Fall 2020 Magazine

FALL 2020

Unbounded:

HOW STUDENTS, ALUMNI, FACULTY AND STAFF ARE ADAPTING — AND SERVING CHRIST — DURING THE PANDEMIC

MESSAGE FR O M T H E

PRESIDENT Every August, I’m a little anxious. The students have applied, been accepted, and registered for classes, but as the first class day approaches, I wonder if they’ll follow through with their life-changing plan to go to, and graduate from, college.

But this year, things are different.

There is greater hesitation than usual.

COVID-19 continues to push society back in nearly every place. It’s as if there are no limits to the havoc this virus brings.

So with so many limitations, what do we do? We push back with our own unbounded answers.

All summer long, our faculty and staff have prayed and planned. We are ready to educate students for Christ-centered service, no matter what this virus might throw our way. We are committed to training the next generation of leaders by first showing them how to act in tough moments. We will meet in smaller classes, socially distance, and wear masks for safety. But we won’t stop loving students, leading students, and learning from students as we seek God’s purposes together.

In this issue of Point Magazine, you’ll read stories of how 37 students, faculty, staff and alumni are adapting to the pandemic and demonstrating the love of Christ in unique ways.

Unbounded love from our Father in heaven means finding unbounded ways to serve our students here — and your communities, wherever you are.

In Christ,

POIN T M AGA Z IN E Volume 59, Number 1 Fall 2020

EDITOR/DESIGNER Sarah G. Huxford

CONTRIBUTORS D’Ann Conroy (’14-’15) Kara Johnson CONTACT US: editor@point.edu © 2020 Point University Point University’s mission is to educate students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world. Point University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Contact the

Dean C. Collins ’79 President 2 | POINT M AGAZINE

Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, at http://www.sacscoc. org, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Point University.

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1 Jim Street ’74 PREACHER | LAWRENCEVILLE, GA In spring 2019, I underwent a heart transplant. Of course, it took months to recover.

Just as the dawn began to break, COVID! Like everyone else, in the “vulnerable” class, I had to change my whole way of life and ministry. North River Church, where I serve, moved into a senior living facility to be the church for that community. Because of COVID, we had to leave, but because of Zoom, we have continued on! Although it has been a “severe blessing,” my experience has proven to be transformative for myself, my family, and for my church.

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2 Tory Wooley ’12 HEAD WOMEN’S BASKETBALL COACH | POINT Going through this pandemic has really impacted how we recruit. I feel like the first month, we were all in shock and didn’t know how long this “social distance” thing would last. Then after that first month, we went into survival mode. We became very acquainted with Zoom, even holding small groups that way. There are many “unknowns,” and things will be different for us all, but we’re approaching this upcoming year with patience and gratitude. Our society is so accustomed to certainty, and we have to be careful to not idolize it and put our faith and hope in a certain Savior, Jesus Christ.

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3 Mollie Goen ’22 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION MAJOR | POINT I managed converting to an online classroom well, but it lacked the in-person experience I was getting in my field. As an elementary education major, being with the student is very important. This semester, my professors and I will have to find new ways to allow me to have a meaningful experience that will prepare me for when I graduate and begin teaching in my very own classroom. The NAIA is still contemplating what our volleyball season is going to look like, but I hope that we will be able to play our full season.

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6 MarQuez Jackson ’20 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT MAJOR | POINT Having a virtual graduation was very different. For some reason, my family loved it better than me — because they could scream a lot, and everyone could attend it. It was very organized, and I’m thankful!

My life has changed tremendously over these past few months. Due to the pandemic, people are working at home in my field, and it’s been harder to find a job because a lot of companies are letting positions go. God has a bigger plan, and this isn’t my first time facing adversity!

I have a hopeful future, and I’m leaning not on my own understanding, but on God’s.

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4 Katie Cartwright PROFESSOR OF MUSIC | POINT Like everyone else, my classes and private piano students both went online overnight. I had never taught an online class in my 43 years of teaching at the college level. I barely knew how to Zoom!

