Point Magazine Fall 2012

Fall/Winter 2012

M A G A Z I N E

WELCOME TO WEST POINT

Point’s new Fine Arts Center features a Mac lab, where fine arts students can access the latest technology for learning about and even composing their own music. Here, Chris Allen ’13 works on a composition. To learn more about Point’s new main campus, including the Fine Arts Center, turn to page 10.

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Welcome to West Point

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Cruise to Freedom

billy howard photography

Take a photo tour of Point’s new main campus in West Point, Ga., and the Greater Valley Area – and learn more about how you can support the Point Forward capital campaign.

Saw Htoka ’13 tells the story of his journey from Burma to a better life – and religious freedom – in the United States.

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From the President Campus News Class Notes

Contents

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

Impacting

Poin t M ag az i ne Volume 51, Number 2 Fall/Winter 2012

CAMPUS NEWS

Editor Sarah G. Huxford Contributors Megan Cobb Hall ’08 Jim Street ’74 William Warren ’14 Jimmy Webb ’11 Joy Ugi

any of you are familiar with the Old Testament story of God’s instruction to Moses to send some men to “spy out the land of Canaan” (Numbers 13:1, NRSV).

Moses sent 12 Israelite leaders, who spent 40 days doing reconnaissance work on the land God had promised to their people. Upon their return, the men reported that it would be impossible for the Israelites to overtake this land, as it was full of fortified towns and strong people. Only two – Joshua and Caleb – had faith that with God, what might seem impossible isn’t at all.

Scripture is full of similar stories of God calling His people to believe His promises and take on daunting tasks. And at Point University, I believe we’ve been called to just such a task. The Point Forward campaign represents the largest fundraising effort in our institution’s history, and its success will have a tremendous impact on the University for generations to come.

The momentum of the Point Forward campaign is already building. To date, we have received $9.49 million in gifts. Meeting our campaign goal of $20 million would be a blessing to the University in many ways. Funds from the campaign will provide additional classrooms, facilities and new technologies to improve the educational experience for both our Access and traditional programs in West Point.

In this issue, you’ll get to take a photographic tour of our new West Point campus.

Among the photos of students enjoying our beautiful facilities, you’ll also read the testimonies of some of our Point Forward donors. If, like them, you’re inspired by what God is doing through Point University, I hope you’ll prayerfully consider a gift or pledge to Point Forward.

Our vision is bold. Our task is formidable. But our confidence is strong – and with your help, we can reach our goals and propel Point University forward.

Gratefully,

Dean C. Collins ’79 President

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Contact Point Magazine: Attn: Point Magazine 507 West 10th Street West Point, GA 31833 706-385-1000 sarah.huxford@point.edu ©2012 Point University

On the cover: Point’s new Academic Center in West Point; photo by Billy Howard.

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.

kristin westbrook niemeyer; joy ugi

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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.

billy howard photography

“With your help, we can reach our goals and propel Point University forward.”

ne day each semester, Point University cancels classes and gives students, faculty and staff the opportunity to participate in a ministry day.

Tuesday, October 23 marked this semester’s ministry day, now called “Impact.”

Almost 400 students and the entire faculty served, as well as a number of staff members. The Point community served ministries in the Greater Valley Area, in Temple, Ga., and at City of Refuge in Atlanta. They also went to ministries in Opelika and Auburn, Ala., reaching 20 ministries altogether.

Wye Huxford ’73, vice president of spiritual formation and dean of the chapel, says the purpose of Ministry Day is multi-layered: “It is an opportunity for us to make someone’s life a little better, some ministry a little more productive, some spot on God’s green earth a little less littered.”

Impact Ministry Day is also an opportunity for Point University students to realize that the biblical knowledge they gain, and the faith that is integrated into all academic subjects, is not merely theory – it must be put into practice. Moreover, it is a practical way that the Point community can point

culture to Christ.

For this ministry day, Huxford asked four students – Rebekah Rubin ’12, Curtis Zehner ’14, Katie Crumbley ’14 and Jeremy Ledford ’15 – to help plan and coordinate the event. This group of students created the name Impact to use for Top of page: Point students landscaped two Fuller Center houses. Above: Students also served by visiting with resithis and future dents of a local nursing home and by doing landscape work ministry days. The at Woodland Christian Camp. theme reflects the idea of the impact continues. “Whether it be through visitthe Point community can have in all the ing with people in a nursing home, clearplaces it serves. ing off a playground, cleaning a homeless “As a Christ follower, it is important for center, or construction projects, it is an me to live out my faith,” says Rubin. “One opportunity for each of us to serve and way to do so is to serve. It’s a day where bring Christ’s love to those around us. we build our community with each other, Ministry day creates a way for us to bring while impacting the community around us.” a little bit of Heaven to Earth.”

“There is something powerful about Huxford says that with the growth of getting to know people I normally the student body, Point will continue to wouldn’t have the chance to know while seek creative ways for its community to working to further God’s kingdom,” she take part in future ministry days.

