Challenging a global generation
By Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks, MVNU President
Dr. Peter Kuzmiˇ c (with me, below), distinguished professor of World Mission and European History at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and president of the Evangelical Theological Seminary in his home country of Croatia, spoke to the 2004 MVNU graduating class. He is the first graduation speaker in my 15 years at Mount Vernon Nazarene University to receive a standing ovation following his address.
He reminded the students that they belong to a global generation and have been learning to be empowered to serve. He stated, “Wherever the Lord of the universe may see fit to employ you, whether it is classroom teaching, whether it is scientific laboratories, office work, business ventures, inner city ministry, politics or fine arts, remember all of these are mission fields.”
Dr. Kuzmiˇ c reminded the graduates of some of the realities that will not allow any intelligent and moral human being to remain indifferent:
•More than 780 million people today live in absolute poverty.
•Roughly 500 million of these are on the edge of starvation.
•Of the 126 million babies born last year, more than 12 million die before their first birthday. Another five million will not experience their fifth birthday.
•Four of every five children lack adequate healthcare.
•More than one-third of the world’s adults have no access to printed knowledge, new skills, and technologies that could improve their lives and help them adapt to social and cultural change.
He challenged all who attended Commencement with these words:
“My friends, the world is waiting for evangelical, Wesleyan, Nazarene Mother Teresas. Several times I had opportunities to share fellowship and platform with this little, saintly woman. She came from my former homeland, and she spoke my language. Truly a woman of small and very frail physical appearance, and yet a giant of faith and love. I asked her once on the streets of Calcutta, ‘Mother, how can you do all this?’ And she looked up at me and said, ‘I don’t. I just let Jesus do it through me. All I am is an available vessel.’”
Dr. Kuzmiˇ c appealed to the graduating class, “Jesus is waiting for vessels — vessels available to Him to shape and fill and use to save human lives and change their realities.”
The class of 2004 and MVNU alumni around the world embrace the MVNU motto, “To seek to learn is to seek to serve.”
add to academic excellence:
19 Excell changes name, expands possibilities:
With
21 Baseball experiences a rich season:
photo by Carlos M. Serrão: MVNU experienced an exciting summer of construction on campus, both in facilities
Building excellence, constructing the future
Compiled by Denny Taylor, Director of Physical Plant
Mount Vernon Nazarene University took advantage of the summer’s absence of students to work on several construction and renovation projects across campus. With increasing enrollment and a commitment to quality facilities, MVNU is excited about these changes that will enhance student academic and residential environment, as well as faculty and staff workspace.
Construction highlights:
• The Prince Student Union project has been under way since late spring. This 13,000-square-foot addition to and renovation of the Donoho Recreation Center will include a large glass atrium entrance; casual dining area; and a lounge for pool tables, air hockey, physical fitness and other recreational equipment. In subsequent phases, additional intramural athletic space, a large student gathering area and new Student Government and student publications offices will be featured.
• A second floor is being added to the Jennie K. Moore Family and Consumer Sciences Center, initially constructed in 2000. See article on page 9.
• The Thorne Library/Learning Resource Center lower level was renovated into new office space for Instructional Technology.
• The Hyson Campus Center lobby was renovated this summer with a gift from the 2004 graduating class. The renovation included new flooring, paint and electronic equipment.
• Founders Hall entrance and hallway were renovated. This area received new flooring and paint. The English Department on the second floor was also refurbished with new flooring, paint and furnishings.
• Regents Hall underwent extensive renovations. The Social Sciences offices were transformed into two new classrooms, making the entire lower level classrooms only. Two ground floor rooms were remodeled into 11 new offices for the Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice and Mathematics Departments. This space includes a conference room and additional work and storage space.
• In Faculty Hall, the Mathematics Department offices were renovated for History Department faculty. The building also received a new roof this summer.
• The University House on Glen Road was just completed. Part of the University Advancement Division moved into the building in June.
• Oakwood, Galloway and Pioneer dorms received new windows this summer as a part of MVNU’s energy efficiency program. Oakwood dorm second-floor restrooms had new ceramic tile installed as well.
• An expansion is also planned for the Adult and Graduate Studies admissions building.
MVNU is proud to enhance its facilities on a regular basis to provide students, faculty and staff with a campus equipped for success. Go to www.mvnu.edu/services/physical/ physical.html to view photo galleries of many of these projects.
By C. Jeanne Serrão, Dean of the School of Theology and Religion
Building excellence through leadership development
While it was still dark on Saturday morning, June 19, Dr. Karen Doenges, dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences, and I left Mount Vernon to catch a flight to Washington. There we met 17 other participants in the 2004 Council for Christian Colleges and Universities Leadership Development Institute for Women, and boarded a bus for Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center in Sumas, Wash. We spent a week learning and fellowshipping together under the tutelage of six highly successful women university administrators.
This journey actually began with an application process in the fall of 2003. In late January we learned of our acceptance to the institute and began preparations. We were required to read, Now, Discover Your Strengths, by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton, and to take the Gallup Strengths Finder Inventory online. Although we were to learn many things, the theme of the institute was building on the strengths that we already have.
Karen and I led devotions one morning and enjoyed the spiritual fellowship as well as the intellectual stimulation
from interacting with highly motivated and intelligent women of very diverse backgrounds and experiences. We found amazing commonalities despite our profound differences. Because of the institute’s spiritual component, we gained additional sources of moral and prayer support for the ministries that God has given each of us.
Session topics included university budgets, leadership qualities, women's leadership styles and strategic thinking about your career path. We learned about interview processes, organizational structures, cultural meaning for women, dealing with conflict and the concept of shared governance. But perhaps the most inspiring time happened each night at the “Fireside Chat” when we heard personal stories of resource leaders. It was encouraging to see how God led in each of their lives, many times through impossible situations!
Doenges commented, “One of the things so powerful about WLDI is that we were removed from everything that usually interrupts our daily life. No newspapers, phones, radios or television...no normal distractions. The peace and beauty of the Washington mountains lent themselves to thinking deeply about issues we are normally too busy to focus on.” Additionally, setting aside this time to concentrate on one issue—personal development as a leader—made this experience life changing for both of us.
Intercultural Studies major coming in fall 2005
Mount Vernon Nazarene University and the School of Theology and Philosophy have always been mission-minded. We have trained young people called to be missionaries by combining a missions minor with a major in an area to be used on the mission field. But after several years of studying, talking with inner city and compassionate ministries personnel and consulting with the missions
By C. Jeanne Serrão, Dean of the School of Theology and Religion
department of the International Church of the Nazarene, we are building excellence through a missions major that will help our students be well-prepared missionaries.
Because many of our young missionaries may enter unwelcoming places, we have kept the name of our major neutral. This follows the example of other missions institutions and gives our students the best chance to get into closed communities.
We will continue our tradition of “Missionaries in Residence” so that our students have firsthand knowledge of the current mission fields. During spring 2005, Doug Flemming (’87)
Dr. C. Jeanne Serrão with Dr. Karen Doenges.
Philosophy: God’s calling, our journey
By Dr. Lincoln Stevens, Professor of Philosophy
Philosophy majors graduating from Mount Vernon Nazarene University pursue their callings with journeys that are not always clear but that are led by a Savior who is always faithful. For some it has been law school. Others have gone on to seminary. And others have gone into business. But for some, like Tully Borland (’99), the journey takes them into the very heart of philosophy—through the rigors of graduate study at a major university.
Tully and his wife Amy (’99) left MVNU in 2000 after he was accepted into the Ph.D. program in philosophy at Marquette University. The couple moved to Milwaukee, Wis., where Tully planned to study philosophy, finish his degree and begin teaching at a college or university. Along the way, however, he felt a nudge from the Lord to move—not away from philosophy but to a different university for his doctoral degree. Marquette had just started a Master of Arts in Social and Applied Philosophy and, for the mean time, Tully entered the program.
In order to finish, he had to do an internship using philosophy in a practical setting. Because of their love for missions, the Borlands decided to use philosophy on the mission field. They arranged a summer mission trip to Hungary and Tully developed a program of Christian philosophy, which he taught to Hungarian teens for six weeks. With this, he completed his M.A. in December 2001.
The Borlands continued to pray as Tully applied to Ph.D. programs at Nebraska, Princeton, Drew, Purdue, Duquesne, Villanova and even Marquette again. The key issues were acceptance into the program and funding, which was scarce. Though some universities gave him full acceptance, they either lacked funding or moved him away from the study of philosophy—his first love. Providentially, a weekend trip to Purdue University revealed the Lord’s calling. Tully reported at the time, “The program sounded as close to ideal as I could hope and at least two of the professors I know prayed for my decision.” He moved to Purdue to complete his Ph.D. in philosophy beginning in the fall of 2002.
In the two years since that decision, its rightness has been confirmed again and again. The graduate program continues to be God centered, Amy teaches part-time at a community center, they have both made Christian friends and are now experiencing the joy of their new daughter, Malea, born in June 2003. At the university, Tully is planning his dissertation around the topic of medieval ethics. He has also begun developing his scholarship at professional conferences, such as the Wesleyan Philosophical Society where he recently delivered a presentation.
Tully still views his work in philosophy as a calling from the Lord. He said, “It is what I do best. It has helped me to think clearly about Christian faith and about who I am in relation to what I do.” He added, “I am continuing to develop what I began at MVNU.” For the future, Tully plans to teach at a Christian liberal arts college or on the mission field, depending on the Lord’s leading for the journey.
and his family, missionaries in the Philippines, will be on campus. He will teach classes in the Communication Department, and a class on missions and communications. Fall semester 2005, Dr. Jim Radcliffe (’76) and his family, medical missionaries to Papua New Guinea, will return to campus to teach classes in the biology department as well as a class on medical missions.
The first MVNU Missionary in Residence, Dr. John Hall, Jr., will become our missions professor. Hall has a doctor of missiology from Fuller Seminary and is the son of missionaries to Cuba. He and his wife were missionaries to Ecuador for 10 years, then he served 11 years as a professor at the Seminario de las Americas in Costa Rica and several years in the master’s program at the Mexico Seminary.
