Point Magazine Fall/Winter 2014

Hands-On Training MINISTRY PREP AT CHRIST’S CHURCH OF THE VALLEY PAGE 18

TWO PROFESSORS REFLECT ON CIVIL RIGHTS

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POINT RENAMES ACADEMIC AND FINE ARTS CENTERS PAGE 7

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PLACES TO GO IN KNOXVILLE PAGE 23

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A Tale of Two Childhoods

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Hands On

Dr. Eddie Groover ’67 and Dr. Dedra Woolfolk grew up in the same neighborhood — a generation apart.

Here, they share their reflections and experiences in the segregated South, along with their hopes for the future.

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Three Point graduates gain real-life ministry experience through a unique partnership with Christ’s Church of the Valley in Arizona.

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From the President Campus News Class Notes

CONTENTS

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On November 7, the University held a ceremony to celebrate the renaming of the J. Smith Lanier II Academic Center, pictured here, and the Scott Fine Arts Center. For more details on this important day in the University’s history, turn to page 7.

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FROM THE PRESIDENT POIN T M AG AZ I NE Volume 53, Number 2 Fall/Winter 2014

EDITOR/DESIGNER Sarah G. Huxford

M

erry Christmas! I will confess to, in some years, being a bit more on the “Bah! Humbug!” side of Christmas, and doing my share of complaining about how early we start the marketing and celebrating of Christmas. But the older I get, the more eager I am to enter into a season of Advent in preparation for our celebration of Christmas! As we read in Isaiah, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.” (Isaiah 9:6-7, NIV)

As I think about the gift of a Savior and the grace that has been given to us, I do want to sing in celebration and live a life that reflects kingdom thinking and behavior.

That’s why it is an honor to serve at a Christ-centered college whose mission is to train leaders who will advance the kingdom of God! As you peruse this issue, I think you’ll share my enthusiasm for what God is doing in and through Point University. You will read stories which demonstrate that training kingdom leaders is not just about the classroom, and not just about preparation for service later. Instead, we believe that in addition to getting a quality classroom experience, every student needs to see and participate in what it looks like to extend God’s kingdom now through changed attitudes and lives of service.

When the ancient prophet Simeon saw Joseph and Mary bringing baby Jesus to the temple, he could only declare, “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations” (Luke 2:30-31, NIV). That seems to be the way you and I should continue to respond to the glorious work of God in and among us.

I hope that when you finish reading this magazine, you will join me in thanking God for what He is doing at Point University!

Gratefully,

Dean C. Collins ’79 President

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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.

Contact Point Magazine: Attn: Point Magazine 507 West 10th Street West Point, GA 31833 706-385-1000 editor@point.edu ©2014 Point University

On the cover: Zach Tyler ’13, Gerardo Mancilla ’13 and Shaun Horne ’14. Photo courtesy of Christ’s Church of the Valley.

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

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

billy howard photography

“We believe that in addition to getting a quality classroom experience, every student needs to see and participate in what it looks like to extend God’s kingdom.”

CONTRIBUTORS Weslynn Biggers Austin Penny Adam Pope

CAMPUS NEWS

Beginning

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oint University announced in October the opening of a new off-site location in northeast Atlanta, at the Lindbergh City Center. The Lindbergh location will open in January, and will house faculty, staff and student programs currently located on the University’s historic campus in East Point.

“While the East Point campus served us well in the past, we believe this new location will allow us to more effectively serve our Access students,” said President Dean Collins ’79. “This new location has significant long-term potential for us.”

Located at 2450 Piedmont Road, the University’s new space is housed in a class-A luxury office building within walking distance of the Lindbergh MARTA station. This new facility will provide greater access to technology in the classroom. Faculty, staff and students at the new location will also enjoy closer proximity to shops and restaurants, making it easier to grab a meal during the workday or before class.

“We’re excited to open the new Lindbergh location to better serve our adult population,” said Stacy Bartlett ’05, vice president of enrollment management.

“This location offers a convenient class-

room experience for more students from a wider geographic area. With updated facilities and technology, there are more opportunities to help students achieve educational success by starting or finishing a degree.”

At the same time, the University announced another strategic partnership with McDonough Christian Church. Pending approval from SACSCOC, the UniverThe Access classroom is an interactive environment, where sity’s accrediting agency, Point students will benefit from access to updated technology. plans to begin offering classes CHECK OUR PROGRESS! in this location in August 2015.

Find FAQs and other information “For many years, McDonough about the University’s move to Christian Church has been Lindbergh City Center at point. a strong supporter of Point edu/onthemove (or scan the University,” said Collins. “Many young people who grew up in code at left). the church went on to become side of Atlanta, along the I-75 corridor. students at Point. Senior Minister “These are exciting days at Point UniPaul Leslie ’87 has served on the board of versity, and I am grateful for the way the trustees since 2000, and this partnership is Lord has blessed us and grown our reach,” the next step in this relationship between said Collins.

“I hope you’ll join us in prayPoint and McDonough Christian Church.” ing that God would continue to guide us The McDonough location will mark and allow us to extend our impact.” the University’s first on the southeastern FALL/ W INTER 2 014 | 5

On Friday, November 7, Point University held a ceremony to honor the families of J. Smith Lanier II and W. H. Scott by renaming the Academic Center for Lanier and the Fine Arts building for Scott. Faculty, staff, students and friends of the University gathered in front of the newly named Lanier Academic Center for a celebration that included musical selections performed by Point’s Concert Choir and Signature Voices.

“Smith Lanier loved college students and Point University’s emphasis on equipping students to be points of influence in the workplace and all areas of their lives,” said President Dean Collins ’79 at the ceremony. “We believe the best way to honor this humble Christian servant is by making him an example to future generations and allowing his name to inspire the Christian leaders of tomorrow.”

W. H. Scott worked at the Huguley-McCollough Ford dealership in West Point and eventually bought into the business, renaming it the Huguley-Scott Auto Company. The company grew with West Point, and in 1947 built a new dealership at the corner of 4th Avenue and 10th Street, now the site of the University’s fine arts building.

“The Scott family has always believed in active community involvement,” said Collins. “William Henry Scott served as mayor of West Point for 16 years, and his son and grandson served on the West Point City Council. We want Point University students to be the kind of servant-leaders in their communities that these men were.”

The University also celebrated that day the naming of the Alan and Sally Stith and Family Classroom, on the second floor of the Academic Center. The Stiths are longtime friends of the University, and Alan is a 1986 graduate.

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Clockwise from top: The exterior of the Scott Fine Arts Center; Point fine arts students singing; representatives of the Scott family; Sally and Alan Stith ’86 with Dean Collins ’79; Betty Lanier with Collins.

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University Renames Facilities in Honor of Lanier and Scott

Point Students Learn Valuable Lessons from Chick-fil-A Leader In September, Point business students were treated to a special presentation as Andrew Cathy, vice president and chief people officer for Chick-fil-A, visited the West Point campus.

Cathy, the grandson of founder Truett Cathy and son of current CEO Dan Cathy, spoke to students about the history of the company and how to effectively operate a business without sacrificing core values.

