Brown Bulletin - Winter 2010

MBA GOES ONLINE + TAKE A REST! + KEEPING FAITH CROSSES $100 MILLION W inter 2 0 1 0

The Official Magazine of John Brown University

THe

COURAGE TO

SERVE

Alumni face danger in remote hotspots around the world

Stories from

Afghanistan India IRAQ PHILIPPINES THAILAND

{ contents }

{ president’s Letter }

We Are People of Faith, Not Fear WINTER 2010

November 20, 2010

We have the opportunity to teach students that the Lord God is with us and will not forsake us. He will see that everything is finished correctly, not by our standards, but by his standard.

Dear Friends of JBU, In my office, I have a framed print of Timothy Botts’ calligraphy of I Chronicles 28:20. It is the passage in which David encourages Solomon about the building of the temple by saying, “Don’t be frightened by the size of the task. Be strong and courageous and get to work for the Lord my God is with you. He will not forsake you. He will see to it that everything is finished correctly.”

It was a gift from my father when I became president at JBU, and it has been a wonderful reminder to me of the source of my strength in facing the challenges of this job.

I also think that this verse nicely captures the courage, perseverance and resiliency that we hope to develop in JBU students. When the resident director stands alongside two roommates in seemingly irreconcilable conflict, she offers the hope of restoring a relationship that may someday serve as an example to save a marriage. When faculty members encourage draft after draft of the business plan or more and more accurate measurements for the senior design project, they encourage the diligence to “get it right” that may later lead to a breakthrough in the overwhelming project at work, in the community, or at church. When a counselor helps a student handle the grief of losing a friendship, she is equipping them

Godspeed,

Dr. Charles W. Pollard President, John Brown University

to respond to the inevitable future loss of a parent, or a spouse, or a child.

And in each situation, we have the opportunity to teach students that the Lord God is with us and will not forsake us. He will see that everything is finished correctly, not by our standards, but by his standard. That even in failure, and we will face failure living in a world broken by sin, he is at work “to finish” things correctly in the end.

The stories of JBU alumni in this Brown Bulletin suggest that we are accomplishing that educational goal, at least in part. The alumni in these pages are responding to some of the most daunting challenges in our world with great faith. God has called each of us to be at work with him to accomplish his tasks. Some of those tasks may seem frightening, such as building the temple, or educating women in Afghanistan, or ministering to soldiers at war, or serving women caught in the sex-trade. Other tasks may seem more routine, such as caring for children, or teaching Sunday school, or volunteering in a soup kitchen, or finishing the homework assignment. But whether the task is great or small, God is faithful, and he calls us to be faithful.

We are a people of faith, not of fear, because we know that we serve a God who is at work in this world. May it always be true of us at JBU.

The official magazine of John Brown University, the Brown Bulletin is published by University Communications twice a year for alumni and friends in the JBU community.

FEATURES STORIES OF COURAGE 9 | Teaching Hope: Hannah Kirkbride ’02

by Cherissa Roebuck ’01

Dr. Chip Pollard President

14 | Chaplain Warrior: Doug Ball ’97

Dr. Jim Krall Vice President for Advancement

17 | Fighting Human Trafficking

EDITORIAL STAFF Lucas Roebuck Editor and Director of University Communications Contributors Cherissa Roebuck, Jenny Redfern, Rebecca Ridings, Paul Eldridge, Tracy Balzer, Kathy Hogan, DeNisha McCollum, Lori Walker, Jerry Rolene Production Support Allen Dempsey, Mike Peterson, Rachel Fiet, Scarlet Kerby, Ashleigh Dean, Sherry Miller, Jean Atkins, Virginia Wietecha Copy Editing Paul T. Semones, Andy Klungland, Cherissa Roebuck Thanks Mark Stoner, Ken Leonhard, Jacob Roebuck Submissions of news items, story ideas, letters and corrections can be made via electronic mail to: lroebuck@jbu.edu or via U.S. postal service to Brown Bulletin 2000 W. University Siloam Springs, AR 72761

by Jenny Redfern ’13

by Rebecca Ridings ’13

KEEPING FAITH PROGRESS REPORT 20 | Endowed Chair Named for Dr. Gary J. Oliver

by Lucas Roebuck ’97

21 | The Blessings of Two Unexpected Gifts

by Paul Eldridge, JD ’92

23 | Alumni Giving Percentage by Year

by Dr. Jim Krall

DEPARTMENTS JBU News — The Latest JBU Headlines — page 3 Chaplain’s Corner — Take a Rest! — page 6 Graduate Studies — Grad School’s MBA Goes Online — page 7 Advance — An Alumni Advances His Medical Career — page 8 Homecoming — Photos from Homecoming 2010 — page 24 On Alumni — JBU Alumni Make a Romantic Comedy — page 27 Alumni Milestones — Obituaries, Births and News — page 28 From the Editor — The Student/President Relationships — page 32

ON THE COVER Benjamin Rasmussen ’07 photographed Afghanistan while visiting his sister-in-law, Hannah Kirkbride. Ben writes, “Wakhi men hike to the base of the Big Pamir Mountain as they return to their village in the Wakhan Corridor in the province of Badakshan in Afghanistan’s northeast corner.”

. . . y r o t s r u o y e r a sh refer a student to Erin Bird graduates from JBU with a degree in music.

1995

{ J B U NE W S }

JBU.

astor p t l u ad g n ou y a ow n , in r E in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Erin tells Nathan about JBU. 2007

Nathan, a senior at JBU, is majoring in Construction Management.

2010 Spring U JB t en ec r a on , an h at N Orleans. w e N o t p i r t e ic v r se k Brea go to

www.jbu.edu/refer or call 1-877-JBU-INFO

JBU Reports Record-Breaking Enrollment in Fall 2010 As the fall semester got underway, JBU reported record enrollment of 2,130 students in its Fall 2010 “11th Day Report.” This report is an assessment all institutions of higher education must file annually with the Arkansas Department of Education. The new count represents a 2.8 percent increase over last year’s enrollment.

John Brown University’s Graduate School grew 17 percent last year to 421 students, while traditional undergraduate grew 2.4 percent to 1,314. JBU’s degree completion program for nontraditional undergraduates declined nine percent to 395 students. The report includes full-time and part-time students.

Of those totals, 847 are classified as “on campus” residential students.

JBU Awarded $2 Million Grant for Online Programs JBU has been awarded a 5-year, $2 million Title III grant from the U.S. Department of Education to create the JBU Eagles Online program.

Eagles Online will allow students with 60 hours of college credit, who meet admissions requirements, to complete a business administration or general degree completely online. The program is expected to be in place by the fall of 2011.

‘U.S. News’ Ranks JBU Second in the South “U.S. News and World Report America’s Best Colleges” 2011 edition again ranked JBU second among Southern regional colleges.

This is the second year that JBU has been rated number two in this category.

“U.S. News & World Report America’s Best Col-

40,000 square-foot Engineering and Construction Management building to open fall 2011

leges” ranks colleges and universities by region and degree classification. JBU ranked second out of 96 peer institutions.

Over the past eight years, JBU’s ranking has continued to climb. JBU ranked twelfth in 2002 and 2003, eleventh in 2004, eighth in 2005, sixth in the 2006 and 2007, fourth in 2008, third in 2009 and second in 2010.

JBU Breaks Ground on New Engineering/CM Building The groundbreaking for the new 40,000-square-foot Engineering and Construction Management facility took place on August 16. The new facility is estimated to be completed by August 2011 and will provide much-needed space for two of JBU’s growing majors.

JBU’s engineering program is one of its largest, with over 90 students enrolled and six faculty members. The construction management program has 55 students and three faculty members.

Currently, the programs are spread out in three aging buildings. The new stateof-the-art facility, which is expected to take 18 months to design and build, will bring the programs under one roof.

Current plans call for 20,000 to

25,000 square feet of classroom and office space with another 15,000 square feet of laboratory space, Dr. Pollard said. The program’s existing facilities only have 26,000 feet of usable space, none designed specifically for teaching engineering or construction management.

An anonymous lead gift of $8 million was announced in February to help fund the new $10-$11 million building.

JBU Awarded $1.2 Million Grant for Student Support Services JBU has been awarded a 5-year, $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to continue funding of the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program. SSS assists low-income, first-generation or disabled college students attending JBU. The SSS program at JBU was previously funded by a 2005 DOE grant.

SSS provides JBU students opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and works to motivate students toward the successful completion of their post-secondary education. SSS students are offered mentoring, advising, tutoring, financial aid and career counseling.

Winter 2010 |

Brown Bulletin | 3

{ J B U NE W S }

{ J B U NE W S }

ability to sew with an industrial sewing machine.

KLRC Nominated for Marconi Station of the Year Award 101.1 FM KLRC was selected as a finalist for the National Association of Broadcasters Marconi Award for Medium Market Station of the Year.

The NAB Marconi Radio Awards honor radio stations and on-air personalities for excellence in broadcasting.

The NAB has been honoring radio stations with Marconi Awards since 1989. The award is named after inventor and Nobel Prize winner Guglielmo Marconi. This is the first time that KLRC has been nominated for the Medium Market Station of the Year Award.

Previously KLRC was nominated for Religious Station of the Year.

JBU graduates receive 3rd Place in AbilityOne Challenge Sewing just got easier for handicapped workers at a local factory, thanks to recent JBU graduates Ryan Helmer and Drew Thomason who created a device that helps the disabled to better use their hands.

For their work, they won third place in the AbilityOne Network Design Challenge. The award included a $3,000 cash prize and trip to Washington D.C. to present their solution and be honored at a Congressional reception.

The national design competition, sponsored by The National Institute for the Severely Handicapped, challenges college students to create a product that will aid disabled people. Helmer and Thomason worked with BOST, Inc. in Fort Smith, Ark. to create a tool that gives a manually disabled worker the 4 |

Brown Bulletin | Winter 2010

JBU Awarded $564K NSF Grant for Science Scholarships JBU has been awarded a $563,789 grant from the National Science Foundation to provide approximately 16-24 four-year scholarships for students from low-income families majoring in chemistry, biology or biochemistry.

In addition to funding scholarships, the grant also supports the Strengthening Undergraduate Curriculum and Community to Engage Science Students (SUCCESS) program, specifically targeted to increase retention, graduation, and the readiness of chemistry, biochemistry, and biology graduates to enter the workforce or graduate school.

The program will start awarding scholarships in the 2011-2012 academic year.

JBU Earns Charity Navigator 4-Star Rating JBU was selected again to receive the coveted 4-star rating for sound financial management in the nonprofit division from Charity Navigator, an organization that evaluates efficiency and capacity of charitable organizations.

JBU has now received this rating four consecutive years, a feat only eight percent of charities have accomplished.

Of all Arkansas universities, JBU is the only one to receive the top award this year.

With a growing demand for financial accountability, Charity Navigator provides a valuable evaluation tool for charities, asessing the financial health people are looking for in a charity when they donate.

Bob Chamberlin, President/CEO of the National Institute for the Severely Handicapped presents an award to recent JBU graduate Ryan Helmer.

JBU SIFE Earns Multiple National Awards JBU’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team tied for fifth place at the National SIFE Exposition, where they competed against other regional champion teams from all participating colleges and universities in the United States.

In addition to the overall team award, the JBU team won first in the nation for environmental sustainability and second in the nation for hunger awareness.

