One Hundred Moments Captured During the Celebration of a Century

THE

MessengerNORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY Spring 2014 Vol. 102, Num. 1

One hundred moments captured during the celebration of a century

| 1 PRESIDENT’S LETTER

My family has been to the Grand Canyon twice. The first time we tried to see as much as we could in as little time as possible. In effect, we saw all there was to see on the south rim, but we really didn’t see the Grand Canyon. The second time we learned our lesson. We went to the edge of the canyon an hour before sunset and just sat there until an hour after sunset. That’s how you see the Grand Canyon. Pay attention. Be surprised. To see all the color and light, shadow and hue, you have to sit and savor. It takes time to comprehend and appreciate the scale of what lies before you: nature’s colorful palette, the canyon’s width and depth, and way down there, the river still carving. You have to stop and spend time in order to fathom its scope and significance— to move from curiosity to wonder to praise. In a way, that’s how I feel about the Northwest Nazarene University Centennial. Sure, you can page quickly through the stories in “Seeking First the Kingdom,” flip through the pictures in “Spirit of Place,” glance at the roster of Centennial Medallion Honorees and have observed centennial. Yet there is so much more to see, appreciate and remember. Over this past year we have had the rare privilege of looking long and listening well to the story of NNU. The strata of ideals and plans, people and passion that shaped this place is really quite remarkable. Carved out of the great Northwest, the NNU founders were rugged optimists, pioneers filled with faith and guided by a hope that their work would provide a place for their children, their church and the work of their Lord. Generation upon generation has followed them, each leaving its own mark—their beliefs and actions etched into the profile of this place. Now, this is the last publication that will focus on the NNU Centennial. So take a moment, turn the pages slowly. As you do, give thanks. If you’re part of the alumni band, remember. Remember the people who rose to prominence for you; remember those whose commitment to excellence shaped the character of your experience; remember the times when life itself took on new meaning because of a relationship, a discovery, a kindness. It is my hope, as you pause to remember, that you will realize that human hands alone could not have made this happen. God crafted, God carved, God called, and we answered. It was by Him, through Him and for Him that we have had the privilege of celebrating the good news of the NNU Centennial. As we begin to turn history’s page, may it be said, when others trace the track of our efforts, that we too sought first the Kingdom of God in our teaching, our learning and our living. My, what a view!

David Alexander, NNU President

President The Messenger is published three times a year by Contact Us: Dr. David Alexander the Office of Enrollment & Marketing at Northwest Northwest Nazarene University Vice President, Nazarene University and sent to alumni and 623 S. University Boulevard Enrollment & Marketing friends. Postmaster, send address changes to The Nampa, ID 83686-5897 Stacey Berggren Messenger, c/o Northwest Nazarene University, 623 www.nnu.edu Director, Marketing & Media S. University Boulevard, Nampa, ID 83686-5897. Office of Alumni Relations Hollie Lindner Northwest Nazarene University, a comprehensive 800-654-2411 / 208-467-8841 Marketing & Communications Christian university, offers over 60 areas of study, Office of Enrollment & Marketing Coordinator 19 master’s degrees in seven different disciplines 208-467-8994 Anna Lee and one doctoral degree. In addition to its 85-acre Office of Admissions Editorial Assistants campus located in Nampa, Idaho, the University 877-NNU-4-YOU / 208-467-8000 also offers programs online as well as in Boise, Barbara LeBaron Office of University Advancement Idaho Falls, Twin Falls, and in cooperation with Tami Ponsford 866-467-8987 / 208-467-8772 programs in 10 countries. Founded in 1913, the Photographer Center for Professional Development Brad Elsberg University now serves over 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, more than 6,000 continuing 800-349-6938 / 208-467-8439 Layout Cover: Jenny Fultz, Fultz Design education students, and 2,300 high school students through the concurrent credit program. View all photos at nnu.edu/100

