Summer - Lee University

SUMMER 2008Volume 50 • Number 2TORCH magazine is the officialpublication of Lee University,Cleveland, Tennessee.It is intended to inform,educate and give insight toalumni, parents and friendsof the university.It is published quarterlyand mailed free to allalumni of the university.Other subscriptions areavailable by calling thealumni office at 423-614-8316.TORCH MAGAZINECameron Fisher, editorGeorge Starr, sports editorBob Fisher, graphic designerWRITERSSusie Battle, Jerome Boone,Kelly Bridgeman, Lindsey Calhoun,Brian Conn, Paul Conn,Missy Colter, Cameron Fisher,Katie Gee, Whitney Hemphill,Jessica Smalley, George Starr,Marcus WhitfieldPHOTOGRAPHERSBrian Conn, Cameron Fisher,Whitney Hemphill, Johnny Hughes,Shashank Shrestha, George Starr,Robin Tirey, Mike WessonCopyright © 2008USPS# 016272Periodicals postage paid atCleveland, Tenn.Please send address corrections,letters to the editorand other inquiries to:Lee University Alumni Office,1120 North Ocoee StreetCleveland, TN 37320-3450.www.leeuniversity.edutorch@leeuniversity.eduA Giant PassesDr. Charles W. Connserved as president ofLee University from1970-1982.ON THE COVERCONTENTS4 Passing of a PresidentLee University’s 15th president,Dr. Charles W. Conn, passed awayon March 18, 2008. Read about his lifeand his 12 years of leadership of Lee.8 Commencement 2008Held both indoors and out,commencement weekend wasmemorable for all.12 Construction AboundsThree major building projects are atvarious levels of completion on theLee campus, all made possible bythe successful Press Toward theMark campaign.24 Baseball to World SeriesThe Lee Flames baseball club makesit to the NAIA World Series for thesecond consecutive year.

OPENING THOUGHTSFrom President Paul ConnDepartments12 Campus News23 Faculty Facts24 Athletics30 Torch Travels30 Who's WhereCleveland Mayor Tom Rowland, right, andLee education professor and ClevelandCity Councilman Bill Estes, watch as thefirst of three Billy Graham Ave. signs aremounted by City employee Tim Presley.Billy Graham AvenueVisitors to our campus will soon see a new and unfamiliarstreet sign along Ocoee Street. “Billy Graham Avenue” now marksthe northern boundary of our campus.The new street name replaces “15th Street” for two blocks—that’s the stretch that runs from the Beach Science Buildingparking lot on Ocoee eastward to Parker Street.The Cleveland City Council, at the urging of Mayor TomRowland, voted in a unanimous 7-0 action to rename the streetearly this spring, as a way of honoring the legendary Baptist ministerand recognizing his connection to the Cleveland community.As most Lee alumni already know, Graham lived on OcoeeStreet when he was a freshman at Bob Jones College. He was askinny North Carolina farm boy, just beginning a ministry whichwould eventually make him one of the most universally admiredpersonalities of the Twentieth Century.In that year in Cleveland, Graham lived in the men’s dormitorywhich we now call Medlin Hall. He worked in downtown Clevelandselling shoes at the J.C. Penney store, and his walks back andforth from Medlin Hall to downtown Cleveland were probably littledifferent from the experience of thousands of Lee students since1947, when Lee College bought the campus from Bob Jones.Graham is said to have preached his first sermonin a small church in Bradley County as a student thatyear. He decided early that Bob Jones College wasnot a good fit for him; he was uncomfortable withits narrow brand of fundamentalism, and transferredaway after one semester. This decision foreshadowedthe "big tent" brand of evangelism which would laterbecome a Billy Graham trademark, a welcoming andinclusive style of preaching which brought millions ofnew believers into the Kingdom over the next halfcentury.For many decades, young Lee College/Universityministerial students have wondered exactly whichroom in Medlin Hall was home to the famous evangelist.Billy Graham slept here, but where, exactly?I have been asked the question many times, but wecan find no record of Graham's room assignment.Lee University is proud of our connection, howeverscant, with an individual who embodies so manyof the qualities we regard as important. When MayorRowland asked for our support for his initiative to gain officialrecognition of "Billy Graham Avenue" from the Graham Association,we readily agreed. Such permission is not often given by thatorganization, and now that it is done, we feel that Cleveland,even more than Graham himself, is honored by the new name.

