Mount Vernon NOW Summer 2005

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A Publication for Alumni and Friends of Mount Vernon Nazarene University SUMMER 2005 • VOL. 40 • ISSUE 3 • www.mvnu.edu

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What’s Inside 12

Summer 2005 • Vol. 40 • Issue 3

Commencement 2005 MVNU celebrates the accomplishments of the class of 2005.

The “holistic benefits”

of Christian higher education

By Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks, President Christian greetings from Mount Vernon Nazarene University!

Recently I read the book God on the Quad by Naomi Schafer Riley, where she reports on her three-year study of 20 strongly confessional colleges and universities. Students on these campuses many who attend religiously affiliated colleges and universities are today considered a missionary generation, influencing American society, business and government through servant leadership.

MVNU seeks to provide a holistic education as an intentionally Christian teaching university for undergraduate and graduate students. The University provides the context for a transformative experience through excellent academics, opportunities for service, caring relationships and a nurturing and social environment. MVNU challenges students to achieve their highest potential to become increasingly Christ-like, and to make a difference in their world through lifelong service.

Christian higher education institutions such as MVNU strive to educate students in an environment where values, character formation, integrity, fairness, honesty, service learning and social responsibility are integrated into the learning process.

In so doing, students are encouraged to engage in today s spiritually empty culture. Upon

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graduation, students are well prepared for the greater vocation of life and service and are grounded in the qualities of ethics and values.

MVNU, and like-minded universities, foster a student culture committed to passionately impacting their world with a missionary spirit.

To seek to learn is to seek to serve is the motto of MVNU. The University dreams of competent servant-leaders with a faithful intellect guiding and guarding them as they influence and impact the world in the 21st century. Our faculty cultivates the creative and active integration of faith and learning where faith, heart, soul and intellect function holistically to empower students. This characterizes Mount Vernon Nazarene University at its best!

MVNU believes the values and ethics of the servant-leader take on added significance regardless of where they are expressed the courtroom, the board room, the classroom, the operating room or the living room.

The holistic benefits of a Christian higher education experience at MVNU they are many! They are foundational.

Grace and peace to you.

E. LeBron Fairbanks

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The Claxons and the Cougars Six Claxons have passed through MVNU—all intensely dedicated to athletics.

20 Adult students and lifelong friendships Three BBA graduates formed bonds going beyond the classroom.

Cover: Wynn Arellano, from Kansas City, Mo., and Molly Knight, from Berkley Springs, W.Va., pose to capture a graduation memory.

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

Communications Assistant Trinia Huddleston

Contributors David Baker Walter Baughman Karen Boyd Dr. Randy Cronk Meribeth Dodds Dr. Karen Doenges Stephanie Doenges Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks

Jeff Korbini Lori Korbini Ryan Long Paul Manana Caroline Maurer Dr. Tom Parks Dave Parsons Kevin Perkins

Dr. Steve Ragan Joe Rinehart Yvonne Schultz John Seavolt Carlos M. Serrão Dr. Jeanne Serrão Dr. Bevin Shiverdecker Dr. Beverly Smith

Dr. Lincoln Stevens Austin Swallow John Washatka Dr. Randall Wells Tom West Dr. David Wilkes

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

Campus Switchboard: (740) 392-6868 Subscription Updates: communications@mvnu.edu Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students and working adults. U.S. News & World Report ranks MVNU in the Top 50 Best in the Midwest (Bachelor's). With a 400-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio and satellite Adult and Graduate Studies campuses in Columbus, Cincinnati, Lima and Newark, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth and service to community and church.

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

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

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Upon graduating from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, senior Lindsey Gray is following in her family s footsteps as she moves into the world, carrying with her the MVNU experiences and attitude of service that have shaped her life.

Her father, Col. Scott Gray, a 1977 MVNU graduate, has served a venerable 24 years as a U.S. Air Force dentist and will be retiring later this year. My father s involvement in the Air Force has truly been a blessing in my life, said Lindsey.

His role in the military has taught me that commitment, passion and service are vital attributes not only in military life, but in the life of every Christian, as well.

Lindsey s grandfather, Bob Gray, was one of the founding members of the University. He and his wife, Ardis, also served as missionaries for more than seven years to the island of Dominica. Lindsey had the opportunity to visit the island with her church youth group and to work there as a dental assistant alongside her father in the Marigot Dental Clinic.

These experiences led Lindsey to study medicine.

Dr. Paul Madtes, professor of biology, also had a lot to do with her developing profession. Dr. Madtes believed in me and my capabilities as a student and as a future physician s

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assistant, but he also genuinely cares about every single student s spiritual journey, she affirmed. As a graduate, Lindsey often finds herself exploring the significant role that MVNU has had in shaping her life. MVNU helped me to understand the necessity of relationships with other believers, not only among students, but also among faculty and staff.

MVNU also challenged me both mentally and spiritually by encouraging me to engage in leadership opportunities on campus, and to form meaningful relationships with those whom I serve, she added.

Because of Lindsey s heart for service and her firsthand experience of the needs for equipment and modern technologies in Dominica, she and her fianc , Raynard Martin ( 05), have a surprise in store for guests at their upcoming July wedding. [We re] using the money that would have been used to buy wedding favors to instead purchase a light-curing unit for the dentists on the island, she explained.

Lindsey was recently accepted into a master s program in physical therapy at Chatham College in Pittsburgh, Penn.

And the circle continues as Lindsey s sister, Lauryn, plans to graduate from MVNU next year.

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School of Natural and Social Sciences

Dr. Randy Cronk

Sabbatical report:

Life as an adventurous journey

The word journey is a wonderful metaphor for life, said Dr. Randy Cronk, MVNU professor of psychology.

Christ invites us to follow Him, to walk with Him. The Christian tradition gives us bold confidence that He goes with us and before us in our journey. Whether in the classroom or venturing into some faraway place on the planet, I know He is with me.

In his 21st year of teaching at MVNU, Cronk recently returned from sabbatical. He teaches experimental psychology courses, but is perhaps best remembered by alumni for the eleven January-term bicycle trips he has led to California and Arizona.

In 1994 he took his first sabbatical, teaching for a semester at Daystar University in Nairobi, Kenya. Living in Africa was definitely an adventurous journey, reflected Cronk. I learned much about myself, the Kingdom and God s people in Kenya. The richness of my experience is reflected in the Swahili word safari, which means a journey of long duration.

The primary focus of his recent sabbatical was writing the 60page Psychology Department Handbook for psychology majors.

The handbook attempts to be an all-inclusive resource manual for students covering such topics as careers in psychology, preparing for graduate school, psychology and ethics, academic advising and mentoring.

Commenting on the rewards of the project, Cronk said, My work has led me to more focused reading and writing on the meaning and purpose of a Christian liberal arts education, a Christian worldview, the integration of faith and learning and the distinctives of Christian higher education that is, what the substantive differences are between an academic experience at MVNU 3

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and one at a public university. These issues are central to what I do at MVNU and how the University defines itself. I hope that what I have to say about these topics will help psychology students make the most of their educational experience.

Emphasizing the adventurous dimension of his journey, Dr. Cronk took a month in the fall to travel to Nepal and Cambodia.

Nepal provided his first experience in a Hindu culture. As a social psychologist, Cronk found the immersion invaluable in providing insight into Nepali values, believes, customs and attitudes. His Nepal visit included a two-week trek into the Himalaya Mountains along the border with Tibet. Hiking the Annapurna circuit led him deep into an area of Nepal untouched by modern technology no cars or trucks, no electronic media. The only way into the region is on foot.

Heavily influenced by Tibetan culture, village life here is closely tied to the earth and lived much the same as it has been for centuries. He visited numerous Buddhist monasteries and Hindu holy sites, crossed the Throng La pass at 17,500 feet and walked beneath the peaks of mountains over 25,000 feet high.

In Cambodia, Cronk had the opportunity to visit the expansive archeological ruins of Angkor Wat. Also, while in Asia, he visited Nazarene missionaries in Bangkok as well as Cambodia, gaining greater appreciation of their assignments. He trusts these experiences will prove valuable as he teaches students considering a career in missions or crosscultural service.

Commenting on the travel portion of his sabbatical, Dr. Cronk said with a soft smile and gentle nod, I believe it was Helen Keller who said Life is either a daring adventure or it is nothing. I think she must have been paraphrasing Christ s message and I choose to err on the side of daring adventure.

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A circle of

“wantoks”

By Stephanie Doenges (’97)

Wantok is a word in pidgin English which can be translated to one who speaks your language. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), where there are hundreds of languages, the meaning of this word is much deeper. Someone who speaks your language is likely to be your brother, a neighbor, a part of your community.

Your wantoks will celebrate with you, and will support you during difficult times.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Kudjip Hospital for the second time. (I first traveled to PNG during my fourth year of medical school.) As a resident in family practice, I looked forward to using the practical knowledge I had gained over the last three years. My days began with B-ward (maternity) rounds. This large, open room had 19 beds where expecting, laboring and new mothers stay. The nurses pointed me in the right direction as I visited each patient needing a doctor s attention. I would also peek in on the babies staying in the nursery.

home. Dr. Bill McCoy (Point Loma) is the hospital administrator and a family practice physician when he is not running the hospital.

He and his wife, Marsha, previously served in Swaziland. Jeff (Olivet) and Susan Myers ( 89 Cummings) were the rookies during my previous visit. Susan is a pediatrician by training and is now actively involved in the cervical Stephanie with Jim and cancer screening program. Scott Kathy Radcliffe and Tanu and Gail Dooley (MidAmerica) have been serving in PNG for almost two years. Scott also trained in family practice and answered more than a few phone calls when I had questions.

Following rounds, all of the doctors headed to the outpatient department, where patients began to arrive early in the morning. Some had symptoms of illnesses we treat here in the United States, such as pneumonia, arthritis, stomach ulcers and heart failure. Others had malaria, typhoid or odd presentations of tuberculosis diseases that had I only read about in medical school!

I greatly appreciate the example and mentorship of these men and women of God as I also pursue a calling to full-time medical missions. The missionaries, nationals and volunteers who minister at Kudjip Hospital are a different kind of wantok. They are not united by a common language or nationality but by the love of Christ and by service to the people of Papua New Guinea.