2 | IN THIS ISSUE

Crusader Choir and Orchestra joined by choral alumni perform at the NNU Centennial Gala. features FOUNDERS’ DAY: MARKING DESIGNING FOR CRAFTING COMMUNITY THE MILESTONE THE PROS After 22 years of service, 4 Five participants in the 12 Less than a year after 14 Chaplain Gene Schandorff is groundbreaking reenactment graduating from NNU, Cody retiring. His decades of photo consider the centennial Pearson is contributing to service have been significant and the future of NNU. pro sports history through his in crafting NNU’s campus graphic design internship with community and spiritual identity. the Seattle Seahawks and Sounders.

| 3 FEATURE

FOUNDERS’ DAY: Marking the milestone Eugene Emerson saw a On Sept. 13, 2013, exactly one Reflecting on the Past dusty, sagebrush-dotted desert hundred years after Idaho Holiness NNU’s founders sought to create town but envisioned a lush School first opened its doors to 13 a school marked by a strong sense of students, NNU honored its founders and future when he gathered M.E. community formed around common recreated an iconic image from the past. convictions. That this description is Ferdinand and C.V. Marshall Just as families had gathered to break still true of NNU today pays tribute to to join him on the first board ground for the first building on NNU’s their success. Superintendent of the of directors of Idaho Holiness campus with a sense of purpose and Northwest District and Chair of the School. These men overcame reverence, current students, faculty, staff NNU Board of Trustees Randall Craker meager beginnings and laid and family members gathered again, not (’73) reflected, “We have broadened only to remember but also to consider a foundation for what is now greatly in what we can offer, but through the next 100 years. Northwest Nazarene University. that broadening we have still retained

4 | Carlyn Jones Walden Hughes

Randy Craker Levi LeBaron Ava Adamson FOUNDERS’ DAY: Marking the milestone our spiritual foundation and convictions. that she chose NNU “for the community. his 36-year tenure as faculty, Professor In our growth, we have retained our I love how everyone accepts and cares of Music Dr. Walden Hughes (’77) has Wesleyan heritage, and I am incredibly for each other.” been at NNU for almost half of its 100- grateful for that.” NNU is a family affair for Carlyn, year history. His parents attended in Indeed, while the student body who is the granddaughter of alumnus the 1950s and encouraged him to come has grown from 13 to over 2000 and well-known NNU supporter Myron when he was choosing a college. and the institution from a primary Finkbeiner. “[The family connection] “I was only planning to stay for half a school to a master’s and doctoral-level kind of makes me feel famous. I feel like year, but I’ve now been here for 40 years. comprehensive Christian university, what I have built-in friends and family here. I I became aware of the heritage here, drew the first students isn’t that different constantly get to hear great stories about and I loved it.” from what continues to draw students my grandpa and other family members.” The children present at the original today. Sophomore Carlyn Jones shares Between his time as a student and groundbreaking probably didn’t fully

| 5 understand the gift of Christian education Christ-centered educational institution small, still true to our roots. While a that their parents were seeking to give while staying strong fiscally—a dual task larger percentage of the faculty are them, but surely they felt the solemnity of of maintaining our identity while being contributing scholarship in their fields the occasion that brought them out to the innovative in how we serve our students through research and publishing, we are barren piece of ground that Emerson had academically,” said Craker. still a teaching college. Students are the deeded to the budding school. Ask an 8-year-old what the future focus,” said Hughes. “We are keeping our The kids that helped recreate that of college looks like, and the need teaching heritage close but expanding moment weren’t immune to the meaning to be adaptable is clear. When asked our knowledge and our methods of the centennial, either. Eight-year- what might be different about college of delivery.” old Ava Adamson, who is the great- in another hundred years, Levi said, great-granddaughter of founder M.E. “Maybe no one will actually go to Marking the Milestone Ferdinand, was excited to dress up in the school; they’ll just have big things that The celebration of Founders’ Day, wardrobe of an early 1900’s kid. She was attach to their heads that teach them.” as one of the many special events that also excited to celebrate her 100-month Ava imagines that college students will made this year in the life of the university birthday as NNU celebrated its 100 years. “do cool science stuff like making little unique, served as an important bridge Levi LeBaron, also 8 years old, said, “One robots or electrified things that move between the past and future. “The impact hundred years is really old. It’s pretty cool around by remote control.” Neither of of this centennial can’t be measured,”

