Spring 2007 - Southern Light

Scoreboard What are the SNUPY Awards?

Follow the bouncing ball!

The SNUPY Awards were created by the SNU Office of Sports Information in 2004 and are designed to honor Southern Nazarene University’s student athletes for excellence on the playing field, in the classroom and in life. Any one of SNU’s more than 370 athletes are eligible to win a SNUPY based on their nomination in a specific category. This year’s awards ceremony will take place on April 27 at 7 pm in the Sawyer Center. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information log on to www.sports. snu.edu.

Mildon Ambres, number 34, senior forward shoots during a recent OCU game.

Spring sports gear up Spring sports have been in full swing since the first of February. To follow your favorite team, log on to www.sports.snu.edu where you can ­access “SNU Motion,” live broadcasts, and become familiar with featured athletes.

Senior forward, 5’10”, number 10, Khady Ngom takes a shot during SNU’s upset of #8 ranked OCU.

At time of publication, the Crimson Storm men’s basketball team is ranked 5th in the ­nation. The Crimson Storm women’s basketball team is ranked 18th. Catch up with the Storm at www.sports.snu.edu.

Southern Nazarene University 6729 NW 39th Expressway Bethany, OK 73008-2694

The LIGHT INSIDE On the cover

Pictured on the front cover is the SNU Centennial Gate, dedicated at Homecoming 2006. Pictured left to right are: Robbie and Bill Campbell (donors), Lou Kerr (Oklahoma Centennial Commission President), Claud and Betty Cypert (donors), Linda Gresham and SNU President Loren Gresham.

Spring 2007

Gresham’s Good News The Hall of Witnesses Homecoming Awardees

Spring 2007

Gresham’s Good News “Thank You” sometimes seems ­inadequate As we move through the first quarter of 2007, there is much good news to report from this 108-year-old institution. Let me take a few minutes to recount just two items: • The completion of “A Transforming Vision: The Campaign for Southern Nazarene ­University” • The progress on The Hall of Witnesses program Launched in 2000, “A Transforming Vision” has concluded as the most successful fundraising effort in our history. Final totals of more than $32 million have been committed/ received, and our task now is to steward these generous gifts for maximum benefit to our students, faculty and the institution.

We thank literally hundreds of alumni and friends for their sacrificial support to the goals of the campaign which included the completed Marchant Family Alumni and Welcome Center, the Showalter Heritage Garden, the Centennial Gate (pictured on the front cover) and an oversubscription of the largest scholarship goal in our history. This university will realize the full benefit of this campaign in the years ahead as deferred gifts are funneled to the projects for which they are designated.

From our founding, one of the major objectives of SNU has been the preparation of ministers. Throughout our history we have fulfilled this goal admirably, providing educated leadership for our local churches and districts that has made our sponsoring denomination, the Church of the Nazarene, a beacon to communities wherever congregants gather. It is now our privilege to honor these faithful servants of God by creating a display to showcase their service to God and the church.

The Hall of Witnesses Building A Place of Honor at SNU

By John Martin

H

elping train a new generation of pastors and theologians who will lead the Church of the Nazarene forward has always been an integral part of the vision and mission of Southern Nazarene University. Established to develop leaders for the church, the university has always remained in close relationship to her sponsoring denomination. The total SNU impact for the good of the church is impossible to fully calculate. Close affiliation continues today, leading many to believe the well-being of Southern Nazarene University and the well-being of the church in the south-central U.S. are tightly intertwined.

The SNU Ministerial Internship and The Hall of Witnesses program emerged out of the awareness of these close and historic ties.

The Ministerial Internship program at SNU began several years ago in the hearts of administrators and professors who recognized that the increasing cost of higher education places a heavy financial burden on students with a call to ministry. Ministerial Internship was begun at SNU as a way for these students to gain valuable, supervised ministry experience and financial assistance for college. The scholarship support to students in the program increases each successive year.

This allows many of the ministry intern students to graduate from SNU free of college debt.

