Point Magazine Summer 2013

Summer 2013

M A G A Z I N E

Thinking Theologically

ABOUT THE ARTS PAGE 10

MEET THE CLASS OF 2013 PAGE 14

NEW!

MAJOR IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE PAGE 18

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SIGHTS TO SEE IN HAWAII PAGE 23

More than 150 students earned diplomas at Point’s graduation ceremonies on May 11, with degrees ranging from associate of arts in general studies to Point’s first bachelor of science in biology. To meet some members of the graduating class, turn to page 14.

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Thinking Theologically About the Arts

Dr. Jennifer Allen Craft ’07 on art and creativity as an expression of faith.

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Meet the New Graduates

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Light in the Darkness

Get to know ten members of the Point University Class of 2013.

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Why is it important for Christians to study and work in the field of criminal justice?

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From the President Campus News Class Notes

CONTENTS

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FROM THE PRESIDENT POIN T M AG AZ I NE Volume 52, Number 1 Summer 2013

EDITOR/DESIGNER Sarah G. Huxford

A

s many Point Magazine readers already know, I recently shared with our University family the exciting news that we are pursuing a merger with Montreat College. I know that you – our alumni and friends – will have many questions in the coming months. What does this mean? How far along is the process? What will happen next? At the moment, we may not have detailed answers to all of your questions, but we do have a commitment, on the part of both institutions, to a due diligence process that will provide those answers over the weeks and months ahead.

Point University’s board of trustees and I believe this opportunity to be the best possible way to continue growing the University. For example, when the merger is complete, Point will be able to offer graduate programs – something we have long hoped to do. Most importantly, we believe this merger to be within God’s plan for our two institutions, and that our due diligence process will help us confirm his will. His hand has clearly been upon this process from the beginning.

We will continue to communicate with you as we move through this process. In the meantime, I encourage you to visit a newly launched website, PointMontreat.com.

This site will be launched fully in mid-August and will continually be updated with new information. It will list the answers to ongoing questions as we move through the merger process, as they are known.

I covet your prayers for our administration and the board of trustees during this process. Thank you for your continued enthusiasm for Point University and the ways we are continuing to expand the University’s impact on the kingdom.

Gratefully,

Dean C. Collins ’79 President

Point Magazine exists to tell Point University’s stories. It is intended to serve as a vehicle for connecting the University’s alumni and friends. For the first 49 volumes of its existence, Point Magazine was known as The Gold & Blue.

The magazine is published by the Communications Office, which retains the right to determine the editorial content and presentation of information contained herein.

Articles or opinion pieces contributed by guest writers do not necessarily reflect the official views or policy of Point University and its board of trustees. Point Magazine welcomes reader responses to its content.

Contact Point Magazine: Attn: Point Magazine 507 West 10th Street West Point, GA 31833 706-385-1000 sarah.huxford@point.edu ©2013 Point University

On the cover: Longleaf Community, a painting by Dr. Jennifer Allen Craft ’07 (see p.

10). Photography by FlipFlopFoto.

Point University’s mission is to educate students for Christcentered service and leadership throughout the world. Point University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Point.

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billy howard photography

“I recently shared with our University family the exciting news that we are pursuing a merger with Montreat College.”

CONTRIBUTORS Weslynn Biggers Mandy Cook ’01 Adam Pope William Warren ’14

CAMPUS NEWS

Facing

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oint University awarded 163 degrees on Saturday, May 11, at two separate commencement ceremonies, a first for the University, which has had record enrollment in recent years. As enrollment has grown, so has the size of the crowd at commencement. Rather than limit the number of guests each student could bring, the University decided to hold two ceremonies. Separated into one for bachelor’s degree recipients and another for associate degree recipients, the ceremonies were held at Crossroads Church in Sharpsburg, Ga. Among this year’s notable graduates was Jyssica Perry, of Waycross, Ga., who had the distinction of being the University’s first graduate with a degree in biology.

Lt. Col. Paige K. Heard, Garrison Chaplain for the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Ala., addressed the graduates.

A graduate of Auburn University, and later Dallas Theological Seminary and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Heard explained how she could relate to graduates not knowing what the future would hold after college. “I had no idea what I was going to do,” Heard said of her time as a college student. “I just wanted a degree.”

Heard eventually received her criminolo-

gy degree from Auburn.

That degree, along with her theological studies, helped her in her work, first as a prison chaplain, and later as a military chaplain. Heard was commissioned a second lieutenant as a chaplain candidate in 1996, as part of the United States Army Reserve, and entered active duty as a first lieutenant in 1997. She Top of page: Lt. Col. Paige K. Heard giving this spring’s commencement address; above: graduates celebrated with has served as a chapfamily and friends after the ceremony. lain on military installations around the award is the highest honor the University world, in locations ranging from nearby awards to a graduating senior. Recipients Fort McPherson, in Georgia, to Kosovo. are chosen based on characteristics of Heard also challenged each member scholarship, character and servant leaderof the graduating class to be “out of your ship. This year’s recipients were Alicia mind for the sake of God,” and to take the Howland, of Woodstock, Ga., and Verna leap of faith in trusting God and following Woolfolk Woods, of Douglasville, Ga. his will.

Watch video of Heard’s During the ceremony for bachelor’s commencement address and degree recipients, two students were hear from Point grads about presented with the prestigious Hathcock their time at the University!

Award, named after Judge T. O. HathJust scan the code at left with your smart phone. cock, founder of Point University. The SUMMER 2 0 1 3 | 5

This spring, Point announced that there would be no increase in tuition, fees, or room and board for the 2013-14 academic year. The tuition freeze includes both the Access and traditional programs. “Here at Point, we have always done our best to keep the cost of a quality Christian education as low as possible,” said President Dean Collins.

“This tuition freeze is our commitment to educating and preparing the next generation for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world.”

Dr. Barry Blackburn’s Greek IV class recently visited the Pitts Theological Library of Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Dr. Pat Graham, director of the library, showed the students some of the earliest printed copies of the Greek New Testament, including the Complutensian, Paris, and London Polyglot Bibles. The students were also joined by alumnus James Harris ’12, who is studying at Candler.

In May, six senior business students presented solutions to Intercall for their final capstone project. Intercall, a subsidiary of West Corporation, is the largest conference and collaborations service provider in the world and a leading provider of global cloud-based unified communications services. “I feel that Point has prepared me to take on real world problems,” said Will Eichman ’13, a member of the quality assurance presentation team. This is the fourth year that the senior capstone project has been in existence.

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Point University and Montreat College Agree to Pursue a Merger Point University President Dean Collins and Montreat College Interim President Joe Kirkland recently announced an agreement to pursue a merger of the two Christian schools. The new entity would be called Point University, and traditional, full-time campuses would be maintained in West Point, Ga., and Montreat, N.C. Both schools’ off-site locations for adult-degree programs would also continue. The plan is for “Montreat” to continue to be part of the name of the North Carolina campus.

Early this year, representatives of Point and Montreat entered into discussions to explore ways in which the two schools could work together to increase their reach, efficiency and effectiveness in providing Christ-centered higher education to students across the Southeast. Montreat College was founded in 1916 in Montreat, N.C. Both schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

While consolidations of colleges and universities are not new, they are complex and require a great deal of time, study and analysis. Members of both the Point University and Montreat College boards have met numerous times this year, and representatives of each school have conducted site visits to the other. Discussions and planning have focused on theological compatibility, board governance, academic offerings and standards, athletic programs, student life and services, campus facilities and administration.

