MBU Magazine Summer 2014

MBU

MAGAZINE

a publication of missouri baptist university

The Gravity Factor

Meet six MBU leaders whose conviction for their calling is contagious.

summer 2014

Editor

PRESIDENT Dr. R. Alton Lacey PROVOST & SENIOR VP FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Arlen Dykstra

In our results-driven society, people are clamoring to possess those attributes—power, money and fame— commonly associated with many of today’s celebrated leaders.

SENIOR VP FOR INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Keith Ross ‘87 SENIOR VP FOR BUSINESS AFFAIRS Ken Revenaugh SENIOR VP FOR STUDENT DEVELOPMENT Dr. Andy Chambers EDITOR Bryce Chapman

Academic disciplines are devoted to the idea of effective leadership, and some of the greatest minds have spent their lives researching the subject. World leaders—from U.S. presidents to heads of global organizations—regularly impart wisdom gleaned from their own successes, authoring best-selling “how to” books and selling out seminars.

But, as a select group of MBU students are discovering, MBU believes leadership is more than sure power and acclaim. As illustrated in our core values, this University believes leadership is about the ability to influence groups of people through service and actions—no matter where you are.

With the launch of the University’s new Institute for Leadership this year, we are challenging a select group of students to dig deep into the breadth of research available and to think critically about what it means to be influential in the communities in which they live and learn.

Those students, who are highlighted throughout this edition of the MBU Magazine, may need to look no further than our own alumni, faculty and even fellow students to find examples of such influential servant leaders.

They are songwriters who believe lyrics can change lives. They lead young inner-city men to look past their neighborhoods and claim the bright future waiting for them. They have dedicated their lives to help fund research for terminal diseases while investing in those lives who are affected by disease. They are spending the summer cycling across the country to raise funds for young adults with cancer. They serve the St. Louis region by working across political party lines to come up with solutions that seem insolvable.

They are influencing their communities every single day. They are leaders.

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Design Consultants: Grain, Inc., Jenny Gravatt PHOTOGRAPHY Amanda Bailey Photography, Jenny Gravatt, Lisa Hessel Photography ‘04, Tyler Golden/NBC, Trae Patton/NBC CONTRIBUTORS Coral Christopher, Jill Hanna, Dr. R. Alton Lacey, Kelly Leavitt, Linda Myers, Keith Ross ‘87 MBU Magazine is published by the University Communications Office of Missouri Baptist University, One College Park Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63141-8698. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Issues are published in summer and winter. Send change of address notification at least a month before effective date, including both old and new addresses. Postmaster send address changes to MBU Magazine, Missouri Baptist University, One College Park Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63141-8698. Articles and letters to the editor are welcome. E-mail submissions to editor@mobap.edu. All submissions are subject to editing and will not be returned. Free subscriptions are provided to University alumni, donors and friends. Contact 314.392.2304 or editor@mobap.edu for details.

Bryce Chapman Editor chapmanb@mobap.edu

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www.mobap.edu We are serious and intentional about our Christian faith. We will freely and responsibly search for truth. We strive for excellence. We believe in the importance and cultivation of character. We believe in social change through service and leadership.

MBU

MAGAZINE summer 2014

a publication of missouri baptist university

articles

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32-34 Commencement Confessions

Meet six MBU leaders, along with members of the University’s new Institute for Leadership, whose conviction for their calling is contagious.

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MBU’s Tess Boyer made it to the Top 10 of NBC’s “The Voice.” Learn why she believes her voice is much more than musical entertainment—it is an instrument for God’s will.

The Gravity Factor

A Voice for Influence

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Features Minutes before MBU’s class of 2014 marched into the Family Arena for MBU’s 42nd Commencement Exercise, we asked a handful of the more than 900 graduates how they were feeling on what may be one of the most anticipated evenings of their lives.

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The President

Dr. R. Alton Lacey President

Surfacing some little-known truths about the costs of college Education is a popular topic with pundits these days. Some of what is written is thoughtful and some is not. Much of the critical writing is simply opinion that has no factual basis. The rising costs of an education are certainly of concern not only to parents and students but also to college administrators. It is a subject that has engendered much discussion and action on the part of those of us in higher education for some time. As a professor and vice president for 19 years at an independent college in another state and as president of MBU for nearly 20 years, I hope you will allow me to make a couple of observations from that perspective.

First, there are approximately 3,500 accredited colleges and universities in the United States. About 2,400 of those are independent institutions, many small and some with religious affiliations. Although those schools produce a very large number of graduates, they are rarely mentioned in articles on cost. These are schools where the presidents do not have inflated salaries.

They are not top-heavy with bureaucrats. They have small, if any, endowment. Their professors make very average salaries— many in the $40,000-50,000 range—and their facilities are nice but hardly the palaces that are often referred to in articles on

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costs. Some have high tuitions to make up for refusing direct government aid, but even at that, many come in at around the same level as public colleges and universities. The main point here is that higher education in the United States is incredibly diverse and is not accurately represented by only the top 50 and most expensive independent schools or large public universities.

Another major factor in increased costs that is rarely mentioned is the proliferation of staff to comply with Department of Education accountability standards. Allow me to mention a few. Because of the Clery Act, we now are required to have what amounts to police substations on our campuses. The people we hire must be graduates of the police academy. We have installed very expensive security alert systems in all of our classrooms, and we have to report and investigate every incident no matter how small. All of that costs money. The Americans with Disabilities Act has helped to motivate us to modify our physical plant (which is a good thing) and pay a director to provide resources to students with special needs. This carries over to learning disabilities. We provide space and a staff for an Academic Success Center to enhance student learning. This means giving tests and providing

sign language interpreters, tutors and a host of other obligations under the law. We also provide those services to students who come to us out of high school under-prepared for university work.

The IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) report, which every institution has to provide, now requires a fulltime person just to manage. With all the new regulations post9/11 affecting international students, we had to hire a full-time director with support staff just to negotiate the documentation and deal with all the requirements of studying in the United States. Every programmatic accreditation—by that I mean organizations that accredit teacher education, music, business, social work and a host of other disciplines—require colleges to hire people to deal with diversity, faculty development, and other special tasks. I could also talk about the army of staff required to process the complexities of financial aid or athletic eligibility, but you get the idea. It does not matter how many students or how large an endowment you have because these things are not optional. Some come with hefty penalties (failure to report a Clery violation is $35,000).

There is a long list of other things that add to cost such as health insurance (we are self-insured, but that just keeps the increases smaller), technology (even when you are not at the leading edge, it is expensive), property and casualty insurance, legal fees, and more. Many small schools now employ an inhouse counsel as well as keep specialized attorneys on a retainer

to deal with the hundreds of compliance issues.

Every year, we scour our budget and try to keep our costs as low as possible but for most of our cohort schools it comes down to tuition. That means we have to recruit more students or raise the rates.

I do not know anyone in higher education who does not welcome accountability. Those who claim we are not accountable simply lack knowledge of the myriad compliance and regulatory matters we deal with daily. We have always been accountable to the public, and we should be, but a one-size-fits-all regulatory policy only increases expense to the university. Costs are an issue, but the way the facts are reported do not always give the true picture of what drives those costs.

A college education is still very important. While I agree that college may not be for everyone, those who imply it is not important do a disservice to the public. To my knowledge there has never been a study that did not show a college education to boost earning power substantially over an individual’s lifetime. When the things that cannot be priced such as life enrichment, broadening of horizons, development of friendships, maturity, and a host of other factors are taken into account, the importance of a college education cannot be overemphasized.

MBU again named top place to work in St. Louis Post-Dispatch For the second time in as many years, Missouri Baptist University has been named as a Top Workplace in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

This year, MBU was one of only 90 organizations selected for the Top Workplaces award out of the nearly 1,400 that were nominated for the honor in the St. Louis region.

“The daily contributions of our employees are a large reason why MBU has prospered,” said Dr. R. Alton Lacey. “To receive this honor two years in a row further illustrates that MBU’s entrepreneurial culture of empowering employees to fully utilize their talents and passions provides a satisfying and rewarding work environment.”

The Top Workplaces are determined based solely on employee feedback. The employee survey is conducted by WorkplaceDynamics, LLP, a leading research firm on organizational health and employee engagement.

WorkplaceDynamics conducts regional Top Workplaces programs with 37 major publishing partners and recognizes a list of 150 National Top Workplaces.

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News Pictured above is a rendering of the proposed MBU football facility, which will include coaches’ offices and locker rooms.

MBU to break ground on football facilities as it eyes inaugural season In conjunction with MBU’s 50th anniversary, the University is set to kick off its first football season this fall—complete with a practice field and football facility for offices and locker rooms.

“We have a very difficult schedule ahead of us, but one that will teach us a lot,” said Head Football Coach Jason Burianek. “As coaches and players we want to play talented teams and we have built the schedule to give our guys the opportunity to measure themselves against some quality programs.”

The Spartans’ inaugural season will start in Cape Girardeau, Mo., as the team will head to its first Division I game against Southeast Missouri State at Houck Stadium. The Spartans will play their home games at CBC High School, which is located adjacent to the University.

