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teacher, taught Chaucer with a medieval heartiness. Tom Nelson, who taught journalism, was my supervisor as I worked my way through college by writing publicity on school events as a part of the staff of the development office. I have particularly fond memories of covering Forum, when William F. Buckley and Michael Harrington debated. It was a busy, happy time.
The surrounding neighborhood at the time was predominately African American in contrast with my hometown, where almost everybody looked, thought, and acted alike. Race relations were a frequent topic of discussion—and motivation. Vermont Avenue Church started an outreach program for neighborhood children called the Lighthouse. Run by Pepperdine students James (’71, MP ’73) and Margaret (’71) Parker, it was staffed by other students. We offered sports, tutoring, and other activities. I loved my work there and from it there evolved a Wednesday night Bible class that I continued teaching for almost 30 years.
Our idyllic existence came to an abrupt end, however, when Frank received his draft notice. It was during the Vietnam War, and in order to avoid being sent to fight in the jungles, he joined the U.S. Navy. I was devastated! We wrote each other every day. A photographer friend took a photo of me, standing at the chain-link fence surrounding the apartments, to send to Frank. I taught all kinds of students—black, white, Hispanic, and Asian—teaching them to read using the Bible and When some of the young women in Normandie Village illustrating the lessons with maps, charts, pictures, and complained that I shouldn’t be living alone in housing for crafts. I even found ways to quantify Bible concepts and married students, I was forced to move into an off-campus turn them into math problems! I wanted to teach Bible apartment on New Hampshire Avenue. They didn’t seem to and offer enrichment in an area where the public schools realize that I already had a wonderful man I yearned to be performed poorly. with and I wasn’t interested in anybody else. That time when Frank was away doesn’t seem so long now compared with When, in 1967, I finally graduated, I just skipped the the 53 years we’ve been married, but then it was a lifetime. ceremony and went home. Frank and I had worked to stay even in our academic progress, and I hated the fact that I The Vermont Avenue Church, which was primarily made was graduating while he was still overseas. up of staff and students, was a mainstay during this difficult time. Minister Gordon Teel and elders like the Augustine Looking back, it was only two years—from 1965 to 1967. scholar Bill Green and Dean J. P. Sanders maintained an And yet it was seminal toward making me who I am. It was acceptant, scholarly atmosphere that I appreciated. I had a period of upheaval, spiritual growth, and social awareness been a Christian since I was baptized at the age of 13 in our that gave me more of an education than just attending little church in Happy, Texas. Vermont Avenue deepened college could ever have done. my faith and taught me to apply it.
Pepperdine students walking with neighborhood children to the Lighthouse. I’m the one with the kid on my back.
Billie attending ceremony when Frank receives American Spirit award.