SNU Campaign for the Sciences 2015 Summer Update

Summer 2015 Update SCIENCE IN SERVICE THROUGH SNU

Dr. Loren and Linda Gresham with SNU science students at the J.D. and Mary West Laboratory ribbon cutting.

The dedication of the J.D. and Mary West Science Laboratory Building on May 8, 2015, capped off a multiyear effort to upgrade our teaching and research facilities to an even higher level. It was a great event involving members of the West family, as well as the SNU Board of Trustees and Foundation Board of Directors. Also in attendance were representatives of corporate entities and foundations who supported the project.

Attendees will surely remember the inspiring a cappella rendition of the Doxology as the entire assemblage thanked God for His faithfulness in blessing and sustaining the university through 116 years of service to church, community and Kingdom. This event represented closure to Phases I and II of this project. Thanks be to God! While we celebrate what has been accomplished in upgrading our science facilities, there is yet additional work to be done. Phase III of the project, which will connect the West Laboratory building to the Don Beaver Science Building, is still on the drawing boards. The renovation and repurposing of the Biology and Chemistry floors of the Beaver building are being studied for a major updating with use assigned to other curricular areas.

As with any forwardly focused institution, we look to these future opportunities with hope and anticipation. With our Church of the Nazarene owners and supporters, our continuing desire is to provide high quality education in all fields, integrated with our Wesleyan-Holiness theological heritage. May we be faithful to that commitment as we push into new areas of labor.

Blessings,

Dr. Loren Gresham President 1

DR. LISA CROW A Heart For Students Born Out of a Life of Service in South Africa While so many of Southern Nazarene University’s professors bring a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds to campus, Dr. Lisa Crow may bring one of the more unique in how she views students and encourages them to use their talents to serve others.

Dr. Crow grew up on the east coast of South Africa where “I enjoy seeing friendships develop her father served as a Free between students whose lives are Methodist medical missionary completely different but who share a alongside physicians from passion for service and learning.” five continents. Not only did her constant exposure to the medical community in the form of rural hospitals instill within her a love of science, but her time in South Africa helped shape her current desire to connect with students, especially those from international backgrounds.

“I know how it feels to have chronic homesickness, to be unsure of cultural expectations and to struggle with a language barrier,” she explained. “We have manifold diversity at SNU where there are hidden aspects beyond demographic labels that add richness to the campus.”

Because of growing up under Apartheid rule in South Africa, Dr. Crow watched many of her friends stymied as a result of segregated education. This injustice fueled her desire to become a teacher as well as her love of seeing students from diverse backgrounds come together to form lasting friendships.

“I enjoy seeing friendships develop between students whose lives are completely different but who share a passion for service and learning,” explained Dr. Crow.

Dr. Crow’s unique background also infused within her a heart of service which she strives to impart to her students as an organic chemistry and biochemistry professor. She also serves on the pre-med/pre-health committee and as a science mentor for McNair Scholars.

“I wanted to ease the way for underprivileged, first generation and minority students to become doctors, nurses and teachers committed to Christ-like service, so my career teaching chemistry at SNU is fulfilling,” she said.

Dr. Crow was recently afforded an exceptional honor as she was involved in the interior lab design for the chemistry floor of the new J.D. and Mary West Science Laboratory. Not only are the well-designed aspects of the original labs in the Beaver Science Hall preserved, but Dr. Crow said the new design will help tremendously in creating the scientists of tomorrow who can truly make a difference in the world.

Dr. Crow in the Organic Chemistry Lab

22

Rachel Rindom & Mickey DeMarzo

J. D. and Mary at a family wedding.

J.D. AND MARY WEST EXAMPLES OF GENEROSITY AND SERVICE J.D. and Mary West are two names that have become synonymous with Southern Nazarene University’s Science Department. The couple’s financial support was instrumental in leading the way to build the university’s new science lab, which was named in their honor. For J.D. and Mary, the construction of the West Science Laboratory is yet another in a long list of examples of how they have consistently honored God with their blessings and their desire to advance His Kingdom through the Church of the Nazarene.

Without question, the new building will serve as a testament to their legacy of generosity and service.

The Wests came from very humble beginnings growing up in northwest Arkansas. J.D. was born in 1919 in a small mining community located just south of Altus, Arkansas where his family farmed along the bottom of the Arkansas River. J.D. grew up during a difficult time in history as America was in the midst of the depression and the Midwest was suffering from the Dust Bowl.

“My dad got more money for plowing cotton under than he did if he sold it,” 3

recalled J.D. in an interview he gave prior to his passing. “He got more for having a cow killed, slaughtered and covered up, than if he’d tried to sell it.

