Point Magazine | Spring 2022

SPRING 2022

ONWARD &

UPWARD

Normer Adams ’72 climbs to new heights with cat rescue p. 16

OVERCOMING THE ODDS Despite the obstacles, finding success through basketball p. 14

GOING THE DISTANCE

One Point alum has set a world record for marathon running p. 10

“Cris was the catalyst and inspiration for my lifelong passion for missions and for many others, too. It is an honor to know that students, having heard the Lord’s call, will be provided with the means to follow Jesus and Cris Garcia’s missionary example because of this scholarship.”

—Establishing Donor of the Cris Garcia Missionary Scholarship

Help future generations of students by establishing an endowed scholarship.

A Point University Endowed Scholarship is a fund set up by a donor to continue their legacy or a loved one’s legacy. The Cris Garcia Missionary Scholarship, established after her recent death, will honor her memory by helping future generations of students attend Point. Endowed scholarships are given to current Point students who fit the criteria specified by the donor.

At Point, we strive to facilitate communication between the student scholarship recipient and the donor, so the donor is able to experience directly the value and impact of their giving. If you are interested in continuing your legacy, or a loved one’s, with Point University, please contact our Advancement Office to discuss the needs of our students and ways you can make an impact for generations to come.

point.edu/give giving@point.edu

CONTENTS 4 From the President 5 University News ON THE COV ER Normer Adams ’72, photographed

by Devin Forbus. For more on Adams’s story, turn to page 16.

ON THIS PAG E Graduate Clifton Rash ’16, ’21 receives his master’s degree at December commencement.

10

GOING THE DISTANCE Chris Nasser ’10 and his running partner are setting world records.

14

OVERCOMING THE ODDS Sheyvonne Owens ’23 has battled through many obstacles to become a leader on the women’s basketball team.

16

ONWARD & UPWARD

nara productions

Normer Adams ’72 has found a second career in his retirement — as a cat rescuer.

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FROM THE PRESIDENT

POIN T M AG AZI NE Volume 60, Number 2 Spring 2022 EDITOR/DESIGNER Sarah G. Huxford CONTRIBUTORS Kassi Butcher Holly Mann ’22 Joshua Newman ’21 Amber Rasmussen

O

ne of the pleasures of being the president of Point for many years is the opportunity to see our alumni serve and achieve significant milestones and extend God’s kingdom in unique ways.

This month, I had the pleasure of spending time with Normer Adams ’72. You will enjoy the unique way he brings joy to children and adults by rescuing their cats! Take time to scan the QR code accompanying the article and listen to the extended interview with Normer, where he shares his passion for serving children.

I think you will also enjoy meeting one of the leaders on our women’s basketball team, Sheyvonne Owens ’23, in this issue. Her love for the Lord and her determination to overcome the challenges she faces are inspiring. Athletic programs are an important part of the college experience, and they bring real change for student-athletes as they develop themselves and find ways to serve God with their talents.

And finally, what a wonderful accomplishment Chris Nasser ’10 achieved, setting a Guinness World Record for fastest male pushing a wheelchair in a marathon! His journey with his running partner is inspiring.

I hope you will remember us in your prayers and through your giving as we continue to educate students for Christ-centered service throughout the world.

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

By His grace, Dean C. Collins ’79 President

4 | POINT MAGAZINE

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© 2022 Point University Point University’s mission is to educate students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world. Point University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees.

Contact the 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.

UNIVERSITY NEWS SNAPSHOT

holly mann ’22

Justin Giboney, author and founder of The AND Campaign, was the featured speaker for the Fall Preaching Seminar hosted by the College of Biblical Studies and Ministry. “Giboney’s focus on conviction and compassion as inseparable qualities of our public witness, if adopted by those who dare speak in the name of Christ to our world, could be transformative,” said Wye Huxford ’73, dean of the college. The next seminar is scheduled for Friday, April 22.

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HEADLINES

he University graduated 98 students with associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees during a commencement ceremony held on Saturday, December 18, at Church of the Highlands in Auburn, Alabama.

Rob Parker, president of the Town at Trilith, served as commencement speaker.

In his message, Parker encouraged the gradEnialju Evans ’21, the University’s first graduate with a bachelor uates to learn the differ- of social work degree, is recognized by Dr. Greg Moffatt ’88. ence between success and significance. Acknowledging that many fall’s Hathcock Award recipients are Sarof the graduates are still determining the ahAnn Southerland, of Valley, Alabama, next steps in their careers, he said, “It and Edelina Lane, of Ellenwood, Georgia. doesn’t really matter what you do in life; The ceremony was also notable for God can still use you, and your life can the awarding of the University’s first have remarkable significance.” bachelor of social work degree, earned “I think we confuse what we do with

by Enialju Evans, of Covington, Georgia. who we are,” Parker said, noting that “The quest for accreditation for the people often introduce themselves by B.S.W. program took years of planning their job roles. “You are defined by your and great leadership over those years relationship with Christ, how you treat from people like Dr. Christopher Davis, people, the things that you value.”

