RUBLE’s HALF-CENTURY + JBU BOARD HISTORY + ALUMNI MOVIE ‘CAMP’
S U M ME R 2 0 1 3
T he Official Magazine of John Br ow n Un iv ers it y
J. Alvin cornerstone ceremony 1920
Historic Hall J. Alvin’s NEW $5.5 million MAKEOVER
SPECIAL FOLDOUT – THE HISTORY OF EVERY BUILDING EVER BUILT on CAMPUS
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Celebrating the Men of J. Alvin June 30, 2013 Dear Friends of JBU,
J. Alvin has been the place in which boys have been challenged to become men in their spiritual lives, in their vocations, in their relationships with women, in their service to the community, and in their friendships with other men.
One of my first experiences in J. Alvin Residence Hall was during the annual Christmas party held in the atrium. Carey and I had just left the reverent and beautiful Candlelight Service performed by the Cathedral Choir, and we were still caught up in the spirit of that wonderful JBU tradition. As we entered J. Alvin, we heard the Chipmunks Christmas album blaring through the dorm; we saw a 30-foot pine tree in the center of the atrium that looked remarkably like a tree that I had seen in the woods along Sager Creek; and we noticed students caroming down a handmade slide that started on the third floor and plummeted to the atrium floor. The J. Alvin Christmas celebration clearly struck a different tone from the Candlelight Service. The students soon spotted us, and they began to chant my name until I agreed to go down the slide. As I made my way up to the third floor, I began to wonder how well we train our construction management students on assessing load bearing structures, but my musing was just an academic exercise. I had no choice but to go, so I soon found myself sitting on a burlap bag in my sport coat and tie ready to plunge down a slide made by 20-year-old boys. The “safety” expert at the top of the slide warned me about the transition at the bottom: “it is a little sudden so watch your back,” he said with a smile. I Godspeed,
Dr. Charles W. Pollard President, John Brown University
made it down with my back and my ego intact. It was a blast. J. Alvin has been central to the life of JBU throughout its history. It is why I was so glad to receive the news of a lead gift to encourage an extensive and much needed renovation of the building. Buildings provide the space in which we carry out JBU’s mission to educate people to honor God and serve others, and J. Alvin has been a special place. It has been the place in which boys have been challenged to become men in their spiritual lives, in their vocations, in their relationships with women, in their service to the community, and in their friendships with other men. At JBU, we are committed to a residential university experience that enables us to educate the whole person, and J. Alvin has been a wonderful “classroom” for that holistic education. Indeed, for many of our alumni, J. Alvin is sacred space because it was while they lived there that they made or deepened their commitment to Christ, they established lifelong friendships, and they discovered God’s call on their lives. We look forward to renovating J. Alvin so that it might continue to be sacred space for students at JBU. Please consider joining us in meeting the challenge grant to complete the funding to preserve this important part of the history and of the future of JBU. Thank you for the many ways that you support and encourage the work of JBU. I deeply appreciate it.
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Summer 2013 The Brown Bulletin is published by University Communications for alumni and friends in the JBU community. Dr. Chip Pollard President Dr. Jim Krall Vice President for Advancement EDITORIAL STAFF Lucas Roebuck Editor and Director of University Communications Matt Snyder Creative Director Jessa Eldridge Managing Editor Contributors John E. Brown III, Tracy Balzer, Lori Walker, Jerry Rollene, Marquita Smith, Rebecca Ridings, Rod Reed Production Support Rachel Fiet, Virginia Wietecha, Rebekah Entwistle, Sherry Miller, Sonya Price, Zack Brown, Kelly Saunders Copy Editing Paul T. Semones, Andy Klungland Thanks Marikit Schwartz Fain 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 ©2013 John Brown University
FEATURES COVER: HISTORIC HALL 9 | J. Alvin’s New $5.5 Million Makeover By Lucas Roebuck – An anonymous gift kicks off the dorm’s renovation.
10 | The J. Alvin Experience
By Tracy Balzer – In the words of the men who call the dorm home.
12 | Special Foldout: Every JBU Building Ever Built A special section detailing the history of John Brown University’s Siloam Springs buildings.
FEATURES 6 | A Brief History of the JBU Board
By John E. Brown III – A look at the mission, structure and history of the JBU Board of Trustees.
8 | Ruble’s Five Decades
By LoriWalker – Dr. Richard Ruble’s 50-year service to JBU is celebrated.
23 | JBU Alumnus Directs ‘CAMP’
By Rebecca Ridings – JBU alumnus Jacob Roebuck writes/directs film about foster children.
DEPARTMENTS JBU News — The Latest JBU Headlines — Page 3 Chaplain’s Corner — Traveling to Africa to Teach and Learn — Page 17 Advancement — Keeping JBU Affordable — Page 18 Degree Completion — Organizational Management – Page 19 Donor Legacy – The Wards and ‘The Old Apple Tree’ – Page 20 Alumni Director — Alumni Share Expertise — Page 22 Alumni News — The Latest Milestones for JBU Alumni — Page 24 In Memoriam — Remembering JBU Friends — Page 25 Grad School — Grad Shows Love to Little Rock — Page 27 From the Editor — The ‘Become’ Campaign — Page 28 On the cover: A photo of the cornerstone dedication ceremony for J. Alvin Brown Hall with the founder in the center holding the trowel. The silver trowel used in laying the cornerstone of J. Alvin was the same used in 1870 to lay the cornerstone of Wesleyan Chapel in Reading, England. The flags shown had originally flown aboard Admiral Dewey’s flagship at the battle of Manila in the Spanish-American war.
Summer 2013 | Brown Bulletin | 1
When Levi Lane ‘12 told Joel Nizza about his experience at JBU, Joel decided to check it out. Now a sophomore, Joel would never have come had Levi not shared his stories.
Share Your Stories & REFER A STUDENT TO JBU! JBU.EDU/REFER
{ JBU NEWS }
The almost-finished new CARE Clinic play therapy facility, just west of the soon to be demolished KUOA building.
New Play Therapy Clinic to Be Completed in July Construction workers are putting the finishing touches on a new CARE Clinic facility that will focus on play therapy to be utilized by the graduate counseling program. The new 2,400-square-foot clinic is scheduled to be completed by July. Building plans include up to five therapy suites specifically designed to deliver play therapy services, two sand tray rooms, two family-sized play therapy suites and one parental consultation suite equipped with flat screen TVs and cameras. In addition, the newest observation room will provide enough space for up to 10 interns and one faculty supervisor for live session observation. Play therapy, a form of psychotherapy, helps children process complex emotions through playing, a method that comes most naturally for children. Currently, the marriage and family therapy program at JBU is the largest in Arkansas. JBU is the first university in Arkansas to provide a certificate in play therapy through the graduate counseling program. Professor Awarded $250,000 Grant to Study Bacteria Dr. Joel Funk, assistant professor of biology was awarded an Arkansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) grant starting in
January to fund his research program on bacteria for the next two and a half years. Dr. Funk is studying the Coxiella burnetii bacterium, which invades the immune system, replicates inside human cells and causes the disease Q fever. Funk and his mentor, Dr. Daniel Voth from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, will be using a non-pathogenic strain to study how the bacteria are able to manipulate the host cell into forming a protected replication compartment. The findings of this research will be used to identify potential drug targets that could result in new therapies for treating Q fever and the many symptoms that it causes. His proposal was selected for funding from a pool of eight applications. KLRC Launches New 100,000-Watt Radio Signal KLRC, a ministry of John Brown University, has launched 90.9 FM, a new 100,000 watt signal that will substantially expand the coverage area of the station into Missouri and Oklahoma, while improving the signal in Northwest Arkansas. Previously KLRC’s main signal was located at 101.1 FM and broadcasted at 6,000 watts. The station began in 1983 as a 100-watt, JBU campus-only radio station. In the fall of 1988, the U.S. Federal Communications
Commission approved a power increase to 3,000 watts. In 1990, another power increase allowed the station to double in power with 6,000 watts and finally provide coverage for a significant portion of Northwest Arkansas. Translators 103.5 FM in Springdale and 99.1 FM in Bentonville were added over the years to help fill in the areas that didn’t have a good signal. Pollard Elected Chair of CCCU Board JBU President Dr. Chip Pollard was elected chair of the board of directors of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities at the Council’s board meeting in Washington, D.C. The Council for Christian Colleges and Universities is an international association of intentionally Christian colleges and universities. Founded in 1976 with 38 members, the Council has grown to 118 members in North America and 54 affiliate institutions in 20 countries. The CCCU is a taxexempt 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization headquartered in the historic Capitol Hill district of Washington, D.C. Nearly 400,000 students attend CCCU schools. The 14-member board of directors provides leadership to further the CCCU mission of Christcentered higher education and to help member institutions transform lives by faithfully relating scholarship and service to biblical truth. Board chairs serve two-year terms. Organizational Management Program Redesigned John Brown University has announced an updated curriculum for its Organizational Management degree, which is offered through the university’s Degree Completion Summer 2013 | Brown Bulletin | 3
{ JBU NEWS }
‘MINI’ winners, left to right: Chase Skelton, Emily Anderson, Jake Broce, Jacob Moore
Program. Redesigned in consultation with program alumni and corporate hiring directors, the updated program emphasizes the key skills that so many employers seek when hiring managers: critical thinking, effective communication and ethical decisionmaking. The new program will also focus on the diversity in today’s economy. Marketing Students Win Top Effie Award A team of John Brown University strategic marketing students won top honors this May in the 2013 MINI USA and Effie Collegiate Brand Challenge. After a pool of 300 student submissions were reviewed, the JBU team was one of three to be invited to the MINI USA’s headquarters in New Jersey to present its marketing strategies to the MINI USA marketing team and executives. The student team will be featured in the Effie Winners Journal for 2013 and acknowledged at the Effie Awards Gala. The students won $2,000 for their award winning campaign, “MINI: 4 | Brown Bulletin | Summer 2013
What You’ve Been Looking For.” The campaign was created by students Emily Anderson, senior; Jake Broce, junior; Chase Skelton, senior; and Jacob Moore, senior. The competition requires students to create a marketing strategy that focuses on increasing sales and overall brand awareness via social media platform engagement among the targeted market. The Effie Awards are among the most prestigious marketing awards for advertising companies. The Collegiate Effie Brand Challenge began in 2011 and offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to develop campaigns for national brands. This was the first year that students from John Brown University competed in the Collegiate Effie awards. Best-Selling Authors Jon Acuff and Bob Goff speak at JBU John Brown University and The Soderquist Center for Leadership and Ethics welcomed Bob Goff and Jon Acuff for Leadership Week 2013. Goff spoke during chapel services in the
Cathedral of the Ozarks on Feb. 19 and Acuff spoke on Feb. 22. Bob Goff is the New York Times best-selling author of “Love Does.” He is also founder of Restore International, a non-profit human rights organization operating in Uganda and India. Additionally, he serves as the honorary consul for the Republic of Uganda to the United States and is an adjunct professor at both Pepperdine Law School and Point Loma Nazarene University. Jon Acuff lives in Nashville, Tenn., with his wife and two daughters. He is a regular contributor to CNN. com, speaks nationally on a variety of subjects, and is the author of “Quitter,” “Gazelles, Baby Steps and 37 Other Things Dave Ramsey Taught Me About Debt,” and “Stuff Christians Like.” JBU Receives Fifth CASE Award for Educational Fundraising; Wins Gold Award for Webpage The Council for Advancement and Support of Education selected John Brown University as a winner of CASE’s 2012 Educational Fundraising Awards in the categories of Overall Performance and Sustained Excellence. Of the 1,011 eligible institutions, JBU was one of six universities to receive an award in Overall Performance and one of 10 universities to be given an award in Sustained Excellence. According to CASE, JBU was selected to receive the Educational Fundraising Awards in Overall Performance and Sustained Excellence based on the overall quality of the fundraising program, the innovation of the program, the use of resources and the program’s impact on the university’s alumni, parents, students, faculty and staff. In addition JBU’s University Communications team received top awards during the 2013 CASE Accolades Competition in Fort Worth, Texas. JBU won the gold for its webpage, won silver for photography and bronze in the student
{ JBU NEWS } recruitment category for its “Become” Video series. CASE is one of the largest international associations of education institutions, serving more than 3,400 universities, colleges, schools and related organizations in 68 countries. This year’s Accolades Competition had more than 1,300 entries in 70 categories. CASE is the leading resource for professional development, information and standards in the fields of education fundraising, communications, marketing and alumni relations. Graduate Counseling Earns Play Therapy Education Designation
Newspaper winners, left to right: Jenny Redfern, Esther Carey, Jon Skinner, Laura Roller, JP Garcia and Ron Asbill.