MBU announced its intent to launch a football program in March 2013 shortly after hiring Burianek, who was most recently the special teams coordinator at McKendree University. Since then, MBU has been preparing for its football program’s debut, recruiting student athletes and coaches. The program will participate in the Mid-States Football Association, which is part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Later this summer, the University will start construction on a practice field and football facility, which will include coaches’ offices and locker rooms. The artificial turf field and football complex will be located on a currently undeveloped part of the campus’ west side.

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The development will be adjacent to Town and Country’s Cadet Park and will include another entrance onto the MBU campus from the North Outer 40 Road.

The project is set to be completed in conjunction with the University’s 50th anniversary.

2014 SPARTAN FOOTBALL SCHEDULE AUGUST 28 - 7 p.m. at Southeast Missouri State University SEPTEMBER 4 - 7 p.m. at University of Saint Francis 13 - 2 p.m. at Oklahoma Baptist University 20 - 1 p.m. at home against William Penn University 27- 1:30 p.m. at Lindenwood University – Belleville OCTOBER 4 - 2 p.m. at Southwest Baptist University 11 - 1 p.m. at Valparaiso University 18 - 1:30 p.m. at Tiffin University 25 - 7:30 p.m. at home against Arizona Christian NOVEMBER 1 - 1 p.m. at home against Haskell Indian Nations University 8 - 1 p.m. at Campbell University

MBU baseball ends season one win shy of trip to World Series MBU baseball finished another tremendous season at the 2014 NAIA National Championship Opening Round Tournament. After finishing with a record of 47-14, the Spartans finished the season just one win shy of qualifying for its second consecutive trip to the Avista-NAIA World Series.

The Spartans ended their season in the if-necessary game of the Opening Round two of the last three seasons. The team made its first trip to the NAIA Spring Classic in 2013.

MBU won another AMC (American Midwest Conference) regular-season title and picked up a slew of All-Conference awards.

Coach Eddie Uschold was again named Coach of the Year for the fifth consecutive season. The Spartans also swept the AMC Player of the Year categories in 2014. Left fielder Orlando Olivera and starting pitcher Brandon Zywicki were named AMC Player and Pitcher of the Year. Zywicki split the award with William Woods’ reliever James Ball.

Several other Spartans came home with All-Conference First Team honors. Along with Olivera and Zywicki, Josh Fuentes (shortstop), Erik Garcia (catcher) and Michael Yarborough (starting pitcher) were selected for the award.

MBU finished the season in the top 10 of most of the major hitting categories and spent a majority of the stretch leading to the NAIA Opening Round ranked No. 1 in home runs per game.

Michael Yarborough of Pensacola, Fla., pitches during an early-season game against University of Saint Francis.

Join us for the celebration of Missouri Baptist University’s 50th Anniversary starting this fall with football, special events and other ways to connect with current students and fellow alumni. mobap.edu/50th

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News

MBU confers more than 900 degrees 917 total degrees 16 doctoral degrees 486 graduate degrees 415 undergraduate degrees Missouri Baptist University conferred more than 900 degrees— the most ever—this spring.

The Class of 2014 was formally inducted into MBU’s Alumni Association amid traditional pomp and circumstance at the University’s 42nd annual Commencement Exercise April 29. The ceremony was held at the Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo., and was bookended by the University’s traditional bagpipes.

Degrees were awarded to students in every one of the seven academic divisions including more than 40 majors at the undergraduate level, in addition to graduate and doctoral students.

David Smith, associate professor of mathematics, was named

MBU’s 2014 Distinguished Professor at the commencement ceremony.

The award is designed to recognize an exemplary professor who demonstrates outstanding teaching ability, dedication, and enthusiasm. The recipient is announced annually at MBU’s commencement exercises and is awarded a $1,000 stipend.

In addition to his role as an assistant professor, Smith has become an integral part of the University’s commitment to student success. Through the University’s Academic Success Center, Smith works one on one with students to help prepare them for success in the University’s Natural Sciences Division.

“David Smith invests in his students sacrificially and in a way that encourages true learning,” said Dr. Arlen Dykstra, MBU provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

Before his career at MBU, Smith worked for more than three decades as a middle and high school mathematics teacher in the public school district setting.

He received the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award in 2013.

President Lacey presents David Smith, associate professor of mathematics, with the 2014 Distinguished Professor Award at the University’s 42nd Commencement Exercise April 29.

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Nice to meet you.

Eric Dalbey, MBU instructor of music and private voice instructor, is a renaissance man of sorts. He’s an internationally acclaimed musician. He’s a collector of antiques and all things Egyptian. He has a passion for popular culture, namely movies—lots of movies—and the Beatles.

Dalbey directs MBU’s “Abide,” a women’s vocal ensemble, and “Closer,” a male gospel quartet. It’s a subject he knows a thing or two about. When he’s

Dalbey has traveled the world visiting more than 20 countries including Israel, New Zealand, Sweden, Russia, Japan, China, Spain, England and throughout the United States.

not investing in the lives of MBU students, he may very well be traveling the world with his international championshipwinning barbershop quartet. This summer, he’s performing in England with that quartet and spending some down time vacationing with his wife in Iceland.

Dalbey received a Master of Arts in Worship and Music from Covenant Theological Seminary and received his undergraduate degree from Lindenwood University.

While vocals consume much of Dalbey’s time and interests these days, he is a trained cellist and has played the string instrument since elementary school.

He also sings with Ambassadors of Harmony, a men’s a cappella chorus of more than 130 voices.

The chorus has won three gold medals in the Barbershop Harmony Society’s international contest.

Dalbey loves the nostalgic sound of vinyl records. One of his favorites is the Beatles 1969 release of “Abbey Road.”

Dalbey’s movie collection may be as diverse as he is.

His favorites include “Sister Act”, “Indiana Jones” and “Band of Brothers.”

Dalbey is a founding member of Vocal Spectrum, a male barbershop quartet. The quartet has been named International Men’s Quartet Champions, the highest honor a men’s quartet can receive. They’ve performed with the likes of Dick Van Dyke and earned a first-place gold medal at the Barbershop Society Collegiate International Competition in Louisville, Ky.

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MY MOMENT to SHINE Lauren Maniaci’s goal is to be a light for Christ in inner-city Chicago. Shortly after graduating from MBU in 2013, Lauren began working full time for The Center for Student Missions in Chicago. There, she works with 80 ministry partners across Chicago, as well as hundreds of short-term student groups that come to Chicago to serve. The different ministry partners that Lauren works with include low-income after-school programs, Chicago public schools, soup kitchens, food pantries, and low-income senior housing.

Service is something Maniaci knows a lot about. During her time at MBU, she emerged as a leader on campus who not only participated but planned service and missions opportunities, including multiple MBU mission trips to Haiti.

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A Voice for Influence Americans were introduced to MBU’s Tess Boyer and her powerhouse voice during her time on season six of NBC’s hit show “The Voice.” While she captured America’s heart, advancing her to the Top 10, her voice is more than musical entertainment—it is an instrument for God’s will.

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Tess Boyer is a typical college student — almost. This spring, she bonded with a community of friends over fierce Catch Phrase battles, Netflix marathons, singing along with pals strumming guitars, and reassuring friends in their abilities. There is one difference between Boyer and her fellow Spartans — this semester, her professors were music industry legends Adam Levine, Shakira, Blake Shelton and Usher.

As a Top 10 finalist of NBC’s reality television singing competition “The Voice,” Boyer’s experience was far from easy, but Boyer explains that the experiences “were the best moments of my life.” While America witnessed Boyer mature and develop strong bonds with the coaches, Tess Boyer is far more than a future pop icon.

Boyer’s path to “The Voice” wasn’t foreseen, but neither was it a surprise. Starting at the age of 5, she began singing in church and competitions, leading to a life on stage. She performed with the Muny, Stages St. Louis, Fox Theatre, Summerstage and starred as the main character in the 2002 National Tour of Dragon Tales Live.

After graduating from high school, Boyer began college and then performed as a St. Louis Rams cheerleader. Last fall, she and her sister, Tori, were the first recruits for the inaugural season of Missouri Baptist University’s pom and dance team for 2013.

Boyer’s strong relationship with Joy Powell, assistant professor of theatre arts, compelled

her to transfer to MBU in addition to the opportunities with the dance team.

With fathers serving as pastors in the same community, Boyer connected with Powell at a young age. The two reconnected when Boyer enrolled in one of Powell’s theatre courses, and Powell encouraged and mentored her as she transitioned to a new university environment.

The relationship continued as Powell also served as Boyer’s voice coach for a time period.

“She is a remarkable young woman with very clear goals, and she is aware that God has gifted her in unique ways,” Powell said.

“She also understands that with great gifting comes great responsibility, and she’s accepted that responsibility and the calling that God has placed on her life. Tess is a success because she has a firm foundation of faith, she has an incredible support system, and she has the work ethic to reach any goal to which she sets her mind.”

The relationship between the two continues, and Boyer values the relationship.

“She (Joy Powell) has been a really big anchor,” said Boyer. “She has been a voice coach and a mentor. She is a special gem.”

While at MBU, Boyer studied pre-law and experienced the joys of the close-knit community of the university.

“I love MBU. I love the quietness of the campus, the closeness of community and the professors,” Boyer said.

