TORCH Summer 09.qxd - Lee University

contentsOPENING THOUGHTSfrom President Paul Conn29 Alumni AuthorsTorch introduces a new section inWho’s Where showcasing the writingand publishing talents of alumni.DEPARTMENTS16 Campus News22 Sports26 Who’s Where & Torch TravelsMixed EmotionsThat’s what I felt as I stood in a light summer rain one day last week andwatched a huge machine take the first bite out of the Beach Science Building.The building had to go. It was cramped and substandard. It had been built44 years ago, and when it first went up, it was a marvelous addition to thetiny Lee campus.But by today’s standards, everything about the building—ceiling heights,fire safety, storage and lab space, wiring and plumbing—was minimal. Whenwe first began designing a new science-math complex, our plan was to spenda couple of million dollars to renovate the old building and continue to use it,but it soon became clear that there wasn’t enough left worth saving, so theold building had to go to make way for the new one.I watched the demolition with Dr. Bob O’Bannon, professor emeritus ofbiology. Dr. O’Bannon taught in the old building since it first was built in1965. Even before that, in 1964, I had been a freshman in his biology classand lab. In those days, the labs were in the basement of Simmons Hall, andI was not a particularly good biology student. I enjoyed O’Bannon’s teachingstyle—he was an energetic newcomer to the Lee faculty, fresh from his Ph.D.program at the University of Florida. But I was more interested in my lab partner,a cute freshman girl from Tennessee, than I was in the frog we dissectedthat spring. Somehow, I made an “A” in the course, but it was more a resultof O’Bannon’s generosity than my diligence.The next year, the new Science Building was built. There was a “demolitionday” that year, too. The site of the new building was then occupied bythree houses, one of which was used for teaching studios as part of Lee’smusic department. That’s where I took piano lessons, from Mrs. MabelMorehead, who served many years on the Lee faculty. What a wonderful lady!I loved to go to that gracious old house and sit on the piano bench and playfor her. I never became a pianist, but I will always remember how I looked forwardeach week to that piano lesson; she made me feel welcome and special,even when I hadn’t practiced, which was usually the case.The other house on that site was the President’s residence, home to all theLee presidents since 1947. When those three houses came down in 1964, tomake room for that science building, people stood around and watched withmixed emotions: excitement about the better things to come, and a wistfulnostalgia for the old houses that were disappearing right before their eyes.The Beach Science Building, small and crowded, produced hundreds ofexcellent professionals in health care, education, and research science. It isamazing how much was accomplished, how many dreams were fulfilled, howmany prayers were answered in that building. It is a reminder that it is notbricks and mortar that make these things possible. It is the commitment oftalented professors and highly motivated students, and it is the hand of Godupon them.Life moves on. The old stuff gives way to the new. But the things thatmatter never change. I can hardly wait to see what God does for us, with us,and in us in the years that lie ahead!TORCH • Summer 20093

“I don’t really have a job waiting for me elsewhere,” Cunningham said, adding thatshe wanted to stay close to her family for now.Graduates like Pamela Dolan have more than just thebeginning of a new career to look forward to. Dolanplans to marry in June, then use her bachelor of sciencein health science to apply to the nursing program at theUniversity of Tennessee in Chattanooga, where shehopes to specialize in either pediatrics or geriatrics.Kendra Crain went directly from graduate to bridesmaid.Crain immediately left after graduation to attendher friend’s wedding. The anthropology major plans togo westward for the summer to gain experience in thefield of archaeology. Crain aims to work with Dr. DudleyGardner at archaeological digs in Wyoming, Coloradoand Montana.Intercultural studies major Joel Habermas is spendinghis summer as a counselor at Cumberland Springs BibleCamp in Dayton, Tenn. After the summer, he hopes toteach English, possibly overseas.Some, such as Gracie Ashworth, started a new job within a week of receiving theirdiplomas. Ashworth, who graduated with a bachelor of arts in biblical and theologicalstudies, moved to Clarksville, Tenn., to serve as a director at Children and Family Ministries.She is also getting married in August.Fred Peach, a graduate of the CAPS program with a bachelor of science in Christianministry, will continue his education by pursuing a master of divinity in biblical studiesTORCH • Summer 20095

at the Church of God TheologicalSeminary. The Lee Universitycampus safety officer then plansto minister in Kansas City,Kansas.“It’s not about money, it’sabout the will of God,” saidPeach. “This is His ministry andI am just a tool....it is a blessingand an honor to serve.”Peach hopes to attain a pastoralposition in Kansas City andto evangelize in the inner city.Rebekah George, also a CAPSgraduate with a bachelor of science in Christian ministry, is looking to further her educationbefore fulfilling her calling as a counselor for sexually abused children. She plansto study psychology at either Richmont Graduate University or Lee. In the meantime, shehas a summer internship inAtlanta, Ga., working withchildren who are born withdrug addictions.Sharon Hart-Michaels wasdetermined to walk across thestage in memory of her motherwho died recently in a caraccident. The 52-year-old saidshe was grateful for all the helpand support she received fromthe faculty and staff in the educationdepartment.“I’m living for two peoplenow,” Michaels said, notingthat she plans to dedicate everything she does to her mother, whose life she feels was cutmuch too short.Michaels plans to “get as many letters behind my name as I can” as she continues herquest to better the lives of children, whether through legislation or by helping hands-on.“I’m not looking for fame and fortune,” she said. She has felt called to work with specialneeds children since she was seven years old.Michaels graduated with a bachelor of science in special education and plans to continuein the masters program at Lee.GRADUATION candidates gathered inside the Walker Arena again on May 9 to receive theirdiplomas and listen to keynote speaker Dr. Nancy Moody, president of Tusculum College.“If you don’t remember anything else I say today,” Moody said, “I hope you will rememberthe importance of virtues, especially courage, and the importance of diversity.”6 TORCH • Summer 2009

Commencement ServicesStreamed Around the GlobeWhile the Paul Dana Walker Arena may not have been able to hold every graduates’friends and family members on graduation day, thousands were able to tunein live via video stream on the Lee University Web site.A few years ago at graduation, an international student walked across the stagewith her cell phone in her hand so that her parents and family back home couldhear the ceremony. This year the ceremonies of the weekend were broadcast overthe Internet, allowing anyone with access to have a front-row seat from anywherein the world. Viewers from 22 states and several countries, includingJapan, Australia, Kenya, France, Argentina, Korea and Jamaica, watchedthe Commissioning and Commencement services.“Concerts, recitals, special events and chapels are only the beginning,” saidRon Gilbert, director of the Video Production Center, which includes a TV studioand soundstage, located in the Dixon Center. “This new media outlet is a hugegain for telecommunication students, as well as departments involved in recruitment,alumni, public relations, student services, music and athletics.”The Lee video streaming Web site address is www.leeuniversity.edu/video. Viewerscan watch in 100k or 500k streams, depending on their Internet connection speed.NancyMoodyMoody encouraged the graduates to be good representativesof Lee University in every aspect of life.“Now I challenge you to go forth and set the world on fire,”she said.Dr. Carolyn Dirksen, vice president for academic affairs, presentedthe graduates to the assembly. Each graduate receivedcheers and applause of some degree, despite a note in the programto “applaud only for summa cum laude graduates.” Thedegrees were then conferred, the tassels moved and the commencementceremony came to an end.Outside, the rain began to fall as the Class of 2009 joined theirfamily and friends for congratulations and fellowship. But it didnot dampen the mood of the hundreds gathered together toshare in the momentous occasion with 380 graduates eager tomake a difference in their world.Sara Dawson is copy editor for the Lee Clarion student newspaper.TORCH • Summer 20097

RazingRaisingWith a new science building on the horizon,its predecessor is bulldozed into memory.and8 TORCH • Summer 2009

■ By CAMERON FISHERSIGNIFICANT PROGRESS continues on anew $14 million science and math complexon the Lee University campus. The interiorand exterior of the east wing is nearly completewith only installation of equipmentand furnishings to take place. A complicated maze ofconduit and electrical systems has been laid for efficientoperation of everything from Bunsen burners torefrigeration of lab experiments. Three levels of classrooms,laboratories, faculty offices and scientific storagewill be ready in time for the fall semester.Designed to be completed in two phases, the massivecomplex has been under construction for over ayear. Due to the topography, the east wing containsthree levels as opposed to two for the future west wing.When it opens for student occupancy, the east wingground floor will contain space for 12 faculty, twoclassrooms, dry and wet storage, and a receiving dock.On the main level will be laboratories for biology,microbiology and dissection, as well as a lobby andSouth side ofthe new sciencebuilding toweras seen fromcampus.With the tower ofthe new building inthe background, thefirst pushes on theold science buildingtook place at 9:32on May 27.TORCH • Summer 20099

