Faulkner Magazine Fall 2016 by Faulkner University

FAULKNER FALL 2016

MAGAZINE

DEVOTED

24/7

SERVING ACROSS THE RIVER REGION

CULTURAL EXCHANGE A GROWING TRADITION

JOHN TYSON ADVANCING FAULKNER

Letter from the President, MIKE WILLIAMS

You’re the God of this city You’re the King of these people You’re the Lord of this nation You are

For greater things have yet to come And greater things are still to be done in this city Greater things have yet to come And greater things are still to be done in this city

The words above provide the perfect theme to this new school year at Faulkner University. Not content to sit on the sidelines, Faulkner University is going to be an integral member of this community, marked by service to others and service to Christ. In this issue, you’ll see that our students, faculty and staff are being the hands and feet of Christ, not just to the river region, but to the world. You’ll read how our Faulkner family has participated in cultural exchanges with China, served in Turkey, Mozambique and the Dominican Republic, and given back to our community with our second school-wide service day, Devoted 24/7. Faulkner is also seeking to serve our current students. We’ve finished construction on our new cafeteria in our recently renovated student commons, and our college of business is implementing a new vision for the future to better meet the needs of a changing marketplace. You’ll read about both these developments in this issue. I believe there is a fresh wind blowing through this generation. God calls us to be deeply engaged in our city. Faulkner men and women can make a tremendous impact in this community, but it’s going to be us who will be blessed.

contents

Cultural Exchange: A Growing Tradition

Rudy Giuliani to Headline Faulknerâ€™s Annual Benefit Dinner

A New Vision for Faulknerâ€™s Harris College of Business

12 14

An Interview with John Tyson

16 18

19 20 23 26 28 30 33

Moving Forward: Updated Cafeteria Ushers in Season of Change A Faulkner First: Brother & Sister Social Clubs Serve in the Dominican Republic

Faulkner Sophomore Travels to Turkey and Mozambique Devoted 24/7 Academic News Law Briefs Faulkner Summer Campers Glorify God with Their Gifts Sports Briefs Summer Reunion Alumni News 3

upcoming events

OCTOBER 6 Benefit Dinner featuring Rudy Giuliani 7-22 Agatha Christie’s Black Coffee 15 Eagle Run Small ad 15 Homecoming 26 Midnight Madness

6 1 0 2

NOVEMBER 5 March with the Eagles Day 9 Fall Open House Schedule of events DECEMBER 1-17 Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Faulkner University A

C H R I S T I A N

U N I V E R S I T Y

Editorial Staff

Administration

Publisher Patrick Gregory Editor-in-chief Christopher Kratzer Managing Editor Administration Loren Howell Staff Writer Michaela Pettway Design Angela Hardgrave Contributors Doug Amos Ryan Bartels Robin Bradford Rob McFarland Matt Sokoloski

President Dr. Michael D. Williams Vice Presidents Keith Mock Wilma Phillips Dr. Dave Rampersad Dr. Jean-Noel Thompson Dr. John Tyson Associate Vice Presidents Billy Camp Jamie Horn Mark Hunt Assistant Vice President Renee Davis General Counsel Gerald Jones

Board of Trustees Dr. Billy Lambert, Chair Mr. Ted A. Norton, Vice Chair Ms. Glenda Major , Secretary Mr. Roy Johnson, Parliamentarian

Faulkner University

GOEGL ALABAMA A

Place Month Decal Here

C H R I S T I A N

U N I V E R S I T Y

HEART OF

DIXIE

Place Year Decal Here

Mr. Jason Akins Dr. E.R. Brannan Mr. Jim Campbell Mr. Ernie F. Chappell Mr. Joseph W. Donaldson Mr. Michael S. Eubanks Ms. Carlton L. Freeman Mr. Justin “Chip” Garrett Dr. Jess Hall, Jr. Dr. John W. Hill III Dr. Mike Houts Mr. Frank “Butch” Jones Ms. Libby Jones Mr. Dale Kirkland

Mr. H. Louis Lester, Jr. Dr. Mansel Long, Jr. Dr. Henri McDaniel Judge Carole Medley Mr. Phil Norton Dr. Henry A. Parker Mr. David Phillips Mr. Mike Pickens Mr. Tim Richardson Dr. Bud Stumbaugh Sen. J.T. “Jabo” Waggoner Mr. Robert W. Walters Ms. Anna Weeks Dr. Jack Zorn

Trustees Emeriti Mr. Dewey R. Barber Dr. Charles W. Britnell Mr. Archie B. Crenshaw Atty. Fred D. Gray Dr. Kenneth L. Harris 4

Dr. Lamar A. Harrison Mr. David Howell Mr. Flavil Nichols Mr. B.O. Richardson Mr. Kenneth M. Shumard

Cu l tural E xcha ng e

A GROWING TRADITION BY MATT SOKOLOSKI PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

This past May, Faulkner University was invited to send a group to Xiangyang Vocational and Technical College (XVTC) as part of an ongoing cultural exchange program. The cultural exchange between our two institutions began in May 2010 when faculty member Dr. Jon Wright accepted an invitation to go as a visiting professor and to lead a group of four students for a month long visit. Since that time Faulkner has hosted two delegations from XVTC, and this past May the third delegation was hosted by XVTC. The group included my family (my wife Aleshia Sokolosi, our 9-month old daughter Esther Grace, and me) and four students: Brooke Fuller, a senior sports management major from Haleyville, Ala.; Laura Lambert, a senior education major from Montgomery, Ala.; Sam Welsh, a junior Bible major from Chickamauga, Ga.; and Aaron Reynolds who graduated in April with bachelor’s degrees in both Biblical text and English with a creative writing emphasis. The cultural exchange involves learning about the host college, the city’s history, and Chinese culture. Our goal was to not only positively represent Faulkner 6

University, but to also show God’s love to the people we encountered. During our free time we were able to encourage and work with several Americans who are foreign teachers in XiangYang and have connections to Faulkner and to Landmark Church of Christ. The teachers at XVTC include Faulkner alumni, William Cooper (‘06), Bre Bowers (‘15), and Austin Fuller (‘15); also in the city are former Faulkner employees, Bill and Judi Bates, and their son and daughter-in-law, Kevin (‘04) and Abbi Bates. During our three week stay in XiangYang we were introduced to different aspects of Chinese culture, the education system, historical parts of the city, and scenic surrounding areas. Our activities included visiting an ancient Chinese temple dedicated to a famous calligrapher, experiencing a traditional tea ceremony, making dumplings with faculty and students, learning Kung Fu from the student Kung Fu club, and enjoying a beautiful boat ride along the secluded South River near Gucheng. Throughout our stay our group also presented various lectures to the faculty and students of XVTC. I presented on

the purpose of a liberal arts education, fundamental questions of western philosophy, and art movements of the 19th and 20th centuries; Aleshia presented on the history of higher education in the United States, and the students presented on campus life and living in Montgomery. Our group was frequently asked to sing, which resulted in nearly every lecture or activity concluding with a song or two. We enjoyed singing “Faithful Love” most of all and it became a kind of anthem for our trip. Although we spent most of our time in XiangYang we were able to spend a couple of days in Shanghai on our way to the cultural exchange and a couple of days in Beijing as we headed back home. This gave us just enough time to see major historical sites in both cities, such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Another great blessing of the trip was the opportunity to visit Shiyan, which is only about two hours from XiangYang by train. Shiyan is the city where Aleshia Sokoloski lived and worked as a teacher from 2001 to 2002 through the China Now program. We were able

to spend a weekend in Shiyan reconnecting with Aleshia’s friends and former students who are still in the city. Our trip to China and participation in the cultural exchange was a wonderful experience. The hospitality we experienced is comparable to our own “southern hospitality.” While there are challenges with taking a 9-month old to China for a month, our hosts were gracious and accommodating, and our students were patient and supportive. Our students were great representatives for Faulkner University. Each utilized their talents during the trip, and they made great connections among the Chinese while also experiencing their own personal growth. Aleshia and I enjoyed building relationships with faculty and staff at XVTC and we are thankful for the opportunity we had to experience this as a family. We look forward to welcoming the next delegation from XVTC that comes to Faulkner so that we can return the hospitality and provide them with a wonderful experience at Faulkner University.

