Accent Magazine - Summer 2012

Accent MidAmerica Nazarene University

Summer 2012

President’s Honors Raises $300K for Students Annual Gala is huge success. 22 One-of-a-Kind Program Goes Online

18

From the President

Community Much has been written about the significance of community in our lives. The people who form our personal community may be unique but are like a tapestry that enriches and even defines our lives. Scott Peck, noted psychologist and author, described community as a place where you are “known and know.” Being known by others and knowing others does create a sense of belonging and purpose.

Community can be composed of family, friends and church relationships. Jesus said that loving our neighbors as ourselves is second only to loving the Lord God with all of our hearts. This greatest of all commandments sets a high standard for these communities in our lives. True community rises above mere acquaintance and becomes like gold threads interwoven within the substance and fabric of our lives.

MidAmerica Nazarene University is the story of such a community. This university was founded upon a strong faith in God, a call for service above self and an ongoing commitment to be a Christ-centered community. Generations of families have walked its grounds and experienced the substance of its mission and the ongoing commitment to fulfill it. As a result, lifelong friendships are formed here. Lives are transformed here. God still speaks into the hearts of those who seek His will for their lives. And because of that, the impact of this community of faith extends beyond its campus boundaries and reaches literally around the world.

What binds this community of faith together? What experience is common for all who have gathered here through the years?

What continues to define its purpose and provide its substance and strength? It was Jesus Christ who promised, “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20 KJV). That promise remains true for us today. So when asked what defines MidAmerica Nazarene University and what forms the core and substance behind this community of faith, the answer is clear and remains the same: it’s Him!

Dr. David J. Spittal President

Volume 36, Number 2 Managing Editor

Art and Design

Carol (Knight '81, MA '08) Best

Josh Klekamp ('10) Kelly Lawler ('11) Caitlin Wienck ('14)

Contributors April (Loomis '92) Hansen Rachel Phelps ('09) Kelsey Luffman ('13) Chad Jenkins

02 Accent Magazine / SUmmer 2012

Photographers Jen Christenson ('07) Dan Videtich Jim Smith Dave Anderson

Accent is published by MidAmerica Nazarene University and mailed free to alumni, friends and supporters of MNU. It is produced for University Advancement by the MNU Marketing and Communications Office. Postage is paid at Olathe, Kan., and additional mailing offices.

News or comments: accent@mnu.edu

Table of Contents

The MNU Experience

04

Cadet aims high

Why I Teach

10

Dr. John Leavitt, composer, teacher and artist

The President's Honors

14

Images from an elegant evening

04

Meet the Clouds

10

16

Family invests in MNU

Another First

18

Certificate program goes online

Athlete Trains for Paralympics

20

Gala Raises $300K

22

Creating a legacy through scholarships

16

22 Want To See More Graduation Photos?

On The Cover Brett Stillman (’12) celebrates earning a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication at MNU’s 41st annual traditional program commencement May 6, 2012. Ceremonies for Graduate and Adult Studies were held May 5. A total of 680 students graduated over the weekend, earning associate's, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as postgraduate certificates.

Check out Accent Online to view our gallery of Commencement 2012 photos at: www.mnu.edu/accent/more.

Find us online at www.mnu.edu/accent.

Helpful Links

Stay Connected

Articles

www.mnu.edu/alumni www.mnu.edu/give www.mnu.edu/student-referral (Undergrad) www.mnu.edu/referral (Grad & Adult)

02 06 13 20 22 24

04 10 14 16 18 22

President’s Message Campus News Faculty News Athletics Advancing MNU Alumni News

The MNU Experience Why I Teach President's Honors Gallery Meet the Clouds SATP Goes Online President’s Honors

03 Accent Magazine / Summer 2012

ThE MNU Experience

by Kelsey Luffman

Born into a U.S. Air Force family, it’s not surprising that MNU student Hannah Young would have an affinity for the military. It is rare, though, for an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet to be attending MNU. Although MNU’s Army ROTC program enrolls several students each year, Young is the only AFROTC cadet currently and is one of only two such cadets in MNU history. The sophomore nursing major shared her story with Accent in an interview.

Q What made you choose to enter the AFROTC? A Both my parents were previously AFROTC cadets and active duty in the Air Force. My dad retired after 23 years as a pilot. My mom was a communications officer for eight years. My brother is also a first lieutenant in the Air Force and went through the AFROTC program at John Brown University.

In my junior year of high school my parents suggested trying out for an ROTC scholarship. I thought, “Sure. I’ll just try to see if I get a scholarship. I mean, I can always turn it down if I don’t end up wanting to go into the Air Force.”

Throughout the process though, I realized that I’ve always loved the military environment. The Air Force has been like a big family to me, so I knew a military career would suit my life. It was also at that time that I felt God’s calling to be a nurse. Thousands of students apply for scholarships every year. At the end of my senior year, I received the highest of the scholarships, one that only 5% of recipients are awarded. Due to the rarity of my scholarship, I knew for certain that God had opened pathways for me to become a nurse in the Air Force.

Q Which did you choose first, attending MNU or entering the AFROTC? A Actually, when I was looking for colleges I had four main criteria that I was looking for: a good nursing program, a small Christian school, not too far from home, and an AFROTC connection. I went to the Air Force ROTC website and found that MNU had an agreement with the University of Kansas allowing MNU students to participate in their ROTC program.

This caused me to research MNU as an option, and once I found that it had an exceptional nursing program, this made MNU one of my top college choices.

Q You want to be a nurse and serve those who serve others. What's your motivation?

A I’ve always been interested in scientific subjects in school, and I also wanted to work with people. It just 04 Accent Magazine / Summer 2012

Army ROTC Army Cadet Kaitlyn Inch ('12), a business administration major, was commissioned as a second lieutenant by her father, Brig. Gen. Mark Inch, at MNU’s 41st annual commencement May 6, 2012.

the mnu experience clicked that I would want to do something medically related. I liked the concept of nursing, treating the whole person, body, mind and spirit. I look forward to taking care of my brothers and sisters in arms physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

God has given me a passion to serve

those who serve our country. I am certain that this is my purpose to fulfill in God’s kingdom, and I am excited about the adventure that lies ahead for me in the Air Force.

Sophomore Air Force ROTC cadet Hannah Young, of Sedalia, Mo., plans a nursing career in the Air Force. Young is MNU’s second AFROTC cadet in 45 years.

Q How do you juggle classes in two different places (KU and MNU) and Air Force training?

A I go to KU every Tuesday for an Air Force history class and a two-hour lab in military training like marching, Air Force customs, etc. I am also required to put in three hours per week of physical fitness, which I do on the MNU campus on my own time. It’s about a 40-minute drive from Olathe to Lawrence.

Having good time management skills has really been a key to my success. Yes, it has certainly been difficult as nursing is by no means “a walk in the park,” and ROTC has been challenging, especially this year since I’m preparing for summer field training. But it’s important to me, so I’m willing to make time for it.

