ournal LIVE ON PURPOSE

ournal
a S p r i n g A r b o r U n i v e r s i t y p u b l i c at i o n
FALL 2012 | volume 36 issue 1
LIVE ON
PURPOSE
Alumni lead intentional lives
homecoming 2012
Join us for a fun-filled
weekend on campus
with alumni & friends
Farewell Bippes
The art department
says goodbye to
legendary professor
setting records
Cougar track and field
athletes leave mark on
SAU athletics
16
18
28
Concept Spring Arbor University is a community of learners distinguished by our lifelong involvement in the study and applicat
liberal arts, total commitment to Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning, and critical participation in the contemporary w
Concept Spring Arbor University is a community of learners distinguished by our lifelong involvement in the study and applicat
liberal arts, total commitment to Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning, and critical participation in the contemporary w
Concept Spring Arbor University is a community of learners distinguished by our lifelong involvement in the study and applicat
liberal arts, total commitment to Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning, and critical participation in the contemporary worl
ncept Spring Arbor University is a community of learners distinguished by our lifelong involvement in the study and application
eral arts, total commitment to Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning, and critical participation in the contemporary world.
office of the president
ournal
FALL 2012
Editor
Julie (Spencer ’04) Tison
[email protected]
design
Melissa Bice
Aaron Bragdon
writers
Lynne Markiewicz
Chuck Monahan ’10
Kelly Skarritt-Williams ’03
Julie (Spencer ’04) Tison
Students join hands in prayer at Spring Arbor University.
photography
At Spring Arbor University, living on purpose has always been a hallmark. When
our founders laid the base for the University nearly 140 years ago, they did
so with determination — with a goal in mind — with a distinct purpose. That
purpose became more concrete when the Concept was minted in
the 1960s and continues to facilitate the mindset on campus and in
the hearts of our students, alumni, administration, faculty, staff and
friends.
Today, in 2012, even though the surrounding world has changed, the
purpose that helped establish Spring Arbor University as a missionminded educational facility remains. We continually strive to serve
Christ by preparing students who will live their lives on purpose
creating ripple effects that will have important implications on
the world.
It’s an honor to introduce you to the University’s new branding campaign, “Live
on purpose,” through examples of alumni who are critically engaging in their
surroundings by using their education to make an impact on the world around
them. I hope you enjoy three stories from individuals representing each of our
delivery systems who are each living their lives with purposeful intent.
In the midst of celebrating a new rebranding campaign and a new academic
year, it is with deepest regrets that we are saying goodbye to Dr. Betty OvertonAdkins, who retired last month after serving SAU in an extraordinary manner
at the local, state, national and international levels as the provost and chief
academic officer — a position she held for the longest tenure in recent history.
She truly embodied living on purpose, and she will be missed.
It is a pleasure to be part of a community that emphasizes the importance of
purpose. As we begin another academic year, it is my hope that we will each
choose to live on purpose. Thank you for your support that helps continue the
longstanding tradition and mission of Spring Arbor University.
Keegan Adriance ’12
Zachariah Haske ’14
Morgan Marshall ’14
Brandon McCarrell ’12
Kelly Skarritt-Williams ’03
U n i v e r s i t y C o m m u n i c at i o n s
Robyn Florian
Assistant Vice President
u n i v e r s i t y a dva n c e m e n t
Brent Ellis
Vice President
Rhonda (Davis ’94) Saurbek
Assistant Vice President
The Journal (volume 36, issue 1) is
published for the alumni and friends of
Spring Arbor University. SAU is a private,
Christian liberal arts university, affiliated
with the Free Methodist Church of North
America.
For information on alumni, annual fund,
major gifts, planned giving, Corporate
Partners program, external relations,
church relations or to change contact
information, please call or email
Sherry Keeler in the Office of University
Advancement at 877.SAU.1873 or
[email protected].
[email protected]
877.ALUM.ARBOR
University Admissions
800.968.0011
2 fall 2012
arbor.edu
The concept
Charles H. Webb, Ph.D.
President
Spring Arbor University is a community
of learners distinguished by our lifelong
involvement in the study and application
of the liberal arts, total commitment
to Jesus Christ as the perspective for
learning, and critical participation in the
contemporary world.
contents
10
28
18
i n t h i s i ssu e 22
arbor today: read about the latest Spring Arbor University news
26
cougar zone: see how our coaches and athletes are making strides
30
SAU photos: relive SAU events and happenings through this photo collage
33
alumni news: catch up on old friends, alumni news and notices
F e at u r e d
4
10
16
18
[+]
Live on purpose
Spring Arbor University’s new rebranding campaign displays the many ways
students, alumni, faculty and staff lead intentional lives to serve others for
Christ’s kingdom.
Redeemed for good works
Faculty member Tom Kuntzleman and alumna Jaime Taylor share how God
has helped them through difficult times with supportive communities.
Homecoming and Family Weekend 2012
Enjoy an autumn weekend on SAU’s campus with family and friends
provided by the Office of Alumni Relations. Events include the Hall of Fame
banquet, alumni awards, Arbor Arts Festival, kids’ carnival and more.
Farewell to longtime art professor
An art show was displayed to honor Bill Bippes who retired in May. More
than 400 attended the opening reception.
Cover and feature photos by:
brandon Mccarrell ’1 2
Alumnus Greg Bontrager ’83 serves as chief operating
officer of the American Cancer Society where he
models a life of intention and service.
30
4 fall 2012
Stay tuned to arbor.edu
throughout the year for more
on how the SAU community is
living on purpose.
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | fa l l 2 01 2
Live on purpose.
The word “purpose” carries
with it different meanings for
different people. Just as Christ
created individuals, everyone
carries with them a tailored
purpose for living out their
calling in the world.
In the following pages, meet three alumni (out of
thousands) living on purpose in their world.
Over 140 years ago,
Edward Payson Hart and Martha (Mattie)
Bishop Hart left the comforts of their
Illinois home, where E.P. was serving as
a pastor, to fulfill an important purpose.
They set out to found Spring Arbor
Seminary with an intentional purpose in
mind — to educate youth from a solid faith
base. Though the journey to Michigan, and
then to Spring Arbor, contained many ebbs
and flows, misfortune and struggles for
the Hart family, they persevered with the
intention to carry out their purpose.
Eventually that purpose directed
them to found modern-day Spring Arbor
University. The Harts, and everyone
associated with Spring Arbor since then,
have participated in a common goal to
glorify Christ in the hearts of many young
and adult students who might discover
their own purpose and become effective
stewards of their faith.
Sometimes students arrive at Spring Arbor
University with a clear purpose in mind.
Sometimes they arrive with aspirations to
find their purpose. Some students walk
into or log on to a Spring Arbor classroom
unsure of their purpose, but find
themselves equipped with direction and
ability through their course of study.
As God calls
His community to make disciples of all
nations (Matthew 28:19), and spend
themselves on behalf of the hungry and
the oppressed (Isaiah 58:10), Spring Arbor
University continues to prepare its alumni to
live out their individual purposes within the
greater Kingdom mission.
live on purpose
Greg Bontrager ’83
Battles cancer
in the
board room
Psychology major,
Business Administration minor
American Cancer Society COO,
Atlanta, Georgia
6 fall 2012
As chief operating officer of the
American Cancer Society (ACS), not
only is he fulfilling a dream, but he is
exemplifying what it means to
live on purpose.
BIT E X TRA
Scan this QR code with
your smart phone to see an
interview with Greg Bontrager.
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | fa l l 2 01 2
“as you progress and mature
in your leadership, there is a
question that you need to ask
yourself daily. And that is, ‘Is
your life going to be about a
title or a testimony?’”
From early in life Greg Bontrager knew
he wanted to lead an organization. As chief
operating officer of the American Cancer Society
(ACS), not only is he fulfilling a dream, but he is
exemplifying what it means to live on purpose.
“While I was a student at Spring Arbor, my mom
passed away from cancer and the ACS was there
for her and for us with support and services,”
says Bontrager, who didn’t know then that his
profession would circle back to the supporting
organization that helped his family during a
difficult time.
Bontrager’s first job out of college was in the
development office at SAU. After attaining a
master’s degree from Western Michigan
University, he went into the financial services
field. From there he started in the Michigan
division of the American Cancer Society in
development before moving on to operations and
ran that division before receiving an invitation to
join the world headquarters as COO.
“While we are a large business, we are so much
more than a business. We don’t make widgets.
We are about a life-saving, life-enhancing
mission. You would be hard-pressed to come up
with a purpose that would be greater or nobler
than working for the American Cancer Society,”
says Bontrager. “For me, this is both a vocation
and avocation, and it’s the opportunity to
combine the two. Very few people get that
opportunity.”
His rise to success was no accident. Bontrager
had significant mentors. “I grew up in a home, in
an environment where giving back and living on
purpose — intentional living — was something
that we grew up with and I am grateful for
parents who taught me that.”
At Spring Arbor University, faculty continued to
mentor Bontrager in meaningful ways. When his
mother passed away, SAU faculty and
administration were the first to visit Bontrager.
Ken Coffman, who was the president of SAU at
the time, came first followed by two of
Bontrager’s professors, Harold Darling and Mike
Boivin ’76. “That left an imprint on our family that
is there to this day. What you learn from Spring
Arbor are hard skills, soft skills and life skills. And
I will always be grateful for that,” says Bontrager.
Even after college, Bontrager continued to find
powerful mentors in his life. One influencer told
him “as you progress and mature in your
leadership, there is a question that you need to
ask yourself daily. And that is, ‘Is your life going to
be about a title or a testimony?’ Now the two are
not mutually exclusive, but it has served as a
wonderful reminder that if you take on a role,
regardless of the sector — and it’s been quite
easy in the ACS to remember — that this is really
about testimony — a testimony of living, a
testimony of leading — and in the process you
can have enormous impact,” says Bontrager.
At Spring Arbor University, Bontrager learned
about life as he studied the books that would
help him land a job. He values the lessons
learned at his alma mater. “I would say that while
you’re at Spring Arbor University, you learn from
books, but you also learn about life and
relationships and what’s important,” says
Bontrager, who helped establish a scholarship in
his mother’s name.
“I will always be grateful that I
was given and granted the
opportunity to lead — in a
meaningful way — this
wonderful organization that is
doing so much good,” says
Bontrager. “It may be one of
the greatest organizations
ever created. We turn 100
next year, and we are an
organization with a history of
achievement and
accomplishment. I’m going to
do my best to make sure I
leave it better than I found it.”
live on purpose
Michael Beyerstedt ’09, ’11
“There were some dramatic
transformations that occurred,
and while it is difficult to see
that in yourself sometimes, if
everyone else is changing, you
realize you are as well.”
Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management,
Master of Science in Management
Fire chief for Mississippi’s
second largest department
8 fall 2012
As a fire chief, Michael Beyerstedt
knows firsthand the importance of good
management. He and his firefighters risk their
lives every day for the safety of others. When
the heat is on, Beyerstedt relies on the skills
and knowledge he accumulated from Spring
Arbor University to lead his coworkers.
Beyerstedt earned a bachelor’s degree in
management and organizational development
from SAU’s Jackson location when he
was working for the Jackson County fire
department. It was in this classroom setting
where Beyerstedt found his professional stride
learning core skills that have become invaluable
as his responsibilities have grown. After moving
through several classes with the same group
of students, he was also able to establish
lifelong friendships and witness the progress
that individuals in his cohort made. “There were
some dramatic transformations that occurred,
and while it is difficult to see that in yourself
sometimes, if everyone else is changing, you
realize you are as well.”
Aware of Beyerstedt’s professional aspirations,
Eric Copeland ’06, a colleague and mentor,
suggested Beyerstedt also pursue a Master
of Science in Management through SAU’s
graduate program. “He said that if I wanted
to someday become a fire chief, I should
go through this program as well,” says
Beyerstedt.“His advice was good, as Eric
became a fire chief after he graduated from
Spring Arbor, and I have as well.”
While enrolled in the MSM program at SAU’s
Jackson site, Beyerstedt accepted a position
as fire chief of Gulfport, Miss., serving the
state’s second largest fire department. He had
previously served as Jackson County fire chief
and was able to complete his degree online
after relocating.
While the MSM program has helped Beyerstedt
to further his career, he believes his coursework
has benefitted him far beyond being a fire chief.
“Being able to see how the lessons learned in
the classroom can be applied not only to my
profession, but in a wide variety of applications,
made my education more versatile and
complete,” says Beyerstedt, who also valued his
classes and his interactions with faculty, staff
and fellow students, who made the completion
of his degree possible.
“If you would have asked me 10 years ago if I
would be where I am today, I would not have
been able to dream it,” says Beyerstedt. “But
just as my time at SAU prepared me for what I
am doing today, I am confident those lessons
will keep me in good stead for whatever my
future holds.”
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | fa l l 2 01 2
Tracy Perry ’13
“I feel it is a higher calling for me. It’s
not my choice — I’m not choosing this.