Students were also able to take part in a question-and-answer session with Cathy to gain insight about how to take the next step after college.

“One piece of advice would be to find something you’re passionate about,” Cathy said. “It’s easy to get pulled towards finding the best Erik Quintana ’15, a business major, talks with Chick-fil-A execupaycheck, but it won’t tive Andrew Cathy on Point’s main campus. be as fulfilling in life.”

Brittany Jacobson ’16, who is studying marketing, said that one of the biggest takeaways from the event was learning to not sacrifice her beliefs when it comes to being successful.

“In the end, if you have your morals and values, and put Christ in front of everything, you can succeed in anything,” Jacobson said. “You will have obstacles, but if you have your priorities in line, you will succeed.”

Cathy’s main focus at Chick-fil-A is people. His role as chief people officer allows him the chance to get to know restaurant operators at a more personal level.

He says that when looking for potential employees, the company seeks three main characteristics: character, chemistry and competency.

Point University President Dean Collins ’79 believes the wisdom that Cathy shared with students is invaluable.

“It was an honor and privilege to host Andrew Cathy on Point University’s campus. He shared some great insight,” said Collins. “I know that our business students will be able to take those lessons and apply them to not just their studies, but also toward their professional development.”

In the Classroom

SCENE ON CAMPUS

Endowed scholarship recipients had the privilege of meeting representatives of those scholarships at a banquet in September. Here, Caroline Stinson ’17 meets Ann and Fred Zimmermann.

This fall, students in West Point had the opportunity to learn from the leaders of the Christ’s Church of the Valley in Arizona. Ben Gowell, lead programming pastor, spoke to fine arts students while at Point.

Students on all of Point’s campuses got to read the Bible in a new format this fall, thanks to a donation from Biblica. Students met in weekly “Adventure” discussion groups like the one pictured above.

COURSE NAME CHS/PSY 490 Studies in Counseling: Human Trafficking INSTRUCTOR Sallie Livingston, M.S.W., Instructor of Sociology

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COURSE SUMMARY The 2013 Global Slavery Index estimates there are currently 29.8 human slaves in the world today. This course attempts to look at the cultural issues that both propel people into slavery and also creates a continuous demand for human slaves across the world. Most importantly, this course also seeks to examine current attempts to address the issue of human slavery and trafficking and provide resources and healing for survivors.

SUGGESTED READING Bales, Kevin, Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy, University of California Press; Bales, Kevin and Ron Soodalter, The Slave Next Door: Human Trafficking and Slavery in America Today, University of California Press; Batstone, David, Not for Sale: The Return of the Global Slave Trade — and How We Can Fight It, HarperOne.

Josh Duggar, of TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, visited Point’s campus this fall as part of the Faith, Family, Freedom tour.

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Scan this code to see a video of Impact Week!

Changing Point’s Community Through Serving Together

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Clockwise from top: Lena Lemieux ’16, Martika Gamble ’15 and Rod Harris ’18 served during Impact Week.

back to them,” said Moss. “Outside of getting the opportunity to give back, serving in the community gives me the chance to connect with people and reflect on what a blessing it is to attend a university where the emphasis is on who we are as people, not simply the grades we make in the classroom.”

The University plans to hold another Impact Week event in the spring.

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More than 400 Point University students, faculty and staff served the people of Lanett, Alabama, in October as part of the University’s Impact Week. The Point community painted and repaired houses, cleaned up cluttered yards and completed numerous other projects in a community a few blocks from the West Point campus. The event took place in conjunction with The Chattahoochee Fuller Center Project’s Block of Blessings initiative.

Taking a day off to serve together has been a Point tradition since spring 2008. Since then, students, faculty and staff have completed thousands of hours of volunteer service at the University’s semiannual event. This fall, the event was stretched from a single day to an entire week, with volunteers working morning and afternoon shifts, Monday through Friday. The Chattahoochee Fuller Center Project team initially planned to work on 49 houses, but had enough volunteers to impact 61 houses and families.

“Loving our neighbors together is an honor. We’re lucky that the place where we work and study holds community service as a value and priority,” said Chris Beirne, director of student life.

Justin Moss ’17 says that building relationships with members of the community is just one of the many things he loves about serving on behalf of the University.

“The Greater Valley Area has been incredibly receptive to the Point family, and it is the least of what we can do to give

Skyhawks’ Star Punter Strives to Give Back to Others

Skyhawks Receive Honors for Fall Sports WOMEN’S SOCCER Goalkeeper Katie Barsotti ’15 earned All-Conference Second-Team honors for the 2014 season. She was also named to the AAC Champions of Character team, which recognizes athletes with the highest integrity throughout the conference.

Defender Kristabelle Rangel ’16 was named to All-Conference First-Team.

Forward Celly Ruiz ’17 made All-Conference Second-Team after her 12-goal, seven-assist regular season. After impressive performances in the Appalachian Athletic Conference Tournament, midfielder Andrea Lopez ’18 and forward Alondra Magana ’18 earned All-Tournament team honors.

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MEN’S SOCCER Taking Second-Team All-Conference honors was forward Phil Pressgrove ’15, who registered 16 goals and two assists, which helped him to number two in the AAC for goals and total points (34).

Receiving the Sandy Zensen Champions of Character Award was defender Donovan Harper ’15. Harper was also named to the AAC Champions of Character Team, an honor bestowed to the conference’s players with the highest integrity.

Point’s largest haul was for AAC Academic All-Conference, with six total players achieving a GPA of 3.25 or higher: Harper, Ruan da Costa ’15, Erik Quintana ’15, Koy Benton ’17, Joey Knight ’17, and Jimmy Franklin ’17.

WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Receiving First-Team All-AAC honors was Samantha Greenlee ’16, who finished No. 9 overall at the AAC Championships. After impressive performances at the AAC Championships, Alycea Heredia ’18, Becky Guadiana ’18 and Haley Johnson ’18 were all named to the AAC All-Freshman team.

When Point’s star football player David Strickland ’16 isn’t pinning the opposition inside their own 20-yard line, he spends his time giving back to the local community. Whether it’s a helping teach third graders literature at Springfield Elementary School, or helping young kickers and punters perfect their crafts at various special teams camps, Strickland shares the glory.

Strickland, who hails from Cusseta, Alabama, finished the 2014 season as the number one punter in the NAIA Division I, with an average of 44.6 yards on 47 punts and 2,095 total yards. He was named a firstteam USA College Football Preseason All-American.

The talented punter says he always wanted a role model to look up to, someone to help mold him. A few years ago, in high school, Strickland decided that he wanted to become that role model and positive example for others.

“I always wished, when I was coming up, that I had someone to look up to,” Strickland said. “When I got to high school, I told myself that I would be the guy to help and give back to the kids, whether it’s showing them the techniques of punting or motivating them to do better in the classroom. It means a lot to be looked up to and for them to know that I’m not going to steer them in the wrong direction.”