The Graduate Counseling Department of John Brown University has earned designation as an Approved Center of Play Therapy Education by the Association for Play Therapy. With this designation, JBU will offer play therapy graduate and supervisor training courses in addition to generating publications and presentations to benefit students, faculty and practitioners. These programs may be applied to satisfy state licensing requirements and to earn the Registered Play Therapist and Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor credentials conferred by APT. The Play Therapy Institute is part of the Graduate Counseling Department, which will oversee the training. The John Brown University CARE Clinics, located
around the state, will serve as practice play therapy sites. StoaUSA 2013 NITOC Speech and Debate Tournament held at JBU The 2013 National Invitational Tournament of Champions, a forensic tournament hosted by StoaUSA, was held on the JBU campus on May 20-25. This was the largest recorded Christian forensics competition for number of overall speeches and debates, with a total of 1,785 event entries by more than 500 students competing throughout the week. StoaUSA is a junior high and high school speech and debate league that offers numerous tournaments
Speech and Debate: More than 1,500 people traveled to JBU to attend the StoaUSA 2013 National Invitational Tournament of Champions.
to Christian homeschooled students throughout the nation. The National Invitational Tournament of Champions is an invitation-only event that is hosted by StoaUSA at the end of each tournament season. JBU Student Newspaper Wins Honors at State, Regional Level The Arkansas College Media Association announced John Brown University Senior Jenny Redfern as the 2013 Editor of the Year. Threefold Advocate photo editor, JP Garcia, won Photographer of the Year, and the newspaper overall ranked No. 1 in In-depth News and No. 2 in Editorial Writing among other Arkansas colleges and universities. In all, the Threefold Advocate’s staff were awarded 12 individual awards and six honorable mentions. The Tulsa Press Club also awarded the Threefold Advocate several awards at the 2013 Great Plains Journalism Award ceremony in May. Kara Underwood was named student designer of the year. Garcia and Ron Asbill were finalists for student photographer of the year. Redfern was a finalist for the Great Plains student editor-in-chief of the year. n Summer 2013 | Brown Bulletin | 5
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By John E. Brown III
A brief history Of the
The Board of Trustees for John Brown University serves as the legal and spiritual guardians of the mission, values, and physical assets of the university corporation. Since the University’s founding in 1919, this Board has had significant changes in its composition and organization. However, as evidenced by the University’s continuing growth and alumni accomplishments over the years, the Board of Trustees and its individual members have provided a remarkable level of support, dedicated service, and effective Christian leadership through both challenging times and years of great blessing. The first Board was established in August 1919, when founder John E. Brown, Sr., and his wife Juanita Arrington Brown deeded their 300-acre farm in Siloam Springs to The Southwestern Collegiate Institute. The name was changed a year later to the John E. Brown College, at 6 | Brown Bulletin | Summer 2013
JBU Board
the urging of friends and donors. The original Board included the Founder, his wife, and a close group of family and friends. Recognizing the need to handle donor funds with public integrity, however, Dr. Brown Sr., did include two local bankers on the Board as members of the Executive Committee. “Mr. Connelly Harrington, cashier of the First National Bank, has been made chairman of the executive board, and Mr. O.P. Maxwell, cashier of the State Bank, has been made treasurer. These men will supervise expenditures and those who join me building this great school can rest assured their money will be wisely invested,” wrote the Founder in the September 1919 edition of “The American Evangelist.” Dr. Brown was also determined that the college would be non-denominational. No church or group of churches would exercise control over the campus or appoint members to the Board. Thus,
from its formation, the JBU Board of Trustees has been an independent or “self-perpetuating” board — one which nominates and elects its own members. As a result, the members of the Board of Trustees have historically come from a wide variety of Protestant denominations, professions, and geographic regions. In 1934, the college was re-incorporated as a four-year baccalaureate institution to be named John Brown University. The Articles of Incorporation filed that year reflect a total of nine trustees, including three women — Mrs. Brown, Sr., Mrs. Elsie Miller (a sister), and May F. Boudinot, a trusted employee. Within three years, the Board had grown to include 23 members — some employees, some Brown family members, and a select group of business friends. As the University grew and expanded its scope, so did the work of the Board. In June 1935, the Board approved
{ f ea t ure } the purchase of Radio Station KUOA, an AM signal then licensed in Fayetteville, Ark. The station’s 5,000-watt signal allowed Dr. Brown to preach early each morning to an audience all across the Midwest, and to invite his listeners to respond with gifts to the University in Siloam Springs. A significant change did occur in April 1948. John E. Brown Sr., resigned as “president of the Board of Trustees.” Upon the Board’s acceptance of that resignation, the Founder was immediately elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees and his son, John E. Brown Jr., back from service in the Navy in World War II, was elected president of the University corporation (at the age of 26). This shift in family leadership was mirrored in 1979, when I was named University president by the Board (assuming office at age 30) and Dr. Brown Jr., was named to fill a newly approved position of chancellor. Chancellor Brown continued to work on the management and development of endowment properties, primarily in radio. Both positions reported directly to the Board of Trustees until Chancellor Brown’s full retirement from the University in 1987. The major event which preceded a true re-organization of the JBU Board was the death of the Founder, Dr. John E. Brown Sr., on Feb. 12, 1957. At a special called meeting of the Board on Feb. 18, the Board passed a unanimous resolution to “rededicate our lives to the ideals upon which the school was founded.” The Board minutes from meetings following the Founder’s death reflect a variety of changes in both the organization and scope of responsibility for the University’s governing body. In April 1958, Robert Hyde, a JBU alumnus and Mississippi highway construction contractor, became the first non-family member to serve as Chairman of the JBU Board of Trustees. Another JBU alumnus, John Storm, who worked at the time for Sinclair Oil in
Central America to study and complete Tulsa, was elected Vice-Chairman of a baccalaureate degree over four years at the Board. JBU and two other Christian colleges in A new set of bylaws was approved on Arkansas. Dec. 5, 1959, ushering in the modern What are the qualities of a good trust“corporate” model for Board governance. ee for JBU? “I think the primary quality The Bylaws provided for a “minimum of 18 of a good JBU Trustee is for the person and a maximum of 24 voting members.” to be a godly leader in their church, their Standing committees and their duties were business, and in their family,” said Mr. enumerated: an Executive Committee, a Walker. “They need a love for the Lord Committee on Finance, a Committee on and a love for higher education.” He Instruction, a Committee of Physical Plant also noted that, in addition to a “servant and Development, and a Committee on heart” and a “belief in the mission of Public Relations and Promotion. A further JBU,” many trustees are “sacrificial in givamendment to the bylaws in 1969 estabing of their time and resources.” lished new, but similar, titles and areas of Robert Cupp, teaching pastor at Felresponsibility: Academic Affairs, Student lowship Bible Church Affairs, Development, Two simple but in Lowell, Ark., has and Business Affairs. The current Bylaws profound historical served as Chairman from 2007 to provide for up to 36 values have guided the present. “I think voting members. The commitment to the standing committhis Board ... our heritage and history tee titles and duties motto “Christ Over of JBU is critical to have been modified to some extent, but All” and our mission of being a good trustee — Head, Heart, and the essential Univereducating the “Head, Hand,” he said. Also, sity divisions are the Mr. Cupp pointed out same. An EndowHeart, and Hand.” that effective Trustees ment Committee was understand that they deal in “policy govadded as investment properties were ernance,” not in micro-managing issues sold and merged into a more traditional on campus. investment pool. A Board Membership Over the past 20 years, as the Unicommittee was also added, and an Audit versity has moved to non-Brown family sub-committee is appointed annually. leadership (with the full support and While the 1977 Board established encouragement of the Brown family), the current policy that “half or more” the John Brown University Board of of the membership should be alumni of Trustees has functioned wisely, effecthe University, they also set in place a tively, and with true spiritual discernnew policy that all Board offices should ment in all of the many duties and decibe open to any trustee, whether or not sions put before them. Two simple but an alumnus. Up to that time, the Board profound historical values have guided Chairman and all committee chairs had this Board in helping JBU to grow as a been JBU alumni. place of recognized quality, and disDon Walker, chairman from 2002-07 tinctively Christian, higher education: and an Arvest Bank president in Arkansas our motto “Christ Over All” and our and Oklahoma, noted the addition of one mission of educating the “Head, Heart, trustee position on the Board for a Waland Hand.” ton Scholarship Alumnus as an important As our current President, Dr. Chip recognition by the Board. The scholarship Pollard often says: “May it always be program, begun in 1985 by the Walton true!” n Family Foundation, brings students from Summer 2013 | Brown Bulletin | 7
RUBLE’s FIVE DECADES OF SERVICE By Lori Walker
When Dr. Richard Ruble began working at John Brown University in 1963, he expected Siloam Springs to be a temporary home. That was five decades ago. This year, he will be celebrating 50 years of service to JBU. “I had two offers that year – one from JBU and one from a university in New York City. I knew people in Siloam Springs, and I’m from the south, so I accepted that position,” Ruble says. “I really thought the job would be a stepping stone, but I loved Siloam Springs and JBU, so I’m still here, 50 years later.” Ruble taught psychology, Bible, and Greek before accepting the role of vice president for academic affairs. Since retiring from his full-time position, he teaches Bible and ethics courses in JBU’s Degree Completion Program. Carol Petross, office manager for the JBU Rogers Center, said that Degree Completion students enjoy Ruble’s classes so much that they often ask when he’s teaching again. “I’ve had many students who – once they have had him as an instructor – call me and 8 | Brown Bulletin | Summer 2013
want to know when he is teaching an elective module so they can enroll in another one of his classes,” Petross says. “We’ve had students take every elective he teaches, whether they need the credit or not, because they enjoy him as a teacher.” After seeing John Brown, Jr.’s photo on the cover of a magazine as the nation’s youngest college president, Ruble found himself working closely with Chancellor Brown as JBU’s chief academic officer. “He was such a wonderful president,” Ruble says. “And so was his son, John E. Brown III. I was honored to work for both of those great, godly men.” A few years after he served as John E. Brown III’s professor, Ruble became one of his most valued colleagues. “Richard Ruble was first my teacher while attending JBU, then he became a colleague, friend, and trusted advisor during my tenure as president,” Brown, now JBU president emeritus, said. “While serving as vice president for academic affairs, his theological training and great insight into the academic process of the university were invalu-
able to me as I tried to grow into the responsibilities of leadership at JBU. Richard’s faithfulness to God and to JBU for the past 50 years are an exceptional example to all of us who would seek to serve Christ and His kingdom in Christian higher education.” Ruble has taught more than 10,000 students during his tenure, including Bill Overton, who graduated in 1983. “Dr. Ruble was one of my favorite professors!” Overton said. “He was so kind not to get upset at my sleeping in his 6:45 a.m. psych class in 1967, but somehow I managed to pass the class, anyway,” Eric Thimell says. “Dr. Ruble was such a gracious and knowledgeable man.” This summer Ruble plans to teach his last JBU course. He’s also been tapped as the 2013 Commencement speaker. “In my 50 years at JBU, its mission hasn’t changed,” Ruble says. “The university has continued to focus on ‘Christ Over All’ and its dedication to providing a quality Christian education to all students. Working at JBU has truly been a joy.” n
