A SURPRISING END TO A SEMESTER

HOW COVID-19 MAY HAVE ALTERED THE YEAR, YET INCREASED OUR SPIRITS

The surprise of the COVID-19 pandemic was undoubtedly nothing anyone could have anticipated this year. In just the first months of 2020, it became apparent that the entire world was preparing for drastic changes as we faced a national crisis like none we have seen in our lifetime.

This pandemic certainly impacted everyone in various ways, and here at Southeastern University, it significantly changed many things for the classroom and our campus as a whole.

Particularly for those graduating from a university known for its campus life experience, it was no simple transition when Southeastern quickly switched to a remote learning format to prioritize the safety and health of the students, faculty and staff.

This crisis has brought everyone around the globe unprecedented obstacles and challenges to overcome. While working through these obstacles, Southeastern discovered fresh innovative methods to ensuring students’ educational success.

Through this unusual time, the Southeastern community came together and truly rose to the occasion.

An Unexpected Spring Semester

Just weeks before the state of Florida released a stay-at-home order for a month, the university prepared for critical transitions. Following the guidelines of the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as national and local officials, by the end of March the campus had transitioned classes to a remote learning format.

With just weeks remaining in the semester, faculty, students and staff quickly adjusted to a new normal. No one could have imagined how long it would last or the rapid health and economic impacts this pandemic would continue to have.

Students who were unable to return home — such as international students, those who couldn’t go home due to state closures and many who simply had nowhere else to go — were provided with housing throughout the remainder of the semester.

Following the state announcement, all staff and faculty began to work from home, with the exceptions of essential personnel. Even though these challenges were considerable given there were just weeks leading up to graduation and the last day of classes, the students, faculty and staff were quick to make the most of these circumstances.

A Fresh Approach to Academics

The switch to remote teaching and learning was certainly a hurdle for many,

Jillian Cullinan completes class in an online Zoom meeting.

but several professors and students were encouraged by this unique format of learning. With a platform that, in many ways, offers a different experience, many students remained engaged. Just as some students are more comfortable speaking up in a large classroom setting, professors found other students were more comfortable speaking up online. Many professors also found that this format offered the opportunity for a fresh perspective on topics they had been teaching all semester.

It could be said that the transition to this new style of learning was especially challenging for the many experientially focused classrooms, such as the College of Arts & Media’s Film Department. But even there, this obstacle presented the discovery of new, accessible and creative resources for students to grow in their field. “My traditional cinematography course is a balance of lecture and handson lighting experience in our studio,” said BETHANY MILLER ’12, assistant professor of film. “While we could not touch a physical light during this time, I supplemented with a digital ‘hands-on’ experience through the application Shot Designer.”

Students in Miller’s cinematography class learned to create complete lighting strategies and camera setups within the app. Miller would then schedule meetings with them individually to review and offer redirection. “I got to know their voices as artists better and better through these remote assignments. While this time had its challenges, there is a fruit in the adaptation of my lessons and their work. It’s amazing how an app has shaped the tail end of this semester to allow each student to stand on their own two feet as a cinematographer with their own designs and discoveries,” said Miller.

Navigating the many annual events, reviews and academic requirements for seniors was nothing short of a challenge. For those in the College of Natural and Health Science’s nursing program, this time presented weeks of heavy reviewing, testing and observations that were all able to be done through Google Hangout, Zoom and other digital platforms. Dr. Susan Tasker-Weaver, chair and director of the nursing program, said, “All our nursing students were very flexible with the changes and although the first week was a bit rough, we all adapted fairly well. For our graduates, the entire nursing faculty made a short video addressing them and sent it to all of them, and just today we received a video message from each student to us in return — very special!”

This season allowed so many students and faculty to grow together and bond in new ways. For others, they even found these opportunities in a virtual format allowed further reach than they would have had otherwise. Students enrolled in the social work in communities and organization class held their annual community night virtually for the first time. With a focus on empowering those in voluntourism, global servanthood and disaster relief efforts, by going virtual, this event ended up having an even further reach, beyond our community. In addition to 300 people who tuned in online, a New Jersey church that had recently become a Convoy of Hope emergency distribution site due to the COVID-19 pandemic, also joined the event. Since that time, the congregation in New Jersey has asked to stream the event to more than 500 people in their community. “The students excelled under the current circumstances and showed perseverance, grace, determination and professionalism,” said Julie Furj-Kuhn, associate professor of social work. “The social work program could not be more proud of all their efforts.”

Keeping the Fire Alive

Another difficult challenge was the many chapel services, events and games that were not able to continue. For many of these students, these events in their lives can never be replaced.