Hall is also working part-time with the North Central Ohio district to develop multicultural churches and pastors. His contact throughout the district will be a wonderful connection for our students as they confirm their gifts in internships here in Ohio and around the world.
This major will be offered beginning fall 2005. Many current students are already planning to change their major to this highly requested program. You can begin now to encourage the young people you know who are called into missions to attend MVNU and major in this relevant, high-quality program. For Admissions information, visit www.gotomvnu.com
Tully and Amy Borland with daughter Malea.
School of Natural and Social Sciences
Health Sciences graduates stack up honors
By Dr. Paul Madtes, Professor of Biology
Several awards have been given to alumni of the Biology and Psychology Departments at MVNU. These individuals have been recognized by institutions and organizations for their excellence, which comes from a lifestyle of commitment and dedication.
Jessica Fleagle (‘03) received the Outstanding Student Award for Year One from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, given by the Department of Family Medicine and the ACOFP. One award is given to every class, based upon the passion for patients, and the profession and the student that best exemplifies the purpose of the college. She also received an award for outstanding service for student representation on the Curriculum Advisory Committee. Fleagle reflected on the MVNU pre-med program:
“My experience at MVNU was absolutely invaluable. I found the phrase ‘life changing’ to be reality…. My expectations of an excellent education and guidance were met. However, the commitment of the faculty to my education and my personal development completely blew away my expectations…. While my professors prepared me very, very well for medical school, they also helped me shape my future and myself. They helped me to know Christ and see through their lives emulations of Him. Their offices and hearts were open.”
Megan Porter (‘02) was selected by the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine faculty to receive the Outstanding Biomedical Science Student Award for excellence in medical knowledge and biomedical research. She observed that MVNU played a vital role in preparation for her post-baccalaureate experience:
“The transition from college to medical school was made significantly less stressful due to the solid foundation I had received at Mount Vernon.… The concrete grasp of the ‘big picture’ that I received at MVNU made it easier for me to assimilate the many details that I was expected to know in medical school. I couldn’t have asked for a better, more complete undergraduate education to prepare me for the challenges of medical school.”
Jeremy Slone (‘02) was named Alternate Delegate from the Ohio State Medical Association (OSMA). He was selected by student representatives from the seven Ohio medical schools to serve as the sole Ohio student representative to the OSMA and the American Medical Association (AMA). The AMA’s House of Delegates is composed of delegations from all 50 states and numerous specialty societies. Slone commented on his MVNU experience:
“With my education at MVNU, I was more than prepared for the academic rigors of medical school. More important, the education went far beyond basic science to prepare future Christian physicians to not only practice medicine but to be a light to the world.”
Other MVNU students in the health sciences have also been recognized. Dr. Stephanie Doenges (’97) was elected by her peers to the position of family practice chief resident in the John Peter Smith Family Practice Residency, at the John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, the largest family practice residency in the country. Dr. Marlo Oyster (’99) received the Student Excellence Award from the Academy of Medicine as the outstanding fourth-year medical student at Wright State School of Medicine. Dr. Oyster is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society and now is in the second year of an orthopedics residency at The Ohio State University. Matthew Jones (’01, pictured left)) was selected by the Wright State University Academy of Medicine to receive the First-Year Outstanding Student Award. Karla Adu (Hoffman ’97), was named Huld Fellow by the Helene Huld Trust in 1998, an award given to 52 outstanding nursing students from across the nation.
These individuals represent many MVNU students who embody the quality of character and lifestyle sought in the school motto, “To Seek To Learn Is To Seek To Serve.”
Renovating space… building community!
By Dr. Karen Doenges, Dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences
For the second summer in a row, the sound of hammers, drills and saws has filled the corridors of Regents and Faculty Hall. Renovations have resulted in new offices for many professors in Natural and Social Sciences as well as the History Department. Some of the new equipment and furnishings were funded from a congressional grant to MVNU.
The former Social Sciences offices in the basement of Regents Hall have been renovated into two new classrooms, making the basement of Regents a classroom-only space. Classrooms in Regents 133 and 134, as well as the former Instructional Technology offices, have been modified to form 11 new offices for those in psychology, sociology, criminal justice and mathematics. The newly remodeled facility will also include additional work and storage space, an ample
reception area and a new conference room for the School of Natural and Social Sciences.
The former Mathematics offices were renovated for the History faculty. This will provide them with a larger area and will place them closer to the School of Arts and Humanities, of which they are a part. For the School of Natural and Social Sciences the new office suite, which combines Mathematics and Social Sciences faculty, will continue to build the sense of community among these departments.
Much of the existing furniture dated back to the founding days of the University. The new offices will be larger and brighter, and will provide more space for student and faculty interaction. MVNU is proud to continue enhancing the campus community by improving personal atmospheres for faculty and students.
Building a program: Pickenpaugh hired as first Criminal Justice faculty member
By Colleen Bryan, Associate Professor of Psychology
The School of Natural and Social Sciences is pleased to welcome Merel Pickenpaugh as the first faculty member in the new Criminal Justice major at MVNU.
Following the approval by the board of trustees for MVNU’s newest degree, a lengthy process of reviewing applicants’ credentials and interviewing candidates took place. Input from faculty, staff and students within the School resulted in the hiring of Pickenpaugh in May.
Merel Pickenpaugh has taught as an adjunct professor in the Psychology and Sociology department at MVNU for 28 years, teaching courses in corrections, juvenile delinquency and criminology during years when the sociology program offered criminal justice as a track within the major. Students have always appreciated his understanding of the field, which stems from over 30 years of work in community control programs. Most recently, Pickenpaugh retired from
his position as director of the Licking County Adult Court Services Department of the Licking County Common Pleas Court in May, after 28 years of service. He has also served in a number of leadership capacities on various local and statewide boards and committees related to criminal justice, community corrections and parole.
In July, Pickenpaugh was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, in recognition of his many years of commitment to service and improvement of community corrections programs. Members of the Ohio Chief Probation Officers and community corrections leaders from around Ohio recognized Pickenpaugh for his capabilities in building and leading Licking County’s Adult Court Services Department from its inception.
He lives in Newark, Ohio, with his wife Linda. Their three children, Tasha, Trisha and Kim, all graduated from MVNU.
Inaugural classes for the new major began this fall; for more information, please contact mpickenp@mvnu.edu or cbryan@mvnu.edu, or call (740) 392-6868, ext. 3700.
Merel Pickenpaugh
School of Business Growing excellence on solid foundations
By Dr. Tomas Parks, Dean of the School of Business
The faculty of MVNU’s School of Business are always focused on changes in today’s dynamic business environment. The upcoming year will see an effort to take all of our programs to the next level of excellence.
The School of Business offers three bachelor’s degree programs and one master’s degree. The Bachelor of Arts in Accounting is an outstanding program that offers tracks both as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Managerial Accountant (CMA). The addition of the CMA track last year was a response to demands in the job market. Our accounting graduates are in high demand and have a great record of success.
The Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration has six tracks in finance, general business, international business (IB), management, management information systems (MIS) and marketing. IB and MIS will be upgraded to majors. This will allow our students to broaden their knowledge in their selected area while enhancing the options for all business majors.
The school also added an IB minor that is open to the entire student body. Students majoring in areas as diverse as theology, history and Spanish can expand their career options while enhancing their cross-cultural experiences. With the minor, additional on-campus options were added for the track. Next year the IB track will be changed to a major that will allow the addition of interdisciplinary and cross-cultural courses, further strengthening the marketability of our graduates.
With the addition of Professor Rich Huebner, the MIS track is undergoing a complete review. His professional and educational expertise will strengthen the MIS program; the
track will also become a major. MIS is one of the most dynamic and changing majors within the School of Business. The addition of a full-time MIS professor to the faculty demonstrates the University’s ongoing commitment to this growing field and enables the school to stay on the cutting edge.
The School of Business and Adult and Graduate Studies continue to look for new ways to serve our region. Our Bachelor of Business Administration has aided many students in achieving career and life goals while carrying MVNU’s mission to individuals outside our traditional reach. This year will see the development of new options for this important part of the University’s service to the region.
The first students from the new Master of Science in Management program will graduate. For the School of Business and our alumni, this represents a great step forward. We strongly believe in the role of graduate programs in fulfilling our mission. The school is committed to the growth and expansion of these programs to meet the changing needs of business with a true Christian alternative.
Throughout all the changes this year, one thing will remain the same. Every change, every new program will be built on a Christ-centered worldview to equip and strengthen individuals for careers in business and service to God and humankind.
Introducing Rich Huebner
The School of Business is proud to welcome Richard Huebner as an assistant professor of business. He earned an associate degree in 1993 from Middlesex College, his bachelor’s degree in 1999 from Eastern Nazarene College and his master’s degree in 2001 from ENC. Here, he comments on his journey to MVNU.
When something is God’s will for your life and you ask Him to reveal it to you, you should be ready for any answer. That’s how it was with my interview at MVNU. After being invited to interview for the management information systems (MIS) faculty position, my wife Rose and I began to pray that the Lord would reveal His will for us. There were numerous events over the months following the interview where God made it clear that moving to Mount Vernon was what He wanted us to do. It’s amazing that we were able to sell our home in Massachusetts and then purchase a home in Mount Vernon within eight weeks! We consider this God’s perfect timing. Rose was able to keep her position and gained a transfer with her employer. It was hard to leave our families,
but now that we’re here we are thankful that God has provided us with everything we need.
Prior to our move, I taught full-time for two years at Eastern Nazarene College in the Computer Science Department. It was there that I obtained curriculum design experience, which I will use to develope a new management information systems (MIS) degree program for traditional and Adult and Graduate Studies students. My background is in database systems, data mining, information security and software engineering. I am currently in a Ph.D. program at Nova Southeastern University, with a concentration in information systems, and my dissertation is in the area of privacy-preserving data mining. My teaching responsibilities include Adult and Graduate Studies and traditional division courses in MIS, network and database systems, as well as applied business technology courses.
My wife Rose is now working at DHL Worldwide Express in Lexington, Ohio. She returned to school in September to complete her B.B.A. through MVNU's Adult and Graduate Studies.