During the A Transforming Vision campaign, SNU sought to raise additional dollars to fund the cost of providing ministerial students with this unprecedented level of support. From this came the idea to create a place of honor on campus, The Hall of Witnesses. Once completed, it will serve two purposes. One underlying purpose is to provide additional ministry intern scholarships; the second purpose is to give people the opportunity to honor the great cloud of witnesses, living or deceased, who have carried the light of the Gospel around the world. The Hall of Witnesses will be located in the S.T. Ludwig Religion Building. The names and brief biographical descriptions of all those honored will be featured (Continued inside)

Hall of Witnesses, north wall

For this purpose, The Hall of Witnesses interactive display is being created. Located in the S.T. Ludwig Building, the display will honor pastors, associate pastors, youth ministers and other leaders who have impacted lives through decades past. We solicit your assistance in identifying and sponsoring worthy persons who meet the criteria for servant-leaders who have been examples of Christ-likeness and service.

Suggestions and information on this program can be obtained in either the Church Relations Office through email to: ttoler@snu.edu, or the University Advancement Office through email to: dalex@snu.edu, or by calling the university direct at 405.789.6400. We hope many of you who read Southern Light will respond with your suggestions for honorees for this worthwhile program.

Hall of Witnesses, west wall

2007 is well underway as you read this Spring issue, with numerous challenges and oppor­ tunities. It is important for SNU alumni to lead lives that reflect Christ in our homes, neighborhoods and workplaces. May it be so for you as together we seek to live out the SNU motto of “Character, Culture, Christ.”

Loren Gresham, Ph.D. President As you can see from the artist renderings, The Hall of Witnesses will be constructed in the present outer lobby of the SNU Religion Building.

Hall of Witnesses, east wall

The Hall of Witnesses (Continued from page 1) in the Hall. Churches, family members, colleagues and boards are invited to partner with SNU in establishing this place of honor.

Any individual or couple who has given of themselves in full-time Christian service for a minimum of 10 years may be honored. Those nominated so far include pastors, associates, missionaries, evangelists, Christian educators Hall of Witnesses, south wall

and District or General Church officials. Those honored have included people like: • A pastor and his wife, honored for 50 years in the ministry by their family; • Mary Lee Cagle, the founding pastor of Lubbock, TX, First Church of the Nazarene; • A pastor of 58 years, honored by his longesttenured church; • An SNU professor, Stephane Shellenberger, nominated for her years of mentoring and molding college students; • A district superintendent nominated by three brothers out of their gratitude that he was instrumental in introducing them to the Church of the Nazarene.

Nominations to The Hall of Witnesses may be made with gifts of $1,000 or more, given by individuals, family groups, churches or other organizations. Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who serve among us, many more names will be added to this growing list of honorees. We want to include as many as possible in this beautiful, interactive place of honor.

––––––––––––– John Martin is Executive Director of Development for Southern Nazarene University.

The Hall of Witnesses: A place of honor on the SNU campus To recognize those who have given of their lives to full-time Christian service To gather endowed resources to help educate and support future generations of Christian servants

Who may be honored?

Any individual or couple who has given of themselves in full-time Christian service for a minimum of 10 years • Pastors • District officials • Associates • General Church officials • Missionaries • Religious educators • Evangelists

Sponsorship opportunities Honorees may be nominated by an individual, a group of individuals, church boards or organizations, all of whom will receive recognition on the donor portion of The Hall of Witnesses.

$5,000 • Name in The Hall of Witnesses • Honoree on Touch Screen Ministry Synopsis • Donor on Touch Screen $5,000 Benefactor List • Certificate of Induction to Honoree $2,500 • Name in The Hall of Witnesses • Honoree on Touch Screen Ministry Synopsis • Donor on Touch Screen $2,500 Benefactor List • Certificate of Induction to Honoree $1,000 • Name in The Hall of Witnesses • Honoree on Touch Screen Ministry Synopsis • Donor on Touch Screen $1,000 Benefactor List • Certificate of Induction to Honoree

For more information

$10,000 • Name in The Hall of Witnesses • Establishment of Named, Endowed Ministerial Scholarship • Honoree on Touch Screen Ministry Synopsis • Donor on Touch Screen $10,000 Benefactor List • Plaque of Remembrance to Donor • Certificate of Induction to Honoree

Office of Church Relations Phone: 405.491.6314 Email: churchrelations@snu.edu Fax: 405.717.6281

tive March 1, 2007, according to Loren Gresham, President. Nance comes to SNU from Oklahoma City Community College where she has served for more than 11 years, most recently as the Chief Financial Officer. She holds an M.B.A. degree from Oklahoma City University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Nance was named to this position after the retirement of Don Billings.

