Accent Magazine - Fall 2013

Accent MidAmerica Nazarene University

Fall 2013

Celebrating Pioneer Excellence MNU Experience Making the Grade Scholar Athletes

04

It Takes a Pioneer

16

Behind the Scenes at MNU

Homecoming 2013 Photo Gallery

18

From the President

Defining Moments Most of us are able to identify events, decisions or individuals that influenced us at defining moments in our personal lives. When we share our life experiences with others, a very personal story emerges that reminds us of those significant moments in time that somehow changed everything.

The story of MidAmerica Nazarene University cannot be told without including the names of faculty and staff who lived out their commitment to its values, ideals and purpose. The familiar stories of these pioneers of faith continue to inspire and challenge us today. When circumstances confronted them and impossible obstacles blocked their way, it was their unshakable faith in God and a contagious spirit of unity and common purpose that carried them and MNU through the most difficult of days.

When I ask graduates about their MNU experiences, they almost always share a story of a favorite faculty or staff member whose life intersected with theirs in a very meaningful way. These moments are forever preserved and imprinted deep in their hearts. Whether a brief conversation or encouraging word, godly counsel or a special time of prayer, God used these defining moments to bring about change deep within.

Our commitment to be a Christ-centered university is at the very heart of our mission and is being fulfilled each day through the influence of our dedicated faculty and staff who share their gifts and talents and live their faith before their students.

Through high standards of academic excellence, we are committed to prepare students for a life of purpose. It’s often in these defining moments when the lives of students, faculty and staff intersect that they experience the love of Jesus Christ together and a life transformation occurs.

We celebrate the influence of our faculty and staff as they continue to fulfill our mission and respond to the challenge of Psalm 145:4: “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.” Their stories become our defining moments and His story continues to transform theirs.

Dr. David J. Spittal

Volume 37, Number 3

President

Managing Editor

Art and Design

Carol (Knight '81, MA '08) Best

Daniel Hawkins ('06) Kelly (Lawler, '11) Chesley April (Loomis, '92) Hansen Jeremy Hoffpauir

Contributing Editor Kim (Suderman, '05) Campbell

Contributors Kelsey (Luffman, '13) Beck Katy Ward (CS '14) Chad Jenkins Rachel Phelps ('09) 02 Accent Magazine / Fall 2013

Photographers Daniel Hawkins ('06) Dan Videtich

Accent is published by MidAmerica Nazarene University and mailed free to alumni, friends and supporters of MNU. It is produced for University Advancement by the MNU Marketing and Communications Office. Postage is paid at Olathe, Kan., and additional mailing offices.

News or comments: accent@mnu.edu

Table of Contents

The MNU Experience

04

Making the grade

MNU's New Website

08

MNU Story Goes Viral

10

82-year-old Frances Wood captures the nation's heart

04

16

It Takes a Pioneer

16

Behind the scenes at MNU

Homecoming Photos

18

Weekend festivities at a glance

International Student Teaching

22

MNU's unique offering

Alumni Awards

26

Eight win special accolades from MNU

18

22

On The Cover Pioneer Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees: Adam Hepker, James Perry, Jenna Matson Swinger and Rick Fields.

Find even more online at www.mnu.edu/accent.

Helpful Links

Stay Connected

Articles

www.mnu.edu/alumni www.mnu.edu/give www.mnu.edu/newsroom www.mnusports.com

08 Campus News 15 Faculty News 24 Athletics 27 Advancing MNU 28 Alumni News

04 10 16 18 22

Making the Grade Going Viral It Takes a Pioneer Photo Gallery Teaching in Costa Rica

03 Accent Magazine / Fall 2013

THE MNU EXPERIENCE

MNU’S TOP SCHOLAR ATHLETES MAKE THE GRADE

Blake Robberson Hometown: Edmond, Okla.

Height: 6-feet-1-inch Sport: baseball Position: relief pitcher/infielder Greatest inspiration at MNU: “Coach Thompson is phenomenal. Some people idolize their sport, but Coach T loves God in everything he does. He’s a great role model.”

By Carol (Knight '81, MA '08) Best

04 Accent Magazine / FALL 2013

Coach Ryan Thompson: “Blake always brings a positive attitude to practice and he is a great competitor. He strives to improve on a daily basis and he consistently models character on and off the field.”

The MNU Experience

Kassidy Ritchel

Linjun Ji

Hometown: Independence, Mo.

Hometown: Shanghai, China

Height: 6-feet-2-inches

Height: 6-feet

Sport: basketball Position: center

Sport: volleyball

Lesson learned at MNU: “Last year I got less play on the court than ever before. It took a lot of conversations with teammates and coaches to get through it. But I’m glad for the highs and lows. It molded my character. Basketball has more to offer than the game.”

Best Thing About MNU: “You’ll know the professors. You can have close relationships here.”

Coach Jon Lewis: “Kassidy is an invaluable member to our Pioneer family. She is not only a leader on the court, but also within the MNU community. Kassidy takes on enormous challenges in her athletic and academic endeavors and conquers these challenges with energy, precision and class. She truly defines what it means to be a Pioneer.“

Position: outside hitter

Coach Kristin Steele: “Ji is irreplaceable. She began her volleyball training at a very young age and played with and against some of the world’s best athletes. She is an incredible example of discipline and hard work. All of her education was with personal tutors, squeezed in between training sessions, travel and competition. This way of learning has helped Ji, who knew very little English when she came to the US.” 05 Accent Magazine / FALL 2013

Kassidy Ritchel English language arts major Kassidy Ritchel is MNU’s top academic competitor. Achieving high marks in the classroom and contributing points on the basketball court, the senior center carries a 3.99 GPA. Always an achiever, Ritchel was ranked second academically in the class of 2010 at Truman High School in Independence, Mo. In competitive basketball since fifth grade, she played both basketball and volleyball for Truman.

“I think my academics parallel my athletics,” Ritchel says. “I’m competitive on the court and in my studies. If I’m not giving my all, I feel uneasy.”

Ritchel wasn’t even considering MNU when she met Pioneer women’s basketball head coach Jon Lewis through The Eclipse, an area basketball league he also coaches. Lewis finally convinced her to visit the campus and everything changed.

“It was the feeling on campus,” Ritchel remembers.

“Something tugged at me.”

Her second day in British literature as a freshman, Ritchel wondered if she could handle the coursework.

After admitting this to her professor, she got reassurance and the offer of help whenever needed.

Speaking about the genuine nature of the MNU community, Ritchel remembers thinking, “This can’t be how people and professors really are.” But she found they were.

“They look after you as an individual,” Ritchel says.

“They look at each person. Even your peers are genuine.

I feel like we’re all in it together.”

Ritchel says multiple field experiences, or practica, in her major make her feel ready for classroom teaching.

Serving at Ozanam—a multi-service treatment center for adolescents—at Olathe East High School and at Spring Hill Middle School gave her a diversity of experiences that should help her succeed in student teaching.

“I feel really prepared,” she says. “I had to get out of my comfort zone and adjust to different teaching situations and types of students.”

Ritchel is gearing up to play basketball and fulfill her student teaching assignment in the spring. It wouldn’t be possible, she says, without the strong cooperation between athletics, the School of Education and the school district.

