CREATING
Culture
SUMMER 2020
SNU MAGAZINE A PUBLICATION OF SOUTHERN NAZARENE UNIVERSITY ISSUE 13 | SUMMER 2020 PRESIDENT Dr. Keith Newman, MA '94 VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS Dr. Brent LaVigne, '04 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Todd Brant, '94 ALUMNI RELATIONS Marcia Mosshart, ‘77 DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT SERVICES Annette McElroy GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tyler Thomas PHOTOGRAPHERS/VIDEOGRAPHERS Todd Brant, '94; Ian Weston, '15; Lizette Casas, ’20; Sydney Jones, '19; Hailee Thompson, ‘21 CONTRIBUTORS Margaret Farmer; Brent LaVigne, ’04; Kelsie Stelting; Susie Shellenberger ’78; Jessica Vernier ’20; Emma Wright, ‘20 TELEPHONE: 405-491-6312 WEBSITE: bridge.snu.edu/magazine EMAIL: alumni@snu.edu
Investment and Asset Management
The personal approach to wealth management
Wealth Planning Private Banking Business Advisory Services
Everything we do is built around you. In fact, we’re committed to working closely with you and your advisors to create a plan that fits your unique needs and goals. Ready to get started? Come meet the team of specialists at your local Southern Nazarene University Wells Fargo Private Bank.
Fiduciary Services
Let’s connect
Gina Volturo-Ellis Wealth Advisor NMLSR ID 821475 405-607-7187 gina.volturo.ellis@wellsfargo.com wellsfargoprivatebank.com
Investment and Insurance Products: Not FDIC Insured No Bank Guarantee MAY Lose Value
KEY NUMBERS Office of Alumni Relations Office of University Relations Traditional Undergraduate Admissions Professional and Graduate Studies Campus Main Number
405-491-6312 405-491-6311 405-491-6324 405-491-6332 405-789-6400
SNU 1899 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 Magazine 6729 NW 39th Expwy. Bethany, OK 73008
Family Dynamics Philanthropic Services
TO UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS Annette McElroy 405-491-6606 or bridge.snu.edu/alumni
Wells Fargo Private Bank provides products and services through Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., the banking affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company, and its various affiliates and subsidiaries. Brokerage products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors. Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Trust services available through banking and trust affiliates in addition to non-affiliated companies of Wells Fargo & Company. Insurance products are available through insurance subsidiaries of Wells Fargo & Company and underwritten by non-affiliated Insurance Companies. Not available in all states. © 2012 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. NMLSR ID 399801 BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
facebook.com/followsnu instagram.com/southernnazarene https://www.linkedin.com/school/53498/ https://twitter.com/SNU1899 https://www.youtube.com/user/SNUVideo View all issues of SNU Magazine online at bridge.snu.edu/magazine
Jolian George, ‘20
Pre-Physical Therapy Degree From Cairo, Egypt. Lives in Dallas, TX Accepted to Oklahoma City University Physical Therapy Program – Started in June
SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020 3 SNU MAGAZINE | WINTER 2019-202
Tab l e o f Co ntents
COVID-19
6
8
14
22
Being Salt and Light
Virtual Commencement
4
SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020
Tributes
16
Message From The President
18
Black Student Society
20 24 26
10 BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
Intercultural Learning and Engagement
Professional & Graduate Studies Pope LiveLast Scholarships Alumni News & Updates
SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020 5
From t h e Pres i d e nt
Creating Culture
A
HISTORY MAJOR IN COLLEGE, I love reading the story of SNU and seeing how God used past generations to develop the school that founding President Dr. A.M. Hills described as beginning in a 37-acre cow pasture with briars, scorpions, centipedes, snakes, and one student, “not a dollar or a board or a brick.” Along the way SNU developed a motto. Spend any amount of time on campus and you will hear it or see it: Character, Culture, Christ. Exactly when Character, Culture, and Christ became SNU’s motto remains a bit of a mystery. President Bracken might have been highly involved with initiating the motto. His first term in presidency ended in 1928, and his second term ran from 19301942. This corresponds with the possible date of creation as well as the growing popularity of the motto. A tribute in the 1941 yearbook says that the Brackens’ “most efficient leadership of BPC has even been for the building of the noblest of all virtues - Character, Culture, Christ.” Recently I listened to a podcast featuring author and leadership consultant, Tim Elmore. He chose five words to describe today’s culture. Here is his list: fast, convenience, entertainment, nurturing, and entitlement. I believe he has properly diagnosed American culture. We are frustrated when something is slow, we love convenience (think Amazon and grocery delivery), we crave entertainment (gas pumps with televisions), we require nurture (ribbons and trophies for participation), and entitlement means we deserve free stuff (even a college education).
In the midst of this culture, I love the SNU motto. Character. Have you noticed the strong connection between a life of character and the quality of a life? Culture. God calls us to be “salt and light” in our culture creating a thirst for righteousness. Christ. The Alpha and Omega, beginning and the end, the same yesterday, today, and forever. This edition of SNU 1899 shares some remarkable stories of our culture creators, SNU ambassadors, who are making a difference wherever God plants them. The word culture can be defined in so many ways, but my favorite comes from the American Sociological Association: The languages, customs, beliefs, rules, arts, knowledge, and collective identities and memories developed by members of all social groups that make their social environments meaningful. Character, Culture, Christ, three powerful words that represent our beliefs, our identity, and we pray will make every environment we enter more meaningful. At SNU we remain committed to our motto and want to build upon the foundation of the generations who have stewarded this vision with grace and truth. We prepare men and women to serve their families, their churches, their communities, and this world with lives of faith and a determination to do their part in refining character, creating culture, and serving Christ. Now, more than ever, this is more than a motto, this is our calling.
DR. KEITH NEWMAN SITS IN SNU PRESIDENT’S DINING ROOM IN FRONT OF THE WALL OF PRESIDENT PORTRAITS. 6
SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020
BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
"IN THE MIDST OF THIS CULTURE, I LOVE THE SNU MOTTO. CHARACTER. HAVE YOU NOTICED THE STRONG CONNECTION BETWEEN A LIFE OF CHARACTER AND THE QUALITY OF A LIFE? CULTURE. GOD CALLS US TO BE ‘SALT AND LIGHT’ IN OUR CULTURE CREATING A THIRST FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS. CHRIST. THE ALPHA AND OMEGA, BEGINNING AND THE END, THE SAME YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND FOREVER."