If you had asked me before COVID-19, I would have told you I didn’t have the inclination or desire to teach in any online format. With God’s help and lots of support from my colleagues at Point, my family, and my students, we were able to finish spring semester strong! People have been kind, patient, and gracious to me. I want to pass that kindness on in ways that I can.

I will be retiring from full-time teaching June 30, 2021, but I am looking forward to a busy fall and spring semester here at Point. I still have to learn new ways to teach this year, but I am determined to work hard, to ask for help, and to be alert to ways I, too, can help others.

5 Nathaly Villalobos ’20 PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR | POINT I did not go home to Puerto Rico right away because I have asthma, and I am high risk. I was able to visit my parents in July and had to quarantine for 14 days. It was very stressful not knowing when I was going to be able to travel and see my parents.

Every day, I look forward to going to class and meeting new people. Now, because of COVID-19, it will be unusual to go say hi to a person or get too close because of fears of getting sick. I play for the women’s soccer team, and this will be my last year. Emotionally, not knowing if we are going to be able to play in the fall has been devastating. You work so hard in the summer by training, and in just seconds, anything can change.

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7 Chris Jones ’05 PHOTOGRAPHER | NASHVILLE, TN

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I moved to Nashville to join a nonprofit/community that is doing really great work, both locally with refugees and immigrants, and in several countries around the world. I’ve still been doing wedding photography full time, but last year, I was asked to be the volunteer chaplain for the college that the nonprofit operates. When COVID hit, about 90 percent of my 2020 weddings either postponed or cancelled. I have found myself with a lot of time. I was asked to start leading socially distanced prayer and meditation groups. And this summer, I was asked to be a volunteer activities director for our regular summer camp, called Camp Skillz. Over the course of the entire camp, we practiced safe COVID protocols, and not only did no one get sick, but multiple kids have stated it was their favorite summer ever. I lament that photography has slowed down, but it is no longer my identity the way it was back in 2016. I miss it, but the meaning and purpose I have in life has far surpassed my desire to be known as a great photographer.

8 Nehemiah Pace ’16, ’19 MEN’S RESIDENT DIRECTOR | POINT While things are constantly changing, there actually is much excitement. I’m excited to even have the opportunity to be with students in this unique way this coming semester. Students will be living in a Flock and Family, meaning outside the classroom, they will only be engaged with a specific group of people they are living around or assigned to, for health reasons.

We will all have to get used to these differences, and start to be more creative in our routines. I’m hoping this new period of life helps make memories that we won’t forget.

9 Jacob ’18, ’20 and Kristen Moss Moore ’20 YOUTH MINISTER & JOB SEEKER | STOCKBRIDGE, GA In an instant, a year’s worth of wedding planning was stripped away. But we knew that regardless of what was happening in the world, we would still get married on June 5 in a way that honored God, and would still be special and memorable. We know God is in control of everything; that is exciting enough! Jacob’s job couldn’t have come at a better time. God has shown us that despite all that we are going through, we can lean on each other to get through this difficult time.

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10 Krystle Henderson ’13 FLIGHT ATTENDANT | BIRMINGHAM, AL

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In February, I started training for Skywest Airlines, with the hopes of flying this summer and vacationing whenever I wanted! I was also working for the Cheesecake Factory.

My restaurant reopened in June, and it was mass hysteria. My airline has lost millions since March, and it’s hard to get everyone back to work due to the number of flights going out. The airline also sent training classes home due to the pandemic. I’ve learned that personal time, prayer and ministry are so important, no matter what field of work you’re in.

11 Melissa Stinson ’86 FOURTH-GRADE TEACHER | SHARPSBURG, GA

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Having to teach my students virtually has been the biggest change for me during the pandemic. While sleeping in a little longer was nice, I really missed getting to see my students. I teach at a Christian school, so it was nice to be able to use Scripture with them to help calm their fears. Hopefully, they do realize that God is in control, despite what the world tries to tell us.

