Brown Bulletin - John Brown University

Brown Bulletin 

The Making of a 

Tradition: 

A Behind the Scenes Look 

at JBU’s Candlelight 

When JBU is 

All in the Family 

Images of 

Homecoming 

Winter 

2007-2008 

a publication for alumni & friends of JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

letter from the 

president 


Editor 

JBU Staff Writers 

Winter 2007-2008 

Andrea Phillips 

Rachel Fiet 

Lauren Pemberton 

Candlelight Behind the Scenes 10 JBU Family Trees 14 

Homecoming 22 

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were 

created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or 

rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all 

things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is 

the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in 

everything. Colossians 1:15-18 

Dear Friends of JBU, 

JBU rightly claims “Christ Over All” as a defining feature of our community, but that 

phrase is more than a marketing slogan. “Christ Over All” makes claims about the 

Lordship of Christ that should deeply influence why and how we go about our work. 

Christ is the creator of all things. We study biology or psychology, not only 

because we want to be a doctor or psychiatrist, but because Christ is Over All, and he 

created our physical bodies and minds. We study political science or organizational 

behavior or leadership, not only because we want to understand power, but because 

Christ is Over All, and He created all thrones, dominions, rulers and authorities. 

Christ created this world, so we at JBU should be curious to study all aspects of 

creation to know Him better. 

Christ is the sustainer of all things. Christ does not just create the world 

and let it run its course. He is actively involved in sustaining it, and we find the 

evidence of His sustaining power in the strangest places: in the order that exists in 

mathematics, in the repeatability of experiments, in the cultural rituals of love, in the 

clarification of good arguments, and even in our mowing patterns to sustain Sager 

Creek. JBU should examine and learn the order of things because Christ sustains all 

things. 

Christ is the redeemer of all things. The world is deeply broken because of 

sin. Christ clearly redeems us from the penalty of our own sin, but He also redeems 

brokenness within this sin-soaked world. Christ is Over All in the discovery of new 

drugs to combat AIDS, in reconciliation in Northern Ireland, and in the adoption of 

an orphan into a loving family. JBU should promote and practice the restoration of 

brokenness. 

Christ is also the end of all things. All of creation has been made, is 

sustained, and is being redeemed to give praise to Christ. As we do our work at JBU, 

we honor Christ by creating and sustaining good things, and by redeeming broken 

things to make them good again. Such work is our act of worship for Christ who is 

Over All. 

Thank you for all your prayers, support, and encouragement to help us maintain 

“Christ Over All” at JBU. I deeply appreciate it. 

Godspeed, 

Dr. Charles W. Pollard 

Lead Designer 

Design Assistance 

Production Assistance 


Allen Dempsey 

Laura Ravenscroft 

Christine Mescher 

The Brown Bulletin is the official publication of John 

Brown University. It is published at 2000 West 

University Street, Siloam Springs, Arkansas 72761. 

To submit story ideas, photos, feedback: 


Director of University Communications 

aphillips@jbu.edu 

Alumni information: 

Jerry Rollene 

Director of Alumni and Parent Relations 

jrollene@jbu.edu 

Admissions information: 

(888) 528-4636 

jbuinfo@jbu.edu 

www.jbu.edu/admissions 

To submit alumni news and photos: 

alumni@jbu.edu 

www.jbualumni.com 

For information about giving to JBU: 

www.jbu.edu/giving 

(800) 446-2450 

John Brown University provides Christ-centered 

education that prepares people to honor God 

and serve others by developing their intellectual, 

spiritual, and professional lives. 

features 

10 The Making of a Tradition 

One of the most cherished traditions at JBU is a peaceful, worshipful event, but it requires 

months of work, many volunteers, and a flurry of activity across campus to bring it to life. 

by Andrea Phillips and Ali Holcomb 

14 All in the Family 

For many current students, being a Golden Eagle is like a genetic trait. Meet a few students 

whose family tree is rooted in JBU. 

departments 

5 JBU in Focus 

8 Chaplain’s Corner by Stan McKinnon 

9 World View “Technology Takes Teaching to Illiterate People Groups” 

by Andrea Phillips 

20 Perspectives On ... “Lifestyle Worship” 

by Kayla White 

21 JBU Athletics “Singing the Praises of JBU with a New Fight Song” 

by Grace Pennington 

22 Images of Homecoming 2007 

25 Window of Opportunity: The $20 Million Challenge 

27 Alumni Updates on AlumNET 

31 Alumni News 

35 Flashback: Remembering the Founder 

O n Th e Co v e r : 

Seniors Christina Carnes and David Burney, and junior Katherine Grimes are 

members of JBU’s Cathedral Choir. Photo by Andrea Phillips

jbu in focus 

The Walterses Inspire a 

True Image of Love 

I read Hannah Nielsen’s excellent article 

on Jim and Lynda Walters with great 

interest and thought. My son Mark 

Durham ’95 and his wife Rebekah 

(Holmes) ’96 both had Dr. Walters, 

and they appreciated [the Walterses] so 

much they asked [Jim] to perform their 

wedding ceremony in 1995. 

Hannah’s detailed description of 

Jim and Lynda’s trials and unselfish 

behavior was very meaningful and 

thought stimulating. Sometimes we hear 

or see young people in the prime of their 

physical beauty, strength, and vitality 

pictured as the perfect idea of love, but certainly the unselfish love, 

which the Walterses reflect, is much nearer true, godly love. 

I am saving this issue of the Brown Bulletin for future reference 

in case my dear wife and I face such trials. 

Ken Durham 

Longview, TX 

“I almost want to be a student again.” 

I finished reading the last Brown Bulletin yesterday, and I must say, “I 

was highly impressed.” So impressed that I “almost” think I would 

like to be a student there again. (Notice I said almost.) 

There is so much going on there. It is great to read about all 

the activities. I think it is just great that faculty, staff, and students 

raised money for the renovation project. Science has never been 

high on my list of subjects to study, but I was impressed with the 

work that Dr. Greuel is doing. The story about Jim and Lynda 

Walters was very touching. 

I think it is SO NEAT that the son of the retiring basketball 

coach will be coming to fill that position. Since he was a student 

there, he should feel “at home.” 

Barbara Bragg ’55 

Camden, AR 

Letters 

Thanks for a Great Homecoming 

The following letter was sent to President Charles Pollard. 

Thank you for allowing the Sound Generation to once again be 

part of the John Brown University Homecoming weekend. I had 

a wonderful time both playing with the group and seeing what is 

new on campus. I was particularly struck by the renovation of the 

Cathedral Group buildings. They are going to look terrific when 

they are done. I know that a lot of hours go into preparing for 

homecoming, so I am thankful to the members of your team that 

were involved. 

As my work schedule is quite crazy right now, this Homecoming 

weekend served 

as an oasis for me 

to refresh both 

mentally and 

spiritually. Beyond 

the practice and 

performance times 

together with the 

group, as happened 

in 2005, the times 

of worship and 

prayer were very 

special. 

Carl Walter ’76 

Wildwood, MO 

CORRECTION 

Jerome E. Brown ’35 passed away on October 19, 2005, not in 

2007 as printed in the Summer 2007 issue of the Brown Bulletin. 

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY: Letters are published with 

the permission of the author. Some letters are edited for length. Not all letters 

can be published. Published letters will be selected based on the value of their 

content, tone, clarity, and other such characteristics. Send your letters by e-mail 

to Andrea Phillips at aphillips@jbu.edu or by U.S. mail to: Andrea Phillips, 

Brown Bulletin Editor, John Brown University, 2000 West University 

Street, Siloam Springs, AR 72761. 

JBU Reaches New Heights in Enrollment 

and Rankings 

Students returned to campus this fall to hear the 

announcement that JBU ranked fourth in the 2008 U.S. 

News & World Report “America’s Best Colleges” ranking. 

JBU’s fourth-place ranking amid 93 other schools in its 

category placed JBU in the top 5 percent of southern 

baccalaureate colleges. In the past six years JBU’s ranking 

has climbed from twelfth in 2001 and 2002, eleventh in 

2003, eighth in 2004, and sixth in 2005 and 2006. 

On the heels of the U.S. News ranking announcement, 

JBU announced that total student enrollment for the 

2007-2008 academic year hit an all-time high with 2,086 

students. This is the second year in a row that JBU’s 

total enrollment has passed the 2,000 mark. JBU also set 

a new record with the largest number of new traditional 

undergraduates choosing the university. This fall, 464 new 

students began classes, including first-time freshmen and 

transfer students. 

JBU to Expand North Hall 

With record enrollment this fall, the need for additional 

housing on campus was highlighted. Following the annual 

fall board of trustees meeting, JBU announced that it will 

add a second wing to North Hall residence building on the 

campus. The new residence wing, which will house 80 

students, will complete the second phase of North Hall, 

which originally was not expected to be completed until 

some time further in the future. But consistent growth in 

enrollment and a $3.5 million gift to the university moved 

the plans up. The new wing is expected to be completed in 

time for the fall 2008 semester. 

An artist’s rendering shows North Hall with the proposed “Phase 2” wing. 

guests, as well as English-speaking managers and coworkers. 

Kahnk began offering hour-long English classes 

for hotel employees before work three days a week. 

From the very first class, the turnout was spectacular. 

Nearly all the Spanish-speaking employees in the 

housekeeping department attended the class, some of them 

even coming in 

on their day off 

just to participate. 

The hotel was so 

impressed with 

Kahnk’s initiative 

and service, they 

published a press 

release about the 

classes, and a local 

television station 

featured Kahnk’s 

story in their news 

program. 

Kahnk (in the striped shirt) enjoyed a party with many of 

her class members shortly before returning to JBU. 

JBU SIFE Soars at Nationals Again 

In May, the JBU Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) 

team participated in the 2007 SIFE National Competition 

held in Dallas, Texas. The team of 16 students competed 

against the top 168 teams from different colleges and 

universities across the nation. In addition to tying for fifth 

place overall—for the fourth consecutive year—the JBU 

SIFE team was selected as the National First Place team 

for Business Ethics. 

Professor Pens and Produces Original Play 

This fall audiences were transported to the Far East in 

JBU’s first original stage production, Children Elemental, 

which opened Homecoming weekend. The play about the 

broken relationship between a creator and his children— 

developed around the elements of earth, wind, water, fire, 

and metal—was written, produced, and directed by Jason 

Hough, assistant professor of communication and theatre. 

JBU Student’s Act of Service Is Applauded 

This summer, senior business and Spanish major Andrea 

Kahnk made the most of her internship with West Inn 

& Suites by stepping forward to meet a need that she 

witnessed first hand. 

After spending some time in the hotel housekeeping 

department, Kahnk realized that the Spanish-speaking 

employees were having trouble communicating with 

The cast and crew of JBU’s groundbreaking play Children Elemental 

4 Brown Bulletin Winter 2007-2008 Brown Bulletin Winter 2007-2008 5

jbu in focus 

jbu in focus 

Hough was inspired to write the play after his trip to 

Tokyo in the summer of 2006, during which he studied 

Japanese culture and Kabuki Theatre. He became 

fascinated with the art styles of anime and manga, both of 

which are prevalent throughout his play. 

The cast and crew of Children Elemental garnered 

recognition and several awards at the Arkansas American 

College Theater Festival in Conway, Arkansas in 

November. Junior Jasmine Brown received an award for 

excellence in costuming, junior David Baker received an 

award for excellence in sound design, and Hough received 

an award for excellence in program design. Senior Sophie 

Morris and juniors Janelle Sando and Arthur Summers 

were selected as nominees for the prestigious Irene Ryan 

acting competition. Morris, Sando, and Summers will 

compete in the regional competition in Texas in the spring. 

KLRC Listeners “Pay It Forward” 

JBU radio station KLRC encouraged listeners to do 

something a little different to celebrate Thanksgiving this 

year. Thanks to a partnership with 

Arvest Bank, listeners were given 

the opportunity to spread goodwill 

throughout Northwest Arkansas by 

“paying it forward” through random 

acts of kindness. Listeners were asked 

to go to KLRC.com and explain how 

they would “pay it forward” if they 

were given $101. KLRC announced 

the winning plans during the KLRC 

morning show Thanksgiving week. 

Each day, Arvest Bank awarded three 

randomly-selected listeners $101 to 

fund their “pay it forward” plan. 

Even before winners were selected, listeners were 

calling the station to share ways they were already paying 

it forward by initiating acts of kindness from paying for 

another customer’s purchase at the drive-thru to buying 

groceries for a needy family. 

When winners were announced on air, and they 

described their plans to help others in need with the $101, 

other listeners were inspired and spontaneously called the 

station with matching gifts to multiply the winner’s “Pay It 

Forward” efforts. 

CRE Partners with Tyson and J.B. Hunt to 

Provide Marriage Seminars to NWA 

Thanks to a five-year, $2.7 million federal grant from 

the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ 

Administration for Children and Families, the Center 

for Relationship Enrichment (CRE) was able to provide 

CRE Executive Directoor Gary Oliver promotes healthy marriages to 

a group in Northwest Arkansas. 

four free seminars in Northwest Arkansas this fall. The 

“I Choose Us: Growing a Passionate Marriage” seminar 

was presented at the Tyson Foods World Headquarters in 

Springdale, Harvard Avenue Baptist Church in Siloam 

Springs, and Embassy Suites in Rogers. A special seminar 

for engaged couples was also held at the Embassy Suites in 

Rogers. 