It’s already been chosen for me.”
Master of Arts in Communication
Online communication instructor
After earning an MBA degree
from Davenport University in 2004, Tracy Perry
never thought she would go back to school,
again. She also never thought she would be
able to teach at the university level. Now, Perry,
from Warren, Mich., is using Spring Arbor
University’s Master of Arts in Communication
program to propel her to the head of the
classroom.
“My undergrad is in communication, and I
wanted to complete my degree in this area,”
says Perry. “I’d like to be able to get the
professor title, have tenure and move to a
university to teach.” She thought her days in
the student chair were over. “Here I am, and
next I’m going to get my Ph.D. I feel it is a higher
calling for me. It’s not my choice — I’m not
choosing this. It’s already been chosen for me.”
Perry currently instructs online courses in
marketing, composition and professional
communication for multiple colleges. Knowing
that the MCOM program would help springboard
her into a doctoral program, she began bridging
the gap to her professional goals.
Perry believes the learning structure of SAU
Online fosters community. She hopes to carry
that atmosphere into the coursework of her
own classes. “There’s just a feeling of belonging
and it fosters conversation because everyone is
directed in the same pathway,” says Perry.
The MCOM coursework requirements afforded
Perry a unique opportunity to serve as a
research assistant for online communication
with Dr. Robert Woods, professor of
communication, whom she admires as an
instructor and mentor. This position has added
structure and organization to her life.
Perry has also acquired a well-rounded
viewpoint of online learning. “It makes me want
to be a better instructor because I know how
it feels from both sides, being a student and
being an instructor,” says Perry. “I want my
students to get the same feeling I do from the
instructors here.”
redeemed
Let the Redeemed
of the
Lord
say so
finding
By
10 fall 2012
Julie
Tison
Faith
Beyond
As individuals
strive to live on purpose,
sometimes bumps in the road
knock them off track or skew their
vision, but with the grace of Christ,
redemption often occurs somewhere
along the line. The following redemption
stories capture the love and grace
that often emerges as a result of
surrendering one’s passions and
listening to the desires of
Christ.
Reason
Growing up Lutheran, as any good Lutheran
would reiterate, Tom Kuntzleman has always
been redeemed by God’s grace and by His work.
But the path to salvation is often marred with
struggles — big and small. For Kuntzleman, a longtime
passion turned into an obsession.
“There have been
times in my life when I have experienced a severe and
unhealthy addiction to exercise. I’m pretty certain that God
brought me out of that in a miraculous way.” An avid athlete
from an early age, Kuntzleman wrestled in college at Bloomsburg
University (Penn.) where he studied to become a science teacher and
wrestling coach. “I started as a biology major because I wanted to teach
and I wanted to coach. Actually teaching would have been a vehicle so that I
could coach.”
As a biology major, Kuntzleman was also required to take a
chemistry course. He had no idea at the time, but that course proved to change
Kuntzleman’s life. “I took chemistry from an instructor named Dr. Schultz, and he
was an amazing teacher. Every day he did a live experiment in class and it was the first
time that my interest in science was piqued. I loved the class and changed from a biology
major to a chemistry major.” As Kuntzleman began to attain a love for science, he had to
“wrestle” through his own beliefs about evolution. “When I went to Bloomsburg and started
learning about the theory of evolution, it made sense to me,” says Kuntzleman who had grown up
believing that the Earth was very young and was created in six literal 24-hour days about 10,000
years ago. “Here I was, faced with this dichotomy in my mind, where you were an atheist if you didn’t
believe in the literal six-day creation. I had a false dichotomy, I think, in my own mind.” Kuntzleman talked
to his father who directed him to some folks at SAU and in the community. One of whom was Dr. Marvin
Fields, a community member, and Dr. Chris Newhouse, professor of biology, who is now one of his colleagues.
“These guys helped me sift through this process and showed me that there are Christians who believe in that literal
six-day creation, but there are also those who believe that the Earth is ancient and that evolution did occur. They
guided me through this process, this stumbling block in my faith, and helped me punch through. Folks in this community
continue to help me to this day.”
Following college, Kuntzleman got a job teaching middle school science. In order to
get his students interested in science, he did an experiment in class every single day — just like his chemistry professor.
“Well, in order to do that, you have to practice the experiment before the kids do it. I spent an enormous amount of time
looking up experiments, trying them out on my own and making sure they would work so I could teach the kids.
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | F ALL 2 0 1 2
Tell us YOUR
redemption story.
[email protected]
the University, folks like Dr. Eldon
Whiteman HS ’33, JC ’34, Dr. Les
Gibbs JC ’50 — and I work in the
Whiteman-Gibbs Science Center.
These guys were very involved in
the life of the community and in my
life. Darrell HS ’57, ’67 and Kay
(Gallagher HS ’59) Dunckel
brought me to camp; Ted Comden
who was a running coach, would
often ask me how I was doing with
my running. They all had an impact
on my life and in the lives of my
friends and my family. I was fully
immersed in this community from
a young age. I mean, Spring
Arbor —it’s a great place to live, a
great place to grow up as a kid,
and a great place to raise kids.”
tom kuntzleman conducts a low-budget experiment.
It was through this process that I
actually got involved in learning
about what it takes to run a
successful experiment.”
After five years, Kuntzleman
discovered he carried a genuine
passion for science. “During the
summers, I found myself reading
my old college physics and
chemistry books and decided I was
really interested and wanted to go
on and learn more. My interest in
science really fanned into flame
when I went to graduate school.”
He enrolled at University of
Michigan, which allowed him to
return to his home state. “When I
was getting ready to finish up my
degree [at U of M], I heard Dr.
[David] Johnson HS ’56 was retiring
from teaching chemistry at SAU.”
Johnson visited Kuntzleman in the
lab at Michigan, and encouraged
him to apply. “Coming back to
Spring Arbor and having an
opportunity to teach at the same
institution that had such a
profound influence on me when I
was growing up, now that was a
no-brainer. It was something I
absolutely wanted to do.”
“As I started working at SAU, folks
like Bruce Baldwin, Mike
Buratovich, Chris Newhouse and
Ryan Cottingham ’94 have
continued to support and help me
even as I work here as a faculty
member and as I try to give back to
the community. Having grown up
here and seeing the powerful
influence that Spring Arbor
University has on the surrounding
area, I’m well-suited to fit right in
and try to incorporate myself.”
“I’d be lying if I said that my faith comes easy,
because it doesn’t. Faith is a real, true struggle
for me. It is not something I can reason
through all the time, and that bothers me. I
like to have a reason for things. Faith, for
me, doesn’t always work that way.”
“I think God uniquely prepared me
to be a part of this community of
believers.” Kuntzleman was six
years old when he moved to Spring
Arbor following the death of his
mom the year prior. His father,
Charles, remarried Beth Ann
McDonald HS ’61, JC ’63, ’65, a
Spring Arbor native. “The street I
lived on had a litany of people from
One way Kuntzleman gives to the
community is through his science
education programs. “I try to
educate the public on science. I
enjoy teaching people of all ages,
not only students at the university,
but also kids in middle school or in
elementary schools, at local
churches.”
He gets SAU students involved in
teaching science to the public
through presentations, science
experiments at churches and
schools, and a summer science
camp on campus.
Just as athletics is often
emphasized in today’s American
culture, Kuntzleman hopes to
infuse science into the community.
“If you look at the medal count
from the 2012 Summer Olympics,
the United States is somewhere
near the top.
“Now if you look at the math and
science scores of the United
States, we rank somewhere
around 21st in math and 25th in
science. I’m wondering if that isn’t
because we spend too much time
emphasizing athletic pursuits over
academics. I wonder if we had a
little more grassroots efforts to get
kids interested and inspired by
math and science that we might be
able to increase student
achievement in this country in
math and science.”
Kuntzleman wants to encourage a
change at the local level to get
students, parents, teachers —
everyone interested in studying
science. “There are all sorts of
opportunities for kids to participate
in athletics in fun and interesting
ways, but in academics there’s not
quite so much. Wouldn’t it be great
if some of the energy that we have
in getting our kids involved in
athletics were focused into getting
our kids involved in academics. I
want to get these kids interested
and inspired to be science and
math academicians.”
[ c o n t i nued ]
tom’S story
Scan this code
to see Tom’s
Redeemed video
interview.
redeemed
[c ontinued from pag e 11 ]
With that in mind, Kuntzleman and
Baldwin started Cougar Science
Camp in 2005. “We had eight kids
that first year. It has grown; we’ve
had as many as one hundred.”
During science camp, Kuntzleman
leads a variety of experiments he
has learned to master on a budget
over the years.
“The research we do here at SAU
has to be really clever. There are
only two chemists in our
department, and if you count Dr.
Buratovich, who is a biochemist,
then there are three of us. That’s a
small department. Most chemistry
departments at liberal arts
colleges have anywhere from five
to seven faculty.
Kuntzleman has found creative
ways to duplicate experiments on a
lower budget. “I’ve been able to
figure out ways to do experiments
that cost upward of $50,000 and
are standard at large universities
for a lot less money — anywhere in
the neighborhood of $1,000$5,000. There are a lot of schools
that want to be able to do that. I’ve
made a bit of an academic living
by doing these very expensive
experiments at a lower cost so
students can do the experiment
and understand the concepts.”
12 fall 2012
Kuntzleman likes to figure out ways
to do classic chemistry
demonstrations using materials
anyone can buy at a grocery store
in place of chemicals that are hard
for the general public to get their
hands on. “Anyone can do the
experiment on their own to learn
the same chemistry concepts that
they would learn through more
elaborate experiments.”
Kuntzleman gets his students
involved in public presentations as
well. “I recruit students, tell them
my ideas, have them try it out in
the lab. They tell me their results,
and we’ve been fortunate enough
to have some of these experiments
published in the Journal of
Chemical Education. Folks are
interested in how we can do
interesting chemistry experiments
with materials you can get at
the store.”
Kuntzleman also encourages his
students to consider the same
complex questions he sifted
through as a student regarding
origins. “As an educator, I believe it
is my job to present to students
what scientists think and why. I
present evidence on both sides
and then I guide students through
the process of sifting through the
information. It’s something I think
every serious scientist who is a
Christian will come up against at
one point or another.”
Even though Kuntzleman is now
serving as a professor and mentor
to students and the community, he
continues to receive support from
the SAU community. “Dr. Johnson
still drops by the office to talk to
me. To have him come to my office
now to tell me that he’s proud of
the things I’ve been doing is just
really neat.”
As a scientist, Kuntzleman looks
for truth by what can be proven.
Issues of faith often fall outside
the imperical border, but the SAU
community provides an ideal
environment for science and faith
to collide.
“I’d be lying if I said that my faith
comes easy, because it doesn’t.
Faith is a real, true struggle for me.
It is not something I can reason
through all the time, and that
bothers me. I like to have a reason
for things. Faith, for me, doesn’t
always work that way. There are
some things you just have to
accept by faith.”
The author of Hebrews agreed
with Kuntzleman’s sentiment in
writing, “Now faith is the
substance of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen”
(Hebrews 11:1).
d
INTENTIONA L
Community
INTENTIONA L
Redemption
By
Chuck
Monahan
Mission work is not limited to serving in a third
world country. As evidenced by Spring Arbor
University alumna Jaime Taylor ’00, those often
most in need of kindness are right here in the
United States. Taylor spreads unconditional love
and community in Oakland, Calif., through her
grassroots network of mentors and community
leaders.
Nearly 12 years ago, Taylor moved to Oakland for a
program called Mission Year. She was inspired by
Christian pastors, writers and speakers Tony and
Bart Campolo to participate in the program. “They
spoke of a different kind of life,” says Taylor. “A
Christianity that was real and involved relocation to
underserved urban communities to love and serve
while learning about social justice, poverty and
racism through a Christ-centered focus.” The
Campolos’ motto, “Love God, love people; nothing
else matters,” appealed to her and Taylor made the
cross-country move.
Three months into the program, Taylor acquired a
spirit of peace and knew that she wouldn’t be
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | fa l l 2 01 2
these years that I really considered
going home. There was a darkness
in me and a dark cloud in Oakland.
I had finally met the other side of
Oakland and I didn’t know if I could
hang in there.”
Jaime taylor works in the oakland communit y.
leaving Oakland. She fell in love
with the strength and courage of
her community in the face of
oppression. Eventually, she began
working with urban Young Life and
at a local high school. These
students were full of life, yet
carried with them heartache,
When the program ended, Taylor
accepted a position working with
intensive treatment foster care as
a support specialist and continued
working with Young Life. It was not
long before she and several other
female leaders decided that more
needed to be offered to the girls in
“It was the only time in all these years that I
really considered going home. There was a
darkness in me and a dark cloud in Oakland.
I had finally met the other side of Oakland
and I didn’t know if I could hang in there.”
abuse, drugs, even stories of their
friends dying in the streets.
