Mount Vernon NOW Spring 2005

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A Publication for Alumni and Friends of Mount Vernon Nazarene University SPRING 2005 • VOL. 40 • ISSUE 2 • www.mvnu.edu

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The ministry of

support

Christian greetings to you!

In the history of MVNU, George and Esther Jetter stand as giants in their commitment and support for the University. Dr. Jetter fondly quotes Dr. J.B. Chapman, who said, “If I had $1,000,000, I would give $800,000 to Christian colleges or universities.” It’s one thing to make this statement; the Jetters live it, and continue to provide significant financial resources to MVNU.

Dr. Jetter was a member of the original board of “Zone A Nazarene College” (later named Mount Vernon Nazarene College). This new school was given a “gift” of $5,000, minus incurred expenses, from the General Church of the Nazarene in 1966 to launch the new school. This was deposited in the Fort Recovery Bank where George Jetter was a director. At the first formal board meeting of the institution in 1966, he was elected chair of the Finance Committee, a position he held until 1998.

By Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks, MVNU President

and South America and in numerous countries in Africa.

Compassionate Ministries represents another important dimension of their support.

The Jetters love MVNU students and have provided generous scholarship funds, administered through their various scholarship endowment programs throughout the years.

Dr. and Mrs. Jetter began talking with MVNU President Dr. William Prince about a business building on campus. They started saving money and their dream became a reality when the Free Enterprise Business Center was dedicated in November 1990.

The Jetters’ commitment to Christian family life and values led us to plan for a Jennie K. Moore Family and Consumer Science Building which was opened in 1999. The building (below) was expanded significantly during the past year and will be dedicated this spring.

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Spring 2005 • Vol. 40 • Issue 2

D.C. trip opens hearts and minds Lives were transformed as 20 MVNU students learned the true meaning of ministry on the streets of Washington, D.C.

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Join MVNU in Indianapolis General Assembly is only a few months away. Make plans now to meet up with MVNU at a variety of events.

23 Alumni take "Lester Finn" national Formerly "Candle Rain," "Lester Finn" prepares to release its debut album in June.

Cover: MVNU students, faculty and alumni study and live all over the world, creating a global ripple of positive influence and change.

President Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks Vice President for University Advancement J. Keith Newman Director of Communications Carrie A. Crouch

Communications Assistant Trinia Huddleston

Contributors

Dr. Jetter, a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, is an engineer. Early in his career, he was greatly influenced by the late R.J. LeTourneau, who counseled him to build chapels on the mission fields and give heavily to Christian higher education.

The Jetters founded what became Fort Recovery Industries in 1945.

The Lord blessed the work enormously. In 2004, George was selected by a committee to receive his company’s Founder’s “Service Above Self” Award. He donated the award money to MVNU. Never losing focus on the “the ministry of supporting,” the Jetters funded churches in Haiti, Central

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Martin Audeaud David Baker Walter Baughman Sara Brothers Dr. Karen Doenges Scott Elmore Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks Dr. Candace Fox

The Jetters are on campus often.

The photo of the Jetters and me was taken when they gave a check to MVNU representing the balance needed to complete the Jennie K. Moore facility.

The quiet ministry of support. This phrase characterizes the Jetters.

What a ministry! What a blessing!

What a family!

Bharon Hoag Dr. Robert Kasper Dr. Kyong Kim Dr. Joseph Lechner Ryan Long Dr. Paul Madtes J. Keith Newman Rev. Bruce Oldham

Dr. Tomas Parks Dave Parsons Dr. Steve Ragan Dr. C. Jeanne Serrão Carlos M. Serrão Dr. David Skinner Dr. Jim Skon Dr. Rhoda Sommers

Craig Strasbaugh Austin Swallow Dr. Randie Timpe John Washatka Dr. Randall Wells Tom West Dr. David Wilkes Wayne Yerxa

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). With a 400-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio and satellite Adult and Graduate Studies campuses in Columbus, Cincinnati, Lima and Newark, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth and service to community and church.

MVNU offers an affordable education to more than 2,450 students from 24 states and 11 countries.

Postmaster: Send address changes to: Mount Vernon NOW 800 Martinsburg Road Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050-9500

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Integrating

faith and learning:

Linking head, heart and hands

By Dr. Randie Timpe, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean

On March 3, 2005, MVNU announced Dr. Randie Timpe as the next vice president for academic affairs and academic dean. Timpe came to MVNU in 1975 and has served faithfully for the past 30 years in various roles, including interim vice president for academic affairs during this past year. Timpe is a Christian scholar and is highly respected by the MVNU faculty as a man of impeccable integrity. Over the years, he has worked tirelessly for the advancement of the University. In his new role, Timpe will channel this passion toward faculty development and guiding the institution in cementing its reputation as an outstanding teaching University. Instructional issues are priorities as he leads the faculty in revising current curriculum and in creating new academic programs to attract and equip a growing number of students in MVNU's undergraduate and graduate programs.

Christian colleges and universities are distinctive in their missions and roles among the diversity of social institutions on the world’s landscape. During the summer orientations, we describe the mission and focus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University in terms of the outcomes of the MVNU experience. When students graduate from the University, we want them to be: • • •

competent Christians, competent citizens, and competent professionals.

While going through the Mount Vernon Nazarene University experience, we view students as: • • •

Christians-in-the-making, citizens-in-the-making, and professionals-in-the-making.

The MVNU experience is intentionally designed, in its cocurricular and curricular components, to develop personal competence in all three areas. Other social institutions may develop one or two of the dimensions, but rarely all three.

The educational and evangelistic thrust of local church congregations is toward developing competent Christians.

Some may even address various competencies of the citizenry, including community involvement. Producing competent professionals is beyond the local ministry of the church.

Private or independent (non-church-related) colleges and universities often focus on the latter two areas: producing competent citizens and competent professionals. Many leave the spiritual dimension alone. Similarly, public universities may include competency in citizenship as an institutional goal, but focus more intensely on competency as professionals.

The Christian university strives to meet all three, and as such, represents a more complex and sophisticated mission.

In the course of education, students learn to use the tools and technology of the trades and professions. When the tools are capable of effecting changes in others, whether it is through evangelism, persuasion, surgery or teaching, the values and ethics of the servant-leader take on added significance. How will the tools be used? Will they be used to build or destroy?

When individuals are competent and when tools are potent, it is imperative that we know the character of the tool user.

Here is where the competency of character, in its spiritual, community and professional aspects, pinpoints the central mission of the Christian university.

At Mount Vernon Nazarene University, the end of education is service as expressed in our motto, “To seek to learn is to seek to serve.” We dream of competent servant-leaders for the 21st century, yet we are aware of the gifts of differing service opportunities and ministries. As there are varying styles of learning (e.g., visual, auditory or kinesthetic), there are various styles of service. Some serve in the world of the mind—the world of the intellectual, the world of thoughts and ideas.

Others participate more in the world of the affective, in the world of felt values (a world of heart). Still other artisans serve in the world of the kinesthetic, the world of the hands, the world of actions.

While an educated individual may have a specialty of service where the head, heart or hands take leadership or are more evident, an integrated faith and learning requires that all be touched and developed—competent heads, competent hearts, competent hands.

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School of Natural and Social Sciences

Biology and missions:

A means to live out our call to serve

By Dr. Paul Madtes, Professor of Biology

God’s great adventure

By Sara Brothers (Bumpus ’03)

A year ago, Wes and I were polishing up our portfolios and resumés to attend an international schools’ job fair, composed of over 150 schools from all over the world. Had God already picked one out for us? Before our second interview, Wes asked me, “If this next school offers us a position, are we going to take it?” The interview went great, and by the end of the day the contract was signed. Harder than signing the contract, however, was calling home. We tried to break the news to our families gently. “We will be spending the next two years teaching in Bahrain, a small island off the coast of Saudi Arabia.”

We have been living in Bahrain since August 2004. Unlike other Persian Gulf countries, Bahrain is fairly liberal. Women are not required to cover their heads, but are encouraged to cover their shoulders and knees. Many women choose to dress entirely in black; however, few choose to cover their face. The call to prayer can be heard five times a day, but we have grown accustomed to sleeping through the earlymorning one.

Since the Islamic holy day is Friday, our workweek goes from Saturday to Wednesday. From Oct. 15 to Nov. 15, the Muslims participate in the month of Ramadan, a period of fasting while the sun is up. It was illegal during this time to eat or drink in public. Around 5:30 p.m., a canon was fired signaling a breaking of the fast. For those families too far away to hear the canon, the local television station covered the event.

Many nationalities are represented on the island. Of the 600,000 residents, 400,000 are Bahrainis and 200,000 are expatriates. The majority of expatriates come from India, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.

The working class lives and works in inhumane environments. With the financial support of the United States Naval Base in Bahrain, the church we attend delivers food to the villages where many live without running water or electricity.

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We both teach at the Bahrain Bayan School, which is a bilingual (Arabic and English) college preparatory school with approximately 1,000 Bahraini students from 1st and 2nd kindergarten to the 12th grade. Students can earn an American high school and/or international Wes and Sara Brothers in front of baccalaureate diploma. Wes the famous Burj-Al-Arab Hotel. teaches high school social studies and economics, and I teach 3rd- and 4th-grade mathematics. The students have been learning English since they began 1st kindergarten, which makes the language barrier nearly nonexistent. The teaching staff comes from all over the world, including India, Lebanon, Egypt, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Japan and the U.S. Not only are we learning a lot about the Bahraini culture, but also about other world cultures through our relationships with other teachers.

When we lived in the United States, we took some time trying to find our first church home. When we got to Bahrain, however, the choice was obvious. Our first Friday in a church service brought us our first sense of home since we stepped foot in Bahrain. We had found other Christians—our family-away-from-family. Our pastor is a missionary from Australia.

Little did we know when we walked into that job fair that we would be living in Bahrain one day. We do not know how long we might stay here, or where God will call us next—but we do know that when you trust in Him, you can be part of a great adventure wherever you are in the world.

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Since the MVNU Biology Department is committed to training students to enter a global society and make a positive impact for Christ, we look to provide opportunities for its students to engage in crosscultural and ministry experiences through a growing variety of venues.

