Point Magazine Spring 2012

Spring 2012

M A G A Z I N E

HOW TO

Get Your Kid Into College p. 12

TOUR ISRAEL With Point Students and Faculty p. 14

Things to Do in West Point, Georgia p. 19

10

The Parr House

12

Don’t Panic!

The historic home is the latest addition – thanks to the Parr family’s generosity – to the new Point campus in West Point.

How to help your child navigate the college admission and financial aid process – while keeping your sanity intact.

billy howard photography

14

Passage to Israel

Point University students, faculty and staff explain why American Christians should travel to the Holy Land.

4 5 18

From the President Campus News Class Notes

CONTENTS

2 | POIN T M AG A ZI N E

Situated high on a hill above the new Academic Center in West Point, the William T. Parr House is the newest addition to Point’s main campus. The historic home will provide space for alumni and donor gatherings, and its carriage house will serve as office space for the institutional advancement team. One of the Parr House’s best features is its wide porch, where Carol Erica Pitts ’11 and Casey Hall ’14 enjoyed a spring day on the porch swing. Learn more about the Parr House on page 10.

SPRING 2 012 | 3

FROM THE PRESIDENT POIN T M AG AZ I NE Volume 50, Number 3 Spring 2012 EDITOR Sarah G. Huxford CONTRIBUTORS Megan Cobb Hall ’08 Elizabeth Reid ’13 Adam Simons ’10 William Warren ’14 Joy Ugi

M

oving an entire campus, as you might guess, is a big job. For those of us who work at Point University, the relocation process has been a bit like running a marathon, and we’re thrilled to finally be on the home stretch.

This spring, renovations were completed on the first floor of our Academic Center in West Point. Prospective students – together with current students, faculty and staff – will get their first chance to tour that floor of the building shortly after you read this, at our spring Open House. They’ll also get to see the first Blue & Gold Game, our spring football scrimmage, which will become an annual event.

Later this spring, the second and third floors will be completed, and the migration of faculty and staff to the new campus will continue throughout the summer. You can read more about the status of renovations to our facilities on page 6 of this issue. On page 10, you can take a look at the William T. Parr House; thanks to a generous donation, the house is now part of our West Point campus and will serve as an alumni and event center.

As excited as we are to see all of these facilities taking shape, we know there is much still to be done before fall classes begin on August 22. And that’s where you come in!

First, I ask for your continued prayers as construction is completed and faculty, staff and students begin to transition and physically move to the new facilities. I also hope you’ll prayerfully consider financial support as we continue to expand the footprint of our main campus. In the next few weeks, you’ll learn more about opportunities to do just that through our capital campaign.

Finally, I hope you’ll plan to come visit us this fall, after we’ve crossed the finish line.

It is truly incredible to see first-hand what God is doing through Point University.

Gratefully,

Dean C. Collins ’79 President

4 | P OINT M AG A ZI N E

Point Magazine exists to tell Point University’s stories. It is intended to serve as a vehicle for connecting the University’s alumni and friends. For the first 49 volumes of its existence, Point Magazine was known as The Gold & Blue.

The magazine is published by the Communications Office, which retains the right to determine the editorial content and presentation of information contained herein.

Articles or opinion pieces contributed by guest writers do not necessarily reflect the official views or policy of Point University and its board of trustees. Point Magazine welcomes reader responses to its content.

Contact Point Magazine:

Attn: Point Magazine 2605 Ben Hill Road East Point, GA 30344 404-761-8861 sarah.huxford@point.edu ©2012 Point University

On the cover: Point University students on a pilgrimage to Israel; photo

by Dr. John Morris.

Point University’s mission is to educate students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world. Point University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate and baccalaureate degrees.

Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Point.

billy howard photography

“It is truly incredible to see first-hand what God is doing through Point University.”

CAMPUS NEWS

Winning

megan cobb hall ’08

P

oint University once again enjoyed a record-breaking graduation in December, as 112 students were awarded diplomas. A total of 216 students received diplomas from the University in 2011, surpassing the prior record of 144 set in 2010. These were the first graduates to earn diplomas from Point University, since the institution’s name change became effective last July.

The commencement speaker was Al Mead, a world-renowned Paralympic athlete. Mead is currently associate pastor of community at New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Ga. Mead’s message focused on Philippians 3:13-14, congratulating students for having pressed on and achieved their goals. In a powerful moment of affirmation, Mead inspired participation from the graduates by having them repeat after him the phrases “I pressed” and “I won the prize.”

By sharing his personal story of having his leg amputated above the knee at the age of nine, Mead emphasized the importance of having a winning attitude.

“Without it, you’ll never reach your full potential,” he said.

“Focus on your vision,” Mead added, encouraging the Class of 2011 to continue to pursue their callings. “Yes, you won the prize, but this is not the last prize you’re going to win,” he said.

The December 2011 Hathcock Award winners were also anTop of page: the December 2011 graduating class; above left: Dr. Billy Strother with Abraham Majak ’11, one of the Lost Boys nounced during of Sudan; above right, Cassandra Doss ’11 shows off her Point the ceremony. The University diploma. award, named for Judge T. O. HathSudan. Majak was one of over 20,000 cock, Point’s founder, is the highest hondisplaced or orphaned children who or the University awards to a graduating managed to escape Sudan during the senior. It is given based on the qualities Second Sudanese Civil War and survive of scholarship, character and servant an incredible trek across Africa. He was leadership. December’s recipients were chosen as one of 3,600 young men airCarlos Calhoun, of Cartersville, Ga., and lifted to the United States from a refugee Elizabeth Pearman, of Douglasville, Ga. camp in Kenya. Majak became a student Also recognized at commencement in 2003, and is the third Lost Boy to was Abraham Majak, part of the group graduate from Point University. that became known as the Lost Boys of

–Megan Cobb Hall ’08

SPRING 2 012 | 5

Renovations to Academic Center in West Point Nearly Complete With any change comes work, and with work comes the eternal question, “Is it done yet?” And for the new Academic Center in West Point, the answer is “Almost!” From renovating existing rooms to creating a new, two-story glass atrium at the entrance, the University is tackling many projects at the same time in order to stay on schedule for the Center’s planned opening in the fall. In fact, the first floor was completed this spring, allowing the Admission and Financial Aid Offices to continue their work of recruiting and enrolling the fall 2012 class.

