2019 SNU MAGAZINE Summer Edition

STORIES oF STRENGTH SUMMER 2019

SNU MAGAZINE A PUBLICATION OF SOUTHERN NAZARENE UNIVERSITY Issue 11 | Summer 2019

PRESIDENT Dr. Keith Newman, MA '94 VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS Brent LaVigne, '04 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS Todd Brant, '94 ALUMNI RELATIONS Marcia Mosshart, ‘77 DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT SERVICES Annette McElroy GRAPHIC DESIGNER Patrick Marston, '08 DIRECTOR OF SNU CREATIVE AND WEB ADMINISTRATOR Colleen Brown, '13 PHOTOGRAPHERS/VIDEOGRAPHERS Todd Brant, '94; Ian Weston, '15; Sydney Jones, '19; Hailee Thompson, ‘21; Parker Whitson, ‘20 CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Stephoni Case, ’83; Cheryl Crouch, 91; Anna Derbyshire, ’90; James Hill; Sydney Jones, ‘19; Troy Rhodes, ’93; Kelsie Stelting; Emma Wright, ‘20 TELEPHONE: 405-491-6312 WEBSITE: bridge.snu.edu/direction EMAIL: alumni@snu.edu TO UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS Annette McElroy 405-491-6606 or bridge.snu.edu/alumni KEY NUMBERS Admissions Office of Alumni Relations Campus Main Number University Relations

405-491-6324 405-491-6312 405-789-6400 405-491-6311

SNU 1899 MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED

by Southern Nazarene University @ LSC in Liberty, MO. 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 Magazine 6729 NW 39th Expwy.

Bethany, OK 73008

facebook.com/followsnu instagram.com/southernnazarene View all issues of SNU Magazine online at bridge.snu.edu/direction

Olivia Lindsly

Jr. Graphic Design Major Bartlesville, OK

TABLE OF C ONTENT S /

F E AT UR E S

20

Spring Commencement Weekend SNU celebrates the Class of 2019

Campus Master Plan

Strengthening the future of SNU's property and facilities

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CL A S S OF 1969 R E TUR NS TO C AMPU S

26

8 BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI

SUMMER 2 019

CHA R A CTE R •

4 / Are We There Yet?

A message from the President

44 / Alumni News and Updates

Stay connected with the SNU family

16 / Helen's Story

Inspring Student Story of overcoming and generosity

17 / Doctoral Program

Introducing SNU's Doctor of Educational Leadership Degree Program

28 / Veteran Finds Calling in SNU Program Story of graduate student in Sport Management

34 / Strengthening America From USAF Space Command

Bruce Hollywood ('84) serves his nation K EITH NE WMAN, BRUCE HOLLYW O OD, & BR ENT L AVIGNE AT TH E PENTA G ON

CULT URE ••

29 / Pat Jergensen's 100th Year Celebration

Story of a dream impacting generations

30 / The Future of Intercultural Learning and Engagement at SNU Campus leaders steer course to representation and equity

CHRIST ••• DR . WANDA R HODE S

6 / SNU Alumna Brings Her Passion for Teaching to D.C.

Meghan Ramsey ('11) models excellence and service in the classroom

15 / Changed Perspectives

SNU SIMS mission program brings profound opportunities to students

36 / Coach Martin to Retire

Reflecting on the legacy of long-time Athletic Director, Bobby Martin ('76)

SNU MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 3

From t h e Pres i d e nt

Are We There Yet?

S

INCE 189 9, Southern Nazarene University has been on a journey. When you read its history and hear the stories of the hardships and sacrifices made in the past, it’s very clear that the people on the journey were full of faith and strength. They faced the hardships and made sacrifices to ensure that students were provided the best in Christ-centered higher education.

I can’t help but wonder what the conversations about the future might have been like in 1929 or 1941, or what future administrations will face in fifty, seventy-five, even one hundred years from now. Throughout the journey there will be similarities and differences in the opportunities, but we must remain relevant, provide excellence, and demonstrate service for students pursuing a higher education experience in a community of faith.

Some of my greatest memories are from family vacations that Carolyn and I took with our kids. We grew up in families with limited resources, so we didn’t experience family vacations such as those we have since been able to provide for our own children. Now, there is a question that I recall—and that I do not miss—when I remember those long road trip family vacations. It is that age old question that all children (and some members of the family that act like children) ask when you are traveling. You know the question. It might come after the first block of travel, or 500 miles down the road, but it will be asked: "Are we there yet?"

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I am reminded of a conversation from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland…

Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?

Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.

Alice: I don’t much care where.

Cat: Then it doesn’t much matter which way you go.

Well, we believe it matters where SNU is going and our Strategic Plan and Campus Master Plan have been developed to help provide a roadmap to the future. We are excited about where God is leading, and we believe that it is a daring destination. Our Strategic and Campus Master Plans are aspirational, will require resources far beyond anything we can envision at the present, and will transform the university as we serve students in the 21st century.

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"GOD CAN DO ANYTHING, YOU KNOW—FAR MORE THAN YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE OR GUESS OR REQUEST IN YOUR WILDEST DREAMS!"

One of the three major themes in our Strategic Plan is focused around the concept of Strengthen. In order to achieve this part of our plan, SNU will need to maximize our global network of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends to provision and transform the University’s work. We will need this global network to wholeheartedly partner with us in these plans and join us in an Ephesians 3:20-21 prayer: “God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, His Spirit deeply and gently within us.” (MSG) Our dreams for SNU can only be described as God-sized!

We are traveling in uncharted territory—all while reading pessimistic prognostications about the future of higher education and seeing centuries old colleges and universities close their doors. Yet we are living in a time when our mission to make Christ-like disciples through higher education has never been more important and needed.

On a family vacation several years ago, I made the decision to travel what my map described as a “Proposed Road.” By my calculations it would have saved us about 75 miles if we could navigate a 46 mile stretch of less-than-quality road.

Here are a few lessons I learned on that trip in the Rocky Mountains: • Understand that there is a road from here to there… it’s just not paved • Make a conscious decision to enjoy the journey • Be an encourager • Pray…like you’ve never prayed before • Celebrate when you arrive We are not there yet—but we are on our way to the daring destination described in our Strategic and Campus Master plans. I invite you to join us on this journey. We need your strength and help. Thanks for believing in our future. I look forward to making this trip together, because we believe the best is yet to come! 

SNU MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 5

C H R I ST • • •

SNU Alumna Brings Her Passion for Teaching to D.C.

BY E M MA W R I GH T ('2 0)

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S

outhern Nazarene University (SNU) works hard to help its graduates embody the SNU mission statement: “To make Christlike disciples through higher education.” This statement manifests in every graduate differently, and in Meghan Ramsey, this mission statement has manifested in her passion for teaching and serving, primarily teaching low-income students.

Ramsey graduated from SNU in 2011 with a degree in elementary education. After graduation, she joined Teach for America and received her masters degree in urban education from Johns Hopkins University. She then “moved to [Washington], D.C. to help found a brand new charter school. I became a founding teacher of a brand new KIPP charter school in Washington, D.C., their only turn around school ever.”

She currently serves as a third-grade teacher at that same charter school, and she continues to mentor and lead new teachers as they enter into the school. On top of this, she is “an adjunct professor at Relay Graduate School of Education, teaching a course about elementary content for reading, writing, and math.” Ramsey has become a crucial member of the teaching community in Washington, D.C.

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While Ramsey has accomplished incredible feats throughout her adult life, she mentions the important influence of SNU, saying, “There were many things at SNU that really shaped who I became as a person and gave me the chance to become who I am today.”

One of those things was volunteering at the City Rescue Mission: “It opened my eyes to how inequality was right in front of my eyes all over the United States. I wanted to be a part of making our education system a better place.”

Not only did SNU provide her with new perspectives of society, but she also had the opportunity to study at Eastern Nazarene College. Here, she learned of her love for the East Coast, saying it “showed me that I have a personality that is independent, adventurous, and ambitious. I gained so much confidence and understanding through that experience.”

"I WANTED TO BE A PART OF MAKING OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM A BETTER PLACE.”

S T U D EN T D R E S S E S L IK E ME GHAN BE C AU S E S H E WAN T S T O BE A T E A C HER

Because of the faculty who poured into her during her time at SNU, Meghan was able to grow to further become a Christlike disciple.

She notes the impact SNU had on both her faith and education, saying: “I know that my faith is stronger because of all the incredible examples from other students and people I encountered at SNU. My education was strong enough to get me into and through the number two educational school in the United States for my masters and make me a top educator. It's helped me succeed in my field, becoming a professor before I am 30, and coaching and mentoring over 10 teachers into their own successful classrooms.”