Throughout these struggles, they
still needed to navigate their
teenage years and work toward
graduating from high school.
“I loved mentoring and I knew in
my heart that our youth deserved
consistent, longer-term mentoring,”
says Taylor. “They deserve adults
who would stay without an end
date in mind. Our youth crave and
deserve adults who are
intentionally being a part of their
lives and who stay with or without
‘Hallmark moments.’”
the program. They began what
Taylor calls a “PG-13 Bible study,”
in which girls could have the
freedom to speak openly about
their lives and feelings.
Though Taylor’s work was
rewarding, it did not protect her
from the harsh realities of
Oakland. She hit an all-time low
when her friend Deandre was shot
and killed. Taylor viewed Deandre
as a brother and was deeply
affected by his death.
“I wanted to go home; I wanted to
turn my back on everything God
had called me to in Oakland,” says
Taylor. “It was the only time in all
Slowly, Taylor began to embrace
God again. She made a promise to
Deandre that she would do her
best to love his family as her own.
“He left behind three daughters
and their mother. They are
beautiful and they are strong, and
if I had left I would have missed
out on all of the Deandre that is in
them,” says Taylor. “If I had left
Oakland, I would have missed out
on so much of God that my
neighbors have revealed to me.”
SAU’s culture, faculty and staff
helped to prepare Taylor for her
work in Oakland. “Spring Arbor was
one of my first tastes of true
Christian community. It was there
that my passion for social justice
was born,” she says. “I wouldn’t be
who I am today without my
experiences at Spring Arbor and
God continues to love me through
the family I made there. I don’t
know how I would love Oakland
well without the support of my
Spring Arbor family.”
Seven years after beginning the
girls group, the students had
transitioned into adulthood, and
Taylor recognized a new group of
young girls entering their pre-teen
years. “Gurlz Night” was born, but
Taylor had difficulty finding fellow
mentors to help with the program.
She was blessed to have support
from Andrea, or “Dia,” who was
one of the original girls she
mentored.
What started as the girls group
and an annual Christmas party
eventually grew into a grassroots
network of mentoring groups,
community activities and Urban
Mentors gatherings. The latter is a
monthly meeting of local pastors,
parents, mentors and youth
workers who come together to
support one another. The group’s
motto is “Everyone has something
to give.”
“I have seen the Church
accidentally and sometimes
purposely create a culture that is
not welcoming to folks in my
neighborhood,” says Taylor. “I don’t
want Urban Mentors to ever be an
organization or a group of people
that does this. We are at our best
when indigenous leaders are built
up and when we understand that
‘everybody has something to
give.’”
Jaime taylor [left]
BY THE NUMBERS
BY
the
#
27
2
s
5
65
students and faculty participated in a flash mob to raise awareness
against the use of hurtful comments. They performed to Black Eyed
Peas’ “Where is the Love?” on the SAU Plaza in May.
alumni contributed art for the show honoring Bill Bippes,
professor of art, who retired in May after 38 years of
teaching art at Spring Arbor University.
MORE
SEATS
in the dining commons
with zoned seating and
different food stations
L U C K Y
$100
HOME.fm listeners recieved
to say
“thanks”
14 fall 2012
to those who honor our community by
volunteering, loving and cheering on
the places we live!
1
in
9
8 8
children have autism
according to 2008 data collected by the Center for
Disease Control and Prevention. On page 22, read
how SAU students and faculty are working to make
a difference to combat autism in Jackson County.
men now compete on the men’s
track and field team — a number that
is up from eight in just five years.
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | fa l l 2 01 2
LEGOS
WERE USED TO FORM THE PERIODIC TABLE IN WHITEMAN-GIBBS SCIENCE CENTER.
{
$1,941.
75
was raised by the Office of Student
Development and Learning to support the
In t e r faith S helter in Jackson.
{
1, 9 9 8
summer visitors
were welcomed to
the SAU campus.
15
freshmen teamed up to
make puppets and friendship
bracelets for children in
Uganda.
people are following Spring Arbor
University on Twitter. Are you one of
them? If not, start today to keep up
with news and information from the
University. Follow us @springarboru.
HOMECOMING12
HOMECOMING12
+ F AMILY WEE K END S ched ule of events
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5
6:30 p.m.
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet
Student Life Center
Ralph Carey Forum
The Athletic Hall of Fame is
dedicated to the memory of
Clarence and Agnes Delamarter,
for their commitment to the cause
of Christian higher education. The
2012 inductees are:
Jazz Band Alumni Social Hour
Band Room
SAU Bookstore Grand Opening
Student Life Center main level
Homecoming special: Receive a
free SAU T-shirt with a purchase of
any regularly-priced items of $30
or more! Available Oct. 5-6 only.
16 fall 2012
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
ARBOR ARTS
FESTIVAL
Arbor Arts Festival
Outside Ganton Art Gallery
The Arbor Arts Festival features
over 50 artist booths. Come see
wonderful work by Michigan
artists. From 4-6 p.m., join us for
the Artist Award Show & Reception.
Admission is free, but reservations
are required. Please RSVP using
the registration form.
Bill Cooper ’71
Gordon Holton HS ’57
Elizabeth (Chriscinske ’96) Oliver
Jamie Piper ’86
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
SAU Bookstore Grand Opening
10:00 a.m.
Family/Student Brunch and
Campus Update with
President Webb
Student Life Center
Ralph Carey Forum
SAU juniors and seniors and family
members are welcome to attend.
Parents of senior students will be
honored.
Cost is $9 for adults (includes
students on meal plans) and $6
for kids 12 and under. To reserve
your spot, fill out the registration
form and return it along with your
check payable to SAU.
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | fa l l 2 01 2
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
SAU Spirit Tent
Adjacent to the Fieldhouse
Come enjoy a picnic lunch and
meet fellow classmates and
students.
Lunch is $3, payable at the tent,
and free for current SAU students.
Enjoy a hot dog or hamburger,
chips, dessert and a beverage
from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ben Barnes
(1998-2000) co-host of “Mornings
at HOME” on SAU Radio’s HOME.
fm, will make announcements and
give away hourly prizes.
Kids’ Carnival
Ralph G. Walker Track
SAU students will be on-hand to
assist children of all ages. Enjoy
the Giant Slide, Runt Run Obstacle
Course and the challenging
Extreme Obstacle Course.
Join our balloon artist, John
Whitehead, from 12-3 p.m. while
he entertains with his balloon
sculpture creations.
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Arbor Arts Festival
Outside Ganton Art Gallery
Join us for a full day of art and
activities for all ages. The fun-filled
day will include free sample art
classes for children by the Jackson
School of the Arts, food by local
restaurants and music from local
groups.
218 W. Arbor Heights. The events
are open to all alumni, family and
friends. The kids’ half-mile fun
run on the Ralph G. Walker track,
adjacent to the Fieldhouse, will
immediately follow the adults’ 5K
run with awards for all participants
age 12 and under. Awards for all
events will be given out in the SAU
Spirit Tent. Enjoy a tour of campus
and earn a T-shirt.
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Class of 1972 40th Year Reunion
Student Life Center
Oak Room
12:00 p.m.
Alumni/Student Jazz Band
Outside Smith Music Hall
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Residence Hall Open Houses
Revisit your residence hall and
share your experiences with a
group of your floormates. Enjoy
a punch reception hosted by the
residence director.
•Muffitt Hall, Lounge
•Ormston Hall, Lounge
Ganton Art Gallery
The exhibition will feature
the works of two professional
photographers, Howard Bond and
Steve Nelson.
10:30 a.m.
5K Run, 2-Mile Walk
and Kids’ Fun Run
Sign up for the 5K run or the
2-mile walk, starting from Voller
House, the President’s home at
• Lowell Hall, Lounge
Gainey School of Business Panel
Discussion
A Biblical Response to the
Emerging Global Financial Crisis
Poling Center, Walker Lounge
The euro is in trouble due to
struggling countries like Greece,
Spain and Portugal. The U.S. is
faced with a massive escalation
of debt, the economy of China is
starting to slow, and the financial
markets are facing uncertainty.
Gainey School of Business faculty
members will debate this timely
and critical issue and discuss the
biblical response to this economic
crisis. Space is limited. Please
RSVP using the registration form
or contact Lynne Markiewicz at
[email protected].
SAU Bookstore Open House
Student Life Center
Take a tour of the new bookstore
and meet store manager, Randy
Storm, and his staff. Enjoy punch
and cookies while browsing the
latest in SAU apparel and gifts.
School of Education Open House
Dietzman Hall
The School of Education invites
all alumni to its fifth annual
homecoming open house. Dean
Linda Sherrill, as well as faculty
and staff, will greet alumni,
parents and students.
Center for Global Studies &
Initiatives Open House
132 Ogle St.
Visit with staff and view beautiful
pieces of St. Martha’s Ministries
jewelry available for sale. Crafted
by African widows who live in
Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya, one of the
most poverty-stricken areas of
the world, a $40 purchase feeds
a widow and her children and
provides school fees for a month.
3:00 p.m.
Theatrical Production
“Belle of Amherst”
Prop Shop (On Main St./M-60, just
west of the Ganton Art Gallery)
Actress Caris Cooper ’12 portrays
Emily Dickinson in this one-woman
show. Emily muses on how past
events in her life have impacted
her and ponders questions such
as, “What is religion, and can
you be a Christian outside the
institution of the church?”
3:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Class of 1987 25th Year Reunion
Student Life Center
Ralph Carey Forum
5:30 p.m.
Alumni Awards Banquet
Cascades Manor House, Jackson
Read more about the honorees at
arbor.edu/alumni.
SunDAY, OCTOBER 7
Worship with us at the Spring Arbor
Free Methodist Church.
9:00 a.m.
Traditional Worship Service
10:15 a.m. Sunday School
11:15 a.m. Contemporary
Worship Service
community of learners
ART
PROFESSOR
RETIRES
AFTER
38 YEARS
Bill Bippes addresses attendees at his retirement show.
Around 400 attendees helped
commemorate the contributions of
art department legend Bill Bippes
at the opening of an art show
displayed in his honor. Bippes
retired in May after 38 years of
teaching art. “Bill Bippes: Four
Decades of Teaching” featured
paintings, graphic designs,
artists. “I knew what the art
program could be, and we had the
potential here because of the
president [Woody Voller],” says
Bippes, who placed special
emphasis on technique and care
for students.
“Drawing teaches you to see. It’s
more what is left out, the
“Brian Shaw was an art major here, and it’s been a
relay race in the sense that I’ve just handed the
baton to him. And we haven’t missed a step. And
because of his commitment to the students, he’s
kept that spirit alive.” Bill Bippes
18 fall 2012
illustrations and sculptures from
Bippes and alumni.
Bippes began his teaching career
at Roberts Wesleyan College,
where he served for five years
before coming to SAU. Over the
years, Bippes has helped develop
the program from only two art
majors to over 135 art students
and inspire hundreds of aspiring
subjective choices. We make
students take drawing first so they
can learn to make those choices. I
know people who are teaching at
U of M, Michigan State, who can’t
draw the figure as well as some of
our figure drawing beginners,” says
Bippes.
Drawing is just one area where the
art department is thriving thanks
to Bippes’ pioneering career that
helped shape the department.
“We’re one of the top schools in
the state in drawing, and we’re one
of the top in graphic design.”
According to Bippes, the art
department has an 85 percent
placement in student teaching.
“Everyone in the last 10 years is
still teaching. That’s unheard of
since the first thing to always be
cut in schools is art,” says Bippes.
“We make our graphic designers
compete with each other; plus we
have a competition with other
colleges. To graduate, students
must get in three major shows and
they usually enter about 10. Plus
we do a portfolio review and bring
in the top companies to review our
portfolios. We’re at a different
level,” says Bippes.
Bippes has created a community
within the art department.
“Success for me is when the
students are successful. It’s
always been about the students,”
says Bippes, who helped other
faculty get on board with his
selfless commitment to students.
“Brian Shaw was an art major
here, and it’s been a relay race in
the sense that I’ve just handed the
baton to him. And we haven’t
missed a step. And because of his
commitment to the students. He’s
kept that spirit alive,” says Bippes.
visitors examine art in
honor of bill bippes.
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | F ALL 2 0 1 2
the U.S., it is our expectation that
this program will grow increasingly
each year. The opportunity is open
to a wide a variety of persons
including teachers, missionaries,
social workers, people who work
with children whose first language
is other than English such as
international churches, etc.” says
Linda Sherrill, School of Education
dean.
Art alumna Crystal Wood ’12 views a painting.
The community aspect that Bippes
helped establish carries on with
the future of the art department.
“As a student 25 years ago, I
remember him as one of my
favorite professors because he was
passionate, knowledgeable, and
sincere in his commitment to us. I
knew Bippes as a teacher, I’ve
known Bippes as my mentor, and
now I know him as my friend,”
says Shaw, a 1990 alumnus.