Both schools have agreed, in principle, to proceed with a formal merger, which would ultimately require approval by SACSCOC. The next step will be to submit a joint prospectus for merger to SACSCOC. Its board of trustees could grant that approval as early as June 2014.

The schools do not anticipate commenting publicly beyond this announcement, at least until a formal agreement has been executed and a prospectus has been sent to SACSCOC. In the meantime, students currently enrolled for the 2013-14 academic year at either institution can be assured of a complete and uninterrupted college experience.

Collins and Kirkland noted, “It is the firm belief of both boards of trustees that we are two colleges with one mission: to equip college students to transform the world for the kingdom of God. We believe becoming one university, driven by a common vision, will uniquely position us to expand program offerings while cost-effectively using our resources to benefit students. Leaders of both institutions share a commitment to excellence in Christ-centered Visit PointMontreat. education. We desire to maximize our respeccom for the most retive resources and strengths in a way that cent information about will position us to respond to challenges and the merger, or scan the opportunities in higher education across the code at left with your country and be a premier source for Christian smart phone. higher education in the Southeast.”

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In the Classroom COURSE NAME ENG 330/MGI 330 Adolescent Literature INSTRUCTOR Dr. Susan Ryan, Associate Professor of English and Education COURSE SUMMARY Students study texts for young adults, including both classic and contemporary works that represent a range of world literature, historical traditions and genres, as well as the experiences of different genders, ethnicities and social classes. Students contemplate the developmental tasks of the adolescent and evaluate issues of literacy, relevance, appropriateness, social justice and literary merit in these texts.

SUGGESTED READING Dau, John Bul, God Grew Tired of Us: The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan; Hinton, S. E., The Outsiders; L’engle, Madeleine, A Wrinkle in Time; Lowry, Lois, The Giver; Mooney, Jonathan, The Short Bus: A Journey Beyond Normal.

top photo courtesy of barry blackburn; adam pope

IN BRIEF

More than Just a Project

by Kenya Y. Arnold ’14

photo courtesy of leeanna allen ’13

Point Earns Place on National Honor Roll for Community Service Point University was named to the 2013 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. The University was one of 14 institutions in Georgia given the distinction this year.

“Point University is committed to the idea that every believer is a minister,” said Wye Huxford, vice president for spiritual formation at the University. “We also are intentional when it comes to the idea that an important part of any education that includes biblical studies must be the expression of what we believe. The most obvious sign of our commitment to Christ is our service to others.”

Point University’s service to the community includes a large number of individual and small group projects, including internships in locations ranging from a local hospice to a village in Africa; volunteering at local nursing homes and Christian summer camps; and a campus-wide recycling effort led by student volunteers. Many courses include service components; the students pictured above hosted a community carnival as part of a class outreach project (for details, see article at right). The University also requires each student to complete a significant cross-cultural experience before graduation, which often includes a community service component. Most notable, however, are the University’s semiannual ministry days, when students, faculty and staff are excused from classes to spend a day serving together.

“Being included among colleges and universities whose community service is outstanding only confirms what I already know,” Huxford stated. “Point University is committed to serving the world in the name of Christ. This recognition makes me grateful that I am privileged to be a part of such a committed group of believers.”

More information on eligibility and the full list of Honor Roll awardees can be found at nationalservice.gov.

F O U N DAT I O N

F O R

T H E

F U T U R E

C AMPA I GN P R O GR E SS

$13,092,732 $0

$5M

$10M

$15M

Contributions received as of June 30, 2013; total does not include unfulfilled campaign pledges.

Find out more about Point Forward at point.edu/campaign.

$20M

The day was beautiful. The sky offered us gifts of wonderful blues, wispy clouds wandering above, and comfortable breezes sporadically gracing our presence. The excitement was contagious as we all worked together to make this project, for our Theological Foundations for the Christian Life course, a success.

That day, something amazing happened, something that will be entrenched within my heart as long as I live. I saw churches, students, friends and strangers come together to selflessly create something positive in a community. People of all ages, races and backgrounds looked beyond themselves to help create a spark that, I pray, kindles a fire in the hearts of others. Our location started as an empty parking lot, but soon morphed into a party zone that was fun for all ages. There was face painting, football, hopscotch, hotdogs, prizes, a bike raffle, and so much more.

The main purpose of the project was to do something that was outside of our comfort zones, and I must say that it felt exhilarating to shatter those comfort restraints and do something extraordinary. If someone were to have asked me, before this project, what community service meant, it would have been something “Ministry is most like voleffective when we unteering, feeding the crawl out of that homeless, comfy place in our or mentorlives and impact a ing. But dying world.” now I know that community service means much more than just those things. It means working with people from all backgrounds to throw a party for complete strangers. It involves countless hours of contacting radio stations, newscasters, churches, friends and strangers. And more importantly, it includes dancing, water-gun fights, drawing on sidewalks, eating, and hula hooping.

Ministry doesn’t just take place in the church or on ministry day. It is most effective when we crawl out of that comfy place in our lives and impact a dying world. This project may have started as just a grade, but it quickly transformed into something that meant much more for everyone involved.

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MEET A S KY H AW K :

Christian Watford ’15, Baseball Business Administration Major

Who is your favorite professor?

I would have to say Dr. Jeff Haverly, my accounting professor. He keeps me fully engaged in all his classes. On top of that, he really works with me and shows he cares not only how I do in class, but life as well.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Besides a Jedi knight, I wanted to be a professional baseball player or a fireman.

What is your biggest accomplishment at Point University?

Being accepted as a Campus Life Minister (CLM)! I was blessed with the opportunity to lead this past year as a CLM on campus. I got to help with lots of events and Bible studies, and built relationships with many students.

If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would it be, and why?

I would have dinner with the apostle Paul.

There are plenty of athletes I’d love to talk to, but Paul definitely surpasses them. Just imagining the amount of wisdom, insight, and life lessons I’d learn from him would be incredible.

What would be your ultimate achievement?

College achievement: win a national championship. In life, however, I just want to be a great dad. Anything I can do to take care of my family.

What was the best advice you were ever given?

I had a small group leader who once challenged me to “create my own future.” I’ve gone through many obstacles, but his challenge has paved my way.

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Spring Sports Wrap Up 2013 Seasons LACROSSE: The 2013 season was the first for Point’s men’s lacrosse team.

Coached by Point graduate Nathan Booker ’11, the lacrosse team had a tough schedule, playing teams such as Auburn University, Mississippi State and the University of Memphis. The team fought hard and finished the season with a record of 4-8. The Skyhawks’ first lacrosse win came on April 13, when they defeated North Georgia College and State University by a score of 12-3. “A first-year lacrosse program faces many challenges, internally and externally, but our coaching staff and team were able to meet them all head on with strong resolve,” says Booker. “Our team was a complement of seven experienced lacrosse players and eight athletes playing their first year of lacrosse. We believe our incoming recruiting class and our experienced players will mesh together and be a very formidable team next season and onward.”

