MVNU NOW, Special Edition 2020

A N N UA L REP O RT

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MOUNT VERNON NAZARENE UNIVERSIT Y Summe r 2 0 2 0

NOW Pivoting with

CONFIDENCE SPECIAL EDITION

The Grapevine Annual Report Graduates Celebrated Shining Forth

" Apart from the firm knowledge that God walked with me, these days would have been unbearable."

Leadership is rarely easy, but it is essential, especially in the face of COVID-19. Parents trust us with their most precious prize — their children. Faculty came to campus hoping to fulfill vocation.

Staff arrive to assist in the administration of the campus. The role of the President is to enable, cherish, and protect this campus.

When COVID-19 reared its ugly face in Ohio, anxiety and fear appeared on the MVNU campus. The months that followed have called upon every fiber of my life to lead this community with wisdom, truth, and grace. During this time, I have needed and received immeasurable grace. Apart from the firm knowledge that God walked with me, these days would have been unbearable.

Courageous Leadership

News & Notes

COVID-19 Task Force

Student Rise Above

Spiritual Connection

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

Find the Good

Virtual Recruitment

Leadership in the Face of COVID-19

Spring 2020 quickly became the COVID-19 semester. It all began with an urgent invitation from Gov. Mike DeWine's office to join a conference call with other presidents of Ohio colleges and universities. The call came just thirty minutes before the governor intended to begin. The words of the governor still ring in my ears, “COVID-19 is far more serious than we have been told.” Next, the governor commented that the least we should do is move to remote learning immediately. After the conference call, I called an emergency meeting of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). The meeting lasted for several hours, followed by another hour with

faculty. If we were going to move to remote learning, the faculty needed to be a part of the conversation. The following Monday, all classes were remote. Fear and anxiety spread throughout the halls of MVNU. My mind was spinning. If only that had been the last adjustment necessary. COVID-19 semester was underway.

The next week the governor informed us that we needed to close our dorms as soon as possible. COVID-19 dominated the news. The SLT met the next day to consider our options. It was a difficult day. While our students waited, the SLT looked at every possible option short of closing the dorms. It was late in the afternoon, and it was time for a decision. I have to admit that the prospect of closing the dorms scared me. Each member of the leadership team presented arguments, but the decision was mine.

It weighed on me like an elephant standing on my chest. As other members of the team offered input, all I could do was pray. This was, without a doubt, the most difficult decision of my presidency.

The time for a decision arrived just as the last vice president finished speaking. One thought emerged among the many words: "We needed to do our best for our students.” As I drove off campus along Cougar Drive, students were packing their cars to return home.

" The decision was mine. It weighed on me like an elephant standing on my chest."

As soon as I arrived home, the couch embraced me. Both my wife and I wept. I knew I made the right decision, but it did not feel good. Leading during COVID-19 left me at the crossroad of reason and feeling. Leadership is about finding the pathway amid these two competing interests. Gov. DeWine sent a tweet a few weeks after that fateful afternoon. He wrote, “Every night before I go to bed, I ask myself, did I do everything I could today to keep the citizens of Ohio safe?” I ask the same question. This is what leadership looks like in COVID-19!

Two days after the students left as I sat once again on the couch, my wife stumbled on several Facebook posts from our students. Once she could see through her tears, she read them to me. My eyes were wet, as well. Our students wrote on the loss of spring semester, especially the seniors. In less than a week, the social and academic life of our students turned on a dime. Most students understood, but it still did not feel good. Several students talked about their COVID-19 semester.

I have been thinking about Isaiah recently. The prophet lived during a time of crisis. The Assyrians and Babylonians threatened Israel, not COVID-19. Isaiah has walked with me during these difficult days. Prayer and reading scripture have offered hope in the face of COVID-19. Isaiah faced difficult times, but through it all, his vision of God offers confidence. The prophet writes,

During the COVID-19 crisis, several ideas inform my decisions: • S afety – Every day the safety of students, faculty, and staff finds center place in my mind. When I became the seventh president of MVNU, I promised to honor the traditions, values, and resources of this community. The people who live and work here make us rich.

Our students depend on us to do what is right. Leadership means loving those who walk through the fire with you.

• C areful decision-making – Difficult choices demand faith and, most of all, patience. We can afford both because we serve a faithful God. Knowing the nature of God during COVID-19 allowed thoughtful deliberation.

• T ransparent communication – MVNU includes honest people who can provide helpful input. Learning to listen opens the door to opportunities for gracious insight. I find hope in the community that gathers on the MVNU campus.

• S tubborn hope – The darkness cannot overtake MVNU because we lean into the light. The unknown surrounding COVID-19 is not the final word. We have reason to hope because we serve a God who calls us to live with hopeful imagination.

The first Chapel of every year is one of my favorite moments. Students are excited. The music is loud. Often the altar fills up. COVID-19 cannot hide the wonder of MVNU. The dorms are mostly empty these days, but my heart is full. I love MVNU even more than before COVID-19. These days I am celebrating with Isaiah, “Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (55:1). My deepest prayer is the vision of God’s abundance will fill the imagination of MVNU.

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Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel whom I called: I am He; I am the first, and I am the last.

My hand laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I summon them, they stand at attention. (Isaiah 48:12-13)

In times of crisis, the same God Isaiah served hears our prayers. I have needed this vision of God during the COVID-19 semester. At MVNU, we serve a loving God who promises to bring comfort. Isaiah witnesses to the compassion of God, “I, I am he who comforts you; why then are you afraid …” (51:12a)? God has comforted me during our COVID-19 semester.

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

Editor

MVNU family at the heart of tough choices No one was prepared for 2020 — at least not in terms of COVID-19. MVNU, however, responded quickly when our spring break tour group was returning from Italy to keep those participants, our campus, and the greater community safe. Those first two weeks in March were difficult for everyone. Not only were we concerned about our own lives, and families, we had to be focused on our entire MVNU family.

From the onset of the crisis in March, I was given a unique opportunity to see how MVNU responded either through direct involvement on the COVID-19 Response Task Force or sitting in on meetings of the Senior Leadership Team. What impressed me the most were not the methodical discussions of each decision and the examination of every possible scenario, but the heart and concern for our students that would rise to the surface. The students and their education, spiritual growth and health and safety were always at the heart of every recommendation – no matter how difficult the decision.

MVNU’s mission is “to shape lives through educating the whole person and cultivating Christ-likeness for lifelong learning and service.” This simple statement, from my perspective, guides our campus leaders as they worked through the decisions to discontinue

in-seat classes, send our students home to continue online learning, and to send faculty and staff to work from home.

COVID-19 disrupted so much of the good work that happens on our campus. However, it also inspired innovations and new ways to adapt to the ever-changing pandemic, it pushed our alumni to utilize their skills and talents to help others and forged an incredible bond sparking #WeAreMVNU. In this special edition of the MVNU NOW, we hope to share a small glimpse into what was happening on our campus, remotely, and how our alumni responded to local and national needs as we learned more about COVID-19.