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Point Signs Articulation Agreement with Southern Union On Tuesday, August 14, Point University and Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) signed an articulation agreement that allows students from SUSCC who have earned an associate degree to transfer up to 60 hours into the Access program for adult learners at Point. These transfer students will be eligible to pursue a bachelor of science degree in organizational leadership, human relations or Christian ministries.

Dr. Amelia Pearson, president of SUSCC, and Dr. Darin Baldwin, dean of technical education and workforce development at SUSCC, signed the articulation agreement along with President Collins and Dr. Darryl Harrison, chief academic officer at Point. The agreement is effective immediately.

“We are pleased to partner with Southern Union State Community College to provide educational pathways whereby a student with an earned associate degree may pursue a bachelor of science degree through the Access program at Point University,” said Harrison.

The schools collaborated in an effort to advance the degree-earning potential of students in the Industrial Machine System Technician Registered Apprenticeship program at SUSCC. In this program, students earn an associate degree in applied science in manufacturing technology.

According to Baldwin, in the past, students who wanted to pursue bachelor’s degrees after earning their associate degrees were unable to transfer their credit hours to another institution. However, the articulation agreement with Point University allows the students to do this.

“Students who choose this academic and career path will have both the technical and theoretical skills that are highly valued in today’s workplace,” said Harrison.

“The spiritual distinctiveness that has long been a part of a Point University education will assist each student in discovering God’s calling and purpose in his or her life, regardless of his or her chosen profession.”

University Reaches Enrollment Record Despite the tough economy, Point’s

trend of enrollment growth continued this fall, reaching an all-time high of 1,488 – a 15 percent increase over the previous academic year.

After relocating the main campus for traditional students, Point began the 2012-13 academic year with 571 full-time students enrolled, more than a 27 percent increase from 2011-12. This shows a continued trend of record growth for the University.

New and returning traditional students moved into the Point Living Community in Valley, Ala., the week of August 20. New students spent the first couple of days on campus settling in to their apartments and attending orientation meetings. On Tuesday night, the University hosted a campuswide cookout with help from churches in the Greater Valley Area. University students, faculty and staff gathered to eat, have fun, and celebrate the coming year.

Immediately following a convocation service, pictured above, at the Sportsplex in Valley on August 22, students started their first classes of the fall semester in

Students enjoying orientation activities

the Academic and Fine Arts Centers.

President Dean Collins ’79 gave the convocation address.

“We are a Christian university. It is our mission not just to provide you with a quality higher education experience, but to give you a Christ-centered higher education experience,” said Collins, “because we believe that if you’re academically prepared, built and established on a firm foundation, you will become servant leaders who will create culture for Christ wherever God calls you to serve – and His kingdom will be extended.”

Point’s Access program for adult learners has also seen a marked increase this

year. In fall 2012, 890 Access students were enrolled at all locations, an eight percent increase. The Access program is thriving in four locations: East Point, West Point, Peachtree City and Savannah.

At the East Point location, which serves the largest population of Access students, Point University is actively involved in several projects to improve its current facilities. Renovations have already begun in the Hathcock Center, where the 200 hallway is being converted into more classroom space. Further renovations will continue at various locations around the East Point location to better accommodate the needs of the University’s Access population.

“The continued increase in enrollment has come even though we have graduated record numbers of Access students over the past two years,” said Dr. Darryl Harrison, chief academic officer. “The improvements at East Point demonstrate Point University’s commitment to the growing adult student population and to enhancing the learning environment at that campus.”

–J. U.

–J. U.

In the Classroom Course Name NTS 201: The Story of Jesus instructor Barry Blackburn, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament Course summary The course explores the life and teachings of Jesus Christ against the background of the Mediterranean world in general and Second Temple Judaism in particular. This overview is based primarily on the four Gospels of the New Testament. suggested reading The Gospels According to Luke and John; Philip Yancey, The Jesus I Never Knew (Zondervan, 1995); and Robert Stein, Jesus the Messiah, A Survey of the Life of Christ (InterVarsity Press, 1996).

Honor someone you love this Christmas by purchasing a commemorative brick, to be installed at the Academic Center. Bricks start at $100.

For more information or to order your own commemorative brick, contact Julie Tilson at 706-385-1476 or Julie.Tilson@point.edu.

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BE A PART OF HISTORY! F O U N DAT I O N

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CAMPAIG N PROG RE SS

$9,494,257.21

Point Celebrates 75 Years at First West Point Homecoming A weeklong celebration of the University’s Homecoming was a highlight of the fall semester. In celebration of Point’s 75th anniversary, each day featured one or more events that inspired students, faculty, staff, the community and alumni with the Homecoming theme: A Rich Heritage, A Promising Future.

On Thursday night, local residents gathered with the University for a community-wide chapel service at First United Methodist Church of Lanett, featuring a message by Mike Waers ’77. An offering was taken up in honor of the 75th anniversary, with gifts going to the Point Forward capital campaign.

The Fifty Year Club, a group for alumni who graduated 50 years ago or more, enjoyed a luncheon at the Parr House on Friday. That afternoon, alumni from across the country met at the West Point Gym to play in an alumni basketball game. Later that night, Point hosted its first Homecoming Musical Open House, where students put on multiple performances for alumni, trustees, faculty, staff and the community as guests toured the new Fine Arts Center.

