Point Magazine, Summer 2016

Summer 2016

COMMENCEMENT 2016 p. 14

POINT TAKES EUROPE TRAVELING ACROSS ITALY AND GREECE WITH POINT STUDENTS p. 18

A TALE OF TWO SEASONS SKYHAWKS’ SUCCESS ON BOTH THE FIELD AND THE COURT p. 10

CONTENTS

10A Tale of Two Seasons 14Commencement 2016 18Point Takes Europe

POINT MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2016

How the baseball and women’s basketball teams made history this season.

The University awarded degrees to nearly 200 students this spring! Meet some of the graduates and learn what Point University has meant to them.

A student shares his experiences on a University-sponsored trip to Italy and Greece over spring break.

2 From the President 5 Campus News 28 Point Legacy 29 Alumni News

2 | P OIwarfel NT MAGAZIN E madison

SU M M ER 2 016 | 3

FROM THE PRESIDENT POIN T M AG AZI NE Volume 55, Number 1 Summer 2016

EDITOR/DESIGNER Sarah G. Huxford CONTRIBUTORS Bethany Broderick Katherine Hamilton Dallas Prince ’18 Madison Warfel

W

hat a difference a year makes! In the last 12 months, we have watched nearly 300 students receive their diplomas and move on to kingdom service locally, regionally and even internationally. In May, we watched our Skyhawk baseball team go all the way to the NAIA World Series in Idaho. Throughout this year, many of our sports teams competed in post-season play nationally. Our young band program came in second in the country in their indoor marching season.

Our students completed dozens of service projects locally, and many are participating in service and ministry in church camps and on mission trips this summer.

Recently, we received word of our ten-year reaffirmation with our accrediting body, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). We also learned that we are now approved by SACSCOC to offer graduate degrees in two different areas. Our MBA in business transformation and master of transformational ministry degree programs will launch this August.

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 editor@point.edu ©2016 Point University

A few months ago, we launched a new $10 million capital campaign, Vision 2020, and we’re already more than halfway to reaching our goal. Our success in raising all of these dollars will allow us to have a chapel that seats 1,200, as well as space for our rapidly growing Marching Skyhawks band program. Every indication is that our enrollment growth is continuing, and we anticipate a record enrollment again this fall.

Gratefully,

Dean C. Collins ’79 President

4 | POI N T MAGAZIN E

ON THE COVER:

Mallory Rendleman ’16 celebrating her graduation. Photo by Katherine Hamilton.

Point University’s mission is to educate students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world. Point University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, at http://www.sacscoc. org, or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Point University.

bethany broderick

Enjoy reading about all of these things and more, and when you finish, please offer a prayer for God’s blessing and favor on Point University as we seek to fulfill our mission of educating Christ-centered servant leaders. With your prayers and financial support, there will be so many more stories to share of how God is using our alumni to change the world for Christ.

CAMPUS NEWS

University to Offer Graduate Programs

sowing clover photography/chris jones ’05

A

dream years in the making will soon become a reality at Point: the University’s first graduate programs begin in August.

Starting with the fall semester, students can enroll in master’s degree programs in business and ministry. The new programs were approved in June by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

“The mission of Point University is to educate students for Christ-centered service and leadership throughout the world,” said Dr. Christopher Davis, vice president for graduate and professional studies. “Accordingly, our graduate programs prepare students to partner with the Holy Spirit to effect God-honoring change in the lives of individuals, communities and organizations. At Point, our graduates will emerge not merely as a master of ministry, but as a master of transformative ministry. They will earn not merely an MBA in business, but an MBA in business transformation.”

The interdisciplinary master of transformative ministry program equips students for dynamic leadership roles in

churches and parachurch organizations. needs of today’s professionals. Both proWith an emphasis on change managegrams may be completed in just 36 credit ment, community transformation and hours — about two years, for most students. church connections and partnerships, As an introductory offer, the Universtudents are part of transforming indisity is offering its alumni free tuition for viduals, communities and organizations. the fall term (six credit hours), plus a The program is designed for men and tuition discount on the remaining terms women entering Christian leadership in a student’s program. This means an as a second career, experienced pastors alumnus returning for a graduate degree who desire to upgrade their knowledge could make a minimal investment to and leadership skills and young ministers complete the entire program. seeking a deeper foundation for effective “We’re grateful for students who chose kingdom work.

Point for their undergraduate degrees, The master of business administration and who continue to choose and support in business transformation prepares busius,” said Tiffany Wood, assistant vice ness professionals to make things happresident of enrollment management. pen. Through top-notch academics and “This tuition discount serves as an exreal-time experience, students learn to pression of that gratitude. We’re conficonceptualize, initiate and manage organizational transformation initiatives, rang- dent that our alumni, and the ministries and businesses they serve, will benefit ing from continuous improvement in a from these excellent new academic prosuccessful business to turnaround efforts grams and their unique perspectives on in a failing business. Point graduates will transforming businesses, communities, be prepared to assume leadership roles churches and lives.” across functional areas in a wide range of To learn more about graduate profor-profit and nonprofit organizations. grams at Point, visit point.edu/grad. To Hybrid and fully-online formats are available to accommodate the scheduling apply, visit point.edu/apply.

SU M M ER 2016 | 5

CAMPUS NEWS

VISION2020 Help us achieve our vision for the future by supporting these four campaign goals: SCHOLARSHIPS $3 MILLION

will allow us to provide higher education opportunities to more underserved, underprivileged and marginalized students.

For nearly ten years, the University has held semiannual days of service, when students, faculty and staff spend the day helping their local communities. However, Access students, most of whom work during the day, often could not participate.

That changed this spring, when Dr. Joann Adeogun, professor of business, offered Access students at the Atlanta location the opportunity to participate in an Impact Day of their own, writing letters to orphans through the nonprofit Just One Africa. Clay and Amy Churchill, cofounders of the organization, visited the site in March, presenting their mission to partner with local African leaders to create sustainable solutions for vulnerable children at Salem Orphanage and provide filters for the clean water crisis.

Adeogun arranged for the Churchills to present a seminar to organizational leadership students. “Just One Africa is an Atlanta-based organization that has international reach,” said Adeogun. “Their approach of one person making a difference to serve mankind resonated with me, and I was sure it would also resonate with our Access students and professors.”

Inspired by the organization’s commitment to serving others, Adeogun found an opportunity to engage students in im6 | POI N T MAGAZIN E

pacting the lives of children in the Salem Orphanage. “Impact Day was a means of getting Access students involved in touching the lives of someone beyond the Atlanta border,” said Adeogun. “This community effort of letter writing to orphans in Kenya was one way of fulfilling Point University’s mission.”

Tasked with writing approximately 120 letters to orphans, Atlanta students and staff spent time writing encouraging notes, drawing pictures and praying for each child.

“For years, I’ve seen the infomercials of organizations asking for help in helping others,” said Sabeller Lee ’17. “The difference with Just One Africa is that the story came alive right in front of my eyes — this was an in-your-face testimony.”