Creati ng Cul t ure
DR . TER R Y T OL ER
A Legacy of Service, Leadership, and Partnership
R
ecently, Dr. Terry Toler announced his plans to retire from Southern Nazarene University in July 2020. For two decades SNU has been well-served by the gifted leadership of Dr. Toler. Primarily serving as Vice President of Church Relations during his tenure, his innovative nature, communication skills, leadership abilities and genuine love of people has connected the South Central Region Church of the Nazarene and countless friends to the university in lasting ways. Prior to coming to SNU, Toler served more than 25 years as a pastor in various roles – church planter, executive and lead pastor. An Ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene, he pastored churches in Florida, Ohio, Tennessee and Oklahoma. But in the year 2000, God opened doors in unexpected ways and Terry answered the call to serve at SNU. That call came from Bobby Martin, who was then the Athletic Director. Martin said, “My relationship with Dr. Toler began with asking him to join the Athletic Staff at SNU. After many prayers, he accepted the assignment of Associate Director of Athletics. It did not take long for me to thank the Lord for sending Terry Toler our way!” In Athletics Advancement, Toler played a key role in the kickoff of the Football program and in marketing. Martin recalls, “I asked him to help me develop a dream for the future of SNU Athletics. This was a great fit for Terry’s strengths.” Martin added, “It was an honor and joy to work with Terry, and to continue to call him my Friend!” In 2002, Dr. Loren Gresham, then President at SNU, called on Terry to serve in the newly established role of Vice President of Church Relations. Gresham’s vision for strengthening the connection between the university and the South Central Region churches seemed to be a perfect fit for Toler’s strengths and gifts. Dr. Gresham recently said, “It’s difficult to sum up two decades of colleagueship with a person so extraordinary as Terry. He is a composite of persons with multiple gifts and talents and is an outstanding churchman. He has served our church families exceptionally well – the best ‘church relations’ example a university with a mission to serve God, and a denominational institution, could have or imagine.” He added, “Retirement is really not a
description that will fit him, as he is always creating and thinking about the next project and how he might serve God and fellow man in new ways.” In Church Relations, Toler was constantly creating connections with clergy and lay leaders on the Region. In 2014, he launched the Resource Center for Pastoral Leadership at SNU, bringing top speakers to campus for Pastors Forums. His desire to reach every pastor on the Region resulted in the development of high-quality live streaming of these events, and an online repository of free or low-cost resources for pastors. From 2007-2015 Toler headed up both University Advancement and Church Relations. During that time, he developed and led the successful Campaign for the Sciences, resulting in the fully funded $9 million J.D. and Mary West Science Laboratory, which was dedicated in 2015. Since 2017 Dr. Toler has served alongside SNU President, Dr. Keith Newman. Recently, Dr. Newman remarked, “The word grateful does not begin to describe what I feel for my friend, Dr. Terry Toler. He has loved and served SNU, our pastors and churches on the Region, and he has made a great investment in me…and so many others.” Throughout his life, music and education have played significant roles in Toler’s upbringing and ministry. After receiving an A.A. from Ohio Christian University, he earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from Southern Nazarene University. In 1998, he completed his Doctorate in Education at the University of Sarasota (FL). Terry has a deep love for his family. He and his wife, Sue, have been married over forty years and they have two married sons, both of whom are educators; and he cherishes times with his five grandchildren. Summing up the feelings of many, Dr. Newman declared, “My friend, Dr. Terry Toler, is a LiveLast leader. Terry has preached, he has sung, he has played the piano, he has listened, he has counseled, he has taught, he has developed, he has created, he has prayed, he has cheered, and he has given himself to us in sacrificial service. We give thanks for him and celebrate this next season of service in his life, and I know he will continue to be a blessing to all of us who have been fortunate enough to cross his path.”
“It’s difficult to sum up two decades of colleagueship with a person so extraordinary as Terry. He is a composite of persons with multiple gifts and talents and is an outstanding churchman. He has served our church families exceptionally well – the best ‘church relations’ example a university with a mission to serve God, and a denominational institution, could have or imagine.” – DR. LOREN GRESHAM, PRESIDENT EMERITUS, SNU 8
SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020
BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
A TRIBUTE TO DR. TERRY TOLER: I met Dr. Toler many years ago while I was pastoring in Indiana. But it was after we moved to Oklahoma in 2004 that our friendship began to blossom. He had been elected Superintendent of the Southeast Oklahoma District at the retirement of Dr. Ark Noel. After taking several days to pray, he knew God was leading him to stay at SNU. So, when I became the superintendent of that district there was a bit of confusion because of the similarity of our names. We have enjoyed many moments of individuals believing they were talking to the other Terry. When the conversations first started, we tried to correct the person, but with the frequency of the misconceptions, we finally just enjoyed the moments. As our friendship has grown, so has my appreciation for Dr. Toler. His love for God, family, and the church is unmistakable. His incredible talent in music, speaking, and relationships is deeper than most people can understand. Terry has brought SNU and the churches into a deeper personal relationship than most of us will ever comprehend. He loves pastors and pastors’ families. He loves to share victories and encouragements to pastors across our region. He loves to preach and sing in our churches. He loves to connect the dots between Southern Nazarene University and the local church. No one can or would be able to replace his unique personality. He has certainly combined the Church and our university in the most creative of ways. Terry’s music abilities are only equaled to his speaking talent. I have never heard Terry speak but what it challenged me in my spirit. He was an outstanding pastor that brought great wisdom and insight on a continual basis. God has worked through his life in ways that only eternity will reveal. SNU will greatly miss Terry’s stability, sense of humor, wisdom, leadership, friendship, common sense, Tolerisms, infectious smile, warmth and genuine spirit. A little of Terry will live in each of us as we proclaim Christ into our world. Heaven and earth are both richer because of this good man. Continue to enjoy life my friend. I can’t wait to hear the stories of you catching the big ones, and the guides that led you around the waters.