SOFTBALL: In only their second season of play, the Lady Skyhawks had a good season overall, finishing with a record of 20-27. The team finished the season with a conference record of 9-11, ending the season in sixth place. The season was filled with competitive games and some big wins. The Lady Skyhawks beat Campbellsville, a team that finished in the top 25, and also split with Spring Hill College, which finished second in the nation. Several Lady Skyhawks received post-season recognition, including Haleigh Peterson ’15, First Team All-Conference; and Jessica Hart ’15, Brooke Head ’15, and Diamond Wilson ’15, Second Team All-Conference. “We had a great second year as a program, and are very excited about the experience we have returning next year to go along with the new faces we have coming in,” says head coach Jennifer Perkins Tyler. “We are beginning to build pride and a name for ourselves within our conference.”

BASEBALL: The Skyhawks baseball team finished its second year in the NAIA with a record of 22-33. The team earned some key wins during the season, beating national champion Faulkner University, 3-2, and Emmanuel College, 2-1. Christian Watford ’15 was named to the First Team All-Conference for his stellar pitching performance; but because he plays such good defense in the outfield, Watford was also awarded the Golden Glove Award. (Meet Watford in the interview at left.)

“The past two seasons have been a learning experience for the baseball program,” says head coach Jesse Dyar ’06. “Now that we’ve gotten a couple of years down in the NAIA ,we know what we need to do. We’re excited about the 2014 season.

We’ve signed some recruits that will help us elevate our game next year.”

billy howard photography; faded paths photography

What is your favorite moment as a Point student-athlete?

When we won the region championship in Clearwater, Fla., when I was a freshman. We worked hard for it, and all dog-piled at the end. It was a lot of fun, and a memory I’ll treasure for a long time.

mandy cook ’01; faded paths photography

Volleyball, Cheerleading Welcome New Coaches Mark Sawyer joins the Skyhawk volleyball team as head coach this fall. Sawyer brings a variety of coaching experience from both the high school and collegiate levels. He began the volleyball program at Trinity College of Florida in 2007, and produced five straight winning seasons. His program has finished in the top ten nationally multiple times, and was the NCCAA II South-Region runner up three times. In 2009, he was honored as the South Region Coach of the Year. “My family and I couldn’t be more excited about joining the team at Point University,” Sawyer says. “I’ve always had a strong relationship with Point. I am looking forward to the opportunity to take the foundation that has been laid and build upon it as we move forward together to write the next chapter in Skyhawk history.

Point also welcomes Rebecca Logan as the new head coach of the cheerleading squad. Logan is a native of LaGrange, Ga., and graduated from Faulkner University with a degree in business management. She was a cheerleader at Faulkner for three years, and a captain her senior year. Logan spent last year teaching in China, and is currently pursuing an MBA. She will also oversee the fan experience for the athletic department. “I am so excited to be a part of Point University,” Logan says. “Since I am from LaGrange, I have seen the positive influence the school has had on the community. We have a talented group of student-athletes who are leaders both on and off campus, and we are looking forward to a great year. Go Skyhawks!”

Skyhawks Add New Athletic Teams As the University has grown, so have the opportunities for intercollegiate athletic competition available to its students. For the 2013-14 academic year, the Skyhawks will be competing in two new sports: golf and tennis. With these additions, Point University now has 16 intercollegiate athletic teams.

Point has hired Steve Patton to serve as head coach for the Skyhawk men’s and women’s golf teams, which will compete in the NAIA’s Appalachian Athletic Conference beginning this year. Patton brings more than 20 years of golf experience to his new position, having most recently served as assistant men’s and women’s golf coach for Truett-McConnell College.

In addition to his golf experience, Patton also brings an impressive track record in sales and marketing. Patton will put these skills to good use as he forges partnerships with local businesses in his added role of overseeing Point’s corporate donor relations.

“I am extremely excited about the opportunity the Lord has provided for me to work for Point University and start up the men’s and women’s golf program,” Patton said. “This is a great opportunity for a young man or woman to get in on the ground floor and help shape the future of Point University golf.”

Doug Carter, the 2005-06 American Southwest Conference East Division Men’s Coach of the Year, has been hired to coach the men’s and women’s tennis teams at Point. He was most recently tennis coach at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas. In three short years, Carter took both his men’s and women’s teams from modest players to conference championship contenders. Both squads set school records for wins under his leadership.

Carter is an honors graduate of Texas A&M University-Commerce with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, where he was a strong junior player. He is currently ranked in the top five in Texas in doubles play. Carter is a member of the Intercollegiate Tennis Association, United States Tennis Association, United States Professional Tennis Association and Texas Tennis Coaches Association.

He will begin training student-athletes immediately and says, “I’m excited about the energy and vision of Point University. This is a historic time to be here in West Point, and I’m really proud that I was chosen to build the tennis programs. My wife, Lindsay, and I are looking forward to life as part of the Point family.”

FALL SPORTS SCHEDULES AND NEWS AVAILABLE ONLINE! VISIT US AT POINTSKYHAWKS.COM

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Thinking Theologically About the Arts

Theology is always theology in life.

That’s what I was always taught when I was a student at Point, and it’s what I continually saw to be true throughout my later postgraduate studies. Our theological presumptions must be put into practice, and the fact that we are always people located in a place, time and culture is an important aspect to take into account when doing theology (even Jesus was a first-century Jewish man from Nazareth, and this no doubt contributed to the ways in which he presented the gospel message!). This is the way God made us—located in places in time, called to continually engage with and transform all the aspects of our particular culture into something fitting for God’s holy presence with us.

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istockphoto

by Jennifer Allen Craft ’07, Ph.D.

Perhaps it’s that focus on the inseparability of theology and all facets of life that led me to pursue a degree in theology, imagination and the arts at University of St. Andrews in Scotland. “Theology and the arts” has been a growing discipline in the past few decades, and not surprisingly so.

The arts are one of the primary ways that cultures have expressed themselves over time; we can learn all sorts of things about a place and people from its arts – what its values are, who/ what it worships, its landscape and functions.

The unfortunate conclusion of many modern Christians, though, is that, if they see a reason for pursuing the arts at all, they often only see them for a very limited purpose: what can the arts teach us? This exclusivity has only served to constrain the subject matter and arenas within which the artist who happens to be Christian and creative might work. By broadening our theological rationale for human artistry, I think we can retain the integrity of the arts while remaining true to the gospel message. Furthermore, by broadening our theological rationale for the arts, we will see that perhaps we might better do theology in life by specifically engaging with the wide variety of art practices and objects.

Artistry, I believe, is one of the many ways that we are called by God to engage with the places of his creation. Moreover, the artist’s process itself might be paradigmatic of our wider calling by God to be responsible stewards on earth: the delight that artists have in God’s good creation, the care and particularity with which they handle their materials, and the way they responsibly offer back those gifts and materials to God with what theologian Trevor Hart calls “added-value,” all represent the ways in which we are called to respond to and participate in God’s creation more generally. This means that when we sculpt wood, turn a pot, sew a quilt, paint a landscape, or whatever else we might do to creatively engage with the world, we are participating in God’s calling to do something with creation, whether or not our art is explicitly “Christian.”