One option for an experience in cross-cultural diversity and international development is travel to the Kudjip mission station in Papua New Guinea (PNG). Students read and journal about many different aspects of PNG life and culture, which supplements daily experiences with missionaries and nationals in many different settings. The class also includes a significant service-learning component, the most recent being painting several hospital buildings as well as a number of staff houses. Interested students shadow doctors and observe the practice of medicine in a two-thirdsworld environment through hospital experiences and rural clinics, seeing firsthand what primary health care can do for basic health needs. Training is included in the Community-Based Health Care program used as a humanitarian and evangelistic ministry.

Current students also have the opportunity to travel to Belize to combine study of a tropical ecosystem with an investment in the lives of brothers and sisters in Christ through the Church there. In addition to the academic exploration of a variety of tropical

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ecosystems throughout the region, there are opportunities for students to share their knowledge through teaching students in local primary and secondary schools, numerous times for worshipping together with Belizean believers—an opportunity that is especially valuable for the local youth—and occasionally through contributions to service projects that strengthen the educational opportunities for children in Belize. This combination of academics with teaching, worship and service projects models the lifestyle of serving others that we desire for each of our graduates.

We are currently exploring the possibility of creating a ministry opportunity for our former students to connect with current students on a medical missions project. One alumnus, Dr. Tami Buell (’91), serves as the Compassionate Ministries Coordinator for the MAC South Region. There she has the opportunity to identify needy areas within Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama where a positive impact for Christ can be readily related to medical needs. A combination of treatment and public health training is being designed so medical teams can travel to specific locations and work together with local clinicians and authorities. If successful, this model will be reproduced both within the U.S. and in other areas of the world.

MVNU students engage in high-tech mission

By Dr. Jim Skon, Professor of Computer Science

The Bahamas are known for their 700+ islands with beautiful beaches, luxury resorts and friendly people. But, did you know that of the 400,000 people, almost 90 percent live in an urban environment, and most of those live in Nassau, the capital city? The government schools do a fantastic job with very limited resources, achieving a 96 percent literacy rate. Computer technology, however, is still a very limited resource for these schools.

In July 2004, four MVNU students— Thomas Seabrooks, Nathanael Skirvin, Jason Skufca and Emily Snyder—visited the Bahamas to help two Nassau schools set up computers and computer networking for student and staff use.

The students were accompanied by Joe Noonen, MVNU assistant to the chaplain for Missions and Ministry, his daughter Shayna, and Dr. Jim Skon, professor of Computer Science, and his son Luke.

During the 12 months preceding the trip, Skon and his students collected used computer equipment from MVNU and nearby Kenyon College. Students worked at MVNU during their 2004 spring break to prepare and pack the equipment. The students took 85 donated computers, and managed to assemble the parts into 55 complete systems, loaded with software, tested and ready for deployment. In addition, 12 network hubs and hundreds of feet of networking cable were prepared. This equipment was packed into 55 donated boxes,

and shipped ahead of the team to the job site.

Dr. Jim Skon (in orange) and his technology student team.

Skon's son Luke (center) also assisted in the project.

When the team arrived in Nassau in July, they deployed the equipment into two junior high schools, each serving about 2,000 students. In one of the schools, the team built a network connecting 50 computers, including three student labs, a teachers’ lab and eight computers in the administrators’ offices. This network was then tied into the Internet via a DSL connection. The vice principal was so excited upon seeing Google.com appear on her office computer screen, that she did a dance, then picked Nathanael Skirvin up off the ground in a bear hug! While most of the week was spent setting up labs in the schools, the team also delivered and set up computers for some of the local churches, one of which they had the pleasure to attend for a Sunday service.

The team worked hard every day, even putting in some evening hours to complete as much work as possible during the one-week trip. A significant amount of effort went into diagnosing problems and repairing existing computers at the schools. It was exciting and rewarding for the MVNU team to see a working, networked computer lab where, only a few days earlier, there had been an empty classroom.

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Living, loving and learning in

China

By Dr. Rhoda Sommers, Associate Professor of Education

For some MVNU alumni, fulfilling our institution’s motto, “To seek to learn is to seek to serve,” has meant becoming part of a different culture and nation. Bob (’98) and Rachel Scroggins (Rutgers ’97) are serving with International Schools of China, Inc. (www.teachwithisc.com) in Tianjin. Bob (pictured left in his classroom) teaches at Tianjin International School while Rachel (pictured left) cares for their children, Maya (2) and Samuel (9 months).

Even before enrolling at MVNU, Bob knew God was calling him to China though he wasn’t sure how that call would be fulfilled. As a student, he met and married Rachel, who would help carry their mission forward. Because teaching with International Schools included a stipend, they were able to move to China shortly after graduation. For

Technology community

outreach for pre-service teachers

By Martine Audéoud, Assistant Professor of Education

As education programs seek to diversify their students’ exposure to teaching situations, MVNU’s Education Department is maximizing its freshmen’s educational technology field experiences. Students are required to give eight hours of technology tutoring as a community service to cross-cultural populations. These opportunities have now been expanded, leading to renewed vision in student perspectives.

experience. The populations served include Somali adults and teens, and AfricanAmerican inner-city middle and high school students who need computer skills—for professional growth, education and/or personal purposes.

Why does MVNU expose students to cross-cultural communities with technology at the freshman level?

Tutors were encouraged to take students at the technology level that they were at, and move them up while taking into account their students’ needs and personal desires. The tutoring could include the most basic skills such as how to use a mouse and draw with a paint program, to reading and art development through technology, word processing, multimedia-presentations and Internet skills.

1. At the beginning of their college career, students need to experience diversity as a “way of life,” as one of the prime values of their teacher preparation program.

2. Technology is a very concrete yet “open” tool that can facilitate a student’s first exposure to tutoring situations.

3. Technology is an area where a number of cross-cultural communities feel that they are at a “deficit” compared to average middle-class American society.

4. Technology represents a powerful cross-cultural communication tool that enables pupils to showcase their own cultural background to tutors, and for tutors to better understand their pupils’ needs and cultural challenges.

Two computer labs in Somali refugee training centers and one African-American after-school outreach program, Fountain of Hope, were identified in Columbus, Ohio, for this 5

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During this project, MVNU students were faced with language barriers, physical and technical limitations, time management, curriculum fluidity and specific needs of their pupils. For most, these challenges were transformed into opportunities for growth.

One MVNU student commented, “I came away so blessed and more open-minded. The way I was accepted by my students and the way they were so willing to share what they had with all of us really touched me.” Another reflected, “I think this has helped make me more willing to teach in similar situations. Although I was the ‘teacher,’ I feel like I was the one being taught many things.”

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two years, Rachel taught kindergarten and Bob initially taught first grade and then pioneered the school’s art program.

Afterward, they decided to move back to the U.S. to have their first child. They lived in Ohio for two years where Bob had a teaching job. But soon, both knew it was time for a change and were delighted when God opened the doors for them to move back to China. The Scroggins now plan to stay in China for an indefinite period.

Why would a young couple with family, friends and a comfortable future choose to live in China? Rachel noted, “Here in China, we have such clear purpose for our lives.

We are [living] our faith every day. It is a wonderful place to raise a family. Our team is committed to making a difference in the lives of people all around us.” Working with and living in close proximity to a team who shares a strong common goal continues to be a powerful factor in their decision to live in China.

Bob currently teaches 13 fourth graders who come from Korea, Hong Kong and America, in a school of 284 students in pre-K through twelfth grade. While the majority of the students are Asian, they represent countries from all around the world. Tianjin International School is known for its high academic standards and positive peer influence. Students also have the opportunity to interact daily with role models who consistently live out their faith.

Bob’s love for children’s literature, which he acquired while in MVNU’s teacher education program, is reflected daily in his classroom. He recently had the opportunity to share

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effective ways to use children’s literature in the elementary classroom at a teacher’s convention in Beijing. He is also interested in helping establish an outdoor education program.

While Rachel is the main caregiver for Maya and Samuel, she also spends time building relationships with individuals in their city of more than 10 million people. She has discovered that the best way for her to share her faith is to take seriously her responsibility to teach their children the ways of the Lord. In doing this, she not only impacts their lives, but also the lives of her Chinese helpers and friends who regularly see how the Scroggins live.

Maya and Samuel have the added advantage of learning to appreciate different cultures by growing up in another Bob (far right) with his fourth-grade class. country.

Both Bob and Rachel attend Chinese language lessons for two hours each week. This is a great help in being able to function in the Chinese culture. Their teaching and living situation allows them to combine their professional training with their love for and commitment to the Chinese people while being an exemplary reflection of the MVNU motto.

The art of listening

By Dr. Candace Fox, Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences

Was there ever a time when you thought your marriage was going to fall apart? What made you stay? What lessons did you learn? What do you think is the secret of a long marriage?

These were a few of the questions that the MVNU Marriage and the Family class wanted to ask residents of local assistedliving facilities. Although the textbook gave advice for strong marriages, students wanted to hear firsthand what older adults felt was the key to their success.

Originally planned as a day to celebrate long-lived marriages, the class provided activities and refreshments for residents of The Living Center, The Inn at Hillenvale, Country Club Retirement Campus and the Ohio Eastern Star Home. Groups sang songs accompanied by a guitar and shared about their lives. The senior adults were interested in hearing about the younger people’s relationships and marriages as well.

Students’ written responses stated that they were surprised to hear the seniors echo the themes mentioned in the textbook.

Although the goal was to provide a service by visiting with the older adults, students also changed some stereotypical thinking as a result of the visit: “Before I arrived I had a number of negative, preconceived notions in my head about how the visit would be, but was pleasantly surprised that none of them became a reality. I was surprised when we were met by a group of intellectual and interesting older adults.

Their stories touched me and I realized that there is nothing we

can’t overcome in our marriages if we trust God and draw strength from Him and from each other.” — Lindsey Gray “I could not get over how well the residents listened when other people were talking. When we inquired what they thought made a good marriage, they said communication and really listening when disagreements came. When I think about marriage and relationships today—maybe people are in such a rush that they truly forget to listen, which causes problems because neither side knows what the other is trying to say.” — Drew Williams

Student participants Lindsey Gray and Drew Williams.

