SOUTHEASTERN ALUMNI AND FRIENDS MAGAZINE SUMMER 2019

ALSO FEATURING Maxine Andrews Ray & Judy Rachels Melony Bell Kathryn Bishop A LIFETIME OF LOVE Brandon Hurst AND MINISTRY Jaymi Yamoah

SOUTHEASTERN 1 SOUTHEASTERN TABLETABLE OF OF CONTENTS CONTENTS WINTER SUMMER 2019 2019

FEATURESFEATURES

This issue features alumni from a variety of different colleges.

26 REMEMBERING DR. JAMES HENNESY As the longest-serving president of Southeastern, Dr. James Hennesy’s tenure included leading the university to gain regional accreditation, several building projects and spiritual revivals on campus.

28 RAY & JUDY RACHELS: A LIFETIME OF LOVE AND MINISTRY Ray and Judy (Homer) Rachels fondly remember meeting as students at Southeastern and their preparation for ministry.

32 BRANDON HURST: TREKKING THROUGH LIFE With an adventurer’s spirit, Brandon Hurst ’08 has hiked on both U.S. coasts, mountain climbed around the world and has run ultra marathons.

36 JAYMI YAMOAH: INSPIRING HOPE THROUGH THE CREATIVE ARTS Through a creative arts program, Out of Zion, Jaymi (Perez) Yamoah ’07 provides support and brings hope to families who have children with medical and special needs.

39 MELONY BELL: COMMITTED TO SERVICE With political aspirations, Melony Bell ’08 felt the importance of receiving an education while pursuing her career. Formerly a commissioner and mayor, Melony now serves her community as a member of the Florida House of Representatives.

Photo: In the 2018-19 year, nearly 200 Southeastern students participated in more than 36 study abroad trips in 16 countries around the world. One of the summer trips was taken to Iceland, where the students were able to tour the Seljalandsfoss waterfall.

2 SOUTHEASTERN 26 36

42 MAXINE ANDREWS: COMMITTED TO GOD'S CALLING Fifty-seven years after first arriving in Taiwan, Maxine (Morrison) Andrews’ ’56 call to missions still hasn’t changed.

45 KATHRYN BISHOP: NURSING ON THE ROAD Traveling from the East Coast to the West Coast, Kathryn (Davis) Bishop ’11 shares the perks of being a travel nurse in a pediatric emergency room department.

62 THE MOSER FAMILY: HOOKED ON SOUTHEASTERN Since graduating in the ’70s, Lennie ’71 and Cheryl (Finch) ’72 Moser have continued to be involved and invest in the next generation of students at Southeastern. 45

IN EVERY ISSUE ON THE COVER 22 ATHLETICS RAY and JUDY (HOMER) RACHELS share how 49 FOCUS ON FACULTY Southeastern laid the foundation for their life in ministry. 53 CLASS NOTES

66 PERSPECTIVE

SOUTHEASTERN 3 SOUTHEASTERN

PRESIDENT Dr. Kent Ingle

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Dr. Chris Owen ’93, ’06 (M.A.)

CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Dana Davis

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Priscilla (Pennington) Burr ’14

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Joel K. Johnson ’92

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Mabelle Ramírez-Ortíz

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Reed Burr ’15; Elena Espinoza; John Lai; Loree Rowland; Scott Wheeler

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Priscilla (Pennington) Burr ’14; Stephanie Curl; Dana Davis; Lenore Devore; Grace Jicha; Cheryl Roth; Donnie Smith; Gina (Hardman) Terry ’08, ’11 (METL); Skylar Worthington

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 863.667.5400 SEU.edu [email protected] Published two times a year by the Office of University Advancement for Southeastern University’s alumni, faculty, staff and friends. Please send comments and contributions to:

SOUTHEASTERN University Advancement Southeastern University 1000 Longfellow Blvd. Lakeland, FL 33801

Submissions should be accompanied by the name, address, phone number and e-mail address of the sender. Contents of Southeastern may not be reproduced or redistributed in any manner, either whole or in part, without prior permission from Southeastern University. Southeastern reserves the right to edit and/or not publish content provided for submission into the magazine.

Please send address changes or Class Notes updates to: [email protected], the address above, or online at SEU.edu/alumni. Telephone: 863.667.5400

Facebook.com/seuniversityalumni Twitter @seu_alumni Instagram @seu_alumni

4 SOUTHEASTERN Advanced degrees THAT FIT YOUR MINISTRY GOALS

SEU offers relevant training designed to elevate your knowledge and support your current job or ministry

GRADUATE DOCTORAL Master of Divinity Doctor of Ministry Master of Arts Doctorate in in Family Ministry Strategic Leadership Master of Arts PhD in Organizational in Ministerial Leadership* Leadership Master of Arts (Theological Studies)

*Also available in an executive cohort format Learn more at SEU.edu/programs

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SOUTHEASTERN 5 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

reetings! I’m thrilled with them then, and coming full circle to share with you this now to be the president of the university Summer 2019 issue where Judy’s father paved the way, I am of the Southeastern honored to present their story with you magazine. here. Personally, I am grateful for their G incredible mentorship, their wisdom and We ended this academic year with influence in my life. Commencement and the celebration of our largest class ever. It has been amazing to see We are excited to reflect on the many the wide range of individuals Southeastern stories and successes of our alumni here reaches through programming on our at Southeastern. In the following pages, Lakeland campus as well as our extension you will read stories of those who have campuses throughout the country. gone on in their careers and callings to This summer, hundreds of our students many great achievements, from serving embarked on missions trips and study in the state capitol to running a 100- abroad trips, which was a transformative mile ultra marathon. We even share the season for them. As we prepare for fall story of one couple, whose compelling and expanding affordable and accessible faith through difficult trials and loss will educational opportunities, we will open inspire us all, as well as amazing current nearly 60 new extension campuses and student stories of those who have overcome project our total enrollment to approach great obstacles. We have been so blessed 10,000 students in all delivery formats. with such an excellent community of God has been faithful to our university! students and alumni whose lives fuel us to continue to recall the reason why our This issue, I invite you to learn the university exists. inspiring stories of our community. You will enjoy highlights of several alumni Lastly, we cover the latest updates on our who have gone on to be a light and serve new Welcome Center. I’m thrilled for you in their communities, businesses and to see the progress we have made so far, skilled fields. We also mourn the loss of Dr. as we prepare for its official opening this James Hennesy, who served as president of fall. Thank you to all of you who have what was then Southeastern College from contributed to this beautiful new building. 1980-1998. It will no doubt transform and elevate the college experience for our future students. Specifically, in this issue, you will learn of a special alumni couple who met on campus Thank you for being a vital part of our 62 years ago, Ray and Judy Rachels. Judy’s community. I consider it a great privilege dad was Dr. Cyril Homer, who served to serve as president of Southeastern, and I several terms as SEU’s president. I had am continually inspired by the marvelous the privilege of getting to know Ray and community here, all of our alumni and the Judy when he was the superintendent way your commitment to Christ so greatly of the SoCal District, where I was first impacts our world. appointed as a pastor. From working

6 SOUTHEASTERN Essential Adice on ollee Success

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SOUTHEASTERN 7

2019 Ad-Dr. Ingle-New Book-Modern Guide.indd 1 6/17/19 3:29 PM LETTER FROM THE ALUMNI DIRECTOR

In May, I had the chance to spend two days What can you expect moving forward? with a group of men who are all connected Be on the lookout for a relaunch of the to Southeastern. Seeing them share and SEU Alumni Association this fall. We are challenge each other in their careers was so developing some new programs, benefits, powerful. Hearing young men in ministry resources, and opportunities so our alumni learn best practices from established leaders can network with each other and support showed me how Southeastern continually the university and our students in a very impacts the world well after our time on direct way. Stay tuned. campus has come to an end. Homecoming 2019 (October 25-26) JOEL K. JOHNSON ’92 The goal of the Alumni Association at will be bigger and better than ever. Southeastern is twofold: Our annual alumni dinner will be held in the brand new Welcome Center. reetings to all the 1. Impacting the lives of our There are only seats for 380 guests at amazing alumni of current students by coming the dinner, so make sure you register Southeastern University! together as a body of alumni. It has been another early. We will have a campus-wide picnic incredible year. 2. Providing alumni the with alumni, faculty, staff, and current G opportunity to reconnect students. You won’t want to miss the “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to with their classmates and alumni chapel service in Bush Chapel, prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you the university as a whole. tailgate party, football game and fireworks. hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV). You can find more details at seu.edu/ During this last year we had some really homecoming. I love how this verse applies to our students great things happen. Homecoming 2018 here at SEU. Our Lord wants our students was incredible. Seeing so many of you In the spring of 2020 we will be starting to prosper, to have hope and a future. Just back on campus for the first time in 10, 20 our next round of regional alumni events. like He wanted for us when we were here. or 30 years was so enjoyable. We packed Planning for these will begin in the fall. If Just like He wants for everyone everywhere. out the annual alumni dinner and the you have a desire to help host something This has really become clear to me in my tailgate party. in your area, please let us know. Also in life and especially during this past year at the spring will be the second Carry the SEU. It has been so encouraging to see We also launched our new social media Torch Day — alumni and friends coming how our administration and the university program. If you have not been following together to impact the lives of current as a whole are following the leading of our us, please do so. You will see stories about students by giving to the SEU Annual Lord and Savior. our current students and the wonderful Fund. things they are doing. Our “Tuesday Tours” I cannot believe that my first year as the videos highlight different parts of campus Please join with us in prayer and partnership director of alumni relations has come and each week. You can also read the stories as we help make Jeremiah 29:11 a reality gone already. I have so enjoyed getting to of different alumni each Monday. (Please for our students. meet so many of you face to face here on send in recommendations for an alum you campus and around the country. Hearing would like to see featured.) what you all are doing and how you are impacting people has been encouraging, We had our first alumni-driven giving day motivating and challenging to me in April, where alumni came together and personally and to others as we venture to challenged one another to give to the SEU “Carry the Torch” of Southeastern Annual Fund. together.

8 SOUTHEASTERN SEU Conference 2019 SOUTHEASTERN 9 ON CAMPUS

CULTIVATING SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Walking into a chapel service at campus: BEN GOMEZ ’19 (M.Div.), Southeastern University looked very teaching pastor; JARED PARKS ’14, different in previous years. Forty years ’18 (M.A.), discipleship and mentoring ago, males and females sat on different pastor; and TORI HAMMER ’15, sides of the chapel and married couples campus life pastor. were allowed to sit together in the back middle section. “A healthy campus is a campus that allows the students to engage in their “Some of us dating couples would often spirituality and in their journey with hide in the middle row of the couples, Jesus in a transparent way. It’s a place just to sit with one another,” recalled where they can ask the difficult questions PAMELA CROSBY ’81, ’15 (M.A.). and not receive any backlash for it, but In the ’80s, females dressed in skirts and BETHANY THOMAS ’19 (Ed.D.) that they can tease out their doubts, fears dresses and were not allowed to wear and insecurities within the truth of God’s pants, and males were not allowed to wear word,” said Ben, who also serves as an jeans. Chapel was held every morning, In fact, according to a survey conducted assistant professor and the director of and students were only allowed to miss of incoming students, the spiritual youth ministry studies. three services per semester. atmosphere on campus is the number one reason students choose to attend The chapel schedule also changed to Although chapel services have looked Southeastern. provide students with different styles different over the years, since our of worship every week. This year alone, founding in 1935, Southeastern has been “The spiritual formation of our students students were able to choose to attend intentional about cultivating a strong is so important,” said BETHANY 180 chapels. On the first Monday night spiritual environment. The university THOMAS ’19 (Ed.D.), vice president of every month, First Chapel is open offers opportunities for students to grow for student development. to not only Southeastern students and in their faith both inside and outside faculty, but other college students and of the classroom through leadership Instead of having just one campus pastor, young adults in the local area as well. Its opportunities, clubs and events. three pastors guide the spiritual life of the purpose is to join the Lakeland young

10 SOUTHEASTERN adult community with Southeastern’s ministry. Tuesday morning chapels focus on community and bringing together students of different majors and clubs as well as athletic teams. Thursday morning chapel aims to train students in spiritual disciplines, including fasting, Bible reading, and silence and solitude. The Collective is a weekly worship service on Thursday evenings that is prayer and worship focused. SEU Worship The altered chapel schedule gives students the option to choose the session. SEU Worship allows students to “It was more than a transactional services they want to attend and allows write music and practice worship leading experience; it was relational and them to participate in evening church at chapel services and events like SEU foundational for what the missions or youth group on weeknights and Conference. department is trying to accomplish,” Sundays. This enables students to seek explained Ezra. ministry opportunities outside of Recently, SEU Worship has played at Southeastern to serve the local church. youth group retreat weekends, Christian SEU Missions has shifted its focus from events and conferences. Their booking laying foundations and developing “Students have the opportunity to hear dates have tripled over the past eight systems to building and maintaining from a variety of different voices and months, according to the campus connections with missionaries. worship styles to meet the diverse needs worship pastor and director for the of our student body,” said Bethany. school of worship, DAN RIVERA ’13. “We have seen the practicality and SEU Worship also began creating video logistics develop. We really want to invest Southeastern also offers discipleship content by live recording worship nights in networking and creating relationships groups to promote mentoring to be posted on YouTube. overseas,” said Ezra. relationships between students and staff and faculty members beyond just the “My heart is to tell and maintain the The intention of creating these classroom. These small Bible study groups rich history and legacy of worship on relationships is to build rapport and of students are led by staff and faculty campus,” said Dan. establish longevity and consistency in members on a weekly basis. the work of SEU Missions teams. The One of the biggest cultural components missions department has goals to partner Each year, Southeastern offers SEU on Southeastern’s campus is serving the with missionaries and send teams out to Conference, which features prominent local community as well as overseas. The work on long-term ongoing projects. In pastors from all over the country. This SEU Missions department hosted their 2019, Southeastern sent out 50 trips to year’s event, with Jentezen Franklin, annual missions conference, Exposure, in 100 countries with over 425 students. Benny Perez, Jimmy Rollins and the fall 2019 semester. Julia Veach, brought in more than The growth on Southeastern’s campus 2,800 attendees from Southeastern, “We worked hard to bring people from over the past year is a product of the our extension sites and the Lakeland overseas to our missions conference. We progress that has helped Southeastern to community. brought people from Asia, Europe, Africa cultivate and maintain a healthy spiritual and Latin America as voices of influence,” atmosphere. “One of the best moments of this year’s said ESDRAS “EZRA” SANTIAGO conference was seeing a generation called ’14, ’17 (M.A.), SEU Missions director. “Although chapel may look a little to impact this world, and to see them say different from the past,” said Bethany, ‘yes,’” said Ben. The speakers not only preached, but “Southeastern continues to prioritize they also stayed a whole week teaching helping students grow in their spiritual A highlight of conference was being led classes, meeting faculty and engaging walk.” into worship by SEU Worship at each with students.

SOUTHEASTERN 11 IN THE FALL, SEVERAL NEW PROGRAMS WILL BE LAUNCHED AT SOUTHEASTERN. A few of the significant degree additions include a bachelor’s of science in biochemistry with a concentration in applied research; a bachelor’s of science in biology with concentrations in medical science, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine; and a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a pre-athletic training track.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOCHEMISTRY The College of Natural and Health Sciences will launch an undergraduate degree in biochemistry with an option for a concentration in applied research in the fall. This degree will NEW DEGREES NEW prepare students to pursue graduate research opportunities and equip them with necessary laboratory skills to advance into clinical research.

