YOUR VOICE

ORU: Affecting the Entire Nation

s alumni, we appreciate the of George Washington standing in the Last election, a godly U.S. senator uniqueness of this university. boat crossing the Delaware, few can was up for re-election; polls showed It is an institution of aca- name any of the soldiers in the boat that he was behind and would likely demic and spiritual excel- around him. Yet Washington could not lose. Had he lost, that one-vote differ- A lence. It instills in stu- have accomplished what he did with- ence could have kept the Senate in dif- dents a preparation for their profes- out them; they were indispensable to ferent hands and pro-family measures sional vocation as well as a sense of his successful efforts, and today we are would still be bottled up, as they were destiny in that profession — of hearing all blessed because of the contributions in recent years. So what enabled that God’s voice and then impacting their of these nameless individuals. senator to achieve a surprise victory? corner of the world. There are numerous examples of According to the governor of that those from the ORU state, the 120 ORU students who drove family who row the from Tulsa and spent the final week of boat of a famous indi- the campaign working on his behalf — vidual but rarely getting his message out to voters of receive recognition. In faith — “made the difference.” Much of fact, during last year’s the nation applauds what the U.S. elections several ORU Senate has done; however, few know or undergraduates helped appreciate the fact that it was ORU stu- change the course of dents who were such a key part of bless- the nation. As you ing the entire nation. recall, the Senate While this account highlights an changed hands: ten ORU contribution in the political new freshman U.S. arena, it could have come from any senators were elected other field — military, business, media, (eight of whom were medicine, education, ministry, athletics, pro-life, pro-family, law, etc. While we often don’t hear and pro-faith) and thus accounts of our unheralded heroes, rest

Photo by John O’Connor barely shifted the bal- assured that the distinct message ance of power in the impressed upon the mind of every stu- David and Cheryl Barton prepare for the big Senate (a mere one-vote majority). dent at ORU is having an impact on the moment: David’s receipt of a Distinguished The resulting positive effect upon our nation — and even the world! Service Award at Commencement. lives and families is already being felt In our communications we often and is substantial. For example, the point out examples of distinguished Senate just banned partial-birth abor- members of the ORU family (faculty, tions, and the president will sign this staff, alumni, or students) who have law, thus ending a barbaric procedure David Barton (76) had a significant impact in their field. that had been fought unsuccessfully for Chairman, Alumni Board of Directors Often overlooked are the examples of over a decade. Many other measures those not yet established enough to equally important to our families and P. S. — If you have reports about members attract attention and thus less known culture are now moving through the of the ORU family impacting their culture, but who still have had a substantial Senate, yet this progress might not communities, or professions, please let us effect. To use a historical analogy, have occurred had it not been for 120 know so that we can share those encourag- while nearly all recognize the picture ORU students. ing reports with others.

2 | Excellence | Summer 2003 | http://alumniweb.oru.edu TABLE OF CONTENTS Alumni Association Board of Directors “Called and Committed to Supporting and Serving”

Segment I (1968-72) Dr. Clay Powell Doug Foster 901 Cranes Ct. 11756 E 128th Pl S. Maitland, FL 32751 Broken Arrow, OK 74011 Home: 407/599-0127 Home: 918/369-5407 [email protected] Office: 918/573-3953 [email protected] Maj. Dean Prentice 2202 B Cherrywood Ln. L. Christina Sjostedt Scott AFB, IL 62225 P.O. Box 8042 Home: 618/746-2587 Summer 2003 | Vol. 15, No. 2 St. Paul, MN 55108 [email protected] Home: 651/645-8578 [email protected] Gene Steiner 11415 S. Mulberry Cir. Segment II (1973-77) Jenks, OK 74037 David Barton, Chairman Home: 918/296-3191 Features P.O. Box 397 Office: 918/495-7699 Aledo, TX 76008 [email protected] or Office: 817/441-6044 [email protected] 12 Mi casa es Su casa [email protected] Joleen Minyard Florida alumnus Jean Caceres-Gonzalez knew she’d Joanne Crain 3001 W. Ft. Worth St. 2816 Meadowlark Ln. Broken Arrow, OK 74012 be running a home for children someday. Enid, OK 73703 Home: 918/252-2867 Home: 580/242-0618 Office: 918/488-8875, ext. 11 [email protected] [email protected]

Segment III (1978-82) Alumni Relations Staff 14 Music to the World’s Ears, Part III Greg Ford Key Contacts P.O. Box 52794 We just can’t get this song out of our heads . . . Tulsa, OK 74152 George Fisher (76) Home: 918/865-8356 President and Chairman Office: 918/359-3333 Alumni Foundation [email protected] Board of Directors 18 That’s Entertainment? 918/495-7312 Rhae Buckley, Vice Chairman [email protected] Bob Waliszewski isn’t afraid to tell you what he thinks 23 Forest Dr. Mansfield, TX 76063 George Paul (69) about today’s movies, TV shows, and music. Home: 817/477-3170 Alumni Director Office: 817/437-7885 918/495-6588 [email protected] [email protected] 20 Building Bridges in a Fractured World Segment IV (1983-87) Kevin Bish (93;2002) Dr. Scott Cordray, Treasurer Major Gifts Director As Wayne Jacobsen has learned, you don’t have to 725 Country Wood Way 918/495-7436 Sapulpa, OK 74066 [email protected] compromise your beliefs to find common ground with [email protected] Winnie Perdue those who disagree with you. Segment V (1988-91) Alumni Events Coordinator Dan Borman 918/495-6627 7328 Native Oak Lane [email protected] Irving, TX 75063 Home: 972/373-9275 [email protected] Publisher ORU Alumni Foundation Departments Michael Gimotty 12972 S. Summit Editor Olathe, KS 66062 Debbie (Titus-1977) George Home: 913/397-9792 2Your Voice Office: 913/780-5435 Contributing Writers [email protected] Jessica Allen (03), David Barton New Alumni Board chairman David Barton sees (76), Jeremy Burton, David Collins, Segment VI (1992-95) Debbie (Titus-77) George, Elissa K. ORU influencing the nation. Jeff Goforth Harvill, Jessica Hill, Wayne 428 S. Allegheny Ave. Jacobsen (75), Nance Mitchell, Tulsa, OK 74112 Laura B. Raphael, Bob Waliszewski Home: 918/836-9011 (78). Office: 918/573-8125 4Presidential Perspective [email protected] Photography Shari Bjelke, Chris Dingess (03), Ta lk about a student “overcomer,” and about Jeffrey Ross Dorothea Heit, Beau Henderson, Mobile, AL Giovanni Laudicina, Ron Londen, overcoming debt. Office: 251/786-4020 Frank McGrath, Dr. Woody Norwood, John O’Connor, Mark Natasha Washington, Secretary Waters, Ted West, Don Wilson (77). 11130 Stratford Pl. #411 Art and Production 5 Campus Currents Oklahoma City, OK 73120 Waller & Company Home: 405/748-5819 Public Relations • Commencement 2003 [email protected] Excellence is published and • Year in the life of an honors student Segment VII (1996-2001) distributed three times a year to Josh Allen alumni and friends by the Oral • Oklahoma City mural completed 8222 Ave. X Roberts University Alumni Lubbock, TX 79423 Foundation. Home: 806/771-6797 [email protected] Direct all inquiries to: ORU Alumni Foundation 22 Head of Class Jeff Burritt P.O. Box 702333 Sara Grace Turner and Selah Davis have learned to lead. Tulsa, OK Tulsa, OK 74170 Home: 918/298-8789 Phone: (918) 495-6610 [email protected] Fax: (918) 495-6650 Web site: alumniweb.oru.edu School of Nursing E-mail: [email protected] 24 The Eli Report Paula Sterns Questions or comments? Contact 2942 Hastings Dr. the editor at [email protected]. Mark Acres, Sheera Sirola, and Grand Prairie, TX 75052 Excellence Magazine Home: 972/641-8815 Mission Statement Haywoode Workman rise to the top. [email protected] The purpose of Excellence magazine is threefold: to make School of Theology alumni aware of what their Gene Gregg former classmates are doing, 28 Lifelong Links 401 E. College St. to tell alumni what is happening Broken Arrow, OK 74012 today on the Oral Roberts University • How “Red” got its name Home: 918/251-0791 campus, and to share the good Office: 918/254-9622 news about alumni accomplish- • Directories are nearly done [email protected] ments with faculty, staff, and friends of the University. Excellence maga- • Alumni of the Year 2005: At-Large Directors zine is proof positive that the mis- Dr. Jacqueline Fincher sion of ORU is being carried out on Nominate now! P.O. Box 1898 a daily basis all over the globe — Thomson, GA 30824 “in every person’s world.” Home: 706/595-7995 Office: 706)/595-1461 On the cover: Jean Caceres-Gonzalez [email protected] with two His House children. Photo by Giovanni Laudicina. e-mail: [email protected] | Summer 2003 | Excellence | 3 PRESIDENTIAL PERSPECTIVE

We’re About to Soar

shall walk and not faint.” We have been dropping their standards, we are hat a year it’s been! A year patient with this process and I believe raising ours. of trusting in the Lord, God is ready for ORU to mount up I want to urge all alumni to find a way and pursuing holiness. In with wings like GOLDEN Eagles. to get involved with the university. Your Wfact, this entire school year When this sale is done, we will be like help is needed now more than ever. has been a call to wholeness and holi- the Jews coming out of the wilderness. Your prayers, gifts, service, and your ness. And what a great year it has been. We will be primed with the anointing of financial partnership with us are We recently commissioned 760 grad- the Holy Spirit and ready to enter the invaluable. Financially speaking, even uates. That’s 760 new alumni to add to Promised Land! Getting out of debt will without the debt, we need to raise at the ranks of the Alumni Association. allow us to start the new fiscal year, least $1 million per month (above what In this past graduation, we have also which begins Aug. 1, with a clean slate comes in from tuition) to meet the seen the victory of people like Deborah and focus 100 percent on our mission needs of our students. Singleton, who received this year’s and calling. God is moving on many fronts, and “Overcomer” award. Deborah was bounced through a number of abusive foster homes, a single mother at the age of 16, never finished high school, mar- ried and divorced, but there was a Savior at the end of her rope. Deborah was following the dream of becoming a nurse. Thanks to her faith found in her teens, she persevered through her GED, community college, and, in a leap of faith, rented a U-haul and headed to ORU. It has not been easy. She has been homeless twice since coming to Tulsa. But with the support of the faculty and fellow students and the power of God, Deborah graduated and will make a mighty impact on the nursing profession. At the spring regents meeting, President Roberts spoke with Bishop Michael Reid of Peniel This summer, I am looking forward College of Higher Education, an ORU affiliate site in Essex, England. to ORU being freed from the bondage of debt. I have a holy hatred of debt I also know this is a dangerous time. I want ORU to be right in the middle of and, before July is over, the Lord will- We must be very cautious and make His kingdom-building through the next ing, we should be rid of all of it with the sure not to stray from God and His pur- year and for many years to come. Thank sale of CityPlex Towers. poses. We must stay true to our found- you for your prayers and support. I believe that this opportunity to sell ing principles. CityPlex is the right one. In Isaiah I have been entrusted with the great 40:31 it says, “They who wait for the responsibility of presiding over ORU. I Lord shall renew their strength, they want nothing but the best and holiest shall mount up with wings as eagles, opportunities for our students, faculty, Richard L. Roberts they shall run and not be weary, they and staff. While other universities are President and CEO

