From the Editor
By Carrie Crouch, Director of Communications
I cringed when I learned in December of an upcoming film hitting theaters, titled We Are Marshall. I didn’t even need to know what it was about to know that it spelled trouble for the marketing team at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. We had met for hours during the fall, ruminating over cafeteria lunches and pondering over cups of coffee what we could do with the arrival of a new president to bring unity and togetherness to the campus.
Part of our solution included an internal marketing plan that centered around the theme of (believe it or not!)—“We are MVNU.” Yes, that’s right, we came up with it first ! And it struck the heart-chords in each of us. Why was this simple phrase so powerful? Because of its simplicity. Because of its “rightness.” Because we’ve all—students, faculty, staff and alumni—had those moments when the sheer meaning and purpose of this very special place, and what we do in it, have really settled in, and nearly brought us to tears.
Some of these are moments of joy: when ground was initially broken in the middle of a corn field, when students began to arrive, when we worship as a community in the beautiful chapel, the opening of new campuses, when we celebrate victories together. Others bring sorrow and reflection: the death of David Nease, campus fires and other tragedies, and the departure of dearly loved leaders and friends. No matter what the circumstances, MVNU remains together—unified in our cause to prepare future generations who will shape the world for Christ.
Perhaps the message in We Are Marshall isn’t so far from home after all. Let me share with you some words from Marshall coach Jack Lengyel (portrayed in the movie by Matthew McConaughey) to his team. They were playing the game to honor those who had come before them. They were playing to create meaning for those who would come after. And so are we...
“Today, I want to talk about our opponent this afternoon. They’re bigger, faster, stronger, more experienced and on paper, they’re just better. And they know it too. But I want to tell you something that they don’t know. They don’t know your heart. I do. I’ve seen it. You have shown it to me...When you take that field today, you’ve got to lay that heart on the line. From the souls of your feet, with every ounce of blood you’ve got in your body, lay it on the line until the final whistle blows. And if you do that, if you do that, we cannot lose. We may be behind on the scoreboard at the end of the game but if you play like that, we cannot be defeated...How you play today, from this moment on, is how you will be remembered. This is your opportunity...”
Whether we’ve been at MVNU for 10 days or 10 years; whether we clean residence halls; teach mathematics; cook cafeteria food; serve with students overseas; sell shirts in the bookstore; shelve books in the library; or lead this community as president, we are here for a purpose—one that will outlast us all.
Friends of MVNU, this is what I want you to know about us. We are...called.
We are...committed.
We are...MVNU.
What’s Inside
1 Welcome Dr. Martin
Discover the vision and energy behind MVNU’s new president Dr. Daniel J. Martin
5 2006 Annual Report
Thank you to faithful friends and supporters of MVNU and its students, faculty and staff.
17 Campus News
Explore what’s new with academics, campus events, alumni, athletics, and more.
President Dr. Daniel J. Martin
Vice President for University Relations Dr. J. Keith Newman
Executive Director for Enrollment Services and Marketing Rev. Tim Eades
Director of Communications Carrie A. Crouch
Contributors
Mount Vernon NOW (USPS 761-980) is published four times a year by Mount Vernon Nazarene University, located at 800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. Periodical Postage Paid at Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050.
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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 among the Best in the Midwest (Bachelor’s) for the third year in a row. With a 401-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and nine satellite Adult and Graduate Studies campuses throughout the state, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education to more than 2,600 students from 23 states and five countries/U.S. territories.
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Cover: Together...we are MVNU. New President Dr. Daniel Martin, together with faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, will lead MVNU into the future.
Mount Vernon NOW
Welcome Dr. Martin
Interview by Carrie A. Crouch, Director of Communications
Dr. Daniel J. Martin was announced as Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s sixth president on Nov. 2, 2006. Now in his second month at the helm of the institution, it’s time to fully introduce him and his vision for MVNU to its community of constituents.
Having grown up in the suburbs of Kansas City, Martin was well aware of the influence and impact of Nazarene higher education. Two of his three older siblings graduated from Nazarene universities. His father, Bert, was an electrical engineer for General Electric and his mother, Vivian, was a homemaker and teacher. His parents attended and have served at both Overland Park and College Church of the Nazarene. Together, they modeled for Dan and his siblings a strong work ethic and service to Christ.
Most of Martin’s academic study and research have been in the areas of organizational culture and leadership—something that will serve him well at MVNU. His dissertation at the University of Kansas, titled, “The Organizational Culture of Nazarene Colleges and Universities: A Case Study,” focused on Olivet Nazarene University. He also studied Azusa Pacific University for another dissertation at the University of Pennsylvania, titled, “Organizational Culture: In and Through Campus Planning.” Prior to MVNU’s presidential assignment, he served for nearly seven years as vice president of University Advancement at Point Loma Nazarene University.