The two-day seminars equipped couples with eight hours 

of marriage enrichment education and offered each couple 

a personal couple’s assessment report and a discussion 

guide for ongoing couple interaction. 

Partnerships with Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt allowed 

JBU to reach a tremendous number of participants, 

including employees of those companies, who might not 

have otherwise heard about the program. The J.B. Hunt 

co-sponsored program in Rogers was so popular that 

registration finally had to be limited to 250 couples. 

The phenomenal success of these programs is 

particularly encouraging given that Northwest Arkansas 

has the highest divorce rate in the state. Arkansas as a 

whole has one of the highest divorce rates in the country. 

These events offered a tangible way to help counteract the 

growing trend of divorce for Christian and non-Christian 

couples alike. 

Altogether, more than 900 people attended the fall 

CRE events, which were the first of their kind. Thanks 

to the five-year grant, CRE will be continuing marriage 

enrichment initiatives in Northwest Arkansas for the next 

few years. 

New JBU Center Opens in Rogers 

The John Brown University Rogers Center is the newest 

location to offer JBU’s graduate programs and Advance 

Program for adult degree completion. 

The new JBU Rogers Center is located just off I-540 in 

a building that is visible from the highway. The 15,000- 

square-foot building has ten classrooms and five offices, 

an improvement from its previous facility that was half the 

size and located in Springdale. The center was moved to 

Rogers in an effort to improve facilities, expand classroom 

space, and better serve the growing population of students 

enrolling in JBU adult programs. 

JBU Joins Independent 529 Tuition Savings 

Plan to Make Paying for College Easier 

JBU has joined the Independent 529 (I-529) Plan, a 

tuition savings program that allows parents to prepay 

future tuition at rates less than current tuition. The plan 

is similar to other 529 tuition savings plans, but the 

I-529 plan applies specifically to tuition payments at 

independent, private colleges and universities, including 

JBU. 

Tuition credit purchased today is guaranteed to satisfy 

costs at the time the child enrolls in college. For example, 

parents who purchase a half year of tuition today will 

receive a half year of tuition credit—regardless of the 

cost at the time—when the child later redeems the tuition 

certificate at a member college or university. 

Savings plans can be earmarked for any member 

institution and can later be transferred and applied to any 

other member institution, ensuring that students will be 

able to choose the private college best suited for them. 

Parents can even redeem their tuition savings without 

penalty if their child chooses a public or other non-member 

institution. More information is available at 

www.independent529plan.org. 

For more information about these and other news stories, visit www.jbu.edu/news 

Cathedral Group Construction Is Under Way 

Renovations on the inside and outside of the Cathedral Group 

buildings began this summer. Interior renovations were completed for 

the fall semester. Exterior renovations will continue into the new year, 

although progress is clearly visible as the limestone cladding climbs 

higher up the buildings each week. ■ 


chaplain’s corner 

Waiting on God 

Alumnus and Technology 

Take Bible Teaching to 

Illiterate People Groups 

by Andrea Phillips 

World View 

by Stan Mckinnon 

Campus Pastor 

Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let 

your heart take courage; Yes, wait for 

the LORD. Psalm 27:14 (NAS) 

I am not by nature a very patient person. I am usually in a hurry, 

even when I don’t need to be, and I think I have finally figured out 

why. It’s not something I’m proud of, but it seems that I trust myself 

more than God. Recently, God has been teaching me that waiting 

on Him and His timing is a perfect antidote for my harried life. 

David was the most powerful king in the history of Israel. So isn’t it 

fascinating that he associated strength and courage with waiting? 

I would think that a king wouldn’t have to wait for much. That’s 

because I assume the whole point of having strength and courage 

is to be able to push my way into my dreams. But as powerful as 

he was, King David didn’t make any of his dreams come true. Every 

good thing in his life came as a blessing from the hand of God. 

A blessing is the thing we want most, but it can only come as a gift 

from God. And here’s the hard part: Whenever someone in the 

Bible received a blessing, it never seemed to arrive when people 

expected it. Usually, it arrived later than expected. And often, it was 

not in the form that people expected. 

Why do God’s blessings so often arrive late? Why do they arrive in a 

different form? Maybe it is because waiting for a blessing is the best 

way for our faith to grow strong and courageous. 

By waiting, our souls are given time to turn away from the thing we 

most want and turn back to the God from whom all blessings flow. 

By waiting, we realize that the real blessing isn’t that we finally get 

what we have long wanted, but that we receive it from our loving 

heavenly Father (James 1:17). By the time you have waited long 

enough to be that focused on God, hopefully you have become 

free from wanting anything or anyone else more than Him. Only 

then are you truly free, and that freedom is one of God’s greatest 

blessings. 

According to International Orality 

Network figures, there are approximately 

4 billion people who can’t, don’t, or 

won’t take in new information or communicate 

by literate means. These oral 

communicators constitute approximately 

two-thirds of the world’s population. 

Missionary agencies have built mission 

strategies around the goal of creating 

a written language form, teaching 

people to read and write, and translating 

scripture into the native language so that 

people could have access to God’s word 

and Christian teaching. Such a process 

can take decades. 

But now, thanks to today’s technology—including 

iPods®, MP3 players, 

and other digital media devices—missionaries 

are finding it easier than ever to 

deliver the gospel and teaching material 

to oral communicators instantly, and 

through the medium that oral communicators 

best connect with: the spoken 

word. 

In 2005, JBU alumnus Ed Weaver 

’83 was working as a self-employed 

technology consultant when he found 

himself thinking about technology and 

missions. He asked himself, “What 

could you do with an iPod® in the work 

of missions if you don’t care about what 

the business model is, if you don’t care 

about making a profit?” 

About that time, a friend asked him 

to come along on a mission trip to Asia, 

which he did. Weaver and his friend recorded 

17 hours of teaching at a pastors’ 

conference where semiliterate pastors 

were being trained to minister to their 

churches, all in a language unknown to 

Weaver. 

“There was a pastor at that conference 

who was not able to attend the first 

three days because of illness,” Weaver 

recalled. “We were able to give him 

those three days of training [in recorded 

form].” 

That first experience drew Weaver 

into a life of helping mission organizations 

reach oral communicators through 

technology. 

In April 2005, he founded MP3 

Reach, an organization that supplied 

mission organizations with the digital 

media devices they needed to distribute 

their messages to various—and often 

illiterate—communities. The devices 

are loaded with Bible passages, teaching 

material, and other recordings from the 

agency and then given to missionaries 

who use them to facilitate mission work 

and outreach. 

“Oral people are not stupid; they just 

learn in a different way,” Weaver said. 

“They have better memories. They learn 

through stories. They are told the gospel 

in story form. There are some cultures 

where the written word and linear thinking 

is good. There are other cultures 

where they have to hear in another way.” 

In September 2005, Weaver was 

invited to attend the first conference for 

the International Orality Network, “a 

partnership of every major missions organization 

on the planet that recognizes 

the importance of oral communication,” 

Weaver said. The conference provided 

resources and information to help mission 

organizations rethink and reach 

deeper into oral communication strategies, 

which can be a challenge to Western 

thinking. 

“[In order to give oral communicators 

all the messages in the Bible], 

they have to take the pastoral teaching 

and redevelop it in story, song, drama,” 

Weaver said. “You have to change your 

mindset. How do you create a story out 

of Ephesians? How do you act that out? 

You really have to think about that. 

“The vast majority of the work that 

has been done has been done in evangelism. 

Now the hard part is getting to 

discipleship. We’ve not done a lot of the 

second step, helping the lay leaders and 

the marginalized know how to live,” he 

said. 

Within two years of founding MP3 

Reach, Weaver was working in 25 countries 

with 15 agencies, including East- 

West ministries, Wycliffe, Trans World 

Radio, and Missionary Aviation Fellowship. 

This summer, Weaver began partnering 

with T4 Global, an organization 

working to train leaders in some of the 

poorest, hardest-to-reach communities 

in the world, primarily those in which 

people can’t or don’t read. Partnering 

with T4 Global has many advantages, 

Weaver said. 

“It puts me in a team situation. It 

puts me in a position where I’ll take 

second place, and I can’t take credit. 

And it allows me to team with a group 

of people who have more experience 

and credibility than I have on my own,” 

he said. 

Weaver is helping T4 Global place 

technology – the “mobile teacher” – and 

libraries of digital audio files in villages 

of great need, where missionaries 

can facilitate learning in small 

group settings through oral 

communication. 

“It’s the biggest thing 

going in missions these 

days, and it’s exactly 

what we need to be 

doing,” Weaver said. 

“I realized that this 

[work I’m doing in 

missions] really isn’t 

from me. To put 

myself in front of a 

tsunami of change 

in missions when I 

had never been on a 

missions trip before 

is crazy. This is 

phenomenal.” ■ 


As spring arrives at John Brown University, new life 

is brought back to campus. The familiar sound of 

chirping birds draws students from their dorm rooms 

out into the warm open air to study on blankets in the grass, 

socialize on the steps around the clock tower, or to take a nap 

under the branches of a budding tree. The sound of shuffling 

feet and cheering teammates echoes across the sunny quad as a 

game of Ultimate Frisbee breaks out. 

In the Cathedral building, however, there is a sound that 

seems out of place: Christmas music. 

Deep in the recesses of the Cathedral of the Ozarks in room 

103, Paul Smith, professor of music, is lost in the sounds of 

Christmas medleys. The top of his desk is gone. In its place are 

piles—piles of sheet music laced with Christmas arrangements 

and CDs of holiday classics. With his glasses perched at the end 

of his nose, all Paul Smith cares about on this warm Arkansas 

day is capturing the essence of Christmas. 

Although it won’t be performed until December, Smith 

picks out the music for the JBU’s Candlelight Service as early 

as he can the preceding spring. He tries to choose a variety of 

arrangements with different styles based on the skill and age level 

10 Brown Bulletin Winter 2007-2008 

The 

Making 

of a 

Tradition 

by Andrea Phillips and Ali Holcomb ’07 

of the overall choir. Smith finds that the more challenging and 

complex the music is, the more enjoyable it is for the audience. 

“I can honestly say that no matter how difficult the music 

is, the choir always comes through,” says Smith, who has 

been conducting Candlelight since 1987. “I personally feel 

God deserves our best. There is something noble working 

toward excellence especially in a world that praises or exalts 

mediocrity.” 

This music selection process is the first of many behind the 

scenes preparations for JBU’s hallmark holiday event held each 

December in the Cathedral. The program, which includes 

performances by the University Cathedral Choir, the Women’s 

Chorus, special ensemble groups, and a brass ensemble, requires 

a tremendous amount of planning, work, and dedication on the 

part of those involved. 

Those who attend Candlelight are invited to participate in the 

service by singing congregational carols such as “Silent Night” 

and “The First Noel,” which are interspersed throughout the 

group performances. Scripture readings and a brief homily 

delivered by a JBU faculty or staff member accent the music 

and help to make Candlelight a sophisticated and inspiring 

worship event for the entire community. 

“In a time where there is such an emphasis on electronic 

media, [the sound of people worshipping at Candlelight is] 

something profoundly unique,” Smith says, reflecting on those 

congregational carols, during which he conducts the audience. 

“It’s hearing 1,000 humans lifting up their voices. It’s not 

uncommon for me to see tears in the eyes of the people in front 

of me.” 

C 

andlelight began in 1942 under the direction of Dr. 

Mabel Oiesen, who was the university’s first full-time 

music director. Oiesen worked at JBU for 32 years, 

and with Candlelight, started the longest running tradition at 

JBU. 

“Mabel had a heart and a passion,” Smith says. “She gave 

birth to the music department at JBU.” 

The first Candlelight service was held in the basement of 

the Cathedral before the sanctuary was built. The service then 

moved to the old gym in the valley before finally moving to the 

sanctuary after its completion in 1957. 

“Candlelight then was not up to the quality of the 

performance we have today, but [the services] were amazing, 

better than anything else in the area,” remembers JBU 

Chancellor and Former President John Brown Jr. “There were 

more Christmas carols, and Mabel always ended with ‘Wreathe 

the Holly, Twine the Bay.’” 

The service, which has always been free and open to the 

public, was held on one night each year until 1967 when 

growing attendance persuaded the university to offer services 

on two nights instead of one. Today, the service is held on three 

consecutive nights – Thursday, Friday, and Saturday – and is 

enjoyed by 3,000 people each year. 

And as the audiences grew, the event matured to become 

more professional, featuring more complex choral pieces, 

creating a more formal worship experience. “Candlelight is 

much more inspirational now than it was, more worshipful,” 

Brown says. 

“I think people are really tired of a commercialized 

Christmas that is centered on materialism,” Smith says. “Their 

spirits are so deprived of an opportunity to come to an event 

that is focused on a beautiful sense of worship. People enjoy 

taking time out of busy lives to do congregational carols and to 

drink in the beauty of the Cathedral.” 

At the end of the 

summer, students 

return to campus, 

reclaim the residence 

halls, and fill the classrooms 

to begin the fall semester. 