–Sarah Huxford and William Warren ’14

In the Classroom COURSE NAME NSC 307: Microbiology INSTRUCTOR Dedra R. Woolfolk, Ph.D., Professor of Science COURSE SUMMARY Did you see the 2011 movie Contagion? If you were fascinated by the plot of this film, you would enjoy embarking on a journey to study microbes – organisms too small to be seen without microscopy. We encounter countless numbers of microbes each day, most of which are not disease producers. In fact, less than 1% of known microorganisms cause disease. Most microorganisms play a critical role in the web of life in every type of ecosystem known to man. In this course, students build a solid foundation in the biology of bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoans, parasitic worms and viruses, learning about their form and function, how they are studied and controlled, and how the human immune system fights against them.

SUGGESTED READING Microbiology: A Systems Approach, 3rd edition, Cowan and Talaro, 2012 6 | POIN T M AG A ZI N E

“Having to pay for school all by myself, scholarships are absolutely vital to me. I have no words to express how grateful I am for the support given to me already. You should support Point because this University is equipping students to do what God has placed in their hearts to do: to impact and touch lives.”

– REBECCA ESQUITE ’13

YOUR GIFT MATTERS. Point University’s purpose is to equip students to influence culture for Christ in all spheres of life – through church, business, government, arts and entertainment, education, media and family.

You’ll meet alumni and students throughout this year who are doing just that. But we need your help to provide students with every opportunity to pursue God’s calling on their lives. Approximately 95 percent of Point University students rely on financial aid to make their dreams of a Christian higher education a reality. You have the ability to make a difference – to change the world by impacting the lives of these students. Please support

Point University students by making a gift today.

P O I N T. E D U /G I V E

eddie groover ’67; morgan harper nichols ’10

First-floor renovations included creating an expandable preaching lab, a revitalized central courtyard designed by a horticulture class at nearby Auburn University, and a coffee shop/deli area, similar to the popular McKinney’s Coffeehouse. The reception desk in the atrium will be created using reclaimed materials from the textile mills that are a significant part of West Point’s history. The first floor also houses the learning commons – the modern equivalent of a library, but with a greater focus on technology and many physical books stored off-site to save space.

Construction has even made its way to the second and third floors of the Center, which will primarily house classroom space. The upper floors will also feature faculty offices and collaborative spaces for students and faculty to interact in a casual setting.

Renovations are scheduled to begin soon at the Fine Arts Center, a facility just across the street from the Academic Center. The Fine Arts Center will house faculty offices, a recording studio, a piano lab, multiple practice rooms, and two small performance spaces for student recitals. Extra space on the back of the building will be used for a small food service location for students.

In addition, the City of West Point is renovating a nearby gymnasium to house coaching offices and the basketball and volleyball teams. In Valley, near the student apartments and football stadium, another facility will be constructed to house coaches’ offices and locker room space for outdoor sports. For the latest on renovations throughout the summer, visit us online at point.edu.

First Leadership Series Kicks Off

Spring Semester Marks Beginning of a Big Year On January 9, Point welcomed a new group of incoming students for the first spring orientation under the University’s new name – and the last for traditional students on its historic East Point campus.

Orientation began with a time of worship led by students Chris Allen ’14, Kevin Cox ’13, Tyler Blount ’12, Rebecca Esquite ’13 and alumna Morgan Harper Nichols ’10. Current students were eager to welcome their new classmates, hoping they will carry on the tradition of hospitality, warmth and community as the University transitions into this season of growth and change.

After several informational sessions, the new class had the opportunity to mingle with current students and faculty members during lunch, learning about Point’s various degree programs. Course registration and free time to move in to residence halls was followed by an evening bowling trip sponsored by the Student Development Office.

The next day, new students learned about all aspects of campus life through

a variety of sessions focusing on everything from spiritual formation to academics and student life. Orientation festivities concluded with a game night sponsored by the Student Government Association.

Alicia Howland ’13, president of SGA, shared her excitement with the new group. “Each new student has something special to offer to our growing community here,” said Howland. “Getting to know them and their stories reminds me of what makes Point special. Through fun events during orientation, if memories are made, and relationships developed, I feel we have accomplished our job in influencing others to make an impact in the kingdom.”

For Tiffany Wood, director of admission, the highlight of new student registration was the immediate sense of friendship and solidarity between new and current students. “I feel that everyone was an excellent Christian example throughout the day, and I love seeing us shine for Christ as Point University,” she said.

Leadership is something Christians are called to, as shown through the stories of people such as Moses, Abraham and many more. But more often than not, we do not know how to hone our gifts to become sharpened and efficient.

On January 14, Point sought to change that with its inaugural leadership series, organized by Virginia Prioleau, an Access academic advisor.

Attendees of the kick-off event were treated to brunch, along with a session led by President Collins on ways to improve one’s leadership skills. The event concluded with a short question-andanswer time for attendees to ask specific questions about how to become more godly leaders.

Erin Woody ’13 said, “I’ve never thought of myself as a leader, but President Collins has inspired me to be a leader for Christ. Through this seminar, I’m learning how to do that from inspirational Christian leaders on our campus. This seminar is giving me the confidence to be a leader for Christ in my workplace, school, family, church and the world.”

Throughout the event, attendees experienced an overwhelming sense of community through sharing stories and inspiring one another to become Christian leaders wherever life takes them.

Prioleau was pleased with the fullcapacity turnout, and expressed excitement over the energy felt in the room.

“The first session of the first series was a resounding success,” she says. “The activities were relevant and powerful, and President Collins’ message was spot on. From what I have heard, everyone wants more!”

Registration for the spring series is now closed, but the next series will begin in July. Those interested in participating should contact Prioleau at Virginia.Prioleau@point.edu.

–W.W.

–W.W.

william warren ’14

IN BRIEF Dr. Todd Weaver, professor and chair of the Department of Business, has published new articles in Journal of Research for Consumers and Australasian Marketing Journal.

Dr. DJ Dycus, professor and chair of the Department of Humanities, recently published a book, Chris Ware’s Jimmy Corrigan: Honing the Hybridity of the Graphic Novel. The book is available from Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

After several years serving as vice president for business and finance, Dr. Jeff Haverly is returning to the classroom full-time. Haverly will focus on expanding the accounting curriculum for business majors.

SPRING 2 012 | 7

Singer Jamie Grace recognized by Grammy, Dove Awards It may only be spring, but Jamie Grace, a member of the Point University Class of 2012, has had a busy year already. The Christian singer-songwriter, whose song “Hold Me” is a No. 1 hit, earned her first Grammy nomination this year for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song. She is pictured above with her record producer, Chris Stevens, at the Grammy Awards.

Although the award ultimately went to fellow Atlanta native Laura Story (for her song “Blessings”), Jamie Grace still got to experience the excitement of attending her first Grammy awards ceremony. The nomination, along with the continued success of “Hold Me,” has also resulted in a flurry of media attention, including articles in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and on AccessAtlanta.com, Grammys. com and Christianity Today’s entertainment blog. The Associated Press and CNN also recently ran in-depth profiles on the young artist.

