This is the time...
By Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks, MVNU President
Following a unanimous four-year renewal vote in November 2005 by the MVNU Board of Trustees, I shared with the Board not only my deep appreciation for my renewal vote, but also my plans to retire in 2007 from MVNU. During the past few months, I have had an increasing awareness that my renewal vote in 2005 would be the last one for me as MVNU president.
I want to finish my tenure strong at MVNU—for the University, the Board and my family. The Board and I will work together to determine what “finishing strong” means.
I have a growing awareness—I believe, a Spirit-inspired confidence—that this is the time for the Board of Trustees to begin the process of transitioning to a new university president. There is an emerging sense of a release from God’s call to me in 1989 to serve as the fifth president of this outstanding institution.
I look back with gratitude to God, to the leadership of the Board and to strong administrative teams . . .
•for the enrollment growth from 1,045 to 2,549; •the operating budget increase from $11 million to $40 million; •the numerous new and renovated campus facilities;
•the significant expansion of university property;
•the development of administrative and academic programs, including the Campus Ministries division; and •the growth of the undergraduate and graduate academic programs offered on the main campus and the six satellite campuses.
August 1, 2007, is the tentative date for my retirement from MVNU. However, I will work closely with the Board Executive Committee to determine the precise retirement date.
You may wonder if I have another assignment. It is true that retirement from MVNU is not the same as my retirement from active ministry. However, I have made no calls and no contacts, nor do I have another assignment waiting for me. I would enjoy returning to the classroom. Perhaps do some consulting work or writing. I would be open for short-term or interim assignments nationally or internationally.
From 1978 to 1989, I was involved in theological education in Europe and Asia. I believe I had a small part in shaping emerging Christian leaders at the European Nazarene College and the Asia Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary. If I had the opportunity, I would like to give the remaining time I have in active ministry to reaching and teaching another generation of emerging Christian leaders to serve the Church of the Nazarene throughout the world.
The late Dag Hammarskjöld, highly esteemed former United Nations Secretary General, stated:
“For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes!” Amen.
5Teaching and culture wars
Christian education and teachers come under fire in California. Who will win the culture war?
13 Faith and the AGS student
Adult and Graduate Studies integrates faith with all aspects of life.
15Cougar athlete earns national award
Women’s volleyball player Amanda Stevens received the Woody Hayes National Scholar-Athlete Award.
Cover: Like many MVNU students, Ryan Allen spends prayerful moments in the campus chapel.
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Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students and working adults. U.S. News & World Report ranks MVNU in the Top 50 Best in the Midwest (Bachelor’s) for the second year in a row. With a 401-acre main campus in
Accreditation in American universities
By Dr. Randie L. Timpe, Vice President for Academic Affairs
American higher education operates differently from higher education in other world regions. In many areas of the globe, higher education is funded and controlled by national governments. In the United States, there are some 3,400 institutions of higher education, enrolling 15 million (less that 50 percent are of traditional college-going age), employing 3 million staff and 575 thousand faculty, and spending $250 billion annually. American higher education is diverse: private and public, liberal arts and professional, same-sex and co-educational, commuter and residential, sectarian and nonsectarian.
In the U.S., universities seek accreditation through nongovernmental associations. Voluntary accreditation enhances diversity through autonomy of mission and peer-reviewed accountability. Accreditations are generally of two types: institutional and specialized program recognitions.
Most American universities maintain institutional accreditation through one of six regional associations or a handful of national associations. Mount Vernon Nazarene University received its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, covering 19 Midwestern states. Regional accreditations are usually reaffirmed every ten years after a twoyear self-study and a site visit from association peer-reviewers. The University engaged in its last self-study in 1998-99. The next reaffirmation is scheduled for 2008-09. In preparation, the University is organizing the self-study this year. Committees and taskforces will be appointed to begin work in September 2006.
Programmatic accreditations focus on specific academic disciplines. Many function as requirements for entry into specific professions. In 2005, the School of Business completed a self-study for membership in the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). In November, the University received word that all business programs had received programmatic accreditation. The school also completed a selfstudy for international business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). Approval is expected in spring 2006.
For three decades, the University’s education program operated under the approval of the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), which developed standards and monitored compliance with performance criteria of Ohio’s universities. Recently, ODE redefined its role in teacher education and now requires that programs seek national, specialized accreditation. During 2004-05, the Education department conducted an evaluation to determine which of two national accreditations was better for the University and its students. After conducting a cost-benefit analysis, the University decided to affiliate with the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The Education department is now working
toward a site visit in spring 2008. Graduating from an NCATE-approved program will be required for securing a teaching licensure in Ohio and many surrounding states.
For several years, the Social Work department was involved in a benchmarking process through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Many social work agencies employ social workers only when job applicants graduate from CSWE-approved programs. The Social Work department completed the Benchmarking Level III application in summer 2005. The site visit with CSWE is scheduled for early 2006.
The regional and disciplinary accreditation processes that address quality program outcomes remain a significant focus of the University’s energies.
School of Business
A Christian response to immigration
Dr. David L. Skinner, Professor of Finance
The United States, a land of immigrants, is experiencing its fourth great immigration wave.1 Twelve percent of Americans are immigrants, compared to 6.2 percent just 25 years ago. MVNU’s faculty includes a number of immigrants, including Joseph Akpan, Martine Audeoud, Kyong Kim, JoAnn Koh-Baker, Gathogo Mukuria and Alex Varughese. And, all Americans who are not immigrants are descendants of immigrants (even the Native Americans who simply arrived earlier than others). How should we, as Christians, respond to this trend?
One of the reasons that the U.S. is viewed so favorably by immigrants is our policy of “birthright citizenship” which automatically confers citizenship on anyone born here.2 There is no country in Europe that has a similar policy. “Newcomers put down roots and invest all-out in their lives here because they know their children will be guaranteed full membership.” That is one reason why immigrants in Europe feel “out of the loop” while American immigrants make themselves “at home.” At the moment, there is movement in Congress to abolish birthright citizenship. The argument is that the children of illegal immigrants become citizens and can then, after 21 years, sponsor their parents for permanent visas. No evidence has been found of that being common practice, however.
A second reason why immigrants are attracted to America is the employment prospect. “Since the ’70s, America has created 57 million new jobs, compared with just 4 million in Europe (with most of those jobs in government).”3 That is even more striking when it is noted that the population of the U.S. is about the same as the combined population of the EU. While our jobless rate has been hovering near historic lows, in France more than 20 percent of those in their 20’s are jobless, and among immigrants, the rate is 40 percent. In the U.S., “immigrant business ownership has been surging far faster than among nativeborn Americans. Ironically, some of the highest rates for ethnic entrepreneurship in the U.S. belong to Muslim immigrants...” Those are the same immigrants who, in Europe, have been rioting. Business owners don’t riot—they have too much at stake.
Christians should stand at the front of the immigration wave, encouraging those who have chosen to become Americans, helping with language and cultural adaptation, assisting with jobs, providing legal aid, encouraging citizenship, supporting “birthright citizenship,” reunifying families, etc. Efforts to make life in other countries more bearable and thus reduce pressures to emigrate should also be pursued. After all, “the Old Testament is about a refugee people and the New Testament is about a refugee family.”4
Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt. (Ex. 22:21. NIV)
[A]n angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt.” (Matt. 2:13a. NIV)
DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed are the author’s and not necessarily those of Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
REFERENCES
1. Moore, S. More immigrants, more jobs. Wall Street Journal. July 11, 2005, A13.
2. Jacoby, T. Wall Street Journal. November 19-20, 2005, A7.
3. Kotkin, J. Our immigrants, their immigrants. Wall Street Journal. November 8, 2005, A16.
4. Riley, N. Welcoming the stranger. Wall Street Journal. August 12, 2005.
Business accreditation confirms program quality, helps grads
By Dr. Tomas Parks, Dean of the School of Business
Approximately five years ago, MVNU’s School of Business decided to seek specialized discipline-based national accreditation. The University is accredited by the Ohio Board of Regents and the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission, but specialized accreditation is available in many disciplines and attests to the quality of the programs offered. Business faculty selected the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) because of its commitment to institutions such as MVNU and its focus on teaching and student outcomes.
In 2002, we began the application process and all it entails. Needless to say it was an involved and challenging process that a relatively small number of schools successfully complete. At the November 2005 ACBSP Board of Commissioners’ meeting, MVNU was granted initial accreditation. This represents a milestone in our growth and development as a school and an institution. For all of our students, alumni, faculty and friends, it confirms the quality and integrity of our programs.
Accreditation will enhance the School of Business’ image in the business community, strengthen our graduates’ competitiveness in the marketplace, and increase the acceptance of our degrees by graduate schools. This is yet another step in the School of Business’ effort to accomplish its vision “to be a leading business school by providing educational experiences that integrate theory, application and Christian values.”