This year the athletic department had a year like no other. The wrestling team had a record-breaking season, men’s tennis was climbing the ranks, women’s tennis had their best season yet, and the women’s basketball team was undefeated. (As you can read in the Athletics Update, it was nothing short of a winning year for the SEU Fire.)

Trisha Jacobs heads to the rim during the final game of the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship Tournament.

Yet, as one-by-one states were shutting down and campuses were closing, it brought an abrupt seasons end for many teams that were continually performing with excellence. Women’s basketball had just completed their first game in the National Championship tournament with a 52-point win, when the entire event was cancelled.

Women’s basketball team at the National Championship

“Drew Watson approached the bench and informed me that the tournament was cancelled immediately,” head women’s basketball coach Tim Hays explained. “It was both shocking and frustrating knowing that this special team would not get the opportunity to compete for that title. We then had to tell the team in the midst of a locker room celebration that their season and, for some, their careers were over. Many players wouldn’t leave the arena and just wanted to soak in whatever time was left there. We certainly understood that no one was to blame and that an unprecedented situation required an unprecedented response, but nonetheless, dreams had been lost due to no fault of their own. It’s something none of us will ever forget.”

Nonetheless, the SEU Fire will certainly be ready to jump back on the fields once the fall season arrives. “Due to the strong recruiting work of the coaching staff,” athletic director Drew Watson, stated, “athletics anticipates a school record of student-athletes in the fall.”

Though the year felt abrupt, and certainly brought difficulties for many students, the campus community continued to come together in spirit — even if from a distance. Within the Department of Spiritual Formation (DSF), although the chapel was closed for the remaining weeks, students were continually and daily ministered to. Within a week of these transitions, DSF had created a time to virtually connect with students. Each weekday, Daily Devos were released and a different staff or faculty member shared scripture and an encouraging word that was sent to the entire campus. Additionally, DSF created a 30-Day, 30-Minute Devotional Challenge for students to participate in.

Celebrating Our Seniors

Stepping into this unique season, while coming to the end of an academic year, one of the most challenging aspects was not being able to celebrate the graduating class together. As every department over the years had found their own ceremonies and ways of commemorating the graduating class, discovering how to still hold to these traditions was undoubtedly difficult. Departments virtually connected with seniors and commemorated their achievements, offering a unique and certainly a memorable way to end the year.

The Barnett College of Ministry & Theology held their annual commissioning service for the senior capstone class on Zoom. Dressed for the occasion in regalia, the faculty virtually shared communion with the graduates and prayed over students as they would have in person. “Since most students take this during their last semester, we hold a commissioning service for them to prayerfully send them out with our blessing and God’s anointing,” said Dr. Alan Ehler, dean of the college. “It has become a powerful and treasured time for both the students and the faculty. Although it was still not exactly the same as being in the same room together, several students and faculty members expressed appreciation and sensed God’s blessing on the ceremony.”

One of the most anticipated events of the year is commencement. Although the spring class of 2020 was unable to meet at the original date, a virtual commencement ceremony was held on May 29.

The 2021 Academic Year

Just two weeks out from the original date, the fall school year is set to begin September 2. Welcome Week activities will launch on August 28 and this campus will be alive again with the bright and inspiring faces of students as it is meant to be. Classes will begin August 26, for Unrestricted Education students, both online and at our partner sites.

Similarly to universities around the globe, this season for Southeastern has been unexpected. But as students, faculty and staff worked through these challenges, it certainly brought a new sense of growth, a deeper meaning of community and insight that the university would not have seen otherwise. Like every school, Southeastern looks forward to a fresh start, a year of lively classrooms and a full campus again.

The greatest joy of this institution remains the incredibly spirited and gifted students that enliven this campus.

COMMENCEMENT

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2020!

Congratulations to the spring 2020 graduating class! A total of 938 students qualified to graduate. Due to the circumstances surrounding

the pandemic, a virtual graduation ceremony was held on May 29. More than 12,400 people watched the livestream of the ceremony.

The commencement speaker was best-selling author Max Lucado. To view the commencement ceremony visit SEU.edu/graduation.

MASTER OF ARTS IN BIBLICAL STUDIES

The School of Divinity is launching a master of arts in biblical studies this fall. The degree includes the requirements of learning biblical Greek or Hebrew, in addition to several courses on interpreting the Bible. This degree is the next step for a pastor seeking to enhance preaching skills or a future biblical studies professor looking to pursue a Ph.D.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN LANGUAGE, CULTURE AND TRADE

A new bachelor of arts in the College of Arts & Media (CAM) will launch in the fall of 2020. The bachelor of arts in language, culture and trade will offer concentrations in six areas: business, tourism and hospitality, human services, linguistics, political science and cultural interface. Students will also have the option to customize a concentration to suit their needs.