Special FeatureREMEMBERINGCHARLES W. CONN1920-2008Charles W. Connspeaks duringcommencementin the 1970’s.4 TORCH • Summer 2008

DR. CHARLES W. CONN,who served for twelve yearsas president of Lee College,died in a Chattanoogahospital on March 18, four days aftersuffering a heart attack. He was 88.Conn’s leadership of Lee (1970-82)came during a crucial period of transitionbetween its Bible institute originsand the liberal arts university which itwould eventually become. At the time,no other president had served as longas ten years, and thousands of alumnifrom the 1970’sremember him asa leader with apersonal andfatherly style.After hisretirement in1984, Conn andhis wife Ednamade their homeCharles Connas a youngministerin Cleveland, andremained activelyinvolved in thelife of the campus.He was Lee’s first “presidentemeritus,” a role which he played withgreat enthusiasm.Conn was born in Atlanta, Georgia,in 1920, and attended Lee in 1939when it was a small ministerial institutein Sevierville, Tennessee, calledBTS (Bible Training School). Therehe met Edna Minor, from Decatur,Alabama, who was like himself a newconvert answering a call to ministry.They married in 1941—until her deathfrom cancer in 1997—and were parentsof twelve children, all of whom alsoattended Lee.He was honored by his alma materin many ways over the years, includingthe awarding of an honorary doctorate,the naming of a new auditorium builtduring his tenure (Conn Center, 1978),receiving Lee’s Distinguished AlumnusAward (1960), and the establishment ofa “servant leadership award” bearinghis name (2004).During his presidency, Conn’s skillin managing the relationship betweenthe school and the denomination was aprimary asset to the rapidly evolvinginstitution. As a trusted leader andpreacher in the church, he persistentlypromoted his vision of a college whichwould prepare students in a wide rangeof academic disciplines without losingits commitment to ministerial trainingand Bible study.Prior to his tenure as president ofLee, Conn served as General Overseer ofthe Church of God (1966-70) and aseditor-in-chief of publications for thedenomination (1952-62). He was authorof Like A Mighty Army, the authorizedhistory of the Church of God, as well astwenty other books, and many peopleregard his writing and editorial work tobe his most significant contributions tohis denomination.▼Charles and EdnaConn as newlyweds(above) and at their50th anniversary.The Conn clan circa 1956. This was oneof Charles Conn’s favorite family photos.Current Lee University president Paul Connis in the front row, second from right.TORCH • Summer 20085

Special FeatureLEE UNIVERSITY:A Family Affair• Charles W. Conn and his wife EdnaMinor Conn both attended Lee.• Of their twelve children, all twelveattended Lee. Sixteen of his childrenand their spouses graduated from Lee.• Thirty-six of their grandchildren andspouses attended Lee.• Their first great-grandchild toreach college age is currently aLee sophomore.PROUD FATHER: Charles W. Conn (standing, second from left) with his seven sons,(back, l-r) Jeff, Mark, Stephen, Bruce, Phil, (kneeling, l-r) Raymond and PaulFour generations:(l-r) Charles Brian,Charles Oliver,Charles W. andCharles PaulDr. Connbrought hispassionatespeakingstyle to manyLee chapelservices overthe years.6 TORCH • Summer 2008

