SEU Magazine | Fall 14

fall 2014 CAMPUS EDITION

faith to believe « leadership team « football behind the mask « homecoming « new majors 1

2

FORWARD MOTION WITH CHRIS OWEN

F

ire 14 marks a new era for Southeastern.

It represents a shift in the dynamics of our culture, where fanmanship, collaboration and excellence are taken to new levels, bringing about a student experience that is second to none.

In 2011, our leadership team began dreaming about what the future of Southeastern could look like. We spent the next few years strategically planning, listening to our community, and praying for God’s guidance as we set out to make Southeastern a place where students could not only receive a degree, but discover their calling; a place where community, discipleship and opportunity could thrive. We wanted to provide a college experience that students could be proud of, where long after they graduate, they are still vested members of our community.

After years in the making, Fire 14 was launched.

The first of many future phases, where new majors were implemented, plans for new buildings began, and new traditions were born. It is the season where fanmanship took on a new meaning for our campus.

Fire 14 was heard in the House of Blues, which, originally built as a venue of entertainment, was transformed into a venue of worship for our third live album recording.

Fire 14 was felt around a Chick-fil-A sandwich, where students could participate in community and enjoy additional food options on our campus.

Our values have not only been the driving force behind Fire 14, but Fire 14 has served to enhance those values. Moving forward is only possible because of our commitment to our values. We are committed to being a Christ-centered, student-focused university that will continue to be courageous in our endeavors with the faith to believe that God will guide our future as we move forward.

And we do intend to move forward.

Fire 14 is the next step in creating a first-class student experience.

We promise, the best is yet to come.

Fire 14 is the culmination of what you’ve seen on our campus this semester. We see it at every home game as our community gathers for tailgating and our football team makes their way to the field. It is seen when our students gear up in red and black because they’re proud to be at SEU.

3

// PG. 6 FAITH TO BELIEVE // PG. 12 DR. SCOTT // PG. 18 LEADERSHIP // PG. 22 HOUSE OF BLUES // PG. 26 ADVENTURES IN LAKELAND // PG. 30 PARKSIDE // PG. 32 HEALTH & WELLNESS // PG. 34 FOOTBALL // PG. 44 FIRE PIT // PG. 46 SCORCH OFF THE FIELD // PG. 48 HOMECOMING // PG. 52 THE UNDERGROUND // PG. 54 SPOTLIGHTS // PG. 58 GRAPHIC DESIGN // PG. 58 NEW MAJORS // PG. 63 FOOD POLL // PG. 64 AWARDS //

4

S TA F F

CONTRIBUTORS

SABRINA O’GORMAN . ADVISOR

WRITERS:

DESIGNERS:

REED BURR . CREATIVE DIRECTOR

KAMI ROSE KATY AMBRAMOWICH DONNIE EDWARDS DANIEL SANCHEZ KELLY FREED DANIELLE SAUTTER NICOLE TILLOTSON ASHLEY CHESHIRE ANDREW KAHLER EVYR MANLEY JENSON METCALF HANK TAYLOR ALYSSA FERREONE CHRIS OWEN

MARVIN EANS ELISABETH HUIJSKENS THOMAS SEIGWORTH BRIANNA GAMEZ

ANDREA REEVES . EXECUTIVE EDITOR JEANMARIE JOHNSON . LEAD WRITER MONICA WINTERS . PHOTOGRAPHER JORDAN GLINDOMRONG . GRAPHIC ARTIST MAEGAN CAROLL . GRAPHIC ARTIST

PHOTOGRAPHY: DAN SANGER DULCE BLANDON SHANTEL HERNANDEZ

EDITORS: NICOLE TILLOTSON DEVIN YASI DONNIE SMITH JILL GREEN CHASE WAGNER DR. JANET DECK DR. KENNETH STEPHENS DR. PATTY LEBLANC JOSHUA DUKE PAMELA CROSBY MELODY PICON TAEEUN KIM KATIE JONES LAUREN MULLINAX BONNIE BOURGEOIS DANA DAVIS PRISCILLA BURR 5

6

What Do You have Faith to Believe?

Faith to Believe, this year’s chapel theme, stems from teachings in Hebrews 11. Teachings have centralized on developing character through faith. The spiritual development of the Southeastern community is challenged by the importance of faith with integrity and holistic living.

The theme throughout the year therefore ventures from the simplicity of everyday living to the extraordinary workings of God that go beyond our own abilities. The following stories are testimonies of students stepping out in faith and experiencing God’s provision in the midst of their present circumstances.

7

Faith to Believe

Zachary Brockner

David Stone Believing in power

BY KAMI ROSE

alexis gauthier

Spencer Miller

8

Zachary Brockner, a Missional Ministries major, attended Southeastern last fall, but due to a lack of finances, Brockner could not return for the spring semester. To others it seemed impossible for him to come back, but he had faith that Southeastern was where God wanted him to be.

During the summer, he worked three strenuous jobs to pay for school.

Towards the end of the summer, he was able to go on a mission trip to Jamaica, where he helped put on VBS for the local kids there.

In everything he did, God revealed to him this: “Work with what you’re given.”

Brockner did just that. He remained faithful to his job and to the people of Jamaica. His pastor and the mayor of his town noticed his good work ethic and passion for missions, so a few days before move-in day, they surprised him with a scholarship that would fully cover his expenses for the rest of his time here at Southeastern!

“This year I have faith to believe that God will show His great power and grace to me unlike before,” says Brockner.

Believing for Salvation and Growth

BY ANDREA REEVES Alexis Gauthier, resident assistant for Aventura Hall, spent this past summer serving with Youthworks, an organization that provides missions trips for teens. As the program coordinator in St. Louis, Missouri, Gauthier partnered with 21 non-profits in the area while working with various youth groups that came every week over the summer.

“I preached five days a week for nine weeks,” says Gauthier, who is studying church ministries and public relations/journalism at Southeastern.

“It definitely took a lot of faith because I didn’t know where I was going to live this summer until about two week before I started, which was really scary!”

Gauthier was not only able to practice her ministerial gifts, like preaching and spoken word, she was also able to be active in two of her other passions: missions and youth.

“I went to Haiti my freshman year and when I went there, I realized I wanted to make missions more of my life than it was before,” says Gauthier, who learned the importance of starting the day with an open heart and communication with the Lord this past summer.

“I have faith to believe that my family will be saved, and that all the girls in my hall will come to know God and experience growth in His presence in whatever is right for them,” says Gauthier.

Ashley Blose Believing in Promises

BY KAMI ROSE This summer, Ashley Blose, a Southeastern junior, co-led a mission trip to Mongolia.

Why Mongolia? “Who knows?” says Blose. “I would not have picked Mongolia out of all the places I could have gone.”

Ashley confesses she never really wanted to go to Mongolia. It was not until a few days before the trip that she fully surrendered it to the Lord. During one of her devotionals, she read about committing one’s way to God and He would take you to the heights. It was then that Ashley was stirred to humbly pray these words: “I commit my way to You.” Mongolia turned out to be a place for healing in her life. Ashley was going through a period of transition and so were the missionaries that she worked with; encouragement was exchanged between them. The Lord was faithful in bringing Ashley to Mongolia at the perfect time—not only to bless her, but to allow her to be a blessing to the missionaries there. This year Ashley has faith to believe in God’s promises for her life.

9

Faith to Believe

Believing for Big Things

BY ANDREA REEVES

Anna Burghardt

Laura Wells

“Through it all, I knew it was God’s will for me to go,” says Anna Burghardt, a junior at Southeastern studying education.

Over the summer, Burghardt went on an SEU mission trip to India, where she was able to work with impoverished children. “Missions has been on my heart since I was seven years old, and so is teaching,” says Burghardt. “God really showed me how I can use teaching and missions…that it doesn’t have to be one or the other.”

Burghardt was not only confirmed in the future God has for her, but also in the path she chose at Southeastern. “I realized that the skills that I’m learning here, with my degree, can be used in the mission field,” says Burghardt.

Going on a trip with Southeastern allowed Anna to see what leading a trip would look like, if she were to do it herself.

This summer, Anna is leading a group to the Philippines with the university.

“I feel like this is one step closer to being able to do what God has called me to do,” says Burghardt. Anna has faith to believe that God is going to fund her and her team’s trip and that God is going to work in the lives of the kids they minister to.

“I want to have faith to believe for big things, not just simple stuff…I want their lives to be affected and for them to go on to do amazing things,” says Burghardt. “Because you never know the one life you’re going to touch, who will go on to touch a thousand more people.”

Believing in God’s Touch

BY KAMI ROSE Laura Wells was recently called into missions and served on her first trip over the summer. She worked on a Native American reservation camp in Montana. Reservation camps are not the most joyful of places; in fact, they can be quite depressing. The girls she encountered experienced more turmoil than most people can imagine; Laura often kept her distance from the girls, but the Lord was calling her out of her comfort zone. One day in chapel, Laura felt God leading her to sit beside one particular girl.

“When I looked at her my stomach completely dropped,” says Wells. Despite her fears, Laura walked over to the girl and for the rest of the week was able to develop a relationship with her. By the end of the week the girl had made a complete transformation and even shared her testimony on stage.

The Lord taught Laura that no matter how downcast a person might seem “there is so much more inside than you realize.” Wells has faith to believe that God is going to touch many lives this year.

10

Believing in miracles

BY JEANMARIE JOHNSON Everyone has a dream of some kind. It could be the dream of getting married to that perfect person, landing a dream job at the New York Times, raising a happy family somewhere in Beverly Hills or Miami, or maybe backpacking through Europe. Dave Stone’s dream was to attend Southeastern University.

In sixth grade, Stone knew Southeastern was the place for him. However, he realized later that his family was in a state of financial stress, making the reality of his hopes, his plans, impossible to attain.

“With tears in my eyes, I asked God to make a reality of the vision He placed in my heart,” says Stone.

Stone soon after received mail from a distant family friend; inside was a check for $10,000.

It was a miracle, and for Stone, it was a dream come true.

“Not only did the money come when I needed it, but it came from someone who did not know I needed it at all!” says Stone.

He attended Southeastern in the 20132014 school year. God had been faithful to get Stone here, but the money was all gone, and he still needed much more in order to return the following year. With a thankful but heavy heart, Stone said his goodbyes at the end of the semester. However, God had bigger plans.

While Stone forced himself to accept that it was time to move on, just weeks before school was to start up again, he received yet another check, this time for an even greater sum.

“In my lowest low, when I felt completely helpless, God invoked miracles to get me to where I am called to be. Even in my doubt, God has made Himself known,” says Stone.

Believing in Changed Hearts

BY JEANMARIE JOHNSON John Lennon once said, “Life is what happens to you when you’re busy making other plans.” In many cases, this is the truth. Often, plans are made, but obstacles delay those plans or prevent them entirely from happening.

Spencer Miller, a student at Southeastern, was fully reliant upon his car for transportation to and from his home in Missouri. By the time the end of his first year approached, everything that could have gone wrong, did.

Out of money and with a car falling to pieces, Miller prayed his way through the 1,000+ mile trip back home to Missouri. By the time he arrived home, his car was un-drivable. Miller sent Southeastern his letter of withdrawal.

