STO R I E S O F C O M PAS S I O N S U M M E R 2022
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SNU MAGAZINE A PUBLICATION OF SOUTHERN NAZARENE UNIVERSITY SUMMER 2022
PRESIDENT Dr. Keith Newman MA '94 VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS Larry Morris ‘90 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Todd Brant '94 ASSOCIATE VP OF ADVANCEMENT Heather Fairbanks ENDOWMENT DEVELOPMENT & DONOR STEWARDSHIP MANAGER Vanette Bell DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT SERVICES Annette McElroy GRAPHIC DESIGNER Patrick Marston '08 PHOTOGRAPHERS/VIDEOGRAPHERS Todd Brant ‘94, Lizette Casas ‘20, Olivia Lindsly ‘21, Hailee Thompson ‘21, Madeline Hoffpauir 23’, Macey Hoffpauir 23’ CONTRIBUTORS Michele Barletta MBA ‘23, Anna Derbyshire ‘90, Cyndi Lamb ‘74, Marcia Mosshart ‘77, Tollya Spindle ‘92, John Whitsett ‘82 TELEPHONE: 405-491-6312 WEBSITE: snu.edu/alumni EMAIL: alumni@snu.edu TO UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS www.snu.edu/update-your-information 405-491-6606 SHARE YOUR NEWS www.snu.edu/alumni/share-your-news REFER A STUDENT www.snu.edu/alumni/refer-a-student KEY NUMBERS Alumni Relations University Relations Trad. Undergrad Admissions Professional & Grad. Studies Campus Main Number
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SNU MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED by Southern Nazarene University The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editors or the official policies of SNU. POSTMASTER Send address changes to: Office of Alumni Relations SNU 1899 MAGAZINE 6729 NW 39th Expressway Bethany, OK 73008
View all issues of SNU Magazine online at snu.edu/alumni Esther Par, Nursing, Junior, Oklahoma City, OK
TA BL E O F C O N T E N T S
SUMMER 2022
STORIES OF COMPASSION
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From the President
A reminder from an alum who exemplified compassionate service over a century ago
11 / SPRING COMMENCEMENT Images and stories of achievement and celebration.
22 / THIS IS THE WAY, WALK IN IT Madison Palmer researches compassionate love.
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The 34 Project Father and son come together to meet a need in their local community.
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Bringing hope in to West TX Dr. David Downs speaks on the unique opportunities in compassionate ministries on the West Texas District Church of the Nazarene.
24 / CHANGING LIVES THROUGH HOPE & COMPASSION Kristen Donovan meets needs through Jubliee Partners.
26 / LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT 4 SNU ALUMS envision ALL ALUMNI supporting current SNU students by giving $5 a month.
28 / ALUMNI BOARD RESTRUCTURING Board establishes new structure to meet alumni needs.
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Exodus Road
29 / ALUMNI NEWS & UPDATES Updates from alumni you might know!
Recent alum, Preston Goff, tells stories of freedom through a non-profit organization.
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From the President
The Ripple Effect SNU ALUMNI from the 1940s to the 2020s gathered for a few hours recently. Catching up with old friends and making some new ones dominated our time together, but there were a few moments to update this group on what’s new and what’s planned for SNU in the coming years. Looking to the future often dominates my thoughts as we prepare to serve the next generation of students, but hitting the pause button occasionally to celebrate the things that have not changed in the last 123 years remains so important. So, while the world continues to change and adapt to economic challenges, technological inventions, and cultural crises, what has not changed at SNU? Our mission to make Christlike disciples through higher education. We are an extension of the local church with a powerful commitment to prepare our graduates holistically and a belief that serving others wherever God may lead is at the heart of what we do. I love these two questions that apply to universities, corporations, churches, and individuals: What are you known for? What do you want to be known for?
From the foundational days of SNU in Peniel, Texas, there has been a commitment to serve, and serving people are people of compassion. In this edition, you will read stories of service about servants of compassion. A definition of compassion might help set the stage: “Sympathy for the suffering of others, often including a desire to help.” One of those compassionate servants was an orphan who made his way from southern Ohio to Peniel where he enrolled in classes. One of his classes used a textbook, The Life of Livingston, and one night while studying, he powerfully felt God’s call to go to Africa. As the story is told, from that moment on it was Africa 24/7. His roommates in his dormitory heard his prayers in the night, every night. The young man determined that he needed to go soon, but he was afraid to tell anyone for fear that they would think he was crazy to take off without the assurance of support or finishing his preparation. So, his plan was kept secret.
We are an extension of the local church with a powerful commitment to prepare our graduates holistically...
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God always works on both ends of a situation, though, and when word reached the president of the school, Dr. E.P. Ellyson, he sensed God’s guidance and didn’t want to do anything to hinder him, but he felt like they needed to help. President Ellyson announced that the following Sunday night service would be a farewell, and during that service, the little group of students and
faculty were moved to underwrite support for their classmate and student in the amount of $200 per year for 5 years. This college dropout, who SNU claims as one of our own, Harmon Schmelzenbach, arrived in NYC on May 1, 1907, and bought a ticket on a steamship to sail to Africa.
At the time of his death, as a result of those small pledges at Peniel College and the extraordinary service of pioneer missionaries Harmon and Lula Schmelzenbach, there were 7 main mission stations in Africa, 140 African preachers, 24 missionaries, a new hospital, and a Bible school. Today, there are more Nazarenes in Africa than on any other continent (674,414 members and 27.29% of Nazarenes in the world). Your university will send students to serve in Africa this summer through our SIMS program, but SNU students will also travel to other places domestically and internationally this year. Why? Because compassionate service is at the heart of who SNU has always been, and we pray it will always be. Thanks for your continued investment in SNU. Join us in living last! (Mark 9:35)
Dr. Keith Newman President
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Story of Compassion
THE 34 PROJECT: WHERE GOD HAS PLOWED THE WAY C YNDI (BURR OWS) L AMB '74
Once Tim Haws '01 and his son Hudson '20 heard about an innovative program called activity-based therapy (ABT) they were like a couple of kids at Christmas. They couldn’t wait to tear into the package and see what was inside. The only problem was, no one offered it in Oklahoma, where they lived. So one day father and son headed their van south for the three-hour drive to Dallas, the closest ABT facility. Despite the distance and traffic, they were eager to make the trip. Within 30 minutes of entering the building and beginning Hudson’s workout, Tim turned to his son and said, “We need one of these back home.” Later as they left REACT Neuro-Rehab and began to navigate the interstate, Tim found his initial excitement turning into anger. Not at the traffic, but at the fact that they had to come so far for his kind of help. Hudson, who had sustained a spinal cord injury playing football at Bethany High School, had initially been a patient at OU Health Science Center. He then went to Craig Hospital in Denver for rehabilitation. For the next four months, Hudson worked tirelessly to recover and rehab. He returned home in January to finish his senior year of high school and four years later he graduated from SNU.