In addition to providing resources to orphaned children, Just One Africa also works to improve the infrastructure in African rural schools; investing in sustainable projects such as buildings, farming and businesses; and distributing water filter kits. They also work to empower women through the creation of beaded jewelry crafted from magazines, providing income for single mothers and widows to care for their families.

For additional information on Just One Africa, visit justoneafrica.org.

POINT2020 $3 MILLION

will establish long-term success and stability for the University

CHAPEL $2.5 MILLION will construct a 1,200-seat facility in downtown West Point to serve as a worship and event space

FINE ARTS ANNEX $1.5 MILLION

will renovate an existing structure and purchase additional land to support the Marching Skyhawks

point.edu/vision2020

katherine hamilton; infographic by bethany broderick

Serving Others — Inside and Outside the Classroom

CAMPUS NEWS SCENE ON CAMPUS

Peachtree City dual-credit enrollment students celebrated this spring with their classmate Adrian Romoff, who won the television competition Child Genius. Romoff earned a $100,000 college fund from the competition.

katherine hamilton; sowing clover photography/chris jones ’05; carlos guzman ’18

This spring, the University held its first-ever speech competition on the West Point campus. Students spoke on topics related to the central theme of social justice. Justin Yerby ’18, pictured at right, was the winner.

Traditional students, faculty and staff participated in trail clean-up along the Chattahoochee River in West Point as part of this spring’s Impact Day.

United States Golf Association to Partner with Point The United States Golf Association and the American Society of Golf Course Architects Foundation have jointly selected six publicly accessible golf facilities, including the Point University Golf Club, to receive pro-bono consulting visits this year from USGA agronomists and ASGCA-member architects. The partnership, which was launched in December 2015, harnesses the collective expertise of each organization to provide innovative, viable solutions and foster greater golfer enjoyment at each property.

Through the USGAASGCA Site Evaluation Program, the agronomists and architects will make recommendations to address the facilities’ needs, improve the playing quality of their courses, enhance the golf experience for their customers and strengthen their Point University Golf Club, located in Lanett, Alabama, is home to the University’s golf teams, but is also open to the public. To connections to their reserve a tee time, visit pointgolfclub.com. local communities.

Some of the priorities for these facilities include improving the turf quality of greens, determining the best locations for forward tees, and creating a more welcoming experience for golfers. The recommendations will range from quick solutions that require few resources to long-term plans that will require more time, money and support to implement.

“An important mission for the USGA is to strengthen the future of golf by providing solutions for golf facilities, and we are excited to provide direct assistance to these courses,” said Mike Davis, executive director and CEO of the USGA. Nearly 30 facilities have applied since the launch of the USGA-ASGCA Site Evaluation Program in early December.

“We were honored to be selected for a site consultation from the USGA and ACGCA,” said Troy Higdon, director of auxiliary services at Point. “We look forward to their receiving their recommendations and improving the game for our golfing community.”

IN THE CLASSROOM COURSE NAME BUSI 426 International Business INSTRUCTOR Dr. Joann Adeogun, Professor of Business COURSE SUMMARY As the name implies, this course explores the international operations of business. However, the course goes one step further by tying what is taught in the classroom to a local business that does work internationally. Students are then able to apply the concepts to that local business and attempt to solve real problems identified by the business owner. Students also have the opportunity to learn from an international mission organization in a mini-seminar, then participate in a service project to assist that organization in pursuing its mission.

The Foundry Building in downtown West Point was recently torn down to make room for a new residence hall on the site.

SUGGESTED READING When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and Yourself, by Brian Fikkert and Steve Corbett; USAID, www.usaid.gov; Girl Effect, www.girleffect.org (or search for “Girl Effect - The Clock is Ticking” on YouTube); “International Business for Domestic Students,” Journal for Global Business Education, by David Berg and James Hagen; “Going Global,” Economic Development Journal, by Birgit Klohs.

S U M M ER 2 016 | 7

CAMPUS NEWS

Point Winds Take Second in World Championships

SNAPSHOT West Point residential students will have a new home this fall — the Point Living Community at Abbey Glen, a new apartment community in West Point. Some practice fields and athletic offices are also making the big move across the state line.

WHAT’S TRENDING

angie616 Gorgeous start to the day!!! God is great all the time! #girlsgolfrocks #pointskyhawks

8 | POI N T MAGAZIN E

ashbettis Yesterday the Point family and I remembered and celebrated the life of another fellow classmate. Forever thankful for this family. #96 #24

katherine hamilton; joshua boyd

The Point University Marching Skyhawks (Point Winds) competed in the Winter Guard International World Championships April 16-17, taking second place in the Winds Independent A classification. Point Winds presented “In All Things” in its inaugural year of competition, an artistic show depicting the need for Christ in all things.

Dr. Joshua Boyd, director of the Marching Skyhawks, and Andrew Lightner, assistant director, developed the performance with the intent to bring a Christian message to a large new audience. “Our group was given the unique opportunity to share a Christian message on one of the leading marching arts platforms,” said Boyd.

Point Winds is comprised of student band members and color guard performers.

Share your tweets, Facebook posts and Instagram photos with the Point community! Tag your posts with #pointuniversity.

katiwithnoe This year was one of the most intense ever, and I couldn’t have survived it without this tight-knit little family. #CLMFam #PointUniversity

rafahewett44 I am so blessed to have these guys fighting by my side this season. #pointuniversity #togetherwefly #skyhawkstrong

A new worship center.

Space for the Marching Skyhawks.

The University’s strategic plan.

Additional student scholarships.

Your donation to the Vision 2020 campaign supports all of these initiatives and more.

Will you prayerfully consider a gift?

point.edu/give

SU M M ER 2 016 | 9

A OF TWO

SEASONS HOW THE SKY H AWK S’ BASEBALL AND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM S M AD E H IST O RY T H IS YEAR

BY SARAH HUXFORD

10 | P OI NT MAGAZIN E

randall hamer

SU M M ER 2016 | 11

“WHEN A NEW COACH COMES IN

and changes the way a program is run, it takes the team time to understand and accept those necessary changes,” says Jeremy Christian, head baseball coach for the Skyhawks.

If that’s true, then this must have been the year things clicked for the Skyhawks’ baseball and women’s basketball teams. With Christian in his second year and Tory Wooley ’12, head women’s basketball coach, in his third, both teams seem to be hitting their stride.

The baseball team faced the challenge of taking finals early in order to compete in post-season play at the end of the semester. The Skyhawks advanced to the AAC conference championship game, but fell to Tennessee Wesleyan. However, the team still qualified for the NAIA National Championship opening round, which took place in Savannah, Georgia.

12 | POI N T MAGAZIN E

madison warfel

The women’s basketball team wrapped up its exciting season, which included an 11-0 start, in early March. After a heartbreaking loss to Bluefield College in the NAIA Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) quarterfinals, the Skyhawks went on to win the National Christian College Athletic Association South Region tournament, earning a trip to Indiana for the championship.

