ACCENT MidAmerica Nazarene University
“And who knows but that you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this and for this very occasion.� Esther 4:14b
Winter 2019
PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE FROM THE PRESIDENT
With All of Your Heart The conductor stopped us for what seemed like the thousandth time. The concert was just a few days away, but our performance was still far from perfect. “Let’s try it again,” he said over and over, and each time his dissatisfaction was evident by the look on his face. In frustration he put his baton down and then looked at us row by row and said these few words that have lasted a lifetime, “Even if you get all the notes all right,” he said, “if you don’t put your heart and soul into it…it will never ever be music.” I am not sure we fully understood then, but with time and experience those words have become increasingly profound. Living a successful life is a worthy goal and there is much to be said for those of us who fulfill our obligations and responsibilities, but when God calls our name and we respond to His call, everything seems to change. When the heart and soul are engaged in response to God’s call, amazing things happen as we move beyond merely “playing the notes” to discovering the symphony of God’s calling. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” MidAmerica Nazarene University seeks to be a place where students are encouraged to pursue God’s purpose for their lives and engage their hearts, souls and hands in passionate service to Christ and others. John Newton, author of the words to “Amazing Grace,” wrote this message to encourage his friend William Wilberforce who was a fierce opponent of slavery, “See to it with steadfast determination, and unfaltering zeal, that you pursue the great purpose of your life and the object of your being until at last you can say, ‘I have finished the work, which Thou gave me to do.’” At MNU, we challenge our students to pursue God’s calling—the music of the soul—and with hearts burning with passion to go wherever He leads them to share the hope and love of Christ in their world.
Dr. David J. Spittal President
Volume 41, Number 2 MANAGING EDITOR
ART AND DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Carol (Knight '81, MA '08) Best
Daniel Hawkins ('06, MSM '16)
Daniel Hawkins ('06, MSM '16) Dan Videtich Elise Davis ('18) Addie Limmex ('16, MAC '19) Mike Fetting (MBA '99) Jim Smith
CONTRIBUTORS Chad Jenkins Kristen (Perry ’06) Johnson
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TABLE OF OF CONTENTS CONTENTS TABLE
04 Finding Their Calling
Whether they have a passion, career goal or a special call on their lives, students find help at MNU.
13 Pioneer Pledge
Help paying student loans announced for fall 2019.
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15 Accolades
From MNU’s band to university rankings, it’s great to be noticed!
16 Student Center Project
Receives Major Challenge Grant Mabee Foundation pledges $1 million challenge, and how you can help.
22 Why Giving Matters Campaign leaders discuss funding the Cunningham Student Center.
24 Homecoming Photo Gallery
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Revisit the fun.
26 Season Recap Pioneer athletics fall season results.
32 Alumni News Honors and more.
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, Kansas, and additional mailing offices. News or comments: accent@mnu.edu
On The Cover The remodeled and repurposed Mabee Learning Commons is home to MNU’s library and the Academic Success Center where students access resources for academic assistance, career services and more. View a virtual tour of the updated space at mnu.edu/mabee-tour.
» Sign up for Accent’s digital edition at:
mnu.edu/accent-notify
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Finding Their Calling Studies show that only nine percent of freshmen are undecided on a major, but once in college, up to 30 percent of students change their minds. In a world that tells young people to follow their passion, how does MNU come alongside students to encourage them to find their purpose? Perhaps that is a question best answered by students and alumni themselves.
When Passion and Calling Collide Presley Wilson (’15) had a vision of what she wanted to do from her first day at MNU. Her adviser, biology Professor Rion Taylor, relates that Presley wanted to be a wildlife biologist. Inspired by the TV show “Ocean Mysteries with Jeff Corwin,” Presley dreamed of communicating the mysteries of science with others. Influenced by the MNU community’s emphasis on serving God by serving others, she developed a desire to find a career path combining her love of science and serving others. She decided to major in biology education. “I began to think about what passion to serve might look like in my life,” she says.
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Teaching biology would give her the best of both worlds, she thought. “I would get to talk about and teach something I’m passionate about and instill that passion in the younger generation.” At MNU her professors showed her that teaching is more than communicating a lesson. “My professors started a relationship with us day one” she says. “So, I automatically knew that teaching was so much more than, here’s what you’re learning today.”
And she follows that example in her own classroom as she teaches seventh grade science at Argentine Middle School in Kansas City, Kansas. “Honestly you don’t know what the students come from at home and having school be a safe place—not only where they can learn about science but where they can come and have that relationship with you and feel like you are a safe place for them,” she says. “I think there’s nothing in the world that is more important than that.”
When Doubt Fades and Faith Takes Over Cristian Reyes (’18) had to find out if his calling was real. Growing up he attended Carthage First Church of the Nazarene, where he was surrounded by people who encouraged his love of music, leadership in the youth group and eventually, leading worship.
“I felt called before I came to MNU, but this is the place where I actually believed I was called to ministry and where I felt capable,” Cristian says. “Every time I set foot on this campus I remember that, and that God has called me to this ministry.”
As a ministry student, he wondered, did he really have a call? After all, so many people told him they saw a calling for ministry in his life, but did they influence him more than God had? While it seemed evident that God provided the finances for him to attend MNU, he realized he was one among many peers with the same story.
Now Cristian and his wife, Emily (Phillips ’18), serve at Lenexa Central Church of the Nazarene where he is associate and Hispanic worship pastor. Emily attends Nazarene Theological Seminary, and Cristian plans to start there soon.
“I feel like being able to live that out here in this community and grow in that environment helped,” he says. “I remember Professor Dunn took me to lunch and we talked about calling. And I was wrestling with ‘am I really called or is this just what other people have told me?’” Everything he did at MNU—taking courses, leading chapel worship, traveling on ServeTeam, serving as a resident assistant and the living in this community of believers— helped solidify his call.
Cristian also works at the Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center where he coordinates requests for interpretation and translation at global church events. God is also using this position to train him in many ways for his future full-time ministry. “I don’t always feel qualified for some of it, but God’s been opening doors for me to learn and putting people in my life that keep investing in me and teaching me and giving me those opportunities.”
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Making Her Dream a Reality With graduation quickly approaching, Tori Marshall (’19) is one big step closer to making her life’s dream come true. Set to leave MNU with degrees in both biology and psychology with a minor in chemistry, Tori is on course to fulfill the dream she’s had since elementary school. “When I was 10, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she explains. “The next day at school, I went to the library and Googled everything I could about breast cancer. After that day, I knew I wanted to be a doctor.” Tori established her course toward the medical profession, fine-tuning her dreams in high school. She found herself serving as a sounding board and a voice of wisdom and advice for her friends and family. She became interested in the brain when she helped her friend work through some
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mental blocks that were keeping her from excelling in gymnastics. “After many late-night sessions talking with my friend, my interest was piqued. I was fascinated with the brain,” Tori says. She began to think that she could help more people like her friend, if she was properly equipped as a psychiatrist. Her family, including her grandparents who worked in the medical field, all supported her decision. As a high school athlete, Tori’s college search included those schools that would allow her to continue playing basketball and running track. The Shawnee, Kansas, native was aware of MNU. When track Coach Nate Wiens contacted her, Tori visited campus and found she related to the positive atmosphere and the professors in the biology department.
