Brown Bulletin - Fall 2012

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PLAY THERAPY + ZERO LANDFILL + THE FRIENDSHIP OF JESSE H. JONES

FA SULM LM 2E0R1 22 0 1 2

T HE OFFICIAL M AGA ZIN E OF JOHN BR OW N UN IV ERS ITY

GUATEMALA JBU CONNECTS WITH LATIN AMERICA


{ PRESIDENT’S LETTER }

Building a School, Remembering a Son November 25, 2012

Where is God in the midst of suffering? How do we respond to loss? Megan McLoud, Ben’s longtime girlfriend, knew how much Ben’s experiences in Guatemala had touched him, and she suggested that we use some of the funds donated in his memory for a project there. It was a good idea.

Dear Friends of JBU, Guatemala has become an important place of learning and service for JBU, and I have greatly appreciated my trips there with Dr. Joe Walenciak and Ron Johnson to meet with JBU alumni and to visit various projects and people. Joe first introduced me to Pastor Saul Pérez in May 2008. I had taken my second son, Ben, to Guatemala as part of a JBU alumni trip. Joe had met Pastor Saul through the family of one of our Walton International Scholars, and we had begun to partner with the church in their projects to reach out to their neighborhood which was located next to the main garbage dump in Guatemala City. There are a lot of needs in the neighborhood; people do not have enough food, housing, employment, or education, and there is a higher risk of violence and drugs. For many people, the only job available is scavenging items for resale in the garbage dump. The work is difficult and dangerous without much reward. The members of Pastor Saul’s church, Iglesia Bautista Cristo es el Camino, have been serving their neighbors for a long time: the church sells clean drinking water at below the market prices; it runs a school for

young children and takes care of others in afterschool programs; it provides job skills training to adults; and it holds worship and prayer services throughout the week. It preaches the gospel in word and deed. Different JBU short-term mission teams have had the privilege to help the church with several construction jobs, and to staff some of the church’s outreach programs. When Ben and I visited the church, we were a bit overwhelmed by the need in the community but also deeply impressed by the strength and faithfulness of the people. Ben, in particular, was moved by his interaction with the children – playing soccer with kids in the street, roughhousing with the boys at Mama Carmen’s orphanage, and holding children who were sick or abandoned. He struggled with the theodicy posed by our experience. How can God be good if he allows such hardship in people’s lives? Why did he get to grow up in Siloam Springs


and others grow up next to the dump in Guatemala City? They were hard but good questions as they expressed both his compassionate heart and his wrestling with God. We asked similar questions when we lost Ben in May 2011. Where is God in the midst of suffering? How do we respond to loss? Megan McLoud, Ben’s longtime girlfriend, knew how much Ben’s experiences in Guatemala had touched him, and she suggested that we use some of the funds donated in his memory for a project there. It was a good idea. We were overwhelmed by the support of the JBU community after Ben’s death. The prayers, notes, emails, cards and letters helped to sustain us in our grief. As part of that support, JBU received about $70,000 from 225 people for a project in Guatemala. Dr. Joe Walenciak knew that the church was running a lower elementary school in rented facilities and had plans to build a permanent school. It sounded like just the sort of project to remember Ben. A church in Georgia, Lakewood Baptist, had purchased the land for the school several years ago, and they remain an active partner in the ministry. The money given in memory of Ben was used to construct the first floor and to prepare an outdoor basketball and soccer court. A group of 40 or so JBU students, faculty and staff went to Guatemala City last spring break to help with the construction of the school. With help from Lakewood Baptist, the

Pastor Saul Pérez and his wife Lydia.

church has continued to work over the summer and completed the second floor. They hope to enroll primary school classes this winter.The school may also serve adults with job training programs at night, and the recreation court will provide a safe place for young people to play. Fourteen members of our immediate and extended family had the privilege of traveling to Guatemala City this June to participate in the dedication service for the new school. More than 500 people attended the 3-hour service, and the program was wonderful. Pastor Saul preached; students from the school performed; leaders from the Baptist church in Guatemala and Georgia spoke; JBU alumni in Guatemala led worship; I spoke a bit about Ben; and Ben’s grandfather offered a dedicatory prayer. We finished the day by sharing a fantastic chicken lunch prepared by the church. The service was both very good and very hard for us, but we were so grateful to participate with the church in a service that honored the God whom

we serve and the son whom we love. After the service was over, one of the church members came up to me. She was short, and I was tall. She spoke Spanish, and I spoke English. She was poor in material things, and I was rich. She was Guatemalan, and I was American. We had very little in common in the world’s eyes, but we were both parents and both believers in Jesus Christ. She expressed her sympathy through a translator. “It is hard to lose a child,” she said, tears welling up in her eyes, “but I know that your son is with God. Thank you for allowing the loss of your son to bring about a blessing for our children.” Her words were a great gift to me that day. We still mourn the loss of Ben, but we also rejoice in the work that God is doing through a school called Rayitos de Esperanza (Rays of Hope) in Guatemala City. Our family has learned much from our brothers and sisters in Guatemala, and we are profoundly thankful that a school in their community bears a plaque in memory of Ben. Thank you for the many ways that you have supported JBU and our family. I deeply appreciate it. All God’s blessings,

Dr. Charles W. Pollard President, John Brown University


your

STORIES INSPIRE STORIES can

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COME VISIT we’ll reimburse the gas for vehicles of 4+ prospective students!


{ CONTENTS }

FALL 2012 The Brown Bulletin is published by University Communications for alumni and friends in the JBU community. Dr. Chip Pollard President Dr. Jim Krall Vice President for Advancement EDITORIAL STAFF

FEATURES COVER: JBU + GUATEMALA 12 | Guatemala: JBU connects with Latin America By Marquita Smith – How a professor’s experience led to decades of reaching out.

18 | The Mama Carmen Stories

By Tracy Balzer – JBU learns about great faith from a small woman.

20 | The Clean Water Enterprise

By Jessa Eldridge – JBU graduates help bring clean water to the people of Chajul, Guatemala.

Lucas Roebuck Editor and Director of University Communications

HOMECOMING 2012: GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE

Matt Snyder Creative Director

22 | Reunion Photos

Jessa Eldridge Managing Editor

25 | 2012 Alumni Awards

Contributors John Brown III, Tracy Balzer, Lori Walker, Heather Charise, Jerry Rollene, Marquita Smith, Emily Adams, Nikki Rader Production Support Rachel Fiet, Virginia Wietecha, Rebekah Entwistle, Sherry Miller Copy Editing Paul T. Semones, Andy Klungland Thanks Rebecca Ridings, Joe Walenciak, Pablo Herrera, Stacie Burley Submissions of news items, story ideas, letters and corrections can be made via electronic mail to: lroebuck@jbu.edu or via U.S. postal service to Brown Bulletin 2000 W. University Siloam Springs, AR 72761 ©2012 John Brown University

Photos of the gatherings of JBU groups from Homecoming.

Find out who won the outstanding alumni of the year award.

DEPARTMENTS JBU News — The Latest JBU Headlines — Page 4 Legacy – Jesse Jones and the Founder – Page 7 Advancement — Pray, Promote, Provide — Page 8 Grad School — The Power of Play — Page 9 Degree Completion — Business Online – Page 10 Chaplain’s Corner — Spiritual Pilgrimages — Page 11 Alumni Director — A Taste of Homecoming — Page 26 Alumni News — The Latest Milestones for JBU Alumni — Page 27 In Memoriam — Remembering JBU Friends — Page 29 From the Editor — Going Green: Beyond the Hype — Page 32 On the cover: Photographer Heather Charise writes: “While visiting the slums of Guatemala City on a trip with JBU in partnership with Chosen People of Guatemala, I felt a profound discomfort in witnessing the conflict between what I saw and what I felt. Though this spunky little barefoot boy was surrounded by metal, tires, trash and poverty, he still shined with joy as he leapt onto the tire and began laughing at his own wild antics. Many of the people we met were joyful and radiant despite their bleak and harsh surroundings, and I left Guatemala inspired by their hope.” Fall 2012 | Brown Bulletin

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{ JBU NEWS }

HALL R ENAMED IN HONOR OF BILL AND DEDE HUTCHESON The John Brown University Board of Trustees approved the renaming of North Hall to Hutcheson Hall in honor of the servant leadership of long time JBU supporters Bill and Dede Hutcheson. Bill Hutcheson served on the JBU Board of Trustees from 1996 2008 and received the award of Trustee Emeritus. The completion of Hutcheson Hall required two phases. The building received the temporary name of North Hall at the completion of Phase I consisted of central common areas and the east wing. Construction during Phase II built the west wing, and was completed in 2008. “We are deeply grateful to Bill and Dede Hutcheson and their family for their faithful friendship and wonderful support that made this residence hall possible,” said Dr. Chip Pollard, president. JBU TOPS U.S. NEWS’ BEST VALUE LIST, NO. 2 IN REGION John Brown University was ranked as No. 1 Best Value in the U.S. News and World Report 2013 Best Colleges Edition among its peers in the South. Overall, JBU ranked as the No. 2 Best College among the 107 regional colleges in the South. JBU has ranked as a top two college for the past four years and 4 |

Brown Bulletin | Fall 2012

received honors as a top 10 university for nine consecutive years. “Since its founding, one of JBU’s core values has been to provide the highest quality education at the most affordable cost, so we’re gratified to see U.S. News recognize the exceptional value of a JBU education,” said Dr. Jim Krall, vice president for advancement. “We are especially grateful to our alumni and friends who have given faithfully year after year to help support affordable tuition for our students.” Dr. Ed Ericson, vice president for academic affairs, said that JBU’s high graduate rate, smaller class size and high-ranking incoming freshman contributed to JBU’s high ranking by U.S. News. With 69 percent of JBU freshmen in the top 25 percent of their high school class, JBU ranked No. 1 among its peers in attracting top quartile students. UNIVERSITY REPORTS RECORD FALL ENROLLMENT John Brown University’s 2012 enrollment was the highest in the school’s history, according to the university’s 11th Day Report. The U.S Department of Education recorded 2,176 total students at JBU, representing 40 states and 39 countries. The count included traditional undergraduates, graduate students and degree completion students, and embodied a 2 percent increase over last year’s 11th Day Report. The overall retention rate for the 2011 cohort was more than 84 percent. “We are pleased to see continued, sustained growth in our enrollment,” said Don Crandall, vice president for enrollment. “Strong enrollment and retention is evidence of the great people and programs at JBU. Students want to come to John Brown University for the promise of what we can offer and they stay at JBU because of the experience they gain in and outside of our classrooms.”