4 | Excellence | Summer 2003 | http://alumniweb.oru.edu COMMENCEMENT 2003 Last Step, First Step New grads end one journey, begin another Photos by Shari Bjelke, Dorothea Heit, John O’Connor, and Don Wilson (77)

f a thousand-mile journey begins how he stayed faithful to God through Proud parents, grandparents, and with the first step, it also ends many “ups and downs” of life. “God is other family members filled the stadi- with a last step. This year, on the God of the hills and the valleys,” um to cheer on the graduates as they May 3, 760 men and women she told graduates. “Believe me, you’re stepped forward to receive diploma marched their last steps as ORU going to make mistakes, you’re going to covers — a promise of degrees to Istudents across the Mabee Center have valleys — and God will be with come — and Bibles that were person- stage . . . and took their first steps as you when you do it right and help you ally signed by President Roberts and proud 2003 graduates. when you do it wrong. Isn’t Jesus good? handed out by ORU Alumni Like the 35 Commencement cere- When you blow it, He’s still there.” Association members. monies before it, the 2003 version had David Barton, a 1976 graduate of “We’re exuberant!” Willie McCoy, tears, laughter, songs, praise and wor- ORU, received the Distinguished grandmother of graduate William ship, friends, family, and the unmistak- Service Award for his work as founder Maurice Coleman (Media able presence of the Holy Spirit. and president of WallBuilders, a Communications), said. “It’s just won- “This is a miracle day,” President national pro-family organization. derful to be here today . . . . He’s loved Richard Roberts told the 760 gradu- Honorary doctorates were given to being here at ORU. When he first ates receiving bachelor’s, master’s, and Memphis pastor James Netters, Peniel came to visit, he just knew that this doctoral degrees. “But I promise you, College founder Dr. Michael Reid, and was where he wanted to go.” the best is yet to come. You are to be Patricia Salem White, a devoted witnesses of the power and love of “prayer warrior” (and First Lady Below, left to right: Marilyn Hickey was the Jesus Christ in every arena of life . . . Lindsay Roberts’ mother) who was keynote speaker; Graduation ceremony in Be faithful to God, and He will be cured of cancer after reading a book by faithful to you.” Oral Roberts in the 1950s. “If you don’t Mabee Center; Jamie Ausdemore with parents Keynote speaker Marilyn Hickey, think you are significant when you go Jan (79-MBA) and Barbara; Rochelle chairman of the ORU Board of on your knees in front of the Father, Ferguson and Patrina Lewis were two happy Regents, based her address on I Kings you’re wrong,” she said, holding back School of Education grads-to-be at their 20 and the story of Joseph, recounting tears. hooding ceremony.

e-mail: [email protected] | Summer 2003 | Excellence | 5 COMMENCEMENT 2003

Pete Soden joined his wife, moth- er, and two younger children to see 2003 Graduates Speak Out! daughter Valerie Soden (Spanish and Liberal Arts) walk across the stage. What will you miss about Oral Roberts University? “We just thank God that she came here,” he said. “The Holy Spirit led “Probably my friends and the camaraderie we shared, just hanging out. There are her to Oral Roberts University.” lots of other things, too, of course. ORU just fit me as a student and a person of Nine members of graduate Roahn faith. I wasn’t a good student in high school, but today I’m graduating cum laude. Kirk Hylton’s family filled the stands That’s a testimony to God.” to see him receive his degree in James Casey, B.S., Business Management Psychology. “When I was growing up, I wish there was ORU!” mother “I was a pioneer member of the Rock the House dance team, so I’m going to miss Shirley Hylton said. “I’ve seen Roahn the fun and fellowship at the games.” mature so much. Because of Oral Wanda Williams, B.S., Biology Roberts University, he’s become a better person.” ■ “I will still be here [at ORU] because I work in the Adult Learning Service Center, but I’ll miss the time and freedom I had as a student to talk with professors. They were always there, willing to help and listen.” Clockwise from bottom left:Terry Law (69) Melissa Naga, B.A., International Business and Spanish with son Jason; The graduation wave; Yoo Min Kin (center) completed his D.Min. this year; All in the family: The Brumits now have three ORU alumni in the family: Tim (73), Esther (A), and Heather (03). Heidi begins her sophomore year at ORU this fall. Also pictured is son Matthew; Aishia Danos and family celebrated at her hooding ceremony; Dr. Marilyn Carver has retired after teaching voice at ORU for 22 years.

6 | Excellence | Summer 2003 | http://alumniweb.oru.edu Where Do You Think You’re Going?

Join Excellence as we follow four newly minted ORU alumni — students who graduated in May of 2003 — during their first year after college. What will life be like for them in “the real world”? What challenges will they face? What triumphs will they experience? And perhaps most importantly, will they end up where they think they will?

In this issue, meet Richard Dancer, Valerie Hawkins, Wesley Pebsworth, and Jessica Allen (who has written so many articles for Excellence this past year) and find out where they think they’re going. (Keep your eyes out for future issues of Excellence to find out if they were right!)

Richard Dancer Valerie Hawkins Hometown: Midland/Odessa, TX Hometown: Houston, TX Major: Public Relations and Major: Biology Advertising Post-graduation plans: “I’m going to Post-graduation plans: “Go go back home and I’m going to grad back to San Antonio and try to work school in the fall.” with my church.”

Wesley Pebsworth Jessica Allen Hometown: Boswell, OK Hometown: Wheaton, IL Major: Organizational/Interpersonal Major: Print Journalism Communications Post-graduation plans: “Take a Post-graduation plans: “Right now I breather for a few weeks, then look just want to learn Spanish — possibly go for a job! In a year, I want to go to to Mexico, then to grad school to study grad school at the NYU School of linguistics.” Journalism and get a master’s in Counter clockwise from upper left: critical cultural reporting.” Kimberly Busch with parents Chris (73) and Linda (74); Dr. David Robbins attends his last Commencement before retiring; Alyson (Hall) Steiner (left) and friend; Onward, Christian gradu- ates; Jill Melissa Wallace’s family came from Scotland to see her graduate with a B.S. in art; David (78) and Becky (78) Grothe congratulate David King, who married their daughter, Christine (03), one week after graduation; Joya Korstad Horvath and her proud dad, biology professor Dr. John Korstad. CAMPUS CURRENTS Great Expectations By David Collins • Photos by Jared Buswell A second-year Fellow chronicles the ups and downs of the two-year-old honors program’s first year.

set foot on campus in August As with anything new in our lives, 2001, sure of what my name was, both faculty and students had expecta- that I was a Christian, that I was a tions that were not immediately real- part of the new Oral Roberts ized, but we all have come a long way University honors program, and working together making positive Ithat I was to live on the honors wing changes. In the fall, the anticipation of Honors student as action figure: Jared in room 206, but I was completely each honors class being the inaugural Buswell (left) and Tim Yarbrough deter- unsure of what God had in store for run was tangible in many cases. Some mined the depth of field, wind speed, and me here and for the rest of my life. I classes were executed without prob- angle of . . . oh, never mind. knew that I had come from an aca- lems and others started out rough demically rigorous high school, but I before smoothing out. My honors sec- Lewandowski was able to give us really was unsure of what the honors experi- tion of Oral Communication proved to motivated us to improve.” ence would be on the collegiate level. I be more fulfilling than I had hoped. The Fellows had a special seminar was one of eighteen students called a Mrs. Carole Lewandowski’s expecta- together, titled “Artistic Expression,” “Fellow” in the honors program, and tions, engagement, and enthusiasm that studied the change in worldview while it was unclear what that meant, elicited greater quality of work from throughout history as shown through it felt good to have that certainty in her students. Jamie Curtis recalls, art and literature. Each semester up the midst of so much uncertainty. “The individual attention Mrs. through our junior year, we will have a different dual disciplinary seminar to replace a specific general education course. The appeal of the seminars was a large part of why many of the fellows joined the honors program. Interacting with the professors quickly revealed, however, that we were not what they expected. According to Sarah Seitz, “I think that the professors were expect- ing an intellectual group, all wearing glasses and plaid skirts, and they got a gifted, artistic group, wearing every- thing from arms full of bracelets to designer fashions.” Adam Willard recounts, “I don’t think they were pre- pared for the fact that our diversity and creativity isn’t always funneled purely towards academics.” The shared disappointment of both faculty and Joshua Atkinson, Kayla Cargile, Joy Thrall, and David Collins put their heads students having failed to meet the together for a game of Cranium. other’s expectations made the start of

8 | Excellence | Summer 2003 | http://alumniweb.oru.edu the semester rocky . . . until both With a new and growing program, groups adapted their mindsets and Dr. John Korstad, the program direc- worked together in the class. tor, asked me to head a student com- Despite a turbulent beginning for mittee to provide a communications some, the year was filled with wonder- channel between the faculty and stu- ful memories. Each Fellow received a dents. In April 2002, some members of Compaq Presario laptop to use and the committee attended the Great keep upon graduating from the pro- Plains Honors Convention in Ft. gram. Everyone in the honors program Worth, Tex. At this regional conven- attended a luncheon with President tion we saw possibilities and specific Richard Roberts where he exhorted us things we could do to develop a great in our studies and lives to continue to honors program. By the end of the sec- be excellent. Social activities like the ond semester, having officially created Christmas party and spring picnic the Honors Student Council, with me helped foster a real sense of family among the members of the program. Nowhere was the sense of family cre- Jami Harris helps clean a house at a ated more than on the honors wings. Community Outreach event. These wings became a haven where seeking the Lord. Living on the hon- being smart did not define who we were ors wing also meant nights of swing as individuals. The uniqueness of indi- dancing, intramural sports, trips to viduals and close bonds between them IHOP, and lots of late-night pizza characterized the wings. The men’s floor orders, studying, and talking. was a place where the Holy Spirit Elisabeth Pederson says the difference moved and sounds of keyboards, saxo- for the girls on the honors wing was phones, guitars, and voices in worship “the focus on why God has brought us were common. to ORU, ultimately for an education Weekly hall meetings were times of which we can use as practical worship unity as brothers worshipping and to God in our day-to-day lives.” Joshua Atkinson is packed for the retreat. as the president, we had begun to for- mulate a vision of what the honors program could be and began to plan how to turn its potential into reality as we develop and mature. I am now about to begin my junior year. My name hasn’t changed, my room number has, and I still have no idea what lies ahead for me in my future. I know that my involvement in the honors program now will leave a mark on this university, on me, and on every student involved for years to come. I know that God is in control and this program will continue to become better than it is. It feels good to have that certainty in the midst of so ■ Roommates Todd Asper (chaplain) and Steve Beresh bond with the bunny at a water park. much uncertainty.

e-mail: [email protected] | Summer 2003 | Excellence | 9 CAMPUS CURRENTS

A Lasting Image of Hope

On April 26, an unusually still dered if the art department would be panels were painted at ORU and taken interested in developing something for to Oklahoma City for mounting. night, a small group of art lovers these panels. That was like saying ‘Sic Industrial paint coating was selected for gathered outside an Oklahoma ’em’ to a dog.” its durability, since the mural is exposed “The original plan,” said Roberts, to the elements. City warehouse to celebrate the picking up the story, “was to have the Many of the models were ORU stu- dedication of a unique creation, students paint the mural directly on the dents, including Carl Winowiecki (98), building.” When that was deemed who couldn’t attend the dedication known as “Allegories of unworkable, “We hastily remodeled an because he was serving in Iraq with the Redemption,” and to mark the ORU carpentry shop. Under the super- Chemical Corp. of the 1st Brigade, 3rd vision of art professor Lee Shortridge, Infantry Division. Interviewed for the end of a long journey. the ORU team began to plan its work.” book that was produced to mark the “Many hours, many prayers, and a The classically trained Shortridge completion of the mural, and reflecting whole lot of work went into the mural designed the mural. Beginning in 1996 on the “Allegories of Redemption” that you see behind me,” said Dr. JD and assisted by Seth Jensen (98), Jason theme, Winowiecki said, “It is my McKean, the man who commissioned Graham (01), Chad Shelton (01), Rachel prayer that all men may know freedom the 18-panel, 150-foot-long mural in Loeffler (1996-97), and many other art from bondage through the redemption the wake of the 1995 Oklahoma City students and volunteers, he began a that God gives us through the death bombing. “How this came to be is a process that included sketching the fig- and resurrection of His Son, Jesus long, long story.” ures and recruiting models. The mural Christ.” In short, Dr. McKean, a friend of includes 27 human figures, representing Other ORU models included ORU, was discussing some projects in all races. It tells the story of hope, strug- Daniel Olorunda (99), Jeremy Deemy the mid-1990s with President Richard gle, rebirth, and the nobility of man. (99), Kathryn Mauromoustakos (85), Roberts. “I told him I had a building Special easels had to be built to hold Theresa Soefje (00), Forrest Lee Horn in downtown Oklahoma City, across the 11' x 8.5' concrete panels, each of (97), Stuart Bents (91), and Angela from the City-County Jail, and I won- which weighs about 850 pounds. The Fairfield (1997-99). Photography West West/Digital Photo by Ted

10 | Excellence | Summer 2003 | http://alumniweb.oru.edu Shortridge maintained a full-time teaching schedule while working “nights, weekends, summers, and all my breaks from 1996 to 2001,” he said. He donated more than 2,500 hours of labor to a project that involved using “experimental industrial materials that have never been used together before.” By the time the mural was completed in 2001, Shortridge could confirm that “this mural truly blazes a new trail into uncharted artistic waters. “This work,” he said, “expresses a monumental spirit of hope that will continue to inspire and uplift the pub- lic of Oklahoma City and beyond.” The mural is located one block east of Classen Boulevard at 853 Robert S. Kerr Avenue. ■ Shortridge (on ladder) and his assistants spent countless hours on the mural.