“I had to start looking for another alternative for school and transportation. I then began to enroll at Evangel University (EU), which is 2 hours away from my house,” explains Miller.

It was then that Miller saw God begin to work things out. He rarely saw his grandparents, because they live nearly two hours away; however, Miller’s grandparents called him one day saying they wanted to get him a car, which ensured him that he would be able to make it to and from EU safely.

“Even though I was enrolled in EU, where all of my family graduated from, I still felt an unrest in my spirit... I felt God calling me back to SEU and to Ruach Ministries—the church that I am involved in here,” says Miller.

Since Miller had already withdrawn, getting back to SEU could have been really complicated. With a hopeful heart, he made the call. Miraculously, Miller’s paperwork had never been processed, meaning he was still an SEU student.

“God provided a car, halted the withdrawal papers I submitted to SEU, allowed me to have a painless withdraw from EU, and brought me back safely to my family, and Ruach (my church), and SEU,” says Miller. “During this whole experience my faith was shaken, I fell, I got back up, I was forgiven, and I was embraced by the love of the Messiah.”

Through this incredible journey, Miller was changed. He has faith to believe that God will change the hearts of many on SEU’s campus.

11

DR. ROBERT SCOTT

BY JEANMARIE JOHNSON

12

13

14

“In order to understand another person’s calling, it is essential to know the person. I make every effort and take every opportunity to know my students in such a way that I can assist them in growing into God’s calling on their life and career,” says Dr. Robert Scott, a professor in the Department of Communication at Southeastern.

There is something special about a person, a teacher, or a professor who genuinely cares about the people around them.

In and out of the classroom, Scott

portrays what it means to care about students.

From beginning to end, his journey is one he doesn’t hesitate to share.

He grew up in Euclid, Ohio, a primarily Caucasian suburb, graduating from high school in 1967. Scott never had an interest in academics because he had never done well in school due to learning disabilities that were unknown to him until later in his life. Up until that time, he had merely been identified as “stupid,” as he nearly flunked many of the first six grades.

“I had a lot of encouragement to go to college, but it wasn’t because of my academic capability, it was because I could play football,” says Scott.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t offered enough money to attend a university that had a football program, so he went to a school that had nothing to offer him in the way of athletics.

“I managed to get out of [academic] probation my first semester [of college] with a very low GPA… my second semester, I sealed the deal with the worst GPA… I flunked out, but I deserved it,” says Scott.

Thereafter, Dr. Scott was quickly drafted into the U.S. Military due to what was known as a birthday draft; his birthday was among the first dates drawn.

After three-and-a-half years, Scott was married and had a child.

“Because I was the only one in my unit to be married and have a child, they gave me a pass on going to Vietnam—my entire unit

went to Vietnam except me,” says Scott.

At the time, Scott was stationed in Germany, where they had what was called The University of Maryland, a system for military personnel, and he decided to go back to school. He took English and composition classes.

“I did well in those classes because my first wife was an English major and I had an incredible teacher that understood my weaknesses and helped me,” says Scott.

Eventually he attained a degree in Speech and Hearing Therapy. Three years after graduation, Scott became extremely active in a youth group at his church. “I felt that it was my calling and I actually thought in terms that I would go to a seminary,” says Scott.

He went so far as to pay fees for a seminary program, but upon arriving at orientation, had a pressing feeling he was “going the wrong way.” Not long after, Scott

was still working with the youth at his church. After a revival, the youth group grew exponentially.

“The kids started going to schools and witnessing for Christ.

It was a really exciting time and I thought that this is what I was about and what I wanted to do,” says Scott.

Unfortunately, after less than a year, those same kids started turning away from their faith. “I started to wonder where their influences were coming from,” says Scott.

He soon realized the problem was school. The youth spent a minimum of seven hours there each day, excluding extracurricular activities. They were also immersed in what was going on in the media. Scott had a burning desire to fix this issue of poor influence.

After realizing what an impact media had on society, he decided to attend Regent University in 1978 to pursue a master’s degree in

Communication. He quickly realized this was his calling.

“That Christian schooling I got at that school completely changed my attitude about education and what it means to be an educated person,” says Scott.

After moving back to Bowling Green, he started a youth ministry involving media.

He began doing Christian programming on a local secular station. Very quickly, Scott became a radio producer, and his efforts of using radio through youth ministry grew immensely.

Through these experiences, Scott found a passion for teaching and returned to school to receive a PhD in Mass Communication.

When asked what made a difference, why he wound up

Part-Time After-School Group Leaders Wanted!

Interested in a part-time job opportunity working with school-aged children?

We are looking for energetic, creative, responsible professionals who love working with children age 4-12 for our AFTER-SCHOOL school-age program.

Stop by and fill out an application!

801 W. Beacon Road Lakeland, FL 33803 (863)-686-5116 We look forward to meeting you!

•No experience necessary •Must be dedicated, dependable and have a passion for children •Be able to work Monday-Friday •Must be 18 years of age or older •High school diploma or GED required •Teaching degrees are not necessary but a real plus!

Hours: Monday through Friday 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM Locations at elementary schools throughout Polk County

15

doing so well in school, Scott said it had very much to do with a good teacher he had in high school, as well as a college professor.

“He [my chemistry teacher] took me to his office one day and told me that I shouldn’t be failing these classes, and [he] showed me how to do better in them. When I went to college, my speech professor wouldn’t let me go… I was just so determined that I couldn’t do it, but he kept encouraging me that I could and that he would help me…and… prayed for me,” says Scott.

He eventually graduated with honors, which Scott attributes to God’s calling on his life.

“Once I gave myself to Him and accepted the fullness of His Holy Spirit, it empowered me to do what I thought I couldn’t do,” says Scott.

In 2007, after teaching at a state university for a while, Scott

16

realized how deeply he wanted to return to a Christ-centered school. He’s now in his eighth year at Southeastern.

Scott said the experiences he had, growing up with good and bad teachers, has really impacted who he is now as a professor. Whether it’s his willingness to pour into his students, or having his classes over for dinner multiple times throughout the semester, Scott’s heart for his students shows in all he does.

“An integral part of my mission is to appreciate every person to which I am assigned,” says Scott. The impact Scott has made in the lives of students is one that will go far beyond their time in the classroom.

“If I can help to advance any student, through teaching, beyond their starting point, I have succeeded in my calling,” says Scott.

CROSSWORD CH AL L E NG E

31

DOWN: 1. Number of chapel credits traditional students need every semester 2. Myles Shank’s latest “Exposure” documentary - “Destination: _____” 3. The acronym for Friday night home game pre-parties 4. SEU’s mascot 5. Homecoming King 2014 7. Wednesday morning small groups are also known as _____ 8.“Destination” documentaries premiere here 9. Ron _____ is one of Portico’s popular drinks 10. He made an appearance at the live album recording and spoke at First Chapel this semester 16. Southeastern’s “main street” 19. The theatre department’s recent fall production 20. This new program lets you grab lunch from Tuscana Ristorante in a hurry 22. SEU: where students find their “____ design” 29. Last name of the professor in charge of Reflection Chapel.

(HINT: He has an awesome beard!)

ACROSS: 6. Newest major under College of Arts & Media (featured in this edition) 11. “We Didn’t Invent the Chicken...”

12. “You’re _____, through the ages. You are good...”

13. SEU’s community devotional plan 14. SEU Worship recorded their third live album here 15. President of Southeastern University 17. Dr. Joe ____ is Dean of the College of Business and Legal Studies 18. This year’s theme (often hashtagged on social media) 21. First campus-wide event of the year 23. First SEU doctoral program 24. Our new off-campus residence hall 25. A dance team comprised of SEU dancers and cheerleaders 26. Take an “insta” of your favorite latte at this SEU coffehouse 27. 2014 Homecoming Queen 28. “My ____ and only point” - Andrew Gard 30. At SEU events, this drink gives you wings!

31. RDG stands for Redeemed Dancers of _____

COMPLETE YOUR PUZZLE AND GET 10% OFF YOUR NEXT ORDER AT PORTICO 17

Q&A “What you didn’t know about the A-Team” Getting close and personal with Southeastern University’s Leadership Team

BY JEANMARIE JOHNSON

18

Q A

Johnson: Who on the leadership team... has the worst jokes?

Permenter: Bill.

Ingle: I like to think that everyone on the team has a great sense of humor and we all definitely love to laugh together. It’s interesting to see how everyone has a different sense of humor, but we all still end up laughing together.

Carroll: Dr. Permenter has the driest sense of humor of the team…but, consequently he has to be the funniest guy on our team, out of nowhere he will say something and you just can’t help but laugh…

Is the funniest?

Ingle: I think the whole team would agree with me that Dr. Brian Carroll is definitely the one that makes all of us laugh.

Rowland: Dr. Permenter has the most dry sence of humor out of all of us. We all are kind of crazy in our own way.

Permenter: Me.

Brings the fun?

Permenter: Brian.

Carroll: I would like to think that I bring the same type of value proposition that a Tuxedo T-Shirt has to offer. Because, it says that I am formal, but I am here to have a good time.

Keeps you grounded?

Carroll: Dr. Hackett is definitely the Yoda of the team. He always brings wisdom and levity to the room, and he is a great sounding board.

Rowland: We have Dr. Ingle as the mastermind, Dr. Hackett is Yoda, Chris is a creative, Brian is a negotiator, Andrew is an analyst and I would label myself as a strategist.

Permenter: Kent.

Q A

Johnson: What’s your favorite thing to do with your family?

Carroll: Going to their sporting events; our kids are super active in soccer, football, baseball and golf. Also, we really like traveling…we try to make at least one or two road trips a year somewhere.

Hackett: I just love to spend time with my family in any capacity. I love it when they come to our house and we spend time on the boat or in the pool. I enjoy watching my oldest grandson wrestle. I love being a playmate to my 3-year-old grandson.

I love just to look at my two beautiful granddaughters. My wife is my best friend. I have the best daughter and son-in-law, and son and daughter-in-law.

Ingle: I love to make time to enjoy a good meal together with my family and friends. We also like to take weekend trips and explore new areas, beaches and cities in Florida.

19

Q A

Johnson: What do you do to unwind at the end of the day, or on the weekend?

Hackett: Spending time with my wife, working around our house, working on my cars, even washing the dishes relaxes me.

Rowland: I love to relax by the pool, go to the beach, or go for a hike.

Permenter: I like to read; mostly non-fiction, but I’ve read a few good novels too.

Carroll: Unwind…. People actually do that?

Q

Johnson: Speaking of relaxing, what is currently your favorite TV show?

A

Ingle: I don’t watch too much TV, but when I do I like to catch a game or two on NBA League Pass. I’ll also watch the news and keep up with what’s happening in the country and around the world.

Rowland: Survivor.

Carroll: Believe it or not…I really don’t watch TV other than for important stuff, like college football or English Premier League Soccer!

Hackett: I love to watch old black and white movies on TCM, but my two favorite TV shows are Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. Permenter: I’m watching the PBS documentary on the Roosevelts.

