LeTourneau University NOW! Spring 2022 by LeTourneau University

SPRING 2022

GO-KARTS 32 ARE BACK! Responding to

'THE BIG QUIT' SPRING BREAK 50 SEEDS OF LIFE

FULL FRAME

Ready. Set. Grow. A culmination of countless hours of homework and late-night roommate conversations, the memorable learning experiences and the meaningful faculty relationships. From classrooms to labs, from spiritual formation to industry anticipation. We salute our graduates. The work they have done has not only qualified them for their vocational pursuits but has planted seeds rooted in Kingdom purpose that will continue to bear fruit for eternity.

LETOURNEAU NOW

SPRING 2022

CONTENTS

FEATURE STORIES 10

Our Lady of the Lamp ‘A Dean’s Perspective’ with Dr. Kimberly Quiett, addressing the importance and impact of the School of Nursing as it equips students with a patient-first mentality.

Seeds of Life LETU Spring Break Missions has been impacting lives across the continent for more than 30 years. Take a deeper look at this ministry of seed-planting and watering.

Responding to The Big Quit Responding to ‘The Great Resignation.’ 47 million Americans quit their jobs in 2021, the largest rate in 20 years, but why? And what can our university do about it?

Connect With Us IN THE NOW

@letourneauuniversity facebook.com/myletu

They're Back

youtube.com/letourneauuniversity

Go-Karts + Racing + Hootenanny Weekend. Need we

@letourneauuniv

say more?

linkedin.com/school/letourneau-university

"Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of our salvation" - 2 Corinthians 6:2

LETOURNEAU NOW

THE BUZZ 44

Ms. P Get to know the beloved fixer and fixture of LETU Athletics for the past 19 years, head athletic trainer Portia Phillips.

Student Column Maura Herndon (’24) shares her perspective on student leadership through the Peer Advising (PA) program.

THE POLYTECHNIC WAY 16

Snapshots: Nursing Meet the professors and mentors of our caregivers-intraining.

Led by the God Who Sees A college student experience should be a thriving, holistic, well-balanced one. How is that measured, and how is LETU making strides to provide that? Thoughts on student health and support from our Dean of Students.

Building Bridges The LeTourneau University Bridges College Success Program is one of the only individual support systems for university students with autism spectrum disorder in Texas. Program director, Dr. Michele Marjason, details the unique features of this program.

Built by Design The LETU Engineering Senior Design legacy: producing students who are not only equipped for the practicality of the workplace but also to tackle the major questions and

needs of the future.

ALUMNI NEWS 70 72

LETOURNEAU BUILT 42

Alumni Column

Unforgettable Perspective: Forged by Adversity

A fresh take with Board of Trustees Alumni Representative

A smiling staple on campus for four years: graduating senior Steven Newlin’s inspiring

Curt Fitchett (’97).

story.

Class Notes

Parent Column

Lasting connections & legacy—celebrate and honor

Hear from the Bustis, proud parents of two current students, on the impact the

classmates and fellow alums.

LeTourneau experience has had on their family.

60 44

The Curation of Opportunity Making Longview Chamber CEO Kelly Hall (’14) talks free markets and entrepreneurial leadership, and the School of Business introduces its new Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Leadership.

SPRING 2022

CONTRIBUTORS Dr. & Mrs. Tony Busti

PRESIDENT

Steven D. Mason, Ph.D.

Parents of LeTourneau Students Tony and Amy Busti live in Montgomery, Texas, where they are busy raising two more (future) YellowJackets. Tony is an emergency medicine physician and the CEO of a medical education company, while Amy is a homeschool mom in her 18th year of home education. They are the proud parents of Blane Busti, who graduates with honors from LeTourneau next year with a dual bachelor’s in accounting and finance, and Ally Busti, who is a junior at LeTourneau, studying Communications, Integrated Media Management. Younger brothers, Caleb and Joshua, look forward to keeping the family tradition of attending LeTourneau when they graduate from high school in 2026 and 2029.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Merle Stoltzfus, Board Chair Pat Bertsche, Vice Chair Kimberly Fish, Secretary James Schreder, Treasurer Phil Burks Tom Burt Doug Douglas Curt Fitchett Eugene Frost, Jr., Ed.D. Roger Kieffer Loren Leman Dale Lunsford, Ph.D. James Mauldin, M.D. Larry Mercer, D.Min. Nikita Mumphrey James R. Nolt, Jr. Cy Oatridge Rogers Pope, Jr. John Ross, D.D.S. Michael Schutt John Solheim Wayne Steege Don Stephens Wayne Trull Wendy Turner Bob Walker

Steve Conn, Ph.D.

Dean of Students Dr. Steve Conn serves as LeTourneau University’s Dean of Students, a role in which he strategically helps shape and support students’ experiences outside the classroom. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Azusa Pacific University. His Master of Arts in Student Affairs and Higher Education, as well as an undergraduate psychology degree, are from Taylor University. He and his wife, Cortney, are both from the Midwest and were nervous about moving across the country to LETU in 2010 but have fallen in love with the school and this community in Texas. They now live right off campus with their three children and love being YellowJackets.

TRUSTEES EMERITI

Dr. Billy J. Harris Bud McGuire NOW EDITORIAL CONTACT INFORMATION:

Curt Fitchett (’97)

WEB: www.letu.edu EMAIL: NOW@letu.edu

Alumni Representative on the Board of Trustees Curt, senior manager at The Boeing Company, currently serves as the Alumni Representative on the LeTourneau University Board of Trustees. He earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering Technology / Aviation Maintenance and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Technology / Aviation Maintenance. He completed graduate studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and The Wharton School. Curt grew up around aircraft and is an aviation enthusiast with an FAA Private Pilot License (land and sea) and an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic’s license. He and his wife, Karen, live in Kennett Square, PA.

ADMISSIONS OFFICE

PHONE: 800-759-8811 ALUMNI OFFICE

PHONE: 800-259-5388 DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

PHONE: 800-259-LETU

LeTourneau University is The Christian Polytechnic University offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a wide range of disciplines online and at LETU’s 196-acre residential campus in Longview, Texas, located 120 miles east of Dallas and 60 miles west of Shreveport, Louisiana. Academic majors include aviation, business, communication, computer science, criminal justice, education, engineering, health care administration, human services, kinesiology, the liberal arts, nursing, psychology, the sciences and theology.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

COPY EDITORS

Donald K. Egle

Mark Roedel Rebekah Browning

MANAGING EDITOR

Kate Day LeTourneau NOW is published by LeTourneau University, 2100 South Mobberly, Longview, Texas 75602. Sent free upon request to Editor, P.O. Box 8001, Longview, Texas 75607. Postmaster: Send address changes to LeTourneau NOW, P.O. Box 8001, Longview, Texas 75607. Email us at NOW@letu.edu.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR / PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeremiah Shepherd CONTENT TEAM

Grant Bridgman Jake Hall Nathan O’Day DESIGN

Sara Bryan

ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTORS

Daniel Ostendorff, Ph.D. ADDITIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS

Robin Evanyk Jake Hall O. Rufus Lovett Brooke Madsen Mark Roedel Becky Woodworth PRINTING

Midway Printing Press

LETOURNEAU NOW

Kelly R. Hall (’14)

President & CEO of the Longview Chamber of Commerce Kelly is President & CEO of the Longview Chamber of Commerce. She joined the Chamber profession in 1986 and has been in her current position since 2005. A Certified Chamber Executive, her leadership has been recognized at the local, state, and national level. She received her Master of Strategic Leadership from LeTourneau University in 2014 and has two undergraduate degrees from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Maura Herndon (’24)

LeTourneau University Student Maura will be a junior at LeTourneau University this fall, majoring in English Literature. She is in the Honors College and an active member in the university Liberal Arts Guild program. This year will be her second serving as a Peer Advisor. Maura is a third-generation artist, specializing in acrylic and watercolor live event paintings, who experiments with photography on the side. Her photography was recently featured in the Spring ’22 edition of LETU’s Riveted Literary magazine. Maura plans to study education and entrepreneurship after graduation and go on to open an arts-focused Christian classical school.

Michele Marjason, Ph.D. (’04)

Director of the Bridges College Success Program Dr. Michele Marjason serves as the Director of the Bridges College Success Program at LeTourneau University. She has also taught as adjunct faculty in our School of Education. She holds a doctorate in Organizational Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education and a master’s in Special Education, both from Grand Canyon University. She also has an Educational Diagnostician Certification from The University of Texas and Region 11 ESC.

#BuiltHere Renegade Racing is LeTourneau University's SAE Baja Team—a multi-disciplinary team of students fabricating baja-style off-road vehicles to compete in national competitions. They design and build a small, fully functioning, one-passenger car able to take on rough terrain and meet the many specifications put forth by SAE. The student team does not simply assemble a car but rather, engineers, documents, fabricates, and creates the car in the most cost-effective way possible. The car is tested with high-stakes events including the 4-hour endurance race, hill climb, and maneuverability tests. LeTourneau’s Renegade Racing has a history of success, with several Top-20 finishes in the last decade.

Shelby Ware

Director of the LeTourneau University Library & Archives Shelby Ware is the Director of the Margaret Estes Library and the R.G. LeTourneau Museum & Archives at LeTourneau University. She also serves as an adjunct professor for the School of Education and is passionate about reimagining the classroom of the future. She is completing her doctorate in Learning Technologies from the University of North Texas, where she also obtained her Master of Library Science degree. She obtained her teacher certification from LSU-Shreveport and her bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Journalism and English.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRANT BRIDGMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRANT BRIDGMAN

SPRING 2022

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Greetings to our LeTourneau University family, With the recent celebration of 368 new graduates crossing the stage, we mark another successful year of academic ministry at LeTourneau University! The end of the school year always offers a special time of reflection on the Lord’s grace and provision, but for Bonnie and me it is extra special because we have finished our first full academic year as “President and First Lady.” We are grateful to be part of such an amazing group of faculty and staff who love students and the work of the university. What a year it has been! Last fall we launched a new three-year strategic plan for the university (see the QR code below). We welcomed back a record number of alumni and friends to LeTourneau University’s 75th anniversary Homecoming event. We held the official Presidential Inauguration in November (and the campus community made the Mason family feel extremely honored). We resumed our typical academic calendar on campus this spring—the first since the pandemic pivot in March of 2020. We sent out 9 mission trips of students and staff over Spring Break. We enjoyed a momentous Hootenanny Weekend with go-karts racing through campus. And, all the while, we taught and mentored our more than 3,200 traditional, nontraditional, and dual credit students through academic and co-curricular programming, where the integration of faith, learning, and living remains paramount. As I reflect on both the routines of university life and the special occasions we enjoyed through the year, at least three specific things were affirmed. (1) The university is fundamentally made up of people— dedicated Christ followers that are called to this work together. The Lord has gathered an incredible group of gifted individuals to accomplish this academic ministry. That has never been more evident than through these challenging years of the pandemic. I am grateful for my colleagues and those He will draw to us in the future to help advance His Kingdom here. (2) LeTourneau University is attractive to students because we meet a need for excellent Christian polytechnic education within a complex world of technology and innovation. We had a record number of prospective students and families visit campus as they prayerfully consider their college home. We hosted two “Council of 75” events on campus with industry leaders, alums, and trustees, who encouraged us to lean evermore into our unique vocation as an institution within a society of shifting values. (3) We are at a positive inflection point of momentum as an institution. The university

donor base blessed our campus this year with the largest-ever giving total. What uplifting support from our LeTourneau family who have invested in our mission in such a generous way! These affirmations of our academic ministry serve as an incredible encouragement for the future of our university. In turn, we must find ways to significantly scale our efforts in bold and courageous ways. The call of Christian higher education, and more specifically the work of LeTourneau University, has never been more important. Please continue to join me in fervent prayer for our university and its impact on our world. May God be honored and glorified in all that we say and do! Thank you for your partnership, love, and care for this special place we all know as LeTourneau University!

Steven D. Mason, Ph.D. PRESIDENT, LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY

Scan here or visit letu.edu/strategicplan for more information on LeTourneau University's new three-year strategic plan.

LETOURNEAU NOW

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMIAH SHEPHERD

SPRING 2022

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMIAH SHEPHERD

Lady of theLamp

Our

by Kate Day

A Dean's Perspective with Dr. Kimberly Quiett, School of Nursing

he average American life span is 78 years. That’s 41,000,000 minutes. Tens of millions of experiences. With a memory-mountain that massive, it’s no surprise the vast majority are forgotten. In fact, neurological research says that forgetfulness is our ‘default setting’— that a healthy brain quickly forgets most of what passes into conscious awareness, leaving the average person to recall no more than ten events for any given year of life. The insignificant ones seem to vaporize as time goes by. We mourn them not. But some… some are a different story. There are some moments in time that are wrapped in enough purpose that we carry them always. We remember. The ones that stick share a common thread. They are laced with significance. An emotion magnifies the experience and more deeply etches it into our psyche, our spirit. These are the moments filled with purpose. The best of these are encased in light. This moment is one of those. And that’s what streams in on this particular evening. Light. Golden light pours through the western-facing wood sash windows of an old, vernacular structure. It’s a simple building, one with its own memorable story. Those familiar with campus, or who paused to read the historical marker out front, know its provenance as the chapel of WWII’s Harmon General Hospital. An ecumenical chapel, its walls heard the prayers of Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish clergy from January 1943 to December 1945. Prayers undoubtedly of grief and lament, for comfort, peace, and hope. Prayers of nurses, physicians, wounded soldiers, and families seeking an ounce of lightness during one of the heaviest seasons in American history.

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of our students engaging in patient care for any length of time, and something is immediately striking. This pledge is a mere baseline. Odds are, its namesake would agree. By all accounts, Florence Nightingale was no-nonsense—a brilliant statistician, practical and brave. Her contributions to revolutionizing patient care began in the 1850s. She had already achieved an admirable career supervising nurses, tending to ailing governesses, and warding off a cholera outbreak. It was only then, when she chose to leave London and set Kimberly Quiett speaks at the 2022 Nursing Pinning Ceremony

foot in a hospital of wounded soldiers in Crimea—one that can only be described as

Wooden beams and pews bring warmth to its smooth white walls. Lantern-like fixtures hang from above, but it’s tough to tell if they’re even on, as much natural light is streaming in. Its pattern stripes the space in golden diagonal bands, as if a warm, bright presence is bearing witness to the moment. It touches at least a portion of every wooden pew in this historic space, gracing the shoulders of mostly strangers, brought together for an hour of common purpose. It illuminates their profiles—their smiles. And they’re smiling for good reason. This moment is kind of a big deal. Every May, Dr. Kimberly Quiett leads the latest round of LeTourneau University’s graduating nursing seniors through a rite of passage that’s part ritual, part celebration, and wholly meaningful. In an instant, these seniors are bonded with the entire globe-spanning league of nursing professionals as they receive a pin from another nurse of their choosing—usually a mentor, faculty member, or other nurse related to or special to them—and recite the Nightingale Pledge. This pledge, a modified version of the Hippocratic Oath, is a declaration of ethics and principled standards for the nursing profession. Composed in 1893 and crafted by nursing profession reformer Lystra Gretter, this pledge was named in honor of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. Here it is in its entirety:

a cesspool—that her work became legend. Her practices improved hygiene practices, transformed the standards of patient services, lowered death rates by two-thirds, and resulted in a transformation of nursing training. Her work was exceptional. She cared for soldiers day and night, an oil lamp guiding her way down darkened hallways as she ministered to patient after patient. Her care was unparalleled. These soldiers dubbed her ‘The Lady of the Lamp.’ And history will never forget her. Neither will our graduates. After their scrubs are donned with their pin, symbolizing entry into the world of caregiving, they each light a candle, another longstanding tradition of graduating nurses everywhere, to commemorate Nightingale’s nighttime aid to her patients. As the light from each of these small flames catches their faces, you can tell that this light, to them, has a much deeper meaning. Florence Nightingale was so genuinely called to nursing at the age of 16 that she sacrificed her parents’ approval and the comfortable aristocratic life she was born into—all for a path of hard work in a field where women weren’t generally accepted, a path on which she perpetually sought out suffering. The ‘why’ was clear for her. It was this, and only this: she believed it

“I solemnly pledge myself before God and in the presence of this assembly, to pass my life in purity and to practice my profession faithfully. I will abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous, and will not take or knowingly administer any harmful drug. I will do all in my power to maintain and elevate the standard of my profession, and will hold in confidence all personal matters committed to my keeping and all family affairs coming to my knowledge in the practice of my calling. With loyalty will I endeavor to aid the physician in his work, and devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.”

was her divine purpose.

This pledge is noble and good. But is it truly enough? Encounter any LeTourneau University faculty member, drop in a lab, or witness one

divine purpose—in a day and age in which the field looks dramatically

LETOURNEAU NOW

In Nightingale’s personal pledge, “aiding the physician in his work” would’ve meant “aiding the Physician in His work.” It was not a mere pledge before God. It was a pledge to Him. For Him. Because of Him. It's safe to say the profession of nursing has the Gospel written all over it. Drawing nearer to the mess and pain of humanity, rather than shying away from it, is a Jesus move, pure and simple. But boy, oh boy, can you tell the difference in a nurse who feels this in their bones and writes it on their heart and one who doesn’t. LeTourneau University’s School of Nursing exists to train nurses with different from Nightingale’s nineteenth century. Yet, at its core, it is

the very same. After a recent conversion with Dr. Quiett, this truth was clearer than ever.