Martin’s wife, Pam, born in Little Rock, Ark., moved to Kansas City at 14. Little did she know her future husband lived just a few miles away. They first met at a Nazarene Zone Skate event, then were friends through high school and later developed a deeper relationship as undergraduates, Dan at Southern Nazarene University and Pam at MidAmerica. After graduation, Pam taught third grade for nine years until Jacob (10) was born. Josh (8) came along two years later. For the last three years, Pam has served as an associate children’s pastor at San Diego First Church of the Nazarene.
Martin’s sons are involved in a variety of activities including sports, music, church and playing with friends. One of their favorite activities is visiting amusement parks. Josh and Jacob should definitely enjoy their new Ohio address as they will be close to some of the planet’s finest!
Q.The first question for any new university president usually relates to his or her vision for the institution. Please summarize your vision for the future of MVNU.
A.For me, a vision is a compelling, conceptual image of a desired future. However, I value the development of a university vision as seen through multiple lenses—e.g. board of trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, students, community leaders, etc.
Thus, one of my first tasks will be to engage in a conversation with the many university constituents to explore various aspects of the question, “What is your vision for Mount Vernon Nazarene University?” This process will help us uncover a “shared” vision—one that is comprehensive, connected, well-known and understood. It is then the president’s role to perceive, espouse and provide clarity to the shared vision. Then, without a doubt, I believe the president must lead the institution in using the existing (or creating new) capacity to translate that vision into reality.
The landscape of higher education is evolving quickly and if an institution does not define its future, the future will define the institution.
A mission statement answers the questions: Why does our institution exist? What “business” are we in? What values will guide us? A vision, however, is more encompassing; it answers the question, What will success look like?
In broad strokes, I foresee a vision that will encompass the following:
Enriching the academic program
Developing and broadening the student profile
Enhancing co-curricular, ministry and service opportunities
Maintaining and advancing the University’s vibrant spiritual life
Accomplishing the University’s master plan for facility development, increasing endowments and securing a deeper and broader resource base
Strengthening university relationships—with the Church of the Nazarene, the broader Christian community, alumni, the local community, etc.
Q.
Many people have noticed that you seem very young to be a college president. Do you feel that provides you with an advantage?
A.
I suppose I am younger than many college presidents. The 2006-07 Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac reports that 6.4 percent of college presidents are under the age of 49. I’m not sure if there are necessarily any advantages inherent with my age, but given who I am as a person, I do think my place in life will add some nuances to the role of president.
For instance, being the father of two young boys provides the opportunity to interact with and meet various community members as my boys continue to grow. Also, my wife Pam is very active in these settings and I know she will be a great partner with me in representing MVNU to the broader community.
I also believe I can relate well with students:
Traditional – I enjoy following current trends and issues that affect the lives of MVNU’s students studying and living on campus. I believe this knowledge will inform my questions to the campus community regarding how we implement MVNU’s mission.
Adult and graduate students – Having just completed an educational program at the University of Pennsylvania, I’ve been there myself as a student—trying to balance school, work, family …just managing life! I certainly can relate to the inherent challenges of holding many “full-time” roles.
Q. A.
When and how did you feel called to be a part of Christian higher education?
In high school I felt a call to some type of ministry. As I continued to grow in my understanding and definition of “ministry,” it was through my experience as an undergraduate student at SNU that my calling to Christian higher education was solidified as my form of ministry.
At 20, I asked myself, Who will be leading our schools (in particular, Nazarene colleges and universities) in 20 years?
So, I set out on a journey with God to prepare myself so that if He should choose me for such a role, I would be ready. Thus, I became an answer to the very question I had asked myself 20 years ago.
How do you feel your education has prepared you to lead MVNU?
A.
My undergraduate experience at SNU has been the basis and foundation of the educational programs I have completed. It is my firm opinion that the Christian liberal arts college provides a superior educational context. It was through such education that I not only developed the skills sought in the workplace, such as ethics, integrity, the ability to think critically and analytically, and to communicate effectively, but it prepared me for a greater calling—life itself. Cardinal John Henry Newman called this type of education “fitness for the world.”
For me, the basis for “world fitness” stems from a spiritual foundation as built through one’s own rich and vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Thus, my vision for Christian higher education combines academic excellence with a bold Christian faith. I believe that not only is there inherent value in such a vision, but a desperate, dying, hurting world compels us to fulfill it.
My MBA studies provide a core of business theories and applications, as well as the ability to recognize how and why a university’s operations may need to evolve and develop in order to become more effective, while my law degree afforded an understanding of the various legal complexities and issues that shape all aspects of higher education. I believe learning how to recognize and anticipate various legal risks and developing a sense of the broad legal environment have become critical skills for administrators.