The goal of the program is to prepare students to enter into the international job market with the highest skill levels, knowledge and professional competencies to make a global impact. This degree program includes spending two semesters abroad, with one overseas internship.

DEGREE HIGHLIGHT

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MATHEMATICS (ACTUARIAL SCIENCE CONCENTRATION)

As one of the top-rated jobs in America, actuaries are considered the backbone of financial security within an organization. With companies seeking to acquire large amounts of data, the field of actuarial science is rapidly growing. In order to meet the demands of the workplace, Southeastern offers a mathematics degree with a concentration in actuarial science. This program is designed for students who enjoy analyzing applications and thinking abstractly about problems.

Students who enroll in the actuarial science program have the opportunity to be key players on management teams for insurance companies, financial planners and many corporations that deal with risk management. In categories such as work environment, employment outlook, job security and salary, a career as an actuary is considered to be one of the top-rated jobs in America.

Brittany Tillman ’10 and her husband, Jeff

BRITTANY TILLMAN: APPLYING MATH TO REAL LIFE

When BRITTANY (HURST) TILLMAN ’10 first started school at Southeastern, she didn’t have aspirations of pursuing a career in anything related to math. She started out as a psychology major and enrolled in some business classes. “I always loved math from the start. When I started college, I never intended on pursuing math, but I kept taking math classes because I liked the challenge they presented,” Brittany said. In fact, Brittany’s favorite classes were her math classes with Dr. TaeEun Kim and Dr. Berhane Ghaim. “It is evident how much they care for their students in the way they never hesitate to go out of their way to make sure you understand or to offer extra help,” added Brittany. Two of Brittany’s professors, Professor Shearen Fredere and Dr. Ghaim, recommended she pursue a degree in math sharing how it could guarantee that she could always be able to find a job. They also suggested how she could pursue other passions and interests. “Although I loved math in college, I never really knew what kind of career could be made from a math degree besides teaching,” said Brittany. “As time unfolded, that advice has proven invaluable as my math degree has opened

up all of my career opportunities.” Brittany went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in secondary math education at Southeastern and eventually went for her master’s in math at the University of South Florida. It was while she was in graduate school that Brittany heard about a profession in actuary science.

“I was interested in how math was applied in real life. The actuarial profession was much more alluring as an opportunity to put everything I had learned in all my math courses in action,” she said.

Brittany currently works as an actuarial associate at Hannover Re, a life insurance company, in Orlando, Fla. She is also pursuing her full actuary designation as a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA). Prior to that, she taught math at a high school in St. Petersburg, Fla., and then taught math at Southeastern for four years. “My job involves a thorough knowledge of statistics, probability, critical thinking and reasoning skills to analyze data and manage risk,” she said. “My degrees taught me the necessary mathematical prerequisite skills I would need later in my field as well as vital problem-solving and self-study skills that are integral in preparing for actuarial exams.”

For those interested in following a similar career path, Brittany shared, “The best advice I can offer is to make passing actuarial exams a priority and do an internship if possible. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people already working in the profession if you have questions. I have found that most actuaries are very helpful and have no problem offering guidance or advice when you need it.”

Outside of work, Brittany enjoys running, particularly running trails with her dad and brother, BRANDON HURST ’08. She also spends time traveling, especially taking hiking and camping trips.

eSPORTS: A NEW WAY TO COMPETE

Southeastern has a new team on campus. Instead of a field to practice on, the athletes use an indoor suite of computers equipped with the latest technology — competing in the world of eSports, multiplayer video games competitively played in front of spectators. One of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, eSports generated more than $1 billion in 2019, with over 165 million fans. In the United States, nearly 130 colleges have joined the National Association of Collegiate eSports (NACE), with 3,000 student-athletes. Through the organization and universities participating, they provide more than $16 million in financial aid and scholarships. In the first year of the program, Southeastern’s 32 athletes participated in scrimmages, with the goal of competing in national competitions in the 2020-21 academic year. The competitions provide students the opportunity to earn monetary rewards — some with prizes as high as $25,000. Southeastern competed in two games — Overwatch and Rocket League — in their first year. Additional titles, Super Smash Brothers and Fortnite,

were added in the spring. ETHAN CADORE ’18, director of eSports and resident director of Bauer Hall, was approached with the idea in November of 2018, as Southeastern’s leadership team was looking to continue to build community on campus. Ethan competed in grassroots eSports competitions previously and coached traditional high school sports teams.

