MVNU NOW, Spring 2019

RISING TO THE CHALLENGE

Plus

MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE UNIVERSIT Y Sp r i n g 2 0 1 9

NOW M o v i n g To w a r d O ur Ne x t

50 YEARS

EDITOR’S NOTE S a ma n t h a S c ol e s

Editor

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

Throughout our lives, we travel down many paths for various reasons. Some are quick journeys and others wind us through prolonged periods of time. Regardless of the path or

peering out the window wondering what hope and the future looks like for me and the University.

In this edition of NOW, we explore the future of

“our” reason to take it, our feet always lead to a destination of

higher education including the incredible successes realized

God’s choosing toward “hope and a future.”

in our STEM programs, enrollment challenges and the role

I am a Knox County native. However, when it came

athletics will play in the competitive realm of admissions, how

to Mount Vernon Nazarene University (or College as it was

embracing technological advancements will keep MVNU

as I was growing up), I was always on the outside looking

relevant in the digital age, and so much more.

in. It wasn’t until I became the managing editor of the local

When I read these pieces, not only do I better

newspaper that I took stock into what was happening on

understand the big picture of MVNU, I’m humbled by the

campus.

idea that my appointed path intentionally places me on this

Over the 10 years I served in that role, my knowledge

campus at the same time as Dr. Henry W. Spaulding II, Rev.

and understanding of MVNU grew. I learned from the first

James Smith, Rev. Tracy Waal and Beth DaLonzo and the

director of the Chamber of Commerce of the efforts to

entire staff and student body. We were not led here by mistake,

purchase the property for the college. Without those city

but rather by holy design, to work together to dream, to grow

leaders who realized the value the college would bring to the

in faith and to establish an exciting future for Christian higher

city, MVNU would not exist.

education at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Their individual paths forged the future of MVNU. On Nov. 12, 2018, my perspective of MVNU changed

I can’t wait to see how our individual paths will frame the next 50 years of MVNU.

dramatically when I was given an office — with a window — in the Marketing Department. Now, here I am on the inside

Email us at MVNU.Communications@mvnu.edu

T H E L O R D S H OW ED H I M T H E W H O LE L A N D

08 President Henry W. Spaulding II, Ph.D. Coordinator of Communications/PR Samantha Scoles

P re s ident

THE F I R ST DA Y

04 G R A P EV I N E 31 C OU G A R P RI D E 32 N EW S & N OT ES

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RISING TO T H E C H A LLEN G E

Art Direction / Design Arthur Cherry

Campus Switchboard: 740-392-6868 Subscription Updates: MVNU.Communications@mvnu.edu

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S T EM - U L AT I N G S T U D EN T S A N D A D M I S S I O N S

NOW Spring 2019

NOW (USPS 761-980) is published twice a year by Mount Vernon Nazarene University, located at 800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. Standard Postage Paid at Mount Vernon, OH 43050 and additional mailing ofďŹ ces.

INDEX

Director of Creative Services and Marketing Production Tricia Bowles

10

He nr y W. Spaul di ng II, Ph. D.

Chaplain's Corner

The Stephen W. Nease Center was

was dedicated Friday, Oct. 12, 2018, with a joint ribbon

nominated for the 2018 Knox County

cutting and open house with Knox Labs Inc.

Chamber of Commerce’s Heart Award. The annual award

Located at 104 S. Main St. in downtown Mount Vernon,

is given to a Chamber member business recognized for

the Stephen W. Nease Center houses MVNU’s Department

achieving and maintaining architectural design that

of Engineering and the community makerspace, Knox Labs

complements the community. The award was given to the

Inc., in the newly renovated 10,824-square-foot facility.

Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities for its

The building and its renovation were made possible by a

all-inclusive playground at Mount Vernon’s Memorial Park.

generous grant from the Ariel Foundation.

Renee McDaniel CPA was also nominated.

ACCOLADES

MVNU WAS SELECTED AS THE TOP ONLINE MASTER’S PROGRAM IN EDUCATION AND TEACHING IN 2018

BY AFFORDABLECOLLEGESONLINE.ORG. MVNU WAS RANKED 1ST OUT OF 50 ONLINE COLLEGES.

News & Notes

The Whole Land

The First Day

Alumni Service Awards

The Stephen W. Nease Center in downtown Mount Vernon Rising to the Challenge

STEPHEN W. NEASE CENTER OPENS

Athletic Expansion

STEMulating

Q&A

Alumni Highlight

GPS

1968 Fund

Events Calendar

The Grapevine

Cougar Pride

NEWS & NOTES

MVNU HAS BEEN NAMED ONE OF ONLY 57 INSTITUTIONS NATIONALLY AS A BEST VALUE COLLEGE FOR 2018-19 BY BESTVALUECOLLEGES.ORG.

1

HLC ACCREDITATION MVNU received “formal notification and official record

“I want to thank the faculty, staff, trustees, and students for

of action taken concerning Mount Vernon Nazarene

their participation in the entire process. Special appreciation

University by the Institutional Actions Council of the

goes to Dr. Barney Cochran, Dr. Brenita Nicholas-Edwards,

Higher Learning Commission at its meeting on December

Dr. Yvonne Schultz, Dr. Robert Hamill, and Dr. Randie

3, 2018. The date of this action constitutes the effective

Timpe for constructing the reaff irmation arguments. In

date of the institution’s new status with HLC."

addition, we acknowledge the Institutional Effectiveness staff and Krissta Hadsell who worked tirelessly on logistics.”

“ This is the best news possible concerning the reaff irmation process we just completed this fall. MVNU continues to be

“ This is a very important day in the history of MVNU. Let us

accredited through HLC with each criterion being met and no

thank God for His Faithfulness to MVNU.”

monitoring reports required,” said MVNU President Henry W. Spaulding II, Ph.D.

SOCIAL WORK In June 2018, seven social work

In November 2018, two senior social

students were accepted to present

work students presented a poster titled

their research work at the National

Building Community Connections to

NASW conference in Washington

Raise Awareness about Domestic Violence

DC. Student research topics

and Sexual Assault and Promote Healing

included quantitative studies on:

at the Ohio NASW conference. This

College student perceptions of

presentation focused on a component of

intimate partner violence, and

a larger qualitative research project on

dehumanization and the homeless. Student research topics

sexual assault survivorship. This presentation covered the

also included qualitative studies on healing from domestic

process of establishing community connections between

violence and sexual assault, and kinship care in Uganda.

academic researchers and community agencies.

05

COLLEGES, THE METHODOLOGY BEHIND THE

HOSPITALITY AWARD The Board of Trustees was honored to present the 2018

RANKING IS GROUNDED IN “STATISTICAL DATA

Hospitality Award to Theresa Shanyfelt, Administrative

AND A FEW CONSISTENTLY APPLIED GUIDING

Assistant to the Vice President for Finance, at its fall

PRINCIPLES INCLUDING ACADEMIC QUALITY,

meeting on November 1. Theresa has worked at MVNU

AFFORDABILITY, AND ONLINE COMPETENCY.”

since 1995.