The pandemic may have disrupted spring semester, but it did not break the MVNU spirit. The commitment to our mission — and our students — is even stronger.

Countless hours have been poured into the COVID-19 Response Task Force and many working groups to establish protocols that led to the creation of our Return to The Vern Fall semester plan.

Although the journey has been challenging, and will continue to be so, our campus is filled with students eager to learn and enjoy the MVNU Experience. The semester looks different, but we continue to feel and see the ways God moves and watches over us.

Email us at MVNU.Communications@mvnu.edu

PIVOTING WITH CONFIDENCE

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President Henry W. Spaulding II, Ph.D. Vice President for University Relations Rev. James Smith

Assistant Vice President for Development Justin Nowicki Coordinator of Communications/PR Samantha Scoles

Director of Web Development & Communications Carlos M. Serrao

NOW is published twice a year by Mount Vernon Nazarene University, 800 Martinsburg Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050. The traditional Spring edition was reconfigured to a digital Special Edition as the campus, and the country, adjusted to the pandemic.

Campus Switchboard: 740-392-6868 Subscription Updates:

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He n r y W. S p a u l d ing II, Ph. D. P re s i d e n t

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NOW Summer 2020

Art Direction / Design Caleb Bryant

N EW S & N OT ES

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Director of Creative Services and Marketing Production Tricia Bowles

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C OU R A G E OU S LEADERSHIP

The Grapevine Courageous Leadership

News & Notes

COVID-19 Task Force

Student Rise Above

Find the Good

Spiritual Connection

Virtual Recruitment

Shining Forth

Graduates Celebrated

Annual Report

NEWS & NOTES

MVNU HONORS RETIREES In a first-ever virtual retirement reception, MVNU recognized nine retirees that contributed a combined 262 years of service.

Jim Singletary served as the Director of Intercultural Life and was committed to the success of multicultural and international students. He was, and still is, outspoken in his desire to lead the community toward racial justice.

Butch Talbott worked nearly two decades in facilities as a groundskeeper. With a green thumb and a mechanical mind, he kept the lawns pristine and the roads and sidewalks safe in the winter.

Dr. Joyce Miller, professor of chemistry, taught for 22 years molding her students but in and out of the classroom. She was lauded for her leadership and ability to position MVNU, and the School of Natural and Social Sciences, for the future.

Debra Limings served in library services for 24 years, most recently in periodicals and as an interlibrary loan specialist.

She was acknowledged for her willingness to work where needed and for caring deeply for the students.

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Pam Snow was recognized as a trusted assistant and family friend as her 27 years as an executive assistant to the president were recounted. She was a loyal, faithful and respected professional who exemplified the best of MVNU. Bevin Shiverdecker dedicated nearly 30 years of his professional life teaching future educators. He was thanked for his belief in his students and their abilities and his persistence as an influencer and difference maker.

Randie Timpe was heralded as a champion of others by his investment in the success of those around him during his 44 years with the University. In that time, he held many positions including Vice President of Academic Affairs and Assistant to the President for Planning.

Roberta Simmons is one of MVNU’s longest tenured employees with 45 years serving, and loving, the MVNU Community as a secretary and most notably in the campus post office. She was always devoted to the students and offered both a motherly ear and a servant’s heart.

ThisIsMVNU

#ShineForth

TAYLOR LEADING INTERCULTURAL LIFE Tavaris Taylor has joined the MVNU Community as Director of Intercultural Life. He will provide leadership and direction to develop programs and provide support for multicultural, international and AIM students (missionary kids).

Tavaris recently served as the Director of Alumni Relations and adjunct instructor of International Business at Point University in West Point, Georgia. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of International Management.

Tavaris and his wife, Michelle, are new residents to the city of Mount Vernon.

HICKS DEVELOPING EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS Dr. Thad Hicks joins MVNU to develop a traditional undergrad program in Emergency Management and Homeland Security and expand bachelor and master’s programs in Public Administration through the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.

With a professional history in law enforcement, emergency management and consulting, Hicks joins MVNU after more than a decade teaching and developing programs at Ohio Christian University. The traditional, on-campus, program is set to start in Fall of 2021.

WILEY NAMED DIRECTOR OF GENERAL EDUCATION Dr. Brett Wiley has been appointed MVNU’s next Director of General Education beginning in 2020-21. Dr. Wiley worked with Dr. Lincoln Stevens through this transition during spring semester.

MVNU is profoundly grateful to Dr. Stevens for his many years of leadership directing our general education program and for assisting Dr. Wiley in this transition.

MCNEAL HONORED BY CHAMBER Paul McNeal, Coordinator of Athletic Department Development, was presented the Judy Klavins Ambassador of the Year award during the Knox County Chamber Awards. The honor is presented to a “true champion” of the Chamber. McNeal was selected for his dedication and passion to the Chamber and its many events throughout the year.

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Dr. LeeAnn Couts was named the 2018-2019 recipient of the Faculty Recruiter of the Year Award by the Admissions Department. This award is presented annually to the faculty member who demonstrates, on a consistent basis, a spirit and ability to help recruit prospective students for the university.

NOW Summer 2020

FACULTY RECRUITER OF THE YEAR AWARD

SCHOOL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES

JETTER SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

SCHOOL OF NATURAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

Dr. Dan Behr retired from MVNU after 33 years of service as a faculty member, the last four as Global Faculty, teaching fall semesters at MVNU and spring semesters in the Philippines. In fall 2019, Behr began as dean of students at Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary (APNTS), Manila, Philippines, where he and his wife, Coralee, are full-time missionaries for the Church of the Nazarene.

Drs. Jim Dalton, Kevin Hughes, and Melanie Timmerman participated in the 2019 Christian Business Faculty Association Annual Conference hosted by John Brown University, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Oct. 17-19, 2019:

Assistant Professor of Mathematics Deborah Smith presented a session at the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics (OCTM) on October 25, 2019, entitled “An Integrated Approach to Calculus I.”

Art Professor John Donnelly was selected

by Denison University for a two-person exhibition, entitled “Between Two Worlds,” with Kenyon College faculty Karen Snouffer. The exhibit was on display at the Denison Art Space, Newark, Ohio, through September 2019. Artist lectures were also presented.

SCHOOL OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRY Dr. Jeanne Serrao (MVNU Professor of Biblical Literature) and Dr. Alex Varughese (MVNU Professor of Biblical Literature Emeritus) are contributors to the new Global Wesleyan Encyclopedia of Biblical Theology, which was published March 2020 and is available on Amazon and The Foundry.

SCHOOL OF GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES GPS announced the launching of two new programs this spring: The Bachelor of Christian Ministry and a Master of Science in Nursing.

The Bachelor of Christian Ministry prepares adults of all ages to be competent, compassionate, and committed ministers ready to lead in the 21st century The Master of Science in Nursing degree is a 19-month online program that prepares students to teach in academic and clinical settings and have a voice in staff and policy development.

