PENSACOLA CHRISTIAN COLLEGE

UPDATESummer 2021 | pcci.edu/Update

Celebrating COMMENCEMENT pg. 4 E PRESIDENT’S PAGE From the President Dr. Troy A. Shoemaker @PresidentPCC

Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit. —Ecclesiastes 7:8 cclesiastes reminds us that the Students, while inconvienenced by Eend of a thing is better than the necessary health precautions, com- beginning; and patience is a major pleted their academic studies and factor contributing to how we perceive even found ways to serve each other events. This past academic year has and the local community. Throughout demanded creative ingenuity, plan- the year, I repeatedly thanked the Lord ning, and a great deal of patience. for the way students looked past them- Most importantly, it has required God’s selves to see the needs of others and, provision and protection for Pensacola in so doing, reflected the loving kind- Christian College. ness of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Looking back, it is clear to see At the final chapel of the year, I told how faculty and staff rose to the chal- our student body, “I never want to go lenges presented by new operating through another year like this one; but procedures and increased levels of if we had to do it, I’m glad we got to service. Every task seemed to require go through it together: with each other additional consideration and higher and our Lord.” levels of attention. Not only did the So, with thankfulness, we are at team survive, our campus community the end of the academic year. I am thrived in fulfilling the mission God already eager to start over again next has given us. fall with intentions toward full aca- demic and co-curricular engagement and events. Next year will be full of new adventures and opportunities as PCC continues to empower the next generation to influence their world for Christ. CONTENTS

FEATURE Ministerial Seminar 02

HAPPENINGS Commencement(s) 04

SPOTLIGHT Alumni in Education 06

MAJOR FOCUS Cell & Molecular Biology 08

HIGHLIGHTS Rejoice Radio Anniversary 10 Summit Yearbook 11

CONNECTIONS Highlighting the Foundation 12 Employment Opportunities 13

Connect with Us

©2021 Published by Pensacola Christian College and distributed free. For correspondence or change of address, write PCC Update, Pensacola Christian College, P.O. Box 18000, Pensacola, FL 32523-9160, U.S.A. PCC is located at 250 Brent Lane, Pensacola, FL. FEATURE

MINISTERIAL SEMINAR Supplying the Tools On Thursdays before noon, a special group gathers together in the Dale Horton Auditorium. Before their class begins, they’ll pray, sing a hymn and a special chorus, and then start adding insightful notes to an ever-growing collection they’ll be referring back to for years to come.

he young men preparing for min- down and glean from the wisdom of men Tistry take Ministerial Seminar (PR who are years down the road you’re on. 101–402), consisting of a lab and a lec- You get many different preachers from ture hour, each semester. The class is different backgrounds, areas, and ages designed to enrich and develop the stu- telling you the same thing from different dents’ background for Christian service, angles. It teaches you to consider more to provide practical ministry training, and options and seek counsel,” said Chris to give them the opportunity to learn Montgomery (Sr., TN). “This class has by under experienced men of God. far been the most helpful class in prepar- The ministerial students also take ing me for future ministry, strengthening time during class to pray for areas of my current ministries, and strengthening the country where pastors and church my walk with God.” plants are needed, as well as for exist- For Andrew Butner (Sr., NC), a transfer ing churches to be strengthened in their student from a Bible col- effectiveness reaching people with the lege, the class has been gospel. greatly enhanced by the Each year, these men have been able guest pastors who have to sharpen their skills in a new area or spoken in ministerial lec- build upon a previous lesson, preparing ture, such as Greg Mutsch, them to be used of God in the capacity Rusty Smith, Tyler Gillit, Frank Gagliano, He has called them to. “You get to sit Raymond Barber, Pete Folger, and Dave