Tim and Hudson Haws at The 34 Project
Hudson ‘20 with Jeremy Johnson ‘00 use electric stimulation on Hudson’s triceps.
To learn more about The 34 Project, visit www.the34project.org.
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The Haws Family; Tim ‘01, Lisa ‘85, Jackson, Grayson ’16, Hudson ‘20
While there was little time to continue a workout regimen, Hudson did what he could. Both Hudson and his dad knew he needed more. That’s when they discovered the ABT approach and made that crucial trip to Texas. “I can’t say it was the voice of God,” says Haws, “but I can’t say it wasn’t either. I just knew I was frustrated that we had to drive to Dallas to get this kind of training. Hudson, and many others, needed something closer.” Father and son began to dream and scheme about how to make it happen, while “God was working undercover.” Haws learned that Bethany Children’s Health Center - a pediatric rehabilitation facility - had recently begun discussions on how to meet ongoing needs of patients who were aging out. When Haws contacted CEO Nico Gomez MBA '11, he jumped at the idea of an after-rehab training center and offered him a building blocks away from SNU Campus in Bethany. Next, Stephane Shellenberger '74, a retired SNU professor, connected Haws with Jeremy Johnson '00, a strength and conditioning instructor at SNU. Johnson agreed to meet with the Haws but later admitted, “I had no interest in what they were doing. I was just being polite.”
Jeremy Johnson assists client using an FES Bike to strengthen his leg.
“I FELT GOD LEADING ME NOT TO BEG FOR MONEY. INSTEAD HE’S URGED ME TO TRUST HIM."
Following their meeting, Johnson was in the locker room of his gym with only one other member. As it turned out, the man was a neurosurgeon. Johnson began a casual conversation about the Haws’ idea and the doctor tells Johnson what a tremendous need it would fill. “There is nothing for my patients after the rehab hospital,” he says. Suddenly Johnson reconsidered his involvement. Haws is astonished by the countless times God “plowed the way”—from local businessmen, themselves in wheelchairs, who purchased major pieces of equipment to experienced therapists who have joined the team. “From the beginning,” Haws says, “I felt God leading me not to beg for money. Instead, He’s urged me to trust him. Of course, I’m willing to go anywhere and talk to anyone about what we’re doing, but I’m not worried about funding. That’s God’s job.” The 34 Project (34 was Hudson’s football number) opened its doors last January. Besides offering much-needed therapy, the center dreams of being a place for patients to connect with each other and build a community of like-minded and like-bodied people. One rep at a time. One step at a time. Following a path…where God has plowed the way.
Outside The 34 Project facilities
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Story of Compassion
THREADS OF COMPASSION WHERE THERE’S NO SHRED OF HOPE BY AN N A (W I L L I F OR D) DER BY SHI R E ‘90 WHEN WEST TEXAS DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT, Dr. David Downs, and his wife, Susan, first visited the refugee community of Cactus, Texas, they immediately saw the need for a Nazarene compassionate-ministry work there. On the seven-hour drive home, they providentially received a call from a layman in Ohio, where David had previously served as district superintendent. He asked if there was a ministry need in Texas to which he could specifically contribute. On that day, Cactus Ministry Center received its initial funding. Today, it houses three Nazarene congregations, a faith-based Department-of-Justice-credentialed immigration center, a dynamic after-school program, an accredited ESL course, and a GED program. Four years ago, they added The Well Health Center, the only medical clinic in Cactus. Dr. Downs explains that “West Texas is one of the destination points for immigrants and refugees.” Diversity of refugees and immigrants is especially evident in Cactus, with a population of 3500 representing over twenty nations, and almost 50% non-English speaking.
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Dr. David & Susan Downs with Korean pastors and family CNMC Director, Rev. Phil Anderson, explains the intense spiritual warfare that is endured by those who minister to the nations represented there. He asks for prayer, and the Spirit of God in His power and grace to fall on the community. However, Cactus is not the only area of Texas’ sprawling terrain that boasts multi-cultural communities and the unique needs they bring. “This is a very diverse district,” Dr. Downs said, “and our churches reflect our communities.” The openness to multi-cultural ministry is evidenced by the growing number of ethnically diverse congregations on the West Texas district. Of the 104 churches on the district, 30 are pastored by first-generation immigrants or refugees. World areas represented include Asia, South America, Central America, and both East and West Africa. Dr. Downs states, “the immigrant community’s receptivity to the message of holiness and to the friendship, love, and compassion as found in the Church of the Nazarene” is like “low-hanging fruit.” Among the many congregations on the district that open their arms to refugees, Fort Worth CrossPoint
“West Texas is one of the destination points for immigrants and refugees.” Pastor Raquel (Cintrón) Forest '92 ministers to mother and daughter at Cactus Nazarene Ministry Center (CNMC).
welcomes over a dozen nationalities who gather to worship. Pastor Todd Derbyshire proclaims, “We are one church. It is not ‘us’ and ‘them.’ WE are CrossPoint.” This sentiment resounds throughout the district. South Sudanese refugee and pastor Michael Gatkek is among those effectively reaching African refugees here in the U.S. He has planted numerous ministries, including African Relief Ministries in Ethiopia. As with most refugees and immigrants, he senses the vital need to provide for those still in his impoverished homelands.
Dr. David ‘76 & Susan Downs ‘76
One South Sudanese pastor from Amarillo felt the call to return for a visit to his homeland. Delayed from returning to the States for three months when a civil war broke out in South Sudan, he traveled across the region, planting over thirty churches as he went. Five years afterward, it is now confirmed by the region’s denominational leadership that 25 of these churches remain strong in the war-torn nation of South Sudan. One of them had over 1000 in attendance on Easter Sunday!
Pastor Calvary Callendar '97 leads West Texas District Disaster Response Team
Volunteers at Pipeline Ministries sign reads, "The best is yet to come!"
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New US citizens through CNMS Immigration Ministry
Dr. Downs with South Sudanese Pastor Kor Chakud and family Although Cactus, the African congregations, and other refugee communities flourish under the leadership of the Downs and the Church of the Nazarene, there are also a number of other compassion-driven ministries serving needs across the district. Some may think of West Texas as wind, dust, and oil wells, and that is actually an accurate description of the Permian Basin region surrounding Big Spring. It was here that Pastor Josh Cisneros started Pipeline Ministries to serve the oil field workers and their families. His prayer is “that God saturates the areas of harvest until it overflows with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” as they bring the Gospel to the ‘man camps’ or RV parks where the oilfield workers reside. He believes they are “in the middle of the harvest fields and that Jesus is the answer.” Even though he admits they are finding it “hard ground,” they are called to keep believing and presenting the God of compassion and hope. The Pipeline is a collaborative ministry with the South Texas District. On the other side of the district, in the DFW area, a large number of Chinese students, sent to America by their government for higher education, were met with compassion and an extended hand of friendship. “They are so hungry for unconditional love,” Tricia Williford, a founding leader of the Willowwood Chinese Ministry explained. “The door opened, and they stepped right into our hearts!” In 2020, many Chinese students were sent home at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, but not before over 200 Chinese young men accepted Christ as their Savior!