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RENEWING J. ALVIN
A MANLY MAKEOVER FOR JBU’S MOST HISTORIC HALL By Lucas Roebuck
An anonymous donor has created a $1.25 million matching challenge. Donate now to the J. Alvin Renovation Project to have your gift matched, dollar for dollar: jbu.edu/give
The J. Alvin Brown Residence Hall, the oldest JBU building still standing, is getting a $5.5 million makeover to renew the life of the university’s classic men’s housing facility. John Brown University announced the renovation project in February, along with an anonymous $3 million lead gift. The renovation will remodel the 93year old men’s dormitory, updating the rooms into modern suites with features similar to JBU’s newer residence halls. J. Alvin is the oldest university structure on campus. Construction began this summer and is expected to be completed by summer 2014. “With this renovation, J. Alvin, which has had a shaping influence on the lives of young Christian men for generations, will be preserved for the benefit of generations of men yet to come to JBU,” said Dr. Chip Pollard, JBU president. “We are deeply grateful for the anonymous lead gift, and we look forward to the additional support that will be needed to make this critical renovation a reality.” A portion of the lead gift has been
designated as a matching challenge, meaning funds contributed by other donors will be doubled by the lead gift, up to $1.25 million. “We’re excited we will be able to continue the legacy of this historic building. We hear often from our alumni about the great memories and lifelong friends made when living in J. Alvin,” said Dr. Jim Krall, vice president for advancement. “I am thankful that part of this lead gift is a matching opportunity for $1.25 million that will encourage alumni and friends of JBU to give the remaining funds needed to complete the project.” Although exact records are not available, JBU estimates more than 4,000 students have lived in J. Alvin since 1921. The cornerstone for J. Alvin was laid in 1920, one year after the university’s founding. The north wing was completed with a $50,000 gift from Texas oilman Jesse H. Jones in honor of Jones’ father and mother. Jones would later become Secretary of Commerce under Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The building was named after Joseph Alvin Brown, who was the younger brother of the university’s namesake founder. J. Alvin Brown worked closely Summer 2013 | Brown Bulletin | 9
{ J . A lv i n R e n o va t i o n } with his older brother during the early days of university fundraising, serving as both a member of the Board of Trustees and vice president. The original wing was completed in 1921 and featured 44 rooms and two teacher apartments. J. Alvin has always been JBU’s primary men’s dormitory. Through the 1940s, the hall regularly housed around 100 men at a time. Through the 1950s, a $500,000 multi-phase project partially designed by students to renovate and expand J. Alvin was launched, with much of the work being carried out by construction management students. The second wing was opened in 1959. By 1963, additional floors had been added to the new wing, giving the building roughly the same shape and student capacity — 225 — that J. Alvin has today. This period of renovation introduced the suite configuration to the hall. In 1983, a new wiring system brought telephones to each suite in J. Alvin. In 1985, the last major renovation of J. Alvin took place. The $1 million project enclosed the courtyard into an atrium and upgraded the HVAC systems and plumbing. n
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THE J. ALVIN EXPERIENCE IN THE WORDS OF THE MEN WHO CALL THE DORM HOME By Tracy Balzer
As J. Alvin and its residents prepare for their home-away-fromhome to get a major makeover, they know that one thing will never change: the love that J. Alvin men have for their hall and for their J. Alvin brothers. “All men, all suites, all the time!” This is how current Resident Assistant Patton Conroy sums up his feelings about his beloved dorm. “And we have an atrium!” he proudly adds. J. Alvin residents are, in a manner of speaking, a unique bunch – proud, unified, a brotherhood. That brotherhood began with the laying of the building’s first cornerstone in June 1920. One year later the first wing of the residence hall was completed, and dedicated in honor of J. Alvin Brown, younger brother of the college’s founder. Back then “Uncle Alvin,” known for devoting his best to everything he did, worked closely with his brother John Brown Sr. Since then, the building has undergone a variety of upgrades and expansions. The beloved atrium, or “Alvindome” as it was once known, was begun in April 1985, and has since been the scene of all kinds of expressions of J. Alvin loyalty and pride. Current Assistant Residence DirecCopyright 2013 Hastings & Chivetta Architects, Inc.
January 18, 2013
tor, Marco Manzanilla (senior chemistry major, Belize), testifies that one of his best memories from living in J. Alvin was when he was a sophomore and some of the older students invited him to play “atrium soccer” with them, giving him the chance to begin building relationships with guys from a totally new culture. “Being far away from my family and home, I (now) enter J. Alvin and I see the atrium,” says Manzanilla, “and I see my home here in the U.S. I don’t only see a dorm, I see a home. Now (as I graduate) I will miss my home and my brothers.” It’s a home that currently houses 225 students from around the world, all of whom find a family during their time as J. Alvin residents; family that plays together, prays together, struggles together, and grows together. All manner of J.Alvin traditions have been established over the decades. “Whenever alumni would arrive on campus and speak with me, as soon as they found out I was the J. Alvin RD, they would always tell me a story,” says former Residence Director Greg Brock. “Everyone who’s been close to JBU has a connection to that building, whether they lived there or not. It was always fascinating to hear about years
{ c o ver S t o ry }
past and the things that would take place there.” Super Bowl parties have been an annual tradition in J. Alvin since the late 1960s. Enthusiasm behind the annual J.Alvin Christmas party has continued unabated since its origin in the early 90s, with each suite trying to outdo the others in a competition for best and most creatively decorated room. Greg Brock reflects on an especially memorable year during his four years as RD: “One year, right in the middle of the Christmas party (with a live animal petting zoo), the fire alarm was set off by a fog machine. Everyone was standing outside in the cold as the fire truck pulled up. As I explained the whole situation to the firefighters, I realized the ridiculousness of the situation. I was standing there, talking to the firemen, holding a baby goat and wearing an ugly Christmas sweater. Meanwhile Dr. & Mrs. Pollard and all the choir members were decked out in their fancy clothes from having just finished the candlelight service. It was a bizarre and really fun night.” Guys and girls alike fondly preserve the “J.Alvin Loves Mayfield” event, which started in 2001. “My favorite J. Alvin tradition,” says Manzanilla. On an evening each fall, the men dress up and walk
to Mayfield to serenade the residents there, and a week later the women of Mayfield visit J. Alvin with gifts of homemade cookies. Another tradition that continues since the mid2000’s is a fake proposal (with the cooperation of a JBU woman, of course) at the end of orientation week to dupe the freshmen, a prank that new female students regularly fall for, accompanied by sighs...and then a bit of low-grade anger once the truth is revealed. “In my 14 years of working with college students,” says Greg Brock, “without a doubt the craziest things I’ve seen happen took place in J.Alvin. From building a deck with a hot tub, to creating a beach-side common room complete with sand, J. Alvin has seen a lot in its halls and I’m so happy that it will continue for years to come.” What really makes J. Alvin great is the way life is lived together. “The community is so strong,” says current RD, Eric Gingerich. “Guys doing life together is so fun, but the community is deeper to the point of caring and intentionality in each other’s lives. These men are in the process of forming lifelong friendships.” Greg Brock concurs. “One of my favorite times of the year is the very beginning when all the men of J. Alvin gather in the atrium to start the year. There were only a few times when all the J. Alvin men would be in one room, but I always loved it. A few times a years we would share a
meal in J. Alvin with all the guys. We set up tables stretching through the atrium and we’d feast together. Those were great experiences.” Fellowship, faith and growing in the knowledge of what it means to be a godly man are some of the building blocks of life in J. Alvin. When upperclassmen live alongside new, younger students, great opportunities for mentorship present themselves in ways that can never be repeated in the life of a student in the exact same way. “The peer to peer mentorship is something that is much better here, because that ethos is built into our housing model here,” says Gingerich. “Our theme ‘Redeeming Manhood’ not only allows for guys to learn how to have positive fun together, but it also narrows the focus on their spiritual development as well and empowers upperclassmen to lead the charge in that quest.” Each year a new class of men enters J. Alvin. Some have no idea what is in store for them; others enter with expectancy with the mantle of brotherhood passed on to them from their own brothers or fathers. It won’t matter that the actual building will be in transition as it undergoes its remodel. This year, like those before it, will be yet another year of life and learning that carries on the tradition of fellowship that is unique to J. Alvin. It seems that the only way to appropriately sum up the J. Alvin experience is to let its residents across the decades declare it for themselves: “J. Alvin rules!” n Summer 2013 |
Brown Bulletin | 11
‘In the beginning,
there was a cornfield on a small hill west of Siloam Springs.’ John E. Brown’s Home
Southwestern
Band House
South Hill Dwelling
Mechanical Building #1
California Dorm (1922 –2002)
(1924 – 2004)
Catalina
Alumni Building
The founder’s house was built prior to JBU’s establishment. To make way for Mayfield dorm, JBU auctioned the home in 1963. The house was sold for $100 to Lee Carpenter, who cut the building into three pieces and moved it to his farm. As he cut through the upper story, a wallet containing three dollars (each marked 1923) fell from the ceiling. The wallet’s original owner remains a mystery. The home was destroyed by termites and torn down in the late 1980s. (Also called the teacherage and the guesthouse.)
Six weeks — that is how long construction took on Southwestern, JBU’s first building. Housing classrooms, dorms and vocational departments, this versatile building was remodeled so many times that an exact recorded number is unknown. (Also called the White Building, Vocational Building)
Perhaps one of the funniest structures in JBU’s early history was the log cabin built behind J. Alvin. Tired of trying to find space for band practice, a group of JBU men made their own space by constructing a log cabin. From this came the Log Cabin Band. The building all but disappears into JBU history, save for a handful of photos naming it the “Log Cabin School.” (Also called The Log Cabin.)
The original white-framed house was surrounded by a grove of trees, located on land opposite the Brown home. In the summer of 1921, the women moved into South Hill, which allowed J. Alvin to become a men’s dorm. Later, South Hill was remodeled to become a resident facility for married students and faculty.
Also known as the vocational building, this versatile structure was used for almost every need on campus. It housed everything from a broom and brush factory to a beauty shop and auto agency. After several renovations, it was renamed the Arkansas Building in 1953. In 1974, it was dismantled to make way for the Learning Resource Center complex. (Also called the General Office Building.)
This beloved building was dorm room, classroom and home for generations of students. Although ground was broken in 1922, an unexpected financial downturn held construction in abeyance until 1927. In 2002, after a lifetime of extensive use, it was torn down to make way for the Soderquist Business Center.
Originally built as an infirmary in 1924, this red brick bungalow was later the site of KUOA’s first campus broadcast in 1936. After transforming from infirmary, KUOA studio, coffee shop, music department, faculty center, office building, and Bible faculty building to temporary dorm room, the building was demolished in anticipation of the Soderquist Business Center.
Scraps of the original Southwestern went towards this building’s construction, which was dedicated in 1931. The structure housed at different times a dress factory, laundry, pressing shop, bakery, extension department, print shop, welding shop, bakery, and a bank. By 1957, the building was renovated and renamed R.W. Hyde Engineering Building. Now, an amphitheater marks the spot where this historic building once stood.
