SBU Life Summer 2012 - Southwest Baptist University

up frontConnect withSBU Onlinewww.Twitter.com/SBUNewswww.Twitter.com/SBUBearcatsFacebook Group: Southwest BaptistUniversitywww.SBUNewsroom.blogspot.comwww.SBUniv.eduWhatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, notfor human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance fromthe Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.(Colossians 3:23-24, NIV)When I coach my student interns on their job searches, I encourage them topursue a career field for which they have a passion. If you look at the mostsuccessful people, they have a passion for what they do whether preaching,teaching, or managing business deals.If you have ever watched the SBU Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team performa presentation, their passion for business is evident. This year they wontheir 28th out of 29 regional championships and competed well at SIFE USAnationals. What is even more impressive, however, is their heart for helpingpeople. Our team was featured in The Pathway this summer, and we share thatstory with you in this issue (see p. 8)While on the topic of helping people, this issue we feature one of our alumnifamilies with multiple generations having graduated from SBU and SWBC.The Swadleys and their grown sons exemplify all we hope to accomplish atSBU in preparing students to be servant leaders in a global society. Each Swadleyhas spent many years in ministry with the mission of spreading Christ’smessage of hope to a hurting world. Their gifts of preaching, teaching, music,and writing were honed in classes with top-notch faculty at SBU/SWBC.(story on p. 10)This issue also features a father-daughter alumni story about our controller’soffice, a new book from an alumni writer, and a sneak peak at Homecoming2012, which is scheduled for October 5 and 6.As we settle into another school year with another large freshman class, we aremindful of the many alumni and friends praying for our students, faculty andstaff. Without your prayers and your financial support, we would be unable tofulfill our mission for the University. We appreciate your passion for SBU.Sharina SmithExecutive Editor

SBUlifeMagazine of Southwest Baptist UniversityVolume 97 Issue 3USPS 507-500SBUlifeMagazine of Southwest Baptist UniversitySummer 2012PRESIDENTDr. C. Pat TaylorVICE PRESIDENT FORENROLLMENT MANAGEMENTDr. Stephanie Miller ’80EXECUTIVE EDITORSharina SmithASSISTANT EDITORLindsay Lewis Schindler ’04,M.B.A. ’09DESIGNERRollie Skinner ’06CONTRIBUTING WRITERSJessica (Oliver) Drews ’09, AllenPalmeri, Holly Stockard ’08PHOTOGRAPHERSJessica (Oliver) Drews ’09; KellieHarris, Class of 2013; RollieSkinner ’06; Allen Palmeri; MarkStephensADDRESS CHANGEPOSTMASTER: Send address changes toSBU 1600 University Avenue,Bolivar, MO 65613-2597HOW TO REACH US:Phone: (417) 328-1803Fax: (417) 328-1808Web: www.sbuniv.eduEmail: ssmith@sbuniv.eduMail: 1600 University Ave.Bolivar, MO 65613-2597SBUlife (USPS 507-500) is published in February,April, July, and November. It is distributed freefor alumni, parents and friends of SouthwestBaptist University by the Office of Marketing &Communications, 1600 University Ave., Bolivar, MO65613. Periodical postage paid at Bolivar, Mo., andadditional mailing offices.SBUlife highlights the University’s mission: to bea Christ-centered, caring academic communitypreparing students to be servant leaders in aglobal society. SBU does not discriminate on thebasis of race, color, creed, national origin, gender,age, marital status or disability. Any person havinginquiries regarding this may contact Ron Maupin(417) 328-1511.FEATURESLike Father, Like DaughterJuhlin retires from SBU,daughter steps in to ‘fill his shoes’SIFE servant leaders leavelarge footprintA Legacy of Ministry:The Swadley Family & The SBU/SWBC ConnectionDEPARTMENTSPresident’s PerspectiveSBU NewsHomecoming PreviewAlumni RelationsKeeping in Touch10A Legacyof Ministry:The Swadley Family& The SBU/SWBC Connection781023161920SBUlife 1

President’s PerspectiveThe 2011-2012 academic year was a very successful year, especiallyfor our students. They excelled in competition with otheruniversities, completed numerous significant mission and serviceprojects and had a very successful year on campus.The SBU SIFE team, once again this year, won the regionalchampionship in Chicago. This is the 28th year out of the past 29years our SIFE team advanced to the national championship round.It appears to me that every year our SIFE team improves. Manylives are impacted by the service projects SIFE performs each year.Young people have come to Christ because of the efforts of our SIFEstudents. SIFE students continue to make a significant impact on ourcommunity.SBU computer science students are amazing! Every year theycompete with major universities with doctoral programs and oftenwin these competitions. Dr. Tim DeClue and our computer sciencefaculty have developed an amazing program. SBU has the reputationof graduating outstanding computer scientists and our graduates arevery marketable.The 2012 spring semester was good for SBU athletics. Our women’stennis team ended the season with a 22-3 record and was ranked14th in the nation. They won the MIAA Championship securing aberth in the NCAA tournament and the opportunity to host the firstround. Unfortunately, we lost in the NCAA tournament to CameronUniversity, a team we defeated earlier in the year.The SBU men’s tennis team also was successful, finishing second inthe MIAA. The SBU baseball team won 20 games this year for thefirst time in several years. We had several track and field athletes whoqualified for nationals and broke SBU records.educating and graduating students. As I look back over my 16 years aspresident, I believe the greatest accomplishment has been graduating11,744 students.At this time enrollment for the 2012 fall semester looks positive. Wehad a total of 3,633 students last fall, the third largest enrollmentin our history. I am hoping for a small increase for the fall of 2012.Enrollment always is a challenge and it seems to me that it gets moreunpredictable each year. I am pleased to report that most of ourindicators late this summer point to a good enrollment for fall.One of my favorite Old Testament stories is the story of Esther. Ithas many significant lessons and is very interesting to read. Mordecaiissues a challenge to Esther in verses 14 and 15 of the 4th chapter thatshould challenge all of us today:“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverancefor the Jews will arise from another place, but you and yourfather’s family will perish. And who knows but that youhave been called to the Kingdom for such a time as this.”This message is as pertinent today as it was in 450 B.C. I have no doubtthat we have been called for a time such as this to deliver a qualityeducation based on biblical principles to students and then graduatestudents to go throughout the world to do Kingdom work. Wehave been called for a time such as this to be a Christ-centered, caringacademic community preparing students to be servant leaders in aglobal society.C. Pat TaylorPresidentThe SBU missions program continues to grow. This year we hadmore than 400 students to go on mission trips. This is approximatelyone-fourth of our student body. Several years ago I established a goalof having 40% of our graduates to have gone on a mission trip duringtheir time at SBU. If the SBU missions program continues to grow,we will soon exceed this goal.I have mentioned only a few of the organizations and activitiesprovided for our students. There are numerous other programs, toomany for me to mention in this column, that have a positive impact onour campus and on our students. The 2011-2012 academic year was avery successful year for our students and for student organizations.My favorite day of the academic year is graduation. On May 19, weheld our spring commencement and we awarded 475 diplomas. Everytime we graduate a student, we accomplish our primary mission,2 SBUlife Summer 2012

sbu newsMay 2012CommencementLife Beautiful AwardsSBU’s for 2012 graduates wereannounced at Spring Commencement on May19, 2012. Guest speaker was Clifton Smart, III, theinterim president of Missouri State University andfather of Murray, who graduated with a Bachelor ofArts in Christian ministry during the ceremony.The Life Beautiful presentations were made byPresident C. Pat Taylor and Provost Bill Brown.The female recipient of the Life Beautiful Award for2012 was Lydia Nebel, and the male recipient wasScott Davis. Their biographies follow below.Lydia NebelLydia is from Bolivar, Missouri, and is graduatingmagna cum laude with a Bachelor of Art ininterdisciplinary studies. She was recognizedin Who’s Who Among Students in AmericanColleges and Universities. She is a member ofPhi Eta Sigma and Theta Alpha Kappa. She wascrowned Miss Southwest for the 2010-2011academic year.Nebel has been on several SBU mission tripswhere she served as co-leader, including thePhilippines and the Lakota Sioux Pine RidgeReservation in South Dakota. She is a member ofAlliance Christian Fellowship in Bolivar.Nebel currently volunteers at the House of Hope.She also has worked as a court appointed specialadvocate for Child Advocates, Inc., and a counselorat Camp David of the Ozarks (a camp for childrenof prisoners). She is currently an SBU ResidentAssistant, and is vice president of SBU’s chapter ofthe International Justice Mission.Nebel is passionate about serving andministering to others. She genuinely cares aboutothers and goes out of her way to meet peopleand encourage them. One faculty member sharedthat Nebel “exudes joy and her love for the Lord isevident in all she does.”Nebel’s parents are Krista and the late Rick Nebel.Scott DavisScott is from Kansas City, Missouri and isgraduating summa cum laude with a Bachelorof Music in church music. He was recognizedin Who’s Who Among Students in AmericanColleges and Universities, is a member of AlphaChi, Phi Eta Sigma, and Pi Kappa Lambda. Heis a Presser Scholar, and has received the TruettScholarship for 2012, which is a full scholarshipto attend Baylor University and Truett Seminary,where he will purse masters’ degrees in churchmusic and divinity.Davis is a member of the SBU Chorale, WindSymphony and Chamber Singers. He is the PepBand Director and has performed in three SBUOpera Theater productions.Davis is a member of First Baptist Church ofRaytown, Missouri, where he currently serves asthe youth ministry interim, the children’s choircoordinator and director of 1st through 3rd gradechoirs, teaches sign language, has an evangelisticministry as “Skooter” the clown performinggospel illustrations, and is the music and programcoordinator for Pathway Puppet Ministry.www.sbuniv.edu SBUlife 3