Boyer continually made time to give back to God. Throughout the years, Boyer has extensively supported individuals with special needs by volunteering with programs set up through local schools and organizations such as the Children Miracle Network and United Way. Throughout Boyer’s endeavors, she established a strong support team that pushed her to audition for “The Voice.” As the last performer for St. Louis’ open call, Boyer received a valuable red ticket to advance to the next round. The process eventually led the MBU student on stage in front of an eager audience and four music legends waiting to hear her voice.

When Boyer began to sing, Americans realized there was something identifiably different about her voice. She knows why her voice differs from the rest — she adamantly believes her voice is a gift from God, allowing her to stand out. Throughout Boyer’s emotional journey to the Top 10, she remained grounded in her faith.

“In every interview, I always mention that I give back the talent in me,” said Boyer. “God gave me the voice.”

Each song she performs is for a purpose, so listeners’ hearts can be reached and little girls can be inspired. Boyer aims to use her influence not to gain money or popularity but to be the voice of her fans with special needs.

“Growing up, part of my life was giving to others who don’t have every ability,” said Boyer.

“I want to speak for those who can’t.”

As Boyer continues her journey, she knows God will take care of her and continue to witness the pieces fall in place. Wherever she lands, she will keep the faith and will continue to be the voice of her favorite fans. •

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The Drury Darlings Despite both of their daughters living with the same incurable disease, this MBU family is living out an anthem of unwavering hope.

It was 10 years ago this summer when Tim Drury, ’02, said “I do” to his wife, Sarah Jane.

From the get go, the couple planned on having children one day.

What they never anticipated was that a decade later they would be parents to two beautiful children, both of whom happen to share the same incurable disease.

It’s a disease that Tim, who graduated from MBU with a Bachelor of Science in Religious Education, and Sarah Jane have come to know well since their first daughter, Ella, was born six years ago. And despite the daily suffering that coincides with their daughters’ disease, the Drury family has chosen to live not in mourning, but in hope.

“My daughters have cystic fibrosis by design,” said Tim, an associate pastor at First Baptist Church of Bethalto. “We cherish the time we have here on earth, but recognize that there may come a time when we are faced with the tough parental dilemma where we want what’s best for our child and what’s best is not this world anymore. But when that day comes we will rejoice that their struggle is over. It doesn’t change what we do now—we still fight and we fight hard—but it gives purpose to our struggle.”

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. An estimated 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide) have CF. In people with CF, a defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that causes respiratory and digestive complications.

The median predicted age of survival for people with cystic fibrosis is in the early 40s, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The disease first entered the Drurys’ lives days after their oldest daughter, Ella, now 6 years old, came home from the hospital. A routine test came back with an elevated level of a protein associated with cystic fibrosis.

Neither Tim nor Sarah Jane had a family history of the disease.

Surely it was a false positive, they thought. Even the nurse said there was no reason to worry.

But it wasn’t a false positive. Devastated and overwhelmed, the diagnosis changed the new parents’ lives forever in an instant. The first few weeks following the diagnosis were a whirlwind, prompting the couple to get a crash course on raising a child with cystic fibrosis— from daily treatments to essential medicines.

Four years later, the Drurys were expecting again. Since Ella was born with the disease, they knew there was a one in four chance their

The Drury family poses for a photo at the annual Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Great Strides fundraiser. The family raised more than $15,000 for the Foundation. second child would be diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. So when the diagnosis of their second child, Charlotte, came a few days after her birth, the Drurys clung to a simple yet poignant sentence their daughters’ physician told them: “God knew you could handle two.”

They are not only handling two children with cystic fibrosis, they are embracing their daughter’s disease. In fact, Tim and Sarah Jane are convinced that good can come from cystic fibrosis.

“The amazing part is now God is showing me what His plan for my children is and it’s much more glorious and beautiful than what I could have imagined or constructed,” said Sarah Jane. “So I try to find joy in the little moments —when Ella scores a goal at soccer, when Charlotte dances around in the living room, when they dress up like princesses and play in the dirt.”

This past spring, friends and family rallied around the family in an effort to find a cure for the disease. Their team, appropriately called “Drury’s Darlings,” raised more than $15,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Great Strides fundraiser.

“Our lives are wonderful, but our girls’ lives could always be better,” said Sarah Jane. “As parents, we want to give them the best life—whatever that may look like. We dream of a day without pills, aerosols, therapies and hospital stays.”

It’s a dream the couple couldn’t have possibly imagined when they said their vows a decade ago. Today, that essence of faithful hope— one found solely in Christ— is something the family couldn’t imagine living without.

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cover story

the

Gravity Factor six m bu leaders whose conviction for their calling is contagious.

C

oming up with some sort of shared characteristic to define today's ubiquitous leader is no easy task. After all, the term "leader" itself seems to be used all too frequently to describe any number of roles—from departmental managers to professional athletes.

But when you experience the rare find of meeting a true leader, discovering an overarching commonality isn't so hard after all. At least it wasn't to us. This MBU magazine cover story focuses on six MBU students, faculty and alumni whose dramatic differences are only overshadowed by a striking similarity: Each have a clear vision and palpable passion to influence change in the communities where they live and work. Such a combination has proven contagious, leaving people, including the MBU magazine editorial team, wanting to know more. They are the people whose determination draws you in and makes you want to get involved.

Call it the gravity factor, if you will.

To read the complete conversation between Dr. Galyon and the MBU magazine editorial team, go to mobap.edu/magazine.

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CLASS OF 1990

Dr. James Galyon bachelor of arts in religion

SHINE ON

mbu’s new institute for leadership focuses on servant leadership.

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Nearly 25 of MBU’s highest achieving students have been selected to take part in the first Institute for Leadership. MBU launched the Institute for Leadership earlier this year as another way to live out its core belief of “social change through service and leadership.”

The yearlong program aims to intentionally cultivate servant leaders through, among other things, self-assessment and group service projects, said Lara Hines, MBU director of student activities and leader of the program. All students must complete 100

service hours and be involved in two philanthropic or MBU organizations in order to finish the program.

As part of a capstone project, members of the Institute are divided into groups and are charged with proposing a multi-faceted service project that supports the University’s core values. Members of the Institute will implement the chosen project in the fall.

In this running sidebar, meet the MBU students selected for the University’s inaugural Institute for Leadership.

» Captain and Chaplain in the U.S. Airforce, providing comfort and counsel to the Fort Hood, Texas community in the aftermath of this spring’s shooting at the U.S. military post—the second in five years there.

They called him “Animal” back in the day.

It was the late 80s then, and Missouri Baptist University was still a college. “Animal,” known for his long hair and rambunctious personality, was always ready for an adventure.

He may not have known it then, but even back when a self-described "wild" James Galyon (AKA “Animal”) was an undergraduate student at then MBC, he was being molded for a calling that would daily influence peoples’ lives, many at their most vulnerable of times.

“Looking back, I’m glad that I’m no longer the carefree wild child that I was back then,” he recalled. “However, I’m very grateful to those who saw past the immaturity and recklessness, hoped for better things, and worked for my betterment.”

Today, Dr. Galyon, ’90, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from MBU, is a captain in the U.S. Air Force where he serves as a chaplain. He is currently assigned to Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. Galyon, who holds a Ph.D. in theology and is working on his third master’s degree, received the 2009 Air Combat Command Company Grade Officer Chaplain of the Year Award. In 2010, he earned the Air Force Association Chaplain Corps Award.

His influence has perhaps never been felt more than in the aftermath of the April 2, 2014 shooting spree at Fort Hood—the second in five years there—where four people were

killed and 16 injured.

“The recent shooting at Fort Hood left me emotionally depleted, quite honestly,” Galyon said. “I take it very personally when fellow military members are lost, especially in such a senseless manner as this. As people have come in for counseling, I’ve tried to help them pick up the pieces of their lives. The pain lingers, though hope is not lost. My prayer is that God's grace and mercy will shine brightly during this dark period.”

As a chaplain, Galyon regularly helps ignite a light in those who are experiencing extreme darkness.

“I’ve dealt with the murder of an Airman, a fatal aircraft mishap, the deaths and injuries of Airmen and family members in vehicular accidents, and suicides, not to mention the two shooting sprees at Ft. Hood,” Galyon said.

“Regardless of the location, my essential role is to provide support, encouragement, and a sense of direction.”

In his role, he is expected to be a leader, the foundation of which, he believes, is built on

integrity and self-discipline.

“The resolve to act with integrity is paramount, especially in an age marked with selfishness and complacency,” Galyon said.

Galyon puts such traits to the test on a regular basis as a chaplain.

While perhaps not as widely known as their other responsibilities, military chaplains serve as the voices of conscience in the military.

They are subject matter experts on ethics and charged with being defenders of human rights, working to ensure that military members, enemy combatants and civilians are protected from abuses.

Galyon points to the Abu Ghraib Prison Scandal in Iraq—where human rights violations against prisoners occurred—as an example to support the need for this chaplain role in the military.

“It is significant that even though military regulations required a chaplain at that facility, one was not assigned during its period of scandal,” he said.