Even after a storied professional
career, the decision to retire wasn’t
easy. “What I will miss the most is
the interaction with students. I still
get one or two calls a week from
alumni. Even though some of
these people graduated 30 years
ago, I can tell you what they’re
doing today,” says Bippes, who has
also done numerous illustrations
for Light and Life as well as
Christianity Today and other
Christian publications.
Now that Bippes has more time, he
hopes to continue making art. “I’ve
never been able, because of time,
to do a major work, and that’s kind
of my goal before I die. And I’m
sure I’ll still teach,” says Bippes
who plans to teach an art
education class at SAU in January.
School of Education
adds TESOL graduate
program
In July 2012, Spring Arbor
University’s School of Education
added a Master of Arts in Teaching
English to Speakers of Other
Languages (TESOL). Offered
entirely online, the program offers
two tracks: one for teachers and
one for individuals from other
professions, like missions or social
services, who are interested in
working with English as a second
language learners outside of a
traditional educational
environment.
“Because of the ever-increasing
international population in the
Requiring 33 credit hours of
coursework, the TESOL program is
designed to equip students with a
deeper knowledge of
communicating across cultural and
linguistic barriers while teaching
English. The program’s
requirements coincide with the
standards of the Michigan
Department of Education, TESOL
national standards and National
Board Teaching Professional
Standards for Teaching English as
a New Language.
At the end of the program,
graduates will be able to identify
the needs of English-language
learners and develop engaging
curriculum while fostering reading
and writing skills.
SAU’s School of
Education develops
teacher training
promise for educators
In response to Michigan’s
impending new teacher evaluation
system, Spring Arbor University’s
School of Education has
Requiring 33 credit hours of coursework, the TESOL
program is designed to equip students with a deeper
knowledge of communicating across cultural and
linguistic barriers while teaching English.
United States and particularly in
our schools, as well as the great
demand and call for teachers of
the English language outside of
established the Spring Arbor
University School of Education
Promise, which will guarantee
individualized mentoring and
specific advanced teacher
assistance for any SAU School of
Education graduate.
The School of Education Promise
will be applicable for all Spring
Arbor University teacher
preparation/certified graduates,
beginning Spring 2012 forward and
within a five year window of
employment, who are struggling in
his/her professional practice as
indicated by a less than effective
rating on the annual evaluation.
During the period of one academic
year immediately following the
evaluation, Spring Arbor University’s
School of Education will provide
individualized mentoring and
assistance appropriate to the
teacher’s specific needs which can
include up to nine educational
credits with no tuition cost to the
teacher. Certain restrictions apply.
“The Spring Arbor University School
of Education prepares highlyqualified educators who are
successful in their own
classrooms. We believe that our
approach to teacher preparation is
exemplary and provides our
students from both our
undergraduate teacher preparation
program and graduate programs
with the solid footing needed to
meet the changing expectations of
the future. We are so confident of
this that we have created the
Spring Arbor University School of
Education Promise,” says Linda
Sherrill, School of Education dean.
The SOE Promise is just one
example of how committed Spring
Arbor University’s School of
Education is to helping its students
succeed; and success is nothing
new for SAU’s education
graduates. Spring Arbor
community of learners
University’s School of Education
has produced two Michigan
student teachers of the year and
five runners-up in the past seven
years. Two alums were also
awarded the Milken National
Educator Award. This prestigious
award is given to 100 teachers
“For much of the last 40 years, the
idea of ‘integration of faith and
learning’ has been at the center of
our conversations about mission.
There are many reasons why this
phrase, while helpful, is
incomplete. It artificially separates
faith from learning. It is also overly
“The Spring Arbor University School of Education
prepares highly-qualified educators who are
successful in their own classrooms.”
Linda Sherrill
nationwide (two per state), and in
2004, both Michigan recipients
were SAU graduates. For more
information about the School of
Education, visit arbor.edu/soe.
Sociology professor
receives McKenna
Scholars Award
In May, Spring Arbor University
awarded John Hawthorne,
professor of sociology, with the
McKenna Scholars Endowment
Award. He plans to complete a
manuscript that centers on the
idea surrounding “integration of
faith and learning.”
20 fall 2012
After spending the bulk of his
career in higher education,
Hawthorne drafted an initial book
in 2005. The book, distinctly
Wesleyan, focuses on the power
and beauty of integrating these
two key components of faith and
learning.
“In my capacity as both faculty
member and administrator, I have
been part of conversations
attempting to delineate the unique
features of our enterprise,” says
Hawthorne. “My manuscript is
designed to craft a new way of
thinking about Christian Higher
Education that relies on the work
of the Holy Spirit to bridge the
differences we face on campus, in
the classroom, with the church,
and with the broader world,” says
Hawthorne.
philosophical and more removed
from the ethical stances we expect
from the academic community and
encourages a separation from
‘secular’ thinking that creates a
suspicion of learning,” says
Hawthorne.
This past summer, Hawthorne
spent four weeks at Calvin College
where he participated in the
Community Scholars Programs and
focused his attention on the
manuscript. He is searching for a
publisher with hopes to have the
book completed in Summer 2013.
Once complete, Hawthorne
believes the book will be a good fit
for Spring Arbor University’s CORE
program.
“The finished book will not only be
of value to students new to Spring
mcKenna Scholars award winner John Hawthorne
endowment fund through the life
and estate plan of David L. JC ’49
and Janet R. (Voorheis HS ’48, JC
’50, ’74) McKenna for the purpose
“My manuscript is designed to craft a new way of
thinking about Christian Higher Education that
relies on the work of the Holy Spirit to bridge the
differences we face on campus, in the classroom,
with the church, and with the broader world.”
John Hawthorne
Arbor but it can be helpful in
providing new ways to communicate
our mission to a variety of external
publics,” says Hawthorne.
The McKenna Scholars
Endowment Award was established
thanks to the generous
of stimulating and supporting the
scholarly contributions of the
Spring Arbor University faculty. The
first recipient was Sally (Reed ’94)
Ingles, associate professor of
education.
WELCOME NEW FACULTY &
ADMINISTRATORS
Jeffrey L. Bilbro, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of English
Cheryl Lauber, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Nursing
Brenda F. McGadney, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Social Work
Rachel A. Van Wylen, M.F.A.
Assistant Professor of Art
Elizabeth L. Walker, M.A.
Librarian, Online and Distance
Learning
Aaron J. Wyman, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biology
and Chemistry
faculty accomplishments
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | F ALL 2 0 1 2
Matthew Kutz, an adjunct professor in the Master of Science in Management
program in Metro-Toledo was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to teach in
Kigali, Rwanda from January – June 2013. Kutz will be teaching in the
physiotherapy department at Kigali Health Institute.
Kutz’s research has been published in dozens of journals such as Journal of
Allied Health, Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Internet Journal
of Allied Health Science and Practice, Strength and Conditioning Journal,
International Journal of Athletic Training and Therapy, Sports Rehabilitation
Journal, Clinical Kinesiology, Athletic Training Education Journal, and many
others. In addition, he has written a textbook titled Leadership and
Management in Athletic Training: An Integrated Approach. Kutz was the head
athletic trainer for USA Track & Field during 2007 Pan American Race Walking
Cup in Balneário Camboriú, Brazil, the 2003 Ekiden Road Relay in Seoul,
South Korea and Sports Medicine Educator to the Honduran Olympic
Committee in Tegucigalpa, Honduras (Summer 2009).
matthew kutz
Lloyd Chia, assistant professor of
sociology, participated in the
Congregations and Social Change
seminar, which promotes
scholarship that engages important
issues from a Christian perspective
and provides a Christian voice in
the academy and the world.
Participants are selected from a
competitive pool of applicants.
James Coe, professor of business,
was named to the board of
trustees of the newly formed
Immanuel University, a Christian
university in Hyderabad, India. Coe
also founded, along with Bishop
Lohara, the Immanuel Vocational
and Technical Institute for teaching
vocational skills to the poor to
improve their ability to earn income.
Dave Globig, associate professor
of business, earned a doctorate in
business administration
(accounting) from Anderson
University. The title of his
dissertation was “Signaling Theory
for Chief Financial Officials in
Michigan Small Public School
Districts: Evidence and
Recommendations.”
Kutz holds a bachelor’s degree from Anderson University, a M.Ed. and M.S.
from the University of Toledo, and a Ph.D. from Lynn University. Kutz is one of
approximately 1,100 U.S. faculty and professionals who will travel abroad
through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program in 2012-13.
George Griffin, assistant professor
in the School of Graduate and
Professional Studies, wrote an
article for the International Journal
of Business and Economics and
worked with Cengage Publishing
Company reviewing and critiquing
textbooks and creating textbook
test banks.
Matthew Hill, assistant professor
of philosophy, wrote an article,
“Natural Altruism and John
Wesley” for the April 2012 issue of
Catalyst.
David Hopper, associate professor
of education, published an ebook,
In Spirit & Truth, a story of race,
love, social pressure and personal
change across multiple cultures.
Laura Hunt, adjunct instructor in
the School of Graduate and
Professional Studies, wrote a book
titled, The Not-Very-Persecuted
Church. It provides church leaders,
pastors and Christians interested
in community development with
principles for evaluating culture in
light of mission.
Tom Kuntzleman, associate
professor of chemistry, coauthored an article, “The
Chemistry of Lightsticks:
Demonstrations To Illustrate
Chemical Processes,” that was
featured in the June 2012 issue of
Journal of Chemical Education.
Wally Metts, professor of
communication, published The
Santa Papers, St. Nicholas of
Myra: The Unofficial Biography.
This book tells the story of the
modern day icon as he truly was,
an ancient pastor remembered for
his kindness to children and
strangers. On August 22, Metts
also celebrated the 10-year
anniversary of his faith and culture
blog, thedaysman.com.
Miriam Sailers, professor of
education, was invited by the
leaders of the Formative
Assessment for Michigan Teachers
(FAME) project to form a FAME
group of pre-service teachers to
participate. SAU was the only college
invited and the SAU Fall FAME group
of six student teachers were able
to attend professional development
sessions with educators from all
over southern Michigan.
Kathy Wilcox, assistant professor
of education, co-authored an
article with Dr. Elizabeth Murakami
that will be published in the
Journal of Educational
Administration. The article is titled,
“Response to Intervention
Implementation: A Successful
Principal’s Approach.”
today
arbor
SAU faculty and students
make the CASE for autism
In 2011, SAU faculty and students
resolved to make a difference in
the lives of Jackson County autism
students by founding the Center
for Autism Spectrum Enrichment
(CASE). Terri (Abbott ’86) Pardee,
associate professor of psychology,
began the program after
recognizing a need for greater
autism services in the area. “With
kids on the higher end of the
spectrum, most of them are in
regular education courses,” says
Pardee. “Our community has
nothing for them beyond the
school’s day in terms of learning
and applying social skills in a
group setting, which is best
practice for these guys.”
22 fall 2012
SAU social work seniors Bri James
(Bryan, Ohio) and Madeline Stout
(Bangor, Mich.) were in need of an
honors project, and Pardee asked
them to serve as directors of the
CASE program. “The primary goal
was to work with children who have
autism to improve their social
skills, more specifically while doing
activities that work on
transitioning, following directions,
and starting/stopping tasks,” says
James.
The six-week program was held
weekly on the third floor of the
Poling Center on Spring Arbor
University’s campus. Ten SAU
students from a variety of
disciplines participated in the
program, allowing for a broad
range of activities. Art students
worked with the autistic youth to
develop fine motor control while
health, human performance and
recreation students did physical
activities to increase core strength,
which is often a problem in autistic
students.
“We wanted to work on listening
skills, social cues like introducing
oneself or behaving in the normal
expected ways, problem solving
skills and building peer
relationships,” says Stout.
“I see it as the heart of Spring
Arbor University because we’re
giving our students real life
experiences in the area they want
to go into for a career, with real
people,” says Pardee. She plans to
both continue and expand the
program to help better serve the
autistic children of Jackson County.
SAU student development bikes for a cause.
Spring Arbor University bikes
for Interfaith Shelter
In June, 10 members of Spring
Arbor University’s Student
Development & Learning staff
embarked on a two-day, 175 mile
bike trip to the Association for
Christians in Student Development
national conference in Upland, Ind.
The bike trip raised $1,941.75 to
support the Interfaith Shelter in
Jackson.
Prior to the ride, the group sought
individual and corporate donors to
sponsor the ride. One hundred
percent of the proceeds were given
to the Interfaith Shelter. “We
decided, as a staff, to bike to the
conference this year in response to
the theme of the conference,
which talks about cultivating life
around us in practical ways,” says
Bobby Pratt ’92, ’08, assistant
dean of students. “We believe in
the services Interfaith Shelter
provides to the local community.”
Following the bike ride, Pratt
presented the check to Interfaith
Shelter officials including Kitrina
Sims, a 2000 alumna of Spring
Arbor University’s family life
education program. The Interfaith
Shelter is a Michigan nonprofit
corporation whose mission is
working with the homeless and
needy giving them emergency
shelter, prepared meals and
assisting with other physical,
emotional and spiritual needs
when possible.