sbu newsScott DavisLydia NebelMAY 2012 COMMENCEMENTCONTINUEDHe also has served on many mission trips withhis home church.Davis is known by the faculty as someonewhose attitudes and actions always are consistentwith his desire to be the best possible exampleto those around him. He exhibits a lifestyle ofservice and compassion. One faculty memberstated that his even temperament and teachablespirit have made him a pleasure to teach.Davis’ parents are John and Laura Davis.Biography of Clifton M. SmartOn June 27, 2011, Clifton M. “Clif” Smart IIIwas named interim president of Missouri StateUniversity (MSU) in Springfield. Mr. Smarthad served as general counsel at MSU sinceDecember 1, 2007.Over the past three and one-half years atMSU, Smart provided legal counsel to theBoard, president, faculty, staff and administrators.He also was involved in many campus-wideinitiatives including leading the universityresponse to the state auditor’s report on MSU;serving on the John Q. Hammons Arena TaskForce; developing a comprehensive on-linelibrary policy for the university; and chairingor serving on a variety of searches includingvice president for diversity and inclusion, chieffinancial officer (twice), director of admissions,director of human resources and men’s basketballcoach.Smart received his Bachelor of Arts fromTulane University in 1983, graduating summacum laude. In 1986, he graduated with a JurisDoctor from the University of Arkansas Schoolof Law. While in law school, he received theLeflar Scholarship, was an Oxford Scholar andwas on the Arkansas Law Review.Smart joined the Strong Law Firm in 1992.He has been a shareholder in the firm since1995 and vice president since 1998. Over thepast 15 years, his practice consisted primarilyof representing individuals and entities incatastrophic injury, medical malpractice andcommercial cases.Prior to joining the Strong Law Firm, heworked for two years with the firm of Wright,Lindsey and Jennings in Little Rock, Arkansas.Clifton M. SmartFrom 1986-90, he was with the Judge AdvocateGenerals Corps in Ft. Knox, Kentucky.Smart was selected as one of three applicantssubmitted to the governor for the vacantMissouri Supreme Court positions in 2002 and2004. In February 2009, he was elected for a fiveyearterm as one of the two lawyer membersof the 31st Circuit Judicial Commission. BestLawyers in America for 2007-08 included Smart inthe fields of product liability, personal injury andprofessional negligence.Smart and his wife, Gail, have two sons:Murray, graduating in May from SBU in Bolivar,and Jim, an incoming freshman at HamiltonCollege in New York.4 SBUlife Summer 2012

sbu newsDr. C. Pat Taylor, Dr. Donald Babb,Rev. Dr. John Marshall, and Dr. Allison LangfordSBU Awarded Two HonoraryDoctorates on Founders’ Daycelebrated Founders’ Day withSBU a formal chapel program onMonday, March 26, 2012, in Pike Auditoriumon the Bolivar campus. Dr. C. Pat Taylor, SBUpresident, delivered the address.During the program, SBU presented DonaldBabb, CEO of Citizen Memorial Hospital,an honorary Doctor of Business, and JohnMarshall, Lead Pastor of Second Baptist Churchin Springfield, Mo., an honorary Doctor ofTheology.Biographies of HonoraryDoctorate RecipientsDonald J. BabbDonald J. Babb was born on October 19, 1940,in Piedmont, Missouri. His family moved tothe small town of Silva and eventually WestPlains, where he was raised by his mother andmaternal grandparents.With a natural affinity for healthcarecombined with education and duties while inthe Air Force, Mr. Babb focused his energyin the healthcare field. He returned to schoolat Mineral Area College where he completeda business degree, and later continued hiseducation earning a master’s degree inhealthcare management and finance at OhioState University.Mr. Babb was working for Research MedicalCenter in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1981 whenhe was called to help construct and develop anew hospital in Bolivar. What started out asa short-term project quickly developed intoa life-long goal of creating a rural healthcaresystem that set the standard for care throughoutthe nation.Mr. Babb has provided visionary leadershipfor Citizens Memorial Healthcare (CMH) formore than 29 years. Since 1981, Mr. Babb hasled Citizens Memorial Hospital as its one andonly chief executive officer. He also serves asthe executive director of the Citizens MemorialHealth Care Foundation and RiversideManagement and Rehabilitation, LLC. Underhis leadership, CMH has transformed from asmall, acute care hospital into a fully-integratedhealth care delivery system. CMH has grownat a rate seldom seen in rural areas and nowprovides a broad array of healthcare servicesto 100,000 residents of an eight-county area insouthwest Missouri. CMH is Bolivar’s largestemployer.In recognition of his leadership and service,Mr. Babb has been presented with six majorawards. In 1993, he received the Missouri StateAssociation of Health Occupations EducatorsDistinguished Service Award for CommunityInvolvement. He was honored with theMissouri Hospital Association’s DistinguishedService Award in 1994. In 1997, Mr. Babbwas presented the prestigious Shirley AnnMunroe Leadership Development Award bythe American Hospital Association’s Sectionfor Small and Rural Hospitals and the HospitalResearch and Educational Trust. He receivedthe Visionary Leadership Award in 1999 fromthe Missouri Hospital Association. Honoredfor his outstanding contribution to healthcarein the state, Mr. Babb was presented theMissourian Award in September 2008.Mr. Babb is a previous chairman for thewww.sbuniv.edu SBUlife 5

faculty sbu focus newsLike Father,Like DaughterJuhlin retires from SBU, daughter steps in to ‘fill his shoes’BY JESSICA OLIVER DREWS ’09After more than 30 years as the controller atSouthwest Baptist University, Rick Juhlin ispassing on his office and three decades of accountingknowledge — to his daughter, Tara Parson.“This is crazy enough, it has to be a God thing,”Parson said of filling her father’s position.Juhlin started working for SBU in 1975, andshe worked for a few years in other SBU jobs beforebecoming controller.As controller, Juhlin is responsible foroverseeing the accounting functions of theuniversity. He prepares financial statements andreports. Working at SBU for more than threedecades, he said, has been “really satisfying.”“I’m dedicated to Christian higher education andthe people, and I believe in the organization andChristian education,” he said.A lot has changed over the years in accounting,Juhlin said. Today, nearly every task can becompleted on the computer. Back then, he said, theuniversity was just moving from ledger cards andhand-written schedules to computers.“It was pretty tedious,” he said. “We didn’t haveelectronic spreadsheets then. There has been a lotof progress in technology that has helped us do ourwork.”Being a university controller can be demanding,Juhlin said. The most demanding times come in thesummer when the university conducts audits. Hesaid that although audits take a lot of work they “canbe a very satisfying accomplishment.”“We have to make sure our records are up todate,” he said. “Our staff gets us ready and we usuallyhave good reviews from the auditors.”SBU educationJuhlin is an SBU alum. He met his wife, Janet, whileattending the university (then Southwest BaptistCollege). He is originally from Arnold. Janet workedfor the university until her retirement a few yearsago. She started in the late ’80s and served mostrecently as the director of institutional effectiveness.“My experience here as a student was reallygood,” Juhlin said. “We really love the Bolivar area.Bolivar is a great place to live and raise a family.”On retirementHeading into retirement, Juhlin has spent thepast two weeks training his daughter to take hisplace. Once Juhlin gets Parson ready for the job, hewill kick-off retirement “relaxing, working in theyard, tinkering in the garage and developing somehobbies,” he said.Getting the jobWhen Parson learned of the open position, she saidshe struggled with deciding whether to pursue it.She had been working in Springfield and was readyto get back to working in Bolivar.“One of the big considerations was that I wouldhave big shoes to fill,” she said. “I’m OK with havingbig shoes to fill. I’ll get over the intimidation and doa great job.“[Rick] has done the job with great commitment,great integrity and an attitude of service.”Alumni, tooParson is a 2003 graduate of SBU.“When I started at SBU, I was a music major. But Ididn’t want to teach, so what would I do with it?”Parson instead took some computer classes, andwhen those didn’t pique her interest, she turnedto the college of business. She took some basicaccounting classes and it “clicked.”“Mr. [Wayne] Clark, the head of accounting,helped me with my schedule,” Parson said. “He wasso encouraging. Accounting made sense.”Family connectionWhile Wayne Clark influenced Parson, and evenencouraged her to apply for the controller position,Wayne’s father, Ed Clark, helped shape Juhlin andencouraged him when he was an SBU student.“I studied under Ed Clark, then Tara studiedunder Wayne,” Juhlin said. “Both are outstandingteachers. We learned a lot under them.”“They’re so proactive and encouraging aboutthings,” Parson said.Always accountingParson has spent her post-collegiate years workingin public accounting, but recently, she startedlooking for a slower pace to her work life. Herexperiences were primarily with banking andpublicly traded companies. She says the biggestobstacle to learning her new job is the difference in auniversity’s form of accounting.“Training has been good,” Parson said. “There’sa little bit different of an approach to life at workthan life at home, who we are at work versus home.With my background in public accounting, I’m usedto training. It’s kind of fun to have my trainer bemy dad.”A great jobJuhlin said his daughter did not get the job justbecause she “had the inside track.”“The university had a search committee andadvertised the job internally, on the university’swebsite and externally,” he said. “They receivedseveral applications and went through those. By herown merit, Tara was selected as controller.“She’s bright and energetic and she’s going to doa great job. It’s a great feeling for me to leave it inher hands.”This article first appeared in the Bolivar Herald-FreePress on April 4, 2012, and was used with permissionfrom the author.www.sbuniv.edu SBUlife 7