Original groundbreaking, July 4, 1915

that I got to be in this photo, because in these visions is far off from the growing said Hughes. “It will go on to influence another hundred years my grandson can say, arena of online education and expansion current and prospective students and the ‘That’s my grandpa.’” This is exactly what a in science and technology that NNU is community for years to come.” few of the children pictured in the recreated currently experiencing. “This will be what I tell my kids about photo can say today about the original. Craker continues, “We can be players my college experience. I’m proud to be in the entire world through technology, part of this milestone,” shared Carlyn, Envisioning the Future but we do not want to lose sight of who, in addition to appearing in the We take the time to consider the the destination college experience. Founders’ Day photo, participated past so that it can inform our future. My dream is that we continue to be a in a number of centennial events as a Founders’ Day, like all the centennial vital presence locally but also grow our member of the Crusader Choir. celebrations, was not about idealizing presence internationally. We have long Northwest Nazarene University the past but was about remembering and brought students and families to Nampa; was founded on principles that are as examining the foundation upon which now we can take the quality of education essential today as they were in 1913. the university will continue to build. we offer to the world.” Craker shared his thoughts on what the Although students now learn in ways the Although the technology through founders would think of how their vision founders would never have imagined— which the university delivers instruction has played out. “Our founders had a big conducting experiments with NASA or is rapidly changing the landscape of dream, but I think we have exceeded that taking online courses from anywhere in NNU, the education students receive dream and they would be very proud of the world—the heart of NNU remains remains secured to the founders’ vision. where we have come in our first true to its founders’ vision. “We have to “We are still a liberal arts college, still 10 decades.” continue to position ourselves to be a

6 | WE ARE ALL NNU “Because of sacrifices made in the past by friends of NNU, Pam and I benefited from a quality education marked by important values that shaped us intellectually, spiritually and socially. Now, we want to pay it forward to help students for years to come.” –Randy Newcomb (’82) Congratulations to the Centennial Medallion recipients honored at the NNU Centennial Gala who represent us all as creative and redemptive agents in the world.

Join them in continuing the impact of an NNU education with a financial gift. Give to the University Fund today nnu.edu/give • 866.467.8987

| 7 CENTENNIAL

WHAT A YEAR! Highlights of the centennial year are Medallion recipient Jennifer Roemhildt as varied for each of us as the events Tunehag, who was honored with an themselves. Perhaps your favorite moment award for her work with victims of human was cheering on the Crusaders against trafficking, was humbled by the award. Point Loma in the packed gymnasium, “There are lots of people who have come touring the campus after a 50-year through this university who are giving their absence or witnessing the overwhelming lives in service to God and putting their performance of “How Great Thou Art” by skills to His use for building the Kingdom. the Crusader Choir and Orchestra at the I’m glad to be able to represent that group Founders’ Day chapel. of people.” For many, the Gala was an evening Guest and community member Vickie that will long be remembered as simply Holbrook left the Gala with a deeper spectacular. From the moment guests knowledge and respect for NNU, saying, arrived, they were overwhelmed by “I’ve always known that NNU has a decadent dinner and breathtaking successful graduates, but the depth of entertainment that laid the groundwork for successful people—particularly in the an evening that showcased and celebrated realm of giving—is very impressive. It’s NNU’s rich legacy. Through stunning been my belief that the university is a jewel multimedia productions, more than 800 in Nampa’s crown of great things, but I’m guests watched the history of the university realizing that NNU is a gem in Idaho, the unfold through stories of the service, nation and the world.” sacrifice and success of the Centennial Medallion Honorees.