150 participate in 2006 Commission Unto Mexico

Office of University Advancement Phone: 405.491.6311 Email: universityadvance@snu.edu Fax: 405.491.6381

On campus Alumni honored at Homecoming ’06 The following alumni were honored with awards of distinction and words of gratitude for their contributions to SNU at the Homecoming 2006 showcase concert event.

Outstanding Alumni Cheryl Crabtree, Greg Hall, Tim O’Toole University Award Stan Toler Heritage Award Donald Billings, Larry Mills Lifetime Achievement Award Elmer Shellenberger

SNU Admissions Leadership Team pictured above (l to r): Warren Rogers III, Todd Brant and Kendra Thomson

New Leadership Team directs the SNU Office of Admissions SNU is pleased to welcome Warren Rogers III as the new Director of Admissions. Warren joins the SNU Admissions team following a successful tenure at sister school Olivet Nazarene University. Joining Warren is Kendra Thomson, newly appointed Director of Operations and Outreach, who formerly served in the SNU Office of Student Development as Director of Community Life. Completing the leadership team is longtime Admissions employee Todd Brant who has been named Director of Recruiting. We look forward to the work of the Office of Admissions under the leadership of these gifted individuals, and the full Admissions team including Admis-

sions Counselors Mike Hartwig, Jonathan Meisner and Sarah Shenold; Early Recruitment Counselor Tricia Worthington; Office Manager Michelle Mullens; and Linda Berg, Administrative Assistant.

Alumni are encouraged to alert the Office of Admissions to potential prospective students by calling 800-648-9899, or by submitting the prospect’s name on-line at www.snu.edu/alumni, select prospect referrals.

Winter Commencement ’06 On Saturday, December 9, at 2 pm in the Sawyer Center, the Winter 2006 graduating class was welcomed as the newest group to join the SNU Alumni community. A total of 394 graduates received degrees, including 257 undergraduates, one associate and 136 graduate degrees.

The speakers were SNU students Preston Doerflinger, Mike Gerten and Laurie Martin.

“Three students from the graduating class were invited to represent their peers, and share brief reflections of their learning journey while at SNU,” said Martha Banz, Dean of Arts and Sciences. Don Billings was recognized for his more than 25 years of service to SNU, and Gwen Ladd Hackler was recognized for 20 years of service as a faculty member.

New VP of Business & Financial ­Affairs announced Donna Nance has been named as the new Vice President for Business & Financial Affairs, effec-

The December 27 – January 3 trip was the 18th Commission Unto Mexico, a family-friendly, short-term mission organized by Southern Nazarene University and co-sponsored by the NMI and NYI organizations of the South Central Region. Participants worked on nine construction projects and directed VBS programs in seven different neighborhoods. The annual event is scheduled to take place again this year from December 27, 2007 – January 3, 2008. For more information log on to www.snu.edu/missions.

Pictured above are alumni awardees, left to right: Larry Mills, Don Billings, Doug Eaton (Alumni President), Greg Hall, Elmer Shellenberger, Tim O’Toole, Cheryl Crabtree, Stan Toler, Loren Gresham (President) and Brenda Styers (Director of Alumni Relations)

Alumni Births

Marriages Landon Scott, born 12/29/05 to Jeremy and Christa (Gruber, ’89) Conrad and welcomed by big brother, Joshua.

Preston Lee, born 5/19/06 to Dennis (’92) and Vicki (Folsom, ’94) Henderson and welcomed by big sister, Ashlyn.

Ruth Anna Joy, born 8/25/06 to Kelli and Dan Galbraith (’92).

Luke Spencer, born 2/15/06 to Spencer (’93) and Kristin (Bishop, ’97) Wilson.