How the RED WING Got Its Name (You only think you know)

Wing names, as recently reported in Excellence (“Name That Floor,” spring 2003), can run the gamut from serious to silly, meaningful to just plain weird. After reading the article, Renee Gotcher (94), a freshman on Susie 2 in 1990, wanted to give her fellow ORU alumni and students the full story on how Red became . . . well, Red . . . 13 years ago. “We wanted something with a designer flair like Gucci, which is the wing [our RA] Michelle [Baumruk] came from, and at the time, Red was the name of a trendy new perfume made by Giorgio. But we also wanted a spiritual significance, so ‘bought by the blood,’ which was our motto, matched a then-trendy name.” Gotcher, today an editor at InfoWorld, a technology industry newsweekly, was surprised to discover that Red is still around. “Funny how something you were involved with so long ago, without really thinking too much about it at the time, can have a lasting impact,” she said.

Above: The Red wing's intramural football team poses before a game, sometime in the fall of 1990. Top row (L to R): RAA Kristi (Plewinski-93) Scarborough, Chaplain Jamie (last name unknown), Dorm Director Michelle Coates (92), Kendra (Bebb-94) Polefka, Renee (Beltran-94) Gotcher. Bottom row (L to R): RA Michelle (Baumruk-92) Franzen, Kia (Hundley-94) Hunt, and an unidentified student.

e-mail: [email protected] | Summer 2003 | Excellence | 11 Mi casa es Su casa. My house is ‘His House.’ By Jessica Hill and Laura B. Raphael

By wisdom a house is built and through understanding it is established; A backyard mission and through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful After studying Spanish, commercial treasures. — Proverbs 24:3,4 art, and business at ORU and spending several years at a Miami-based Christian foreign language publishing company, Describing the mission of her Miami- His House, which Caceres-Gonzalez Caceres-Gonzalez sensed God telling started in 1988, is a Christian shelter based ministry, His House, as “snatching her, “It is time to develop your calling.” and home that cares for and heals the “In my heart, I just knew that meant children from the enemy,” Jean Caceres- hearts of children through the power of running a home for children — most God’s love. Since 1988, His House has Gonzalez (83) understands the enemies likely in a foreign country,” Caceres- served hundreds of Florida children, Gonzales says. A natural conclusion for too many innocent children must face: while Jean and her husband, Mario, the trilingual (English, Spanish, and have raised their own three: Jordan, 9, empty houses, drug-addicted parents, Portuguese) Cuban-American with a Julianne, 8, and James, 3. hungry bellies, and scared hearts. love for other cultures.

12 | Excellence | Summer 2003 | http://alumniweb.oru.edu But God had slightly different plans. needed a house. God provided, she “It’s so hard to turn children away,” He told her that her mission field says. A woman and her husband Caceres-Gonzalez says. “There is no would not be overseas, but in her own donated the use of a 2,300-square-foot waiting list for abandoned children; backyard. She was surprised at first but building with five bathrooms — com- their needs are immediate. The more held strong to the calling. “Miami is a pletely free for three years. After the we grow, the more children we can place where, sadly, God’s voice is heard building came more donations and snatch from the enemy in the name of very small,” she says. “I knew it was His volunteers. the Lord. Then we help them find will that I develop my mission here.” One particular volunteer, a man adoptive and foster homes. It’s won- named Mario who was inspired by His derful to see them (children and adop- ‘Not just a good thing, a God thing’ House’s mission and intrigued by tive parents) fall in love with each Despite this knowledge, Caceres- Jean’s voice on the radio announcing other, and I still can’t believe that I am Gonzalez still wanted confirmation an open house, came to help out . . . a part of it all.” from the Lord. “I wanted a black-and- and ended up walking down the aisle, Although running His House is not white answer, no gray, no doubts what- in 1993. “I call him my lifetime volun- an easy thing, Caceres-Gonzalez has a soever,” she says. “I didn’t want to do teer,” Caceres-Gonzalez says of her firm foundation in the Lord, one that just a good thing; I wanted to do a God husband. “Just as the Lord brought us was only strengthened 20-plus years thing.” a building, He also brought us togeth- ago at Oral Roberts University. Earlier, when telling friends of her er at exactly the right time.” “You cannot be afraid in doing what vision, they had suggested she call it we do,” she says. “But I know that God “His House,” a name that stuck in her From 12 to 72 children . . . brought me to ORU to establish me, mind. But it wasn’t until a visit to and beyond to strengthen me so I could do His South Carolina that Caceres-Gonzalez work through this ministry. I am so Even before His House opened, got the irrefutable answer — a literal honored and blessed to be here, more the need for a “safe place” for children black-and-white sign — from the Lord. so every day.” ■ in difficult situations — newborns While driving around, hopelessly lost, born to drug-addicted women unable she spotted a billboard that said, “His to care for them, abused children House, a Christian Ministry.” waiting for the courts to determine Did You Know? “That was it!” she says. “That was their futures, to name just two com- the writing on the wall that I needed. • His House is the only agency of its kind in south mon situations — was apparent. We even took pictures!” Florida that accepts voluntary placement of “Before I even had the house, pastors Soon after Caceres-Gonzalez started babies and young children, and where parents in were bringing babies whose mothers to build the ministry in earnest in 1988, crisis choosing to accept these services do not were in rehab,” Caceres-Gonzalez unexpected blessings began to appear. relinquish legal rights to their children. says. In one instance, she needed an office Licensed and contracted by desk. Spotting the perfect one outside • His House is required to have one staff caregiver Florida’s Department of Children and of a house in a neighborhood known for every four children during waking hours. Families as a children’s home in 1993, for its drug problems, she bravely Seven workers and a house parent work to care His House moved into its new home knocked on the house’s door and asked for 12 children in one week. — one of 60 buildings on a campus for the desk. for developmentally disabled adults — “Two big guys — most likely drug • Donations of used clothing, furniture, and other three years later. Today, with 40 staff dealers — came out. Not only did they members and several more buildings, items, as well as financial contributions, are say yes, they carried the desk out to my His House expects to soon have room always welcome at His House. For more truck!” she says, laughing. for 76 children, up from 12 ten years information about how you can help, please call Not long after the desk incident, ago. As the adult programs are phased (305) 430-0085 or write to: His House, 20000 Caceres-Gonzalez left her “day job” out, they hope to eventually have all NW 47th Ave, Bldg. 6A, Opa Locka, FL 33055. and devoted herself to His House full- the buildings on the campus. Web site: www.hhch.org. time. Many people had already given her necessary supplies, but she still

e-mail: [email protected] | Summer 2003 | Excellence | 13 Adlan Cruz made some new friends in San Geronimo, Nigeria.

"It’s the last song we’ll ever write for Making the Ivories Coast you . . ." Well, no, we expect we’ll have By Laura B. Raphael When plain sunlight filters through a prism, its thousand lots more to say in the future about our rainbow colors are revealed — a beautiful transformation to behold. music alumni. So much talent, and so When Adlan Cruz (92), internationally acclaimed classical pianist and Christian artist (see www.adlanlive. few pages to give them their due. com), was a student at Oral Roberts University, he was that sunlight . . . and the university was the prism. And so, without further ado . . . “In my case, coming to ORU was an experience I definitely went through,” Cruz said in a recent phone House lights down, curtain up . . . interview from his native Puerto Rico during a rare rest between concert appearances. “I could not see what the now taking center stage, Adlan Cruz, Lord wanted from me at the time, but I knew that it would be revealed, and it was. The process [at ORU] was slow but Mark Delavan, and Griff Moore . . . firm, and once I graduated, I saw that I was meant to combine my music with ministry.”

14 | Excellence | Summer 2003 | http://alumniweb.oru.edu Not that Cruz didn’t shine brightly Cruz has also played around the He often refers to Proverbs 18:16, in the secular world long before he world as a soloist and been part of in particular when talking with other came to Oral Roberts University. By larger crusades with Billy Graham, students in music. the age of 21, he had enough musical Ron Kenoly, and Nicky Cruz. Today “I always tell students to work on accolades and experience to satisfy a he follows a whirlwind international their gifts, and it will help them in the musician three times his age. touring schedule, traveling and per- future. Always give your best, no mat- Officially beginning his career as a forming in places like Johannesburg, ter what. You never know when doors concert pianist at the tender age of 12, South Africa and Budapest, Hungary, will open because of it.” Cruz quickly racked up prestigious both as an individual performer and as prizes, guest appearances at numerous part of crusades. A Life at the Opera symphonies around the world, and Career highlights include co- albums — including his first, a compi- founding a bilingual school (“The By Debbie (Titus-77) George lation of religious music titled School of Tomorrow”) in Brazil, play- Instrument of Praise, at the age of 18. ing at the Royal Albert Hall in On the first day of rehearsals for “I really feel that God wanted me London (the British equivalent of his Metropolitan Opera debut, Mark to have this secular experience so I Carnegie Hall), and meeting Oral and Delavan (84) was on New York City’s could spread His word,” he said. “My Evelyn Roberts at a Ron Kenoly cru- West 65th Street, heading for Lincoln classical training opens a lot of doors sade. During that event, which hon- Center. “Every step of the walk got . . . So many places aren’t interested in ored the Robertses for their worldwide heavier,” he remembers of that January Christian artists, but they will invite ministry, Cruz told the audience about day two-and-a-half years ago. “The me because I am a concert pianist and the impact ORU had made on his life, terror was palpable.” have this classical background.” and then sang the ORU spirit song. Who wouldn’t be terrified at the Today, Cruz has expanded his Above all, Cruz respects the gift of thought of sharing a stage with musical vita to include the writing and music that God has given him. So Luciano Pavarotti? This man Delavan, performing of a movie soundtrack as much so, in fact, that he is relentless in however, is one who has been well as putting out several more his dedication to musical excellence. “I described as “a top-notch opera

At the New York City Opera, Delavan has played the title role in Verdi's Falstaff. He was Horace Tabor in Douglas Moore's The Ballad of Baby Doe and took the lead role in Verdi's Rigoletto and in Donizetti's Roberto Devereux. Photos by Carol Rosegg acclaimed albums, including Interludes know many people who are gifted but singer” by Time magazine, and as (recorded at the cutting-edge Kenneth aren’t talented. They have the gift, but “quickly becoming one of the most Copeland studios), Adlan Live, The they’re not developing it. You must be important baritones on the American Piano According to Adlan, and an album organized, disciplined, and above all, music scene” by the Washington Post. for the Latin market produced with pursue excellence — in doing so, you Then again, this is also a man who Ron Kenoly on the Integrity Music praise the Lord who has anointed you seemed bent on self-destruction just label. with the gift.” 10 years ago.

