The mission of Northwest Nazarene University is the transformation of the whole person. Centered in Jesus Christ, the NNU education instills habits of heart, soul, mind and strength to enable each student to become God's creative and redemptive agent in the world.
MESSENGER
Vol. 110, Num 2
The
centered in jesus christ a firm foundation Grounded
Northwest Nazarene University SUMMER 2022
CENTERED IN JESUS
Northwest Nazarene University
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The mission of Northwest Nazarene University is the transformation of the whole person. Centered in Jesus Christ, the NNU education instills habits of heart, soul, mind and strength to enable each student to become God’s creative and redemptive agent in the world. Although a lot has changed in the past century—globally and here at NNU—one thing that has remained is NNU’s commitment to being centered in Jesus Christ, both missionally and practically. This tradition is one that NNU’s faculty, staff and leadership has intentionally carried and guarded over the decades as students have been transformed in heart, soul, mind and strength in order to become God’s creative and redemptive agents in the world. Our mission statement guides not just what we say and believe but also the things we do, the choices we make and the way in which we interact; to us, it’s a way of life. Many schools promote transformative education, but as we explored in the last issue of The Messenger, we believe that it’s the transformation “centered in Jesus Christ” that really sets NNU apart. Jesus Christ is at the center of all we do here at NNU—whether in the classroom and online discussion boards, on the competitive courts and fields of our athletic teams, in our residence halls and our dining hall, in digital meeting rooms and in physical study rooms, on the Quad and through the mentorship of a doctoral advisor. Jesus Christ is the core of an NNU education. In this issue of The Messenger, we focus on what this centeredness in Jesus really means and how it is manifesting itself in the lives of our students, faculty and staff, alumni and larger community. You’ll read reflections from one of our theology professors and a student who just graduated this spring, you’ll get a glimpse of how this centering played out decades ago from a former chaplain and you’ll see evidence of it throughout the various profiles and other pieces in this issue…not because we had to seek to add it, but simply because it is who we are as a University and it can’t help but be reflected in all the stories we tell. Since you, also, are a part of our NNU community, we hope that you are embracing and living this Christ-centeredness wherever you find yourself. It is a blessing that this focus doesn’t stop at the classroom walls or within the confines of our campus, but is taken by our NNU students, alumni and community members to make a difference in our world. Joel Pearsall President
the messenger | summer 2022
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opening thoughts
A firm foundation Page 12 Alum Gabriel Davis and former chaplain Gene Schandorff reflect on Christ-centeredness at NNU through the years.
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SILENT DISCO AT PRESIDENT JOEL’S BIRTHDAY BASH
Centered in Jesus christ Page 6 Dr. Diane Leclerc provides perspective on what it means to live a life centered in Jesus Christ.
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grounded Page 28 Head coach Joe Schaefer describes how he and his coaching staff have helped provide Christ-centered grounding for the men in his baseball program.
President \\ Joel K. Pearsall, ’80 V.P. for External relations \\ Mark Wheeler, ’94 A.V.P. for Marketing & Communications \\ Mark Cork Director of Alumni Relations \\ Darl Bruner, ’76 Managing Editor \\ Kendra Lubiens ’96 Editorial Assistants \\ Carolyn St. Mary, ’05; Stephanie Tomlinson Photographers \\ David Kohagan, ’20; Brad Elsberg, ‘89 Designer \\ David Kohagan, ’20 Contact Information \\ The Messenger 623 S. University Blvd. Nampa, Idaho 83686-5897 208-467-8021 \\ messenger@nnu.edu Main Number \\ 208-467-8011 Office of Admissions \\ 208-467-8000 Office of Alumni Relations \\ 208-467-8841 Office of University Advancement \\ 208-467-8423 www.nnu.edu www.facebook.com/northwestnazarene www.instagram.com/nwnazarene The Messenger is published biannually by the Office of Marketing & Communications at Northwest Nazarene University. Postmaster, send address changes to The Messenger, c/o Northwest Nazarene University, 623 S. University Boulevard, Nampa, ID 83686-5897.
On campus \\ 16 honorary doctorate \\ 18 Alumni News \\ 22 Alumni of the year \\ 24 Emeriti Honors \\ 26 Athletics highlights \\ 32 Program Highlight \\ 35 Profiles \\ 36 Meet this issue’s featured faculty, staff and students.
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Dr. Diane Leclerc addresses graduates during the 2022 Traditional Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony
CENTERED IN JESUS CHRIST
1. Who is Jesus Christ? Jesus Christ as the Revelation of God As all of us have been appropriately taught, if we want to know what God is like, we look at Jesus. Jesus Christ is the full and final revelation of God. God’s revelation bursts forth in the incarnation and life of Jesus. The logos of God became flesh and dwelt among us. The Church is clear. The incarnated Jesus was not just like God in characteristics but was fully God (in essence) and thus fully able to reveal God to us. We could offer a long list of revealed “Christlike” dispositions and actions based on Christ’s ministry portrayed for us in the gospels. May it suffice to say that the very heart of Christ reveals God as holy love. As this full revelation of God, we at NNU affirm the Truth as it is in Jesus; and we, then, seek truth about all of God’s creation through our education, for Jesus is the Truth, and all truth is God’s truth. We are a community of dedicated seekers after truth. Jesus Christ as the “Recapitulation” of Humanity Jesus not only reveals God to us, he also reveals true humanity to us, as we are meant to be. In Jesus, we see our potentiality. In Christ, we see who we are created to be as human beings. Through Christ, we can be restored and renewed in this humanity and be like Christ. Unlike other traditions, Wesleyan theology is thoroughly optimistic about such a restoration; indeed, transformation of human life, of the whole person. It is this transformation that is at the heart of our understanding of sanctification. The Fall distorted the image of God in humanity; Christ’s obedience (even to death on a cross) enables the re-creation of that same image in us. And what is the imago Dei in Wesleyan theology? It is the capacity to love and be loved in divine and human relationships, as well as loving the creation through stewardship. We were created for this purpose. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandments were, his answer was love. First, we are to love God with all of our hearts, souls, minds and strength. At NNU, we believe that “education instills habits of heart, soul, mind and strength,” habits toward love. It is appropriate to claim that the sanctified life is a transformed life, where the ability to love God with our whole being is a real possibility. Second, Jesus says the second greatest command is to love others as we love ourselves. Through God’s grace, students can be renewed in the image of God to love God and others, move toward their true humanity by doing so and come to understand their purpose in the world. Jesus Christ as Teacher and Model Deep within the Christian tradition is the view that Christ is our teacher. Not only does Jesus Christ reveal God to us, not only does he personify humanity as it was originally created, he also teaches us how to live our lives in God day after day. Often, Jesus counters the world’s order of things. In many respects, he turns it upside down. He taught specifically through his sermons, his parables and his illustrations. We hear from him that the first will be last and the last will be first; that if we want to find life, we must lose it; that discipleship is about denying oneself and carrying crosses; that the Kingdom of heaven cannot be found where we might be tempted to look; that the Messiah will not lead an earthly rebellion, but will suffer and die. Jesus remains our teacher as we seek to learn. Beyond his verbal teaching, Jesus Christ shows his disciples a life of full obedience to God and of the fullest expression of love to others. He taught the life of holiness through example. It is not a call that only Jesus is to fulfill. Through his lips we hear the words, “be holy as God is holy” directed at the disciples, the church; and we take it as a directive to NNU as well. To love as Christ loved. To show the full extent of love; we know also that he took a towel and wrapped it around