Shortly after Galyon reported for duty at

shannon alley, 2016

megan arnold, 2017

Sport Management, GPA 4.0560

Psychology (minor in Religion), GPA 3.8270

Health & Sport Sciences Club, Sport Management Student Advisory Council, Gamma Delta Sigma, MBU Women’s JV Volleyball Team A leader she would like to emulate: Dr. David Pierce, her advisor and professor. She admires his ability to go up to strangers and talk to them to really get to know them on a personal level and make connections with them. That kind of confidence and friendly nature is something she strives to emulate as she grows to become an effective leader.

As a member of the Institute for Leadership, she hopes to develop more confidence to affect change in the people she works with in everyday life.

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a new base a few years ago, a couple of senior members within a particular squadron questioned the need for a chaplain to be embedded in the unit. Over time, his persistence to influence the squadron through actions marked with integrity and discipline paid off. Looking back, Galyon can say with confidence that he has never been more part of a squadron than that one.

“When I left, they gave me a plaque on which was inscribed, ‘Your selfless dedication, commitment, and guidance will truly be missed. Even in the darkest times, your leadership and humor kept the squadron’s spirit up.’”

Ultimately, such leadership characteristics may never be more needed then when he provides counsel to members of the military. He is regularly entrusted with private information that may never have been shared before, or, for that matter, will ever be shared again. Per Air Force policy, chaplains, including Galyon, offer absolute confidentiality to military members who want to discuss personal matters—from legal problems to suicidal ideation.

It’s a sacred trust of sorts that forms between the chaplain and confider; it is something that Galyon believes helps members of the military deal with the multitude of pressures they face.

Despite the nature of the conversation, in the simplest of terms Galyon seeks to positively influence members of the military in times of suffering by helping individuals discover the inherent resources they possess to overcome a particular situation and, most importantly, instill hope.

“It’s important to remind ourselves and others that hope does not necessarily eradicate problems, but it does provide what is necessary in order to persevere,” he said. “I try to provide hope to people who are suffering by affirming the reality of their situations, minimizing that which detracts from a sense of

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optimism, and focusing upon how the present suffering is producing a future reality that contains positive expectation.

Ultimately, Galyon’s hope is that the members of the military he serves experience hope in Christ.

“The truth of the matter is that the greatest hope that people have is the fact that God is good, gracious and merciful, and that the Lord Jesus Christ has forever demonstrated that fact through His death, burial, resurrection and ascension,” he said. Ultimately, Galyon’s hope is that the members of the military he serves experience hope in Christ.”

kelly barnes, 2016

julie beehler, 2015

Exercise Science (minor in Biology), GPA 3.7830

Human Services (minor in Psychology), GPA 3.8270

Cross Country, HSS Club, Track Her role models are some of the strongest leaders she knows. She feels that by showing their love for the Lord through their actions and words, they demonstrate wisdom and spiritual intellect. She strives to achieve that level of influence. Ultimately, she hopes to be able to help bring others closer to God through the leadership skills she is learning.

SA Homecoming Chair, Admissions Ambassador, FYE Peer Mentor Through the MBU Institute for Leadership, Julie hopes to learn better public speaking skills and overall communication skills. She believes learning techniques for public speaking will enable her to effectively convey her message to listeners in a more meaningful way.

flashback It’s been nearly 25 years since Dr. James Galyon graduated from then Missouri Baptist College.

Read in his own words the faculty members who are continuing to influence his work today.

“Looking back, I’m glad that I’m no longer the carefree wild child that I was back then. However, I’m very grateful to those who saw past the immaturity and recklessness, hoped for better things, and worked for my betterment. In particular, I think of Dr. William Muncy, Dr. Dale Allen, Dr. Curtis McClain, and Dr. Clark Triplett. Dr. Muncy inspired me with his enduring passion for God and His Word. He was in his 80s when I was a student, and he quoted Scripture during every period. It was amazing! Dr. Muncy died the semester I was taking his Old Testament Prophets class, and Dr. Allen stepped in to teach the rest of the semester.

I had many more classes with Dr. Allen. He taught me more than any professor I’ve ever had—even through three graduate degree programs and a doctoral program. One of the things that made him so unique as an instructor was that he not

only had such a fantastic grasp on the materials he taught but had a great deal of experience undergirding that knowledge. Another thing was that he was very personable. He is the only professor I ever faced across a ping-pong table, not to mention that I had the wonderful opportunity to travel with him to Ecuador on a mission trip. He was not only a professor, but also a mentor. He treated me with kindness and respect, and he believed I had a bright future ahead of me. I’m extremely grateful for Dr. Allen. I’m also thankful to Dr. McClain for making me question the theological position(s) I held while I was a college student. He helped me take the first small step on a tremendous theological journey that ended about two years after I graduated. My life has never been the same. I also recall Dr. Triplett. He was one of my favorite professors even though I only had him for two classes. He enjoyed student participation in his classes, and even though I’m sure we didn’t always agree, he was always respectful and allowed divergent views in the classroom. As I’ve been working through the counseling psychology degree, I’ve thought of him often.”

brad buchanan, 2015

antonia carter, 2016

Marketing (minor in Administration), GPA 3.5450

Elementary Education, GPA 3.7120

Founder and President MBU Climbing Club, Res Life RA in Apts, Varsity Volleyball, Community Leader He believes that you cannot be an incredible, effective leader if you are doing anything else but servant leadership. If you manage people, you may get the job done, but that doesn’t mean you will be effective. He believes servant leadership is inspiring those around you by your actions and personal commitment.

MBU Lacrosse Team, FYE Mentor By participating in the Institute for Leadership, she hopes to grow to impact many people, including those with opposing viewpoints. It’s easy to impact those who will listen, but what about those who will not?

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P R O F E S S O R O F E D U C AT I O N

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andrea chessor, 2017

kris cook, 2015

Undecided, GPA 3.2970

History (minor in Political Science) GPA 4.000

MBU Softball, FCA She believes leadership is a word that comes with many responsibilities. It is doing the right thing all of the time, no matter if anyone is watching or not. A person who has good leadership ability is someone who shows good character and sets an example by making smart decisions.

SGA President, JV Men’s Basketball, AMP Small Group Leader He believes the success of any organization relies heavily on the example of its leadership. He hopes by learning through the influential leaders in his life he will be able to impact those in the future, while remembering the impact that his leaders have left on him.

Ed Hillhouse executive director of east-west gateway council of governments and mbu professor of education

» Working across political aisles and jurisdictional boundaries to come up with solutions for the St. Louis region's surface transportation and security.

The next time you are bored while stuck in construction traffic on a roadway in the St. Louis region, spend your time mulling over this: That progress is the likely result of a deliberate, region-wide plan recommended by MBU’s Ed Hillhouse.

As the executive director of East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Hillhouse, along with his team of more than 50 professionals, plays a major role in determining what transportation and security projects within the St. Louis region’s 4,500-square-mile perimeter will receive federal funding. East-West Gateway’s Board of Directors, comprised of elected officials representing the various jurisdictions included in the St. Louis region, must adopt all such proposed projects before they receive funding. Such funding tops hundreds of millions of dollars every year.

“Simply put, we solve problems,” Hillhouse

said. “Our charge is large, and in order to be effective, we must work together as a region and not in silos.”

Hillhouse has been at the helm of EastWest Gateway since the organization’s board unanimously appointed him back in 2010.

Hillhouse previously served as commissioner of Franklin County, a position that earned him a seat on the East-West Gateway board since 2002. Prior to becoming Franklin County Commissioner, Hillhouse was superintendent of Meramec Valley School District in Pacific.

All the while, Hillhouse, whose experience in the public school district setting spanned more than three decades, has not neglected his “love for teaching.” He continues to instruct and recruit for MBU’s graduate and doctoral education programs, helping to grow and cultivate the leaders in St. Louis’ K-12 education sector.

Hillhouse’s influence in the St. Louis region can be seen throughout the area, including from his office windows. Located on the 16th floor of the KMOV Gateway Tower, Hillhouse’s office has a stunning view of the St. Louis Arch and Mississippi River, the obvious division between two states that share one region.

Back in 2012, Hillhouse played a critical role in coming up with a solution to help break political gridlock—that caused the delayed disbursement of hundreds of millions of federal dollars—between Missouri and Illinois leaders.

It was all over a plan to help improve traffic to the Poplar Bridge.

At stake was a plan to remove a ramp to the Poplar Bridge from Hwy. 70. Illinois leaders said the ramp was a key link to Metro East.

“This was a great example of never giving

up trying to solve the problems,” he said.

“When everyone thought we were at an impasse, it was my responsibility to remain vigilant and make sure we were working as a region to help solve the problem.”

Ultimately, leaders from both states agreed on a creative solution that included shifting the bridge about nine feet and adding an extra eastbound lane in the middle.

Although the stakes are not always as high as for the Poplar Street experience, Hillhouse continually works with leaders to put competing interests aside and focus on the good of the whole region.

He believes integrity is critical to his effectiveness. Hillhouse has worked daily to gain trust from leaders through open and honest conversation.