Q

Johnson: Where is your favorite place to eat?

A

Ingle: It’s hard to choose a favorite place, but I definitely like the Cheesecake Factory, and I definitely love In-N-Out Burger.

They are the best burgers ever made.

Carroll: “The Palm” in NYC or “McCormick and Schmicks.”

Hackett: I love Tapatios, Catfish Country, and Bonefish Grill.

Permenter: We like Mexican. I love steaks and such, but my wife leans more toward vegetarian.

Q A 20

Johnson: What keeps you grounded?

Ingle: All of us are pretty focused and know when its time to be serious and when to crack a joke. I make sure that the team stays focused when we need to take care of business. So I think that responsibility falls under my duties. I think that as a team though, we all work together so well that we don’t have a tough time getting down to business.

Q A

Jeanmarie Johnson: Why are you passionate about what you do here? What is your favorite part about your job?

Ingle: One of my favorite parts about my job here is that I get to meet with students on a regular basis and learn from them and also pour into them…I love helping them discover who they are and what they were designed to do.

Rowland: I believe I am using my talents and abilities to help students find a Christ-centered college experience that will help shape and mold them in their most formative years.

Hackett: I am truly blessed to do what I feel God has called me to do. I love working with people. I love teaching and being with students…The students are what gives the university life. Students are the best part of my job.

Permenter: I like to see students being challenged intellectually; to do more than they thought they were capable of…to be awakened to the whole world of scholarship in a particular discipline.

Carroll: It may sound cliché, but I love to see the impossible or improbable become reality.

Dr.Bill Hackett

DR.Brian Carroll

Hometown: Born in Delaware, grew up in Pennsylvania Position: Full-time professor and Provost Been with SEU for 26 years—hired as a full-time faculty member in 1988.

Hometown: Bartow,Florida Position: Executive Vice President Been with SEU since the mid-90s, either as a student, advisory board member, or donor, but came on board full time with Dr. Ingle in March of 2011.

Roy Rowland

DR.KenT iNGLE

Hometown: Olympia, Washington Position: Vice President of Enrollment Management Been with SEU for going on four years.

Hometown: Denver, Colorado and Bakersfield, California Position: President of Southeastern University Been with SEU for three years.

DR.Andrew Permenter Hometown: Maryland Position: Vice President of Institutional Research and Extended Education Been with SEU for nine years.

Chris Owen Hometown:Lakeland and South Carolina Position: Vice President for Student Development. Hired on as campus pastor in 2009, became vice president in 2011.

21

SEU WORSHIP’S LIVE ALBUM AT THE

HOUSE OF BLUES O

n Monday, November 3, SEU Worship put on their third live album recording.

This time it was bigger than ever!

The album recording took place at the House of Blues, located at Downtown Disney in Orlando, Florida with a max capacity of 2,200 people. This was a historic night for Southeastern and a powerful time of worship that was free and open to the surrounding community. Previous albums, “No Other Name” and “So All The World Will Know,” have ranked second in the category of Christian/Gospel, and ranked in the top fifty Christian/Gospel overall charts on iTunes.

“This year’s album recording is going to be just a little crazy. We’re doing a few things that we’ve never done before: We’re recording off campus for the first time, we’re also doing a few songs that haven’t been heard outside of the confines of SEU worship,” says Sumner Curtis, co-songwriter and vocalist for SEU Worship.

During the course of the live album recoding, over twelve songs were performed, and guests, Chad Veach from Zoe Church in California, and Rich Wilkinson Jr. from Garden’s Trinity Church in Miami, made a special appearance.

How did SEU Worship choose the House of Blues as their venue? Well, let’s just

22

BY KELLY FREED say God opened a door that Southeastern couldn’t have opened by themselves. “The theme this semester is ‘Faith to Believe,’ and this blows our minds,” says Chase Wagner, campus worship pastor. The team believes having a night of worship in such a populated public area was an incredible opportunity to minister to the community. “These songs have been extremely close to our student body’s hearts and they have been written to represent this community and our prayers this year,” says Kenzie McGinnis, a member of SEU Worship. “Because the songs are so personal to our community at Southeastern, they become great tools to reach our surrounding community, even Downtown Disney, Orlando.”

“We believe that God is always doing new things through the body of Christ and we want to write songs that would reflect what He’s doing in our own lives and as a worship community. Psalm 33:3 says to sing to the Lord a new song. We love to do just that,” says Raney Wade, a vocalist who will be graduating this December.

“We, as worship leaders, are called to use music and creativity to provide moments for individuals to encounter the presence of God. We know that times of worship can be life changing for people and want to take these moments seriously.”

The live album recording was a time to draw people closer

to God through worship songs and provided an exhilarating and historic night for Southeastern students to be a part of. “We are praying that people will encounter Jesus the night of November 3, and that they will never be the same,” says Tiffany Hammer, a vocalist of the worship team. “This is a special time for the community,” Chase Wagner emphasizes. This truly was a oncein-a-lifetime experience. Students did not want to miss this special event. In the words of Curtis, “Be sure to come out! Don’t miss such a historical opportunity to jam for the Lamb.”

That night, the House of Blues, a place where people like Snoop Dogg, Lady Gaga, and Lecrae have performed, was transformed into a sanctuary of praise. “The whole atmosphere of the night was indescribable. You could just feel God’s presence the second you walked into the House of Blues, and the second SEU Worship started playing, it got even better. Everyone there was so on fire, and so excited to be worshipping,” says Southeastern junior, Amanda Simone. Since the event, students have proclaimed that SEU Worship turned the House of Blues into a house of worship. People are now eagerly awaiting the release of the CD. The anticipated release date is February 9, 2015, which is the beginning of SEU Conference.

This pivotal night in Southeastern’s history was a can’t-miss event.

23

24

25

I

LAKELAND

BY EVYR MANLEY

One of the best things about Southeastern University is the community the campus resides in. Lakeland, Florida; is home to a little over 100,000 citizens, and is a melting pot of culture, religion, and entertainment.

Southeastern students can take a short drive to the downtown area, where there are multiple shops, restaurants, and parks to visit. There are also dozens of lakes, perfect for sunset viewing or duck feeding, all around town, including Lake Hollingsworth and Lake Mirror.

26

S

tudents can find themselves naturally drawn to food, especially when it is affordable. Jamie Gayheart, a sophomore and elementary education major, shared her favorite spot for good food.

“There is this local restaurant here in Lakeland called Fat Maggie’s which is a must-go if you’re a lover of good food,” says Gayheart. “The service takes a while sometimes, but that’s because it’s so popular; people are always visiting. Their burgers, cheese dip, root beer, barbecue sauce, and fries are all good. Price is about medium range… Not cheap, but not too expensive. It’s definitely one of my favorite places in Lakeland!”

Students can also find quality shopping in Downtown Lakeland, from department stores to thrift shops.

“My two favorite shops are 360 Unlimited and Lloyds of Lakeland Antiques,” says Joni Bing, a junior and film major. “Both are filled with hospitable people who are knowledgeable about their store and what they carry. I’ve gone to both and found some amazing items (like my Embers dress and a vintage Rolling Stones record) for under thirty dollars, which is absolutely unheard of these days.”

One event that brings the community together to enjoy the arts and activities is First Friday. Suggested by its name, the event is held on the first

“I HAVE FALLEN HEAD OVER HEELS FOR THIS CITY AND WOULD LOVE TO SPEND MY POST-GRAD YEARS HERE STARTING UP MY CAREER.” - MAGGIE ROSS, YLAKELAND EDITOR Friday of the month, and showcases live music, art, and a car show, while providing family friendly entertainment and activities. The event is held in the streets of Downtown Lakeland and highlights the retail shops and restaurants as well. Southeastern University has showcased their theatre programs at First Friday, from performing scenes from Everyman to having living statues Aphrodite and Artemis (played by Jo Torres and Jaci Stephans respectively) to promote the Greek tragedy of Hippolytos. Unpland Improv, the improvisational comedy show that is run and broadcasted

by Southeastern students, has also performed at First Friday, providing laughter through the cast’s individual talents.

Students can become involved with the Lakeland community by checking out the website YLakeland. com. Originally created as an initiative of the Lakeland Economic Development Council in 2005, the site contains videos, articles,

photos, and other content concerning all of the possible activities in Lakeland. They cater to local businesses and campuses through giveaways and events, building relationships and connecting them to the public.

Maggie Ross, YLakeland’s editor, loves having the opportunity to be connected to the city. “I have met so many people and learned about so many hidden gems here that I have fallen head over heels for this city and would love to spend my post-grad years here starting up my career,” says Ross.

“It’s a unique community with thriving local businesses and community members that work every day to make Lakeland the best place it can be.”

Students can also become involved in the Lakeland community through the YLakeland Video Contest.

“Any stories submitted to the Southeastern Times that may be of interest to the Lakeland 27

community are more than welcome to be submitted,” says Ross. “Ylakeland is always interested in people looking for internships [as well].”

of the different experiences and different locations to go.

It’s also fun to go with friends, except when you fall and eat the ground,” says Potter, laughing.

Southeastern also has the “I Heart Lakeland” initiative, headed up by Commuter Life Coordinator, Frankie Cunningham.

Whether it’s exploring local shops, attending First Friday, or discovering new restaurants, sometimes the best time spent in Lakeland is simply hanging out with friends.

“The program was conceived through the desire of wanting our students to understand that they can enjoy living in Lakeland and not have to go to Orlando/ Tampa,” says Cunningham.

“The initiative isn’t necessarily a program to get involved in. It’s more of me and my staff going through the event calendars of Lakeland and finding events that align with the values of SEU and promoting those events under the umbrella of ‘I Heart Lakeland.’ It’s as if we’re saying, ‘These events have our stamp of approval and we think you’ll really enjoy them.’”

Sometimes, students don’t have a favorite place, but a favorite activity.

“My favorite thing to do in Lakeland is longboarding,” says Jordan Potter, a sophomore and film major.

“Lakeland is actually perfect for longboarding, because

28

“As long as I’m with friends, I’m good,” says Potter.

L AKEL AND’S TOP TEN Farmer’s Market

Food Truck Rally

Circle B Bar Reserve

Every Saturday morning in

Every second Thursday of the

Birding and wildlife viewing

Downtown Lakeland 9 am - 2 pm

month in Munn Park 6-9 pm

spots

First Friday

Polk Theatre

Silver Moon Drive-In

Every First Friday of the month in

Built in 1928.

Historical outdoor theater

Downtown Lakeland 6-9 pm

Movies and performing arts.

Flying Tigers

Pics on the Promenade

Hollis Gardens

A minor league baseball team

Every First Friday of the month in

A neoclassical

based in Lakeland

Downtown Lakeland 6-9 pm

architectural environment on

Polk Museum of Art

Lake Mirror

A nationally accredited art museum

29

PARKSIDE APARTMENTS

BY ANDREW KAHLER

30

S

outheastern University is growing and expanding every single year. There are over 3,434 students enrolled here, the largest number of students in our college’s history; adding to this historic year, a brand new Chick-fil-A Express was recently opened on campus, the new football stadium has been completed, continued progress is being made on our new College of Natural Health and Sciences building, and construction for the new Choral Rehearsal Hall will soon begin. What is not in the process of being built however, is new housing.