Dr. Shirley Thompson-Lewis, and espe“You will have a legacy; you will be cially Dr. Aisha Williams, who directed remembered for something,” he said. the final two years of the process,” said “The question is, is it about what you did Dr. Greg Moffatt ’88, dean of the College or accomplished? Or is it about who you of Social and Behavioral Sciences. are – and whose you are?”

“No program can be accredited Each year, the University recognizes until we have students in the program,” an outstanding graduate from both the Moffatt explained. “Therefore, our first residential and online programs with the graduate, Ms. Evans, had to have faith Hathcock Award, the highest honor givand trust in us that we would complete en to a graduating Point student. Named the process.” for the University’s founder, the award To watch the recording of December’s commenceis given based on academic achievement, ment ceremony, visit point.edu/commencement character, and servant leadership. This 6 | POINT MAGAZINE

nara productions; infographic by amber rasmussen

DEGREES AWARDED TO 98 STUDENTS IN WINTER COMMENCEMENT T

HEADLINES

Point and LaGrange Join Forces to Educate Nurses Point University and nearby LaGrange College signed an agreement on January 28 to provide educational opportunities for students with an interest in the nursing profession, with the goal of producing more nurses and medical professionals in Troup County.

The articulation agreement will give Point students who wish to pursue careers in nursing the opportunity to transfer course credits to LaGrange upon their acceptance to the College’s bachelor of science in nursing program. Students will typically spend three years studying biology at Point before transferring to LaGrange.

“Almost every year, we admit a few students as biology majors who desire to ultimately pursue careers in nursing,” said Dr. Dedra Woolfolk, dean of Point’s College of Arts and Sciences. “I am thrilled about this joint venture and excited for the prospective students who will benefit from this partnership.”

“This agreement will allow students who have completed coursework at Point University to have an expedited path to acquiring a nursing degree from LaGrange College,” said Dr. Stephen Waers ’07, chief academic officer at Point.

“It creates a seamless pathway for students to pursue nursing degrees and better positions both institutions to serve the local community.”

Students who are interested in beginning their studies in biology at Point should visit point.edu/academics for more information.

Students Named to Honor Society Omega Nu Lambda, a national honor society exclusive to online students, named 13 students to Point University’s Delta chapter of the society this fall. Omega Nu Lambda’s mission is to enhance the online experience by acknowledging, encouraging and connecting the online student community.

Craft Receives Sabbatical Grant Dr. Jennifer Allen Craft ’07, associate professor of theology and humanities, is the recipient of a 2022 Sabbatical Grant for Researchers from The Louisville Institute.

University News To read the latest Point news, visit our website at point.edu/news.

josh newman ’21; social media photos courtesy of users

WHAT'S TRENDING

@taylor_athletic_club:

What a WEEKEND!! Thank you Point University staff, my fam and parents for making my players’ weekend special!

We enjoyed everything, especially the game at the end, Point University vs.

East Coast Heat!! #ech #pointuniversity #gameon

🏀

@slagle_logan: I’m

very excited to announce after tons of prayer and some great conversations with @coachzeiders and the Point staff, I will be wearing Skyhawk blue for the next four years! #togetherwefly

🦅 🔵🟡

@nicci_wooley: God knew

everything I could ever dream and pray for was hidden in this small town. #pointuniversity #togetherwefly

#

@pointustudentlife: Sip

🎨

N Paint was a success for #destressweek We have some very talented students!

🌟

Share your tweets, Facebook posts and Instagram photos with the Point community! Tag your posts with #pointuniversity or #togetherwefly.

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randall hamer

8 | POINT MAGAZINE

HEADLINES

MEN’S SOCCER MAKES HISTORY IN 2021 SEASON

nathaly villalobos ’21

by kassi butcher

The Point University men’s soccer team finished their 2021 campaign in November, and it was a season that will forever stand out in Point’s record books. The Skyhawks made history by being the first team in program history to win the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championship and advance to the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship.

Head Coach Mark Wozniak completed his third year at the helm of the program and expressed what an honor it was to be the first team in program history to make it to nationals.

“It took a lot of hard work and sacrifice, but I am so proud of the guys and the team for being a part of making program history,” Wozniak said.