“Our players winning the South Region tournament was special ,” says Wooley, “and beating NCAA Division II Emmanuel College in the championship game was something that our players will never forget.”

madison warfel; randall hamer

Point defeated Taylor, USC-Beaufort and Campbellsville to win the bracket, becoming the first number five seed in NAIA history to win the opening round and earn a bid to the World Series.

“Our favorite moment from this season was beating Campbellsville 2-1 to win the opening round in Savannah,” says Christian. “It was a very emotional moment for our guys. It was a great game and a total team effort, and the dogpile after the final out was simply the release of emotion we’d been working toward. No matter how many times you get to be part of a dog pile, it never gets old!” [See inside cover of this issue.]

The Skyhawks traveled to Lewiston, Idaho, for their first-ever Avista-NAIA World Series, where they ultimately dropped the opening game to Sterling College.

Both coaches attribute this year’s successes to having a core of returning players and the teams adjusting to the coach’s system. “Our system is a proven one, and it simply takes time for the players to adapt, learn and implement it,” says Christian. “Talent has never been a question, so it was just a matter of everyone in our program buying in and accepting their role. Once that occurred, our season took off.”

Wooley adds, “The players really bought in to the vision that the coaching staff established for our team. Also, we had a strong core returning, and we added some key pieces this past season, which allowed us to compete at an even higher level.”

Each coach says next year’s goal is the same — to win it all — and looks forward to once again having a strong group of returning players. But both are quick to point out that they are not just building successful teams, but also Christian character.

“Point not only talks the talk, but they show Christ’s love daily,” says Christian. “You don’t get that at other Christian institutions. Point’s love of Christ is genuine. I get to be a part of that every day, and that is truly special.”

Wooley says coaching at his alma mater is “a dream come true,” and that he enjoys coaching at a university where faculty and staff share their faith and a common goal.

“I absolutely love the mission of Point University, and being a part of something that is bigger than me makes me enjoy coming to work,” he says.

“I’m serving alongside such awesome people who all have a passion to impact others for Christ; it’s something that we’re blessed to do together. Seeing the growth of the University and where God is taking us is truly amazing.”

SUM M ER 2016 | 13 katherine hamilton

The University awarded degrees this spring to one of the largest graduating classes in Point’s history. Graduates from West Point and Birmingham crossed the stage at Church of the Highlands in Auburn, Alabama, on Friday, May 13.

Graduates from the online program and other locations received their diplomas at New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Georgia, on Saturday, May 14. The speaker for both services was Norris Blount, assistant director of sports ministries at Baylor University, who is also the father of Tyler ’12 and Hannah ’16. Hathcock Award winners were Katie Presley, of Peachtree City, Georgia, and Chiquita Curney, of Atlanta.

On the following pages, learn more about some of our graduates — men and women who are passionate about changing the world for Christ. photos by katherine hamilton

14 | P OI NT MAGAZIN E

Meet the

G R A D UAT E S Susan Baker

(RIGHT)

B.S., HUMAN RELATIONS “This journey has not only provided me with an excellent education, but also surrounded me with teachers and classmates who love the Lord. God has healed my brokenness, and because of that, I have gained the gift of empathy for those who are hurting and lost like I was. This experience has prepared me to serve God in the helping profession, with the confidence that my life experiences are proof our God will heal our brokenness.”

Felicia Evans

B.S., ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP “I was going through a rough time in my life, and I needed some direction. When I got to Point and did a tour with Ross [Haralson ’07], who I’ve known since he was the youth intern at my church when I was in high school, I knew it was the place for me.

When I was unable to get to school, not only did the professors and staff pray for me, but they went out of their way to make sure I made it to class. I plan on going to Point in August for graduate school.”

Katie Presley

(RIGHT)

B.S., PSYCHOLOGY “Between making friendships that will last a lifetime and studying under professors who believe in me and challenge me, the community of Point has been the most enriching part of my college experience.”

SUM M ER 2016 | 15

Nehemiah Pace

(LEFT)

B.S., PSYCHOLOGY

22 majors ◊

⅓

Associate degrees

⅔

“One of the most meaningful concepts that I learned from being at Point University is the idea of many cultures and backgrounds coming together to form a community of people who strive for one goal. I am thankful for the extended knowledge that I learned that isn’t always taught in the classroom. Point is a diverse community that allows people’s minds to be shaped in ways that will help them reach people who are very different from them, which is a great attribute.”

bachelor’s degrees

Lindsay Patton Rorick

Allison Mangham

(RIGHT)

B.S., EXERCISE SCIENCE “I had wanted to attend Point since my senior year of high school, but couldn’t afford to at first due to the way scholarships were set up. Two years later, the coach contacted me again and told me about a scholarship change and how I could now afford it. I had just recently been accepted to nursing school, but declined my position in the program because I knew I would regret not coming to Point. This fall, I’ll begin my first quarter at Life University working for my master of athletic training degree!”

(RIGHT)

B.A., PSYCHOLOGY

Christina Parham

B.S., CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES “So many things have given me such a profound and positive experience at Point. The fellowship with others that have been called to ministry, the friendships I’ve gained, the awesome professors and the administrative staff have all been factors in creating an overall life-changing experience from attending Point. I’ve walked away with more than just a degree; I’ve gained life-long friendships. I plan on enrolling at Mercer University to pursue a graduate degree from McAfee School of Theology.”

“I was recruited to come to Point to play basketball and fell in love with the atmosphere of the campus when I visited. Because of the intimate classroom setting, I was able to get to know my professors as people, not just instructors. In turn, my professors cared about me as a person, not just a student.”

more than

½

plan to attend graduate school* *Among bachelor’s degree recipients

16 | P OI NT MAGAZIN E

Trevor Shealy

10 states ◊ (LEFT)

B.S., BIOLOGY

“My Point experience has been so meaningful, because not only has it prepared me for my career path, but it has taught me about Jesus and how to take his love and restoration everywhere I go. I have become a much more confident person; I have learned to love others selflessly; I have grown as a leader; and much, much more. After graduation, I will begin school at Southern College of Optometry in hopes of becoming an optometrist.”

⅔

from georgia

◊ youngest

Cassandra Brown

(LEFT)

B.S., HUMAN RELATIONS “I came to Point University to get my associate degree in order to teach cosmetology in the public high schools. However, once I became engaged with the faculty and students, I saw and learned about the different areas of ministry and careers, and my heart for my original career began to change. The more I learned about the issues that plagued people, the more I wanted to help make their lives a little better. So, I felt that God brought me to Point so that my natural compassionate talent can be used in a greater capacity to help others.”

graduate: 19

oldest

graduate: 65

Ingred Jacobs Jonathan Dejesus

(RIGHT)

B.S., HUMAN RELATIONS

(RIGHT)

B.S., BIBLICAL STUDIES AND PREACHING MINISTRY

“The most meaningful thing about Point is the community. The people that you meet will have a life-long impression that can never be forgotten. The love that you find from your peers and even from your professors — a love that reflects that of Christ, that they care about you as not only a human being, but as a child of God and as someone who is in need of hope! Point cares about you, and not just you now, but the future you. What I mean is that the professors work hard to help shape your character in accordance to that of Scripture, and ultimately, that of Christ. My Point experience has left me in awe of what Point is trying to do and how they are trying to do this. One student at a time, one class at a time, one year at a time.”

