Mount Vernon NOW Fall 2006

Life Changing ...

By Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks, President

It’s more than a tagline. It’s a summary of the MVNU Experience! These two words flow naturally from the University’s motto, “To seek to learn is to seek to serve,” coined by the institution’s first president, the late Dr. Stephen Nease. Among many enduring influences of Dr. Nease, none is more noteworthy than his commitment to view education as preparation for service—a lifechanging concept.

I became acquainted with MVNU in 1986. Dr. Jim Skon, MVNU’s Computer Science chair, had traveled to the Philippines that summer as a volunteer to network the office operations at the Asia Pacific Regional Office, Church of the Nazarene. Anne, Stephen and I were serving at the Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary. I was so impressed with Skon’s work that I invited his top computer science students, John Hatcliff and Keith Shafer, to travel to Manila the next summer to network the APNTS offices. They did, and John returned following graduation to spend two summers continuing the work started earlier. Dr. John Hatcliff (’88) is currently professor of computer science at Kansas State University, and Dr. Keith Shafer (’86) is vice president of Sterling Commerce in Dublin, Ohio.

From these encounters, I was gaining an invaluable understanding of MVNU’s unique spirit of commitment. Because of Dr. Skon, his two students, and their conviction to “seek, learn and serve,” I already had some perspective on the University when I was contacted in 1989 by Board Chair Dr. Harold Graves Sr., to inform me of my election as MVNU’s fifth president.

Soon after my acceptance, I received a telephone call from MVNU’s Director of Communications Jan Hendrickx. Among other questions, she asked what I thought I could bring to the MVNU campus. Reflecting on my recent experiences with Dr. Skon, I replied, “I bring to Mount Vernon a passion for students to view themselves as global Christians with a world mission.” I had a deep commitment to find new ways for students to live out the University’s motto.

During the years since, I have seen the vision I shared with Jan become a reality. Students increasingly travel to countries abroad and during the January terms to study and work. Likewise, a growing number of students participate in semester-abroad programs where learning and service go hand-in-hand.

One of my greatest delights has been the creation and development of the Campus Ministries Division led by Dr. Gary Sivewright and so ably assisted by Rev. Joe Noonen. Students volunteer for spring break, summer and year-long trips to travel around the world to work and witness. In recent years, MVNU students have served in over 20 countries around the world. Hundreds of students each year also travel to serve in urban and rural areas in our own region and throughout the nation. They are involved every weekend in various ministries on our educational zone. Indeed, the MVNU family has traversed the globe living out the University’s motto—truly a life-changing conviction.

By the way, Dr. Skon with MVNU alumni Tim Myatt (’82), Mike Williams (’77) and others took MVNU students in January 2006 to the Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary. You guessed it—the group served by networking all of the computers on campus, aiding the Seminary in functioning more effectively. While in Manila, the group worked with MVNU alumni and Nazarene missionaries Kevin Brunk (’88) and Doug Flemming (’87).

However, in reflecting on that which has shaped my own MVNU experience thus far, perhaps my most satisfying involvement was the year-long process through which I led the faculty and staff in a review and restatement of our vision statement:

Mount Vernon Nazarene University: An academic community of faith, shaping Christ-like leaders for lifelong service and global impact.

To this vision, MVNU is passionately committed! It is indeed a life-changing vision

10 Medical missions in Nicaragua

See how MVNU students, faculty and alumni came to gether in July for what is hoped to be the first of many medical mission trips.

14 AGS student perspective

Adult and Graduate Studies student Ted Collins talks about his choice to attend MVNU and how it has changed his life and career.

16 Athlete interns with the Toledo Mud Hens

Senior Ray McFerren keeps his options open as he spends summer interning with Mud Hens’ media relations.

President

Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks

Vice President for University Advancement, Enrollment Services and Student Development J. Keith Newman

Director of Communications

Carrie A. Crouch

Contributors

Mount Vernon NOW (USPS 761-980) is published four times a year by Mount Vernon Nazarene University, located at 800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. Periodical Postage Paid at Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.

Campus Switchboard: (740) 392-6868

Subscription Updates: communications@mvnu.edu

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students and working adults. U.S. News & World Report ranks MVNU in the Top 50 Best in the Midwest (Bachelor’s) for the second year in a row. With a 401-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and nine satellite Adult and Graduate Studies campuses throughout the state, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education to more than 2,540 students from 29 states and nine countries/U.S. territories. Mount Vernon NOW 800

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Cover: Chose It. Feel It. Live It. The MVNU Experience provides students with unique opportunities and unlimited possibilities.

Mount Vernon NOW

Choosing

the MVNU Experience

Freshman Perspectives

Before I chose to attend MVNU, I visited about five different colleges. At each one everyone was so caught up in their own business they did not even bother saying hello or trying to be friendly. At MVNU during Orientation, I’ve never talked to so many people and made that many new friends that quick. Everyone was just so nice it created the perfect atmosphere for me to work in.

I’ve been so excited to start college because I feel so prepared. I’ve already been to a technical school for two years studying graphic design and I feel so ready. It’s going to be awesome meeting new people and working toward what I love best—art.

Jordan Noblick Graphic Design Newark, Ohio

Courtney Cheek

I have lived in Mount Vernon for many years and have been on MVNU’s campus many times. I chose MVNU because I can still have a great college experience even though I’m close to home. MVNU has a great education department, which also influenced my choice.

I’m looking forward to dorm life, all the friends I will make and singing with the Music & Ministry team, One Accord.

Middle Childhood Education Mount Vernon, Ohio

There are so many reasons that I chose to come to MVNU. Everything from the people and the activities, to the quality education and Christian leaders. But probably the biggest reason was for the Christian environment. I felt the anointing the second I stepped on campus. That was a feeling that could never be replaced, and is why I chose to attend Mount Vernon.

I am excited, and cannot wait to see what God has in store for me in the coming years.

Erica Enix Nursing Beavercreek, Ohio

As a boy growing up in the slums of Cleveland and Columbus, I didn’t think that college was an option for me. It was not until I was adopted that I had an interest in going to school. When I started looking at schools my junior year, I fell in love with the kind, loving staff at MVNU and felt that this was the school for me. One of the reasons that I came to MVNU was because of its faith aspect. I was blown away by the way the teachers prayed in class and I think that was the selling point for me.

I have been told, “College is the place to find yourself.” Right now I’m not sure what I’m looking for but I know with the help of the MVNU staff and the direction of God that I’m going to learn new things about myself. I am excited about stepping away from my high school and into a new world as a college student.

Christian Hartman Family and Consumer Sciences Columbus, Ohio

I have been looking forward to college ever since I was little. I started looking at MVNU because it is my church college and I had heard great things about it. Everyone I know that has attended MVNU has had a life-changing experience. I’ve always wanted to attend a college/ university that will help and encourage my growth in my relationship with God, as an independent woman and a career woman. I have found all this in Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

I’m looking forward to attending MVNU for the same reasons that I chose it as my school. I look forward to meeting new people and having fun with other Christians, learning how to grow in my walk with God, and becoming an intelligent and independent woman.

Karin Shakelford Marketing Southington, Ohio

I was never really clear on where I wanted to go to college and I was still really worried about it until last summer when I realized where God wanted me. Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a great place for anyone to attend. It’s a great environment and everyone here feels like family to me. I’m so glad God pointed me in this direction.

R. Alex Hillyard Youth Ministries Paden City,

W.Va.

School of Arts and Humanities

Chorale singing “Jesus’ Blood Never Failed Me Yet” at the Pelicano Iglesia del Nazareno in Madrid, Spain. When the choir arrived at the church, Pastor Efrain Ungria Saugar led the singers to nearby parks to sing mini-concerts, inviting the neighborhood people to the service which included two hours of singing, sharing and preaching. The Spanish majors in the choir used their language skills to translate announcements and testimonies as well as sharing in the people’s native language.

Oh my! and Spain — Portugal, France,

Collegians Chorale, MVNU’s concert choir, toured abroad on a concert/ mission trip to Portugal, France, and Spain, May 30 to June 12, 2006. Director Dr. Robert Tocheff has had the long-time, two-fold goal of extending choir members’ experience to other cultures and to connect with Nazarene churches abroad through ministry. Collegians has taken five trips to 11 countries in the past 12 years.

Responsible for raising their own financial support, 33 members of the choir, along with Dr. Tocheff, his wife Diana, and one parent embarked on this life-changing ministry and musical experience. The group provided encouragement and outreach assistance to Nazarene churches in Lisbon and Elvas, Portugal; Montpellier, France; and Madrid and Zaragoza, Spain, as well as formal concerts in Toledo and Barcelona, Spain, and a joint concert in Montpellier. A narrative and pictorial chronicle of the trip can be viewed at www.mvnu.edu/news.

Choosing the January Italy art experience

Every other January, MVNU’s Art Department offers two travel courses in Italy. As you would imagine, the focus of our trip is on art and architecture. Before we embark on the journey, we study a few days and test on what we’ve learned. Of course those few days of study in no way prepare us for the wonders we are about to see as we tour Italy from the top of the boot to the bottom in this unique part of the MVNU Experience.

Experiencing art through time and culture

I once read in the National Geographic that Italy holds 80 percent of the Western world’s art. Over the years, I have discovered that the smallest town in Italy has some architectural or art treasure, dating anywhere from 600 B.C. through to the 17th century. It may be a 2,500-year-old Greek temple, 2,000-year-old Roman temples, bathhouses, coliseums, or one of hundreds of Christian churches and cathedrals dating from the 5th century through the 17th century.