That’s how hard times were in those years.”

Little did J.D. know that his future bride was growing up not too far away in the town of Rogers, Arkansas. One thing both J.D. and Mary had in common was their deep roots in the formation of the Nazarene Church in Arkansas.

“My mom was raised Baptist and my dad was raised by his mother who was probably a Baptist,” he said. “But then they both became Nazarenes after we organized the church.”

Service has always been a core value of the Wests and that was never more apparent than when J.D. left home to serve his country in World War II. “I had never been away from home in my life, and I was drafted into the Air Corps,” he said.

Back in Rogers, E.J. Crane was called to pastor the local Nazarene church in which Mary and her family attended. Pastor Crane learned that Mary was going

J.D. and Mary West surrounded by turkeys at their farm in northwest Arkansas.

J.D. West with former United States Senator Bob Dole.

Priscilla Rudd, Melissa (Rudd) Masterson, J.D. West, Dr. Loren Gresham, Dr. Charles Rudd

to see her brother in California, which is where J.D. was stationed. He gave Mary J.D.’s address and that initially resulted in their exchanging letters. This later led to their first meeting in California and eventually to their marriage in 1942 while J.D. was on furlough.

While serving in England, J.D. received some life changing news that his mother had passed away.

“I was within thirty miles of London and I was three days away from getting anywhere. John, my brother, was on a ship ready to cross the channel to Europe,” he said. “John was on the front lines and he got word (about mother’s death) before I did.”

Following the war, the Wests moved back to Rogers and J.D. relocated his father and brothers to Rogers as well. His dad sold their cattle and farm and opted to open a grocery store, which Mary oversaw with J.D.’s sister.

“I think we ruined the store,” joked Mary.

While Mary worked the grocery store, J.D. worked as a plumber until a few years later he took advantage of the G.I. Bill of Rights and trained to become a mechanic. That ultimately led to his working for the local Pontiac dealership until

J.D. and Mary West as newlyweds

1962 while Mary worked for Bell Telephone. J.D.’s hard work earned him the reputation of being the best mechanic in Arkansas.

Even though in their early days of marriage they made very little, they always maintained a giving spirit. J.D. said they had little money to give to the church but always gave at least $2 to $3 per week. Furthermore, the Wests continued to be active in the Nazarene Church as he served 19 years as the Sunday School Superintendent and Mary taught Sunday School. They were also faithful to raise their family in the church.

The years of hard work and service ultimately resulted in many blessings from God, for which they gave Him all the glory. Their heart of service and generosity to the church is what led them to make the new science lab at SNU a reality. The Wests have clearly left SNU a legacy of stewardship and love for the Lord.

That rich legacy lives on today through their daughter Priscilla and her husband Dr. Charles Rudd. Charles and Priscilla first met while students at SNU in the mid1960’s and Charles went on to become a successful doctor. Like the Wests, the Rudds were instrumental in making the West Laboratory a reality and continue to be two of the strongest advocates for the sciences at SNU. For more information on J.D. and Mary, go to snu.edu/cfts.

4

Dr. Loren Gresham introducing Troy Rhodes, Stan Lingo, Ron Lester, & Scott Strawn.

Dr. Brad Moore brings the welcome.

5

Dr. Mark Winslow and Biology student Brady Allred.

Dr. Loren Gresham with Ray Tullius, Mabee Foundation representative.

A TIME TO CELEBRATE & LOOK TO THE FUTURE After years of planning, prayer, and faithfulness from so many generous people, the new J.D. & Mary West Science Laboratory reached a milestone this past May as it was officially dedicated on the campus of SNU. In just a short amount of time, this 25,891-square-foot facility has already made a significant impact in equipping our science students to fully thrive in today’s environment that is defined by advances in technology.

Rave reviews of the new facility continue to be heard from students, faculty and visitors to campus. Most agree that the West Science Laboratory is proving to be a vital catalyst that will help propel SNU’s commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for our students.

While much has been accomplished, there is still work ahead. With your continued support and prayers, we can complete this task to ensure SNU continues its impeccable reputation of producing top-notch graduates who are highly regarded in their professions.

Watch video from the dedication and timelapsed video of the entire construction at snu.edu/cfts.