About the ACBSP: VISION
ACBSP will be the global leader enhancing the quality of business schools and programs focused on teaching excellence.
MISSION
ACBSP develops, promotes, and recognizes best practices that contribute to continuous improvement of business education and accredits qualified business programs.
ACBSP is the leading specialized accreditation association for business education supporting, celebrating and rewarding teaching excellence. The association embraces the virtues of teaching excellence and emphasizes to students that it is essential to learn how to learn.
ACBSP acknowledges the importance of scholarly research and inquiry and believes that such activities facilitate improved teaching. Further, ACBSP encourages faculty involvement within the contemporary business world to enhance the quality of classroom instruction and to contribute to student learning.
HISTORY
Founded in 1988, ACBSP membership includes 396 educational institutions, 10 corporations and 12 emeriti members, which collectively encompass 4,300 individual members.
Adapted from: http://www.acbsp.org/index.php?module=sthtml&op=load&sid= s1_025about
School of Education and Professional Studies
Teaching and the culture wars
By Dr. Steve Ragan, Dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies; and Mike Traugh, Professor of Education
We are at war! No, we are not talking about Iraq. This war is among Americans, between progressive secularists—who wish to remove all references to religion, and in particular Christianity, from the public eye—and traditionalists, who wish to preserve the values represented in the faiths of our founding fathers.
Evidence of the war ranges from the conflict over the use of the term “Happy Holidays” in place of the traditional “Merry Christmas” this past season1 to self-proclaimed atheist Michael Newdow’s lawsuits2 regarding everything from “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance to removing “In God We Trust” from all U.S. currency. Fortunately, Newdow has lost each time, and “Merry Christmas” seemed to regain support among retailers.
Now the University of California (UC) appears to have joined the fray by disallowing several courses from a local Christian high school (Calvary Chapel Christian School) as college preparatory work. UC suggests that these courses “do not offer an unbiased approach” and include “insufficient … content.”3 UC recommended that the school resubmit the courses using secular curricula and materials.
We believe that UC is discriminating against Christian schools because many include Christian content in some textbooks, and creationism in their science texts. In addition, English classes have been disallowed because they emphasize Christian themes and content in literature. At the same time, UC has approved courses at other schools such as “Western Civilization: The Jewish Experience” and “Introduction to Buddhism.”4
We believe that the integration of faith and learning—rigorous learning—is a good thing. We believe that it broadens learning and makes it more meaningful. And we wonder, in an age when students are assessed for graduation using outcome performance measures, and schools and universities are accredited using student performance and program outcomes—why the obsession with textbooks and materials? These are clearly process issues.
UC does allow students from high schools without approved courses to be admitted by “examination alone.”5 However, students opting for this route must achieve higher scores. This policy seems to put students from schools like CCCS at a disadvantage.
It is always dangerous to assess motive. But, given the fact that the UC has approved classes with foci in other religions, it seems to us that the UC likely has a more complicated motive in their method than simply wanting to ensure that the subject matter reflects “… knowledge generally accepted in the scientific and educational communities and with which a student at the university level should be conversant.”5 Frankly, we wonder if the often- and well-documented left-leaning liberal (progressive secularist) bias among faculty of public universities may be afoot.6
This is clearly a case about freedom of speech and First Amendment rights. It will have effects reaching well beyond California. This is a case we need to watch. It is all about our culture, and our faith and learning.
Works Cited
1(2005) The War on Christmas. New York: Penguin.
2http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/06/14/scotus.pledge/
3http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE ID=46027
4http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/fnews/1529193/posts
5http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/factshee ts/courseapproval.pdf
6http://www.michigandaily.com/media/paper851/new s/2005/04/12/News/Alleged.Liberal.Bias.In.Academia. Debated1430247.shtml?norewrite&sourcedomain=www.michi gandaily.com
Myers presented with teaching excellence award
Remember the Publisher’s Clearing House prize patrol commercials? Some unsuspecting person opens the front door to be greeted by congratulatory strangers with balloons, cameras and a larger-than-life check. Nick Myers (’02, pictured right), music teacher at Roosevelt Middle School in Newark, Ohio, was not visited by the prize patrol. However, the school superintendent, school principal and two Licking County Foundation representatives recently walked into his classroom, school news cameras rolling, to announce that he was the Intermediate Grade Level 2004-05 Leaders for Learning Award recipient for teaching excellence in Newark City Schools.
“I never took this job to get an award. I took this job because of the opportunity to work with the students,” Myers explained. When he was hired at Roosevelt in March 2003, approximately 80 students participated in the various choral ensembles. Three years later, almost 220 students are participating in the music programs.
Myers identifies fairness as a key to student success in his classroom, noting that Jesus exhibited this quality. “Each person Jesus encountered had a different circumstance, a different need. He met each person at her or his point of need.” Myers’ desire is to really know each of his students, to fully understand their individual abilities and needs and to teach each child fairly.
Giving his students an understanding of the difference between good and bad choices in school and in life is another goal for Myers. He constantly
By Dr. Bevin Shiverdecker, Professor of Education
talks with his students about choices, and stresses that “each choice directs the rest of their lives.”
Thankful for his career preparation in MVNU’s Education and Music departments, Myers explained that he left MVNU with the strong belief that “every student can learn and can be successful.” He is very happy to see MVNU’s field students and student teachers continue to hold such beliefs and that they are what he calls “a step above the rest.”
The sharing of his faith—his life—with his students shows no sign of slowing. He is a student in MVNU’s Master of Arts in Education program (Curriculum and Instruction) in an effort to be an even better teacher. Myers is directing music for Newark High School’s spring musical, preparing over 40 students for solo and ensemble competitions and coordinating Roosevelt’s spring concert.
Nick Myers walks the hallways of Roosevelt Middles School enveloped by the good news of the Gospel. He is an image-bearer of Christ—the Master Teacher.
Students active in bringing social justice to community
By Karen Boyd, Associate Professor of Social Work
“And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8; NIV). The prophet Micah summarized the qualities that are most important to God. Zechariah also pronounced God’s requirements (NIV): “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.’”
Treating people with dignity, respect and fairness, and challenging injustice are core values of the social work profession. The MVNU Social Work program attempts to foster these qualities in future social workers. For example, each fall during the local Food For The Hungry drive, the Social Work department sponsors activities to heighten awareness about issues of poverty, hunger and homelessness. Students create displays depicting the realities of poverty, invite peers to a Hunger Awareness Banquet and spent the night outside in homeless simulation events.
In December 2005, representatives of the Youth Empowerment Program from the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio presented a poverty simulation. MVNU students did not know that the young people presenting the program were actually homeless teens. Bethany Wells said, “This simulation and activity really broadened my worldview about people living in poverty and teen homelessness. This really helped me to become more empathetic toward this population group.”
Vanessa Vinson added, “This opened my eyes to what children in poverty go through every day. I have learned that
not everyone has the means to do the same things I can do; therefore, I need to treat everyone equally.”
Additionally, Social Work students participate in various service-learning projects that focus on issues affecting real people. Students conducted a survey to determine the costs of housing in Knox County in an attempt to reduce the impact of the loss of housing subsidies for the poor. They also advocated to Congress for the reaffirmation of the Older Americans Act which provides services for low-income elderly individuals, rallied against the closure of the local employment office, conducted community needsassessment surveys to assist social service agencies, and worked with the local community and Kenyon College to establish an annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Breakfast.
In the fall 2005, the members of the Social Work Macropractice class assisted the Community Mental Health and Recovery Board with the levy campaign that funds services for individuals with mental health or addiction challenges. Third-year Social Work majors are currently conducting a year-long research study to determine the effectiveness of a violence-prevention program that teaches positive conflict-resolution techniques to preschoolers.
Through simulations and service-learning projects, Social Work students are demonstrating the admonitions of Micah and Zechariah and integrating these principles into their chosen career.
MVNU Social Work students supporting issues that matter to the community.
School of Natural and Social Sciences
Endowed scholarship fund announced in honor of Dr. Joseph Lechner
By Dr. Robert Kasper, Interim Dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences
During Homecoming this past November, 55 alumni, faculty and staff members gathered for a banquet in honor of Dr. Joseph Lechner, MVNU professor of chemistry.
Many of our Natural Sciences alumni have expressed their gratitude for Dr. Lechner’s commitment to them as individuals over the years. Earlier in 2005, several of them proposed that it would be appropriate to express their appreciation in a tangible way while providing encouragement for students in the Natural Sciences. Mike Cheek, director of Major Gifts and Grants, announced the establishment of the Joseph Lechner Endowment to honor his influence on our campus, and to assist future generations of students. It is MVNU’s first endowed scholarship to be named for a still-serving faculty member. Approximately $60,000 has already been contributed or pledged to begin this scholarship fund.