12 Jeisson Palencia ’19 STUDENT ACCOUNTS REPRESENTATIVE | POINT Entering an empty building every day, using a mask, and following an arrow pattern around campus have been things that needed flexibility from all of us. It has been difficult to go from person-to-person interactions to only emails, phone calls and video conferences. A lot of things are different now, and it is easy to let uncertainty take control if we focus on the things that have changed. But if we shift our attention towards what is always constant and everlasting, hope becomes extremely clear. God is in control, and he will always deliver his promises.

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13 Leonard Phillips

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CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER | POINT Our University is committed to fostering a culture where every individual feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging. As we listen to one another, learn from one another, and love one another we will model what Paul wrote: “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). The pandemic poses additional challenges, because now these conversations and connections will take place with masks hiding facial expressions and possibly interfering with our ability to interpret nonverbal messages. Or, we may be relegated to virtual experiences. It’s a challenging time, but nonetheless exciting, and God has us here for such a time as this. This generation is showing signs that they are prepared not only to make a difference, but also be the difference.

14 Brianna Ellis ’22 BIBLICAL STUDIES & PREACHING MAJOR | POINT This summer, I had plans to serve with WinShape Camps as a production director, but unfortunately, all in-person camps were canceled.

Thankfully, I had the opportunity to continue my role as a student worker for Point and work from home. Since we all had more free time, my Greek class has met virtually to keep our translating skills fresh, and my small group continued to meet via Zoom as well. I’m grateful for professors who have managed to be intentional with students since the beginning of the pandemic.

I am very excited to return to West Point, despite a few unknowns we’re all facing. As much as I enjoy being in a classroom setting, I am looking forward to beginning my junior year, no matter what it may look like.

15 Mary Susan Underwood DIRECTOR OF GUEST & COMMUNITY RELATIONS | POINT My job is primarily a hospitality function. Of course, during the shutdown from March until July, there were no campus visits and all events were cancelled or held virtually. As we gradually reopen the campus for visits, there are strict guidelines for visitors. It is so hard for me to greet someone and not shake their hand or give them a hug. As we go forward, I feel that I must work a little harder to make every guest that comes to our campus feel the warmth and love that is such a part of Point University.

There is always hope and excitement when students arrive on campus! I am excited about discovering the new technologies allowing us to reach out to more students in an interactive way.

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16 David ’74 and Lynn Poling ’74 MISSIONARIES | HONG KONG

At first, the Hong Kong government did not seal the China border. However, when a major medical union threatened to strike, they closed it, and six months later, it’s still sealed.

That means all person-to-person ministry in China is on hold.

Thankfully, however, via the internet, my co-workers and I continue to preach for an underground church. I have also taught an online course for underground house church pastors.

The Lord has opened up new opportunities through these experiences. I would prefer teaching face-to-face, but the online classes mean I can teach preachers wherever they are throughout China. Our church uses Facebook to broadcast our services, and we were surprised to find members who have emigrated to Australia and Canada are worshipping with us. Once we can return to “normal” worship, we will continue to broadcast as it obviously opens doors for ministry. Despite, or even because of COVID-19, God continues to open doors!

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18 Stephen Waers ’07

BIBLICAL STUDIES & PREACHING MAJOR | POINT

CHIEF ACADEMIC OFFICER | POINT

I didn’t realize how important routine was until the pandemic happened. When I went back home, my Point routine wouldn’t work there. When I established a new routine, my stress levels went down tremendously and I didn’t feel so out of whack. I am excited for my wedding in the spring, followed by my final season of running for cross country and track. I’m very grateful that I even get to have a final season, as some athletes aren’t competing.

I have also prepared myself mentally if my season gets cut short.

Prior to the pandemic, we had the luxury of treating online instruction and in-person instruction as two separate things. The pandemic has taught us that what we used to consider a hard boundary is in fact porous, and that we need to be prepared to operate in both modalities in the same course. The distinction between online and on-ground is beginning to fade. The exciting thing about all of this is that it required us to get very creative, very quickly. I’m excited about the possibilities we have to combine online instruction and in-person instruction in some of our burgeoning church partnerships.