HOW FAR WE’VE COME PHASE III

Dr. Loren Gresham, the Rudd Family, Dr. Mark Winslow, and SNU Students

Elevator and stair connection to W. Don Beaver Science Building Renovation of W. Don Beaver Science Building Greenhouse

PHASE I I Finish and furnishing of second floor Three chemistry laboratories Two faculty offices One research laboratory Three student gathering areas

PHASE I Two–story laboratory addition south of the existing Beaver Science Building 25,891 square feet base building Four biology laboratories

One biology research laboratory Laboratory support spaces Four offices and ancillary support spaces Three student gathering areas

6

DR. SYLVIA GOODMAN The Science of Human Motion Athletics is far more than just “X’s and O’s,” raw talent or state-of-the-art equipment.

There is also a scientific component to human movement that permeates through almost every aspect of any sport from health and fitness activity to sport management.

As Southern Nazarene University’s School of Kinesiology continues to expand and be recognized for excellence, Dr. Sylvia Goodman has played an integral part in the program’s advancement both in and out of the classroom. She joined the faculty 15 years ago to take on the challenge of establishing an accredited Athletic Training program. Not only has she successfully assisted SNU in gaining accreditation, but she also worked to establish the new Master of Arts in Sport Management and Administration.

“Recently, the University and the School of Kinesiology has added a new graduate program in Sport Management and Administration,” said Dr. Goodman. “I have the honor to serve as the director for this new program. This program is reaching out to our own graduates as well as to folks who are working professionals.”

Dr. Sylvia Goodman providing instruction to SNU Student

A native of Centerville, Ohio, Dr. Goodman developed her passion for Kinesiology and Athletic Training as a collegiate athlete. While receiving treatment in the Indiana University training room, Dr. Goodman recalled meeting Marge Albohm, which left an impression that helped lead her on her career path.

“I have covered events like the Pan Am Games, World Figure Skating Championships and the U.S. Track and Field Championships, to name a few.”

“Albohm was the long time president of the National Athletic Trainers Association and the first female head athletic trainer at a major university,” she said. “Needless to say, that left an impression.”

Serving athletes is also important to Dr. Goodman.

Not only has she worked as a drug control officer for the USADA and WADA, which are responsible for drug testing athletes to ensure safety and fairness, she has also served as an athletic trainer at the Olympic Colorado Springs Training Center and at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

“I have covered events like the Pan Am Games, World Figure Skating Championships and the U.S. Track and Field Championships, to name a few,” added Dr. Goodman.

While obtaining her Ed.D. in Human Movement/Sport Sociology from Boston University, Dr. Goodman began working as part of the medical staff for the Boston Marathon. On April 15, 2013, her service to the Boston Marathon took on a new dimension as a bomb exploded at the finish line killing three people and injuring 264. She immediately joined other medical staff in assisting runners to ensure the injured were quickly being treated.

“I and a few other medical staff triaged the athletes coming across the line,” she recalled.

“Then we directed them to a safe area to receive treatment. This cleared the street behind the finish line for the critically injured to be transported into the first medical tent.”

87

SNU Athletic Training students at the finish line of the Boston Marathon

As Dr. Goodman remains committed to advancing the science of kinesiology at SNU, she is most grateful for those who continue to support the sciences. She said the recent addition of the West Laboratory has touched almost every aspect of the campus.

2

DR. STEVEN SACKET Physician Balances Service and Career Dr. Steven Sacket has always maintained a God-instilled desire to help others, which is one of the reasons he decided to pursue medicine as a family physician. While Dr. Sacket finds incredible satisfaction in taking care of families, he felt God calling him to do a little more to help others. That prompting led him to the Open Arms Clinic in Oklahoma City.

“Our mission is to minister the love of Christ as a full-service medical home by focusing on the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of our patients,” explained Dr. Sacket.

“Our goal is to provide high quality healthcare at a very low cost to people in and around the Oklahoma City area.”

As part of his residency training, Dr. Sacket was required to staff an evening volunteer clinic one evening a week, which initially led him to the Open Arms Clinic. He continued volunteering even after he went on staff at Deaconess Hospital. As the clinic grew and saw more patients, Dr. Sacket continued to expand his time. Then in the fall of 2003, the clinic asked Dr. Sacket to join them on a more permanent basis.

Dr. Steven Sacket – SNU Class of 1996

“Our mission is to minister the love of Christ as a full-service medical home by focusing on the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of our patients,” “I felt God leading me to step outside my usual routine and say ‘yes,’ so I did,” he recalled.

Deaconess was gracious enough to work with Dr. Sacket to help him pursue his passion of helping those in need. Now, he works three days a week at Deaconess and the other two at Open Arms Clinic.

“Taking on these new roles that are more of an overt ministry while attempting to keep my private practice has stretched my faith and allowed me to trust in the Lord, that I would continue to be able to provide for my family while answering His call to go where He leads me,” said Dr. Sacket.