2 | pcci.edu MINISTERIAL SEMINAR

Goforth. “This class is definitely unique Having taken the class as a student, to PCC,” he said. “Many other schools Pastor Redlin has always anticipated only offer homiletic classes to practice speaking to and instructing the minis- preaching,” he said. “In lecture, Ministe- terial men over the rial Seminar is a class where we, preach- years, especially ers in training, can glean the wisdom since returning of other men in ministry and pastoral to serve at Cam- positions. This class has allowed me to pus Church. This see the reality of ministry.” year, he took them Dr. Dan Troutman of the Bible faculty through a series instructs a ministerial lab on Tuesdays, on finances in the which counterparts Thursday’s lecture church, but he’s hour. “While the lectures are practical also covered youth ministry, qualifica- in a broad range of potential ministries, tions for pastoral ministry, church disci- the labs are primarily focused on preach- pline, and pastoral counseling. “It is one ing and presenting the Word of God to of the very special privileges of serving an audience,” he said. “Labs are more as pastor of Campus Church to be able ‘hands on.’ These are focused on spe- to interact with our ministerial guys,” he cific preaching skills, and the men ben- said. “They’re going to influence those efit from the experience of faculty who people who are influencing their world. share biblical truth ‘for a living.’” They’re going to be standing in pulpits, As their college career progresses, all across the states, and literally all many of the ministerial men can put across the world.” what they learned in the classroom into “We’re trying to invest in them some practice in the church. “We go to every necessary tools,” Pastor Redlin contin- Campus Church ministry to observe in ued. “My dad always said, ‘The right tool order to see what it would take to run makes all the difference.’ Sometimes a big ministry,” said Chase Williams (Sr., you have this obscure tool in your tool- GA). “Then we intern in one of the min- box and you think, What am I ever going istries the following semester.” to use that for? But when you need that This semester, the seniors of Ministe- tool, and you have it, that tool makes all rial Seminar spent an hour of their class the difference.” time in the Swim Center with Dr. Jeff Red- lin, Campus Church pastor. There, he went over the me- chanics of baptism. “The lesson was a very practical experience,” said Daniel McManus (Sr., VA). “Pastor Redlin taught us about baptism and how to explain it to the people of our [future] church. We then got to practice baptizing each other. He walked us through each step, making sure that we were accurately practicing the ordinance. It has been so helpful to learn from an experienced pas- tor about how to handle circumstances that I have not yet experienced.”

PCC UPDATE | 3 HAPPENINGS COMMENCEMENT(S) Time to Celebrate

s the spring semester concluded, A graduates dressed in that familiar cap and gown briskly made their way to- ward the Crowne Centre for one of four special ceremonies. For friends and fami- lies of the 2021 graduates to enjoy the Forty-Sixth Commencement ceremonies in person, Commencement was adjusted for four events over two days. Over 950 degrees were conferred upon undergraduate, seminary, and graduate students who represented 49 states and 32 foreign countries or ter- ritories. Thirty students completed the requirements for two majors, and over 140 of the class of 2020 graduates in- vited to return took part in these events. Students were honored with all the pomp and circumstance their accom- plishments deserved. On Thursday, May 13, students earning degrees in Nurs- ing and Arts & Sciences concentrations were conferred degrees in two separate Commencement ceremonies. Profes- sional Studies and Biblical Studies, Visual & Performing Arts, and Gradu- ate and Seminary concentrations were conferred degrees during ceremonies on Friday, May 14. Campus Church Pastor Jeff Redlin gave the benediction during the Commencement Ceremony.

Jared Black returned to walk as a 2020 graduate.

4 | pcci.edu COMMENCEMENT(S) COMMENCEMENT(S) President Troy Shoemaker offering congratulations to a student

The College also awards the Presi- dent’s Citation of Merit to two students who, in the opinion of the administration, are outstanding graduates who embody the mission and purpose of the College through their personal character and values. This year, that award was pre- sented to Madison Schrock (Legal Office Administration) and Chris Montgomery (Pas- toral Ministries). Receiving an honorary doctorate from PCC is an expression of respect and appreciation from the College as a Chris- tian academic institution to those who have displayed exceptional leadership and service in their ministry vocation. These degrees were given to Joseph Bradley Edmondson (Pastoral Ministries ’01), “It’s a great honor, and who was conferred an Honorary Doctor I’m really glad that they of Divinity, and Francis James Sherwin III, invited us back [for who was conferred an Honorary Doctor- ate of Science. Commencement]. I felt Now, new chapters await! With de- like they really cared grees conferred, awards received, and about us.” tassels turned, these graduates are —Megan Jones, 2020 grad, ready to venture out and influence their on getting to walk with the worlds for Christ. class of 2021 PCC UPDATE | 5 SPOTLIGHT