Meghan Ramsey is just one example of the impact SNU has had on its students, allowing people to grow educationally in conjunction with spiritual development, providing people like her with a passion to shape and innovate their surrounding communities. 

SNU MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 7

BY T

ROY

D. R

HOD

ES (

'93)

“DIRECTION— NOT INTENTION— DETERMINES OUR DESTINATION.” - Andy Stanley in The Principle of the Path

S OM E OR G AN IZ ATION S H AVE G O OD IN TEN TI ONS

but lack direction. Setting the direction for a campus master plan not only requires diligent planning and thoughtful creativity but also mindful consideration of the past. With a rich history of over a century as an institution of higher learning, the destination for SNU continues to unfold. Our President, Dr. Keith Newman, asked us to dream about a “daring destination.” We believe the proposed campus master plan fulfills this challenge.

As the SNU Leadership Team began to reshape the university’s strategic plan, it became evident that the campus master plan also needed to be renewed. A campus master plan is a physical manifestation of a university’s strategic plan and the planning effort becomes a road map to the future. Decisions that are being made and will be made are guided by this map. This map must be flexible to accommodate ever-changing academic strategies as well as economic conditions. It becomes a crucial tool in the development and life of the university.

R .T. W ILLIAMS LIBR AR Y & L AMP OF LE AR NING IN 196 0S

= 100 STUDENTS 1906

Mattie Mallory opens Beulah Heights College and Bible School

= TRADITIONAL STUDENTS

= PROFESSIONAL & GRADUATE STUDIES STUDENTS

1909

Oklahoma Holiness College established in Bethany 1909

73 Students

1910 10

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1932

1920

239 Students

Oklahoma Nazarene College merges with Peniel College

1920

1930 BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI

AER IAL PHOTO IN 1953 In order to look to the future, it is helpful to study the past. Our original 8-acre plot of land still holds some of the remnants of those original buildings from the early 1900’s. The physical growth of the campus has slowly evolved from that compact tract of land in a very rural early statehood environment to almost 200 acres including the Main Campus nestled in the Bethany community along Route 66 and the athletic facilities (West Campus) two and a half miles west and just north of Lake Overholser.

During this 110-year history in Bethany, there have been several spikes in enrollment which led to major periods of building construction. None was more prominent than from 1952 to 1972 when more than 400,000 square feet of new space was dedicated to furthering the institution’s reach.

Many of those buildings are now approaching 50 to 65 years of service to the students and faculty who have graced their floors. While this age may not seem old for university buildings, the annual budget challenges of the past have taken their toll on SNU’s building inventory. As Southern Nazarene University positions itself for the future, now is the time to strengthen and fortify the physical aspects of the campus.

MANY OF THOSE BUILDINGS ARE NOW APPROACHING 50 TO 65 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE STUDENTS AND FACULTY THAT HAVE GRACED THEIR FLOORS.

1964

Board Sanctioned Intercollegiate Sports

1966

2,021 Students

1961

Baby Boomers start college

1940

Bethany-Peniel College merges with Bresee College

1952

877 Students

1942

Bethany-Peniel College renamed to Bethany Nazarene College

498 Students

1956

1949

Acceptance of BNC to the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Golden Anniversary (50 Years)

1940

1955

1950

1968

Mid-America Nazarene College opened

1960 SNU MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 11

As the campus master plan began to take shape, several main themes characterizing the priorities of the SNU Leadership Team became apparent. The following themes helped shape the planning process:

• MINIMIZE PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS • CONSOLIDATE AND CONDENSE THE MAIN CAMPUS • CREATE PEDESTRIAN PATHWAYS • PUSH PARKING TO THE PERIMETER • DEVELOP LARGE OPEN QUADS • DESIGN WITHIN DISTRICTS AND ZONES

MINIMIZE PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS In contrast with previous master plans for this campus, the goal to minimize property acquisitions allows for investments to be made in infrastructure and buildings rather than real estate. Property acquisition also tends to be one of the most challenging and controversial aspects of physical campus growth and any efforts to minimize this facet of planning will allow limited funds to stretch. This also goes hand in hand with the second main theme to consolidate and condense the main campus. Creating a more condensed campus allows the buildings to be concentrated and compact, reducing walking distances as well as infrastructure investment.

The main campus is surrounded by Route 66 to the south, Bethany First Church to the west, and residential neighborhoods to the east and north.

These boundaries reinforce the need to condense and consolidate, which necessitates the third main theme, to create pedestrian pathways. Pathways will connect the outer perimeter to the campus interior. With large open walkways uniting the various sections of campus, the fourth main theme becomes evident.

s TOTAL NUMBER OF STUDENTS SINCE 1986 INCLUDES TRADITIONAL + PGS STUDENTS

1972

1,856 Students

1989

1,402 Students

1986

2001

PGS Program Starts

1973

“Do It Now for Bethany!”

Campaign to Raise $1,000,000

1974

Diamond Anniversary (75 Years)

1970 12

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Completion of QERC education and research facility in Costa Rica

1986

BNC renamed to Southern Nazarene University

1981

1999

NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship

1980

Centennial Anniversary (100 Years)

1990

2000 BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI

PHOTO TAK EN IN 192 0S A CR O S S F R OM C AMPU S ON R OU TE 6 6

PUSH PARKING TO THE PERIMETER To push parking to the perimeter may be the theme that creates the most questions, but it is also the theme that ties all the others together. By restricting vehicular movement to the perimeter of the campus, it allows students and employees to park and walk to classrooms and offices while providing commuters and visitors with readily accessible parking near busy thoroughfares. With parking now surrounding

the main campus, and buildings compressed to the interior, the remaining open land can be devoted to develop large open quads for outdoor student amenities, landscape areas, and stormwater management. Such beautifully designed open areas have historically been associated with universities for centuries and will provide a much needed respite during the busy life of the campus.

2017

2005

2,174 Students

2,218 Students

2015

Peak Enrollment

2011

SNU Enters NCAA Division II Sports

2010 SNU MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 13

DESIGNING WITHIN DISTRICTS AND ZONES STRATEGIC PLANNING ALLOWS THE GREATER VISION TO BE DEVELOPED ALONG A PATH OF INCREMENTAL STEPS.

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The last remaining theme is one that requires the biggest adjustment in thinking. Designing within districts and zones will require the removal of a number of well-loved buildings. Even during the first couple of decades when the university was known as Oklahoma Holiness College, and then later as Oklahoma Nazarene College, student housing seemed to move from year to year as the gender population shifted and more rooms were needed for either male or female students. Currently the residential student population is split with roughly half the students living in the northwest corner of campus and the other half in the newly constructed A. M. Hills complex to the southeast. To improve this dynamic to one that creates cohesion and community, the new master plan places new housing amenities north of Hills to buttress this existing anchor of the residential district. This will create a central block of housing options for students of all ages. The larger district to the west will intensify and emphasize the instructional and student support functions of the university. The remaining district to

the east will provide athletic components within the main campus, which will enhance the nearby residential district while providing on-campus intercollegiate sports.

The west campus will also undergo changes as funding allows, providing for new athletic amenities to support the growing population of student-athletes. These enhancements include significant upgrades to the football and soccer complex as well as potential new venues for emerging sports like cross-country and golf.

This momentous shift in direction will set SNU on a new path, a path that is wellplanned, thoughtful, and based on a timeline that uses data, enrollment, and funding as its benchmarks. Only as certain milestones for enrollment are anticipated or met, funding is in place, and the data supports the change, will decisions be made to put these plans into action. Strategic planning allows the greater vision to be developed along a path of incremental steps. The new campus master plan strengthens Southern Nazarene University… as her future continues to unfold. 

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CHR I ST • • •

ME G AN BR OW N IN IR EL AND

CHANGED PERSPECTIVE S T U DEN T S I N M I S S I ON S

C

BY CH ER Y L C R OU C H ( '91 )

hange your perspective by changing your location. This is the challenge Deanna Thomason, Director of SIMS (SNU in Missions), offers SNU students as she encourages them to spend a part of their summers overseas. She knows God can speak anywhere, but she realizes we often hear better when we are removed from our usual circumstances.

SNU student Nathan Cummings agrees. At a dinner for the SNU Board of Trustees and Foundation Board, Nathan shared that participating in SIMS trips to New Zealand and Albania unlocked part of his heart to the plight of refugees.

