Brown Bulletin

Alumni and Awana Clubs: Dedicated to Children’s Ministry

Cole Breaks National Basketball Records

Summer 2006 a publication for alumni & friends of JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY Brown Bulletin letter from the Summer 2006 Editor Andrea Phillips

Contributing Writers Lindsay Larsen JBU enjoys award season 5 Alumni and Awana minister to children 9 Record-breaker Brandon Cole 18 president Andrea Phillips

Lead Designer Andrea Phillips

Dear Alumni and Friends of JBU, Design Assistance Allen Dempsey Amanda Babcock Greetings. We have just finished graduating a record number of students here features at JBU, and it is deeply satisfying to watch faculty, staff, students, and families come Production Assistance Christine Mescher 9 More Than Just Child’s Play together to celebrate during graduation ceremonies. We have added a baccalaureate Alumnus Larry Fowler is leading Awana Clubs International efforts to reach worship service on Friday evening for the traditional undergraduates and their families, Proofreaders Cheryl Kester children around the world. Sharon Smith by Melody Miller and at this service, I spoke to them from Isaiah 40:28-31. I wanted to use this final time of worship in the Cathedral to remind them of some of God’s attributes. Photographers Mark Jackson 18 Sharp Shooter We have a God of the long view. He accomplishes His purposes over the long Cade Truitt JBU senior Brandon Cole is not only a model student and athlete, but has also haul. He measures results over a lifetime, not over a semester or even over four years. broken several national college basketball records. He sees the trajectory of our lives, and He understands how hardship, success, and Printer Magna IV Printing by Dustin Tracy challenge fit into that trajectory. We have a God who does not grow tired or weary. We grow tired and weary from the strain of life. However, we serve a God that is with us in our weariness because The Brown Bulletin is the official publication of John He neither slumbers nor sleeps. He restores, sustains, and renews us through even the Brown University. It is published at 2000 West Uni- most difficult of circumstances. versity Street, Siloam Springs, Arkansas 72761. We have a God whose understanding we can never fully fathom. God’s mind departments is not our mind, and that truth is difficult to accept when confronted with life’s suffering. To submit story ideas, photos, feedback: 5 JBU in Focus We want to understand God’s mind about the stillborn child, the AIDS victims in Africa, Andrea Phillips the tsunami in Asia, the divorce of our parents, or the rejection of our friends. But the Director of University Communications 8 Chaplain’s Corner by Tracy Balzer prophet rightly reminds us that we will never fully probe the mind of God, that we will [email protected] never fully have His perspective. We must trust now and understand later. 15 Perspectives On ... I ended my baccalaureate message by reading a note that I had received from “Nurturing Spirituality in our Children and Grandchildren” Alumni information: a student the week before. He writes: “When I came to JBU I was a person that had by Holly Catterton Allen Jerry Rollene my life compartmentalized; in one box I had my Christian ideals, and in another box Director of Alumni and Parent Relations I had the way I actually lived my life. Over the years here I started to meet students, 16 $10 Million Challenge Update [email protected] professors, speakers, and others who were unlike most of the Christians that I had 17 Student Journal “A Girl Named Norma” known before; their Christian walk was personal, and their faith was actually tangible. Admissions information: ... Eventually, it made me turn back to the Bible. I turned to God, and He started to 888-JBU-INFO 21 JBU Advancement redefine my faith. ... I came in as a wounded soul, and I am leaving here as a person Corporate and Family Foundations Support JBU [email protected] solidified in Christ, weak in my own nature but strengthened beyond my limitations by by April L. Moreton God’s presence. Thank you.” www.jbu.edu/admissions Notes such as this one remind me of the good work being done by so many 22 Stories from the Road by Eric Greenhaw here at JBU. The rest of this Brown Bulletin has other reminders of that good work. I trust To submit alumni news and photos: 23 Alumni News that you will be as encouraged as I have been in reading these stories and recognizing [email protected] that God continues to be at work through John Brown University. www.jbu.edu/alumni/magazine/index.asp 35 Flashback JBU Star Athletes

God-speed, For information about giving to JBU: c ov e r p h oto Mark Jackson ’90 www.jbu.edu/giving or (800) 446-2450 p i c t u r e d Alex Larsen, son of Lindsay (Dikes) Larsen ’03 John Brown University provides Christ-centered education that Dr. Charles W. Pollard prepares people to honor God and serve others by developing their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. jbu in focus

Walker Gift Adds $1 Million to as community involvement. This is KLRC’s third Station of Endowed Scholarship Funds the Year award in the past five years. Sean Sawatzky ’96, station manager, attributes the station’s success to its focus In January, the Willard & Pat Walker Charitable Founda- on community involvement. Letters tion, Inc. pledged $500,000 to JBU’s endowed scholarship “If we aren’t serving the people who listen to our sta- fund to benefit students in the biblical studies division. Be- tion, we are no different than a CD player, iPods, or satellite Appreciation for Katrina Help cause the Walker Foundation gift qualified for JBU’s $10 radio,” he said. “Christian radio is a partnership—a relation- Million Challenge campaign, it was matched with $500,000 ship, and we must never lose sight of this.” My name is Diane Phillips, and I live in St. Bernard Parish, classes and every day living at JBU! (Thanks, Dr. Copeland and from an anonymous donor to create a $1 million endow- In the past year, KLRC experienced record growth as Louisiana. Week before last, we noticed buses from JBU in the everybody.) ment. This Walker endowment fund will provide significant it became one of the top stations in area. I wanted to take just a second of your time to express our • International marketing: Working for such a global company, scholarships to 15 to 20 students each year beginning in the Northwest Arkansas with 50,000 lis- appreciation to the students of JBU for their time and selfless effort I better know how to interpret and understand international fall 2006 semester. teners. on behalf of the people of St. Bernard Parish. issues affecting our business. (Thanks, Mr. King.) “JBU is deeply grateful to the Walker Foundation for Without the time donated by the many university and church • Business communication: I have to prepare a lot of business “I am excited to share this award this wonderful gift. It will benefit JBU students for genera- organizations, many of the displaced people would be unable to presentations, and I need to be clear and concise in order to with our listeners,” Sawatzky said. return. The neighborhood your bus was in is made up of many communicate effectively. (Thanks, Mr. Balla.) tions,” said JBU President Chip Pollard. “The students in “They play such an important role in older couples, at or near retirement age. Many of them had no I always remember my time at JBU, and I hope I can visit you our biblical studies division are some of our finest. They KLRC’s success. This honor is their’s flood insurance and simply do not have the funds needed to repair soon. Thank you for being such wonderful teachers, mentors, and go out from JBU to become leaders in churches, camps, as much as it is our’s!” their homes. The students have helped lift the spirits of many friends! God bless you all. youth programs, missions, and social services organizations Since KLRC features many stu- forgotten victims of the storm. They give us hope that maybe the throughout Northwest Arkansas and around the world. The dent disc jockeys, program director world hasn’t forgotten us after all. Sincerely, Walker scholarship fund will make a great difference in Melody Miller ’00, emphasized the We pray that God will continue to bless JBU and the students, Hernán A. Reyes ’05 helping these students earn their JBU degree and continue value of the award for undergraduates as well as the parents and teachers that encourage these young Market & Operations Analyst - Honduras to serve others.” people in their charitable work. Thanks to them and the many in JBU’s communication division. “It The Coca-Cola Company, Latin Center Division The Walker Foundation designated its funds to students other students from across the nation, this small section of St. is exciting for our students who get Bernard Parish has a good start on rebuilding and repairing their working toward a degree in the biblical studies division. to learn at an award-winning station,” lives. Please keep our community in your prayers and thoughts. This includes students who are studying biblical and theo- Miller said. “Also, it is great for JBU logical studies, cross-cultural services, children and family Sincerely, No Escaping JBU or Rose Bud and KLRC to be recognized in this ministries, outdoor leadership ministries, youth ministries, way.” Diane Phillips and family and human services. KLRC received the award statuette St. Bernard Parish, LA JBU Friends, I just got a phone call from a friend, Paul, from Rose Bud, during the 37th Annual GMA Music Arkansas (where I grew up). He was in the Viet Nam war and just Awards, formerly the Dove Awards, returned from visiting Viet Nam for the first time since the war. on April 5. The program was broad- In Saigon, he sat down in a restaurant and started visiting with a cast through national syndication at KLRC is the only college radio Thank You, Professors station in the history of the GMA husband and wife who, as it turned out, are American missionaries various times in April and May. to Saigon. They asked him where he’s from, and he laughed and awards to be named Radio Station of the Year. Dear JBU Professors: said, “A place you’ve never heard of: Rose Bud, Arkansas.” They Greetings from sunny San Pedro Sula, Honduras! After four started laughing and said, “Yes, we have. We both graduated from years at JBU, now I am back in my home country. I work for the a little private college in Northwest Arkansas in the ’80s and had Coca-Cola Company as a market and operations analyst. It has an English teacher who told wild stories about Rose Bud.” Paul JBU SIFE Sweeps Regional Competition, been always my dream to work for a global company, and what said, “That must have been JBU and Shirley Thomas.” They Heads to Nationals a better opportunity than The Coca-Cola Company that has screamed, “Yes!” It was Jennifer (Foy) Hetrick ’85 and her husband operations worldwide. I am using all the knowledge that every one Tim ’85. What are the chances that in Saigon someone from Rose JBU’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team presented of you taught me while at JBU. For you to have an idea, I use: Bud, Arkansas, would run into someone who graduated from JBU, their projects and were named regional champions at the • Micro/Macroeconomics: This has helped me a lot in order much less who knew someone from Rose Bud? Paul said, “Shirley, 2005-2006 SIFE regional competition in Dallas, Texas, on to prepare weekly and monthly reports about our business. I went 15,000 miles! Woman, there is no getting away from you!” Wednesday, April 12. The team advances to the national (Thanks, Dr. Butts.) The world is small and JBU really is internationally-known, both Pat Walker and Debbie Walker stand with some of JBU’s biblical studies students. The Walker Foundation scholarships will SIFE competition in Kansas City, May 21-23. • Financial spreadsheets, accounting, finance: I use Excel to in Rose Bud and Saigon. I guess we’d better behave ourselves produce reports every single day! (Thanks, Mr. McCullough and benefit students in the biblical studies division. During com- because we can never escape. Dr. Kenelley.) petition, each SIFE • Statistics, financial math: Most of my job has to do with Shirley Forbes Thomas, Ph.D. team gives a well- interpreting numbers from HUGE database systems and making President, Thomas-Forbes & Kester, LLC KLRC Named Radio Station of the Year rehearsed, extensive Fayetteville, AR analysis of these! (Thanks, Walito.) JBU radio station 101.1 FM KLRC was selected by the multimedia presen- • Leadership and management: I have to negotiate with our Gospel Music Association (GMA) as Radio Station of the tation explaining bottler every day, so I make use of all the concepts and techniques Year from a national pool of small-market Christian radio their projects, which that I learned in the leadership classes to always finish in a win- support and promote win situation. (Thanks, Dr. Haak.) Letters are published with the permission of the author. Some letters have stations. KLRC is the only college station to win the award • Project management: I have to be very careful with everything been edited for length. Not all letters can be published. Published letters will in GMA’s history. free enterprise in their communities that has to do with project management. (Thanks, Mr. O’Brien.) be selected based on the value of their content, tone, clarity, and other similar GMA awarded KLRC this most prestigious honor in JBU’s SIFE team celebrates their win at the • Ethics: Every day at work I remember the principles and characteristics. Send your letters by e-mail to Andrea Phillips at aphillips@ Christian radio (formerly known as the Dove Award) based regional competition in Dallas. and beyond, educate ethics values that I learned as a business student at JBU, in my jbu.edu or by U.S. mail to: Andrea Phillips, Brown Bulletin Editor, on industry leadership, ratings, overall on-air sound, as well others in personal John Brown University, 2000 West University Street, Siloam Springs, AR 72761.  Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006  jbu in focus jbu in focus

