THE MAGAZINE OF EASTERN UNIVERSITY
Serious About Our
Service in Philadelphia New location an avenue for positive urban impact
FALL/ WINTER 2016
Angels of Harmony
Evidence of Faithfulness
Celebrated gospel choir holds 45th Anniversary Reunion Concert
Boyce Hutson Moody ThM ’28 First student to enroll in Seminary
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT: AVENUES FOR POSITIVE IMPACT
ACADEMICS
LETTERS FEATURE ATHLETICS
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P.4 THE ON KNOWING HUMANITY PROJECT
P.5 RECONCILE, RECOVER & RESTORE
P.6 PHD IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE HOLY LAND There is rarely reason for optimism for the Middle East. Images of war, refugees and the persecution of Christians are daily fare in the media. Behind the headlines, though, there are surprising accounts of God’s grace.
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SERIOUS ABOUT OUR SERVICE IN PHILADELPHIA College of Business and Leadership Dean, Dr. Douglas Clark, is passionate about Eastern University’s new center city location at 1601 Market Street saying, “We belong in this location because we are serious
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about our service in the city of Philadelphia.”
P.18 PHILADELPHIA PARTNERS
P.19 THE ABCS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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2016 ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS Men’s Lacrosse Claims 5th Straight Championship, Track & Field Completes Successful Inaugural Outdoor Season, 75 Eagles Named to MAC Spring Academic Honor Roll, 7 Added to Academic All-Area and All-MAC Teams.
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ANGELS OF HARMONY
DEANS’ CORNER
P.14 RECENT FACULTY BOOKS
In the fall of 1971, a small group of African American students at Eastern Baptist College gathered together for a time of worship that would be separate from the
P.10-11 VINCENT WILKERSON ’16
P.12 FROM THE BADLANDS TO AN AGENT OF POSITIVE TRANSFORMATION
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EVIDENCE OF FAITHFULNESS In 1959, Hazel (known as Minnie) Moody hastily packed up the parsonage so she could quickly move out and make way for the new pastor after the passing of her husband, Boyce Hutson Moody ThM ’28.
P.22 SORPRESAS DE LA GRACIA DE DIOS (SURPRISES OF GOD'S GRACE)
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PHILANTHROPY
DEDICATION CHAPEL
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A 3-POINT SHOT IN COMMITMENT TO EASTERN When Adam Shute ’01 first arrived at Eastern University in the fall of 1997, basketball was
ALUMNI
PALMER
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larger gatherings of the school.
P.34 EASTERN ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
P.40 PALMER ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
high on his list of priorities.
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P.27 DEAN'S LIST OF DONORS
FALL/WINTER 2016 |
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LETTERS
THE MAGAZINE OF EASTERN UNIVERSITY FALL/WINTER 2016, SERVICE IN PHILADELPHIA
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Avenues for Positive Impact
Executive Vice President | M. THOMAS RIDINGTON, PH.D Editor | DENISE MCMILLAN Writer and Photographer | ELYSE GARNER ’13 Creative Director | DANIEL PEIRCE Cover Photography | GREG BENSON PHOTOGRAPHY Production Assistant | STELLA URBINA ’14 Design | 20NINE Please send comments or article suggestions to: publications@eastern.edu
Alumni news should be sent to: alumni@eastern.edu
Palmer Seminary alumni news should be sent to:
EASTERN UNIVERSITY PROVIDES ALL THOSE ASSOCIATED WITH IT AN AVENUE FOR MAKING A POSITIVE IMPACT. WHILE READING THIS ISSUE YOU WILL BE REMINDED, IN THE BEST OF WAYS, OF THE POSITIVE IMPACT EU STUDENTS, ALUMNI, FACULTY AND STAFF ARE HAVING BOTH IN FAR FLUNG PARTS OF THE GLOBE, AND CLOSE TO HOME IN OUR CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE, PHILADELPHIA. You will be acquainted with the On Knowing Humanity research project which promotes the groundbreaking development of a Christian faithbased approach to anthropology and associated student research being conducted in Uganda, Palestine and Nepal. You will also learn about the difference one alumnus and the Bible can make in the Holy Land. You will feel the joy of the students in Mexico at the start of the new Spanish language Master’s in Theological Studies. Closer to our St. Davids home, we celebrate the opening of our new prime location at 1601 Market Street in Center City Philadelphia. We rejoice as this location, which will deliver graduate, seminary and adult undergraduate programs, is another avenue for EU to live out our mission and strive to make a positive urban impact. This issue will illustrate the varied ways those in many different disciplines in the EU community live out the mission of making this positive urban impact. One example is the Reconcile, Recover and Restore: Reentry Conference, which was designed to restore wholeness to both formerly incarcerated persons and those affected by crime. This conference brought together many people and organizations from across Philadelphia and Eastern University. 2
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You will discover the work Eastern undertakes building relationships with our many valued partners in Philadelphia, including City Hall, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA), Independence Blue Cross, City Year and many others.
palmeralum@eastern.edu
PUBLISHED BY The Office of University Relations at Eastern University
ONLINE AT
In our Dean’s List of Donors we express our deep appreciation for the gifts made to our University and the donors who made them possible. Your generous donations are used for instruction, student aid, institutional, academic and student support. Your financial gift literally enables the delivery of an excellent and distinctly Christian higher education experience to our students, and for that we thank you.
eastern.edu/publications Eastern, The Magazine of Eastern University is the winner of the 2016 Gold Cuppie Award for creative excellence in marketing and communication as recognized by CUPRAP, the College and University Public Relations and Associated Professionals.
Connect with us to get the latest news, hear our story, and get a glimpse into life at EU!
At homecoming this year, the Angels of Harmony gospel choir blessed us with a lively and dynamic show with current and former members at their 45th Anniversary reunion concert; enjoy the retrospective photos and the reflections of some of their members.
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Finally, you will learn about the life of Boyce Hutson Moody ThM ’28, the first student to enroll in Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. As you explore how God connects us and the evidence of faithfulness Boyce left his grandson, I encourage you to reflect on the evidence of faithfulness you will leave to all those you encounter in this world.
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ROBERT G. DUFFETT PRESIDENT
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FOR GENERAL INQUIRIES, CONTACT Eastern University Office of University Relations 1300 Eagle Road, St. Davids, PA 19087 (610) 341.5800 eastern.edu /universityrelations
LETTERS
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. 1 PETER 4:10
FALL/WINTER 2016 |
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THE ON KNOWING HUMANITY PROJECT AT EASTERN by ELOISE MENESES, PHD
OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, A TEAM OF PROFESSORS AT EASTERN UNIVERSITY (DRS. ELOISE MENESES, DAVID BRONKEMA, LINDY BACKUES MS '93, ERIC FLETT, AND BENJAMIN HARTLEY) HAS BEEN WORKING ON A RESEARCH PROJECT FUNDED BY A GRANT FROM THE JOHN TEMPLETON FOUNDATION AND ENTITLED, ON KNOWING HUMANITY (OKH). The purpose of the project is, “to promote the development of a Christian faith-based approach to anthropology.” It began with the publishing of an article by the OKH team in a top ranked journal of anthropology, entitled “Engaging the Religiously Committed Other: Anthropologists and Theologians in Dialogue” (Current Anthropology 55:82-104, 2014). The article declared the purpose of the project as a whole and set the stage for the development of the MA in Theological and Cultural Anthropology which opened at EU in fall of 2014. Midway through the project, the EU team was joined by theology and anthropology professors from across the country (Drs. Steven Ybarrola of Asbury Seminary, Tito Paredes of Westmont College, Brian Howell of Wheaton College, and Kerry Dearborn of Seattle Pacific University). Together this larger group sponsored an OKH conference which was held at EU last May and included 40 participants reading over 20 papers. The result of that work is an edited volume, to be published next year by Routledge entitled, On Knowing Humanity: Insights from Theology for Anthropology. Now, the OKH project is sponsoring student research grants to do “Ethnography through the Eyes of Faith” (ETEF). This past spring, seven grants were awarded to anthropology graduate students in amounts ranging from $3,000$10,000 to address the question, “How might anthropology gain a deeper understanding of the human condition with insights from theology and from faith-based ethnography?” Anthropology 4
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is a secular discipline, methodologically requiring Christian scholars to set aside their own persuasions to study people and cultures as if life beyond the “natural” does not exist. This methodological naturalism precludes the real investigation of the role of the divine in people’s lives, making it impossible to fully explain what they themselves claim to be the experiences and motivations of their behavior. In contrast, scholars working with the OKH project are committed to intentionally studying people and cultures by means of a post-secular, faithbased set of assumptions and epistemology. Thus they are being encouraged to address questions such as: 1 How does the human spirit interconnect with the human mind and body in the course of everyday life? 2 What difference does the existence of the divine make to human life and cultural processes? 3 How might the reintroduction of teleology, the study of meaning and purpose, enrich the conversation in anthropology on matters such as human origins, development, diversity, commonality, and destiny? Students from the 2016 cohort of the ETEF program are currently researching conceptions of the good life and personhood in Uganda (Jordan McGurran), the evangelical church in Palestine (Lena Rose), hominid mortuary practices as they are related to the imago Dei (Megan Stueve), Christians and traditional religious symbols in Ghana (Kofi Amoateng), identity formation among multi-cultural church youth (Christopher Fraley), concepts of radical evil in Pentecostalism (Ryan Kelly), and the rehumanization of child survivors of trafficking in Nepal (Stephanie Oelrich). To date,
McGurran reports of his work in Uganda that, “the good life that development brings is typically seen in economic-materialist terms…[but] as something that people must do together.” Rose, in Palestine, reports, “in a setting of theological strife, it has been helpful to develop an understanding of the traditions and cultural backgrounds that have shaped the doctrines of different theologies.” Oerich, an Eastern graduate student and alumnus, writes of her work in Nepal, “I am teaching English, braiding hair, and playing games with a group of children whose lives have been impacted by human trafficking or abuse. So far I have learned that an important element to recovery is connection, which is modeled in the family atmosphere in each of the homes of this organization.” Another round of awards made by the OKH project and funded by the John Templeton Foundation will be given out in spring of 2017. Finally, next year the OKH project will be founding an online journal entitled, On Knowing Humanity: Anthropological Theory and Ethnography through the Eyes of Faith. The journal will be a publication of the On Knowing Humanity Research Center to be located at Eastern University which will invite scholars from across the country to join in the work of constructing a new approach to anthropology that is creatively engaged with Christian thought.
ACADEMICS ACADEMICS
reconcile, recover
& restore
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY, A LOCAL CHURCH, A CITY COUNCILMAN AND A MISSION ORGANIZATION GET TOGETHER TO ADDRESS THE COMMUNITY IMPACT OF CRISIS-LEVEL INCARCERATION IN AMERICA? The Reconcile, Recover, and Restore: Reentry Conference is birthed! In June 2016, hundreds of returning citizens (formerly incarcerated persons), crime survivors, prison ministry volunteers, non-profit and governmental organizations, churches, students and concerned community members participated in a week-long conference that the Center for Urban Youth Development (CUYD) at Eastern University co-sponsored with Tasker Street Missionary Baptist Church, Out of Nazareth Ministries and Philadelphia City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson’s office. The United States is the world’s leading jailer with nearly 2.4 million Americans behind bars, and 4.7 million more under corrections control through probation and parole. Hundreds of thousands of those persons live in the Greater Philadelphia area, and many more families and communities are impacted. As a Christian university committed to faith, reason and justice, it was and is important for us to be engaged in addressing this social problem that affects so many citizens. Hebrews 13:3 reminds us: “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” As Christians, we with ease reach out to the forgotten and to victims. With Jesus as our model, however, we must also be intentional to reach out to the outcasts and the offenders. At this conference we were able to do both—not an easy feat! Many were together to learn about and work on matters of reconciliation, recovery and restoration to wholeness. Dr. Michael Johnson of Out of Nazareth, the visionary for this effort, brought together Pastor James A. Lovett, II, John Joyner, and Kenesta
Mack from the church, myself as Director of the CUYD at Eastern University, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and Mark Jones from the councilman’s office to coordinate. Many people, including a number of formerly incarcerated persons, participated in planning, executing, and attending this event, which was dedicated to the late Gregory Draayer. The conference featured nightly interactive workshops or panels on a variety of topics. These included: • An arts-based session on understanding and recovering from trauma, facilitated by Dr. Vivian Nix-Early, co-founder of Buildabridge International and adjunct instructor at Eastern • A discussion panel (and skit) between police officers, youth and community members about fears, concerns and disproportionate minority contact, facilitated by Champion of Change award winner and Philadelphia’s First Assistant District Attorney, George D. Mosee, Jr. • An inspiring (and hilarious) presentation on God, Justice and Reconciliation led by Why Not Prosper’s Rev. Michelle Anne Simmons who shared her powerful journey from incarceration and addiction, to restoration and community leadership • An educational seminar on the status of persons serving juvenile life without parole sentences in Pennsylvania (which has more such persons that any other state), led by attorneys Lauren Fine and Joanna Visser Adjoian from the Youth Sentencing and Reentry Project, and Eastern alum, Robert Hammond MA '14 who represented the PA Department of Corrections • A training to equip houses of worship to minister to incarcerated persons, returning
by KIMBERLEE JOHNSON, DMIN
citizens and their families, led by Dr. Chris Kimmenz, Director of the Philadelphia chapter of Healing Communities, USA • A Job & Resource Fair for returning citizens, kicked off by Rev. Michael Robinson Director of Community Outreach and Hiring at Temple University, and Philadelphia City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson • And Lauren NeFesha Fisher MA '16 was our artist in residence who each night shared powerful poetry, and inspirational music from her album, The Thesis We are grateful to other organizations that also helped to make this effort possible—American Bible Society, Healing Communities, Minds of Men, Tandem Recording Studios, and TSMBC Men’s Fishermen Group. The members of Tasker Street Missionary Baptist Church hosted the conference and served incredibly. Students, alumni and faculty from the Urban Studies department and other parts of Eastern University attended and helped in important ways. And thankfully, many people concerned about this issue, donated money through the Center for Urban Youth Development. We could not have done this without their financial support. Attendees were enlightened, inspired, helped, connected to resources and equipped!
“Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” – Hebrews 13:3
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a vice president of marketing, a police officer, a computer engineer, a nurse, an educator, and a nonprofit director. Each one of these PhD students has an equally compelling and extraordinary story to tell about his/her PhD journey as David, Catherine and Maggie. Cohort 10
PHD IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
1 We integrate faith, reason, and justice principles into leadership studies and practice 2 We practice rigorous scholarship through researching, publishing and presenting
by HEEWON CHANG, PHD, PROFESSOR AND CHAIR
EVERY ONE OF OUR PHD STUDENTS OR ALUMNI HAS A DIFFERENT STORY TO TELL ABOUT HIS OR HER PHD JOURNEY. HERE ARE THREE EXTRAORDINARY STORIES AMONG MANY: David came from a successful entrepreneurial background. An outlet mall owner, he had a beautiful family and actively served in the church. However, he felt a need to do something more with his leadership DAVID experience in retail industry and his zeal for learning. His PhD journey was intense and rewarding, but rocky. He almost lost his business, his family members became sick, and an accident caused him a brain injury during his PhD journey. Despite his life challenges, he persisted with his dissertation research focusing on transformational leadership in the outlet retail context in the United States. Catherine was a sociology professor in a community college. She loved teaching and helping underprivileged students to learn and thrive. Her justice-orientation and insatiable desire to learn drove her to the door of CATHERINE our PhD program. She took eight consecutive years to complete her PhD. Although it may seem long to some, every year was important. During the first three dissertation years, she spent 50% of her time in the Andes Mountains of northern Ecuador, learning the language and culture in preparation for an 6
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Why did our students and alumni come to our PhD program? We distinguish ourselves from other doctoral leadership programs in the country:
First Graduates
ethnographic study. She examined an expatriateled development NGO working with indigenous people and their community development projects from a justice perspective. Maggie was an educator in Malawi in southern Africa. When she was accepted into the PhD program, she knew that she could not afford traveling back and forth between Malawi and the United States for ten MAGGIE required residencies during her PhD journey. Therefore, she uprooted her family and moved to her new adopted country. She had little in the way of financial resources, but a big vision of developing leadership for women and girls in Africa upon the completion of her study. After three years of coursework, she studied the persistence and impacts of powerful African women leaders from politics, education, business and ministry. Our PhD program in Organizational Leadership has produced 37 graduates during its 9 years of operation, and over 100 students are currently active in the program. This September, we welcomed our 10th cohort during our fall residency on the St. Davids campus. Our students and alumni come from various leadership backgrounds. Imagine a classroom where an invigorating discussion about leadership theories and practices ensues among a pastor, an accountant, a pharmaceutical researcher,
3 We embrace inter-disciplinary leadership by creating interactions among leaders from diverse industries, academic backgrounds and geographic locations 4 We create a caring culture by supporting students by cohort and individually 5 We help high-potential individuals continue with their leadership practice while accessing a PhD study by blending face-to-face instruction with online learning So how have the different PhD journeys of David, Catherine, and Maggie ended? Dr. David regained his company and health. With a deepened faith during the PhD journey, he now consults and teaches on effective and ethical leadership and entrepreneurship. Dr. Catherine founded a nonprofit organization in which she assists economically marginalized indigenous people in Ecuador with individual, group and community projects while promoting social-justice-based leadership and development. Dr. Maggie returned to Malawi to assume the position of Vice Chancellor in African Bible College as the first woman holding such a position in the nation. She is building the leadership capacity of African women and men through teaching and administration. The PhD journeys of our students and alumni look different. However, there is one common link among all. They have been transformed personally and professionally. At the 10th anniversary celebration of the PhD program to be held on May 19, 2017, we will celebrate the unity of our diverse students, alumni, faculty, fellows, supporters and friends who have built the program for its first decade.
ACADEMICS
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE HOLY LAND by ANDREW BUSH, DMIN
THERE IS RARELY REASON FOR OPTIMISM FOR THE MIDDLE EAST. Images of war, refugees and the persecution of Christians are daily fare in the media. Behind the headlines, though, there are surprising accounts of God’s grace. Exceptional Christian leaders are showing that bonds of friendship and peace can be forged in the most difficult situations. Nahsat “Nash” Filmon MA ’07, a graduate of Eastern University’s School of Leadership and Development (SLD), is one such leader. Filmon is the Executive Director of the Palestinian Bible Society (PBS) which serves the Palestinian community in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. He says, “The goal of PBS is to bring hope and love to all of the Palestinian community.” Recently he took some daring steps to do so. Filmon describes that a few months ago the Christian churches and organizations in the PBS’s neighborhood in Jerusalem received threats to cease sharing the gospel with Muslims. Instead of being intimidated, Filmon took courageous steps to make peace with their neighbors. Ramadan was approaching, Islam’s month of fasting and prayer. PBS workers, with their shirts bearing the Society’s logo, were mobilized in the northern West Bank city of Zababdi. Every evening for two weeks they passed out water and figs to Muslim travelers who could not reach their homes by the end of the day’s fast. On one of the last days of Ramadan Filmon organized a large iftar meal, the traditional meal which breaks the daily fast, for Muslims in Zababdi and the surrounding region. Five hundred Muslims and Christians attended including the highest Muslim cleric in the region. Muslim leaders stood and one by one thanked the Christian community for extending a hand of peace to them.