student focusSIFE servant leadersleave large footprintBY ALLEN PALMERIBOLIVAR—The story of TMBRecycling here illustrates the creativeimpact that the Southwest BaptistUniversity (SBU) Students In FreeEnterprise (SIFE) team is having in itscommunity concerning job creation ina bad economy.Because SBU is so in tune with thebusiness trends of its host city, SIFEleaders could tell that TMB, whichbegan in October 2010, was well–positioned to be the recycling leaderin 2012. Armed with that knowledge,about a half dozen SIFE specialistswent about the business of serving theowner, Mike Burrows.“They spent a lot of time out hereat first,” said Burrows, 45. “I’d seethem three, sometimes four times aweek. They were just seeing how theoperation worked, standing back andlooking at things. They didn’t ever tellme I had to do anything. They justgave me suggestions.”Bolivar is too small for curbsiderecycling, so Burrows needs to makemoney by collecting recycled itemsfrom businesses. Both he and his wife,Belinda, worked at a local restaurant(as a cook and manager, respectively)before he was inspired to quit his joband become a small business owner. Inthe midst of him trying to do all of thework—a tiring process—the SIFE teamshowed up.“They can throw a lot of ideas atyou that give you different aspects,”Burrows said. “None of them thinkquite the same. That’s what they didhere for me.”Some of the students perused thecompany’s books. Based on what theysaw, the students showed Burrows,who was old enough to be their father,how he could direct more moneytoward payroll and hire his first fulltimeemployee, which is exactly whathe was able to do in the early part ofthe year. Since then he has hired twomore employees.“I knew nothing,” Burrows said. “Itdoesn’t matter who it is, if they knowmore about it that I do, I’ll listen.”Listening to the students tell himwhat businesses he could add to his listfor recycling pickups has caused TMB’sworkload to go “crazy,” Burrows said,to the point where “we can’t get it alldone.” Although he must work longhours to service the city, the volume8 SBUlife Summer 2012

in his revenue stream increasedapproximately 40 percent in Februaryand has remained very robust. Burrowssaid he is proud to be the owner of athriving business.“It makes me feel very good,” hesaid. “It’s a very viable business. We’remaking money. I replaced the incomethat I had, plus a little. I’m my own bossand I put other people to work, and Ilike that. I want to see people succeed.”Dr. Troy Bethards, who servesas SIFE co-advisor on campus withAngela Wright, said the project wasimportant because it helped Bolivarestablish a sustainable recyclingoption. Grant money was used to setup 21 pickup locations around thecommunity, and a city-wide site forBolivar and Polk County was alsocreated. Advertisements and awarenessefforts were also key to this project.“I really appreciate what they did forme,” Burrows said.SBU President C. Pat Taylor saidthat SIFE efforts like the one putforth on behalf of TMB really dodemonstrate all that is excellent aboutthe university.“Our SIFE leaders do a great job ofinstilling the value of community andthe importance of helping others, “ Dr.Taylor said. “The most important thingis when a SIFE student graduates fromhere they have really developed thatservant leadership mindset that wethink is so important at SBU.”SBU teams rule SIFE landscapeBOLIVAR—Southwest Baptist University (SBU)has established a spectacular tradition ofexcellence in Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE)competition with regional championships in 28of the last 29 years.During this past academic year, the SBU SIFEteam organized seven projects in and aroundthe Bolivar community. The culmination of theSIFE program is an annual series of competitionsthat provide a forum for teams to present theresults of their projects, and to be evaluated bybusiness leaders serving as judges.SBU SIFE is one of around 600 programsin the United States. Participating studentsuse business concepts to develop communityoutreach projects that improve the quality oflife and standard of living for people in need.Contrary to popular belief, participation at SBU isopen to all students.“It’s for anyone who’s committed to takingbusiness principles in a biblical perspective andcombining them to make a difference in ourcommunity,” said SBU President C. Pat Taylor.For more information, visit www.sifeusa.org.SIFE way keeps SBU on missionBOLIVAR—Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE)is an international non-profit organization thatbrings together the top leaders of today andtomorrow to create a better, more sustainableworld through the positive power of business.Founded in 1975, SIFE has active programson more than 1,500 college and universitycampuses in 39 countries. Through projectsthat improve the lives of people worldwide, theuniversity students, academic professionalsand industry leaders who participate in SIFE aredemonstrating that individuals with a knowledgeand passion for business can be a powerful forcefor change.Southwest Baptist University (SBU) seeks toexpress its mission statement through SIFE. Thatmission statement is as follows: SBU is a Christcentered,caring, academic community preparingstudents to be servant leaders in a global society.Salvations come with SIFE laborsBOLIVAR—Something amazing happened thispast year when Southwest Baptist University(SBU) Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) studentsdid a mentorship/employment project atFootsteps Transitional Living in Springfield.Three people got saved.Project Leader Nathan Church, an SBU juniorfrom Sedalia, credited it to a lot of listening,humility, and hanging out in the context of SIFEproviding life coaching and job training. The SIFEstudents functioned a bit like Big Brothers asthey mingled among the 41 young men ages 16-21 in the Missouri foster care system. Many werelacking in basic social skills, and the SIFE mentors,who are trained to meet a need as they see aneed, prospered in this environment.“They haven’t seen love very often growing upin their home life,” Church said.Added Dr. Troy Bethards, who serves as SIFEco-advisor on campus, “One guy said, ‘Our ownfamilies don’t do what you guys do. You comedown every week.’”SBU worked with students from Central BibleCollege in Springfield, which is located very closeto the Footsteps center, to achieve the project’sgoals.SIFE stories first appeared in The Pathway on July 24, 2012. They are used with permission.www.sbuniv.edu SBUlife 9

alumni focus1 Mark Swadley leadingworship at Lone OakFirst Baptist ChurchPaducah, Kentucky2 SBU friends gatheredto support PaulSwadley preaching arevival at First BaptistChurch, Waynesville.Left to right: BonnieMiles, Ann Rozell, GaryRozell, Paul Swadley,Joyce Rippee andDuane Miles.3 John Swadleybaptizing believers inShoal Creek near Joplin,MissouriWhy did you choose SBU/SWBC?Betty: Because my husband announced in thespring that we were going there! He had been outof high school eight years and I had been out seven.We had to quit good paying jobs to go there, and atfirst I didn’t like the idea. But my husband is verypersuasive, so we went to college!Paul: My dad had gone there, and I just wanted togo to a good Baptist college.John: God called me to pastor when I was 16. Iknew I could get great training at SBU.Mark: My parents attended SWBC in the 1950’s.My older brother, John, attended SBU from 1980-1984. When I was young, Dr. Duncan Couchbrought the SBU Chorale to my home church inSpringfield several times. I was always impressedwith the quality of the Choir. I also attended acampus preview event where I got to see thecampus, rehearse with the Chorale, and stayed in adorm with Chorale members.What or who had the biggestimpact on your decision?Betty: Paul did. I went nearly “screaming andkicking” but the moment I arrived on campus myattitude changed. I loved college at SWBC! Andmy wise husband, Paul, knew I would.Paul: I was called to the ministry, and wanted to goto a good college to prepare me for that.John: My parents attended SWBC and loved it.After touring the campus, I was hooked.Mark: There were a lot of influences (family,school, Chorale, etc.). Receiving the Chancellor’sScholarship was the icing on the cake.How did college life differ fromhigh school?Betty: Made many friends, and loved the spiritualatmosphere. I went to Greenwood High Schoolin Springfield and was well-prepared for college--better prepared than Paul. I took Greek with himto help him, and, of course, he beat me. He got theE. I settled for E-. (The grading system then wasE = excellent, S – superior, M – Medium – I –Inferior and F – Fail).In New Testament, Dr. Carl Goodson only gaveone E. I got it because I wrote “Pontius Pilate” onthe final to answer a question, and Paul only wrote,“Pilate.” Paul is still mad about this.Paul: There was a huge emphasis on fillingspiritual needs and growth as well as academics.Academics were a lot harder than high school.John: In high school, teachers remind you ofdeadlines and expectations more than in college. Ihad to be more responsible in making sure I gotmy work done on time.Mark: I loved the Christian environment at SBU,and the lifelong friendships that I developed. Ialso appreciated campus Bible studies, andTuesday night “Praise Sings” in Davis Theatre. Iloved Chapel. One fond memory is during formalconvocations Dr. Ted Harris would direct thecongregation in the Malotte “Lord’s Prayer.” It wasalways a glorious worship moment.What helped you adjust tocollege life?Betty: The kindness and helpfulness of the facultyand the love and respect of so many of the fellowstudents, who were dedicated Christ followers.Paul: I had been out of high school for eightyears but made friends quickly and easily. I wasPresident of the class of 1956.John: I had no trouble adjusting. I made somegreat friends and had a roommate who wasinvolved in my high school and home church.Mark: I was able to make friends quickly inChorale, Band, and in the dorm. My older brother,John, was a Junior when I was a Freshman, andhelped me develop good study habits and learnthe ropes.www.sbuniv.edu SBUlife 11