Isabelle Amponin

A.A., CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES “When I found out about Church of the Highlands’ partnership with Point University, I decided to pursue a degree at the Birmingham location. The professors do much more than teach textbook materials. They provide godly counsel and effective encouragement. I am grateful to have had professors who genuinely care for, pray over and love their students.”

“The most meaningful thing about my Point experience is the personal transformation.

Discovering purpose, strengths and an enlarged perspective has developed more than I imagined. God’s purpose in my life is alive and so clear at this moment: to serve those who have found no voice.”

ALL biblical studies majors or minors

◊

⅓

vocational ministry degrees

POINT TAKES STUDENTS JOURNEY THROUGH ITALY AND GREECE OVER SPRING BREAK

BY DALLAS PRINCE ’18

18 | Phuxford OI NT MAGAZIN E sarah

EUROPE

Point students on Clovino Beach, near Patras, Greece.

SUM M ER 2016 | 19

Kristen Brinson ’19

Not long after we disembarked our plane in Rome, we were bombarded by the sights and sounds and smells of the Roman streets. After meeting with our tour director, Matteo de Gregorio, who had about fifteen years of experience leading tours, we went to find our bus. Scooters and small cars zoomed by; pigeons mingled beneath us as we walked; the smell of gasoline and cigarettes lingered all around. After loading our bags, we received our first true welcome to Italy: “Well, well, well, ladies and gentlemen . . . my name is Matteo; welcome to Rome.”

After a brief stop at the hotel to drop off our belongings, we made our way to Piazza Navona, a square in the city with fountains, and sculptures, and a towering Egyptian obelisk positioned there by the Roman Empire. Here we had our first taste of Roman culture — and I mean that 20 | P OI NT MAGAZIN E

The next morning, after a breakfast of meats, cheeses, Italian breads and pastries of all kinds, we made our way to the Vatican. Vatican City is an independent city-state, and is not technically a part of Italy. So one might say we left Italy and went to a whole new country that day.

While in the Vatican, we went through the museum. The number of sculptures from Roman history, paintings, artifacts, tapestries and maps is uncountable; even the building itself is quite literally priceless. All of this led into one place that cannot be missed on any tour of Rome: the Sistine Chapel, the structure upon which Michelangelo painted his famous work. The Sistine Chapel has two entrances: one for the Pope, at the front, and one for the common worshippers, at the back. Today, tourists enter through the back, and see a mass of color and chaos; from there, the depictions make little sense. It is not until you wander to the front of the chapel — the Pope’s entrance — that you see the sight that made Pope Sixtus IV fall to his knees in awe.

The chaos comes into focus; the madness becomes order. The creation, the final judgement, the story of Moses, and the story of Christ and the saints standing between each of the frames ­­— it all makes perfect sense.

dallas prince ’18

ooking forward, none of us knew quite what to expect. Jet lag for sure, some history, a lot of culture . . . but together, we 34 students and faculty from Point University embarked on a journey that would carry us through strange and beautiful places still alive with the same beating heart of humanity that carried them through ancient times. We wandered the streets of Rome, marveled at Renaissance sculpture, sailed the Mediterranean, journeyed through the mountains of Greece, and came home with memories far more valuable than any souvenir. But along with all these things, we came to know each other a little better. We shared these experiences together, and will never forget them.

in every sense of the word. Street performers were everywhere. Opera singers, guitarists, people dressed up to pose for photos, vendors selling everything from chestnuts to watercolor paintings — and, of course, gelato. Just down the street is the Pantheon, the ancient temple first dedicated to all of the gods of the Romans, and later as a church. Where idols stood 1,800 years ago, there are now paintings and sculptures honoring figures of Christianity and Italian history.

Most of the churches in Italy seem to come from a time of mystery, when God was honored in the very structure of a church building and stories were told with architecture. Pipe organs line the back walls, and priceless paintings most people only hope to see in textbooks hang everywhere. After the sun set, and we enjoyed our first authentic Italian meal together — pizza — we went back to the hotel to settle in. Our first few memories still lingered in our minds.

would host gladiator matches, criminals were executed, and animals were slain, all open to the public.

It is a remarkable structure from an engineering standpoint, as well. The construction of the Roman arches allowed for a total of four stories, and the whole thing could be evacuated in five minutes.

There was a trap-door elevator from which gladiators would rise up in grand appearance, while more than 50,000 spectators watched.

They say Rome is built on seven hills.

The center-most of these is Palatine Hill, where the mythological Romulus and Remus were said to have been nursed by a she-wolf. We made our way there, where we had a good view of the Colosseum we had just visited and the remains of ancient Roman basilicas and palaces. Somewhere on this hill are the ashes of Julius Caesar. A stone marks the symbolic spot in a courtyard surrounded by ruins.

dallas prince ’18

Above: Piazza Navona; below left: the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica, where the letters at the bottom of the dome stand seven feet high; below right: bronze markers in Rome’s Jewish district indicate where residents were taken from their homes during World War II.

We made our way from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica. The church is huge from the outside, and once inside, the ceiling, rising to an ultimate height of over 400 feet, practically becomes a second sky. The whole place envelopes you. The letters on the ceiling alone stand taller than a person.

Here it is said that Peter is buried. A bronze statue of him is positioned close to the altar. Tourists and pilgrims around us passed by the statue, and as they did, they touched the feet to pay honor to the apostle. As I did the same, I saw that the toes had been touched so many times that they are now polished, smooth and round. It is truly incomprehensible to think how many millions of people — young and old, men and women, Catholics and Protestants — have placed their hands where I did then to wear these feet down to the shiny mirrors that remain.

We left the Vatican with a new sense of the unity of Christendom. It is something none of us will soon forget. But

there was still much of Rome to see that day, including the famous Colosseum. Its original name is Amphitheatrum Flavium, or the Flavian Amphitheater, but has been nicknamed the Colosseum because it is the most well-known one. The fact that it is still standing is a real marvel. It has been salvaged for materials throughout history. The metal pegs that held the stones together have been melted into weapons, and the stones themselves have been crafted into other buildings. But the bulk of the structure still remains and is undergoing restoration. The Colosseum was used for entertainment. Sponsors

But Rome is not only an ancient city; it is also a modern one. During World War II, fascism grew in popularity, thanks primarily to Benito Mussolini.