and professional finance issues, and impact the lives of JBU Virtual Tour Reaches Top Honors JBU Advance Program in others through entrepreneurship. JBU’s team highlighted Not only is the JBU virtual tour a practical tool allow- Early Childhood Education Takes Off only a few of their projects, including community develop- ing web site visitors to see the JBU campus, but it is also ment in Guatemala, financial education for single parents in Recognizing the need for qualified teachers in Arkan- an award-winning multimedia presentation. Launched on Northwest Arkansas, and training in small business funda- sas and the desires of many adults wanting to move into the JBU web site in 2005, the virtual tour was awarded the mentals for school-aged children. the education field, JBU launched a new degree program highest rating—four stars—by CampusTours.com and was Each team in the regional competition was assigned to in early childhood education in 2005 as part of the already selected as the feature tour on their home page in Decem- one of ten different leagues for the process of elimination. successful Advance Program. Since the education program ber. In April, the Council for the Advancement and Support Each league names six finalists for Individual Topic Compe- began in January 2005, demand has been so great that JBU of Education (CASE) recognized the JBU virtual tour with titions (ITC). The ITCs include: the Aflac Market Econom- is expanding the education program to its Springdale and their highest award—the Grand Award—in the category of ics Competition, the Discover Financial Services Success Fort Smith centers for spring 2007. Plans are being made to Audiovisual Communications—Multimedia Presentations Skills Competition, the Sam’s Club Entrepreneurship Com- take the program to Little Rock in January 2008. for CASE District IV. (District IV includes state and pri- petition, the HSBC Financial Literacy Competition, the The Advance Program is a degree completion program vate colleges and universities in Arkansas, Louisiana, New Campbell’s/Sealed Air Business Ethics Competition, and designed specifically for working adults who wish to com- Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Mexico.) the GE Consumer Products Program Sustainability Com- JBU students’ business plans earned them a combined total of $20,000 plete a bachelor’s degree while continuing their work and The virtual tour was created by Chad Weaver ’05 as his petition. in cash prizes at the 2006 Arkansas Governor’s Cup competition. At the family responsibilities. digital media senior project. Weaver worked with JBU Uni- JBU’s SIFE was the only team called forward in its competition, JBU students were able to snap a photo with sponsor Dr. Delia Advance Program stu- Haak and Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. league and was named a national finalist for all six catego- dents can choose from ries. The team received $500 for each of the six ITC awards the organizational man- and $1,500 for being named regional champion. Hildenbrant and seniors Emily McGuire, Ellie Thoene, and agement, business in- The JBU team’s success is more remarkable than usual Leidi Urbina, won third place (a $5,000 prize) in the un- formation systems, and because, for three of the four dergraduate division for their proposed Spanish language now early childhood student presenters, English is entertainment center, which would be the largest supplier of education programs. their second language. Spanish-language movies, books, and music in Northwest Students who complete JBU’s team has continually Arkansas. the education program ranked among the top teams In addition to prize money for those who won, students will receive their bach- in the nation. Three years ago involved in the competition gained access to networks of elor of science in edu- JBU SIFE placed third in the successful entrepreneurs, leaders, and investors from Ar- cation (B.S.E.) and be nation, and the last two years kansas. eligible for licensure to JBU SIFE has tied for fifth in teach preschool through JBU SIFE was named a finalist in all six the nation. For results of the fourth grade in Arkan- categories in the competition and took sas. home the regional title. 2006 national competition, visit www.jbu.edu/news. Vila Awarded Fulbright Scholar Grant “This program is rig- Take a virtual tour of the JBU campus at www.jbu.edu orous,” Dr. Gloria Gale, Dr. David Vila, associate professor of biblical studies, associate professor of has been awarded a Fulbright Scholar grant as a lecturer and versity Communications in the development process. teacher education, said. researcher at Yarmouk University in Irbid, Jordan. Vila will “Chad did a fantastic job putting the tour together. It’s “It is a mirror of our Adult students will soon have more opportunities JBU Business Teams Win work in Jordan August 2006 through June 2007. He will both functional and visually appealing,” said Andrea Phil- NCATE-accredited tra- to complete a bachelor’s degree in early childhood 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in Governor’s Cup teach History of Western Thought to graduate-level students education through JBU’s Advance Program. lips, director of university communications. “I’m thrilled ditional format program in the English department. JBU students who prepared business plans for Donald that it not only shows off our beautiful campus, but also the for teacher education.” Yarmouk University is a state university that has approx- W. Reynold’s Governor’s Cup for Entrepreneurial Devel- abilities and talents of one of our own students.” NCATE is the National Council for Accreditation of Teach- imately 20,000 students. Vila’s research project, titled “The opment took three of the top six awards in the statewide The tour, which is hosted by junior Daniel Ostendorf, al- er Education. Churches of Abila: From Byzantine to Islamic Rule,” will competition. The awards were presented in Little Rock, Ar- lows viewers to watch an automated presentation featuring Since 1993, nearly 2,000 working adults have completed be an archaeological investigation of the transition from kansas on April 12. Of the 63 undergraduate business plans the buildings and areas of campus or to take a self-guided bachelor’s degrees through JBU’s Advance Program. The Byzantine to Islamic culture in northern submitted for the 2006 competition from four-year institu- tour by navigating and clicking on a campus map. first cohort of education program students will graduate in Jordan and its impact on the Christian tions around the state, four from JBU were among the 12 Because the tour was created before the completion of December 2006. ■ populations of the region. chosen to compete in the semi-final round. the Soderquist Business Center (SBC), the original version The Fulbright program, the U.S. The AgSolutions Corp. team, made up of JBU seniors only mentioned the new building but did not have images or government’s flagship program in inter- Shawn Gatton, Meghan Kelly, Melody Masis, and Laura information about it. Anticipating the future need to include national educational exchange, was de- Redmond, received first place for the technology award (a the SBC, Weaver and Ostendorf prepared the SBC sections veloped in 1946 for promoting “mutual $5,000 prize) and placed second overall (a $10,000 prize) in of the tour to be added later. Once the building was com- understanding between the people of the For more information about these and other news the undergraduate division. They presented a plan for creat- pleted, University Communications worked with Weaver to United States and the people of other stories, visit www.jbu.edu/news ing “Bio-Energy” pellets from poultry litter and corn for use insert photos and the prerecorded material into the tour. countries of the world,” according to the as an alternative heating source in poultry houses and large To view the JBU virtual tour, go to www.jbu.edu and program web site. Fulbright Scholars lec- manufacturing facilities. click the “Virtual Tour” link. ture or conduct research in a wide variety Sabor Latino, comprised of JBU sophomore Seth of academic and professional fields.