Strong academics, a genuine community and career preparation make Ritchel glad she chose MNU.

06 Accent Magazine / FALL 2013

TOP SCHOLARS. GREAT ATHLETES.

Linjun Ji Watching Linjun Ji on the volleyball court, it’s easy to see why she played on China's national team. The 6-foot Shanghai native is strong, focused and her serve lands where she intends. So how did MNU score a nationally recognized Chinese volleyball star? Connections.

During a trip to the U.S. with her Chinese team, Ji met coaches from California Baptist University. Desperately wanting to attend college— opportunities are limited in China—Ji let them know she was open to coming to the U.S. But would the Chinese let her leave their team? After several months she was finally allowed to enroll at CBU for English as a second language. Through networking she met MNU coaches and after one semester transferred to MNU three years ago.

Studying in her second language has been a challenge, but Ji keeps her grades high. Her advisor Lynne Erikson and other professors are helpful.

“All the professors have been good,” she says. “When I don’t understand something I have learned to say, ‘I’m struggling.’”

Reaching out for assistance is unusual in Ji’s culture. In China few people admit to needing help, she says.

“Sometimes professors would ask if I needed help,” she says. “I was surprised because I found out they really meant it.”

Majoring in accounting, Ji already has a U.S. job she plans to continue after graduation, working in product development for a Shanghai company.

Blake Robberson Teammates call the right-handed relief pitcher Blake Robberson “Robo.”

The sophomore biology major was second on the Pioneers’ baseball staff last season, and his 2.68 ERA in 43.2 innings led MNU. He also excels in the classroom. Voted biology student of the year in his freshman year, Robberson’s goal is to be a veterinarian.

It wasn’t always that way, though. Robberson had difficulty reading as a child, and he characterizes his years in middle school as unmotivated.

However, once he had a goal, he realized how important good grades were and began to excel.

“I started seeing how others studied and I took it in,” he says. “I was shocked last year when I learned I got biology student of the year. I was just doing my best. I’m very grateful for the scholarship.”

Like many others, Robberson says the best thing about MNU is the people.

“Coming here it’s like you are working together with your professors,” he says. “It’s you and them versus the material. No matter how hard the material is and how you are doing, they work for you.”

He also brags on MNU’s high-tech labs, saying the equipment helps him learn science more effectively.

07 Accent Magazine / Fall 2013

MNU launched a completely new website August 1, 2013. Designed with the end user in mind, the site has new content, design, structure and navigation.

The nearly year-long project was completed in-house by the marketing communications staff, who conducted research on award-winning higher education websites, attended training on site design and function, and held focus groups with end users during the process.

The new content includes a microsite

for all content related to traditional undergraduate students, social media integration, an expanded and integrated newsroom and more video content. The team’s goal is to engage the user in the true MNU experience.

“We want to give visitors to our site an authentic taste of what it is like to be a student at MNU,” says Kim Campbell, marketing director.

The team researched data from higher education enrollment experts that

detailed the importance of the web in college search and how a website can support activities that lead to student application and enrollment.

“To be successful, any website must be focused and it must tell your story,” Campbell says. “Being focused on our external audience makes the website easy to navigate for our most important customers—the prospective student and their parents, the professional or graduate student, alumni and MNU friends.”

School of Nursing Awarded Another Year of Funding The NCIN Scholarship Program was launched in 2008 by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing to address the national nursing shortage, develop a diverse professional nursing workforce, and fuel the pipeline of nurse faculty and leaders.

MNU has awarded scholarships to 40 students in the past five years through NCIN. L to R: Allison Mitchell, Ryan Rochford, Jonathan Knipker, Justin Johng and Lauren Goh, 2013 NCIN Recipients.

For the fifth year in a row, the MNU School of Nursing and Health Science was selected as a grant recipient of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New Careers in Nursing Scholarship 08 Accent Magazine / Fall 2013

Program (NCIN). MNU received $100,000 to support scholarships for students in the accelerated Bachelor of Science in nursing program who are considered underrepresented in the field of nursing.

The MNU School of Nursing and Health Science joins 52 other schools of nursing, including Duke, Yale and Marquette, receiving this year’s grants. The university’s ABSN program is one of only six to receive five consecutive rounds of funding.

Campus News

NEW PROFESSIONAL & GRADUATE PROGRAMS Accelerated Elementary Education Great option for career changers A new option for adults who want to change careers to become elementary school teachers begins in January 2014.

MNU’s 18-month accelerated elementary education program in elementary education has a virtual attendance option for students who live at least 45 miles from the Olathe campus.

Nancy Damron, PhD, dean of the school of education, says MNU alumni and friends who want to become teachers should consider this program.

“Students in this program will experience teaching and learning through methods designed for adult learners,” Damron says. “These methods emphasize collaboration and real-time experiential learning whether one is in the virtual or physical classroom.”

The program leads to either a bachelor’s degree or licensure if the student already has a degree. Students will be able to continue working for the first year of their program, only needing to change their work schedule when it is time to student teach.

The curriculum emphasizes high-tech resources in every course.

“These are next-century tools, designed to prepare teacher candidates for nextcentury teaching and learning,” Damron says. “Our technology-rich classrooms were provided through a $6.6 million teacher quality grant.”

To qualify for admission students should have an AA or AS degree, a bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 60 transferrable

semester hours with all general education requirements fulfilled.

For more information, visit www.mnu.edu/aee .

Master of Science in Management to Launch The 30-credit-hour graduate program trains students in the art and science of managing people and strategic change.

Focusing on effective leadership of the human side of an organization makes the program especially practical, according to Graydon Dawson, EdD, chair of Graduate Studies in Management at MNU. Dawson says research shows that insufficient people skills derail more executives’ careers than lack of business acumen or technical skills.

The 20-month Master of Science in Management (MSM) program is slated to start its first class in January 2014.

One-night-a-week classes will allow professionals to continue working and fulfilling family and personal obligations while obtaining career-advancing education.

“If everyone in business had to complete a business plan, we’d have better professionals,” Myrtle says. “It’s a great way to see how all the areas of a business fit together.”

Myrtle says that MSM students will benefit from MNU’s partnership with the Kauffman Foundation’s FastTrac® program to develop entrepreneurs because the materials and theories taught in FastTrac® are available to MSM students, too.

“To be a successful leader it’s important to be able to identify complex problems, implement solutions and make sound decisions,” Dawson explains.

“Management seems like it should be common sense, but it’s actually very hard to do it well."

MNU has offered an accelerated MBA for more than 20 years. Dawson says the primary difference in the accelerated MSM curriculum is the greater focus on developing people skills for managers.

Jamie Myrtle, dean of MNU’s School of Business, adds that a unique aspect of the MSM program is that every student completes a business plan.

For more information about the MSM program and other accelerated options, visit www.mnu.edu/msm.

09 Accent Magazine / FALL 2013

Campus Article News Title

MNU Students Lead Service Project for Underserved is a well-known mindset in Haiti where people have learned to live with few material goods or modern conveniences.

The remote mountain village of Cascade Pichon, Haiti, is the beneficiary of the project.