alumni focusBetty & Paul SwadleyMark Swadley with Wife Beth and daughters Christina and OliviaAlumni Profile:Elizabeth Susan (Youngblood)Swadley ’56 (I am called Betty)Hometown: Springfield,MissouriSBU dormitory or residencehall(s): My husband and I weremarried students and lived inViles Apartments down the hillfrom the campusMajor(s)/Degree: Englishand Creative writing/Associateof Arts in English (graduatedeighth in her class)Year of Graduation: 1956Alumni Profile:James Paul SwadleyHometown: Springfield,Missouri (but I graduated fromRogersville High School in 1946)SBU dormitory or residencehall(s): We were marriedstudents and lived in VilesApartments down the roadfrom Southwest BaptistMajor/Degree: History/Associate of Arts in History(graduated sixth in his class)Year of graduation(s): 1956from SWBC (It was only atwo year college then. I wenton to Southwest MissouriState College and graduatedthere in 1958. Then I wentto seminary at MidwesternBaptist Theological Seminary,and graduated there in 1961 –MDIV)Can you describe the classroomenvironment?Betty: Challenging and intellectually stimulating.Also, I thought that most classes were fun!Paul: The teachers were especially geared tomeeting the needs of the students. Since I hadbeen out of high school so long, I had a lot ofneeds. The teachers helped me catch up on lotsof things.John: The teachers care about the student,and knew me by name. SBU has high qualityprofessors who know their stuff.Mark: SBU was academically challenging withprofessors that were passionate about educationand Christ. Students were highly motivated.Professors also cared for students as individualsand worked hard to develop great mentoringrelationships with students.What was the coursework like inyour classes?Betty: Difficult, requiring lots of hours of study(especially Greek), but I was a good student andmet the challenges. Burned a lot of “midnight oil.”Paul: Challenging and difficult, But I am a goodstudent and graduated 6th in my class.John: There is a lot more homework in collegeso you have to be disciplined enough not to waituntil the last moment to study. I thought that theworkload was challenging but reasonable.Mark: I was a bookworm and spent a lot of timestudying. A great deal of reading, writing, research,practice, creating, and more was required. Ifelt very prepared for music ministry uponcompletion of my degree. At Seminary, I passed allof the Music School entrance exams because SBUhad prepared me well in music and academics.What do you think about thefaculty, staff, and advisors? Tellme a story about a particularlyspecial teacher or coach.Betty: Faculty, staff and advisors were all great.My favorite teacher was Miss Mayme Hamlett,who taught me in both Latin and composition.She has a special grade she reserved for papersshe deemed worthy of publication in the worldoutside college. It was A+++ (triple plus) and Igot several of them. She also wrote on one paper,“Elizabeth, you have the talent and capability towrite for publication.” Years later with her wordsringing in my ears, I was at a writer’s conferencein Nashville and dropped into see Broadman’snon-fiction editor, Bill Cannon. I told him I hadan idea for a book. He said, “Go home and writea couple of chapters and send them to me.” I did.He liked them and so I finished the book. “YourChristian Wedding, published by Broadman Pressin 1966. It is a simple etiquette book for churchweddings. I also wrote two other books forBroadman. They were: “Dinner on the Grounds,”1972 (Broadman asked me to compile recipesfrom famous and interesting Southern Baptists,and to include all fifty states. This cookbook,now out of print has a recipe for President HarryTruman’s pound cake, for Archie Manning’s chess12 SBUlife Summer 2012

alumni focusJohn Swadley with 2011 Mission Joplinpie, and describes how Billy andRuth Graham prepare steaksin their fireplace.“Christmas atHome,” (1975) is a guide bookfor the Christian celebration ofChristmas in the home.Plus, I was asked by Woman’sMissionary Union to writea “study course” book for olderGAs. It was “Acknowledging MyStewardship.” It was publishedby Convention Press in 1967.This was the most difficult bookI wrote. I was to give examplesof generous givers. Those whogave generously didn’t want tobe written about, and those whogave $5.00 a year and thoughtthat was generous sought thepublicity.Paul: There were two teachersI especially liked. Dr. CarlGoodson (I had 16 hours of Greekunder him, and he made it clearthat I was welcome to come tohis house for help. I used hishelp frequently. He was a greatteacher and a wonderful man, arole model for me. In my sixteenhours of Greek under him, Ibecame so proficient that whenI went to seminary, I didn’t haveto take the beginner coursesin Greek but was able to startimmediately translating the NewTestament.My history teacher was Dr. CecilUnger. I liked him a lot, and hewas another role model for me.John: SBU leaders are the best.I took a lot of classes with Dr.Dutile because he taught theBible in a powerful and practicalway. I still use my notes from mydays at SBU in my ministry today.Mark: The faculty, staff, andadvisors at SBU were excellent inmy experience. It’s difficult forme to pick one person becauseso many had tremendous impacton my life. Lee Snook, my vocalteacher, taught me not only tosing, but helped this shy, insecureyoung man become moreconfident on stage and in public.He really cared about whatwas happening in my life andministry. Dr. Carol Bevier was mymusic theory, music history, andapplied piano professor. She waspassionate about music historyand her tests were notoriouslydifficult. Still, she taught usthoroughly and passed on a lovefor music. As a freshman pianostudent, I made the mistake oftelling her I didn’t like sharps and20th Century piano composers.Guess what I studied allsemester? She taught me to loveboth! Dr. Harold Pottenger (banddirector) was also one of the bestdirectors I’ve ever played under.He was a tremendous musician,conductor, and teacher.What were thestudents like at SBUwhen you were astudent?Betty: They were wonderful.Although we lived off campus,our apartment was usually full ofAlumni Profile:John SwadleyHometown: Springfield,MissouriSBU dormitory orresidence hall(s):LandenMajor(s)/degree:Speech, ReligiousStudies/Bachelor of ArtsYear of graduation(s):1983Alumni Profile:Mark L. Swadleyhometown: Springfield,MissouriSBU dormitory orresidence hall(s):Landon Hall (2 years);Off-Campus Apartment(2 years)Major(s)/degree:Church Music/Bachelorof Music in Church MusicYear of graduation(s):1986 (walked thegraduation line—finished degree in Dec.,1985)www.sbuniv.edu SBUlife 13

alumni focusstudents studying together, or just having agood time. I devised a system where I wouldcollect 25 cents from a dozen or so friends andfix a spaghetti and meat sauce supper for themon many Friday nights.Our close friends at SWBC helped decorateour Christmas tree, with student-madedecorations, including a foil wrappedcardboard star that we kept for many years.Paul: They were all there because they wantedto learn. Although my wife, Elizabeth (Betty)and I lived off campus, they accepted us totally.Our apartment was usually full of otherstudents wanting our help, and to relaxand have a good time. We made friendsfor life. Our class still gets together at thosedesignated years After the last reunion, we allwent to the home of Dr. Bill and Joyce Rippeein Springfield and spent an afternoon and anevening enjoying each other and reminiscing.John: We had so much fun! We spent a lotof time playing ping pong and hanging outtogether. I still love those guys.Mark: Students were fully devoted followersof Christ. I was challenged by my fellowstudents to do daily Bible study, spiritualjournaling, memorize Scripture, and witnessfor Christ. I also learned more about worshipthrough student-led worship in Chapel andduring the week. Jeff Hamlin was particularlyinfluential in opening my eyes to Biblicalworship and praise. I was so impressed that atthe Tuesday night “Praise Sings” Dr. WilliamBrown would come and participate fully. JeffHamlin went on to be a member of the CCMgroup Glad, and a producer for HosannaIntegrity music. Many other students hadgreat impact on my spiritual, academic, andpersonal life.Did you participate in anyactivities or organizations?Betty: Yes, I belonged to the preachers’ wivesgroup, and also sang in a trio made up of wivesof ministerial students.Paul: I belonged to the group for preachers; Ican’t remember what it was called. I playedsoftball and basketball in intramural sports.As president of the sophomore class, I metwith the other officers to plan things. Eachyear a sophomore ministerial student ischosen to preach to the students in assembly.I had the honor of being chosen to do that.John: I was on the debate team for a coupleof years and placed 7th at nationals my junioryear.Mark: I was a member of SBU Chorale,Symphonic Winds, and did at least onesemester of Opera Workshop. I was Nankipooin the Mikado, and I’m very grateful thatwas in pre-video days!Did you have any internshipsor jobs while you were astudent?Betty: I was employed as secretary to thefaculty (one secretary then for the wholefaculty). I prepared exams for everyoneexcept those for myself, and did all of thecorrespondence for faculty members.Paul: I drove a school bus for the Bolivarschool system during my freshman year. toearn $50.00 a month, which paid the rent onour apartment.John: I did about 10 youth revivals a yearwhich gave me great experience and helpedme grow as a preacher.Mark: I served New Hope Baptist Church inFair Grove as Minister of Music for the entiretime I was at SBU. It was a small countrychurch that helped me learn to direct achildren’s choir and congregational music.This “on-the-job training” coupled with mycollege education gave me practical real-worldexperience.What did you like best aboutSBU/SWBC?Betty: The Christ-honoring atmosphere. I alsoloved Mozarkian, the basketball games, thedramas and skits. I wrote some skits whilethere, which were performed at banquets, inchapel, etc. I worked for both the year bookand for the school paper.Paul: The administration, the faculty and thestudent body.John: When you combine professors who careabout you with great friends, and tremendousspiritual development, it doesn’t get any better.Mark: My first thought is the people: fellowstudents and faculty. It was also a greatcampus and big enough to be excellent andsmall enough to be personable.14 SBUlife Summer 2012