Many times we passed through Piazza Venezia, where the leader of the National Fascist Party spoke to the masses. Only a few streets away, well within walking distance, was a small Jewish community that still thrives today. While wandering through this quiet part of the city, you will occasionally look down and see a bronze marker with an inscription on it in Italian. One reads, “Here lived Emma Vivatini, Born in 1882. Arrested 16.10.1943. Deported to Auschwitz. Killed 20.6.1944.” It is a harsh reminder of just how recently in human history such terrors occurred. It may be difficult to remember those who were killed by the Caesars long ago, but the same things happen today. One day, future generations will look on us with the same coldness that we look back on the ancients before us, but for now, we are reminded of the human lives our age has lost.

Luckily, not all of human history is filled with terrors. Rome today is full of joyful hustle and bustle, with pockets of peace and quiet. Tourists from every culture mingle together. You overhear conversations in Italian, English, French, Japanese, Korean, German . . . you name it. Visit any of the historic churches, and SUM M ER 2 016 | 21

FLORENCE, ITALY Ashton Bettis ’16

You can barely see us, but that’s okay, because Santa Maria del Fiore. #pointtakeseurope

SORRENTO, ITALY Jessica Langley ’16

No place I’d rather be!!! #pointtakeseurope

POMPEII, ITALY Chris Woody ’17

A view of Vesuvius from the city square. I can’t even imagine the view that people standing there would have had at the time. #pointtakeseurope

22 | P OI NT MAGAZIN E

The group of 34 traditional students and faculty are pictured at left at the Roman Forum. Travelers used the hashtag #pointtakeseurope to document their experiences while on the trip.

ROME, ITALY

Katie Masters ’16 When in Rome... Visit famous monuments, see beautiful artwork, explore gorgeous churches, and of course, eat lots of gelato! #pointtakeseurope

DELPHI, GREECE Kel Key ’17

We took a ferry to Greece. We anchored in Patras, then took the mountain road to Delphi — the same place Leonidas went to consult the Oracle before the Battle of Thermopylae. He had to climb the face of the mountain...we had a bus.

This is about halfway up, featuring our hilarious and all-knowing tour guide, Matteo. Tonight, we dine . . . IN DELPHI! Tomorrow, more ancient stuff. #pointtakeseurope

ATHENS, GREECE Anna Kendrick ’16

I got to see this today. It was pretty incredible. #pointtakeseurope

photos courtesy of students and faculty

SUM M ER 2016 | 23

Above left: the “poor man’s Bible” depicts the last supper over the door of the cathedral; below left: the Gates of Paradise on the baptistery in Florence; near right: the approach to Patras; far right: the Delphi archaeological site.

Florence was a nice change of pace for those who had the pleasure of this optional excursion. In Florence, the streets are less busy, the air is a little fresher, and the whole place has a far more artistic feel. After an hour and a half on Italy’s bullet train, we made our way to Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore, the home of Brunelleschi’s famous dome.

24 | POI N T MAGAZIN E

Slowly, between the buildings, we caught glimpses — until finally, the huge white church stood over us. The outside is intricately decorated with spiraling nooks and crannies, sculptures and paintings.

The detail is incredible. From a textbook photo, you would never have known just how detailed every little feature on the church actually is. There are depictions of the saints and of Christ, and of the stories of the Bible. This is called the “poor man’s Bible,” because most people were unable to read when it was built. These sculptures and paintings gave a visual representation of the Bible that anyone could understand by looking at it.

Immediately across from the cathedral is the Baptistery of Saint John. It is

Sorrento is a gem of the Mediterranean. The streets are perfumed by the scent of lemons, which are a major crop in the area. The food here is also well worth the visit; many dishes feature the fresh taste of lemons and local seafood.

dallas prince ’18

if you are lucky, you might get to hear an organist practicing for a mass. Wander down just about any alleyway, and you may find one of the tastiest meals you have ever eaten. Imagine any kind of spaghetti you could want, brick-ovencooked pizzas, or calzones as big around as your head (true story!).

best known for its three sets of doors, made from bronze, depicting biblical scenes. The doors facing the east are called the Gates of Paradise. Unfortunately, a flood damaged the original doors, but there is a replica in their place.

The originals are in a museum.

We made our way to a pair of buildings, the Palazzo Della Signoria and the Uffizi. These two buildings are in a square which houses many sculptures, including serving as the original location of Michelangelo’s famous David (a replica now stands there). Palazzo Della Signoria was the center of the Republic of Florence before the Medici family took power. From there, we made our way to the Ponte Vecchio, or the Old Bridge. A raised corridor called Corridorio Vasariano led from Palazzo Della Signoria to another palace in a different part of town, over the Old Bridge. The story goes that the magistrates who used the corridor did not like the smell of butchers selling meat below, so they established the Florentine gold market there. To this day, only gold is sold on the Ponte Vecchio.

Here, the locals speak with a different, more flowing accent, and seem to move about at a more leisurely pace. It is no place to be impatient, but rather to sit a while and soak in the sounds and sights and flavors. You can sit down and have some ribollita, a bread soup that is a classic of the Tuscan region, or walk to the northern part of town to the Galleria dell’Accademia, the current home of Michelangelo’s David.

After saying goodbye to Florence, we took the train back to Rome, where we paid one last visit to the Trevi fountain.

We cast in our coins and made a wish, all of us also wishing to one day return to Rome. The next day, we packed our bags and made the drive down to Sorrento.

dallas prince ’18

The atmosphere here is something different entirely from Rome or Florence. It is not so well known for its art or its history, but mostly because it is a nice little city by the sea. There are no vendors hunting you down, no tourist traps, no heavy traffic — only sleepy streets and lemon trees.

The next day, we drove to the nearby ruins of Pompeii. Pompeii is an ancient and dead city, frozen in time. It is like nothing any of us had ever seen. This city did not fizzle out and die, nor did it grow into a flourishing modern city, like Rome. Rather, it stopped — suddenly and abruptly — exactly how it was at the time. To wander the streets of Pompeii is to travel back in time to an age when sailors came to buy and sell, to rest and entertain themselves before heading back to sea. Gladiators fought, gods were worshiped, goods were traded, and life went on. Situated about 17 miles away is the mighty Mount Vesuvius. This was the volcano that brought about the end of Pompeii. One day, without warning, it rained down stones, lava and ashes on the city, literally burying it alive. Castings of children and animals, along with skeletons left over from the catastrophe, remain to haunt, with their contorted figures, those who visit the site. As it stands today, it doesn’t take much imagination at all to send yourself back in time — to see the carts running through the streets pulled by people and horses, and to see children running across the sidewalks.

Many of the frescoes still remain in the buildings, and red paint still lines the walls of people’s homes. There is even a

fountain in the middle of town that still flows. Pompeii is a true ghost town.

From there, we went south to catch a ferry to Greece. We were about to say goodbye to Italy, but hopefully not forever. It was a bittersweet feeling. We had just spent the past week falling in love with this amazing world, but we also looked forward to another.

We boarded our ferry, and after a night of cramped quarters, we went up to the deck to watch the ship dock. The Mediterranean air was refreshing, and the temperature had become far warmer.