The students agreed that the visits were worthwhile and should become a part of each semester.

Students learned to listen and appreciate wisdom from another generation, and the senior adults enjoyed sharing their stories with an eager audience.

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School of Theology and Philosophy The second week allowed students to explore firsthand how that can be done. Relocating to Washington, D.C., students visited ministry sites emphasizing a range of social and spiritual approaches and evaluated how those churches and agencies form what they do around both sociological and theological principles. The group also interviewed University of Maryland students on perspectives influenced by postmodern and pluralistic thinking and, from those, proposed a ministry undertaking for a secular community.

The climax of the week was spending a day on the streets as one of the homeless, leaving material support behind and encountering needy people where they lived.

Reflections flowed by week’s end. “We have such deeply ingrained assumptions of what the church should look like that we lose sight of the purpose and mission of the church, seeing and reaching out to people as Christ does,” recounted senior Shaun Emick. Junior Ashley Reeves admitted, “I know now how much I don’t know about what people need, unless I build relationships with them.”

Students in front of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in D.C.

Ministry class

to D.C. changes

hearts and lives

By Rev. Bruce Oldham, Associate Professor of Christian Education

“God created people for community, to be connected by webs of social networks,” wrote Ron Sider in Churches That Make a Difference.

“People cannot be abstracted from their social settings, thus a biblical understanding of persons should lead the church to seek both spiritual renewal and social renewal … combining word and deed the way Jesus did.” Sider’s challenge to holistic ministry forms the basis for study, discussion and experience in “Ministry in Its Social Context,” a class offered each January at MVNU. Dr. Bill Youngman, working with Dr. Tom Nees, began teaching the course in the early 1970s as “Forms of Contemporary Ministry.” Joe Noonen, assistant to the chaplain for Mission and Ministry Students in front of Luther Place, and an adjunct professor, now leads the course. a ministry to homeless women.

This January, 20 students spent a week on campus examining the biblical and theological foundations for ministry in their social and cultural contexts. Students learned that the New Testament’s model for ministry involved interpreting the Spirit’s power in a given social context and becoming “new wineskins,” making disciples in new and creative ways even when the situation changed. By caring, asking and listening, they discovered that today’s church can invade the culture with the Gospel, to effectively serve the redemptive purpose of God!

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“I will never forget the day I was ‘homeless,’” remembered senior Michaele Boquist. “While sitting in Chinatown, an older African-American homeless man approached me. I was so scared that he was going to bring another round of sexually assaulting words that I’d gotten used to hearing that day, I buried my face as he came closer.

Instead, he asked if I was okay. After trying to assure him that I was fine, he said he was worried about me Students return from the “homeless and wanted to help. day” on the streets of D.C. Reaching in his bag, he unburied the only $5 bill I could see among a wad of ones.

I filled up with guilt and apprehension as he tried to give it to me. I knew I really had more than he did. I said, ‘Please, you really don’t have to do this,’ but he pushed the bill into my hand and said, ‘Honey, I know you’ve done this for me many times.’ My eyes filling with tears, I somehow mumbled a thank you, put my head down and watched him walk away. I knew that I had rarely done that for anyone, yet I heard Jesus’ words through that man as a challenge—that now I really must do this for the least of Jesus’ brothers! The call to action in Matthew 25 has never stood out to me like it does now!”

This class is just one of the many creative means MVNU faculty leads students into relevant learning about life and ministry. For more information, contact Dr. C. Jeanne Serrão in the School of Theology and Philosophy, at (740) 392-6868, ext. 3602.

MVNU student Ashley Reeves helps with an after-school program of the Community of Hope.

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Opening a

window on the world

By Craig Strasbaugh, Junior

Doug Flemming (’87) is the missionary in residence at MVNU this spring. He comes to Mount Vernon from his assignment in Manila, the Philippines, as the Asia-Pacific Regional Communications Coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene.

Though he will teach a missions class this semester and two communication courses, he will also balance his time between family and weekend deputation services. With years of experience in Asia, it would be an understatement to say that communication majors have much to learn from this servant of God; we could all learn something valuable, as I learned in just one visit.

What is your background?

“I grew up in southwest Indiana, the last of a pastor’s seven children. We lived in an average, white, suburban area, but my parents showed me early on what compassionate ministries should look like. They regularly invited homeless and needy people into our home for meals. However, I got my first view of cross-cultural ministry at World Youth Conference (now Nazarene Youth Conference) in Mexico, after which point I decided to attend MVNU.”

What role has education played in your life?

“While attending MVNU, I sensed God calling me to “preach the Word” during my devotions one day. However, I did not feel necessarily called to pastoral ministry. So I told God that I would be willing to ‘preach’ at every opportunity while pursuing some other area of ministry. I chose communication

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as my major, knowing that all aspects of ministry require good communication skills. After graduation, I was led to Bresee Institute in Los Angeles (through Azusa Pacific University). This immersion into the urban context radically shaped much of my ministry perspective. Upon completion of the program, I accepted a short-term assignment at a radio station on Saipan which allowed many opportunities for urban-type ministry with youth, prisoners and contract workers.

After 10 months in Micronesia, I was then hired by the city of Los Angeles to work with at-risk youth. All of these ministry experiences convinced me that I needed more education, so I finished my master’s degree in missions at Nazarene Theological Seminary. While in Kansas City we Flemming (left) with Strasbaugh. continued our urban ministry focus at an inner-city church. So all these diverse experiences and education continually opened new windows to the world for us, and eventually led to our current assignment in Manila, the Philippines.”

After all of your cross-cultural experiences, what would you most like people to know?

“In the United States, it can be very easy to settle into a comfortable, sheltered, Christian lifestyle … to seek blessings and forget the reason why we are blessed—to be a blessing to others. MVNU’s motto is so true: “To seek to learn is to seek to serve.” We just need to keep the focus on serving others rather than ourselves. So, I guess I would challenge all of us to open our eyes to the realities and needs of the world around us and seek ministry opportunities no matter where our calling or career may lead. There is so much more to life than just settling for the average American lifestyle. Seek to be God’s blessing to others, wherever He leads you.”

Flemming is married to Angie and they have four children: Ian, Taylor, Sierra and Austin.

Women in Ministry Network Day

Workshops: Boundaries and Balance in Ministry, Rev. Tracy Ogden Johnson Conflict Management, Mrs. Joanie Doerr Professionalism in Ministry, Rev. Pam Thompson

April 7, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene Mount Vernon, Ohio

Special guest: Rev. Mary Paul, an experienced pastor, writer and preacher, will be the keynote speaker. She co-pastors the St. Paul’s Church of the Nazarene in Duxbury, Mass., with her husband, Bruce. She previously served as senior pastor at First Church of the Nazarene in Lynn, Mass., and Bethel Church of the Nazarene in Quincy, Mass. She is the niece of Dr. David Cubie, MVNU professor emeritus, and sister of MVNU’s Professor Anderson Rearick. Speaking on “Becoming Christ to your Congregation,” Rev. Paul will address the especially important issues of power and humility as they relate to women clergy and their congregations.

Authentic Worship, Rev. Susan Armstrong Small Group Ministries, Rev. Cindy Stiverson and Kendra Lambert

Cost: Early registration: $35 ($15 for students) for conference, lunch and materials.

After April 1: $45 ($20 for students).

Nazarene clergy may earn up to .5 Continuing Education Units.

To register or for more information, call Jodi Bryant at 1-877-640-7400 or e-mail clear@mvnu.edu.

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School of Arts and Humanities

Often the lessons we learn early in our lives shape how we live those lives. I can recall a particular middle school teacher giving a lesson that guides me to this day. He said, roughly translated, “Strive to live a cubic life.” This sounds a bit odd in English, but the Korean word for “cubic” literally means “volumic,” or multiplane, and its connotation is open to many possible meanings, such as multiperspectival or multidimensional. A half-century has passed since I learned this lesson. And, I must admit, I am still seeking to discover what such a seemingly simple guide as this entails.

I simply took my teacher’s words to mean something along the lines of “living a multidimensional life.” As a young man, I had dreamed of becoming an artist, but other things always seemed to come into play. And while it would be easy to simply regret the road not taken, the lights of inspiration often show us just how much more of the world there is to explore. My daughter’s interest and work in art, friends and colleagues working in the arts, the occasional dabbling with pen and paper, the odd article or fact about an artist—for certain, all of these served to light the space of my life. Especially, taking a cue from Anna Mary Robertson Moses (Grandma Moses: 1860–1961), who began painting during her seventies, I began in the summer of 2003 to make time and space for painting and drawing. And, though I did not set out with the goal in mind, my artistic work has in many ways made my life more “cubic.”

As a professor of communication, I have spent a large part of my life dealing with, interpreting and understanding signs, abstractions and the processes by which we communicate. But while semioticians seek to understand the signs and meanings of human communication as they impact our lives, artists often take a very different approach. A famous Korean abstract painter, Byung-ki Kim, once defined art as “the spirit projected into materiality,” noting that to encounter a painting is a moment of epiphany as we recognize the spirit invested in the materiality of canvas, paper, graphite and pigments. It is for him, not an abstraction of spirit, but a communication of it. For her part, my daughter, YeWon Kim, goes a bit further—stating that she does not intend for people to “abstract” anything from her work. She approaches her work in art as a holistic process,

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Dr. Kyong Kim (right) with his daughter YeWon.

drawing on the experiences and materials she has at hand in an attempt to create beauty. She says, “I try to draw on the spontaneous, playful and natural aspects of artistic expression along the lines of ‘Wu-Wei,’ or ‘not forcing,’” She wants people to understand that her work is not a sign or a symbol for something else, not a puzzle or a clue intended to communicate a particular meaning.

For my own part, these ideas about art seem to resonate both with the work that I have done in art, and in my appreciation for works of art. While drawing portraits, I often find myself engaged in a ruminative communication with my subject matter. As I sketched in the details of JeanPaul Sartre’s portrait, I recalled his admonition to “strive to be man to the very limit, to the absurd, to the night of unknowingness,” and at once I found myself haunted, surrounded and engulfed with the impact of his existential anxiety. Inversely, while working on the image of the GermanAmerican theologian Paul Tillich, I could almost hear his voice: “To overcome the existential anxiety, have an absolute faith in the God above Painting by YeWon Kim. God.” And it is this dialogue of ideas, of spirit, that draws me back again and again to art as a fount of expression and inspiration. It is the dialogue between myself and my work— a dialogue with the spiritual. It is both Grandma Moses saying to me as I draw her delicate face, “Life is what we make—always has been, always will be,” and my own humble and honest reply: “I am trying to make a ‘cubic’ life.”