Joe Walenciak, professor of business and leader of the JBU SIFE team, received the Sam Walton Fellow of the Year award. To receive this award, the candidate must have a thorough understanding of the free enterprise system, and have the ability to work with university students, community groups, local businesses, and entrepreneurs.

This year, the JBU chapter of SIFE has led a number of projects, including job training for inmates at the Wash-

Pictured left to right at the National SIFE Competition: Jasmine Bullock, Charles Greathouse, Ericka Carrasco, Rachel Thornburg, Andrea Marroquin, Eva Fast, Hannah Toldt, Joe Walenciak, Natalia Ramirez, Ana Paulina Villanueva, Miguel Olivo and Aida Hernandez.

ington County Jail, providing services and resources to clients of the Siloam Springs Genesis House, creating a cooking center for imperfect produce to be turned into meals for the hungry and facilitating community development for villages in Central America.

Last year the JBU SIFE team placed fourth among all participating colleges and universities across the U.S. at the

National USA SIFE Exposition.

TP Game Gets National Coverage The new Bill George Arena welcomed a capacity crowd of more than 1,800 as they cheered and threw more than 1,000 rolls of toilet paper after JBU scored its first field goal of the night.

JBU hosted Hillsdale Freewill Baptist (Okla.) for the opening game of the season and the annual Toilet Paper Game.

Television stations from L.A. to Florida joined in the fun by running stories on the game. CNN Headline News even felt the tradition was worth a mention or two.

The tradition has been listed as a top fan tradition in college basketball

by USA Today Sports Weekly and was recently described as the “best technical foul in all of sports” by USA Today Game ON! This year will mark the inaugural season in the newly completed Bill George Arena, which was dedicated on Oct. 8.

FOR THE LATEST JBU NEWS UPDATES, VISIT the OFFICIAL JBU NEWS WEBSITE AT www.jbu.edu/JBUNEWS Winter 2010 |

Brown Bulletin | 5

{ c h a p l a i n ’ s c o r n e r — TRACY B A L Z ER }

Take A Rest!

The ones who set aside time for Vespers are relearning, I think, that God is bigger than their responsibilities, that he will keep their worlds in orbit even though they’ve stepped away from it all for an hour.

6 |

Brown Bulletin | Winter 2010

We’re offering a new chapel service on campus, twice a month on Tuesday evenings. It’s called “Vespers,” and it’s a simple, quiet worship service that consists primarily of scripture reading, silence and prayer, and songs.

When students arrive at Vespers, they are encouraged to enter the Jones Recital Hall in silence, and to prayerfully prepare for the service. I usually lead an informal orientation time for them, in case there are first-timers. I don’t want anyone to feel anxious about doing anything “wrong,” so instructions are given to orient them to the service.

They always catch on just fine.

We move on to a hymn, led by one of our worship team members. Then a student comes to read a selection from the Old Testament, such as the story about Joseph reconciling with his brothers. The reading is followed by silence, a time to digest the words of the scripture and respond in prayer. A responsive reading of a Psalm comes next, followed by a student to read a selection from the Gospels. Again, silence is observed – almost five minutes of absolute silence – so that we can truly listen to the words of Jesus.

I then lead the group in a guided time of intercessory prayer for the world, for our country and its leaders, for the Church, for our university and its leaders and students, for our families. We sing another hymn together, and close in prayer. Like I said, it is a simple service.

It’s interesting to note students’ responses to this simple, quiet service. “I feel so peaceful,” they’ve been heard to whisper as they slowly make their way to the doors to leave. I am convinced that what has just happened is what the writer of Hebrews was so desperately trying to recommend to his readers: “enter His rest.”

We’ve been working our way through Hebrews in chapel this fall.

And one of the themes we’ve uncovered is the promise of rest that God has for his people. This is particularly seen in chapters 4 – 6. “There remains,” Hebrews 4:9 states, “a Sabbath-rest for the people of God.” But the writer makes it clear that believers are not taking advantage of this rest. The recipients of this epistle had heard the truth, but were not believing it in faith and responding in obedience. Under such conditions, rest simply will not happen.

Like the folk to which this epistle was addressed, we have heard the Good News, and have perhaps even said we believe it. But do we take the final step toward rest? According to Hebrews 4, we also need to “enter” — which means we need to follow God’s Sabbath principle, not only turning away from our work, but also from our misguided notion that everything depends upon us.

When we’re really honest, can we let it all go and let God manage the world for a while?

If our honest answer is “no,” then perhaps we should ask ourselves if we really believe the truth we have heard about who God is. Busy students (and busy adults) can easily give into the temptation to believe that everything depends on them. The ones who set aside time for Vespers are re-learning, I think, that God is bigger than their responsibilities, that he will keep their worlds in orbit even though they’ve stepped away from it all for an hour. In fact, the activity in our lives takes on new meaning when it is undergirded with the rest that God has promised his people. The rest God gives empowers us to fulfill his calling on our lives.

Tracy Balzer is director of Christian formation.

{ T h e g r a d u at e s c h o o l — K at h y H o g a n & D e N i s h a M CC o llum ‘ 0 3 }

The Graduate School’s MBA Goes Online The JBU online Masters in Business Administration program with an emphasis in Leadership and Ethics has been serving students in Arkansas, around the country, and even in some foreign countries since it was first introduced in the Fall of 2009. Not only is our growing online student body somewhat global, we also have faculty joining us from as far away as India, Africa, and Guatemala. Implementation of the online MBA program was our response to requests from students, alumni and those beyond the JBU community to offer JBU academic experiences in more flexible learning environments. Since the online MBA program began, over 130 students have taken advantage of the opportunity to complete required courses online.

The online MBA program is a 36 credit hour program, which includes 33 hours that can be completed fully online. The remaining three hours can be accomplished through exceptional residency options such as a choice of three international destinations, a five star onsite executive leadership development seminar hosted by the Soderquist Center for Leadership and Ethics, and relevant one or two day special topics seminars hosted in various locations throughout the year. In addition to the online MBA program, JBU also offers other online graduate business and graduate counseling courses as well as some undergraduate online courses to students who prefer completing those courses outside of the traditional classroom.

We have learned a lot in this first year with our online courses and programs . . . most importantly perhaps is that students who choose JBU for online studies do so not only because of JBU’s reputation and commitment to quality education, but more specifically because of JBU’s values. For example,

the emphasis we place on the relationship between faculty and student as well as that among fellow students is just as important to online students as it is to campus ones. The value of head, heart, and hand preparation is also important to online students. Student feedback clearly supports the choice of JBU for this unique kind of fully integrated learning.

Other student comments regarding JBU’s online courses are also very positive. Many express appreciation for making these courses and programs available online so that they can accomplish their studies in places and during times that fit better with their busy schedules. Many also express appreciation for JBU continuing the tradition of student-focused, Christ-centered education in the online courses. The faculty also report feeling an increased confidence in our ability to deliver quality

educational experiences in the online environment and they are pleased to see a very high level of student engagement in these online courses.

The prayer as these online courses and programs continue to develop is that each honors the tradition of the mission at John Brown University, which is to provide Christ-centered education that prepares people to honor God and serve others by developing their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. In this, we are also reminded of the words of our founder who said “buildings do not make a school. It is the people and the relationships that are formed here, in our classrooms and now online, that truly make – and keep – our university “JBUnique.”

Kathy Hogan is director of instructional technology and DeNisha McCollum is an instructional designer.

Winter 2010 |

Brown Bulletin | 7

{ a d v a n c e P r o g r a m — L o r i w a lk e r }

{ COVER F EAT U RE }

JBU’s Degree Completion Program Helps Advance A Medical Career

“My favorite part was that I could get my degree at night in a condensed format, work all day, and still maintain my family stability without moving closer to a four-year college” — Cass Cherry ‘04

The JBU Advance Program has locations in Fort Smith, Harrison, Hot Springs, Little Rock, Rogers, and the Sam M. Walton Development Center in Bentonville.

For information, visit www.jbu.edu/advance or call 866-YES-2-JBU. 8 |

Brown Bulletin | Winter 2010

After graduating as valedictorian at Viola High School, Cass Cherry envisioned going to medical school.

He finished two semesters of college credit, but dropped out to enlist in the U.S. Navy and serve a two-year tour.

Returning home to Viola after his service, he re-enrolled in college, receiving his AAS in nursing in 1996.

Working as a medical department administrator, Cherry began pursuing a bachelor’s degree in John Brown University’s Advance Program in 2002.

Still living in Viola on his family farm, he worked all day and drove about 150 miles round trip to attend JBU classes in Harrison. “JBU was the best option I had for obtaining my bachelor’s degree without moving my family,” Cherry said. “There were no four-year universities within 100 miles of my home.

“My favorite part was that I could get my degree at night in a condensed format, work all day, and still maintain my family stability without moving closer to a four-year college,” Cherry said.

Upon graduation in 2004, Cherry used the skills he acquired in the Advance Program in his management position. “I still use many aspects of the written communication that I learned at JBU, as well as the knowledge of how to interact with a variety of people,” Cherry said.

Nearly two decades after high school graduation, Cherry finally realized his goal of attending medical school.

“Without a bachelor’s degree and my work experience, I would have had no chance of getting into medical school,” Cherry said. “I was actually accepted into two schools; it was a great feeling to fulfill that long-term goal of mine. I thought it would never happen.”

Cherry is currently attending medical school at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee, where he lives with his wife and children. “The DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine at LMU falls in line with what the Advance Program is about, in my mind,” Cherry said. “They look at the whole person and realize that each person is an individual, and sometimes they need the opportunity to show what they can do.”

And although he’s older than many of his medical school classmates, Cherry wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Some people are ready when they’re 22,” he said. “I wasn’t ready until I was 38. And without my degree from JBU and some other factors, I might have given up on my dream.”

With short-term goals of riding a bicycle home to Arkansas over his next break and completing his medical studies, Cherry wants to practice in a rural area upon graduation.

“If not for the JBU Advance Program, it would have been almost impossible for me to get to this point,” Cherry said. “All of the instructors I had were the best. I never felt more at home than I did at JBU.”

Lori Walker is director of admissions for the Advance Program.

STORIES OF

COURAGE JBU ALUMNI SERVING IN DANGEROUS PLACES AROUND THE WORLD

{ Stories of courage }

Hannah Kirkbride ’02

TEACHING HOPE

By Cherissa Roebuck ‘01 | Photography by Benjamin Rassmussen ‘07

There were times during her first few months in north Afghanistan when she longed to get sick enough to be evacuated to Dubai; just to be sick enough to leave the difficulties behind for a while.

Language, relationships, health: You have to fight for every inch of ground gained.

The expats she knew who’d been there for years said it doesn’t get easier. Those weren’t exactly the encouraging words she wanted to hear, but like the rest of life in Afghanistan, it was a harsh reality that she would have to face if she was going to accomplish the work laid out before her here.

10 |

Brown Bulletin | Winter 2010

{ Stories of courage } As a young girl, Hannah Kirkbride listened and looked intently as her mother read her National Geographic every month.

“I remember in particular my mother reading me the 1985 issue with the iconic Steve McCurry photo of the Afghan refugee girl on the cover, remarking how beautiful the girl’s eyes were,” Hannah said. “Afghanistan has always been a place of fascination for me as I imagined it was somehow akin to my native Wyoming.”

