The Work Continues
PRESIDENT’S LETTER Dear Beacons, As Bushnell University has experienced a season of blessing over the course of the last few years, I wanted to invite you to celebrate the gifts that come to us in the form of our students. The work to educate and transform their hearts and minds continues. It is a good and worthy endeavor, and an expression of our mission to foster wisdom, faith, and service through excellent academic programs within this Christ-centered community. As we help shape future leaders for a world of uncertainty and transition, we are even more convinced of the need to invest in the lives of our students. The unique culture we are living in requires intellectual bridgebuilders and interpersonal peacemakers. In order to meet those needs, their experiences in the classroom, on the athletic field, through community service, and within programs aimed at spiritual formation and Christian service are more valuable than ever. Even as we have experienced significant progress towards expanding our campus and academic programs, our students still need your ongoing support. Gifts from alumni, friends, churches, local businesses, and foundations are the key to their ability to pursue their Bushnell education. In this issue of The Beacon Brief we introduce you to some of our students and faculty, honor the donors who gave to the Beacon Fund in 2024, and invite you into new opportunities to engage with us along this journey. Thankful for each of you,
Joseph D. Womack ’89, Ed.D. President
IN THIS BRIEF 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 Editor Corynn Gilbert, Ph.D. Assistant Editor Meredith Goehring, M.A. Contributors Logan Adams, M.A. Corynn Gilbert, Ph.D. Meredith Goehring, M.A. Keith Potter ’84, D.D. (hon) ’11 Joseph Womack ’89, Ed.D. Cover Photo Tom Boyd, AHM Brands
2 The Brief / Spring 2025
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Bushnell in the News
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More Than Basketball: Aaron von Bruck ’25
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2024 Beacon Fund for Student Scholarships: Honor Roll of Donors
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Annual Scholarship Report 2023-2024
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Why I Teach at Bushnell: Dr. Marilyn Williams
Spring 2025
BUSHNELL IN THE NEWS
$4 Million in Grant Awards Means More Nurses Who Stay Local
Bushnell Music Alumnus Debuts on NBC’s “The Voice "
The Bells at Bushnell Installed
Bushnell Historian Dr. Steve Andes Presents at Oxford
Beacon Runner Completes the NAIA Marathon Classic
Bushnell Athletics: A Season of Success
Sam Silver ’22, M.A. ’24: Bushnell’s International Ambassador
Dr. Jonathan Alfson Named Next Generation Physics Fellow
Former Beacon Kylor Kelley Joins the NBA
Bushnell University 3
More Than Basketball Aaron von Bruck ’25 reflects on the sport he loves, and the scholarship that made it possible
T
here is not much in this world that Aaron von Bruck ’25 loves more than basketball. He played in high school in Washington state, then moved on to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho to play at North Idaho Junior College. After two years as a Cardinal, von Bruck was looking for a way to transfer somewhere for a four-year degree. But it was a challenge; von Bruck is the second oldest of four boys raised by a devoted single father. He wasn’t sure whether he could afford to continue his education and keep playing the sport he loves. But von Bruck remembered Bushnell’s Head Men’s Basketball Coach Eddie Alexander from a recruiting trip back in high school. He was left with a positive impression of the coach’s warmth and integrity. “Eddie is a very outgoing and honest person, and he’s not going to beat around the bush,” says von Bruck. “I definitely wanted a coach that would hold players accountable. You’ve got to be able to trust your coach.” Though eager for the opportunity to return to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to his home and family in Seattle,
4 The Brief / Spring 2025
von Bruck still wasn’t sure he could afford a private Christian college like Bushnell. “My scholarship offer was the biggest reason I came to Bushnell,” says von Bruck, “and has allowed me to complete my bachelor’s degree while continuing to play the sport I love. It has taken a lot of stress off my dad as well.” At Bushnell, von Bruck has thrived on and off the court. He became a mentor for younger team members and is successfully completing his kinesiology degree. “It’s been so much easier to get help here,” says von Bruck. “All my professors care deeply and embody the three core values of wisdom, faith, and service. I can go to them for help anytime I need it.” After graduation, von Bruck aspires to become an entrepreneur and open his own gym. He recently completed an internship at Pleasant Hill High School, where he found that the mentorship and leadership aspects of this internship aligned closely with his long-term goals. “This experience gave me a chance to develop the qualities of a coach and mentor,” he shared. “I want to be the kind of mentor kids can rely on for guidance and support.”