@MVNUNews

MVNU1968

ThisIsMVNU

#ShineForth

NOW Spring 2019

MVNU WAS RANKED 7TH OUT OF 25 OHIO ONLINE COLLEGES. ACCORDING TO BEST

NEWS & NOTES

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE MVNU Education Professors Drs. Sharon and Steve Metcalfe were presented the Beulah Apostolic Award of Excellence for their personal and professional response to the concerns and challenges of racism during the 2018 Knox County Dr. King Celebration Breakfast.

“Our work at Mount Vernon Nazarene University is founded on three ideas — compassion, commitment and competence. We’ve seen that through the stay here and that’s kind of the rock around which we try to affect social change and equity,” said Steve Metcalfe.

GENERAL & ADMINISTRATION Rev. Eric Stetler was appointed to the position of Vice President for Graduate and Professional Studies and Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Rev. Tracy Waal was appointed to the position of Vice President for Student Life.

Jennifer Adkins transitioned from Enrollment Specialist to Director of Dual Enrollment.

Morgan Becker has been hired as Admissions Counselor.

Zhigang (David) Cui has been hired in Housekeeping.

Mary Beth Dickerson transitioned from part-time to full-time Housekeeper.

Alexis Didinger has been hired as Graduate and Professional Studies Marketing Specialist.

Leroy Flowers, Painter/Maintenance Assistant, retired on Jan. 4, 2019, after 29 ½ years at MVNU. Richard Garven has been hired as Facilities Technician.

Justin Brady transitioned from Technical Support Specialist to Information Security and Identity Manager.

Kelly Glancy moved from full-time to parttime housekeeper.

Tammi Brown transitioned from Student Success and Outreach Specialist to ReEnrollment Specialist.

Denise Hess moved from full-time to parttime status as Administrative Secretary to the School of Business.

Tony Miller has been hired as Technical Support Specialist.

Samantha Scoles has been hired as Coordinator of Communications and Public Relations.

Zachary Spoon has been hired as GPS Enrollment Specialist.

Sherri Therrien has been hired as Communication and Support Specialist.

Diana Tocheff, formerly Student Financial Services Assistant, is now University Relations Assistant.

SonFest 2018 saw its highest attendance since 2012 with over 3,600 converging in MVNU’s campus. Highlights included 11 artists, including Lecrae, an aerial and fire show, giant inflatables, petting zoo, numerous food vendors and much more. The vendor market tent housed the Admissions and Youth Leader/Alumni booths where students and youth leaders from all denominations had a chance to hear about MVNU. There were over 450 inquiry cards collected from students and 35 senior applications.

Many youth leaders and longtime “fans of SonFest” remarked that it is one of the best SonFest events to date.

ADMISSIONS Robert Stanley was appointed Director of Admissions.

Beth DaLonzo was appointed Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing.

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES Dr. Terilyn Johnston Huntington, assistant professor of political science, presented the papers “We Need a Hero: Re-envisioning American Victory in World Wars I and II through ‘Wonder Woman’ and ‘Captain America: the First Avenger’” and “‘We See Everything’: Drone Operators, PTSD, and the Human Experience of War” at the International Studies Association— Northeast annual conference in Baltimore, Md., Nov. 2-3, 2018. She was also re-elected for a two-year term on the ISA-NE governing council.

Music professor and department chair Dr. John Packard directed the Knox County Middle School Honor Band in a performance on Nov. 19, 2018, leading potential MVNU students from Centerburg, Danville, East Knox, Fredericktown and Mount Vernon.

Jayme McMillan (’12, video and radio broadcasting) returned to the Communication Department as Instructor in Visual Media with experience as a church communications director and owner/operator of a company producing multimedia content for clients in videography, photography and graphic design.

SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Doug VanNest was appointed Dean of renamed School of Christian Ministry.

Dr. Michael VanZant, Professor of Biblical Literature, presented a paper, “An Analysis of Fortification Typology of Iron Age IIB: Identifying Context for Khirbat al-Mudaybiޫ” at the American Schools of Oriental Research Annual Meeting in Denver, CO, November 14-17, 2018. The paper added data to the corpus of information regarding fortifications during the 8th-6th centuries BC in the biblical geographic context.

Dr. Hank Spaulding (Adjunct) presented a paper at the 2018 Barth Graduate Student Colloquium held at Princeton Theological Seminary. Participation was limited to 14 students from around the world who had either recently finished doctoral work or who were in the final stages of completing their dissertation. Individuals participating came from Harvard, Heidelberg, Baylor, Princeton, St. Andrews, Edinburgh, and

Vanderbilt. All presentations focused on Barth’s Commentary on the Book of Romans.

SCHOOL OF NATURAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES The School of Natural and Social Sciences is excited to welcome the following individuals: Dr. Zachary Graber, as Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Jeongmoon ( Josh) Park, as Assistant Professor of Engineering Mr. Gregory Childers, Engineering Technician

JETTER SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES Dr. Melanie Timmerman (elected board member), and Dr. Kevin Hughes (CBFA Board Secretary), participated in the fall meetings of the CBFA Board of Directors on Oct. 3-4, 2018.

Dr. Kevin Hughes, Dr. Jim Dalton, and Dr. Melanie Timmerman participated in the 2018 Christian Business Faculty Association Annual Conference hosted by Covenant College, Oct. 4-6, 2018.

Dr. Jim Dalton received the 2018 Chewning Award. The Chewning Award was established by the CBFA to perpetuate the passion and commitment toward integration of personal faith and business as modeled by its first recipient, Dr. Richard C. Chewning.

ATHLETICS Chip Wilson was appointed Director of Athletics. He will continue to coach track during Spring 2019.

Salvador Velazquez was hired as Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach.

James Maracani was hired as Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach.

Madison DePolo was hired as Assistant Athletic Trainer.

Jonathon Loughridge has been hired as Sports Information Director.

07 NOW Spring 2019

Sunday, Dec. 2, 2018, Dr. Robert Tocheff conducted his 28th MVNU Messiah performance. The 160 voice Choral Union of MVNU combined choirs, community and alumni singers, and chamber orchestra presented this 51st annual performance, always a musical and spiritual highlight of the year. Also performing were Dr. John Packard, trumpeter; Elizabeth Barrett, soprano soloist; and alumni soloists,

Carolyn Redman and Tyler Skidmore.

Over 900 attended the performance.

Donations collected for music scholarships during intermission totaled $1,065. Dr. Tocheff also conducted the annual Student Messiah in the Nov. 30, 2018, chapel with student soloists and accompanist Charla Dryburgh as well as speaker Dr. John Nielson. These performances can be viewed at mvnu.tv.

News & Notes

The Whole Land

The First Day

Alumni Service Awards

Athletic Expansion

Rising to the Challenge STEMulating Q&A

Alumni Highlight

GPS

1968 Fund Events Calendar The Grapevine

THE L ORD SH OWED

TH E

H e n r y W. S p a u l d i n g I I , P h . D .