Finally, the doctorates I have obtained provide me with a strong grasp of the issues and challenges facing higher education today. My doctoral degree in Higher Education Policy and Leadership from the University of Kansas provides an initial base of knowledge in both practice and research to recognize and analyze the various policy and leadership issues within higher education and then to develop appropriate solutions to successfully meet these issues.
With a desire to deepen and broaden my understanding of higher education, I entered and recently completed another doctoral program at the University of Pennsylvania in Higher Education
Management. This program focused on the core management competencies and applied research required by those in higher education management. The Penn program, perhaps more than others, placed me with world-class faculty and classmates that certainly heightened the level and depth of classroom conversations. It afforded me with the operational tools necessary to address the issues and challenges MVNU will face in the future.
MVNU’s history, the institution has been blessed with the right type of leadership at the right time. Each previous president has made a significant contribution – bringing their unique gifts and abilities in support and advancement of MVNU’s mission. As the board and campus community sought a leader for the next chapter in the University’s history, I believe God has prepared me for this unique opportunity. That’s why I believe I am here.
I’m sure your most recent position as vice president of University Advancement at PLNU enabled you to gain a deep understanding of a variety of constituents. What are your goals for strengthening relationships with MVNU’s constituents?
A.My goal is just that—strengthening the relationship between the various constituents and the University. I hold these relationships in high regard and believe there is tremendous value in them—for both the University and the constituents. This is a special place and each constituent has his own story of connectedness—one that is often filled with deep passion for the MVNU’s mission and purpose. I hope to work toward developing and extending these relationships through engaging the respective groups in a dialogue about their “story” and the parts of it that are not yet written—how do they want to engage in the life of the University as it moves forward? For MVNU’s future success, strengthening the current relations while creating new ones will be critical.
In your first public meeting with MVNU students, faculty and staff, you said that you had been asking yourself why you are here, while you challenged the students to ask the same of themselves. Have you come up with any answers since then?
A.
Actually, there are three questions I’ve been thinking about:
WHY am I here?
This question speaks to my calling to Christian higher education that I mentioned earlier—it has been a journey of faith and trust, a journey that has taught me the lesson of, “Yes, Lord,” not, “Yes, Lord, but….” I look forward to unpacking this thought more in the days ahead.
Why am I here?
MVNU’s presidential search profile identified the qualities and attributes sought in the University’s sixth president. As I reviewed
Why am I HERE ?
As mentioned, I believe God has led me to this place. However, MVNU would have significant appeal for anyone seeking to lead an institution of higher education. I see a very bright future at MVNU—it has the institutional qualities and character that provide a firm foundation in which to expand the influence of its mission and truly make a difference in this world. What intrigues me most, though, is that MVNU is not satisfied with the status quo. I believe there is a real desire to continue institutional growth and maturation so that the University’s impact and influence will only increase in the future.
Although I will engage the faculty and staff in a conversation in the ensuing months about why they are here, my question in November related most directly to the students. It is my deepest desire that their answers be informed through their relationship with Jesus Christ. What would Christ say is their reason for being at MVNU? The answer may very well shape their life much differently than the direction they felt their career preparation was taking them. At the very least, a vital relationship with Jesus Christ will certainly shape how they do what they do. I would challenge the University’s students—traditional, adult and graduate—to embark on a life of purposeful—rather than personal—gain.
Q. A.
What do you feel are MVNU’s three greatest challenges in the next ten years?
As I think about the world of higher education, I believe there are many challenges ahead for MVNU. Some of them are ever-changing external expectations; the emergence of new competitors; securing new revenues and reducing costs; developing collaborations and partnerships; shifting economic and regulatory agendas at the state and national level; greater emphasis on access, affordability and accountability; inefficiency, duplication and waste; the emerging role of technology in transforming the campus; increasingly diverse student populations; recruiting and retaining students; delivering highquality, relevant academic programs and services; and attracting and retaining skilled faculty and staff.
Given all these, it is a challenge to choose the “top three.” Realizing that my perspective may shift once I’ve had the opportunity to get a sense of MVNU from an insider’s point of view, I’ll mention what I believe at this point to be three critical challenges in the days ahead:
Maintain and advance the vibrancy of the University’s spiritual focus and heritage, providing opportunities for MVNU students to experience a deeper and active relationship with Christ.
Further develop and enhance the University’s academic program and, in so doing, engage in a conversation of how to blend two very distinct educational philosophies that James Mannoia notes in his book, Christian Liberal Arts (2000)— education as intellectual pursuit (intrinsic) and education for practical purposes (instrumental). Furthermore, in this context, what does it mean to be a Wesleyan university and how should that fact inform the University’s education and operations?
Secure an increasing and expanded student enrollment and resource base (human, physical and financial).
Q. A.
How do you hope to utilize MVNU’s strengths in overcoming these challenges?
that she is truly a wonderful and supportive partner. As a product of Nazarene higher education herself (B.A., M.Ed.), she holds a deep respect and appreciation for the role and mission MVNU plays in a student’s transformation.