One of the biggest impacts Bushnell has had on von Bruck has been in his journey with God. “My faith is extremely important to me now, but I wasn’t really religious before I came here,” says von Bruck. “But at the end of last year, I was baptized by Dr. A.J. Swoboda after his classes planted the seeds in my heart. It has completely changed me – I did a complete 180 degree turn and I’m so thankful for it.” Coach Alexander has witnessed the difference that Bushnell has made in von Bruck’s life. “Watching Aaron grow as a student and young man these past few years has been a personal blessing as his coach,” says Alexander. “He has learned to be a great student, a tremendous teammate, and a man of integrity. He represents our program with pride and is a great example of the kind of men we want to produce. Aaron has grown so much during his time at Bushnell and has taken some very important steps in his spiritual journey and his personal relationship with Jesus. I am very proud of him and the man he is growing into.” As von Bruck prepares to graduate, he is soaking up every last minute he can get with his team, taking his role as a senior player seriously. “Even though I’ve been off the court recently because of an injury, I still get to be in the weight room and a leader to the guys,” von Bruck reflects. “Since I’m one of the older guys I get to be a role model and set an example for them.”
[Donors] made this education possible... you allowed me to serve as a Beacon of light. Now I can go out into the world and apply that to my life and change other people's lives.”
To the donors who gave the funds that made it possible for von Bruck to attend Bushnell, he has a message to share: “You made this possible, you made it easy on my family, you made education available for me, you allowed me to continue playing the sport that I love and, you allowed me to serve as a Beacon of light. You’ve helped instill faith in me from the beginning and I’m so grateful. Now I can go out into the world and apply that to my life and change other people’s lives.” Donations from alumni, friends, and organizations to the Beacon Fund for Student Scholarships are awarded directly to students like von Bruck, who dream of higher education but who don’t always have the means to make it possible. v
Your gift today helps more students experience the generosity and transformation that Aaron did, sending them out with the same story of gratitude and hope. Would you give a gift to the Beacon Fund today?
give.bushnell.edu
Bushnell University 5
HONOR ROLL OF DONORS Over the next few pages, we honor the generous individuals, corporations, churches, and foundations who fueled the Beacon Fund for Student Scholarships in 2024. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to student success and helping us meet their financial needs.
VISIONARY LEVEL - $50,000+ Linda McKay Korth^~ Candy and Gary Trachsel^
James and Sharron Kay Womack^~ Joe and Kristy Womack^~ Tom and Judy Woodruff^
CHAMPION LEVEL - $20,000+ Justin and Jenny Freeman^ Carl and Arlene Ihle^~ Don Kimball^ Frank and Linda Morse^~