Dr. Rion Taylor, Tori’s adviser, noticed right away that Tori was very bright. “She was serious, driven and grown up from day one,” he says. With Taylor’s help, Tori has spent the last four years carefully preparing for what comes next: medical school. “My interaction with the staff has almost been on a peer-to-peer level,” she says. “We’ve exchanged ideas and friendly conversations. This is something not all schools can offer.” Taylor says it’s no surprise that MNU fosters a culture where students can reach for their dreams and find their calling. “That is our cultural norm,” he says. “I think we inherently have faculty whose calling is to help students find their calling, so as graduates they can go out and change the world for the better.”
Education, Skills and Passion Lead to Great Career Joey Ferreyra (’08) dropped by MNU’s multimedia class recently to talk with students about his experience with social media as the aviation marketing manager at Garmin. An aviation enthusiast himself—he’s currently building his own RV10 airplane—Joey enjoys the blend of challenging work that happens to be in an industry he loves. “I don’t know where my job starts and stops some days,” he says. He loves talking with end users, friends and acquaintances about aviation, uncovering the best ways to communicate all Garmin has to offer to this audience. “Garmin hires enthusiasts in the areas of products it produces because they know as employees [enthusiasts] will work hard to develop solutions for the things they are already passionate about,” he says. Finding his passion took a circuitous route for Joey. His career started at Sprint right out of high school, working with telephones and computers. While working his way up to marketing at Embarq, a former Sprint spin off, he pursued his education part-time. During that time, a vacation to Puerto Rico piqued his interest in aviation. “Literally, the pilot walked out to fly our small airplane to one of the smaller islands and he couldn’t have been any older than me,” he says. “I thought, if he can do that, I can!” Returning home to Kansas, he earned his pilot’s license and found his passion. Joey earned his bachelor’s degree through MNU's School of Professional and Graduate Studies degree-completion program. Armed with his education, and by networking with aviation buddies, he landed his dream job. “It took a little while to find my passion, get my education and sharpen my marketing skills,” he says. “I developed a love for aviation and thought, ‘I have to put my marketing skills to work at Garmin.’ Now my greatest challenges daily involve talking about aviation with others who love it too.”
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Clarifying the Call Dr. Don Dunn (’77) was in his senior year at MidAmerica when he distinctly felt God saying he should teach. “I was almost ready to graduate and I had done all this preparation for the ministry,” he says. “It wasn’t what I expected or even wanted to hear.” Dunn wrestled with the revelation, eventually meeting with his mentor, Dr. Larry Fine, who gave him sage advice, suggesting that he continue with his plans for ministry but keep his eyes open for opportunities to teach. As it turns out, God provided plenty of opportunities for Dunn to be a teacher—in every church he pastored, in positions with the denomination’s headquarters and eventually in formal educational settings. Dunn’s career has always led him to teaching opportunities. Now a professor at his alma mater, Dunn advises students to relax while God unveils His plans for their lives. “Two of my favorite quotes are displayed in my MNU office,” Dunn says. “One states that the call to ministry takes many forms in a servant’s heart. The other proclaims that I am ‘Living the Dream!’ Both are true because of the promise in Jeremiah 29:11: ‘I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord… .’ God knew the lifelong plan when I could not see how all the puzzle pieces fit together!”
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Explore & Discover MNU provides opportunities to help students find their unique purpose. • Freshmen are exposed to resources, activities and assessments that help pinpoint their interests and strengths. Early exposure provides ideas, encouragement and exploration of various career paths including what is required to be successful. • MNU’s Spiritual Life Office conducts The Epiphany Retreat to help students explore the idea of calling. University Chaplain Brady Braatz meets with students regularly as they talk through “a theology of vocation.” • Most majors encourage or require internships, practicums and other field experience. Students in ministry, marketing, pre-med, kinesiology, teacher education, graphic design, criminal justice and many other fields graduate with valuable experience that takes them one more step toward finding their purpose. • Beyond the classroom, MNU professors take a personal interest in students mentoring those seeking God’s call, a fulfilling career or next steps to their goal.
S C H O O L O F P R O F E S S I O N A L & G R A D U AT E S T U D I E S
P U R P O S E F U L LY D I F F E R E N T
Take the next step. On campus or online, MNU prepares you for career advancement with degrees and certificates in Business, Education, Nursing, Counseling or Computer Information Systems.
BUSINESS | COUNSELING | EDUCATION | NURSING
www.mnu.edu/graduate ACCENT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019
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When Partnership at Work Turns into a Passion to Serve Parker Snedden (’08) and Quinn Carr (’07) played basketball for MNU while earning their degrees. Neither expected to work together after graduation, but both say God led them to this place and their MNU experience helped shape their journey. An injury ended Parker’s athletic career at MNU. Losing his athletic scholarship, he went to work in the warehouse at his father's company, Arrowhead Forensics, Lenexa, Kansas. “I never sensed my calling was to be in business at all,” he says. “I was dead set against working here after graduation. I thought I would be in sports journalism.” Majoring in communications and ministry, he started working for a
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Kansas City sports broadcasting company shooting and editing Friday night football games. He worked weekends for next to nothing. Thinking his calling might be in some sort of sports ministry, he took an unpaid internship to explore that idea. It didn’t work out. After several similar experiences, Parker shifted gears. “I had a lot more to learn than I thought,” he says. “All those experiences drove me to do something that I thought I might not enjoy, but I had to start somewhere,” he says about going back to work at his dad’s company. In the years since, Parker has worked in every department of the business and now heads up sales and business development as chief revenue officer.
“I started out doing a little bit of everything and it has been so helpful. I’m very grateful that I was able to learn so much about every part of the company.” Arrowhead Forensics’ products are used by government crime labs at the federal, state and local levels domestically and worldwide. The Kansas City Police Department and Johnson County, Kansas, Crime Labs are two of the company’s biggest customers. As the business grew the company needed a new catalog to showcase these critical law enforcement products. That’s where Quinn came in. Quinn worked a summer job at Arrowhead Forensics while earning his degree in graphic design and art. He even stayed with the Snedden family over breaks. After graduation
Career & Life Calling Quinn was working as a graphic designer at Title Boxing, when the Sneddens called on his expertise. “Some of the things I was doing at my job really worked well with what they were trying to do,” Quinn says. “So, when they asked if I wanted to take on the project of building this supplemental catalog, I thought it would be fun.”
Whether students have a strong vision of their future, question a calling on their lives or lose one dream only to find a better one, there is something transformational that can happen at MNU. MNU’s Career & Life Calling office offers one-on-one support for students and alumni as they explore their talents and calling. Learn more at MNU.edu/career-life.