Chathedral Choir members 

also begin their routine 

of rehearsal. They 

begin learning the pieces 

they will sing throughout 

the year—there are about 

twenty songs to learn each 

year—but by October, all 

of their attention is on the 

Jake Funk directs the Chamber Choir at one of 

their 10 p.m. rehearsals. 

Paul Smith works with a student on a difficult 

section of music after the regular choir rehersal. 

Christmas music that they will sing for Candlelight. 

“Choir rehearsal has its good days and bad days, but by far 

I feel like we have a lot more good days,” says junior soprano 

Katherine Grimes. “We can spend an entire class period on one 

song or section of a song and it seems like we just keep going 

in circles. However, there are always those moments when 

something clicks, and we get it right. It’s magnificent.” 

In addition to the hour-long class periods during which 

the entire choir rehearses as a group, sectional groups divided 

by voice parts—bass, tenor, alto, soprano—each rehearse an 

additional three hours a week at different times. Sectionals 

are led by upperclassmen with talent and experience, who are 

charged with the task of making sure each singer learns their 

part by the time Paul Smith tests them on it. 

“The older ones teach the younger ones,” Smith describes. 

“Not just the music, but that they have to know the music. [The 

older ones] can say, ‘Mr. Smith is serious. When he asks you to 

sing your part, you really have to know it.’ It creates a certain 

level of anxiety, but the tradition [of excellent music] didn’t get 

there on its own. We really preach excellence.” 

Jake Funk ’07 was section leader for the tenors when he sang 

with the choir. As their leader, he provided structure and helped 

the group stay on task during rehearsals. He directed songs, 

listened for blend and intonation, and critiqued the tenors so 

they could improve their 

performance. 

“I came in as a freshmen 

with a very disciplined 

tenor section. 

Their tradition was excellence 

through practice 

and, like I said, discipline,” 

Funk says. “When 

I became section leader 

my sophomore year, I 

wanted so badly to keep 

that tradition because it 

was awesome…. I don’t 

really know what kind 

of tradition I have established, 

but I do know the 

Brown Bulletin Winter 2007-2008 11

tenors are the best section in the choir. But maybe I’m a little 

biased.” 

Grimes describes sectionals as her favorite part of choir rehearsals: 

“It is the time we can relax and really get to know one 

another. With such a large choir, it can be hard to get to know 

people and form relationship with them. Sections become like 

a smaller family within the larger group … A section is a perfect 

example of what teamwork can accomplish. It takes each of us 

doing our best for all of us to sound good.” 

In addition to the regular choir rehearsals, many students 

take on additional responsibility to be a part of special ensemble 

groups. Those in quartets or the Chamber Choir, for example, 

learn additional music and attend additional rehearsals. Now 

graduated and hoping to become a conductor, Funk works part 

time at JBU and directs the Chamber Choir as they prepare 

their Candlelight performance. They rehearse Sunday nights 

at 10:00, and in the weeks leading up to the performance, they 

will add additional rehearsals during the week. 

“Mr. Smith always uses this analogy, but it’s true: It’s like 

time is your canvas, and the singers along with the notes are 

your colors. [In my conducting experience] I was able to paint 

whatever I wanted and it was exhilarating,” Funk says. 

As the singers are rehearsing, instrumentalists are 

also preparing for the big December event. A brass 

ensemble, an organist, pianists, and other musicians 

will perform and accompany the singers throughout the 

Candlelight program. 

About a month before the performance, Ernest Whitmore, 

JBU advising coordinator, brings the brass ensemble together 

for practices a couple times each week. Whitmore is the director 

of the brass ensemble and also plays the trumpet for the group, 

which consists of seven to eight members. Since the 1970s, he 

says, there has been a nucleus of brass players—mostly Whitmore 

family members—who play each year. Other members of the 

community are invited to play as needed each season. 

The ensemble will play a half-hour prelude to the service, 

which is a bit more like a short concert most nights when the 

Cathedral pews are full to capacity before the ensemble begins. 

During their practices, the brass players decide together which 

pieces they will play for the service. 

“We are always looking for new selections to play, though 

we often find our way back to old favorites we’ve played in the 

past,” Whitmore says. 

Jan Wubbena, professor of music and organist for 

Candlelight, also practices for the numbers he will play during 

the Candlelight services. He says he can’t remember the last 

time he missed a performance. 

“I like playing Christmas carols, and I like playing the organ,” 

Wubbena says. “It’s a privilege to have this calling. Music is a gift 

from God, and the ability to organize sound into music in order 

to convey emotion and meaning is an absolute marvel.” 

W 

i th the constant sound of melodies and 

harmonies wafting through the cathedral 

as the rotation of rehearsals continues toward 

December, it can be easy to overlook the fact that it takes much 

more than music to put on this time-honored tradition. 

Early in the semester, tuxedos and gowns must be ordered 

to fit the new choir and chorus members. Even though the 

returning singers already have their outfits in hand, staff work to 

make sure jackets still fit, each pair of black shoes is appropriate, 

and there are extra bow ties on hand just in case one goes missing 

before a performance. 

The speakers for the service—those who will read the 

Christmas story and deliver the homily—are invited to 

participate, and each prepares his or her part. 

Posters are designed and distributed about town to promote 

the service. Public service announcements and press releases 

are written to alert the community and the media about the 

upcoming event. Programs, outlining this year’s order of 

service and listing the names of those performing, are laid out, 

proofread, and sent to print. 

More than 3,000 candles are purchased to fill the candelabras, 

to be carried by the choir, and to be held by every audience 

member during the singing of “Silent Night.” 

Christmas decorations are pulled out of storage. Every 

string of twinkle lights is inspected. The artificial greenery is 

evaluated. Replacements are purchased if needed. 

Altogether, between the music royalties, the promotional 

materials, the rental equipment, and the decorations, 

Candlelight costs around $6,000 to produce each year. Smith 

recalls a time when there was a discussion about whether to 

charge an admission fee or sell tickets to help cover the expenses 

of the service. Smith and others wanted to keep the tradition 

free to the public, and it still is so. 

“It’s never about the money,” Smith says. “We want this to 

be one time we say to the community, ‘We are going to give back 

to the community.’” 

Even without charging an admission fee, however, the 

university has been able to cover the costs of producing the 

Candlelight service through the generous gifts given by audience 

members during a time of offering each night. 

T 

h e weekend before Candlelight the cathedral is 

buzzing. Members of JBU’s facility services hang 

big wreaths between the windows and above the 

organ. They polish the wood pews, shampoo the carpets, add 

extra seating, and do a detailed cleaning of the sactuary. 

“We take [the preparation] as a little fun,” says Chris Snyder, 

custodial staff in charge of set-ups, who leads the crew in the 

holiday prep. “It’s a busy time of year, but this gives us a 

change of pace. We finally know the holidays are here when 

we start setting up for Candlelight. It’s a lot more work, but 

we’re looking forward to the 

holidays, so it’s fun.” 

Choir students hang 

garland and decorate with 

poinsettias, naturally breaking 

into a Christmas carol or 

two as they work. They are 

excited for Christmas break 

and the chance to see family 

again, but are ready for 

the tough work still ahead of 

them in preparing for Candlelight. 

On Wednesday evening, 

the evening before the 

first performance, everyone 

involved in the service 

comes together in the Cathedral for a long and thorough technical 

rehearsal. Every movement of the evening is scrutinized 

and tried: When will the house lights dim and how quickly will 

they fade? How will the choir position themselves in the foyer 

for the first number? How will the 60 choir members light each 

of their candles in 60 seconds without setting someone’s hair 

ablaze? Which mics are turned on at which moment? When 

do the lights come up for congregational carols? How will the 

different ensembles and instrumentalists move on and off the 

crowded stage without toppling over? 

“The tech rehearsals can be stressful, but they are also 

exciting,” says senior soprano Christina Carnes. “These 

rehearsals can be a lot of ‘hurry up and wait.’ Yet, the 

excitement of the performance being just around the corner 

is always overwhelming. Everyone is usually in a great, festive 

mood and we are all cheerful and glad to be a part of choir.” 

“There can be panic times right before the performance 

when things don’t work.” Smith says. “Our goal is that by the 

time people show up they don’t notice anything and that nothing 

calls attention to itself. We want a flow of worship.” 

After months of preparation, opening night of 

Candlelight arrives. The Cathedral sanctuary is 

aglow with twinkle lights and candles amidst pine 

wreaths, elegant Christmas trees, and the highlighted stained 

glass windows. Ten minutes before the prelude begins, there are 

ripples of movement across the pews as, here and there, closely 

seated audience members shuffle closer 

together to make room for one or two more 

latecomers. 

Some nights, the audiences are so large 

that people have to be turned away at the 

door. Last year, Smith recalls, one family 

drove from Texas just to be a part of the 

experience. When they arrived to find the 

Cathedral full to capacity and had to be 

turned away, the family decided to stay in a 

Siloam Springs motel so they could attend 

Candlelight the following evening. 

As the brass ensemble concludes their 

prelude of rich familiar melodies, the 

lights dim, allowing darkness and silence 

to fill the cathedral. The audience eagerly 

awaits the first note of the 

choir. Unexpectedly, voices 

are heard coming from the 

back of the room. The choir 

is circled in the back softly 

lifting their voices, which 

grow and resound from 

under the balcony to the 

stage at the front. Each of 

the 60 singers holds a candle, 

and as they move further 

into the sanctuary, the room 

is increasingly illuminated. 

The worshipful tones filling 

the air engulf the captivated 

audience. 

“I love performing ‘O 

Come All Ye Faithful’ as a processional at the beginning of the 

performance,” Carnes says, describing her favorite moment 

of the performance. “The room always seems full of a sort 

of sacred energy. Everyone is standing, singing joyfully as one 

body, the candles are flickering with the light of Christ and, ‘O 

come let us adore Him!’ echoes through the cathedral. Beautiful! 

This is my picturesque worship moment!” 

For two hours, the Cathedral is filled with music and 

with worship. As the house lights slowly come up at the close 

of the service, it’s easy to see the effect of the experience on 

the audience. Some are drying their eyes. Others are hugging 

loved ones. Everyone seems to have a peaceful countenance 

about them. 

For many in Northwest Arkansas – and even for some from 

other regions and other states – this event has come to mark the 

beginning of the Christmas season. 

Leeland and Rosalie Flickinger from Bella Vista, Arkansas 

have a few connections with faculty at JBU and have attended 

Candlelight for several years. 

“When we moved to Bella Vista people said we had to go, 

and we haven’t been disappointed,” Rosalie says. “We love the 

music and the candles, and the silence is wonderful.” 

Smith recalls a choir performance in Bella Vista during which 

he asked the audience how many people had attended JBU’s 

Candlelight: “Ninety percent of them raised their hands.” 

Siloam Springs resident Matt Snyder ’96 says he tries 

to attend the Candlelight service whenever he can. 

“In the midst of the busy Christmas 

season with its myriad commitments 

and distractions, the Candlelight Service 

always serves to slow me down and realign 

my focus on Jesus. I leave the Cathedral 

able to more fully appreciate the season.” 

That’s exactly what Paul Smith hopes 

for the program, that it brings people to 

God at Christmas time. 

“The center [of the program] is not on 

a show, but on a high worship experience,” 

Smith said. “We hope [people leave feeling 

that] they weren’t entertained, but that 

they were brought along in a real worship 

experience. This is a Christmas card to the 

community.” ■ 


Diane (Walters) 

Breitkreuz ’93 

Heather (Cauwels) 

Bunnel ’90 

Heidi Wilbanks ’02 

John Bunnel ’87 

Stephen Breitkreuz ’90 

Mark Cauwels ’79 

All 

in the 

Family 

The majority of students who enroll as 

freshmen at JBU learn about the university 

through someone they know. Often, it is a 

family member who connects that student 

Paul Cauwels ’62 

Lois Cauwels ’63 

Jack Cauwels ’56 

Phyllis (Chalmers) 

Cauwels ’57 

Holly 

(Wilbanks) 

Shuler ’05 

Richie 

Shuler ’05 

Alaina (Walch) 

Shuler ’03 

Johnathan Shuler ’02 

to JBU. In the case of some students, so 

many family members have preceeded them 

to campus that JBU has practically become 

Peter Cauwels ’94 

Amy (Lackey) Cauwels ’94 

Caryn 

(Cauwels) 

Shuler ’78 

Robin 

(Shuler) 

Roberts ’83 

a family trait, with shared JBU experiences 

connecting generations. On the following 

John Veteto ’70 

Janice (Cauwels) Veteto ’68 

pages, you’ll meet some students who have 

deep JBU roots, see the family members who 

Randy Shuler ’79 

came before them, and read the students’ 

Denise Cauwels ’83 

A Few Disclaimers: 

own thoughts about what it’s like to grow 

up with the JBU gene. 

1) JBU recognizes any student who completes two semesters as an alumnus. Some of the people featured 

here may not have completed their degree, but we still count them as part of the JBU family. The class 

years shown represent the class each alumnus was connected with when they enrolled. 

2) We did the best we could, working with the students and reviewing JBU records, to identify as many 

family members as possible in these family trees. If you’re connected to one of these families but not 

included here, we appologize for missing you. That’s what happens when you skip that family reunion. 

3) Unlike true family tree diagrams, the family pictures here are laid out somewhat randomly. Don’t 

suppose two people are married simply because their pictures are connected to each other on the page. 