While Scripture is silent on many issues, we can actually learn a lot about why practicing the arts might be important by reading the Bible, though sometimes the message is more implicitly expressed. In addition to the often-cited endorsement of the artists called to build and adorn the wilderness tabernacle (Exodus 31), there are several theological themes in the biblical narrative that we might consider in regard to the arts. I’ll consider three here.

CREATION While God creates the world ex nihilo, out of nothing, he doesn’t make it a finished picture. In the Genesis account, we see that creatures are called to participate with God in his creation through various “making” activities: the plants are created to seed forth, the animals to multiply, and humans are given a special call to have dominion over the earth, a command and blessing linked with the imago dei (Genesis 1:24-26). In the second version of the creation story, humans are called to be creative by “tilling and keeping” the earth (Genesis 2:15), working with the world to continue God’s “very good” creation. While the Genesis story is not the final word on the nature of human work in the world – the fall changes everything – we see that God’s intention for his creation from the beginning was for its participation and relationship with him, and that this participation involves all sorts of activities in the places of this world. The biblical scholar Walter Brueggemann suggests, in his commentary on Genesis 1-11, that man’s calling to “till and keep” may actually be indicative of all of man’s natural activity – that every human occupation, including artistry, might share in this calling by God to make places on When we sculpt wood, turn a pot, earth. This means sew a quilt, paint a landscape, that as we delight or whatever else we might do to in God’s creation and creatively creatively engage with the world, we work within it, are participating in God’s calling to we can be said to share in the Credo something with creation. ator’s initial work of love. In fact, it is part and parcel of our very calling to do so. This supreme act of grace toward humanity, though, must be further understood through our second theme: the Incarnation.

INCARNATION The doctrine of the Incarnation also has a strong bearing on our theology of the arts and expounds on the nature of human work with God in creation. While the metaphysics of the Incarnation remains a mystery that I won’t attempt to develop in this short article, the implications of this important theological doctrine (Jesus as fully God and fully man) for both humans and their vocation are great. Christ Incarnate simultaneously affirms and transforms creation. He saw fit to become an embodied human being, embracing the particularity of humanity, its time and place and necessary limitation, while also providing the SUMMER 2 0 1 3 | 11

ultimate place of humanity’s transformation and will mean embracing the world in all its current redemption. Christ is thus more than man, though beauty and particularity, while simultaneously he is no less than fully man. hoping for more and looking for the “not yet” of a The remarkable grace that is the gospel mesdecidedly new creation. sage is that Jesus, in fact, called his disciples to REDEMPTION participate with him in the spreading of God’s It is important to note that Christ is both kingdom to the ends of the earth. His disciples, us Creator and Redeemer – the author of the creincluded, are called to live our lives in a way that ated world and the ultimate means of its transproclaims God’s love to all of creation – that is, to formation (Colossians 1:15). Art cannot by itself affirm the good“redeem” or “save” or “sanctify.” However, the ness of the world The Christian encounter with the “drawing out” that art does, when it adds value to and become a the world – transfiguring its materials, contributmeans of transworld through the arts will mean ing to the beauty of the world, or perhaps envisformation within embracing the world in all its aging a whole new state of affairs – it might be it. Christ calls us understood to at least anticipate those redemptive current beauty and particularity, all to participate possibilities made available through Christ. We in his kingdom while simultaneously hoping for might even say that our artistry participates with work in our own more and looking for the “not yet” of Christ in redemption in the here and now, encourplaces and times, aging others to imagine the varying ways that they and as we become a decidedly new creation. might act within in God’s kingdom, loving their one with Christ neighbors, and hoping for new creation. Of course, though his spirit in community, our own work might be said to par- not all art must fit into this last category. There is certainly “bad” art or perhaps even necessarticipate in that work of creation and redemption. ily “un-redemptive” art (some of which may even Artistry, as it seeks to affirm the goodness of take the form of the religious). But this fact does the world through engagement with its materials not dismiss at least the possibility that the arts can while transforming our vision of it, might be said, then, to participate in this same kingdom-building become a place where our theology is put directly into the context of our particular culture and enterprise. Furthermore, artistry may be conthrives there in bringing people to new concepsidered an instance of this type of participation. tions of the world as a place of God’s presence.

Good art always involves more than what meets The arts may provide a profound point of context the eye – something that transcends the object for this transformational vision and work, and so or work while never being less than a full human as our Christian communities seek to engage the engagement with the physical materials or comwider world with the gospel of Christ, they might munities of this world. Just as Christ transcended benefit from real education and engagement in the human sphere without revoking his divine the discipline of the arts. stamp of approval upon it, our artistry embraces The gospel is often communicated through the the goodness of our physical particularity while shared experiences of a landscape painting or a always drawing out more from it. The Christraditional craft practice, a musical performance tian encounter with the world through the arts

ways to engage with the arts in your life

1

Make something!

Put pen to paper, hammer to nail, or needle to fabric. Whatever you do, cultivate your God-given creativity.

12 | P OINT M AG A ZI NE

2

Pay attention to your surroundings.

Get outside! Let the beauty of the natural and built environment influence and change you. The contemplation of beauty can even be a spiritual practice.

3

Support the arts in your community.

Go to a museum or other arts event. Give your time, money, and general support to those who make your place beautiful.

or a theatrical production. These experiences need not have explicitly “Christian” content; the experience of justice, community or beauty may often speak closer to the heart of what it means to be human, and give a glimpse of God’s transforming presence in creation. What is important here is that the profoundly sincere engagement with the world that the arts tend to represent cannot be divorced from the discipline of theology. God’s presence and work can and must be found in all the places of culture. As Gerard Manley Hopkins wrote in his poem “God’s Grandeur,” “The world is charged with the grandeur of God. It will flame out like shining from shook foil.” Perhaps we might benefit, then, in a slight alteration from Barth’s famous dictum, from reading the Bible in one hand and poetry in another.

haps it’s time we let the arts have a more central role in expressing our faith and participation in God’s kingdom.

Dr. Jennifer Allen Craft ’07 is assistant professor of theology and humanities at Point. Her painting, Longleaf Community, appears on the cover of this issue. Completed as a senior thesis when she was a student at Point, the painting represents a pine dome in the southeastern longleaf pine forest.

Craft used this ecological structure as a metaphor for “healthy community life.”

While I have only given the briefest glimpse of the types of issues involved in thinking theologically about the arts, perhaps you will be inclined to consider the myriad possibilities that engagement with the arts brings to the table in the Christian life. Our life together in community must involve all aspects of life in this world. Per-

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MEET the class of

by Sarah Huxford

Point students come from a wide variety of places, families and faith backgrounds. The ten representatives of the Class of 2013 you’ll meet on these pages are no different. They hail from Georgia to California and lots of places in between. Some enrolled at Point as 18-year-old freshmen; some came to Point as adults, returning to finish what they started years before. Though their stories are unique, there’s one thing they all have in common: a deep desire to impact the world for Christ, and some big plans for doing just that.

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Alonzo Berry

Petersburg, Va. B.S., Human Relations Alonzo Berry thought he was just having lunch with a friend at the Olive Garden – but he had no idea that lunch would change his life. While dining, he bumped into his friend Doug Johnson ’11, director of enrollment for the Access program. Berry had previously taken some college courses, but didn’t feel that he was in the right place or that it was the right time. In fact, he says, “I actually thought I wasn’t smart enough to attend a college or university.” Johnson encouraged him to apply to Access, and the rest is history.