"I see nursing as such a ministry opportunity that I want the next generation of nurses to see it the same way I do.” And it turns out, she also sees it a lot like Nightingale did, whose ‘Let’s try this, see what happens, and learn from it’ method is still alive and well. There are themes that surface when you talk to nurses. One of them is “I tend to teach research, and Florence Nightingale was kind of the sweat. Struggle. This is something Quiett knows: you don’t pick or stick first researcher. I always use her as an example in research classes. She with a career in nursing for ease. Whatever job can be considered ‘tidy,’ saw her patients suffering and put them out in sunlight, and she kept well, it’s the opposite. them clean, and she washed their linens, and all this stuff, and guess Hospitals hold the chaos of raw humanity, encountering people at what? They fared better. So, she’s goes ‘Ok, everybody has to keep doing their most vulnerable, at the height of emotion as they themselves these things, right?' She was not only ‘the lady with the lamp.’ She was encounter the unexpected. It’s the full spectrum: trauma, shock, grief, a nurse researcher in her own right. She kept records, so that she could heartbreak—as well as relief and elation. That fact alone begs the big do stats and she could figure out that what she was doing really worked. question when it comes to a life of walking onto floors and into lives not And I think nurses don’t often think about being a researcher. There is knowing what slices of that spectrum are about to greet you. Why? a field of research that nurses in particular go into, but every nurse is a Quiett begins to unpack hers. “Interestingly, I didn’t plan to be a nurse researcher in some capacity because we have to figure out what nurse. I’m not one of those people who always thought I would be a works for our patients. I’m pretty sure in Florence Nightingale’s time she nurse. My family wasn’t ‘college people.’ But I had an aunt that was a didn’t call it ‘evidence-based practice,’ but that’s what it is today.” nurse, and I knew women could be nurses or educators.” As our conversation continued, Quiett sheds light on The catalyst was practical. She didn’t get into layer after layer of what it means to be a nurse nursing school the first time around, today, why it matters, and why a place like but after a few extra math classes, LeTourneau was built to produce more of When I say God’s people, I don’t mean the second try was the charm. The them. other Christians. I mean Jesus Christ came calling, though, snuck up on her. to save everybody. And just having that as a “Almost immediately after starting foundation, I think is just… nursing school, I thought, ‘Hey, this When it comes to nursing as divine is something I can do.’ I love the fact calling, Quiett always comes back to one that it’s very mission and ministry thing and one thing only—the foundation: driven; so, at that point I kind of we are all made in the image of God. worked into it as a calling. I didn’t feel “I just always have to go back to that. that way at first. But once I got into it and And I do. I go back to it with students every saw what I would be doing as a nurse, I felt time because that truth is so foundational to us like it was where I was supposed to be. That’s for sure.” being called to care for God’s people. And when I say It was the doing that made the difference. And it’s where she’s stayed. God’s people, I don’t mean other Christians. I mean Jesus Christ came Quiett became a nurse in 1991 and was engaged in bedside nursing until to save everybody. And just having that as a foundation, I think is just… she moved to LeTourneau in 2013. everything. “I’ve been an educator since 2003, but I always still worked in the "People ask ‘Do you have to be a Christian to be a nurse?’ Absolutely hospital, so I’ve been in the nursing field my entire career, up until nine not. There are so many non-Christian nurses out there. But even nonyears ago. I’ve done everything; I’ve been at the bedside, I’ve been a Christian nurses see themselves as carrying out some kind of ministry. charge nurse, I’ve coordinated care, I’ve been a clinical nurse specialist, Now, they may not see it as a ministry in the redeeming process of God’s I’ve been a corporate nurse, I’ve been an educator… I’ve been all sorts of love, but they see it as serving others. So even non-Christian nurses see things, but I’ve never not been a nurse.” their profession as a service profession. But I think it all comes down to The shift to education was a big one. that ‘why,’ that light, that says ‘We are taking care of people in the image “You almost let a part of yourself die when you leave the bedside, of God.’ leave taking care of patients in some way. In fact, I’m currently seeking "It’s amazing enough that we’re made in the image of God and He some way to be back in patient care, in addition to my current role, so loved us enough to make us in His image, but it’s even more amazing I maintain skills and maintain that patient-centeredness. I think that’s that He allows some of us to be in professions where we are allowed to also really important from an educational perspective because it keeps see the intricacies of how He made the human body and how it works me current.” and then to help keep it healthy.” What would make a nurse who feels so soulfully connected to patient "You don’t even have to be a Christian to understand that our bodies care start patiently training nurses? Simple: are made in such a creative and crazy way. A lot of times, people,

‘The Draw’

everything."

On Divine Calling

SPRING 2022

particularly Christians, fall into this group… ‘I’m just going to believe that God will heal me.’ God might heal you, miraculously, without anything. God also might heal you through medicine or through procedure. God may heal you through the hands of someone who touches you. God can heal people however He wants to. But healing also might not happen here, right? We might also just be healed ultimately. But nurses get to take part in that. That, to me, is just the basis of the whole profession. That we’re taking care of people made in the image of God. And I think that’s just a crazy thought. I don’t know why God entrusted me or any other nurse to get to do that.”

On Technology

Quiett admits that balance is a tricky trait for nurses. It’s easy to lose yourself in the demands of the day, caregiving without caring for self. But the most critical balance is the one that made Nightingale’s legacy so lasting: the balance of excellence and compassion. As standards of excellence evolve in an industry where it’s rare to identify a patient-care exchange that doesn’t involve technology, Quiett compels us, and her students, to adapt and excel but never lose heart. “I think a lot about heart. For nursing, that has to be something that people come to us with—but how do we nurture that, and how do we bring that out in students? That heart has to come first. As nurses, we can really lean on technology. We use it constantly. So much so that we’re bound up with technology in everything we do. So we must, and do, use technology a lot in the nursing program, as an educational tool. Simulators, computers, and screens are all over the place in our lab… it’s essential. It’s useful. It makes for better patient care. But it starts with compassion. The heart. That stuff, you can’t really teach it— but you can certainly bring it out in students. Our program is designed to do exactly that. Once you have students headed in that direction, being able to express that compassion and love to people and truly accept people where they are—because in nursing, we take care of whoever it is that’s put in front of us—then you add the technology part. "If anyone’s been in a hospital lately, there are machines everywhere. There are tons of diagnostic machines that we have to know about and use,

and information technology is huge in nursing right now. Everyone is transitioning to electronic health records. We have one that we use in our lab that students report on. Technology has become so pervasive in our field that ‘old school’ methods stand out! We recently heard a student excited about taking a manual blood pressure test, especially because the nurses at her clinical placement assumed she couldn’t manually take it. I was so glad she didn’t need a machine (we would’ve failed miserably). Just having the technology there and teaching students how to use it, that’s not enough. The foundational, practical knowledge goes much deeper, and first and foremost, having them love people— that’s the most important. "So, while all of the tech is really important, and something we do focus on in our program, we ensure students know how to use it but that they use it as a tool—not a crutch. It’s another tool in their caregiving tool belt. What we want them to be able to do is really love what they’re doing, love who they’re doing it for, and then be able to use the technology to advance their care.”

On the Future of Nursing

One of the other themes that perpetually surfaces when you talk to

nurses is this: there are never enough. The profession which Florence Nightingale valiantly proved the need for is needed now more than ever. But what happens when the motivations are misaligned with her original intent? “Most people would know just from media outlets nowadays that we’re certainly short on nurses. More than 3 million additional RN positions will be available between now and 2029. That’s an astounding number. So, it’s important for us to continue putting nurses in the field of practice. I think with healthcare going the way it is today, it’s not in a great spot. If you’re involved in the field of healthcare at all, you know it’s not in a great spot. "Not only do we have a lot of shortages in the industry as a whole, with people leaving the fields of nursing, of medicine, of respiratory therapy, and so on, but we have people coming into the professions that aren’t patient focused. This means they don’t necessarily bring with them the characteristics all of us would like our doctors and nurses to have. A place like LeTourneau, where we’re given the freedom to teach our students from a biblical perspective, can foster patient-first nurses in a unique way. Our graduates, those are the students that all of us are going to want taking care of us as we age. And that want is two-fold.

Because they want to.

You can set the expectation low, and a lot of students will meet it;

or, you can set the expectation high, and a lot of students will meet it.

LETOURNEAU NOW

We’re going to want them to have the compassion and love, but we’re also going to want them to be incredibly skilled. "What we see in healthcare facilities right now is a culture of chaos. People don’t show up for work. Short-staffing is a reality. Patients are often turned away or not cared for. All of those things are really happening. I think it’s not just important to put people in positions to help solve this chaos-crisis but also for those to be people who are very competent in their field and have a heart for doing it. "The heart-factor makes a huge difference when it comes to longevity. We want our students to stay in the profession. And it’s a profession with a tremendous amount of variety! In our program, we emphasize how many different things you can do as a nurse. I always say ‘You should never get bored being a nurse!’ There are way too many options for boredom. But all the variety in the world isn’t enough to make someone love the field who truly doesn’t. "There are a lot of compelling reasons to go into the profession of nursing: demand, compensation, flexible work schedules, accessible training, active work, interesting specialties… However, I think it’s so important we consider the kind of people that are going into the healthcare areas. These reasons alone aren’t the best reasons to go into any of the caring / helping professions, but certainly not nursing. You don’t want the nurse taking care of you to be the one who’s just there for the paycheck.”

On Nursing at The Christian Polytechnic University

"Another is that we’ve had great success. God has truly blessed our program. I can tell you every year but one, we’ve had a 100% NCLEX pass rate. The one exception was the year of COVID, when one student passed the second time she took it. That number is tremendous. And the reason we have such a good pass rate is because our faculty put the effort into that. They hold the expectation high. "I’ve always said, ‘You can set the expectation low, and a lot of students will meet it; or, you can set the expectation high, and a lot of students will meet it.’ Because they want to. They want to get there. But you must have faculty who are on board with that, and you must hold them to it. This makes the success, the accomplishment, all the richer. It’s an inside job, to foster excellence, but one clearly seen from the outside. "We have healthcare facility managers and nurse managers and supervisors who call us and specifically request to hire our students. They often want to hire our students before they even start clinicals! But certainly, once they’ve seen them in clinicals, they do. And I love that. I love that our healthcare institutions want our students. Why? Because patients do. And as believers, we’re held to a higher standard of care.” Dr. Kimberly Quiett, Dean of Nursing, earned her DNS from Louisiana State University, an MSN from the University of South Alabama, and both a BSN and ADN from Samford University. She is certified as a Registered Nurse, as well as an Advanced Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist and Clinical Nurse Specialist. She arrived at LETU in 2013 after an already extensive background in nursing education and clinical training, receiving the charge to build the LETU School of Nursing. She serves as our founding dean and considers it her ‘baby.’ She has two human daughters in college and is married to Dr. Jeffrey Quiett, who serves at LETU as a Professor of Psychology & Counseling and Director of the Counseling Center.

Quiett admits the basic foundation of a successful nursing program relies upon fulfilling requirements. There are certain rules and regulations that must be adhered to. Curriculum must follow the guidelines required by the Texas LeTourneau University Nursing Students volunteering at Newgate Mission Board of Nursing or other accrediting bodies. She affirms that we do them well. But, again, that’s not enough. “There are a few touches that LeTourneau allows us to give that make our program significantly different from what students might experience someplace else. One of those things is that if you come here as a freshman, you’re a nursing student. Even though we have a thing called ‘pre-nursing’ and a thing called ‘nursing,’ we take care of all of those students. We don’t just push the freshman aside and say ‘When you get here [to that upper-level rite of passage from pre-nursing to -nursing], we will take care of you.’ We like those early students to come on in. From their freshman year, all the way through, they have a nursing faculty advisor. They’re in our building. We welcome them to come to our labs and welcome them into our nursing student organizations.

SPRING 2022

SNAPSHOTS:

NURSING

Upon university grounds that once housed Harmon General Hospital, an army hospital providing care for wounded veterans returning from World War II, LeTourneau continues its legacy of innovative, hands-on instruction as it prepares nursing graduates to make an impact, competently and compassionately meeting the needs of patients and families. The School of Nursing was established in 2013 and for nearly a decade has consistently produced the caliber of nurses that not only ace the NCLEX exam but see beyond procedures to people, and equate excellence with a Kingdom job well done. One of the keys: hire nurses with patient-first, Kingdom-focused perspective to teach them. Meet our full-time nursing faculty.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF NURSING

“As a nurse, I have the privilege of being the hands and feet of the Lord. It is my prayer to instill this same practice in others.”

“God had a hand in bringing me here to LeTourneau, to this specific nursing program. I was getting discouraged with education because I could not share the love of God or even pray with the students anymore. But, God opened a door here where I can share that love and pray with anyone God puts in my path. Here at LeTourneau, we are encouraged to pray, share devotions, and even attend chapel to give God all the glory and praise He deserves. I'm so glad to be part of LeTourneau's family and part of an awesome nursing program with Christian colleagues.”

RACHEL DAVIS, RN, BSN

Rachel Davis joined the full-time School of Nursing faculty in May after several years of nursing and nurse education experience. She has most recently served as a Workforce Development Professional Educator at Christus Good Shepherd Health System, following seven years working in critical care as a bedside nurse. In addition to her position at the hospital, she has also worked in an adjunct capacity for LeTourneau over the past three years, serving as a clinical assistant, providing instruction in a clinical setting, and as a teaching assistant for the pre-nursing, foundations, and behavioral health courses. “Leaving the bedside was a hard decision to make because I loved caring for my patients. However, I now have the opportunity to pour into others and share that same passion for nursing. I have the best of both worlds.” She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Tyler and will receive her Master of Science in Nursing from the UT Tyler Graduate School in December. Her most recent research interest is the care and maintenance of vascular access devices and the importance of proper education when incorporating these devices into patient care.

MARTHA KEEL, RN, MSN

Martha Keel joined the LETU School of Nursing in 2019 after extensive clinical RN practice and more than two decades teaching nursing students at Texas A&M University College of Nursing, Lamar University, and Angelina College. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Phoenix, with a focus in Nursing Education, and a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies in Nursing, Psychology, & Social Work from Stephen F. Austin State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Tyler.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

LETOURNEAU NOW

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF NURSING

Dr. Stroud received her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Healthcare Systems & Leadership from Chamberlain University and Master of Science in Nursing from Lubbock Christian University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Dr. Jessie Wheatley holds a Doctor of Health Science from A.T. Still University and a Master of Science in Nursing from Liberty University. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Southwest Baptist University.

STEPHANIE STROUD, RN, MS, DNP

She joined the LETU School of Nursing in 2021 and brings a variety of teaching and administrative experience, having taught ADN and BSN levels of nursing for over seven years and served as Dean of Academic Affairs in the BSN program at Chamberlain University. She also has experience as an RN in the Progressive Critical Care Unit (PCCU) on the cardiac floor at the University Medical Center of Lubbock. Her research interests include active learning teaching strategies and the use of Next Gen NCLEX in student learning and clinical judgement. She is also passionate about the integration of nursing activities in general education courses. “The vocation of nursing is not only based in science but is also an art. Teaching students the art and the science of nursing to appropriately and faithfully care for patients is my passion and calling. I believe the scripture Romans 15:1 speaks to this passion, which states, ‘We who are strong have an obligation to bear the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.’”

JESSIE WHEATLEY, RN, DHS

She was born and raised in Malawi, Africa, but has lived several places in the USA while pursuing her nursing education and career which includes twenty years of clinical nursing experience and fifteen years of academic teaching experience. She moved to Longview and joined the LETU School of Nursing in 2019. She says having the opportunity to combine her nursing educator career and her Christian faith to prepare students for faith-integrated nursing has been a highlight for her since finding LeTourneau University. “We start even in pre-nursing, freshman year, teaching students about person-centered care. We’re not just going to put an IV in. Who did you put an IV in? Who was the person you cared for today? Our students walk into the chaos of local hospitals right now and it’s clear they have been taught to see patients and meet their needs for a bigger ‘why’. “Even though it is challenging to be a nurse and a nurse educator, it is a privilege to have a place like LeTourneau and to have the students that we have here. To have the blessing of walking with them, to show them how to listen to God’s voice, to remind them how to hear that small voice: ‘Don’t forget the patient, don’t forget God’s creation.’”

SPRING 2022

THE POLYTECHNIC WAY

LED BY THE GOD WHO SEES

by Dr. Steve Conn

ne of my favorite stories in the Old Testament is the story of Hagar, the mother of Ishmael. Because Abraham and Sarah are impatient to have a child, they take matters into their own hands and Abraham has a child with Hagar. After the birth of Isaac, they cast Hagar and Ishmael out into the wilderness where they nearly die of thirst. Throughout the story, Hagar is dismissed, ignored, and unseen. She is referred to exclusively as Sarah’s slave or as “the slave girl” with one exception. God reveals himself to her in the desert and calls her by name. He meets her there, comforts her, and reminds her that she has been both seen and heard. An emboldened Hagar responds to God “You are El-roi,” which roughly translates to “the God who sees me.”