Committed to the mission
statement, “Love enough to
challenge. Care enough to
support,” Spring Arbor University’s
Office of Student Development and
Learning strives to model service
to its students through fundraisers
like this bike ride. For more
information about the Office of
Student Development, visit arbor.
edu/studentdevelopment.
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | fa l l 2 01 2
New friendships formed, conversations
occurred, quality time was spent
together, and every single student
there was able to experience having a
servant’s heart.” B r i t ni P i n s
ARBOR ARTS
FESTIVAL
CORE 100 gives back
In Spring 2012, 158 freshmen
gathered for a couple of hours to
make sock puppets and friendship
bracelets for children in Uganda.
The gifts were hand delivered to
less fortunate Ugandan children by
SAU cross cultural
students in May
who passed them
out to students in
schools and
children they met.
“It was just a
really cool night
as a lot of
students gave up their evening to
do something significant for
another person,” says Robin
Smith, director of student success
and freshman programs.
This service project was the
brainchild of senior leaders who
were charged with creating
freshman programs for the year
that would focus less on
entertainment and more on
purpose. They came up with the
service project idea. “I talked to
Diane (Harris ’74) Kurtz and she
loved the idea so we ended up
sending them to Uganda. “In my
opinion, this was the best
freshman event all year,” says
senior Britni Pins (Waterford,
Mich.).
“This was a rewarding project
because it gave some students a
new perspective on ways they can
serve Christ. It doesn’t always have
to be on a mission trip, or doing
yard work, etc. It was so awesome
to look around and see students
Oct 5-6, 2012
View more than 50 artist
booths at the annual Arbor
Arts Festival.
Join us for the Artist Award
Show & Reception from
4-6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5,
outside the Ganton Art Gallery
sponsored by:
children’s drama camp encourages social skills.
bonding with each other while
serving Christ. New friendships
formed, conversations occurred,
quality time was spent together,
and every single student there was
able to experience having a
servant’s heart,” says Pins.
Drama camp brings fables
and fairytales to life
Fables and fairytales were brought
to life at the third annual theater
camp at Spring Arbor University in
August. Children ages 5-16
received stage training and were
encouraged to have fun acting out
various parts in classic plays. At
the conclusion of each week,
students performed for family and
friends.
The camp is led by Mindy Manalp,
an experienced actress and
director who teaches at Spring
Arbor University and Jackson
Community College, and Emily
(Patton ’08) Levickas of Concordia
University and Eastern Michigan
University. Paul Patton ’74, chair of
the communication department at
SAU, also made guest
appearances at the camp.
As the only local theater camp,
students gain valuable skills in a
fun environment during their
summer vacation. “I love that
theater is an art form that
supports community by promoting
storytelling, teamwork, and
communication,” says Levickas.
During the 2012 camp, students
brought to life various classic
Saturday, Oct. 6, activities
include: free sample art
classes for children brought to
you by Jackson School of the
Arts, food by local restaurants
and music from local artists.
For more information, visit arbor.edu/AAF or call
517.750.6348.
arbor
fairytales like “Hansel and Gretel,”
and “Snow White and the Seven
Dwarves,” as well as others.
Levickas, an alumna of SAU, says
that while being really fun to do,
acting can also help in
encouraging socialization skills in
students and in developing their
imaginative abilities. “Theater
benefits young people by
encouraging development in
communication through the
intentional use of body and voice,”
says Levickas.
“Young people are full of
imagination and creativity that
theater engages with on unique
and powerful levels. Theater gives
us the chance to step into
someone else’s shoes, enter a new
world, and make creative choices
all at the same time,” says
Levickas, who holds a Master of
Fine Arts in the Drama and Theater
for the Young program from
Eastern Michigan University and
serves as the theater director at
Concordia University where she
recently directed “The Glass
Menagerie” and “Johnny Pye.”
Provost Overton-Adkins
retires from Spring Arbor
University
In August, Spring Arbor University
President Charles Webb
announced the retirement of Dr.
Betty Overton-Adkins, provost and
chief academic officer. For the past
11 years, Overton-Adkins has
served SAU at the local, state,
national and international levels as
the provost and chief academic
officer — a position she held for the
longest period in recent history.
“With deepest regrets, I accepted
the retirement letter from Dr. Betty
Overton-Adkins. Despite the
former employment with the W.K.
Kellogg Foundation,” says Webb.
Overton-adkins
significant loss the University feels
from her departure, Spring Arbor
University is honored and pleased
the University of Michigan has
welcomed her in a new role where
she will serve as professor of
higher education in the Center for
the Study of Higher and
Postsecondary Education in the
School of Education. She will also
serve as associate director of the
National Forum on Higher
Education for the Public Good — a
group which she supported in her
Though SAU bid farewll to Dr.
Overton-Adkins, she will continue
to have ties to Spring Arbor
University and the local Jackson
community as she plans to
continue serving as a mentor and
resource for many SAU students,
teaching in SAU’s online courses,
and in her role with Hope Africa
University, SAU’s partner university.
Rod Stewart will serve as interim
provost and Garnet Hauger will
serve as interim associate provost
until a new provost has been
appointed.
Michindoh Conference Center offers year-round ministry and camping
opportunities. With Christ-centered hospitality and excellent facilities,
you’ll be treated with the very best service.
Up coming Fall pro g r am s
Youth Ministry Institute
24 fall 2012
Sept 21 – 23
A weekend of training, equipping and encouraging
volunteer youth staff, youth pastors and student
youth leaders. Michindoh and Spring Arbor
University join efforts to provide this one or two
night retreat! Contact Mark Johncock at
517.523.3616 or [email protected] for
more details.
Fall Marriage Enrichment Retreat
October 26 – 28
A fresh fall flair to the Michindoh Marriage Retreats
so many couples have come to enjoy! Whether you
are newly married or have spent a life time together,
you’ll be uplifted as you spend this focused time
together in Michindoh’s beautiful surroundings. Enjoy
delicious food, fun activities and the quality biblical
programming offered at Michindoh’s Marriage
Enrichment Retreat. Contact Kris Healy at
517.523.3616 (ext 139) or [email protected].
First-time group bookings receive a 10 percent discount and first-time group bookings for service between the dates of Thanksgiving and
Christmas receive a 20 percent discount. For tours, bookings or other needs, contact 517.523.3616 (ext 139) or email [email protected].
A look
BACK
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | fa l l 2 01 2
138 years of memories
Concept & Commitment author fulfills
life of purpose
Growing up in Spring Arbor, Mich.,
taught at Spring Arbor Junior
Howard Snyder HS ’58, JC ’60
College from 1944 to 1953. As a
never considered attending any
student, Snyder edited The Re-Dit
other college. And when he was
(forerunner to The Crusader) during
asked to pen the history of Spring
his freshman year, and was student
Arbor in 1962, he agreed without
body president the next year; he
hesitation. “My family
also participated in A
and I were on six-months
Cappella and debate.
furlough from missionary
A part of that
service in Brazil and
purposeful vision was
living in Spring Arbor. I
manifested in Snyder
was asked to write the
as a Spring Arbor
Spring Arbor Junior
student where he
College centennial
received
history. It was my first
reaffirmation of his
book,” says Snyder, who
Christian faith,
has just completed five
openness to all truth,
years of service as
and a vital and
professor of Wesley
engaging campus
studies, at Tyndale
community life. “The
snyder
Seminary in Toronto.
most moving
When Spring Arbor
experience was
became a university, then
probably the revival
president Gayle Beebe asked
that broke out in chapel in February
Snyder to update the history. “I
1957. It was spontaneous. Verdon
enjoyed doing so, and completely
Dunckel was then the pastor, and
rewrote the earlier book as well as
he helped shepherd the movement
adding new chapters,” says Snyder.
of the Spirit,” says Snyder, who
The latest book, Concept and
served as pastor and seminary
Commitment: A History of Spring
professor in São Paulo, Brazil, with
Arbor University, 1873-2007, was
the Free Methodist Church from
published in 2008.
1968 to 1975.
While he has a love for history and
writing, neither of those identify the
real purpose in Snyder’s life. “From
the time of about my mid-highschool years, I felt a call to full-time
Christian ministry, and assumed
that would be overseas missionary
service,” says Snyder, who was born
in the Dominican Republic where
his parents, Edmund and Clara
(Zahniser) Snyder, served as Free
Methodist missionaries.
From the age of four, Snyder grew
up in Spring Arbor where his father
Snyder went on to earn degrees
from Greenville College and Asbury
Theological Seminary. He also
earned the doctorate in historical
theology at the University of Notre
Dame in 1983, completing a
dissertation on church renewal
movements.
He pastored the Detroit Redford
Free Methodist Church for two
years. Snyder developed a deep
interest in the church and in
renewal movements during
seminary, his time as pastor at the
Today, my purpose is to live a life of faithful
discipleship and help people catch a vision for the
full coming of the Kingdom of God...”
Detroit Redford Free Methodist
Church, and his ministry in Brazil.
While his career has taken him
around the world as a missionary,
speaker, professor and writer, his
focus continues to be grounded by
intentional service. “Today, my
purpose is to live a life of faithful
discipleship and help people catch
a vision for the full coming of the
Kingdom of God and the power of
Jesus Christ manifested through the
Holy Spirit — and the important and
essential role of the church in this,”
says Snyder.
Snyder continues to serve as a life
trustee on Spring Arbor University’s
board of trustees. He has also
written several books including The
Problem with Wineskins, and is a
contributing editor at Christianity
Today. He also edits the Free
Methodist Historical Society
Newsletter and formerly edited
Revitalization, the bulletin of the
Center for the Study of World
Christian Revitalization Movements
at Asbury Seminary, which he
helped found.
Snyder is an ordained elder in the
Ohio Conference of the Free
Methodist Church. He and his wife
Janice (JC 1960-61), a Roberts
Wesleyan College nursing graduate,
have four grown children (Mark ’87,
Jerilyn Winstead, Howard, and
Jonathan ’94), all married, and 13
grandchildren.
Susan Panak ’10, SAU head
archivist, continues to accept,
organize and make available
primary resources of lasting
importance donated by alumni and
others. If you have items to donate,
contact Susan at 517.750.6434 or
[email protected].
GET CONNECTED
Stay connected to Spring Arbor
University through a variety of
social networks.
facebook.com/SpringArborU
@SpringArborU
YouTube.com/SpringArborU
flickr.com/SpringArborU
g
cou arzone
26 fall 2012
Athletics
academics
and FA I T H
balance carries men’s tennis team to success
In his 31 years at the helm
of men’s tennis at Spring
Arbor University, Terry
Darling ’78 has never
worked with a betterrounded group of talented
men. Not only did the team
secure the most successful
season in Spring
Arbor history with a
26-3 record and a
trip to the
National
Association of
Intercollegiate
Athletics national
tournament, they
also averaged a 3.69
GPA in the classroom.
“That’s why this group is so
exceptional. Not only are
they very gifted tennis
players, they’re also really
strong students. That’s the really
unusual thing about this group —
so much tennis skill coupled with
so much academic ability,” says
Darling.
This blend of talent, hard work
and faith is unique. “In the
past, the more talented
the players were
tennis-wise, the worse
students they were. And
then I’d have these guys who
were great students but weren’t
very good tennis players. These
two floated in opposite directions.
That’s what makes this group so
unique,” says Darling.
In his humble nature, Darling is
hesitant to accept responsibility
for gathering this group of men,
but his recruiting style set the
stage for success. “The longer I
coach, the more I have wanted to
find good fits. It’s a three-legged
stool: you want them to be good
students, good Christians, and
good tennis players. And if any of
those legs are weak, then you buy
yourself a lot of grief as a coach,”
says Darling.
In terms of skills, in 2011-12 the
Cougars were highly effective
winning a record-setting 26
matches. The Cougars advanced
to the finals of the NCCAA
National Championship match
before falling to Campbellsville
(Ky.) University. Spring Arbor
University also made it to the NAIA
National Championships as a
team where they lost in the
opening round to Aquinas College.
“I’ve only taken my full team to
the NAIA nationals one other time,
and that was in 1997,” says
Darling, who received two
coach darling
prestigious awards at the
conclusion of the Spring 2012
season.
Darling was named East Region
Coach of the year by the
Intercollegiate Tennis Association
(ITA) and Mid-Central College
Coach of the Year for the 2011-12
season. “I have been coaching
long enough to know that you
don’t usually win coaching awards
unless you have a really special
team and that is certainly the
case with these two awards. My
players this past year were not
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | fa l l 2 01 2
Junior Nathan Scholten
just talented at tennis, they were
serious about their studies, and
they represented SAU
exceptionally well both on and off
the court.”
With all their talent and success,
it would be understandable to
carry around a high level of
confidence, but this group of men
defers more toward the humble
side. “The greatest thing I have
learned since being a member of
this team is that life is about more
than tennis. Win or lose, everyone
on the team is able to see the big
picture of our faith in Jesus Christ.
