors. Dr. Agam’s delineation of Christian assumptions outside the US – compared to American views – a revelation.” – Bridget Baker-Kincaid, Bushnell Board of Trustee Member

Dr. Beck brought his unique candor and wisdom to our Christianity in America class, offering some perspectives that we will grapple with for the remainder of our course. He outlined a taxonomy of Christian political approaches, and in so doing gave flesh to many of the principles we are learning as we encounter the history of this nation. It was an incredibly fruitful time together.” – Joshua Little, Bushnell faculty member

A key takeaway from Dr. Beck’s message is that God is our hope and can calm us in seasons of uneasiness and tension. I really liked his explanation of being a ‘leavening presence.’ We must witness and call on God to help us in our communities, cities, states, and in our nation. God will continue to be our hope because we know the battle is won!” – Matthew Wilhite, Bushnell senior

Bushnell University 25

ACADEMIC NEWS

New Master of Arts in Theology Faculty Scholarship and Service and Culture Available at Bushnell

his fall, Bushnell is launching a new graduate program designed to equip Christian leaders, pastors, and laity to support 21st-century ministry. The Master of Arts in Theology and Culture (MATC) will provide theological and pastoral formation for Christian pastors as well as lay and non-paid pastoral leaders. Students of the MATC program will engage current cultural issues like sexuality, race, gender, politics, and justice, framed with a robust understanding of orthodox, historic, biblical theology. The cohort-based learning community will provide nurturing support and relationships, fostering a spirit of love and unity in the midst of academic rigor. Classes will primarily happen online, but the program will include two on-campus residency requirements over its duration.

Rev. A.J. Swoboda, Ph.D.

The objective is for graduates to be able to provide a clear, bold, and compassionate response to current cultural issues, drawing upon scriptural interpretation and theological reflection. Additionally, coursework and program goals will be focused on students demonstrating relational skills that foster a nurturing community environment as well as personal spiritual formation and discipleship. Classes include offerings from Dr. A.J. Swoboda and Dr. Agam Iheanyi-Igwe, like THEO 620 Cultural Exegesis and Engagement, and THEO 650 Justice, Race, and a Flourishing World. The MATC is a 36-credit program that can be completed in two years. Learn more about the program at bushnell.edu/matc.

Agam D. Iheanyi-Igwe, Ph.D.

The MATC is going to be an immersive experience in biblical theology for those living in our cultural moment. We will explore some of the leading cultural questions of our day with an eye toward faithfully holding the story of Scripture and the church. The student who comes out of this program will be equipped to think faithfully about the Christian way in our ever-changing, liquid culture.” – Rev. A.J. Swoboda, Ph.D.; Associate Professor of Biblical Studies and World Christianity

Bushnell University/Northwest Christian University Alumni Scholarship Scholarships of $1,500 per year are given to full-time traditional daytime undergraduate students who are children or grandchildren of Bushnell University/Northwest Christian University alumni. bushnell.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarships-grants

26 The Beacon / Fall 2024

BUSHNELL PARTNERSHIP PROVIDES COLLEGE CREDIT TO SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

s a part of Bushnell’s focus on extending education to the local community, starting in June 2024 small business owners in Lane County have a new opportunity. Small business owners who complete the Lane Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC) Small Business Management Program can earn up to 22.6 undergraduate college credits from Bushnell University. This translates into a first full term of Business education and additional elective credit towards an undergraduate degree, worth up to $11,000. Small business owners from around the region participate in this two-year business development program to get up to speed on practical, key concepts and tools that they need to successfully operate their businesses. The program is part of the SBDC at Lane Community College with campuses in Eugene, Florence, and Cottage Grove, Oregon. Small business owners who have completed the program can earn transfer business and elective credit at Bushnell University once they enroll in a bachelor’s degree program. In the last 5 years, 70 business owners have completed the two-year cohort. According to SBDC Director Dr. Dan Collins ’07, “The Small Business Management Program is our core training program with over 30 years of success training small business entrepreneurs across Lane County.” Bushnell University offers a fully online Bachelor of Business Administration and a 4+1 dual degree – bachelor’s in business and MBA graduate degrees – which business owners can consider as possible next steps in their professional development. “This is a win-win for the SBMP graduates and for our business school, as these business owners will get a chance to get a jumpstart on a college degree by completing the SBDC program,” said Dr. Latrissa Lee Neiworth, Dean of the School of Business, Leadership & Technology at Bushnell University.