LETOURNEAU NOW

Many people in modern society may feel like Hagar—although we are not slaves, and the “deserts” of our lives are metaphorical. However, it is no secret that many people are struggling today under heavy emotional and psychological burdens that leave us feeling alone, stranded in the desert, and desperate for a drink of anything that will bring us life. In 2022, mental health has become a common topic of household conversation as the prevalence of issues like depression and anxiety has grown at an alarming pace. You don’t need to be a psychologist or a world class researcher to examine the data around you and see that people are struggling with their mental and emotional health to an extent that we have never seen before. A quick internet search, an overview of statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health, a glance at national headlines, or even a quick perusal of new bestsellers on Amazon or your local bookstore will tell you a consistent story: mental health is a rapidly growing problem. College students are not immune to this concerning phenomenon. In fact, a report released by the National College Health Association revealed that 51% of college students reported having moderate psychological distress, and 24% reported having serious psychological distress. The same study found that 22% of students have been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives, 27% have been diagnosed with anxiety, and over 50% of students admitted to currently

experiencing feelings of loneliness. These numbers paint a daunting picture of the future where succeeding in college becomes an emotional and psychological challenge almost as significant as the academic challenge. It is tempting to sit back and wonder what exactly has gone wrong and how we can fix it. I think that’s a very valid question. But I think we should be equally interested in what is still going right with everyone and how to continue to encourage it. At least, that is the approach I learned with Laurie Schreiner and her work on thriving in college. As a graduate student at Azusa Pacific University, I studied with Dr. Schreiner and learned about thriving as a holistic measurement of student well-being. Imagine two students walking across the stage at graduation. One is burnt out, stressed, and would describe his college experience as something he “survived.” The other is excited, engaged, and would describe college as a place she came to life and flourished in every way. Measuring student thriving is an attempt to create the conditions that make the second student more common on our campus. And that is something we can all agree would benefit everyone. Thriving consists of five distinct factors: engaged learning (interest in their coursework and engagement with the ideas outside of class), academic determination (engaging in practices to promote their learning), positive perspective (having a positive but realistic explanatory style), social connectedness (connect socially to others), and diverse citizenship (an interest in and desire to improve the community and world around them). I believe that this ‘Thriving Construct’ is a valuable tool for students’ well-being and success in college, much of what we do in student support and student life is an effort to help students grow and flourish in each of these areas. But when I think about the hurt, the sadness, and the loneliness experienced by so many young people today, I reflect most often on the concept of true social connectedness. How can we help these students engage with our campus and with each other? How can we help them feel a

AT LETOURNEAU, WE DON’T BACK AWAY FROM CHALLENGES. STUDENTS EVERYWHERE WILL CONTINUE TO STRUGGLE WITH ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND FEELINGS OF LONELINESS. BUT STUDENTS AT LETOURNEAU WILL DO IT IN A CONTEXT WHERE THEY ARE SEEN, CONNECTED, AND SOAKED IN THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL. personal belonging in a world that grows increasingly impersonal? Like Hagar, people need to be seen. They need to be heard, known, understood, and accepted. This becomes all the more challenging as we live in a world where it is increasingly easy to remain anonymous. At LeTourneau, we don’t back away from challenges. Students everywhere will continue to struggle with anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness. Students at LeTourneau will do it in a context where they are seen, connected, and soaked in the truth of the Gospel. And I believe that those things that make LeTourneau unique may be key factors in helping students get back on track. Please understand, I recommend that all people in need seek out the help of professional counselors and medical providers. I don’t believe that going to a Christian school will single-handedly protect students from experiencing the troubles of this life. However, I do believe that the community we create, and the experiences students have while at LeTourneau, can make a difference in their health and wellbeing. Some of this is the natural result of a small campus. Our classroom sizes remain small, so professors will know their students and be available to them. Our residence halls house 75% of our students and our low student to Residence Director (RD) ratio means that we can ensure every student is known by name. But it isn’t just the natural advantage of a small campus. A lot of intentionality goes into developing systems that help us be present and ready to step into the lives of students.

SPRING 2022

THE POLYTECHNIC WAY One of our systems in place requires a “check-in” with our students twice a semester as a follow-up to academic concerns. I have personally been present in many student meetings of our academic support and student mentorship programs, and while students may not always be thrilled to be “checked-in on,” these meetings often can be a valuable insight into a student’s life, and at times, help them navigate the complexities of university systems. I had a meeting with a student who was getting straight A’s except for an F in a macroeconomics course. As it turns out, he didn’t know he was still enrolled in macroeconomics because he thought he had already dropped it! Fortunately, we were able to help him figure it out before it made a permanent mark on his transcript. In addition to academic check-ins, staff, faculty, and students are encouraged to submit any concerns they have about students’ behavior, wellbeing, or life circumstances. Every week, a team of staff

and faculty get together to pray over and plan responses to these concerns and to find the best people to reach out to the students in need. In my time at LeTourneau I have seen RD’s spend the night in the hospital next to a student, I have seen a staff member be the one to break the news to a student that there had a death in his family and personally drive him home. I have seen faculty upholding students in prayer, love offerings taken up, students invited into homes, difficult conversations, tears, and the Holy Spirit. I like to tell students that LeTourneau is the kind of place that will come looking for you (sometimes they take this as more of a threat and less of a comfort, but I mean it in love). If you miss class for several days, your professor will notice. If you miss mealtimes, your floormates will know it. If you walk out of class crying, someone will come after you. It is harder to go unseen at LeTourneau. We are far from perfect at LETU, and I understand that we will not be able to

single-handedly reverse the growing trend of anxiety, depression, and loneliness that plagues our generation. However, I do believe that we have advantages that other schools do not have when it comes to creating healthy environments and keeping students in a community of care. We have small communities, faculty and staff who care, and a community of peers and mentors who turn to God as our source of truth and comfort. We may be uniquely positioned to be leaders in the field of student care and to encourage healing and growth in students in ways that aren’t possible at other types of institutions. There is a lot that will be beyond our control at LETU when it comes to student wellbeing, but our hope, and my prayer, is that we can be the people in their lives that seek them out the in same way God sought out Hagar. Hopefully we can be the school who sees them.

Students gather at the student center for Acousticafe - an event where students enjoy coffee and musical performances by their peers.

LETOURNEAU NOW

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN EVANYK

Meet Doug (‘84) and Carol Roszhart (‘84): Doug and Carol had in their hearts a desire to do something meaningful for their alma mater in their overall estate and legacy planning, but also felt the need to assure there was sufficient income for their retirement needs. Saving taxes, including the most efficient way to minimize, if not outright avoid capital gains taxes on long term growth assets, was also top of mind for them. With the help of the LeTourneau University Foundation, a solution known as a Charitable Remainder Unitrust was carefully constructed as the most optimal means to address both of these desires… achieve a tax favored income during retirement—while at the same time assuring a meaningful end gift to LeTourneau University. For guidance with your unique situation, please do not hesitate to call upon us here in this new initiative in support of LETU—but one with years of experience at assisting couples just like the Roszhart’s, and in just such efficient and comprehensive ways as this. We can be reached by calling 800-259-5388 or by email at leavealegacy@letufoundation.org.

SPRING 2022

THE POLYTECHNIC WAY

g d i e r s B Building by Dr. Michele Marjason

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMIAH SHEPHERD AND SARA BRYAN

“In the state of Texas, there are more than 4,000 universities, and there are only 8 programs like this in the whole state.

And, we are one of the two that provides individual specialized support.” Dr. Michele Marjason (’04) joined LeTourneau University seven years ago as adjunct faculty for the School of Education. In 2021, she became a full-time staff member when she was named Director of The Bridges College Success Program, strategically supporting and engaging students with autism spectrum disorder. She received her Doctorate in Organizational Educational Leadership with an Emphasis in Special Education from Grand Canyon University, a master’s in Special Education from Grand Canyon University, and a Bachelor of Education from LeTourneau University. She also has an Educational Diagnostician Certification from The University of Texas and Region 11 ESC. Dr. Marjason introduces the latest way LETU is honoring our longstanding commitment to provide a welcoming and comfortable home to all of our students, no matter where they are in their educational journey, how they're wired, or what their learning styles are.

Autism—The Landscape

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can

cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. ASD is characterized by ongoing social problems that include difficulty communicating and interacting with others, repetitive behaviors as well as limited interests or activities, and symptoms that impact the individual’s ability to function socially, at school or work, or other areas of life. Abilities vary significantly, meaning custom support is critical. About 1 in 54 children has been identified with ASD according to estimates from CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network. ASD is reported to occur in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups, and is more than four times more common among boys than among girls. As diagnosis and awareness of autism has increased, the number of students with autism attending college has also increased. While many students with autism do well in the college environment, many struggle with unknown social norms, executive functioning, living among peers, and the increased life skills required of college life. This can be

Longview World of Wonders In honor of Autism Acceptance Month, our Bridges College Success Program partnered with the Longview World of Wonders (WOW) for a Sensory Friendly Playtime—a low-sensory event designed for students with autism spectrum or sensory processing disorder to explore the museum without the noise, crowds, and stimulation of a typical day. For autistic children, engaging in sensory play can retrain the brain's response to sensory information and help to cope better when dealing with different sounds, textures, lights, scents, and taste. The WOW space was reserved for these students and their families and configured with lower light, no sound, and play centers filled with tactile, engaging activities to support motor and social skill development. LETU Bridges and other student volunteers facilitated 1:1 guided play and shared information about autism support. SPRING 2022

Amari Wright Major: Psychology Hometown: Houston, Texas

“The Bridges program is unique in that it provides a community and support system for students with autism. As a peer mentor, I get to be a part of this social support system. Often, I have the opportunity to hang out with Bridges students, tutor them, or go to club meetings with them. I am also here for them if they want to talk, vent, or if they have questions about social situations. One Bridges resource that is especially helpful is the weekly skills group. In these sessions we learn about social, academic, and life skills. I have found these to be majorly useful. I would also encourage anyone to participate in our community outings. They have helped the other students, and myself, step out of our comfort zones in ways that are keyed into our interests and abilities. Dr. Marjason has created an environment where students feel accepted and seen, and I think those components are missing from a lot of other spaces. Through my education in psychology, I have learned the importance of such an environment. Everyone deserves to have a place where they are genuinely accepted. I can truly say God is what brought me to LeTourneau University. My experience at this school has been nothing short of extraordinary.”

Allison Cook Major: Mechanical Engineering, with a Computer Science minor

attributed to a lack of self-management and

into college. Through Bridges, students gain

self-advocacy abilities, which are required

the necessary skills to pursue an academic

to organize and negotiate life away from

degree in a field of their choice. Bridges staff

home. The regular difficulties and stressors of

serve as the liaison between the enrolled

transitioning from high school, as well as not

students and the university system, assisting

always understanding who, how, or when to

the student in navigating the academic and

ask for support, intensify the situation.

social nuances that are fundamental to

The Response

college life.

Success program partners with families to

Research has found that 85% of students who

The LeTourneau University Bridges College

create a college environment in which social and life skills, as well as community living and learning, are thoughtfully fostered for this population of students. College is hard! My students have even more difficulty with their social issues, with their community. So, one of the things here that is so important is to get these students into our program; to get them involved, to get them engaged in a meaningful career and connected with employers who hire students with autism as one of their corporate initiatives. Bridges is an innovative, individualized,

LETOURNEAU NOW

Someone in your life likely has autism. graduate from college who have autism are either underemployed, which means they may work at Wal-Mart even though they have an engineering degree, or they aren’t employed at all, which means they’re likely sitting at home playing video games. (Recent studies published in the Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders indicate children with autism may be especially prone to screen addiction.)

The Mission

The Bridges College Success Program

strives to provide students an authentic college experience while offering a supportive

college transition program that supports

environment that cultivates interpersonal,

students with autism to successfully integrate

intrapersonal, and professional growth.

Sarah Kushner Major: Biology, Computer Science and Engineering Technology (CST), with a Chemistry Minor Hometown: Carthage, Texas

Our purpose is to encourage independence and community development with the ultimate goal of gaining meaningful employment in the students' chosen profession. The mission of LETU is confirmed and celebrated when students with ASD have equal access to a college education, can successfully participate in the academic, residential, and social realms of LETU, and can fulfill the mission of LETU.

The Process

Bridges utilizes person-centered planning and a ‘wraparound’ planning process to build individualized support, surrounding each student from all angles with the high-touch resources they need to thrive. These include academic coaches, tutors, and advisors, peer mentors, counseling services, family, and career services. Practically, this looks like: a pre-fall semester orientation; individual coaching (weekly during the student’s first semester and as needed beyond); weekly skills groups focusing on academic, social, daily life skills, and cultural supports; a weekly support group focusing on the perceptions of college life and

being a college student; liaison support with faculty, staff, and university departments, and supported community outings. Undergraduate peer mentors provide support with academics, social life, and navigating the campus and its culture, and supervised study hall is offered for program participants. We do monthly outings as a group, to get out into the community. I teach a social skills support group—how to chit chat, what a friend is, how to make a friend, how to keep a friend, how to deal with conflicts. I also support them in talking to faculty—how to write emails, how to interact with them, and promote self-advocacy. We also support them in the dorms—getting them out of playing video games and into community.

The Point

LETU has a long heritage of feeling like a

supportive home for a varied population of students, and Bridges participants are no exception. It’s so important these students are here. They do have questions. They are just like our other students who are searching for a career path, and for meaning in life.

“I heard about LETU from several people in my hometown, but did not really consider applying until I talked with a recruiter at the community college I was taking dual credit at. I applied while in the process of applying to several other schools, but after I toured campus and met with several professors, I knew this was where God wanted me. Since becoming a student at LETU I have been blessed more than I could have ever imagined, and I know without a doubt that this was what God had always planned for me. I really value the support I get from everyone in the Bridges program. Dr. Marjason has been so helpful and kind in helping me navigate some stressful situations, and I have made several great friends as well. It enriches my experience because I know I have a support system of people who understand how my brain works and are willing to help and listen when I need advice. I have discovered multiple resources at LETU through Bridges and through personal inquiries. I would really encourage students to take advantage of the Achievement Center's resources, such as the testing rooms and math tutoring sessions. I also have had several appointments with tutors and try to attend SI sessions as frequently as possible. I would say one of the most useful things I have learned this year has been branching out and connecting with new people. I have gotten to know several of my professors, and they have become great mentors for me. I would suggest to incoming and current college students to be social and try as many new things as possible. Students should never isolate themselves and should meet as many people and utilize as many resources and learning experiences they can.” SPRING 2022

Built by

THE POLYTECHNIC WAY

DESIGN by Grant Bridgman

From the whirring of lathes to the whooshing of the wind tunnel; from the clatter of wheelchair testing to the gurgle of water runoff systems. Sparks from grinders, saws, and TIG welders juxtapose with the silently powerful software of motion analysis systems, scanning electron microscopes, 3D modeling applications, or artificial intelligence. You may not always find pristine polish amid the practically-presented posture of our student designs, but the fusion of hard-hitting, intellectual problem solving with hands-on industry preparation is palpable. The LeTourneau University Senior Design project gives LeTourneau engineering students a capstone opportunity to gain real world engineering experience as they ask big questions of themselves and the innovations they seek to produce. Beyond the theory, students dive in and actually work out the answers to these questions with their own hands, heads, and hearts. PHOTOGRAPHY BY LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY'Sº MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

A Heritage of Preparation Visualize a hammer. Can you see it? Of course you can. A hammer is a fantastic and timeless tool—that unfortunately doesn’t help you much if you need to drill in a screw. A wheelchair is a wonderfully effective means of transportation for those with physical impairments—until they need to move across more uneven surfaces or live in areas with limited pavement. Arc welding is a tried and true method of securely joining similar metals that society benefits from every day—but what if the weld must happen while submerged underwater? These situations, questions, and many others like them are common in the world of engineering, both past, present, and certainly in the future as well. Engineers apply science and mathematics to solve complex problems. Practically speaking, an engineer seeks to figure out how something works, observe the problems, and make systems work better, or create a new way of solving the problem. Creating order. A tall order at times; yet our world today needs much more than practical innovation. Understanding the purpose and need for engineers in our broken world is not lost on most people you encounter. There will never be a shortage of problems that need solving. A more common debate in the world of learning is the question of what provides the “best”, or at least most-effective, venue for engineering education. Some would argue on behalf of the school of “hard knocks” or learning from trail and error; from failure and disappointment. The more traditional approach to industry preparation is seen in the form of a four-year degree from an accredited college or university engineering program. In terms of higher education, there are 363 institutions in America that offer some form of engineering degree program. If you look at faith-based universities, the list narrows to 13 schools nationally. If you look for a faith-based university founded by an actual engineering industry innovator, you are left with one option: LeTourneau University, in Longview, Texas. This heritage of innovation and industry preparedness is seen all over campus, but a special tradition of excellence resides in the classrooms and elite lab experiences of the engineering programs. John Tixier, Assistant Professor for Mechanical Engineering Technology and Senior Design Program Coordinator, defines the structure and purpose of engineering senior design at LeTourneau: “Our program is a two-semester, teamwork based, multi-disciplinary, design-build-test type of project.” Students work on the same project, with the same team, with engineers from various disciplines. They have to create a design, actually build it, and put it to the test.

“The dirty little secret”, John says, “is that it usually doesn’t work. There is failure and disappointment involved.” Failure and disappointment? Wait a minute, are we talking about a private university or the “school of hard knocks”? You heard right. Senior design makes up only two of the eight semesters of hands-on work for LETU engineering students. As Joe Ryan (’22, team lead for LUNAR: LeTourneau University Nexus for Amateur Rocketry) comments, “From our first semester as freshmen, all the way through, there are so many projects to experience. We have so many labs at our disposal, and we have access to those labs so freely. There are also such great faculty/student relationships, which really have given me a more personal experience to my education.” Like many other engineers, Joe’s comment highlights how, in college, relational benefits may come second only to the practical benefit of more lab time for accomplishing work.

A Posture of Possibility During the 2021-2022 academic year, there were 13 different senior design projects. Some projects are made for competitions, such the LUNAR rocket, some are designed with ministry in mind, such as a wheelchair for a community in Central America with poor civil infrastructure. Some focus on cutting edge technological processes such as the TANDEM team’s work to increase productivity, flexibility, and repeatability of submerged underwater arc welding. Still others focus on working with a real-world client to produce a solution to a problem. BADGER was one such ‘real-world’ project, where students worked to create an autonomous mobile robotic device to specifically target and chase geese away from golf courses. Caleb Nilsson (’22 BADGER team lead) speaks to the hands-on nature of the work. “I know a lot of schools where engineering senior design work consists of coming up with a theoretical problem, then creating the solution on paper. They never build it or test it. Here, on our projects, you have to actually get your hands dirty.”

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THE POLYTECHNIC WAY

"If I could summarize the LeTourneau senior design experience from my perspective, it’s a unique blending of

character-driven knowledge and industry-ready experience."