Clifton Strengths Finder
Focus 2 Assessments, a career and major exploration tool
Career Ready Workshops
Creating resumes/cover letters
Navigating career fairs/networking
Launching targeted job searches
The work helped Quinn understand more about the business and he enjoyed the creative freedom the project gave him. Happy with the finished product, the Snedden's asked Quinn to come on board to head the company’s creative efforts. “But the prospect of working here— thinking about who we could serve and who I was going to work with—it seemed too good to be true,” Quinn says. Parker and Quinn believe that what they learned at MNU from playing sports, from professors who prayed for them and from a community that became like family, shaped who they are today. And while the journey to their current calling took many twists and turns, they believe God’s hand was in it all the way. “Something I don’t take for granted is working with people who have the same beliefs,” Quinn says. “How it shapes our decisions, the way we think, our attitudes toward the way we treat vendors and the competition; people in other companies would say, ‘man, you’ve got it really good.’”
Inspired by these stories? You can join in the transformation by supporting MNU at BrightFutures.com. Sources: Higher Education Research Institute. U.S. Department of Education.
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CAMPUS NEWS
Graduate Counselor Education Celebrates 20 Years More than 100 alumni, students, current and past faculty and other supporters of the Master of Arts in Counseling program joined for a dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of counselor education at MNU. Dr. Mary Fry and Amy Cain (MAC ’07) were emcees for the evening. The first-ever Master of Counseling Founder’s Awards were presented to Dr. Roy Rotz, program founding faculty member; Dr. Cayla Bland, for her key role in support for the program in the early years; and Dr. Todd Frye, for his role in achieving CACREP accreditation and program growth. In another first, the Master of Arts in Counseling Founder’s Scholarship Fund was announced. This endowment will create a legacy for the department and provide scholarship support for Master of Arts in
Counseling students. A university donor made a $5,000 challenge gift to encourage program alumni and clinical sites to contribute to the fund. The goal is to grow the endowment to $20,000 over the next few years. This is the first endowment established by an MNU graduate program. Graduate counselor education at MNU has grown to include options in clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, marriage, couple & family counseling, an emphasis in Christian counseling and the postgraduate certificates in both play therapy and sexual addictions treatment provider. Gifts to the MAC Founders Scholarship Fund endowment may be made securely online at MNU.edu/give-online.
MNU Theatre department performed Little Shop of Horrors November 16-18, 2018.
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CAMPUS NEWS
PIONEER PLEDGE
Loan Repayment Assistance Program The news is full of stories about the growing problem of student loans. Now, MNU is coming alongside high school seniors and their parents with some reassurance. This fall, MNU announced Pioneer Pledge, a program that helps repay student loans. Beginning with freshmen and eligible transfer students enrolling in fall 2019, this safety net will assist with repaying a student loan after graduation from MNU if the graduate’s income is below $43,000. The lower the graduate’s income, the higher the percentage of repayment, up to 100 percent, until their income increases. And MNU is the first university in Kansas and Missouri to provide this program for all new students. “We are making this pledge because we believe strongly in the transformative education at MNU,” says Dr. David Spittal, MNU president. “We want our
students to feel confident in pursuing their passions after graduation, such as public service, ministry or other pursuits, instead of having to make career choices based solely on long-term debt." If you’re wondering how MNU can afford to do this, it’s through an investment with the Loan Repayment Assistance Program (LRAP), a foundation that essentially offers an insurance program on the earning power of MNU graduates. “We’re serious about providing peace of mind about the cost of an education at MNU," says Dr. Mary Jones, provost. “Pioneer Pledge lets students consider internships and other opportunities that can enhance their long-term career options, even if they will earn less initially." More about MNU’s Pioneer Pledge, its requirements and financial aid is available at MNU.edu/pioneer-pledge.
The Call @ MNU The Call @ MNU is a one-week youth theology institute, now in its third year, that equips high school juniors and seniors who are preparing for a lifetime of Christian ministry. Planned and led by Professor of Youth Ministry Dr. Ron Jackson and an advisory committee, the institute uses ministry professionals to teach, facilitate discussion and mentor participants. The goal is for students to return to their home churches with enhanced ministry skills and understanding. Dr. Randy Cloud, chair of MNU’s Department of Christian Ministry and Formation says The Call extends MNU’s ability to influence teenagers seeking God’s purpose. “God calls some Christians to find their lifetime vocation within the many ministries of the Church,” says Cloud. “The Call gives MNU an incredible opportunity to help young people take their next steps in ministry exploration and preparation.” June 3-7, 2019, www.mnuthecall.org The Call @ MNU is made possible by a grant from the Lilly Foundation. ACCENT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019
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CAMPUS NEWS
Faith & Art New this academic year, local Christian visual artists are displaying their art and presenting artist talks in the library’s rotating gallery in a series of events called Faith & Art. The first featured artist was Julia Otterness, founder of Genesis 1-1 Fine Arts, a ministry of evangelism through fine arts, followed by Kelly Kruse’s Illumination: Wrestling with God through Visual Art, Poetry, and Music. Coming up in second semester, the public is invited to view the art of:
Tamela Wagner: The Art of Losing Myself
Carol Schwabauer: A new collection
Gallery showing mid-February through mid-March
Gallery showing mid-March through mid-April
Artist Talk: February 20, 2019 | 7 – 8 p.m. Mabee Learning Commons, first floor
Artist Talk: March 21, 2019 | 7 – 8 p.m. Mabee Learning Commons, first floor
A mixed-media artist, Tamela will share the story of her amazing journey through surviving “impossible” brain surgery and how God brought her art to life as a part of her healing process.
Carol will display her collection of mixed-media artwork, including paintings and photography, created specifically for this display.
Faith & Art is a free Mabee Learning Commons presentation in partnership with the Department of Arts and Humanities.
MNU's Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Mrs. Vivian Avery, accepts the MLK Living Legacy Award from Dr. David Spittal, MNU president, at the university’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration, Jan. 22, 2019.
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CAMPUS NEWS
KUDOS to MNU Band and Director! MNU’s band has been selected to perform at the 2019 Kansas Music Educators Association In-Service Workshop in February. The band was invited to audition and will make its first appearance at this
It’s to Be Great d! e Notic
event. Last year, MNU’s Heritage Choir performed at KMEA. Congratulations to Dr. Luke Johnson ('03); the band members; and Dr. Donna Bohn, chair, Department of Arts and Humanities.
MNU Receives Recognition From Two Major Publications
In August, MNU was selected for Money magazine’s 2018-19 Best Colleges list. Only four Kansas universities made the list, including MNU, KU, K-State and Benedictine College. To determine the rankings, Money analyzed 26 factors such as graduation rate, tuition charges, family borrowing and alumni earnings to find the top college values out of the nation’s approximately 5,000 higher learning institutions. The data were gathered in three categories: 1. Quality of education 2. Affordability 3. Outcomes In addition to graduates’ earnings, the outcomes category also measured job meaning with the question, “Does your work make
the world a better place?” The information came from federal and college-reported data, PayScale.com, College Scorecard (earnings reported to the IRS), Peterson’s and Equality of Opportunity Project. The following month, the university received more good news when it was ranked on U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Best Regional Universities Midwest list. MNU ranked 88th out of 124 schools on the Midwest list, tying with area schools Washburn, Rockhurst and Truman State. This is the second consecutive year that MNU has been selected by the publication. According to the magazine’s website, U.S. News places each school into a category based on its mission— research university or liberal arts college, for example—and in some cases, location. Data are then
gathered for each school in up to 15 areas related to academic excellence. The publication’s ranking methodology places a heavy emphasis on outcomes such as retention and graduation rates, followed by academic reputation. Specifically, this ranking pertains to the university’s traditional undergraduate programs. “We are honored to be recognized again this year by U.S. News & World Report,” says Dr. David Spittal, MNU president. “On the heels of the Money magazine ranking, it’s great news not only for MNU and its students and graduates but also for the area we serve. We’re proud to provide top quality education to our region.” For a list of more accolades received, check out MNU.edu/points-of-pride.