President

HIM

WH OLE L AN D

Cougar Pride

Chaplain's Corner

“It took men and women of character to see MVNU, but each new generation has continued to build.”

I wonder what went through the mind of our founding President Dr. Stephen W. Nease when he first stepped foot on the campus of Zone A Nazarene College – MVNC. What he saw did not look much like a college. Faith can see what is yet unseen, but locating a college on a farm was always more of a question than a settled fact.

Moses led the Hebrew slaves out of Egypt toward an unseen land. No one had anything more than a promise, but the people marched on.

Admittedly, the path looked like a winding trail. Moses saw the land from Mount Nebo. I wonder if Stephen Nease imagined the University that we occupy these days. We will never know what those who first stepped on this campus were thinking, but we all see what they accomplished.

Those who know the history of Israel understand that the “Promised Land” was first a gift, but ultimately a vocation. It took work and sacrifice to realize the promise in the land given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land upon which MVNU stands is in the best sense of the word a calling. We can readily see what the pioneers did with the gift God sent their way. Our generation has its own questions. What will we do with the gift of those who have preceded us? What will we accomplish in the next 50 years?

• We need to embrace the vision of a distinctly Christian understanding of the world. We must not settle for some watereddown form of Christianity. Our Wesleyan-holiness heritage must inform our work and allow us to see the world in the shadow of the Cross.

• We need to devote ourselves to first-rate academic programs. The word “Christian” before education does not excuse sloppy thinking and lazy engagement with content.

• We need to “be” what we “say” in our learning community.

We need to learn how to love one another. We should be an example of redemption and reconciliation in a broken world.

• We need to extend transformation and an invitation to our community and the world.

09 17

• We will need new buildings, better athletic facilities, dorms, labs, and computer capacity, but more importantly, we will need to impact the lives of students who enroll at the University.

Joshua led the Hebrews in to the land that God had promised.

We read, “Then Joshua built on Mount Ebal an altar to the Lord, the God of Israel” (8:30). God gave us the whole land. Let us never forget that He also gave us something to accomplish. God grant us the vision and fortitude to make MVNU a testimony of His faithfulness!

NOW 2019 NOW Spring Fall 2013

We are celebrating our 50th anniversary these days. It is good to remember what has happened here. The courage and faith of our founding faculty, staff, trustees, and students inspire me. These individuals believed that God had His hand on this college/university.

It took men and women of character to see MVNU, but each new generation has continued to build. It is as if God pulls the veil back during each generation to reveal the “whole land.”

The next fifty years present a clear call:

News & Notes

The Whole Land

Photos from October 12, 2018

The First Day

Alumni Service Awards

Athletic Expansion

Rising to the Challenge STEMulating Q&A

Alumni Highlight

GPS 1968 Fund Events Calendar The Grapevine

Cougar Pride

Chaplain's Corner

The First Day -<MH;>K ȱȲo ȱȹȶȸ

2018 was an exciting year for MVNU as we celebrated our founding and our first 50 years as an institution of higher education.

Oct. 12, 2018, 50th anniversary of first day of class Oct. 12, 1968, is an historic day in the history of Mount Vernon Nazarene College/University. The first day of class for the newly formed college was filled with excitement and anticipation, not to mention second thoughts. With their faith in hand, Pioneer faculty, staff, and students persevered and prospered, setting the benchmark for the future.

We celebrated the 50th anniversary of that humble beginning on Oct. 12, 2018, remembering the story of our founding, and honoring the men and women who made it possible.

“We were, and probably are, an odd lot. Because who does that — comes to a college with nothing to offer but promises,” said Dr. Scott. “But we were blessed beyond anything we could have anticipated and cherish relationships to this day with classmates and professors, some of whom were barely older than us.”

For Homecoming 2018 photo galleries, visit: facebook.com/mvnualumni.

An official ribbon cutting took place later that day to commemorate the opening of the Stephen W. Nease Center. Located at 104 S. Main St. in downtown Mount Vernon, the Center houses MVNU’s Department of Engineering and the community makerspace, Knox Labs Inc., in the renovated 10,824-square-foot facility. The building and its renovation were made possible by a generous grant from the Ariel Foundation.

11 17 NOW 2019 NOW Spring Fall 2013

Dr. Linda Nease Scott, daughter of founding President Dr. Stephen W. Nease, spoke at Chapel detailing what it was like to be a part of the Pioneer Class.

A Time Capsule was filled with memorabilia such as signed sports jerseys and equipment, a cafeteria tray, headsets from WNZR, drum sticks from the Worship Team drummer, an Edison lightbulb representing over 20,000 alumni around the world, books and a letter written by President Henry W. Spaulding II, Ph.D., and many other items. The capsule will be buried at an undisclosed location and will be opened as the University celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2043.

Bailey Phillips crowned Homecoming Queen

GPS celebrates 25th anniversary

Class of 1983

Coming Home Homecoming Weekend, Nov. 9-10, 2018 2018 served as an exciting combination of traditional Homecoming activities and the celebration of our 50th Anniversary.

Highlights included: Customary events such as Homecoming Chapel, the President’s Prayer Breakfast, Gold Rush 5K and .5K Run/Walk, Reunion Lunches, an Entertainment Showcase and the Men’s and Women’s Basketball Classic.

The Golden Gala featured University President Dr. Henry W. Spaulding II's message of “stacking stones for the future” and alumni Distinguished Service Awards. A Soccer and Lacrosse Stadium campaign was announced as well as a dollar-for-dollar funding match up to $1 million.

Bailey Phillips was crowned the 2018 Homecoming Queen and her court included Sydney Mohnasky, senior; Kristen Osborn, senior;

Madison Near, junior; Ean See, sophomore; and Brea Garretson, freshman.

MVNU Athletics honored three standout athletes with induction into the MVNU Wall of Fame. Recognized were Shena Beheler, a Fredericktown High School graduate; Wheelersburg High School graduate Andy Heimbach; and Ben Falkenburg, a Wadsworth High School graduate.

The competition court at Ariel Arena was designated Paul Swanson Court honoring longtime head women’s volleyball coach.

Over 1,100 people worshiped together during the Community Celebration Service in the R.R. Hodges Chapel Auditorium. General Superintendent Emeritus of the Church of the Nazarene Dr. Jesse Middendorf shared a message affirming the value of the church and of MVNU and the need to focus on living with love and unity.

Golden Gala

Men's basketball

Pioneer Class Gathering

Homecoming Chapel President's Prayer Breakfast

Homecoming Chapel

Chaplain's Corner Cougar Pride The Grapevine Events Calendar 1968 Fund GPS Alumni Highlight Q&A STEMulating

Distinguished Alumni Service Awards

News & Notes

The Whole Land

The First Day

Alumni Service Awards

Athletic Expansion

Rising to the Challenge

Elaine Mahaffey

2018 Distinguished Alumni Service Award recipients from each decade of MVNU's history were honored during Homecoming Weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Golden Gala. They are:

Upon completing his education in Philosophy and Religion, Larry Morgan, a 1970 graduate from the Pioneer Class, dedicated his life to the full-time pursuit of pastoral ministry where he excelled in the churches he served.