Dr. Terry Rowland, Superintendent
DR. TERRY TOLER AND DR. KEITH NEWMAN MAKE A PRESENTATION TO DR. AND MRS. CALEB HERRERA
Oklahoma District, Church of the Nazarene Chair, Board of Trustees, Southern Nazarene University
SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020 9
Vi r t u a l Co mmen ce me nt
Stronger Together
S
tronger together. It is the phrase that the Southern Nazarene University Class of 2020 clung to since they first received the news that the remainder of their final semester at SNU would be held virtually due to COVID-19. Soon after this announcement was made, Southern Nazarene University President Dr. Keith Newman, Academic Marshals led by Dr. Tim Taylor, and Provost Dr. Timothy Eades began to wrestle with how they would create a way for the Class of 2020 to properly celebrate their accomplishments. Altogether cancelling Commencement was out of the question, so they began immediately brainstorming alternative options. Meetings began back in March when that final call was made to move all classes to the virtual format. The Academic Marshals invited three student leaders, Miles Anderson, Helen Arango, and Sam O’Bannon, to be a part of a meeting in which they collaborated on the decision to host the Virtual Commencement and also welcome graduates back to walk in December. “A ceremony to mark the official end of my last semester as a first generation college student felt necessary to recognize this huge milestone that honors the sacrifices made to make what hadn’t been done before possible,” Arango said. Just over one month later, arrangements were finalized, the ceremony was compiled, and it was streamed on May 9 by nearly 4,000 people in total. “Sitting in our March meeting, I thought this is going to be a great thing to do. We definitely don’t want May to escape us and not properly celebrate our students. I had no idea, though, at the time just how many things we had to figure out,” Dr. Eades said. “We didn’t want it to be just a virtual commencement show. We wanted it to be something that was really meaningful for our graduates in the midst of real disappointment,” added Dr. Taylor. Bringing together the technology was one of the biggest undertakings of the ceremony. Commencement is traditionally held in the Sawyer Center on the SNU campus where University President Dr. Keith Newman filmed a brief introduction to the Virtual Commencement. “We love the memories that are made in [the Sawyer Center], a place where there are slam dunks and spikes, a place where we celebrate the past and look to the future,” said Dr. Newman during his sentimental introduction as he stood in the center of the vacant Sawyer Center basketball court.
10 SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020
2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony BY JE S SI C A VER NI ER ’2 0
BEHIND THE SCENES OF SNU VIRTUAL CEREMONY PROGRAMMING LOCATED IN BETHANY FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE
BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020 11
Vi r t u a l Co mmen ce me nt Studies undergraduate, Cheryl Hanson, and Latasha Howell, from Graduate Studies, to represent their class during the ceremony. “I wanted to write a speech that encapsulated our collective perspectives and experiences...Graduating in the midst of this global pandemic has taught me that life and moments do not always play out the way we expect them to. It has given us new ways to innovate and keep moving forward successfully and joyfully,” said Hanson. “SNU should be proud of the work they put in to make it special,” added Schmitt. The Class of 2020 was then presented with virtual replicas of their diplomas as each graduate’s name was read by SNU’s Katy Bradley, Melany Kyzer, and Cathy Hutchings-Wedel. Traditionally, the Alma Mater is sung at the close of each commencement ceremony, and SNU School of Music’s Dr. Jim Graves knew that the 2020 Spring Commencement called for a more special presentation. He contacted over fifty current students, graduates, and SNU Alums who were scattered across the country to create a virtual choir performance of the song, which he compiled with the help of Valentina Kusanovic and Micah Spell. “I wanted to show some of the iconic singers that have come through our program and highlight them as people who have made a huge impact on our university,” said Dr. Graves. As he worked with Kusanovic and Spell to create the virtual choir, Dr. Graves was motivated by the history of the Alma Mater as a song that has represented SNU since its early days as Bethany Nazarene College. “It’s our one song that we have...we can tap into our history.” Weston added, “It reminded you that you are part of something bigger, that you come from people who have gone before you and who are doing great things out in the world...That’s what it means to be a part of something like SNU. It never really leaves you because you were never just a number. You were always more than that at SNU.”
The Sawyer Center is equipped to live stream SNU athletic events; however, that equipment is not meant to handle an event with the same complexities as a virtual commencement. But, because neighboring Bethany First Church of the Nazarene is equipped to live stream church services, they were able to provide the necessary technology for the 2020 Virtual Spring Commencement. SNU has had a close relationship with Bethany First Church since its founding, and has held Chapel at the church for the past year, and they graciously made their facilities and technology available for the Commencement. Director of SNU Creative, Ian Weston, played a key role in the production and made streaming the 2020 Virtual Spring Commencement a huge success. Weston’s team for the project included graduating senior Lizette Casas, who created the COVID-19 Response and Senior Slideshow videos that were played before the ceremony and Student Intern, Harrison Maloy, helped produce other parts of the ceremony. Weston’s vision for the production was centered around honoring not just graduates, but also family, friends, and professors who have walked alongside them. Weston said, “We wanted to create an experience. By collaborating with multiple departments across campus we were able to build bridges between friends and family, prospective students and current students, as well as alumni.” Graduates were able to see some of their favorite faces from around campus in the video that Vice President of Student Life, Marian Redwine, compiled for the undergraduate celebration. Words of encouragement and congratulations were offered from Oklahoma’s US Senator James Lankford and ESPN’s sports personality, Ernie Johnson, a personal friend of Dr. Newman. Others bringing well wishes were staff members from Residential Life, Student Life, SNU Dining, Spiritual Life, Student Support Services, professors from each department, coaches, Campus Security, and Admissions, as well as several other departments across campus. More familiar faces followed as Dr. Newman welcomed Bryton Schmitt, a traditional undergraduate, Professional 12 SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020
COMMENCEMENT ACTIVITIES TRADITIONAL COMMENCEMENT PGS COMMENCEMENT ALMA MATER BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020 13
Creati ng Cul t ure
S T UDENT DR E S S E S L IK E M E G H AN BE C AU S E S H E WANT S TO BE A TE A CHER
Being ‘Salt and Light’ in a Global Pandemic Rushing Towards Chaos to Bring Hope and Love BY E M MA W R I GH T ’ 2 0
14 SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020
When active cases of COVID-19 spread into Oklahoma around the time of Spring Break 2020, SNU’s leaders made the difficult decision to close the campus for the safety of its students, faculty and staff. On March 20, 2020, SNU announced they were moving to an entirely online format for the remainder of the Spring semester in support of national, state and local emergency guidelines. With students gone, the energy and vitality of the campus came to an abrupt end; and dorms and academic buildings were eerily quiet. So much seemed to be lost as a result of necessary responses, but the people of SNU have continued to find new ways to connect and engage with one another and respond to the needs around them with radical love, creating culture by rushing toward the chaos – giving hope to those facing fear and isolation. A prime example of this LiveLast response is the team of recent SNU graduate, Sam O’Bannon and current student – and 2020-21 Student Body president - James Udo. In the summer of 2019, Sam and James interned at Zoe Church in Los Angeles, CA where their passion for compassionate ministries was affirmed as a calling on their lives. Sam, who was SNU’s 2019-20 Student Body president, currently serves as the director of the Tulakes Food Pantry, a lifeline for scores of families in an underserved area of northwest Oklahoma City. When emergency orders closed non-essential businesses and schools, Sam immediately saw the impact on the local community. “At all income levels, food scarcity is becoming real, O’Bannon said, “but the longer the outbreak went on, the more real it became, especially to low income families.” So, Sam enlisted people within and beyond the SNU community to deliver food, sanitize items, and interact with those being served, within social distancing guidelines. One of the first to come serve alongside
BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
Sam was his friend, James Udo. Although he lives in the Oklahoma City metro area, and graduated from high school here, James is from Nigeria, and knows all too well the devastating effects of disease and lack of resources. These two servant leaders are providing tangible hope and love and embodying the Culture in SNU’s motto; taking the love of Christ beyond the walls of the university and out into the world. Many SNU students have found places to serve and have found spiritual support during these stressful times through online prayer groups, times of worship and Chapel provided by SNU’s Office of Spiritual Life – encouraging their spiritual growth and providing connection to others. The Office of Student Life and the Student Government Association creatively shifted events and social life to online technologies. But the ‘human touch’ remained strong, with faculty and staff reaching out to connect one-on-one with students during the weeks of virtual classes, to ensure successful completion of courses and check on their health and well-being. The full effects of the global pandemic on SNU are still unfolding as universities around the world continue to assess the unprecedented impact. Inevitably, SNU has been changed and will continue to change as God directs moving forward to fulfill its mission of creating Christ-like disciples through higher education, authentic relationships, and radical expressions of love and hope. SNU’s president, Dr. Keith Newman, addressed the financial and physical challenges the university faced when transitioning to online learning, saying, “We will need to be even better stewards of the limited resources we possess. SNU will need the community’s assistance in making the adjustments and caring for each other.” He
continued, “My appreciation [goes] to our students for their flexibility and favorable response to the challenges created by this change in pedagogy. We owe a debt of gratitude to our faculty who transitioned their classes and allowed a successful completion to the semester. Many other personnel from SNU invested hours in responding to the pandemic and are now in an intensive planning exercise as we look forward to welcoming both returning students and new students to our campus this fall. While we do not know yet what our ‘new normal’ will look like, we are doing our very best to prepare to provide an environment that is welcoming, safe, and responsive to the needs of our students, staff, and faculty.” Dr. Newman affirmed that the university will continue to create Culture in old and new ways: “We are a ‘seek first and live last’ university. The commitment to our mission remains unchanged and our motto of refining character, creating culture, and serving Christ has never been more needed by our world. John Wesley said it well, ‘the best thing of all God is with us.’”
SNU COVID-19 GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
As SNU students prepare to return to campus, many already feel the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on t heir personal financial situation. SNU has also experienced millions of dollars in unanticipated expenses and lost revenue. Here’s how you can help: • Support the COVID-19 Student Relief Fund – Directly assist students with acute needs • Give to the COVID-19 Campus Impact Fund – Fund additional scholarship aid
GIVE NOW
SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020 15
Creati ng Cul t ure
Stephane Shellenberger:
A Living Legacy
Loved by faculty and students alike, retirement calls her name.
I
t’s no surprise Stephane Shellenberger grew up loving sports. As the daughter of an extremely successful coach, she caught the sports bug early. At age 13, she was a member of the Texas Women’s Track Club—a prestigious pre-Olympic training club for female athletes. In high school, Stephane focused on swimming, tennis and volleyball. After high school graduation, Stephane headed to Bethany Nazarene College (now SNU). “It was important to my parents that I receive a Christian education, and being from Texas, SNU was the go-to Nazarene college on our region.” Though BNC didn’t have a lot to offer in women’s athletics, Stephane hit the ground running—literally. “I’d grab my cleats and head to the track at Bethany High School and run by myself.” Some of the faculty men played recreational volleyball a couple of times a week. “I was in the gym and saw a game going on and asked if I could play,” she says. “I was the only student—and female—on the court but they were kind and let me join them. I was just eager to be involved in sports and joined them each week.” Stephane entered college as a pre-med major but switched to a double major in physical education and biology at the end of her sophomore year. “After almost blowing up the chemistry lab, I knew there needed to be a change in my career choice. I sensed
a definite revelation from the Holy Spirit telling me to change my major. I’ve always been intrigued with science and biology but simply trusted the prompting of God and obeyed.” “When I was 13, I asked God what He wanted me to do with my life. I had my Bible open in front of me,” she says, “and the Holy Spirit spoke to me through Mark 10:13-16 encouraging His followers to take care of children. At the end of my sophomore year, I remembered this and realized God’s calling on my life was to take care of—and minister to—people through my foundation in biology coupled with physical education.” But Stephane got more than a degree; she also found her husband, Kent. “He was president of Associated Men Students, and I was president of Associated Women Students. We started dating and were married two years later. It’s been so fun to be in education together through the years. God has honored our lives so much with all the students with whom we’ve been blessed.” Stephane graduated in 1974 receiving the President’s Honor Award, was married in August and began teaching biology at Mayfield Middle School in OKC. After two years, she joined the faculty at SNU teaching P.E., activity classes and coaching the women’s volleyball team. “I was excited to launch SNUs first volleyball team,” she says, “but we began with limited funds. My budget for recruiting was four $50 scholarships. I had a solid core of girls who loved SNU and had played competitively in high school. Being able to mentor those young women athletically and spiritually was a privilege.” Through her coaching, the volleyball team made national appearances in both NCCAA and NAIA, won the NAIA District Championship four times, won bi-district (Okla., Kan., Texas and Ark.) and enjoyed being a nationally ranked team for several years. Stephane was named NAIA Coach of the Year five times. While on SNU’s faculty for a remarkable 45 years, Stephane served as Department Chair of the School of Kinesiology; was Asst. Athletic Director for 15 years; was the first Senior Women’s Administrator when the university gained membership in the NCAA-DII; was Asst. Coach for men’s and women’s track and
cross-country; and, with Athletic Director, Bobby Martin, launched the children’s sports camps and EXCEL academic camps at SNU and she and Kent successfully raised three wonderful sons; Scott, Brett and Matt. Being an educator wasn’t simply a career choice for Stephane; it was a direct calling from God. “I wanted students to come into my class and not only learn academically but also grow spiritually.” Stephane yearned for each student to know he or she mattered. “I wanted my students to realize I truly cared about them,” she says. As Stephane nurtured her students, her heart often went out to those who struggled. “The years between ages 18 and 22 can be traumatic—leaving home for the first time, unsure about the future, trying to make new friends, establishing yourself on a university campus. I desired SNU to be a place where they could feel redeemed, an atmosphere that would launch their future and a place where they could feel good about themselves.” Stephane retires with tremendous gratitude for her time at SNU. “Every student influenced me,” Stephane says. “All of them brought a part of who they were into my life. I’ll be forever grateful for this. To journey with my students has indeed been an incredible privilege.”