Being in ROTC is a sacrifice, but I know that it’s well worth it. Maybe that means I don’t always to get to spend my “free time” with my friends, but they also understand my obligations. Like anything else in college, it’s all about balance.

Young says her junior and senior years will require even more dedication as classes become more intense in both nursing and ROTC, and the time commitment increases. But as she says, God’s call on her life gives her the motivation to persevere.

WATCH Want to hear more about Hannah and her experiences in Air Force ROTC and the MNU Nursing program? Visit www.mnu.edu/acccent/more to watch a video of Hannah telling her story.

05 Accent Magazine / Summer 2012

Campus Article News Title

Campus News

ABSN Achieves 100% Pass Rate on National Exam The 2011 graduates of MNU’s redesigned Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree program can lay claim to an amazing accomplishment: 100 percent passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) on the first attempt.

According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NBN), which administers the test, about 88 percent of U.S.-educated bachelor’s-prepared nursing graduates passed the test

on their first attempt in 2011. MNU’s traditional BSN program graduates boast a 93 percent first-time pass rate.

Last revised in 2010, and reviewed every three years for its applicability to current nursing practice, the NCLEX changes as nursing practice becomes more complex and challenging. According to a 2010 article by Janet Boivin, RN, on Nurse. com, the NCLEX-RN subsequently gets more difficult to pass, never easier.

Grant Funding Received since June 30, 2011 Total grant funding represented $1,641,564

U.S. Department of Education STELLAR: Strategies for Teaching English LanguageLearners

Kansas Board of Regents Nursing faculty salary

$28,219

$297,505

$100,000

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation NCIN accelerated BSN scholarships

06 Accent Magazine / SUmmer 2012

Paul Ross Charitable Foundation Traditional BSN scholarships

$25,000

$1,162,169

U.S. Department of Education PERK: Preparing Educators for Rural Kansas

Add the fact that ABSN students are in an accelerated, one-year program, and the accomplishment takes on even greater meaning. ABSN students take up to 24 credit hours in each of three semesters during the year, and are in classes or labs for 26 to 36 hours per week. Add five or more hours of study per day, and one begins to understand these nursing students are capable and committed.

$24,000 $4,671

ISSR Scholarly texts on science and religion in kind

Johnson County Heritage Trust Fund Digitization and preservation of the Marge Smith Archives

Oh Behave BLog

Campus News

Blogosphere Expands www.mnu.edu/oh-behave OhBehave, the first team blog from MNU faculty, is the outreach blog of the MNU School of Behavioral Sciences and Counseling. In matters related to psychology, sociology, and criminal justice, readers will find information and updates about the latest research, professional developments, and important trends in each field.

Visit www.mnu.edu/oh-behave, to comment on blog entries and stay informed about the School of Behavioral Sciences and Counseling.

On With The Show Michael Dunlap, Beau Weissend, and Raymond Merschbrock sing “Bidin' My Time" by George and Ira Gershwin in "On With the Show: The Golden Age of Stage and Screen."

MNU’s Heritage and Concert choirs presented the spring pops concert April 19, 21, and 22, 2012, directed by Dr. John Leavitt, professor of music.

Best Wishes Virginia “Ginny” Schafer, PhD, professor of nursing (left), retired from MNU in June with 32 years of excellence in teaching. Schafer was awarded Faculty Emeritus status at the May 6 Commencement ceremony.

Also retiring this year is Jack Wiley, facility services (right), with 13 years of excellence in serving the Cook Center.

Both were honored at a retirement reception in April.

0707 Accent AccentMagazine Magazine / / SUmmer Spring 2012

Campus News

MNU World Music Celebration Patrons enjoyed the music of Mexico performed by MNU’s Marimba and Guitar Ensembles March 27 in Bell Cultural Events Center at the university’s 11th annual World Music Celebration. Guest performers Trio Aztlan, a Mexican trio from Kansas City, Mo., was featured.

World Music is a program created by professor of music Dr. Terry Baldridge to promote music from many countries and diverse cultures. Baldridge has traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad to study the music of The Philippines, Japan, Guatemala, Ecuador, Mexico and the Navajo nation.

Kori Rienbolt (left), senior business administration major, with one of her KCUYC friends.

hours were given -- over triple the original project goal.

Raelyn Koop (’07), MNU ServiceCorps coordinator, said the reason for the project’s success was the MNU community’s genuine care for the children of KCUYC.

Passion to Serve 2012 Passion to Serve is an integral part of the MNU identity. That’s why uniquely compassionate service projects in Guatemala and Kenya have become a campus tradition for three years running. For this year’s Passion to Serve project, MNU students reached out locally by raising support for the Kansas City Urban Youth Center located in Kansas City, Kan. The center provides after-school tutoring, literacy training, and other valuable activities to more than 200 at08 Accent Magazine / Summer 2012

risk youths at three locations in Kansas City. MNU students raised $8,030 for renovations, transportation, and staff development needs – a total doubled by a providential matching grant from a generous donor.

But the project required more than financial investment from the campus community. Thirty-seven MNU students and staff members served weekly as mentors, while another 140 MNU volunteers helped at specific KCUYC events. Overall, an amazing 6,100 service

“I was so impressed especially with our weekly mentors,” Koop said. “I was more than impressed with their attitudes and faithfulness. A two-semester, volunteer weekly commitment is practically unheard of in college life.”

Other facets of the KCUYC service project included the MNU football team's sports clinic for KCUYC children, MNU’s annual service weekend at the center, and the Accelerated Reader Program, to which the MNU community donated 93 program-specific books.

The 2013 Passion to Serve project recipient will be announced in August.

Campus News

Graduate and Adult Studies enrollment is up 62%. *Statistic based on month-to-month comparison of January-April from last year.

Staying Current The university’s most popular adult degree completion program is getting a name change. Management and Human Relations will now be known as Applied Organizational Leadership.

Dr. Bob Humphrey, program director, says the year-long program for working adults undergoes curriculum updates on a regular basis to stay current with business trends, but the name of the program has been the same for 20 years.

“This change better reflects the current curriculum,” Humphrey says. “Organizational development and communications and conflict management are subjects that support organizational leadership. The curriculum is practical and can be applied in the student’s business immediately.”

Our

Annual Report is now

MidAmerica Nazarene University's annual report and honor roll of donors is just a click away at: www.mnu.edu/annualreport.

→→ Financial and giving summaries, a report from the MNU Foundation, and recognition of MNU's 2011 donors

Contents include:

→→ The online format allows you to page through the report with ease, or download a PDF.

→→ Accomplishments, highlights, statistics and photos from 2011

donors committed

MNU students relying on scholarships will get a much-needed boost this fall thanks to alumni, friends, and parents who contributed during the 2012 Phonathon. This year's calling campaign resulted in $106,248 being raised for University Fund scholarships, a 25 percent increase over the previous year.