e-mail: [email protected] | Summer 2003 | Excellence | 15 It bothers the brutally honest It was definitely a turning point. The scrappy Delavan has compiled Delavan that some Christians try to “I worked the spiritual program,” an impressive résumé, with leading hide the temptations they’ve struggled Delavan says. “I had to get to know roles in Aida, Il Trovatore, Le Nozze di to overcome. He freely owns up to Jesus again. I had to get on my Figaro, Lucia di Lammermoor, Carmen, having a sharp tongue, and admits his knees. I said, ‘God, I’ve got to give Falstaff, La Traviata, Don Giovanni, past problem with sexual immorality everything up,’ [and] I gave up Otello, Rigoletto, Madama Butterfly, and ended his first marriage. opera. It was as though God said, many more. He is becoming a fixture “You open yourself to the world’s ‘I’ve been waiting a long time to at NYC Opera and has graced stages punishment,” he says about that time hear you say that.’” in numerous cities, including Chicago, in his life. “I was making $2,000 a year. Newly humbled, Delavan deter- San Francisco, Philadelphia, I had debts, I wasn’t eating right. I was mined to live up to the promise he’d Baltimore, Montreal — and, yes, even living in the back room of an office shown in the 1980s, when he was Tu l sa (Tosca, 2000), where he made his building in Newark, in exchange for selected for the San Francisco professional debut in 1983. His janitorial work. I didn’t care about Opera’s young artists training pro- European debut comes this year in God or anything. I was ready to kill gram, received an Adler Fellowship Edinborough, Scotland. myself.” Needless to say, his opera with the San Francisco Opera When asked which stage he longs career — something he’d craved since Center, and was a winner at the to play, Delavan surprises by saying, 1984 — was also floundering, thanks Luciano Pavarotti international voice “the Grand Ole Opry.” It turns out to a well-earned reputation for being competition. he’s a big fan of jazz and country difficult to work with. In 1993, Delavan was invited to music. “I think there’s some crossover Fortunately, he had a lifeline: work with Jerome Hines at his stuff in my future,” he muses. Mastermedia International of Opera Music Theatre International At the moment, though, Delavan California, a nonprofit organization in New Jersey. During a master class, admits that “there’s still a lot of that offers, among other services, per- he met director Frank Corsaro, who ground to cover. There are a lot of sonal counseling on issues of faith. had seen a tape of Delavan’s per- companies that still don’t know who I Delavan recalls one difficult phone call formance in the role of John the am.” Is he top-rung? “Not yet,” he to his counselor to confess another Baptist. He asked Delavan if he had allows. “Upper one-half percent. indiscretion. ever sung at the New York City There are maybe two baritones ahead Opera. Putting aside his usual “smart of me.” aleck” persona, Delavan gave a sim- The man with two bachelor’s ple “Yes” and thanked Corsaro for degrees, an inquisitive mind, and a for- offering to speak to NYC Opera on midable stage presence continues to “I’m disappointed for his behalf. A few weeks later, make peace with his past and to find Delavan’s agent called to tell him more meaning in his faith, in part you, not in you,” the that the company had offered him a through his church, New York’s year’s worth of work. “They said, Redeemer Presbyterian. man said. “I believe ‘What happened to Mark? He’s “I’m basically a sensitive guy,” changed.’ Not, ‘Who’s he studying Delavan concludes. Of course, “no guy God is faithful. I with?’” Delavan said. “God orches- that’s sensitive wants to admit it. But trated it.” I’m coming to . . . accept that. It As the career got back on track, makes me an artist.” believe this can be a so did his personal life. He met That sensitivity, combined with an pianist Karen Linstedt in 1998. They undeniable talent, is also what’s mak- launching pad for were married in 1999 and have two ing this artist a star. sons, Matthew and David. Delavan’s the greatest victory firstborn, Lucas, 13, inherited his For a schedule of Delavan’s upcoming father’s love of sports and has also performances, go to alumniweb.oru.edu. of your life.” performed on stage with him.

16 | Excellence | Summer 2003 http://alumniweb.oru.edu In the King’s Service By Laura B. Raphael

Griff Moore (78) is not interested in becoming a superstar. “I just want to be a servant to the Lord and to use my gift of music in a humble spirit,” he explained recently from his home in Orlando, Fla. “In the eternal perspective, that’s what really matters.” This fits his humble beginnings with music, and with God. Moore’s musically-minded mother signed up her 8-year-old son for piano lessons; he quit only two weeks later. Then, at the age of 11, he found the Lord, who in Moore has his priorities in order. Photo by Michael Cairns turn ignited in him a new interest in the music he had earlier ignored. Soon Moore was playing every Sunday at his church, which he contin- “It doesn’t matter if the people I’m he plays “4 Hands 1 Piano” arrange- ued until he came to Oral Roberts playing for are of different back- ments — both playing on the same University. Once there, he used his grounds, beliefs, or nationalities — or piano at the same time. (The first musical talents at laymen’s seminars, even know of my beliefs — because I album can be ordered through e-mail chapel services, and at University know that my talents come from the at [email protected]; the second is Village. He also worked as a tour guide Lord, and it glorifies Him when I use tentatively titled “4 Hands for Praise” at the Prayer Tower, an experience he those talents,” he said. and has not yet been recorded.) calls “a lasting treasure.” Although it has been a quarter of a After several years teaching in “The bottom line is that century since he was an ORU student, Brussels, Belgium, Moore returned to Moore still practices its lessons of Florida to serve as an instrumentalist at the spirit of God is with whole-person education and discipline. the Carpenter’s Home Church in Spiritually, he uses his music to Lakeland. He then added corporate me when I play, and that challenge and develop his faith. events to his repertoire, opening for Physically, he works out at least five acts such as Celine Dion, Bill Cosby, flows into the audience times a week and regularly follows a and former president George Bush. and renews them as well strict diet based on the books of Today, Moore is a successful inde- Genesis and Leviticus. And mentally, pendent instrumentalist just as com- as me, whether I’m play- he will soon finish a degree in comput- fortable performing at a business con- er network engineering. vention (Microsoft, Hardee’s, Ford, and ing hymns, light pop “Someone asked me recently, the American Heart Association are just ‘When will you stop being a student?’ a few of his many famous clients) as in tunes, or patriotic songs.” and I answered, ‘When will eternity a church service. He sees his multifac- begin?’” he laughed. “What I learned eted career as an example of Chancellor He released his first solo album, at ORU was the value of discipline and Oral Roberts’ charge to go into every Remember Your Dreams, in 1998, and is growth in all areas of my life — body, person’s world as a witness to the planning a second album with former mind, and spirit. ORU taught me to power and love of Jesus Christ. PTL artist Shirley Balmer, with whom always keep growing.” ■

e-mail: [email protected] | Summer 2003 | Excellence | 17 that’s entertainment? How one alumnus helps consumers maneuver around the muck. ? Photo by Mark Waters

Waliszewski reviews everything but the popcorn. It’s Friday night. The long-awaited, certain-to-be-a-box-office-smash is then there’s the fact that Junior’s been raving about a hot new band his buddies like. And tonight you just want to kick playing every 30 minutes at the local back with your spouse and some popcorn and watch TV. But Cineplex. Your oldest is begging to go how can you be sure before you and your children take in that movie, program, or pop disc that your eyes, ears, and hearts ’cause “all” his friends will be there. won’t be bombarded with messages that war against the values you’ve been teaching at home? Just where can you go for infor- Meanwhile, your daughter’s been mation you can trust before giving the green (or red) light? invited to a slumber party where Deciphering what’s in bounds and what’s out of bounds from a biblical perspective when it comes to entertainment is a daunt- some late-’90s romantic comedy is ing task. That’s where Bob Waliszewski (78) steps in. Waliszewski, who joined Focus on the Family nearly a dozen slated to be the big draw. years ago, believes God has called him to help parents, youth pastors, ministers, and teens wade through the messages and muck of pop culture. He serves as the manager of Focus’ Youth

18 | Excellence | Summer 2003 | http://alumniweb.oru.edu Culture department, the team respon- reviews much more thoughtful than the guys on my ORU wing playing Dungeons sible for producing the monthly enter- typical rock magazine review.” & Dragons will attest to this fact,” he tainment magazine, Plugged In. He Despite the criticism, Waliszewski admits. “I was the guy with the worst of also supervises the production of the finds Morello’s assessment encouraging. the worst playing on my turntable (yes, very popular entertainment-review “I know there will always be people back in the days of vinyl!) — I didn’t Web site, pluggedinmag.com. Perhaps that misunderstand what we do and think Jesus even cared that much about you’ve heard his voice on your local why we do it,” Waliszewski says. “So this area of my life.” He goes on to say it Christian radio station as he chats when we’re denounced, I want our crit- was a student in his youth group (he was about entertainment each week with ics to at least realize we’re being fair a youth pastor for seven-plus years) that Dr. Bill Maier on the ministry’s and honest. If mainstream rock stars helped him see otherwise. “I know what Weekend broadcast. Or perhaps you’ve come to this conclusion, those within it’s like to love Jesus with all my heart caught his 60-second movie minute on the church — our target audience — and yet fail to understand the power of your local Christian music station. are equally likely to see our work as negative media,” Waliszewski explains. something that can help equip their “With my background, I realize how but why a career analyzing families with well-balanced information easy it is to miss the challenge of entertainment? to make wise media choices." Proverbs 4:23 to above all things guard our hearts from the types of entertain- “Because I know it affects teens and Mark Kemp, a former music editor ment that glamorize things that Jesus preteens spiritually,” responds of Rolling Stone and former VP of music came to save us from. Waliszewski. He cites an example, editorial at MTV, e-mailed Waliszewski “When I was at ORU, all I knew was quoting from a letter a father wrote: and said, “[I] was absolutely bowled that I was supposed to take God’s word “My son is hooked on this degrading, over at the intelligent, open-minded yet to places where His word was heard offensive music. After 14 years of very focused nature of your music dimly,” explains Waliszewski. “Little did Christian schooling, church, and reviews. You listen, hear, and ponder I know that place would be the church, Sunday school, he is rejecting Jesus the records, which is something most challenging my brothers and sisters in and Christianity — please get the reviewers — Christian or secular — fail Christ to honor God with their media word out before children fall for this to do on even the most basic levels.” choices.” ■ God-insulting music.” Waliszewski considers remarks like this, However, not everyone thinks get- “from people who don’t consider them- *April 11, 2003 issue, by Steve Knopper. ting the word out is a good idea. Tom selves religious,” to be some of the most complimentary. To request a membership to Plugged In, call Focus on Morello, guitarist for the popular rock the Family at 1-800-A-FAMILY. For online reviews, visit band Audioslave and the now-defunct Media content was not always a con- pluggedinmag.com. Bob’s e-mail: [email protected]. liberal-activist group Rage Against the cern for Waliszewski, however. “The Machine, recently criticized Waliszewski, telling the Chicago Tribune*, “But to shut off the world of art to [Focus constituents’] children because it even bumps up against these broadly drawn, forbidden topics seems to me a more dangerous way to raise kids than to allow them to see the world for what it is and to give them moral guidance.” Still, even Morello manages praise: “I was expecting [the Plugged In magazine approach to music reviews] to be these kind of fire-and- brimstone condemnations of all things rock and rap. Instead, I found the Bob and his wife, Leesa (McClure-79), have two children, Kelsey, 15, and Trevor, 12. Photo by Beau Henderson

e-mail: [email protected] | Summer 2003 | Excellence | 19 BUILDING BRIDGES IN A Fractured World By Wayne Jacobsen (75) • Photos by Dr. Woody Norwood

This longtime pastor, writer, and Leadership Journal contributing editor explains how God is using him to mediate some of the most divisive issues of our day for public schools all over the United States.

My personal wake-up call came rhetoric of the so-called culture wars, almost a decade ago during a particu- and of wasting time and resources as larly fractious meeting between advocacy groups fought for control of Christian parents and local school offi- their districts, asked for my help. cials. The parents were concerned Through my organization, Bridge- about the possible use of a state test to Builders, I began helping people of identify Christian students who would faith and our public institutions find then be denied access to state universi- common ground. ties and to scholarships. Their fears proved unfounded, but Where’s the Common Ground? during the meeting, I was appalled as I realize the last 40 years have been the parents interrupted, ridiculed, and difficult for those with conservative mocked those who sought to help Christian values. The Judeo-Christian them. As the parent leaders stormed ethic used to be the common ground out of the meeting, they asked for my of basic morality in our society, until thoughts. “I guess we showed them!” the Supreme Court ruled in a number one of them trumpeted. of cases that using government institu- “Showed them what?” I asked. I tions to force Christian values on oth- pulled out a pocket Bible and read ers was a violation of the First Amendment. The ensuing transition them I Peter 3:15. “Always be pre- Jacobsen was the featured speaker at this launched a culture war as secular pared to give an answer to everyone year’s School of Education Homecoming who asks you to give the reason for the seminar. groups pushed for greater influence hope that you have. But do this with and conservative Christians tried to gentleness and respect . . . ” I asked them methods. If we alienate the audience take back their culture for God. if those public school officials felt they God’s asked us to touch, what good Of course we’d all love to live in a had been treated with gentleness and have we done? We can stand firm in society that mirrors our faith, requir- respect. To their credit, they realized our convictions without being obnox- ing the same morality for all that we how rude they had been and went back ious and rude. choose for ourselves. Historically, how- to apologize. That experience and others like it in ever, attempts by the state to enforce We all learned a valuable lesson that my own district opened some incredi- Christian beliefs have never proven night. As followers of Jesus, our agen- ble doors. Public school officials and fruitful — for the state or the church. da can never be divorced from our educators who were weary of the angry Jesus’ kingdom does not advance with a sword, but an invitation.