Dr. David Vila, Fulbright Scholar  Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006  chaplain’s corner

For JBU alumnus Larry Fowler, group of young Iraqi children Spiritual Claustrophobia approach an American soldier in a city outside of Baghdad or Leave Them Wanting Less leading a global ministry A in an attempt to persuade some of the by Tracy Balzer is more than just soldiers to join them in a game of soccer. Director of Christian Formation The solider is a believer and says to the children, “We’ll play your games with you My friend and I were killing time in a London airport giftshop a few if you’ll play our games with us.” The years ago when we came upon a delightful tome of practical wisdom, soldiers play soccer with the children. Eeyore’s Little Book of Gloom. Its contents sent the two of us into spasms of Then they draw a game formation in the laughter, as it was so completely the opposite of the fluffy, feel-good, gifty dirt and begin to teach the children their books one typically finds in airport shops. (Reading it aloud in a languid, games. As the children play relay games, quasi-bass voice also helped.) An example: “You can give the donkey a running around the circle and lines drawn happy ending...but the miserable beginning remains forever.” And, under the title “Accentuate the Negative,” Eeyore bemoans, “We can’t all, and on the ground, it begins to feel as though, some of us don’t. That’s all there is to it...I’m not complaining, but There Child’s for the moment, these children are no It Is [sic].” longer living in the middle of a war-zone. Easy for me to laugh; I don’t have to go through life with my tail When it is time for the children to leave, thumb-tacked on. But I do have a wee bit of misery of my own that enjoys they beg the soldiers for permission to Eeyore’s company, particularly as illustrated in the following excerpt come back the next day. The next day, 40 entitled, “Leave Them Wanting Less”: children show up to play, bringing their parents along to watch. Everybody crowds round so in this Forest. There’s no Space. a y What seems like a simple community I never saw a more Spreading lot of animals in my life, and Pl all in the wrong places [sic]. Can’t you see that Christopher by Melody Miller ’00 activity to the children and their Robin wants to be alone? parents is, to the American soldiers, the beginning of a The fact is, I need a little space now and then. My world gets too new Awana club. crowded with noise and activity. God’s voice is barely a squeak in the midst of it, because apparently, there is a “Spreading lot of animals” filling up my life. Eeyore knows a profound truth: “There’s no Space.” I’m certain my students need space as well. They’ve been very productive, but in their crowded lives they, too, find it hard to hear God. So, twice a semester, I take groups of them away for the day for what is classically known as a silent retreat. They submit (reluctantly, at first) to an afternoon of no talking and no iPods, away from perfectionism and the stress of relationships, away from the “animals” that are “all in the wrong places.” We sit alone. We pray in silence. We listen for the whispers of the Holy Spirit through His Word. We make space for God. In doing so, we discover the kind of joy that comes when the obstacles are removed, and the Holy Spirit of God is once again allowed to roam freely in and through us. It is a brilliant trade. “This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength,’” (Isaiah 30:15). If a cynical old stuffed donkey can recognize this, surely we can, too. We need to be deliberate about making space for God. There It Is. ■

 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006  Some photos were provided courtesy of Awana Clubs International.

right: The Fowlers’ local Awana right: Larry and Diane Fowler Clubs raised $28,000 in a week (shown with their children) to get the Awana ministry serving as Awana started in Russia. “We covered missionaries in 1992. half a gym floor with fake dollar bills to illustrate how much was raised,” Fowler says.

The soldiers, who have been Awana leaders in their churches yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not children’s ministry came when he was young, after his own me cut my teeth on children’s ministry,” Fowler says. at home, continue introducing activities to the families, need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of childhood limited his opportunities to interact with other After graduating from JBU, Fowler moved to California sharing the Gospel through the tools of Awana. Within a truth” (NIV). Most people who have experienced Awana children. Growing up on a cattle ranch in a small town in with his wife Diane (Lindsay) ’73 to attend Talbot Seminary. few weeks, many Iraqi parents and children trust Christ as will tell you that scripture memory is a cornerstone of the western Nebraska, he attended school in a one room school- Four years later, while working full time as a youth pastor their Savior. Awana program. A student who participates in Awana from house with no one in his grade, no one in the grade below, at a church in Riverside, California, Fowler learned about A world away, children in an Awana club in Arkansas the age of four until he or she graduates from high school and only one girl in the grade above. the Awana program. He began using the program in their are playing the same kinds of games on a formation drawn will memorize more than 800 Bible verses. “[It was] a very sparsely populated part of the U.S.,” church, and in a short time their ministry exploded. on the sanctuary floor at Siloam Springs Bible Church, less Often Awana clubs form at the request of a local church Fowler says. “There were no other children my age.” “Within a year, we were having more children attend our than a mile from JBU. The children in Arkansas, like the seeking a supplemental program for their children’s ministry. A weeklong Bible camp was the highlight of Fowler’s Awana meeting than were attending the church on Sunday children in Iraq, are hearing the Gospel through the tools Many times, however, Awana clubs become the catalyst for summers. He enjoyed every moment spent with other morning,” Fowler says. Through that experience, God gave of Awana. For decades, JBU students and alumni have been church growth when a community Awana club, established children. In excited anticipation, he would begin packing for Larry and Diane a love for Awana and a call to work with among those serving in various ways with Awana clubs by Awana missionaries, reaches out to children and their camp at least a month before he was to leave. Awana in their ministry to children and youth. Awana would in local churches and communities across the nation and families, spurring the formation of a new church. At the age of 13, while at camp, Fowler knew that God be the tool they would use to share the Gospel. around the world. Awana operates as a weekly was calling him to a life of full-time ministry. That call was Larry and Diane served as faith-supported Awana For the last 27 years, Larry Fowler ’74 has been a significant club for children who play games, clarified later that same summer when he was invited to help missionaries to churches in the Los Angeles area from 1979 part of the growth and vision of Awana Clubs International, hear Bible stories, recite Bible lead a Vacation Bible School. until 1996. During this time, Larry completed an independent serving as an Awana missionary in California, creating verses, and take part in the kinds “It was the greatest honor to be asked [to lead VBS], study of the junior high Awana program as one of his last the Awana curriculum used to reach junior high students, of ceremonies and competitions and I took it very seriously. That was the beginning of God seminary requirements. He realized through his research developing training materials for Awana missionaries, you would expect to find in any putting a passion in me for children’s ministry,” Fowler that Awana was not retaining students in the seventh and and overseeing what has become a worldwide Awana club for children. Awana clubs says. This passion for reaching children would be further eighth grade. He submitted his recommendations to both the movement. Fowler currently serves as the executive director around the world look very encouraged during his years attending JBU. seminary program and Awana headquarters. Accordingly, of programs and training for the organization, which is the similar; however, the curriculum Fowler describes his JBU experience as an “absolutely Awana asked him to develop the curriculum for a new leading ministry in the effort to help local churches reach for each club is tailored to fit the superior Bible education” that was foundational to his program geared to reach junior high students, now known children and youth for Christ. local community and culture. ability to serve and grow the ministry of Awana. In a time as the Awana Jr. Varsity Program. The word Awana is an acronym that stands for “Approved Fowler has invested his life before there was a children and family ministry degree at In 1996, the Fowlers moved their family to Illinois where Workmen Are Not Ashamed,” taken from 2 Timothy 2:15, in the spiritual training of JBU, Fowler learned how to apply knowledge to his calling Larry accepted a position at the Awana Clubs International a verse that millions of children in the Awana program have children through Awana Clubs through the godly examples of Dr. Jim Walters, Dr. Gil headquarters, training Awana missionaries, most of whom memorized through the years: “Do your best to present International. His call to serve in Weaver, and his mentor, Dr. Richard Ruble. “They helped were in the U.S. “We enjoyed the opportunity to do a lot Larry Fowler is executive director of programs and training with 10 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 Awana Clubs International. Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 11 left: Fowler prepares to speak for Awana at a church in Venezuela in 2003.