25% increase over

$106,248 increased

by

percent

2011 unique donors 20

152 percent

increase

2011

OVER

2012 Phonathon Statistics

in first time

donors

09 Accent Magazine / Summer 2012

Faculty News

Why I teach

by Rachel Phelps

Dr. John Leavitt calls choral ensemble music the “applied science of the music world.”

“The music classroom is such a wonderful laboratory. I usually learn as much as my students do,” he says.

That’s not to say that Leavitt doesn’t come to the classroom prepared. In the music business more than 20 years, Leavitt is published through most major music publishing houses, including Word Music, Warner Brothers Publications, and Hal Leonard Corp., the largest in the country.

He was commissioned by the Kansas Music Educators Association to compose a choral work to commemorate Kansas’ 150th anniversary in 2011.

Hal Leonard Corp.’s Vice President for Choral Publications Emily Crocker shared

that Leavitt is one of their most popular composers.

“His reach is much deeper than a lot of the works that are being written today,” says Crocker. “For any student that works with him, John’s able to give a complete picture about life beyond academia. He’s been in the music business for all these years and he understands so much about what lies beyond the classroom.”

Leavitt views his musical gifting holistically, translating his experience in publishing straight to the classroom.

“I have the opportunity to share with my students not only my experience as a musician, but also as a composer and arranger. They can observe the process of music making from genesis to its ultimate end in performance,” says Leavitt.

Q&A

Meet Dr. Leavitt Professor of Music First Year At MNU: 2010 Education: Doctor of Musical Arts in conducting, University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music Teaches: Heritage Choir, Concert Choir, Symphonic Choir, Basic Conducting, Choral Conducting and Literature, Choral Rehearsal Techniques , Independent Study in Composition Accomplishments: 2012 UMKC Conservatory Achievement Award, 2003 Kansas Art Commission Kansas Artist Fellowship Award 10 Accent Magazine / Summer 2012

Q What is your philosophy of teaching?

Q How do you view your time at MNU?

A There are opportunities to teach broader values in music such as commitment, focus, discipline, interdependence, and excellence.

These are essential to music but translate into any daily walk of life.

Business and the hard sciences frequently target candidates who have performing arts in their background for these values.

A The choral program has distinguished itself with a full concert season at the Bell Center with the choirs singing to full houses and having to add second performances due to audience demand. Our choirs also sang last year at Carnegie Hall in New York, and a trip to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. next year remains a possibility if we can raise the funds.

Q How does your career as a composer and arranger affect your teaching?

A What composing has added for me is the “why.” Why are we doing it this way? Why did the composer make these decisions? The goal for any musician, and certainly for my students, is to develop their own artistry, and you do that by asking questions.

Q What is the most fulfilling part of teaching for you?

A It’s a chance to make wonderful music with talented students, and provide opportunities for them to bring what they learn in all their other studies and apply it.

Think you need to live in Olathe to earn a degree from MNU? Think again.

We know that you want access to education options no matter where you live. That's why MNU is now offering many of our degree and certificate programs online. You'll get the same

Programs Available Online:

Other Options Online:

classes taught by expert faculty in a

→ B.A. in Public Administration

→ Sexual Addictions Treatment Provider Advocacy Program

convenient format that fits into your busy life.

Flexible. Affordable. Relevant. mnu.edu/learning

913.971.3277

→ RN-BSN → MSN → M.Ed.

gastudies@mnu.edu

→ ESOL endorsement

Together, we can build a legacy.

For today. For tomorrow. For generations to come.

Including MNU in your will or trust can fulfill your stewardship goals and ensure continued support for generations to come. Extend your commitment to Christian higher education by leaving a meaningful legacy.

Three easy steps to a meaningful bequest: > Determine what you want to support at MNU (scholarships, programs, endowment, etc.). > Ask your attorney to create or modify your will or living trust, using the language, “I give ___% of my estate to MidAmerica Nazarene University, Olathe, Kansas, 66062.� > Inform us of your intent so we can fully understand your plans and acknowledge your generosity by recognizing you as a member of the Cornerstone Society.

For more information on creating a lasting legacy at MNU: 877.496.8668

giftplanning@mnu.edu

www.mnugiving.org

Let us send you a free book!

Want to learn more about estate planning? Simply request our free book, Provide & Protect, a 275-page estate planning guide.

To request a copy, call MNU toll free at (866) 496-8668 or email us at giftplanning@mnu.edu today!

Faculty News

Presented

Patricia ‘Tish’ Conejo, PhD, RN, associate professor of nursing, had her abstract, Faculty and Student Perceptions of Best Practice in High-Fidelity Simulation, accepted for poster presentation at the 11th Annual International Nursing Simulation/Learning Resources Center Conference in San Antonio, Texas, June 21-23.

Steve Pillow, assistant professor of education, was recently a presenter at the National Florida Educational Technology Conference. His presentation, Merging Google and Moodle, was attended by over 200 participants. Kimberly Humerickhouse, PhD, professor of education, assisted in the presentation. Pillow was one of the keynote presenters at the 6th Annual KC TechNet Conference held in Kansas City

Published

Mark Hayse, PhD, professor of Christian education, published a chapter in the book The Legend of Zelda and Theology, edited by Jonathan Walls. The chapter is entitled, “The Mediation of Transcendence" in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. Dr. Hayse currently has

Accomplished

Deborah Brunkhorst, assistant professor of nursing, was recognized at the Northland Chamber of Commerce’s 26th Annual Excellence in Education Banquet May 1 at the KCI Expo Center.

The event brings together 1,000 attendees from eight school districts and two counties in Kansas City’s Northland to acknowledge the important role that schools play in the economic development and quality of life in the area. This banquet honored outstanding students, teachers, staff, volunteers and business supporters of Northland education.

Dean Flemming, PhD, professor of New Testament and missions, received the prestigious 2012 Smith/Wynkoop Book

on February 23. He and Mike Ramirez, assistant professor of education, presented at the annual Mid-America Association for Computers in Education (MACE) conference March 1 in Manhattan, Kan.

learning with faith-based colleges and universities. They will present An Evaluative Tool for Academic ServiceLearning programs for Faith-Based Colleges June 27 at Trinity Wesleyan University in British Columbia, Canada.

Dawn Ferguson, MSN, assistant professor of nursing, presented Sacred Spaces, Healing Graces - A Holistic Cultural Simulation Experience at the American Holistic Nurses Association meeting in Snowbird, Utah, in June.

Karen Wiegman, PhD, RN, associate professor of nursing, presented Exemplary Professional Practice at North Kansas City Hospital on February 22 as part of the Magnetizing KC Initiative, an effort to increase the number of magnetdesignated hospitals in the area. She also presented The Impact of Hospital Compare on Reimbursement: The Need for Nursing Education, at the Sigma Theta Tau International (honor society of nursing) Mu Mu and Pi Eta Chapters’ Spring Research Symposium in Kansas City, Mo.

Yorton Clark, EdD, and David Wegley, EdD, professors of business, had an abstract accepted for presentation by the Christian Business Faculty Association based on their dissertation on service

four solicited manuscripts in press or in publication on religious significance within video games.

a dialogical resource for Nazarene clergy.