20 | Excellence | Summer 2003 http://alumniweb.oru.edu Roger Williams, the first governor of trict environment that is fair for all. put off by the deceitful tactics, anger, and Rhode Island and a colonial leader, rec- The training of BridgeBuilders helps arrogance of some religious advocates, I ognized this truth. Even though his educators identify five key components find they are not indifferent to our con- worldview was in synch with 99 percent of a common ground environment: cerns. One question posed by a teacher at of the people in his community, he 1. School officials are responsible for one of my common ground trainings spoke against laws that required unbe- protecting a common good larger expresses it well: “I am an atheist and I lievers to practice the dictates of his than their own personal views. teach science. Is there a way that I can be faith. He argued that using civil power 2. Build an environment that seeks to true to science’s answer for the origin of to compel others to religious practice be fair to all — respecting differences, life and not undermine the faith of my was “spiritual rape,” and it would never not trumping them. students who believe in creation?” The endear unbelievers to faith, but only 3. Educate students, not indoctrinate answer is yes, but the question itself alienate them from it. them into social, political, or religious expresses the kind of respect that will He was the first to use the language views that undermine the values of allow us to find the common ground. of separating the power of the church parents. I regularly walk into deeply divided and the state so that each person could rooms of angry people ready to fight for act, in matters of faith and morality, in their worldview and announce that we’ll the liberty of his or her conscience. Our be done when 90 percent of us agree on a founders drew from his language as they policy. Once people realize that’s not my wrote the Bill of Rights, and even opening joke, they begin to discover how though they couldn’t see applying those to respect their differences, not force rights to anyone who was not a white, their own way. I’ve never walked out of a Anglo-Saxon, male, Protestant room without overwhelming agreement landowner, the power of their ideals has and renewed respect for others. outlived their faulty application of them. Every day I’m amazed at how God makes himself known in fractured com- Bridging the Gap munities. I couldn’t begin to tell you the Who wants government to choose number of times I’ve walked out of com- Students and alumni crowded in to hear their faith? By helping school districts mon ground negotiations and been asked Jacobsen at Homecoming. and parents embrace this liberty of con- by attorneys, educators, parents, and science, we will find enough common 4. Cultivate an environment of mutual even AIDS-infected, gay rights advocates ground for us to work together for the respect, which does not require us to about my personal faith and how God common good, without compromising agree with each other but to treat oth- might touch them. our deepest convictions. I speak from ers as we want to be treated. Building bridges of mutual respect in a experience — as a Christian father 5. Resolve cultural conflicts by building conflicted world is a powerful way to go whose children attended public schools, broad-based consensus among all into every man’s world. As followers of and as someone who has made numer- stakeholders in the issue. the One who came not to be served, but ous presentations on this subject at state to serve, how can we do anything else but and national education conferences. Winning the Peace look for ways to serve the culture rather The Supreme Court has ruled that When I build the common ground in than demanding it serve us? ■ public schools can no longer prefer a secular setting, I use current court Wayne Jacobsen, president of BridgeBuilders Christianity over other religions, or interpretations of the First Amendment. (http://www.bridge-builders.org) and director of over no religion. They have also ruled When I do it for Christian audiences, I Lifestream Ministries (http://www.life that schools cannot disparage or dis- can build the same environment on the stream.org), is a nationally recognized specialist criminate against the faith and values of teachings and example of Jesus, who in dealing with religious and cultural conflicts. never compelled anyone to follow Him. His articles and books on spiritual intimacy and students. In a genuine environment of relational community include The Naked Church, religious neutrality there will be room By extending that same liberty to our fel- In My Father’s Vineyard, and He Loves Me. His enough for all. Unfortunately, many low citizens we’ll be able to work with newest book, Authentic Relationships: Discovering educators don’t understand how to them in ways that preserve our convic- the Lost Art of One Anothering, due out this sum- apply these laws in a way that can dis- tions without alienating our audience. mer, was co-written with his brother Clay (78). Wayne lives in Oxnard, Calif., with his wife of 28 Though secular educators are often arm the controversy and provide a dis- years, Sara (Fought-75).

e-mail: [email protected] Summer 2003 | Excellence | 21 HEAD OF THE CLASS

Lessons in Leadership First, seize the moment . . . By Jessica Allen (03)

They may not be superheroes — faster than a speeding “As I poured myself into ORU, I found that it poured itself back into bullet, stronger than a dozen mortal men, and able to leap tall me,” Davis shared. “My desire was to buildings in a single bound — but Sara Grace Turner and take some of my own heart and pas- sions and what I learned last summer, Selah Davis are wonder women in their own right. and bring it back to ORU.” According to Turner, working for EQUIP “was more of a mentorship ike many ORU students week, or after graduation — it begins than an internship,” and while she Tu r n er and Davis were right now. Over the past four years and Davis entered their positions heavily involved, balancing both have applied this truth by utiliz- with a desire to be mentored, they school, extracurricular ing every opportunity to take in, and concluded the experience with the activities, work, relation- by maximizing every opportunity to L give back. desire to mentor others. Last fall ships, and a host of other obligations each led women's mentorship groups while still maintaining more than an “A lot of my heart was, ‘Lord, let with the goal of helping other stu- ounce of sanity (and hopefully, more me be faithful with what you've given dents, especially young women, than an hour of sleep). But unlike me and use it for your glory,’” Turner understand who they are in Christ. many of their peers, these two young said of her senior-year resolution. “I “I love spending time with people ladies have realized that life for them felt like I’ve been given so much . . . and talking to them,” Davis said. “I does not begin tomorrow, or next how can I now give that back?” Davis approached her final year love above all to listen to people's with the same mentality. Last summer passions, and help them discover both she and Turner had the opportu- what they are.” nity to intern with Drs. John Maxwell Passionate is one word that both and Tim Elmore (83) at Tu rner and Davis use to describe EQUIP, an Atlanta- themselves. In fact, it was their pas- based organiza- sion to exhort others that inspired tion founded by them to organize the Ignite Maxwell that Leadership Conference at the end of specializes in January. More than 550 students reg- leadership istered for the two-day event — the training and first student-organized, student-pro- development. moted leadership initiative of its kind. “God just gave us this idea and it snowballed from there,” Davis said. “This whole thing was supernatural favor.” Tu r n er and Davis were over- whelmed by the positive response among students and administration.

22 | Excellence | Summer 2003 | http://alumniweb.oru.edu “The outcome completely superseded our vision,” Turner said. “Students kept coming up to me and sharing the dreams that were sparked and the passions that were stirred . . . When Selah and I were planning [Ignite], we said that if one person’s life is

touched and changed, Photo by Chris Dingess it is worth all of this.” Turner (left) and Davis on stage at Ignite.

invest in others. It’s not that compli- Psalm 37:4, which she says has been Shortly after Ignite ended, Turner cated. It’s just a matter of plugging the key to her success: Delight your- and Davis began mentoring a group of yourself in, and you’d be amazed to self in the Lord, and He will give you students to carry the torch for next see what happens . . . When we live a the desires of your heart. year’s Ignite conference. They hope life that is fully surrendered and yield- “Maximize and seize every that it will be an even greater success. ed to God, it is a life where it doesn’t moment to pursue God with every- After graduating with a degree in busi- make sense in our own words,” she thing, and trust Him,” Turner ness, Turner is spending the summer explained. “Step out now even if you emphasized. “He will guide your traveling, before returning to EQUIP don’t understand and it doesn’t make steps.” in the fall as their project coordinator. sense, and God will lead and guide She and Davis illustrate that fol- Davis, who received her degree in you.” lowing God and serving others is at public relations and advertising, Tu rner also advises the heart of true leadership. ■ intended to return home, and ulti- her peers to mately find a woman of God to men- remember tor her for one year. Tu r n er and Davis agree that their time at ORU was invaluable in build- ing their character. “I have been pol- ished, sharpened, and clarified,” Davis said. Her advice to other students is to see their time at ORU as time to grow. “Things in you will surface when you

Left: Davis and Turner are ready to take on the world. Photo by Ron Londen Right: It’s more than a conference; it’s a candy bar! Photo by Chris Dingess e-mail: [email protected] | Summer 2003 | Excellence | 23 ELI REPORT

Hall of Fame Continues to Grow

On Feb. 22, ORU welcomed back many of its Athletics Hall of Fame members — the men and women who really had the “body” part of that spirit-mind-body philosophy all figured out during their days on campus in the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. It was a night when “Titans” and “Golden Eagles” became one. Most of all, it was a night to recognize and thank Mark Acres, Sheera Sirola, and Haywoode Workman for giving us all those other days and nights to remember. Oh, how they played . . . .

‘An Incredible Journey’ By Debbie (Titus-77) George

“We’ve got Acres and Acres and Acres of talent…” That was the catch phrase used to promote Titan basketball in the early 1980s, and it was certainly true. There was Dick, the head coach, who compiled a 47- 34 career record after replacing Ken Hayes early in the 1982-83 season. There was Dick’s son Jeff, a for- ward who ranks seventh all-time among 1,000-point scorers. And then, of course, there was Dick’s middle son, Mark (01), the 6'10" center and undisputed team leader (1981-85) who was inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame on Feb. 22. When Acres left ORU he was drafted by Dallas, but he played in Europe for two years before launch- ing his NBA career . . . not with Dallas, but with the Boston Celtics, and with some legends named Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Dennis Johnson. “I enjoyed Boston the most,” says Acres of his two seasons in Beantown. (He also spent three years with Orlando and a short time with Houston, Chicago, and Washington.) “That was really special; it was basket- ball at its finest. We just moved the ball and passed and beat people with execution.” As a pro, however, Acres was hard pressed to repeat the success he’d achieved at the NCAA Division I level, when he led the Titans in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots during his four years.

Photo by John O’Connor (His blocked-shot record finally fell this spring, to The Hall of Fame’s Class of 2003: Sirola, Acres, and Workman.