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19 Nikole Mobley ’22 PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR | POINT COVID-19 has definitely caused a lot of change in my educational experience. Group assignments became harder, and distractions that come with being at home made completing assignments harder. On top of all that, being in a different time zone complicated things further. Also, the basketball team has been working out at home. I would much rather be in the gym with my teammates. I am definitely looking forward to seeing my team, classmates and professors this semester. It will be exciting to see things go back to (sort of ) normal.

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20 Hailey Plemons ’16 ACCOUNTANT | ATLANTA, GA The accounting firm I work for largely focuses on audits of the Medicare and Medicaid programs on behalf of the Department of Community Health. The pandemic has made my job difficult, but also has implored us to collaborate and be more creative in the process. The stimulus package passed by congress in March included more than $100 billion in hospital funds. So now the question is, “How can we help ensure the money received by these hospitals is being spent appropriately?” I’m hopeful that I will be able to look back one day and know I had a marginal role in such a monumental part of history.

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21 Billy Rowe ’78 RETIRED MINISTER & PART-TIME CONCIERGE | TYRONE, GA My job at a senior living facility has gone from answering the phone and making appointments for our residents to taking their temperatures twice a day. My ministry skills have come in handy as I talk with many of them about the fear they have of the pandemic. It’s also opened the door to minister to people who normally don’t talk with me about spiritual matters. Many of our residents don’t email, and hardly any text. So I’ve enjoyed leaving notes under their doors and placing Bible study announcements in the mailboxes.

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24 Kristen Berry INSTRUCTOR OF COMMUNICATION | POINT The pandemic has caused me to approach teaching public speaking in a new way. In our changing times, organizations are making presentations online via Teams, Zoom, etc. I thought this was definitely a blessing to push the students to switch from speaking in front of a live audience to speaking to a virtual audience. It took some time for the students to become familiar with, however, I am confident that students gained a valuable tool in speaking in a virtual format.

The adjustments to COVID-19 have brought about excitement in a time of despair. Our virtual sessions were a time of learning, however, students were able to share their thoughts, feelings, and fears.

Previously, I had not experienced that level of transparency from our students.

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22 Masun Womble ’21 ACCOUNTING MAJOR | POINT As summer approached, I had originally planned to work with a transportation business back home as a dispatcher, but something about working at a regular job didn’t feel right. I felt like God was calling me to do something in ministry, so I talked with Professor Wye Huxford, who got me involved with Jesus Place Inner City Mission. As an intern, I helped with the homeless ministry on Sunday mornings, picked up food from the food bank, helped with the Tri-Cities Church outreach, and worked on preparing sermons. It was a great experience, and one that I am very thankful to have had.

This semester will challenge each of us to figure out where we stand in a community that is radically different than the one we left in the spring. I believe we are in the perfect time and situation to build Point into a stronger community than ever before.

23 Bill Bain FOOD SERVICE DIRECTOR, SAGE DINING SERVICES | POINT It was our goal this summer to make changes that create a safe, exceptional dining experience that delights the senses, inspires minds and fosters community. To accomplish this, we knew that changes had to be made. Not so much with hand washing and sanitizing; those things we already do on a regular basis anyway. The biggest change was removing all self-serve stations. So, the salad bar is being served to you and all our desserts are prepackaged. Since we are only allowed to have so many in the dining hall at one time, we had to come up with a schedule of times for the students to come in and eat before we have to sanitize for the next group. We also hope to see the supply chain open up, as we are still restricted on purchasing.

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25 Alden Sweatman ’24 FIRST-YEAR STUDENT | ATLANTA, GA

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The first thing I noticed in my educational experience was learning to adapt to online classes instead of in-person classes overnight. The hard part about the pandemic affecting education and my school experience was having to adjust to not being in class in person. Also, not being able to graduate high school in a traditional way was one major change that was hard. I know everyone is going through the same thing right now, but everyone at Point is being super helpful — so this gives me hope I will have a great learning experience.