The closeness of our team not
only helps in our success on the
court, but also in our success in
life as we often have discussions
about our faith or team Bible
studies to help each other grow in
our walk,” says junior Aaron
Mayes (Elk Rapids, Mich.).
Talent aside, this team has a
worldly grasp that some spend
their entire lives seeking. “Playing
on the tennis team here has been
an absolute blessing. Not only
have I progressed in my game, but
I have also grown in my faith. It
has been a bonus that we have
been extremely successful the
last two years,” says junior
Nathan Scholten (Jackson, Mich.).
I can still remember the conversation he had with our
team as he led us through a discussion concerning
balancing our Christianity. It was clear to me that Terry
was not going to just coach us on the court; he made
it a point to coach us off the court in our spiritual lives
as well. Dave Dvorak ’81
Darling’s commitment to
mentoring as well as coaching has
been a trademark of his coaching
career that dates back to his
beginning. “It was evident that he
made the decision that as a coach
of young men he would try to
impact our lives on the court and
off the court. Not only do I
remember him helping us develop
our tennis skills, but he also
challenged us to be people of
better character,” says Dave
Dvorak, Cougar tennis player who
graduated in 1981.
listened to Terry challenge the
team to grow in our spiritual lives.
I can still remember the
conversation he had with our
team as he led us through a
discussion concerning balancing
our Christianity. It was clear to me
that Terry was not going to just
coach us on the court; he made it
a point to coach us off the court
in our spiritual lives as well. I still
have the book he gave us all
called Balanced Christianity by
John R.W. Stott,” says Dvorak,
who now resides in Marietta, Ga.
where he is director of tennis at
Dunwoody Country Club in Atlanta.
“The biggest impact he made on
my life came as I watched and
Several SAU men’s tennis players
garnered awards at the
conclusion of the 2012 season.
Juniors Thomas Calderone (Grass
Lake, Mich.) and David Darling
(Spring Arbor, Mich.) received
NAIA All-American honorable
mention. The NCCAA also honored
senior Steve Elzerman (Lapeer,
Mich.), juniors David Darling,
Mayes, Scholten and Calderone
as Scholar-Athletes. In addition,
David Darling, Calderone and
Mayes were selected as first team
All-Americans. Finally, David
Darling and Calderone were
selected to the All-tournament
singles team and Calderone and
Mayes were voted to the Alltournament NCCAA doubles team.
g
cou arzone
28 fall 2012
Men’s track & field
women’s soccer action shot
4 x 800 relay team set new record in 2012
and ran the second fastest time in
SAU history.
steeple chase run
Men’s track and field team
finds stride
2012 proved to be a banner year
for the men’s track and field as
they secured their highest finish to
date at the Mid-Central College
Conference championship. “Our
runner-up finish was the result of
hard work and the fruit of the
outstanding veteran leadership
that now exists in our program,”
says head coach Dante Ottolini.
The men also finished 55th at the
NAIA national championship. NAIA
Cougar competitors included junior
Bryan Burk (Cass City, Mich.),
sophomore Kameron Mills
(Sturgis, Mich.), junior Jeremy
Rogers (Hastings, Mich.), junior
Dewayne Gray (Jackson, Mich.),
freshmen Kelly Maxwell (Inkster,
Mich.), Rayshard Brewer (Detroit,
Mich.) and Tim Canfield
(Sebewaing, Mich.).
In the 200-meter run, Gray
advanced to the finals taking ninth
place. Canfield finished ninth in
the pole vault with a personal best
of 15’ 7” and the 4 x 100 relay
team of Canfield, Gray, Brewer and
Maxwell was the first to ever
qualify for the NAIA championships.
Mills was a steeplechase qualifier
Ottolini says Mills’ performance is
noteworthy considering his age.
“His national race was a tough one
due to being young in his
development as a distance runner.
Having the honor of racing among
the best in the country and gaining
that valuable experience will serve
him well in future years,” says
Ottolini.
At the NCCAA championships, the
4 x 800 relay team of sophomores
Chris Conrad (Ludington, Mich.)
and Jared Lauber (Ludington,
Mich.), freshman Dan Deller
(Scottville, Mich.) and Mills had a
first place finish. Gray and Maxwell
ran 21.64 and 21.75, respectfully,
in the 200 meter, finishing second
and third. The 4 x 100 team also
finished second with a time of
42.16.
Ottolini credits much of the team’s
success to the foundational work
accomplished at the Montana
Leadership Institute, where team
leaders attend each summer to
hone their leadership skills.
“Although the team’s success was
amazing, what makes me so proud
of these young men is how they do
what they do,” says Ottolini.
Women’s track and field set
new records in 2012
The women’s track and field team
made history this year, shattering
school records as six claimed
All-American honors. The 4 x 800
meter relay team placed fourth at
the NAIA National Championship
and broke a 10-year old school
record by more than 10 seconds.
“Praise God the Spring Arbor
University women’s track and field
team concluded one of the best
seasons in program history,” says
Bill Bippes ’93, ’02, head coach.
Cougar runners had a strong
showing all season taking fourth at
the MCC championship, seventh at
the NCCAA and 30th at the NAIA
national championships.
Sophomore Carissa Hudson
(Shelby Township, Mich.) was
named NCCAA National Champion
in the 1500 meter with a time of
4:42.46. The 4 x 800 meter relay
team of seniors Lauren Prueter
(Tecumseh, Mich.), Michaela Crew
(White Lake, Mich.), sophomore
Faith Gunderson (Menominee,
Mich.) and Hudson were named
NCCAA national champions with
their time of 9:22.34.
At the NAIA national championship,
the 4 x 800 meter relay team of
Prueter, Crew, Gunderson and
Hudson, set a new school record
with a time of 8:58.88. The
previous record was set in 2003 by
Meg (Peters ’05) Page, Amanda
(Shirk ’05) Green, Christine
(Ingraham ’07) Jarchow and Heidi
(Bock ’03) Tucker. Hudson also set
a new school record with her time
of 4:30.29 in the 1500 meter
heat, breaking six-time AllAmerican Michelle (Klein ’03)
Allison’s record set in 2001.
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | fa l l 2 01 2
He becomes the fourth athletic
director at Spring Arbor University
following Riggleman, longtime AD,
Hank Burbridge (1964-2005), and
Bob Briner (1962-64).
Twelve runners earned NAIA
Scholar Athlete awards. Prueter,
Crew, Gunderson, Hudson and
sophomore Amanda Curtis
(Milford, Mich.) secured NAIA
All-American awards and Hudson,
Gunderson, Prueter, Curtis and
senior Libby Allen (Farmington
Hills, Mich.) earned NCCAA
All-American honors.
Cottingham has led the men’s
basketball team since 1999 and
served as associate athletic
director preparing for the
challenge. “I am truly honored and
humbled to be named the director
of athletics at my alma mater. I am
grateful that Hank Burbridge gave
me the opportunity to become the
men’s basketball coach 14 years
ago. To work under him, and then
Sam Riggleman for the past eight
years, has had a profound impact
on my professional and personal
development. To follow in their
footsteps is pretty special,” says
Cottingham.
This year’s team motto was
“Humble Confidence,” which
Bippes and assistant coach, Mark
Miller, say was a characteristic
they hoped would mark this year’s
team and be the attitude with
which they would approach each
meet. The motto instilled in the
athletes the desire to “humbly
honor God with the gift of athletics
that they have all been blessed
with, humbly race for their
teammates, and humbly persevere
through the obstacles of the
season.” And, Bippes and Miller
say it was through that humility
and perseverance, they were able
to achieve success.
Riggleman notches win 900
Cottingham named director
of athletics
Ryan Cottingham ’94 has been
named director of athletics at
Spring Arbor
University for the
2012-13 academic
year. Cottingham
takes over for Sam
Riggleman ’74,
Cougar baseball
coach, who opted to
step down to devote
more time to his biggest passions,
coaching baseball and student
leadership.
+
In April, Sam Riggleman ’74 hit
another milestone in his coaching
career collecting his 900th win in
collegiate baseball. The Cougars
defeated Taylor University 5-4 in
the game that helped Riggleman
secure a place among elite
company.
Riggleman’s coaching career dates
back to 1977 when he coached at
John Wesley College followed by
coaching stints at Mount Vernon
Nazarene University, Southern
Illinois University, Bethel College
and Dallas Baptist University.
Riggleman became the third
Cougar baseball coach in 2005.
Since taking over at SAU,
Riggleman has continued the
tradition of excellence for which
the Cougar program is known. SAU
made back-to-back appearances
To open the tournament, the
Cougars defeated Huntington
University 10-2. In the second
game, SAU fell to top-seeded Taylor
University 6-14 in the doubleelimination tournament. The
Cougars again defeated
Huntington before falling again to
Taylor University ending their quest
for a conference championship.
forster
at the NAIA World Series in 2007
and 2008, finishing as national
runners-up in 2007 and as a
national semi-finalist in 2008.
“It’s an amazing honor to reach
this feat, but more importantly, I
am interested in the influence I
can have in the lives of athletes,”
said Riggleman. “What I am hoping
to accomplish with my athletes
goes well beyond wins and losses.”
Riggleman has compiled a
914-587-2 record throughout his
35-year career.
Cougar baseball wins 39
games in 2012
Spring Arbor University baseball
recorded another 30-win season in
2012 finishing with a 39-18
record. The Cougars opened the
season with a 15-game win streak
before the start of conference
competition. In arguably one of the
toughest conferences, SAU fought
hard and garnered a fourth seed
heading into the Mid-Central
College Conference tournament.
SAU then entered the National
Christian College Athletic
Association Midwest Regional
Tournament. In the best two of
three series, SAU fell to Cedarville
to end another successful season.
Five Cougars were named to the
NCCAA Midwest Region Baseball
Team including: outfielders
freshman Garrett Gordon (Saline,
Mich.) and senior Derek Brown
(Bellevue, Ohio), sophomore
pitcher Jerry Ferris (Jennison,
Mich.), sophomore shortstop Mark
Weist (Saline, Mich.), and senior
third baseman Justin Forster
(Belleville, Mich.). Weist was
named the Midwest Region Player
of the Year for 2012.
After the season, Weist was also
named to the NCCAA 1st Team
All-American, while Gordon and
Ferris were named to the NCCAA
2nd Team All-American.
Two Cougars were honored by the
NAIA for their success in the
classroom. Junior Steven Kold
(Indian River, Mich.) and Forster
were named 2012 Daktronics-NAIA
baseball scholar athletes.
Fo r t he l at est n ews a n d s c o r e s fo r Spring A rbor U niversit y athletics , visit the C ougar
W ebsite at saucougars . com .
2
LIFE AT ARBOR
THE
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30 fall 2012
4
Photography
Keegan Adriance ’12
Zachariah Haske ’14
Morgan Marshall ’14
Brandon McCarrell ’12
Kelly Skarritt-Williams ’03
WA NT to see MO RE P HOTOS?
Scan the code to visit
SAU’s Flickr page.
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | fa l l 2 01 2
[ 1 ] The department of social work organized a flash mob to raise awareness
about using hurtful words and showing love through actions. [ 2 ] The Fieldhouse
was packed as Switchfoot performed. [ 3 ] Switchfoot frontman, Jon Foreman,
performs for the crowd. [ 4 ] Students packed the gym for Porchfest 2012. [ 5 ]
Spring commencement 2012 [ 6 ] Regional vice president at Estee Lauder, Theresa
Selvaggio [left], visited campus to meet with students. Irene Price Greiner helped
organize the event, which was sponsored by Gainey School of Business’s Office
of Special Events/Coffee Connections. [ 7 ] President Webb congratulates Beth
(Gallup HS ’61, JC ’62) Smith at the E.P. Hart Luncheon during Heritage Alumni
Celebration. [ 8 ] Students perform a skit at Porchfest. [ 9 ] A student smashes a
pie in Angel Kono’s face during Relay for Life at SAU. [ 10 ] The 2012 FOCUS series:
Focus on Freedom included keynote speaker Mark Wexler of Not For Sale and Leslie
King-Borrego of Sacred Beginnings. [ 11 ] Students, faculty and staff signed one
of the beams that will hang in the expansion of the Student Life Center. [ 1 2 ] SAU
conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws upon Glenn White, chairman emeritus of the
board of trustees, during the morning spring commencement ceremony.
5
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make an
impact.
corporate partners
Support the businesses that
support the University!
Walton Agency, Inc.
Ric Walton
H eadquarters 2929 Spring Arbor Road, Jackson, MI 49203
Se rv i c e s Home, auto, life, health and business
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H o u r s
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Monday through Friday
or by appointment
E mp loy e e s 46
c o ntac t 517.787.2600 | waltonagency.com
C o mpa n y ow ne r s “SAU is unique because of the focus on life’s
basic values and education. They truly are
putting out a product that is making the world
a better place,” says Ric Walton, owner of the
Walton Agency, Inc. in Jackson.