4) Some family members shown here have married into other large JBU families that could have filled 

countless pages in the magazine. But, since our space is limited, we had to cut it off somewhere. 

Appologies if your branch got “cut off.” 

“I honestly find it an honor to be able to 

carry on the legacy of my family at JBU. It 

is really neat to be able to talk about JBU as 

a part of my life and hear my relatives talk 

about how it affected their lives as well. I 

originally wanted to go to JBU because I 

knew that my grandparents, parents, and 

brothers met their spouses at JBU, and as 

a young girl, marriage was always on my 

mind. As I grew up, my reasons changed, 

and I looked forward to JBU’s small 

community and Christian relationships. 

After my first semester freshman year, I 

realized exactly why JBU is a legacy in my 

family: The love that JBU holds is unlike 

anything I have ever experience before! It is 

such a blessing for my parents to hear about 

how JBU has provided a great environment 

for my spiritual growth and to know that we 

share that experience with all my relatives 

who went to JBU.” 

Kristin Shuler, sophomore 

family 

The 

Shuler 


Wilson 

The 

family 

“Since so many of my family members and 

family friends had gone to JBU, I grew up 

hearing about the ‘good ole days’ at JBU, 

coming to visit campus, and interacting with 

the amazing people that had graduated 

from JBU. All this was amazing, but actually 

being here has been more amazing than 

the stories. Meeting peers that have a 

heart to know, love, and serve God. Being 

surrounded by people who love and are 

trying to love people more. And then, when 

Homecoming rolls around, meeting the 

people my parents and grandparents went 

to school with, and seeing how God has 

worked through and in so many lives at JBU. 

It’s a bitterweet feeling know graduation is 

right around the corner. While I’m excited 

for what God has in store for me, I know I 

will miss this place like crazy.” 

Rachelle Wilson, senior 

“I always knew that I wanted to come to JBU, 

even before I really understood what college 

was about. I would sit and listen to my dad 

and his old college buddies talking about 

their time at JBU, about pranks they pulled 

and the fun they had, or the all nighters 

spent writing papers on their typewriters or 

doing projects. Once I arrived on campus 

as a student, I knew I was where I belong, 

because it was the place so much of my 

family belonged. Now, I understand their 

stories even more because I have experienced 

them first hand.” 

Erin Wilson, sophomore 

Erin with cousins Rachelle and Stephanie, who are sisters 

During Homecoming this year, my sister 

and I tagged along with our parents as they 

hung out with other alumni. We enjoyed 

listening to stories about their college days: 

soccer games, group dates, the pranks they 

remember—and the pranks they would 

never admit to pulling. Listening to the 

stories about their years at JBU makes me 

appreciate my time here even more. JBU is 

challenging me intellectually and spiritually. 

Sure, I love the courses, books, projects, and 

papers. JBU is a great place to receive an 

education, but it’s more than that. Watching 

my parents with their former classmates 

makes me appreciate what really creates 

the JBU experience: the people. I guess 

that’s why being a part of a JBU family is so 

awesome. It’s not really about JBU as much 

as it is about the hall mates, the Bible study 

groups, the professors, the chapel speakers, 

and the intramural teams. JBU is an 

awesome place to go to college, but it would 

be nothing without the cool people. 

Stephanie Wilson, sophomore 

Dave Wilson ’78 

Dan Wilson ’80 

Mary Ann (Taylor) Kelderman ’76 

Alyssa (Hollingsworth) Felix’95 

Ruth (Taylor) 

Owensby ’72 

Rodney 

Owensby ’71 

Bob Hollingsworth ’62 

Jan (Rankin) Hollingsworth ’62 

Joe Wilson ’53 

Ruth (Colquhoun) Wilson ’54 

Dave Stephens ’85 

Bill Hollingsworth ’67 

Margo (Hollingsworth) Dodsen ’65 

Amy (Hollingsworth) 

Stephens ’87 

John Hollingsworth ’64 

Joel Wilson ’85 

Jana (Hollingsworth) Wilson ’85 

Steve Wilson ’83 

Joan (Taylor) Wilson ’84 


Siemens 

family 

“I am very privileged and honored to belong 

to a family with such a storied heritage at 

JBU. It is quite a feat for 32—and soon to 

be 36—relatives to graduate from the same 

university. The best part, by far, is being 

able to use the passing comment, “Well, 32 

of my relatives graduated from here, so beat 

that!” Naturally, it makes sense that JBU 

should name a building after my family.” 

Kirk Denison, freshman 

“Being a part of a large family that has been 

intimately connected to JBU helps me to 

feel connected to this place. Somehow the 

history of this school is important to me. 

What is happening at JBU now and what 

will happen in the future are also important 

to me. I love watching my family get excited 

about things here at JBU that are exciting 

to me. My JBU roots help me to feel 

connected to the school, and my experience 

at JBU is a bonding point for my family and 

me. I am grateful that God has allowed me 

to come here to be a part of JBU.” 

Amber Denison, senior 

Joy (Clements) Karel ’82 

Dan Siemens ’76 

Cindi (Grover) 

Siemens ’71 

siblings Kirk and Amber with 

cousins Kyle and Libby 

Lyn (Siemens) 

Spencer ’78 

“What I find truly amazing is that, 

unlike many families these days, 

our get-togethers never involve 

arguments or heated debates. We 

just have a blast being together. 

We are always singing hymns or 

silly songs, playing games, acting 

out skits, eating, or just laughing 

with each other. If we tell stories 

about things that happened at JBU, 

everyone can relate. It is such an 

inviting atmosphere to be a part of. 

Food and music are probably the 

two most characteristic things about 

our family...where two or more of 

us are gathered, there is sure to be 

eight-part harmonies and a feast of 

snacks.” 

Kyle Spencer, senior 

Rosanne (Siemens) 

Redditt ’75 

“People ask me how I first heard about 

JBU since I live so far away from the 

school. I used to get red in the face 

and quietly say that I just have a lot of 

relatives who have come through this 

school. But recently, I’ve realized that 

I am so blessed to have such a large 

family history here. I love telling people 

that I’m a third generation student at 

John Brown! It’s so fun to hear stories 

of things my relatives did when they 

were students here, but what is really 

great about being a third generation 

is knowing that everyone—from my 

grandparents down to my cousins and 

I—has been able to share a similar 

college experience.” 

Libby Redditt, sophomore 

Sarah Hattaway ’04 

The 

David Siemens ’85 

Mary (Phillips) 

Leadabrand ’04 

Doug 

Siemens ’80 

Walta (Siemens) 

Hattaway ’72 

Carole (Clements) Austell ’80 

Missy (Ware) 

Clements ’88 

Stephen Phillips ’05 

Julia (Freeman) 

Siemens ’80 

Brach Siemens ’01 

Tom 

Leadabrand 

’02 

Rebecca Hattaway ’01 

Jonathan 

Clements ’89 

Paula (Whitmore) 

Phillips ’78 

Ernest 

Whitmore 

’80 

Dwight 

Siemens ’88 

Jen (Martin) 

Siemens ’89 

Jan (Siemens) 

Kimball ’86 

Melody (Clements) Artz ’81 

Phillip Clements ’56 

Paul Whitmore ’47 

Viola (Walton) 

Whitmore ’50 

Margaret (Walton) 

Siemens Weathers ’47 

Don Siemens ’71 

Sean Wallace ’88 

Marcia (Whitmore) 

Wallace ’85 



Perspectives On ... 

Lifestyle Worship: Rethinking our Daily Walk 

by Kayla White 

Singing JBU’s Praises 

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your 

spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may 

prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:1-2, NAS 

A topic of growing interest and discussion 

in many Christian circles today 

is that of lifestyle worship. A simple 

Google search of just these two words 

will reap over 17,000 hits, offering sites 

that range from church credos developed 

by biblical scholars to the blogging 

thoughts of teenagers. 

Usually, people associate the concept 

of lifestyle worship with the above 

passage from Romans. Whether consciously 

or unconsciously, we have defined 

lifestyle worship as an obligation: 

we are obliged to be nice to others, 

to abstain from profanity, to attend 

church at least once a week, to have 

a daily quiet time, and so on. This 

checklist for life becomes our concept 

of lifestyle worship. If we do the right 

kind of things and don’t do the wrong 

kind of things, we are worshiping God 

with our lives and showing the light of 

Christ to a fallen world. 

But, is that what it really means 

to have a lifestyle of worship? While 

we are most definitely admonished to 

be different from the world in Romans 

12:2, I suggest that the “checklist” concept 

of lifestyle worship is a bit narrow 

and not at all what Paul had in mind. 

This idea of lifestyle worship was 

thrown into a whole new light for me recently 

through a discussion in my class, 

during which my students attempted to 

define the concept. We were focusing 

on specific worship experiences, both 

corporate and personal, that each student 

would describe as a mountain-top 

experience. Each of these powerful moments 

of worship had been significant 

milestones in their Christian journeys, 

and yet each student acknowledged 

that these peaks were short-lived. Real 

life happened the next day, and the reality 

of the world settled back in. 

One student’s question was this: 


Even if life must happen—career, 

school, family, crises, vacation, even 

sleep—should we be content to come 

down from the mountain? In other 

words, how can we constantly reinvigorate 

our worship of God even as we 

are daily bombarded with life? 

We began discussing what authentic 

lifestyle worship might look like 

as it is fleshed out in our daily walk, 

and how we could truly worship from 

the heart day by day. Here are the few 

possible suggestions that we came up 

with: 

Stay faithful. Continue to 

spend time communing with God even 

if it seems mechanical. James urges us 

to “draw near to God and He will draw 

near to you” (James 4:8, NAS). He will 

bless your faithfulness to His word. 

Get out of your worship rut. 

Try reading some of your favorite 

Bible passages in a different translation. 

If you normally read the NIV, 

try the NAS or the New King James. 

When on vacation or out of town, visit 

a church of a different Christian tradition. 

If you call a Baptist church home, 

visit a Methodist church or a Presbyterian 

church or an Episcopal church. 

Seeing something in a fresh way can 

reinvigorate and transform the mind 

and soul (Romans 12:2). 

Find a “sacred place” where 

you can be still and listen to God. 

Challenge yourself to follow Christ’s 

example and get away periodically to 

spend time in solitude (Mark 1:35). 

Get the bigger picture. God 

is redeeming this world back to Him, 

and He has entrusted the church with 

this task. One of the last things Jesus 

told his disciples before his ascension 

was that they were to be part of God’s 

plan to reach the world: “Thus it is 

written … repentance for forgiveness of 

sins would be proclaimed in His name 

to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem” 

(Luke 24:46-47, NAS). Look 

away from yourself to those around you 

and ask: How can I be a part of this global 

restoration? 

In Romans 12, Paul was encouraging 

each Christian to consider their entire 

life—not just the “religious” aspects of 

it—and place it before God as an offering. 

That was the key to authentic lifestyle 

worship: making each act an experience 

of worship. What would our 

lives look like if we tried to see God’s 

hand in every moment? Read Paul’s 

words again in a fresh light: 

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping 

you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your 

sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walkingaround 

life—and place it before God as an 

offering. Embracing what God does for you 

is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t 

become so well-adjusted to your culture that 

you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, 

fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed 

from the inside out (Romans 12:1-2, The 

Message). 

May it be true of us. ■ 

Kayla White is 

Instructor of Worship 

Ministries at JBU. She 

holds a B.A. in piano 

performance,a 

B.S. in music education, 

and a Master of 

Music Theory from the 

University of Central 

Arkansas. She serves as 

the worship minister for 

CrossPointe Community 

Church in Tontitown. 

Murray Sells Gymnasium was 

filled with cheering and singing 

as the new JBU Golden Eagle fight 

song was debuted during the 

Toilet Paper basketball game on 

November 1. The song, written 

by JBU seniors John Venable and 

Adam Harbottle, was the winning 

entry in a student competition to 

write the new Golden Eagle Fight 

Song this fall. 

Sports Information Director 

Simeon Hinsey ‘01 said he had 

the idea about establishing a new 

fight song after Dustin Tracy ’07 

wrote a column in the student paper 

last year saying that the university 

should have a fight song. 

Hinsey said that he didn’t ever 

remember the university having a 

fight song, and he began to consider 

Tracy’s suggestion this summer. 

“I took [the idea] to heart and 

said that we need to fix that,” Hinsey 

said. 

Hinsey said his first task was to 

find JBU’s old fight song, if one existed. 

He contacted Jen Heller, university 

archivist, who searched for 

an old fight song, but didn’t come 

up with anything. Then, while she 

was working on a photo project, 

she came across a fight song in a 

1980-1981 JBU yearbook written 

by former JBU staff member Randall 

K. Bassett. She forwarded the 

song to Hinsey who then sent a 

copy to Paul Smith, music department 

chair, for his review. Smith 

did not think the music and lyrics 

were a fit for JBU today. 

JBU DEBUTS NEW STUDENT-AUTHORED FIGHT SONG 

The New JBU Fight Song, 

Sung to the Tune of “On Wisconsin” 

Raise a song both loud and proud 

Eagles onward soar 

Pressing on to victory 

Letting out a roar! 

J! B! U! 

Stand up! And shout! 

To the gold and blue be true 

Cheer and fight for victory 

Cause eagles we’re all for you! 