Although the honors and recognition for his football career continue to stack up, Strickland is determined not to outgrow his roots. In fact, Strickland often spends afternoons at Beulah High School in Valley, Alabama, his alma mater, where he helps groom their punters and kicker.

Stan Pepper, a former high school coach at Beulah, praises Strickland’s work ethic and overall passion for sharing his ability.

“He’s the hardest-working young man that has ever come through this high school,” Pepper said. “I’ve never had a player work so hard at his position. If we ever need help from a coaching standpoint, he’s always there to help out.”

One of Strickland’s top goals is to graduate college with a solid academic standing. A child and youth development major, he wants children to understand that getting an education is just as important as performing well on the football field.

“I want to graduate and finish with a great GPA,” Strickland said. “I’m a student first, then an athlete. I want to be a positive role model for the younger kids and make sure that I can affect them in the right ways.”

On the gridiron, Strickland is still chasing his biggest dream: making it to the National Football League.

F O U N DAT I O N

F O R

T H E

F U T U R E

C AMPAIG N P R OG RE SS

$16,417,976 $0

$5M

$10M

$15M

Contributions received as of November 26, 2014; total does not include unfulfilled campaign pledges.

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

$20M

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of two

CHILDHOODS

by Dr. Eddie Groover ’67 and Dr. Dedra Woolfolk

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photos courtesy of the groover and woolfolk families

A TALE

One of us IS A BLACK FEMALE. THE OTHER IS A

WHITE MALE AND, BY THE WAY, 26 YEARS OLDER. TO OUR SURPRISE, HOWEVER, WHEN WE BECAME COLLEAGUES A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO, WE BEGAN DISCOVERING MANY SIMILARITIES. FOR EXAMPLE, WE BOTH HAD CONNECTIONS WITH THE BEN HILL COMMUNITY IN SOUTHWEST ATLANTA. WE BOTH GRADUATED FROM THERRELL HIGH SCHOOL, AND BOTH EARNED OUR DOCTORATES AT EMORY UNIVERSITY. EACH OF US EVEN HAD A PARENT WHO WAS BORN IN BOWDON, GEORGIA. BUT SOME OF THOSE THINGS WE SHARED CALLED ATTENTION TO SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES. One lived in a mostly white Ben Hill, but the other grew up in a mostly black Ben Hill. One grew up in white churches, but the other has belonged to an integrated church since childhood. One graduated from an all-white Therrell High School, but the other from a mostly black Therrell.

Several years ago, Tom Edmondson ’92 invited us to make a presentation to the students of Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, comparing and contrasting our stories of growing up in the South during decades of significant transitions. We presented later versions of our stories on Point’s campus — first in East Point, then in West Point.

While both of us witnessed changing laws, attitudes and circumstances related to race, we do not consider ourselves to be experts on racial issues. We are simply two followers of Jesus Christ who live in the same part of the world and have witnessed changes over time. We aren’t especially active in politics. We haven’t participated in demonstrations or counter-demonstrations. We are bewildered by those who resort to violence. We hope that sharing our stories — which, at crucial points, blend into one story — will encourage others who also pray with us for God’s kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven.

DR. GROOVER’S STORY BEGINS

In August 1945, an American plane high over Hiroshima dropped an atomic bomb that killed tens of thousands of people in a blinding flash. As that plane was approaching its target in Japan, I was born in a hospital — a segregated hospital — in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. World War II was in its final days.

While there had been some integration of troops during the war, it would be going too far to say that blacks in the military enjoyed equality. The Marines hadn’t even accepted blacks until 1942.

Segregation was, in fact, the norm both in the North and the South during the years of my childhood.

In the North, custom and poverty were among those factors that generally kept blacks and whites separate. In the South, the lingering effects of slavery were reinforced by state and local laws.

So in the segregated post-war South, my life began. And as I prepared these remarks for the first time, I realized that I have often paid little attention to some of the race-sensitive aspects of my story and the stories of my ancestors.

Curtis Oliver, one of my great-great-grandfathers, was one of the white settlers who came into the mountains around Dahlonega in the early days of the Georgia gold rush. The Cherokees had lived in that region for generations, but their days there were numbered as whites flowed into their ancestral lands. In 1832, President Andrew Jackson sent troops to force the Cherokees to move from Georgia to Oklahoma Territory. On this forced march on “the trail of tears,” about 4,000 died.

After gold was discovered in California, by the way, my ancestor made his way to the port of Charleston, where I feel confident he would have seen the slave market as he walked to the wharf to board a ship bound for Panama. After crossing the isthmus, he sailed to San Francisco. Like most gold FALL/ W INTER 2 014 | 11

miners in California at that time, he did not strike it rich, but at least he was free to seek his fortune.

Returning to Georgia, he later enlisted in the Confederate Army. He died of natural causes in a field hospital near Savannah as General Sherman’s forces closed in on that city.

Meanwhile, another of my great-great-grandfathers, Pendleton Miller, also wore a Confederate uniform. He was taken captive in a bloody battle in Virginia, and spent a year as a prisoner of war at Fort Delaware before being released in a prisoner exchange.

Because I could not identify wealthy ancestors, I assumed for a long time that my family had no direct involvement with slavery. I was wrong.

In recent years, I discovered that at least one in my family tree — a Methodist clergyman, in fact — owned two slaves. I also came across a reference to Pendleton Miller’s having been an overseer on a plantation.

Along the way, I had already learned that at least one of my ancestors had been for a time a member of the Ku Klux Klan.

I hope that my ancestors were never violent in dealing with people of other races, but obviously I cannot say that with certainty. Given their roles and associations, some surely had opportunities.

Beyond that, I know that simply a raised eyebrow, a word, or a tone of voice can inflict pain.

DR. WOOLFOLK’S STORY BEGINS

My parents are about the same age as Dr. Groover. My mother was born in 1946 in Bowdon, Georgia, a little city about 60 miles west of Atlanta.

Racism was rampant as she was growing up. My grandparents were sharecroppers; they lived on land owned by whites and were responsible for planting and harvesting cotton. Thankfully, they were also allowed to plant vegetables and raise cattle and other livestock, so they always had plenty of food. But my mother and her family had to work in those cotton fields and had to give the first 50 percent of the profit to the owner of the land. If it was a bad yield of cotton crops, they were left with the short end of the stick.

For several years of her early childhood, my mother remembers having to stay out of school from September until late November or early December to pick cotton. She would then return to school and have to get caught up on all of the learning she had missed. (I might add that she was able to come back and earn all As, even outscoring students who were there all year long.)

My mother remembers being frustrated with the education system of that day. Blacks couldn’t

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attend the local schools in Bowdon — they were for whites only. There was only one bus for transporting all of the black students in the area to both their elementary and high schools. My mom had to ride a bus to the local elementary school and wait there while the bus driver would go and pick up other black students and take all of the elementary children to their school. Finally, the bus would go to the black high school, some 15 miles away in Carrollton.

Of course, this meant they had to get up extremely early and got home very late in the evenings; many times, they were late for school (and sometimes they got in trouble for being late). My mother remembers that as the bus carrying the white students passed by them, the kids on the bus would scream obscenities and the “n” word out of the window at them.