“The goal is for eSports to be a medium for students to hang out and develop relationships,” said Ethan. “Our team has four values: character, commitment, competition and community.” The eSports arena is located in the Buena Vida West Mezzanine. The suite includes 13 stations that are powered by Alienware PC monitors and the latest peripherals. The students practice three times a week in the evenings and compete in team-based games with teams of six in Overwatch and teams of three in Rocket League.

MAX GOOD ’20 played on the Rocket League team when he was a senior. He applied to be a part of the team and sent a video of him playing as a part of the application process. He jokes that the time he spent playing video games finally paid off.

“I bought Rocket League when it first came out,” said Max. “I really like the team dynamic of the eSports team. At the end of every practice, we do devotions together. We are a group of people who might not have met if it were not for this

team. My dad went through a tragic accident this summer and they all prayed for me. I am thankful for how supportive they have been of me.”

Jessica Jarvis, a junior music major, started playing video games with her younger brother. Her favorite game to play was Overwatch on a PS4. Jessica joined the team in September after sending in video clips of her highlights playing Overwatch.

“We play team-based games. We have to learn how to adapt to any situation and overcome situations together,” said Jessica. “It’s really cool to be a part of a team and something that is bigger than yourself. I am proud to represent the eSports team. The coaches care about our spiritual growth as well. It’s cool to have the support of the university.”

eSports is different than most athletic competitions, as it affords students opportunities to play against teams from any college or university across the United States, since there are no divisional breakdown. Students are able to compete at Southeastern with the games played online. When the athletes start to compete in invitationals, they will travel to the university hosting the competition. The Southeastern team even has practice and game-day jerseys.

In addition to being used for competition, the arena is open for all Southeastern students to play video games during the week.

Ethan’s future goals include growing the team to compete for national titles. “eSports allows smaller schools to get national recognition. I would love to shed more light on Southeastern if we are able to make it to the national stage,” said Ethan.

Jeremy Oppenheimer floats a shot over Webber International.

National Player of the Year Taylah Simmons goes for a lay-up against Ohio Christian in the first round of the NAIA Division II National Championship.

ATHLETICS UPDATE

Dylan Chatterton looks to score at the NAIA National Championships.

Felipe Barbosa sends a forehand back over the net against Judson University.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

A fifth-place preseason ranking in The Sun Conference Coaches’ Poll fueled the Fire to a historic season. In his first year as head coach, Kevin Lubbers guided SEU to its first Sun Conference regular season title in program history and an overtime come-from-behind win in the conference tournament championship game to sweep both the regular season and tournament titles. Senior Jeremy Oppenheimer concluded his four-year career with the Fire as the 27th member of the 1,000-point club since 1973 and earning honorable mention All-America honors. The Fire also boast the conference’s Freshman of the Year in Riley Minix, who was 10th in the conference scoring 14.6 points per game.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The Fire won their unprecedented fifthconsecutive Sun Conference regular season title this past season and were undefeated in league play for the fourth consecutive year. The team also rose to the top of the NAIA Division II Coaches’ Poll for the second time in program history, catching the attention of the national raters with a 97-72 win over previous No. 1 and defending national champion Concordia (Neb.) in December. SEU advanced to the national tournament for the sixth time, which is the most national tournament appearances in school history. They also won their first round game over Ohio Christian, which ended up being the final game played before the cancellation of the tournament. Junior Taylah Simmons became the program’s first National Player of the Year, scoring 24 points per game, and was fifth in shooting at 59.4%.

WRESTLING

SEU compiled its most successful season in program history, setting records for highest rankings, dual meet victories, national qualifiers and a national championship finish in Brandon Jorge’s first season as head coach. The Fire won 17 dual meets, which included five against Top 20 competition and placed third at the Mid-South Conference Championships. Ten wrestlers earned trips to the NAIA Nationals Championships. Redshirt junior Dylan Chatterton and freshman Coleman Bryant earned All-America recognition with Chatterton placing fifth at 157 and Bryant seventh at 174. The team placed ninth at nationals and ninth in the National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-America rankings.

MEN’S TENNIS

When the season was halted, the Fire were tied for second place in The Sun Conference standings with a 4-1 record and a 7-6 overall record. The team was also in the receiving votes category in the NAIA Coaches’ Poll during the season. SEU had posted some success in singles play with the team posting a 39-32 record, led by Omar Fiorenzato and Alec Lichter posting eight wins each.