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27 Michael Plank ’92

ONLINE STUDENT | POINT

WORSHIP & ADULT DISCIPLESHIP PASTOR | LANETT, AL

The Point online experience is so organized and professionally managed that I did not feel any shifts in my education experience.

When processes are put in place for any school or organization, out-of-the-box thinking is required, because things are changing so quickly. It is best to implement best practices at the forefront that can withstand the challenges on the back end, such as the one that came with COVID-19. Point is doing that very well.

My daughter and I are attending college at the same time. She will graduate next year, and I am excited about all the great things that she will do her senior year, and beyond.

As a junior in college and a returning student, my daughter was my inspiration to go back to college. She is also excited to see the great things that life has in store for me!

Worship that is transformative necessarily involves the body. So, one of the biggest strategy shifts for us has been constantly asking, “How do we plan a worship service that truly involves people so that they aren’t just watching a show online?” It’s convicting that this should have always been a primary question.

It appears that COVID took away any emotional reserve most people had left.

Then we entered our season of difficult conversation about racial reconciliation and moved many into negative territory.

Orchestrating an opportunity to collectively smile at something has been good.

During the toilet paper shortage, we wrote all the announcements on toilet paper and filmed someone unrolling it so people could read them.

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28 Marvin Bussey ’86 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TEENS AT WORK | EAST POINT, GA

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Our program operation at Teens at Work has changed in that we are challenged, forced, and encouraged to be creative ­— to think both inside and outside of the box as to how we serve the youth population, whether up close or from a distance. Our hearts hurt for all the students who have to make life-changing decisions during this pandemic crisis. This journey of change has had many twists and turns, and there are more unknowns than knowns. I rely on the words of hope and faith to comfort my heart; this, too, shall pass.

29 Ruan Pretorius ’21 PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR | POINT

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As an international student from South Africa, I can’t help but be thankful that I get to study in the United States and stay here to play golf. Throughout this time, the only constant has been change. Every day, I’m working to become more comfortable with change and the unknown. I am confident the faculty and staff are equipped to provide us with the best learning experience possible, no matter the situation. Even in this season of life, there is still so much to be thankful for. I’m hanging on to a little glimpse of hope that fall sports will continue. In addition, my cousin will be joining the women’s golf team, so I’m excited to be able to play alongside of her.

30 Falen Kizunga ’20 CAMPUS MINISTRY INTERN | ATLANTA, GA Virtual graduation was a bittersweet moment, because we had all worked so hard to finish our higher education, and while it was nice being recognized for it, it just wasn’t the way any of us imagined it. I am one of the newest interns for Bread Coffeehouse this year, which is a campus ministry for Emory University. We will be discussing the best and most safe ways to still connect with students who are back on campus and spread God’s joy and love throughout this time of change and uncertainty. Hopefully, they will see His light shine through me.

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31 Suzy Bomgardner (’97-’00) SCHOOL LIBRARIAN | JOHNSON CITY, TN My work as a K-12 school librarian has changed dramatically because of the pandemic — student hugs became air high-fives and my read alouds became YouTube videos. I’ve had to learn new skills like video editing, spend time researching copyright laws, and make fun custom Zoom backgrounds. Essentially, I think our mindset has to change. We have to distill our work and ministry down to its core and explore ways to leverage our strengths. As the world works to cope in this ever-evolving climate, I’m excited to see how authors and publishers give access in new ways and how librarians are embracing the challenge of personal growth in our careers.

When I see the resilience of my students, it gives me hope that they can face any challenge.

32 Maurice Love ’22 BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MAJOR | POINT During the pandemic, I was able to gain more of a connection with my professors and have more one-on-one time. Also, I achieved a better understanding of the material that was given. As summer rolled around and we were still quarantined, I realized I had to make adjustments to my lifestyle, as well as my family’s, like having to travel back and forth to help my grandparents, who are more at risk.