New textbooks for the students at the black school were the outdated, old and used textbooks received from the white schools when they got brand-new books. My mother also shared with me a memory of a time when the landowner’s wife thought she was being charitable by offering the family a gift of a bag of oranges that her children had already sliced and sucked the juice out of. She remembers occasions when her father would give her and her brothers and sisters a nickel to get an ice cream cone treat. Upon going in the local store and telling the clerk what flavor of ice cream they wanted, the clerk would scoop the ice cream onto the cone, take a big lick of the ice cream and then hand it over to them.

My mom remembers being appalled at these actions. How tragic to think that whites thought this despicable behavior was appropriate! There are many other examples that could be shared, but I think the point has been made. Blacks were being treated unfairly — as subhuman, even — and they didn’t like it.

Now don’t get me wrong, my mother’s family was a Bible-believing, church-going family. Although my grandmother tried so hard to teach my mom and her siblings to love everybody and treat all people fairly, my grandfather also instilled in them the notion that they should not allow anybody, especially a white person, to mistreat or take advantage of them. He had suffered years and years of abuse and ruthlessness at the hands of white people, so his animosity would seem warranted.

Years before my mother was born, two police officers accused my grandfather of selling whiskey illegally. I honestly don’t know if the allegations were true, but there was no evidence of the crime.

The police chased my grandfather, caught him, and talked to him in a very inhumane manner, calling him the “n” word and other vulgar names.

My grandfather refused to let them get away with speaking to him like that. He talked back to them and even threatened them. This obviously enraged the police officers, and they attempted to shoot him. Surprisingly, the gun jammed a few times, but when it finally fired, it only grazed the top of his ear. I guess it just wasn’t his time to die that day. My grandfather was a very strong man, and he wrestled the gun from the police officers and beat both men very badly. One of the men got away, and the other almost died from the injuries he suffered. My grandfather had to serve six months in jail for this incident, and he was heard expressing that he would do six more months’ time just for the satisfaction of getting vengeance.

photos courtesy of the groover and woolfolk families

DR. GROOVER

I am the son and grandson of preachers. My brother, Joe Groover ’70, and I literally grew up in the shadows of church buildings. At home and at church and at school, I was taught to be courteous and kind. I don’t recall ever being intentionally impolite to a black person, but I must acknowledge this truth: the absence of bad behavior is not necessarily the presence of good behavior.

I did not really know black people in my earliest years. I simply recognized them as part of the backdrop of my life.

I was hearing, saying, and singing the right things in church. On countless occasions, I heard, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

I also heard and believed: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

At church, I was surrounded by people of my own race and, often, of my own class.

Some of my impressions of black people were undoubtedly formed by watching movies about the Old South. Films in the tradition of Gone With the Wind portrayed black slaves as contented and loyal to their white masters. Who can say how many slaves had those feelings?

But such a view was consistent with what Americans had seen in minstrel shows in earlier years. Americans, in the North and South, began attending minstrel shows prior to the Civil War.

National touring companies were very popular for many decades. White actors in blackface — and, on rare occasions, black actors — amused white audiences with singing, dancing and funny stories.

By the time of my childhood, the old minstrel touring companies were gone, but amateur minstrel shows were common. In fact, when I was five or so, I appeared in a scene in a community variety show with brown grease paint on my face. All I had to do was to pretend to sleep as a Stephen Foster song was sung.

Some of my impressions of black people also came via television, which was becoming popular in my boyhood days. The Amos ’n’ Andy show, a weekly radio program, became the basis for a television show. The TV show bore striking similarities to the old minstrel shows. White men portraying often-bumbling black men had been the stars of Amos ’n’ Andy on the radio. These white men hired black actors for the television show. So black actors were mimicking white radio personalities who had passed themselves off as black men!

The black actors I saw on the TV screen misused or mispronounced words just as they appeared in the scripts they were given. George Kingfish Stephens, the most prominent character, always wore a suit, but didn’t have a job. Many episodes revolve around his schemes to take advantage of others or to avoid responsibility.

Amos ’n’ Andy was cancelled in 1953, when I was eight years old. On one level, it had been lighthearted and funny. It took me years, however, to realize that the program also contributed significantly to perpetuating negative stereotypes.

My family was not wealthy — far from it, in fact. But we did have enough money to hire black women to cook or iron or clean the house from time to time. I remember very little interaction with the maids who occasionally worked in my home or the black people I saw in subservient roles elsewhere.

I lived in a thoroughly segregated world. I took for granted the “whites only” signs on water fountains and bathrooms in public places. When I boarded a bus or went to see a movie, I automati-

Groover on his fifth birthday, in 1950, with his mother, Ruth Miller Groover ’43, and his brother, Joe Groover ’70.

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photos courtesy of the groover and woolfolk families

Groover’s Therrell High School senior photo, 1963.

cally sat in the white sections. I ate in restaurants to a 13-year-old boy. Soon it was obvious to the that catered only to white customers. No blacks governor that he could not continue to resist were to be seen at the beaches where we vacacourt orders, but hard-core racists continued to tioned or at the swimming pools in public parks promote their cause. we visited. And no blacks or other people of color Sadly, resistance to integration of the public were enrolled in the schools or were present in schools, and to civil rights in general, sometimes the churches I attended. turned violent and even deadly. I never saw any of I almost never heard talk about white superithe beatings, shootings or lynchings with my own ority, but how else was the code of segregation to eyes, but I read the newspaper and magazines, be explained? listened to radio and watched the news. Reports As I neared the end of the third grade, in spring of deaths of civil rights workers and of black chil1954, the Supreme Court issued the landmark dren who were victims of a church bombing in Brown v. Board of Education decision. The soAlabama shocked and saddened me. called “separate but equal” approach to public In my junior year in high school, I went to a schools was declared unconstitutional. The court theater in West End to see the movie To Kill a declared that laws maintaining white public Mockingbird, set in Alabama in the 1930s. I felt schools and black public schools would have to deep admiration for the character Atticus Finch, go. I remember hearing, and feeling, great resenta small-town lawyer who defended a falsely ment when President Eisenhower sent troops to accused black man. It was a work of fiction, of Little Rock, Arkansas, to escort black youths into course, but it had the ring of truth.

Central High School.

In spite of the growing reaction to injustice My family moved from Salem, Virginia, to in general and to blatant racism in particular, it Atlanta on my 13th birthday in summer 1958. I was struck me as entirely reasonable that I graduated wide-eyed in wonder in my new hometown. I had from an all-white Atlanta high school in 1963, no idea that this sophisticated, progressive city nearly a decade after the Supreme Court decision had been shaken by a race riot a half requiring the integration of public schools. century earlier — in 1906, to be precise.

As I was beginning my studies at what was Two months after my family moved then Atlanta Christian College, Martin Luther to Atlanta, the Temple, a prominent King, Jr. made his “I Have a Dream” speech on the Jewish synagogue on Peachtree Street, steps of the Lincoln Memorial. ACC was then all was bombed late one night. The white, which was not at all unusual in the South at dynamite blew a gaping hole in the that time. building and shattered many windows.