Priscila Baptista fires a serve over the net against Florida National.

Zach Cornell slides into home to score a run in an exhibition against the Detroit Tigers.

Hannah Bonner rounds third to score a run against Trinity Baptist.

Noah Endicott watches his second shot head towards the green at ChampionsGate.

WOMEN’S TENNIS

Southeastern was in the midst of one of its best seasons in program history when play was stopped. The Fire held a 10-3-1 record and matched its highest NAIA ranking in program history at 19th. SEU was on a five-match win streak and only conceded one point during that time. In singles play, the Fire held a 55-23 record with Beatrice Letizia at 12-2 playing No. 2 Singles. Priscila Baptista was also 12-2 playing at No. 4 and No. 5 Singles during the year.

BASEBALL

The Fire baseball team had just risen to No. 1 in the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25 and won its last 25 games of the year. They were one of the most potent offensive teams in all of college baseball, leading the NAIA in hits (347), batting average (.388), home runs (77) and slugging percentage (.726). For the second year in a row, the Fire took on the Detroit Tigers in the first game of Spring Training and gave the team quite a challenge. They held two separate two-run leads and forced the Tigers to rally in the bottom of the ninth to escape with a 5-4 win. Outfielder Zach Cornell led the NAIA in hits with 56 and posted a .519 batting average with 44 RBIs, 12 doubles and 10 home runs.

SOFTBALL

In the first season under coach Kayla Watkins, the Fire posted a 12-11 record in their abbreviated season and had won four of their last seven games. SEU had a solid showing during the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Georgia, winning a 2-1 game against Georgetown College, and came up just a run short of No. 7 Mobile in another 2-1 game. The Fire also knocked off Reinhardt 6-3, which was receiving votes in the national poll. Freshman shortstop Kaley Sarasty had a team-best .333 batting average with Lauren Waters driving in a team-high of 13 RBIs. In the pitching circle, Peyton Varela notched five wins with a .194 ERA.

MEN’S GOLF

The Fire were just outside of the Top 10 in the NAIA rankings having recorded a strong finish to place fourth at the ChampionsGate Invitational against solid competition. The team posted an average score of 299 (+11) in their eight tournaments during the season between fall and spring. Freshman Matthew Soucinek led the team in scoring at 73.74, an average of just 1.74 over par and had five Top 10 finishes in eight tournaments.

WOMEN’S GOLF

In the final NAIA Coaches’ Poll, the Fire were among the biggest movers, jumping up to 14th. SEU was playing well in the spring, placing fourth at the ChampionsGate Invitational, second at Mobile, then winning the Skyhawk Invitational at Callaway Gardens. The Fire also took the title at the Adamonis Invitational at Doral winning the final fall tournament. During the final round of the Skyhawk Invitational, the Fire set a school

Valentina Espinosa watches her shot head down towards the green at ChampionsGate.

record for the lowest 18-hole team score at 295. Junior Valentina Espinosa was the medalist, shooting even par both days. Senior Ana Uribe led the team in scoring average at 77.05 with four Top 10 finishes.

MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

Even without an outdoor season and the chance to defend its Sun Conference title, the men’s track and field team had a successful and historic indoor season. Three athletes qualified for indoor nationals with two earning podium

Davonte Vanterpool races in the 60-meter hurdle event at the Webber Invitational.

placements. Sophomore Davonte Vanterpool earned a spot on the podium in the 60-meter hurdles by placing fourth and becoming the men’s program’s first indoor All-American. Classmate Kyle Manuel became the school’s first AllAmerican in the throws by placing fifth in the shot put with a best toss of 16.51 meters.

WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD

The Fire had 10 entries at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field National Championships and six athletes earned

Namiah Simpson and Courtney Gales lead the pack in the 400-meter event at the Webber Invitational.

All-America recognition during competition in Brookings, S.D. Freshman Ashley Epps was just one thousandth of a second away from becoming the school’s first individual national champion, placing second in the 60-meter hurdles in a time of 8.662. Sophomore Namiah Simpson became a four-time AllAmerican by helping the 4x400 relay team place fourth and placing seventh herself in the 400 meters. SEU totaled 15 points to place 17th as a team at nationals.

SEU BASEBALL FACES DETROIT TIGERS

Southeastern’s baseball team took on the Detriot Tigers in front of nearly 4,800 attendees on Friday, January 22. This is the second time the Fire faced the Major League Baseball team. The Fire led the game at two different points, and the Tigers had to score in the bottom of the ninth to with 5-4. Be sure to save the date for next year’s game on Friday, February 26, 2021.