On Saturday, festivities began with doughnuts and coffee at the Parr House.

Alumni then made their way to the Skyhawks Family Frenzy tailgate at the Sportsplex in Valley, Ala., featuring food and games for the whole family. Finally, the Skyhawks took on Webber International University in Point’s first-ever Homecoming football game. The Skyhawks fought hard for the win, coming up short by only three points.

–J. U. Turn to p. 23 for photos from Homecoming week!

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Contributions received as of October 31, 2012; total does not include unfulfilled campaign pledges.

Find out more about Point Forward at point.edu/campaign.

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Scott is first Point Skyhawk alumnus to go pro

Marquez

Skyhawks Football Team Battles Through Tough First Year in NAIA

Sydney Stripling ’16 & Sam Mizzell ’16

Former Point University men’s basketball standout Shasta

Q&A WITH A POINT STUDENT-ATHLETE Levi Harville ’13, Men’s Soccer Captain Business Administration Major Why did you choose to attend Point University?

I wanted to play soccer in college, and Point University blessed me with that opportunity.

What is your favorite moment as a Point student-athlete?

A game we played my freshman year vs. Ohio Christian – it was a very entertaining game!

Who is your favorite professor?

Professor Alan Kemper – he taught me a lot about myself and about life.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A USA National Team soccer player.

What is your biggest accomplishment in soccer?

My junior year, I was voted First Team All-Region (South).

If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would it be, and why?

Manchester United’s head coach, Sir Alex Ferguson, because he is the coach of the greatest soccer club in the world.

If you had to live your life over again, what one thing would you change?

I would have played club soccer sooner.

What would be your ultimate achievement?

That I can one day be in a position to impact other people’s lives for the better.

Do you have a saying or motto by which you live your life?

“Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work very hard.”

Tyler

Cross-country teams making strides The Point University men’s and women’s cross-country teams wrapped up a successful fall campaign as several runners garnered post-season awards.

Susana Marquez ’14 and Paola Gonzalez ’14 were named to the All-Conference Team and represented Point University at the NAIA National Championships in Vancouver, Wash., on November 17.

Savannah Hanna ’16, Riley Morrison ’16 and Victoria Perez ’16 were named to the All-Freshman Team.

The men were paced by senior Zachery Tyler, who finished first in all the races in 2012. “We are losing four seniors who meant a lot to our program in terms of leadership and doing things right in the classroom,” said head coach Mike Caldwell. “We have a solid foundation, but we will need some underclassmen to take more of a leadership role next season.”

In addition to their successes on the cross-country trails, Brandon Lundin ’13, Joel Rainey ’13, Tori Linder ’13 and Katie Crumbley ’15 all were selected to the Academic All-Conference Team.

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The Lady Skyhawks volleyball team has made major improvements from last season. Head volleyball coach Lora Sarich has brought in top-tier talent to build upon in years to come. For a firstyear NAIA volleyball program made up predominantly of freshmen, these student-athletes have done extremely well. The Lady Skyhawks even upset conference foe Tennessee Wesleyan College in a home match at the West Point Gym. Point finished the regular season 6-22 and 10th in the conference.

The Lady Skyhawks will lose their two senior leaders, Yolanda Marroquin ’13 and Tyler Blount ‘13, but will return nine of 11 players in 2013. Point volleyball looks to be a major factor in the AAC next season.

“With this season being a building year, I am very proud of the young leadership we have developed, as well as the culture we have created in the gym,” Sarich said. “I was pleased with the work ethic, and it was great to see each of these ladies get better as the season progressed, both on the court and as individuals. Next fall, we’re excited that we’ll be adding even more depth and experience to our Skyhawk volleyball program.”

–J. W. billy howard photography; faded paths photography

M EET A S K Y H AW K :

Volleyball team builds foundation for future

Gonzalez

megan cobb hall ’08; mark tyler; jimmy webb ’11

Scott ’12 has recently signed a professional contract with Flores Trinidad (Uruguay-LUB). Scott is the first Skyhawk athlete in program history to rise to the professional ranks.

As a Skyhawk, Scott averaged 16.3 points per game, 3.0 rebounds per game and 1.5 assists per game. He shot 75 percent from the free throw line his senior year (2011-12). He also received Appalachian Athletic conference (AAC) 3rd Team AllConference honors, leading the AAC with 110 three-pointers made. Scott shot an astounding 42 percent from behind the arch, and set Point University’s record for three-pointers Scott as a senior at Point. made in a single game (10).

“Point University will always be a place I will never forget,” shared Scott. “Coach Wilson and Coach Marshall took a gamble on me last season, knowing that I only had one year left to play basketball. But God placed me right where I belonged, and that was at Point University. I couldn’t ask for a better senior year than what I had at Point, on and off the court. I honestly feel by coming to Point, I also became closer to God.” “I am excited for Shasta to get this opportunity to compete at the next level and watch all his hard work pay off,” commented head men’s basketball coach Alan Wilson. “I’m sure he will give God the glory as he continues to use his talents for Him.” –Jimmy Webb ’11

Federico DeAramburu ’15

Esperanza Garcia ’16

2012 marked Point’s inaugural Trevor McCullough ’16 year as a varsity football program in the NAIA and the Appalachian Athletic Conference.

