Alumni News - Hannibal-LaGrange University

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ReflectionFall03.qxd 9/22/2004 4:26 PM Page 8 Student Focus by Brandy Campbell • Public Relations Staff Writer Student Focus C ory Adolph’s eyes are narrowed in concentration. He scans the playing field before locking in on the pitcher. The tension is thick as the large red rubber ball is released. It bounces across the hardpacked dirt before making contact with Cory’s sneakerclad foot. He watches with a satisfied smile as the ball soars over the heads of the other players and he runs the bases, giving high-fives all around. This playground scene sounds common enough until you learn that Adolph is a junior at Hannibal-LaGrange College. While most his age would be concerned with social standing, Adolph has instead decided to focus his free time on making a difference in the lives of at-risk students through the GateKeepers program. GateKeepers is a collaborative effort between FACT (Families and Communities Together), the Hannibal and Palmyra School Districts, and Hannibal-LaGrange College. The program, which began in 1996, is designed to connect college students with at-risk 4th and 5th graders. The students involved not only receive help with homework, but they are also able to spend time with young adult mentors who set examples for them. “I was very involved in a mentoring program in high school,” said Adolph. “I was able to be a coordinator of the program, which allowed me to hear of many things happening in the young kids’ lives. I know the situations they are in, and knowing that I can be there for them, knowing that I can be someone they depend on, makes it worthwhile for me.” Adolph Makes the Most of College Through Mentoring Program Adolph became inolved with GateKeepers his freshman year. He is now beginning his second year of working with students through the program. He spends time each week working one-on-one with a student, in addition to time spent with a group of five. All of the GateKeepers also meet once a month for a large-group activity. “We do a lot with the kids,” said Adolph. “We work on their homework, then play sports, games, or do crafts. When I have free time, I would much rather be involved in GateKeepers than be watching TV or just goofing off.” Judy Lemons, faculty advisor for GateKeepers and Assistant Professor of Education, encourages even more young men to mentor at-risk youth. “The program has about 50% boys, but last year we only had about eight guys sign up to be mentors (out of a total of more than 40 mentors),” said Lemons. “We need more young men like Cory to give guidance to these kids. Cory has so much patience and enthusiasm. We’re very thankful for him.” It isn’t only the children who are impacted by GateKeepers. Adolph expressed how much he has learned through the program. “God is teaching me so much about continuing in my commitments. People are depending on me, and when I back out, I am hurting others in the process. I am also learning about making my time at college count. You only have four years at HLG,” said Adolph. “Make it count. Don’t just remember college life as a time of fun for yourself, but a time where you made a difference and invested time in someone’s life.” Service projects like Gatekeepers also show Hannibal what an impact the college can make on the community. “It is crucial that college students are involved in missions and community service locally,” said Adolph. “HLG has an opportunity to be a beacon to the city of Hannibal. If we close ourselves off to our community, we are not doing our jobs as Christians. We are called to go into the world and preach the gospel. We are told to love our neighbors, and to serve others above ourselves. This institution can make such a difference to our neighbors if only we would take advantage of community service and missions.” The advantages of working with at-risk youth far exceeds expectations for both child and mentor. “When you go to school, and the kid you are paired with lights up...it is a benefit in itself,” said Adolph. “These kids long for attention, and when they receive it, most will really open up to you. The ability to help a struggling child is probably the biggest benefit. Oh, and another benefit would be that when I play kickball with the kids, I am finally the best kicker on the field,” concluded Adolph with a smile. Ministry Teams teams Ministry teams travel throughout the year and summer months, involved in ministry to the local church as well as state wide retreats and international mission trips. If you would like more information on how to have one of these groups in your church, please contact the sponsor listed below. Covenant Praise song New Edition Vision Covenant, a six-voice women’s ensemble, is HLG’s newest traveling music group. Covenant’s repertoire includes several musical styles, including contemporary Christian, a cappella, and Gospel. Contact director Jane Griffen at (573) 221-3675, ext. 254. Praise Song, an upbeat vocal and instrumental ensemble, ministers through song and testimony. Their program includes praise and worship music, traditional hymns, and hits from the contemporary Christian music charts. Contact director Dave Corkern at (573) 221-3675, ext. 285. New Edition is a traveling repertory troupe specializing in Christian theatre. The troupe presents challenging messages with a biblical foundation in a way that people clearly understand. Contact director John Katsion at (573) 221-3675, ext. 247. Vision is HLG’s Southern Gospel men’s quartet. Formed in 1997, the quartet has become one of the college’s most well-traveled ensembles. Contact David Corkern at (573) 221-3675, ext. 285. Youth Ministry Teams lead in church revivals, lock-ins, youth rallies, and various other ministries throughout the school year. As individuals, Christian ministry students are often called upon to fill pulpit needs. Contact Tom Hufty at (573) 221-3675, ext. 300. 8 H A N N I B A L - L A G R A N G E C O L L E G E R E F L E C T I O N S 9