• Dr. Hughes received the 2019 Chewning Award. This 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.

• In addition, Dr. Timmerman (elected board member), and Dr. Hughes (CBFA Board Secretary), participated in the fall meeting of the CBFA Board of Directors on October 16-17, 2018.

Dr. Krishana White and Mrs. Kenna Williams presented at the Ohio Confederation of Teacher Education Organizations (OCTEO) fall conference on October 24, 2019. Their presentation was titled Supporting Preservice Teachers Through the Process of Dual Advising and Mentoring and linked to the general conference theme of “Great Expectations” by exploring how the use of a dual advisorship model prepares preservice teachers for success in Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s teacher education program. By providing teacher candidates with targeted, strategic advising support, the MVNU Education Department helps candidates better meet the “great expectations” the unit holds for them as preservice professionals.

Dr. Scott Armstrong will serve as the Sports Management Program Coordinator beginning in Fall 2020. Dr. Armstrong has a passion for preparing students to enter Sports Management professions and brings to this role both higher education administrative and instructional experience in the areas of Sports Management and Athletics.

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATION NEW STAFF Jo Lee Carrier was hired as campus nurse.

Priscilla Mills was hired as Academic Enrichment Coordinator.

Melissa Kochis was hired as University Relations Coordinator.

Ryan Stagg as hired as Director of Outreach and Strategic Partnerships.

STAFF CHANGES Lisa VanNest, formerly Administrative Support Assistant to the President and Academic Affairs, transitioned to Assistant to the President.

Ryan Downs, formerly Student Financial Advisor, transitioned to Assistant Director of Student Financial Services.

Katie Sherman, formerly Human Resources Specialist, transitioned to Assistant Director of Human Resources/Title IX Coordinator.

ampus was quiet throughout the spring and summer, but as students Return to the Vern, they have invigorated campus with their vitality and spirit.

The Grapevine Annual Report Graduates Celebrated Shining Forth

MVNU’s COVID-19 Response Task Force assembled in early March to quickly respond to the university’s needs as we navigated the waters of COVID-19’s arrival in the United States. They worked carefully and cautiously to implement those decisions made by Dr. Henry W. Spaulding II, and the Senior Leadership Team. Key stakeholders across campus joined the conversation which often included Knox Public Health Commissioner Julie Miller. The group was led by Dr. Barney Cochran and included representatives from academics, student housing, technology, facilities, health services, Student Life, communications, Campus Ministries, and many others.

With quick thinking and the ability to bend and flex with the changing campus circumstances, this task force was able to work through pros and cons of possible solutions, find resolutions for problem areas and provide critical feedback when options were considered. Their input, open-mindedness, and big-picture thinking was integral to the successful transition from face-to-face classes, to remote/online learning, and then distance learning away from campus.

Tony Edwards

into public spaces or restrooms, the foot operated pull easily opens with a step onto the bracket and a pull of the foot. Other items already installed or in progress, include Plexiglas molded shields for reception desks, café food service areas, and many other public facing personnel.

The following perspectives are from a few members of the Spring task force to illustrate their roles and how they were able to impact the MVNU Community throughout those difficult weeks in March.

Courageous Leadership

News & Notes

COVID-19 Task Force

Student Rise Above

Find the Good

Spiritual Connection

Virtual Recruitment

COVID-19 Response Task Force

Director of Facilities & Safety Operations Unknowingly MVNU prevention efforts for COVID-19 began early, before this novel virus was ever known to exist in the United States. The housekeeping supervisor responding to local media reports of a higher than normal amount of influenza cases, instituted “enhanced cleaning” of touch surfaces as well as disinfection of office and classroom spaces at an increased frequency. This enhanced cleaning program began in November 2019 and continues as standard practice.

The facilities operations department realized early in the year that personal protective gear, cleaning supplies, and hand sanitizer would likely be needed and requisitioned sufficient quantities to maintain supplies and protect campus facilities throughout the coming months.

Protective equipment and devices were ordered and installed to help stop the spread. Among the items implemented are foot operated door pulls. Instead of using hands to pull open doors

The crisis became very real for MVNU when the COVID-19 virus began surging in places around the world where we knew we had students on spring break programs. One of the areas of great concern was the Italy group. Upon return all participants were quarantined and monitored until they were thankfully found to be COVID-19 free.

Prior to the Stay at Home order and student departure from campus, contingency housing and care plans were made to respond to any student that exhibited COVID-19 symptoms. After Gov. Mike DeWine ordered non-essential personnel remain at home, the facilities department essential personnel delivered projects and supplies as needed by faculty and students to allow

for online learning and teaching. The facilities team traveled as far as necessary to assist the students with their projects, even if it meant crossing state lines.

In response to the Stay at Home order, facilities operations personnel were split up into four teams to maintain business continuity plans in the event of a possible COVID-19 infection. If one team became exposed and, as a result quarantined, the other team would be able to step in to provide a seamless delivery of essential campus services.

All on-campus personnel were required to take their temperature prior to reporting to work. If sick or feverish, or if any member of household was reported to be sick, the team member was asked to remain off campus.

Due to the prudent and decisive actions of the MVNU administration and the hard work of many essential employees, not a single case of COVID-19 has been reported on the MVNU campus under the stay at home order.

Prevention work continues at full pace to maintain a consistent level of protection to all campus occupants and visitors.

Dr. Carol Dorough

Dean of School of Nursing and Health Sciences It is during times of upheaval and uncertainty that the true effectiveness and efficiency of an organization come to light. The necessity of dealing with a totally disruptive and unexpected invasion into the life of MVNU required a new depth of collaboration and communication across campus. My role as a dean with healthcare programs, being a registered nurse and medical technologist, and my participation in several organizations in the Mount Vernon area that deal with health concerns and planning for disasters, provided background for participation in the group.

Members of the work group represented constituencies across the MVNU spectrum. The Knox Public Health (KPH) Commissioner was a member of the group from the start. Initially, the discussion revolved around how to handle a group of faculty and students arriving back in the United States from a spring break trip to Italy.

As the virus began to gain greater attention nationwide, the group began to speak into a plan for dealing with students reporting any type of illness. A protocol was established to respond to student reports of illness, with a step-by-step procedure for follow up. The plan moved from student-reported illness, to initial assessment, communication with KPH to determine if further assessment was warranted, followed by how to handle any student who might be determined to need to be quarantined or isolated. As the plan was initiated, MVNU worked closely with KPH for all decisions regarding reports of illness. Since no students were determined to have contracted COVID-19, the need to fully initiate the protocol was never necessary. Instead, the COVID-19 situation advanced at such a rate that the focus soon switched to discussions on how to transition students home for the duration of the Spring semester.