That native Wyoming was all Hannah had ever known when she arrived as an 18-year-old freshman at John Brown University.

Hannah took Dr. Dave Vila’s Survey of Islam course at JBU and loved it. She left North America for the first time with the JBU Ireland Studies trip in 2002. She earned her undergraduate degree in Intercultural Studies/Community Development, and then went on to earn her Masters of Business Administration from JBU while working with the Soderquist Center for Leadership and Ethics.

The seeds of adventure planted so many years ago by Hannah’s mother and watered during her years at JBU grew to fruition in October 2008 when Hannah moved to Afghanistan to help oversee an adult education program with an Afghan partner of the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).

At the time Hannah applied with the MCC, there were no openings in Afghanistan or elsewhere in Central Asia, so she accepted a job with a south Sudanese partner of the MCC. During her orientation for that position and just four days before she was to leave for Sudan, Hannah’s supervisor told her that the Sudanese opportunity had fallen through and asked her what she wanted to do.

“I saw there was a job opening in adult education in Afghanistan, the place I most wanted to go in the whole

The city of Faizabad, Afghanistan, where Hannah Kirkbride works.

world,” Hannah said. “The image that came to mind was Abraham finding the ram in the bushes. That may sound dramatic, but God gave me the desire of my heart.”

After spending six months in Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul studying the Dari language, Hannah moved northeast to the Badakhshan province to work in the more rural area of Faizabad. But her first few months in Afghanistan weren’t exactly the romantic fulfillment of Hannah’s lifelong dream.

“When I arrived at the rural town where I work, it was a complete shock

to my system,” Hannah said. “In the first week as I sat at our annual office picnic for eight hours, segregated with the women, getting makeup put on me and barely understanding anything anyone said, I asked myself, ‘Is this really what I wanted?’ And then I got amoeba and giardia later that first month and only had a squatty potty. I remember wanting so badly to leave on the little plane that came once a week.”

From lack of good Internet access to bucket bathing; from dressing with everything covered except her face, hands and feet, to attracting an unWinter 2010 |

Brown Bulletin | 11

{ Stories of courage }

{ Stories of courage }

health, and small business skills.

Although Hannah’s daily work takes place in the midst of some uncomfortable circumstances, she tries not to focus on the difficulties of life in Afghanistan, but instead on what needs to be done each day to keep the project moving forward.

“Honestly, I rarely make the direct connection between my getting fleas in the wet season and the lady who was never allowed to attend school learning to read. Perhaps with some retrospect,” Hannah said. “My honest hope is that we improve a few people’s lives in real time, show them a different way, and keep the beacons lit.”

A shepherd in the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan tends the flock.

comfortable amount of attention every time she walked out the door, Hannah’s adjustment to life in Afghanistan didn’t happen overnight. But she found ways to adapt to life in Afghanistan, like constructing her own toilet out of plywood and a toilet seat that she bought at an Ikea when she was in Dubai. In spite of culture shock and the physical ailments common to foreigners who move to Afghanistan, Hannah jumped into her new job with both feet.

All in a Day’s Work Hannah’s work in Faizabad is focused on offering education to Afghan indi12 |

Brown Bulletin | Winter 2010

viduals who may never have had that opportunity. Her day-to-day responsibilities include working as an advisor in a non-formal adult education program with 13 Afghan facilitators, training staff, writing curriculum, managing finances, teaching courses, and attending courses to assess and evaluate their effectiveness.

The courses Hannah and her team offer include preparation for the university entrance exam, English, typing and word processing, vocational programming, a leadership course, and lifetime learning skills for housewives: literacy and numeracy, infant and maternal

Security is not a Feeling Three days after Hannah arrived at her post in Afghanistan, an aid worker was killed about five minutes from where Hannah was out walking.

“One of my friends from Kabul recently articulated that aid worker’s death as a turning point in our access to regular life here,” said Hannah. “So I actually have never lived here at a time when that cloud hasn’t hung over us a bit.

“A training class I attended taught that ‘Security is not a feeling,’ and I’ve held to that,” she said. “Every day millions of people in this country get on with their lives. The main threat is being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Even so, no one has to inform Hannah that over the past few years both foreigners and Afghans have increasingly been the target of violent attacks in Afghanistan. She has seen that trend unfold first-hand.

“I’ve had a lot of friends die here this year,” Hannah said. “In that regard it’s been one of the saddest years of my life.”

Hannah’s original roommate from Kabul died of natural causes at age 24 the day after she and Hannah had returned to Afghanistan from spending Christmas at their homes. Just a few

“I’ve had a lot of friends die here this year. In that regard it’s been one of the saddest years of my life.” – Hannah Kirkbride months later in August, Hannah lost more friends when a medical team of 10 were murdered just outside Nuristan at the end of a two-week camp. Hannah knew six of them, and two of them were good friends. “We were all shattered, just devastated,” Hannah said. “It’s too big to wrap your head around.”

Hannah said that although her family back in the U.S. has been supportive of her life and work in Afghanistan, she thinks it has been a sacrifice for them.

“It doesn’t help that there is bad news about Afghanistan every single day in the media,” Hannah said. “I haven’t seen my family since my close friends died here this year, but I’m sure that event in particular has called upon all their reserves.”

Hannah’s younger sister and brotherin-law Ben and Abby (Kirkbride) Rasmussen ’07 traveled to Afghanistan in May to visit Hannah. Abby said that she and Hannah had made a promise that wherever either one of them moves, they will visit each other in that location so that they can experience life there together.

“It was a huge effort for them to come,” said Hannah. “Longitudinally, you can’t get any further than where

Students study at a business skills class held in Faizabad.

we’re from before you start heading again around the other side of the world. It was precious to have my worlds collide in this way.”

“The number on our tourist visas for Afghanistan were numbers 23 and 24 for the year,” Abby said. “I’m not sure exactly what that means, but I’m guessing they don’t get too many tourists here.”

Ben and Abby visited Hannah’s home in Faizabad for 10 days, Kabul for about 4 days, and then spent 10 days hiking through the rural Wakhan Corridor with Hannah serving as their translator, an experience Hannah described as a “gratifying milestone.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever traveled anywhere where I’d be so helpless if something had gone wrong,” said Abby.

“I felt very vulnerable and I really had to trust Hannah. It would be a very difficult place to visit without an insider.”

One day while Hannah, Ben, Abby and a British woman were visiting a famous historic mosque, a stranger approached them and asked them to leave.

He said they shouldn’t be there because it was a place of worship, not a place for tourists.

“It was scary in that we didn’t know what the stakes were,” said Abby. “We didn’t stick around to find out.

“It was the first time I’ve experienced someone hating me simply for who I am. It was quite a stark contrast to the warmth and welcoming atmosphere I experienced from Hannah’s Afghan coworkers,” she said. “But the experience definitely brought home the danger of what Hannah is doing– that there are people in this country who might be personally wishing my sister harm simply for who she is.”

Abby said that even though Hannah may be in occasionally dangerous or uncomfortable situations, both she and

Hannah feel strongly that fear is not an adequate reason to abandon one’s passions or calling.

“Hannah and I like to say, ‘You could die in a car wreck on your way home in an American suburb, so follow your calling. Do what you love to do,’” Abby said.

A Beautiful People Hannah said she realizes it’s difficult for most Americans to see past the war storyline in Afghanistan because it has lasted so long, but she was still surprised to see firsthand the militaryfocused role that Afghanistan plays in popular culture in America when she was home last Christmas.

“The human experience is here like it is anywhere, and that rarely makes front-page news,” Hannah said. “Little kids are jealous when a new sibling is born, teenage girls giggle when they talk about boys, men want to work to provide for their families, sassy grandmas get to an age where they say whatever they want. We know all of those stories, too.”

As a Westerner in Afghanistan, Hannah said that it is rare treat to be able to step into an Afghan community and experience the fullness of the local tradition. The guest is the center of attention and the hosts make every effort for their comfort.

“Early on, I was visiting the neighbors’ house with a friend. They served us a beautiful meal and midway through as we ate the Kabuli pliau, my friend asked in English if they, ‘ate this a lot?’

The teenage son was translating and thought she’d asked for a salad, which is pronounced more like ‘salot’,” Hannah said. “He and his family were mortified for the guest to want something they hadn’t provided, and I’m not sure we ever did get it cleared up. The next time we ate there, they served us a salad.”

Winter 2010 |

Brown Bulletin | 13

{ Stories of courage } Over the course of Hannah’s time in Afghanistan, she has built significant friendships with both her local Afghan co-workers and the international community of other expatriates doing political, non-governmental, UN and security work in Afghanistan.

“For whatever reason, this place attracts some truly outstanding people,” she said. “I’ve been honored to work with and be friends with amazing individuals.”

She said the FIFA World Cup with the international community was one of her best experiences while in Afghanistan. “It was epic. We had representatives from America, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Switzerland, New Zealand, the UK and South Africa in Faizabad,” Hannah said.

The fun and light moments with friends have helped Hannah persevere through her more difficult seasons in Afghanistan over the course of the last two years.

Hannah said there have been times in Afghanistan when she has come to the end of what she could handle.

“By coming through those times, I am stronger, more broken and richer for the experiences,” she said.

“We each have certain skills and interests. When God calls us to a vocation, He calls us to things within the parameters of our gifting. That’s what it means for the yoke to be light,” she said. “It has been hard to live and work here, but that’s because it’s a hard place for anyone and life inherently has difficulties and heartbreaks. It’s also been just what I wanted, to be a part of an education program for women in Central Asia.”

“If you told me at the beginning of 2010 what this year would hold, I don’t think I could have signed up.

Thankfully, life doesn’t work that way.

These two years have been, I hope, part of the ‘long obedience in the same direction.’” n 14 |

Brown Bulletin | Winter 2010

“Praise and justice go together throughout Scripture. And justice is as much a part of God’s character as love.” – Major Doug Ball

Major Doug Ball leads a worship service for soldiers deployed overseas.

DOUG BALL ’97

CHAPLAIN WARRIOR

By JENNY REDFERN ’13 | Photos courtesy Doug Ball

The late afternoon sun bore down on the worn picnic table seated outside the Forward Operating Base Kalagush in Afghanistan. On its wooden seats, the U.S. Army chaplain relaxed with a tired soldier, perhaps discussing the fear of battle, problems with a superior or the stress of marriage.

A loud “shush” interrupted their conversation, followed by a dull thump.

A rocket struck the tin roof of the building a mere 30 yards away and exploded. The slant of the roof directed the shrapnel away from the table, and smoke began to pour from the place of impact.

The chaplain and soldier took a long look at the damage before turning to one another.

“We better go get somewhere safe,” the chaplain said nonchalantly, and together they walked toward the concrete bunker.

Compared to the soldiers he works with, Major Doug Ball ’97, Army chaplain, said he feels his job rarely exposes

him to danger. Still, few Americans back home can say they know the feelings of being targeted by lethal ordnance.

“War is hours of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror,” said the 34-year-old John Brown University alum, who now lives in St. Johns, Ariz.

During these sheer-terror moments, with rockets falling all around, training overcomes the instinct to run and hide for trained soldiers such as Ball. Not until afterwards does he realize how close he came to death.

When Ball was deployed to Afghanistan in 2009, he became chaplain over 13 base camps. Though Ball’s duties rarely put him in the middle of direct combat, he faced danger of being under fire when traveling between locations.