Because the areas where he served had refugees from many nations, he interacted with people from 21 cultures. “Being with people so different from me taught me a lot about myself, and about God’s love,” he said. Nathan reflected that it is one thing to search online for the population of Albania.

It is entirely different to live with Albanians and interact with them. He no longer sees numbers, but instead he sees people who deserve the love of Christ.

Megan Brown, who served in Ireland and Brazil, commented, “Through SIMS I’m able to love people, and while I’m doing that, I learn about different cultures in the midst of all these things I otherwise would not be able to experience.”

Hope Salzman adds, “My SIMS trip to Germany wrecked me in such a good way. It’s a different culture. They’re different people and we have different outlooks on life. It’s super beneficial to go—to experience new people, new food, new music, new culture, new environments, and then come back here and look for those parallels.”

Thomason loves seeing students’ worldviews expand through participation in SIMS. That growth often begins before they ever board a plane, as they struggle to raise funds. “For many of these students, $3,000 feels like an impossible goal,” she explains. As they work and save and watch God provide, their faith stretches and grows. Much

HOPE S AL ZMAN & GE OF F MILLER ('18) IN GERMANY

"IT’S SUPER BENEFICIAL TO GO – TO EXPERIENCE NEW PEOPLE, NEW FOOD, NEW MUSIC, NEW CULTURE, NEW ENVIRONMENTS, AND THEN COME BACK HERE AND LOOK FOR THOSE PARALLELS.”

of that provision comes from alumni who understand the value of mission trips. In fact, an endowment has been established to provide ongoing funding.

Thomason’s hope is that the endowment will eventually provide $15,000 in SIMS scholarship money each year.

SIMS expands worldviews and grows faith, and it also strengthens students’ appreciation for the church. Thomason is passionate about connecting SNU students with the global Church of the Nazarene. Partnering with established Nazarene ministries allows SIMS teams to have a meaningful, lasting impact while opening students’ eyes to our worldwide denomination. This year, teams will serve in every one of the six world regions where the church exists. As our university students work alongside Nazarene missionaries, pastors, and lay people in Kenya, eSwatini, New Zealand, South Africa, Costa Rica, Cambodia, Ukraine, Ecuador, and Brazil, they learn that the Church of the Nazarene reaches far beyond the borders of the United States.

As Hope said of her time serving internationally, “Yes, we’re there two weeks, but we learn so much that we’re able to apply the other fifty weeks we are here!” Actually, the applications will last much longer than fifty weeks. Changing location through SIMS results in a lifetime of changed perspective.  SNU MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 15

C HA R AC T ER •

HELEN’S STORY

BY S Y D N E Y J ON E S ('1 9)

YOUR GIF T S MAK E UNIQUE MAR K S on the lives of students at Southern Nazarene University.

Helen is a biology major, artist, and big sister. She studied abroad last year at SNU’s Quetzal Education Research Center (QERC) in Costa Rica. Helen is the first one in her family to earn a high school diploma and pursue a college degree.

Helen had no idea what going to college would look like, how she would get there, or if she could succeed. Her parents are immigrants who have worked their entire lives to create opportunities for Helen and her three younger sisters. When a Physician's Assistant (PA) visited her high school during her junior year, she began to see that maybe her dream of being a part of the medical field might be possible.

"I grew up in North Tulsa, kind of the beginning of the ghetto. My mom worked really hard to send my sisters and I to private Christian schools. I was intimidated by the thought of being a doctor until that PA walked into our school and shared her story. At that time I wanted to serve in the medical field and give back to my family. Being at SNU opens many doors for my younger sisters and I. Because I am at SNU, my sisters can say to themselves: "This [going to college] isn't weird or something I can't do, this is just normal. I can do this too." 

WE ALL HAVE DREAMS AND THINGS WE WANT TO ACHIEVE. Helen reminds

us that our work ethic and the decisions we make everyday matter.

She wants other people, especially those from similar backgrounds, to know that the three things you need to succeed and achieve your goals are God, resilience, and hope. "And even when my resilience and hope failed me, God never did."

When you give to students through the SNU Fund, your investment makes a mark on each recipient. Sometimes people ask why they should give to the SNU Fund as it is not tied to a specific program of study. The response is that when you give, we can make a mark on each student, who we pray will make a mark on our world by serving Christ.

"AND EVEN WHEN MY RESILIENCE AND HOPE FAILED ME, GOD NEVER DID."

JOIN US AND MAKE YOUR MARK BY INVESTING IN STUDENTS AT SNU.

The SNU Fund directly supports SNU students—its that simple. Help us reach our goal of $300,000 by the end of June 2019 to support Helen and many other students who are recipients of scholarships from the SNU Student Scholarship Fund. Your gift today of any amount is so important. Annual Gifts of $1,000 or more qualify you as a President's Circle Member.

Thank you for your willingness to give and pray for students like Helen. They’re being educated, mentored, and equipped to make a kingdom difference in the lives of others.

Give online at bridge.snu.edu/give or use the inserted envelope.

INTRODUCING SNU'S FIRST DOCTORAL PROGRAM

BY DR . S TEPH ON I C A SE ('8 3)

SNU MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 17

C H A R AC T ER •

A

D O C TOR AL PR O GR AM F OR PR OF E S SIONAL S with a passion for making a positive impact on their institution, organization, or community has been launched at Southern Nazarene University. The Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership (DEAL) is a cohort-based program of 57 credit hours and takes approximately 32 months to complete.

The first cohort met on campus March 6, 2019, launching into study with the course Servant Leadership, taught by Dr. Keith Newman and Dr. Scott VanWorth. The program will continue at an accelerated pace while all courses lay a foundation for success by supporting each student’s dissertation. With the dissertation embedded, learners will have completed both coursework and their dissertations at the end of their program of study.

Focusing on sound leadership principles and based on a Christian worldview, this research-based program appeals to educators, business leaders, and public service professionals. As Director of Graduate Programs in Education, I was extremely pleased that the application pool for the first cohort was so deep that we received approval to launch a second 2019 cohort in August. January 2020 will see the launch of the first Tulsa, Oklahoma campus cohort, and plans are in place to offer the program online beginning in 2021. In Educational Leadership circles, I was continually asked when SNU would offer a doctorate program, and, although development of a new graduate program is a daunting task, the strength and accomplishments of the faculty and support of the administration at SNU assured me that this goal was attainable.

One of our inaugural cohort students is Jason Pittenger, Assistant Superintendent for Mustang (OK) Public Schools. Jason said, “I had been looking to get started on a doctorate for 10 years and with this program God literally removed every barrier preventing me from coming back to school.

The program thus far has provided me with intellectual renewal, and it challenges my thinking about how I approach leadership.” Jason added, “I am thrilled with the program and love the instructors— it’s top notch!”

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DR . S T EPHONI C A SE , DI R E C T OR OF GR ADUAT E PR O GR AMS I N EDUC AT I ON

COHORTBASED PROGRAM 57 CREDIT HOURS 32 MONTHS

A vital component to assuring the sustained growth of the DEAL program lies in the success of the masters programs at SNU, as they attract quality applicants to the new program. Prime examples of this are Carlos and Sharica Robinson.

Carlos and Sharica were first-generation college graduates who searched diligently for post-graduate programs that met their criteria for quality and compatibility with their busy schedules. Carlos is Director of Admissions, Recruitment and Outreach Programs at Langston University (OK), and Sharica is a Community Development Specialist for Microsoft. Having advanced their careers by successfully completing the MBA and M.Ed. programs, respectively, they are now in the first cohort of the

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new doctoral program. They said, “When SNU announced the Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership, there was not a shadow of a doubt that we would apply, and, thus far, it has been what we have come to expect from SNU—and much more. We would highly recommend SNU to anyone looking for a sense of belonging, and an exceptional graduate experience.”

When I began my own doctorate work in 2003, God laid on my heart this verse: “So do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God you will receive what He has promised,” (Hebrews 10:35-36). With this verse in mind as we created this program, I was confident that I could strengthen the mission of the university, as well as my own personal calling in Christian higher education, by working with the dedicated faculty and administration at SNU to make this program offering possible. This new doctoral program at SNU could be the perfect fit for your academic dreams, and I invite interested alumni and friends of SNU to reach out to me to learn how you can start your own doctoral journey! 

J A S O N P I T T EN GER

C AR LO S & SHAR I C A R OBI NS ON

"WE WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND SNU TO ANYONE LOOKING FOR A SENSE OF BELONGING, AND AN EXCEPTIONAL GRADUATE EXPERIENCE.”