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The Grapevine Annual Report Graduates Celebrated Shining Forth Virtual Recruitment Spiritual Connection Find the Good Student Rise Above COVID-19 Task Force News & Notes Courageous Leadership

Samantha Scoles

Coordinator of Communications and Public Relations As the Italy spring break group was returning to the United States and COVID-19 started spreading in Europe, it was clear we needed to quickly communicate the University’s plan to manage the risk associated with their return. Once the plan was established for students, faculty, staff and guests to return to their homes for a 14-day period of monitoring, a press release was issued announcing the university’s protocol. Dr. Henry Spaulding also vowed to keep an open line of communication with the campus and the community.

As we are all aware, within a very short period of time, COVID-19 dominated every conversation on and off campus.

It became imperative that we start to address the questions that were being asked by students, faculty and staff, and parents. To do this in the most effective manner possible, we created a web page we called “Stay Informed” with a corresponding email address to respond to questions and monitor the spring break travel destinations of all affected. This became a landing page for any

news and resources related to the pandemic including written and video statements from Dr. Spaulding, university communications, frequently asked questions that impacted traditional and GPS students, faculty and staff, the local community, and more. This allowed our communications to be fluid and quickly address the constant changes in how we were educating our students. This process was not easy, and it was not perfect. However, we adapted to the wants and needs of our Senior Leadership Team and the entire MVNU community.

As we spent the next few months transitioning back to an active campus, the stay informed webpage has refocused to provide the news and resources necessary for our Return to the Vern.

This allows us to continue the high level of communications and transparency we provided in the spring, allowing the entire MVNU Community to stay connected and informed.

Stay informed with the latest news and resources on COVID-19 and Fall semester.

mvnu.edu/stayinformed

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NEW PROGRAMS INCLUDE: • Bachelor of Art in Christian Ministry • Master of Business Administration: • Accounting • Business Data Analytics • Marketing • Logistics Management • Master of Science in Nursing

The Grapevine Annual Report Courageous Leadership

News & Notes

COVID-19 Task Force

Student Rise Above

Find the Good

Spiritual Connection

Virtual Recruitment

Shining Forth

Graduates Celebrated

The Criminal Law and Procedure class gathered together during Spring semester as they worked on their senior advocacy program. After classes transitioned to remote learning, the students adjusted and created a successful virtual program.

Students rise above COVID Proud does not adequately describe the delight I have in my criminal justice students rising to the occasion to adjust assignments for the spring semester during COVID-19.

For example, my seniors completely transformed their senior advocacy project, Take Back the Night, from a week-long campus event to an April virtual event. They worked diligently in collaboration with the MVNU Title IX Office and Campus Ministries, Knox County Victim Advocate and Prosecutor’s Office, Mount Vernon Police Department, and New Directions, to meet the federal compliance requirement of providing awareness, prevention and education on sexual violence. Paired teams prepared and provided appropriate information as it related to this year’s theme: Healthy Relationships Rooted in R.E.S.T. (respect, equality, safety, and trust). This information was disseminated via Facebook and Instagram.

MVNU’s tagline “Shine Forth” was clearly demonstrated by the first Human Trafficking class. A “Call to Action” component involved providing awareness and education on some form of human trafficking directed at a particular audience. Despite the pandemic, these students switched gears from providing a live presentation to high school students or a college campus event, to a virtual adaption via YouTube creation or a poster campaign on social media. Circumstances did not hinder them from raising awareness about this critical societal problem found right here in our own backyard.

Christina A. Jones, J.D. Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Finally, hats off to my Criminal Law and Procedure class for their flexibility in completing their Mock Trial via Zoom! The defense and state teams met in breakout rooms to plan and practice. Additional time outside class was necessary to fine tune statements, questions, and proper procedures for a criminal trial.

I am utterly amazed at my students’ determination and perseverance. They honed these attributes to exceptionally model the pandemic slogan — “We Are in this Together” and we can shine forth no matter what!

View the power video created by MVNU Criminal Justice students to raise awareness of human trafficking.

Waal: Find the good in every situation Tr a c y W a a l Vice President for Student Life

In my 11 years at MVNU, never did I think students would be sent home midsemester. So, the evening of March 18 was strange. The familiar trek down the stairs to the cafeteria was lonely.

Not one student to greet along the way. Most were already home.

Large groups were prohibited from assembling, but 13 students were eating their styrofoam-cased carry-out meal in the cafeteria lobby.

“We’re not really socially distancing very well, but this is our last meal together.”

I was OK with that.

Everyone was fully present, determined to soak in the last moments together. I eat with students nearly every day. This time we went really deep, really fast. The polite answer to “How are you?” is “fine.” Despite the smiles and laughter, “fine” was hard for them to be. They had spent the last 72 hours trying to wrap their minds around the frenetic pace of disruptive change. One had changed his mind about where to live two times in the course of that afternoon. Students were balancing packing, studying, the unknown world of online learning, and the aching goodbye that was growing in their hearts.

The finality of this last meal together was causing them to reflect on other moments that didn’t seem like moments at the time.

“I didn’t realize that was my last chapel at MVNU.” “I didn’t know I needed to say goodbye to (fill in the blank).”

I knew there was more that they hadn’t thought of yet. The Senior Party that wouldn’t be happening. The Friday Night Live skits that would never be seen. Senior music recitals, Junior/Senior banquet, internships, Enactus competitions, summer camps, last connections with Escape Zone teens — gone.

“This place is full of such giving people.”

“I’m realizing the importance of my relationships.”

“I couldn’t be more grateful for the time I’ve had here.”

“I’m living in the moment now, not distracted by the dumb stuff.”

“My faith is growing, not because I know what I’m doing, but because I don’t.”

I added one myself: “I’m learning to release the control I thought I had to Jesus.”

We shared about the ways that the MVNU community responded.

Cafeteria workers changing the way they served meals twice in three days. Housekeeping staff stepping into the disinfecting front lines at their own risk. Facilities workers driving senior art projects all over the state to the students who were quarantined at home. RDs working longer-than-expected hours to make sure everyone was cared for.

I hate goodbyes of any kind, but this was one I knew deserved to be done well.

"My faith is growing, not because I know what I’m doing, but because I don’t."

The safe way to end a conversation like that is to say, “I’ll be praying for you.” For some reason, that didn’t seem adequate. “You are loved” prevents a Title IX sexual harassment claim but offloads the responsibility to someone else. “I love you” seemed the best fit, so I went with that one.

I retraced the even lonelier path up the steps to my office. Doors were locked. Lights were out. I rarely cry, but almost did that night with a bizarre mixture of sadness and gratitude that God would place me in this position, at this time.

I can't tell you how happy we are to have students back on campus! We worked hard to create a plan to bring us all back together — safely. Even as we face the challenges of operating under a pandemic, it is important to ask and remind ourselves, "What good have you seen in this?"

15 NOW Summer 2020

“Track season is over, just like that.”

Just a day or two earlier, I had recorded a video to students encouraging them to look for the good. Since we had already gone deep, I tested the waters: “What good have you seen in this? Where’s the hope?” Their answers came so effortlessly that I knew they had already talked about it.