Rudy Giuliani to Headline Faulkner’s Annual Benefit Dinner BY CHRISTOPHER KRATZER Faulkner University announced that Rudy Giuliani will be the speaker at its Annual Benefit Dinner. During a press conference held Tuesday, March 8, President Mike Williams revealed the news. “Rudy Giuliani is a giant in the landscape of American politics, and we are extremely excited to have him here in Montgomery,” Williams said. “We are confident that those who attend the benefit dinner will hear an incredibly memorable speech from Mr. Giuliani.” Faulkner University’s Annual Benefit Dinner is a longstanding tradition and a red-letter event on the social calendar every year for Montgomery and the River Region. This year’s dinner will be hosted at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center on October 6. Faulkner has brought renowned politicians, journalists, athletes, coaches, comedians and astronauts to speak in Montgomery over the years. Proceeds from the dinner go to support the university, and student scholarships in particular. “The Annual Benefit Dinner is our biggest event each year. We love being able to share these great speakers with the River Region, but more than that, we are so excited about the scholarship opportunities this dinner provides for our students,” Williams said. “The contributions made by the people who attend our benefit dinner are changing the lives of students at Faulkner University.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED Inspired by Giuliani’s unwavering support of first responders, Faulkner plans to honor the men and women who serve our communities at this year’s dinner. Select first responders from across the river region will be invited to the dinner and take

part in a special program, according to Billy Camp, vice president of advancement and the event’s chief organizer. Faulkner plans to announce new educational programs to benefit first responders and their families at this year’s benefit dinner.

“These men and women put their lives on the line every day for their community,” Camp said. “We just want to show them some appreciation for the sacrifices they make for us.” The 107th mayor of New York City, Giuliani was born in 1944 in Brooklyn, New York. As the grandson of Italian immigrants, he was taught the value of a strong work ethic and a deep respect for America’s ideal of equal opportunity. He attended Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, Manhattan College, and New York University Law School. After joining the office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Rudy Giuliani rose quickly through the ranks, becoming the chief of the Narcotics Unit at age 29. After the inauguration of Ronald Reagan in 1981, Giuliani was named associate attorney general, the third highest position in the U.S. Department of Justice. In 1983, President Reagan appointed Rudy Giuliani as the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York. Giuliani spearheaded successful efforts against organized crime, white-collar criminals, drug dealers and corrupt elected officials. Few U.S. attorneys in history can match his record of 4,152 convictions with only 25 reversals. In 1993, Rudy Giuliani was elected mayor of the City of New York. Campaigning on the slogan “One City, One Standard,” he focused on reducing crime, reforming welfare, and improving the quality of life. In 1997, he was re-elected with 57% of the vote in a city in which Democrats

outnumbered Republicans five to one. Under Mayor Giuliani’s leadership, overall crime was cut by 56%, murder was cut by 66%, and New York City—once considered the crime capital of the country— became the safest large city in America according to the FBI. New York City’s law enforcement strategy has become a model for other cities around the world. This is particularly true of the CompStat statistical accountability program, which won the 1996 Innovations in Government Award from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. When Mayor Giuliani took office, one of every seven New Yorkers was on welfare. Mayor Giuliani implemented the largest and most successful welfare-to-work initiative in the country, turning welfare offices into job centers and reducing welfare rolls by 640,000— nearly 60%. On September 11, 2001, America suffered the worst attack in its history when terrorists crashed planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Thousands of New Yorkers were killed, including hundreds of members of the city’s uniformed services, who rushed to the scene to lead the heroic rescue of tens of thousands of people. Having narrowly missed being crushed when the Towers fell, Mayor Giuliani immediately began leading the recovery of the city as it faced its darkest hour. Mayor Giuliani was widely lauded for his steady hand during challenging times. He was named “Person of the Year” by TIME magazine, knighted by the Queen of England, dubbed “Rudy the Rock” by French

President Jacques Chirac, and former first lady Nancy Reagan presented him with the Ronald Reagan Presidential Freedom Award. Limited by New York City law to two terms as mayor, Rudy Giuliani founded Giuliani Partners in January, 2002, quickly establishing the professional services firm as a leader in emergency preparedness, public safety, leadership during crises, and financial management. Drawing on his experience in turning a city described as ungovernable into a city that is now a worldwide example of good government and effective management, Giuliani was recognized in Spring 2002 as “Consultant of the Year” by Consulting magazine. In May of 2003, Mr. Giuliani married Judith S. Nathan, who was at the time a managing director of Changing Our World, Inc., a national fundraising and philanthropic services company headquartered in New York. Prior to joining Changing Our World, Mrs. Giuliani, a registered nurse with an extensive medical and scientific background, worked with U. S. Surgical Corporation and BristolMyers Squibb. In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, Mrs. Giuliani helped coordinate the efforts of the Family Assistance Center at Pier 94. Judith was a founding member of the Board of Trustees of the Twin Towers Fund, which raised and distributed $216,000,000 to over 600 recipients. Mrs. Giuliani also served as the executive director of the Campaign for Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers in New York, which focuses on emergency preparedness in the City of New York. For tickets to the dinner call 334386-7257 or visit Faulkner.edu/Rudy

A New Vision for Faulkner’s Harris College of Business BY ANGELA HARDGRAVE Plans are underway for implementing a new vision for Faulkner’s Harris College of Business. Changes in the classroom and expanding community involvement promise a bright future for students desiring a business degree. “We were suffering from a lack of identity. Who are we? What do we do well? What do we stand for?” said David Johnson, associate dean of the college of business and professor of finance. “We need to be able to express who we are and what we value and also offer more to our students. We want to give students a means of personal accountability so that they can stand on their own two feet and be ready for meaningful work experience and job opportunities.” Students will assume personal accountability by honing timemanagement skills and increasing economic self-reliance. Mentoring will play a large part in both endeavors. “We have a very caring and competent faculty, who are prepared to guide and support our students in making critical decisions concerning their careers, majors, and schedules. But, given

that support, we also intend to hold them accountable for their choices and expect them to take ownership of their personal and professional growth. Structured mentoring will be key in that,” said Johnson. “We already have a level of personal service that is unmatched. We get to know the students and get involved. That lends itself well to a mentoring program.”

Accounting Society, which brings in community leaders to speak during society meetings. Programs and ideals are not the only changes, however. There have been updates to the College of Business logo and to the inside of the Harris Building as well.

Johnson said they want to expand the internship program, which will help not only the students but the community as well. They also want to give business majors the tools to start their own small businesses while attending Faulkner.

“Changes to the computer lab, classrooms, and signage will help to make the Harris Building feel like home for the business majors,” said Johnson. That sense of home is important to Johnson, as he and the other leaders in the College of Business strive to create a small community within the larger university setting.

These goals are now being met in part through organizations already in place, such as the Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organization, which facilitates networking and business inspiration, and the

“All of these changes should work together for a common goal—to shape young men and women with a Christian worldview who will take that worldview to their places of work, whether here in our community or even overseas.”

“We want to give students a means of personal accountability so that they can stand on their own two feet and be ready for meaningful work experience and job opportunities.” -David Johnson, associate dean and professor of finance

An Interview with John Tyson BY CHRISTOPHER KRATZER Dr. John Tyson joined Faulkner earlier this year as vice president for advancement. With 30 years of experience in education, Tyson’s leadership and knowledge are the perfect match to advance the mission of Faulkner University. We sat down with him and discussed his thoughts on higher education, his upbringing, and the future of Christian education. Where are your roots? JT: I grew up in a suburb of Fort Worth and lived in Texas all my life, until I moved to Michigan about three years ago. My wife grew up in

the Chicagoland area, though, and so we’ve traveled a lot.

from ACU, and that’s where we began dating.

How did you meet your wife?

You’ve mentioned you were a campus minister. Were you pursuing being a preacher at some point?