In 1961, just two years earlier, two black An anonymous caller had declared students had been admitted to the University of to a reporter that the next time they Georgia under a court order. Emory University, wouldn’t wait until a building was the first private institution of higher education in empty. The caller added that Jews and Georgia to be integrated, had admitted a few black blacks were “aliens.” students in 1962. The integration of other colleges As it turns out, this violent act led and universities proceeded gradually. many leaders of the city to denounce the On one occasion during my college years, Fred hate-filled bombers. Ralph McGill, then Gilbert ’55, an alumnus, spoke in our chapel. He editor of The Atlanta Constitution, won a called for views that promoted reconciliation Pulitzer Prize for his editorial condemning those who rather than conflict. I identified with his views, promoted hatred and set off bombs. A number of though I do not recall doing anything in particular prominent ministers in metropolitan Atlanta signed a as a result, at least not immediately. document condemning the sentiments that sparked During my junior and senior years at ACC, I ensuch violence. joyed going to Braves games after the team moved The bombing came in the midst of a political to Atlanta in the spring of 1966. There, the old color campaign in Georgia. In his inaugural address line was fading away. The stadium was the most early in 1959, the new governor urged the fedintegrated place in Atlanta that I was aware of. eral government to focus on things other than A significant turning point came for me a few the South and “Southern affairs.” When I wrote weeks after my graduation from college, in suma letter congratulating the new governor for his mer 1967. Mission trips were comparatively rare pro-Southern stance, he responded with a note in those days, but my college friend Steve Hooks of thanks. I doubt that he knew he was writing ’69 and I volunteered to serve — and have a good

photos courtesy of the groover and woolfolk families

time — in the Bahamas for about six weeks. Most made similar comments. of my contact with blacks that summer was on In the name of the church’s staying out of Andros Island. For the first time in politics and controversy, the civil my life, I found myself engaging in rights movement was, for a time, igcasual conversations with people nored as much as possible and often of color. As I approached my 21st feared. Still, in one way or another, birthday, I was finally getting to change came to the churches with know black people as individuals. which I had the most contact.

I still remember the name DR. WOOLFOLK of Bert, a young Bahamian who Around the time that my family joked with me. He compared his moved to the Ben Hill community, complexion with mine, holding his the area was in a period of transibronzed arm alongside my suntion often referred to as the “white burned, freckled arm. Bert had an infectious smile, a winning manner. Groover in the Bahamas in 1967. flight.” The term was coined from the fact that as black families like He became my first black friend. mine moved into the area, the whites in the comDR. WOOLFOLK munity began to move out.

It was about this time that I was born. Aaron As a young child growing up in Ben Hill, I and Christeen Robbins welcomed me into this honestly don’t remember experiencing the effects world on August 24, 1969, at Hughes Spalding of the racism associated with this “white flight,” Hospital in downtown Atlanta, which is now but my parents certainly do. My mom told me of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spald- many occasions where she had been mistreated ing. (Hughes Spalding Hospital opened during while shopping at various stores in the Ben Hill segregation as a private hospital for black patients community or at Greenbriar Mall. White retail treated by black physicians.) clerks would ignore my mother and wait on white A few years after my birth, my parents moved customers before her when she was the next in to a three-bedroom, two-bath brick home in a line. As mentioned before, my mother was raised quiet neighborhood in the Ben Hill community to not let people mistreat her, so you can imagine in southwest Atlanta. My parents still live in that that she was very verbal about being ill-treated in house and, of course, I still have a key! It will such a manner. In other words, she cursed them always be home for me. out!

Considering the cruDR. GROOVER elty my mother’s family Following three years in seminary, in August endured at the hands of 1970, I returned to East Point and began my work whites, you may be able to as a member of the faculty. Dr. Woolfolk was one empathize with why my year old at the time, by the way. We were not yet mother did not take too acquainted. Two black men — Fred Mitchell ’73, well to being affronted in born in the U.S., and Gerald Murphy (’69-’71), her new community of from Jamaica — had begun their studies at the Ben Hill. But there was a College during the previous year. In the fall of blessing that resulted from 1970, Clive Holness ’74, another Jamaican man, our family moving to Ben enrolled.

Hill: in 1974, we started to Changes were also becoming evident in attend Ben Hill Christian churches that I was familiar with. Some resisted Church, a non-denomithose changes, of course. I know that some of our national Christian church alumni abruptly lost their ministries in the 1970s that started in the home simply because they welcomed a black person to a of Howard and Laura Scarbrough (affectionately service of worship. known as Pappy and Granny).

From time to time, Dr. King observed that The minster of Ben Hill was Charles L. Pate 11:00 on Sunday morning — the hour when ’63, a white man and an Atlanta Christian College churches usually began worship services in those alumnus. Shortly before we started visiting this days — was the most segregated hour of the week. neighborhood church, Pate and the then all-white As early as the 1950s, Billy Graham occasionally congregation saw the transition taking place in

Two young church members illustrate the diversity of Ben Hill Christian Church’s congregation.

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16 | POIN T M AG A ZI NE

one of the deacons from the church (a white man) with several other white men. Typically, he was very friendly and playful with me and all of the little kids from church, but when I approached him this day — the same way I would have done if we were at church — he totally ignored me and acted like he didn’t know who I was. You can imagine the shock and hurt that both my mother and I felt. Of course, I recognize that this incident was quite minor in comparison to acts of racism and discrimination that blacks suffered; nevertheless, through the eyes of an innocent young child, it was devastating.

Although I had constant interactions with the white people at my church weekly through church activities, the elementary, middle and high schools that I attended were majority black. I also attended Morris Brown College, a historically black undergraduate institution in the Atlanta University Center. Nevertheless, there were numerous other times in my life where I was among white people outside of my church family. In those instances, I was in the minority.

As a rising junior in high school, I spent six weeks at Valdosta State University as a Governor’s Honors Program scholar. As a rising senior in college, I participated in a summer science research program at the University of Miami. Upon graduating from college in 1991, I was accepted into a M.S./Ph.D. program at Emory University School of Medicine. As a postdoctoral research assistant at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, I worked with a very diverse group of scientists. In each of these instances, I found myself among just a handful of blacks (if not the only black person), and in each case, I personally did not find race to be an issue. I established wonderful friendships and working relationships with my white peers and colleagues — a few of whom I still communicate with to this day.

When I was hired to teach at Point University in 2005, I was the only black full-time member of the faculty. Since then, I have observed Point University continue to transform into an institution with a very diverse group of professors, staff members, and student body — both in our traditional and adult programs. I can’t express how much of a blessing it is to work among a wonderful group of men and women who love God and who are exceptionally talented in their respective fields.