Whether by helicopter or convoy, the chaplain always had to be in full protective gear.

Yet, Ball was not completely insulated from the dangers of battle. He accompanied his soldiers wherever they deployed to get to know them better.

“If I’m with them when they’re being attacked, I’m in the middle of that,” Ball said.

One group of his soldiers was called to a remote location to train local police in order to reclaim a town from the Taliban. They were the only soldiers in the village. Each day bullets hummed past as they made their way to and from the train. At night, they huddled together in their small lodgings for safety. They were fortunate to have no fatalities, Ball said.

After about a month, the soldiers returned to base. They stayed a week before deploying again for another month. Ball was one of the first to talk the men through their situation when they arrived home each time.

“My role was to step into their danger and talk to them about it,” Ball said. “I got to be a part of history. Those were my soldiers, and I got to hear their stories when they got back.”

Ball also worked during the aftermath of the Battle of Kamdesh, when the Taliban assaulted the American Combat Outpost Keating in October 2009. U.S. forces rallied back, resulting in hours of fighting. Ball described the battle as a scene out of a war movie.

Eight U.S. soldiers were killed and 22 were wounded.

Ball responded to an outpost where they were taking casualties. The heavy feeling of uselessness hung in the air as he and the others waited for the Medevac helicopters to arrive. Soldiers impatiently shifted back in forth, desiring help for their fallen comrades or the opportunity to fight.

One soldier lay wounded with a golf ball-sized hole in his calf, a possible broken leg and multiple shrapnel wounds.

Major Ball and fellow soldiers raise the American flag at a military outpost in Afghanistan.

He refused pain medication for 12 hours because there was a limited supply and he felt others needed it more.

Ball and another chaplain worked their way around the outpost, pausing to talk each soldier through their situation.

Ball watched the surgical team work for hours in an unsuccessful attempt to save one soldier. Ball said a final prayer and a surgeon pronounced him dead.

After the memorial ceremony a week later for the eight heroes who gave their lives, multiple soldiers from the battle reenlisted for service.

“I think at no time have I been more impressed by the resiliency, determination and selfless sacrifice of the American soldier than during that entire experience,” Ball said.

When he’s not joining his troops on training missions, debriefing soldiers about life-threatening situations or holding the hands of those injured in battle, Ball’s duty as chaplain has two focuses.

The first is to provide religious services for those deployed into the field.

Since the soldiers are not able to attend church on Sundays, Ball’s job is to provide worship opportunities and Bible studies for them.

Ball compared his job to that of an old-school circuit preacher. Once he arrived at a location, he would grab his

guitar and a chaplain kit for communion and spread the word that there would be a worship service. Then, it would be on to the next location, allowing him to see each base once a month.

“While I’m away from a location, mental health doctors and psychologists will come through,” Ball said. “I had to trust that God would find other ways to help the people I was supposed to take care of while I was away.”

Ball also plays the important role of pastoral counselor. Often commanders would bring soldiers to Ball’s attention and ask him to “fix them.” The stress of war brings many problems for both old and new soldiers. Some soldiers have been through four or five deployments.

Others have marriage issues. Still others question the morality of their actions.

They ask if it is right or wrong to kill.

There are no easy answers for such tough questions, but Ball always responds with biblical truth. He tells soldiers that killing is vastly different from murder. In the right context and for the right reasons, it can be a good thing — not a necessary evil or even an allowable thing, but a holy and God-honoring thing, Ball said.

His theme scripture for deployment is Psalm 149. He specifically points out verse 6, “May the praise of God be in

{ Stories of courage }

Major Ball leads a group of soldiers in prayer.

their mouths, and a double-edged sword in their hands.”

“Praise and justice go together throughout scripture,” he said, “and justice is as much a part of God’s character as love.”

Aside from the big questions, some need help just working through the fear of it all. Unit problems are also common when groups of 30 people are required to live in close proximity for a year. All are situations that Ball shepherds the soldiers through. Soldiers could go to him when they did not feel comfortable talking to their superiors.

Despite the danger and the problems, Ball knows that this is exactly what God has called him to do.

At home or on the field, Ball cannot escape the call God has placed on his life. Each day is confirmation that this life is what God has made him for.

“When you do exactly what God has made you to do, you are able to do far more than what you would expect or that others would think possible,” he said.

Ball’s military journey started at JBU, where he was a part of Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. He knew his future would be connected with the military. After a mission trip to Aus16 |

Brown Bulletin | Winter 2010

tralia, where he worked at a children’s camp on an aboriginal reservation, Ball said he was called into ministry. With a background in military and a call to missions, army chaplain seemed like a natural fit.

After graduating with a degree in Broadcasting, Ball attended seminary at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Ill. Before he could become a chaplain, though, he had to have a couple years of experience. After seminary, he pastored the Auburn Evangelical Free Church in Auburn, Neb. for five years.

During his time in Nebraska, Ball became an army chaplain for the National Guard. His first appointment came in 2003 when his unit was deployed to Bosnia. The cavalry unit was part of a peacekeeping mission, so the dangers were limited to minefields and unexploded remnants left over from the war.

In 2005, Ball became a full-time Army chaplain and was stationed with an aviation unit in Fort Drum, N.Y. along the Canadian border. That same year he deployed with his unit to Iraq in the middle of a combat zone.

Three years later, he was transferred to Fort Carlson in Colorado Springs, Colo. There he became chaplain over a military police battalion, which de-

ployed to Afghanistan with in 2009.

Ball returned from Afghanistan in May of this year. He currently resides in Yuma, Ariz., with his wife Sarah (Rittenhouse) ’97 of 13 years and his four children: Rachel, 10; Rob, 7; Laura, 4; and Levi, 2.

Instead of being attached to a unit, he is assigned to the post. The units at Yuma are too small to have their own chaplain, so Ball is able to work with all the soldiers located there. As the only chaplain, he is in charge of both the Protestant and Catholic chapel services.

He performs and leads the Protestant service, but simply arranges the Catholic service. Ball said he just keeps all worship services focused on Christ and a life-giving relationship with God through Him. “The nice part of this assignment is that I won’t deploy as long as I’m here, because I am attached to the actual post,” Ball said.

The largest activity at Yuma is the Military Free Fall School. Special operators, Navy SEALs and Air Force rescuers are taught how to jump from a plane. Recently, Ball had the opportunity to free-fall for the first time. Ball said that jumping from 14,000 feet was not as scary as he thought. “It’s so high that your brain just can’t comprehend it,” he said. “We fell for a whole minute before we pulled the cord.”

When discussing the future, Ball said the next deployment was not a matter of “if ” but “when.” After two to three years, Ball plans on stepping back into a deployment position.

Ball said he thrives in that combat situation. “If I didn’t have to be away from family, I would almost prefer deployment,” he said.

What others view as dramatic and dangerous, he considers natural.

Jeopardy, risk and casualty do not feel overwhelming, but like home.

“It’s normal to me because this is who God made me to be,” Ball said.

“I’m a warrior chaplain.” n

Laura Roebuck ‘01 gives food to a young Indian girl in Andhra Pradesh, India.

Laura Roebuck ’01, Parish ’98 and Kelli (Brockman) Wessels ’98, Amy (Russell) Karum ’97, Matthew Aspegren ’07

FIGHTING HUMAN TRAFFICKING By rebecca Ridings ‘14

Kolkata (Calcutta), India, is sweltering. The temperature is tipping 37 °C (98.6 °F), and sweat hangs on the foreheads of those pressing through the crowded marketplace. Voices blend together in a hum of activity sounding similar to a hyperactive beehive. A bicycle carrying three young boys zips through the streets with a large load of goods precariously strapped to the back frame.

Young women from poor families, who were promised jobs, wait, faces obscured, heads covered. Locked in cells and trapped from the teeming world around them, these women are not only captured, but enslaved: bought and sold to do their owners’ bidding.

A man with white hair is shown to the cell of a girl recently captured, 12 years of age. The owners beat her with belts, sticks, and iron rods. She eventually gives in and accepts her fate as a

possession.

This girl has been inducted into the ranks of millions of children prostituted around the world. These 12.3 million people (U.S. Department of State) are the victims of the fastest growing illegal business in the world today, second in size only to the trade of illegal drugs.

From India to Thailand to the Philippines, several JBU graduates have been called to fight the various forms of sex trafficking, often with victims trapped by force, fraud, or coercion.

International Princess Project In the vibrant cities and lush countryside of India, JBU graduate Laura (Hartman) Roebuck ’01, executive director of the International Princess Project, is working to help rescue women forced into prostitution. One focus of IPP is the Punjammies initiative.

Punjammies are pajama pants handmade by women rescued from forced prostitution in India living in aftercare homes where they receive emotional, spiritual and physical care. IPP has partnered with two organizations in India to create three sewing centers where 85 women are now working with hope and dignity. In addition, IPP helps bring these Punjammies to market, providing resources for these women.

On one of Roebuck’s trips to India, she found herself trapped in the middle of an altercation between a female “Madam” or “pimp” and Christina, one of the Indian Christian females partnering with IPP. “It was like the Madam was saying, ‘I know who you are and what you are doing. I know that this is where my girls are disappearing to, you can’t do this,’” she said.

Roebuck said she didn’t fear being Winter 2010 |

Brown Bulletin | 17

{ Stories of courage }

Winter 2010 CAMPAIGN UPDATE

“Spiritually, wow, this is the darkest place I’ve ever been. There are a lot of lies that hold the people here captive.” – Laura Roebuck attacked physically, “but spiritually, wow, this is the darkest place I’ve ever been. There are a lot of lies that hold the people here captive.”

While some parents are selling their daughters into forced prostitution for money to feed their families, the human trafficking industry is much more than desperation, with an estimated $32 billion exchanging hands each year.

“We can learn a lot about trafficking through books and videos, but there is nothing like actually seeing it — the faces of the girls sold by their families, orphans taken from the streets by pimps, even young mothers just trying to feed their children,” she said.

Ezekiel Rain in Thailand JBU alumni Parrish ’98 and Kelli (Brockman) Wessels ’98, and Amy (Russell) Karum ’97 are working in northern Thailand to help provide safe homes for girls coming out of the sex trade.

The Wessels and Karums moved to Thailand in February 2010 and are working to establish their ministry, Ezekiel Rain, in the hopes to provide refuge in “restoration homes” for girls who have been rescued out of sex slavery.

Ezekiel Rain’s vision is to “see a generation of formerly enslaved children wholly released as intercessors, revivalists and worshipping warriors who partner with God to transform nations.”

Ezekiel Rain gets its name from Ezekiel 34:25-30, “They will know that I am the Lord, when I break the bars of their yoke and rescue them from the hands of those who enslave them,” said

Matthew Aspegren works to help women who have escaped from the sex trade in Cebu, Philippines, pictured here. (Photo used under Creative Commons license.)

18 |

Brown Bulletin | Winter 2010

Mrs. Wessels.

Amy’s husband, Joel, was born in Thailand.

The ugliness of trafficking is a stark contrast to the natural beauty of Thailand. A mountainous beach scene unfolds with dew gracing the tips of palm trees: everything lush, green and thriving. The amber setting sun leaves streaks across the sky that reflect off the ocean waters.

“This place is so beautiful ... but there is a darkness that hangs over the land.” Kelli said, “I believe we battle not against flesh and blood. The enemy knows why we are here. We are in the midst of a battle who exists to destroy.