I was truly blessed by the missionaries serving there at Kudjip Hospital. Dr. Jim ( 76) and Kathy Radcliffe ( 74 Beam) have been missionaries for 20 years. Jim is a general surgeon in the truest sense, covering everything from anesthesia to orthopedics. My heart is warmed by memories of many evenings spent in their

My time at Kudjip Hospital was an incredible medical experience.

I learned so much about tropical and international medicine, and hopefully helped a few patients in the process. I went with the intention to serve and came away feeling as though I received so much more than I could ever give.

Dr. Joseph Lechner:

professor, mentor and friend

Since 1979 Dr. Joseph Lechner has been an integral part of the Natural Sciences at MVNU. His tenure as division chair (19892003) is recognized as a time of dedicated leadership and passionate promotion. He is an outstanding professor and faithful churchman, respected by students and colleagues alike.

Only a few of his former students are represented here. Lechner s influence on students and on the natural sciences at MVNU will be felt for years to come.

“In today’s world, Christian mentoring can have an important impact on a person’s career, spiritual growth and personal development. One of the most influential mentors in my stint at MVNU was Dr. Joseph Lechner. His influence on many, if not all, of the Natural Sciences students’ career choices and life successes was/is invaluable. His former pre-med and chemistry majors have the highest levels of mutual respect, trust and admiration for his pursuit of excellence.

As I continued my educational pursuits after MVNU, the value of his educational and Christian mentorship became ever more obvious.

His impact upon my life successes has been enormous and I am indebted to him for this. We are all better physicians, scientists and people for knowing and studying under him.”

- Dr. Scott Logan ( 91)

By Dr. Karen Doenges, Dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences; Dr. Scott Logan; Dr. Jerry Trotti; and Dr. Chris Weghorst

“Dr. Lechner is a very quiet man, but what a punch he carries in his lectures. He was a great teacher, but for me–chemistry was a challenge and a struggle. I quickly realized that I had a choice to either struggle or challenge myself to work harder and learn as much as I could.

As a sophomore he asked me to be the chemistry grader. He saw a potential in me that I did not see in myself and for that, I will always be grateful. Thank you, Dr. Lechner, for allowing God to use you in my life and in the lives of many other students, helping us grow at a time when we needed it most. The confidence you had in us helped us to become better students and allowed us to move forward into our God-intended careers.”

- Dr. Jerry Trotti ( 89) “I knew Dr. Lechner for his in-depth lectures, a dry sense of humor and tough biochemistry tests. Today, I know him as a dedicated and gifted teacher whose passions for the natural sciences, his students and the Lord have positively impacted many lives.”

- Dr. Chris Weghorst ( 84)

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School of Education and Professional Studies

Clockwise from top left: Renata Bush, Chris Gallagher, Sarah Williams and Angela Edwards.

The circle of friendship, ministry and mentoring

What does a 50-year-old mother of six with a pierced nose; a resident of Lancaster, Penn.; the president of Mount Vernon Nazarene University s senior class; and a lifelong resident of Mount Vernon have in common? MVNU s social work program!

Raising six children while completing a degree in social work at MVNU prepared Chris Gallagher well for a career in social work. Upon graduation in 1995, she worked at a nursing home for three years, then joined Thompkins Child and Adolescent Services in Coshocton, Ohio. Beginning as a therapist, Gallagher was promoted and is now the site director. Even after completing a master of education in community counseling at Malone College, she remained connected to MVNU, serving as a field instructor and as a member of the Social Work Community Advisory Committee. When an opportunity came to add an additional social worker to the Thompkins staff, Chris looked to MVNU s social work program.

Because of the well-rounded education I received as a social work major at MVNU, I have confidence that students hired from the program are able to work with people and are wellprepared to start working immediately, Gallagher explained.

In spring 2004, Renata Bush was completing her social work practicum placement at the Children s Resource Center in Mount Vernon. A lifelong resident of Mount Vernon, Bush was ready for new experiences. She was hired by Chris in April, prior to graduation, and began her social work career at Thompkins in June.

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By Karen Boyd, Associate Professor of Social Work

As an outpatient therapist, Bush works with families and children from a family systems perspective. She said that having her first social work position with Thompkins has been a blessing because Gallagher knows MVNU and her social work preparation, and that, Chris is comfortable relating to her faith. Bush said that Gallagher believes her work is her mission and something that she is called to do. A calling is not just for pastors, but for all Christians, said Gallagher. I believe social work fits the mission of the church. Social workers who are Christians cannot hide who they are.

In fall 2004, Sarah Williams, MVNU s senior class president, and Angela Edwards, an MVNU student from Pennsylvania, joined Gallagher and Bush at Thompkins as social work practicum students. Both provided case management services to children, including school and home visits and co-facilitating groups. They agreed that their experience with Gallagher and Bush has been positive. Williams said, Working with Christians and having common connections with MVNU is a huge blessing. Edwards added, Seeing what Renata does is confirmation that I will be ready to practice.

Williams and Edwards were impressed with the family atmosphere fostered by Gallagher among the staff at Thompkins.

Each day the staff eats lunch together to give support and clinical suggestions. Circles are never-ending: The connection between these individuals will expand as each impacts others based on the relationship and learning forged together from their educational experiences at MVNU.

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Teaching and preaching: It runs in the family

The following words were once anonymously penned to a teacher.

I d rather see a lesson than hear one any day; I d rather one should walk with me than merely show the way. The eye s a better pupil and more willing than the ear; Fine counsel is confusing, but example always clear. These same sentiments are expressed whenever mother and son, Jan and Mike Ruark, share their stories of how Mount Vernon Nazarene University has helped prepare each of them to do God s will and to serve others.

Pastor Jan Ruark ( 02 religion), an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, is ministering in the inner city of Columbus, Ohio, at the Bellows Avenue Church of the Nazarene and Lower Lights Ministries, Inc. For over three years, she has served as the director of Rachel s House, a faith-based housing program for female ex-offenders. Rachel s House received the Outstanding Ex-Prisoner Residential Program Award in 2004 from Transition of Prisoners, Inc.

By Bevin Shiverdecker, Professor of Education and Director of Teacher Education, with Jan (’02) and Mike Ruark (’05)

Dr. Jeanne Serr o and others believed in me, which allowed me to believe in myself and in God s call for my life. It gives me great joy to teach God s Word in the prisons and to watch Him change lives through Rachel s House. (See related story, page 8.)

Mike Ruark ( 05) proudly notes that he will be a third-generation teacher upon completing his student teaching experience this fall at Newark High School in Newark, Ohio. His grandmother, Verna Hines, was a reading specialist for 25 years at Big Walnut High School. She now provides GED training at Delaware County s Joint Vocational School.

Mike describes his future as a blank slate. He says, I feel called to teach in the inner city or a very rural area. I believe that these communities deserve quality teachers just as much, if not more, than the suburbs. My entire family embraces the need to assist the marginalized, and I believe God is going to place me where I am needed, so that I might minister to those around me.

Jan begins the re-entry process months before an inmate s release. Working closely with parole authorities and state prison officials, Rachel s House provides long-term housing and support services for its residents. She also serves on the Ohio Supreme Court s Subcommittee on Re-entry and on the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction s Community Justice Cabinet. Jan was awarded ORDC s Gold Star Award for Excellent Service in 2004 for her innovative work with female offenders.

MVNU is again credited for a life-changing impact. MVNU has not only taught me how to think, but how to conduct myself as a Christian. I was mentally and morally nurtured as I developed into a well-rounded person ready for a world filled with unbelievable journeys, exciting challenges and potential defeats, he explained. Because of the presence of God in my heart and the encouragement of many great MVNU professors, I am ready to confront whatever may come my way as I strive to allow God to work through me.

She explained it was her preparation at MVNU that enabled her to ground everything she does in the Word of God. She further noted, The love and support I received at MVNU provided an invaluable model for the love and support I try to provide. Dr. David Cubie, Dr. Terrell Sanders, Dr. Alex Varughese,

Jan and Mike s stories yield a powerful example of how preachers and teachers impact eternity. Their genuine desire to serve as vessels of God s life-changing grace can affect the eternity of those they serve now and the untold numbers of others who will in turn be touched. MVNU s life-changing circle continues through the generations!

Mike Ruark

Coming full circle at MVNU

By Caroline Maurer, Director of Esther Jetter Preschool and Assistant Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences

As colleges and universities mature, one hopes that alumni will encourage their offspring to return to their alma mater.

However, some families don t wait until their children can read; they send their children to MVNU when they are just 3, 4, and 5 years of age.

Five years ago, Esther Jetter Preschool opened as a learning lab for students who are studying early childhood education.

Since that time, many children from the Mount Vernon community have been served, including those with parents who attended MVNU. Court and Lori Fender are just two of the former students who have enrolled a child at Esther Jetter Preschool.

After graduation, Court attended seminary and Lori took a teaching job knowing that she wanted to return to MVNU to pursue a master s degree. When moving back to the area, they settled in Utica close enough for Lori to work on her degree.

Now that they have their son, Bryce (4), they choose to travel the extra distance to bring him to Esther Jetter Preschool.

When asked why she would travel nearly 30 minutes for a preschool, Lori explained, MVNU holds so many special memories for me. The education professors really extended themselves to me and demonstrated a Christ-like love in their teaching, making a lifelong impact on me. Now as a mother, I am thrilled that Bryce is being connected to the Christian learning environment at MVNU at such an early age.

Lori and Court Fender with sons Blake and Bryce

Bryce is not the only family member who has returned to MVNU. His father, Court, is an adjunct professor in the Philosophy department. He stated, Teaching philosophy at MVNU is a way to love God with my mind as well as a means by which I can love and serve students. I want to help them construct a Christian worldview.

The Fenders demonstrate the full circle that many students make at MVNU. For more information on the Esther Jetter Preschool, contact (740) 392-6868, ext. 3720.

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School of Theology and Philosophy

Faithful Christian service ... a journey from philosophy to law

By Dr. Lincoln Stevens, Professor of Philosophy

About 30 percent of all philosophy majors and minors prepare to go into law. They see it as a wonderful opportunity to serve Christ.