RESOLUTION TO HONORPRESIDENT EMERITUS CHARLES W. CONNCommencement, May 2008Lee students stand atattention in front of ConnCenter as the funeralprocession for Dr. Connpasses through.WHEREAS Charles W. Conn served as President of Lee College from 1970-1982,during the crucial years when Lee’s institutional identity was in transition from afirmly established Bible school to a fledgling liberal arts collegeWHEREAS he kept Lee faithful to its Christ-centered mission through his passionand respect for the power and authority of Scripture and through his great personaldevotion to the Lordship of ChristWHEREAS he preached the Word to the Lee community with intelligence and insight,demonstrating both the possibility and the necessity of loving God with one’s mindWHEREAS he lived out the model of Christian scholarship with vision and passionthough his continued research, writing and publishing, serving as a living exampleof the integration of the life of the spirit and the life of the mindWHEREAS he motivated the emergence of the liberal arts through his love ofliterature and music and history and empowered the liberal arts faculty through hisunderstanding that pursuit of knowledge in all fields can be faith-affirming since“all truth is God’s truth”WHEREAS he directed the development of a curriculum that would produce competentChristian professionals to be ministers of God’s grace whether in the pulpit or inthe classroom or in business or the performing arts or wherever God might lead themWHEREAS he developed the physical campus withthe addition of such central features as the ConnCenter and Alumni Park and garnered the denomination’sfinancial support for the construction of thelibrary.WHEREAS he affirmed cultural diversity and the roleof women in a time of great controversy and welcomedstudents from around the world and from thefull range of American subcultures, laying the foundationfor an institutional culture of inclusionBoard ChairmanDr. Darrell Rice readsthe resolution duringcommencement.WHEREAS he opened Lee to the wider world of highereducation by connecting in meaningful ways withthe Council for Christian Colleges and Universities,the Council for Independent Colleges and the SouthernAssociation of Colleges and Schools, bringing Leeinto a significant dialogue with peer institutionsWHEREAS he served as Lee’s first and only President Emeritus, continuing to sharehis wisdom, insight and love with the Lee Community long after his retirementBE IT, THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of Lee University expressour sincere gratitude for his courage and foresight, for his generosity of spirit and hispassion for learning that have influenced the culture and shaped the destiny of LeeUniversityBE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we honor the legacy of Charles W. Conn and officiallyrecognize his momentous and foundational contribution to this institution.TORCH • Summer 20087

Commencement 2008MEMORABLEIndoors and OutTwo venues in two days make for an extraordinarycommencement weekend for the Lee UniversityClass of 2008, friends and loved ones.Grant Fisherprays theinvocationBy CAMERON FISHERCOMMENCEMENT weekend this year wasfrom a totally different perspective for mywife, Donna, and me as we experienced itfor the first time as proud parents. Whenmy son, Grant, was born in 1986, graduation for mewas just two years removed. When I calculated that my newborn sonmight one day be a member of the Lee Class of 2008 it seemed aneternity away. That eternity came to pass on May 2 and 3 as morethan 350 graduates received their diplomas . . . Grant included.I couldn’t help compare how things have changed sincemy graduation in 1984, yet have stayed the same. Althoughthe student body—and thus the graduating class—has quadrupled,doting parents, grandparents, siblings and friends stillconverge on the campus from around the world. The ceremonyis still viewed in Conn Center, albeit as an overflowvenue on closed-circuit televisionfrom Walker Arena. Facultyare still recognized withBrookeUpton,soloist8 TORCH • Summer 2008

CommissioningSpeakersthe Excellence in Teaching Award, but two more awards—Excellence in Scholarship and Excellence in Advising—have beenadded. Students are still awarded undergraduate diplomas, butthis year there were also 27 students receiving masters degrees.COMMISSIONINGPerhaps the biggest addition since my graduation is the Fridaynight Commissioning service which took place this year outdoorson the soccer field. In President Conn’s welcoming remarks, heshared with the crowd that, “Commissioning is the students’ nightto shine.” Graduating seniors led the invocation and benediction,sang a solo and six speakers shared their take on their time at Lee.In addition, winners of the traditional topstudent honors—F.J. Lee, Zeno C. Tharpand Charles Paul Conn awards—are recognized.The culmination of commissioningis the presentation of embossed NIV Biblesfor each graduate, a tradition begun in thefirst year of Paul Conn’s presidency.Commissioning was even more memorableas Grant led his class in the invocation,followed later by a benedictionfrom Jessica Melendez. Brooke Uptonshared a vocal solo between the third andfourth student presentations of, “The LeeUniversity Experience” (see sidebar).“I have learned so much whilea student at Lee, both insideand outside the classroom.”Sara Dirksen, Cleveland, Tenn.“There is nothing God hasnot had His hand in throughmy Lee experience.”Keaton Bodiford,Old Hickory, Tenn.“I have been amazed to see thechanges in the School of Music;the standards continue to rise.”Michael Land, Bismarck, N.D.“When I got to Lee I discoveredthere were 24 hours in a day;then I discovered there wereonly 24 hours in a day.”Andrew Hudson, Statesville, N.C.“I am ready to take my placeas a Christian business personand corporate missionary.”Katie Johnson,Bountiful, Utah“It’s the people (at Lee)who have influenced mylife and I feel very blessedto have been a part.”Cole Rose, Franklin, Tenn.TORCH • Summer 20089