The enemy doesn’t want the Lord to deliver these people. But our hope is in Jesus.”

Justice in the Philippines In Cebu, Philippines, Matthew Aspegren ’07 is working to bring light into the darkness of human trafficking.

Aspegren is the Executive Director of Paglaum Training International, affiliated with International Justice Mission.

The organization works to “facilitate a process of economic, social and spiritual reconciliation for abused, exploited and vulnerable people in Metro Cebu.”

“We are currently working with 65 beneficiaries, many of whom are survivors of trafficking,” he said.

An estimated 400,000 women are trafficked through the Philippines annually. Women who are rescued without adequate aftercare programs are likely to be re-trafficked. PTI to hopes to reduce the rate of re-trafficking by improving aftercare programs.

Aspegren became aware of human trafficking during his senior year at JBU when he co-founded a campus chapter of the International Justice Mission. The scariest part of his job, said Aspegren, is that the enemy is real.

“There are people in my community working to do the exact opposite of what I’m trying to do....and they are people who aren’t afraid to break the law,” Matthew said.

Aspegren said he has been threatened by wealthy johns in a society where hit-men can cost as little as $16, and has drawn crooked looks from establishment owners who are known to pimp children. Traffickers are willing to take serious measures to stay in business.

Get Involved Those interested in supporting the International Princess Project can purchase Punjammies at punjammies.com.

More information on supporting Ezekiel Rain can be found at EzekielRain. com. Information about the broader work of International Justice Mission, visit their website at ijm.org. n

FY 09-10 RECORD YEAR FOR GIFTS: $23 million

CAMPAIGN CROSSES $100 MILLION MILESTONE

The slow economy did not dampen the generosity of people, businesses and foundations that support JBU. For the fiscal year ending June 30, the university received over $23 million in total gifts — the highest dollar amount ever for JBU. The previous record was in FY 07-08 when JBU received $18.5 million in total gifts.

The $23 million given in FY 09-10 is part of JBU’s Keeping Faith $110 Million Campaign.

The campaign provides $50 million for scholarships, $40 million for building projects, and $20 million for operations.

When an anonymous donor gave $2 million to John Brown University for the creation of a new endowed faculty chair in September, the gift brought the total given in the $110 Million Keeping Faith Campaign over the $100 million mark — the first time JBU has reached a nine-figure amount in a campaign.

“What a blessing that so many alumni and friends of JBU give generously,” said Dr. Jim Krall, vice president for advancement. “That so many in our greater community have kept faith with JBU through their gifts speaks to the strength of our mission of Christ-centered higher education.”

{ K EEPING F AITH CA M PAIGN U PDATE }

AN ANONYMOUS

$2 MillION GIFT ENDOWS A CHAIR IN HONOR OF

DR. GARY J. OLIVER

Pictured left to right: Carey Pollard, Dr. Chip Pollard, Dr. Gary J. Oliver and Linda Oliver converse at the announcement event for the Dr. Gary J. Oliver Endowed Chair in Marriage, Family and Relationship Studies.

“I think the chair is a wonderful way to not only honor Gary, but to make a statement that we want his legacy, his leadership example, to continue for many years to come at John Brown University.”

— John Brown III

20 |

Brown Bulletin | Winter 2010

An anonymous donor has given $2 million to John Brown University for the creation of a new endowed faculty chair.

The Dr. Gary J. Oliver Endowed Chair in Marriage, Family and Relationship Studies is named for Dr. Oliver at JBU. Dr. Oliver is a university and seminary professor, psychologist, author, executive director of the Center for Relationship Enrichment (CRE) and professor of psychology and practical theology at JBU. Dr. Oliver will also be the first person to hold this endowed chair.

“We are pleased to honor Dr. Oliver for his lifework of research, writing, teaching and speaking to encourage strong and healthy marriages, families and relationships,” said Dr. Chip Pollard, JBU president. “We are also deeply grateful to God for the blessings from this anonymous donor and for reaching this milestone in the campaign. This endowment provides resources in perpetuity focused on one of the most critical building blocks of our society – the family.”

Over time, the endowment will provide for the full-time chair position, in addition to providing resources for the CRE and teaching in JBU’s graduate and undergraduate programs.

“The study of families and relationships teaches us how to support healthy families and how to heal broken relationships,” said Dr. Oliver. “I am humbled to know that thanks to this generous gift, the important work we do will continue long after my tenure.”

A biography on the lifework of Dr. Oliver can be found at: liferelationships.com/oliver.

During a ceremony to announce the gift on the JBU campus, a video tribute was played that included reflections of Dr. Oliver’s lifework by several members of the extended JBU community.

“I would certainly describe him as a man of heroic faith, a man of prayer, a man who walks with God and who feels a real daily mission to encourage others,” said John Brown III, former JBU president and board member.

“He’s not only really good at what he does, he’s really good at doing what he says,” said Kai Togami, Senior Director of Organizational Effectiveness at Walmart Stores, Inc. “And therein lies the difference between (Dr. Oliver) and other practitioners.”

“He’s a man who believes in a very real and living God and it’s displayed in his enthusiasm for life, his joy, his humor,” said Dr. Robert V. Cupp, pastor of Fellowship Bible Church of Northwest Arkansas and JBU board chairman.

“Gary is someone I have always learned from and I anticipate I will continue to learn from,”said Dr. H. Norman Wright, marriage, family and child therapist. “His impact is going to be lasting.”

“His passion is such that he continues to pursue the calling to care for relationships of others to be Christcentered,” said former JBU president Dr. Lee Balzer.

“And I think the chair is a wonderful way to not only honor Gary, but to make a statement that we want his legacy, his leadership example, to continue for many years to come at John Brown University,” John Brown III said.

— Lucas Roebuck

{ K EEPING F AITH CA M PAIGN U PDATE }

THE BLESSINGS OF TWO

UNEXPECTED GIFTS

By PAUL eldridge j.d. ’92

As a development director, I have the privilege of visiting with many JBU alumni and friends and learning about their individual goals, accomplishments and ambitions. I truly love this part of my job – it has brought me close to some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. Because of this privilege, I am often one of the first to know when a gift is being considered. However, I was caught by surprise this past year when two unexpected gifts came to JBU. The first unexpected gift came in a way that broke my heart. Ida Jean Bryant was born Oct. 22, 1924, as the youngest of four. Ida Jean unexpectedly passed away in May of this year.

The Bryant siblings, Faye, Olen, Jack and Ida Jean, were known throughout the small Arkansas community of Highfill for their generosity. They were the family to call if the bridge flooded, or if a cow got loose, or if a cousin’s friend needed a loan for a vehicle. They were raised in a simpler time – when the word “family” was used in the broad sense. Over the years, the siblings grew old together in their family farmhouse in Highfill, never marrying or branching out to raise families of their own.

Although the Bryant siblings never attended college, they all saw the importance of higher education. After Olen passed, Faye, Jack and Ida Jean decided to leave the majority of their estate to John Brown University. Eventually, each of Ida Jean’s siblings went to be with the Lord, leaving her to carry on the Bryant legacy.

I was introduced to Ida Jean shortly after I started working at JBU. Over the years, I always enjoyed visiting her farmhouse, where she would be waiting with a big smile and a pitcher of the best iced tea in the world. I looked

forward to each October when we would host a birthday party for Ida Jean.

She loved making the trip to campus to meet the dozens of students her family supported through the Bryant Family Endowed Scholarship.

Ida Jean’s memorial service packed the small, white church around the corner from her Highfill home. Community members shared stories about the Bryant family, and of Ida Jean’s widespread generosity and love. Several attendees spoke highly of Ida Jean’s relationship with John Brown University, and I shared about how much she had personally touched my life. For those two hours, the Highfill community and the JBU Advancement staff shared in both the grieving of Ida Jean’s passing and the celebration of her life.

Ida Jean’s life was a true blessing to many, and today her legacy lives on through her family’s gifts to John Brown University. The Bryants left JBU more than $3 million in their estate plan. Included in the $3 million given was $1.5 million in life insurance policy proceeds that showed up in the mail on June 28, 2010 – that’s right, almost the very last day of the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

Ida Jean had blessed JBU one last time.

However, because of the Bryant Family Endowed Scholarship, her legacy will live on in perpetuity, supporting JBU students for years to come.

Another significant unexpected gift during the 2009-2010 fiscal year came from a providential meeting between a Little Rock real estate developer and JBU faculty members on a mission team in Guatemala two years ago.

I received an e-mail in March of this year from Dave Constien at Thomas F. James Realty Limited Partnership, LLLP (TFJ) in Little Rock. The email

Ida Jean Bryant (1924-2010)

suggested that TFJ would be interested in donating a commercial building to JBU. I couldn’t find the phone fast enough. It turns out that Mr. Constien happened to meet JBU faculty members Dr. Joe Walenciak and Prof. John McCullough during a mission trip to Guatemala. Mr. Constien said he was greatly impressed by these individuals.

So when TFJ Realty, which owned a 47,000-square-foot commercial building in Siloam Springs, thought about donating the asset, Mr. Constien suggested JBU. During further conversations with Mr. Constien and Judith James Scherer, it became apparent that TFJ wanted to further the mission of the university and to help empower young people to make a positive change in the world.

We closed on the gift in late May. The now-vacant building at 1600 W. U.S. Hwy. 412 appraised for $2 million and is currently on the market to be sold.

Every year, JBU receives gifts that seem to fall from God’s hands. There is no doubt that God was working through the Bryant family, and it was no accident when Dave Constien, with TFJ, happened to bump into JBU faculty in Guatemala. God’s work never ceases to amaze me, and I am so thankful to be a part of His blessings to John Brown University.

Paul Eldridge is Senior Director of Development and Planned Giving Winter 2010 |

Brown Bulletin | 21

{ K EEPING F AITH CA M PAIGN U PDATE }

{ A d v a n c e m e n t — D r . J i m K r a ll }

PROGRESS REPORT

0%

$102 MILLION IN PLEDGES AND GIFTS

COMPLETED PROJECTS

CATHEDRAL RESTORATION

NORTH HALL NEW WING

$10 MILLION CHALLENGE

KRESGE DINING HALL

BILL GEORGE ARENA

BERRY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

BY THE NUMBERS 50%

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS

100%

$8 MILLION

TO MEET GOAL ENGINEERING & CM BUILDING

OPERATIONAL FUNDS

$20 MILLION CHALLENGE

JBU SCHOLARSHIP FUND

KEEPING FAITH CAMPAIGN PROJECTS

Why Alumni Gifts – Of Any Size – Matter

In this recent aerial photo (below) taken by Mark Jackson ’90, you can see the completed Berry Performing Arts Center (far left) and the Bill George Arena (top center, connected to the Murray Sells Gymnasium/ Walton Lifetime Health Complex).

I am thankful for each of you who are alumni. Those who invest financially in the mission and work of JBU have my special gratitude. Alumni support is a key factor in the success and growth of a university.

Each year we track the annual alumni giving percentage as part of the requirements of some of the funding proposals we write and to provide to various entities who rank universities. In order to be included, alumni need to give to JBU each fiscal year (between July 1 and June 30). There are three key reasons why alumni giving percentage matters to JBU and why you, as an alumnus, may want to consider an annual gift to the university.

The first is that the alumni giving percentage is a “vote of support” in one’s alma mater.