We both look forward with great anticipation to our first year at MVNU!
AAF chapter enters first competition
A local chapter of the American Advertising Federation, a club for students interested in business and marketing, was launched this year by Dr. Beverly Smith, to give Mount Vernon Nazarene University students a chance to compete in real-world marketing situations.
Smith, assistant professor of business, said, “I wanted to give students at MVNU the same opportunities to learn and grow in the field of marketing that they might have at a larger school.” She decided to start the club after taking a group of students to an advertising agency in Michigan.
Any student interested in business, no matter what his or her major, is encouraged to join. This organization, like many others at MVNU, includes opportunities for leadership and service. Members meet twice a month to listen to guest speakers with firsthand business and marketing experience share concepts, stories and ideas for successful ventures.
Meetings are held more frequently when members are preparing for a competition. The club’s first competition was held in Charleston, W.Va. this spring, where MVNU
By Seth Taylor, Sophomore
faced schools such as Ohio University, Xavier University, Marshall University and West Virginia University. The objective was to develop an advertising campaign to increase tourism in Florida.
While MVNU returned home without a prize, participants were able to observe other schools’ presentations, including district champion University of Kentucky. “Some groups had 30 members compared to our 10 and we have a smaller budget than most schools, but our marketing plan was close to the target. Through the judges’ questions and other teams’ campaigns, we learned how we can improve for the future,” commented senior Ross King.
“We pulled ideas together from all team members and, through a combined effort, presented our marketing plan,” said club president Michelle Volpe. “Through this valuable learning experience and networking opportunity, we saw advertising methods from many new perspectives.”
The group is already recruiting new members to help with next spring’s competition.
Rich Huebner
Moore than a building
By Dr. Steve Ragan, Dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies
“Building” can have many meanings. Building programs, building spirit and building facilities. The George and Esther Jetter family made possible the initial construction of the Jennie K. Moore Family and Consumer Sciences Center in 2000. Now they’ve provided for a second-story addition to the facility through a generous contribution. This extra space, however, means more than just a larger building for the campus.
It means more classrooms in which faculty can teach students and model Christian lives. It means clinical space where students can practice their professional skills. And it means faculty offices and staff workspace, all needed for expanding programs and developing nurturing relationships.
The Jennie K. Moore building has been transformed from housing a single program to supporting both Family and Consumer Sciences and Social Work. First-floor classroom space has been converted to a computer lab for FCS and other students. That same room will have a section devoted to movement and exercise for the preschool children who utilize the building. Both of these programs have grown significantly over the past three years and require added resources.
One very large classroom on the second floor will allow for community meetings, held by the Social Work program several times a year. Four other standard classrooms will aid both programs and the University community, serving day and evening classes throughout the year. A clinical classroom near the Social Work offices will provide group clinical practice space for students’ professional development.
On the second floor there are three small clinic rooms designed for private, one-on-one Social Work clinical experiences. Both clinic rooms and classrooms are adjacent to an observation room from which faculty can supervise work conducted by student professionals.
Finally, the second floor adds new offices, a conference room and staff workspace desperately needed by the School of Education and Professional Studies. Seven new offices, a conference room and staff workspace will be included. This allows for expansion of the Social Work program into degree completion and graduate programs in the future; and it relieves stress on the Education Department space as the dean and two additional faculty members can now be housed in the new area.
Karen S. Boyd, associate professor of Social Work and chair of the Social Work Department, said, “Our faculty and students were very excited about moving into new facilities on the second floor of the Jennie K. Moore Family and Consumer Sciences Building. The additional space will allow the Social Work program to adequately meet its present needs, as well as incorporate growth and expansion.”
The addition of a second floor to the Jennie K. Moore building is a blessing from God that will enhance and encourage the future of countless students. We are more than thankful to the Jetters for their generous investment in the life changing possibilities at MVNU!
By Karen Boyd, Associate Professor of Social Work
Using social work tools to build excellence in service
“Where exactly is Turkey?” Kelly Campbell asked when she received notification of her year-long assignment location from Nazarenes in Volunteer Service. Prior to graduation, Kelly, a 2003 social work graduate, felt that God wanted her to go abroad, so she applied for volunteer service, not knowing what lay ahead. As Kelly soon realized, Turkey borders Iraq, and Iraq meant war, but she had promised God to go wherever He sent her, so in September 2003, Campbell boarded a plane for Ankara, Turkey. Assigned to live with Thomas and Karen Gray, the first Nazarene missionaries in Turkey, Kelly tutored their 17-year-old daughter Ashley while the Grays traveled throughout Turkey.
Living in a Muslim country meant hearing calls to prayer five times a day, seeing women covered in traditional Muslim dress, and eating lamb. However, she explained, “I learned that God is not an American, and that people want to be free, but free to do what they want, and not to become Americans.” Campbell also learned that God cared about the little things that were important to her, such as, providing a turkey to eat on Thanksgiving.
Campbell believes her MVNU social work background prepared her for this assignment. For example, she knew that feeling apprehensive upon arrival was normal due to adjustment, and she understood the developmental needs of the adolescent girl she tutored. She tried to normalize experiences for Ashley as much as possible, like planning “Homecoming” with a special dress-up dinner culminating in the crowning of Ashley as Homecoming Queen.
Shannon Knestaut, a 2003 social work graduate, also wanted to volunteer for a year of service. Having a “heart for the city,” she applied to Mission Year and was assigned to live and work in Chicago. In August 2003, Knestaut moved into a northwestside neighborhood with a team of five young women. Through her experiences, she learned that the motto for Mission Year, “Love God. Love people. Nothing else matters,” was true. Living in a predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood speaking less-than-fluent Spanish taught Knestaut that living in community, serving without expectation of receiving anything in return and sharing oneself in love overcame language and cultural barriers.
As part of Mission Year, Knestaut volunteered in a 150-bed nursing home with Spanish-speaking patients. She used her social work skills to provide activities for the patients, and found that spending hours at the bedside of an elderly man dying of cancer allowed her to show God’s love without using language.
Knestaut said the best part of her experience was developing relationships with her neighbors. Sharing in their lives; working, living, and going to church in the same neighborhood; and participating in the community with other Christians made Acts 2 a reality.
Although their year in service has ended, these graduates’ embodiment of the University’s motto, “To seek to learn is to seek to serve,” has only begun.
Education students continue tradition of excellence
Six more students from Mount Vernon Nazarene University teacher education programs have earned the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Recognition of Excellence Award for outstanding performance on the Praxis II, Professional Teaching and Learning examination for their respective age and grade levels of training. These students earned the award by scoring in the top 15 percent of the students taking the exam nationally. Four of these students were from the traditional undergraduate program and two were from the Master of Arts in Education Professional Educator’s License.
The students honored in this group are:
Adam Brown (middle childhood education: mathematics and science, intended graduation, December 2004, MAE program)
Kristen Conkey (integrated mathematics education, 2004)
Chelsea Knight (visual arts education, 2004)
Renee Lybarger (integrated business education, 2004, MAE Program)
Estella McKinney (music education, intended graduation, December 2004)
Sarah Rowan (integrated language arts, 2004)
Congratulations to these fine students and graduates! This honor will be indicated on all test reports from ETS. MVNU students have been very successful in these exams, scoring passing rates ranging from 94-97 percent for Praxis II over the years that Ohio has required the test.
MVNU students also score well on the Praxis III exam, consistently earning a 100 percent pass rate. The Praxis III is a performance exam administered by Ohio Department of Education consulting examiners during the graduate’s first or second year on the job. The most recent cohort of students passing Praxis III in Ohio included 29 MVNU students, all of whom passed.
Kelly Campbell (left) with the Gray family in Turkey.
Sharing the story Just Do It
By Austin Swallow, Executive Director for Development
In July, I had the privilege of representing Mount Vernon Nazarene University at two lay retreats, two district assemblies and a district camp meeting. I use the word “privilege” intentionally because I enjoy meeting with people who feel the same way about MVNU as I do. In every location these folks shared with me about three similar themes.
“I sent my children/grandchildren to Mount Vernon. We are so grateful for the impact Mount Vernon had on their life. We’re encouraging others to attend.”
“Is that professor still there? Let me tell you about how he went out of his way to help me. I’ve never forgotten his kindness.”
“Tell me what’s happening on campus. What’s new?”
As the executive director for development at MVNU, these themes suggest several things to me:
•Our supporters are happy with their investments in MVNU.
Return on Investment (ROI) is a popular term today. Originally used in the financial world, it now describes any investment made and the return received. The people who speak to me have entrusted their family members to us and realize the return they are receiving. One gentleman said, “I could send my son only for a year, but that year has made all the difference in his life. I will be eternally grateful.”
•The faculty and staff at MVNU take their jobs seriously and often go above and beyond the expected.
Consider this story from an alumnus:
“Another student and I needed one class to finish our degree. We weren’t sure how to proceed and frankly, neither one of us had the money to come back another year.
In fact, my friend already had a job lined up once he had his degree. Would you believe, Dr. Randie Timpe (currently serving as academic dean for the 2004-05 school year) gave up part of his summer and worked with us to finish? He was the greatest. If you see him, thank him, will you?” Those who invest in MVNU are grateful for what they have received and want to encourage others.
•Our friends and stakeholders are interested in what happens at MVNU.
They want to know what’s new, what majors are being developed, what buildings are being planned, how many new students will be attending in the fall and how they can be involved. As friends and supporters, they are active in helping MVNU become even stronger.
Sharing with like-minded people energizes me. It is encouraging to know our “product” is being so positively received. Thank you to all who invest their time, talents and resources into MVNU. Please share your stories with others and encourage them to join us in our journey.
We all recognize that slogan from the Nike Corporation. Have you ever taken time to examine the phrase? I believe it encourages us to try something new. To do the things we know we should. To move forward and do something of great value.
Procrastination is the biggest reason people don’t complete and sign their will documents. It’s just one of those things on our “to do” list that never gets done. Wouldn’t you rather elevate this to the top of your list now? While you’re healthy, while your finances are secure or before you go on a long trip? In other words, when you have the time to think clearly and make sound decisions for your future.