The adjustment has actually been very smooth for my family. I think any time you transition from one university to another, the rhythm of life remains fairly the same (other than I’ve noticed the weather in Ohio is a little different than San Diego’s!). Probably the most obvious way my family will engage in the life of the campus is by attending various cultural, academic, athletic and student events. My boys love to go to any activity on campus. Their favorite may actually be eating in the Dining Commons!
I welcome the opportunity to join the MVNU team to begin addressing the current challenges the institution faces, as well as positioning the University so that it can creatively address and meet any future challenges. I believe MVNU has the capacity in its current board, faculty, staff, alumni and other friends to engage in creative thinking, insightful analysis, outcomes assessment, strategic planning and implementation of action steps toward goal accomplishment, and other such analyses to successfully meet any challenges now and in the future. My objective is to foster conversations that will allow MVNU’s strengths to be leveraged to create an even brighter institutional future.
Q. A.
Your family has probably made quite an adjustment in coming to Ohio. What part will they play in your presidency?
There will be a variety of occasions when Pam will join me in representing the University. She is a beautiful lady with a positive attitude who has walked the journey of my professional calling with me each step of the way. I know the Mount Vernon community will come to love and appreciate her and quickly see
If there’s one thing you would like people to know or understand about you, what is it?
If I had to choose one, I would say it’s that I’m passionate. Passionate about my relationship with Jesus Christ, academic life and scholarship of the highest caliber, Christian higher education, my family, the Church of the Nazarene, connecting and building relationships, establishing vision and direction, service, leadership, securing resources to advance an institution, the pursuit of fulfilling a mission and vision that continues to transform lives while simultaneously raising its standards of quality and excellence, and now… Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
The bottom line? I am committed to doing all that I can to ensure that MVNU moves into the future with increased strength—academically, spiritually, fiscally and physically.
Q.
What do you do when you are not being the president?
A.
Undoubtedly my number one priority is to spend time with my family. Pam and I love to attend any activity the boys are involved in. We love spending time together as a family—watching sports, playing games, and visiting amusement parks.
Also I enjoy reading the newspaper and staying up on current events, reading books—non-fiction for the most part (I just ordered Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond)—watching movies, being involved in my local church, working in the yard or around the house, playing golf or simply enjoying a dinner or fellowship time with family and friends.
What’s New at MVNU?
School of Arts and Humanities
Koh-Baker selected as international piano juror
Associate Professor of Music Dr. JoAnn Koh-Baker was invited by the board of directors of the World Piano Pedagogy Conference to be a judge on an international jury for the final round of the World Pianovision Competition. The competition was the highlight of the 11th World Piano Pedagogy Conference held in Atlanta, Ga., in October. The conference and the competition host one of the largest international piano gatherings.
MVNU in Hungary for spring semester 2007
In the late 1990s, MVNU established a relationship with the University of Debrecen, Hungary’s secondlargest university. Every other year, Dr. Paul Mayle and his wife, Ruth, accompany MVNU students who spend the semester in central Europe, taking history seminars, studying language, providing English language instruction and experiencing central Europe firsthand.
In January, a new 15-week adventure began as seven MVNU students departed for Debrecen, Hungary’s second-largest city, with a population of just over 220,000. The students are Ashley Hoback, Ron Hook, Allison Kacsandi, James Mellor, Sara Poorman, Lindsay Stutz and Brittany Whitney. For regular trip updates, visit www.mvnu.edu/news
School of Business
Light a fire under your career
MVNU Adult and Graduate Studies launched a new Master of Business Administration (MBA) program this spring. The program is focused on leadership; management theory; and skills that are useful in strategic planning, corporate alignment, implementation and monitoring, and ethical management and leadership.
One group start took place in February at the Columbus (Polaris) campus. Two more are planned in April for Cincinnati and Newark. Additional group starts are planned for Gahanna, Lima and Mansfield. To learn more, visit ags.mvnu.edu or call 1-800-839-2355.
The Young Executive MBA (YEMBA) program is also available for traditional undergraduates at the main campus—a five-year program in which students obtain both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration. For more information, visit www.mvnu.edu .
School of Education and Professional Studies
New academic journal focuses on Christian teacher preparation
Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Education Department is creating, editing and publishing a new academic journal, Teaching with Compassion, Competence and Commitment: A Journal for Christian Teacher Education. This publication will be one of the only academic journals to specifically address teaching from a Christian perspective. It will be distributed biannually in May and November.
“Our hope is that this will become a vehicle for Christian teacher educators to share their best practices, elaborate effective Christian education methods and practices, and publish the results of their research,” said Dr. Steve Ragan, dean for MVNU’s School of Education and Professional Studies. To learn more or to purchase a subscription, please contact Editor-In-Chief Dr. HeeKap Lee at hlee1@mvnu.edu or at (740) 392-6868, ext. 3422.