But what does service to Christ look like for a person pursing the law through philosophy? One way to describe it is through the life journey of Christa Alpin (Hontz 96).

Alpin came to MVNU in 1992. She integrated her philosophy major with history, communications and a Spanish minor. When she graduated, she applied to and was accepted at Ohio Northern University s Claude W. Pettit College of Law with a full scholarship.

As a law student she served on Law Review, a student organization devoted to the review of the law. By her own account she put her philosophy major to work. I could not have been on Law Review or been so successful in law school without the excellent preparation in research and writing that MVNU provided, she explained. I was [given] the tools I needed to succeed not only spiritually but also academically and professionally.

philosophy major, which included logic, research and debate, was extremely helpful in writing briefs and formulating arguments, she said. But these skills were even more important to being an attorney where most cases are settled outside the courtroom through negotiation.

Christina Alpin with daughter Gracie Mae

Perhaps most importantly, Alpin sees her work as an expression of her Christian faith. She commented, My reason for becoming an attorney was my desire to help others through the gifts and talents with which God has blessed me. I want others to see God s love through me.

And this is how she describes what she has found:

“One client told me that, from the moment she saw me, she was at peace and knew things would be all right because she could tell I had Jesus in my eyes.”

Adequate preparation for service to Christ sometimes involves getting appropriate multidimensional credentials.

For Alpin this meant graduating with distinction with her Juris Doctor degree in 1999, passing the bar exam the next summer, finding a job and later qualifying to practice in the Federal Courts of the Northern District of Ohio. She moved to Defiance, Ohio, married Rob Alpin and was officially sworn into practice as an attorney in May of 2000.

That September, Alpin began working as a staff attorney at the United Auto Workers Legal Services Plan in Defiance, providing UAW members with free legal services. Her daily tasks included wills, power of attorneys, guardianships, real estate transactions, social security issues, tax issues and name changes. Sometimes, we think service to Christ is some kind of extraordinary ministry. But Alpin found that it came down to faithful daily routines.

In all of her work Alpin sees the direct connection between her MVNU education and her present legal practice. My

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One client told me that, from the moment she saw me, she was at peace and knew things would be all right because she could tell I had Jesus in my eyes.

But the life of a Christian attorney is not just about work.

It is also about family and children. In February 2002, Alpin was blessed with the birth of her daughter, Gracie Mae. She explained, It is amazing how much I thought I knew and how much my life has changed since being blessed and entrusted with Gracie. As with most of us, Alpin seeks to balance home and work. She continues the work of her faith in the practice of law. Even if I eventually am able stay at home as a full-time mom, I plan on keeping my license current [to] someday return to the practice of law, she said. I even have hopes of becoming a probate judge later in life.

And so, faithful service to Christ continues to work from philosophy to the practice of law.

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Varughese and Serrão co-author Bible textbooks

Hot off the press is Discovering the New Testament, edited and co-authored by Dr. Alex Varughese, professor of religion, and co-authored by Dr. C. Jeanne Serr o, professor of religion and dean of the School of Theology and Philosophy. This is the second in the series of new college Bible textbooks published by the Nazarene Publishing House and Beacon Hill Press. Discovering the Old Testament, also co-authored and edited by Varughese, came out last year and has already been in use by our MVNU students and many other Nazarene and non-Nazarene colleges around the world. These textbooks are a part of the Centennial Initiative, a plan developed by the General Board of the Church of the Nazarene to publish college textbooks in several areas in order to impact a new generation with the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition.

Both books combine thorough, sound, biblical scholarship with beautiful, eye-catching layout and an easy-to-understand writing style. The full-color format with short, readable chapters is attractive to college-age students, and the side-bars on interesting topics related to the chapter appeal to the current way young readers prefer to receive information. The last Old Testament and New Testament survey books (Exploring the Old Testament and Exploring the New Testament), were published by Beacon Hill Press in the late 1950s.

Varughese and Serr o are also involved in the Centennial Initiative s Bible commentary project as authors and editors. They are part of an editorial committee which is working on plans for the commentary series to be developed and published over the next 10 years. Varughese is one of the general editors for the series and Serr o is a section editor for the General Epistles and Revelation.

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Diversity among

our circle of friends

By Dr. C. Jeanne Serrão, Dean of the School of Theology and Philosophy, and Jan Ruark (’02)

There is a circle of friends that gathers every week in Marysville, Ohio. They are a group of Christian women, seeking to deepen their relationship with Jesus. They laugh, cry and pray together as they study God s Word. What makes them different from other Bible study groups is their location behind the bars of the women s largest prison in the state the Ohio Reformatory for Women.

This unique circle of friends is connected to MVNU through group leader, Pastor Jan Ruark. Ruark graduated from MVNU in 2002 and became the director of Rachel s House that same year.

Rachel s House provides housing for women released from prison who seek to begin new lives in Christ. The program, located in the inner city of Columbus, provides discipleship and loving support as women rebuild lives torn apart by abuse, crime and poverty. (See related story, page 6.)

MVNU is committed to preparing our Rev. Jan Ruark students for ministry whatever form that takes!

Ruark is just one product of that passion. MVNU s School of Theology and Philosophy has a long tradition of preparing students for pastoral ministry; this fall, we will begin offering a major in intercultural studies for students called into intercultural ministries and missions.

In April, a group of 32, composed of pastors and directors of ethnic and inner city ministries on the MVNU educational zone, including Rev. Jan Ruark, district superintendents, School of Theology and Philosophy faculty, Jim Singletary (MVNU Multicultural Affairs director), Rev. Dan Soliday (director of Compassionate Ministries for USA/Canada), Dr. Roberto Hodgsen (Hispanic Missions director for USA/Canada), MVNU President Dr. LeBron Fairbanks and General Superintendent Dr. James Diehl, met for a Diversity Ministry Education Consultation.

This lively group of committed, passionate and caring individuals spent five hours sharing what is happening in their areas of ministry, common needs and common solutions. A first draft of an urban ministries major, put together by Dr. John Hall, Jr., and Rev. Joe Noonen, was presented for discussion.

How do you go from the serene campus of MVNU to the turmoil of prison and the inner city? With God s call and MVNU s training firmly planted in your heart! If the professors in the Religion department hadn t believed in me, I never would have made it, Ruark explained. The training I received in biblical studies, exegetical work and church history actually have helped me minister in the inner city more than anything else. To preach and teach the Gospel message in a way that is authentic and relevant to the poor and the prisoner requires God s help and a strong educational foundation. MVNU not only provided the educational tools needed, but helped Ruark grow in her relationship with God and understand His call on her life. When she takes all that into the prisons every week it really is a large circle of friends and it is Life Changing.

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School of Arts and Humanities

Wilson at Icelandic Red Cross

By Yvonne R. Schultz, Assistant Professor of Journalism

When Rodney J. Wilson ( 01) decided to use his double major in professional writing and communication to teach English in South Korea, he had no idea where that road would lead him. I haven t always understood why God has led me to the far corners of the world, he said, but I am continually discovering that all the strands are connected.

For a year, Wilson taught seven classes a quarter at Korea Nazarene University, Chonan, South Korea. He used the city as the hub from which to develop curriculum and write articles for local English newspapers, to learn Korean language skills and, in Wilson s words, to understand and anticipate the nuances of the culture. From Korea, he traveled to China, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore. I was amazed by how international the Nazarene community is, he commented, and I was honored to be a part of it.

For the last three years, Wilson has been a communications specialist in the Central Ohio Region of American Red Cross Blood Services. My job centers around communicating the need for blood donors by coordinating campaigns and working with media, he explained.

The job has gone far beyond asking citizens to donate blood, however. Because of his international experience, Wilson was asked to join a national delegation to assist the Chinese Red Cross in its preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Last spring, said Wilson, he went on a two-week business trip to Beijing and helped coordinate an American Red Cross Symposium on Disaster Preparedness and Prevention. Red Cross delegates from around the world attended and saw the presentations I prepared.

Back home, Wilson found a hearing in the Asian community in Columbus. His connections there have initiated Asian blood donors and blood drive sponsor groups. Because of my activities with the Asian community in Columbus, the Central Ohio Blood Region was selected to be the Asian blood donor campaign lead in the United States, said Wilson.

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Recently, he wrote a grant proposal and received funding to produce blood donor information in seven Asian languages, including Korean. He also worked with the Chinese Red Cross to coordinate fundraising in the United States for a specific community sanitation project for rural towns in China. And his world expanded even farther when he traveled to Iceland to meet with an Icelandic Red Cross delegation to discuss refugee relief programs.

Wilson has also held lectures on Korean culture, received multiple employee recognition awards, earned a promotion, done several half-hour community TV shows about giving blood, conducted multiple radio interviews and negotiated sponsorships with major media accounts.

My time at MVNU was the springboard to my success in journalism and communication, Wilson reflected. At MVNU, he was the editor of The Lakeholm Viewer and student assistant for the Office of Communications two experiences which were vital to the development of my journalistic and leadership skills, he added. And working with WNZR 90.9 FM laid a foundation of knowledge for me to be able to coordinate relationships with major media accounts.

Wilson also cites his participation in an MVNU spring break work and witness trip to Hungary as serving to pique my interest in international work and solidify my determination to work overseas after graduation.

Keeping the MVNU motto in mind, he said, I have developed, along with churches, a blood donor campaign, called Power in the Blood, which will be used nationally.

I am happy I chose to attend MVNU, said Wilson, and am delighted at how God continues to pave the path ahead in exciting ways . When you strive to maintain a mindset of service, you never know where God will send you, but I can guarantee that the journey is unbelievable!

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Family, friends, and radio:

The adventure so far

By Joe Rinehart, Director of Broadcasting

In 1978, God rocked my world.

I was 10 years old, growing up on a 400-acre family farm on the Marion—Morrow county line. My two brothers and I weren t different than most boys: We did chores, went to church, studied hard, played ball, dreamed of being Luke Skywalker and tried to keep our noses clean. Then one night, Mom and Dad sat us down at the dinner table and proceeded to tell us that God was calling them to the mission field. We were selling the farm, and would use the profit to pay for them to return and complete their degrees at a place called Mount Vernon Nazarene College.

