Summer 2005 - John Brown University

LettersFlashback FeedbackThe new format of the Bulletin is a great improvement. Better forinitial scan-through, better for photography, better for detailedreading. My compliments.I only have one complaint. It is the prominenceof Bill Clinton in the 1978 flashback on the last page.True, it features his presence as governor of Arkansasat John Brown III’s inauguration – far before Clinton’sscandal-ridden presidency. However, we now knowthat his personal life, both before and during hispresidency, was immoral and non-Christian. JBUhas a tremendous reputation as one of the nation’s greatest Christcentereduniversities, and thousands of JBU graduates are livingsincere Christian lives and showing Christ to others—particularlyin the secular field. Given that, I feel that featuring Bill Clintonbesmirches JBU’s reputation and is inappropriate.Thanks for listening, and God bless JBU!Eldon Green ’64Vonore, VT[You] should be proud of the quality of your publications. From theHomecoming invitation to the various Bulletin magazines, I must saythat the design and writing come together with excellence. Thanksfor representing the institution so well.That being said, I can’t help but mention what a let-down Iexperienced after having gone over each page in this last issue toreach the final page. Of all the flashback memories to highlight, theselection of Bill Clinton really was a poor choice. I try not to bringany association between a president associated with immoral, selfcenteredbehavior and my alma mater, an institution that has stoodfor biblical values and high standards of excellence since before hewas born. It’s not a partisan concern, but one of an inappropriatedecision.Again, that was one of 48 otherwise great pages. Just thoughtI’d share my first impression.Ken Haron ’80Highlands Ranch, COFrom the EditorThanks to those of you who let us know both your complimentsand your concerns about the last issue of the Brown Bulletin. Suchfeedback is invaluable as we pursue a level of quality in ourpublications that reflects the quality and character of JBU.I truly appreciate the perspectives and comments we receivedregarding our choice to include the Bill Clinton picture. We didcarefully consider the pros and cons of including it for the veryreasons mentioned above. Ultimately, we concluded that theprimary purpose of the Flashback page is simply to remind alumniof the life and events of JBU’s past. Most alumni from the late ’70srecall – with either pride or shame – that Bill Clinton did indeedvisit JBU while governor of Arkansas. And those who rememberthe inauguration of John Brown III most likely also remember thatClinton spoke at the event. We finally decided that not includingthe photo of a former U.S. president who was once invited to andappeared on campus could have been interpreted as a partisanchoice on our part.In producing the Brown Bulletin, we’re trying our best to beinteresting, accurate, and fair while being guided by JBU’s Christcenteredmission. Please keep your comments coming so we canlearn how we’re doing with each step.Andrea PhillipsEditor, John Brown BulletinJBU MailTo Dr. Steve Beers, Vice President for Student Development, and Mr. AndreBroquard, Director of Residence LifeAlmost 20 members of the ultimate frisbee team attended theMardi Gras Ultimate Frisbee Tournamentin Baton Rouge, Louisiana this weekend.My family and I were privileged and blessedto host the group, which included our son.The purpose of this note is to bragon these young men and women. Theyspent two nights at our house and weattended several of their games. They wereappreciative of even the smallest things weprovided and let us know it. They respectedour property and our sanity. They were apleasure to have and were truly very little trouble.On and around the playing field, the team continued to clearlydemonstrate Christ-like behavior. The witness of this group’sparticipation extends well beyond the playing field. Friends andcoworkers who know of this visit are surprised when I tell themabout this group...They recognize that there is something differentabout this group, and that opens doors to explain that difference.Finally, I must tell you that I learned from them. I learnedto trust God when my son says, “I’m bringing 20 friends home.Don’t worry, Dad. We can sleep on the floor or wherever. It’llbe fine.” I was humbled and inspired by the walk with God Isaw among the members of the team. We are thankful for theopportunity to spend time with the Ultimate Frisbee team, andwe received blessings through them. God is doing a great workthrough John Brown University and its outreach through clubslike this.Jak StallingsPrairieville, LALetters are published with the permission of the author. Some letters have beenedited for length. Not all letters can or will be published. Published letters willbe selected based on the value of their content, tone, clarity, and other similarcharacteristics. 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 BrownUniversity, 2000 West University Street, Siloam Springs, AR 72761.4 John Brown Bulletin Summer 2005