The Grapevine Annual Report Graduates Celebrated Shining Forth Virtual Recruitment Spiritual Connection Find the Good Student Rise Above COVID-19 Task Force News & Notes Courageous Leadership

Fostering a Spiritual Connection I sat on a discussion panel in March, trying not to fidget on my stool. It was difficult to focus as I knew something of great import was brewing in the conference room in Lakeholm. As soon as the panel finished, I hurried to join the meeting around the emerging COVID-19 crisis. The livestream of the press conference with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine was projected on the screen. I joined the silent circle, taking in the gravity of our situation.

As the discussion began surrounding MVNU’s response, it became clear that corporate worship gatherings in the chapel would be the first change. There was no way we could meet as a group of several hundred without risking potential spread if someone happened to be a carrier, not in the close quarters of chapel seats. My stomach dropped as I thought of the upcoming line-up of services: Service-Learning trip stories, Dr. Wesley Hill, a student testimony.

The next morning when I would normally be gathering and organizing final details for chapel, I sat in my office, taking in the stillness and quiet. What would happen? And what should I be doing in the meantime? How does one pastor through a pandemic? Only two days before, I had preached on the wilderness and "Was there a boldly declared that the wilderness was not something to be feared. good word Rather, God does God’s best work in to be given us in the wilderness. Could it be true?

Might God have good work to do in in this time?" us during a terrifying time?

I hopped onto Twitter, hoping to interact with our struggling students. A couple tweets caught my eye. “I miss chapel. Can we stream it?” Someone else responded, “How about a podcast?”

While I was grateful that they missed chapel, I felt overwhelmed.

Producing and distributing a podcast can be complicated. And yet, the Spirit gave me pause. All the voices around us from the

R e v. S t e p h a n i e L o b d e l l Campus Pastor

media, our Twitter feed, even our own minds were voices of fear, despair, and hopelessness. Was there a good word to be given in this time?

I reached out to MVNU’s Director of Broadcasting Joe Rinehart, and within two days, I found myself sitting in front of the chapel camera ready to record videos of encouragement and hope.

“A Good Word” was born. For the next seven weeks, associate campus pastor Dr. Hank (Spaulding) and I recorded videos in the chapel and, as restrictions tightened, in our homes to offer to the campus body “A Good Word,” three times a week.

As Zoom fatigue set it, I added a live Instagram engagement called, “Pause, Beloved,” my term of pastoral endearment for my people. As I led the viewers in our welcoming prayer, my voice caught in my throat and my vision blurred with tears. How I missed them and longed to be with them, to comfort and encourage them in the flesh! Yet, I was grateful for this small taste of our community.

I will never know how many students, faculty, and staff engaged with the content we provided during this crisis. My prayer was simply that God would be present to them in a real and transformative way, that their vision would shift away from the news cycle to Jesus.

And my prayer remains much the same, that we would heed the Good Word of the Spirit through Scripture and community, that would we listen to the right story — the story of God — that tells us who we are in the midst of uncertain days. May we cling tightly to the God of all comfort that we might be a comfort to those in need. Amen, and amen.

Visit our Church Resources page MVNU recognizes every pastor is experiencing the same struggles as Rev. Lobdell. Visit our Resources page for new and innovative ideas to keep you and your church connected.

Visit our Resources Page

Refer a student to MVNU We know how much you value your MVNU experience.

Will you connect us with a student you know who will thrive at MVNU? It only takes 3 minutes.

REFER A STUDENT

The Grapevine Annual Report Graduates Celebrated Shining Forth Virtual Recruitment Spiritual Connection Find the Good Student Rise Above COVID-19 Task Force News & Notes Courageous Leadership

Recruiting in a virtual world

Beth DaLonzo Associate Vice President for Enrollment

COVID-19 quickly changed the way colleges recruit students, coming at the crucial intersection when high school juniors are typically beginning their college search and seniors are nearing the end of theirs. At a time when many seniors want to make that one last visit to campus in order to make their final decision, and when eager juniors want to make their first campus visits, we were all closing for the virus. MVNU moved quickly and decisively to begin virtual campus visits and special events.

admissions counselor. Families can sign up online or call the office just like always. Our goal has been to make it as simple and normal as possible for our visiting families. We set up meetings with coaches for those students who want that as part of their visit as well.

Coaches are also making their own appointments which include meetings with admissions and financial aid counselors as usual. Our students are receiving the same good treatment they always have, although now it happens virtually.

Our first foray into the virtual world was recreating our spring visit day for high school juniors, MVNYou Day. We offered students the opportunity to virtually hear from a live, appropriately distanced student panel, meet with their admissions and financial aid counselors, honors faculty and music faculty.

Working remotely has allowed us to spend more time reaching out to our students in a much more personal way, through phone calls, texting and handwritten notes. High school students are much more available than ever because they are at home and interested in connecting. We have been able to contact earlier and more often those high school juniors to foster their interest in MVNU.

In addition to MVNYou Day, we began to host daily virtual campus visits. Students can meet with their admissions counselor for an overview of their day, meet with a faculty member in their proposed academic major, have an opportunity to meet their financial aid advisor and finally take a virtual campus tour guided by their

During this time of uncertainty, our enrollment team has provided consistency, caring, and calm to our prospective students. Our message was that even though we weren't with them in person, we were with them, and remained so until we welcomed them to campus in August.

Fresh and Clever Ideas Used During COVID-19 "We know that students hold meeting faculty

as one of their highest priorities in the college search and we want to provide as many opportunities for that to happen as possible."

Beth DaLonzo Associate Vice President for Enrollment

COVID-19 forced us to become more creative than ever before, while allowing us to maintain crucial contact with our future students more frequently and personally.

Here are some of the features introduced during this extraordinary time. Quarantine has pushed high school students back into the familiar space of Facebook. Each year Admissions creates a separate Facebook page for the incoming class and the number of participants in April had surpassed the number involved in the group at the start of school last fall! The class of 2024 Facebook page had games, competitions, and “Cougar Quest,” a weekly challenge to be completed within the group aimed at inspiring connection and inclusion.

Admissions counselors hosted Zoom theme parties for incoming freshmen. Themes included Disney, Hawaiian, and Superhero and were held in the evenings where new students could talk to one another, ask questions, and strengthen their connection to MVNU. Matt McPherson, MVNU’s Assistant Director of Admissions, hosted a weekly Mid-Week Live on Instagram each Wednesday afternoon. In these 20 minute segments, Matt reminded students of what deadlines were coming up and interviewed or played a game with a physically distant guest. Current students were often guests on the Mid-Week Live event as well as in the Senior Week edition.

Fridays have become Mini Campus Tour Days where Matt records himself touring campus. So far he’s toured R.R. Hodges Chapel, Ariel Arena, the quad (while on a longboard) and first-year housing.

@MVNUAdmissions

@MVNUAdmissions

Prospective transfer students, whose needs are often different from a newly graduated high schooler, had the opportunity to meet each other virtually and discuss relevant issues.