The article is entitled, "Mildred Bangs Wynkoop and the Language of Holiness."

Linda Alexander, PhD, professor of Education, has been published in Grace & Peace, a journal developed to be used as

Award from the Wesleyan Theological Society at its annual meeting March 2 at Trevecca Nazarene University. The award is for Flemming’s New Beacon Bible Commentary volume on Philippians.

Mark Ford, JD, EdD, associate academic vice president, is among the 2011 graduates from the University of Pennsylvania who received distinction on their doctoral dissertations. Ford was invited back to the Ivy League institution to share his research at the Penn Higher Education Leadership Conference: Advancing Higher Education Innovation.

Ford presented his dissertation entitled “The Roles of President, Faculty, and Staff in Cultivating the Commitment and Engagement Necessary To Produce Revitalization At Faith-Based

Colleges.” His study was conducted on three college campuses: Davis and Elkins College, Mississippi College and Oral Roberts University. Ford was featured alongside other presenters from Columbia University, Lehigh University, and the Wharton School.

Maria Harman, DMA, assistant professor of music, was selected as one of 25 artists in the Kansas City area to participate in Artist INC Spring 2012, a program of the Arts Council of Metropolitan Kansas City, Charlotte Street Foundation, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Innovation Center.

Harman will also perform and present at the 40th National Flute Association Convention in Las Vegas in August.

13 Accent Magazine / Summer 2012

1

2 4

5

3

6

7

8

The university’s first President’s Honors gala was enthusiastically supported with more than $300,000 raised for scholarships. See full article on page 22.

2

Entertainment by the Department of Fine and Performing Arts included numbers by Heritage and Concert Choirs.

3

Dr. Jim Diehl, who served as MNU interim president for seven months (here with wife Dorothy), through January 2012, was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The Nazarene general superintendent emeritus has served in various capacities at MNU three different times.

4

Champion Auctioneer Kevin Borger (’94) raises the level of excitement as bidding wars heat up. Popular items included a prototype pair of Air Jordan shoes signed by Michael Jordan and various trips and experiences. A pie made from the time-honored recipe of the late professor Mattie Uphaus brought $3,650, while a hunting trip in the Flint Hills of Kansas was in high demand.

5

Dr. David Spittal greets Dr. Ed Robinson.

6

Dr. and Mrs. D. Ray Cook of Wichita, honorary co-chairs of the gala, enjoy talking with sculptor Scott Stearman, holding the specially commissioned sculpture he created. Nehemiah’s Wall was a gift to members of the MNU Cornerstone Society, alumni, parents and friends who have included the MNU Foundation in their estate plans. Read more about the sculpture at www.mnu.edu/accent/more.

7

Dr. Larry Fine, professor of practical theology, shown here with Jon North ('92, MBA '94), vice president for university advancement, was recognized for 43 years

of service preparing graduates for ministry.

He was presented with a fully funded endowed scholarship in his name.

8

Three former presidents were in attendance as well as Mrs. Marge Smith, wife of the late founding president Dr. R. Curtis Smith. Pictured here left to right, Dr. Barth Smith, professor emeritus of practical theology, escorting Mrs. Marge Smith; former presidents Dr. Don Owens, Dr. Richard Spindle and Dr. Ed Robinson.

15 Accent Magazine / SUmmer 2012

family invests in mnu.

Why would this California family choose MNU? Why send all three children at once to a private university in Kansas when the thought of paying for a quality education for even one child could cause a parent to panic?

meet the clouds.

by Kelsey Luffman

Mike and Cami Cloud aren’t like most parents. They’ve sent not one, but three children to MNU. So how does this family afford it? The story, according to their children, is about the MNU community.

mitchell. marshall.

kai.

Meet the clouds Mitchell is a 2010 graduate. His brother and sister, twins Marshall and Kai, are juniors. The Clouds were born into a tradition of Nazarene education – their parents are Point Loma Nazarene University alums, so Mitchell planned to attend there. However, after visiting several colleges, he felt MNU was the best place for him to grow.

He says it started with a 2005 campus visit that seemed off to a bad start when no parking spaces were available.

Former MNU President Ed Robinson happened to notice the family circling in their car, spotted an empty space, and stood in it to save it for them. That moment, they said, was their first taste of MNU’s uniquely caring community.

Marshall described what that moment meant to him.

“It was a display of how MNU cares about people more than paper,” he said. “MNU cares enough to save parking places, and enough to change its students’ lives.”

mission trips and more. Why do they feel the need to be so involved?

Part of it is upbringing. Growing up in what they called a “poor inner city church,” the Clouds developed a heart for volunteering, and were leaders in their youth group throughout junior high and high school. But more than that, Kai says MNU fosters a culture of service.

“At MNU, they recognize your strengths and challenge you to continue developing them,” Kai said. “People around us should be given credit for getting us involved.”

Dean of Campus Life Ron Jackson says the family is unusually “plugged into” MNU life and has become involved in virtually every aspect of community living.

making plans Mitchell, a 2010 computer science graduate, says he has grown more than just academically. Now completing his Master of Arts in Counseling program at MNU, he plans to become a school counselor.

As an organizational leadership major, Kai hopes to work in missions or for a non-profit organization.

Marshall plans on graduate school, and is interested in biological research for an international clean water project.

Whatever adventures the future holds for the Clouds, one thing is sure; they’re leaving their mark on MNU.

watch.

Want to hear more about the Clouds? Visit mnu.edu/acccent/more to watch a video of Mitchell and Kai telling their story.

“They’re great kids and most definitely student leaders,” he says.

making the move.

So how does a family afford three MNU tuition bills at the same time?

MNU’s tuition freeze for 2012-2013 – a move that has kept its costs lower than the nation’s private tuition average has helped. Having three children in college at the same time also increases the amount of financial aid available.

the letsingers.

multiple sibling families at mnu.

Do you know a family who has sent several children to MNU at the same time?

Both Mitchell and Marshall were offered jobs by their professors – Mitchell as a resident computer technician, and Marshall as a biology lab assistant. Such individualized attention, said Kai, makes MNU unique.

The Clouds are not the only family with multiple children currently enrolled at MNU:

“I feel I’m being invested in at MNU,” Kai said.

→→ 19 families have 2 children at MNU

giving back.

→→ The Cloud and Rockwell families have 3 children at MNU

Since making the journey from California, the Clouds have connected with everything at MNU – student government, clubs, student ministry, community service,

→→ The Letsinger family (pictured above) holds the current record.

Last year all 4 of their children – Landon, Lacey, Lindsey, and Luke were at MNU.

Email us at accent@mnu.edu. Send us their names, years of enrollment, current contact information, and your name and relationship to the family, for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Target. Drawing to be held August 31, 2012.

Who's on the list?

Visit mnu.edu/acccent/more to see a list of multiple sibling families at MNU.