In Italy much of the evidence of the 2,000-year history of Christianity is still intact. It’s awe-inspiring and nearly impossible to grasp. While on the bus en route from site to site, you dare not look away for even a moment, for you will have missed something historically and visually significant on the landscape.

Enlarging our world, deepening our faith

I have yet to mention the many art museums that we visit as a planned part of the trip that are full of treasures! There are also many unscheduled and unplanned wonders that we encounter, including the delightful culinary experiences one is certain to have in Italy. We can’t forget that!

But there is something else that happens which I believe to be most important, though sometimes understated. This trip experience seems

By Jim Hendrickx, Professor of Art

to enlarge us as it informs us. There is a subtle, dawning realization that will surface at some point—perhaps during, perhaps after the trip—in a moment of reflection. As a teacher, I read the students’ required journals that are turned in after the trip. In the end, the most important thing that we take away from this Italy experience is a fuller appreciation of our humanity and a deeper appreciation of our faith. The depth and range of human expression tells the story and all that we have seen has its effect.

It’s all human expression

We see that people of the distant past really weren’t that different from us. The important challenges in their lives were much the same as in our own. To many of those who go on the Italy trip, in the end, it is yet another reminder that life is not about how to make a living. Most everyone will manage that. It is about how to live life.

Interested in joining?

We have offered the Italy courses for over a decade now and the bus is always full. It is a life-changing, learning experience that has no substitute. For more information about the trip, or if you are interested in joining MVNU, contact Jim Hendrickx at (740) 392-6868, ext. 3041, or jimhend@mvnu.edu.

Collegians

Simple blessings along the traveling road

Traveling through the United Kingdom with 45 people could have been a royal nightmare. But our 12-day trip turned out to be a tremendous blessing! The weather was spectacular—bright sun and blue sky, the sights were inspiring—from Windsor Castle to the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. But it was the day-to-day, almost insignificant, moments that made me realize how rich the experience really was. God was truly in the details and in the people He had brought together.

Early on, while our bus was rolling westbound on the M4 toward the beautiful city of Bath, my wife, Lori, and I sat behind Holly and Megan Shenneman—a mother/daughter pair. The sweetness of their friendship and the fun they were having spoke volumes about the importance of relationships, as God defines in I Corinthians 13. The father/son team of Terry and Jacob Bush was equally heart-warming. When I asked Jacob (who bought a kilt and wore it like a true Scotsman) what was most memorable about his trip, he reflected, “The time I spent with my dad.” They talked, saw the sights, and just hung out together—they were intentional about the time God had given them.

There were other blessings as well. The Shaffer sisters, Kristina and Catherine, sleeping soundly on the bus, one leaning on the other. Brian and Nancy Fox, AGS alumni, returning from an excursion in London, tired and happy. Steve and Edy Feazel (staff members), triumphant, after their adventure to the gardens outside of Dublin where blessing had come

By Dr. David Wilkes, Professor of English

unexpectedly from helpful strangers. And when Kendra Sutherland received word that her grandfather had passed away, several in our community surrounded her with comfort, support and prayer during dinner that night in Dungarven, Ireland. Kendra had bravely pressed on to Scotland because her grandfather had always wanted her to see their ancestral homeland. Out of difficulty, God had brought new understanding to our traveling community.

Those taking course credit studied beforehand, toured, wrote in MVNU.K. travelogues, and studied again upon their return to campus (the very next day!). However, upon reflection, it was the “life on life” contact— a phrase from Richard Foster’s The Celebration of Discipline—that made all the difference. Foster’s truth even showed in the faith and learning presentations that students gave the very last day of class. We had seen a part of God’s vast and wonderful world— both literally and literarily—only to be reminded of just how up-close and personal our Savior truly is.

School of Education and Professional Studies

Newmemberfaculty chooses the MVNU Experience

Compiled by Dr. Steve Ragan, Dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies

Dr. HeeKap Lee recently accepted an appointment as a faculty member in the Department of Education at MVNU. Lee has a varied and exciting résumé of education and experiences, with teaching degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels: in education, counseling education and ministry from Han Yang University and Yon Sei University, both in Seoul, Korea, as well as from the Cincinnati Bible Seminary and Indiana University.

Dr. Lee also brings to MVNU a family of four. His wife Yoon and their two children Sharon and Isaach moved to Mount Vernon in late June. Both children participated in MVNU’s soccer camp in July.

Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to ask Dr. Lee several questions about his decision to come join us in the MVNU Experience. One question was why he selected MVNU as his next professional opportunity.

He responded, “When I came to MVNU for the job interview, I clearly saw two positive qualities about MVNU: the purpose-driven growth and the spiritual leadership. After reading the MVNU mission and vision, I was struck by the nearly perfect fit between those descriptions and my own academic visions and goals. I have extensive practical experience as well as in-depth theoretical background in the K-12, higher education and business education settings. I want to design and develop a creative teaching and learning model which I call a ‘Christ-centered constructivist approach.’”

I then asked Lee what special gifts and talents he brings to the campus. His response to this question was equally thoughtful:

“One of my friends was murdered by a white racist in 1999. As a result, God had implanted a vision in my heart for establishing a multicultural church in which all nations, cultures, ethnicities and languages are included [Revelation 7:9]. When God created diversity, He said, ‘It is good’ [Genesis 1]. Through my three years’ experience with a multicultural church in Kentucky, I witnessed the dynamic power of diversity. It is my joy and happiness to work, study and play with many American and international students. I think my cultural background and experiences will combine to make a unique contribution to MVNU. My prayer is that God will send many international people to Mount Vernon so that I may serve them in my classes.”

Finally, I wanted to know specifically what his goals were for serving at MVNU.

Dr. Lee concluded, “I strongly believe it’s important for Christian educators to take an active role in the current culture through the interventional initiatives of teaching, research and service. As a professor at a Christian university, my priority will be to prepare students for their professional lives, so that they’ll use their learning as a praise to God and in service to others. My teaching philosophy is founded on constructivism which is based on three factors for success of learning—self-directed students, the teacher as a facilitator, and well-organized learning experiences. For example, how may I encourage students to be self-motivated? What competencies and skills are necessary to be an effective facilitator? How can teachers organize, arrange and evaluate learning environments in the class? These topics will be included in my research focus going forward.

“Finally, I will pray to make an impact on the world by serving the community. As mentioned before, I feel that one of my spiritual gifts is the ability to develop loving, personal relationships with multicultural students through worship, fellowship and Christian education programs.”

Welcome, Dr. Lee! We are excited to see how God will use you to shape our students’ lives at MVNU.

Left to right: Yoon, Sharon, Dr. Heekap Lee and Isaach

socao social work Quality of social work program

recognized with accreditation

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) granted initial accreditation to MVNU’s social work program at its June 2006 meeting for the academic years of 2002-2003 to June 2010. At that point, the program will undergo a reaffirmation process.

“Accreditation with CSWE is a multiyear, multistage process that develops social work programs around eight standards, ranging from curriculum to student development to assessment,” said Professor of Social Work Dr. Karen Boyd. “The goal has always been to have a quality program that will educate social workers for a life of service, especially to the “least of these.” This initial accreditation is a tangible demonstration of that goal.”

CSWE establishes the standards and review process for programs seeking initial accreditation, which involves multiple stages of written reports and site visits, and culminating in a four-volume self-study and a two-day site team visit. In February 2006, the site team reviewed the program, and in its written report identified a number of strengths, including:

• Curriculum and coverage of the professional foundation content

• Field education program

• Institutional support

• Facilities and technological resources

• Qualifications and knowledge of the faculty

• Relationships with field agencies

• The program’s assessment plan

The accreditation milestone was not reached by the social work faculty alone, but with the help of many individuals. A critical component of the social work curriculum is the field education program. “The program has been truly blessed to have a multitude of placements in a wide range of social work practice settings in a six-county area,” commented Associate Professor Brenita Nicholas. “The quality and support of our field agencies and instructors were clearly evidenced during the site visit.”

Another aspect is the integration of the liberal arts and the social work curriculum. The faculty members who teach liberal arts foundation courses were active participants in the accreditation process. Providing state-of-the-art facilities, through the generosity of George and Esther Jetter, greatly enhanced the learning environment on the second floor of the Jennie K. Moore Family and Consumer Sciences Center. Over the years, site visitors have been impressed with the support of the administration. The program has benefited from the tangible support of resources and faithful prayers of a multitude of individuals; however, quality is most often measured by outcome.

The program’s 166 graduates have demonstrated quality through numerous factors. For the third year in a row, students have scored above the 97th percentile for the nation on the Area Concentration Achievement Test in social work, with the social work senior class as a whole scoring above the 84th percentile. Of all program graduates reporting their social work licensing test scores, 95 percent have passed the Basic Social Work Licensing Examination. Graduates report employment in various fields of social work practice with a high rate of job satisfaction; in an employer survey, employers of social work graduates ranked their job performance from very good to superb. Graduates have also completed advanced degrees in social work, law, counseling and education. Some have been called to international service in such areas as Romania, Africa and Turkey.

“I think that social work education lays the foundation for practice in a professional career that is very important. Social workers see the need and find a way to meet that need,” added 2006 graduate Jennifer Hardy. “In my career, I want to use the skills I have learned to help bring about societal conditions in which others will have the opportunities to live a life of meaning and purpose.”

Social work faculty (L-R): Wayne Dunlop, Trudy Singletary, School Dean Dr. Stephen W. Ragan, Brenita Nicholas and Karen Boyd.

School of Theology and Philosophy

Bored? Choose the Master of Ministry!

Rev. Jeannie Winters, (pictured left) an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, chose the MVNU Master of Ministry program because she was bored! Most reasons for choosing a degree involve career preparation and/or advancement. Bored with the continuing education events she had been attending, Winters was looking for something practical that could meet the needs of her churches.