JBU BECOMES FIRST ZERO LANDFILL CAMPUS IN ARKANSAS In July, John Brown University became a zero-landfill institution, which means that waste from the Siloam Springs campus is primarily recycled or converted to power through emissions-free incineration. JBU is the first higher educational institution in Arkansas to have a completely zero-landfill campus. “We believe in being good stewards of the resources God has provided us,” said Dr. Steve Beers, vice president of student development, who oversees JBU’s facilities services.

JBU collaborated with local waste management companies and local businesses to recycle everything possible and convert the rest to energy. The zero-landfill goal is an intricate part of the university’s multi-step program toward environmental sustainability, which seeks to conserve energy, reuse materials and reduce waste for the entire institution “John Brown University could not have a zero-landfill campus without the support and partnership of our local community,” said Steve Brankle, director of facilities services and sustainability. “Partnering with local waste management authorities and recycling services allow us to salvage reusable


Pictured left to right: Dr. Chip Pollard, JBU president; Charlie Simmons, Caroline Simmons, Diane and Mark Simmons, Todd and Shelley Simmons, Kelsey Daugherty, JBU student government association president; Lawson Hembree IIII, JBU board member and parents council president; and John Brown III, JBU board member and president emeritus.

JBU BREAKS GROUND ON SIMMONS GREAT HALL John Brown University held a groundbreaking ceremony in August 2012 for a new 17,000-square foot banquet hall to be named in honor of the Simmons family, longtime JBU supporters. Simmons Great Hall will seat around 500. The building is on schedule to be completed in August 2013, and will be built adjacent to the

Kresge Dining Hall. Mark Simmons, chairman and CEO of Simmons Foods, has served on the JBU Board of Trustees since 1985. Mark, his wife Diane, and the Simmons family have long supported JBU students through generously giving to athletics, facilities, scholarships and the work-study program. “It has been a privilege to serve

on the board and be associated with JBU,” said Simmons. “I am proud to be a small part of the incredible success JBU has enjoyed over the past 25 years.” To see the latest construction photos and a live webcam video feed of the Simmons Great Hall in progress, visit JBU’s webpage at: www.jbu.edu/friends/great_hall

materials without increasing the cost to the university.” John Brown University was given the top honor of “Greenest Office” by the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal, thanks in part to the zero landfill status the university achieved this year. The award is part of the 2012 Greenest Office & Sustainability Awards that the publication gives out each year. JBU is the first educational institution to receive the award.

JBU RECEIVES FIFTH CASE AWARD FOR EDUCATIONAL FUNDRAISING The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) selected John Brown University as a winner of CASE’s 2012 Educational Fundraising Awards in the categories of Overall Performance and Sustained Excellence. Of the 1,011 eligible institutions, JBU was one of six universities to receive an award in Overall Performance and one of 10 universities to be given an award

in Sustained Excellence. “I am very grateful for the generosity from the many alumni, parents, foundations and corporations that has allowed us to continue developing our advancement program,” said Dr. Jim Krall, vice president for university advancement. “We are honored by these awards and by the support for the students of JBU and Christian higher education.” The Sustained Excellence in Educational Fundraising Award recognizes the few fundraising programs that have Fall 2012 |

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{ JBU NEWS } Maya, ZBrush and other programs. “I am a fascinated by the steam punk genre and that is the focus of most of my 3D art,” said Pohle. “Steam punk combines the romantic Victorian era with the infinite possibilities of science fiction.”

The Departure, Peter Pohle.

garnered a CASE Award for Educational Fundraising in either Overall Performance or Overall Improvement in 3 of the last 5 years. In addition to receiving a Sustained Excellence award in 2011, JBU previously received awards for Overall Performance in 2008, 2009 and 2011. JBU ART PROFESSOR CHOSEN AS MASTER ARTIST Exposé 10, an annual publication featuring the best digital art work created worldwide, chose Peter Pohle, 6 |

Brown Bulletin | Fall 2012

associate professor of art, as a Master Artist in the category of “Steam Punk.” Of the 380 artists featured, only 20 artists were recognized as Master Artists in their field of digital art. Pohle featured two of his original works in the publication. Pohle studied visual communication at the Hochschule der Künste in Berlin then received an M.F.A. in Illustration from Syracuse University in New York. Pohle began to explore digital art when he was employed at Hallmark for six years, learning 3Ds Max and then

SODERQUIST CENTER RELEASES NEW VIDEO DISCUSSION KITS The Soderquist Center for Leadership & Ethics brings its renowned dedication to developing values-based leaders to offices everywhere through new leadership training videos, which are available for purchase through the Soderquist website. These downloadable, 60-minute videos include individual discussion kits designed for educational team building. Values and topics range from mission to interviews and include interviews with notable business leaders such as Dan Cathy, the president of Chick-fil-A, Don Soderquist, retired COO of Walmart and others. “This is a do-it-yourself approach for team development,” said Bryson Moore, director of emerging leaders and communications at the Soderquist Center. Each discussion kit includes a downloadable video, a leader’s guide and handouts. Kits are specifically designed so that no facilitation or training experience is required, providing customers quality leadership training within the comforts of their own offices, businesses or corporations. Video discussion kits are available for purchase at www.soderquist.org


{ LEGACY — JOHN E. BROWN III }

Jesse H. Jones: An Early Friend Visitors to the old Arkansas Building administration offices at JBU in the 1950s and 60s will remember that the first floor lobby included two distinctive oil portraits, one of the Founder, Dr. John Brown Sr., and the other of Jesse H. Jones, a successful businessman and philanthropist from Houston, Texas. What was their connection? Jones biographer, Steven Fenberg (“Unprecedented Power: Jesse Jones, Capitalism, and the Common Good,” Texas A&M University Press, 2011) introduces his impressive narrative of Jones’ life with these words: “THE MOST POWERFUL PERSON IN THE NATION during the Great Depression and World War II — next to Franklin Roosevelt — was ... Jesse Jones, an entrepreneur from Texas with an eighthgrade education who built the bulk of Houston’s downtown during the first half of the 20th century and who became such a uniquely powerful appointed official that he was rightly known by many as the ‘fourth branch of government’.” Fenberg goes on to document Jones’ free market philosophy and impact as chairman of the critical Reconstruction Finance Corporation, helping to lead the country out of the Great Depression. At the same time, Jones was an important ally and chief fundraiser for many politicians and worthy charities alike. Jones’ estate continues to benefit numerous nonprofits, primarily in Texas, through the Houston Endowment, the foundation he and his wife, Mary, established in 1937.

Both Jones and Brown were tall, strapping fellows with a middle school education and a keen mind. Both could, if the occasion required it, charm the bark right off of a tree. Their acquaintance began at a dinner party in Houston in 1905 hosted by Jones’ aunt during one of Brown’s city-wide evangelistic meetings. As Dr. Ralph Kennedy records in the now out of print “John Brown of Arkansas” (1966): “A few nights later, under the influence of the evangelistic message, Jones accepted Christ as his personal savior, and soon the two young men became fast friends.” Jones was 31 and Brown was 26. Jones was one of the first contributors to help open Brown’s “Southwestern Collegiate Institute” in 1919, soon to become the “John E. Brown College.” At the end of the first year, ground was broken for a new permanent building. The highlight of the day was a presentation of a gift of $50,000 (a huge sum in those days) from Jesse Jones in honor of Jones’ father and mother. It was probably on that day that the Founder first used his well-known affirmation: it was a “red-letter day” for College Hill. Kennedy also records that on another occasion in later years, when Brown was present for one of Jones’ public talks, Jones introduced his friend as “a preacher and educator, who crossed my path early in life, and I owe much to him of my idealism and my success in the world.” Jones delivered the commencement address to the John Brown University class of 1938. The entry in the JBU annual for that year notes on a tribute page that Jones was “one of the most amazing men in our amazing capitol” and a “great friend of President John E. Brown and the John Brown schools.” My father, President John Brown Jr.,

Jesse Jones with founder John E. Brown. (JBU Archives)

used to tell with amusement the story of a call that came from Jones in late fall of 1920 asking my grandfather to come at once to Houston. With the daily financial struggles on campus, my grandfather was sure that Jones wanted to make another generous donation, so he hurried down to Jones’ office. When he arrived, Jones said, “John, I have a surprise for you — I am going to get married and I want you to perform the service.” I imagine that set my grandfather back for a brief second, but he quickly replied, “Well, Jesse, I have a surprise for you. I am not an ordained minister — (he was only a Methodist lay speaker at the time) — and I can’t do it!” God brought these two great men from different fields together in preparation for the founding of John Brown University, more than a decade before the first footing was dug. Without Jesse H. Jones of Houston, Texas, the Founder’s dream of a “college in a corn field” might have blown away in the dust of the Great Depression — or sooner. John E. Brown III is president emeritus and served as university president from 1979-1993. Fall 2012 |

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{ A DVA N C E M E N T — D R . J I M K R A L L }

Pray, Promote, Provide

Half of JBU Scholarship Fund gifts are provided by a group of alumni, parents and friends that pray, promote, and provide for JBU. They are members of the Founder’s Circle.