“We choose to be people of hope, for without hope, survivors, and those who serve them, could easily despair.”
Simultaneously, another group of young intellectuals was being drawn in by Rev. Premal and Kavita Awasarmal who continue planting the seeds of the gospel in the hearts of Asian Indian students at the University of Texas in Arlington (UTA). “The majority of Asian Indians in the US, around 80%, come from the high caste of India. It has proven almost impossible for people in the high castes of society to be reached in India.” Premal explained. “But here in Arlington, Texas, we have shared the gospel with more than 200 Asian Indian students on the campus and 30 have prayed the salvation prayer.” Not far from UTA stands Rescue Hill, a new ministry reaching victims of human trafficking. Rev. Amanda and Rev. Steve Pettit, founding ministers, bring compassion to the hopeless by providing an emergency shelter for trafficked victims. After the immediate needs of these victims are met, the Pettits work closely with law enforcement, community leaders, and fellow organizations to connect survivors with the care they need. Rescue Hill has been highly commended by Homeland Security, and by state and local law enforcement. Rev. Amanda Pettit explains, “We choose to be people of hope, for without hope, survivors, and those who serve them, could easily despair.” From the wilds of West Texas and the war-ravaged nations of Africa to Asian students and those impacted by human trafficking, there is a thread of compassion that ties these ministries together under the leadership of Dr. David and Susan Downs. Dr. Downs stated, “Anything good that happens is of the Lord.” He goes on to admit, “it is usually not going to go as we planned it,” and it won’t likely happen because of a “strategic meeting.” What has happened here is “obviously directed by the leadership of the Holy Spirit.” Dr. Downs insists all he has done is “let people who have compassion do their work." Well Health Center in Cactus provides vital vaccines .
LEARN MORE West Texas District Church of the Nazarene www.westexnaz.org Cactus Ministries www.cnmstories.org African Relief Ministries (Not an official ministry of the Church of the Nazarene) www.africanreliefministries.com Rescue Hill rescuehill.org 10
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Pastor Lury Thang of Arlington Burmese Church of the Nazarene with family & daughter Susanna Thang '22
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Spring ACHIEVEMENT. Commencement CELEBRATION. Weekend GATHERING. TOLLYA (S T R OUD) SPI NDL E ‘92
Dr. Newman with President’s Awardees, Alexandre Da Silva (Atibaia, Brazil) & Kennedy Scott (Coronado, California) at the Senior Baccalaureate on Friday evening
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THE WEEKEND OF MAY 13-14 brought wonderful celebrations back to the Bethany campus of Southern Nazarene University. Herrick Auditorium was a busy place Friday, May 13, beginning with the Honors Recognition Ceremony. This event gives departments an opportunity to honor their graduates with special recognition and to present students with cords to be worn with their regalia. Early that afternoon, Herrick was filled with those attending the School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony. It was a meaningful time as Nursing graduates were recognized for their academic achievements and completion of requirements. The “blessing of the hands” was an especially poignant moment as each graduate knelt at the Herrick altars
School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony
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offering their hands to be anointed with oil and prayer as they leave SNU to serve in clinics and hospitals bringing healing to their patients. The School of Theology held its Commissioning and Sending Service at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene on Friday afternoon. This service was a time of Scripture reading, liturgies, and prayer. Each graduate was commissioned for ministry service and prayed over individually by one of their professors. That evening, Herrick was filled once again with traditional students and their families as the Baccalaureate service took place featuring an inspiring message from Dr. Blair Spindle, University Pastor/Dean of the Chapel.
Ed & Eva Pope Live Last Servant Leader Scholarship recipients, Emma Dilbeck & Tabitha Mixon
Graduates celebrate following Commencement.
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He challenged the graduates to embrace the grace of Jesus as they move into the next chapter of their lives. One highlight of the Baccalaureate service was the presentation of the President’s Award to Ms. Kennedy Scott and Mr. Alexandre Da Silva. Kennedy is a Bio-Chemistry major from Coronado, CA. Alex is a Sports Management/Theology major from Atibaia, Brazil. The President’s Award is the highest award given to members of the graduating class in the College of Undergraduate Studies. Each year, both a female and male student are recognized by the faculty, staff, and administration with this award based on their Christian example, scholarship,
He challenged the graduates to embrace the grace of Jesus...
appreciation of learning, loyalty and cooperation, service, and leadership. The 10 finalists embody the SNU motto of Character, Culture, Christ, and are leaving a lasting legacy at SNU. After Baccalaureate, the graduates followed the Faculty Marshalls to the Lamp of Learning on the campus mall where they were met by their professors for one of SNU’s oldest traditions, the Ivy Ring Ceremony. Graduates are joined to each other by holding an unbroken chain of ivy, symbolizing the unity of purpose shared by the Class of 2022 through their years at SNU. Faculty from their areas of study cut the ivy, which signifies their parting
Graduates enjoy time around the Lamp of Learning for one of the oldest traditions on campus, the Ivy Ring Ceremony. School of Nursing graduate with family following Pinning Ceremony
Dr. Kevin Lewis '91 delivers commencement address.
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from SNU as they continue to find ways to serve God and others with the knowledge they received at SNU. Officers from the graduating Senior Class offered prayer and read scriptures and led the group in the singing of the alma mater. On Saturday, May 14 the Sawyer Center filled twice for the 119th Commencement ceremonies. The morning service celebrated the accomplishments of our College of Undergraduate Studies graduates while the afternoon service celebrated our College of Professional and Graduate Studies. In total, 342 May 2022 degrees were conferred, including the second graduating cohort of SNU’s Doctor of Education program with 7 doctoral degrees. The commencement address was delivered by Dr. Kevin Lewis, an SNU graduate from the Class of 1991 who went on to graduate from medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. Dr. Lewis is currently serving as Regional President of SSM Health Medical Group based in OKC. His daughter, Kiersten, graduated with her classmates in the morning ceremony. His speech was filled with inspiration for the
Graduates following the Baccalaureate ceremony
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He reminded them of their individuality and uniqueness and challenged them to impact their world.
graduates as he reminded them of their individuality and uniqueness and challenged them to impact their world. During the morning ceremony, an honorary doctorate was awarded to Rev. Jim Hill. Jim has been in pastoral ministry for 41 years, having served churches in Alabama, Texas, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Among many designations, he has served on the Board of Trustees at SNU for 15 years. Also honored as “Golden Grads” were 13 graduates from the Class of 1972. These special alumni celebrated this 50 year milestone by participating in the morning commencement ceremony followed by a luncheon. There were many stories shared of the faithfulness of God as they reminisced on their time at Bethany Nazarene College (now SNU). Over the course of the two days in May there were many cheers and lots of applause as friends, family, SNU faculty, staff and administration celebrated with the graduates. These graduates have shown exceptional strength to complete their degrees amidst the challenges of the pandemic. Congratulations SNU Class of 2022!