FRIEND LEVEL - $1,000+ Sara Austin Jenn and Aaron Box *^ Thomas and Margaret Bassett Robert and Karon Chapman^~ Dennis and Leanne Clark Carol and Jim Cure^ Edwin and Karen Danielson*^ Gene and Karen De Young^ Lisa and Jack Desemone Tim and Debbie Doty Angela Doty Idong and Jennifer Ekwere^ Judith Fisher Melaney and Doug Grenz*^ William Grimes^ Danny and Deborah Havel Jocelyn and David Hubbs* Jim and Linda Huckaba^~ Sharon Hudson*^ Rick and Lisa Hutchins^ Gary and Kathy Ivey Amie L. Jacot^ Byung and Hyun Jun Michael and Connie Kennedy^ Gene and Janette Knippers* George and Frances Knox^~ Pam and E. Lance Marcum Lizbeth Martin-Mahar Mary Ann Moore Mike and Patty Petersen*^ Alan and Jenny Rexius George and Carol Roper*^~ Jon and Barbara Ruiz George Russell and Jane Burgess Dave and Rachel Schiffer Daniel and Dana Smith*^ Sylvia Stock*^ Robert Syron* Rodger and Lisa Terrall Steve Torrence~ Patricia and Richard Turanski^ Keith Watkins Lonnie Woodruff
PARTNER LEVEL - $10,000+ Larry Hirons^ Luke and Lindsey Jackson^ Gary and Rochelle Jurden^~ Brent and Michelle Laing^ Reed and Erin Mueller^ Jim Pomajevich^~ Bruce and Carol Shelby^ Kim and Dale Williams^ ASSOCIATE LEVEL - $5,000+ Anonymous Donors GK Bash Griffith^ Randy Ellis*^ Doug and Ruth Freeman^ Michael and Erin Fuller*^ Donald Gielow Corynn and Saxon Gilbert*^ Ron and Kay Naff*^~ Mike and Vikki Perkins^ Mary Redford Estate David and Alice Walsh Steve and Margo Womack*^ STEWARD LEVEL - $2,000+ Larry and Paula Coburn*^ Brad and Elizabeth Copeland Duane and Susan Cox^~ Dick and Mary Goff^ Nancy Haverstock^ Deborah and David Johnston^ Gary and Joan Martin Juanita and Michael Metzler*^ Sandy and John Park*^ Song and Sue Rhee^ Judith and Sheldon Shaw~ Sid Voorhees and Liz Cawood^ Marcia Whisler and Greg Ilg^
6 The Brief / Spring 2025
GOLD LEVEL - $500+ Bridget Baker Kincaid and Keith Kincaid^ James Bliss Jackie Burres Dean and Patricia Church Howard and Patricia Cole Marshall and Josie Combs^ Troy and Dawn Dean*^ Karen and David DeBow~ Dorene Edwards^ Kevin and Susan Graves Richard and Frances Hansen*^ Eugene Hill* Agam and Oge Iheanyi-Igwe* Patrick Jorden Richard Keim Peter and Megan Knight-Sheen* LeRoy Lane* Dennis and Karen Lindsay^ Franklin and Beverly Lulich Mary Ann Miller^~ Joan and Randy Mogen^ Latrissa Neiworth* Jim and Jodi Newport*^ Jin and Nancy Plummer Richard and Rina Rhee Sandy Silverthorne Gary and Robbie Smith^~ Timothy and Tricia Stewart James and Linda Thomas BLUE LEVEL - $250+ Scott and Leann Bailor Sherry Brazda Preston and Shun-Sho Carmack* Susan Soon-Keum Cox and Gregory Fitz-Gerald*^ Ronald Eldridge Douglas and Beverly Farris Daloris and David Flaming Jessica Garner* Douglas and Marcy Goodwin Scott Harer Shelly Hartzell* Mrs. Glenda Hopkins Robert and Marilyn Hutchins^~ Carol Jones Linda Jones
As extraordinary as this list is, there are still many other generous friends who gave in 2024 in support of endowed scholarships, missions trips, athletics teams, the student emergency fund, special projects, and the recently completed Venture Forward capital campaign. We are thankful for each and every gift that impacts the lives of Bushnell students in both direct and indirect ways.