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Autumn in the Ozark Mountains turns the lush, green hillsides into a fiery blaze of orange, yellow and red. Each morning becomes a bit cooler, and I cannot help but see more than a change in landscape when I walk across campus grounds. Many alumni and friends of JBU visit and comment how much has changed since their attendance. Most of the time they comment on the many new and renovated buildings. While physical aspects have changed, the mission — providing a Christ-centered education — remains the same. Another constant among JBU’s core values is to remain affordable and available to as many students as possible. So dedicated is our mission to reducing financial barriers that we’ve received national attention—the U.S. News and world Report 2013 ranked JBU as a No. 1 Best Value institution in the South. Reducing financial barriers is the central message of JBU’s annual fund, what we call the JBU Scholarship Fund.You receive this message from letters, the Brown Bulletin, from a student caller or perhaps from a JBU development team member. It is the key giving opportunity at JBU, helping students have the opportunity to obtain a quality Christian education. Half of JBU Scholarship Fund gifts are provided by a group of alumni, parents and friends that pray, promote, and provide for JBU. They are members of the Founder’s Circle, formed by recently combining the Leadership Circle and the Parents Circle. This name change honors the efforts of John Brown Sr., the university’s founder who spent a significant portion of his time asking for support for students to attend JBU.

The purpose of this group — pray, promote, and provide for JBU — has not changed. Founder’s Circle members help by praying for campus needs, and receive the prayer e-news letter published by alumnus and JBU Board of Trustees member, Lee Sale. They also promote JBU to youth in their churches, to adults wanting to finish their education, and to those interested in graduate school. Finally, Founder’s Circle members provide for need-based scholarships through gifts to the JBU Scholarship fund. This group of 300 members is comprised of people who deeply care about advancing JBU and want to support its mission on a greater level. By giving an annual gift of $500-$10,000 or more to the JBU Scholarship Fund, these members allow JBU to consistently provide need based scholarships and work-study jobs to deserving students. Working at JBU, I am daily reminded of God’s blessing and clear presence at this institution. When I meet with alumni or parents who are passionate about supporting this institution, I am often meeting with those who will change student’s lives by praying for, promoting and providing for this special place. As I watch the leaves blush bright with color, I am once again thankful for all who make the changes on this campus possible, generously providing so that students may receive the gift of higher education at JBU. For those interested in learning more about the Founder’s Circle, feel free to call my office (479) 524-7145 or email me jkrall@jbu.edu. Jim Krall is vice president for university advancement.


{ G R A D U AT E S C H O O L — N I K K I R A D E R }

The Value of Playing The “bop bag” sits in the corner of the room. Its name is fitting, because children who play with it usually end up hitting it. Normally, hitting objects is discouraged, but in the play therapy room where various toys fill the shelves and kids are encouraged to play, hitting the bop bag is acceptable. In fact, the bop bag, along with every other toy in the play therapy room, is strategic and meant to communicate basic human emotions — mad, sad, glad, and afraid — through playing. Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy used to help children express their emotions or problems by using what comes more naturally to them: playing. Children usually begin playing even before they speak, often creating stories that are indicative of their lives or using toys to express emotions. Divorce, the death of a family member, trauma, or developmental disabilities are uncontrollable forces that a child must somehow maneuver without the cognitive developmental skills of an adult. Playing is a natural outlet of expression. “Play is the language of children,” said Dr. Charles Romig, professor of counseling at John Brown University. “Toys are the words they use to communicate to us.” When Romig came to JBU from Wichita State University in 2008, he began to introduce play therapy to graduate counseling students, first through continuing education seminars and later with a Graduate Certificate in Play Therapy and an optional play therapy specialization. As interest developed in JBU’s graduate counseling department, Dr. Nick Cornett was studying in the doctoral program at the University of North Texas, known internationally for its doctoral level instruction in Play Therapy. While in Texas, Nick developed expertise in the field of Play

Dr. Charles Romig is an expert in play therapy.

Play therapy is a form of psychotherapy used to help children express their emotions or problems by using what comes more naturally to them: playing. Therapy and produced a number of scholarly presentations on the topic. While a graduate teaching assistant, he gained experience as a classroom instructor and guest lecturer. He also provided play therapy services in local schools for children identified as being “at-risk” by the child’s parent or teacher. Nick was developing a reputation

as a budding scholar in the relatively young field of play therapy. As a former undergraduate and graduate student of JBU, Cornett jumped at the opportunity to become a full-time faculty for JBU’s graduate counseling department. “I eagerly applied for it,” Cornett recalls now. “It was a ‘dream job’ for me that would provide an opportunity to return to a university and program that had so meaningfully and formatively impacted my life.” Cornett was hired and began teaching in 2012. His preparation and passion exactly match the vision and goals of the department. With the experience and expertise brought to JBU by Romig and Cornett, JBU’s Play Therapy training will continue to positively impact the lives of the students who are trained and the children and families with whom they work. Nikki Rader is the graduate counseling recruiter for the Graduate Counseling Program. Fall 2012 |

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{ D E G R E E C O M P L E T I O N — LO R I WA L K E R }

Former JBU Students Finish Degrees Via Online Courses

While other universities may offer online programs, John Brown University provides a unique blend of Christ-centered values, flexibility and high-caliber courses.

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One year after its initial launch, the online degree in business administration has nearly 100 students, including some familiar faces: Former JBU students coming back to finish their degrees online. JBU’s Degree Completion Program added an online degree in business administration (BSBA) last fall to reach students who might not otherwise have access to Christian higher education. Kellia Villanueva enrolled at JBU as a freshman in 1983 and attended for three years before leaving Siloam Springs. Now, because of JBU’s online classes, Villanueva can finish the five courses she needs to complete her bachelor’s degree from John Brown University online while she’s living and working in Florida. “I always wanted to earn my degree from JBU,” she said. “Thanks to JBU’s online degree program, I can finally finish what I started all of those years ago.” Donna Hovis came to Siloam Springs as a JBU student in 1991, but circumstances prevented her from finishing her degree at the time. Currently living in North Carolina, she is realizing her dream of graduating from John Brown University via the online BSBA program. “I had been praying about how to finish my degree for years,” Hovis said. “I looked into different options and when I got an informational card

in the mail, I was so excited. I always wanted to graduate from JBU, and thanks to the new online program, that dream will become a reality.” While other universities may offer online programs, JBU provides a unique blend of Christ-centered values, flexibility and high-caliber courses. “JBU has a rich legacy of providing quality business education from a Christian worldview,” Susan DeWoody, dean of degree completion and nontraditional programs, said. “The BSBA program has allowed us to extend the mission of the Degree Completion Program beyond our former geographic limitations and provide access to a JBU degree worldwide.” Above all, JBU is committed to ensuring that our online programs maintain the academic quality for which the university is known. “JBU’s BSBA program is modeled on the same high-quality, values-centered curriculum in our traditional undergraduate context,” Dr. Ed Ericson, vice president for academic affairs, said. “Our Business programs have been winning national awards and producing much-sought-after graduates for decades and have played a central role in JBU’s achievement of our U.S. News Best Value and Best College rankings.” Lori Walker is the director of marketing & corporate relations for the Degree Completion Program.