Commencement 2008COMMENCEMENTOn Saturday morning, for the second year in a row, inclement weather movedthe commencement ceremony from the “plenty of seats for everyone” location of the soccerfield to the Walker Arena. Even with its enlargement two years ago, Walker Arena capacitylimited seniors to five tickets each, but the hundreds who experienced commencement viaConn Center closed-circuit were offered a multi-camera view.With the Walker Arena bleachers and hundreds of seats on the floor filled, the Class of2008 began its processional. Every friend and relative in the stands anticipated the entrance oftheir special graduate—or graduates—and when spotted emotions ran high, expressed in awhoop, wave or tears, or all three. On commencement day, every graduate is a celebrity.After an invocation by Vocal Music Chair Dr. LuAnn Holden, President Conn welcomedeveryone and recognized the other celebrities in the crowd: the relatives, starting with thoseproud parents. Special music this year was offered by the Lee Singers, followed by a resolutionpassed the day before by the Lee Board of Directors and read aloud by Chairman Darrell Ricehonoring the life, leadership, and legacy of former president Dr. Charles W. Conn who passedaway March 18.President Conn withChristin Huff, the10,000th graduateof his presidency.

Dr. Joe Novenson addresses theLee University Class of 2008.The commencement address was deliveredby a perennial favorite of Lee chapelservices, Dr. Joe Novenson, senior teachingpastor of Lookout Mountain PresbyterianChurch. In his unassuming style, Dr.Novenson warned the graduates not to,“drift, harden or dull,” to the knowledgethey had learned in their college education.“If what you do is nothing, that is thegreatest underestimated danger,” he said, “when there isn’t even a ripple . . .don’t let that be your response to Him . . . you will be more courageous whenyou realize what He has planted in you.” He ended with a prayer of empowermentchallenging God to, “take these students and shake the earth, and maythey have the protection of the God of Abraham.”Of course, the most anticipated part of commencement is when your son ordaughter’s academic major group is called to the platform and you realize thattheir walk across the stage is just minutes away. I have seen thousands of diplomasawarded, but nothing compares to hearing your child’s name called out,seeing him shake the president’s hand and hoist thatpiece of parchment skyward. Any calm demeanor islost as the most sophisticated can’t help but belt out a“way to go!” when this happens.Health Sciences major Christin Nicole Huff is onegraduate who will never forget her walk across thestage as she was unwittingly honored as the 10,000thgraduate awarded a diploma by President Paul Conn.The crowd acknowledged both Christin and PresidentConn, who has served since 1986, with a standing ovation.The traditional faculty awards and recognitions cap the commencement ceremony.Dr. Bill Estes received the Excellence in Teaching Award, Dr. Jeff Sargentwas honored for Excellence in Advising, and Dr. Linda Thompson wasnoted for Excellence in Scholarship (see story, page 23).This year another family member, my brother Bob, was recognized for 25years of service, along with Jack Souther. Dr. Robert O’Bannon was also recognizedfor his 45-year commitment to Lee University.Both Souther and O’Bannon are retiring this year.Celebrity status of the graduates continued outsidethe walls of the arena with every possible angleand family combination posed in front of every sizeof camera. Roses were presented, hugs wereexchanged and kisses were given.Dr. Bob Fisher, whowas recognized for25 years on the Leefaculty, celebrateswith his daughter,Emily Jones.* * * * *As the saying goes, the more things change, themore they stay the same. Commencement 2008 atLee University was as ‘classic’ as they come. Wewouldn’t want it any other way.TORCH • Summer 200811