U.S.News & World Report tracks the percentage and uses it as part of the calculation for ranking its list of Best Colleges and Universities. JBU currently ranks second out of 96 colleges and universities in our region, in part, because of our alumni giving percentage.

Second, alumni participation matters to many foundations and major donors. Both understand that all alumni can’t give major gifts, but they can give a participation gift (a gift of any size to be counted). If the alumni support the school, then it sends a message that it is a place worthy of further investment with their major gifts.

Third, JBU has always been a place that seeks to give students a quality Christian education at

2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 0%

18 |

Brown Bulletin | Winter 2010

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

a great value. Through the years, generous scholarships, buildings provided by alumni and friends as well as the sacrifice of the Brown family and JBU faculty/staff provides a high-quality Christian education at a reasonable price.

Giving back, as one is able, shows a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness to the university and the people of JBU, and helps keep it strong for the next generation.

So the next time a student calls you on the telephone or you get a request in the mail, please seriously consider giving a gift to JBU this fiscal year and support your alma mater.

I want to acknowledge the class of 1959 and congratulate them on having the highest alumni giving percentage of all JBU classes this past year at 68 percent. Second place goes to the class of 1952 with 64 percent.

Third goes to the class of 1954 with 62.5 percent. It is easier for smaller classes to have higher alumni giving percentages, so kudos to the class of 1975 with the highest alumni giving percentage on record for a class of 100 or more alumni.

These statistics are from the 2009-2010 fiscal year that ended June 30, 2010. We will publish this data in next year’s winter issue of the Brown Bulletin to give your class a chance to raise your numbers and show your other JBU alumni your class support for JBU.You can give online at www.jbu.edu/give.

Dr. Jim Krall isVice President for University Advancement.

100%

Winter 2010 |

Brown Bulletin | 23

{ HO M ECO M ING RE U NIONS 2 0 1 0 }

{ HO M ECO M ING 2 0 1 0 }

1960 Reunion

Front Row (left to right): Yvonna Whiteley, Judith Horsfall, Donald Horsfall, Ardith Endres, Waltraut Schmidt, Doris Penningtton, Robert Pennington, Connie Neuenswander, John Brown, Jr. Back Row: Patsy Brewington, Thomas Brewington, Frank Endres, Ed Schmidt, Denver Kokensparger, Howard Whiteley, Don Neuenswander

1970 Reunion Front row: (Left to right) Les Kline, Renee Oeschlager, Ann Church Quigg, Linda Farley Nelson-’69, Jan Bridgen-’72, John McCullough, Lynda Hayre Kittle, Diane Hertel Covell, Mary Kline, Margie Nantz, Carol Bunnell, Marilyn Johnson McMannus, Susan Currier Wilson , Elaine Janssen Jury, Donna Wilson, Kathy Carlson, Connie Wayland Moyse, Gayle Sweet Von Eissler, Deb McQuay Oates, Carol Spurlock, not known, not known, Shirley Jewett, Sally Dodd, Donna Wells Buckness-‘71, Dave Buckness, Dick Marsh, not known. Back row: (Left to right) Denny Oeschlager, John and Marty Coates, Denny McClain, Linda Craighead, Jan Shimph Peck, Linda Louck, John Nance, Don Sieman, Cindy Sieman, James McMannus, Steve Low, Bruce Tripke, Bill Naramore, Rolly Rickard, Val Eldridge, Larry Bland, Charlie Wilson, not known, not known, Tom Dodd, Steve Jewett.

1980 Reunion

Front Row: Julia (Freeman) Siemens, Carole (Clements) Austell, Catherine Leonard, Pam Luther, Margaret Warner, Back Row: Doug Siemens, Steve Austell, Keith Poor, Andy Luther, James Warner, Eric Freeman, Lorie Freeman, Jim Caldwell, Barb (Geer) Caldwell

1990 Reunion

Left to right: Ken Grisanti, Jeff (AJ) Anglin, Keli (Neilson) Culp, Tim Culp, Laquita Sabin, Brian Sabin

Class of 1985

2000 Reunion Front Row: Keturah (Hall) McFarland, Joy (Earnst) Kendall, Tiffany Garcia, Jamie (Brunk) Smith, Bob Nass, Wendy Nass, Jason Scates, Devon Vohs 2nd Row: Johana (Hulbert) Pankonin, Wes Rice (‘99), Robin (Harder) Rice, Angela (Breard) Whitson, Heather (Menks) Armstrong (‘99), Peter Armstrong, Jen (Morgan) Fields, Sara (Johnson) Neufeld, Jenny (Hendricks) Anglin, Jessica (Hanson) Putman, Katie (Smeltzer) Reinhard 3rd Row: Marlyse Hirschy, Sarah Earnst, Carrie (Gimple) Shaffer, Drew Shaffer, Steve Whitson (not a JBU grad), David Fields (‘97), Eleisha (Price) Tabares (spouse of JBU grad), Baby Tabares, Pavel Tabares (‘99), Bryan Main, India (Stewart) Main (‘98), Ruth (Bonge) Graham, Krista Hanson, Chad Putnam, Nate Reinhard

24 |

Brown Bulletin | Winter 2010

Front Row (left to right): Hal Walker, Beth (Buth) Walker, Denise Eash, Crystal (Isaac) Perry, Cheryl (Byers) Van Ravenswaay, Laura (Herpich) Vittetoe Back Row (left to right): Royal Aills, Carmen Leonard Martens, Donna (Sanders) Rider, Joe Rider, Darrell Eash, Brian Isaac, Dan Cauble, Nan (Cowan) Cauble, Ken Van Ravenswaay, Dawn (Bailey) Morales, David Morales, Mark Vittetoe

Winter 2010 |

Brown Bulletin | 25

{ HO M ECO M ING RE U NIONS 2 0 1 0 }

{ A L um n i — j e r r y R o ll e n e ’ 7 5 }

JBU Alumni Produce Romantic Comedy 2005 Reunion

Left to right: Kristy (Megli) Morrow, Marikit Schwartz, Rachel Walker, Chase Willsey, Cambryn Willsey, Jesse Butler, Adam Butler, James Barnes

1975 Reunion

Front Row: Marilae (Barnes ) Latham, Mark Latham, Hank Brame, Carol Brame Back Row: Terry Christopher, Marylynn Christopher, Roger Megli, Jerry Rollene, Robyn Christensen, Linda (Priggemeier) Christensen Stanley Gentry, Carol (Gwartney ) Gentry

Heritage Society

Front Row (left to right): Lola Woodard, Marion Snider, Adanell Snider, Elnora Gilbert, Galen Gilbert, Jan Lancaster-Goring, Margaret Siemens Weathers, Jo Sweet, Robert Pennington, Alice McQuay, Joann Hall, Patsy Ward, E. O’Bannon Center Row: Yvonna Whiteley, Donna Bowling, Jim Sheets, Martha Sheets, Bob Sheridan, Joan Smith, Doris Sheard McKinzie, Judith Horsfall, Ardith Endres, Waldtraut Schmidt, Doris Pennington, Evelyn Miller, Kenneth Miller, Doris Townsend, George Townsend, Joe Zimmerman Back Row: Don Williams, Sarah Williams, Donne Whitehouse, Bill Smith, Bill McIlvain, Ila McIlvain, Patsy Brewinton, Thomas Brewington, Frank Endres, Edward Schmidt, Cecil Kokensparger, Henry Whiteley, Connie Neuenswander, Daniel Neuenswander, Bill Berry, Harlan Aylor, Mildred Walker.

26 |

Brown Bulletin | Winter 2010

What happens when seven determined JBU alumni with a story for a great movie and a calling to make films that entertain and edify get together?

One of the most fun, entertaining and delightful movies I have seen in years, “Coyote County Loser.”

This feature length romantic comedy, in my humble opinion, rivals the quality of anything that Hollywood is putting out. “People go to the movies to be entertained,” said Robert Bethke ’99 one of the producers and writers. “If we can entertain them with a well made production, then we earn a platform to share our message.”

“I think a lot of movies get love wrong, especially the romantic kind,” explained Jacob Roebuck ’97 the other producer and writer who led the effort.

“We wanted to make a film that, in its own quirky way, shows us love is more than romance and marriage is a gift from God.” Other JBU students who worked on the film include Lucas Roebuck’97 (writer), Jeff Keller ’02 (line producer), Danielle (Vogus) Keller ’07 (assistant producer), Tracy Letellier ’01 (original song) and Laura Roebuck ‘01(voice talent and production assistant).

Arnie Mayer, alumnus and retired JBU communications professor, said, “It is truly amazing for these guys to have been able to produce a full length feature film of this quality. Most of us don’t realize how daunting such a project is.

Very few people who dream of making movies have the determination to take their idea from conception all the way through to the big screen.”

The film follows big-city radio personality Jack Proctor who stops in a small, dusty southwest town only to find himself in a war of words ON AIR with local relationship expert Lauren Hartford about how to help people find love.

Fast-paced conversations peppered with witty humor between people you soon

grow to care about makes this sophisticated but surprisingly clean (rated PG) movie a sheer joy to see.

One warning: Don’t expect to hear the characters quoting Bible verses throughout the movie. “We wanted our film to take some of God’s truth to the mainstream audiences but we didn’t want to preach at them,” said Jacob. “If people go to a movie and feel like something is being shoved down their throats, they won’t hear what you have to say, regardless of how good it is.”

The film has played in 15 cities around the US and won selections in seven film festivals. Jacob, Lucas and Robert have also shared their movie at alumni events held in theaters in Los Angeles, Rogers, Wichita, and, of course, here in Siloam Springs. The film is coming to DVD this December.

This is where I want to ask the JBU family to get involved. The producers put this project together on a shoestring budget, and now they need our help to get the word out. I am ordering several copies of the film and planning on giving them as Christmas presents to family members, friends and neighbors.

I encourage you to do the same. If they are Christians, they will thoroughly enjoy watching it, and if they aren’t, they won’t feel “preached at.” It can serve as a great bridge to opening a discussion on, say, authentic relationships.

Christians often complain about the lack of “family friendly” entertainment.

Well, here’s your opportunity to own a great film and vote with your dollars for more to be made. We’re proud of what our alumni have been able to accomplish and I hope you will join me in supporting them. To see a trailer or to order your copy of “Coyote County Loser” go to coyotecountyloser.com.

Jerry Rollene is director of alumni and parent relations for JBU.

Read more about THIS ALUMNI-MADE ROMANTIC COMEDY ONLINE AT coyotecountyloser.com Winter 2010 |

Brown Bulletin | 27

{ A L U M NI M I L ESTONES – M E M ORIA M } The Rev. Archie N. Boyd, 97, of Fort Smith, Ark. passed away, June 8, 2010. He graduated from JBU in 1935 with a degree in Biblical Studies.

During his life, he served as a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and the Korean War. He was a 33rddegree Mason and served for two years as state chaplain of the American Legion and one year as Grand Chaplain of the Grand Masons in Arkansas. He served for 33 years on the board of directors at Methodist Village Nursing Home where he served as chairman five times.

Rev. Boyd was a reserve delegate to the South Central Jurisdictional Conference as well as chairman of the committee that planned the Conference Council on Ministry.