his waist, took water from an ordinary basin and washed his disciples’ feet. As our teacher and model, he revealed that life in God is about servanthood. One might say that servanthood is the ethic of God’s love. We seek to teach our students at NNU to live servant lives for the sake of others; to become God’s creative and redemptive agents in the world, even as we seek to model it as well. Jesus Christ as Resurrected Savior of the World While in a sense Christ’s incarnation, recapitulating work and teaching model are crucial to our understanding of who he is, it is most explicitly his cross that reveals his true nature and God’s true nature in turn. The act of servanthood in washing his disciples’ feet in the upper room quickly turns to the day of his crucifixion, also out of a heart of servanthood. The cross is the greatest expression of God’s self-giving, self-sacrificing, indeed self-emptying love. We proclaim that we are broken and lost without his death. But because of his death, we are saved. All grace, saving and sanctifying grace, and all the grace in between, comes to us because Jesus was willing to die. This is the gospel. We will fail our mission at NNU if our students do not hear the gospel. Just as important as Christ’s death, Paul asserts strongly that Christ would have failed if he was not also resurrected. God raised him from the dead. Christian hope has as its foundation the message that God is able. God is able to save and redeem because Christ has died and been resurrected. Open wounds can be made redeemed scars. Dis-ease can be healed. Brokenness can be mended. All because we live in a world where God is the God of the cross and the resurrection. The resurrection of Christ then, and the final resurrection and restoration that we hope for in the eschaton, break into life in the here and now. There is new life now. This does not mean that our lives are never again touched by pain, suffering and loss. But to be Christian, in faith we must proclaim that our suffering is not all there is. The potential of resurrection life is real, and it touches us holistically. Every part of our being can experience resurrection life and strength. At NNU, we do not just see the death and resurrection of Jesus as a historical event but as the source of the power we have to live as new creations. We seek to be conduits of the healing ministry of Christ as we receive students who are often very broken. We seek to be a means of life-giving grace to them—another crucial component of what we do here. 2. What does it mean to be centered in this Jesus? As Jesus is the revelation of God, we seek truth. As Jesus embodies the image of God, we seek to be transformed into whole persons enabled to love. As Jesus teaches and models for us the holy life, we seek to live lives of service. And all of this is possible because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. As faculty, staff and students, we all individually seek to live our lives in God and for God, for the sake of our community and the world. In other words, we each seek to be centered in Jesus Christ. This is what we would expect, or at least hope for, in a Christian environment. While we may all be seeking these things individually, and in our relationships with each other in community, the question confronts us: what does it mean to be centered in Jesus Christ as an institution? To be perfectly honest, this is where we are most vulnerable to fail because “the institution” is more than the sum of all of the parts. Theologians talk about something called “systemic evil.” It is different from personal sin, although personal sin can certainly contribute. It is a recognition that systems are fallen because we live in a fallen world. There is no perfect economic system; in every one, people are oppressed. Unless we are extremely careful, we can’t buy clothes, sugar or coffee without the suffering of others. There is no perfect form of government, even in the one that seems most Christian (“communism” is the one that theoretically looks most like the church in Acts). There is horrible corruption, with leaders immune from guilt who oppress their people and seek domination even through acts of war. There is a fallenness in every form of government. The same can be said of institutions, as good as we might wish to believe they are. Institutions have systems—long-range strategies, structures and hierarchies, the distribution of income—that can all have negative impact. Institutions can lack an all-encompassing perspective, appropriate mutuality and crucial accountability. Institutions participate in systemic evil even when there is no deliberate sin or ill intent involved. Completely without premeditated or calculated planning, people in an institution can still suffer from necessary decisions, momentary lack of judgment or wisdom and fluctuating morale. And, of course, people do sin against one another. And so, we do not put our faith and trust in institutions. We put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. The institution of Northwest Nazarene University is more than the sum of all of its parts—precisely because we are centered in Jesus, who sends his Spirit to enable us to be like Christ, we can be more than just a fallen place (albeit, confessing our failures and foibles); we can be holy. If we look to Scripture, we see that God uses all sorts of broken people for his purposes. For example, we know the church at Corinth had all sorts of problems that caused Paul great consternation. And yet, at the very beginning of the first letter, Paul addresses them as those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints. Despite all their failures, Paul does not forget what Christ can do in and through them. He points them to their God-enabled potential. In a sense, Paul tells them: “You are holy. Now become who you are.” What does it mean to be centered in Jesus Christ? It means that as we participate in him, he makes us holy. Our role? To be intentional in all the ways we can, to become more and more of what God created NNU to be—to love as God first loved us. If we truly seek Christ first, all the rest will be added unto us. To be centered in Jesus Christ is not just a phrase in our mission statement. It is at the heart of all we are and do here; it is the longing of our hearts; it is our deepest hope; it is our calling. May God help us to truly become who we are. Dr. Diane Leclerc is professor of Historical Theology at NNU, where she has served for more than 20 years. She has published many articles and seven books, including Discovering Christian Holiness: The Heart of Wesleyan Holiness Theology and Backside of the Cross, and is a much sought after speaker and preacher. She is ordained in the Church of the Nazarene and has served as President of the Wesleyan Theological Society, was a member of the North American Nazarene Women Clergy Council and is on the Articles of Faith Theology Committee in the Church of the Nazarene. NNU’s College of Theology & Christian Ministries offers a diverse set of undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs. Students can study Christian Ministry, Youth Ministry, Intercultural Studies (Missions), Worship Arts, Philosophy of Religion and Philosophy. Graduates are well prepared for their careers in ministry because of the academic rigor, hands-on experience and highly-qualified, caring professors that are central to each of these programs. With appropriate choice of minors, students can graduate also having fulfilled all requirements necessary for ordination with the Church of the Nazarene.
The mission of Northwest Nazarene University is the transformation of the whole person. Centered in Jesus Christ, the NNU education instills habits of heart, soul, mind and strength to enable each student to become God’s creative and redemptive agent in the world.
Reflections From A Theologian
By Dr. Diane leclerc
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I have loved my twenty-four years at NNU and can’t imagine being anywhere else. Our mission and values matter deeply to me. On topic for today is the question, “what does it mean that Northwest Nazarene University is ‘centered in Jesus Christ’?” In some ways, we know the answer to this intuitively or experientially. We can truly sense the difference in a Christian university contrasted with a secular one. This includes everything from our sense of community to our course requirements. But sometimes it is good to think through and be specific about why we are here and what sets us apart. In order to answer the question of what “centered in Jesus Christ” means, two other questions press in upon it. First, who is this Jesus? Again, we intuit this, but it is valuable to be really specific. Secondly, what does it mean to be “centered” in him as an institution? We will begin by taking a close look at who Jesus is and what he has done for us.