NOVEMBER 2012— MAY 2012— JUNE 2013—NAZARENE HOMECOMING TIME CAPSULE GENERAL ASSEMBLY A Centennial bookset is released, including A 50-year-old time capsule, buried by “One of NNU’s strengths has always been “Seeking First the Kingdom: Northwest the class of 1963 under the clock tower, the support of Nazarene churches. They Nazarene University, A Centennial was unearthed in a ceremony during remain a significant part of our present and History.” Author Dick Etulain (’60) signs commencement weekend. Revealed future success as they send students and copies for homecoming attendees in the were editions of the “Crusader,” a church offer financial support.” attested Randy photo above. manual, various event programs and a Craker, Northwest District superintendent. letter from the class of ’63.

8 | SEPTEMBER 2013— OCTOBER 2013— OCTOBER 2013— FOUNDERS’ DAY NNU GALA NNU SUNDAY On Sept. 13, 1913, classes began at the “I would not be the person I am today if Nazarene churches across the Northwest Idaho Holiness School. One hundred years it were not for the significant ways those Field honored the relationship between later, NNU commemorated the day with a years at NNU imprinted my life—ways that church and educational institution by reenactment of the original groundbreaking really stick with me even today and help me celebrating NNU Sunday. Many held mini photograph and an outdoor celebration find the courage to meet the task at hand,” NNU centennial parties complete with with neighbors from the surrounding said Randy Newcomb (’82), a Centennial balloons and cupcakes. University District who have lived nearby Medallion Honoree chosen for his work and grown with the university. promoting international human rights.

| 9 HOMECOMING

HOME FOR THE FINALE Cell phone lights wave in time with After Homecoming & Family Weekend world class! I really was impressed with Michael W. Smith’s “Place in this World” 2013, many people are wondering how not only the quality of the events but also as the multi Grammy Award-winning future homecomings will be able to the historical significance of this amazing Christian artist challenges the packed compare to the festivities of this centennial milestone for NNU. The quality of the house of NNU alumni and friends with, year celebration. It’s true. The bar has historical photos, stories and more really “I’d better see this video on YouTube been set incredibly high. made a powerful connection between past tonight!” Later, hundreds of hands raise Sven Olson, alumnus (’85) and and present. What an incredible time to be in collective worship claiming the truths parent of a current NNU senior Bjorn a part of the NNU family!” that prompted our educational forefathers Olson, summed up the weekend well. *To enjoy more images from the to found this place of transformation 100 “Homecoming Weekend and the Centennial Celebrations, visit nnu.edu/100 years prior. Centennial Celebrations were absolutely

ALUMNI REUNIONS FAMILIES TOGETHER NNU’s oldest living alumna, Larue Almost every association had its own Sixty-five students, alumni and families Born from Sequim, Wash., was the only reunion—academic affinities, class braved the chilly November air to representative from her class of 1932, but milestones, basketball alumni and choral participate in the Centennial 5K Run/Walk that didn’t stop her from having the time ensembles. Pictured above is the halftime that benefited the Nampa Family Justice of her life. She described her centennial parade celebrating 80 years of NNU Center and student scholarships. Professor homecoming experience as “a dream that basketball with the men and women who of Computer Science Dale Hamilton I hadn’t ever dreamed and hadn’t thought represent each decade. relished the experience, saying, “Any day about dreaming, but isn’t God good to give that I get to run with my family followed by me this trip when I didn’t expect it?” a Michael W. Smith concert is a good day!”

10 | NNU FIRST LADIES STUDENT BODY PARENTS Ladies of all ages delighted in a time of “We [students] have gained a better “As a national guard officer serving tea and cookies and the trying on of fancy appreciation for the school over the past overseas, I have missed my son’s entire hats at the Centennial Tea. Pictured above year through the special events focusing on NNU experience at my alma mater, until are NNU first ladies Ruby Pearsall, Sandy the history of the campus and the legacy now! This homecoming celebration allowed Alexander, Doris Doane and Junella left behind. NNU is a school to be proud our reunion on U.S. soil to be very, very Hagood, all of whom were honored to attend and celebrate,” said Missy Colby, special and a fantastic shared experience,” during the tea. Student Government Association president. said Sven Olson.