“The biggest problem with the 

song was that the words might be 

acceptable in 1935, but they’re so 

antiquated that I’m afraid that 

they would be met with laughter 

instead of enthusiasm,” Smith 

said. 

Smith suggested that Hinsey 

make writing the new fight song 

a contest for students to compete 

for the bragging rights and prize 

money. Hinsey liked the idea. 

“We wanted it to be the students’ 

fight song,” Hinsey said. 

“When you think of a fight song, it 

is something that pulls everyone 

together. When an entire gym 

sings the words, it puts everybody 

on the same page.” 

Almost 20 students signed 

up to write a fight song for the 

contest, but only six groups sent 

submissions in. A committee 

including Hinsey, Smith, Robyn 

Gordon (director of athletics), and 

Jeff Soderquist (assistant director 

of athletics) picked Venable and 

Harbottle’s fight song because it 

was simple and something that 

the whole student body could 

enjoy. 

“Their song was something 

that would be easy for students 

to remember and easy to catch 

on to,” Hinsey said. 

Venable found out about the 

competition through EagleNET, 

JBU’s intranet site, and he asked 

his roommate, Harbottle, to help 

him author the song. 

by Grace Pennington 

JBU Sophomore 

“We thought it would be fun 

and the money was nice,” said Venable, 

who together with Harbottle 

received $100 in prize money. 

“More than that, the thought of 

going down in JBU history was 

meaningful.” 

The two students wrote the 

song’s lyrics about three weeks 

before the deadline and submitted 

the words and the recording 

of them singing the song on the 

last day of the competition. They 

looked at other fight songs to get 

an idea of what it might sound 

like, but they were going for a mix 

of a traditional and new sound, 

they said. 

“We enjoyed writing the fight 

song because it’s always fun and a 

challenge to come up with something 

new,” Harbottle said. “Sometimes 

we would sit for twenty 

minutes to think of one word for 

the song.” 

Harbottle said that he wants 

students to be excited and passionate 

about the song and allow 

it to unite the JBU student body. 

Hinsey said that he hopes the 

fight song is something that can 

be used at many activities across 

campus, not just sports events. 

He also has hopes of putting the 

fight song music online to let 

students download the song as a 

ringtone. 

“Let’s get excited! We’ve got a 

lot to cheer for,” Venable said. ■ 

Visit www.jbu.edu/athletics 

to hear the song online.

Homecoming 2007 “Connecting 

for Generations to Come” was 

a celebration to remember. 

Hundreds of alumni found themselves 

at home again on campus in October, 

even though both the buildings and the 

people have changed in appearances! 

The family ties of JBU, however, remain 

today. Enjoy these glimpses of the fun 

and friends we saw that weekend, and 

start planning now to join us next year! 

of 

The Sound Generation performs at 

Saturday’s Showcase with surprise 

guest Roy Clark. 

Shawn Toenyes ’97 and Janet Naramore ’72 

present the Outstanding Alumnus Award to 

J.R. Whitby ’71 during the Showcase. 

Alumni of the soccer program celebrate 

30 years of soccer at JBU. 

Alumni of the Irish Studies program 

celebrate 10 years of JBU travels to 

Ireland. 

Homecoming King Nathan Fields escorts 

Spectators and participants enjoy the 

JBU’s Heritage Society, alumni who graduated from JBU 

Bill ’69 and Dianne Hume meet sophomore 

Queen Leslye Bourquin (left) and Queen 

Homecoming parade, featuring student floats. 

50 or more years ago, gather and induct new members 

scholarship recipient Charles Greathouse at 

Tracie Faust from the soccer field. 

Above, Mayfield residents and alumni represent 

during the weekend. 

the annual Scholarship Recognition Dinner. 


generations of Mayfield women. 


a window of opportunity 

On the heels of JBU’s highly successful $10 Million Challenge for endowed scholarships that 

was completed in January 2007, JBU is grateful to announce the launch of a new challenge 

campaign: The $20 Million Challenge. 

Class of 1962 

Class of 1967 

An anonymous donor has pledged up to $10 million in matching funds for gifts designated 

for endowed scholarships and endowed programs across campus. This new challenge will 

add $20 million to the JBU endowment fund for student scholarships and essential programs. 

Funds raised by the $20 Million Challenge have the potential to endow: 

• faculty development grants 

Homecoming Reunions 

Class of 1972 

Class of 1977 

Homecoming Reunions 

• the discipleship program within the Office of Christian Formation 

• scholarships and program costs for JBU’s new undergraduate leadership program 

• the expansion of programs offered by the Center for Relationship Enrichment 

• undergraduate and graduate student scholarships 

JBU has five years to raise the 

$10 million in endowment funds 

for these areas in order to receive 

the full $10 million in matching 

funds. 

Both current gifts and certain 

irrevocable deferred gifts are 

eligible for the Challenge match. 

(Some minimums apply.) 

Class of 1982 

Class of 1987 

For more information about this 

wonderful $20 Million Challenge 

opportunity, contact JBU 

University Advancement at 

(800) 446-2450. 

“It is a rare opportunity that gives alumni and 

friends a chance to double their endowment 

gift, and we are thankful for this challenge.” 

Class of 1992 

Class of 1997 

Dr. Jim Krall 

Vice President for University Advancement 

24 Brown Bulletin Winter 2007-2008 For more Homecoming photos and to see the names of 

those pictured here, go to www.jbualumni.com 


from the 

director’s 

desk 

CONNECT ALUMNI! 

Share your photo and memories with 

alumni friends. 

UPDATES ON AlumNET 

These alumni have updated their information 

in the online alumni directory on JBU AlumNET. 

Visit www.jbualumni.com to register, log on, 

and get the latest information! 

Coming Home 

Imagine with me what it was like to be at Homecoming 

2007. Down at the alumni soccer game you hear alumni 

players, some from the original 1978 team, asking Coach Bob 

Gustavson for an oxygen tank ... after just the warm ups. 

Sneaking into the Class of 1957 reunion, you see alumni 

talking to JBU freshmen who are taking a survey about what 

dating was like back then. You hear an alumnus tell them, 

“With all the rules, you just had to be more creative!” 

On Thursday and Friday nights, after a practice for 

Saturday’s Showcase performance, 80 members of The 

Sound Generation and many of their spouses meet to share 

a meal. They recount both hilarious and deeply personal 

stories of their time in the Sounds that impacted the rest of 

their lives. 

Standing in front of the Cathedral Group, you see all 

three buildings being transformed by the new tinted, modern 

windows and the light-colored, cut limestone carefully being 

placed by the masons. You realize that the buildings will be 

even more beautiful when they are finished than they have 

been this past half-century. 

These are the images that stick with me even now. I am 

continually amazed to see how people are touched by their 

return to campus. Campus may not look the same, and the 

people may not look the same, but the feeling of being part 

of the JBU family is as real now as it was decades ago. 

In the business of our lives, it’s easy sometimes to forget 

about those things that have really shaped our lives. Where 

would we be now if we hadn’t been at JBU then? It seems that 

each Homecoming we remind each other just how thankful 

we are for that experience. And we are encouraged to hear 

how the Lord has worked in each of our lives since leaving 

JBU. Sometimes, it can be just the boost you need to go back 

and face your busy life with a refreshed perspective. 

Already, plans are underway for Homecoming 2008, when 

we will celebrate the completion of the Cathedral Group 

renovations, hear the largest Cathedral Choir ever assembled, 

mark the 50th anniversary of the basketball program, and 

host reunions for the English Department, several classes, 

and other groups. And we will be reminded once again just 

how significant the JBU experience has been in our lives. Join 

us October 10th and 11th! 

Jerry Rollene ’75 

Director of Alumni and Parent Relations 


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database of online resources. 

Problems? Questions? Feedback? Contact the JBU alumni office by 

e-mail at alumni@jbu.edu or by phone at 888-JBU-ALUM. 

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Your privacy and the security 

of your information is very 

important to us. That’s why 

we ask you to provide a few 

pieces of personal information 

in the registration process, 

including either your JBU student 

ID number or your unique ID code. 

Use your JBU 

student ID number 

or the unique 

ID code on the 

mailing label of this 

magazine to register 

on AlumNET. 

Your unique ID code is located at the top of 

the mailing label on this magazine. Look for a 

six-character code (two letters followed by four 

numbers). A married alumni couple living in the 

same household will see two ID codes above the 

name. The first code is the husband’s code; the 

second is the wife’s. 

1930s 

Elizabeth (Beauford) Besinger ’33 

1940s 

Lucille (Lowe) Arrington ’41 

John Maus ’41 

Dick McCartney ’47 

Ellis Tiffany ’43 

1950s 

Ray Arnold ’50 

Rusty Baker ’55 

Don & Deloris (Calhoon) Bubna ’52 ’52 

Luther Butler ’52 

Bob Cook ’53 

David Denyer ’57 

Helen (Entz) Eshleman ’55 

Roger Flanagan ’57 

Otto & Leona (Neufeld) Gutwin ’54 

Dick Luebben ’51 

Ginger (Cole) Mayo ’55 

William “Bud” McCleskey ’55 

Ernie & Grace (Thorson) Otto ’56 ’55 

Frank Shannon ’58 

Norma Smith ’55 

Bill Smith ’55 

David Streck ’57 

George Townsend ’58 

Harry & Beverly (Janssen) Webster ’58 ’58 

Helen (Standridge) Willis ’57 

Herb Zimmerman ’51 

1960s 

David Beilfuss ’64 

Bill Brown ’64 

Don Campbell ’65 

Carl Carlisle ’66 

Dave Carnahan ’66 

Larry Condley ’69 

Roger Cross ’66 

Bill Daughaday ’64 

Evelyn (Insco/Hardcastle) Davis ’68 

This list includes updates received through October 8, 2007. 

Janice Dinkela ’69 

Annetta (Gratzl) Elgie ’67 

Judie (Stahl) Emanuel ’68 

Mary Epps ’68 

Ernie & Carla (Stockdale) Ferguson ’69 ’69 

Joan (McCrery) Ferguson ’62 

Sandra (Roseberry) Glaser ’63 

Chuck Golladay ’67 

Jerry Habecker ’64 

Susan (Matthies) Hamilton ’64 

Marjorie (Homrighousen) Hanson ’69 

Doris (Dickman) Hobbs ’67 

Larry Hoffman ’68 

Jodie (Storm) Huse ’69 

Delores (Kacalek) Jenisch ’63 

Harry Johnson ’65 

Elaine (Janssen) Jury ’70 

Timothy Kauffman ’62 

Bob Kershaw ’67 

James Kipp ’63 

Tim Kooi ’69 

Robert Kulvicki ’63 

Glen Letellier ’68 

Kay (Oliver) Lewis ’68 

Gary Lingle ’60 

Gary Logan ’67 

Denny Milgate ’63 

Steve Molnar ’67 

Dan Neuenswander ’60 

Fred Nordquist ’64 

Dick Papworth ’69 

Roger Pfanstiel ’67 

Fred Phillips ’60 

Karen (Pash) Phillips ’67 

John Pickle ’61 

Jerry Powell ’62 

George Pryor ’60 

Gary Ratzlaff ’67 

Larry Reich ’66 

Grace (Johnson) Richards ’68 

Sue (Walter) Senzig ’68 

Francene (Davis) Sharp ’62 

Mary Ann (Wiggins) Simmons ’67 

Adele (Landon) Simpson ’67 

Bill Smallman ’62 

Beth (Browning) Stockton ’69 

John Stroup ’69 

Barbara (Herold) Thompson ’69 

Sharrel (Becker) Walter ’67 

Bob Weathers ’67 

Ted Weathers ’64 

Cindy (Schimpf) Webb ’68 

Garrett Wilson ’63 

Jeri (Hewey) Yagoobian ’68 

Nancy (Sheets) Zercher ’66 

1970s 

Vicki (Wasson) Agee ’77 

Kathleen (Carlson) Arnold ’70 

Rebecca Ball ’77 

Richard & Linda (Hanson) Bedgood ’70 ’67 

Richard Bollinger ’72 

Kathy (Poor) Boyts ’78 

Austin Bridges ’78 

Connie (Prinzing/Hamilton) Brown ’70 

John Brown ’71 

Becky (Zachor) Carlberg ’78 

Jerry & Donna (Groseclose) Carlin ’77 ’78 

Terry Christopher ’76 

Dee Cline ’72 

Joeita (McAbee) Clouse ’74 

Carita (Lipps) Crain ’73 

Janet (Roberts) Crawford ’73 

Cid (Dewar/Preece) Cutts ’77 

Jeff Davies ’79 

Steve Davis ’74 

Pat (Carter) Dixon ’75 

Charles Eckardt ’73 

Darrell & Maureen (Medley) Farney ’70 ’68 

Cinda (Coliz) Farrell ’72 

Christine Fornell ’73 

Donald Frey ’79 

Steve Genheimer ’76 

Marsha George ’79 

Betty Gibbs ’75 

Lee Ann (Dubach) Gooderl ’77 

Bill Griffin ’73 

Patrick Grona ’75 

Richard Hannah ’74 

Melanie (Schmidt) Hawthorne ’76 

Debbie (Fowler) Hess ’70 

Doug Jacobson ’76 

Chuck & Patricia (Baylis) Jensen ’72 ’72 

Nan Jones ’74 

Paul Jones ’76 

James Kelley ’79 

Charles & Malia (Davis) Kennedy ’79 ’79 

Kathy King ’73 

Vicki King ’75 

Jack Knapil ’76 

Jerry Knode ’78 

Lavonda (McIlvain) Kopsa ’79 

Leonard Lakey ’71 

Becky (Haynes) Landreth ’76 

Mark & Marilae (Barnes) Latham ’75 ’77 

Glenda (Batchelder) Lawson ’77 

Barry Luchene ’79 

Teresa (Brewer) Mallette ’73 

Bernie Maret ’70 

Karen (Thomas) Markham ’72 

Beverly (Pulis) McDaniel ’71 

Michael Messerli ’73 

Mary (Harlan) Miller ’77 

David Montague ’72 

John Newcomer ’73 

John Norberg ’72 

Denise (Scruggs) Peabody ’76 

Vickie (Blatchley) Penn ’79 

Jean (Perry) Petersen ’76 

Leon Phillips ’70 

Bill Phillips ’73 

Daniel Qualman ’74 

Jerry Rollene ’75 

Evelyn (Landreth) Scheiman ’77 

Terrie (Hardy) ’77 

Howard Semmler ’78 

Karen (Blink) Sietsma ’75 

Brian Smith ’77 

Marsha (Wilson) Smith ’76 

Renee (Rerrell) Smith ’71 

Marvin Smith ’74 

Jack St. Pierre ’77 

David Stoddard ’77 

Barb (McCullough) Strombeck ’76 

Diana (Maines) Summers ’78 

Arthur Sundquist ’73 

Robert Thompson ’71 

Joyce Tucker ’79 

Charles VanDenburgh ’74 

Barbara (Shallenberg) Wagner ’71 



This list includes updates received through October 8, 2007. 