To learn more about the Doctor of Education degree at SNU, visit pgs.snu.edu/doctorate-education, or contact Patti Milford at 405-491-6346 or pmilford@snu.edu.

SNU MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 19

SOLI DEO GLORIA C OMMENCEMENT W EEK END 2 019

BY C H ER Y L C R OU CH ('91)

T

Madeline Dixon receives her pin

“I CAN’T THINK OF A MORE MEANINGFUL AND IMPORTANT TRADITION. I’M SO THANKFUL FOR SNU AND THEIR DESIRE TO SEEK GOD IN ALL THEY DO!”

Blessing of the Hands

Nursing students after Pinning & Recognition Ceremony

hroughout commencement weekend 2019, the SNU campus buzzed with the excitement of celebration.

On Friday afternoon, the Nursing Pinning and Recognition Ceremony took place in the Herrick auditorium. In a moving keynote address, Rev. Jeremy M. Basset, Director of the Office of Missions for the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church, shared about a nurse who literally held his heart in her hands during a surgery. He reminded the graduates of the opportunities they will have to make a difference in the world as they figuratively hold many hearts in their hands, while they themselves are held in the hands of God. After a group of gifted students presented the song, “Your Grace Still Amazes Me,” 36 M.S. and B.S. students dressed in their white coats crossed the platform to receive their pins, cords, and awards. Next, the graduating nurses came forward and knelt at the altar for the “Blessing of the Hands” ceremony. Rev. Basset, along with Drs. Muthalaly, Samples, and Spindle, participated by anointing the nurses’ hands to serve as the hands of God, bringing healing in a broken world. Graduate Jalayna Liggins said, “I can’t think of a more meaningful and important tradition. I’m so thankful for SNU and their desire to seek God in all they do!”

Before the nursing students’ reception had ended, the third floor of the Commons began to fill with family members ready to celebrate the achievements of this year’s graduates at the Honors Recognition & Regalia Ceremony. Faculty announced various academic achievements from Honors, LiveLast, and McNair programs to NASA Space Grant Scholars and University Marshals. As family and friends cheered and snapped photos, members of various honor societies came forward to receive their regalia. Graduate Hunter Essex commented, “Although it felt good to be recognized, it was especially meaningful to my parents and grandparents. They traveled a long way to celebrate this time with me.” A joyful atmosphere surrounded the students, who were festooned with various colored cords, satin sashes, and clinking medallions, as they mingled with guests and enjoyed delectable mini desserts.

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“I WILL BUILD MY LIFE UPON YOUR LOVE; IT IS A FIRM FOUNDATION. I WILL PUT MY TRUST IN YOU ALONE, AND I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN.” That evening, celebrants poured into Herrick for the baccalaureate service. During a processional played by Dr. Bryan Powell, Chair of School of Music, students dressed in their black caps and gowns entered and filled the center section. After a welcome from President Newman and invocation

by Dr. Steve Betts, Interim Provost, the congregation stood for enthusiastic worship. The lyrics of “Build My Life” were beautifully appropriate for students embarking on their new journeys: “I will build my life upon Your love; it is a firm foundation. I will put my trust in You alone, and I will not be shaken.” Mrs. Marian Redwine presented the President’s Awards, the university’s highest award given annually to one male and one female. Bradley Crouch and Sadie (Shaull) Crouch, this year’s recipients, each received a sculpture entitled “A Cup… in His Name.” Dr. Newman then shared about the establishment of a new scholarship, the Ed & Eva Pope “Live Last” Servant Leader Award. He spoke of Ed and Eva’s quiet service which inspired the award, and then presented it to the first recipients: Emma (Rhodes) Schultheis and Madison Mullins. After the congregation sang “Amazing Grace,” Dr. Blair Spindle, Campus Pastor and Dean of the Chapel elicited laughter and nods of agreement as he spoke

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“IT WAS SUCH AN IMPACTFUL MOMENT AS I REALIZED THAT MY TIME AT SNU HAD COME FULL CIRCLE.”

about “The New Math of Grace.” Graduate Michael Tuttle shared that for him the most memorable part of the baccalaureate service was when Megan Brown, a fellow graduate who had sung a solo during the class’s New Student Institute chapel service, sang. “It was such an impactful moment as I realized that my time at SNU had come full circle.” He also enjoyed the slideshow of photos from freshman year, stating, “It is unbelievable to think that we met for the first time just four years ago and now I do not know who or where I would be without them.”

Awards made to Emma (Rhodes) Schultheis & Madison Mullins

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After a closing prayer by Mrs. Misty Jaggers, Associate Vice President for Student Success, students and their families made their way to the Campus Mall. In the cool, damp evening air, professors lined up inside the ring of fresh ivy which circled the Lamp of Learning. Students, grouped by areas of study, found their places outside the ring.

Senior Dalton Armstrong said, “I've witnessed the ivy ring ceremony each of the last two years, but I never understood how special it was until I took part in it. Having your professors stand there in front of you and send you off into the world telling you how proud they are of you is really special. It helps validate the years that you spent with those same professors working so hard to succeed.” Dr. Newman shared the history of the Ivy Ring Ceremony, which dates to 1933 and is one of the oldest campus traditions. Symbolizing their unity, the students held the unbroken ring while Bradley Crouch, Senior Class President, prayed. Professors then cut the ivy, signifying the parting of ways to serve God and others. For Makayla Johnson (‘19) “It was a full circle moment.”

President's Award Recipients - Sadie(Shaull) and Bradley Crouch

"HAVING YOUR PROFESSORS STAND THERE IN FRONT OF YOU AND SEND YOU OFF INTO THE WORLD TELLING YOU HOW PROUD THEY ARE OF YOU IS REALLY SPECIAL." Traditional Ivy Ring Ceremony

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IN CLOSING, HE ENCOURAGED THEM TO LET THE LETTERS SDG, FROM THE LATIN “SOLI DEO GLORIA,” GUIDE THEM AS THEY LIVE FOR GLORY TO GOD ALONE. Saturday morning brought the Golden Grads, 60 graduates from 1969, to campus to be honored on the fiftieth anniversary of their graduation. The largest group of Golden Grads yet enjoyed a quick breakfast together before climbing on shuttles to the Sawyer Center. Each Golden Grad received a medallion with the Bethany Nazarene College seal on one side and the Southern Nazarene University seal on the other. They donned their black robes and medallions and lined up for the processional.

Meanwhile, the Sawyer Center filled with guests. While Dr. Reighard played “Pomp and Circumstance” as only he can, faculty, the Board of Trustees, and the Golden Grads entered, followed by the graduates. Cheers erupted throughout the large center as family members caught sight of their students.

The ceremony opened with a welcome from SNU President Dr. Newman, an invocation by Alumna Ms. LeEtta (McClung) Felter, and introductions

by Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Terry Rowland and Church of the Nazarene General Superintendent Dr. Carla Sunberg. Rev. Daniel Gomis, Church of the

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Commencement Speaker - Rev. Daniel Gomis

"I FELT SURROUNDED BY THOSE WHO LOVED AND SUPPORTED ME MOST.” Nazarene Regional Director for Africa, brought the lively commencement address which challenged graduates to be authentic, present, relevant, and interdependent. In closing, he encouraged them to let the letters SDG, from the Latin “Soli Deo Gloria,” guide them as they live for glory to God alone. Following the address, Dr. Newman awarded Rev. Gomis an honorary doctorate.

Interim Provost Dr. Steve Betts presented honors and recognitions before presenting the candidates for degrees, which were awarded by Dr. Newman. Everyone present joined in singing “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and then Rev. Allen D. Hughes prayed the benediction. “It was so special to me that I had the opportunity to graduate with my best friends and husband, with our friends and family in the audience. I felt surrounded by those who loved and supported me most,” said Makayla Johnson (‘19).

While many left for celebration lunches and parties, the Golden Grads stayed on campus for a special luncheon.

SNU dining was decorated with enlarged pictures from fifty years ago at BNC. Dr. Mary Eskridge (‘69), former SNU School of Education professor, shared the story of her journey to BNC (now SNU) and how her time at the school changed the trajectory of her life. While other graduates’ stories may not have been as dramatic, they realized as they visited during the lunch that each of their stories has been impacted by SNU. Marie Nelson (‘69) commented that joining other Golden Grads, “gave us a great opportunity to witness God’s faithfulness to all of us over the last half-century. He has been faithful!”

A second Commencement Ceremony took place at two in the afternoon.