JT: Valinda and I knew of each other at Abilene Christian University (ACU), and then we went our separate ways. A couple of years later, we wound up in Lubbock, Texas. I moved to Lubbock to be a campus minster. She had gone to another town to be a teacher, and then she moved to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech for another degree in nutrition. We met at church, remembered each other

“I sense a positive expectation for what God can do here. I think that kind of attitude, that kind of spirit, is tremendously valuable.” -John Tyson, vice president for advancement PHOTO BY PATRICK GREGORY 12

JT: I was. My heart was in ministry, and in Christian education, so I got a bachelors and masters degree in Biblical studies and a doctorate degree in communications from the University of Texas in Austin. I was in ministry and had an opportunity to go back to ACU. When you were younger, what did you envision yourself doing? JT: I envisioned being a preacher and a lawyer, but changed my focus along the way and concentrated more on ministry. How has Christian higher education impacted you? JT: It has significantly influenced my life. I grew up in a Christian home and attended a public high school. I appreciated the focus on scripture and worship at my home congregation. It was at ACU that I got a bigger picture of the world and God’s creation, and I think a healthier view of God’s people. Why do you think that Christian higher education is important? JT: Let me tell you a story that I think

summarizes this. A few years ago when I was working with another institution, I had an opportunity to travel to the country of Madagascar. I serve on the board of World Christian Broadcasting Corporation, and we were looking for a location to build a short wave radio station in the Indian Ocean. We wound up with an opportunity in the country of Madagascar. While on this trip, I visited several business, government and education leaders. It was a U.S trade mission, and I was there to represent American higher education. As I made my pitch, I would indicate there were a lot of opportunities for a country like Madagascar to partner with businesses, but if they were serious about rising out of poverty, the most important thing they could do would be to invest in their most precious resource—their people. I was representing a Christian university that was looking for some of the best and brightest young people who wanted to go to the U.S, get a Christian education, and come back to be leaders in their country. Eventually that message resonated, and got the attention of the country’s president, Marc Ravalomanana. I was invited to meet with him personally. We met one Saturday morning in his office, and I made my pitch. He said, “That’s what I’m looking for. I want to send 22 students to your university.” That surprised me, and I said, “That’s wonderful! Why?” He said, “I’ve been very blessed, but the people in my country are very poor. I want them to have opportunity to improve. The two keys to overcoming poverty are the Christian faith and education.” Because of his conviction, he paid to send the students to America. That’s just one example where I have seen firsthand the powerful influence of faith and educating from a Christian perspective. We live in

a culture that was developed by people of faith who believed in Jesus Christ as God’s Son, and people who were educated, who sought a better life. They transformed their world and created the greatest nation on earth. Today, we live in a culture that is searching for its moral compass, and my own conviction is that one of the greatest things we could do for future generations is to equip people with the very best skills and open them up to the excitement of knowledge, while deepening their faith in Jesus Christ. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing Christian higher education today? JT: A big challenge will always be the need for more resources, and wise use of those resources. We need to find ways to inspire people to invest in this powerful tool, this ministry of Christian education, and then utilize those resources wisely to extend them as far as they can go. Another is challenging ourselves to constantly draw ourselves back into relationship with Jesus and look to God’s Word for solutions. There are so many distractions in our culture. There are a lot of competing voices, and it should not be taken for granted that this is a Christian culture anymore. The good news is the Christian faith becomes even more distinctive. I think all of us, as people of faith, have to continue to renew that commitment. You touched on the challenge of convincing people to invest in higher education. Why do you think people should give to Christian higher education? JT: Christian higher education is one of the best opportunities that we have to influence and transform the world for good. Young

men and women, the traditional undergraduate students, make a lot of very significant decisions while in college. Many of their great relationships, friendships that will influence them throughout their lives, are made there. They are very open and eager and energetic to learn. Christian universities also provide an opportunity to bring the mission field to us. We can bring people from all over the world and people from very different cultures into our family, our environment, and help provide a model for them for how to live Godly lives. Christian education is an opportunity to transfer those values. What do you think of where Faulkner is now and how do you see it growing in the future? JT: I’m very excited about the prospects for the future of Faulkner, being on the cusp of celebrating its 75th anniversary. There are a lot of friends and alumni that love this institution, that are in position now to be more helpful financially than this institution has experienced at any other time in its history. It’s time to really, in a systematic way, begin to think about how to develop a strong endowment to secure the future of the institution. I sense a very strong collegial spirit on campus, and I sense a positive expectation for what God can do here. I think that kind of attitude, that kind of spirit, is tremendously valuable. As I’ve begun to get acquainted with alumni and friends, I sense the optimism of people who have a deep loyalty to the university. I also believe that the kind of educational product we offer, the challenge to think critically, to think and act the way Jesus would challenge us to, are the kinds of values that are in high demand in our world today.

Moving Forward:

Updated Cafeteria Ushers in Season BY ANGELA HARDGRAVE of Change PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER KRATZER

Faulkner University has recently completed renovations on the campus cafeteria. An open floor plan, modern lines and colors, and new artwork were just some of the updates that greeted students and faculty on the first day of classes.

“Our students, especially returning students, are stunned and very excited about the changes here. We have heard from many who are so grateful and excited about our future at Faulkner.” -Jean-Noel Thompson, vice president for student services

In addition to the new floor plan and modern look, the cafeteria has a new name–the John W. and Patricia Hill, III Dining Facility.

The committee put much thought into the look and feel of the new facilities, wanting each detail to convey a sense of unity.

Mike Williams, president of Faulkner, Wilma Phillips, vice president for finance, and JeanNoel Thompson, vice president for student services, were members of the committee steering the renovations.

“While we strove for a more modern look and an aesthetically pleasing experience, we were really trying to convey powerful messages about who we are in Christ, as in the wall scriptures, as well as to emphasize the fact that we are a vibrant community, shown in the student photos,” Thompson said.

Thompson was excited to see the plans for the cafeteria come to fruition over the summer, knowing that the changes would affect not only the one building, but also the feel of the campus as a whole. “The cafeteria is truly the hub of the campus where members of our various constituencies come together—a place to enjoy fellowship and to strengthen our community,” Thompson said, “What better place than the cafeteria to make such enhancements? In addition, there were several functional limitations to the former set up that are now resolved, resulting in a much smoother service operation.”

Reaction to the project from new and returning students, as well as faculty and staff, has been positive. “Our students, especially returning students, are stunned and very excited about the changes here. We have heard from many who are so grateful and excited about our future at Faulkner,” Thompson said. “I overheard a student walking by the cafeteria while on her phone tell her friend that ‘the new cafeteria is amazing—you are missing out—come see it.’ Our faculty and staff are expressing similar excitement and appreciation.”

Like the students, the committee has been happy with the outcome of the renovations so far and is eagerly awaiting the final details that will be added over time. There were several people involved in seeing the culmination of this project, including John Hill, owner of Culinary Management Solutions, Faulkner’s food services partner, whose generosity made it all possible. The cafeteria project, while important, is only the beginning of a larger vision for the campus. More changes are on the horizon under Williams’ leadership. “We all see the value of enhancing the look and feel of the campus and are committed to providing top quality spaces for learning, living, and fellowship. This all has an impact on who we attract and retain,” said Thompson. “Our students deserve the very best, and we are committed to doing all that we can to enhance all aspects of their Faulkner experience. The cafeteria project is a great step in the right direction. Dr. Williams has a bold vision for the university, and there is much more to come.” 15

A Faulkner First: Brother and Sister Social Clubs Serve in the Dominican Republic BY MICHAELA PETTWAY This summer, brother and sister social clubs Sigma Psi Chi and Chi Omicron Chi partnered with Manna Global Missions on a trip to the Dominican Republic, that included Rebecca Potter, Paige Seaton, Carter Moles, Jordon Dalton, Nick Berryman, Maggie McGuire, Heather Hiers, Rebecca Smith, Katherine Griggs, and Raven Hill. Together, they spent nine months preparing for the trip, fundraising through bake sales, t-shirt sales, and collecting spare change. Participants also sent letters to congregations requesting donations. The team flew from Montgomery to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and from there, loaded onto a bus for San Juan. While in San Juan the team worked closely with “the disciples,” members of the Manna team. Carter Moles said, “They helped grow people closer to Christ in a more hands on way than a typical youth ministry would.” The beginning of the trip was primarily dedicated to seeing how the people they would be serving lived. This included visiting a children’s home. “It was interesting to see how different it was,” said Potter. “Their living room, dining room, and kitchen were about the size of a Harris dorm room, and then there was another side, about the same size, that had three or four bedrooms. It was all very compact, and completely made of concrete. It was hot inside and they didn’t have fans.”