Dr. Lechner joined the MVNU faculty in 1979. In addition to teaching chemistry, he has served as chair of the Chemistry and Physical Science department since 1988 and chair of the Natural Sciences division from 1989 until 2003. Since he has been so involved with alumni over the years, it was not easy to keep the endowment banquet a surprise. However, he admitted that he was totally unprepared for the crowd of former students and friends who awaited him at the banquet.
Dr. Rodney Austin (’92 Chemistry) and Dr. Jerry Trotti (’89 Chemistry) spoke about the impact of the professional and Christian mentoring they received as Lechner’s students. Austin was inspired by the example of Lechner and several other MVNU science professors to become a professor of chemistry himself. Trotti went on to medical school at Wright State University, and is now a diagnostic radiologist at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Trotti presented gifts from alumni to Dr. Lechner; Dr. Robert Kasper and Dr. Karen Doenges presented gifts from the School of Natural and Social Sciences.
The final presentation at the banquet was given by Dr. Chris Weghorst (’84 Biology), who spoke on Chemoprevention of Oral Cancer by Black Raspberries, his current research subject. This project investigates how certain foods, such as black raspberries, contain a combination of chemicals that slow the growth of cancer cells. The presentation was a fitting tribute to Dr. Lechner’s positive influence in advising dozens of premedical students at MVNU who are now serving as doctors and medical research scientists. We are grateful for Dr. Lechner’s continued dedication to students at MVNU!
If you would like to contribute to this endowment, contact the Development Office at 1-800-367-9294 or development@mvnu.edu.
Dr. Chris Weghorst (’84 Biology) is an associate professor at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health. His laboratories are located at the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute. He received the MVNU Medallion Award in 2000, and currently serves on the MVNU Board of Trustees.
Mount Vernon NOW
Living as Christian professionals
By Dr. Robert Kasper, Interim Dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences
When reflecting on the challenges of their work after graduation, several of the School of Natural and Social Sciences panelists expressed thoughts similar to Tim Varughese’s (’04), “The most significant challenge is being a Christian in a non-Christian world. MVNU prepared me spiritually to go out into this world.” Tim and the five other panelists shared personal stories about how they have interacted with people whose lifestyles differ greatly from their own.
Dr. Kent Youngman said that his education at MVNU gave him “a strong foundation for understanding humanity from a Christian perspective, to appreciate that people have great value because they are created in God’s image.” He said this perspective is not present in most graduate programs, so he is thankful that he had the opportunity to develop a Christian approach to psychology at the beginning of his career as a student at Mount Vernon.
Alumni discuss professional life with students
By Dr. Robert Kasper, Interim Dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences
Six alumni of the School of Natural and Social Sciences participated in a panel discussion about their professional lives and work during MVNU Homecoming in November. The event gave current MVNU students insight into the opportunities and challenges that are typical for Christians who work in scientific professions. These alumni (listed from left to right in photo) exemplify just a few of the many directions that our graduates have been well equipped to pursue after completing their college education at MVNU.
Dr. Rodney Austin (’92 Chemistry) completed graduate studies at the University of Cincinnati, earning a doctorate in biochemistry. He is now an assistant professor of chemistry at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Penn. Rodney’s wife, Kathy (’92 Copus), also graduated from MVNU with a B.S. in comprehensive science, and was recognized in 2000 as a nationally certified high school science teacher.
Speaking from many years of experience in the helping professions of psychology, counseling and social work, Youngman continued, “There is a huge difference between accepting a lifestyle and accepting a life. If you’re going to be in the helping professions, you’re going to work on a daily basis with people who have very different lifestyles, and who are there to seek help to sort out their lives. You have to be able to accept the life, even though you may not accept the lifestyle. There is a perception that people who have a Christian faith are going to be judgmental and will preach to people about how they should change.” Instead, he believes it is important for Christian professionals “to be able to accept people and value them and honor them in your work, regardless of what sorts of things they do in their lives.”
Todd Manion expressed a similar approach to interacting with the diverse culture and lifestyles of his coworkers on software development projects. “Christ meets us where we are. We don’t have to be perfect before we come to Him. That’s the way I try to engage the culture. Christ lives in me, and He calls me to love people wherever they are on their spiritual journey. For me to bring Christ to them, I need to humble myself and meet them where they are.” Todd’s passion is for his friends to know that great freedom and joy can be found in the abundant life that Christ came to give us. “That’s the love that I gained here at MVNU for a dying world.”
Todd Manion (’01 Computer Science) went to work at Microsoft, Corp. in Redmond, Wash., immediately after graduation, and is now a program manager for Collaboration Technologies in the Windows Networking division at Microsoft.
Jonathan Rush (’97 Chemistry) is section head in the Stability department at Roxane Laboratories, a pharmaceutical company in Columbus, Ohio. His department ensures that medications will remain active until their expiration dates. He has also completed a master’s in business administration at The Ohio State University.
Tim Varughese (’04 Biology) is completing the graduate training required to become a physical therapist, and is currently studying in the Master’s of Physical Therapy program at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health.
Dan Weston (’04 Mathematics) is continuing his education as a graduate student in the doctoral program in Statistics at The Ohio State University, and works as a teaching assistant in the Statistics program.
Dr. Kent Youngman (’81 Psychology) worked for 15 years as a counselor and administrator in an agency for children, with severe mental and behavioral difficulties, and their families. He completed an Ed.D. in counseling at the University of Cincinnati after earning an M.A. in clinical psychology from the University of Dayton. Currently, he is the vice president and chief program officer for the Mental Health and Recovery Board of Clark, Greene and Madison counties in westcentral Ohio. He also teaches graduate courses in marriage and family therapy as an adjunct professor in the Human Services department at Wright State University.
School of Arts and Humanities
Conflict in the Church
By Dr. David Kale, Director of Assessment and Professor of Communication
We tend to view our world as a place where conflict is more and more a part of life. We Americans tend to see our world this way even more than those in other countries since our country is currently at war. There is evidence to suggest, however, that this is not an accurate view of the role conflict is playing in our world today.
A study done by the Human Security Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, a Canadian think tank, found that following the end of the Cold War, “all forms of violent conflict except terrorism have dropped rapidly...The number of armed conflicts has fallen by more than 40 percent since 1992, and conflicts with 1,000 or more battle deaths dropped by 80 percent.”1
In addition to international conflict, we also tend to see school violence as increasingly a part of what happens in today’s schools. As it turns out, this is not the case either. The U.S. departments of Justice and Education jointly published a report which showed that in 2003 the rate of school violence was stable and half of what it was in 1992. The report also showed that in 2003, students were less afraid to go to school, were involved in fewer school fights and experienced significantly fewer incidents of students bringing guns to school.2
In 2005, however, a type of violence occurred in this country which we have not seen before. In March of last year, a gunman walked into the worship service of the Living Church of God in Brookfield, Wisconsin, shot and killed several parishioners and then committed suicide. An investigation into the shooting indicated that the conflict appeared to arise out of a change in church policy after the death of the Worldwide Church of God’s founder.3
One would hope that this church shooting was an isolated incident and not an indication that church fights over matters such as church policy and music preferences are rising to a new level of violence. It is not deniable, however, that conflict is a frequent part of church life as it exists in our country today. Based on survey of over 500 pastors, Eric Reed
writes that “if five pastors are sitting at a table, in most cases, all five of them can tell the story of a major conflict in their church, and one of them can describe a battle that is raging right now. Conflict is common in the Body of Christ…”4
It would not be possible to identify any single factor that has helped reduce conflict in the international arena or in our schools. These are both very complicated situations where a variety of factors could lead to the increase or reduction in conflict. A factor that has certainly helped in both of these situations, however, has been putting systems in place to identify potential conflict areas and deal with them before they get out of hand.
Jessica Jameson has written that just as we use firewalls to keep viruses from attacking our computers, organizations need “firewalls” to keep conflict from destroying them.5 School children are given training in identifying conflicts when they arise. They are taught conflict-resolution strategies to reduce the likelihood that those conflicts will turn violent.
Our churches have yet to take active steps to reduce conflict among their members. Church conflict consultant Speed Leas writes that “character assassination is the usual mode of attack in church fights.”6 Obviously, such attacks will only make the conflict worse rather than leading toward resolution. Church members need to be trained in identifying potential conflict areas as well as the necessary communication skills to effectively resolve those conflicts.
REFERENCES
1.LA Times-Washington Post Service, Oct. 19, 2005.
2.States News Service, Nov. 20, 2005.
3.Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 21, 2005: 9.