In February, Jamie Grace performed at the Dove Awards’ press conference in Atlanta. She was nominated for four Dove Awards, including Song of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year.

The Dove Awards will be held in Atlanta on April 19.

Jamie Grace, who was featured in the winter 2011 issue of Point Magazine, is part of the national Revolve tour this spring. She plans to graduate from Point in May with a degree in child and youth development.

–S.H.

8 | POIN T M AG A ZI N E

Point University will add men’s Porter. “Nathan Booker has the characlacrosse to its athletic roster for the com- ter and leadership abilities to help our ing academic year, beginning competistudent-athletes succeed on the field, in tion in spring 2013 in West Point. The the classroom and in all walks of life.”

University has hired veteran lacrosse Cheerleadplayer and coach Nathan Booker ’11, a ing will make graduate of the Access program, to its return to lead the team. Booker understands the the campus University’s mission and comes to the during the fall program with valuable experience that 2012 basketball should serve the men’s lacrosse team season, led by well on and off the field. experienced “Coaching cheerleading lacrosse at Point coach and ValUniversity will ley, Ala., native Chelsea Bunn allow me to comChelsea Bunn. bine two of my Bunn, owner passions – a love and director of Top Notch Cheerleading, for the sport and brings seven years of coaching experia desire to serve ence to the program and joins a team of the next generacoaches who teach students patience, tion of cultural practice, teamwork and the importance leaders motivat- Nathan Booker of being a positive influence on and off ed to take their the court. faith into the world,” said Booker.

“I am really looking forward to working A three-sport letterman at Fork Union with Point University to establish a cheerMilitary Academy in Fork Union, Va., forleading program that encourages students mer member of the Atlanta Lacrosse Club to implement Christian beliefs now and and a U.S./Canadian certified lacrosse after college,” said Bunn. coach, Booker has served as a private laAn All-American cheerleader herself, crosse instructor for more than 300 male Bunn successfully launched a cheerleadand female athletes, many of whom went ing squad as a student at Southern Union on to set school records, receive team State Community College. After graduataccolades and play on high school state ing from Auburn University with a dechampionship and collegiate teams. gree in secondary education, she opened Booker also served as an assistant Top Notch Cheerleading in Valley, where coach at Atlanta-area Northview High she teaches cheerleading classes to stuSchool from 2004-07, where he helped dents of all ages. Bunn is also a member lead the team to a number six ranking of the American Association of Cheerin Georgia. He coached at North Atlanta leading Coaches and Administrators.

High School and at Oglethorpe Univer“Chelsea brings an abundance of sity, where he served as goalie coach dur- cheerleading experience to the Point ing the school’s first lacrosse season in University athletic program,” said Porter.

2010. Booker graduated from Point with “She also has the leadership and vision to a degree in organizational leadership and equip our student-athletes to be points of is currently pursuing a master’s degree in influence in our culture.” sports management at the United States Cheerleading will support the basketSports Academy. ball team initially, and may assist with a “Point University students want to be few football games in the fall. The Unipoints of influence in our world, whether versity hopes to eventually get approval it’s on the field or in the classroom,” said to join the NAIA as a competitive squad.

– Joy Ugi Point University Athletic Director Kevin

mona harper/know good company; joy ugi; adam simons ’10

Skyhawks to Add Lacrosse, Cheerleading

Fall Football Schedule Announced The Skyhawks officially join the NAIA in football this fall, when the team will play a total of 11 regular-season games. Seven games will be played on their home field at Ram Stadium in Valley, Ala. The Skyhawks will begin their season with a pre-season scrimmage at home against Chattahoochee Tech on August 18.

The Point football team will hit the road to officially open the season as they travel to Edward Waters College on August 25, and then to the University of West Georgia on September 1.

The home opener is scheduled for September 8 versus Concordia College. After their first home game of the season, the Skyhawks will play Millsaps College on September 15, followed by a home game against Faulkner University on September 29.

Point will then travel to Shorter University on October 6.

After their trip to Shorter, the Skyhawks will then host Lane College (October 13), Webber International (October 20 – Homecoming game), and USCAA member The Apprentice School (October 27) in home games.

The team will conclude its home schedule with a match-up against Huntingdon College on November 3. The season will wrap up November 10 with an away game versus Ave Maria University.

The Skyhawks competed as a club program in 2011 and finished the season 2-5, highlighted by two victories on the home field in Valley. With the first game months away, the Skyhawks are already beginning to prepare for the season. Under the leadership of a new head coach, Kevin Porter, the Skyhawks have already signed numerous key players. Spring practice began on March 12 as the team began laying the foundation for a successful season.

4/10 @ 3 p.m.

Berry College* (DH)

AWAY

4/13 @ 6 p.m. Reinhardt University

AWAY

4/14 @ 2 p.m.

Reinhardt University*

AWAY

4/17 @ 4 p.m.

Florida Christian College*

HOME

4/20 @ 6 p.m. Bryan College

AWAY

4/21 @ 1 p.m.

Bryan College*

AWAY

4/24 @ 6 p.m. Huntingdon College

AWAY

4/28 @ 1 p.m.

HOME

Covenant College*

*denotes double header

4/10 @ 2 p.m.

Bryan College*

HOME

4/11 @ 3:30 p.m. Tennessee Temple*

HOME

4/13 @ 2 p.m.

Montreat College*

HOME

4/14 @ 1 p.m.

Young Harris College*

AWAY

4/17 @ 3 p.m.

Judson College*

AWAY

4/21 @ 1 p.m.

Covenant College*

AWAY

*denotes double header

–Adam Simons ’10

IN BRIEF MEN’S BASKETBALL The men’s bas-

ketball team’s first season in the NAIA and Appalachian Athletic Conference was highlighted by the biggest upset in program history. On February 2, Shorter University – with a record at the time of 22-0 and ranked number one in Division I for NAIA – was defeated on the Skyhawks’ home court in a standingroom-only Alumni Hall by a score of 7372. The Skyhawks finished the season with an overall record of 8-22, and were 4-12 in conference play.

Point had three players average double figures this season, including two of the three seniors. Senior transfer Shasta Scott led the Skyhawks, averaging 16.25 points per game along with 1.17 steals.

Junior Jeremy Mahaffey averaged a double-double, scoring 14.19 points per game and pulling down 10.33 rebounds.