Her friend, John Yust (’06 MMin), mentioned the great MVNU classes that he had been attending and gave her some materials. After auditing the Pastoral Care and Counseling class, she said, “It was the most practical class I had ever taken on pastoral care.” Although she has a Master of Divinity, she knew that she “had to actually take the class and do the class work to truly benefit.” So she signed up for the Master of Ministry program.

In addition to taking her master’s classes, Winters serves as pastor of a two-point charge: Chesterville and Harmony Chapel United Methodist Churches in the Mid-Ohio District of the East Ohio Conference. Currently she is mentoring two people who are interested in ministry and guides

By C. Jeanne Serrão, Dean of the School of Theology and Philosophy

them through the candidacy course of study. She is also wife to Al Fabian and mom to Suzanne, a veterinarian, and Steven, a third-year student at The Ohio State University.

Her little country churches aren’t without their challenges. “My goals are bringing meaningful worship to my [congregations], challenging them to grow spiritually and moving them to reach out to a changing community. This area is fast becoming a bedroom community for Columbus and we need to be ready to minister to our new neighbors.”

Her greatest reward is “when church members bring new persons into the church and we are able to continue to minister to them as they make the church their church.”

Winters explained that MVNU has impacted her life in three main ways:

• Classes: “I get practical training for the work that I am doing and aids for ministering to the people of my churches.”

• Professors: “They care about us as students and listen to our thoughts and needs while giving helpful advice both in class and on a personal basis.”

• Friends: “We meet people in similar work and with similar needs, and we grow to love and support one another through our fellowship and prayers. We begin the week of class as strangers and end the week as friends and coworkers, encouraging and supporting each other.”

Bored? Sign up for classes in the Master of Ministry program and receive practical training for ministry in your local church. You will find professors who care, listen and give helpful advice. You’ll make ministry friends who will be a source of support even beyond the classroom! For more information, contact Dr. Bruce Petersen, coordinator of MVNU’s Master of Ministry, at (740) 392-6868, ext. 3600, or by e-mail at bruce.petersen@mvnu.edu.

What: A day of inspiration, encouragement, fellowship and education with other women pastors, associates and students. (Offered every other year.)

Who: Women in church staff positions, part- or full-time, volunteer or paid, plus ministry students.

Speaker: Josse Owens, ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, currently serving as the district superintendent of the New England District. Owens was the first female to be elected district superintendent by the Church of the Nazarene in the U.S./Canada. She has oversight responsibility for 100 churches and 24 new-starts.

Where: MVNU (Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene campus)

Cost: $45 for registration and lunch; $50 after April 1 $20 for students; $25 after April 1

CEU: Nazarene clergy can earn up to .5 Continuing Education Units.

“Yovos” in Africa

By Julianne Meinecke, Junior

Go to Africa? I couldn’t believe it. God wanted me to go to Africa? I had always wanted to travel on an international mission trip but I thought maybe to a place like Romania, Germany or even Russia, but never would I have thought that God was leading me to a hot, sticky, bug-infested Africa. However, in May, I joined 11 other students and Rev. Joe Noonen on a plane headed for Benin.

After we deplaned, we were shuttled to a tiny airport where we were greeted outside by a chorus of Africans shouting, “Yovo, yovo!” (meaning “white person”) as they tried to sell us numerous trinkets. We were also greeted by MVNU alumnus and missionary Matt Price (’94) and our driver Ignace.

We were quickly in the busy streets of Cotonou, Benin’s capital. I felt like I was in a missionary’s slide show as we passed outdoor markets, women carrying heavy loads on their heads and children playing. We became acclimated to the culture at the Dakota market—the largest outdoor market in West Africa—as we played frisbee and football (soccer) with the neighborhood children. We loved learning some of their local games. During our debriefing that night, several team members said that just playing with these children was worth the trip.

But God had much more in store for us. That weekend we traveled across the border into Togo, which had recently been through a civil war. We went to the remote village of Alo-Gebo where the only “yovo” the people had ever seen was one Peace Corps member. There we met with the chief, who was dressed in polo shirt and sweatpants, under a thatched-roof hut where he welcomed the Church of the Nazarene to his village. We distributed toys, taught the children the “Hokey Pokey,” got acquainted with the people and began to forge relationships. We found out after we left that the village held its first church service where nearly 40 people attended!

Another highlight was visiting Ganvié, which is built on stilts atop a sandbar in a lake. As with many Benin villages, Ganvié is plagued with the religion of Voodoo and we saw its effects on the people. There were no clean water, little dry land and, as we would find out later, very few medical supplies. Since the 2005 team visited Ganvié, a Church of the Nazarene had been built on the island and Joe said the change in the people was like night and day. In this church made of sticks upon stilts, we heard from the children’s choir and Joe shared the Word. Afterward, sophomore Matthew Johnston had the opportunity to minister in a different way.

A woman had approached him and Joe with her child who had a severe case of malaria. It cost only $7.00 (U.S.) to save this baby’s life. Joe quickly found the money and Matthew went with this woman to the local doctor’s office, which was rapidly running out of clean needles and other medical supplies. It did, however, have the necessary medicines to save

this baby. The mother asked for prayer over her child and then went out to the village exclaiming what the yovos from the Church of the Nazarene had done. “Just seeing the joy on the parents’ faces, and the gratitude that was expressed—to the team, to the doctor and, most importantly, to God—overwhelmed me,” said Johnston. “God used that experience to confirm the calling in my heart to be a missionary doctor.” Sadly, there are many other children with the same condition who do not experience such a happy ending, but at least this one life had been saved. The act created another opportunity for the Church to be able to share with the people the One who can save their eternal lives.

This trip changed the way I view life in many aspects. I saw the image of God in a different light. It made me value relationships more deeply— relationships with my friends and family, with people of different cultures and with God. It also taught me that God really does care and provide for us. God put an excellent team together for this trip. When the electricity went out and we had no fans, He kept the night cool for us. When we had to walk because the road was too muddy for the van, God used Moise, Benin’s district superintendent, to seize the opportunity to plant another church in the village of a man who was standing on the side of the road.

In the largest Church of the Nazarene in Benin, we saw two Voodoo priests accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and witnessed the results from Compassionate Ministries when they provided medical treatment to the pastor’s wife who had breast cancer. I will never forget the people’s generosity and friendliness. Nothing gives me more joy than remembering the smiles on the faces of those people as we loved them, and they returned the love. These people have touched a place in my heart that didn’t exist before. I would not trade this experience for anything.

A few weeks after students returned from Africa, Matt Price informed us that the church started in Alo-Gebo has grown to over 60 members and is in the process of planting two other churches in nearby villages.

Julianne Meinecke is a Theological Studies major with a minor in Christian Education.

School of Natural and Social Sciences

MVNU alumnus helps bring cancer treatment to Mount Vernon

On July 13, 2006, Dr. Jason Seavolt (’92, pictured) began his duties as medical director of radiation oncology at the brand new Knox Medical Pavilion (KMP) in Mount Vernon.

Seavolt is a native of Knox County and a 1988 graduate of Mount Vernon High School. He and his wife Maralyn (Barton ’92) both earned medical degrees from Medical University of Ohio in 1997. After internships at Riverside Methodist Hospital (1997-98), they were residents at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation—he in radiation oncology, she in dermatology. Jason joined Riverside Radiation Oncology, a Columbusbased private practice, in 2002. He recently became a partner in that group. Maralyn, board-certified in dermatology, practices in Westerville, Ohio.

KMP’s radiation oncology center is a cooperative effort of Knox Community Hospital (providing facilities, equipment, therapists and nursing staff); Riverside Radiation Oncology (the medical doctors who make diagnoses and prescribe treatment); and Ohio Health (physicists who plan treatments, calibrate equipment and measure radiation dosage). Radiation is produced onsite by a linear accelerator that can deliver photons (x-rays) or an electron beam.

KMP will enable cancer patients to receive diagnosis and treatment in Mount Vernon, whereas previously, most patients had to commute to Columbus or Cleveland. Travel could become burdensome, since a typical course of radiation therapy requires five visits per week for five to seven weeks.

Jason and his partners will be onsite at KMP twice a week for consultation with new patients. Data from radiology scans will be transferred electronically to Riverside, then treatment plans will be returned to KMP. Jason maintains close contact, via telephone conversations and computer imaging, with the therapists who actually

By Dr. Joseph H. Lechner, Professor of Chemistry

deliver the treatments. The most rewarding aspect of his career involves caring for patients and families as they deal with the difficult diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Jason says his MVNU years were life-changing: “I discovered who I am and what I was capable of achieving.” He regards his year as a General Chemistry laboratory assistant as extremely important to his development, not only because teaching other students helped him master the content, but because it taught him to set higher goals for himself.

He met his future wife in freshman science classes. The relationship blossomed during their sophomore year when they studied organic chemistry together. They were then engaged their senior year.

Jason’s most life-changing event was becoming a Christian at the beginning of his junior year. While both chapel and spiritual emphases in classes contributed, he said the most important influence was fellowship with Christians and seeing how they applied their faith on a personal level. He began attending what was then a very small church— Evangelical Church of the Nazarene, pastored by Tim Rowe (’95)—where Jason and Maralyn would later be married in 1993.

In his spare time, Jason plays guitar with “Spleen,” a band he helped organize in 2005. Dr. Praveen Dubey, his senior partner at Riverside, is the drummer. Five of the six band members are medical professionals. Spleen has already raised over $20,000 for local charities.