School of Natural and Social Sciences
Nursing program receives approval
On Sept. 21, 2006, the Ohio Board of Nursing granted conditional approval without enhancement to Mount Vernon Nazarene University to implement a baccalaureate in nursing program. Students can now be accepted for admission to the nursing program at MVNU. Conditional approval is the initial status granted to new programs of nursing in the state of Ohio. Full approval is granted upon the successful completion and graduation of the program by the first class of students. Program director Dr. Teresa Wood said, “We are very excited about this new program and believe it will be a great benefit to our students and our community.” Sixty nursing students are enrolled for spring 2007, and the first class cers have been elected. admissions.mvnu.edu
Radcliffe receives international medical award
The American Medical Association (AMA) Foundation has awarded Jim Radcliffe (’76), MD, a general surgeon at the Nazarene Church’s Kudjip Hospital in the Western Highlands Province, the 2007 Dr. Nathan Davis International Award in Medicine. This award is given to a domestic physician for outstanding international service in the areas of medical practice, medical education or medical research.
Since 1985, Radcliffe has lived Papua New Guinea, where many families still live in dirt-floored, one-room huts, where hexes and spells and warfare exist through the use of bows, arrows and machetes, according to a US report. Here, Radcliffe performs general surgery, in addition to orthopedics, obstetrics and gynecology, vascular, thoracic, trauma and pediatric surgery.
Radcliffe’s son and daughter-in-law, Ben (’03) and Katherine (Stevens ’04) Radcliffe, were in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 12 at the Excellence in Medicine Award ceremony to receive the award on Jim’s behalf.
1970s
Wesley (’73) and Lisa (Fuqua ’74) Poff have been married for 30 years and reside in Danville, Va. Their daughter Jennifer (27) lives in Hernando, Fla., with her husband Steven Starkey who is a youth pastor of a Nazarene church there. Their son Michael (13) attends a Christian school in Danville. chevyone@sitestar.net
Kim (Jones ’78) Forseth is the chair of the Department of Kinesiology and director of the Employee Wellness Program at Northwest Nazarene University. Her husband Eric is the vice president for Enrollment Services and Marketing. Their daughter Lindsay is a freshman at NNU and is on the volleyball team. Their son Nathan is in the 8th grade at Nampa Christian Middle School. kforseth@nnu.edu
1980s
Pamela (Hartz ’87) and Ashton Ogle welcomed their daughter Selah on Aug. 6, 2006. She weighed 8 lbs. 10 oz., and measured 20 inches in length. She joins big brother Clark (7). The family resides in Shelby, Ohio.
Joan (Downs ’89) and Steve Gocking announce the birth of Nathan Stephen on Sept. 12, 2006. sgocking@verizon.net
1990s
Tina (Daniels ’90) and Rich Campbell announce the birth of Adam Dean on Jan. 17, 2006, weighing 7 lbs. 2 oz. and measuring 21 inches in length.
MVNU to host summer camps for high schoolers
The second annual Computer Programming Camp will be held June 17-22, 2007, with plans to include two class options: Java programming, and robotic programming using Lego Mindstorms. Campers can stay on campus for the week or commute from home. If you know someone who will be entering grades 9-12 and might be interested in this exciting opportunity, visit www.mvnu.edu/computercamp for more information about the camp and how to register.
The first Science Camp will also be held from June 17-22, 2007. With the growing popularity of TV programs, such as CSI and Forensic Files, MVNU’s intent is to expand high schoolers’ interest and knowledge of science by performing the same handson scientific procedures that scientists use to solve crimes. The camp will include career sessions with practicing scientists, daily devotionals, an intentional integration of faith and forensic science as it applies to the justice system, in addition to games and recreation.
www.mvnu.edu/sciencecamp
The Campbells reside in Westerville, Ohio. Tina is a dental hygienist and Rich is a stay-athome dad.
Ann (Mullett ’90) and Mark Dettmer (’97) reside in Mansfield, Ohio, where Mark is senior pastor at Mansfield First Church of the Nazarene and Ann is a substitute teacher and stay-at-home mom. They have three children: Brock (5), Kylee (4) and Caleb (2). mdettmer@steelersfan.net
Mary (Lloyd ’90) and Bob Lemmon (’91) announce the birth of Samuel Frederick on April 20, 2006. He joins seven brothers and sisters: Elizabeth (14), Andrew (13), Isaiah (12), Joel (10), Joanna (8), Mary Grace (6) and Emily (4). Bob is pastor of Christ Community Church in Liberty, Ky., and is a cabinet maker. Mary is a stay-athome mom; both Mary and Bob home educate their eight children. lemmonstree@hotmail.com
Computer science prof and students develop new
wireless product
Professor of Computer Science Dr. Jim Skon started working with a company in 1997 called KarlNet, which focused on developing outdoor wireless products. After a successful run, owner Doug Karl sold KarlNet. “My associate and I saw the need that had opened up by the abandoning of the KarlNet project, and started Endome to build a newgeneration replacement,” Skon noted.