Lynn and Amy Kennedy Elva Kilbourne Michael LeRoy Jack and Kelly Loomis Glen and Cathy Martz Glenn McKerrow Donna and Daryl Nuss Daniel and Rebekah Pahlisch John and Jane Park Greg and Linda Raveaux Marsha and Ken Rodenberger*~ Silverna and Raymond Scott* Sarah and Brian Slater* Betty Sullivan*^ Mark and Mary Taylor Gregory and Jeanne Widener Kent and Bethel Willocks* Candy Wintrode BEACON LEVEL - $100+ Alejandro Aguilar Lynne Armstrong Charles and Burnell Babcock Kim and Kevin Bayne Amber Brian Linda and Garry Brock James and Glenda Buckley Selena Burgess Boyd and Betty Cole^ Winstead Coleman Donnamae and Glenn Craber-Grannemann~ John and Alice Dodson Gareth and Lynette Duggan Janie Dyer Edwin and Linda Faxon Christopher Fisher Rhea and Don Forum Gary and Tess Graff Helena Graves Ronald Greene and Ruth Fletcher Dorothy Grover Sarah and Stead Halstead* Terry and Linda Hanson Glenn and Antionette Hinman Thomas and Peggy Hoyt Donna and Joseph Hufford Paul and Cynthia Jacobsen
Harry and Mary Jahnke Nils Jensen Marjorie Johnson Bradley Keller Quintin King DiAnna Kleindel Kirsti and Bharat Kumar Brick and Lissy Lantz Thomas Larsen Bruce Lynn Forrie and Molly McIntosh Robert and Colleen McKee Doris McKee Kara McManus Ellis and Luanna Meuser Frank and Virginia Musgrave Steven and Sandra Nokes Beth and Keith Nonemaker Erin Patterson Grant Person Marsha Poischbeg Laurie Porter Mary Lou Scheidt Dale and Susan Scobert Michael Senn Janet Sharp Joanne Soreng Gary Stevens Ruth Strong Rebecca Surmon H. Micheal Thomas Linda Veltri* Clyde Walcott David and Ruth Ann Wilson^ Nicholas and Debbe Wilson Darryl and Gail Womack^ Corey Woods
Nathan and Christine DeArman* Julie Detering Michael and Ruth Duffield Gloria Hanson Jon Horn Ronald Ingle Jo Ann Jassman Gordon and Sharon Kelly Sid and Debbie Leiken Angela Lenssen Donna Leroux Rebecca and Philip Lowmaster Megan Lowmaster Mary McFarland Susan McKinley Michael McNatt Sherrie Messer Sheryl Mobley Richard and Beverly Mowe Anna Neet Jane and Palelek-Maio Frank Paliotta Demaree Raveaux Lauren and Timothy Riley* Michael and Debra Rogers Sherry Sallee Lesley Sauer Tim and Carolyn Schlabach Reed Shannon Bonnie and Charles Temple Kristi Wedmore Marilynn Works Wes Wright
ADDITIONAL DONORS - $1-100 Dale Berg Sarah Brewington Jeanne Buhler Donna Burgess Jerell Carper Laurie Clark Lars and Janel Coburn* William Cosby^~ Denise and Richard Davis
^ = Leadership Society, Lifetime Giving of over $10,000
KEY * = Torchbearers Society, Monthly Givers
~ = Legacy Society, Bushnell Included in Estate Plan
Bushnell University 7
SUPPORTING CHURCHES All Things New Church Bremerton First Christian Church* Christian Church of Hillsboro* Christian Church of St Helens Country Homes Christian Church Creston Christian Church Drain Church of Christ Fairfield Baptist First Baptist Church* Gooding First Christian Church Grace Community Fellowship Hanford First Christian Church* Harrisburg Christian Church* Homedale Christian Church* Journey Church Journey Community Church Junction City First Christian Church* Keizer Christian Church* La Grande First Christian Church Life Change Church Lynchwood Christian Church* Memorial Christian Church New Psalmist Baptist Church Newport Christian Church Norkenzie Christian Church North Bend First Christian Church* North Hill Christian Church* Northwest Christian Church Northwood Christian Church^ Oregon Christian Evangelistic Fellowship Port Angeles First Christian Church* Riverside Christian Church*
Roseburg First Christian Church* St Mark's lutheran Church Tree City Church Trinity Baptist Church Warrenton Christian Church Willamette Christian Center CORPORATIONS & FOUNDATIONS AAA Screen Printing Ambient IT Solutions Arnold Gallagher P.C. Banner Bank Bi-Mart Corporation BSN Sports Apparel & Equipment Chambers Construction Christian Church Foundation CW Walker & Associates, Inc Dixon Golf - Aurelius Golf Douglas County Bottling Company eTeamSponsor Inc. Eugene Airport FastSigns Furgason Fife Dentistry Graduate Eugene Harry Ritchie's Jewelers Heritage Bank Home Comfort Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc Industrial Finishes & Systems JCK Restaurants, Inc Kendall Auto Group Lenovo M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust McKenzie Sew On
McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center Minuteman Services Inc. Moss Adams LLP New York Life Insurance North Eugene Automotive Northwest Community Credit Union Oakway Center Olsson Industrial Electric Oregon Community Credit Union (OCCU Foundation) Oregon Fuel Injection, Inc Palace Bakery Photo Ball Marker, LLC. QSL Print Communications Roaring Rapids Pizza Company Rundell, Inc. Salem Academy The Taylor Group Architects Triple Oaks Realty, LLC Umpqua Bank Unknown Donor US Bank Vasona Shade Company of Eugene Visiting Angels VSC Window Coverings Wipf & Stock
KEY * = Torchbearers Society, Monthly Givers ^ = Leadership Society, Lifetime Giving of over $10,000
WAYS TO GIVE Online by Using a Credit Card: give.bushnell.edu
By Phone Using a Credit Card:
Office of Advancement: 541-684-7318
By Check via Mail: Bushnell University 828 E. 11th Avenue Eugene, OR 97401
8 The Brief / Spring 2025
Gifts of Stock or Securities:
Contact D.A. Davidson (Medford, Ore.): 541-608-4360
Donor Advised Fund (DAF):
Contact your DAF brokerage or administrator directly.
Qualified Charitable IRA Distribution (QCD): Contact you IRA brokerage or administrator directly.
Matching Gifts:
Contact your HR office to utilize your company’s matching gift program.
Wire Transfer:
Contact our office for wire instructions: 541-684-7318
Recurring Gifts:
Set up monthly automatic checks to the address on the left or monthly online gifts at: give.bushnell.edu
Gift Pledges:
Did you know that if you are not ready to make your gift today, you can make a pledge commitment instead? Contact the Office of Advancement to learn more: 541-684-7318
Annual Scholarships at Bushnell University With your help, Bushnell University distributed nearly $8.5 million during the 2023-2024 academic year in direct institutional (non-state, non-federal) financial aid to undergraduate students. As demonstrated in the graph below, this financial aid is awarded from a wide variety of sources to a wide variety of students. However, the Beacon Fund – our main source of scholarships based on financial need – requires your help to meet this year’s students’ needs. 2023-24 ACADEMIC YEAR SCHOLARSHIPS BY CATEGORY: Academic Merit: $3,791,466 Athletics: $1,494,317 Beacon Fund Scholarships: $484,501 2024-2025 Beacon Fund Scholarships additional need: $315,499 Endowed Scholarships*: $481,460 First Generation Students: $144,161 Music, Worship, and Performing Arts: $131,166 Heritage Church Grants: $62,144 Alumni Grants: $31,574 Honors Program: $29,500 *The university endowment forms the financial backbone of the University and currently is valued at approximately $24M. Interest gains on the endowment are distributed to students in the form of endowed scholarships which have been established by individuals and families over the life of the University. These scholarships are awarded based on the scholarship criteria designated by the individual endowed scholarship recommendations upon establishment.
Bushnell University Students Need YOU! DID YOU KNOW?
35% of undergraduates are Pell Grant recipients 25% of undergraduates receive the Oregon Opportunity Grant 27% of undergraduates are the first in their family to attend college 99% of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid Beacon Fund Scholarships are distributed based on financial need after all other forms of aid are awarded in order to make a Bushnell education a reality. THIS IS OUR AREA OF GREATEST NEED. Help us reach our 2024-2025 goal to distribute $800,000 in Beacon Fund Scholarships by June 30, 2025. Every gift of every size matters!