(1911 – 1963)
This account,
recorded by the university’s first librarian, May F. Boudinot, offers a glimpse into the university’s Spartan beginnings. Over time, this “school in a cornfield” expanded, as did the need for structures to house JBU’s enterprises. Today, the square footage of campus buildings is approaching the one million mark.
As time went on, many structures were erected. Many provided years of service before being torn down. A few endure to this day. Other buildings remained unnamed, their existence only remembered in ghostly outlines in photos, almost entirely lost to history.
This timeline lists every known JBU Siloam Springs structure throughout the history of the university. Select buildings are featured above.
Sager Creek Cabin (1833 – present) The cabin was the first permanent residence in Siloam and is a historical landmark. JBU has remodeled it to house the office of the agriculture department and the office of Eagle Construction. J. Alvin Brown’s Home (approx. 1900 – unknown) The founder’s brother’s house was located across the street from the Southwestern building. It was used to house faculty during the late 1920s.
(1919 – 1931)
(1921 – 1940s)
(1921 – 1931)
(1922 – 1974)
(1928 – 2011)
However brief or long its life on campus, each building changed not only the landscape, but the lives of men and women who lived well, worked hard, learned much and loved friends on College Hill. These next few pages offer a timeline record of every building history records—both legendary and obscure—from JBU’s past and present. school’s establishment. The founder broadcasted some of his first sermons from this building. University Hospital / Siloam Hospital (1913 – 1924) A small hospital was opened by JBU in City Hall in downtown Siloam Springs. JBU moved its infirmary onto campus once Catalina was built.
John Brown’s home (1911 – 1963) Featured above.
Steel auditorium (approx. 1917 – unknown) This building in downtown Siloam Springs was included in John E. Brown’s original property that was deeded to the school.
Cottage behind the John E. Brown home (approx. 1911 – 1960s) The cottage was built prior to the
Publishing House (approx. 1917 – unknown) This building in downtown Siloam Springs was also included in John
E. Brown’s original property that was deeded to the school. Southwestern / “White” Building (1919 – 1931) Featured above. Cottage behind Southwestern (approx. 1919 – 1935) Known as the “white cottage” because of its color, this building was located behind Southwestern, and was home to the dean, Charles A. Rexroad. An annex was erected between the two buildings in the summer of 1920 to hold the publishing house and bindery which were relocated from downtown Siloam Springs. The cottage became home to the Music department in 1920, and in 1923 was moved next to the log cabin
behind J. Alvin dorm. It is believed that this is the building which was later called “Mother Brown’s Home,” and developed into an infirmary in the late 1940s.
1920s J. Alvin Brown Dorm (1920 – present) Featured on Pages 9-11. Band House / Log Cabin (1921 – 1940s) Featured above. Female Faculty Cottage (1921 – 1922)
Girls’ Dormitory / South Hill Dwelling (1921 – 1931) Featured above.
Cannery (1923 – unknown) The cannery was located under the trees near J. Alvin.
Farm manager home (1921 – unknown) Property from across Sager Creek was purchased, which increased the size of the JBU farm and afforded a home for the farm manager.
Catalina (1924 – 2004) Featured above.
Mechanical Building #1 / Arkansas Building (1922 – 1974) Featured above. California Dorm (1922 – 2002) Featured above.
Alumni building / R.W. Hyde ENGINEERING building (1928 – 2011) Featured above. Oklahoma building / Five State Building (1927 – never completed) Ground was broken and construction begun on the foundation, but work was halted permanently due to insufficent funds. Later on, in 1956, the library (present day Windgate Visual Arts East) was built at this same location.
1930s New dairy barn (1931 – unknown) Tool house (1931 – unknown) Sorghum Mill (1931 – unknown) The mill, surrounded by large stacks of sorghum cane, was located in the woods behind the Junior School building. During the fall of 1941, workers produced about 100 gallons of syrup a day. The mill consisted of presses run by horsepower, and syrup was boiled in large pans out in the open. Before eating, dirt, grasshoppers, and yellow jackets were skimmed off the top.
Helen the First / Helen Brown HODGES Memorial building (1931 – 1973) Featured above. Gardener’s Cottage (1932 – 1952) Pumping plant (1932 – unknown) The plant was located in a brick building at the foot of the bluff behind the California dorm. It contained two automatic electric pumps that supplied constant pressurized Ozark spring water to the campus. Home Economics Home (1932 – unknown) Barn (1932 – unknown) New buildings were constructed to
house the machine shop, the farm implements and the jersey herd. Poultry Ranch / Chicken Farm (1932 – 1940s) Dry Kiln / Saw Mill (1932 – 1942) In 1942, a fire began in the boiler room and burned the building to the ground, while destroying 5,000 feet of oak lumber. Garage (1934 – 1947) This 10-stall garage was erected next to the mechanical building to house equipment. Water Tower (1934 – late 1960s) The water tower was constructed behind the garage.
South Hill Dorm / Juanita Brown Hall (1934 – 1960s) Built in the same location as the original South Hill house, this facility housed faculty and staff, with women on one end of the building and men on the other. In the late 1940s, it was occupied fully by married students. Well water was used in this building, making water pressure less dependable. If upper story residents left a tap on when the water was off, later on the residents on lower floors would find water running from the ceiling. JBU Hospital (1935 – 1948) Originally the home of Connelly Harrington, this building is still standing and is located in downtown Siloam Springs. JBU purchased the facility in 1935 and
opened it as a hospital in 1936. After the JBU hospital moved in 1948, the building was sold and became the Ozark Apartments.
vocational space after a fire destroyed Mechanical Building #2. The university was without a gymnasium for several years.
Apartments (1938 – unknown) This white apartment building was located near the KUOA transmitter.
KUOA Building / Graphics Building (1936 – 2013) Featured above.
Power and light plant / “Old Bessie” (1937 – 2002) The plant was located adjacent to the Alumni/Hyde building. While the power plant was being torn down in 2002, the Alumni Building’s original cornerstone was exposed for the first time in almost 50 years. The stone’s dedication read “1928 Gift of the Alumni Association.” “Bessie” was the generator that was covered by the building, and students would work in shifts to keep it running.
Blood Memorial Building (1938 – present) Featured above.
Mechanical Building #2 / Engineering Labs (1937 – 1947) Featured above. Old Gymnasium (1937 – 1950s) The original gymnasium was built largely by students and staff. It was located where the present day Bell Science Hall sits. Later, when the university began using the valley gymnasium, the old gym was temporarily used as
Arkansas Airport (1938 – 1999) Featured above.
Administration Building / Faculty Center (1938 – 1960s) Built immediately to the east of where the Cathedral of the Ozarks would be located, this small building was also briefly used as a print shop and the center for John Brown Sr.’s broadcasts. During the 1960s, the building was sold and moved along the ArkansasOklahoma border.
Library (1939 – never completed) Construction on the new library building began by the current location of Murray Sells gymnasium, but was never completed due to the outbreak of World War II. Oklahoma Airport and Airplane Hanger (1939 – 1960) Featured above.
1940s 1605 Holly Place (approx. 1942 – 2007) During the 1940s, this house was the daycare site, also known as the “Child Development Lab.”
Poultry House (1944 – unknown) Saw mill (1944 – unknown) Cathedral of the Ozarks (1945 – present) Featured above. Planing Mill / New Fire House (1945 – 1947) This steel building was located behind the South Hill area. Government Housing Project (1946 – unknown) Thanks to government funding, approximately 20 houses located throughout Siloam Springs were purchased for enrolled veterans following the end of World War II.
Helen Brown Hodges Memorial Building (1931 – 1973)
Sorrow came over College Hill in 1931 when Helen Brown Hodges, John Brown Sr.’s daughter, passed away unexpectedly. She had been active on campus and well loved by the community. It was thus fitting that the newest building be dedicated in her honor. Constructed using salvaged materials from Southwestern dormitory, it was was later renovated in the 1950s to become a men’s dormitory. (Also called Helen The First and M.O. Dorm.)
FWA Science Building (1947 – 1979) Following the destruction of Mechanical Building #2, the government donated the Federal Works Administration Science Building along with several other buildings to the university. In the 1950s, it was renovated for engineering use. Juanita Brown Annex (1948 – unknown) This was a supplementary apartment building built adjacent to South Hill Dorm. It had four 3-room apartments, each with a private bath. White Apartment House (1940s – 1960s)
KUOA building (1936 – 2013)
The first crackling airwaves from JBU’s radio station KFPW came from a humble 100watt transmitter located in a white cottage behind John Brown’s home. In 1935, John Brown purchased KUOA from the Fulbright Corporation of Fayetteville. When the Federal Radio Commission granted permission to build a new station, KUOA was moved to the JBU campus. In 1936, ground was broken to build a radio station and a 450-foot antenna tower, which John Brown Sr. referred to as “The Rod of God”. (Also called the Graphics building.)
1950s Library / engineering building / visual arts East (1952 – present) The library was built on the site of the unfinished Oklahoma building. It was converted to the Engineering building in 1981, and currently serves as the Windgate Visual Arts East building. 1635 Holly Place / President’s Home / honors center (1952 – present) This house on Holly Place was the home of John Brown Jr. and subsequent presidents. It was converted into the Honors Center
in the summer of 2007. President Chip Pollard moved into a new home across Sager Creek in the fall of 2006. Valley Gym (1953 – 1988) This building was donated and assembled by the U.S. government, and during construction was brought in piece by piece from the Fort Worth Army Base in Texas. Although well used, by 1988 the Valley Gym was a campus eye-sore. When it was finally torn down, many commented that the California Dorm—by then also quite old—had become the most “dilapidated building on campus.” Mother Mac’s Cottage (1957 – unknown)
Mechanical Building #2 (1937 – 1947)
Not many students today know that JBU had a fire department, housed in the second mechanical building. In addition to fire equipment, the building was used as a paint shop, wood work shop, aviation laboratory and water purifying center. A fire destroyed the facility in 1947. Ironically, the equipment needed to douse the flames were housed in the building at the time of the fire.
Weather Observation Station (1957 – 1960s) Science Building (1958 – present) With the dedication of this building, the Cathedral Group was finally complete. When the new Bell Science Hall opened in 2003, it became the Art Building, and is currently the Windgate Visual Arts West building. Quonset Hut (1959 – 2006) This building was purchased by JBU and installed as a bath house for the valley swimming pool.
Blood Memorial Building
Cathedral of the Ozarks
(1938 – 1960, 1999)
Named in honor of a Kansas couple who were friends of the University, the Blood Memorial was built entirely of native Arkansas materials and is the second oldest remaining structure on JBU’s campus. Now, this 75-year-old building acts as JBU’s Admissions and Financial Aid center, serving a most befitting purpose — greeting visitors and ensuring students applying will also have a place in JBU’s history.
With the hum of World War II approaching in 1938, JBU initiated a government-affiliated aviation department. Within a year, a small airfield had been built to the south of campus. When World War II hit, enrollment in aviation classes doubled, prompting the university to construct a second airport across the Oklahoma border where the present day Cherokee Casino stands. The flight instruction program was discontinued in the late 1950s due to high cost-to-student ratio. (Known as Arkansas Airport and Oklahoma Airport.)
1960s Broadhurst Village (1962 – present) The first duplex was dedicated in 1962 and the buildings were primarily used by married students. During the 1970s, married students residing in the dorms paid $95 a month for rent, which included cable television. Only 5 of the original 20 remain due to construction of the Berry Performing Arts Center and the Balzer Technology Center. Mayfield (1963 – present) Featured above.