Nathanael Skirvin, 2005 alumnus and grad student at Vanderbilt University; Andrew Johnston, 2006 alumnus and employee for Doug Karl; as well as senior computer science majors Derek Clark and Jared Miller, all became a part of Endome.
Together, they created CellWave—a proprietary outdoor wireless protocol which the team worked to invent over the summer. Skon was very appreciative of the students’ work. “They played a big role in the creation of this software,” said Skon. “They did much of the programming and also wrote device drivers for wireless cards, which is very complex. A lot of college students don’t have that opportunity. It’s been a terrific learning tool.” www.mvnu.edu/news
Dawn (Spangler ’92) Anglin is in her third year at River View Local Schools, directing choir for grades 7-12. She and her husband, Stan, have three children: Bethany (12), Ross (10) and Morgan (8). rv_355@omalp1@omeresa.net
Daniel Forry (’93) married Gretchen on Sept. 16, 2006, at Crystal Springs Golf Course in Burlingame, Calif. Gretchen is a center director for Kindercare and Daniel is an operations manager for Cardinal Healthcare. The couple resides in Santa Clara, Calif. dan.forry@cardinal.com
Nikki Freeman (’93) welcomed twin boys Henry Wayne and Benjamin Russell on Jan. 30, 2006. They were 6 weeks premature but today are doing well.
Terry (’93) and Miriam (Hunter ’93) Weyman have moved from Grove City, Pa., to Painesville, Ohio, where Terry is pastor of the Painesville Church of the Nazarene. They have two daughters: Elizabeth (12) and Tori (10). tweymanjr@adelphia.net
Anita (Carter ’95) and Jerry Bell announce the birth of Marcus Alexander on Sept. 13, 2006. He weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz., measured 20 inches, and joins big sister Josephine. The family resides in Columbus, Ohio.
Michael (’95) and Amy (Simmi ’96) McClellan were married in 1996. They had daughter Jenna Anne in 1997, and second daughter Hannah Elizabeth in 1999. Amy is a stay-at-home mom and Mike works at Proctor & Gamble. The family resides in Loveland, Ohio. simmi@myway.com
David (’96) and Carina (Hilbert ’97) Gunnerson are grateful for their church family at St. Elias Orthodox Church who have helped them through a stressful year. Carina faced surgery on what may have been kidney cancer while David is in the process of changing jobs to work in a better internal medicine practice. Their children, Anna (6) and Stephen (4), are doing well, however. binaknits@comcast.net
Jennifer (Grow ’96) and David Sulgrove welcomed daughter Kaitlyn Deanne on May 22, 2006. She weighed 7 lbs. and was 19 inches long. Katie joins big brother Jonathan (3). The family resides in Miamisburg, Ohio, where Dave is a software engineer for Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. and Jennifer is a Mary Kay beauty consultant and stay-at-home mom. They attend BridgeWay Church of the Nazarene in Springboro, Ohio. jsulgrove@surfmk.com
Ben (’97) and Carey (Clagg ’00) Eash announce the birth of son Luke Jordan on Aug. 31, 2006. He is welcomed by big sister Madison Jaden (2). The family moved to Gahanna, Ohio, in the summer of 2006 where Carey is a stay-athome mom and Ben works with Urban Youth Worker’s Institute as senior graphic designer. Keep up with their family at www.kids.spazticgraphics.com
School of Theology and Philosophy
Graduate students have new MDiv option
Those interested in earning a Master of Divinity degree need look no further than Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Through a special partnership between MVNU and Nazarene Theological Seminary, graduate students may now complete an MDiv at MVNU. This program offers three convenient ways to take classes to earn the MDiv degree:
• Take classes in the Master of Ministry program at MVNU
• Earn a portion of credits through online instruction
• Attend modular classes at NTS
For more information, visit ags.mvnu.edu or call (740) 392-6868, ext. 3602.
Students, faculty walk where Paul walked
For two weeks in January, 22 students, professors and interested adults tracked St. Paul’s travels in Turkey and Greece. Hosted by Biblical Literature professors Dr. Jeanne Serrão and Dr. Alex Varughese, the group flew to Istanbul and then to Adana. After drinking from St. Paul’s well in Tarsus and spending the night in ancient Syrian Antioch, they crossed the Taurus Mountains through the Cilician Gates into the high plateau of central Turkey (Asia Minor), then on to the Mediterranean coast and up the western coastline of modern Turkey.