right: An AwanaGamesTM event at UCLA’s Pauley Pavillion led by the Fowlers in 1994. About 4,000 children and youth from local churches competed in different activities. “The great joy was we witnessed 60- plus parents saved that day,” Fowler says.

understand that Christian parents Kiehlbauch says. of creative things in innovative believes in the biblically-based Awana philosophy, particularly have been doing a lot of delegating As Fowler has worked with Awana through the years, the ways in doing our ministry, and the the emphasis on memorization and the opportunity for of the responsibility, instead of doing it themselves.” importance of children’s ministry has become an urgent administration wanted others to learn about that,” Fowler parents to discuss biblical principles and concepts with their Dr. Holly Allen, associate professor of Christian minis- message that he desires to share with the world. In many explains. children. When children leave the Awana program, Manos tries and director of the children and family ministries pro- cultures, children are viewed as insignificant, and many Fowler soon realized, however, that international says, her prayer is that “when the times get rough, there will gram at JBU, agrees that an emphasis on parents being the churches do not see children’s ministry as a high priority. missionaries would benefit most from additional training. be some Bible verse that comes back to heart, and they will spiritual leaders for their children is crucial. Fowler speaks of the importance of children’s ministry in his He began traveling more internationally, serving the 40 to say, ‘Oh, yeah—that’s what it’s all about—God says this.’” “The biblical imperative is for parents to train up a child book, Rock-Solid Children’s Ministry: Building Your Ministry to Kids 50 international missionaries who were taking the Awana In 2003, Awana Clubs International established a new in the way they should go. The church’s responsibility is to Upon a Scriptural Foundation, saying, “Sometimes children are movement abroad. As Fowler focused on Awana’s global effort focused on redesigning Awana programs to keep come alongside parents, to help in that intentional aspect,” viewed in terms of their future value. But to Jesus, children expansion, the number of international Awana missionaries up with technology and trends. Aware that the current Allen says. were precious in the here and now, and He gave them His grew to more than 300. generation of children is growing up in a different world Allen describes that parents are often relieved to turn full attention and love.” Through his years of involvement in the ministry of than the generations who went before, Awana is committed over this responsibility to the church, and then they find Fowler explains, “There is a window of opportunity that Awana, Fowler’s own spiritual growth has been challenged to keeping biblical messages consistent while addressing the themselves feeling unable and incapable of training their many people are not aware of that exists from the ages of as he memorizes God’s Word. Because scripture memory is needs and culture of today’s children. Fowler was named children. One way that Awana helps parents feel empowered four or five to age 12, in which nearly every individual on such a vital part of the Awana program, Fowler strives to executive director of programs and training over the new to teach and train their children is in encouraging parents to the face of the earth is most open and most receptive to the lead by example in memorizing verses, just as the children division aimed at leading the organization to find the most help children memorize Bible verses. This opens doors for Gospel of Jesus Christ. And, once a person hits the age of 12 and leaders do. effective ways to communicate the Gospel to today’s kids. family conversations about biblical principles. or 13, the window of opportunity to their receptivity of the JBU freshman Scott Key has learned over 800 verses as Awana is also addressing the needs of the family by JBU senior Laura Kiehlbauch, one of Allen’s students and Gospel begins to close.” part of the Awana program. Key grew up in Temple, Texas increasing its focus on encouraging parental involvement. an Awana volunteer, says her work with Awana has enabled Awana clubs are active in 12,000 American churches and attended the Awana program through high school. He Awana recently established the Rorheim Institute, a leader her to see firsthand the concepts that she is learning in the in all 50 states and in 4,000 churches abroad in more than now volunteers as an Awana leader for third- through sixth- and parent development network that provides training classroom and the importance of children having godly 100 countries. The number of children Awana reaches each grade boys at Siloam Springs Bible Church. “You memorize through studies, conferences, and seminars across the adults in their lives. She is excited about the new Awana week is about 1.2 million, enough to fill 20 football stadiums a lot of verses,” Key says. “Those verses have helped me country. The Institute offers education and resources to help initiatives to intentionally include parents. lined end to end, Fowler describes. However, the number through my life, and I thought it would be a good thing to parents in the biblical concept from Proverbs of “training up “Parents are the primary source of their children’s of children who have not yet heard the Gospel is far greater. encourage those students [at SSBC].” a child in the way he should go.” spiritual education, whether or not they recognize it. Parents These children are close to Fowler’s heart as he continues to Glenda Manos ’75, head of the Awana program at Siloam “God began to burden my heart and the hearts of all of us need to realize that teaching their children is ultimately dedicate his life to reaching children. ■ Springs Bible Church for 21 years, says she has chosen to around the need to get back to scripture’s model and engage their responsibility, and a local church’s children’s ministry give her time to serving in the Awana ministry because she parents more in raising children,” Fowler says. “We began to needs to focus on empowering the family to do just that,”

12 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 13 Perspectives On ... Nurturing Spirituality in our Children and Grandchildren by Holly Catterton Allen, Ph.D.

A common refrain I hear from younger • Allow your children and grand- ally when they are with others who are NEEDS YOU! parents is, “I don’t want my kids to just children into your current story: how farther along in the Christian journey, know Bible facts; I want them to know God is still calling you, how you still participating with more mature believ- God.” These parents are echoing the struggle, and how you are answering ers doing authentic Christian things. current quest to raise children who are His current call on your life. How can we encourage intergenera- spiritual—that is, children who know Children come to meet God and tional interaction? God. In my course for children and know the deep realities of faith through • Promote intergenerational wor- family ministry majors on children’s stories. Through hearing God’s story, ship in your church—all the genera- spirituality, we explore seven ways to the stories of the Bible, and family sto- tions together. nurture, enhance, develop, and pro- ries of faith and struggle, they come • Take your children to weddings, mote spiritual development in children. to see that they themselves are part of to funerals, to church potlucks, to grad- I would like to briefly describe three of that Christian master story. uations, to baby dedication services, to those seven ways. send-off parties for missionaries. A Sense of Wonder • With your children or grand- Did you know that MOST The Master Story Children think deeply about God children, take food to a needy family. Part of knowing God is know- and wonder what He is like. We need Go on a mission trip with the youth of the students at JBU ing about God. Hearing the Christian to allow time for spiritual knowing, group. Ask three of the widows in your master story is an important way that time for children to think, contem- church to Sunday dinner—or take are referred to us by children come to identify with the peo- plate, listen, perceive, and receive. We them out—with your children. ple of God and come to know God as need to allow time for children to ex- • Join an intergenerational small people like you? their own God. perience the wonder of God. How can group where each family is prayed for What is the master story? It is we encourage a sense of wonder? every week, where everyone answers God’s story: God has worked through- • Take time for unhurried walks an icebreaker question like “What is out the ages to draw people to Him- and ask questions like, “I wonder how your favorite ice cream flavor?” and self—Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, the dogwoods know when to bloom?” where everyone knows your name and Joseph, the Israelites, the kings, the or, “I wonder why there are stars?” the names of your children. prophets. Mostly, they rejected Him. • Allow children to attend fu- If you know a high school Then He sent His Son to make a bet- nerals or memorial services. Listen The spiritual needs of adults and ter way for His people to come to him. to their reflections concerning death. children are not vastly different. Needs And now—we tell our children—God Ask questions like, “I wonder what it of both can be met in mutual settings. student preparing for college, is calling you, just as he called all the will be like to see Jesus for the very first In his book From One Generation others we read about. Your story is time?” to Another, Eddie Prest writes: “The refer them to JBU! part of the master story. How can we • When you tell the parables that optimal spiritual impact upon children share the master story? Jesus taught, ask questions like, “I will take place in a warm, belonging, • Tell the Bible stories. This may wonder how the sheep that was lost felt caring, and concerned interaction with seem obvious, but when we are con- when the shepherd came?” the gathered people of God....” Let’s cerned that children know God, we Children love to wonder. Encour- gather our children around us, tell may skip over the importance of know- aging wonder taps into that deep spiri- them the master story, allow time for ing about God. tual realm where God and child can wonder, worship together with all the • Add the faith stories from those meet. generations present, and come to know in your church to the Hebrews 11 God together. ■ lineup: By faith, Noah... By faith, Mo- Intergenerational Settings Dr. Allen is associate profes- Just ll out the postage-paid reply card in this magazine ses... By faith, Latisha Banks pursued Children want to do things with sor of Christian ministries and the call to go to China... By faith, the adults. Yet, the societal trend to- director of the children and fam- or go to the JBU web site: ily ministry program at JBU. She Turners adopted their grandchild.... ward age segregation has moved into speaks regularly at conferences www.jbu.edu/admissions/forms/referral.asp • Share your own stories of faith: churches also. Age-based classes, teen and churches concerning children’s when you gave your life to God, when programs, and separate worship ser- spirituality and intergenerational God convicted you of sin, how God vices for adults and children tend to issues. She has written about these subjects for professional journals rescued you from a dangerous place, separate families and age groups from Help us spread the word about JBU! and other Christian publications. when God came near. each other. But children grow spiritu- Her book on children’s ministry is expected to be published next year.