In a context of violence remarkable acts toward peace make news, and indeed word soon spread of how Christians had reached out to their Muslim neighbors in Zababdi. As Filmon states, “It is when we show love in a practical way people begin to take the message of Jesus seriously. This is how we want to bring hope and love to the whole Palestinian community.”
“It is when we show love in a practical way people begin to take the message of Jesus seriously. This is how we want to bring hope and love to the whole Palestinian community.” Recently at the World Assembly of the United Bible Societies, which was convened in Philadelphia, the PBS was honored by being recognized as a full member of the UBS, a testimony to Filmon’s vigorous leadership under which PBS offices are now reaching out to their neighbors in all the major Palestinian cities including Gaza.
Filmon credits his effectiveness to his time at Eastern University. He says, “At Eastern I was exposed to new ideas and challenged to stretch as a leader. I will always remember the encouragement that Professor David Bronkema gave me when I felt overwhelmed. I am honored to be a part of Eastern’s mission to the world.”
Filmon also comments that studying at Eastern University was also very important for him and his new bride Nisreen. “After we were married we could not live together because she is from the West Bank and I am from Jerusalem,” Filmon explains. “We were only 20 minutes away from each other but it was illegal for her to be in Jerusalem or for me to stay in Ramallah! That was hard. Eastern gave us a great gift. We could live together for more than a day at a time!” Today they continue to work on their official permits so that Nisreen and their three children can stay in Jerusalem. Filmon states that he is eager for more Eastern University students to come and serve for a period of time with the PBS. He says, “I would like to see a deep integration of our programs with Eastern University. Eastern University is perfectly suited to train leaders to serve with our many projects in the Holy Land.” This is not a challenge for the faint of heart. It will take courageous steps to make peace in the most violent part of the world. Nashat Filmon is leading the way. Andrew F. Bush is the chair of the Missiology and Anthropology Department and has served with the Palestinian Bible Society for 18 years.
NASHAT FILMON MAY BE REACHED AT NASHATFL@GMAIL.COM
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ANGELS OF
HARMONY 45TH ANNIVERSARY REUNION CONCERT
IN THE FALL OF 1971, A SMALL GROUP OF AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS AT EASTERN BAPTIST COLLEGE GATHERED TOGETHER FOR A TIME OF WORSHIP THAT WOULD BE SEPARATE FROM THE LARGER GATHERINGS OF THE SCHOOL. These intimate times of fellowship served as a means to support and strengthen the small black community on campus at that time and were rich with culture, enthusiasm and of course, singing. The small gospel team was quickly noticed by Eastern’s Spiritual Life Committee and was soon being invited to perform at local churches under the leadership of Rev. Robert Williams ’74. Over the years, the group continued to thrive and reflect the students’ growing interest and heart for Christian ministry on campus and in the community. The newly christened Angels of Harmony were soon ministering to churches throughout the region and even participating in television broadcasts and local gospel festivals in the greater Philadelphia area. As musical ensembles and student clubs continued to form and disband over the years, the Angels of Harmony flourished.
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by ELYSE GARNER ’13
Now, 45 years later, the group has much to celebrate. With an entire legacy of notable alumni and former members amongst them, the celebrated gospel choir gathered for an anniversary concert during Homecoming weekend that included special memorabilia, tributes to Angels of the past, and heartwarming reunions between friends. Former and current members joined forces to put on a lively and dynamic show that both celebrated the past and looked forward to the future of this unique and vibrant ministry. | FALL/WINTER 2016
ACADEMICS
A WORD FROM THE ANGELS “The one thing I enjoyed most about being a member of Angels of Harmony was the sense of support and family that I received. The greatest impact the Angels have had upon me was the tremendous growth in my spiritual life during my years with the group, as well as the opportunities to exercise the spiritual gifts. My singing on the Angels has definitely been and always will be a high point in my life.” -Bob Best ’91
“God is the God of diversity. The tradition of the Angels singing Gospel music, and particularly songs of the Black church, is an essential aspect of Eastern’s campus ministries actually reflecting God’s commitment to and love of diversity. It is my hope that the Angels ministry will continue to be fully supported by the University, particularly in the current climate, to help demonstrate why diversity should be celebrated, not dismissed or disparaged. As opposed to just evolving, my prayer is that the Angels always remember where they came from.”
“Looking back on the history, it’s awesome to be part of something that has been such an integral part of campus life for a variety of students for so long. 45 years and the spirit, heart and focus of the group has grown but we have not veered off it’s original purpose.” -Nneka Best ’07, current Angels of Harmony Director
“Being a part of this ministry is important to me because it has developed me and helped my spiritual growth. Being able to come into practice and having the chance to talk about our day and anything that we need prayer for or anything praiseworthy gives off the sense of community that every college student needs. This choir has impacted me in so many ways. From going from just being a member to the President of the choir has developed my leadership skills and has given me the opportunity to lead a group of people who face many struggles and difficulties outside of our rehearsals. Being the leader of this group has definitely challenged me and strengthened me in ways I would have never thought of!”
“The outpouring of the Holy Spirit during our rehearsals and singing engagements every week and weekend; this was the MOST AWESOME experience ever! Seeing 70-80 young adults worshiping God in Spirit and in Truth! The level of sincerity, poise and standard the choir represented when sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world was second to none! Nothing could compare to this experience! In the 90’s the Angels of Harmony had an opportunity to tour the East Coast of the USA from Connecticut to Florida. This was a life-changing experience for many of us. Many souls were encouraged, saved, set free and delivered. During this tour lives were changed and impacted within the Angels of Harmony and those students who followed the ministry as well. My life was changed!” -Anthony Davis ’94
Devona Franklin ’17, current Angels of Harmony President
-Eden Carlton ’89
“Angels of Harmony is an important part of Eastern in that it serves as an outlet for students of color and of diverse backgrounds, and students with a love of singing traditional/ contemporary Gospel music. For student members, rehearsals have always been that “burst of energy” to make it through the remainder of the week. I would like to see the Angels continue in the spirit and anointing that this campus ministry was established.” -Bob Best ’91 FALL/WINTER 2016 |
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VINCENT WILKERSON '16 by ELYSE GARNER ’13
VINCENT WILKERSON ’16 IS NOT YOUR AVERAGE UNDERGRAD. After attending Eastern briefly in the 1960s, he left without a degree. Now, in his mid-sixties, Vincent has returned to EU. With his bachelor’s degree in hand, he walked across the stage at the May 2016 commencement ceremonies. Here’s what he had to say about returning to pursue his degree in Theology over 40 years later:
Q&A
I worked on the dish room crew. We had a blast. We made up songs to sing to the people to encourage them to bring their dishes in. We had a bunch of songs that we would sing to people. We had a wonderful time. Q What did you do when you first left Eastern?
Q What was Eastern like back in the 60s? A I started at Eastern in the autumn of ’68. Campus was pretty different then. These were all people’s homes on Eagle road. The old section of Hainer was where they put freshmen. It was sort of a “no-frills” kind of dormitory. In my freshman year they were finishing up construction on Kea. That dorm was called the “new dorm”. The men lived over in Hainer and Guffin. The women were all the way on the other side in Doane Hall. I think now things are a little mixed. The classroom building was Walton Hall. Large classes were held in the gym. Where McInnis is was woods. In fact, when the decision was made to build a classroom building on that site, there was an awful uproar. Of course, they went ahead with the project and now we have quite a nice classroom building. Now at Eastern, mealtimes are a range of time. You can go to breakfast from 7 to 9 or 10
something like that. Back in 1968, breakfast was at a certain time. You showed up at 7. Then you came in and sat down and the food was all at the tables. Waitresses had brought it out.
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A This would have been in the spring of ’71. I’d studied German in high school and I enjoyed languages and I wanted to learn more. But as I made friends and got interested in other things, I really wanted to get involved in studying anthropology. At that time there were a few good places to study that. So I went over to this new college called Livingston. I went there the first year they opened. When I got there and started my studies, I thought ‘Geez, this is over my head.’ Here I was a junior and I was taking 300 level anthropology classes. I didn’t have what I really needed to continue in that field. So I stayed for 2 semesters and then I left. Q Where did life take you before you decided to return and finish your degree? A I met a young lady here that last semester I was at Eastern. And I just couldn’t get her out of my head. So after being at Livingston for a year, I caught up with this young lady and I convinced her to marry me. We had 2
children–a girl and a boy–and they’ve grown up to be fine young people. Then around 1997, one evening I thought it might be a good idea to smoke some crack. Well it turns out that wasn’t such a good idea. My life pretty well fell apart at that point. I was put out of my house, my children would have nothing to do with me. There was nobody I could turn to. So I lived at my mother’s house for a couple of years until I managed to get myself pulled back together. It was a very slow, long process. You don’t exactly snap back after two and half years of drug addiction. But I pulled myself together. I got a job at a supermarket. I kept it for about 15 years. Then I retired and it didn’t take me long to get used to it. But then after a year of being retired, I said to myself, ‘You know, I’ve been spending every afternoon in this bar. This is not how I want to die. I’m going back to school. I want to get my degree.’ So I looked up Eastern University. I felt drawn to Eastern. It’s where I first started going to college. I guess God was calling me back. Q How is being a student now different than it was in 1968? A I started again in the fall of 2014. My first couple days back at this school, I was overwhelmed. Mind you now, in 1968, we didn’t have the internet. There were no computers. Everything at this school now is on computers. One of my professors said our assignments were on Blackboard and here I am looking for the assignment on the actual blackboard! I didn’t know there was this thing
ACADEMICS
"You know, I’ve been spending every afternoon in this bar. This is not how I want to die. I’m going back to school. I want to get my degree."
called Blackboard on the computer that had my assignments. It was shocking to me. I had a laptop but I barely knew how to run it. All of a sudden I had to learn everything about the computer in just a few days! Q Did you have any fears about coming back as an adult? A I was wondering a little if the work was going to be over my head, but I did fairly well my first year back. But I wasn’t nervous or afraid. I just came to school and said ‘Yep, I’m this old guy with a white beard walking around with these children and that’s fine.’ Some of these students are 18, 19 years old. I have socks older than them! But it didn’t bother me at all. I have some great friends here that I think I’ll keep. Q What was it like being back on campus again? What were some of the biggest changes? A This is a University now. When I was here it was a Christian college. It didn’t have quite the wide range of courses and departments. It’s a lot bigger. I mean, you have an observatory here now! Professors are still very accessible. You can talk to a professor at almost any time. If I’m walking by a professor’s office and I stop in the doorway just to say hi, they’ll welcome me in every time. There are also a lot more students now! I used to know just about everybody’s name. Now there are a lot I don’t know. Maybe it’s cause
I’m getting old and I just don’t remember, but there are a lot of people here now. It’s like a little town. Q What made you decide to return as a theology major? A I found myself reading a lot of books on the subject. I wanted to see ‘What is this Christian message all about?’ It doesn’t seem to fit our society in the 21st century. So many people twist it the wrong way but what is it really about? So I decided to come back and gain some insight. Q What advice would you give to your 18-yearold self? A Now, most people who come to this school do so cause it’s a Christian school and they have their preconceived ideas. When you get here, you will find that the things you believe will be challenged. My advice would be to be open to the challenge. Don’t think that you have all the answers. You’ve been fed the spiritual milk and you’re growing up now. Let’s get some meat into you. Be open to it.
lying on the couch I said, ‘God, I don’t know if I believe in you or not. I don’t even know if you’re there, but if you are, I need you.’ And BAM! Just like that, something went through me. I felt the presence of another person coming through me. So I thought, ‘Okay, God is real. Good to know’. So I kept in touch. I prayed a lot for him to keep me safe and to give me strength and help me get away from this addiction. Finally it came to the point after a lot of waiting, that he had given me the strength. Then I just said ‘That’s it. I’m done.’ And I walked away from that world. That’s probably the most dramatic way that God has worked in my life. I have quite a few atheist friends. They don’t believe it. I tell them, ‘You don’t have to believe it. It doesn’t mean it’s not true.’ Q What will you miss most about Eastern? A I just really enjoy my classes immensely. I enjoy listening to my professors and what they have to say. I enjoy being given things to read. Maybe I’ll have to come back for a master’s and see how that works. I guess one step at a time.
Q How have you seen God work in your story? A God has kept me safe during times when I should have been dead or in jail or seriously sick. While I was in my addiction, I was sleeping on my mother’s couch and one evening I was in despair. I’d hit the bottomest bottom. And I said, ‘Oh man, I don’t know how this could get worse. But I’m not going to give in. What else can I do? I guess I can pray.’ So
LISTEN TO VINCENT SING THE “DISH ROOM SONG” AT EASTERN.EDU/VINCENTWILKERSON
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Shortly thereafter, he enrolled at Esperanza College while still struggling with addiction. A savvy professor saw this and challenged him: “God is going to do big things through you, but you need to focus and get really serious with God.” Over the next two years, as he studied community and human services and graduated, he was mentored by faculty and staff with his mom playing a key support role at home. His conversations with God continued at each step of his recovery. There was confession and promise each time until one day he sensed God sent an angel to be with him and over the next seven days he was able to go through withdrawal. Now healed, he realized he was filled with self-control. He returned to get a bachelors in social work which was offered at the Esperanza College campus. During this time, he grew in his relationship with God and received strength and discipline for his life. God began to expand Alexis’ territory and soon he started working at
FROM THE BADLANDS
to an agent of positive transformation by DAVID HURTADO, MBA, PHD
HE WAS THRILLED AND FELT AS IF HE WERE A SPONGE ABSORBING THE CHRISTIAN SERVANT LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES TAUGHT BY HIS PROFESSOR DURING THE FIRST MASTER'S IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP RESIDENCY AT EU’S 1601 MARKET STREET LOCATION. As he was thinking critically about servant leadership and how it relates to his work as an admissions counselor at Esperanza College of Eastern University, his attention was diverted to the street below when he saw President Obama’s motorcade drive by. Wow, here he was, a young Latino male from the ghetto beginning his journey towards a master’s degree taking classes in a skyscraper in the heart of Philly’s center city just a few blocks from City Hall near the birthplace of American democracy. By many accounts someone like him should be either in jail or dead, but by God’s grace and God bringing staff from Esperanza across his path, Alexis Cruz AA ’11, BSW ’15, MA ’19 is alive and well and is having a positive influence in his community. 12
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If you rewind the tape of Alexis’ life nine to ten years, you would find him in a crack/sex house in the badlands of Philadelphia selling and using drugs. On one particular night, he took some drugs that he did not know had been laced and he overdosed. He felt like his heart was going to jump out of his chest. He was completely disconnected with what was going on around him. Suddenly he felt an incredible urge to pray so he cried out to God, “I know I deserve to die and I probably will, but please be with me.” A peaceful feeling came over him and he fell asleep. He awoke a few hours later and fell on his knees praising and thanking God for His mercy and protection. He prayed, “What am I supposed to do God? This is all I have.” Audible words repeated, “start from the beginning, go back to where you had begun.” He was not feeling sick as expected after using multiple drugs. What grace! He went to his parents’ house where his mom received him with open arms, prayed for him and said she would help him fight the spiritual battle against his addiction.
Esperanza College as a recruiter. He was reunited with former mentors, found new mentors, and became a mentor. He ran for election and won as a Philadelphia Ward Executive Committee person. As he works on his master’s degree, he knows this new season is a time of deeper preparation for a greater purpose. “I love God , trust Him and follow Him.” The past has been redeemed, leaving him with strength and wisdom. Over the last three years, Alexis has recruited over 200 students to study at Esperanza College of Eastern University. Some of them are now in their bachelor’s degree programs. Lives in the badlands are being filled with hope and transformed one step at a time.
“What am I supposed to do God? This is all I have.” – Alexis Cruz, AA ’11, BSW ’15, MA ’19
ACADEMICS
Q+A
Deans’ Corner by DENISE MCMILLAN
College of Business and Leadership: Dr. Douglas Clark
Esperanza College: Dr. Elizabeth CondeFrazier MDiv ’82, DD’10
1 Since coming to Eastern last year, I’ve taken in
1 I work in North Philadelphia as Esperanza College is
several Sixers games at the Wells Fargo Center and Phillies games at Citizens Bank Park. And I’ll readily accept invitations to Eagles games at
situated there. I seek to support the businesses in the area so I will usually eat at Real Taste or Tierra Colombiana, I will go to Glady’s Hair salon and buy groceries at Cousin’s- they have the best Florida avocado’s and the biggest yams ever. I always buy them early for Thanksgiving. Esperanza works with the business corridor in the area and the block captains
Lincoln Financial Field.
2 I love that Philly is home to amazing history, iconic institutions, transforming ideas and (most importantly) to people from such an array of backgrounds, places, and cultures. So many possibilities for Eastern’s people and programs to be real difference makers.
College of Education: Dr. Harry Gutelius
and one great thing is the community garden.
2 What I like a great deal about Philadelphia is the richness of the historical sites. The prayer event at the Independence Hall last Spring was an awesome event to be at. Pastors who have graduated from Palmer and trustees of the school were some of the organizers and participants. It was great to fellowship in this way as we all participated in this significant work of prayer for our country and city that day.
QUESTIONS: 1 IF YOU WERE ATTENDING AN EVENT IN PHILADELPHIA, AT WHICH VENUE ARE WE MOST LIKELY TO SEE YOU? 2 PHILADELPHIA IS THE CITY OF BROTHERLY LOVE. WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT PHILADELPHIA?
Palmer Theological Seminary: Dr. David Bronkema 1 The last few events that I’ve been to were the wonderful Installation Service of Rev. Darrian A. Brown and his cabinet of officers of the Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and the Vicinity (which includes our own Dr. Marsha Brown Woodard!) at Rome Emmanuel Baptist Church at 11th and Lehigh, a Philly Pops performance at the Kimmel Center, and the celebration in the Wanamaker Building of Philadelphia being declared a World Heritage City.