4.Reed, Eric. “Leadership Surveys Church Conflict,” Leadership, Fall 2004, 25(4): 25-26.
5.Jessica Jameson. “Toward a Comprehensive Model for the Assessment and Management of Intraorganizational Conflict,” International Journal of Conflict Management, July 1999 [4 January 2001: http://proquest.umi.com/pqdlink].
6.Lott, David B., Ed. “The Basics in Conflict Management in Organizations.” Conflict Management in Congregations. (Bethesda, Md., Alban Institute, 2001): 20-44.
The meaning of community
By Betsy Sharp, Senior
It was George Bernard Shaw who said, “I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the community, and as long as I live it, is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.” I never quite understood what Shaw meant by the word “privilege” until I was given the opportunity to be a part of the Food For The Hungry organization. It has been a journey of personal realization and also one of excitement as I have seen the hand of God move.
Since transferring into MVNU and becoming a broadcast communication major almost three years ago, it has been my joy to be a part of the staff of the campus radio station, WNZR 90.9 FM. And when given the opportunity to branch off from WNZR to the local Food For The Hungry organization, I made it my goal to dive in with both feet and be a part of what God was already doing in Knox County.
I wish I could tell you that it was a breeze to submerge myself into the organization. Although I had grown up being very aware of poverty and those around me, it was still painful to hear the stories I was now hearing, to know what is taking place in the community and to feel as if I wasn’t able to do more. It was this most recent Food For The Hungry drive in December 2005 where I finally realized the bigger picture of community and how God works even through what we may see as a disaster.
Less than two weeks before the drive, we learned that many of our largest donors had not received their Food For The Hungry information in the mail. My heart sank and my mind reeled thinking, “How could this happen?” I found myself spiritually at the place where I wish I could say I visited with more regularity—for it was in morning prayer the day of the drive when God quieted my heart, then opened my eyes to see people of Knox County giving generously. He was showing me that He truly is at work in my life, and in the lives of others. We met our goal that day, and have since surpassed it with $143,050 and 50 truckloads of food to stock the pantries of The Salvation Army and Interchurch of Knox County.
For me, it’s simple. I am a part of a community, and that is the church worldwide. Whether I am serving as a student in Knox County, or as an MVNU graduate across the far reaches of the earth, I will count it a privilege to be a part of God’s work and do whatever I can.
“Alice in Cougerland”
By Dr. David Wilkes, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities
What do Chonan, South Korea, and Mount Vernon, Ohio, have in common? Seven adventurous Korea Nazarene University (KNU) students who boarded a plane, flew to the United States, and spent three weeks in MVNU’s first ever “American Language and Culture Experience” (ALCE) certificate program this past January—the first piece in a larger project to add TOEFL and TESOL programs to MVNU’s ongoing commitment to multicultural growth, under Jim Singletary’s direction.
The ALCE program (fondly called “Alice”) combines English as a second language study with a sampling of Midwest Americana, everything from a trip to Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to Sunday worship in a variety of local churches. Guest speakers, college basketball, American dorm life, and Blue Jackets ice hockey were all a part of the experience.
Yet, it was relationships that made this international program a true success. Relationships between Jessy Hendrickx (’93), the program coordinator/teacher, and JeeYeon Jung, Sang Suk Kim,
Jung Jung and Min Sang Kim. Relationships between MVNU students and KNU students, relationships between faculty/staff host families and their visiting guests. Relationships between Korean Christians and American believers.
In the closing days of the program, four additional KNU faculty also stayed at MVNU. Professors Jung Jin Kim and Chul Soo Yoon, along with middle school teacher Joong Jin Park, and teaching assistant Min Sang Kim were additional blessings to a program that promises much more of the same in the future.
Jung Hyun Lee, Yong Hee Yoo, Soon
Jessy Hendrickx (center) with
School of Theology and Philosophy
endowmentScholarship to honor Dr. David Cubie endowmentScholarship to honor Dr. David Cubie
This past November at the second annual School of Theology and Philosophy’s Homecoming reunion, Dr. David Cubie was honored and a scholarship endowment in his name was announced.
Following are some excerpts from a tribute read by Dr. Lincoln Stevens:
“Dr. David Cubie has been an exemplary teacher, a visionary division chair, a committed scholar and a devoted Christian for over 30 years at Mount Vernon Nazarene University…. Today there are hundreds of pastors, missionaries, evangelists and Christian laity who are preaching, teaching, nurturing and loving thousands of people into the life of the Kingdom of God under the influence and example of Dr. Cubie’s teaching and life….
“His teaching has been a single-minded one— emphasizing what is so desperately needed in our lives, the Church, the University and society—the sanctification of our lives by Christ’s love…. Dr. Cubie has enabled us to see that sanctification does not stop with the cleansing of the Christian’s heart by faith, but goes on to glorification and the transformation of society. In this he has helped us see again with John Wesley that ‘there is no holiness except social holiness.’
“His continuous conference papers, faculty lectures, journal articles and book preparation have inspired us to a higher level of scholarly
involvement. He has helped us believe that Christian scholarship is possible in the midst of the busyness of Christian university life.
“Along with this teaching and leadership, David Cubie has modeled among us the transformed life that he has taught about so carefully. He has given the best of his heart and life, not just his mind. His faithful leadership in preaching, prayer and service on and off campus are but a few examples. His students have felt his passion for them to know the fullness of Christ. Many of us have observed his regular devotion to altar counseling during chapel and revival services. We also know how few can open the depth and challenge of Scripture from the pulpit like he does….
“In conclusion, David, let us say that we are eternally grateful for your faithful Christian friendship, leadership and example in so many ways. And because of this, it is our privilege to honor you today.”
A good start on the endowment fund has begun with gifts from the School of Theology and Philosophy faculty leading the way. But, we need your help. If you would like to show your appreciation for Dr. David Cubie and his ministry to you or your family, please contact Mike Cheek at 1-800-367-9294 or mcheek@mvnu.edu for information on how you can participate in this endowed scholarship. Donations may also be made online at www.mvnu.edu/uniadv/waystogive.html.
By Dr. C. Jeanne Serrão, Dean of the School of Theology and Philosophy, and Dr. Lincoln Stevens, Professor of Philosophy
Mount Vernon NOW
Hampton cultivates future youth ministers
By Dr. C. Jeanne Serrão, Dean of the School of Theology and Philosophy
It was a delight to visit with over 30 faculty, alumni and their families at the School of Theology and Philosophy reunion in November. Professor James Hampton, his wife Carolyn (’90 Rhodes) and his two children, Alyssa and Nathan, were part of that group.
Hampton graduated from MVNU in 1988 with a major in Christian education and a minor in psychology. After three years as youth pastor at Bethel Community Nazarene in New Carlisle, Ohio, he and his wife made the move to Kansas City to attend Nazarene Theological Seminary. During seminary and after graduation, he served as youth minister in two different Nazarene churches. In 1997, he assumed the position of senior high editor for Nazarene Youth International (Nazarene headquarters). While there, he was promoted to executive editor and eventually co-founded Barefoot Ministries, the youth ministry publishing company for Nazarene Publishing House.
While at headquarters, he also served as an adjunct professor at Mid-America Nazarene College, which prompted him to begin doctoral studies in education (with an emphasis in adolescence) at the University of Kansas. He is now the assistant professor of Youth Ministry at Asbury Theological Seminary (ATS) and resides with his family in Lexington, Ky.
“Because the field of youth ministry is constantly changing, and because it involves both theological and sociological/ psychological studies, keeping up with the field can be challenging,” Hampton explained. “The greatest reward is watching a student ‘get it.’ I also love meeting with students after graduation and seeing how their training at ATS has prepared them for a lifetime of ministry.”
At MVNU he affirmed his call to professional ministry. “There were many people, activities and events which served to instill in me both the passion and the expertise for ministry. Godly professors who both taught about and modeled holiness were especially formative,” he said. “Having the opportunity to travel for three years with Living Witness gave me lots of opportunities for preaching and pastoral care—not to mention the close friends who encouraged and challenged me.”
To current students, he advised, “Make sure you’re taking the time necessary to allow God to really form you. It’s so easy in our busy lives just to find oneself going through the motions of being a Christian, failing to allow God the time and space necessary to really create whom He intends us to be.”
Jim is a wonderful example of a student who encountered Christ at MVNU and who is now helping others do so at Asbury. He is finishing his dissertation and will graduate with his doctorate this year. He serves his students at ATS, and his church as board member, NYI president, senior high Sunday school teacher and leader of the teen midweek service. He is also involved his community’s elementary school PTS executive committee and decisionmaking council.