Larry helped invent and lead an advanced leadership track for pastors of larger churches in the Church of the Nazarene.

He continued to provide vision and direction for K-Church Advanced, a strong program for pastoral leadership and training, until the program was retired.

Daniel Simco

Elaine Mahaffey graduated from MVNC in 1974 where she participated in Collegians, Living Proof, Student Government and was a cheerleader and member of the tennis team.

Elaine has been devoted to her communities and churches. She served on District Mission Council in the West Texas, Tennessee and Southwest Ohio Districts and was president in Tennessee and Southwest Ohio. She completed nearly 20 international mission trips including two recently with MVNU Collegians.

“Elaine demonstrated courage in the face of suffering as she battled cancer over the last seven years,” said MVNU President Dr. Henry W. Spaulding II, following her death on Feb. 10, 2019.

“She was a witness to the sustaining grace of God for her family and friends. Elaine’s warm smile and gentle courage speak to the character envisioned by MVNU.”

Dr. Larry Johnson graduated from MVNC in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. He was an OB/GYN in the greater Cincinnati area for most of his career.

In February 2018, Larry passed away unexpectedly of a presumed heart attack. Dr. Laura Johnson Myatt, a 2012 graduate of MVNU, accepted the award on her father’s behalf.

Currently, Dan and his wife, Misty, run a daily feeding program in Portsmouth, Ohio. Dan’s love for serving people is genuine. He truly cares for people with not just his words but also his actions.

Jon ('05) and Ashley (Reeves '06) Barchus were unable to attend the Golden Gala as they continue their work at the Arbre de Vie “Tree of Life” orphanage in Benin, Africa.

They have made the orphanage more habitable, created a program to provide much needed baby formula, basic medical care for children and operate a camp for area children. In addition to adopting two children, they are now in charge of the operations for the orphanage.

Catie Hayes is a 2012 MVNU alumnus earning her degree in Urban Ministry with a minor in Spanish. In December, 2012, she joined the division of Campus Ministries.

Some of her notable areas of service as the Director of Community & International Ministries include: Leading service learning trips around the world; supervising 15-20 Community Service & Ministry Opportunities (CoSMO) groups and their student leaders to do ministry within the Mount Vernon community and the M2540 Initiative which raises thousands of dollars for MVNU to serve local and international needs.

15 NOW Spring 2019

He served as a board member at Springdale Church of the Nazarene for two years, and was a member at Tri-county Church of the Nazarene for over 15 years, serving on the board for over six years. Dr. Johnson participated in youth ministry through Nazarene Bible quizzing for over 25 years.

Daniel Simco is a 1991 graduate of MVNU with a degree in Christian Education (pre-seminary) tract. He went on to become ordained in The Salvation Army as an Officer in 1995 with the rank of Lieutenant.

Chaplain's Corner Cougar Pride The Grapevine Events Calendar 1968 Fund GPS Alumni Highlight Q&A STEMulating Rising to the Challenge Athletic Expansion Alumni Service Awards The First Day The Whole Land News & Notes

R e v. Tr a c y Waal Vice President for Student Life

Ten years ago, I was learning the ropes of my new admissions job at MVNU. I found myself at Ohio’s annual ACT enrollment conference where the presenters were using ugly words like “disruptive” and “crisis” to describe the work that I had signed up to do. They made it exceptionally clear that everything MVNU was — small, rural, Christian, and Ohio — would result in a struggle to survive.

They told me that the college experts were watching Ohio, specifically, because the competition between the 50 private, 14 public, and 11 community colleges is already fierce. Ohio’s population, they said, was going to shrink rapidly, causing a crisis in higher education. No one quite knew what the crisis would look like, but it was going to be bad.

As predicted, populations in Ohio and neighboring states have shrunk drastically. When there are more seats in the classroom than students to fill them, prices plummet.

The fierce competition has driven the prices down. MVNU students pay $1,300 a year less to come to MVNU than a decade ago. That’s per student, per year. That’s an Ohio trend.

Students in Ohio paid less for their education in 2018 than students in 2002.

Fewer students paying less is a budget disaster waiting to happen. Nationwide, 252 colleges closed or merged in one year, according to InsideHigherEd.com So how is it that MVNU’s student population is at a 10-year high? Why has MVNU’s freshman student population increased as Ohio’s student population has decreased? Because enough people on this campus believe that what we’re doing really does matter. It mattered enough to believe that God’s call would do something bold like add new programs.

Over the past 12 years, we’ve added 11 different majors. Twenty-eight percent of the 2018 freshman class chose one of those new majors. If we hadn’t had the foresight to add those programs, we would probably be in a real enrollment crisis right now. Some of those students would not be enrolled at MVNU if not for adding programs like Nursing, Engineering, and Communications Sciences Disorders — majors they are actively searching.

The challenges haven’t stopped and neither has MVNU’s response.

While many other colleges decided

Step one: BUCKING ENROLLMENT TRENDS

to “wait it out” (a wait that includes another 12 years of shrinking student populations, by the way), professors and administrators did the hard work of adding high-demand majors to attract students. We have been bucking the trend. Our enrollment has gone up while other college’s enrollments are going down. Adding new programs has worked to increase enrollment, but we will always face adversity. We must be persistent in our efforts to remain competitive in all aspects of what we do while holding true to the heart of who we are under God’s guidance.

The traditional business model for most universities similar to MVNU hinges on academic enrollment.

Adding in-demand STEM programs has proven successful to increase our student population, but as student tuition costs (after grants and scholarships) has decreased, even with increased enrollment, revenue

12

YEARS

+11

MAJORS

Step two: ATHLETIC EXPANSION

17 NOW Spring 2019

+

continues to decline. This means universities across the country are looking for innovative ways to bring new students to campus.

We have been watching higher education, specifically looking at what’s happening in other colleges in other parts of the country. Colleges are doing two things — either they are drastically cutting sports because they view them as a drag on the budget or they are expanding athletics. We have decided to add sports that will increase enrollment to our campus.

Athletic expansion is an equal reflection of great sports and enrollment.

The goal is for sports to bring new students that will help fund all kinds of things on campus including academics.

The reason we are adding roster spots is to potentially attract students that wouldn’t look at MVNU that want to play a particular sport.

We found good success with students we weren’t reaching before with lacrosse. Almost all of the seven lacrosse students that came to MVNU, that were recruited by their coach, were students that weren’t on our radar.

Bowling was able to recruit six new students.

These programs attract students in populations that we hadn’t attracted well previously.

Athletic expansion is an investment in our future, but it has to be well planned and we are doing just that.

Over the next three to five years, we will increase roster spots with the addition of new sports as well as through junior varsity teams. It is a worthy investment in our future and a necessary second step to realize continued enrollment growth.

