It Keeps Getting Better

BLUE MOUNTAIN COLLEGE | SPRING 2018 mountain view

It keeps getting better

Miss Johnnie Armstrong

The Mountain View is a publication of the BMC Alumni Association. FROM THE PRESIDENT Barbara Childers McMillin

’m smiling as I write this introduction to the Spring 2018 edition of the Mountain View because the face that graces the cover always makes me smile. My guess is that you are smiling too and for the same reason. The twinkle in those bluish-green eyes conveys everything we Ihave come to expect from our beloved “cover girl”: joy, encouragement, mischief, gratitude, faith, and love. In that one look we recognize all that we love and cherish about our “Miss Johnnie.” As you enjoy “Don’t Just Roll the Ball,” I hope that you will relish all the ways in which Johnnie Arm- strong is a blessing to you and to Blue Mountain College.

It is no secret—Miss Johnnie loves BMC. She is always quick to proclaim her gratitude for the many, many special people whose leadership and love for the Lord have shaped her life and the lives of others who call this place home. This edition features stories about several individuals who, like Miss Johnnie, have in some way invested their life in the work and ministry of Blue Mountain College. Ronald Meeks, Sam Patterson, Kathie Wessels Wilson, Maria Teel—these are just a few of the folks whose legacies are sure to include a profound and far-reaching impact upon the history of the College on the Hill.

The stories of two alums—one from the Class of 1951 and one from the Class of 2017—will confirm what you already know: the influence of Blue Mountain College remains as strong and as life-shaping as ever. You will be moved by the love story of Robert and Mertice Baker Ringer, and you will be inspired by the faith and courage of Rachel McFatridge.

May this edition of the Mountain View give you many reasons to smile!

Soli Deo Gloria! the view contents

Message from the President

2 Message from the Alumni President

3 Truth Through Personality

4 Don’t Just Roll the Ball

6 Never The Same

8 Ministerial Alumni Invest In BMC Students

9 Joining an Alumni Group

10 Alumni Award Winners

14 When Two Become One

16 Alumni Events

17 The Search Is On

18 Sam Patterson...Man With Practical Perspective

20 Association Members

22 Class Notes

23 Palmer-Donnell House

24 In Memoriam

25 BMC Alumni...Be Involved

mountain view | 1 ALUMNI PRESIDENT

lue Mountain College continues to experience unprecedented growth. As alumni president,I have Helping to Accomplish Goals enjoyed being on campus more, and being more involved in seeing the exciting changes that are taking place at our beloved college. When I attend chapel, I am amazed to look around to see the large Modena Lowrey Berry Auditorium almost filled to capacity with students and faculty. When I enjoy a meal in Ray Dining Hall, I am impressed by the Class of delicious meals offered daily—and impressed by the friendly, outgoing student body obvi- 67 ously enjoying building lifelong friendships as they study, play sports and music together, and participate in societies and clubs.

One of the reservations I heard from alumni as the college embarked on its GROW BMC plans was the fear that the fundamen- tal nature of the college would change and somehow be compromised. I have carefully observed the atmosphere on campus over the past two years, and I am happy to report that I see even more dedication to honor, integ- rity, and Christian growth and service than ever before. There are more opportunities for growth through additional sports offerings and enhanced facilities for them, through a band program, and through award-winning vocalists taking a long list of state and regional honors, as well as through the The Blue Mountain College Class of 1967 was honored at Homecom- chorale being invited to sing at Carnegie Hall this year. The ing on the Hill in April at their fifty-year reunion and installed into the reputation of Blue Mountain College for academic excellence Golden Flame Society. Members of the class who attended Home- continues to grow. coming on the Hill included Lana Hill Anderson, Jana Beasley Astles, Janie Clower Bryant, Mary Beth Gowan Burghard, Kay Craft Davis, One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been Kayrene Smith Duckworth, Sarah Jernigan Escue, Carolyn Knight the increased financial support from the surrounding geograph- Fooshee, Laura (Leeba) Roy Griffin, Margaret Davis Houpt, Myra ic region through endowment of scholarships and through Harrington Langley, Ivey Lambert Sewell, Jane Walters Tannehill, Lois donations for improved facilities and for the ever burgeoning Cochran Umphress, Jenny Graves Weisz, Peggy Rainey Wroten and not needs for operating expenses in this age of technology. There is greater local awareness of and enthusiasm for the college than pictured, Connie Russell. They began arriving on Thursday evening I have ever seen. I give thanks to God for His continued bless- and spent many hours throughout the weekend catching up, sharing ings on this beautiful and holy place of education and Christian memories, and laughing together. They provided a fun skit and an growth, and I have never been prouder to announce everywhere inspiring and challenging speaker at the BMC Follies on I go that I am a graduate of Blue Mountain College. Friday evening.

As their Golden Gift, they donated funds to accomplish many goals and dreams from the college’s wish list. Included in their designated gifts were the projects to update and renovate the front of the Wilfred Tyler Gymnasium, tinting the windows, and installing a new sign on the front. In addition, they donated funds for three benches, two RENELDA PHARR OWEN trees, and an additional amount to go toward the Palmer-Donnell BLUE MOUNTAIN COLLEGE ALUMNI PRESIDENT BMC CLASS OF 1978 House renovations.

mountain view | 2 Dr. Ronald T. Meeks TRUTH THROUGH PERSONALITY by Tim Mims

hillips Brooks defined preaching as, “truth through per- He teaches students to find new ways to communicate the truth. The sonality.” Dr. Ronald Meeks embodies that definition. For message does not change but methods do. One way Dr. Meeks exem- over twenty-one years he has utilized his unique person- plifies truth to students is “The Moses Rap.” The Old Testament Rap ality to teach and preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a Summarizing the book of Exodus helps students to understand the Professor of Blue Mountain College. We all love and appreciate him as pivitol event of the Exodus in Bible history. And because its a favorite he continues to make a difference. at Blue Mountain College, he is often asked to do the “Moses Rap” when preaching in many local churches. The Moses Rap expresses his Dr. Meeks challenges us who come through the gates of Blue Moun- passion for God’s Word, ability to simplify biblical concepts, and great tain College to grow in wisdom and depart to serve with excellence. sense of humor. His motto for each class, “You must read to succeed,” not only hold’s students accountable but teaches good study habits that transcend the Dr. Meeks also impacts the world in many other ways. He is one of classroom. The test of that success is how students are serving Christ all the most sought after preachers in Mississippi for revivals, conferences, over the world. Some serve in remote places while others serve in more and Winter Bible Studies. A preaching dream was fulfilled this year well known places. Yet, lowly and great they serve well. One reason as he preached the Mississippi Baptist Convention sermon. He made they serve is because of the lessons taught and caught from Dr. Meeks. Mississippi Baptist history as the first Professor to preach the Conven- tion address. Many expressed how the sermon motivated and chall- gened them to leave their comfort zones to go outside the camp serving Christ.

He also serves as a pastor to pastors and an advocate to local churches. It’s not uncommon for one of his ministerial students to receive a call or a personal visit of encouragement. When someone finds out we are connected to Blue Moun- tain College, they ask, “Do you know Dr. Meeks and have you heard the Moses Rap?” To honor him for more than twenty-one years of service, the college bestowed on him the Jim Futral Chair of Expository Preaching and Biblical Studies. And we all agree that he well deserves such an honor.

Therefore, we applaud with sincere gratitude, Dr. Ron- ald T. Meeks, for his outstanding service as a teacher and preacher of God’s Holy Word. While he has served well for over twenty-one years, the best is still yet to be! So, let us join Dr. Meeks as he joins our Lord expressing His Truth through our lives for His glory! Let’s Go!!!

Dr. Ronald Meeks and his wife Julie Meeks.

mountain view | 33 Don’t Just Roll the Ball by Kayce Bragg, Chelsey Griffin, Christina Smith

hen you think of Blue Mountain College, the first person that comes to mind is Miss Johnnie Armstrong. Through her sixty plus years, she has not only influenced the lives of her former and current students, but she has been a role model and friend to a host of faculty, staff and friends of BMC. Her office paints a picture of time, mentorship and memories. Snapshots of her career fill every space in the room. Her desk and bookshelves display trinkets and pic- tures that give a testament to the numerous individuals she has encountered.

One item that stands out is a plaque of the original gym floor. On December 3, 2017, the newly renovated floor was named in honor of Johnnie Armstrong because of her tre- mendous impact to BMC athletics. This presentation was a fitting tribute since she was here when the original gym floor was laid. She is a living legend.