Abby Jean, born 5/22/06 to Tony (’95) and Shelly (O’Vivion, ’96) Cuchiara.

Logan Jay, born 7/8/06 to Keli and Jayson (’96) Klassen.

Melanie Louise, born 4/27/06 to Chad (’97) and Deanna (Rauh, ’97) Long.

Katie Nicole, born 7/3/04 to Gary (’97) and Cori (Bennett, ’97) Young.

Caden Alexander, born 6/30/05 to Kyle and Julie (South, ’97) Whittle.

Kamryn Noel, born 9/30/06 to Jeff (’98) and Dana (Thomas, ’99) Geis. She is welcomed by her sisters, Nikole, Makenzi and Jessika.

Samuel Russell, born 6/17/06 to Michael and Sherry (Wurst, ’98) Livingston.

Trevor Eugene, born 12/7/02, and Taitym Renee, born 5/5/05 to Darin (’96) and Sara (Thomas, ’99) Johnson.

Joshua Blake Everett, born 9/13/06 to Everett and Deanita (Sitton, ’01) Henry.

Preston Dow, born 9/3/06 to Ryan and Jami (Crain, ’02) Albee.

Aden Jayce, born 5/1/06 to Jacob and Rachel (Landsberry, ’03) Collins.

Malachi Okello, born 7/19/04 to Robert Oguda (’07) and Loretta Campbell (’04).

Asher Jamison, born 3/26/06 to Thomas (’04) and Amy Lynn (Haggard, ’97 & ’01) Hoover.

Karen Toepfer (’82) and Brent Hall were married November 11, 2006.

Darin Johnson (’96) and Dawn Meylan were married February 19, 2005, in Plano, Texas.

Darin Johnson (’96) and Sara Thomas (’99) were married March 25, 2000.

Angela Whatley (’97) and Steve Cooper were married in August 2002.

Denise Eaton (’99) and Brian Cramer were married November 4, 2006.

Andrew Pottenger (’99) and Gina Grate were married ­November 12, 2006.

Jamie Crain (’02) and Ryan Albee were married September 17, 2005.

AmyMcPherson(’02) and Scott Cooper were married on October 20, 2006.

Thomas Hoover (’04) and Amy Lyn Haggard (’97 & ’01) were married October 6, 2004.

In memoriam George H. Gardner (’37) Olathe, KS • 5/20/06 Viola E. Rose (’37) Elkhart, KS • 1/8/07 Gervayse Cooner Baggett (’38) Decatur, AL • 10/27/06 Clarice Pyles Moore (’38) Leawood, KS • 5/7/06 Mary Sandlin Thompson (’38) Richland, WA • 1/6/06