FEATURE
We all individually seek to live our lives in God and for God, for the sake of our community and the world.
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One might say that servanthood is the ethic of God’s love.
harper
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The people who provide scholarships through donating to the university are clearly invested in the mission of NNU and believe that it’s just as incredible of a school that I believe it to be. I’m forever grateful to those who have made my education possible.” Courtney (Ritchey) Class of 2022, Elementary Education Help transform students’ lives and become a part of the NNU legacy at nnu.edu/give.
If we truly seek Christ first, all the rest will be added unto us.
A Firm foundation
I had the opportunity to serve the NNU community as Chaplain for twenty-three years during the 1990s and 2000s. It was my great privilege to support the academic work that was happening across campus by walking with the students, and later the entire campus community, as they grew in their Christian faith. We endeavored to do this through a variety of means during my years at NNU. These included regular preaching and teaching, a variety of campus opportunities and, frankly, just living in community. Over my two decades on campus, I came to believe that—as important as a chapel message may have been—preaching was not the “key” to developing a Christ-centered community. There were always a variety of ways to help members of the community experience, express and expand their personal faith. Perhaps the single greatest impact on the spiritual climate of the student community during my time at NNU came not from an initiative out of the Chaplain’s Office, but from a student leader who had a vision for “something greater.” The result of this leader’s idea, and the commitment of other student leaders, was the reimagining and reinvigorating of Timeout, which became one of the most spiritually significant movements on campus. For all the planning, programming and preaching, it turns out that some of the best “stuff” always came from students responding to the Spirit’s call to live lives of simple discipleship. The key to the “Christ-centeredness” of the NNU community has always been the Christ-centeredness of the individuals who make up that community. The creation of an environment where young adults can explore their faith depends on the faithfulness of everyone in the community, whether they teach, preach, administer, recruit, coach or clean buildings. Throughout my time at NNU, I watched young lives be shaped by significant encounters with counselors, administrators, teachers, coaches, and, now and then, even someone from the Chaplain’s Office.
Gene schandorff, chaplain, 1992-2015
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IF you were asked to compare NNU to a younger version of itself, decades past, it would be tempting to focus the entirety of your comparison on the differences. Instead, ask what hasn’t changed. Years later, what might be the one thing that NNU has never let go of, that makes NNU’s community stand above the crowd? NNU’s Christ-centeredness has always been at the core of the NNU experience. Here, we take a look at this legacy through the eyes of Gene Schandorff, former University Chaplain and Gabriel Davis, a 2022 NNU graduate.
A Culture of Christ-Centeredness Through the Years
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Then...
gabriel davis, class of 2022
...and now
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And what is empathy if not the purest form of community?
It took me about an hour, maybe two, after stepping onto the NNU campus for New Student Orientation, to have a complete breakdown. People often say that college is about finding yourself, and for me, I was suddenly faced with the struggle of trying to figure out not only what I could do, but what I was called to do. I soon discovered NNU’s Christ-centered community would help me unpack that complicated answer. It took me four years, and I still haven’t worked out all the details, but I’m on my way. During Week One, I was anxious and afraid to leave my comfort zone. Not knowing what I was getting into, I headed to Freshman Retreat with the rest of my class. On the bus to the campground, I got to know a group of people and they got to know me. We stuck together the whole weekend and after just two days, I had developed a good group of friends; friends who went out of their way to really get to know me, to understand me—and the journey began. Then came schoolwork. The first paper for my first literature class, Early American Literature. Now, I didn’t know that much about Early American Literature, but I definitely knew how to write a paper. Why else would I become an English major? Oh boy was I wrong! I did not know as much as I thought I did. I had to adjust to a completely new style of work from high school, and the one thing I was sure I had figured out was in jeopardy. But it didn’t stay that way for long. The NNU community didn’t let me down. Within the first few weeks, professors began to guide me and show me how to adapt my skills to college-level work. My professors understood my perspective and cared about my success, and not just in the classroom. They went out of their way to teach me as much as they could about truth, about life. I know I learned more philosophy, theology, linguistics and history in the series of classes I had with Dr. Fischer than any other source—and he still managed to teach me Shakespeare, poetry and British Literature at the same time! Dr. Grinder showed me a different philosophy of literature. He was instrumental in helping me understand that the core value of literature is understanding the human condition—in other words, relating to the people around us and the diverse perspectives that inhabit our world. Dr. Becker taught me how to use my skills and interests to help other people at NNU’s Writing Center. This showed me that I am not limited to an abstract calling as a writer, but that I can serve people directly by understanding their struggles and trying to help them improve. You see, my work with the Writing Center has been an act of empathy, just as my professors walking alongside me was. Because at NNU, the values that define the school are not compartmentalized. That’s why I could learn theology in my literature classes, practice service in my time at the Writing Center and experience community everywhere I went. Empathy and Christ-centered interaction are lived out day-to-day. And what is empathy if not the purest form of community? A mutual understanding of those around you that allows you to welcome them into fellowship. And what is this kind of fellowship if not Christ-centered? There is something tangibly unique about someone walking with you. You feel the difference when a professor, a chapel speaker, a fellow student or any other person on campus gets involved in your life and develops a relationship with you because they care about you. They are there through your ups and downs. They empathize with you. I experienced this quite frequently during Timeout, especially in my first semester. When I first went to Timeout and felt the full emotional impact of an actual student—someone my age—pouring out their heart to the packed Little Theatre, telling a story and helping me understand them, I was very moved. I felt closer to God in the middle of that space than I have in many other places. I would be willing to bet my degree that this was only possible because of the unique community created here at NNU, where genuine empathy allows us to enter into relationship with one another and discover how best to express Christ-like love. This has certainly been the core of my experience at NNU. I’ve met people I’d never have thought could be my friend. But I spent time with them, with professors and students and staff and the community and anyone and everyone because that’s how NNU works. Its modus operandi is empathy. NNU showed me that who I am called to be is someone who can empathize well. And I don’t mean just in my personal life or community. I mean that, as someone who aspires to be a novelist, the best way I can serve other people and Christ is simply to strive to understand them. To understand humanity, to understand the struggles we go through and the commonalities we share. To get as close as I can to seeing the world as God sees it. It’s always been about welcoming other people in and sharing a pursuit of real knowledge—of other people, of life, of God—all of it. We know change is inevitable in life. However, we also know that the one thing that will never change at NNU, is the thing we’ve stood firm on since 1918—being an institution centered in Jesus Christ, instilling habits of heart, soul, mind and strength to enable each student to become God’s creative and redemptive agent in the world.
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Faculty of the Year Professor Brooke Adamson and Dr. Heidi Curtis have been named NNU’s 2022 Faculty of the Year. Prof. Adamson has served as an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Arts and Science and as Director of Forensics for 20 years at NNU. She loves watching students develop essential job and life skills, praying for them and watching them grow and maintain healthy relationships. She and her husband Erik have been married 21 years and have three children. Dr. Curtis has been at NNU since 2013, serving as Director of Doctoral Programs in Education for two years and as Chair of Graduate Education for the past seven years. She has been awarded a sabbatical next fall to study ethical research methodology with Indigenous people.