Pat (Hayre) Walker ’72 

Carl Walter ’76 

Bill Wilkinson ’74 

Daniel Williams ’74 

Dave Wilson ’78 

Bob Wright ’73 

1980s 

Dave Albers ’80 

Hector Alvarado ’89 

Chuck Anderson ’82 

Steve Anthes ’84 

Dirk Baumann ’82 

Kelly (Tinnin) Bigley ’82 

Cindy (Gonzales) Blackman ’86 

Tonnya (Turner) Blaylock ’87 

Kristin (Lindquist) Branan ’84 

Holly (Wilson) Brown ’85 

Barbara “Bobbi” (Teasdale) Buchanan ’83 

Danny Burhenn ’86 

David Capp ’88 

Danny Carlton ’85 

Dawn (Monforte) Casey ’82 

Darlene Chute ’83 

Steve Cook ’86 

Pamela (Long) Daroff ’81 

Lori (Leckrone) Devaney ’85 

Dan Devries ’86 

Patty (Allie) Durkee ’82 

James Ebel ’85 

Mary (Stoehr) Emerson ’85 

Tim Feldman ’89 

Ann (Gossett) Gatewood ’85 

Marty Glass ’83 

Debbie (Shoop) Godsell ’89 

Lorri (Wahlgren) Goode ’88 

Robyn Gordon ’85 

Lance Harris ’88 

Jerry Harrison ’89 

Jay Harrison ’89 

Joe Harvey ’88 

Jill Haseltine ’89 

Scott Hawes ’88 

Karen Heath ’87 

Don Hedges ’80 

Jill Hersha ’87 

Geoff Hurte ’87 

Ginny (Schultze) James ’82 

Peder & Nancy (Otto) Jessen ’83 

Steve Johnson ’83 

Ann Jung ’82 

Doug Keating ’85 

Phil Kennedy ’87 

Jan (Siemens) Kimball ’86 

Lois Klem ’82 

Sue (Hopma) Kline ’85 

Lois (Lionberger) Langehaug ’81 

Tim Layman ’83 

Dave LeVan ’87 

Julie (Rockwell) Longman ’89 

Chuck Lowry ’85 

Cheryl Luedke ’82 

Ellen (Loder) Marchi ’80 

Dee (Watkins) Masters ’85 

Gregory McBride ’86 

Diane (Tooley) McClary ’85 

Mark Miller ’89 

Tori (Primuth) Miller ’88 

Chuck Mixon ’85 

Brian Moody ’88 

Dawn (Bailey) Morales ’85 

Becky (Scott) Mottola ’86 

Daniel Mouttet ’84 

Daniel Muzzy ’80 

Mike Nachbar ’80 

Rob Nilsen ’86 

Kerry (Blythe) Nunley ’83 

Tony O’Connor ’87 

Mike Ogburn ’88 

Patty (Hoffman) Parlee ’82 

Christie (Davis) Pettibon ’89 

Aaron Phillips ’80 

William “Skip” Pickle ’85 

Tom Pitts ’83 

Mark Pollitt ’86 

Rod Randol ’83 

Stephanie (Hall) Regier ’83 

Lydia Reimers ’87 

Joe Rider ’87 

Elsa (Villa) Schmidt ’84 

Joleen (Mc Cullough) Schneider ’81 

Jay Seegert ’86 

Kelley (Bridgman) Sharber ’85 

Monty Shipp ’87 

Susan (Wallin) Simmons ’89 

Brian Skurdal ’89 

Gabe Smith ’85 

Philip Smith ’87 

Carol (McManis/Pattavina) Sothman ’81 

Damon Steele ’85 

Todd Steelman ’89 

Jeff Stewart ’83 

Tim Stough ’85 

Elliott Strom ’87 

Beth (Woodman) Stutz ’89 

Jayne (Befus) Thomsen ’80 

Kristen (Pierce) Unterberg ’87 

Hal Walker ’82 

Robin Wentworth ’84 

Evelyn (Bauer) Wolff ’83 

1990s 

Lorena (Rovira) Anglin ’96 

Babur Asad ’96 

Gina (Graham) Baker ’97 

John Barr ’98 

Brandon Batchelor ’98 

Karyn (Ely) Beckner ’97 

David Bennett ’91 

Ruth (Gustafson) Bethea ’95 

Erin & LeAnn (Wojakowski) Bird ’95 ’95 

Rebecca (Barber) Blair ’95 

Philip & Wendi (Perkins) Bland ’97 ’98 

Kim (Johnson) Boggs ’91 

Veronica (Smith) Bond ’90 

Rhea Borja ’90 

Amy (DeMaranville) Bottomly ’98 

Joy (Edwards) Bourdess ’93 

Kristen (Schley) Bowling ’90 

Kim Boyce ’95 

Ethan Brown ’95 

Paul Burbank ’99 

Bryan & Kelley (Gean) Burwick ’95 ’93 

Jennifer (Turnbow) Call ’99 

Dixie (Brumbaugh) Christian ’99 

Kim (Taylor) Contreras ’92 

Tom Cook ’90 

Cheryl (Helmuth) Coons ’98 

Kathy Cotton ’99 

Brent Cox ’93 

Jon Crenshaw ’99 

Pamela (Hale) Cubas ’99 

Stephanie (Fast) Cunningham ’97 

Diana (Williams) Dearing ’95 

Renee Decker ’97 

Julio DeLaEspada ’97 

Wendy (Drummond) Dewerse ’91 

Yvette DeZalia ’95 

Kyle Dickerson ’93 

Denise (Schimke) Dicks ’91 

Matt Dickson ’92 

Christina (Timboe) Drake ’93 

Lynette (Kilcrease) Duncan ’95 

Eric Dunn ’95 

Mark Durham ’95 

Patrick Elrod ’96 

Marsha (Smith) Emanuelson ’95 

Kara (Hersha) Engbrecht ’91 

Troy English ’96 

Lisa (Brice) Finger ’98 

Christi Flaherty ’90 

Randy Flowers ’93 

Claudia (Benware) Ford ’98 

Scott Foster ’98 

Shelah (Hall) Fred ’97 

Chad Friesen ’95 

Tiffany Garcia ’99 

Nadja (Stricker) Garner ’95 

Maria (Roeder) Gordon ’92 

Laura (Devries) Gowan ’99 

Ruth (Bonge) Graham ’99 

Josh Granderson ’95 

Bekah (Hoke) Granstrom ’98 

Dan Greene ’98 

Kent Gregg ’93 

Janis (Swiderski) Gregory ’96 

Andrew Griffin ’96 

Merry Grotti ’97 

Joel Gutierrez ’94 

Andy Hamilton ’95 

David Harrison ’90 

Josh Hemingway ’98 

Nadine (Dewerse) Heywood ’95 

Beth (Raby) Himschoot ’98 

Todd Hinshaw ’98 

Kenneth Holloway ’90 

Robert Holloway ’99 

Jenna Hubbard ’94 

Lindon Hulse ’92 

Darren Hingram ’93 

Tasha Inlow ’96 

Kristin (Misegades) Isaac ’97 

Michelle (McDonald) Jackson ’96 

Rose Mary (Brooks) Jackson ’99 

Genevieve (Benware) Jaeger ’96 

Amy (Jolliff) Jarchow ’96 

Joy Ji ’95 

Delrina Johnson ’95 

Keith Johnson ’93 

Scott & Tasha (Leadabrand) Jones ’96 

Philip Kaufman ’95 

David Kelly ’97 

Jon Kendall ’96 

Kristi (Pope) Key ’94 

Carrie (Jensen) Kroeker ’98 

Olivia (Shay) Kuzy ’98 

Chris Layfield ’98 

Matt Lethbridge ’97 

Becky (Bennett) Lindell ’98 

Luke Lofgren ’97 

Amy (Saenz) Loften ’90 

Jenny Loken ’98 

Jennifer (Gumm) MacKenna ’98 

Evelyn Magalasi-Ridley ’95 

Mindy (Klotz) Manuel ’96 

Jennifer (Hampton) Marcum ’93 

Rachel (Gustafson) Masters ’93 

Paige (Ward) Mayhew ’90 

Kristin McCarthy ’93 

Whitney (Lehenbauer) McClellan ’99 

Jennie (Couts) McDonald ’96 

Jill McNew ’97 

Kenneth McPhail ’99 

Vasthi (Newsome) Mears ’96 

Laura (Wiley) Meixner ’98 

Kevin Mills ’95 

Andrew Mincks ’98 

Luis Moreno ’98 

Tracy (Pells) Mott ’95 

Rebecca Mullikin ’99 

Vonda Murphy ’96 

Tina (Simoni) Nobriga ’99 

Matt Noland ’97 

Guillermo Nunez ’92 

Erin (Brandt) Officer ’99 

Deb Olson ’95 

Amy (Lowe) O’Shields ’97 

James Owens ’95 

Gregory Paschal ’92 

Eric Pearcy ’98 

Sara (Harris) Pegg ’95 

Laura (Ott) Pittman ’98 

Andrew Pruett ’95 

Yvonne (Dunn) Raub ’92 

Becky (Howard) Redwine ’98 

Christy (Steensland) Reece ’99 

Jennifer (Wagner) Reed ’98 

Staci (Lowe) Riess ’92 

Megan (Hunnicutt) Rikli ’99 

Christina (Overholt) Riley ’97 

Jennifer (Bragg) Rivers ’96 

Gregory Robinson ’90 

Laura (Bland) Rodgers ’94 

David Rohlfs ’92 

Raphael Romero ’98 

Yolanda (Romero) Gutierrez ’90 

John Rorke ’96 

Ruthann (Hudson) Ross ’94 

Efrain Rovira ’90 

Steve Ruble ’90 

Kathy (Guyer) Rupprecht ’91 

Rhonda (Schroeder) Rush ’95 

Kip Salser ’94 

Amy (Swanson) Salve ’98 

Kris (Driskill) Saunders ’98 

Sean Sawatzky ’96 

Joel Sawyer ’98 

John Schaefer ’97 

Deedra (Lindsey) Scherm ’94 

Susie (Crozier) Schmersahl ’97 

Lisa Scmidt ’95 

Kimberly (Neilson) Schoepke ’94 

Mark Scott ’93 

Bill Seabert ’96 

Gary Seiter ’96 

Stephanie (Smith) Shepherd ’93 

Jamie (Babcock) Shirley ’97 

Sam Short ’98 

Laurie (Whiteman) Simonsen ’93 

Rebecca (Armstrong) Skinner ’97 

Ted Smith ’97 

Kristen (Clyde) Smith ’98 

Stacy (Freeman) Smith ’93 

Melanie Sorensen ’98 

Mike Sorensen ’97 

Mary-Lois (Jones) Stedman ’95 

Patrick Steelman ’95 

Beth (Roark) Stewart ’98 

Darby Stewart ’95 

Elizabeth (Warman) Stewart ’96 

Michele (Phillips) Straubel ’97 

John Stuart ’90 

Doug & Robyn (Culberson) Stucky ’90 ’92 

Sherri Swilley ’91 

Greg Tarrant ’99 

Mary Thomas ’98 

Leanna Thompson ’92 

Penny (Schulz) Trachy ’90 

Leah (Justice) Tucker ’93 

Susy (Wright) Tucker ’95 

Sarah (Weiford) Turnbull ’98 

Mindy (Franklin) Van Andel ’95 

Mary Jo (Ferris) Vogel ’93 

Jenny (Davis) Voth ’99 

Amber (Schmidt) Waldeier ’97 

Arne Walker ’95 

Carissa Ward ’94 

Tom Wawersich ’99 

Jeremy Weathers ’97 

Greg & Amber (Friesen) Weigler ’98 ’99 

Nancy (McClendon) Westfall ’95 

Lisi (Clark) Wickham ’97 

Jenni (Mosley) Willis ’92 

2000s 

Jonathan Abbott ’05 

Raquel Aburto ’03 

Glenn Adams ’03 

Christy (York) Agee ’05 

Amy (Geary) Agneta ’03 

Kari (Hatfield) Ahnfeldt ’00 

Ian Aipperspach ’05 

Abelardo Andino ’06 

Peter Armstrong ’00 

Mari Asper ’02 

Donnie Baker ’01 

Nick Ballard ’04 

Maria Ballestas ’05 

Chris Baran ’06 

Joseph Baran ’07 

Barkley (Robinson) Beers ’02 

Janna Beers ’02 

Joel Befus ’03 

Chris Beilfuss ’07 

Desiree (Harris) Bennett ’03 

Kassy (Bohlender) Bentley ’03 

Charlene (Handiboe) Birky ’00 

Becky Blevins ’00 

Jordan Blood ’05 

Jesse & Amber (Carter) Boggess ’05 ’03 

Kim (McDonald) Borkert ’02 

Jason Boucher ’05 

Kara Bradford ’05 

Traci (Collins) Bradley ’05 

Lydia (Hershberger) Brady ’04 

Charles Brewer ’05 

Cynthia Brown ’04 

Mark Bucholtz ’00 

Laura Burmeister ’05 

Laurie (Dodds) Cangelosi ’05 

Virgil Cannon ’01 