A benefit of the program is the opportunity for students to work alongside professors who are already doing high-yield research on campus. Some ongoing research projects include the synthesis of novel artificial peptidomimetic anticancer agents, HIV antiviral compounds, and investigating the pathophysiology of Alzheimer’s disease and biological metabolites involved in Parkinson’s disease.

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY The biology/pre-med major will change to a bachelor of science degree in biology with four possible concentrations. Concentrations will be offered in medical science, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine. The addition of the concentrations will help increase the opportunity for student acceptance rates into graduate schools, including medical school, dental school, pharmacy school and veterinary programs.

Students in this program will have the opportunity to apply to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). Through a partnership with LECOM, SEU is guaranteed the acceptance of 15 students yearly into LECOM’s medical, pharmacy and dental schools.

BACHELOR’S IN KINESIOLOGY — PRE-ATHLETIC TRAINING TRACK This track of kinesiology will equip students with an in-depth knowledge of the human body and how it moves, in addition to training students on all the necessary skills to perform the duties of an athletic trainer. Classes for this program include motor control and learning, orthopedic evaluation of athletic injuries and physiology of exercise.

This program provides the necessary courses to prepare students to pursue a career as an athletic trainer.

12 SOUTHEASTERN STUDENTS LEARN TO DIG HISTORY Dr. John Wineland, associate professor of history, and several students conducted an archaeological dig this year near the Kissimmee River, where they discovered artifacts and shells dating back to the Woodland period of history. Wineland, a registered professional archaeologist, has excavated in Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for over 30 years. He has led dozens of study tours to archaeological and historical sites across Europe and the Mediterranean world. A new minor in archaeological studies, offered this fall, will allow him to further share his passion for history with students.

SOUTHEASTERN 13 ON CAMPUS

Carla Harris

Southeastern welcomed more than 500 guests to campus for the On the evening of Friday, March 15, nearly 400 guests gathered Forum at SEU on March 14. This year’s guest speakers included to hear from Clemson University head football coach Dabo Horst Schulze, Bill and Giuliana Rancic, Carla Harris, Jon Gordon, Swinney at The SEU Gala. The gala was held in the Sportsplex Dennis Ross, Dr. Kent Ingle and many more. Next year’s Forum on Southeastern’s campus. Proceeds raised through sponsorships will take place on March 13, 2020. Information is available at from the gala supported the SEU Fund, which includes general SEUforum.com. student scholarships and the SEU Annual Fund.

14 SOUTHEASTERNBill & Giuliana Rancic Horst Schulze Dennis Ross Dr. Chris Owen

Tony Carvajal, Dennis Ross and Dr. Ed Moore Jon Gordon (Left to Right) Dr. Kent Ingle

The SEU Gala attendees hear from Dabo Swinney Dabo Swinney

SAVE THE DATE

MARCH 13, 2020

Live Art by Robb Johnson Artist's rendering of Dabo Swinney SEUforum.comSOUTHEASTERNcaption 15 STUDENT STORIES

JENNA (CHERRY) O'BRIEN / BRINGING HOPE THROUGH ART

Always knowing she wanted to do like custom branding for local businesses. her own thing, JENNA (CHERRY) Soon enough, the exposure through the O’BRIEN ’19 dreamed of starting her online platforms amassed popularity own business. With a combination of for Jenna’s designs that reached past her natural entrepreneurial spirit and the bounds of Southeastern’s campus and general communications major, Jenna across Lakeland. crafted Twenty Seven in her dorm room at Southeastern University. At the time, Numerous unique opportunities have she could not have anticipated the way it materialized for Jenna out of the growth would come about. of Twenty Seven. She is able to call a portion of The Shop Across The Street It was only a month before Jenna her own in downtown Lakeland, as the Jenna (Cherry) O’Brien ’19 would make the move from her home physical location for her business. She was to Southeastern for her freshman year also chosen to paint a mural in downtown of college when she was diagnosed her of light through the dark times. Lakeland, write for local magazines and with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder The 27th of every month also marks even received the Lakeland CityMaker (PMDD). She had been experiencing the anniversary of her first date with award for January 2019 from Mayor extreme bouts of depression and anxiety her husband, CONNOR O’BRIEN Bill Mutz. that left her feeling not like herself. ’19, whom she married the week after graduation. However, she never forgets how it was all To cope, Jenna began to draw, and the act possible. “Every challenge that I’ve met, of creating art brought her comfort. In her dorm room, Jenna began to God has directed me to the next thing. transform her digital drawings into He’s moving the ship.” “This was Twenty Seven’s roots. From a custom prints and designs that she could really dark time, it propelled me to do put on a variety of items, including Since graduating, Jenna is self-employed something with that,” Jenna said. greeting cards, buttons, stickers and even and puts all her focus and energy into t-shirts. Splashed with bright, happy, growing Twenty Seven. She hopes to It wasn’t until her sophomore year that pastel colors, many of her pieces are continue working on branding for local Jenna displayed some of her art at a adorned with pop-art lettering that businesses and grow her online presence market at Concord Coffee in Lakeland. exhibit encouraging phrases. Many others further. People wanted to buy her pieces, and the are Lakeland-themed, featuring places positive feedback she received showed such as Lake Mirror and Lake Morton. Jenna has had dreams of opening her own her a gleaming potential for business. brick and mortar store, and those dreams Deriving inspiration from artists like will be coming true later this summer. Thus, Twenty Seven was born. Wes Anderson and Andy Warhol, Jenna Twenty Seven will be teaming up with said, “My style is very colorful, retro, another local business to open a storefront “The whole purpose of Twenty Seven is old Lakeland.” in downtown Lakeland where Jenna can to create things that remind people there display and sell her retro-themed prints is hope,” said Jenna. Jenna used Instagram to showcase her and stationery. products and connect to her fellow Named after Psalm 27, her favorite students. She also set up a website for “I’m just going to see what Twenty Seven Psalm, Jenna wanted Twenty Seven to Twenty Seven, where she now conducts can do.” symbolize something that had reminded most of her business, offering services

16 SOUTHEASTERN STUDENT STORIES

XAVIER HENDRIX / SPEAKING OUT FROM THE HEART

Xavier Hendrix credits Southeastern major. Since finding out about his heart University with saving his life. In the condition, Xavier now has aspirations of summer of 2017, Xavier moved two becoming a cardiologist or an orthopedic hours away from his hometown of Palm surgeon. Bay to play for Southeastern’s conference champion football team. Football was a On campus, Xavier has been highly sport that Xavier played since he was 6 involved with the Student Christian years old. His mother, Marianne, recalls Medical Association. Xavier worked the many weekends the family spent with the Athletic Department so club watching Xavier play the sport. members could gain hands-on experience by performing EKG exams for student- It was during his first football summer athletes. He also is working to have every camp in 2017 at the university when Xavier Hendrix member of the club certified in CPR. things started to change for Xavier. That same summer, Southeastern partnered Southeastern currently has 430 athletes. Xavier discovered that he had Wolff- with Who We Play For. Through heart In addition to Xavier, two other students Parkinson-White syndrome, a condition screenings, this organization works to were flagged for heart conditions. One where an extra electrical pathway in the eliminate preventable sudden cardiac was aware of the condition before arriving heart causes a rapid heartbeat. death in young athletes. Cardiac arrest at Southeastern and has continued to is the number one killer of athletes play with permission from a doctor. The “I was shocked. It was one of those in schools today. Every Southeastern other student-athlete had the heart issue eye-opening experiences. That kind of student athlete was required to have an repaired and was able to continue to play took me back and made me realize that electrocardiogram (EKG) exam. for the university until graduating. anything could be taken away from me at any split second,” said Xavier. Year after The partnership with Who We Play For Xavier has also become an advocate, year as a youth, he would regularly go came about after the director of athletics, along with his mother, for Who We to the doctor for his sports physicals, but DREW WATSON ’18 (MBA), at- Play For, by sharing his story of how an they never checked his heart. “We test tended a seminar for NAIA athletic EKG exam saved his life. Their goal is to our children’s eyes and hearing in school, directors earlier that year. create awareness throughout Florida and so we need to be testing their hearts,” eventually on a national level, with hopes said Marianne. “I think if you are not doing this of making EKG exams mandatory for [performing EKG exams], you are all student-athletes. In April, Xavier and Xavier soon found himself stepping down dropping the ball,” said Drew. “Anytime Drew shared their stories at the National from the football team and undergoing we have a tool at our disposal that could Association of Intercollegiate Athletics two unsuccessful heart surgeries to close lead to the prevention of a potentially (NAIA) Convention. the hole in his heart. His third and final catastrophic event in the life of a student- surgery took place in November of 2018, athlete, I believe it is incumbent upon us “We can’t put a price on someone’s life. two days before Thanksgiving, and it to use it. EKG testing gives us that tool.” It makes me feel fortunate to be the one was a success. “It was really raw to me to who was found. It gives me that drive realize that football isn’t what God had After an EKG was done on Xavier, he to make sure those events never happen called me to do anymore,” said Xavier. was called into the head athletic trainer’s again to anyone. We want to see a domino office. Through the test, an abnormality effect in Florida that leads to the whole When Xavier came to Southeastern was found in Xavier’s heart and he was United States making it a requirement for in 2017, he enrolled as a pre-medicine referred to a cardiologist. Soon enough, these tests,” said Xavier.

SOUTHEASTERN 17 ON CAMPUS

WELCOME HOME

he new Welcome Center “I have never been more able to create more than just a building. will open its doors this fall. excited about a building than We will be able to make an investment The 32,000-square-foot in the lives of our students as they are on this one. Our new Welcome facility will become the the journey of discovering who God has Center is a building that official front door of the called them to be. T university, providing a represents our mission — to space to introduce Southeastern to the come alongside a generation You will have the opportunity to see thousands of students and their families of students to help them the new building firsthand during who visit the campus yearly to meet with discover and develop their Homecoming on October 25 and 26. The admission counselors and tour campus. Divine Design so they can annual alumni dinner will be held in the third floor banquet room overlooking Lake go out and serve Christ, The Welcome Center will also include Bonny, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony is the church and the world.” administrative offices and a banquet hall. also planned for the weekend. The new facility will open up space in — Dr. Kent Ingle, President other adjacent buildings so that all student For more details about the Welcome services (Registrar, Financial Services, anonymous group of donors has made a Center or Project Gateway, please call the and Advising) will be centrally and $3 million pledge toward the project, Office of Advancement at 863.667.5455. conveniently located for students. where they will match every gift given to the campaign up to $3 million. If you Last year, the university embarked on would like to contribute to the campaign, a capital campaign, known as Project please use the envelope affixed to the next * Photos reflect construction of the facility as Gateway, to raise funds for the project. An page. With your partnership, we will be of May 2019.

18 SOUTHEASTERN quote.

SOUTHEASTERN 19 Don Eudy REFLECTS ON BASEBALL AT SEU

Don Eudy with Adrian Dinkel

he year 2018 is one that “The biggest accomplishment for me was how several of them played other sports in will be hard for SEU’s to see the baseball team play the Detriot addition to baseball. baseball team to forget. Tigers. It was great. Especially since they With a perfect 8-0 kept them close. We played them even “When we rested the pitcher, we just record in the NAIA for eight innings. No one knew what pitched whoever else had any experience T National Tournament, was going to happen,” said Don Eudy, pitching on the team. The team played the team took home Southeastern’s first former athletic director and the Fire’s first well because nearly all of them had red banner and world series national baseball head coach. played baseball before. We had a winning championship win in the university’s season that first year. We were just getting history since joining the NAIA in the fall When Eudy became the athletic director started,” added Eudy. of 2009. in 1973, Southeastern only had one team — men’s basketball. His first priority was “The biggest accomplishment The accolades didn’t stop there. Five of to add a few more athletic teams and for me was to see the baseball the baseball players were signed by Major introduce intramurals; one of those teams League Baseball teams. Head coach Adrian was baseball. team play the Detriot Tigers. Dinkel was honored as the NAIA Coach It was great. Especially since of the Year, three players were named to “Florida is ideal for baseball. There is good they kept them close. We the 2018 Baseball NAIA All-American weather and you can play it year round. played them even for eight list and Jonathan Bermudez was named That was the first team that I wanted to innings. No one knew what the NAIA Pitcher of the Year. start,” said Eudy. was going to happen.” Then, at a press conference in August, the At the time, the role of athletic director — Don Eudy Fire were invited to face their toughest also meant that Eudy coached most of the opponent yet — the Detroit Tigers. In teams, in addition to being a professor of The team, a core group of 14 players, front of a crowd of nearly 5,000 people, history. For the first year of the program, practiced and played games at the historic the Fire played the Tigers in their spring he coached the baseball team. He can Henley Field in Lakeland, where the training opener in February of 2019. still recall every player by name and the Detriot Tigers once practiced. Now, the positions they played on the team, noting SEU team practices and plays at the Ted

20 SOUTHEASTERN The Fire celebrate a return trip to the NAIA World Series in 2019 by winning the Opening Round in Macon, Ga.

Don Eudy 2018 NAIA National Champions

A. Broer Stadium on the university’s attended the first time the team played a including winning a program-best 59 campus. The 200-seat stadium was built Major League Baseball team in February games and winning the 2018 Avista in 2004, modeled after Fenway Park at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland. NAIA World Series. Dinkel described in Boston. the win as “a great opportunity. It was “To see us advance as far as we have in something they worked hard for.” In the first season of baseball, the team athletics has been really rewarding to me,” played a variety of Christian universities said Eudy. The 2018 season concluded with several across the nation. They were also a part of athletes receiving accolades at the the Florida Christian College Conference Coach Adrian Dinkel took over as the regional level of The Sun Conference and played teams in the area, including head baseball coach of the Fire in the and the national level of the NAIA. The Clearwater Christian, Warner Southern fall of 2016, after successfully coaching team, now made up of more than 60 College and Florida Southern. at Sterling College. In their first season athletes (both junior varsity and varsity), under his leadership, the team won The also saw the most drafted players into Years after the program was started, the Sun Conference Tournament in 2017 Major League Baseball in the history of team continued to find success after and broke the school record for wins, the university. In the 2019 season, the joining the NCCAA, winning four with their first 50-win season. team ranked as number one in the NAIA National Championships in 2005, 2006, Coaches’ Poll and won their first regular 2007 and 2008. When the Fire joined “The first year was a building block for season title for The Sun Conference. Yet, the NAIA, the baseball team won The us. We set out our cultural expectations when reflecting on the accomplishments Sun Conference Tournament in 2014 and set the tone for the season,” said the team has achieved, one of the and 2017. Dinkel. highlights will always be the opportunity to play the Detriot Tigers. Nearly 46 years since the team was started, Before the start of his second season, Eudy still enjoys attending Southeastern Dinkel spent his summer recruiting “It was an unbelievable experience for us athletic games and seeing how far the players to fill the spots of 18 seniors who to play at the highest level. We want to programs have come. Eudy followed had graduated in the spring of 2017. keep growing and to win at a high level the baseball team as they made it to the The group of 25 new players paid off, with our faith on our sleeve,” said Dinkel. NAIA world series championship and he as the team went on to set new records,

SOUTHEASTERN 21 Elsa Paulsson-Glantz works past a Concordia (Neb.) defender during the NAIA Division II Josiah Barsh heads towards the rim against Coastal Georgia. National Championship game. ATHLETICS UPDATE

Abdel Guadalupe drives a ball to the outfield during Ethan Owen is victorious in his third-place match the team’s exhibition against the Detroit Tigers, at the NAIA National Championships. which tied the game.