Staff of the Year Pam Beck and Kendra Lubiens have been named NNU’s 2022 Staff of the Year. Beck has served at NNU for six years, starting as the Office Assistant in the History & Political Science Department and moving into the role of Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. A native Idahoan, she has been married to her husband for 37 years, has two daughters and three grandchildren. Lubiens has served at NNU for 18 years, first as an Admissions Counselor, then as a Marketing and Sales representative in the College of Business and currently in the role of Director of Brand Stewardship in the Marketing & Communications office. Lubiens is an NNC/NNU alum and has been a Nampa resident since 1992 where she resides with her daughter whom she adopted from Uganda.
AMA Chapter Receives National Recognition This spring, students from NNU’s American Marketing Association (AMA) attended its national collegiate conference in Chicago. Among their many accomplishments, the chapter received three “Outstanding Achievement” Awards in Social/Community Impact, Professional Development and Chapter Plan. NNU’s AMA co-president Daphne Dryden, a senior marketing student, said, “I am so proud of the hard work [the chapter] has put in this year. I hope they continue to leave a legacy on NNU’s campus for years to come.” NNU’s chapter of the American Marketing Association was established in 2006 and has won over two dozen awards in a variety of categories. To find out more about NNU’s College of Business, visit nnu.edu/business.
Visit nnu.edu/news to read current articles and updates.
On campus
Jensen Named New College of Business dean Dr. Josh Jensen has been named NNU’s Dean of the College of Business. Jensen has been at NNU since 2008, most recently serving as Director of Graduate Studies and Associate Professor of Leadership. “The College of Business is uniquely positioned to be a strategic partner with the local business community, providing both expertise and a strong talent pool,” Jensen said. “I look forward to strengthening these partnerships and leading the College forward into the future.” Jensen graduated with a BS in Organizational Management from University of La Verne in 1999, an MA of Public Administration from California State University in 2000 and an Ed.D. with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University in 2008. In 2017, he earned his MBA from NNU. Jensen is a published author, speaker, leadership consultant and seasoned business leader with a longstanding career that spans many industries including higher education, K-12 education, non-profit healthcare, local government and the private sector. Dr. Jensen will collaborate with the College of Business faculty to lead and direct a focused effort of developing relationships with the local business community and will maintain a half-time faculty appointment.
Poe Named Outstanding Educator Dr. Michael Poe, NNU Professor of Graduate Education, has been named this year’s L.E. Wesche Outstanding Educator. Dr. Poe received a BA in Biological Science in 1978 from NNC and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the College of Idaho in 1983. Following his positions as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and principal in Vallivue and Meridian School Districts, Poe earned an Ed.S. degree in 2000 and a Ed.D. in 2003, both from the University of Idaho. “Mike is a sincerely caring educator who has invested his life’s work in mentoring educators and educational leaders,” said Holly Ripley, NNU Associate Professor of Education and Chair of Undergraduate Education. “His reach is broad and his influence deep.” Dr. Poe has served at NNU since 1997 in a variety of positions and is well-known around the state for his positive influence not only in the field of education but on the educators themselves.
Forensic Team Shines at Nationals NNU’s speech and debate team excelled at two national competitions to wrap up their 2021-2022 season. At the Pi Kappa Delta tournament, the team finished 28 out of 69 other colleges and universities, with senior Kedrick Glinski named National Champion in the Extemporaneous Commentary event. At the National Christian College Forensic Invitational, the team swept the interpretive and platform events, earning an overall second-place finish among Division II Christian universities. “It is always affirming to see their hard work and dedication pay off on a national scale,” said Brooke Adamson, professor of Communication Studies and coach of NNU’s Forensic team. “Not only is NNU recognized as having some of the best competitors in the nation, but they also show the love of Christ wherever they go.” For updates on NNU Speech and Debate, follow their Facebook page (@NNUForensics).
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Braelyn Boerner Computer Science Stanford National Accelerator Laboratory
The Reverend William “Bill” Roscoe
Explore our 80+ undergraduate areas of study at NNU.EDU/MAJORS
Reverend William “Bill” Roscoe, President and CEO of Boise Rescue Mission Ministries, volunteer Law Enforcement Chaplain, former pastor, military veteran, servant leader and follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, was presented an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during the 2022 Traditional Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony. Roscoe enlisted in the US Army in August 1969 and served in Germany and Vietnam prior to being honorably discharged in February 1972. He was ordained as a minister in 1989 and served as a bi-vocational associate pastor from 1986 to 1992. Roscoe has dedicated his life to serving those in need. He was appointed Director of Youth Ministries at Redwood Gospel Mission, Santa Rosa, CA, where he served from 1991 to 1993; served at Denver Rescue Mission as Farm Manager from 1993 to 1994; as Director of Men’s Ministries at Redwood Gospel Mission, Santa Rosa, CA, from 1994 to 1997; and was Executive Director of Good News Rescue Mission, Redding CA, from July 1997 to May 2002 prior to becoming President and CEO of the Boise Rescue Mission, where he has served ever since. In April 2009, he also added the role of volunteer Law Enforcement Chaplain for the Canyon County Sheriff’s Department. Boise Rescue Mission Ministries has always sought to provide the best programs and services as it helps people move from homelessness into independent living. For the past two decades, Roscoe has championed the cause for homeless veterans, patients and other guests of the Mission to ensure they are provided the hand up to get back on their feet again. He has helped expand the Mission’s reach exponentially, increasing available facilities, resources and services to homeless men, women and children in Ada and Canyon counties, and developed amenities specific to the needs of veterans and of those homeless recently released from the hospital. According to Dave Hills, “Bill’s obedience to the Lord’s call and his willingness to serve wherever He leads has led Bill to do great and mighty things. His contributions to the Treasure Valley as the President and CEO of Boise Rescue Mission Ministries will make a difference in the lives of generations both on this earth and in eternity.” Hills adds, “[Bill] has been transforming lives for over twenty years in remarkable ways by lifting up Christ as the answer to providing truth and transformation through service to the entire Boise Valley community.”