Thursday they traveled to Bobita to help build a home. “That was a hard day for us, because we weren’t used to intense labor’” said Potter. “We’ve all worked before, but we’ve never dug through clay.” Multiple times, team members had to stop because they were feeling faint or nauseated. Potter refers to the following day as “maybe the hardest day emotionally.” The team visited a hospital and prayed for the patients. The hospital rooms were wide open, with eight beds and no air conditioning. “It just broke my heart,” said Potter. “We prayed over them and we got to talk to them a little. Our prayers were in English, but they still appreciated it.” That evening, the “city power,” which is similar to a battery that provides electricity to the home where they were staying, went out. The team, now without power, discovered the need to preserve the energy for later and more significant use.

Supper homemade bread was served, and purple Gatorade was used after the grape juice ran out. Monday was a free day. The team climbed to the top of “Prayer Mountain,” overlooking Rio San Juan, where they prayed for the people, their safety, and that good works would continue. They participated in “Club Chiquito,” which is similar to vacation Bible school, but occurs twice a week year-round. The team served seventy-two kids, creating art with them, playing games and giving them snacks. “All of the kids came up to us and hugged us. Those kids go home to poor conditions, and it’s so hard to let them go. But giving them that little bit of love and seeing their smiles was just amazing,” says Hill. On the eighth day of their trip the team loaded the bus for the airport and boarded a flight home.

After having some physically and emotionally draining days, the team got to enjoy themselves at the “Fun Fair” in San Juan. They were given bandanas, hacky sacks, a beach ball, and a soccer ball, and were instructed to create games to play with their visitors.

In discussing his thoughts about the mission trip, Moles said, “Typically when I thought of a mission trip, I thought, ‘let’s go knock on some doors, invite people to Church. Let’s baptize them, convert them’. But there are different ways you can impact people’s lives.”

On Sunday, the team visited a children’s home and they took some of the kids swimming in a nearby creek. They met another group of American volunteers. One of the men explained how some of the children ended up at the home.

Hill said, “I can only hope that they know that there is someone in this world who crossed oceans for them. That not only someone on earth loves them, but God loves them. I hope we gave them hope and encouraged their faith. Some people say short term mission work is pointless because you don’t have enough time to really make an impact. But I came across this verse during our solo time: ‘Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for Him is a waste of time or effort,’ 1 Corinthians 15:58. This verse kept me encouraged all week. I read it every day.”

“There was one girl whose mom would just leave her, because she had to work. One day, her mom left her in a fish market,” said Potter. The authorities who found the child labeled her mother’s actions as “irresponsible and dangerous” and the girl was placed in the facility. That afternoon they attended a blended church service with Americans and Dominicans. Both groups sang hymns, and then split into small Bible study groups. During the Lord’s

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY RAVEN HILL

Faulkner Sophomore Travels to Turkey and Mozambique BY MICHAELA PETTWAY

Breanna Newton, a sophomore at Faulkner University, experienced the realities of life on the mission field when she spent several weeks serving the people of Turkey and Mozambique. During her stay in Turkey, Newton lived with a Christian family living on the mission field. She spent two weeks learning about life as a multitasking missionary, and the plight of Syrian refugees.

Turkey “In Turkey, the city I was in was not legally allowed to have any refugees in it, so they didn’t get any federal funding,” said Newton. Because of this, the refugees relied upon the only two churches in the city. Syrian refugees lived in structures made of tarp and wood, and the environment was emotionally heavy, according to Newton. “To be the sole provider of your family, and then, not because of anything you did, things just go out of control and you’re not able to provide for your family, is really tough,” said Newton. “Just going in there with positivity and love really helps lighten their hearts.” Newton also traveled to Mozambique. There, she attended 18

a mission school where she encountered missionaries from around the world who shared their experiences ministering to various people groups. Newton noted the differences between the struggles of the Syrian refugees and the people of Mozambique. “In the Middle East, women are oppressed and treated like objects constantly, and have no humanitarian rights.” She says that in Turkey, she saw what kind of oppression the Muslim faith can bring. However, Newton said that “While, yes, they (the people of Mozambique) are of another faith, their main struggle was poverty. I saw children living in dirt, eating dirt, having nothing to eat, their stomachs bloated because they have no food.”

Additionally, missionaries and local preachers taught of Jesus. “In the United States, we get mixed up about what our purpose is. Our only purpose is to please God. God created us to please Him, to be in an intimate relationship with Him, and to tell others about Him. But because of all of the stuff, we get distracted from maintaining that. Living overseas, and on the mission field, that was very evident, that was their sole purpose, and they incorporated it every day.” “Being exposed to the power of God and His glory is really amazing and definitely stuck out the most (about both trips),” said Newton. “The people I encountered on the mission field gave me a different perspective on life. They definitely gave it to me more than I did to them.”

Christians, including Newton, shared with them spiritual food and drink – the message of the gospel. A team of missionaries, including Newton, evangelized different villages in a practice called “bushbush outings.” Participants rode for hours to remote villages that had never heard the gospel. Once there, they stretched out a tarp and showed them “a Jesus film,” a video depicting the life, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ, in their native language, Makhuwa.

Mozambique

BY PATRICK GREGORY “We should measure the value of Christian education based on the contribution we make to improve the lives of impoverished people.” Those words, spoken by Faulkner University president, Mike Williams, have defined the path for the university. Devoted 24/7 is Faulkner’s way of reaching out to those less fortunate in the River Region. “Devoted 24/7 seeks to serve the River Region in various efforts,” said Leigh Woodring, coordinator of service learning. “We began the week-long project two years ago to really get the students focused on service at the beginning of the school year.” Students have the opportunity to be involved with community service projects before they get involved with social clubs or any other campus activity. “We want Devoted 24/7 to set the tone for the school year,” said Woodring, “being a Christian, being more like Jesus.”

This year’s project sites were: Davis Elementary School, Adullum House, Family Sunshine Center, Reality and Truth Ministries, Compassion 21, House to House, Common Ground, Valiant Cross Academy, MDA and Lagoon Park. One area of service will receive attention the entire year. As part of the Montgomery Community School Initiative, Faulkner University will partner with Davis Elementary. “We are going to really lock arms with Davis,” said Woodring, “We’ll work to get the community more involved and use the school as a community gathering place. We’ll have mentoring programs, parenting classes and family movie nights, to name just a few of the activities. We will also work on the campus courtyard – to make it look better, and a group of our education majors is renovating the teacher’s lounge as a surprise for the teachers at Davis.” “We work with several of the college ministers in the area to help coordinate the students and oversee the different projects. Jon Podein, Faulkner’s assistant dean for spiritual life and chapel, sets the agenda for the first five days of Devoted 24/7, and I plan the work day.”

The new school year began with the first Sunday being devoted to God. Monday was devoted to fellowship; Tuesday, devoted to God’s word. Wednesday was devoted to unity and Thursday to prayer. Friday was devoted to service, and the entire Faulkner family faculty, staff and students - scattered across the River Region to work on various projects.

PHOTOS BY PATRICK GREGORY & CHRISTOPER KRATZER

ACADEMIC NEWS

the lives in this community, but let me be quick to add that we are the ones who are going to be blessed.”

OPENING CONVOCATION

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

During opening convocation held August 17, 2016, President Williams announced that Faulkner University would be partnering with Davis Elementary and the city of Montgomery for its Community School Project. Mayor Todd Strange approached Williams about the project, which aligns with Faulkner’s commitment to service.

On August 16 Faulkner University hosted the Special Olympics on campus. Faulkner students teamed up with the Special Olympics athletes in baseball, volleyball, basketball, softball, and bocce ball. Faulkner has hosted the event for the last seven years. Mayor Todd Strange

Mayor Strange addressed the student body, faculty and staff during the convocation. “This institution is a light,” Strange said. “There is a Bible story about not hiding the light under a bushel. President Williams, Chancellor Hilyer, and students, you are lifting that bushel.”

DAVIS ELEMENTARY Faulkner University’s football team, men’s soccer team and drum line welcomed Davis Elementary students to the first day of the 2016 school year.

Camille Anderson-Finley, Director of Community Schools, said “Great work will be done because of your willingness to not talk about it, but to do it.” “I believe there is a fresh wind blowing through this generation,” said President Williams. “God calls us to be deeply engaged in our city. We can make a tremendous contribution to

STUDENT AND FACULTY AUTHORS Faulkner University students and faculty have been busy writing and publishing books.