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Campus Ga
Gotta love those brisk autumn days in Kansas! Especially on the beautiful campus mall.
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allery
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FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS
MNU must raise $11 million in one year to meet grant challenge On January 8, 2019, the J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation awarded MNU a $1 million challenge grant toward the funding of a new student center. To receive the grant, the university now must raise the final $11 million by January 8, 2020, to complete the building. The Cunningham Student Center, centerpiece of MNU’s Bright Futures campaign and a new hub of student engagement will contain flexible dining space, areas for collaboration, learning, conversation, recreation, meeting and fitness. The building will replace the 52-year-old Campus Center, while elevating the student experience at MNU.
The challenge grant requires that MNU raise the remainder of the cost for the building, $11 million in gifts and five-year pledges, by January 8, 2020. 18
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THE CUNNINGHAM STUDENT CENTER It was only a dream in 1966 when MidAmerica’s first president, Dr. Curtis Smith, rallied the constituents of the North Central Region around the idea of a college that would provide a place for thousands of young people to gain a Christian education and find their calling. The first spade of dirt was turned in a cornfield that just two years later became a college campus with five buildings and 263 students. It was the right time, the right place, and though Dr. Smith could not know what the campus needs would be in 2019, he knew that the sacrificial investments made then would pay dividends for eternity. Now a new challenge is before the university; funding the Cunningham Student Center, a 50,000-squarefoot facility with the amenities and spaces needed to serve today’s college students. The student center will solve many current challenges by providing flexible space for a variety of activities. Vice President for Student Development Kristi Keeton says building community is a strategic goal for the university, but achieving that goal is made difficult due to the need for flexible space.
meetings and activities because of limited space on campus. This takes time, transportation and coordination which can limit attendance. Daniel Rincones (’09, MAC ’15), director of residential life, wants to provide broader programming in student development. “There is a desire among the students to learn more about life issues like wellness, relationships and finances, not necessarily academically, but to enhance their life skills,” he says. “Small lectures, group meetings and those kinds of gatherings are held in the dining hall right now and that’s not optimal.” He also expresses concern about trends that student life professionals are seeing such as depression, anxiety and loneliness.
“…we have to care about how the students are developing.”
“In our technological society, students desperately need places where they can engage face to face,” Keeton says. “We have to encourage those interactions. We simply don’t have enough spaces for students to gather and relax comfortably in groups.” Leadership groups, clubs, student government and spiritual life small groups often go to a restaurant, coffee shop or someone’s home to hold
“Spaces that are comfortable, inviting, warm, safe and welcoming encourage social interaction and that’s the best way to fight isolation,” he adds. “This generation likes to co-create and collaborate and they need a place to do that.” Keeton expanded on her thoughts about why the time to fund the student center is now. “The number one thing I’d say is we have to care about how the students are developing,” she says. “Anything we can do as the body of Christ to help them develop healthy relationships, the way Christ showed us, is something we should do now!”
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CUNNINGHAM STUDENT CENTER FLOOR PLAN 2ND FLOOR • Welcome center • Collaborative gathering spaces • Study areas • “One-stop-shop” for admissions, financial aid and other student services
1ST FLOOR • Expanded dining services • Collaborative gathering spaces • Lounge and study areas appealing to resident and commuter students • Campus store • Conference area
BASEMENT LEVEL • Fitness and recreation facilities • Student Government office
HELP US MEET THE MABEE CHALLENGE Fundraising for the building has become urgent because to receive the $1 million gift from the Mabee Foundation, the university must raise the remainder of the cost for the student center—$11 million in gifts and five-year pledges—within 12 months of the award. The deadline is January 8, 2020. “The generous support of generations of MNU alumni, friends and community partners have brought us to this watershed moment,” says MNU President David Spittal. “Just as the pioneers of our university’s early history, we have the chance to transform our vision
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into action that will change students’ lives in dramatic, relevant ways.” It is understandable that raising $11 million in 12 months might seem like an impossible task. But from our humble beginnings to the opening of Mabee (Library) Learning Commons
in 1985, Cook Center in 1999, and Bell Cultural Events Center in 2005, God’s hand is at work at MNU. You can help make the Cunningham Student Center a reality for generations of MNU students to come. Gifts and pledges of any amount are important.
ELEVATING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE Today’s students are imagining benefits the new student center will provide. “It will be a connecting place,” says Andy Cornelius (’19), associated student government president. “Connections are what keep a student in college by giving them a place to belong. If we can’t give them that we’re missing what MNU is all about.” Cornelius also believes students of this generation have high expectations for the look, feel and amenities in a space. “Bell Center, the library and Cook Center fit the bill,” he says. “We need the student center to be on a level that will compete with other schools. We need a grand building with a lot happening when prospective students come to visit.” Alumni have experienced this kind of facility upgrade at MNU before. When Dr. Luke Johnson (’03), director of bands and music education, was a music major at MNU, his classes and recitals were held in Dobson Hall, an early building on campus not built for music practice and performance. “The facilities we provide show the priority we place on what students are doing,” Johnson says. “When I was a student and needed to practice trumpet, I couldn’t do it when I wanted to. I could hear choir practice and they could hear me. It was frustrating.”
READY TO HELP?
The addition of the 40,000 square foot Bell Cultural Events Center, where Johnson now teaches, has changed music education. “It’s a great recruiting tool,” Johnson says. “It raises the bar of expectation about what we can accomplish as musicians and educators in a setting that is designed for what it is supposed to do.” Just like that has elevated the type of student experience MNU can provide, the student center will do the same. “Around here we have top-notch high schools with exceptional facilities,” he says. “It shows you value the students when you provide the best spaces for them to congregate.” Rocky Lamar (’76) agrees. Men’s head basketball coach since 1986, Lamar not only coached in “The Barn” (Land Gym), he called it home as a student athlete. In some years recruiting students was rough. “I lost so many recruits that would come into Land on their visit and I’d tell them this is where we play, and they’d say, ‘you mean practice, don’t you?’ and I’d say, no, this is where we play.” In 1999 the Cook Center was opened and athletics at MNU was never the same. “Moving into a new facility helped us get even better athletes, giving us an even better home-court advantage,” he says. “We achieved 86 percent wins in Cook. We went from going to the national tournament a total of three times in my first 12 years, to going 11 consecutive times between 1999 and 2009. That tells you the athletes were better and were excited about playing in a new facility.”