Just a week after a disappointing Homecoming loss to Webber International, by a score of 10-7, the Skyhawks made history by earning the program’s first home win. The Skyhawks defeated The Apprentice School by a score of 48-14. Point faced tough opposition this season, battling the likes of Faulkner University and Huntingdon College, both ranked in the top 25 of their respective athletic associations. But the Skyhawks finished the season on a high note, pulling out a 27-24 win over Ave Maria University in the final game of the season. “The first season of Skyhawks football was truly exciting on many levels,” said David Rocker, interim head football coach.

This spring, the Skyhawks will lose their sole senior, Ethan Jones. The young Skyhawks will look to keep working hard and building on the success they had in their first season of varsity play.

“For such a young squad to collect two wins was quite an on-the-field accomplishment,” Rocker continued. “But our most significant improvement came off the field, as we saw young men begin to mature into solid citizens. Point University football, as it relates to the school’s mission, is on track and has a bright future ahead.”

–J. W.

Soccer Teams Competitive in First NAIA Season The Skyhawks’ men’s soccer team finished the regular season with a record of 4-14 and ninth in the AAC. The Skyhawks also made their first trip to the AAC tournament, tying Montreat College 1-1 in the first round. Avery Alderman ’15 received AAC All-Conference Second Team honors, along with Philip Pressgrove ’15, who was named to the AAC All-Conference Third Team.

The Skyhawks will graduate their two veteran captains, Levi Harville ’13 and Stokes Laird ’13. Both have been staples of the Skyhawks back line and will not be easily replaced. The young team will look to keep building and bringing in top talent as well as fostering the young talent they have now.

“The transition into a solid NAIA conference where every game is huge has been the most revealing aspect of the season for us,” said head coach Randy Douglas. “I believe we will be much stronger going forward with recruiting, and that it won’t take too long for us to be a factor in the AAC. And who knows, we may make a run in the playoffs this season!”

The women’s soccer team made history this season, claiming their first AAC win and making it to the second round of the AAC tournament before being knocked out by the number-one seed.

Lynea Fouser ’15 and Vanessa Stewart ’15 received AAC All-Conference Second Team honors, along with Luisa Alvarez ’14, who was selected to the AAC All-Conference Third Team.

The Lady Skyhawks will graduate seniors Katie Cunningham ’12 and Amber Brenton ’12, who will be sorely missed next season.

“With most of the core of the 2011 NCCAA II National Runners-Up returning for this season, we had a solid base from which to start in the new conference,” said Douglas. “We have been competitive in every game with the exception of one this season, and I feel that with a little luck, we could be over .500 right now. If we can get a couple of players healthy, I believe we can be a factor in the post-season.”

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WEST POINT Faculty and staff moved in to Point’s new facilities in West Point and the Greater Valley Area over the summer, but most would agree it didn’t quite feel like home until students arrived in August. Since then, our new main campus has been a bustle of activity, with students hurrying to catch the shuttle, to get to class on time, or to grab a quick bite at the Dining Hall. In this special issue of Point Magazine, you’ll take a photographic tour of the West Point campus – the next best thing to visiting in real life! Among these photos, you’ll also find the stories of donors to the Point Forward campaign. Perhaps learning more about why they chose to support this important endeavor in the University’s history will inspire you to do the same. If so, you can find out more online at point.edu/campaign.

Now, our tour begins outside the University’s main building, the Academic Center. Once the corporate headquarters of textile company West Point-Pepperell, this 77,000-square-foot facility is now the hub of academic and administrative activity at Point. The central focus, upon entering the two-story lobby, is a water feature with a cross design in the middle – a constant reminder of Point’s mission. Most administrative offices are in the Academic Center, and the majority of students’ classes are held here. The Center also houses the Learning Commons (pictured on the next page), a 21st-century version of the library. There’s a game room and lounge area for students, as well as a computer lab and food court. On each floor, faculty offices are clustered around central “collaboration areas.” The collaboration areas serve as gathering spaces for study sessions, tutoring, lectures and discussion groups. Turn the page to see photos of the learning commons, and to read about another important feature of the Academic Center: the preaching lab.

– Sarah Huxford

PHOTOS BYABILLY 10 | POIN T M AG ZI NE HOWARD PHOTOGRAPHY, GARY CHAPMAN PHOTOGRAPHY AND JOY UGI

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Learning Commons, Academic Center

Preaching Lab, Academic Center

LAB Ever since its founding, Point University has had the goal of helping young adults spread the Gospel message. Throughout the years, as students have graduated and facilities and faculty members have changed, this goal has remained a constant.

In recent years, the East Point campus included the addition of the James W. Dyer Preaching Lab, a home for the teaching and learning of homiletics. Funded by family and friends of Dyer and completed in 2007, the facility in the Hathcock Center was designed to give students a place to practice and learn their preaching skills.