Senior Tory Wooley, who leaves Point University as one of the program’s top

scorers with 1,740 career points, averaged 12.28 points and added 1.2 steals per game. Senior Chris Cooper will also leave a void on the Skyhawks basketball team, as he was a key defensive player all season long. Cooper averaged 9.86 points and 3.66 assists.

Five Skyhawks players were honored at the AAC tournament. Scott and Mahaffey were both named to the AllConference Third Team, while Cooper, Wooley and Stephen Shelley ’13 were named to the All-Academic Team.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL The wom-

en’s basketball team bid farewell this year to one of the most dominant players to ever pass through the program.

Chauntel Herrod ’12 spent her final season with the Skyhawks averaging 11.36 points, 9.56 rebounds, 1.64 steals and one block per game. She finished her career with 1,623 points, 249 steals and

166 blocks, and sits atop Point’s record books with 1,425 rebounds.

The Lady Skyhawks finished their season with a record of 7-20 and were 1-17 in their new conference. However, they have many bright spots to look forward to next season. Junior Raven Bell had a strong season as the team’s second leading scorer, averaging 9.31 points off the bench. Junior transfer Devon Tancini led the team in assists, with 2.89, and in steals, with 2.35. The team will also look forward to the return of junior transfer Maddie Wheeler, who was the Lady Skyhawks’ third leading scorer, averaging 5.85 points per game and 0.92 steals.

The Lady Skyhawks had five players named to the All-Academic Team at the AAC tournament: Herrod, Phyllissa Wooley ’12, Jessi Byrnes ’13, Jyssica Perry ’13 and Hannah Davis ’14, –A.S. S PRING 2 012 | 9

The historic home becomes the latest addition to Point’s new main campus

Amid the hustle and bustle of renovations that are making way for the arrival of Point University in the heart of West Point sits a unique property that does not require any changes. For just over a century, the William T. Parr House has sat undisturbed, regally presiding over downtown from its perch on the crest of Fourth Avenue. The charming, Greek revival-style home is now part of the Point University campus, donated by an owner who is passionate about Point’s mission: equipping young people to be points of influence for Christ in all walks of life.

10 | POIN T M AG A ZI NE

History Patricia Parr is the epitome of Southern charm, a characteristic that fits well with her home. To many, she is known simply as Mrs. Parr, or Mrs. Pat. Since her husband William “Billy” Parr died two years ago, Mrs. Parr has lived in the grand house alone, kept company by her housekeepers, Jennifer and Sarah, and her corgi, Sunshine. The Parr family has lived on Fourth Avenue since 1980, when Mr. Parr was offered a job by J. Smith Lanier, Inc., in West Point. However, two other families have generational ties to the place, starting with its builder.

In 1909, William C. and Charlie Belle Collins Lanier started planning to build what is now the Parr House.

Lanier was the son of prominent West Point businessman Elijah F. Lanier and brother to James Lanier, whose home, White Chimneys, was designed by famous Georgia architect Charles Choate.

Lanier also hired Choate, who worked out of the Candler Building in Atlanta, to design his dream home. The original blueprints and written specifications Choate drew up for Lanier are on display in the Parr House. Mrs. Parr found them one day in the basement and knew

billy howard photography

by Joy Ugi

billy howard photography

The Parr Family

they were a historical treasure that should be preserved.

Eighteen years after the house was built, the Laniers sold it to Thomas T. Jones, another West Point merchant. The Joneses resided in the house for many years, and after Mr. Jones died, his wife Patra continued to live there with her son-in-law and daughter, Maurice and Margaret Jones Duttera. When the Parrs arrived in West Point, descendants of the Jones family still resided in the house; Jennifer Jones was a local school teacher, and her brother Phillip was attending an out-of-town college.

which the Parr children and grandchildren have played. Another unique aspect of the home is the float glass windows, which were made by floating molten glass on a bed of molten metal. These windows are original to the house and were top-of-the-line, modern marvels in the early 20th century. In 1991, the West Point Preservation Commission recognized the Parrs for their successful work in restoring the home.

At the time of her family’s move to West Point in 1980, Mrs. Parr remembers that the house was not for sale. She had grown up with her husband – they were born in the same hospital, went to the same schools in the Decatur area, and were even high school sweethearts. After getting married, the couple had been involved in Young Life ministries before their move to West Point. When the family decided to move south, all Mrs. Parr asked of God was Future Use a house with a “room big enough to host a With all of her children grown and gathering of young people.” her husband gone, Mrs. Parr had been When a relative of then-owner Jenfeeling increasingly overwhelmed with nifer Jones convinced her that the large the responsibility of keeping up the house in West Point was too much for house. However, she did not want to sell her to handle by herself, she readily sold this piece of property she loved and had it to the Parrs. Mrs. Parr’s dreams of worked so hard hosting events to restore and for young renovate. Her people came son Bill asked true when she her if she had saw the great ever considroom, with its ered donat14-foot ceilings ing the house, and 12-foot slidespecially since ing panel doors.

Point University With a central would be movfireplace and ing to the area. sitting rooms “I knew off to the side, it right away that was a welcomA glimpse into the great room of the Parr House. was the soluing space for tion,” says Mrs. Parr. “When we moved the family to host Youth for Christ and here, it was God’s plan for this house to other events in years to come. It was also be used for young people, and now it will the perfect atmosphere for raising their be used for that purpose again.” daughter, Kathy, and two sons, William In honor of the family’s generous doand Patrick. When Kathy got married, nation of the house, Point University will guests walked from the ceremony at call it the William T. Parr House. The carWest Point Presbyterian Church, on the riage house will be refurbished for the Adcorner of Fourth Avenue, up to the Parr vancement Office, while the house itself House for the reception. will be reserved to host Point University Except for a few cosmetic changes, alumni, fundraising and other events. the house remains very much the same Mrs. Parr believes that Point Univeras when it was first built. The Parrs sity coming to West Point is the best thing refinished the oak floors, replaced a that has ever happened to the city. She dilapidated sleeping porch with a master saw the collapse, in the mid-1980s, of the bathroom, and added more square footmill industry that was the backbone of the age to the tiny kitchen. When Mrs. Parr town’s economy for so long. Not only will found many four-paned windows sitting unused in the attic, she incorporated them the University help reverse this situation, but Mrs. Parr says that having Christian into the master bath, kitchen and carriage people living and working in the town will house. All of the renovations flawlessly have an even more powerful impact. match the original style of the home, cre“I’ve always felt the house has a ating an atmosphere of elegant comfort.

Christian heritage,” says Mrs. Parr. This The carriage house sits behind the heritage will be carried on as Point uses house and acts as a three-car garage. On her former home to encourage students one side of the home sits the play house, to honor Christ in everything they do. a tiny building original to the home in SPRING 2 012 | 11

s t in h l u f p l e h r e h t And o e g e l l o c o t g in y l p p a for

'13

by Elizabeth Reid

4.