Photos to right: The agreement was signed at the recent Small Business Management Program Celebration by Dr. Shelley Tinkham, VPAA, Lane Community College and Dr. Reed Mueller, VPAA, Bushnell University.

Bushnell University 27

A Banner Year for Beacon Baseball From Inaugural Season to Conference Champions in Only Three Years

apping off just their third season since the program launched in 2022, the Bushnell Baseball team had an incredible run in their first post-season. They won the Cascade Collegiate Conference tournament title on May 6 and earned their first trip to the NAIA National Tournament. Senior Jordan Wilson, who hit a grand slam in the seventh inning in the final game, said, “All glory to God. My teammates all had great at-bats before me to put me in that position. They picked me up earlier in the game when I was struggling and Coach Tommy [Richards] had faith in me to come up big for my team. All season we have stuck to our process and no matter the opponent, we just continue to play Beacon baseball and the results speak for themselves.”

Conference Champions of Character AGAIN

or the second time in three years (2022 and 2024), the Bushnell baseball team was recognized as the Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Les Schwab Men's Team of Character. The award, which recognizes one male and one female team, is voted on by the conference athletic directors after schools submit their nominations. Bushnell has now been home to five winners of the Les Schwab Team of Character Awards in the last four years.

“This group of young men have come together as one with a strong belief in their coaches and brotherhood. It has been a pleasure to watch them compete and celebrate their accomplishments, but more importantly finding a way to stay focused and grind during times of adversity,” stated Bushnell University Athletic Director, Corey Anderson.

Additionally, Bushnell Baseball was named the 2024 CCC Team Sportsmanship Award winner. On campus, the team was awarded the 2024 Bushnell Co-Team of the Year, a campus honor given to a team who achieved athletic success while modeling wisdom, faith, and service.

28 The Beacon / Fall 2024

Bushnell Beach Volleyball Finds A Home

ushnell University Athletics and Grace Community Fellowship officially opened their new Beach Volleyball courts in March 2024.

The three-court facility at Grace was a labor of love and partnership between Grace and Bushnell for what now serves as the official home of the Beacons Beach Volleyball team, and provides a huge improvement over their previous home at the two-court facility at Amazon Park. Bushnell Beach Volleyball Head Coach Kim Elgarico said, “As a team and coaching staff, we could not be more grateful for our new courts. This new larger facility allows us the space and freedom to safely practice and play on our players schedules, which wasn't a luxury we had in the past when we shared a facility with other teams and with the city.”

Athletic Director Corey Anderson said, “We are so blessed to have been able to partner with Grace Community Fellowship and their leadership on this project, along with a few instrumental volunteers (and Grace members) who had connections and the skill set to maneuver 830 yards of Florence beach sand into place. This facility will prove to be invaluable in growing our beach program in future years specific to recruiting, retention, and training for excellence while being the home to Bushnell Beach Volleyball.”

Representatives from Bushnell gathered at Grace Community Fellowship for a ribbon-cutting with Pastor Steve Hill (center).

The Beach Court project represents the latest example of the deep ties connecting Bushnell University and Grace Community Fellowship. Countless Beacon alumni have attended the church, and many have completed ministry internships there. Senior Pastor Steve Hill said, “We believe in the power of community and sports to bring people together. Grace Community Fellowship is honored to be a part of this venture with Bushnell University Athletics, and we look forward to fostering a space where not only athletic excellence but also community engagement can thrive.” Located at 989 Country Club Road in Eugene, Grace Community Fellowship and the Bushnell Beach Courts are located just three miles from the Bushnell campus.

Bushnell University 29

*Architectural rendering as of September 2024

Bushnell Golf Prepares to Build NAIA’s Premier Facility

ushnell Golf is getting a new, permanent home at Pine Ridge Golf Club, a partnership to create what will become the premier NAIA collegiate golf training facility in the Pacific Northwest.

Bushnell President Dr. Joe Womack said, “We are excited for what this opportunity and partnership means for the future of Bushnell University golf and the excellent youth programs already underway at Pine Ridge Golf Club.”

This past July, Bushnell University Athletics broke ground on a new exclusive Player Development Center for the Beacon Golf Program, as part of a new partnership between the University and Pine Ridge Golf Club.