Campus NewsConstruction Projects on ScheduleWith the Press Toward the Mark campaign at the halfway point,three building projects are now underway.THREE major construction projectsare currently underway onthe Lee University campus.Three new campus buildings,including two academic structures andan apartment complex are at variouslevels of completion. Two are projectedto be ready before the end of the year.Not since two decades ago, in theearly years of Paul Conn’s presidency,has there been this much simultaneousconstruction activity. In the summer of1988, four major campus projects dominatedthe summer months with thedemolition of Church Street throughthe middle of campus highlighting theactivity. Other projects at that timeincluded the complete renovation ofthe former library into the Vest Building,renovation of the first floor ofNora Chambers Hall into dormitoryspace and the construction of theDeVos Tennis Center. An amphitheatrewould also be an integral part of theradical mid-campus transformation.While the changes of yesteryearwere significant, the current projectsare all new construction and—like1988—will alter the campus landscapein a dramatic way.* * * * *On the extreme northeast corner ofthe Lee campus, a third, two-level sec-A third section of BrinsfieldRow under constructiontion of Brinsfield Row is under roof.The new 8-unit addition will house 32students and will complement the twocurrent apartment buildings whichhave served female students for the lastthree years. Brinsfield Row differs fromother campus residencesin that theyare two-levelapartment styledwellings with theconvenience ofbeing on-campusand the autonomyof apartment living.They are locatedon MagnoliaAvenue, with thenewest units facingthe popular Schimmels Park. Scheduledfor an August completion, BrinsfieldRow is named for former Lee presidentJ. Stewart Brinsfield who served from1948-51.* * * * *The largest of the projects slated forthe Press Toward the Mark campaign isa new multi-million dollar natural scienceand mathematics building. Slatedto be located on the corner of Ocoee St.and Billy Graham Ave. (formerly 15thSt.), major earth-moving and landclearing began in March. First to goIn this westward view of the cleared landalong Billy Graham Ave. (formerly 15th St.)the Beach Science Building is now visible.was a small frame house on the cornerof Billy Graham and Church Streetwhich over the last several years hadserved a number of purposes from facultyoffices, a satellite custodial andmaintenance location and most recentlyan art house. The second structureto be razed was the former location ofhealth services, which, after carefulanalysis was deemed structurallyunsound to be moved to a differentlocation. A third house, a one-levelstructure near the corner of Ocoee andBilly Graham, was spared the bulldozer’scrush and moved eight blockssouth to the corner of Walker and 7thStreets where it will be used as auxiliarystudent housing. Previously thehouse had accommodated several sciencefaculty offices which had outgrownthe current science building andwas called the Beach Building Annex.The massive new 65,000-square-footscience and math building will eventuallystretch from the corner of BillyGraham and Ocoee down both streetsand occupy the land now cleared ofthe three houses, a parking lot, and thecurrent Beach Science Building.* * * * *The primary focus of campus constructioncontinues to zero in on the12 TORCH • Summer 2008

emarkable progress of the new Schoolof Religion located on the south side ofcampus at the corner of Parker and 8thStreets. Under roof for three months,brick facing is now complete on threesides of the two-story structure. Insidethe diversity of the new classroombuilding is clearly visible.Upon entering, the front foyer willfeature a magnificent center split staircasefrom a spacious lobby. The stairslead to a second level reading roomwhich will contain a library of the latestacademic volumes on religion and theologyunder a beautiful natural woodceiling. Five large classrooms—two onthe first level and three on the second—will be capable of holding up to 60 studentseach. Smaller seminar and conferencerooms will be sprinkled throughoutthe building as well. Four facultyclusters will contain office space for 28professors, as well as secretarial and privateconference meeting space. Therewill also be suites for the dean and twodepartment chairs with a total of sixoffices, reception, and secretarial space.A highlight of the School of Religion’sfloor plan will be a 203-seatLecture Hall located on the lower level.Featuring a two story ceiling and thelatest in electronic teaching technology,the new lecture hall will add greatly tothe large class teaching options so badlyneeded on the Lee campus.Outside the 12-sides of the lobbyand reading room will be a dramaticarchitectural feature, as will the coppertoppeddome of the main entrance.While maintaining the design continuityof the new buildings of the last twodecades, the new School of Religionwill stand out as one of the more aesthetically-pleasingstructures on theLee campus.“The progress on the School of Religionhas been remarkable over the lastseveral months,” stated Cole Strong,who serves as the project liaison fromthe president’s office. “We are more andmore optimistic that the constructionmay be completed ahead of schedule toallow occupancy of this beautiful newbuilding in the fall.”TOP: The School of Religion will be a dramatic addition at the corner of Parker and 8thStreets; MIDDLE: Masonry workers place the finishing touches on the south side of thenew building; BOTTOM: Project manager Cole Strong stands on the stairs which lead fromthe entrance lobby to the second level reading room.TORCH • Summer 200813