MEN’S BASKETBALL tournament to third-seeded Jamestown. tries. The team avenged last season’s loss Senior Josiah Barsh was one of a league- to eventual national champion Dakota The Fire men’s basketball team recorded leading four Fire players on the All-Sun Wesleyan with a thrilling 78-75 double- its second consecutive 20+ win season, Conference teams, earning first-team overtime win to play for the national posting a 20-10 overall record and honors as well as honorable mention All- championship. Despite a fast start, the returning to the NAIA Division II America recognition. Fire came up eight points short in the National Championship Tournament championship game to Concordia (Neb.) for the third time in program history. to conclude the season with a 31-3 The season opened with an exhibition at WOMEN’S BASKETBALL record. For the second time in three Florida Gulf Coast, which netted some Despite a 64-game regular season win seasons, the Fire had two players on the national exposure when sophomore streak coming to an end, the Fire enjoyed NAIA Division II All-America lists with Isaiah Moody’s dunk landed on ESPN’s their deepest postseason run in program seniors Elsa Paulsson-Glantz on the first Sports Center Top 10 Plays of the Day. history. The Fire won their fourth- team and Makenzie Cann on the second One-third of the team’s schedule was consecutive Sun Conference regular team. played against teams that were ranked season and tournament championships, or received votes in the national poll, and made their fifth-consecutive NAIA helping test the team early on. A 13-5 Division II National Championship WRESTLING record in The Sun Conference scored Tournament appearance. Southeastern A grueling regular season schedule the team a second place finish in the finally broke through to the national prepared the SEU wrestling team for league. The season came to an end with semifinal, winning their quarterfinal another successful postseason run. The a loss in the first round of the national match-up for the first time in three Fire wrestled 12 of their 19 duals against

22 SOUTHEASTERN programs that were ranked or received SOFTBALL votes. This included battling some of The Fire struggled against a tough the best in the nation at the NWCA schedule, posting a 25-28 overall Team Duals in Louisville, where the record. Southeastern played 16 games Fire recorded a fifth-place finish. A against opponents that were ranked and program-best three wrestlers advanced or went on to postseason appearances, to the championship bout in their which included nearly half of the respective weight class at the Mid- World Series participants. Individually, South Conference Championships, senior pitcher Hannah Bodenhorn was with four others also qualifying for Bailee Moll squares up a pitch during the named The Sun Conference Pitcher of the NAIA National Championship to team’s international exhibition against the the Year, leading the league with a 1.15 Czech Republic National Team. match the program record of seven ERA against conference opponents. participants. Ethan Owen became the At the plate, Bailee Moll earned First- first two-time All-American in program Team All-Sun Conference honors history, recording the highest individual hitting .324 with 18 doubles and three finish in program history placing third home runs. in the 141-pound bracket. Sophomore Jason Davis also earned All-American MEN’S TENNIS honors with an eighth-place finish in the 184-pound bracket. The team also Southeastern enjoyed a turnaround had unprecedented academic success, season under first-year head coach and ranking in the NWCA Top 15 Scholar alum DREW DICKENS ’16, ’19 All-American team rankings and had (M.S.) guiding the team to a 13-8 four individual Scholar All-Americans. record and their first appearance in The Sun Conference Tournament semifinals Felipe Barbosa volleys a ball back to BASEBALL since 2016. Five of the team’s eight losses were by a single point, which his opponent during play against It was going to be difficult for the 2019 Coastal Georgia. included its semifinal loss to Coastal baseball team to meet or exceed the Georgia. Felipe Barbosa had a successful excitement from the 2018 season, but season, posting a 15-4 doubles record they certainly came close. Southeastern and a 10-9 singles record during the spent the entire season ranked No. 1 in regular season and was named Second- the NAIA Coaches’ Top 25, becoming Team All-Sun Conference. Barbosa the first program in school history to was also named the league’s Champion do so. The Fire posted the top offensive of Character award winner and was numbers in all of NAIA baseball and put selected to the Academic All-Sun their skills to the test against the Detroit Conference team. Tigers in a Spring Training exhibition game at Joker Marchant Stadium. WOMEN’S TENNIS Thanks to a pair of RBI hits by junior The women’s tennis team also returned All-American Beatrice Letizia backhands outfielder Abdel Guadalupe, the Fire a ball to her opponent during the team’s brought the 4,965 fans in attendance to to the conference semifinals for the match against Coastal Georgia. their feet as the game was tied at two in first time since 2017, posting a 16-4 the seventh. The Fire made history by overall record and a 5-2 record in Sun winning The Sun Conference regular Conference play. All four of the team’s season title for the first time in program losses were to teams ranked in the history and qualified for a second Top 11 nationally. A 5-4 win at No. consecutive World Series appearance. 13 Cumberland University helped get The Fire went 2-2 during their stay in the Fire in the Top 25 for the first time Lewiston, which included a dramatic since 2016. A pair of underclassmen comeback win in an elimination game were honored as All-Americans with against Indiana Tech, where Guadalupe freshman Beatrice Letizia named to hit a two-out, two-run home run in the the second team and junior Sharienne ninth to send the game to extra innings. Ricardo named to the honorable mention team. Landry Miller sends a drive down the fairway during the ClashSOUTHEASTERN at Crosswinds. 23 Two-time All-American Ana Uribe Kyle Manuel participates in the weight tees off during the first round of play throw during the program’s first All-American Namiah Simpson clears at The Sun Conference Championship indoor meet at the Crossplex in a hurdle during her race at the at PGA National. Birmingham, Ala. University of Miami Hurricane Alumni Meet.

The Fire men’s and women’s track and field teams celebrate their Sun Conference Championships.

MEN’S GOLF Conference Championship at PGA Conference Championship. Five athletes National, finishing behind the top two competed in six events at outdoor Playing in the most competitive golf teams in the nation. The team qualified nationals with Darion Carter recording conference in the NAIA, a young team for the NAIA National Championship the program’s first podium finish, earning faced the best of the best each time it for the third straight year, and twice All-America status with a seventh-place took to the course. The team spent the during the tournament broke the school finish in the 110 Meter Hurdles. majority of the season ranked in the Top record for lowest 18-hole team score. 25. The Fire had a strong showing at the Additionally, sophomore Ashlynn Joyner Point Invitational at Callaway Gardens, WOMEN’S TRACK AND FIELD posted the lowest individual 18-hole score finishing fourth, and had a strong start It was a special first year of competition in program history with a 69 during the at The Sun Conference Championship, for the Fire in women’s track and field, second round. The team finished 13th, but some late struggles took the team out winning the conference championship which is its second best finish in program of contention. For the second year in a on its first try. The Fire also sent five history. Junior Ana Uribe became the row, junior Landry Miller was named the student-athletes to indoor nationals, first two-time All-American in program league’s Champion of Character award with two earning All-America honors history, netting second team honors. winner for his volunteer efforts as well with top eight finishes. Freshman Julia as his sportsmanship and integrity on the Rohm placed third in the 3,000 Meters MEN’S TRACK AND FIELD course. and Namiah Simpson placed seventh in The first season of competition was the 400 Meters. Both were among the WOMEN’S GOLF certainly one to remember for the men’s group that qualified to compete in six track and field team. The Fire sent three events at outdoor nationals, where the The Fire won a pair of events this past athletes to the NAIA Indoor National Fire recorded two more podiums with season, winning the Coastal Georgia Championship setting the table for a Simpson placing second in the 400 Meter Invitational and the Point Invitational. successful outdoor season, which saw Hurdles and was a part of the 4x400 SEU also placed third at The Sun SEU win two meets, including The Sun Meter Relay team which finished third.

24 SOUTHEASTERN 2019 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE Victory Field September 7 - Campbellsville University September 14 @ Point University September 21 - Georgetown College September 28 - Virginia University of Lynchburg October 5 - Ave Maria University October 12 @ St. omas University October 19 @ Keiser University October 26 - Warner University November 2 - Webber International November 9 @ Faulkner University November 16 @ Edward Waters College

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SOUTHEASTERN 25

2019 Ad-Fire Club Football Ticket.indd 1 6/27/19 3:52 PM REMEMBERING DR. JAMES HENNESY

outheastern University's Alabama and Georgia. During their 15 Taking a Bible he had been given a few longest serving president, years at Evangel Temple Assembly of God weeks prior from a lady in his church, Dr. James Hennesy, passed in Columbus, Ga., the church grew from Hennesy went to his study to pray about away on April 24, 2019. a membership of 250 to a congregation the phone call. He opened the Bible to Serving as president of of almost 1,500. It was while he was at read Isaiah 22:19, “I dismiss you from S Southeastern College of Evangel Temple that Hennesy received a your office, I remove you from your the Assemblies of God from 1980 to 1998, call from Southeastern. post.” As soon as he got home, he told Hennesy left his mark on Southeastern. his wife what God had revealed to him. At the meeting the next day, the “When we look back at the history of Board unanimously voted him in as the Southeastern and the tremendous growth next president. we are experiencing right now, we undoubtedly cannot forget all those who When Hennesy became president, the paved the way for us,” said Dr. Kent Ingle, university experienced a lot of firsts. On president of Southeastern. “Dr. James the student life side, male students were Hennesy was one of those individuals. allowed to grow their beards if they He laid the foundation for so many made sure they were trimmed. Students successes on campus, in particular our were even permitted to have a television academic achievements through gaining in their room, with the requirement that regional accreditation. His legacy can be it was black and white with a screen no seen through the lives of the numerous larger than 13 inches. students he impacted.” A month after Dr. Cyril Homer resigned In his first few years of presidency, the Originally from Alabama, Hennesy as president of the college in 1979, the athletics teams also achieved a lot of graduated from Central Bible College, Board of Directors agreed to ask Hennesy success. In 1981 and 1982, known as marrying his wife, Margaret “Margie,” to be the next president of the college. the “Crusaders” at the time, the men’s just three days following graduation. They called him at 5:30 p.m. requesting basketball team won the Florida Christian After receiving his ordination from the to have a meeting the following day in College Conference Championship Arkansas District of the Assemblies of Lakeland. He was given two hours to (FCCC). God in 1957, the Hennesys went on to make up his mind on whether or not he pastor a number of churches in Arkansas, would attend the meeting.

26 SOUTHEASTERN residents through the Florida Resident and employees at the time. BONNIE Access Grant (FRAG) (currently the YOST ’94 can still vividly remember Florida EASE Grant). This opened the when Hennesy called her husband, Gary, door for funding for residents of Florida in 1986 to see if he would serve as the and for more of them to attend. director of pastoral care and counseling. When they moved down to Southeastern, “I liked working with Dr. Hennesy. Bonnie served alongside Henessy’s wife, He was a pleasure to be with and a Margie, who was the director of alumni good communicator,” said Glenn Pearl, and college relations at the time. reference and serials librarian. “I was able to finish my music degree During his tenure, several new majors while I worked there, and the Hennesys were added in communication, youth had a huge part in making that possible. ministries, business, management, and In the more than 12 years that I worked English. Both psychology and business there, what I saw in the Hennesys was Most important of all, the campus also became their own separate an undying passion for the students and experienced several revivals. departments and a general education their needs. Dr. Hennesy truly had a core was required for all majors. pastor’s heart and cared deeply for those The late Robert Elliott, student dean at in his charge,” said Bonnie. the time, once said, “The 1987 school His time at Southeastern also saw a year started differently. In other years, the number of building projects, including On January 31, 1998, Southeastern would Holy Spirit has been present, but this year the Lindsey Science Building (where say goodbye to their longest serving the atmosphere especially changed. For the Buena Vida Building is now located), president, when he announced his two days, the agenda was set aside while the Steelman Library (formerly the retirement during chapel. To honor their they waited on God for His direction. In Steelman Media Center) and the Jerome legacy and commitment to Southeastern, twenty-one years, I have never seen the E. Bolin Building. The academic building on April 21, 2005, a plaza right outside of school begin with such a powerful move (now the Education building) was also the Bolin building was dedicated to Dr. of God.” remodeled. At the time, the building James and Mrs. Margie Hennesy. consisted of the cafeteria (bottom floor) Hennesy spoke in the majority of the and the library (second floor) and was “Dr. Hennesy was a man of integrity chapels. Many students still recall the remodeled for classrooms. The campus and character. His faith was strong, and messages he preached ranging from even hosted the annual meeting of the his love for God was strong. He was very the topics of “Laodicea,” “We Need Society for Pentecostal Studies (SPS) in generous towards students,” said Dr. Bill Repentance” and “Preach the Word.” November of 1991. Hackett, provost of Southeastern.

“At the time, chapel took place every After their retirement, Hennesy served morning and Dr. Hennesy was at the as the pastor of pastoral care at Trinity majority of the services. He certainly Church in Cedar Hill, Texas, until his was the spiritual leader of the campus, as passing in April. He is survived by his wife, evidenced by his leadership in chapels,” Margie; his sons, Jim and MARK ’83, said Darrell Hardt, executive director of and their wives, Becky and ROSANNE student services. (SEVERANCE) ’83; his grandchildren, Ross, Ryan, Benjamin, Kristin, Katee, One of Southeastern’s most significant and Joshua, and their spouses, Nora, milestones under Hennesy was receiving Anna, Julia and Justin; and by his great- regional accreditation from the Southern grandchildren Maddie, Olivia and Emma. Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in 1986. Through receiving this * History compiled from “Southeastern accreditation, Southeastern was able University 1935-2010” written by Dr. Paul to join the Independent Colleges and However, the greatest impact the van der Laan. Universities of Florida (ICUF) and later Hennesys had on Southeastern can be was able to receive funding for Florida seen through the lives of the students

SOUTHEASTERN 27 Ray & Judy Rachels A LIFETIME OF LOVE AND MINISTRY

28 SOUTHEASTERN n a humid summer day were confident God’s hand was on their “This is not something that most teenage in 1955, the Homer transition. daughters would be very excited to hear,” family pulled into the Judy admitted, adding jokingly, “I’ll pick driveway of South- “The assurance of knowing this was the my own, thank you.” But after his excited Eastern Bible Institute, right place for us to be gave us great hope description of this cool young man, O full of anticipation for the significant growth that would be bounding down the steps of his home and ready to settle into their new home. accomplished in the following years,” in Columbus, Ga., to meet her dad, Judy Dr. Cyril Homer had just assumed what Judy said. admitted to at least a bit of curiosity. would be the first of his two successful tenures as president. By 1958, the college’s enrollment had In the fall of 1957, as students arrived on increased from 175 to 250 students. A campus, Judy, then a freshman, quietly “The temperature on campus that day four-year program was also initiated, searched for Ray. was in the 90s,” recalled his daughter, allowing students to pursue a Bachelor of JUDY (HOMER) RACHELS, who Arts credential, and the institution’s name “To my surprise, I was impressed with was a 15-year-old high school student was subsequently changed to South- this crew-cut athlete, bubbling with at the time. “The very quiet campus Eastern Bible College. personality,” said Judy. consisted of five small buildings scattered among the heavily Spanish moss-laden One reason for the college’s impressive As the two grew in their friendship over live oak trees. Two rooms in the unair- growth was Homer’s commitment to the next few years — busy with classes, conditioned dormitory would become recruiting students. Upon arriving home campus leadership positions, daily chapel home to us for about six months.” from a student-recruitment tour of the services, weekly ministry assignments and southern states, Homer announced that weekend-only double-dating — they Having relocated from Terre Haute, he had met Judy’s future husband, a high focused on keeping God at the center of Ind., where Homer had served as pastor school senior named RAY RACHELS. it all. of First Assembly of God, the Homers

SOUTHEASTERN 29 Ray and Judy with their children and grandchildren

from Vanguard. In 1996, she was awarded Evangel’s Alumni Association’s President’s Award for professional accomplishment and for bringing honor to the institution.