To make a gift or pledge, visit the campaign website at brightfutures.mnu.edu, or look for the remittance envelope in this issue of Accent. To communicate directly with an MNU representative, email brightfutures@mnu.edu or call (913) 971-3600.
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Dr. Dan Rexroth is the president and CEO of John Knox Village, Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Tim Buchanan is the CEO of Legend Senior Living, LLC., Wichita, Kansas. Both have served on MNU’s Foundation and Board of Trustees.
Called to Be Generous “Want more happiness in your life? Be a more generous person,” says Tim Buchanan, co-chair of MNU’s Bright Futures capital campaign. Buchanan and fellow MNU Trustee Dan Rexroth lead the campaign’s executive committee—a group of individuals lending their influence to encourage others to seek funds for the $60 million, five-year effort. Though the task is daunting, both have faith that God is multiplying these efforts to meet the challenge. Both men have strong ties to MNU and Nazarene higher education. Buchanan’s wife and children are alums. Rexroth’s daughter is an alum and he and his wife are both alums of Olivet Nazarene University. Buchanan and Rexroth were together recently to discuss their work for the campaign and why they think this is the time to answer the call to make the new Cunningham Student Center a reality.
Why is giving and generosity so important? TB: In my own life, many of the opportunities I’ve had were provided by the giving of other people. Generosity entered my life as a recipient. I’ve always just felt a great responsibility and it’s my heart’s desire to give back. DR: There are a lot of ways you can spend your life. I want to spend mine investing in others. MNU has the winning combination of a Christian focus and a smaller campus. And there are people here who have a calling to invest in students’ lives. For me, that’s the secret sauce of MidAmerica, and I want to support MNU any way I can.
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What compelled you to co-chair the Bright Futures Campaign? DR: I believe everyone should have an opportunity for higher education. Neither of my parents had a college degree. They saw the importance of higher education but couldn’t pay for that. So, there were people who came beside me and helped me. Part of Bright Futures is for scholarships, so I am very passionate about that. TB: I like the holistic approach to the campaign. It's not just about a building or scholarships. It involves a lot of things that contribute to the fabric of the university and to its future. Every campaign needs individuals willing to be spokespeople and leverage their resources on behalf of the effort.
When you heard about the scope of the What makes the Bright Futures campaign projects and the amount of funding needed, urgent? what did you think? DR: Higher education is very competitive, and MNU DR: Impossible—but with God all things are possible. I
think the impossibility of it was the most exciting part. Only with God's help, with every alum and friend joining together can this happen. But wow, what if we can help make it happen? What great things that will do!
TB: Part of my attraction was the fact that it is large, it is aggressive, and it can't be done on our own power. I think God rewards the faithfulness of His believers if we will step out and trust Him to lead others. Giving doesn't start in the wallet, it starts in the heart. It's our job to introduce others to it and then let the Holy Spirit do the balance of the work.
Right now, there’s a push to fund the Cunningham Student Center to achieve the Mabee Foundation Challenge. Why is that so important? TB: The new student center at MNU will be the focal point and the presentation piece for the campus experience and will help highlight the quality of everything else that occurs here.
distinguishes itself as the distinctively Christian school in the Kansas City Metro area. So, we need MNU to thrive going forward. People are drawn to a school for a variety of reasons, and sometimes the reason they're drawn is not the ultimate experience they'll have. They may come for one reason, like a great facility, but it’s our goal they leave with a deeper faith and with a family of friends and mentors. The critical importance of the campaign is to sustain that mission for the next 50 years.
TB: Putting it in the context of alumni, I think of two things. One is that MNU graduates want to be proud of their institution, they want to recommend the university to others. And for that to occur the institution must stay relevant in a lot of different contexts. So, I think alumni will be impacted by this in a tremendous way with increased pride in the university. When I see graduates of MNU, I see a fairly consistent, strong, Christian worldview, that has a heart and a desire to impact the world for Christ. It's just critical that we raise up great Christian leaders who understand their role in the world.
DR: Picking up on that, MNU is where you want to be
DR: It's not just about the building. Anybody can build a
to achieve what or who you want to be. And I like that, because sometimes we need to think more deeply about where we are as it relates to who we want to become.
TB: With the proper amenities, the proper components
What would you like the alumni and friends of MNU to know about supporting MNU?
pretty building. It's about what happens inside the building and the people and the space that brings people together.
and the proper spaces arranged in a particular way, community can happen. Having a vibrant student center where people can do a variety of activities, both recreational and educational, will help add to the sense of community and the strengthening of relationships.
DR: The student center is a key tool in being able to achieve a well-rounded transformational experience that develops the whole person. TB: Part of the richness of the experience at MNU is the community and a great student center has a tremendous impact on students' ability to create relationships. To have a central place that is welcoming with a variety of activities, so people can cross paths on a more frequent basis and have comfortable places to sit and talk; it will build interaction and connections.
TB: Consider what God could do with your resources of money and in-kind gifts or by making an introduction to like-minded givers. There's a variety of ways to give to the campaign. DR: And a variety of projects in the campaign. Though we hope you’ll consider the Cunningham Student Center and help us meet this challenge! Want to learn more about the Mabee Foundation Challenge? Visit brightfutures.mnu.edu.
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Homecoming & Family Weekend Homecoming 2018 was enjoyed by alums from far and near. The weekend included all the favorites from Homecoming chapel and sporting events to reunions, the annual BBQ contest, pancake breakfast, 5K, music on the outdoor stage and a concert in Bell Center by Guy Penrod and Lynda Randle. The weather was chilly but friends stayed warm under the big tent and by the fire pits. If you missed it, make plans to join us October 11-13, 2019.
MNU ATHLETICS
NAIA DIVISION I—HEART OF AMERICA CONFERENCE
Pioneers’ Season Wrap Ups by Sports Information Director Chad Jenkins
Cross Country MNU cross country enjoyed another successful campaign. The men's team finished fifth, and Carlos Guzman earned a Conference Runner of the Week honor. The women's team won its third consecutive
Women's Soccer Women's soccer enjoyed the best season in program history. After an opening-game tie, the Pioneers won 11 straight, including games against No. 2 ranked Benedictine and No. 23 ranked Central Methodist. A second-place finish in the Heart was the best finish for the program, and a Top 25 ranking occurred for the second time. Bobby Reiss was named Heart Coach of the Year, Alanna Castaneda was Newcomer of the Year, Maria Garcia was Freshman of the Year, and Jessica Longhurst, Savannah Moxley, Hannah Benedict, Anesa Curic, Rachel Slack and Elvia Villagomez joined them as All-Conference honorees. Alanna Castaneda and Hannah Benedict were also named honorable mention All-Americans.
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conference title and qualified for Nationals as Nate Wiens was named Heart Coach of the Year. Kaylee Shanley, Rachel White and Lila Dreves were named AllConference.