This year’s student-led Passion to Serve project has a goal of $70,000 to help build a school in Haiti where more than 350 students meet in what could be called a shed.

The project is called Dégagé ­­­­­\da ¯ -gäzha ¯ \ which is a Creole word meaning to "make do with what you have." Dégagé

Partnering with Heart to Heart International, the organization that will supervise construction of the school, MNU students are raising money through several means. Two Dollar Tuesdays seek $2 donations at MNU’s community chapel service. Students are holding fundraisers throughout the year and anyone can donate online at www.mnu. edu/passion. Donors should check with their employers to see if they have gift matching programs that essentially double what the donor gives.

Previous Passion to Serve projects helped build a health clinic in Guatemala, make

improvements to an orphanage in Kenya and provide a van and other materials for Kansas City Urban Youth Center.

The MNU students traveling to Cascade Pichon in January 2014 will start building the school’s foundation with funding and assistance from the Find Us Faithful Foundation, another Heart to Heart partner in the project. Additional partners include Nazarene universities Mount Vernon, Southern and Point Loma, as well as the Government of Haiti (GOH), which will pay the salaries of five teachers and the school principal. The project will cost more than $250,000, according to Heart to Heart official Steve Weber.

Updates on the progress of MNU’s Passion to Serve project are posted at www.mnu.edu/passion.

Student Story Goes Viral Google “Granny Franny MidAmerica” and you’ll find nearly five pages of links to media sharing our story on Frances Wood’s return to college at 82, and her honorary “Granny Homecoming Queen” award. This feel-good human interest story has truly gone viral. In fact, on Oct. 29 she appeared on "The Queen Latifah Show."

that age. Finally, people love to hear that the younger and older generations can get along, and that Wood has been genuinely welcomed on campus with open arms.

From California, to Georgia, to New York and Seattle, people are tweeting and sharing the story on Facebook and other social media. Why is this story resonating with so many? One reason is it is good news and that’s hard to find in our world. Another reason is Frances Wood’s love for life and activity at age 82 is inspiring. We would all like to be just like her at

All we can say is yes, this story is authentically MNU.

10 Accent Magazine / Fall 2013

Read more at www.mnu.edu/newsroom.

Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle Film Series MNU is one of only 473 institutions across the country awarded a set of four films chronicling the history of the civil rights movement. Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities that uses the power of documentary films to encourage community discussion of America’s civil rights history.

The university will hold a series of screenings and scholarly discussions surrounding the films in January and February 2014 at various locations throughout the Kansas City metro.

The powerful documentaries—The Abolitionists, Slavery by Another Name, Freedom Riders and The Loving Story— include dramatic scenes of incidents in the 150-year effort to achieve equal rights for all. Freedom Riders received an Emmy in 2012, and The Loving Story and The Abolitionists were nominated for Emmys in 2013.

Bruce Flanders, project director and director of Mabee Library and Learning Commons, said the university received a grant along with the four films. The university partnered with the American

Jazz Museum, Kansas City, Mo., in seeking this grant.

“These films chronicle the long and sometimes violent effort to achieve the rights enumerated in the Declaration of Independence—life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness—for all Americans,” Flanders said. “We are pleased to receive a grant from NEH to provide programming around these films. We hope the screening of these films will result in constructive dialog and learning about the civil rights struggle.”

Each of the films was produced with NEH support and tells remarkable stories of individuals who challenged the social and legal status quo of deeply rooted institutions, from slavery to segregation. Created Equal programs bring communities together to revisit our shared history and help bridge deep racial and cultural divides in American civic life.

Visit www.neh.gov/created-equal for more information.

MNU Production of "Annie Get Your Gun"

Garrete Stalder, a freshman from Pittsburg, Kan., as Frank Butler with a cast of 45 students and community members in MNU’s production of “Annie Get Your Gun,” October 31-November 2.

Rebekah Bruton, a junior from Olathe, Kan., as Annie Oakley.

11 Accent Magazine / Fall 2013

The University Fund

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Make a difference.

Give today.

www.mnu.edu/give-online 877.496.8668

MNU students are working actively to transform the world through service and Christ-centered career preparation.

Be part of the transformation by giving to the University Fund. Your dollars go directly to equip students to change the world, both now and in the future.

Be part of the change. Support the University Fund.

Why I teach

by Mandy Hubbard (MAC '13) and Katy Ward (CS '14)

Claudia McVicker’s passion is teaching elementary reading and literature courses to future educators. Her goal is for students to experience what learning feels like to young children. Whether she’s holding a vocabulary parade where each student comes to class dressed as a word, or having students make pointer sticks to use with oversized books, each of her assignments requires a direct application to teaching.

In addition to teaching traditional undergraduate classes, McVicker also helped develop MNU’s new graduate reading curriculum.

Meet Claudia McVicker Teacher Education and Graduate Studies in Education First Year At MNU: 2009 Education: PhD Curriculum & Instruction Kansas State University Taught previously at: Cloud County Community College; Garden City Community College; Fort Hays State University; Ball State University; Southern Illinois University; Hope University, Liverpool, England.

Accomplishments: Sought-after conference speaker for international reading conferences.

A member of the International Reading Conference, the UK Literacy Association, and the Reading Association of Ireland, McVicker has observed more than 90 children abroad and analyzed their responses to literature. She says the research has been well received in Europe and New Zealand.

Having taught at six other universities and colleges, McVicker enjoys MNU where the small classes allow her to offer more value-added experiences such as field trips and personal discussion.

memorable,” she says.

The overarching focus of McVicker's work is to model a Christian perspective for prospective teachers.

“That means they should be childcentered thinkers who always consider the child first in all decisions,” she says. “Yes, you will be teaching in public schools, but you can still model Christian values. Be Christ’s light in every school you enter!”

“I like to make learning pleasant and

Q&A Q Why do you enjoy teaching at MNU? A I like the students and am always amazed at the rich campus life they enjoy here at MNU. No one can deny what a close-knit group of students we have. I also love all of the MidAmerica traditions: chapel, Harvest Prayer and especially our graduation traditions.

Q Give us a favorite memory at MNU. A After a field trip to The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, we went to dinner. As we received our food, one of my students asked if we could hold hands and pray. I’d never had that feeling where I have been friends with my students, as well as a professor. I felt connected to my students and blessed that I could pray with them.

Q What is your favorite travel/teaching experience?

A I started taking students to Liverpool in 2005. For five to six weeks we embed the students in local elementary schools. We stay at Hope University, a small, faith-based school on the edge of Liverpool. Four days a week, the students immerse themselves in the classrooms. On their three-day weekends the students travel and experience Europe.

I love this trip because I watch my students become transformed, resourceful thinkers.

Take the next step.

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THINK MNU. Our newest degree programs prepare you for the next step in you career. Online or on-campus classes allow you to complete programs in as little as 18 months.

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Complete online certificates in:

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Faculty News

Published Todd Bowman, PhD, associate professor of counseling, published “Angry Birds and Killer Bees,” a book by Beacon Hill Press, to help parents turn "the talk" into an ongoing conversation that counters the myriad sources of bad information children are exposed to on a daily basis.