“Establishing credibility and mutual trust through honest and two-way communication is critically important to my role,” Hillhouse said. “I may not always tell you what you want to hear, but I am going to tell you the truth.”

caleb davey, 2017

dornisha goodrich, 2015

Christian Ministries, GPA 3.9380

Exercise Science

FCA, Ministerial Alliance, AMP He believes the first place to go when searching for what it means to be a leader is the Word of God. He believes Paul sets a good example of what it looks like to be a good leader. For example, in 1 Timothy, Paul tells Timothy that leaders must be above reproach and that you shouldn't “let anyone look down on you because you are young.”

Women's Track & Field, STARS Leadership is the ability to inspire, influence or motivate others. She hopes the Institute for Leadership will allow her to continue to grow in integrity, providing her tools to understand how to make wise decisions—especially when such decisions can affect others.

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CLASS OF 2015

Brad Buchanan

bachelor of science in business administration

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terinia greene, 2016

haley grueber, 2016

Criminal Justice, GPA 3.7900

Exercise Science, GPA 3.9730

Track & Field, AMP She believes as a leader one should show guidance, direction and self-control. She is hoping that through this program she will be able to grow more confident in her skills and talents.

Women's Tennis Team, HSS Club, AMP She believes a leader is someone who takes charge but also takes into consideration the opinions of others. They invest time into people and teach those who follow them.

» Cycling across the country to raise

funds for young adults with cancer.

As you are reading this story, chances are good that MBU senior Brad Buchanan will be cycling.

He is doing a lot of cycling this summer.

The Belleville, Ill., native is, in fact, on a more than 4,500-mile trek—logging on average 90 miles a day—across the United States.

Why? To raise funds and awareness for young adults living with cancer.

“A cancer diagnosis between the ages of 15 and 39 is nearly eight times more common than such a diagnosis during the first 15 years of life,” Buchanan said. “So this is a group that is highly affected by cancer but is often overlooked.”

Nearly 70,000 young adults are diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year.

Today, cancer is the leading disease killer among 20- to 39-year-olds, according to the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults— the organization coordinating Buchanan’s trip.

Buchanan raised more than $4,500 for the trip—84 percent of which goes directly back to programs for young adult cancer patients and their loved ones. He is riding in honor of a friend from his home church who lost her battle with cancer earlier this year.

Buchanan, who is a member of the University’s Institute for Leadership, strives to live out the principles of servant leadership—with this summer being no exception.

“When servant leadership is done well, it is so powerful,” he said. “My hope is that the people that come in and out of my life see the scars of Christ in me and that my actions illustrate God’s love.”

His reliance on Christ—and his subsequent

desire to lead through service—developed during his time at MBU. It was during his freshman year that Buchanan, a nationally ranked volleyball player who received a scholarship to play at MBU, came to realize that he was in need of something with sustained satisfaction. That realization has set him on a life journey to be Christ’s hands and feet. One that is certain to take a route all of its own this summer.

Buchanan, alongside 15 other cyclists, started his journey in Baltimore, Md., and is trekking through the southern United States before ending his journey 70 days later in San Diego, Calif. Along the way, Buchanan is staying in community centers, churches and other organizations—pretty much any place that will allow the group of cyclists to stay free of charge.

Even the food they eat along the way has to be donated. It’s another way for Buchanan and his team to make sure as much of the money they raised as possible goes to cancer research, he said.

“It’s a little nerve racking to think about the idea of waking up and not knowing where my food will be coming from,” Buchanan admitted.

It’s worth the worry, though, he added.

“I hope this opportunity allows me to be a light and to be able to share the Gospel,” Buchanan said.

“If I can share God’s love through this journey, then it will be worthwhile.”

erik gustafson, 2015

sarah holdman, 2016

Math (minor in Exercise Science), GPA 4.0280

Undecided, GPA 3.9850

Math & Science Club He hopes through the Institute for Leadership he can learn to inspire others, and he can expand his networking opportunities.

Women’s Wrestling, Science Club She believes leadership is not about necessarily being in charge. Instead, she believes it is about setting an example for people to want to follow.

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Sue Smith

bachelor of arts in communication

» Investing her Dove award-

winning experiences in aspiring Christian songwriters.

Sue Smith, ’79, will never forget how it felt to get her start.

“I would send a song off and not hear anything back, or I would get positive feedback but nothing would really materialize,” Smith recalled. “I finally got my first label cut and thought things were on the right track, only for everything to come to a screeching standstill.”

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She credits her husband, John, with her breakthrough. Their family was returning from a family vacation in Florida when her husband pushed her to receive an invitation from well-known Nashville songwriter Dave Clark to spend a few days co-writing.

It proved to be the push she needed.

To date, Smith has received five Dove awards, the most prestigious accolade offered by the Gospel Music Association, for lyrics she has written. She has had cuts by Avalon, Jason Crabb, Sandi Patty, Travis Cottrell, Mark Harris, Michael English, Larnelle Harris, Karen Peck and New River, Janet Paschal, Charles Billingsley, Legacy V, Ernie Haase and Signature Sound, Brian Free and Assurance, The Hoppers, and many others.

Smith is currently a staff songwriter for Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc., in Nashville. As a lyricist, she doesn’t often hear about the influence her songs have had directly from listeners.

The few times she has, however, have been powerful. She remembers when someone forwarded a link to a video of a young man with Down Syndrome singing one of her songs.

Then, there was the time when a man told her that her song was used during his brother-inlaw’s memorial service.

“Those stories are so special to me,” she said.

They’re powerful testaments to powerful lyrics. Those lyrics may never have been recorded if it were not for someone who saw Smith’s potential. Clark not only proved to give Smith the start she needed, but he’s been a close mentor and friend ever since.

“I have learned a lot from Dave about what it means to truly help someone else,” she said.

“He believed in me, and much of my success is due to the role he took early on in my career.”

It’s that sort of mentorship role that Smith herself has developed with a multitude of new songwriters, many of whom live in St. Louis. In 2002, Smith launched “Write About Jesus,” an annual, three-day conference aimed at equipping and encouraging new songwriters. Since then, the conference has helped hundreds of budding Christian songwriters.

“It really has grown into an amazing opportunity,” Smith said. “I love the fact that even though ‘Write About Jesus’ is in St. Louis, it has become well known among writers, publishers and producers in Nashville.”

This spring, the seminar was named the 2014 Pacesetter at the Absolutely Gospel Awards.

Included in the conference is a contest that allows participants to have their songs critiqued by a variety of professionals in the Christian music industry. The winner receives a professional demo CD, along with an arranged meetings with publishers and writers in Nashville.

Smith knows that such an opportunity can change a songwriter’s life.

After all, it did hers.

chelsey klenke, 2015

ryan krupp, 2015

Psychology (minor in Human Services), GPA 3.9160

Business Administration, GPA 3.5480

SA Administrative Assistant, SCEC She believes a leader needs to be humble. Leaders should guide others through their actions, not control them.

Men's Soccer, MBU Rock Climbing Club He believes anyone can be a leader in a wellmannered cognitive environment. Leadership and following go hand in hand, coexisting in perfect harmony. The most important aspect of leadership is the ability to lead by example.

CLASS OF 1979

valaree logan, 2017

shelby mund, 2016

Criminal Justice

English (Minor in Secondary Education), GPA 4.0350

SPEAC She believes a leader is someone who knows what it means to be part of something bigger than themselves. She believes a true leader helps to attain a shared goal with the characteristics that include integrity, determination, responsibility, kindness and selflessness.

Women's Tennis, FCA By participating in the MBU Institute for Leadership, she hopes to become the best leader she is capable of being. She wants to embrace her God-given talents and learn to be confident in positions of leadership and guidance.

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CLASS OF 2015

Chelsey Klenke bachelor of science in human services

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sheena payton, 2014

nandi person, 2016

Exercise Science, GPA 3.8050

Criminal Justice (minor in Human Services), GPA 3.8670

Women's Tennis, HSS Club She believes that great leaders possess the ability to not just direct those under them, but to also create other great leaders. Leaders possess innate characteristic qualities that enable them to stand out above other individuals, empowering those subordinates to learn, grow and connect with each other and the community.

Cross Country, Track & Field She hopes the Institute for Leadership will help her become a better listener so she can help others around her. She hopes to develop characteristics from other leaders around her and learn from the traits and leadership skills that they possess.

» Devoting her life to working

with special needs children.

Quiet and sweet, Chelsey Klenke’s leadership is not obvious at first glance. Minutes into conversation, though, a deep sense of passion and inspiration quickly become apparent.

Klenke is a junior psychology major with a personal mission to support individuals with special needs and their families, a calling for which she is uniquely qualified.

Kraig Klenke, Chelsey’s brother, was diagnosed with Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) Type II at an early age. The disease blocked production of crucial enzymes affecting his respiratory system, heart, bones and nervous system. While life was not always easy for her brother and family, the story of Kraig is not one of woe, but of hope.

Spunky with a laugh as contagious as his positive attitude, Kraiggy was a joyous person to know. With a charming smile, Kraiggy was mischievous, often convincing Chelsey to execute his plans. One of Kraiggy’s few words he could say was “sissy,” serving as a symbol of the bond between the two siblings.

Starting in 2000, the adventurous duo packed their bags every summer to attend a session of Camp Barnabas, a Christian camp for individuals with special needs and their siblings. There, the duo further pursued their relationships with God, and while participating in so many fun activities, troubles were quickly forgotten.