12 | P OINT M AG A ZI NE

If you have children who are sophomores or juniors in high school, you’ve probably started hearing teachers and administrators say things like, “Better get Josh signed up for the ACT before too much longer!” or “Has Caitlin started visiting colleges yet?”

This can be intimidating on several levels.

For example, if Jessica is your first child to leave home for college, you’ve never done this before and probably have no idea where to start. The college application process – from visiting schools to signing up for the SAT to applying to a college to applying for federal financial aid – can be completely overwhelming. As the parent, you have two options: you can ignore the whole thing and pretend it isn’t happening, or you can read this article and jump in head first.

The first step in this process is to determine what career your student wants to pursue. Most high school students have a general idea of what they’re interested in. If yours doesn’t, look at his or her interests: what classes has she excelled at in high school? What after-school activities has he enjoyed? Although most college students change majors at least once, having a general idea of interests, passions and personal strengths will give you and your student focus in choosing schools and scholarships for which to apply .

The next step is to take a standardized test – the ACT or SAT. You should start this process the spring of your student’s junior year. (But if you didn’t, it isn’t too late. This time frame is the ideal, not necessarily the reality.) Usually, students will perform significantly better on one than the other, so it’s a good idea to sign up to take both at least once. If your student isn’t a strong test taker, don’t panic. Although testing accommodations are available, colleges don’t base their acceptance criteria solely on test scores – admission committees look at GPAs and extracurricular activities in addition to standardized test scores. Admission offices also consider involvement and commitment to an activity. Does your student have a real interest in an activity, or is he or she just participating in order to list it on a college application?

Once your student takes his standardized tests, things will start to happen fairly quickly. The College Board or ACT will mail your student’s scores to various schools and you can begin to schedule visits. Sit in on a class that falls within your student’s interests. Talk to a professor or two and take a tour of the campus. Talk to a student who is currently in the major your student is considering. Many schools will allow prospective students to spend the night in a dorm with a host student; this gives prospective students an example of what attending a school will be like. These visits can be set up by contacting a school’s admission office; visits should begin during your child’s junior year and carry over into the fall of senior year. By this point, your student probably has a favorite school or two in mind. Apply early. Some schools have a week when they waive the application fee – usually in the fall. Once the acceptance letters start to come back, you can narrow down your decision .

By spring of your student’s senior year, ideally, he or she will have been accepted to multiple schools, and will have chosen one to attend in the fall. All that’s left now is financial aid – a phrase that understandably strikes fear into the hearts of the bravest parents.

The one thing that scares the most people away from applying for college is the mistaken belief that they won’t be able to afford it.

College is expensive, that’s true, but there are three aspects you need to take into account when selecting the right one: price, cost and value. The bottom line price tag might seem more appealing at a public school, but when financial aid is factored in, the cost of a private Christian education can be the same or even less. You must also consider the value your student is getting for the tuition dollars – for many families, the benefit of learning in a Christian environment far outweighs any concern about higher costs.

Grants and loans are also available. While you’re doing your taxes, fill out a FAFSA (a Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for your student. The IRS will process this information and give you several figures: an EFC (Estimated Family Contribution – the amount the government believes you will be able to provide towards your student’s education) and any number of grants and Pell Grant loans. Ask your college’s financial aid office about instituGiven to students based on Expected Family tional scholarships; most schools offer merit scholarships, Contribution (EFC) an d enrollment status (fullas well as need- and activity-based scholarships. The best time or part-time) for fal l and spring semesters. advice regarding scholarships is to apply – if you don’t apFill out a FAFSA to see if yo ur student is eligible. ply, you won’t get the scholarship.

Does not have to be pa id back.

Your student’s first year away at college is one of the most pivotal years of his or her life. Talk to your child about his or Federal Direct Subsidize d Loan After all grants and sch her faith and how it will be tested during college. At a Chrisolarships have been ap plied to student’s bill, the tian school like Point, belonging to a Christian community is student can apply for a federal direct subsidized easy – if your student wants to be involved, the community is loan. Students must be enrolled at least half-tim waiting for him or her. At secular schools, finding a Christian e to qualify. The government pays interest community is more difficult, but not impossible. Many public until six months after the student graduates or is institutions have college ministries, like Christian Camno longer enrolled for at least six credit hours. pus Fellowship, Baptist College Ministries, and Reformed University Fellowship. Although not a guarantee of success, Federal Direct Unsubsidi involvement in these ministries can help ensure that your zed Loan The amount is determi ned by dependency sta student’s faith is strengthened and cemented as a result of tus and can replace the Es timated Family Contribu his or her college experience. tion. Interest begins acc ruing 30 days after the Applying for college can seem overwhelming, especially loan is received. for students and parents who are new to the process – but

Federal Grants & Loans Made Simple

it doesn’t have to be that way! If you’re currently working through the application process with your high schooler and you have questions or are confused about a step in the process, or if you’d like to request information about applying for Point University, please feel free to contact Point’s traditional Admission Office at admissions@point.edu or 1-855-37-POINT.

ajor m a e Choos T/SAT C A e k Ta d visit n a ly App ial aid Financ

Federal Direct Parent PLUS

Loan Can be applied for based on parents’ credit rating. The parent applies and must be approved to receive this loan on be half of his or her stude nt.

HOPE Scholarship

Given to residents of Ge orgia with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applies to tuitio n to private and public schools. If student is att ending a private schoo l, then there is a flat rate.

Georgia Tuition Equalizat ion

Grant (GTEG) Given to residents of Ge orgia who are taking at least 12 credit hours a sem ester (full time status).

The amount is determi ned by the state govern ment on a yearly basis.

–Elizabeth Reid ’13 and

Donna Pope ’09

SPRING 2 012 | 13

story by Sarah Huxford

photos by John Morris

IMAGINE FOR A MOMENT THAT YOU’RE STANDING ON THE SHORE OF THE SEA OF GALILEE. The breeze blows through your hair, the water laps at your feet, and you realize… you’re actually standing where Jesus stood. Suddenly, the words of Scripture begin to take on a whole new meaning.

Last summer, a group of Point University students and administrators undertook just such a pilgrimage, spending ten days traveling and exploring Israel’s historic sites.

The trip was led by Emma Morris, vice president for advancement, and Dr. John Morris, director of online programs.

The Morrises, who have each taught in both the Access and traditional programs at Point, had already made two trips to Israel when they came to the University.