Berry started out as a Christian ministry major, but after taking Intro to Psychology, decided to pursue human relations. After graduation, he plans to attend seminary, specializing in counseling.

Berry says that his time at Point University had a tremendous impact on his life. “I thank God for allowing me to learn, grow and help others through Point,” he explains. “I have so much confidence now that God can do whatever he wants to do in my life, and I know that I am intelligent and capable of doing it.”

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2013

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Phillip Crenshaw

Rebecca Esquite

Alex Hogan

Atlanta, Ga.

B.A., Biblical Studies & Preaching Ministry

Elizabeth, N.J. B.A., Humanities and Biblical Studies

Atlanta, Ga. B.S., Organizational Leadership

Phillip Crenshaw applied to seven colleges as a high school senior, but he only ended up visiting one: Point University. “At my high school, we all had our own cliques,” he explains.

“But Point had a family atmosphere.

On my visit, I saw a group of students during lunch – Caucasian, AfricanAmerican, Hispanic – all eating and laughing together. Seeing that fellowship was completely new for me.

After that, I decided to go to Point. I didn’t have to visit another campus!”

Crenshaw feels God has called him to the preaching ministry, and is grateful that his courses at Point have prepared him for his next step: seminary. He cites, in particular, his two years of studying Greek with Dr. Barry Blackburn. “At first, I was scared of him and of Greek!” Crenshaw says.

“The Greek language is challenging to learn, but I love it because I have the opportunity to learn the original Greek translation of the Bible.”

“When I felt God calling me into ministry, I had to have faith that he would lead me,” he adds. “I believe part of God’s plan was leading me to Point University.”

In recent years, liberal arts majors like humanities and English have gotten somewhat of a bad rap, with critics claiming such degrees are impractical. Rebecca Esquite would disagree: “There’s a misconception that with humanities your vocational possibilities are limited, but humanities teaches you skills that can take you in myriad directions and allow you to work effectively in so many facets of life.” Esquite’s degree has given her the best of both worlds, allowing her to pursue her passion for both the humanities and in-depth biblical study. In fact, that’s why she chose Point. “I wanted to be immersed in an environment where I would be encouraged to grow spiritually,” she says.

“Being here has allowed me to connect with some of the most incredible people,” Esquite continues. “I have gained so much confidence in myself and have so much hope for my future.”

Esquite wants to work with college students in the future, and will spend the upcoming academic year as an intern at Spring Road Christian Church in Valley, Ala.

When Alex Hogan initially found Point University, he knew it was where he needed to be. There was just one catch: at the time, there was no Access program. Over the next few years, Hogan researched many schools and programs, but didn’t find any that made him feel at home, the way he had at Point. He was about to enroll at another institution when he learned that Point was starting an evening program. “God’s timing is perfect,” Hogan says. “I was in the very first Access class ever taught – what an honor and privilege!”

Hogan, who has 16 years of experience in the business world, knew a degree in organizational leadership would open many doors. “But I also knew this degree would be useful if I ever chose to enter the business side of ministry, or even start a ministry of my own,” he explains.

With two businesses currently in development and plans to pursue an MBA, Hogan says, “My experience at Point has given me the knowledge and resources that I need to be successful in my future endeavors as an entrepreneur and leader for Christ in the marketplace.”

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Alicia Howland

San Diego, Calif.

B.S., Organizational Leadership

B.S., Biblical Studies/Child & Youth Dev.

Anniston, Ala. B.A., History

With ten years of work experience behind her, Neferiatiti Holt knew a degree in organizational leadership would be challenging and would teach her skills she could use immediately in the workplace. She chose Point’s Access program because of its flexibility and convenient location. “I loved the flexible schedule options, as it was conducive to both my career and family life,” she explains.

While at Point, Holt didn’t restrict her learning experiences to the classroom. She participated in two crosscultural experiences as a student: a pilgrimage to Israel and a humanities tour of Europe. “Learning about DDay in Normandy was nothing short of marvelous,” Holt says. “These traveling experiences allowed me to be culturally challenged, grateful and open-minded.”

Next up for Holt is an MBA program, in line with her future goal of becoming a business professor. “Point was an amazing experience,” she adds. “It has helped me become a better person, student, worker, peer and leader for Christ. My faith has definitely grown stronger.”

Her father, her minister, and many friends she’d met through the years at Woodland Christian Camp all attended Point – so Alicia Howland couldn’t have missed learning about the University. “Once I began to feel the call to vocational ministry, I decided that I wanted to attend a Bible college,” she says. “Point was number one on the list!”

Howland’s course of study at Point is unique, with a major that was designed just for her (and a minor in music, to boot). “I appreciate that I’ve been given the benefit of looking at each subject through a Christian worldview, with professors who share what I believe and want to help me succeed,” she explains. She also says that Point’s supportive community has made a huge difference in her life, adding, “Here, I am seen as a whole person, rather than just a number in the classroom.”

This fall, Howland will begin a yearlong internship with Bread, the campus ministry at Emory University. She says, “Beyond this year, I’m confident that Point has prepared me for whatever area of ministry God leads me to.”

For many student-athletes, playing college sports is one of the only factors in choosing a college. But Stokes Laird knew there was more to college than what happened on the field. “My high school coach told me to be sure to go somewhere I’d be happy when I wasn’t playing soccer,” he says. “After my first visit to Point, I knew it was the place for me.”

In addition to leading the Skyhawks on the soccer field, Laird was a standout academically, completing an honors thesis in history. “I’ve always been very interested in learning about history, so when I had the opportunity to study it and to one day spread my love for it, choosing a major was an easy decision,” he explains. He also enjoyed the upper-level humanities courses he took, which he says “provided a way to look at and understand the motives of the people that make up the history of our world.”

Laird plans to enroll in a graduate program at Jacksonville State University to earn a teaching certificate.

“Hopefully, one day I will be able to teach people history and coach soccer,” he says.

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Woodstock, Ga.

Stokes Laird

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Neferiatiti Holt

Heather Petero

Alysa Smith

Horacio Torres, Jr.

Like many Access students, Heather Petero had some previous college experience when she enrolled at Point.

“I was the typical student who enjoyed the social aspects of being young and in college,” she says. “But being an adult learner is a different learning environment and focus.” By the time she began her Point journey, Petero knew she wanted to be in full-time ministry and pursue a degree in the field.

Petero faced her share of struggles during her time at Point, losing both parents within nine months of each other about halfway through her degree program. Her father, a minister, and mother, a missionary and Christian educator, had been extremely proud of their daughter for returning to college. “Over the years, the people of Point have prayed with me, loved on me, and encouraged me so much,” she says. “Much has been shared in our classes about each other’s journeys, and many stories have impacted my life, my perspective, and made me more aware. I believe I am and will continue to be a better person and minister because of my Point experience.”

Alysa Smith isn’t the typical traditional student. Unlike many of her 21- and 22-year-old classmates, she already has a bachelor’s degree, from California Baptist University. Smith became a Christian at 18, after living what she calls “a very troubled life” to that point. “I was very misguided, and engaged in numerous risky behaviors,” she remembers. After becoming a Christian, she says, “I struggled very hard trying to please a God I did not know very well.”