LEADING where Needed Nathan Smith and Christa Wei Smith stay flexible as they serve in various roles at EUCON International School and EUCON International University in Saipan.

n a small island in the western with guardians off campus or with their O Pacific Ocean, a group of teachers families in the community—a community work diligently to make a difference for which has overall been very accepting Christ. Through classroom instruction, of the school’s Christian beliefs and organized programs, and extracurricular training. activities, the faculty at EUCON Interna- Not only has the community been tional School (EIS), a Christian school supportive of the school, which is one located on the island of Saipan, seek of six private Christian K–12 schools opportunities to point students to a in Saipan, but it has grown because of wonderful, creative God. EIS. “We have had several families move Two of these faculty members, Na- to Saipan so that their children can at- than Smith (M.S. ’15) and Christa Wei tend our school,” Nathan said. “They Smith (M.S. ’11), have stepped in to see it as beneficial for the entire family.” help where needed. As they live out the The main reason they seem to come, school’s motto, “Provides Light for Learn- though, is that they value sending their ing,” Nathan and Christa have taken on children to a Christian school that does leadership responsibilities both in the not have to conform to various govern- classroom and as administrative staff. ment restrictions; because Saipan is a Started almost twenty-five years ago commonwealth of the United States, it by Christa’s parents, Christian and Judy has many of the same freedoms that Wei, EIS has been a light for many stu- U.S. states have. dents from various countries, includ- With a large student population and ing China, Japan, the Philippines, South a rigorous academic curriculum, teach- Korea, Taiwan, and the United States. ers at EIS stay busy. “Working at EUCON As a boarding school, EIS often houses requires one to be used in many different students in seventh grade or above from areas at once and to learn many differ- China; other international students live ent skills,” explained Christa, who began

6 | pcci.edu EDUCATION GRADS

working at the school in 2010. “In the ing abilities. PCC has helped me in my ten years that I’ve been working here, administrative duties by providing me I’ve taught everything from kindergarten with the resources and skills I need to to courses at the university level.” be confident in guiding others.” One way While Christa works as the Dean that Christa is specifically able to help of Academics at EUCON International others with their classroom instruction University, a closely related ministry to is through teaching education classes EIS, in addition to teaching, Nathan’s at the university. main responsibility has recently been While the past year has been difficult the assistant principal at EIS. “I teach for many, Christa is thankful that both the junior high Bible class, then move the university and EIS have continued to into my administrative duties,” Nathan be able meeting in person. “God’s hand said. While his responsibilities vary from in our ministry can be vividly seen simply day to day, he can often be found talk- by the fact that we are able to function ing with struggling students, completing fully within the government restrictions classroom observations, or meeting with placed upon us.” parents outside regularly scheduled Par- Nathan has also noticed how God ent Teacher Conference times. worked in the school during the past “While I still do see the students and year. “I remember showing up to class still do have oppor- on the first day [af- tunities to influence ter Christmas break them for Christ, my “I think my master’s in January 2020], priority has shifted degree from PCC has and we were all toward supporting been the turning point in wearing masks. It our faculty and in- my teaching career.” was a very strange fluencing them,” time, but out of Nathan said. “It fear and adversity has been an adjustment, but now I am comes an excellent opportunity to share enjoying more and more this new role of the gospel and talk to all these young supporting and influencing our teachers people [about] the peace and security so that they can better teach and influ- that comes from having a relationship ence their students for Christ.” with Jesus Christ,” Nathan said. “Here “Truly, my master’s degree (and at EUCON we saw Christian students re- the classes I have taken so far for my dedicating themselves to the Lord, and doctoral degree) has helped me in so we saw students who were unbelievers many ways,” Nathan added. “My classes coming to Christ for salvation.” helped me to become a better teacher. The term EUCON means “excellent Now that I am in the administration, I can light,” and sharing light with others pass on the knowledge I have gained at through education is the focus of both PCC to all our teachers.” EUCON International University and EIS. Christa also acknowledged how valu- “I enjoy watching the students grow and able her education through PCC has develop academically and also spiritually. been to her. “I think my master’s degree Some of my students that I’ve taught from PCC has been the turning point in in 3rd grade are now in 12th grade,” my teaching career,” Christa said. “At Christa said. “It’s always encouraging to PCC, I learned not only how to improve have students who desire to learn and my own teaching skills but also how to study and improve.” instruct others to improve their teach-