“We knew how much our trips had made the Bible we had studied all our lives come to life in an amazing way,” says Emma. “Seeing the actual settings in which the parables, prophecies and historical events took place gave them new contextual meaning. Being there took my understanding and appreciation of the Word to new levels – and I’ve been leading Bible studies since I was a kid,” she adds.

14 | P OINT M AG A ZI NE

When the Morrises came to Point and realized that every student either majors or minors in biblical studies, but that no regular trip to Israel was offered, they decided to start their own.

“Leading trips to Israel is all a part of my addiction to learning and then teaching,” John explains. “Once I learn something new that I think is important – and a visit to Israel is critical – I want to share that experience with others in the best way possible.

Rather than depending on someone else to provide a less than excellent trip, Emma and I decided to lead a trip exactly like the one we would want to be on if it was our first trip to Israel.”

Students in both the traditional and Access programs were invited to join the pilgrimage, and could earn academic credit for a cross-cultural experience in the process.

“I’ve always wanted to walk where Jesus walked and see the things that Jesus saw,” says Kaitlyn Groover ’14, of Pooler, Ga.

“A few weeks before the trip was announced, a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to go to Israel with her church, but the trip didn’t fit with my class schedule. The Point trip was definitely God opening a closed door.”

Access student Octavia Zackery ’12, of Jonesboro, Ga., agrees, saying, “It had always been a dream of mine to visit the Holy Land, and I was able to afford it mainly through financial aid.”

And so it was that in May, a motley crew of both traditional and Access students, along with the Morrises and guest Alyssa Phillips, boarded a plane for Tel Aviv. “What stood out to me most about this group was how diverse it was – age, race, experience, major, program, et cetera – and yet how immediately we all felt like family, with one common Abba Father. That was not something I expected,” Emma says. “I knew we would get along, but to see people loving and caring for people who were strangers the day before was truly amazing.”

The students’ learning experiences began even before their plane landed. “The trip to Israel is a spiritual journey seeking a changed life and closer relationship with God through Christ,” says John.

“There are many ways to approach God, but a trip to Israel seems to hit people on so many different levels. They come back different from how they started. It starts on the plane trip over, where we can watch Orthodox Jews putting on their phylacteries and prayer shawls in order to celebrate the start of Shabbot – even though they are at 35,000 feet and in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.”

The group arrived on a Friday night and proceeded directly to their hotel in Tel Aviv. Access student Carl Sweet ’13, of Villa Rica, Ga., says, “It was the first time in my life I realized what it was like to be a foreigner in a new place. Standing there in the courtyard of the hotel that first night – it made me think of people who come to the U.S. for a better life, and can’t understand a word being said around them. I realized how small we are, and it set the mood for the rest of the trip.”

GAL ILEE The first few days of the trip were spent in and around Galilee, including stops in Capernaum, Caesarea Philippi, and Banias, one of the sources of the Jordan River. Emma calls Galilee one of her favorite places in Israel. “I can see where the winds whip up and toss the seas that Jesus calms, the calm sea where Jesus is teaching, the spot of warm water where Peter catches fish for that last beach fish fry with Jesus before His ascension, the pigs rushing off the cliff into the sea . . . every story comes alive for me in Galilee,” she explains.

“I’ve always been taught that in studying the Bible, context is king,” she continues. “Yet there is no way I could truly understand what wandering around the desert for 40 years was like until I walked in that

environment. Or the passage in Matthew 18 where Jesus talks about children, and that it would be better that a heavy millstone be hung around the neck of anyone who hurts one of them – and you are sitting on one of those millstones outside the synagogue at Capernaum, then you walk from Peter’s house next door down to the sea where the disciples would have fished.”

“You begin to feel God’s Word, not just read it,” she says. “I think, as Americans who have multiple Bibles in our homes, too often, we take the Bible for granted.

You can never do that once you have walked the Bible rather than just read it.”

Top: Taking in the view from the ancient town of Hippos, high above While in this the Sea of Galilee; above left: John Morris baptizes Denise Chavous region of Israel, ’12 in the Jordan River; above right: some of the wildlife found in the Jordan River; opposite page: the view from Ein Gev Kibbutz Hotel at the group had the the southern tip of the Sea of Galilee. opportunity to sail the Sea of Galilee in a replica of the type of boat Jesus would have sailed in. “I now understand why Jesus would teach while sitting in a boat,” says Groover. “Not only was a boat a stage for him to present from, but the water acts as a natural amphitheater. Our guide’s voice resounded across the waters.”

Zackery adds, “I cannot express in words the overwhelming sense of peace that I felt at that time. All I knew was that God was there.”

“I was surprised by the size of the place,” Sweet recalls about visiting the Sea of Galilee.

“When you’re reading the stories, it seems like this big body of water, but it’s not – you can see from one end to the other.”

Over and over, the students came face to face with the actual locations of some of the most vivid stories in the Bible. “The most meaningful place that I visited was probably the ruins of Caesarea Philippi,” says Stephen Shelley ’13, of Baker, Fla. “This was where Paul left for Rome, and it really gave me some powerful visuals of the last place Paul saw of his native Israel before he set out on his journey.”

One of the trip’s funniest moments, says John, came when students had the opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River. “It’s a real live river, S PRING 2 012 | 15

with all the wildlife normally associated with a river,” he explains. “We shared the baptism site with what I was sure was a nutria, but it looked exactly like a 20-pound rat.”

Zackery confesses to feeling a little disappointed at the environment of the baptism site. “I almost backed out at the last minute, because it was nothing like I expected,” she says. “The site was so commercial, and it did not feel sacred at all. Nonetheless, there was no way that I was leaving Israel without having this experience, even in polluted water, alongside three-foot catfish and rats the size of little puppies.”

Sweet, who was also baptized in the Jordan, joked, “When Jesus was baptized, God sent a dove down from heaven. When I was baptized, he sent a rat!”

J E R U S A LE M From Galilee, the group traveled to Jerusalem. “A visit to the old city of Jerusalem graphically brings home both sides of the Jewish-Arab conflict,” explains John. “You see small children walking themselves home from school with no supervision or sign of fear. You see Arabs, Jews, Ethiopians, and many other nationalities living together and working together on a daily basis in the same city. At the same time, you experience the challenge of Temple Mount, where the Moslems control access to it, but the Israelis provide security once you are on Temple Mount – a very confusing situation.”

While staying in Jerusalem, the group visited the Temple Mount, Mount Zion, the Upper Room, the Garden of Gethsemane, and many more biblical sites, including walking the Via Dolorosa. In each location, students experienced an intense recognition of the Lord’s presence. “The Wailing Wall was really where you could get caught up in the spirit – a place where everyone prayed and left their prayer requests in the cracks of the wall,” says Access student Janice Cliatt ’13, of Atlanta.