Robert Sorenson, a student in the humanities PhD program, is the author of Martin Luther and the German Reformation. “This book arose from my long-time interest in Luther,” said Sorenson. “Luther’s steadfast focus on grace and his dedication to the gospel have been deeply influential to me. When Anthem asked if I was interested in writing for their Perspectives in History series, a study of Luther was the natural choice.” Tim McNeese, another doctoral student in the great books program, authored Revolutionary Spies: Intelligence and Espionage in America’s First War. In addition to being a student at Faulkner, McNeese is also a history

professor at York College in Nebraska. McNeese has published several other books and was approached by Sterling Publishing, Barnes and Noble’s publishing house, to write about Revolutionary War spying.

Tim McNeese

“The book is about spying during the American Revolutionary War,” said McNeese, “and features various spies who operated intelligence operations and spy rings, including the now wellknown Culper Ring that spied for General Washington.”

related fitness. Unlike most other textbooks, Brown’s book teaches that the reason to take health and fitness seriously is because God has work for each of us to do, and that we can’t give our best if we aren’t at our best.

Robert Woods teaches in the great books program. He recently published Dwelling on Delphi. Woods’ book examines the decline of liberal arts and makes an argument for the continued importance of studying the great books as part of a liberal arts education.

“I first went with a church group to Mexico when I was 50,” said Brown. “I was part of the ‘build a house’ crew, and in 5 days we built a 12’x27’ house. I was sore and tired, but fulfilled beyond what I could have imagined. Now, I know why I walk every day, lift weights twice a week, manage my weight, and work at learning Spanish. God sent me an opportunity to serve rather late in life, and I am blessed to have been ready.”

FAIRES AUSTIN AND STUDENTS EXCAVATE TEL BETH - SHEMESH

Dr. Terry Brown, chair of the department of physical education and sports management, authored the textbook that is being used in the lifetime fitness classes. Like most other textbooks, Lifetime Fitness, God Has Plans for You! discusses health

This summer Faires Austin, Faulkner’s transfer admissions counselor, traveled to Beth-Shemesh, Israel to participate in archaeological excavations–an annual trek for Austin since 2006. This year he was joined by recent Faulkner graduate Brittany Payne, adult student Brittany Vincent, and about 44 other people including college students from all over the United States and Canada. The site consisted of ten five by five meter squares, and four students worked at each one with a supervisor. 21

Every day the team uncovered artifacts like lamps, juglets, idols, and even jewelry. Each afternoon, they cleaned and categorized their findings, and in the evening Dr. Shlomo Bunimovitz, a professor at Tel Aviv University, would identify the strata and culture the piece came from.

FACULTY NEWS

Even though I’m 46 years old now, I figured it wasn’t too late to tell you what a positive impact you had on me. Hopefully you don’t remember but I was loud, stubborn, often hard to get along with. Being young and stupid I thought most of the faculty had it out for me so I rebelled a lot.

“He told us ‘this is not magic, this is just forty years of experience,’ but it very much looked like magic,” said Payne. Team members had the option of attending lectures and visiting other locations. “We went to Gezer, Herodian, Beer Sheva, and Jerusalem. We saw the birth places of Amos and Micah and the areas where they lived and prophesied. We saw the valley where Joshua was fighting the Amorites. That was the site where the sun stayed still, and that’s just a few of the places we visited,” said Austin. “We were staying in the valley of Elah where David would have picked up his rocks to fight Goliath, and across from our work site we were looking at the birth place of Samson,” said Payne. “But a lot of the time I found myself just like how we would be here in America, just going to work not really thinking about God, but I was here in the Holy Land.” “The trip reenergized me,” said Payne. “I’m hoping that people will see my passion for it (archaeology) and that it will inspire them, and that they will continue with theirs.”

David Johnson

DAVID JOHNSON PRESENTS PAPER AT SCHOLARS CONFERENCE

David Johnson, associate dean of the college of business, presented a paper at the annual Christian Scholars Conference, held at Lipscomb University, June 8-10. This year’s theme was “Justice: Meaning and Practice,” and Johnson’s paper was titled “In Praise of Price-gougers.” Johnson also served as a discussant of “What Money Can’t Buy,” by Michael Sandel, a Harvard professor and keynote speaker at the conference.

I would have never got that degree without you guiding me. I learned a lot from your classes, but how you treated people, spoke to people, spoke to me, the kind of person you are inspired a sports driven, overly cocky, poor academic student to realize that education would take me further than sports. You are the main reason I completed a college education. I never said thank you... Thank You Doc! ~Nicholas Rauccio

DR. TERRY BROWN RECEIVES THANK YOU NOTE

Students often think of reaching out to thank a professor who impacted their life, but they often let the opportunity slip away. Recently, one Faulkner Alum, Nicholas Rauccio, took the time to thank Terry Brown. Rauccio writes: I know you have had many students over your time at Faulkner U but I

was hoping you remembered me. I graduated with a degree in sports management in 1995. You often said during class… “Mr. Rauccio’s opinion as usual will be devil’s advocate to our current discussion.”

Dr. Terry Brown

LAW BRIEFS

Faulkner Law Clinics Provide Service Learning Opportunities The motto of the Alabama State Bar is â€œLawyers Render Service.â€? Faulkner Law offers its students numerous opportunities to learn the law while engaging in public service. The Elder Law Clinic, Family Violence Clinic, Mediation Clinic, and numerous field placement clinics engage students while also providing needed legal services to individuals and churches in the river region.

Over the last few months, the Faulkner Law Legal Clinics and Public Interest Program have reached out to the community. Students enrolled in the Elder Law and Family Violence clinics represented 29 individual clients. Elder Law Clinic students prepare wills and other estate plan documents for lowincome seniors. These students also represent their clients in other matters such as guardianship proceedings, Medicaid eligibility for nursing home care, and probate court. Students enrolled in the Family Violence Clinic provide advice and counsel to victims of domestic violence. These students also represent the abused in court by filing petitions for protection from abuse. The Faulkner Law Family Violence Clinic maintains an office in the One Place Family Justice Center in downtown Montgomery and partners with One Place in providing comprehensive services to those in need.

Faulkner Lawâ€™s Mediation Clinic equips students with dispute resolution skills. After completing this training, students serve as mediators of real disputes pending in Montgomery and Autauga county courthouses. By serving as pro bono mediators, Faulkner Law students assist both the parties to the dispute in achieving settlement and the judicial system by lightening dockets.

The Elder Law Clinic also went off-site this summer to locations where seniors were invited to walk in and execute powers of attorney and healthcare directives at the site. Clinic students and Professor John Craft met with seniors at

Oak Street AME Zion Church on July 12 and at Woodcrest Park Community Center on July 15 to prepare and execute these estate plan documents. The Faulkner Law Public Interest Program conducted one pro bono event this summer and have two already scheduled for October, which is Pro Bono Month in Alabama. On July 11, Professor Kelly McTear, student volunteers and lawyers provided legal counseling to homeless persons at the River Region Connects Homeless Resource Fair. The first fall event is set for October 12 when volunteer students and lawyers will conduct a seniors civil legal clinic at the Montgomery Area Council on Aging’s Archibald Center. Finally, Faulkner Law is planning a firstof-its-kind event at the new Veterans Administration outpatient clinic on Chantilly Parkway in East Montgomery. Faulkner Law’s Public Interest Program will host a veterans civil legal clinic at the new health center on October 27. Veterans will have a chance to sit down with volunteer students and lawyers to get advice on the civil legal issues they are facing. For more information about the Faulkner Law clinics, please contact Professor John Craft, Director of Clinical Programs at Faulkner Law at 334-3867975 or at jcraft@faulkner.edu.

Judge Sharon Yates, Faulkner Law Professor, Receives Distinguished Award

By Dr. Jim Vickrey (Faulkner Law alum)

Former Alabama Court of Civil Appeals Presiding Judge Sharon G. Yates, presently associate professor of law at Faulkner Law, was honored on Faulkner’s campus on August 18 in the Wendell Mitchell conference room by her associates, colleagues, fellow lawyers, and friends. Gibson Vance, a Faulkner Law alum and partner at the Beasley Allen firm, and Dean Charles Nelson delivered remarks regarding the award.