News & Notes

The Whole Land

The First Day

Alumni Service Awards

Athletic Expansion Rising to the Challenge STEMulating Q&A

Alumni Highlight

GPS

1968 Fund Events Calendar The Grapevine Cougar Pride

Chaplain's Corner

RI S T O T H

C H A L L

R e v. J a m e s S m i t h

Vice President for University Relations

I N G E

E N G E

they desired in a college. The plan has begun to reap dividends as we launched Men’s Junior Varsity Soccer four years ago, Women’s Junior Varsity Soccer two years ago and Men’s Club Lacrosse last fall. These three teams have provided an opportunity for over 50 new studentathletes to attend a Christian college like MVNU. Growth is an incredible thing, but it includes challenges.

One key challenge we are facing right now is the limited outdoor practice and competition space to adequately meet the needs of our teams. With three varsity and two junior varsity teams practicing on one competition field, our playing surface is unable to hold up to the demands. In response to this challenge, MVNU has an exciting new plan to add a premier Soccer and Lacrosse Stadium. A lighted, turfed field will allow for evening games and practices, helping us to maximize class time for our student-athletes. The turf will provide an appropriate surface to handle the quantity of games and practices that we need.

This state-of-the-art space will enable us to attract additional students to the soccer and lacrosse programs. It will also allow us to enhance our connection to the Mount Vernon and Knox County communities, a

19 NOW Spring 2019

Mount Vernon Nazarene University began with a bold vision at a time when other small private colleges were closing. Facing adversity was a part of our identity from the beginning.

As we are faced with the reality of declining high school populations, we have begun to plan for the future of MVNU by prioritizing our needs to help us continue in our mission into the next 50 years.

In a situation like this, an institution can choose to shrink in fear or rise to the challenge. We are choosing to rise up and uncover what God has in store. We have a robust plan to meet the challenges before us. We continue to develop new strategies to increase our market share in the face of the shrinking market. One of those strategies is the focal point of our current campaign.

We have determined to expand our varsity, junior varsity and club athletic options. This includes adding new sports and enhancing existing sports, both of which require additional resources. This has already helped us reach groups of students who had never considered MVNU before — because we didn’t have the athletic opportunities

major part of our strategic vision for the future.

Athletics have been a part of MVNU since our humble beginnings. Our athletes have been and remain some of our most dedicated students and alumni. They make their impact at MVNU and beyond. We believe that the expansion of our athletic programs will help us reach students and families that we were never able to connect with before.

We received word in November that one of our generous friends committed to match every dollar we raise for this Soccer and Lacrosse Stadium, up to $1 million. Our Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team quickly led the way by pledging over $140,000. As of March 15, we raised over $1,097,000 in gifts and pledges toward our $2.7 million goal. We know that the Lord will continue to raise up other friends and donors who catch the vision and understand the impact this facility will have on our campus, community and future students.

There will be other needs in the future. We are dreaming, planning and preparing for those as well. But, for this year, we have decided to focus on this project that meets the most

immediate need for campus.

We cannot know what the future will hold, but we know that bringing new students and families to MVNU is critical to our future. It is not always easy, but it is work worth doing. The future is bright for MVNU as “we seek to follow the flame which shines before us.” – Stephen W. Nease, first president of MVNU. A place like MVNU only exists because it meets a need in the life and story of the church, and because people pull together to help us fulfill our role. Throughout our history, friends like you have continued to support the vision that the leaders of MVNU were casting for our future. We now live in the reality that they were dreaming, planning, giving and even sacrificing for.

We invite you to join us, and other supporters, as we journey along the path that will lead us into the next 50 years.

With many opportunities for naming rights to the new stadium, we are prayerful you will stand beside us as we make this dream a reality.

SOCCER AND LACROSSE STADIUM DONOR OPP ORTUNITIES * Naming Opportunity

Available

Gift

Stadium

1

Reserved

Field

1

$350,000

Press Box

1

$150,000

Community Fields

1

Reserved

Lights

1

$100,000

Ticketing & Concessions Area

1

$75,000

Scoreboard

1

$50,000

Locker Rooms

4

$50,000

60

$1,500

Training Room

1

$50,000

Pavilion/Picnic Shelter

1

$25,000

Party Pavilion

1

$25,000

All Seating

1

$50,000

Home Stands

1

$25,000

Away Stands

1

$25,000

Seat in Reserved Seating Section

40

$2,000

Home Team Shelter/Bench

1

$15,000

12

$1,500

1

$15,000

12

$1,500

Bench with Placard

10

$2,500

Tree with Placard

50

$1,000

Entry Brick Paver

Unlimited

$500

Individual Locker

Seat in Shelter Away Team Shelter/Bench Seat in Shelter

Join the project at

mvnu.edu/future *Naming availabilities are accurate as of March 15, 2019.

DONOR RECOGNITION WALL Championship Leadership Partnership Fellowship Sponsorship Friendship

$350,000 $100,000-$349,999 $50,000-$99,999 $10,000-$49,999 $5,000-$9,999 $1,000-$4,999

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Dean of School of Natural and Social Sciences

STEM is a trendy acronym that one hears frequently these days. It refers collectively to disciplines in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The reason for the buzz about STEM is that occupations involving STEM training are projected to grow faster than other occupations. More specifically, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts that STEM-related employment will increase by about 13 percent in the decade between 2012 and 2022. Furthermore, not only will the jobs for individuals trained in STEM fields be plentiful, the positions will be lucrative. The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that employees in STEM occupations consistently earn up to 26 percent more than workers in non-STEM professions.

Given those statistics, it is not surprising that MVNU has witnessed an increase in students majoring in the STEM fields. In fact, in the past decade, the number of STEMrelated students has increased by 27 percent. What is more, the ratio of STEM students to the overall student population at MVNU has increased from 27-38 percent during that

time. Similarly, the STEM-related field of Nursing has seen an increase in MVNU student numbers of 225 percent over the past decade.

In order to meet the demands of prospective students interested in STEM fields, MVNU introduced an Engineering program in 2014. That program celebrated the graduation of its first class in the spring of 2018 and now boasts growing enrollment numbers.

MVNUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record of training STEM students is impressive.

Many of our graduates leave MVNU to pursue professional degrees in their field. We currently have STEM alumni attending professional or graduate programs in 1) medicine at the University of Cincinnati, Wright State University, Ohio University, University of Toledo, and Campbell University, 2) physician assistant studies at Chatham University, Ohio Dominican University, Baldwin Wallace University, and Kettering College, 3) optometry at The Ohio State University, University of the Incarnate Word, and Salus University, 4) veterinary medicine at The Ohio State University, 5) dentistry at West Virginia University, 6) pharmacy at West Virginia

STEM occupations earn up to

26% more.

Software, and many others. Such placements speak to the quality of education at MVNU as well as the motivation and work ethic of the individuals. There is no doubt that our School of Natural and Social Sciences graduates are impacting the world in significant ways in the name of Christ.