The MVNU Planned Giving office has some helpful information which will help you think through the process of developing a will and gathering information for your attorney. For your free packet, use the response form below or call us at 1-800-367-9294.
Come and See!
…Friends and fun
…Food and events
…Campus growth
…Professors and mentors
…A vision for MVNU’s future!
Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s 2004 Homecoming offers a wide variety of events and activities. From basketball and class reunions, to an art exhibit and fall play, there’s something for everyone! Rediscover MVNU through classmates and professors, new buildings and faces and events for all ages. Let us share with you our vision for what’s next. We’re still your home away from home… Come and See!
Homecoming Schedule
Tuesday, November 9
9:30 a.m.– 4 p.m.LEAP seminar, “The Connecting Church: Building Authentic Community,” featuring Randy Frazee. Register at www.mvnu.edu/homecoming or call 1-877-640-7400.
Thursday, November 11
9 a.m.–4 p.m.ARTalum Exhibit and Silent Auction, Art Gallery
7:30 p.m.Homecoming Pageant, Chapel Auditorium
8:30 p.m.Queen’s Reception, Chapel Lobby
Cougar Basketball Games
Friday, 6 p.m. Lady Cougars vs. Concordia Friday, 8 p.m. Cougars vs. Trinity Christian
___Adults
___Students
$4
$2
TOTAL $______
Four-Mile Homecoming Race Saturday, 8:30 a.m.
Birthdate ______ (m/d/y)
T-shirt size ______ ___MVNU alumni
$5
Cougar Carnival (grades 1-6) Saturday, 9:45 a.m.–noon
___Admit One
$5
TOTAL $______
Reunion Brunch
Saturday, 10 a.m.
___Admit One
$10
TOTAL $______
Friday, November 12
9 a.m.–4 p.m.ARTalum Exhibit and Silent Auction, Art Gallery 10:20 a.m.Homecoming Chapel
11:30 a.m.Ribbon Cutting and Open House, William and Evelyn Prince Student Union
6 p.m.Lady Cougar Basketball vs. Concordia, Gym
8 p.m.Cougar Basketball vs. Trinity Christian, Gym
10 p.m.After-the-Game Party, Prince Student Union
MVNU presents The Man Who Came to Dinner Saturday, 2 p.m.
___Adults
$5 ___Students
$4 ___Children
$3 (ages 3-11)
TOTAL $______
Saturday, 8 p.m.
___Adults
$5 ___Students
$4 ___Children
$3 (ages 3-11)
TOTAL $______
Cougar Basketball Game Saturday, 3 p.m. Cougars vs. Daemen
___Adults
$4 ___Students $2
TOTAL $______
TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED $___________
____________ Yes, we plan to use the Cougar Cub Care. ____________ Number of children _______________________________ Ages of Children
Please make checks payable to MVNU. Credit card number:
CVV code (3-digit number on back of card):
Cardholder’s signature:
Saturday, November 13
7:30 a.m.Race registration, Faculty Hall, room 105 (formerly room 123)
8 a.m.Alumni board meeting, Hyson Campus Center, Bailey Conference Room
8:15 a.m.One-mile Fun Run
8:30 a.m.Four-mile Homecoming Race
9 a.m.–3 p.m.ARTalum Exhibit and Silent Auction, Art Gallery
9:45 a.m.–noonCougar Cub Care (ages 0-5), Jennie K. Moore Family & Consumer Sciences Center
9:45 a.m.–noonCougar Carnival (grades 1-6), Donoho Recreation Center
10 a.m. Reunion Brunch by class; locations to be announced
11 a.m.Alumni women’s basketball game, Gym
11 a.m.Reunion Zero for the class of 2004, Cougar Den
1 p.m.Alumni men’s basketball game, Gym
1:30–5:30 p.m.Cougar Cub Care
2 p.m.Family & Consumer Sciences alumni reunion, Jennie K. Moore Family & Consumer Sciences Center, room 132
2 p.m.School of Business alumni reunion, Free Enterprise Business Center
2 p.m.School of Natural and Social Sciences open house, Faculty Hall
2 p.m.School of Theology and Philosophy alumni reunion, Hyson Campus Center, 2nd floor, office suite and Bailey Conference Room
Lodging
Mount Vernon
$$ Super 8 Motel
1-800-800-8000 or (740) 397-8885
$$ Historic Curtis Inn on the Square 1-800-934-6835 or (740) 397-4334
$$ Mount Vernon Inn
1-800-829-6593 or (740) 392-9881
$$ Amerihost Hotel
1-800-480-8221 or (740) 392-6886
$$$ Holiday Inn Express
1-800-HOLIDAY or (740) 392-1900
Saturday, November 13 (continued)
2 p.m. Social Work alumni reunion, Regents Hall, room 13
2 p.m.Teacher Education alumni reunion, Hyson Campus Center, 2nd floor, Education Office Suite
2 p.m.MVNU presents The Man Who Came to Dinner, Thorne Performance Hall
3 p.m.Cougar Basketball vs. Daemen, Gym
3–5 p.m.Artist’s Reception and Auction Conclusion, Art Gallery
4 p.m.Music Department Concert, Chapel Auditorium
5–6:30 p.m.Dinner in the Dining Commons
8 p.m.MVNU presents The Man Who Came to Dinner, Thorne Performance Hall
Sunday, November 14
Worship at Nazarene churches in Mount Vernon
9 and 11 a.m.New Life Church
9 and 10:45 a.m.First Church
9:30 and 11 a.m.Lakeholm Church
11 a.m.Westside Church (held at Westside Elementary)
Noon Lunch in the Dining Commons
Surrounding Areas
$$$ Kenyon Inn, Gambier (10 minutes east) 1-800-258-5391 or (740) 427-2202
$$$ Comfort Inn, Bellville (30 minutes north) 1-800-472-3813 or (419) 886-4000
$$ Super 8 Motel, Mansfield (40 minutes north) 1-800-800-8000 or (419) 756-8875
Per night, double occupancy: $$ = $51-75 $$$ = $75+
For full lodging listing visit www.mvnu.edu/MtVernon/lodging.html
Homecoming Events
ARTalum Auction
After a successful first year, the ARTalum exhibit and silent auction will return to continue building the endowed scholarship for current art students. The exhibit will run from Nov. 1-13. During Homecoming weekend, the gallery will be open on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A reception will be held on Saturday from 3-5 p.m. in the art gallery, and bidding for auction items will end at 5 p.m. You won’t want to miss the exciting things our art alumni are doing!
After the Game Party
Celebrate the opening of the new Prince Student Union after the basketball games on Friday night. Some great features of this new facility include a café, a game room and a fireplace gathering area. Enjoy the games, catch up with friends, eat snacks and celebrate!
Homecoming Run
The annual Homecoming race is taking off in a new direction! While the one-mile fun run will continue as usual, the Homecoming race will follow a new course for a total distance of four miles. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place overall and by age division. And new this year, each participant will receive a race t-shirt! Cost for MVNU alumni is $5.
Cougar Carnival
Welcome future Cougars to the second annual Cougar Carnival! We have a great time planned for children grades 1-6 from 9:45 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 13. The Donoho Recreation Center will come alive with inflatable games, basketball, snacks and much more! Cost is only $5 per child. To ensure proper safety and supervision of all participants, registration is required by Friday, Nov. 5.
Cougar Cub Care
Childcare is available from 9:45 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. Cost is just $2 per family, per hour. Snacks are provided for your little ones! You may drop off your child(ren) at the Esther Jetter Preschool, located in the Jennie K. Moore Family and Consumer Sciences Center.
Reunion Brunches
Again this year, the Reunion Brunches will be held by class. Members from the classes of 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994 and 1999 will meet separately in various locations on campus for brunch, reunions and lots of fun.
Reunion Zero
The class of 2004 will have it first reunion on Saturday at 11 a.m. in The Den. Be there to eat, have fun and catch up with your friends!
Fall Play
MVNU’s Drama Department proudly presents the Kaufman and Hart classic, “The Man Who Came to Dinner.” A cranky critic lands on the doorstep of an Ohio family at Christmas time. He injures his leg and cannot leave the premises. The family, frightened by threats of a lawsuit, tries to accommodate the man and his whims while he turns the household upside down. The original play, opened in 1939, was made into a 1942 movie starring Bette Davis. With a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening performance at 8 p.m., the whole family can attend. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for students and $3 for children 3-11.
Music Department Concert
On Saturday at 4 p.m., the Music Department will hold a concert in the R.R. Hodges Chapel featuring current MVNU ensembles with alumni involvement. The concert will be a showcase of Collegians Chorale, Treble Singers, Goliards, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Flute Choir and String Ensemble. Alumni soloists and groups will also be featured and invited to perform in a mass choir and band finale. Watch your mail for details on how you can participate or contact Tressa Daley at tressa.daley@mvnu.edu or (740) 392-6868, ext. 3000.
Living the Vision
By J. Keith Newman, Vice President for University Advancement
The quiet,peaceful setting of the Mount Vernon Nazarene University campus stands in sharp contrast to the mortar rounds and gunfire heard throughout a United States military camp in Ba’qubah, Iraq. Army Captain Charles Lahmon (’94) knew he was preparing for life as a Nazarene pastor when he studied at MVNU, but he had no idea his journey would take him to a far-off place where no two days were the same and there was no guarantee of tomorrow.
As a military chaplain, some days started with a morning worship service, but the next day might be 4 a.m. prayer with a group of soldiers headed out for an early morning raid. Counseling, training and meetings went on at all hours of the day and night. “Just when I thought that life was getting to be somewhat ‘normal,’ there seemed to be some event or circumstance that reminded all of us that we were in the middle of war,” said Charles.
Charles and Lisa give thanks for the blessing of MVNU’s academic community of faith in preparing them for God’s calling. Lisa recounts the strength drawn from late-night sharing and studying of God’s Word in the dorm with friends. Charles reflects on the influence and the caring spirit, teaching and ministry of professors like Dr. Terrell Sanders who inspired him to be a lifelong learner. Both agree, “What we experienced at MVNU will certainly be with us the rest of our lives and we look forward to continuing the heritage by sending our children to Nazarene universities so their lives can be impacted like ours.”