Miss Johnnie has played a vital role in bringing athletics to BMC. Her accomplishments at Blue Mountain College are numerous and come in a long list of firsts. She played a leading role organizing intramural sports between the societies. She started the Physical Education program and was the first athletic director.

Continued on page 5 mountain view | 4 Continued from page 4

When Miss Johnnie came to tour campus, she was already planning to attend a local college in Nashville. However, God had other plans. As Miss Johnnie entered through the Euzelian gates, her immediate thoughts were, “I’m home! I knew this was the place for me.” Her plans were to major in Physical Education, but it was not offered at that time. Therefore, she enrolled in the education program. Through- out her student life, she was involved in numerous sports and activities. Since Physical Education was her passion, she participated in every sport available.

When Miss Johnnie graduated in 1953, she returned the following year as a member of the faculty. She states, “After I graduated, Dr. Tyler asked me if I would like to come back and teach at BMC. For me that was like someone asking me if I wanted to come back to heaven.”

Miss Johnnie explains that one of her greatest rewards is teaching. Many students have passed through her classroom throughout the years. Before her students leave, they always hear these words, “If I come into your school and see you just roll out the ball and just let them play basketball and that’s it, I will haunt you for the rest of your life.” It is very important to Miss Johnnie for people to respect the Physical Education Program. Therefore, she en- forces her motto: “teach don’t just roll out the ball”.

During her beginning years working for BMC she also played a vital role in starting a Christian camp for girls in North Carolina called Camp Crest Ridge. She says, “Both places are totally sold out to the Lord. For me to have two places that I love so much and go from one to the other. It’s just amazing the Lord is so good. I don’t ever remember regretting anything, year after year things change and it gets better and better.” Of all the people that have come through the gates it is The Grow BMC campaign is in its third year under the enriching and such a reward to see people come to school leadership of President Dr. Barbara McMillin. Miss Johnnie here and then stay to work here. Nine times out of ten when reflects that, “All of the six presidents that I have worked people walk on the campus, they to say, under, God picked them for that season.” After Dr. McMil- lin shared her vision for growing the student population to the faculty and staff. Miss Johnnie spoke to her, “I went up to her afterwards and said I’m so glad you’re here because the Lord sent you, I know He did.” At the start of our fall semester, we reached a record enrollment of 600 plus students. “The campus is full. It is still the Lords school and it “I’m home”. always will be as long as there are Christians available.”

mountain view | 5 the By Rachel McFatridge neverThree weeks after graduating from Blue Mountain College with a same B.A. in Fine Arts, I packed my bags to go halfway around the world to Tokyo, Japan for a summer internship under Community Arts To- kyo (CAT). It is a Christian ministry under the organization, Mission to the World. CAT strives to reach Japanese people using various art forms. The Japanese people are very much into presentation in all areas of their lives: food, music, art, gardening, and even down to the way they dress. CAT strongly believes that since God created the world in the time span of six days that He calls other people to create as well, especially Christians.

Less than 2% of the Japanese people claim to be Christians…less than 2%. The other 98% practice Buddhism, Shintoism, (or both), or various religions. That shocked me. It never crossed my mind that a technologically advanced country, like Japan, has never heard of Christ. This large percentage of unsaved people is why the work that CAT does is so crucial. CAT uses the passions and interests that the Japanese people already have toward various art forms to point them to Christ. Japanese are very private people and are very considerate of other people and their time because time is something that the Japanese people do not have much of. Their work is never ending. So much that the public transportation systems, the trains, shut down at midnight so people won’t stay longer into the night to continue working. This is the reason why CAT uses something that they do for “I definitely knew that this was a hobby to draw them to Jesus Christ. This is what drew me to this ministry. I have a desire to use my degree in Fine Arts to minister to His plan all along when I stum- people in the art community, so why not do it overseas. bled across a small town near my apartment building. It was While I was in Japan this summer, I worked alongside CAT with their various ministry projects. One of my fondest memories was called Aoyama, which means joining a Japanese Gospel Choir. We sang songs in Japanese, which Blue Mountain. God had pre- was a completely new experience for me. The Japanese have three pared me with an education alphabets. Two out of three are written in completely different characters from English. So I was not able to read much of those. But at Blue Mountain that allowed the other one is the same characters as English so I was able to read me to grow not only in my field it. Now they were foreign words, but I had learned in college to read of study but also in my faith.” foreign languages using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). And during my time in Japan, I quickly realized that singing and music helped me to learn Japanese quicker.

Gospel Choir was one of my favorite times of the week. We met every other week. It was a great opportunity and blessing for me to meet other people, and it was a wonderful time to expand my horizons and sing. I was very excited to find that some of the vocal warm ups that we did before we started were some of the same ones that I did in choir at Blue Mountain College. It was very comforting to already know what the conductor was asking of me since I could not understand the majority of what she was saying. At the end of three meetings, we went and sang at a nursing home. What a wonderful experience! I loved singing to the elderly in their native tongue. We Rachel McFatridge and Mr. Jim André. even did some Japanese sign language. It was a great day to be able to share my voice with others and minister to them in a small way. mountain view | 6 CAT also does Performance Parties. It is a night where musicians, photographers, designers, painters, and other artists come together and perform or talk about their art form. I had the privilege to perform a song from my senior showcase, “In My Own Little Corner” from Cinderella. I fumbled the words to one section of it, and I apologized and started the song over. Apologizing and starting over is a big taboo in the theatre world, but I was so out of my comfort zone that apologizing was the only thing I could think to do. After my performance, my entire evening was ruined. I felt like I had failed the people that had come to the performance party and that I had disrupted the group harmony. In just the few weeks that I had been there, I had learned that the Japanese’s system is primarily based on group identity instead of individualism like it is in The States. Japanese believe that being a part of something bigger than yourself is important and that it is up to everyone in the group to live in harmony with all and do anything and everything to maintain balance in the group. On the way home from the performance party, I realized that after only a few weeks of living in this group identity culture, I had bought into this whole belief of group identity. And while there are positive things to come out of a belief system like that, I had forgotten my true identity: my identity as a daughter of Christ. I was so wrapped up in pleasing the people that I was performing for that I lost sight of the fact that I was really only performing for an audience of One. Shown above are costumes used in Kabuki theatre performances, one Also during my time in Japan, I did several exciting things that of the oldest forms of Japanese theatre. I had studied about during my education at BMC. I went to an actual Kabuki performance in Ginza. (Kabuki is one of the oldest forms of Japanese theatre.) The theatre provided head sets for those wanting a translation of the play. I decided that I did not desire one because I wanted to take it all in. Surprisingly, I later discovered that even Japanese people used the head sets because the Japanese that is used in the play is so old that modern day Japanese do not speak it anymore. I was very comforted to know that I was not the only one who did not know the language and was not the only one struggling to understand.

I was very blessed during my stay to make friends with a fellow Christian. She is a very sweet English speaking, Japanese lady. I met her at my weekly Bible study that I attended, and we hit it off immediately because she was helping with a play. She invited me to go see Three Sisters by the famous Russian playwright, Anton Pictured is Rachel McFatridge in a small Japanese town called Chekhov. Of course, it was all in Japanese, but despite that I was Aoyama, which means Blue Mountain. able to follow the plot pretty well. Afterwards we went and had coffee together and talked about how theatre is such a beautiful do and how I was going to go about it. And as the summer slowly picture of our walk with God. That God is The Director and that progressed in Japan, I saw my faith being strengthened through He plans everything out and that we are His actors. It was a fun the challenges and joys that I faced living abroad. I was reminded afternoon filled with art, good company, and coffee. I was also able of Proverbs 16:9, “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD to attend a play that she was helping with. She was the diction establishes his steps.” How comforting to know that I thought I coach for American accents that were in the play. I was very excited knew what I was doing and that I would be happy doing it, but to actually see the play and very relieved that it had some English the Lord directed my steps and even established my steps to make in it. After the show, I was allowed to go back stage, see the set, it to Japan. I had never had a desire to go to Japan. I definitely was and meet some of the cast. In a time of need, God supplied this not opposed to going, but it was just not on my bucket list. But Christian friend that spoke English very well and had an interest the Lord established my steps to do work for Him in my major in in theatre. a foreign country. I definitely knew that this was His plan all along when I stumbled across a small town near my apartment building. Upon entering my senior year of college, I was asked the most It was called Aoyama, which means Blue Mountain. God had pre- dreaded question of all, “What are your plans after you graduate?” pared me with an education at Blue Mountain that allowed me to Well, I had no definite plans as to what I was going to do, just a grow not only in my field of study but also in my faith. After this lot of ideas swimming around in my brain of what I would like to past summer, I will never be the same. Soli Deo Gloria.