Amy (Harbottle) Carter ’05 

Natalie Carver ’00 

David Castillo ’04 

Marco Castro ’07 

Raquel Castro ’04 

Sarah Chess ’05 

Kenneth Childres ’02 

Lindsay (Easu) Chism ’02 

Allie Clark ’05 

Alicia Cleaver ’06 

Amber (Squires) Coats ’02 

Susan (Raby Lindley) Coffman ’05 

Kevin Coleman ’07 

Trevor Collinson ’06 

Erin (McCammon) Conrad ’01 

Janet Cooney ’05 

Matthew Cooper ’05 

Joe Corn ’04 

Nick & Kim (Dykman) Cornett ’06 ’07 

Meredith (McLain) Craig ’00 

Megan (Jones) Davis ’06 

Sarah (Allen) Davis ’00 

Mark Dawson ’07 

Erin Day ’06 

Jeff Day ’06 

Amanda DeMoss ’06 

Kim Denneny ’07 

Julie Desmond ’04 

Zach DeYoung ’05 

Cesar Diaz ’05 

Mariam DePasquale ’06 

Abby Dorman ’05 

Kari Drinkwater ’05 

Kimberly Durrett ’02 

Bill Dye ’06 

Liesel (Klinetob) Dykes ’00 

Jill Easterlund ’07 

Allen Eavy ’06 

Lynn Elbrecht ’04 

Ivonne Escorcia ’07 

Kelley Etchieson ’00 

Esther Ewert ’07 

Andrea Fast ’05 

Heather Fast ’01 

Matt Feyerabend ’05 

Dylan Fila ’04 

Laury Fiorello ’03 

Heidi Fishburn ’05 

Carrie (Burns) Fisher ’04 

Matt Fisher ’03 

Kimmie Fraley ’03 

Jolee Frasier ’05 

Lisa Freyenberger ’01 

Connie Froman ’06 

Asa Fry ’07 

Wayne Fuller ’01 

Angela (Burger) Funke ’05 

Randa (Senzig) Garrett ’01 

Caitlin Getchell ’07 

Steven Gilbreath ’05 

Michael Glass ’06 

Jamie (Paskiewicz) Gaudie ’00 

Donovan Gray ’04 

Genevieve Greathouse ’06 

Leah Greene ’06 

Rebekka Greenlee ’07 

Chris Grizzle ’05 

Carrie Guyll ’04 

Bill Hall ’07 

Hannah Hall ’05 

Rachel (Casey) Hamann ’04 

Allison Hamm ’06 

Brown Hanna ’01 

Kristen (Tjader) Hargett ’00 

Laura Harman ’05 

Richard Harman ’04 

Matt Hartgrove ’01 

Sandra Heiss ’06 

Jen Heller ’07 

Ana Lu Herrera ’07 

Liz (Smith) Herron ’05 

Matt Higgins ’06 

Paul Hill ’01 

Ali Holcomb ’06 

Bob Holden ’02 

Laurel (Arnett) Holler ’01 

Cammy (Williams) Howells ’02 

Chelsea Hudson ’05 

Jessica Hunsberger ’07 

Christy Hunt ’02 

Benjamin Immink ’04 

Julie Jackson ’05 

Amy (Olsen) James ’04 

Andrea Jantz’03 

Israel Jernigan ’06 

Angie Johnson ’03 

Jeannette (Kroeker) Johnson ’02 

Rachel Johnson ’07 

Larissa Jordan ’07 

Emma Kalka ’07 

Cambria (Thimell) Kaltwasser ’06 

Bonita Kenney ’05 

Tyler Kidd ’06 

Lauren Kindscher ’03 

Laura (Henley) King ’04 

Jason & Melinda (Ott) Knott ’01 ’99 

Toni Laforge ’00 

Pam Lamontia ’06 

David Leiffer ’00 

Miriam (Miller) Lein ’02 

Kelli (Johnson) Lenz ’01 

Chris LeRoux ’06 

Andrew Lietzen ’07 

Ryan Likes ’07 

Nick Long ’00 

Hannah (Schrader) Lopez ’04 

Megan Lunberry ’02 

Melody Mallory ’07 

Valerie (Parsons) Manthe ’02 

Shane Mark ’03 

Allison Martyn ’05 

Chad Mathis ’01 

Rebecca May ’06 

Mike McCarthy ’07 

Sarah (Morse) McClure ’01 

Megan McKenney ’06 

Nathan McKinney ’07 

Raelene (Haggard) McKinnis ’03 

Michelle McLemore ’06 

Meredith Menhennett ’04 

Anna Messerly ’04 

Kerry Meythaler ’00 

Jordan Milano ’07 

Michelle Millard ’04 

Aaron Miller ’06 

Gretchen (Merwin) Miller ’05 

Debra (Johnson) Minnich ’06 

Melissa (Oosterman) Mitchell ’02 

Diogenes Molina ’07 

Bryson Moore ’03 

Augusto Morales ’03 

Jared & Valerie (Rautenkranz) Murray ’08 

Dana Nance ’06 

Elizabeth Nance ’04 

Keith Nazworth ’07 

Anna Neale ’06 

Elizabeth (Vander Drift) Newton ’03 

Jonna (Henderson) Nixon ’01 

Katy Noffsinger ’05 

Jennifer Novey ’02 

David Okada ’06 

William Oliver ’04 

Trisha O’Neil ’05 

Krystal (Kovach) Osbon ’00 


Why 

I Give Back to JBU 

It’s All About the Students 

I support John Brown University because 

I want students to have an opportunity at a 

great education. I love JBU dearly, and I think 

it is wonderful that kids continue to attend 

the school after all these years. I am happy to 

have a small part in helping students come to 

JBU–a truly life-changing place. 

Lola Woodard 

1938 JBU Graduate, 

pictured with scholarship recipient Tiff Knott (junior) 


2000s (cont.) 

Daniel Ostendorff ’07 

Pam Ozenberger ’05 

Lauren Palmer ’03 

Monica (Hattu) Pangaribuan ’02 

Felicia Parmain ’06 

Tanya (Maurancy) Paul ’05 

Jennifer Paulsen ’07 

Jeffrey Peabody ’04 

Laura Peiser ’04 

Valerie Pense ’06 

Silvy Perkins ’06 

Amanda Peters ’03 

Darren Pike ’07 

Joy (Hartman) Poindexter ’00 

Nate & Rosa (Lind) Pond ’02 ’01 

Sarah (Cheyne) Pond ’04 

Jason Poovey ’05 

Chad & Jessica (Hanson) Putman ’00 ’00 

Kristen Raikes ’07 

Monica Ramirez de Tapia ’03 

Ashley Ramsey ’07 

Ryan Ransdell ’07 

Daniel Ray ’07 

Kyle Raymond ’07 

Matthew Reddin ’03 

Natalie Reid ’06 

Jeff Reimer ’03 

Douglas Riddle ’07 

Mandy Riester ’06 

Clint Riggin ’02 

Trisha (Rein) Rindels ’00 

Daniel Rodriguez ’05 

Juan Rodriguez ’06 

Sherrie Rohde ’07 

Bobby & Sara (Bredfeldt) Rojas ’06 ’06 

Jill Ross ’07 

Roxanne (Guess) Ross ’06 

Mark Rotramel ’03 

Amy (Zilen) Rudy ’00 

Ana Ruiz ’07 

Tyler & Kelly (Greene) Sanderford ’00 ’00 

Kristen Sands ’07 

Kacie (Siemens) Sawatzky ’06 

Mark Schafer ’07 

Sara Schumacher ’01 

Rachel Seauve ’03 

Bryan Seba ’06 

Carrie (Gimple) Shaffer ’00 

Daniel & Melinda (Brooks) Shinault ’04 ’04 

Travis Shook ’05 

Anna (Lance) Shurtleff ’04 

Luke Silvey ’06 

Seth & Krista (Sizemore) Simmons ’06 ’06 

Richard Skeens ’03 

Micaiah (Doss) Slaton ’02 

Dan Smith ’00 

Liz (Habermas) Smith ’00 

Paul Smith ’02 

Shelley Smith ’00 

Brent Snyder ’07 

Jami (Anderson) Solomon ’02 

Rob Sorbo ’07 

Gina (Castillo) Sosa ’06 

Zachary Stankovits ’01 

Beth Steinbrenner ’03 

Dana Sterling ’02 

Mark Stoner ’03 

Richard Sullivan ’03 

Susan (Edwards) Sullivan ’00 

Ryan Swofford ’01 

Darci (Hornok) Szymanski ’06 

Paul Teasdale ’06 

Annie (McGuire) Tharp ’04 

Anna Joy Thomas ’03 

Jaimie Thompson ’02 

Johanna (Moore) Thompson ’00 

Bob Timmons ’05 

Lisa (Gustafson) Toews ’04 

Hannah Tranberg ’07 

Dorothea Trauger ’05 

Erin (Sebeck) Truitt ’04 

Gareth Unruh ’00 

Ross Van Dyke ’05 

Brad Vaughn ’00 

Daniela Vega ’07 

Todd Vick ’07 

Danielle Vogus ’07 

Christi Vondrak ’07 

Kelly Walberg ’02 

Rachel Walker ’06 

Cam Ward ’04 

Caryn Weaver ’06 

Laura (McPherson) Weaver ’03 

Trey Weaver ’03 

Melanie (Dewberry) Webb ’03 

Emily (Largent) Welch ’06 

Linda Welch ’06 

Steve Welch ’01 

Abbie Wertz ’05 

Ray West ’04 

Eric Whittaker ’02 

Jessica (Huffstetler) Wickersham ’04 

Josh Williams ’02 

Marie Williamson ’02 

Laura Wirth ’01 

Lucas Witt ’06 

Andrew Yi ’07 

Ruth Zeledon ’04 

Visit www.jbualumni.com 

to find your alumni friends 

in the online directory. 

alumni NEWS 

1940s 

Betty (Brown) Votaw ’46 – Betty served in the 

mission field with her husband Paul for five years 

in the 1940s and early 1950s. They retired in 

Freeport, Illinois. Paul went to be with the Lord 

on July 30, 2007, leaving Betty, three children, six 

grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. 

1950s 

Walter & Helen (Entz) Eshleman ’55 ’55 

– Walter and Helen have been married for 62 

years, and Walter celebrated his 95th birthday 

on August 4, 2007. The Eshlemans have eight 

children, nineteen grandchildren, and three 

great-granddaughters and attend Sheridan Hills 

Baptist Church. 

David Turley ’56 - David was recently 

presented a certificate for the anniversary of 

his ordination by the General Council of the 

Assemblies of God. He serves as chaplain with 

Volunteer Hospice, is a 

member of the Academy 

of Certified Social Workers, 

and is a liscensed clinical 

social worker. David and 

his wife, Mary, have one son, 

Matthew. u 

1960s 

Willadeen (Arnold) Chamberlain ’64 – 

Willadeen Chamberlain was honored as the 2007 

Wyoming Woman of Distinction on September 

7. This award celebrates her significant impact 

on women and families in Wyoming with regard 

to education, community, health, and legal issues. 

Prior to accepting this award, Chamberlain 

served as the vice president at Laramie County 

Community College and then started her own 

counseling service, Willadeen Chamberlain 

Christian Counseling Service. Willadeen and 

Peter have three daughters: Lori Perry; Lashelle 

Brant; Lyndi Gilliam. 

1970s 

Janet (Roberts) & Jeff Crawford ’73 – Janet 

and Jeff are planning a move through Jeff ’s 

work to Moscow, Russia where he will work with 

the American Embassy. They have done much 

traveling with his job and look forward to the 

move. 