With 2,225 traditional students enrolled but under 2,000 available spots to live on campus, this raises a question of where those extra students are able to live.

The solution to this question is located only four miles south of campus, Parkside Apartments.

Although Parkside is not located on Southeastern’s property, they are still considered a vibrant and important part of our community.

In many ways they are just like a dorm here on campus. They have a Resident Director (RD), the talented Josh Duke, and a Resident Life team, full of students who are eager to serve.

Many of the students who made the move to Parkside lead roles in student leadership, like Jordan Keene, a Practical Ministries major who can often be seen assisting with FYE. “I liked having the option of living off-campus, and saving a few bucks by cutting out the meal plan, but also living close enough that I can still go to all the school events,” said Keene.

“I stay involved by waking up earlier and doing my part on campus and staying up later till all I need to do on campus is done,” explains Eric Hughes, a Music Business major and member of SEU Worship, despite living off-campus.

All of this would not be possible, however, without the guidance of Parkside’s Resident Director, Josh Duke. Southern man, born and bred, Duke has a real passion for fishing and kayaking. So much so that he started his own business, Florida Kayak Anglers, which provides a community for like minded outdoorsmen. Married

since 2009, he and his wife Saralyn had their first child on September 28th, 2014. It’s his first year working at Southeastern University as an RD, and he is excited to tackle this new experience.

“I loved the idea of getting to constantly be in the midst of students. There is something special about doing life with people on a daily basis,” says Duke about what first interested him in being an RD. Since Parkside Apartments are off-campus housing, most of the students living there are upperclassman, and many of them are athletes. This aspect in particular interested Duke, an athlete himself, when he first decided to apply for the position.

“There is something special about doing life with people on a daily basis...”

“What I love about Parkside is the amount of athletes we have, because they are such a strong piece of our SEU community.

So having them there creates community inside of a community.

We attend their games, and this creates a great culture among our students,” says Duke.

PHOTO BY JOSH DUKE

So to anyone who was worried that living off campus would take away from the SEU experience, the residents and the RD of Parkside Apartments would have to disagree. From a personal kitchen to the unique opportunity to grow into adulthood while still having that special community experienced on campus, it’s never been a better time to explore new housing options.

“Parkside is a great place for you to be intentional and grow in a holistic way. The community in the rooms and relationships between rooms is so strong because of community developed previously.

Therefore, it’s a great place to grow deeper with people and do life together,” says Duke.

31

BY D DAN ANIE IELL LLE E SA SAUT UTTE TER R

After topping the scale at almost 230 lbs. in high school, I was overweight, unhappy, and carried around an unhealthy amount of low self-esteem. It wasn’t until I came to Southeastern in the fall of 2006 that I resolved to take better care of my mind, body, and soul. I started working out consistently for the first time in my life. I ate more salad than I care to remember— and thankfully I still do. Now that I am eight years into my health and wellness journey, with over 25 pounds down and many inches lost, I can give the following pieces of advice: • The more you fuel your body with whole foods – fruits, vegetables, eggs, grilled lean meats and seafood– the better you’ll feel. Seriously, your mood, energy, and sleep will thank you for it!

• Choose your calories wisely.

Personally, I would rather have an ice cream cone than drink CocaCola with every meal, but my 32

roommate swears Coca-Cola from McDonald’s is life-giving. Know your diet “must haves,” but enjoy them in moderation.

• STOP SKIPPING MEALS. Always have a healthy to-go option handy – Almonds, protein bars, or fruit with peanut butter. To keep up your energy and metabolism, it is better to eat something small and protein-packed than to skip a meal altogether.

• Coffee isn’t the enemy, but the cream and sugar are! If you can’t drink your coffee black, see it as a dessert versus a daily addiction. It’s the cream and sugar that carry all of the calories.

• Like mom always said, eat your veggies! Eat the best lettuce (spinach, romaine, kale and dark leafy greens) and include veggies whenever possible (in your omelet, pasta, or on your burger).

• Drink more water. Often when you feel hungry, your body is simply

thirsty. Before you enjoy a midafternoon or late-night snack, try drinking a full glass of water first.

• Know when to go home and go to sleep! Sleep deprivation is directly linked with over-eating and poor weight management. The less you sleep, the more you’re likely to overeat or eat too many sugars, so make sleep a priority.

Choosing foods like fresh fruit, vegetables, and lean proteins cannot only help reduce your stress level, but will also reduce your risk of disease and increase your energy. Improving your health and wellness has to be something you deliberately choose to do, and it isn’t about depriving yourself of everything you enjoy eating, but about finding balance. Whether you need to cut the coffee, make sleep a priority, or eat more veggies, all of these changes are possible. Find a friend to come along with you and as always: Be Healthy. Be Happy. Be Well.

THE STUDY BUDDY THE BEVERAGE OF CHAMPIONS. ONE DIGEST, YOU’LL ACE THE TEST.

BY DANIELLE SAUTTER

We have all been there before – late night cram sessions with a Red Bull or favorite coffee drink. The problem? The caffeine only works for a few hours, and then we need more. More caffeine. More calories. More processed sugars. We have to retrain our brains through our habits to choose better nutrition whether we are studying or not. This study buddy smoothie will give you the energy you need to stay focused and ensure that you’re getting 2–3 servings of fruit each day.

Mix the frozen berries, all natural or fresh squeezed orange juice, and the banana together for 1 minute.

Add the tablespoon of honey and blend for another 25 seconds.

Note: If you are not using all natural OJ, you may want to cut the honey, as orange juice from concentrate has added sugars already.

You can try these variations as well!

Less sweet: Substitute ½ cup of water for ½ cup OJ, to cut additional calories and sugar.

Fresh instead of frozen: You can switch out the frozen berries for fresh ones; just add ¾ cup of ice to make sure your smoothie is nice and cold.

Ingredients: 1 cup frozen mixed berries 1 cup 100% all natural Natalie’s Orange Juice 1 Banana 1 tablespoon honey

More veggies: Add 6 baby carrots and a ½ cup of spinach. The benefit of added nutrients and a smoothie that still tastes fruity.

Protein, to stay lean: Make this smoothie a PB&J smoothie by adding 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (or other nut butters) for some added protein. This is a perfect smoothie for breakfast!

33

34 34

S

outheastern University students, faculty, staff, and alumni waited a long time for September 13, 2014. Years of meetings, preparations, practice, and dreaming all culminated to one historic day. Our football team prepared, similar to the way that of a performing artist would: practicing, rehearsing and disciplining themselves for an opening night performance. After grueling practices and long nights, it all came down to that fateful day: A sold-out home opener against conference and crosscounty rival, Warner University

And what a night it was!

A warm night, with the sun setting behind the beautiful press box at Victory Field, and the smells of tailgating and food truck food in the air all contributed to the “I was born ready for football” atmosphere. Starting at 4:00 p.m., three hours before kickoff, fans began making their way to the tailgating areas in the Quad and in the staff parking lot close to the south end zone. There was music, games, and lawn chairs in every parking spot, and a tailgate show, similar to ESPN’s College GameDay, getting people excited for the matchup that night.

As the gates opened, and fans began to pour in, it became more

and more real for those who were there. The lights, the stands, the turf: It was the first time anything like this had ever been done at Southeastern University. There were so many firsts to celebrate on that day, as it very quickly became one of the most historic days in the school’s history.

1st Home Touchdown: One play. That was all it took for junior quarterback, Jonathan Pearce, and freshman receiver, DeVontae Mack, to put together the first touchdown at Victory Field.

After taking advantage of a poor snap and putting it together for a field goal from kicker Will May, the Fire got the ball back fairly quickly.

A touchback forced them to start at the 20-yard line, with 80 to go.

The Fire lined up to start their drive. When the play started, the blockers were working hard to protect Pearce deep in the backfield. Meanwhile, Mack rushed forward, beating the linebacker down field. It was then when Pearce noticed Mack, out in front, with no one in front, and made him the target. Throwing the ball about 40 yards down field, Mack kept his pace to stay with the ball. Once it was caught, it was off to the races to the end zone for an 80-yard reception touchdown.

No one was more excited for this catch than Mack himself.

“The feeling of scoring the very first touchdown in SEU history on Victory Field is hard to describe.

It was a crazy moment,” says Mack. “Especially because since I stepped on campus last spring I’ve been saying I was going to score the first touchdown in our new stadium. I would tell my teammates all the time ‘Y’all need to go ahead and cope with the fact that I’m going to be the one to score first in the new stadium’ and I meant it, but they would always just laugh; I had to speak it into existence.”

Mack’s determination and discipline paid off, as he got exactly what he wanted. He went on to show us that in the moment, he could stay composed and still perform at his best.

“So many thoughts flew through my head in such a short moment.

When they called the play I knew in that moment the ball was coming to me, but I honestly wasn’t thinking I’m going to score an 80 yard touchdown right now…

But as the ball snapped and I ran past all the defenders, I saw that great pass coming towards me, I thought, ‘Hey, this touchdown may be about to happen,’” says

35

36

Mack. “I kept the wheels churning and I reached my hands out in attempt to catch it, then it hit my hands and I just held on, thinking, ‘Oh my gosh I caught it!

I’m actually about to score the first touchdown!’ …I couldn’t have accomplished it without those other 10 players on the field, and of course that amazing pass from Jonathan Pearce.”

1st Victory: The team had a very successful night at home, dominating Warner in almost every statistical area. The main area was rushing, Southeastern putting up 250 rushing yards compared to Warner’s 48. Jarrell Reynolds led the charge for the Fire’s average 10.2 yards per carry and 2 touchdowns.

While Warner attempted more passes, they also threw 3 interceptions. Southeastern was 11 for 19 and no picks for 200 yards of total offense. Overall, the Fire put together 450 yards of offense in 57 plays, compared to 73 plays and 235 yards for the Royals.

“I think that we did very well for our first home game as a first year program,” said Trey Davis, a graduate assistant at Southeastern working in sports information.

“When you are a first year team, it’s really important to not act like a first year team, and our guys carry themselves really well.”

And for the fans, what better way to go start than to start on top!

“It was an incredible experience to be a part of, and the energy was so amazing.

And even better to get the win,” said Deborah Barker, a senior fan and long-time supporter of athletics. “I think it goes to show that Southeastern University is doing things right, and that we are growing more and more every day. It makes me excited for the future of my school.”

37

38

39

INAUGURAL GAME STATS 09.13.14

X

X

X X X

X

X

X

X X

X X

X

X X

Lakeland, FL

X

X

State representation of location where tickets were purchased.