mountain view | 7 Ministerial Alumni Invest in BMC Students by Dr. Ronald Meeks

Left to right: Jody Hill, Dr. Ronald Meeks, Becky Digby, Dr. Kenny Digby, Jacob Girley, Rev. James Howell, Danny Digby, Dr. Barbara McMillin

Two ministerial alumni of Blue Mountain College are continuing humble service to the lowly and overlooked in society. He died in to invest in both current and future students at BMC. Thanks August 2014 as the result of an injury received in an automobile to the financial and personal investments of Dr. Kenny Digby mishap. The Digby family believes that this investment in the and Rev. James Howell, Jacob Girley was awarded the first ever lives of ministerial students like Jacob Girley will perpetuate the Christ for the Crisis Scholarship on October 23, 2017. Jacob spread of the gospel. is an outstanding ministerial student at Blue Mountain College and a member of the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Rev. James Howell (BMC class of 1991), pastor of Bethlehem Falkner. He was selected for the scholarship on the basis of his Missionary Baptist Church in Falkner, MS, has made a personal academic record and his potential for Christian service. investment in Girley. As Girley’s pastor, Howell has been a men- tor, guide, and prayer warrior for the BMC student. Girley stated BMC alumnus Dr. Kenny Digby and his family have made a fi- that without Howell’s influence he would not be where he is today nancial investment in BMC ministerial students through the es- in his life and ministry. tablishment of the Christ for the Crisis Scholarship. Dr. Kenny Digby (BMC class of 1974) along with his brother Danny wanted Howell is the first African-American ministerial graduate of Blue to make a lasting investment in the spread of the gospel through Mountain College. In a recent chapel message Howell testified BMC, so last fall they began the process of creating a scholarship that he grew up in abject poverty. He has overcome numerous for that purpose. obstacles, hardships and prejudices to lead a thriving church in Falkner. BMC Professor of Biblical Studies Dr. Ronald Meeks, de- The Christ for the Crisis Scholarship was established in memory scribed Howell as a true “trailblazer” for African-American minis- of three members of the Digby family: Rev. Eugene Digby, Faye terial students at BMC. Howell attributes his ministerial successes Ellen Digby, and Austin Digby. Eugene Digby was a minister of to the goodness and grace of God. the gospel for six decades. He served pastorates in North Mis- sissippi and Alabama but is perhaps best known for the “Christ Investing in the lives of future generations of ministers at BMC for the Crisis” radio and television ministry. Faye Ellen Digby fulfills the scriptural admonition of 2 Timothy 2:2—“And the was the faithful and loving wife of Rev. Digby and the moth- things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, er of Danny and Kenny Digby. She was a school teacher and the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach faithful servant of the Lord. Austin Digby was the son of Kenny others also.” Kenny Digby and James Howell are doing just that and Becky Digby. During his short life, he expressed his faith in for BMC students like Jacob Girley. To God be the glory! mountain view | 8 Joining An Alumni Group

By Jessie Jacobs

hen Mrs. Lee Bennett asked my husband and I to You’ve heard the saying, “Life’s what you make it,” and alumni become leaders of an alumni affinity group nei- groups are no exception. Now is the time to get involved and ther of us had any idea what she meant. Josh had make your experience as a BMC alumni what you want it to be. only recently graduated (2015) and I still had 4 As members of the alumni board it is our job to serve you and the months to go at BMC (2017). We didn’t know best way for us to do that is by hearing from you. Contact the much about the alumni board or the alumni groups. We did, how- Alumni Office and join a local group near you! ever, have a desire to give back to BMC and to stay connected with the people who had become like family to us throughout our time on the hill, so we agreed. Now, almost a year later, we have learned just how much the alumni board has to offer and how great it is to be a part of a family that doesn’t leave you when your college years are over.

Alumni groups are a fun way to stay engaged with BMC friends and stay connected to what is happening at the college. Through these groups you can expect to receive inside information about future plans for BMC and have the opportunity to make suggestions regarding these plans. You’ll be updated on major events happening on campus and receive tickets to sporting events and fine arts performances. You will have the joy of sharing your Blue Mountain memories with others and hearing from alumni who came before or after you. (You may be surprised at how much has changed over the years and how much hasn’t!)

Ultimately, the thing I love most about these groups is that there is a place for everyone. There are local chapters all around the SouthEast as well as affinity groups that focus on reconnecting alumni who Left to right: Leah Baker Crawford, and Pam Baker Drake share a common interest such as basketball or fine arts. Some groups get together monthly for coffee while others are primarily conducted through social media. No matter where you live or when you graduated there is an alumni group that will be perfect for you.

mountain view | 9 Alumni Award Winners

Alumna of the Year Young Alumna of the Year Kathie Wessels Wilson ‘69 Maria Elizabeth Teel ‘03 mountain view | 10 At Homecoming on the Hill 2017, the Alumni Association awarded several well-deserved awards. In the Modena Lowrey Berry Chapel, the two most prestigious awards went to Kathie Wessels Wilson and Maria Elizabeth Teel. by Anna Quinn

ALUMNA OF THE YEAR YOUNG ALUMNA OF THE YEAR Kathie Wessels Wilson distinguished An outstanding graduate of Blue herself at Blue Mountain College, Mountain College in 2003, Maria graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor Elizabeth Teel exhibited the spirit of Arts Degree with majors in English of a true Blue Mountain Girl. She and Speech and Drama. She was se- was outstanding academically and lected for Who’s Who Among Students socially on campus, becoming a in American Universities and Colleges member of the Eunomian Society, and received the Kirk Creative Writing the English Club, the Editor of The Award, the Alpha Psi Omega Grand Mountain Breeze, the Baptist Stu- Director and Best Actress Award. The dent Union, Alpha Psi Omega, and Mountaineer staff featured her for Ver- other campus entities. Her engag- satility, and the Eunomian Society se- ing servant’s spirit made her a nat- lected her as its President. Later, she completed a Masters Degree ural student leader, as she encouraged fellow students, devel- in Operations Management from the University of Arkansas. oped close friendships with professors, and served at home and abroad on the mission field, all while she worked toward her Kathie has had a long and distinguished career, starting at Federal Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. Express in Memphis. She worked more than 35 years as a com- munications consultant, rising from “specialist” at Federal Express After graduating, she was a dynamic part of the Blue Mountain to “Director” at American Express. She retired from Ameriprise College Office of Admissions from 2003 to 2013, serving 8 Financial in 2014 after 28 years there and with the parent compa- years as its Director. During that time of extensive travel and ny, American Express. leading the College to some record enrollments, she also earned her Master of Education Degree in Adult Education from the Her volunteer work for Blue Mountain College includes her ser- University of Southern Mississippi in 2012. Maria was wooed vice as permanent Class President for the class of 1969 and Alum- away from her beloved BMC by the call to duty with her de- ni Association President for two terms. She worked relentlessly nomination through the Mississippi Baptist Convention where to culminate and update the work of three committees and sev- she serves as the Executive Assistant to Dr. James Futral (BMC eral years’ efforts to achieve a much-needed revision of the BMC 1967), Convention Executive Director-Treasurer. She also Alumni Association Constitution and Bylaws. She continues to serves as a Liaison for International Ministry and Literacy Mis- serve on the Alumni Board’s Advisory Council of Past Presidents sions Ministry with the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board. and on various committees. Notably, she co-chairs the Palm- er-Donnell House Committee, which is entrusted with renovat- She has served on the Blue Mountain College Alumni Board as ing the 1892 Victorian home which stands near the entrance to a representative for the Jackson, MS area. Also, she has helped the College. She is a member of two local chapters of alumni and her class to receive the Carla Benson Award in 2015 and 2016. often hosts them in her lovely home filled with antiques. Maria now lives in Brandon, MS, where she is active in the Jackson, MS, Calvary Baptist Church, as a children’s choir She and her husband of over forty years, Ed Wilson, have been leader and missions teacher and New Believer’s Class Teacher. generous donors to Blue Mountain College. They live in Colum- She teaches English as a Second Language at Crossgates Bap- bia, TN, where they are active in Trinity Lutheran Church and tist Church in Brandon and is a member of Literacy Missions many community activities. Task Force for Mississippi. She writes devotionals and WMU materials and leads workshops for others in the areas of Adult Reading and Writing and Tutoring Children and Youth.