The basement level of the BeachBuilding, which housed BrownAuditorium, is still visible on daytwo of the demolition.* * * * * *The demolition of the old science building marksthe passage of a generation of academia at Lee. Thelabs and classrooms of the Beach Building served thousandsof Lee students, from those who simply passedthrough to complete a required physical science orzoology class, to the pre-med majors who pulled allnightstudy sessions and lab experiments, finding timefor a cat-nap on one of the 70s-era couches. Commentsfrom former science majors (see Torch spring2009 issue) revealed a strong affinity and camaraderiewith one another and a genuine love and appreciationfor their professors.The razing of the Beach Science Building is the seventhmajor building to be removed since Lee boughtthe campus from Bob Jones College in 1947. Othernotable razings include Old Main, old auditorium andthe music building. Ellis Hall burned to the ground in1993 and both the old dining hall and Walker Arenawere essentially razed to make way for massivelyimprovedand enlarged structures.On June 3, a truckdumps fill dirt in thelocation of what wasBrown Auditorium.12 TORCH • Summer 2009

Last of the OriginalsAssociate Professor Ronald Harris will move to a new science building for the second time.WHEN A NEW science building opened on theLee campus 43 years ago, science faculty whomoved in that fall of 1966 included such legendarynames as Lois Beach, Clifford Dennison and RobertO’Bannon. But among the veterans was rookie instructorRonald Harris in his first year as a faculty member.Hired by Lee president Dr. Ray H. Hughes, Sr. in Mayof 1966, Harris would teach four math classes and onephysics class that year. Harris’ office was located on thethird floor of the “brand new” science building. Afterseveral moves over the last four decades, including a fewyears in the Walker Memorial Building across campus,Harris’ last office was just one door down from thatoriginal office of 1966. He is the last remaining facultymember who moved into the building 43 years ago.“I wasn’t new to teaching because I had taught forthree years in the public school system of North Carolina,”Harris said, “but teaching at the higher educationlevel was to be a new experience for me.” Prior to comingto Lee Harris did undergraduate work at East CarolinaUniversity and had just completed graduate work at theUniversity of North Carolina and George Peabody Collegein Nashville. Since then he has additional studies fromOak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies, Clemson University,University of Tennessee, and University of Georgia.“When I came to Lee, there were about 450 studentsand 35 faculty and administration,” Harris remembered.“Due to the size of the college at that time, most of thefaculty and staff became more than colleagues; they werelike extended family.”Harris noted the changes that have occurred since hehas been at Lee including the name from college to university,450 students to over 4,100, 12 acres to over 120acres, offering of only undergraduate degrees to graduatedegrees, from one major sport to many nationally-rankedsports, and “a significant increase in learning experiencefrom broadened disciplines for the students.”“I have great memories of this building, includingteaching in every classroom,” Harris stated. “As I reflect,many memories come to mind; but, as a combinedexpression of them I can just simply say that I am filledwith joy as I remember the many students that I have hadthe opportunity to impact. I’ve been allowed to touch thelives of students from across all disciplines.”Harris and his wife, Mary, raised their three children inCleveland, all three of whom are Lee graduates includingDorene Lowery ’84, Ron Harris, Jr., ’86 and Lori Potter’98. They also have six grandchildren. The oldest, JuanitaDanielle Harris, is a rising junior at Lee.“As the bricks and mortar of the old are coming downand being removed, what I see happening is a making wayfor progress and renewed, marvelous learning for both facultyand students. The new building promises to be state-of-theartand is going to be a significant upgrade from the old.”When asked about retirement, Harris’ reaction was“What is that?” and stated, “I was called to the ministry ofteaching and the Lord has allowed me to do what I lovefor 46 years. I believe if you love what you do and have apassion for it, then you should continue in your passion aslong as you are effective and making meaningful contributionsin that role.“While holding to my experiences with and memories ofthe students and colleagues of the past years in the old sciencebuilding, I am excited about moving into the new building.The environment will be fantastic and I can hardly wait.”TORCH • Summer 200913

CAMPUS NewsHuber Crowned Miss POF 2009LEE SOPHOMORE Rachael Huberwas crowned winner of the 46thannual Parade of Favorites on March21. She represented the ladies ofOmega Alpha Phi and was escortedby Maurice “Mo” Huggins. Rachel isthe daughter of Michael and BeckyHuber of Hamilton, Ohio, is an elementaryeducation major and hopesto become an elementary schoolprincipal. Her platform was PassionatelyPink: Supporting Breast CancerAwareness and Research.“This was the last thing I everexpected!” Rachael said after winningthe competition. “I felt so honoredto represent Omega Alpha Phi. Notonly did I get to participate in such aprestigious event on campus, but Ialso got to meet so many wonderfulpeople in the process. My favoritething about the whole experiencewould have to be the relationships Ibuilt with the other girls. This will besomething I will never forget aboutmy time here at Lee.”During her two years at Lee,Rachael has also been a member ofMiss POFRachaelHuberthe Lee University Volleyball teamand Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. Sheplans to develop her involvementwith her platform.Lacey Stokes, representing theladies of Sigma Nu Sigma, was firstrunner-up and also won the KayMcDaniel Woman of AchievementAward and the Community ServiceAward. Lacey Noles, representingAlpha Phi Delta Honor Society, wonsecond runner -up. Elle Greely, representingLee Singers, was third runnerupand also won the Outstanding TalentAward and Interview Award. LaurenClayton, representing the men ofUpsilon Xi, won fourth runner-up.Other winners were Ciara Doll, representingthe ladies of Epsilon LambdaPhi, who won Miss Congeniality andColby Simons, representing the StudentLeadership Council, who wonthe Escort Award. —Hope Goad14 TORCH • Summer 2009

For additional news stories, visit the Lee Web site atwww.leeuniversity.edu and click on “Latest News.”■ PERSPECTIVE | Phil Cook, Vice President for Enrollment ManagementThe Effectiveness of Lee DayHIGH SCHOOL and transfer studentschoose to attend Lee University formany different reasons includingparental influence, pastoral recommendations,current student testimonials,the Internet, a traditional campusvisit, and direction from God.While several of these factors influencedmy decision to attend Leemore than 20 years ago, the primaryevent that helped to confirm mychoice was Lee Day.For today’s prospective Lee Universitystudent, the influence of Lee Dayis still evident. During the past 23years of Lee’s explosive enrollmentgrowth, there have been many successfulrecruitment activities implementedto increase the size of our studentbody. Having spent the last twelveyears working in the AdmissionsOffice, I have had a front-row seat toall of these events. However, the oneconsistent event that has served as thecornerstone of Lee University recruitmentefforts has been Lee Day.Other colleges and universitieshave events like Lee Day, but there issomething unique about the way Leeapproaches this kind of experience. Infact, the experience is what sets Lee Dayapart. This Lee experience, and LeeDay recruitment, is centered aroundthe energy on campus that is palpable.The success of Lee Day is contingentupon the prospective students’lasting impressions of the university.The energy that emanates from ourChristian environment, new buildings,and academic successes drawsfamilies to the campus. The momentumof the past 23 years lets familiesknow that Lee University is a placethat is headed in the right direction.Prospective students, and their families,are impacted by the passion andChristian hospitality that is displayedby Lee employees during Lee Day.While there have been changes tothe Lee Day programming and experienceover the years, the core elementshave remained constant. Stateparties have been replaced with theIncredi-bash, but the interactionbetween prospective and current studentsremains the same. Today, moreand more parents attend Lee Daywith their sons or daughters to participatein Advance Class Selection,attend a financial-aid seminar, or listenas President Conn casts the Leevision in a parents’ seminar whileanswering questions about our future.This new generation of Lee Dayattendees, however, still enjoys LeeDay traditions like the music festival,“Life @ Lee,” and the worship rally. Allthese events help promote the Lee Universityexperience in a two-day whirlwindof fun, facts, and fellowship.Lee Day remains the largest singlerecruitment event on the Lee Universitycalendar each year. It was theseminal event for many of our alumniwho chose to enroll at Lee in previousyears, and it will continue toshape the decision of high schoolstudents for many years to come.Salvation Army Provides Lee With Mobile KitchenIN FALL OF 2008, the Southeast territorySalvation Army teamed up withLee’s Leonard Center (LC) andassigned a Disaster Relief canteenpanel truck, providing students theopportunity to serve others throughthe mobile kitchen. Several volunteerteams have worked on a number ofprojects to help the community.Amber Bush, an AmeriCorpsVISTA serving with Lee, describessome of her favorite experiences withthe Salvation Army Canteen.“We got called to help withdisaster relief after the Paducah(Ky.) ice storm,” Bushrecalls. Although the SalvationArmy Canteen is usedroutinely around town as afeeding ministry, its mainpurpose is disaster relief andduring an emergency the canteenneeds to be ready to roll. Whenpower outages forced people out oftheir homes to a nearby naval base,Amber and five students drove toPaducah and prepared food for thepeople who were stranded there.“One time,” Bush describes, “whenthe temperature was below zero, wehanded out blankets and scarves thatwe collected from students on campus,to the homeless.” On a regular basis,the Lee team pairs up with Backyard,a local ministry to feed the underprivileged.—Sara Dirksen/Michelle BollmanTORCH • Summer 200915