MNU ATHLETICS
Volleyball The volleyball season was a struggle for the Pioneers. An extremely difficult early season schedule saw MNU play four of the preseason top five teams in the nation along with several other ranked squads. After a 2-15 start, MNU never got on track. A three-game winning streak in the middle of the season showed promise for a team in a rebuild and will be used as a springboard for the future of the program. Libero Savannah Mathews and middle hitter Marina Sanches earned All-Conference honors.
Men's Soccer Pioneer men's soccer featured several new players in 2018, but an early season victory over No. 8 ranked Hastings provided a springboard to a 10-2 start. The impossibly difficult Heart Conference lived up to its reputation in the final month of the season. However, a four-game losing streak kept MNU out of the national tournament for the first time since 2010. Felipe Hideki was named Conference Newcomer of the Year, and he was joined by Ivan Ruiz Vidal, Johannes Keisers and Javier Beltran on the All-Conference team.
Football MNU’s first football season with Head Coach Todd Sturdy started with a nonconference loss followed by two impressive conference wins. A five-game losing streak put the young Pioneers in a hole, but a win over undefeated and No. 6 ranked Evangel was the highlight of the year. Running back Jamar Moya earned Conference Freshman of the Year. He was joined by Brandon Watson, Chris Salgado, AJ Reeves, Ryan Huerta, Isaiah Robinson and David Haney as AllConference honorees.
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ATHLETICS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES HONORED
Four alumni athletes were honored at the MNU Athletics Hall of Fame banquet during Homecoming weekend. Mark Brown, PhD (ʼ91) Cross Country/Track & Field Mark was a 12-time individual conference champion (twice in cross country and 10 times in track), an NCCAA national champion in the 800m run, a two-time NAIA Academic AllAmerican, a seventime NAIA national qualifier, and the current MNU recordholder in the 1500m. Mark is a professor of mathematics at MNU.
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Mark A. Moore, Jr. (ʼ07) Football/Track & Field Mark was a member of the track and field program and played football as a wide receiver. He received the following accolades in football: NAIA Central AllRegion Team, Receiver of the year, Senior Leadership Award, and All-Conference and All-Star status. In track & field, Mark competed in the long jump, high jump and the 200 meter dash. He was a six-time All-American, a seven-time Heart Conference Champion, and two-time KU Relays High Jump Champion. Mark spent the better part of his career as a high jumper achieving heights of 6'11" with numerous jumps reaching heights of 7' 1.5."
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Molly (Brewster ʼ13) Karagyaurov Volleyball An NAIA-Daktronics Scholar-Athlete, Heart Player of the Year and NAIA All-American, Molly is also the only member of the MNU volleyball 1,000 kills/1,000 digs club. She led MNU to the most successful season in program history. The 2012 Pioneers went 29-5, were undefeated in conference play, Heart champions, Heart tournament champions, and finished one match shy of the round of final four at the national tournament. After graduation, Molly played professional volleyball in Offenburg, Germany.
Jim Couchenour (ʼ81) Football Jim was selected First Team All-American ('81); Associated Press Little All-American (Third Team '81, Honorable Mention '80); District 10 All-District (First Team '81); Heart of America Athletic All-Conference Team (First Team '80 and ‘81). The Pioneers awarded Jim the Dr. R Curtis Smith MVP award ('80, '81) and Defensive Back of the Year ('78, '80, '81). Jim led the nation in tackles by a safety in 1980 with 72, and in interceptions in 1980 and 1981. He completed his career with 29 interceptions in 28 games.
MNU ATHLETICS
PIONEER
ATHLETICS
Core Covenants MidAmerica Nazarene University is committed to five core covenants that are the foundation for every Pioneer team, student athlete, coach, administrator, and campus community member. These core covenants are visible throughout MNU athletics and extend beyond the playing field.
COMPETITIVE Stand firm, and you will win life. - Luke 21:19
DISCIPLINE For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7
FAMILY Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6
INTEGRITY I know, my God, that you examine our hearts and rejoice when you find integrity there. - 1 Chronicles 29:17
PASSION Want to learn more? Visit mnusports.com
‌to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. - Romans 12:1
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2018 Alumni Award Recipients Alumnus of the Year: Blair Spindle (’92) grew up in Olathe and earned his degree in history education. As a student, he played football and baseball at MNU and was a member of Heritage Choir.
participates in summer mission trips and team teaches a Sunday School class for young adults. Blair and his wife Tollya, have three daughters: Bethany, Bailey and Brooklyn.
In 1996, Blair earned a Master of Religious Education degree from Nazarene Theological Seminary. Later, he earned an EdD from Nova Southeastern University.
The Alumnus of the Year was awarded in recognition of Blair’s service to the church and his impact on young lives.
For 20 years, Blair served as a youth pastor in Oklahoma, Florida and Colorado. He has been a District Nazarene Youth International (NYI) president and the South-Central Region NYI president. Blair has also authored three books and numerous articles.
Alumna of the Year:
Since 2012, Blair has served as campus pastor and dean of the chapel at Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma City, where he is on the president’s leadership team. Leading weekly chapel services, he also oversees small groups,
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Rita Powers Gunsalus-Jack (’72) has the unique distinction of being the first applicant to apply for admission to MidAmerica Nazarene College. After graduating with a degree in secondary education, Rita earned a master’s degree in speech communications curriculum from the University of Kansas. She completed certification as a school counselor at the University of Central Oklahoma and in 2003, earned a PhD in instructional leadership and academics from the University of Oklahoma.
During her 42-year career, Rita taught in Kansas City’s urban core, was a public school administrator in Oklahoma and a professor at Oklahoma City Community College. Rita has become known for investing in her family, in the lives of her students, in her church and community. Now retired, Rita and her husband, William, reside in Fresno, California, where she is a counselor, is involved in her local church, and spends time with her two married sons and two grandchildren. The Alumna of the Year was awarded for Rita’s accomplishments and dedicated service in the field of education and counseling.
Young Alumni Award: Genna Wissing, RN, BSN, (’15) started her career as a progressive care nurse on the Heart/Neuro/ Vascular unit at Shawnee Mission Medical Center, later transitioning to Olathe Medical Center’s emergency department. She also serves as an
While they are not all in ministry positions, these alumni consider their calling is their vocation and how they live out Christ’s love.
ophthalmology nurse at the top retina specialty clinic in the Midwest. In 2016, Genna was diagnosed with stage 4 classical Hodgkin lymphoma. After eight months of intensive treatment, two different chemotherapy regimens, a stem cell transplant and then a relapse, she began a new immunotherapy treatment. With this new treatment she immediately asked to return to work. Since then Genna has been back at work caring for patients while undergoing blood cancer treatments herself. She also tutors nursing students in MNU’s Academic Success Center and attends the University of Missouri-Kansas City in to become a family nurse practitioner. The Young Alumni award was given in recognition of Genna’s dedicated service to her patients and her unrelenting drive in the face of obstacles.