DR. GROOVER

One day more than 25 years ago — when my sons, Michael and Greg, were perhaps seven and nine years old — somehow, the question of my

photos courtesy of the groover and woolfolk families

Woolfolk at her graduation from Therrell in 1987, left, and with her minister, Charles Pate ’63, right.

the community. When the people of the church wanted to vote on whether blacks would be allowed to attend, Pate adamantly declared that God’s church and message of salvation was for all people. He proclaimed that “whosoever will” may come and told the congregation that as long as he was the minister of that church, blacks were welcomed to worship there. And they did. Nevertheless, many white people left the church and the community during the transition, but Pate and a few other white families stayed.

Pate made a lasting impression on hundreds of people during his 30-plus years of ministry at Ben Hill. This was my first encounter with white people — Charles Pate and his family.

I can remember the social dynamics between the black and white families at the church, and it was a refreshing example of what I know Christ would be pleased with. As a young girl, I spent much time in the Pate home.

For a few summers, Pate’s oldest daughter would babysit me and another young black boy from the church. We would play all day with Pate’s two younger children. I can remember so much fun and laughter with them — the four of us were like peas in a pod.

Pate and his wife, Ronelle, always treated us just like their own children. He and his family were the most color-blind people I had ever met.

As I think back on my experiences of growing up in the Ben Hill Christian Church family, I have the fondest of memories. Pate was like a second father to me. He baptized me, married me, and performed baby dedication ceremonies for my three sons. I even had the privilege of working part-time in the church office as his secretary when I was in college.

In addition to the Pate family, there were a number of other white families at the church that made wonderful impacts on my life through our worshipping and serving together in the community. However, I do recall one incident that made me feel like a victim of discrimination. One Saturday, my mother and I were out shopping and saw

growing up in the segregated South came up. My sons were growing up in a house on Dodson Drive, just across the street from our East Point campus.

They knew people of color at school, at church and on campus. My sons had black and white friends in our neighborhood. Their Little League baseball teams included quite a number of boys of other ethnic groups. A black architect coached one of my son’s teams.

Greg and Michael were fascinated by what I told them about the segregated South. It was as though I was describing another world.

Suddenly one of them posed a very good question about all of the separation that I was telling them about: “How could that have been?” I am glad that the childhood experiences of my sons made it difficult to imagine what segregation was like. I am also glad that I have many opportunities that were not available to me when segregation prevailed.

On a trip to Santiago, Chile, four years ago, my wife, Belinda Lee Groover ’75, and I posed for a photo with Lukas Fortunato and Brent Vokes, a young African-American man. Brent’s mother met me at a mostly white church in the Atlanta area a couple of weeks prior to our trip to South America. Somehow I referred to my upcoming trip to Santiago. Brent’s mother told me her son was part of the Globalscope campus ministry team at El Oasis there. She urged me to get acquainted with her son.

As we concluded our visit at the campus house, someone took a photograph. It was a standard pose, with our arms resting on one another’s shoulders. Later it occurred to me that such a thing would not have happened in my youth.

Brent would not have been in the picture. I thank God that he is now.

photos courtesy of the groover and woolfolk families

DR. WOOLFOLK

As the racial climate in the U.S. continued to change gradually with the advancement of the civil rights movement of the 1960s, my grandfather’s heart softened toward white people. I know that it was only through the power of the Holy Spirit that those walls of bitterness and hatred, built up by years of discrimination and cruelty, were brought down. Likewise, my mother can also attest to how God changed her heart and showed her how to forgive when it would be so easy to hold on to the hurts of the past.

I am grateful to those who came before me and endured the discrimination and fought the injustice so that I would have the opportunity to be where I am today. Even though I grew up in

a time when race relations between blacks and whites were improving significantly, I recognize that there were, and still are, serious racial troubles plaguing America.

Let us hope that someday the experience of our children and our children’s children will be such that descriptions of racism of any sort will be greeted with the same question of Dr. Groover’s sons: “How could that have been?”

Let us seek the blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ as we commit ourselves to creating such an environment for our families, our communities, our nation and our world.

OUR CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS

Some would call such thoughts utopian. We prefer to call such thoughts ideals of the kingdom of God. We prefer to link such thoughts with the teachings of him who taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Laws enforcing segregation have been set aside, but racism and prejudice of other kinds persist.

People are different because they have more than we do or less, because they speak another language, because they are from somewhere else, because they hold other views, because they practice another religion. Because, because, because.

German Christian Dietrich Bonhoeffer saw it as his duty to resist in words and actions the seduction of Germany by Adolf Hitler and the Third Reich. Bonhoeffer wrote, spoke and acted. As a result, he was executed by the Nazis in 1945, just days before Germany surrendered to the Allies.

We trust that none of us will ever find ourselves surrounded by such intense wickedness as Bonhoeffer confronted in Nazi Germany, but we do not take racism lightly. Racial prejudice is only a few steps from violence. Stand up. Speak up.

Bonhoeffer wrote: “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”

Groover and Woolfolk in front of Therrell High School in November 2014.

Dr. Groover is chancellor emeritus of Point University. Dr. Woolfolk is professor of science and chair of the Department of Math and Science.

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HANDS ON POINT UNIVERSITY PARTNERS WITH CHRIST’S CHURCH OF THE VALLEY TO PREPARE GRADUATES FOR MINISTRY BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

photos courtesy of christ’s church of the valley

by Sarah Huxford

18 | P OINT M AG A ZI NE

85 PERCENT. THAT’S HOW MANY TRAINED PASTORS LEAVE THE MINISTRY FIELD AFTER JUST FIVE YEARS — A SHOCKINGLY HIGH NUMBER. When Don Wilson, senior pastor of Christ’s The general leadership competencies Church of the Valley (CCV), saw that figure, he include events and project management, wanted to understand it. What would cause so first impressions, leadership practices, many people to leave the vocational ministry to life of Christ, staff development, and which they’d once felt so strongly called? volunteer management. Residents then “We found that Bible colleges were doing a add a field emphasis — such as pastoral, great job of preparing their students with knowlchildren’s, youth or sports ministry — edge, but they were limited in providing educafor the remaining three competencies. tion in the practical, day-to-day operations of a The residency also includes a spring church,” explains Rick Penny, lead pastor of the trip to Israel, focused on studying the Leadership Institute at CCV. “Short-term internlife of Christ. ships, while beneficial, are not enough.”

“In addition to weekly profesThe team at CCV — a multi-campus Christian sional training, residents are paired church in Arizona — began developing a program with a CCV staff coach for hands-on to change that statistic. The result is the Resilearning as much as 40 hours a week,” dency Program, a year-long experience in which explains Penny. “The teaching model church leaders are trained in areas of competency of Say, Show, Do is in action daily. We not easily covered in a classroom setting. tell them what to do, they see us do the “I’m excited for all that God “CCV developed a residency program which is actions, then they move out and conduct has in store for me here, focused on preparing young men and women for the actions.” ministry in the context of a healthy, growing church,” Residents are scored on their perfor- because this is going to says Wye Huxford ’73, professor of biblical studies mance throughout the residency using have a long-term impact on and chair of the Department of Biblical Studies at CCV’s custom assessment program.

