Alumni Spotlight

Share your best college memory while at Friends.

Kristin: The first weekend I was at friends, I was in a practice room getting ready to audition for Singing Quakers. Thayne came into the practice room and the rest is history. My best friend became my husband and 40 years later we are still navigating life’s adventures together. Thayne: Well, first, I must mention I met my sweetheart of 40 years! But, one of the memories I frequently mention to people is that in December 1982, as we were preparing for our wedding, we were also completing Richard Foster’s class, Celebration of Discipline. As a wedding gift, Richard (and the class) allowed us not to take the final exam. I will never forget that.

What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their experience at Friends?

Kristin: Life in college should include a balance of three things: figuring out your passion, whether it be as a job or as a hobby, building friendships that can last a lifetime, and pursuing a life-altering faith that can sustain you through the ups and downs of this adventure we call life.

Thayne: Stay on campus if at all possible and enjoy campus life. It is a totally different experience when Friends University is your “home” during your college years. The student body becomes a community where deep friendships can be formed, and lifetime memories developed.

Describe Friends in three words. Kristin: Christian values, authentic leadership and academic excellence. Thayne: Community, personal growth, memories.

How did your education at Friends prepare you for your career?

Kristin: Friends Education program provided a great outline for success in the classroom: consistency, good lesson planning, and high expectations of students. The program had a great balance of classroom and practical experience.

Thayne: Friends University helped me transition from being a high school student to an adult. Much of what I learned in the classroom did not apply directly to my career, but the Christian Liberal Arts education I received has had a long-term impact on my life, as it helped me grow personally, intellectually, spiritually and relationally. My education at Friends University helped set the trajectory for the rest of my life.

Clarence Kay “Bud” Brixey, ‘57, died Nov. 11, 2020 and DOROTHY “JEANNE” BRIXEY, ‘ 57, died July 30. The couple enjoyed the Sandia Mountains and were dedicated to their church and faith. Jeanne was a teacher for nearly 40 years.