Eugenia West Stahly (’39) Yukon, OK • 10/28/06

Margaret Armstrong Norton (’50) Georgetown, TX • 8/9/06

Norman W. Shelton (’65) Texas City, TX • 10/17/06

Margaret Middleton Dunn (’42) Bethany, OK • 11/20/06

Naomi Brown Cotton (’51) Sierra Vista. AZ • 9/1/06

Paul W. Brown (’66) Olathe, KS • 11/13/06

Mary Ruth Hale McClary (’43) Garland, TX • 6/12/06

Seaman Alvin Mayo (’52) Cushing, OK • 12/18/06

Chesley Ray Lewis (’66) Burleson, TX • 1/7/06

Lois Bounds Pate (’43) Boston, MA • 7/24/06

E. Dale McClaflin (’52) Bethany, OK • 6/6/06

Geanette Briscoe Clavin (’67) 6/20/06

Albertina Balsmeier Bates (’44) Monroe, LA • 3/17/06

Evelyn Imel Prince (’52) Bethany, OK • 8/22/06

Harold L. Sands (’67) Oklahoma City, OK • 2/14/06

George W. McAdams (’45) Wichita, KS • 2/3/06

John E. Rosfeld (’53) Oklahoma City, OK • 11/23/06

James L. Sankey (’70) Colorado Springs, CO • 9/11/06

W. Lewis Patterson (’45) Arlington, TX • 2/1/06

Garland Hightower (’54) Dodson, TX • 2/28/06

Daniel R. Nantze (’73) Texarkana, AR • 7/27/06

Perry E. Tudor (’46) East Peoria, IL • 5/31/06

Paul E. Ambro (’55) High Ridge, MO • 3/30/06

Esther Patterson Wickersham (’75) Bethany, OK • 8/11/06

Charles D. Faulkner (’47) Enid, OK • 8/12/06

Della Ingle Schroeder (’55) Ardmore, OK • 10/16/06

Betty Birmingham Scott (’76) Broken Arrow, OK • 6/7/06

Robert E. Meyer (’47) Pflugerville, TX • 8/10/06

Gladys Mitchell Snell (’55) Bethany, OK • 6/14/06

Gilbert J. Longwell (’77) Bethany, OK • 8/19/06

J.R. Smith (’47) Bethany, OK • 9/29/06

George W. Adkins (’56) Sellersburg, IN • 7/28/06

Beth Payne Crouch (’91) Yukon, OK • 2/8/06

Milton Blaine Parrish (’48) Bethany, OK • 12/21/06

Charles W. Akin (’56) Yukon, OK • 5/12/06

Bill R. Smith (’48) Los Angeles, CA • 6/4/06

Thomas D. Kennedy (’56) Charlottesville, VA • 11/8/06

Peggy Doing Stringer (’48) Ft. Smith, AR • 1/8/06

Robert G. Womack (’58) Texarkana, TX • 2/15/06

Betty J. Defoyd (’49) Bethany, OK • 4/27/06

George W. Kotzitz (’59) Yukon, OK • 12/15/06

Bill R. Johnson (’49) Lawton, OK • 7/21/06

Dwain E. Kelley (’60) Bethany, OK • 2/13/06

Oneta Rhodes Lester (’49) Bethany, OK • 2/12/06

Lavonne Pekrul Young (’61) Wellston, OK • 12/12/06

Vivian Hillery Chambers (’50) Bethany, OK • 8/9/06

Barry W. Graham (’63) Oklahoma City, OK • 1/5/06

Modelle Robinson Harmon (’50) Bethany, OK • 1/5/07

Robert D. Lewis (’64) Bartow, FL • 11/6/06

Eric L. Motley (’50) Oklahoma City, OK • 5/2/05

Gary D. Ballard (’65) Summit, MS • 4/20/06

Want more Alumni News?

Want to know more about classmates and other alums? Check out the AlumNews page on the SNU website.

Log on to www.snu.edu/alumnews.

Inquiring minds want to know!

If you’re an alum, we’re interested in what you’re up to. Share news about weddings, births, deaths, graduations, promotions, jobs and such, and we’ll include as much as we can squeeze into Southern Light.

Photos are welcome. Please include your class year.

SNU Alumni Office 6729 NW 39th Expressway Bethany, OK 73008 alumni@snu.edu

Scoreboard What are the SNUPY Awards?

Follow the bouncing ball!

The SNUPY Awards were created by the SNU Office of Sports Information in 2004 and are designed to honor Southern Nazarene University’s student athletes for excellence on the playing field, in the classroom and in life. Any one of SNU’s more than 370 athletes are eligible to win a SNUPY based on their nomination in a specific category. This year’s awards ceremony will take place on April 27 at 7 pm in the Sawyer Center. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information log on to www.sports. snu.edu.

Mildon Ambres, number 34, senior forward shoots during a recent OCU game.

Spring sports gear up Spring sports have been in full swing since the first of February. To follow your favorite team, log on to www.sports.snu.edu where you can ­access “SNU Motion,” live broadcasts, and become familiar with featured athletes.

Senior forward, 5’10”, number 10, Khady Ngom takes a shot during SNU’s upset of #8 ranked OCU.

At time of publication, the Crimson Storm men’s basketball team is ranked 5th in the ­nation. The Crimson Storm women’s basketball team is ranked 18th. Catch up with the Storm at www.sports.snu.edu.