With the rapid growth of the department, though, the Dyer lab was starting to burst at the seams. Some courses were almost to the point of standing-room only. For students in the biblical studies and preaching ministry program, one of the greatest sources of excitement over the move to West Point was the new preaching lab, located at the core of the building. Not only would there be a larger space, but it would be custom-built for the preaching program.

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In order to truly make the space effective, a small group of three students pitched in to help the University make the space more than just an empty shell. The result is a cutting-edge facility for young preachers, teachers and evangelists to practice their skills and sharpen their homiletical swords.

The facility features state-of-the-art sound and high-definition video equipment, to replicate the high-quality systems found in many of today’s churches. The new space also features flexible seating for up to 150, thanks to a removable wall in the back. It also has full recording capabilities to allow students to create

high-definition videos of their sermons to present to potential employers, along with a resume.

The University’s focus on the preaching lab shows that although Point is expanding and growing, the cross is still central.

This investment in future church leaders is symbolized by the stained-glass panels along one wall of the room, featuring a central cross. Lit from behind, the cross serves as a reminder to students who enter this room that nothing matters more than the Savior we worship and live for daily.

– William Warren ’14

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DONOR: Simone Alexander

I gave to the Point Forward campaign because I believe in what Point is trying to do in the lives of our students. We at Point have been blessed to have a student body that has a heart for God and a desire to share His Word with others. It is critical that we have the resources to equip our students to share Christ on a global level.

Teaching at Point has meant having the privilege to impact lives and openly share the Lord. It is great not having to “park” my spirituality and beliefs at the door when I come to work and to have administrators, colleagues and staff who are all supportive of building and growing each other, our students and our organization through Christ. fa l l / w inte r 2 0 1 2 | 13

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Alumni who studied music at Point, along with friends of the University who attended concerts, will recall what the Department of Fine Arts faced when operating primarily out of Westside Chapel and its basement. Lack of space and inadequate facilities were daily challenges. But the beautifully renovated Fine Arts Center in West Point, just across the street from the Academic Center, makes those issues a thing of the past.

Piano Lab

In addition to faculty offices, the Fine Arts Center houses a recording studio and two performance halls. The soundproof wall between the two halls can be removed, allowing for a larger space suitable for student recitals. The Center also features a piano lab and a music classroom.

Soundproofed practice rooms provide space for student rehearsal as well as one-on-one vocal and instrumental instruction. A Mac lab designed especially to meet the needs of fine arts students completes the facility.

“The Fine Arts Center is more than a dream come true,” said Dr. Byron Cartwright, professor of music and chair of the Department of Fine Arts.

“We have facilities for teaching, rehearsing and performing that I never expected Point University to have. God has been good in so many ways, and we praise Him!” – S. H.

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DONOR: Marvin Bussey ’86 Point University has been a lighthouse for me; it provided me with direction, skills, inspiration and a road map for navigating my life’s journey. In order to ensure success and build future leaders, Point must have great facilities, professors who are experts in their fields and a support team of staff to facilitate the process. I made a campaign pledge to help Point acquire the resources needed to accomplish this goal. The campaign is an investment in students who will effect change and make an impact in the world, whether it is in ministry, business, medicine, fine arts, education, social sciences or sports.

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DONOR: DJ Dycus Point University enabled me to complete my education and allows me to minister to students in ways that I wouldn’t be able to anywhere else – both in and out of the classroom. I am a better servant-leader in my home and in the church because of the education and preparation that I have received as an employee of Point.

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Point University has stepped out on faith. The changes we have made are on a scale that far exceed any institution’s normal operating budget, or even the generosity of those who have contributed so far. The Point Forward campaign 0 1us 2 |to 15 fa l l /iswessential inte r 2for continue what we have already begun.

Parr House Annex

Parr House

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DONORS: Eddie ’67 & Belinda Groover ’75

Getting to the William T. Parr House from the Academic and Fine Arts Centers involves walking up a very steep hill – but the view at the top is worth the effort! This beautiful home, which was featured in a previous issue of Point Magazine, was donated to the University by the Parr family. In addition to housing alumni events and special University guests, the Parr House is the new home of the Advancement Office.

Its spacious, three-car, two-story garage was converted into meeting and office space for employees in fundraising, communications and alumni relations.

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DONOR: Becky Gregory ’80 I have always been grateful for the education I received at Point because it provided a good foundation to build upon. I am indebted to people such as Roy McKinney, Wye Huxford and Ralph Warren, who were mentors far beyond the classroom. The friendships created decades ago are in many cases the most important relationships in my life today.

In my opinion, a University is no different from any other business in the sense that if you are not growing and continuing to reinvent yourself, you will eventually cease to exist.

While many people are uncomfortable with change, I believe it is absolutely necessary and exciting.

McKinney’s

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“The Parr House is a perfect place for our alumni family to have reunions and parties in a home setting,” said Pam Hopson Ross ’78, director of alumni relations. “We are already looking forward to celebrating here with our upcoming December graduates.”

– S. H.

Our tour continues at the Dining Hall, located one block from the Academic and Fine Arts Centers. With its entrance along Third Avenue, West Point’s “main drag,” this facility will serve not only students, but the general public as well.