Five years after Ray and Judy’s introduction at South-Eastern, Cyril Homer’s prediction came to pass: they were married. The Rachels embarked on a successful ministry career together, Judy said, “Those were deep, spiritually for the Ohio District; youth ministries along with growing their family by formative years. They provided a strong director for the Northern California and three children, Scott, Lance and Heather, and meaningful trajectory toward our Nevada District; and men’s ministries and then seven grandchildren, Madison, lifelong pursuit of God’s calling to a director, assistant superintendent and Lauren, Katie, Luke, Josh, Emily lifetime of ministry.” superintendent of the SoCal Network. and Charlie. He served as the district superintendent Ray attended South-Eastern for three for 22 years, overseeing more than 400 “Southeastern was a major building block years and then transferred to Troy State churches. for the formation of my life and ministry,” College to complete his bachelor’s said Ray. “The spiritual life I found there degree in history. He also later attended Ray also served as chair of Vanguard — the professors, classes, friendships and, United Theological Seminary in Dayton, University’s board of trustees, and on best of all, Judy, my life’s mate — all of Ohio, and earned a master’s degree the board of American Indian College those elements have worked deeply to in leadership studies from Vanguard and Church Extension Plan. Since 2011, move me into the places of service where University of Southern California. In he has served as the southwest regional God has put me.” 1995, he was selected as Southeastern’s executive presbyter for the General Alumnus of the Year. Council of the Assemblies of God. Ray first served as a youth and music pastor in Dayton, Ohio, and then Judy completed two years at South- Judy enjoyed a career as a public school pastored two churches in California. He Eastern and then transferred to Evangel teacher in Ohio and California. She has held a long list of leadership positions University to complete her bachelor’s served for 15 years as the women’s in the Assemblies of God, including degree in education, then later earned ministries director for the SoCal youth and Christian education director a master’s degree in leadership studies Network, leading conferences, retreats,

30 SOUTHEASTERN Judy speaking at Commencement in 2014

missions efforts and outreaches. She has While Ray and Judy are still very active in also presented at many women’s events. ministry, traveling for close to six months In 2012, Judy was asked to serve the out of the year to speak in churches and General Council as the national chair of at events around the country, they have Women in Ministry, where she provided also enjoyed having more time to spend support for females who are in ministerial with their family. leadership and those in the process of seeking credentials. She retired in 2018 “Today when I visit the amazing campus and currently serves on the board of of SEU, I smile,” Judy shared. “Three of trustees at Southeastern. our grandchildren are current students. They, too, will impact our world for good.

“We are so proud to have them here at a place that prepared us so well for life and has grown into a university that is Judy with her parents thriving. It is stunning to think of the college we attended and how it has transformed into this university that has expanded its reach, yet still holds true to its strong roots in spiritual heritage Reflecting on their life of ministry, George and faith.” Wood, former general superintendent of the General Council of the Assemblies Ray shared that it is his and Judy’s prayer of God and chairman of the World that “the students of today will also find Assemblies of God Fellowship, said, “It’s meaning and purpose for their lives as been my privilege to be a friend with they cast themselves upon SEU’s altars of Ray and Judy Rachels for over 50 years. spiritual discipline and opportunity.” They are the best of the best. There could be no finer example of Christian life and stewardship than the one they represent.”

SOUTHEASTERN 31 Brandon Hurst TREKKING THROUGH LIFE

2018 Knob Hills 50K, Flower Mound, Texas Photo credit: John Lai

32 SOUTHEASTERN Summit of Kala Patthar, Nepal, elevation 18,200 feet

RANDON HURST A Lakeland native, Brandon decided to “It was one of the most incredible ’08 has an adventurer’s go to Southeastern because he felt a call experiences in my life — five months of spirit; one that’s led him to ministry. backpacking,” he said. “I’d take a few days to hike on both U.S. off here and there to rest and resupply.” coasts, mountain climb “It made the most sense,” said Brandon, B around the world and, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree He remembers a couple of scary most recently, run ultra marathons. But it in psychology. “I knew I was called to the moments early on, like trudging through wasn’t always that way. As a Southeastern ministry in some capacity, but I didn’t snow and ice at 5,000 feet in the Great University student attending college in know what. All the pieces kind of fit Smoky Mountains. “I didn’t really have his hometown, he felt stifled. He had to together.” the gear for that. It was miserable and a see if he could make it on his own. little frightening for a kid who grew up His inspiration to hike the Appalachian in the subtropics.” Then, lightning storms His test? Hiking the 2,190-mile Trail started with a book. hit as he traveled through Maryland. Appalachian Trail. His father, Mark, hiked “That was probably the scariest thing. I with him for the first 10 or so days, but Brandon read Bill Irwin’s autobiography was near pretty tall pine and oak trees after that, he set out proving he could “Blind Courage” four or five times and with nowhere to go.” make it alone. wanted to follow in the footsteps of the first blind man to hike the entire At times he would walk two to three “I was a freshman in college, living at Appalachian Trail — with his seeing-eye days without seeing another hiker. Other home, so for me, it was my first time on dog — in one season. Taking a break times, he’d run into five or six people my own,” said Brandon. “And not on my from college, Brandon started on March 1 vying for covered shelter for the night. own in civilization; it was in the woods. and finished in July. His dad met him in Maine to be by his It was a big confidence boost. I thought: side for the last week. I can survive on my own.”

SOUTHEASTERN 33 Finish line of the 2018 Silos District Marathon with sister, Brittany Tillman '10, and With Kita and Bryson at the finish line Brandon, Kita and Bryson dad, Mark Hurst of the 2019 Rocky Raccoon 100

Having conquered what would be the sense that Brandon was trying to do that. “I had a strong heart for missions. I first of many goals, Brandon returned to Instead, he was genuine. I admired this was interested in different countries,” Southeastern, where he was known as a quality then and continue to admire this Brandon said. When Jeremy mentioned good student who “always seemed to be quality in him today,” said Slaughter. a missionary internship program at the in control of his life,” said DR. LARRY University of North Texas, he applied. HAZELBAKER ’76, professor of A day after Southeastern’s graduation, “I didn’t know if it was really what I psychology. “He was scholarly and a Brandon boarded a plane and headed to wanted to do, but it made more sense genuinely warm and caring individual California to hike the 2,650-mile Pacific than anything else.” who earned the respect of his peers and Crest Trail, which runs from the Mexican the faculty here at SEU.” to Canadian borders. He started in San He joined the Chi Alpha Campus Diego and almost made it to Oregon — Ministries team as an Assemblies of Professor Patty Slaughter really pushed about 1,500 miles — before honoring his God U.S. missionary associate at the him and even made a bet with him to go commitment to Slaughter and heading to University of North Texas in 2012 and to grad school. He agreed to apply to one grad school in Tallahassee. in 2017 joined the national office as university — Florida State — and if he the Expeditions teams mobilizer. In his was accepted, he would go. After graduating with his master’s degree current role, Brandon helps facilitate in counseling in 2010, he returned to the short term missions trips, known as “I knew Brandon had the intellectual trail, determined to finish, but tendinitis Expeditions, for students. ability to excel in grad school, as well as forced him to stop with about 700 miles the ‘people skills/soft-skills’ to flourish left. “It’s still on my bucket list,” he said. “We want every student to go on a as a counselor or in any profession that cross-cultural missions trip — in other required working closely with people,” He moved to Texas in the fall of 2010, countries or here, in an inner city, with said Slaughter, now a professor of lured by JEREMY MOUNT ’00, his underprivileged or impoverished people,” psychology, and chair of the Department former youth pastor, and a couple cousins. he said. of Behavioral Sciences at Anderson There, he met his future wife, Kita, at the University in South Carolina. “I knew church where he volunteered. He waited Brandon and Kita were married in May the world would be a better place if for a position to open up at the church, 2012, and Kita gave birth to their son he had the opportunity to work with but it didn’t. He continued to wait tables Bryson in July 2015. Even though it people directly. and manage a restaurant to pay the bills, means staying home alone with Bryson, but he wasn’t happy. she gives Brandon freedom to explore. “Far too many of us today try to be someone we aren’t — I never got the

34 SOUTHEASTERN Summit of Guadalupe Peak, highest point in Texas, elevation 8,750 feet with dad, Mark Hurst, and brother-in-law, Jeff Tillman Forester Pass, Calif., on the Pacific Crest Trail, 2008

“She’s happy to let me go do it,” Brandon When he heads west on a backpacking “I said I would never do a marathon, but said. “She’s always afraid I’m going to hurt adventure, he tries to find one or two after he did the 50k, I said: I want to try it. myself. I tell her I try to be careful. She new peaks to climb. None will be as I did a local one here. People say once you realizes that I’m going to do it or go crazy. high as Mount Everest. He spent 12 days do a marathon, you’ll either be hooked She’s very supportive and she’s proud of climbing to Everest Base Camp and a or you’ll never want to do it again. For me,” he said. mountain summit where he reached us, we both loved it. It became: I wonder 18,200 feet in 2016. how far we can go? We did a 50-miler, One of the ways he explores is through then a 100k (62 miles), then 100-miler.” mountain climbing. Fourteen thousand “It was always a place I wanted to get to,” feet is a key number in mountain climbing. Brandon said, so when the opportunity At the end of Rocky Raccoon, he started In the United States, 96 mountains — all arose to speak at a Bible school as part of crying as the race director congratulated west of the Mississippi River — eclipse a mission trip, he and his father signed on. him and handed him the belt buckle that mark and are known as fourteeners. all finishers received. “I’ve never been The highest is Mount Whitney at If you think running a 26.2-mile emotional. But it was joyful, a sense of 14,500 feet. marathon takes stamina, try racing in a accomplishment. Even in that moment, I 100-mile ultra marathon like the Rocky wanted to do it again.” “If you’re in the Lower 48, you can’t Raccoon 100 in Huntsville, Texas. climb higher than that,” Brandon said. Brandon did that in February, finishing in Running may become a family outing. “It’s significant elevation. And it’s really 27 hours, 19 minutes. glorified hiking. I’ve never done anything Kita was in the military before she met that requires ropes or ice picks. I hope to Brandon has been a runner most of his Brandon and had no desire to run for fun. get to that one day. It would take training life, playing soccer as a kid. “But I wasn’t “In the last few months she’s picked it up and a skill set I don’t have.” super coordinated as far as doing anything again. She ran her first 5k and did well. with a ball is concerned, so in high school We’re talking about doing a 10k in the Until then, he’s satisfied that he “climbed” I started running track.” He continued fall and a half marathon next winter. She Mount Whitney, trekking a few miles off running at Southeastern, but only to stay found a new love for it and is enjoying it.” the Pacific Crest Trail to do so, and several in shape, he said. That all changed when fourteeners in Colorado, a day’s drive he moved to Texas, after his father ran a There’s no doubt about it; no matter from his Texas home. “A couple of those 50k (31 miles) marathon. where life takes Brandon, it is sure to be have narrow ridges — not a place you an adventure. want to fall,” Brandon said.

SOUTHEASTERN 35 Jaymi Yamoah INSPIRING HOPE THROUGH THE CREATIVE ARTS

he spring of 2015 weakness on the left side of his body, Kosj and Jaymi felt hopeful. “Zion looked to be a mostly in his hands,” she recalled. “I didn’t complain at all about the pain and promising time for Kosj thought his shoes had gotten too small seemed like he had just woken up from and JAYMI (PEREZ) and made a mental note to get some a nap,” Jaymi said about his condition YAMOAH ’07 and new ones.” post-surgery. Ttheir two young children, Zion and Zoe-Elle. But the weakness in Zion’s hands could During their two-week-long recovery not be as easily explained. at the hospital, however, the Yamoahs Having lived in Philadelphia for several received the official and devastating years during Kosj’s medical residency, the “He showed me that he couldn’t interlock diagnosis: Zion had a very rare and family was excited about an upcoming his fingers during nighttime prayers.” aggressive type of brain tumor called move to Florida that spring. Kosj had Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor recently accepted a position as a radiation Jaymi shared her concerns with Kosj, (ATRT) — a type found in fewer than oncologist at Moffitt Cancer Center in who in turn took their son to a park for 1 percent of children with brain tumors. Tampa, Fla., and Jaymi, who had worked a few hours to observe him playing. Kosj “The doctors said the prognosis was first as a special education teacher and also saw signs that something was wrong. poor,” Jaymi shared. then as an early intervention specialist, The couple took him that same day to was anticipating the start of her first their pediatrician for neurological testing. Unsure what the future would hold, courses in the Doctor of Education They were immediately sent to the local the family found comfort in their faith program at Southeastern. children’s hospital, where a scan revealed and music, both core elements of their a tumor on Zion’s brain. family life. Around that same time, Jaymi began to notice subtle physical changes in Zion, The next morning, Zion underwent “Two weeks after Zion’s brain surgery,” who would turn three in a couple what would be a successful neurosurgery Jaymi said, “we were sitting in a hotel and of months. “He was limping and had to remove the mass. getting adjusted to this new life. Zion

36 SOUTHEASTERN of their lives — the worst having been Kosj’s colleagues at Moffitt Cancer Zion’s diagnosis. Center reached out to the Yamoahs in the days that followed about their desire At that point, simply wanting to be at to honor Zion’s life in a meaningful way, home together as a family, the couple offering a financial gift that could be used chose to continue Zion’s treatment in to do so. Florida. “We decided to create a program rather Over the next challenging months of than buy a bench or tree or something ups and downs, music continued to be a physical,” Jaymi explained. “We wanted to source of hope and comfort. The family do something that would bless children sang their favorite worship songs together, and families who are literally in the same Zion including “Good, Good Father” and boat that we had just lived through.” “Break Every Chain.” Zion particularly loved the song “Loyal” by Lauren Daigle, Zion’s love for music, dance, and the arts started singing a song: ‘When something but put his own spin on the lyrics: “You became their inspiration — in particular, seems bad, turn it around’” — lyrics from love me. You love me. Loyal.” the memory of him dancing on their the children’s television show “Daniel church stage in those final months. Tiger.” One memory in particular that Kosj and They settled on the name Out of Zion, Jaymi hold dear is of Zion dancing on drawing on Psalm 50:2: “Out of Zion, the “Those words became prophetic and a stage at their church in April of 2016, perfection of beauty, God shines forth.” source of strength for us,” she continued. nearly one year after his diagnosis. He had “It’s this day that we have. Do not grieve had trouble walking and slept a lot in the As Jaymi describes it, “Out of Zion is a Zion while he’s here, I thought. God in months prior, but thanks to a treatment creative arts program for children with all His sovereignty knows all our plans.” option that helped ease his pain, Zion’s medical and special needs. The heart of strength had returned, giving Kosj, the program is meeting families where The couple decided on an aggressive form Jaymi, and their church family a precious they are in their battle to support and of treatment for Zion and rerouted their memory they would cling to in the years bring hope through the arts.” family to St. Jude Children’s Research to come. Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Out of Zion held its first six-week session Just a few months later in July, 4-year- in January of 2017, six months after Zion’s One of the first items on their to-do list old Zion went home to be with passing. “It was surreal. We were still so was a haircut for Zion. his Creator. raw. Even though our hearts were literally on our sleeves, it was the only place that “Zion had the cutest and tightest curls we felt 100 percent right,” Jaymi shared. ever,” Jaymi said. “We knew the chemo was going to take the curls away, so we The program is free and is offered twice took him for his haircut.” yearly at the Children’s Cancer Center and DeArmon Creative Arts School and As treatment began, they tried to put a Theater (CAST) in Tampa. fun spin on it. “Zion loved superheroes, so we leaned into that the whole time. We “The Children’s Cancer Center has called his port his Ironman. The chemo an ongoing Saturday program,” Jaymi was Hulk juice.” explained. “Out of Zion takes over for six weeks in the winter, so there are regulars Despite the aggressive measures, the who are always there.” disease returned midway through treatment, and Zion was given about The program at DeArmon CAST is held six weeks to live. According to Kosj and Zion during the summer and is open to the Jaymi, it was the second-worst news

SOUTHEASTERN 37 public, serving children with special needs, such as autism, Down syndrome and many other conditions.