Closer and closer, we approached the city of Patras, overlooked by Mount Panachaikon. Soon we would make our way beyond the mountains and into Delphi.

We drove through the city for a while before coming to winding mountain paths. Our ears began to pop as we ascended and descended. We stopped for a late lunch at a restaurant on the beach.

We enjoyed a wide range of Greek foods, from moussaka and calamari to cheese pie and baklava. With the sun hovering only a few handbreadths over the waters and sinking, we went out to bask in the peacefulness of the Mediterranean after our meal. The shore was covered in smooth, grey stones. The water was clear and blue and salty. The wind was calm, and the sound of the waves bid us to stay a while . . . so we did.

We finally ascended the mountain into the modern city of Delphi. We stopped to take some scenic photos of the sun setting over the distant cliffs, and then found our hotel, where Winston

Churchill had once stayed.

In the ancient city of Delphi, the Pythia, or oracle, once proclaimed, “Apollo has no temple left here.” What is left, however, are the ruins of a beautiful ancient place now overtaken by nature.

After visiting the museum, which houses the many lost artifacts found by archaeologists on the site, we ascended to the temple. Just past the agora and the treasuries is the foundation and a few broken columns of the Temple of Apollo. There, the god Apollo was said to speak to a virgin designated as the Pythia, seated over an opening in the ground on a tripod. She would proclaim prophecies to those who asked their questions. Delphi became the center of the ancient Greek world, many even believing it to be the center of the universe. Though the ancient religions no longer remain here, Delphi keeps a peacefulness that only a thousand years of abandonment can bring. It sits at the top of Mount Parnassus. The sounds of birds fill the trees, and stray cats and dogs wander the grounds as the clouds sweep over the peaks of distant cliffs.

Our last full day was spent in Athens.

We toured the city by bus that morning, making our way to all of the major sites in the city. We caught our first glimpses of the Acropolis (it’s hard to miss), and would return there later. But before that we had much to see, including the Panathenaic Stadium, the home of the 1896 Summer Olympics, the first Olympic Games since ancient times. From there we went to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is guarded by the SUM M ER 2 016 | 25

26 | P OI NT MAGAZIN E

Evzones, a ceremonial unit of the Greek Army. We drove by the Athens Academy, the National Library of Greece, and Athens University. Together, these three make up what is called the Athenian Trilogy, each building designed in the neoclassical style.

Finally, we made it to the Acropolis of Athens. Acropolis means “the city at the highest point.” It is easy to see why.

We made our way up the many flights of slippery marble stairs and beheld a stunning view of the vast city. A little further, and there was the Parthenon. The iconic building is remarkable to look at, even in its decrepit state. It has been set on fire, sacked by pirates, converted into a church, then converted into a mosque, and accidentally blown up by the Ottoman Turks. The fact that it is still standing at all is incredible. Restorations are in progress, and will be for a long time.

Perhaps one day it will stand with the same architectural and cultural stature it once did, thousands of years ago.

Nearby is another structure called the Erechtheion. This temple was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. Before it once stood a salt-water spring that was believed to be where Poseidon struck the ground with his trident. There is also (still standing) an olive tree that was said to be given by Athena. These gifts were used by the gods to fight over the loyalty of the Athenians, according to Greek mythology. If you look down from the Acropolis, you can see the Areopagus, also called Mars Hill. This was the mythical site of the Trial of Ares, or Mars.

But in Christianity, it is the site where Paul preached to the Athenians about the unknown God. This is where the temple from Acts 17 stood.

We descended back down to the streets, and went shopping through the Plaka. The Plaka is the oldest neighborhood of Athens, and we happened to be there on the last day of Carnival (yes, Greece has Carnival, too). Children and adults alike dressed up in masks and costumes and danced in the streets.

There was music and celebration everywhere, and confetti littered the ground.

There were dozens of places to shop for souvenirs and food. We explored, visited the Acropolis Museum, and enjoyed our final day in Europe. We had a long day of travel approaching soon.

Our trip was an exciting and educational experience. Everyone learned something different, but we all became closer friends. There were no strangers on this journey. We went together, and found a world beyond our own. We left Greece the next morning, but neither Italy nor Greece left us. For as long as we live, we will always have the memories and experiences of traveling through these places. The streets of Rome are now streets in our minds. Never will we forget the view from the Acropolis, or looking up at Brunelleschi’s dome, or the taste of fresh baklava. We will carry this with us wherever we go. Years will pass, and one day, some of us will look back and ask, “Do you remember . . . ?”

Prince, an English major, wrote this article for an upper-level course in which he was enrolled during the trip.

aaron weiss ’18; jennifer allen craft ’07

The trip turned out to be an unexpected reunion of sorts for Aaron Weiss ’18, Trevor McCullough ’17 and Danielle Garrett ’18. “In elementary school, we all went to Spring Road Christian Church and were really close friends,” explains Weiss. Garrett and her family moved away when she was ten years old, and although McCullough and Weiss visited, as time went on, the trio drifted apart.

“After we graduated from high school, I don’t think we ever thought we’d be that close again,” explains McCullough.

“While we kept up with each other on Facebook and in passing, distance and time interfered in our friendship,” says Garrett. “Then college rolls around, and while we weren’t all together freshman and sophomore year, junior and senior year we all managed to be at the same place. And then we got to go on the trip together.”

“We picked up right where we left off years before,” says McCullough.

Garrett thinks the three will continue to cross paths in the future, even after graduating from Point.

“From small-town besties to traveling the world, the friendship, no matter the distance between us all, with these two will forever be a blessing, and I have a feeling we won’t stay too far from each other,” she says.

McCullough adds, “After the three of us walked down to the water’s edge in Sorrento, where this picture was taken, I wrote in my journal that night, ‘It’s been great to rekindle old friendships and to start new ones.

We’ve done and seen a lot of great things, but the people are what make this trip so awesome.’”

Biblical studies students and faculty in front of Mars Hill, where Paul preached his sermon in Acts 17.

New graduate programs in business and ministry launching this fall

CALL: 706-585-0657

EMAIL: GRADUATE@POINT.EDU

CLICK: POINT.EDU/GRAD

YOU ALREADY KNOW THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE POINT. Why not continue your education at a university you trust? At Point, we create opportunities for students to thrive in educational pursuits. From our multicampus model, to advanced educational technology, to flexible class schedules, your goals are within reach here.

Point University professors are committed to student success, so the academic climate is both rigorous and nurturing. Our master of transformational ministry and MBA in business transformation programs challenge students to see life and mission as one and the same, taking faith into the marketplace in new and culturally relevant ways.

Going back to school is a big step toward achieving your full potential — in education, in life and in your role in God’s world-transforming work. We’re here to simplify the process and help you stay focused on the end result.

FALL 2016 SEMESTER FREE FOR ALUMNI, PLUS 10% TUITION DISCOUNT!

