Southeastern University Alumni Magazine - Summer 2022 - What's inside?

Joy Bishara and Lydia Pogu

FAITH MORGAN: CREATING COMMUNITY Southeastern student Faith Morgan has built a community through her passion for weightlifting. Meeting three to five days a week, Faith’s fitness group has become a space for encouragement and spiritual growth for her and her friends.

Faith Morgan

PAT CLARY: A LIFELONG LEARNER In the midst of family hardships, Patricia “Pat” Clary ’22 (Ph.D.) began the journey of earning her doctorate at the age of 68. Her academic pursuit has led her down many paths where she has found new ways to further her passion for leadership and serving others.

OVERCOMING TRAGEDY AND INSPIRING OTHERS Joy Bishara ’21, ’22 (MSW) and Lydia Pogu ’21, ’22 (M.A.) overcame the unthinkable when they escaped from the Boko Haram terrorist group in 2014. Despite the adversities, they each went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Southeastern and plan to pursue careers in social work and international human rights law.

Joy and Lydia

A TALE OF SERVICE, ESPIONAGE AND COURAGE As a result of his 25-year career in the U.S. military, Scott Meehan ’89 has experienced what many may only see in the cinema. Whether in his work in espionage during the Cold War to his connection to the capture of Saddam Hussein, Scott trusted the Lord to lead him through it all.

FROM THE WHITE HOUSE TO THE BIGGEST NEWS NETWORK With a passion for political science and communications, Joshua Comins ’19 channeled his talents into an internship at the White House where he had many unique opportunities, such as praying for then Vice President Mike Pence. He currently serves as an associate editor for Fox News.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE THROUGH ADVOCACY AND PHOTOGRAPHY Matias ’13 (MBA) and Barbarah ’15 (Reynolds) Perttula originally met through their connection to Southeastern and have now been married for seven years. Matias is the director of advocacy for International Christian Concern (ICC), and Barbarah is a top wedding photographer and business owner.

HELPING LOST CHILDREN FIND HOPE Betty and Jim Strayer ’57 devoted their lives to the mission of helping lost and troubled children. Serving for over 45 years at the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch, the Strayers helped countless youth navigate the most difficult seasons of life while building up the program to national acclaim.

RECONNECTED AT THE ALTAR Six Southeastern alumni have been brought together by The Altar Fellowship, a growing church in Johnson City, Tenn. Despite their varying roles within the church, each individual has found community and belonging among its congregation.