alumni focusWhat were your plans aftergraduation? How did yourcareer actually turn out?Betty: Courses I took at GreenwoodHigh School prepared me to go directlyto the business world, as secretary and asadministrative assistant and office manager.I worked for Civil Service, and one of mymost interesting jobs was in the Palace ofJustice, Nurnberg, Germany. I was ableto work there and be close to my soldierhusband who was stationed close by. Wewere able to spend most weekends together,and toured most of Europe one weekend ata time. After SWBC, I went to work in thebusiness world again so my husband, PaulSwadley, could go to seminary. It was a fewyears after graduation that I began to write. Iwrote curriculum for woman and girls of theSouthern Baptist Convention for Woman’sMissionary Union for twenty years. I wrotefor women – Royal Service; for GAs – Tell andDiscovery: and for Acteens – Accent. And Iwrote children and teens curriculum for theBaptist Sunday school Board. (now Lifeway) Iloved attending writing workshops for WMUin Birmingham, Alabama, and for the SSB inNashville, Tennessee, and learned a lot fromeditors and other writers.Paul: I planned to further my education andprepare myself for seminary training. I havepastored Baptist churches in Missouri forover fifty years. After I retired from 25 yearsof pastoring South Haven Baptist churchesin Springfield, I did eight interim pastorates,including fifteen months in Estes Park,Colorado. I preached many, many revivals inMissouri and sixteen other states. I served asPresident of the Missouri Baptist Convention(1978-1979 I think it was). And I served onthe Executive Board of both the MissouriBaptist Convention and the Missouri BaptistChildren’s Home. I served as president ofthe latter board for several years. SBU hashonored me by bestowing on me an honorarydoctor’s degree and naming me DistinguishedAlumni of the year.From left to right: John, Sheri, Andrew, Betty, Paul, and Kristen.John: I went to seminary where I got mymaster’s and doctorate. I have pastored threechurches and been blessed by each one. I hopeto retire at the church I am currently serving.We have baptized more than 100 a year for8 consecutive years. Seeing people’s liveschanged when they meet Jesus is the best.Mark: I finished my degree in Dec. of 1985at SBU and immediately went to SouthernSeminary in Louisville, Kentucky, in Januaryof 1986. I served as Minister of Music in NewAlbany, I, in 1986-1987. I served Little FlockBaptist Church near Louisville from 1987-2007.From 2007-present, I have served Lone OakFirst Baptist Church in Paducah, Kentucky.SBU prepared me for both music and ministry.I learned how to administrate, conduct,perform, minister, and so much more at SBU. Iuse these skills all of the time in ministry.Why should today’s studentsselect SBU?Betty: Because at SBU they will get a fineeducation in a spiritual environment.Paul: It is still a great university, academicallyand spiritually. It is one of the finestinstitutions of its kind in the USA. I especiallyadmire Dr. Pat Taylor, and his visions for thefuture of SBU. He is a fine president and hasaccomplished many goals for the university.John: You’ll grow in your faith in a way youwon’t find elsewhere. How do you put a priceon getting equipped to make a difference forChrist in the world?Mark: Today’s SBU students will receive atop-notch education in a Christ-centeredenvironment.Do you have any advice forfuture students?Betty: Study hard. Develop whatever talentGod has given you to the fullest. And makegreat friends.Paul: Study hard, make friends, and growspiritually as well as intellectually.John: Take your studies seriously. We’ve beenwatching the Olympics and the commondenominator in every gold medal winneris paying the price of preparation. Workhard when you are young to build a strongfoundation for your life and you’ll be blessedfor it.Mark: Pour yourself into your relationshipswith students and faculty as well as yourstudies. Your life will be molded and changed.www.sbuniv.edu SBUlife 15

Friday, Oct. 5 Saturday, Oct. 68:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. REGISTRATION CENTER OPENGoodson Student Union10:00 a.m. HONORS CHAPELLife Service Award PresentationsEdwin Lightfoot Distinguished AlumniAward PresentationPresentation of Homecoming CourtMabee Chapel11:00 a.m. HONOREES’ RECEPTIONMabee Chapel Lobby11:30 a.m. 50-YEAR CLUB LUNCHEONMcClelland Dining Facility1:00 – 3:00 p.m. CLASS OF ’62 REUNIONMcClelland Dining Facility3:00 p.m. SOFTBALL HOME RUN DERBYSBU Softball Field4:30 p.m. STUDENT BED RACESBurnidge Memorial Forum5:30 – 6:30 p.m. REUNION CLASS PRE-DINNER SOCIALKresge Room – Mellers Dining Commons6:30 – 8:15 p.m. ALL-ALUMNI BANQUETRecognition of LSA Recipients, Past & Present(Childcare Provided)Mellers Dining Commons8:30 p.m. “SOMETHING TO DO WITH WILLIAMSHAKESPEARE”SBU Theatre DepartmentDavis Newport Theatre – Jester Learningand Performance Center8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. REGISTRATION CENTER OPENGoodson Student Union8:30 a.m. ALUMNI BREAKFASTRecognition of Lightfoot Award Recipient &Alumni Association Scholarship RecipientsMellers Dining Commons9:30 a.m. DECADE PARADE WATCHING REUNIONSParade Route9:30 a.m. REDFORD PARADE WATCH TAILGATE PARTYParking lot between Beasley & Leslie Halls10:00 a.m. HOMECOMING PARADE11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. ALUMNI & STUDENT LUNCHMellers Dining Commons11:00 a.m. BEARCAT VOLLEYBALL GAMESBU vs. Southern Arkansas UniversityMeyer Wellness Center – Hammons Court2:00 p.m. BEARCAT FOOTBALL GAME& QUEEN CORONATIONSBU vs. Emporia State UniversityPlaster Stadium3:30 p.m. BEARCAT VOLLEYBALL GAMESBU vs. Henderson State UniversityMeyer Wellness Center – Hammons Court5:00 p.m. MEN’S ALUMNI SOCCER GAMESBU Soccer FieldContact alumnus Clint Bass formore information – cbass@sbuniv.edu7:00 p.m. “IMPROVISE!’’SBU Theatre DepartmentDavis Newport Theatre – Jester Learningand Performance CenterS O U T H W E S T B A P T I S T U N I V E R S I T YHomecomingFor questions or more information about Homecoming 2012, please contact the officeof Alumni Relations at 417.328.1806 or LSchindler@SBUniv.eduwww.sbuniv.edu SBUlife 17

alumni book reviewChicken Soupfor the Soul:Say Goodbyeto Stress!DR. JEFFREY BROWN ’92Full of inspiring stories and valuable medicalinformation, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Say Goodbyeto Stress! will help readers manage their stress, nomatter where their stress comes from.Everyone feels stressed out at some point in theirlives. Many have trouble getting their stressunder control and want help. This new book willencourage stressed out readers with its storiesfrom people like them about how they resolvedor rethought the stress in their lives, learned to letgo of anxiety and worry, and improved their livesby handling stress. Plus, it has relevant medicaladvice from renowned clinical physiologist andHarvard Medical School faculty member Dr.Jeffrey Brown.Harvard psychologist and author Dr. Jeff Brownis a champion of cognitive-behavioral psychology.Dr. Brown not only walks along side clients wholearn to manage inconvenient psychologicalsymptoms, he teaches them how to applyresearch-based strategies for fine-tuning theirbrains and optimizing life. He’s board-certified inboth clinical and cognitive-behavioral psychologyby the American Board of ProfessionalPsychology.Outside of his private office, Dr. Brown isthe psychologist for the Boston, Chicago andMarathon medical teams and is on Runner’sWorld magazine’s scientific advisory board. Hispsychology expertise has been cited by The NewYork Times, ESPN, The Wall Street Journal, TheBoston Globe, Woman’s Day magazine, FOX News,Family Circle, Boston Magazine, and ABC.com. Hiswitty, yet meaningful messages frequently callhim to the podium at various conferences andevents across the country.18 SBUlife Summer 2012