“It was here at Point that I truly encountered God and learned who he is on a personal level,” she continues.

“I’ve been challenged to reflect on my faith, why I believe what I believe, and how to defend it to others who want to know about the God I love and serve.”

Smith plans to continue her education and become a marriage and family therapist. As Christians, she says, “we have the ability to help people in a way that secular psychologists and counselors cannot.”

As she prepares for the future, Smith says, “I simply wouldn’t change my Point experience for the world.”

As a busy, working adult, Horacio Torres, Jr. was looking for a Christian university where he could not only learn more about his faith, but also accommodate his work schedule.

“Point University met every need that I was looking for,” he says.

Torres chose a degree in Christian ministry, he says, because he wanted more “in-depth knowledge” about his faith beyond what he could learn in church. “By going to school, I was sure that I would get challenged by professors and their knowledge of the Word,” he explains.

Point’s diverse student body also gave Torres a new perspective on his faith. “It changed my life by opening up my eyes to the diversity that is in the kingdom,” he explains. “A lot of times, we lock ourselves down with people that we know in places that we feel comfortable. By going to Point, I was able to meet people from different backgrounds, but with the same faith.”

Now that he has earned his degree, Torres says, “I plan to teach what I have learned to others who do not have the opportunity to go to school.”

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Douglasville, Ga. B.S., Christian Ministry

Duarte, Calif.

B.S., Psychology

Snellville, Ga. B.S., Christian Ministry

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pOINT’S N MAJOR EW CRIMINAL PREPAR J ES STU USTICE OTHERS DENTS IN LIFE TO SER

BY SA ’S DARK RAH VE EST MO HUX FORD MENTS

K R A D E H T T IN

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H G I L

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S S E KN

Imagine for a moment that you are a police officer, standing in an apartment building in Columbus, Ga. You’re about to knock at a door, but you hesitate, knowing you’re about to change someone’s life forever. On the other side of that door is a recently divorced man whose ex-wife and two children were just killed in a terrible car accident on their way to Florida. The man lives alone in a sparsely furnished, low-rent apartment. Your job is to tell him that his family is gone, find someone to provide support, and then leave. But this man’s only other family members are out of state; he doesn’t even have a telephone to call them. As a Christian and a police officer, what do you do?

Stories like this one – related by Dr. Forrest “Butch” Beach, professor of criminal justice at Point – illustrate the importance of educating Christian criminal justice professionals.

“I have just finished my active career as a criminal justice practitioner that has spanned nearly four decades,” says Beach, “and I can tell you that there has never been a greater need for a strong Christian faith in the criminal justice system.” Beach’s expertise comes from his 12 years with the Georgia Public Safety Training Center and 25 years with the Columbus Police Department in Georgia. He holds a doctorate in public administration from Valdosta State University, along with master’s degrees in criminal justice and justice administration.

“Calls made to 911 usually come when the citizen does not know who else to call,” Beach explains. “These are all opportunities for ministry. Oftentimes, the officer will be asked to deliver messages of tragedy or minister to those who are victims, in one way or another, of crime and disorder.”

Dr. Gregory K. Moffatt, professor of psychology and chair of the Department of Counseling and Human Services, agrees. “There is a need for Christian influence in every career,” he says.

“Prisoners, probationers, fellow officers, and anyone else a person has contact with are potential lost sheep.”

Many classical academic disciplines have

been studied for hundreds of years; by comparison, the field of criminal justice is young. The academic study of criminal justice traces its beginnings to August Vollmer, police chief of Berkeley, Calif., in the early 20th century. According to a history of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, written by Dr. Willard Oliver, professor of criminal justice at Sam Houston State University, Vollmer sought out help from University of California, Berkeley professors in 1908 in an attempt SUMMER 2 0 1 3 | 19

to solve a difficult case. Vollmer lost that particular case at trial, but he became convinced of the importance of police education. Oliver writes that Vollmer then began mandatory educational sessions for his officers; in 1916, he partnered with Berkeley Professor Albert Schneider to begin the country’s first degree program in criminal justice.

In the following decades, a few other criminal justice programs were launched at other universities, such as San Jose State University in 1930, Michigan State University (1935), and Indiana University (1935). But the field really took off in the 1960s, when the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, or LEAA, was created. According to the United States Department of Justice, LEAA’s Law Enforcement Education Program “enabled 100,000 students to attend more than 1,000 colleges and universities.” Grants for these law enforcement personnel to pursue college study resulted in a proliferation of academic programs in the field. During the second half of the 20th century, the field continued to grow. Today, many colleges and universities offer not just bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice, but master’s and doctoral degrees as well.

Despite the availability of degree programs, Beach says that fewer than 25 percent of current law enforcement officers in the U.S. hold at least a bachelor’s degree. “Progressive criminal justice agencies have, over the past 20 years or so, begun to raise the minimum standards both for entrylevel employment and promotions,” Beach says.

“The change in attitude of the agencies has created a change in the desire of the student preparing to become a criminal justice practitioner and the in-service officer who wants to obtain a degree in criminal justice.”

In the last several years, the field of criminal justice has grown in popularity among entering college students. Point’s criminal justice program was established in part due to increased demand from students considering enrolling at the University; the program opens up a wide variety of career opportunities for the graduate. “This is a growing program with exciting opportunities in law enforcement, from municipal programs to federal ones like the Secret Service, FBI, or U.S. Marshals Service,” Moffatt says. “While some agencies don't require a bachelor's degree – although all the federal ones do – it is almost a certainty that the student will need it to move up in the ranks of any agency.”

Students wishing to pursue graduate study also have a range of options available in the criminal justice field, says Beach, including such special20 | P OI N T M AG A ZI NE

izations as forensics, homeland security, emergency management and public administration.

Both Moffatt and Beach reiterate the increasing difficulty of a successful career in law enforcement without a degree in criminal justice. “Local and state agencies prefer the degreed candidate to the non-degreed candidate; in fact, more than ever, the local and state agencies are beginning to make a degree the minimum educational requirement for employment,” Beach says. “The attainment of the degree greatly enhances the opportunities for employment and advancement for the graduate.”

Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the field take courses like Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Criminology, Criminal Procedure, and Violence in Society. “An ethics course to develop better decisionmaking skills is also required,” Beach says, “and other criminal justice courses will become available as electives as the program develops.”

Criminal justice majors at Point will also benefit from both a solid foundation in biblical studies and the integration of faith into the criminal justice curriculum, better enabling them to represent Christ to a world in need. “Our Christian world view permeates all courses at Point,” adds Moffatt. “Sometimes we overtly discuss faith issues as they pertain to the subject matter, but more often, it is our respect for God's creation that guides our thinking, theory, and approach to the material and to students.”

According to Beach, faith-based education is crucial for preparing criminal justice professionals who can handle the rigors of such a demanding career. “Most people are familiar with the exciting idea of law enforcement that is viewed on television shows such as CSI or Law & Order,” he says. “Indeed, much of what is done as a criminal justice professional is exciting; however, we know that more than 85 percent of the work of criminal justice professionals is public service.”