NEW FACULTY From left to right: Susannah Hart, Sarah Miller, Tyler Blake, Kata Conde, Chris Crawford, Mary Murphy, Donna Bohn, Brenda Austin, Jamie Hatchette, Marcelle Cooper, Lauren Loyd.

MNU Professor May Help Unlock Mammoth Mystery Did a comet impact 13,000 years ago trigger the so-called “Big Freeze” that killed the North American mammoths and other large mammals, changing life forever on Earth?

This idea, referred to as the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis, is still very controversial.

Now MNU assistant professor Drew Overholt, PhD, and University of Kansas professor Adrian Melott, PhD, have found a definitive way to test this hypothesis.

Part of Overholt’s doctoral dissertation examined rare isotopes that are hard to create on Earth. These cosmogenic nuclides are produced more abundantly from cosmic rays deep in space. For this reason, comets and other extraterrestrial objects tend to contain these nuclides.

Therefore, Overholt theorized, ice core samples can be tested for these nuclides, providing evidence of past impacts.

“Scientists have never had a before-the-fact test for the Younger Dryas impact hypothesis,” Overholt says. “We have found such a test and it will work for other large impacts as well.”

The ramifications of such tests are of great interest to scientists. While they cannot predict future events, the test could tell researchers how often these impacts have occurred, which could help scientists determine what threat these events pose.

Overholt’s paper was published in “Earth and Planetary Science Letters” in September.

Rebeca Chow, MA, LPC, LCPC, RPT/S, play therapy program coordinator and assistant professor, has published the first interactive book for children on play therapy. “The Play Therapy Book,” available on the Apple App store, allows children to answer questions on an iPad and create a story about themselves to help therapists introduce the idea of play therapy.

Neil Friesland, (’94) EdD, professor of education, program coordinator, Master of Education in Adaptive Special Education, was published in The NADD (National Association of Developmental Disabilities) Bulletin, May/June, Vol. 16, called “A postsecondary education experience for a student with Down Syndrome: a look into the first semester.”

Accomplished Erin Steinkamp, director of sports medicine, was featured on KCTV5’s “Beyond the Glass Ceiling” series by news anchor Karen Fuller. Watch Steinkamp’s video at Accent online and read how this job is a dream come true and how her faith is central to the position.

Doctorates Completed: Don Dunn, PhD, instructor, Department of Bible, Theology and Mission and Professional Studies in Management; earned at Capella University.

Mary Fry, PhD, associate professor of counseling; earned at Regent University, Virginia Beach, Va.

15 Accent Magazine / FALL 2013

PIONEER

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

By Kim (Suderman '05) Campbell

It happens hundreds of times each day. A professor flips on a light switch at the beginning of a class. A student grabs a quick bite to eat in Campus Center or Dewey’s Book & Bean.

A staff member sorts through a stack of mail in an office.

While these are moments that students, faculty and staff may take for granted in the course of a busy day, they are also the same moments that help keep the MNU community operating.

INFOGRAPHIC

TITLE

ROTISSERIE

11,500

While the answer varies, there are a few common themes: a servant’s heart and a passion for Christian higher education.

Of course, it also doesn’t hurt if you happen to have experience as a certified electrician, professional chef or U.S. mail carrier.

Inset facts: Steven Richmond · 11,500—meals served a week · 300—rotisserie chickens cooked each week · 540—racks of dishes washed each week

300 CHICKENS COOKED EACH WEEK

What does it really take to run a campus of nearly 2,100 students, faculty and staff?

540 DISHES RACKS OF

WASHED EACH WEEK

MEALS SERVED A WEEK

Inset facts: Tom McNaney · 48—lights in Bell Family Arena’s main gym · (waiting on # of light bulbs stat from his vendor) Inset facts: Charles Ablard · 40,000—pieces of mail a year · 570—students with on-campus mailboxes · 34—offices receiving mail deliveries twice a day

Meet Charles 570 STUDENTS WITH

40,000 PIECES OF MAIL A YEAR

ON-CAMPUS

MAILBOXES

34 RECEIVING OFFICES

MAIL DELIVERIES

TWICE A DAY

A familiar face at MNU, Charles Ablard has served as MNU’s postmaster for 21 years. From the full-service post office on the main campus, Ablard manages the processing of all student, faculty and staff mail, ensuring that packages, bills and letters (yes, letters) are sent and received on a daily basis.

He’s also been a part of significant changes over the years. During his tenure he has managed the automation of MNU’s mail. Twenty years ago, most of the mail processed at MNU was delivered on just one campus. Today, MNU’s post office coordinates two daily deliveries between the main campus and Olathe’s Santa Fe Commons office/classroom complex while also overseeing weekly deliveries to MNU’s Liberty, Mo., location. The growth of online ordering has also significantly increased the amount of packages that the campus post office sends and receives.

“Most students are happy when they come by because they’re getting mail,” Ablard shares, “and alumni come by and still remember their original mailbox.”

7,000FT

ELECTRICAL WIRE

USED PER YEAR

2,500

LIGHT BULBS

REPLACED PER YEAR

16 Accent Magazine / FALL 2013

In the midst of overseeing four student workers and up to four volunteers each day, Ablard says that it’s the Christian atmosphere that means the most to him at MNU. “You really appreciate it when you’ve worked other places,” says Ablard, who also served more than 20 years in the U.S. Navy before coming to MNU.

It Takes a pioneer

Meet Steven

Meet Tom

Food Service Director Steven Richmond has one of the busiest jobs on campus. Overseeing three meals a day at Campus Center, along with four additional retail locations—Dewey’s Book & Bean, Land Café, Cook Center concessions and the Santa Fe Commons snack bar—means no two days are the same.

You may have to look up to actually find Tom McNaney.

As MNU’s only licensed electrician, McNaney is responsible for everything from resetting circuits in the dorms—think a microwave, curling iron and computer all plugged into the same power strip—to literally keeping the street lights on. He has served in this role for 10 years and has a big place in his heart for Christian higher education.

Whether it’s arriving at 5 a.m. on Monday to do a complete inventory for the week or serving 525 plated, three-course meals for President’s Honors, Richmond’s experience helps him take it all in stride.

After completing chef’s school, he held roles at hotels, restaurants, resorts, universities and in corporate food service management.

In his three years at MNU, Richmond has already made significant food service changes.

“Approximately 95-98 percent of what we serve is made from scratch,” he shares.

The Campus Center dining hall is now open throughout the day instead of only at specific times. Richmond sees his role as an important part of creating community.

“We work with mostly the same audience each day, which gives us the opportunity to really get to know people and build sincere relationships,” he says.

How about the answer to everyone’s burning question: the most popular item at Campus Center? “It’s definitely still spicy chicken,” Richmond shares.

Richmond is quick to give credit to his entire food service team. Many of his staff have been at MNU for more than 10 years because they love what they do. He’s quick to note that, “It’s the work of these great employees who make this happen every single day.”

“A Christian college made a difference in my life and changed the direction of where I was headed,” McNaney shares. “It’s about creating an environment that changes lives—this is why I find my job fun.”