The reception honored Yates for her recent acceptance of the Alabama State Bar’s 2016 Maud McLure Kelly Award. The Maud McLure Kelly Award, named for the first woman to practice law in Alabama, is presented annually to a female attorney who has made a lasting impact on the legal profession and has been a pioneer and leader within the State.

serving with great success as a District Court Judge in Montgomery county (2007-2013), dispensing even-handed justice directly and via extensive use of mediation, Yates eventually returned to full-time teaching as jurist in residence and then associate professor at Faulkner Law specializing in evidence, professional responsibility, criminal law and appellate advocacy.

Jere Beasley and Greg Allen were among the many submitting nomination letters in support of Judge Yates for the prestigious award. Mr. Beasley noted that Judge Yates has “the unique recognition of being the first female elected to serve as presiding judge on the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.” After noting Yates’ many contributions to the legal profession, Mr. Beasley said that “she truly deserves this honor, and I am very proud to say that she has been my long-time friend. She was a great judge, is a great teacher, and an even better person.” Mr. Allen, in his nomination letter, stated that he could think of no other person in the state bar more deserving of the award. Faulkner Law Dean Charles Nelson said, “Judge Yates more than met the criteria established by the Women’s Section of the Bar for receipt of this distinguished award. After all, she helped to establish the Women’s Section of the Bar many years ago and is one of the first women elected to the appellate courts of the State.” Dean Nelson also observed that Judge Yates is always an encouraging and professional colleague who continues to inspire her students as she speaks from many years of experience and achievement in the legal profession. Yates was elected in November 1992. During her dozen years on the Court she compiled a record of scholarly but sensible case-law so outstanding that it was routinely compared with that of justices on the higher court. After being in private practice (2005-2007) and

Judge Sharon G. Yates & Dean Charles Nelson

Prayers for Love and Understanding Faulkner Law students, faculty, and staff gathered August 10 to start the academic year with a prayer vigil sponsored by The Ernestine Sapp Chapter of the Black Law Students Association. Brandon Price, president of the student group, proposed the idea of the prayer vigil in light of nationwide tension hoping to address the matter as a community prior to the start of the school year. Faulkner Law Dean Charles Nelson gave opening remarks reading from Ephesians 5:1-2 and stating that “God poured all of his love into you, wouldn’t it be great if we came to school each day and told one another ‘I love you.’” “There is a conflict occurring in our society,” said Melvin Otey, associate professor of law said, “It’s not just one conflict, it’s not merely what’s happening with police officers in certain communities. There is a dynamic conflict that is taking place and part of the reason it continues is because people aren’t actually talking and listening to

each other.” Student leaders emphasized the event was intended to bring the Faulkner family together as the school year started, to reinforce the caring Christian environment that is the signature of the law school, and promote civil discourse. “We’re training legal minds,” Price said, “and we want students to think critically so we don’t just spew out empty rhetoric, but that we are responsible with our commentary.”

Family Research Council National Field Director Randy Wilson, and Faulkner Law Professor Adam MacLeod.

The

Mockingbird Challenge National Trial Competition

Young Lawyers Section

Faulkner Law Hosts Adoption Conference

Faulkner Law sponsored a conference between Agape of Central Alabama and representatives from the Republic of the Congo to build partnerships that will create more opportunities for international adoption.

Engage 2016: A Religious Liberty Conference

Addressing ongoing threats to religious liberties, Faulkner Law was proud to serve as the host for Engage 2016. In addition to discussing specific threats to religious liberty, conference speakers addressed ways that churches, ministries, and faith based non-profits can protect themselves from legal assaults. Speakers included American Family Association President Tim Wildmon,

Faulkner Law Advocacy Program to Host National Competition In 2005, Faulkner Law launched an ambitious plan to build a nationally competitive Advocacy Program. Since then, Faulkner Law’s students have traveled the nation winning awards at trial advocacy, appellate advocacy, and dispute resolution competitions. Competing against the nation’s best law students from all other law schools in the nation, Faulkner students have won numerous national titles and individual awards. Now that Faulkner Law is known as a school producing exceptionally talented student advocates, the Advocacy Program is solidifying its national reputation for excellence by hosting a national trial competition here in Montgomery. Together with the Alabama State Bar Young Lawyers Section, Faulkner Law is pleased to announce the inaugural Mockingbird Challenge National Trial Competition. Twenty of the top advocacy law schools from across the country will travel to Montgomery, September 29-October 1, 2016, to compete. Rounds will take place at the Law School and at the United States

Federal Courthouse for the Middle District of Alabama. A highlight of the event will be a dinner for all competitors to honor Alabama as the birthplace of the Civil Rights movement. “This competition gives us a chance to educate the country regarding the important work of lawyers in Montgomery and Alabama’s positive role for change,” said Professor Joe Lester, director of advocacy programs for Faulkner University. “We are excited about working with the Alabama State Bar’s Young Lawyers Section to make this event the best it can be.” “It will require a lot of volunteers from the Alabama Bar to judge the trials but we are excited about this partnership,” said Parker Miller (‘08), Faulkner Law alum and president of the Alabama State Bar Young Lawyers Section. “We see this competition as an opportunity to showcase the Alabama legal community and the positive role attorneys serve in promoting justice.” Faulkner Law will not compete in the competition but will supply witnesses for the other schools. The following schools will be competing in the inaugural competition: Akron, American, Campbell, Charleston, Denver, Florida State, Fordham, Georgia State, LSU, Michigan State, Nova Southeastern, Pacific McGeorge, South Texas, Southern Illinois, St. Mary’s, Temple, Texas Tech, University of California-Davis, University of Georgia, University of Missouri-Kansas City. The Mockingbird Challenge highlights Faulkner Law’s reputation for excellence in advocacy training. It will bring many of the nation’s best and brightest to Faulkner’s Montgomery campus, and provide an opportunity to showcase the many good things happening at Faulkner University. For more information regarding Faulkner Law’s advocacy programs, please contact Professor Joe Lester, Director of Advocacy Programs at 334-386-7542 or at jlester@ faulkner.edu.

Faulkner Summer Campers Glorify God with Their Gifts

BY MICHAELA PETTWAY

While most students went on summer vacation, Faulkner University faculty and staff remained at work hosting a variety of summer camps, including boys and girls basketball camp, Vanguard Preaching Camp, and computer camp. Basketball Camps Scott Sanderson, head coach of the Faulkner men’s basketball team, hosted a boys’ basketball camp June 13 - 24. The camp staff included members of the Faulkner Eagles basketball team. They offered two sessions, “Boys’ Fundamentals” and “Post, Perimeter Play & Championship Friday.” The campers learned the everyday mechanics of the game as well as lessons on respect and integrity. “They clean the gym up after practice, take out trash, and if they’re late we bring them in front of the camp and interview them on why they’re late,” said Sanderson. This is done, in part, so they understand and respect that “someone invested money into (them) going to camp.” Devotionals were given during each session to ensure that campers understood the importance of the Bible, and to prepare their hearts for life on and off the basketball court. Reed Sutton, head coach of the Faulkner women’s basketball team, his staff, and some of his players hosted a girls’ basketball camp 26

June 4 – 11. The camp offered “Future Stars,” “Basic Training,” and “Basketball University,” based upon the age and athletic ability of each player. “Future Stars” was offered to get girls started playing basketball. “Basic Training” was offered to help girls who already have been playing, to continue improving. “Basketball University” was designed for experienced players who may or may not be considering attending Faulkner University. During these sessions, girls quickly formed friendships with each other, improved their skills, and, through devotionals, grew to understand Sutton’s closing comments. “We just try to be Christians in what we do, and if that’s attractive, that’s attractive, (if) it’s not, it’s not. If that leads to wins, it leads to wins, (if) it doesn’t, it doesn’t. But like I said, I don’t think God could care less about who wins or loses. He just wants lives to be effective.”

Computer Camp Not all of Faulkner’s summer camps were athletic. Computer camp was designed to make technological application more approachable to students. Idong

Mkpong-Ruffin, a computer science professor at Faulkner University, and her staff hosted camp June 6 – 9. “It is important, given that computing is ubiquitous, to give kids an avenue to see that you don’t do the stereotypes of what a computing person is going to be.”

During these sessions, students experiment with animation, robotics, and this year, app development for android devices. “One of the things about being creations – created beings, is that we have a beautiful Creator that put creativity in each human being and so, being able to code taps into my creative part of being,” said Mkpong-Ruffin. “Regardless of where they (students) end up in life and what they want to do, the tools given them spark their ability to create and design and solve problems they didn’t think they could.”