14 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 15

*Comprehensive Colleges - Bachelor’s Southern Region,2006 The following is an actual journal entry written by a current JBU student. With the student’s permission, we share it with you to give you a glimpse into the hearts and minds of our Student Journal students. A Girl Named Norma

Sometimes God puts people in our lives whether we like it or not. Her name is Norma.* She is the person who eats alone at lunch and confesses to have self-esteem and image problems and will share about how hard it is to make new friends. During the first few days at JBU, I called home complaining selfishly about how it was difficult to meet people THE $10 MILLION CHALLENGE! who actually cared who I was. Yeah, everyone was very nice but I wasn’t feeling like people were taking an interest in me as a person. My dad, in all of his wisdom said, “Jill,* be there for other people who are even less comfortable Thanks to the generosity of JBU alumni and friends than you are. You think this is difficult for you? What is it like for people who are really lonely? Work on reaching out to others in need.” Okay… Maybe I don’t want to. It’s easier to stay in my bubble and enjoy meeting people who I connect with. JBU will award over $100,000 I’ve noticed myself sitting with the same eight or ten people at meals and hanging out with the same people. Is this a bad thing? Is developing relationships with people something that can be seen as bad? in new scholarships in 2006! Her name is Norma. I’ve talked to her several times, and her social awkwardness is no secret. During the course of our lunch conversation, she begins to go into detail about her problems with warts and how herbal

“We’re excited and we’re thankful!” This is the feeling of all of us at JBU when it comes to the $10 Million Challenge. As remedies haven’t helped them yet. Then somehow she switches topics to other personal health issues that cause a reported in an earlier issue of the Brown Bulletin, the $10 Million Challenge is a challenge made by an anonymous donor variety of problems for her. All I can think about is what people at the tables nearby must be thinking if they are to alumni and friends of JBU to add $10,000,000 to existing and new endowed scholarship funds. This friend of JBU has hearing any part of this conversation. I don’t know how to respond to her, and I don’t really need to; she just wants pledged up to $5,000,000 in matching funds for all cash and deferred gifts designated to endowed scholarships that meet someone to take the time to listen to her. It’s apparent that she’s not used to having friends. minimal criteria. Several days pass, and I don’t see her. I am thankful because then I won’t have to choose between my group of friends and Norma. I walk into the cafeteria with friends and head up to the lunch line. There she was with her back • JBU has already received over $3.5 million in gifts and matching funds toward the $10 million goal. turned to me, but I knew it was her. Great!! Now I have to choose again: do I sit with her or with my friends? They’ve already sat down, and there’s definitely no more room at our crowded table. What am I going to do? Thoughts race • Who has been giving to the Challenge? JBU alumni, friends, parents, JBU faculty and staff, corporations, and through my head as I reach the end of the line, Jill, someone else will sit with her… it’s not YOUR job to be the ONLY one to foundations have all given to the Challenge. reach out to her… you need to make good friends too… ME, ME, ME… What am I going to do!?!? More importantly, what would Jesus do? WOW… not exactly what I wanted to be thinking about at that • What kinds of gifts are they giving? We have received cash, real estate, stocks, and mutual funds. moment. I tried desperately to push these thoughts out of my head. But Jesus is supposed to be my model. I long to We have received deferred gifts in the form of charitable gift annuities and charitable remainder trusts. be more like Him. He didn’t hang out with the popular crowd of priests and Pharisees. Rather, He spent His time with the outcast, the friendless; this is not a strength I possess. • As a result of these gifts, over $100,000 in new student scholarships will be awarded for the Then a picture comes to my mind of my dad. He is sitting in a back corner of our church talking to a guy 2006-2007 academic year! named John. John’s tattered clothes and ragged appearance weren’t what people were attracted to. My dad, though, reached out and touched him in a way few people can do. I want this quality in me. I often shy away from these UPDATE chances. Why? My pride gets in the way, and my selfishness gets the better of me. I was so wrapped in developing my own friendships that I forgot about loving those who needed it the most. One Example: “Why?,” I asked God, “I need people too; I want to be loved too!” This is where loneliness turns into selfishness, when I’m so wrapped up in who wants to place value in me, I forget people like Norma. Her desire to be loved and Bobbie Laughlin ’55 graduated with a degree in math. She taught for 35 years in Detroit area public schools, her feelings of rejection are SO much more important than my desire for close friendships. and she has been a JBU supporter for many of those years. In 2001 Bobbie established an endowed scholarship I reach the end of the lunch line … now I have to choose: a table of people I fit in with or discussions about that gives preference to female math majors. When she heard about the $10 Million Challenge she was inspired warts and health problems? What would you do, Jesus? Knowing that answer very well, I walked by Norma’s table, to dramatically increase her giving to her existing scholarship. To take advantage of the matching opportunity, hoping she wouldn’t notice me, hoping I wouldn’t have to acknowledge her. Then I even had the gall to pray before Bobbie gave gifts of vacant land and cash, and now is in the process of giving a rental property to JBU. JBU I ate. Sure I can bow my head in a crowded lunch room, but I can’t love. What a hypocrite I am. About two minutes will sell the land and rental property and place the proceeds of the sale with her cash gift into Bobbie’s existing into the meal, I picked up my tray and told my friends I’d catch up with them later. Every ounce of me wanted to scholarship fund. The total amount of Bobbie’s gifts added to the fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the stay where I was. Walking up to Norma’s table, my feet felt like lead. anonymous donor. The matching funds will also be placed into Bobbie’s scholarship fund. Why, God, do I have to love her? Why ME? Then my answer came. I could just picture Jesus on the cross. “Jill, why did I have to die on the cross for you? Did I have to? I love you, why can’t you love her?” Amazing how things can be put into perspective so quickly. “Jill, love her like I love you.” I set my tray down across from her. A wave of excitement must have surged through her body. The slumped demeanor and melancholy countenance of a lonely girl in seconds turned to life. Her big blue eyes were glowing; The $10 Million Challenge has given Bobbie and many other JBU alumni and friends a vision for scholarship development! her smile encompassed the majority of her face—she was beaming. “If you do these unto the least of them, you’ve For this we are excited and thankful! done them unto me.” Jesus is so good. ■

If you would like more information about the $10 Million Challenge, please contact Jim Krall, Paul Eldridge, or your *To protect Norma’s dignity and her relationship with Jill, regional director of development, James Elliott or Eric Greenhaw, by calling (800) 446-2450. their names and identifying details have been changed. Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 17 SHARP

SHOOTERby Dustin Tracy, Junior Journalism Major ::BRANDON COLE SETS NATIONAL RECORDS