Jason has also been a licensed pilot since 2003, often having flown to Louisville, Ky., when Maralyn was enrolled there in a micrographic dermatologic surgery fellowship. In 2004 he helped organize Capital City Aviation (CCA), a club that has grown to 90 members, and over which he was elected president in 2005. Because CCA owns a flight simulator and six aircraft, club members can receive flying instruction and rent aircraft at hourly rates. Jason achieved instrument rating on April 1, 2005; his next goal is to earn a commercial pilot’s license.

The newly constructed Knox Medical Pavilion in Mount Vernon.

Mount Vernon NOW

By

missions Medical missions in Nicaragua 2006

Much prayer and planning enabled a medical team from the Biology Department to travel July 1-8 to Nicaragua for MVNU’s first medical mission trip. This unique team, led by Dr. Tami (Parker ’91) Buell and Dr. Paul Madtes Jr., comprised current students, MVNU alumni, a local physician, two Costa Rican interpreters, three Nicaraguan physicians, a Nicaraguan interpreter and a Nicaraguan district superintendent.

God frequently reminded us of His faithfulness, provision and presence. On the first day, when nearly all of our medical supplies failed to arrive with our flight, God saw that they did arrive in time to avoid any hindrance to our ministry. Sunday morning we attended an awesome Nazarene church service in Managua and that evening we joined a wonderful welcome service in the San Isidro church. What a blessing for everyone to worship our Lord together; God’s presence was evident in the lives of our Nicaraguan brothers and sisters.

On each of the next four days, a clinic was set up in a different community in northern Nicaragua; these communities ranged from a small town to an isolated mountain village. Small churches and schools were quickly turned into health clinics, and people came from miles around, many arriving long before the clinics opened. After a time of singing and devotions, the patients moved through areas for registration, triage, diagnosis and pharmacy. The children, in an area outside for them, experienced evangelism and public health training. Furthermore, so many medical supplies and personal hygiene items had been donated by churches across the MVNU region that many were left with the Nicaraguan physicians to use as they work with the people.

The team had many goals and high expectations of what God would do through medical care, public health training, evangelism and discipleship. About 450 patients were diagnosed and treated. Also, one day, many children bowed their heads and dedicated their lives to Christ; on another day, a man re-dedicated his life to Jesus. In addition, many patients were touched by the kindness of the team members who sat, listened and prayed with them. Through the tool of medical care, we joined the ongoing ministry of local Nicaraguan churches, helping open doors for the churches to continue ministering to the people of the community. Even though only a few team members spoke Spanish, language

was not a barrier to building relationships. Through smiles and laughs, puppets and bubbles, stories and songs, God bound us all together as brothers and sisters in Christ.

This type of mission trip is indeed unique. Current MVNU students interested in medicine are able to travel to another country, experience medical missions and gain clinical experience. MVNU alumni are also able to stay involved with the school through service, which shows that connections with MVNU need not end with graduation; alumni can stay connected through prayer, financial support and even participation in mission trips.

It is our prayer that this inaugural medical mission trip is the first of many. We believe the work God began with us in Nicaragua will expand so that similar trips will continue yearly. May God lead current pre-medical students and alumni to commit to traveling back as medical students and physicians. Even though our trip is finished, the Lord’s work in Nicaragua continues. The seeds of God’s grace and love that were planted will be cultivated as He works through the local community churches there. Ultimately, His harvest will be produced.

Top:

Middle: MVNU senior Jason Sargent in triage.

Bottom: Children of Santa Isabel listening to stories about public health.

MVNU team, missionary (Tami Buell), Costa Rican interpreters, Nicaraguan doctors, local pastor, district superintendent, Nicaraguan interpreter, driver from Ministry of Health and local laymen.

Jessica Bischoff, Senior; Zachary Wilson, Senior; and Dr. Paul Madtes Jr., Professor and Chair of Biology

School of Business

Passion to serve

By Dr. Tomas Parks, Dean of the School of Business

If asked, you could probably write a list of items that are important to you fairly quickly. Most of them are no doubt worthy and lofty things, such as God, family, church, friends, and perhaps even something so abstract, yet noble, as world peace. We all have some idea of what is important to us. We have grown up being told what is important to us in our lives. I am concerned about what separates those who are merely passing through life from those who are living it, and I am convinced that that disparity can be summed up in one word—passion.

In this postmodern culture, there is a tendency to put an emphasis on feeling. So passion, with all of its emotional baggage, can actually sound like a bad thing to the rational thinker. MVNU’s theme for Admissions recruitment this year is “Choose It. Feel It. Live It.” I like this because it gives the proper order for developing true passion. Choosing is an intellectual and, at least on some level, rational decision. Feeling is an emotive process of internalization that lays the foundation for passion. Living is walking out your passions in your daily life.

In the School of Business, we have a gifted and talented faculty. But that isn’t what makes us who we are, nor does it make us anything special in higher education. What distinguishes MVNU from most other institutions—and makes us worthy of your support—is our passion to serve. In January, the School of Business leadership team attempted to capture this passion to serve in our revised vision, mission and core values. Our goal is not only to recruit faculty with a passion to serve but to instill in our students that same passion.

School of Business Vision:

The School of Business seeks to be a leading business school by providing educational experiences that integrate theory, application and Christian values.

School of Business Mission:

The School will provide a learning environment conducive to developing Christ-like leaders for successful careers by offering high-quality business programs in a student-centered learning environment, equipping students with:

• A framework for ongoing Christian spiritual growth

• Contemporary business knowledge, tools and skills

• An understanding of the free enterprise system

• A sense of social conscience and stewardship

• A strong liberal arts base and global perspective

• A thirst for lifelong learning

School of Business Core Values:

• C hristian witness

• H onor

• R espect

• I ntegrity

• S elfless service

• T ruth

• L eadership

• I ntellectual curiosity

• K nowledge

• E ntrepreneurship

Mount Vernon NOW

In their own words… returning to teach

Dr. Tomas Parks, Dean of the School of Business

Dr. Ryan Halley

As a student at MVNU, I was struck with the beauty of the community and was astounded by the attention that I received from its faculty. Near the completion of my undergraduate degree, I began to feel the call to work with college students in the same capacity. What a privilege, I thought, be to be completely available to nurture those students who stand on the brink of so many life changes. As Reuben Welch so profoundly said, “We really do need each other.”

Perhaps the two greatest influences in my decision to return to MVNU included the opportunity to work with colleagues whom I hold in such high regard and the prospect of working with students in an advising role. Dr. Debra Snyder, current associate professor of accounting, was my advisor at MVNU. I believe the role of an “advisor” can often become low on the list of priorities for a professor who has many other responsibilities. I never felt this way with Dr. Snyder— actually, I felt just the opposite. She has been a truly remarkable friend, and I am privileged to have had the relationship go beyond my four years at MVNU. Through her example, I saw the potential in an advisor/advisee relationship. And I desire to be such a mentor.

It has been an honor for me to return to MVNU and serve its students and the campus community. My continued desire is that, as a faculty member, I would contribute to the cognitive, spiritual and personal growth of each student as God enables. My prayer is that I will live out of the passion and purpose that God has placed in my life, maintaining an openness to the truth that will continue to shape who I am and how I relate to others professionally and personally.

Chris Neuenschwander

My desire to come to MVNU began several years ago. I was working as a financial analyst when an acquaintance at church talked to me about his experience teaching part-time in the AGS program. He encouraged me to contact MVNU and try teaching a class. My first teaching experience was wonderful, and I signed up to teach additional classes. I really enjoyed the student interaction, class discussions and having the freedom to bring Christ into the classroom.

Teaching part-time was an outlet for me. I worked my full-time job in manufacturing, but could go into the classroom and interact with people in a completely different way. It was an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others rather than just the bottom-line profits of a corporation. I found teaching to be very rewarding, and had begun exploring full-time teaching opportunities when I received a call from MVNU asking if I was interested in teaching full-time. As an alumnus of MVNU, I truly enjoy the Christian school atmosphere and, after much prayer and discussion with my wife, made the change from the industry sector to MVNU.

Some students have the perception that they won’t be able to pass my accounting classes because of the material’s difficulty. I enjoy encouraging those students and I love watching their confidence grow when they begin to understand the material. This year, one student approached me about dropping the course after the first test. She didn’t have confidence in her abilities. I encouraged her to stay, but also identified the required effort she needed for success. She not only passed, but earned a very respectable grade.

I derive personal satisfaction when I see students gain confidence in themselves and overcome something that they had perceived as impossible. I have truly enjoyed my first year of teaching, and I know this is where God wants me to be.

Adult and Graduate Studies ags.mvnu.edu

Adult and Graduate Studies responds to increased demand

By Dr. Randall Wells, Vice President for Adult and Graduate Studies

Last fall, Adult and Graduate Studies entered the Mansfield market in response to the increased student demand from this region. To make the transition to this market easier financially, AGS partnered with North Central State College (NCSC). This partnership enabled AGS to co-locate with NCSC at their beautiful Kehoe Center in Shelby, just outside of Mansfield.

To date, the new Mansfield campus location has been a considerable success. In fact, due to the demand for new academic programs, we have already outgrown the ability to function effectively at NCSC. So this spring, we elected to begin the search for a new campus location that can support our long-term growth plans.

Our new campus will be located at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center, a newly renovated, conveniently located campus between Mansfield’s revitalized downtown and the community’s busy shopping district of Ontario. Located at 890 West Fourth Street, this campus is ideal for AGS as we position for the long term.

With a completion date of January 2007, the AGS leadership team and Northern Ohio Regional Coordinator Dennis Eggerton are busy organizing the construction of classrooms and gearing up to begin classes there this fall. Students enrolled in classes beginning this fall will attend the new campus and take class temporarily in the Center’s conference rooms.