2 I worked in Center City for eight years, and love the energy, the diversity of and interaction with the people both on and off the street, and the small-town feel of our very big city.
1 Citizens Bank Park. I have a partial season ticket plan with the Phillies.
2 I love all of my priceless memories. I was born in Philly, grew up in Philly, went to school (first grade through college) in Philly, and worked in the Philly public schools for 32 years.
College of Health and Social Sciences: Dr. Patricia Reger 1 Most definitely, I would be at a Flyers game with
College of Arts and Sciences: Dr. John Pauley 1 The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. What a great venue for concerts!
2 So much to love! The historic sites, the Art Museum, Termini Brothers Bakery (Holy Cannoli)...I could go on.
my kids! Let’s Go Flyers!!
2 What’s not to love? The history, culture, arts, sports teams, and food (soft pretzels are my guilty pleasure) are all amazing. However, what I think is the most endearing about Philadelphia are the neighborhoods. Regardless of the zip code, each has its own distinctive personality and a palpable sense of community! So much to learn from so many people. It is one of the things I miss about practicing home care in the city.
Templeton Honors College: Dr. Jonathan Yonan 1 I've really come around to Chamber Music since getting married. You'd most likely see me at one of my wife's concerts with the Marinus Ensemble or at a Philadelphia Chamber Music Society concert. I love the more intimate venues, the chance to listen to smaller groups of musicians, in which the distinctive character of an instrument can really stand out.
2 It’s a great city with so much great culture, but it’s still down to earth.
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RECENT FACULTY BOOKS
WHITE ALLIES IN THE STRUGGLE FOR RACIAL JUSTICE
STAR STRUCK, SEEING THE CREATOR IN THE WONDERS OF OUR COSMOS
Drick Boyd, EdD, Professor of Urban Studies
David H. Bradstreet, PhD, Professor and Chair Astronomy and Physics
THE BIBLE IN MOTION: A HANDBOOK OF THE BIBLE AND ITS RECEPTION IN FILM, VOLS. 1-2
DOES GOD HAVE A STRATEGY? (COAUTHORED BY JEAN-FRANÇOIS PHELIZON)
Rhonda Burnette-Bletsch, PhD (author/ editor), Professor of Biblical Studies
Phillip Cary, PhD, Professor of Philosophy
SEEKING IMPERIALISM’S EMBRACE: NATIONAL IDENTITY, DECOLONIZATION, AND ASSIMILATION IN THE FRENCH CARIBBEAN
REVIEWING LEADERSHIP: A CHRISTIAN EVALUATION OF CURRENT APPROACHES
HOLISTIC NURSING: A HANDBOOK FOR PRACTICE
LIBERAL LEARNING AND THE GREAT CHRISTIAN TRADITIONS
LATINA EVANGÉLICAS: A THEOLOGICAL SURVEY FROM THE MARGINS
David C. Greenhalgh, EdD, Professor of Education and Leadership, Emeritus
Christina Jackson, PhD, MSN, AHN-C, CNE Professor of Nursing
Gary Jenkins, PhD, Professor/ Chair of History Department and Jonathan Yonan, DPhil Professor of History/ Dean of the Templeton Honors College (editors)
Loida Martell-Otero, PhD, Professor of Constructive Theology (Palmer Theological Seminary)
THE APOSTLE PAUL AND THE CHRISTIAN LIFE : ETHICAL AND MISSIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE NEW PERSPECTIVE
NONVIOLENT ACTION: WHAT CHRISTIAN ETHICS DEMANDS BUT MOST CHRISTIANS HAVE NEVER TRIED
Joseph B. Modica, PhD, University Chaplain & Associate Professor of Biblical Studies (editor)
Ronald J. Sider, PhD, Professor of Theology, Holistic Ministry and Public Policy (Palmer Theological Seminary)
by JEREME WELLS ’19
CHECK OUT DR. BRADSTREET AND DR. ENNS IN THE PROFESSOR VIDEO SERIES ON CHALK AND TABLE AT CHALKANDTABLE.COM/FEATURE
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Kristen Childers, PhD, Associate Professor of History/ Director of Academic Affairs, Templeton Honors College
ADVOCATING FOR JUSTICE: AN EVANGELICAL VISION FOR TRANSFORMING SYSTEMS AND STRUCTURES
David Bronkema, PhD, Interim Dean Palmer Theological Seminary
THE SIN OF CERTAINTY: WHY GOD DESIRES OUR TRUST MORE THAN OUR “CORRECT” BELIEFS
Peter Enns, PhD, Abram S. Clemens Professor of Biblical Studies
THE FUTURE OF OUR FAITH: AN INTERGENERATIONAL I CHOOSE TO THRIVE CONVERSATION ON CRITICAL ISSUES FACING THE Marsha Brown Woodard, DMin, CHURCH (CO-AUTHORED WITH BEN LOWE) Lecturer in Christian Ministry/Director
Ronald J. Sider, PhD, Professor of Theology, Holistic Ministry and Public Policy (Palmer Theological Seminary)
of Supervised Ministries (Palmer Theological Seminary)
PHILADELPHIA
FEATURE
SERIOUS ABOUT OUR SERVICE IN
PHILADELPHIA by DENISE MCMILLAN
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“Designed as a multi-use and agile space with a mindset of openness and flexibility. Each room can be used as needed to maximize the educational experience, one that is a highly interactive and applied learning experience.” – Dr. Clark
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PHILADELPHIA
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP DEAN, DR. DOUGLAS CLARK, IS PASSIONATE ABOUT EASTERN UNIVERSITY’S NEW CENTER CITY LOCATION AT 1601 MARKET STREET SAYING, “WE BELONG IN THIS LOCATION BECAUSE WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT OUR SERVICE IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA.”
FEATURE
Great Room, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass on two sides, the room has moveable furniture and can be reconfigured into many different styles for multi-purpose use and to maximize collaboration. There is one additional classroom, and all of the classroom spaces have the latest in audio visual technology to support a modern learning environment. Additional offices are available for use by faculty, student services staff and guests of the University. Dr. Clark said the space at 1601 Market is designed “as a multiuse and agile space with a mindset of openness and flexibility. Each room can be used as needed to maximize the educational experience, one that is a highly interactive and applied learning experience.”
1601 Market opened for Fall semester classes on August 29th and currently Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) courses are taught here as well as non-traditional undergraduate business courses. In addition, Eastern will utilize the space as a place to hold residencies. The Master’s in Dr. Clark has been deeply involved as the lead of the project to relocate Eastern’s Organizational Leadership and the Master’s center city location from 18th and JFK to the current prime location at 1601 Market in Nonprofit Management welcomed Street, just one block from Philadelphia’s City Hall. Dr. Clark expects great things to students the week of September 12th come from Eastern’s latest move remarking, “This underscores our commitment to and Palmer Theological Seminary recently serving students and community stakeholders in the city of Philadelphia.” announced plans to hold future Openseminary residencies at the site, with the Situated in a LEED Certified building, this location is in harmony with Eastern’s first one scheduled for November.
sustainability efforts and commitments. Easily accessed from the Suburban Station SEPTA Train stop, students and visitors need not even go outside in inclement weather and can enter the building via the train station. On the second floor, Eastern is keeping excellent company with the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau as their neighbors and the Shops at Liberty Place across the street.
The 5,000 square foot space has a view overlooking Market Street and all of the urban excitement that comes with such a central location. Students and visitors enter into a welcome lounge complete with a high top table and stools; one of the many collaboration areas in the suite. There is a 10-seat traditional conference room set up for video conferencing for virtual team meetings as is a flex office that is ideal for individual advisor meetings or job interviews for students. The Learning Lab classroom is the largest space and is designed for active learning with technology and furniture that is adaptable to capitalize on impromptu
Dr. Clark explains it is not all just about the modern urban learning space and location. “What it’s really about is how we can make a meaningful difference through our calling and mission to love, serve and care for our neighbors.” Eastern’s new location in Center City is a notable example of the University reaching out in the Philadelphia region.
opportunities for interaction and learning. The showpiece of the space is the FALL/WINTER 2016 |
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MUMIA PARHAM MA ’09
PHILADELPHIA
PARTNERS
by M. THOMAS RIDINGTON ’78, MAR ’81, PHD
AROUND THE CORNER FROM EASTERN UNIVERSITY’S NEW CENTER CITY PHILADELPHIA LOCATION IS THE FAMOUS LOVE STATUE THAT RESONATES WITH THE CITY’S MOTTO AND WAS INSPIRED BY THE ARTIST’S CHILDHOOD CHURCH MEMORIES OF LEARNING THAT “GOD IS LOVE”. The image is a fitting metaphor for EU’s partnership strategy in Philadelphia, which is to create connections and forge lasting relationships with the entities that serve and elevate people in our City and beyond. Partnerships and strategic alliances have been a priority at Eastern for more than a generation. In the 1980s business students, with stipends provided by regional corporate powerhouse CoreStates Bank, helped develop the capacity of Philadelphia’s nonprofits to improve lives and strengthen local communities. In the 1990s partnerships with World Vision and Habitat for Humanity delivered leadership and development education to more than 400 charity leaders in 18
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nearly 90 countries who in turn created more than a million new jobs. In 2000, Esperanza College was created in cooperation with its namesake, Nueva Esperanza (now Esperanza, Inc.), to increase access to higher education for hundreds of Philadelphians in the City’s least-served communities.
Partnerships are attractive because in the context of one’s mission they offer new opportunities for expanded outreach, innovative responsiveness to shifts in market demand and enhanced financial stewardship through the partners’ leveraged strengths and cost-sharing. The relocation of Eastern University’s Center City operations to 1601 Market Street will strengthen partnerships with institutions in Philadelphia and serve as a learning resource for their students.
In recent years, Executive Director of Partnerships and Strategic Alliances, Mumia (Mo) Parham MA ’09, has established Center City partnerships with the City of Philadelphia, Independence Blue Cross and City Year among others. Whether studying in Eastern’s on-ground or online programs, students from these partner organizations may enjoy access to Eastern University’s Center City facility. “City Hall lies within a block of our new location”, Parham reports, “and I’m certain that City of Philadelphia employees studying in our Returning to Learning program will appreciate this environment whenever they seek to escape their busy offices for some quiet study time.” The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority (SEPTA) has been a long-time partner with Eastern University. Also located on Market Street, access to EU staff and classrooms will strengthen an already mutually beneficial relationship. According to SEPTA’s Michael Dawkins, PhD, Manager and Program Development Specialist for Human Resources, “Eastern University has been a partner with SEPTA for well over a decade. This partnership has enabled our employees to participate in education programs that are taught by business professionals and scholar practitioners in various concentrations of business and leadership. We are excited about the future of our partnership and the vast potential to give our employees not just an excellent education but also a Christian view to change the world and make it a better place for people.” Eastern University’s Philadelphia partners are extensive and include churches and nonprofit organizations. Esperanza College, Palmer Seminary, Urban Studies and many of our academic departments maintain active alliances with like-minded organizations that provide employee education, field experiences, internships, seminars and other opportunities for collaboration.
FEATURE
The ABCs of Entrepreneurship by VAN WEIGEL, PHD
READING, WRITING AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP. If Dr. Al Socci, faculty and chair of Economics and Business Administration in the College of Business and Leadership, had his way, those would be the “Three R’s” of elementary education—and you can teach plenty of arithmetic by starting with entrepreneurship.
accounting, social responsibility, teamwork, or career choices, the message is always the same: the folks from St. Davids care about them, and they also have a responsibility to give something back to their own community.
“No one is too young to learn about entrepreneurship.” That’s Dr. Socci’s motto . . . just ask his granddaughter Carmela. For over a decade, together with his students, he has spearheaded a venture of hope—helping elementary students in West Philadelphia and East Norriton learn how they can make a difference through entrepreneurship. And what a difference that can make in a young person’s life!
If you were to talk with Dominic Fleming Penn or Frederikia Wilson, who met Dr. Socci in 2006 and have stayed in touch with him ever since, you would know the difference that care and hope makes in the lives of these students. Dominic is currently a student at Queens College in New York, majoring in marketing while serving as an assistant general manager for Chipotle. Frederikia is now attending West Chester University, majoring in education. She has also enlisted into the U.S. Army Reserves and is serving as an IT Specialist. There was something different about those visitors from Eastern that made a difference in their lives. Dr. Socci wasn’t just a guest speaker; he was their professor, and his travelling band of students became both friends and mentors.
Each week (without anyone, in particular, paying attention) a grand experiment is underway at Eastern University. That experiment forged with partnerships with Blankenburg Elementary School in West Philadelphia and the East Norriton Elementary School is about creating opportunities for imaginative thinking. Entrepreneurship is not just about learning how to start a business; it is learning how to think with possibility. And that, for a 5th or 6th grader, is huge; an empowering experience of learning to see the world as a playground for initiative and opportunity.
In the classroom, Dr. Socci adopts a teaching approach that is both humorous and irreverent. But no one in those elementary school classrooms doubts that Dr. Socci and his students care for them deeply as individuals. Whether the topic on a particular day is entrepreneurship, marketing,
Entrepreneurship is not just about learning how to start a business; it is learning how to think with possibility. But the support from Eastern did not end there. Dr. Socci and his students went the extra mile and set up a scholarship program that enabled alumni of Blankenburg Elementary, who had participated in Eastern’s entrepreneurial educational
venture, to apply for a $1000 scholarship in 12th grade—which they could use toward their college education, trade school, or starting their own business. To date, nearly $10,000 has been raised for this scholarship fund! Beginning in 2013, Dr. Socci and his students turned their attention to nearby East Norriton, working with the principal of East Norriton Elementary School to set up an after school program in youth entrepreneurship. It is now one of the most popular programs in the school! Many of the lessons involve learning how to find opportunities, imagine products or services, and to meet those opportunities—with students presenting their ideas in front of the class. Most importantly, they are taught how to pitch their idea, to receive criticism and then channel it into positive results. Earlier this year, Dr. Socci began a partnership with Lancaster County Christian School to help them establish an Entrepreneurship Institute which is utilizing Eastern students as mentors for their students. A similar initiative is underway with Delaware County Christian School. Both of these programs will make ample use of the talents of Eastern students who belong to a campus organization called Enactus (this group sponsors the annual Shark Tank-style competition that has become one of the most popular and well attended events at the University). It is impossible to know what will become of this experiment in entrepreneurial education. But, we do know this: many seeds of hope have been planted and, like the Parable of the Mustard Seed, even the smallest and most insignificant seed can grow into the stoutest of trees. What could be more central to Eastern’s mission than this?
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EVIDENCE OF
FAITHFULNESS
by DENISE MCMILLAN
IN 1959, HAZEL (KNOWN AS MINNIE) MOODY HASTILY PACKED UP THE PARSONAGE SO SHE COULD QUICKLY MOVE OUT AND MAKE WAY FOR THE NEW PASTOR AFTER THE PASSING OF HER HUSBAND, BOYCE HUTSON MOODY THM ’28. Boyce, who had been the pastor at Lee St. Memorial Baptist Church in Baltimore, MD since 1947, had sadly been struck by a drunk driver on the way to his church one Sunday morning. Of the boxes that Hazel packed, one would eventually be given to her daughter, Jean (Moody) Vincent. This box would move from attic to attic with Jean and her husband, Stuart, who was transferred several times in his position with the telephone company. Ben Vincent was using some free time wisely when he took a day to proactively clean out his mom's (Jean Moody Vincent) attic in her home in Franklin, Virginia. As you can envision in a project of this type, there were many boxes to be sorted through to determine what should be kept, what should be donated and what could be discarded. As this process unfolded, Ben couldn’t have imagined that what he would find among the boxes in the dusty attic would be evidence, evidence of a life of faithfulness, and what greater treasure could there be? 20
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PALMER
After graduation Boyce stayed on as pastor at Memorial Baptist Church. He later went on to serve two other churches before his final pastorate at Lee St. Memorial Baptist in Baltimore, MD.
BEN VINCENT, GRANDSON OF BOYCE HUTSON MOODY THM '28, WITH ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICER RUTH MCFARLAND MATS '00 AT PALMER SEMINARY WEST VIRGINIA 2015 COMMENCEMENT
What Ben discovered that day was the box that contained the diploma of his grandfather, Boyce Hutson Moody, who graduated in 1928 from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters in Theology. This discovery would be the beginning of a journey that would bring Ben a new friendship and bring him into the life of Palmer Theological Seminary and closer to the Eastern University family. As the CEO of Braxton County Memorial Hospital in Gassaway, WV, Ben knows
Dr. Boehlke’s research unearthed Boyce Moody’s student record from 1925 which stated in the general remarks that Boyce “was the first student to register in the Seminary, coming from Crozer, where he was not in agreement with their teaching. A man of very fine mental qualities and a splendid character.” According to this historical student record, Boyce had the distinction of being the first student to register at what is now Palmer Theological Seminary.
“His journey was too good to pass up. Ben’s story is a tremendous example of the legacy of the founders of Eastern.” – Allan Copenhaver, DMin '14
the chaplains who minister at his hospital and had met Allan Copenhaver DMin ’14 when he began volunteering at the hospital in his role as Pastor of Sutton Baptist Church. When Allan and Ben first met, Ben did not realize Allan was a student pursuing his DMin at the Palmer Theological Seminary site in West Virginia. When Allan subsequently graduated with his DMin from Palmer it became good news at Braxton Memorial and led to conversation between Allan and Ben, in which Ben shared that his grandfather had graduated from the same seminary. About a week later, Allan brought the book Praise & Promise, A Pictorial History of The Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary by Randall L. Frame to Ben’s office and there on the front cover was a photo that included Ben’s grandfather, Boyce Moody. This made Ben want to learn more, and Allan connected Ben with Eastern University historian, Dr. Frederick John Boehlke, Jr.
Boyce grew up in Richmond, VA and after attending the University of Richmond came to Philadelphia, PA to attend Crozer Theological Seminary. In 1925, he transferred to Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary. About the time he began attending Eastern, Boyce accepted a pastorate at Memorial Baptist Church in Hampton, VA. His commitment to his pastorate in Hampton and his studies at Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary were deep as evidenced by the commute he undertook for three years until his graduation from seminary in 1928. According to his daughter, Jean Moody Vincent, he commuted between Hampton, VA and Philadelphia, PA by riding the Old Bay Line ferry from Old Point Comfort in Hampton to Baltimore, MD and then catching a train to Philadelphia. He would leave on a Sunday night, and arrive in Philadelphia Monday morning to attend classes during the week. He would reverse the trip on Thursday to return to Hampton to take care of his pastoral duties on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Allan Copenhaver is also the Site Coordinator and Recruiter for Palmer Theological Seminary in West Virginia and in that capacity he invited Ben to address the graduates at the 2015 West Virginia commencement. When asked how he decided on Ben as the commencement speaker he said, “His journey was too good to pass up. Ben’s story is a tremendous example of the legacy of the founders of Eastern.”