{ CHAPLAIN’S CORNER — TRACY BALZER }

Pilgrimage: From Exile to the Promised Land When friends return from vacation, we naturally ask them, “How was your vacation?” “What did you do?” “What did you see?” When was the last time you intentionally asked, “What did it mean to you?” Traveling and tourism is a massive industry today. Many of us, when asked the question, “If you could do anything, what would it be?” would say that we’d love to travel to some far-off exotic destination. Our Celtic ancestors in the British Isles shared our wanderlust. Their purpose in journeying, however, was fairly different from that of most modern travelers, for they did not leave their homes for pleasure or business or to satisfy curiosity. For the early Christian Celts, journeying was an exercise undertaken for the love of God. A curious Latin name is given to this practice: peregrinatio, which can be translated as “pilgrimage.” Unlike the conventional understanding of pilgrimage in which devout people journey to shrines, the Celts traveled without a destiny in mind. They learned that it is not so much the final destination that brings us to greater Christlikeness, but the process of journeying itself. Finding models of this journeying tradition in the pages of Scripture is not difficult. As Yahweh called to Abram, asking him to leave his country, people, and father’s household, it came with a great promise of transformation: from one man into countless people, from obscurity to great honor and blessing, from isolation to covenant with God himself. Abram journeyed not out of curiosity or wanderlust, but in obedience to the call of God, asking him to sacrifice what is familiar. Our modern-day journeying can likewise bring us face to face with profound truth. Leading university

students on study and mission trips to Ireland has expanded my own world, for as leaders my husband and I are responsible not only for teaching these students as we travel around the island, but also for the multiple dimensions of their well-being. It is an incredibly stretching experience, personally and spiritually. One year we made arrangements for our students to meet with a gentleman who had formerly been an active member of one of the most violent paramilitary groups in Belfast. “Ace” had served time in prison for murder and had since then given his life to Christ. Now Ace was actively involved in a reconciliation ministry among Protestants and Catholics. Ace gave us a tour of the Shankill neighborhood, pointing out places where bombs had gone off or where people had been gunned down in the days when the violence was at its peak. These kinds of experiences cry out for our attention, offering us new and transforming insights if we have the courage to be open to the transforming process. God be with thee in every pass, Jesus be with thee on every hill, Spirit be with thee on every stream, Headland and ridge and lawn; Each sea and land, each moor and meadow, Each lying down, each rising up, In the trough of the waves, on the crest of the billows, Each step of the journey thou goest.

Abram journeyed not out of curiosity or wanderlust, but in obedience to the call of God, asking him to sacrifice what is familiar.

From Thin Places: An Evangelical Journey Into Celtic Christianity (Leafwood Publishers) Reprinted by permission

Tracy Balzer is director of Christian formation. Fall 2012 | Brown Bulletin

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the

guatemala connection

JBU BUILDS A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH A LATIN AMERICAN PEOPLE STORY BY MARQUITA SMITH

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PHOTOS BY HEATHER CHARISE ’12


T

he man was led to a pair of feet jutting from pile of filth, cardboard and paper. Two Guatemalan boys, thrown together as brothers and left defenseless on this night, needed to find a more secure place to rest. Too many police patrolled the area. Gently, the older sibling pulled apart the bed to uncover his younger brother, who slept despite the harassing noises and passersby. Picking up the sleeping child, the man followed the older brother to a small enclave next to a garbage dump.The brother signaled for the man to stop. After placing the small boy on a bed of boxes in the protection of a child guardian, the man forced himself to walk away — there was nothing more he could do. That day was 1993 and the American, Joe Walenciak, associate dean of the College of Business, describes it as pivotal moment in

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his life – the time when God renewed his spirit and gave him new purpose and passion. His prayer: “Kindle a new passion in my heart. Give me your passion for something.” His interests: the street kids in Guatemala and the indigenous people in the nation of more than 13 million residents. With extremes of wealth and poverty, and few people in the middle, Guatemala is the largest nation in Central America. Connections with this nation have formed on campus. Over the years, John Brown University students, faculty and staff frequently travel to Guatemala either to study abroad, go on short-term mission trips, visit friends, live with host families to study the language or to simply explore the beautiful country. JBU’s connections in the country have grown rapidly, and the university shares a special bond with the people of Guatemala. • • • Why Guatemala? More than 200,000 of its people were killed over the course of a civil war that began in 1960 and ended with peace accords in 1996. The legacy of brutality contributed to massive human abuse, drug problems, and other violent crimes in Guatemala. The needs are tremendous, said Walenciak, who served as the Students In Free Enterprise (now known as Enactus) Sam Walton Fellow for JBU for 11 years. During his sabbatical in 2003, Walenciak, who speaks Spanish fluently, taught at Guatemala’s most prestigious university, connected with many JBU graduates in the region and served as a volunteer for many children’s charities. He said his time there helped to intensify the JBU-Guatemala partnership, through which countless projects have blossomed over the years. Among them: Clean water: The project was completed in Chajul in May 2012 (see page 20 for full article). On his blog he posted: “History will probably never

remember that clean water came to Chajul, Guatemala, for the very first time on May 22, 2012. But the people of Chajul...and a group from John Brown University...WILL remember this day.” Stove Initiative: In 2005, after learning about the desperate conditions of typical family kitchens in rural Guatemala, the SIFE team got involved and replaced open, indoor fire pits with safe, clean and efficient concrete and cinder block stoves. SIFE partnered with Helps International to clean up the kitchens in the rural Guatemalan village of Santa Cruz in Baja Verapaz. Since then, the stove initiative has expanded to include several villages, with more than 1,200 stoves provided. Hydroponics: In 2009, Andrea Marroquin started a project called Hydroponics Optimizing People’s Endeavors (HOPE), which helps Guatemalan farmers grow tomatoes. The crop allows farmers to help feed the nation plus earn a living. Annual mission trips to Guatemala have become more common among

JBU students. Various projects or visits are often led by staff, faculty or through a connection in Guatemala. No matter the cause, each trip usually includes a visit to the dump. The Guatemala City garbage dump, Fall 2012 |

Brown Bulletin | 15


situated in a ravine, sprawls across 40 acres of land in the nation’s capital. This landfill, one of the largest and most toxic in Central America, houses over a third of the country’s waste, including trash, recyclables and discarded food items. Medical supplies, including used syringes, toxins emitted from discarded gas tanks, as well as other

Over 40 percent of Guatemala City’s residents live in slums.

biohazardous materials contribute to the dangers. Animal corpses deteriorate amid the waste, adding to already poor sanitation conditions. The area surrounding the landfill is so heavily populated that it has become a municipality. The nation’s poor are allowed to build temporary houses or structures bordering the landfill; the ravine and surrounding properties are public land. An estimated 8,000-13,000 men, women, and children live in the squatting communities, scavenging in the dump for personal items, food, and anything they may be able to re-sale on the open market. Walenciak said he never anticipated becoming deeply involved with the

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people, missions and organizations in Guatemala. “I would have laughed in your face if you said I would be traveling five times a year to Guatemala.” But God always knows what’s best for us. God’s plan is what must lead and guide us, whether people realize it or not, he explained. • • • Ron Johnson’s office resembles a typical family room in a suburban home. On this particular Friday, several students from Central America enjoy coffee and doughnuts, a nice break between classes. “I get to know them and it makes it a much more personal relationship,” he said. “I know their stories. I have been into their homes. I understand their struggles.” Johnson, director of the Walton International Scholars Program, spends much of his time recruiting and selecting Walton Scholars from eight countries. Out of 60 students, 20 percent generally are from Guatemala. “Guatemala, it’s unique,” he said. “People are warm and friendly. They sing when they talk. And people have gone through some hardship with the civil war, but yet they are hopeful and inspirational.” Ernesto Lopez, a sophomore engineering majoring, sat on a couch near Johnson. The native Guatemalan smiled as he compared his home to Siloam Springs. They both are beautiful with beautiful people, he concluded. Even away from home, new students still feel connected to Guatemala. Lopez has worked on the water project in the mountains (article on page 20). He said he was totally surprised at how much love his classmates have for his native land. “I find all of the

multiple projects amazing,” he said. “I was impressed. I knew if I came here to make a difference in my country, I was going to get a good start.” The road that Christians must travel is never easy, of course – whether they’re working for Christ in Westernized nations or in the developing world. In August, History Professor Preston Jones taught a seminar about “The Examined Life”, a book by John Kekes at the Universidad Francisco Marroquin in Guatemala City. Jones discussed the way the book guides readers to have a better life by applying self-examination techniques that crystallize personal goals, values, relationships and interests. Jones, who has traveled to Guatemala often, described his relationship to the nation as surpassing passion and romanticism. It is, he explained, “a duty.”



H

oly Week, 2006, Guatemala City, Guatemala. A small, poor woman, known by many as Mama Carmen, cares for a young boy wracked by seizures. He is one of the many homeless, helpless children cared for by Mama Carmen. No child is ever turned away from her door, not since her son was rescued from narcoterrorists more than 20 years ago. She has no money, only the help of her family, and other resources are scarce. It doesn’t really matter; Mama Carmen has promised God that she will take care of abandoned children, a promise she made years ago, when her son was returned to her. On this day, Mama Carmen and her daughter manage to get young Marco Antonio, still shaking with seizures, to the hospital, where they leave him in the doctors’ care. They drive their ailing van back to her home. Hours later Mama Carmen must return to the hospital to check on Marco Antonio — but their brake fluid is leaking. The whole of Guatemala City is shut down for the Easter holidays; there are no buses or taxis in service, and no one near who can fix the van. Mama Carmen simply prays: “God, this is not my ministry, this is yours, I am just your instrument. You’ve got to get me back to the hospital.” She goes out to her front door ... and waits. • • • The empty streets of Holy Week make for perfect conditions for Dr. Joe Walenciak, associate dean of the College of Business, to teach an American visitor how to get around town. It is this American visitor’s first time to Guatemala, and he is there to make preparations for a future mission team. Joe, by contrast, thinks of Guatemala as his second home. He knows this Guatemala City well, having been there many times over the last several years in ministry to the many impoverished children that make the streets their home.