As Kraiggy grew older, his body deteriorated at a continuously faster rate. Even through the struggles, he kept a positive spirit, further

inspiring Chelsey. When Kraiggy passed away in 2010, months before his 19th birthday, Chelsey chose not to live in a continuous state of mourning, but to honor Kraiggy by helping others in a similar situation.

Kraiggy joins the Klenke family in memorandum with his favorite stuffed animal — Barney — posing in pictures documenting milestones for the family from graduations to the U.S. Capitol visit.

The stuffed animal is a token of the impact Kraiggy has made on Chelsey’s life. Through the stages of her brother’s life, Klenke realized it was her life calling to work with individuals with special needs and their families.

“I learned how awesome they are,” said Chelsey. “They teach me more than I can learn or teach.”

Growing up, Chelsey remembers watching her parents struggle to find more information and resources for Kraiggy’s condition.

“My mom found the MPS Society, but there was no hope involved,” explained Chelsey. This inspired the entire Klenke family to add hope for MPS. The family began fundraising for MPS in 1998, later inspiring the annual Klenke Bowl. Families and individuals affected by MPS and supporters gather to raise money for the MPS Society and enjoy an activity Kraiggy loved.

In her brother’s memory, Chelsey continues to volunteer for a session at Camp Barnabas.

Here, she encourages campers in their faith through devotions, chapel services and individualized attention. Importantly, Chelsey creates an experience where children can forget about their illnesses.

After Chelsey realized that she wanted to continue similar work throughout her life, she transferred to MBU. Here, her experiences continue to prepare her to better serve her life mission. As an active member of Student Activ-

ities, Klenke grows her skills in event planning and works closely with Lara Hines, director of student activities, and Julie Hammack, assistant director of student activities.

“Julie and Lara encourage us to follow our dreams and to think big,” explained Klenke.

“They are personally supportive of my events.”

Her experience through the MBU Institute for Leadership has strengthened her skill set in volunteer-based event planning and leadership.

Chelsey continues to develop her skills through MPS events as well as working with the Easter Seals organization and, most recently, interning with the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St Louis.

Eventually, Chelsey dreams of opening a place with resources for any individual and family with special needs that also allows them to forget about worries. Inspired by her family’s journey, Chelsey is determined to make the place a reality someday.

With moving words and commitment to service, Chelsey leads those around her to follow their dreams and rally together to support families with special needs. It is a special type of leadership for a dear and special cause.

christopher rowland, 2016

teagan rutz, 2014

Criminal Justice, GPA 3.8030

Biology, GPA 3.2080

Men's Soccer He believes leadership is the ability to organize a group to achieve a common goal. As an athlete, he feels this means getting your team focused on the task at hand, getting everyone on the same page and working together to win.

Res Life RA, Math & Science Club, Students for Life She hopes to obtain leadership skills of encouragement, time management and communication. She believes encouraging others is how to get them motivated to do better and perform at their best.

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Bert Bazemore bachelor of arts in psychology, ‘87 master of science in education, ‘05

» Leading a mentorship program that links inner-city young men with successful male professionals Seventh grader Anthony Cummings is a straight shooter. When asked why a mentorship program he is involved in is important to him, his reply was candid.

“I don’t have a dad at home,” he said. “I like being able to express how I feel and to talk with successful adults.”

Cummings is one of 20 or so middle school students who participate in the “Men of Influ-

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ence” program in north St. Louis city.

The program aims to encourage young African American men to become positive and ambitious citizens, in part, by introducing them to African American men who are, themselves, successful.

It is a program founded and spearheaded by MBU alum Bert Bazemore, ’87, ’05. Bazemore, dean of students at Confluence Academy, is a lifelong educator who has worked in a range of school settings—from affluent private schools to inner-city schools like Confluence.

Throughout his career, he has seen, time and time again, a link between a male student’s academic performance and future successes with whether or not that student has a strong male role model in his life.

“This is a program about empowering young men to see past their block,” Bazemore said. “We believe if we can connect students with outside professional men who can advise them in any number of areas, we can place them on a positive path for their future.”

Students selected to participate in the “Men of Influence” program meet regularly after school with Bazemore and other leaders, from professional comedians and sports agents to leaders in law enforcement.

Bazemore started the program several years ago by choosing those students who were regularly getting in the most trouble. Since then, the organization has grown to include students who aren’t necessarily deemed at risk, as well.

But the goal is still the same.

“It is paramount for these young men to have strong support from men who are modeling success by example, particularly when the students may not have fatherly influence in

the home,” Bazemore said.

“If they aren’t exposed to success, their options become gangs, prison and sometimes death.”

While not always immediate, he is seeing positive outcomes from the program—one student at a time.

“I see light bulbs go on when the students are developing relationships with professionals whom they can relate with; these men came from the same situation but were able to work hard and become successful,” Bazemore said.

“It shows them that, despite the disproportionate number of African American men who are incarcerated, they don’t have to be a statistic.”

Another way Bazemore helps his students “see past their block” is by enabling them to do something many of them have never done before—leave their city. He has raised thousands of dollars to pay for groups of students to go on trips to the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tenn., and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City.

“My hope is that I can expand these students’ horizons,” Bazemore said. “Their futures are bright, and they need to know they are capable of accomplishing remarkable things in their lives.”

glynis sekarski, 2015

hannah wood, 2015

Communications (minor in Public Relations)

Communications, GPA 3.6600

Cheerleading Manager, AMP, SA Volunteer She hopes to develop and achieve qualities of affirmation and encouragement that she believes are necessary in any great leader. These qualities include inspiring others to greatness, helping others to make wise decisions and living by example. By the time she graduates, she hopes to have more confidence, allowing her to be a successful leader in the communications industry.

SAWW Committee Chair, FYE Peer Mentor She believes a leader is someone who has a vision and can motivate others to accomplish a task. They are confident and knowledgeable and can assess a difficult situation in order to determine and implement a solution.

CLASS OF 1979

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Commencement Confessions Minutes before MBU’s class of 2014 marched into the Family Arena for the University’s 42nd Commencement Exercise, we asked a handful of the more than 900 graduates how they were feeling on what may be one of the most anticipated evenings of their lives. The conversations that unfolded—from sending selfies to Serbia to a trip to Ted Drewes—proved to be as diverse as the makeup of this year’s graduating class.

1

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1 Philip Parrish (center) bachelor of arts in english What’s next for you?

I am going to Indonesia for a mission trip this summer. I’ll be working with college students, sharing the Gospel with them. After that, I’ll be going to work and live with Chinese high school students. So, I’ll be like an RA but for high school Chinese students.

What are you doing after commencement?

My family is in town from Norman, Okla., so I think I am going to take them to Ted Drewes.

2 Whitney Werges-Fox (left) & 2

Lindsay Werges

lindsay, master of arts in counseling whitney, master of arts in teaching We hear you went to great lengths to sit by one another tonight.

"Yes, my sister got married and decided to hyphenate her name only so we could be by each other,“ Lindsay said.

Do you have family here tonight?

“Yes, parents and grandparents. It’s a big to-do. They are really the ones making us walk down together,” Whitney said.

3 Janet Mayfield bachelor of science in business administration How are you feeling right now?

Very excited. It has been a very long road. It has taken me, well, 30 years.

3

Where have you received your support?

I have had complete support from my family, friends and co-workers, many of whom are here tonight. At times, I thought I would quit, but they wouldn’t let me.

4 Milan Pandzic bachelor of science in business administration What did you do to prepare for today?

I went shopping and bought a shirt and tie for tonight.

What does it mean for you to graduate with a bachelor’s degree?

It means a lot. For me to graduate from an American university, especially since I am from Serbia, is a complete honor for me and for my family.

4

Was your family able to be here tonight?

My brother is here along with some friends. But I have been sending my family back in Serbia photos regularly from here, so they are staying updated.

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Alumni

5 Michelle Chapman bachelor of science in accounting and bachelor of science in business administration Where did you complete most of your courses?

The Hillsboro and Arnold Regional Learning Centers.

How are you feeling tonight?

I am totally excited. It is worth every minute I’ve spent.

What are you doing after commencement?

We’re going to Disney World! My daughter is 5 years old, and I have been going to school since she was a year old. [ I] have been away from her so much with school, so I told my husband as soon as I graduate, we are going on a family vacation to Disney to focus on her.

6 Carlita Tolber master of business administration Where did you do your undergraduate degree?

Greenville College What would you say to someone who is thinking about pursuing a master’s degree who works full time like yourself?

If you put your mind to it, you can do it. It is a lot of work and a long journey, but the people here will really help you get through it.

Do you have family here tonight?

I do, but I don’t know where they are yet.

Do you have big plans for tonight after commencement?

No, I have to work in the morning.

5

6

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Where are they now?

A

’70s Carole McFadden

and Oakville, Mehlville and Lindbergh

(B.A. in Elementary Education

high schools. Recently, his granddaughter

’70)

Delaney’s team won his 250th game.

lives in Williston, Fla. Carole is married to

C

’90s

David Tegg (B.S. in Communications ‘91)

lives in St. Louis, Mo., with his wife, Benitt.