Ben said of the invitation, “I was both very honored and very humbled. I wondered if I was up to the task.” When asked how he felt while delivering his remarks, Ben said, “I remember thinking, ‘Why is a hospital administrator who happens to be a United Methodist speaking at a commencement ceremony for a Baptist seminary?’ I just hoped that the story I conveyed would be inspirational to the audience and that my grandfather would have approved.” At commencement, Ben brought his discovery from the box in the attic: his grandfather’s seminary diploma; his evidence of faithfulness. He told the story of how he came to stand before them. Ben concluded his remarks to the West Virginia Palmer Seminarian graduates with the following, “In the epilogue of Praise & Promise, the author Randall Frame concludes with a summary of the many reasons that he wrote this book. One of these reasons in particular spoke to my heart. He referred to a song with the words, ‘That our children and their children someday, after we have lived our hopes and dreams, will sift all we left behind and find evidence of our faithfulness.’ For my grandfather, I found evidence of his faithfulness. So tonight, I extend my congratulations to the graduates and also to all of you who have passed through this seminary previously. As you go out into your pastorates, your ministries and indeed in all that you set out to do in life, when your grandchildren and all of your descendants look back upon your earthly existence, may they too find evidence of your faithfulness.” FALL/WINTER 2016 |
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SORPRESAS DE LA GRACIA DE DIOS (SURPRISES OF GOD’S GRACE) by M. THOMAS RIDINGTON ’78, MAR '81, PHD
PALMER SEMINARY HAS LAUNCHED ITS FIRST SPANISH-LANGUAGE PROGRAM (MTS LATINO/A MINISTRIES) IN MEXICO ALONG WITH AMERICAN BAPTIST INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES (IM). Last August, eighteen new seminarians gathered in Mexico City eager to begin journeys in graduate theological education few thought were possible. According to program director and Palmer Seminary professor Mayra Picos-Lee MDiv ’96, DMin ’05, “the residency was a great experience. The group is very diverse, animated, committed, and everyone is very grateful to Eastern and Palmer for bringing this program to them.” Palmer Theological Seminary and Eastern University (EU) have significant histories of engagement with Latino/a churches commencing with a significant Latino/a ministry program under the late Dr. Orlando Costas and continuing with Esperanza College, which annually enrolls more than 250 full-time college students. In Latin America, American Baptist International Ministries is deeply invested with theological education. Rev. Adalia Gutierrez MDiv ’92, Area Director of Iberoamerica and the Caribbean, has garnered support for this pilot project and reported from the residency, “What an incredible week! As we prayed at the beginning of our gathering in Mexico City with nine men and nine women from different backgrounds and professions, we thanked God for the beauty of new opportunities. I am grateful for this opportunity while being a witness to God’s work in this world.” 22
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Most seminaries in Mexico only offer diplomas and undergraduate degrees in Bible and Theology. Leaders throughout Latin America have long sought access to Masters level theological education that better equips women and men for ministry. This need coincides with a desire for Spanish language theological education and training in the USA that is flexible, affordable and contextualized for Latino/a pastors and lay leaders, many of whom are bi-vocational. In response, Palmer Theological Seminary created a Master of Theological Studies degree in Spanish, in collaboration with IM, American Baptist Home Mission Society and several Mexican seminaries. Student Sury González’ words celebrate the partnership and the program. “There are not enough words to thank Eastern University and International Ministries for making this project a reality. If it were not for your efforts, we could not have access to such education. You have blessed me, and I pray that you will continue being a blessing for many, many more students to come!” The Spanish MTS is a two-year online program covering spiritual formation, theology, biblical studies, church history, ethics and practical ministry. Most courses will be delivered completely online, and a one-week residency will be required of all students each academic year to provide a face-to-face element for two courses, nurture cohort cohesion and strengthen retention through student capacity-building and personal advising. These residency training sessions will
take place in an accessible location for students where faculty will travel to meet with them.
The captivating vision of this collaborative MTS Latino/a Ministries is to build the capacity of Mexican seminary partners and graduate several generations of master’s level students who might eventually participate in the development of Mexican seminarybased graduate theological programs. Student Arturo Mazón’s appreciation for these efforts is obvious. “I have been surprised many times by God’s grace, and I am still not used to it. The effort that Palmer Seminary has made of bringing the MTS Latino/a Ministries program to Mexico for us to be blessed by it, is one of those surprises.” Sorpresas de la Gracia de Dios! It sounds to us like the vision is off to a strong start!
FPEAALTMUERRE THE LORD SAID TO ABRAM, “GO FROM YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR KINDRED AND YOUR FATHER’S HOUSE TO THE LAND THAT I WILL SHOW YOU.” GENESIS 12:1 All present at the September 14th Palmer Theological Seminary Dedication Chapel heard this Genesis command in a new way. “I look across this auditorium and see people of all skin tones…people from all over that God has brought to this place. Your journey is like Abram’s. We have come to a country that we did not dream of, one that we are not sure of where we are,” preached Reverend Ralph Branch MDiv '16 of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, NJ and recent Palmer alumnus. This notion resonated with those who just left home for the first-time and for the more “experienced” who left decades before. This chapel celebrated more than the institutional marriage of Palmer Theological Seminary (PTS) and Eastern University (EU)—they would now be sharing closets and bathroom counter space. The beginnings of 2016 found PTS students fraught with unknowns: a new location, altered systems and evolving identity. The EU community was uncertain: physically accommodating hundreds of extra people, shifting space and equipment, longer lines at Jammin’ Java. The months of tension dissipated in praise as lyric filled the air. The Palmer Praise Band, led by seminarian Jonathan Landis MDiv ’18, resounded, “Our living hope; Your presence Lord”, as the Spirit filled bleachers and hearts. Joshua Carson ’13, MDiv ’17, the PTS Student Assembly Moderator introduced the audience to PTS. The Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary (now PTS) was founded in 1925 as a place to train people for Christian ministry. Out of the seminary later came Eastern Baptist College (now EU). The Seminary is a theologically and ethnically diverse mix of students and faculty. They are called from many faith traditions, many countries, and many social contexts. The Seminary hub is now housed at EU with extending spokes: a West Virginia cooperative, an online OpenSeminary option, and a new Latino/a program. Carson concluded, “As Palmer continues to train people for service to the Church and to the world, we are excited to be here, doing life alongside the rest of the Eastern community.” This notion of “doing life alongside” one another reminds that we are “One in Christ. One in hope.” This response vibrated the bleachers during the chapel’s experiential meditation. While a call and response litany was read, representatives from both EU and PTS poured sand from individual vessels into one.
DEDICATION CHAPEL SEPTEMBER 14 TH, 2016
by CHRISTEN BLORE MDIV ’18, PTS STUDENT ASSEMBLY VICE MODERATOR
VIEW A PALMER WELCOME VIDEO AT EASTERN.EDU/WELCOMEPALMER The sand served as a visual sign of communion. The litany centered our hearts in worship. It rang of two missions becoming one. Reverend Branch said:
“We come together today as a people of God, creatively toiling with and by the Spirit in hopeful anticipation. Individually our gifts are unique; collectively they are as numerous as the grains of sand by the sea. Together, in our words and our deeds, we shine forward a unique and unrelenting love. A love that inspires and nurtures faith, that equips reasoning believers to interact with the world, and that works tirelessly for justice so that all may live life abundant. A love that transforms the broken into whole persons, that compels the sharing of the whole gospel, and that demands the proclaiming of the good news throughout the whole world.” God has commanded us the same as Abram, “Go”. All came to this same place on this same day to hear this same message for particular purpose. Reverend
Branch concluded, “God doesn’t give us a syllabus, God simply gives us an assignment…Sometimes it will feel as if you cannot overcome what’s in front of you, but God not only calls the qualified but qualifies whoever he calls… Just as Abram, you don’t know the destination, but God will be with you every step of the journey, keep on doing what God has called you to do.”
“Individually our gifts are unique; collectively they are as numerous as the grains of sand by the sea. ” – Litany Response
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2016
ATHLETIC HIGHLIGHTS SPRING
MEN’S LACROSSE CLAIMS 5TH STRAIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP Eastern Men’s Lacrosse claimed its 5th straight Freedom Conference title in May, continuing one of the most successful MAC championship runs in program history. The Eagles’ season concluded with it’s fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance and 2 players (Desmond Decker ’16 and Bryan Goetz ’17) surpassing the 100-point mark during the postseason.
FOR AN UPDATE ON FALL 2016 SPORTS, GO TO GOEASTERNEAGLES.COM
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ATHLETICS
TRACK & FIELD COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL OUTDOOR SEASON Eastern Men’s and Women’s Track and Field completed their inaugural season in Spring 2016 with numerous accomplishments. After being added as a start-up program at the end of the 2014-2015 academic year, Track and Field athletes jumped right in with their first appearance at the MAC Freedom Championship. Kierra Zack ’19 made history when she won Eastern’s first-ever individual conference title winning the 3000m steeplechase. Zack defeated last season’s champion in the process to earn the victory and achievement. Her time of 11:29 puts her in the top 75 girls in the nation. Eastern Men’s Track and Field also took part in the famous Penn Relays at historic Franklin Field in April. The prestigious meet, running for the 122nd time, hosts high school and college teams from all over the United States and beyond. The Relays also hosts international level competition. Brendan Latimore ’19, Alex Baldassarre ’18, John Sanders ’17 and Karl Leisch ’16 all represented Eastern at the historic event.
75 EAGLES NAMED TO MAC SPRING ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL, 7 ADDED TO ACADEMIC ALL-AREA AND ALL-MAC TEAMS 75 Eastern University student-athletes spread across 12 different sports were represented on the Middle Atlantic Conference 2016 Spring Academic Honor Roll. All student-athletes included on the list must complete the season on a team and be in good standing earning a semester GPA of 3.20 or higher to qualify. Eastern also had 5 winter/spring athletes named to Academic All-MAC teams and 3 added to the Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area Teams: Academic All-MAC: • Tyler Gehlhaus ’16, Men's Lacrosse • Jameal Hadeed ’18, Men’s Lacrosse • Sofia Franz ’19, Women's Golf • Summer Franz ’19, Women's Golf • Malcolm Garrison ’15, Men's Basketball Philadelphia Inquirer Academic All-Area: • Angelo Kelly ’18, Baseball • Tyler Gehlhaus ’16, Men's Lacrosse • Grant Williams ’16, Men's Tennis FALL/WINTER 2016 |
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Market Street. This quasi-retail space, which was leased at a fraction of the rate for traditional retail square-footage, is highly visible to both automobile and foot traffic. In addition, the new location provides unparalleled access to public transportation, including a way for students to get to and from Suburban Station without being subject to the weather.
A 3-POINT
SHOT IN COMMITMENT
Successful navigation of commercial real estate requires an understanding of the organization’s vision—something Adam Shute was quick to grasp in his painstaking work with several principals at the University, most notably Dr. Douglas Clark, the Dean of our College of Business & Leadership.
TO EASTERN by JAMES G. ROGERS CPA, VICE PRESIDENT FOR PLANNED GIVING
WHEN ADAM SHUTE ’01 FIRST ARRIVED AT EASTERN UNIVERSITY IN THE FALL OF 1997, BASKETBALL WAS HIGH ON HIS LIST OF PRIORITIES. Little did he know that a year later, a fellow native of Southern ADAM SCHUTE New Jersey, Colleen McClure ’02, would enter Eastern. Married years later, the Shutes now have three youngsters, ages seven, four and one. Adam found an academic home in what is now called kinesiology, which provided a certain symmetry to Colleen’s nursing pursuit. After graduation, he entered the workforce in the area of physical training. Before long, the world of commercial real estate beckoned, and he hasn’t looked back. Shute’s involvement with the hurly burly of commercial real estate was an example of divine blessing for Adam and Eastern. More than a dozen years after he pursued this industry, Eastern University wanted to expand its academic footprint with a satellite operation in the City of Philadelphia. Adam stepped forward and offered his invaluable 14 years of industry experience. Thanks to his ability to work with the disparate number of people involved in all the facets of commercial real estate, he successfully executed the University’s strategic plan, and the resulting space at 1601 Market Street is the exciting result. Shute credits much of his business success to the discipline of athletics he learned as a student at Eastern. The physical training was one sustaining aspect of his experience on the basketball court. Another was the critical necessity of teamwork. Like many alumni, Adam is quick to recognize that his school means more 26
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to him after graduation than it did during his years on campus. Applying the classroom and athletic rigors of what he’d learned during his college years to the wider world beyond has yielded him a great deal of satisfaction—a welcome perspective that is possible only through years of experience.
"Shute credits much of his business success to the discipline of athletics he learned as a student at Eastern." After years of lackluster leasing activity, Philadelphia has experienced a resurgence over the past few years, which has driven vacancy rates to well below the historical average of 1517%. Although that is more favorable for the city, it made Adam’s search for the ideal space more difficult. Shute was up for the challenge. After a two-year, exhaustive search, Eastern found its new Philadelphia satellite campus, complete with a significant branding opportunity overlooking
Why does Eastern want a presence in downtown Philadelphia? The short answer is to attract students in an urban market that has increased by some 800,000 persons over the last 10 years. Significant among that population growth is the Millennial generation, which is now the largest single demographic group in the United States. Housing statistics indicate that Millennials prefer to live in cities, at least before they marry and have children. This makes them good candidates for Eastern University’s city-based graduate programs. The University’s ability to serve students in Philadelphia is due in no small measure to Adam Shute’s professional expertise and commitment. Eastern’s present and future students have him to thank for helping secure this valuable, centrally located, urban campus for the University—clearly a three-point shot in the world of commercial real estate.
ADAM SCHUTE #42
PHILANTHROPY
dean’s list of donors Eastern University deeply appreciates these gifts and the donors who made them possible.
Contributions received between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016 1925 Founders Society $50,000+ Anonymous Beth Flaherty, Patty Flaherty and Ed Flaherty Dr. Josephine J. Templeton ** Comloquoy Charitable Foundation Trust ** John Templeton Foundation The W. W. Smith Charitable Trust ** Walton Society $25,000+ Shirley Haines Claghorn and George Claghorn ’44, H’98, H’04 ** Jane and James Crawford Susan Dahlstrom M.Ed. ’99 and Thomas Dahlstrom F/S ** Diana Drew Harbison and Samuel Harbison Melissa Hoagland and Guy Hoagland Gunta Plostnieks Jennifer Sarteau and Herve Sarteau Andrew Street Smith Trust ** Sodexo, Inc. ** Trustees’ Society $10,000+ Anonymous Catherine Cope Clemens ’92 and Steven Clemens ’91 ** Wayne Dietrich ’66 ** Connie Duffett and Robert Duffett F/S Susan Hooker and James Hooker Lucy Huff and Joel Huff ** Deepa Kurian-Joy and Aljit Joy ** Alvin Jepson H’03 ** Caren Lambert Pamela Merriman and Richardson Merriman ** Leah Welding Mulhearn ’03 and James Mulhearn ’03 ** Elizabeth Webb Swingle ’59 and David Swingle ’59 ** Lisa Dippre Titus F/S and Richard Titus ABC World Mission Support American Baptist Churches USA Aramark Global Business Services Grace Baptist Church (Blue Bell) **
Howard Supplee Memorial Fund Trust ** Edwin M. Lavino Foundation Trust ** Liberty Mutual Group Inc. The Merck Foundation ** Sarah S. McLeod Trust National Philanthropic Trust Philadelphia Baptist Association Frances S. Wiggen Trust ** Eagle Circle $5,000+ LaVonne Althouse DMin ’81 ** Dr. Bettie Ann Morse Brigham ’74 F/S and Dr. Timothy Brigham ’76 MDiv ’79 ** Lauren Brigham-Burke ’80 David Clark ’85 Kathleen Dantzler and John Dantzler Nancy Davis ** Heather Gallagher and Kevin Gallagher ** Susan Mugridge Gough ’67 and W. Donald Gough ’67 ** Tangela Jones and J. Pernell Jones F/S ** Terry Mandarino and Michael Mandarino ** Ruth McKeaney and Robert McKeaney Robert Moffitt ’65 MDiv ’71 ** Stephanie and Charles Olson ’90 ** Marilyn Parke + and Samuel Parke + Cheryl Pauley and John Pauley F/S ** Suzanne Perot ** Susana Rohrer and Daniel Rohrer ** Benjamin Ruegsegger ’01 ** Jessica Muni Russell ’13 and Jeffrey Russell ’13 F/S Helen Johnson Sunday ’65 Nancy Thomas F/S ** Lisa Weyerhaeuser and Dan Weyerhaeuser Kelly Van Der Aa Wilbraham ’02 ** Maurice Workman ** Gary Young ’75 Althea J. Carnell Trust ** American Baptist Foundation Baptist Church of West Chester ** Barnabas Foundation BNY Mellon Estate of Catherine B. Chapin First Baptist Church (Lansdale) **
legend:
Frederick and Margaret L. Weyerhaeuser Foundation Northwestern Mutual Foundation Pfizer Foundation Matching Gifts Program** Sovereign Insurance Group ** West Virginia Baptist Convention **
F/S
Faculty or Staff
**
5 or more years consecutive giving
+
Deceased
H
Honorary Degree
President’s Circle $1,000+ Anonymous (5) Esther Sprowls Ashbaugh ’72 and Thomas Ashbaugh ’72 ** Madelyn Avila ** Diana Shawhan Bacci MBA ’84 F/S ** C. Thomas Bailey ’65 ** Lorina Barbalas and Michael Barbalas Susan Denman and Simeon Bardin ** Marjorie Bass Willo Carey and Peter Benoliel ** Constance Berger and David Berger Carolyn Rowley Best ’63 and Calvin Best ’61 ** Denise Beverly and Allan Beverly Valerie Black and David Black ** Jennifer Blythe and Shawn Blythe Marjorie Bogosian ** Colleen Dourte Bradstreet ’76 F/S and David Bradstreet ’76 F/S ** Manfred Brauch H’86 ** Cynthia Briggs ** Elaine Brown and Bruce Brown Pamela Brunk and David Brunk Annie Burriss Margaret Davidson Campolo ’59 and Anthony Campolo ’56 THM ’61 H’06 F/S ** Dottie Carlson and David Carlson ** Robert Cassidy ’65 ** Dianne Clark and Douglas Clark F/S Peter Classetti ** Darla Spence Coffey ’83 Stanley Coombs ** Ellen Cortes and Danny Cortes ’83 MDiv ’87 Rena Counsellor ’84 F/S and David Phillips ** Donna Daley and Thomas Daley Benjamin Davis ’05 ** Carolyn Brown Davis ’76 and Scott Davis ’77 **
Heather Dill and Jeffrey Dill F/S Shari Forsythe Draayer ’87 F/S Lori Anderson Dziedziak ’01 MA ’07 F/S and Michael Dziedziak ’01 MBA ’05 F/S ** Susan Edgar-Smith F/S and Lawrence Edgar-Smith ** Deborah Elken F/S and Kirk Elken Lucia Englander and Richard Englander + Elizabeth Evans and Ronald Evans ** Frances Fetterolf Conrad Fowler ** Natalie Furlong and Brent Furlong ** Susan Garofola and John Garofola ** Leslie Glatz and Mark Glatz ** Thelma Goble ** Hazel Goff and Kenneth Goff Karen Golden and Charles Golden ** W. Wilson Goode DMin ’00 Steve Goodman ** Marie Gordon and Jacques Gordon Maebelle Goudy Wilbert Gough ’50 H’73 Sherrie Gould and Stephen Gould Marilyn Guffin and Orville Guffin ** Richard Hagstrom ’61 ** Carol Hahn and Jeffrey Hahn ** Anita Hamilton and Herbert Hamilton ** Deborah Harris and John Harris Laura Hartley F/S and Benjamin Hartley F/S Kathryn Hastings F/S Dorothy Heebner and Gil Heebner F/S ** Margaret Hill and Arthur Hill ** Cindy Horst and Larry Horst
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More than 92% OF EASTERN’S CLASS OF 2015 GRADUATES
ARE WORKING FULL TIME OR ARE IN GRADUATE SCHOOL
Evelyn Howland Jeanine Hynes and Robert Hynes ** Linda Hytha F/S and Gregory Hytha ** Carol Iddings and R. Keith Iddings F/S Virginia Jones and Nathaniel Jones ** Matthew Kane ’93 ** Jean Bartholomew Kim ’61 and Roy Kim Alberta Kirk and Merritt Kirk George Kurz Alvin Lee ’65 MDiv ’70 Sarah Jane Levine ’90 ** Bruce Lockerbie H ’85 Shirley Lombard and Leon Lombard ** Jack Lottey ’54 BD ’57 MDiv ’57 ** Christine Mahan F/S and Joseph Mahan Marilyn Marles and Blake Marles Katherine Coulter Martin ’10 ** Mary Mason and Douglas Mason Terri McAllister and Paul McAllister ** Jane McKesson ** Susannah Cobb McMonagle ’06 F/S and Christopher McMonagle ’06 Joseph Meador Michelle Medes and Steven Medes Megan Mendez-Miller ’02 Eloise Meneses F/S and Michael Meneses Arlene Miller and Jacob Miller ** Matthew Miller ’00 Warren Miller ’69
2,475 donors INVESTED IN THE UNIVERSITY AND ITS MISSION LAST YEAR.