Many Out of Zion volunteers are members of CAST. “It’s a perfect partnership where students of CAST can use their talents for God’s glory,” said Jaymi.

Out of Zion includes three components: discover, shine and refresh.

Discover is an opportunity for the kids to explore their creative interests through arts and crafts, musical instruments and drama. The culmination of the six weeks — Shine — is an on-stage production in which the kids sing, dance and perform for their families and the local community. The final element, refresh, focuses on the parents, who are pampered with treats and can join in on crafts and activities or simply relax, knowing their children are being cared for and having fun.

Getting to minister to the parents is very rewarding for Jaymi. “Hearing ‘I needed this today’ and seeing the joy on their faces, that feeling is incredible,” she shared.

Kosj and Jaymi at a Shine performance Since its start in 2017, Out of Zion has served over 100 kids and their families, with many returning for additional sessions.

The Out of Zion team’s next big project is helping support pediatric cancer research, especially for diagnoses like Zion’s. Kosj and Jaymi plan to launch a second foundation focusing specifically on ATRT research.

Their flagship programs and events — the six-week creative arts sessions in Tampa, as well as an annual superhero party in New York for hospitalized children hosted by their supporters in the northern states — will continue.

Jaymi, who had temporarily put her doctoral studies on hold, is now nearing the end of her first year in SEU’s Doctor of Education program.

Having previously earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southeastern and a master’s degree in special education from Hunter College, Jaymi is excited to further expand her skill set and use it to greater benefit the children and families in Out of Zion.

“Everything that I’m learning is directly applied to Out of Zion,” she said. “It’s very challenging, but it’s also so rewarding.”

38 SOUTHEASTERN Melony Bell COMMITTED TO SERVICE

ELONY BELL That’s when I knew I was in the right She remains friends with many students ’08 almost dropped place. That was the beginning of my from the diverse group of people she out of Southeastern Southeastern experience.” took classes with. “We went through University before good and bad times, the struggles of life, ever setting foot in Melony had political aspirations beyond loss of family members, children issues, M her first class. But being the mayor in Fort Meade, a financial issues. Supporting each other she didn’t, and when she entered the next small town in southern Polk County. and praying together is what I took away.” day, her new classmates prayed for her. She wanted a bachelor’s degree before At that moment, she knew that’s exactly running for a seat on the Polk County It wasn’t just students who cared. where she should be. Commission. In 2007, she headed to Professors at Southeastern and even Southeastern, which was starting a former President Mark Rutland also “On the first night I was supposed to cohort class that would allow her to take made sure students were excelling. start, my dad died. He had a heart attack,” classes two nights a week and every third said Melony, who was the mayor of Fort Saturday. Dr. Chris Fairchild had practiced as Meade at that time. She was also working a certified public accountant before full time at the Department of Highway “Most everyone in the class were moms moving to Southeastern as its assistant Safety and Motor Vehicles when she and dads going there to get a degree,” controller in 2004. Two years later, and started taking night classes to get her said Melony, who studied business and shortly before Melony started her classes, bachelor’s degree. “I walked in and the professional leadership. “We got a great he began teaching full time. He is the whole class knew. I didn’t know anyone. education because of the professors there. professor Melony said she remembers But Dr. (Ed) Plastow said, ‘Before we It prepared me to run for the County the most. get started, we’re going to pray for you.’ Commission, for a leadership role.”

SOUTHEASTERN 39 “He cared about us and wanted to make “I felt like if you are going to run for sure everyone in the class got it,” Melony county office you should have a college said. degree,” Melony said. Getting one would be difficult, though, until she Fairchild said that accounting class was found Southeastern’s new night classes. the only time he taught older adults. She was first elected to the County Commission in 2010, bringing her “I think the part of my teaching that conservative views to the five-member worked was that I was very interested in board. She was re-elected without their learning as opposed to their grades. I Graduation Day opposition in 2014, serving until she told them not to worry about accuracy on resigned to run for the Florida House the assignments as we practiced problems, District 56 seat. but rather to focus on learning the process exciting times in my life. I did it. I was and tricky steps so that they could be determined. It took perseverance, and not “I always thought in the back of my mind accurate on their exams,” Fairchild said. only on my part. They worked with us; I wanted to be a representative to make “Like all Southeastern professors, I truly they held high standards.” policy change. Working for the state, I do care and want all of my students to be always saw these crazy things that did not successful.” The early years make sense, especially when it comes to Melony was born in Winter Haven, but budgeting items,” she said. “There was a moved to Satellite Beach when her father, “My mother always told me lot of waste. When I get to the state level, Ronald Mincey, took a job there. She I thought, I’m going to change things.” that education is one thing was elated when they returned to Polk you will have the rest of County in 1975, moving to Fort Meade. Life in the Legislature your life. You earned it. Her ascent to the state Legislature was In Fort Meade, she met her husband, strong: she defeated her opponent with No one can take it away.” Robbie Bell, in high school. After 75 percent of the vote to his 25 percent. graduation, she went to college for a Rutland had the same warm, caring side, year, but said it wasn’t for her, so she got “It was all in God’s timing. If you look calling Melony into his office to ask how married in May 1981 and started what at me, this is the American way, the the new program was going. turned out to be a 30-year career as an American dream. You set your mind to auditor at the DMV. She continued do something, and you have God in your “They cared about our thoughts, the pros working toward her associate’s degree at life, and He will open doors for you and and cons of the program. I’ve gone back South Florida State College in Avon Park. make it happen.” several times and talked to students about my experience and being in politics,” “Education is very important in our Melony said it’s humbling to be serving said Melony. household,” said her oldest daughter, in the capital, where she was sworn in Ashley Bell Barnett. “I can remember her on November 20, 2018. She serves Polk, Her graduation in 2008 was the highlight taking one class every single semester to Hardee and DeSoto counties and has of her life, she said. When Rutland get her associate’s degree. And she held mobile office hours, but her main office handed her the diploma, he said it was down two or three (full and part time) is in Fort Meade, the same office where the first time he’d ever given a diploma jobs. She’s got grit and a work ethic.” she volunteered in the office of a state to a sitting mayor. senator and worked for a certified public A local argument over a prison motivated accountant. “My mother always told me that her to go into politics. That turned into education is one thing you will have the a 14-year stint on the Fort Meade City Life in Tallahassee has not been easy. She’s rest of your life. You earned it. No one Commission, including four terms as used to dealing with boards, but now she’s can take it away. It was one of the most mayor. Then, she wanted more. adjusting to 119 other representatives.

40 SOUTHEASTERN Swearing in ceremony

She rents an apartment a block from are biblical. I know people have issues “Her ability to transcend political the capital, leaves for work at 7 a.m. with those.” partisanship and focus on the greater and doesn’t return until 10 or 11 p.m., good is something that has served her after making an appearance at whatever She’s serving on the K-12 education well as a leader in this state, and endeared fundraiser or social event is on her committee, something she’s passionate her to her alma mater at SEU. Her ability schedule. She tries to return home on the about. “If we get education right, we get to be a positive, impactful influence on weekends, but the five-hour drive gets the whole world right. We wouldn’t have making her community better is what old fast, she said. all these other problems. We would have Southeastern strives to instill in all their a talent pipeline.” students.” Her first bill was to get the state to approve a license plate for bee keepers, something Ashley and her sister, Whitnie, admire that failed last year. “The money will go “If we get education their mother for being a positive to research to try to find out why bees are role model and having the energy to dying. The people who presented before right, we get the whole accomplish everything she sets out to do. weren’t connected. I’m passionate.” world right.” Ashley envisions her mom going back to school for another degree to “add to the She said she never wants to forget who tapestry of her life.” sent her to Tallahassee. “When you get up Melony’s friend, Dennis Ross, who here they want you to forget about the recently joined the Southeastern faculty Whatever she does, she will always things at home, but I want to be the best as a distinguished professor of political serve the community — and so much representative that District 56 has ever science to launch the American Center more, Ashley said. “She’s continuing to had.” for Political Leadership, admires her shape my life. She inspires and motivates passion for civics. everyone. She would give the shirt off her Right now she wants to get through her back. She’s the dream — she came from first two years as a legislator. “I’m not “Since graduating from Southeastern nothing. It’s never impossible to achieve going to stay here if I can’t get something University, Melony has followed her what you set out to do, even if it’s later accomplished. Having the foundation passion of public service and distinguished in life and you have a lot on your plate.” that I took away from SEU is making herself as a shining example of civic the right decisions, moral and ethical. So engagement, all while exercising her while I’m here my goals are to make sure gracious demeanor,” said Ross, a former there’s policy decisions that are made, but state legislator and U.S. House member.

SOUTHEASTERN 41 Maxine Andrews COMMITTED TO GOD'S CALLING

Maxine and Jim ministering at a church in Taiwan

n 1962, JAMES “JIM” ’57 and mainland of China would try to take over for missionaries to go into the world to tell MAXINE (MORRISON) ’56 Taiwan as well. those who had not heard about Jesus. The ANDREWS, newly appointed Holy Spirit, in His gentle way, spoke to me missionaries, set sail for 52 days “There was a large presence of the U.S. and I answered, ‘I will go,”’ said Maxine. on a freight cargo ship from military here helping the Taiwan military I New Orleans to Taiwan. They protect their country. Many people In hopes of pursuing a missions degree, took with them canned goods, personal remember the days when America sent Maxine decided to attend Southeastern, items, large appliances and a vehicle. With rice, flour and oil to help the poor. Today, what was then South-Eastern Bible stops in the Philippines, Vietnam and Hong the Taiwan military is strong and we Institute, in 1953. Kong, they finally arrived in Keelung, enjoy peace. The Taiwanese people enjoy Taiwan on July 22, 1962. democracy and hope other countries “The faculty and staff were caring would come to their aid if their freedom is and most of the students’ backgrounds “It was a Sunday morning and a missionary threatened,” she said. and callings were similar to mine. The met us at the ship, and brought us into atmosphere was conducive to reaching Taipei. The morning worship service was Fifty-seven years later, Maxine’s call to my goals. Missionaries were invited to in progress, so we were able to hear the missions hasn’t changed. In the Assemblies of speak in chapel services that fanned pastor preach in the Taiwanese language,” God, she is the longest serving missionary to the flame that was already in my heart,” said Maxine. the country of Taiwan, and she has no plans added Maxine. of retiring. Maxine ministered alongside When Jim and Maxine first arrived her husband, Jim, until his passing in 2016. Maxine met her husband of 60 years at in Taiwan, martial law was in effect Southeastern during her sophomore year throughout the country. They could sense Maxine first felt called to missions during of college. She went on to earn a three- fear among the general population that a youth service when she was a junior in year degree and graduated in May of 1956. the communists who had taken over the high school. “We were focused on the need

42 SOUTHEASTERN Jim and Maxine on the freight cargo ship The Andrews in Taiwan

She would later return to Southeastern to “The fellowship with the was in the right place at the right time,” earn a bachelor’s degree in 1979. said Maxine. brothers and sisters gave Upon graduation, Maxine worked for us a love for them and a With freedom of religion in Taiwan, the the Florida State Department of Public determination that one Andrews were able to minister freely Welfare, while Jim finished his studies. throughout the country. Maxine When he graduated, the couple moved to day we would be able to assisted Jim in a wide range of ministry. Jamaica for six months as missionaries to understand and speak serve alongside his parents. They returned the language.” “We have seen a revival in Taiwan. We to the United States for two years, before have helped train many of the national they were appointed as missionaries to leaders who are in the ministry now. Since Taiwan in 1961. They spent the next year understand that Jesus wants to have a Jim’s death two years ago, the Lord helped raising support before leaving for Taiwan. personal relationship with them. me as I continue teaching, preaching and counseling. I enjoy gathering with fellow When they first arrived, the Andrews “The people often give the reason for not brothers and sisters in the various services immediately enrolled in language school. becoming a Christian is that they must and activities of the church, and participate For a year, they spent five hours a day, five follow the tradition of their ancestors. in their outreach,” said Maxine. days a week learning the language. On the Those who are not Christians worship weekends they attended church services idols and their ancestors,” said Maxine. Maxine’s ministry includes speaking at in Taiwanese. women’s retreats, teaching neighborhood Maxine vividly remembers sharing the Bible classes, serving on the Taiwan “The fellowship with the brothers and gospel through teaching English in the Scoliosis Fund and teaching music to sisters gave us a love for them and a Chinese Military Academy. students in the Assemblies of God School determination that one day we would be of Theology in Taiwan. Since Maxine is able to understand and speak the language. “During that time, the Lord helped us now fluent in Taiwanese, it has provided I thank the Lord that He helped me to give New Testaments to more than her the opportunity to witness to people then and still helps me to minister in the 1,000 cadets. Because that broke down wherever she goes, whether on the street, language,” said Maxine. the barrier for getting religious literature in a market or even in a restaurant. into the military, another 2,000 New In a country that follows the tradition Testaments were given to cadets in each In the summer of 2018, Maxine welcomed of their ancestors, Maxine expressed of the Naval and Air Force Academies. students from Southeastern for the first the difficulties they encountered as Altogether, 5,000 New Testaments were time to help minister along with her in missionaries while helping people given in a short period of time. I knew I Taiwan. The students worked with Taipei

SOUTHEASTERN 43 “My love for Jesus and His mandate to go into all the world and preach the gospel, and the millions that are still lost, motivates me to keep committed to my calling.”

Assembly of God and were invited into a public school by a principal to teach English. The principal invited Southeastern students to return again this past summer to continue to teach English classes.

Maxine with Southeastern students and faculty “They enjoyed the time they had together and hoped this type of program could continue. This is one of the ways we are able to do evangelism. We hope it can be an ongoing ministry because it is important to reach the young people with the truth about God while there is this opportunity,” said Maxine.

With more than five decades of ministering in Taiwan, one of Maxine’s fondest memories is receiving a Taiwanese ID card.

“I was surprised when I received a telephone call from the Taipei City Immigration Office telling me that they wanted to give me a Taiwan ID. Many of my friends and co-workers attended the ceremony. I had an opportunity to express my gratitude for this honor. In my remarks, I spoke of being a citizen of the United States, as of that moment, a Maxine celebrating receiving her Taiwanese ID card citizen of Taiwan, and that I am also a citizen of heaven,” she said.

As Maxine looks to the future, she plans to stay in Taiwan, where her two sons and their families also minister. Her son JONATHAN ANDREWS ’91 is also a graduate of Southeastern.

“As the Lord gives me strength, I will help in the ministry that I have been doing. My love for Jesus and His mandate to go into all the world and preach the gospel, and the millions that are still lost, motivates me to keep committed to my calling.”

Maxine encouraged others to “be a missionary wherever one is now. Do not wait until arriving at a certain destination.”