MVNU is committed to providing state-of-the-art facilities for STEM training. A new Nursing facility was opened by the university in downtown Mount Vernon in 2011. Furthermore, to accommodate the specific needs of the Engineering program, MVNU recently christened a new Engineering building, thereby enlarging its downtown campus and providing advanced equipment to that student population. In addition, we are in the process of building a new microbiology laboratory for fall of 2019. Finally, the MVNU administration is committed to building infrastructure to allow for richer undergraduate research experiences within the School of Natural and Social Sciences.

23 NOW Spring 2019

University, 7) physical therapy at The Ohio State University, University of Cincinnati, Wheeling Jesuit University, Chatham University, Trevecca Nazarene University, and University of Dayton, 8) chiropractic studies at Life University, 9) occupational therapy at Walsh University and Nova Southeastern University, and 10) computer science at the University of Southern California.

Not all of MVNUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s STEM students aspire to go on to graduate or professional school. Some seek immediate employment. Fortunately, our STEM graduates have an outstanding track record at this. For instance, all of our 2018 Computer Science graduates secured employment in the field by graduation day. Similarly, all of our Engineering graduates were employed within their field within one month of graduation.

Regardless of the path, our STEM graduates secure prestigious jobs at influential companies such as Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Google, Owens Corning, Guidewire

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BETH D AL ONZ O

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Beth DaLonzo is the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing for MVNU. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Muskingum University and expects to complete a Master of Arts in Adult Education in May. Professionally, Mrs. DaLonzo started in the admission office at The Ohio State University in 1985. She worked her way through the ranks and left in 2011 to be the Director of Admission at her alma mater. She joined MVNU in September 2018.

She has been married to her husband, Joe, for 30 years.

While they do not have children, Mrs. DaLonzo is excited to say that provides them the opportunity to “dote on each other!”

They enjoy traveling, Broadway shows, movies and generally just hanging out with each other.

rewarding experience than watching a student grow through those first scary homesick days of college to transform into the grown up who walks across the stage at graduation four years later.

What challenges do you see in the future of admissions / enrollment?

The challenge for all of us in higher education is to overcome the several-year drop in high school graduation rates in many of the Midwestern states. As private colleges, we fight the stigma of high costs as is always reported in the media, regardless of whether or not it is true. As a private Christian college, we must overcome the previous two challenges as well as the challenge of reaching students who understand, believe in and want to grow in Christ-likeness.

"In the summer of 2018, I felt the call to leave Muskingum and I was blessed to get this position at MVNU in September 2018."

What drew you to a career in college admissions / enrollment?

I worked in the admission office as a student and so understood a little of what they did. I had a wonderful campus experience and wanted to share that with others. I still feel that way. I love the excitement on move in day and watching the emotional, intellectual and spiritual development of students as they move through their college career. There isn’t a much more

How will you work to address those challenges to take MVNU into the next 25 years?

Through every type of communication possible, I want to share our student success stories, our faculty achievements, the successes of our athletic teams and the creation of new ones. I want to spread the word throughout our educational field that MVNU has outstanding academic programs and majors that aren’t found everywhere. Our graduates get good jobs and have a wide variety of internships. We offer our students a wonderful and enriching campus experience that can include travel abroad and opportunities to give back to their communities. I want to let people know that MVNU is a great value and our graduates have been well educated all while embracing them with the love of Christ. An MVNU degree is as good as any and our graduates are very competitive when they are applying for jobs. I believe in what we are doing on this campus and want everyone to know about what is happening here.

Follow on Twitter @BethDaLonzo

Arthur Cherry Design Director

('05)

ALUMNI HIGHLIGHT

introductory art classes that I wasn't interested in since I never wanted to be an artist. I questioned if I had made the right decision on numerous occasions. It wasn't until the following spring that I took my first visual communication class. At first, I had my doubts, but it didn't take long, thanks to the prompting and mentoring of professor Jan Hendrickx, that I found a real passion for creating communication through visuals and language. Born was the love of design and the foundation for everything I do today.

Graphic design, in particular, expanded my understanding and appreciation for beauty, problem-solving, and ideas that not only inform but also inspire the human connection. With great design, communication is more inspiring, systems are more functional, and experiences

Arthur designs to create unique experiences, one being the design of the NOW Magazine since 2013.

create more lasting emotions. I quickly discovered and still believe that design and every interaction, no matter how big or small, has the power to influence and impact our world in many different ways.

The passion for design goes beyond the technicalities of color theory, typeface selection or photography direction.

It's the person that these decisions are made for that remains the most crucial consideration. I may never meet the person that interacts with a brand identity system, a book, product packaging or website design but it's the opportunity to affect just one person in a positive way that gets me excited every day. My desire in the projects I collaborate on is that they are centered not only around usefulness and practicality but also elevates the spirit of joy, goodness and the beauty of the human story.

arthuradesign.com @arthuradesign

25 NOW Spring 2019

The interest in art, stories, and creating things started when I was in elementary school. It followed me through high school and into college, but I wasn't sure how it would make for a career. I tried architecture and tested out landscape design, but neither seemed like the right fit.

It was the summer between my freshman and sophomore years when I discovered a real uncertainty. The question, "what is the plan for the future" hit hard. After a few conversations with my parents and an MVNU admissions director/counselor, I decided to transfer to MVNU the following fall and explore this thing, at the time I knew little about, called visual communication.

Upon arrival, the uncertainty continued. The first semester was a small collection of general courses and

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A Lifetime Commitment Through Uncertain Career Paths R e v. E r i c W S t e t l e r Vice President for Graduate and Professional Studies Dean, School of Graduate and Professional Studies

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Graduate & Professional Studies:

When I first came to Mount Vernon Nazarene College in 1995, I was advised to choose my degree carefully. As I sat and talked with my academic advisor, I felt the pressure to quickly decide on a foundation for a life-long career I was unsure of. When I chose the path of "Christian education," I had every intention of serving the rest of my days on this earth as a youth pastor. For just two short years, I was a youth pastor. Mentors in my life who had worked for decades in the same industry were supportive, yet must have held their tongue regarding my short-lived career. Little did I know that I would take on many different roles and occupations, each demanding a unique set of knowledge and skills. Looking back now, I can see that while God's call on my life has not changed, the world in which I'm living sure has.

The world and the roles and occupations that fill it will continue to change. Futurists predict the jobs of today will be disrupted by artificial intelligence and machine learning. Today, and well into the future, the very concept of a career is changing. This is not simply a result of the commonly criticized job-hopping of a millennial generation. According to a longitudinal study of baby boomers by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in their younger years, boomers held an average of 12 different jobs from ages 18-48.1 In today's technical age, the increasingly volatile job market is demanding a continuous learning journey that combines technical and interpersonal skills.

For years, those with skills gaps have geared up for stints of "going back to school" for deep expertise in a narrow field. And while this

87% of adults in the workforce today acknowledge the importance of seeking additional training.