Although COVID-19 presented the MVNU Admissions office some challenges, everyone’s overall effort turned those challenges into creative opportunities to introduce prospective students to the MVNU Experience.

Virtual Participation by the Numbers • Zoom parties: 20 per • Class Page: 250 • Midweek: between 15135 depending on when you count views • Mini Tours: 40-150+

• Breakout: 70+ • Transfer Student Group Text: 8 19 NOW Summer 2020

The cancellation of Breakaway, an annual event for admitted students typically held in late March, was replaced by a Zoom virtual event called Breakout. On May 1, accepted students shared the experience of being locked in a virtual breakout room and worked together to solve several puzzles in order to breakout and save a group from being trapped in an elevator. A random drawing was held at the end of the party and one lucky student from those whose tuition deposit was paid, walked away with a smart TV.

Students who paid their tuition deposit had an early opportunity to meet with their faculty and other students in their major during mid-May via Zoom. These sessions gave the faculty a chance to talk about their major and work with students on preparing their course schedule for the fall. Although this is typically done at New Student Orientation, students had an early preview of what connecting with faculty is like. We know that students consider meeting faculty as one of their highest priorities in the college search and we want to provide as many opportunities for that to happen as possible.

The Grapevine Annual Report

Shining Forth

Brad Kochis

Graduates Celebrated

of Alumni Relations

The motto can be found around campus on walls, windows and buildings, and it continues to serve as a directional beacon reminding students of our chief goal at MVNU. As a student, our motto influenced me deeply. Now, as an employee, I want to do my part to see it live on into our future generations.

pivots to COVID-19 have put our motto on display. They have made decisions and take actions that bear witness that they sought to learn and chosen to serve.

News & Notes

COVID-19 Task Force

Student Rise Above

Find the Good

Spiritual Connection

Virtual Recruitment

It was a beautiful October day as I walked across campus to the bookstore. Having just started in my new position, I was looking for a coffee mug. I found one with our University motto, “To seek to learn is to seek to serve,” printed on each side.

Shining Forth

Executive Director

In this section of this special edition of our University magazine, you’ll read stories of our alums, who through their responses and

It’s an honor for me to be able to connect with, promote, and cheer on all of our alums. For a relatively young university, we have much to be grateful for and to celebrate. We are thankful!

Protecting front-line workers Jay Ruffner (’11), owner of Shamrock Plastics in Mount Vernon, Ohio, was contacted by an employee at Knox Community Hospital to see if he could build a box designed by a doctor in Taiwan. He happened to be familiar with the device as his wife, a nurse at KCH, had shown it to him the day before.

The design is actually rather simple — a three-sided box with two holes in the back side to allow access to the patient. Medical professionals asked Ruffner to add another set of holes so that a nurse could assist with intubation. The end result was several boxes produced for the hospital.

This device added a layer of protection for hospital staff involved in procedures such as intubation and bronchoscopy.

Shamrock Plastics has contributed to the manufacturing of these devices for hospitals in Texas, Maryland, South Carolina, and several in Ohio.

The company’s response to COVID-19 needs did not stop with health care devices, they have also installed partitions in grocery stores, libraries and offices; and they have partnered with other local manufacturers to make face masks.

“Right now, everyone is doing what they are called to do,” Ruffner said. “Helping in any way they can, whether that’s cutting face masks out of different types of plastic or cutting boxes like we made — you just do what you do because the next person on that table getting intubated could be you, your mom, dad or kids. I think we all have that duty.”

Courageous Leadership

To read the whole story, click here.

@MVNUAlumni

mvnu.edu/alumni

Feeding the whole person When Ohio initiated the Stay at Home order in March, families across the state found themselves instantly without an income. Food pantries quickly jumped into action to fill basic nutritional needs. Dawnel Volzke (’13 MBA) saw this as the perfect opportunity for Hope in Knox to reach out to even more families in need.

The organization, a branch of Center of Hope, was new, just opening a food pantry in January.

Hope in Knox established a pantry site in the village of Bladensburg, Ohio, where they can assist families in Knox County as well as the surrounding rural counties. Their holistic mission is to provide physical needs as well as emotional and spiritual needs.

based on family size and weekly distributions of fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, eggs and milk.

Hope in Knox was also able to provide meals to families in the surrounding school district when the public school system moved from classroom to remote learning.

The organization has big plans for its future. With the food pantry located in a former school building, Volkze is anxious to use the former cafeteria and kitchen area to increase the outreach capabilities of their “When COVID hit, it positioned us to scale our operation,” Volzke said. mission. A community kitchen is planned as well as a food service “We’ve been growing every week. There is chronic food insecurity here. option that would provide nutritious meals at affordable prices.

We work with a care team for assessment to better understand the family situation. We come alongside people in their time of need.”

“We are thinking outside the box. We are not a normal food pantry because there is a broader, more chronic problem,” she said.

The COVID-19 crisis has changed the way families “shop” for groceries through Hope in Knox. Instead of making personal choices from pantry shelves, clients are provided a custom monthly food package

To learn more about Hope in Knox, click here.

COVID-19 warrior

with patients who have no family at their side while they are scared and sick, I can be there and love and encourage them.”

Laura Brubaker ('14) volunteered to help treat COVID-19 patients in New York after Gov. Andrew Cuomo called for additional medical staffing to assist with the high rate of hospitalizations from the virus.

A 2014 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, she not only answered the call, but completed a graduate program to become a nurse practitioner while working at the Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, and kept a blog of her experience, detailing her fears, anxieties and the comforts of her Christian-based nursing philosophy.

Her blog details her emotional, physical and spiritual journey of the experience and sheds light on the response to COVID-19 that few of us have seen or understand.

“I am a (medical-surgical) nurse joining the COVID crisis fight in NYC. My face is breaking out from the mask tight against it 24/7 except in my hotel room. My nose is beginning to blister from the mask. I am drenched, dripping sweat the entire 13-hour shift. I never know where to find anything supply wise. My patients have no pillows,” Brubaker wrote detailing just some of the conditions she was working in and how it affected her and her patients.

The Columbus resident quarantined herself after her return to home before visiting with friends and family.

To read Brubaker’s blog, click here.

Share your story How did you respond to the COVID-19 crisis? We want to share the great ways our alumni served their community during the global pandemic. Whether your contributions were big or small, they had great impact and opened the door to be a good disciple.

Submit a description, photos and contact information to mvnu.communications@mvnu.edu.

21 NOW Summer 2020

“I had a talk with a friend last night, and she shared how my story has affected her,” Brubaker wrote. “She said to me, ‘Laura you are literally being the hands and feet of Jesus.’ This really stopped me in my tracks as I reflected on this and our conversation. I hope that the nurses and patients I come into contact with are uplifted by my reflection of Christ. In rooms

Called to take her skills and talents to assist patients in need, and to lighten the load of other health care professionals, Brubaker was exposed to working conditions she was not used to.