Chris ‘14 & Dr. Brittany Cummings ‘14 (School of Nursing Chair) & their daughter at Ivy Ring Ceremony
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Traditional Commencement
Professional & Gradaute Studies Commencement
SOUTHERN NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
CL A S S O F 1 97 2 J. D. PARKHURST
KEN HATHAWAY
DUANE SRADER
JIM DOROUGH
BRADLEY WARKENTINE
BILL CATES
SHARON ROBERTSON SMITH RICK HALL TERRY HERMANCE CATHI MOORE MOUNT CHERYL MAULDIN SHERRICK KATHERINE FALKNER HERMANCE LINDA ARNDTS MILLER
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YOUR FAITHFULNESS ▶ HIS FUTURE BY MIC HEL E B AR L E T TA MB A ‘2 3
After missing out on two years of high school basketball due to injury, Drew Middendorf decided to use his free time to learn something new. He picked up a guitar, learned how to play it, and fell in love with music. Thanks to donor support through the SNU Fund, the freshman from Edmond can now do both. As a member of the SNU men’s basketball team and a commercial music production major, Drew expresses his emotions through music, and he hopes that others can relate to what he produces.
“It’s basically audible emotion, and I think it’s one of the most beautiful things out there.” SNU has introduced Drew to people like Professor Ken Rosfeld, who helped him see that there is always another avenue to take. For Drew, that avenue is music. “My relationship with music is like a parachute. In a time in my life where I was kind of falling apart, I just had to jump. Music caught me and kept me from hitting the ground.” Drew is grateful for donors who give to the SNU Fund. It encourages him to know
that people are willing to add value to the lives of others. “I don’t have to see their faces to know that they care about me. It really shows that God is present in people.” Drew hopes to go on and become an artist producer, producing other artists’ music as well as his own. Your gift to the SNU Fund helps students like Drew figure out what they love and master it – and see God working in the midst of it all. Thank you for giving.
“I DON’T HAVE TO SEE THEIR FACES TO KNOW THAT THEY CARE ABOUT ME. IT REALLY SHOWS THAT GOD IS PRESENT IN PEOPLE.”
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www.snu.edu/sims
Story of Compassion
The
Exodus Road
BY ANNA (W I L L I F OR D) DER BY SHI R E ‘90 "Daniela, December 2021, Latin America" is emblazoned on a rock as a victory memorial. It is a treasured emblem of the work Preston Goff is involved with at The Exodus Road in Colorado Springs. Daniela’s experience of exploitation began at age fourteen, when contacted by a trusted friend about an opportunity to become a model outside of her home country of Venezuela. Like many impoverished teens around the world, she was thrilled to dig her way out of poverty. She did not know her trusted friend was slave bargaining for her own freedom. Her friend was guaranteed freedom by providing two girls to replace her work in the home-based brothel. Daniela was provided the means to travel out of Venezuela and disappeared into modern slavery. Also unknown to Daniela, there was a road built for her way out, The Exodus Road. Police forces in nations around the world are often overwhelmed by the work needed to investigate leads on human trafficking. Many national leaders would like to put an end to the slave trade in their home countries, including the US, but lack the means to do so. Ten years ago, Matt and Laura Parker, then missionaries to Thailand, were exposed to this problem. The Parkers began the fight, assisting local law enforcement in the work of investigation, and The Exodus Road was built.
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Preston Goff & actors for story
In the past decade The Exodus Road has become an expert organization at gathering investigative information to deliver to police. They utilize a case management software for intake and are the best in class where no victim or survivor is exploited. Their primary method is to empower nationals to do the job. They are doing outstanding investigative work, with intervention as a top priority. It was in 2020 that SNU ministerial major and seminary graduate with his MDiv., Preston Goff '14, joined The Exodus Road organization. His experience, though in the church, was not traditional. He believes he has a “particular calling” which uses his technical abilities as The Exodus Road Creative Director, to impact the world. “You don’t have to be in traditional ministries to be effective ministers,” he explains.
"Education is the sharpest tool in the box." As Creative Director he works to share the stories of survivors and the exploited with the help of national actors and actresses. He can articulate, through media, the story that educates and empowers the organization and local law enforcement to end commercial exploitation. He explains, “Education is the sharpest tool in the box.” By understanding the “language of story” he is able to help others “see the stories of others in the world,” and most importantly, know
how to act on behalf of those in slavery today. According to Goff, “The issue is more pervasive, but also more mundane.” Therefore, training is an essential part of The Exodus Road organization. “Every arrest is a victory,” Goff explains. With Daniela, the friend who captured her was also a victim of sexual exploitation trying to find a way out. In addition to their work in intervention, The Exodus Road’s Beyond Rescue program serves survivors and the exploited – not only children but adults as well. The Exodus Road’s Freedom Home is a survivor-care center in Thailand. It serves young-adult women who are survivors of exploitation with trauma-informed care, life-skills classes, entrepreneurship training, and community internships.
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there are 1,674 freedom rocks at The Exodus Road! The Exodus Road is working to rescue and restore victims in the United States, Thailand, India, Philippines, Brazil, and an undisclosed Latin American country where Daniela was rescued. The rock with Daniela’s name is especially important to Goff. He was enroute to her country to shoot representative imagery for her story when she found freedom. He was able to tell her story, with the help of native actors and actresses just hours after her release from the bondage of slavery. Daniela’s rock is one of the many freedom rocks piled around the U.S. office of The Exodus Road. The rocks are visual reminders of each person rescued because of the work accomplished through the organization. As of the writing of this article there are 1,674 freedom rocks at The Exodus Road! Southern Nazarene University stands with all organizations that courageously seek to free all peoples around the world! Preston with actors & friends made on site
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Walking in Purpose: Graduate Assistant Flourishing SNU WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE one of its Master’s students for her outstanding dedication and leadership in the community – Sammie Smith. Her program director, Dr. Sylvia Goodman commends her excellence: “Sammie is a very good student. She came as a graduate assistant and is an assistant coach here at SNU. She is a missional leader within her program.” Sammie has a deep love for God and people, for her faith is of supreme importance. “When I die,” she shared, “I hope it’s said about me that I was one with contagious faith, huge love for people, and a zeal for making the most out of life. In that order.” Energetic and enthusiastic, Sammie loves coffee and encourages anyone to seek her out to connect. “I thrive off of new experiences and making new memories with the people I love,” she said. She attended college at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, where she served four years as captain of the women’s soccer team. “Soccer has always been such a huge part of my life and continues into my adulthood,” Sammie revealed. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Sammie moved to Costa Rica, where she served in various roles. “Soccer coach, English teacher, church planter, marketing coordinator, evangelism and outreach guru, and camp counselor, just to name a few,” she listed. “I wore a lot of hats during that season of life.” After serving four months in Costa Rica, she was led to Oklahoma City, where she worked at OU Medicine as a Medical Staff Coordinator, which emphasized her calling. “God graciously continued to reveal my passion for coaching, mentoring, and investing in the lives of others, and more specifically, college women,” Sammie divulged. When the opportunity arose for her to pursue her Master’s degree and become the Graduate Assistant for the SNU women’s soccer team, Sammie jumped at the chance, for she felt called by God. “I didn’t just leave my
PROFESSIONAL & GRADUATE STUDIES
“It has been hard, crazy, and chaotic at times, but I know, without a doubt, I am walking in purpose.”