“This highly anticipated partnership is rooted in community,” said Bushnell Director of Golf Larry Watts. “There is no denying the hand of God has guided these two entities to a unique relationship. That is what Jesus is all about and I’m humbled by the interest and support behind the facility. Pine Ridge is a friendly place, where Bushnell feels at home.”

Pine Ridge Golf Club, located in the beautiful Mohawk Valley of Springfield, Oregon, will be the home for one of the nation’s premier collegiate golf player development centers with an indoor/outdoor facility that is believed to be one of the best of its kind in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the only one among NAIA schools in the Western United States. Athletic Director Corey Anderson said, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Pine Ridge Golf Club in establishing a state-of-the-art Golf Player Development Center. This initiative is more than just a facility; it's a commitment to providing our student athletes with the best resources to hone their skills and reach their full potential. This collaboration creates opportunities for Bushnell University and Pine Ridge to make a positive impact in our community.” Set to open in the Spring of 2025, the new facilities will be situated on and around the grounds of the original Pine Ridge clubhouse between the 12th and 14th holes. Outdoor amenities will include a 135,000 square-foot “short game” practice area including multiple sand traps and a two-tiered green along with chipping and wedge targets of various lengths. A new practice putting green will be constructed on the west side of the clubhouse. Indoor amenities inside the refurbished original 3,000 square-foot clubhouse will include high-tech golf simulation training equipment, locker rooms for both men's and women’s teams, spacious team meeting rooms, a new exterior entrance, and upgraded public restrooms. 30 The Beacon / Fall 2024

The Player Development Center will undergo a $500,000 renovation funded by the generosity of alumni and friends of Bushnell. This mini-campaign was kicked off at a fundraising dinner on September 5th at the course, with 100 guests in attendance to help capture the vision of the new facility. Leading this special effort are alumni Nathan and Stacy (Norris) Wiedenmann, MAT ’18 and local business leader Todd Young and his wife Kathy. Their contributions (along with those of other generous donors), combined with the active support of Pine Ridge owners Ron and Linda Perkins and their team, are making this dream possible. Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) commissioner Rob Cashell was in attendance at the 30th Annual Beacon Classic the following day and publicly shared his enthusiasm about the continuing progress and performance of Bushnell Athletics as a model program within NAIA athletics.

HELP BUSHNELL GOLF FINISH STRONG Make a gift to the Player Development Center Fund today: bushnell.edu/golf-player-development

Player Development Center Groundbreaking Ceremony (L to R): Nathan and Stacy Wiedenmann, MAT ’18, VP for Advancement Keith Potter, Club General Manager Rory Allison, Athletic Director Corey Anderson, President Joe Womack, Club Owner Ron Perkins, Coach Larry Watts, and Club Golf Pro Nic Sherman

Bushnell staff and leadership, student athletes, and friends gathered at Pine Ridge Golf Course for a fundraising event for the new Golf Player Development Center.

Bushnell University 31

ADVANCEMENT UPDATE

Your Advancement & Alumni Relations Team

he Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations works to develop the University by maintaining relationships with alumni, raising funds for projects like the ones mentioned in this magazine, and cultivating relationships locally and afar with friends who support Bushnell and its mission to foster wisdom, faith, and service. We always love to hear from you, our valued alumni and friends. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations if you have a story to tell or a memory to share about the impact NCC/NCU/Bushnell has had on you. advancement@bushnell.edu | (541) 684-7318 Photo above from left to right: Eddie Alexander, Athletic Fundraising Coordinator; Lars Coburn, Director of University Relations; Meredith Goehring, Donor Relations Specialist; Ali Savage, Director of Annual Giving; Dr. Corynn Gilbert, Director of Development; (Above) Jared Dodson, Advancement Office Assistant; Keith Potter, Vice President for University Advancement.

32 The Beacon / Fall 2024

EDDIE ALEXANDER TAKES NEW ROLE AS ATHLETIC FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR

he Advancement Office is pleased to announce that Eddie Alexander has begun a part-time position as our Athletic Fundraising Coordinator. Eddie will continue in his role as Head Men’s Basketball Coach while also tackling athletic fundraising on behalf of all Bushnell’s athletic teams. Eddie’s wealth of knowledge about Bushnell Athletics and deep connections in the local community make him an ideal fit for this role. We are excited to partner with him to support the athletic department’s ongoing efforts to elevate Bushnell’s Athletics Programs and the whole University.