mountain view | 11 FAITHFUL DAUGHTER AWARD One of his co-workers at the Baptist Building said of him, “God has anointed him and uses him to bless us. Bro. Rick’s kind spirit Frances Magers Massey has and genuine servant attitude make him a wonderful co-worker. truly been a faithful daughter of Blue He is an exemplary man of God.” Another one said, “He is pas- Mountain College through her tireless sionate, gripping, dynamic, emotional, and strong when stand- efforts to encourage support of Blue ing on the inerrant Word of God! He believes it, and his delivery Mountain College by the Central Ten- shows it.” nessee Area alumni. She has worked to establish a Greater Nashville Area He and his wife Reta have two daughters and one son, who have Chapter which is governed by a Con- blessed them with four grandchildren. stitution and Bylaws. She sends a very informative newsletter on a regular basis to these members and plans at least two gatherings for them each year. She JOHNNIE ARMSTRONG, BETTY HEARN, works to raise financial support for the College and to recruit stu- AND ED LUDLOW AWARDS dents in area high schools and churches. Other awards given at Homecoming each year are three depart- When she graduated from Blue Mountain College in mental awards named for outstanding faculty members at Blue 1965, she was selected permanent class secretary. She has taken Mountain College. They include the Johnnie Armstrong Award, that job very seriously, working hard to stay in contact with her the Betty Hearn Award, and the Ed Ludlow Award. Worthy re- class and encourage their participation in alumni activities and in cipients of these awards in 2017 are as follows: Kimberly Renee giving financial support to the College. While in college at BMC, Lancaster, Jamey Wright, and Kyle Davis. she was a member of the Euzelian Society, served on the Student Council, served on the staffs of both The Mountain Breeze and Kimberly Renee Lancaster, a 2006 The Mountaineer, and was president of Phi Beta Lambda. She was Cum Laude graduate of Blue Moun- elected May Queen her senior year. tain College, with a Biology/Chem- After graduation, she worked as a hostess at Baptist Me- istry major and a physical education morial Hospital in Memphis for one year before beginning her minor, is presently working as an acute teaching career. She earned a Master of Education degree from care physical therapist at the Corinth, the University of Memphis in 1982. She taught English in the Mississippi, Magnolia Regional Health Tennessee public schools for 22 years and in Arkansas for 9 ½ Center. She completed her Doctor years for a total of 31 ½ years, before retiring in 2009. of Physical Therapy degree in August Frances married Charles Massey in 1973. They have 2009 at the University of Central lived in the Nashville area since 1986. They are active members Arkansas. She graduated first in her of Brentwood United Methodist Church. In the past, she has class of 50 at UCA and received the taught Sunday school, been active in United Methodist Women, Outstanding Student Award. While at BMC, Kim received the and served as a Cub Scout Den Leader. Presently, she is a mem- All-American Scholar Athlete Award 2003-2006, the 2005 Dak- ber of a philanthropic educational organization, an English tutor tronics NAIA Women’s Tennis Scholar Athlete Award 2004-2005, for the Adult Learning Center of Williamson County, and serves and was on the yearbook staff, participated in the chorale, served on various committees at Brentwood United Methodist Church. as Athletic Council President, and played tennis all four years Charles and Frances have two sons and a daughter-in-law. of her collegiate career. While in college, she loved music and played in the BSU praise band. She currently loves running and has raised money for various charities such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. One of her life-long role models is Dr. John- FAITHFUL SERVANT AWARD nie Armstrong, so it is very fitting that she received the Johnnie Rick Blythe, a 1989 graduate of Blue Armstrong Award. Mountain College and of Southwest- Jamey Chad Wright ern Baptist Theological Seminary, is , a 2001 grad- an active ministerial alumnus who has uate of Blue Mountain College, has demonstrated consistent and faithful served admirably in the Union County service to God and to his alma ma- Schools of Mississippi in administra- ter. He is known for his marvelous tion. He has served West Union At- sermons, which incorporate Biblical tendance Center as Principal and as truths and humor, and for his out- both Assistant Principal and Principal standing speaking skills, making him a at New Albany Elementary School favorite of all ages. in New Albany, Mississippi. He has taught various grades at the elemen- He has held pastorates at First Baptist Church of Flora (12 ½ tary, middle, and high schools before years) and at First Baptist Church of New Albany (6 years). Cur- moving into administration. He is cer- rently, he serves as the Director of Stewardship/Cooperative Pro- tified to teach grades K-4, 7-12 English, and 7-12 Bible. gram promotion for the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board. Continued on page 13 mountain view | 12 Continued from page 12 After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Blue Moun- tain College, he completed a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the University of Mississippi in 2008. He has been very helpful to current education majors as they come to work toward completing their degrees by practice teaching in schools where he is serving as principal. He received the Betty Hearn Award. Douglas Bain Kyle Davis, a 2012 graduate of Christian Scholar Scholarship Blue Mountain College and native of Spring Hill, Tennessee, has distin- Established guished himself in music as a student and beyond. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with an em- phasis on vocal performance with a minor in Speech/Theatre. He attended the University of Mississippi for Former students of Dr. Douglas Bain have established the Douglas graduate school and received his Mas- Bain Christian Scholar Scholarship in his honor at Blue Mountain ter of Music degree in Vocal Perfor- College. mance in 2015. His professional roles and performances include Master Class (Tony) with Living Music Dr. Bain serves as professor and chair of the Department of Bib- Resource; soloist with the Nashville Symphony and the Arkan- lical Studies. He has been a member of the BMC faculty since sas Symphony; L’Elisir d’Amore (Nemorino) at The University of 1975. His devotion to accurate instruction and refusal to settle for Mississippi; Rudolfo, Floyd Collins and other scenes at the Musik mediocrity in his classroom instruction and his student’s academ- Theater Bavaria in Oberandorf, Germany; soloist in the Ole Miss ic performance have produced graduates prepared for seminary, Concert Singers European Tour and performed for President ministry, and daily life. Obama at Christmas 2012. In 2016-17, he served as Director of Choirs for the South Tippah District and taught Music Apprecia- Scholarship awards will be made to students on the basis of excel- tion for Northeast Mississippi Community College. He came to lent scholarship, character, and the need for financial assistance. the campus as guest director of Arsenic and Old Lace. Currently, Preference will be given to students demonstrating outstanding he is teaching and directing at the University of Alabama. He is potential in Biblical languages – particularly students possessing a an active tenor soloist and actor in opera, musical theatre, and call to a career in the field of Christian education and ministerial oratorio. He received the Ed Ludlow Award. training.

Don’t let another day go by without getting in your nomi- BMC graduates and friends of Dr. Bain have the opportunity to nations for the 2018 Homecoming awards. They can be re- contribute to the award online at www.bmc.edu/giving. For more ceived in the Office of Alumni Affairs at any time through- information about other ways to give, contact the Office of the out this year, but the deadline is March 31, 2018. Go to the President at 662.685.4771 (Ext. 131). BMC website for more details.

BMC Specialty Plates coming Fall of 2018!

First row l-r: Dr. Douglas Bain, Tina Hughes, Tim Mims sample Second row l-r: Thomas Magers, Tim Bass, David Haynes Third row l-r: Casey Hughes, President Barbara McMillin, Look for more info to come late July! and Michael Baker.

mountain view | 13 ROBERT ELLIS RINGER and MERTICE BAKER RINGER When Two Become One – A True Love Story. Article written by Carla Benson

review of the lives of Robert Ellis and Mertice Bak- er Ringer reads like a love story personified -- love for each other, love for family and friends, love for church and community and love for the schools where they were educated and nurtured and ultimately served.

Robert Ellis Ringer was born in Fort Payne, Alabama, on August 30, 1928. He graduated from Valley Head High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Jacksonville State Normal Col- lege, now Jacksonville State University. Mertice Baker Ringer was born in Clanton, Alabama, on November 23, 1928, graduated from Clanton High School, and completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at Blue Mountain College in 1951.