The actual work was just the tip of Dean of LETU School of Engineering the iceberg for what made senior design and Engineering Technology, Dr. Steve impactful for Caleb. “I have learned Starrett, one of the leading voices in about managing people, about working engineering ethics, states: “Engineering with an interdisciplinary team, and is a vital profession for humanity. The about engineering principles that are technically challenging situations that amazing—like entropy, a measure of current and future generations face chaos or uncertainty.” are immense. In creating engineering Speaking of uncertainty, on the solutions, it is critically important - Michael Moss, owner of Sweet Shop USA other side of the topic of design that engineers maintain high ethical innovation are the questions revolving standards, as we are trusted by the public. around ethical usage of technology. Our engineering ethics skills are just as As much as we long for solutions to the problems in our world, an end important to society as our technical skills.” to the suffering around us, and a general flourishing for our families Equipping Christian engineers to develop their ‘soft skills’ to be and societies, a deeper quandary often arises, once practical—and even equally as formidable as their technical skills has become a hallmark of groundbreaking—innovations are introduced. the engineering experience at LeTourneau University. In December of 1938, Swedish physicist Lise Meitner and her nephew, Our students are thrust into these ethical conversations while they physicist Otto Frisch, discovered how to make possible what was continue to hone their technical expertise. The connection between previously thought impossible—splitting a uranium nucleus in two. This their purpose and their practical training is what most students would discovery was, of course, used in the work of creating the first atomic cite as the immensely meaningful lynchpin of their education. bomb, a work which Meitner wanted no part of whatsoever. Erin Trantham (’22, LETREP2 team) speaks to this connection as We live in a world filled with many more technological ‘impossibilities’ it relates to the work she did on senior design this year: “I have been than that of 1938. How can the engineers of tomorrow prepare for ethical on this project for two years, and the reason I stuck with it and am so dilemmas to multiply? How can future innovators stand in the gap passionate about it is because this project actually helps people, and that and have the boldness to ask big questions for the benefit of the world fits right into what Christian engineers should be focusing on—using around them? LeTourneau senior design students are pursuing a training our engineering for the good of the world.” which leans into a conversation shift, from ‘just because we can build it’, A fascinating and perhaps insightful commentary on the real purpose to ‘should we’? These students wrestle with the ‘purpose’ and/or ‘penalty’ behind years of hard work. This drive that our students feel does not of an innovation before simply approving the ‘practical’ benefits. simply come from a desire to be a ’really good engineer’. The cornerstone 28

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of these design projects is where technical skills meet development of character. This fulcrum of learning permeates their professional pursuits.

A Heart of Purpose The reason that so many pundits in this day and age are beginning to emphasize trade school and vocational type training is not simply due to a lack of faith in four-year higher-ed. With increased usage of engineering theories and practices comes the competencies, collaboration, and confidence that are so appealing to the companies looking for the next wave of new hires. As industry seeks for qualified professionals, the generational shifts in hiring practices showcase an increased desire for quality of work and quality of character. Character, as Tixier mentioned, which can come from working through “failure and disappointment.” An engineer performs calculations, tests, and simulations to determine how much load a concrete pillar can sustain before it fails. In order to find the answer, they must create failure time and again, so as to create a safer structure in the long run. Similar to that concrete pillar, engineering senior design students at times experience the failures of their work as they put their theories to the test, again and again. They do this in an environment rich with practical training but rooted in Kingdom purpose. The character of LeTourneau students is not only built in the forge of failure, but through purpose in their work and compassion for others that comes from a heart seeking to follow Christ. Kristen Rose (‘22, Frontier Wheelchairs) states, “I have always been drawn to humanitarian work, and I feel it reflects the heart of Christ. One year, I was able to work on a team that built a surgical table for humanitarian organizations, and this year I worked with my team to design and provide powered, portable wheelchairs that are far more usable than many of those which are traditionally donated.” Just as a nail without a hammer seems incongruous, an engineer without a baseline for principles and purpose is, practically speaking, somewhat incomplete. Employers can teach technical skills—even if they would rather not have to. What industry is not always equipped to teach is the ‘what’ in what gets a committed, trustworthy, empathic, technically excellent employee out of the bed in the morning. The skills, in and of themselves, are still appealing, but what has piqued the interest of countless employers through the years as they continue to return for more LETU grads is seen in how they talk about our students. The industry sees the impact that these engineers make, sometimes even before they graduate. Michael Moss is the owner of Sweet Shop USA, a chocolate company in Mt. Pleasant, Texas. One of this year’s senior design team projects was commissioned by him because of the reputation of LeTourneau engineering students. He commented, “It has been an absolute joy getting to work with these students. I contacted LeTourneau Engineering to help me with a problem in our processes, and I witnessed this undergraduate student team figure out a solution to something that multiple engineering firms that we had contacted couldn’t figure SPRING 2022

"The reason I stuck with it and I'm so passionate about it is because this project actually helps people, and that fits right into what Christian engineers should be focusing on—

using our engineering for the good of the world." - Erin Trantham (’22, LETREP2 team)

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out how to do. If I could summarize the LeTourneau senior design experience from my perspective, it’s a unique blending of characterdriven knowledge and industry-ready experience.” What a powerful combination. A recipe for hope amid chaos. And what a meaningful encouragement to these graduates who are entering the workforce already making an impact, poised for a future which may require every ounce of their commitment to purpose.

A World of Opportunity The commitment of our students is not simply to a ‘practical life,’ or even a ‘purposeful life,’ but a commitment to the purpose of a vocational calling. This calling aspires to raise the bar within engineering, within higher education; within industries, within societies. A life filled with this type of aspirational pursuit is one with a full heart. If engineering seeks to pursue solutions to the world’s problems purely for practicality or ‘ease of life’, it will miss the core truth of real peace in our world, and the heart of creation and invention will grow cold and hard. Our founder, R.G. LeTourneau, said it this way, “We will never have real peace on earth until we give more time and loyalty to the Prince of Peace, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” The engineering and engineering technology leaders of the future will be most impactful in our world when their hands and head work together with their heart and soul. On the surface, LETU Engineering Senior Design may appear as simply the natural culmination of a fouryear undergraduate engineering degree, where theories and processes which are taught and learned can be put to the test. But dig through the hardpan of basic practicality, and there is a deeply meaningful richness: a deep desire to work for more than a career and to live for more than work. As God tells His people in Ezekiel, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26, NIV). Visualize a world where this type of engineer is not in the minority. Can you see it? In Longview, Texas, we see it every day on our campus and, practically speaking. . . it’s downright awesome. Everything has a purpose. A hammer for a nail. Senior design projects for solutions to complex problems. And graduates of The Christian Polytechnic University for a world and a future where practicality, innovation, even groundbreaking invention, will need the character and competence that flows from a poised professionalism rooted in Christ.

Scan here or visit letu.edu/seniordesign for more information on LeTourneau University's 2021-2022 Senior Design projects.

SPRING 2022

PHOTOGRAPH BY JEREMIAH SHEPHERD

by Jake Hall

We’re built different. Techo’s, gearheads, “those weird engineers.” Hard-wired for ingenuity, creativity, impact. We want to make a difference, solve problems, fix things. We need a project, something to do with our hands. We don’t like to sit still. It’s in our institutional DNA as well. R.G. was the same way; he never sat still, always on to the next project, the next idea, the next big move for the Kingdom. Famous for saying his time was worth $1/minute, he didn’t like to wait for anyone. “Wasting time is murder. The best way to waste time is to work it to death.” SPRING 2022

IN THE NOW

LETOURNEAU NOW

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

This spring, go-kart racing returned to campus after a more than twenty-year absence. The LeTourneau Automotive Society, supported by numerous AS alumni and the University Alumni Office, organized an entire day of racing during Hootenanny Weekend. The energy was electric as crowds of students and families lined the streets in support. Half of campus was transformed into a race track for the day, hay bales and old tires marking the lanes that wound through the Glaske parking lot, past the pond, around the cafeteria, and back onto the main Glaske Drive. Karts were divided into three classes for the event (classic, open, and modified), and qualifying heats were held for each class in the morning with finals in the afternoon. Several karts were handcrafted and engineered from scratch, including the winning open-class kart, built by a team of Materials Joining students.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS TEAM

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IN THE NOW

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God has hardwired us to enjoy creation and delight in the gifts and abilities He’s implanted in us. At LeTourneau, gokart racing is a unique outlet for that fulfillment. Students take what they’re learning in classrooms and labs and use it to design/build/race individual karts. The dedication to the craft is real. They spend well over a hundred hours of free time on this process; salvaging parts, troubleshooting mechanical issues, even pulling all-nighters to ensure their karts are ready to race.

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IN THE NOW

In this issue of the LeTourneau NOW magazine, we are highlighting ways our university meets practical needs in the world. We do so in a distinct way—a LeTourneau way. From academics to community engagement to ministry abroad, LeTourneau graduates are answering a call. They are equipped to create change, to plant seeds, to BUILD new life wherever they go. They are poised to make a difference in the world, trained not only to identify problems and invent solutions but also to evaluate life through the lens of the Gospel—to understand how wide, how high, how long, how deep is the love of Christ and apply that across their lives. Whether they become a biomedical engineer or an aircraft dispatcher or a baseball coach or a business owner they are destined to make an eternal impact for the Kingdom. 38

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SPRING 2022

IN THE NOW

LETOURNEAU NOW

VISIT

letu.edu/gokarts

FOR MORE CONTENT

SPRING 2022

LETOURNEAU BUILT

Unforgettable Perspective:

Forged by Adversity If you have been on campus for any significant amount of time in the last four years, odds are you know Steven Newlin. He’s the kind of person who immediately brightens up a room and always has an encouraging word for you. He knows pretty much everyone; he doesn’t forget a name, and if you meet him once, he’ll probably be waving hello the next time he sees you. Steven has also dealt with a tremendous amount of adversity. He was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that severely limits his mobility and muscles, requiring the use of a walker to move freely. He’s been dependent on his parents for most of his life, so going to college was his first real experience in self-sufficiency, a journey into unknown risks, challenges, and revelation as well. Steven graduated this May with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, Management major and Christian Ministry minor, from the School of Business. His dream is to open a gym for kids with disabilities to receive athletic training and coaching. His hobbies include crossfit exercise, video games, traveling, and hanging out with friends. We sat down with Steven to hear his story prior to graduation.

How did you end up at LeTourneau? What made you stay? I was always going to go to LeTourneau because all my siblings went here, so I was super excited to go to college. I wanted

to finish out the legacy of “Newlin’s at LeTourneau.” It was also a God thing because I don’t know what would’ve happened if I’d gone to another school. I started as a biology major because I’ve always wanted to help people for a career, but I was not prepared for what the program had to offer. My dad suggested I try the business classes since I had always been interested in that too, so I went to a management class. After taking some classes and getting to know the business students and professors, I decided to change my major to marketing. I planned to go full-in, take 18 hours a semester, and get out as quick as possible. But God had different plans. I kept hearing this voice in the back of my head saying, “You’re still not helping people,” so I switched back to biology for two weeks, and I was literally sick the entire time. I felt nauseous constantly. That was God telling me, “No, this is not what I want you to do.” So, I switched back to business again, this time as a management major. One of the first classes I took was Business Entrepreneurship. We had a project where we came up with a business idea to present, and I had the idea of making a completely accessible gym for people with disabilities where they can get help and training. My idea was chosen as one of the top five ideas for the class. So, I worked with a team that entire semester to flesh the details of the idea out, and then the following

semester, in the second part of the class, we presented to actual investors to see if the project was viable. During this whole experience, I felt God saying, “This is what I want you to do. I want you to take this idea and run with it.” So, throughout my junior and senior years, this has been my major focus. How am I going to do this when I get out of school? And, there’s still a lot of questions even now that I’m graduating, but I know for a fact God is in control.

How did this business project impact you? I feel like this is how God wants to use me in ministry, this is how God wants me to impact people, by teaching kids how to use their bodies. Throughout my life, I’ve had countless surgeries or therapists trying to help me, but what worked for me as a child was people motivating me and trying different things. It was more like a football coach saying, ‘Try to get one more rep,’ and that mentality of keep working, keep working, keep working, until you actually get what you want. A lot of kids with disabilities don’t have that opportunity, not because there aren’t people helping them, but because it’s hard to pay for or they live in an area that’s not conducive to it. Having that support system is crucial, not only to boost their confidence, but to help them get even better and stronger physically. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA BRYAN AND GRANT BRIDGMAN

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How has your time at LeTourneau impacted you? LeTourneau has helped me embrace who I am as a person. Because of my disability, I’ve been able to help with two different senior design projects based around people with physical conditions. When I was born, the doctor said I couldn’t do x, y, and z, but now, I’m helping out with certain missionary endeavors or research. It’s been really cool to see that what I thought was a disadvantage [has turned into an advantage], and I will be able to help so many people just by being the person God made me to be. Every professor I’ve had a personal relationship with here is always trying to motivate me to be whoever God has called me to be.

Has LeTourneau been a good fit for you and why? LeTourneau has been a good fit for me because of the people. Most of the people I’ve met here will be lifelong friends. The people are what make LeTourneau special. When I first came to campus, I didn’t have a good relationship with God, and I thought everyone here was, for lack of a better term, a super-annoying Christian, which is offputting. But, as I’ve been here and grown and matured not only as a person but as a Christian, I’ve found a balance between being a light for Christ and still being me. God has given me these gifts of hard work and determination, but I was so scared that I would become this cookie-cutter, overlyhappy person. I didn’t want to become that because that’s not me. That’s not my personality. But, God has given me this personality, this attitude, this platform. As I’ve grown in him, He’s made me an even harder worker and more of a compassionate person. Now, I feel like I’m doing all the things I wanted to do but for the right reason.

As I’ve grown in my faith at LeTourneau, I’ve learned that even though I might not be a pastor or a church planter or a missionary, I can still be a coach or a business owner or whatever God wants me to be. And, the way I act, the words I say, the way I live my life, that’s still ministry. How I treat people is my ministry.

What are some impactful memories from your time at LeTourneau? Freshman or sophomore year, my friends played Humans vs. Zombies [a campus-wide game], and I couldn’t join in, but I would tag along with them on missions. Being a part of that was really fun, partly because one night, after the missions were over, my best friend gave me a hug, then picked me up and ran across the Student Center carrying me! I was like, “OK, I guess this is happening!” The best overall memory has been the chance to work on senior design projects with engineering majors. I don’t do any of the building or coding, but I get to try them out before anyone else. I got to try the wheelchair and therapy projects before they were presented, and they asked me what they should change and how it felt.

What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning? What helps me do what I do are the people around me. I’m not the best when it comes to being motivated to do homework or school, but my friends here have pushed me to be the best person I can be. They have been the best examples of Christ to me on this campus. I try to be the best person I can be because I know my friends are doing the same. What really motivates me now as a graduating senior are my friends and the possibilities of the future. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but whatever God wants to

As the instructor for the entrepreneurial leadership course, I watched Steven and his team work together over several months and was always impressed with how he worked his personal experience into this business idea. It was compelling from the beginning – mainly due to the energy and commitment we saw in Steven. I also watched him develop and mature as a student. There were clearly times when he was frustrated and discouraged, but I have seen his perseverance, hopefulness, and drive. We are delighted to see him continue to develop this business idea as he moves forward beyond graduation. He is a fine role model for all of our students. It is just amazing to see what God will do with an individual who is following after Him, using his personal situation and abilities in such a meaningful way. Steven is demonstrating our School of Business brand promise to be a Christ-centered world changer with an entrepreneurial mindset. - Dr. Kathleen Mays, DBA Dean, School Of Business

do, I’ll be ready and willing to do it. SPRING 2022

THE BUZZ

Ms.P L E T U AT H L E T IC T R A I N E R by Grant Bridgman

hat do all athletes desire? Acclaim? Longevity? Success? Certainly there are even more words to add to that list. There are countless barriers to achieving great success, and as sports legend Michael Jordan once said: “Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.” The world of athletic competition inspires persistent pursuit of growth and improvement, consistency of character, and a winsome work ethic. In NCAA Division III athletics, these traits are just as important as the individuals who serve as the guiding force behind the building up of future champions. At LeTourneau University, the athletic staff are the front lines of impact to our student athlete experience. From encouragement in the midst of shedding blood, sweat, and tears, to the experience of focus, nerves, and cheers, our staff are here because they love our student athletes. This is true of all our coaching staff, and definitely true of our head athletic trainer, Portia Phillips—or as she is known around campus, Ms. P. Anyone who has been around LETU Athletics in any way over the past 19 years has seen, known, and likely been impacted by Ms. P. Coming to LETU in 2003 after having experience working in Division I athletics, Portia was eager to get back to Texas, and specifically was looking at smaller Christian universities. The appeal of a school where she could openly lean into her faith and discuss with students how our bodies are “incredible instruments that God created” was made even more attractive when she thought about how she wanted to move into a position at a school where she could use her athletic training to “actually take the time to work intentionally with an athlete when an injury occurs and get them back on the court, on the field, etc.”