ayne Cole, father of JBU star for the longest string of games with career three-point record at home in basketball player Brandon Cole, made three-point shots in college Murray Sells Gymnasium. Cole replied, December 2, 2005 W :: Cole makes a three-pointer in his 112th will be the first to attest to his son’s basketball history. Cole continued “It’s definitely special. I’ve had a lot game in a row, breaking all college records love for the game of basketball. his streak for 120 games until his of great memories in this gym, in this for the most consecutive games with a “When Brandon was about eight or three-point game was shut-out by St. place, with the fans, my family, my made three-point shot. nine, we built a basketball court at the Gregory’s University in January. The St. teammates—it’s all amazing. I couldn’t January 21, 2006 house,” he said. “At night when it would Gregory game is the only game in his trade it for anything. But we really :: Cole’s three-point shots are shut out get too dark for him to see, he would college career in which Cole failed to needed the win tonight, and we got ending his consecutive game streak at 120 go and turn our truck headlights on. I’d hit a trey. the win even with the record. I’ve just games. It is the only game in his college come out, and he’d still be hitting his In February, Cole hit the 517th three- got to give complete thanks to God, career that he failed to hit a trey. shots.” point shot of his career, giving him because He’s been amazing.” February 23, 2006 Brandon Cole, the 6-foot 1-inch the record for the most career three- Cole’s records not only garnered :: Cole hits his 517th three-point shot, senior guard from Hector, Arkansas, pointers of any player at any four-year him local acclaim in newspapers giving him more career three-point shots has seen massive success while college or university in the nation. Cole and television sportscasts, but they than any other player in the history of college basketball. wearing a Golden Eagles jersey. He went on to set the new all-collegiate also received national attention on currently holds three Sooner Athletic record at 527 successful three-point ESPN twice. Some sportswriters even March 15, 2006 Conference (SAC) records, three shots. suggested that Cole be included in :: Cole ends his college career setting the NAIA records, five JBU records, and In a television interview after the NCAA three-point contest during new record for career three-point shots at 527. the honor of winning the 2005 NAIA February’s record-breaking game, March Madness, but grassroots efforts Division I National Championship with Cole was asked how it felt to break the to secure an invitation failed to get :: He holds the JBU record for most treys in his teammates. He was named NAIA him in. a season with 136, set in 2005. Four times National Tournament MVP in 2005; “It’s been really gratifying to watch he tied the school record for most treys in a game with 9. He holds the JBU record for SAC All-Conference first team in 2003, “It’s been really gratifying Brandon break the records he’s broken, career scoring with 2,390 points. 2004, and 2005; SAC Freshman of the but it’s even more gratifying to know Year in 2003; NAIA National Player to watch Brandon break that he embodies everything that :: Cole is the Sooner Athletic Conference of the Year in 2006; and recipient of college athletics is all about,” Golden all-time leading scorer and was named SAC the records he’s broken, Player of the Year for 2006. NAIA’s Champions of Character Award but it’s even more Eagles head coach John Sheehy said. in 2006. In addition to his shooting skill, Cole March 21, 2006 With all of his success, Cole has gratifying to know that is known for his good sportsmanship, :: Cole is named NAIA Player of the Year. gotten the most media attention this his commitment to the team, and his he embodies everything April 18, 2006 2005-2006 season for his three-point that college athletics is all overall athletic ability that earned him :: Cole is named the 2006 recipient of the shooting alone. respect on the court long before he Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character In December, Cole completed about.” started breaking records. Award, perhaps NAIA’s most prestigious a three-point shot in his 112th :: John Sheehy Bob Battisti, men’s basketball coach award. consecutive game, breaking the record for JBU’s conference foe Northwestern

18 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 19 Oklahoma State University, said, great work ethic and he’s one of the “Brandon is mentally tough, and that’s best shooters I’ve ever seen.” “I enjoy sharing the gift why he is so hard to stop. Brandon is But Sheehy feels Cole’s athletic ability that God has given me in Corporate and Family Foundations Provide a player that every program dreams of is only a small part of who he really basketball with other people.” having. He’s a class act and a spokes- is. “It has been a privilege to see how person for the SAC, JBU, and the NAIA.” Brandon has grown over the years,” :: Brandon Cole Financial Base for Programs and Facilities Dan Hays, head coach of the men’s Sheehy said, “and to know that Cole by April L. Moreton, Ph.D. basketball team at Oklahoma Christian isn’t just a record setter; he’s one of the Director of Foundation and Corporate Relations University, also praises Cole, “He plays finest people I’ve ever met.” in basketball with other people.” without the ball. He uses his stamina, Off the court, Cole has been a big In addition to his work with the and he doesn’t have to be dribbling part of JBU’s Champions of Character Champions of Character program, Cole the ball to be an effective player. I’ve program for the past four years. also has traveled to Eastern Europe to You are probably aware that as a non-profit organization, JBU relies on gifts to the JBU Scholarship Fund to fund seen guys that run faster, jump higher, The program, initiated by the NAIA, do basketball missions. In the summer need-based scholarships and work-study jobs for students. You may not know that tuition dollars are not used to and even shoot better, but [Brandon] is is designed to promote character of 2003, Cole and his fellow teammates pay for new buildings or that tuition dollars do not cover the full cost of operating the university. as good without the ball as traveled to Germany, anyone I’ve ever seen.” the Czech Republic, and So, where does JBU get the resources to expand programs and build facilities? Cole says that the Switzerland with Crossover work ethic that fuels his Ministries. The team put on For new programs and facilities, as well as many scholarships, JBU determination on the court basketball camps for local relies heavily on grants and gifts from family and company foundations, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. came at an children, did skits, and gave government agencies, and corporate giving programs. early age. out Bibles. The Kresge Foundation “I grew up working on a “At night we’d play games Many families who have been blessed with financial resources establish ranch. My parents taught against international teams, foundations that award financial gifts to causes that support their vision. The Walker me to never be satisfied and and the kids would come out The Walton Family Foundation, for example, established JBU’s Walton Family Foundation to always work harder,” Cole and watch,” Cole said. “It was International Scholarship Program to educate Central American students said. “At the end of every a really neat and amazing who will be able to impact their countries in the future. The Walker Flintco Constructive Solutions season [my father] and I experience.” Family established an endowed scholarship for biblical studies majors would sit down together Altogether, Cole said he’s because they believe in Christian education. The Soderquist Business Aramark Campus Services and talk about all the things happy with his experiences Center and the Pat and Willard Walker Student Center exist because of I did right, and then look at at JBU. “The relationships families who want to support JBU’s Christian mission by providing state- The Soderquist all the things I needed to do I’ve formed at JBU have of-the-art classrooms and comfortable housing for students. Foundations better.” really been awesome,” he often evaluate JBU’s alumni giving as they determine whether to award Family Foundation Cole feels that his said. “It’s been a constant a grant. Thus, your gift to the JBU Scholarship Fund not only provides teammates have been encouragement being need-based scholarships to worthy students, but it also impacts whether a The Dr. Scholl Foundation another key to his success, surrounded by the friends foundation will support the university. especially fellow senior I’ve made at JBU, and I’ve guard Alex Terry, whom consistently grown in my Government grants are also part of this mix. Last year, the U.S. many call A.T. faith the entire time I’ve been These companies and foundations, Department of Education awarded JBU a Student Support Services just to name a few, supoort the “My teammates have here.” grant that provides academic and financial assistance to low-income, first- done an unbelievable Cole doesn’t expect his mission of JBU. And they prove it in generation college students and students with disabilities. In 2003, the very tangible ways. job stepping up in tough basketball experience to end Arkansas Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN) awarded situations, getting me open, with his graduation this year. JBU a grant that provided the funds to hire a biochemist to teach, conduct getting me the ball, and Brandon Cole, with fellow senior guard Alex (A.T.) Terry, whom Cole credits After his June wedding to with helping him achieve his accomplishments. Terry holds the JBU research, and develop an undergraduate research program. hitting shots themselves,” record for career assists with 725. former JBU basketball player Cole said. “A.T. is just the Bethany Sites ’04, he plans Companies, too, contribute to JBU in various ways. Many provide glue that holds everything to play basketball for the employee-matching programs that double an employee’s gift to JBU by matching it dollar-for-dollar. Others together. A lot of his things don’t show development in youth by connecting Arkansas Archangels, a Little Rock team choose to support JBU programs directly. For example, Flintco, an area construction firm, helps support the up in the news and don’t show up in exemplary athletes with kids through that is a part of the World Basketball Eagle Development Project in JBU’s construction management program. And, local businesses all over Northwest the papers, but he’s had everything to athletics. The program gives Cole and Association (WBA). Cole hopes that Arkansas donate products and coupons for JBU events. do with my accomplishments.” other JBU athletes the chance to speak scouts who attend WBA games will eye Terry, who has notched his fair share to young people about basketball, him to play for a team in Europe. The relationship JBU enjoys with these foundations, agencies, and companies has resulted in more student of notable accomplishments during his maturity, and character. “Basketball has always been a scholarships, new academic programs, progressive research, and the facilities that we all enjoy. God has truly blessed career at JBU, said he has nothing but “The Champions of Character passion of mine, and I hope as life goes JBU by bringing these organizations alongside us to offer students a quality Christian education. ■ respect for his teammate. program has been a really neat on, I can keep on doing it,” he said. ■ “Brandon’s gotten everything he has experience,” Cole said. “I really enjoy because he’s loved it more than anyone working with the kids, and I enjoy Portions of this article were previously printed in the I’ve ever seen,” Terry said. “He’s got a sharing the gift that God has given me Threefold Advocate, JBU’s student newspaper.