Campus NewsThe latest removal of houses symbolizesa renaissance of campus changeBy CAMERON FISHERSince Lee moved to Clevelandfrom Sevierville, Tenn., 60 years ago,houses have been a regular part ofthe Lee landscape. As the campushas grown and contiguous neighborsdecided to sell their property,Lee has usually taken advantage ofthe opportunities. Former privatehomes have been used for dozens ofpurposes, from a music studio in the1950’s, to a visitor’s center today.Many have been part of the campusmap for decades, while others havebeen bulldozed before the ink hasdried on the deed.For the past 20+ years, nearly200 old houses, structures and buildingsin and around the Lee campushave disappeared to make way fordevelopment. In April three formerhouses were removed to make wayfor a new science and math buildingalong the Ocoee and Billy GrahamAve. (formerly 15th Street) corridor.The houses had served their purposes,including the former health clinicand a satellite custodial location whichhad at one time been overflow facultyoffices. Both of these structures wererazed, while a third house, the BeachBuilding Annex, was meticulouslyremoved from its foundation, brick skinbroken off and then placed on a househauler’s trailer where it now has a newlocation and purpose eight blocks southas auxiliary student housing.These three smaller homes were thelast vestiges of leftover neighborhoodsthat have been swallowed by Lee’sgrowth. To the north and across OcoeeStreet to the west of campus, statelyhomes have been declared part of ahistoric district. Lee’s eastern border hasonly one extraneous parcel, while tothe south the last of two smaller homesthere were razed to make way for theSchool of Religion.Four remaining homes within Lee’sborders consist of structures which arelarger and more historic. All have beenextensively renovated and serve vitalfunctions of the administration. TheAdmissions Center is a two-storyVictorian home on Ocoee Street whichwelcomes visitors to campus. On theother end is another two-storywhich has several functions, but primarilyhouses the Alumni Office. Inmid-campus are two former homeswhich have been part of Lee for ageneration. A home which has beenknown to former Lee students aseither the Alumni House, Behavioraland Social Sciences or today, theCenter for Calling and Career, islocated on Billy Graham. A finalformer residence has been part ofcampus for over three decades.Located across from Conn Center ithas been home to Continuing Education,Admissions, the LeonardCenter and today, Student Life.In dramatic fashion, the removalof these latest houses symbolizes theway Lee University has transformedthe surrounding neighborhoods overthe last several decades. Currentconstruction projects represent anew level of development and afuture campus landscape which willrival the most respected institutionsof the nation.14 TORCH • Summer 2008