Carry the Torch Award: Todd Walker (’88) has worked for Weyerhaeuser Company in various capacities for the past 30 years. He and his wife Stacy have two adult sons, Caleb and Jerod. Todd is actively involved at Nall Avenue Church of the Nazarene, where he has taught Sunday School and served on the church board. Last April during a routine work trip, Todd became the center of one of social media’s top viral moments of 2018 when he came to the rescue of a young mother struggling on a flight with her 4-month-old son and 3-year-old daughter. As they boarded the flight from Kansas City to North Carolina, the infant began to wail and 3-year-old Caroline lost her nerve and began to kick and scream. Afraid they would be removed from the flight, the mother desperately struggled to calm her children.
a movie with her, he diverted her attention. By the end of the flight, Todd and Caroline were best friends. Discovering they had the same connecting flight for the next leg of the trip, Todd helped the family to the next gate. If that wasn’t enough, he changed his seat on the second flight to sit with them, so he could continue to help. In a Facebook post that went viral, the children’s mother, Jessica, wrote “This guy, Todd, showed me kindness and compassion that I’ve never known from another person. I am blown away by God’s hand in this because we could have been placed next to anyone, but we were seated next to one of the nicest men I have ever met in my life.” The Carry The Torch award was given in recognition of Todd’s Christlike service to others.
Seated next to them, Todd, offered a helping hand. Engaging young Caroline by coloring and watching
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ALUMNI NEWS
ALUMNI NEWS Carolyn (Cooper ’84) Doolittle recently accepted a new position as a reading specialist/instructional coach at USD 231 (Gardner-Edgerton).
Larissa Klinger (’04) travels with the USO, performing for troops around the world and in the Times Square New Year's Eve Show. She recently made her stage-directing debut at the Ozark Actors Theatre. Michael Dye (’06) recently graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a Master of Science in Nursing, specializing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He is now working at Shawnee Mission Medical Center.
Dr. Rod Smith (’92) has been honored as Middle School Principal of the Year by the Kansas Association of Secondary School Principals. Rod is principal at Frontier Trail Middle School in Olathe. Additionally, he assists MNU’s Professional & Graduate Studies in Education with new program initiatives.
Chris (’06) and Kristin (Leatherman ’07) Gilmore recently relocated to Wichita, Kansas, to plant a new church: The Dwelling Church of the Nazarene.
Tony Johnson (’96) is the new athletic director/head football coach at W.T. White High School in Dallas, Texas.
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S. Apollo McCullough (’15) was promoted to youth pastor at Life Church in Wichita, Kansas. Cale Brubaker (’16) accepted the position as the men’s basketball video coordinator at The University of Texas San Antonio.
Andrea Mendez (’18) is the marketing and communications coordinator for 826LA, a writing and tutoring nonprofit in Los Angeles. Andrea works with the development team, writing blogs and press releases and managing social media platforms and email campaigns.
Brenda (Santee ’93) Schumaker recently accepted the position of case manager at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa.
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Clayton Brandt (’15) accepted a new position as the facility manager of Heartland Therapeutic Riding Inc.
Bryan Rich (’06) accepted a new position with Ruckus Group as the principal of design and video production.
Tracy Waal (’92) was recently appointed vice president for student life at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Mathew Mount (’96) was recently announced as the new controller/chief financial officer at Chance Rides.
Lacey Rush (’14) accepted a new position as a third grade teacher at the Salina USD 305.
» Nicole (Ferguson ’12) Eubanks was named one of two 2018 Hart Institute Administrators by The Dallas Opera. Nicole is the individual giving director at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Missouri.
HAVE NEWS?
Want to share births, marriages, new jobs and accomplishments with Accent? Please send to alumni@mnu.edu or connect with us on social media. It doesn't matter how you connect with us, we just want to hear from you!
ALUMNI NEWS
→ MARRIAGES Cody (’18) and Jessica (Alvord ’17) Covert, Aug. 18, 2018.
Jordan (’16) and Kelly Eckley, June 9, 2018.
Gage (’14) and Alyssa Krebs, Sept. 2, 2018.
Taylor (’11) and Maggie Bottles, Oct. 6, 2018.
Matt and Katherine (Frizzell ’13) Ingram, Oct. 6, 2018.
Robert (’08) and Lindsay Laughter, Oct. 28, 2018.
Andrew (’15) and Katie Carney, June 23, 2018.
Kenan and Jamie (Furnas ’17) Aron, September 2, 2018.
Emilio (’17) and Katie (Linsey ’17) Gonzales, March 10, 2018.
Trevor (’15) and Rachelle Cherryholmes, May 11, 2018.
Quinton (’18) and Amanda (Gauer ’18) North, Aug. 4, 2018.
Dalton (’18) and Mariah (McCommon ’18) Young, May 19, 2018.
Austin (’16) and Samantha Cline, June 23, 2018.
James (’18) and Paula Guerrero, July 28, 2018.
Tyler and Holly (Robinett ’13) Darrell, Jan. 26, 2018.
Chesley (FS ’14) and Carissa (Collins ’17) Rost, June 28, 2018.
Nick and Sarah (Helm ’15) Lancaster, Oct. 28, 2018.
Grayson (’19) and McKenzie Smith, Aug. 4, 2018.
Raul and Taylor (Conant ’13) De la Torre, March 10, 2018.
Dalton and Shelbi (Hollern ’15) Schnoor, May 19, 2018.
Michael (’18) and Marissa (Stiles ’18) Mendoza, June 23, 2018.
Austin (’13) and Ali Conyers, May 19, 2018.
Brett (’06) and Kelly Hull, Oct. 20, 2018.
Thomson (’17) and Morgan Ticum, Oct. 27, 2018.
Brent and Jennifer (Costa ’13) Beley, Oct. 27, 2018.
Rob Hinton and Kandace Johnson (’82), Oct. 6, 2018.
Christopher and Lenzie (Vulgamore ’16) Johnson, Sept. 29, 2018.
Daniel (’17) and Christine Cunningham, May 10, 2018.
Klay (’10) and Kaylynn Johnson, Aug. 18, 2018.
Matthew and Julia Cathleen (Willis ’15) Lexa, April 21, 2018.
Peter (’13) and Jennie DeVries, May 19, 2018.
Kory and Melanie (Johnson ’18) Gilmore, June 23, 2018.
Angel and Virginia (Dupea ’17) Batista, July 7, 2018.
Nathaniel (’14) and Amy Kennedy, Sept. 22, 2018.
→ CONDOLENCES Douglas Jeffries (’72), Oct. 28, 2018.
Philip Harris (FS ’88, MHR 1), June 3, 2018.
E. Marvin Duggins Jr. (’76), Sept. 4, 2018.
Ronald Long (’93), Oct. 27, 2018.
Rheta Rundberg (FS ’80), Oct. 16, 2018.
Sharon Howard (MA ’01), Sept. 3, 2018.
Gaylene (Schott ’80), Williams, May 7, 2018.
David Schroeder (’03), Aug. 13, 2018.
Randolph Russell (FS ’82), Sept. 16, 2018.
Martha John (former faculty), June 13, 2018.
Myron "Pete" Hall (FS ’86), July 19, 2018.
Leland King (former trustee), June 14, 2018.