Their lives converged and an enduring love story began to unfold in the summer of 1950. While a student at Blue Mountain, Mertice worked at a summer camp in Sand Mountain, Alabama. There she was introduced to Robert, who was home from school for the summer. They began dating that summer and continued to correspond when they returned to their respective schools. When Robert graduated, he entered the service of his country as the Korean War began. As he faced deployment to Korea, Robert went to Clanton to Following graduation, they were both employed at Hinds Com- ask Mr. Baker for Mertice’s hand in marriage. With Mr. Baker’s munity College in Raymond, Mississippi, where Robert taught blessing he then traveled to Mississippi to visit Mertice. He pro- chemistry and Mertice taught English and history courses. Later posed to her, but she initially declined indicating she intended to the family moved to Oxford, Mississippi, so that Robert could work graduate from college before she married. He told her that he was on his doctorate in education at the University of Mississippi. Not about to be sent overseas and that if they married before he was to be outdone Mertice earned numerous specialized certifications deployed he would be able to help her pay her expenses at Blue during this time. The Ringers then moved to Marianna, Florida, Mountain. Always the logical one, Mertice saw the wisdom in this where they enjoyed a lengthy and successful tenure at Chipola Ju- and went with him to the Jackson County, Mississippi, courthouse nior College. to obtain a marriage license. On Sunday morning August 6, 1950, they were married in the pastor’s office of First Baptist Church in “Her heart’s in the service...,” the descriptive words from Mert’s se- Gulfport, Mississippi. Then they went into the sanctuary of the nior college yearbook, were indeed prophetic not only for her life church to attend the worship service. but also for the life of her husband Robert. Over the years they were an integral part of the Marianna and Chipola communities Robert served in Korea with the United States Army’s 151st Com- investing themselves in college, church, and family. bat Engineering Battalion from 1950-51. While there he was involved primarily with the construction of bridges needed by Amer- As faculty members at Chipola, they touched the lives of countless ican troops to cross inland waterways. During his deployment, students. Robert taught in the Natural Science Department, main- Mertice completed her studies at Blue Mountain College, gradu- ly focusing on chemistry. His teaching guided many students in ating in 1951. Robert returned home on Christmas Day of 1951, preparation for careers in pharmacy and medicine and other science and he and Mertice moved to Jackson, Mississippi, where Robert fields. The establishment of the Dr. Robert Ringer Science Schol- was employed by Filtrol Chemical Company. On December 29, arship honored his service at Chipola. In 1985 Mertice moved 1952, they welcomed their only child, Robert David Ringer, into from the classroom to administration as Director of Institutional the family. Effectiveness and Research and Executive Director of the Chipola College Foundation. She was a prolific writer, led a variety of work- Love and togetherness continued to be the theme of their life to- shops in her field, and served on accreditation committees of the gether. Robert began a Master of Education program at nearby Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Mississippi College in Clinton, Mississippi, and Mertice soon joined him there, also earning a Master of Education degree. Continued on page 15 mountain view | 14 Continued from page 14

As faithful members of the United Methodist Church wherever they lived, the Ringers could always be counted on for dedicated service, whether as Sunday School teachers, choir members, or on countless church committees. Mertice served as Chair of the Ad- ministrative Board during the building campaign that created the Wesley Center and was also actively involved in United Methodist Women.

Perhaps the most poignant example of their love for family was expressed in their “commitment to grandparenting.” Robert and Mertice had four beloved grandchildren with whom they spent quality time almost every school holiday. “Granny Mert” and “Grandpa Budro,” as they were affectionately known, took time to make each grandchild feel special. During summer vacations, they would spend time with all four at once and then made time Front left to right: Spencer Ringer, Robert Ringer to take each grandchild on individual trips, creating priceless Back left to right: Sarah Roberson, Randy Weeks memories with each one.

A supreme act of love prompted Robert Ringer to contact the The Ringers left Florida to spend their final years in Mississippi development office at Blue Mountain College in December 2005. to be close to their son David. Mertice passed from this life on He inquired about the possibility of making a donation as a July 7, 2017, and Robert on July 25, 2017, just weeks shy of what Christmas present for his wife Mertice, a 1951 alumna. When would have been their 67th wedding anniversary. Although both the suggestion was made that the establishment of an endowed faced serious health challenges and had been in declining health scholarship in her honor would not only be an appropriate gift but for quite some time, their almost concurrent passing provided a also a “lasting one,” he was thrilled by the prospect. fitting concluding chapter in the “love story” which was their life and legacy. As the scholarship agreement was being prepared, Mr. Ringer stated, “Blue Mountain College was and is important to Mert for The Ringers are survived by their son Robert David Ringer and many reasons. Finding a suitable gift for her is not easy. A wife daughter-in-law Susan Spencer Ringer of Florence, Mississippi; by who does not enjoy sweets, has allergies to colognes and perfumes, grandchildren Dr. Amanda Ringer, J.D. of Huntsville, Alabama, and prefers to select her own clothes, music, and books certainly Dr. Ashley Ringer McDonald, Ph.D. (Robert) of San Luis Obis- limits my options when it comes time to select a suitable gift. po, California ; Spencer Ringer of Brandon, Mississippi, and Mrs. Having persuaded her to allow me to do this in her name was not Laura Ringer Holland (Wesley) of San Diego, California; and by easy, but she agreed–just to humor me, I suppose.” The affection one great grandchild, Spencer Ringer-Alday. and generosity which prompted the establishment of the Mertice Baker Ringer Scholarship perhaps says as much about the donor as Memorial services for the couple were held in Ridgeland, Missis- it does the honoree. Their mutual love was always at the forefront sippi, and in Marianna, Florida. To honor their commitment to of every decision. education, the family requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the Mertice Baker Ringer Scholarship at Blue Mountain Early on, Mr. Ringer had the dream of making the Mertice Baker College or to the Dr. Robert Ringer Science Scholarship at Chipo- Ringer Scholarship one of the most substantial in the BMC en- la Junior College. dowment program. Although the market decline in 2008 thwart- ed his plans and distressed him greatly, he continued to faithfully In Philippians 1:9 can be found the words, “And this is my prayer, send gifts to the scholarship honoring birthdays, anniversaries, that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth and other special occasions in their lives. Their special love was of insight.” To experience and to express love from the depths of never more evident than in the note accompanying the gift honor- one’s soul is truly a unique and remarkable thing. Among the ing their 60th wedding anniversary, “We have had almost 60 years qualities mentioned most often by those who knew the Ringers together and she is the most delightful person I’ve ever known. were their intelligence, kindness, patience, and “altogether good- The years have exacted a price on us physically, but God has bless- ness.” They not only loved much but loved well. What a privilege ed us in more ways than I can count.” The College can truthfully to have been a participant in the love story of this incredible cou- report that Mr. Ringer ultimately succeeded in growing the schol- ple – as student, as colleague, as friend, as family. arship beyond his wildest expectations because “his gift that keeps on giving” will provide assistance and encouragement for students for years to come.

mountain view | 15 Alumni Events! Homecoming on the Hill June 1-2 : Homecoming will begin on Friday and conclude on Saturday Afternoon. Homecoming events are open to all alumni, students, family, and friends.

Friday, June 1 10:00 am until 5:00 pm...... Onsite Registration and Check-in located in the Admin Foyer 11:00 am...... Golden Flame Luncheon located in Ray Dining Hall

Afternoon Activities 5:30 pm...... Sunset Supper 5:30 pm...... BSU Reunion with Jack and Tracy Moser 7:00 pm...... Follies located in Garrett

Saturday, June 2 7:30 am...... Breakfast with the Presidents 8:30 am...... Onsite Registration and Check-in located in the Admin Foyer 9:30 am...... Annual Meeting located in the Administration Building 11:30 am...... Awards Luncheon located in Ray Dining Hall

The Minister and Wives Banquet is slated for Thursday, April 5, 2018. The Ban- quet is BMC’s annual effort to encourage and equip young ministers and their wives as they deal with the challenges of building healthy marriages and developing holy families while at the same time faithfully serving the Lord. The banquet is underwritten by the Mississippi Baptist Foundation.