Aaron Borger Computer Science & Engineering Blue Origin working on the next Lunar Lander
Honorary Doctorate Awarded
Paige Derossett Youth Ministry Youth Pastor in Leavenworth, WA
Kedrick Glinski Financial Econ & Communication studies Cornell University (Law School)
Breanna Boutte Graphic Design Digital Media Teacher at Idaho Arts Charter School
Megan Hutton Nursing St. Luke’s Boise NICU
NNU: our alumni make us proud
Dylan Hendry Wildlife Biology & Ecology Reservalas Tongaras, Ecuador; bird banding
Abbie Mattson Music Education Music Teacher North Star Charter School
Jayde Burch Psychology & Philosophy Has been accepted into Pepperdine’s Master of Arts in Psychology program
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CONGRATS and BEST WISHES to all of our 2022 Graduates who are headed out to change the world including:
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honorary doctorate
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“Mr. NNU is a highlight every year, and it brings such great smiles to everyone’s faces.” Braelyn Boerner Class of 2022
Ken Yoder, NNU Professor from 1980-2007, on February 11, 2022 in Sandpoint, Idaho
Alumni News Catch up on classmate updates and recent additions
Alumni News
Births and Adoptions 1 Daxton Elliot on March 8, 2021 to Brie (Lewis) and Trevor Douty -15- 2 Evan Grace on June 15, 2021 to Tyler (Schafer) and Joel Oliver -10- joining Carter & Jace 3 Roger Michael on August 24, 2021 to Sarah (Likins) and Chris Hereford -07- 4 Gideon Osborne on August 25, 2021 to Kimberly and John Osborne -05- joining Samuel 5 Malakai Jay Callum on October 8, 2021 to Lexi (Johnson) -17- and Mark Minjares -18- 6 Timothy James and Daniel Stephen adopted November 2021 to Kristen (Parke) -11- and Kyle Mayer -08- joining Julia 7 Elsie Michelle on January 1, 2022 to Stephanie (Rotter) -14- and Jared Trygg -12- joining Mason & Blakely 8 Cecilia Jayne on January 2, 2022 to Natalie (List) -18- and Eric Stone -17- 9 Zephaniah Uriel on January 31, 2022 to Candace (Breshears) -06- and Alex Rojas, joining Abraham, Isaiah, Elijah, Isabella, Nehemiah & Hannah Marriages 10 Amy (Winters) -04-, -11-, -16- and Rudy Gabaldon on August 3, 2021 in Denver, Colorado 11 Sarah (Grider) and Robby Skinner -13- on September 10, 2021 in Seattle, Washington In Memory E. Harold Harper -50- on November 28, 2021 in Oak Park Heights, Minnesota Shirley Powers -51- on February 12, 2022 in Platteville, Colorado Donna Jones (52) on January 12, 2022 in Riggins, Idaho Don Fivecoat -52- on January 29, 2022 in Newberg, Oregon Patricia Millar -57- on January 27, 2022 in Tri-Cities, Washington Rosemary Martin -58- on December 10, 2021 in Nampa, Idaho Alan Rodda -58- on August 12, 2021 in Sarasota, Florida William Leggett -60- on January 7, 2022 in Kennewick, Washington Harold Robbins (63) on February 3, 2022 in Dry Bay, Alaska Benni Copelin (70) on December 10, 2021 in Hamilton, Montana James Gebhardt (70) on December 5, 2021 in Leavenworth, Kansas Dwight Douglas -72- on January 2, 2022 in Olathe, Kansas Carol Kirkeide -78- on January 29, 2022 in Seattle, Washington Adrianne Yoder -84- on March 30, 2022 in Sandpoint, Idaho 1980s Michelle Williams-Alden -88- graduated from Capella University with a Doctorate in Human Services specializing in leadership and organizational management. Michelle is the owner and director of Healthy Foundations Family Program, an agency in Boise, ID that provides intensive in-home services for families who have children with severe emotional disturbances (SED). Dr. Kenton Stiles -89- is the new Director of the Boren Collection of Western Art at Taylor University. 1990s Deborah (Hall) Stiles -90- graduated with her Doctorate in Social Work. She is also the Program Director of the Taylor University social work program. Dr. Robyn Hyde -93- won the 2021 Salt Lake City American Chemical Society award for Outstanding Chemistry Educator at an Undergraduate-Serving Teaching Institution. Linda (Walton) Coordes -94- was honored with the Peacehealth Overall Mission & Values Award. Ed Castledine -98- has been selected as the next market president for SelectHealth. Ed was previously the CEO of Saltzer Health. 2000s Martha Lopez Coronado -08- was named the statewide program director for the Idaho Hispanic Foundation. Landon Loeber, -08- and David Sims relocated to Boise in 2021. Landon is now the STEM Outreach and Student Engagement Coordinator for Micron.
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Submit updates, announcements and photos at nnu.edu/update
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service in action
Ryan & Emily Wirick, Leon Doane Young Alumni of the Year Award
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Philip & cris zimmermann, Alumni of the Year Award
When graduating from NNU in 2012, Ryan and Emily (Ogle) Wirick had no idea how their time at NNU would help prepare them to one day lead the way in navigating a worldwide pandemic. Both were top students in their areas of study during their time at NNU—Ryan in pre-health and Emily in biology. After leaving NNU, both completed graduate work at the University of Utah and worked for several biotech companies and startups, Emily focusing on Research and Development, Ryan working in Operations and Program Management. When the pandemic hit in spring of 2020, the Wiricks’ experience, education and continued connections to their alma mater positioned them to be at the forefront of the battle, offering their expertise in the crucial process of COVID-19 testing. They were excited to work with Emily’s former advisor and NNU professor Dr. Jennifer Chase to help establish and provide training that would lead to the implementation of saliva screening on NNU’s campus—which played a critical role in allowing the University to offer face-to-face education throughout the pandemic. The Wiricks also went on to help two additional Nazarene universities develop their testing programs and were awarded a grant to open their own laboratory, Pro-Testing Solutions, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho that provided much needed testing services to an underserved area. According to Wiricks, “It was an unexpected privilege and joy to work with our professors and mentors while being able to play a small part in the pandemic response. We really valued our in-person education at NNU and hope that this project made that experience possible for other students during the pandemic. Looking back, we can see how God directed our education, skills and careers to allow us to support our communities.” Because of Ryan and Emily Wirick’s living example of NNU’s mission to be God’s creative and redemptive agents in the world—as evidenced by their selfless service in helping multiple communities navigate through the pandemic—they have been chosen as NNU’s 2022 Leon Doane Young Alumni of the Year. Brothers Philip and Cris Zimmermann, NNU class of 2008, strive daily “to see how heaven breaks into our lives, our city and our world.” This is the mission of the Kirche in Aktion (Church in Action), an innovative, thriving German non-profit organization specializing in urban ministry that they founded 14 years ago. Through this organization, they offer hope, encouragement and services to the people of the Rhine-Maine region of Germany. Kirche in Aktion includes various social projects, churches, social businesses and an educational institute and has begun to expand internationally. Cris and Philip are the Senior Leaders for Kirche in Aktion. In preparation of planting Kirche in Aktion, Philip earned his Bachelor’s degree in Theology from European Nazarene University in Switzerland, a Master’s in Spiritual Development from NNU and a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership from Regent University. Cris studied law at Frankfurt University prior to earning his Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from NNU. “I am not just called to be a pastor of the existing congregation, but actually need to become a missionary within my own city,” Cris explains. “Since we were born and raised in Frankfurt, this was a huge mindshift. But we very strongly felt called to be reaching out missionally to the people who would not come to our local congregation. Of all places, we started in a late night pub in downtown Frankfurt…Two years into the ministry, we opened up a coffee shop…From there, we set up Communities on Mission all over Frankfurt and the Rhine-Main area.” Because of Philip and Cris Zimmermann’s living example of NNU’s mission to be God’s creative and redemptive agents in the world—as evidenced by their selfless service to the people in Germany—they have been chosen as NNU’s 2022 Alumni of the Year.