During this ceremony, which featured the same music and address, Professional and Graduate Studies graduates were awarded degrees. Dr. Doug Samples, Professor and Chaplain for Professional & Graduate Studies, brought the invocation. Ms. Kristin Jasper, Vice-Provost for the College of Professional and Graduate

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"[GOLDEN GRADS] GAVE US A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO WITNESS GOD’S FAITHFULNESS TO ALL OF US OVER THE LAST HALFCENTURY. HE HAS BEEN FAITHFUL!” Golden Grad, Kenton Daugherty, enjoying time with others from the class of 1969

Studies, presented Distinguished Achievement Awards during the ceremony. Mr. Brent LaVigne, Vice President for University Relations, inducted the graduates as SNU Alumni. Ms. Linden Raath, RD and wife of a graduate, prayed the benediction.

Graduate I.J. Popoola said of earning her advanced degrees from SNU, “I do this for my daughters because there is a Proverbs 31 woman inside of them who will help change the world they live in... I want them to know women can do all things

Mace-Bearer, Prof. Betty Lou Thompson

but through Christ who gives them strength. I want to be a role model and example that nothing worth having comes easy but with hard work and dedication their efforts will always pay off.”

By Saturday evening, the SNU campus was quiet—but not for long. Summer classes start soon, and even as the recent grads head out to transform the world, students will continue to gather and be transformed through the higher education they receive at dear old SNU. 

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C HA R AC T ER •

VETERAN FINDS HER CALL IN SPORT MANAGEMENT

BY K EL S I E S T ELT I N G

BRITTANY HALL KNEW IT WAS TIME FOR A CHANGE.

She had been working at a desk job for years and felt stuck inside. Seeing her husband, who works as a university track coach, live his dream every day inspired her to chase her own. “I wanted to find a career in a field that I’m passionate about,” she said.

The first step she took was speaking with a representative from SNU at a job fair. Going back to school can be scary when you consider the time and financial commitments, but luckily, Brittany said, “she eased my fears.”

As a member of the National Guard, Brittany was able to receive assistance from the SNU VETS Center toward completing her degree.

Throughout the Sport Management and Administration program, Brittany leaned on her family and peers for support. “You learn so much about those people,” she said of her classmates.

“They’re in the trenches with you.”

The highlight of her time at SNU came during the Professional Connections Trip, Hall said. This is a course during the program where students travel to network with different professionals in the sporting industry.

“We flew to Toronto and met with sports teams,” Hall said. “The highlight of the trip was getting to know that there’s more than just coaching.”

Then, just months from graduation, she did it. She landed her dream job as the running director for Fields and Futures, a nonprofit in Oklahoma City that builds and repairs fields to create better experiences for high school athletes. As the running director, she delivers materials to schools, hosts clinics, attends track meets, and more.

Recently, she was able to work at a clinic at Jefferson Middle School where a fellow student, Cruce Wilkinson, is the track coach.

She said her favorite part of working clinics is, “seeing the excitement in the kids. Running could change their lives because it changed mine. It could open a whole new world for them.”

Her advice to other adults just starting out in their education is to “take advantage of everything the program offers.”

Who knows? You just might end up living your dream too. 

F I ND OU T MOR E AT P GS . S NU. E DU OR C AL L 4 0 5 -259 -12 7 6 28

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C ULT U R E • •

PAT JERGENSEN’S 100TH YEAR CELEBRATION

BY ANN A D ER BY S H I R E ('9 0)

G

len Jergensen, a blue-collar electrician in Nebraska, wanted a degree in electrical engineering. But after he and his wife Florence (“Pat”) married in 1939, there was a war to be won. By 1945, after an honorable discharge, it was time to work and raise six children.

Glen and Pat both desired that both their children should have college educations. They also felt that a spiritual education was of equal or higher value than a basic curriculum, so they pointed their children to the Nazarene college in Bethany, Oklahoma. Gary Jergensen recalls that when the children were old enough to throw a newspaper, or work at the local mercantile, they gave him the money to save for college.

The family investment paid off in the late 1950’s when the children journeyed to Bethany Nazarene College. Over the next fifty years, several Jergensen descendants headed to Oklahoma.

On March 17, 2019, Pat's family gathered to celebrate her 100th birthday. Among the many wonderful things Pat has witnessed in her lifetime, one has been to see all six of her children graduate from SNU, along with four spouses, four grandchildren and two of her grandchildren's spouses, for a total of sixteen descendants joining the ranks of SNU Alumni.

In the windswept Nebraska fields of the early 1900's, a girl was born and 100 years later Southern Nazarene University is stronger because of the Jergensen family and the belief they had in the importance of a Christian education. 

SIXTEEN DESCENDANTS JOIN THE RANKS OF SNU ALUMNI

LEFT TO RIGHT, BACK ROW: Leon VanPelt (1966-1968, 1977-1978), Gary Jergensen ('87 MHR), Eric Jergensen ('91), Irene Kindall Jergensen ('62), Gail Jergensen ('63), Gary Bohannan ('77), Jerry Nichols ('65), Bryan Bohannan ('06), Lisa Bohannan Ledbetter ('08 - Master's '13) LEFT TO RIGHT, FRONT ROW: Janice Jergensen VanPelt ('71), Laura Densmore Jergensen ('92), Pamela Jergensen Kaiser ('77), Joyce Jergensen Nichols ('66), Patti Jergensen Bohannan ('77) SNU MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 29

C U LT U R E • •

“I'M NOT OPTIMISTIC, NO. I'M QUITE DIFFERENT. I'M HOPEFUL. I AM A PRISONER OF HOPE.”

Rev. Dr. Lena Crouso

James Udo, SNU Student

- DESMOND TUTU

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PRISONERS OF HOPE I

BY EMMA W R I GHT ('2 0)

n the spring of 2018, it was announced that Rev. Dr. Lena Crouso would serve in the new position of Vice President for Intercultural Learning and Engagement at Southern Nazarene University (SNU).

This change has prompted a new focus on the tapestry of diversity and interculturality on SNU’s campus, transforming the ways in which SNU students, faculty, staff, and alumni build relationships with others as well as providing hope for the future of SNU. The area of Intercultural Learning and Engagement, including the Center for Student Success, Access and Opportunity Programs, and the Center for Service and Global Engagement, is casting a vision for SNU, building this vision through four foundational lenses: diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice. Through these lenses, Dr. Crouso hopes to “create bridges of cultural affinity” through “God’s inclusive love,” beginning on SNU’s campus and translating into the world. This vision has already begun to take shape as students, faculty, staff, and alumni have been working together to create learning opportunities and begin conversations that participate in the ministry of reconciliation.

Dr. Keith Newman, President of SNU, was one of the main facilitators in the development of this position, seeing the need for leadership to create “a compelling vision for biblical diversity.”

Included in this is “deepening ethnic diversity, promoting racial unity, and advancing intercultural understanding in the pursuit of university-wide excellence.” A crucial part of this vision is partnering with faculty and staff to transfer this vision into the classroom and on campus.

Misty Jaggers, Associate Vice President for Student Success, has become a prominent voice at SNU in bridging the gap between faculty, staff, and students.

As she heads the Center for Student Success, she works closely alongside Dr. Crouso, saying: “The hope of Intercultural Learning and Engagement is to create an environment that truly reflects the diversity of God’s Kingdom and fosters an intercultural, culturally responsive campus community. This work cannot be done by one person and cannot be done by one isolated area on campus, but it must be woven into all that we do.”

"[OUR HOPE] IS TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT TRULY REFLECTS THE DIVERSITY OF GOD’S KINGDOM AND FOSTERS AN INTERCULTURAL, CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE CAMPUS COMMUNITY."

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As a bridge between the faculty, staff and students, the Center for Student Success is embodying the tapestry of diversity on SNU’s campus.

In March of 2019, Dr. Pam Bracken and SNU student Evetta Soma led the “Ain’t I a Woman!” program, partnering with Oklahoma Humanities to create a three-part event that highlighted innovative African-American women who shaped our society.

Sharing her motivation for bringing such a learning opportunity to SNU, Dr. Bracken said: “It really seemed time to celebrate diversity at SNU, since over a decade we have seen steadily rising rates of minority students join our community, in both traditional and professional programs…

Core Ensemble's intentional embrace of difference in the arts made the ‘Ain't I a Woman’ performance a fit for where we are today.”

“Ain’t I a Woman!” was an incredibly successful and well-attended event. Soma commented on the success of the event, discussing the importance of her identity, identifying as “half Japanese and African-American,” and her deliberate involvement on campus in the planning of this event. She went on to say, “It was also really special because it talked about… black women (Sojourner Truth and Fannie

Misty Jaggers, '01

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STUDENTS AND PROFESSORS ALIKE ARE BUILDING SPACES FOR HEALTHY DISCUSSIONS ABOUT DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, EQUITY, AND JUSTICE.