Airports
(1938 – present)
Murray Sells Gymnasium (1964 – present) Alumni donations made up $100,000 of the total $350,000 cost to build this facility, and the money was collected in just 90 days. KUOA Studios (1968 – present)
1970s 1603 Holly Place (1971 – present) Ward Home/MIR house (1972 – present) See story on Page 20.
Mabee Student Center and Chapman Administration Building (1972 – present) The total construction cost of these two buildings was $1.6 million. The buildings covered needs that were being unsatisfactorily met in other areas of campus, for instance, expanding administration office space. Maintenance Building (1977 – unknown) Mabee Learning Resource Center (l979 – present) Featured above.
Mayfield
(1945 – present)
(1963 – present)
The vision for this iconic structure came long before a cornerstone was placed in 1945. Indeed, John Brown Sr. called the Ozark Mountains a “great cathedral,” and dreamt of creating a building that captured the beauty of Arkansas’ sloping hills. Each section was in use before being fully completed, and all the pews and carpentry were built in JBU’s furniture department and saw mill. Sadly, John Brown Sr. passed away two months before the atrium’s dedication in 1957. The founder’s original vision was finally completed in 2008, when the exterior was renovated and covered with limestone.
This women’s dorm was constructed where John Brown Sr.’s home once stood. As JBU’s student body grew, extra dorm rooms were created out of ironing closets, and girls often crowded four to a room. At times, roommates were shuffled about — like a game of musical chairs — several times a semester. One Mayfielder recalls having six different roommates in six days.
1980s Fieldhouse / Storage unit (1980s – unknown) Entrance marker / Flagpoles (1982 – present) At its dedication, several items were enclosed in the monument that will be revealed in 2019, on the one-hundreth anniversary of John Brown University. Walton Lifetime Health Complex (WLHC) (1986 – present) Featured above.
Gazebo (1988 – 2010) This structure was designed and built by Toby Thompson, who saw that the children of married students would have to brave all kinds of elements from the weather as they waited for the bus. He designed the gazebo to shelter the kids. The design was proposed to the parents (who provided labor) and the school provided funds.
1990s Townhouses (1990 – present) The six Townhouses were built two at a time starting in 1990 and ending in 1994. They are home
Mabee Learning Resource Center
Walton Lifetime Health Complex
Pat and Willard Walker Student Center
This multi-use facility known as the LRC was home to a new library, classrooms, offices, a TV studio, and administrative space. The Arutunoff Library, a main feature in the complex, was named for Armais Arutunoff, a Russian engineer. When Arutunoff immigrated to the United States, he began listening to early morning sermons by evangelist John E. Brown. After making a fortune, he donated to John Brown University and occasionally visited the school to lecture. Students were generally intrigued by the sight of his uniformed and capped chauffeur sitting in the front row.
Although well used and greatly loved, by 1986 the Murray Sells Physical Education Building could no longer hold the growing student body. Per JBU building tradition, the complex was designed for adapting to whatever administrative, recreational or event-hosting need arose. It soon became a popular hangout spot for students and is still used by both the JBU and Siloam communities to this day.
When the Pat and Willard Walker Student Center arrived on the scene it became the central nervous system of campus. Because the main activity center is attached to the residential section, Walker residents (as well as other students) have been known to wake up, go to classes, send a package overseas and eat — all without leaving the comfort of their pajamas or needing to brave the outside elements.
(1979 – present)
for up to 106 upperclassmen and women. There are two sides to each house, each side housing 8-10 students.
multiple high ropes courses and low initiatives. This facility is located on the east edge of campus in the valley across Sager Creek.
340 S. Holly St. (1995 – present)
100 S. Holly (1999 – present)
Greenhouse / Facility Service Building (FSB) (1996 – 2007) CARE Clinic (1998 – present) Prior to its use as the CARE clinic, this building was the home of Billie Holliday. BaseCamp (1999 – present) Operated by the Soderquist Center, BaseCamp fosters leadership development and team building in an outdoor environment with
2000s Lower Power Plant (2000 – present) Pat & Willard Walker Student Center (2000 – present) Featured above. 120 S. Holly St. (2000 – present)
(1986 – present)
Greystone Estate (2001 – present) This estate located east of Rogers, Ark., was purchased for JBU by Don Soderquist. It is operated by the Soderquist Center and used as a leadership training and hospitality center.
WEST TWIN SPRINGS (2003 – present) These off-campus apartments provide housing for upperclass and married students.
North Hall / Hutcheson Hall (2002 – present) The second phase of construction in 2008 added the west wing and room for an additional 80 students. North Hall was renamed Hutcheson Hall in 2012 after longtime JBU supporters Bill and Dede Hutcheson.
Soderquist Business Center (2004 – present) This $6.5 million facility is home to JBU’s business division as well as the Soderquist Center for Leadership and Ethics (SCLE).
Bell Science hall (2003 – present) JBU is one of only two Arkansas universities that make cadaver dissection available to students.
1620 Holly Place (2004 – 2007)
Maranatha Clock Tower (2003 – present)
1670 Holly Place (2004 – present)
(2000 – present)
President’s Home (2006 – present) The new president’s home is located across Sager Creek next to the soccer fields. The president hosts annual gatherings for incoming freshmen and parents as well as alumni events at the house. Berry Performing Arts Center (BPAC) (2009 – present) In 2008, JBU alumni Bill and Donna Berry made a $5 million lead gift commitment toward the construction of a new 500 seat auditorium and performing arts center at JBU. Completed in 2009, the BPAC is a venue for JBU theater productions, music recitals and performances, speakers and lecturers, small chapel programs, large campus meetings, and other special campus events.
Balzer Technology Center (2011 – present)
In the late 1980s, a group of engineering students pulled an elaborate prank: they dropped several car tires around the campus flagpole like a giant game of ring-toss. While this may have been a more mischievous way to apply a knowledge of physics, it was nonetheless intriguing. Although the cramped space in the old engineering building facilitated a sense of camaraderie among students, the Balzer Technology Center was sorely needed. The building was named after A. LeVon (Lee) Balzer, the university’s fifth president, and houses the ever expanding engineering and construction management programs.
2010s
several of the duplexes were torn down to make room. The Northslope Apartments were constructed to provide the needed housing space.
Bill George Arena (2010 – present) Before the 38,000 square-foot Bill George Arena was complete, JBU hosted athletic and campus-wide events in either the Cathedral of the Ozarks or the 50-year-old Murray Sells Athletic Center. Total cost of the facility was $9.5 million.
Simmons Great Hall (2013 – present) This new banquet facility will serve as an overflow for the current cafeteria, as well as a location for hosting alumni and visitor events. It is named in honor of the generous support of board member Mark Simmons and the Simmons Family.
Balzer Technology Center (2011 – present) Featured above. Northslope Apartments (2013 – present) When the construction on the Balzer Technology Center and Berry Performing Arts Center was begun,
This timeline only accounts for structures in Siloam Springs and on campus. It does not take into account buildings or land in other states, cities, counties or countries which are/were owned, donated, rented or otherwise acquired by the university.
2011
2003
1983
c. 1970
c. 1960
c. 1945
16 | Brown Bulletin | Summer 2013
{ c h apla i n ’ s c o r n er }
Traveling to Africa, to Teach and Learn I write this column as I wait to board a plane to fly to Africa with a small group of faculty and administrators. We will be meeting with leaders of Uganda Christian University in the hopes of jointly developing professional development resources for African Christian universities as they strive to maintain faithfulness to their Christian missions in changing times. We anticipate that these meetings will begin a partnership between American and African scholars that enriches both as we learn from each other. We face challenges on this trip that go beyond travel through three continents and exposure to foreign diseases. One of the primary challenges is how we present the knowledge and experience we have. It would be easy for us, since we all have doctorates and have published books about Christian higher education, to come into these meetings as the experts with all the answers. However, history has shown the danger of this approach in the developing world. While we have something to offer about lessons in faithfulness and departures from faith in American Christian universities, we also recognize our
limitations in understanding the African context. Additionally, when we come seeking only to share our expertise, we miss out on learning from the ways that God is already at work in Uganda. I am reminded of something Henry Blackaby says, “God is always at work around you [and He] invites you to become involved with Him in His work.” Many times, in our desire to be good stewards of what God has given us, we rush in to do good things for God and people, and miss out on joining in what God is already doing. As Jesus was explaining parables to his disciples, He told them that they were blessed if they had ears that could hear and eyes that could see what God was doing (Matt. 13). It is my prayer that during our trip to Uganda that we have such eyes and ears, so that we may join God in what He wants us to be doing. More importantly, I hope that each member of the JBU community, whether student, faculty, staff, parent or alum, learns to focus their hearing and vision so that each of us may faithfully join God in His work each day, wherever He places us. Rod Reed is university chaplain.
It would be easy for us, since we all have doctorates and have published books about Christian higher education, to come into these meetings as the experts with all the answers. However, history has shown the danger of this approach in the developing world.
Summer 2013 | Brown Bulletin | 17
{ A d va n c eme n t — Dr . J I M K R A L L }
Keeping JBU Affordable
For 94 years, JBU has sought to provide a quality Christian education at a great value. Still, alumni, parents and friends are asking what are we doing to keep JBU attainable for current and the next generation of students.
18 | Brown Bulletin | Summer 2013
I’m sure you have seen the numerous articles about current and future financial sustainability of higher education. There are many stories about the rising cost of attending college, the value of it and how student debt is increasing for graduates. The world of higher education is changing, and Christian universities like JBU are not exempt from these changes. For 94 years, JBU has sought to provide a quality Christian education at a great value. Still, alumni, parents and friends are asking what are we doing to keep JBU attainable for current and the next generation of students. The JBU board of Trustees recently spent some time discussing this very question, and the university’s five-year strategic plan outlines some areas that the university is focusing on to be financially sustainable and financially accessible. Here are some specific things JBU is doing to stay strong during these challenging and changing times in higher education: 1. Keep JBU graduating student debt low, seeking to provide as many scholarships as feasible for student financial needs. Current average student debt at graduation is under $25,000, less than most schools like us and similar to state-supported schools. Many graduate with little to no debt, and some that have debt pay it off within a few years of graduation. 2. Keep the cost of attending JBU lower than schools like us. Currently we are around 60th out of 80 in cost compared to other Christian universities across the nation, and much less than similar high-quality schools. So even if a family pays the full cost of attending JBU, it is one of the best values in Christian higher education. 3. Strengthen our endowed scholarships. Through a generous contribution,
we have offered an endowment match to those wishing to start or add to an endowed scholarship. This has increased our annual amount awarded to students through endowed scholarships by more than $1 million since 2005. 4. Build and renovate buildings with gifts, rather than with tuition dollars or debt. About 60 percent of the JBU campus is either new or renovated in the last 12 years. 5. Endow the operation of new buildings. The non-revenue producing new buildings built in recent years have an operational endowment that pays for most of the utilities and cleaning the building so that tuition dollars do not need to support the cost of the new facility. 6. Operate the campus efficiently. JBU has sought to use resources wisely by increasing building energy efficiency by the use of technology and recycling. 7. Increase the size of the JBU endowment. JBU has increased the size of the endowment to around $80 million, which offsets the cost of attending JBU, but must grow more in the future to keep JBU affordable. All of these blessings in financial sustainability allow further impact for the mission of JBU: to provide Christ-centered education that prepares people to honor God and serve others by developing their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives. JBU’s mission is summarized in its two historic mottos: Christ over all, and Head, Heart and Hand. Thanks to you, alumni, parents and friends for your support and involvement in this great opportunity to impact our culture, our country and the world through JBU graduates. If you have thoughts or ideas about keeping JBU affordable, I’d love to hear from you. E-mail me at jkrall@jbu.edu.