Chuck McCullough ’75 – A celebration was 

recently held to honor the 21 years of service 

served by Pastor McCullough. He has worked 

at White Rock Baptist Church for these 21 years 

and the community is very grateful to him. 

1980s 

Chuck Anderson ’82 – Chuck graduated from 

Mars Hill Graduate School with a master of 

counseling psychology and a master of divinity. 

He now works as a psychotherapist. 

David & Dawn 

Capp ’88 – The 

Capps happily 

welcomed Hannah 

Grace Capp into 

their family on 

December 21, 

2006. 

Bill & Mindi Stevenson ’88 ’87 – Mindi 

recently graduated from the University of Ulster 

with a master of arts in Irish studies. Bill and 

Mindi both work in the international office at 

John Brown University. 

1990s 

Amy (DeMaranville) 

& Josh Bottomly 

’98 – Amy and Josh 

recently adopted a son 

from Ethiopia. Silas 

Tesfamariam was born 

December 29, 2006 and 

officially became their 

son on May 9, 2007. 

Lisa (Brice) & 

Phillip Finger ’98 

– Lisa was married 

on March 3, 2007. 

She has also recently 

started a long-term 

contract position with a 

marketing department 

at Microsoft. u 

Beth (Raby) & Tim Himschoot ’98 – 

Beth and Tim 

welcomed their 

son, Henry 

Clack, on July 

3, 2007. Henry 

weighed 6 lbs. 15 

oz. and was 19.5 

in. long. 

Becky (Bennett) & David 

Lindell ’98 – Becky 

was married to David on 

September 23, 2006. She 

is working in sales at Weir’s 

furniture while David 

attends Dallas Theological 

Seminary. u 

Gary & Jennifer McAlpin ’99 – Gary and 

Jennifer recently welcomed their daughter 

Kiana Wyvonne Nah-Nay-A-Beke into the 

family. She was 

born June 11, 2007, 

at 8 lbs. 4.5 oz. and 

was 18 in. long. 

Also, Gary accepted 

a position with the 

Cherokee Nation 

of Oklahoma as a 

family therapist. 

Eric & Joy Pearcy ’98 – 

Eric and Joy recently 

celebrated the birth of their 

son, Drew Austin Pearcy, 

born October 30, 2006. Drew 

weighed 6 lbs. 7 oz. and was 

21 in. long. 

Send your alumni news and photos to: 

Brown Bulletin Editor 

John Brown University 

2000 West University Street 

Siloam Springs, AR 72761 

Submit your news by e-mail to 

alumni@jbu.edu 

Submit your news online at 


For an explanation of publication 

policies, photo specifications, and 

submission deadlines, please visit 

www.jbualumni.com/magazine/ 

brown_news.aspx 


Raphael & Melissa 

Romero ’98 – 

Raphael and Melissa 

were married on June 

10, 2007 in Whittier, 

California. Raphael 

says, “God is good 

and faithful to provide 

a suitable helper and 

companion.” u 

Amy (Swanson) & Sunil Salve ’98 – Amy and 

Sunil have three daughters: Anjali, 5; Alayna, 3; 

Annelise, 1. They enjoy raising them to love the 

Lord. q 

Stephanie (Smith) & Travis Shepherd 

’93 – The Shepherds welcomed a new 

daughter into their family on May 5, 2007. 

Elizabeth Diane was born weighing 10 lbs. 

10.6 oz. 

and was 

20 in. long. 

They have 

two other 

daughters: 

Noelle, 3; 

Natalie, 15 

months. 

Mindy (Franklin) & Rodney Van Andel 

’95 – Mindy and Rodney announce the 

birth of Ethan Luke on June 29, 2007. He 

weighed 8 

lbs. 4.5 oz. 

and was 21 

in. long. They 

also have two 

daughters: 

Abbey, 4; 

Lauren, 2. 

2000s 

Ian Aipperspach ’04 – Ian recently graduated 

from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary 

in Fort Worth with a master of ministry in church 

music with concentrations in organ performance 

and conducting. Beginning August 2007, Ian will 

begin pursuing a Ph.D. in fine arts in conducting 

at Texas Tech University. 

Camille (Williams) & Ian Howells ’02 – 

Ian works as a registered nurse and Camille is 

a program director in the Student Leadership, 

Involvement & Community Engagement office at 

Colorado State University. 

Jeannette (Kroeker) 

& Lamar Johnson 

’02 – Jeannette and 

Lamar were married 

on June 16, 2007. 

Jeannette teaches 

middle school math 

and Lamar works for 

the Army National 

Guard. u 

Sue Ann Pekel ’05 – Sue Ann has recently 

accepted a position at the Bentonville Public 

Library in which she will work toward building 

a children’s library program. She is completing 

a master’s degree in library science and says this 

about the new children’s program: “…these are 

times to motivate children’s interests in books and 

enjoyment of books.” 

Trent Pepper ’05 – Trent recently graduated 

from law school at the top of his class. He is 

starting a one-year clerkship on the Minnesota 

Supreme Court and plans to complete an 

appellate clerkship next year. 

Eric & Britni (Nation) Roa ’02 ’04 – Eric 

and Britni were 

married April 1, 

2007. Britni works 

at Hudson Global 

Resources and 

Eric is the director 

of operations for 

Richter-Scale 

Productions in 

Denver. u 

Matt & Kristin Schulte ’02 - Matt and 

Kristin went to Georgetown, South Carolina 

to meet Jeanette (Kroeker) Johnson ’02 

and celebrate the birth of their new son. 

Joshua Timothy was born June 28, 2007. 

JBU Alumni & Friends 

IRELAND TOUR 

May 11 - 24, 2008 

See spectacular vistas and dramatic countryside, walk in the steps of great 

Irish Christians, visit ancient monastic sites as well as the “C. S. Lewis Trail,” 

and enjoy a JBU Cathedral Choir concert during their tour of Ireland. 

Cost per person: $3,500* 

*Cost includes: Roundtrip airfare (Newark to Belfast), 

hotel accommodations, ground transportation, 

entrance fees, some meals, porterage and luggage 

tags, driver and guide gratuity. 

Space is limited. For details, 

contact Tracy Balzer at 

tbalzer@jbu.edu 

or 479-524-7461. 

In Loving 

Memory 

Myra Lou Barnard ’44 passed away on 

May 28, 2007. Myra Lou 

led a full life serving as a 

missionary with the Wycliffe 

Bible Institiue. Throughout 

many trials, she stood 

strong and blessed those 

around her. 

Robert E. Carlson ’50 went to be with 

the Lord on April 25, 2006. He worked as an 

accountant and was the treasurer in various 

churches. Robert is survived by his wife, Gloria 

Carlson, five children, and eight grandchildren. 

Roger Jackson ’62 went home to be with 

the Lord on July 7, 2006, following a battle 

with chronic inflammatory demileanating 

polyneuropathy. After being diagnosed with 

this disease, Roger became a quadriplegic. The 

family moved to Ohio to be near a daughter, and 

Roger was moved to a Catholic care facility. 

While in the care facility, Roger was able 

to witness to and spend time with many of the 

patients and staff. When his last moments came, 

his wife Jan and daughter Angela were able to be 

with him singing and praying for an easy passing. 

Several of the people blessed by Roger’s presence 

came by to comfort and mourn with the family. 

Roger leaves behind his wife Jan and three 

daughters. 

Selma (Jantz) Ladwig ’39 passed away June 

25, 2007. She is survived by two daughters, three 

grandchildren, and two siblings. 

Edward Marshall ’51 died of cancer on June 

3, 2007. Edward was preceded in death by his 

wife, Barbara Marshall, and survived by two 

children, three grandchildren, and two sisters. 

Carrie Oliver went 

to be with the Lord 

on July 2, 2007 after a 

courageous battle with 

cancer. Carrie was 

wife, mother, national 

speaker, author, teacher, 

university instructor, and 

licensed professional 

counselor. Carrie was the 

director of the University 

Relationships Initiative with The Center for 

Relationship Enrichment at JBU. 

She and her husband, Dr. Gary J. Oliver, 

traveled both nationally and internationally, 

providing their Growth-Focused Marriage 

Enrichment Seminars and parenting 

workshops. She contributed to several books 

and magazines, and with her husband, was a 

regular magazine columnist. To learn about 

Carrie’s journey with cancer, her hope in the 

Lord, and tributes to her beautiful spirit, visit 

www.carrieshealth.com 

Carrie was tragically preceded in death 

by son, Matthew Oliver ’07, who passed 

away May 5, 2007. Matthew 

is remembered as a vibrant, 

creative, and passionate 

young man who loved the 

Lord, his family, his fiancée, 

and his friends. 

Carrie and Matthew are 

survived by husband and 

father Gary Oliver; son 

and brother Nathan Oliver 

and his wife Amy; son and brother Andrew 

Oliver; and Carrie’s parents and sisters. 

Parker Olney ’39 ended a battle with 

Alzheimer’s disease by going to be with the 

Lord on August 8, 2007. During his life, Parker 

served in the U.S. Navy, worked as a school 

superintendant, and served as a chaplain at a 

mental hospital. 

Paul E. Wagner ’70 went to be with the 

Lord on August 27, 2007. 

In the years prior to his 

death, Paul worked for 

the East Akron Insurance 

Agency and served as a 

president for Youth for 

Christ of Cuyahoga Falls 

in 1966. He is survived 

by his mother, great-aunt, 

and cousin. 

Roger Weaver ’51 passed away August 2, 

2007 at the age of 83. Throughout his life, 

Roger served as commandant of Brown Military 

Academy of Siloam Springs and Sulfur Springs. 

He also was a missionary in Africa. Roger is 

survived by his wife, Edith Weaver ’52, four 

children, and a brother. 

Join the 

JBU 

Prayer Network 

Enlarge your territory for God 

by participating in a unique new 

ministry that can have a significant 

impact on JBU and the Kingdom 

of God. 

Sign up for the JBU Prayer 

Network and join the many other 

alumni and friends who are 

supporting the mission and the 

people of JBU with prayer. 

Our Purpose: 

To create a team of JBU alumni 

and friends who will uphold JBU on 

a regular basis in serious prayer. 

Your Commitment: 

To pray for the JBU family to 

become a strong witness for Christ. 

Each month you will be e-mailed 

seven to ten prayer requests related 

to the spiritual, emotional, and 

intellectual pursuits of the students, 

faculty, and staff. 

How to Join: 

Go online to www.jbualumni.com 

and click on “e-Newsletter” in the 

left column. Then click the JBU 

Prayer Network box, complete the 

form and click “Submit.” You will 

then begin receiving the prayer 

requests each month during the 

school year. 

32 Brown Bulletin Winter 2007-2008

7 

Benefits of a JBU 

Charitable Gift Annuity 

1. ATTRACTIVE RATES. When you compare our gift annuity rates with what you might 

receive from a certificate of deposit you will be pleasantly surprised. (Rates are 

between 4.7%-11.3%*.) 

2. REGULAR PAYMENTS. When you establish your gift annuity, you decide how often 

you want to receive your payments (with certain restrictions). 

3. FIXED INCOME. Your payment rate will be locked in at the time you obtain your gift 

annuity. 

4. LIFETIME BENEFIT. Gift annuities are for life. And if you have a two-life gift annuity, 

when one person dies, the other can continue to receive the same amount for the rest 

of his/her life. 

5. DEPENDABLE SOURCE. JBU stands behind each of its gift annuities. Guaranteed. 

6. RELIEF FROM TAXES. Since part of your contribution for a gift annuity is considered 

a charitable gift by the IRS, you will receive an income tax charitable deduction to 

apply on an itemized tax return. 

7. SIMPLE PROCESS. We can provide you with a tailor-made illustration so you can see 

how it all works with your age and contribution amount included. 

Interested in enjoying these benefits? 

Are you at or near retirement age? 

Let us give you more information. 

Contact Paul J. Eldridge, Director of Development & Planned Giving, 

or contact your Regional Director of Development: 

James Elliott 

Eric Greenhaw 

Call (800) 446-2450 

Remembering 

the Founder 

Fifty years ago, in 1957, JBU founder John E. Brown Sr. passed away, leaving 

behind a legacy that has impacted thousands of lives around the world. He 

was a remarkable visionary with profound charisma, devoted to preaching 

the gospel. This year, as the Cathedral of the Ozarks is finally being 

completed as he envisioned it, we remember the man who started it all. 

Shortly after his conversion, 

as a member of the Salvation Army 

The Founder in the 1950s 

Preaching to a sizable crowd in one of Waterhouse’s wooden 

tabernacles, probably in California in the early 1900s 

“I give God the credit, full credit, all 

credit. I was an ignorant boy when 

God saved me in the Salvation Army, 

and it dumbfounds me, all but literally 

paralyzes me, as I stop to think of the 

vast world being served today out of 

that hole in the ground—out of what 

folk ridiculed as a school built in a 

cornfield.” 

from John Brown Sr’s radio message: “Serving the World 

under Two Flags,” published in Master Builders of the 

World (January 1956) 

* Rates will vary 

depending upon age and 

number of beneficiaries. 

Evangelizing in the street in the early 1900s 



John Brown University 

2000 West University Street 

Siloam Springs, AR 72761

Brown Bulletin - John Brown University

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