Faculty and students to attend 7th International Wesleyan/Holiness Women Clergy Conference
By Dr. C. Jeanne Serrão, Dean of the School of Theology and Philosophy
The seventh Come to the Water Conference for Wesleyan/Holiness women ministers will be held April 20-23 at the Town and Country Resort in San Diego, Calif. The 2006 conference theme is “A Mosaic of Holy Love,” and speakers will emphasize the many expressions of perfect love that come to us through God.
Dr. C. Jeanne Serrão and Dr. Jane Kennard will be attending along with women students called into ministry from the MVNU campus. This conference is an experience designed to strengthen and encourage women—those called to any form of ministry as well as those preparing for Christian ministry—and to help equip and prepare them with skills to be excellent in their service. With exciting worship, inspirational preaching, educational workshops and incredible chances to connect through networking and prayer support, Come to the Water is the place where women help each other discover once again the reviving power of the Living Water, and come away rejuvenated in pursuit of their callings.
If you would like to learn more about this conference, please visit www.messiah.edu/whwc. Come—join us in San Diego!
Serving God through Adult and Graduate Studies
By Dr. Randall Wells, Vice President of Adult and Graduate Studies
How does our service to God fit into the new Master of Business Administration degree that will be offered by Adult and Graduate Studies? While this new MBA may not sound like the most exciting way to serve God, we believe wholeheartedly that God works powerfully in our AGS classrooms, in the lives of our students and in the lives of the faculty and staff.
Almost half of the students enrolled in AGS at Mount Vernon Nazarene University are not Christians. They enroll because they have heard it’s a good program, because they need a college degree to advance their career, and some (yes, we’ll admit it) may even be enticed by the promise of a new laptop computer. But what they receive is so much more.
What our students receive is an education taught from a standpoint of hope in our Savior, a belief that we can positively impact the world and the understanding that God desires we develop the gifts He’s given us. And that is why we call the AGS programs “lifechanging.”
So, while I can tell you that our Master of Business Administration degree will be launched this year, and that our students will have the opportunity to learn advanced business techniques from outstanding faculty, that’s not really the main point. Instead, I want you to know that future AGS students will have yet one more opportunity to hear the good news of God’s love, to grow in their faith and to acquire the skills necessary to change the world.
Integration of faith doesn’t stop in the classroom
By John Washatka, Director of Academic Services for AGS
A distinct characteristic of Adult and Graduate Studies is the integration of faith with the learning that occurs in the classroom. The intention by AGS to be integrative within its nontraditional structure reflects Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s commitment to developing a Christian worldview and lifestyle in all our students.
“Integration takes place, depending on the topic being discussed, at any particular moment and with the students involved in the discussion,” said Dr. Randall Wells, vice president for Adult and Graduate Studies. “Ultimately, we want our students to have a better understanding of the relationship between any particular subject matter and a biblical perspective.”
Assistant Professor of Mathematics Jeremy Strayer is a facilitating instructor in the Bachelor of Business Administration program, and teaches data development and analysis. “I’m reminded of the quote by Mark Twain about ‘lies, damn lies, and statistics,’” he said. “We have an ethical responsibility to be fair with statistics. Some students think that statistics can be used to support whatever argument they favor. However, we need to do our best to honestly represent the issue.”
Strayer also sees integration as laying a foundation for an individual to understand his/her identity. “Everything should flow from a Christian foundation and from studying in a Christian community. I see the integration of faith with learning as being about the foundations of who you are.”
Most instructors in AGS are responsible for integrating a biblical worldview as the course material is considered. Dr. Rick Williamson’s task is a little different. As a professor of religion, he teaches Foundations of a Biblical Worldview for the BBA program, as well as other religion classes. He integrates the perspectives of his students with a biblical worldview.
“I operate from the premise that ‘all truth is God’s truth,’” he said. “The division between faith and learning is artificial. All of my life is an expression of faith. I can’t compartmentalize my faith from the rest of my life.” When discussing biblical topics with his students, he challenges them by asking, “What difference does it make when I apply this to my marriage, my workplace or relationships? If I view other individuals as being bearers of God’s image, how would I treat them differently?”
Williamson serves as one of the two assistant chaplains along with Dr. Willie Dishon, associate professor of Pastoral Ministries. “My role as chaplain gives me an opportunity to talk to students about faith issues springing from classroom experiences,” said Williamson.
“This is where our efforts at integration have many different looks. Our instructors pray and have devotions in class, they challenge students with a biblical worldview and they model what it means to be a Christian. We also have chaplains who relate to students in a context outside of class. All of this is done in a culture which is Christian,” Wells observed.
The goal of integration, then, is to have students learn about a particular subject, and how a Christian perspective should inform their thinking about that subject in relation to their lives.
Lemke teaches real-world accounting and finance
By Kathy Howell, Curriculum Specialist
Adult and Graduate Studies has an impressive list of instructors who bring to the classroom both academic and real-world experience, as well as a passion for lifelong learning. These educators understand that real-world instruction translates into real-world application for their students.
Mark Lemke (pictured) is representative of this kind of instructor—a well-educated leader in his field with real-world experience, able to encourage students to interact with the information and then apply it to their work. Likewise, the accounting and finance courses Lemke teaches also promote an integrated perspective of real-world application across disciplines. Each course is designed to build upon the last to encourage personal relevance.
Accounting and finance have been Mark Lemke’s world for a long time. He has over 19 years of corporate lending and branch administration experience and currently owns his own business, The Lemke Valuation Group, located in Mansfield, Ohio. Lemke is an accredited valuation analyst—one of only 10 in Ohio and 150 in the nation.
At one time, Lemke was a regional president for a bank, responsible for over 110 employees and 10 bank branches. “But I wasn’t happy doing it,” he reflected. Lemke feels called to manage his valuation business as well as being one of the adjunct faculty members at MVNU.
Lemke’s students are also happy that he is called to be an instructor. “I was nervous about taking accounting,” said Lynn Ricard, coordinator of student accounts in the AGS office. “This was my first class in 27 years, but Mr. Lemke put us at ease and you could tell that he wanted you to succeed.”
While Lemke expects a lot from his students he also tells them, “This is ‘principles of realworld accounting’—not ‘how to take a CPA exam.’ If I can’t keep the class light, it’s not worth teaching. On our first night of class, I ask the students, ‘What do you like about accounting or finance?’ If nothing else, that gets everyone laughing.”
Joel Smith, director of Safety & Security at MVNU added, “I really enjoyed Mark’s accounting class. He is dedicated, personable and willing to do whatever it takes to help his students succeed.”
The biggest challenge for Lemke is balancing people who have never studied finance or accounting with the people who have. He has found that his experiences dealing with clients help him to create a class environment that can meet people where they are and help them find meaning in the course material that is specific to their needs.
When asked about how he incorporates his faith into the classroom, Lemke said, “I usually share with them something that happened to me driving to class that day—the sun going down or the clouds in the sky—and then apply it to my relationship with God.”
Lemke’s concern for students and application of course material are common among AGS instructors and—when it comes to application in the workplace and reaching career goals—knowing where students are coming from and caring about where they’re going can make all the difference in the world.
Stevens receives Woody Hayes Scholar-Athlete Award
Amanda Stevens, a senior on MVNU’s women’s volleyball team, has been selected as one of six 2006 Woody Hayes National Scholar-Athlete Award recipients nationwide by the University and Northwest Sertoma Club of Columbus.
An outside hitter from Mount Vernon, Ohio, Stevens put together an outstanding career for the Lady Cougars. She played in 654 games as MVNU, posting a 149-49 record during her career. The former All-Ohioan at Centerburg High School finished her career with the Lady Cougars ranked second in school history in kills (2,004) and first in digs (2,519) and aces (214). She was also a member of the MVNU women’s basketball team as a freshman and sophomore, averaging 7.4 points per game.
Among Stevens’ many honors, she was a two-time National Christian College Athletic Association First Team AllAmerican, as well as an NAIA Honorable Mention All-American as a junior. She was named to the American Mideast Conference South Division First Team once and the AMC South Division Second Team twice. A two-time NCCAA East Region Team pick, Stevens was also chosen as the NCCAA East Region Player of the Year as a junior.
In the classroom, Stevens is a standout as her 3.836grade-point average indicates. The Early Childhood Education major has been named to the MVNU Dean’s List all seven semesters and is a two-time NAIA and NCCAA All-America Scholar-
By Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director
Athlete selection. She was also named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District IV Second Team as a senior and the CoSIDA Academic All-District IV Third Team as a sophomore.
Stevens’ leadership abilities are evident as she has served as a captain for the Lady Cougars this past season. She is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes and in her home church, Mount Vernon First Church of the Nazarene. She has served as a Junior Olympic volleyball coach and has been a small group leader at MVNU. She was also involved in a mentoring program with fifthand sixth-graders, and spent January 2005 in San Diego where she distributed food to the homeless and tutored in an afterschool program. In addition, she was part of a mission trip to the Bahamas in 2002.