Lois Cauwels Breitkreuz, 69, of South Haven, Mich., died October 8, 2010, at the South Haven Healthcare and Rehabilitation Home, where she resided since 1986.Born January 18, 1942 in Paterson, NJ, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Irene Cauwels of Santa Cruz, Calif. Lois graduated from JBU with a degree in early childhood education and had an early career as a teacher of grade school and Sunday school.

Later, while disabled from Multiple Sclerosis, she participated in a caring prayer ministry, and throughout her 24 years as a patient she encouraged others by sharing her faith and bringing them joy and hope. As her health worsened she showed courage and inspired the staff, who considered themselves fortunate to know and care for her. Lois enjoyed gospel music and watching sports, and appreciated the visits from her family and friends.

Surviving are daughter, Rebecca Sanford; son, Stephen (Diane) Breitkreuz; grandchildren — Ryan, Aaron and Eleanor Sanford, and Emma, Luke, Jack and Josh Breitkreuz, all of St. Joseph, Mich.; sister, Jan (John) Veteto of Colorado 28 |

Brown Bulletin | Winter 2010

Springs, Colo.; brother, Paul (Jacque) Cauwels of Merced, Calif.; brother, David (Charlotte) Cauwels of Albuquerque, NM; brother, Jack (Phyllis) Cauwels of Mt. Hermon, Calif.; sister, Dolores Snyder of Westminster, Md.; aunt, Mattie Coombs of Tom’s River, NJ; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ida Jean Bryant, 85, passed away May 20, 2010, in Highfill, Ark. Ida and her siblings Faye and Jack established an estate plan with JBU, and it did not take long for Ida Jean to become a part of the family. University staff members hosted birthday parties for Ida Jean every year, where she was introduced to the Bryant Family Scholarship student recipients. She would call to check on ill staff members, ask about their children by name, and inquire about her scholarship recipients. Ida decorated her home with photos of JBU students and always appreciated letters that she received from the school. The Bryant Family Endowed Scholarship has made it possible for dozens of students to attend John Brown University.

John Wayne Carter, 60, of Morning Sun, Iowa died Wednesday, June 9, 2010, at Great River Medical Center in West Burlington. John graduated from JBU in 1970 with a degree in construction management and worked as a farmer, contractor and engineer during his life. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant where he helped with the sound system.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Jane, his daughter, Jennifer Campbell and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and sisters.

Kay Janssen Emery, 74, of Siloam Springs, Ark. passed away Saturday, October 2, 2010, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale. She graduated from JBU in 1958 with a double major in Business Education and Elementary

Education. She worked in advertising at Dayspring for over twenty years, and enjoyed volunteering in organizations such as political campaigns and prolife movements. Kay is survived by her husband of 55 years, Dr. Richard Ray Emery; one son, Jeff Emery of Colcord, Okla.; two daughters, Kristin Stewart and husband Jeff of Siloam Springs, Ark., Kerry Pruett and husband Peter of Cincinnati, Ark.; two brothers Armand Janssen and wife Nancy of Cabot, Ark., Russell Janssen and wife Linda of Clearwater, Fla.; one sister Carol Matheuzik and husband Rudie of Austria; and seven grandchildren.

Eldon M. Green, 69, died May 8, 2010 at Blount Memorial Hospital in Madisonville, Tenn. Son of missionary parents, Eldon grew up in the Congo and went on to graduate from JBU in 1964 with a degree in Mathematics education. He worked for IBM as a financial forecaster for 35 years and after he retired, he continued to work as a consultant. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Madisonville and was active in the choir as an organist. He is survived by wife, Lois Ann Boyes Green as well as children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Paul Albert Carl Grotius Goring, 82, of Siloam Springs, Ark., died April 8, 2010, in Siloam Springs, Ark. After serving in the Army Paul graduated from JBU in 1951 with a degree in Biblical Studies and Accounting. He later earned a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri in counseling.

Paul worked for 18 years as a professor of counseling at the University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia. He lived 34 years in Colombia, where he was a missionary with Christian Missions in many lands with his first wife, Alma Sue Harris, who preceded him in death in 2000. While there, they adopted several children and also took in 188 foster chil-

{ A L U M NI M I L ESTONES – M E M ORIA M } dren. In 1989 they were named Alumni of the Year at John Brown University.

Paul and Sue were active missionaries from the Overland Park Bible Chapel, Overland Park, Kan. Paul moved in 2001 to Siloam Springs, Ark., where he married Janet Coates Lancaster.

Survivors include his wife, Janet, six daughters, two sons, 21 grandchildren, three great grandchildren and 188 foster children.

Constance E. Gowen, 89, passed away on March 23, 2010 in Beverly, Mass. where she lived for seven years at Ledgewood Rehabilitation. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration at JBU where she met her husband Thomas K. Gowen. After graduating in 1940 she and her fiancé moved back to Fullerton, Calif. After marriage, they managed a cattle and citrus ranch and were active in their community. She learned to ski after turning 60 and she traveled to China, Africa and Europe.

Thomas and her son Tom Gowen Jr. preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughter Nancy Keil, her husband and children.

Don E. Mead, 82, passed away April 6, 2010 in Centralia, Wash. after struggling with Parkinson’s disease for about six years. He graduated from JBU with a degree in Engineering and went on to work for Boeing. Don was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife, Estelle Ehlen-Mead and other children and grandchildren.

Kenneth W. Patrum, 98, passed away July 18, 2010 of congestive heart failure at the Washington Home and Community Hospices. Patrum attended JBU high school before continuing his education at George Washington University and American University. He began his career as a counterintelligence and security officer for the CIA in 1947 and retired in 1962 as a deputy branch

chief. He then had a private law practice and did real estate as well as working with the Commerce Department as a compliance officer. During WWII he was in the Air Force until he retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1971. He was married to Elizabeth Thompson Patrum for 49 years until she died in 1991. He last lived in Port Republic, MD and has no immediate survivors.

Larry R. Phillips, 68, passed away on May 18, 2010. He graduated from JBU in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science before becoming a Silicon Valley engineer for 40 years. He married his high school sweetheart, Darali Gibson, on August 24, 1963, while both were attending JBU; he also sang in the University Choir and traveled with the JBU Harmonaires. For the last six years, he was Business Office Manager at Calvary Baptist Church, Los Gatos, where he had been a member since 1965 and served in the choir until 2010. Larry is survived by his three daughters and four grandchildren along with other nieces and nephews.

Doris Clifton Scott, class of ’55, passed away August 1, 2010 in Tulsa, Okla. She graduated with a degree in Home Economics and was active in her community. Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Scott, and is survived by her daughters, Carol Bloodworth and Beverly Gould and seven grandchildren.

Hilda Marie Smith, 85, passed away on July 11, 2010 at the Hilltop Assisted Living Center in Winchester, Va. After graduating with a B.S. in Science from JBU in 1946, she attended the University of Arkansas Medical School in Little Rock for two years and taught science at Bob Jones University for two years before moving to Washington, D.C. She worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield for 36 years and

was a claims specialist for several years before becoming a computer analyst.

She lived in the Washington/Northern Virginia area for almost 60 years. Hilda was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Margaret; brother, Maurice; and is survived by brothers, Don of Los Angeles, Bill of Oklahoma City and sister Norma of Tucson.

Leland Stratton, 94, passed away August 9, 2010, in Stuttgart, Ark. He and his wife Ireane have a long connection to JBU. Ireane ’37 graduated from JBU with a degree in home economics, and they had three children together: Lois, Marilyn and Wendell.

Leland was a glider pilot during WWII, and later owned the Stratton Seed Company. The mayor of Stuttgart honored their company in 1988 after 40 years of operation by proclaiming February 2, 1988 as Leland Stratton Day. Leland Stratton always valued higher education and although he was not able to attend himself, he made sure his children went.

Both he and Ireane have helped many others attend John Brown University as well as Ouachita Baptist University and Williams Baptist College through scholarships.

Layden Louis Stroud Jr. passed away July 21, 2010. He was born July 20, 1924, in Dallas, Texas to Maggie and Layden Stroud Sr. While serving in the Navy during World War II, Layden met his wife Gloria Graham, who was a violinist in a string quartet with the U.S.O. The couple married in 1949 and in 1950 he graduated from Southern Methodist University. For eighteen years Layden was a board of trustee member at JBU and was awarded the title of Trustee Emeritus in 2010. The orchestra pit in the new Berry Performing Arts Center is named in his honor.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Graham Stroud, two daughters, two grandchildren and a sister and sister-in-law.

Winter 2010 |

Brown Bulletin | 29

{ 2 0 1 0 Alum n i Aw a r d s }

{ 2 0 1 0 Alum n i AwARDS }

FUTURE ALUM

OUTSTANDING ALUMNUS AWARD: SKIP MURPHY

OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD: JAMES COOKE

CHRISTIAN SERVICE AWARD: JIM WALTERS

CAREER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Michael Kairis

CHRISTIAN SERVICE AWARD: Loren & Donna Fast

Skip Murphy graduated from JBU in 1964 with a BA in Business. As a student at JBU, he filled many roles, including sports editor for the Threefold Advocate and the Yearbook, President of the Business Club, basketball manager for four years, baseball manager for two years, and track manager for one year. He was instrumental in bringing athletes and musical groups, including the Sound Generation, together for the Homecoming Showcases in 2003, 2005, and 2007.

Skip’s career has included construction, business management and financial aid positions, the latter two positions being held at JBU from 1964-1985. He was also the Associate Director of Financial Aid for Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX from 1984 through 1985. Skip held both the Vice-President and President positions in the Arkansas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. He has been a member of a number of organizations and committees, including the Southwestern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and the American College Testing (ACT) Southeast Regional Advisory Council.

Skip is owner of Murphy Construction and is licensed to construct homes and light business in the state of Arkansas. He and his wife Patricia have two children, Scott Murphy and Lesa Cross, and two grandchildren, Bryce Murphy and Canyon Cross.

The Outstanding Senior Award is a new award in which JBU faculty and staff nominate a senior they believe displays exemplary character, responsibility, dependability and caring attitude, values his/her peers, and exhibits strong and active personal faith in God. James Cooke of Cornville, Arizona is this year’s recipient.

James has been an active member of the Student Ministries Leadership Team, and is currently a Campus Ministry Intern in the Office of Christian Formation. Recently, James spoke at the Gathering, JBU’s Sunday night worship service, about the ways God has continued to sustain him after the recent death of his mother. While James exhibits a tender heart toward God and others, he is also an exceptional student. As a history major, James won the “Boe Award” at the 2008 Great Plains Honors Conference for his paper, “The Phenomena of the Madhhab: The Origins, Practices & Development of the Sunni Islamic Legal System,” and presented at the National Conferences on Undergraduate Research last year.

This is his second year serving as Student President of the Honors Scholars Program.

This year’s Christian Service Award goes to Dr. Jim Walters for his dedication and 42 years of service to JBU students and being a mentor and example of Christ’s love. Duing his 42 years at JBU, Jim served as chair of the Biblical Studies Division for twelve. He also was heavily involved with CAUSE student ministries for over twenty years, and has married over 100 JBU couples.

He married fellow JBU grad, Lynda Springfield, in 196l. Jim acknowledges that Lynda has always believed in him, and has been a great source of motivation to give his life to teaching at JBU. “She loved me in spite of my failures,” Jim says. Lynda has courageously battled Multiple Sclerosis for many years. “Although MS has stolen much of the external house Lynda lives in,” Jim says, “it hasn’t touched the one I am privileged to love and serve.”