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THE

mama carmen STORIES

JBU LEARNS ABOUT

great faith

FROM A SMALL WOMAN STORY BY TRACY BALZER PHOTO BY EMILY ADAMS

To test his friend’s knowledge of the city, Joe gives him a challenge: “Let’s see if you can find your way to Mama Carmen’s house.” They get in the car and make their way through the deserted streets. Ten minutes later the proper route has been navigated. But it occurs to Joe that Mama Carmen does not know he’s in town — they had better stop in

and say hello. They pull up to Mama Carmen’s run-down house, surprised to discover her calmly sitting in her doorway. “I’ll be ready in a few minutes,” she says to them in an unaffected tone. She seems not the least bit surprised to see them; after all, she had asked God for help. Recognizing their marching orders, Joe and his friend help her


into their car and drive through the quiet streets to the hospital and Marco Antonio. • • • Joe Walenciak has a vast collection of “Mama Carmen stories” that illustrate the great faith of a small woman in the midst of desperate circumstances. It is now his personal mission to tell her story and to supervise special proj-

ects that utilize the heads, hearts and hands of JBU students for the benefit of Guatemala’s needy children. Those projects include raising money for a wheelchair for a child named Gerardo, whom Mama Carmen found abandoned and severely brain damaged as an infant. Or helping pay for caskets for the young children who die after living their final days in Mama Carmen’s

care. Sometimes Joe and JBU students simply take meals to Mama Carmen, her family, and the children. “We take them pizza or roasted chicken, and cake for birthdays—we celebrate a whole year’s worth of birthdays at once! And we eat with them,” Joe says. Whatever the need, Joe and JBU students do what they can to assist Mama Carmen’s ministry of compassion. That ministry has grown in surprising ways. A few years ago a gentleman arrived on Mama Carmen’s doorstep, seemingly out of the blue … and gave her a coffee farm. And not just any coffee farm, but a rich, beautiful coffee farm (to which Mama Carmen calmly responds, “Of course it’s beautiful. God gives his children good gifts!”). Joe then heard about this generous gift, and after a series of divinely inspired connections in Northwest Arkansas, Mama Carmen’s coffee is now sold with a percentage of proceeds going directly to her ministry to street children. There is also a café in Fayetteville, Ark., managed by New Heights Church, called “Mama Carmen’s” that likewise shares profits with her. JBU Students In Free Enterprise has lent a hand as well, seeking to make JBU more aware of the needs in Guatemala. Senior business major Estefania Verdin Mendoza describes the year-long project she led as a SIFE member: “We partnered with the Mama Carmen coffee shop, and they helped sponsor awareness events on campus. My team served Mama Carmen’s coffee and accepted donations [while we would] tell the story and explain the cause. We also offered coffee at the TOMS shoes event at the Berry Performing Arts Center [on campus], and at several business meetings.” Of course, none of this surprises Mama Carmen. She presents her requests to God and waits in her doorway. She has no doubt that He will come. Fall 2012 |

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The remote town of Chajul is located in the Western highlands of Guatemala.

M I CRO - ENTERP RIS E BRINGS

new jobs

B

y nightfall the machine was up and running. There would be clean water. This was the second of the three-day Guatemala Water Project trip, and already the engineers and translators had taught the local machine operator how to fix, maintain and operate the water purification machine. The spring 2012 trip marked the end of nearly a year and half of working, planning, and preparing to bring clean water to Chajul, Guatemala. Isolated high in misty Quiché Mountains, Chajul is the most remote of the three points of the Ixil Triangle, three towns of predominant Ixil decent in the Western highlands of Guatemala. During the 36-year Guatemalan civil war (1960-1996), the area served as principal stages for the insurgent and 20 |

Brown Bulletin | Fall 2012

AND

clean water

BY JESSA ELDRIDGE ’11

counter-insurgent operations. As a result, the Ixil communities suffered the brunt of the conflict and more than 200,000 indigenous Guatemalans were massacred Clean water is not the only struggle the people of Chajul face. Outsiders are viewed with suspicion due to deep cultural and emotional wounds. Exploitation and poverty contribute to the hardship. Clear water runs through mountain springs near the town. Most towns have a catchment system but no water treat-

ment. Although crystal clear, each drop of water is contaminated at the source, teeming with fecal coliform, a bacteria born from waste. Common illnesses in the village include malnutrition, diarrhea, and respiratory, skin and dental problems. The water structures in Chajul are connected to the municipal water system, which gives people a few hours of water each day. During this time, rooftop tanks, buckets, barrels or other containers are used to gather water. These open containers host a great number of bacterium, which are ingested and play havoc on people’s immune systems. When a group of John Brown University graduate students became aware of the issues facing the people of Chajul,


they decided to create and implement a plan that targeted both the city’s health and economy. Compassion International played a critical role in the project’s partnership with Chajul. Since outsiders were viewed with suspicion, contact had to come through a trusted third party. JBU Walton alumna Nadia Soberanis was working at Compassion Guatemala and acted as the graduate team’s first contact. “Without Compassion International accepting us and opening doors for us in the community, this would never have worked,” said Joe Walenciak, associate dean of the College of Business. “In the original attempt to start this project, it was critical to work through a JBU alum. That was Nadia Soberanis, who arranged the original meetings for JBU with Compassion that started this whole thing.” JBU graduate students developed marketing and promotion plans to purchase water purification technology from Healing Waters International and trained Chajul leaders how to run the purification system as a micro-

Joe Walenciak, associate dean of the JBU College of Business, visits Guatemala several times every year.

enterprise. Once funds were raised, Healing Waters International delivered the purification system to the leadership in Compassion International Student Center, which is run by the local church.

“The technology will last for 10 years, and every part can be replaced with materials in the Chajul community,” graduate student Stacie Burley said. “We wanted a plan that was both sustainable and teachable.” Establishing a water purification system as a micro-enterprise provided a solution to both the health and economic plight. Selling the water through a health club membership fee would provide revenue, jobs and, most importantly, purified water. “This is not a handout,” Pablo Herrera, a member of the Guatemala Water Project explained. “Water is sold at a reasonable price, and people have to take health classes. The community is empowered by taking responsibility and ownership.” Since that trip in May 2012, more than 4,100 gallons of safe water have been distributed to the people. No longer wracked with cramps from unclean water, adults have gained back workdays and children regularly attend school. Clean water means more than a rise in health; it means jobs and a stimulated economy.

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{ HOMECOMING REUNIONS 2012 }

HERITAGE SOCIETY Back Row (left to right): Bob Hollingsworth, Ken Miller, Bill Cochrum, Richard Kennedy, Frank Sprouse, George Townsend, Roy Lehman, Maurice Rankin, Howard Whiteley, Gordon Zoschke, Ruth Ronan, Harry Waterhouse, Robert Stewart, Bobby Jackson, Andy Bowling. Third Row (left to right): Mike Taylor, Bob Cook, Jan Hollingsworth, Bill Smallman, Gil Weaver, Don Williams, Jim Sheets, Bill Smith, Bill Berry, Merle Maxwell, Gene Fulbright, Joe Zimmerman, Evelyn Miller, Judi Stewart, Dorothy Ausmus. Second Row (left to right): Jerry Powell, Alwilda Powell, Kathy Taylor, Betty Cook, Jim Walters, Sally Weaver, Martha Sheets, Carolee Cundiff, Donna Bechtel, Thera Barber, Attendee, Vera Fulbright, Joe Wilson, Francene Sharp, Ruth Wilson, Alice McQuay. Front Row (left to right): Doris Smallman, Joanna Haspels, Paul Bond, Wanda Jackson, Joan Smith, Donna Berry, Donna Bowling, Patsy Ward, Yvonna Whiteley, Joan Zoschke, Jan Lancaster-Goring.

CLASS OF 1972 REUNION Back Row (left to right): Allen Voth, Dennis Messenger, Walta Hattaway, Becky Williams, Barbara Terry. Front Row (left to right): Sherry Wright, Marlene Weaver McMillan, Wilma Barnes, Janet Naramore, Pat Walker.

CLASS OF 1967 REUNION Back Row (3 men in center, left to right): Ken Emanuelson, Tom Elgie, Howard Clark. Middle Row (left to right): alumnus, David Teague, Marsha Emanuelson, Karan Housley, Jerry Housley, Lynne Moll, David Moll, Don Coon. Front Row (seated, left to right): Jeanne (Nickell) Coon, Annetta (Gratzl) Elgie, Bernadine (Williams) Teague.

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{ HOMECOMING REUNIONS 2012 }

CLASS OF 1992 REUNION Back Row (left to right): Kendis (Hertz) Chenoweth, Kevin Chenoweth, Michelle (Averitt) Younkman, Korlynn (Klein) Applegate, Craig Kelly, Michael Hocklander, Jake Kohl, David Rohlfs, Collin Quiring. Front Row (left to right): Kemberly Contreras, Andrea (Wozniuk) Tonyes, Robyn (Culberson) Stucky, Eliza (Lloyd) Tutlebee, Dawn (Timboe) Stanford, Kara (Jones) Lasater, Paula (Germes) Kohl.