After a tough conference-opening loss in early September to St. Andrews, the men’s soccer team shocked the Appalachian Athletic Conference by defeating then-ranked No. 9 Milligan University, 2-1.

After defeating the Buffaloes of Milligan, the Skyhawks closed out the month of September dropping two close matches to AAC foe Tennessee Wesleyan (2-1) and in-state rival Reinhardt in overtime (2-1).

In October, Point’s record-breaking season began to truly unfold. Attacker Jeronimo Leguizamon ’24 broke the school record for most goals scored in a game (five) and led the conference with 10 goals at the beginning of the month. He finished the month by breaking the school record for most goals scored in a single season, with 22 goals, and became the first player in soccer history to be named the NAIA Player of the Week. Leguizamon was later named the AAC Player of the Year and earned Golden Boot honors, AAC first-team recognition and All-American honorable mention.

The Skyhawks finished the month 7-2, picking up important wins over top conference contenders Bryan and Union, to help earn the No. 6 seed entering AAC tournament play. The Skyhawks opened tournament play by traveling to No. 3 Reinhardt and defeated the Eagles 1-0 to advance to the semifinal round of tournament play. Midfielder Lorenzo Delvecchio ’22 explained how that victory over Reinhardt was a small piece of the overall team’s goals.

“We focused on preparing and being ready for the single games,” Delvecchio said. “We did not try to plan out to the next game or who our opponent would be the following week, which helped us stay focused and succeed in the small steps.”

Delvecchio finished the season by receiving All-AAC second-team honors.

Attacker Jeronimo Leguizamon ’24 broke the University record for most goals scored in a game. Midfielder Lorenzo Delvecchio ’22, opposite page, also received postseason honors.

Goalkeeper Julio Gomes ’22 added that the energy the team brought from top to bottom was what helped them win the tournament opener.

“The team showed up willing to work until they fell to the floor,” Gomes said. “We scored early against Reinhardt and had to defend a lot, and it took all 11 of us on the field and everyone on the sideline to be willing to give it everything we had. Pushing each other is how we got through the game.”

Gomes went on to be named the NAIA Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against Reinhardt, the first national defensive player of the week in program history.

Following Point’s victory over Reinhardt, the Skyhawks defeated Montreat to advance to the AAC Championship game, where they faced Tennessee Wesleyan. After ending regulation in a tie, the Skyhawks defeated the Bulldogs in penalty kicks, 5-3. With Point’s victory, the Skyhawks advanced to the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship, drawing the No. 4 seed in the Columbia (Missouri) bracket. Despite a tough battle, the Skyhawks fell in the opening round to No. 1 Columbia.

As Wozniak begins to look forward to next season, his goal is for this to be the first of many successful postseason appearances for the men’s soccer program.

“We want to come back and continue to be a team that fights for championships, and that means not being satisfied,” Wozniak said. “We will stay focused, humble, and determined to continue to improve every day to be ready for the fall. Hopefully we can continue to make Point proud and continue to create a reputation among the AAC and the NAIA that Point is here to stay.”

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10 | POINT M AGAZINE

Chris Nasser ’10 and his marathon partner, Bentley-Grace Hicks, are setting world records — and inspiring people around the world.

BY AMBER RASMUSSEN

ne of the most astonishing things about humans is their ability to be faced with adversity and persevere against all odds. To some, it may seem as though these types of people are rare or extraordinary, but history and everyday life display just the opposite. The Bible shows us that regular people are the ones God chooses to do miracles. We see daily that the people making the most difference in the world are not superhuman; rather, they are faithful, consistent people who desire to do a small measure of good in their lifetime.

Chris Nasser ’10 is no stranger to a challenge. As a roofing contractor, triathlon coach and trainer, and a new father, Nasser maximizes his time to excel in the things he loves. Nasser began running track and cross country in high school with his twin brother, Anthony ’10, who served as both his partner and motivator. While at Point, he played soccer, as the University did not yet have a cross country or track program.

Nasser and his brother worked at Woodland Christian Camp during their summers in college, and the two would ride their bikes to camp and run around the camp. One summer, a church elder noticed that the brothers had a talent for running and gifted them a new bike, encouraging the two to train for a triathlon. Since then, Nasser has competed in the IronMan World Championship twice and has run the Boston Marathon twice.

A few years ago, Nasser’s wife, Jaclyn, began volunteering with the Kyle Pease Foundation, an Atlanta-based organization that seeks to improve the lives of people with disabilities through sports. She would run short races while pushing an athlete in a wheelchair. According to the foundation, studies have shown that “in-seat athletes experience the same rush of endorphins as their push-assist athlete does.” This creates a moment of inclusion and normalcy for the in-seat athlete.