CLICK HERE TO READ HONORS AND TRIBUTES 16 SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020
BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020 17
Creati ng Cul t ure
S
NU’s Office of Intercultural Learning and Engagement (ILE) has taken considerable measures in the two years of its existence to challenge the culture of the university to be a place of welcome, inclusion, and belonging. Through coffee shop talks, cultural celebration events, and round-table discussions, ILE and its many branches have become a large part of engaging with ideas of interculturality to create a bridge-building culture within the walls of SNU and throughout the world. The Black Student Society (BSS) at SNU, one of the many societies created through ILE, put together a “Round Table Discussion” for Black History Month in February. They discussed important figures of the Black community that are often overlooked, why Black History is important to celebrate during the month of February and throughout the entire year, and the experience of Black students on SNU’s campus. In the discussion, SNU student, Chaya Crittendon, expressed her gratitude toward the other Black students in the discussion, calling them “bridge-builders” for the ways in which they have participated in multiple intersections of culture at SNU. She explained that change is “slow coming like all big changes,” but she finds hope amongst her Black peers. James Udo, a prominent member of BSS and Student Government Association (SGA), is one of those bridge-builders: he was elected as the SGA Student Body President for the 2020-2021 academic year after serving as the ILE Executive the previous year. Udo continues to create spaces of welcome and belonging as he finds himself in the intersection of ILE and SGA, embodying God’s inclusive love throughout the student body.
HOPE BALLARD, JUNIOR ‘22 18 SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020
CREATING A CULTURE OF
Welcome & Inclusion Intercultural Learning & Engagement at SNU BY E M MA W R I G HT ’ 2 0
DAJIA DAVIS, JUNIOR ‘22
VINCENT WATTS, SENIOR ‘21 BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
Not only is ILE beginning to shift the culture of SNU among students, Rev. Dr. Lena Crouso and her team have been working toward changes at the institutional level as well. A diversity statement has been added to syllabi; faculty members have created a curriculum that engages students in conversations of equity and justice; and a diversity and inclusion statement has been added to the Lifestyle Covenant. These are just a few of the many institutional changes ILE has created within the last two years. By creating both institutional changes and changes within the student body, the hope is to shift the culture of SNU to become a place where difficult conversations can take place with great love and compassion. Unification rather than uniformity is essential. Recently, Dr. Crouso said that the goal of ILE is to create a “collective vision integrated with structural and systematic changes to move the work of God’s inclusive love to support our words and actions.” This work is not done alone. With a team of students, faculty and staff members dedicated to creating spaces where interculturality is celebrated and embodied, the ILE team continuously “[rushes] toward the needs, and not away from them,” Crouso said. “Wherever they have seen the need, they have been found, participating with God, for that is where we have found God already there.” It is the radical hope in the transformative love of God that the people engaged in the work of ILE continue to provide for the sake of creating a culture of welcome and belonging at Southern Nazarene University.
DEANNE BRODIEMENDS ‘15
JAMES UDO, SENIOR ‘21
SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020 19
SNU Online
Creating Culture Through
Higher Education for Adults
B
ecause adult learners have unique challenges and needs, the SNU College of Professional and Graduate Studies has designed its programs specifically for the success of adult students. Some of the unique aspects of this offering are classes that take place one night a week or completely online, the ability to take one subject at a time, and prior learning assessment, which allows students to earn college credit for the things they already know. For many students, these features and the personal support provided at SNU were the key to overcoming the obstacles they faced when they wanted to create a new life for themselves – a culture of success through education.
CHANGING A CYCLE OF FAILURE TO A CULTURE OF SUCCESS:
Latasha Howell faced overwhelming obstacles when she wanted to earn a college degree. As a child, she was surrounded by drug use and prostitution, eventually spending time in the foster care system where trauma continued. She was on her own at 15, a teen mother finding her way in the world. Ultimately, Howell said she formed negative beliefs about herself, and when she thought about going to college, “trying to overcome those doubts in my mind was tough.” But Latasha has dedicated her life to beating the odds and helping others do the same. During her first class, Howell said, “I was absolutely terrified. I couldn’t think, I didn’t know what I was doing, I felt so afraid. I was able to finish the class, but I barely passed.” Howell took a step back at that time to care for things in her personal life so when she returned to college, she would be ready. “The advisor made me feel comforted and supported during that time,” Howell said. “I knew I was supposed to go.” She was still afraid - but determined to get her degree. Howell went into her program with renewed purpose; showing up to class, working through the assignments, and growing closer with her cohort - a group of students who attend each course together in the degree program. “A teacher told me, ‘If you don’t do anything else, you need to keep going and get your master’s.’” Taking the comment to heart and leaning in to her new love of learning, Howell enrolled in the Master of Science in Management program. “I completed my bachelor’s in October, and in November I started a master’s program,” SCIENCE LABgo at all.” Howell said. “I knew if I didn’t go then, I wouldn’t 20 SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020
But she continued experiencing doubts as she moved to the “unchartered territory” of graduate education. Class after class, she showed up, even with continued feelings of inadequacy. “But my cohort were all texting together, saying things like ‘you can do this,’ ‘keep going,’ and ‘it’s okay.’ And my teachers said, ‘No, you do belong here.’” She proved just how much she belonged by graduating with honors. Howell was even chosen by her class to represent them as a speaker at the virtual commencement ceremony. (Watch Latasha’s Speech Here) After graduation, she will continue her work with Lilies and Reeds Society, which she founded to empower and support teens in situations similar to hers. Her degree gave her the skills and confidence she needed to succeed. It also allowed her to show her daughter the world that is possible through higher education, and now her daughter plans to attend SNU in the fall of 2020. “For a long time, I let my past define me,” Howell said, “and I was able to learn through this that I’m a bridge builder, I’m a change maker, and I’m a cycle breaker.”