Storefront-style windows facing Third Avenue showcase the campus store and McKinney’s Coffeehouse. In the campus store, pictured below right, students and visitors can purchase Point apparel and merchandise for the entire family – ranging from “future Skyhawk” baby clothes to shirts representing each of Point’s athletic teams.

Point University means more to me than I can adequately express. I met my wife, Belinda, on the day she enrolled. Our sons, Greg and Michael, considered the campus an extension of our yard during their childhood. The community that has become Point University has blessed my family for four generations and has helped to shape me intellectually and spiritually.

Supporting Point Forward is a natural expression of how important my alma mater is to me. We are in the first page or two of an exciting new chapter in the life of Point University.

I am grateful for the earlier chapters, but I am convinced that our future is exceptionally bright.

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McKinney’s, named for the late Professor Roy McKinney, began on the East Point campus, where it still serves students enrolled in the Access program. The newest location offers an expanded menu, including coffee, tea, soft drinks, sandwiches and snacks. Hanging above the counter are two stained glass panels created by Betty Jo McKinney, wife of Roy McKinney.

The Dining Hall itself is a showcase of reused and upcycled materials, such as privacy panels between booths made from old doors. Food service in the Dining Hall is provided by Kimble’s Food by Design, a LaGrange, Ga.-based catering and food service company.

– S. H.

Campus Store

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DONOR: Bryant Marshall ’06

DONOR: Don & Jane Murray

I chose to give to the campaign because of the direction of Point University. Point has been a big part of my life since enrolling in fall 2001.

This school gave me many lifelong friends, a college degree, and most importantly, a wife! To me, Point has been an opportunity for relationship, an opportunity for growth, and now an opportunity to fulfill my calling through my job as a coach here. This campaign allows people like me to participate in a great cause – a cause I can look back on in the bright future of Point University and say, “Hey, I was a part of that!”

Point University has enhanced and will continue to enhance the Valley area with its good Christian leaders and students. This community has been blessed with so many opportunities that have come with this new addition. Our grandson and his wife, Sam ’13 and Jerilyn Price Webb ’13, are juniors at Point. We wanted to help Point Forward, and the matching gift opportunity was a good way to make it twice as nice.

This is a great way to show support for the Lord’s work and for Point University.

HOUSING & ATHLETICS

Point Living Community

Our last stops on the tour require driving a few miles – or simply hopping on the Point University shuttle, which makes regular stops at these locations.

Students reside in the Point Living Community at Crest Club, an apartment complex located just across the state line in Valley, Ala. The apartment complex clubhouse has been converted to a space for students to hang out and study, and is staffed by student Campus Life Ministers and student life interns. The clubhouse area also features a laundry room and an outdoor pool for student use.

“The apartment-style setting of the Point Living Community gives students the opportunity to be independent and responsible, while keeping them close to their peers and many of the activities on campus,” said Chris Beirne, director of student life.

Point Living Community

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DONOR: Northridge Christian Church Mike Waers ’77, Minister Northridge has had a long-time relationship with Point. Currently, two members of our leadership team are graduates. We were excited about the move and expanded focus of Point. We feel this will increase the impact Point has on the world and church. A win for Point is a win for the church. The Point Forward campaign will propel the University into this next growth phase. We were “all in” because this was a matching gift; it’s great to give a gift that will be doubled by matching funds.

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Adjacent to the Point Living Community is the Valley Community Center and Sportsplex. Resident students are members of the Sportsplex, which offers tennis courts, baseball fields, soccer fields and a 54,000-square-foot aquatic Olympic center with a walking track, basketball and racquetball facilities.

Ram Stadium, where the Skyhawks play football, is a short walk from the Sportsplex.

Behind Ram Stadium is the Valley Field House, which houses coaching offices and locker rooms for the football team and several other sports. The field house is also the home of the weight room for student-athletes, as well as the athletic trainers’ offices.

Valley Field House

Point’s basketball and volleyball teams are practicing and playing in the West Point Gym, a city-owned facility that has been renovated to house Skyhawk sports and coaching offices. Outside the gym, a soccer field, baseball field and softball field have been constructed.

“The people of the Valley have joined with us in making an exceptional effort in building, renovating, and preparing athletic facilities for our studentathletes,” said Alan Wilson, head men’s basketball coach and interim athletic director. “We are extremely grateful and appreciative that we can play and work in first-class facilities that will benefit the whole Point community.”

– S. H.

Valley Field House F O U N DAT I O N

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DONORS: Ralph & Evelyn Swearngin As a former professor and current trustee, I understand the need to move Point University forward in the process of being a vital Kingdom instrument to reach the world for Christ. With that in mind, participating in the campaign became a priority for Evelyn and me. The physical move to a new campus and the expansion of degree programs to educate people for a wider scope of ministries are costly ventures if God-honoring quality is to be maintained. The people who participate in this campaign have the opportunity to participate in the expansion of God’s Kingdom in a fa l l / w inte r 2 0 1 2 | 19 significant way.