Deanne BrodieMends, '05

Lou Hamer, for example) who made some valuable steps in society that not everyone knows about.”

Students and professors alike are building spaces for healthy discussions about diversity, inclusion, equity and justice, engaging both the outer and inner community in the process.

Along with Dr. Crouso’s new position, SNU has created a new student executive position that serves on the Student Government Association alongside three other students on their staff. Recently voted to become the first student in this position is James Udo, a sophomore nursing major from Nigeria.

“My hope is that I can meet with people who feel like they are an outsider here on campus… discussing with Dr. Lena about how we can [better] these issues.” Udo embodies the future of SNU, leading the student body to be challenged in the ways that they think of others and each other.

Deanne Brodie-Mends, a 2015 graduate of SNU, has become involved in the discussion about race, speaking after the “Ain’t I a Woman!” performance as well as at a “Small Changes” talk.

Brodie-Mends is one of the many people associated with SNU who is inspiring

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Evetta Soma, SNU Student

Guest Speaker at "Ain't I a Woman!"

further conversation as a means of shifting the culture towards a foundational focus on interculturality. Her hopes and dreams for transforming our communities align greatly with the new vision for Intercultural Learning & Engagement, stating: “My desire is for us to look at the people we come in contact with every day as a brother or a sister. If we are to call ourselves a community of believers, then we must educate ourselves individually and collectively. We must work to look past our own needs and wants and genuinely love others the way that Christ loves us.”

These learning opportunities, discussions, and positions are all a part of a larger goal: to create a diverse, inclusive, equitable, and just community centered on the love of Christ. The future of SNU requires an intentional community willing to become “prisoners of hope,” bound to the possibility of the future. Laying the foundation for the future, students, faculty, staff, and alumni are continuing to hope, daring to change the culture of SNU’s campus and the community it is surrounded by through God’s inclusive love. 

THE FUTURE OF SNU REQUIRES AN INTENTIONAL COMMUNITY WILLING TO BECOME “PRISONERS OF HOPE,” BOUND TO THE POSSIBILITY OF THE FUTURE. Dr. Pam Bracken, SNU Faculty

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C H A R AC T ER •

Strengthening America From USAF Space Command

BY AN N A D ER BY S H I R E ('9 0)

B

RU CE H OLLYWO OD IS EN J OYING HIS DR E AM J OB in Washington D.C. as the Executive Director of the United States Air Force Space Command. Hollywood is a 1984 graduate of Southern Nazarene University. The first time Hollywood visited the Bethany campus he says, “I was home. It was just that feeling.” He transferred from Texas Tech in Lubbock and the 2nd floor of Snowbarger became home base.

One of the important things he found at SNU was the incredibly strong support system. “The professors wanted to see you succeed. All the people around you wanted you to succeed.

Young men don’t always make the best decisions, but one of the professors, or church leaders, or friends would step in.”

He remembers a time when his good friend, Robert Canino, stepped in. “Robert probably doesn’t realize what he did, just him being him. At that moment I was down, he was a very calming reassuring friend.”

Hollywood worked driving buses for Putnam City, and roofing, but one semester he couldn’t finish paying his school bill. “I did not know what I was going to do,” he recalls. The business office manager called Hollywood to the office and

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"ALL THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU WANTED YOU TO SUCCEED."

told him “Herman Plott (a friend’s father from Lubbock) just paid your bill.

Welcome back to school.” It was that level of kindness, and the strength of those relationships, that still bears fruit in Hollywood’s life. “I am still in touch with friends from there. It was a great and amazing time.”

After graduation from SNU, he joined the Air Force and had a great desire to become a pilot. He began training but suffered severe damage to his right ear that disqualified him from the program. After the initial disappointment, he was grateful to move on to the next thing—space training.

By 2005 he was promoted to the rank of Colonel. He was gearing up for his annual move with his family when a heart attack stopped him in the parking lot of the Pentagon, suddenly changing his direction.

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ONE OF THE GREATEST THINGS IS MOTIVATING PEOPLE AROUND ME SO WE CAN GET THERE TOGETHER First, his heart attack motivated him to find his birth mother. He always knew he was adopted because his adoptive father was Irish, and his mother was Norwegian, but he had distinctly Asian features. After a failed attempt to find her, the Japanese Embassy finally notified him that they had located her. His great desire to thank her for sacrificially giving him up for adoption to pave the way for his good life was finally fulfilled. And for three years he had many meaningful visits with his birth mother before a heart attack took her life.

The second result of his health issue was that he retired from the Air Force in 2007. This led to civilian work with the Joint Operational War Plans team, and

on behalf of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for a decade he worked to strengthen National Security. His work with the Joint Chiefs opened the way to become a member of the initial cohort of the White House Leadership Development Program, where he was assigned to work on Veterans Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.

In March, Hollywood was chosen for his current position where he is working to develop the new combatant command to insure military and cyberspace protection. It will be up to Congress to decide to create a new U.S. Space Force, or to instead create an efficient and effective department within the Air Force.

Bruce in the Oval Office with Fellows from White House Leadership Development Program

Hollywood describes himself as a “short, moderately talented, unattractive son of a sergeant from outside of Lubbock, Texas“ who, from the safety net on the second floor of Snowbarger, found the strength of lifelong friendships and now works every day to strengthen America.

“I always look forward to that great feeling of accomplishment—the harder the challenge, the more rewarding it is. You have to look at it that way. Sometimes challenges are very onerous. One of the greatest things in life is motivating people around me so we can reach a goal together. Leading and mentoring the next generation...that is the most rewarding piece.”  Speaking at Japanese American Leadership Conference

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CHR I ST • • •

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MARTIN TO RETIRE AS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AT SNU

BY J AME S HI L L

SNU MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 37

A

fter 40 years at Southern Nazarene University in a variety of leadership roles, Athletic Director Bobby Martin is set to retire at the end of June, 2019.

Whether the point guard for the former Bethany Nazarene College, roaming the sidelines as the head coach of the men's basketball team, or running the day-to-day operations as the athletic director, one thing is for certain—Martin made an impact on SNU, its faculty, staff, students, and the Bethany community.

After spending two seasons at Clarendon (Texas) Junior College, Martin arrived at Bethany Nazarene in 1972, playing two seasons under head coach Jim Poteet. Martin was an NCCAA All-American selection as well as an All-District and All-Conference selection during this time.

Martin still holds SNU’s all-time assists record for a single game, and is the all-time leader in assists for a single season.

After earning his degree in Physical Education at BNC, and later a master’s degree in Education from the University of Central Oklahoma, Martin began his coaching career at Mount Vernon (OH) Nazarene College in 1976, where he was the head men’s basketball and baseball coach for three seasons. Martin moved back to his alma mater in 1979 and became the director of athletics and an assistant to Dr. Loren Gresham on the men’s basketball coaching staff.

In 1986, Martin was named the head coach for the men’s varsity program, a post he held for 17 seasons alongside his athletic director duties.

During his coaching career at SNU, Martin amassed a record of 336-222, a .602 winning percentage, and became the first coach in school history to produce 300 wins in any sport. Martin was twice named the Sooner Athletic Conference coach of the year (1986 and 1998) and in 1998 was named the NABC’s NAIA national coach of the year.

Martin playing for BNC

Loren (Martin) McElroy ('11), Jan (Tyler) Martin ('75), Bobby Martin ('74), Tyler Martin ('07), Logan Martin ('12)

Martin coaching SNU men's basketball

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"No person in SNU intercollegiate athletics history has made a more significant contribution than Coach Bobby Martin,” said SNU President Emeritus Dr. Loren Gresham, “His contribution to building lives on a solid foundation has impacted hundreds of student athletes."

Under Martin’s leadership, athletic programs at Southern Nazarene grew from four to sixteen varsity sports and claimed 13 team national championships in the NCCAA and NAIA as well as 13 individual national championships.

In four decades of competition, Martin has led the university’s athletic department through many notable changes, such as the name change from Bethany Nazarene College to Southern Nazarene University, and the mascot change to the Crimson Storm. As Athletic Director, Martin played a critical role in SNU’s transition from the NAIA to the NCAA-Division II in a rigorous, three-year process with full active membership achieved in the 2014-15 academic year.