1

Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Number of Jobs, Labor Market Experience, and Earnings Growth Among Americans at 50,” 2017.

we offer ways for learning to continue throughout adult life through our graduate and professional studies options. As we look to expand these options, we do not seek to simply offer additional educational milestones along the journey, but rather to help lifelong learners navigate uncharted learning journeys over and over again.

2

Pew Research Center, “The State of American Jobs,” 2016.

27 17 NOW 2019 NOW Spring Fall 2013

linear learning model has provided for career advancement and economic mobility, today's adult worker is already sensing that things are changing. A study by Pew Research reveals that 87 percent of adults in the workforce today acknowledge the importance of seeking additional training and the development of new skills to keep pace with the changes in the workplace.2 Indeed, as life expectancy continues to increase in years, so will the span of an adult's working years.

Consequently, learning and ongoing skill development will become a way of life.

The mission of Mount Vernon Nazarene University is visionary in this regard and speaks to our ongoing and future role in this reality.

Not only do we prepare students for lifelong learning and service, but

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Jared Sponseller Director of Student Financial Services

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Endowments Keep Tuition Affordable

MVNU continues to be on the forefront of making a college education affordable. We are able to do so with tuition costs that are consistently below average for private institutions, along with generous merit-based/talent scholarships, grants for Nazarene students, children of pastors and missionaries, endowed scholarships, and other financial assistance. MVNU continues to be recognized for our affordability efforts as we have been ranked as a Top 5 Best College for Getting Big Merit Scholarships by Money Magazine, we rank third for the lowest average student debt in Ohio by LendEdu.com, and we are in top 5 percent nationwide for Best Value, according to College Factual.

Through the generosity of many alumni and friends of the University, we are able to assist students through endowed scholarships. During the 2017-2018 academic year, we were able to award funds from 192 endowments to over 200 students totaling over $540,000.

One endowment, The 1968 Fund, provides financial support for students who are encountering financial difficulties due to family emergencies, health issues, financial hardships, or accidents. Over the past few years, this fund has enabled students to remain enrolled at MVNU who otherwise would not have had the ability to do so due to circumstances outside of their control.

A few examples of the types of situations in which this fund has been utilized include assisting a student who unexpectedly lost a parent, another student who had a sibling pass away after battling cancer, a student whose home was destroyed by fire and an international student whose village was severely

“I was really in a position where I had to go back home because of the very unexpected flood that hit my city and washed away all my family resources,” said Joseph Joe of Kochi, India, an MVNU student-athlete majoring in marketing. “I had no idea how to raise my remaining amount which was due. Thank you so much for helping me continue my dreams and goals to stay in the USA.”

“You have no idea how much it means to me to have the support from all of the caring people in this university,” said Jordan Searle, an exercise science major from Liberty Center, Ohio. “If not for this scholarship, it would be very hard for me to be able to pay off my education. Because of this award, I am able to focus on my education without all the stress and debt.”

damaged by flooding. This scholarship also allows us to step in to help in countless situations where family members are battling medical issues resulting in major medical expenses and many other situations.

The benefits to our students, including recent 1968 Fund Scholarship recipients, are beyond measure.

As I sit across the desk from students and families as they navigate the financial aid process, it brings me joy to be able to talk about the generosity of alumni and friends of the University who assist in making an MVNU education affordable for so many.

As one such recipient of the 1968 Fund stated, “The generosity of so many will continue to make an MVNU education an affordable education.”

SAVE THE DATE

SONFEST SEPT. 21, 2019

SONFEST AD

MAKE M VN U HOM E C OM I N G W E E KEND A GRAN D VI S I T F OR T H E W H OL E FAMILY

Spe n d H o m eco m i n g Weeken d 2019 a t t h e Mo u n t Ve r n o n G ra n d H o t el , No v. 15- 17, 2019 m o u nt ver no ng ra nd . co m

APR IL

JAZZ BAND CONCERT

B LO CK PARTY

APRIL 25

APRIL 26

COLLEGIANS, TREBLE SINGERS CONCERT

CHAMBER WINDS, FLUTE CHOIR, SYMPHONIC WIND ENSEMBLE CONCERT

APRIL 27

APRIL 28

MAY NYI REGIONAL BIBLE QUIZ MAY 9-11

BACCALAUREATE

COMMENCEMENT

MAY 3

MAY 4

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REGIONAL CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S QUIZ MAY 18

JUNE U NE

J U LY

BLAST JUNE 6-8

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

N AZAR EN E Y O UTH CO N FER EN CE

JULY 10-14 PHOENIX

JUNE 14 & 21

AU GU ST

NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION

UNIVERSITY DINNER AUGUST 19

AUGUST 2

NEW STUDENT INSTITUTE ACTIVITIES AUGUST 30SEPTEMBER 1

Save the dates: SonFest / September 21

Homecoming / November 15-17

The GRAPEVINE RESPOND. D. David Sapp (’87) received the 2018 Individual Excellence Award for Poetry from the Ohio Arts Council. His poems have been on display across the United States, and also in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Austria.

His poems detailed his experiences through teaching and ordinary life and highlight the significance of attentiveness and vision. Sapp currently serves as the Professor of Art and the Director of the Little Gallery at Bowling Green State University.

Jillian (Dennis) Guanciale (‘06) of Newark, Ohio, was named to the Newark Advocate’s 20 under 40 for 2018. Guanciale is a business process analyst for Boeing in Heath, Ohio, and serves as a project coordinator facilitating the business proposals Boeing acquires.

Jackie Burgos (‘08) was sworn in as a Cleveland Metroparks Ranger on Dec. 20, 2018.

@MVNUAlumni

RECONNECT.

Allison Paley (’16) served as a guardian to Robert N., an 88-yearold Korean War veteran, during a recent Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. Veterans traveled from Dayton to the nation’s capital to visit the war memorials.

Kirsten Allnutt (’18) is employed as a Corrections Officer for the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office.

Madison Moore (’18) is a trooper with the Ohio State Highway Patrol assigned to the Lancaster Post. She graduated from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy after a six-month program.

If you are an MVNU alumni, we want to hear from you. Update your information online or text “MVNU” to 91999 to stay upto-date on MVNU events and to reconnect with other alumni.

Visit mvnu.edu/alumni

Please submit updates and photos for publication by email to alumni@mvnu.edu or online at mvnu.edu/alumni/publications

William H Youngman, D.Min. (MVNC Professor Emeritus of Religion 19721995) passed away peacefully at his home on September 15 from cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Elizabeth Katherine Grace (Bracco ‘13) Brown, 25, of Sheboygan, passed away on Friday, November 9, 2018. She is survived by her husband, Evan Brown; her parents, Steve and Susan Bracco; brother, Michael S. Bracco; and extended family and friends.

Congratulations to Professor Michael Robbeloth (Computer Science) and his wife, Jacqueline, on the birth of their daughter, Octavia, born on November 8.

Elaine Mahaffey (Toler ’74) passed away. Feb. 10, 2019, after a seven-year battle with cancer.