PCC UPDATE | 7 MAJOR FOCUS

Cell & Molecular Biology Noticing the Small Things Natural science faculty help students prepare for more specific fields of research and graduate work through a new cell and molecular biology concentration.

his past fall, PCC students had the proach is one aspect of this new concen- Topportunity to pursue a new course tration that is so valuable to students. of study—a concentration in cell and “I have especially enjoyed taking Ge- molecular biology. This major “empow- netics and Cell Biology, two of the upper- ers and equips students to enter gradu- level biology courses I have been able to ate school and careers across a diverse take in my sophomore year,” said Rachel range of disciplines,” said Hexamer (Jr., DE), who switched from a Dr. Sebastian Spencer, general biology concentration to the new a faculty advisor for this cell and molecular biology new major. “Students who concentration. “Learning pursue training in cell and about such complex pro- molecular biology will be cesses has deepened my well positioned to impact and influence love for the Creator who their world in truly dynamic ways.” engineered such design According to the PCC 2021–2022 in the simplest cell.” Catalog, the purpose of this new con- While the cell and molecular biology centration, which is part of the natural concentration is closely related to the sciences major, is “for the student to biology concentration, the two degrees develop an understanding of the design have some key differences. and function of the cell while appreciat- “Since both degrees are biology ing the complexity of that design as a based, initially the courses required fingerprint of our Creator.” This dual ap- are very similar,” explained Dr. Aresia

8 | pcci.edu BIOLOGY

Watson, assistant chair for the natural some classes, and that’s helped to so- sciences department. “However, where lidify my understanding of the material the general biology classes provide a and keep the concepts fresh in my mind. broad-based biology learning experience In addition, the lab-based work is helpful that includes the basics of cell biology in applying the book knowledge I gained and other fundamental biology studies in lectures.” such as botany, zoology, and ecology, “Each class contributed (in its own the cell and molecular biology classes way) to shaping me as a person and provide a more concentrated study in preparing me for my future career goals,” that area of biology.” said Angela. “The lab component es- Spencer added, “The focus of the pecially solidified my understanding of new cell and molecular biology concen- different procedures, their purposes, tration is to delineate specific biological and their applications. In biotechnology, and chemical processes within individual which I’m taking this semester, we’ve cells.” already done western blotting, gel elec- Some of the recently introduced trophoresis, ELISA, PCR—all foundational courses for this concentration include BY and common techniques within applied 342 Developmental Biology, which deals and experimental science (especially in with developmental genetics and human biomedical fields). If I were to walk into developmental biology, and BY 449 Mo- any lab right now, I would feel pretty lecular Biology, which offers students the confident just starting up on these pro- opportunity to perform in-depth studies cedures.” of nucleic acid structure, the structure “My current major is special since and function of proteins, and the regula- it is smaller than the general biology tion of gene expression. major, and it is so exciting to meet other Faculty have worked diligently to be- students who chose the same path as gin offering this degree for PCC students, me,” Rachel added. knowing that it has been an especially Even with her switch in majors, Ra- relevant field of study in recent years. chel expects to be able to graduate when “While there are some biologists who she had originally planned to. “All of my still do significant field research, even teachers have been so encouraging as studies in botany and zoology are now I changed my major and took on more often performed at the cellular if not challenging courses, and I am grateful the molecular level at least,” Watson for the wisdom they have imparted to explained. “Biomedical research is an me as I determine what to do after I incredibly large area of research, and graduate,” Rachel said. our students are being well prepared to step into this field.” Angela Cioroch (Sr., Canada), who also Career Possibilities changed her degree last • Research Scientist fall, has been happy with the new concentration so • Biotech Industry far. “The directed course • Science Policy sequence is really special • Biochemist because that means my • Pharmaceutical Industry studies are narrowed down from the • Science Writing/Publishing start,” Angela said. “Also, that means there’s a decent bit of overlap between