My daughter YeWon and I wish to take this opportunity to thank the MVNU community for their support and appreciation of our work, especially the time, work and effort of Professor John Donnelly, Professor Jim Hendrickx, Lori Wilkes, Carrie Crouch and members of the MVNU Art Committee, who made our recent show possible.

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The role of an

American hero

By Scott Elmore, Senior

Singer Bob Dylan once said, “I think of a hero as someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with his freedom.” This past fall semester, I gained a full understanding of responsibility in relation to my American citizenship, but I am not yet a hero.

In September, I started a four-month adventure in Washington, D.C., with the American Studies Program (ASP) through the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. I had the amazing opportunity to participate in an internship that gave me access to a side of government few people ever see. I was also given the chance to engage my heart and mind in a dialogue with fellow students from across the country about ideas and concerns facing Christians serving in the public sphere.

Most of my fellow students at ASP gained internships on Capitol Hill working for their congressman or senator. I, however, chose a very different path. My internship placement was in the Executive Office of the President with the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The USTR serves as the President’s top trade advisor and negotiator. There, I worked closely with the press secretary, Neena Moorjani.

Although my time at USTR was brief, I was afforded the opportunity to play a role in history. On my second day, we held a ceremony with the foreign commerce minister from the Kingdom of Bahrain at the White House to sign the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement. I was thrilled to witness this event as this agreement is the first of its kind in the Middle East and will hopefully serve as an impetus for peace in that region.

The rest of my tenure at USTR was filled with equally exciting events. Whether announcing a multi-agency initiative to crack down on piracy and counterfeiting or delivering a letter to the

Speaker of the House, I was given the unique chance to learn about government while furthering my biblical understanding of public service.

The educational curriculum of ASP extended far beyond the Republican and Democratic platforms. Our professors set public policy issues ranging from campaign tactics to human rights to the international AIDS pandemic before us and guided us as we interacted with the Bible. I learned to look past partisan politics and apply issues to a biblical framework, a framework demanding righteousness and justice.

Scott Elmore (right) with Donald Rumsfeld.

The lesson I have drawn from my time in our nation’s capital is that everyone has a different list of priorities, even Christians.

Everyone wants to see poverty alleviated; it is the question of how that causes division. We all have our different views on how to bring peace and prosperity to this world, and we are willing to shout our competing plans from the rooftops, but many times we leave it at that.

The responsibility that Dylan spoke of is civic participation, but I believe this responsibility extends past the voting booth.

This is the challenge I faced in Washington, and I encourage you to tackle it with me. A hero does not merely understand his responsibility—he acts on it. He engages in a constructive dialogue with his counterparts in the hopes of finding a common understanding. In two words (according to Lesslie Newbigin), he is a “patient revolutionary.” Following this model, we can all become heroes.

Boyd authors book

featuring local pictures

By Trinia Huddleston, Communications Assistant

Mount Vernon Nazarene University adjunct photography professor Donald Edgar Boyd, along with Arcadia Publishing, recently released Mount Vernon, one of the newest titles in the Images of America series. The book includes 199 pictures, some dating from the 1800s. Several MVNU students also assisted in research and compilation of the book.

“I learned so much doing this,” shared Boyd, who gathered the pictures from various sources throughout Knox County, including local business

owners, historical societies and many individuals. Not only does the book show the history of Mount Vernon through pictures, it also shows a relative history of photography. Boyd grew up in Sparta, Ohio, and is now a Mount Vernon resident.

The publication is available in Mount Vernon at Paragraphs Bookstore, Packard’s Gifts and Home Accessories, Rundell Goldsmiths, Creative Images, and Colonial Bookshop/Kid’s Shelf. In Gambier, it is available at the Kenyon Bookstore.

Arcadia Publishing began in 1993 in Dover, N.H., as a one-woman organization with ten titles the first year. They now publish various forms of local histories, which Book Notes termed, “expert scrapbooks, each [title] features historically significant photographs chosen to educate as well as captivate readers.”

MVNU is proud to have faculty members who engage in community life and actively contribute to the spirit of Knox County and Mount Vernon. For more information about the book, contact dboyd@mvnu.edu or (740) 392-6868, ext. 3046.

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Support our students

By Austin Swallow, Executive Director for Development

Sarah’s story Sarah Williams is a typical MVNU student in many ways. Her parents encouraged her to further her education after high school— knowing college would help prepare her for life. She chose MVNU over several other universities because it was close enough to go home for visits, but far enough away that she could feel “on her own.” She had been on the campus many times during high school and liked the friendly atmosphere.

Williams’ parents both work: Paul is the postmaster in Morral, Ohio, and Millie is employed by the Morrow County Hospital. Their income is typical of many of MVNU parents— enough to pay for some of their daughter’s education, but not all of it. They applied for scholarships and loans as Sarah advanced through her college career and were grateful for the assistance they obtained.

Sarah will graduate this May with a degree in social work along with significant debt in student loans. Regrettably, that’s also typical.

Both Sarah and her parents believe MVNU was the right choice. “It’s been great! I’ve met and become friends with people who will remain friends for life,” Sarah commented. “I’ve grown so much spiritually and the experiences both inside and outside the classroom have been, well, life changing.” She cited examples of trips to Washington, D.C., and Germany, class retreats, interaction in her small groups and professors like Brenita Nicholas and Joe Noonen.

In another way, Sarah is a typical MVNU student because she is involved. She was secretary of the freshman class and is now president

MVNU

Couchenour House

MVNU announces the naming of the former University House to the Couchenour House, in honor of former board of trustees’ chair Dr. James Couchenour. President Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks made the announcement during a Homecoming luncheon this past November.

Couchenour has served on MVNU’s board of trustees since 1971, and became chairman of the board in 1997. He retired from the position of chair in the fall of 2003. He also chaired the Executive Committee of the board, and is a former member of the Buildings & Grounds Committee. In 1986, MVNU awarded him an honorary doctor of science.

Couchenour continues to serve on the MVNU Foundation Board. He and his wife, Pat, reside in Columbiana, Ohio.

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of the senior class. She has enjoyed being in the Student Government Association (SGA) as well, commenting that it has helped her understand more about the MVNU administration and how hard they work to help advance our school.

One final constant in Sarah’s college experience has been working to help finance her education. One of her favorite jobs was calling for the annual scholarship Phonathon as a sophomore and junior.

She said she received far more than monetary pledges from people.

In talking to alumni, she grasped what this school has meant to so many. In talking to friends of MVNU, she learned that people she doesn’t even know are praying for her every day. She watched members of the administration come in every night, on their own time, to make calls and support students. She made friendships with members of the University Advancement team—people like Jennifer Martin, Trinia Huddleston and Heather Hoag, who later helped her plan events for SGA. Then there was that shy guy in the front row sophomore year…

Yes, Sarah Williams is a typical MVNU student, one of whom we are very proud.

There is still time to assist students like Sarah through the University Scholarship Fund.

Go to www.mvnu.edu/univadv/waystogive.html or call University Advancement toll-free at 1-800-367-9294. With your help we can meet or surpass our $100,000 goal. Your gift today will make a powerful difference to a student tomorrow.

Will your company match your gift?

Find out at www.matchinggifts.com.

All gifts must be received no later than June 30, 2005.

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General Assembly

2005

Join MVNU in Indianapolis from June 22-28, 2005, at a variety of fun events designed just for you!

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General Assembly events: MVNU Booth Dates: Location:

June 22-28 Exhibit Hall

Come visit MVNU’s booth in the Exhibit Hall!

Get information about attending MVNU, browse the new Admissions Web site, update your computer database record with the Alumni Association, and meet MVNU leaders and staff members.

Dessert Reception Date: Location: Price:

Friday, June 24, 9-11 p.m.

Marriott Ballroom 6-10 $10 per person

Join MVNU for this lighthearted social gathering. You’ll enjoy live music, a wide variety of delectable desserts and treats, and fun with friends and family. It’s a great way to catch up with alumni and hear stories of the MVNU experience.

Alumni & Friends Luncheon Date: Location: Price:

Sunday, June 26, 12:30 p.m.

Marriott Ballroom 5-10 $25 per person

Menu: All-American Midwest Buffet Mixed field-green salad Rice and red bean salad Grilled sausage, pasta and roast pepper salad Mixed citrus segment salad Whole roast New York strip Parmesan-crusted chicken breast Traditional battered fish and chips Roast russet steak fries Assorted fresh vegetables Apple pie Blueberry pie Coconut cream pie Coffee, tea, iced tea

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Don’t miss Sunday dinner MVNU’s grand finale!

Alumni and friends from around the world will be gathered in celebration to share alumni testimonies, honor the Citation of Merit Award winners, and worship with music from MVNU’s Collegians Chorale.

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Assembly 2005 g Christ-Like Leaders You may also register for MVNU General Assembly events and make payment online at www.mvnu.edu/generalassembly.

Name:__________________________________________________________ Class year:_____________________ Address:_______________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip:__________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone:_____________________________________ E-mail:_________________________________________

Dessert Reception

Alumni & Friends Luncheon

Friday, June 24, 9-11 p.m. $10 per person Number attending:____________

Sunday, June 26, 12:30 p.m. $25 per person $12.50 for children 4-12 Children 0-3 attend free Number attending:____________

Total Amount Enclosed:____________________________________ Please make checks payable to MVNU. Credit card number:______________________________________ Circle one:

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Return to: Special Events 800 Martinsburg Road Mount Vernon, OH 43050 (or use magazine envelope)

Exp. Date:_______________________________________________ CVV code (three-digit number on back of card):____________

Reservation deadline: June 10, 2005

Cardholder’s signature:____________________________________

Youth in Mission Alumni Reunion Youth in Mission extends an invitation to all those who have participated in the Youth in Mission ministry throughout the past 30+ years, since its origin in 1967, to come together for a Youth in Mission Alumni Reunion.