ReflectionFall03.qxd 9/22/2004 4:27 PM Page 10 Events by Rhonda Hufty • Director of Public Relations 2003 Booster Banquet to Feature e Joe White Joe White, president and owner of Kanakuk Kamps, is the guest speaker for the 62nd annual Booster Banquet, Friday, November 21. The banquet begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Mabee Sports Complex. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. White attended college at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, where he was a two-year starting defensive tackle for the SMU Mustangs. Joe graduated from SMU with a B.S. in biology and holds an Honorary Doctor of Education degree from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. In 1972 Joe married the love of his life, Debbie-Jo and together they started working in the family business – Kanakuk Kamps. Joe and Debbie-Jo have spent the last 30 plus years loving each other and living out their passion of ministry among young people. Kanakuk Kamps, headquartered in Branson, Missouri, hosts 20,000 campers and 2,500 college age and professional staffers each summer. The newest addition to Kanakuk Kamps, Kanakuk Colorado, nestled in the San Juan Mountains just east of Durango, is currently directed and operated by White’s son-in-law Andy and daughter Jamie Jo Braner. Dr. James Dobson of Focus on the Family says, “Joe White knows more about teenagers than anyone in North America.” In addition to his duties at Kanakuk Kamps, Joe is the author of 14 books, including Faith Training and Gold Medallion Book of the Year for teens, Pure Excitement. A highly sought after speaker and conference leader, White maintains a busy speaking schedule for various events and conferences, including Promise Keepers, Focus on the Family radio, and professional football and baseball chapels. In the fall and early spring, Joe conducts a series of college crusades called AfterDark, taking evangelistic sermons to college campuses across the country. White serves as a board member to several organizations such as Face the Challenge, Kids Across America, and Cross International. In 1988 Joe and Debbie-Jo established Christian Children’s Charity, a 501(c)3 notfor-profit corporation, which funds the operation of 19 schools in Haiti, providing food, clothing, and education for 7,000 Haitian children. Joe and Debbie-Jo have four adult children, Jamie Jo Braner, Courtney, Brady, and Cooper and two grandchildren, Hays and Maggie. Entertainment for the 2003 Booster Banquet will be provided by the HLG music department. Banquet tickets are $35 each; students ages 17 and under are $20 each. Ticket sales begin October 1. You may reserve tickets by calling the Institutional Advancement Office at (573)221- 3675, ext. 344. by Cassie Fuerst, Student Assistant Record d Residential R Enrollment As the fall semester is underway, approximately 450 students from 24 states and 15 countries make their home on the HLG campus. With a record on-campus student population, measures are being taken to provide more housing. Total enrollment for this year is around 1150 students with 800 being serviced on the Hannibal campus. The international student population at HLG also continues to grow. “This year we have had the largest influx of international students in HLG history,” said Ray Carty ’77, Vice President for Enrollment Management. HLG has become home for students from Australia, Korea, Spain, Chile, Napal, Africa, Italy, China, Argentina, Uruguay, Russia, Brazil, Puerto Rico, and Serbia and Montenegro. Some international students find out about HLG on the school’s website. Other international students become familiar with HLG through other organizations such as International Doorway Educators Association or sponsorship programs. International students have also been referred to HLG by missionaries on the field, or become interested in HLG because of international trips that HLG students have taken. All international students work with International Student Counselor William Blaine ’94. He assists students with government paperwork, employment, and other issues that pertain to international students. Fall Visit V Day On Saturday, October 4, prospective students, their families, and parents of current students visited HLG on the annual Fall Visit Day. The visit day showcased the newly finished Roland Fine Arts Center. Registration and informational meetings took place in the RFAC, allowing prospective students and families to become familiar with the facility. While on campus, guests received a taste of HLG’s fine arts programs by listening to the jazz band; Covenant, a women’s ensemble; Vision, a Southern Gospel men’s quartet; and Praise Song, a contemporary vocal and instrumental ensemble. New Edition, the college’s traveling repertory theatre group, also performed. Guests were able to see an art exhibit in the new Hagerman Art Gallery. Guests also had the chance to cheer for the soccer teams as they battled Kansas Wesleyan College. “Fall Visit Day/Parents’ Day has become a Hannibal-LaGrange College community day that is fun and enjoyable for all included,” said Ray Carty, Vice President for Enrollment Management. visit days Admissions Nursing Open House: Friday, November 7, 2-6 p.m. Fine Arts Visit Day: Wednesday, December 3 Visit Days: Friday, November 7; Monday, January 19; Monday, February 16; Friday, April 2 Fine Arts Audition/Portfolio Day: Friday, February 27 Portfolio reviews or auditions for scholarships in art, music, and theatre. Dorm Preview for Applicants: Thursday PM - Friday AM, March 18-19, Opportunity for applicants to spend a night on campus. Early Registration for Applicants: Thursday, May 13 athletic tryouts Men’s Soccer: Friday, December 5, Monday, January 19, & Monday, February 16 Women’s Soccer: Volleyball: Friday, December 5 & Monday, January 19 Friday, December 5 & Monday, January 19 Men’s Basketball: Friday, April 2 Women’s Basketball: Friday, April 2 Softball: Baseball: Cheerleading: Cross Country: Golf: Tuesday, October 28 & Monday, February 16 Call for appointment Call for appointment Call for appointment Call for appointment You must call 1-800-HLG-1119 to schedule a tryout. 10 H A N N I B A L - L A G R A N G E C O L L E G E R E F L E C T I O N S 11
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Alumni News - Hannibal-LaGrange University

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