prior marketing job to leave,” she said. “I left because I knew the Lord was calling me to step into my greater purpose – coaching and mentoring young college women. This was an opportunity to grow into the woman God was molding me to be. And I knew I would have the margin to explore my talents, develop my skill sets, and stay curious enough to try new things just for the heck of it as a coach. I didn’t have all the answers, but I knew I was being led into something special – a professional journey that would challenge and change me.” To Sammie, SNU felt like home upon arriving. “It was very evident that [the] faculty and staff were servant-hearted and champions of those all around campus,” she praised. “They are gifted as all get-out; they use their gifts for good, and [are] just, overall, darn good people. Most importantly, they [are] lovers of Jesus and His people, living lives of reckless abandon for the most incredible cause – to be [a] light in the darkness. Why wouldn’t I want to be a part of something like that?” Sammie has served at SNU for a year and a half, and despite the hard moments, she would not change her journey for anything. “I am loving every second of it,” she enthused. “It has been hard, crazy, and chaotic at times, but I know, without a doubt, I am walking in purpose.” Her diverse experience allowed her to highlight what sets SNU apart from other institutions. “This program empowers you to not hide the gifts that God has placed in you,” Sammie commends. “Let them shine! You are called to shine, to impact lives, to influence, to use your voice to speak truth, to encourage, to create, and to problem-solve. You were born to run and to shine so that the world [will] see the light of Jesus within you. This is what the SNU program is about. It oozes [all of] that. And I’m convinced there’s no other program like it.” “I can’t wait to see where God guides me next!” she said.
pgs.snu.edu
THIS IS THE WAY, WALK IN IT BY CYNDI LAMB '74
IN THE SUMMER OF 2019, Madison Palmer '20 arrived in Costa Rica with a contingent of SNU students and their professor Dr. Anna Harper. Unlike most students who visit SNU’s Quetzal Research Center, they were not there to study ecology or sustainability, rather, they were there to study love. Their mission was to add a cross-cultural component to the research they had been conducting in the US on what compassionate love looks like. As the students met with the volunteers to start interviews and hand out surveys, Madison found herself captivated as she watched Dr. Harper engaging with total strangers in a new country. Even though they had come to study the views of this culture, she found herself studying her professor.
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Madison Palmer and fellow presenter after poster session at the 2022 annual meeting of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies held at Wheaton College
VIEW POSTERS FEATURING MADISON PALMER'S RESEARCH Palmer had already learned so much from Dr. Harper while taking her classes and while volunteering in the Love Lab - an extracurricular research group. In the Lab, Harper supervised students who were conducting research on how our view of God correlates with how we love and who we choose to love. In her classroom, Madison realized her professor had a true mastery of her subject and felt grateful to be on the receiving end of so much knowledge. She had also been amazed as she observed time and again the grace and love Dr. Harper extended to her students. But watching her in action in this new environment was even more eye-opening. “We all knew Prof. Harper was an expert on love,” said Palmer. “But in Costa Rica I saw her embody love. She didn’t come in as a distinguished professor with her doctorate degree; she came in with a desire to create space for people to speak into. She listened and engaged with humility. The teacher came to learn.” Madison says the trip to Costa Rica confirmed her own calling. As a missionary kid who grew up in Belize, a small country in Central America, she had been exposed to a broader world than many. Yet, until Costa Rica she felt her relationship with God was mostly internal. Thanks to SNU and the Psychology Department, that all changed. “I began to expand my understanding of the
LEARN MORE ABOUT MULTICULTURAL PEACE & JUSTICE COLLABORATIVE AT WHEATON Christian life. It wasn’t just about me and God; it included the people God had created and brought across my path. Love meant action.” Palmer’s desire to be a psychologist and interact with others was formed and solidified in her undergrad days. The trip to Costa Rica clarified for her that she wanted to work in a multicultural setting. And Dr. Harper demonstrated exactly how to do that.
“I BEGAN TO EXPAND MY UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE."
Madison is now working towards her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Wheaton College. Her dissertation will be on cultural humility and how understanding the need for it affects the treatment and diagnosis of clients. Once again she’s part of a research group called the Multicultural Peace & Justice Collaborative. She sees it as a further way to lean into her calling. The Good Neighbor Project - one part of the research training - seeks to understand how to promote Christians’ prosocial
Madison Palmer and Dr. Anna Harper (center) after presenting a paper at the 2019 annual meeting of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion held in St. Louis, MO
beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that are consistent with Biblical callings for multiculturalism, social justice, and peace. When finished with her education, Palmer plans to work as a clinician among those who have been underserved in the mental health profession - persons from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and from diverse racial and ethnic communities. This is what compassionate love looks like for her. Palmer is still impacted by her days at SNU. She and Dr. Harper have continued to stay in touch with Dr. Harper becoming a friend and a mentor. Much about her former professor inspires Madison but none more than how she genuinely relates to people. “She doesn't treat people as just students or just subjects in a study, but enters into authentic, intentional relationship with those she comes in contact with - even those that cross her path for just a short time.” For Madison this is the way of love. The way of compassion. The way of Jesus. And it’s the way she hopes to follow.
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Story of Compassion
Kids enjoying the tire swing at After School Recess.
Changing Lives Through Hope & Compassion BY JOHN WHITSETT '82
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IN THE OLD TESTAMENT, people were freed from debts, servitude, and slavery during the Year of Jubilee. This image forms the vision behind Jubilee Partners—a community outreach founded by Kristen Donovan '07 dedicated to the support of at-risk youth by providing opportunities to enhance their education, build healthy relationships, and develop life skills. Raised in Enid, Oklahoma and active in the Nazarene church, Kristen sensed a call to ministry and came to SNU largely because of the Ministry Internship program. While serving at the First Indian Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City, her life trajectory changed. “I had no idea that ten miles from campus there existed such extreme poverty that stepping out of my car was like stepping off the plane in a third world country,” she said. This experience, coupled with the classroom content she was receiving, powerfully influenced her life.