However, one thing has remained unchanged in Martin’s four decades of Crimson Storm athletics, and that is the mission of the athletic programs at SNU, to reflect the university motto—Character, Culture, Christ. Under Martin’s watch, athletics at SNU stand for something more than victories and championships. SNU athletics has come to stand for sportsmanship, Christian fair play, and, most of all, a family atmosphere for not only athletes and coaches, but fans as well.

The most important cause to Bobby Martin has never had anything to do with athletics. "Our goals are pretty much the same every year.

We want to see change in the lives of our athletes and coaches," said Martin. And the lives Martin has touched in his tenure is evident, from former teammates to former players to rival coaches.

"Bobby Martin's contributions to SNU are immeasurable," said SNU President Dr. Keith Newman. "In every role he has provided Christlike leadership and been a champion for students on their discipleship journey. We are grateful for the sacrificial investment he and Jan have made in this university. May God bless Bobby in some extra special ways in this next season."

Bobby Martin stepped onto the campus of Bethany Nazarene College as a student-athlete in the fall of 1972 and, with the exception of three years at a sister Nazarene institution, has served the university he loves throughout his career. In that 43-year period, no one has done more to shape the trajectory of the Southern Nazarene University Athletics Department.

Although we are experiencing the end of an era in the history of a storied college athletic program, we couldn't be more grateful for the ride. 

"NO PERSON IN SNU INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS HISTORY HAS MADE A MORE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION THAN COACH BOBBY MARTIN." SNU MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 39

C H R I ST • • •

Where Giants Lived: The Wanda Rhodes Legacy BY AN N A D E R BY S H IR E ( '9 0)

W 40

anda Rhodes went to be with the Lord November 27, 2018. Her favorite Bible character was Caleb, and when asked why, she would tell how, when the Promised Land was divided, he took the hill country where the giants lived and trusted the Lord to give him strength to drive out the giants. She would explain that just like Caleb, she wanted the road that was so difficult only the Lord could guide her through.

Today the Lord is still clearing the hill country through the strength he gave Wanda Rhodes for her wholehearted endeavor.

By the end of this year Wanda Rhodes’ estate will have fully funded or helped finish the funding of seven Southern Nazarene University endowment scholarships. They include three scholarships for students in the physical education program with two of them set-aside specifically for students who plan to teach or coach.

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Two scholarships are in the music department for keyboard students—the Nellie M. Reynolds Rhodes Music Endowed Scholarship, which honors her mother who was a piano teacher and played the organ at their home church, and a keyboard scholarship that merges with others, which is still to be named.

One theology scholarship, The Olen Lee Rhodes Theology Scholarship (endowed in honor of her father), is specifically for men or women going into the pastoral ministry. Though her father was not a minister, he was a strong supporter of those in the pastorate and the many in her family who were in the ministry.

Finally Rhodes co-created the Gladys Banks and Wanda Rhodes Servanthood Endowed Scholarship in honor of Gladys Banks, a faithful custodian in the old Broadhurst Gym. Along with Michael and Cheryl Crabtree, Wanda wanted to honor Gladys as a faithful servant who humbly

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worked among the students for many decades.

“No one knew so much of what she did. Not until I went through her things did I find out some of her accomplishments,” Dr. Ellene Andrew, Wanda’s cousin, admitted. “It was very humbling to see what was always private to her. It was an honor to observe through her things—what was so beautiful from her life.”

“I was shocked when I heard that she had endowments. I thought there wasn’t going to be a penny left,” Stephane Shellenberger explained of her dear friend and colleague. In order to get to Dr. Rhodes’ office, one had to go through Professor Shellenberger’s, so she saw more than most. She watched Wanda live a life full of benevolence, never turning anyone away. She saw her friend live meagerly, not eating out and seldom buying new clothes, “But she was rich in how she gave to others. She never preached God’s Word; she just lived it so well.”

She never preached God’s Word; she just lived it so well.

Dr. Rhodes wanted to provide opportunities for students, for women in athletics, for ministers and missionaries, along with those from difficult parts of the city. In tennis she knew how to place her shots, and assuredly outworked her opponents as she divided and conquered each game, set, and match.

Caleb conquered the giants as he trusted in the strength of the Lord.

Wanda is a giant slayer still; by persistently climbing rocky places, she built a strong path for the grandchildren and great grandchildren of the students she first led. Indeed, just as Caleb is quoted in Joshua 14:8, Wanda can stand and say “I however, followed the Lord my God wholeheartedly." 

SNU MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 41

C ULT U RE • •

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SNU’S BRAND

BY PAT R I C K MAR S T ON ('08)

SNU HAS TAKEN ON A REFRESHED LOOK in print and online, most noticeably in the institutional and athletic logos. The development of these logos and the accompanying brand guide reflects the commitment of the university to establish a foundation on which to build the future of the University’s brand while honoring our 120-year legacy.

The work which began in design is being realized in execution. In January of 2019 the Institutional Brand Guide was released for use by faculty and staff with an emphasis on transition and communication. The SNU Creative Development Group (SNU Creative) offered several informational sessions after which the campus family began to utilize the new branding in all official communications.

While the transition to the updated branding on the University’s permanent assets such as signage and vehicles will be gradual, adoption in print and online communication has been swift.

In collaboration with the campus-based

SNU Printshop, SNU Creative has fulfilled over 200 requests for business cards, stationery, digital templates, and other media. In addition, numerous brochures, t-shirts, web pages, and social media posts have boosted the profile of our refreshed brand in the past several months.

The refreshed brand is visually apparent in the SNU Campus Store.

Preceding the release, store management had put plans in motion for updates to their merchandise so they could offer their customers apparel and other items with the new logo. Alumni and friends are invited to visit the store, located on the main floor of the Webster Commons, or browse the online selection at snu.edu/campus-store.

A new direction for SNU Magazine

In response to the new look of SNU media, Direction, SNU’s alumni magazine, has been re-branded as SNU Magazine. This reflects our continuing commitment to communicate the message of SNU as the primary identification of the University. Additionally, we hope that this change is reflective of our mission to tell the story of the university in a broad context that connects all members of our community.

MERCHANDISE ON DISPLAY IN THE SNU CAMPUS STORE

MOCK-UP OF PLANNED "BOBBY MARTIN COURT" FEATURING NEW ATHLETIC LOGO

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GET TO KNOW THE NEW LOGO

THE WORK WHICH BEGAN IN DESIGN IS BEING REALIZED IN EXECUTION.

The Southern Nazarene University institutional visual style is a bold and confident visualization of the University’s unwavering commitment to its past, present, and future.

Customized for the University, the carefully created “SNU” combines both classic and modern design attributes while evoking a strong visual foundation and stance.

The institutional identity embodies strength of character, commemorates a rich spiritual heritage, and amplifies a deep faith in the ever-changing world.

The emphasis of “SNU” in the logo reflects the University’s colloquial identification. The date, 1899, reflects the University’s remarkable history, celebrating the University’s founding and more than a century of commitment to educating students for lives of service to Christ. A visual anchor for the university’s institutional identity, the date also serves as a point-of-pride for alumni, current students, and future students.

BUSINESS CARDS WITH REFRESHED BRAND PRODUCED BY PAUL JOHNSON, MANAGER OF THE SNU PRINTSHOP SNU MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 43

Al u m ni Ne w s & Up date s

PROFESSIONAL UPDATES JAMES P. DAVENPORT ('97) was selected as president of the Oklahoma Political Science Association (OPSA) for 2019

your old e received ed a e your please

ANDREW POTTENGER (‘99) published an article entitled "The Servant of God: Divine Favour and Instrumentality under Constantine, 318-325”. It is published online by the Ecclesiastical History Society through Cambridge University Press. It will appear in hard copy as a chapter in Studies in Church History, Vol. 54: Church and Empire, published by EHS through Cambridge Univ. Press. His PhD thesis, titled "Developing Imperial Doctrines of Power in the Rhetoric of Constantine the Great on Internal Ecclesiastical Conflicts," was successfully defended at the University of Manchester (UK) on 18 December 2018.

SC®er e tree was ’t hug a st hug

M A R C H

frightpity ibed oaster sily as It’s the ne Keller Fruita, ed e pizza at eller and ory in g in May.

2 0 1 9 V O L U M E T H R E E

MATTHEW GOODWIN (‘99) was recently elected to a seat on the Bethany City Council in Bethany, OK. SUSAN VANHOOK RILEY (‘97) is a new Chick-fil-a owner of the first ever drive-thru focused store in Nashville, TN. Their mission statement is, “To joyfully engage our community through excellence in quality service and care."