LETOURNEAU NOW

She knew after her first visit to campus that LETU was a natural fit. The campus felt “like family,” so when the offer came through, Ms. P jumped at the opportunity to be a part of something special, where she could contribute her skills and perspectives to better the lives of student athletes. While always an athlete at her core, basketball being her “first love,” Portia found that early on in her life she was always drawn to the scenarios when an athlete was injured. How did that happen? Could that have been prevented? What steps will be taken to help heal from that injury? How long will the healing process take? Pursuing these types of questions became a type of calling for Portia. Initially, she pursued biology/pre-med with an interest in learning more about how the body works. She wouldn’t be there long, however, as the world of athletics continued to call her name. She changed over to kinesiology and sports studies, went straight on to becoming an athletic trainer, and “never looked back.” Those who know Ms. P understand that the one thing she loves more than athletics as a whole are the individual students that she works with. Helping students improve in nutrition, proper training, and various cross-training, is only a piece of what makes this work special to her. As a trainer she gets to know the student’s personalities, who they are, to hear their stories, what ‘makes them tick’: “I enjoy that part so much—getting to know the people.” She learns about their families and their backgrounds. Students from all different types of life—from hard home lives, fighting just to get out to survive, to those that come from wealthy, great educational backgrounds—and from different countries. Portia's heart for student athletes is highlighted in how her face lights up with pride and fulfillment when talking about her students. She spoke about one PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMIAH SHEPHERD

'young man' who is finishing up his time at LETU this spring; track and cross-country athlete and ASC Champion, Lorien Nightingale. “When he first came here, I think the training part was a transition for him. It was hard. And he struggled those first training sessions and getting acclimated. Well, here we are down the road. He's ready to graduate and leave here. And Lorien is a champion. He has conquered the American Southwest Conference. He's an individual champion, overcoming challenges and all those other things you see when these kids come through the door; there's excitement, but there's also a little fright. And they don't know how they're going to get through it. Then when they leave, you can see the maturity and the growth and how they’ve changed. And Lorien comes to mind just because he's currently here. And when

' As an LETU student athlete, you have to have a handle on the academics of LeTourneau, your coaches want your time and your attention, and you want to have relationships with other students. How do you balance those all out? It starts with a relationship with Christ.' SPRING 2022

THE BUZZ

I see him walking down the hall, I call him ‘champ’ because he came a long way to be the champion, and that's what it's about.” As someone who understands, perhaps more than most, the extra strain of being a student athlete while also being committed to rigorous academics, Ms. P makes extra certain that students understand the position they are in as an athlete—namely, a position where you can utilize the tools you have used as an athlete to be successful in everything you pursue after college. Portia’s hope is that students always remember the lessons learned about working with people—with many different personalities and strengths—about how to be a leader, about how to handle a lot thrown your way all at once, and how to grow and thrive through all of it. 46

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“As an LETU student athlete, you have to have a handle on the academics of LeTourneau, your coaches want your time and your attention, and you want to have relationships with other students. How do you balance those all out? It starts with a relationship with Christ. How does athletics play into that? It teaches you to step out and step up even if you are afraid. It teaches you how to cooperate with people. If you can balance all that out, you will walk away from here a leader who can incorporate and understand multiple things that are going on around them, thinking with boldness and agility.” Speaking of students' mindsets, Ms. P has also noticed how athletics, and the principles and practices therein, can help to improve a student’s overall mental health. Athletes face the same struggles as everyone else, yet at times, face increased pressure and expectations. This can

create the perfect environment for an increased sense of being overwhelmed. The American College of Sports Medicine found in a recent study that approximately 30% of women and 25% of men who are student athletes report having anxiety. Portia sees this in student athletes often and works to help guide them alongside any additional help they need. “I think mental health struggles affect our student athletes just like any other. And they have those challenges and obstacles. And especially when you think about the rigor, and academics, then the demand from your sport, and then who knows what's going on at home or in their own personal relationships. It can be a lot. If you take the time to step back, exhale, figure out what the situation is, then get help for that situation, this will help you move forward, to get back and perform on the field, on the court—in whatever it is that you're doing.” Viewing her job as a service to the student athletes—to get them back on the court, on the field, as safely and quickly as possible, Ms. P truly enjoys the process of guiding students to get one step closer to winning again. While she never wants a student to be injured, it’s clear that Portia appreciates the door it opens for her and her staff to get to know the students a bit better. All athletes desire to win; certainly, our student athletes are no exception. Perhaps the attraction of acclaim, or the need for longevity are primarily markers of perceived athletic success. One could argue that the Division III athlete has one of the toughest journeys of pursuing success. For DI and DII athletes, the focus is on pursuing professional athletic careers. So even the four years in college is less about the vocational preparation/education, and more focused on athletic preparation. For the DIII athlete, since their most likely post-college future is not a career as a professional athlete, they feel the weight of importance of focusing on their academics, while also feeling the weight of desire to contribute to a winning collegiate athletic program. This splitting of focus requires even more determination and resolve. How does one ‘climb’, ‘go through’, or ‘work around’ the obstacles, as stated by ‘Air’ Jordan? Ms. P says: “Be patient. Your time will come. All of us need patience. You have to go through whatever the challenges your coaches are putting up for you—that being in school is putting up for you—to be successful. You have to work your way through the process. When you're frustrated, you're agitated, be patient as you push through. It’s the only way you're going to get through any obstacle; nothing is given to us—we have to

work for it. So be patient, because everything will be okay. Everything’s going to happen in the manner in which it is supposed to. Be patient.” The pursuit of success is certainly not owned by the athletic world. The example set by Portia Phillips is one that clearly applies to every walk of life. Her commitment to students and to her calling showcases a mindset of grit and persistence, joined with a heart bent toward healing and growing of character, that can truly transform every vocation on earth.

You have to work your way through the process. When you're frustrated, you're agitated, be patient as you push through. It’s the only way you're going to get through any obstacle; nothing is given to us—we have to work for it.

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THE BUZZ

Student Column Maura Herndon

English Literature & Language Arts, 2024

One of the profound experiences of life at LeTourneau, and one of the central promises we make to our students, is to support them. To ‘not let them do life alone’ and to build in facets of the campus living and learning experience that surround them with relational guides—to aid in navigating the ins and outs of college life and the bumps of life in general along the way. Peer Advisors serve as some of those guides. Peer Advisors are experienced student

My first year at college had already exceeded any expectations I could have had coming out of high school during the era of COVID. Being able to attend a school like LeTourneau was a privilege I never even imagined. In the early months of my time here, I learned what an amazing experience college can be. I took classes with professors that profoundly shaped my faith and my view of the world. I found community that was

leaders who have demonstrated academic and community success. Their main focus is to develop relationships with new students and to assist them with transitioning to university life. Peer Advisors connect with new students through the Cornerstones course, which is part of the First Year Experience and introduces students to the LeTourneau University community, and mentor

"I knew that I wanted to give back to LeTourneau by helping the new freshmen like he had helped me."

and recommended I think about joining the team my sophomore year. I remember being somewhat surprised at this idea. Sophomore year seemed so far away, and the thought of being an upperclassman to anyone felt foreign. 48

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a huge impact on a student's experience here. My own Peer Advisor was a smiling and familiar face as I was first settling into life at school. He showed me and his other Cornerstones students around campus so that we could find our classes and gave us an upperclassman’s insight into the culture and slang of LeTourneau students. As my new environments, Nathan became a good friend who we could trust for academic support. I knew that I wanted to give back to LeTourneau by helping the new freshmen like he had helped me. As I near the end of my sophomore year, I am so grateful for my own time as a Peer Advisor. The students I worked with are a

I remember when my Peer Advisor, the end of my first semester at LeTourneau

meets at LeTourneau, a Peer Advisor has

classmates and I became comfortable in our

new students closely throughout their first year. Nathan Schmidt, approached me toward

As one of the first people a freshman

joy to know. We shared many memorable rich and deep like I had never experienced. A world of academic discoveries, life lessons, and beautiful relationships was unfolding before me. My passion for the LeTourneau experience that was ignited in my first semester motivated me to take Nathan’s advice and apply to become a Peer Advisor myself.

conversations, and as much as I hope to have helped them learn and thrive at LeTourneau, I know they each made an impact on me. Being a PA has taught me to listen to people’s stories and to be a leader by being available, real, and humble. I look forward to sharing LeTourneau as a Peer Advisor with more freshmen this coming fall. PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARA BRYAN

Community of Encouragement They’re caring. They’re consistent. They understand the calling to be excellent in their field, to serve their students, and to live for more than just a profession. As the students are the lifeblood coursing through this institution, faculty and staff are the heart behind it— unwaveringly committed to the work God has for them.

We would love to hear your stories of how a faculty or staff member has impacted your LeTourneau experience.

Step 1 Send your email to NOW@letu.edu.

Step 2 We will celebrate that individual in person or through future NOW magazine spotlights.

SPRING 2022

f o s d ee S

by Jake Hall

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JESSE THEOBALD

ARP REY

h t i W s t r a t It S A dedicated student leader paces the floor of his dorm, pouring his heart out in prayer for God to use his floor-mates in a powerful way. A family in the jungles of Mexico pleads with the Lord to provide a safe, sound shelter for their church.

SEEDS PLANTED. Students walk the streets of Salt Lake City, whispering prayers of gospel proclamation. A pack of raucous Spring Break partiers huddles in reverence inside a minivan, reciting the Lord’s Prayer.

SEEDS WATERED. A group of teenagers who wandered into church for some free pancakes recommit their lives to Christ...

HARVEST. SPRING 2022

PRAYER

h t i W s t r a t S It

The life of a believer is a life drenched in prayer. The Bible is full of stories and parables of persistent, passionate prayer: the man knocking on his neighbor’s door at midnight, the judge who relents to a widow because of her constant pleading, Elijah praying for drought for three and a half years. Christ himself admonished us: “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you” (John 15:7). And, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matt. 17:20). Our prayers are like seeds: small investments sown with care in the belief they will produce a plentiful harvest. This is also true of the steps we take to share the Gospel. We don’t know if our efforts will be successful, if the seeds we sow will fall on good soil or rocky. But still, we sow, we water, we pray, we wait. And, “Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth” (1 Cor. 3:7). LeTourneau University staff and students have sown Gospel seeds for over thirty years on Spring Break Mission Trips. You won’t believe what God has done with the growth.

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7

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Beach baptisms at South Padre led by Beach Reach leaders. Anyone who prayed to receive Christ during the week, or has never been baptized, is invited to partake.

This year’s LETU Beach Reach team giving free van rides and sharing the Gospel in South Padre Island, TX

MISSIONS g-Term LonIMPACT Short-Term

Spring 1992: This team performed music and evangelistic dramas on the streets throughout San Luis Potosí

LeTourneau Spring Break Missions began in the late 1980’s with a student-organized trip to San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Word grew upon the group’s return to campus, and the following year, about 120 students packed onto three buses, headed to three different Mexican cities for the week. Then-LETU President Bud Austin personally visited each site to encourage and endorse the effort.

SEEDS PLANTED.

In the following years, the spring break trips grew and developed into what they are today: nine trips across the continent, including ministries to Mormons in Utah, spring break partiers on South Padre Island, Texas, engineering and software-focused endeavors, and two trips to Mexico. In 2022, 131 people participated in this vibrant movement that began years ago with some persistent prayer and a few willing students. Daniel Huegel (BA, ‘93) helped organize the first spring break trip to San Luis Potosí with his brother and other students, including a group from Tyler Hall 3B. The 3B Resident Assistant (RA) at the time, Daniel remembers, had come to campus the summer before and walked the dorm floor, praying his students would make an impact in the coming year. “I attribute the weeks of prayer on his part to being a big reason why the trips began,” Daniel says. Daniel was born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and grew up in Mexico City. He currently serves as Executive Director of Intercultural Ministries for the Centro Cristiano Agape Churches in San Luis Potosí. Not only did he help initiate the annual trips in that city, but he has also witnessed the profound impact they’ve had on the local community. On one of the first trips, a group of students poured and built a concrete floor for the local

Spring 1993: Students help remove an old building on the property of a local church in San Luis Potosí

church. The church families hosted the LETU students in their homes, but with only 20-30 members at the time, it was quite a challenge to feed everyone for the week. However, they stepped out in faith, God answered their prayers, and the floor was completed. Today, the church has over 150 members and points back to the LeTourneau trip as a defining moment in its existence where God stretched their faith beyond what they thought was possible. Another story Daniel tells is that of Paulina Sanchez, a woman whose parents went to the nearby jungles to cook for an LETU team working on a church building in the area. Paulina remembers, as a 4 or 5-year-old little girl, being amazed by these students who diligently worked all day, hauling stones to the work site, sweating, cutting, bleeding, as they built this church with their hands. One student in particular would take time to sit and talk with her, and he even wrote her a letter after returning home. Now a grown woman, Paulina has saved that letter for years, and she attributes the beginnings of her faith to that week.

SEEDS PLANTED.

Some people underestimate the impact of short-term missions; can truly valuable, eternal work actually be accomplished in a week? Many missionaries labor for decades in one location without witnessing substantial growth or change in the people around them. But, the power of Christ cannot be quantified or measured in human terms, and we never know how God will grow the efforts of a diligent believer, even in seemingly small interactions. As Daniel puts it: “Even though it’s short, it can significantly make a difference for years to come. Sometimes, we don’t see the effects right away. But, I think the fruits, long-term, make it a very worthwhile endeavor.”

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f o s e i t e i r a V Abundant This spring, students chose from nine different trips, each led by university faculty or staff. Some chose to serve in a way that pushed them out of their comfort zone: an introvert witnessing to college kids partying on the beach or teaching English in a foreign country. Others opted to utilize natural gifts or classroom skills in a fresh way: computer science majors working on software projects for missionaries or education majors serving in a camp for people with disabilities. These trips are intentionally practical and relational in nature, grounded yet free to follow the movement of the Spirit, focused on very specific needs, yet never losing sight of the universal need for all to hear the Gospel. We interviewed a handful of student participants, although not every trip is covered here. SonSet Solutions is a ministry that provides technology-based solutions for hundreds of Christian organizations advancing the Gospel worldwide. Many organizations may not have their own IT specialist or engineer, so SonSet stands in the gap for them. A group of LETU students served at the organization’s base In Elkhart, Indiana, for the week, working on multiple projects and gaining perspective on how their vocation applies to the world. “The week showed me that what I’m learning in engineering is serving God, and as long as I’m doing it for Him, it’s glorifying Him.

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It’s easy to lose sight of that, but it’s good to remember that building things and being creative is mimicking Christ in a way,” (Ryan Bell, ME ‘24). Freshman Brooke Madsen (MC) adds, “My favorite part of the week was learning how to lay out the circuit we had worked to design on a computer and transferring it to a digital PCB ready to print! I also learned how engineering can be used in the mission field, which is something I had never thought of before.”

SEEDS WATERED.

The mission trip to Oaxaca, Mexico, had a very simple technical goal of building a small house for a family in the host church. However, it was the relationships God built that left a lasting impression on the students: “After five days of hard work, we looked upon the finished house and realized how much more God did during our time in Mexico. Even though construction was our focus, our team was blessed by valuable relationships with the people with whom we worked,” (William Manchester, ME ‘23). Peter Lee (CM ’23), adds, “Our joy is complete when we serve the Lord with our hearts. Our main goal wasn’t really to develop a relationship with the church, but it happened naturally through working.” Beach Reach is a ministry that’s served South Padre Island since 1980; every year, tens of thousands of college students descend upon the beaches of the island to party during spring break. Through Beach Reach, hundreds of Christian college students from various schools join together to give free van rides to the spring breakers, keeping them safe while also verbally sharing the gospel of Jesus with them in the vans. Gabi Pitman (EDUC ’23) and several of her teammates made a deep connection with some of the spring breakers who were drawn to them during an initial van ride. As the week progressed, they repeatedly called and asked for LETU vans to pick them up, even coming to a morning breakfast to play Spikeball and other games.

“Even though we didn’t see any of them accept Christ as their Savior, we saw them growing their interest in God and wanting to further that. I think they could tell something about us was different, and they said, ‘We would rather hang out with you than go to this bar.’ It was really about becoming friends with them and showing them that life with Jesus can be fun and exciting too.” In-person evangelism is also a focus of the Tri-Grace Ministries trip in Ephraim, Utah. Tri-Grace is a ministry that serves those impacted by Mormonism in the area, and LeTourneau partners with them for the week through college campus outreach, door-to-door evangelism, and providing general love and encouragement to families in polygamist communities. Samantha Hilarides (ME, ‘22) tells a touching story from this year’s trip of visiting the polygamist families, a specific outreach started a few years ago by LETU students who wanted to love on the women in those communities. Usually, the women are the only ones home during the day as the men are working, but this year was different. A woman in one of the homes happily invited the students in and had a long conversation with them while her husband sat and observed. Toward the end, he made a point to thank the students: “We really appreciate you guys coming, and we really see the difference in the LeTourneau and Tri-Grace ministries from other groups who’ve come here; they want to argue with us about everything we’re doing wrong and tell us we’re going to hell and things. But you guys just come and encourage us and pray with us. And, I know you don’t believe that works get you into Heaven, and yet you're still here doing good things for us.” This was further fruit brought forth by the faithful work of students who had gone before.

SEEDS WATERED.

The evangelism experience also impacted Samantha’s personal faith: “While witnessing, I learned to question Christianity, to question my faith, to dig deeper into the word of God, to understand the details and background of everything. I think it’s really important to understand why you believe what you believe...I really appreciate the opportunity to go on these trips because my faith is stronger, and I have a different relationship with God now and a stronger bond with other people on campus that’s really unique to short-term mission trips.” Beloved & Beyond is a camp devoted to people with special needs/ disabilities; sophomore Allison Cook (ME) has served there since she was 13 and attended the spring break trip this year. Her experience has opened her eyes to the love of Christ in a new way: “I have a lot of campers who still text me and ask ‘how’s your day?’ [The impact] doesn’t ever leave; one week can translate to a lifetime... It’s really important for students to branch out and learn how to accept a lot of differences. Being able to reach out to the least of these, as Christ has called us to do, can bring so much into your life and allow you to see people how God sees them.” Another student whose life was forever altered by Spring Break Missions is graduating senior Priscilla Ramirez (Chemistry). Priscilla has attended the San Luis trip three times and even spent a summer working with the church there. For her, the focus of these short-term trips is relational: “The driving force behind the trip is to make relationships with people who are outside of what we know, to make friends, to learn about them, and to be encouraged and ministered to by them.” When asked if students should consider going, Priscilla is adamant: “Yes! Yes, yes, yes. Go, go, go... It’s not a matter of whether you should go or not, it’s which one you should go on. It’s important to take that risk and do something with that week you have. Instead of resting, take a week where you will be challenged and have to pour yourself out in the middle of a hard semester.” In other words, use your break to go plant some seeds.