40% 60% Over 60% of the Inaugural Game tickets were purchased outside of Lakeland, FL 40

40% of the home opener tickets purchased were bought in Lakeland, FL

>>

48.9% iphone | 21.3% Mobile | 14.9% Android | 12.8% Desktop | 2.1% ipad

#fire14 Types of devices that posted using the hashtag #fire14

Top Website domains that are mentioned with the use of #fire14

Over 2,189 hashtags on Instagram as of 10.06.14 | #fire14 has reached over 37,066 people worldwide on instagram | #fire14 has reached over 79,229 people through the four mediums shown in the bar graph below

Instagram.com Twitter.com SEU.edu theledger.com

The top 28 most influential social media profiles that used the hashtag #fire14

41

THe

SUN

C O N F E R E N C E

BY HANK TAYLOR Fire Football has been the talk of the town since their first game at Victory Field against rivals Warner University. At the midway point of the season, the boys had climbed to the top of The Sun Conference rankings with force, knocking off Edward Waters College, as well as three other non-conference teams along the way. Things were looking to be on the up and up for the team. However, after a historic start to the inaugural football season, The Sun Conference Championship hopes came down to one final game. And not just any game. Our boys were heading on the road to one of our county rivals, the Webber International University Warriors.

This game was what college football is all about. Winner takes the top spot in the conference for good, as well as being included in the conversation concerning national playoffs. For Southeastern, this would be a dream come true and a story to be told for years to come. The story of a first year team, full of mostly underclassmen, rising to the occasion and winning their conference. The story of some 42

of the best fans in the conference packing out a brand new, one-ofa-kind stadium week after week.

These are the kinds of stories that are found only in the plots of some of the greatest sports films.

However, Southeastern had just one thing between them and that dream: the Webber International University Warriors.

When Fire Nation learned the importance of the game against Webber, they rose to the occasion.

Several students took to social media, voting the matchup to the NAIA National Game of the Week.

Through fan buses, car pools, gas card giveaways, and the hashtag #FIRETAKEOVER, the Fire Family was ready to go and bring the energy found only at Victory Field to the Warriors at home. And our home presence is a huge factor to the success of a program.

“The atmosphere is unbeatable at home,” says Assistant Sports Information Director, Jessie Dmiterchik.

“I knew we had a big following at home, but when I pulled up to the game I was pleasantly surprised to see the Fire bus

standing proud, black and red corn hole bags flying, and red painted, glitter doused bodies performing the Cupid Shuffle.

Inside, we didn’t completely fill the away bleachers, but our presence was most definitely known. The game-day atmosphere at Webber was different, to say the least, but the Fire fans made it their own in a big way,” says Dmiterchik.

As the game started, things looked up for the Fire early on.

A recovered fumble in the first quarter led to a score on the next play, putting the Fire up early. Webber had the answer in the second quarter, scoring two touchdowns, one of them the result of a pick. On offense, the Fire struggled in key situations and pivotal moments. Following backto-back scores on the other side of the ball, the offensive had a very productive drive stopped with 5 yards to go due to a fumble, which the Warriors turned into a 95 yard drive and another score. The Fire were down two possessions at the end of the half, 21–7. The only other team to lead the Fire by that much or more at the half? Faulkner.

Things were not looking good.

PHOTOS BY LOREE ROWLAND & MYLES SHANK The second half looked to be a turning point. The defense recovered yet another fumble and had good field position to go along with it. It seemed like prime scoring position for the offense and a chance to close the gap on the scoreboard with a lot of time to spare. On the one yard line, the Fire couldn’t advance the ball on four consecutive plays. Another turnover, and another chance for the Warriors to score.

After a bad snap on a punt, the Warriors were in prime scoring position. That’s when the Fire forced their third fumble and recovered it. With that turnover, the Fire got it together on offense and turned that drive into a score, making the gap on the board a little narrower at 14–21. From there, both offenses struggled as they forced punts on the next several drives. However, it would be Webber that would get the best of the Fire, scoring again on a 10 yard run, making it 28–14.

The Fire were back in the saddle.

71 yards and 12 plays later, a score brought Southeastern back within 7 points. A failed onside kick meant

that the game was over and SEU ended 3rd in the conference.

Despite losing this battle, there are a lot more victories we can celebrate as a first year program.

When you look at the first year records of some of the other schools we compete with, 8–3 doesn’t look bad at all. Webber ended their first year 5–5 back in the 2006 season. Ave Maria, another team that handed us a heartbreaking loss this year, ended their first year in 2011 with a record of 0–9. Faulkner University, a nationally ranked opponent who handed us our first loss, was also 0–9 in their first season back in 2007.

And rival Warner University, who played their first season just last year, ended that year 1–10. When you look at it that way, we have lot to be proud of.

Dmiterchik was very happy and pleased with the performance the football team had this year, even though there were a few losses that kept us from reaching the top.

“A loss is never exciting, but playing for a possible conference title as a first year program is something the fans should be extremely proud

of,” says Dmiterchik.

And so, our story doesn’t end with a championship. Our story, instead, ends with an undefeated record at home. It ends with a running back, Jarrell Reynolds, leading the nation in touchdowns, even in the NCAA. It ends with the start of traditions like tailgating and the Fire Walk. It ends with memories made, and several game days later, we are more of a family and a community because of what we got to be a part of. In the end, what we do walk away with is more valuable than a conference title. It was the chance to make a memory and leave a mark on our school, our city, and our conference. Southeastern University showed up and let them know that when they see us again next year to expect even more from us than what they expected the first time.

43

Fire Pit

BY DONNIE EDWARDS The Southeastern University Fire. The Furnace. Victory Field.

These are all names that have become a common part of student life at Southeastern University. Now, we have another name that is making its home with us at Southeastern: Fire Pit. “Phil Delisle and I started and are running the Fire Pit as another way to help build healthy, thriving community here at Southeastern,” says Hank Taylor, the voice of the Southeastern University Fire Athletics.

He continues, “The Fire Pit is a student fan section for the most zealous Fire Fans. It’s not just for Fire Football; it’s for all the athletic programs. We’ve had a crazy amount of support for our football program, so we plan on sharing the support with all of the athletic programs here at SEU.” Taylor also spoke about the nature of the relationship between the athletes and the rest of the student body.

“As an athlete, it’s so easy to get stuck between practice, chapel

44

and school that it’s easy for the athletes and the students to live in their own worlds and never develop community between the two. The Fire Pit is one of the efforts being made to change that,” Taylor says.

Hank Taylor and Phil Delisle have one objective for the Fire Pit—to create a thriving, more supportive, expanding community of students at Southeastern University.

“Our ultimate goal—the end vision—for the Fire Pit is that it would grow to become an official club of sorts. We want it to become something organized so that we could even travel and support our teams as they play away from the home court or field,” says Taylor.

Phil Delisle adds, “There is no doubt that we have the best student fan base in The Sun Conference. I think with all the students being involved or wanting to be involved at school, with any department, gives them extra energy and the will to be loud and cheer for their team and their school.”

In its final form, the Fire Pit would also host regular, organized meetings to help bring athletes and fans together and to grow the community of students who are involved with the athletics department; to make athletics something that everyone can benefit from and be a part of at some level.

“We want to see students at Southeastern University grow and reach their full potential in what God has called them to be,” Taylor says. “We believe in all students—athletes or not.

We believe that Fire Pit and the social opportunities like it will bring those students together, that they would build each other up, to encourage one another in those settings to be their best and to seek God.” For now, the Fire Pit is open to anyone. There is no sign up or membership process at this current time (Fall 2014). However, Taylor says to be on the lookout for an official membership process this upcoming semester, spring 2015. Currently, they are planning on setting up membership sign-ups alongside other clubs on campus at Club Rush next semester.

Spirit squad

BY ALYSSA FERREONE This year, with the addition of football, Southeastern added another new team on campus— the Spirit Squad.

The squad is made up of our existing cheerleading team with the addition of the new dance team. The team cheers for both football and basketball and practices multiple times per week. This season, the team is made up of twelve cheerleaders and eleven dancers.

The Spirit Squad has been busy cheering for SEU football during their first season.

Freshman cheerleader Kalyn Baird specified, “My favorite part about being an SEU cheerleader is being able to be a part of the game-day atmosphere and getting to know other athletes at school.” The team has definitely fueled the fire in Fire Stadium this season, leading both the alumni section and the student sections of the stadium.

However, the SEU Spirit Squad does more than cheer. “I like being on the SEU Spirit Squad because of all the community interaction we get to be involved in,” says sophomore

and returning cheerleader Lexi Laucirica. The girls have participated in many community outreaches with Southeastern, such as “Kool 2 B Kind” with other Southeastern athletes and Junior Achievement (JA) Day. On many occasions, team members have gone to elementary schools in the Lakeland community to facilitate pep rallies or to simply eat lunch with the children. Through these experiences, the team has bonded as friends and teammates. “It has been so incredible to see us all bond and grow in both our dance and as friends,” says freshman dancer Tatiana Cooley.

The coaches of the Spirit Squad are Crystal Bedenbaugh and Tammy Tetting. The team is led by Spirit Squad captains Amanda Terry and Cami McFarland cheerleading captain Alyssa Ferreone, and dance captain Jessica Garber.

Cheerleaders include: Cami McFarland, Alyssa Ferreone, Lexi Laucirica, Christy Clements, Monica DeLaTorre, Victoria Leone, Maddie Carpenter, Ginni Cormier, Stephanie Nonnemacher, Kalyn Baird, Courtney Branham,

and Brenna Fairchild. Dancers include: Amanda Terry, Jessica Garber, Alexis Romano, Tatiana Cooley, Miriam Woodard, Amanda Rios, Gabby Gold, Amy Bergey, Laura Sparling, Cassandra Dorsaint, and Karina Blanchet.

With basketball season rapidly underway, the Spirit Squad is getting ready to cheer on the Fire during their seasons this year and for years to come.

“ I like being on the SEU spirit squad because of all the community interaction we get to be involved in. ” - Lexi Laucirica

45

“SCORCH OFF THE FIELD” HOW HE KEEPS IT HOT

BY ANDREA REEVES If you’ve ever attended a football game at Southeastern University, you’ve probably seen the big guy with awesome hair dancing on the sidelines.

While Scorch is a big part of our university, his personal life is somewhat of a mystery to our community. Very few know ‘the real Scorch.’ That is, until now.

If you could describe your responsibilities as Scorch, what would you say your main purpose is?

I’m the biggest fan, the biggest football player, and have the best hair—which means I obviously have to have the biggest personality. I love leading the Fire Family to a win! Go FIRE! 46

That’s a lot of pressure…how do you prepare for that? How do you get into the Scorch-zone?

Well, my muscles need to be really, really large by game time—so I often drink a gallon of protein shake in the morning, squat 863 pounds for at least 2014 minutes and then eat 14 dozen raw eggs. I’ll take a half-hour nap in the hammocks and then do my devotions at the Servant Fountain. Finally, I listen to the SEU Worship album as I work on my hair! It’s a process, but I know I have to be ready for hugs, high fives, and crazy football action!

HOBBIES (FOOTBALL NOT INCLUDED)

PHILOSOPHY What’s your favorite dance move to pull on the field?

I can’t give away too many secrets. A lot of my amazing moves are Scorch originals. I just get music and it gets me. I know I get the crowd going when I do the “Q-Tip” and the “Grocery Cart”...my favorite is the ballet bar warm-up I do with the other football players... oops, should I say that? Shhh....it’s kind of a secret.