Ministerial Alumni Day will be celebrated on Friday, April 6, 2018. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Faithful Servants” based on Matthew 25:21, 23. We encourage all ministerial alumni to return to the campus for a day of fellowship and inspiration. In addition, we urge alumni to bring prospective ministerial students from their churches so that they might be introduced to the ministerial program offered at BMC. BMC will welcome to the campus Dr. Frank Page and Mike Harland to lead these two events. Page is the President and CEO of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention. He will be the keynote speaker for both the Minister and Wives Banquet and Alumni Day. Mike Harland, Director of LifeWay Worship will be the special guest worship leader for the two events. Harland is a native of Corinth and served in several Mississippi Baptist churches before taking the executive leadership role at LifeWay Wor- ship. He is a recognized vocalist and published song writer.

State Preaching Conference on Monday, April 9, 2018. The Pastor Leadership Department of the Mississippi Baptist Convention sponsors the event to encourage excellence in biblical interpretation and preaching. The theme of the Preaching Conference is “Preaching Joshua.” The conference leaders will be Dr. Daniel Caldwell, Dr. Wayne Vanhorn, and Dr. Ronald Meeks. Dr. Meeks, BMC Professor of Biblical Studies, will address the topic “A Sermonic Treatment of the Book of Joshua,” which will explore various approaches and themes for preaching the book of Joshua.

Founders Day Chapel will be celebrated on November 2, 2018

Topper Fest date will be announced in the fall! We hope to see you there! mountain view | 16 THE SEARCH IS ON Lady Topper Basketball Players: Where Are They Now? Former

We are a diverse group with members scattered all over the country. Some are young; some of us are, well…not so young any more. We have devoted our lives to a wide range of per- Lady sonal and professional pursuits. Despite the differences that define us, we share a common bond that unites us for life. We are the women who have, over the course of more than four decades, represented Blue Mountain College in intercolle- giate basketball.

The absence of an up-to-date comprehensive database for storing and tracking data on Lady Topper basketball players has led to the launch of an intensive search to locate and con- nect every athlete who has occupied a spot on the women’s basketball roster. The database will serve three purposes. It will capture and document an important part of BMC history, it will equip BMC to establish the women’s basketball af- A reunion in January of 2015 brought about 75 Lady Toppers and friends to campus, including this group of teammates who played together in finity group, and it will enable the Office of Alumni Affairs to the 80s. communicate with former Lady Toppers about special events, exclusive deals, and opportunities that will help us stay con- Pictured (l-r): Cliffa Foster, Tammy Russell Montgomery, Lecia Stegall Stubble- field, Charlette Bain Foster, Johnnie Armstrong, Lynn Pepper Arsenault, Dixie nected. Everett, Rae Ann Prater Austin, Delise Teague and Connie Newby Davis.

Ours is an uncommon sisterhood. The Lady Toppers’ BMC experience was unlike that of any other group on campus because of the time and space we occupied together. As teammates, we spent hundreds of hours together. We laughed and cried together. We invested blood, sweat, and tears in our team, our school, and each other.

Some of us remain connected. Some have lost touch with BMC. Some haven’t been back on campus since graduation day. Whether we played for Johnnie Armstrong, Mari Hub- bard, Dixie Everett, Jack Moser, or Lavon Driskell, the time we Women’s Basketball Coaches Left to right: Bryana Davis, and spent together, practicing, playing, traveling, eating, and so- Front row: Dixie Everett, Johnnie Armstrong, Connie Davis cializing served to build a sense of family that endures. Mari Hubbard Back row: Jack Moser, Lavon Driskell Our network has the potential to be strong and vibrant, a model for other BMC affinity groups. If you played intercolle- giate basketball at BMC, make sure your information is in the database, and help us locate your teammates. The information in the box below details options for submitting data.

You can update your contact information on the Alumni section of the website. Please note on your biographical update if you played for BMC and the year(s) played. Then Now 80s Guards https://www.bmc.edu/your_bio.asp Left to right: Delise “Deese”Teague email us at [email protected] and Cliffa Foster or give us a call at 662-685-4771 ext 119 /ext 106 mountain view | 17 Room Sponsorships

Commons area...... $120,000 Kitchen...... $30,000 Study Room...... $10,000 each Laundry...... $10,000 RD Suite...... $20,000 Terrace...... $20,000 Each dorm room...... $30,000

WHY IS GROWTH IMPORTANT TO THE MISSION OF BMC? SAM PATTERSON In the fall of 2015 our enrollment dropped to only 450 students. The Board of Trustees and our President were nsure of what he might contribute as a member of faced with the reality that we could not sustain our school the Board of Trustees of Blue Mountain College, with this number of students. Challenged with this reality Sam Patterson was hesitant when he was first in- and no certainty of how to correct the problem our Col- vited to serve. What would a professional engineer lege embraced a season of intense prayer. Through the with no direct ties to BMC have to offer a small liberal arts in- prayer process, God gave our President the vision for a growth strategy known as GROW BMC. stitution nestled in the foothills of Northeast Mississippi? As he and those who had the pleasure of serving with him soon discovered, the answer was “plenty.” WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF During his two terms of service (2008-2010 and 2011-2013), GROW BMC? Sam brought to Blue Mountain College a hands on, practical As a result of GROW BMC, we are on pace to double our perspective that fueled then President Bettye R. Coward’s vision 2015 enrollment of 450 by the year 2023 when we will for upgrading the physical plant to support a long-anticipated celebrate our 150-year anniversary. Research indicates enrollment of 600 students. Sam’s background and business sav- that this number of students will allow us to sustain our vy equipped him to provide expert advice regarding how best mission well into the future. With God’s gracious bless- to invest the College’s limited resources to achieve the greatest ings, we are well on our way with record enrollments improvements with the greatest efficiency. each of the past two years. This past fall, we reached a major milestone when we surpassed 600 students for the The improvements made to the campus during Sam’s tenure first time ever! This is a 34% increase of the 450 students as a Board member are recognized now as foundational to the we had just two years prior. growth the College is currently experiencing. In the Fall of 2017, the College enrolled more than 600 students through its GROW BMC initiative. A 33% growth in enrollment over a two-year WHAT IS GROW BMC? GROW BMC is a seven-year strategic enrollment plan that period demands a well-maintained physical plant that can at- began in the spring of 2016. The College implemented tract and accommodate a thriving student population. More various new scholarship programs to engage our pro- specifically, such aggressive growth demands that the facilities spective students. This included a significant increase in on campus be developed at a pace that complements the needs our athletic teams and the addition of extracurricular op- of a flourishing student body. These facilities are identified in portunities for our student body. BMC’s Campus Master Plan, a plan which includes a math/science building, a student activities center, renovated library and fine arts facilities, and—most importantly--additional residen- tial space. THE MASTERPLAN Gifts to support the construction of Patterson Hall will enable With the success of GROW BMC, we saw the need to de- Blue Mountain College to add a 190-bed facility in a location vise a master plan to achieve the goal of constructing and contiguous to the heart of the campus at a time when the College upgrading campus facilities that support an engaged liv- is experiencing unprecedented growth. Not only will your gift ing and learning community on our campus. BMC has meet a critical need, but it will also serve as a fitting tribute to an partnered with McCarty architects of Tupelo, Mississippi individual whose service to BMC proved to be visionary. Will you to guide us through the planning process as we continue help finish what Sam Patterson helped start? to grow. mountain view | 18 Patterson Hall One OFPhase THE CAMPUS MASTER PLAN

The first priority of the campus master plan will be to construct a new $10 Million residence hall to meet the immediate demand for additional housing. Patterson Hall will allow us to house 190 more students upon completion. That computes to a cost of $10,000 per student (over a five-year period). Once paid for, the residence hall will offer annual net revenue gains for decades to come! The residence hall is essential to our growth, it’s the right thing to do for our students, and it is a good financial investment.