24 | Excellence | Summer 2003 | http://alumniweb.oru.edu know that you weren’t wasting your I told them, every time I walked in the time completely,” he says. “It’s a gym, I thought I was going to win the tremendous honor.” Coming back to game.” Tu l s a , h e w a s also pleasantly surprised Reviewing the past twenty years, at the condition of the campus. “I have Acres allows that there are some things to say they’ve done a really nice job of he would have done differently, “but keeping everything up, especially the nothing really drastic. I can’t complain. gym.” Life’s been pretty good. It’s been an The years have been kind to Acres, incredible journey, and it’s good to too. He’s just a few pounds over his come back here to kind of where it all playing weight and still plays once a started.” week on a recreational team — with Basketball was Mark Acres’ past. his younger brother Matt, who was a It’s also his present, and appears to be Photo by John O’Connor ball boy at ORU. He says he misses his future as he teaches his son the The entire Acres family — the competition of pro ball. “Now it’s trade. Destiny is destiny, and No. 42 is Matt, Mark, Sandi, Dick, happy to accept that this is his. ■ and Jeff — returned for all about a good sweat,” he says, smil- Mark’s big night. ing. He also teaches physical educa- tion, coaches his nine-year-old son Kendrick Moore.) He Karl’s basketball team, and conducts Finding Middle Ground is number four on the summer basketball camps. Lacking just By Elissa K. Harvill career list for points a few credit hours, he took correspon- scored. The four-time dence courses and received his ORU One can see it in her eyes: Sheera All-American led diploma in 2001. He and his wife, Sirola (99) is decisive and determined. ORU to its only Veronique, also have a daughter, For the record-setting player and now Midwestern Collegiate Pauline, 12, and live in Conference regular-season head volleyball coach at ORU, volley- and tournament champi- ball is not just her game, it’s her life’s onships in 1984, and has the calling. In February, she joined two distinction of being one of a other ORU superstars as an inductee in the ORU Athletics Hall of Fame. handful of ORU basketball Manhattan Beach, Calif. players who can list a trip to “I always wanted to play the NCAA Tournament on professionally,” Acres says of their résumé; ORU’s only his life’s goal, and the NBA other trip came in 1974. “was everything I expected Acres was named the MCC and more.” Although it Player of the Year in 1984 and was hard to end his scored 28 points in what turned career, he says he was out to be a first-round 92-83 loss tired of moving and to Memphis State at the NCAA ready to settle down. Tournament. He is the only mem- When he met with ber of ORU’s 2,000 points/1,000 the Golden Eagles in rebounds club, with 2,038/1,051. February, he says he Acres says he was surprised when told them to “stay he got the call about his Hall of Fame focused, stay togeth- Sirola (left) shares the spotlight with Rhonda selection. “Any time you get honored er, make the extra Penquite, ORU’s first female All-American. for a job you did for four years, you pass, and play hard. Photo by John O’Connor

#42 Mark Acres, as a 1983 Titan.

e-mail: [email protected] | Summer 2003 | Excellence | 25 ELI REPORT

Sirola says she “didn’t speak a lick ‘Best Sport in America’ of English” when she came to ORU: “The first three months were very dif- By Jessica Allen (03) A native ficult; I wanted so badly to communi- Croatian, Sirola cate, but I couldn’t . . . and then after a Everyone knows the statistics. Out arrived at ORU in few months it just started to flow out.” of thousands of little boys who pick up 1994 in the midst Sirola’s family is still in Croatia; her a basketball with dreams of superstar- of Croatia’s mother manages an accounting firm, dom, only handfuls will actually make struggle for and her father has a restaurant there. it to the draft. Fewer still will enjoy independ- She has no family here in the United lengthy careers in the NBA. ence from States but has made many lifelong Haywoode Workman was one of Serbia. friends. As for returning to Croatia, the fortunate few. In recognition of his God, she other than to visit family, she admits, achievements as a professional and on says, brought “I’ve never wanted to go back! the Mabee Center court, he was her to Tulsa with the “I’ve grown spiritually since I’ve inducted into ORU’s Athletics Hall of help of Tamara Lesic been here,” Sirola shares. “I came to Fame on Feb. 22. (99) and Ksenija ORU as . . . nothing — as a communist. Like most success stories, Kulger (99), two Going to classes [at ORU] and chapel Workman’s has a humble beginning. Croatian friends and changed me. I first decided that I Perhaps that’s why he’s so well volleyball teammates. wanted to be a Christian after my acquainted with a little thing called Wowing everyone with her sophomore year.” Sirola was only eligi- perseverance. As an only child raised 60-miles-per-hour jump ble to play volleyball for two years at in Charlotte, N.C., he likely spent serve, no one had ever seen ORU; after her playing career in 1995, countless hours on makeshift courts anything like her. To this day, she was offered an opportunity to play and in high school gymnasiums, wear- she is ORU’s all-time leader in in California. “This guy called me to ing holes into his shoes and etching service aces. As a player, she led confirm my flights there, and I just palm prints into his basketball. A self- the Golden Eagles to the Elite hung up on him. My friends said, ‘Why Eight in the 1995 NCAA did you hang up on him?!’ and I said that tournament. God had me here for a purpose — to So why volleyball? Sirola help the volleyball team and maybe Sheera Sirola had a great coach in the sixth become a coach. The guy called me grade. He encouraged her and helped back and I said ‘No.’” convince her that volleyball was her ORU has provided Sirola a place to way to go. Encouragement was scarce realize her dream. As the new head in communist Croatia. Sirola says, coach, she says, “I want to bring the “Where I come from you’re on your team where I’ve been, and even further own unless you have special connec- than that.” Her proudest moment as an tions. And at school, they don’t care, assistant coach was “winning our first you either pass or fail, and if you fail, Mid-Continent Conference champi- you just keep trying by yourself until onship (in 1998) — we’ve won it every you pass. At ORU, the teachers work year since!” with you and want to see you succeed Sirola has found God at ORU and — they actually want to help if you are is now living the dream she had as a struggling and are interested in you sixth-grader. She says: “I know I’m in and will offer tutors and all sorts of the right place; I’m right in the middle help. Academically, ORU is the of God’s will for me.” ■ greatest school ever.”

26 | Excellence | Summer 2003 | http://alumniweb.oru.edu described “sports fanatic,” Workman then-assistant coach Dave Prichard the NBA, including a torn ACL (ante- achieved All-State status in high school went to high school with Workman. rior cruciate ligament) in his knee dur- for basketball, football, and track Prichard told Workman about ORU ing the1996-97 season that almost before zeroing in on basketball his first and recruited the guard. sidelined him permanently. Workman year of college at Winston-Salem “I came to Oral Roberts with the was in his prime, having led the State. intention of playing basketball and fin- Indiana Pacers to the Eastern He transferred to ORU in 1986, ishing school. My opportunities to be Conference Finals in 1994. According played three seasons, and was drafted seen as a player were great. I to Workman, his four years in Indiana by the Atlanta Hawks in 1989. While appreciate this school for were the highlight of his NBA career. at ORU Workman was sixth in scoring making me have respon- “[Indiana] is where everyone with 1,506 points, averaging 17.7 per sibility. It ended up remembers me, and I succeeded as a game. He still holds the ORU record being the best thing for player the most,” Workman said. for steals with 250. me,” Workman said. Although he played for several Some might say Workman was Although Workman left years after the injury, surgery could lucky . . . and if luck is nothing more ORU nearly 35 hours never restore Workman’s knee to its than preparation meeting opportunity, shy of completing his original condition. they are right. Others, including telecommunications Now 37, Workman has Workman himself, recognize that he degree, he still plans to returned to the CBA as a ref- owes much of his success to divine obtain his diploma. eree, which has allowed him favor. After he was drafted, to remain involved with what “I grew up around the church, so I Workman played in the he describes as “the best had a whole lot of church in me [when Continental Basketball sport in America.” He is I came to ORU]. I believed in God. I Association for the Topeka married with two sons think He had a lot to do with me being Sizzlers before joining (ages 2 and 3), and here,” Workman said. The son of Atlanta. He went on to play resides in Tampa, Fla. for the Washington Bullets “I appreciate the game (1990-91), the Indiana a lot more,” Workman says Pacers (1993-98), the of his officiating experience. Milwaukee Bucks, and the He eventually hopes to be a To ronto Raptors (1998- referee for the NBA, though 2000). Workman also he would not turn down an spent some time overseas opportunity to coach. playing for an Italian bas- For Workman, his induc- ketball league (1991-93). tion into the Hall of Fame was “I’m an overachiever. I an unexpected surprise. “You came from nothing, got think you’re overlooked and to college, and ended up unappreciated,” he admitted. making it . . . not until “Coming to Oral Roberts senior year did I think I’d allowed me to get where I am. have a chance to make it It was a stepping stone. to the NBA,” he said. Now it’s like, ‘they did In addition to overcom- appreciate me.’” ■ ing staggering odds, he overcame even more Workman was happiest staggering injuries in the with the Indiana Pacers. eight seasons he played in Workman laughs with a young fan. Photo by Frank McGrath/Pacers Sports & Entertainment

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1970s years, Sarah, 17, and Ben, 13. McGlinchey Ave, Meridian, ID For more details on their adven- She would love to hear from old 83642 or brenda@ tures or just to catch up, e-mail ORU friends. Write to her at capitalchristian.com. Nancy at stevreyn@ 1525 Old Stage Rd, Colorado peoplepc.com. Springs, CO 80906 or Jayne Wiseman (81) Perry [email protected]. writes, “I stayed in the Tulsa area and married a wonderful man. 1980s We love to travel and have enjoyed seeing much of this beautiful world God created. We recently moved out to 20 acres of Debra Krapf (73) and George raw, wooded land about 30 miles (77) Pattee have two sons, south of Tulsa. I am now a novice Joshua and George, who are in gardener and full-time snake and Ann Shurts (81) Tatlock and their early 20s. Debra integrates scorpion hunter. The Lord has husband Bob Blank traveled to literature, writing, and theology blessed me beyond what I had China in February 1998 and into the 10th-grade humanities hoped (although I could do with- brought home their daughter, class that she teaches, History of out the snakes and scorpions). I Laura Jane. Ann went on from Middle Ages 500-1600 A.D. She Neal Bratschun (81) and wife have had some success in recon- ORU to earn an MA in commu- received a master’s of theology Donna, married since 1979, have necting with many friends from nications from Wheaton College from St. Mary’s Ecumenical three children: Rebecca (ORU ORU days (1978-81). Still look- and spent half a dozen years as Institute in Baltimore in 1995. student), Michael, and Sarah. ing for some of you. So, if you a writer and editor for Billy Write to her at 10 Campton Ct, Neal is working in Kabul, remember me, give me a holler Graham’s magazine, Decision. In Baltimore, MD 21236 or Afghanistan, as the diplomatic thru email!!” the past 10 years, she has writ- [email protected]. assistant to Dr. Yusuf Nuristani, [email protected] ten three novels, published by Minister of the Afghanistan Bethany House. The most recent Bruce Watrous (77;81-MBS) Environment, Irrigation and Nancy Ayres (81) Reynolds one is All the Way Home. Her missed Homecoming for the first Water Resources. He handles continues to work part-time in fourth novel was scheduled to time in several years. He writes, English communications with pediatrics at the local hospital, come out in June. Reach Ann at “I had a good excuse as my wife foreign governments and donor attends Mom’s in Touch prayer 2551 N Wheeler, Roseville, MN [Colleen] was due at that time. agencies who are helping to group, and volunteers at church, 55113 or at anntatlock@ Our prayers were answered on rebuild the Afghanistan govern- school, and the homeschool yahoo.com. Feb. 12.” Nathaniel Phillip joined ment ministry through creating coop. She and husband Steve his four brothers, Matthew, Jon, administrative systems and train- have three children: Jessica, Attention, Ernst & Andrew, and Patrick. Bruce has ing staff. Friends, write to 8302 Stephanie, and Timothy. In June worked in the North Shore of S 85th East Ave, Tulsa, OK 2002, they took their first “mega- Young alumni! Boston for 13 years. He would 74133 or [email protected]. road trip.” Traveling nearly 5,000 Ernst & Young has openings nationwide in the audit, tax, and be thrilled to hear from New miles, their stops included the technology practices. If you refer Birth or the Flock or other 1977 Brenda Kruse (81) works at the Redwood Forest, San Francisco, a candidate who is subsequently grads. Write to Bruce at 18 church she attends, Capital Disneyland, Phoenix, Abilene, hired by E&Y, E&Y will donate Piper’s Glen, Andover, MA 01880 Christian Center, as the assistant Tex., Tulsa, Okla., and $1,000 in your name to ORU. To or [email protected]. to one of the elders. She would Yellowstone National Park. The find out more, go to www.alum- ni.ey.com. If you aren’t an E&Y love to hear from gals from 4 entire Reynolds family also par- Debbie Bromwell (78) alumnus, but want to see if you Green and 3 Blue who remember ticipated in The Great Northwest would be right for an open posi- Norwood has relocated with her her. Drop Brenda a line at 702 Passion Play, Jesus of Nazareth. tion, go to www.ey.com. family: Mike, husband of 18