During their time at camp, participants learn a variety of skills that will help prepare them for ministry. They take classes on how to utilize technology in sharing God’s Word, attend baptism clinics, and learn about the ministry of visitation. During this experience, campers are provided plenty of opportunities to take what they learn and put it into practice by either giving presentations, sermons, or leading worship.

Vanguard Preaching Camp Faulkner University offered Vanguard Preaching Camp, designed for young men interested in pursuing a future in ministry. Camp was held June 9 - 12, and, unlike the previously mentioned camps, participants are primarily selected from recommendations by preachers or their home congregation.

“Ultimately, we would hope Vanguard Camp makes a contribution to a young man’s spiritual development, (and that he will be a) faithful Christian, husband, father, grandfather, and spokesman for Christ,” says Myers.

Traditionally, participants are 7th – 12th grade boys, however, there have been a few exceptions during which college aged students have joined. According to Don Myers, adjunct professor and a director of the camp, ultimately, “young men who represent the Lord Jesus” are selected.

Faulkner University Dinner Theatre presents

OCTOBER 7, 8, 13-15, 20-22, 2016

DECEMBER 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 2016

Order tickets at tickets.ticketforce.com or call 877-840-0457

Sports briefs FOOTBALL

Coach Charlie Boren

Despite appearing in the NAIA Top 25 rankings on a weekly basis in 2015, Faulkner missed out on the post-season for the first time in three years. Head coach Charlie Boren believes his program has grown to the point where missing the playoffs will be the exception rather than the rule.

disappointing season. And that’s the best way to describe what happened last year disappointing.” The Eagles won their first three games last season in impressive fashion, including a 44-0 drubbing of perennial powerhouse Georgetown (Ky.). Faulkner climbed to No. 3 in the land after the victory, but the three-week span that followed sealed its fate. Close losses to Campbellsville (Ky.) and Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) sandwiched the season’s low point - a 55-27 loss at Reinhardt (Ga.) - and although Boren’s team rebounded to win their final four games, they missed out on a spot in the 16-team national tournament field.

“Playing in the Mid-South is tough, but that three-game stretch was brutal and would be for anybody in the country,” Boren’s Eagles played the season opener recalled Boren, who saw Faulkner against Southeastern (Fla.) on Sept. 1. The complete its third straight season with game was Faulkner’s first home Thursday just three losses. “We should have won night game at Billy D. Hilyer Stadium. two of them, and just didn’t play well at Boren was pleased with what he saw in the Reinhardt. We still felt at the end of the team’s first fall scrimmage. year that we were one of the best teams in the country. We just didn’t win the games “We ran 54 plays, and it was an exciting we needed to.” atmosphere at the stadium – we had a few hundred fans there,” he said. “Offensively I Boren feels the same potential is there thought we were very sharp at times, with for the 2016 team. Back are Faulkner’s our quarterbacks and receivers getting top three offensive threats - quarterback on the same page with timing. I was also Clayton Nicholas, wide receiver Rob happy with how our defense responded, Lockhart and running back Joe Jones especially in the secondary.” giving offensive coordinator Blake Boren a lot of toys at his disposal. Nicholas was Celebrating the school’s 10th season the league’s offensive Freshman of the of intercollegiate competition this fall, Year last season, finishing second in the Boren does not shy away from high goals nation in passing yards per game (312). and expectations, both in the Mid-South The sophomore passed for 3,120 yards and Conference and nationally. 30 touchdowns, with 15 of those scoring strikes going to Lockhart. The fleet-footed “Honestly, we expect to be in the running senior caught 62 passes for 1,155 yards for a conference championship every year, on the year. Jones anchored the running which would put us right in the middle game, averaging 5.2 yards a carry en route of the post-season discussion as well,” to an 829-yard sophomore season. He said Boren, who is 16-6 in his two years added eight touchdowns of his own. as the Eagles’ head coach. “When we don’t make the playoffs, we’ll consider it a A pair of starters return on the offensive

front - junior guard B.J. Turner and senior center Kyle Sides. Newcomer Jeremiah Frost, a junior transfer from Cerritos College (Calif.) is expected to make an immediate impact. Despite the loss of three key defenders linebackers Ray Smith and Caleb Taylor, and cornerback Dennis Thames - Boren believes the second season under defensive coordinator Cam Clark could be one of Faulkner’s best on that side of the ball. Back for his senior season is Keylan Smith, who was fourth on the team in total tackles in 2016. Last year Smith, who snagged a pair of interceptions from his safety position, will have a new home, moving to linebacker. A couple of transfer defensive backs, Keith Marcus from the College of San Mateo and Nate Black from Alabama State University, should provide the Eagles with much-needed depth in the secondary. “I would say the excitement level surrounding our program right now, from both the student-athletes and our staff, is at an all-time high,” Boren said. “Everybody worked hard in the off-season, and we’ve gotten better in the fall. Any team needs a lot of things to fall into place in order to have a special season, from injuries, to chemistry to just having some good fortune in the tough, close games. We feel we have things in place to meet the high goals we have set.”

BASKETBALL WBCA honors Faulkner for academic success

Faulkner has been honored by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association, making its list of the Top 25 academic programs in the NAIA. Head coach Reed Sutton’s Lady Eagles compiled a 3.363 grade-point average in the 2015-2016 academic year, the 25th best GPA in the country among NAIA institutions.

“Our campus community knows that our team works very hard, in the classroom and behind the scenes, in their studies,” Sutton said. “It is a blessing for our student-athletes to now be recognized nationally for it. We have serious conversations in recruiting and with our current players that we want to use basketball to get a great education, and not let basketball use us. It is exciting to have a group of student-athletes that personify that philosophy.”

work at Harding University. Mitchell spent the 2014-2015 season as a student assistant for the Faulkner men’s team, and last season as a graduate assistant for the Harding men’s team. “I am thrilled to have Jake on our coaching staff, and I think he has a brilliant future in this business,” said Sutton, who is entering his sixth season as the Lady Eagles’ head coach. “I got to know him well while he was here, and I know he understands our values as a program and the mission of our university. The players and parents that know him share my excitement about his addition into our program.”

SOCCER & VOLLEYBALL

Faulkner volleyball, soccer teams ready for play Jake Mitchell Jake Mitchell, a four-year starter for Faulkner’s men’s basketball team, is returning to his alma mater as the women’s program’s top assistant, Lady Eagles’ head coach Reed Sutton announced Tuesday. Mitchell, who owns a bachelor’s degree in history education, played for the Eagles between 2010-2014. A member of the program’s “1,000-Point Club,” the Huntsville native made the All-Freshman, All-Division and All-Conference teams during his career. Also an academic All-American, Mitchell was honored as his team’s Champions of Character representative and was a two-time recipient of the university’s ScholarAthlete of the Year Award. “I always knew I wanted to return to Faulkner some day if I was given the chance, so when coach Sutton called me about the job, I knew that’s where I wanted to be,” Mitchell said. “Faulkner has already blessed me in so many ways as a student, and I know I will continue to be blessed as a part of the staff. I’m beyond excited to work with coach Sutton and to be able to learn from him, and I can’t wait to get started.”

The Faulkner women’s and men’s soccer teams, as well as the volleyball team, were first out of the gate this fall with each beginning their seasons in August. In her first season as Faulkner’s head women’s soccer coach, Leslie Pierce guided Faulkner to a 5-9-2 mark. A strong senior class and a year in the system has Pierce excited about the prospects for 2016. “We’ve come a long way since last preseason, and our offense is improving and the team is really starting to mesh and become one,” said Pierce, whose team was 2-5-1 in Southern States Athletic Conference play. “Right now our focus is on defense and preventing teams from beating us down the middle. We struggled with that last season so we are looking to fix that and become a more defensive team as a whole.” Senior captains Heather Lashley and Janina Mueller are expected to be strong midfield attackers, while junior Kayla Wilson should provide a threat from her forward position. Senior Cate Eden is back at keeper, and senior Kassie Berrios Beck is thought to be one of top defenders in the SSAC.