“This is a great honor for Amanda,” said MVNU volleyball coach Paul Swanson. “She truly represents what this award is all about. She has had tremendous success with our volleyball program and in the classroom. She has also been involved in numerous community service activities. She has put a lot of time and energy into being the best that she can be in all aspects of her life.”
The Woody Hayes National Scholar-Athlete Awards are presented annually to the outstanding male and female scholar-athlete in each of the three collegiate divisions. The criteria include success in the athlete’s sport and in the classroom and community service work. Stevens becomes the fourth MVNU athlete to be honored during the 19 years in which the award has been presented; others include men’s basketball player Adam Stevens in 2001, men’s soccer player Casey Swanson in 2003, and women’s soccer player Cheryl Balogh in 2004.
Busy life suits Zarley just fine
By Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director
For Nick Zarley, there is no such thing as a typical week, and that’s just the way the MVNU senior likes it.
A four-year member of MVNU men’s basketball team, Zarley is in the midst of a very busy school year. Besides playing a key role as a starter or sixth man for the Cougars, he is working to complete his degree in Early Childhood Education. On top of that, he serves as the youth minister at the Croton Church of Christ in his nearby hometown.
A former All-Ohio Honorable Mention selection in basketball at Northridge High School, Zarley has seen action in 85 games during his career as the Cougars have posted a 78-43 overall record. This season, he has played in all 20 games with three starts and is averaging 4.6 points and 3.2 rebounds as the team has gone 146 to date.
“Playing basketball here has been a very positive experience,” said Zarley. “I have developed relationships that will last a lifetime. The focus that Coach Flemming has placed on living a Christian life has had a strong influence on my life. Never before had I been given the opportunity to play, pray and worship with teammates. I feel truly blessed to have been a part of this program.”
In the classroom, Zarley has posted a 3.285-grade-point average as he works toward his goal of becoming a teacher. He would also like to coach either basketball or baseball at the high school level, and he plans to continue his ministry at his church.
Speaking of that ministry, Zarley has been working in his role as youth minister since the spring of his sophomore year. His duties include teaching a college-age Sunday school class, leading children’s church in praise and worship, and lesson activities for children ages 5-11. On Sunday nights, he teaches a class of fourth-, fifth- and
sixthgraders and helps with recreation.
Then, on Wednesday nights, he heads up PHIL413, which is a casual Bible study and prayer time for the teens. His position is considered part-time during the school year , but moves to full-time in the summer as there are more opportunities for special events and activities.
Among the many highlights of Zarley’s time at MVNU, he lists the basketball team’s mission trip to Jamaica as the biggest one. “That trip made a huge impact on my life and my walk with Christ,” he said.
“I have seen Nick grow so much as a player over the past four years,” said MVNU head coach Scott Flemming. “He has worked very hard to become a very good college basketball player and a significant contributor to our success. I have also seen him grow as a young man of God. Nick has become one of our spiritual leaders on the team and has a real passion for ministry. I have no doubt that he will make an impact on the lives of the young people he will coach, teach and work with in his church ministry. MVNU is a better place because Nick chose to come here.”
As Zarley’s time at MVNU draws to a close, he has several words of advice for high school students making their college choice. “I would strongly encourage anyone to attend MVNU,” he said. “The overall atmosphere is uplifting and an experience not to be missed. I have been overwhelmed with the support I have experienced from the faculty, staff and administrators. For anyone seeking a ‘real’ college experience, MVNU is the place to be.”
Zarley speaks to students, faculty and staff in an MVNU chapel service.
By Tom West, Director of Alumni Relations and University Fund
Students “encounter Christ’’ through alumni 1990s
When I reflect on the theme of this issue, “Encountering Christ on Campus,” I think of the impact that faculty and staff have on our students. It’s a wonderful testimony for alumni to return to campus to give back what was given to them. Our alma mater’s words reflect, “Fond memories of work and play, the faculty who showed the way…” There are about a dozen alumni couples who serve at MVNU. Allow me to highlight one of them—Scott (’80) and Chawn (’83 Hoffert) Flemming (pictured).
Including his years as a student and an employee, Scott has been at MVNU for almost half his life. His first visit to campus was as a child; ironically, he was attending a basketball game. Later, Scott began his journey as a student and experienced what he calls the “four of the greatest years” of his life. “Besides giving me a quality education, MVNU afforded me the opportunity to play two varsity sports, travel in a Music & Ministry group, be involved in student government and serve as a resident assistant,” he commented. “My life was truly shaped by this community of believers. God used the people of this school to help me develop my convictions, dreams, values and my call to ministry.”
Julie (Penfound ’90) and Ian Dreifaldt announce the arrival of Annelise Penfound on Aug. 27, 2005. She joins big brother Griffin (4) and sister Olivia (2). The family resides in Denver, Colo.
Carla (Brewer ’91) Swarner is teaching fourth grade at Collins Hill Christian School in Lawrenceville, Ga. Her husband, Bill Swarner (’91), is a senior underwriting analyst with Genworth Financial, and works fulltime from their home in Buford, Ga. Their daughter, Laura Kathryn, is 7 and in second grade at Collins Hill Christian School. The Swarners are members of Collins Hill Baptist Church.
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During his freshman year, Scott felt God calling him to youth ministry. However, it would not be in a pastoral setting. After two years with “Deliverance,” a music group that traveled full-time, Scott returned to MVNU to work in the Admissions office. Through a series of events, he accepted an invitation to serve as the assistant coach with the men’s basketball team. It wasn’t long until God revealed to Scott that this was the call to ministry He had prepared for him.
“I really believe that athletics is one of the greatest platforms from which to share the Gospel. Not only does my coaching position allow me to influence my own players, I am able to reach out to my colleagues at other schools, to young kids at camps and clinics, and to people around the world through sports mission trips,” Scott explained. “With God’s help, I try to be very intentional about having Him at the center of all our activities. We have taken three mission trips with the men’s basketball team—once to Mexico and twice to Jamaica. What awesome experiences! Not only did my players have multiple opportunities to share their faith publicly and informally with others at games, clinics and churches, but also the spiritual impact that the trips had on them personally was truly life changing. These memories will outlast any of the championships or monumental wins that our teams have accomplished.”
“Being an alumnus makes my position here even more special,” he continued. “I received so much while I was here as a student. God has now given me the chance to give back to the place that truly has become my home.”
Chawn shared her recap of their ministry at MVNU. “Sweet 16it’s been that many years since Scott and I returned to MVNU. There’s a special bond between former students and their alma mater, which is exactly what drew us back. While there are excellent people working at MVNU, no one can give you ‘the rest of the story’ quite like an alumnus. When you can say to current students, ‘I remember my days in Oakwood or Pioneer,’ or ‘Yes, I can relate, I had that professor, too,’ there is a connection unlike anything else.”
“Scott and I have the very distinct privilege of serving students directly on a daily basis. I found my heart’s desire 11 years ago when I began working in Student Development. What a great way to spend my life—getting to know students on a personal level by guiding and influencing them in their time here. The couch in my office has seen hours of sharing, confronting, laughing and growing,” said Chawn. “The greatest fulfillment in my position is to see students grow from awkward, unsure, self-conscious freshmen into confident, caring graduates. When I see students walk across the stage during graduation, the feelings are bittersweet. I’m sad to see them go but realize the tremendous impact they’ll have on the world. Hopefully they will take with them some of what Scott and I try to model—a commitment to things that are truly important—our faith, our family and a desire to serve one another.”
Encountering Christ on campus includes more than chapel, small groups and mission trips. It is the loving and caring outreach from an alumni family that feels called to serve the next generation.
Krista (Hershey ’92) Stonerock received a doctorate of philosophy in English education from The Ohio State University in June 2005. She is an associate professor of English and education at Circleville Bible College, where she directs the first-year writing program and the college writing center.
Daniel Forry (’93) was recently promoted to the role of onside operations manager within Cardinal Health, working with El Camino Hospital in Mount View, Calif. The promotion comes with relation to the San Francisco Bay area.
Becky Kirkpatrick (’93) works for Pataskala Oaks Care Center in Pataskala, Ohio. She is the Social Services Director for an 86-bed nursing facility. She became a licensed social worker (LSW) in January 2005.
Chris (’94) and Tonya (Stimpert) Gammello have been living for the past year in Tionesta, Penn. Chris finished his first year as senior pastor at the Tionesta Church of God after spending nearly 10 years in youth ministry. Tonya works part-time and takes care of their two girls, Hannah (6) and Lexi (3).