Jeremy (’97) and Andrea (Ware ’98) Farnham welcomed their first child, Amara Rose, on May 1, 2006. She weighed 6 lbs. 14 oz. and measured 20.5 inches. The family resides in Morgantown, W.Va., where Andrea is a social worker at West Virginia University Hospital and Jeremy is a pharmaceutical representative for Sanofiaventis Pharmaceuticals. jfaw1@juno.com
Bruce (’97) and Pam (Routh) Williams have three children: Ryan (7), Sarah (5) and Emily (1). Pam is a stay-at-home mom and Bruce is a senior accountant for U.S. Foodservice. Scrapper898@aol.com
Michelle Stivers (’98) married Robert Eick on May 13, 2006. They reside in Cleveland, Ohio, where Michelle works at Case Western Reserve University and Robert is a student at Case. eick_michelle@yahoo.com
Ryan (’98) and Melissa (Darling ’98) Wolfe have been married eight years and welcomed son Rocco Ezra on Nov. 7, 2006. He weighed 7 lbs. 13 oz. They reside in Louisville, Ohio, and both are employed at the First Christian Church of Canton.
Amy (Ward ’99) and Matt (’04) Mathias are the proud parents of Leah Noel, born Nov. 15, 2006, weighing 7 lbs. 8 oz. She is welcomed by big brother Gavin (2). The family resides in Coshocton, Ohio.
2000s
Thomas (’02) and Jaclyn (Fairhurst ’00) Cummings reside in California, where Thomas has recently accepted a position in the Creative Arts Department at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest. thomasc@saddleback.net
Ephesus was a highlight: It has been under excavation for 100 years and yet only one third has been uncovered. Here the group shared in a communion service in the theatre where silversmiths once rioted against Paul. The group then crossed over to Greece and saw the ruins of Philippi in Macedonia and came south to Delphi.
Ray Sammons, the “elder statesman” of the group and resident of Tucson, Ariz., wrote, “Thanks for a wonderful trip to the places that were important to Paul! This was the fulfillment of a 20+ year dream and I gained lots of information that I didn’t have before.” Senior Bethany Williams commented, “The mountains of Turkey and Greece are breathtaking, and I truly believe that God must have moved the mountains in Paul’s life for him to persevere on His journey. For me, this trip made the Scriptures to come alive and renewed my call and passion.” For photos, visit www.mvnu.edu/news
Buffy (Penhorwood ’00) Fleece announces the birth of Erin Reagan on Sept. 12, 2006. She joins brother Isaac Jesse Lee born on Sept. 19, 2003. zorrita_roja@yahoo.com
Nick (’00) and Ashlie Hershberger welcomed Hannah Marie on Sept. 9, 2006. She weighed 5 lbs. 9 oz., and was 18.5 inches long. Nick is a systems designer at Ontario Systems in Berlin, Ohio, and Ashlie is a clinical nursing instructor at Malone College in Canton, Ohio. They reside in Sugarcreek, Ohio. nick.hershberger@ontariosystems.com
Beth Lauinger (’00) married Eric Rutter on Nov. 4, 2006, in Zanesville, Ohio. The couple resides in Newark, Ohio, where Beth is a Help Me Grow service coordinator. bethanylauinger@yahoo.com
Allan (’01) and Charity (’00 Knapp) McMillan announce the birth of Aiden Brice on Aug. 31, 2006, weighing 6lbs. 15 oz. and
measuring 18.75 inches. He joins big brother Riley (3). Allan works as a supervisor at Kamco Industries in West Unity, Ohio, and Charity works as the assistant director of Christ’s Cupboard Ministries in Hicksville, Ohio. rileyblakesmom@yahoo.com
Kim Rhyan (’00) graduated in May 2006 with a Master of Arts in Creative Arts Therapy from Hofstra University. She currently serves as assistant director of Student Activities at Hofstra and resides in Long Island, N.Y.
Heather (Bell ’01) and Theron League welcomed son Parker Hadyn on July 18, 2006. He weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz., and was 18.5 inches long. They reside in Kansas City, Mo., where Heather is a financial analyst for a financial law firm and Theron is attending Nazarene Theological Seminary. heather_r_league@yahoo.com
Cougar Sports
Lady Cougars end soccer season with national championship
The MVNU women’s soccer team captured its second National Christian College Athletic Association national title in the past four years as the Lady Cougars downed The Master’s (Calif.) College in the championship match. MVNU finished the year with a 13-7-2 overall record that also included an American Mideast Conference South Division title and the NCCAA East Region crown. cougars.mvnu.edu
Other News and Updates
Fairbanks honored by MVNU and community
MVNU awarded Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks the Global Mission Award during his final chapel service as president in January. The Global Mission Award was established by MVNU to honor one whose contributions through God-given talents and personal lifestyle has made the world a better place to live. It pays tribute to one who sees the entire planet through the eyes of Jesus and does what Jesus would do, while positively influencing the lives of all who come into contact with him/her.