SUM M ER 2016 | 27

Melissa Cochran Stinson ’86 and her daughters, Claire Stinson Sloderbeck ’16 (left) and Caroline Stinson ’17 (right) by sarah huxford

photo by katherine hamilton

inset: melissa as a student in 1984

Point Legacy is a new regular feature in the magazine. Want to share your legacy story? Email editor@point.edu.

P

katherine hamilton; point university archives

POINT LEGACY

arents often hope their children will end up attending their alma maters, but Melissa Cochran Stinson ’86 required it. “Since we had decided to home school, and Point is so welcoming to home-schoolers, I had told both girls, and my son who is in high school now, that they had to go to Point for the first year,” she explains. “If they decided to transfer, they could after they had finished their freshman year.” Both daughters decided to stay, and even roomed together at Point.

A lot has changed here since Melissa’s college days — the University’s name and location, for starters. She and her daughters agree that the biggest difference is the size of the University. “I graduated with twenty-something others; Claire just graduated with seven or eight times that,” says Melissa.

What hasn’t changed, the family asserts, is what’s most important. “I think the mission of ACC and Point has stayed the same,” says Caroline.

“What we are doing at Point is being done in the name of Christ, and I know that was what was happening with ACC.” Claire adds, “I think that the great relationships between professors and students have stood strong throughout the history of Point. Mom and her friends always talk about how close they were to their professors. My time here has given me an opportunity to be close to my instructors and learn so much from them.”

Melissa says her favorite thing from her time in college is the friendships she made that have lasted for 30 years now. “I was concerned that my girls wouldn’t be able to make close, lifelong friends like I had during my time at ACC,” she says. “I was wrong. The girls have made wonderful friends, whom I’m sure they’ll keep in close contact with through the years.”

ALUMNI NEWS

1950s

SPOTLIGHT Bob Wright ’55 and his new bride, Betty Turner Wright ’52, recently connected for a visit with their friend Deering Manning ’53.

1970s Congratulations to C. E. Walz, a.k.a. Carolyn Walz Sennett ’76, upon the publishing of her new book of piano arrangements, Lord of My Heart. Check it out at www.lorenz.com or on Amazon.

Congratulations to Leon and Pam Hopson Ward ’78, who were married February 13 in Lanett, Alabama.

Vivian Akins ’79, broker at Century 21 Real Estate Consultants, was recently recognized

by Century 21 with the Masters Diamond Award for high level production as well as the QSS Pinnacle Award for consecutive years of the highest level of client satisfaction.

photos courtesy of point university alumni

1990s Joy Simpson Griffin (’98-’00) became the president and chief professional officer of the United Way of Hall County (Georgia) on May 1. Joy has been the organization’s vice president of resource development since 2010.

2000s David Bondy ’02 has accepted the position of lead pastor at First Christian Church in Monroe, Georgia. Joining him in ministry is his family, including his wife, Grace Holder Bondy ’03.

Janie Marion Bush ’76 was inducted into the Women of Excellence Academy by the YWCA on March 10 in Lubbock, Texas. Bush was among ten women so honored this year.

According to the YWCA of Lubbock, Women of Excellence “recognizes and honors women in our community who have achieved excellence in their careers or professions and whose contributions to business, industry, organizations, and the community are crucial to the success of the same.”

Community members submit nominations for the recognition, and nominees are then chosen by an anonymous panel. “By promoting women as leaders in Lubbock, the YWCA strives to empower women and their families in order to establish strong role models for future generations of young women,” the organization said in a statement.

Bush was recognized for her devotion and dedication to the arts and culture — specifically, her affiliation with Ballet Lubbock. She has more than 30 years of experience in nonprofit organizations.

Paige Raynor Dees ’03 and her husband, Jason, announce that Edwin “Raynor” Dees was born on April 7. He was born on his Papa’s birthday and is named after his Papa, Rob Raynor ’79.

Raynor has a four-year-old sister, Emery Anna, and a two-year-old brother, John Kellis.

Chris Watson ’04 and his wife, Lisa, welcomed a son, Camden, on April 2.

Dean ’08 and Rachel Jarrell Bowen ’07 welcomed their son, Lucas Aven, on February 15.

His proud big sister is Chloe Anne.

Stephen Waers ’07 will be serving as assistant professor of theology at Manhattan Christian College in Kansas this fall. He recently completed a Ph.D. in historical theology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Stephen and his wife, Katie, have two children.

Katie Kittiko Willis ’07 and her husband, Thomas, welcomed their daughter, Claire Elizabeth, on Sunday, April 10. She was also welcomed by her proud big brother, Connor.

Miles ’09 and Lori Todd Barnes ’09 welcomed a daughter, Elizabeth Virginia, on January 7. Jameson is the proud big brother.

Rusty Hassell ’09 is now serving as executive director of enrollment at Point.

Beth Stewart (’09-’11) has a new position as patient access representative at Tanner Health System in Carrollton, Georgia.

S E N D U S YO U R N E W S !

Tell us about your new job, baby, spouse ... you get the picture. And send us pictures, too – we’ll include them when possible.

Point Magazine’s policy is to wait until anticipated events have become reality to print them in Class Notes. facebook.com/pointuniversity #pointclassnotes @PointUMag #pointclassnotes Point University Alumni Group classnotes@point.edu point.edu/classnotes

SU M M ER 2016 | 29

ALUMNI NEWS

Congratulations to Josh ’11 and Rebekah Bowman Goebel (’10-’13), who were married on December 6 in Ohio.

Phillip Crenshaw ’13 graduated from Gammon Theological Seminary at The Interdenominational Theological Center on May 14.

He is a minister at Cascade United Methodist Church and will be a chaplain at the Atlanta Medical Center.

Ola Fears ’13 founded Ola Gezelle Ministries, Inc., a nonprofit Christian outreach ministry, on January 4.

Erin Woody Greer ’13 and her husband, Barrett, welcomed a son, John Wyatt, on February 22.

Adam ’13 and Shelley Stanfield Pollard ’13 welcomed a daughter, Rosie Mae, on April 15.

Lila is the proud big sister.

Elizabeth Reid ’13 graduated in May from Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan College with a master of arts degree in theology. She also presented a paper, titled “Responsible and Respectful: Karl Barth’s Understanding of Church and State and Its Implications for American Christianity,” at SECSOR (Southeast Commission for the Study of Religion) in March.

Dustin and Nicole Collins Turner ’13 were married on June 11.

Lanna and Marlond Fyffe ’15 welcomed their second son, Jon-Ezra Nehemiah Fyffe, on December 18. He was also welcomed by his big brother, Josiah.

David ’15 and Kristen Ledford Harbin (’12-’13) were married on December 19 in Fayetteville, Georgia.

Amber Hockema ’15 recently began her new career as a social service technician at Second Season Crisis Stabilization, Pathways Center, in LaGrange, Georgia.

Stephanie Ravicchio ’15 is a new barista at Starbucks.

Emma Stimax Remley ’15 and her husband, Mike, welcomed their first daughter, Addilyn Louise, on March 7.