In conjunction with the 26th General Assembly of the Church of the Nazarene, the Youth in Mission Alumni Reunion will take place on Saturday, June 25, from 9-10:30 p.m. following the evening service. Location and registration details are available by contacting Rita Mounts of the Youth in Mission office: (816) 333-7000, ext. 2210, or visit YIM@nazarene.org.

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800 Martinsburg Road Mount Vernon, OH 43050 1-800-367-9294 www.mvnu.edu

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Owning It!

By J. Keith Newman, Vice President for University Advancement

Parents pray for it. Pastors preach about it. Universities plan for it. The world needs it. What is it? It is the moment when a child’s faith becomes their own. Trey (’03) and Carla Swallow (Fullerton ’04) are owning it!

Trey graduated with a degree in elementary education, Carla with a degree in psychology. Falling in love while students at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, they married and made plans for graduate school. What makes a couple like this raise their own support and sign up to serve as volunteer missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene in Bulgaria?

Life changes! Faith and learning are integrated. God’s call is answered.

Both grew up attending missionary programs in their local churches and both were impacted by the messages they heard and the influence of family and friends who embraced missions as an important part of their lives. But both arrived at MVNU still searching for a faith to call their own. Trey reflects, “I had long claimed my parents’ religion as my own without really owning it. I remember coming home my sophomore year and telling my parents that I had liked God for a long time, but now I loved Him.” Carla’s experience was similar, “Like Trey, I did not really have a faith that was truly my own when I came to college.

I knew what was right and wrong and that there was a God, but I wasn’t that interested in church or religion. During my years at MVNU, I came to know that I needed God. I had to

depend on and follow Him ... I am thankful to the professors who encouraged me and guided me while I was searching.

The four years I spent at MVNU were integral in the formation of my faith, one that is now strong enough to take me to a separate corner of the world with the mission of telling people about Jesus. I don’t know whether I will be employed as a missionary for the rest of my life, but I do know that I will always seek to share the faith that has grown so strong because of the challenges from speakers and professors, the support of my friends and faculty, and the leading of the Holy Spirit while I was a student.”

In Bulgaria, Trey is classified as a “tent-maker” because he works at a job that pays him a modest salary. His ministries include teaching conversational English, working in a children’s weekly after-school program and planning and publicizing a Youth Explosion service. Carla is classified as a Nazarene in Volunteer Service (NIVS) and she spends her time assisting the work of the District Superintendent, Jay Sunberg, his wife, Teanna, and their four children, in any way she can. She also teaches a conversational English class, tutors a young teenage girl from the church, helps with the Youth Explosion service, volunteers at a children’s leukemia hospital, regularly visits a nearby gypsy school and orphanage and works on fundraising assignments for the ministry.

What’s next for Trey and Carla? They are praying about the future, but are certain that God will provide direction, as they want to be used to help others find a faith of their own.

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School of Business

A faith and learning

experience:

You better Belize it!

By Wayne Yerxa, Associate Professor of Business

This January, 11 MVNU students (Sean Buxton, Lauren Corney, Maribeth Dodds, Valerie Filipowicz, Stephen Hammer, Aspen Hill, Adriane Koontz, Steve Kordella, Kevin Perkins, Samantha Rittinger and Sarah Scott) along with Wayne Yerxa, who has led the trip since 1988, experienced the natural beauty and the culture of Belize in Central America. They, along with 12 students from Dr. Dan Mosher’s tropical ecology class, spent a month in paradise.

The culture’s emphasis on relationships was abundantly evident.

“I wish that I could bring back more of the culture of Belize and give it to people rather than souvenirs. I just want to tell people to enjoy each other’s company and not to worry about the little details of life.” Another student noted, “It made me realize how much of what I have is unnecessary.”

The goals of the course, Seminar in International Development: Service Learning in Belize, are three-fold: (1) to experience the culture of a two-thirds world country and in that experience (2) to learn more about oneself and (3) his/her relationship with God. These goals were met and exceeded!

Students also learned a lot about themselves and grew in their relationships with God as well. “I have a much closer relationship with God because He has let me see what…He MVNU student Steve Kordella can do if you have teaching a lesson in Benque faith,” one student Viejo, Belize. commented, “A lot of Belizean people cannot say that they are financially rich, but they are rich with the spirit of God and they know that is all they need. I think that the world needs more people just like them. God has shown me…that it starts with me.”

The beauty of God’s creation and the people of Belize came alive during the visit. As one student observed, “I was completely in awe when I saw the beautiful landscapes of Belize. It just made me thank God for his creation when I saw palm trees on mountains and the beautiful blue waters and white sand.”

During the course, students toured wildlife sanctuaries, several Mayan ruins (including Tikal in Guatemala) and the spectacular barrier reef. “Never before have I seen wild monkeys, crocodiles, scorpions, toucans, parrots and tarantulas. I couldn’t believe I was able to touch sting rays and swim with sharks and dolphins. It was absolutely amazing,” wrote another.

For two weeks, MVNU students interacted with the people of Belize, working with children and families at three Nazarene primary schools. One student reflected, “I feel blessed and privileged to have been a part of these peoples’ lives. I think some of the most memorable moments were [when] children crowded around before and after school just to give you hugs.”

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Several students echoed similar sentiments about the experience, saying this was the best month of their lives and that they would love to go back again. As one student put it, “I am thankful that God gave me the opportunity to venture to Belize and participate in everything I did—it was unBelizeable!”

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Business grad sets students

on road to financial stability

From the beginning, Ryan Halley knew he had a passion for financial planning and working with college students. What he didn’t know was that those passions would merge to form an intensely meaningful ministry.

A 1999 graduate of MVNU with a degree in accounting and business administration, Halley married Jessica (Nelson ’00) and they and have two children, Megan (4) and Brennan (1).

They currently reside in Lubbock, Texas, where Ryan is completing his dissertation on “Clergy Attitudes Toward Premarital Financial Counseling.” He is scheduled to complete his Ph.D. in consumer economics and personal financial planning in May 2005. Jessica enjoys staying at home with their children.

Halley’s expertise grew as he worked with the State of Ohio Office of the Auditor after graduating from MVNU. He also went on to earn his master of business administration at The Ohio State University, concentrating in corporate finance and completing a minor in real estate management. The focus of his current doctoral studies at Texas Tech University has been on personal finances, specifically—working with college students.

“As part of my doctoral education, I have had the privilege to work extensively with the Red to BlackTM program, a service to Texas Tech students, faculty and staff which provides financial planning, education and counseling assistance,” said Halley. “I have worked with hundreds of students and other community members, helping them with issues such as credit cards, credit reports, spending plans, investments, retirement

planning and employee benefits, as well as premarital issues.”

For the past two years, Halley has worked as a consultant for Chase Education First. He has spoken at national conferences to key representatives from colleges and universities concerning the establishment of financial planning and education centers on college campuses across the nation.

“My future plans include obtaining a Ryan and Jessica Halley with teaching position at a university while Megan and Brennan. providing financial counseling services and premarital counseling for college students,” Halley commented. “I would relish the opportunity to begin a financial counseling and education program to serve the needs of a Christian community that is confronting many of the same financial concerns as the rest of our culture.”

But his concern for college-age students goes beyond preparing them to work through financial issues. “I love working with students, and it is my privilege to share some of my life experience and education with them. It is my desire to not only positively impact this population with the cognitive knowledge they need for successful careers in business, but more important, to develop them as individuals and to strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ. As a servant of Jesus Christ, I am instructed to share my true self with others and make a difference in the lives of those around me.”

Self-made computer entrepreneur wins national award

By Dr. David Skinner, Professor of Business

The Global Student Entrepreneur Awards recognize those who are starting quality businesses while simultaneously attending college. The 2004 awards went to 12 young people throughout the United States, one of whom was 2004 Mount Vernon Nazarene University graduate Michael Schoeff.

than major companies. The company currently employs students in each university where it has sold computers and plans to contact 50 schools in five surrounding states to market its products at freshman orientations this summer.

His company, Side by Side Computing, sells computers and laptops to incoming college freshmen during their summer orientations. The company offers the latest computer technology as well as a four-year warranty, 24-hour on-site technical support, free dorm room installation and the guaranteed lowest prices available in the current market.

In November 2004, Schoeff attended the CEO conference in Chicago. There he was able to showcase his company as well as compete for the 2004 Global Student Entrepreneur of the Year.

The conference was attended by more than 1,500 Michael Schoeff (right) shows college students. Every student there was interested off his company at Chicago's in becoming an entrepreneur. A wonderful lineup CEO conference. of guest speakers for the conference really provided added motivation to those in attendance. Schoeff said that the best part about the conference was the opportunity to meet and talk with so many people who are interested in doing what he has done.

Schoeff’s idea for the business arose from a negative experience with service by a major PC company. A close friend purchased a computer to use in college and after a few weeks, encountered a PC failure. To obtain service, she had to send her PC away for four weeks, which interfered with class work. This sparked his idea of providing immediate repair service to students so they wouldn’t experience the same inconvenience. He realized that he could start a computer company, purchase quality computer components and produce systems for a lower price

Additional information about the awards can be obtained at the organization’s Web page at www.gsea.org. Information on Michael Schoeff’s firm can be found at www.sbspcs.com.

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Adult and Graduate Studies www.mvnu.edu/ags

Christ’s love travels

By David Baker, Curriculum Specialist

Riding in the back of a truck to get to the next stop.

Working on the church.

The roof begins to go up.

Dr. Rick Williamson watched the Marañon River roll by as the motorboat containing 15 others and himself neared its destination. They had already traveled 4,000 miles by air, 20 hours by bus, 6 hours by car and now these last few hours on the water. A short trek through the jungle and they would arrive at San Pablo, a small village in the heart of the Peruvian rainforest.

Soon, this team of “gringos” would join forces with the Aguaruna Indians to build a church.

But why? To mission-minded people, the answer seems obvious. Mount Vernon Nazarene University seeks to motivate each student to contribute his/her time and talents to Christian service. As Assistant to the Chaplain for Adult and Graduate Studies, Williamson is leading the charge to provide these opportunities for adult learners. Last July, he led by example. But in this case, the story goes much deeper.