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ALUMNI & FRIENDS
→ BIRTHS 1) Tyler (ʼ12) and Megan (Palmer ʼ14) Allen, a daughter: Kennedy Christine, September 29, 2018.
10) Christian (ʼ11) and Monica Cardona Perea, a son: Samuel, July 22, 2018.
19) Ashley Frierdich (ʼ14), a daughter: Zayda Lynn, May 30, 2018.
2) Mitchell and Chelsea (Reed ʼ11) Anderson, a son: Kincaid Carl, May 2, 2018.
11) Quinn (ʼ07) and Stephanie (Shelhorn ʼ09) Carr, a daughter: Vivian Ray, October 18, 2018.
20) Trevor (ʼ14) and Ayla Gilmore, a daughter: Noelle Eizabeth, August 7, 2018.
3) Joshua (ʼ09) and Elisabeth Armfield, a daughter Ruth Margaret, January 22, 2018.
12) Adrian (ʼ12) and Sami Chapman, a daughter: Jaci Joanna, September 7, 2018.
21) Matthew (ʼ11) and Heather Gow, a son: William Andrew, March 18, 2018.
4) Brody (ʼ08) and Janae (Jakobitz ʼ09) Bell, a daughter: Elin Rhea, February 7, 2018.
13) Clinton (ʼ07) and Courtney (Clark ʼ08) Conant, a son: McCoy Carroll, February 8, 2018.
22) Darren (ʼ10) and Rebekah (Stude ʼ11) Harms, a son: Rawlins Abram, September 30, 2018.
5) Chad (ʼ07) and Haley Bohi, a son: Ethan James, September 26, 2018.
14) Charles (ʼ03) and Aly DeBok, a son: Madden Everett, August 20, 2018.
23) Josh (ʼ14) and Jill Heer, a daughter: Emma Kay, June 21, 2018.
6) Austin (ʼ09) and Lindsey Boots, a son and a daughter: Hudson Ray and Finley Mae, September 10, 2018.
15) Travis (ʼ04) and Melissa (McKellips ʼ06) Emerson, a son: Bryson Travis, October 7, 2018.
24) Dallas and Ashley (Kyger ʼ08) Henry, a daughter: Evelyn, September 22, 2018.
16) Logan and Megan (Love ʼ09) Farney, a son: Rhett Robert, September 27, 2018.
25) Luke (ʼ15) and Jamie Johnston, a daughter: Norah Grace, June 14, 2018.
8) Danny (’07) and Megan Buxie, a girl: Reagan Marie, May 6, 2018.
17) Russ and Kyli (Stoltzfus ʼ10) Fink, a daughter: Adalaed Remee, March 26, 2018.
26) Matt (ʼ04) and Jana Keeley, a daughter: Rylee Joy, September 5, 2018.
9) Samuel and Kira (Borkowski ʼ10) Carabantes, a daughter: Liliana Marie, July 12, 2018.
18) Corey and Micah (Yantis ʼ07) Fischer, a daughter: Emilia Carley, October 18, 2018.
27) Cody (ʼ09) and Tina (Summers ʼ08) Kraemer, a son: Cason James, September 5, 2018.
(11)
(12)
7) Reuben and Lesley (Miller ʼ11) Bretey, a daughter: Ella Joanna, April 10, 2018.
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ALUMNI & FRIENDS
28) Dr. Caleb (ʼ13) and Megan (Weyrauch ʼ12) Laird, a daughter: Emery Noel, August 9, 2018. 29) Landon (ʼ11) and Robin (Spencer ʼ11) Letsinger, a daughter: Samantha Ruth, September 19, 2018. 30) Jesse and Taylor (Ryal ʼ11) Longly, a son: Keller James, August 11, 2018. 31) Zach and Alyssa (Chisam ʼ12) Madden, a son: Boden William, June 26, 2018. 32) Adrienne Mathews (MAOA ʼ09), a daughter: Khara Mae, April 6, 2018. 33) Jason (ʼ10) and Hedi (Moore ʼ11) Menard, a daughter: Remington Joy, August 22, 2018. 34) Montai (ʼ16) and Thalia Mickens, a daughter: Alani, September 18, 2018. 35) Matt (ʼ06) and Laura (Riggs ʼ06) Morris, a son: Dylan Michael, May 15, 2018.
37) Eric (ʼ06) and Tara Overmiller, a son: Mason Ray, October 5, 2018. 38) Brad and Megan (Anderson ʼ09) Pacey: a son: Kam, October 23, 2018. 39) Eric (ʼ10) and Kaitlyn Perrigo, a daughter: Emery Marie, July 3, 2018. 40) Aaron (ʼ11) and Stephanie Phelps, a son: Henry Voyage, March 17, 2018. 41) Tyler (ʼ10) and Laura Ruzich, a daughter: Freddie Lucille, February 28, 2018. 42) Jarod and Carrie (Conant ʼ10) Sams, a son: Cade Eldon, July 23, 2018. 43) Justin and Laura (Miller ʼ13) Schaper, a son: Colton Philip, June 24, 2018. 44) Wendell (ʼ13) and Rachel Silvers, a daughter, Zoey Ann, May 3, 2018. 45) Brandon (ʼ12) and Tara (Welsh ʼ13) Smith, a son: Calil Azariah, October 4, 2018.
46) Chris (ʼ00) and Shannon Smith, a daughter: Tinley May, September 19, 2018. 47) Trevor (ʼ14) and Hannah (Young ʼ14) Smith, a son: Emmeric Scott, September 17, 2018. 48) Jeff (ʼ13) and Jourdan (McGuire ʼ12) Sous, a daughter: Olive Elizabeth, October 1, 2018. 49) Billie (ʼ07) and Emily (O'Neal ʼ11) Taylor, a son: Henry Lee, October 17, 2018. 50) Roland and Ashley (Hall ʼ07) Tedder, a daughter: Enloe Llizea, July 30, 2018. 51) Alexander (ʼ14) and Alexandra (Dalbey ʼ16) Wilson, a daughter: Frances Elizabeth Clementine, May 20, 2018. 52) Aaron and Chloe (Burnes ʼ15) Wright, a daughter: Eva, May 14, 2018. 53) Evan and Taylor (Ford ʼ09) Zimmerman, a daughter: Josephine Roberta, May 27, 2018.
36) Jeffrey (ʼ11) and Jocelyn (Seifert ʼ10) Myers, a son: Everett Roy, October 1, 2018.
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ACCENT MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019
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University Advancement 2030 E. College Way Olathe KS 66062-1899 Change Service Requested If you receive more than one Accent Magazine at your home, or if you are the parent of an alum and you are also receiving their copy, please call 877-496-8668 or email accent@mnu.edu.
Friday, April 12, 2019 MNU Cook Center
Join us for an inspiring evening of exquisite food, live and silent auctions, and special entertainment. This signature event has raised $3.9 million for student scholarships and other priorities at MNU. Plan now to be part of the 2019 President’s Honors, a night to celebrate God’s faithfulness and donor generosity. Be sure to reserve your tickets early!
LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE TICKETS AT www.PresidentsHonors.org