PLEASE JOIN THEM IN SUPPORTING EASTERN THIS YEAR!
Marianne Modica and Joseph Modica F/S Lee Morris ’61 MDiv ’64 ** Meg Morrison and Jeffrey Morrison Elizabeth Christeleit Mowrer ’83 and George Mowrer ’85 Theresa Newman and Bob Newman Robert Newmiller Nora Nolan and Paul Nolan Heather Willits Norcini ’89 F/S and William Norcini ’88 ** Karen Nyirjesy and Paul Nyirjesy ** Rachel Oliver and John Oliver ** Sandra Oppenheim Schiller ’68 ** Linda Parkhill and Dave Parkhill ** Susan Perras and Francis Perras Joan Phillips and David Phillips ’65 Sarah Sinclair Piff ’01 and Justin Piff ’02 ** Sonja Kristiansen and Jack Pollard Mark Press ’76 ** Barbara Psimoulis and Sam Psimoulis ** Catherine Rathmell and John Rathmell ** M. Thomas Ridington ’78 MA ’81 F/S ** Alice Rittenhouse and Norman Rittenhouse ** Barbara Rogers and James Rogers F/S ** David Rowlands ’63 ** Florence and Richard Rusbuldt ’51 BD ’53 THM ’76 H’79 ** Mary Rusbuldt and Richard Rusbuldt Barbara Russell and Earl Russell **
Wendy Ryan ’77 H’15 ** Charles Saunders ’62 + Kevin Schildt ’77 ** Allison Schill and Vaughn Schill ** Ronald Schlosser ’56 MRE ’59 ** Carol Young Schreck DMin ’99 and Peter Schreck Jo Ann Gunlock Sherbine ’68 ** Fred Shiffer ’65 ** Colleen McClure Shute ’02 and Adam Shute ’01 ** Lois Simon and William Simon ** Stacy Skinner and Steve Skinner Carolyn Smith ** Laurel Du Laney-Smith ’81 and Timothy Smith ’80 Cheryl Sparks MA ’09 F/S and Kenton Sparks F/S ** Deborah Spink Winters MDiv ’85 F/S ** David Steelman ** Carol Sundquist and John Sundquist ** Kristin Skibbie Thomas ’86 and Bob Thomas ’86 ** Lorie Thomas and Brian Thomas Peggy Parker Thomas ’63 and F. Ardell Thomas ’63 ** Maryke Tilma and Sierd Tilma Debbi Tuck and Russell Tuck Sandra Velarde and Rodney Velarde Kenneth Velez Mary Voorhies ’01 **
97% OF EASTERN UNDERGRADUATES
RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Linda Wagner and Mark Wagner F/S ** Rebecca Barnett Walter MBA ’93 Judy Webster and Frank Webster Nicole Weidner and Richard Weidner ** Brenda Weire Allison Wortley and Michael Wortley ** Jeffrey Wu Julie Yerger and William Yerger F/S Rachel Yonan F/S and Jonathan Yonan F/S ** Vivian Ziegler and Earl Ziegler ** Advanced Business Service Advanced Communication Technologies, LLC America Reinsurance American Baptist Churches (Rhode Island) ** American Baptist Churches of PA & DE The Baptist Foundation of Oklahoma Bethel Oil and Gas LLC ** Buck Run Builders, Inc. C. Charles Jackson Foundation Calvary Baptist Church (Clifton) ** Calvary Chapel of Delaware County The David & Dottie Carlson Trust Cohansey Baptist Church of Roadstown ** The Dallas Foundation Dayspring Foundation Deborah S. Harris Foundation DOTCMS Services LLC Easton Coach Company **
"I chose Eastern because I wanted to go to a university with a nursing program that has a low student-to-professor ratio for a more interactive and personalized education experience, and I wanted to be in a program that teaches from a Christian perspective. These aspects have proven to make my experience in Eastern's nursing program invaluable. I cannot imagine getting a better, more well-rounded education." ANNA HAAS ’16, NURSING
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PHILANTHROPY
First Baptist Church (Ashtabula) ** First Baptist Church (Bordentown) ** First Baptist Church (Dunbar) First Baptist Church (Honesdale) ** First Baptist Church (Lancaster) ** First Baptist Church (Milton) First Baptist Church (Newburgh) ** First Baptist Church (Pedricktown) ** First Baptist Church (Reading) First Baptist Church (Sharon) ** First Baptist Church (Wellsburg) First Baptist Church of (Troy) Estate of Joseph Hepburn ** Lauckport Baptist Church Lindback Foundation, C.R./M.F. Lower Merion Baptist Church ** Madison Baptist Church The Mennonite Foundation, Inc. Merck Research Laboratories Moreland Baptist Church ** New Hope Christian Church ** Oaklyn Baptist Church ** The Oliver Group LLC ** The Olson Research Group Inc. Oxford Circle Baptist Church ** Paideia, Inc. ** Parkesburg Baptist Church ** Pfizer, Inc. Phenix Baptist Church The Quaker Chemical Foundation ** Redeemer Italian Baptist Trust ** Richard R. Rusbuldt Construction Seaview Baptist Church ** Tabernacle Baptist Church (Utica) ** Van Riper-Ellis Broadway Baptist Church ** Wampole Enterprises, Inc. dba Jacob Schmidt and Son West Shore Baptist Church ** William L. Crilley Scholarship Trust The Winston Salem Foundation Wohlsen Construction YSC Camps
Maroon & Gold Circle $500+ Anonymous (7) Paul Ackermann ’02 ** Robert Addiss ’58 MDiv ’58 ** Augusta Tsie Allen MBA ’88 F/S Theodore Allen MBA ’87 Christina Amoriello and Stephen Amoriello Joseph Badecki Marc Baer Virginia Barbarin and Louis Barbarin Sharon Bates ** Barbara Gould Beech ’75 ** Joyce Bennett and John Bennett ** Pauline Wilson Berol ’90 MBA F/S and Peter Berol ’87 MDiv ’95 ** Sue Bryan Bertolette ’77 MDiv ’80 and Robert Bertolette ’77 ** Jan Bradstreet Bickerstaff ’67 and Charles Bickerstaff ’70 Rita Borzillo F/S Rhonda Brower and David Brower ** Elizabeth Brunt and Michael Brunt ** Suzanne Buannic and Denis Buannic Jeanne Wilson Bundens ’89 F/S and Gregory Bundens ’91 ** Sherri Wilcox Bwint ’83 and Mel Bwint ’83 ** Vincent Calderaro ’02 Dorothy Seger Case MRE ’58 Corrinne Cassidy and David Cassidy ** Kenneth Chambers Dr. Benjamin W. Champion ’59 ** Ashley Kuly Charles and Paul Charles ’11 F/S William Chegwin ’62 BD ’66 ** Donna Sugg Coats ’69 and Robert Coats MDiv ’68 ** James Cook Angela Coughran and Edward Coughran ** Albert Cowan ’69 Virginia Cragg Judith Cunningham and Robert Cunningham ** Taryn Deaton MTS ’12 Catherine Miller Detwiler ’13 and Austin Detwiler ’13 Jonathan Ekeland ’81 MAR ’86
Agar Espada ** Martha Fairfield and James Fairfield Michelle Fisk and Timothy Fisk Marie Fredericks Betty Friesen and Marvin Friesen Harvey Gantz ’79 ** Irene Genco and Peter Genco F/S ** Katrina Gierman ’96 ** Jane Sargeant Green ’57 and Paul Palmer Green ’57 DMin ’85 ** Joyce Gutelius and Harry Gutelius F/S ** Ruth Hancock-Stefan and George Hancock-Stefan F/S Lois Hoffman and Donald Hoffman Alicyn Huddell CERT ’13 and Walter Huddell F/S ** Michael Inman ’90 Harold Johnson ’61 ** Kimberlee Johnson F/S ** Hazel Keeley ** Winnifred King and David King Christine Schmidt Krout ’08 and Brendon Krout ’07 Mary Ann Kull Marjorie Hill Langston ’98 ** Corinne Latini ’01 MEd ’07 F/S ** Ping Lawton F/S and Jeffrey Lawton F/S ** Dennis Ledebur Judith Zimmerman Lister ’58 ** Richard Locker ’66 ** Abdiel Lorente ’63 Lois Lowry F/S Denise Lozzi and Vincent Lozzi Tina Mackie MDiv ’99 Eileen McGovern F/S Thomas McInnes ’57 MDiv ’70 ** Cherie Ginther Moore ’62 and Edgar Moore ’61 Carol Mowry and Thomas Mowry ** Annie Mtika and Mike Mtika F/S ** David Nelson Ronald Nowek Mary Nunnery ** Eunice Ohlmann and Eric Ohlmann ** Jacquelyn Osborne and James Osborne ** Terry Oyafuso and Osamu Oyafuso ** Christina Lopez Perkins ’11 and Bryan Perkins ’13
Robert Plimpton ’63 ** S. Timothy Pretz DMin ’97 F/S ** Barbara Prickett ’74 ** Marilyn Kreckmann Radley ’71 and Scott Radley MBA ’93 ** Jeanne Riegsecker and Glen Riegsecker George Rigby ’63 ** Derek Ritchie ’89 MBA ’07 ** Anthony Romano Laura Romano Paula Westerling Sauer ’82 and James Sauer DA ’16 F/S ** David Schlosser MBA ’10 F/S ** Sandra Schopf and Edward Schopf Amy Schreiber F/S Paula Schwabenland and Edward Schwabenland Dorcas Diaz Diaz-Shaner ’58 MRE ’61 and Donald Shaner ’61 ** Arbutus Sider and Ronald Sider F/S ** Bryan Stevenson ’81 H ’99 Madalene Strumbeck and Dana Strumbeck ** Isaac Tam ’71 Sarah Tasker and Steve Tasker ** Rachel Trombley and Edward Trombley Victor Tupitza ’55 BD '58 ** Christine Unander and David Unander F/S ** Edward Warner ’58 MRE ’60 ** Betty Weaver and Philip Weaver ** Van Weigel MDiv ’79 F/S ** Shirley Tuetken Wilbur ’70 and Reuben Wilbur ’68 ** Marjorie Kinsman Williams ’64 ** Kathryn Wolgemuth and Donald Wolgemuth Vincent Woltjer ’91 ** Marsha Woodard F/S ** Robert Woodruff Kathleen Wright F/S and Anthony Wright ’12 MBA ’14 ** Aqua Charitable Trust ** Associated Specialty Contracting, Inc. Better Days Ahead The BioLogos Foundation Burton Baptist Church Capital One Services, LLC Christian Artists Singers Court Street Baptist Church **
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Edward Taylor Coombs Foundation Emmanuel Baptist Church (Parkersburg) First Baptist Church (Cuba) First Baptist Church (Dover) ** First Baptist Church (Endicott) First Baptist Church (Lima) First Baptist Church (Matawan) First Baptist Church (Vincentown) ** Great Valley Baptist Church ** IFF Inc. Lockheed Martin Corporation Lor-Mar Mechanical Services Inc. The MAE Group, Inc. New Jersey Superior Officers Law Enforcement Assn Ovations Food Services, LP R. B. Pharr & Associates, P. A. South Parkersburg Baptist Church Vanguard Charitable ** Wayne Sporting Goods Co., Inc. White Deer Baptist Church ** Leadership Partner $250+ Anonymous (4) Soo Abboud Barbara Andrews F/S and Jeffrey Andrews Kent Argenta Lorna Atkinson and Charles Atkinson ** Paulanne Balch ’72 Amy Cunningham Ballard ’13 and Brian Ballard ’10 ** Anthony Barr Marion Bartlett James Batty Sandra Bauer F/S and Daniel Prima ** Carolyn Bell and Ian Bell ** Wilma Bender and Tim Bender Donna Birdsong and Artie Birdsong Charles Blum ’66 Frederick Boehlke ’52 F/S ** Edward Boehne ** Peter Bolster ’63 MDiv ’67 ** Joyce Bomberger
Jamie Bonner ’17 Marie Boswell ’04 Robert Bouder MDiv ’61, H’83 Robert Bowdoin ’78 MBA ’94 ** Cynthia Boyd and Darrell Boyd F/S ** Mary Boylston F/S and Bruce Boylston ** Joyous Poelma Bronkhorst ’98 and Paul Bronkhorst ’97 ** Clifford Brown ’81 Christina Visher Brubaker ’12 and Redmond Brubaker ’11 Michael Bugler Kristen Cahill and Brian Cahill Albert Campbell H’84, H’05 Virginia Brown Campbell ’69 ** William Campbell ** Margaret Capers MS ’06 F/S ** Karen Carr and Timothy Carr Phyllis Whann Cassidy ’87 ** Heewon Chang F/S and Klaus Volpert Phary Chheng Melissa Cicci Cheryl Clendinning ’93 MATS ’94 Barbara Cosgrove Joseph Culin ’75 ** Elizabeth Hill Cutting ’58 ** Eleanor Daddesi DeVera Davis and Albert Davis ** Nora Barth Devlin ’11 ** Albert Dickinson DMin ’81 ** Christine Emmert Donald Enright ** Haley Erdlen Sylvia Farrell Wendy Fehlauer and John Fehlauer Jeffrey Fox MS ’97 Seth French ** Carol Frey and Evan Frey ** Jane Gay and Larry Gay Genevieve Gelinas Susan Scamman Girdwood ’64 and Frank Girdwood ’63 MDiv ’66 ** Carla Gore and James Gore
Gregor Grant ** Joy Greco F/S and Michael Greco ** Elinor Greenhalgh and David Greenhalgh F/S ** Steven Guthrie ’78 Linda Haughton MDiv '82 Daryl Hawkins MTS ’05 F/S ** Lois Hein ’08 Charles Hembree Janet Frey Hermans ’85 ** James Hester ’60 ** Jeanine Hilfiger ’72 John Hill ’64 ** Gail Reckless Hill ’63 and Samuel Hill ’61 ** Rose Holland ** Dena Honesty John Hoyes ’65 ** Dougie Hubbard and Richard Hubbard ** Lois Hutchinson and Ernest Hutchinson Jacqueline Irving F/S and Desmond Irving ** Daisy-Marie Cornue Isler ’05 and Joshua Isler ’03 ** Ruby Jacques and Leo Jacques ** Gilda Jean-Louis '05 MS '07 F/S ** Ruth Walton Johnson ’65 ** Yolanda Jones Johnson MDiv ’05 ** Debra Jones MEd ’94 Krista Kaliner and Bryan Kaliner Monica Kapur MBA ’13 and Anup Kapur F/S ** Martha Kehs ** Caren Kelman and Michael Kelman ** Wayne Kershner MDiv ’68 ** Edith Hartos-Kirchner ’72 F/S and Paul Kirchner ’MEd ’00 Eloise Knight and Henry Knight ** Wendi Clark Kraft ’87 Elise Krigline and Alan Krigline Natissa Kultan-Pfautz MS ’08 F/S ** Eleanor Lan Denise Lapsley and Denise Lapsley Christine Hadley Laquintano ’70 and David Laquintano ’72 MDiv ’75 **
David Laubach MDiv ’72 ** Carleen Layman ’98 ** A. Barbara Liston Lehman ’58 ** Isabel Kohler Lehman ’61 + Chester Little Benjamin Lochstampfor Peggy Long and Paul Long Christy LoPiccolo Kim Lownes F/S and Tucker Lownes Douglas Lyon ’64 Janet MacIntyre ** Donna Gellert Maher ’81 and Christopher Maher ’82 ** John Maun MDiv ’70 ** Lynda May and Edwin May ** Dodi McArthur and Allen McArthur Patricia McCormack and Robert McCormack ** David McCormick Ruth McFarland MATS ’00 Ronald McGinnis ’60 BD '63 ** Mary Ellen McGrath and Arthur McGrath ** Danielle McKnight and Victor McKnight Katherine McNabb and Bill McNabb Constance McNamara and John McNamara Mary Ann McPherson MDiv ’84 Peggy Meier and Henry Meier ** Sara Miles F/S and John Miles ** Kathleen Miller and Stephen Miller ** Dorothy Mink and David Mink Joao Monteiro F/S ** Kristin Morgan and Daniel Morgan Daniel Mouw F/S ** Philip Mugridge ’76 F/S ** Ethan Nadorlik Mary Needs and Robert Needs Clark Neilson ** Barbara Fitts Nickerson ’74 Ruth Anne Davis Offutt ’63 and William Offutt ’63 ** Jessica Ohlin and Patrick Ohlin Joon-Seo Park F/S ** Terri Parker and John Parker
"A four year education at any university is an amazing opportunity that comes with a price... literally. Scholarships have helped me financially pursue my dreams in becoming an expert in the Exercise Science Department. It will always be a reminder as to why I try so hard to understand material and work hard towards graduation." ANDREW CHECK ’16, EXERCISE SCIENCE
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PHILANTHROPY