Jim has the respect and admiration of his fellow faculty members, both as a colleague and a mentor. Likewise, he’s always enjoyed great rapport with students. “My bike has been up the flag pole a number of times,” says Jim with a knowing smile.

Michael Kairis graduated from JBU in 1986 with a degree in Construction Management and a minor in Business.

He has gained over 24 years of experience, including his role at the Turner Construction Company, The Opus Group, and as national Vice President of Real Estate & Development with J.P. Morgan Chase. He was personally involved in the building of such highprofile projects as the $1 billion Getty Center Museum, the 24-story Glendale Plaza, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, all in Los Angeles, CA. Michael also earned a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University.

In late 2008, he launched Legacy Portion, LLC, his own Southern California based Development & Construction Consulting firm.

In 2000, Michael was selected to the JBU Board of Trustees where he is currently Chairman of the Finance, Facilities and Audit Committee.

Michael demonstrates a real passion for Christian Education beyond JBU, currently volunteering with with the Friends Christian High School building project, a ministry of Yorba Linda Friends Church. He met his wife, Gail, at JBU, and they’ve been married over 23 years.

Loren and Donna graduated from JBU in 1974. In 1980, they left for Kijabe, Kenya, Africa to serve with African Inland Mission. Today they continue with AIM in Nairobi, Kenya.

Over the last thirty years, the Fasts have worn a number of hats while on the mission field. Loren has served as Business Manager and Housing Coordinator at AIC Kijabe Medical Centre, and as AIM International Services Director. Together, he and Donna began a Cultural Orientation and Perspective Course for all new missionaries coming through AIM to Africa. Their work takes them to various others of AIM’s 20 countries in Africa, but the home base is in Nairobi. The Fasts also served as Missionaries in Residence on the JBU campus during 2001-02.

Donna and Loren chose Africa because that is “where God wanted us.”

They feel their time at JBU served as a perfect launching pad for their future ministry in Africa. They’ve also had the joy of seeing both of their daughters graduate from JBU. “These are things that we couldn’t have designed or imagined,” they say.

30 |

Brown Bulletin | Winter 2010

q

Ava Lauren Naramore Born – September 6, 2010 – 4:25 p.m.

6 lbs – 4 oz & 19 inches long “Teri & Ava are doing well!” reports Jake Naramore ’03.

Send your alumni news, wedding, births & obituaries to:

lroebuck@jbu.edu

with “Brown Bulletin News” in the subject line.

Register for AlumNet! Find your alumni friends on JBU’s AlumNet. Just go to jbualumni.com.

There you can find updates and news from your JBU friends. Other services available include: • Get a @jbualumni.com e-mail address • Access the ProQuest research database • Sign up for JBU official events To sign up, just use your JBU student ID number or the unique code on the mailing label of this magazine.

Winter 2010 |

Brown Bulletin | 31 29

Gift of property

{ F r o m t h e e d i t o r — L u c a s R o e bu c k ‘ 9 7 }

1

The Heart of the Student/President Relationship leader Franklin Graham. to draw them out of their own indiThe job of a college president is “Chip has clearly focused mind, heart vidual hopes and fears.” In the second often relational. The president maintains and soul on a biblical truth: Faith in God section Dr. Pollard uses scripture to help critical relationships with faculty, staff, produces wisdom,” Graham said of the students answer the question “Who am alumni, donors and various community book. “May it always be true that hearts I?” in the context of Christ. leaders. But the relationships that speak will be encouraged to read about the “As followers of Jesus Christ, we bethe most to the heart of a college presigreatest of all knowledge—the Gospel gin to answer the dent is his or her relationmessage—being proclaimed to college question of ‘Who ships with students. students who will make an impact for am I?’ by recogPerhapsStudents the best in winEducating Faith Christ.” nizing that we are dow into the relationship Charles W. Pollard The unexpected heroine of the book first the beloved between Chip Pollard 6 x 9 224 pages trade paper $15.99 is Carey Pollard, Dr. Pollard’s wife, who children of the livand JBU students comes ISBN 978-0-89112-048-3 repeatedly shows up in his sermons – ing God, a recogin the form of a soon-to“In this collection of chapel sometimes as life model, sometimes as nition as relevant be-released book, “Maytalks, It President Charles Pollard embodies the encourager, sometimes as plot device. to the 19-year-old Always Be True” (Abilene ideal of the Christian scholar—someone The book paints a loving portrait of getting a new Christian University Press, who draws on the truths of Scripture, the Why College Carey, from her courtship with Dr. piercing as to the 224 pages), a collection of knowledge and wisdom of the human Matters toinGod Pollard to the sacrifices a family makes 79-year-old the Chip’s sermons. tradition, and chapel the particularity of one’s Academic Faithfulness own story to Ispeak thoughtfully retirement home,” andto accommodate the never-ending recently got myabout the human experience in ways that are both heChristian writes.Higher Educationdemands of being a university president. hands on an advanced timeless and always contemporary.”

Rick Readers will come away from the book TheOstrander third secmanuscript. The book is 5.5 x is 8.5 a 128 pages trade paper $12.99 —Shirley A. Mullen, President, with the clear impression that Carey is tion collection a personal, vulnerable ISBN 978-0-89112-535-8 Houghton College equally invested in Dr. Pollard’s calling of Advent serand challenging look at to keep JBU Christ-focused. mons, and shows many aspects of Christian “Perhaps the best available introduction The book Pollard’s love and life that has a surprisingly for students to the aims and purposes of awill be available soon from a variety of outlets, but JBU alumni can for the broad appeal for sermons “Chip has clearly focused reverence Christian college education.” also get the book through the university. season celebrating targeted toward college mind, heart and soul on —Michael Hamilton, Department of History, Steve Onnen, the director of the JBU Incarnastudents. Each chapter is Seattle Pacific University a biblical truth: Faith in Christ’s Scholarship Fund, recently announced tion.

The fourth introduced with a scripGod produces wisdom.” www.abilenechristianuniversitypress.com that all proceeds Dr. Pollard earns from section contains ture reference, and reads – Franklin Graham 1-877-816-4455 toll free the sale of the book will be donated to sermons given like an accessible devotionthe Fund, which provides much needed during second semester. The fifth is a al complemented with life application. scholarships for financially struggling series of Baccalaureate reflections, in On topics from spiritual doubt to human students. Because of this, the JBU Scholwhich Dr. Pollard offers fond farewell sexuality, Dr. Pollard offers personal arship Fund is offering the book this and final advice about living as a follower transparency and scriptural insights. year as their incentive gift for those who of Jesus Christ after university.

For example, in one chapter, he excontribute $25 or more this year. For The title “May It Always Be True” plores his own doubts. “Belief in Christ more information, you can call Steve at is derived from Dr. Pollard’s prayerful truly is an all or nothing proposition, (479) 524-7429 or you can visit the JBU refrain at the end of each chapel service. and time and time again in my periods of online giving site at jbu.edu/give. “‘May it always be true of us at JBU’ is doubt, God has given me faith to choose While “May It Always Be True” origithe prayer that I use to end nearly every Christ as all. Times of doubt had made nated from student-focused sermons, chapel address. It is a reminder to me my faith more vital and all-encompassthe book covers Christian truths in a and others at the university that we ing,” he shares with students. manner that will encourage any beshould remain faithful to our commitThe book is divided into five sections. liever. ment to Christ.”

The first are sermons Dr. Pollard has One endorsement of the book I given at the start of the school year that – Lucas Roebuck is director of university comthought was particularly relevant to the “challenge students to think first about munications and editor of the Brown Bulletin.

JBU community came from evangelical who we should be as community, trying

May It Always Be True

32 |

Brown Bulletin | Winter 2010

Charitable Gift Annuity

Donor

3

Remainder to JBU

John Brown University

2

Income tax deduction Reduced capital gains tax Fixed payments

Charitable Gift Annuity A simple gift that also benefits you.

How it works » You transfer cash, securities, or other property to JBU. » You receive an income tax deduction and may save capital gains tax. JBU pays a fixed amount each year to you or to anyone you name for life. Typically, a portion of these payments is tax free. » When the gift annuity ends, its remaining principal passes to JBU.

“Establishing a CGA with JBU was an easy decision for us when we learned we could receive guaranteed life income while helping the place that we love. And, because of the current matching gift program at JBU, our CGA allowed us to set up a new endowed scholarship which will start providing for JBU students as soon as next year.”

— Peter & Yvonne Nicolay Sun City, CA

For more information, contact JBU’s Office of Planned Giving toll free at (800) 446-2450.

Non Profit Org US Postage PAID Fayetteville, AR Permit #849

John Brown University 2000 W. University Street Siloam Springs, AR 72761

JBU Scholarship Fund Helped Blake Garrison Stay at JBU After His Father Passed Away Unexpectedly From Cancer Last October Blake Garrison received the type of news that no one wants to hear. His dad had been taken to the hospital after having a seizure. The devastating news continued to roll in as the doctors determined that the seizure had been caused by a brain tumor. They diagnosed Blake’s father with melanoma, with tumors spread all over his lungs as well.

Blake, a sophomore at JBU at the time, immediately began to feel the financial strain his family was under during his dad’s battle with cancer. His dad, who was an automotive paint salesman and had to travel a lot for work, was not allowed to drive until he had been seizure-free for six months. These restrictions significantly reduced the amount of work that his dad was able to do, and money was tight for the Garrison family.

Blake’s dad started chemotherapy and cyber knife treatments for his tumors, and the cancer treatments seemed to be going well. The doctors were optimistic, and Blake and his family began to hope that everything in their lives would get back to normal soon.

“When I came home for Christmas break, we found out that another tumor had appeared on his brain,” Blake said. “At that point we knew we didn’t have much time left with my dad, but we had no idea just how short it would be.”

The next morning, Blake’s dad got up like he normally did. Blake and his mom both left for work just as they normally

did. But later that morning, Blake got the call that his father had died shortly after he left for work.

“After recovering from the initial shock of losing someone you loved so suddenly, my family and I started looking at how we could afford living without my dad’s income,” Blake said.

The Garrison’s financial situation didn’t look promising.

Blake knew that returning to JBU would be a financial stretch, and he began considering a possible transfer to a local university in his home state of Colorado, where he could live at home and pay in-state tuition.

“After receiving my initial financial aid award letter for my junior year at JBU, my fears were confirmed,” Blake said.

“We simply would not be able to afford another year at JBU.” At the advice of some of his professors and his residence hall RA, Blake decided to contact the JBU Financial Aid Office to tell them his situation and see if there were any more scholarships available. The

Financial Aid Office worked hard to find the funds that the Garrison family needed to continue sending Blake to John Brown University.

“If I had not received those scholarships, I would have had to transfer to another school and possibly take a year off from college,” Blake said. “I love this school and I am so thankful for the education I am receiving. Attending JBU would be impossible for me had I not received the scholarships that I have.”

Blake is now a junior at JBU, on track to graduate with his degree in mechanical engineering in May 2012. His future dreams include pursuing a graduate degree in aerospace engineering or an MBA and working for an aerospace company and eventually perhaps even NASA. Because of the scholarships Blake Garrison received from the John Brown University Scholarship Fund, losing his dad to cancer didn’t mean losing his dream of a JBU education as well.

Please give annually to the JBU scholarship fund to continue to help students in need like Blake.