In the beginning, Nasser assisted by pumping up wheelchair tires and aiding athletes as they switched from their everyday wheelchair to their race wheelchair. As time went on, however, Nasser became more involved.

“They said, ‘Hey, you’re fast, you should race with us,’” says Nasser, recalling how he began racing with the Kyle Pease Foundation team.

Through the foundation, he connected with Bentley-Grace Hicks, a 20-year-old athlete with a disability who had the goal of racing in the Boston Marathon. Inspired by her goal, Nasser and Hicks began training together.

“I never would have attempted it if it weren’t for her goal,” says Nasser.

This was not Nasser’s first time training for a marathon, but this training was vastly different from any training experience he had had before.

“When it’s just me, I can just take off and run anywhere. But this time, it took a lot more preparation,” he says.

First, Nasser would have to travel the 45 minutes to get to Hicks’s hometown. Then he and her family would have to transfer Hicks from her everyday chair to her race chair.

Once she was settled, they would begin their training run, but there was always the 12 | POINT MAGAZINE

threat of getting a flat tire, and they had to make sure their route was safe for the both of them. Despite the more challenging aspects of their training, Nasser was surprised by the support they received from those along their training route.

“We became kind of regulars on the route, and people remembered us and were very supportive,” he explains.

The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious marathons in the world.

Because of this, the marathon requires participants to first qualify for the race by earning a certain time in another marathon. In Nasser and Hicks’s qualifying marathon, they met their goal time to qualify for Boston — and afterward discovered that they had beaten the Guinness World Record for fastest male pushing a wheelchair. Guinness World Record rules, however, require that those attempting to break a record must first apply and officially declare their attempt to break a record.

Nasser and Hicks felt confident in their ability to beat the record, so they applied and prepared to attempt the record on October 11, 2021, in the Boston Marathon. When race day came around, the duo set the new world record for fastest male pushing a wheelchair with a time of 2 hours, 50 minutes and 21 seconds. This was Nasser’s fastest marathon time ever.

photos courtesy of the nasser and hicks families

Although not his first time running the Boston Marathon, Nasser’s experience in Boston in 2021 was much different than his previous experiences. He traveled with the Kyle Pease Foundation, which was supporting three teams of two athletes. This meant that the group was traveling with three athletes who each required two wheelchairs—one for daily use and one for race use.

“Everything is more complicated when you have a disability,” says Nasser.

He quickly discovered the daily difficulties people with disabilities go through.

From navigating the city’s public transportation system to dealing with people leaving trash and large objects in the middle of the sidewalk, it became clear to Nasser that the world was not designed to be accessible to those with disabilities.

Still, the joy of finishing and setting a new record made the difficulties seem small and insignificant in comparison.

“It was just so cool to see her joy and the recognition she got from it,” says Nasser. “It made her and her parents so happy. I mean, they were told she might not live more than a few weeks, and now here she is at 20 years old breaking world records. It’s amazing.”

Nasser also reflects on the importance of having a community of people to support him and Hicks.

“When you’re running by yourself, you cross the finish line and get your medal and go home,” he explains, shrugging. “But this time, when we crossed the finish line, we had a whole group of people, all wearing our T-shirts, cheering us on. It was much more special and rewarding.” He admits that it is much easier to push himself when he knows the group is there cheering him and Hicks on.

Nasser gave special credit to his wife, who sacrificed a lot of time taking care of their newborn son alone so Nasser and Hicks could train, and to Hicks’s family, who has become especially close with his own family. “We’ve all really bonded,” he says.

“They’re in love with our son. It’s awesome.”

It is clear that Nasser views Hicks as the heart and soul of their team. A sense of humility radiates from him as he recalls the party that was thrown for Hicks after their success in Boston, and his joy for her is evident. The duo has formed a deep bond that could only have been forged in the fires of adversity, and it is a bond that is unlikely to fade over time.

The future looks very hopeful for Nasser and Hicks. They plan to definitely run the Boston Marathon again, but they will not attempt to break their record any time soon.

“I don’t think anyone is going to try to break that for a while,” he laughs.

In addition to their own training as a team, Hicks has launched an organization called Race 4 Grace, which hosts road races for all types of runners. The third annual Race 4 Grace 5K and 10K will be held in Atlanta on May 7, which is Hicks’s 21st birthday, and all the proceeds will go to the Kyle Pease Foundation. Hicks is also a massive Auburn University fan, and she has a goal of hosting a Race 4 Grace event at the University soon.