Say what?

Two years later, my parents, William and Roxanne Rinehart, were proud members of the class of 1980, and our journey to an eventual assignment in Colombia was under way. My world was forever changed. I got the radio bug while listening to shortwave broadcasts during those years overseas. After college, I was blessed to return to Mount Vernon and start my own career in radio in August of 1991.

Then God struck again with another MVNU twist.

I met someone who shared my passion for radio, its wonderful ability to have a positive impact on people s lives and its potential for ministry. Marcy (Street 91) and I were married in 1994. Two years later she returned to MVNU as WNZR 90.9 FM s station manager. Over the years, Marcy and a talented group of student broadcasters have helped make WNZR a viable part of the Knox County community. I ve watched from a firsthand perspective as WNZR has impacted many lives and grown its own circle of friends.

Mount Vernon resident and WNZR listener Angie Compton (Griffis 91) said, WNZR is an effective Christian ministry that reaches the whole community. The programs and music that

are broadcast over WNZR daily encourage and touch our lives. It is a positive influence in today s society that is dearly needed.

Vickie Askew of Fredericktown e-mailed the station, I have been wanting to thank you all once again for the encouragement, love and excitement you pour out on me every day. It all started about 16 years ago . I learned that God had a plan for my life and that it was a good plan just wanted to encourage you and tell you that you are making a big difference for the glory of the Lord.

Joe and Marcy Rinehart

WNZR s listeners also support the station through their giving.

Lifeline 2005, the station s annual fundraising effort, has raised over $53,000 in pledges this year alone.

My next adventure started this past January when, after 13 years in commercial radio, I was privileged to join MVNU as director of broadcasting. Working with Marcy in radio ministry is a thrill, along with helping students in the classroom and the studio.

Plus, I get a chance to meet many WNZR listeners face-to-face.

I still thank God for that day in 1978 and every day where He turns things upside down. There s always a method to what we might see as madness. Without parents who were faithful to God s calling, my life could have been completely different. I wouldn t change those experiences and where they ve taken me.

So where are they now? Dad is retired from full-time ministry and Mom is working as the youth services librarian at Kaubisch Memorial Public Library in Fostoria, Ohio. They reside in Bloomdale. I m forever grateful for their love and service.

You can find out more about WNZR at www.mvnu.edu/wnzr.

Travel with MVNU to the

United Kingdom!

Come travel with us on the MVNU.K. Literary Landscapes tour to England, Ireland and Scotland next summer, June 1-12, 2006. We ll fly into London where we ll see Big Ben, St. Paul s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and much, much more. We ll visit Windsor Castle and learn about the ancient circle at Stonehenge, then on to the Roman baths and the Royal Crescent in beautiful old-town Bath.

A ferry ride will take us to the wonderful Emerald Isle where we ll visit the Waterford Crystal Factory and the famous Blarney Stone, and see the sparkling lakes of Killarney. We ll travel to Limerick to see King John s Castle, and then on to Bunratty where we ll admire the O Connell Monument and visit the town s Medieval Castle.

Dublin is our next stop, with its inspiring St. Patrick s Cathedral and world-famous Trinity College, home of the Book of Kells.

We ll ferry northward across the channel to rugged Scotland where we ll motor through the Scottish countryside on our way to Edinburgh.

We ll visit Edinburgh Castle, walk down the remarkable Royal Mile and tour the Holyrood Palace. Heading south to England, our final destination will be the picturesque countryside of the Lake District, immortalized by 19th-century painters and poets. We ll then fly home out of Manchester.

If you would like to join us or would like more information, please contact Dr. David Wilkes, professor of English and dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, by e-mail (dwilkes@mvnu.edu) or by phone (740)-392-6868, ext. 3510.

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One family’s MVNU circle The Estep children credit Don and Joyce for their influence in the decision to attend MVNU. But it s really much more than that. Steve said, Probably what has impacted us the most is their love for God and the church and their consistency in living at home what they testified to at church. Scott (Steve s identical twin) added, They gave us a picture of what it means to live a life that honors Jesus through humble service to others. We are trying to pass that on to our kids.

Don and Joyce have been part of the church seemingly their entire lives. After marriage, they were heavily involved both in their local Nazarene church and in the West Virginia District. Don was first elected to the district advisory board in 1969, an office he still holds today. In 1985, he was elected to the MVNU board of trustees from the newly formed West Virginia North District.

The Esteps have enjoyed their many trips to Mount Vernon and are proud of the beautiful campus and its well-rounded academic programs. Don remembers telling Joyce, If a person can t learn on this campus, they just can t learn. As a draftsman and engineer, Don has enjoyed watching and being a part of the building programs on campus. He has also served on the finance committee, trying to

Good news from the

Development

Office!

In response to several requests, MVNU is now set up to receive gifts by credit card or monthly withdrawal from your bank account.

What are the benefits? What do these people know that you don’t?

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Don and Joyce Estep and family

By Austin Swallow, Executive Director for Development

Josh Estep, son of Eddie ( 82) and Diane Estep, of Gahanna, Ohio, and grandson of Don and Joyce Estep of Paden City, W.Va., will enroll this fall at MVNU. This makes all of the Esteps proud because Josh is not only following in the footsteps of his father but also his uncles and aunts : Scott ( 91) and Kim (Craft 88), Steve ( 91) and Michelle (Cutlip 91), and Kim Duey ( Estep 85).

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make all of his decisions with the church laity in mind. When it came to saving for their children s education, the Esteps put away money every month, whether they had it or not. Because of this, their family had an opportunity to experience the life-changing impact of MVNU. Some of you will remember the Estep boys (Kim, on the other hand does not seem to enjoy the same notoriety). Eddie is well-known for riding a horse into the MPB during a Mr. MVNC Pageant. They all have fond memories of teachers such as Dr. Cubie, who taught with tears flowing down his cheeks, or learning Greek with a Texas drawl from Dr. McCall. What they remember most are professors who taught with a passion and a tremendous knowledge of their subjects. They challenged us to reach our full potential, both academically and spiritually, Steve commented. My fondest memories are of the times when our lifelong friendships were nurtured a thought echoed by all the Estep children.

Is Josh going to carry on the family legacy? Of course! I signed up to play baseball for Coach Veale to continue my family s heritage of involvement at MVNU. Plus, I ll get to see my grandparents and parents when they come to campus. (Eddie currently serves as secretary of the board of trustees.) Don and Joyce agree, We believe Josh will be good for MVNU, and MVNU will be good for Josh.

MVNU salutes the entire Estep family for their involvement in the life of the University and look forward to other members of the third generation following Josh to Mount Vernon.

•

It helps to prioritize your giving. We all know good intentions sometimes get compromised. By setting up a monthly directwithdrawal option, your commitment to MVNU is assured.

•

It increases your faithfulness. Not only does life compromise good intentions, we often forget to follow through on those good intentions. With automatic withdrawal, you won t be faced with that forgetful feeling any longer.

•

It supports MVNU and its mission. We love MVNU and want to perpetuate its mission. This is one way to do that.

•

It’s easy. Just go to www.mvnu.edu and click on Giving to MVNU.

•

It’s safe and secure. We have taken many precautions to ensure your safety and security as you invest in MVNU.

We invite you to go to the Web site and read through the information.

This is an option you might want to consider.

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Graduation

2005

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2005 Service Above Self Awards

The quintessential student award at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, an award that captures the spirit of our ethos and mission, is Service Above Self. This annual award is given to the female and male graduates who exemplify MVNU’s motto—To seek to learn is to seek to serve. Genuine learning sparks passionate kingdom service.

Michaele Boquist – Boardman, Ohio

Hector “Leo” Herrera – The Plains, Ohio

Boquist is an educational ministries major with a minor in communications. She has participated in Lunch Buddies, small groups, Handel s Messiah, honors and drama programs. She served on judicial council, as a resident assistant, DJ for WNZR, student Phonathon caller and has volunteered at Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene and at her home church in many areas. Boquist has traveled on mission trips to Florida, Germany and with NYI to Ecuador.

She has been active as a student ambassador, in Campus Crusade, Friendship Evangelism, and has led a weekly prayer meeting for faculty, staff and students. She has served internships at the Frankfurt, Germany, Church of the Nazarene, and the Westside Church of the Nazarene in Mount Vernon, and has participated in the Mount Vernon Rotary as MVNU s Honorary Student Rotarian.

Herrera is a biology (pre-med) major with a minor in chemistry. He was born in Colombia and immigrated as a teen to the United States. Four months before entering high school, he taught himself English.

Following his family s arrival in the U.S., the Church of the Nazarene reached out to his family and ever since, he has felt led to follow their example. His career goal is to become a general practice physician so that he can offer critical help to the most helpless in society.

One of her professors wrote, She is definitely one of the brightest students, intellectually, I have encountered. She asks significant questions in class and explores the meaning behind issues presented. She has a heart for people and ministry. Reaching out is her passion as she spent a semester at a secular university to explore campus evangelism. She is someone who loves and gives without thought of return, and her compassion to those around her is always evident.

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While at MVNU, Herrera has served as a lab assistant; medical assistant; resident assistant; accountability group leader; Biology Department student advisory council member; social chair, treasurer and vice president for class council. He has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and took part in a mission trip to Long Beach, Calif. He has been a member of the Biology, Chemistry and Multicultural Clubs. As such, Herrera initiated a program for inner-city high school students to visit campus, reside with science students and introduced to a science education experience.

He has received the following awards: National Honor Society, Who s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities (three consecutive years), CRC Freshman Chemistry Achievement Award, Outstanding Student in Organic Chemistry and the 2005 USAA National Collegiate Natural Sciences Award.

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Baccalaureate

Commencement

Mount Vernon Nazarene University President, Dr. E. LeBron Fairbanks, was the featured speaker for Friday night’s Baccalaureate service. Prior to Fairbanks’ message, three students gave their final goodbyes to classmates along with their college testimonies. These students were MVNU graduating senior Michael Boquist, Adult and Graduate Studies BBA graduate Keith Winn and Master of Science in Management graduate Sandra Hurd Ferguson.