They have eight children, three of which are

and Hugh have three children and six

’80s

grandchildren. Some of Carole’s favorite

lives in Newark, Ohio. Brad is married to

on Amazon called “Trimming the TULIP:

memories while at MBU include her speech

Paula, and together they have one son,

Calvinism Examined” that is available as a

class, Dr. Chaney, and playing cards in the

Jack. While at MBU, Brad participated in

Kindle eBook. Currently, David is a senior

student union. Currently, Carole and her

musicals and choir. His favorite memories

pastor at First Baptist Church in Victoria,

husband are operating a Catholic Retreat

were Harvest Festivals, choir tours,

Mo.

Center called “The Open Gate”. The Open

musicals, and of course, 8 a.m. classes (yeah

Gate is open to all and is a place where

right). Currently, Brad is a worship pastor at

she says you “really have time to just be

the Spring Hills Baptist Church in Granville,

with God. You don’t even realize how much

Ohio.

her husband of 35 years, Hugh. Carole

God is speaking to you until you are quiet enough to just listen.”

B

Brad Pilkington (B.A. in Music Education ’82)

married, two grandchildren and two more on the way. David published his first book

Christopher Hume (B.S. in Business Administration ‘92) lives in Gainesville, Va., with his wife, Yulia.

Joseph Wasser

They have two children, Alexander (5) and Amelia (2). While at MBU, Christopher

(Business ’89)

participated in SpiritWing and men’s golf.

lives in Villa Ridge, Mo., with his wife,

Currently, Christopher is a special agent

(B.A. Mathematics ‘76)

Rhonda and their three children and eight

with the U.S. Secret Service for whom

lives in Columbia, Ill., with his wife,

grandchildren. While at MBU, Joseph

he works as full time protection with the

Janis. They have two children and

was the head women’s volleyball coach.

Vice President detail. He was recently

four grandchildren. While at MBU, Bill

Joseph’s favorite memory while at MBU

transferred to Washington D.C. and moved

participated in intramural sports and

was winning conference in 1985 defeating

from Naperville, Ill., to Gainesville, Va., to

Student Council. He went to graduate

Southwest Baptist 15-8. Currently, Joseph is

continue his career.

school for geodetic science at Ohio State

working with Samaritan’s Purse and Service

and began a career in cartography for the

International while working as a substitute

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in

teacher and volleyball coach in the Pacific

1977. He began coaching basketball after

School District.

Bill Small

Mika McLeod (B.A. in Business Administration ’94) lives in La Mesa, Calif., with his wife, Cheryl,

he stopped playing in 1985, with stops at

and two stepsons. While at MBU, Mika

three grade schools, one middle school,

played on the men’s baseball team from

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Please keep us updated!

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mbu magazi ne 35

Alumni

PR EPA R ED FOR SUCCESS

Harry Walls IV (Worship Arts and Religious

“It is about creating a setting that allows

Education) continues to use his voice as a tool

people to experience Christ through worship,

for ministry as a worship pastor in Fremont,

no matter the language,” Walls said.

Calif.

Walls was previously a worship pastor at

Walls has been the worship pastor at

Gateway to Grace Fellowship Church and The

Bridges Community Church, an Evangelical

Word at Shaw in St. Louis. While at MBU, Walls

Free church in Fremont, since 2012.

was a member of the ministry group SpiritWing

and the University’s chapel band.

Bridges, a church of about 1,500, is as

diverse as the community in which it serves.

A story of shining on.

The church has Mandarin, Filipino and Indianspeaking services.

1993 to 1994. Mika played on the USA Rugby

Tim (‘00), and their children, Cadence

is a worship pastor in Katy, Texas.

Team from 1997 to 1999. He married his wife

(10) and Caleb (6). While at MBU, Jessica

Laurie (Gowen) Wallace

in 2000. Currently, Mark is a commercial pilot, which he has done since 1999.

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participated in SpiritWing, Chorale, SGA

(B.S. in Psychology ’97 and MBA ‘06)

and was a worker for Student Activities.

lives in St. Charles, Mo., with her husband,

Her favorite memory of MBU was when her

Brian, and two daughters, Katrina (8) and

husband proposed at the annual “Shorts

(B.A. in Religious Education ’96)

Emily (2). While at MBU, Laurie participated

and Shirt Tales” event. It was an event

lives in Imperial, Mo., with his wife, Rachel,

in Sigma Apple Pi and Student Government,

where the guys came to North Hall and

and two daughters, Hannah and Keren.

and she worked as a student in Financial

serenaded the girls. Currently, Jessica is a

While at MBU, David was involved with

Services. Her favorite memories from MBU

middle school choir and music teacher.

Ministerial Alliance and participated in

were the Eric Champion concert in the old

intramural sports. Currently, David is a

chapel, working every Welcome Weekend, C

chaplain in the Army National Guard and

walking around “The Loop,” moving

Adriane (Struckoff) Muehleisen

spends his free time coaching basketball.

furniture at odd hours of the night in the

(B.S. in Sports Management ‘00)

dorms, and building a wall of newspapers

lives in Wildwood, Mo., with her husband,

in front of all the doors on her floor in

Tim, and their four children, Ahren (9),

(B.A. in Church Music and M.S.E in

the dorms the night before the first day.

Lydia (8), Annie (6) and Maria (4). In the

Education ‘96)

Currently, Laurie is the payroll and benefits

summer, their family will be taking their first

lives in Richmond, Texas, with wife, Jana.

administrator for MBU and childcare

international mission trip to Aguascalientes,

Jason and Jana have six children, Rachael,

coordinator for FBC in St. Charles.

Mexico. Adriane’s family loves to be

David Spears

Jason Soroski

Ruth, Hezekiah, Grace and Isaiah. While at MBU, Jason was involved in Sigma Tau Delta, Sigma Apple Pi, choir, newspaper,

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’00s

involved in their church community and her

Jessica (Fears) Arnold

husband’s school community where he is a teacher and wrestling coach at Westminster

Ministerial Alliance, student government,

(Bachelor of Music Education ‘00)

Christian Academy. Currently, Adriane is a

and senior class president. Currently, Jason

lives in Florissant, Mo., with her husband,

Jamberry Nails independent consultant and

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works with Society for Adolescent Health

the first “Faithful” group and ran sound or

and Medicine (SAHM).

camera for various events on campus such as thePerk: theEvent, chapel or concerts.

Chris Sisk

baseball games.

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Sarah (Wesche) Warren (B.S. in Business Administration and

(B.A. in Communications ’01)

decide because there were so many and

Management ’04)

lives in Columbia, Mo., with his wife of

she always had a great time, but she wishes

lives in Florissant, Mo., with her husband,

almost 13 years, Stacey. Chris and Stacey

to come back to visit to see changes to the

Andrew (’05 and MBA ’11) and their four

have four children, Jayden, Zeke, Violet

campus. Currently, Lori works part time as a

children, Jeremiah, Madilynn, Anthony

and A.J. While at MBU, Chris was involved

preschool teacher, but mainly stays at home

and Lillian, who was born in November.

in baseball, FCA, BSU and SpiritWing.

with her three beautiful children.

On Easter in 2014, their oldest daughter,

field.

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Madilynn, was baptized. While at MBU,

Ruth (Bontrager) Curtman

Sarah participated in SIFE. Her favorite

(B.S. in Mathematics, Education Certificate

memory of MBU was meeting her

’04)

husband. Currently, Sarah stays at home to

(B.A. in Communications ’02)

lives in Union, Mo., with her husband, Paul,

homeschool her four children.

lives in Chandler, Ariz., with her husband,

who is a Missouri State Representative.

Richard, and 3 children, Tyler (13), Nathan

They recently got married on March 18,

(2), and Samantha (2 months). While at

2014. Ruth’s favorite memory of MBU is the

(B.A. in Administration of Justice ‘05)

MBU, Beth participated in cheerleading.

people because she had so many great

lives in Anchorage, Alaska, with his wife,

Currently, Beth is assistant director of

friends and an academic family. Currently,

and they are expecting a baby. While at

quality assurance at Grand Canyon

Ruth is a high school math teacher for the

MBU, James participated in varsity cross

University.

Rockwood School District.

country from 2001–2005. His favorite

Carrie Chapman

Heather Sparkman

(B.A. in Communication ’02)

(B.A. in History ’04)

lives in Ballwin, Mo., with her husband,

lives in St. Louis, Mo. While at MBU,

Bryce, MBU’s director of University

Heather participated in student

Communications. Carrie and Bryce have

government as treasurer from 2003-2004.

(B.A. in History ’05)

three children, Ruby (5), Neve (2) and Bostic

She served in college ministry for three

lives in Sikeston, Mo., with his wife,

(pictured), who was born July 27, 2013.

years with Reformed University Fellowship

Constance (Pulliam ’05), and their two

at University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Ark.

children, Emma (8) and Conner (6). While

Heather returned to St. Louis soon after in

at MBU, Charles participated in varsity

(Communications ’03)

2011. Currently, Heather works as payroll

wrestling from 2001 to 2005. His favorite

lives in Springfield, Mo., with her husband,

representative at Brown Shoe Company,

memories of MBU are meeting his wife and

Ryan, and their three children, Adirana (7),

where she specializes in corporate payroll

wrestling. Currently, Charles is a suspension

Paxton (4) and Charleston (1). While at MBU,

issues. Heather is involved with her church

school teacher at Sikeston Alternative

Lori participated in running the sound for

and keeps up with all the St. Louis Cardinals

School and assistant wrestling coach.