alumni news and eventsLindsay (Lewis) Schindler ’04, M.B.A. ’09Director of Alumni Relationslschindler@sbuniv.edu800.526.5859, ext 1806Another school year has come and gone at SBU, andwhat a great one it was! The Office of AlumniRelations hosted events this year in Tulsa; St. Louis; KansasCity; Bolivar; Dallas; Osage Beach, Mo.; Springfield, Mo.;and Denver. All of that in addition to Homecoming, theMissouri Baptist Convention at Tan-Tar-A Resort, andthe Southern Baptist Convention in New Orleans! At eachof these events I had the opportunity to meet wonderfulalumni who are still connected with and giving back toSBU. Thank you for your commitment to staying involvedwith our Alma Mater!Preparations for Homecoming 2012 are underway, andI hope you will make an extra special effort to join us this year on October 5th & 6th.You will receive a Homecoming registration form in the mail in August, and onlineregistration is already available. Highlights of Homecoming this year will include:Honors Chapel, the 50-Year Club Luncheon, Alumni Banquet, Parade, Football Game,Volleyball Games, and a Men’s Soccer Alumni Game!If you graduated in 1952, 1962, 1972, 1982, 1992, or 2002, this is your reunion classyear! Please remember to return your reunion class questionnaire (or complete itonline) for the booklet by September 14th. Many of us developed lifelong friendshipswhile at SBU, so contact your friends and make sure they plan to be here Homecomingweekend! Schedule, Reunion Class Questionnaire, and Online Registration can befound here: http://www.sbuniv.edu/alumni/homecoming/index.htmlLet me remind you that we continue to do more and more communication online, soplease make sure we have your current email address. You can update any of yourcontact information by filling out a Keeping in Touch form here: http://www.sbuniv.edu/alumni/keep.htm. You can also join the SBU Alumni Facebook group by searchingfor “SBU Alumni.”As always, if there is ever any way the Office of Alumni Relations can serve or assist you,please don’t hesitate to contact me.Blessings,www.sbuniv.edu SBUlife 19

keeping in touchVISIT www.sbuniv.edu/alumni for more news and photos!1975David Simon, Minister of Adult Educationand Senior Adults at Peninsula Baptist Churchin Mooresville, NC, received the DistinguishedLeadership Award from the Baptist Associationof Christian Educators (BACE) Conferenceat Dallas Baptist University in Dallas, TX. Theaward reads: “In recognition of outstandingcontributions to Southern Baptist ReligiousEducation through church and denominationalservice.” The award was given on March 1, 2012.Rev. Simon has served as a Minister ofEducation for 32 years in Wyoming, Kansas, andNorth Carolina. He is a member of BACE andChristian Educators of North Carolina (CENC)was a member of the Christian Educators ofKansas-Nebraska (CEKN). David served as apast president of CENC and CEKN. Rev. Simonleads numerous conferences and training.David graduated from SBU in Bolivar, Mo., in1975 and the Southern Baptist TheologicalSeminary in Louisville, Kentucky.Rev. Simon is married to Denise Allen Simonand has two daughters, Chelsea and Sarah.Chelsea is a student at Midwestern BaptistTheological Seminary in Kansas City, Mo.,and Sarah is a freelance graphic artist andvideographer in Mooresville, NC. David, Chelseaand Sarah co-authored a Bible Study entitledSpring: Connecting With God (available onAmazon.com or http://www.koshercopy.com/Spring.html.)1948Eulene Zizmer has lived in Columbia, Mo. for severalyears. Zizmer would like to announce the birth of herfirst grandchild, the baby was born in September of2011. Zizmer has four sons; Stanley Smith, RonaldSmith, Douglas Smith, and Brian Smith. 525 HuntidgeDr., Columbia, MO, 65201. eulenez@mediacombb.net1953The SBU alumni directory that was printed in 2010erroneously stated that Lois Mitchem Richter wasdeceased. Mrs. Richter is alive and well and living inStamford, Connecticut.1954Charles Renno graduated from the Hospital VolunteerChaplain’s Course at Loma Linda University Hospital-Murrieta on February 15. Renno has been added tothe volunteer chaplain’s duty schedule for March. Thecourse included 22 hours of class instruction, eighthours of volunteer orientation program, and six hoursof guided practice visiting patients in the hospital. TheLLUH-Murrieta is a new 106-bed Adventist hospital.Chaplains at the hospital represent 12 differentdenominations.Charles and Adelina Renno celebrated their 50thwedding anniversary on December 15, 2011. The sameweek Charles received notice that his application toThe Walmart Foundation for a grant to Family ServicesAssociation (FSA) serving Riverside and San BernardinoCounties in Southern California had been approvedand FSA would receive $10,000 to assist in providingmeals and services for senior citizens. The grant wasannounced on the third day of Walmart’s 12 Days ofChristmas donations to non-profit organizations. FSArecognized Renno with a plaque at their volunteerluncheon on December 16, 2011. 29180 Del Monte Dr,Sun City CA 92586. charlesmrenno@aol.com1954Maryetta Cunningham graduated from SouthwestBaptist College in 1954 when it was still a two-yearcollege. She would like to locate former classmatesfrom 1952-1954/55 just to say hello. Marietta and herhusband Don have three children. 339 County Road2320, Decaut TX 76234. Skills4success@earthlink.net1956Kenneth Daugherty has been a pastor for 23 yearsin Hawaii and California. Kenneth has also been thepresident of Christian Emergency Relief Teams (CERT)since 1991. He takes medical and dental teams intoremote and impoverished areas of the world. CERTalso ships medical supplies and do constructionprojects assisting indigenous pastors and fieldmissionaries. Kenneth and his wife Barbara now live inTennessee, they have three children: Alyssa, Ben, andTodd. Ken@certinternational.org1957Rosanne Osborne has received the Master of Divinityin biblical languages from New Orleans BaptistTheological Seminary on May 12. 172 Huntington Dr.Pineville, LA. 7136. Osborne@lacollege.edu1958Pearl (Bunch) Edgar and husband Glen still resideon D hwy north of Eminence, Mo. They enjoy theirdaughters, son-in-laws, and grandchildren’s visits,as well as many other relatives. “This year we haveenjoyed good health, and pray it continues!” Pearl andEdgar have two daughters, Mal Brooks and MelyssaWeaver. HCR 1 Box 60, Eminence, MO 65466.gandpedgar@yahoo.com.1960Dr. Charles Anderson has been called to serve aspastor of Nisqually Valley Baptist Church south of Roy,WA. Charles retired from pastoral ministry in 2004,but along with his wife, Jan, had been teaching adultsand has twice served as a deacon for Calvary BaptistChurch in Renton, WA. The Nisqually church is ahalf-time situation and has mostly retired memberscurrently. The Andersons will still reside in Renton,Wash.1963Judy (Bryant) Warren has retired from her CPApractice in Burbank. She and her husband Charliereturned to Colorado after 40 years in California. Theyare now enjoying the “terrific mountain views andgreat musical offerings” in Colorado Springs, Co. Judyand Charlie are looking forward to the 50th reunion in2013 and would love to hear from classmates. 2405Baystone Ct., Colorado Springs, CO 809211967The SBU Alumni Directory published in 2010 listedDonald E. Miller as a 1965 graduate. Donald didgraduate with his AA in 1965, but also completed hisBA at SWBC in 1967.1969Dan Springfield was selected for Who’s Who inAmerica for his work as a minister and evangelist. Danis married to Sandra (Fuller) Springfield ’69, and theylive in Mammoth Spring, AR.1970Ronnie Lowry still writes quick fiction. His wife20 SBUlife Summer 2012