28 | Excellence | Summer 2003 | http://alumniweb.oru.edu Bob (83) and Gioia (86) Widly Merle Bland Pendleton (86) Diego, CA 92103 or via e-mail Mihuc have been missionaries and husband Deryl still live in at [email protected]. in Ireland since January of 1988. Fuquay-Varina, N.C., in the They have three children: Ryan, Raleigh and Fayetteville area. Linda Hess (87) Kracht and born in Tulsa, and Ashley and She wrote, “We are making a husband Scott are still home- Austin, both born in Ireland. In move for full-time ministry. Deryl schooling their two children in 2005, they plan to be back in has been licensed through his beautiful Colorado Springs. John Taylor (81) is as busy as Tulsa for one year. You can reach home church . . . and is currently Linda loves planning field trips ever with Literacy & Evangelism them at 93 Rathdown Park, working on his first CD. (Can for a homeschool support group. Internation (LEI). In November, Greystones, Co Wicklow Ireland you remember when he couldn’t She still helps direct the chil- he attended a major missions or [email protected]. sing at all?) Well, God is good." dren’s ministry for fast-growing conference in Atlanta. Wife Kathy Their new e-mail address is Rocky Mountain Calvary Chapel. received her professional child- Bob (85;90-MA) and Cheryl [email protected]. She loves reading about all ORU birth support certification in Swanson Bryant (86;90-MA) alumni. Write to her at January 2002 and attended a live in Fort Worth, Tex. Bob is [email protected]. training workshop in Dallas to the children’s pastor at become a childbirth educator, University Park Church, and Kevin Cooney (88) continues but family continues to be her Cheryl is a reading recovery to teach as a faculty associate at main job as she homeschools teacher for Fort Worth Public Arizona State University half- their three younger children: Schools. She is also working on time. His book, Japan’s Foreign Lydia, 12, Emily, 10, and Grace, a reading recovery certification Policy Maturation: A Quest for 9. Son Jason has been trans- with Texas Woman’s University. Normalcy, came out in July ferred to Washington, D.C., to They have two children, Charles 2002 and is selling well. work at the Pentagon. Older and Sarah Joy. Charles “is very Interested parties can find it daughters Stacy and Laurel and smart, takes piano (like his dad), online or wait until later this year sons Johnny and Neeraj are in and is involved in Junior Bible for a paperback edition. He is various stages of college. Quiz.” Drop them a note at 3309 also a regular half-time faculty Reconnect with John by writing Creekwood Lane, Fort Worth, TX Jim Simmons (86) is living in member at Grand Canyon to him at Literacy & Evangelism 76123. San Diego, Calif., and serving as University. Wife Atsuko is still a International, 1800 S Jackson the director of community rela- tech writer for Inter-tel. They Ave, Tulsa, OK 74107. Dan (86) and Cindy Martin tions and special events for the have a son, Kian, and a daugh- (83) Lallo have been married for Fellowship of Christian Athletes ter, Aiyana. Write to Kevin at Terry Breunig (82) launched a 20 years. They have two young (FCA). This is the very first such [email protected]. new ministry Web site. He children, Katie and Joshua. Dan position for FCA — a campus writes, “I’m not sure where it’s is in banking, and Cindy is the and sports camps ministry utiliz- Nona Ballard (88;90-MA) going, how big it will get, or accountant for a three-doctor ing the influence of junior high, Faber writes, “We move so anything like that. I’m just trying office, Cary Skin Center in Cary, high school, and college athletes much that it’s nearly impossible to be obedient as I discern the N.C. Cindy writes, “I’d love to and coaches to share the gospel to keep up. My husband, Mark, Lord’s leading. The Lord is faith- hear from anyone who lived in of Jesus Christ. Jim would is a Middle East specialist in the ful. We’ll see what happens.” Claudius Roberts on 2 Green enjoy hearing from ORU alumni army, so he’s kept at a frantic Check out his new site, from 1979 to 1983. We miss living in the Southern California pace. We recently returned to www.wildbranchonline.org, or Tulsa!” Friends, write 5236 area, as well as his fellow mar- Monterey, Calif., from a tour in catch up with Terry by writing to Linwick Dr, Fuquay-Varina, NC keting majors and Granville Istanbul, Turkey. Now we are [email protected]. 27526 or [email protected]. College wingmates. Contact Jim preparing a return overseas to at 3951 Albatross St #8, San Morocco via schooling in D.C.

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Our three children think their life is normal, and we don’t tell them any different!” She and her family will be in California until October 2003. Contact her at [email protected].

Springfield, Mo. She is pursuing a master’s in counseling. She and her two children, Andrew and Jeremiah. Contact them at 411-E Graceanne, attend Nixa Assembly Woodview Square, Salisbury, of God in Nixa, Mo. Roselyn wel- Rhonda Rizzo (89) Webb MD 21804. comes all correspondence. Write recently wrote a book, Words her at 2037 N Fox Trot Ln, Nixa, Begin in Our Hearts: What God Ross McCordic (88) moved MO 65714 or [email protected]. Says about What We Say, which with wife Dawn to a limited was published by Moody access country in the Middle Publishers in Chicago. She East in order to study the Arabic spent the first phase of her pro- language. He writes, “Life can get fessional career in the computer pretty tedious when one’s whole and technology industry, from day is spent staring at odd- which she retired at age 35 to shaped alphabetic characters and pursue ministry. Since then, she memorizing long lists of vocabu- has been active in leading Bible We apologize to Carole lary words. Knowing this, God Veronica Stork (89) Kennedy studies, public speaking, and Sawitsky McCormick (90) has provided us with a few out- has returned to Germany, where writing. She realized that God and husband Jimmy for neglect- side distractions to keep up the she met her husband. They have had given her a heart to commu- ing to include this photo of their variety in our lives. A couple three young children: Katie, Laila, nicate His Word to women in all new baby, Ethan James, with examples of these are the mobile and Max. She wrote, "I spend my walks of life — single women, their writeup in the spring 2003 dental clinic for me and a Sri spare time (what spare time?) married women, divorced issue! Lankan women’s Bible study for leading praise and worship for the women, working women, moth- Dawn.” They are planning a Sunday Protestant service. I am ers. She is married to Jim Webb, three-month furlough in the U.S. also going to be the spiritual life and they have two young chil- this summer: a June 7 arrival and advisor for the women’s Bible dren, Jimmy and Scout. a mid-September departure. study group here. I have often Reconnect with Rhonda by writ- Attention: Nurses interested in a wondered where my music major ing to [email protected]. great missionary opportunity buddies have ended up. I’d love to should contact Dawn. To catch hear from any of my old chums. 1990s up with Ross or Dawn, write And please feel free to visit, too. [email protected]. I’m living in the land where we Jeff Fears (90) and wife Jill Hampton Creative, a Tulsa-based can all experience music history at had a baby on July 21, 2002. design agency started by Johnie Roselyn Epp (88) Parks is its finest.” Write to her at HHC His name is Zachary Edward. He Hampton (91), was honored in attending the Assemblies of God Engr Bde, Unit 27562 Box 1, APO, has two big sisters and one big February by the Tulsa Advertising Theological Seminary in AE 09139 USA or brother: Genevieve, Victoria, and Federation with 10 Addy Awards veronica.kennedy@ us.army.mil.

30 | Excellence | Summer 2003 | http://alumniweb.oru.edu for outstanding design work. beautiful wine country of Paso teaching! I’ve had many adven- Check out the Web site at Robles, Calif., with many ORU tures since my time at ORU. www.hampton-creative.com. alumni present. Shawn has since Friends, if you come into town be started his own computer net- sure to contact me, and we’ll get work consulting company called together!” lobsterh@ ITworkz at www.itworkz.net. hotmail.com. Shawn and Karen also celebrated the birth of their first child, Savannah Renee, on May 26, seven months to four years old. 2002. E-mail Shawn at We listen to our Veggie Tales [email protected] or write to music and think of the 1992-93 844 Bluebell Ct, Carlsbad, CA Braxton RAs every time we hear 92009. Junior Asparagus talk about Peter Snyder (92) has been Nova Scotia.” Husband Mark involved with international mis- (94) is running Able Restoration sions for more than 20 years. He Systems, a leather repair busi- Glenn (94) and Darlene and his family are living in China ness he started in Cincinnati Sester (94) Mehltretter have where he teaches. Drop him a four-and-a-half years ago. When two little girls, Elizabeth, 5, and note at [email protected]. he’s not wrestling with his three Ashley, 3. They have moved all boys and one princess, he enjoys over Cincinnati (five houses in hanging out at the Great seven years). Glenn still works American Ballpark watching the for his father-in-law, selling com- Cincinnati Reds play. Friends, mercial printing. He writes, “I write [email protected]. Renee Beltran (94) Gotcher have fond memories of my days and husband Kenny are still liv- at ORU, placing banners on A paper by Andy Herr (93) will ing in Colorado and have added buildings, sammies, pillow be printed in the journal Nature two members to their family fights, and general fun. I would as a full journal article. To see a since 2000, Audrey Grace and love to hear from friends.” Write summary of his primary research Claire Isabel. Kenny still works to them at 3045 Serena Way, and the text of his other publica- Kevin (93;02-MEd) and Nicole for Toray’s outdoor fabrics group, Middletown, OH 45044 or tions, visit his Web site, Holt (95) Bish were married in selling technical sports fabrics to [email protected]. www.its.calteck.edu/~herr July 1995 and have two little companies like Nike, Adidas, /research.html. girls, Sadie Nicole, 3, and Eddie Bauer, REI, etc. Renee is Sophie Roxanne, 1. Kevin is the finishing up her second stint as director of Development at ORU an editor at InfoWorld magazine, and is responsible for managing based in San Francisco. Drop her the development and estate plan- a note at renee_gotcher@ ning programs. Nicole is a nurse gotcher.net. at Saint Francis Hospital. Friends, write [email protected]. Heather Lobser (94) is teach- ing kindergarten through 8th- Chris (94) and Traci Ciganek Krista Portman (93) grade vocal music at Immanuel (94) Powers have procreated. Shawn Weebe (93) married Ferguson is “having fun with Christian Academy in Broken Chris writes, “Look out, ORU, in Karen Goldman on May 27, our four little ones, ranging from Arrow, Okla. She writes, “I love 18 years! Myrrh Curie Powers 2001. They were married in the

e-mail: [email protected] | Fall 2002 | Excellence | 31 LIFELONG LINKS

NotesFromAlumni was born Jan. 11, 2003, and our to my ‘good Aussie bloke,’ and Victoria is teaching 2nd Bridget Necaise (98) Burritt lives have been brighter ever Darren. We’ll be getting married grade. They’ve also participated is still the director of since.” They are in their ninth in September! God’s doing in various missions trips. He Development for In His Image. year of teaching at Christian incredible things in us both, and writes, “We have a new addition She is also a Creative Memories Fellowship School in Lakewood, we love Hillsong Church. I’m still to our family — Rico, the talking consultant on the side. Her hus- Colo. Chris coaches volleyball an ICU nurse and came here after dog. He doesn’t look like either of band, Jeff (98), is in his second and still plays quite a bit himself. working a couple years in us, though.” Drop them a line at year of law school and will grad- They would love to hear from Cyprus. Drop me a line.” [email protected]. uate next May. Jeff also serves their “ORU family, especially [email protected]. on the Alumni Board of Asylum alumni and volleyball Directors. Write to them at friends.” Contact them at 3351 S Tim Ashley (96) works for The [email protected]. Field St #124, Lakewood, CO Papers Incorporated, a publishing 80227 or [email protected]. company. He’s the sports editor Bridgett Sanders (98) Clark for one publication, covering has moved from Vancouver to mainly high school athletics for Marietta, Okla., just an hour one school, and a writer for two north of Dallas. She and her hus- weeklies that cover entire coun- band both work for her parents’ ties and one monthly paper for ministry, WhiteDove Ministries. senior citizens. He would love to Matt Rearden (97) married She writes, “We love it! I am also hear from the mass media majors Amanda Ballard (A) on Dec. excited to be back in the U.S. from the Class of ’96. To contact 14, 2002. She is a 3rd-grade and especially close to our him, write 2400 W Clinton St, Apt teacher and Matt is an attorney friends from Dallas. I still love 15, Goshen, IN 46526 or timash- with International Speedway being married to my irresistible [email protected]. Corporation. They are both best friend, Shanee. He is involved in youth ministry at absolutely everything I could Chris (95) and Jennifer Reggie Goodin (96) finished Calvary Christian Center ever dream of in a man. I would Edwards (95;02-MA) Miller his MBA at the University of (Ormond Beach) and serve in love to hear from friends from added to their family. Jackson Texas and passed the CPA exam. various church leadership roles. ORU…especially RED-mates Joseph arrived in February. In October 2002, he accepted the They’d love to hear from old (1995-98).” Jennifer graduated with honors controller position at Injoy, Inc., friends, especially the “guys from [email protected] with a master’s in public school John Maxwell’s organization. He DP (1993), Sonics (1994-97), or administration and is a 2nd-grade is also on the eight-member any business school and SA Elisa Gentry (98) is working in teacher at Victory Christian executive leadership team that friends.” Write them at 164 Gray ICU and loves being a nurse. In School. After this year, she plans leads the entire organization. Dove, Daytona Beach, FL 32119 August, she plans to start on a to be a full-time mom. Chris is a Reconnect with him by writing to or mrearden@ master’s degree. She writes, “I regional director for ORU, dealing 1615 Paces Commons Dr, iscmotorsports.com. am still doing a lot of short-term with fundraising and estate plan- Duluth, GA 30096 or missions trips and still have a ning for the ministry and the uni- [email protected]. Dan Wathen (97) is back in heart for full-time missions after versity. Drop them a line at Tulsa. (“I thought I would never school. Would love to hear from [email protected]. Toben (97) and Victoria say that….”) He’s the Oral some of you!!” Write to her at 25 Calderon (98) Blalock are still Roberts Television department Hampton Heights #2, Canton, Ashley Workman (95) writes, in the D.C. area. Toben spent the manager. Get in touch with him NC 28716 or egentryrn@ “[I] have been ‘down under’ for last few years running network by writing to 2448 E 81st St, hotmail.com. nearly two years now…absolute- operations for the Federal Suite 5801, Tulsa, OK 74137 or ly loving it. [I] just got engaged Communications Commission, [email protected].