David (’94) and Jackie (Turk ’93) Holycross announce the birth of their first child, Stephanie Marie, on Nov. 5, 2005. David and Jackie are both teachers on the Navajo reservation in Arizona.
Boyd (’95) and Susan (Hoover ’92) Rorabaugh welcomed Andrew Blair on March 23, 2005. The family lives near Ada, Ohio, where Boyd is in his second year of teaching at the School of Pharmacy at Ohio Northern University. Susan is working part-time from home.
Darryl Day (’96) entered basic combat training on June 24, 2004, at Fort Jackson, S.C.; began advanced individual training on September 15, 2004, at Fort Gordon, Ga.; was assigned to the 112th Signal Battalion (Special Operations—Airborne) on May 5, 2005, at Fort Bragg, N.C.; graduated from the U.S. Army Airborne School on Nov. 22, 2005, at Fort Benning, Ga.; and will be deployed to Iraq in early 2006.
Jessica (Rorabaugh ’96) and Wes Wadman welcomed little Landon Wesley on Feb. 23, 2005. He joins big sister Mia (2). Jessica is a mother/baby unit nurse at the University of Kansas Medical Center. The family resides in Lenexa, Kan.
Courtney Zolman (’96) married Brent Walters on June 17, 2000. They welcomed their son, Zane Tucker, on May 18, 2003. His sister, Jaycie Lynn,
was born June 25, 2005. Courtney is an independent attorney, taking appointments from the Lawrence County Juvenile Court. Her work includes guardian ad litem, and advocating for children in abuse, neglect and dependency situations, or where custody is an issue. Brent is a juvenile prosecutor in Huntington, W.Va. The couple resides in South Point, Ohio.
Jill (Loftin ’98) and Reggie Hetsler welcomed their son, Kaden Jared, into the world on Sept. 19, 2005. He weighed 8 lbs., 14 oz. and measured 21.5 inches long. Madyson Nicole (3) is his very proud big sister.
Jonathan (’98) and Rachel (Wiedner ’01) Nicholas announce the birth of Lilla Joy on Nov. 29, 2005, weighing 8 lbs, 6 oz. and measuring 22 inches long. Lilla joins big sister
April:
Take note! Upcoming events
Network lunches are great times of fellowship and relationship building. We’d love for each of you to be able to attend the MVNU lunch when we’re in your area.
Lunches take place at noon and the cost is simply $5. Anyone is welcome to attend, so pass this invitation on to your MVNU family and friends. Please RSVP to the Alumni office at 1-800-367-9294 or alumni@mvnu.edu if you plan to attend.
Summer Activities:
2 Westerville Church of the Nazarene with Collegians Chorale at 10:30 a.m.; lunch following
5 Celina, at CJ’s Highmarks
10 Canton, at Joe’s Crab Shack
13 Dayton/Beavercreek, at Grindstone Charley’s
17 Mansfield, at Cheddar’s
18 Cleveland, at Damon’s in Independence
25 Morgantown, W.Va., at Boston Beanery Restaurant
26 Charleston, W.Va., at Embassy Suites
May:
3 Cincinnati, lunch at the Adult and Graduate Studies campus
June 2 East Ohio District Assembly, Canton First Church
June 7 Northwest Ohio District Assembly, St. Mary’s Campground
June 23 Cleveland Indians game (vs. Cincinnati Reds), 7 p.m. at Jacobs Field
June 24 Columbus Zoo (includes an enrichment day); bring your lunch to the pavilion for a time of fellowship and a FREE gift from the Alumni Association
July 22 West Virginia Power game (vs. Lake County Captains) and pregame buffet, 5 p.m. at Appalachian Power Park (Charleston, W.Va.)
August 5 Cincinnati Reds game (vs. Atlanta Braves), 1:20 p.m. at Great American Ball Park
All events are subject to change.
Watch your mail or e-mail for more information! If the Alumni office does not have your current e-mail address, please drop us a line at alumni@mvnu.edu.
Halley (2). Jonathan is the worship pastor at Warren Woods Church of the Nazarene in Warren, Mich., and Rachel is a stay-at-home mom.
Sara (Parsons ’99) and Daniel Witherow welcomed a son, Matthew Daniel, on Aug. 26, 2005. He weighed in at 7 lbs, 12 oz. He joins big sister Nichole (3). The family resides in Manitou Springs, Colo., where Sara works for Summit Ministries and Daniel is a senior at Nazarene Bible College with a major in pastoral ministries.
2000s
Josh (’00) and Danica (Wanty ’00) Allen announce the birth of their
daughter Eden Raney, who weighed 7 lbs., 2 oz. and was 20.5 inches long. She joins big brothers Taylor (3) and Jayden (2).
Anil (’00) and Natascha (Tuerpitz ’99) Hinduja announce the birth of Preston Michael on Sept. 26, 2005. Preston was welcomed by big sister Tehya (6). Natascha is a stay-at-home mom and Anil is the district manager for the Distribution Center for NAPA in Altoona, Penn.
Joshua (’00) and Autumn (Platter ’00) Mann recently relocated back to Ohio from Orlando, Fla. Josh currently works at Home Depot and Autumn is a marketing assistant at a law firm in downtown Cincinnati. They keep busy with their 2-year-old son, Cameron.
JD (’00) and Sara (Gocha ’00) Burke announce the birth of Andrew James on Oct. 15, 2005. He weighed 7 lbs., 5 oz. and measured 21 inches long. He was welcomed by big sisters Kaylee (3) and Emilee (3). The Burkes reside in Mount Vernon where JD is a firefighter and Sara is a stay-athome mom. They attend Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene.
Crystal (Gregg ’01) Burgel and her husband Shane announce the birth of their daughter, Kerrigan Anne, on Oct. 6, 2005. She weighed 7 lbs, 15 oz. and was 21 inches long. She was welcomed home by big sister, Kylie.
Kim (Stivers ’02) and Scott Berry announce the birth of their first child, Miles Wayne Scott, on Oct. 13, 2005. He weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz. and measured 19.5 inches long. Scott works for State Farm Insurance and Kim is the office manager at the New Albany Church of the Nazarene.
After graduation, Erin Davisson (’03) worked at The Lighthouse, Inc., a domestic-violence shelter in Lancaster, Ohio. She then worked at the Municipal Court, assisting victims of violence throughout criminal trials. In September 2005, she moved back to her hometown of Cincinnati, where she works fulltime at River City Correctional Center as a case manager for drug- and alcohol-addicted felons. She is also pursing her master’s in social work at the University of Cincinnati.
Mount Vernon NOW
It’s not too late!
The University Fund office has just completed the calling phase of the 2006 University Fund Phonathon. Every year, MVNU students work hard phoning alumni, parents, and friends to raise money to benefit the student body. One hundred percent of the money raised goes toward scholarships.
If you weren’t contacted by one of our student callers and would like to invest in our students, please go online to www.mvnu.edu and click on “Giving to MVNU,” or call toll-free at 1-800-367-9294, option 3. Your gift makes a difference in the lives of MVNU students.
Alumni Challenge
Goal for 2005-06
Our goal for the annual University Fund Phonathon is for 2,000 alumni to make a gift toward student scholarships, setting MVNU’s annual percentage of giving at 15.3 percent. Remember, another large group will graduate in May, increasing our alumni count by another 600-plus. Let’s all do our part—it’s not how much you give, it’s your Participation. Your gift, no matter the amount, makes a difference.
All gifts to the annual fund are due by June 30, 2006. Contact us at 1-800-367-9294 or alumni@mvnu.edu You can also give online at www.mvnu.edu. Click on “Giving to MVNU” to make a secure transaction.
Adam Etris (’03) resides in Morgantown, W.Va., with his wife Nicki. They were married on Sept. 10, 2005. Adam is an inside sales representative for a local wholesale company and leads worship at Chestnut Ridge Church, which is in the process of building a new $10 million facility.
Sara Smith (’03) joined the MVNU staff in January 2006 as the evening circulation specialist in the Thorne Library/Learning Resource Center.
Lyndon Henry (’04) passed away on Jan. 5, 2006, at the age of 25. He was the son of Dr. Lealand and Merle Henry, pastor of the NewStart Whole Person Ministry in Mitthoeffer, Ind. His brother, Lyncoln, is a freshman at Olivet Nazarene University.
The family has requested that any memorial contributions be made to LaFiya Trust Fund at Whole Person Ministry Church of the Nazarene.
Ryan (’05) and Renee (Blake ’05) Avery announce the birth of their first child, Ryan Alan Jr., on Oct. 16, 2005, weighing 6 lbs, 8 oz. and measuring 19.5 inches long. Ryan and Renee are co-youth pastors at the Wadsworth Church of the Nazarene in Wadsworth, Ohio.