Lee’s CommunityService ProgramRecognizedBy MISSY COLTERVoices of Lee BecomeRegulars at “Miracle Theater”By MARCUS WHITFIELD, Lee ClarionOn March 23, the acclaimedensemble Voices of Lee began their firstof many appearances at the MiracleTheater in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.“Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg hostssome 15 million visitors each year,”stated Voices director Danny Murray.“We are thrilled with our relationshipwith the Miracle Theater which gives usa chance to hopefully ‘brand’ the LeeUniversity name and share the talents ofour students with thousands of visitors.”He went on to say the group is doing afull production 90-minute program onSunday nights from Easter throughChristmas. The program includes a sectionof patriotic music, another of funand uplifting tunes and then concludeswith inspirational “music of the heart”gospel and spiritual songs.“This is unlike anything Voices hasever done before and it just so happensthat I, along with the rest of the currentgroup, get to be the ones to help get itstarted,” Voices member Bryan Sanderssaid. When the opportunity opened toperform at the Miracle Theater, severalmembers were surprised, but acknowledgedtheir innovative leader whopieced the opportunity together.“From day one it seems that Godhas just been opening the doors for thisseries to happen, and for Danny thatmeans that we should work all theharder to make it great,” ensemblemember Phillip Nitz said. “We’ve beengiven a pedestal to make a statementthat there are young people who arestill willing to serve the Lord with thegifts God has given them and with adedication to excellence.”Murray added that there are severalnew components to the Voices ensembleincluding a barbershop quartetcalled “Sonic 4,” “Treble Three,” a gospeltrio of girls, and a side-splitting comedyroutine with the “Smoky MountainMonks” performing the Hallelujah Chorus.Six of the songs in the programwere arranged and three of themorchestrated by Voices alumnus BradleyKnight of Dallas, Texas. Also, Lee alumsLester and Holly Rector are now starringin a Miracle Broadway musical productionalong with Jonathan Weathersbywhich plays Monday through Saturdayat the Miracle.Voices of Lee concerts begin at 7:30p.m., and tickets are $19.95, availableonline at www.miracletheater.com orby calling 1-800-768-1170.Lee University’s community serviceprogram was recently selected for thePresident’s Higher Education CommunityService Honor Roll for the secondconsecutive year by the Corporation forNational and Community Service, anindependent federal agency striving tofoster an ethic of volunteerism and servicein America.This highest level of recognition wasawarded to six institutions. An additional518 schools were listed on thehonor roll. Of these, 127 were listedwith distinction, which includes suchnotable schools as Stanford, NYU, andDuke. Lee University was once againlisted among these institutions. .Lee was one of only four schools inTennessee to receive the distinctionalongside Crichton College, Rhodes College,and Tusculum College. In addition,only five other schools on the Councilfor Christian Colleges and Universities(CCCU) were on the honor roll withdistinction, including Azusa PacificUniversity, Messiah College, and PalmBeach Atlantic University.“Receiving this award for two consecutiveyears is encouraging news forour service-learning program,” says Dr.Mike Hayes, assistant vice president forStudent Life. “It is an award for all ofLee University and for our communitypartners. Our students should be commendedfor their efforts to use theirgifts to meet significant needs in ourcommunity and around the world.”The President’s Higher EducationCommunity Service Honor Rollacknowledges colleges and universitiesnationwide that “support innovativeand effective community service andservice-learning programs.” One of theprimary goals of this program is toincrease public awareness of the activeinvolvement of college students in serviceto their communities.TORCH • Summer 200815

Campus NewsApril Races Attract AlumniFor the third consecutive year, twoApril events have raised interest fromalumni who are either runners or havebecome runners.Over the last eight years, alumniand friends that support Lee University’sefforts to raise support for CysticFibrosis has netted over $300,000toward research of the disease. Localbanks, a funeral home,contractors and productioncompanies as well asnumerous local companieswere corporate, kilometeror communitysponsors. These organizationsand the participantshave made the so-called65 Roses Run an annualpart of their sponsorshippackage. The 5K eventsaw nearly 400 runnerscompete on an officiallysanctioned course whichbegins and ends on theLee campus. There wasalso a ‘Fun Run’ and a 3-Pride and Prejudice Plays to Packed HousesBy SUSIE BATTLEThe MRS degree was finallyoffered here at Lee University thisspring when Jane Austen’s novel,Pride & Prejudice, came to life on theDixon Center auditorium stage. Director,Dr. Mark Burnette; costumer, Dr.Christine Williams; technical director,Catherine Bradley; and the 25 studentcast delivered seven exciting performancesto capacity crowds.The story begins and ends withthe mother, Mrs. Bennet (Julie Gibson)trying to marry off all five of herdaughters since they have no sons toinherit their home and belongings.“Dr. Burnette, well done! Thecomedic timing was exceptional and16 TORCH • Summer 2008mile walk, along with inflatable slides,entertainment and lots of ‘carb-loading’snacks and drinks.Two weeks later in Nashville, Tenn.,46 Lee alumni participated in theCountry Music Marathon and HalfMarathon, a group which included LeeUniversity president Dr. Paul Conn.The rigorous 13.1 and 26.2 mile coursethe set was exquisite. My wife, who is arabid Jane Austen fan, really enjoyedherself that evening,” said Dr. Michael J.Laney, chair, Communication & the Arts.wound through downtown Nashville inan event which attracted more than31,000 runners. The night before therace, Lee University hosted the participantsat a “Pasta Pig-Out” at Buca DiBeppo in Cool Springs. The dinner, aswell as bright green running shirts, weresponsored by People for Care & Learning,an organization whose executivedirector is Lee alum and half marathonfinisher, Fred Garmon ’80.A portion of the group who participated in the Nashville marathon and half marathon.Audrey Milum (as Elizabeth Bennet)and John D. Moore (Mr. Darcy).The cast brought the story linealive with great acting intermingledwith humor and much energy.Audrey Milum narrated as well asplayed the role of headstrong ElizabethBennet. Mr. Darcy (John D.Moore) the proud and wealthy Englishmanwho pursued and eventuallywon her heart.Dr. J. Matthew Melton, dean forthe College of Arts & Sciences said,“Dr. Burnette and his cast and crewdid a very fine job with a challengingadaptation. I’m glad they chose tohave fun with it. The production waslight-hearted and enjoyable. Sets andcostumes looked terrific, too. EveryoneI know who saw the play cameaway having had a good time.”