The Grapevine Annual Report Graduates Celebrated Shining Forth Virtual Recruitment Spiritual Connection Find the Good Student Rise Above COVID-19 Task Force News & Notes Courageous Leadership

Graduates Celebrated The year 2020 will always be remembered for the way a pandemic changed how we live, work, worship, educate, and celebrate. The Class of 2020 was challenged not only with complexities of the health consequences of COVID-19, but with an abrupt end to their final semester on campus. The progression of events mandated by state limits on social gatherings, led to commencement cancellation among other things.

While we knew that an in-person celebration of achievements and joys wasn’t possible, we wanted to recognize the significance of the day in a fun and uplifting fashion.

Vice President of Student Life Tracy Waal worked with Senior Class President Nathan “NayNay” Parker to create a virtual celebration that combined humor, nostalgia and an innovative approach to a commencement tradition.

The celebration included videos of the 2016 Ribbon Cutting and Move-In Day, and a presentation from the Music Department.

Graduates were gifted a video performance of “The Lord Bless and Keep You,” by Peter Lutkin. Current and former Collegians submitted 163 performance recordings that were masterfully edited into one video which debuted during Senior Celebration.

To further recognize the accomplishments of all the 2020 graduates, MVNU hosted a Drive-Up Commencement on July 25-26. President Dr. Henry W. Spaulding II, along with university deans, officially awarded degrees to 559 graduates including 414 undergraduate and 145 graduate students. Graduates were also presented their MVNU 2020 ribbons.

A tradition of MVNU’s commencement are the Service Above Self awards recognizing students who have distinguished themselves

in their college career through service to others. These individuals represent the highest ideal of MVNU’s motto: “To Seek To Learn Is To Seek To Serve.” The students were nominated by their individual schools, as well as Student Life, Campus Ministries, and the senior class. The top candidates for each school were: Arts and Humanities — Hannah Radke & Drew Wymer; The School of The School of Christian Ministry — Ellen Baker and JJ Allison; The School of Nursing and Health Sciences — Sarah Laird; Jetter School of Professional Studies — Abigail Slingerland; and The School of Social and Natural Sciences — Michael Mohnasky and Hannah Falkenberg; Michael Mohnasky and Abbie Slingerland were named the overall Service Above Self winners during the Commencement ceremonies.

“The virus has affected us in ways no one could have predicted,” Spaulding said. “I know that this has been a difficult season, and it will not be the last time. Learn this lesson —God is Lord of all seasons. Weeping eventually gives way to laughter for people with eyes to see. You will look on these days as memories of the faithfulness of God.”

Honoring the Class of 2020 Senior Celebration Drive-Up Commencement Photographs from July 25 Photographs from July 26

23

NOW Summer 2020

The Grapevine Annual Report Graduates Celebrated Shining Forth Virtual Recruitment

Congratulations Class of 2020

The MVNU Alumni Council welcomes YOU to the Alumni Association

" Congratulations MVNU Class of 2020! I am amazed at your resilience, your ability to adapt, and your determination to succeed in spite of circumstances.

These are characteristics that will serve you well as you move into your next phase of “seeking to learn and seeking to serve” as a Mount Vernon Nazarene University Alumni."

" Dear Graduating Class of 2020. May God bless you as you begin the next chapter of your lives. May He enable you to "Shine Forth" in new and creative ways in this challenging time. May you be able to continue to seek to learn and to serve."

Jim Radcliffe ‘76

Courageous Leadership

News & Notes

COVID-19 Task Force

Student Rise Above

Find the Good

Spiritual Connection

Ron Keiser ‘72

" Congratulations class of 2020! No matter the circumstances, this accomplishment is something you should always be proud of, and what an amazing story you’ll be able to tell for years to come!"

Allison (Stechschulte ’15) Couchenour

" What a time to make a difference. You have worked hard. You have grown and are growing still.

The world has great needs. You have a big heart and a great Lord. Go and make a difference."

Doug Boquist ‘78

" Welcome to the alumni association of our beloved MVNU! You will come to cherish those college years and how they formed your character and future. Congratulations on your completion of your degree as the culmination of your study and diligence! May you discover that the Lord is faithful to "give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." Psalm 20:4."

Becky (Beam ’72) Hancock

Brent Stechschulte ‘06

Click here to watch a message from Brent.

2016 Ribbon Cutting

The Grapevine Annual Report Graduates Celebrated Shining Forth

EN RO L L M E NT

The

TRADITIONAL STUDENTS

Virtual Recruitment

Freshmen

Spiritual Connection

FRESHMEN 341

SOPHOMORES 298

POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS 159

JUNIORS 299

SENIORS 315

GU/SC 2

Post-secondary

324

F IR S T-T IME F R E S HME N

Sophomores

(included in Freshman Class count)

NON-TRADITIONAL STUDENTS

791

Find the Good Student Rise Above COVID-19 Task Force

A N N UA L REP O RT 2019-2020

GU/SC

Juniors

UNDERGRADUATE GRADUATE

453 338

TRADITIONAL STUDENT PROFILE RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS

1,007

572 FEMALES

News & Notes

NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

1,414 Seniors

Courageous Leadership

MOUNT VERNON

STATES/COUNTRIES REPRESENTED

mvnu.edu/annualreport

435 MALES

34/14

AVERAGE ACT FOR INCOMING FRESHMEN

23.0

NAZARENES (Degree-Seeking Students)

529

ETHNIC/RACIAL MINORITY STUDENTS

201

RETENTION RATE FOR FALL 2019

79%

CAMPU S MIN IS TRI E S

256

ENROLLED STUDENTS WHO VOLUNTEERED TO SERVE WITH COSMO (COMMUNITY SERVICE AND MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY GROUPS)

99

STUDENTS/STAFF SERVED IN BELIZE, GUYANA, INDIANA, TEXAS, FLORIDA, OREGON AND ESWATINI

$

9,465

RAISED FOR OUR M2540 INITIATIVES IN BELIZE, SWAZILAND, AND KNOX COUNTY

NEW PRO G RA M S

GPS

ENGINEERING

NEW CONCENTRATIONS FOR MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

ENGINEERING EARNS ABET ACCREDITATION

• Accounting • Business Data Analytics

• Marketing • Operations Management

Accreditation assures that MVNU’s program meets standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies, and anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public.

C AP ITA L PRO JE C T SOCCER AND LACROSSE STADIUM Located at Yellow Jacket and Cougar drives, Phase I of the project is complete with turf field, scoreboard, lights and fencing.

Fundraising for Phase 2 is underway for stadium seating, locker rooms, concession stand and more.

You can join the project to help us build locker rooms for our student athletes and community partners.