ALUMNI OF THE YEAR
Living into NNU’s Mission As Creative and Redemptive Agents
WILLIAM “Bill” J. RUSSELL PROFESSOR OF BUSINESS LAW William J. Russell, Professor of Business Law, joined the faculty of NNU in 2002. Bill graduated from the University of Kansas in 1973 and earned a JD from the University of Denver in 1975 and an MBA from Regis University in 2004. In addition, Bill earned a Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies from Asbury Theological Seminary and is an ordained deacon in the Church of the Nazarene. During his career at NNU, Professor Russell has served as Dean of the College of Business, Associate VP for Advancement, Executive Director for Community & Governmental Relations, Assistant to the President for Community Relations & Fundraising, General Counsel, Director of the MBA Program and Professor of Business Law. He was a successful litigator in the Boise Valley for 16 years and is a noted speaker, consultant and entrepreneur. Professor Russell has also been the recipient of the NNU Faculty Lectureship Award (2006), the International Award for Teaching Excellence (2010) and the Teaching Excellence Award for Western USA and Canada (2010), both by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP).
CAROL J. POE STAFF EMERITA Carol J. Poe received her BA in Biology Education from NNC in 1978. She was hired by the University in 1994 in library systems management. Carol was a key player in ensuring a smooth transition between five different system upgrades and transitions. Her skills have also had impact world-wide as she cataloged records in WorldCat, an international library database. During her 28 years in Library Services, Carol has been in the background, working diligently on the library’s online catalog, running reports on the library inventory, overseeing students in summer inventory and, if necessary, shifting entire sections of collections from one area to another. Carol and her colleagues were instrumental in the relocation of resources during the renovation of the Riley Library and the construction of the Leah Peterson Learning Commons.
EMERITI HONORS
Emeriti honors
Five faculty and staff were presented with emeriti status this spring at NNU’s annual Celebration of Service.
GEORGE P. TURNER, JR. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF MUSIC George P. Turner, Associate Professor of Music, joined the faculty of NNC in 1974. He graduated from NNC in 1973, earned an MA in Music from the University of Denver and holds additional doctoral training from Arizona State University. During his career at NNU, Professor Turner taught the entire range of Music Theory classes, Composition classes, String and Bass Methods classes and the Music capstone class. Additionally, Professor Turner taught low brass lessons. In 1988, Professor Turner auditioned for and won a nation-wide search for Principle Trombonist for the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra; he had this position for thirty-one years, retiring in 2019. He also took on a performance position with the Boise Civic Opera (now Opera Idaho) in 1984, a position he held for twenty-five years.
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DEANNA WILDE STAFF EMERITA Deanna Wilde received her AA in Business Administration from NNC in 1977. She became Circulation Supervisor for NNU in August 2007. A few short months later, Deanna also took on the role of Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Academic Services. During her 15 years at NNU, Deanna has supervised, trained and mentored as many as 24 student employees in one year, fielded questions about course evaluations, completed load sheets for Academic Services faculty and played a large part in organizing photos and other items for NNU’s Centennial celebration. Deanna and her colleagues were instrumental in the relocation of resources during the renovation of the Riley Library and the construction of the Leah Peterson Learning Commons. Additionally, she also worked with her colleagues in taking inventory and organizing NNU’s University Archives.
CORAL MATTEI STAFF EMERITA Coral Mattei received her AA in General Studies from NNC in 1973 and her BA in Applied Studies in 2006. Coral began her career at NNC in 1998 as a temporary employee. She quickly transitioned into the role of library acquisitions and student supervisor, then into her most recent role as Interlibrary Loan Specialist. During her 24 years in Library Services, Coral has managed magazine and journal collections, served as Interlibrary Loan Specialist, instructed users on the resources available both onsite and through the interlibrary loan service and supervised and mentored multiple students. Coral and her colleagues were instrumental in the logistics of moving the collection during the renovation of the Riley Library and construction of the Leah Peterson Learning Commons.
athletic feature
grounded
On and Off the Field
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I hope they leave here better baseball players, but I hope they also leave here as men—growing in character and growing in their faith.
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For those who have played or followed baseball, they know that at any time, a curveball can be thrown, changing the direction of a game. So is it in life when a curveball redirects a person from any preexisting plans. The story is no different for NNU baseball. NNU’s baseball student-athletes navigate multiple things at once—classes, relationships and extracurriculars—along with the demands of being a collegiate baseball player: early morning lifting, daily practices and four games a week that can last up to four or more hours apiece. It can be overwhelming at times as each athlete has multiple demands on their time and energy. To be a Division II athlete, players already have high levels of talent, work ethic and baseball knowledge even before they step foot on campus for the first time. When they are most susceptible to an unanticipated “curveball,” though, are the times off the field where they may feel overwhelmed or like they don’t belong. NNU head coach Joe Schaefer and the rest of his coaching staff know that building quality relationships with each athlete is crucial to the success and well-being of their players. This provides a foundation to help student-athletes navigate the tough times that inevitably come. “For me, being a collegiate coach is all about forming and building relationships,” said Schaefer. “That starts in the recruiting process, identifying kids I know are going to buy into what NNU has to offer—not just from a baseball standpoint, but from a spiritual, faith and academic standpoint. And then once they’re here, we continue to build those relationships. More than anything, I think it’s about that and trying to speak into our student-athletes’ lives through the game and through the opportunities on and off the field.” When Schaefer arrived at NNU in the fall of 2018, he knew that Nampa was a place he wanted to be. He had spent the previous 15 years as a coach at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego after competing at PLNU as an athlete on the baseball team. From that experience, he knew he wanted to be a part of a faith-based university where he could integrate his faith into his job on a daily basis. “I couldn’t imagine working anywhere other than a Christ-centered university,” Schaefer reflected. “I believe the Lord lined everything up in getting us here …specifically to NNU, because the opportunity checked so many boxes of where we wanted to be.” Many of the student-athletes take lead roles in integrating this intentional faith-based approach throughout the baseball program. Senior outfielder Ryan Dearing is a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Huddle leader, organizing events and being an influential leader on campus. Dearing and junior pitcher Brock Moffitt also lead a weekly team Bible study, as well as team devotions whenever they are on the road. “I’ve offered to be a part of it and will help out whenever needed, but generally Brock and Ryan take the reins and do it themselves,” said Schaefer. “I couldn’t be happier in trusting that they are great leaders and influences on their teammates. “I think sometimes when the coach is involved, some of the players might not be eager or open to sharing things. When it’s player-led, they may be more open.” The Nighthawks are active in service both on campus and in the community, embodying a Christ-centered approach to their lives and actions. In addition to FCA, the team visits elementary schools in the area, interacting and playing with the kids and giving talks about the values of hard work and leadership. They volunteer at local youth softball tournaments umpiring games and doing field work. A couple years ago, they also put on an event for the Make-A-Wish foundation, hosting a Halloween-themed cornhole tournament with proceeds going toward the foundation’s efforts. Following Schaefer’s arrival, the baseball program has also flourished on the field. Entering the 2022 season, he had compiled a 68-41 (.600) record at NNU. During his tenure, Schaefer has also taken the Nighthawks to the GNAC Tournament in both seasons the event was held. In 2021, the Nighthawks had the best season in program history, and arguably for any team in NNU’s Division II history. NNU went 35-10, claiming the GNAC regular season title, GNAC Tournament championship, NCAA West Region title, and finishing in the top six at the Division II College World Series. Grant Kerry was named an NCBWA All-American, consensus First Team All-Region selection, several of the student-athletes received recognition for their outstanding accomplishments and Schaefer was named the consensus West Region Coach of the Year and the GNAC Coach of the Year. Even with the prowess that the Nighthawks have displayed in competition ever since he arrived in Nampa, Schaefer still reiterates that the most important thing he does with the players is to build relationships and work toward developing his athletes into the best men they can be. His hope is that once their playing days are over they are well-prepared to take on any curveballs life may throw at them. “More than anything, I hope [our student-athletes] grow and mature in every area. I hope they leave here better baseball players, but I hope they also leave here as men—growing in character and growing in their faith. “By the time these guys graduate and move on, we want them to have grown immensely and enter the world as strong leaders that make a positive difference in their communities.”