mountain view | 19 ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

1944 Betty Vandiver Lindstrom 1964 1969 Barbara Kerley Zumbro Mary Lowry Reavis Margaret McCully Blinn Marilyn Bennett Witcher Rose Dickerson Roberts Janice Nicholson Tillie Nolan Gullett 1945 Ann Hall Vickery Sarah Spain Hope Green Inman Willodean McDonnieal Hastings Judith Skelton Swanberg Charlotte Bryant Madison 1958 Sandra Murphy Owens 1946 Louise Horn Barrett 1965 Charlotte Palmer Dorothy Scott Baker Mary Cockrell Borchert Carol Cliff Blasi Sally Shearouse Pickern Alva Wright Brent Glenda Nabors Inskeep Kathrine Wessels Wilson 1947 Elizabeth Galbreath Jeanie Smith Jonas Lennie Powell Westbrook Donny Brewer Lancaster Gail Heitman DeBurgh 1970 Joyce Hall Beasley Faye Walker Pepper Frances Magers Massey Ginger Herrington Davis Kikuno Miyagi Nakamura Virginia Cobb Seal Susan Caldwell Pitts Rex Yancey Erma Bryant Spratlin Ann Longest Smith Kathy McKinney McCarthy 1948 Mary Cox Rush Anita Lazenby Westmoreland Patricia Alred Smedley Kathryn Jewell Ayers Linda Kirby Underwood Helen Gooch Horne 1959 1966 Judy Bennett Foley Sharon Ball Enzor 1971 1949 Jean Powell Harrington Rose Lazenby Kemmer Audrey Snow Caldwell Ruth Hines Cook Elizabeth Michael Curlee Laura Grisham Medley Marva Strong Goodman Virginia Rutledge Taylor Charlene Larson Katherin Smith Dye Barbara Rahrer Laura Thompso Vaden Shirley Nickell McBeath Sandra Mitchel Harris Shirley Mohundro Gustman Margery Smith Howard Jane Gale Uzzell Temple Triplett Lauer Lynne Mayhall Heaven Ruth Pitt McCullough Carolyn Childers Saunders 1960 Mary Brister Shadburn 1972 1952 Mary Jo Pitner Lence Lucy Shirley Wiygul Patricia Smith Crews Martha Huggins Fisher Caroly Mounce Carol Elliott Densford Lucille Graham Kirkpatrick Mary Smith Smith 1967 Pamela Baker Drake Ann Guntharp Blanchard Jana Beasley Astles Victoria Herrington Goeders 1953 Sally Hewlett Taylor Diane Price Butler Rebecca Stennett Jernigan Johnnie Armstrong Margaret Craft Davis Lyn Bennett Melton Miriam Stacy Ellis 1961 James Futral Belinda Allen Pearce Dorot Miskelley Watson Carolyn Pitner Barber Shirley Moore Futral Sherrell Ivy Settlemires Kathryn Golding Peeples Rachel Hamilton Emery Sue Avent Gossett Dwight Wymer Creely Myat Wilson Nancy Buchanan Hart Laura Roy Griffin Billie Hutchiso Martin Carmen Williams Harrington 1974 1954 Anna Jackson Quinn Iv Lambert Sewell Joy Hurt Hill Margaret Allen Margaret Chavis Smith Lois Cochran Umfress Jan Tucker McCrary Edra Michael Kennedy Virginia Graves Weisz Larry McCrary Annett Ray Kies 1962 Peggy Rainey Wroten Brenda McGee McMurray Ida Faye Todd Oglesby Brownie Scrivner Barbo Lana Hill Anderson Jer Beaty Barbara Wood Bullock Jane Clower Bryant Le Smith Bennett 1955 Rose Deusner Carver Carolynne Knight Fooshee Elizabeth Buchanan Newcomb Dorothy Raymer Jackson Nanc Furnish 1975 Laquita Inmon Powers Gloria Glover Gates Anita Crum Eddings 1956 Wand Greene Robinson Margaret Davis Houpt Beverly Hemphill Moffitt Louise Horn Barrett Joan Rochester Myra Harrington Langley Cindy Boyd Steen Dorothy Holmes Bennett Lynette Chapman Sibo Linda Wong Lim Linda Nolan Hill Elaine Southerland Boling La Doska Bennett Constanc Russell Betty Wick Gaba Sue Randolph Jarvis 1976 Imogene Mauney Hardon Norma Robbins Lee 1968 Emma Ainsworth Patric Huddleston Sullender Martha Sisk Randolph Betty Billups Leah Baker Crawford Betty Watts Betty Woodruff War Wylia Allmon Flatt Cora Jones Davidson Nancy Browning Galatas Patsy Henry Highland Rebecca Todd Garvin 1963 Sharon Phillips McElwain Susan McKee Hill 1957 Nancy McQuery Bomar Lana Yarbrough Thompson Anita McCormick Russell Jean Shurden Davis Susie Jackson Butler Hazel Tucker Elizabet Bruce Smith Guyla McGee Gould Vivian Ridley Wymer Patricia Horton Stanford Frank Tester Mary Ann Everett Ann Deavenport Baker Linda Bishop Johnson Lucretia Majure Burton Carolyn Olive Rhodes Leora Geer Duce mountain view | 20 ASSOCIATION MEMBERS

1977 1988 2007 Rose Alldridge Bear Beth Davis Robertson Carol Peters Sharron Finney Larry Robertson Jo Richardson Honey 2008 Gerry Jones Hood 1989 Susan Hillhouse Hamilton Lee Gaskin Jefcoats Larry Bain Nebra Counce King Mary Pannell Epting 2009 Barbara Goddard Murphy Lorie Bishop Mattox Rita Knowles Newby 1992 Christina Teel Smith Linda Aston Person Alisha Jeter Vic Price Lisa Johnson 2010 Sara Stephens Pamela Johnson Stegall Julia Mattox Harrington Marla Costner White Alvis Cooper 1993 2011 Laura Bryant Baker Thomas Magers 1978 Tina Scarbrough Barkley David Hamilton Stephanie Seward Hart 2012 Barbara Fisher Mize Jeff Adams Renelda Pharr Owen 1994 Donna Bunn Pitner Lisa Gay Calhoun 2013 Mary Smith Roberts Jennifer Enzor Chambers Amanda Johnson Magers

1979 1996 2016 Susan Sparks Bolding Angela Elder Quinn Morgan Robertson Christopher Burrows Elaine Sims Watson Donna Smith Burrows FRIENDS OF BMC Emily Crump Hayes 1997 Mary Gowan Burghard Tommy Peters Margie Spivey James Thomas Calhoun Shea Childers Lowery Judith Foley 1980 Timothy Heaven Ouida Fulgham Gnall 1998 Thomas James Micah Carter Johnny Mattox 1981 Laura Plunk Russell Medley Lela Smith Hale Kelly Anderson Rinehart Lottie McKenzie Moore Joyce Hodges Peters Perry Robinson Ellon Paseur Yancey 1999 John Stanford Meredith Roten Carter Jenetta Waddell 1982 Leah Blunt Denson Mary Harrington Levera Rummel Braswell Laura McBryde Green Betty Braddo Henry Glynda Hall Teresa Pullen Ohler Barbara Strickland McConville Patricia Jett Rogers 1983 2000 Montyne Treadwell Sammons Ronald Meeks Anna Teel Tammy Russell Montgomery Mary Smith Smith 2002 Terri Yarbrough Stanford Ashley Ball Berry Mary Smith Smith 2003 1984 Carolyn Howell Sandra Coleman Duncan Heather Carpenter Linville Lynn Wigington Hill Maria Teel Pamela Lewellen Pharr 2005 1985 Natalie Bolding Copeland Patsy Price Donahoe Delise Teague 2006 Kimberly Lancaster The members list reflects dues-payers 1987 Gary Linville between February 1, 2017 until Marsha Waters Deneka March 1, 2018.

mountain view | 21 Class Notes

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

11. 12. 13. 14. 15. Weddings Births 1. Aaron Catt, and Allie Vance Catt (2017) were 8. Zach and Amy Dunn (2007) welcomed Iris Jade Dunn married on June 4, 2017. on May 22, 2017.

2. Jacob Ralph (2013) and Cindy Benson Ralph (2014) 9. Andrew Joy (2011) and Alice Rode welcomed Everest were married on June 24, 2017. Joseph Rode on June 27, 2017.

3. Lee Taylor Roberts and Carly Faye Roberts (2017) 10. Randy Weeks (2016) and Jennifer Weeks (2017) were married on October 21, 2017. welcomed Micah James Weeks on October 6, 2017.

4. Austin Kent and Katie Price Kent (2015) were 11. Bartley and Brittney Nethery (2013) welcomed married on November 4, 2017. Calvin Ladron Nethery on September 4, 2017.

5. Josh Crowder (2016) and Kristen Milewski Crowder 12. Matt (2013) and Samantha Cline (2014) welcomed (2016) were married on June 4, 2017. Emma Grace Kline on February 2, 2017.

6. Bailey Patterson and Morgan Petty Patterson (2016) 13. Thomas and Ashley Weinhold (currently enrolled) were married on September 23, 2017. welcomed Benjamin Christopher Weinhold on October 27, 2017. 7.Joshua Cox (2017) and Maura Dismukes Cox (2017) were married on March 11, 2017. 14. Daniel Rodgers (2015) and Rebekah Rodgers (2015) welcomed James Garrett and Elianna Jo Rodgers on November 12, 2017.