“I think they could tell something about us was different, and they said, 'We would rather hang out with you than go to this bar.'” Gabi Pitman (Beach Reach) SPRING 2022

TREE

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If we took time to hear from every individual that’s been changed by these trips, we could probably write an article whose pages stretched around the entire university. I’ve been to Beach Reach seven times now, as both a student and a staff sponsor, and my experiences are grafted onto my heart, the memories etched into my soul. I don’t really remember a life without Beach Reach; it’s become a natural extension of the Gospel-centered life God has called me to. I’m sure many of you reading this could share similar stories. Perhaps you were one of the first Mexico trip participants 30-plus years ago. Maybe you sacrificed your spring break once to travel hundreds of miles to share the Gospel with people you’d never met, did not understand, and could hardly relate to. Or, maybe you and your loved ones have been renewed and encouraged by someone serving on a short-term mission trip. Many of you have faithfully sown your seeds of time, money, resources, energy, etc. for the good of the Kingdom, year after year, and marveled as the Lord supplied even more seed for sowing while multiplying the seed you planted. You have spent hours on your knees, scratching at the dirt, pleading with the Lord in prayer, persisting in the face of toil and struggle. The people of the Bible knew well what God could do with just a small amount of something: a handful of flour and a little oil, a slingshot and a few stones, five loaves of bread and two fish. After all, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all other seeds, but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32. Sometimes we plant, sometimes we water, but God provides the harvest. Dr. Pat Mays, Campus Pastor, has been a Theology faculty member at LeTourneau for 19 years, a firsthand witness to the life-changing fruit of these trips. He left me with a striking summary, which I will leave with you:

“Ever since I’ve been here, these trips have had a direct impact on students. For a lot of them, they use words like ‘it transformed me,’ or ‘it allowed me to put my degree into action,’ but it also opens up a new world because many of them have never really done frontline ministry. Chapel is one thing, floor devotionals are one thing, but this breaks down walls and barriers. Sometimes it’s crossing cultures, or sometimes it’s just crossing a state line. But, it gets them out in the world to realize, ‘Oh, my faith can be alive and active.’ It activates the idea, ‘Oh, as I go into adulthood, this part of my life is super important. It needs to be central, and I need to invest in whatever my church ministry is.’ For a lot of them, it’s an igniter for that. I think it’s an essential aspect of what we have at LeTourneau, and I think it’s a legacy we need to carry on. I think this is one of the central components that has impacted students in the last 30 years.”

Dr. Pat Mays, Campus Pastor A Note from the Author.... In seven years of Beach Reach trips, I have accumulated countless stories of God moving in a radical way. The ministry has significantly impacted South Padre, as spring break can often be a harrowing week for the island, full of car accidents, reveling, even shootings and death. Beach Reach keeps the partiers and the island safe while advancing the Gospel at the same time. A large number of first responders are deployed in South Padre for the week because of the elevated risk. Beach Reach students always write notes of encouragement with packed lunches for the responders, and one year, a particular police officer was moved by this gesture and drove to the island church to thank them. The LETU team was at the church and asked the officer if they could pray for him; as the entire team did so, he became overwhelmed with emotion. He started crying and almost collapsed: the Holy Spirit was moving. The officer thanked the team, left, and returned several days later with the rest of his police force. The prayer had left such an impression on him that he wanted his cohorts to experience the same thing. He shared how much it meant to him and his family, who worry daily about his safety on the island during spring break, that we were praying for and encouraging him. This small seed grew over the years, opening doors with city officials and servants, and today, the Beach Reachers pray over the entire team of first responders in-person every spring break.

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“It was really awesome to see people of different ages and disabilities—different points of the autism spectrum, down syndrome spectrum, and all different walks of life—all worshiping God. Essentially, we all have disabilities whether we can see them or not. So, that was really cool—to see everyone thanking God and worshiping Him even when they had times in their lives where they weren't happy with how they were created.”

Spring Break Missions are organized and run by students through LeTourneau Student Ministries (LSM), which also coordinates numerous campus and community ministries. For more info, visit www.letu.edu/lsm, and to stay current with the organization, follow them on Instagram @letourneaustudentministries

Brandi Waxman, Beloved and Beyond (EDUC, ’24) “I went into it not expecting a lot to happen, but God did a lot with me in a week—just softening my heart through the people and their heart for ministry. And I thought it was really cool to see the church operating in a different country—to meet other brothers and sisters and see how they’re doing things and pouring into each other.” Emma Akin, San Luis Potosí (Christian Ministry, ‘24) “This trip has changed my perspective. Throughout the week, we saw how God works through our vocation of engineering to touch the lives of those around the world. It’s easy to be caught up in the first-world life we live, but there are people who don’t even have access to clean water or reliable power like we do in the United States. Being able to help them was such a blessing!” Brooke Madsen, SonSet Solutions (MC, ‘25) “I have grown up very sheltered; all of my friends were Christians, I was homeschooled, I went to church, everyone I knew was a Christian. So, going somewhere and meeting so many people who aren’t Christians broke my heart for those who don’t know Jesus, and it made it much more real to me. I want to share God’s love with them, for them to know who He is and how He loves them.” Gabi Pitman, Beach Reach (EDUC, ‘23) “A lot can happen in a week. The relationships you develop can really last a long time and keep growing even if you’re not physically there. It’s powerful to experience that kind of relationship, as well as the joy of working and serving in whatever situation we’re put in.”

Get involved in Spring Break Mission yourself! - If you know an LETU student, encourage them to go. - Pray regularly for these trips and participants, and the overall ministry. - Give to a specific trip, to the ministry in general, or to support students who can’t afford to go. Find more info on giving at the following link: https://www.letu.edu/development/projects/ - Contact Dr. Pat Mays for more ways to be directly involved: - PatMays@letu.edu - 903-233-3121

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Peter Lee, Oaxaca (Christian Ministry, ‘23) “It’s tough to have these conversations, especially when six people are packed into your van and everyone is in that party atmosphere. But, we always pray for people before they get out, and that’s a great opportunity. You go before the Lord with these people right there in the van and show that you really care. The atmosphere is awesome; it’s a pressure cooker for some really intense conversation.” Ben Shelton, Beach Reach (Christian Ministry, ‘22)

Scan here for more beach reach stories

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Parent Column

Dr. Tony & Mrs. Amy Busti

Tony and Amy Busti live in Montgomery, Texas, where they are busy raising two more (future) Yellowjackets. Tony is an emergency medicine physician and the CEO of a medical education company, while Amy is a homeschool mom in her 18th year of home education. They are the proud parents of Blane Busti, who graduates with honors from LeTourneau next year with a dual bachelor’s in accounting and finance, and Ally Busti, who is a junior at LeTourneau, studying integrated media management. Younger brothers, Caleb and Joshua, look forward to keeping the family tradition of attending LeTourneau when they graduate from high school in 2026 and 2029.

Finding a Home We read RG’s biography while our son was in high school. What a compelling story! We loved the foundations of the school. We knew several students at LeTourneau and saw the impact the school was having on their lives and how pleased their parents were with the educational and spiritual experiences their kids were having. So we knew we needed to make a visit. We knew within a few hours of being there that we had found “home” for our son for college. All a family has to do is step on campus for a day or two, and they can’t help but feel that LeTourneau is a special place. Families visiting campus will sense how unique LeTourneau is amongst other Christian colleges. There is a palpable sense of authentic Christian community and a very intentional integration of a Biblical worldview into all facets of LeTourneau life, from academia to athletics to the social opportunities on campus. 58

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We ate lunch in Saga (the cafeteria) and observed how the faculty intermingled with the students, even during lunch. It was neat to see students gathered around professors and engaged in stimulating conversation. We also saw that the professors not only cared about their own fields of study but also genuinely cared for their students and knew them by name. My husband and I attended a private Christian college for undergrad, and he has taught on the graduate level at a couple of Christian universities. So we have seen that not all Christian schools are truly Christian. We expected the same of LeTourneau, but within an hour on campus, we could tell things were NOT that way there. Authenticity, humility, enthusiasm, and genuine care for others emanated from every student, faculty, and staff member we encountered. Specifically, as homeschool parents, we were concerned about where we would send our kids once they graduated from our home school. We did not want a college education or environment to unravel all we have attempted to weave into our kids’ lives. The large number of home school graduates at LeTourneau helped make the transition to college easier for our kids. They had a huge network of peers that grew up just like they did. There is a sense of acceptance and “home” for home school graduates on campus. The Admissions department was well prepared for dealing with homeschool parents, as far as transcripts and other aspects of admissions were concerned. This is something we did not experience with any other school. Also, we saw that the faculty

knew and understood how to deal with homeschool graduates and integrate them into collegiate studies. We wanted a college that would perpetuate our vision for education that we began at home when they were just preschoolers. LeTourneau is a natural extension of our vision for education and the purpose for higher learning—to make Christ known to the nations through every aspect of life, specifically in regard to each person’s calling or vocation. We wanted our kids to receive top-tier training to propel them into their future, but we wanted this training to come from a Biblical foundation. LeTourneau fit all of our desires as parents for higher learning for our kids.

Education, With Honors Another big draw was the Honors College. My husband received his masters at Oxford University. The unique approach Oxford takes to education (the tutorial model) is something my husband, as an educator, saw as highly valuable. We wish that model was at more schools and integrated this model into our home education. When meeting with Dr. Mason, Dr. Liebengood, and Dr. Johnson, we saw how they were integrating the Oxford tutorial model and sense of community within the Honors College. Right away, we knew this was a place we wanted our son to be, and this type of community is one that he was more familiar with, as we had modeled our education at home in this way. Scan here or visit letu.edu/honors for more information on the Honors College.

The Honors College has enriched his life far beyond what we could have imagined. He has a vision for community and work that has been carefully sculpted and honed during his time in the Honors College. We have been jealous of the many seminars he has been able to take! There are so many courses offered within the Honors College that are unique from similar groups at other universities. Additionally, he has enjoyed the traditions and rituals of the Honors College. Being a part of this group has been a lifechanger for him, and we know he will spend his life applying all that has been poured into him while in the Honors College.

Meaningful Visits We love coming to campus and feeling very welcomed there by the students and faculty. It is very clear that LeTourneau not only welcomes but encourages parent and family interaction. The students engage with us warmly and openly. We have loved meeting their friends and listening to the stimulating conversations that take place amongst the students. We have two younger sons, and the student body doesn’t “ignore” them, but they engage them in conversation and even in play! Tree climbing and game playing have happened while our boys are on campus visiting their older siblings. Our older kids’ campus friends talk with and play with our younger boys. If one of our kids’ friends sees us on campus with our son or daughter, they will come up and introduce themselves and let us know how much they enjoy our son or daughter. This has never happened to other parents we know when visiting their college kids at other schools. The student body is wonderful at LeTourneau! We are thankful for the kindness and warmth. We also love attending ‘Prayer and Praise’ on Sunday nights when on campus. This is a special time to see the heart of the student body and to sense their earnest desire for the Lord and in making Him known. The same vibe we received when we first visited LeTourneau has continued with every visit to campus. We thought it might diminish, but it has grown stronger.

An Abundant Academic Experience We love knowing that our kids are known by name by the faculty. We are thankful they have lived in an enriched community of likeminded students striving for excellence both academically and spiritually. Dr. Vicki Sheafer, Dean of the School of Psychology & Counseling, was our son’s first advisor. He was uncertain what he wanted to choose as a major but chose psychology as his jumping-off point. Dr. Sheafer assured us she would be praying for direction for our son, no matter where that led. She assured us she would help him find the right field of study, whether that be psychology or something else. This is not something most heads of departments at colleges would say. They want students for their department, and they don’t really care about other departments. That was not the case with Dr. Sheafer. After a semester there, our son knew that psychology was not a fit, and she personally handed him off to a new advisor. Most schools would not go that extra mile. Our daughter really thought she wanted to stay home and attend college online. But once she saw her older brother at LeTourneau, the community and experiences he was having won her over. So we scheduled a preview. When we brought her on her preview event, we got to walk with her and our son to chapel. Every faculty member we passed en route to Belcher knew our son by name. We knew as parents that our son was being personally cared for and discipled by a campus full of godly professors. This made a huge impression on our daughter and “sealed the deal” for her coming to LeTourneau. Neither of our kids are engineering or aviation majors, so we have seen the “other side” of LeTourneau develop. It is very obvious that much engagement and effort is being made to grow LeTourneau beyond just engineering and aviation. Our daughter is a Communications, Integrated Media Management, major, and her advisor, Dr. Karl Payton, has helped tailor her education towards her gifting and interests. The school has provided on-the-ground training in her field through work with the Executive Cabinet student leaders as a social media

manager, as well as other potential work in her field provided by one of her professors. Our daughter is interested in more of the humanities and has been blessed by being a member of the Liberal Arts Guild. She has built close relationships with the Guild professors, and we have seen her stimulated, stretched, and enriched academically as part of the Guild. Additionally, she has enjoyed submitting artwork and photography to various student competitions, and she has won several of these. One of her photographs is featured on the cover of the annual “Riveted Literary” magazine (published by the College of Education, Arts, and Sciences). These experiences would not be as abundant for her in a larger school.

Riveted Literary As characterized by current editor-inchief Kyleen Anson ('23), Riveted Literary is a published compilation of written works and art from LETU students, faculty, and alumni. Contributors span across majors, graduation dates, and roles on campus—riveted, if you will, by both a love of literature and a Godgiven drive to be creative. Submissions vary from fiction and non-fiction to poetry, art, and photography, all joined in their common anchors of truth, humanity, and faith. Riveted is supported by the LeTourneau University Writing Center and the College of Education, Arts, and Sciences. Faculty guidance is provided by award-winning creative writer Aaron Brown, MFA, Assistant Professor and Writing Center Director. To learn more and request a copy, contact AaronBrown@letu.edu.

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The Curation of Opportunity Making Kelly R. Hall (MSL, ’14) President and CEO of the Longview, Texas, Chamber of Commerce

Kelly R. Hall believes in what R.G. did. In moving communities forward, making things happen. In the intentional germination of innovative ideas. In fostering strategic partnerships to build toward a common goal. In creating environments that allow individuals to flourish and most effectively live out their calling—in community. As the longtime President and CEO of the Longview, Texas, Chamber of Commerce, she helps to sculpt the future economic terrain of LeTourneau University’s hometown. A LeTourneau University graduate, Hall received her Master of Strategic Leadership in 2014, building on two undergraduate degrees in business from the University of Central Oklahoma and years of experience in community leadership, organizational management, coalition building, and fund development. She also earned her Certified Chamber Executive certification from the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), a body from which she and the Longview Chamber have consistently received prominent national recognition. Her own environment growing up was shaped by a concentration on commerce. She was raised just north of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, by two business minds—her dad, a bank president, and her mother, a college business professor. Applied knowledge became a way of being. She grew up owning and honing the ‘doing’ that brings to life the foundation of knowledge. And she believes 60

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that critical foundation, education, is the great equalizing force in our society. Today, as we as an institution contribute to building the next generation of professionals, Hall is downtown working to build a community for them. Here, Hall speaks with us about the importance of free markets, how ‘together’ is a keyword in moving anything forward in business, and what it takes to perpetually enrich the landscape of industry in a community like Longview.

The LeTourneau University School of Business recently launched a Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Leadership, designed to support local small business leaders and entrepreneurs with industry consultation from professors and experiential engagement with students. The Longview Chamber relies on an interwoven network of businesses who believe in the free-market system, who believe in capitalism. Speak to us a little about the importance of this belief as it relates to commerce at large and in East Texas in particular.

We believe in leading by strengths. Free enterprise works because it allows people to do what they do best—utilize one’s strengths. Free enterprise is based on a set of legal regulations regarding commercial interaction. Perhaps Friedrich Hayek described it best: “Free enterprise is not

unplanned or unregulated; rather, planning and regulation arise from the coordination of decentralized knowledge among innumerable specialist, not bureaucrats.” This is why chambers of commerce were formed. Traders banded together for protection against common enemies and to establish polices to govern trade. The first chamber was birthed in 1599 in Marseilles, France. Bottom line, the purpose of a chamber is to protect and promote commerce. We believe capitalism is the best economic system that allows individuals to own and control property according to their interest. We also support that demand and supply be freely set based on the prices in markets they serve. We believe companies need to be situated in communities that support and maintain an environment that allows them to thrive and be prosperous. And we believe in protecting this environment through directing, shaping, and advocating on behalf of business. Our chamber’s tag line since 2013 has been ‘Leading People. Leading Prosperity.’

As a part of the Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Leadership, our students are engaging in live projects—doing business—as undergraduates. They’re executing team projects for local small businesses, developing business plans for community leaders, and consulting with East Texas entrepreneurs on market research. For example, the Longview Museum of Fine PHOTOGRAPHY BY O. RUFUS LOVETT

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members and staff, elected officials, business

Small-to-medium sized businesses (SMBs)

leaders, educational administrators, young

don’t have time to stay abreast of issues

professionals, and regional partners to gather

creation is at the core of free enterprise.

impacting their bottom line. That is why

ideas and insights from cities overcoming

From a marketing lens, understanding a

they hire us to protect their ability to make a

challenges similar to our own. We encourage

target market and how they interact with

profit. We focus on priorities related to health

community leaders to participate in these

others is critical when preparing marketing

care costs, education, redevelopment, and

trips every year, to explore best practices, and

and communication plans. This relationship

talent retention and recruitment. With only

ask critical questions:

is symbiotic, as it has the potential of

6.5 employees, we accomplish our goals and

unleashing creativity. If the research then

objectives by building relationships, working

leads to outcomes which drive commerce, the

together to align on key issues, and act.