MVNU’s Vision…an academic community of faith, shaping Christ-like leaders for lifelong service.
Back home at Fort Hood, Texas, his wife, Lisa (Hoffman ’96), was busy raising their three children, Anna (7), Bethany (5) and Chloe (3), and she was expecting their fourth child. Providentially, Charles had the opportunity to come home on leave for two weeks for the birth of their son, Daniel, who arrived on December 21, 2003. Lisa commented, “Many would say it was a coincidence, but we saw God work through what seemed difficult circumstances to get Charles home in time for the birth. God truly was in charge throughout the deployment and took care of us, His children.”
Now home from Iraq, Charles is the battalion chaplain for 1/24th Signal and continues to counsel many soldiers on a daily basis as well as ministering in chapel services on Sunday. In January 2005, the Lahmon family leaves for a two-year tour of duty in South Korea, confident that God continues to bless their family as they do His will.
Charles and Lisa encourage all of the MVNU family and friends to pray for the soldiers and the families they leave behind.
Lisa and Charles with Daniel, Chloe, Bethany and Anna.
Charles (far left) with Chaplain’s Assistants.
Charles with young Iraqi girl.
Excellence abroad: History professor Paul Mayle
By Dr. David Wilkes, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities
He has been a Fulbright scholar to India and a National Endowment for the Humanities grant recipient, but to his friends in Debreçen, Hungary, Paul Mayle is affectionately nicknamed “nagy kutya.” It means “big dog,” he said with a knowing smile, as in “sheep dog”—friendly and vigilant protector of his student flock while they live, study, worship and travel in Eastern Europe. His wife, Ruth, is an integral part of the team as well, and both are delighted to be involved with MVNU’s Semester in Hungary Program. “It becomes a part of you,” Mayle stated with quiet certainty.
The story behind their passion for the Hungarian people has its genesis in the spring of 2001, on a departing flight over Budapest. As the aircraft banked over the capital city, revealing a sea of redtiled roofs, Mayle recalls that a question stirred deep within him: “How many Hungarians know Christ?” Nothing was said at the time but two weeks later, when Mayle shared his new passion with his wife, he discovered that she too had sensed God’s calling. They had both fallen in love with the people of Hungary and would seek to build personal and academic relationships that would transform hosts and visitors alike.
Getting past the Hungarians’ initial suspicion of foreigners took some patience, Mayle recalls. He’s a historian, after all, who is clearly intrigued by international relations of all kinds. The Hungarians have been invaded by Ottoman Turks, Germans and Russians over the centuries and have been isolated by the complicated nature of their own native tongue. “You can read Romanian because it’s a romance language,” Mayle commented, having side-tripped with students to Transylvania (where Dracula is a major tourist attraction). “But reading Hungarian is another matter.” In typical fashion, he encourages his students to see the language barrier as an opportunity to communicate at a deeper level, as Mayle put it, to “link up in a mutual longing to know each other” by using a few key words and well-aimed gestures. And once trust is established, Hungarians are very hospitable. “We feel like we’re members of the family,” Mayle reflected. “The Hungarians loved our students.”
When asked by a Hungarian pastor why he continues to return to their country, where there are no beaches or mountains and where the poverty is significant, Mayle replied, “Because I want to make sure there are more Hungarian voices in the heavenly choir.” His love for the people is abundantly clear. What is more, Mayle seeks to impart his passion to his students. Perhaps this is why he has been recently honored with the National Student Leaders Association Charles Morrow Student Award, “the greatest honor I have ever received,” Mayle said. He was nominated by MVNU students and selected from Nazarene campuses nationwide. By providing his students with life-on-life experiences, Mayle teaches them not just the value of historical study but the importance of embracing the people inside the history they study, all in the name of Christ.
Two tales of one city
It is always interesting when the ordinary meets the exotic; the former says, “Life goes on,” and the latter replies, “Yeah, but you’ve never seen anything like this before.” Such was my experience as a student at the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies in Oxford, England, last fall semester. On a short-term trip, the traveler is caught up in a whirlwind of new sights and sounds. But over a period of time, one begins to hear the rest of the conversation—one that has life changing potential.
I was certainly caught up in the exotic for a time: a new roommate, professors of all temperaments and personalities, foods to taste, architecture to revel in, pictures to take, memories to build and a new city to navigate and explore. My travels took me to castles and cathedrals in England, beautiful mountains and the infamous Loch Ness in Scotland and war-torn buildings in Hungary. My American eyes had never seen such things.
On the other side is the ordinary. Though no less important, it meant decoding English words into their American forms
By Cassie Fenstermaker, Senior
so that I could take accurate notes. It meant grocery shopping and discovering that amidst the beautiful buildings were garbage, graffiti and those who had no other place to call home. After the first month of settling into our tutorials and seminars, some of us students volunteered at a shelter called the Gatehouse, where we served sandwiches to the homeless of the city.
I cannot say whether the exotic or the mundane affected me more: they equally shaped my experience and personal growth while living in England. I’ve seen subtle and overt changes in my life because of this opportunity, but I am even more excited about the changes I have yet to discover. God has a way of stretching these experiences beyond their physical time limit and using them to stretch us in ways we never thought possible.
Striking chords with musical excellence
The Treble Singers Women’s Choir arrived at the Westin Cincinnati Hotel to set up and rehearse before a meal break. They invited the 500 clergy members and ministerial students of the Wesleyan/Holiness Women Clergy Conference to join them in singing “Days of Elijah.” Hymns, spirituals and contemporary expressions of faith continued; soloists shared words of testimony; the music concluded with “I Go to the Rock” and the congregation expressed affirmation with “amens” and applause. This was just one of 11 worship and music presentations made by the Treble Singers across the educational region during the 2003-04 school year. The schedule also included MVNU chapel, Homecoming, Handel’s Messiah, Christmas Festival, Spring Choral Union, a spring concert and the 2004 Commencement Concert featuring eight graduating seniors (see picture).
The Treble Singers membership reflects the variety of majors and backgrounds found in all MVNU music ensembles. Senior choir president Molly Bixel, for example, was also president of Delta Mu Delta (the honorary society for business administration) and a wind ensemble member for four years. Junior choir secretary, Kathleen Haflett, is a psychology major. Sophomore Cassie Fenstermaker is an English major who spent the fall semester in Oxford, England. Freshman cheerleader Nicole Garrabrant represents the Columbus Northwest Church of the Nazarene. Senior music majors, Susan Anderson and Estella McKinney, will student teach in the fall while senior Renata Bockhorst is preparing for seminary. And guests at various concerts who thought they were seeing double—were! Twin sisters Monica Riggle and Michelle Riggle-
By Dr. Stan Wood, Professor of Music
Cabassa and Kim and Kathleen Haflett provided double the musical power and leadership!
Music Department ensembles provide an acoustic and personal picture of MVNU through their concerts in churches, schools, retirement centers and venues as far away as Italy and Germany, or as unique the General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene in Indianapolis next June.
Treble Singers 2004 seniors: Michelle Riggle-Cabassa, Susan Ward, Monica Riggle, Molly Bixel, Beth Courtright, Estella McKinney, Heather Ketterman and Renata Bockhorst
The Goliards Chamber Ensemble (vocal), Brass Quintet, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Pep Band, Flute Choir and other instrumental groups can be heard on-and off-campus throughout the year.
Ensembles are open to all students by audition. Concert schedules can be found on the MVNU Web site (www.mvnu.edu/academics/arthuman/music/ calendar.html). Churches interested in scheduling a choral or instrumental ensemble can contact the Church Relations Office or the Music Department. Invite an MVNU music ensemble to bring vitality, variety and communication to a venue in your area!
Cassie (far right) and her adventures in England.
Excellence is an idea that receives a lot of attention—so much so, it is treated as cliché. The term is often associated with business success; most businesses that don’t practice excellence will not be successful. I recall a tongue-in-cheek poster I recently saw which reminded viewers that, while no one strives to be mediocre, many end up there.
This need for excellence, and danger of mediocrity, apply to education as well. Not only is Mount Vernon Nazarene University expected to provide academically excellent programs, it must also administer them with excellence. More important, our educational culture must be such that our students understand we expect nothing less from them in the classroom. Business, education and ministry degree programs such as ours have a dual opportunity— to develop individuals with good character and professionals whose work is recognized as being excellent.
Excell transitions to Adult and Graduate Studies
By Scott Booth, Executive Director of Marketing
As Mount Vernon Nazarene University continues to expand its academic and geographic influence, it becomes increasingly important for our institutional identity to grow and develop as well. The recent announcement of MVNU’s expansion of Adult and Graduate Studies programs to the
Continuing MVNU’s commitment to excellence
By Dr. Randall Wells, Vice President for Adult and Graduate Studies
technology-enhanced facilities, interactive class sessions and personalized attention.
From our Spectrum Office Tower campus, located near U.S. Interstate 75 at the Sharon Road exit, we will offer Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Science in Management and Master of Arts in Education degree programs beginning early next year. This represents an exciting time for us to expand MVNU’s educational influence beyond central Ohio through our academic programs for working adults.
MVNU’s expansion to the greater Cincinnati/tri-state area stretches our vision. We are confident in every aspect of our Adult and Graduate Studies program and believe we can reach and challenge thousands of working adults who can go on to shape and impact their world for Christ. Adult and Graduate Studies
At MVNU, our commitment is to excellence! With a strong focus on academic excellence, practical study, real-life experience and values-based curriculum, working adults in our Adult and Graduate Studies (AGS) programs are presented with the opportunity to experience life changing education. As AGS expands into the greater Cincinnati/tristate area, our commitment remains the same there—to offer undergraduate and graduate programs of the highest quality to working adults. Programs highlighted by Christian faculty with field experience,
MVNU seeks to challenge each student to believe he or she is called to embrace and reflect Christian values in the home and the workplace, long after graduation. If we are successful, each AGS student will be equipped to integrate their faith, their learning and their workplace. Additionally, decision making, policy formulation, strategic planning, and interpersonal relations will be informed and guided by Christian principles.