Cruise to Freedom

I begin every new class I teach in the Access program in the same way. I ask students to tell me about themselves: who they are, what they currently do and what they hope to do when they graduate. Usually the answers are much as you would expect: “I am So and So. I am a mom/dad and have 2.5 children. I work at Thus and Such, and when I graduate I hope to do XYZ.” So imagine my surprise when I began a class with the same question and heard this: “Hi, my name is Saw Htoka. I am from Myanmar and came to this country when I walked off the cruise ship on which I worked and into the city of Miami.”

I sputtered: “You did what?!”

He said, “I jumped ship in Miami so I could seek political asylum in America!”

The story of Htoka, a Christian ministries major in Point’s Access program, began in Myanmar ( formerly Burma) and includes stop-offs in France, Miami, New Orleans, California, Memphis, New York and Atlanta. Here it is, in his own words: I had been married for six months when my opportunity to leave Myanmar arrived. I left because I was tired of the tension. I am from the Karen tribe, one of 104 tribes in my country. This tribe has been fighting the government for many years. When the English came in and colonized the country, the Karen joined them. The English promised us a country. We fought along with them.

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When the English pulled out their troops, many Karen people were murdered because they had worked with the British. That was about 100 years ago, but there has been a war going on ever since between the Burmese people and the Karen, although they are now working on a treaty.

Also, there was no financial opportunity for me. Being the oldest son meant that I had to support my family, including my father and my grandfather. I could not keep that up with what I could make in Myanmar. I had bill collectors standing at my door at 4 a.m. just waiting for me to come out.

Then there was the problem of religious persecution. Christians make up only four percent of the population. Most people are Buddhist. You are free to be a Christian, but you are not free to speak of being a Christian or to share the Gospel. You can get into a lot of trouble.

When I was 19, I was moved by the Holy Spirit, born again, and I went with some other boys to a remote village to preach the Gospel. The head of the village welcomed us into his house. We didn’t know that there were troops in the area, as well as Karen rebels. We were not there long before an officer in the military sent word for us to leave or we would be shot. It was midnight and we had to leave before dawn.

They don’t oppress you unless you preach the Gospel. You can’t preach in public. You will get nailed.

megan cobb hall ’08

– Saw Htoka ’13, as told to Jim Street ’74

If you get caught preaching, say in a market place, you will get thrown in jail. They treat Christians who preach in public like trash. You may be in jail with murderers and rapists, but you will be treated worse than anyone. They will starve you. Back then, they would add lead to your food without your knowledge to make you sick. Many Christians who came out of prison died of cancer because of their food being poisoned.

I had wanted to come to America for a long time. I liked the lifestyle that I saw in American movies. Everyone had a car in America! Hardly anyone had a car in Myanmar. I was in love with America!

In America you were free to say what you wanted to say. In Myanmar, which was under the control of the military, you had to be very careful about what you said. People would report you and the military placed intelligence agents everywhere. You never knew who you could trust.

In 1999, when I was 27, I got a job on a cruise ship. I had heard this ship was going to America. I thought that I would work on that ship and leave for America. Many people discouraged me, but my father encouraged me since it might be my only chance. He told me the name and the phone number of a relative of his in California. I caught a plane from Myanmar to France and from there the ship sailed to Miami.

I cut vegetables for days on that ship. The work was very hard and very long. We slept only four hours and then cut vegetables for eight, then we slept for four and cut for eight. Every day. Twelve days altogether on the sea.

When we arrived in Miami, I put on two pairs of jeans and two shirts and walked off the ship. I had a suitcase, but I left it on the ship because I didn’t want anyone to suspect anything. I had my two weeks’ pay, about $400, in my pocket. I could only speak enough English to say a few words and could understand less. I called a cab and went to the airport. They told me the ticket would be $900! I said I only had $400. So, I went to the railroad station. They told me the ticket would cost $230 and it would take three days.

When I got on the train in Miami, I was very nervous. I didn’t have any identification. I didn’t have a passport. I was an illegal immigrant! I didn’t want to get caught and get sent back to Myanmar.

When I got to California, I found the woman my father knew. I worked for her. I owe her a lot.

She saved me. But, on the other hand, her mind was a little messed up. She began to accuse me of many things. She was very insecure and thought I was doing things.

I knew I had to get away from there. I knew that she would report me and have me sent back to my country. I was very vulnerable. I was helped

by a preacher who worked with me. I went to his house and she came there looking for me. I could hear her from another room.

I had to run for it. I went to Memphis and worked as a sushi chef. While I was there, I applied for political asylum and, after about a year, I received that. During that time I worked in Memphis, Miami and New York.

I was here after the money. I worked every day, seven days a week, fourteen hours a day. I began to make good money.

I came to Atlanta, where I ended up working in a Publix. I ran two sushi bars and did that for eight or nine years. I was enjoying that life.

I was also getting up every morning at 4 a.m.

Every morning I worshipped for one hour. I was reading the Bible and praying. But after a time, it got to where when I was driving to work I would start crying like a baby . . . every day. Finally, once, in the middle of the night, I got down on my knees and asked God what he was trying to tell me.

I didn’t receive an answer at first. But then, later, I heard an ad for Point University on the radio. I wanted to come to school here. I resigned from Publix and applied.