VISIT www.sbuniv.edu/alumni for more news and photos!keeping in touchCindy recently passed away. 3225 Plymouth Street,Jacksonville, FL. 32205. Ronnielowry125@hotmail.com1971James Lowery’s son Evan works for William Harris LeeCompany in Chicago, selling and renting fine stringinstruments. Lowery’s daughter Emily graduated fromDrake University in May 2012 with a major in actuarialscience and started work with CNA Insurance in Chicagoin June 2012. James works at Cole Country ResidentialServices, Inc. and Karel is employed by the JeffersonCity Public Schools. Trugrit657@aol.com1974William “Bill” Kahler retired in March 2006 after 14years in the substance abuse prevention field. Kahlerstarted supply preaching and was called to pastorNarcissa First Baptist Church, in Miami, Okla. Kahler ismarried to Davene Kahler and they have two grandsons,one 21 years old, in college, and the other 22months old. 17400 S. Highway 125, Fairland, OK 74343.wkahler@sbcglobal.net1977Thomas Steward has retired from active ministry andis now serving as co-teacher in a senior Sunday schoolclass, National Heights Baptist Church, Springfield, Mo.Thomas and his wife Doreen live at 3423 N Marwin Ave,Springfield, MO 65803. tsteward@mchsi.comJerry Carlisle was awarded honorary Doctor of Divinitydegree by Dallas Baptist University, August 2011,elected President of the Baptist General Conventionof Texas, October 2011. Active in Baptist World allianceand Mission to Unreached Peoples www.mup.org,Dr. Carlisle is an adjunct professor at Dallas BaptistUniversity and is married to Dedi. 405 Shady OaksDrive, Murphy, Texas 75094.Jerryc@fbcplano.org1980Don Coleman, has earned his Ph.D. in Theology fromMid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Cordova,Tenn. He and his wife Sherry (Carter) ’80 live inBartlesville, Okla. where he serves as pastor for HighlandPark Baptist Church. They have four sons and a granddaughter.2701 Evergreen Drive, Bartlesville, OK 74006.doncoleman@hpbcbville.orgRichard and Rachel Nations have moved to Kirksville,Mo., where Richard is the new director of missionsfor the Thousand Hills Baptist Association. He andhis wife Rachel moved to Kirksville from Des Moines,Iowa, where he served as Church Health Team Leader/Editor of the Iowa Baptist newspaper for the BaptistConvention of Iowa for 18 years. Rachel is employedas special education paraprofessional with the KirksvilleSchool District. The Nations live at 16 Kellwood Dr.,Kirksville, MO 64501. rdnations@gmail.com.1983Jeffrey Carter was honored as the artistic director of2011 Saint Louis American International Choral Festival.He continues as chair of the Department of Music atWebster University and recently received the St. LouisPost- Dispatch Best Supporting Actor in a musicalaward in December. 25 Lawn Pl, Saint Louis, MO 63110.jrc@jeffreycarter.us1984Len Young and wife Rebecca (Wilkinson) ’83 are coownersof Liberty Book Buyers. They buy and sell newand used college textbooks. They operate their businessfrom their family farm near Steelville, Mo. Len andRebecca are active in a new church work in St. James,Mo., which is approaching its third anniversary. Lenhas also been active in jail/prison ministry and supplypreaching throughout the area. 82 Whipporwill ValleyLn. Steelville, MO 65565.libertybooks@yahoo.com.1987Kristine Purcell is currently working as a Head StartLead Teacher. In the fall she will be working on herAdministration Credentials in Early Childhood Education.6975 W. Glenbrook Rd., Milwaukee WI, 53223. Krispy61@msn.com.1988John Griggs started a new job as a pharmaceuticalgroup leader with Hospira Inc. in McPherson, Kan., inNovember 2011. He’d like to hear from any old friendsfrom SBU who’d like to contact him. PO Box 32 Inman,KS. jwgriggsiii@hotmail.com.Paula Gronniger has worked for The Arc of the Ozarksfor over 20years. She is the Director of ResidentialServices. She is blessed with 2 beautiful girls who havegrown up far too quickly.Gary Wade has recently taken a position with AppleInc. at their Cupertino headquarters working on OS XServer.3507 Palmilla Drive Unit 3079, San Jose, CA95134. garywade@desisoftsystems.com1989Kelli (Wasson) Snyder has worked as a pharmaceuticalrepresentative for Pfizer for the past 13 years. She hastwo kids, Kaitlyn 11, and Braden 7. She is divorced andnow living in Republic, Mo. kellidsnyder@ymail.com1990Kelly Warren, graduated with his MBA from FontbonneUniversity. His thesis evaluated a business design fordeveloping a game. He spoke on the value of integrity atthe Baccalaureate. Warren recently completed a sportscamp in Kosovo in partnership with the Free Church ofDresden, Germany. He helped build an orphanage inCambodia with Service International. In New York twiceafter 9/11, Warren worked with the Second Free Church.Justtaxes@gmail.comMichael J. Kerr and son Gideon traveled to Israel inFebruary 2012 for a second trip to help the Jewishcommunities with the keeping of their olive and grapeorchards. The Kerrs own an organic produce farmand Kerr and Sons Construction. Michael and Malissahave nine children: Annalise 17, Gideon 14, Timothy12, MaryGrace 11, Benjamin 9, Malachi 7, Hadassah4, Nathanael 3, and Carmi 1. They reside at 44424Maplewood Rd. Clearbrook MN 56634. Mike.keer.mn@gmail.comSuzanne “Sue” Lee would love to hear from friends.Suzanne is employed by Missouri College and lives withher husband Ali Al-Zubeidy and daughter Marie-Batul 11,in Festus, MO. slee@missouricollege.com1979Alberta (Gomes) Smith ’79Named Teacher of the YearOn April 16 Central High School (Springfield,MO) vocal music teacher and SBU alumnaAlberta Smith was named the SpringfieldPublic Schools 2012-2013 Teacher of the Year.Alberta’s passion for teaching, professionalaccomplishments and commitment tostudents and are among the traits thatdistinguished her from the 42 nominees.Alberta has been employed with SpringfieldPublic Schools for 27 years. As the choralmu-sic director at CHS, she has directedconcert choir, chamber choir, women’s choir,men’s choir, Middle Years choir and musicalproductions that have received numerousrecognitions and honors.In addition to her involvement with herstudents, Alberta is active in the Springfield artscommunity, including the Spring-field RegionalOpera, Springfield Little Theater, her churchchoir, and other performing groups.www.sbuniv.edu SBUlife 21

keeping in touchVISIT www.sbuniv.edu/alumni for more news and photos!Former Bearcat Standout,Matt Rogers, makes NBA SummerLeague Debut with Indiana PacersFormer SBU Bearcat basketball star,Matt Rogers ‘10, made his NBA SummerLeague debut on Monday, July 9, withthe Indiana Pacers. Rogers made a largeimpact off of the bench for the Pacers,playing 19 minutes, scoring 8 points off of3-6 shooting from the field while grabbing5 rebounds in the Pacers victory.On the Indiana Pacers team website,Pacers assistant coach Dan Burkecommented that “Matt had significantcontributions off the bench.”1991Roland and Pattie Reitz and their two daughtersMackenzie and Meredith have moved again--thistime to Alaska. Roland is currently serving as anactive duty Air Force Chaplain and is stationed atJoint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Pattie is teachingEnglish composition for Wayland Baptist University’sAnchorage campus. She has also had devotionalspublished in Jocelyn Green’s book “Faith Deployed…Again” and Lifeway’s “Open Windows.” The Reitzfamily lives in Eagle River. Preitz@yahoo.com1992Rebecca (Wellman) Hamilton is blessed to be livingon a farm and engaged to the farmer. Rebecca washappy to see her daughter, Dani 17, graduate thisspring. Hamilton is employed by Lebanon R-3 PublicSchools and resides at 17974 Edison Road, LebanonMO 6536. rhamilton@lebanon.k12.mo.usPhilip Huebner was promoted in September 2011 toChief Petty Officer in the US Navy. Philip just finishedhis third deployment with VFA-25 in the USS CarlVinson. 112 N. Lemoore Ave #E, Lemoore CA, 93245.Philiphuebner@comcast.net1998Mark Lander is the Event Logistic Director for Men atThe Cross, the ministry arm of Kanakuk Ministries thatdoes men’s conferences around the country. Mark’swife, Missy is employed by Crane R-III School District.Mark and Missy have two children; Emma 13, andEthan 10. 401 N. Hemphill, Crane, Mo. 65633.Mark.lander@mchsi.comBrian Bird took a new job as audio departmentmanager for Logic System Sound and Lighting inJanuary 2011. 1831 Sidney St. #K, St Louis, MO 63194.2000Sabina (Hagerman) Chapman received her master’sdegree in Instructional Technology from DruryUniversity on December 17, 2011. She is employedby Crowder College and resides with her husbandSteve at 904 Washington Street, Monett, MO65708. LovGod@juno.comArlene (Gonzalez) McCormack has retired from St.Johns Health Systems, after twenty-four and a halfyears of service. Now working for another hospice,Arlene was promoted to clinical director of theprogram, last May.2005Jennifer Morris was recently promoted to operationssupervisor for the Midwest region for the Universityof Phoenix. She lives with her husband Chuck andson Finnley in Kansas City, KS.2006Darcie Sperber graduated in May of 2011 fromPeabody College at Vanderbilt University with anM.Ed. in Early Childhood-Special Education. She iscurrently working for the Sumner County SchoolDistrict, teaching blended pre-school in Gallatin,Tenn. Darcie_sperber@yahoo.com2010Jason and Jennifer (Gunderson) Byers ’07 will beserving with OMF International (formerly “ChinaInland Mission”) in Thailand as career missionaries.They plan to be church planters in NortheasternThailand and hope to get to the field by November2012. Jason and Jennifer are also proud to announcethe birth of their baby bearcat, Moriah Lynn Jordan,born on February 9, 2011. “Thank you SBU forpreparing us for the field!” PO Box 982004 Park City,UT 84098. JGByers12@yahoo.comByers Famly2011Amy (Grabowski) Varner ’11 graduated from DruryUniversity with a Master of Art in communicationwith an emphasis in organizational leadership andchange. Varner was part of the first acceleratedprogram offered. She completed all of the degreerequirements in 11 months instead of the usual twoyears.22 SBULife Summer 200822 SBUlife Summer 2012