PCC UPDATE | 9 HIGHLIGHTS

Sarah Calhoun, Paul Baker, receptionist and John Collier, current Operations Manager first traveling Operations Manager representative— 1971 to 1988 outside original studio, 1975

WPCS Celebrates 50 Years Rejoice Radio’s flagship station, WPCS-FM, celebrates its golden anniversary!

n the early 1960s, Arlin Horton (PCC’s years through faithful donations from Ifounder and first president) saw a listeners. need for Christian radio in the upper “Over the years, I have received let- Gulf Coast. After much prayer and dedi- ters and phone calls from people who cation, on June 21, 1971, WPCS signed tell us how a particular song or mes- “on the air,” operating seventeen hours sage spoke to them just at the time of a day as an educational, noncommercial their need,” said Tonita Ohman, who has nonprofit. been the program director The station has seen a great deal of since 2010. “Especially change over its 50 years of operation. in this last year where so Originally, Rejoice Radio broadcasted on many people have been in 89.3 FM from an empty elementary class- lockdown because of the room at Pensacola Christian School. In COVID crisis, more people 1987, the station frequency changed have shared how Rejoice Radio was such to 89.5 FM, and the studio moved to its a comfort and companion to them and current location on PCC’s campus the gave them hope while reminding them following year. that God is still in control. As much as I The Lord blessed WPCS with excel- have hoped to be a blessing to our listen- lent music and programming. And from ers, they have been a blessing to me.” those humble beginnings, Rejoice Radio “God has used the music of WPCS was born and continues to spread joy to help me and encourage me at the from 44 stations in the U.S., including times I need it most,” said Mike Gel- its two newest stations in Greensboro los, who worked with the station from and Milledgeville, Georgia. In addition 1974–1981. “I hope WPCS stays true to broadcasting, Rejoice Radio now to the Word and will help edify believers offers five streaming stations online and be a light to the lost.” (Rejoice.org). The Lord has been faithful For station listings, visit rejoice.org/ to supply Rejoice Radio’s needs over the Update.

10 | pcci.edu NEWS & EVENTS

Upcoming Events

Online Summer Seminar for Christian school administrators Summit Yearbook: and teachers Grow Together July 27–30 Near the spring semester’s conclusion, 850-478-8496, ext. 2828 SummerSeminarInfo.com PCC students were invited to pick up their own copy of this year’s Summit yearbook. With its deep green and gold cover, the 2020–2021 Summit high- PCC Opening Weekend lights the theme “Grow Together.” for family and friends of students Stephanie Hansen (Sr., IN), an assis- August 27–29 tant editor, explained, “This year’s Sum- 1-800-PCC-INFO (1-800-722-4636) mit yearbook focuses on how students have grown together in every aspect of life at PCC—from cultivating friendships with other students to joining together to participate in community outreach.” Alumni Homecoming for PCC grads and their families Despite the challenges of COVID-19, October 22–23 the Summit staff worked diligently to 850-478-8496, ext. 2828 make the yearbook a success. Whether pcci.edu/Homecoming21 through extending the distribution time for students to offer more opportunity for social distancing or through rethinking group photos, the Summit team, led by Mrs. Esther Hallman, has been flexible Ladies Celebration Spiritual retreat with God’s Word and innovative. at Camp o’ the Pines While the book does include changes, Nov. 4–6 it also retains many of the normal sec- 850-478-8496, ext. 2828 tions and activities. As usual, students LadiesCelebration.com can look back on favorite events and candid photos of friends. This year’s Summit was dedicated to Dr. Dale Ad- kins, director of Student Care and a well- College Days loved chapel speaker. for high school seniors, juniors, sophomores, “I hope Summit will show the reali- and qualified high school graduates ties of what we had to overcome this Nov. 17–19 1-800-PCC-INFO (1-800-722-4636) past year while focusing on the joy we pcci.edu/CollegeDays had and the growth we made,” said Zach Bring a group of young people to experience Jewell (Sr., MI), who was also on the year- PCC college life and participate in exciting book staff. activities and classes.