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Kristen with children at Reading Challenge Rewards
After School Tutoring
Learn more at www.jubileepartnersokc.org
“My experience at SNU helped me understand the life of holiness includes life with the ‘other’—those who may not be like me, but by whom I more fully see the nature of a God who made all people in His image.” After a stint on a church staff in New Mexico, Kristen felt a longing to return to the relationships she’d built during her internship. Without funds to receive a salary, she agreed to become a volunteer urban missionary and raise her support. This laid the foundation for Jubilee Partners—a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has become an oasis of hope and peace in a neighborhood blighted by generational poverty, drug dealing, gang activity, and a history of family incarceration. She continues, “In Isaiah 61, the prophet talks about the favorable year of the Lord and how those who are broken are restored when a different vision is placed before them. I’m inspired by the thought that these precious people can be the
“Compassion is recognizing the need of another and choosing to participate in meeting that need..."
ones who display God’s glory and repair the brokenness that has been present in their families for generations.” “Compassion is recognizing the need of another and choosing to participate in meeting that need, whether it be refugees from a foreign country, victims from a recent tornado, or people in the cancer ward at the local hospital,” says Kristen. At Jubilee, compassion involves helping vulnerable children discover that, with the right guidance, there is hope for a bright future. Their key programs designed to precipitate compassion are an after-school care program, a summer Kid’s Club, and Jubilee Academy—an early intervention preschool at their building near downtown Oklahoma City and a phonics and reading intervention program at a nearby elementary school. Says Kristen, “What I’ve found is that compassion changes the lives of both the receiver and the giver. The receiver has a need met and experiences hope through the love shown, and the giver experiences a depth and richness to their life they’d not previously known.”
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LITTLE IS MUCH WHEN GOD IS IN IT
Winford Akins ‘62, Tommy Davis’63, Stan Wilkins’62, Conley Henderson ‘63
BY M I C H EL E B AR L E T TA MB A ‘ 2 3
"A Bag of Tools" by R.L. Sharpe Isn’t it strange That princes and kings, And clowns that caper In sawdust rings, And common people Like you and me Are builders for eternity? Each is given a bag of tools, A shapeless mass, A book of rules; And each must make— Ere life is flown— A stumbling block Or a steppingstone.
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WHAT DO YOU SPEND $5 A MONTH ON? This is all it takes to help a student fund their education at Southern Nazarene University. Thanks to a group of four alumni from the classes of 1962 and ’63, there is now a fund that everyone can afford to support. Tommy Davis, Conley Henderson, Stan Wilkins, and Winford Akins have founded the Little is Much fund, based on the idea that no amount is too small to make a difference. The thought first came about when Davis found out there are currently more than 33,000 BNC and SNU alumni across the world. It got him thinking, what if every one of them donated just five dollars a month, how much money could he raise?
The math is simple, but the concept is powerful. Five dollars a month equals $60 a year. Multiply that by 33,000 alumni and you get just under two million dollars. The founders of the group were excited to join, with full confidence in Davis’ idea. Akins explained that the figures did all the talking for themselves when it came to getting him onboard. Even when you feel like you can give just a little, your five dollars could be a part of something much greater. Numerous times the scriptures show us that Little is Much when God is in it as the old hymn says. Perhaps the miracle of the five loaves and two fish is the most well-known. “If a lot of people give a little, it truly is much,” Akins explained.
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× 12 months × 33K alums = $1.9M Susanna Thang is a new SNU graduate who plans to work in the healthcare field, doing what she describes as God’s work. As someone who benefited from scholarships throughout her time here, Susanna is truly thankful for the generosity shown to her by strangers. “I am very grateful that God has put someone that I’ve never met in my life to answer my prayers.” Just $5 a month can lift the financial burden that so many students may face. The monthly donation helps these students on their journey at SNU, bringing them closer to God and helping them realize their goals. The founders of the fund know it may take a while to make a significant impact, but they’re hopeful this will become a fund that will continue to grow for generations to come.
Davis explained how he’d like to see it become an alumni tradition at SNU in the future, perhaps even challenging graduating seniors to support the fund with at least $5 a month as part of their graduation. “The idea is in the seed stage of life right now; we need people to water it, fertilize it, and maintain it, for it to eventually blossom,” Wilkins said. “It’s like the tortoise and the hare, and we all know who won that race.” Wilkins often references the poem “A Bag of Tools” by R.L. Sharpe that illustrates exactly what the group is trying to challenge fellow alumni to do: be the steppingstone that helps another person become the person God has planned for them to be.
Nursing major Skye Ah Yat believes her time at SNU has led her closer to the Lord and was a huge steppingstone to reaching her lifelong dream of helping others. “Generosity has allowed me to fulfill my dreams of becoming a God-fearing nurse.” The Little is Much fund aims to make a difference in even more students’ lives at SNU so that each class graduates with less debt than the one before them. “I can do for someone now, something that they can’t do for themselves,” Henderson said. “I can help them.” Help fertilize the seed that these gentlemen have planted by signing up to donate as little as five dollars a month. Your support could be just the steppingstone that another SNU student needs.
ALUMNI
SAVE THE DATE
HOMECOMING 2022 NOVEMBER 4 & 5
C L A S S R EU NI O NS ‘62 ’7 2 ‘82 ’92 ’02 ‘12 ’1 7 CRIMSON STORM BASKETBALL • FOOD TRUCKS • MAIN EVENT •ALUMNI AWARDS • HOMECOMING CORONATION
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ALUMNI BOARD RESTRUCTURE JUST AS THE LANDSCAPE of college education is transforming so is the structure of the SNU Alumni Board. Traditionally, students would graduate from high school, head to a college campus, and attend classes with their peers before heading off to the workforce. However, current trends are seeing a rise of students who are already in the marketplace or military and are merging coursework with parenting and job-related responsibilities. These students often attend classes in the evening or online. Due to this shift in the profile of a current alum, the SNU Alumni Board is restructuring to keep up with the evolving needs of all of its graduates. While addressing this topic, the board appointed a taskforce to shape a more efficient strategy concerning alumni service and outreach. After a process of deliberation and walking through the proper channels of approval, a new approach to reaching the SNU alum was ratified at the Spring 2022 Alumni Board meeting. The current structure of the board will be focused around essential tasks referred to as growth engines, which are more in line with the perceived needs of SNU’s changing alumi. Each engine will have a chair and co-chair who will build a team to assist them in strategizing to accomplish key objectives. These teams are…
Networking & Professional Development Team
This team provides opportunities for alums to grow professionally through networking and resourcing events. Although this can be accomplished in a number of ways, this team will plan and promote events that will assist alums in their professional growth.
Communication & Promotion Team SNU has a great story to share—one that’s not only of interest to alums but also needs to be broadcast widely. This team will provide inspiring and informative content regarding noteworthy campus developments and life accomplishments of alums for use by internal and external mediums of communication.
Homecoming & Reunions Team Getting together periodically to reminisce, reflect, and renew acquaintances is part of the delight of being an alum. This team will assist in the planning of, and provide support for, events like Homecoming as well as class and cluster reunions.
Giving Opportunities Team
Essential to the health of any organization is its financial stability and growth. Although much of this responsibility falls on the Advancement Office, this team will supplement their efforts to raise up stakeholders and enhance financial engagement by alums.