17 Accent Magazine / Summer 2012

Treating Sexual Addiction from a Faith-based Perspective MNU Launches First-Ever Program of its Kind Online

by Carol Best rom prominent athletic coaches and athletes to movie stars and politicians, stories of sexual addiction frequent the pages of tabloids and popular media.

However, sexual addiction is not just an issue affecting celebrities, but a problem prevalent in the general population.

F

“Culturally speaking, sexual addiction transcends race and class,” says MNU professor of counseling Todd Bowman, PhD. “It’s a universal problem in the West.”

In answer to this, MNU began the nation’s only online, faith-based, university-affiliated certificate program this January for professionals helping those with the addiction.

Designed to reach mental health practitioners everywhere, the Sexual Addictions Treatment Provider (SATP) program takes one year to complete. By delivering the program content to students online, counselors anywhere can enroll. The first SATP group includes students from across the U.S., including both East and West Coast residents.

According to Bowman, who directs the program, the latest research on the prevalence of sexual addiction reveals that around 37 million people in the U.S. struggle with issues related to the disorder.

“Fifteen years ago, therapists rarely talked about having to address sexual addictions within their practice,” Bowman said. “With the emergence of the Internet and other easily-accessible images and experiences, therapists are now talking about 50 percent of their clientele dealing with sexual addictions as either a primary or secondary issue.”

Lyle Gibbens (’74, MAC ’07), a current SATP student and marriage and family counselor in Olathe, affirms that in light of these statistics, the SATP is more relevant than ever to the issues his patients face.

“I am grateful to be a part of a university that isn’t afraid to try new and innovative 18 Accent Magazine / Summer 2012

Online Programs Bowman says traditional sexual addiction therapy training has not been multidimensional. To explain the difference, he cites treatment protocols utilizing 12-step programs, such as Sex Addicts Anonymous, as the main or only treatment plan for addicts. MNU’s faith-based perspective on therapy and treatment gives students the knowledge and skills to integrate the spiritual aspect of treatment and recovery with the latest clinically tested techniques.

The result, according to Bowman, is a focus on counseling as the primary treatment with the 12-step process as important, but secondary. Clinicians studying in SATP will find the integration of spiritual matters in every course.

“Whether they are learning how to assess and diagnose the addiction, or the importance of accountability groups, students will learn that all of these components, including the spiritual, are vital to healing,” Bowman says.

Another unique dimension of the program is its use of multiple experts and thought leaders to teach the curriculum. One such instructor is Dr. Mark Laaser, author and founder of Faithful and True Ministries. The Princeton-educated psychologist has written several books, some of which will be textbooks in SATP. Students can expect individual courses to have a faculty moderator and one or two instructors, as well as guest lecturers. This diversity of instructors provides a greater breadth and depth of experiences and perspectives for the students, according to Bowman.

Dr. Rick Cicchetti has a private practice in Chicago where he works with patients who struggle with addictions. Cicchetti says he has found MNU’s SATP to be just what he needs to better serve his patients.

programs, particularly in an area like this where there is such a desperate need for qualified therapists,” said Gibbens.

Bowman says sexual addiction is growing for several reasons.

“Other clinicians ask me about the program, and I’ve highly recommended it, and I will continue to highly recommend it to others who are in the field or thinking about entering the field.”

The program provides two tracks. The “advocacy track” is for pastors, physicians, lawyers and others who encounter individuals with addictions, and the “clinical track” is for mental health professionals. Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive a Sexual Addictions Treatment Provider (SATP) Certification.

“The problem is multi-dimensional,” he states. “Society has normalized deviant behavior. We’re uncomfortable seeing sex as an addiction and sometimes there’s a reluctance to limit what is seen to be another’s choice. The proliferation of pornography on the Internet has created what psychologists say is crucial to feed the addict’s obsession: accessibility, anonymity and affordability.”

Online Programs at MNU www.mnu.edu/graduateandadultstudies

Master of Education

Complete in: 1 year Classes begin: January, June, and August

B.A. in Public Administration

Complete in: 14 months Classes begin: three times per year

B.S. in Nursing: RN to BSN

Complete in: 1 year Classes begin: January, June, and August

M.S. in Nursing

Complete in: 1 - 2 years Classes begin: six times per year

Sexual Addictions Treatment Provider Certificate Complete in: 1 year Classes begin: January and August

19 Accent Magazine / Spring 2012

MNU Athletics

HEAR MORE Kansas City area media is taking notice of Tanya’s inspirational training. See more online at www.mnu.edu/accent/more.

There’s No Stopping This Inspirational Athlete Like other athletes, Tanya Khvitsko (’12) spends a lot of time in MNU’s Cook Center weight room. She works out twice a week, in addition to training with Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Whitney (Jenkins ’01) Rodden.

But Tanya isn’t like other athletes. In some ways, she works longer and harder for what she wants.

Tanya has two prosthetic legs and is missing fingers on each hand, the result of being born near Chernobyl, Ukraine, the site of the catastrophic 1986 nuclear energy plant disaster. The goal she’s working so hard to achieve is to qualify for the Paralympic Games, an auxiliary Olympic competition for physically impaired athletes.

The international competition is a lofty aim, but Coach Rodden says Tanya can get there. In fall 2011 Rodden, who has trained at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, began working with Tanya to train Olympic-style.

Tanya says her interest in the Paralympics began last summer when she received her first set of legs designed for running. Her first race was the Jared Coones Pumpkin Run, sponsored by MNU. Since that milestone, she has run two more races in Kansas City.

20 Accent Magazine / SUmmer 2012

Tanya faces challenges other athletes don’t, such as having to get bigger prosthetics as she builds muscle, and figuring out how to specially strap a jump rope to her hands.

Coach Rodden said whenever they find something Tanya thinks she can’t do, they work to tackle the challenge – a

skill Tanya continually exercises in her personal and academic life. A native of Belarus, Tanya graduated from MNU in May with a degree in corporate communications. She hopes to stay and work in the U.S. Her career interests include speaking, sales, marketing, and nonprofit work.

Rodden says Tanya’s determination always prevails in the midst of adversity.

“She has so much spark in her – nothing’s going to stop her,” Rodden said.

Tanya’s routine to train for the Paralympics includes exercising with a medicine ball, running drills and jumping rope, all to increase her strength and balance.

Catcher Colin Starr is a marketing major from Denver, Colo.

MNU Athletics

Pioneer infielder/outfielder Adriana Asano is a junior business major from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Softball Lands Final Round in Conference Tourney

Baseball Wins Co-Conference Title The 2012 season was the best in MNU baseball program history. Under Head Coach Ryan Thompson, the Pioneers set records for wins (38) and stolen bases (122) en route to a co-conference title. Ben Alison (infielder/outfielder/ right hand pitcher) was named HAAC Player of the Year as he set records for single-season MNU home runs (15) and RBIs (56). He was the only player in the country with at least 15 homers and 20 steals.