Computer rendering of proposed signage on the Cincinnati Spectrum Office Tower location.
greater Cincinnati/tri-state area provides the first opportunity to reflect this change in institutional identity.
On August 1, the Excell name was retired, with all nontraditional and graduate programs now referred to as “Mount Vernon Nazarene University – Adult and Graduate Studies.” Our satellite and regional campus locations in Cincinnati, Columbus-Polaris, Columbus-Gahanna, Newark, Lima and Mount Vernon will be recognized as Mount Vernon Nazarene University. This change is a natural progression
for Excell given its enrollment, program and location growth since its launch in 1993. Throughout the year, we plan to continue unifying our image and messaging platforms to more effectively identify and create awareness among our constituents.
We’ll bring you more about Adult and Graduate Studies satellite and regional campuses in future issues, as well as ways Adult and Graduate Studies continues to promote excellence in its programs, students and graduates.
Capturing dreams: from pizza to probate
Dreams come and go. Some people chase them. Others don’t. Being married with three children, most might assume the chance to chase a dream had passed them by. Not Mount Vernon Nazarene University graduate Kelly Mihocik. “I always wanted to go to law school, but I became caught up in life, and the dream got pushed further back,” says Mihocik, a resident of Galloway, Ohio. Fortunately, it didn’t get pushed completely out of sight.
A commercial for MVNU’s Adult and Graduate Studies prompted her to get started. With a family, she knew it would be difficult to pursue a traditional undergraduate program. “The environment at MVNU made getting my undergraduate degree manageable,” she said. “This gave me the confidence to pursue law school.”
Mihocik has pursued her dreams beyond her own benefit. She thinks about her family in everything she does. “I had two children and was pregnant with my third [when starting the B.B.A. program],” she said. “I knew that one day I would want my children to go to college, and that the best way to instill the importance of an education in them was by leading through example.”
Pounding her way through the B.B.A. program, Mihocik graduated in May 2001. She enrolled in law school at Capital University that fall and graduated valedictorian of her class with a Juris Doctor in May 2004. She has since accepted an appointment as a clerk for a United States Magistrate Judge.
Just a few years ago she was delivering pizzas for her family’s Domino’s Pizza franchise. “It was so encouraging to discover that I was capable of doing well,” she says. “The better I did, the more I thought I [could do]. It really started at MVNU because it was a great environment, and my confidence only continued to grow through law school.”
Mihocik knows that she did not make it on her own. She says instructors like Steve Mershon were a great inspiration and helped prepare her for the rigors of law school. His opinion of her is just as glowing: “Kelly typified the students that so enrich MVNU’s Adult and Graduate Studies. She is articulate, questioning and analytical. She tested her classroom experiences against knowledge gained from her work, and her degree completion and law school training have expanded her opportunities for service to her community and future clients.”
By David Baker, Adult and Graduate Studies Curriculum Specialist
Most important, Mihocik is thankful for the unceasing support of her family. “I know my husband and children were sacrificing in order to get me through school,” she said. “I became dedicated to the idea that if the people I cared about had to sacrifice, I was going to make it worth their while. It drove me to do my best.”
She continued, “Life can be a struggle. It is so easy to get sidetracked, lose sight of priorities and forget who and what we wanted to be as children. When I initially took time off from school as an undergraduate student, I was dangerously close to losing all of this.”
Thankfully, she refused to let go.
Kelly proudly holds up her law books in her family’s Domino’s Pizza franchise.
MVNU baseball team finished special season at World Series
By Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director
The Mount Vernon Nazarene University baseball team put together an outstanding season as the Cougars won the American Mideast Conference South Division and NAIA Region IX Tournament titles and finished tied for fifth place at the NAIA World Series.
“Reflecting on our year, one word comes to mind—special,” said MVNU head coach Keith Veale, who notched the 500th victory of his 15-year career with the Cougars on May 6.
The Cougars closed out their regular season by going 6-2 against conference opponents to finish 20-4 in the AMC South Division as MVNU claimed its 11th conference title. As a team, the Cougars batted .359 in conference play with a 3.88 team ERA and four shutouts.
MVNU began postseason play by hosting Walsh University in an AMC Tournament. The Cougars swept the series by the scores of 14-1 and 9-2 to earn a berth in the NAIA Region IX Tournament in Canton, Ohio.
At the NAIA Region IX Tournament, MVNU put the frustration of losing in the championship game for four straight years behind them as the Cougars outscored their opponents 46-13 over three games to claim the region title and earn the program’s second berth in the NAIA World Series.
At the NAIA World Series in Lewiston, Idaho, the Cougars, who were seeded sixth in the 10-team double-elimination event, dropped a hard-fought 2-0 decision to host and 13-time NAIA national champion, Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) College in their opening game.
MVNU came back with a 7-0
(N.D.)
College and an 11-6 come-from-behind victory over William Penn (Iowa) University. That set up a meeting with top-seeded Oklahoma City University, who came into the game with a lofty 71-6 overall record. Despite several early scoring opportunities, the Cougars saw their season end as MVNU fell 10-2 to finish the year with a 4119 overall record.
Individually, the Cougar seniors posted outstanding seasons. Justin Clarey, a catcher, batted .410 and led the team with eight home runs and 51 RBI as he was named the AMC South Division and NAIA Region IX Player of the Year, in addition to becoming the first player in school history in any sport to be named twice to the NAIA All-American First Team.
Left-handed pitcher Adam Rowe led MVNU with a 10-3 record on the mound as he was named the AMC South Division and NAIA Region IX Pitcher of the Year in addition to earning NAIA Honorable Mention All-American status. In 101 innings of work, Rowe struck out a career-high 107 batters and posted a 3.39 ERA.
Second-baseman Dan Matheney capped off a solid career by leading the team with a .427 batting average and 88 hits as he was named an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American. Jason Irish, an outfielder/pitcher, batted .396 with a teamhigh 16 doubles, 7 home runs, 48 RBI, and 47 runs scored. On the mound, Irish posted a 7-3 record with a 3.24 ERA as he struck out 63 batters. He was also named an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American.
“We were fortunate to have four seniors who each had great years, which allowed them to focus on their teammates and provide outstanding leadership to their team,” said Veale. “They have put their stamp on our program and took us further than this program has ever gone. I am thankful for their willingness to sacrifice for the team.”
He continued, “After playing in the World Series, I am convinced that the sum of the parts was greater than the parts themselves. The guys chose to be a team. And that was special.”
Former MVNU star
Tim Belcher inducted into NAIA Hall Of Fame
By Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director
Tim Belcher, a former Major League pitcher and a college standout at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame at the NAIA World Series banquet on May 27.
Belcher played three years at MVNU before being selected as the first overall pick in the Major League Baseball amateur draft in 1983 by the Minnesota Twins. During that season, he threw a no-hitter against Kenyon College in which he struck out a school-record 18 batters. The Sporting News also tabbed him as the top collegiate righthanded pitcher that year.
Belcher, who was also the featured speaker at the banquet, played 14 years in the major leagues before retiring in 2000. He broke in with the Los Angeles Dodgers at the end of the 1987 season. In 1988, he posted a 12-6 record with a 2.91 earned run average as he helped the Dodgers to a World Series title by going 3-0 in the postseason. For his efforts that year, Belcher was selected as the National League Rookie of the Year by Baseball America.
During his career that also featured stints with the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals and Anaheim Angels, Belcher recorded 146 wins, 18 shutouts, 1,519 strikeouts, and a career ERA of 4.16.
Currently, Belcher works as the assistant to the general manager of the Cleveland Indians.
Connect with the Cougars
The most recent 2004 fall sports schedules for individual teams can be viewed online at www.mvnu.edu/sports/nazad/teams.html. Team and player photos, the latest news, and signings and coaching information can also be found online.
Rowe selected by Royals in Major League draft
By Dave Parsons,
Adam Rowe, a senior left-handed pitcher from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, became the 13th Cougar player to be selected in the Major League Baseball amateur draft since 1983 when he was chosen in the 20th round by the Kansas City Royals on June 8.
That morning, Rowe, along with his parents Rick and Diane, logged on to the Major League Baseball Web site to listen while the draft unfolded. As the 20th round continued, Rowe heard the words that he had been waiting to hear, “Kansas City selects Adam Rowe of Mount Vernon Nazarene University.”
“At first, it did not really hit me that they said my name,” said Rowe. “But then, my mom was screaming and we realized that it had finally happened. It is great to have the opportunity to continue to play baseball at the professional level. I’m ready to get started.”
Rowe wrapped up a stellar four-year career at MVNU by posting a 10-3 record this season for the Cougars. In 101 innings of work, he struck out a career-high 107 batters and issued just 35 walks. He also had a 3.39 ERA and opposing batters hit just .236 against him.
This year, Rowe was named the American Mideast Conference, National Christian College Athletic Association and NAIA Region IX Pitcher of the Year. He was also an NAIA and NCCAA Honorable Mention All-American, and he led MVNU to the AMC South Division title, the NAIA Region IX Tournament title and a berth in the NAIA World Series where the Cougars finished tied for fifth place with a 41-19 overall record.
For his career, Rowe posted a 33-11 overall record with a 3.53 ERA and 321 strikeouts in 328 2/3 innings. He ranks first in school history in career innings pitched, second in career strikeouts and third in career wins.
“I am really happy for Adam. This is the culmination of four years of determination to get this type of opportunity,” said MVNU Head Coach Keith Veale. “This is good recognition for our program as well. It shows potential recruits the possibilities they might have if they come into our program and work hard.”
Sixteen other former MVNU baseball players have been drafted or signed free-agent contracts to play professional baseball, starting in 1983 when Tim Belcher was taken by the Minnesota Twins with the number one overall pick of the draft. Belcher went on to have a 14-year major league career. Two others are still active in the minor leagues—Marty McLeary in TripleA with the San Diego Padres and Dave Byard in Single-A with the New York Mets.
Sports Information Director
Coach Keith Veale (left) with Tim Belcher at Hall of Fame ceremonies.
Reaching new heights
Greetings from your Mount Vernon Nazarene University campus. This is my inaugural letter to you as Director of Alumni Relations and University Fund, your alumni representative. As I sit in the newly renovated University House, I am reflective of the mighty acts of God in my spiritual journey.