{ D E G R E E CO M P L E TION – L O R I WA L K E R }
JBU Unveils Redesigned Organizational Management Program Back in 1993, JBU began offering working adults in Fort Smith, Rogers, Bentonville and Little Rock the same opportunity traditional students had on campus—a quality Christian education. Now, the Degree Completion Program not only celebrates its 20th year of operation, but also the opening of a facility in Little Rock and a redesigned organizational management program. “We saw the need for a business program that prepares aspirational, mid-career professionals to move up in their organizations, and to take on greater leadership roles,” said Dr. Joe Walenciak, associate dean for the College of Business. “It’s the 20th anniversary of our organizational management program, so it was a natural point for us to ask ourselves what we need moving forward to ensure that we’re providing the best opportunity for our adult students to get a quality business education.” Susan DeWoody, dean of Degree Completion and Non-Traditional Programs, said the redesigned program will help meet the needs of today’s working, adult student. “We are thrilled for the opportunity to re-tool our organizational management program to further meet market demands and to provide an innovative opportunity for professionals to complete a top-notch bachelor’s degree program at John Brown University,” DeWoody said. Redesigned in consultation with program alumni and corporate hiring directors, the updated program emphasizes the key skills that so many employers seek when hiring managers: critical thinking, effective communication and ethical decision-making. “My clients come to me to find that person who is the best fit for a specific role in their company,” said David Bates, executive recruiter at Cameron
Smith and Associates. “While different positions call for different skillsets, the very best candidates I see all have a few qualities in common: excellent communication skills, verbal and written; attention to detail in every aspect of their work and an overall sense of integrity and honesty in how they deal with people.” The new program will also focus on the diversity in today’s economy. “Graduates of the Organizational Management program will understand how to navigate a workplace where people can be very different and yet come together for a common goal,” Walenciak said. Alumni like Anita Williams, senior director of human resources for a major retailer, provided valuable input into the curriculum change. “The new courses in the program are spot-on to help managers succeed in today’s corporate environment,” Williams said. “Being able to communicate on a global level is crucial.” Unique courses in the program include Christian Faith for Business Leaders, Team Processes and Coalition Building, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Contemporary Metrics and Organizational Performance, and Designing and Executing Competitive Strategies, among others. The redesigned program culminates with a comprehensive portfolio that documents each student’s accomplishments and learning throughout the program. “Prospective students come to us seeking current insights and critical skills required to contend for top leadership roles in this global economy, and JBU has delivered with the improved Organizational Management degree,” said Kent Shaffer, senior admissions counselor. Classes in the new program begin this fall. For more information, visit www.jbu.edu/dcp/om.
Redesigned in consultation with program alumni and corporate hiring directors, the updated program emphasizes the key skills that so many employers seek when hiring managers: critical thinking, effective communication and ethical decisionmaking.
Summer 2013 | Brown Bulletin | 19
{ L E G A C Y DONO R S — J OHN E . B R O W N III }
Harold & Mildred Ward – ‘The Old Apple Tree’ Growing up in the old president’s home on Holly Place provided many great experiences and nurturing friendships in the 1950’s and 60’s. A great community of JBU faculty and staff and their kids lived in nearby housing. For a number of years, we shared the deadend street with South Hill Dormitory, which had faculty apartments downstairs and student housing on the second floor. People were moving in and out of the neighborhood on a regular basis. Our next door neighbors for all of those years, however, never changed. “Uncle Harold and Aunt Mildred” Ward, as some folks called them, lived in a modest home next door to the president’s house. They kept a large garden spot and had a number of fruit trees growing in their spacious yard. One tree in particular was known to the neighborhood kids as “the old apple tree.” It had low branches that allowed us to easily swing up into its strong arms. From a high perch near the street and sidewalk, we could visit in its shade and call out to friends and college students passing by. The old apple tree was our clubhouse – a place reserved for our youthful conversations and big dreams. The Wards never told us to stay out of their apple tree. Mildred could look out her kitchen window and keep a good eye on all of us anyway. Harold and Mildred came to work for JBU in 1927. Harold’s father, Dr. Artemus Ward, had joined John Brown College in Sulphur Springs in 1926. The following year, he moved to Siloam Springs with his family to teach language and science until 1936. Harold’s mother, “Mother Ward,” worked as the head resident in one of the dormitories. The Wards had 11 children, a number 20 | Brown Bulletin | Summer 2013
of whom attended or later worked for JBU. Mildred (Brittell) Ward taught math from 1927-1935 for the college’s grade school. Her sister, Ireane, who was 15 years younger than Mildred, had come from South Dakota to live with the Wards. Ireane attended the John Brown schools in Siloam Springs from fourth grade all the way through to graduation from JBU in 1937. Harold had been hired to manage the electrical and production departments. He was known as a man who could fix anything mechanical or electrical with chewing gum and baling wire. Over the years, he also invented and patented several mechanical devices, including a rice grader that was widely used at the time, a cotton chopper and aircraft parts, to name a few. Harold could also be something of a practical joker. His favorite way to tell the neighborhood kids “Happy Birthday” was to sneak up behind us and wash our faces with a dirty wet rag. He thought that was very funny. The older we got, however, the faster we could run. That left Harold by himself to mutter his well-known phrase for every occasion, “Well, doggone!” Harold and Mildred were a beloved part of the JBU community for 60 years. After his retirement in the early 1960’s, Harold built Mildred a nicer retirement home one block south of their first home. Harold passed away in 1984, and Mildred not long after in 1988. By their wills, they left the new house on Alpine Street to JBU. Mildred’s sister and brother-in-law, Ireane and Leland Stratton of Stuttgart, Ark., also donated the furnishings in the home for the University’s use. The gift allowed the University to begin a new program — a “missionary-
in-residence” position that would also provide a home away from home for the many MKs on the JBU campus. The goal was to not only provide for the students’ educational needs on campus, but to also have a special place and staff ready to support the personal needs of students far from their missionary home and families. The program officially began in the fall of 1992. The house has now been home to a total of 19 different missionary couples and their children. These wonderful men and women, many of whom are graduates of JBU, are invited to take part in all of the campus activities during their year at JBU. They are asked to help teach a few classes in Bible and missions, to serve as guest speakers in other classes, and to counsel with students considering a call to the mission field. Most importantly, they serve as the volunteer host family for the many MKs who enroll at JBU every year. Is that an important support ministry? The MIR House This past year, JBU enrolled 102 MKs from 41 different countries! The missionaries-in-residence at JBU offer the occasional hot meal, an encouraging word, prayer support, and just a safe place for any MK student to come for a visit and to feel “at home.” In a very real way, Aunt Mildred and Uncle Harold Ward’s house has become “the old apple tree” for hundreds of JBU students. What a blessing their lives and giving legacy have been at JBU. John E. Brown III is president emeritus and served as JBU’s president from 1979-1993.
{ R e t i reme n t s } John Hill – 34 years Over the course of 34 years of service to JBU, John Hill has had a variety of positions. After graduating in ’75 with a degree in broadcasting, John moved to Denver to enroll in seminary. He and his family returned to JBU when John was offered the position of RD in J. Alvin. Since then, he worked several roles, including housing director, counseling director, associate dean for counseling and career development, dean of students and director of faculty development and assessment. “God has given me a heart to want to be involved in others’ growth and development as they move forward in God’s developing their potential to be what He gave them talents, gifts and abilities and the heart to become,” says John. In a few weeks, John and his wife Jeanette will move to a small mountain community in Colorado. “We trust God’s leading as we look forward to that next phase of our lives in serving Him,” says John. “We do not know what that move will bring but we look forward to seeing Him work in and through us.” Sandra Van Thiel – 33 years Dr. Sandra Van Thiel has a lifetime of experience in inspiring others to become quality educators. “Three things I never wanted to be was a secretary, an airline stewardess, and an elementary teacher,” said Van Thiel, with a huge smile. However, God had a different plan for her life. For 48 years, Dr. Van Thiel has taught many students. Thirty-three of those years were in the education department at John Brown University where she served as professor and im-
mediate past chair of the department. One of the reasons Van Thiel decided to enter into higher education was to make a greater impact on children by properly preparing teachers. “I saw what was not occurring,” said Van Thiel. “If I could affect teachers, then I could help more children. Maybe I can affect a whole lot of classrooms.” Van Thiel strives to produce quality teachers because they affect and change the lives of children. “She serves us through teaching, energy, care, love, and time,” said Kirstin Vanada, a junior early childhood education major. “She has a lot of enthusiasm for teaching and she is passionate to see new teachers. Van Thiel, also, believes in the power of prayer and prays fervently for her students. “I pray for students,” said Van Thiel. “God hears those prayers. Everyone that I prayed for came to Christ.” Teaching for Van Thiel is not just a job; to her it is a passion and a ministry. “I am in full-time Christian work no matter where I am,” said Van Thiel. “We need Christians to let their light show in every career and setting.” Van Thiel announced her retirement this spring and plans to take care of her elderly mother who lives in Wisconsin. Alfred Hough – 8 years Alfred Hough worked for John Brown University as a plumber for eight years before retiring in December 2012. As a member of the maintenance crew, a day on the job meant anything from fixing the pipes in J. Alvin (again!) to hauling in new furniture for Hutcheson Hall. “Every day was different,” he says. “It made the job nice and exciting.”
However, the best part of his job was the crewmembers (who affectionately dubbed him “Pug”) and the people with whom he worked. “The people in the maintenance department have turned out to be some of my best friends,” he says. “All of the guys are just super to work with.” Now that he has retired, Alfred and his wife look forward to traveling and spending more time with family. “I enjoy being able to have a cup of coffee, sit back and not have to go anywhere,” he says. “I also like being around to help my wife while she works so she can relax when she comes home.” Judith Carson – 6 years No alarm clocks—that is what Judith Carson has enjoyed since retiring from John Brown University. In her six years of dedicated work as the administrative assistant for facilities services, she provided support not just for facilities crews, but also to students. “I really miss the interaction with faculty, staff, students and of course the facilities crew,” she explains. When asked about the most enjoyable aspect of her job, she says it was the “ministry with students and young lives influenced for the Lord and love for His kingdom.” Now, with no alarm clock or set schedule, Judith looks forward to spending more time with family and friends. “I hope to go to California again this year,” she says. “Or perhaps a trip to see the fall colors in the northeast.” — Marquita Smith and Jessa Eldridge Summer 2013 | Brown Bulletin | 21
{ A L U M NI DI R E CTO R — J erry R o lle n e ’ 7 5 }
Alumni Share Expertise & Experiences with Current Students
JBU is a better place of learning because parents and alumni offer their time and expertise.