VISUAL ARTS REUNION Back Row (left to right): Justin Peabody, Tim Nichelson, Will Pitney, Natalie Slater. Middle Row (left to right): Cara Harlan, Kelly Saunders, Anna Andrus, Donny Epp, Ian Fraiser, Baby Thad Fraiser, Jeff Keller, Danielle Keller. Front Row (left to right): Greg Jackson, Analucia Jackson, Mariali Paz De Leon, Stephanie Fraiser

VOLLEYBALL REUNION (left to right): Rhonda Rush, Amy Coker, Joy Macdonald, Jerri Price, Jamie Shirley, Tressa Hammond, Beth Walker, Bobbi Buchanon, Christine Matchell, Christine Wells, Rachel Melby, Linda Christensen, Connie Matchell, Barbara Strombeck, Mary Nolan, Sarah Jordan, Shannon Moots, Enid Penner, Elisa Mendieta, Michelle Manthe, Kim Peabody, Tati Deibert, Carine Netto, Allie Rankin, Alyssa Hanson, Megan Tabor, Aubrey Emerson, Helen Gross, Briana Como, Summer Friesen, Suzie Schult, Laurae Marty, Christy Newton, Britney Porter, Kirsten Lee, Amber Wilson, Lori Kerns, Karen Morris, Penny Wanzer, Robyn Daugherty, Gretchen Ward, Christy Rideout, Verleen Didier, Stacie Johnson.

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{ HOMECOMING REUNIONS 2012 }

CLASS OF 1982

REUNION

ve and & Beth Walker, Da (left to right): Hal King. & Valerie Hill, Tim Cathy Flack, Carl

CLASS OF 2002 REUN

ION

Back Row (left to right) : Joseph Mason, Andre w Friesen, Matt Schulte, John Lein, Nick Sammer. Front Ro w (left to right): Alicia Clark, Lindse y Hancock, Aleasia We athers, Merriam Lein, Cherissa Roebuck, Mekalah Slaton .

CLASS OF 1962 REUNION Back Row (left to right): Jerry Powell, Kathy Taylor, Jan Hollingsworth, Bob Hollingsworth, Maurice Rankin. Middle Row (left to right): Mike Taylor, Bill Smallman, Thera Barber, Donna Bechtel, Carolee Cundiff. Front Row (left to right): Doris Smallman, Joanna Haspels, Alwilda Powell, Francene Sharp, Judi Stewart.

CLASS OF 2007

REUNION

(left to right): Vale rie Kyles, Esther Sc hinzler, Bryan Foster, Beka h Johnson, Zachar y Johnson.

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Brown Bulletin | Fall 2012

CLASS OF 1987 REUNION

an, Curtis Kraetsch, Back Row (left to right): David LeV t): Lucy Wood, Philip Smith. Front Row (left to righ ki Megli. Renee Netherton, Leslie LeVan, Bec


{ HOMECOMING AWARDS 2012 }

OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD: JOY McNEIL ’13 Ms. McNeil is leading a Bible study in her dorm hall, teaching Sunday school classes at Community Christian Fellowship, and volunteering at a local non-profit organization.

YOUNG EAGLE AWARD: NONZO AZUBUIKE ’05 Mr. Nozo “Zo” Azubuike became the owner of Oxi Fresh of Colorado Springs, vice president of DTS, Franchise Development of Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning, and co-owner of Oxi Fresh of Kentucky. In addition to this, Mr. Nozo is the director and board member of K.A. Family Foundation, and serves on the board of the non-profit division of Active Faith Sports.

CHRISTIAN SERVICE AWARD: DR. IDA MAE ADOLPHSON ’51 She has served as a charter member of Citivan, and as a Delta Kappa Gamma officer. In addition, she has served on the Sager Creek Art Center Board of Directors, Sager Creek Art Center Theater Committee, National Association of Christian Counselors, Adult Development Center Board of Directors, Chorale of the Ozarks, and with the Far East Broadcasting Company in Philippine Island.

OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS AWARD: WILLIAM BERRY ’56 Mr. and Mrs. Berry have been faithful to serve the Lord in various ways, including serving as church board members, Sunday school superintendent, and teaching Sunday school classes. Currently, Mr. Berry serves as a substitute Sunday school teacher, sings in the senior church choir, and leads other opportunities as they arise. Beyond the church, Mr. Berry served with the local Pampa Development Committee, the Pampa Industrial Foundation, and with the JBU Board of Trustees and Development Committee for 15 years.

CHRISTIAN MINISTRY AWARD: MAJOR DOUG BALL ’97 In June 2005, Mr. Ball was accessioned as an active-duty Army Chaplain. He has been deployed to Iraq, Eastern Afghanistan, and Bosnia-Herzegovina and is currently awaiting his next assignment.

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: DAVID BOND ’73 In 1977, Mr. Bond started a wholesale distribution company to sell to lumber companies. The business expanded into 14 locations in 10 states, producing $600 million in revenue and becoming the single largest individual wholesale distributer in North America.

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{ ALUMNI DIRECTOR — JERRY ROLLENE ’75 }

A Taste of Homecoming

Homecoming is a time to see what has taken the place of our yesterdays; to appreciate the balance between the roots of faith and the growth of excellence; and to witness what happens when generations strive with ‘Head, Heart and Hand’ to keep ‘Christ Over All.’

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I grew up to the era tunes of Phil Keaggy, Larry Norman and even the band, Petra. Hum a line from “Here Comes the Sun” or “I Wish We’d All Been Ready,” and I would probably sing right along (very softly, of course). So, when I was approached with the idea of inviting an artist named TobyMac to perform at John Brown University during Homecoming, I must admit I hadn’t an inkling of what was being offered. I had no idea that the show would sell out, students would clamor for tickets, and the concert would become a standing room only event. Now I know: Invite a an artist who has sold 11 million records and holds multiple Grammy Awards and GMA Dove Award nominations to his name, and of course people will wait hours to get into the concert. The most frequent comment from the evening was, “I can’t believe TobyMac would come to John Brown University!” But he did, and thousands of people in Northwest Arkansas have been to our campus as a result. One of the great joys of facilitating homecoming is hearing about the great times alumni had at various activities, like Volleyball’s 40th Celebration, the Communication Department’s Gathering and the Visual Art Gallery’s display of alumni artwork. It is also fun to give students and alumni the opportunity to work together both on and off stage in the Student and Alumni Showcase Performance. This show is quickly becoming a favorite part of the weekend, partly because the performers are accompanied by the jazz band and chamber orchestra, and because of the engaging style of our emcees. This year, Rod Learned ’77 and Andrew Layden ’13, kept the audience entertained as they took a lighthearted look at JBU “then” and “now.”

Rod: “….our class is having our 35th year reunion.” Andrew: “35 years?! That was...14 years before I was born! That was before cell phones or the internet or...” Rod: “That’s very true. It’s also before there was a casino on the state line or so many students texting while driving.” The easy conversation depicted many of the audience’s very emotions on seeing new changes on a campus full

Rod Learned ’77 and Andrew Layden ’13 engage in witty banter during the Homecoming Showcase Performance.

of old memories. Soon archived photos of bellbottoms, Afros, poodle skirts and old dorm rooms came popping onto the overhead screen. Homecoming is a time to visit old roots and rekindle friendships. It’s a time to see what has taken the place of our yesterdays; to appreciate the balance between the roots of faith and the growth of excellence; and to witness what happens when generations strive with ‘Head, Heart and Hand’ to keep ‘Christ Over All.’ Jerry Rollene ’75 is director of alumni and parent relations for JBU.


{ ALUMNI NEWS } Nick Ballard ’04 and Blaire

BOB BURNS TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE NAIA HALL OF FAME

Ballard welcomed their first child, Blythe Noelle Ballard, into their family on Dec. 23, 2011.

Brian Bollinger ’07 and Annie (Christensen) Bollinger ’07 joyfully

announce the arrival of their first son Simon Wayne Bollinger. Simon was born on April 23, 2012. Brian is the director of employment services at World Relief in Stone Mountain, Ga. Annie resigned from World Relief to be a fulltime wife and mother. Matthew Bowen and

Lindsay (Almstrom) Bowen ’09

were married on July 9, 2012, in Estes Park, Colo. Lindsay recently earned her doctorate in physical therapy and Matthew works as an account manager for an electrical distribution company. Roberta (Griffith) Fisher ’68 published a

Vietnam era romance book entitled “Until Tomorrow.”

During the NAIA 2013 Convention, Dr. Gerald Robert “Bob” Burns will be inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame, which will add another title to his growing record of accolades. During his 31 years at John Brown University, 25 as athletics director, Burns was twice the recipient of the NAIA Region VI Athletics Director of the Year award. Burns was on the NAIA District 17 Executive Committee for eight years, served as NAIA Region VI Chair for six years and served as program presenter and participant at numerous NAIA Conventions. Dr. Burns was deeply involved at the national, regional and conference level, never missing a single NAIA National meeting in his years as athletic director. As athletic director of John Brown University, Burns unified and brought vision to the Golden Eagles, which earned the institution numerous NAIA All-American and Scholar Athlete honors as well as the 2005 NAIA Division 1 basketball championship. In addition, Burns played a pivotal role in establishing gender equity throughout John Brown University’s intercollegiate program by adding many of the women’s programs. “I am very pleased to see Dr. Burns receive this high honor. His knowledge and involvement in the NAIA throughout the years has given him a great love for the NAIA and for intercollegiate athletics,” said Robyn Daugherty, director of athletics. “I am so thankful for all his hard work towards the establishment of a quality intercollegiate program at JBU.” Burns obtained his master’s degree and doctorate degree in education from the University of Arkansas and

retired from John Brown University in 2006. Other NAIA achievements for Burns include: • Kentucky Intercollegiate Conference Baseball Coach of the Year (1974-75) • Past President of Arkansas AAHPERD (1988) • Past President of Central States Chapter of American College of Sports Medicine (1988-90) • Received the 2001 Honor Award Present by Arkansas AAHPERD (2001) • Coordinated Champions of Character Summits in Region VI for the NAIA • Serving on NAIA Character committee • Presently serving as NAIA Region VI Chair

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Brown Bulletin | 27


{ ALUMNI NEWS } Tyler Gill ’09 and Michelle (Gabbert) Gill ’05 announce

the birth of their daughter, Eastyn Faith Gill, who was born on Sept. 12, 2012, at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, Ark. She weighed 7 lbs., 13 oz., and was 21 in. long. Andrew Griffin ’96

and Monica Griffin adopted Maxwell (age 4) and Sullivan (age 1) from Hawaii.