We’ll just pretend you didn’t say that…besides ballet warm-ups, what do you do when you’re not on the field on game day? During time outs, halftime, etc.

It’s obviously hot out there, so I have my make-up artist refresh my face. I hydrate often and cool down as much as I can. It’s a really hard job doing what I do. Everyone is expecting you to look perfect and in one piece...

In one sentence, describe a typical non-game day. Do you have a second job?

I do not have another job. I work out for about 14 hours a day and sleep and eat the rest.

READING

And how much can you bench press?

Duh, I can bench press everything!

HOMILETICS Now that we have the big questions out of the way—it’s the FIRE ROUND! Favorite pose for pictures?

When I get to flex my muscles…

Let’s get a little personal…who do you follow on Twitter? Feel free to shout out a Scorch twitter handle plug now.

How do you unwind after a game?

Well, I had to get the iPhone 6+ because my hands are sooooo big, so I’m hype all over social media. I hope Taylor Swift will follow me back! However, I just started following Dez Duron—amazing voice— and Coach Keith Barefield Jr.—great hair, just like mine!

Favorite spot on campus to do your life journal?

Tell me about your family. What do they think about your life as a school mascot?

My family is so supportive and grateful that I get to live out my dream. There isn’t a lot of money in this career; however, I’m grateful that I risk ringworm, dehydration, and mean visitors every day...it’s worth it in the end! My family knew this was my dream!

I take off my shoes, drink four Gatorades, and scroll through social media!

Servant Fountain! ...Hey ladies!

If you could steal anyone’s look on campus, whose would it be and why?

I would love to have hair like Andrew Gard— less maintenance; body-build like Dr. Ingle—those muscles! A voice like Chase Wagner—draws in everyone’s attention; and swagger like Coach Barefield Sr.—hashtag, boss status!

47

48

49

PHASE II APPROVED COMING SOON...

Phase II Master Plan Following recent construction projects on the SEU campus, such as the College of Natural & Health Sciences building and the Fire football stadium, the Southeastern University board of trustees approved plans November 13, 2014, for another major expansion of the university’s campus.

The projects, listed below, will allow SEU to continue its trajectory as one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. Included in the plans are new residence halls, classroom space, parking facilities and athletic venues that will lead to additional varsity sports. Continue reading for more detailed information on each project.

Student Activity Center

The current SAC will be expanded to include a new gymnasium that will allow us to bring men’s varsity wrestling and women’s varsity tumbling to the campus.

NCAA 8-Lane Track & Field Facility

The track will surround the newly completed soccer complex and enable us to bring varsity men’s and women’s track & field and women’s lacrosse to SEU.

Parking Garage A new parking garage with more than 400 spaces will be built between Destino Hall and the Ted A. Broer Stadium baseball facility.

RENDERINGS BY

50

Administration and Athletics Operations Building The building will be adjacent to the newly constructed football stadium and will house: • • • • •

Executive offices Conference rooms Administrative offices Athletic operations Training center

• • •

Workout & training facilities Multipurpose hospitality space overlooking the stadium with full kitchen service Additional 1,000–2,000 seats for the stadium

Live/Learn Facility The building will be adjacent to the Natural & Health Sciences building (currently under construction and scheduled to be completed in spring 2015) and the Business & Education Building. The Live/Learn Facility will house: • • • • •

Music practice rooms Choral rehearsal hall Fine arts program Graphic design and computer labs Food court area with national brands (added to Chick-fil-A which was brought on campus in September)

• • •

Classrooms (12+) Faculty offices (50+) Student residences (the third and fourth floors of the facility will house 480 students)

The entire expansion, which is called Phase II, will take approximately 18 to 24 months to complete.

51

Stories from the

UNDERGROUND

BY KATY ABRAMOWICH

For Southeastern seniors starting their last fall semester, the pressure is on—the pressure to find a significant other.

With new relationships and engagements popping up all over Instagram and Facebook, the pressure for ladies on campus to lock down their bachelor’s degree, along with an engagement ring, by the time they walk across the stage on May 8th is undeniable. For romantically lucky students at Southeastern, a future spouse may be discovered on the very first night spent on campus. The first night, freshman year: The Underground.

52

CHRIS & PAOLO

HILLARY & JASON

MICHAEL & ERICA

“She was wearing a blue-ish/greenish Ed Hardy shirt with black leggings on,” says Christopher McGarvey, on the first time he laid eyes on his current wife of six months, Paola McGarvey.

The evening was Paola and Chris’s first night staying on Southeastern’s campus, and they were both attending the famous Department of Student Experience (DSE) social, The Underground, in fall 2010.

“My roommate and I were taking turns ‘meeting’ girls and it was my turn, so I picked the group she was standing in,” says McGarvey.

“Her name also intrigued me.”

The freshman couple developed a strong friendship that fall, and both traveled to Paraguay, South America, on a mission trip, led

by Paola, during their second semester. During this time, Christopher got to meet Paola’s family and sought the blessing of Paola’s father to date, where he was told that the young couple needed to wait a year before beginning a courtship.

Fast forward to senior year, the couple became engaged at another popular oncampus event during Homecoming week, The After Party, which followed the Homecoming basketball game. McGarvey proposed to Paola on stage.

Going back to fall 2003, another young couple also met at the Underground. They were married in 2006 and recently had their first child in September of this year. You may recognize the couple around campus as Jason and Hillary Demeo, both adjunct professors, with Hillary also being the Dean of Student Engagement.

Hillary was introduced to Jason by a mutual friend, who was joking about Jason’s rapping

skills in order to break the ice. This was Hillary’s first impression of Jason.

“I couldn’t believe that this guy, wearing a cowboy hat, camo shorts with his white socks pulled up, could be a rapper,” says Hillary. “So I made fun of him and called him “the white rapper,” and from that moment on his number was in my phone as that. I didn’t think too much more about Jason; I was a freshman who was looking for fun everywhere,” says Hillary.

“Jason kept reappearing at the Welcome Week events and talking with me…I definitely liked the attention and since I thought he was cute, I was okay with that,” says Hillary. “So, after the first month of hanging out as friends we became boyfriend and girlfriend on Oct 16. We dated for the next three years and were married in 2006.”

Instant interest and attraction seems to be a pattern with couples that hit it off at the Underground. This upcoming May, senior Erica Eschbach and graduate assistant Michael Steiner will also tie the knot after a four-year journey together at Southeastern.

The 2011 Underground theme that night was Western themed, as was the Demeo’s.

“We literally met at speed dating,” says Eschbach. “He really impressed me and was the only one who stuck out to me. I had never dated anyone before,” says Eschbach. “I always said ‘no’ to second dates...I was never ready to commit to anyone. When we became boyfriend and girlfriend I was like, ‘I’m in this to marry you.’”

“I knew it when she started giving me second dates. Before we were boyfriend and girlfriend, I thought, ‘This is probably someone I’m going to marry,’” says Steiner.

Similar to Chris and Paola, Steiner and Eschbach’s dating journey developed at two of Southeastern’s biggest events. “We had a conversation [about marriage], and she was like, ‘Yeah, I’m game,’” says Steiner. “She hadn’t even known I had been saving up for a ring at that point.”

Steiner was in a dance group called Shake and Bake, where he proposed on stage to Eschbach during a routine to Bruno Mars’ “I Think I Wanna Marry You” at One Big Night.

“The moment it clicked was when Joey [the couple’s friend] came off the stage and he came down and grabbed my hand. It was such an emotional shock, I couldn’t even think,” says Eschbach on the proposal. “The part you don’t know is that he swept me off in a limo, and we drove to the top of a parking garage where his good friend was playing our songs on guitar.

There was a photographer taking pictures, and fireworks were going off.”

“It was the best, and I love how I have videos and pictures of it from every angle,” says Eschbach. “Everyone we ever knew and love from this place [Southeastern] was there. It was so special because they all got to be a part of it.”

The future Mrs. Steiner’s advice for incoming students: “Go on as many first dates as you can, don’t take yourself so seriously, and don’t take dating so seriously,” says Eschbach.

2003, 2010 and 2011 were all big years for Southeastern’s annual Underground event.

Those nights, three different couples found each other and began strong, impactful relationships, and each couple continues to be influencers on Southeastern’s campus today.

53

SOUTHEASTERN SPOTLIGHTS

PAM CROSBY

BY JENSON METCALF

HIGHLIGHTING MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY AND THEIR STORIES

54

Pamela Crosby, who grew up in Michigan, arrived at Southeastern as an education major. She met her husband here, and they now have four children—all of which have either graduated from or still attend Southeastern. Although her children are rooted in this community, Pamela and her husband live by a personal policy of “we won’t be checking on you, but we’re here if you need us,” giving her children the ability to grow and establish themselves during and after their college years.

While Crosby is rooted here at Southeastern through her family, she is also connected through her job. “I am the director of Academic Services, which is the office that provides academic support to students who are referred to as ELL, English Language Learners—students with any physical disability or learning differences,” says Crosby. Crosby also runs a program called Compass Connections, which connects pastors and ministry leaders with Southeastern students, so they can interview those students for positions in churches and schools.

When she graduated from Southeastern, Crosby never expected to move back to Florida. By giving everything to God and allowing Him to work through her, not only has she succeeded and grown here on campus, but she has also had the opportunity to see her entire family grow within this spiritually driven campus. “…Coming to Southeastern, God has opened doors to work with young adults. That is an area I really enjoy. I think a big part of that passion is because I see it as an incredible opportunity to influence another generation,” says Crosby.

As a certified Life Coach, Crosby has a passion for working with students. Having many years of experience working with youth and ministries from Boston to New York, she enjoys helping students discover who they are in Christ, as well as supporting them through the journey of college. Crosby is now looking towards the future and choosing to live out God’s calling and follow Him as she continues to “encourage Christ within each person.”

JOSIAH BROCK

LAUREN MULLINAX

BY JEANMARIE JOHNSON

BY DANIEL C. SANCHEZ

“We want people to look at us and be like, ‘That’s God’… [We just want them to] see God through something that’s not [necessarily] associated or affiliated with God at all,” says Josiah Brock, a senior and public relations major.

This year marks the start of four years that Brock has been dancing with RDG. RDG, short for Redeemed Dancers of Glory, is a dance group and ministry formed by and run by Southeastern students. In the fall of his junior year, Brock took over the dance group as a leader, along with fellow dancer, Alyssa Keith.

“It’s a place where dancers can come and feel comfortable,” says Brock.

Brock helps run this dance program because he believes it’s a necessary part of Southeastern’s community. “…We represent the dance community in so many more ways than just dance itself. Our goal is ministry first… the group itself, we’re a family.

We care about each other,” says Brock.

Some nights, the times set aside for dance practice turn into times of worship, and times spent with God in fellowship with each other.

“We really care about our kids [students] in the group and we want to steward them in the right way and minister to them and be there for them,” says Brock.

Brock’s heart for this ministry has influenced his career choice. After graduation this coming May, he hopes to pursue a career at a few major dance companies in California, specifically, Hip Hop International, which produces many live street dance competitions around the world.