In 2001, Williamson’s brother, Kevin, lost his wife Beverly to bladder cancer. She was 44 years old and left behind two children, Amy and Andrew. Those who knew Beverly, a 1978 MVNU alumna, describe her as the model of a servant leader. Kevin knew no better way to commemorate his wife than to become a servant leader himself.

He chose the jungles of Peru to do so. His brothers, Rick and Jeff, along with Beverly’s brother, Pastor Larry Hall of Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene, needed little convincing—nor did 13 members of Kevin’s church in Blue Springs, Mo.—to commit to this trip.

The plan was to spend three days building the church. The foundation had been poured, materials had been acquired and wood had been cut from the jungle. All that was left was to erect the church … but far more than a building would result from this trip.

Inside of church (Beverly’s photo hangs in back).

The people of San Pablo speak Aguaruna. While they know a little Spanish, communicating was difficult, if not impossible, without a interpreter.

But as the younger members of the group began interacting with the children of the village, “The laughter didn’t need translating,” observed Williamson. Christ’s love traveled across all cultural barriers.

The graciousness of the Aguaruna Indians struck Williamson. “They had so little but they still

Putting on the finishing touches.

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wanted to share,” he said. He pointed to the six meals the villagers provided, in which they gave the best they had. The experience conjured images of Luke 21 and the widow who gave her last two mites.

Perhaps such a remote location away from all the trappings of a modern lifestyle contributed to what Dr. Rick Williamson takes a break Williamson describes from working on the church. as “a genuine sense of nearness to God.” This closeness was clear during the dedication service on the final day.

Kevin wanted to show the Aguaruna a picture of his wife so they could see who was behind the project. He carried a framed 8x10 of Beverly the entire trip. As he unwrapped it, the Memorial plaque for Beverly people of the village gathered around him. Seeing the face of his wife, Kevin began to cry. Several of the village mothers surrounded him and his two children and began comforting the family, shedding their own tears and pointing to heaven.

Williamson described the scene as “the most powerful picture of Christ’s love incarnate I’ve ever seen” as these women embraced people who had been complete strangers three days ago.

The trip was an experience to remember for a lifetime. But the memory-making didn’t stop there. Upon returning to the U.S., Williamson became sick with an array of flu-like symptoms. After fighting it for a few days, he relented and saw a local physician who diagnosed possible malaria. For the next three weeks, Williamson was sicker than he had ever been in his life. He was out of the classroom until early September, and Pastor Hall was ill with the same symptoms.

Williamson believes he likely contracted his disease from a mosquito.

Despite the intense and prolonged sickness he experienced, Williamson said he wouldn’t hesitate to make the same journey again. In fact, he has already discussed going back in a few years. Why? Because whether a few steps or a thousand miles, Christ’s love travels.

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Intentional integration of faith in the adult classroom

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

All learning occurs in some sort of context. Essentially, learning occurs within an educational community, and MVNU Adult and Graduate Studies is intentional in the kind of community we desire to cultivate. We typically see our students one night a week, four hours a night and, depending on their educational needs, they could be with us anywhere from six weeks to three years, or longer.

Most of the Adult and Graduate Studies programs are built around the group/cohort model, which means our students (maximum group size of 24) stay together for the duration of their program. Lasting friendships are formed, and educational dialogue takes place among people who know each other well. Over time, the students bond together to form a unique group community and identity.

It is within this context, that MVNU integrates faith and learning. Through various experiences and exercises, students are exposed to how their faith is relevant to their education and livelihood. Regardless of students’ programs or classes, we are intentional in challenging them with a biblical worldview. Specifically, we help our students understand how that worldview helps shape who they are and what they do.

This intentional integration occurs in a number of ways.

First, there is the academic content of the course. Some courses lend themselves to a fairly detailed study of the material with a biblical worldview.

Second, there is the manner in which the instructor leads by example in demonstrating those Christian virtues in the process of interacting with the students and the material.

He/she is obligated to treat students fairly, with integrity, and to interact with others in the same manner. Likewise, in matters of academic integrity, students have the same responsibilities. Our faculty and staff view their vocations as a ministry. Adult students need instructors and staff who can deliver competitive, professional education and services while connecting with them on a personal level. Adult and Graduate Studies believes there is a meaningful connection between the best of education and the best of Christian ministry.

Third, there are guidelines by which all students and instructors are supposed to conduct themselves in class or out, which are consistent with the values for which MVNU stands. For Adult and Graduate Studies, the integration of faith with learning also means providing an educational atmosphere conducive to learning by all students, and— with a biblical worldview—positively impacting students.

First adult academic

scholarships awarded

By Ryan Long, Curriculum Specialist

For the first time, MVNU Adult and Graduate Studies has awarded academic scholarships to students in the Bachelor of Business Administration program. During the fall 2004 semester, five students were each awarded a non-renewable $500 scholarship. The recipients were: Barri Biggs, Newark; Joseph Bowdle, Lima; Erin Coakly and Karen Lafferty, Columbus-Polaris; and John Shupe, Mount Vernon.

Dr. Randall Wells, Vice-President for Adult and Graduate Studies, commented, “I am pleased that Adult and Graduate Studies is able to offer a limited number of scholarships. The response has been quite positive and our alumni have demonstrated interest by contributing to the scholarship fund. We view this both as a way to meet a financial need and to further connect our alumni with MVNU.”

The scholarships were based on financial need, and applicants were required to have a minimum 3.5 GPA and at least junior standing. Applicants wrote an essay of 500 words or less stating why they wished to be considered for the scholarship.

Upon being told of his scholarship award, Shupe wrote, “I prayed for [financial] help every night…I want to thank God for hearing my prayers and to thank Adult and Graduate Studies and the MVNU community for this scholarship. It means so much to me.”

Several described the challenges they faced as adults returning to higher education. Bowdle wrote, “Adult students face many challenges while attending college. Many of these are finance-related.” Biggs wrote in his essay, “With three of us now in college (my son, daughter and me), it is a challenge to make ends meet financially.”

MVNU plans to award five more non-renewable $500 scholarships to BBA students during the spring semester.

Students will be notified via their MVNU e-mail accounts, and applications will be sent as an attachment. The deadline to apply is April 15. For more information on MVNU Adult and Graduate Studies, visit www.mvnu.edu/ags.

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Growing up together — Catherine Hess and

MVNU Women’s Soccer

By Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

Four years ago, Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s women’s soccer team wrapped up its first season as a varsity sport, finishing the year 11-8-0. At the same time, Catherine Hess closed out a stellar career at Hillsboro High School, with a program-best 71 goals, including a school-record 22 tallies during her All-Ohio Second Team junior year.

Four years later, Hess and the MVNU women’s soccer team have become forces to be reckoned with. Hess helped lead the Lady Cougars to a 67-25-2 record, two AMC South Division titles, and the 2003 NCCAA national title. The Lady Cougars also finished the season ranked 23rd in the final NAIA national poll—the program’s highest ranking ever.

Hess is a huge reason for the team’s success. She holds school records for career goals (67), assists (52), points (186), single-season assists (17) and most consecutive matches with at least one point (19).

“The awards are nice, but none of them would mean anything without team success,” said Hess, who was both an NAIA and NCCAA AllAmerican. “The ones that mean the most to me were the two MVP awards from the team.”

“I think that it is safe to say that Cat has been one of our most exciting players to watch,” said head coach Jonathan Meade. “She had some big goals and was a very unselfish player as her assist total shows. However, I have received even more joy from watching her grow in her faith. Her life has changed since coming to MVNU.” “Cat is the kind of player I can always count on,” said freshman forward Kristy Brandolini, who teamed up with Hess for 20 goals and 14 assists. “She is very strong and determined, and she has an amazing shot.

Few players are capable of driving to the goal and making a great finish like she does. She brings a lot of energy and talent

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to this team. It has been great to have her watching out for me, and I don’t know what I’m going to do without her next year.”

Hess’s journey to MVNU almost did not happen.

As with many athletes, she tried to land an NCAA Division I scholarship.

However, during a recruiting visit at the University of Louisville, she realized that she needed more in her life than just the challenge of playing soccer at a high level.

At that point, she considered attending MVNU where her older brother, Josh, had played soccer (1997-1998). Although uncertain about a Christian school since she did not profess to be a Christian, Hess signed with the Lady Cougars.

The rest of Hess’s senior year was filled with turmoil, as her father, Tim, passed away from cancer. During that time, Hess found herself making some bad choices as a way to escape the chaos in her life.

Once at MVNU, she turned her focus toward soccer and the results were immediate during her freshman season. On the way back from a game, she overheard several of her teammates sharing their testimonies of personal faith.

“I knew that I wanted to have my own personal relationship with Christ. However, I decided not to do anything about it that day because I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t just doing it because I was scared of hell and dying,” said Hess.

Finally, right before Christmas break, she asked her roommate and a few of her teammates to pray as she committed her life to Christ. From that point on, things began to change in her life.

“I am so thankful that I came to MVNU,” said Hess. “My teammates have been a great encouragement to me. I am also very thankful to have such an incredible coach. He never judged me but encouraged me to keep considering the changes that I needed in my life.”

While Hess’s immediate goals are to finish up her classes and enjoy the remainder of her senior year, she also has some plans for life after MVNU. She is interested in the Peace Corps, and she is also considering a master’s degree in special education or social work.

Thanks to Hess’s contributions, the Lady Cougars have risen to a level of national prominence. More important, though, Hess has seen her life transformed through the game of soccer in a way that will keep her impacting others for Christ for the rest of her life.

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Diminutive point guard leading Cougars

to successful year

By Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

Although he is almost always the smallest person on the basketball court, no one will ever question the impact that MVNU junior point guard Alan Bock has on the game.

Bock, a 5-foot-6 native of Tallmadge, Ohio, has helped the Cougars to a 17-7 overall record so far this year that includes a 7-5 mark in the highly competitive American Mideast Conference South Division. The former Tallmadge High School standout is averaging a career-high 7.0 points per game and ranks second in NAIA Division II by handing out 6.8 assists per game. Bock also ranks tenth in NAIA Division II in steals per game (2.8), and, despite being the smallest guy on the court, grabs 3.9 rebounds per contest.