22 | Brown Bulletin | Summer 2013
It is always a special time when alumni and parents come back to campus to share with students and professors what they are experiencing in their career fields. This past spring David Cox ’77 came back to campus to do just that. Eva Fast, alumna ’09 and now instructor in the College of Business, said this about David’s visit. “The Principles of Management course I teach is designed to increase students’ effectiveness in their professional career. Dr. Cox’s presentation on ‘The Indispensable Employee’ was a natural fit. He challenged my class to treat their job like one of their greatest financial assets and to take ownership over their performance. He shared several very specific behaviors he sees in the work environment that can work for or against you. This complimented my teaching by offering a deeper understanding of the employer’s perspective on the employee’s value to an organization.” Afterwards, David wrote me and said, “I was honored to serve as a guest speaker for a few of the business classes and an ENACTUS meeting (formerly SIFE). I thoroughly enjoyed becoming acquainted with Eva Fast, Darrin Coons (JBU Chief Human Resource Officer and Instructor) and several of their students. It was wonderful to be back in Siloam Springs and see some long-time friends, a couple of former teachers and the continuing development of JBU’s beautiful campus and facilities.” David has not been the only alumnus who’s come back to campus to speak. Dave Williamson ’76 and parent, Doyle Magnus, have spoken to construction
management classes and served on boards; Bobie Hromas ’54, Owen Carr ’07, Marco Reyes ’03 and Craig Minnich, parent of Matt ’06 and Mark ’08, came as speakers and panel members during Leadership Weekend. These are just a few. JBU is a better place of learning because parents and alumni offer their time and expertise. Our mission at JBU is to provide Christ-centered education that prepares people to honor God and serve others by developing their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. In other words, to prepare them to do what you are doing! Your prayers and financial support have been essential in taking this school to the next level. I’d like to unleash the creativity and ideas of all of you in a way that would help us move our students even higher. We are looking into online options of how you can tell us about your area(s) of expertise and/or your willingness to serve in other ways to enhance the educational experience at JBU. In the meantime, feel free to call or email me (888-528-2586 or 479-524-7212 or jrollene@jbu.edu). It is always exciting to hear what you are doing. David told me, “I am so thankful to have attended JBU. My experiences during those years on campus and the lessons learned from faculty and friends have helped me through every major transition of my life and shaped the person I am today.” Let’s work together to keep that happening! Jerry Rollene is director of alumni and parent relations, and parent of two JBU graduates and one current student.
{ A L U M NI N E W S }
Alumnus directs ‘CAMP’ By Rebecca Ridings ’13
Broadcasting grad Jacob Roebuck ’97 (center) gives direction to the lead actors on the set of “CAMP.”
Movie Tells Stories of Abused and Neglected Children in Foster Care System Jacob Roebuck ’97 first became interested in making a movie about abused and neglected children after volunteering at a summer camp for foster children. “I met a kid on the bus on the way to camp named Jose,” Roebuck said. “And he was a mean, rude kid. I mean no one could like this kid. He was a bully.” During the course of the week, Roebuck noticed strange marks on his legs — 10 or 12 on each one. “I didn’t know what I was looking at at first,” he said. “And then I realized I was looking at cigarette marks. The people who were supposed to love Jose were hurting him.” This spring Roebuck’s movie based on his experience — CAMP — was released in theaters across America by Freestyle Releasing. The movie, which Roebuck wrote and directed, played in 85 theaters, with more than 40,000 people buying tickets. The movie was made on a budget of about $200,000, with another $180,000 going into marketing and distribution. According to BoxOfficeMojo.com, CAMP grossed $317,132. Roebuck said that the movie will be distributed on DVD by Word and released on August 27. Netflix will offer CAMP for streaming in December.
The producers of the film are donating half of their proceeds from the theatrical release to Royal Family Kids camp — a sum of over $65,000. Royal Family Kids camps provide a week of fun and safety for abused and neglected kids ages 6-12. The primary goals are to help the children create positive childhood memories and to share God’s unconditional love with them. “These kids are marked by darkness for darkness: physical abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment. They are tomorrow’s criminals, homeless and teen mothers. At camp we want to remove the mark of darkness on their lives and mark them with light and hope for the future,” Roebuck said. “A lot of people ask if this is a Christian film. I like to call it a film about Christians,” Roebuck said. “We are telling their story, as honest as we can. If we tell an honest story, mainstream as well as Christian audiences will get something from the film.” CAMP is Roebuck’s second film. He co-wrote and produced the 2007 romantic comedy, “Coyote County Loser.” Roebuck studied broadcasting at JBU, and credits the professors for allowing him to have hands-on production experience. “Mike Flynn and Arnie Mayer really believed in me when I was a student,”
Roebuck said. “They let us get our hands on the equipment and learn how to produce – often times by letting us fail before we succeeded. They were great lessons I took with me.” Several JBU graduates worked on the film in a variety of roles, including alumni Jonathan Daniel ’11, Jesse Daniel ’12, Christina Schoenrock ’12, Andrew Armstrong ’11, Krystal Armstrong ’11, Joel Rorabaugh ’98, Mark Jackson ’90, and current JBU students Katelynn Thompson and Joshua Kimmis. For his next project, Roebuck is looking to his JBU experience for inspiration. He said he is beginning work on a biopic about the life of one of his favorite professors and his wife, Dr. Jim and Lynda Walters. “I think Jim and Lynda’s marriage is a great love story. I can’t think of a better way to impact the current marriage debate in our culture then to share their true story that has inspired so many JBU alumni to honor marriage.” Find out more about this project at WaltersMovie.com n Did you work on a movie, album, book or other creative project released commercially? The Brown Bulletin wants to know about it. Drop us a line at jeldridge@jbu.edu. Summer 2013 | Brown Bulletin | 23
{ A L U M NI m i les t o n es }
Nathanael Archuleta ’09 was
officially accepted into Denver University Sturm College of Law. He will begin attendance in Fall 2013.
Becky Gray (Blevins) ’00 and
Randy Gray were married in July 2011.
David Cox ’07 and Martha (Mason) Cox ’07 welcomed their
son James Ebenezer Cox into the family on Aug. 1, 2012. (confirm maiden name/photo)
Nathan Cozart ‘07 and Valerie (Raikes) Cozart ‘06
welcomed their daughter Alexa Jade Cozart into the family on May 29, 2012. Alexa was born weighing 6.7 lbs. 19 oz.
Malachi Crane ’05 was promoted to Assistant Vice President of University Communications at Spring Arbor University. Malachi previously served as Executive Director of Donor Relations and received a master’s degree in management from Spring Arbor University in Fall 2012. Tyler Dees ’08, Meagan (Elge) Dees ’08 and their son Roman Dees (3 years old) welcomed Grayson Noble Dees into the family on Nov. 28, 2012. Tyler received his Master of Science in Leadership and Ethics from John Brown University in 2012 and will be finishing his MBA this year.
Jeri Chase Ferris ’58 received the
2013 Golden Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Writers & Illustrators for best nonfiction of 2012 for her children’s book Noah Webster & His Words.
24 | Brown Bulletin | Summer 2013
Betty Jean Gibbs ’75 received the Autism Authorization from Point Loma Nazarene University in Sept. 2012. Betty Jean is a Resource Specialist for a public school in San Diego, Calif. Evan Graber ‘08 completed a master’s degree in theology from the University of Edinburgh and was accepted to complete his doctorate in theology from the University of Edinburgh.
Eric Hays ’07 and Deborah Hays are currently working with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Yaound, Cameroon. Eric is working primarily with non-Roman script type and language development software, and Deborah is doing linguistic work. They have two children, Jude and Anika. Cambria (Thimell) Kaltwasser ’06 received a Fulbright grant to
study at the University of Tübingen in Tübingen, Germany. She is currently a doctoral student at Princeton Theological Seminary.
Dr. Mark Kelly ’83 has been ap-
pointed as the new dean of the College of Education, Health and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Tennessee Martin.
Daniel Ostendorff ’07 is now
an assistant professor of history and political science at LeTourneau University. He received his doctorate from the University of Oxford in Summer 2013.
Luke Templer ’07 and Amy (VanEttinger) Templer ’08 are
moving to Latvia in Summer 2013 to teach at the International School of Latvia. Luke will be teaching IB Diploma Program high school chemistry and
biology. Amy will teach middle school English.
Matthew Tintera ’13 received
the 2013 Zondervan Greek Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Study of Biblical Greek.
Justin Ware and Maria (Mitskevich) Ware ’09 would
like to announce the birth of their firstborn son, Joshua David Ware. He was born on Oct. 6, 2012, weighing 7 lbs. 14 oz. Justin and Maria are grateful to God for the blessing of becoming parents.
Tyler Willhite and Julia (Garlow) Willhite ’05 announce the birth of their daughter, Gretchen Evie Willhite. She was born on July 8, 2012 weighing 5 lbs. 12 oz. Julia received her master’s in social work from the University of Kansas in 2012 and currently works as a hospital social worker in Kansas City. (photo)
Lucas Roebuck ’97 and Cherissa (Dees) Roebuck ’02
announced the birth of Amelia Lynn Roebuck, born on May 16, weighing 7 lbs. 11 oz. Amelia joins siblings Maximus, 7, Maggie, 5 and Alexander 22 mos.
Send your professional and family news for publication in the Brown Bulletin to jeldridge@jbu.edu
{ mem o r i am }
Melvin “Andy” Anderson ’48, age 87, passed away on Feb.
24, 2013. Melvin graduated from John Brown University with a B.S. in Radio Engineering. Before he was a professor of engineering at JBU for 30 years, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Phyllis Anderson; two sons, Rodney Anderson and Rick Anderson; and two grandchildren.
Elmer Francis Ash ’52, age 90,
passed away on Nov. 16, 2012. Ash attended John Brown University in 1952 before completing his degree at Arizona State University. Before he arrived at JBU, he served in the U.S. Navy for eight years. He is survived by his wife Ruth Ash; daughter, Suzanne Jacobson; son, Morris Ash; and three grandchildren.
Donald Becker ’43, age 91,
passed away on July 6, 2012. He graduated from John Brown University with an accounting degree. He served his country for four years in the U.S. Air Force. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; son, John Becker; daughter, Jan Martin; and five grandchildren.
Cheri (Atchley) Bellach ’07,
age 40, passed away on Oct. 11, 2012, after an 18-month battle with cancer. She graduated at the top of her class from John Brown University with a degree in organizational management. She worked for Wal-Mart as a Senior Project Specialist. She is survived by her husband, Thomas Bellach.
Geneva (Fern) Bruce ’51, age
83, passed away on Feb. 26, 2013. She
graduated from John Brown University with a degree in home economics. She is survived by her son, Robert Bruce.
Mary (Kinder) Buckner ’50,
age 86, died on Oct. 18, 2012. While at John Brown University, she studied to become a teacher. She worked as a science teacher at a public jr. high in Malta, Montana. She is survived by her three sons, two daughters and fourteen grandchildren.
Nancy (Basse) Garratt ’06, age 51, passed away on Dec. 4, 2012. She graduated from John Brown University with a degree in early childhood education. She was heavily involved in ministry at First United Methodist Church of Rogers. Nancy is survived by her husband Ron and daughters Sarah and Emily. Lawrence “Larry” Haynes ’42, age 90, passed away on April
passed away Oct. 31, 2012. He received a degree in mechanical engineering from John Brown University. He was a World War II veteran. He is survived by his daughter, Jane Jones and two grandchildren.
8, 2012. He received a mechanical engineering degree from John Brown University. Survivors include his wife, Marge Haynes; son, Richard Haynes ’71; daughters, Betty Hull ’74, Becky Landreth ’76 and Linda Moore ’78; nine grandchildren and nine greatgrandchildren.
Dr. Malcom Couch Jr. ’60, age 75, passed away on Feb. 12, 2013. He held a degree in social studies from John Brown University. He was a producer/director of Christian films, a radio talk show host, and the founder and president of Tyndale Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. His survivors include his wife, P. Lacey, children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren.
Birger Hertz ’67, age 75, died July 18, 2012. Birger earned his construction management degree from John Brown University. He worked many years with various companies as a successful mechanical engineer. Survivors include his wife Darlene Renn Hertz; daughters Kim Samuelson ’82, Keri Ramsey, Kirsten Pittman, Kendis Chenoweth ’92; and fourteen grandchildren.