Please give today at give.bushnell.edu. Bushnell University 9
N O C A BE • Service • Faith Wisdom
Summer 2021
rsity ll Unive Bushne ine of Magaz
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Winter 2020
ll Bushne #WeAre
Beaco n in Thes s Shine e Time s
The Ventu re
Begins
DO YOU ENJOY RECEIVING YOUR COPY OF THE BEACON MAGAZINE TWICE A YEAR? Help us continue to tell high-quality stories about student success, faculty news, alumni updates, and university impact by making a small gift to support the continued publication of The Beacon. A gift of $5 per month or $50 per year would make a significant difference on this valuable effort.
give.bushnell.edu/beaconmagazine
Fall 2024
Fall 2023
Fall 20 22
TH E C
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Our Legacy of Service to the Church
oal illion G s $18 M e s s a Surp lion Forward $22 Mil Venture aising Nearly R
Ventu re Tog ether
yers Impact Pla
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Learnin g for a
Lifetim e
Why I Teach: Faith at the Center
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r. Marilyn Williams, Assistant Professor of Education at Bushnell University, views education as calling. “It’s a privilege to be the hands and feet of Jesus in schools,” she says. During her 20-year tenure as a public school teacher, she found ways to serve and pray for students, staff, and families. As she observes, “Walking the halls and praying for classrooms, or offering an extra measure of hope and love – those are powerful ways to let your light shine.” Her work in education is a reflection of service, both to her students and the broader community. Today, as a faculty member at Bushnell, Williams is thrilled to be able to incorporate her faith into every class she teaches and every student interaction she has. She integrates her faith into her work with students, encouraging them to embody Christ’s attitudes and actions in their future careers. She believes that being a Christian educator provides a different perspective on service and purpose. “Faith moves us to support others, to give hope, and to approach every day with a servanthearted attitude.” This is why Williams has devoted her life to teaching. Service lies at the heart of Williams’ philosophy. “You don’t go into education to get rich financially, but you’ll be enriched emotionally and spiritually,” she says. “Every act of service – helping children succeed, supporting families, or taking the extra step to care for someone – gives back far more than it takes.” Her dedication to service is what drives her to help others succeed and be their best selves, making education not just a profession but a ministry – and a labor of love. For Williams, education is both a profession and an extension of her faith. At Bushnell, she continues to inspire her students to approach teaching with love, purpose, and a commitment to service. The fingerprints of Williams’ work are her passion for both teaching and mentoring. In her role at Bushnell, she guides students in developing both their academic knowledge and practical skills in education. With a focus on applying theory to real-world classroom settings, Williams equips the future educators she teaches to make a lasting impact on their students. For Williams, teaching is not just about delivering content – it’s about application. “In my classes, I try not to lecture too much. Instead, I focus on providing practical information and activities that students can apply in real-life classrooms,” she explains. “It’s about thinking, ‘How will this help this student succeed in my classroom?’”
Here at Bushnell, you have the unique opportunity to integrate your spiritual journey into your learning. Use this time to think deeply about how your faith will shape your career and your impact on others.”
Her advice to students is both simple and profound: “Here at Bushnell, you have the unique opportunity to integrate your spiritual journey into your learning. Use this time to think deeply about how your faith will shape your career and your impact on others.” Williams embodies wisdom, faith, and service in her approach to education, and our students are so much the better for it. v Bushnell University 11
828 E. 11th Ave Eugene, OR 97401
130th Anniversary Convocation Chapel Tuesday, August 26, 2025 11 am, Morse Center Goodrich Hall and Tower Dedication & Ribbon Cutting Noon, Campus Quad
31st Annual Beacon Classic Golf Tournament September 5 | Pine Ridge Golf Course bushnell.edu/beaconclassic
Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 5 p.m. Bushnell University Morse Center
Register by April 30 to Reserve Your Seats or Table: Bushnell.edu/tribute Alumni discounts available
bushnell.edu Sponsored by:
Founders Day Weekend & Celebration of 130 Years Friday, October 17 – Saturday, October 18 bushnell.edu/foundersday
UPCOMING EVENTS
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID EUGENE, OR PERMIT NO. 921