WAYS TO GIVE Online by Using a Credit Card:

Qualified Charitable IRA Distribution (QCD):

By Phone Using a Credit Card:

Matching Gifts:

Give.bushnell.edu

Office of Advancement: 541-684-7318

By Check via Mail:

Contact you IRA brokerage or administrator directly.

Contact your HR office to utilize your company’s matching gift program.

Bushnell University 828 E. 11th Avenue Eugene, OR 97401

Wire Transfer:

Gifts of Stock or Securities:

Recurring Gifts:

Contact D.A. Davidson (Medford, Ore.): 541-608-4360

Donor Advised Fund (DAF):

Contact your DAF brokerage or administrator directly.

Contact our office for wire instructions: 541-684-7318

Gift Pledges:

Did you know that if you are not ready to make your gift today, you can make a pledge commitment instead? Pledges can be paid in installments through any of the above means, and larger pledges can be fulfilled over several years. Contact the Office of Advancement to learn more: 541-684-7318

Set up monthly automatic checks to the address on the left or monthly online gifts at: Give.bushnell.edu

Bushnell University 33

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:

34 The Beacon / Fall 2024

Your gifts to the Beacon Fund provide life-changing scholarships for our students.

Make your gift at Bushnell.edu/give

SAVE THE DATE!

Bushnell University’s 130th Anniversary Celebration in 2025 May 17, 2025 Keep an eye out for more announcements as we’ll be celebrating with events all throughout 2025!

UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION & SHARE YOUR ALUMNI STORY WITH US A successful update of your alumni record online at bushnell.edu/alumni-friends enters you to win a $100 Amazon gift card! Bushnell University 35

In Memoriam In Memoriam features departed friends and alumni who have shone bright in the world. Please contact the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations to share obituaries of those from our Bushnell community who have passed on.

CARLA MARIE (GATZ) AYDELOTT (’67-’68), originally from Walla Walla, Wash., passed away on May 17, 2024, at the age of 74. She met her husband Jim Aydelott ’67 at the University and they married in 1970. She worked as an executive assistant at Bushnell University, serving three presidential administrations, ultimately retiring in 2016 after over 30 years of dedicated service. Her family remains connected to Bushnell to this day. She was a beloved, faithful presence on campus. Carla’s family has established the Carla Aydelott Endowment, which will fund an annual service award from the President’s Office for a staff member who exemplifies Carla’s servant-hearted leadership. Gifts to the endowment can be made at give.bushnell.edu. DR. JOHN RICHARDSON ’73 passed away on June 21, 2024 at the age of 73.

John was a central figure of the life of Bushnell University. As the son of professor Dr. William ’43 and Audrey Richardson, he grew up among historic figures in the development of the college. He was an accomplished student and athlete. He served several terms on the Board of Trustees, bringing gentle wisdom and historic perspective to the governance of the University. As a pastor, he and his wife Diana (Grogan) served in Christian Churches all over the Pacific Northwest. John was committed to international missions all around the world, including service on the board of the Philippine Mission and participation in multiple mission trips to Mexico, Africa, and Haiti.

JEFFREY MILLER ’69 passed away on August 13, 2024 at the age of 82. Born

in Cleveland, Ohio, Jeff served in the US Army as a chaplain’s assistant in France, and when he returned home he used his GI Bill to attend Bushnell University. During his senior year he met and married his wife Mary (Greenway) ’69, and after moving to Texas to earn his Master of Divinity from Texas Christian University, they returned to Oregon to pastor for the next several decades. In 1986, Jeff was selected to join Eugene City Council, and two years later he was elected Mayor of Eugene. He was extremely active locally, serving on many boards including Bushnell’s. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Bushnell for his service to the college and the community.