CAMPUS NewsSeniors Namedfor Top Awards■ F.J. LEE AWARD—Established in1968, this award is named in honor ofthe second president of Lee, who servedfrom 1922-1923. This award is given tothe senior with the overall most outstandingrecord of student achievement.Joshua Puthen Veedu Muthalaligraduated summa cum laude with abachelor of arts in biblical and theologicalstudies and a bachelorof science in accounting.Born in India, Joshua cameto Lee via Dubai, UnitedArab Emirates and Tulsa,Oklahoma. He is the son ofPastor Jacob Muthalali andMercy Jacob who now reside inHouston, Texas. Joshua is graduatingas a Kairos Honors student with acentennial scholarship. He participatedin several organizations on campusincluding the Sigma Beta DeltaInternational Business Honor Societyand the Pi Delta Omicron (Religion)Honor Society, and he also served asthe vice president and president ofthe Alpha Chi National Honor Society.While pursuing his degrees,Joshua also worked in several areas ofcampus life as a tutor, a studentDepartmental Award Winnersworker and a chapel usher. Hisfuture plans are to pursue a Mastersof Divinity and eventually a doctoratebefore going back to India toteach and to preach.■ ZENO C. THARP AWARD—Established in 1955, this award is givento the senior who shows the greatestpromise of making a significant contributionto the Kingdom. It is named inhonor of the sixth president of Lee, whoserved from 1935-1944.Breanna Michelle Dillon is aDecember 2008 summa cum laudegraduate with a major in interculturalstudies with an urban missiologyemphasis. Breannacame to Lee fromHinton, W.Va. andis the daughter ofRudolph and ReginaLarson and thegranddaughter ofGarnet Hatcher. During her time atLee Breanna received many awardsand honors including the centennialscholarship, the Roberson MemorialLeadership scholarship and thePoiema scholarship. She served herBehavioral & Social Sciences .........................................................................Taylor HaydenBusiness .......................................................................................................... Sarah WrightChristian Ministries ...................................................................................... W. Ben WinderCommunication & the Arts .......................................................................... Harrison KeelyEarly Childhood, Elementary & Special Education........................................ Kathryn BriggsEnglish & Modern Foreign Languages ........................................................ Jonathan TullyHealth, Exercise Science & Secondary Education ....................................... Phil DrummondHistory & Political Science .......................................................................... Elizabeth CurtisInstrumental Music .................................................................................... John McCluskeyNatural Sciences & Mathematics ..................................................................... Jami CrouseTheology ......................................................................................................... Ashley ListonVocal Music ............................................................................................ Karen Marie Crowfellow students as a Spanish tutor andworked in the School of Religionoffice as well as the Biblical and TheologicalFoundations for Benevolencelab. Breanna was a member of theInternational Student Fellowship, andshe participated in several interculturalmission trips and internshipsdomestically and abroad. Her futureplans are to attend Mission Year, aone-year, inner-city program andthen to begin her masters in InternationalDevelopment with a long-termgoal of working with the churchdoing community development andjustice-oriented work in areas of greatphysical and spiritual need.■ CHARLES PAUL CONN AWARD—Established in 1996, this award is givento the senior who shows the greatestpromise of intellectual and academicachievement beyond the undergraduatelevel. It is named in honor of the sixteenthpresident of Lee whose tenurebegan in 1986.Katherine Renee Amato is a biochemistrymajor who graduated withmagna cum laude honors. She is thedaughter of Gary and Jan Amato ofBuford, Ga. While at Lee, Katherineparticipated in the Alpha Chi NationalHonor Society andthe Alpha Phi DeltaPre-Med Honor Society.She served asvice president of theTri-Beta NationalBiological HonorSociety and has been a member ofthe American Association for CancerResearch. Katherine also served as ateaching assistant for the Departmentof Natural Sciences and Mathematicsand as a peer mentor. While Katherine’splans after graduation are tobegin a Ph.D. program in cancer biologyat Vanderbilt University in thefall, she already began her research tohelp find a cure for cancer by doinginternships at various medicalschools while pursuing her undergraduatedegree at Lee.16 TORCH • Summer 2009

■ EDITORIAL | Cameron Fisher, editor, TorchRunning (Literally!) a Great RaceSINCE MY FRESHMAN year at Lee inthe fall of 1980, I have seen the comingsand going of events, trends, andtraditions. One trend which hasrecently emerged through events isnow becoming a tradition: running.Perhaps because Lee has a presidentwho is an aficionado of the pastime,running at Lee, both as a sportor as a staged event, has mirroredLee’s growth and emergence as a harbingerof excellence.For the last seven years Lee hassponsored and coordinated the area’sGreat Strides 5K race for cystic fibrosis.Each year the race has ratcheted upthe professionalism, through landingmajor corporate sponsorships, securingUSATF certification of the course(which begins and ends on the Leecampus), garnering “chip” timingdevices, and attracting a growingnumber of participants and volunteerseach year. The result of the last sevenyears has been nearly half a milliondollars raised for cystic fibrosis (CF), acomplex genetic disease which damagesand eventually destroys the lungsof patients. About 30,000 children andyoung adults in the United States havebeen diagnosed with the disorder.This year’s event took on special significanceas a group of volunteers(Below) Team Nathan poses for a group shot during GreatStrides; (right) Nathan Smithfocused their fund-raising to honor thememory of Nathan Smith, a Lee graduatewho passed away earlier this yearafter a life-long battle with CF. “TeamNathan” sported special shirts andtogether raised more than $20,000 ofthe $60,000 raised for this year’s event.Three weeks after Great Strides, Leesponsored a dinner for any alumniwho were up to the challenge of theCountry Music Marathon or HalfMarathon in Nashville. On April 25,more than 100 Lee alumni strodeacross the finish lines of either raceand included alumni families, Lee students,staff, faculty…and PresidentConn. One member of the Lee crosscountryteam, Johnson Njoroge,placed second overall in the halfmarathon with a time of 1:11:46, amere minute behind the winner andamongst a field of 22,920 participants.The addition of Lee’s newest intercollegiatesports teams—cross-country—is another trend that has become atradition and now generates events.The men’s and women’s squads havealready become competitive withestablished programs at larger schools.On a personal note, Lee eventshave played a large role in adoptionof running as a new “tradition” inmy life. My first competitive race wasthe Great Strides 5K in 2007, followedby the inspiration gained standingon the sidelines watching dozens ofLee alumni cross the finish line ofthe Nashville half marathon a fewweeks later. Since then I have run adozen half marathons with theMarine Corps Marathon in D.C. inmy sights this fall.Running at Lee and the promotionof it is a trend which will continueto be embraced as a tradition ofexcellence continues to be built inthe years to come.Editor’s Note: I was pleased to have myson, Grant ’08, and daughter, Amanda,participate in the half marathon with me.17 TORCH • Summer 2009 TORCH • Summer 200917