| 11 FEATURE

DESIGNING FOR THE PROS by Linnea Hanson, Class of 2011

Over the past 10 years, of Nampa, Idaho is now adding “and the opportunity to connect with Northwest Nazarene the Seattle Seahawks and and have one-on-one time with my professors.” University’s design program has Sounders FC to that list. Through class instruction, critiques Cody first became interested in grown and developed, sending and the direction of faculty, Cody graphic design in high school. His older out talented and well-trained continued to develop the skills he had sister was studying in the program at begun learning in high school. Chair of artists who are making a big NNU and had a summer internship at NNU’s Department of Art & Design impact. Alumni are getting Nazarene Publishing House. Seeing the and Professor of Graphic Design Paul projects she worked on piqued Cody’s phenomenal jobs working for Kinsman says Cody stood out in his interest, and he began to take graphic companies like Brooks Running classes from the very beginning. design classes at his high school. What and Carhartt as well as a variety “His design was always smart—it he learned in these elective classes looked great—and also had a strong of top design studios and cemented his desire to study design in concept behind it that made his work agencies and are producing college. After sitting in on several classes memorable and meaningful.” at NNU, he knew that was where he work for brands such as Disney, NNU graphic design students gain at wanted to be. ABC and Microsoft. Recent least 140 hours of real-world experience “I really valued the smaller class through internships over the course of graduate Cody Pearson (’13) settings NNU was able to offer,” he says, their studies. During his senior year,

12 | graduating in May “The logo commemorating and web ads. 2013. He joined the 30th anniversary of the His manager, a select trio of Creative talented designers Seahawks’ first playoff team Director for the who work to has been one of my favorite Seahawks and create many of Sounders John the marketing projects so far. It was really Weaver, speaks materials for exciting to see my work highly of both teams. It is become part of a professional Cody’s work. common for NFL “Cody has and MLS teams sports team’s history.” proven to be to outsource an extremely their marketing and design, but Cody talented designer with a great attitude has had the unique opportunity of being and a willingness to take on a variety of part of the Seattle-based franchise’s projects. This combination has allowed Cody had the opportunity to work with in-house creative team. Since the start him to become an integral part of our the downtown Nampa organization of his internship, Cody has worked on a marketing team in a short time. By committee on their “Become a Friend variety of projects. Seahawks fans may nature, the sports industry is fast-paced of Downtown Nampa” campaign. recognize one design in particular from and deadline-driven, and Cody has This gave him experience in working its unveiling on November 3. jumped right in to take each challenge with a client and boosted his confidence “The logo commemorating the in stride.” in his own skills. 30th anniversary of the Seahawks’ Cody continues to receive bigger and “Real world experience is honestly first playoff team has been one of my better projects, and, no matter what irreplaceable. In our classes we also favorite projects so far. It was used on he’s working on, he is quick to attribute practiced the steps that come after a lot of different pieces that weekend, his current success to the training he college: networking, interviews and how like autographed footballs and a patch received at NNU. to really talk about and explain on the players’ jerseys. It was really “My education definitely prepared me our work.” exciting to see my work become part of a for where I am now. At NNU, I was able All of which contributed to where professional sports team’s history.” not only to develop my skill set and put he is today. When he’s not making history, Cody together a portfolio that I was proud of Through a recommendation from can be found in the Seahawks and but also to build relationships with a fellow design alumnus, Cody began Sounders’ practice facility working on professors and classmates that helped a one-year internship with the Seattle designs for anything from player cards me succeed.” Seahawks and Sounders shortly after and posters to social media graphics

| 13 FEATURE

CRAFTING COMMUNITY by Grant Miller, Class of 2010

I walked across NNU’s campus in December and stepped into University Chaplain Gene Schandorff’s office. If you’ve spent any time in the last 20 years as an undergraduate at NNU, you’ve likely passed by it. It occupies the corner space in Elmore Hall, with windows that look out at the clo