Joining Alison on the All-Conference team were Alex Murrieta (infielder/right hand pitcher, first team), Derek Glenn (infielder, first team), Justin Huggins (left hand pitcher, first team), and Colin Starr (catcher, second team). Kevin Liddle (infielder/right hand pitcher) and Kyle Segraves (outfielder) were named Gold Glove honorees.

The 2012 MNU softball team, led by Head Coach Kelly Latendresse, won 20 games for the fourth straight year and qualified for the final round of the conference tournament. A hard-fought three-game series at Graceland University in the conference tournament opening round put MNU at the final site.

Lynsey Keith (shortstop, first team), Jadalynn Cirillo (infielder/outfielder, first team), and Cait Gardner (catcher/ infielder, first team) were named AllConference honorees. Keith joined Jessica Scarlett (catcher/infielder) in winning Gold Glove honors.

Cheerleading Team Competes at Nationals The MNU cheer team traveled to Daytona Beach, Fla., April 11-15 to compete in the NCA/NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship. The Pioneers’ coed team competed in the NAIA Cheer Large Coed Division, placing third. The team is coached by former University of Kansas cheerleaders Jessica and Josh Magaha.

Want to learn more? Visit mnusports.com 21 Accent Magazine / Summer 2012

Advancing MNU a design that would in effect “make the room disappear,” according to Gerald Smith (’85), Premier Studios president.

The transformation took three days to complete from unloading equipment through a full rehearsal of the program.

Miles of electrical cable and most of Premier’s personnel were used to execute the design which included a fabric canopy that disguised the room’s ceiling and walls.

“Our goal was to take the participant on a journey throughout the evening,” he added. (Watch a video of the entire transformation process at www.mnu.edu/presidents-honors/ presidents-honors-gallery).

Smith and Premier Studios personnel were happy to be involved in the event.

MNU Gala Honors Legacy of Support and Raises $ 300,000 for Scholarships he evening was magical. From the complete transformation of Bell Family Arena from a gymnasium to an elegant venue befitting a glamorous awards dinner, to the moment four MNU presidents, past and present were honored, the first-ever President's Honors gala was an unprecedented event at MNU. More than 500 alumni and university friends attended the sold-out April 14 event that raised more than $300,000 for student scholarships through sponsorships and live and silent auctions.

T

MNU President Dr. David Spittal said the event will become an annual effort.

"In all my years of involvement with higher education, I've never been to an event as impressive as the President's Honors,” Spittal said. “The night reminded all of us that our mission and purpose leads to transformed lives through our students.”

The event was conceived in the minds of university advancement staff members 22 Accent Magazine / SUmmer 2012

who wanted to create something unlike anything MNU had done before.

The goals? To honor those who have sacrificed to make MNU what it is today and to inspire others to carry on the legacy of those pioneers. One of the challenges was location.

“We only have one venue on campus that holds more than a couple hundred people for dinner and it is a gymnasium,” said Jon North, vice president for university

“There are just those times when you realize your participation will make a significant difference and impact,” Smith said. “MNU is demonstrating some very significant opportunities right now for both the school and community. It's a great time to get involved and help take it to the next level. I believe there are tremendous days ahead for MNU. We appreciate the opportunity MNU has given us to be part of that success!”

Mrs. Marge Smith, wife of MNU’s founding president, along with the three previous MNU presidents, Dr. Donald Owens, Dr. Richard Spindle, and Dr. Ed Robinson were honored during the awards ceremony. This is the first occasion at which four living presidents were together and recognized.

"In all my years of involvement with higher education, I've never been to an event as impressive as the President's Honors,” Spittal said. “The night reminded all of us that our mission and purpose leads to transformed lives through our students.”

advancement. “We did not want to hold this event off campus, but this kind of event just couldn’t be held in a gym.”

But it was. A sponsor, Premier Studios of Lenexa, Kan., came to the rescue with

The evening showcased the MNU Department of Fine and Performing Arts with students performing piano, vocal, and instrumental music during the dinner. The entertainment was interspersed with live auction items,

Advancing MNU including a prototype pair of Air Jordan shoes signed by Michael Jordan, various trips and experiences, and a cake from TLC Network’s “The Cake Boss,” from Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken, N.J. Numerous items were sold multiple times.

Cornerstone Society members — donors who have included MNU in their estate planning – were honored with specially commissioned sculptures by Scott Stearman, a Colorado Springs artist.

The sculpture, entitled Nehemiah’s Wall, depicts the biblical account of the Jewish people rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, and represents one generation laying the foundation for the next.

“These special people have provided for MNU through their estate plans,” said North. “Their legacy of support has helped to lay the foundation for the University today and for generations to come.”

Sponsorships are being accepted for the 2013 President’s Honors event to be held April 12, 2013. The first $25,000 sponsorship has already been secured and organizers expect the event to sell out early. For more information or to secure tickets visit us online at www.presidentshonors.org.

Pioneering the Future District Endowment Campaign Returns The concept and the name were completely new and a little foreign last year. When MNU launched Pioneering the Future, a special offering toward scholarship endowments for each district of the North Central Region, the university expected there to be an “awareness curve.”

“A special annual offering for MNU designed to raise funds for scholarship endowments was a new concept last year,” says Jon North ('92, MBA '94), vice president for university advancement. “We expected it would take time to build, but I’m encouraged by the participation we received the first year.”

Designating gifts toward a scholarship fund specifically for Nazarene students

MNU FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC SEPTEMBER 17, 2012, AT 1:00PM PRAIRIE HIGHLANDS GOLF COURSE

from their district has resonated with several churches and individual donors.

“We hope more of our region’s Nazarene churches will participate in this annual special offering this October,” he says.

“Just imagine what these district scholarship endowments can look like in 20 years. MNU’s relationship with our Nazarene churches is as critical as ever, and we want to ensure Nazarene students can experience a transformative MNU education for years to come.”

For more information, visit www.mnu.edu/pioneer-future.

SAVE THE DATE The MNU Foundation Golf Classic is a benefit for the R. Curtis Smith Founders Endowment and the John W. Stephens Memorial Scholarship Fund at MidAmerica Nazarene University.

Please mark your calendar and make plans to participate in this exciting event.

mnu.edu/golf-tournament 913.971.3600 23 Accent Magazine / Summer 2012

tgarrett@mnu.edu

Alumni & Friends

Alumni News

Hospitality Giant to Share With Business Community On Tuesday, Sept. 11, the Office of Alumni Relations will kick off the annual MNU Tuesdays business luncheon series with hotel developer Jack DeBoer, founder of Residence Inn by Marriott. An entrepreneur, developer, and pioneer in the all-suite hotel industry, Jack DeBoer has experienced failure and success in his 60-year career in real estate and hotel development. Except for his stint in the Army during the Korean War, DeBoer says he has never worked for anyone but himself.

A philanthropist and patriot, DeBoer espouses values common to the MNU experience, such as hard work and dealing ethically with others. Kevin Garber, director of alumni relations, says he is excited to welcome DeBoer to campus.