Maxine with Southeastern students and faculty

44 SOUTHEASTERN Kathryn Bishop NURSING ON THE ROAD

SOUTHEASTERN 45 Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley, California Three Sisters Falls, Cleveland National Forest, California

rom taking in the see herself continuing to practice bedside the bedside, which is something that a lot scenery at Tunnel View nursing. As a student at Southeastern, of doctors don’t get to do as much because in Yosemite Valley, she had dreams of becoming a nurse of all of the charting that’s required of hiking trails surrounding practitioner or a medical doctor. While them. As nurses, we are constantly at the Emerald Bay in Lake she excelled in the biology/pre-medicine bedside doing procedures and caring for F Tahoe and ascending program, was president of the Christian the patient. I really loved that one-on- Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Medical & Dental Association student one patient contact,” said Kathryn. Park, KATHRYN (DAVIS) BISHOP chapter and was preparing to take the ’11 admits that life as a travel nurse has Medical College Admission Test, she While her dreams started to shift, she its perks. discovered that the holistic approach of also developed an interest in traveling as nursing appealed to her. a nurse. The longer she was working at Because the demand for nurses is so high, Lakeland Regional Health, the more she there are often shortages in certain areas, At that time Southeastern did not have heard from other nurses that they wished and a traveling nurse will be hired to a nursing program, so shortly after they had taken time to work as a travel come in and work in a specific position graduation and her marriage to Stephen, nurse before they were further along in for a short amount of time. Travel nurses she decided to enroll in the University their careers and started their families. typically move around the country of South Florida’s accelerated bachelor As a nurse himself, Stephen, who was depending on where they are needed. of science in nursing program. She had working in Lakeland Regional Health’s originally hoped to continue her studies ER, was also on board. “I like the adventurous part of travel in a nurse practitioner program after nursing — getting to see places that I working as a bedside nurse for several The two had met through a mutual have never been before,” said Kathryn. years. Soon after earning her nursing friend while she was a student at degree, Kathryn started working in her Southeastern and early into dating, they Eight years since graduating from hometown at Lakeland Regional Health started talking about their aspirations Southeastern, Kathryn and her husband, in the pediatric emergency room (ER). of becoming medical missionaries. “He Stephen, are now living as travel nurses in and I had similar goals about how we California. Although Kathryn is enjoying “As I was working in pediatrics, I realized viewed nursing as an avenue to one day the adventures and flexibilities that come how much I really loved it, and my dreams pursue medical missions. We later found with being a travel nurse, she didn’t always started to shift a little bit. I loved being at that travel nursing might be an excellent

46 SOUTHEASTERN Horseshoe Bend, Page, Arizona Big Sur, Pacific Coast Highway, California

way for us to practice adapting and make the RV feel more like home, they “Every day is different in the ER. Some overcoming new challenges,” she said. replaced the twin beds with a queen and days I feel like all I’m doing is taking care began to remodel the living room and of people with colds and stomach bugs. For their first assignment, they headed to kitchen. Other days we’re doing CPR, stabilizing the New England town of New Haven, traumas and praying to God these kids will Conn., where they both secured contracts “It became a lot easier for us to travel. pull through,” said Kathryn. “However, at Yale New Haven Hospital, Kathryn in We found that by staying in RV parks my favorite part about pediatrics is that the pediatric ER and Stephen in the main we cut our costs by at least half,” added kids heal so quickly and that there is often ER. When their time in the northeast Kathryn. The RV parks they have chosen an element of play involved in the care came to an end, they then headed west are typically vacation destinations for we give.” to San Diego, Calif., where they worked travelers so they have enjoyed beautiful at Rady Children’s Hospital. They settings with numerous amenities. Although many adventures await with completed two assignments there before travel nursing, it doesn’t come without going on to the San Francisco Bay area, They typically work three 12-hour shifts difficulties. later to Tucson, Ariz., and finally back to a week, leaving them with lots of time San Diego. Kathryn adds that most travel to explore the surrounding area. As soon “The hardest thing about travel nursing nursing contracts are 13 weeks, but the as they take a new assignment, Kathryn is the first two weeks. They give you two couple usually extends theirs to average begins researching the area to discover days of orientation, show you where the around five to six months at each location. the top sites and cultural events so they supplies are, where to view policies and can enjoy what each area has to offer. try their best to explain how they operate Early on, the couple realized that they They also utilize annual national park in that location. You now have to figure it needed to figure out a different housing passes, which give them access to all the out and they expect for you to figure it situation. Between traveling with their national parks and forests, where they out quickly. The first two weeks can feel dog, Jackie, and having three- to six- often camp and hike. like a roller coaster ride,” said Kathryn. month long assignments, they had difficulty finding affordable, furnished In each of the locations they have been, Even with the challenges of her job, short-term housing that allowed pets. Kathryn has continued to work in the Kathryn shares how she has enjoyed Their solution was buying a 2000 pediatric ER. travel nursing and it has helped her grow Fleetwood Bounder motorhome. To on a personal level.

SOUTHEASTERN 47 “I used to view myself as very much of a perfectionist. Through travel nursing and having to constantly adapt to new places and new scenarios, I had to learn to let go of some of those perfectionist mentalities and learn how to go with the flow more easily and adapt,” she said.

As an introvert, she surprised herself in how much she enjoyed travel nursing. “One of the things I like about it the most is making new friends and meeting a lot of other travel nurses who just want to explore and see new places like we do.”

Emerald Bay State Park, Lake Tahoe, California Following their last assignment in San Diego, the couple returned home to Lakeland for a few months where they welcomed their first child, Elijah, in December of 2018. While they adjusted to life as parents, the Bishops headed back to the Sierra Nevada foothills of California where Stephen has an assignment in a rural ER and Kathryn stays home with Elijah. They have discussed swapping roles for future assignments — enabling each parent to take time with their son and work.

As they pray for guidance with their next step, whether it takes them to another stateside assignment or overseas, Kathryn shares how she has had the opportunity to share her faith stateside as a travel nurse. “There have been times where the Spirit has led me to pray with my patients, and there have been times when I have been able to speak life into the hopeless.”

Yet, in a secular field, Kathryn has faced challenges with sharing her faith.

“With nursing, you enter the field wanting to be Jesus’ hands and feet. But then, you realize that you are employed by a business — one that is more concerned about finances and appeasing customers Vernal Falls, Yosemite National Park, California than meeting emotional and spiritual needs. It is incredibly difficult because nursing in itself is a profession of caring for the whole person — the physical, emotional and spiritual. It’s incredibly difficult for us to integrate that into our practice in today’s culture,” said Kathryn.

In the midst of their travels, they have always made their faith a priority. Every time they plant their roots in a new city, one of the first things they do is find a local Assemblies of God church. Some of the churches they have attended include: Shoreline Community Church in Connecticut, Harvest Time Assembly in San Diego, New Life Church in the San Francisco Bay area, Central City Assembly in Tucson, and currently Mt. Zion Assembly.

“We have been blessed by so many wonderful churches around the country and have really been able to connect with those people and make new friends at each one. They have embraced us with open arms and helped us feel at home.”

48 SOUTHEASTERNDevil's Bridge, Sedona, Arizona FOCUS on FACULTY

1 DR. JENNY AGELIDIS, assistant 6 DR. SHUDONG BRAAMSE, professor of social work, and 2 DR. professor of music, released a new REBECCA COLEMAN, professor CD, “Sueños de España: Spanish Art of social work and MSW program Songs,” and was interviewed by Fanfare director, conducted workshops at the Magazine on the depths of her musical National Association of Social Workers and educational career in February. conference in June of 2019. Agelidis Braamse also received a gold medal presented on “Advocacy Amongst from Global Music Awards in March for 1 2 Tension: Speaking Your Opponent’s her album. She had the chance to teach Language to Make Change,” and at the InterHarmony International Coleman presented on “Using Music Festival in Acqui Terme, Italy, Collaborative Leadership and Mutual in July. Aid to Empower Intraprofessional Relationships.” 7 DR. LISA CLIFTON, chair of the Department of Social Work, 3 DR. KENNETH ARCHER, presented a peer-reviewed session professor of theology, presented a paper titled “BSW Gatekeeping: Non- 3 4 on the “Roundtable Discussion of academic Concerns” at the annual Gregory A. Boyd’s ‘The Crucifixion program meeting of the Council of the Warrior God’” at the Society on Social Work Education in of Biblical Literature meeting in Orlando, Fla., in November of 2018. Denver, Colo., in November of As a part of the council, she also worked 2018. He also co-authored an article with other social work educators titled “Complementarianism and around the country to complete the Egalitarianism — whose side are you guide, “Specialized Practice Curricular leaning on? A Pentecostal reading/ Guide for Macro Social Work Practice: 5 6 hearing of Ephesians 5:21-33” with 2015 EPAS Curricular Guide Resource 4 DR. MELISSA ARCHER, chair Series.” of the School of Divinity, for Pneuma in April of 2019. 8 DR. CRAIG COLLINS, dean of the College of Arts & Media, was 4 DR. MELISSA ARCHER, chair appointed by Lakeland mayor Bill of the School of Divinity, was appointed Mutz to chair the Mayor’s Council on vice president of the Society for the Arts. Pentecostal Studies at the Society’s 7 8 annual meeting in March of 2019. 9 DR. PAUL CORRIGAN ’07, Eight other faculty members from associate professor of English, published the department presented papers and scholarly essays on teaching and chaired sessions at the meeting. literature during this academic year in the journals Pedagogy, Teaching 5 BRIAN BLUME, assistant pro- & Learning Inquiry and Teaching fessor of percussion, was a guest English in the Two-Year College, as clinician at Center Grove High School well as in the books “Teens and the in Greenwood, Ind., in March. He New Religious Landscape: Essays on 9 was also an adjudicator for the Indiana Contemporary Young Adult Fiction” Percussion Association state indoor and “Building Womanist Coalitions: percussion competition. As a part of the Writing and Teaching in the Spirit of BluHill Percussion Duo, he went on Love.” Two of his opinion essays also a performance tour to several colleges appeared online, “What Our Responses in March. to Palestine Reveal about Our Faith” in

SOUTHEASTERN 49 Relevant Magazine and “Jobs Will Save the general editor for the Medieval the Humanities” in The Chronicle of Disability Sourcebook, which will be Higher Education. He also published published this summer. Her students an interview with the renowned poet contributed to a forthcoming entry Naomi Shihab Nye in MELUS and on “Lunatic” for the Medieval his own poem “Ars Ekphrasis” in The Disability Glossary. She also co-wrote Ekphrastic Review. “A Reexamination of the Spelling Revisions in the Paradise Lost 10 11 10 DR. JEREMY CUMMINGS, Book I Manuscript” with alumnus associate professor of psychology, CURRAN MCQUADE ’16 for Early presented data at the annual Association Modern Literary Studies. for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies convention in Washington, D.C., from 16 DR. MARLEEN MILNER, his Abundant Life program trial, a professor of social work, gave a 10-week psychoeducational group presentation titled “Using the intervention to teach emotion-coping Reflective Judgement Model to Teach skills in churches. He also hosted Ethical Reasoning” at the Council on 12 13 the Spiritual and Religious Issues in Social Work Education annual program Behavior Change special interest group meeting in November of 2018. at the convention. 17 SCOTT MORGAN, assistant 11 DR. MARGARET DE professor of English, presented at ALMINANA ’14 (M.A.), chair and the Northeast MLA conference in associate professor of theology, had her Washington, D.C., in April, on the topic article “Aimee Semple McPherson’s of how using created language can build Pentecostalism, Darwinism, Eugenics, community in the writing classroom, 14 15 the Disenfranchised, and the Scopes using reality shows as an example. His Monkey Trial” published in Pneuma in presentation was part of a panel that May of 2019. discussed how students’ ability to code mesh can be incorporated into the 12 DR. EMILE HAWKINS, pro- writing classroom. fessor of leadership, is a chaplain and lieutenant colonel in the Florida Air 18 DR. ERICA SIRRINE, dean National Guard. As a result, he spent of the College of Behavioral & Social two weeks in Marianna, Fla., providing Sciences, was recently awarded the 16 1717 aid to victims of Hurricane Michael designation of Fellow in Thanatology: after being called to State Active Duty Death, Dying and Bereavement by the by Governor Scott in October of 2018. Association for Death Education and He also supported relief efforts during Counseling in December of 2018. This Hurricane Irma in 2017. Hawkins is is the highest advanced professional also a major in the Florida Highway certification in the field of thanatology, Patrol Auxiliary serving both Polk and and she was the 15th person to ever Hillsborough counties. receive this designation in the state of Florida. 18 19 13 KATHY KEMPA, associate professor of library services, and 19 DR. JOHN WINELAND, 114 NATHAN SCHWARTZ, associate professor of history, presented associate professor of library services, his paper “Archaeological and wrote and contributed chapters to Historical Evidence for Nabateans “Teaching Information Literacy and in Central Jordan” at the Florida Writing Studies: Upper Level and Conference of Historians in February. Graduate Courses, Vol. 2” published by Purdue.

15 DR. CAMERON MCNABB, associate professor of English, is

50 SOUTHEASTERN RETIRED FACULTY

At the conclusion of this school year, Southeastern honors with gratitude several long-standing faculty members who have contributed to the academic and personal success of so many students. We reflect on their contributions to the university and wish them well as they move into a new season of life.

DR. LINDA BOWLIN In 1995 and 2008, Fettke was awarded He will miss his students, having lunch In 2004, Dr. Linda the Academic Excellence Award. He also with fellow faculty members and Bowlin began teaching received the Excellence in Scholarship attending awards chapels. In his retirement, as an adjunct professor. Award in 2013 and was given a National he plans to travel to St. Louis, Mo., to see She became full-time Teaching Award as a Distinguished his son and attend Cardinal baseball games. faculty in 2005. She Educator in 2009. served Southeastern DR. PATTY LEBLANC Fettke and his wife, “Tilly,” have for a total of 15 years. Dr. Patty LeBlanc three children: a son, Phillip, and twin came to Southeastern daughters, STEPHANIE FETTKE ’10 During her time at Southeastern, she in 2004 and worked and SOPHIA HUFFAKER ’10. In his served as secretary in the college of in the IT department retirement, Fettke plans to spend more business, director of special programs, teaching faculty time with his family. He and Tilly plan to assistant women’s basketball coach, faculty and staff how to take Phillip to the beach every weekend, athletic representative and chair of the use the school’s their favorite place. department of criminal justice. technology. After working in IT for a year, she transitioned to a teaching He will miss having class discussions She designed and implemented the position in the education department with SEU graduate students and helping criminal justice major and taught both and served on the faculty for 14 years. undergraduate and graduate students them do research in biblical studies and spiritual formation. “My special memories courses including introduction to criminal LeBlanc wrote the first master’s program of SEU have most to do with my justice, criminological theory, American for elementary education and taught connections with students and colleagues criminal courts and more. “My favorite graduate and undergraduate classes. and how gracious and kind so many have class to teach was juvenile delinquency Children’s literature was one of LeBlanc’s been. I am grateful to God to have had because it holds the key to so many of the favorite classes to teach. She went on to a chance to fulfill my call to teach here crime issues that are plaguing our society,” write the first doctoral program for the at Southeastern,” said Fettke. said Bowlin. College of Education as well as to teach doctoral students. Bowlin’s favorite memories at In April, the Southeastern board of trustees named him professor emeritus. Southeastern are the ceremonies she “I felt called to graduate-level education has attended with students, such as FBI and enjoyed the wisdom and experience graduations, badge pinning ceremonies DR. JOSEPH KILPATRICK that doctoral students would bring to the and military commissions. “The thing I Dr. Joseph Kilpatrick table. The joy of teaching is knowing that will miss most is watching this major grow served Southeastern you are imparting part of yourself to your and prosper. I will miss hearing what all as the vice president students,” said LeBlanc. of the students plan to do in their future,” for finance and said Bowlin. administration from In her retirement, LeBlanc plans to 1982-1984 and as write two case study books and possibly DR. STEVEN FETTKE an associate professor children’s books as well. She will continue Dr. Steven Fettke of international business and accounting to live in Lakeland and spend time with taught at Southeastern from 2009-2019. Some of his favorite her four grandchildren. University from 1979 - classes to teach were international business, 2019 for a total of 40 global business management and business “Southeastern is a life-changing place,” said years serving in many as mission. LeBlanc, “I pray that Southeastern would different positions, in- continue to grow not just in numbers, cluding chair of the While he was a faculty member but in depth, in terms of commitment to Bible department, dean of the religion at Southeastern, Kilpatrick fondly advancing the kingdom. This was a sacred department and professor of Bible. He remembers watching the first year football space for me and the students.” mainly taught Old Testament courses, team play. He has enjoyed watching including Old Testament survey, minor student enrollment increase and the prophets, Pentateuch and Hebrew poetry. campus expand with new buildings. His favorite course to teach was the book of Job.