“Alan can dominate a game without scoring a point,” said head coach Scott Flemming, who has seen the Cougars go 60-33 during Bock’s time on the team. “Being only 5-foot-6, some might say he is an overachiever, but I don’t think he looks at it that way. He is one of the best defenders at any level at his position, and he makes everyone around him better offensively. He may be the hardest worker I have ever coached.”

“My goal every game is to provide a spark for the team,” said Bock, one of the team’s captains. “We have a great group of guys and we all get along well. I don’t like to worry about stats because that takes the focus off what we are trying to do as a team. We really want to get to the NAIA (Division II) national tournament.”

While he does not worry about the statistics, Bock has put up some impressive numbers this year that have been key in the success that MVNU is experiencing. After averaging just 2.3 points per game over his first two seasons, he is scoring at a 7.0 points per game clip. He has reached double figures four times, including a career-high 17 points on Nov. 6 in a win over Asbury (Ky.) College as the Cougars won the Indiana Wesleyan University Invitational and Bock was named to the All-Tournament team. He is also fourth on the team in rebounding at 3.9 boards per contest, and he grabbed a careerhigh 8 rebounds on Nov. 9 in a victory at The Ohio State University–Newark.

Bock, who on several nights has come close to posting what would be only the second triple-double in school history, has dished out 150 assists in 22 games with just 58 turnovers despite averaging the second-most minutes played in the AMC at 35.5

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per game. In a win over Ohio Dominican University on Jan. 22, he recorded a career-high 13 assists, and he now ranks ninth in school history with 374 career assists. Bock is also closing in the school’s singleseason steals record of 84 that was set during the 1983-84 season by Jerry Hawes. Bock currently has 62 steals, which is twice as many as his next closest teammate (Ryan Seesholtz, with 31).

“Alan has had a tremendous impact on our team this year,” said sophomore 7-footer Steve Mayes. “He motivates all of us to play harder by the things he does on the floor both in practice and in games. Besides all of his playmaking abilities, he is also a great leader for this team.”

In addition to his accomplishments on the court, Bock is even more of a standout in the classroom, with a 3.993 grade point average as a biology (pre-medicine) major. He has been named to the Dean’s List all five semesters with four perfect 4.000 GPAs. Bock is also active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and as a small group leader at MVNU. He traveled with an Athletes in Action basketball team to South Africa last summer, and he will go on the Cougars’ mission trip to Jamaica this coming summer. He has also taught Sunday School at New Life Community Church in Fredericktown, Ohio, during the past two school years.

“Alan is an outstanding young man on and off the court,” said Flemming. “He has a heart for service and is always willing to reach out and help others in need. He is a young man with a strong Christian faith, which is the top priority in his life. He is an outstanding student with a definite goal to work in the medical field as a doctor, and he has even explored using these skills as a missionary.”

“God has given me the ability to play basketball, and I want to do that as best I can,” said Bock. “I also try to work just as hard in the other areas of my life to serve Him.” It just goes to show that the old saying “big things come in small packages” is very true.

Connect with the Cougars The most recently updated 2005 spring sports schedules for individual teams can be viewed online at www.mvnu.edu/sports/nazad/teams.html. Team and player photos, the latest news and signings and coaching information can also be found online.

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“Lester Finn” go national

Lester Finn Experiment: (L-R) Scott Berry, Todd Mobley, Scott Kaschner, Ben Van Alstine (’99) and Chad Berlean (’98).

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1970s

1980s

Debbie (Richey ’79) Belt and her husband Jeff (’81) reside in Frazeysburg, Ohio. Debbie teaches elementary music at Newark City Schools and Jeff pastors the Frazeysburg United Methodist Church.

They have four children: Krista (24), a nurse at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio; Lindsey (20), a hairstylist; Kimberly (18), a freshman in college; and Trevor (14), a high school freshman.

John Boquist (’80) is the pastor of Cardinal Baptist Church in Ruther Glen, Va. In May 2005, he will graduate with an M.Div. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. His wife, Yvonne (Seymour ’82), is an R.N. and part of the IV therapy team at Mary Washington Hospital. John and Yvonne have two daughters, Patricia (16) and Elizabeth (14).

Ray (’87) and Beth (Bailey ’87) Stark recently moved to Allentown, Penn., with their sons, Justin (12) and Jeremy (10). Ray is the senior pastor at Allentown Church of the Nazarene and Beth is a third-grade teacher.

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Who would have thought the words “let’s make some music together,” spoken over nine years ago, would turn into a national ministry? “Lester Finn,” formerly known as “Candle Rain,” has embarked on a completely mind-numbing adventure in the world of Christian music. In the summer of 2004, the five band members from central Ohio signed a five-year, three-album, recording contract with 9th Hour Records of Orlando, Fla. What makes this story more personal is how they were brought together and how they have stayed together. “The band came together in the spring of 1995, with three guys that just wanted to play some music,” says former lead singer and current manager Bharon Hoag (’98). “We wanted to have some fun and do it through music. There were always places to play at MVNU and we received such a good response from the campus community that we decided to take it off-campus. After some member changes and many years of sacrifice, we have come to a place of purpose and direction. It is amazing to see how God has blessed the members and is continuing to feed this ministry.”

The band is made up of two MVNU graduates: Chad Berlean (’98) who plays the drums, and Ben VanAlstine (’99), lead singer.

Scott Berry (husband to alumna and MVNU employee, Kim Berry [Stivers ’02]) plays the bass; Scott Kaschner from Columbus, Ohio, is on guitar; and Todd Mobley from Akron, Ohio, plays guitar and background vocals.

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Out,” their first radio release, was in the top 30 on the National Christian Rock charts for six weeks and went as far as number two on some radio charts in 2004. They were also nominated for an American Christian Music Award.

“My experiences at MVNU have prepared me mentally, and most of all spiritually, to pursue and achieve my dreams of what I’m doing this very moment,” commented drummer Chad Berlean.

You can expect to hear a lot more about them in 2005. With their new recording contract, Lester Finn released their first single in March and their debut album will appear in June. In April, they will be showcased at Gospel Music Association (GMA) Week. This will be a very important time for the band as they play for the leading promoters and radio stations in the nation.

“Our goal is to help bring the ministry back to the industry. I feel one of the main reasons we have been so successful is because we have always tried to remember what we’re here for.

It is hard sometimes to stay in the right relationship with God but we have to remember what this is all about, and it definitely is not about us,” VanAlstine added.

“I have so many memories of our time at MVNU. It is amazing to look back and see all the people and events that have shaped our band,” said VanAlstine.

Lester Finn will have their album available for pre-order starting in March. This is the best and easiest way to support their ministry and to be one of the first to receive this exciting release.

Visit their Web site, www.lesterfinn.com, developed by alumnus Chad Berlean, to see a schedule of upcoming shows and events, available albums and merchandise, or to pre-order their new album.

Lester Finn has begun to make a name for itself in the Christian music industry over the last two years. The band has performed in over 320 concerts around the country, including such events as Nazarene General Assembly, Alive Music Festival, Nazarene Youth Congress, and countless colleges and churches. They were also picked to be on the X-Box/PlayStation 2 game All Star Baseball 2005, with their song “The Lesser of Two.” “Holding

“I was once asked why we do this. I must say there is a part of me that does this because I love to create and play music, but when you see lives changed by what you do, it creates a whole new level of purpose,” said Scott Berry. “We have had the privilege of meeting and ministering to people all across the country and the most fulfilling thing is seeing someone come to know the Lord. That is why we do what we do!”

Carolyn (Sani ’89) Redman graduated in December 2004 with a doctorate in musical arts from The Ohio State University. While at OSU, Carolyn was a teaching assistant in the music department and received numerous awards, including the Helen Swank scholarship, outstanding graduate voice student and the prestigious Margaret Speaks Award.

In addition, she was selected by the voice faculty to participate in performances and master classes at the Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is currently employed as an adjunct voice instructor at Kenyon College and will perform with Opera/Columbus in Feb. 2005. She resides in Newark with her husband, Brian (’90) who is a full-time music and worship pastor at Newark Church of the Nazarene.

1990s Eric Clymer (’92) was recently named a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society. He is the business manager of Tim Moss Home Improvements in Winston-Salem, N.C. Scott Courtney (’94) was recently chosen as a member of the Vic Firth Percussion education team. He is the director of bands at Clinton-Massie schools, where his program has collected numerous local and national percussion and band recognitions. He is also the co-percussion captain for Lake Erie Regiment, recipient of the Division III Drum Corps Midwest. Scott resides in Springboro, Ohio, with his wife, Lori, and son, Erik.

Barry and Rebecca (Partington ’94) Thompson and their son, Jenson (2), welcomed Mallery Grace on July 11, 2004.

Rebecca is a full-time homemaker and the family resides in Columbus, Ohio.

Clint Mead (’95) recently separated from active duty with an honorable discharge with veteran status. He joined the New Hampshire Air National Guard and works full time at GE Aircraft Engines in Manchester, N.H., as a production engineer. He resides in Cape Neddick, Maine, with his wife and two children.

Ginger (Snyder ’96) Hunt and her husband, Jon, proudly announce the birth of their son, James Dylan, on Dec. 31, 2004, who weighed 6 lbs., 11 oz. He joins big sister, Jessica, who will begin kindergarten this year. Jon and Ginger are both teachers for the Chinle Unified School District in Arizona.

Joe Patterson (’96) and his wife, Marie, announce the arrival of Kellen Maxwell on Oct. 21, 2004, in Bowling Green, Ky. Kellen weighed 7 lbs., .5 oz. and was 20.25 inches long. Joe is serving in full-time ministry at Broadway United Methodist Church where he assists the executive minister and works with the ministry and activity center. Marie works for the University of Kentucky Targeted Assessment Project as a social worker.

Josh (’98) and Emily (Hinz ’98) Dyer announce the birth of their second child, Elijah “Eli” Edward, on Oct. 25, 2004. He joins big brother, Evan. Emily is a stay-at-home mom and Josh works for Bedford Public Schools as the controller/director of Business and Auxiliary Services. He is currently working on his MBA.