MVNU was proud to have Dr. James Diehl, general superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene, speak at this year s 36th commencement ceremonies. In his address to students, citing the biblical sons and daughters of Isachar, he explained, What we need today are young men and women who understand the times and have the wisdom and insights as to what should be done. Diehl challenged students, no matter what their choice of vocation, to go into the world and make a difference. All of you have Godgiven talents and abilities, and all of you will be given opportunities to change the world, he said.

Fairbanks message, The Conviction of Hope reminded listeners to have hope despite whatever their circumstances.

When God appears silent, when everything is confusing and unsure, it is in these moments that you and I choose to believe radically in a God who is faithful and true, he explained. Fairbanks talked about September 11 and the changes our world has experienced since that time. Hope in Christ is nurtured through pain, suffering and difficulty.

But there is One who is stronger than any of these things we may go through, he said. Why do we have this hope in the midst of suffering? Because we believe. Appropriately, the service closed with a song that stated, Things in the past; things yet unseen; Wishes and dreams that are yet to come true. All of my hopes, All of my plans; My heart and my hands are lifted to You. Lord I offer You my life.

He spoke of past and present leaders, including Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa and Ronald Reagan, encouraging students, saying, You can do it! It is very possible that another Mother Teresa is sitting right here among us today. The world desperately needs every single one of you graduates.

He concluded with words from Mother Teresa, Do not wait for others. Do it alone. Person to person, and reminding students to, Do it with the help of God.

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2005 Honorary Degree Recipients

Esther M. Jetter – Fort Recovery, Ohio Jetter, long-time friend of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, received an honorary Doctor of Laws and Letters. Over the years, Esther and her husband, Dr. George Jetter, have supported MVNU through scholarships, building projects and faithful prayer.

After graduating from Olivet Nazarene University, Jetter served as a member of the Northwestern Ohio District Nazarene Missions International board from 19681977. She has been involved in Compassionate Ministries and started the Quadrennial Suitcase Project to assist third-world missionary delegates attending the Church of the Nazarene’s General Assembly.

Jetter has taught Sunday school, authored two books, written numerous articles, shared the Gospel with her community, gathered clothing and supplies for the less fortunate, traveled to many other countries, assisted in the building of churches and raised seven children along with her husband. Their children are all graduates of Nazarene colleges and universities.

As a woman known for her devotion to God and family, compassion, hard work, humility and diligent support of MVNU, Esther Jetter is an example of one of our highest values—service to others, commented Dr. Randie Timpe, vice president of Academic Affairs. Mrs. Jetter, we salute you as an outstanding role model of servant leadership. And we thank you for your love and dedication to MVNU.

Rev. Dong Hyung Ryu - Korea Ryu received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from MVNU. As pastor of the largest Nazarene church in Korea, Ryu lived the first 15 years of his life in Northern Korea prior to the war. During the war, he and his nephew were forced to flee to Southern Korea, never to see his parents again. His life was soon changed as he came to find a refuge in the Woongchon Presbyterian Church in the province of Kyungsangnamdo. Rye began to form a true and enthusiastic Christian faith.

In Seoul where he continued his education, he began to feel a calling on his life to be a preacher. Through an acquaintance who was a Nazarene pastor, Ryu came to attend and graduate from Korea Nazarene University. Since then, he has served as senior pastor at five Nazarene churches in Korea, as well as a board member for the Asia-Pacific Region of the Nazarene Church, a trustee at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary, chair of the board at Korea Nazarene University, district superintendent of the central district for the Korea Nazarene Church, editorial member of Korea Bible Society, chair of Pyung Taek Mission, President of Interdenominational Christian Church Association in Pyung Taek City and much more.

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Vision

Possible

By J. Keith Newman, Vice President for University Advancement

Today, Zornes is the co-owner of Creative Financial Solutions, serving over 250 clients in seven states. As a financial planner, he commented, My job allows me to work with families, sharing in their hopes and dreams, and helping them to reach their potential. He credits MVNU with teaching him some of life s most important lessons. I learned you could be successful as a professional and still live a very consistent life for Jesus. Revival services, small groups and chapels prepared me to answer God s call on my life.

Bekki and Jay Zornes with daughter Lilly

“The signs of outstanding leadership appear primarily among the followers. Are the followers reaching their potential? Are they learning?

Serving? Do they achieve the required results?”

— Max De Pree We ask these questions often on the campus of Mount Vernon Nazarene University. At the heart of the MVNU vision statement are the these powerful words Shaping Christ-like leaders. This centerpiece of the vision distinguishes us from many other institutions of higher education, but we recognize that printing the words on promotional material or speaking the words in a presentation do not make them a reality. It s all about results! Are our graduates learning, serving and reaching their potential?

Does the value of a distinctively Christian education make a difference?

Jay Zornes ( 90) knows something about value and the results possible from disciplined investment. As an Ironton, Ohio, native, he demonstrates that it is possible to return to your hometown and make a difference in your community. Zornes watched his older brother play baseball on the campus of MVNU in the mid- 70s. At the time, Jay was only 11 years old, but he knew then where he wanted to attend college. Graduating from MVNU with a degree in history, Jay had plans to teach and to coach high school sports, but God had something else in mind.

The MVNU community of faith impacted Zornes life in a major way. A group of 12, called the Young Sons, became lifelong friends during his time at MVNU. All 12 were the youngest sons in their families. Each year this group of Young Sons holds a reunion where relationships are renewed and memories are shared. Zornes believes the prayer support of this group was instrumental in helping him reach a point of total commitment to Christ.

Serving others remains a core commitment in his life as seen in the various volunteer church and community roles: board member, treasurer and van ministry director at Ironton First Church of the Nazarene; member of the Central Ohio District Mission Strategy Team; board member of the Ironton Port Authority; member of the board of directors for Leadership Tri-State (an organization dedicated to bringing economic growth to southern Ohio, eastern Kentucky and western West Virginia); chair of a committee to help pass a school bond levy in Ironton; past president of the Ironton Rotary Club; football coach in the Ironton youth program; and treasurer of the Ironton Tank Memorial Stadium Committee. In addition to all of those volunteer roles, Zornes has frequently been a presenter at a financial planning workshop for several colleges and universities, including MVNU. In May of 2004, Zornes and his wife, Bekki, an elementary school teacher, adopted their first child, Lilly Brannigan, from central China. They hope to return to China with Lilly in 2006 to adopt another child.

MVNU rejoices in the impact Zornes is having for the sake of the Kingdom!

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School of Business

SIFE continues

winning tradition

By Kevin Perkins, SIFE President

On April 11, Mount Vernon Nazarene University Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) traveled to Chicago, Ill., to compete in one of 21 regional competitions held in the United States, and continued a tradition of success by bringing home its 23rd regional championship in the past 26 years.

MVNU SIFE competed against teams from all over the country by giving a 25-minute presentation highlighting the accomplishments of the team this year. The presentation included a detailed description of projects that were implemented along with visual representation through graphs and pictures. The projects are judged on creativity, innovation and effectiveness. On May 22, the team traveled to Kansas City, Mo., to compete in the SIFE national competition.

Students in Free Enterprise is one of the largest and oldest student organizations on the campus of MVNU. This year, 80 team members participated and contributed over 1,800 hours of hard work. SIFE is an organization committed to working with people on our campus and in surrounding communities

to make an opportunity for economic change while organizing outreach projects that teach market economics, entrepreneurship, personal financial success skills and business ethics.

All of the projects put into practice this year affected a wide range of people from school-aged children, college students and adults. The chapter also made an impact on the lives of 56 children in Belize by teaching them some basic economic principles. Other projects implemented this year included the 3rd Annual Business Ethics Conference, Ethics Night Live, education seminars for home-schooled students, Knox County Career Center budgeting game, Junior Achievement, financial seminars and work with local entrepreneurs. MVNU is proud to have this team representing the campus on a local, regional, national and international basis.

MVNU students take first place

in international business competition

By Kevin Perkins, SIFE President

Five students represented Mount Vernon Nazarene University at the International Collegiate Business Strategy Competition (ICBSC), hosted by the School of Business at the University of San Diego in April. Prior to the competition, teams developed a company name, strategy and business plan. Once in San Diego, students made a variety of decisions on the financial, production, personnel, research and development, sales and marketing aspects of their simulated business. Finally, teams presented an annual report to the judges who analyzed their results and their competitors . MVNU students participated in a final banquet where they were presented with the first-place trophy.

Some of the SIFE students had this to say about the trip: Tom Parks, Jr. (CEO): At the ICBSC, there were teams from Canada, England and Dubai.

Competing in this type of environment was amazing because it forced each of us to put into practice all our business knowledge. The greatest thing is that the education we receive at MVNU compared favorably to that of huge state and international universities.

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MVNU competitors: (L-R) Kevin Perkins, Emily Cuffman, Maribeth Dodds, Sarah Horak and Tom Parks, Jr.

Emily Cuffman (CFO): The ICBSC trip to San Diego was a phenomenal opportunity. Through the experience, I learned how the different components of a business work together and how to consistently apply a business plan. I also gained a lot of insight from my peers and our judges.

Kevin Perkins (COO): This competition was a great learning experience for me. It brought together the knowledge that we have accumulated through our courses, and the practicality of running an actual business to further prepare us for our careers. No matter what field I go into after graduation, I know I will take what I have learned and apply those concepts to real-life situations.

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Photo courtesy Greater Phoenix Convention & Visitors Bureau

AdFed students

broaden their horizons

By Dr. Beverly Smith, Assistant Professor of Business

The American Advertising Federation (AdFed) had an eventful year traveling to Phoenix, Ariz., and Dayton, Ohio. Business marketing and graphic design majors toured companies such as Moses Anshell, Ladd, and the Phoenix Suns, and participated in a nationally recognized competition. These experiences enabled students to gain broader perspectives on real-world business.

In Phoenix, the club met with Moses Anshell account executives, creative director, public relations officer, sales manager, creative designer and copywriter. Moses Anshell is ranked in the top 20 ad agencies in the country. Students saw a unique atmosphere composed of an old warehouse reconstructed into a modern creative think-tank that now serves as the Moses Anshell office.