MVNU.EDU/FUTURE

DEVE L O PM ENT AND AL UM NI RELAT IONS

TOTAL CONTRIBUTED IN 2018-2019

4%

Endowments

34%

Educational Budgets

1,823

TOTAL DONORS

673,649

$

ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED

27

23%

Development Giving

39%

Capital Projects

NOW Summer 2020

4,900,982.72

$

FISCAL YEAR 2018-19 GIVING

The Grapevine Annual Report Graduates Celebrated Shining Forth Virtual Recruitment Spiritual Connection Find the Good Student Rise Above COVID-19 Task Force News & Notes Courageous Leadership

The GRAPEVINE Fred Phillips (’79), Grove City, Ohio, working in the chemical industry and retired from Ashland Inc., at the end of 2016. Fred and his wife, Terri, are very active at the Grove City Church of the Nazarene. While they have been involved in the church in many ways, they currently focus their service in Worship Arts. The couple has one daughter.

Randy Johnson (’80), Coconut Creek, Florida, remains active in his community.

He was inducted to the city's Wall of Fame. He has served on the Cocounut Creek Parks and Recreation Board since 2003 and started the Coconut Creek Baseball Club in 1997, the Coconut Creek Girls Softball in 2001 and joined Little League International 1999. Randy married Laura Brodien in 1984 and they have a son and a daughter.

Becky Smeltzer (’89) and her husband, David, were married in 2016. They divide their time between homes in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, and Lakewood, New York. Becky is an assistant professor at the West Virginia University School of Nursing and the program director of the MSN/MBA dual degree program. David is the president of Heritage Ministries, a Free Methodist based not-for-profit provider of senior living services. They attend the Waynesburg First Church of the Nazarene. They are enjoying life with five adult children.

Marie Perorazio Houston (’86), Youngstown, Ohio, has successfully navigated 25 years in the real estate industry and highlighted in a May 2020 article in The Mahoning Valley Real Producers magazine as a Top Producer.

Mahoning Valley Real Producers encompasses the entire Youngstown & Warren region of northeast Ohio. “My faith in God is paramount to my success.

70s-80s

I have very fond memories of my time spent at MVNU. Earning my bachelor's degree at MVNU established the foundation for my success & my faith as a young woman,” she said.

The musical composition NOCTURNE for Tenor Sax & Piano, by Dr. Jim Puckett (’91), was recorded in May 2020 by Pavel Zlámal (saxophone) and Lucie Kaucká (Piano) at the beautiful Reduta Concert Hall in Olomouc, Czech Republic.

NOCTURNE will appear on a Parma Records upcoming release of solo and chamber works by various composers.

NOCTURNE was performed on a livestream concert of chamber music by members of the Moravian Philharmonic Orchestra. It is available here.

Jolanda Rosado Davila (’94) is a fulltime nurse for Franklin County Children Services, where she handles emergency medical screenings both in office and on-call. She also is a public health nurse for Maxim Health Care. She has three daughters and lives in Utica, Ohio.

Charles Case (’94) has been appointed to Senior Pastor of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Montpelier, Ohio.

Karen (Mallery) Heidler (’94) has her own graphic design business and is an award-winning watercolorist. She is a signature member of the National Watercolor Society and the Florida Watercolor Society. She lives in Spring Hill, Florida, with her husband Joey ('93) and their three children

Jennifer (Grow) Sulgrove (’96) and her husband, David, now live in Bettendorf, Iowa, where David serves as the executive minister at Bettendorf Christian Church. Jennifer volunteers and manages schedules with two teenagers.

Joshua Andrews (’06) lives in Spencerville, Ohio, where he was appointed in 2017 to serve a 2-point charge appointment as pastor of Trinity UMV and Westside UMC in Lima. He earned a Masters of Arts in Clinical Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary in 2008, and has earned his Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor license. He became ordained as an Elder in full connection in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church in June 2018. Joshua, and his wife, Cindy, have a daughter.

Justen Seay (’06), Englewood, Ohio, successfully defended his doctoral dissertation on Dec. 23, 2019, completing his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Administration and Leadership from Walden University.

Click here to see her website.

80s-90s

90s-00s

RESPOND. REFLECT. RECONNECT. 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.

In Memoriam Rev. Paul David Ferguson, 54, of Ironton, Ohio, died Aug. 13, 2019, in Ashland Community Hospice Care Center. Paul was a 1983 graduate of Ironton High School and received a psychology degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in 1990. He went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Lael College. He was an ordained Elder in the Church of the Nazarene and was the Youth Pastor for the Ironton First Church of the Nazarene. He is survived by his wife, Crystal (Sundstrom) Ferguson (’88); his mother; three daughters; a son; and extended family and friends.

Rev. Wesley “Wes” Eugene McCament was born June 22, 1946 in Mount Vernon, Ohio, to Carroll and Dorothy (St. John) McCament. On Feb. 5, 2020, he met his Lord with faith-filled courage following his weeks long endurance of terminal pancreatic cancer. A graduate of the 1968-70 pioneer class of then Mount Vernon Nazarene College, Wes completed his education at Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Illinois.

His service as a minister and evangelist in the Church of the Nazarene included pastorates in Illinois and Ohio. Wes is survived by Janice, his beloved wife of 51 years; sons, James and Keven; and extended family and friends.

In Memoriam

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

Geneva Kay Smith, 40, passed this life on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Cleveland Clinic after complications from surgery.

She was born on July 19, 1979, in Mansfield and was a life resident. Kay was a 1998 graduate of Mansfield Senior High, received an Associate's Degree from North Central State College, Mansfield, Ohio and a Bachelor's Degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene College, Mount Vernon, Ohio in social work. Geneva is survived by her parents, husband, two sons, two daughters, a granddaughter and extended family and friends.

Larry David Wright, 68, residing in Brook Park, Ohio, unexpectedly passed away Aug. 25, 2019, at Southwest General Hospital in Middleburg Heights.

He was born on September 30, 1950 in Port Clinton, OH to the late Vance and Kathryn (Ireland) Wright. Larry graduated from Port Clinton High School in 1968 and from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in 1970. He retired from the Sandusky Fire Department after 25 years of service and also was a school bus driver for Sandusky City Schools for 35 years. Larry is survived by his wife, Diana (Heller) Wright; two daughters; a son; and extended family and friends.

@MVNUAlumni

New Arrivals Kyle (’05) and Natalie (Shirer) Stotts (’08) welcomed their daughter, Aria Marie Stotts, on May 24, 2019.

Jason (’02) and Tricia (’01) Bowles welcomed a baby boy, Jaxon Isaac Bowles, born on Oct. 26, 2019.

29 NOW Summer 2020

Charles Terry “Butch” Slappe, 70, of Cookeville, Tenn., went home to the Lord on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019, at Cookeville Regional Medical Center in Cookeville, Tenn. Butch was a Christian and a 1972 graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene College and a graduate of the Nazarene Bible College in Colorado Springs, Colo. He served in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Visit mvnu.edu/alumni

New Arrivals

THE UNIVERSITY FUND

In these uncertain times, support for students and scholarships is more important than ever.

When you support the University Fund, you support: • Scholarships • Academic programs • Campus-wide events MVNU.EDU/UNIVERSITY-FUND

• Center for Student Success programing • And so much more