Darrell Pearson DMin ’10 F/S ** Laura Larrabee Pelfrey ’79 Archie Pelington Amy Wilcox Perez ’95 ** Mary Peters F/S ** Marlyce Peterson and Carl Peterson Erika Velthuis Pillai ’98 and Rajendra Pillai MBA ’98 Barbara Pisani and Ralph Pisani ** MaryClare Plucinsky and Mark Plucinsky Jadon Ramsing William Reed Patricia Reger F/S John Remsberg ’16 Adele Ressler F/S and Mark Ressler Carol Bohlin Riggs ’62 and Benjamin Riggs ’63 ** Wayne Riniker ’72 ** Steven Robison ’74 Andrea Reed Rodgers ’05 F/S ** Candice Rogers and Benjamin Rogers ** Phyllis Rudnick and Bob Rudnick ** Scott Runyan ’91 Mike Russo ** Debbie Ryan and Tom Ryan Annette Ryder Kathryn Sampson and Kenneth Sampson Sandy Saracco and John Saracco Jill Savitz and Fred Savitz Mark Saylor ’02 Linda Schamburger Sheila Schmitz and Kenneth Schmitz ** Craig Scott Mary Alice Shaver ** Heather Sheehan Margaret Shemonski and Robert Shemonski Thomas Shreve ’61 MDiv ’61 ** Joan Silfee Singleton ’88 Dale Slaght ’65 Helen Smith and Bill Smith Sandra Smith and Daniel Smith Diana Snyder and John Snyder Ruby Harkness Sosa ’78 ** Clare South Donna Borkowski Speeney ’89 ** James Stratton ’17 Sophia Tahopoulos F/S Young-Ah Tak Brenda Talhelm and Jon Talhelm Joseph Tatta ’55 ** John Taylor ’66 MDiv ’70 ** Carole Thiemsen Elizabeth Hill Thoren and Laurence Thoren ’63 Ella Thorpe and Louis Thorpe ** Denise Thorpe and Paul Thorpe F/S **
Michelle Tonia and Andrzej Tonia Susan Sholtis Toy ’85 and William Toy ’85 Barbara Trok and William Trok Margaret Troncelliti and Matthew Troncelliti Katherine Urban F/S and Barry Urban ** Kelly Walenda and William Walenda Christopher Wallace Randolph Walters MA ’95, MTS ’96 F/S Betty Wardell ** Grace Wells and Charles Wells Julie Schrock Wicklund ’01 and David Wicklund ’01 ** Tracy Williams and Paul Williams Kelly Wilton and Thomas Wilton ** Joanne Winner and Roger Winner ** Mary Wright David Yhlen MBA ’06
First Baptist Church (Mansfield) First Baptist Church (Pontiac) ** GlaxoSmithKline ** Living Word Baptist Church Lower Providence Baptist Church Mastercraft Sports Flooring Mind2Market, LLC New Castle Presbytery Presbyterian Church (USA) Niemond’s Independent Church PABEC Systems, Inc. Peterstown Missionary Baptist Church Scotch Plains Baptist Church ** Second Baptist Church (Germantown) Souderton Mennonite Church Springfield Baptist Church (Springfield) ** White Clay Creek Presbyterian
Over $27 Million in Eastern scholarships and financial aid
WAS AWARDED LAST YEAR TO THE ENTIRE STUDENT BODY
Melissa Young and Gary Young Doris Zanchelli and Michael Zanchelli Andy Tonia Plumbing & Heating LLC Baptist Temple (Fairmont) Boreman & Babb, CPA ** Central Baptist Church of Riverton-Palmyra ** Charles Schwab Corporation Foundation Clinton Baptist Church Cocco’s Pizza Edgmont LLC Collegiate Housing Foundation Colonial Park Community Baptist Church ** Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Inc. Community Presbyterian Church Congregation Beth Yeshiva Crescent Avenue Presbyterian Church Extreme Auto Body and Repair Inc. First Baptist Church (Chittenango) First Baptist Church (Fall River) First Baptist Church (Freehold)
Evangelicals for Social Action is grateful for these generous donors $10,000 - $24,999 Patricia Ayres Pat and Doug Treff Hope Christian Community Foundation $5,000 - $10,000 Cynthia and Bill Dean Jeanne and Frank Jemison Janet and Charles Olson $1,000 - $4,999 Lois and George Beck Barbara and Jonathan Belding Audrey and Andrew Benjamin Mary and Jim Blankenship Katrina and Jim Carpenter Tom Cummings Deborah Greer Victor Kennedy
Kathy and Konrad Koch Betsy and Phillip Moyer Wesley Nord April and Claude Ragan Amy Woo and Paul Sonkowsky Jane and Jeffrey Stoltzfus Lorraine and David Stuart Ann and Bob Woodson $500 - $999 Rich and Brenda Ames-Ledbetter James Cates Nancy and John Duff James Emrich Judy and Bob Harmon Greg Jackson Peggy and Rob MacGregor Susan Travis and Jim Merel Ruth and Edward Mihevc Lisa and Bryant Myers Lavon Page Arbutus and Ronald Sider Lenora and Raymond Trembath $250 - $499 Mark Behle Susie and Woody Bowman Wendy Cheesman Ralph Eckardt Keely Emerine-Mix Peter Everts Thomas Faletti Elouise Fraser Gee Gee and Ted Hudson-Smith James Hatfield Leon King Matt Koschmann Janet and George Kwiatkowski Catherine and David Mace Laura and Paul Molter Eric Ohlmann Barbara and Roger Phillips Amy Reynolds and Steve Offutt Mike Rogers Carol Schreck Joanne and Gary Van Denend Theresa and Mark Wagenveld
Claghorn Heritage Society We gratefully acknowledge members of The Claghorn Society which includes all people who have remembered the institution in their charitable estate plans. Anonymous (4) Ronald Adams ’45 H '56 + Elsie Almquist +
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what does my dollar do at eastern? Here is a breakdown of how your donations are spent at Eastern.
Paul Almquist H '70 + LaVonne Althouse DMin ’81 Glenn Asquith THB ’35 AB ’43 H '52 + Madelyn Avila + and Manuel Avila ’50 H '81 + J. Samuel Bailey ’36 + Clare Baird + and John Baird + Florence Baker + and Nelson Baker ’30 + Josephine Redenius Baker MDiv ’84 DMin '84 + George Balla ’59 MDiv '59 + Ethel Barth + and Warren Barth Margaret Barth + and Omar Barth ’41 H '59 + Sharon Bates and Ewing Bates ’58 BD ’62 DMin ’90 + Barbara Gould Beech ’75 Martha Bisgrove + Ruth Blair + Jessie Smith Boal BSM ’40 + and Arnold Boal ’40 + William Bobb Frederick Boehlke ’52 F/S Sandra Bouder and Robert Bouder MDiv ’61, H’83 Otis Bowden Frank Brasington CERT ’34 H '54 + Marjean Brauch + and Manfred Brauch H’86 May DeLattre Brown BRE ’41 + Trevethan Brownlee and Herbert Brownlee ’42 Marion Burr + John Byitte ’41 H '67 + Anna Mae Cox Cameron THB ’38 + and Vernon Cameron Robert Campbell '47 THM '49 THD '51 H '74 + Conchetta Capobianco + Dorothy Seger Case MRE ’58 Sallie Smithson Cassidy ’63 and Richard Cassidy ’63 32
Shirley Haines Claghorn and George Claghorn ’44 H’98 H’04 Estate of Gertrude E. Clarkson Lillian Clemens + and Abram Clemens H '02 + Edna Crow + Charles Davis ’36 + Juanita Davis Charlotte Spitzer DeGregoris ’52 and Vincent DeGregoris THB ’52 Gordon DeHaas ’56 + Stanley Delp + Doris Harvey Dickerson MRE ’54 and T. Bennett Dickerson ’54 MDiv '54 Pamela Dunn and James Dunn MDiv ’74 H '05 Ethel Edward + Dee Carroll and Maurice Edwards ’74 Mary Ehly + Alice Elwell + Sharon Engel and James Engel + David Engelbrecht MDiv ’85 + Martha Englerth + Elwood Epps MDiv ’56 + Michael Evans ’94 Wesley Evans MDiv ’58 DMin ’76 + William Evans ’52 MA ’55 + Harold Faba ’54 BD ’59 + Frances Fetterolf and C. Frederick Fetterolf + Linda Cochran Fiedler ’70 and George Fiedler ’70 + Adam Fielder BSN ’11 Elizabeth Linder Flemming MRE ’55 + Sandra Flinterman ’82 + Mary Foehl Judy Fowler + and Conrad Fowler Carol Frey and Evan Frey Estate of Florence Fry Lois Smith Gabelman MRE ’39 + and Gustave Gabelman ’39 +
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32¢
PROVIDES INSTRUCTION
29¢
CREATES SCHOLARSHIP & STUDENT AID
20¢
FUNDS ACADEMIC AND STUDENT SUPPORT
12¢
SUPPLIES INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
7¢
SUPPORTS OPERATIONS
Jane Gahs Wilson MRE ’47 H '75 Ellen Gallup + Margaret Geegh MRE ’39 + Esther George + Henry Gifford ’53 DMin '53 + William Gifford ’51 + Susan Mugridge Gough ’67 and W. Donald Gough ’67 Wilbert Gough ’50 H’73 Marilyn Guffin and Orville Guffin Eleanore Guzewicz + Marie Hack and William Hack + Reba Halber + Carmen Halley and Michael Halley ’81 William Hand ’43 + Harold Hardwick ’44 + Deborah Harkness and James Harkness MDiv ’89 Evelyn Harmstad + Dorothy Harpster + Marion Harris Thomas Harris ’61 + Calvin Hayes DMin ’83 + Dorothy Heebner and Gil Heebner Marion Hickerson + Anna Hill + Margaret Hill and Arthur Hill Thelma Hill + Betty Hillyard and Donald Hillyard DMin ’87 William Robert Franklin Hines Trust Estate of Lillian Hitchner Marian Hoffman + and William Hoffman Vonald Hoffman ’51 + Beverly Holmen and Richard Holmen ’60 MDiv '60 Mary Frances Horton and David Horton BD ’63 Verna Mae Horton + and Clell Horton MRE ’62 BD ’63 + Sharon Houck and Dan Houck MDiv ’82
Harold Howard + Evelyn Howland and Joseph Howland ’54 MDiv '54 + John Hoyes ’65 Elsie Samuel + Samuel Jeanes THB ’38 H '66 + Suzanne Jenkins and Harry Jenkins Mary Elizabeth Jepson and Alvin Jepson H’03 Madeline Jochen and Victor Jochen ’58 THM ’69 Elizabeth J. Johnson and Richard Johnson Elizabeth L. Johnson and Robert Johnson ’41 + Ileta Johnson + Virginia Jones and Nathaniel Jones Margaret Jones + and Whalen Jones ’52 H '70 + Bonnie Juroe and David Juroe ’55 THM ’60 Margaret VanBuskirk Kane BSM ’42 + and J. Sydney Kane ’43 DMin ’77 MDiv ’67 + Estate of Elizabeth Kirby Emily Pearce Klaus BSM ’43 MRE ’48 + and William Klaus + M. Jean Knapp ’72 Allan Knight THD ’46 + Anna Koch MRE ’43 + Margaret Koch and David Koch Gilbert Kohler ’63 MDiv '70 DMin ’70 + Deborah Jarvis Kortyna ’74 and Gary Kortyna Homer Labin THB ’39 + Clifford Larson ’40 + Lilla Kirkpatrick LiCalzi MRE ’46 + Imogene Livingston + Richard Locker ’66 Frances Lottey and Jack Lottey ’54 BD ’57 MDiv ’57 Mildred Lydecker + Lillian Mairs +
PHILANTHROPY
Dianne Marsango and Merrit Marsango MDiv ’86 DMin ’01 Mary Marshall + and Jess Marshall Gaye Matherly and Robert Matherly ’61 DMin ’76 + Elaine Matthews and Christian Matthews MRE ’60 Irene Mc Dormand + and Thomas McDormand H '70 + Olive Fountain McBain '39 + and Leroy Doward McBain '43 H '69 + Betty McGowan Florence McGrath and Robert McGrath MDiv ’68 John McKissick MDiv ’69 H ’76 + Bertha Tower McTaggart MRE ’50 + and John McTaggart ’52 + L. Virginia Meadowcroft MRE ’39 + Ann Hoffman Melanson MDiv ’73 + Emily Merrick and Robert Merrick + Helen Miller + and Paul Miller Mary Ruth Mingledorff ’68 and Thomas Mingledorff Elizabeth Moore + Estate of Gilbert Moore ’42 + Maria Moyer and Edwin Moyer ’51 MDiv ’73 + Adrian Mumford ’44 DMin. ’78 + Jean Munro MDiv ’81 Barbara Cuatt Naugle BSW ’82 and Charles Naugle Pamela Nelson and Gerald Nelson MDiv ’78 Myrtle Wing Nelson '42 + and Leon Nelson ’43 + John Nichols MRE ’62 MDiv ’63 + Donald Niles ’49 + Stanley Nodder ’53 BD ’57 + Nora Nolan and Paul Nolan Irene O’Connor + Beulah Oerth + and Franz Oerth ’44 MDiv ’73 H '62 + Ruth Anne Davis Offutt ’63 and William Offutt ’63 Eunice Ohlmann and Eric Ohlmann Virginia Palmer + Andrea Palms and Roger Palms ’61 H ’77 Irene Paul + and Charles Paul ’45 +
Carolyn Fields Paullin ’69 and Lloyd Paullin ’66 Mildred Pease + and Leland Pease ’44 BD ’55 + Robert Plimpton ’63 Frances Porter ’53 + Phyllis Riday + and George Riday ’38 THB ’41 + Mildred Riley + and Earl Riley ’40 + Margaret Kane Roberts MAR ’72 and Dennis Roberts MDiv ’71 Margaret M. Roberts + Martha Robinson Raymond Robinson THB ’39 + Jean Rohde-Mahn + Susana Rohrer and Daniel Rohrer Martin Rolfs-Massaglia MDiv ’80 H' 11 + Jean Evans Rose '41 + and Elmer Rose ’42 + Helen Rosenberger + Estate of Amena and William Rosenberger Dorothy Rowe and Charles Rowe ’63 + William Rueckle + Florence Rusbuldt and Richard Rusbuldt ’51 BD ’53 THM ’76 H’79 Carol Murr Russell ’75 and Earl Russell, Jr. ’72 MDiv ’75 Barbara Russell and Earl Russell, Sr. Mildred Ruth + and Howard Ruth ’52 + Grace Scarle MDiv ’87 and Michael Taylor Ramona Scatchard and William Scatchard + Ruth Schenck + Patricia Schlosser and Ronald Schlosser ’56 MRE ’59 John Scott ’39 BD ’47 THB ’41 + Dorcas Diaz-Shaner ’58 MRE ’61 and Donald Shaner ’61 Susan Sharber and Richard Sharber MDiv ’80 Sara Sharp + Marilyn Shearer and Richard Shearer ’43 H ’53 + Eva Shepard THB ’32 + Mary Sue Blum Shier ’63 Michele Hebert and Fred Shiffer ’65 Carol Jochen Shinn MA ’66 + and Robert Shinn ’50 +
Viola Short Davison + and Allen Short ’54 MDiv ’75 DMin ’82 + Sylvia Shuman Joan Slaght and Dale Slaght ’65 Eugene Smith + Jean Smith John Smith + June Smith + Violet Smith + and Robert Smith ’44 + Eleanor Weeden Sniffen MRE ’44 + and Kenneth Sniffen ’44 + Helen Anderson Snyder MRE ’42 + and Alton Snyder ’42 H '55 + Josephine Soltis Cora Sparrowk + Florence Stansbury H '68 + Jean Stasi Mary Sterling + Margaret Stotsenburg + and Charles Stotsenburg ’42 + Beatrice Stuart + Helen Johnson Sunday ’65 Virginia Mercer Swetnam MRE ’57 Winifred Swope + and George Swope ’45 H '58 + W. Wendle Taggart + Linda Tanner and Dennis Tanner Dianne Tate and Samuel Tate Ruth Teasdale MRE ’39 + Ann Thomas MAR ’65 Anna Weigart Thomas BRE ’37 + and Richard Thomas ’38 MRE ’60 + Peggy Parker Thomas ’63 and F. Ardell Thomas ’63 Linda Thompson and Kenneth Thompson MDiv ’72 Rebecca Thorpe Pearl Tomlinson and Albert Tomlinson ’51 + Ethel Townsend + Grace Turley MRE ’47 + John Tyndale + Nancy Udall and William Udall ’55 MDiv ’72 DMin ’84 Florence Deisenroth Van Dyke ’68 and Glen Van Dyke ’67 Martha VanDam + and K. Aart VanDam ’50 +
Helen Vennell + Katharine Victor + Edwin Virginia ’40 + Richard Waddington ’58 + J. Howard Walker + Betty Wardell Edward Warner ’58 MRE ’60 Patricia Warner + Winona Watson + and Roy Watson ’49 + Anna May Weaver + and Clarence Weaver + Elnette Whipple + Gordon Whitney ’40 + Katherine Yeaworth Whittle ’93 and Douglas Whittle MDiv ’80 DMin ’89 Ruth Wilcox + Kathryn Wilkinson + and Rowland Wilkinson THB ’40 + Marjorie Kinsman Williams ’64 and Jon Williams Daniel Wilson ’41 + Robert Wilson + June Wolfe Myra Wolfe + Howard Wood Marcia Misteli Woodruff MDiv/DMin ’84 and Paul Woodruff Helen Workman + and Maurice Workman Ethelwyn Frederick Wornom ’50 Ennelle Shappell Wright ’52 MA ’64 + and Stanley Wright + Catherine Parker Wrisley ’63 and Stuart Wrisley + Louisa Grace Young ’51 and Robert Young ’51 BD '53 Isabel Zulker and William Zulker ’53 DMin ’78
For a complete listing of all donors, please visit eastern.edu Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. Please email advservices@ eastern.edu with any corrections.