“Any curriculum intended to prepare the student for a career in criminal justice must stress and provide opportunities to develop an attitude of servanthood,” Beach continues. “Jesus called us all to be servants, and a career in public safety will tax the desire to serve others.”

In addition, criminal justice professionals are often called upon to make what Beach calls “individual discretionary choices,” which will be influenced by the values the professional already holds. “The success of the criminal justice system is for the practitioner to make solid value choices in deciding to act one way or another,” he says. “A

strong Christian basis will make those decisions much simpler. Those Christian values should be taught and demonstrated throughout the curriculum.”

Finally, Beach points out that there are many opportunities for overt integration of one’s faith into the field of criminal justice. He explains that “faith-based initiatives have proven time and again to be the only consistent rehabilitation programs,” citing Alcoholics Anonymous, AGAPE, and Narcotics Anonymous as examples.

have been taught and nurtured,” she says. “Now, more men and women who believe in Jesus will embark on their journey into law enforcement.

The field needs more people sold out to the cause of Christ, so that when people’s lives are torn apart, hope and compassion are given.”

Beginning this fall, Point’s program in criminal justice won’t be limited to traditional college students. The Access program, which focuses on adult and professional studies, will begin offering a degree in criminal justice this fall. “We look forward to offering adults the opportunity to pursue this degree in our evening program,” says Dr. Darryl Harrison, chief academic officer, “including those who may already be working in the law enforcement field and wish to advance their careers.”

Although criminal justice is new to Point’s academic roster, the University’s alumni are not strangers to the field of criminal justice. Among many who have worked in law enforcement is Debbie Chambers ’92, who recently retired after an 18-year career spent primarily with the FayLet’s go back to the story that took place in that etteville Police Department in metro Atlanta. lonely apartment in Columbus. The police ser“My faith played the most important part in geant tasked with notifying the man of his family’s my job as a law enforcement officer,” Chambers death faced a choice: simply follow procedure, says. “Every day, you are faced with negativity and or go beyond that by showing the love of Christ people in despair and hopelessness. Because of to a person in need. The officer chose the second my faith, I know where to run to receive strength, option, taking the devastated father to his own comfort, peace, joy and hope, just to name a few: home so that the father could use the officer’s to the feet of Jesus.” phone to call his extended family. The officer kept During her career, Chambers primarily hanthe father there with him for four hours, until the dled investigations into crimes against children father’s relatives could arrive to help. And yet the and crimes against women, an area into which she officer mentioned none of this to his superiors; felt the Lord leading her. Time and again, she says, the story came to light weeks later, after the father she saw the power of Christ to bring “healing and wrote a thank-you letter to the chief of police. wholeness” to difficult situations. “Only in Jesus “This type of compassion and caring is exemplified is there hope for a situation that seems hopeless,” in the Christian law enforcement officer,” Beach she adds. “From parents frantic to help their child says. “He went the second mile in a situation because of drugs, alcohol, or immorality, to the where most would not have.” child that has been abused, or to the woman that “If you desire a profession that is both exciting finds the courage to leave an abusive situation, He and adventuresome, yet provides the opportunity can make something good out of something that to serve others on a daily basis, you should give seems so bad.” consideration to a career in public safety,” adds Chambers believes a criminal justice major is Beach. “Jesus told us that the fields are white unto a natural fit at Point. “Point University has always harvest, and that is certainly true in the life of the been a place where faith and the power of Jesus criminal justice professional.”

ALU M N I SAL E

Order your engraved bricks in honor or memory of someone special. Bricks will be used to pave the Academic Center courtyard in West Point.

adam pope

HALF-PRICE WHEN YOU ORDER AUGUST 1-31 $50 PER BRICK For more information or to order, contact Julie Tilson at Julie.Tilson@point.edu or 706-385-1476.

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CLASS NOTES

80

Chuck ’81, ’88 and Tammy Henderson Hassell ’80 recently celebrated 33 years of marriage and ministry together.

They have been serving at Plymouth Avenue Christian Church in Deland, Fla., for the past 18 years.

92

Debbie Chambers ’92 recently retired from the Fayetteville (Ga.) Police Department after 16 years. She received her master’s degree in counseling and is working for Turning Point New Directions Counseling Center. She is also the ministry director for Jabbok Ministries.

97

Amanda Clotfelter ’97 recently earned an Ed.S. in instructional technology and school library media from the University of West Georgia.

Congratulations to Chester Gunnin ’97 and his wife, Julie, on the birth of their son, Carson Pruitt Gunnin, on April 21. The Gunnins reside in Newnan, Ga.

99

Stuart Abel IV ’99 and his wife, Ashley, welcomed Stuart Granville “Quinn” Abel V on April 16.

Congratulations to Alissa Roadcup Fraccaro ’99 and her husband, David, who welcomed their son, Henry Emerson Fraccaro, on June 21.

Paula Murphy Hicks ’99 and her husband, Dee, welcomed their son, Kieran Langley Murphy Hicks, born June 15. The family resides in Pompano Beach, Fla.

00

Kris (’92-’94) and Christa Groover Weldon ’00 welcomed their second son, Jacob, on May 28. The family lives in Ball Ground, Ga.

01

Congratulations to Dr. Holly Ritchie Carey ’01, associate professor of biblical studies at Point, who received the Vulcan Teaching Award for the 2012-13 academic year.

Mandy Cook ’01 has been named sports information director for Point’s athletic program. She had previously served as head women’s basketball coach.

07

Jennifer Allen Craft ’07 recently earned a Ph.D. from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Jenn is assistant professor of theology and humanities at Point.

She and her husband, Brandon Craft ’08, live in Lanett, Ala.

Alicia Howland ’13 is joining the ministry staff of Bread, the Christian campus fellowship at Emory University.

Adam ’13 and Shelley Stanfield Pollard ’13 were married on May 26 at Northside Christian Church in Columbus, Ga., where Adam serves as youth minister.

10

Coenraad Brand ’10 graduated from Columbia Theological Seminary with a master of divinity degree. He would like to pursue parish and preaching ministry.

Elizabeth Reid ’13 will continue her studies at Emmanuel Christian Seminary, where she was honored with the Alexander Campbell Scholarship.

Jessie Davis ’10 recently relocated to Savannah, Ga., to pursue graduate studies in history.

Jessie previously served as residence life manager at Point.

Rebekah Rubin ’13 is preparing to return to Nairobi, Kenya, to minister to the urban poor with Christian Missionary Fellowship. You can find out more about her work at www. cmfi.org.

Anthony Nasser ’10 married Jenn Davison on April 27 in Carrollton, Ga. Trent Shoemake ’10 recently concluded his youth ministry at Northview Christian Church and began serving as student ministries pastor with Indian Creek Community Church in Olathe, Kan.

11

Congratulations to Jesse and Storey Brown Stauffer ’11, who welcomed their first daughter, Lori Kathleen, on April 19. The family lives in Sioux Falls, S.D.

12

Tory Wooley ’12 has been named head women’s basketball coach at Point.

Tory had most recently served as assistant coach for the team.

Kathryn St. Pierre Zell ’12 and her husband, Peter, welcomed their first child, Nathan, on April 16. The family lives in Newnan, Ga.