The club also received a behind-the-scenes tour of the America West Arena, where the Suns currently play, including locker rooms, workout facilities and the media room. Students also enjoyed a sold-out Suns game against the Dallas Mavericks and a meeting with Jeremy Walls ( 02), group sales leader for the Suns. They learned about marketing techniques and the importance of scheduling, plus the various types of entertainment that occur during game breaks. Every minute of a Suns game is scheduled with advertisements, entertainment or both.

In April, five MVNU students competed in the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) in Dayton, Ohio. The sponsor for this year s event was Yahoo! A comprehensive advertising

campaign was created which included print ads, television commercials and updating the Yahoo! Web site and logos.

Nine other schools also competed from the region. Students gained valuable experience in developing a comprehensive campaign. John Foulk, sophomore business marketing major and firstyear AdFed member said, This experience has made me aware of what it takes to be successful in the business world.

The AdFed worked eight months, planning, researching and developing their campaign for the competition. Students are working on next year s campaign already. They are also looking forward to touring more businesses. If you re interested in supporting or being involved with MVNU AdFed, please contact Dr. Bev Smith at (740) 392-6868, ext. 3306.

Inside the Phoenix Suns Stadium, converted for Arena Football: (front) Brian Church, John Foulk, Trent Fannin and Brian Hermon: (back) Shayla Boylan, Danielle Leithauser, Dr. Beverly Smith, Alvin Adams (former Suns player), Lauryn Gray, Chad Cherry, Kevin Perkins and Eric McKenzie.

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Adult and Graduate Studies www.mvnu.edu/ags

What a friend we have …

by Ryan Long, Curriculum Specialist

Change happens. Whether for good or bad, change can provide an opportunity for a fresh start, a new beginning or a new outlook on life. Often those changes prompt students to later return to school as adults, as many students in the MVNU Adult and Graduate Studies program can attest. During these times of change, it can be helpful to have someone there to support, encourage, pray for and sometimes even counsel you.

relationships with students. Both teach part-time, and agree that being in the classroom as a professor provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships with the students.

The faculty relationship deepens the chaplaincy relationship, said Williamson, while Dishon noted that even when teaching, students still view them as chaplains.

These relationships don t just end when the class is completed, either. Dishon said, Relationships that are established in that classroom contact are often carried on through the completion of the program. Both he and Williamson maintain contact with several students who have graduated.

We like to make contacts with graduates who are going through difficult times, Williamson commented. They re sometimes a little bit amazed that we remember them. I tell them that even though they re graduates, they are always part of us.

Dr. Rick Williamson in the classroom with BBA students Jane Williams and Lisa Jones.

As assistants to the chaplain for Adult and Graduate Studies, Dr. Willie Dishon and Dr. Rick Williamson have the task of filling that support role on five different campuses. While Dishon mainly covers the Polaris and Gahanna campuses, and Williamson the Polaris, Lima and Newark campuses, together they try to create a bridge that students will feel comfortable coming across when they have a need, according to Williamson.

The two are active in traditional chaplaincy activities, such as calling or e-mailing someone after an illness or death in the family, making hospital visits and being available for students should they need to talk with someone. In addition, they try to regularly hold what Dishon describes as loaves and fishes events. These events, which can be as simple as a veggie tray in class or a make-your-own-sundae bar, create opportunities for us to interact with the students more than we might normally do, said Dishon. He added that they also provide a timely devotion or spiritual information for students at these events.

Still, interacting with students prior to class and at special events doesn t always allow time to develop deeper

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Dr. Willie Dishon speaking with MSM student Tobias J. Russell at the Polaris campus.

Developing relationships with students is something that both chaplains cherish. The transition that students often experience can be very special. Those transition times are more open windows for spiritual involvement, said Williamson. It s pretty rewarding when you feel you ve made a difference in the lives of our students. Dishon said they simply try to remind students, We re here as chaplains to help you discover the reality of God s love in your life.

And sometimes, that reality takes the form of a friend with a hot-fudge sundae and a listening ear.

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Cohort model

provides supportive circle

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

Much has been written and many movies made about the value of friends and friendship. Some of the richest stories we encounter are about friends, and we have no problem naming our best friend. The Bible talks a lot about friends: two verses which come easily to mind are A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity (Proverbs 17:17), and A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

Most of the programs in Adult and Graduate Studies use the cohort model. In this format, the same group of students starts and finishes the program together. They take the same classes, the same night of the week, in the same location; the only thing that changes is the instructor and the course content. One of the advantages of the model is that sometimes there is an inhouse expert in the group who can help his/her classmates with a particular subject.

Another advantage of the cohort model is that group members strengthen and encourage each other as the program progresses.

Real friendships are formed as students work on group projects or hold discussions in class. Students share good times, such as weddings, the birth of a child or a promotion at work. Students also support each other through bad times such as a divorce, a severe illness or a death in the family. It s not uncommon for the friendships to go beyond the walls of the classroom or the end of the program.

The average age of our Adult and Graduate Studies students is 36. Most people that age already have a network of friends, whether it s a spouse, other family members, work colleagues or a Sunday school class. Students entering one of our programs most likely have talked with one or more in that network about going back to school. Odds are they were encouraged to do so.

It s my sense that, in order for our students to be successful, they have to draw on the support of their circles of friends, both old and new.

Adult students mold

lifelong friendships

By David Baker, Curriculum Specialist

Students expect that they ll meet new people and make new friends in college. These relationships are an integral part of collegiate life. One might assume that in Adult and Graduate Studies, most students have far too many concerns (such as work and family) to develop lasting relationships in or out of the classroom. But by their very nature, Adult and Graduate Studies programs encourage student bonding through the cohort model.

Take, for instance, Mary Workman, Lori Allenbaugh, Valerie Donnelly and other students from BBA Group 106 in Mount Vernon. Lori and Mary met in 1998 while enrolled at North Central State College. They became close friends during that time and graduated in 2001.

Once Mary and I had finished our degree at NCSC, we thought we were done, said Lori. We heard about the Adult and Graduate Studies program and three weeks later attended a meeting and signed up.

It was in the BBA program that Lori and Mary met Valerie. It was amazing how quickly we bonded, said Valerie. Over the next 22 months, we saw each other through sick parents, surgeries, pregnancies, miscarriages, new jobs, layoffs from old jobs, bad weather, writing long papers and (especially!) accounting and finance classes!

The cohort model allows students to see each other through these life events. Being with the same group of peers for nearly two years results in closer relationships than one might experience in a setting where the names and faces change every semester.

Lori echoed that sentiment, The advantage of being with the same people for 22 months is that you get to know the strengths

and weaknesses of everyone.

In this way, Lori and Mary, who had already earned degrees in accounting, assisted other students in quantitative classes, while students skilled in other areas helped the group with those classes.

L-R: Lori Allenbaugh, Valerie Donnelly, Mary Workman and last minute dinner party attendee Nancy Stull - All from BBA Group 106

But the relationships went beyond study groups. Mary, describing how the members of Group 106 helped each other through tough times outside of the classroom, said, I don t know what I would have done if we did not have such a wonderful group.

Valerie recalled, I probably would have dropped out of the program without [the support of] Mary and Lori.

In the traditional education model, a student might have a group of friends from class and another group of friends outside of class. These groups might intersect now and then, but for the most part they remain separate.

Friendships in Group 106 extended even beyond graduation.

Classmates continue to get together for dinner and keep in touch by e-mail. Mary talked about wishing she could take her group with her as she pursues her master s degree at Ashland University.

Valerie, summing up the feelings of everyone, concluded, There s just something about all of us being at the same point in our lives ... jobs, children, spouses, aging parents and everything else that goes with being an adult. I ve really grown to love these people.

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The Claxons and Cougar sports — a family affair

Over the past 17 years, the Claxon family from South Webster, Ohio, has become synonymous with sports at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Three brothers Casey, Corey, and Les have been members of the men s soccer team, while three sisters Amy, Shelly, and Claudia have played softball for the Lady Cougars, with Shelly also playing one year on the women s soccer team.

The Claxons journey to MVNU began more than 35 years ago when their parents, Tom and Joe Anne, were married in 1970.

In 1971, they welcomed their first child, Casey, and over the years, seven other children four more boys (including Wes and Kirby) and the three girls were born.

Tom supported the family as a milk distributor, while Joe Anne spent much of her time as a stay-at-home mom, coordinating all of the family s many activities. Between them, they successfully raised a tight-knit group of siblings who enjoyed each other and enjoyed playing sports.

When Casey began thinking about college, he knew he wanted to study communication, and continue his soccer career at the college level. Ironically, Casey had never heard of MVNU until friend Jason Purcell mentioned that his uncle had gone there.

The two met with an MVNU admissions counselor, and the rest is history.

The decision to attend MVNU was one of the most important decisions that I ever made. [It] had the single biggest impact on me and my entire family, reflected Casey. We knew it would cost more money to attend MVNU than some of the state schools, but I would pay any amount of money for the happiness our family has today.

That decision began what has grown into a 17-year span and counting in which at least one Claxon has attended MVNU. Casey enrolled in MVNU in the fall of 1989 and began what would be a solid four-year career on the soccer team, ending with his serving as a team captain his senior year. As he pursued his communication degree, he worked in the campus radio station and was recognized as the Outstanding Student Broadcaster during his senior year. He also served as the student assistant in the sports information department.

In 1992 as Casey was beginning his senior year, Amy became the second Claxon to attend MVNU when she arrived to study biology and play softball after passing up a full academic scholarship at Shawnee State University. While at MVNU, she was twice named to the National Christian College Athletic Association All-National Tournament Team, and she was an NAIA and NCCAA All-America

(L-R): Brock and Shelly Evans, Claudia Claxon, Amy Rine, Tom and Jo Anne Claxon, Les and Casey Claxon 21

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By Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

Scholar-Athlete as a senior. Nine years later, Amy is halfway through her master s program in education at MVNU. Corey came to MVNU in 1994 to study biology and went on to a four-year career on the soccer team, serving as a captain his senior year. In 1998, Shelly transferred to MVNU from Shawnee State after being selected as the Mid-Ohio Conference Freshman of the Year in softball. She played three years on the softball team and was an All-Conference Honorable Mention pick twice, and played on the women s soccer team in its first year as a club sport while working toward her social work degree.