Classes at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center began in August with a Master of Arts in Education Professional Educator’s License cohort. This school year we are also offering two new Bachelor of Business Administration cohorts and a Master of Science in Management cohort.

To learn more about AGS programs, visit ags.mvnu.edu.

Ministry in the workplace: preparing professionals for global impact

By Laura Steenbergen, Southern Ohio Regional Director for AGS, and Katie Rutherford, Assistant Director of Communications for AGS

Many of us are ill-equipped to share our faith at work, and uncertainty frequently leads to silence. As the result, work and faith quickly become disconnected portions of our lives. In contrast, the example set forth in the Bible demonstrates faith integrated into the workplace. Parables, miracles and disciples were all concentrated in the marketplace. Consider the ministry of Jesus. Consider the book of Acts. Consider the adventures of the apostles.

Following the example set forth in Scripture, there are a growing number of Christians in the United States who are purposefully and passionately dedicating themselves to developing workplace ministries. To serve and encourage them are organizations such as At Work On Purpose (AWOP) in Cincinnati, Ohio.

At Work On Purpose was founded in 2003 by Harvard graduate and successful businessman Chuck Proudfit, following his quest for spiritual wholeness that led him to Christ. Upon dedicating his life to Christ, he found there were little support and training for Christians to begin sharing the love of Christ in the workplace.

AWOP’s goal is to equip working professionals to minister to their peers. As MVNU is an academic community of faith, shaping Christ-like leaders for lifelong service and global impact, we identified with AWOP’s dedication to “restore full Christian commitment and contribution to the work world.” This past year, MVNU partnered with AWOP to further our common goals.

“It’s a blessing for At Work on Purpose to partner with like-minded organizations such as MVNU,” said Proudfit. “Together we can do a better job of educating tomorrow’s Christian workforce about the imperative of marketplace ministry. I see this as one of the most important keys to advancing God’s kingdom in the work world.”

Together, MVNU, AWOP and other organizations in the Cincinnati area have worked to host monthly meetings and workshops to teach and encourage Christians to live out their faith on the job. Laura Steenburgen, Southern Ohio Regional Director for Adult and Graduate Studies, now sits on the board for this organization and is an integral part of their activities.

To learn more about At Work On Purpose, visit www.atworkonpurpose.org.

Mount Vernon NOW

Choosing the AGS Experience

By Ted Collins, student in the Master of Arts in Education (C&I) program— Cincinnati

In 2004 an MVNU recruiter came to our church to promote the new AGS campus in Cincinnati, Ohio. MVNU was offering courses in the field I had been interested in for years—education. That Sunday morning, my prayers were answered—prayers that I might finish the master’s degree in education that I began in 1982.

Not only did MVNU offer the degree I wanted at a location close to my work, but my employer thought the degree was a good match for the company, so they would fund my endeavor. Not in the public school system, but in the private sector of the aviation industry, I train airline mechanics, quality-control personnel, engineers and airline instructors. Since the stakes in this field are so high, I want to mold airline students into perfectionists so that they will be the absolute best in their field. To do this, I knew I needed to be a master teacher able to better influence students in that training.

One area which needed my special focus was technology, as those particular skills were falling behind. The first class I took in the Curriculum & Instruction program was how to use computer technology to enhance instruction. This course—as with all the courses I’ve taken since—has helped me train more effectively for my career.

In addition, the people themselves in AGS enrich the program immeasurably. My fellow students and I have become a team, all moving toward the same goal—to become the best we can be in our fields. We call each other to clarify communication issues, confirm requirements as deadlines draw near, and share notes with those who may have missed class. I also always find support from the staff and faculty when needs arise. The smallest detail is not forgotten, such as a sympathy card or e-mail to a student who has lost a loved one or has a serious illness.

We, the students, are the focus at school. Our instructors are preparing us to make a difference in the real world as MVNU graduates. My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

I have flown in a glider with my family and I have piloted planes. There is no greater sensation of feeling like a soaring eagle than looking down at the earth from a glider. God blesses us with exhilarating experiences from time to time—this is how I have felt at MVNU since I began with my fellow classmates, instructors and the staff members who have supported us.

I know I am being prepared for something greater; more important—I know God’s hand is in it.

MVNU Athletics

MVNU’s McFerren enjoying summer full of baseball

By Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

When Ray McFerren got the call letting him know that he had been selected for an internship with the Toledo Mud Hens, the Detroit Tigers’ Triple-AAA baseball team, he knew that he was about to begin the journey of his dreams.

McFerren, an MVNU senior, served as one of three media relations interns for the Mud Hens this summer. At home games, the interns rotate between running the scoreboard from the press box, writing a game story for the team Web site, and working with the local television broadcast among many other duties.

“As a little guy, I had dreams of playing professional baseball,” said McFerren, who had his junior season as a catcher with the Cougars cut short after just eight games as he needed Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow. “As you get older, you start to realize that the chances of that happening are not favorable for everyone. However, I really do love the game and feel like there is no reason I should give up the dream of working in professional baseball.”

“Ray has been a fantastic addition to our media relations staff,” said Jason Griffin, the director of Public and Media Relations for the Mud Hens. “He is very willing to ask questions and learn. He also has a smile on his face virtually at all times and has been a pleasure. He is prompt, intelligent and quick on his feet.”

For McFerren, one of the best experiences was helping Toledo host the Triple-AAA AllStar game in early July. “The All-Star game definitely made for a crazy week with a lot of long hours and some stress, but looking back it was well worth it,” said McFerren of the event that was televised by ESPN. “I really felt a sense of accomplishment knowing that I was a part of the whole picture of getting things done and running smoothly. The experience from that alone was just unbelievable.”

Another interesting part of McFerren’s internship has been his housing situation for the summer. While the thought of the internship was exciting, McFerren knew that he would have to find living arrangements in the Toledo area for a job that was not paying him anything other than the experience that he was gaining.

However, housing worked out wonderfully as Pastor Rick Ketterman of the Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Toledo was able to find a family in the church, the Kaysers, who were willing to take McFerren in for the summer.

“Housing was definitely a big concern when I started out on this journey,” said McFerren. “I had the internship but no place to live. With the help of Dave Parsons, MVNU’s Sports Information Director, I was connected with a Nazarene church in the area who posted a note in their bulletin asking if anyone would be interested in taking in an MVNU student. Margie, Don, Kyle and Terry Kayser graciously allowed me to stay in their home and have been great.”

Since the conclusion of his internship and the beginning of his final year at MVNU, McFerren has begun to think about life after college. “Continuing to pursue a career in professional baseball is definitely on my mind, but I’m not limiting myself. I will continue to be ambitious in following my dreams and desires, but I also realize that it cannot just be about me. Most importantly, I want to stay obedient to God and will look for His assurance and guidance every step of the way.”

MVNU’s Kot earns prestigious NAIA’s A.O. Duer Award

By Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

Laura Kot, a member of the MVNU women’s fastpitch softball team, was recently selected as the national female recipient of the A.O. Duer Award presented by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)—and the first MVNU student to receive the honor.

The Duer Award is presented annually to a junior men’s and women’s student-athlete who has excelled in character, playing ability and scholarship in any sport. Awarded since 1967, it is given in honor of the late former NAIA executive director, A.O. Duer, who was responsible for the NAIA’s becoming the first collegiate organization to be fully integrated.

The NAIA Council of Faculty Athletics representatives select the award recipients from a field of nominees who attend NAIA member institutions. Candidates must achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.75 on a 4.00 scale. Each recipient’s university also receives a $1,000 scholarship award from Daktronics in the name of the school’s respective winner.

Kot, a junior outfielder from Tallmadge, Ohio, posted a .414 career batting average in three seasons with the Lady Cougars. She has been named to the American Mideast Conference South Division Second Team twice and the AMC South Division Honorable Mention list once. She was the AMC South Division Freshman of the Year in 2004 as well as being a two-time National Christian College Athletic Association All-American.

In the classroom, Kot posted a perfect 4.00 grade point average as a mathematics major with minors in English and print communications. She has been named to the MVNU Dean’s

List all six semesters and has been selected twice to the ESPN The Magazine© Academic All-District Team as well as being named in 2006 to the ESPN The Magazine© Academic All-America Second Team. Kot was also named to both the NAIA and NCCAA All-America Scholar-Athlete Teams in 2006.

In addition, Kot has been very active in various forms of campus and community activities. She has been a small-group Bible study leader at MVNU for two years as well as a speaker at her high school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter in each of the past three years. She has served as a basic algebra tutor at MVNU for two years, spent one year on the MVNU judicial council and served as a volunteer mentor at The Harbor in spring 2005—a Salvation Army ministry serving the children of Mount Vernon. She was inducted into Alpha Chi National Honor Society where she currently serves as secretary. She spent the summer of 2006 traveling with Competitive Edge International using softball as a means to spread the gospel in east Asia.

“Laura is the ultimate team player,” said MVNU softball coach Jeana Howald. “She is very self-motivated, works hard and is a student of the game. Off the field, Laura is dedicated and driven in her studies and in everything she does. Her perfect grade point average in a demanding major is one example of this diligence. She is involved in campus and community activities and exhibits the type of character and servant leadership that represents the institution well.”

Kot joins fellow honoree, Kyle Kattke, the Award’s 2006 male recipient, from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Congratulations to them both!

MVNU’s Swanson inducted into NCCAA Hall of Fame

By Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

Paul Swanson, head coach for MVNU’s women’s volleyball team, was selected as one of this year’s inductees into the National Christian College Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

Swanson and Jean Penfound of Moody Bible (Ill.) Institute were inducted during the annual NCCAA Convention on Friday, June 2, at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, South Carolina.