McNaney’s heart for students is evident. He prioritizes any request that comes in from the dorms or affects student life.

His skill set allows Facility Services to handle many significant projects in house rather than spending funds to pay an outside electrician. McNaney has assisted in the complete remodel of dorm bathrooms in Stockton, Rice, Lanpher and Snowbarger and has helped rewire the nursing simulation lab in Cook Center during a prior renovation.

Charles, Steven and Tom are three of the dedicated people who keep the lights on, stomachs full and hearts connected at MNU. It really does take a village of purposeful and passionate servants to help run our Pioneer community.

Leave a Comment!

To leave a comment for Tom, Steven or Charles, visit www.mnu.edu/accent.

17 Accent Magazine / FALL 2013

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HOMECOMING 2013 1

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Bob Humphrey (’93, MBA ’97) preps his chicken for BBQ judges.

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Kim (Marshall, '89) Stevenson and Pam (Glaser, '88) Plummer enjoying BBQ Competition.

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Brad Yantis (’83), Roger Alexander (’82) and Bob Salmons ('84), buddies from way back.

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Women's Soccer Pioneers vs CMU 4-0

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Football Pioneers vs Peru State 38-41

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Shelli (Hatcher, FS ’83) Schramm sampling BBQ.

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Enjoying time with the president at The Big Tent.

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Shirish Jadhav, Dan Duncan (’12) and Hadley Horak (’12) took the top prize at the BBQ competition.

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Homecoming Dinner Celebration enjoyed by Dr. Larry and Donna McIntire, Donna and Dr. David Spittal, Dr. Paul and Connie Cunningham, Margaret Gilliland, Jim and Bev Smith.

Kids Zone at The Big Tent.

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Haley & Hanson (Brian Hanson '81), perform at Homecoming dinner.

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Homecoming King Luke Letsinger (’14), Marshfield, Mo., and Queen Caitlin Wienck (’14), Topeka, Kan.

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Football fans cheer on the Pioneers.

19 Accent Magazine / Summer 2013

HOMECOMING 2013 1

Homecoming Chapel worship team sings at chapel service.

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Alumni Class of 1988 Reunion held at The Big Tent.

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Isaac, Micah, and Jalen Jenkins, made MNU pennants at the Kid's Zone.

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Athletics Hall of Fame inductees: James Perry (’08), football; Adam Hepker (’10), basketball; Jenna (Matson ’08) Swinger, basketball; Rick Fields (’77, MEd ’03), athletics facilities manager, meritorious service.

Drs. Frank ('73) and Brent ('00) Moore discuss their book after Communiversity.

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Alumnus of the Year, Rick Armstrong (’89) with Dr. David Spittal.

Alumni/student softball game.

Alums enjoy reliving the memories.

Homecoming Chapel.

Pioneer Pete and MNU cheerleaders.

Stephen ('07), Anne (Bryant, '06) and Micah Sickel could not attend from the mission field to accept the Young Alumni Award, but appeared by video chat at the Homecoming Dinner and Chapel.

Guests enjoyed MNU’s band during Big Tent activities.

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21 Accent Magazine / Summer 2013

STUDENT TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

COSTA RICA

By Kelsey (Luffman, '13) Beck The School of Education at MNU does more than teach about teaching—they push aspiring educators to get in the classroom, learn experientially and make a difference in the lives of students.

One opportunity for teacher candidates to do just that is MNU’s student teaching experience in Costa Rica.

In this program, participants complete five weeks of student teaching at an international school, earn additional academic credit by taking a Spanish course and explore the breathtaking beauty of the Costa Rican landscape.

MNU is one of only two universities in the state of Kansas to offer an international student teaching opportunity. One key reason why MNU does so is to equip teacher candidates for the ongoing shift in student demographic. From 1998 to 2008, the number of English Language Learner (ELL) students in the U.S. grew by more than 50 percent. That’s why Ramona Stowe, PhD, coordinator for MNU’s ESOL

22 Accent Magazine / FALL 2013

STUDENT TEACHING

program, says cross-cultural experience is increasingly important for aspiring teachers.

“As our teacher candidates transition into their first teaching positions, they will be walking into classrooms that may have a very diverse student population,” Stowe says.

Dana John (’12), who participated in the program in fall 2012, is now working as a special education paraeducator at Junction Elementary School in Kansas City, Kan. As she applies the skills she gained at MNU to her new career, Dana says the language training she received in Costa Rica was invaluable.

“Even though I understood how students learn a new language, I was able to see it in action better than I would have in the States,” John says.

Another fall 2012 participant, Chelsea Bebermeyer (’12), adds that teaching in a Spanish-speaking country will help her relate to ELL students in her own classroom.

“I truly understand what it feels like to be an ELL student,” Bebermeyer says.

“It helped me to empathize with these students, and I gained insight that will be beneficial for years to come.”

But ELL teaching methods aren’t the only thing participants gain from international student teaching. As Professor of Education Linda (Kirby, ’84) Alexander, PhD, explains, the experience also prompts student teachers to develop as individuals.

schools seek candidates who have taught abroad.

“Employers who come to our job fair love our students’ international experience,” Alexander says. “Our employers see it as an asset to have worked in those diverse settings.”

Although ELL teaching experience, personal growth and added résumé appeal are great reasons to student teach abroad, the program’s ultimate purpose is the same as MNU’s purpose—to serve God and others with passion and purpose.

Summer 2012 participant Ashford Collins-Johnson (’12) now works as a sixth grade language arts teacher at Santa Fe Trail Middle School in Olathe, Kan. He says teaching in Costa Rica taught him how to live out his God-given calling.

“Even though I understood how students learn a new language, I was able to see it in action better than I would have in the States.”

“Being on your own in a foreign country makes you personally grow,” Alexander says. “Our student teachers put to good use the things they’re learning in our classrooms.”

“It's allowed me to become not just a better teacher, but someone that sees these opportunities to not just preach about how Christ wants us to live," Collins-Johnson says.

Such cultural understanding is beneficial as teacher candidates move into the workforce. According to Alexander,

MNU’s Costa Rica program is offered every semester to student teachers. To learn more about innovative education at MNU, visit our education program page.

To discover more global opportunities at MNU, visit our student life page.

23 Accent Magazine / FALL 2013

MNU Athletics

Pioneer Basketball Ready to Take the Court

by Chad Jenkins

Women's basketball returns most of last year's 30-3 squad as the two-time defending HAAC and HAAC Tournament champs. HAAC coaches voted the team #1 for this season. After losing post player Kiley Herold to graduation, MNU is still loaded. Defending HAAC Player of the Year and second-team All-America Kelsey Balcom (12.8 ppg) is rejoined by three-year starting guards Navia Palu and Rachel Boan (9.0 ppg) and two-year starter Daria Sprew (9.3 ppg).

Key reserve Megan Balcom (8.6 ppg) returns after a great freshman season, and Kendra Flemming (9.0 ppg) is trying to recover from a leg injury in time for the stretch run. Seniors Marlianne Louzeiro, Kassidy Ritchel, Brooke Rinehart and CJ Wesemann return with junior Shadequa Longus. Transfers Kyleesha Weston (Colorado) and Martyna Kudziela (Western Illinois) should see heavy minutes as well.