Earn your degree 100% online
BUILDING A CULTURE OF PERSONAL GROWTH
Since the inception of adult programs at SNU, thousands of students have had their lives transformed in adult studies classes. “I am incredibly grateful for those who established PGS at SNU in the 1980s and those who have stewarded this exciting area for the past 40 years, said SNU provost Dr. Tim Eades.” “SNU proudly serves adult students in face-to-face class sites across the state of Oklahoma,” Dr. Eades said, “But, this fall, PGS will offer 11 fully online degree programs with many more planned in the coming years!” As SNU works to grow its programs for adults, alumni and friends can support the university’s mission by spreading the word about Professional and Graduate Studies. The future is bright for adult learners who want to create a new culture in their lives and open the doors of opportunity through a Christ-centered education at Southern Nazarene University. Succeed as an Online Student at SNU & Earn Your Degree Earn Your MBA Online at SNU & Reach Your Goals BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice • Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership • Bachelor of Science in Family Studies and Gerontology
Apply now! pgs.snu.edu/online 888-SNU-GRAD
• Master of Arts in Administration of Special Education • Master of Arts in Sport Management and Administration • Master of Business Administration (MBA) • Master of Business Administration - Healthcare (MBA) • Master of Science in Management • Master of Leadership • Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership (EdD)
Creati ng Cul t ure
Prof. Cindy Powell:
A Legacy of Investing in Students
BY DR . BR ENT L AVI G N E
DEBITS AND CREDITS - CHART OF ACCOUNTS GENERAL LEDGER - BALANCE SHEET - INCOME STATEMENT AND CASH FLOW STATEMENT. Some read these words and their blood pressure increases, others wonder what these words mean and hope there won’t be a test, but a select few experience a feeling of clarity as if someone is speaking ‘our’ language. If you find yourself in the last category then you must have enjoyed accounting or finance classes with retiring SNU Professor Cindy Powell. For Professor Powell these terms have been the subject matter and shared language with students over the past 35 years as she served as a professor in the School of Business at Southern Nazarene University. The daughter of a produce salesman and a teacher, SNU graduate Cindy Powell (1980) was planning to continue her career in accounting after passing the CPA exam. That is, until Dr. Elmer Shellenberger asked if she would consider becoming part of the School of Business faculty. This was in the early 1980’s, when computers were just being introduced into the workplace and Dr. Shellenberger had a vision that, under Cindy Powell’s teaching, SNU students would be equipped with this new expertise when they graduated. She began by teaching an early morning class in Accounting as well as observing the Computer course; however, by the next semester there was an increased demand for her to teach accounting and finance, which has been her area of instruction for most of her 35 year career at SNU. During Professor Powell’s time at SNU, the School of Business has consistently had the highest number of undergraduate majors. Because all business majors are required to pass entry level accounting and finance courses in order to graduate, helping students get through these foundational courses was a consistent passion for
22 SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020
Professor Powell. Over these 35 years (that’s 70 semesters!), many students have made a lasting impression on her and she has kept up with them after graduation, following both their professional and personal lives. She proudly cheers on the accomplishments of former students like Jeffrey and Lauri Johnston - Jeffrey is a Senior Vice President, and Regional President at Mercy Health System; Amber Tyler Partner at Eide Bailly (top 25 national accounting firm) and Bobby Gruenewald - Pastor and Innovation Leader at Life. Church and YouVersion Bible App founder. For a professor, the greatest gift is hearing from students after they graduate. Bobby Gruenewald once told her that “finance [class] was where he saw everything come together.” As Professor Powell reflects on her time of service at SNU, it is the faces - not the numbers - that come to mind. She remembers faces of students who worked hard and gave their best, faces of faculty who mentored her and served alongside her. And she can still remember the face of former SNU President, Dr. Ponder Gilliland, whose very first hire of his tenure was Professor Cindy Powell. Being an accounting and finance instructor, Professor Powell has talked a lot over the years about the concept of earning a return on your investment. Jesus did too. In Luke 6:38 he says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” We like the idea of “receiving a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running together and poured into our laps.” But we can often overlook the key to the words of Jesus in both the beginning and end. He says simply, “Give.” That is the first step. And the measure of our own generosity will be used to measure back to us. This is a Biblical truth Professor Powell knows and has modeled well. Thirty-five years of SNU students, faculty, staff, administration and alumni are grateful for Cindy Powell, who has given first, and has measured generously what she poured into the classroom and into the lives of students. We know that the return has been and will continue to be great in students’ lives, and even greater because of the lives they have impacted after graduating from SNU.
PROFESSOR POWELL PROVIDES INSTRUCTION TO DENA (WIGMAN) MURRAY ’94
POWELL HANDING OUT CERTIFICATES AT THE SNU SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AWARDS BANQUET
AS PROFESSOR POWELL REFLECTS ON HER TIME OF SERVICE AT SNU, IT IS THE FACES – NOT THE NUMBERS – THAT COME TO MIND. SHE REMEMBERS FACES OF STUDENTS WHO WORKED HARD AND GAVE THEIR BEST, FACES OF FACULTY WHO MENTORED HER AND SERVED ALONGSIDE HER.
BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020 23
C O N T I N U I N G T H E C U LT U R E O F S E R V I C E
Inspiring A New Generation to
LiveLast O
BY DR . BR ENT A . L AVI G N E
ne of the great principles of serving others is found in Matthew 5:16, “...let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” It’s often true that when people watch others serve, they are inspired to join in and find ways to serve, as well. Perhaps you’ve been blessed to be the one serving, and have seen that your “good works” have inspired someone around you. What if the legacy of your acts of service could empower future generations to LiveLast long after you have left this earth? That’s an amazing thought, isn’t it?
This year’s recipients are Noah Pelletier and Ana Ruiz Bautista. They represent well the many SNU students that have been a part of this intentional service program. Noah is a Sophomore Biochemistry major from Moore, Oklahoma. Over the past two years, Noah has served at The Children’s Center Rehabilitation Hospital just a few blocks from campus. Although he began volunteering to gain experience in a clinical setting, he has discovered things about both those who serve and those that are served. He has experienced a cycle of gratefulness that flows from both the patients and those that care for them. He has also seen and experienced “the innocence and vulnerability of pain,” and that “there is something spiritually redemptive about pain and healing.” Ana is also a Biochemistry major, currently living in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Ana and her family immigrated from Lima, Peru just a few years ago. She has been serving this year at the Manos Juntas Free Clinic in Oklahoma City, OK which has been providing free medical care each Saturday morning for the past 22 years. The clinic serves people who have no insurance and/or are unable to afford the cost of being examined by a physician and medications. Volunteers at Manos Juntas serve the poor, unemployed, low-income retired, and many undocumented immigrants of Oklahoma City who would otherwise not receive healthcare. Ana has seen first hand that many in the US cannot afford
This is the story of lifelong servants of the Kingdom, Ed and Eva Pope. Through the generosity of their
children, in honor and memory of their parents’ legacy of serving others, the Office of Spiritual Development at SNU is able to recognize exceptional mentored service by students to their community with the LiveLast Scholarship, funded by the Ed and Eva Pope LiveLast Endowment. Edward and Eva Pope were both born in 1928. He and Eva were married in 1952. Ed was a veteran of WWII and a mechanic, serving most of his career at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. Eva was employed by the telephone company for 38 years. They were faithful members of the Oklahoma City Shields Ave. Church of the Nazarene. The family was deeply influenced by their example of sacrificial service to the church, their neighbors and anyone in need. A granddaughter shared recently that Ed and Eva “loved Jesus, loved their family, loved to serve, and they loved to laugh.” After both parents passed away, their two daughters wanted to honor them by creating an endowment in their name to support students who serve and learn about a LiveLast lifestyle through serving, just like Ed and Eva did. Each year, all the students who choose to participate in a mentored service opportunity are asked to write how their experience of serving has impacted their learning about others and the culture around them, and two are awarded the Ed and Eva Pope LiveLast scholarship. 24 SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020
BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
healthcare and fully depend on free clinics for health-related issues. In addition to the need she is seeing, she is also discovering how many people “go out of their way to donate time, medicine, and years of experience to help treat those less fortunate in our communities.” Ana shares, “A patient that really impacted me was a hematologist that came into the free clinic as a patient. This lady was an immigrant from Venezuela and because of the current state of her country, she was forced to leave it all behind. This lady was not only an MD but also a college professor and researcher in her home country ‑but all of that changed once she came to the US. She was not able to find a job because of the language barrier and documentation that the Venezuelan government was withholding from her. Talking to her helped me further realize the difficulties many immigrants face. As an immigrant myself, many of the things she shared were familiar, but so many were not. Had I not talked to her I would not have even started thinking about these issues that affect so many. She was very knowledgeable and advised me on my own career path. Talking to her also reinforced and reminded me of why I have chosen to serve in medicine.” We celebrate Noah and Ana, and so many other students at SNU who are walking in the footsteps of Ed and Eva Pope. Their legacy of service continues to influence generations of SNU students and inspire them to LiveLast. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LIVELAST SERVICE PROGRAM.
SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020 25
Al u m ni Ne w s & Up date s
PROFESSIONAL UPDATES REV. NATE BURNS (’00) was hired as the Lead Pastor at Mustang Church of the Nazarene on the SE Oklahoma district. OLIVIA CHAPMAN (’17) former Crimson Storm, women’s basketball player was named new Asst. Coach for women’s basketball at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma(USAO) in Chickasha, OK. LEONDA TOMLINSON (’94) CLEMENTS (MSM ’01) has been appointed as Campus Director for Oklahoma Technical College. She also serves as the Veteran Coordinator for Community HigherED, serving military-connected students throughout Oklahoma.
DR. NANCY HALLIDAY (’88) was recently awarded the Edward W. Young Lifetime Achievement Award by the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Student Council for long-term dedication to medical education. REBECCA PENNINGTON LAWRENCE (‘15) obtained her M. Ed. from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in Winona, Minn. SUSAN PENUEL LEWELLEN (’99) taught AP English Language for 20 yrs at Mustang High School, Mustang, OK CURT LUTHYE (‘98) along with his daughter, Graysen released a picture book for children. Tell Me a Reason Why: A Skunk and Rat Story is a delightful reminder of the healing power of words.
RICK CROSLIN (’00) was hired by The Chickasha Board of Education as the district’s new School Superintendent in Chickasha, OK.
MELISSA SCHWAMBERGER MARTIN (’09) recently named 2021 Teacher of the Year for Florida Virtual School in Orlando, FL.
REV. JOHN DRUSEDUM, JR. (’87) received his BA and MA in Religion from SNU and served in Pastoral Ministry for 30 yrs. He was recently selected to serve as District Governor for the Rotary Club of Roswell, NM.
CALLEE COX MASON, ('15)(MBA ’18) represented the OKC Thunder competing as the only female in the 2020 NBA All Star Hot Shot Contest. Callee placed 6th out of 31 contestants.
AMY MADDEN GEE (’13) Winner of “Top Banana Resident Award” as voted on by the Saint Louis University of Medicine students for being the top resident for medical student education. 26 SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020
REV. JAKE METCALF (‘15) recently became Executive & Family Pastor at Calvary Church of the Nazarene in Bethany, OK.
STEVEN (’12) AND ALLISON WHITE METCALF (’12) recently launched a new business in Edmond, OK., Indoor 18 -an indoor golf practice and play facility. SEAN MILLER (’12) was recently named Vice President of Development with Anchor Health Properties. Miller earned his MBA in Healthcare Administration in 2012. GRAHAM MORSCH (’09) was recently appointed CEO of Docs Who Care. Graham has been with Docs Who Care since 2015 and has been instrumental in advancing the organizations growth. BRANDON NAVE (’09) has been named Director of Organ Recovery at LifeShare Transplant Donor Services of Oklahoma. MARIAN KIMBRO REDWINE (’91) recently successfully defended her dissertation earning her a Doctorate in Higher Ed. Leadership and Management (Ed.D) from Regent University. TIFFANY BAIRD REED (’99) has recently opened a new pediatric clinic on the Texas Health Huguley campus in the Ft. Worth area. This clinic is Baird’s Pediatrics. BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
JASON SEXTON (’01) former Crimson Storm football player was recently named the new head football coach at Shawnee High School in Shawnee, OK. JACK SHERRY (’04) was recently appointed to the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education by Gov. Kevin Stitt. AARON TOLER (’05) teacher at Bethany Middle School is known for his innovative ways of teaching History. His latest creation, a set of “Punny” Valentines featuring U.S. Presidents, got some star treatment on The Ellen DeGeneres show on Monday, February 17th – President’s Day. BRIAN VAN NORMAN (’92) has been named Senior Vice President for The American Case Management Association (ACMA), a professional membership organization for nurses, social workers, physician leaders and other professionals in case management and transitions of care practice. MILDRED E. (STROUD) CRAGER-WOODS (’44) This Centenarian Alum celebrated her 100th birthday on Feb. 8, 2020 with a host of family and friends.