VISIT www.sbuniv.edu/alumni for more news and photos!keeping in touchMarriagesSusann (Brunner) Campbell ‘02 married Charles in2004, and has worked in her current position withOACAC Head Start for nearly 9 years.Dr. Damon J. Grandy DPT ‘09 married Dr. TiffanyJernigan Grandy DPT ‘10 on May 26th 2012, at TheHermitage National Monument, Home of Presidentof Andrew Jackson, in Nashville, TN. Damon andTiffany met while attending PT school together atSBU from 2007-2009. They became acquaintedon the SBU DPT Medical Mission trip to El Salvadorin August 2008, and started dating soon after. Theyare currently both working as travel contract PhysicalTherapists. 7159 S. 233rd Drive, Buckeye AZ 85326.Future BearcatsTammy (Brittingham) Maassen ’01 and her husbandMatthew celebrated the arrival of their first son JoshuaThomas Maassen on September 1, 2011 at 6:19 p.m.He weighed 9 lbs 9 oz. 707 Fall Creek Circle, BeltonMO, 64012. tammymaassen@yahoo.comJoshua Thomas MaassenKatrina (Fisher) Mitchell ‘94, and husband Shane(attended, 1991) announce the births of Ezra Halen,born May 7, 2009 and Eden Celise, born March 22,2011. They join big brother, Jude, 4. Shane works asa civil engineer in Olathe, Kansas. Katrina recentlycompleted her Ph.D. in musicology from theUniversity of Kansas and is teaching part time. 20937W. 118th Terrace Olathe, KS 66061katrinaleamitchell@yahoo.comWilliam Eldon Owen, ’80 announces the birth of hisgranddaughter Annalise Katheryn Owen, born onJanuary 30, 2011. His wife Sherry passed away July 5,2011. “What a year of joy and sorrow, God is god”weo.rrt@hotmail.comAlex Edgar ‘05 and wife Allison (Davis) ’05 wouldlike to announce the birth of their second child,Aria Joy Edgar. She was born June 13, 2011. Ariahas a proud sister Addison, 2. Alex is employed byKansas Rehabilitation Hospital, and Allison works forTitanium Solutions. alexedgardpt@hotmail.comMindy (Weno) Having ‘98 would like to announcethat Brylee Ruth blessed the Having family two yearsago in December. “We are just late announcing it!”132 Woods Edge Road, Billings, MO. 65610.mweno@hotmail.comIn MemoryArnold Long ‘42Arnold E. Long, 95, passed away Dec. 31, 2011, atRose Manor Nursing home in Shawnee, Kan.He graduated from Southwest Baptist Collegein Bolivar, Mo., in 1942; he was a 1943 graduate ofOklahoma Baptist University; and graduated fromCentral Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City,MO in 1947.He married Ruth Carter on July 5, 1937, InGranby, Mo. They served in pastorates in Missouri andOklahoma before retiring in Shawnee in 1980. Arnoldhas been a member of University Baptist Churchsince 1980 where he was an ordained deacon andministered to the senior adults as a Sunday schoolteacher and department directorArnold is survived by his wife of 74 years, Ruth,their son and daughter-in-law Meredith and JaniceLong and daughter and son-in-law Patty and WarrenMcWilliams as well as his grand-children, greatgranddaughters,and numerous nieces and nephews.Arnold will always be remembered as a man whonever met a stranger and always had a funny story totell. He served his Lord, his family, and his churcheswith honor and distinction.Nadine Cooper Marcum ‘49Nadine Cooper Marcum passed away August 18, 2011.She went to be with Jesus, whom she loved so much!Nadine was a tremendous stay-at-home mother andwife, who loved Jesus, her sons, grandchildren, greatgrandchildrenand friends. She was born on February6, 1921, in Leeton, Mo. Nadine will be dearly missed byall who knew and adored her.Doris Jean (Wallace) Hooper ‘51Doris Jean (Wallace) Hooper died December 5, 2011.Doris was married to Dr. William Hooper ’51, SBUProfessor of Music Emeritus. The Doris WallaceHooper Scholarship for students in elementaryeducation has been established in honor of Doris.June Brandt Hill ‘57June Hill passed away August 3, 2011 in St. Louis,Mo. She graduated from Southwest Baptist College in1957 with an Associate of Arts degree. During her twoyears at SBC she was very involved in many activitiesincluding music, sports, and Christian organizations.In 1957 she was elected Mozarkian Queen.In August, 1957, she married Arthur “Jack” Hill.Both graduated with Bachelor of Science in Educationdegrees in 1959 from the University of Missouri. Shereceived her Master of Arts degree in Teaching in1986 at Webster University in Webster Groves, Mo.She taught in Mexico, Mo., as well as the Affton,South County Technical, and Lutheran High – Southin St. Louis, Mo. She taught English and Journalismfor thirty-five years, coached volleyball, and lead thedance team to several state championships.June and Jack were married for fifty-fourwonderful years. They had three children, Phillip,Dawn, and Tim, and unofficially adopted ChrisBoerner and Caroline Chung. Their daughters-in-laware Cheryl, Stacey, and Becky, and their son-in-lawis Laree. Their grandsons include Dan, Joshua (Jenny),Caleb, Nathan, Nick, Noah, Tyler, and great-grandson,Micah. She is also survived by sisters Phyllis (Steve),Pat (Jim), brother Jim (Carla).Norma HighsmithNorma Highsmith, 65, of Shipman, Ill., died at theRelais Bonne Eau Community Hospice Home inEdwardsville, Ill. She was born in Centralia, Ill, thedaughter of Louis Otto and Ena Rae Buss Meyer. Shemarried Earl Dean Highsmith June 11, 1967, and theyhad three children. She taught in the SouthwesternSchool District in Piasa, Ill., for 35 years.She was preceded in death by her parents; andher sister, Mary Lou Prewett. Survivors include herhusband, Earl, of the home; a daughter, CharlotteMarsch and husband David of Bolivar; two sons, ClarkHighsmith and wife Susan of Midlothian, Texas, andKent Highsmith and wife Jennelle of Bethalto, Ill.; andfive grandchildren, Benjamin Highsmith, Midlothian,Texas, Rachel and Gloria Marsch, Bolivar, Mo., andJoslyn and Gabriel Highsmith, Bethalto, Ill.www.sbuniv.edu SBULife 23www.sbuniv.edu SBUlife 23

sports focuskeeping in touchVISIT www.sbuniv.edu/alumni for more news and photos!In MemoryNancy Lee WeeksNancy “Lee” Weeks passed away Sundayevening, August 12. She recently retired fromserving as the Director of Student Services onthe Springfield campus, where she worked formore than 22 years.Nancy Lee “Leezy” Weeks, a long timeresident of Ash Grove, MO., died August 12, 2012.She left this world the way she lived it, head onand in control. Born October 7, 1943, to HowardTed and Helen Ruth Mann in San Leandro, CA.Lee, as she was known to her family and friends,lived in several states throughout her life, buteventually made her home in Ash Grove, with herbeloved husband. D.O.For the last 22 years Lee worked atSouthwest Baptist University holding variouspositions, most recently serving as the Directorof Student Services and Marketing before retiringin March.A freelance writer since the mid 70s, Leeserved as a member and past president of theSpringfield Writer’s Guild and a member of theMissouri Writer’s Guild since the late 90s. Leehad a passion for writing and had been publishedin the Springfield News-Leader, Today’s WomanMagazine, Senior Living, St. John’s InTouch, SBU Life,SBU News and Events (online), Northwest Media,The Commonwealth and the Cross Country Times.Lee also wrote a monthly column called “LeezyUndercover” in addition to blogging. Her writingalways captured her unique sense of humor andperspective on life. She also received numerousawards for her articles and stories.Lee is preceded in death by her husbandof 36 years, D.O. Weeks and her father HowardMann. She is survived by son Jim Wheeler ofWasco, CA.; daughter Tammy Murphy of Reno,NV., daughter Marcy Blanchard of Yakima, WA.,son and daughter-in-law, Glove and JoAnnaWeeks of Baxter Springs, KS.; her grandchildrenAndrew, Aaron, Alysse, Abigail, Kodie, Nicole,Lucas, Matthew, Connor and Madalyn; andmother Helen Mann of Ash Grove, MO. Lee alsoleaves behind a world of friends.Memorial contributions can be made to ascholarship at Southwest Baptist Universityin care of the funeral home, Derfelt’s BaxterChapel, P.O. Box 616, Baxter Springs, Kansas66713.Published in the Springfield News-Leader onAugust 14, 2012Please note that alumni updates are published in SBU Life in the order they are received, depending on the space available in each issue.Therefore, it may take several months for Keeping in Touch submissions to be printed. Also, we will be happy to list your weddings and babies,but it is our policy not to list engagements or little expectations.Alumni News:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name:___________________________________________________________Class of:___________ Degree:__________(please include maiden name if applicable)(AA, BA, BS, MBA, MPT, MS)Address:_____________________________________________ City:___________________State:____ Zip:__________Email:__________________________________________ Telephone:__________________________________________# of Children:______________________ Employment:_______________________________________________________Spouse:__________________________________________________________Class of:___________ Degree:__________(please include maiden name if applicable)(AA, BA, BS, MBA, MPT, MS)Please do not publish my addressLet’s Keep in Touch!Please do not publish my email addressReturn to: Southwest Baptist University • Office of Alumni Relations • 1600 University Avenue • Bolivar, MO 65613You can also complete this form online at www.SBUniv.edu/alumni if it’s more convenient.24 SBUlife Summer 2012

Thank you,50-Year Club!BY HOLLY STOCKARD ’08Almost three years ago the Jim Sell’s FrontEntrance campaign was completed. This newfront entrance has given SBU an attractivefront door for guests who visit SBU as wellas the SBU family. However, the southwestentrance to campus had no signage forprospective students, alumni and othervisitors coming to campus.During Homecoming 2011, the 50-YearClub approved the motion to sponsor a newmarble sign at the southwest entrance ofcampus. Thanks to a significant gift froma member of the 50-Year Club, a total of$20,788 was raised. The black granite andbrick sign provides a distinguished, impressiveentrance for the southwest side of our campus.The 50-Year Club has been very graciousto Southwest Baptist University throughoutthe years. Members of the 50-Year Clubhave funded projects that have improved theUniversity’s appearance making an impact onSBU students for years to come.www.sbuniv.edu SBUlife 25

SBUlifeSouthwest Baptist University1600 University AvenueBolivar, MO 65613SBUOct. 5 & 6HomecomingS O U T H W E S T B A P T I S T U N I V E R S I T YPaper Made from 10%Post Consumer WastePLEASE RECYCLE