Last season the Pioneers were the model of consistency. The starting five did not change except on Senior Night, and MNU rattled off a school-record 20-straight wins from mid-December to early March. Climbing as high as #9 in the national ranking after winning their second straight HAAC tournament title, a first-round knockout at nationals has motivated the Pioneers.

Men's Basketball is in a season of transition after a 2610 record and a run to the Elite 8 at last year's national tournament. While the team was voted #2 in the HAAC this season, gone are starters Rustin Dowd (Third-team AllAmerica), Jacob French, Lukas Weigel, and Justin Collard.

Key returners include seniors Luke Thomas (14.3 ppg), David Clark (6.5 ppg), Conner Langrehr (11.7 ppg), Brandon Newton (6.5 ppg) and junior Nick Syrie (9.1 ppg).

Last season the Pioneers struggled to find consistency as nine players started at least seven games. Despite injuries and lineup shuffling, MNU still finished third in the HAAC and advanced to the conference tourney title game.

While MNU knocked off #7 Cal State-San Marcos and #10 Oklahoma Baptist to advance to the Elite 8, a loss to #2 Lindsey Wilson ended the season.

Coach Rocky Lamar is excited about the new season.

"We have a great nucleus returning," he says. "Five returning players who all got plenty of starts last season is a reason for optimism. Luke Thomas in the post and Nick Syrie in the back court are as talented as anyone in the country, and with the rest of the talent on our squad, we should pose a tough night for anyone."

24 Accent Magazine / FALL 2013

"We have senior leadership combined with talented depth this year," says head coach Jon Lewis. "The additions of the transfers has only made us better, and everyone is hungry to improve even more."

MNU Athletics

Football After seven games, Pioneer football is 2-5 in a brutal firsthalf schedule. With five of the first six games against ranked opponents and just one home game to date, the Pioneers will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Greg Gates (91.5 rushing yards per game) and Joe Camacho (HAAC leader in tackles) have been bright spots, and kicker Michael Brewer is a two-time HAAC Special Teams Player of the Week.

VolleyBall MNU volleyball clinched its second-straight HAAC title and thirdstraight appearance at the NAIA national championship in December with a #6 ranking and 21-2 record (7-0 HAAC). Taryn Salum is a four-time HAAC Setter of the Week, and Vladi Kopanarova is a twotime HAAC Hitter/Player of the Week. Zoradia Heredia is leading the team with 245 kills, 241 digs, and 23 aces. Britney Grittman leads MNU with 91 blocks. Two-time All-America honoree Linjun Ji is having another great all-around season, and the Pioneers are riding a 19-match winning streak in the HAAC dating back to 2011.

Want to learn more? Visit mnusports.com men's Soccer Men's soccer (12-3-2) has clinched a conference tournament home game as the #1 seed and co-champions with Baker and Benedictine.

Defender Aurelien Norest was named HAAC Defensive Player of the Year and HAAC MVP. Head coach Kevin Wardlaw was named HAAC Co-Coach of the Year. Senior keeper Chris Ericksson has 10 shutouts, good for second in the nation. Lucas Machado, Eddie Morales and Jonathan Babcock have been named HAAC Players of the Week.

Women's Soccer Women's soccer (13-3-3) is having its best season in program history.

The team recorded its twelfth victory of the season over previouslyundefeated Avila, and secured a fourth-seed in the HAAC tourney.

Kalyn Pfaff leads the offense with 12 goals, while Ellaisa Marquis has seven goals and eight assists. Midfielders Kelli Reid (10 assists) and Misty Olsen (six goals, six assists) have been strong in the middle.

Senior keeper Breanna Oddo and senior defender Kara Quinn have anchored a defense which has eight shutouts on the season.

25 Accent Magazine / Fall 2013

Alumni Awards

L to R: Drs. Frank and Sue Moore, Kindra Bible, Rick Armstrong, Madeline and Allen Tollefson. Not pictured: Stephen and Anne Sickel.

Six alumni and two supporters won Alumni & Friends awards at Homecoming 2013. t ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR Rick Armstrong ('89) Rick is chief of police for Kansas City, Kan. The 1998 alumnus of the FBI National Academy completed the agency’s prestigious Leadership and Development School in 2012. During his tenure with the KCKPD, Armstrong earned a BA in management and human resources from MNU and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas. He has received numerous KCKPD awards and commendations, including the Meritorious Service Valor Award and two Purple Hearts.

ALUMNA OF THE YEAR Kindra Bible ('99) Kindra is education manager for Extreme South America, and a missionary in Quito, Ecuador. After earning a degree in computer science, Bible served with Youth in Mission in Brooklyn, N.Y., and taught computer classes to urban youth.

Earning an M.A. in intercultural studies from Nazarene Theological Seminary in 2006, she began mission work in 2007. Serving in IT and communications for more than four years, Bible joined Extreme South America in Quito, Ecuador, in February 2013. She coordinates Spanish and theology/missions classes for all of Extreme's missionaries.

26 Accent Magazine / FAll 2013

YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD Stephen ('07) and Anne (Bryant, '06) Sickel Stephen and Anne organize and lead mission trips full time as missionaries in Panama and Central America. The couple travel by foot, car, boat, airplane and motorcycle across lower Central America matching work and witness groups with the best work sites. Stephen holds a degree from MNU in international business, and Anne was a graduate of the English program. They have a oneyear-old son, Micah. The Sickels have a ministry blog at: http://sickelstory. wordpress.com/.

CARRY THE TORCH AWARD Frank ('73) and Sue (Potter, '75) Moore Frank is professor of theology and director of the Center for Faith and Culture at Olivet Nazarene University, and he was recently elected general editor of the Church of the Nazarene. Sue Moore, EdD, is professor of education at Olivet.

The Moores served more than 20 years at MNU as professors and administrators.

During that time the couple led 20 years of CAUSE mission trips at MNU. Frank holds a Master of Divinity in religion from Nazarene Theological Seminary,

and an MA and PhD in religion from Vanderbilt University. Sue earned an MA in education from Tennessee State University, an EdS degree from the University of Missouri, and an EdD from Nova Southeastern University. Frank has authored 13 books. His most recent, “Jesus is Lord,” is co-written with his son, Brent (’00), PhD, now assistant professor of counseling at MNU.

CARRY THE TORCH AWARD Allen and Madeline Tollefson Allen and Madeline are influencial supporters of MNU. With Frank and Sue Moore, they provided leadership for MNU student mission trips from 1985 to 2005. Their involvement and significant financial support helped impact an entire generation of university students.

Actively involved in supporting Nazarene Compassionate Ministries for more than 40 years, they have spent significant time in the mission field as volunteers. The Tollefsons’ son Dr. Cary Murphy (’89), is a physician in Clay Center, Kan., and is married to alumna Dawn (Bornsen ’91).

Go to Accent online for more information.

Advancing MNU

Couple Makes Largest School of Education Endowment Possible

By Rachel Phelps ('09) Receiving a gift of more than $50,000 from an estate is a blessing for MNU. Seeing that donation doubled through the generosity of a family tie is a moment to treasure.