Proud big brothers are Landon and Preston.

Jeremy Sloderbeck ’15 has been accepted to Vanderbilt Divinity School in Nashville. He will be working toward a master’s degree in theological studies with a focus in Old Testament studies.

Several recent graduates will be campus ministry interns this fall: Ashton Bettis ’16 at Bread/Emory University, Anna Kendrick ’16 at Kudzu/Georgia College & State University, and Nehemiah Pace ’16 and Alex Taylor ’16 at Feast/Point University.

Chip Moore ’16 will be attending Life University in the fall, studying toward a doctorate in chiropractic.

David and Lindsay Patton Rorick ’16 were married May 28 in Destin, Florida. Lindsay recently accepted a position with the athletic department at Point.

Kaitlyn Groover ’14 is serving as children’s ministry pastor at Compassion Christian Church in Statesboro, Georgia. Compassion is a campus of her home church, Savannah Christian Church. Kaitlyn serves alongside fellow alumni Harrison Huxford ’06, who serves as campus pastor, and Evan Lovelace ’96, who serves as student ministries pastor.

Haley Whitley ’16 is the new kindergarten teacher at Whitesville Road Elementary School in LaGrange, Georgia.

Sam (’14-’15) and Cara Lyn Wise Crenshaw (’14’15) welcomed a son, James Gordon, on May 16.

Dylan ’17 and Kristen Brinson Moore ’19 were married on May 19.

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

Jenna Bragg ’19, of LaGrange, Georgia, died March 3. She was a student at Point’s main campus, where she was a member of the women’s soccer team.

Roveena Nicole Carter ’17, of Fairburn, Georgia, died February 22. She was an Access program student at the Peachtree City location of the University.

Dan Douglass ’77 died May 6. He served as minister at Weiner Christian Church in Weiner, Arkansas.

Kelly Gowen ’81 died February 13 in Kissimmee, Florida. He spent 38 years in ministry in churches throughout Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Ohio and West Virginia.

Ajalon “AJ” Houston ’18 died April 23 in Valley, Alabama. He was a student at Point’s main campus, where he was a member of the football team.

Jane Lindsey (’64-’68), of Union City, Georgia, died January 31. She was retired after many years at the Federal Aviation Administration.

Floyd Poe Manning, Sr. ’53, of Rockmart, Georgia, died February 8. He was a graduate of the University and of Georgia Tech, and spent time both as an engineer at Lockheed and as minister of Westside Christian Church.

Bette Jo Shaw Pressey ’56, of Roper, North Carolina, died September 24. A retired teacher’s assistant, she is survived by her husband, Arnold Pressey ’58.

Glendora Fischer Warford ’52, of Union City, Georgia, died February 3. She spent most of her life working as an executive secretary.

Jane Sparks Willingham, former adjunct instructor in speech, died February 26 in Union City, Georgia. Willingham was a pioneer at WSB radio and television in Atlanta, becoming the second woman announcer on the radio station. She was also a speech consultant to President Harry Truman and a gifted storyteller.

SAVE THE DATE: HOMECOMING October 11-15 | point.edu/homecoming 30 | P OI NT MAGAZIN E

photos courtesy of point university alumni

2010s

Sam and Mary Beth Widener Eden ’15 were married on May 21.

ALUMNI NEWS

6

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN ETHIOPIA

shutterstock; other photos courtesy of emily archer weeks ’07

1. Eat! Ethiopian cuisine consists most commonly of a large, spongy, flat bread called injera and a variety of spicy stews called wut. Injera b’wut is incredibly tasty, but it will take you out of your comfort zone, as it is served on one large communal plate and there are no utensils. Eating in a small circle, each person tears off pieces of the large, shared injera and uses that piece of injera to pinch a bite of wut.

Ethiopian food is delicious and well loved across the globe.

2. Hike and camp in the Bale Mountains National Park. This park is known for its endless views and wildlife. The Ethiopian wolf, Bale monkey, antelope, alpine lakes, waterfalls, deep gorges and mystical forests are a few of the sights you will see in the Bale Mountains.

3. Visit the Danakil Depression. The lowest and hottest location on Earth, the Danakil Depression is like no other place. If you visit, you will see colorful sulfur springs and multiple active volcanoes. This adventure doesn’t come without its price. At a cost averaging $500 a day, visitors are required to hire members of the local militia for security purposes. Even though personal security and climate concerns are major factors, this desitination is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

4. Sit and enjoy an Ethiopian coffee ceremony. Coffee is a point of cultural pride for Ethiopians, as Ethiopia is considered the birthplace of coffee. The coffee ceremony is a daily custom in most Ethiopian households. A traditional coffee ceremony begins by roasting green coffee beans over an open fire. Once the coffee has been roasted to perfection, the beans are pounded by hand into a fine powder before being put into an Ethiopian coffee pot, called a jebena. The water and coffee together are boiled three times before it is ready to be served to each person in tiny coffee cups. Staying for at least three cups is a mark of true friendship.

BY EMILY ARCHER WEEKS ’07

hewn churches meant to symbolically represent Jerusalem. Every Easter, thousands of Ethiopian Christians travel to Lalibela for a spiritual pilgrimage.

6. Sit on your back porch and watch the monkeys and birds. This is the simple pleasure of those who want to get out of Addis Ababa and stay a while. It is quite fun to watch monkeys as they climb and jump from tree to tree, but make sure your kitchen window is closed — they are sneaky little guys who love to steal your mangos and avocados! And you don’t have to be a serious birder to enjoy the beauty and diversity of Ethiopian birds. Redcheeked cordon-bleus, ostriches, flamingos, dark violet sunbirds and superb starlings are just a sampling of the variety of birds found in Ethiopia.

Weeks and her husband, Travis, are CMFI missionaries and church planters in Nekempte, Ethiopia, where they live with their daughters, Clare and Charlotte.

Want to tell us about your hometown?

Email us at editor@point.edu.

5. Take a pilgrimage to Lalibela. This ancient Christian town in northern Ethiopia is considered to be one of the country’s holiest cities. Here you will see giant rock-

SUM M ER 2016 | 31

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Atlanta, GA Permit No. 3620

507 WEST 10TH STREET | WEST POINT, GA 31833

2016 F OOT BA L L SC HED UL E HOME GAMES FEATURING THE MARCHING SKYHAWKS August 27 6:00 p.m. @ Reinhardt University September 3 3:00 p.m. @ Mississippi College September 10 TBA @ Kennesaw State University September 17 Noon Virginia University of Lynchburg^ September 24 Noon @ Edward Waters College October 1 Noon Warner University* October 8 Noon Middle Georgia State University* October 15 1:00 p.m.

Webber International University* HOMECOMING October 22 Noon @ Southeastern University November 5 Noon @ Ave Maria University November 12 2:00 p.m. @ Benedict College ^ River Bowl Stadium in West Point

* Ram Stadium in Valley

pointskyhawks.com