13

Erin Woody Greer ’13 will be teaching at The Bedford School in Fairburn, Ga.,

W E WA N T T O H E A R F R O M YO U !

Let us know when you get married, have a baby, take a new job, move to another state... you get the picture. Speaking of pictures, send us those, too – we’ll include them when possible (JPEG format, please). If you’re engaged or expecting, we share your excitement! However, Point Magazine’s policy is to wait until these anticipated events have become reality to print them in Class Notes. Send us a message when the event occurs, and we’ll gladly share your news with your fellow alumni. If you know of alumni who are not receiving Point Magazine, but would like to, please send us their correct contact information; we’ll make sure they’re added to the mailing list.

ALUMNI ADDRESS CHANGES AND CLASS NOTES ITEMS MAY BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL TO ALUMNI@POINT.EDU.

22 | POIN T M AG A ZI NE

this fall. Erin and her husband, Barrett, reside in Newnan, Ga.

Stephen Shelley ’13 is serving as an intern in the Student Life Office at Point for the 2013-14 academic year.

IN MEMORIAM The Point family grieves with and prays for the families of those members of our community who have recently passed away.

Clyde P. Wheeler ’51 died on May 7 in Gaston, N.C., after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He spent many years as minister of East Tenth Street Church of Christ in Roanoke Rapids, N.C. He is survived by his wife, Donna Jean Walker Wheeler (’49-’50), a son, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gerald C. “Preacher” Smith, Sr. ’55 died on June 18. He helped begin Daytona Christian Church in Daytona Beach, Fla., and served there as minister. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce Click Smith ’54. He is survived by his second wife, JoAnn; children, Jerry, Jr. (’74-’75), Mike, Kathy and Bobby; 14 grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.

Helen Warren died on May 11. A devoted Christian educator and friend of the University, she is survived by her husband, longtime professor Ralph Warren; son, Mark (’82) and his wife, Rita; and grandchildren, Bethany Warren ’11 and Aaron Warren.

7

THINGS TO DO ON

THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII

BY KEVIN HEDLUND ’79

Aloha, I have been living on the Island of Hawaii, “The Big Island,” for 25 years. I have been married to Dee for 22 years, and we have a 21-year-old son. After obtaining a master’s degree in counseling psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu, while in the Navy stationed at Pearl Harbor, I separated honorably and began work in mental health. I now run an outpatient mental health clinic in Hilo, and I help out with a men’s ministry every Saturday morning. The church I attend, Haili Congregational, is one of the oldest on all the islands. Here are some of the many points of interest on the Big Island. You can find me on Facebook if you have any questions or need a tour guide!

photos courtesy of kevin hedlund ’79

1. Get a Front-Row “Hot” Seat. Living on the youngest of the eight main islands of our fair 50th State of the Union can at times be quite a challenge. The Big Island is made up of five volcanoes, and you don’t have to go very far to see volcanology first-hand. Two volcanoes are dormant. One erupted last in 1859, another in 1983, and Kilauea’s eruption has been ongoing for 27 years. The best way to view the active volcano and lava flow is by air, taking a helicopter tour, due to the limited accessibility of the eruption by foot.

2. Take In a Park. There are four national parks, as well as many interesting state and county parks, on the Island. Most of the county parks consist of our beautiful beaches, several of which are internationally recognized as some of the most beautiful in the world. You will be able to view spectacular sunsets from the leeward side of the Island due to the awesome colors caused by the volcanic particulates in the air; you may even see a green flash. The state and national parks feature both natural and historic sites, such as volcanoes, ancient Hawaiian archaeology, beautiful waterfalls and campgrounds.

3. View a Waterfall. The Big Island of Hawaii arguably contains the most climate zones in such a small space of 4,038 square miles. Of course, one of those zones contains rain forests. With rain – some places receive over 200 inches, and Hilo has been declared the rainiest city in the U.S. – comes water, and an abundance of waterfalls. Many are easily accessible, with several in Hilo and many more as one travels north up the Hamakua coast, ending at a grand overlook of Waipio Valley, a deep gorge in the northern part of the Island.

4. Visit the Southernmost Town in the U.S. Ka Lae, Hawaii, otherwise known as South Point, is the southernmost point in the 50 states. Many anthropologists feel Hawaiians made their first landfall in the islands here. Nā'ālehu, Hawaii, is the southernmost town in the 50 states. While there in town, visit Punalu'u Bake Shop & Visitor Center.

Their sweetbread is the best.

5. Find Beaches of Different Colors.

Papakōlea Beach (also known as Green Sand Beach) is located near South Point. Access to this unique olivinecovered beach is either by four-wheel drive or by hiking a round trip of five miles; be sure to wear good hiking shoes and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Ka'u coastline as you journey to the beach. Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is the largest and most accessible black sand beach on the Big Island. It offers great places to picnic, relax and watch the Honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle)

sunbathe on the black sand. Be sure to keep your distance from the turtles (they are an endangered species), and do not take any of the black sand.

Enjoy this tranquil place and incredible ocean views, as well as discover ancient sites where Hawaiians practiced formalized worship at heiaus (places of worship) on either side of the bay.

6. Sit Under the Stars Atop the Tallest Mountain in the World. The tallest mountain on earth, considering the 30,000 feet from the summit to the sea floor, Mauna Kea hosts the world’s largest astronomical observatory. The atmosphere is exceptionally stable, featuring low humidity and cloud-free skies, so that the proportion of clear nights is among the highest in the world. Although the summit affords an excellent view, most parts of the island are dark enough to observe the Milky Way with stunning clarity. The Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station at the 9,000-foot level is easily accessible and provides a free nightly stargazing program.

7. Learn About the Hawaiian who was instrumental in bringing the Gospel to the Islands. Henry 'Ōpūkaha'ia (circa 1792–1818) was one of the first native Hawaiians to become a Christian, inspiring American Protestant missionaries of New England to come to the islands during the 19th century. On August 15, 1993, Opukahaia’s remains were laid in a vault facing the sea at Kahikolu Church near Napoopoo. It was the third church established in Hawaii by missionaries inspired by Opukaha'ia.

Hawaii’s churches observe the third Sunday in February as a day of commemoration in honor of its first Christian. Also within this district is St. Benedict’s Painted Church, filled with murals depicting several religious subjects.

The church also overlooks beautiful and historic Kealakekua Bay, as well as the place Captain Cook was killed.

A hui ho – ’til we meet again!

SUMMER 2 0 1 3 | 23

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507 WEST 10TH STREET | WEST POINT, GA 31833

NOVEMBER 4-9 S CH E D ULE O F EVENTS: Monday, November 4 Banner contest for businesses in the Greater Valley area Tuesday, November 5

Service project for local ministry

Wednesday, November 6

Reception at the Parr House

Friday, November 8 50-Year Club Luncheon Alumni Basketball Game Brick Campaign Reveal Fine Arts Program Saturday, November 9 Tailgate at Ram Stadium Homecoming Football Game:

Point vs. Ave Maria University

Mark your calendar and make plans to join us! Make sure you get all the details about Homecoming by creating your account in the NEW Point Alumni Online Community.

Check it out at point.edu/alumnicommunity. For more information, contact Pam Hopson Ross ’78, director of alumni relations, at Pam.Ross@point.edu or 706-385-1487.