“We have a really strong nucleus of returnees that have provided great Mitchell joined Sutton’s staff officially on leadership,” Pierce said. “With a solid class Aug. 1 after completing his master’s degree of newcomers here as well, we’re all excited

about the prospects this season.” Head coach Kyle Beard’s men’s soccer team is coming off the program’s most successful season, finishing the year with a 9-7-1 overall record, which included a Faulkner-best four wins in the SSAC. With the return of a pair of first team allconference selections in Jarom Farsworth and Diego da Silva, Beard believes Faulkner is primed for uncharted territory in 2016. Joining the duo, among others, is junior college All-American Renan Sousa from Barton Community College (Kan.). Also back are Taku Imbayago and Costa Whitehead, adding to the coach’s expectations. “This could be a special year for us,” said Beard, entering his fourth at the helm. “It’s time for us to reach a little higher. The guys we have back understand what it’s going to take, and Renan has already made a big splash in training camp. We have made great strides in the preseason and are pushing to become a strong unit from Game 1.” The biggest preseason surprise for Faulkner head volleyball coach Tori Bartels has been the ease with which her freshmen have transitioned into the program. In her 12th season guiding the Eagles, Bartels admits that normally newcomers struggle at first with conditioning and the new atmosphere. That, however, has not been the case for freshmen Madison Sides, Daijah Washington, Julianne Wilkes, Ashley Ingwersen and Madelyn Cheatham. “They have been exemplary,” Bartels said, “and are already pushing the newcomers.” Bartels was also complimentary with the early work of her returnees, specifically libero Cassie Bailie and setter Katie Musser. “They have taken the lead both on the court and in conditioning, which is so important at the outset of any season,” she said. “We have a few tweaked muscles we’re trying to get back up to speed, but if we can stay healthy I expect us to have a competitive year. We open the season with two strong tournaments, so fitness is going to be a key early on.”

Faulkner alumni from the 1970’s pose for a group shot

Faulkner alumni from the 1980’s reunite at the Faulkner summer reunion

Jeff Langham (‘78), Tim Johnson (‘77) and Doug Oliver (‘76) enjoy breakfast at Cafe Siena

Natasha Kasarjian (‘90) and Beth Camp (‘84) take time out of lunch to smile for the camera Vice Chancellor Wayne Baker and his daughter, Libby Collier (‘96), catch up over coffee

Alumni from the 90’s reunited for the first time at this year’s reunion Summer reunion attendees posed for one final picture in the chapel

Jodi Jensen and Art Williams, fine arts department chair, share a song at the piano

Ernie Longino (‘90) and Brandon Wagner (‘98) pose in their social club shirts

Roxy Wishum (‘74) and a few of his fellow Faulkner grads pose with his feature “Inspired to Inspire” in a previous Faulkner Magazine issue

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ALUMNI WEEKEND FEBRUARY 17-18, 2017

Alumni News director of Therapy South in Helena, Ala. Jeremy Walker (‘07) was recently named chief executive officer of Alabama Association of Realtors.

David Brown (‘05) was recently featured in a video which shows him giving his socks and shoes to a homeless man in Guatemala. The story was picked up by several international news outlets. The video was taken by a stranger who posted it to social media. Someone recognized Brown and shared the video with his family.

NEWS

Karen Carter (‘12) was promoted to Warden II by Alabama Department of Corrections. She will serve at the ADOC Community Center in Childersburg, Ala. Tia Mitchell (‘12) is teaching English at Pryor Middle School in Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. Her husband Ross is the minister for the Ft. Walton Beach Church of Christ. Derrick Powell (‘13) completed his MEd in Teaching and Leadership from Grand Canyon University in July 2016 and is now the head basketball coach at Calhoun High School in Letohatchee, Ala.

BIRTHS

Chris (‘05 & ‘08) and Taryn (McCubbin ‘04) Brodie welcomed a daughter, Keeghan on Aug. 25. Taryn teaches at Wetumpka Elementary School.

Andrea (Kelly, ‘12) and Austin Overman welcomed their first child, Lucas Craig on July 15, 2016. Andrew and Kana Kingsley’s daughter, Kindle, was born on August 18.

Rebekah Marsh (‘13) is the new varsity girls basketball coach at Faith West Academy in Katy, Texas. Hunter Bennett (‘15) is teaching health and is the head coach for boy’s soccer at Citronelle High School in Mobile , Ala.

Casey (‘11) and Jillann (Wallace, ‘12) Crawford welcomed Daisy to their family on July 10. She is their first child.

Brian Privett (‘00) is the new principal of Madison Academy in Madison, Ala. Privett previously taught middle school, coached boys and girls basketball, and has served as director of spiritual development. Linda Burch (Mcelwee, ‘05) was promoted to vice president and market leader of the West Georgia Region of SouthCrest Bank. Nolan Williams (‘06) is the service

Jennifer Robinson (‘15) was named the Golden Apple award winner by the Alabama News Network for March 2016. Robinson teaches kindergarten at Garret Elementary.

Eric (‘02) and Meloney Gwinn finalized the adoption of their daughter Nevaeh in March of 2016. Nevaeh joins siblings Cassidy, Hayley and Eaven. Eaven was adopted by the Gwins in 2013.

MARRIAGES

Gardendale, Ala. Taylor is teaching 5th grade at Daniel Pratt Elementary and David is teaching PE at Millbrook Middle and coaching football for Stanhope Elmore High School. P.J. (Hammett, ‘14) and Steven Floyd were married on September 24.

DEATHS Tommy W. Patterson (‘98) passed away on July 7, 2016. He was 45. Ty and Alyssa (Boyd, ‘15) Taylor of Montgomery, Ala were married on July 30. Alyssa now serves as the assistant director of admissions for Faulkner Law. Ty is in his final year at Faulkner Law and is on staff with Justice Tom Parker of the Supreme Court of Alabama.

John Garman, Beloved Faulkner Law Professor Passes Away

Trent and Autumn (Hambright, ‘13 & ‘16) Bailey were married on May 28. Autumn is the administrative assistant for Faulkner Law’s career development office and Trent is currently enrolled as a Bible ministry major, while he works full time in the billing department at Partner’s Realty. Seth (‘14) and Jordan (Reeves, ‘16) Brooks were married on May 21. Taylor (McMath,’16) and David (‘16) Cochran were married on July 9th in

On Sunday, July 24, 2016, Faulkner Law Professor John Garman left this world to be with his Lord. Professor Garman’s passing ended a noble and resilient fight with lung and brain cancer during which he never lost his joyful spirit. Professor Garman is survived by his wife Rhonda Mayse Garman. “Professor Garman was one of those rare people who truly loved his students, and they loved him in return,” said Faulkner Law Dean Charles Nelson. “He was devoted to

their learning and took great pride in their success.” In addition to being an outstanding classroom teacher, Professor Garman was a dedicated and student-focused servant in the law school community. He served as faculty advisor to the Black Law Students Association, and helped establish Faulkner Law’s annual Fred Gray Civil Rights Symposium. Professor Garman also served as the founding faculty advisor to the Faulkner Law chapter of the American Constitution Society (ACS). Faulkner’s ACS Chapter has been recognized on multiple occasions as one of the most active chapters in the nation. Professor Garman served as moot court advisor to many of Faulkner’s prestigious advocacy teams, including Faulkner Law’s first national finalists in the ABA’s National Appellate Advocacy Competition. Professor Garman published multiple articles and essays in national law journals. In 2013, shortly before his diagnosis, Professor Garman was awarded the Professor of the Year award by the Faulkner Law Student Bar Association. He also received the award in 2002 and 2008. He was known as a caring, joyful, energetic, humorous, and kind mentor, advisor, colleague, and friend. Students also knew him as the sequined-gloved upright bass player of the Goat Hill String Band and the tireless promoter of Pattypalooza, an annual music festival in Lascassas, Tennessee. Professor Garman’s enthusiasm for life and his love of the law made him an exceptional member of the law school community.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: BEVERLY PACE She and her husband Mark have three children. Braden and Kadyn are Faulkner grads, and Brett is a police officer in Pelham, Ala. Pace realized another dream when her book Song of Alabama was published in May of this year. While Beverly (‘Nall ‘76) Pace attended Faulkner (then Alabama Christian College) she dreamed of becoming an English teacher and a writer. While at Faulkner she won the English Award for Scholarly Rhetorical Talents.

“I love exploring the South’s rich history,” said Pace. “The idea for Song of Alabama was sparked by the revelation of German prisoners of war being housed in my hometown of Andalusia, Ala.during World War II. It explores what happens when cultures collide, the world is at war, and faith is questioned.”

Pace fulfilled one dream by teaching English at Faulkner for 20 years. 35

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