Dr. Sacket graduated from Southern Nazarene University in 1996 with a degree in Music-Piano Performance. Studying music initially taught him the value of discipline, determination, and how to effectively work with others in an ensemble. When he decided to pursue medicine, Dr. Sacket said SNU’s Science Department was instrumental in providing the practical foundation and an excellent reservoir of knowledge needed to succeed in becoming a physician.

Additionally, Dr. Sacket encourages students to learn everything required in the sciences at SNU, as well as to explore their gifts and grow in their faith.

For more on Dr. Steven Sacket, go to snu.edu/cfts.

Dr. Sacket examines a student intern patient.

8

Yager & Williams receive instruction from clinic doctor.

Maggie Williams, Biology Major & Chase Yager, Bio-Chem Major

MAGGIE WILLIAMS & CHASE YAGER

Forging A Foundation of Science and Serving Others For some students entering into the medical field, it is seen as a career that will afford financial stability and perhaps freedom, but for many Southern Nazarene University students the medical field is viewed as a career that can help better the lives of others. It is that desire to serve others that led two juniors to pursue biology degrees at SNU. Maggie Williams traces her aspiration to enter into the health care field back to her mother’s work as a nurse. She said seeing her mother’s joy firsthand inspired her and made her realize from a young age that she wanted to serve others.

Like Williams, Chase Yager developed his love of science at a young age. Not only did he enjoy science in school, but Yager also explained that he constantly spent time exploring the outdoors in an attempt to satisfy his desire to understand how and why things work in the world around him.

“I feel like the gifts and passions God has given me for the sciences, and more specifically medicine, help me see my calling.”

“As I got older, I discovered that I loved learning about the sciences and working with people,” explained Williams. “So what better way to serve others than by combining those two passions with my passion to care for others.”

Being a student at SNU has proven to be the perfect place for Williams to pursue her aspirations. Not only has she been inspired by several of her professors with their career advice, but Williams say the small size of her classes and close connections 9

with her fellow students have also proven instrumental in her education.

“As I got older, nature and creation seemed to help me keep my faith through some really tough times,” said Yager. “I feel like the gifts and the passions God has given me for the sciences, and more specifically medicine, help me see my calling.”

Yager, who is from Piedmont, Oklahoma, said he has seen his faith grow considerably during his time at SNU. Outside of his scientific classes, Yager says he has enjoyed his religion courses most as they have helped him look at the world, people and other religions in a completely new way. More importantly, he is making his faith his own for the first time in his life. Yager’s growing faith is a catalyst that helped him land on a path where he can blend his faith and love of sciences into a career that will help others.

“This has inspired me to reflect on the meaning of having a servant’s heart in both our personal lives and careers.”

This past summer both Yager and Williams took part in a unique opportunity that allowed them to put their medical knowledge and faith into action by serving those in need. The students were part of the six-week Oklahoma Health Care Internship funded by the Butterfield Foundation. They were just two of six students chosen from five participating faith-based universities to spend two-week rotations at three different faith-based, charitable clinics in Oklahoma City.

Through this internship Williams and Yager learned a wide range of skills including how to draw blood, take vitals and perform a variety of lab tests. They also gained a better understanding of how a clinic operates. More importantly, this internship helped further cement their calling to serve others.

Williams taking vitals on a patient.

organizations and do it with the love of Christ “Through this experience I have also gained a better understanding of what I want to do and what I think God wants me to do, and that is to work in medical missions,” he explained.

Williams and Yager added that they are grateful for those generous individuals who continue to support the sciences at SNU. Donors’ generosity has allowed them and scores of other science students to gain a heart of service by seeing firsthand how their faith can work hand-in-hand with their scientific training.

For additional stories on Maggie Williams and Chase Yager, go to snu.edu/cfts

“It has been such a blessing to see the health care providers pray with their patients who clearly need love and support,” Williams added. “This has inspired me to reflect on the meaning of having a servant’s heart in both our personal lives and careers.”

Working each day with patients who could not afford healthcare and with physicians who have a true heart in serving others left a lasting impression on Yager. He was affected not only by the physical care they received from the staff, but the emotional and spiritual care as well. Yager says it takes a special kind of person to be able to handle the struggles that come with working in non-profit

For update on NASA Summer Research Program, go to snu.edu/cfts.

10

OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT

6729 NW 39th Expressway Bethany, OK 73008

Aerial view of J.D. and Mary West Laboratory ribbon cutting

snu.edu/cfts