SOUTHEASTERN 51 WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

DR. CHARLES SPONG Dr. Charles Spong began teaching at Southeastern in 1965. During his 31 years at Southeastern, Spong served as a professor and oversaw the sports programs. He also was the director of student ministry and vice president for student life and ministry. His wife, PEGGY ’75, taught at Southeastern for 17 years as well.

After leaving Southeastern, the Spongs taught overseas in 10 different countries at 13 different Bible schools and graduate schools. Spong also established Bridges Christian College in Winston Salem, N.C., with DR. MICHAEL RAKES ’84.

While employed at Southeastern, Spong and ROYCE SHELTON ’55 put on faculty socials, and after retirement, they continue to host events for retired faculty and administrators. The SEU Retired Faculty Fellowship meets in restaurants or each other’s homes to remain in contact. When a member passes away, instead of sending flowers from the retired faculty, they give money for Fire Bibles for the mission field. So far, more than $1,000 has been donated.

DR. WILLIE TIJONG DR. WILLIE TIJONG ’68 served as a faculty member at Southeastern for 21 years from 1979 to 2000. During his time at Southeastern, he taught Christian education classes and supervised education interns. He served as a professor of education, chairman of the Christian education department, religion division and director of the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary extension center in Lakeland.

After teaching at Southeastern, he was a professor and director of the D.Min. program at the School of Divinity at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va., from 2000 to 2012.

Currently, he enjoys traveling and gardening. He does consultant work in the areas of education and missions in Indonesia. Tijong and his wife, Linda, now reside in Frisco, Texas, so they can live closer to their grandchildren.

SEU ALUMNI & FRIENDS RECEPTION at the 2019 General Council of the Assemblies of God

AUGUST 2, 2019 | 9 p.m. Orange County Convention Center | Valencia Ballroom AB—West Concourse

You do not need to be a part of General Council to attend this free reception.

See your Southeastern friends and reconnect with administration, faculty and staff.

For questions, please contact Alumni Relations at [email protected] or 863-667-5400.

52 SOUTHEASTERN HEATHER (GREEN) GLEASON ’13, ’16

IN THE LIVES OF SEU ALUMNI AARON ’05 and KATIE (WHITTENTON) ’06 BURKE TORI SCHEFFLER ’19

STEPHEN ’12, ’16 and CRIMSON HORACE HALL ’71 (JOHNSON) ’16, ’18 BAILEY

SOUTHEASTERN 53 ROBERT “BOB” CROSBY ’80 PAMELA (KRIST) CROSBY ’81, ’15 ERROL ARCHERSON ’83 MICHAEL WRENN ’92

1959 Siegfried and his wife, Judi, will continue 1992 ______to live in the Salt Lake City area and serve ______as pastor emeritus. DONALD BRASCO pastored churches MICHAEL WRENN pastors Rocky in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Ohio 1980 Creek Baptist Church in Tampa, Fla. for more than 45 years. He continues to ______He authored and published “Scripture preach in his retirement. Free Will and Calvinism” and “God’s ROBERT “BOB” CROSBY was Addiction Recovery Plan.” 1964 recently appointed as the president and ______CEO of EMERGE in Akron, Ohio. 1993 EMERGE is an organization serving ______VASHTI (MONICA) FORD spent churches, pastors and missionaries 13 years as a public school elementary through professional training events, R. BRETT SHORT serves on the board and reading teacher, then served as the conferences, clinical counseling and of Southland Christian Church’s free director of Christian education at the academic partnerships with Christian clinic, “The Refuge Clinic,” and on the former Cypress Cathedral in Winter universities. His wife, PAMELA (KRIST) church’s personnel committee. He has Haven, Fla. During those years she ’81, ’15 (M.A.), also serves at EMERGE also led trips as a short term missions did adjunct work at Southeastern. She as the executive director of culture and coordinator. He and his wife, Jessica, are retired from Cypress Cathedral in 2007 communications. involved in the middle school ministry. and continues to volunteer at New Life Brett is now the chief compliance Assembly of God in Winter Haven. 1983 officer for the University of Kentucky’s ______medical center serving on the Health 1971 Care Compliance Association’s Society ______ERROL ARCHERSON has been of Corporate Compliance and Ethics married to his wife, Kathy, for 38 years board and other various roles in the HORACE HALL taught exceptional and together they have two children and organization. students in South Dakota, North five grandchildren. He currently serves Carolina and Florida for 39 years. He is as a pastor at Lawrenceburg United 1994 now retired in Winter Park, Fla. Methodist Church in Kentucky. ______

1972 1986 MARK BENSON and his wife, ______MICHELE (GIVHAN), currently serve as lead pastors at Dothan First in Dothan, BEVERLY (PARKER) STUBBS PAUL LITTEN lives in Parkland, Fla., Ala. They have three children. TAYLOR taught for over 46 years. She now with his wife, Susan. He is the founding ’19 graduated from Southeastern in the teaches voluntary pre-kindergarten at the partner of Leadership Forward, a national spring, Griffin is a student at Southeastern YMCA. Beverly has two children, four executive leadership consulting and and Camryn is a high school student grandchildren and one great-grandson. coaching firm. in Alabama.

1977 1990 BILL CARL co-hosted “The Good ______Guys in the Morning” radio show with Dave Kirby on Life 91 after graduating SIEGFRIED KRUEGER retired after ROGER MYERS and his wife, Lilly, from Southeastern. He later went on to 42 years of pastoral ministry. He spent 30 currently serve as pastors at Bayou work in various positions in radio and of those years at Mountainview Christian Harvest Assembly of God in Plaquemine, television. For the past 11 years, Bill has Assembly in Sandy, Utah. His son KEN La. They previously served on the served as the production director for KRUEGER ’05 has been elected to mission field for 28 years in Belgium, multiple Tampa radio stations owned serve as the lead pastor of the church. Luxembourg and France.

54 SOUTHEASTERN MARK and MICHELE (GIVHAN) BENSON ’94 BILL CARL ’94 JOY LYNN ’96

VICTORIA (LECHNER) RAILEY ’00 LOU LIM ’06 DAVID HOWELL ’08, ’16 ROBERT “DARIN” GRIM ’09

by the Salem Media Group. He hosts 2002 2008 mornings on Faith Talk AM 570, AM ______910 and FM 102.1, and assists with donor campaigns and sales. In addition to this, JOSHUA LANE and his wife, Bryanne, DAVID HOWELL ’16 (M.A.) married he owns Bill Carl Voiceover, a business have been senior pastors for almost 14 his wife, Catherine, on August 1, 2018. that provides voice acting and narration years in Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, for clients. Texas and Florida. They recently moved 2009 to Morenci, Ariz., with their two ______1996 daughters, Emily Catherine and Julia ______Carter, to accept a position at a church. ROBERT “DARIN” GRIM was named the vice president of Summit, a leading JOY LYNN currently works as the 2005 provider of workers’ compensation secretary to the dean of the School of ______insurance coverage in the southeastern Computer and Cyber Sciences at Augusta U.S. in April of 2019. University. AARON BURKE served as a youth pastor at Brownsville Church after VALERIE SHERRER is a family 2000 graduating. In 2013, he and his wife, practice doctor who is working to ______KATIE (WHITTENTON) ’06, planted complete her residency at Georgia South Radiant Church in Tampa, Fla. Family Medicine Residency Program VICTORIA (LECHNER) RAILEY (GA-PCOM) in Moultrie, Ga. After co-pastors Joliet First Assembly in Joliet, 2006 graduating, she went on to pursue a Ill., with her husband Rusty. They have ______master’s degree in biomedical science seen the church grow from 700 to 1,200 and then her doctorate in osteopathic people in two and a half years. She is LOU LIM received his master’s degree medicine, both from GA-PCOM. also the kid’s connection preschool from Lesley University after graduating director. In addition, Victoria oversees from Southeastern. He is a licensed 2010 the women’s ministry at the church, as mental health counselor and registered ______she facilitates Bible studies, retreats and expressive arts therapist. He currently worship nights. She also directs MOPS/ works as the program director for a MELODY (KREIDER) SILVA serves at MOMS Next, a community group psychiatric day program in Boston, Mass., Family Worship Center in Lakeland with for mothers to encourage and pray for managing the administrative operations her husband, Santiago. She is on the adult each other. that support staff in implementing therapy praise team and is the director in their groups. Lou utilizes his passion for theater KidsZone ministry. as a part-time artist, musician and actor for the Boston Center for the Arts.

SOUTHEASTERN 55 NICKLAUS ’13, ’14 and FRANCIE VALERIE SHERRER ’09 MELODY (KREIDER) SILVA ’10 JOHN JOSEPH ’11 (BURGESS) ’12, ’14 FOSTER

JOSEPH ADAMS ’15 MICAH (PERRY) ARFONS ’15 KRISTA ROGERS ’16, ’17

2011 for the doctoral program within the of 2017 and is currently a therapist in ______College of Education. specialized crisis services in Chattanooga, Tenn. She is a licensed social worker in JOHN JOSEPH works for Lockheed HEATHER (GREEN) GLEASON ’16 the state of Tennessee providing mental Martin as a project lead for the Robotics (MBA) works at Arbitration Forums health counseling, and she is working to Process Automation team and is also an in Tampa as the employee benefits and become a licensed clinical social worker. adjunct business professor at Southeastern. payroll services manager. Heather and her husband, Todd, have a daughter, 2016 KERSTIN STEWART works for REBECCA ’18, who works as a graduate ______Bethany Christian Services as a foster care assistant at Southeastern and their son, specialist. Bailey, is also a student at Southeastern. ALYSSA RAMOS ’17 (MBA) is serving as the assistant athletic director at 2012 2014 the University of Saint Katherine in San ______Diego, Calif.

STEPHEN ’16 (MBA) and CRIMSON MADELINE (HANSHAW) FOSTER KRISTA ROGERS ’17 (MBA) works (JOHNSON) ’16, ’18 (MBA) BAILEY married her husband, Jake, and works as a client services coordinator at Disney moved to serve at LifePoint Church in as an IT business analyst for Badcock Institute, the external professional Tennessee. Stephen is the student pastor Corporation in Mulberry, Fla. development arm of Disney. and Crimson serves alongside him. She also runs her own business, Blondell MELODY WEBER ’16 (M.S.) is 2018 Video Company, doing photography and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in counselor ______videography for real estate agents. They education and supervision at Loyola previously served as youth pastors at University in Baltimore, Md. ALLEGRA ANTONINI accepted a Access Church in Lakeland, Fla. position as a resource coordinator at 2015 Mariner’s Church in Irvine, Calif. She 2013 ______oversees programming in the children’s ______ministry, managing the curriculum and JOSEPH ADAMS serves full time activities. NICKLAUS ’14 (MBA) and FRANCIE at Lift Church and is pursuing his (BURGESS) ’12, ’14 (M.A.) FOSTER master’s degree in practical theology GABRIELLE CLAROS was accepted live in Lakeland, Fla., with their son, with a concentration in preaching from into a master’s program in forensic Luke. Nick works in the advancement Northpoint Bible College. and legal psychology at Marymount office at Southeastern as the director of University in Arlington, Va. development campaigns, and Francie MICAH (PERRY) ARFONS completed works as the administrative coordinator her master’s of social work through ANTHONY DESRIVIERES was Florida State University in December accepted into Duke University and will be

56 SOUTHEASTERN ALLEGRA ANTONINI ’18 GABRIELLE CLAROS ’18 ANTHONY DESRIVIERES ’18 MADISON JONGEKRIJG ’18

ASIA LERNER ’18 AMANDA (LAVERGNE) MARCELL ’18 CADY SUPPE ’18 SHARON GRANATA ’19

COLBRY MARTIN ’19 MADISON MCGILLIARD ’19 ELOISE PALM ’19 HANNAH WATSON ’19

pursuing his master’s of divinity. Anthony book descriptions and press releases for MADISON MCGILLIARD is the was commissioned into the United States books. She is now a freelance writer for director of WyldDive, a collaborative Army in December of 2018 and has goals BlueBottleBiz. ministry of YoungLife and Foursquare of becoming an army chaplain. Gospel Church in New Castle, Ind. MARIA VIVAS works at Lakeland MADISON JONGEKRIJG was hired Regional Health in their level II trauma MELISSA NIEVES has a full- by Fort Myers Christian School as a intensive care unit as a nurse. She came to time ministry position at Lighthouse physical education teacher and athletic the U.S. at age eight, studied to become Ministries in Lakeland. She serves in the director. a naturalized citizen while attending houseparent role ensuring the security Southeastern and became an official U.S. and well-being of residents and providing ASIA LERNER was accepted to the citizen in November of 2017. Maria was a relational ministry. Master of Divinity program at Candler the first in her family to graduate with School of Theology at Emory University. her bachelor’s degree from a university. ELOISE PALM is pursuing a doctorate of occupational therapy at Nova AMANDA (LAVERGNE) MARCELL 2019 Southeastern University. (M.A.) founded a nonprofit named ______Boots on the Ground International. Its GENESIS QUILES accepted a position mission is to prevent missionaries from SHARON GRANATA was accepted to at Peterson & Myers, P.A. burning out through supporting them the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic financially, emotionally, spiritually and Medicine. TORI SCHEFFLER is attending Liberty physically. University College of Osteopathic COLBRY MARTIN was accepted to the Medicine. CADY SUPPE completed an internship Master of Divinity program at Gordon- in the summer of 2018 in Madrid, Spain Conwell Theological Seminary. HANNAH WATSON is a children’s working as a communications assistant pastor at River of Life in Smyrna, Tenn. for LID Editorial, writing cover letters,

SOUTHEASTERN 57 IN MEMORIAM

1952 1978 to the many men that he ministered to ______through the barbershop that he owned for 25 years in Panama City Beach, Fla. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Shirley; his daughter, JAIME ’00; his son, Jared; his daughter-in-law; and two grandchildren.