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Alumni News Eastern Alumni Class Notes Donald Jones ’58 and his wife, Irma, just celebrated
1950s Rev. Dr. Norman R. de Puy ’53, BD ’56 and his
wife, Ruth, began 2016 with celebration. His 87th birthday was on New Year's Day and they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on March 17th. Dorothy (Richard) Hotchkiss ’56 and her husband,
Bob, now have four great-grandchildren in addition to their eight grandchildren and four children. They are very active at Market Square Presbyterian Church and have season tickets to the Philadelphia Orchestra and Walnut Street Theater. She has tutored reading in a local Philadelphia school and then became a travel agent for 25 years. She also says you can call her “a professional pastor’s wife”. The faculty/staff that made an impact on her was Professor Shinn. She appreciated his course in which they studied Geddes MacGregor’s book, “Christian Doubt”. If not for Eastern, she never would have learned to explore theology beyond the scriptures or enjoyed the richness of life in her small dormitory. Something her classmates would be surprised to know is that because her husband is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, she has enjoyed attending their annual meetings. The big question she’s pondering is whether to remain in their townhouse or move to a retirement community and where? Adelaide (Cadle) Young ’56 is married to Ralph Young ’55 and had “four wonderful children and
smart grandchildren (and wonderful too).” She was an elementary public school teacher. The faculty/ staff that made an impact on her were Dr. Ortegon and Dr. Grigolia. It is very nice and impressive the way Dr. Claghorn BD ’44, and his wife, Shirley Claghorn, have kept up with students through all these years. If not for Eastern, she never would have met Ralph. Something her classmates would be surprised to know is that she is a graduate of Antioch College. 34
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their 60th wedding anniversary in June. 1960s Carolyn (Bjorn) Stringham ’60 shares that after four
years on the west coast, her husband, Chuck has retired and they have moved to Ocean Park, ME. They are staying in the cottage for now and enjoy seeing old friends again as well as other Eastern Alumni who live there. Calvin Best ’61 shares that his granddaughters,
Kathleen, received her MD from UofP and is doing residency at North Carolina Children's Hospital, and Shannon entered senior year at Penn State and will be student teaching this year. If not for Eastern, Cal would have never met and married the love of my life, Carolyn (Rowley) Best ’63. Sam W. Hill ’61, who retired eight years ago, shares that he and Gail (Reckless) Hill ’63 continue to
enjoy spending time with their three daughters, their husbands, and their nine grandchildren. They had a Hill family reunion last summer, attended by 40 descendants of his parents (Sam Hill ABThB ’44), which include Elizabeth (Hill) Cutting ’58 and John Hill ’64. The faculty/staff that made the greatest impact was Dr. Kannwisher who introduced him to Psychology and his personal support made a big impact. Sam later became a Psychology professor. Dr. Grigolia also gave him personal support. If not for Eastern, Sam wouldn’t have met his wife, Gail, nor had the philosophical and theological grounding. Something his classmates may be surprised to know is that he sings in a church choir. The big question he’s pondering is “whether we will ever be able to accept differences and live in peace.”
chemistry professor William Hassler, who was a great teacher and a true gentleman. If not for Eastern, she never would have met her husband Roy Kim. Something her classmates would be surprised to know is that she teaches water aerobics and aqua tai chi at the local YMCA. Kathryn (Lowry) Lopez ’61 retired after her husband passed away in August 2011. Kay now lives with her daughter and family in CO. She enjoys being called "GranKay" by her four grandkids. She attends Community of Grace Baptist Church where she is active in several groups. She also exercises twice a week at Silver Sneakers for Seniors at her local gym. Faith (Johnson) Meier ’61 shares that her church
family rallied around her, prayed, helped, and comforted her when her husband, Charlie Meier ’62 passed away on May 28, 2013. Her family is also supportive, which includes five granddaughters, including two adopted from China. Faith spent 29 years teaching in New Jersey and is a pianist at Coleman Chapel in Lititz, PA. The faculty/staff that made the greatest impact on her were Dr. Ernest Ackley and Mrs. Roberta Thomas (wife of professor John W. Thomas BD ’41). Dr. Ackley insisted on top grade work, but he was really kind and caring. Mrs. Thomas was her cooperating teacher while she did her student teaching at Radnor Jr. High. She was a great mentor. If not for Eastern she would never have become a teacher. She loved her 29 years of teaching high school English. Something her classmates would be surprised to know is that she has proof-read a book for an author and is now doing another one. The big question she’s pondering is “what does God have for me next?”
Jean (Bartholomew) Kim ’61 shares that she is still
Edgar A. Moore ’61 shares that he and his wife, Cherie (Ginther) Moore ’62, have two grandchildren
enjoying their twin grandsons (age 7). The faculty/ staff that made the greatest impact on her was
in college. He published a book in August of 2012 entitled Wow! What a Day! The faculty/
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staff that had the greatest impact on him was Dr. Joel Anderson who “performed such miracles” and trusts he would be proud. If not for Eastern, he never would have been “fortunate enough, brave enough, and grateful to sing Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra. It was certainly a life experience!” Something his classmates would be surprised to know is that he is thankful for and proud of his memoir and he is contemplating how to best promote it. Margaret (Fry) Storms Shickley ’61 has two children, Eric Storms and Ethel (Storms) Swartley ’87, and two granddaughters in college. She
received a Masters degree in Library Science from Clarion University of PA in 1991 and retired as Head of Technical Services from Lancaster Bible College library in 2007. The faculty/staff that made the greatest impact on her was Ethel Klingerman, the Library Director. Margaret worked in the library under her for four years as a student worker and two years after graduation. When she accepted the position at Manahath School of Theology Mrs. Klingerman highly encouraged her that she could catalog. This led her to her Masters degree and cataloging position at Lancaster Bible College. In return, she has tried to encourage others in the field. If not for Eastern, she never would have met her husband, Roger Storms ’61, with whom she became involved in third-party politics and had his encouragement to become more involved in church music. She never would have had the beginning to a career in (academic) libraries when he died. She says, “Eastern was the start of a new kind of life for me and I am still growing on that.” Something her classmates would be surprised to know is that she founded a small summer children’s library in Maine, she’s more involved in singing and playing piano for services at her retirement home, and she typed and edited a biography of a retired missionary to Hong Kong (Any Bush Will Do by Doris Ekblad Olson). Her pastimes include counted cross-stitch, reading and cryptograms. The big questions she’s pondering have to do with a rare genetic disease called Gitelman Syndrome. Because of distance and health issues, she’s no longer able to make the trip back to Eastern’s campus. She would love to see more college friends, so if anyone is ever in Denver, CO, she would welcome their visit. She says, “Eastern was the turning point in my life and my life has been different from what it might have been. It was always the most beautiful college campus I’ve known.”
The International Council of Community Churches has named Donald H. Ashmall ’65 its Council Minister Emeritus. Don served churches in Massachusetts, Michigan and Maine. He was a financial consultant for Merrill Lynch, and was a licensed Realtor dealing in residential and commercial properties. He began service in January 2011 as Council Minister of the International Council of Community Churches and retired in July. He was named the ICCC Trustee of the Year in 1997. The International Council of Community Churches is affiliated with the National Council of Churches in the USA where he has been a member of its Governing Board and chaired its Committee on Membership and Ecclesial Relations. Paul Bolster ’66 married Riki (Rieksts) Bolster ’67
in 1967 and they have three children and four grandchildren. They have lived in Atlanta for 43 years, been intimately involved in the life of their community, and recently have built and renovated homes with their son. Paul received an MA, has a PhD in history from UGA and a JD from Georgia State University. He served in the Georgia State Legislature from 1974-1986 and was Legislator of the Year in 1979. He was an Associate Professor of History from 1972-1986 at Clark-Atlanta University and a part of the Georgia Hospital Association (1987-1993), American Hospital Association (1993-1999), St. Joseph’s Mercy Care President (1999-2003) and Commission on Homelessness (2003-2007). He was Eastern’s Alumnus of the Year in 1984. The faculty/staff that had the greatest impact was Prof. Larry Ziglar because he was an importation in a career of teaching American History and encouragement in studying and appreciating history. If not for Eastern, he never would have met his wife…the love of his life. Something his classmates would be surprised to know is that he served 12 years as
a state representative in the Georgia Legislation and 20 years working for permanent housing for homeless people with a disability. He has also written short stories. Also, at age 70, he jumped out of an airplane at 15,000 feet. The big question he’s pondering is “how do I give up responsibility and still stay involved?” Theresa (Hickling) Church ’66 has been married to Roy Church ’65 for 50 years as of last July. They
now have seven grandchildren (ages 4-24) and one great-grandson. After living in their home for 42 years, they sold it two years ago and moved two hours away to Indianapolis where they bought a condo. They love it! Theresa worked for 21 years at the Wabash Carnegie Public Library where she was the System and Circulation Manager and was responsible for facilitating the library going “online”. The faculty/staff that made the greatest impact was Dr. Anthony Campolo ’56, BD ’60, ThM ’61. His sociology classes taught her so much about people - why they all are so unique and what “makes them tick”. She has always been interested in people’s “stories”. If not for Eastern, she never would have had the thirst to know God. She thought she knew Him when she arrived and left knowing there was still so much more to know. It’s a journey that she’s still on. Something her classmates would be surprised to know is that in 1994, she and Roy rode mules to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, stayed overnight at the ranch, and rode back up the next day. The most awesome and frightening thing she ever did – except giving birth to two children. Hazel Hardiman ’66 shares that she’s not married
and recently lost her last aunt, favorite cousin, and her musically talented younger brother. Her local Seattle “families” have been coworkers and fellow choral singers. She worked for many years in insurance claims and left to attend nursing school. She became a registered nurse, but had to FALL/WINTER 2016 |
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would be surprised to know is that he reads 6-7 books every few months, enjoys “Outnumbered” on Fox and “NCIS”, and still loves to sing. The big question he’s pondering is “how to serve best in the kingdom in my ‘vintage wine’ years and when will I finish (and start) my last book”. Lloyd Paullin ’66 is married to Carolyn (Field) Paullin ’69 and they have one daughter, Jennifer. He
retired from Lucent Technologies. The faculty/staff that made the greatest impact on him were Dr. Roy Kim and Dr. Tony Campolo ’56, BD ’60, ThM ’61. Alice “Candy” (Crockett) Rutter ’66 has two
retire from that (because of osteoarthritis) and went back to sedentary claims work. She then retired after her third hip surgery. The faculty/ staff that made the greatest impact were Prof. Kingsley Greene, who instilled an appreciation of ecosystems right there on campus; Prof. Jene Beardsley and John Ruth ’56 who awakened a lifelong appreciation of poetry and literature; Prof. Grigolia who opened new doors to understand other cultures; and Prof. Joel Anderson who continued her love of choral singing and travel. If not for Eastern, she never would have been to Nicaragua and El Salvador, Annapolis and DC. She joined the Peace Corp (Afghanistan), became a member of Seattle Choral Company, traveled to the former USSR and Australia. She appreciates many other cultures as well as opera and ballet. Something her classmates would be surprised to know is that she sang for 26 years with Seattle Choral Company and traveled with them to Moscow, Odessa, and Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) in 1986 and to Australia in 1988 to sing at their Bicentennial. The big question she’s pondering is "how to help the planet survive the climate changes occurring for future generations. " Mary (Naylor) Mild ’66 and her husband, Bill Mild ’65, moved right next door to their son and
grandchildren in Bound Brook, NJ. The faculty/ staff that made the greatest impact on her was probably Tony Campolo ’56, BD ’60, ThM ’61. Years later she heard him preach at an ABC conference and realized most of her beliefs came directly from Tony. If not for Eastern, she never would have married Bill! Richard Milich ’66 has four children and six
grandchildren. He enjoys spending quality time with his youngest son and grandchildren whenever possible. In the fall of 1991, Dick was selected by PA District 23 of Little League 36
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to umpire in the Big League Division (18 year olds) World Series tournament in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. In the spring of 2000, he was recognized as an Outstanding Teacher of the Year by the University of Maryland, having been nominated by a former student. In June of that year, he retired from teaching, following a 34-year career. The faculty/staff who inspired him were Larry Laugesen (Math), John Baxter (Education), and John Thomas BD ’41 (Education), each of whom encouraged and impacted him to become a top notch educator. What classmates may be surprised to know is he was a baseball umpire at all levels (from Little League to high school to college, to adult) for over 50 years, a soccer official for over 20 years, a baseball coach (youth, high school, and adult) for 25 years, and a soccer coach (youth and high school) for 20 years. Robert Muse ’66 and his wife, Carol, are still
active in church work and visit their two children (including Andrew Muse ’92) and six grandchildren regularly in northeastern Pennsylvania. Their third child, Joe, is still at home with them. Bob is an Emeritus pastor in Gloucester City, NJ and Carol is organist and choir director. They are planning holiday out West in the fall. Bob published Annotated Bibliography on the Book of Revelation in 1996 and articles in evangelical journals while in Canada. He taught college for nearly 25 years (five of them in Canada) and founded a Biblical institute while in St. Catharines, Ontario. He pastored small churches for nearly 50 years. The faculty/staff that made the greatest impact were Wesley Ingles, John Baxter MDiv ’81, Ernest Ackley, Joel Anderson, Bob Shinn BAThB ’50, and John Ruth ’56. If not for Eastern, he never would have been a pastor or college professor, grown to the love the Philadelphia area, or met Tony Campolo ’56, BD ’60, ThM ’61 or Joe Modica. Something his classmates
grown children and two grandchildren. She is enjoying God’s blessings of family, friends, and opportunities to travel (numerous mission trips to Central America and home). She retired after teaching 29 years of French and Spanish in both public and private Christian schools. Candy is involved in the local church with the Hispanic and prayer ministries and is also the Area Coordinator for Moms in Prayer International. The faculty/ staff that made the greatest impact on her were her language teachers who encouraged her: Mrs. Marianne Vos, and grammar class with Dr. John Ruth ’56. If not for Eastern, she never would have studied Spanish. Her major entering Eastern was to continue developing her skills in French after four years of high school study. Eastern’s requirements for a foreign language degree required her to study another language. Looking back, Spanish has opened many doors in ministry. She lives in an area with a significant Hispanic community. Something her classmates would be surprised to know is that she enjoys opportunities at a fitness center that include Zumba, aqua aerobics, body pump, racquetball, etc. – and as she says “having a blast (at the same time trying not to hurt myself).” The big question she’s pondering is “where did my country go?” John Q. Taylor ’66, MDiv ’70 has two grandchildren,
Gavin (9) and Evangelina (4). He is now retired full time after serving 51 years in the pastorate. Of the faculty/staff that made the greatest impact on him, he says “I can truthfully say that every professor I had in my years at Eastern made a valuable contribution to my future education in Seminary and my ministry.” If not for Eastern, John never would have been prepared for seminary and further education. Something his classmates would be surprised to know is that he still rides his motorcycle – a Triumph T110 Bonneville. The big question he’s pondering is “what does my future hold?”
EASTERN UNIVERSITY
ALUMNI
Girard Kent Walmsley ’66, MDiv ’69 has been
married to Marge for 50 years and in 2006 they moved into their first house. Kent received his Masters of Divinity from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary and was a pastor of youth ministries in Inghams Mills and Stratford, NY, FBC in 1,000 Island, NY, and since 1987, at Hope Memorial BC in Camden NJ. He is the founding member of Camden Churches Organized for People (CCOP), founding board member of the Camden Hill Community Development Corp, and conducted Camp Hope for neighborhood children and teens from 1990-2011. The faculty/ staff that had the greatest impact on him was Dr. Glenn Koch BD ’56, ThM ’59, Greek Professor, for his concern for the ministry and excellence academically. If not for Eastern, he never would have known what he could accomplish. Something his classmates would be surprised to know is that he is a seeker of justice for all and he works in the church and city to empower people. The big question he’s pondering is “what does God have for me to do yet?” Edythe (Sink) West ’66 married Glenn West in
1993 and between them they have three sons and five grandchildren. Edie received her MEd in Administration, was Executive Director of the National Stills Standard Board in Washington, DC, and had her own consulting business for many years. She has authored two books: 201 Icebreakers and The Big Book of Icebreakers. The faculty/staff that made the greatest impact was Jean Whittaker Mahn, the registrar. Edie worked in her office and she was delightful, encouraging, and “real”. If not for Eastern, she never would have met some wonderful friends. Something her classmates may be surprised to know I that her favorite movies are It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World and Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Also, she and her husband met in an airport and had a storybook romance. The big question she’s pondering is “what challenge does God have for me next?” George Allen ’67 and Carolyn (Heeran) Allen ’67
recently celebrated 50 years of married life together; now enjoying two adult children, six grandchildren, and two great- grandchildren who are all in Greenwood, IN. Richard Haviland ’68, MAR ’70 is now an instructor
at Eastern in both the undergraduate and graduate programs of the College of Business and Leadership. Dick has now published over 100 articles on Global Business, Leadership and Organizational Performance. He also serves as
the Board Chair of Project New Start of Delaware, a non-profit serving ex-offenders and working with Delaware's Criminal Justice Division, Court System and Attorney General's office. Joan (Parker) Frizzell ’69 has been elected to
The Court of Honor of Distinguished Daughters, the Hall of Fame of the The Philadelphia High School for Girls by the Alumnae Association.This award is their highest accolade and is given to alumnae in recognition of their outstanding lifetime achievement. The installation ceremony took place at Girls’ High School on Friday, October 28, 2016. John Zehring ’69 co-authored his latest book,
Beyond Stewardship: A Church Guide to Generous Giving Campaigns. He is a retired UCC clergy having served as Senior Pastor in churches in MA, RI and ME. Previously he served two decades as a Vice President for Development at colleges and a seminary. He continues his ministry as an avid writer and is author of more than two dozen books and eBooks. John, along with his wife, Donna (Taber) Zehring ’69, live in central Massachusetts and on the coast of Maine. 1970s Barbara Burger ’71 was raised in Hatboro, PA
until she attended Eastern Baptist College in the winter of 1968. She worked in social services in Doylestown, PA before she permanently moved to Santa Barbara, CA in 1976. After studying in Cambridge, England (British history, politics, literature and Shakespeare), she returned to Santa Barbara to start a career in the arts. She was Marketing Director and Education Coordinator for the Santa Barbara Symphony for 28 years and is now the publicist for State Street Ballet, the professional ballet company in Santa Barbara. Since 1984, she has served on quite a few Boards of Directors in the arts and music communities.