“This is quite an honor,” said Swanson of his selection. “It is really not one of those things that you set out to obtain as a coach. However, it does help to reinforce the belief that Christ has had His hands on the work that we have been doing here over the years. This award is as much a reflection on the players who have come through this program. Just having an opportunity to have a small impact on their lives through the years has been an amazing blessing.”

“When I think of Paul Swanson, I think of ability, integrity, humility and respect,” said Wayne Yerxa, associate professor of business and faculty athletics representative at MVNU. “He is not only concerned about the team’s athletic and academic development, but about the team’s spiritual growth. Paul strives for team unity on the floor, but more important—unity with the Lord in each of his student-athletes.”

Over the past 22 seasons, Swanson has led the MVNU women’s volleyball program from relative obscurity to become one of the winningest small

college programs in the Midwest. During his tenure with the Lady Cougars, Swanson has led MVNU to a 764-264 record with a .743 winning percentage. He has guided the program to 6 conference titles, 14 NCCAA region titles and 15 straight trips to the NCCAA national tournament, and the Lady Cougars have consistently been in the NAIA national rankings.

A native of Illinois, Swanson graduated from North Park (Ill.) College in 1975 after playing basketball for the Vikings. He went to West Virginia University after graduation and served as an assistant volleyball coach while working on his master’s degree.

Swanson traveled to Japan and South America as a coach with Athletes in Action during the summers of 1982 and 1983 respectively before taking the head coaching position at Waynesburg (Pa.) College in 1983. After a 15-15 campaign at Waynesburg, Swanson came to MVNU where he now stands just 18 wins from tying the NAIA all-time wins benchmark of 779 currently held by former Georgetown (Ky.) College coach, Donna Hawkins. Swanson’s overall record is now 779-279.

In addition to coaching, Swanson teaches in MVNU’s Physical Education department and serves as the department chair. He was recognized for his academic contributions at MVNU in 2002 when he was awarded the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching—the highest award that an MVNU faculty member can receive.

Swanson resides in Mount Vernon with his wife, Susie. The couple has three sons—Casey, Brady and Riley.

Bags of fun!

By Tom West, Director of Alumni Relations and University Fund

When MVNU was first established, women employees and wives of employees organized the Lakeholm Ladies, a group for fellowship, spiritual growth and promotion of the University. Ladies from across Ohio, West Virginia and eastern Kentucky with a common interest in Christian education were brought together by Doretta Nees, wife of the late Dr. L. Guy Nees, the Institution’s third president. The executive council included Dorothy Cox, Wavalene Clay, Novice Morris, Britta Bridges, Irene Lawrence and Juanita Ferguson, and their first fund-raising efforts netted $125.

In 1980, Evelyn Prince, wife of MVNU’s fourth president, Dr. William Prince, became the driving force in raising scholarship money for students. The first spiritual retreat was held in 1981 with Gloria Gaither as keynote speaker. They needed 300 women to register for the event in order to cover expenses. The Lord blessed them with 770 women in attendance! Today, over 1,500 women grace MVNU’s chapel for what is now the annual spring retreat of the Women’s Auxiliary—another venue for auxiliary fund raising.

A goal was established to begin an official Women’s Auxiliary scholarship program under the direction of Doris Smith. “Survival kits” became the major means of raising these funds, plus the kits afforded students nice bags-full of treats during December and May finals weeks. These bags were, and still are, compiled by Women’s Auxiliary volunteers. Today, over $4,500 generated by the kits is donated by the Women’s Auxiliary toward the scholarship program. In addition, an endowed scholarship of over $100,000 now exists to award ten $500 scholarships annually. Over $200,000 in scholarships has been awarded in just 25 years. A hearty THANK YOU to all who have contributed.

During spring 2006, the Alumni Office challenged the Alumni Association to help raise money for the survival kit program. Until now, approximately 600 students received a kit each semester, but Anne Fairbanks had shared with me her goal of giving every on-campus student a survival kit. We made it happen! Because of the generous response of parents, churches and alumni, nearly 1,100 kits were packaged and delivered to every on-campus student. Thanks to all who participated in this event. YOU make the difference in the lives of MVNU students by your faithful giving.

Now is the time to get involved. If you would like to contribute to the fall semester survival kit program, please mail your check ($7 per kit), payable to MVNU Women’s Auxiliary, 800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. Continue to pray for our students as they seek God’s direction and blessing during finals—while they enjoy the delight of receiving survival kits in December!

1970s

Deborah Ruth’s (Hysong ’73) father, Rev. Ralph Hysong, met his Savior on Feb. 26, 2006, after a long illness. Rev. Hysong was an evangelist in the Nazarene church and traveled at the request of Dr. Stephen W. Nease with the early college quartets to hold services out in the districts. His daughter said that, until the very end, he was reaching out to others.

Rev. Ray Baker (’75) was honored by the Southwest NYI Region and Point Loma Nazarene University for 25 consecutive years of participation in its annual activities weekend. Ray has coached or assistant-coached a church or district all-star basketball team annually since 1981. This year, he coached a girls’ team for the first time, ultimately winning that division. Ray is in his 24th year as a youth pastor at L.A. Grace Nazarene and teaches fifth grade at its day school.

1980s

Wayde Hunt (’80) has accepted a position as an adjuster with Farmers Insurance Group in their Claims division.

KC Livensparger (’81) has four children: Shane (22); Staci (stepdaughter, 22); Derek (19); and Mitch (17). Shane just graduated from Flagler College in Fla., Staci is about to give birth to the first grandchild, Derek is attending JCC College, and Mitch is a sophomore at Angola School. Mitch’s wife of three years, Cheryl, has been an LPN for the past 25 years.

Richard (’82) and Lynda (Converse ’83) Bonnete are living in Annapolis, Md. Richard recently served as senior chaplain on board the USS Tarawa in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is currently assigned as a chaplain at the United States Naval Academy.

Women’s Auxiliary member JoAnne Bowman helps put together Survival Kits.

Mount Vernon NOW

CSA Phonathon is coming

Thank you for your support! Last year’s Cougar Sports Associates Phonathon exceeded its goal of raising over $65,000. This money will be used to fund athletic trips, provide equipment and further our athletic programs. To show our appreciation, please use the complimentary ticket to come see one of our home basketball games this season. For schedule information, please visit cougars.mvnu.edu.

This October, our students will be calling family, friends and community again for support. If you would like to show your support for MVNU student athletes and become a member of CSA with all the added benefits, you may go online now at www.mvnu.edu and click on “Giving to MVNU.”

Allen Haines (’83) and his wife Leigh recently adopted two boys from Russia, ages 1 and 3. A former Cougar baseball player, Allen earned his master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling and management and is a graduate of the Command and General Staff College Program Management course. He is a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army as an acquisition technology officer, stationed at the Pentagon on the Army staff. His wife is a speech writer for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Dennis (’88) and Kim Shroyer (’88) announce the birth of their daughter, Kamryn Lacey, on May 26, 2006. She joins big brother Dennison (12) and sister Kristan (8). The Daltons reside on the west side of Cincinnati, Ohio.

1990s

Pamela Offneer (Huston ’90) has accepted a sixth grade teaching position for the 2006-07 school year at Mt. Eaton Elementary

School, having previously taught 13 years of third grade.

Kari (Lindstrom ’90) and Mark Vaughn reside in Ross, Ohio, with their three children: Jessica (7), Spencer (4) and Gregory (2). Kari is currently an eighth grade math teacher in Cincinnati and has recently begun teaching classes for MVNU’s Adult and Graduate Studies. The family is actively involved at the Fairfield Church of the Nazarene.

Karen (Lust ’90) Wenig and Eric Knopp were wed on May 20, 2006, in Marion, Ohio. The couple resides in Versailles, Ohio, where Eric is a golf course superintendent and Karen is a homemaker. The couple has five children.

Steve Estep (’91), senior pastor of the Harrisonville (Mo.) Church of the Nazarene, was one of five recipients of the ACTS Doctor of Ministry in Preaching at McCormick Theological Seminary’s 172nd commencement ceremonies on May 9, 2006. He and his wife Michelle (Cutlip ’91) have three children: Brandon (13), Brooke (10)

and Blake (8).

Deborah Price (’93) works for The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, a professional engineering organization, where in January 2006, she was promoted to meeting services coordinator. She graduated in May 2006 from Geneva College with a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. She attends Christ’s Outreach Church of the Nazarene and sings backup vocals for a worship band called InnerChange.

Holly (Smith ’93) and Ben Sanders (’97) announce the birth of their third child, Nicholas Terrell, on March 16, 2006, weighing 7 lbs. 8 oz. and measuring 21 inches long. He joins big sisters Krista and Lauren.

Susan (Neuberger ’93) and Russ Thompson announce the birth of Benjamin David on Feb. 11, 2005. Little Ben has a mild form of spina bifida occulta. He also had a tethered cord, which was untethered through major surgery at 6 months of age. He joins siblings, Ben and Leah.

Jeremy Lawrence (’94) is now working and living in Ft. Wayne, Ind., for WBCL, a radio network in northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio and southern Michigan. He has worked as promotions director since September 2005. He and his wife Jennifer have a 4-year-old son, Alexander.

Mike (’95) and Carrie (Robertson ’98) Black announce the birth of daughter, Calin Julia, on April 18, 2006. Weighing 6 lbs. 7 oz., Calin joins big sister Micayla (5) and brother Mason (2). Michael is an Erie Insurance agent and investment /healthcare advisor and Carrie is a stay-at-home mom. The family resides in Hurricane, W.Va.