1989 ______

DAVID VESPA passed away on March 13, 2019, after a long illness. EUGENE WILLIAMS passed away on MELVIN MICHAEL BALDREE passed January 28, 2019. At the age of 18, he away on January 17, 2019. He worked as David’s ministry with the Assemblies was drafted into the army and served on a missionary evangelist for 36 years and of God spanned 58 years, including 40 D-Day as well as in the European theatre is responsible for the construction of 190 years as a foreign missionary in Ghana, of WWII. Eugene was wounded in churches in China as well as many others West Africa. He served in Bible college action while in Germany and was in Bolivia and Peru. He led Holy Spirit ministry, and in training of pastors and awarded a Purple Heart and four medals crusades throughout Cuba, Central and church leaders. David was also a church for his service. He earned his bachelor’s South America and Spain. He is survived planter. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Maryann Vespa; one son; two degree from Southeastern and went on by his wife, VICKY (VAN VLECK) ’78; to earn a master’s degree from Auburn three children; and five grandchildren. daughters; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. University. He met his wife, RUTH (HARDY), at Southeastern and they had three children. Eugene and his family 1983 ______2012 served as missionaries in Kinshasa, Congo, ______then later, in Dakar, Senegal. He and his JOHN SAYRE passed away on wife also planted and pastored churches September 29, 2018. John and his wife, JARED SPEARS passed away on in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. JULIE (LAMBERT) ’84, pastored March 6, 2019. Following college, Jared Madison Assembly of God, the church moved to Raleigh, N.C., to assist in they planted together in Madison, Ala. starting a new church. He also became 1973 In addition to his wife, Julie, John is also a licensed real estate agent and a licensed ______survived by his two sons, Cody and Tyler, teacher in North Carolina. He taught woodworking and computer technology ROBERT “BOB” BEUSCHER passed and their families. away on March 15, 2019. Bob and his at Wendell Middle School in Raleigh. He also was a member of Focus Church wife, SUSIE (MARTIN) ’71, were executive directors of New England 1984 in Raleigh and Victory Church in ______Teen Challenge, a Christian drug and Winchester, Va. He is survived by his wife, LINDSAY (KERR) SPEARS ’13, his alcohol residential rehabilitation program, passed THOMAS “TOMMY” VAUGHN parents, brother and grandmother. from 1974 to 1991. He was an ordained away on September 30, 2018. Tommy was minister with Cahill Ministries and a “minister’s minister” who pastored two worked with this ministry and outreach churches, helped and encouraged other in Florida. Bob is survived by his wife, pastors and went on several short-term Susie, and his brother, Roy. missions. Tommy’s primary ministry was

SEND US YOUR CLASS NOTES: All submissions due by Friday, November 15, 2019, for the next issue. Email: [email protected] | Submit online at SEU.edu/alumni Mail to: Alumni Relations, Southeastern University, 1000 Longfellow Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33801

58 SOUTHEASTERN COMMENCEMENT Congratulations to the graduating Class of 2019!

CongresswomanPresident Hartzler Ingle with Dr. Ingle Former Mayor of Lakeland, Howard Wiggs, receives President's Award

Congratulations to the graduating class of 2019! A total of 812 students graduated, with 623 participating in the ceremony on April 26, 2019. There were 14 doctoral candidates, 129 master’s candidates, 463 bachelor’s candidates and 17 associate degree candidates. The graduates were from Florida and 40 other states, as well as from 12 countries, including Austria, Brazil, Japan, Poland, Sweden, Nigeria and more. More than 200 of the graduates in this class come from 54 of Southeastern’s extension site locations. This commencement brought the total number of Southeastern graduates to 16,234. The commencement speaker was Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, serving Missouri’s 4th Congressional District. The student speaker was TORI SCHEFFLER ’19, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology/pre-med.

Dr. Aimee (Vinson) Franklin ’08 receives

Outstanding Faculty of the Year Award Tori Scheffler ’19 SOUTHEASTERN 59 Mark Benson ’94 provided the benediction

60 SOUTHEASTERN ALUMNI NEWS

John Temple '99, Cheryl (Finch) Moser '72, Robbie Shoemaker '98 and Lennie Moser '71 Samantha (Douglas) Symonds '98 and Krista (McDonald) Schott '97

Esther (Ford) Orr '58 Students led praise and worship

CENTRAL FLORIDA REUNION Nearly 40 alumni attended a Central Florida Alumni Reunion in Wildwood, Fla., in April. Alumni spent time looking through old yearbooks, hearing stories from current students and enjoying a time of praise and worship. Regional receptions will be held throughout the United States in the spring of 2020. Be on the lookout for more information.

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE! Here are the various outlets we use to share information with you. We have a dynamic and informative social media presence.

Please follow us to stay up to date.

FACEBOOK — @seuniversityalumni, Southeastern University Alumni INSTAGRAM — @SEU_alumni TWITTER — @SEU_alumni YOUTUBE — SEU Alumni # ALUMNI HASHTAG — #SEUalumni, #CarrytheTorch

To contact the Alumni Association, call 863.667.5400 or email [email protected].

SOUTHEASTERN 61 FAMILY LEGACY

The Moser Family HOOKED ON SOUTHEASTERN

hen a group of emphasis week, or having coffee with a meet, through faculty that they remained Southeastern alumni student that they have been mentoring, close to, and through Fire football. got together for a Lennie and Cheryl continue to be an Lennie and Cheryl are original Fire regional reunion active part of the SEU community. Club members and attend almost every in the Leesburg, home game. W Fla., area this past “The Lord has always had a hook that has April, no one was surprised that the kept us coming back,” said Lennie. First, It was perhaps very natural for both idea for the gathering and much of the both of their families were in the ministry Lennie Moser and Cheryl Finch to come planning came together with the help in Assemblies of God churches. Then, to Southeastern to study. Cheryl’s father, of JOSEPH LEONARD “LENNIE” after graduation, Lennie was the alumni DAVID FINCH ’49, graduated from ’71 and CHERYL (FINCH) ’72 president for many years in the 1980s South-Eastern Bible Institute and was the MOSER. While some alumni return and started the “Alumni Challenge,” a valedictorian of his class. He helped build to Southeastern once a year for fun competition they would hold on the Addison Hall when the new campus on Homecoming, and others keep in touch athletic field. He even traveled on behalf Lake Bonny was under construction, and with their alma mater through the of Southeastern, recruiting students, in Cheryl’s mother was also involved with Southeastern magazine or social media, spite of the fact that he actually worked the South-Eastern community. She loved Lennie and Cheryl are unique in that in the Lee County public school system. children and was close to several families they are often on campus and even know of both faculty members and students. many of the current students. This is true Later, their son BLAKE MOSER ’06 in spite of the fact that they graduated was a student at Southeastern, which After leaving South-Eastern, David more than 40 years ago and live 90 brought them back to campus frequently. Finch served in pastoral ministry in minutes away. Whether they are cheering But even after Blake graduated, the Alabama for more than 40 years until on the Fire at a football game, attending Mosers have found that “hook” through his retirement in 1990. He passed away Conference services during spiritual relationships with students who they in 2000, but his legacy at Southeastern

62 SOUTHEASTERN The Moser Family Marvel (Moser) and Gene Combs

continued through his children. Cheryl’s who traveled on behalf of the college, Cheryl remembers that she and Lennie sister, WANDA FINCH ’66, graduated had performed in their area and sparked met in the campus cafeteria when with a degree in education, and was an Lennie’s interest in Southeastern. she asked him if she could borrow a educator and media specialist for 38 years Additionally, Southeastern offered a concordance for an assignment. “He very before her retirement. Likewise, Cheryl’s major in history, which Lennie wanted willingly loaned me his Bible that was brother, GARY FINCH ’71, attended as his major course of study. Those two much bigger than mine,” said Cheryl. Southeastern College and graduated in factors brought Lennie to Lakeland. “He had a verse underlined in his Bible the same class as Lennie in 1971. Gary that impressed me, and I knew when I and his wife returned to the Mobile, Ala., Following in Lennie’s footsteps, his returned his Bible, he was going to ask area where they pastored for more than sister, MARVEL, attended Southeastern, me out. Sure enough, he did.” 40 years and remain today. met and married her husband, GENE COMBS ’78. Their two children also One of the most memorable stories of By the time Cheryl was ready to attend graduated from Southeastern. their courtship came the evening Lennie college, she was already very familiar with gave Cheryl her engagement ring. They Southeastern. She had been to Lakeland were at Lake Morton, and he lit a candle often when they would visit her sister, as he was about to present the ring. When Wanda, on campus. “We often had AG he did, all the ducks came waddling over missionaries and pastors who would to them. “So we had an audience of about visit our church in Mobile and stay in 12 ducks to delight in our engagement,” our home,” said Cheryl. “Many of those said Cheryl. ministers had attended Southeastern College as well.” While attending Southeastern, both Lennie and Cheryl were very involved Lennie’s parents, on the other hand, in numerous activities on campus. Lennie did not attend Southeastern; however, became a member of the Southeasterners, Rev. Moser was an Assemblies of God the trio that had visited Norfolk when he pastor in Norfolk, Va., for many years. was in high school. The group traveled to Lennie became interested in coming churches many weekends, and during the to Southeastern College for two summer breaks, they would sing in youth reasons. First, the Southeasterners, a trio camps all over the southeast, serving as comprised of Southeastern students a recruiting tool for the college. Lennie

SOUTHEASTERN 63 Cheryl served as a guidance counselor. Their son Blake graduated with a biology/pre-med degree in 2006 and went on to become a chiropractor in Jacksonville. Their older son Shea is an attorney and also lives in Jacksonville. The Mosers enjoy having their sons and their families join them occasionally at Fire football games, where their grandkids enjoy meeting Scorch.

Lennie and Cheryl have always felt a desire Cheryl and Lennie (left) to work with young people, and that love with other class officers Rev. and Mrs. David Finch with Wanda and Gary for students continues today, even after retiring from their careers in education. under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, also performed with the Southeastern Lennie was involved with the Fellowship preached to the leaders of the Sanhedrin. choir, served as a class officer, a student of Christian Athletes (FCA) in Leesburg, government officer and represented as well as an interdenominational prayer And being let go, they (Peter Southeastern at the World Pentecostal group. He also founded the Christian and John) went to their Conference in Dallas in 1971. Businessmen for Youth organization own companions and reported in Leesburg and hosted events in the all that the chief priests and Lennie also remembers the time that Leesburg High School stadium. elders had said to them. So he had the distinction of walking Col. when they heard that, they Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried The Mosers continue to build raised their voice to God with Chicken, to Bush Chapel when he spoke relationships with Southeastern students one accord and said: “Lord... in a chapel service. Lennie was tasked and have mentored and ministered to a grant to Your servants that with with making sure Col. Sanders knew that number of students over the years. “The all boldness they may speak he shouldn’t use any cuss words when emphasis on spiritual growth is strong,” Your word, by stretching out speaking, since Col. Sanders had become said Lennie. “Professors and faculty Your hand to heal, and that a Christian very late in life. continue to invest into students’ lives, signs and wonders may be just as they did when Cheryl and I were done through the name of Cheryl was also very involved in student students in the ’70s.” Your holy Servant Jesus.” life. She, like Lennie, was a class officer Acts 4:23-24, 29-30 NKJV and student government officer, and Every day, Lennie says that he and Cheryl served on the Torch yearbook staff pray the prayer that Peter and John prayed The Mosers pray for this same boldness for three years. Cheryl also was on the with others in the early church in Acts daily and look for opportunities to Homecoming court and was chosen as 4. This prayer came after Peter and John share God’s word with others. These “Miss Showboat” in 1971, although she were released from prison, and Peter, opportunities come, not only through can’t quite remember why they chose their church or in their hometown of that name for that honor. Lennie and Fruitland Park and the surrounding Cheryl were named “Mr. Southeastern” community of The Villages, but also in and “Miss Southeastern,” in spite of the Lakeland as they continue to look for fact that they were actually married opportunities to share God’s good news in 1972 when Cheryl was selected as with the young people they meet at “Miss Southeastern.” Southeastern University.

Lennie graduated in 1971, and Cheryl Lennie and Cheryl both agree that the the following year. They both began their culture of Southeastern allows them to be careers in education. Lennie served as a a part of a spiritually vibrant community teacher, a counselor and an administrator of students, faculty and alumni. It’s the in the Lake County school system, while Cheryl as “Miss Showboat” “hook” that keeps bringing them back.

64 SOUTHEASTERN SOUTHEASTERN 65 PERSPECTIVE

BUILDING A FIRE

first time in school history, the Fire equally thankful for the men and women athletic program was awarded The Sun who laid the foundation for what exists Conference Commissioner’s Cup. This today. These unsung heroes, many of award is given to the institution whose them from an era when Southeastern was athletic program has accumulated the known as the Crusaders, left an indelible highest point total based on sport mark on the Athletic Department. standings and championships. In addition to the success on the field, our student- During my time here, I have been athlete GPA regularly outperforms that honored to meet some of these fine of the general student body. individuals — from Don Eudy, the first DREW WATSON ’18 (MBA) athletic director and baseball coach; to Amid the success in the classroom and Scott Laing, former athletic director in competition, a Christ-centered focus and coach in basketball and baseball; Dr. hen I first arrived remains our most important value. Charles Spong, former dean of students; at Southeastern Student-athletes have come to know and Dean Skinner, who coached soccer in 2011, I was Christ more deeply through the influence and women’s basketball. Then there are thrilled to be at of their coaching staff and teammates. others, such as Dale Campbell, JOEL an institution that Our staff regularly invests their time and JOHNSON ’92, FRANK LOPEZ W values athletics energy mentoring students from a variety ’84, TIM SHIELDS ’84, and superfan as a vital part of the co-curricular of backgrounds, showing them what it JAKE WORTZ ’79. Finally, there are experience. More importantly, I joined means to honor Christ with the gifts He those that have passed on, like GLENN an athletic department that places a has given them. We are privileged to have KARNES ’79, JACK CRAMER high value on discipleship and character the opportunity to teach student-athletes ’77 and PAUL TRIMBLE ’62. These development. At that time, the Fire how to navigate success and failure in a are just a few of the many people who Family was made up of eight sports and mature, Christ-like way, and to model established a strong foundation for the 134 total student-athletes. Our staff of 12 consistency between who they aspire to success we enjoy today. I am so thankful could fit into a small conference room. be and how they respond during times of for the legacy they left us. Competitively, we had developed into an adversity. I’ve heard it said that “children NCCAA powerhouse, but were new, and are the living messages we send to a The Southeastern University Athletic unproven, members of the NAIA. time we will not see,” and our coaches Department will continue to build upon are making the most of their God-given this foundation with a core of strong Fast forward to 2019 and so many opportunity to shape those messages. academics, character development and things have changed. SEU now offers success in competition. Moving into 18 sports, with 430 student-athletes and I am thankful to God for the blessings we 2019-20, I’m inviting you to be part a staff that won’t fit in even the largest enjoy in Fire Athletics today — from a of the excitement that is Fire Athletics. conference room on campus. In the supportive administration that gives us Whether in person or from afar, we arena of competition, we’ve experienced the opportunity to influence students would welcome your support of our unprecedented success, winning our through athletics, to a tremendous staff student-athletes as we strive to become a first NAIA National Championship that invests in the people placed in their powerhouse in the NAIA. For schedule last spring (baseball) and appearing in path for a chapter of their lives, and the information and additional ways you can 24 NAIA national tournaments in the student-athletes themselves who sacrifice support Fire Athletics, visit our website at last two years alone. This year, for the so much to represent the Fire. I am SEUFire.com. GO FIRE!

66 SOUTHEASTERN Represented Nigeria in 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup UCHENNA KANU SEU WOMEN’S SOCCER

“It is an honor for me as an athlete to play at the highest level of my career. I was not only given the OPPORTUNITY to be a part of the team but the chance to perform. Thanks to my teammates at SEU for their support and everyone who has taken part in preparing me.”

Whether for philanthropic pursuit or for love of sport, consider investing in transforming the lives of SEU Fire student-athletes, like Uchenna.

SUCCESS IS GARNERED BY GRADUATIONS AND CHAMPIONSHIPS. For more information on your involvement, visit SEUFire.com/fireclub.

SOUTHEASTERN 67 OCTOBER 25–26 Bring the whole family for an unforgettable weekend!

ALUMNI ATHLETIC GAMES | ANNUAL ALUMNI DINNER | ALUMNI CHAPEL

FINE ARTS ACTIVITIES | HOMECOMING PARADE | TAILGATING ACTIVITIES

CAMPUSWIDE PICNIC | FIRE FOOTBALL GAME | FIREWORKS

SEU.edu/homecoming Email: [email protected]