I have personally experienced God’s hand upon my life as He has led me to this point in my ministry. I look back over my years as a student at MVNU in the late 1980s and I marvel at how God provided me a life-changing experience on this beautiful campus. I love seeing how students’ lives are being transformed as they transition into their college years, just as mine did. I’m sure a lot of you have a similar story of how God brought you to Mount Vernon and how your life has not been the same since.
As our campus is completing several building renovations and upgrades, we are excited to see the new Prince Student
By Tom West, Director of Alumni Relations and University Fund
Union, the second-floor addition of the Jennie K. Moore Building and many other projects on which Physical Plant is working. We continue to build excellence in our academic areas as well. We are committed to quality education and student services and want to offer the best possible atmosphere for our students. Please pray for our administration as MVNU presses on to reach new heights in the 21st century.
Over the summer, I had several opportunities to meet some of you for the first time, and for that I am thankful. Others of you have been friends over the last three decades and it was wonderful reminiscing about “the good ol’ days.” Now we look toward the future for even better days as we follow Christ. I will continue to meet a lot of you when I’m on the road advancing the mission of MVNU. I covet your prayers as our development team casts the vision for our campus’s future. Please look me up when you visit the campus and keep in touch via our alumni Web site at www.mvnu.edu/alumni. I look forward to seeing you at one of our alumni luncheons or at Homecoming. We want to celebrate with you as you continue to experience the mighty acts of God in your life.
1970s
David N. Koch (’73) passed away July 22. Koch was a carpenter, working in Ohio and Oklahoma as a homebuilder, remodeler, commercial building manager and owner/ president of The Cabinet Tree for the last 11 years. He loved his wife, his family, his Lord and his church. He leaves his wife Annie; three daughters and their husbands: Rachel and Dr. Tim Thomas, Rebecca and Shawn Null and Tabitha and Chad Raymond; and three grandsons, Austin, Noah and Landon.
1980s
Sue Bell (Mayes ’81) and her husband Eugene moved to St. Croix, Virgin Islands, in March 2003. Eugene is employed as the mental health
coordinator for Head Start. Sue is the Early Head Start coordinator and has worked to implement the first program in the Virgin Islands.
Allen Haines (’83) is an Army major. He and his wife Leigh have two daughters, Michele and Brooke, and one grandson, Dylan. Allen has completed two master’s degrees and is in the Acquisition Corps career field with certifications in program management, information technology, systems engineering and test and evaluation engineering. He is serving in the Pentagon on the Headquarters Army staff. The family resides in Bristow, Va.
Greg Sample (’85) was recently named president and CEO of the Greater Dayton Area Hospital Association. He is also completing his fourth year as the mayor of the city of Franklin, Ohio, where he resides with his wife Lisa (Buckingham ’85) and their two children, Ryan (15) and Katelyn (10).
Upcoming Alumni Events Fall 2004
For more information or to R.S.V.P., please contact Heather at 1-800-367-9294 and choose the alumni option. You can also e-mail alumni@mvnu.edu or go online to www.mvnu.edu/alumni
September
October
November
Ill.
1990s
Jay (’90) and Bekki Zornes recently adopted a daughter, Huina Lilly Brannigan Zornes. Lilly is 18 months old and is from central China. The family resides in Ironton, Ohio.
Larry (’92) and Lori Dunlap (Shannon ’92) live in Amarillo, Texas, where Larry is a pastor at Valleyview Church of the Nazarene. Lori will be teaching first grade this fall. They have three children: Allen (8), Aubrey (6) and Benjamin (3).
Krista (Hershey ’92) and Travis Stonerock announce the birth of their daughter, Sophie Laine, on Nov. 14, 2003. Sophie joins big sister Maia (8). The family resides in Circleville, Ohio, where Travis is a youth minister at Crossroads Church. Krista is a Ph.D. candidate at The Ohio State University and teaches English and education courses at Circleville Bible College.
PALCON 2004: Encountering the glory of God at MVNU
Nearly 400 regional pastors gathered on MVNU’s campus in July for PALCON 2004, a conference for Nazarene pastors and pastoral staff. PALCON, spearheaded by Church of the Nazarene Clergy Development, was held for the first time in nine years.
PALCON 2004 featured plenary sessions by nationally known speakers George Hunter, professor of Evangelism and Church Growth, Asbury Theological Seminary; H.B. London, vice president of Ministry Outreach/Pastoral Ministries, Focus on the Family; and Kennon Callahan, pastor, professor and author of numerous books on effective church leadership.
Worship speakers included Talmadge Johnson, general superintendent, Church of the Nazarene, on Monday evening; Larry Leonard, pastor of Highland Park Church of the Nazarene in Lakeland, Fla.; Elmer Gillette, pastor of the Community Worship Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Tim Stearman, pastor of the First Church of the Nazarene in Denver, Co. Travis Laws, minister of music at Grove City Church of the Nazarene led the worship. Over 75 workshops were presented on stress management, creativity, leadership, technology, discipleship, missions and much more.
“I was impressed with PALCON, the speakers and the arrangements made by MVNU,” Carlton Hansen, district superintendent of Southwestern Ohio, commented after the event. “Everything was perfect and God’s presence was real. It was a joy to be with fellow ministers and to see what God is doing.”
Stacey Nolen (Edwards ’92) and her husband Bryan welcomed their daughter Kendall Lee on April 16, 2004. Kendall joins Bryan’s sons, Beau (12) and Jesse (7). Stacey continues to work at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department as a clinic social worker.
Heidi Shaw (’93) recently completed her 10th year teaching at Berry Middle School in Lebanon, Ohio. She is working on her master’s in middle-level education from Walden University and plans to finish in July 2004. She has also served as coach for the 8th grade girls basketball team for three years, and plans to coach the junior varsity girls team at Lebanon High School. She will continue to coach 7th and 8th grade shot and discus throwers.
Terri Spurgeon (McGinty’ 93) and her husband, Joe, celebrated ten years of marriage in August. They have three children: Ashton Wyatt (4), Alanta Briann (1) and Colton Jon (7 months). Terri works for the Knox County Department of Job and Family Services as a social worker and Joe is a firefighter with the Mount Vernon Fire Department.
Donald (’94) and Lisa Cobb (Stutzman ’93) announce the birth of their son, Brandon Tyler. He was born on July 1, 2004, and weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz. He joins sisters Emily (5) and Katie (4). The family resides in Fredericktown, Ohio, where Donald is the controller for Kokosing Construction Company and Lisa is a stay-at-home mom.
Andy (’94) and Susan Fox (Balliett ’96) announce the birth of their daughter, Kayla Elizabeth, on September 12, 2003. She weighed 8 lbs., 6 oz. Andy is a computer programmer at CMHC Systems in Dublin, Ohio, and Susan is a stay-athome mom.
Erin (’96) and Suzanne Barnhart (Brown ’96) announce the birth of their daughter, Grace Margaret, on May 31, 2004. She weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz. and was 20 inches long. The family resides in Toledo where Erin is a financial advisor and Suzanne will graduate in 2005 from the Medical College of Ohio.
Dr. David Gunnerson (’96) graduated in June 2004 from Michigan State University’s Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies, Internal Medicine Residency Program. David will serve as the new internist for Battle Creek Medical Associates. He and his wife Carina (Hilbert ’97) and their two children, Anna (4) and Stephen (2), reside in Kalamazoo, Mich. Carina plans to open a yarn shop, Riverwalk Yarns, in downtown Battle Creek in fall 2005.
Rebecca Jackson (’96) married Craig Dusek, a graduate of The Ohio State University, on May 22, 2004. Craig is working as a quality control engineer for AK Steel in Middletown, Ohio, and Rebecca recently finished her eighth year teaching Special Education in Springfield, Ohio.
Micah Wright (’96) has been elected as the director on the Naples, Fla., ProLife Council executive board. He also serves as the chairman of Ave Maria University Students for Life. Micah is a theology and philosophy student/ priesthood candidate for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C.
Reaping five times the rewards
By Mike Cheek, Director of Major Gifts and Grants
When Herbert and Pat Campbell (pictured left) sent their oldest son David to Mount Vernon Nazarene University in the fall of 1976, they did not know that over the next eight years, all five of their sons would choose to attend MVNU.
David graduated in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in biology and continued on to receive an associate degree in nursing from Ohio University –Zanesville in 1985. Currently, he is the nurse manager of the Urgent Care at Victorian Village Health Center in Columbus, Ohio. Dana and Doug followed, both graduating from MVNU in 1983: Dana with a degree in accounting and business administration and Doug with a degree in accounting. Both work at Three Rivers Option Care, a home IV infusion company, where Dana is CFO and senior vice president of accounting and finance and Doug serves as controller. Donovan graduated from MVNU in 1986 with a degree in biology and chemistry. In 1990, he
Calling all Alumni!
It is a monumental effort to track MVNU alumni. The Alumni Office encourages its alumni family to keep the University updated with any changes in e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, phone numbers and marriage and baby announcements. Your accomplishments as graduates and former students are a great source of pride for us. Please contact your Alumni Office at alumni@mvnu.edu or 1-800-367-9294. Be sure to visit www.mvnu.edu/alumni for the latest listing of MVNU alumni news and events. Also, if you would like to reconnect with any of your schoolmates, call the Alumni Office or check out the ONLINE E-MAIL DIRECTORY at www.mvnu.edu/alumni/ directory.html. Let us know if you’d like to be listed in the directory as well!
Tim (’97) and Jenny Bost (Willis ’98) announce the birth of their second son Isaiah Clayton on May 20, 2004. He weighed 7 lbs., 13 oz. and was 20 inches long. He joins big brother, Elijah (3). Tim is the director of rehab at Walnut Creek Nursing Home and Jenny is a stay-at-home mom.
Heather Diaz (Sears ’97) and her husband Joel announce the arrival of their daughter Ximena, on June 3, 2004. Ximena was 7 lbs., 13 oz. and was 18 inches long. She joins big sister Isabelle.