At first blush, these partnerships are creating opportunity. Opportunity

partnership is a success, as it is showcasing how a free market works! Entrepreneurial commerce is about the

It is also important that teams take risks and be willing to fail. This is one of the biggest complaints we get from employers.

investment of time, talent, and money.

Employers believe employees are losing the

Building and supporting this type of

willingness to take a risk. Some employees

framework is preparing tomorrow's leaders to

want a standardized set of operating

protect the core beliefs of what our country

procedures, so they can stay within the

was built on. It is imperative we build—we

lines. Yes, employers expect policies to be

encourage—we reward entrepreneurial

followed, but they want to see drive, passion,

behavior.

and creativity from their employees. As an

The Longview Chamber’s strategic plan, HEART (Health, Education,

Advocacy, Redevelopment, and Talent), aims to support existing businesses while continuing to promote an environment that creates jobs and improves the quality of life in Longview. Can you speak to the critical nature of teamwork and collaboration when

economic development organization, we are looking for these same characteristics to build our community and create an economic environment that allows prosperity to thrive for generations to come.

Longview's economic development has evolved substantially since

many of our graduates lived here. What are

it comes to community development and

some highlights over the past decade that

business in general?

particularly energize you, and why?

Directing, shaping, and driving policy requires us to seek to

Under the leadership of LETU Chancellor Dr. Dale Lunsford,

- What will it take to create a thriving community that fosters entrepreneurism and innovation? - What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? - What systems/regulations need to change to create a pro-business environment? - How do communities fund quality of life initiatives without raising taxes? From these trips over the last 12 years, much has been done in our community! The chamber didn’t do this work. We built relationships, we helped people make connections, we researched opportunities, we convened key influencers, we championed initiatives until they found a home, and we served as the catalytic leader. What energizes me? Building intentional relationships so when seeds are planted and take sprout, we are ready! We know where to go for help, we understand what needs to get done, and we have prepared ourselves to know how to execute. We are not the master of anything. We are the branch that remains focused and connected to the vine so we can bear fruit. SPRING 2022

LETOURNEAU BUILT

Introducing The Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Leadership Dr. M. Isabella Cavalcanti Junqueira, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Marketing in the LeTourneau University School of Business, explores practical local partnerships from a business education standpoint, why a focus on free enterprise and entrepreneurial leadership ‘fits’ at a place like LeTourneau, and why creativity-driven curriculum makes a foundational difference in the life of budding business leaders. As a polytechnic university and school of business, we often consider the significance of integrating theoretical knowledge with practice. Hence, our pedagogical approach aims to impact business scholarship with realworld opportunities. University curriculum designers perhaps assume that graduates will be provided on-the-job training. Hence, critical thinking and problem-solving skills might play a diminished role in the overall academic offering. At the School of Business, we consider that students interested in working with corporations or starting their own entrepreneurial venture benefit from a more holistic approach to business strategy and management. Therefore, we often work on consulting projects in Longview and internationally. This approach includes steering our students to develop an entrepreneurial mindset while identifying innovative solutions to complex problems in a business context. Ultimately, our programs aspire to foster a love for lifelong learning and service to local and global communities.

Our newly formed Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Leadership aims to support students of various disciplines with the formulation of creative business ideas, robust value propositions, and the development of innovative business models. In addition, we support the Longview community in various ways, including seasonal project-based consulting and workshops to encourage regional entrepreneurial venture development. Aligned with LeTourneau University's global vision, we also consult and contribute to worthy international projects.

The Virtues of Entrepreneurial Lessons At the core of LeTourneau's School of Business and the Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Leadership Center is the perspective of formation. The term formation implies that educators are not merely preoccupied with students' academic and professional skills, but they are also interested in their growth as a whole and productive person. Thus, all subjects are integrated to sculpt a student's entire formation into a graduate ready to impact society and the professional business field of their choice. Hence, ideas such as risk and failure are taught as steppingstones toward achieving personal and professional growth. Additionally, developing faith and wisdom can be integrated with coping with the ambiguity and uncertainty that permeate business

ventures. These opportunities can also unfurl the creativity necessary to cultivate innovative organizations and systems. Going further and more profound, our curriculum emphasizes business strategy and ethics coupled with the importance of a comprehensive economic understanding. These foundational concepts correspond with the development of a resourceful entrepreneurial mindset. Our hope is for our students to be well-equipped to fulfill the complex demands prevalent in free-market economies worldwide.

The Value of Local Partnerships At the LeTourneau School of Business, discussions with my dynamic colleagues are often underpinned by the notion that relevant practical experiences should accompany our academic curricula. Hence, collaborations with local SMEs (small-to-medium size enterprises) and organizations in Longview are valuable opportunities to pursue this objective. The projects are often challenging and may require in-depth research, but our students explain that such experiences enrich their academic life. The exceptional organizations that we had the pleasure to work with during the past year added value to their learning experiences. On the other hand, we hope that our project-based consulting provided beneficial insights into these organizations' overall performance and outreach. More importantly, we affirm our commitment to community and civic engagement through these collaborations. As

"I have never encountered a school with this level of commitment to balancing knowledge and practice." - Dr. M. Isabella Cavalcanti Junqueira 62

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a result, we are poised to deliver innovative solutions to our local Longview community that can also be customized to impact global projects and societies. PHOTOGRAPHY BY GRANT BRIDGMAN AND SARA BRYAN

LeTourneau University Dual Credit

brings Christian polytechnic education to 1,360 students from all over the nation. Students are able to enroll in dual credit as either online students, on-campus students, or as a student in one of our 69 partner schools. These partner schools include public, private, charter, and homeschool co-op groups.

Our unique partnership with LETU has provided our homeschooled students with a world-class education all framed in a Christian worldview. Solid content, caring teachers, and university rigor stretch and nourish our students academically and spiritually. We love LETU! - Jodi Guerra, Administrator & Coordinator, Excelsior Classes

I am always amazed at the growth I see in our students after completing a LETU dual credit course. For those who enroll for several semesters, when they graduate high school, they are prepared to step into a college classroom, engage with their professors, and have developed the necessary skillset to succeed. - Jennie Weed, LETU Dual Credit Coordinator, FAITH of Northwest Houston

Our partnership with LETU Dual Credit has exceeded our expectations and extended well beyond the opportunities for our students to complete up to 63 hours of university-level credit while still in high school. Our dual-credit program is one of our most popular and highly regarded programs at our school, and we are grateful for all that LeTourneau University has contributed to OCS. - Penny Hayes, Head of School, Ovilla Christian School

We appreciate how LETU views our relationship as an educational and spiritual partnership. The level of service the dual credit team provides is unmatched by other institutions we have worked with. LETU's extensive course offerings provide a wide array of growth and advancement opportunities for our students. Our students have learned how to perform at the university academic level and navigate the college learning systems and are well-prepared for full-time college academic studies. - Kate Perry, Academic Counselor and Registrar, McKinney Christian School

Our enrollment office continues to offer $17,000 per-year scholarships to all incoming freshmen who have successfully completed at least one dual credit course with LeTourneau University. For more information on partnering with LETU Dual Credit, or to sign up for a dual credit course, please go to letu.edu/dualcredit or email DualCredit@letu.edu. SPRING 2022

Responding to

BY KATE DAY

"I QUIT."

IT WAS A COMMON PHRASE IN 2021. SO COMMON, IT RESOUNDED IN WORKPLACES OVER 47 MILLION TIMES, ACCORDING TO THE U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS. FORTY-SEVEN MILLION INSTANCES OF TWO WEEKS’ NOTICES HANDED OVER, LAST PAYCHECKS RECEIVED, TIME OFF PAID OUT, UNIFORMS RETURNED, BADGES HANDED OVER… AND NEW LEAVES OVERTURNED. SO COMMON, IT WAS UNCOMMON. THE ‘QUIT RATE’ OF AMERICAN WORKERS TOPPED OUT AT A 20YEAR HIGH LAST NOVEMBER. AND THERE HAS BEEN MUCH DISCUSSION. SPRING 2022

'Top reasons why U.S. workers left a job in 2021,' Pew Research Center survey, February 2022

ver the past six months, headline after headline has sounded alarm and questioned the meaning of this shift—what it means for the future of work as we know it in America. Meanwhile, the ripple effects have impacted countless industries and experiences, in the service and hospitality industries in particular. It can be felt in those longer drive-thru waits, the disoriented service, the lengthier hold times, and the new faces at local establishments you’ve frequented for years. Corporate America has reverberated with C-suite execs rethinking their life priorities in light of a global pandemic. It’s a hiring crisis. A cutthroat competition for talent and, at the end of the day, a massive question mark. The shift has been dubbed clever monikers, including ‘The Great Resignation,’ ‘The Big Quit,’ and ‘The Great Reshuffle.’ But whatever you call it, studies are attempting to nail down what drove it. According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in February, “Overall, about one-in-five non-retired U.S. adults (19%) say they quit a job at some point in 2021, meaning they left by choice and not because they were fired, laid off, or because a temporary job had ended.”

LETOURNEAU NOW

"I QUIT." But why?

The reasons respondents cited for quitting were all over the map: LOW PAY (63%), NO OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVANCEMENT (63%), AND FEELING DISRESPECTED AT WORK (57%) WERE MAJOR REASONS. CHILDCARE ISSUES (48% AMONG THOSE WITH A CHILD YOUNGER THAN 18 IN THE HOUSEHOLD), LACK OF FLEXIBILITY TO CHOOSE WHEN THEY PUT IN THEIR HOURS (45%), OR NOT HAVING GOOD BENEFITS SUCH AS HEALTH INSURANCE AND PAID TIME OFF (43%) WERE SECONDARY. Other less dominant factors included working too many hours (39%), working too few hours (30%), a desire to relocate to another area (35%), and COVID-19 vaccine requirements (18%). An assumption that the pandemic initiated this wildfire of willful transition would be a logical first-blush reaction. However, the research debunks that theory: only 31% of respondents cited the coronavirus outbreak as being related to their reasons for quitting their job.

"I QUIT." Why now?

In their March 2022 Harvard Business Review article entitled ‘The Great Resignation Didn’t Start with the Pandemic,’ Joseph Fuller and William Kerr identified five main factors at play in this economic trend: 1) RETIREMENT, AT ACCELERATED RATES AND YOUNGER AGES; 2) RELOCATION, THOUGH, ODDLY, MOVING WITHIN ONE’S COUNTY OF RESIDENCE HAS REMAINED THE MOST FREQUENT FORM; 3) RECONSIDERATION, FUELED BY A PANDEMIC-DRIVEN PERSPECTIVE SHIFT OR BURNOUT; 4) RESHUFFLING, OR RATHER MOVING AMONG DIFFERENT JOBS IN THE SAME OR BETWEEN SECTORS; AND 5) RELUCTANCE, NAMELY TO RETURN THE OFFICE. The trick is these factors aren’t new. Fuller and Kerr illustrate the reality of this trend not as short-term turbulence but rather the continuation of a long-term trend. In keeping with Pew’s findings, they cite all primary reasons for this historic shift were exacerbated by the pandemic but were already alive and well, progressively impacting the labor market as we know it under the surface of everyday commerce. It simply took a tipping point on the heels of a global pandemic for America to take note. This latest arresting phase went something like this: everyone held their breath in 2020. COVID hit. People held on to their jobs. Many who would’ve otherwise quit in 2020, had there been no pandemic, held off. Then, in 2021, the ‘I quits’ were said in double-time. Boom. The tipping point. And now, it’s 2022, and we’re back in line with pre-pandemic quit trends.

"I QUIT." Wait,who’s I‘ ’?

When we start to look more closely, and break down the ‘who,’ we gain some insight. While the results don’t significantly vary by gender, there is another factor that noticeably does: educational attainment. Pew cites those without a four-year college degree (34%) are more likely than those with a bachelor’s degree or more education (21%) to say the pandemic played a role in their decision. Specifically, respondents with a postgraduate degree are the least likely to say they quit a job at some point in 2021: 13% say this, compared with 17% of those with a bachelor’s degree, 20% of those with some college, and 22% of those with a high school diploma or less education. The population of adults who quit a job in 2021 without a four-year college degree are more likely than those who quit with at least a bachelor’s degree to cite the following reasons why: not having enough flexibility to decide when they put in their hours (49% of non-college graduates vs. 34% of college graduates), having to work too few hours (35% vs. 17%) and their employer requiring a COVID-19 vaccine (21% vs. 8%). Among the populations most likely to quit a job in 2021: younger adults and those with lower incomes. In total, about a quarter of adults with low incomes say they quit a job in 2021.

Joseph Fuller and William Kerr's "The Great Resignation Didn't Start with the Pandemic," Harvard Business Review, March 23, 2022.

SPRING 2022

"I QUIT." Now what?

The research indicates that the majority of those who quit a job in 2021 (again, not retired) report now being employed either part-time or fulltime. Most of them also report it was reasonably easy to land another job and that their new job is better than their last job. However, this majority is slight. The Pew study also tells us that college graduates are more likely than those with less education to say they are now earning more and have more opportunities for advancement compared to their last gig. The reverse is also true for those surveyed with less education. For many, their post-quit next step took them to a new field of work or occupation: 53% of employed adults who quit a job in 2021 say that this applies to them. This occupational jump was most common for healthcare and service industry employees, as well as in younger workers as a whole. Those younger than 30 and those without a postgraduate degree are especially likely to say they have made this type of change.

"I QUIT." Oops.

For some, the sixth ‘R’ may be regret. According to a Harris Poll survey conducted for USA TODAY in March, out of around 2,000 U.S. workers who quit their job in the past two years, about one in five said they regretted doing so. Only 26 percent stated they liked it enough to stay, and a third reported they had already begun searching for a new role. Even some of the quitters, reshufflers, relocators, and reconsiderers are feeling uncertain.

"THEY QUIT." What do we do?

If institutions of higher learning ignore this and other research breaking down the phenomenon of at least what has been perceived as ‘The Great Resignation,’ they are failing. That is, we are letting our students down if we aren’t asking this central question: What does it look like for our seniors stepping into this shifting workforce? Graduating seniors in the class of 2022 have had the vast majority of their college experience disrupted and are not alone in their growing adaptability and tolerance for uncertainty. These are characteristics of the newest wave of workers. Graduation stories everywhere in May reminded us that around two million people earned a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university this year, and all of them had to overcome unusual circumstances to achieve this. Campus closures, remote and online classes, virtual advising meetings and team projects… an educational obstacle course. Reports are also indicating that, for this group of young adults, the perspective brought about by experiencing the chaos of a global pandemic and all the questions that come with it perhaps translates into a priority shift when compared to their predecessors. Salaries and benefits are still and always will be important. But a company’s values, culture, and its human-impact quotient are becoming at least as critical to an increasing number of younger workers as their figure on their personal paycheck. 68

LETOURNEAU NOW

The workplace looks different. ‘Office life’ is relative. The Society for Human Resource Management expects the number of people in U.S. who do more or all of their work from a remote location is expected to double the pre-COVID number, surpassing 36 million. The workforce looks different. For many, jobs have turned into juggling acts. Census data also indicates that the percentage of U.S. workers holding more than one job at a time has grown steadily over the last decade, another slow-growth trend we’re just now fully realizing. What does it look like for us to prepare students for this? What does it look like for us to respond to this in our churches? As educational organizations? What does it look like for believers leading workplaces? For you, our alumni running small businesses and engaged in industry? For you as parents, supporting your students as they navigate decision-making in an era of work and life that feels foreign to the one you entered? For you, experiencing this shift yourself? One of the common themes throughout Pew’s research study was the continued value of a college degree. The statistics show that a college degree continues to buffer instability and uncertainty to some extent—that when external factors rocked the boat of commerce, drive-thru lines, and workplace norms in America, those with more education under their belts were more likely to stay put, have more flexibility, and say that even if they did quit, it wasn’t these external factors that were the root issue of their decision to leave their job. Study after study leaves us with an obvious conclusion: ensuring the increasing accessibility of educational opportunities is one of the most worthwhile priorities of our time. In Christian higher education, this means increasingly accessible education and support from a group of believers who are called to see with eternal perspective, to see God’s guiding hand even in ambiguity, and to see Jesus as the model when it comes to meeting people where they are. It’s tempting to digest the eyebrow-raising stats and let the knee-jerk reaction settle into a knot in our proverbial belly. To defeatedly assume that we aren’t prepared for a workplace shift, on top of waves of economic uncertainty and ongoing ripple effects from the pandemic. And the world is responding exactly how we’re tempted to. When we step back from the headlines, as believers, we know that if we’re doing our jobs—truly caring for our people—that we are already prepared for this. That our response should be a continued one, because if we’re doing what we’re called to do—loving God, loving people, and acting accordingly—the solution is already present. And if we aren’t, that we will move forward with conviction and make it right. The right business decisions mean people are cared for. People first. Always. It’s tough, in a society that so consistently gets things out of order. If 47 million people quit their job last year, and the primary reasons could’ve been prevented by employers respecting their workers on the job, paying them fairly, supporting their work-life needs, and providing opportunities for advancement, then there has never been a bigger moment in American history for the character, wisdom, and love of authentically-committed believers to help build the workforce of the future.