CAMPUS News(l-r) Mike Iosia,Shane Griffith,Trevor MillironThree Faculty Honoredwith Excellence AwardsEACH YEAR at spring commencement,Lee University President Dr.Paul Conn has the privilege of presentingthe three most prestigiousfaculty awards. The following areportions of his comments:MR. SHANE GRIFFITHExcellence in AdvisingEach year the university honors afaculty member who has distinguishedhim or herself in the effectivenessof student advising. For eachsenior who graduates today, therehas been a faculty advisor to helpnavigate the complicated path fromthat first week as a freshman to beingfinally cleared for graduation.This year, we honor Mr. ShaneGriffith, a lecturer who has recentlytransferred from the Mathematics facultyto the Department of Business. Ina department with a large number ofmajors, Mr. Griffith carried one of theheaviest advisor loads on the faculty.Still, he finds time and makes theeffort to help his students so effectivelythat he has made himself conspicuousby the excellence of his advising.His students, as well as his colleagueson the faculty, say he is a model ofthe instructor who consistently goes“above and beyond the call of duty,”not just with his own advisees, butwith other students as well. Mr.Griffith is always available to them,knows what he is doing, and seems tobring a little extra patience and kindnessto those problems which areespecially challenging.DR. MIKE IOSIAExcellence in ScholarshipThis award winner is chosen eachyear by a committee which includesformer members of the award, alongwith other professors whose owntrack record in research is noteworthy.This committee considered eightnominees which were offered bydepartment chairs, and emerged thisyear with a unanimous choice.Dr. Mike Iosia is newcomer tothe Lee faculty, joining us in 2007as an assistant professor in ExercisePhysiology. As an undergraduateMike was a football player at theUniversity of Southern Mississippi.He came to Lee fourteen years laterafter earning a Ph.D. in exercisephysiology from the University ofAlabama, along with a mastersdegree from Auburn University.Dr. Iosia has quickly become akey player in our newly developedprogram in Athletic Training. Eventhough this major included a significanthands-on component, it is alsolike all other academic majors, drivenby research and a well-developedcurricular literature. In addition to histeaching duties, Mike is also an exceptionalscholar who contributes to thatbody of professional literature. He isthe author or co-author of numerouspublications in scholarly journals, andhas already, in his two years at Lee,published several new pieces ofresearch in such publications as TheJournal of the International Society ofSports Nutrition and The Journal ofStrength and Conditioning Research.DR. TREVOR MILLIRONExcellence in TeachingThis award winner is chosen byan anonymous committee whichincludes three faculty members andthree graduating seniors. Because weprize nothing more highly thanteaching, we regard this award as thegreatest compliment we can bestow.Dr. Trevor Milliron is a professor ofPsychology who joined the faculty in1998. He came with the Ph.D. in ClinicalPsychology from Fuller, the firstclinical psychologist ever hired on ourfull-time faculty. In this, his first teachingposition following grad school, Dr.Milliron quickly demonstrated that heis a gifted teacher as well. Lee has anoutstanding program in counselingpsychology, and Trevor has establishedhimself as the leader of the large andimportant area. He was recently asked,in addition to his teaching duties, todirect the various masters degree programsin counseling.It is in the classroom, however,that Trevor has earned his reputationas one of Lee’s finest faculty members.He is a professor who doesn'tavoid teaching the basic coursessuch as introductory psychology tolarge classes of freshmen and sophomores,and still is considered at thetop of his department in teachingthe more advanced senior-levelcourses. In both types of classroomsettings, he is unfailingly judged bystudents to be a gifted teacher whocares deeply about his disciplinewhile still caring more fundamentallyabout them as individuals.18 TORCH • Summer 2009

Professor Emeritus Dennison Passes AwayDR. CLIFFORD DENNISON, a scienceprofessor at Lee from 1955 to 1992,passed away on May21, 2009. He was 86.A native of WestVirginia, he began hisformal education in aone-room schoolhouseand completedhis training with a doctorate in scienceeducation from the University ofFlorida. He was also a veteran, servingin the Army Air Corps in WWII inEngland, Germany and France. At theend of the war, he was involved withsetting up communications for thePotsdam Conference featuring Roosevelt,Stalin and Churchill.Dennison taught science at Leefor 37 years, retiring in 1992 with thefaculty distinction, Professor Emeritus,a title he held until his death.Lee students knew him as the archetypicalbrilliant, “absent-mindedprofessor,” who displayed manytalents, including ultra-light pilotand inventor of the Dennison HomeWater Distillator.Dr. Dennison is survived bymany children and grandchildrenwho are Lee alumni, includingdaughter Doris, who is married toProfessor of Music Dr. Jim Burns.The family has also established theClifford Dennison Science Scholarshipat Lee University.Hisey Emphasizes Importance of ResearchWHEN INTERVIEWING for his positionas instructor of biology, sciencefaculty member John Hisey promisedto get students involved with research.“If they are going to graduate school,science students need to do research”he said. “We have heard from Leegraduates that their research experienceshere made all the difference intheir transition to graduate studies.”At least 20 of Hisey’s former researchstudents have completed and publishedresearch and have authored andco-authored 48 professional presentationsat regional, national and internationalconferences.Hisey’s latest research projectinvolving students is a study of thegenetic patterns of raccoons. Therehave been 12 Lee students that haveparticipated in this project whichbegan in 2001. Originally intendingfor it to be a three-year project, it isnow in its seventh year.Hisey believes raccoons are theperfect animal to study when tryingto learn more about mid-sized carnivores.The study focuses on geneticpatterns in cluster species, or speciesthat live together in a community orgroup. By using raccoons as a modelorganism for other mid-sized carnivorousmammals, the team is studyinginbreeding and habitat fragmentation.“We had participants sendingraccoon tissue samples from allacross North America,” Hisey said,“from Oregon to Manitoba to Texasto Georgia to New York. This maywell be the most extensive project ofits type ever done with raccoons.”Hisey hopes the research willcontribute to management strategiesfor protecting the native wildlife ofCleveland, Tenn., and other globalregions, while meeting humanneeds. —Kelly BridgemanHisey with ananesthetizedstudy subject.FacultyPromotionsCongratulations to the followingLee University faculty who wereapproved by the Board of Directorsin May for promotions in rank:Associate Professorto ProfessorLaura Anderson, Ph.D.University of SouthCarolina,EducationBill Estes, Ph.D.University of NorthCarolina at Chapel Hill,EducationRichard Jones, Ph.D.Wayne StateUniversity,AnthropologyAssistant Professor toAssociate ProfessorTom Doolittle, Ph.D.Southern BaptistTheological Seminary,Pastoral MinistryBill Effler, D.Min.Fuller TheologicalSeminary,Pastoral StudiesJason Ward, Ph.D.University ofCalifornia, Riverside,HistoryTORCH • Summer 200919

CAMPUS News■ DEPARTMENTAL FOCUSInstrumental MusicCarries Rich TraditionDavid Holsingerconducts theWind EnsembleBy PHILLIP THOMASMULTI-FACETED bydesign, the Departmentof InstrumentalMusic provides trainingand musical performances in awide variety of venues and styles. Itsmajors, now numbering over 100,represent 19 states and four foreigncountries, as well as a broad range ofmusical backgrounds and interests.With that profile, it is not surprisingthat they are involved in diversemusical ensembles and experiences.The Department’s oldest ensemble,the Symphonic Band, has beendirected by Mark Bailey since 1992;it is the only one of our ensemblesthat regularly performs off-campus.In the recent past, the group hasbeen involved in ministry/performingtours to Jordan and Guatemala,as well as a large number of schooland churches. True to its mission ofservice and ministry, members ofthe Band taught masterclasses tohigh school students in Jordan andto an elementary school in an economicallychallenged area of Cleveland,Tenn. These students, likemany at Lee, enjoy the challenge ofintegrating academic majors withtheir Christian faith.A newer group is the WindEnsemble, conducted by internationallyrecognized composerDavid Holsinger. While playing ahealthy dose of his challengingmusic for wind band, this energeticgroup explores other repertoire forthat instrumentation; quite a fewof the selections include 20th-centurytechniques like aleotoricismand unusual spatial arrangements.New to their schedule this year wasa concert conducted by several studentsin Holsinger’s advanced conductingclass.Likewise expanding its repertoireand scope is the SymphonyOrchestra. Its most recent concert,conducted by William McNeiland,included works by Beethoven,Dvofiák, and Stravinsky. Stringplayers and other chamber musiciansalso enjoy working with facultymember Xiaoqing Yu, who, inaddition to his full-time duties atLee, serves as concertmaster of theGreenville, S.C. Symphony. Studentsalso benefit from interactionwith stellar guest artists like basstrombonist Doug Yeo (Boston Symphony),trumpeter Alan Vizutti,and clarinetist Anthony McGill, allof whom performed here this year.With such opportunities asthese, we are not surprised that talentedstudents are attracted to thedepartment in growing numbers.Current students include severalformer all-state participants, contestwinners and leaders in their pre-collegemusical ensembles. Some students,like those of Michael Brownlee,have received awards at localand state collegiate competitions.Many come to Lee specificallyto study with artist faculty likeNing An and Gloria Chien. An,who has been a prize winner atmany international piano competitions—includingfirst prize at theKapell and Tivoli, challenges his20 TORCH • Summer 2009