15. Chassey Creighton (2015) and Cooper Nelms welcomed Cam Rilee on June 17, 2017. mountain view | 22 Alums and Friends: Article written by Kathie Wilson Put your church to work on the committee is Charlotte Bryant Madison,’69, Anna Jackson Quinn, ’61, and Kathie Wessels Wilson, ’69, assisted by Palmer-Donnell House… Laura Grisham Medley, ’66, and Vicki Price, ’77. and join the Guild as a charter member The committee is recruiting charter members through June 2, 2018. To date, the Guild has 24 charter members. We The Palmer-Donnell House at Blue Mountain College looks hope you will help us at least double that number by joining great from the street! However, much work remains before the Guild this spring. A couple may join for the cost of an we can declare the country Victorian finished as the Wel- individual membership. Names of all charter members will come Center and Alumni House. We need your help in two be on a plaque in the house in perpetuity. specific ways: Individuals or couples may join the Guild in one of two ways: • Engage your church’s mission team in volunteer • Through a one-time, tax-deductible donation of $250 work inside the house during 2018 plus an annual commitment of 10 hours in house-relat • Join the Palmer-Donnell House Guild as a charter ed activities such as guiding tours, maintaining flower member between now and the close of beds, performing upkeep or decorating for Christmas Homecoming on the Hill 2018 on June 2 and other events • Through a one-time, tax-deductible donation of $500 without hands-on commitment

Mission Team Opportunities To join the Palmer-Donnell Guild, contact the Office of the President Your church probably has a mission team. In addition to at [email protected] or 662.685.4771, extension 131. evangelism trips, many churches schedule volunteers to work at faith-based institutions such as Blue Mountain Col- An organizational meeting will be held before the end of 2018. Af- lege. We ask you to talk with your mission director about an ter the election of officers, the organizing committee will cease to opportunity to bring a group to the campus to work in the function. Our new president will preside at the first Guild meet- Palmer-Donnell House. ing to be held on campus with updates about the house and its use. Of course, new Guild members will be welcomed at any time Many projects in the house can be completed by volunteers. and be invited to annual meetings. All members will: The College will provide supplies and generally oversee the work. Here’s a sampling of projects that volunteers • Be conversant with the history and use of the house can tackle: • Volunteer for house-related activities and keep accurate time records, if “hands-on” member • Remove remaining interior shiplap and drywall • Submit hours worked annually to Office of Alumni and STORE shiplap Affairs between August 1 – 15 • Insulate outside walls • To extent possible, attend public events hosted in • Take wood off transom windows and install the house missing glass • Remove remaining original floors and We anticipate that one of the activities the Guild will pursue is STORE wood installing and maintaining the landscaping at the house, under the • Install new subfloors throughout direction of Patsy Hankins, the Landscaping Lead for the renova- • Hang, tape and float drywall tion committee. Details about the landscape plan will be discussed • Patch and paint interior ceilings and porch ceiling at the organizational meeting.

To review the complete list of volunteer work and to schedule a Other opportunities to support the renovation of the Welcome Center trip, please contact the Office of the President at and Alumni House are still available. You can: [email protected] or 662.685.4771, extension 131. • Buy 4x8 commemorative bricks and 8x8 scripture bricks using the forms at www.bmc.edu/alumni • Become a sponsor at levels ranging from $500 Palmer-Donnell House Guild to $5,000 and more by contacting the Office of The Palmer-Donnell House Guild will help perpetuate the the President at [email protected] or 662.685.4771, house’s history and help maintain the house and grounds extension 131 after the renovation is completed and the Victorian becomes • Buy prints and notecards of paintings by Nancy Hopps the Welcome Center and Alumni House. The organizing McDonald, ’82, at the Campus Store and Office of Alumni Affairs

mountain view | 23 IN MEMORIAM

1935 1950 1963 Kathleen McKinnon Watson Mary Braddock Kong Ray Newcomb Alice Oliver Callicutt Lucille Wall Travis 1937 Charla Walters Smith Jeffie Dee Carter Jeanne Nelms Rogillio 1965 Sara Southard Ruth H Hatcher 1939 Jimmie Estes Layman Carrie P Jones 1952 Ruth Woodruff Cook 1968 1940 Bobbie Nell Carter Jennings Sarah White Kirkland Ruth Johnson Crawford Patricia Church Murray Elsie Drane 1953 Peggy Gill Thompson 1969 1941 Eva Aileene Harris Betty Allen Nail Allie M Hirsch 1954 1970 1942 Jerry Wilkins Kemp Linda Lewis Madge Cromeans Shaw David Turner 1955 1944 Dorothy Mackey 1972 Myrt Majure Audrey Rummel Dr Neola Cleveland Billie Hicks Morrow Betty Clark Petteway Lucy Lee Owen Barnett 1973 1956 Rosemary Gatlin Huffstatler 1945 Dorothy Norwood Stone Annette Redden Joyce Simpson Oglesby 1978 Gene F Hudson 1946 1957 Bonnie Brooks Olivia Roark 1980 Marguerite Mathis Joe Herndon 1958 1947 Jean Scott Wright 1981 Dorothy Dick Smith Holaday Margaret Louise Crum Ormon Jimmie Humphreys 1959 Tina Phillips Bennett Elizabeth Langa Jo Beth Landrum Young Edna Erlene Cowan 1986 1960 Emily Teague Crabb 1948 Dr. Jorja Turnipseed Billie Jewel Guyton 1990 Frances Bailey 1961 Ronald Allen Jenkins Clyde Whiteside Hathorn Helen Sue Hamilton Pitts Clara Powell (CP) Simpson Winters 2010 1949 Natalie Jackson Patricia Bessinger 1962 Gara Malesky Friends Chester Marion Gordon Nita Dyer

mountain view | 24 BMC ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Renelda Pharr Owen Be Involved! Vice President Lisa Gay Calhoun Secretary Cora Jones Davidson Alumni Association Benefits Immediate Past President Anna Jackson Quinn of Membership Treasurer Anita Crump Eddings Preservationist Ashley Ball Berry - Subscription to all BMC Alumni publications BMC Ministerial Alumni Rep Tim Bass - Wellness center membership discount Academic Council Chair Johnny Mattox Social Media Coordinator Carol Peters - 10% discount at the Campus Store - Use of spacious campus facilities with a discounted AREA COUNCIL

rental fee Area Rep At-Large Delise Teague - A significant discount with Barkley Travel Service tours Central Mississippi Greater Jackson Area Norma Ruth Robbins Lee - Free Admission to Alumni Game Days Central/East Tennessee Frances Magers Massey Central/South Alabama Lynne Mayhall Heaven & Vicki Price - Alumni Decal Greater Memphis Area Chapter President Laura Plunk North Alabama Laura Grisham Medley North Mississippi Bengie Foley & Beverly Hemphill Moffitt More alumni benefits to come! Post-Grad Rep Teresa Pullen Ohler West Tennessee Stephanie Seward Hart Fine Arts Affinity Group Josh and Jessie Jacobs To Pay Dues ACADEMIC COUNCIL - Go to www.bmc.edu and pay online. Chair Johnny Mattox Biblical and Associated Studies Ronald Meeks - Mail your check to Office of Alumni Affairs, Business Angie Skelton Education Jenetta Waddell P.O. Box 160, Blue Mountain, MS 38610. Make your dues Fine Arts and Speech Jerri Lamar Kantack payable to the Alumni Association and note “dues” Kinesiology and Health Studies Johnnie Armstrong - Language and Literature Nancy Kerns Mathematics and Natural Science Chandra Hisae Call 662-685-4771 ext.106 to pay with a credit card over Social and Behavioral Sciences Terry Taylor the phone

Join our 2023 society today! For contact information for these officers and representatives and for details about For more info visit organizing or hosting a Blue Mountain College alumni or recruiting event in your area, www.bmc.edu/giving please contact Kayce Bragg in the OFFICE of ALUMNI AFFAIRS – 662.685.4771 x 119.

mountain view | 25 P.O. BOX 160 BLUE MOUNTAIN, MS 38610

“Blue Mountain College recruits undergraduate and graduate students who are committed to scholarship, servant leadership, and service in church and community.”