16 | POIN T M AG A ZI NE

“Standing on the Mount of Olives and looking down at Jerusalem and knowing that this place has been holy to God since the time of Abraham’s offering of Isaac has to have some kind of enormous impact on everyone, whether you are Jewish, Moslem, or Christian,” says John.

The group also visited the Israel Museum, where they were able to see the Dead Sea Scrolls and many other relics of Jesus’ time – some more surprising than others. “I always thought that Jesus played with sticks and rocks as a child, but in the museum there were all kinds of creative children’s toys,” says Groover. “There was even a wooden animal with wheels pulled by a string. I think I had a toy like that when I was little.”

On the last day of the trip, the group visited the Herodian Palace and the Dead Sea, the lowest place on earth. “The water was unique – it’s easy to float, and the mud is said to be good for your skin,” recalls Cliatt. In fact, both the highly salty water and the sea’s green mud are praised for their therapeutic properties. Many students enjoyed foot massages with the mud, and some waded in to experience the water for themselves.

B ACK TO THE US A On the tenth day, it was time to head home – but no one returned to the United States the same person as before, and all were eager to share their passion for Israel with family and friends.

“I wish most American Christians could experience the connection there is between the Jewish religion and our Judeo-Christian beliefs,” says Zackery. “I can honestly say that when we entered into Jerusalem I had an overwhelming feeling like I was returning home.”

Many students felt convicted by the passionate faith of the Jewish people they encountered on the trip. “I went expecting to be amazed at the places I saw, and I was,” says Groover. “But I was in awe of the passion and devotion of the Jewish

Left to right: Sunlight streams through the open ceiling of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem; Janice Cliatt ’13 rides a camel; Stephen Shelley ’13 at the Western Wailing Wall; some of the group on Temple Mount in Jerusalem; Carl Sweet ’13 and Shelley join the group’s Jewish guide, Gilla, in looking out over the Jezreel Valley from the Nazareth Overlook, also known as the point where Satan tempted Jesus with all that can be seen from this high point.

people. Their worship and lifestyle puts my spiritual life to shame.”

Cliatt agrees, saying, “I never spent any time with Jews before, but their dedication and hunger for the Savior surprised me.”

“Old Testament or New Testament, you learn so much through being there first hand,” adds Shelley. “People can take this for granted, but when you’re there and hiking through ruins and the sun is beating down on you, you get a feeling of how the people felt every day back in the time of Jesus.”

Every student who traveled to Israel expresses a new appreciation for and understanding of Scripture. “I have not been able to just read the Bible without seeing a visualization of what I have read,” says Zackery.

“Scripture comes alive,” adds Sweet. “Once I’d been there, I would picture the places I’m reading about. I’m a youth minister, and now I use pictures from the trip in my Bible studies all the time.”

“Before the pilgrimage to Israel, I mostly read the New Testament because I was intimidated by the Old Testament,” admits Groover. “Through seeing many of the actual sites in the Old Testament and hearing the stories from a Jewish perspective, I have come to appreciate the Old Testament more.”

T HE NEXT PI LG R I M AG E Perhaps most telling is the fact that many of the trip’s participants are already planning to go back to Israel. “Every chance I get, I’m going back,” says Sweet. “I’m looking at going back this summer to help with an archaeological dig, as well as going on the next Point trip and bringing my wife with me.”

The Morrises are already planning to lead another pilgrimage for the Point University family in 2013. John says Israel is ideally suited for such short-term trips because of its size: “One thing that no one understands until they visit is how

small Israel is. At its most narrow point, Israel is only 12 miles across, and you can easily travel from the northernmost point to the southernmost in just a few hours,” he says. “It’s a wonderful place to tour because it doesn’t require too many hours on the bus.”

Aware of the common, media-driven perception of Israel as a dangerous place, Emma says she wishes more American Christians understood how safe it is. “These people do not take terrorism casually,” she explains. “They live with it every day, yet they choose to live in this country and make the sacrifices to do so. They’re eager to share their rich history with people of all nations.”

“My biggest prayer is that through our visits, we can share Christ with those we meet,” Emma continues. “They know the Bible by heart – better than most of us – but they don’t know Christ. It baffles me, yet we have been able to build ongoing relationships with the team we work with each time. So there is ongoing opportunity to dialogue and share.”

It’s clear that the Morrises have a passion for seeing Christians’ lives changed through visiting the Holy Land. “We saw people grow spiritually in ways that they never would have expected,” says John. “Sometimes the change was as simple as learning about new foods or the concept of the Sabbath elevator – it stops on every floor so observant Jews don’t have to do the work of pushing elevator buttons on the Sabbath. Sometimes it was literally life-shattering, as several students learned when they visited the Holocaust Museum.”

INTERESTED IN GOING TO ISRAEL? “I think the biggest For information about the pilgrimage blessing we received,” he scheduled for February 28-March 11, 2013, concludes, “was that everycontact John Morris at john.morris@point. one came back from the trip edu. A payment plan will be available. You with a closer relationship can also view a short video and with God and a much better photos from the 2011 trip at understanding of how the http://gallery.me.com/johnhm#100176.

New Testament applies to their lives.”

SPRING 2 012 | 17

CLASS NOTES

65

Congratulations to Donald ’65 and Angela James Hardison (’60-’61), who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 24, 2011.

81

Randy Barnhart ’81 is senior minister at First Christian Church of Carrollton, Ga. Randy and his wife, Wendy, have two sons: Andrew and Benjamin.

73

Vicki Kindt Huxford ’73 is working as an administrative assistant at Caterpillar, Inc. in LaGrange, Ga.

82

Billy Murphy ’82 and his wife, Yan, welcomed a son, Kelvin Liang, on August 17.

Ron Lewis ’82 and his wife, Pam, have relocated to the Greater Valley Area, where Ron is senior minister at Spring Road Christian Church in Lanett, Ala. Ron previously served for 21 years as senior minister of Cy-Fair Christian Church in Houston, Texas.

83

George Dillard ’83. senior minister of Peachtree City Christian Church, recently released his book, titled The BIG Mission Book. This book invites

readers to discover the life God has called them to live. One hundred percent of the proceeds of the book are donated to the ministries of Peachtree City Christian Church, which supports more than 30 missionaries around the world and 20 local missions providing food, clothing and support to those in need.

84

Laurie Wardle ’84 was recently named Nonprofit Leader of the Year for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge by United Way of Henry County and Martinsville. Laurie and her husband, Buck ’84, live in Martinsville, Va.