MARRIAGES BETHANY SPINDLE (‘20) married TYLER CHERRYHOLMES February 29, 2020
ANNIE HOLLIDAY (‘18) married MITCH HAMMACK March 6, 2020
FAMILY ADDITIONS Eleanor Ruby Hostetler Born Oct. 16, 2019 Parents GRAYSON AND KYNDAL JAYROE (‘16) HOSTETLER Brave Martin Bradley Born Jan. 8, 2020 Parents BRETT (‘05) AND KATY STEWART (‘07) BRADLEY
Margaret “Maggie” Dawn Graham Born Mar. 13, 2020 Parents CHRISTOPHER AND HEATHER LANCE (’15) GRAHAM Hildie Annette Platter Born Mar. 19, 2020 Parents JONATHAN (‘12) AND JANETTE PARKER (‘10) PLATTER
Cristobel Irene Blissett Born Jan. 17, 2020 Parents JOSEPH (‘16) AND CELESTE FORREST (’16) BLISSETT
Maddux Jack Bernhard Born Apr. 20, 2020 Parents SEAN (‘06) AND KALI HALL (’06) BERNHARD
Poppie Grace Holcomb Born Jan. 29, 2020 Parents CHRIS (‘11) AND HANNAH HOLCOMB
Brooks Wyatt Black Born Apr. 27, 2020 Parents TANNER (‘09) AND ELISE BLACK
Charlotte Mae Tucker Born Feb. 22, 2020 Parents NATHAN (‘13) AND MADELINE CASH (’13) TUCKER
Amelia Jean Satterly Born Apr. 28, 2020 Parents JARED (’11) AND KELLY MCGLYNN (‘08) SATTERLY
Norah Ann Lee Born Mar. 5, 2020 Parents TRAVIS (‘07) AND CALITIA CROY (’10) LEE
Brielle Jane Behrens Born May 5, 2020 Parents KEN (’09) AND GABRIELLE TRENT (’12) BEHRENS SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020 27
Al u mni Ne w s & Up date s Emersyn Louise Witt Born May 5, 2020 Parents JACKSON (’19) AND KAITLYN JANKA (’18) WITT Karsyn Marie Hull Born May 5, 2020 Parents PARKER (’06) AND MISSY VOLZ (’06) HULL Rose Reed Williams Born May 8, 2020 Parents LANDON AND LIZZY REED (’16) WILLIAMS Birdie Hope Proctor Born May 19, 2020 Parents AUSTIN (’05) AND KENDI MOSSHART (’08) PROCTOR Leslie Alan Bennett III “Tyke” Born May 19, 2020 Parents LES (’12) AND OLIVIA BENNETT Preston Dean Morsch Born May 26, 2020 Parents GRAHAM (’09) AND BRITTANY MILLER (’08) MORSCH
IN MEMORY DR. JIM DILLOW (‘70) Aug. 25, 1947-Dec. 30, 2017 Carthage, MO
RICHARD EDWIN CAMPBELL (‘51) Mar. 26, 1929-Dec. 31, 2019 Visalia, CA ROBERT JERRELL (JERRY) BURDINE (‘67) Jun. 4, 1944-Jan. 5, 2020 Duncanville, TX DON “OJ” SIMPSON (‘74) Sep. 21, 1951-Jan 7, 2020 Olathe, KS REV. EMMANUAL W. KEHR (‘55) Feb. 17, 1923-Jan. 10, 2020 Olathe, KS
REV. JIMMY VAN MORRIS (‘68) Feb. 16, 1939-Jan 13, 2020 Conroe, TX
DR. KIM ”KJ” TULLIS (‘77) May 23, 1954-Jan. 17, 2020 Yukon, OK
BEN T. RIGGINS (‘64) May 2, 1941-Feb. 6, 2020 Bethany, OK
REV. MALCOLM F. EUDALEY (‘50) Oct. 17, 1923-Feb. 6, 2020 Olathe, KS
KENNETH G. ROBERTSON (’64) Jan. 26, 1941-Feb. 8, 2020 Sapulpa, OK
ROGELIO “ROY” RODRIQUEZ (‘98) Jan. 14, 1971-Feb. 10,2020 Oklahoma City, OK
DONALD R. GASSETT (’56) Mar. 31, 1934-Feb. 17, 2020 Bethany, OK
SCOTT A. SHELLENBERGER (‘02) Sep. 28, 1978-Feb. 21, 2020 Fallis, OK JOHN C. BUCHANAN (‘86) Jan. 23, 1963-Feb. 29, 2020 Richmond, VA
DELBERT L. SARGENT (‘59) Jul. 29, 1928-Mar. 12, 2020 Bethany, OK
JIM D. YARBROUGH (’64) Oct. 15, 1942-Mar. 13, 2020 Bethany, OK
REV. ROMA (DEFOUR) SMITH (‘43) May 28, 1921-May 10, 2020 Carrollton, TX
LILLIAN WIENS (‘53) Jan. 24, 1922-May 23, 2020 Edmond, OK
JANICE E. (ZINN) SUTTERFIELD (‘59) Jun 3, 1938-Mar. 15, 2020 Moore, OK
MILTON DEE BATES, JR. (‘51) Jun. 28, 1928-May 16, 2020 Bethany, OK
REV. MARIA C. RODRIGUEZ (‘97) Feb. 2, 1951-May 26, 2020 Forney, TX
JAMES E. LONG (‘61) Feb. 1, 1939-May 22, 2020 Oklahoma City, OK
REV. R. GENE HULSEY Feb. 5, 1925-Jun. 8, 2020 Bethany, TX
ORA LEE (WOODS) PULTS (‘46) Passed away Mar. 22, 2020 Olympia, Wa DR. WALTER CROW (‘61) Jul 7, 1938-Apr. 2, 2020 Yukon, OK
DR. JAMES D. HAMILTON (‘48) Feb. 28, 1926-Apr. 4, 2020 Cederedge, CO
JAMES HARMON (‘46) May 19, 1923-Apr. 16, 2020 Bethany, OK
DR. LINDA (PATTERSON) WILCOX FACULTY EMERITI Sep. 9, 1950-Apr. 27, 2020 Oklahoma City, OK REV. L. HAROLD BLANKENSHIP (‘49) Jul. 1, 1928-Apr. 28, 2020 Oklahoma City, OK
CAROL (HUGHES) HAZLETON (‘68) Oct. 10, 1934-May 5, 2020 McCloud, OK 28 SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020
BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
https://bridge.snu.edu/share-your-news SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020 29
Who matters to you, matters to us!
So, here’s how to let us know who matters to you. Click THIS LINK and answer the questions. What will happen? What will we do next? FIRST, we’ll add your important person to our High Priority List. SECOND, we will contact this person via texts, phone calls, emails, and postcards. Thank you for trusting us with your important people! If you prefer not to fill out the online form, please call the Office of Admissions at (405) 491-6324.
SEPTEMBER 18 AND 19, 2020
32 SNU MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2020
AUGUST 29 AND 30, 2020
S O U T H ER N NA Z AR EN E UN I V ER SI T Y J.D. & M AR Y WE S T SCI EN CE BUI LD I N G BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI
BUI L D I N G WI T H EN ER GY. BUI L D WI T H I N T E G R I T Y. BUI L DWIT HLING O.C OM
Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage
PAID
Bethany, OK Permit No. 4
SNU MAGAZINE
6729 NW 39th Expressway Bethany, OK 73008
Change Service Requested
S
outhern pl aza
A Christian Retirement Community
No Buy In Monthly Rental Contract Restaurant Style Dining Weekly Housekeeping 24 Hour Staff Scheduled Transportation
Monthly Planned Activities Utilities Included
Southern Plaza Christian Retirement Community: 405-440-1100 Southern Plaza Assisted Living and Memory Care: 405-440-1111 3737 North College Ave., Bethany, OK 73008 | southernplaza.publishpath.com BRIDGE.SNU.EDU/ALUMNI