Currently, Les is a junior early-childhood education major at MVNU and a member of the men s soccer team where he served as a team captain this year, and was an NAIA and NCCAA All-America Scholar-Athlete. Claudia, a freshman majoring in criminal justice, is in her first year on the softball team. They are slated to graduate in 2006 and 2008 respectively. Their youngest brother, Kirby, a junior in high school, is also considering MVNU as he looks to become the fourth Claxon to play on the men s soccer team.

The four older Claxon siblings also each met their spouses as a direct result of attending MVNU. Casey married Trista McNeal ( 94), a former volleyball player at MVNU; they have one son, Keith. Amy married Bart Rine, whom she met through two MVNU alumni, Joe ( 91) and Lori Totten (Brown 94), and they have two daughters, Rowan and Hallie. Corey married Darcee Hoberg ( 02), another former MVNU volleyball player; they have twin daughters, Graciana and Briana, and are expecting again.

Shelly married Brock Evans ( 98), a former MVNU soccer player.

Through it all, the Claxons will tell you that MVNU is like a second home to them. We have really enjoyed the relationship that we have with the school, said Joe Anne. The younger kids have all grown up on the campus since they spent so much time here with their older brothers and sisters. It has been a great experience for all of us.

It has not been cheap for all of us to go to MVNU, said Amy. However, if God wants you to be here, then He will find a way to get you here. All of us had to take advantage of student loans, but I feel that that has forced us to take our education very seriously. It takes time to repay those loans, but the long-term benefits of a quality education will last much longer.

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Cougars exceed expectations

with another 20-win campaign

By Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

Coming into the 2004-2005 season, the Mount Vernon Nazarene University men s basketball team knew that they were in for a challenging season with a roster that consisted of just one senior and three juniors with varsity playing experience.

First Team to honor his achievements on the court and in the classroom.

20 Wins

However, MVNU used great team chemistry to post a 21-11 campaign as the Cougars topped the 20-win mark for the eighth time in the past nine years. The team also received votes in the final NAIA Division II poll and was third in the highly competitive American Mideast Conference South Division with the two teams ahead of them advancing to the semifinals at NAIA Division II national tournament.

I really believe that this team exceeded the expectations that many people had for us before the season, said coach Scott Flemming. Without a lot of size, depth and senior experience, we were able to put together a fine year. The chemistry was good both on and off the court. I don t know when I have enjoyed coaching a group of young men more than I have this year.

Individually, several players put together outstanding seasons.

Forward Benji Hall, the team s lone senior, was named the MVP at the Indiana Wesleyan Invitational as he wrapped up his career with 946 points, 399 rebounds and 214 assists.

Sophomore post Mark Hess averaged 17.9 points and 7.8 rebounds, and became the 27th player and only the third sophomore in school history to score 1,000 career points.

He was named to the AMC South Division and NCCAA East Region First Teams, the NAIA Honorable Mention All-American Team, and the NCCAA All-American Second Team. He was also chosen to the ESPN The Magazine¤ Academic All-District

Junior guard Andrew Thompson averaged 14.6 points per game and led the team with 94 three-pointers to rank 15th in the NAIA. He was named to the AMC South Division and NCCAA East Region Second Teams, as well as being an NCCAA Honorable Mention All-American. Another standout in the classroom, he was named an NAIA and NCCAA All-America Scholar-Athlete and selected to the ESPN The Magazine¤ AllDistrict Second Team.

Junior point guard Alan Bock led the team in assists (203) and steals (81), and ranked fourth and tenth in the NAIA in those categories respectively. He was named to the AMC South Division Second Team and both the NAIA and NCCAA All-America Scholar-Athlete Teams. He was also on both the ESPN The Magazine¤ Academic All-District First Team and Academic All-America Third Team.

Sophomore wing Ryan Seesholtz averaged a career-high 11.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game and was an AMC South Division Honorable Mention selection. Sophomore center Steve Mayes was also a big contributor off the bench this season. The 7-footer set a school record with 79 blocked shots as he ranked seventh in the NAIA. I am very proud of the character of this team and their accomplishments academically, said Flemming. The spiritual depth of this team was unusual. I was spoiled to have such an outstanding collection of young men on one team. They have truly been strong representatives of all that MVNU stands for.

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A family’s circle

of adoption

By Jeff (’93) and Lori Korbini (Vogel ’94)

Our story has its beginnings on the MVNU campus where we met in August of 1990.

Shortly after completing our education, we were married and ready to start down the path of the American dream: the house with a picket

fence, two cars, a dog and I believe the statistics say two-and-a-half kids. Little did we know that the dream of two-and-a-half kids would take us on a journey that we could never have imagined.

During our third year of marriage in 1997, we decided that we were ready for children in our lives. Several months into the anticipation of the arrival of our first child, our path took a turn that we could not understand one that challenged our faith, tested our character and cut to the very core of our being when we were told that we had lost our child.

In December 2001, we made the decision to build our family through adoption.

After much prayer and research, we selected an agency and chose to adopt from Peru. We did not want to wait indefinitely so we started an additional adoption with Guatemala.

It was not until our thirteenth month of waiting that in January 2004, we finally received our final approval. We traveled to Guatemala the first week of February. Having our daughter placed in

Jeff and Lori Korbini with daughters Marissa and Mauriana

1980s Shelly (Littlefield ’82) Craine was appointed to serve as the chief fiscal officer for the Village of Windham, Ohio, on Dec. 13, 2004. She also acts as Clerk of Council. In February 2005, she also accepted a part-time teaching position as a math instructor at Bohecker College. Shelley and her husband, Cliff, are looking forward to moving into a new home in Ravenna.

Cliff works as an electronics technician for Automated Packing Systems, Inc., in Streetsboro, Ohio.

Bruce Helmbrecht (’83) was recently awarded a Sportsmanship Award from the Mid-Atlantic Recreation and Parks Sports Alliance (MARPSA). While at

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MVNU, he assisted with several sports teams, including videotaping and scorekeeping for the women’s basketball teams. He has coached in the St. Mary’s County Parks and Recreation league as co-ed third- and fourth-grade basketball and soccer coach. He is a member of the Hollywood Church of the Nazarene in Hollywood, Md. Matt (’88) and Diane (Stoneking ’89) Kinnard live in Friendly, W.Va., with their three children: Spencer (13), Skylar (10) and Sophie (8). Matt teaches art at New Martinsville Schools, coaches varsity soccer, tennis and seventh grade basketball. Diane enjoys being a stay-at-home mom and part-time nanny. The Kinnard family also travels and speaks at children’s camps and vacation Bible schools with Pure Heart Ministries.

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our arms was an incredible event it is impossible to describe the immediate emotional attachment that took place. Marissa Perla Rochelle Korbini came home with us and our dreams had finally become reality.

Our journey took another unexpected turn when just three months later, we received news that we had been placed with a child in Peru. Mauriana Norka Marie Korbini was only 14 days younger than who would become her Guatemalan sister, Marissa.

On June 4, we traveled to Lima, the capital city, where the remainder of the adoption would be completed. Then came June 10: We received a call from the Peruvian government telling us they had revoked our adoption and that we needed to bring the child back to them that afternoon. They said problems had arisen and that they would not allow this adoption to take place.

Our attorneys realized that we were up against a strong adversary and that the press would be our only means of fighting this injustice. The next several days were spent with every national radio and television station in Peru.

We were on television continually.

After several days of investigation, the minister held a live press conference in which the Peruvian people who had watched our story on television for two weeks could see us receiving our official adoption decree. Being handed that document lifted a huge weight from us.

We thank God for the road we have traveled and the blessing of Marissa and Mauriana. Our journey has taken us places we could never have dreamed of, but God has been faithful. We now reside in Hilliard, Ohio, and as a result of this incredible journey, we have established The Vasija De Amor Foundation ( vessel of love ) a non-profit organization which raises funds for Casa Luz, the orphanage in Peru that cared for Mauriana. Contributions are taxdeductible and 100 percent goes directly to the orphanage.

For more information, please contact jkorbini@ascendadvisory.com or (614) 876-0354.

Funds continue to rise for Phonathon

scholarships

For six weeks in February and March, 18 students dedicated themselves to completing calls to almost 4,000 alumni and friends of MVNU for the annual University Fund Phonathon.

THANK YOU for your sacrificial giving. Our goal is to raise $100,000 solely for student scholarships. To date, we have received $98,696 in gift/intents. There s still time to help us meet our goal. Also, you can designate your gift to Adult and Graduate Studies to enable us to award scholarships to our adult students. If you d like to help make a difference in the life of an MVNU student, please call 1-800-367-9294 or give online at www.mvnu.edu.

David Smith (’88) and his wife Elizabeth (Southwick ’92) announce the birth of Andrew David on July 20, 2004. Andrew joins big brother, Jonathan. David is the senior pastor at Lenoir City First Church of the Nazarene in Tennessee and Elizabeth is a stay-at-home mom.

Clinton Bompart (’89), his wife Juanita and his brother Kevin started the Christian music group Affusion about five years ago. They will now be the first group to sign under the new label “BeatSquad.” They are very active in the Manor Church of the Nazarene in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For more information about Affusion, visit www.affusion.org/affusion.html.

1990s Debbie (Doenges ’90) Gemmaka earned a master’s degree in the Art of Teaching, in April 2004. She is now in her 14th year at Tecumseh Local Schools currently teaching seventhgrade math. She lives in New Carlisle, Ohio, with her husband, Jeff, a regional manager for Cable Express. They have two sons, Andy (8) and Garrett (4).

Scott (’90) and Teri (Smith ’90) Holder welcomed their son, Zachary Dylan, on October 20, 2004. Zach joins big sister MacKenzie (3). The family lives in Johnstown, Ohio, and attends Lakeholm Church of the Nazarene in Mount Vernon.