Staci Shira (’95) married Tom Matthews at Cocoa Beach, Fla., on March 26, 2006. Shown in the photo (online) are Staci’s parents, Dean and Linda Shira, along with Staci and Tom’s children: Jusden, Drezden and Cynthia.

By Tom West, Director of Alumni Relations and University Fund

Choosing graduate school

Choices. Everyone makes them daily. God wants us to make wise choices that will glorify Him—in all we do. Romans 12:1-2* is evidence of that... “So here’s what I want you to do. God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going to work, and walking around—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him. Don’t become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit in to it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God.” (The Message)

I spoke with two young computer science alumni—Nathanael Skirvin (’05) and Thomas “TJ” Seabrooks (’06)—who have chosen to continue their graduate education through doctoral programs at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn.

West: Why did you decide to further your education?

Skirvin: I really enjoyed my education at MVNU. As a junior, I realized that I couldn’t possibly hope to encompass the depth of knowledge I desired for my major in a four-year degree. Wishing to prolong the joy of learning, I elected to pursue a graduate degree.

Seabrooks: A large part of the decision to further my education

has been a lifestyle choice. In the future I hope to have a family and feel that becoming a college professor will allow me to further my professional interests in the form of research while having the flexibility and freedom to spend time with my family.

West: How did MVNU prepare you for your future career, graduate school and life in general?

Skirvin: In far too many ways to count, but here are just a few:

First, the liberal arts education at MVNU provided a lens through which I can interpret the experiences of life. I’ve been equipped to rigorously think about and examine the subjects I encounter, both in and out of the academic environment.

Second, I was taught a trade which allows me to contribute a valuable commodity to the economy. In exchange for my services I receive the means to support myself.

Third, MVNU gave me a taste of what it was like to inhabit a Christian community, where friends and mentors can be relied upon for support, fellowship and edification. I took from this a powerful paradigm for modern Christian living, which I’m attempting to apply outside of MVNU.

West: What would be your advice for students and/or alumni thinking about graduate school?

Skirvin: I recommend doing some undergraduate research, preparing for it in your sophomore year and executing it in your junior year. Find some current problems that are of interest and do independent studies on them. In choosing a graduate school, look for programs that are doing work in the areas you’ve been studying. Also, doing undergraduate research requires consulting the literature, through which you can become familiar with faculty

Tina (Burns ’95) and Mario Tagle reside in Geneva, Ohio, with their daughter, Abbigayle (2). Tina, the church secretary for the First Assembly of God, is a demonstrator for Stampin’ Up, and teaches infant/toddler swimming at the local YMCA. She is active in the Geneva Church of the Nazarene as a licensed minister and treasurer. Mario works for Parker Hannafin in Willoughby, Ohio, and is active in volleyball and softball.

Robb (’95) and Kalyn (Church ’95) Vogelmann welcomed baby Andrew Stephen on April 11, 2006. He joins big sister, Claire (4), and brother, Robby (3). The family resides in Liberty Township, Ohio. Robb is a principal at Lakota East High School and Kalyn, a stay-athome mom.

Stacie (Jackman ’95) and Brian Wheeler announce the birth of their third child, Jaden Matthew, born July 20, 2005, and joining twins Ryan and Raegan (6).

Mark (’96) and Laura (Keen ’99) Calhoon announce the birth of their daughter, Sydney Paige, born April 27, 2006. Mark is a buyer for Ashland Inc. and Laura is the

Mount Vernon NOW

vice president of Peebles Creative Group in Dublin, Ohio.

Stephanie (Hicks ’96) Clarke, her husband, and daughter Morgan (7) moved to Liberty Township, Ohio, in the summer of 2004. They had a second daughter, Merrin Ainsley, in January 2006. Stephanie enjoys a successful career at Ohio National Financial Services.

Dwayne (’96) and Bethany (Reams ’96) Mills moved to Olivet Nazarene University in August 2005, where she is the director of Counseling Services and teaches in the Behavioral Science department. Their second son, Evan Phillip, was born on April 5, 2006. He joins older brother Ethan Edward (5).

Becky (Moffett ’97) and Jim Coontz announce the birth of their daughter, Jadynn Mackenzie, on March 6, 2006, in Mount Vernon, Ohio. She weighed 7 lbs. 15 oz. and was 21 inches in length.

Kim Knowles (’97) moved back to the U.S. in 2003 after having spent six years in Europe. Although she received the senior superlative of “most likely to remain single,” she married long-time childhood

friend, Christopher Anthony, on February 7, 2004. She is employed by the Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University, and has started working this fall toward an M.A. degree in language, literacy and culture.

Dave (’99) and Amy (Wilson ’00) Dubusky welcomed their son, Jackson David, on April 6, 2006. He joins big sister, Taylor (2). The family has recently moved back to Mount Vernon where Dave, a 2004 graduate of the OSU College of Veterinary medicine, is a veterinarian at Hillside Veterinary Clinic. Amy taught first grade in Gahanna for four years and is currently a stay-at-home mom.

Mark (’99) and Hope (Summerson ’99) Labutis welcomed their daughter, Reagan Grace, on June 29, 2006. Weighing 8 lbs. 1 oz. and measuring 21 inches, she joins big brother Grant.

Mike (’99) and Amy (Holler ’99) Murphy announce the birth of their daughter, Alison Brooke, on Nov. 11, 2005, who joins big sister, Abigail Grace (5), and brothers, Ethan Michael (3) and Blake William (2). The family resides in Columbus, Ohio.

2000s

Angela (Williams ’00) Casleman recently graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University with a master’s degree in education. She has just begun her seventh year of teaching English at the secondary level. She and her husband Carson celebrated eight years of marriage in August, and currently reside in Florence, Ky., with daughter Claire (4).

Amanda (Hord ’00) Crim and her husband Chris announce the birth of their first child, Cayman Alexis, on June 21, 2006, who arrived weighing 3 lbs. 10 oz. Amanda is a science teacher at Carey High School, and Chris, an accountant for Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. They live in Carey, Ohio.

Mike (’00) and Melissa (Weaver ’02) Hershberger welcomed Caedon Benjamin on June 12, 2006, weighing in at 7 lbs. 9 oz. and measuring 21 inches in length. Mike is a systems analyst at Ontario Systems in Berlin, Ohio, and Melissa is a CPA at Troyer & Associates in Sugarcreek.

contributions to your specialization; then you will have some idea of whom you might like to work with and can apply to the schools where they are. Lastly, prepare to work hard.

Seabrooks: My best advice would be to decide early on a direction. It is especially important to know what you want and take extra strides to attain it. Computer science graduate programs are extremely competitive and all expect you to have research experience entering their programs. As a student, you have to look for those experiences.

Nathan and I were lucky to work with Dr. Jim Skon on a research project that gave us some of the experience necessary for graduate school. I found that there are a lot of programs available for summer undergraduate research assistants. If you want to go to graduate school, you need to apply to those types of programs. I was actually paid during my summer research assistantship while learning a lot about what graduate school research comprised; this type of arrangement can be great in helping you decide whether graduate school is right for you.

*“... this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

(Romans 12:1b-2, NIV)

Hillary (Ellis ’00) and David Nikkel welcomed Isaac Neil on Feb. 24, 2006. He weighed 7 lbs., .5 oz. and was 19.5 inches long. Hillary left an orthopedic and sports medicine office position to be a full-time homemaker. David graduated from the University of Akron in May 2005 with a degree in computer science engineering, and is now a systems analyst at Ontario Systems in Berlin, Ohio. The family is active in the Wooster Church of the Nazarene.

Shelly Aldrich (’01) announced her engagement to Nels Radtke (’03) on July 1, 2006.

Nate (’01) and Stacey (Pruett ’01) Bellman announce the birth of Trevor Garrett on February 22, 2006, who arrived weighing 7 lbs. 15 oz. and measured 20.5 inches long.

Jennifer (Dunn ’01) Ziemnik and her husband announce the birth of daughter, Avery Rose, on April 12, 2006. She weighed 8 lbs. 14 oz. and measured 21.75 inches. The family resides in Toledo, Ohio.

Upcoming Alumni Events

Tom West and MVNU’s Alumni Relations Office are hitting the road this fall and hope to see you soon! To register for any of these events, please visit alumni.mvnu.edu or call 1-800-367-9294 toll-free. If you have questions, contact alumni@mvnu.edu

OCTOBER

1 Dayton area Alumni Gathering, Beavercreek Church of the Nazarene (N. Fairfield Road). Join us for worship at 10:45 a.m., followed by a FREE catered lunch at 12:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room.

3 Newark Network Lunch, Olive Garden (Hebron Road), noon.

4 Polaris Network Lunch, Smokey Bones (Polaris Parkway), noon.

5 Mansfield Network Lunch, Cheddar’s (Lexington-Springmill Road), noon.

17 Canton Network Lunch, Joe’s Crab Shack (Strip Avenue NW), noon.

18 Mount Vernon Network Lunch, President’s Dining Room (MVNU), 11:30 a.m. Special guest: Columbus NBC News 4 co-anchor Cabot Rea. Also, come hear Cabot Rea in chapel at 10:20 a.m.

19 Cincinnati Network Lunch, Max & Erma’s Restaurant (Union Centre in West Chester), noon.

25 Lima Network Lunch, Olive Garden (Roschman Avenue), noon.

26-28 Kansas City area Alumni Gathering, location to be announced.