students to the highest musicalstandards with his teaching andperforming. Chien, an internationallyrecognized soloist and chambermusician, does the same. Theyfrequently collaborate with otherworld-class artists in recitals at Leeand many other venues.The couple has also been intimatelyinvolved in Lee’s PianoCompetition for high-school-agepianists, which is now in its 5thyear. Michael Brownlee and PhillipThomas, who chairs the event,have also worked with the competition.Generous cash prizes, excellentfaculty and guest judges, and acollegial atmosphere draw attentionto our fine program in piano, bringingstudents from several states andCanada to campus each June.An even wider group of highschool students assembles inNovember for Honor Band, led byDavid and Winona Holsinger. Othersconvene each summer for MusicCamp. Under the auspices of DeanStephen W. Plate—an accomplishedorchestral conductor—and campdirector Winona Holsinger, theweeklong event includes numerousinstrumentalists. Some of themenroll in the Jazz Track, a specialdivision overseen by faculty memberAlan Wyatt, who directs Lee’s JazzEnsemble during the academic year.The Jazz Ensemble has receivednumerous ensemble awards at JazzFestin Louisville, Ky., for severalyears. A large number of studentshave been recognized for theirindividual skills as well.The Percussion Ensemble isdirected by marimbist/clinicianAndrew Harnsberger, who holdsthe doctorate from the famed EastmanSchool of Music. Anothermember of the department’s facultywhose doctoral degree is fromEastman is theorist Austin Patty,who has presented scholarly papersat regional and national meetingsof the Society for Music Theory.Students’ comments on his teaching—likemost of our faculty—stress his concern for them asmuch as the subject matter. Patty’sstudents also taught song writingto local high students in a recentservice-learning project.Classroom experiences like theseare extended by interaction withXiaoqing Yu withChamber Stringsplaces and cultures studied throughthe Music History cross-culturaltours led by Phillip Thomas. Citiesrich in cultural heritage, from Veniceto Vienna and Rome to Salzburg,have become more than history fordozens of students since 2002.Music Business students, likethose of successful arranger/producerLari Goss, continue to land positionsas interns for companies asdiverse as Word Records, InspirationNetwork, and the Ashville (N.C.)Opera. Goss has also arranged forhis students to observe professionalsessions in Nashville.Current students also studywith teachers who are active performers,many of them regularmembers of the nearby ChattanoogaSymphony. These includetrombonist Doug Warner, oboistRobert Burks, flutist Janet Hale, andcellist Ann Camp. A record 13 guitarmajors study with Andrew Linton,a student of Mario Abril, andtrumpet students learn from PhilipMorehead, former principal trumpetof the Chattanooga Symphony.Classical saxophonists study withBrenda Moye; two quartets underher direction were invited to performat the state convention ofmusic educators.Whether in the classroom, practiceroom, or church service, studentsand faculty of the InstrumentalDepartment strive to use their skillsas musicians to further the cause ofthe Kingdom. They understand thattrue integration of faith and learningis not a one-time event, but a lifelongprocess. Having surpassed thedepartmental goal of 100 majors thisfall, we press toward a future thatembraces a wide variety of musicalstyles, all performed for His glory.Phillip Thomas, Ph.D. is chair of theDepartment of Instrumental MusicTORCH • Summer 200921

SPORTSBaseball Team Returns to World SeriesThe Flames reach the semi-finals for the third straight year.THE LEE BASEBALL team has found ahome away from home in Lewiston,Idaho. The Flames recently madetheir third straight appearance (fourin the past five years) in the NAIAWorld Series which is hosted annuallyby the northern Idaho community.Coach Mark Brew’s club placedsecond in last year’s tournament andcame back this seasonto reach the semi-finalround before beingbeaten by Point LomaNazarene University(Calif.).In three years asLee’s head coach,Mark Brew, who somesaid was too young totake over the programJulianAlvarezfrom David Altopp, has directed theFlames to 167 wins against just 39defeats, that’s an average of over 55victories per year.After losing in the final game ofthe 2008 World Series, Lee bouncedback to a 53-14 record in 2009. Aftera disappointing third-place finish inthe Southern States Athletic Conferenceregular season, the Flames hostedthe opening round of the NAIANational Tournament and begantheir World Series run.They defeated Spring Arbor(Mich.) in the first game of the NAIAtourney at Olympic Field and thenwhipped Belhaven College (Miss.)twice to coast into Lewiston and atry at the top prize.Lee whippedCampbellsville (Ky.) inthe first round ofWorld Series, but lostgame two to No. 1-ranked Lubbock Christian(Texas). With theLewiston fans behindthem, the Flames camefiring back to eliminateFresno Pacific (Calif.) and Berry College.Brew’s crew had its chances toupset Point Loma, but dropped atough 8-6 decision.Pitching was the name of thegame for the Flames. Junior lefthanderMatt Gilson was 11-3. DaveMason posted a 10-3 mark and JoelMatthews was 7-2. Pablo Lopez completedhis career at 5-2 and had 10saves. Josh Rose finished strong andwas unbeaten at 4-0.Julian Alvarez was listed as a firstteam NAIA All-American. The outfielderhit .406 with 18 homers and 78RBI. First baseman Chris Warters washonorable mention. He also blasted 18home runs and knocked in 81 runs.Coach Brew praised the effort ofhis seniors—Mason, Matthews,Lopez, Rose, Alvarez, Warters, BrianBistagne, Chris Dubon, Mitch Davidson,Jeff Ibarra and Elvis Sosa.Alvarez, Warters, Gilson and TannerMoore were named All-SSAC andMoore was also a Gold Glove winner.Mason was selected as the Flames’Champion of Character winner.“I’m really proud of our teamand the way we fought back late inthe season,” said Coach Brew. “A lotof people never gave this club achance to reach the World Seriesagain. The SSAC was very strong thisseason and that showed by threeteams from our conference making itto the World Series. The people ofLewiston were great to us. You can’tbelieve the World Series atmosphereuntil you have been here.”World Series teams gather onthe field in Lewiston, Idaho

2008-2009Season ScoreboardVOLLEYBALL29-10, 14-2 SSACSSAC Tournament Champions(l-r) Gary Ray,Larry Carpenter,SSAC CommissionerKurt PatbergCarpenter Is AD of the YearLEE UNIVERSITY Athletic DirectorLarry Carpenter was recently honoredat the NAIA Awards Banquet as theNAIA-ADA Athletics Director of theYear. The event was held in conjunctionwith the NAIA National Conventionin Kansas City. On hand tosalute Carpenter was the Commissionerof the Southern States AthleticConference, Dr. Kurt Patberg.“As I stood before my peers whileaccepting the reward, I saw so manydedicated and gifted administratorsWOMEN’S SOCCER and golf standoutJulie Donnestad and men’s golferJoshua Lawson have been named the2009 winners of the Paul Conn StudentAthlete of the Year awards.After helping the Lee women’ssoccer program to the university’s firstNAIA national championship andbecoming a first-team NAIA All-American,Donnestad became the first Leeathlete to earn a spot in two separatenational tournaments. She turned togolf during the second semester andfinished second in the SSAC AthleticConference Women’s Golf Tournament.Donnestad is also a two-timeSSAC and NAIA Scholar Athlete.sitting in the audience that it trulyhumbled me,” said Carpenter. “Theaward is a reflection of the dedicationand hard work by a wonderfulstaff and the support given by ouradministration.”On June 20, he will receive the2008-2009 NACDA/Under ArmourAD of the Year for the SoutheastRegion of the NAIA at the NACDAConvention in Orlando, Fla. Thisis the second time Carpenter hasreceived this award.2009 Conn Student Athlete AwardsJosh Lawson leaves Lee Universitywith a 4.0 GPA and has been acceptedin the University of Tennessee MedicalSchool. He made his fourth consecutivetrip to the NAIA National GolfTournament and claimed three tournamentchampionships during hisfour-year Lee career.WOMEN’S SOCCER24-1-1, 10-0-0 SSACNAIA National ChampionsSSAC Tournament ChampionsSSAC Regular Season ChampionsMEN’S SOCCER9-10-2, 4-5-0 SSACSSAC Tournament ChampionsWOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRYThird in SSAC meetTwo runners advanced to NAIA NationalMEN’S CROSS COUNTRYSecond in SSAC meetThree runners advanced to NAIA NationalWOMEN’S BASKETBALL30-6, 17-3 SSACSSAC Tournament ChampionsSSAC Regular Season ChampionsMEN’S BASKETBALL26-8, 14-4 SSACSSAC Tournament ChampionsBASEBALL53-13, 20-7 SSACNAIA Opening Rnd Field 5 ChampionsNAIA World Series Final FourSOFTBALL39-14, 26-6 SSACSSAC Regular Season Co-ChampionsWOMEN’S TENNIS9-5, 4-3 SSACMEN’S TENNIS10-3, 3-2 SSACWOMEN’S GOLFFirst year of programTwo NAIA All-AmericansRachel Ingram SSAC medalistJulie Donnestad Lee’s first doubleNAIA All-American (soccer and golf)TORCH • Summer 2009 23

