Summer 2012
MyBHUNews
www.beulah.edu
BEULAH HEIGHTS UNIVERSITY CAMPUS NEWS AND EVENTS
Congratulations 2012 Graduates T
he 2012 Commencement Exercise was one of excellence and
celebration. The hard work by faculty, staff and volunteers was shown as this year’s Commencement went off without a hitch. Student volunteers ushered and carried flags. With precision, the Lithonia High School JROTC marched down the aisle and presented the colors as we listened to our National Anthem sung passionately by gospel recording artist Sha’ Simpson. The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale gave a Spirit filled Invocation as we prepared our hearts to hear from the BHU Praise Team who sung Chapel favorites causing students and guests to participate in our lively worship experience. This year we were joined by the Rev. Cal L. Merrell better known as “The Happy Preacher” who added his unique worship style to the Commencement as he rejoiced and lifted his voice during praise and worship and the annual address. The commencement address was brought by Pastor Marlin D. Harris (Senior Pastor New Life Church) who reminded our Graduates that “they are the master of their destiny”.
Associate of Arts
Bachelor of Arts Master of Divinity
In 95 years of existence, Beulah Heights celebrated its first Korean Valedictorian , Mr. Chang Hwa Choi and graduated the inaugural Master of Business Administration class . This is one commencement celebration that
we are sure to remember. By: Evan Simmons Evan.Simmons@beulah.org
Master of Arts
Master of Science (Brazil)
MBA 2012
T
his year, Beulah Heights University (BHU), graduated its first Master
of Business Administration (MBA) class with a total of 16 students. Not only was it a memorable day for the students; however, for BHU graduating a class at 100% retention rate was equally exciting. Over the last 14 months, students in the MBA program studied courses such as Human Resources, Financial Management, Legality of Business, Corporate Finance, Global Business, along with many other courses that helped shape their minds toward being better business leaders. In addition to their courses, the students were able to meet with prominent leaders in the local Atlanta area, to hear their personal and professional stories of successes and failures. These were encouraging times for the students to hear and understand, in life there will be some ups and downs, but how does one conquer those downs to get back up. We congratulate the first graduating MBA class of Beulah Heights University and wish them all great success!
By: Angelita Howard Angelita.Howard@beulah.org
Events Fall 2012 Registration Begins Where: BHU Student Portal www.Beulah.edu When: July 13, 2012 Summer 2012 Grades Released Where: BHU Student Portal www.Beulah.edu When: July 31, 2012 The Global Leadership Summit Where: BHU Campus Samuel R. Chand Auditorium When: August 9th– 10th, 2012 Who is invited: Please Register @ www.beulah.edu/summit Fall 2012 Classes Begin Where: BHU Campus When: August 20, 2012
Doctor of Ministry name a few. This 36– credit hour program is designed to help experienced religious professionals reinvigorate and renew their spiritual and intellectual vitality. The D.Min. Program is led by Dr. Percy Johnson who has been with BHU full– time since 2000. Dr. Johnson has experience as an Educator, Mentor, Counselor, Lecturer, Chaplain and Pastor. In addition to Dr. Johnson, professors include Dr. Mark Hardgrove, Dr. Antoinette Alvarado and Dr. Johnathan Alvarado who have cultivated their gift and will pour into the hearts and minds of BHU’s D.Min. students.
Announcements
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Parking Permits Please renew your BHU parking permit. Parking permits are valid for one Academic Year. Please see Harvey Brumelow (Harvey.Brumelow@beulah.org) for details. Student Contributors The BHU Newsletter team is looking for Student Contributors to write articles on a diversity of subject matters. Please e‐mail events@beulah.org for details. Transcript Info If you would like a copy of your Official or Unofficial Transcript or would like it sent to another institution, visit the Administration Building and ask the receptionist for a Transcript Request Form or visit www.beulah.edu There are two request options, Next Day ($10) and Five Business Days ($3). 2013 Graduates If you plan to graduate during the 2013 Commencement please meet with your Student Advisor. Applications are available at the Registrars Office or www.beulah.edu
Newsletter Team Deborah Chand, Editor in Chief Peter Karanja, Supervising Editor Evan Simmons, Contributor Marcelo Silva, Graphic Designer *Articles and feedback may be submitted to: events@beulah.org
he upcoming
2012– 2013 Academic Year will commence with the highly anticipated Doctor of Ministry Program. The D.Min. Program will present the inaugural Doctoral program cohort this Fall . This new program will feature 14 concentrations including Pastoral Ministry, Coaching/ Consulting, Chaplaincy and Multi-Cultural Ministry to
Dr. Benson Karanja, Dr. Percy Johnson and the faculty and staff of the D.Min. Program recently hosted a luncheon with interested leaders of the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship (F.G.B.C.F.) in which a number of attendees were interested not just in our D.Min. Program but other available programs coming to BHU for themselves and leaders within their congregation.
By: Evan Simmons Evan.Simmons@beulah.org
New Program Highlight: Bachelor of Business Administration & Non-Profit Certificate
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HU is always looking to broaden our degree offer-
ings to live out our mission to “Develop Global Leaders for Ministry and Marketplace”. We were recently approved to offer a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (BBA) coming Spring 2013. This undergraduate degree is for today's business professionals who will undertake a broad range of responsibilities involving interpersonal activities, decision-making, integration of technology, strategic communications, and teamwork. The BBA will also work hand in hand with the MBA Program; students have the opportunity to pursue dual degrees in a 5 year program in which at program completion will have earned both a BBA and MBA.
both online and in the classroom. This program is one of a few graduate certificates offered at Christian Universities. This 18– credit hour program is designed for the student to complete in just twelve months. According to the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, nonprofit organizations are the fastest growing corporations in Georgia, therefore this program is designed for the student to cover all aspects of this ever growing trend. For more information on these programs the BBA, MBA or the Nonprofit Development and Management Certificate please contact Dr. Angelita Howard.