She was presented MVNU’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in November 2018. She is survived by her husband, Bob Mahaffey, whom she met at the University; sons, Robert (Amy) and Alex (Megan); and daughter, Bethany (Kevin) Jack; and 11 grandchildren.

New Arrivals

In Memoriam

Piper Lee Lanz joined the family of Trevor and Hannah Lanz (IT) on July 26, 2018 through adoption.

31 NOW Spring 2019

Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Jacob A. Dickerson (‘15) has been selected as the 2018 Trooper of the Year at the Mount Gilead Post.

Fellow officers at the post chose Dickerson based on leadership abilities, professional ethics, courteous treatment of others, enthusiastic work attitude, and cooperation with supervisors, peers and the public.

As post trooper of the year, Dickerson is now in contention for the district and state trooper of the year awards.

Other awards received by Dickerson in the past include Criminal Patrol Award in 2017 and 2018, Ace Award for stolen vehicles in 2017, and the Health and Fitness Award.

REFLECT.

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THE R U N D O W N

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COUGAR PRIDE

SWANSON FLOORED

BY COURT NAMING The competition court at Ariel Arena will honor the longeststanding coach in the University’s history as it becomes Paul Swanson Court.

Swanson was surprised with the announcement during 2018 Homecoming Weekend. The beloved women's volleyball coach was joined by over 50 former and current players prior to the announcement.

“I have been blessed with a very long and rewarding time here at MVNU. I know that God has richly blessed our program,” Swanson said. “The Lord has caused the right players at the right time to come to MVNU. It is our desire to keep Christ at the center of everything we do, and the Lord has rewarded and blessed us.”

Swanson also paid tribute to his family, including wife, Sue, and sons, Casey, Brady and Riley, for their own dedication to the program.

VOLLEYBALL Four members of the Mount Vernon Nazarene University women’s volleyball team were named 2018 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athletes. Alyssa Harrer, Audrey McCullough, Katelyn Dufur, and Kristen Osborn were all selected for the honors after turning in outstanding seasons on the field and in the classroom.

Kristen Osborn was selected as a second-team member of the All-Crossroads League, while Katelyn Dufur and Nicole Winkler were named to the All-Crossroads League Honorable Mention Team.

Osborn was also named Crossroads League Attacker, named to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-District First Team and accumulated her 1,500th career kill against Kenyon College on October 20, 2018.

THREE ATHLETES MAKE WALL OF FAME MVNU Athletics honored three standout athletes with induction into the MVNU Wall of Fame during 2018 Homecoming. Recognized, from left, were Wheelersburg High School graduate Andy Heimbach; Ben Falkenburg, a Wadsworth High School graduate and Shena Beheler, a Fredericktown High School graduate.

“They were each NAIA All-Americans in their sport, led their respective teams to the NAIA National Tournament or NAIA World Series and set numerous records that still stand today,” said Dave Parsons, former Sports Information Director.

“However, more importantly, they are each tremendous representatives of what MVNU is all about as they continue to lead in all aspects of their life through their careers and personal lives. They would each tell you that MVNU was life changing for them, and now they continue to shine forth in all they do.”

MEN’S SOCCER

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Connor Davis was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academic All-District First Team.

Morgan Gibson, Adison Preston, and Alexa Skal were selected the All-Crossroads League Team.

Five members of the Mount Vernon Nazarene University men’s soccer team were named 2018 Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athletes; Connor Davis, Tim Kasparek, Brandon Mount, Zach Miller, and Rodrigo Barauna.

Tim Kasparek and Josh Orecchio were named to the AllCrossroads League Second Team.

MEN’S BASKETBALL Brett Vipperman scored his 1,500th career point against Spring Arbor University on January 8, 2019.

Keep up with Cougar Athletics: mvnucougars.com

Four members of the Mount Vernon Nazarene University women’s soccer team were named 2018 Daktronics NAIA Scholar Athletes; Morgan Gibson, Meghan Casselberry, Maddie Gaines, and Kaylyn Hall.

CROSS COUNTRY Rebecca George (Freshman), Justis Paul (Freshman), and MaKenzie McKirgan (Senior) all represented the Cougars in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for the National Championships.

Paul’s time of 25:45.0 marked the fourth fastest time in MVNU history. Capping off the season, the women’s team placed third out of ten teams in the Crossroads League Championships.

#GoCougs

#mvnunited

33 NOW Spring 2019

Joshua Dunn was selected as the Crossroads League Defensive Player of the Week for his late season performances against Huntington University and Goshen College.

Anna Chrysler and Haley Huff were named to the Crossroads League Honorable Mention Team.

Chaplain's Corner Cougar Pride

C HAPLAIN’S CORNER D ea n, School of Chr is t ia n Ministry P rofes s or of P a s t or a l Ministry

who led the way, pioneer faculty and students who sacrificed

Throughout Scripture, the people of God were called

for a vision greater than themselves. In remembering those

to remember the path they had walked and the works of God

seemingly impossible challenges from our present vantage

seen along the way. The people of Israel, through worship and

point, we can now see clearly the hand of God at work

festivals, were to remember the deliverance from Egypt, the

through them all.

parting of the sea, and the bread in the desert. The disciples

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There is a reason God calls us to remember.

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Douglas VanNest

Now, 50 years later, we face our own set of obstacles

of Jesus gathered around a table, received the bread and the

and buffeting winds as we continue to live out the story of

cup while hearing the words, “Do this to remember me.” The

MVNU. We again find ourselves in a culture that is divided

discipline of remembering is essential to the life of faith, for

and hostile, one too often marked by fear and uncertainty.

those who forget lose the ability to see through the eyes of

Within it, multiple voices seem to cry out in pessimism,

faith. Looking back on what God has done has never been a

suggesting little hope for universities like our own. They

matter of living in the past, but finding a source of hope for

point to changing demographics, the cost of education,

the present and future. It is in our remembrance we find the

shifting expectations, and the competitive landscape of

assurance that the same God who provided in the past is with

higher education. Some might believe these factors alone will

us today, and will be with us tomorrow.

determine our future, but we know better. We know better,

In this 50th year of Mount Vernon Nazarene University, we have been remembering as a University family.

because we remember.

The same God who has been faithful for 50 years, who

We have recalled the courage and faith of the church in

established this place despite the difficulty of the times, who

stepping out to establish a new college in a day of cultural

provided the means to turn a muddy field into a university

upheaval, unrest, and uncertainty. The story has been told

campus, and who led servants here to shape this community,

of how an ordinary, and perhaps unlikely, parcel of land

is with us now and always. We remember, so we look to the

has grown from tracks of mud to the beautiful campus we

future knowing that God is surely in this place.

know today. We have listened to the testimonies of those

Want to connect with Doug VanNest? @djvannest

*

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My friend knows that they are being referred to MVNU:

Yes No

W nner Wi e willl be chos osen e Jun u e 1. *T e refe *Th eferred frie i nd must be 18 year a s old d or older, e ne n w to our system, and have e a wo w rking phone num mber or em mail address.