Nasser says, “You don’t have to be fast to run with our group; you just have to show up.”

Nasser and Hicks’s story is one of perseverance, of strength and of depending on the people around them to push them to work harder and achieve more. They continued to show up every day. They continued to train when it was not always fun. They were faithful in Scan this code or their commitment to their goal. They looked to visit race4grace. com to learn more one another and to their families for inspiration about the upcoming and purpose, and they were able to be successful.

Race 4 Grace event, They are not necessarily extraordinary people benefiting the Kyle on their own, but together with their team, they Pease Foundation. have accomplished extraordinary things.

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OVERCOMING THE ODDS

FROM A CHILDHOOD FULL OF STRUGGLE TO A LEADERSHIP ROLE ON CAMPUS

BY SARAH HUXFORD

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t tell Sheyvonne Owens ’23, it’s that she can’t do something.

She knows better — and a lifetime of Instability at home wasn’t her only overcoming the obstacles placed in her challenge, though. Owens had major knee way proves she’s right. surgery in seventh grade – the first of four Growing up in west Orlando, Florida, surgeries. She also had an early growth Owens didn’t have it easy. Her childhood spurt, and she says her mother taught was full of instability, with many moves her a lot about learning to love herself and shuttling back and forth between her through those awkward years. mother’s house and her grandmother’s.

Her high school coach saw her passion She went to five elementary schools and and natural athletic ability, particularly two middle schools. The rough neighborher strength as a rebounder. “I didn’t hood she grew up in, she explains, was know a lick about making a layup properoften referred to as “Crime Hills” instead ly,” she laughs. “Rebounding was always of Pine Hills. “We were moving around a my niche.” whole lot, and you know, you have your That coach let Owens play both varsity parents doing the best they can, but it’s and JV that year, and the varsity team just the circumstances given,” she says. went to the Final Four — which gave One of six children, Owens was strugOwens, who was recovering from anothgling in school, getting into conflicts with er surgery, the motivation to work hard her classmates. “I was in a new [middle] for the following year. She was a starter school that was very confrontational,” she from her sophomore through senior years, says. “It was almost like you were figuring breaking school records along the way. it out day by day, like what’s next – but She also served as a team captain. not in a very positive or productive way.”

“I blossomed into who I am as a player,” Owens’s mother was trying to teach she recalls. “There were so many odds her life lessons, but she was often at against me, where people would tell me, work by the time Owens got home from ‘you’re not good enough.’ And I was just school. Owens frequently cooked dinner like, ‘I’m going to keep going, I’m not for the family. As she moved into high going to stop. When you tell me I’m not school, Owens’s mother and stepfather good enough, I’m going to show you that knew something had to change, and they I’m better.’” worked hard to get the family into anothOwens started her basketball career at er neighborhood.

Hillsborough Community College in TamAn active young student, Owens had pa, Florida, but things didn’t go smoothly played basketball and soccer, as well as run- in her first year. She ended up red-shirtning track and participating in dance. Once ing, and she’d never gone a whole season she knew she wanted to focus on basketball, without playing before. Sitting on the she says, she finally found stability. sidelines was tough.

14 | POINT M AGAZINE

“I really got into a bad slump,” she says.

“I was in a depression from not being able to play.” A toxic relationship with a boyfriend also didn’t help. She was juggling work and her classes, and she found herself getting out of shape.

“I didn’t have basketball as my release anymore,” Owens says, “so I was crashing and burning. But God just put me in a place where He said, ‘Remember me. Remember what I’ve brought you through.’”

After that moment, she was determined to turn things around. She started working out again, ended the toxic relationship, and focused on getting back into shape for her next year.

“Now my coach doesn’t believe in me the same,” she says, recalling the struggle of having to prove herself all over again. It was her first experience with not getting playing time. But she kept working hard, waiting on her opportunity to come — and it did, in the second half of the season.

After two seasons at Hillsborough, Owens started hearing from coaches interested in recruiting her for the remainder of her college career. She had interest from NCAA Division I and II programs, but she wanted to make her decision based on the coach and the relationship she thought she’d have with him or her. “I’d experienced that feeling of a coach giving up on you and not believing in you,” she says. “I didn’t want to deal with that again.”

She found the right coach in Point’s Tory Wooley ’12. “I turned down higher-division schools to be here because of the person he showed me he was,” Owens says. “God was shutting every other door.”

Owens is often the “mom figure” on her teams, with younger players looking up to her for advice on everything from basketball to cooking and laundry. She felt God had a role for her to play on the team at Point – and she was right.