By Josh Burkholder, director of athletics communication
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Women’s Basketball NNU closed the season on a five-game winning streak to finish 18-10 overall and 12-6 in the GNAC, earning the four-seed in the conference tournament before falling to MSUB in the quarterfinals. They still earned an at-large bid to the NCAA West Regional, their fourth-straight in a full season, where they fell to two-seed Central Washington in overtime. Erin Jenkins and Ny Thabach were named Second Team All-GNAC, and Jordan Pinson earned Honorable Mention All-Conference.
FAN CLUB
Athletics
Get scores, stats, schedule information and the latest news online at NNUSPORTS.COM Social media fans, “like” us on Facebook at #NNUSports
Nighthawks Season Highlights
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Women’s Golf The Nighthawks earned one tournament win during the season, taking first at the NNU Invitational in late March. They also placed second at the Corban Spring Invitational in April. At the GNAC Championships, NNU finished third overall, led by Hannah Holloway’s eighth-place finish. Christine Cho was named the GNAC Freshman of the Year and earned First Team All-Conference honors, while Holloway and Madison Gridley were both named Second Team All-GNAC.
Men’s Golf The Nighthawks earned one tournament win during the season, taking first at the NNU Invitational in late March. NNU placed fifth at the GNAC Championships, with Lane Strand earning Second Team All-Conference honors.
softball The Nighthawks went 35-21 overall and 18-6 in GNAC play, setting a new program record for wins in a season. NNU won their second-straight GNAC Regular Season Championship and went on to also take the GNAC Tournament Title. The Nighthawks then won their opener at the NCAA West Regional over top seed Cal State San Marcos before falling to Sonoma State and CSUSM to be eliminated. During the regional, Maia McNicoll set a new GNAC single-season record for RBIs. Sidney Booth and Ivy Hommel were both consensus All-Region picks. Booth was named the GNAC Pitcher of the Year for the second-straight season, while Charlotte Forniss was the GNAC Freshman of the Year and Rich Wagner the GNAC Coach of the Year. Hommel and McNicoll joined Booth and Forniss on the First Team All-GNAC squad, while Abby Gagnon and Tori Hensley received Second Team honors.
Men’s Basketball The Nighthawks closed the season strong with wins in seven of their last eight games to finish 12-9 overall and 10-5 in GNAC play. NNU earned their highest GNAC finish and tournament seed of second, but fell to eventual conference champion Alaska Fairbanks in the GNAC Tournament. James Nelson was named First Team All-GNAC, Tru Allen was named the GNAC Freshman of the Year and Honorable Mention All-GNAC, and Gabe Murphy and George Reidy also earned Honorable Mention honors. NNU swept the United Heritage Mayor’s Cup for the first time since 2012, defeating College of Idaho 80-70 in Caldwell on Nov. 19 before knocking off the Yotes 71-64 in Nampa on Dec. 7.
Men’s TRACK & FIELD The Nighthawks placed fourth at the GNAC Indoor Championships, led by first-place finishes from Colton Burr in weight throw, Steven Schmidt in heptathlon, and runner-up finishes from Schmidt in high jump and Hunter Braseth in 200m. During the indoor season, Tyler Shea broke the NNU 3000m record twice. At the GNAC Outdoor Championships, the Nighthawks earned their highest-ever finish, placing second out of nine teams. NNU had first-place finishes from Steven Schmidt in decathlon and high jump, Laurenz Waldbauer in javelin, Colton Burr in hammer, and the squad of Nick Wong, Hunter Braseth, Cam Willey and Sylvanus Hunt in the 4x100m relay.
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Women’s TRACK & FIELD The Nighthawks finished seventh at the GNAC Indoor Championships, led by runner-up finishes from Kinsey Yenor in the pole vault and Destany Herbert in the shot put. During the indoor season, Abbey Wood set a new NNU record in the 60m dash. At the GNAC Outdoor Championships, the Nighthawks placed seventh, highlighted by a GNAC individual title from Kinsey Yenor and runner-up finishes by Destany Herbert in the shot put, Kalen Belton in the 10K and Miya Koch in the high jump.
International Students Club
WHAT DO YOU DO?
#MYNNUHOME (PHOTOGRAPHS IN SEQUENCE FROM TOP CENTER): 1) Halie Wilsey 2) EMMA JATHO 3) Mckenzie Oakes 4) Savannah wakeman 5) jayde burch 6) Max the poodle 7) kedrick glinski 8) alumni & ua offices 9) ZACHARY LEDVINA
It’s a great way to build community! I love seeing how it brings together people who otherwise might not have connected.
There will be a great opportunity this fall as we work with NNU to host the first ever International New Student Orientation. We know we have several students coming from Africa Nazarene University as part of the NNU-ANU Semester Exchange program and a variety of other international students and international missionary and pastors’ kids who will be coming to NNU for the first time. We encourage everyone to come out and support and welcome these students to our incredible community! To ask questions or find out how to get involved, email Julie Barrass at jrbarrass@nnu.edu.
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30+ students and 10 faculty and staff members who are interested in sharing and learning about countries and cultures. The International Club includes students from other countries, missionary kids, international pastors’ kids and others who just want to learn more. Students from 13 countries participated this past year, including Australia, Korea, China, Philippines, Germany, England, Guatemala, Sweden, Peru, Mexico, Lithuania, Kenya and Norway. Our missionary kids have lived in various countries as well: India, Poland, Hungary, Papua New Guinea and Canada.
#MY NNU HOME
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HOW DOES SOMEONE GET INVOLVED?
We meet monthly throughout the academic year for international dinners that feature different cultural foods each time. Often our international students will partner with First Lady Nikki Pearsall to prepare authentic dishes from their home countries. We then meet to share the meal, enjoy each other’s company and do life together.