Affinity Events & Activities Team Places where alums can connect and be a part of the SNU Family is important. This team will identify opportunities, develop plans, and empower key people to provide events where alums that have a degree of commonality can connect.
If you’d like to serve on one of these teams or know someone who possesses extraordinary skills that would be beneficial to tap, please contact Todd Brant, Executive Director of Alumni Relations, at tbrant@snu.edu or 405-491-6312.
ALUMNI
Nominate alums at www.snu.edu/alumni/alumni-association
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Alumni News & Updates
PROFESSIONAL UPDATES KIM BANZ ‘99 was recently named OKC Public Schools District Teacher of the Year. She is the director of Orchestras at Classen School of Advanced Studies. To read the full article about Kim and how SNU helped prepare her, visit www.snu.edu/ snu-alum-named-okcpublic-schools-districtteacher-of-the-year.
BRETT RICKEY ‘86 was recently appointed as District Superintendent of the Oregon Pacific District Church of the Nazarene.
TODD SHIRE '93 recently celebrated a 20year work anniversary at Stryker. CALEB SIEMS ‘17 graduated on March 1, 2022 from the University of Vienna in Vienna, Austria, with a Master of Arts in Anglophone Literature and Cultures. He is currently employed at the American International School of Vienna in Vienna, Austria.
LOWELL BERG ‘90 has been named the vice president of Commercial Development at Organogenesis.
JULIE LYLES ‘15, SNU Archivist, was recently appointed as Secretary for the Oklahoma Archivists Association for 2022-23. MARCIA STEWART MOSSHART ‘77 recently retired from her position as Alumni Office Coordinator in the Office of Alumni Relations. She dedicated 19 years of service to SNU. DR. ROBERT RADER ‘07 has recently assumed the role of Vice President of Medical Affairs for SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital. As a key member of the leadership team Dr. Rader will provide strategic direction on medical staff related issues.
MICHAEL TUTTLE ‘19 recently earned his juris doctorate degree from Kansas University School of Law.
AARON WEBSTER ‘08 has been selected as Senior Pastor at New Braunfels (TX) Church of the Nazarene. He has served as youth pastor for the last 10 years to Bentonville (AR) Community Church. His wife, KARLEE (THOMPSON) WEBSTER ‘08 is a middle school teacher and has filled an active role in their ministry. They have three children.
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Alumni News & Updates
MARRIAGES
BEN LINDSLY ‘21 married JACEY PARKHURST ‘21 on Sept. 2, 2021
MAKAYLA SHONNAMON ‘20 married Alex Gunter on June 5, 2022 DAYLAN HAWKINS ‘22 married CASSIDY GAMMILL ‘22 on May 16, 2022
WILL WINSLOW ‘22 married MORGAN HOOPER ‘21 Oct. 1, 2021
KEVIN PALMER ‘20 married MAYA PUNJABI ‘22 on June 5, 2022
BRADEN CANINO ‘20 married Isabella Bullard on May 27, 2022
BRYCE SHAY ‘21 married Abbigail Jarantowski on November 30, 2021
PEDRO GARCIA ‘19 married Maria Lopez on May 14, 2022
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BRADY LILES ‘20 married TAYLOR MIDDENDORF ‘22 on June 4, 2022
ELI MCFADDEN ‘21 married ASHLYN STELTING ‘22 on June 4, 2022
GLEN ADAMS '20 married KENNEDY SCOTT '22 on June 9, 2022
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Alumni News & Updates
FAMILY ADDITIONS
BRONSON REEDER HOSTETLER (son) Born: June 8, 2021 Parents: Grayson & Kyndal Jayroe ‘16 Hostetler
ARCHER BRACKSTON MOSSHART (son) Born: Nov. 18, 2021 Parents: Brack ‘07 & Amanda Mosshart
CLAIRE MARIE CUMMINGS (daughter) Born: Aug. 19, 2021 Parents: Chris ‘14 & Brittany Mullens ‘14 Cummings
DESMOND LEWIS MIEDING Born: Dec. 25, 2021 Parents: James & Candace Robinson ‘12 Mieding
JAMES RAY FIELDER Born: Jan. 7, 2022 Parents: Darren & Deborah Hawkinson ‘14 Fielder
ELOWYN VIOLET SCHULTHEIS Born: Mar. 15, 2022 Parents: Ory ‘18 & Emma Rhodes ‘20 Schultheis
ALMA ITZEL PARRA (daughter) Born: Sept. 21, 2021 Parents: Moises ‘16 & Jordan Leibold ‘15 Parra
BROOKS ADAM CARLEY (son) Born: Oct. 1, 2021 Parents: Seth ‘11 & Kaylee Brooks ‘11 Carley
ADELYNN JOY VELDERS (daughter) Born: Feb. 2, 2022 Parents: Nathan ‘13 & Erin McGarry ‘13 Velders
EMBER YI-HSIN HOLCOMB Adopted: January 3, 2022 Parents: Kyle ‘08 & Jordan Holcomb, brothers Rhett & Jack
EVELYN WILLIAMS (daughter) Born: June 1, 2022 Parents: Jacob ‘17 & Mikayla Gulley ’17 Williams
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Alumni News & Updates
IN MEMORY LORA ”JANIE” SMITH MCPHERSON ‘54 Jan. 1, 1931 - Sep. 14, 2020 Artesia, NM
KATHLEEN O’HARA SODOWSKY ‘40 Jan. 17, 1919 - Nov. 5, 2021 Oklahoma City, OK