90

Jamie ’90 and Stacey Rose Vernon ’89 recently started a church plant, Tri-Cities Church, in the Atlanta airport area.

95

Ryan Burkett ’95 was ordained to the ministry on October 22 at First Christian Church of Jonesboro, Ga. Ryan plans to become an associate or creative arts minister.

97

Darrell Portwood ’97 is lead minister at First Christian Church of Monroe, Ga. He and his wife, Cheryl Fessler Portwood ’97, have four children.

IN MEMORIAM The Point family grieves with and prays for the families of those members of our community who have recently passed away.

Tommy Baker ’83 died November 25, 2011, after a lengthy battle with leukemia. He is survived by his wife and three children.

02

Phil ’02 and Tiffanie Thompson Fincher ’02 welcomed a son, Jarrett, on January 12. Proud grandparents are Jerry ’77 and Cindy Gowan Thompson ’77.

06

Jesse Dyar ’06 and his wife, Stephanie, welcomed a daughter, Ensley Ann, on March 12. Ensley’s big sister is two-year-old Emmy. Jesse is head baseball coach at Point.

Jesse (’01-’06) and Bonnie Winfrey ’06 recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with a dessert soiree hosted by their children and grandchildren.

08

Megan Cobb Hall ’08 celebrated the 20th anniversary of her adoption by her stepfather, Lee Cobb, in December. Megan is electronic communications specialist at Point, and lives in Kennesaw, Ga., with her husband, John.

SAVE THE DATE: 10-20-12 10

18 | P OINT M AG A ZI NE

11

Aaron Moody ’11 is serving as youth minister at First Christian Church of Carrollton, Ga. Kalyn Reeves ’11 is serving in campus ministry with Globalscope in Birmingham, England.

Alex Pennington Webb ’11 is serving as an admission counselor for the traditional program at Point.

william warren ’14

Mark your calendars for Alumni Homecoming on October 20!

Football game vs. Webber International at 1 p.m. Detailed schedule coming soon!

Joseph Piette ’10 has relocated to Birmingham, England, where he is serving in campus ministry with Globalscope.

IN THE GREATER VALLEY AREA

BY MICHAEL ’92 AND EMILY CARTWRIGHT PLANK ’00

W

hen we moved here six years ago after living in the Atlanta area for 18 years, it was a wonderful new adventure for our family to find things to enjoy together.

We have been overwhelmed by the natural beauty and treasures we have discovered outside of a metropolitan area, and would love to share some of these with you: 1. RIVER PARK TRAILS The City of West Point has done a wonderful job of developing nature trails along the Chattahoochee River and throughout the forest between the city and West Point Lake. This development project is currently expanding, but even now boasts a good 20 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking from beginner to advanced levels.

2. CALLAWAY GARDENS is only 18 miles from here, which means we keep an annual pass in the car. There are 13,000 acres of natural wonder and beautiful landscape, in addition to golf, tennis, cycling, a white sand beach, arboretum, putt-putt, paddle boats, paved and natural trails, butterfly center, environmental education, vacation cottages and a spa. We love going to the beach in the summer and seeing nighttime trapeze circus shows. Fantasy in Lights during the Christmas season is simply amazing!

3. MONTGOMERY ZOO One pleasant surprise to living here is that we are equidistant from Atlanta and Montgomery. Our kids love the Montgomery Zoo, organized according to continent – there are so many animals to see, and even feed at certain locations.

4. CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER Probably the most obvious natural feature to the area is the river. You can put in a kayak or canoe just below the West Point Dam and paddle 14 miles down river. We love to pack a lunch and stop on the rocks in the middle of the river for a family picnic on warm days. Many people have found arrowheads and other Native American artifacts in this region rich in Cherokee and Creek history.

5. COLUMBUS is one of the largest cities in the state of Georgia, outside of Atlanta, and is just a 35-minute drive from the Valley area.

There is much to see in the “Fountain City” including great shopping, dining, the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts and the amazing National Infantry Museum on the base of Fort Benning. Our boys love the public skate park and River Walk next to the Civic Center.

6. WATER SPORTS West Point Lake is the closest option for skiing, tubing and fishing.

It’s a beautiful, natural lake owned by the Army Corps of Engineers, so it is surrounded by forest instead of homes.

photo courtesy of michael ’92 and emily cartwrwight plank ’00

T R AV E L O P P O R T U N I T Y Join Dr. DJ Dycus for History: WWII & The Western Front, an 11-day tour of Europe, in July 2012! The tour includes stops in London, Paris, Cologne and Berlin.

For more information, visit efcollegestudytours.com and enter the tour number, 1082595. Click “preview tour” for a detailed itinerary, a breakdown of trip costs, or to enroll in the tour.

7. COLLEGE TOWN ATMOSPHERE It has been great to see the city of West Point revitalize over the past few years. We enjoy being downtown eating at the new restaurants and shopping here.

Point University’s arrival will continue to enhance the kind of community life already present, and which is also found a few miles away in the college towns of LaGrange and Auburn.

8. THE BEACH Did we mention that we can be on the Emerald Coast of Florida in less than three hours?!

EDITOR’S NOTE: In each issue, we’d like to share with our readers the interesting things to do where you live. Want to tell us about your hometown? Email sarah.huxford@point.edu.

W E WA N T TO HE A R FR OM YO U ! Let us know

when you get married, have a baby, take a new job, move to another state... you get the picture. Speaking of pictures, send us those, too – we’ll include them when possible (JPEG format, please). If you’re engaged or expecting, we share your excitement! However, Point Magazine’s policy is to wait until these anticipated events have become reality to print them in Class Notes. Send us a message when the event occurs, and we’ll gladly share your news with your fellow alumni. Class Notes and other alumni information may also be submitted online at http://alumni.point.edu, the Alumni Online Community. If you know of alumni who are not receiving Point Magazine, but would like to, please send us their correct contact information; we’ll make sure they’re added to the mailing list.

ALUMNI ADDRESS CHANGES AND CLASS NOTES ITEMS MAY BE SUBMITTED ONLINE AT ALUMNI. POINT.EDU OR VIA EMAIL TO ALUMNI@POINT.EDU.

S PRING 2 012 | 19

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Atlanta, GA Permit No. 3620

Access your future with a college degree.

The Access Program at Point University gives students the opportunity to earn their degrees while attending classes just one night a week.

Associate and bachelor’s degrees are offered in Christian ministry, organizational leadership and human services. Students may also earn credit for prior learning experiences, such as on-the-job training or military service.

Find out more on our website at point.edu/access, or call 1-855-37-POINT.

Now offering classes in East Point, West Point, Peachtree City and Savannah!