Chris (’05) and Melanie (Budd ’05) Easton announce the birth of Isaiah Zechariah on Sept. 22, 2005. He weighed 7 lbs., 15 oz. and was 21 inches long. The couple resides in Newark, Ohio, where Chris is the new pastor at Eastside Church of the Nazarene and Melanie is a stayat-home mom.
Aaron VanValkenburg (’05) and Sarah Rowan (’04) were married on July 2, 2005. Sarah is an English teacher in the River View Local School District, and Aaron is the congregational music leader at Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene in Mount Vernon. They couple makes their home in Mount Vernon.
Entries with a camera icon ( ) have a photo available online.
To view these photos, visit www.mvnu.edu/alumni/ grapevine/grapevine.html
Please feel free to submit photos of weddings, babies, etc. to Mount Vernon NOW, 800 Martinsburg Rd., Mount Vernon, OH 43050, or by e-mail to alumni@mvnu.edu, or online at www.mvnu.edu/alumni/grapevine/ grapevine.html.
“I wish I had a million dollars”
Early last summer, Keith Newman, vice president for University Advancement, received a call from an MVNU donor who told Newman that he and his wife had just sold a piece of land in Florida purchased over twenty years ago. They wanted to donate the proceeds of the sale, totaling $322,000, to the University, but had a question, “Is there any way to leverage this donation?”
Newman brought the idea to his Development team to discuss.
The team proposed that the donors consider using their funds as a challenge match to help increase the University’s endowment. That meant for every dollar pledged toward this project, the donors would match that dollar with one of theirs until the proceeds had been used up.
The donors quickly agreed, so Newman and the Development team went to work spreading the good news. Originally, they felt this would be a
By Austin Swallow, Executive Director for Development
one- or two-year project and set their strategy accordingly. The team quickly realized, however, that this challenge was striking a chord of approval in people’s minds. Fall 2005 saw several people making commitments and others agreeing to pray about the matter. Newman explained the challenge to MVNU trustees during their fall meeting and asked them to spread the word as well. Dr. Fairbanks wrote a letter to all existing endowment holders in late November describing the challenge, encouraging them to respond by the end of 2005.
Perhaps it was the personal visits, possibly the discussion among the trustees, conceivably the President’s letter, and undoubtedly the leading of the Lord that brought people to accept this challenge and make their commitments. By the end of the year, $469,000 had been pledged or given toward the project, far exceeding the $322,000 given by the donors. When Newman called the donors to tell them their goal had been exceeded, the gentleman excitedly exclaimed, “I wish I had a million dollars to give if this is the result. Praise the Lord!”
MVNU also rejoices in the response to this challenge. MVNU’s Student Financial Planning office uses proceeds from endowment earnings each year to offer scholarship assistance to our students. Nine new endowments were funded as a result of this challenge; others were raised to a funding level, and many more were strengthened. Countless students across the years will benefit from the generosity of this couple and those who accepted the challenge of helping to “shape Christ-like leaders for lifelong service and global impact.”
Save The Date
October 9-13, 2006
Retrace the Footsteps of Jefferson
This fall, please join MVNU friends as we “Retrace the Footsteps of Jefferson,” governor of Virginia, president of the United States, scientist and inventor.
We’ll tour Monticello, his beautiful home in Charlottesville, Va.; immerse ourselves in colonial Williamsburg, the colonial capitol of Virginia, for two nights; and travel the crest of the Shenandoah Valley on Skyline Drive. Save these dates on your calendar now.
Cost for registration before May 31 is $575 per person, or $1,100 per couple. For more details, call Austin Swallow or Beth Nesbit at 1-800-367-9294, option #2.
The $122,000 question
What do you do with a gift of $122,000?
Pastor Ron Reynolds and the Mount Sterling Church of the Nazarene were recently blessed with the privilege of making such a decision. Edna H. Chamberlain, faithful steward and long-time member of the church, made a provision for this large bequest in her will. Born on Christmas day, 1910, in Pleasantville, Edna made her home in Mount Sterling in 1930 and lived there until her death at the age of 93. Her career as a nurse brought her in contact with many people and she had a special place in her heart for young students, wanting to see them excel in their educational pursuits and professional endeavors. She was a proponent of Christian higher education and, like her church, believed in the mission of MVNU. Edna’s goal of assisting students in attaining a university degree intensified after losing her son, Jimmy, who died in a traffic accident just prior to enrolling in medical school.
As a member of the MVNU Board of Trustees for six years and pastor of the Mount Sterling Church since 1998, Pastor Reynolds knows of the need for increased scholarship support and appreciates the dynamic partnership that exists between the University and the local church. According to Pastor Reynolds, creating an endowed scholarship at MVNU with Edna Chamberlain’s generous gift not only fulfills her desires, but also strengthens the commitment of the congregation to invest in the present and future lives of students. The Mount Sterling Church has seen firsthand the results of the life-changing educational experience offered at MVNU. It is not unusual to have ten or more students from the church attending MVNU, and the return of graduates to serve in their congregation has blessed the Mount Sterling church. Reynolds stated, “MVNU has received our young people and returned to us mature, consistent, godly men and
By
women—persons who are making a positive difference in our church, community, county and country.”
Thanks to the generosity of some friends of MVNU who wish to remain anonymous, Edna Chamberlain’s $122,000 gift was matched! With $244,000 in the newly created Mount Sterling Endowed Scholarship, students from this church will be assured of financial assistance each year. Imagine the impact on future generations because of the foresight of benevolent friends of MVNU!
MVNU appreciates the leadership of Pastor Reynolds and the Mount Sterling Church Board in establishing this endowed scholarship. One of Pastor Reynolds’ favorite scriptures is Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Our prayer is that MVNU students will experience the reality of this verse in their lives and that this hope will be shared with others.
With a nursing program scheduled to begin at MVNU in the fall of 2006, some future Mount Sterling student may follow in Edna Chamberlain’s footsteps. Regardless of career choices for Mount Sterling students, Edna’s legacy will live on and the Kingdom will be blessed.
If you would like information about how to start an endowed scholarship at MVNU, please contact Keith Newman or Austin Swallow at 1-800-367-9294, or e-mail knewman@mvnu.edu or aswallo1@mvnu.edu.
J. Keith Newman, Vice President for University Advancement, Enrollment Services/Student Development
J. Keith Newman (above) with Mount Sterling church board members and Pastor Ron Reynolds (right).
Archives
Where is the cross?
By Walter Baughman, Archivist
Once upon a time, a cross hung in the front of the campus chapel. Oh, not the lovely R.R. Hodges Chapel we have now, but the interior of the Donoho Recreation Center (DRC). One of the school’s early art professors, Elizabeth Haley, and her husband John built a cross. It was made of Plexiglas, and was as Elizabeth stated recently, “Very contemporary.”
The cross was placed there for both Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene and the college chapel. The congregation met in the DRC before their Glen Road building was completed. “It gave us a focal point for worship,” said Elizabeth. The cross was enjoyed by both school and church.
If you saw it several times each week, you may recall that there were Christian symbols such as grapevines and leaves interwoven into the pattern. Fluorescent lights shown from behind, illuminating the colors of the glass. At the bottom were the symbols for Alpha and Omega—the names of Jesus. From the symbols, the cross grew. From Jesus, MVNU and Lakeholm Church grew . . . and continue to grow. Mrs. Haley saw her work of art as a Tree of Life. It was a visual reminder that we are in communion with our Lord.
Web Update
On June 30, 2006, MVNU will no longer be associated with the Internet domain mvnc.edu. Since moving to University status in 2002, MVNU has maintained a Web presence and e-mail support for the old internet domain mvnc.edu.
In rare cases, Web browser favorites (e.g. http://www.mvnc.edu) and e-mail address books (e.g. admissions@mvnc.edu) may contain the old domain and will cease to function properly on June 30. Please update your e-mail address books and bookmarked Internet sites appropriately. If you have specific technical questions about this transition contact helpdesk@mvnu.edu.
After the congregation moved, the University gave the cross back to the Haleys. They kept it in storage for a number of years before disassembling it and using the pieces for other projects.
Elizabeth later created the lovely stained glass window over the main entrance to Hyson Campus Center. She also created the words “His Yoke Is Easy” with a yoke that hangs in the front of the old Lakeholm sanctuary (now the children’s worship space). Mr. Haley worked in campus maintenance, mowing the lawns and doing repair work. Together they spent many years creating wonderful displays, backdrops and banners for Lakeholm Church. Presently, they have an art studio in their backyard and are in the founding core of the Apple Valley Church of the Nazarene, The Shepherd’s House, with Pastor Cindy Stiverson (’99).
Some alumni may wonder where the campus cross is now. We should all ponder where Jesus’ cross fits into our own lives.