32 | Excellence | Summer 2003 | http://alumniweb.oru.edu Reconnect with Lauren by writing ues to go on missions trips. Last practice medicine in northern to [email protected]. year, she and her family headed California. She writes, “I cannot up a trip to Trinidad, West Indies. begin to tell you how excited I Joe Peck (99) works for the Fox In August, she plans to take the am. I am learning so much affiliate in Colorado Springs, MCAT and apply to medical already.” Drop her a line at editing commercials, and snow- school later in the fall. She [email protected]. boards on the weekends. He writes, “I still sing and play the would like to hear from old keyboard, and I see God use my friends. Drop him a line at talents to edify and uplift His Jenni Spenner (99) O’Connor [email protected]. church. I am very happy and and husband Wade have been available to be God’s vessel wher- married since May 2002. After ever I go.” Reconnect with her by getting laid off, Jenni started her 2000s writing to stephen.marsha@ own company doing video edit- Michael Shead (00) finished strybio.com. ing. She writes, “Thanks to God, his master’s degree in Kansas and it’s doing well…I’m loving work- now works for Resurrection Life Georgianne Abdo (01) was ing from home. I am a part-time Church near Grand Rapids, Miss Rodeo USA in 2002. She Marsha (02) and Matthew (02) nanny for our friends’ baby, Mich., as a writer and photogra- writes, “I not only represented our Feske had a baby at the end of which is great practice. I’m also pher. He wrote to announce the nation’s classic heritage of rodeo 2002. Skyy-Lyn is six weeks old doing the interior decorating for second annual Men of God and in both the United States and in this photo. Matthew is working the owner of a furniture company Moriah wings alumni and friends Canada, but I was also able to be with CTX Mortgage and is in a out here. So, I’ve been really reunion retreat, which was sched- a living word of encouragement, position that “is a gift from God.” busy! [I] would love to hear from uled to be held at the Shead Farm hope, and love to children in They are attending a “little church any of my friends, classmates, in Kansas where traditional wing schools, the elderly in nursing (with big dreams).” brother wingers, etc.!” Drop her retreats have been held since homes, and the families that so a line at jennioconnor77@ 1995. Like the first retreat, the graciously hosted me in their Travis Loven (02) is a member yahoo.com. event was set for the Fourth of homes. I believe I made a differ- of the Class of 2006 at the July weekend. For a review, send ence in their lives. God bless and University of Houston College of an e-mail to michaelshead@ let freedom ‘rein’!” Optometry. yahoo.com. Associates Marsha Stephen (00) moved to Massachusetts in October 2002. Randy (R.J.) Lock and wife She is a research technician at Melissa were married in 1999, Stryker Biotech in Hopkinton, and were expecting their first Mass. She also tutors in math child in May 2003. He writes, “It and mentors teenage girls. She has taken a while, but I just need- Lauren Westgate (99) married writes, “Honestly, I didn’t expect ed to find the right woman to Dr. Robert Cruikshank on Jan. 9, to be in this role, but God saw tame me (for those of you 2003, “and life has been won- otherwise. I just decided to be Spice Barker (01) lives in SURFers out there who knew me, derful ever since. Once Rob has myself and let the girls see that Chandler, Ariz. She is a first-year you know that wasn’t an easy finished his residency training, they don’t need a guy to be student at the Southwest College task). I left on bad terms (kicked we have paid off our medical included in the ‘gang’ and that of Naturopathic Medicine. She out in ’86), and things just [school] debt and raised enough they can achieve that special rela- plans to graduate in three years seemed to spin out of control for support, we plan to head to the tionship with God.” She contin- as a naturopathic physician and a while. But thank Jesus, I found medical mission field.”

e-mail: [email protected] | Summer 2003 | Excellence | 33 LIFELONG LINKS

NotesFromAlumni

Melissa. If it weren’t for her, I announce the birth of their son, in the 9/11 tragedy, a Brad Corey Faculty might not be here today. She David Brent, Jr., on Sept. 13, Memorial Fund has been set up Gene Eland, the man who, in changed my life and brought me 2002. Rachel can be reached at for 9/11 families. the words of ORU president back to earth. And now I’m pro- [email protected] or Richard Roberts, “developed the creating! Go figure.” Write R.J. at 2648 E Admiral Blvd, Tulsa, OK Marie E. Gillett (1974-76), 46, ORU music department from [email protected]. 74110. ■ died on Jan. 10, 2003, in nothing,” died on April 21. He Albuquerque, N.M., after a was 81. “He was one of that elite Jack Lombardo and his family lengthy illness. Marie was work- Obituaries group,” Roberts said, “that cast moved to Massachusetts in ing as an insurance agent for their lots with ORU [in the January. He is the children’s/ Alumni Classic Insurance. She was 1960s].” “The bottom line,” said youth pastor at Wesley United buried in Midland, Tex., next to Goodwin Scott died Aug. 7, longtime friend and prayer part- Methodist Church in Salem. He her father, John F. Gillett, M.D. 2002, in Tulsa. He graduated ner Dr. William Jernigan, is that would love to get in touch with She is survived by her brothers, from ORU just three months ear- “Gene was God’s man. He was any alumni in his area. Write him David, Steven, and Sam, her sis- lier with a master of divinity committed to the success of this at 86 Elm St, Danvers, MA 01923 ter, Lisa, and her mother and degree. He was 79 years old. university. He hated to retire. or [email protected]. stepfather, Hazel Louise and Jim Even after he did so, he would Smith. Correspondence regard- still show up at faculty meetings Lee Ann Hessman Powers is ing Marie should be sent to her and events.” Eland, said Larry the wife of an engineer. They brother David at bigdog_md@ Dalton (69), “is one of two peo- have two boys in their early yahoo.com or her sister-in-law ple I considered a musical father, teens. She is active in Walk to Tracy at [email protected]. ■ the other being Ralph Emmaus and works part-time. Nancy Egelston (81) Bandfield paid her a visit in April. “[We] hadn’t seen each other in 26 years!! It was SO GREAT!! Even though we’re so different now than when we were Brad Corey (86) died April 15, teenagers, we just seemed to pick 2003, in a motorcycle accident. up where we left off. [I] hope He was born Jan. 21, 1964. As sometime to see more of you.” an ORU student, Brad served as a Catch up with her by writing to chaplain and was involved in the [email protected]. skateboard ministry. He earned his MBA at ORU and met his wife, Elizabeth (Tucker-86), here. At the time of his death, he was the chief financial officer at Man Financial Group in Chicago. He was also active in the Willow Creek Community Church, where he served in the children’s min- istry. Brad is survived by his wife and their three children: Rachael, Rachel Epp Winters and hus- 9, Meghan, 6, and Douglas, 2. band David would like to Because Brad lost many friends Gene Eland in 1994.

34 | Excellence | Summer 2003 | http://alumniweb.oru.edu Carmichael. He talked to me and Scholarship; ORU made the first are being accepted for the creation Terry Law (69) before we gradu- $10,000 gift. Contact the music of the Dr. Byron McKissack ated about forming a ministry department for details. Christian Education Research and team. That became Living Sound. Conference Room. The McKissack There’s no way anyone can meas- Dr. Byron McKissack died of a family has donated his books and ure the influence he had on so heart attack at the ORU School of educational materials to establish many lives. Those of us who knew Education offices on April 29, this memorial project. him for 35 years are indeed a priv- 2003, at the age of 66. He was a Contributions may be sent to the ileged class.” Eland earned his professor of education, coordina- ORU School of Education, and bachelor’s and master’s degrees tor of Christian school education, directed to the Dr. Byron after serving in the U.S. Army dur- and director of the ORU School McKissack Memorial Fund. ■ ing World War II as a member of of Education Summer Institute. Dr. Byron McKissack Dr. McKissack earned his bache- the 99th Infantry Band. He If you have news to share received an honorary doctorate lor of science from the University Victory Christian Center in Tulsa, concerning the death of a of Florida, his master of science McKissack was also a member of fellow alumnus, please be sure from ORU in 1989. Eland is sur- to send us the person’s full vived by his wife, Peggy; four chil- from Florida State University, his Phi Beta Kappa and served as name, year(s) of graduation/ master of divinity and doctor of church organist for more than 20 attendance at ORU, date of dren — Dave, Linda, Don, Nancy death, his/her activities at ORU, — and their spouses; fourteen ministry from Luther Rice years. He is survived by his wife, and any other information you Seminary, and his doctor of edu- Jan; their adult children, Scott, would like us to include in an grandchildren, and 5 great-grand- obituary. E-mail to us at children. The family has set up the cation from Oklahoma State Todd, Jeff, and Rosemerry; and [email protected]. Gene Eland Music Memorial University. An active member of four grandchildren. Contributions They’re On Their Way!

Our Oral Roberts University Alumni Directory project is nearing completion . . . meaning that the directories will be shipped soon.

This comprehensive new volume is a compilation of the most current data available on nearly 20,000 ORU alumni. Information was obtained from questionnaire mailings, telephone verifi- cation, and/or from alumni records. Now the distribution of this impressive edition will begin.

The directories are scheduled to be released during the third week of July. All alumni who reserved a copy of the directory during the verification phase of the project should receive their copies by mid-August. If you have a question on your order, or if you wish to place an order, please contact our publisher directly at the following address:

Customer Service Department Bernard C. Harris Publishing Co., Inc. 6315 North Center Drive Norfolk, VA 23502 Phone: 1-800-877-6554

e-mail: [email protected] | Summer 2003 | Excellence | 35 Next year, remember this date . . .

July 1, 2004 — Deadline for 2005 Alumnus of the Year Awards

It’s sad, but true — if you wanted to nominate someone for the 2004 ORU Alumnus of the Year awards, you’re too late! But don’t fret, pet . . . the 2005 AOY awards are wide open, and you have oodles of hours to nominate ORU alumni for their service to God, the community, and our alma mater. To submit your nominations or to read more about the awards, just go to alumniweb.oru.edu.

Questions? Call Alumni Relations at 918/495-6610. Hop to it! Submit your 2005 AOY nominations TODAY!

ORU Alumni Foundation, Inc. Non-Profit Org. Oral Roberts University U.S. Postage P. O. Box 702333 PAID Tu lsa, OK 74170 Tu l sa, OK Permit No. 777