WHO IS INVOLVED?
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL CLUB?
WANT TO SEE YOUR PHOTO HERE? USE THE HASHTAG #MYNNUHOME AND YOUR PHOTO MAY BE FEATURED
STAFF
profile
Fun fact about you: I enjoy traveling and taking cruises. One memorable event on a cruise was swimming with stingrays in the Grand Caymans. My future dream trips would be to go to Italy and to take a cruise around the British Isles. I’d also like to go on a dog sled ride in Alaska. Favorite thing about NNU: I love the spring musicals and the Christmas Noel concert. I also love the crosses in the windows of the Leah Peterson Learning Commons. Something valuable you learned at NNU: Change seems to be constant. I am continually learning to be flexible with the changes that come my way. Proudest accomplishment from your time at NNU: I graduated from NNC many years ago, and have now worked at NNC/NNU for 24 years. It has been a privilege to work in a caring Christian community. Favorite Quote: Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”—Matthew 19:26 NIV Advice you’d offer to future students: Learn to seek after God and trust Him daily with every decision throughout your life. Enjoy and embrace being a part of the Christian community at NNU where you have caring professors and staff who are there for you. What does living a Christ-centered life mean to you? To me, living a Christ-centered life starts with having a personal relationship with God by seeking Him, talking with Him, trusting Him to help me with my daily life and decisions, and accepting His love for me. After forming a personal relationship with God, showing His love to others can take place by listening, being an encourager and showing respect.
Jackie Schober
Title: Associate Professor of Biology Hometown: Town – Ajido, City – Lagos, Country – Nigeria
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Title: Program Coordinator for Graduate Education Hometown: I was born in Oregon, but my family moved to Idaho when I was five years old. I consider Nampa to be my current hometown.
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FACULTY
Ayokunle Hodonu
Fun fact about you: My great-great-great grandfather was chief and elder brother to the king of our forested village of Ajido. Many generations later, my family carries the responsibility of helping select the monarchs that rule the village of Ajido. Every generation, a chief appointed from the family called the ‘Soyongan of Ajido’ takes on this role. So, I am kind of related to royalty—but not quite. Favorite thing about NNU: NNU Biology, my students and my colleagues. Someday, I would like to recreate my experience with my students and colleagues here in the Biology department here in Nigeria. Something valuable you learned at NNU: NNU is a kind community. The students, staff and faculty strive to live up to the scripture that says, “Blessed are the merciful…” Kindness transcends culture, gender, race, academia, ideology, politics and all kinds of differences. Somehow, we have imputed kindness into our curriculum, and it lifts us all as a community. Proudest accomplishment from your time at NNU: Seeing our students graduate and go on to graduate school or jobs. As a pre-med advisor and teacher, nothing gives me greater joy than getting an email from a student saying that they got into medical school or dental school or vet school. It is also nice to see that our students can compete with the best, anywhere in the world. Favorite Quote: “He must increase, and I must decrease.”—John 3:30 Advice you’d offer to future students: Being a Christian liberal arts university, NNU offers the best combination of academia, spirituality and social life. When I was a student, I did not have the opportunity to be part of a well-balanced and close-knit community. NNU creates that tremendous opportunity and foundation for the challenging world that students are about to face. What does living a Christ-centered life mean to you? A life that pursues the knowledge and the understanding of the person of Jesus Christ. A life that strives to know the heart of the Master and seeks to love Him as He has loved us unconditionally. And finally, a life that fearlessly reflects the meaning of salvation and love to our neighbors and the world around us.
GRADUATE STUDENT
Major: Elementary education with an accounting minor Activities/Clubs: Intramurals, Johnson Sports Center Staff Grad Year: 2025 hometown: It’s complicated. I was born in Beijing, China but moved to Seattle, WA when I was 14.
Fun fact about me: I’m an identical twin. My brother is attending college in a different state so not many people in the NNU community know that. Favorite thing about NNU: Super awesome professors and the indoor soccer field. Every professor I have had is so nice and patient and truly cares about each student. The indoor soccer field is a great facility where I have had so much fun with my friends! Something valuable I have learned at NNU: Life is not meant to be easy. When you are in a hard time, don’t give up, but hold on to your faith in God and keep pushing forward. After you get through it, you will realize how much stronger you have become. Proudest accomplishment at NNU: I was able to make so many friends and get closer to God in this awesome community! Favorite quote: Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse truly touches my heart. No matter what we will go through, no matter how hard life might be, it is all part of God’s BEST plan for each of us to prosper. Advice you’d offer to future students: Keeping your days well-organized is the key to a fun and successful college life! Try to keep a good and consistent sleep schedule. What does living a Christ-centered life mean to you? For me, living a Christ-centered life means always putting God and His words in the first place every day of your life. I’ve seen too many people value money, relationships and other things before God. Yes, those things can be important but are never as important as Who God is. FOCUS ON HIM!
David Ma
Program of Study: Master of Science - Family Nurse Practitioner Future Plans: I currently work as a surgical nurse navigator in a very busy orthopedic surgery office. When people ask me what I want to do once I finish my NP, I always say, “I have decided NOT to decide until God shows me where he wants me.” If I know anything, I know that God’s plans are always better than mine and I don’t want to get in the way. Grad Year: December 2023 Hometown: Currently, I’m in Grand Rapids, MN, but Great Falls, MT has been my home since 2001.
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Fun fact about you: I am currently ranked #8 in the country in the Women’s 50-55 hammer throw. Favorite thing about NNU: Each and every person I have encountered, no matter their position, is invested in students succeeding. I have never felt like a number or “just another student.” I have always felt like my professors, the deans, the financial aid staff, the program coordinators and everyone else I have encountered, were there to help me follow my dreams. Something valuable you learned at NNU: Sometimes God uses other people to tell us the things we need to hear when we aren’t listening for ourselves. Proudest accomplishment from your time at NNU: The night I graduated from the RN-BSN program and was told that I had been accepted into the MS-FNP program. Favorite Quote: My favorite quote is from Dr. Todd Cameron, one of the surgeons I work with. He says, “Never forget that two things can be true at the same time.” This is a reminder for me to steer clear of tunnel-vision in both my practice and in life and to keep an open mind and an open heart. Advice you’d offer to future students: Keep your eye on the prize and stay the course. The trials and challenges are all a part of your training and God uses them to help you grow toward the person you have been called to be for this world. You can be strong and determined and still be humble and teachable. What does living a Christ-centered life mean to you? I don’t want to sound cliché but the saying, “what would Jesus do?” is the best reminder for me. I don’t just mean in big decisions, but in the small, daily interactions with others. I want to love others the way Jesus would love others and strive to be patient and understanding the way He was.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT
Carol Ann Cress
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Welcome home Nighthawks.
SHOP.NNU.EDU | NNUCONNECT.COM | NNU.EDU/GIVE
Photo: Homecoming 2021
H MECOMING
Reunion Class Years: 2012/2013, 2007, 2002/2003, 1997, 1992, 1987, 1982, 1977 November 10-12, 2022 NNU.EDU/HOMECOMING