From that point on, money has been gone from my mind. I don’t even think about it. I want to serve God. I had to struggle to get my GED for two years. When I got to this school, I was amazed.

I know that this is the best school for me. The teachers are so gifted. I learn a lot from them. I see how they live. I believe this school is driven by the Holy Spirit.

I love being in school. This school has opened my eyes wide . . . the teachers are so rich in Scripture and thought. It is a great opportunity to be here.

I want to serve God. I don’t know where God is going to use me. I’m open and up for it. God can send me back to Burma to share the gospel or keep me here to share his work. I want to come along with Jesus wherever he leads me.

I want to serve people in the name of Jesus.

Right now, I help people who have trouble with their cars. I work for free. That is how I am serving God right now.

There are seven billion people in the world. I would say that three-and-a-half billion of them want to be in America. That’s how big America is in their dreams. I thank God for letting me come here and having the life I want. But above all else, I thank God that he let me be in this school!

Htoka’s wife joined him in the United States after he received political asylum. He has two daughters, ages 7 and 5, whom he hopes will become missionaries. His oldest daughter is named Teresa, after Mother Teresa. His youngest is named Tabitha, after the disciple in Joppa who “was always doing good and helping the poor.” (Acts 9: 36) fa l l / w inte r 2 0 1 2 | 21

CLASS NOTES

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Hoyt Johnson ’64 and his wife, Carolyn, recently celebrated their 52nd year in ministry. Hoyt has begun his 11th year at East Point Christian Church, which recently celebrated its 102nd anniversary.

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Bethany Romans Raymond ’00 is serving as assistant to executive minister Brett King ’96 at Peachtree City Christian Church.

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Chantel Sloan ’01 announces the adoption of her daughter, Annabelle, who was born on June 29.

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Congratulations to Shane Collins ’04, who was recently accepted into graduate school.

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Nick ’07 and Sarah Hersey (’01’02) welcomed a son, Johnathan David, on July 25.

Jay Warren ’07 and his wife, Katy Kirkland Warren ’07, are serving at Peachtree City Christian Church, where Jay is children’s minister.

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Rand Burton ’08 was ordained at East Point Christian Church, where he is serving as a minister.

Brent and Natalie Wright Thompson ’08 welcomed their son, Bryce Mitchell, on

Miles ’09 and Lori Todd Barnes ’09 welcomed their son, Jameson Craig, on October 10. The family resides in Newnan, Ga. Beth Webb Little ’09 was named 2012-13 Teacher of the Year at Whitesburg Elementary School in Whitesburg, Ga. Beth is currently in her 15th year of teaching.

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Stephen Lipham ’11 recently embarked on a two-year mission trip aboard one of Operation Mobilization’s ships. OM’s ships travel the world supplying literature, helping those in need, and sharing the Gospel.

Tim and April Morgan Summerlin ’11 were married on June 9. The couple currently resides in Ringgold, Ga.

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Justin Cardell ’12 married Mandy Musick (’07-’10) on July 20.

Justin is serving at Woodland Christian Camp in Temple, Ga. Lisa Gantt ’12 is serving as an admission counselor at Point.

Jamie-Grace Harper ’12 had the opportunity to perform her hit song “Hold Me” before a national audience on ABC’s The View on July 24.

We want to hear from you! 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. 22 | P OI N T M AG A ZI NE

HOMECOMING 2012

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

Don Jeanes, former president of Milligan College, passed away on August 27. Jeanes held a special place in the hearts of Point alumni and employees, having spent 12 years of his career serving as an administrator and faculty member.

Jeanes was a 1968 graduate of Milligan and a 1972 graduate of Emmanuel Christian Seminary. He joined the faculty at what was then Atlanta Christian College, teaching humanities and Bible and administering the student financial aid program. In 1978, he was named administrative vice president of the College. He served in that role until 1984, while also working on doctoral courses at Emory University. Jeanes served as president of Milligan from 1997 until his retirement in 2011. He was a member of First Christian Church in Johnson City, Tenn.

“Don and I worked together, served on a variety of boards together, and managed to keep in touch over the years despite the distances,” said Wye Huxford ’73. “We could always pick up where we left off. He was, in the best sense of the idea, a good friend and always the perfect gentleman.”

“I had the greatest respect for Dr. Jeanes as a true man of God,” remembered Becky Clark ’83. “I worked for some time with the faculty and administration. Some of us loved to play around at times, even serenading the offices with fourpart whistle harmony on Christmas carols. I remember Dr. Jeanes would ‘officially’ give us the look that we should be behaving ourselves, but secretly I think we all knew he would love to be in on it with us.”

He is survived by his wife, Clarinda; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Brad Folck; and grandsons, Eli and Hayden.

megan cobb hall ’08; william warren ’14; joy ugi

September 25. Natalie also began a new job with The Harbin Agency in 2012. The family resides in Sharpsburg, Ga.

photo courtesy of milligan college

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Rupert ’54 and Alene Wallace (’52-’53) celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this summer.

The first Homecoming in West Point was a great success! To see more photos, log on to Facebook.com/ PointUniversity. Make plans now to attend Homecoming 2013 next fall! fa l l / w inte r 2 0 1 2 | 23

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