Sarah Buerkle (Scott ’98) and her husband Chuck announce the birth of the second child, Elizabeth Joy, on May 28, 2004. She was 8 lbs., 9 oz. and was 21 inches long. Elizabeth joins big brother Scott Edwin.
Sharon Kohler (Moore ’98) and her husband Keith (’00) had their second child on May 15, 2004. Austin Michael weighed 8 lbs., 5 oz. and was 20 inches long. He joins big brother Trevor (2).
graduated from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, and today is the owner of Campbell Dentistry in McConnelsville, Ohio. Rich attended MVNU for two years, then finished a degree in architectural drafting and design from Central Ohio Technical College in 1988. He currently works at Bennett Williams, Inc., as the lead computer-aided designer in environmental engineering.
The Campbells raised their sons to be more than successful professionals. Their family attended the McConnelsville Church of the Nazarene for most of the boys’ formative years, transferring to Zanesville, Ohio, First Church of the Nazarene in 1984. Each of their sons professes Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives, has a Christian family of his own and is active in his local church. Relationships are especially important to this family, regularly getting together and being available to assist one another when needed.
The MVNU experience has greatly impacted this family. In addition to their education, the University influenced the Campbells spiritually, keeping life’s purpose in focus.
James and Traci McCarty (Keyser ’98) announce the birth of Corey James on May 26, 2004, weighing 8 lbs., 15 oz. Traci is the coordinator of the Boys Village Heartland Treatment Foster Care in Mount Vernon and James is a territory manager for the Keebler/Kelloggs Company in Columbus, Ohio.
Scott Miller (’98) and his wife Cara (Shuster ’99) announce the birth of their daughter Anna Marie on June 10, 2004. She joins big sister Kate Elizabeth. Scott works for L.I.F.E. in Dublin, Ohio, and Cara is an intervention specialist with the Ohio Virtual Academy.
Shelley Burnett (Delanta ’99) and her husband Todd will celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary in December and their son Brock Thomas’s first birthday in August. Shelley is news director at WTOV/News 9, an NBC affiliate, and Todd is an RN at a local hospital. The family resides in Wintersville, Ohio.
Marcus Duff (’99) married Mindy Wentling (’00) in September 2003. The couple resides in Troy, Ohio, where Marcus is a youth pastor and Mindy is a physician’s assistant. They are expecting twins in July and plan to name them Latonna Janelle and Latoya Jackie.
Sara Rogers (’99) married Tony Justice in January 2001. She has three daughters: Izabel (6), Arin Moriah (2) and Shana (1), and a stepdaughter, Kristal (14).
Laura Rucker (’99) recently became engaged to Tom Gensor. She received her master’s in community counseling from Bowling Green State University and serves as a guidance counselor for Franklin Local School District for students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Tom is also employed by Franklin Local Schools as a computer and reading intervention teacher. The wedding is planned for November 2004. The couple resides in Zanesville, Ohio.
“Happiness is obtained when one listens to, and obeys, the will of God,” Dana shared. Rich said that his time at MVNU taught him to be responsible for himself and gave him the confidence and motivation to launch into the world on his own. David holds to Joshua 1:9, a verse that was close to his heart during his time at MVNU: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
When asked to share any advice for current MVNU students, their family and MVNU’s influence showed in the answers they gave. Doug replied simply and directly, “Stick to it.
2000s
Amy Bowyer (’00) married Matthew Mitchell on May 10, 2003. They are moving to Kansas City, Mo., where Matthew will begin classes in the fall at Nazarene Theological Seminary. Amy has been teaching for four years and plans to continue as a reading teacher.
Jason Guilliams (’00) received his Master of Science in Administration with a concentration in human resources administration from Central Michigan University. He recently accepted a position as a pharmaceutical representative with Innovex, Inc.
Michalene Mills (DiFonzo ’00) and her husband Adam (’99) welcomed their daughter Baylei Susan on May 14, 2004. She weighed 7 lbs., 8 oz. and was 20 inches long.
L-R: Shown oldest to youngest are David, Dana, Doug, Donovan and Rich Campbell.
College is fun but it is tough. The rewards are endless. Not only pursue your career, but ‘seek ye first the kingdom of God.’”
Donovan’s advice is good for all, whether college student or not. “Don’t be afraid to give things away—whether money, material possessions, or services.”
This family of boys feels indebted to their parents. When the Prince Student Union is dedicated this fall, you will see a plaque with Herbert and Pat’s names on it. All of the Campbell sons want their parents to be remembered for their influence on each of their lives. This is a wonderful tribute to two fine people. Only God knows their eternal influence through the legacy they passed on to their sons and the lives that their sons now live.
Stephanie Stevens (’00) is working with the Wycliffe Bible Translators in Nairobi, Kenya, and east Africa as a missionary teacher. She has taught fourth grade at West Nairobi School for the past two years and returned in August for the next school year.
Rick Collins (’01) and Shayla Reiff (’02) were married on June 5, 2004, at the Pataskala Church of the Nazarene. Fellow MVNU alumni in the wedding included Paige Prather (’02), Todd Pearce (’00), Tim Lord (’01) and Mandy Peterson (’00). Rick is an implementation coordinator for Cott Systems and Shayla works for the Columbus Crew. The couple resides in Westerville, Ohio.
Mike (’01) and Holly Cunningham (Sparks ’01) recently relocated to Arizona, where Mike (“Mookie”) took a youth pastor position at Scottsdale Bible Church. He will be the Club 56 director, a fifth- and sixth-grade ministry. Holly is pursuing a job in the camping ministry. The couple resides in Anthem, Ariz.
Dana Schaal (Estes ’02) and her husband Steve (’01) currently reside in Kansas City, Mo., where Steve will finish his master’s in Christian education at Nazarene Theological Seminary in May 2005. Dana teaches third grade at the KCMO School district.
Patrick Cornish (’03) married Stephanie Watts on August 2, 2003. He is currently taking online courses through Nazarene Bible College and works as a youth minister at First Church of the Nazarene in Winnsboro, S.C., where the couple resides.
Amy (Dixon ’03) and Anthony “Tony” Stemen (’06) were married on May 23, 2004. Amy is employed by MVNU. Anthony is a youth ministries student at MVNU and the youth pastor at Mulberry Street United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon.
Entries with a camera icon ( ) have a photo available online.
To view these photos, visit www.mvnu.edu/alumni/ grapevine/grapevine.html
Please feel free to submit photos of weddings, babies, etc. to Mount Vernon NOW, 800 Martinsburg Rd., Mount Vernon, OH 43050, or by e-mail to alumni@mvnu.edu, or online at www.mvnu.edu/alumni/grapevine/ grapevine.html.
MVNU welcomes new faculty
Professor Rank
Donnie A. Lawrence, Ph.D.
Professor of Education
B.A., 1977, Wichita State University; M.Ed., 1979, Wichita State University; Ph.D., 1984, University of Kansas
Assistant Professor Rank
Joseph P. Akpan, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
B.S., 1985, Lane College; M.A., 1989, Drake University; Ph.D., 1998, Iowa State University
Richard A. Huebner, M.S.
Assistant Professor of Business
A.S., 1993, Middlesex College; B.S., 1999, Eastern Nazarene College; M.S., 2001, Eastern Nazarene College
Instructor
W. Marshall Duke, M.Ed.
Instructor of Education and Associate Coordinator of Master of Arts in Education Program, Cincinnati
B.S., 1970, Trevecca Nazarene University; M.Ed., 1975, Xavier University
Cindy J. Harvel, M.Ed.
Instructor of Education
B.A., 1987, Ohio University; M.A.Ed, 1998, Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Amanda M. Flower, M.Ed.
Instructor and Technical Services Librarian
B.A., 2002, Malone College; M.L.I.S., 2003, Kent State University
John E. Packard, M.Mus.
Instructor of Music
B.A., 1996, University of Illinois; M.Mus., 1999, University of Northern Colorado
Part-Time Faculty
J. Philip Allen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Education
B.A., 1970, Muskingum College; M.Ed., 1973, Xavier University; Ph.D., 1984, Ohio University
John W. Hall, Jr., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Religion
B.A., 1967, Trevecca Nazarene University; M.Div., 1970, Nazarene Theological Seminary; Th.M., 1988, Missiology; Ph.D., 1992, Fuller Theological Seminary
John M. Nielson, D.D.
Visiting Professor
A.B., 1965, Eastern Nazarene College; M.A., 1967, Eastern Nazarene College; B.D., 1969, Nazarene Theological Seminary; D.D., Eastern Nazarene College
Merel E. Pickenpaugh, M.A.
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
B.A., 1971, Olivet Nazarene University;
M.A., 1976, The Ohio State University
Jean A. Taylor, M.A.Ed.
Instructor in Education
B.S., 1964, Adrian College; M.A.Ed, 1968, Bowling Green State University
A journey to excellence begins
By Trinia Huddleston, Assistant for Communications
Raised in the Nazarene church, Jeff McRill (pictured left) knew that he wanted to further his education at a Nazarene institution. With a location only two hours from home and an excellent music department, his choice was clear. “During my junior year of high school I made the decision to come to MVNU. I just kept coming back to it in my mind,” said McRill.
There are many things to look forward to as an incoming freshman: new friends, new experiences and a new atmosphere. McRill is excited about being part of a Christian campus. “Coming from a town where there are not a lot of Christians, I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with other Christians while preparing myself for a career,” he explained. He was also eager to attend a campus where he has the opportunity to know other students and professors on a personal level.
Though excited, McRill will be challenged to adjust to all these new things at MVNU. Perhaps the biggest challenge he will face is paying for his higher education on his own. Along with the MVNU Financial Planning office, his guidance counselor, Tracie Herr, assisted him in finding scholarship opportunities. Herr also kept him informed of what score he needed on the ACT to receive better financial aid. McRill is convinced God will provide a way for this worthwhile investment.
With dreams of pursuing a professional music career, McRill plans to major in music at MVNU. He enjoys playing the guitar and writing Christian music in his free time. He is from Arlington, Ohio, and his parents are Brian and Jenny McRill. MVNU welcomed all incoming freshmen during move-in weekend on August 28.