I do believe there is hope, because I feel as though Point put themselves in our shoes and made sure they did what is in our best interest and safety. Especially when it comes to giving us the option for face-to-face or virtual learning.

I always keep a positive outlook on everything that happens throughout my life.

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33 Alexis Schock ’19 PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENT | BRANDON, FL At the beginning of the pandemic, I was getting ready to move to Florida to start PT school. Now I am here a little earlier than expected and working full-time at Target until I start school. Working retail during a pandemic has been a big challenge. We have the stress of not knowing if we are running into someone that might have COVID, or trying to restock a store that has been shopped like it’s Black Friday.

I thought I was going to be able to start grad school in person and have a more hands-on experience.

Although that is not the case, I am fortunate to get to start the program on the original start date, with a hybrid class schedule. Having to change how I learn is a blessing, because in the medical field, you have to be able to adapt to anything thrown at you, so I am getting a head start.

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34 Wye Huxford ’73 DEAN, COLLEGE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES & MINISTRY | POINT

We were unable to have our normal chapel services in March and April. The Point community gathering together for worship is an important testimony to our Point community, but also the Greater Valley Area. But a blessing in the midst of this is that we have had virtual chapels, not only through the end of the semester, but through the summer as well — something we have never done before. And, in addition to a good response from students and faculty, we have had a good alumni presence in each of the virtual chapel services. Convocation and fall semester services will need to be virtual services as well. We are working on a creative way to do that and stay within CDC guidelines.

Some of our small groups also met over the summer via Zoom, and that will likely continue this fall. The pandemic has changed lots of things, but in those changes, we have had the opportunity to rethink what ministry looks like.

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36 Darren Kavanagh ’22

YOUTH MINISTER | CUMMING, GA

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION MAJOR | POINT

Even though I’ve only been in full-time vocational ministry for less than a year, the entire framework of the student ministry I oversaw changed drastically. Instead of having the luxury of attending games, special events, and building relationships face-to-face, I had to rely on other avenues, but I’m glad that I did. Outside of the countless Zoom meetings, I was able to become more of a part of my students’ lives through random phone calls and video games. This moved our relationships from being isolated to Sundays and special events to their everyday life.

I had to return home urgently during the peak of the virus in March and complete the remainder of the semester from Ireland. Despite all of the negatives that have come from this virus, one positive is how quickly people can come together and adapt. Point has been very supportive and swiftly moved to online to ensure the safety of its students. Although it was challenging to adapt, there was continuous support and guidance offered by professors to help guide us through these uncertain times. I hope to be able to return to the soccer pitch very soon to represent the Point Skyhawks again.

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37 Stacy Bartlett ’05

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CHIEF ADVANCEMENT AND ENROLLMENT OFFICER | POINT

We are grateful for your consistent prayer and support during this challenging season. Our team is focused on providing new and innovative experiences for our students and support networks in ways that are both safe and engaging!

We would appreciate your continued support as we navigate these new experiences together. Point has several ways that you can become involved in continuing to build our community for the future.

We’d love for you to support the University where you feel the most called. We recently started our Point COVID Impact Fund; this fund helps sustain our institution during this time.

Point also provides students with scholarship opportunities through our Point University Fund. We have specific funds for our athletic and fine arts programs, as well. Our Endowed Scholarship programs help our specific students pursue their goals through a scholarship set up by donors to continue their legacy.

While our campus may look and feel different this fall semester, our faculty and staff are dedicating themselves to providing the best experiences possible, while taking every precaution to keep our community safe.

With your help, Point will continue to strive to be the Christian university of choice for students across the country. Thank you for your continued support!

HOW Y O U C A N HELP

PRAY

GIVE

TELL

for Point students, faculty, staff and alumni as we all navigate this challenging season together

as you are able to our COVID Impact Fund or other giving options at point.edu/give

any prospective college students you know about Point’s online and oncampus programs

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