DONNA (RACINE) POMAJEVICH ’63 passed away on October 7, 2024 at the age of 83. A nature lover, world traveler, missionary, and devoted wife and mother, Donna graduated from Bushnell University (then NCC) in 1963 and married Jim Pomajevich soon after. Married for over 60 years, Donna and Jim traveled extensively and split their time between Arizona, Montana, and Vancouver, where their beloved son Jason lives. Donna worked side by side with Jim in their development business, and was known for her warm spirit, love of cooking, and how she brought laugher to every gathering she was a part of. Donna and Jim are active, generous, and long-time champions of student scholarships and building projects at the University. Please watch for future magazine articles celebrating Donna’s legacy and her impact on Bushnell University and our students. 36 The Beacon / Fall 2024

DONNACLAIRE BLANKINSHIP passed away on January 18,

2024 at the age of 89. Donnaclaire attended the University of Oregon and Bushnell University, where she met her husband Bill. Bill’s military career led them to Oklahoma, California, Washington, and Georgia before settling back home in Caldwell, Idaho. In 1977, Donnaclaire returned to school at Boise State University and completed her bachelor’s degree in English. She taught English and Humanities at Vale High School for 18 years, earning her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction in 1986. In retirement, Donnaclaire and Bill traveled extensively before settling down in Portland, Ore. to be near their family.

JAMES KEEFE ‘65 passed away on February 1, 2024 at the age of 81. Jim attended Bushnell University and the University of Oregon, where he was a proud alumnus of the Oregon Fighting Duck Marching Band as a tuba player. He received a Bachelor of Theology and was ordained by his home church, First Christian Church in Roseburg, Ore. in 1965. That same year, he and Carolyn Brown were married. Jim received a Master of Divinity from Emmanuel School of Religion in 1969, and he and Carolyn moved to Kimberly, Idaho to continue their pastoral ministry. Jim and Carolyn finally landed back in Oregon to serve at the Christian Church of Hillsboro, where Jim pastored until he retired in 2015. FLINT DUTELL ’21 passed away on March 19, 2024 at the age of 50. Flint completed a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Bushnell University in his hometown of Eugene, Ore. Flint was a devout Christian and worked as a caregiver in many ways, volunteering at the Eugene Mission and advocating for victims of human trafficking. Flint loved golf, basketball, and dogs, among many other things. WALTER NAFF ’46 passed away on May 3, 2024 at the age of 100. Walter attended Bushnell University, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 1946. He earned a Master of Divinity from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University, and, later on, his Doctor of Divinity from Bushnell in 1983. Walter served at pastorates in Washington and Oregon for 14 years, eventually returning to Texas to teach at Brite until his retirement in 1988. In 2000-2001, he was awarded the Circle K International, T-O District Circle of Service Award for service to children and youth. BERNIE KRAGER ’56 passed away on May 10, 2024 at the age of 99. Bernie attended the University of Oregon and Bushnell University. After completing his master’s degree at Drake University, he was in chaplain’s service at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa. Bernie served several Disciples of Christ Christian churches in Iowa, Oregon, and Washington while also serving as a local hospital chaplain in each community. He retired to White Salmon, Wash., in 1999. REV. DANIEL E. THUMA ’53 passed away on June 11, 2024 at the age of 94. Dan graduated from Bushnell University, and went on to complete his graduate studies at Christian

Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, Ind. He served as a pastor in Indiana while he was in school, and then moved back to Washington to serve at First Christian Church in Mt. Vernon and then at Findlay Street Christian Church in Seattle. After this time, he sold life insurance with Prudential Insurance and then worked with the National Benevolent Association in Omaha, Neb. and then Longview, Texas. After he retired he stayed in Longview, teaching Sunday School at the First Christian Church there.

ROBERT WILLIAM (BILL) BLANKINSHIP ’57 passed away

on June 26, 2024 at the age of 90. Bill graduated from Bushnell University, having participated in an elite traveling men’s quartet that toured the northwest. He met his wife, Donnaclaire, at the University and they were married in 1954. Bill worked for the National Guard for some years, living in Oklahoma, California, Spokane, Georgia and finally moving back to Donnaclaire’s hometown of Caldwell, Idaho. Later, in 1983, Bill and Donnaclaire moved to Ontario, Ore. where Bill took up real estate. In retirement, Bill and Donnaclaire traveled all over the United States and Mexico.