PCC UPDATE | 11 Connections Stories from PCC Highlighting the Foundation

Dr. Aresia Watson, assistant chair for the natural sciences department, has taught at PCC for over twenty years. Through her classes, she chal- lenges students to learn more about both God’s creation and the Creator Himself.

or those who know Dr. Aresia Wat- and desire a deeper relationship with the Fson, it’s easy to sense her passion One who made them and has a plan and for sharing her love of God’s creation purpose for them.” with students. For twenty-two years, Dr. Watson’s students can sense her Dr. Watson has invested time and en- enthusiasm for God’s creation as she ergy in making her instruction excellent, mentions what she has recently been whether teaching numerous college learning herself or as she brings in ex- classes at PCC or volunteering with amples to show in class. first- and second-grade Sunday school. Nancy Osorio Boquin (Jr., Honduras) said “When I see my students come to an concerning her experience with Origins, understanding of the material, or when “Dr. Aresia Watson is a great teacher. I see them personalize the importance As a student, I notice that she cares for of recognizing that the foundation of sci- us; she tries to make the class easy to ence, Christianity, and life itself is God understand, but still teaches us all the the Creator, I am always excited and en- information.” couraged,” Dr. Watson said. Though Origins is a rigorous class, As a college instructor, Dr. Watson Dr. Watson is committed to helping stu- spends much of her time researching, dents realize the value of what they are preparing lectures, meeting with students learning. Nancy explained, “I have never outside of class, and—of course—teach- put so much thought into the scientific ing. During the semester, she typically evidence since I was raised in a Christian teaches a variety of biology classes as home; she has helped me understand well as Origins (CR 370), a class required that [it] is important to know all the infor- for all students obtaining their bachelor’s mation—that way I’m able to help others degree. who are in need of looking for Jesus.” “I am constantly amazed at the intri- Seeing students grasp the connec- cate designs that God has placed within tion between knowing about Creation and creation—designs that are so complex sharing about the Creator has been one of they defy the ideas of gradual evolution Dr. Watson’s favorite aspects of teaching. of the various kinds of life over vast eons She said, “There is truly no greater of time,” she said. “While I do want my joy than to know that my students have students to have an academic under- developed a solid biblical worldview as standing of the various topics in biology, the foundation for their lives and are will- my deeper desire is that my students ing to share its truth and eternal hope stand in awe of who God is as Creator with others.”

12 | pcci.edu CONNECTIONS Employment Opportunities

Have you considered­ what you can do for the Lord’s work on a growing college campus? Openings in the following areas—

PCC Faculty • Cybersecurity • Mechanical Engineering

PCC Staff • Auto Mechanic • Carpenter • Chief Engineer • Director of Advertising/Marketing • Electrician • Electronics Engineer • Employee Development Coordinator • IT Development Specialist • Office Assistant • Plumber • Retail Dining Manager

Abeka • Brand Manager • Business Analyst • Copy Editor • Customer Service Supervisor • Editors/Writers (All Subjects) • Press Operator • Textbook Field Representative (Mid-Atlantic)

For More Openings... • Visit pcci.edu/EmploymentOpportunities. • Send résumé with short Christian testimonial to [email protected].

Scholarship Fund Giving TWO NEW ONLINE Whether you have a friend or STREAMING STATIONS loved one at PCC, or you’re just Joining our other streaming stations, a friend of the College and want these all­-music channels are genre- to help out, giving is simple. You based audio streams available on can support the PCC scholar- your desktop, tablet, or any mobile ship program or even create your device 24 hours a day. own new scholarship. Visit pcci.edu/Giving for more infor- mation about the Scholarship Fund. Planned Giving Down-home gospel music It is often difficult to make a large donation during one’s lifetime, yet many would like to make a signifi- cant contribution to PCC. You may consider a bequest to Pensacola Christian College. Year-round music Visit pcci.edu/PlannedGiving for celebrating the seasons information about estate planning. For information about both the Listen worldwide at Scholarship Fund and Planned Giv- Rejoice.org/Update ing, call 850-478-8496, ext. 2327.

PCC UPDATE | 13 PENSACOLA CHRISTIAN COLLEGER NONPROFIT ORG P.O. BOX 18000 U.S. POSTAGE PENSACOLA, FL 32523-9160 PAID PENSACOLA, FL U.S.A. PERMIT NO. 34

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