The faculty/staff that made the greatest impact on her was Dr. Tony Campolo ’56, BD ’60, ThM ’61, whom she met when she was 15. She was so inspired by him that she later chose to study sociology and anthropology at Eastern. His dedication to Christian principles encouraged her to give to his various causes over the last 2 decades. If not for Eastern, she never would have grown in her Christian faith nor studied sociology and anthropology (even though she eventually went into marketing and education). Eastern was the foundation of her spiritual maturity. Something her classmates would be surprised to know about her is that she has lived a full and prosperous life in beautiful Santa Barbara and is engaged to Paul Edward Munch. The big question she’s pondering is “although still heartily involved in the arts community, I await to see what the next chapter in my life will be.” After Eastern, Fleur Fong ’71 continued to study, earned a BSEE, and became an engineer. By God’s grace, she shares, she worked 31 years and is now retired! She says that all of the faculty/staff had the greatest impact on her because of their walk with God. If not for Eastern, she never would have learned more about Jesus Christ and other believers. She also earned a college degree with all the financial aid provided by Eastern and the federal government. The big question she’s pondering is “how to find more volunteers to do God’s work.” A grandmother of five wonderful grandchildren, Marilyn (Kreckmann) Radley ’71 enjoys traveling with family and friends. Last year, she visited/ toured 17 National Parks, cruised the Baltic Sea, and Alaska. She sings in the Philly Pops festival chorus for two programs each year. She was the Director/teacher at the Early Childhood Center for 17 years and then changed careers at age 50. FALL/WINTER 2016 |
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ALUMNI
EASTERN UNIVERSITY
She received her MHRM at Widener and then worked for Crozer Keystone Health System as HR manager. She was also the Director of Music for Audubon UMC in NJ for 28 years. She’s now fully retired. If not for Eastern, she never would have met life-long friends whom she loves and see so often!
David Bradstreet ’76, who is beginning his 41st
Ruth Van Dam-Hinds ’71 is retired and doing a
Mills Schools in Concordville, PA and he is assisting students with their math assignments. As a Certified Public Accountant, he has a big part in the Project Help math tutoring program at the school.
lot of knitting, promoting Bernie Sanders (and compassion in general), and spending time with her three grandchildren. Of her professional accomplishments, she shared they were many and varied, but all related to helping others. The faculty/staff that made the greatest impact were Peter Genco (logic); Tony Campolo ’56, BD ’60, ThM ’61 (peace), Fred Boehlke BD ’52 (made history interesting); Caroline Cherry (enthusiastic about Lit). If not for Eastern, she never would have become familiar with the Philadelphia area. Something her classmates would be surprised to know is “I’m almost always happy”.
year of teaching, was honored at the August 31st chapel for the 20th anniversary of the building of the Bradstreet Observatory. He also published his book, Star Struck (Zondervan, 2016) in September. John Liberati ’76 is a comptroller for the Glen
Michele Moffett ’76 has three daughters and six
the women's ministry. She continues to sing at church as she did at Eastern. She has a married son who is living in HI and a step-daughter and step-son residing in NJ who have blessed them with four beautiful grandchildren. Katherine (Modricker) Rice ’78 and Fiona Wehmeyer ’80 are serving on the board of
Rishama International. This organization is in the process of fundraising to build an orphanage and school in Keffi, Nigeria. Last year saw the successful purchase of the land for the project with a dedication ceremony in December 2015.
Congratulations to Steven Houser ’73, chair of Physiology & Director of the Cardiovascular Research Center for Temple University, who was recently named American Heart Association's next president.
granddaughters! She taught science (biology) at a Christian H.S. for 22 years and is now a medical assistant for a doctor. The faculty/staff that made the greatest impact on her life was Dr. Meyer because he always took time to encourage her to do her best. If not for Eastern, she never would have been a teacher in a Christian school. She loved her years teaching and enjoyed it. Something her classmates would be surprised to know is that she loves living in South Jersey near the ocean and her house is very much a little farm with chickens and vegetables. The big question she’s pondering at the moment is “where will God send me next to serve Him?”
Karen (Lawless) Rosenspire ’73 has been married
Shelly (Lamkin) Young Bell ’76 has been married
Bryan Stevenson ’81, founder and executive
to Allen Rosenspire since 1977 and they have two sons. They are moving back to PA after living in Ann Arbor, MI for 30 years where she has accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania. Previously she was at the Detroit Medical Center, University of Michigan and Henry Ford Hospital in southeast MI. She went into medicine after a 20 year career as a PhD level biophysicist in radiopharmaceutical research and development. She enjoys time with her husband and visiting their kids including Josh living in Aurora, CO who married to Jill Ferretti this summer. They also visit their son David in Boston, MA where he is a music production and sound engineer recently graduated from Berklee College of Music. She also enjoys cooking classes and listening to music. Karen's memories from Eastern include just being here on campus…it was so beautiful, and she really enjoyed Dr. Sayles' courses in Biology and Dr. Kim's chem classes. She also made lots of friends on campus.
to Richard Bell for 25 years and her daughter, Katherine Young, married in 2015. After 40 years in the field of catalog work, photography, product development, PR, and sales, she will retire in June 2016! The faculty/staff that had the greatest impact on her was Dr. Caroline Cherry because her sense of grace and “wonder” keeps her going. If not for Eastern, she never would have stayed in PA once she graduated college. She moved to Eastern in 1972 and has never moved out of PA. Something her classmates would be surprised to know is that she travels world-wide to bird watch.
director of the Alabama-based Equal Justice Initiative and award-winning author, spoke at the University of Delaware’s 167th Commencement exercises on May 28th in Delaware Stadium. In recent months, he has been referred to as “America’s Nelson Mandela” by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his organization received a $1.25 million investment as one of six recipients of the Skoll Foundation’s 2016 Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship. Stevenson has been instrumental in exposing the blatant effects that structural racism and classism have had on the justice system He also received The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights’ Hubert H. Humphrey Civil and Human Rights Award on May 11th, for his tireless efforts combating poverty and discrimination. He also appeared on the CBS This Morning show on July 11th to discuss the fatal shootings in LA, MN, and TX.
Maurice Edwards ’74 has taken a job at Taco Bell.
He shares that being in the trenches of clock punching is very demanding. The time at EU has served him well before and now. He says he's relying in his spiritual gift of exhortation. 38
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Joel Hawley ’76 and his wife, Carol, celebrated
35 years of marriage on October 3rd. Their six children are all serving the Lord in Canada, the US, and Zambia. He received his MMin from Bible Baptist Seminary in Clarks Summit, PA, has worked at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL, Missionary Development Program in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and has been a missionary to Haiti and Costa Rica, as well as a pastor. The faculty/staff that made the greatest impact on him were Dr. Joe Sheldon and Dr. Marv Meyer. Terri (Owens) Moorhead ’76 is retired and traveling
with her husband. They attend Calvary Chapel of Hammonton of which she is involved with
1980s Fiona Wehmeyer ’80 and Katherine (Modricker) Rice ’78 are serving on the board of Rishama
International. This organization is in the process of fundraising to build an orphanage and school in Keffi, Nigeria. Last year saw the successful purchase of the land for the project with a dedication ceremony in December 2015. Sharma (Jackson) Van Norton ’81 has two sons -
one who is the Stadium Operations Manager for the Oakland A's and the other son is the Youth Strategic Manager for the NFL in NYC.
Congratulations to Christopher Colucci ’84, a sound designer, who was among those who received one of the fellowship grants from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. The 2016 grants were given to Philadelphia artists and organizations. Glenn Kauffman ’86 has been married to June
King Kauffman for 27 years and they have two
EASTERN UNIVERSITY
university-age children. He is bishop of the Washington-Baltimore District of Lancaster Mennonite Conference and Lead Pastor at Capital Christian Fellowship, an international congregation of over 20 nationalities in the suburbs of Washington, DC. The faculty/staff that made the greatest impact on him was Dr. Donald Gray. He was always available and Glenn especially remembers an independent study with him on Urban Sociology. Something his classmates may be surprised to know that he and June lived in Hong Kong, China for 15 years. David Mayer ’89 was recently featured in an article
on Philly.com about the township he serves. Mayer is the Mayor of Gloucester Township, NJ and is planning to grow the township both commercially and residentially in the future.
In Memory
BY CLASS YEAR
1950s Richard “Dick” Perry ’55 July 12, 2016 William Mansdoerfer ’56 March 8, 2016 1960s Isabel (Kohler) Lehman ’61 August 4, 2016 Charles Saunders ’62 May 21, 2016 June (Glass) King ’63 September 4, 2016 William Bogle ’67 July 9, 2011 Haakon Knudsen ’67 April 8, 2015 Patricia Ingham ’68 August 12, 2016 Carol Sunde ’69 June 21, 2014 1970s Linda (Van Skoik) Thomsen ’74 May 24, 2016
ALUMNI
Charles Taylor ’79 February 11, 2015 1980s William “Billy” Knox ’81 June 30, 2014 Burrell Anderson BSW ’85, MDiv ’91 April 14, 2015 1990s Barbara Jordan BSN ’90, MEd ’97 August 26, 2013 Cynthia Robinson BA ’90, MTS ’96 September 23, 2011 Stephen Callison MBA ’91 July 19, 2013 Donald Judy ’91 December 15, 2014 William “Bill” Cebular MBA ’92 June 12, 2011 Laurel “Laurie” (Dyke) Phillips ’95 October 27, 2013 Delores (Oertel) Powell BSN ’95 August 31, 2016 Janice Szwanki ’96 March 28, 2014 Francis Friel ’98 January 4, 2014
John Petrillo ’75 May 22, 2016
Cornelius Wang MA ’98 March 12, 2014
Charles Koup ’76 May 27, 2016
Kevin Marcy ’99 May 17, 2012
Rebecca Peters ’78 June 16, 2015
2000s Charles Tait ’00 March 8, 2014 Linda (Bekes) Yoder ’01 September 14, 2014 Tobi Jordon MEd ’02 December 24, 2011 Vahe Medzadourian ’02 January 10, 2014
Meet your Alumni Council:
Katherine (Coulter) Martin ’10
James “Jim” Selby BSN ’02 September 4, 2012 William Stone ’03 June 15, 2012 George “Khalil” Davis MS ’04 December 25, 2013 Janet (McAfee) Brown ’05 May 16, 2012 Mikal Sabir MBA ’06 April 14, 2012 Ralph “David” Blontz ’07 July 20, 2014 Thyra Gillespie ’09 May 5, 2014 2010s William Benkert MBA ’10 August 22, 2016 Kelly (Whitsel) McGhin MBA ’10 March 10, 2016
2009
PRESENT
Faculty/Staff
MAJOR: Business Management
John “Jack” Baird (Former Trustee, Treasurer and VP of Advancement) June 8, 2016
CURRENT EMPLOYER: I am blessed to work for Sandy Cove Ministries as their Event
Leonard “Doc” Carr (Sodexo staff) August 22, 2016
Coordinator Supervisor.
FAMILY: My husband, Jack, and I have been married since 2014. He has a beautiful 10-year old little girl who made me "Mama Kat." We also have another daughter who will be making her debut in January of 2017.
WHY DID YOU SERVE ON THE COUNCIL?: Eastern has been a part of my story for as long as I can remember. It has left such an impact on my life and serving on the Alumni Council is the least I can do to give back to an institution that has given me so much.
FONDEST STUDENT MEMORY: There are so many memories! One of the top 5 has to be ice sledding down the sidewalk near Sparrowk.
TO SEE NEWS AND NOTES FOR ALUMNI FROM THE 1990S, 2000S, 2010S AND OUR GRADUATE PROGRAMS, PLEASE VISIT ALUMNI.EASTERN.EDU
FALL/WINTER 2016 |
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ALUMNI
PALMER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
In Memory
BY CLASS YEAR
James Talbot THM ’71, DMin ’77 August 9, 2011 Orville “Clyde” Bradway MDiv ’72 September 6, 2016
1930s Elizabeth “Betty” (Roberts) Wyckoff ThB ’38 August 27, 2011
David Pearson MA ’72 May 10, 2016
1940s Jessie (Smith) Boal BSM ’40 passed in 2012
David Watkins MAR ’73 October 26, 2015
William Nollman x’44 December 27, 2013 Rollin Tingley AB/ThB ’47 December 11, 2013 Doris (Smith) Rambikur x’49 March 5, 2015 William Flood AB/ThB ’49, DD ’68 April 28, 2016 Martha (Woolsey) Wacker MRE ’49 March 15, 2012 1950s Sydney Parker BD ’50 August 10, 2016 Mary (Bouchnowich) Brown AB-MRE ’51 March 19, 2014 Whalen Jones AB/ThB-MRE ’52, DD ’70 July 13, 2016
Palmer Alumni Class Notes
Nicholas Salios BD/MDiv ’53 May 15, 2016
2000s
Charles Tipp MDiv ’53 December 8, 2014
Douglas Avilesbernal MDiv ’05 authored a book,
David Wilson BD ’55, MDiv ’71 June 1, 2016
Merton “Mert” Steelman MDiv ’72 July 19, 2011
Charles Donophan MDiv ’76 December 23, 2014 Edward Richardson DMin ’76 July 15, 2013 Clarence Stubbs MDiv ’76 April 30, 2015 Carl Farrell Sr. MDiv ’77 April 5, 2016 John Richardson MAR ’78 June 8, 2014 George Vickers MDiv ’79 September 2, 2015 1980s Robert “Bob” Cook MDiv ’82 September 11, 2013 Albert Rowe DMin ’82 May 13, 2016 Charles Troxell MDiv ’82 November 12, 2012 John Kulp DMin ’83 February 22, 2016 Major John Smith ESCM ’85 July 5, 2013 Marie Ewell ESCM ’87 September 12, 2015 Rita Finn DMin ’89 September 21, 2012
Welcoming Community: Diversity that Works, which was recently published by Judson Press.
Shirley (Stowell) Dancer MRE ’56 July 2, 2016
Peter Sensenig MDiv ’08 and his wife, Christy (Harrison) Sensenig MA ’08, along with their two
Edwin Bangs BD ’58 November 7, 2015
1990s Glenn Creveling DMin ’90 March 17, 2016
Elbert Smith MRE ’58, DMin ’80 December 19, 2014
Oliver Johnson ESCM ’90 September 27, 2013
children, will be returning to Zanzibar where they serve as Missionaries with the Mennonite Mission Board. Peter has also co-authored a book, Peace Clan: Mennonite Peacemaking in Somalia, which was published in 2016.
George Parsells BD ’59, MDiv ’73 April 6, 2016
Burrell Anderson BSW ’85, MDiv ’91 April 14, 2015
Harry Steward BD ’59, DMin ’89 May 22, 2015
Wolford Lomax ESCM ’91 December 28, 2014
1960s Norman Sweeting ThM ’63 July 30, 2015
Douglas Slocumb DMin ’91 July 13, 2016
2010s Derek V. Gatling MDiv ’12 was installed as
pastor of the First Baptist Church of Jericho in Deptford, NJ on Sunday, March 13, 2016. Previously, he had served the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the South Jersey area for 12 years. Nick Lordi MDiv ’13 has been named the
Executive Director of Redemption Housing, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit startup that aims to provide stable housing and faithbased programming to men returning from incarceration. He has been working with Philadelphia's homeless population since 2010 and is excited for this opportunity to partner with local churches in giving returning citizens holistic support. Juan Aragón MDiv ’16 and his wife, Denise
Osejo, have been endorsed to serve as American Baptist International Ministries
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Luc Neree BD ’57 April 22, 2012
Procerfina (Plasus) Styles MRE ’64 January 15, 2012 1970s Neil Jackson MDiv ’70 October 22, 2012
Godfrey Noel Vose DD ’89 May 2, 2016
Fontaine Black ESCM ’95 March 24, 2012 Cynthia Robinson BA ’90, MTS ’96 September 23, 2011 Paul Frisch DMin ’97 June 15, 2016
Dale Cowan MDiv ’71 July 25, 2016
Serrato Young ESCM ’97 November 24, 2013
Walter Richards Sr. MDiv ’71 May 29, 2015
2000s Antinez Jones ESCM ’02 October 7, 2013 Barbara Foxworth ESCM ’03 September 5, 2014
(IM) missionaries in Chiapas, Mexico. They will work with the Council of Rural Indigenous Evangelicals of Mexico (Consejo Indígena Campesino Evangélico de México, CICEM), an IM partner in Mexico, to empower leaders in their communities. Through this new role, Denise and Juan will continue a ministry that they have already begun. In his current position as Hispanic Ministries Strategist for the West Virginia Baptist Convention (WVBC), Juan has worked extensively within the Mexican-American community, and this vocation has engendered a personal mission for both him and Denise.
John Urban Jr. MTS ’04 September 23, 2015 2010s Robert Jones ESCM ’10 July 5, 2012 Errol D. Gillard ESCM '10 September 17, 2016
Faculty/Staff Barbara (Martin) LeVan (Former secretary) March 14, 2016 William “Bill” Long (Former Chief Accountant) May 25, 2016
Claghorn Heritage Society FAMILY. CHURCH. EASTERN. These words, along with the music he makes, resonate with Eastern University Class of 1963 alumnus Robert Plimpton. An accomplished organist and church music director, he holds the title of San Diego Civic Organist Emeritus and he has been a faithful annual benefactor of Eastern over the years. Recently, as he reviewed his estate plan, Bob thought about what was meaningful to him, and included Eastern in his plan. He translates faith, reason and justice into spiritual growth, intellectual growth and social commitment. Bob says of including Eastern in his estate plans, “Since my time as a student at Eastern, I believe it has grown and developed into a better institution of learning, while remaining true to its Christian foundation. This is what I want to see as an alumnus and hope that others want to see that, too. I support the current and future direction of the University. Supporting Christian causes has never been more important than it is today. I wanted to leave a lasting impact on a place that meant a lot to me.” The Claghorn Heritage Society is a special group of alumni, parents and friends who have remembered Eastern in their charitable estate plans. Please consider joining Bob in the Claghorn Heritage Society. For more information contact the Office of Advancement at advancement@eastern.edu or 1.844.341.5932
ROBERT PLIMPTON ’63 FALL/WINTER 2016 |
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