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And a little child

shall lead them…

(Isaiah 11:6)

By Tom West, Director of Alumni Relations and University Fund

As Americans become more sensitive to world issues, here’s a story that we hope will bless your heart.

Abby Hancock (8), daughter of Tim (’83) and JoAnne Hancock (Merki ’83) from Mount Vernon, Ohio, was eating breakfast in a hotel with her father one Sunday before he was to preach a revival service at a church in East Liverpool, Ohio. As they were enjoying some quality time together, a story came on the TV about the children who were either victims or survivors of the recent tsunami in southeast Asia.

Abby, very troubled by the news, learned about a lost little Taiwanese girl in the story who was reported missing and presumed dead. Tim said Abby had a hard time getting the faraway child off her mind and she wanted to do something to help the victims of this disastrous event. So she asked her mom if she could have a bake sale to help raise money for the survivors.

JoAnne got busy baking while Abby started thinking about where to sell the cookies. Abby got her friend, Emily Lewis (9), involved and they started by going to the local Upward basketball games on Saturdays in Mount Vernon. Next, Tim called Mount Vernon Nazarene University to see if Abby could set up shop on the campus. Chawn Flemming (Hoffert ’83), director of Campus Community Life at MVNU, helped the Student Government Association (SGA) sponsor Abby and Emily.

At publication time, Abby and Emily had collected over $300. MVNU students, faculty and staff have also collected over $1,000. Adult and Graduate Studies students have collected nearly $600 with more coming in daily. One hundred percent of the money will go to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries and be designated for tsunami relief.

Let’s all learn from Abby and Emily and do what we can to help a dying world. I thank God for alumni like the Hancocks who have instilled within their child a compassionate and caring heart. I believe that when Abby grows up, she’ll never forget the impact this had on her as a child.

Emily Lewis and Abby Hancock raising funds for tsunami victims.

Don Keener (’98) and his wife, Heather, welcomed Andrew “Drew” Michael Keener and Matthew Lowell Keener into the world on Dec. 1, 2004.

Drew weighed 6 lbs., 3 oz and was 19.5 inches long. Matthew weighed 5 lbs., 10 oz. and measured 18.5 inches long.

They join big brother, Blaine (3). Don is working as a mutual fund wholesaler with JP Morgan Fleming Asset Management and Heather is a stay-at-home mom. The family resides in Lancaster, Ohio.

Ked (’99) and Michelle (Ayala ’97) Frank have two children, Nathaniel (3) and Julianna (1). The family resides in Ray, Ohio, (Vinton County) where Ked serves as the church liaison for The Refuge Ministries, a discipleshipbased ministry for men who battle with drug/alcohol addictions. The Franks recently moved from Lexington, Ky., where Ked attended Asbury Seminary and Michelle served as the staff development coordinator of Southland Christian Church.

Angie Owens (’98) married Cary Grandstaff on June 19, 2004. She is employed with the headstart program in New Lexington, Ohio, as a family advocate and support worker. They reside in Zanesville, Ohio.

Chris (’99) and Jessica (Tennant ’99) Kirkpatrick welcomed the birth of Megan Alexis in 2004. Chris is in his third year of medical school and Jessica is a stay-at-home mom after having taught for five years.

Do what you can—in Jesus’ name—to help someone today. You may donate to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries at www.ncm.org or by calling toll-free 1-877-626-4145.

TJ (Wintz ’99) Mighton and her husband, Aaron, announce the birth of their second daughter, Annabelle Reese, on Nov. 3, 2004. She weighed 10 lbs., 8 oz. and joins big sister, Abbey Rhode (3).

2000s Bethany Beavers (’00) married Nick Strock on June 12, 2004, at Circleville First Church of the Nazarene.

Beth is a sixth-grade teacher for the Southwestern City Schools and Nick is an engineer for Honda in Marysville.

They reside in Dublin, Ohio.

Stephanie (Butts ’00) Horn passed away October 12, 2004, at the East

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Texas Medical Center, after a brief illness.

Chad (’00) and Joy (Blackledge ’99) Polen have two daughters, Chloe Elizabeth (4) and Emma Marie (2).

Chad currently serves as a specialist in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Iraq in January 2005 for at least a year.

The family resides on the army base in Fort Stewart, Ga. Joy is a stay-athome mom.

Missy (Jones ’00) Stone and her husband, David, welcomed Caleb Wilson to their family on Dec. 3, 2004.

He weighed 6 lbs., 14 oz.

Matthew (’01) and Beth (Hanna ’03) Morrison relocated to the Midwest.

Matthew serves as youth pastor at Grace Point Church of the Nazarene in Fort Wayne, Ind., and Beth is

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Save these dates!

The following are some important 2005 dates to get onto your calendar. Alumni representatives will be present at each of these events. If you’d like to volunteer to assist with any of these events or for more information, please contact the Alumni Office at alumni@mvnu.edu or 1-800-367-9294. Dates may be subject to change; for the latest information, visit www.mvnu.edu.

District Assembly Alumni and Friends Luncheons May 6-7 May 18-20 June 7-8 June 15-16 July 18-20 July 28-29 Aug. 17-19 Aug. 17-19

Central Ohio at Grove City East Ohio at Canton First Northwest Ohio at District Center (St. Mary’s) Eastern Kentucky at Ashland Plaza North Central Ohio at MVNU Chapel Southwest Ohio at West Chester (venue may change) West Virginia South at Summersville Campground West Virginia North at Morgantown Pierpont

Other important dates: May 10 May 14 May 20 May 21 May 21 May 21 June 14-15 July 1 July 8-9 Aug. 5 Aug. 12 Nov. 11-13

Planned Giving Seminar, Southwest Ohio District Adult and Graduate Studies Graduation Banquet Traditional Undergraduate Graduation Banquet Commencement Ceremonies Traditional and Graduate Programs - 10 a.m.

Adult and Graduate Studies (AA and BBA) - 2:30 p.m.

New Student Orientation I Look for the official Alumni Council ballot in Mount Vernon NOW New Student Orientation II New Student Orientation II Festival of Joy Senior Adult Celebration Homecoming Weekend

working on her master’s degree in family and marriage counseling at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Lezlie Elmore (’02) married Nathan Ankrom on Sept. 11, 2004.

Jamey Fawcett (’02) married Christy LaLone (’02) on June 26, 2002. They moved to Kansas City so Jamey could attend Nazarene Theological Seminary; however, in the fall 2002, his National Guard unit was mobilized to serve in the war on terrorism.

Matt (’02) and Cara (McNutt ’02) Hancock have been living in Lawrenceville, Ga., for over two years.

Matt is a youth pastor and Cara, an office manager at Lawrenceville Community Church. They welcomed daughter, Sydney Lane, on Oct. 7, 2003.

Jake (’02) and Tyler (Hobson ’04) Hill are both attending Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo. Jake works in World Mission at Nazarene Headquarters and Tyler works at Nazarene Publishing House.

Erica (Swert ’03) Dickinson is currently pursuing a clinical doctorate in physical therapy at Ohio University.

She married Kevin Dickinson (’02) on June 12, 2004. Kevin is currently teaching elementary art in Galion, Ohio.

Josh Petersen (’03) recently worked on the development of an album Bridges: Classic Hymns, Modern Worship. The album includes hymns sung by Michael Tait, Todd Agnew, Ginny Owens and many more. Josh is the product manager at Waterfront Entertainment in Nashville, Tenn.

During the project, Josh chose and

Keep the

Cougar

Connection

strong!

Do you need to update your information at MVNU? Have you recently moved, gotten married, had a baby or changed employers? What about a new e-mail address?

Make sure that MVNU's records for you and your family are current so that we can maintain our Cougar Connection! Simply contact the Alumni Relations Office at 1-800-367-9294 (Alumni option) or send an e-mail to alumni@mvnu.edu.

contacted the artists, helped critique the songs, worked with designers on packaging, took on marketing duties and radio promotion and wrote counter-melody for the first radio single “How Great Thou Art,” by Michael Tait.

Michael Schoeff (’04) recently competed at the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards. Michael started his own company while at MVNU— “Side by Side Computing” specializes in computer sales for college students.

See article on page 18.

Donita Toth (’04) graduated in May from MVNU through Adult and Graduate Studies. Donita started at MVNU in 1974 for one semester, returned part-time in the 1980s and joined Adult and Graduate Studies in 1997.

Entries with a camera icon ( ) have a photo available online.

To view these photos, visit www.mvnu.edu/alumni/ grapevine/grapevine.html

Please feel free to submit photos of weddings, babies, etc. to Mount Vernon NOW, 800 Martinsburg Rd., Mount Vernon, OH 43050, or by e-mail to alumni@mvnu.edu, or online at www.mvnu.edu/alumni/grapevine/ grapevine.html.

Spring 2005

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Before the Prince Student Union was built, I never hung out on campus.

Now I’m down at the PSU and 586 all the time! The snack bar/café has all kinds of good stuff.

— Joshua Woods, freshman

The PSU is a great addition to the MVNU campus.

It provides students with a great atmosphere in which to hang out. It’s a very classy addition, but at the same time, is a very comfortable place to have fun.

— Trent Fannin, freshman

I enjoy the PSU because, during the winter or bad weather conditions, it’s good to be able to work out, relax, eat, play pool and check your e-mail all in the same building.

— Kristin Wilson, sophomore

This building is absolutely beautiful! It makes our campus just that much better. It’s a great way to bring the students together as well!

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Mount Vernon OH 43050

Address Service Requested

Watch for “articles” of the past in future issues of Mount Vernon NOW.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University 800 Martinsburg Road Mount Vernon, OH 43050

You may bring your items to the Library Archives or mail them to MVNU (Attention Walt Baughman), 800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.

Feel free to visit the archives as well. Walt is very happy to show off the old “gems” of the school!

USPS 761-980

Walter Baughman (’76) is now working as Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Library Archivist. If you have anything from your days at MVNU that you think may interest him, please send it in! When you do spring cleaning and are debating whether to dispose of some college “treasure,” think of the MVNU Archives.

Mount Vernon NOW

From the archives …

Periodical Postage

— Victoria Gallagher, freshman