Beth Bax

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Her favorite memories of MBU are hard to

Currently, Chris is working in the design

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Lori Bowen Naylor

I

James King

memory from MBU was thePerk: theEvent.

Currently, James is the Alaska Railroad train dispatcher.

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Charles Michael

mbu magazi ne 37

Alumni

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Erin (Lewis) Lunsford

In 2012, Charles surrendered to preach and has been filling in at churches where

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with a master’s in nursing and specialized

(B.S. in Business Administration, Minor in

as a family nurse practitioner. Currently,

he is needed. He does Sunday school

Public Communications ’06)

Brooke is working for the Healthcare Clinic

and Wednesday night class teaching for

lives in St. Louis, Mo., with her husband,

at Walgreens in Brentwood, Mo., and a non-

teenagers.

Patrick. While at MBU, Erin participated in

profit organization called Institute for Family

Student Activities Council, cheerleading,

Medicine, which runs clinics for refugees

SIFE, University Ambassador and as a STAR

and immigrants in South St. Louis City.

Sarah Proemsey (B.S. in Psychology in ’05)

Admissions worker. Currently, Erin is a

live in Fenton, Mo., with her husband and

clinical manager at the St. Louis

three children, Isabella, Sophia and Jace.

Regional Health Commission.

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Currently, Sarah is a counselor at True

(B.M. in Musical Theatre ’09) lives in Riverton, Ill., with her husband, Scott.

Vine Counseling Services.

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Tia (Wright) Spencer

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Rhonda Bontrager

While at MBU, Tia participated in Allusion,

(B.A. in English and Business

MBU Ringers, InCharactre, Chapel Band,

Administration ’07)

musicals and plays, Chamber Singers and

(B.S. in Education ’06, M.S. in Education

lives in Valley Park, Mo. Rhonda has

Chorale. Her favorite memories of MBU

’08, Master of Education Administration

worked in textbook publishing for seven

were playing Cinderella in “Into the Woods,”

‘10)

years since graduating at MBU. She is a

the “New York Showcase” and meeting her

lives in St. Louis, Mo. While at MBU,

production editor. Currently, Rhonda is a

husband while on a trip to England with

LeDominique participated in gospel choir,

project manager at a global science and

the music department. Currently, Tia is the

MSTA, ASCD, Education Association

health publisher. She is an active member at

music and performance director at Calvary

and was volleyball manager. Her favorite

Cornerstone Baptist Church.

Academy in Springfield, Ill., and the director

LeDominique Hubbard

memory of MBU was Senior Chapel.

Currently, LeDominique is a kindergarten teacher and is looking to pursue her doctorate in education.

of Calvary Academy Music Institute where

Brooke (Miller) Raye (B.S. in

she teaches voice and acting lessons. Tia

Biology ‘07) lives in St. Louis, Mo., with her

will be returning to MBU in the fall of 2014 to

husband, Josh. Brooke graduated from

perform in the world premiere production of

Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.,

“Cover” by Joy Powell.

PR EPA R ED FOR SUCCESS

38 mbu m agazine

MBU alumnus Jeff Wells (Psychology ’91) has been spreading the gospel in a unique way for the past 13 years.

Working with Action Ministry International, Wells has been given the opportunity to share Christ’s love internationally through the summer and winter Olympics ever since the Sydney, Australia games in 2000.

Wells and his team witness to thousands of people from more 35 countries around the globe during his trips to the world’s signature sporting event. He has seen legions of people from around the world come to know Christ.

Wells attended the Sochi, Russia games this past winter and is already planning to attend the summer Olympics in Rio De Janeiro. While at the Olympics, he gives away Jesus pins to athletes and spectators—allowing him to share the gospel with as many as 100 people a day.

When Wells is not attending the Olympics, he’s likely carrying out the same mission close to home. Wells is currently the pastor of Cross Keys Baptist Church in Florissant, Mo.

A story of shining on.

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PR EPA R ED FOR SUCCESS Jason Lievanos (B.A. in Social Science ’06, Master of Science in Education ’10) shapes the minds of future generations as a social studies teacher at Parkway West Middle School. Lievanos has been teaching at West Middle for three years and has seven years of teaching experience. His accomplishments and determination to inspire a generation have rewarded him with the honor of receiving the Teacher of the Year award from the Parkway School District. Lievanos’ years and two degrees at MBU have provided him the tools to equip him with a vast array of knowledge needed to be an award-winning educator. Lievanos praises

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his wife Angela by saying, “My greatest blessing in my professional development is my wife. Her educator’s insight and understanding of what I have to offer makes me a better educator. She challenges me to grow as a leader and serve with kindness and compassion in all areas.”

His time at MBU helped him to form lifelong relationships with key mentors such as Dr. Thomas Smith, MBU director of athletics and Lievanos’ former wrestling coach. “Jason is elite in terms of character,” said Smith. “He is an extension of MBU not just in character but also in his faith.”

A story of shining on.

Meredith Hall

Gale (Laubenthal) Cleaves

Monet Boyd

(B.S. in Public Relations ’11)

(B.A. in Human Services, Minor in

(B.S. in Behavioral Science ’14)

lives in Louisville, Ky. While at MBU,

Psychology ‘13)

lives in St. Louis, Mo., with her husband.

Meredith participated in Timeline as an

lives in Belleville, Ill. Gale recently retired

While at MBU, Monet was the president

anchor and online editor, MBU ministry

from a 27-year career in real estate in

of the Student Council for Exceptional

team and CRU. Her favorite memory of

Illinois. Currently, Gale is making a career

Children (SCEC) from 2013-2014. Her

MBU was sitting in the Perk with friends

change involving her new degree.

favorite memory from her time at MBU

and hanging out in the studio. Currently,

was her first chapel experience. Currently,

Meredith is the guest relations coordinator

Katie (Kremer) Hernandez

of Crossings Ministries, where she has been

(Bachelor of Music Education ‘13)

chair of the Business Division at Missouri

working for three years.

lives in St. Louis, Mo., with her husband and

Baptist University.

Thomas Wright

daughter, Elena (6 mos). Her daughter was

Monet is the administrative assistant to the

born on October 22, 2013. While at MBU,

Kimberly Darron

(B.S. in Criminal Justice ’12, M.S. in

Katie participated in Chamber Singers,

(B.S. in Elementary Education ’14)

Criminal Justice ’14)

Chorale, Concert Band, opera workshop

lives in Imperial, Mo., with her husband.

lives in Trenton, Mo., with his wife and has a

and theatre. Her favorite memory of MBU

While at MBU, Kimberly received the

granddaughter, Rachelle. Currently, Thomas

was all the choir concerts. Currently, Katie is

Outstanding Student of the Year Award

is the police chief for the city of Trenton.

a music teacher.

ARLC 2013-2014 and summa cum laude.

Isaiah Barnfield

Charlotte Smith

Tricia Meyer

(B.M. in Music Ministry ’13)

(Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction ’13)

(B.S. in Accounting ’14)

lives in Greenville, Ill., with his wife, Hayley.

lives in St. Louis, Mo., with her husband.

lives in Herculaneum, Mo. She has a

While at MBU, Isaiah participated in

While at MBU, Charlotte participated in

daughter, Anya Rose (3). She will soon

Chorale, Res Life, Special Events, Allusion

Kappa Delta Pi. Charlotte was nominated

be getting married November 1, 2014,

and Chamber Singers. His favorite memory

by Washington University to receive the

to Damian Naeger. While at MBU, Tricia

of MBU was running around with masks

Academy of Science – St. Louis & Monsanto

participated in women’s bowling. Currently,

while scaring people in Pillsbury Huff. He

Science Teacher of the Year Award out of

she is a store manager.

remembers when Donovan Correll wore

200 nominees. It was presented to her by

a grim reaper costume and jumped off

Deborah Patterson on April 9 at the 20th

Adrienne Petty

a ledge into a group of people playing

Annual Outstanding St. Louis Scientist

(M.A. in Counseling ’14)

basketball outside the dorm. They all

Awards Gala. Currently, Charlotte is an

lives in Black Jack, Mo., with her husband.

screamed and scattered as everyone

elementary science lab teacher at Gateway

Currently, Adrienne is a counselor in

laughed. Currently, Isaiah is the coordinator

Math Science & Technology Elementary

training and preparing for a private

of residence education at Greenville

School in the St. Louis Public School

practice. She is also studying for the

College and a student at Geneva College in

District.

National Counselor Exam to advance to the

the Master of Higher Education Program.

PLPC status. mbu magazi ne 39

Missouri Baptist University One College Park Drive Saint Louis, MO 63141-8698

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID

Creative Printing Services, Inc.

MBU commissioned acclaimed St. Louis artist Marilynne Bradley to paint this serene piece of art showcasing MBU’s flagship building, The Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center. Bradley’s watercolor pictures have been recognized in museum exhibitions, accepted in major national juried competitions and included in many corporate collections in the United States, France, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Korea, Australia, Tahiti and China.