LEIGHTON WEDDLE ’53 passed away on July 17, 2024 at the age of 92. Leighton attended Bushnell University, and after carrying on the family tradition of farming for several decades he made the transition to become a licensed practical accountant. In early retirement, Leighton and his wife Marty spent many years traveling the country in an RV. They spent the last years of their life at Mennonite Village in Albany, Ore. Friend of the University CHERYL “CHERIE” (MULLEN) REYNOLDS passed away on August 24, 2024 at the age of 84. Cheryl attended Oregon State University in the 1960’s, marrying Neil Reynolds in 1961. Neil established a dentistry practice in Corvallis, where they spent their lives. Cheryl was extremely active locally, a faithful member of First Christian Church of Corvallis, a volunteer at the hospital, and a board trustee for Bushnell University for more than 20 years.

RONALD DEAN EASTRIDGE ’05 passed away on September 6, 2024 at the age of 66. Ron attended Bushnell University later in life, earning a Bachelor’s of Arts in Business Mamagement. Ron and his wife Laurie raised their two children in Monroe, Ore. He worked for 35 years at TrusJoist-Weyerhaeuser. Ron loved woodworking projects, rock collecting, and was devoted to Harrisburg Christian Church. IRENE (BURLILE) ECKFELDT ’57 passed away on September

21, 2024 at the age of 89. Irene attended Bushnell University and graduated with a Bachelor of Religious Education. She met Marvin Eckfeldt there and they were married in June 1957. The family moved to Oklahoma for Marvin’s graduate seminary studies, and then back to Kent, Wash. in 1957. Irene earned her Master of Social Work in 1988, and spent her life doing meaningful work in her field. Irene’s greatest joy was her three sons. Bushnell University 37

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The Bushnell University Campus Through the Years

38 The Beacon / Fall 2024

FROM MY POINT OF VIEW WRITTEN BY ALI SAVAGE, M.A.

hen I introduce myself as the Director of Annual Giving, people often ask in response, “What does that mean?” My short answer is that I raise funds for student scholarships. My longer answer is that I champion the Beacon Fund for Student Scholarships, which is the regular benevolent drumbeat of the University. I work to ensure that the Beacon Fund is fully funded, so our students receive the financial assistance they need to pay for classes and so the University can continue in its mission to form our students into people of wisdom, faith, and service. Even if all our students were paying full tuition and fees, their dollars would only cover 80% of Bushnell's operating costs. Factor in that 98% of our students receive some sort of financial aid, and you can see why a contribution to the Beacon Fund means so much. Your donation means that we get to do our job: preparing our students to enter the workforce equipped with the hard skills to excel in their professional lives, and the soft skills to be successful citizens, friends, spouses, church members, and parents. But a contribution to the Beacon Fund does something else. Having a healthy Beacon Fund is a prerequisite for expanding the physical and intellectual footprint of the University. As you've read in this issue of The Beacon, we’ve had recent success with the Venture Forward capital campaign. This campaign has allowed us to build buildings, enrich curricular opportunities and expand cocurricular programs. We are so grateful for friends, new and old, who have made those hopes come true. We are committed to growing the scope of our mission and campus, but do not want our students to bear the financial burden of those goals. In order to keep Bushnell affordable and accessible, however, there is an ongoing need to meet the direct financial needs of our students. The Beacon Fund for Student Scholarships makes it possible for us to maintain our generous financial aid while still building the campus and the programs which will help students thrive and succeed. Therefore, even if you didn’t give to Venture Forward during its run, your ongoing gifts to the Beacon Fund will continue to serve the University as it grows and serves more students. A contribution to the Beacon Fund ensures that the core of this University stays strong, and our students are well-served. Our alumni, friends and supporting institutions have played this role historically and generously. Your fidelity to caring for the routine needs of our students means we keep functioning and even growing in a time when some universities are struggling to keep their doors open. What a profound gift. One of my favorite books is a slim title by Henri Nouwen, based on a series of his lectures, aptly named A Spirituality of Fundraising. This book occupies a special place in my heart and on my shelf, especially since assuming this role. The book ends with the following paragraph, which I would like to leave with you: Fundraising is a very rich and beautiful activity. It is a confident, joyful, and hope-filled expression of ministry. In ministering to each other, each from the riches that he or she possesses, we work together for the full coming of God's kingdom. Thank you for letting me join you as we work together toward the fulfillment of God's vision for our world. I am so grateful for you. Warmly,

Ali Savage, M.A. Director of Annual Giving

FALL ON CAMPUS

828 E. 11th Ave Eugene, OR 97401

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID EUGENE, OR PERMIT NO. 921

bushnell.edu