SPORTSLee Athletics in BriefWomen’s SoftballLady Flames Finish in National Top 20The Lee softball team finished the 2009 season with a39-14 record. The Lady Flames tied with Brenau Universityfor the regular-season Southern States Athletic Conferencetitle with a 26-6 mark and were ranked 16th in thefinal NAIA national poll.Coach Emily Russell’s club battled to the final game ofthe SSAC tournament before being defeated by ShorterCollege. Shorter joined Brenau in the national tournamentand the Lady Flames just missed getting an at-largeberth. Lee placed four players on the All-SSAC first team.Shortstop Hernanza was second-team All-SSAC, whileBrittany Rowe and Walker were selected as NAIA ScholarAthletes. Members of the SSAC Academic team wereRowe, Walker, Kaitlyn Grosch and Balough. WhitleyStone was Lee’s NAIA Champion of Character winner.Lee’s Josh Nofflettgoes in for twoCoach Emily Russelldirects her runnersas Tabitha Farrowheads for homeMen’s BasketballFlames Post 26-8 RecordFor the fourth straight year Coach Tommy Browndirected the Lee men’s basketball team to a berth in theNAIA National Tournament in Kansas City and to animpressive 26-8 record. The season was highlighted by awin over Auburn University-Montgomery in the final roundof the Southern States Athletic Conference Tournament.The Flames were defeated by Columbia College (Mo.)in the opening round of the national tournament andColumbia went on to claim the runner-up spot in the 32-team event.Senior guard Elmar Kuli-Zade, one of the top 3-pointshooters in the country, headed the list of individualaward winners. He was NAIA All-American- Second Team,SSAC Player of the Year, All-SSAC, and SSAC All-Tournament.Senior Paco Diaw joined the list by being namedthe SSAC Defensive Player of the Year and All-SSAC.Junior Josh Nofflet came on strong near the end of theseason and garnered the SSAC Tournament MVP award.24 TORCH • Summer 2009

For more complete sports coverage, visit the Lee Web siteat www.leeuniversity.edu and click the “Athletics” link.TennisTennis Teams Nationally RankedThe Lee men’s tennis team completed the 2009 tennisseason with a 9-4 record and ranked No. 13 in the finalNAIA rating. The Lady Flames were ranked No. 17 in thefinal poll and posted a 9-5 mark.The Flames earned an at-large berth in the NAIANational Tournament in Mobile, Ala., and after whippingOlivet Nazarene University (Ill.) in the first round, CoachTony Cavett’s team was beaten by the national champions,Fresno Pacific University(Calif.) in thesecond round.Like the men’s team,the Lady Flames werebeaten by a squad thatwent on to claim thenational title. AuburnUniversity-Montgomeryknocked the Leewomen out of theSaraAnicSouthern States AthleticConference Tournament.Two weeks later,the Lady Senators were crowned NAIA champs for thesixth straight year.In her first season as a Lady Flame, Sara Anic wasselected to the All-SSAC first team, while for the men,while Caio Borges won a huge off-season battle over cancerand came back to join Dimitar Pamukchiyan on theAll-SSAC men’s squad. Borges only lost one match theentire year. He was also selected as Lee’s Champion ofCharacter representative.Women’s BasketballLady Flames Reach ‘Elite Eight’Winning has been the name of the game for CoachMarty Rowe who completed his fifth season as the Leewomen’s basketball coach in March. The Lady Flameswere 30-6 overall and reached the Elite 8 in the NAIANational Tournament for the first time.Lee claimed the Southern States Athletic Conference regular-seasontitle (four straight) and tournament crown (threestraight) and earned an automatic bid to Jackson, Tenn.,and the national tournament for the fifth straight time.Individual honors were shared by several and led byjunior post player Katie Nelson. She was named NAIA SecondTeam All-American and selected as All-SSAC andearned a spot on the ConferenceAll-Tournament team. SophomoreBrooke McKinnon wasnamed NAIA Honorable MentionAll-American, while seniorValeriya Musina was the MVP ofthe SSAC Tournament and postedan All-SSAC award. AngelaSpann made her presence felt bybeing named the SSAC Freshmanof the Year. Allison Radercame back from knee surgeryand a red-shirt year to run thepoint for Rowe’s club. She joinedMeg Willette and Jennifer Paul on the SSAC All-Academicteam and Chandler Collins was Lee’s representative onthe NAIA Champion of Character team.GolfWomen Finish First YearKatieNelsonLee’s Rachel Ingram and Julie Donnestad earnedrecords that will never be broken when they became thefirst two Lady Flames to be named to the NAIA Women’sNational Golf All-Tournament team.In the tourney, Donnestad posted a 76 during the finalround and Ingram followed with a 77. Both finished the72-hole event with 309 totals and joined Angela Gauck ofMarian College (Ind.) in a tie for sixth place in the finalstandings and spots on the 15-lady, all-tourney squad.“What a great end to the first season of our women’sgolf program,” said Coach John Maupin. “I never couldhave imagined that we would have two girls finish in thetop six at the national tournament. I couldn’t be happier forJulie and Rachel.”The men’s golf team earned an at-large spot in theNAIA National Golf Tournament and Josh Lawson justmissed making the NAIA All-Tournament team. His 72-hole total of 298put him at 14over par in theevent hosted bythe TPC DeereRun course inSilvis, Ill. Sixteengolfers were alltournamentandLawson placed17th in theextremely strongJulie Donnestad and Rachel Ingramfield.TORCH • Summer 200925

WHO’S WhereLacy Powell▲ Lacy D. Powell ’46, ofFayetteville, GA, passedaway on March 27, 2009,at his home. He was 87.Dr. Powell served in WorldWar II where he flew nearly40 missions over theEuropean arena before hisB-24 Liberator bomber wasshot down over Budapest,Hungary. For nine monthsin 1944-1945, he was heldcaptive. In 1954, he movedto Georgia and worked inthe public schools. Heserved as a teacher, principaland administratorbefore retiring in 1987.Betty McCullough Bowers’51 and her husband ofalmost 55 years, Walter,live in Inez, KY, whereBetty is retired from workingat Omsted Air ForceBase in Pennsylvania. TheMcCulloughs have twogrown daughters, both ofwhom attended Lee: DebraBowers Evans ’79 andBenita Bowers Field ’81.Frances Carden Snyder’56 lives in Cleveland, TN,where she isa retiredevangelist,but stillministersoccasionally.She recently won a tripto Hilton Head, SC, whereshe traveled with five familymembers.Charles Lingerfelt ’65 hastraveled six times toNorthern Iraq to helpestablish a Kurdish AmericanSchool in the city ofDohuk. At the schoolwhere he is co-director,Kurds are taught AmericanEnglish, government andDemocratic principles.Charles and his wifeCarolyn ’65, have threesons, three daughters and13 grandchildren and arebased in Dallas, TX.▼Charles Lingerfelt witha Kurdish studentGary Palmer ’74 is assistantvice president of communityaffairs for Replacements,Ltd., of Greensboro,NC.Teresa Brandon Brown’78 is married to Ed Brownand they live in Cleveland,TN. They have two childrenand four grandchildrenand Teresa is presentlyteaching educationcourses at Lee.Harry Mann ’69 lives inSt. Augustine, FL, with hiswife, Pam. Last June hetook early retirement after27 years as a pastor in theFlorida Conference of theUnited Methodist Churchand moved to Lynchburg,TN, to care for his motherin the last months of herlife. The Manns movedto St. Augustine in 2003and in May, Harry retiredagain after more than fiveyears service as chaplainof the St. Johns WelfareFederation.David Goodrum ’85 hasbeen a full-time missionaryto the Caribbean and CentralAmerica for the past19 years, providing trainingfor pastors and churchworkers, doing children'scrusades, carrying missionaryand relief supplies toisland and coastal locationsaboard his 40-ft. trimaransailboat, “Faith.”See pictures and stories atwww.sailingservant.org.Ronald Haynes ’87 andhis wife, Rhonda, are fulltimemissionaries to theAymara people of Bolivia.They have six children, theyoungest of which serves▲TORCHTRAVELSSend us a photo of youand/or a fellow alumnus oralumna reading Torch at anexotic or noteworthy destination.Tell us where youwere and what was theoccasion. Send prints to theLee University AlumniOffice, 1120 North OcoeeStreet, Cleveland, TN37311, ATTN: Torch Travels.High resolution digitalphotos can be e-mailed totorch@leeuniversity.edu.Erika Peters ‘07 stopsduring the frenzy of alocal market place inKigali, Rwanda, to snapa photo with Torch.26 TORCH • Summer 2009TORCH • Summer 2009