A Note from the Editorial Team LeTourneau University’s vision, to claim every workplace in every nation as our mission field and produce graduates who are professionals of ingenuity and Christ-like character and see life's work as a holy calling with eternal impact, requires us to engage in the evolution of the modern workplace. As a part of our 2021-2024 Strategic Plan Mission Critical Objective 4, ‘Campus Culture, Health, & Well-Being,’ we aspire to be a workplace for faculty, staff, and students that pays close attention to organizational morale, health, and wellness. It is our institutional goal to become a top workplace destination within the East Texas community and exemplify the practices and behaviors that make it a career destination. In acknowledging this goal, we also acknowledge our room for improvement, lament the instances in which our own standard of care went unmet, and collectively pray for God’s wisdom as we lead a campus of incredible individuals called to this place for a purpose. SPRING 2022

ALUMNI

Curt Fitchett (’97)

Alumni Representative on the LeTourneau University Board of Trustees, Senior Manager at the Boeing Company

As chairman of the LeTourneau University Alumni Advisory Council, I was asked to make some opening remarks at last month’s Hootenanny weekend chapel. The blinding lights as I walked onto the stage of the Belcher Chapel & Performance Center emphasized how much campus has evolved since my time there in the mid-1990s. If you haven’t been back on campus within the past several years, it’s worth noting that there are a number of new dorm buildings (I recall when the Trinity Residence Halls were the “new” dorms), a great new student center (where Saga once 70

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stood), and the metal buildings have gotten a facelift. Even the pond has been cleaned up… you might even voluntarily jump in. Immediately following my graduation in May 1997, in the then-brand-new Solheim Center, I joined a sizable group of my fellow LeTourneau alumni in Wichita, Kansas, at the Cessna Aircraft Company. A few years later, I had the opportunity to expatriate to Paris, France, where I was the Citation Field Service Engineer responsible for Western Europe and the Middle East.

During my time abroad, I made a trip to Dallas, Texas, for my college roommate’s wedding and, as is often the case, I met a girl who happened to be living in London. We dated between London and Paris, but soon, her assignment concluded and she returned home to southeastern Pennsylvania. To make a long story very short, I repatriated, got married, and took a job with the Boeing Company, where I have been since 2003. I am currently the MH-139 Grey Wolf Chief Engineer but also serve as the V-22 Osprey Project Engineering Senior Manager. Prior to

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMIAH SHEPHERD AND SARA BRYAN

these roles, I spent 17 years working a number of different engineering assignments on the H-47 Chinook program. There is no doubt that my time at LeTourneau University prepared me for the personal and professional opportunities (and challenges) that I’ve had across the last 25 years. Our vision statement is compelling: claiming every workplace in every nation as our mission field, LeTourneau University graduates are professionals of ingenuity and Christ-like character who see life's work as a holy calling with eternal impact. I now have the privilege of representing LeTourneau University alumni on the Board of Trustees and, interestingly, my initial Board of Trustees meeting coincided with the inauguration of our new president, Dr. Steven Mason. It was very apparent to me that each and every trustee is genuinely and personally committed to the mission of LeTourneau University: LeTourneau University is a comprehensive institution of Christian higher education where educators engage learners to nurture Christian virtue, to develop competency and ingenuity in their professional fields, to integrate faith and work, and to serve the local and global community. Considering our current cultural and political environment, the Board of Trustees continues to partner closely with Dr. Mason and his leadership team as they prepare for the institution to not only exist, but in fact thrive, when access to federal

LeTourneau University prepared me for the personal and professional opportunities (and challenges) that I’ve had across the last 25 years. funding is threatened because we are unwilling to compromise on our vision and mission statements and unwavering in our commitment to Christ in this regard. As a whole, the university is aligned on the Strategic Plan, which is made up of four Mission Critical Objectives (MCOs): Academic Excellence and Ingenuity (Aei), Financial Strength Growth & Stewardship (Fgs), Diversity & Hospitality (Dh), and Campus Culture, Health, & Well-Being (Chw). These MCOs are not just dreams and big ideas; in fact, a team comprised of individuals from the president’s cabinet, faculty, staff, and trustees meet regularly to develop and implement tactical initiatives, based on Biblical truth, specific to each MCO. I’m currently supporting the Chw MCO. I noted a few impressive infrastructure changes on campus earlier, but perhaps it is more important to highlight some of the things that have not changed: e.g., the commitment and love that the administration, faculty, and staff have for the individual students; the focus on excellent education; and a resolute Biblical stance. If you were curious or wondering where LeTourneau University is today in terms of its vision and mission, I can confirm, from personal experience, that we are single-

minded in our desire to seek God’s specific guidance and wisdom. Bill Anderson, our previous Chairman of the Board, said in one of his last addresses to the Board of Trustees, “Guard the mission.” To that end, we meet monthly in small groups to pray, very specifically, for all aspects of the university. This time is unique and special to me because of our collective desire to seek God’s will for the future of LeTourneau University. It is encouraging to me to see first hand the leadership’s comprehensive commitment to the mission of LeTourneau University, strategically, with tactical objectives. If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you to read Dr. Mason’s essay, LeTourneau University as The Christian Polytechnic University: Embracing the Saga of Our Unique Organizational Calling. He neatly articulates our past, present, and future. I am excited about LeTourneau University and look forward to what God has for this special place in the next 75 years. Scan here or visit letu.edu/tcpu to read LeTourneau University as The Christian Polytechnic University: Embracing the Saga of Our Unique Organizational Calling. SPRING 2022

ALUMNI

Class Notes MEMORIALS

Charles Lucas (’58 IS) died Mar 1, 2022, in Tulsa, OK. He served in the U.S. Air Force and later worked for the Crosby Group, where he was a designer and builder. He acquired seven U.S. patents, served as President of Crosby Chain Company, and served on several national boards. He also served as the first alumni member of the LETU Board of Trustees for 10 years in the late 60s and mid 70s. He is survived by his wife of almost 69 years, Mary; children Charlie (Paula) Lucas, David (Sharon) Lucas, Sharon (Brad) Ehmke, Dottie (Steven) Bass, Linda (George) Denney, and Paula (Mark) Estrada; 21 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; siblings; and extended family members.

Maxine Scheevel (’63-’64) died Jan 12, 2022, in Tyler, TX. She was always thinking and doing things for others while being welcoming, gracious, and compassionate. Surviving are her husband, David Scheevel (’64 MES); children, Michael, Bradley (Val), and Amy (David) Walz; six grandchildren; siblings; and 24 nieces and nephews, along with other family and friends.

Gordon “Gordy” Miller (’63 EE) died Dec 11, 2021, in Blue Earth, MN. He served proudly for almost 30 years in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserves and worked 43 years for Blue Earth Valley Telephone Company and Bevcomm, maintaining radio towers and installing mobile phones. He will be remembered for his funny stories and his smile. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie;

LETOURNEAU NOW

children, Dave (Paula) Miller, Katie Miller, and Amy Miller; and numerous extended family and friends. He was also a member of Tau Kappa Delta.

Ronald Johnston (’72 EE) died Jan 18, 2022, in Siloam Springs, AR. He served in the U. S. Navy and on the LETU Ambulance Service. After graduating, he worked for Marathon LeTourneau Company for 37 years until retiring. He is survived by his wife, Esther; daughters, Ruth (Paul) Smith, Laura (Scott) Vachon, and Amy (Heath) Wessels; seven grandchildren; and many other family members.

Richard Mead (’72 ET) died Dec 3, 2021, in Hastings, MI. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy, was an electrician and the owner of RM Service and Engineering. He also liked to tinker with old clocks and coffee grinders. He loved his family and is survived by his children, Richard Mead, Jody (Brad) Peterson, and Jennifer Mead; five grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.

Dwight Slaback (’79 CHBS) of Hallsville, TX, died Nov 11, 2021, after a long battle with cancer. He enjoyed snow/water skiing, model rockets, and was a big fan of Bugs Bunny. He is survived by his brother, Freddie (Debbie) Slaback; his sister, Kim (Danny) Langston; and extended family.

David Landon (’81 WE) died Nov 15, 2021, in Pella, IA. He served on the board of directors for the American Welding Society (AWS) from 2007-2017, was inducted as a member of AWS Counselors,

served as a trustee of the AWS Foundation (20142015), was AWS President in 2015, and was appointed the 2020-2023 President of the International Institute of Welding. He greatly loved his family and was unafraid to share the Gospel with those who needed to hear. He is survived by his wife, Kay; children, Jonathan (Mary), Christopher (Megan), Jeremiah (Reba), and Maggie-Anne (Trevor) Volz; 11 grandchildren; extended family; and many friends.

Jeni (Niewald) Wiggins (’85 BUBA) of Ridgeland, MS, died Jul 22, 2021, after a six-year fight with cancer. She was Studio Manager for Wiggins Photography for 20 years and cherished time with family. She is survived by her husband, David; children Patrick, Eric, and Kaitlyn; siblings; and extended family members.

Dion Kelly (’88 BUBS) of Laveen, AZ, died instantly on Jan 26, 2022, in a car accident. He loved and played on the baseball team at LETU and liked to fish. He is survived by his wife, Laura; two children, Amber and Cullen; eight grandchildren; and many family members.

Craig Robertson (’92 ACCT) died on Jul 17, 2021, in Quarryville, PA, after battling glioblastoma. He was a licensed pilot/instructor and enjoyed hiking and fishing. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Alisa; his children, Sydney and Gavin; his parents; and brother, Neil (April) Robertson.

Rick Edwards (’94 BBM) of Marble Falls, TX, died May 7, 2022, from a brain hemorrhage. He was the president and CEO of Edwards Risk Management, a company his family started and that he ran with his wife, Kim. He was an advocate for youth soccer and enjoyed outdoor activities and flying. He is survived by his wife, Kim; adult children, Colin and Jared; extended family; and many friends.

BIRTHS

Jackson (’19 CSE) and Kelsie ( Jeffries) Frankfurt (’19 BSME) welcomed their first child, Aurora Joy, born Dec 20, 2021. Kelsie is a Project Manager at Walt Disney World, and Jackson is a Technologist Engineer 1 with Fidelity Information Services. They live in Orlando, FL.

Philip Steers (’02 ACCT) and wife, Jennifer, announce the birth of their fourth daughter, Hannah, born Mar 29, 2022. She joins siblings Katelynn (11), Rachel (9), and Abigail (4) in their home in Gainesville, FL.

WEDDINGS

Joshua Beck (’16 BSME) and Sarah were married in June 2020. Joshua was recently promoted to Development Engineer at SitelogIQ, Harrisburg, PA. He and Sarah live in Mechanicsburg, PA.

Ethan Hoyt (’19 BSME) and Elizabeth Lick (’19 MABS) were married Jul 24, 2021. Ethan is currently a grad student at the Colorado School of Mines, and Elizabeth is a Mathematics Teacher at Arvada West High School. They live in Arvada, CO. Abigail (Abbie) Turner (’21 BME) and Jacob Steinman (’21 CJBS) were married Jan 7, 2022. Abbie is a Biomedical Technician for Trimedx, and they live in Albany, GA.

CLASS NOTES

Rev. John ( JW) Sprunger (’70 BI) is the pastor of Parkesburg Mennonite Church, Parkesburg, PA. He said that he values the four years he spent at LETU because it prepared him for life. He wanted his classmates to know that his wife, Deborah Lynn, died on Mar 27, 2022.

Martha “Marty” Miller (’75 MABS) retired in December after 20 years of service with the state of California as an IT Specialist for five years, and then 15 years in the Department of Transportation. She now enjoys time with her three grandchildren and doing home and garden projects. She lives in Roseville, CA.

Robert “Bob” Kiddy (’76 MABS) recently retired. He and his wife, Michelle, live in Pasco, WA.

Paul Nation (’76 ATBS) of Fort Worth, TX, is now retired and remarried to Jean Owens. His first wife, Sharalyn, died of cancer, Feb 17, 2018.

Edwin Walton (’86 ATBS) recently took the position of Senior Systems Engineer with Sierra Space, Louisville, CO.

Terry “Brandon” Musser (’92 IM) is the President/CEO of Railroad Infrastructure & Terminal Development, LLC. He and his wife, Kristy, and family live in Brenham, TX. Walter Branson (’96 BBM) is the President of Branson Construction, Lake Jackson, TX. He and his wife, Elsa, live in Lake Jackson.

Kelley Adley (’03 MBA) of Pottsboro, TX, was appointed to Texas Governor Abbott’s Private Sector Advisory Council in Jan., for a term to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. He is the Director of FirstNet Strategy and policy at AT&T.

Jesse Laster (’04 ASAE/’18 MT) was chosen as Global Cycling Network’s Inspiration of the Week for completing a 100 mile “century” ride on his road bike. His wife, Laura Laster (’04 ASFM), said she is very proud of all he has accomplished after having had serious health challenges in 2017 while he was a student. Jesse and Laura and their children, Matthew (13) and Kate (9), live in Kilgore, TX.

Michael “Mike” Bishop (’08 MBHR), Longview Police Chief, retired in Jan 2022 after 32 years of service. He worked in the Longview Police Department for 32 years, six of those as Chief of Police. He will now be taking a position as Professor and Coordinator of the Public Administration Program in the Department of Legal and Public Service Careers in the School of Professional and Technical Programs at Tyler Junior College, Tyler, TX. He previously taught adjunct classes for the last 11 years.

SPRING 2022

ALUMNI

Joshua Davis (’09 ISBS) has been named the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Murray State College, Tishomingo, OK.

Dave Kuntz (’11 CHPH) has completed his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at the University of North Texas, on the intersection of machine learning and computational chemistry in order to synthesize viable PFAS molecule alternatives. He was honored to have Dr. Gary DeBoer, his undergraduate advisor at LeTourneau, be his external committee member. Dave and his wife, Danielle, and daughter, Ruthenium, reside in Ann Arbor, MI. Dave now works as a Chemometric Scientist for a major manufacturer of scientific equipment.

Megan (Hillman) Harrison (’12 ISBS) teaches 8th grade Spanish at Foster Middle School, Longview, TX,

and also heads the Foreign Language Department. Her husband, Mark “Hawk” Harrison (’13 ME) is a Senior Design Engineer at STEMCO. They live in Longview with their children Cora (4), Declan (2), and Evelyn (9mos).

Savannah Wessies (’16 BSME) graduated with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas, Austin, fall of 2021. She is working in a postdoctoral research position for the National Institute of Standards and Technology in Gaithersburg, MD.

Nathan Allen (’17 MSL) recently received a promotion to Senior

Special Agent at BNSF Railroad, Fort Worth, TX.

Taylor Zimmerman (’19 CHCH) has taken a position with Baker Hughes, Houston, TX, as an Account Representative for Valero.

Natalie (Dottle) Mitchell (’20 BME) is now working as a Global Health Fellow at the Rice360 Institute for Global Health Technologies, Houston, TX. Her husband, Andrew Mitchell (’18 NURS) started his master’s degree at University of Texas at Arlington (online) in September. They live in Houston.

Ryan Rosen (’20 CVE) fulfilled a dream in February after being accepted into the Disney College Program, Orlando, FL.

The loss of a loved one, friend or colleague often inspires us to ensure that their memory lives on. Many people find that supporting LETU is an ideal way to honor someone who has passed away. Gifts made "in memoriam" offer lasting honor to a loved one while providing family and friends with the satisfaction of knowing they have helped others. If you would like to give a memoriam to LETU, please call 1-800-259-5388 or donate online at www.letu/give. The family will be notified of your generosity when a memoriam is made.

In Memory of

Dr. Bill Graff Professor Emeritus of Engineering, Dr. Bill Graff, passed into the presence of his Savior on April 11, 2022. Dr. Graff and his wife, Igglis, came to LeTourneau in 1974. For the next four decades, Dr. Graff served as a distinguished Professor of Engineering and impacted thousands of students through his teaching in the classroom, as well as his discipleship and mentoring outside of the classroom. He retired from teaching in 2016. His unique passion for engineering, combined with an even greater love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, leaves a rich legacy. A recording of his on-campus memorial service may be viewed at: online.brushfire.com/ letualumni. The family requests that any gifts in Dr. Graff’s honor be made to the Dr. Bill & Igglis Graff Endowed Scholarship. PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN O'DAY

LETOURNEAU NOW

A Look

Back Shelby Ware, Director of the Margaret Estes Library and the R.G. LeTourneau Museum & Archives

Meeting the needs of a shifting workforce isn’t new for LeTourneau University. In fact, it’s literally our origin story. R.G. LeTourneau’s alter-day program was a prime example of not only meeting students where they were, singularly, but also meeting the economy where it stood—where the workforce was, in the lurch of World War II. As the war wrapped up, the state of industry in the United States was so heavily focused on production of the requirements of war that the daunting task of pivoting a military-focused economy seemed perhaps insurmountable. Many debated whether the United States would find itself largely unprepared to overcome unemployment on a large scale. But factories pivoted. Veterans went to work. And the American economy was rebuilt in remarkable fashion. LeTourneau, Inc., and LeTourneau Technical Institute of Texas played an ingenious part in our local response to this issue. Students would cross the street to work in R.G.’s factory a few days a week (for example, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), and attend class at LeTourneau Tech on the alternate days (in this case, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday). R.G. didn’t wait to put veterans to work until they’d been trained. He trained them, in the classroom and on the job, simultaneously— not wasting a day. Actual manufacturing work experience was interwoven throughout full-time instruction. It put veterans to work, and built a rich heritage. Our university identity is bound up in the practicality of a creative solution to a seemingly insurmountable problem. Get to work. And learn while doing.

SPRING 2022

LeTourneau NOW P.O. Box 8001 Longview, TX 75607

PHOTOGRAPH BY GRANT BRIDGMAN

NATIONAL KNOW-HOW LeTourneau University’s STING precision flight team brought home the hardware as 3rd place National Champions at the National Intercollegiate Flight Association SAFECON 2022. LETU aviators finished ahead of the U.S. Air Force Academy, The Ohio State University, Auburn, Purdue, and many other top tier institutions. This performance on a national stage showcased yet again the competence, consistency, and character of students at The Christian Polytechnic University.

letu.edu/LeTourneauBuilt t h e

C H R I S T I A N

P O LY T E C H N I C

U N I V E R S I T Y

LeTourneau University NOW! Spring 2022

Articles inside

Building Bridges

Led by the God Who Sees

Built by Design