DeBoer is a giant in the hospitality industry, having developed and sold three extended stay, all-suite hotel brands: Residence Inn, Summerfield Suites, and Candlewood Suites. DeBoer is currently the CEO of Value Place, a moderately priced, extended-stay hotel with more than 170 properties.

Underwriting the event are Mark (’88) and Stephanie (Lady ’88) Challis, both business majors, who own Directed Equity, a commercial and franchise finance company in the Denver area. The Challises, Garber, and DeBoer all share the desire to expose students to real-life lessons in entrepreneurship.

“Jack’s life experiences as an entrepreneur are valuable to our students, alumni and the Olathe business community,” Garber said. “At age 80, he is amazingly creative and full of energy.”

DeBoer will speak to students at 9:30 a.m. and to alumni and the business community at 11 a.m., followed by a Q-and-A-style luncheon at noon. Lunch is available to the first 120 participants to register. For more information about DeBoer and to order tickets to the business luncheon, visit www.mnu.edu/mnu-tuesdays.

Alumni Meet The Challenge MNU was a host site for Leadercast, the day-long conference on leadership and values presented by Chick-fil-A on May 4. Attendees enjoyed a simulcast from Atlanta, Ga., of the nation’s top speakers including best-selling author Patrick Lencioni; NFL quarterback Tim Tebow; leadership expert and author John Maxwell; and strength strategist and author Marcus Buckingham.

MNU’s School of Business teamed up with Alumni Relations to offer the event to the public. Leadercast 2012 was conducted at 600 host sites in 17 countries with 85,000 leaders attending. Leadercast 2013 will be held May 10, 2013.

24 Accent Magazine / SUmmer 2012

Thank you to the 447 alumni who stepped up to the Ux2 Alumni Challenge Match from Dr. and Mrs. Otto Theel. The Theels offered to match (up to $50,000) all new or

increased gifts by alumni to the University Fund between September 1 and December 31, 2011. Alumni gave $78,700 toward the challenge match resulting in:

16.42% increase in number of alumni donors

23.67% increase in donations

Alumni & Friends

Event Series Calendar

JUL 11

Tickets for this year’s event are $79 per person and include lunch. For more information, or to register, goIowa to District Assembly Meet & Greet Reception www.mnu.edu/leadercast, orWith callDr. Spittal, MNU President, at 8:30 p.m.

NO COST. NO RSVP NEEDED 913.971.3275.

04.10 MNU Tuesday Business Luncheon Kansas District Assembly Meet & Greet Reception Bell Cultural With Dr. Spittal, MNU President, at 8:30 p.m. Events Center Speaker: MNU President NO COST. NO RSVP NEEDED Dr. David Spittal

AUG 1

JUL 27

JUL 19

MidAmerica Nazarene University will be a host site for the second consecutive year for Chick-fil-A Leadercast 2012 on Friday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the Bell Cultural Events Center. The LIVE satellite simulcast of the conference, in Atlanta, Ga., will feature worldrenowned celebrities and leaders such as CNN anchor Soledad O’Brien, NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, and leadership

JUL 17

MNU Hosts Leadercast 2012

UPCOMING EVENTS expert and best-selling author John Maxwell, among seven others. More than 125,000 participants will attend at hundreds of locations around the world, with approximately 500 expected to attend the leadership event at MNU. The event is sponsored by the Office of Alumni Relations and the School of Business.

Prairie Lakes District Assembly Meet & Greet Reception With Dr. Spittal, MNU04.20 President, at 8:30 p.m.

MNU Night at Worlds of Fun NO COST. NO RSVP NEEDED

Leadercast Alumni & Friends 05.04 Night at Chick-fil-A the Minnesota Twins Bell Cultural Events Center Location: Target Field, Minneapolis, MN Cost $25 per person - Grandstand Seating RSVP to Alumni Relations 913-971-3275 or alumni@mnu.edu

05.19

Alumni Night at the CityCity T-Bones Alumni & Friends Night at Kansas the Dodge Rodeo Location: Dodge City, Kansas Cost $20. Register online or pay at the door. and Greet with RSVP Alumni RelationsMeet 913-971-3275 or Receptions alumni@mnu.edu

NOV 13

OCT 26-28

Residence Inn

SEP 11

AUG 7

President Dr. David Spittal

Joplin District Assembly 05.31 Kansas City District Assembly Meet & Greet Reception With Dr. Spittal, MNU President, at 8:30 p.m.

06.03 Missouri District Assembly NO COST. NO RSVP NEEDED

06.13

Nebraska District Assembly

MNU Tuesdays Business Professionals Luncheon Iowa District Assembly 07.11 and and Entrepreneurship Series Featuring Jack DeBoer

Kansas District Assembly Location: Bell Center07.16 Grand Lobby Speaker: Jack DeBoer, founder of Residence Inn by Marriott Prairie Lakes District Assembly Cost $29 or $44 with07.19 lunch. Register online or pay at the door.

RSVP Alumni Relations 913-971-3275 alumni@mnu.edu KansasorCity District Assembly 08.07

2012 Homecoming07.27 & Presidential Inauguration Alumni Night at the Location: MNU Campus Minnesota Twins www.mnu.edu/homecoming.html Minneapolis, Minn. www.facebook.com/MNUHomecoming

MNU Tuesdays Business and Professionals Luncheon Location: Bell Cultural Events Center, MNU Campus Cost $13. Register online or pay at the door.

RSVP Alumni Relations 913-971-3275 or alumni@mnu.edu

For more event details, visit mnu.edu/alumniandfriends

For more event details, visit www.mnu.edu/alumniandfriends 25 Accent Magazine

/ Summer 2012

Alumni & Friends

Additional News H. David McKellips (’77), Northeast Oklahoma District superintendent, has been named to the Church of the Nazarene's General Board. McKellips' service as a senior pastor includes churches in Parsons, Kan., and Tulsa, Okla. (Central). He was in pastoral service at Las Vegas First Church of the Nazarene and Bethany, Okla., First Church of the Nazarene.

Gerald (’85) and Dianna (Chrisenbery ’88) Smith’s SUSIE Magazine is making its way to the masses.

The Smiths’ company, Premier Studios, publishes the faithbased magazine for teen girls. SUSIE creative designer Roberta CoonsRedig (’10) and managing editor Becca Blackburn entered SUSIE in Wal-Mart’s “Get on the Shelf” contest for products vying to be sold in the discount giant’s stores. More than 4,000 products were in the contest and SUSIE made it into the top 10 finalists.

“Unfortunately, we didn't win, though we were blessed with a great experience and awesome exposure,” Coons-Redig said. “It's really helped us see how far the SUSIE brand can reach.”

More than a print publication, SUSIE connects subscribers through a password protected, monitored online forum. View a sample magazine at susiemagazine.com.

Philip D. Speicher (’01) has been named a shareholder of Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd., with offices in Illinois and Missouri. An associate with the firm since 2004, Speicher serves on the Federal Taxation Section Council for the Illinois State Bar Association, as well as the school board for North County Christian School. He also serves on the Board of Ferguson Church of the Nazarene in Ferguson, Mo.