Point. “In addition, the residency program provides “Our layer of assessment is unique and my ministry.” the kind of career provides residents feedback to im—Shaun Horne ’14 guidance that prove,” says Penny. “We are hoping to ensures young see mistakes made so that learning can ministry protake place in a safe environment, while working fessionals find alongside our staff.” opportunities in In November 2013, Point administrators Dean churches where Collins ’79, president, and Dr. Darryl Harrison, chief there is potential academic officer, were invited to Arizona to see the to be fruitful program and give CCV’s team feedback. At that time, and thrive in both sides realized a partnership would be beneficial. ministry.”

“We agreed that we could better prepare future “We focused ministry leaders by working together,” says Penny. on building the “The beauty of the program is the trust that the Bible program with colleges have in us and the willingness of our staff to the end goal of pour into these young leaders on a daily basis.” saving those “Point’s Department of Biblical Studies is partfirst five years,” nering with CCV and this program because we says Penny. “We believe that the year-long experience at CCV can focus on seven equip our students in ways that cannot be done in general leadera traditional academic setting,” adds Huxford. ship competenPoint students have two opportunities to par“Being here has given me cies, which set ticipate in the Residency Program. First, students more clarity in understand- residents up for majoring in preaching and ministry can plan to success in the spend three years in the classroom in West Point, ing my purpose of doing practical areas then spend their senior years in the residency of ministry.” program at CCV. These students still graduate in ministry.”

—Zach Tyler ’13

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Interested in applying for the residency program at CCV?

four years, with a bachelor’s degree in “Understanding what it takes to be intentional ministry — well equipped for the next with people to build relationships is something step after college. that Point has done amazingly well,” says Tyler.

“Second, students are being encour“The people at Point went the extra mile to put us aged to consider applying for the Resiin a place to succeed in the future.” dency Program after graduation,” says All three are thriving in the program, each Huxford. “In this option, by enrolling in a describing it as an incredible learning opportunity. master’s program at Johnson University, “Being here has given me more clarity in undera student could earn a master of ministry standing my purpose of doing ministry,” Tyler degree by the end of the residency.” says. “It is a place that wants to defeat the statistic Point currently has three alumni — of the 85 percent drop-out rate after five years.”

Zach Tyler ’13, Gerardo Mancilla ’13 and “CCV has helped me be more strategic, unShaun Horne ’14 — enrolled in the Resi- derstanding that no matter how big or small the “This program is helping me dency Program as graduate students. church, Jesus is hope for the world,” says Man“What made me apply to CCV was cilla. “We, as ministers, have to use what we have prepare for the future by an opportunity to further my educabeen given in an effective and efficient way. This providing me with an option and my ministry capabilities,” says program is helping me prepare for the future by Mancilla. He also expresses gratitude providing me with an opportunity to further my portunity to further my for the Point professors who believed in education, as well as learning more about myself education.” him and encouraged him to apply. and my strengths.”

“Point wasn’t a place where I just Horne adds, “Every time I get coffee or lunch —Gerardo Mancilla ’13 learned how to become a minister; it was with some of the staff here, I feel that I should where I became a minister,” he says. “I bring a notebook so I could document the amount saw ministers — professors — invest in me and not of wisdom shared with me.” only teach me about the Bible, but help me live it Tyler, Mancilla and Horne all say they’re lookout in my daily life. This has prepared me to live a ing forward to the future — and figuring out what life where I can also show that grace and patience comes next in their ministries after completing to those who need it.” the Residency Program in May. Horne also says his Point experience prepared “I’m excited for all that God has in store for me him well for the residency at CCV: “While at Point, I here, because this is going to have a long-term imwas exposed to various leadership styles and a diverse pact on my ministry,” says Horne. “This experience culture, which made this transition so much easier.” is surreal, and I’m going to soak up as much as I can!”

photos courtesy of christ’s church of the valley

Visit ccvonline.com/leadership or scan the code at left with your smartphone.

CLASS NOTES

43 75

R EUNIONS 1

2

photos courtesy of point university alumni, pam hopson ross ’78 and adam pope

3

4

5

1 Alumni from the 1970s enjoyed a reunion dinner at the Parr House during Homecoming 2014.

2 The wedding of Jessica and Casey Hall ’14 was a reunion of sorts, as many of the groomsmen were Point alumni — including Tavaris Taylor ’13, Tylan Armentrout ’14, Shaun Horne ’14, Myles Shoemaker ’18, Matias Domingo ’16 and Mason Reilly (’10-’11).

3 Alumni and current students faced off during the third annual alumni basketball game on October 3. Pictured, left to right, are Amanda Clotfelter Ledbetter ’97, Christian Farris (son of Everett), Nehemiah Pace ’16, Everett Farris ’73, Robby Gibson (son of Bob), Ron Powell ’75, John Farris (son of Everett), Bob Gibson ’73, Rob Raynor ’79, Rod Tolen ’15 and Steve Clotfelter ’71.

4 Jan ’75 and Rusty Thornley (’75-’76) reconnected with Pam Hopson Ross ’78 at the International Conference on Missions (ICOM) in Columbus, Ohio, in November.

5 Hoyt Johnson ’64 and Larry Bradberry ’64 celebrated their induction into the FiftyYear Club this year. The club honors those alumni who graduated or last attended the University 50 years ago or more, and meets for dinner during Homecoming week.

Send us your reunion pics at classnotes@point.edu!

Ruth Miller Groover ’43 recently celebrated her 90th birthday!

Belinda Lee Groover ’75 has retired after 43 years as a registered nurse, including 28 years in the emergency room at Southern Regional Medical Center in Riverdale, Georgia.

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Jill Davis Thompson ’77 recently earned a master’s degree in secondary history education from the University of West Georgia.

78

Gary Bordelon ’78 is serving as director of development, guidance and finance at Mountain View Christian Academy in Winchester, Virginia.

84

John ’84 and Debbie Taylor Houchens (’80-’83) are relocating to Kampala, Uganda, where they will serve with the organization Sixty Feet. Sixty Feet’s mission is to provide hope and restoration to imprisoned children in Africa (learn more at sixtyfeet.org). In Uganda, John will serve as in-country operations director, and Debbie will volunteer her nursing and medical skills.

87

Marvin Thomas ’87, director of Bridges International, recently led a team to build a bridge in Haiti. Through their work, they have directly impacted the community through the love of Christ.

97

Kurt Hooks ’97 was recently awarded a fellowship from the National Board of Certified Counselors Minority Fellowship Program. He will receive funding and training to support his education and facilitate his service to underserved minority populations. He is currently pursuing a degree in counselor education at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia.

Kurt and his wife, Emily, reside in Virginia Beach.

Barry Steiner ’97 has accepted a new position as youth minister at Bettendorf Christian Church in Bettendorf, Iowa. He and his wife, Michelle Terrell Steiner (’97-’98), and son, Jett, previously lived in Cornelia, Georgia, where Barry and Michelle served at Cornelia Christian Church.

98

Monica Echols Oliveira ’98 and her husband, Jim, welcomed their new son, Taran Rivers, on October 11. Taran weighed 9 lbs. and was 21 inches long. He was also welcomed by big brother Atticus!