Beverly Crowder, age 81, died
Geneva (Aylor) Littrell ’57, age 77, passed away Nov. 24, 2012. Geneva earned a bachelor’s in business administration. She worked as a secretary and as a youth leader at her church. She is survived by her husband, Bob Littrell; daughters Kathy Rodenberg and Julie Hammond; son, Steve Phillips; and nine grandchildren.
Andrew Churko ’49, age 91,
Sept. 27, 2012. Crowder enjoyed her work at the John Brown University Library for 28 years. She is survived by her husband, Cliff Crowder; son, Rob Crowder ’78; daughters Jan Wiles ’83 and Linda Teasley ’76; and five grandchildren.
Ruth French ’97, age 67, passed
away on Dec. 25, 2012. She received a degree in organizational management from John Brown University. Survivors include her husband, Ken French, JBU faculty emeriti; sons Jesse French, Eric French and Brian French; and nine grandchildren.
Francis “Bill” MacDonald Jr. ’88, age 68, died Oct. 16, 2012. He
received a degree in social studies education from John Brown University. He is survived by his wife Mary Elizabeth MacDonald; son, David Mac Donald; and daughters Jennifer Val-Alstine and Jacqueline MacDonald. Summer 2013 | Brown Bulletin | 25
{ mem o r i am }
Dr. Edward L. Nichols, age
83, passed away Nov. 26, 2012. Dr. Nichols began teaching English at John Brown University in 1960 and is a member of the JBU Hall of Fame. Survivors include his wife, Carol; one son, Eddy Nichols ’75; Lydia Collins ’80; seven grandchildren; eight greatgrandchildren; three stepdaughters; nine step-grandchildren; and one stepgrandchild.
John Peters ’12, age 23, passed
away suddenly on Feb. 24, 2013. He studied digital media arts at John Brown University. John is survived by a brother, his parents and many relatives.
Mark Pollitt ’86, age 48, passed
away on Oct. 14, 2012, after battling melanoma. Mark was a former member of JBU’s JoySong and earned a degree in broadcasting from the University. He worked in the radio music industry for many years as a programmer.
Andrew Pray ’03, age 30, passed
away after a cycling accident on Nov. 21, 2012. Andrew was a youth ministries major at John Brown University. He served at West Ridge Church in Dallas as a worship pastor. Survivors include his wife, Courtney Pray; sons, Noah and Carson Pray; and daughter Halle Pray.
Rev. Aubrey Trela Quakenbush ’51, age 86, passed away on July 26 | Brown Bulletin | Summer 2013
15, 2012. He earned a degree in Biblical studies from John Brown University. He is survived by his children Cherrie Shoemaker, Cristie Quakenbush, Win Quakenbush, Sandy Milam and six grandchildren.
Charles Sild ’56, age 79, died on
Jan. 12. 2013. Charles earned a bachelor’s in economics from John Brown University. He was an investment broker with Sunbelt Securities in Dallas until the time of his death. He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Sild; son, John Charles Sild; daughter Catherine Mason; and four grandchildren.
Adanell (Buffum) Snider ’39,
age 95, passed away on Oct. 20, 2012. After receiving her degree in home economics, Adanell taught in the Home Economics Department at JBU. She is survived by her husband Marion; daughters Nancy Snider ’67 and Melanie Mason ’77; son, Stewart Snider ’71; and six grandchildren.
Orville Spivey ’39, age 93, passed
away on Feb. 10, 2013. Orville studied broadcasting at John Brown University and was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He is survived by two daughters, Claudia Stratman and Cindy Pritchett Miller; step-son, Jerry Kilbury; step-daughter, Shari Perdue; and ten grandchildren.
Mildred “Billie” (Robertson) Walker ’44, age 89, died on Nov. 27, 2012. Mildred received her degree in home economics from John Brown University. She is survived by a daughter, Linda Nellist; a son, Gene Watkins; and one grandchild.
Viola (Walton) Whitmore ’50,
age 84, passed away on Jan. 16, 2013.
She was a graduate of John Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in voice, and was also employed by JBU as a music teacher from 1950-1953. She is survived by two sons, Eugene Whitmore ’78 and Ernest Whitmore ‘80; two daughters, Paula Phillips ’78 and Marcia Wallace ’85; and six grandchildren.
Clara (Gehron) Willis ’45,
age 89, passed away on Nov. 30, 2012. Clara majored in English at John Brown University, and was the associate editor of the campus newspaper. She is survived by her husband, Charles; two sons, Darney Willis ’70 and Chris Willis ’79; a daughter, Suzan Holt ’74; seven grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren.
Marie (Shipley) Young ’40, age 93, passed away on Nov. 25, 2012. She earned a degree in home economics from John Brown University. Marie is survived by two sons, John Shipley Young and Harry Young; a daughter, Jean Delashmit; and thirteen grandchildren.
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{ G ra d ua t e S CHOO L — Dr . R i c h ar d E ll i s }
Graduate School Shows Love to Little Rock with Program Expansion
If you drive down Cantrell Road, you’ll find JBU has added another great element to Little Rock’s already vibrant scene: graduate business and counseling programs at the new JBU Little Rock Center.
Why does JBU love Little Rock? Well, what’s not to love? Downtown Little Rock is a fascinating hybrid of modern growth drenched in rich southern culture. Antebellum homes stand next to modern art museums, running trails wind past city buildings and it’s common to see business professionals darting out of the capitol building for a quick lunch at the Rivermarket. If you drive down Cantrell Road, you’ll find JBU has added another great element to Little Rock’s already vibrant scene: graduate business and counseling programs at the new JBU Little Rock Center. Because these programs can be started and finished completely through a combination of online courses and classes in Little Rock, students will no longer need to travel to Fort Smith, Rogers or Siloam Springs to complete a graduate degree from JBU. For someone like Monotoyia Key, a mental health professional, full time mother and graduate counseling student, this is great news. Her job involves working with the Little Rock school system, which means her weeks have never had a “typical routine.” Each day is a combination of waking early, parenting, fighting traffic, handling multiple interventions and attending meetings. Bringing the program that she considers a “perfect fit” to her home turf has eliminated the challenge of driving to Northwest Arkansas to finish selected classes. JBU has offered undergraduate courses in our Degree Completion Program in Little Rock since 1996, but this fall will mark the beginning of
graduate programs in the Little Rock area. Since many adult students who go back to college to finish their bachelor’s degrees often want to continue and get a master’s degree, we anticipate JBU alumni living in Central Arkansas will be among our first graduate students at the new Little Rock Center. Little Rock’s “new kid in town,” the JBU Graduate School, has a wellestablished reputation for excellence. The university’s graduate program in marriage and family therapy is the largest in Arkansas. This spring, the Association for Play Therapy designated the Graduate Counseling Department as an Approved Center for Play Therapy Education. JBU’s graduate business program has reached beyond Northwest Arkansas for years. Students have long taken advantage of networking opportunities and the international opportunities of intensive study trips to China, Central America and now Brazil. As you might expect, the students come back from their travels laden with more than just a new perspective on international business. This year’s excursion to the Silk Market in Beijing nearly doubled a few students’ baggage weight on the flight home! And beginning this fall, these opportunities will be available to college graduates in the Little Rock area. As a whole, Little Rock has long been home for creative professionals and business giants alike. The city is a smooth blend of residential life and cosmopolitan savvy, all set to the backdrop of the rolling Arkansas River. Now, it’s also a great new home for JBU’s Graduate School. Dr. Richard Ellis is dean of The Graduate School at John Brown University. Summer 2013 | Brown Bulletin | 27
{ F R O M TH E E DITO R – L u c as R o ebu c k ’ 9 7 }
Branding JBU: ‘Become’
I like to think of brand simply as the collective opinion the world has of an organization, corporate or otherwise.
Find out more about the new JBU brand campaign at: jbu.edu/become
28 | Brown Bulletin | Summer 2013
If you looked at 12 different textbooks on marketing and communication, you would find 12 different definitions for “brand.” However, no matter how you articulate it in the abstract, almost everyone understands the concept of “brand” in practice. I like to think of brand simply as the collective opinion the world has of an organization, corporate or otherwise. A good brand makes a product or service more valuable. For example, brand is the reason that people will pay twice as much for a can of Coca-Cola then they would for Sam’s Cola. Few brands in the world have as much value as Coke. Another example: If you had to choose between two identically featured pairs of shoes, one with a Nike swoosh and one without, most people would choose the Nikes. I once heard a Chic-Fil-A executive comment that the restaurant doesn’t have a value menu (read: cheap) because that is counter to its brand. Their fans are more than willing to pay full price for the distinctive brand experience one has dining there. JBU also has a brand to protect and preserve. In the competitive higher education marketplace, making sure JBU’s brand brings value is critical. One part of my job I really enjoy is being the brand manager for JBU. I am charged with not only safeguarding the value of the brand, but also increasing the value of the brand. A lot of people think of the corporate ID or logo as the most important part of the brand. However, when I think about “managing” the brand, I believe about 80 percent of what makes up JBU’s brand is outside my control. The brand is the positive experience that students have when attending JBU and the reputation that comes from those multi-year interactions. But the brand is also shaped by the beautiful grounds and clean rest rooms maintained by facilities, the successes of our athletic programs, the quality of the food
in our cafeteria, our location in Northwest Arkansas, the friendliness of our faculty and staff, and a hundred other factors that influence what people think about JBU. If those things reflect poorly on us, there is little that can be done in terms of marketing to help the brand long-term. However, using marketing and communication, we can influence that remaining 20 percent. I’d like to think that good communication is what takes an 80 percent “B” brand to a 90 percent plus “A” brand. Most of JBU’s marketing communication is centered around the specifics of what we do: traditional undergraduate programs, degree completion programs, graduate programs and alumni connections. Those communication efforts are all well and good. They help make sure we have growing numbers of students in our classrooms and our alumni stay engaged. There is a type of marketing communication that doesn’t live exclusively in describing your offering to perspective customers, clients or, in our case, students: Brand marketing. Brand marketing goes beyond listing products, features or distinctive qualities and attempts to connect at a more emotional level. The University Communications team, with some help from some savvy communicators around campus, spent some time last year developing a branding campaign for JBU: “Become.” The word “Become” represents the emotional essence of what JBU does: Helping people become who God wants them to be. A new web design and videos launched in December was the beginning of this brand campaign effort, and over the next 12 to 18 months you’ll see more “Become”-based marketing communication. We have a web page where we are collecting the “Become” videos and other materials: jbu.edu/become. Check it out and let us know what you think! — Lucas Roebuck is Director of University Communications.
Have you ever thought about creating an endowed scholarship at John Brown University? Your endowed scholarship would live on in perpetuity, providing for current and future generations of deserving students. Matching funds are now available for qualifying current and deferred gifts to encourage endowment growth for scholarships, programs and endowed chairs. To learn more about creative ways to participate in the $10 Million Endowment Match, contact JBUĘźs Development Office at 800-446-2450.
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John Brown University 2000 W. University Street Siloam Springs, AR 72761
Celebration of the Simmons Great Hall Opening
Division of Natural Health and Science Reunion
HOMECOMING 2013 October 4th and 5th Featuring Special Class of ‘63 Fifty-Year Reunion . Class Reunions for ‘68, ‘73, ‘78, ‘83, ‘88, ‘93, ‘98 & ‘08 Division of Natural Health and Science Reunion . Honors Scholars Program Reunion Celebration of the Simmons Great Hall Opening . Alumni Showcase Dinner and Performance with Comedian Taylor Mason
As Well As
Intercollegiate Volleyball and Soccer Matches . Rugby and Ultimate Frisbee Matches Alumni Soccer and Basketball Games . Recognition of Outstanding Alumni Special Activities at Kidzone! For all Future Alumni from Infants to 12 Years Old