He also has plans to get his master’s degree in international marketing.

Lauren Mullinax’s journey at Southeastern began during an unexpected night in Dade City. Lauren and her mom found themselves in Dade City on the way to a conference in Clearwater. They had a free stay at a hotel and had time to kill that night, so they drove around the town. As they drove, they noticed an Assembly of God church sign saying to come to the church service that night. After the service, a Southeastern student that had been playing in the worship band approached Lauren and suggested she check out Southeastern University.

Although Lauren wasn’t contemplating going to college, her mom scheduled a tour at Southeastern the next morning. Often, it’s in the most unexpected events God speaks the loudest, and in this instance, Lauren can definitely testify.

“I want my music to show people stuck in that [party] life that there is a way out and I made it out, only with Jesus,” explains Lauren. Part of Mullinax’s journey includes a former life of being submersed in party culture, supporting an artificial feeling of happiness – but through a love and pull much deeper than the physical, Lauren gave her life to Jesus. Life, breathed into what would become a mighty woman of God, was then utilized to launch a project that would bless many.

With that, the pursuit to create this new sound began, melding classical with electric, yielding something truly supernatural and worshipful; a heavenly experience that evangelizes to a new generation of young people, hungry for purpose and place.

“I came to SEU to be grounded in Christ,” says Lauren. Her desire to serve God in an amazing way took root as she explored her possibilities here, and sure enough, a truly inspiring dream was birthed.

“God gave me the dream to create a new style of music,” says Lauren. For those of you who know Lauren, it’s hard to imagine her without her cello, her musical weapon of choice. As a general communication major, Lauren wants to use the skills she learns here to share her art with others as much as possible. She has said that the inspiration isn’t too far to grasp; an unshakable love for Christ, and patronage to progressive musicians alike, have fueled the desire to craft an atmospheric experience unlike any other, that honors her Savior and inspires others as well.

55

56

MELODY PICON

ZACH HARNS

BY NICOLE TILLOTSON

BY DONNIE EDWARDS

“My goal is to contribute to the community,” says Melody Picon, senior at Southeastern University.

The theater major and education minor fills her time by serving in the theater department, Hispanic Student Leadership (HSL), and SEU Worship HOLA. Picon has been a part of Hispanic Student Leadership (HSL) since the formation of the group in the fall 2013.

“HSL springs out of a heart of Hispanic culture.

With over 600 students with Hispanic backgrounds at Southeastern University, we work with the international students and promote multiculturalism and diversity across campus,” says Picon.

From picking up students at the airport upon their arrival, to walking them from class to class, HSL aims to bridge culture across campus by creating an environment tailored to international students. HSL also holds bi-lingual services on and off campus for all students and local churches. “We establish relationships with each other and develop Hispanic-American leadership,” says Picon.

Within HSL, Picon coordinates events, e-mails and the worship team, in addition to singing for SEU Worship HOLA. “HOLA stands for Hour of Latin Awakening.

Being a worship leader has opened a door—my heart of worship. It’s what I’m called to do; it’s my passion,” says Picon.

By bringing the Hispanic community together under HOLA, translating SEU Worship songs, and raising money for their new album, the team brought their vision to life on September 22, when they released their debut EP “SEU Worship HOLA” on iTunes.

“Our goal is to translate SEU Worship songs for all Spanish cultures all around the world,” says Picon. “God had moved us and given vision to take this to the next level. This can only get better from here.”

For many students who are just beginning their college careers, the big question of “Where do I attend?” soon evolves to “Where do I fit in?” and, “What do I do with all of these possibilities before me?”

Zach Harns, a junior at Southeastern, believes the answer lies in serving God and doing what you love to do.

“While with the church that I attend back home in Michigan, I heard God say two things: Attend Southeastern University and study communications,” says Harns. “Before my family and I visited SEU for a tour, we were apprehensive about the decision. Once we visited, we knew this was where I needed to be.”

As a double major in both broadcasting and film, Zach knows it takes work to achieve the things you’re passionate about, and a majority of those efforts are towards honoring God “in the little things.”

“The first thing that I was involved with on campus was a weekly news show that we played in chapel called ‘Weekly Update’. I’m the producer of that show,” says Harns. “I was also involved with Unpland Improv. I’m also working on some new show ideas for campus.”

“God gave me some really good friends. Especially my roommate –he’s just really been pouring in my life and challenging me to be better,” says Harns. “All of my professors have been amazing, as well. Basically, I’ve just been growing and working towards the things that God has given me the passion to pursue.”

Zach’s dreams are entrepreneurial at heart. Other than dreams of “making it big in Hollywood,” Harns also wants to create and establish his own production company that will develop and produce its own shows and creative ideas to sell to other, more established production companies and individual producers.

His passion is to see others follow God, their dreams, and to love the lives they live –even if it is not what they originally had planned for themselves.

“I’d just like to challenge anyone who reads this to listen to God and to do what you love –even if you’re not good at it yet. Learn it and get better at it. It’s worth it, believe me,” says Harns.

LOGAN MATLOCK

DR. TAEEUN KIM

BY ANDREA REEVES

BY JEANMARIE JOHNSON

Logan Matlock grew up in the church as a pastor’s kid her whole life; therefore, ministry is nothing new to this Southeastern junior.

“I want to do youth ministry. I’m really passionate about working with teenagers, specifically in girls ministry,” says Matlock.

Matlock, a practical ministries major, is already getting a head start at her passion and calling. Since December of last year, she has co-led Fuel Youth, a youth group at her home church. Fuel Youth meets every Wednesday night, where Matlock takes turns preaching with the other co-leader. She also leads a girls Bible study on Sunday mornings.

“I love being able to take what I am learning in the classroom and implement it in a real-world ministry situation,” says Matlock. “Southeastern is definitely preparing me for my future career.”

After graduation, Matlock wants to be a youth pastor and get her master’s degree in counseling, in an area of the same nature. While also gaining handson experience in her field outsiders of Southeastern, she values the education she continues to attain at Southeastern.

“There is so much more to leading a ministry than preaching or leading a Bible study, and Southeastern is helping me learn how to do everything from creating a budget to developing ministry strategies,” says Matlock.

While Matlock grew up hearing the Word from her parents, she developed her own special connection with God and His teachings.

“I am really passionate about Scripture, especially the Old Testament. When we study the people of the Old Testament, their stories become a part of us,” says Matlock. “The Scriptures are the foundation of our faith and they give roots to all believers.”

“Dr. Kim is one of those people who is both highly intelligent yet naturally humble,” says senior Chanel Shemeth.

Part of what makes Southeastern University so special is how its faculty and staff truly care about their students. Dr. TaeEun Kim, Associate Professor of Mathematics, is no exception.

“He genuinely cares about his students and will work with them to ensure understanding and future success,” says Shemeth.

Southeastern also embraces and appreciates culture. The students, faculty, and staff are all made up of countless backgrounds. Dr. Kim was born and raised in South Korea. He didn’t make his way to the states until after he married his wife a little over 20 years ago.

He’s a well-educated man who has attended Sterling College in Kansas and Fisk University in Tennessee. Upon receiving his PhD in Applied Mathematics, Kim taught at Sterling College from 2002–2006 and at Fisk from 2006–2008. He has been at Southeastern ever since.

“My teaching degree applies to mathematics— easier to say differential equations. I studied Numerical Analysis originally. So when people ask me what is my major (laughs) it’s like which one should I say?” says Kim. While Kim studied math and currently teaches it, his real passion lies in the students. Kim said that, in his experience, working with Southeastern students is an unprecedented experience. They are more kind, more like Christ. This is what continues to keep Kim where he is.

Dr. Kim is a huge asset to this community. His heart for students makes him a joyful presence.

“He’s entertaining in class, and he cares about his students’ success,” says junior Zach Wolf.

When he isn’t busy teaching, which isn’t often, Kim tries to spend as much time with his wife of 21 years, Hyunah Kim, and his two children, his son, Eugene Kim (19) and daughter, Guriel Kim (15).

57

58

59

Southeastern Welcomes

Education Doctoral Program

Spotlight: Dr. Janet Deck

BY ASHLEY CHESHIRE

BY ASHLEY CHESHIRE

S

outheastern University has always been passionate about its students and about offering the best opportunities possible to further them in their future careers.

Thanks to the extensive planning of Dr. Patty LeBlanc, a professor of education and the chair of the doctoral program at Southeastern, a doctoral program for education students is being offered for the first time this year. “We wanted to develop a doctoral program after our master’s programs became a reality and after we were able to grow our faculty in number and research capabilities,” says Dr. LeBlanc.

This program will give students the opportunity to pursue careers in many outlets of education, including teaching and administrating at a college or university, becoming an area coordinator for a school district, or serving as a program coordinator, just to name a few. Although this program has just begun, many students are geared up and ready to get involved in this new chapter at Southeastern.

Candi Ring is among one of the students who is in the first cohort that started in July of this year. She is excited and impressed with how the program has been going so far. Ring has never attended a Christian school but became involved in Southeastern after hosting an intern from the university.

Now, as an adjunct professor in the English department, Ring is excited about the opportunities that she will receive from being involved in the doctoral program. “Becoming a doctor of education has been my dream since I was a little girl, and SEU has made that a possibility for me,” says Ring.

60

Another one of the doctoral program students, Cassandra Lopez, enjoys the cohortstyle teaching that this program offers; “Each of my classmates has experienced God’s provision and grace in tangible ways. As the youngest in the group, it has been amazing to listen to the wisdom and life experiences of my classmates. I am so blessed to be taking this journey with them,” says Lopez. This cohort structure allows students to complete their coursework with a consistent support group of fellow doctoral students. There are two cohorts, with the first beginning mid-July including the first two classes, and then the January cohort beginning the first week of January.

This new doctorate program is not only benefiting current students at Southeastern, but also graduates who are coming back to complete this next step in being able to fulfill their dreams. Sarah Yates graduated from Southeastern with a degree in elementary education and is now back to complete this new program. “I was so anxious to finish college that I could not even fathom entering a graduate program, but God directs our footsteps. He has truly ordered every event of my life,” says Yates. “More than twenty years after I graduated Southeastern the first time, I am back, and I am tremendously excited about pursuing a doctoral degree.”

If you are interested in pursuing your doctorate in education, the deadlines for applying are April 1st (for the fall) and November 14th (for spring). Go to www.seu. edu/apply to receive a full list of requirements that need to be met for acceptance into the program.

Dr. Janet Deck started at Southeastern University as an adjunct professor and is now the associate professor of reading education. She is entering her sixth year here on campus. In the years that Deck has been at Southeastern University, she has not wasted any time immersing herself in the community. Deck is the coordinator of the master’s degree in reading education and is also teaching the qualitative research class for the College of Education’s new doctorate program. She is especially excited for the doctorate program, knowing how much the students will grow and learn from it. “It just has such broad and deep ramifications as far as Jesusinfused potential for our education students,” says Deck. With this program still being in its first stages, Deck’s hope for the future of the program is that it will help Southeastern grow, in that people will become more interested in what is going on at the university, “I hope that we are known for not only having a reputation of a rigorous program, but also of having a faith-based program,” says Deck.