Melissa (Lueb, ’03) Woodward was chosen by the physicians and nurse practitioners at the University of Kansas Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to receive the first-ever "Nurse of the Year" award for 2011. Melissa has been a registered nurse for KU's NICU since graduating from MNU's nursing program in May 2003. She resides in Overland Park with her husband, Christopher Woodward (’10).

26 Accent Magazine / Summer 2012

Martin Glendenning (’06) was recommended for appointment as a missionary with the Church of the Nazarene. He has served as a missionary on intern contract for the past three and a half years on the Eurasia Region.

Glendenning serves as the regional finance coordinator. His home church is in Des Moines, Iowa.

Sarah (Black ‘07) VanDusen, a kindergarden teacher in Olathe, has published Hail, Brave Friend, a children’s book about a young Shakespeare fan named Billy. Although Billy has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, he’s determined to get a part in the school play. Find the book on www.amazon.com/Hail-Brave-FriendSarah-VanDusen/dp/1613468555.

Have news?

Want to share news with Accent? Please send to alumni@mnu.edu.

Wreaths Across America. Each December the national organization coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery and locations in all 50 states. Last December Ablard and her students donated more than 800 wreaths and coordinated the wreath-laying at Leavenworth National Cemetery.

Basehor, Kan., fifth-grade teacher Michelle Ablard (’06) (left) and her students honor fallen American Veterans each year with the work they do for

Jeffrey Breithaupt (’06), an athletic training major during his college years, recently graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic College with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree (DC).

Ablard has seen the project grow during the five years her students have been involved and says the first year they raised enough money for 93 wreaths and sent them to Arlington National Cemetery.

“I later learned that Leavenworth National Cemetery also participated in the event and had only six ceremonial wreaths placed there every year,” she says. “I decided that we should keep ours local and the next year, Leavenworth had a handful of people and 200 wreaths from our school. This year, we had over 800 wreaths and people could barely find a place to park.”

Ablard never had to look far to find a veteran she would want to honor. Her father, Charles (right), is a Navy veteran and the post office manager at MNU.

Alumni Article & Friends Title

Connect Online

Births

facebook.com/groups/mnualumni twitter.com/mnu_alumni

2

4

5

7

9

10

11

15

16

18

youtube.com/MNUAlumni linkedin.com

Marriages Rebecca Armfield (’11) to Rob Santel (’11) on October 8, 2011.

Michelle Fischer (’11) to Josiah Gould (’11) on September 24, 2011.

Katie Hoyt (’11) to Lander Grow on April 21, 2012.

Megan Palmer (FS ’14 ) to Tyler Allen (’12) on May 12, 2012.

Condolences Dr. David Leland Jones (’72), Jan. 25, 2012.

Ann M. Walls (’89), Mar, 3, 2012.

Annamarie (Burford ’92) Young, Nov. 10, 2011.

Debra (Graff, MED ’93) Utterback, Apr. 19, 2012.

Danny O. Woodley (’93), Feb. 22, 2012.

Former Trustee Paul Dennis, Feb. 11, 2012.

Former Trustee Dr. L. Paul Skiles, Feb. 22, 2012.

Donna Burns, wife of former trustee Jerald Burns, May 2, 2012.

Nancy K. Olson, widow of long-time administrator Harold Olson, Jun. 6, 2012.

Frances L. (Draper) Warren, founding staff member, widow of founding assistant to the president Bill Draper, May 23, 2012.

19

21

1) Tyler (’11) and Kim (Kramer ’09) Anderson, a son: Noah Mark, born March 8, 2012.

2) Erick and Sarah (Wilson ’95) Bohndorf, a son: Maximilian Karl, born January 22, 2012.

3) Dane (FS ’10) and Shayna (Smith ’09) Conant, a daughter: Raelyn Elyse, born April 25, 2012.

4) Darin and Sara (Graff ’04, MAOA ’08) Daugherty, a daughter: Finley Sue, born January 3, 2012.

5) Jeremy and Stephanie (Taylor ’98) Dulin, sons: Nathan James Scott, adopted July 9, 2010, and Alexander Cole, adopted January 18, 2012.

6) Jonathan (FS ’05) and Mindy Edlin, a daughter: Carolina Dawn, born March 5, 2012.

7) Ty (’05) and Jamie (Carnell ’05) Esser, a daughter: Daphne Katherine, born April 28, 2011.

8) Jaron and Elizabeth (Dagley ’05) Graham, a son: Quentin Patman, born May 2, 2012 9) Joel (’03) and Tecia (Owensby ’02) Hardee, a son: Taikeye Joseph, born July 16, 2010, and a daughter: Tyla Brielle, born January 19, 2012.

11) Brent (’00) and Nikki Moore, a son: Micah Nathan, born March 12, 2012.

12) Rev. Derek (’08) and Michelle Moser, a son: Miles Greyson, born October 14, 2011.

13) Nicolas (’06) and Jennifer (Gampher ’06) Nelson, a daughter: Kinsley Marie, born May 1, 2012.

14) Adam (’05) and Kristin Pieknik, a daughter: Annabelle Rose, born January 21, 2012.

15) Robert and Rebekah (Lowenberg ’99) Rupprecht, a daughter: Jovie Marye, born February 15, 2012.

16) Randy (’03) and Jamie (Ellis ’03) Scott, a son: Gehrig Todd, born February 1, 2012.

17) Caleb (’05) and Erin (Speck ’07) Shrout, a daughter: Olivia Alice, born March 27, 2012.

18) Trevor and Rebekah (Lindley ’97) Smith, a daughter: Mackenzie Grace, born January 19, 2012.

19) Josh (’05) and Ashley (Hechler ’06) Umphrey, a son: Graham Joseph, born March 14, 2012.

20) Dr. Brad (‘95) and Jill Warrick, a daughter: Sutton Katherine, born December 20, 2011.

21) Henry and Julie (Sorge ’03) Way, a son: Wystan Russell, born February 20, 2012.

10) Grant (’00) and April (Oberg ’01) McCloskey, a daughter: Kenna Grace, born March 30, 2012.

27 Accent Magazine / SUmmer 2012

University Advancement 2030 East College Way Olathe KS 66062-1899 Change Service Requested

OCTOBER 26-28, 2012 HOMECOMING DINNER CELEBRATION • Homecoming Dinner • Michael Joiner - Christian Comedian • Alumni Award Recipients

CLASS REUNIONS

REGISTER TODAY!

IS IT YOUR REUNION YEAR?

www.mnu.edu/homecoming

• Class Reunions for: 72, 77, 82, 87, 92, 97, 02, 07 • Special Pioneer Reunion for Classes of 1972-75

See the full schedule online and check out our ticket pricing options, including the money-saving Pioneer Pass!

www.mnu.edu/stay-connected

www.mnu.edu/homecoming