Fairbanks was also honored in February by the local community with the “Hearts of Gold” award, given by The Children’s Connection and the YMCA for outstanding servant leadership and positive contribution to both organizations.
Melanie (Guy ’02) and Tad Abley announce the birth of Aleric Bennett on July 25, 2006. He weighed 10 lbs. 4 oz. and measured 21.75 inches. Melanie is a research associate and Ph.D. candidate at The Ohio State University in the Veterinary Preventative Medicine Department. Tad is a stay-at-home dad and works nights at Forward Air. The couple was married on May 24, 2003 and resides in Columbus, Ohio. abley.1@osu.edu
Aubrey Quince (’02) married Jonathan Grassley (’03) on Nov. 4, 2006, in Monroe, Mich. They were surrounded by family and friends from all over the United States. aquince@bellsouth.net
Patrick Cornish (’03) is a member of the U.S. Navy and is currently deployed onboard the USS Boone (FFG-28), operating out of the Mediterranean Sea. He has been ported in places such as Denmark, Sweden, Spain and France. At publication time, he was
scheduled to return to Mayport, Fla., at the completion of his six-month deployment on Jan. 31, 2007. cornish@boone.navy.mil
Trisha (Shaffer ’03) and Nick Papantonakis welcomed Kadence Nichol on Dec. 22, 2005 in Baltimore, Md. swtdecember2005@yahoo.com
Brittany Schmucker (’03) married Logan Miller on Oct. 1, 2004. They welcomed son Wyatt Alan on March 16, 2006. Logan works for M&M Construction of Berlin, Ohio, and Brittany works as a part-time office administrator for the Holmes County Chamber of Commerce in Millersburg. The family resides in Sugarcreek. lbmiller@hotmail.com
Steve Waers (’03) and Maribeth Dodds (’05) were married on July 16, 2005 at MVNU’s Gazebo. The couple works and resides in Bellefontaine, Ohio. swaers@logancountyohio.com
MVNU’s Web site receives facelift
The official Web site of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, www.mvnu.edu , is new and improved. The new Web site has been built with a more interactive approach in mind. “We really wanted to go in a different direction. We wanted something a bit more functional than what we had,” said MVNU’s Assistant Director of Marketing Carlos M. Serrão. “We wanted it to be easy to use and more dynamic for everyone visiting the site.” More features to be added in the future.
New additions include:
• Video testimonials for traditional and adult programs
• RSS feeds
• Podcasts
• New Cougar athletics site
Chrissy Cordell (’04) married Dan Doggett on April 22, 2006. They currently reside in London, Ohio, where Chrissy is the children’s pastor at the London Church of the Nazarene and Dan is a foreman for a landscaping company. pastorchrissy@hotmail.com
Abraham (’05) and Joni (Foister ’05) Brandyberry are in the process of starting a new church in the inner-city neighborhood of Northside in Cincinnati. Their desire is to start a church that is effective in reaching the urban populations. They are recruiting prayer partners, core group members and funding partners. If you are interested in becoming a part of this new ministry, please contact them at merryberries@ gmail.com or (513) 255-5582.
Kimmy Blair (’05) married Nathaniel Noonen on Aug. 12, 2006, at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio. Kimmy looks forward to where God will send them in the future.
( ) have a
available online. To view these photos, visit grapevine.mvnu.edu
Please feel free to submit photos of weddings, babies, etc. to Mount Vernon NOW, 800 Martinsburg Rd., Mount Vernon, OH 43050, or by e-mail to alumni@mvnu.edu, or online at grapevine.mvnu.edu.
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Call for Alumni Nominations
All Alumni Association members should submit nominations by e-mail for president and two at-large members to alumni@mvnu.edu, or to MVNU Alumni Office, 800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. Deadline to submit is Friday, April 20, 2007. A final ballot will appear in the summer issue of Mount Vernon NOW. Direct questions to Tom West, Alumni Relations, at 1-800-367-9294.
From the Alumni Constitution (alumni.mvnu.edu):
ARTICLE VI – Duties
Section 1. President (three-year term)
A. Preside over Alumni Council and Executive Committee meetings;
B. Make committee appointments along with the Executive Committee and Alumni Relations director;
C. Represent Alumni Council and the Association at University events;
D. Participate in and promote the Association’s fund-raising efforts.
Section 5. Members At-Large
A. Attend Alumni Council meetings;
B. Represent Alumni Council and the Association at University events;
C. Participate in and promote the Association’s fund-raising efforts.
Spring Alumni Activities
“On the Road”
Tom West, Alumni Relations director, will resume network lunches this spring and hopes to see you on the road! To register, visit alumni.mvnu.edu or call toll-free 1-800-367-9294. For questions, please contact alumni@mvnu.edu.
April
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