Alan Hill ‘09 and Rachel (Lapo) Hill ’10 were married on June 17,

2012.

Mark Kim ’11 and Ana (Rios) Kim ’11

welcome their son Alexander Leonidas TaeHo Kim, who was born on May 30, 2012, at Siloam Springs Regional Hospital. Emily Moberly ’08 was listed

among the 10 Female Entrepreneurs in San Diego to Watch by Forbes magazine for her nonprofit work. Emily began 28 |

Brown Bulletin | Fall 2012

a nonprofit organization called Traveling Stories, which sets up libraries in developing countries and provides free literary coaching in San Diego, Calif. James Marcus Naramore ’08

was accepted into the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan in August 2012. James taught with Teach for America for two years in Abraham Lincoln High School in Denver, Colo. Elsie (Renalds) Newcomer ‘68

with her sister has co-authored Civil War Sesquicentennial books titled “1861 Life in the Shenandoah Valley” and its sequel, “1862.” The books consist of the journals of their greatgrandfather, Siram Henkel, the letter collection of his nephew Dr. Caspar Coiner Henkel (a surgeon in Stonewall Jackson’s Brigade), and news articles from the Daily Dispatch of Richmond, Va. The Library of Virginia purchased the journals last year and the letter collection is on exhibit at the National Library of Medicine. Daniel Ostendorff ’07 and Lauren (Raikes) Ostendorff ’06 welcome

Aubrey Kay Ostendorff, born Aug. 23, 2012, in Nairobi, Kenya. Aubrey weighed 6 lbs. 7 oz., was 20 in. long and is doing great! Jonathan Raikes ‘13 and Liesl (Tanksley) Raikes ‘12 an-

nounce the birth of their son, David Russell Raikes. David was born on Aug. 22, 2012, weighing 8 lbs., 13 oz., and was 19 in. long.

Kenneth Rippetoe ’93 reported $240 million in fraud at the Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System Veterans Affairs Hospital and received an award in February 2012 for wrongful termination in August 2011. Melinda (Malliet) Roberts ’09 gradu-

ated from Drexel University Philadelphia, Pa., in March 2012 with her Master of Science in Library and Information Science. She is now a business research librarian at the Lippincott Library of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Vernon “Bill” Servis ’69 and Johnnie Servis recently volunteered at Sabine Pass Battleground in Sabine, Texas. Steve Snediker’s ’86 Master of Fine Arts Thesis Film, “Carlisle’s Secret,” has recently become an official selection of Offshoot Film Festival 2012, which was held in Fayetteville, Ark., Oct. 4-7. Snediker also served as an adjudicator of student film entries for the concurrent Seeding Film Festival. Brit Windel ’08 and Stacie Windel are joining Association of Related Churches to begin training in church planting in Kenosha, Wis. James Young ’70 was named

President of Michigan Press Association (MPA) by the Board of Directors at their annual meeting. MPA represents over 300 daily and weekly newspapers across the state of Michigan. Mr. Young has served on the Board of Directors of MPA since 1998. Jim resides with his wife Debbie in Pentwater, Mich., and is publisher of two weekly newspapers on Michigan’s west coastline.


{ IN MEMORIAM } Mary-Lynn (Johnson) Allard ’76, age 58, passed away on April 13, 2012. Mary-Lynn graduated from John Brown University in 1976 with a degree in biology. She is survived by her husband of 32 years, David Allard; daughter, Christina; and son, David Scott. Robert Ambler ’40, age 91, passed away on June 16, 2012. He graduated from John Brown University with a degree in agriculture. Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Effie Maxine (Oakes) Ambler. He is survived by children, Margaret Willemsen, Bob Ambler II, John Ambler, Ramona Way and Mary Lany, eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Mavis “Aileen” Bowen, ’50, age 82, passed away on Oct. 6, 2012. Aileen graduated from John Brown University in 1950 with a degree in home economics. She sang in the JBU Cathedral Choir. She is survived by her husband of 62 years Bill; two sons, Spense and Tom; two daughters, Deborah Gardner and Carol Hill; as well as 14 grandchildren; and eight greatgrandchildren.

chairman of the Mission to North America Committee. He is survived by his wife, Jessie Clark; and children, James and John Clark, Ruth Anne Clark and Mary Beth Molnar. Beverly M. Crowder, age 81, passed away on Sept. 27, 2012. She was a devoted mother of three. She loved books, and worked in the John Brown University Library for 28 years. She is survived by husband and JBU graduate Cliff Crowder, of 62 years of marriage; her son, Rob Crowder; daughter, Linda Teasley; daughter, Jan Wiles; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. John Davis ’39, age 97, passed away on Feb. 18, 2012. John graduated from John Brown University with a degree in Biblical studies. John pastored churches in Texas, Washington and Oregon with the Southern Baptist Convention before retirement. He is survived by wife, Luelva Davis; children John Davis Jr., Martha Fort, Sandra Jourdan, Gail Russell; and 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and two greatgreat-grandchildren. Dr. Richard Emery ’57, age 79,

Jamesette Brown ’55, age 75, passed away on May 5, 2012. She graduated from John Brown University with a degree in home economics. Jamesette is survived by her husband John; daughter, Martha Jones; daughter, Rhonda Lee; and three grandchildren.

passed away on Sept. 24, 2012. Richard graduated from John Brown University with a degree in music. He taught music at Union University, the University of Arkansas and John Brown University. Richard was preceded in death by wife, Kay Janssen Emery ’58. He is survived by children, Jeff Emery, Kristin Stewart ’82, Kerry Pruett ’89; and seven grandchildren.

Phil Clark ’42, age 91, passed away on Aug. 4, 2012. Phil graduated from John Brown University with a degree in English. He organized his area’s first presbytery and later became

Lloyd P. Foster ’42, age 93, passed away on Sept.9, 2012. He ministered in various churches from 1948 to 1986 before he retired as a Methodist clergyman. He is survived by his wife Myrtle;

sons, Fred, Lloyd, Bob and John; daughters, Trish Foster, Mary (David) Haas, Mary (William) Haas, Deborah VanEst, Pam Haas, LuAnn Slattery, Naomi Wiltzius; 26 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Cleo M. Haggard ’40, age 89,

passed away on May 22, 2012. After graduating with a degree in elementary education, she taught elementary school until meeting and marrying her late husband, Winston H. Haggard. Both worked for the government until retirement. Marybelle Handley ’59, age 96,

passed away on Dec. 30, 2011. Marybelle graduated from John Brown University with a degree in elementary education and was a second grade teacher for the Siloam Springs School District. She was a president of the United Methodist Women. Marybelle was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Victor Handley. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Diane Allison. Charles R. Harvey ’48, age

85, passed away on May 30, 2012. Charles graduated from John Brown University with a degree in electrical engineering. He was an active supporter of John Brown University and served on the JBU Engineering Advisory Board from 2003-2012. He is survived by his wife, Mary Alta (Byrd) Harvey; daughter, Linda Kirby; son, Les Harvey; as well as one grandchild and one great-grandchild. Fall 2012 |

Brown Bulletin | 29


{ IN MEMORIAM } Dr. Jim Holliday ’64, age 70, died Aug. 8, 2012, at Washington Regional Hospital, Fayetteville, Ark. He was the son of Rondel Elvin Holliday and Julia “Billie” Holliday. He was a 1960 graduate of Siloam Springs High School and graduated from John Brown University with a B. S. degree in chemistry. He received a M.S. degree in chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley and a Ph.D. in chemical physics from the University of Minnesota. For 38 years he served at JBU in various roles including Associate Dean, Dean of Faculty, Vice-President for Academic Affairs and professor. He was a member of the Siloam Springs Rotary Club where he was a past president, Paul Harris Fellow and was currently serving as the club secretary. He was also a member of the Grand Lake Sail Club, Grove, Okla. He married Marilyn Hood in 1964. He was a member of Sager Creek Community Church, Siloam Springs. Survivors include his wife Marilyn of the home; one son, Brad Holliday and wife Hyokyung; one daughter, Julie Reynolds and husband; and four grandchildren. Nola Katherine “Kay” Marsh ’75, age 75, passed away on Oct.