20 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 21 stories from the road alumni news by Eric Greenhaw, Regional Director of Development We’re now including wedding and birth announcements within the decade sections of the alumni notes. For publication in future issues, please send information and photos to JBU Alumni Relations, 2000 West University Street, Siloam Springs, AR 72761 attn: Alumni News. To submit your imformation online, go to www.jbu.edu/alumni. On the alumni web pages, you can find the most current classmate information, update your own information, learn about upcoming events, and read our standards for publishing alumni news in the magazine. ’ve had the privilege to meet many wonderful and interesting people during my travels around the United States for John Brown University. I met Steve Horne ’75 about a year ago during a trip to the Chicago area where he Ilives with his wife Amy and their two children. Steve has a plumbing business. He also has a particular interest in missions, so he spends some of his free time in mission work and plans to spend his retirement in mission work as well. Steve also loves riding his motorcycle and spends time riding cross-country with friends. On a recent trip in August 2005, Steve and John Wiemer ’77, both graduates of the building construction and design program, made a several-thousand-mile motorcycle trip that included roaring through the Black Hills, Grand Teton National Park, In order to protect the Big Horn Mountains, and Yellowstone National Park. While at the north entrance the privacy of JBU of Yellowstone Park, they posed for a alumni and prevent photo with their Harleys, wearing their JBU the misuse of t-shirts. Steve and John were close friends while personal information attending JBU, and they look forward to on the Internet, we catching up each year on their annual motorcycle trips. These trips have taken have deleted the them to most of the lower 48 states in the alumni news from this past five years. online edition. This year, they plan to take a trip up the coasts of California and Oregon with another alumnus and friend while he is on furlough from the mission field in Africa. Steve keeps an extra motorcycle at home just so missionaries and friends can join him for road trips. John Wiemer ’77 and Steve Horne ’75 Steve told me that he would love to hear from any other alumni who have an interest in joining him and John in their excursions. Visit the online alumni directory for their contact information, or contact the alumni relations office at [email protected] or (479) 524-7212.

JBU Professor’s Journals Published Mind your own (and a JBU student’s) business! Get involved in the JBU Career Network Excerpted from John Panage’s journal, The Panage Papers provides a fascinating view of the world during and after the Cold War through the eyes of this former JBU professor. When you become part of JBU’s Career Network, you can play a key role in guiding a student’s career path by connecting them with internship and job Get the special price of $15 by ordering from the publisher: opportunities where you work. Moon Lake Publishing Co. Moon Lake Publishing Co. To learn more, visit www.jbu.edu/alumni or contact: 14213 Lake Forrest Heights 147 Ridgeland Siloam Springs, Arkansas 72761 Maumelle, Arkansas 72113 Dan Noyes, Director of Career Development at (479) 524-7282 Also available at regular price from Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, and Borders.com or in bookstores Jerry Rollene, Director of Alumni and Parent Relations at (479) 524-7212 at John Brown University, Hastings in Springdale and Fayetteville, and Air Host at the Northwest Arkansas Airport.

22 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 23 from the

director’s desk In order to protect the privacy of JBU I still remember my surprise and delight when Dr. and alumni and prevent Mrs. Gilbert showed up at our wedding on a cold, icy day the misuse of in March 1979. Why did this former professor and his supportive wife drive 700-plus miles, one way, to northern personal information Illinois to attend? Was it because we were so special? No, on the Internet, we but because they were! have deleted the alumni news from this In honor of Dr. Marc D. Gilbert online edition. 1913-2006

Soon after I arrived on campus for my freshman year, I met with this elderly but energetic, scholarly-looking man in his austere office on the second floor of the classroom wing of the Cathedral building. I can’t remember everything we talked about at that first meeting, but I do remember Dr. Gilbert saying to me, “Jerry, it doesn’t matter whether you have a problem with your studies, your faith, or girls, my office door is always open to you.” Then he chuckled ever so lightly behind that tight lipped smile of his. And you know, he meant it!

Dr. Gilbert went home to be with the Lord in March this year. At Dr. Gilbert’s memorial service here in Siloam Springs, Travis Jones ’73 who spoke and Mark Cavender ’74 who sent a written tribute in his absence reminded me of the powerful, life-changing impact this dedicated professor had on so many of us who benefited from and endured his challenging method of teaching.

Those dreaded “10-point opportunities” (which others might call pop quizzes). Those on-the-spot questions in communications class like, “Jerry, can you please spell ‘entrepreneur?’” That immovable, elusive 94% needed for an A. Those devilish red pen markings on our papers. All these are memories of a man who taught as if our lives depended on his doing it right . . . and we are now glad he did.

“[He] was without a doubt the toughest professor I ever had at JBU. He demanded more from us as students than I sometimes thought we were capable of giving,” Mark Amount of time it took Cavender wrote. to graduate from JBU: “His love for students and their future still inspires me to this day. Dr. Gilbert was 4 years a man who finished the race with grace,” Travis Jones said. You are invited to participate in a tribute to Dr. Gilbert by e-mailing me your own Cost of a JBU education: reflections of this man who taught us all so well. (My e-mail address is jrollene@ jbu.edu.) We will add them to the alumni web site where you can read Dr. Walters’s Quite a bit sermon from the memorial service, along with the remembrances of Travis and Mark (www.jbu.edu/alumni). Gratitude to those who gave to We are told, “Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works the JBU Scholarship Fund to and glorify your Father in heaven.” Surely, Dr. Gilbert inspired many to glorify our Father. ■ make this moment possible: PRICELESS Jerry Rollene ’75 Director of Alumni and Parent Relations To help students afford a quality Christian education at JBU, there’s the JBU Scholarship Fund. For more information, or to give online, visit www.jbu.edu/giving or call (800) 446-2450. 24 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 25 In order to protect In order to protect the privacy of JBU the privacy of JBU alumni and prevent alumni and prevent the misuse of the misuse of personal information personal information on the Internet, we on the Internet, we have deleted the have deleted the alumni news from this alumni news from this online edition. online edition.

Do you love being on the inside track? Do you enjoy creating effective ways to help your classmates stay in touch? Would you like to join other alumni staying actively engaged in the ongoing life of JBU? If so, you should consider being a part of the JBU Alumni Board! Contact Shawn Toenyes, board president ([email protected]), or Jerry Rollene ([email protected]) right away, and we can talk more about what it means to serve on this dynamic board with people who experienced JBU throughout the decades.

26 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 27 In order to protect the privacy of JBU alumni and prevent the misuse of personal information In order to protect on the Internet, we the privacy of JBU have deleted the alumni and prevent alumni news from this the misuse of online edition. personal information on the Internet, we have deleted the alumni news from this online edition. Transitions Dr. Lisa Brandom is Dr. Robert Burns Dr. Delia Haak is retiring this year from retired this year after retiring after 21 years JBU after 18 years of serving JBU for 31 of service. She most dedicated service to years. Burns served recently served as the university and the JBU as professor of associate professor of English department. education and physical business, teaching in Brandom served education for 31 years, both the undergraduate as adjunct English division chair of health and graduate programs. instructor, associate professor of English, and physical education for 27 years, and During her service at JBU, Haak helped registrar, associate dean for institutional director of athletics for 25 years. He is a two- design the programs for the M.S. in leadership research, associate academic dean, and chair time NAIA Region VI Athletics Director of and ethics and the MBA with an emphasis of the English department. She graduated the Year recipient. Burns successfully laid the in leadership and ethics. Haak has been in 1969 from the University of Mississippi foundation for the establishment of gender a recipient of JBU’s Golden Eagle Service Class of 1996 with a degree in English and social studies equality throughout the athletics program Award, the Outstanding Alumnus Award, and and continued there to earn her M.Ed. in with the addition of many of the women’s the Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award. 10 Year Reunion secondary English education. Brandom programs. He also served as the NAIA region Haak received her bachelor’s degree from JBU earned her Ed.D. in higher education with an VI chair for six years and was a founding and her MBA and Ed.D. from the University emphasis in administration and English. While member of the taskforce that developed of Arkansas. Haak has served in the global Homecoming 2006 working at JBU, Brandom played an essential and implemented the NAIA Champions of ethics office of Wal-Mart, Inc., as an adjunct role in starting many programs, including the Character program. professor for Trinity Western University, as a October 6-7 Army ROTC program and online registration. member of the Arkansas Governor’s Taskforce In 2004, Brandom founded Moon Lake for Workforce Development, in the White You’re Always Home Publishing Company to help first-time writers House Conference on Small Business, and as find an opportunity to be published. chaplain of the JBU Lady Eagles volleyball at JBU! team.

28 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 29 In order to protect In order to protect the privacy of JBU the privacy of JBU alumni and prevent alumni and prevent the misuse of the misuse of personal information personal information on the Internet, we on the Internet, we have deleted the have deleted the alumni news from this alumni news from this online edition. online edition.