ANITA FAYE KELLY ‘65 Aug. 12, 1943 - Aug. 12, 2021 Arlington, TX
JENNIFER JEAN SHAW ‘05 Jun. 11, 1980 - Nov. 8, 2021 Bethany, OK
REV. PATRICK J. JESKE Jul. 15, 1950 - Sep. 2, 2021 Lewisburg, KY
REV. PARK BURKHART ‘56 Jun. 19, 1932 - Nov. 8, 2021 Branson, MO
JUDY F. JANTSCHI ‘71 Apr. 17, 1949 - Sep. 7, 2021 Castle Rock, CO
GERALD HUMAN ‘58 Nov. 16, 1935 - Nov. 12, 2021 Oklahoma City, OK
REV. TOM POUND ‘68 Mar. 2, 1946 - Sep. 10, 2021 Oklahoma City, OK
REV. A. KEITH SEARS ‘54 Feb. 11, 1931 - Nov. 12, 2021 Smith Center, KS
JEFF SYKES ‘78 Jul. 26, 1955 - Sep. 12, 2021 Oklahoma City, OK
REBEKAH BROWN ADAMS ‘03 Apr. 29, 1981 - Nov. 24, 2021 Wister, OK
CORDOVA HAGIN KASTNER ‘54 Dec. 25, 1930 - Sep. 14, 2021 Guthrie, OK
GENELL CRAWFORD JOHNSON ‘58 Oct. 5, 1936 - Nov. 24, 2021 Nashville, TN
THERESA NEELY WEST ‘67 Mar. 24, 1946 - Sep. 19, 2021 Purcell, OK
REV. STEPHEN D. CARPENTER ‘74 May 10, 1952 - Dec. 1, 2021 Lacey, WA
CAROL REAVES HAMILTON ‘66 Jun. 14, 1944 - Oct. 3, 2021 Conroe, TX DAVID LUNN MILLER ‘73 Jan. 3. 1951 - Oct. 14, 2021 Huntsville, AL DR. RUSSELL HUMAN ‘57 Feb. 16, 1935 - Oct. 16, 2021 Tulsa, OK B. F. GOLIGHTLY ‘53 Dec. 7. 1931 - Oct. 21, 2021 Oklahoma City, OK ARLESS F. WILSON ‘56 Dec. 9, 1933 - Oct. 23, 2021 Oklahoma City, OK REV. DELETTA VANDEGRIFF TOMPKINS ‘62 Jul. 31, 1940 - Oct. 26, 2021 North Little Rock, AR BARBARA GADDY LITTLE MARSHALL ‘56 Oct. 21, 1934 - Oct. 27, 2021 Carrollton, TX ROBERTA NIELSEN PETTY ‘61 Nov. 9, 1939 - Nov. 1, 2021 Bethany, OK KAY JEFFRIES KINZLER ‘61 Oct. 4, 1939 - Nov. 3, 2021 Nampa, ID
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MARILYN GELEEN WINFREY ‘70 Apr. 23, 1948 - Dec. 2, 2021 Campbellsville, KY ELIZABETH “BETTYE” PAPE GRIMES ‘66 May 16, 1944 - Dec. 3, 2021 Jacksonville, TX ANNA LEE UNRUH PENDERGAST TAKEMIRE ‘50 Aug. 10, 1927 - Dec. 4, 2021 Bethany, OK DORSEY R. KIRBY ‘56 Jul. 7, 1931 - Dec. 8, 2021 Overland Park, KS BEVERLY KANNADY WOODWARD ‘70 Dec. 20, 1947 - Dec. 12, 2021 Fayetteville, AR DONNA WHITE HAMITER ‘61 Dec. 6, 1939 - Dec. 19. 2021 Sulphur Springs, TX JUDITH H. BINK ‘61 Nov. 18, 1939 - Dec. 22, 2021 Winfield, KS DR. JOHN C. KNIPPERS ‘73 Jan. 10, 1951 - Dec. 25, 2021 Bixby, OK
MARJORIE LEMAY HALE ’49 May 15, 1927 – Jan. 1, 2022 Grapevine, TX
LINDA TURNER ALBERS ‘91 Mar. 16, 1944 - Mar. 5, 2022 Oklahoma City, OK
DALE MIZELL SPRINGER ‘49 Jun. 15, 1928 - Jan. 8, 2022 Santa Fe, NM
JANIE COOPER WEBSTER ‘61 Dec. 24, 1939 - Mar. 7, 2022 Rogers, AR
REV. DAN HAMITER ‘58 Nov. 20, 1935 - Jan. 10, 2022 Sulphur Springs, TX
MATTHEW HIGGS ‘09 Mar. 2, 1987 - Mar. 18, 2022 West Memphis, AR
DR. ROY PAUL JOHNSON ‘53 Apr. 26, 1931 - Jan. 10, 2022 Commerce, TX
VIC DIFFEE ‘59 Jul. 3, 1937 - Mar. 22, 2022 Yukon, OK
DONALDA BALDWIN MAYO ‘52 Jul. 31, 1932 - Jan. 10, 2022 Cushing, OK
DR. KENNETH E. CROW '63 Aug. 28, 1941 - Mar. 24, 2022 Oklahoma City, OK
WILFRED “PERRY” NEEL ‘56 Dec. 30, 1931 - Jan. 12, 2022 Bethany, OK
MARY BETH JOHNSTON RICE ‘67 Nov. 3, 1945 - Apr. 5, 2022 Olathe, KS
REV. BILLY E. VAUGHN, JR. ‘77 Sep. 19, 1955 - Jan. 14, 2022 Nampa, ID GRANT WINFIELD KEETON ‘50 Apr. 23, 1926 - Jan. 16, 2022 Bethany, OK REV. MICHAEL FRANKLIN DAVIS ‘89 Jan. 27, 1966 - Jan. 21, 2022 Ft. Worth, TX
ADELINE JOY DOMMER ‘61 Jan. 1, 1940 - Apr. 10, 2022 Ottumwa, IA ALLIE EMMERT EPPLER ‘45 Jan. 25, 1923 - Apr. 13, 2022 Bethany, OK PHOEBE BAKER CHURCH ‘76 Sep. 25, 1954 - Apr. 16, 2022 Damascus, AR
DWIGHT G. BALDWIN ‘70 Jul. 11, 1948 - Jan. 26, 2022 Oklahoma City, OK.
LARRY D. DOSKOCIL ‘59 May 2, 1931 - Apr. 21,2022 Hutchinson, KS
REV. CLIFFORD L. RENEAU, JR. ‘50 Sep. 17, 1926 - Feb. 3, 2022 Silsbee, TX
JOYCE GORDON DEMPSEY ‘56 Aug. 29, 1932 - May 5, 2022 Bethany, OK
SHIRLEY CALVIN BROWN ‘74 Mar. 4, 1951 - Feb. 5, 2022 Bethany, OK LAWRENCE P. MOYLAN, M.S. ‘97 Feb. 7, 1956 - Feb. 10, 2022 Broken Arrow, OK DR. ANDREW “ANDY” MCKAMIE ‘78 Nov. 14, 1955 - Feb. 11, 2022 Yukon, OK CHARLOTTE SHAFER MINTON ‘84 Jan. 23, 1962 - Feb. 14, 2022 Blanchard, OK
SHELDA LIMBOCKER STUMP ‘58 Oct. 7, 1936 - May 7, 2022 Oklahoma City, OK DR. GARY JAMES TAYLOR ‘59 Mar. 9, 1933 - May 28, 2022 Blytheville, AR IVONNE FINCHUM ELLISON ‘70 Mar. 1, 1934 - June 7, 2022 Oklahoma City, OK JAMES L. FALKNER, SR. ‘63 July 26, 1929 - June 7, 2022 Bethany, OK
KENNETH C. ABT ‘97 Dec. 20, 1969 - Mar. 4, 2022 Guthrie, OK
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SO U T H E RN NA Z ARE NE U NIVER SI T Y J.D. & MAR Y WE ST SCIENCE BUILDING
BUI L D I N G W I T H E NE R GY. BUILD W I T H I N T EG R I T Y. BUI L D W I T H L I N G O.C O M LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NEWEST SNU ATHLETIC PROGRAM AT SNUATHLETICS.COM
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