7, 2012. Nola graduated from John Brown University with a degree in home economics. She was an active member in her church and a representative of the AIB Board for Decatur State Bank for several years. She is survived by her husband, Riley B. Marsh; daughters, Donna Katherine Wheeler and Karen Victoria Shook; nine grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. 30 |

Brown Bulletin | Fall 2012

Viola (Babb) Null ’47, age 85, passed away on May 17, 2012, after an extended illness. After graduating with a degree in business administration from John Brown University, she worked for DuPont as stenographer for 26 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Clem Null. She is survived by her sons, Samuel Null and Charles Null; and two grandchildren. George Pearson ’51, age 82, passed

away on March 15, 2012. He graduated from John Brown University with a degree in English. George was a retired printer, missionary, college administrator and pastor. He is survived by his wife Barbara Pearson; sons, Daniel Pearson and Mark Pearson; daughters, Robbie Stanley and Rose Cardenas; and 12 grandchildren.

Gerald “Jerry” Pickerill ’67, age 83, passed away on Aug. 9, 2012. He graduated from John Brown University with a degree in mechanical engineering and went to work for General Dynamics, where he was a mechanical engineer working on building and refurbishing nuclear submarines. Gerald is survived by his wife, Roberta Brockwell; sons, Jay Pickerill and Joel Pickerill; daughter Lynn Selfridge; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Jack Reeves ’49, age 86, passed

away on Aug. 9, 2012. He was a veteran of World World II. Upon discharge from the Navy, he studied at John

Brown University and graduated with a degree in broadcasting. He owned KENA radio stations in Mena, Ark., from 1967-1987. Jack is survived by his wife, Mary Paul Reeves and one daughter, Jacqueline Rees Arthur Shannon ’66 passed away

on May 1, 2012. Arthur graduated from John Brown University with a degree in natural science. David Shoup ’46, age 86, passed away on Aug. 13, 2012. David joined the U.S. Army in 1941 and was stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, at the time of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. He was employed by British American Oil Co., and later retired from Union Carbide. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; sons, David Shoup and James Shoup; daughter, Mary Shoup; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two greatgreat-grandchildren. Vernona Evelyn Snider ’47, age 85, passed away on Jan. 19, 2012. Vernona graduated from John Brown University with a degree in Biblical studies. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Edwin Snider; children, Allan Snider and Pam Weaver; two grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren. Eugene VanGundy ’41, passed away on Aug. 26, 2012. He attended John Brown University for two years and then completed a bachelor’s degree in education from Oklahoma State University. He served as a United States Marine Corps Aviator in World War II and in the Korean War. He flew over 180 missions and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart. Eugene is survived by his wife,


{ IN MEMORIAM } Geneva (Stiner) VanGundy; sons, Rodney VanGundy, Martin VanGundy, Thomas VanGundy; daughters, Billie Williams, Sherri Hamblin, and Doryce Miller; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Martha Marie Everett Vaughn ’37, age 93, passed away on Aug. 12,

2012. She worked for many years as a bookkeeper for First National Bank of Fayetteville, Arkansas. She is survived by her children, Everett Vaughn and Barbara Stewart, as well as five grandchildren; and nine greatgrandchildren.

Jerry Victor Williams ’61, age 73, passed away on May 1, 2012. He graduated from John Brown University after studying business administration. He is survived by his sister Beverly Nelson and brother Willie Williams. Lola Wright ’53, age 79, passed away on June 16, 2012. She earned a

degree in home economics from John Brown University. She is survived by her husband, James Wright; daughters, Mary Lou Sutherland and Diana Bents; sons James Wright, John Wright and Peter Wright; eleven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

CAMPUS COLORS

Kennith Webb ’49, age 81, passed away on Sept. 17, 2012. He earned a degree in agriculture from John Brown University before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1950, where he served his country in France, Thailand and the U.S. He is survived by his wife, Ruth LaNell Webb; daughters, Cathi Jack, Michele Perroux and Melissa Brawner; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. James Willems ’48, age 85, passed away on Feb. 8, 2012. He graduated from John Brown University with a degree in business administration and owned his own business. He is survived by his wife, Betty Willems; sons, Steven Willems and Larry Severence; daughters, Lynne Severence and Dale Severence; and eight grandchildren. Howard Williams ’41, age 90,

passed away on June 6, 2012. He left John Brown University in 1941 to enlist in the U.S Navy where he served for five years. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Betty Williams; sons, Kelly and Scott; daughter, Cynthia Haney; and two grandchildren.

Photo by Kelly Saunders

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{ FROM THE EDITOR — LUCAS ROEBUCK ‘97 }

A Zero-Landfill Skeptic Turns Green In today’s society, “becoming green” has gone from being an environmentally aware cause to a hip catchphrase that is more show than substance. Beyond image, the politicized nature of environmental issues often makes a skeptic sour on green efforts. I certainly fall in the “color me skeptical” crowd whenever I hear of the latest green fads. True enough, when JBU started talking about going “zero landfill” last year, I had doubts. However, after seeing what Steve Brankle, JBU’s director of facilities and sustainability, and his team have pulled off, I am now a true blue ... er.. true green believer. For Brankle, the work to make JBU more environmentally sustainable – culminating with the Siloam Spring campus going zero-landfill this summer – is more than just taking care of the Earth God has given us. It’s also about stewardship of JBU’s resources. JBU’s green efforts have saved the university a significant amount of money (over $300,000/year). This means more resources can go towards JBU’s core mission of training students instead of overhead. JBU’s efforts for environmental sustainability have primarily been focused on two areas: energy efficiency and the afore mentioned attaining of zerolandfill status. Powerful Savings: JBU has aggressively looked for ways to use less energy. In 2000, the Siloam Springs campus buildings totaled 511,937 square feet. That year, the university spent $1.61 per square foot on energy (electric and natural gas). In the last dozen years, the university campus has increased to 838,944 square feet, but the amount we spend on energy annually is down to $1.38 per square foot. Essentially, since 2000, energy cost has only increased 40 percent while our 32 |

Brown Bulletin | Summer 2012

space has increased 60 percent – and that doesn’t even factor in energy price inflation, which has been significant. Brankle and Co. have accomplished this savings through a variety of energy efficiency measures, including replacing inefficient lighting systems, tying older campus buildings to the central plant, and making sure that new structures are being built with the energy efficiency in mind. As an added benefit, controlling our energy usage means less pollution is emitted at the source of energy production for the power JBU consumes. Going Zero Landfill: As of July of 2012, none of the solid waste created at JBU ends up in a landfill. So what happens to the trash? About 50 percent of it is recycled, and the rest is compacted, loaded on a truck and sent to an emission free incinerator in Oklahoma where trash is burned to make electrical power and steam for production. Brankle has been aggressive about getting JBU faculty and staff on board with recycling. Our offices have two waste receptacles – one for recyclable materials, the other materials destined for the trash-to-power facility. The facilities crew will collect the recyclables from our offices, but we have to take our own trash out. This encourages us to not just throw every paper, bottle, etc. in the trash, but rather to think about if an item is recyclable or not and make sure it ends up in the right place. The facilities team then sorts recyclable materials and transports them to the appropriate recycling partner. All metal is salvaged and sold to local recyclers in town. Plastics, cardboards, paper, and glass are sent to the city of Siloam Springs. Plastic bags are taken to a local retailer that offers consumer recycling. Kitchen grease is converted to biodiesel and used to power lawnmowers. Electronics, batteries, lightbulbs,

I certainly fall in the ‘color me skeptical’ crowd whenever I hear of the latest green fads. True enough, when JBU started talking about going ‘zero landfill’ last year, I had doubts. etc., are taken to specialized recyclers and some local stores, like Lowes. During move out days, workers from the Salavation Army come and take away useful items, instead of having students use dumpsters. According to Brankle, reducing the use of dumpsters alone saves the JBU around $35,000 a year. The students, as you might expect, have tuned in to JBU efforts of sustainability and stewardship. Seeing JBU students get excited when they see that the university’s “green” projects have substantive, real, positive impact shows yet another reason why the work by Brankle and his crew is worth it. Lucas Roebuck is editor of the Brown Bulletin and director of university communications.


Year-end Gifts help JBU stUdents sUcceed Senior John Rutledge with his little sister in Nicaragua

Give today - impact tomorrow As you think about your charitable giving for the end of the year, consider this: your tax-deductible gift to John Brown University not only impacts the lives of current JBU students, but also equips JBU graduates with a strong foundation that prepares them to reach out to those around them. (See John’s story on right)

A story of ImpAct

Ways to give:

“Somewhere, someone gave a gift that allowed a young man from a third world country the opportunity to study at one of the top baccalaureate schools in the South.

• Cash. Gifts by check are the most common way to support JBU. You can mail a check to 2000 W. University Street, Siloam Springs, AR 72761. • securities. With the market growth of 2012, it might be a good time for you to consider a gift of appreciated assets, such as stock. • Credit Card. You can give online through our secure website at: www.jbu.edu/giveonline.

Please contact JBU regarding your year-end giving plans at 1-800-446-2450.

At the age of three, my parents moved to Nicaragua with a daughter and two sons in tow. They are missionaries in the poorest country of Central America. Today, I am president of JBU’s Enactus Team and I oversee development projects such as HOPE, an initiative to help educate Guatemalan farmers on the creation of greenhouses. I am so grateful for the people who supported my education through scholarships. JBU has been a gift from God. I am truly blessed.” ~ John Rutledge


Non Profit Org US Postage PAID Fayetteville, AR Permit #849

John Brown University 2000 W. University Street Siloam Springs, AR 72761

February 22nd & 23rd jbu.edu/family

Sponsored by JBU Parent Relations Come see this year’s student production:


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