30 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 31 Kay Fowler, widow of JBU trustee emeritus Ella May Mason, former art professor, In Loving Clinton Fowler ’42, passed away on April 7, passed away March 24, 2005. She taught at 2006 in Medford, OR. She is survived by her JBU from 1959 to 1973. Memory stepdaughter Deborah (Fowler) Hess ’68. Effie Maxine (Oakes) Ambler ’39passed Karine (Sieffert) Melby ’92- After Mary Lee (Davis Williams) Freeman away on January 29, 2006. Her husband, a strong and courageous battle of seven ’70 passed away on April 23, 2005 in two older brothers, sister, two sons, and one years with breast cancer, Karine passed Colorado Springs, CO. She is survived by her nephew all attended JBU. away peacefully on February 23, 2006. husband Dal Freeman, two children, and two After graduating from JBU, Karine grandchildren. Erik S. Barnett ’29 went home to be with earned her MBA his Lord on January 22, 2006 at the age of 95. in insurance risk In order to protect Harris Gregory ’49 went to be with his He was survived by his six children: Charles, management Lord and Savior on February 7, 2006. He the privacy of JBU Stanley, Paul, John, Elizabeth, and Carolyn. from St. Thomas and his wife were in missionary service for 38 College in St. alumni and prevent years, working in Brazil, the Bahamas, Miami, Michael Crain ’70 passed from this world Paul, Minnesota and Mexico. the misuse of on June 29, 2005 following a car accident. while employed After graduating from JBU, he taught and with the Hays personal information Holmfred R. Hokanson Jr. ’62 went home coached in Winfield, Missouri. He was Group of to be with the Lord on March 5, 2006. on the Internet, we drafted by the Pittsburg Pirates in 1971, Minneaolis, an insurance brokerage and and was married to Carita Lipps after his have deleted the risk management consulting firm. Karine release from the Pirates later that year. He enjoyed consulting and extensive travel for coached and taught school for 34 years. He Kathryn (Spivey) Jackson ’34, went alumni news from this to be with the Lord on December 27, work, pleasure, and visits to friends and is survived by his wife, five children, and two family. online edition. grandchildren. 2005. Kathryn met her husband, Robert Jackson ’35, while at JBU. She and During her battle with cancer, Karine Robert faithfully became increasingly aware of a great Dr. Marc D. Gilbert went to be with his supported JBU purpose to her life and the extreme value Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March during their 71- of friends, family, and faithfulness to God. 8, 2006, at the age year marriage. Even when doctors had given up hope of of 92. Born May 19, Robert served her survival, Karine continued to bless 1913, he had been a on the Board of others with her strong spirit and cheerful committed Christian Trustees from attitude. Karine is survived by her father since age 12. 1937 to 1985, and stepmother, her mother and step- He was known in and Kathryn father, and her brother and sister-in-law, Clearwater, Kansas, as served on the Lance Seiffert ’95 and Lisa K. Seiffert. the Kansas champion parent’s council speller during grade from 1954 to school, high school, 1959 while their Linda Morris, former JBU employee, lost and college. He served on the Kansas two children, Robert Jackson Jr. ’58 her battle with cancer on March 26, 2005. High School championship debating team and Janelle (Jackson) Decker ’61 Linda worked as circulation assistant from and was class valedictorian. attended JBU. 1995 to 2000. He received a B.S. in education and Kathryn, most recently of Austin, a B.S. in commerce from Kansas State Texas, was an accomplished seamstress Elizabeth Reeves Reid ’36 passed away on Teachers College in 1939. In 1940 he and was very active in church, civic, and February 12, 2006 at the age of 91. completed the master’s degree in law and charitable organizations. During their business from the University of Denver. In retirement, Kathryn and Robert traveled Myrtie Lew Sawyer ’64 passed away on 1964 he was awarded his Ed.D. from the extensively with their Silver Streak Trailer September 30, 2005. University of Tulsa. He was a CPA and Club. worked in the accounting field for many Kathryn is survived by her husband, Paul Whitmore ’47, former music years. her son and his wife Wanda, her daughter department faculty member, passed away His teaching reached from a rural and her husband, James Decker ’61, January 17, 2006. In addition to his work at school in Kansas to high schools in 10 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, JBU, he was a piano technician, church music Kansas and graduate schools in Texas. and one great-great grandson. director, and music storeowner in Siloam His primary college teaching was at JBU Springs. He is survived by his wife Viola where he served as chair of the business (Walton) Whitmore ’50, their children and social studies departments. Share your latest news with your alumni friends. Robert “Bob” Johnson, former biblical (Eugene Whitmore ’74; Paula Phillips In Siloam Springs, he ministered as studies faculty member, passed away on ’78, who works in the JBU library; Ernest Submit your information to the Brown Bulletin online by visiting pastor and Sunday school teacher at January 9, 2006. He began teaching at JBU Whitmore ’80, the advising coordinator www.jbu.edu/alumi and clicking “online directory.” Nicodemus Community Church, Grace in 1975, and he chaired JBU’s biblical studies at JBU; and Marcia Wallace ’85), six News and photos can be submitted by U.S. mail or by e-mail, as well. Bible Church, Norwood Church, and department for nine years until his retirement grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. e-mail: [email protected] Siloam Springs Bible Church. in 1984. He most recently made his home mail: Brown Bulletin Editor, John Brown University, 2000 West University St., Siloam Springs, AR 72761 He was preceded in death by his wife in Nashville, Tennessee. He was preceded in of over 64 years. He is survived by his son death by his wife, Mary Elizabeth. For information about submission deadlines and policies, visit www.jbu.edu/bbnews Dean Bruce Gilbert and his wife Sharon and two grandchildren. 32 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 33 Benefits7 of a JBU As we celebrate the record-setting performance of JBU senior basketball player Brandon Cole, we wanted to look back at some other star athletes in JBU sports history. These athletes earned a Charitable Gift Annuity number of accolades, some of which are listed here. 1. ATTRACTIVE RATES. When you compare our gift annuity rates with what you might receive from a certificate of deposit you will be pleasantly surprised. (Rates between 4.7%-11.3%*.) David Stockstill ’82 Baseball • 1977 & 1978 2nd Team NAIA All-American 2. REGULAR PAYMENTS. When you establish your gift annuity, you decide how often • 16-year professional career you want to receive your payments (with certain restrictions). • Part of Orioles staff since 1994 as a hitting instructor, field coordinator, farm club manager, and field coordinator 3. FIXED INCOME. Your payment rate will be locked in at the time you obtain your gift • Current director of minor league operations for Major League annuity. Baseball’s Baltimore Orioles 4. LIFETIME BENEFIT. Gift annuities are for life. And if you have a two-life gift annuity, when one person dies, the other can continue to receive the same amount for the rest of his/her life. Matt Pearson ‘85 Cross-country 5. DEPENDABLE SOURCE. JBU stands behind each of its gift annuities. Guaranteed. (shown with the track team) • 1984 NAIA All-American 6. RELIEF FROM TAXES. Since part of your contribution for a gift annuity is considered • 1982, 83, 84 NCCAA All-American a charitable gift by the IRS, you will receive an income tax deduction to apply on an itemized tax return. 7. SIMPLE PROCESS. We can provide you with a tailor-made illustration so you can see Leo Peirano ’01 Men’s soccer • 2000 1st Team NAIA All-American how it all works with your age and contribution amount included. • 1999 & 2001 3rd Team NAIA All-American • Four-time All-SAC • 2000 Region and Conference Player of Interested in enjoying these benefits? the Year • Holds school scoring record with 32 goals Are you at or near retirement age? in 22 games Let us give you more information.

Contact Paul J. Eldridge, Director of Development & Planned Giving Nikki Peterson ‘95 Women’s swimming (shown with the swim team) or contact your Regional Director of Development: • 1992-93 NAIA National Champion in 100-yard backstroke as a sophomore James Elliot • 1992-93 All-American in 200-yard backstroke Eric Greenhaw • 1991-92 All-American in 200-yard backstroke, Amber Squires ‘02 Volleyball (#9 in the photo) 400-yard individual medley, and • 2000 3rd Team NAIA All-American 500-yard freestyle call (800) 446-2450 • 1999 & 2001 NAIA All-American Honorable Mention • 2001 SAC MVP • Four-time All-SAC • Holds JBU record for games played and kills • 2001 JBU Champion of Character Award * Rates will vary depending upon age and 34 Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 number of beneficiaries. Brown Bulletin Summer 2006 35 You’re always home at jbu Homecoming 2006 October 6th ~ 7th e Alumni Career Fair on Friday a Soccer and Volleyball Games and Rugby Match d Showcase Dinner and Alumni Performances c A Sensitive Comedy by the Drama Team: “The Curious Savage” f Class of ’56 Fifty-Year Reunion as well as reunions for ’61, ’66, ’71, ’76, ’81, ’86, ’91, ’96, and ’01

Brown Bulletin John Brown University 2000 West University Street Siloam Springs, AR 72761