on the mission field withthem. Their Web site iswww.lovelyfeet.org. ▼TheHaynesTim ’88 and Amy IngramClark ’88 have two childrenand live in Lebanon,OH. Tim serves as a managerfor Ohio Workers’Compensation, whileAmy is a homemaker.Tim recently helped organizea Celebrate Recoveryprogram (Christ-centeredaddiction recovery) attheir local church. Theyalso enjoy heritage chickenfarming and would loveto hear from former classmates.Lynn Douglas Crummey’88 is married to Dwaineand they have threedaughters and one grandchild.They are residents ofStockton, GA.Genae Gillespie Lancaster’91 is living in Simpsonville,SC, with her husbandand two children.Paul Garner ’93 has beena science teacher at A.J.McMullen Middle Schoolin Uniontown, PA, foreight years and married foreight years. He and hiswife have three children.Paul says, “I remembermany great friends duringthe 1992–1993 year whenI attended Lee and I wouldlike to get in contact withthem.”DeWayne Hamby ’93 andLeAnn Moorhead ’00 andwere married in September2008 in Lake Mary, FL.Both work at Strang Communications,LeAnn servingas publicity coordinatorfor the Strang BookGroup and DeWayne asassistant editor for ChristianRetailing magazine.▲Thomas Adams II ’94 andhis wife recently movedto Norfolk, VA, with theirtwo children. Thomas isdeputy sheriff for the Cityof Norfolk.Hunter McCormick ’94lives in Palm Beach Gardens,FL, with his wife,Becky, and their fourchildren. Hunter has 14years with AT&T, formerlyBellSouth.Terry Ammons ’97 isgeneral manager of a newHampton Inn hotel inOoltewah, TN. Terry isThe Hambysmarried to Suzette andthey have one son.Ginger Goff Crawford ’97has joined St. BarnabasSenior Living Services inChattanooga, TN, as directorof marketing andadmissions for its skillednursing division. At St.Barnabas she will visitpatient referrals from areahospitals for St. Barnabas'sshort-term rehabilitationtherapy program.Dan Eason ’98 and hiswife, Renee, are pastoringthe Church of God congregationin Prosser, WA.Rob ’99 and Enida BegaGurry ’99 welcomed theirfirst child, Laurel Allison,in December 2008. Rob is ageneral practice and litigationattorney and Enida isoffice manager for theReinke Group engineeringfirm. Rob also started hisown law practice inDayton, OH, in 2008(www.GurryLaw.com). Theylive in Miamisburg, OH.▲John B. and Ralphie Massey’59 took Torch to Irelandwhere they posed with thesculpture of “Mr. Holland,”inventor of the submarine.TORCH • Summer 200927

WHO’S WhereTheLaMagnas▲ Mark ’99 and Julie RuffLaMagna ’00 live in Yonkers,NY, with their twochildren, including theirnewest, Mark Joel, bornJuly 28, 2008. Mark teaches12th grade economics,while Julie is a stay-athomemom.Raymond E. (Gene) Sholl’99, ’01M passed away onAugust 29, 2008 due toinjuries sustained in anearlier auto accident. A residentof Dayton, TN, Genecontinued his education toobtain a Ph.D. in 2005. Atthe time of his death hewas employed with a firmwhere he worked withadults with severe challenges.He is survived by hiswife, Glenda, four childrenand seven grandchildren.Bill ’99 and AmandaKindley Woodruff ’00 areliving in Portland, ME.Bill has been appointedregional youth and Christianeducation director ofNorthern New England forthe Church of God, whileAmanda will be involvedin girls ministry. TheWoodruff’s have twodaughters.Joni McCullar Criswell’00 graduated with herPh.D. in Evolution, Ecology,and Organismal Biologyfrom The Ohio StateUniversity in December2008. All of her researchwas conducted on thebehavior of the PanamanianGolden Frog. She iscurrently teaching atseveral local colleges inColumbus, OH. ▼Chanin Paschall Giannasio’00 is married to Brianand they live in Cleveland,Dr. JoniMcCullarCriswellTN. Chanin taught schoolfor eight years until her son,William Silas, was born onJune 4, 2008. Chanin says,“I now have the wonderfulopportunity to stay athome and be with my son.I am truly blessed.”Seth Baxter ’01 has workedin the television industryfor 10 years and recentlymoved back to the Chattanooga,TN, areawhere he is a producerfor the NBCaffiliate, WRCBChannel 3 EyewitnessNews. He ismarried to Shannonand they havetwo children.Charles Goggins’01 is the generalmanager for BJ'sWholesale Club inEast Point, GA. Heholds a master'sdegree in Managementfrom RegentUniversity. He is married toSandy and they have onedaughter.Seth LaMagna ’03, ’06M and Michael DelBonis ‘04, wereamong the chosen few to get tickets for opening day in thenew Yankee Stadium in New York on April 16, 2009. Ticketfor Torch was not needed.▲▲ During a recent Mediterranean cruise, Jim ’69 and LolaLuallen Brewer ’68 of Pahokee, FL, visit the “library” atEphesus, Turkey, to read the latest issue of Torch.28 TORCH • Summer 2009TORCH • Summer 2009

Alumni AuthorsRecent books written by Lee University alumniThey PoppedMy Hood andFound Gravy onthe DipstickBeyond theFarthest HorizonRobert Fisher ‘80Embracing YourInner MediocrityVince Stone ‘86A Life WorthLivingBill Isaacs ‘07Todd Starnes ‘94News anchor and reporterfor Fox News Radio, ToddStarnes takes a humorousbut serious look at life andfaith. A former editor of theLee student newspaper Collegian,Todd draws from hisreal-life experiences battlingobesity and heart issues andrunning marathons.Former Presidential candidateMike Huckabee says,“Todd’s story reminds me ofthe many ups and downs Ifaced during my weight loss.Todd survived a significantsurgery, ran a marathon,and despite it all still managedto complete the task.His story reminds us thatGod uses the least of us todo the greatest things, thatway there is no question thatit is indeed God at work.”To order the book, go towww.pathwaybookstore.com.Drawing from his lifelong interestin Ferdinand Magellanand 20 years of research,Lee University Professor ofPsychology Dr. Robert Fisherhas published a historicalnovel that brings the famedexplorer’s story to life.Beyond the Farthest Horizonfollows Magellan from hisadventures as a young soldierserving in Africa, India andthe Far East, to his historymakingvoyage of circumnavigation.“Magellan’s life was theultimate adventure,” Fishersays. “He fought pirates,survived battles and mutiny,and led the first expeditionto sail around the world. Ifinally decided I wanted totell that story.”To read an excerpt fromthe book, visit his Web site:www.robertwfisher.com.The book is available atwww.amazon.com.If there was ever a time in oursociety when we need to takeit down a notch, it's now.In this hilarious satire of theprosperity and excellenceindustry, Vince Stone examineshow mediocrity affects allaspects of our life. While makingyou laugh at how ridiculouswe really are, he offers asimple solution for those of uswho are constantly understress trying to overachievewhen just being average is abetter way to live.Gretchen Carlson, hostof Fox and Friends said, “Ithought this book was reallyfunny even though it goesagainst my overachievingways. I told my producer tocall him and get him on ourshow. It was fun to havehim.” Vince appeared twiceon the program.The book is available atwww.amazon.com or his Website: www.innermediocrity.com.Each of us has a life assignmentfrom God regardlessof vocation. It is our calling...thething God hasasked us to do with our lifefor His glory and His kingdom.This calling is notwithout cost and in somecases we can be bruised bythe assignment.To live the life that istruly worth living, we mustidentify the assignment Godhas for us and commit allour energies to its completion.We will never regretsuch a personal life decision!Dr. Mark Walker, seniorpastor of Mt. Paran NorthChurch says, “If you’re lookingfor a book to alwayschallenge you to pursueGod’s excellence, this bookis for you.”To order the book, go towww.alifeworthlivingbook.com.TORCH • Summer 200929