“Shey is the spiritual leader of our team,” says Wooley. “She always finds a way to remain faithful and true to her values.”

Since coming to Point, Owens has once again grown closer to her grandmother, who travels to attend both home and away games.

“She tells me, regardless of what you do, be a beast at it — be the best one you can be at it,” Owens says. “I run my energy off of that.”

holly mann ’21

And Owens certainly has given her all on the court. This year, she broke University records for most rebounds in a season and a game. She had 22 rebounds in two separate games.

“Shey has been an important piece of our success on the court this season. Her ability to run the floor and rebound the ball is special and has added value to our team,” says Wooley.

An exercise science major, Owens hopes to start a program for young athletes who are overcoming injuries. She points out that many athletes are experiencing major injuries at younger and younger ages, and they’re often pushed

to go back to sports too soon. “I want to focus on proper treatment and recovery for athletes who’ve been through what I’ve been through,” she says. “I want to provide them with the proper therapy and the proper skill set to perform at the level they want to without risking their bodies once again.”

Owens says the true sisterhood she’s found with her teammates at Point has been a highlight of her time here. She loves praying with her teammates and encouraging them. “God had a purpose for me on this team,” she says. “I’m extremely joyful to give that message to somebody else that needs it.”

She has also enjoyed the Bible classes she’s taken at Point. “Growing up, I never really learned how to stop and understand the Word itself,” she explains. “It made me want to go all in when it comes down to my relationship with God, like, I’m going to put all my trust and all my faith in you and your Word, because now I understand who you are a little bit better.”

It’s easy to see how Owens continues to inspire her teammates and others who might be facing difficult times. “You don’t have to give up,” she says. “You don’t have to settle. You’re going to have some rough days, but just push through.”

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devin forbus

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onward

upward

Normer Adams ’72 thought he was just overcoming his fear of heights. Little did he know that God had a whole new ministry in store.

BY AMBER RASMUSSEN

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M

aking decisions can sometimes seem paralyzing.

With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which option will allow us to have the most impact for the kingdom of God. At other times, however, the choice seems to be made all on its own. The road may be perfectly predictable or it may be wildly unexpected, but one thing remains: we must run the race set before us. One Point alumnus is determinedly running—or rather, climbing—to the finish line of his own race.

Normer Adams has dedicated his life to the service of others, even when the results have been different than he predicted. Adams attended what was then Atlanta Christian College with the goal of becoming a minister, and after graduating in 1972, he went on to Lincoln Christian Seminary. Then he accepted a job with Christian City as their first minister. Christian City is a unique organization that has a 500-acre campus in the Atlanta metro area. The campus houses a children’s home and senior living community, among many other services. After five years as chaplain, Adams became the administrator of Christian City’s children’s home, and there he grew a passion for advocating for children and families.

After another five years with Christian City, Adams moved into the role of child advocate with the Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children.

He served there for 23 years, lobbying at the state capitol for the rights and protections of at-risk children throughout the state of Georgia.

After such a fulfilling career, it would have been easy to retire and be satisfied with his service — but that was not the case for Adams.

Once he retired in 2013, Adams re-

18 | POINT MAGAZINE

mained active in his community by serving on several local boards and continuing his prior work of advocating for the rights of children in Georgia. But he also picked up a more unusual activity in his newly acquired free time: rescuing cats.

Determined to conquer his lifelong fear of heights, Adams had begun climbing trees. Unlike the phenomenon that is rock climbing, however, tree climbing lacks a community aspect that Adams felt he was missing.

“In the entire Atlanta metro area there is only one tree climbing club,” Adams explains. “And on a good day, you usually only have about 15 people there.”

At this club, a fellow member recommended that Adams start rescuing cats from trees. Adams never anticipated that this one idea would change his life.

Looking for a reason to climb trees with other people around, Adams set up a Facebook page, naming it Cat Man Do Rescue, and a YouTube channel. During his rescues, Adams wears a GoPro camera and films the entire rescue process.

He then posts the video of his rescues.

The service started small, spreading by word of mouth and Internet searches, but Adams had no idea the demand that existed for cat rescues in Georgia.

“There’s one other person in Georgia

who does cat rescues, but I’m the only one doing it free of charge,” says Adams.

Soon, Adams found himself traveling all throughout his service area to rescue cats. With around five million cats in the state of Georgia alone, he would certainly have to stay busy to keep up.

“I only know of one other person in the United States who gets close to rescuing as many cats as we do, but even if we rescue 500 cats, it doesn’t make a big difference. It’s a fun event for my wife and I, though, and it feels like a community,” says Adams, who is married

photos courtesy of normer adams ’72

to fellow Point alum Pamela Badgerow Adams (’69-’71).