31 Coshocton Network Lunch, River Grille (Pine Street), noon.

NOVEMBER

14 Morgantown (W.Va.) Network Lunch, Ruby Tuesday (Pierpont), noon.

15 Charleston (W.Va.) Network Lunch, Embassy Suites Hotel (Court Street), noon.

18 Columbus area Alumni Chapter event, location to be announced.

30–Dec. 1 Phoenix (Ariz.) area Alumni Gathering, location to be announced.

DECEMBER

2-3 Los Angeles (Calif.) area Alumni Gathering, location to be announced.

Nicole (Bost ’02) and Steve Caddell welcomed Grace Ellen on Feb. 25, 2006, who arrived weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz. and measuring 20 inches long. Grace joins big sister Hannah (11). The family resides in Mason, Ohio.

Kim (Crawford ’02) and Shane Campbell welcomed Audrey Eleanor on January 18, 2006, weighing 7 lbs. 11 oz. and measuring 19 inches in length. The Campbells reside in Gahanna, Ohio, where Kim is a stay-athome mom and Shane works for Gannett Fleming Engineers and Architects as a civil engineer.

Preston Ellifritz (’02) and his wife Kairi welcomed their daughter, Kennedee Anne, on Feb. 18, 2006, weighing 6 lbs. 15 oz.

Caryn Hileman (’02) married Adrian Rubio on April 16, 2005. They recently celebrated the birth of their first child, Levi Adrian, on June 18, 2006. He weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz. and measured 18.5 inches long. Caryn teaches fourth grade and the couple resides in El Centro, Calif.

Nicholas Taylor (’02) was deployed for his second tour of duty in Iraq on Jan. 2, 2006, to serve in Tel Afar for 12-16 months. He was promoted to sergeant in the summer of 2005, and is with the 1AD, 1BDE, 2-37, HHC special platoon.

Christopher Warner (’02) was accepted at Trinity Lutheran Seminary in the Master of Arts in Church Music program. He is currently employed with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and is the organist/choirmaster at Trinity United Methodist Church in London, Ohio.

Martin (’03) and Heather (Mann ’03) Burns announce the birth of their son, Kaden Isaac, on March 3, 2006, weighing 7 lbs. 7 oz. and measuring 20 inches. The family resides in Waynesburg, Penn., where Martin works as a youth pastor at First Church of the Nazarene.

Marcus Sims (’03) left his sales position at Verizon Wireless to be the president of Golden Child Productions—his own online publishing and marketing company geared toward young professionals. He resides in Cleveland, Ohio.

Charles Shirey (’04) and his wife Casey welcomed daughter, Eowyn, on March 18, 2006. She arrived weighing 2 lbs. 10 oz. and was 15.75 inches long. Casey’s appendix ruptured when she was 25 weeks pregnant; hence, Eowyn as born 15 weeks premature. They’ve been in the Columbus Ronald McDonald House since Eowyn’s birth.

Lindsay (Noonen ’06) and Caleb McFadden announce the arrival of their daughter Cora Quinn, born May 18, 2006, weighing 8.3 lbs. and measuring 19.5 inches long.

Entries with a camera icon ( ) have a photo available online. To view these photos, visit grapevine.mvnu.edu.

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 grapevine.mvnu.edu.

With this ring…

By Austin Swallow, Executive Director of Development

A wedding ring symbolizes one’s commitment to his/her mate and the fact that two have become one. But for Bette Williams Deel (pictured), her wedding ring from John Williams has come to symbolize something else as well.

John and Bette were married in 1940. Bette’s family had attended the Jefferson (Ohio) Church of the Nazarene, but Bette did not fully commit herself to the Lord until much later in her life. The couple was blessed with four children—three daughters and a son. Their oldest, Patricia Ann, remembers her mom telling her that the first day she put Patricia on the school bus, God asked her what would it take for Bette to commit her own life to him.

Eventually, Bette gloriously submitted to the Lord during a church revival meeting. However, her Christian walk was not always easy, as John did not attend church with her though he was agreeable to her and their children’s participation. She developed a love for missions and prayed constantly for those serving overseas.

On their 50th wedding anniversary in 1990, John gave her a lovely diamond ring and told her to wear it in good health, which she did through the seven ensuing years when John at last had developed heart problems and lung cancer. I mentioned before that Bette was a prayer warrior. For those many years since her conversion, she prayed for John and had received a promise from God that He would be faithful. Indeed, in John’s last days, he gave his heart and life to the Lord, finally passing away on June 8, 1998.

While Bette eventually became reacquainted with and married her high school sweetheart, she kept John’s ring. In the summer of 2005, she and Patricia were having a conversation about that ring when Bette made a decision of eternal consequences to have the ring sold upon her death, with the proceeds going to MVNU to assist a student called to the mission field. Bette went to be with her Savior in March 2006.

This fall, MVNU will honor that commitment when a student will also become of one accord with Bette Williams Deel and her ring through the gift of a woman and a man who were faithful to one another. Only God knows the plan He has for the student recipient, but to Him shall be the glory.

While we generally think first of giving monetary gifts for scholarships, this is an example of another kind of gift. Please contact Austin Swallow, Executive Director for Development to discuss your ideas at 1-800-367-9294.

The Brothers Potter

By J. Keith Newman, Vice President for University Advancement, Enrollment Services and Student Development

And then there were three.... This fall, the third of the brothers Potter arrived on campus to begin a life-changing MVNU experience. Wesley Potter followed in the footsteps of his brothers, Jeffrey (sophomore) and Joel (’06). As MKs, or “missionary kids,” Wesley, Jeffrey and Joel are part of an extraordinary group of students that make MVNU such a special place. The unique MK perspective and influence on campus are a blessing to all of us. Some MKs are so quiet that we almost don’t know they are on campus, while others make their presence known very quickly. We are amazed at what they have seen, heard and experienced in their first 17 or 18 years of life. They have stories that will inspire, challenge and encourage your faith.

Tucked inside my Bible is a small prayer reminder for the people of Vanuatu. I had never heard of Vanuatu until I received the card from Church of the Nazarene missionaries David and Sylvia Potter, parents of Wesley, Jeffrey and Joel. (The television show “Survivor” would later help educate much of the world to the geographical location of this South Pacific island-nation.) In the fall of 2002 during the last few weeks of my pastorate at San Diego Mission Valley, David and Sylvia shared the news for the first time that they were moving from Papua New Guinea to pioneer the work of the Church of the Nazarene in Vanuatu. During their presentation, I also learned that their son Joel was a freshman at MVNU.

Now four years later, Joel has completed his education at MVNU, married Rebekah Radcliffe (another MK and ’05 MVNU alumna), and

will attend graduate school this fall. In 2005, Joel was the recipient of the Clayton J. Meyer Silent Servant Award, an honor given each year to a student at the host school for the Nazarene Student Leadership Conference. When presenting this award, Zach Wilson, Student Government Association (SGA) President, offered these words about Joel:

“Many people have known this year’s recipient as a Supplemental Instruction leader for World Civilization, an SGA representative, an intelligent and studious classmate, a member of the Chapel Committee, and the student assistant for the office of Multicultural Affairs. But these and the other roles he fills are not what his life is really about; they are only a few of the places where the love and servanthood of Christ are displayed through his life. Those who have spent any amount of time talking to him know that he is a caring listener, and his quiet, humble wisdom has impacted the lives of many of his fellow students as he shares what the Lord has taught him.... Everyone who has met him has experienced how the light of God’s love shines through him as he unassumingly serves our campus by simply being who he is.”

While Joel leaves behind a great shadow of influence, Jeffrey and Wesley are quietly making their own mark on MVNU as they find and follow God’s plan for their future. Thanks, David and Sylvia, for sharing your three sons with us!

The Potter family (L-R): David, Sylvia (front), Joel (back), Jefferey and Wesley.

Vanuata photos courtesy of Vanuatu Tourist Office (www.vanuatutourism.com)

Camp Cornish: A part of the early MVNU Experience

By Walter Baughman (’77), University Archivist

A unique MVNU experience in the 1970s chosen by some students was a weekly class called “Camp Cornish English.” Students would ride a bus, affectionately termed the Blue Goose and driven by Irvin “Brooksie” Brooks, to the Girl Scout camp on the eastern edge of Mount Vernon. Professors Art Seamans and Esther Schlosser were on hand to greet the green freshmen as they arrived.

November 9-11

Doc Seamans wanted to give students a chance to think “outside the four brick walls” of the classroom. Students would read each other’s theme papers, play volleyball, go for walks, and discuss books they were reading. In retrospect, Seamans and Schlosser were ahead of their time—teamteaching three groups of 50 students. Brooksie would then return in the evenings with his wife, Elizabeth, to serve picnic-style suppers. Campfire devotionals completed their sessions, and at day’s end, the students would ride the Goose back to campus and eagerly awaited the next week’s class.

As reported in the October 1971 issue of The Communicator, “The intent is to give students a warm, personal, and relaxed atmosphere which will increase the students’ creative ability to write, and their interest in learning. This type of session enables the professors to develop a certain train of thought more fully, and allows the students to put in a more concentrated effort on their writing.”

Though classroom facilities at MVNU have come a long way since 1970, the institution still seeks to create an enhanced learning environment, complemented by nurturing faculty and staff, and a life-changing MVNU Experience.

Please send any Camp Cornish memories you have to Walt Baughman, MVNU Archivist, at wbaughma@mvnu.edu.

Part of the students’ college experience was, as always, the clothing. Notice the trousers on one of our volleyball players. Groovy, man!

Jon Archer may only appear as if he is sleeping. No doubt, he is deeply concentrating on the lecture.

Put these dates on your calendar—don’t miss MVNU’s Homecoming! We’ll be recognizing and celebrating leadership in a variety of ways. Come—reminisce, recollect and re-energize with faculty, staff and friends at MVNU this fall.