Janice (Stein ’90) Warder and her husband Greg welcomed their third child, Matthew Gregory, on Dec. 25, 2004. Matthew joins big sisters Rachel (6) and Lauren (2). Janice works parttime as a paralegal.

Thad (’90) and Susan (McIntosh ’90) Weghorst relocated to Auburn, Ind., in the fall of 2003. Thad is an obstetrician/gynecologist with Auburn OB/GYN. Susan is a stay-at-home mom.

Thad and Susan are co-directors for Upward Basketball and Cheerleading at Auburn Church of the Nazarene.

They have four children: Forrest (10), Sydney (8), Silas (5) and Eden (3).

Kim (Cliver ’91) and Chuck (’93) Preston welcomed their fourth child, Lance Douglas, on Dec. 5, 2004. Lance joins big siblings Tailyor (7), Adison (6) and Emylee (3).

Sara (Wilson ’93) McKinney and her husband Gill announce the birth of their daughter, Leah Raine, on Dec. 7, 2005. Leah joins big sister Emma. The McKinneys live in Hebron, Ky., where Gill is a Boone County sheriff’s deputy and Sara is a stay-at-home mom.

On Feb. 11, 2005, Alan Ogden (’93) received an Ohio State Trooper Recognition Award for Outstanding Performance and Service for the Warren District for 2004. This is his twelfth year as a trooper. He married Crystal (Hamilton ’93), who is a stay-at-home mom, homeschooler and daycare provider. They have three children: Tyler (9), Seth (7) and Sydney (3).

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MVNU alumni chapters begin to take wing

By Tom West, Director of Alumni Relations and University Fund

The MVNU Alumni Relations Office has a continuing mission to connect alumni with the campus and with each other. As one way to do this, we have begun to establish MVNU Alumni Chapters. They are designed to meet three objectives: to promote continued personal and spiritual growth, to remember the great heritage of MVNU and keep these memories and traditions alive as we pass them to the next generation, and to continue connecting alumni to each other.

The first chapter is in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, area.

Two or three times a year, alumni plan social events (picnics, holiday parties, etc.) to bring everyone together. Leaders have specific responsibilities and rely on the Alumni Relations Office to provide them with contact information, clerical support and event ideas as needed. Charlene Aldridge ( 77) and Terri Knechtly (Hudak 79) are the contact persons in the DFW area.

Another area that will start up soon is known as River City. This chapter will cover parts of southern Ohio, eastern Kentucky and northwestern West Virginia. Jay Zornes ( 90) and Dave Huffman ( 78) are the contact persons for this tri-state regional chapter. Watch for an event in fall 2005!

MVNU is open to beginning other area chapters. If you know of alumni in your city who would like to establish a chapter in the interest of connectivity, please e-mail Alumni Relations at alumni@mvnu.edu or call 1-800-367-9294.

Frank Cunningham, Jr., (’94) and his wife Jocelyn welcomed their first child, Frank “Trey” Cunningham, III, on Jan. 20, 2005. He weighed 5 lbs., 12 oz. and was 19.5 inches long. Frank finished his family practice residency at the Dayton Community Family Practice Residency in June 2002. He opened his own practice, New Hope Family Medicine, in Springboro, Ohio, in February 2005. Jocelyn is the office manager and Trey stays at the office.

Dave (’94) and Carla (Whitaker ’96) Parsons announce the birth of their second daughter, Kylie Janae on April 8, 2005. She weighed 11 lbs., 9 oz. and was 21.5 inches long. She joins big sister Ashley (3). Carla is the secretary for the School of Arts and Humanities at MVNU and Dave is the Sports Information Director at MVNU.

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Todd (’95) and Bonnie (Cicconietti ’96) Brown have been married for six years and they live in Wooster, Ohio.

Todd is an applications consultant in software development in Berlin, Ohio.

Bonnie is an elementary special education teacher. They have two sons, Logan James (born Jan. 25, 2004) and Cael Mason (born Feb. 22, 2005).

Stephanie Boord (’96) married John Chandler on Sept. 27, 2003. On Aug. 20, 2004, they welcomed daughter Mckenna Elise. After teaching at Grove City Christian School for eight years, Stephanie is now a stay-at-home mom. John works for Rockford Homes in Grove City, Ohio.

Hiroshi Kumagai (’96) recently had a group art show in Jersey City Museum and was featured in The New York Times. He is currently working as

an artist in New York.

Ryan Teglovic (’96) is the Dean of Students and head varsity football coach at South Central High School.

His wife Lori (Dendinger ’95) is a stay-at-home mom. They have six children: Kristen (8), Abbi (6), Kari (5), Allison (2), Nicholas (1) and Molli (4 months).

with the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio and is currently working on his MBA. Kristi is now a stay-at-home mom after working as a disability specialist for the School Employees Retirement System for over six years.

Courtny (Testa ’97) Aljancic and her husband Jon welcomed Will Anthony on Jan. 8, 2005. Will joined big brother Ryan (2). Courtny is a stay-at-home mom and the family resides in Glen Ellyn, Ill.

Ryan (’98) and Melissa (Darling ’98) Wolfe recently settled into their first house in Louisville, Ohio. They have both completed master’s degrees in counseling at Cincinnati Bible College.

Both work at the First Christian Church in Canton, Ohio—Melissa as the early childhood minister/preschool director and Ryan as the children’s minister.

Chris (’98) and Kristi (Brown ’00) Castle announce the birth of their second daughter, Ashley Grace, on Dec. 24, 2004. She joins big sister Olivia Nicole (3). Chris is an employer advisor

Amy (Ward ’99) and Matt (’04 Adult and Graduate Studies) Mathias announce the birth of their first child, Gavin Michael, on Sept. 8, 2004. He weighed 8 lbs., 7 oz. and

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Homecoming announcement: Mark your calendars for Homecoming!

November 10-13, 2005 We will be honoring the following classes: 1970 (Pioneer Class), 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005 (Reunion Zero).

We’ll be looking for you!

Don’t forget to VOTE! MVNU s Alumni Relations Office would appreciate your input in the form of a vote for three open positions on the Alumni Council: 1.) President 2.) Vice President 3.) Alumni Lay Representative to the Board of Trustees (must be a member of the Church of the Nazarene).

For a full description of the duties and responsibilities of these positions, please visit www.mvnu.edu/alumni and click on Constitution.

was 20 inches long. Matt works as a physical therapy assistant at Genesis Health and Rehab in Zanesville, Ohio. After working five years as a children’s services social worker, Amy is now a stay-at-home mom. The family resides in Coshocton, Ohio.

2000s Anil Hinduja (’00) was recently selected as the National Salesperson of the Year for the NAPA Corporation.

Anil and his wife Natascha (Tuerpitz ’99) reside in New Philadelphia, Ohio, with their daughter Tehya.

Please note that we offer two voting options for you to cast your ONE vote: 1.) Tear off the business reply card enclosed in the magazine and drop it in the mail, or 2.) Go to the alumni Web site, www.mvnu.edu/alumni, and vote online.

Remember you are permitted one vote per alumnus.

This means that no matter which method you select (ballot or online), you may vote only once. Deadline to vote is July 31, 2005. Terms begin Sept. 1, 2005.

Keith (’00) and Sharon (Moore ’98) Kohler are working to develop an online ordering system and marketing strategy for The Little Leaders Company, a volunteer-based, familyrun business. The Little Leaders Company was established in 2004 with the mission of providing highquality, Bible-based developmental content for children.

Jennifer Sertell (Kelley ’00) graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in February 2004 and works for Hatfield Chiropractic in Marysville, Ohio. Her husband Matthew (’00) graduated from Drake University in 2003 with a master’s degree in education. He now works as a project manager for Athletics Group.

Melanie (Krumme ’02) Snow and her husband Brian announce the birth of their daughter, Elisabeth Kay. She was born on March 24, 2005, and weighed 8 lbs., 7 oz. She joins big brother, Titus Jarrett. Melanie is a homemaker and keeps busy with their children, many projects and helping her husband with his various ministry tasks. Brian works for ASI at Kenyon College and is involved in various aspects of ministry in their church.

The family resides in Howard, Ohio.

Moya (Jones ’02) Plank is a stay-athome mom with three daughters (4, 2, 1). She lives in Shilo, Ohio with her husband, David, who is a manager of a local business. Moya recently joined the Cleveland Fusion (left tackle), one of 38 teams in the National Women’s Football Association professional league.

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.

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From the archives…

Submitted by Walt Baughman, Archivist

This photo shows the 1969-1970 men s Cougar basketball team, year two. They are poised in the gym the barn which most recently housed the Cougar Den. Chet Dad Foraker was the coach in year one; however, he had some help the following year from Tom Eidemiller. The team played eight games the first year and 23 games the second, 17 of which were against four-year schools.

Their record was 10-13. Home games were played in Mount Vernon s Pleasant Street School. Don Eads was voted MVP, and Dave Dean was the first two-year letterman. Coach Foraker was at MVNU until 1971.

Walt Baughman, Archivist Mount Vernon Nazarene University 800 Martinsburg Road Mount Vernon, OH 43050

PAID

Mount Vernon OH 43050

Please submit entries to:

correctly identify at least 10 players by number or position in the photo will receive an item from MVNU s Heritage Bookstore. Please remember MVNU when you find college treasures in your attic. We appreciate all donated mementos.

Periodical Postage

Contest: The first 10 people to

Date: August 12, 2005 Location: R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium Registration: 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Event time: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: $17 per person (lunch is included)

Questions? Please call Special Events at 1-800-367-9294 or e-mail events@mvnu.edu. Registration deadline is August 3.

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Address Service Requested

MVNU Music & Ministry team, One Accord

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

Music:

USPS 761-980

Dr. Dennis Swanberg, affectionately known to his national TV audiences as The Swan, is a seasoned and solid communicator whose sly wit delivers life-enriching truths to the heart, and on wings of laughter. As a well-qualified teacher, speaker, author, counselor, preacher and TV host, he is happily married to his wife, Lauree, and is the proud father of two grown sons, Chad and Dusty.

Mount Vernon NOW

Featured guest:

Or e-mail: wbaughma@mvnu.edu