While he definitely has a love for cats and animals, Adams’s primary motivation in his rescues is serving the people who call him.

“Usually, when I get to the location, there’s a small group there, and I go up in the tree and I’m 100 feet up, and once I get the cat, I can hear them applauding down on the ground. Then when I get down, the owners are obviously thrilled, and a lot of times people cry. You can see tears streaming down

“You can see tears streaming down their faces from the joy. It’s just ridiculously gratifying,”

their faces from the joy. It’s just ridiculously gratifying,” he says.

Adams is providing a service to people who otherwise would not be able to afford it.

“A lot of the people I help can’t pay $300 to get a cat out of a tree. They usually try to give me money, but I won’t take it,” Adams says.

Adams’s humble nature is obvious, and he would have been content to quietly rescue cats for the rest of his retirement without anyone knowing. In fact, he tried to guarantee just that.

“When I first started doing this, I tried to keep it quiet,” Adams laughed. “I didn’t want to be the ‘cat rescue guy,’ so I tried to stop it from getting out.”

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God had other plans for Cat Man Do Rescue, however.

One day, Adams received a call about a pet parrot that had gotten stuck in a tree. The parrot belonged to a reporter with whom Adams was acquainted from his time as a child advocate, so Adams responded and rescued the parrot in the pouring rain. This gained the attention of another Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter, who decided to write a story on Adams. The result was a snowball effect of high-profile news outlets and businesses wanting to feature Adams and his cat rescues. Soon he was contacted by Old Navy to participate in a fashion photo shoot, followed by The Dodo, a YouTube channel that features animals and aims to encourage care for the well-being of animals everywhere, which featured Adams in a video. Last year, he was invited to be on The Ellen Show, in a segment that aired on television in fall 2021.

People magazine has written a piece about him, and he has

20 | POINT M AGAZINE

been featured on the television show Access Hollywood.

To say that Cat Man Do Rescue has taken off is an understatement. Last year alone, Adams rescued more than 350 cats in the Atlanta metro area, sometimes rescuing up to five cats in one day. “It’s very common to rescue three cats in one day,” says Adams.

Adams is also using his knowledge of tree climbing to train up a new generation of tree climbers. It is not unusual for Adams to invite the children and grandchildren of his friends over to his home to teach them how to climb trees safely and effectively.

Want to hear more? Scan this code with your smart phone to watch an in-depth interview with Adams, conducted by President Dean Collins ’79.

“I don’t do it for the cats. I do it for the people... if it brings joy to people and shows love to them, then I’m glad, and that’s thanks enough.”

“I love sharing the joy of tree climbing, and all of my grandkids have been up in a tree with me, and I have videos of that, too,” he says. “I just want them to know how to do it safely.”

What will be the future of Cat Man Do Rescue? Adams explains that he is always searching for a mentee, a person or group of people who he can train to continue doing the work he has started.

“I’m always looking for other people to help me. I’ve had a lot of people come out and attempt tree climbing to see if they like it, but they never come back again,” he says. “I’m still trying to figure it out. I don’t want to corner the market on cat rescues. One cat a day is plenty for me.”

After dedicating his life and career to fighting for the protection and care of children, Adams admits that he finds it amusing that his rescuing cats has gained so much attention, but he continues to use his platform to display his love for people.

“People say to me a lot, ‘Wow, you must really love cats in order to do this,’ But listen, I don’t do it for the cats. I do it for the people,” he says. “The cats don’t show much gratitude once they’re on the ground, but if it brings joy to people and shows love to them, then I’m glad, and that’s thanks enough.”

Adams has discovered that ministry — his original plan when he enrolled in college — happens in a lot of ways beyond preaching from a pulpit.

“Point University is about ministry,” explains Adams. “It’s about figuring out how you live out the ministry of Christ in your everyday life, and I think that’s been a part of my life and part of my wife’s life. For us, this is just another phase of that ministry.”

Adams never would have predicted where a life committed to following Christ would take him, but through all of it, he continues to pursue the next step, to obey the next call, even when it is not the path he would have laid out for himself. Despite the changes and surprises, people have been impacted by his love and service, and lives have been changed. Adams’s whole life — not just part of it — has been a sacrificial ministry.

“I definitely didn’t choose this,” says Adams. “It chose me.”

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10 QUESTIONS WITH ONE ALUM

4. What’s your guilty pleasure?

Biscuits and gravy!

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Melanie Terrell ’85 1. What made you decide to attend Point?