Walton grew up watching his father as an
insurance agent and saw the passion he had for
his work and desired the same for his career. He
has been with the Walton Agency for 38 years
and is proud to bring the same passion to the
business as shown through his father’s example.
The Walton Agency, Inc. joined the Corporate
Partner program through Spring Arbor University
because of the strong values that both entities
stand for: God, family, education and developing
students who are good citizens. The Walton
Agency partnered with SAU this year by having
Melissa Tejkl ’12 intern in their office. The
Walton Agency looks forward to working with
more SAU students in the future since they bring
excitement and a new perspective.
The Walton Agency provides home, auto, life,
health and business insurance coverage. They
are proud to be a professional organization that
truly cares about their clients, employees and
community.
>>
AU is grateful to organizations like
S
the Walton Agency who exemplify the
type of relationships formed through
our Corporate Partner program. For
more information about the Corporate
Partner program, contact Malachi
Crane at [email protected] or
517.750.6543.
Reach on purpose
Spring Arbor University offers undergraduate,
graduate and certification programs designed to
fit your personal and professional life.
• 1 4 locations throughout Michigan and
Northern Ohio & Online
• convenient, accredited and affordable
32 FALL 2012
• d
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nursing, communication, education &
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arbor.edu/reach | 800.968.0011
one night a week
alumni news + information
alumni today
2
1
3
1958
Paul Robart JC ’58 and his
wife, Barbara, were in Thailand
on a mission trip from April 20
to Aug. 28, where they taught
English at the Baptist Student
Center in Bangkok. They reside in
Clearwater, Fla.
1959
Beulah (Hayward HS ’59, JC ’60)
Ecker and Dean Boss [1] were
married April 21. Beulah and her
late husband, Floyd Ecker HS
’59, owned and operated Ecker
Mechanical Contractors, Inc. in
Flint, Mich., for nearly 30 years.
Dean Boss founded and operated
Spring Arbor Appliance. Beulah
has three daughters and 10
grandchildren; Dean has four sons
and 15 grandchildren. They reside
in Spring Arbor.
1974
Beth (Dean ’74) Patton recently
received her certification in
spiritual direction from the
Dominican Center for Religious
Development Graduate Program in
Dewitt, Mich. She is also a licensed
master social worker. Beth resides
in Spring Arbor with her husband,
Paul ’74, who is a professor of
communication and chair of
the communication and media
department at SAU.
1978
In July, Cindy Chiapetta ’78,
first-year principal of Eagles
Landing Middle School in Boca
Raton, Fla., was named Florida
PTA’s Outstanding Principal of the
Year. Her school includes 1,320
children with 160 students in a
pre-engineering career academy.
The school also has an in-house,
pre-culinary academy. Previously,
she was an assistant principal
at Spanish River High School
for three years. Cindy resides in
Boynton Beach, Fla.
1979
Douglas Matthews ’79 was
recently appointed provost and
vice president of academic affairs
at Asbury Theological Seminary.
He previously served as professor
of theology and philosophy at
Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Douglas resides in Fredericktown,
Ohio, with his wife, Carol (Klump
’79).
1997
Betsy Powers ’97, ’08, of Parma,
Mich., was named by Jackson
Magazine as one of the top
teachers in Jackson County. She
teaches first grade at Parma
Elementary School and volunteers
as a tutor. Betsy has also served
as a leader for the 4-H Horse and
Pony program for 13 years.
4
pastor. They reside in Harrisonburg
with their children, Isaac, 12, and
Solomon, 6.
[email protected]
2003
Jeff ’03 and Becky (Marks ’08)
Clanton welcomed a son, [3] Titus
Maximus Douglas, on July 17. Jeff,
who has a master’s in technology
from Eastern Michigan University,
is a second grade teacher at
Columbia Elementary in Brooklyn,
Mich. He was recently honored as
one of the top teachers in Jackson
County by Jackson Magazine.
Becky is an administration
associate at Watterson’s Dentistry
in Jackson, Mich. They reside in
Jackson.
2004
Mary Rudolph ’04 married John
Moseberth [4] on Oct. 8, 2011.
Mary is a child and infant support
coordination case manager for the
Rappahannock Area Community
Services Board and John is an
electronics technician contractor
with the United States Navy. They
reside in Fredericksburg, Va.
Daniel ’04 and Stefi (Olney ’07)
Neef welcomed a daughter, [5]
Arie Violet, on March 26. She joins
big brother, Ezra, 1. They reside in
Kalamazoo, Mich.
2005
Eric ’05 and Meghan (Riggs
’06) Rose, of Milwaukee, Wis.,
welcomed a daughter, [6] Ainsley
Lyn, on May 22. Eric is the director
of student ministries for the United
Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay,
and Meghan is a director of library
services at Strayer University.
2000
David Evans ’00 [2] has been
named assistant professor of
history, mission, intercultural
and interfaith studies at
Eastern Mennonite Seminary
in Harrisonburg, Va. He is also
a lecturer at Drew University in
Madison, N.J. His wife, Faith, is
the owner of a personal training
business and also an ordained
360° Network is a nationwide association of recent graduates
from Spring Arbor University who have come full circle and
want to empower current students. Individuals form groups,
known as “Loops,” that raise $2,500 a year over three years
for one scholarship to impact the education of a current or
prospective student.
For more information, please contact Malachi Crane at
517.750.6543 or visit us online at arbor.edu/360network.
>>>>>> send us your news and help us keep our alumni family updated >> go to arbor.edu/alumni to submit your updates.
alumni today
Marketing Association. She was
preceded in death by her mother
and is survived by her husband,
Jerry; five children; two brothers; a
sister; and her father.
6
5
2006
Sarah Hartzler ’06 was recently
named the new president of
South Central Michigan Works!,
an agency that serves as an
education and training resource for
job seekers in Jackson, Hillsdale
and Lenawee counties. Sarah
resides in Jerome, Mich., with her
husband Lynn, who is a farmer and
also owner of Green Energy LP.
They have two children, Sydney, 4,
and Kaydence, 2.
Scott Smith ’06 recently finished
two years of mission service in
Honduras and has accepted a
new missionary position with
Jillybean Enterprises, Inc. serving
as office administrator managing
the finances of the ministry. Scott
will also be studying to become a
chaplain and has been accepted
into the Billy Graham Rapid
Response Team for training. He
resides in Lingle, Wy.
[email protected]
2008
34 FALL 2012
Breanna Hinkley ’08, of Jackson,
Mich., was named one of the top
teachers in Jackson County by
Jackson Magazine. She has taught
fourth grade at Warner Elementary
School for the past two years,
and previously taught Spanish at
Western High School. Breanna is
also a professional photographer
and owner of Studio Bree.
2009
Steffanie (Leicht ’09) Nolen
recently earned her Master of
Social Work from the Metropolitan
State University of Denver and has
accepted a position with Circles
Wyoming as their community
coordinator. She resides in
Littleton, Colo.
2010
Amanda Sugden ’10 and Michael
Beltrame ’11 were married on
Sept. 3, 2011. They welcomed a
daughter, Addison Lynn, on July 4.
They reside in Novi, Mich.
IN MEMORIAM
Esther (Crawford JC ’54) and
Richard Congdon, of Knoxville,
Tenn., both passed away on June
3, from injuries sustained in a car
accident. Esther was 78. She was
an elementary school teacher for
more than 30 years and an active
member of the First Cumberland
Presbyterian Church. Esther is
survived by her brothers, Vernon
and Charles JC ’51; two daughters;
and two grandchildren.
Richard Hawes HS ’50, JC ’53, ’73,
of Spring Arbor, passed away on
May 1. He was 79. Richard worked
for many years as the manager of
SAU’s bookstore, then at Agape
Bookstore before retiring. Richard
is survived by his wife of 58 years,
Velma (Ford JC ’53); son, David
’77; and a brother and sister.
Mark Armbruster (1979-81), of
Flint, Mich., passed away on June
23. He was 51. Mark excelled
at baseball and was a pitcher at
Spring Arbor. He was preceded in
death by his father and is survived
by his mother; three brothers; and
two sisters.
Wesley Bailor HS ’55, JC ’60, ’70,
of Bend, Ore., passed away on
April 11. He was 75. Wesley was a
teacher, working in several states
as well as teaching English as a
second language in China. He also
authored several books of poetry.
Wesley is survived by his wife,
Daphne; brother, Wade HS ’57;
two sons; a daughter; and eight
grandchildren. He was preceded
in death by his sister, Lorna
Gilbertson HS ’57.
Cari Ann (Gaddes ’05) Bougher,
of Jackson, Mich., lost her battle
with cancer on June 23. She was
49. Cari Ann enjoyed her work
at Flagstar, Citibank and Photo
>> see friends and recent events captured at
flickr.com/springarboru
Grace (Heath JC ’42) Hollin,
of Cincinnati, passed away on
March 4. She was 90. Grace
retired from the Cincinnati Public
Schools after serving 30 years as
first grade teacher. She was also
the elementary school librarian.
Grace is survived by her husband,
Felix JC ’41; two sons; and two
daughters.
Barbara (Lawton JC ’46) Huffman,
of Battle Creek, Mich., passed
away on Aug. 4, 2009. She was
84. She devoted most of her life
to being a stay-at-home mom.
She is survived by her husband,
Ralph (Bud) JC ’45; three children;
six grandchildren; and 10 greatgrandchildren.
Virginia Huntoon ’68, of Jackson,
Mich., passed away on May
1. She was 89. Virginia had a
career as a social worker and was
instrumental in setting up the first
Head Start programs in Jackson
and Hillsdale counties. She later
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | fa l l 2 01 2
taught high school history. She was
a lifelong member of Trinity United
Methodist Church where she was
active as a Sunday school teacher,
youth group leader and choir
member. Virginia was preceded in
death by Duane, her husband of
67 years. She is survived by two
daughters; three granddaughters;
and one great-granddaughter.
Norman Moran (2010-12), of
Parma, Mich., passed away on May
21. He was 54. Norman coached
football at a number of area high
schools as well at serving as
defensive backs coach at Albion
College. He also coached baseball
at Jackson Christian High School
and was the adult Sunday school
teacher at Northwest Baptist
Church. Norman is survived by
Lori Sue, his wife of 31 years;
three sons; a daughter; six
grandchildren; and three sisters.
Virginia “Ginny” (Eyre HS ’58)
Smrt, of Warrenville, Ill., passed
away on April 29. She was
preceded in death by her sister,
Lois. Ginny is survived by six sons;
two sisters, Esther Patrick HS
’58 and Malissa Beaty; and two
brothers, Les and Herbert.
poling leaves a Last i n g l e g acy
Harold A. (Red) Poling, SAU life trustee, passed
away in Pacific Grove, Calif., on May 12. He was
85. Poling joined the board of trustees in 2003
and was named a life trustee in 2011. Because
of the generosity of he and his wife, Marian, the
University honored Poling in 2008 by naming the
newest academic building in his honor. The Poling
Center for Global Learning and Leadership houses
Gainey School of Business, Hosmer Center for Entrepreneurship
and the social sciences departments.
Les Dietzman, SAU board of trustees chair emeritus, says, “Red
Poling was a gentle, wise and insightful man who contributed
greatly to our board of trustees. He was both a mentor to Gayle
Beebe, former president of SAU, and an encourager to me. Red has
left a lasting legacy to the Spring Arbor University Community.”
Poling retired in 1994 as the chairman of the board and chief
executive officer of Ford Motor Company. He joined the company
in 1951 as a cost analyst and advanced to prominent positions in
European and North American operations, as well as the corporate
office before being named chairman in 1990.
In 1986, Poling received the Automotive Hall of Fame’s
Distinguished Service Citation Award presented to individuals who
“have contributed significantly to the success of the automotive
industry and to the communities in which they live.” He was also
chosen as the 1991 recipient of the prestigious Horatio Alger
Award, given to individuals who have overcome adversity and
humble beginnings to achieve great success.
Poling joined the Navy at 17. He earned a bachelor’s degree from
Monmouth College (Ill.) in 1949 and a master’s degree in business
administration from Indiana University in 1951.
Poling is survived by Marian, his wife of 55 years; three children;
and five grandchildren.
GROWING
OUR
ENDOWMENT
There’s no better time to say thank you. The success of the University
today and in the decades ahead cannot happen without your help.
Thank you for choosing to offer financial support through gifts to
the Arbor Fund, Arbor Associates, SAU Radio and current campaign
focuses. Another giving option to consider is an estate plan. Let me
share one story of a donor who chose to give through his estate plan.
Tom was a widower who had a great love for SAU. As an alumnus, he
benefited from his education and experience, and he wanted to say
thanks with an estate gift. His estate included stocks, real estate and
an IRA. Tom’s attorney recommended that he give the appreciated
stock and real estate to his children and leave his IRA to SAU.