More than 20 years ago, Harold Brown suggested that his aunt, Dorothy Fisher, include MNU in her estate plans. He and his wife, Betty, relocated to Courtland, Kan., to assist Fisher with the family farm following the passing of her brother. The Browns had ties to the university, as three of their five sons were students in the 1970s. With no children of her own, Fisher took her nephew’s advice, setting up a revocable trust naming MNU. When Fisher passed away in April 2012, MNU received a gift of $53,540 from her estate. In accordance with the wishes of her family, the Fisher-Brown Family Scholarship Fund, an endowment providing scholarships to juniors and seniors majoring in teacher education, was established.

When MNU development staff visited the Browns to thank them for their involvement in the donation, they received a pleasant surprise. The Browns, having prayed about their own inheritance from Fisher, said they felt led to match her donation. Betty Brown then handed Jon North ('92, MBA '95), vice president for university advancement, a check for $53,541.

L to R: VP Jon North, Harold and Betty Brown, and son Sam Brown (FS ’76)

lives to give generously, even when their finances were limited.

“Both Harold and Betty are people of strong faith,” Keeton adds.

“The matching gift they provided to MNU represented a ‘tithe’ and the pattern of their lives.”

“Seeing the tears of joy expressed by this wonderful couple – who have lived on Social Security for 20 years – is something I will never forget,” says Tim Keeton, associate vice president for university advancement. “They gave out of obedience to what the Lord made possible. We were truly humbled by their generosity.”

The endowment is the largest one-time donation the School of Education has ever received. Dr. Nancy Damron, dean, says education is a field under increasing scrutiny and demands, and the endowment will help counter rising costs to students.

As members of the Church of the Nazarene in Kingston and later in Burr Oak, Kan., the Browns made a commitment early in their

“This kind of support is inspiring,” Damron says. “They have left a legacy mark on our program. Their Christ-like example has also left one on our hearts.”

877-496-8668 (toll free)

www.mnugiving.org

Alumni and Friends

Alumni News Volunteers Operate Concessions The Kenney family—Corey (’99), Jill (Bachman, ’98), Asher, and Amelia (pictured right) —is one of many families volunteering as concession workers for MNU sporting events. The Office of Alumni Relations operates concessions at all home games. Outdoor concessions on the new mobile cart include soda, chips, candy and other snacks. Fans in Cook Center can purchase hot dogs, nachos, hot and cold drinks and other food items, including ice cream. Beginning with this year’s basketball season, a refillable MNU mug will be available with discounted refills.

Many individuals volunteer for a game or more, throughout the season. Alumni director Kevin Garber ('89), whose wife Shawna (Gafford, '95), and sons Matthew, 11, and Michael, 9, are frequent volunteers, says, “There’s no better way

to expose my children to MNU athletics than through a service opportunity like concessions. They love it.”

Want to volunteer? Visit www.mnu.edu/ alumni/get-involved.

Pioneer Adventures Visits

Achievements David Garrett (’75) recently retired from AT&T as product management director. He is a nine-time recipient of the company's Marketing Achievement Award. He and his wife, Diane (Holden, ’75), live in San Antonio, Texas.

Rocky Lamar (’76), Pioneer men's basketball coach since 1986, will be inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in the 2013-14 season. Coach Lamar has achieved 629 victories.

Sheila (Vandervoort, ’79) Bird is now director of planned giving at Sterling College in Sterling, Kan.

Lisa (Smith, ’80) Clements, PhD, was elected secretary of the board of directors of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD). She has been director of the Colorado Department of Human Services Office of Behavioral Health since 2011.

Houston Thompson (’80) is dean of the School of Professional Studies and administrative dean for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies at Olivet Nazarene University. Houston is also program director of the Doctor of Education program in Ethical Leadership.

Durango, Colorado. August 2013.

28 Accent Magazine / fall 2013

UPCOMING EVENTS 2014 EVENTS JAN 24-25

Great Wolf Lodge Family Weekend

Great Wolf Lodge, 10401 Cabela Drive, Kansas City, KS www.mnu.edu/alumni/alumni-events/great-wolf-lodge

FEB 7-8

An Evening at the Southmoreland

FEB 11

MNU Tuesdays: Featuring Chad Williams

FEB 14-17

Friday, Feb. 7 Saturday Feb. 8, 2014

$229

per couple

www.mnu.edu/alumni-events/southmoreland

Southmoreland Bed & Breakfast on the Plaza www.mnu.edu/alumni/alumni-events/southmoreland

Bell Cultural Events Center, MNU Campus www.mnu.edu/MNUTuesdays

Young Alumni Ski Trip

Winter Park, Colorado www.mnu.edu/alumni/alumni-events/alumni-ski-trip

FEB 18

MNU Tuesdays: Colorado

APR 8

MNU Tuesdays: Featuring Gerald Smith

MAY 9

Leadercast

Maggiano’s - 7401 S Clinton St, Englewood, CO www.mnu.edu/MNUTuesdays

SCOTTSDALE, AZ MAY 16-18, 2014

www.pioneeradventures.com

Bell Cultural Events Center, MNU Campus www.mnu.edu/MNUTuesdays

Bell Cultural Events Center, MNU Campus www.leadercast.com

MAY 16-18

Pioneer Adventures: Scottsdale, AZ

MAY 24-30

CAUSE Mission Trip: Haiti

JUN 20-27

Pioneer Adventures Alaskan Cruise

Hosted by Chuck & Kathy Nunamaker and Rocky & Jo Lamar www.pioneeradventures.org

May 24-30, 2014 • Port-au-prince, Haiti www.mnu.edu/alumni/alumni-events/causehaititrip

Hosted by Frank & Sue Moore www.mnu.edu/alumni/alumni-events/causehaititrip

Hosted by David & Donna Spittal and Larry & Donna McIntire www.pioneeradventures.org

For more event details, visit www.mnu.edu/alumniandfriends

ALASKAN CRUISE JUNE 20-27, 2014

www.pioneeradventures.com

29 Accent Magazine / Fall 2013

Alumni And Friends

Additional News Judy (Lytle ’83) Naramore is the coauthor of “From our Heart, Devotions for Daily Living,” an upbeat and emotional view of life in a daily devotional format.

Carolyn (Cooper ’84) Doolittle, EdD, is director of educational programs in the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Saint Mary, Overland Park, Kan.

Sherri Chittum (’85) was inducted into the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame on June 1, 2013. She is the previous recipient of the Coffeyville Elementary Educator of the Year (1995), Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year (2003) and Coffeyville Teacher of the Year (2007).

Bryan Carrier (’89), EdD, serves as the acting dean of students at Union University. He earned an EdD in educational leadership with a specialization in higher education from Union University this year.

Kevin Garber (’89) was awarded the Timothy Award from the Kansas City District Nazarene Youth International (NYI) for 22 years of service.

Michael Milton (’89), PhD, was invited by Michael Reagan and The Reagan Center, to speak and hold a book signing for his latest book, "Silent No More: Why the Church Must Speak Biblically to State and Culture," at the Reagan Ranch and Center in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Olathe Fire Chief Jeff Degraffenreid (’90, MEd ’99), EdD, was inducted into the Olathe Public Schools Wall of Honor.