Southern Nazarene University 6729 NW 39th Expressway Bethany, OK 73008-2694

The LIGHT INSIDE On the cover

Pictured on the front cover is the SNU Centennial Gate, dedicated at Homecoming 2006. Pictured left to right are: Robbie and Bill Campbell (donors), Lou Kerr (Oklahoma Centennial Commission President), Claud and Betty Cypert (donors), Linda Gresham and SNU President Loren Gresham.

Spring 2007

Gresham’s Good News The Hall of Witnesses Homecoming Awardees

SNU Profs remembered!

SNU recently lost four faculty saints – individuals who through their service to God and SNU shaped lives and made an impact on the spirit and vitality of SNU. Prof. Margaret Dunn, Class of ’42, went home to be with the Lord, Nov­ ember 20, 2006. She is survived by her husband, Prof. Lester Dunn. Together the Dunns served SNU for decades.

Margaret was Lester’s partner in all things both in the School of Music and at Bethany First Church. She taught piano to hundreds of students.

Dr. Lyle Flinner, long-time Professor of Christian Education, passed to his eternal reward December 2, 2006. A graduate of Geneva College (B.S.), Asbury Theological Seminary (M.A.) and Pittsburgh University (Ph.D.), Lyle was known for his thoroughness and detail as a teacher, and his wit and partnership with his wife Bea. Lyle also led the Kumjoynus Class at BFC for many years.

Ray Moore, former head of the SNU School of Music and father of SNU’s Phil Moore, slipped the cords of this earth January 7, 2007. Ray shaped the music of the Church of the Nazarene, leading weekly “Showers of Blessing” radio broadcasts.

Prof. John Rosfeld left this earth and entered glory on November 23, 2006.

John, a member of the Class of ’53, taught at Canadian and Olivet Nazarene Colleges prior to returning to his alma mater where he was a faithful teacher, arranger and composer.

Don Billings retires Retiring after the longest tenure at SNU, with more than 25 years of service, Don Billings turns over the reins as Vice President of Financial Affiars for SNU. From his first week on the job in 1981 when he saw a presentation in chapel about the disrepair of the campus, Don has been the champion of keeping SNU looking good. He effected upgrades in the maintenance department, committed to a daily walk around the campus to “look it over” and frequently passed on his philosophy to co-workers that “we need to make sure we do things right!” A faithful Christian and churchman, dedicated husband, ­stalwart 5:30 a.m. walker and steadfast Crimson Storm supporter, Don leaves a legacy of dedication and commitment to SNU, to always do things right! Thank you, Don, from all of us at Southern Nazarene University, for 25 incredible years.

Upcoming events

Dallas/Ft. Worth Chapter March 11, 2007 Covenant Celebration Richardson Church of the Nazarene Dessert & coffee following the ­concert.

Kansas City Chapter April 13, 2007 Union Station Reception & private showing of the Dead Sea Scrolls, $25.

Spring Commencement May 12, 2007 Eastern Ohio Chapter June 2007 Cincinnati Reds Baseball Game Date and time TBA

The Indy Connection August 25, 2007 Indianapolis Westside Church of the Nazarene, $10

NazNite at Six Flags August 31, 2007

Homecoming 2007 November 9-11, 2007 “Celebrating the SNU School of Education: Teaching & Transforming for His Kingdom” HOMECOMING SHOWCASE CONCERT

Featuring SNU’s own Dr. Mark Reighard Log on to www.snu.edu/alumni for more dates and details

Southern Light, a magazine of Southern Nazarene University (USPS 683.590), is published quarterly by the Office of Alumni Relations with the Office of Communications & Marketing, 6729 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK 73008, and is distributed free to alumni and friends. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Southern Light, Southern Nazarene Uni­versity, 6729 NW 39th Express­ way, Bethany, OK 73008. Periodicals postage paid at Bethany, OK, and additional offices. ©2007. Reproduction of material from any Southern Light pages without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Vol. 20 Issue 3 Dr. Loren Gresham President Dr. David Alexander Vice President for University Advancement Brenda Styers Director of Alumni Relations Carol Wight, Editor Director of Communications & Marketing Eunice Trent Associate Director of Communications & Marketing Nita West Designer Judy Akins, Tyler Thomas Creative Consultants

www.snu.edu