During the course of a student’s time in this program they will go through four major components; General Studies, Religious Studies, Core Business, and Electives. The class offerings include: International Market and Trade Agreements, Human Resources Management and Global Business Management. Which will fully equip a leader for the marketplace. As we endeavor to reach a diversity of people, we will also offer a Certificate in Nonprofit Development and Management. This Certificate provides a blended format
By: Angelita Howard Angelita.Howard@beulah.org
Alumni Spotlight >>Dale Stephens Jr. Birthplace: Atlanta, GA Education: B.A. Pastoral Ministry, Lee University M.A. Leadership Studies, Beulah Heights University
As you look toward the future is there anything you are currently working on? My current pursuit is to be faithful in the small things and trusting for greater things. How did BHU prepare you for ministry and or your career? The faculty developed me on an individual level, working with me based on my unique skills and growth areas.
Mr. Dale Stephens Jr. Class of 2012 Mr. Stephens since graduating from BHU are you involved in ministry? Yes I am, I currently serve as the Pastor and Director of Chi Alpha (a national campus ministry to secular colleges and universities) at Georgia Tech and Georgia State University. With your busy schedule of being over two ministries how do you spend your down time? An important component of my life is spending quality time with my family which is very important to me. I thoroughly enjoy being with friends and reading. Tell us more about your family? Well, in October 2006 I married my lovely wife Andrea and we have two (2) daughters Saria (11) and Jade (7) and can’t forget our two dogs Seybo and Ella.
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As you talked about your busy life what is your guiding scripture? It is Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only [that], but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” NKJV
By: Evan Simmons Evan.Simmons@beulah.org
Student Life News
Did you know that BHU has a Facebook Fan Page? On it, you’ll find Events, photos, each other, and more. Our page is: http://www.facebook.com/ beulahheights
Did u know u can follow @BeulahHeights on Twitter? The next chapel speaker, current events, & latest leadership quotes in 140 characters or less!
SGA Corner John Wesley once said, "God grant that I may never live to be useless!" I am glad to be given the fantastic opportunity to make my brains and brawns useful here at B.H.U. As the new Student Body President, I would like to challenge my fellow students to serve, give, and fellowship like never before. Please feel free to contact us at sga@beulah.org or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BeulahHeightsSGA
New Programs: Doctor of Ministry ~ Fall 2012 Bachelor of Business Administration ~Spring 2013
SGA Officers and Representatives: President: Arthur Breland Vice President: Christopher Joe Secretary/ Treasurer: Ursula Walker International Student Representative: Josie Carolino Graduate Student Representative: Karl Mayberry Junior Class Representative: Julian Liang Co– Sophomore Class Representatives: Yashika Woodward and Lee Hardin
By: Arthur Breland Arthur.Breland@beulah.org
Nonprofit Development and Management. Certificate ~ Spring 2013
Summer 2012 Issue
BHU Donor
Donor Spotlight >> Dr. Gerald Brooks
G
erald Brooks is the founding pastor of Grace Out-
BHU Honorary
Graduate F o u n d i n g P a s t o r
of Grace O u t r e a c h C e n te r M L K J r . , B o a r d
of Preachers Inductee
reach Center, an interdenominational church in Plano, Texas. The church began in 1982 and has grown to a weekend attendance of over 5,000. Grace Outreach Center has creatively targeted youth and children as the focus of its ministry. The congregation, although located in a community that according to the 2000 census is 78% white and only 5% African American, is a diverse body of believers, with 45% of the attendees representing other ethnicities and cultures. Over 35 nationalities are represented at Grace Outreach, with the majority of these representing African nations. Pastor Brooks received an honorary doctorate degree in 2003 from Beulah Heights University for his distinguished service to the body of Christ, and in recognition of his ministry to pastors and Christian leaders across the country. This year Pastor Brooks was inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at Morehouse College. An Equip Board Member, Pastor Brooks is partnering with John Maxwell to help raise up international Christian leaders to fulfill the Great Commission in every nation. Also, service to his community has always been an important value; Pastor Brooks has served on municipal boards. Dr. Brooks is one of BHU’s most consistent donors. His unrelenting support is one of the reasons that helps make BHU great.
MyBHUNews 892 Berne St. SE • Atlanta, GA 30316 • 404.627.2681 • 404.627.0702 fax www.beulah.edu
Born in New Mexico and raised in a military family, Pastor Brooks lived in several states, including a few years in Germany. Living on military bases, he formed friendships with kids of different color, and saw that families of every color were sacrificing for our country. He saw the flag-draped caskets bearing heroes of every color of skin, and learned to respect and honor each one the same. And so it was natural for him when he became a pastor, to strategically build a church representing every race. He often shares of his pleasure in seeing a congregation that is representative of the colors in heaven. Pastor Brooks and his wife, Geni, have been married for 33 years and are the proud parents of three children: Wendi, Kayci, and Cody.
Dr. Brooks has been an extraordinary supporter of Beulah Heights for several years and we appreciate his continued support. If you are interested in supporting us as we work to develop relevant Christian leaders for the ministry and marketplace, please go to https://www.beulah.edu/DonateNOW .
By: Peter Karanja Peter.Karanja@beulah.org