“My attorney said if I gave the stock and real estate to my children,
these assets would receive a step-up in basis at my death. My
children could then sell them without paying tax. However, if I gave
my children my IRA, it would be subject to estate and income tax.
After paying taxes, very little would be left. By giving the IRA to SAU, I
could make a nice gift and avoid any additional tax for my estate and
children,” said Tom.
Tom worked with his IRA custodian to complete a beneficiary
designation form granting SAU as the 100 percent recipient of his IRA
account. As a tax-exempt institution, SAU will receive the full IRA value
amount when he passes away, creating a legacy and growing our
endowment. Tom’s attorney then specified the bequest of his other
assets to his children.
To help secure a sustainable future for Spring Arbor University and its
students, we need your assistance in growing our endowment. Your
planned giving gift may be the largest you can make. Don’t miss the
final opportunity to tell the University it matters. Contact me today to
set up a time when we can
meet to discuss options
which will provide both for
your family members and for
this University you value.
Spring Arbor University is not engaged in giving legal or tax advice. You may
wish to seek the advice of your own advisor for specifics in your situation.
50 bscholarship
y’15 18
initiative
newly endowed
scholarships to date
If you would like to honor someone through
an endowed scholarship or other initiatives, please
contact Danny Lacy, director of planned giving, at
[email protected] or 877.SAU.Legacy or visit our
website at saulegacy.org.
alumni today
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SAVE THE DATE
That 60s & 70s
Generation
FO RE V E R
Memories are Made of This
SAU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
A group of 50s, 60s and 70s SAU alumni are planning a second
reunion you won’t want to miss. Start planning now! August 15-18,
2013, are the dates; Michindoh Conference Center is THE place.
Rick Bailey ’78 will serve as emcee for the weekend’s programs;
Babbie Mason, renowned vocalist and 1978 SAU alum, will perform
in concert on Friday evening; and Rev. John Hendricks will be the
guest speaker for Sunday worship.
The total cost per person for four days, three nights’ lodging and
nine meals is between $160 - $210 depending on the type of
accommodations you choose. Relevant information will be emailed
or mailed in February. To reserve your accommodations, contact
Warren Dexter HS ’61, JC ’63, ’65 at [email protected] or
517.750.2843, or Irene Price Greiner at [email protected].
NEW ALUMNI BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT
Shelley (Jackson ’01) Govan, of
Detroit, is a woman on a mission.
She has heard the call to action
and is on the designated path
to promote mental, physical,
emotional and
spiritual wellbeing through
her counseling
practice.
Govan holds a
bachelor’s in
family life education, a master’s in
pastoral counseling from Ashland
Seminary; and she is currently
a doctoral candidate in general
psychology at Capella University.
Children’s Hospital of Michigan;
and adjunct faculty member at
Cornerstone University. Govan is
also a professional counselor at
Renewed Mind Counseling, her
own private practice.
Govan has served SAU through
the Southeast Michigan Alumni
Chapter Steering Committee since
2004, and the alumni board of
directors since 2006. She now
looks forward to the future by
accepting the position as president
of the alumni board of directors
Her educational background has
afforded her the opportunity to
serve as a corporate chaplain with
Marketplace Ministries (Dallas);
hospital chaplain at Detroit’s
She and husband, Brian, have
three adult sons; two are
completing bachelor’s degrees in
criminal justice and education,
and the third, also an SAU alum,
holds a bachelor’s in biology and
will begin his graduate studies in
the fall.
alumniBoard
36 FALL 2012
freshmen
Ca ssandra Kramer ’ 1 2
B rian Philson ’ 8 5
Shelby ( Sheridan ’ 9 6 ) R aines
R ita W hitle y ’9 2
Cassandra Kramer graduated
in 2012 with a bachelor’s
in business. At SAU, Kramer
participated in many activities
serving as a member of the
Cougar volleyball team, a
presidential ambassador, a
Gainey School of Business
representative and more.
She has also participated in
numerous community projects.
Brian Philson earned a bachelor’s
in social work (SAU) and a
master’s in social work (MSU).
He is the president and chief
executive officer of Highfields Inc.,
a human service agency serving
children, youth and families in
mid-Michigan. Philson also serves
as an adjunct instructor at SAU,
Siena Heights University, Lansing
Community College and MSU.
Kramer has been a participant
in the Miss America organization
for several years, earning the
titles of 2009 Jackson County
Rosequeen, 2010 Miss Michigan
First Runner-up and 2012
Miss Stateline. She resides
in Kalamazoo, Mich., and is
employed by Stryker Instruments
as a marketing associate.
He is a trainer of juvenile justice
practitioners for the National
Partnership for Juvenile Services,
a National Institute of Corrections
consultant, and a governor’s
appointee to the Michigan
Committee on Juvenile Justice. He
and his wife, Bonnie (Crute ’85),
reside in Horton, Mich., with their
four children, Chad (a current SAU
student), Emilee, Drew and Jenna.
Shelby Raines holds a bachelor’s
in business administration and is
the managing director for Marriage
Matters Jackson. Referring to her
work as “a passion and a calling,”
she is an experienced presenter
and has entertained and educated
people from all walks of life. She
is also a certified Pick-A-Partner
instructor and a trained facilitator
of Prepare/Enrich, a marriage
preparation and enrichment tool,
and co-host of “Mornings at Home”
on SAU Radio’s HOME.fm.
Rita Whitley holds a bachelor’s
in management of human
resources. She resides in
Detroit and has been a human
resource generalist and nurse
recruiter for Wayne County
since 1998. Whitley is an active
member of the Detroit World
Outreach Christian Church
and is a member of numerous
organizations including the
National Association for Women
and Government Administrators
Association Executive Board.
Raines attends Spring Arbor Free
Methodist Church where she is
active in children’s ministry, and
works as a volunteer for Junior
Achievement. She resides in
Parma, Mich., with her husband,
Drew ’01, and their children, Sam,
Faith and Grace.
Whitley is also a professional
event planner and has donated
her talents to many fundraising
efforts including events for the
Foundation of the Arts, Gilda’s
Club, the American Heart
Association, the Black United
Fund and the March of Dimes.
>> become a fan on facebook.com/springarboru
>> follow us @springarboru
S p r i n g a r b o r u n i v e r s i t y | F ALL 2 0 1 2
FO RE V E R
SAU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
alumni chapter EVENT RECAPS
Southeast Michigan Christmas Party | Our Southeast
Michigan alumni enjoyed a wonderful day at the Detroit Zoo on
Saturday, July 28. The 125-acre zoo offered plenty of attractions for
nature and animal lovers. It is the largest attraction in Michigan, with
over one million visitors each year.
The day included a catered lunch served under an SAU alumni tent.
Thank you to our Southeast Michigan chapter event committee:
Kimberly Jones ’96, Kenneth Eugene Evans ’92, Shelley (Jackson
’01) Govan, Marie May ’00, ’04, and Cynthia Woods ’07.
LANSING| Over 100 Lansing-area alumni and their families attended
the Lansing Lugnuts baseball team’s Christian Family Day on Aug. 26,
to watch the Lansing Lugnuts play the Ft. Wayne TinCaps. Children
under 12 years of age were able to play catch on the field and had
the opportunity to run the bases after the game.
If you would like to get involved with the Lansing Alumni Chapter,
please contact Dawn Welch ’06 at [email protected].
CHICAGO | The Chicago-area alumni and friends gathered together
for a family-style luncheon on Aug. 18 at Frankie’s Scaloppine in
downtown Chicago. Alumni from several decades attended and we
welcomed many new faces, too. The group was joined this year by
President Webb and other SAU staff, and they shared exciting news
about developments on campus and the growth of the University.
The group plans on giving back to the Chicagoland area with a
service project later this year. If you are interested in participating in
the project or would like to attend the next alumni gathering, please
contact Susie (Bolton ’01) Likovic at [email protected].
germany/austria/switzerland | Spring Arbor University
alumni and friends recently toured one of the most beautiful regions
of the world — Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The excursion
took place July 18-29, and was hosted by Chuck ’69 and Philippa
(Barnwell ’69) Webb and Brent Ellis, and led by faculty members
David and Carolee Hamilton. Sites visited during the 12-day trip
included the medieval walled town of Rothenburg and King Ludwig’s
Neuschwanstein Castle
in Germany; the Sound
of Music tour and
Mirabell Palace and
Gardens in Austria;
as well as a train ride
through the majestic
Alps and a traditional
dinner and folklore
show in Switzerland.
watch us on YouTube.com/springarboru
alumni
[ EVENTS ]
october 2 01 2 - F ebruary 2 013
from the desk of…
I r e n e P r i c e G r e i ne r
Director, Office of Alumni
Relations
Alumni Chapters Program
The alumni association
chapters are Spring Arbor
University’s voice, if you
will, in those cities where
volunteers have joined to
keep the University’s story
fresh. Chapters organized and
managed by local alumni are
good ambassadors for SAU in
all they do.
Selection of the chapter
leaders is directly related to
good experiences at SAU and
the attainment of shared goals.
As important as selecting
quality leaders, the chapter
program must communicate to
SAU constituents the reason for
spending time with other SAU
alumni. Many universities are
adding meaningful programs
to their chapter agendas. SAU
alumni are becoming involved
in social and community
service projects. Chapters are
the association’s connection
to our alumni — especially to
those who cannot return to SAU
frequently.
If you have any questions, or
are interested in starting an
SAU Alumni Chapter in your
area, please feel free to call me
directly at 517.750.6725.
It is always a pleasure to welcome
alumni and friends back to campus
on Homecoming & Family Weekend.
I hope you will be able to attend this
year. As you can see on page 16,
the weekend is filled with activities
for the whole family. The Office of
Alumni Relations has many more
exciting events planned, so please
mark your calendars and plan to
join us!
H O ME C OMIN G & FAMILY
WEE K END
Friday, October 7 - Sunday, October 9
Spring Arbor, main campus
SO U THEA ST MICHIGAN ALU MNI
CHAPTER CHRISTMA S PARTY
Sunday, December 2
The Gazebo Banquet Center
Warren, Mich.
JAC K SON ALU MNI CHAPTER
CHRISTMAS PARTY
Saturday, December 8
Cascades Manor House
Jackson, Mich.
L A K E L A N D ALU MN I & F RIEN DS
REU NION
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Light & Life Park, Hood Hall
Lakeland, Fla.
P HO E N I X ALU MN I & F RIEN DS
REU NION
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Embassy Suites Phoenix-Biltmore
Visit arbor.edu/alumni for more
details on all SAU alumni excursions
and events.
LIVE ON
PURPOSE
A degree may prepare you for a job, but a Spring Arbor University education
will equip you to critically participate in your family, your career and
communities in need of your unique strengths, talents and abilities. At SAU
you will catch a vision for life beyond the borders of your world as you know
it and discover your purpose — your critical role to play — in God’s kingdom.
• Over 70 majors and programs
• 50 student activities and organizations
• Caring faculty experts in their chosen
field of study
• Global studies experiences included in
the cost of tuition
oncampus. online. onsite.
Michigan’s largest evangelical Christian university
youtube.com/springarboru
@springarboru
facebook.com/springarboru
106 E. Main Street
Spring Arbor, MI 49283
arbor.edu | 800.968.0011
THE NEW
Student
LIFE
Center
Be a part of our housewarming!
The Student Life Center still needs
numerous pieces of furniture,
fixtures and equipment. Your gift
will not only help us complete this
project, but will more importantly
help create a wonderful living and
learning space for our students,
faculty and staff.
VISION BECOMING REALITY
Each and every item will be an important part of creating this very
unique environment. We are sure you can find a piece or two that fits
your budget. Join the excitement by providing a housewarming gift for
our new Student Life Center.
$25
SET OF PINGPONG PADDLES
$50
CLOCK
Make your gift online or mail your check to: Spring
Arbor University, Attn: Advancement Office, 106
E. Main Street, Spring Arbor, MI 49283. For
additional information contact Sherry Keeler at
[email protected] or call 517.750.6396.
$100
DESK LIGHT
$250
HEALTH CENTER WAITING AREA CHAIR
$500
DINING COMMONS TABLE
$1,000
LOUNGE SOFA
ARBOR.EDU/GIVE
Scan this QR
code to give a
housewarming gift
to the new SLC.
University Advancement
106 E. Main Street
Spring Arbor, MI 49283-9701
877.ALUM.ARBOR | arbor.edu
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
Addition
by subtraction
Maximize your support of SAU by signing up for our
new SAU + U giving option. SAU + U allows you to make
a recurring, monthly gift without having to remember to
write a check or go online every month. It’s giving made
easy. Your sustaining gift will benefit the University’s
greatest areas of need through our Arbor Fund or you
can designate your gift to a particular area of interest.
Here’s how it works:
1
Visit arbor.edu/give
2
Fill
out the online form and select
“Sustaining Gift”
3
Select
your preferred method of giving,
and submit your form
Scan this QR code to set up
your recurring gift and start
impacting students’ lives today.