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Kiley Garrett Bosworth ’02 was among the five finalists for Houston County (Georgia) Teacher of the Year. Kiley teaches at Hilltop Elementary School. She and her husband, Wayne ’04, live in Bonaire, Georgia.

Jeremy ’02 and Christie Newton Tudor ’02 welcomed a daughter, Bellamy Fern, on October 15.

03

Renée Walls Garrett ’13 and her husband, Marcus, welcomed their daughter, Patricia Elizabeth, on July 23. She weighed 5 lbs., 5 oz. and was 19.5 inches long.

07

Ross ’07 and Lindsey Davis Haralson ’07 welcomed their daughter, Spencer Reese, on October 3. The family lives in Newnan, Georgia, where Lindsey teaches at Brooks Elementary School. Ross is site director for Point’s Peachtree City location.

09

Rafael ’09 and Bethany Ziegler Rivera ’09 welcomed their daughter, Araya Adelina, on August 29. She weighed 5 lbs., 1 oz. and was 18 inches long.

10

Mary Lampkin Coleman ’10 writes that she is halfway through her master’s degree program at Grand Canyon University. She ran for city council in 2013, and is presently assisting in the development of two new ministries at her church. Most of all, she says she’s looking forward to her youngest daughter starting the Access program at Point!

Congratulations to Trent McMurtrey ’10 and his wife, Faith, upon the birth of a son, Micah Jacob Alfred, on July 18. He weighed 8.9 lbs. and was 21 inches long.

22 | POIN T M AG A ZI NE

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

William F. “Bill” Cummings ’53, of Rockmart, Georgia, died October 4. An Army veteran and longtime educator, Bill also spent 26 years representing Polk County and parts of Bartow and Floyd Counties as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives.

Betty Jo McKinney, longtime friend and supporter of the University, died August 22. She was preceded in death by her husband, Professor Roy McKinney. Betty Jo shared her talents with the University by creating the beautiful stained glass that hangs in McKinney’s Coffeehouse, which is named in her husband’s memory.

Joe E. Parrish Jr. ’66, of Newport News, Virginia, died August 9. He spent 46 years in ministry in churches in Illinois, Georgia and Virginia. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Sharon Doles Parrish ’66.

Donald C. Rice ’60, of Valley, Alabama, died November 1. He spent more than 50 years in ministry, serving churches in Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama.

11

Ben ’11 and Megan Brooks Gibbs ’12 were married on October 11 in Savannah.

Cleudes and Elizabeth Pearman Silva ’11 were married on July 27. The couple is serving at CETRAM Bible School in Brazil as part of Frontline Missions.

12

Congratulations to Tory Wooley ’12, head women’s basketball coach at Point, upon his graduation from Georgia Southern University with a master’s degree in kinesiology and coaching.

13

Levi ’13 and Shali McCampbell Harville ’14 were married on October 11 in north Georgia, in a ceremony officiated by Wye Huxford ’73.

Tecia Farmer Janes ’13 recently published her six-week Bible study, Choices: The Crossroads Between Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow. It is now available for purchase on Amazon!

Shasta Scott ’13 is serving as assistant coach of the men’s basketball team at Hiwassee College in Madisonville, Tennessee.

Stephen Shelley ’13 is participating in The World Race, impacting many people across the globe as he shares the good news of Jesus.

Follow Stephen’s adventures at stephenshelley. theworldrace.org.

14

Casey Hall ’14 and Jessica Watts were married October 18 in Lanett, Alabama.

The couple lives in the Valley, and Casey serves as student accounts representative at Point.

Matt Summers ’14 has been traveling and playing music for the R&B group Jagged Edge.

He has also shared the stage with group 112, Lil Zane, and new pop artist Austin Mahone.

William Warren ’14 is serving as director of youth and family ministry at St. James the Apostle Episcopal Church in Conroe, Texas.

S E N D U S YO U R N E W S !

Tell us about your new job, baby, spouse ... you get the picture. And send us pictures, too – we’ll include them when possible.

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photos courtesy of point university alumni

02

5THINGS TO DO IN

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE

photos courtesy of mark ’73 and cathy spainhour pierce ’73

BY MARK ’73 AND CATHY SPAINHOUR PIERCE ’73

1. Major college sports at the University of Tennessee. On football Saturdays, Neyland Stadium in Knoxville becomes the fifth-largest city in the state of Tennessee. More than 100,000 fans come to enjoy a game between quality opponents. The scene is colorful beyond description, even if one does not enjoy football. The crowd itself becomes an attraction. The music, the social scene, the tailgating, and the costumes become part of the fun, win or lose. On a slightly smaller scale, thousands of other screaming fanatics gather inside Thompson-Boling Arena to watch the beloved Lady Vols pursue their ninth national championship in basketball.

There are other sports which provide opportunities to watch world-class and Olympic-quality athletes perform. If you live here, it becomes part of the daily routine to celebrate — or mourn — the Vols.

2. Amazing natural beauty. We are surrounded by TVA lakes, which provide boating, camping and fishing opportunities. I took up kayaking in my old age, and enjoy it greatly. Tennessee has an excellent state park system, too.

Foremost among the natural attractions is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The views are spectacular in this four-season park. The spring is gorgeous, when dogwood trees are blooming at the lower elevations with still-snow-capped mountains in the background. I once took a hike that covered about three seasons in three hours. There was 60-degree weather in

the parking lot of the trailhead, and half a foot of snow at the top. The process was reversed coming down. The fall leaves are breathtaking, and the summer becomes a great time to watch bears, deer, elk and a host of other animals. Even the winter invites prepared hikers and ski fans. There is a reason it is the most-visited national park.

3. Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/Dollywood.

For those who prefer more accessible recreation, there are the dining and shopping areas in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. A large number of music stars built theaters in this area to entertain the thousands of visitors. One of our local celebrities, Dolly Parton, built a very enjoyable theme park which offers something for everyone. Many of us who live in the area buy season tickets so we can take our children and grandchildren to enjoy the rides, shows and crafts. Every now and then, Dolly shows up to surprise and delight the crowds. She has a natural East Tennessee friendliness about her that surprises many people.

4. Local history. The Knoxville area has experienced more than its share of historic events. The Oak Ridge area is nearby, and was the scene of much of the famous Manhattan Project that ended World War II. Some of the old structures, like guard towers which protected the “Secret City,” are still visible. East Tennessee was the site of the first written constitution in the western world, the Watauga Compact. And the

Andrew Johnson Museum is nearby in Greenville.

5. High culture. We have access to art museums, the Knoxville Opera Company, a symphony, and many theaters.

The Clarence Brown Theater does some really good work with budding actors from the universities and the local area.

The McClung Museum and the Knoxville Zoo are also quite enjoyable. We have Opera to Opry in Knoxville, with apologies to our near neighbor, Nashville. If you are bored here, it is your own fault.

Mark and Cathy live in Knoxville, where Mark is vice provost for research and planning at Johnson University, and Cathy is a retired teacher.

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