WHO’S WhereJamie Huff ’01 (stagename Commodore James)has been selected to front afive-spot Class A commercialcampaign for the drinkcompany Kool-Aid. Jamielives in the Los Angelesarea where he is pursuingacting and stage performance.Hs Web site iswww.commodorejames.com.Amy Crisp Waugh ’01 isliving in the Charlotte, NCwhere she works for CNASurety Company as a contractsurety bond underwriter.She has obtained herNorth Carolina Insurancelicense in property/ casualty.She married Gary “Brandon”Waugh in July 2005.Tim ‘02 and Denae ‘00Switzer moved to Lexington,KY, shortly after graduatingfrom Lee. Denaeteaches elementary schooland holds a master'sdegree from GeorgetownCollege. She recently finishedher National BoardCertification in EarlyChildhood Education. Timfurthered his education atthe University of Kentuckywhere he graduated with adegree in Respiratory Therapyand is now an organtransplant coordinatorfor the Kentucky OrganDonor Affiliates.Eric Whipple ’02 marriedEmily Roberts in May andthe newlyweds are residingin Seattle, WA where Eric isworking as a store managerfor Wal-Mart and Emily is anurse for Good Sams Hospital.Eric says, “I'm blessedto have gone through theeducational system at Leeand use the applicationsI've learned from that experienceto reflect Gods directionin my life.”April Auger ’05 is servingas the recruitment coordinatorfor the SorensenInstitute for Political Leadershipat the University ofVirginia. In this role Aprilhas primary responsibilityfor coordinating and executingrecruitment andoutreach efforts for the collegeand high school leadersprograms. The Web siteis www.sorenseninstitute.org.TheButlers▲ Barbie Rumsey Butler'04 and her husband,Thomas, were married atthe Biltmore Estate inAsheville, NC, on October25, 2008. They now residein West Hartford, CT.Raymond Beckman ’05,and his wife Tania, live inIndialantic, FL. Raymondrecently completed anM.S. in Clinical Psychologyat Florida Tech. Raymondaccepted a commissioninto the U.S. ArmyHealth Professions scholarshipprogram to serve threeyears on active duty as apsychologist, which willbegin after he finishes gradschool. Raymond says, “Icredit the Psychology Dept.with the mentoring andsupport that prepared mefor challenges of gradschool. Thanks to all.”Stephanie Graham ’05 wasan ESL teacher in Siping,China with the EnglishLanguage Institute (ELIC)from 2002-2006. She ispresently teaching Chineseat Ross Global Academy inNew York City. At theChurch of God of NewRochelle, NY, Stephanie isserving as the Kids ForChrist choir director. Shealso started an independentcharity for Siping orphansneeding cleft palate surgeries(Chinese OrphansFund). Stephanie says,“Check out my China blogwww.xanga.com/little_lambsand learn how to getinvolved!”Rory Davis Jenkins '05and her husband, DJ, welcomedtheir first child,Brian ’91 and Morgan Wade pose with Torch in Montevideo,Uruguay, by the statue of Artigas at Independence Plaza.▲▲ With Torch in hand, Ben McGlamery ’71 braved thewaters of the Akoue’ Lagoon near Cotonou, Benin, in WestAfrica, headed for the village Manive’, home to over 30,000descendants of slaves.30 TORCH • Summer 2009TORCH • Summer 2009

Allison Nicole, on January26, 2009. Rory also recentlycompleted her master'sin Special Education fromthe University of Alabamaat Birmingham. The coupleand their daughterreside in Trussville, AL,where Rory works as asixth grade teacher.Nathan Lynn ’06 marriedBrittany Holcomb on June8, 2007, and the couplelives in Tellico Plains, TN.Nathan teaches middleschool and coaches highschool football.Erskine Mink ’07 marriedAngela on August 23, 2008,and the couple moved toLogan, WV, last November.Erskine works as an auditorfor Suttle & Stalnaker apublic accounting firm inCharleston, WV.Justin Rose ’08 is workingin Church of God WorldMissions as a media projectsassociate, writing anddoing graphic design inCleveland, TN.We Want to Hear From You!Name ___________________________________________________________________Address __________________________________________________________________City _____________________________________________________________________State ________________ Zip ______________________ Last Year at Lee ___________Phone (H) ________________________ Phone (W) _____________________________E-mail Address _____________________________________________________________Family (spouse, children, etc.) __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Occupation __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Brief notes of interest __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________THREE WAYS TO SEND US YOUR UPDATE• Lee’s Web Site: www.leeuniversity.edu. Follow the links to “Alumni and Friends” and click on“Who’s Where Update.”• E-mail: torch@leeuniversity.edu. High resolution digital photos are welcome. Please include allthe information requested above.• Mail: Send this completed form to the Lee University Alumni Office, P.O. Box 3450, Cleveland,TN 37320-3450.American Idol, Lee Alum To Release New AlbumAmerican Idol Season 6 finalist Phil Stacey ‘02 recently finished recording his new11-track album, Into the Light, which bows August 25. Stacey, an Idol Top 5 contestant,will showcase his acclaimed power vocals and songwriting chops with this first modernpop offering on Reunion Records.“Given the recent past, it’s understandable that people are quick to ask me aboutthe musical side of what I do,” says Stacey, who performed for an average of 30-millionviewers a week, for the 11 weeks he competed on American Idol. “I enjoy talking aboutthe music, too. In fact, I love it. But the biggest hope I have is that what I do will helpdraw people to God—whether that’s through the songs I write, how I conduct myselfon stage, or more importantly, the ways I relate to other people. Everything I did withAmerican Idol has readied me for this platform and this album”Stacey—the son of a pastor, grandson of two pastors, and a one-time music ministerhimself—celebrates faith and family on Into the Light as he sings passionately aboutan unshakable and loving God. With legendary Christian music producer Brown Bannister(Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman) at the helm, Into the Light artfully tapsStacey’s longtime love for the church and its most modern musical expressions.TORCH • Summer 200931

L E EU N I V E R S I T YP.O. Box 3450Cleveland, TN 37320-3450www.leeuniversity.eduAnnouncing the 2009 Lee UniversityAnnual Alumni Fund Goal:$415,000Hundreds of alumni of BTS, Lee Academy, Lee College and Lee University have made giving back to their alma mater apart of their annual budget. From $1 to $10,000, alumni support is the backbone of any university and Lee is no exception.If you haven’t already decided to participate in the Annual Alumni Fund, make 2009 your year to join!2009 GIVING LEVELS• Honor Roll $1 - $299• Fair Share $300 - $499• President’s Circle $500 - $999• President’s Circle Silver $1,000 - $1,999• President’s Circle Gold $2,000 - $4,999• President’s Circle Platinum $5,000 and upAs an expression of our gratitude, 2009 Alumni Funddonors will receive the following gifts from Lee University:• 2009 Alumni calendar $20 donation• 2009 Alumni t-shirt$50 donation• 2009 Alumni mug$250 donation• Two Homecoming passes $500 donation• Alumni stadium blanket $1,000 donation• Four Homecoming passes $1,000 donation• Unlimited Homecoming passes $5,000 donationIf you graduated in the last 7 years, it's easy to becomea member of the Young Alumni Torch Society:• Make a gift of any amount to the Annual AlumniFund for two consecutive years.• Continue making consecutive annual gifts to theAlumni Fund to maintain your membership.• When you have been an alumnus of Lee Universityfor more than 7 years, you will continue to receiverecognition and appreciation from Lee for yourannual giving even though you will no longer be eligiblefor Torch Society membership.Benefits of Torch Society Membership:• Invitation to Torch Society Networking Reception• Torch Society Pass for admission to all Homecomingweekend events• Annual Torch Society member milestone giftPlease mail your 2009 Alumni Fund gifts to Lee University, Alumni Relations, P.O. Box 3450,Cleveland, TN 37320-3450 or donate securely online at http://alumni.leeuniversity.edu/Save the Date!Homecoming2009November 6-7More detailsto come!