Dr. Janet Deck has been a major part of Southeastern University’s education programs and is looking forward to the years to come in seeing how the students will strive and grow.

“TO SERVE MAN...”

NEW HUMAN SERVICES MAJOR

BY KATY ABRAMOWICH

“If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.

Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.” This piece of scripture, Deuteronomy 15:7-8, is the theme scripture of Southeastern University’s brand new Human Services major that will premier in the Spring of 2015.

“If [students] have a heart for helping, and they want to go straight out of school and deal with societal issues, they can do that straight out of here,” says Dr. Kenneth Stephens, who is the chair of the Department for Human Services.

Dr. Stephens will be teaching the Diversity of Human Services. Other professors who will be teaching the new human services courses include Dr. Marcia Wynn, Christina Gard and Amanda Vinson.

“A lot of people confuse us with human resources, and we are like night and day,” says Dr. Stephens.

While HR deals with helping getting people connected, hired and trained, human services deals with meeting peoples’ needs, from the bottom of Maslow’s pyramid to the top.

“We’ve had this program in existence for nine years now. We’ve always offered it online and in the evening, but we’ve never offered it in the sixteen-week format. In fact, traditional students were unable to take it because we considered it an adult program,” says Dr. Stephens.

The Human Services major will be a 124-credit-hour major, which will include 13 core-courses and an internship of 250 hours, which Dr. Stephens describes as the best part of the experience.

In September, Dr. Stephens spoke to students about the new major at the Choose Your Major event, where he said the department received a positive response from students.

“This new major is so important because it is growing so rapidly and more human service practitioners will be needed across the nation,” says Marcia Wynn, one of the professors who will be teaching courses associated with the human services major next semester. “The job outlook for this major is expected to increase significantly over the next 10 years, so our graduates should easily find employment in their major.”

Wynn also mentioned the new major will help students learn how to deal with serious issues, such as homelessness and substance abuse.

“The human services major will provide students with an opportunity to learn about helping people in multiple ways and in countless settings. Students will have an opportunity to take courses like Conflict Resolution, Group Dynamics, Human Diversity, Case Management and Intervention, and many more,” says Christina Gard, assistant professor of human services.

“We’ve been having a lot of inquiries about (the new major) coming in from our freshmen students, so that’s been very positive,” says Stephens. “We’re new, so you won’t find (this major) at many of the bigger schools.”

Southeastern University’s student body has a reputation for their servant’s hearts. Over the past few years, students have led hundreds of mission trips around the globe, as well as led various community outreaches here in Lakeland.

Students obtaining a degree in Human Services from Southeastern University will be able to take that desire to serve others to the next level by calling it their profession beginning in spring of 2015.

61

CHICK-FIL-A COMES TO SEU On September 4, 2014, Southeastern held its Chick-fil-A (CFA) Express grand opening on campus. The first 300 students were welcomed with free sandwiches and giveaways, as well as Southeastern’s mascot, Scorch, and two of CFA’s signature cows. First-day sales reached over $3,000. Cheryl Dick, senior director of field and licensed operations at CFA; Steve Plunkett, CFA senior management consultant; Dave Fader, Southeastern’s alumni and board member, and Scott Brickhouse, owner and operator of CFA Lakeland were all present.

62

Your Opinion Matters: What do you want to see next?

Earlier this fall, a Chick-fil-A Express was built in Mi Casa CafĂŠ as an additional food option for our Southeastern community. This was the first step to a multi-year process of adding national food brands on our campus. As Southeastern continues to expand over the next few years, we would like to hear from you which food chains you would like to see next at SEU. Scan the QR code to participate in a quick poll.

63

ACADEMIC AWARDS * * *

“Southeastern University particularly values superior academic achievements. As Provost, it is my desire to see each and every student excel in his or her academics. Each semester, one student from each major is awarded the Most Outstanding Award among their peers.

These students have exemplified excellent academic skills throughout their time as a student at Southeastern. Additionally, these students have represented Southeastern well in their extra curricular activities in the Lakeland community, as well as other surrounding areas.”

– Dr. William C. Hackett Jr., Provost

PHOTOS BY ANDY GLOGOWER

64

SENIOR AWARDS: MOST OUTSTANDING COLLEGE OF CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES & RELIGION: Seth Bagwell – Church Ministries Rodger Harris – Practical Theology Lanissa Reale – Ministerial Leadership Monika Meskyte – Multidisciplinary Studies Hannah Crowell – Interdisciplinary Studies COLLEGE OF BEHAVIORAL & SOCIAL SCIENCES Tabitha Ingram – Psychology Anastasia Brokas – Human Services COLLEGE OF NATURAL & HEALTH SCIENCES Benjamin Goodberry – Mathematics Teghan Sheets – RN to BSN COLLEGE OF ARTS & MEDIA Matthew Hull – Broadcasting Kellie Conley – Communication Laura Edwards – Music Education Melody Picon – Theatre Shelby Manchester – English and Intercultural Studies

THE UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AWARD The Undergraduate Research Award is awarded every semester to the students who have written the best research papers.

Papers recognized at the Academic Awards Chapel were submitted in the spring semester and judged by a committee made up of librarians, English faculty, and faculty from other disciplines. Each recipient of a research award received a medallion from the Provost and a gift certificate from Library Services.

FRESHMAN/SOPHOMORE BEST PAPER RESEARCH AWARD: Emiene Amali-Adekwu “Nigerian Healthcare: The Problem and its Solution.”

JUNIOR/SENIOR BEST SCIENCE PAPER: Rylan McQuade “Transgenics: Rising Tide of the Future.”

JUNIOR/SENIOR BEST PAPER: Tabitha Ingram “Relational-Interdependent Self-Construal and Relationship Quality: Same-Sex Friendships and Opposite-Sex Romantic Relationships.”

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS & LEGAL STUDIES Katherine Jones – International Business Priscila Azuaga de Barros – Management Rebeccas Mee – History Harold Page – Organizational Leadership Raney Wade – Marketing Jessica Jacobs – Finance COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Kylee Shores – Secondary Social Science Katlyn Walden – Florida Association of Teachers Educators (“FATE”) Award

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT RODGER HARRIS Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina Major: Practical Theology “I almost felt like I was falling away from my faith, but in reality I was falling into it. Discovering things for myself for the first time,” says Rodger Harris, a graduating senior. Harris came to Southeastern with plans to be a missionary, but later discovered there was another type of ministry he felt called to. “I came in wanting to become a missionary, and then a professor, but now I want to start an organic business that does church in a different way,” says Harris. The plan is to start a coffee shop called Anthology in Boston; he would go with three other Southeastern students.

The basis of this coffee shop is to create a reputable business in Boston through relationships with the community. This business will eventually turn into a ministerial tool, where they can create conversations with “the regulars” about God in a safe and comfortable atmosphere—around a coffee table. “In a sense, Boston is going to be my mission field,” says Harris.

A big part of what he’ll be doing in Boston is building relationships with the community. Southeastern has taught Harris how to do just that. “A skill I’ve

BY ANDREA REEVES developed [at Southeastern] is the ability to create a community; before I came here, everything was individual…Southeastern taught me, and certain professors taught me, that everything is better in community,” says Harris, who equates a lot of his growth to Professor Matt Huett and Dr. Waddell.

Harris has already accepted a graduate assistant position within the College of Christian Ministries and Religion at Southeastern and will be returning in the spring. He will also be traveling to Nepal this summer to do missions work with unreached people groups in the Himalayan mountain range. Once he finishes his masters at Southeastern, he will move to Boston to lay the groundwork for Anthology.

His advice to new students going into a theology program is more of a challenge: “Don’t be afraid to question things that you’ve previously believed in, and don’t be afraid to change the way you think for fear of falling away from your faith, but view it as maybe you’re falling into it.”

65

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT KATIE JONES Hometown: Haymarket, Virginia Major: International Business Minor: Spanish “Most people want to travel; I want to travel, but I also want to live in other countries.

So I chose international business because it essentially lets me go anywhere or do anything,” says Katie Jones, a 20-year-old senior and honors student. “So whether that’s business or nonprofit or missions, I can go to a country, or even a creative access country, and say, ‘This is what I can do, I want to live in your country, and I want to get to know your culture.’”

Southeastern’s international business program not only taught Jones how to work in a team, but how to approach different cultures.

“Instead of being an American tourist that’s just like, ‘Let’s take pictures of everything’ I actually learned about the different values…

That way I’m not walking blindly into the country,” says Jones.

66

BY ANDREA REEVES Two years ago, Jones was able to do a business internship with the mission’s organization, King’s Castle Ministries, which is in over 24 different countries around the world. With that experience, Jones encourages freshmen going into this major to take advantage of the internship requirement for the program.

“I’d really recommend doing the international internship because it’s a different side than just a mission trip,” says Jones. “[It’s] a really great opportunity to go try out what you’re learning about and see if you enjoy it…”

After years of hard work, Jones is finishing her undergraduate degree in two-and-half years. After graduation, she plans to move to El Salvador for a year. Passionate about kids, Jones will be working with a local church to bring up and grow their children’s program. “I’m interested in missions, so I want to go try it for a year–try different things before I commit to it long term,” says Jones.

“God is revealing to me the purpose He has for my life through the relationships I’ve built this semester through Southeastern.”

- Naomi Baldwin, sophomore “I really am blown away. I was hoping that in the first year we would get a few wins, maybe even go 500 but never was I expecting to watch football at this level in our first year. What a testament to the players, coaching staff, Drew Watson and the Administration.”

– Jason Demeo, professor “I love how much the school has grown this year; not only with student enrollment, but also in school spirit with having a new football team and more intentional relationships.”

- Britney Duffy, sophomore “The leadership of Southeastern University is focused on equipping the next generation of leaders in their daily walk with Christ; I believe that’s why the atmosphere here is like nowhere else I’ve ever been before.”

– Cameron Rogers, freshman “My favorite part of this semester is the athletic chapels and having Pastor Phil help lead them and the athletes.

There is a great unity within athletics and a great family dynamic.”

– Drew Dickons, junior

“Southeastern is really encouraging and uplifting…It is just a safe and comfortable place where you really feel like you can be yourself.”

- Tori Harris, sophomore “… I experienced my first [Hoops] Madness ever, and it was unreal! I wish I would’ve gone my past two years of being here! Being with the Fire family and celebrating our athletes got me so pumped for their seasons! I also felt that us as a body were growing in unity as we all got together and went wild. Go Fire!!”

- Brooke Watts, junior “There are so many opportunities where we can just love and serve people, that’s why I love it here. I’ve recently decided to lead a mission trip to the Middle East! This is going to be a great year.”

– Dale Hansen III, sophomore “I’m blown away by God’s ability to take a ‘tiny Christian school’ from Lakeland, FL and put them in the House of Blues to record an album that will touch lives all around the world. Being a part of this community is the best thing that could have ever happened to me.”

- Andrea Reeves, senior “Football is a commonality that makes you feel like you're a part of something great."

- Faith Wagner, freshman 67

follow us @seuniversity 68