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Keith A. Brown (’92), Bay City, Texas, Independent School District superintendent, was named Texas state Superintendent of the Year (SOTY). See story at Accent Online.

Robin (Grob, ’97) Hammann coaches the Pella High School, Iowa, cross country team. Pella’s teams have won three state titles. Robin also teaches chemistry, physics and intro to engineering.

Patti Baumgartner (’98) was elected as a Fellow for ASET: The Neurodiagnostic Society.

Ryan Butler (’99), DO, graduated from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences in June 2013. He also earned an MBA in healthcare leadership from Rockhurst University in May 2013.

Ryan is now a first-year family medicine resident at UPMC Horizon in Farrell, Penn.

Josh (’00) and Sarah (Messamer, ’01) Broward are back in the U.S. after nearly nine years in Korea where Josh served as lead pastor of Korea Nazarene University International English Church and Sarah was an English professor at KNU. Josh is now associate pastor at Duneland Community Church of the Nazarene in Chesterton, Ind., and Sarah started a small business hosting international students.

Dr. Tanner Auch (’04) joined Oklahoma Baptist University’s faculty as assistant professor of mathematics.

Heather (Bolte ’04) Bloesser, DO, completed her residency at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita Family Medicine Residency Program at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kan.

Dr. Kevin Compton (’05) accepted a new position as district administrator for the Colorado District Church of the Nazarene.

John Ream (’05) recently completed an MBA with concentrations in finance and entrepreneurship & innovation from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Billie Taylor (’07) is teaching ninth grade physical science at Center High School in Kansas City, Mo.

So Choi (’09), art teacher at Leawood Middle School in the Blue Valley (Kan.) School District, has been named Outstanding Middle Level Art Educator of the Year 2013-2014.

Amy Holmquist (’09) graduated with a master's degree in nonfiction writing & publications and took a communications coordinator position at Pella Cooperative Electric in Pella, Iowa.

Stephen Netherton (’09) graduated from Baylor Law School in May 2013.

Stephen is an attorney for Hite, Fanning & Honeyman, LLP in Wichita, Kan.

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Amber Rhoades (’09) was named administrative assistant for the School of Business at the University of Kansas.

Kevin Liddle (’12) is the youth pastor/ executive director of BRIDGES at Living Hope Church of the Nazarene.

Eric Newlin (’12) is teaching choral music at Pioneer Trail Middle School in Olathe, Kan.

Brianna (Davis, ’13) Morrison is the children’s pastor at Carthage First Church of the Nazarene, Carthage, Mo.

Michael Morrison (’13) is teaching eighth grade math at East Middle School in Joplin, Mo.

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1) Brenton (’10) and JoNel (Henning, ’09) Bell, a daughter: Nora Lorraine, born May 26, 2013.

2) Jeremy (’12) and Stephanie (Hoeck, ’06) Brenneman adopted a daughter: Everly Juliet, born Feb. 14 and adopted Feb. 27, 2013.

3) David (’99) and Sarah (Higgins, ’01) Caldwell, a son: Henry Davis, born Aug. 20, 2013.

4) Brandon (‘00) and Stephanie (Pardue, ’01) Classen, a son: Isaac Alan, born May 31, 2013.

5) Edward (’94) and Coral (VanderBurgh, ’98) Couchenour, a son: Jonathan Edward, born April 13, 2013.

6) Nathanael (’01) and Carol Dungan, a daughter: Jenna Rose, born Dec. 14, 2012. She joins brother Grant.

7) Josh and Courtney (Conant, ’02) Gill, a son: Colton Roy, born Aug. 27, 2013.

8) Kyle (’01) and Shana Henne, a son: Sawyer Levi, born June 20, 2013.

Brianna (Davis, ‘13) and Michael Morrison (’13), July 13, 2013.

9) Taylor (’03) and Kimberly (Talley, ’03) Johnson, a son: Rowan Taylor, born on June 7, 2013.

Alicia (Ellis, ‘07) and Brooks Marsh, June 15, 2013.

10) Matt and Donna (Hollandsworth, ’96, MBA ’02) McAllister, a daughter: Zoey Paige, born May 13, 2013. She joins big brother Cooper.

Alicia (Godwin, ‘05) and Jonathan Parker, June 14, 2013.

Taylor (Howell, ’12) and Nathan Curtis (’11), March 9, 2013.

Claire (McCoy, ’13) and David Ward, May 25, 2013.

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Births

Marriages

Alyssa (Gilmore, ‘12) and Jacob Rhoades (fs ‘12), July 6, 2013.

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11) Brett and Lori (O’Bryan, ’01) McFall, a daughter: Emerson Lucille, born on May 23, 2013.

12) Dustin (’05) and Krystal (Kenton, ’05) Pence, twin girls: Delaney and Kelsey, born July 29, 2013.

13) Luis Felipe (’10) and Lineth (Contreras, ’10) Posada, a son: Dylan Alessandro, born July 29, 2013.

14) Joseph and Alisha (Pluff, ’04) Roberts, a son: Ethan Wesley, born July 13, 2013.

15) Joshua (’12) and Deborah (Rose, ’10) Robinson, a son: Isaac Robinson, born Aug. 4, 2013. Isaac joins sister Esther.

16) Arodi (’11) and Chrystalynn Sanchez, a son: Soren, born Sept. 9, 2013.

17) Kevin (’03) and Staci (Miller, ’05) Schafer, a daughter: Caroline Nicole, born June 17, 2013. Caroline joins older sister Audrey Christine, born Dec. 9, 2011.

18) C.J. (’00) and Nicole Sears adopted a son: Gabriel Shihui, born Sept. 20, 2011, and adopted May 21, 2013. He joins siblings Carter, Ava and Vivian.

19) Casey (’06) and Nicole Thrasher, a daughter: Briella Grace, born July 16, 2013.

Connect Online facebook.com/MNUAlumniandFriends twitter.com/mnu_alumni youtube.com/MNUAlumni linkedin.com

Condolences Daniel Eaton (’74), May 18, 2013.

James Hubert King (’76), August 17, 2013.

Dana Jeanne (McCollam, ’09) Allison, July 6, 2013.

Have news?

Want to share births, marriages, and accomplishments with Accent? Please send to alumni@mnu.edu.

31 Accent Magazine / Fall 2013

University Advancement 2030 East College Way Olathe KS 66062-1899 Change Service Requested

Friday, April 11 | 6:30 p.m.

MNU Cook Center Join honorary chairs Allen (’72) and Saralyn (’72) Brown for a magical evening of exquisite food, thrilling auctions and inspiring entertainment. Last year’s event raised over $450,000 for student scholarships!

New this year!

Online Sneak Preview Auction December 1 - 13, 2014

To learn about sponsorship opportunities, contact Todd Garrett at 913.971.3605.

This special two-week online auction features a handful of unique items for bid. It’s like a sneak peek at the full online auction coming in mid March, and all proceeds benefit scholarships!

Visit www.presidentshonors.org by December 13 to place your bid!

LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE TICKETS AT WWW.PRESIDENTSHONORS.ORG