1

Cover and inside photos of March, 2019 Patagonia catalog

by CARL ZOCH ('06)

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KENDRA (THOMSON) LOPER (‘94) was recently promoted to Chief Community Engagement Officer, and will give oversight to Communications & Marketing, Cause-Marketing Fundraising, Volunteer Engagement, and Special Events for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

TYLER LLOYD (‘15) recently graduated from the Oklahoma School of Medicine and has been accepted for residency at OU Tulsa Graduate Medical Education in the area of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

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RONN JOHNSON (‘75) PhD, ABPP was recently named associate dean of diversity and inclusion for Creighton University’s School of Medicine where he is also associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry. Concurrently he is the lead clinical psychologist at the Nebraska-Western Iowa Veteran Health Care System in the Mental Health Clinic. His research areas include antiterrorism, trauma, police psychology, and clinical forensic issues with diverse veterans. Additionally he recently had a textbook in which he was the Main Editor entitled Emerging and Advanced Technologies In Diverse Forensic Sciences. In the "opening" Acknowledgements, Ronn writes "I am eternally indebted to my major professor and mentor Dr. Forrest Ladd from the Psychology Department of Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Oklahoma. Dr. Ladd's Christ-centered encouragement, guidance and cogent insights have tremendously shaped the type of psychologist that I became. Words have poor power when it comes to conveying the amount of appreciation and gratitude that I have for his unflinching support over the years."

JANETTE (PARKER) PLATTER ('10) has been appointed to the role of Deputy Lead Chaplain at Cambridge University Hospitals in Cambridge, England.

SANDRA GRACE WILLIAMS (‘15) graduated from Law School at Oklahoma City University.

During her time there she also completed the interdisciplinary child abuse and neglect training program and was awarded outstanding student by her cohort.

SHERI (PETTITT) WHITE (‘94) became the Executive Director of Human Response Network, in Weaverville, California on April 1, 2019. We are a non-profit that helps the residents of Trinity County with housing, childcare, tobacco education, assistance with domestic violence and sexual assault, prison release program and much more.

DAVID LEWIS (‘10) has joined Stability Growth as chief operating officer. Lewis most recently served as vice president of franchising for international staffing firm Express Employment Professionals, where he served since 2001.

KELLY (DIEHL) YATES (‘94) received her PhD in historical theology from University of Manchester in October 2018.

OSCAR MONTERROSO (‘98) founded Tico Productions LLC (2012) and Tico Sports (2016). As of today, Tico Productions LLC | Tico Sports broadcast NFL Games in Spanish for Chiefs, Raiders, Ravens and Jaguars. On Monday November 19 2018, Tico Sports broadcast all over the world the Chiefs vs Rams game. Big thanks to Pam Broyles, Ph.D., Professor for believing in me!

ANTHONY DOUGLAS (‘00) earned a Masters in Education in Sports Administration in 2014 from East Central University and will earn a Masters in Education in Administration from Fort Hays State University in May 2019. Anthony was named the athletic director at Wichita North High School, Kansas.

NEIL CAGLE (‘79) retired from coaching this year after a lengthy career. Cagle cited the influences of fellow coaches and former SNU alumni Kent Shellenberger and Jim Poteet in his retirement announcement while giving glory to God for blessing their efforts. He coached Southwestern Christian University Men’s Soccer team to their third consecutive NCCAA D1 Men’s Soccer National Championship in 2018, defeating Bethel (Indiana) 5-3 in the final. He was selected as the NCCAA D1 Men’s Soccer National Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year. United Soccer Coaches awarded the coaching staff as NCCAA Men’s Soccer National Staff of the Year in 2018.

KEITH NEWMAN (‘94) recently published LiveLast, a book challenging us to put others first and serve. “To live last is to be countercultural. To live last is to be like Jesus. To live last...is timeless and contagious.” Live Last is available at: bridge.snu.edu/livelast-book and on Amazon.

ADAM BOHAC ('06), SNU’s men’s basketball coach was named the Great American Conference Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year as he directed his Southern Nazarene University team to another great season. Southern Nazarene defeated Southeastern Oklahoma 80-77 to win the GAC Tournament, repeating as the tournament champs, the first time in GAC history for a team to win back-to-back titles.

MICHAEL CROOKS (‘94) has been named a new board member to the NBC Oklahoma Banking company board. Crooks, co-founder of Crooks Stanford & Shoop law firm, is a transactional attorney and entrepreneur who also is a founder in four successful startup businesses. He is a graduate of Southern Nazarene University and the University of Oklahoma College of Law. SNU MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 45

Al u m ni Ne w s & Up date s

FAMILY ADDITIONS

MARRIAGES

Rhett Thomas Goddard - Born 12•29•18 Parents TOMMY (‘10) & MICHA FINKBEINER (‘10) GODDARD

HAROLD EMRICH (‘69) reconnected and married his high school sweetheart after 52 years. - 3•17•18

Eloise Elizabeth Sneed - Born 1•23•19 Parents JAMIE KEOPPEL (‘13) & ZEB SNEED Remi Lea Keoppel - Born 1•28•19 Parents TREY (‘06) & BROOKE GITT (‘07) KEOPPEL Whitney Marie Metcalf - Born 2•26•19 Parents STEVEN(‘12) & ALLISON WHITE (‘12) METCALF Vada Lloyd- Born 3•4•19 Parents TYLER (‘15) & JOSIE LYNN DOSS (‘18) LLOYD Hendrix Theodore Faust - Born 3•22•19 Parents DUSTIN (‘05) & AUDRA FAUST Rosemary Joy Underwood- Born 3•29•19 Parents CLARK (‘12) & HILLARY JOHNSON (‘13) UNDERWOOD Darby Lou McKamie - Born 5•26•19 Parents JOSH (‘05) & AUBREE MCCLAIN (‘05) MCKAMIE Garrett William and Morgan Jeanne Brown - Born 5•29•19 Parents LEE (‘06) & BETHANY FAULCONBRIDGE(‘07) BROWN

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MICHELLE LUEHRING (‘15) married David Barton - 11•3•18, Oklahoma City, OK EMILY WHITE (‘09) married Tyler Cox on 12•22•18 AUDRA MARSTON ('13) married Brody Elsey - 3•16•19 TYLER COPELAND (‘14 & ‘17) married KENSLEY MERRY (‘17) - 3•17•19 JEWELIA LONG (‘17) married JARED STARKEY (‘17 & ‘18) - 3•30•19

IN MEMORY ERIC STEPHEN KING ('97) 12•27•1974 - 5•26•2018, Oklahoma City, OK

JUSTINE (RUSHING) KNIGHT 6•4•1935 - 7•22•2018, Oklahoma City, OK

MARGRETTA (SANDERS) BUNDY ('52) 11•12•1929 - 10•13•2018, Yukon, OK

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Stay Connected

ROBERT W. BRUNSON ('64) 5•6•1942 - 10•29•2018 , Bradenton, FL.

ELI CYPERT('55) 3•31•1929 - 11•5•2018, Yukon, OK

WANDA MAE RHODES ('52) 2•9•1930 - 11•27•2018, Oklahoma City, OK

Update SNU alums about milestones in your life — weddings, births, promotions, retirements, honors and awards. Keep us informed by sending your updates to run in SNU Magazine, sent to SNU friends and family! »» Email alumni@snu.edu. »» Call 405-491-6312. »» or complete this form and mail it to: Office of Alumni Relations 6729 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008

F I R S T N AM E

MI

L A S T N AM E

M AI D EN N AM E (I F APPL I C ABL E )

JACK DAVID ARMOLD (‘50) 9•16•1928 - 1•16•2019, Yukon, OK S T R EE T AD D R E S S

EVA MAY (HORNBAKER) HARPER ('45), 5•2•1923 - 2•4•2019, Bethany, OK

CI T Y

S TAT E

ZI P

YE S , PL E A SE I N CLUD E M Y M AI L I N G AD D R E S S I N M Y UPDAT E .

BEATRICE (JEFFREYS) FLINNER ('74), 2•8•1924 - 3•1•2019, Mount Vernon, OK PHON E

TRUDY CARGILL (‘49) 7•9•1926 - 3•24•19, Bethany, OK

EM AI L YE S , PL E A SE I N CLUD E M Y EM AI L AD D R E S S I N M Y UPDAT E .

JOY (BEAVER) BEAVER ('46) 1•29•1925 - 5•16•2019, Bethany, OK

G R AD UAT I ON YE AR

DE GR EE

YE S , YOU M AY P OS T M Y I N F OR M AT I ON N OT E

M OR E SPACE ON B ACK

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Office of Alumni Relations, Southern Nazarene University 6729 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008

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