Both of my parents (David ’67 and Phyllis Newell Terrell (’52)) attended, although not at the same time. My Dad returned to complete his ministerial degree as the father of three young children (with six more to follow), making the long drive (pre-interstate highways) from Cornelia, Georgia, every single morning – and returning late in the evening. I remember us all attending his graduation, which was held at East Point Christian Church.

Mama always shared wonderful memories from her time there, as well, so naturally, the College always held a special place in my heart, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps. I also have an additional rich history as my great uncle, V. G. Gilbert, was a professor there for many years. My time in that wonderful place was absolutely beautiful, and the relationships formed there – with students, professors, and staff – have enriched my life exponentially; we are forever family.

2. “Looking at me, no one would guess...”

I’m pretty good with a yo-yo; doesn’t every 60-year-old woman carry a couple in their pocketbook?

22 | POINT MAGAZINE

5. What’s a favorite Bible verse or passage?

In the past two years, the passage that has ministered to me the most is Numbers 6:24-26: “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” I even had my sister Monica paint those words on my mailbox during quarantine in hopes that anybody who walked past my house would be blessed and feel His peace in all the uncertainty of those days.

6. Cats, dogs or house plants?

I don’t have cats or dogs (nor am I particularly successful at keeping house plants alive), but I have had cockatiels for the past 30-plus years. Birds are the perfect pets because they are low maintenance like me; I don’t have to let them in and out, and they are happy and content all the time.

7. What is your favorite Point memory?

I really loved being a part of the concert choir under the direction

of Rod Sturtz. It was such a great and enriching experience. And then there’s the memory of the last concert of the tour, when we all finally knew our parts and sang them confidently; all those voices lifted together was a beautiful thing. I love that memory.

8. What’s one item on your bucket list?

Actually, there’s only one item on my bucket list . . . to see the Northern Lights!

9. What do you value in your friends?

Friendship is such a treasure, and I am so grateful for all who share that bond with me. I value kindness, generosity, forgiveness, trustworthiness, dependability, empathy, loyalty, a non-judgmental attitude, and a sense of humor; maybe I should have listed that one first. I think one of the best things you can say about a person is that he or she has a great laugh!

10. What does Point’s mission of service and leadership for Christ mean to you?

Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15-16) Point is continuing to equip students to carry out this Great Commission, offering hope to a world that’s hurting and in the dark… and after the past two years, this is needed more than ever. I’m thankful for Point!.

Terrell lives in Gainesville, Georgia, and works at Lakeview Academy, having retired from Gainesville City Schools in summer 2021. She loves leading worship for both adults (with Faith Mims Simpson ’76) and children at Lanier Christian Church and North Georgia Christian Camp.

photo courtesy of melanie terrell ’85

3. Name one person from Point who made a lasting impact on your life.

Oh, my goodness, I have to pick just one? Well, one dear face rises to the top immediately – the very first person I met when I arrived on campus in August 1980 – my dorm mom, Mary K Payne Davis.

I was much less outgoing at age 18 and was so nervous about leaving home and starting this new venture on my own. Mary K was so kind, friendly and welcoming, and she modeled Jesus.

“DCE really gave me a taste of what college would be like, so I think it prepared me for coming into Point and realizing that some professors teach very differently. It gave me the ability to adapt!” −AUDREY BLASCHKE ’22

GO TO COLLEGE

BEFORE COLLEGE with dual-credit enrollment

CHECK OUT POINT UNIVERSITY’S

dual-credit enrollment program for your high-school student to start their college education!

Our program provides academically outstanding students with the opportunity to take Point courses while finishing high school. It’s a great way to enrich the high school experience by earning credits toward a college degree!

Flexible schedule. Take as little as one college course, depending on the student’s high school and college plans.

Ease the transition to college. Students can start their college careers while still enjoying the support of family and familiar surroundings.

Graduate college sooner. With dual credit enrollment, students can enter college with course credits on their transcripts, meaning they can enter graduate school or the work force earlier.

Learn in a Christian environment. At Point, our courses are taught by Christian faculty members who seek to integrate faith and learning.

Learn more at POINT.EDU/DCE

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MARCH 17, 7 P.M.

Student Showcase Concert, Scott Fine Arts Center

MARCH 28, 7 P.M.

Fiddlesticks Concert, Scott Fine Arts Center

MARCH 27, 4 P.M.

Faculty Recital, Andrew Harry, piano West Point First Baptist Church

APRIL 19, 7 P.M.

Band and Chamber Music Concert, Band Building

APRIL 22, 7 P.M.

Spring Choir Concert West Point First Baptist Church