2008 Senior Awards AnnouncedBy KELLY BRIDGEMANLee University recently announcedKatherine Johnson, Augustin Bocco,and Josiah Ewing as the recipients ofthe 2008 F.J. Lee, Charles Paul Conn,and Zeno C. Tharp awards. Each yearstudents nominated by their departmentare evaluated based on theirachievements and contributions duringtheir time at Lee. The winners werehonored at spring commencement nSaturday, May 3.Katherine Johnson is the winnerthis year’s F.J. Lee award. Named inhonor of the secondpresident ofLee, the F.J. Leeaward was establishedin 1968 andis given to thesenior who hasdemonstrated highstandards of integrity, leadership, service,broad campus involvement, andacademic excellence.Johnson, a business administrationmajor with a minor in music, graduatedSuma Cum Laude. Johnson is involvedwith a number of Lee clubs and organizationsincluding the Student LeadershipCouncil, Wind Ensemble, AlphaChi honor society, and Chorale. Sheserves as the vice president for SigmaNu Sigma, little sister for Theta DeltaKappa, and a peer leader.After graduation,Johnson plans to work for AONConsulting in Atlanta, Ga.Augustin Bocco is the recipient ofthe Charles Paul Conn Award. Theaward, establishedin 1996, is namedin honor of Lee’s16th president. It isawarded to thesenior who showsthe greatestpromise ofachievement in graduate and professionalstudies after graduation.Bocco is a French major graduatingSuma Cum Laude. Originally fromTogo, West Africa, Bocco came toCleveland to study French seven yearsago. As a director of the beginning andintermediate French language cafès oncampus, Bocco has had the opportunityto share his love for the French languagewith Lee students.Along with his involvements atLee, Bocco works with the Church ofGod of Prophecy international officesas a French translator in the WorldLanguage Department. He also servesas a youth director, Sunday schoolteacher and outreach ministry director.Bocco has been accepted into thePh.D. program in Modern Languagesat the University of Tennessee andawarded full tuition as well as a teachingassistantship.Josiah Ewing was awarded theZeno C. Tharp award, established in1955 and named in honor of the sixthpresident of Lee. Itis given to thesenior most likelyto make the greatestcontribution tothe Kingdom.Ewing is a doublemajor in theologyand psychology. Graduating magnacum laude with a 4.0 GPA in his major,Ewing is a Presidential Scholarshiprecipient, member of the Dean’s List allfour years, New Testament Greekteacher’s assistant and tutor, andattended the American PsychologicalConference in the summer of 2006.Ewing’s ministry endeavors thus farinclude involvement with EvangelisticSingers, participating in a ministry tripto Zimbabwe, teaching at an SEBIBible school in Zimbabwe, and volunteeringat “Restart Coaching” atBradley County Judicial Complex. Hehas also been a youth leader at IndianapolisChristian Fellowship andwriter for the Lee Clarion, for which hecreated the column “Aleitheia.”Ewing has been accepted into thePrinceton Theological Seminary Master’sof Divinity program.Department AwardsEach year, Lee University faculty choose a graduatingsenior who, in their opinion, best representsthe mission and goals of their respectiveacademic departments. The following are the2007-08 honorees:Ashlie Denise Kelley - Center for Adult andProfessional Studies. She is from Lincolnton, N.C,where she is serving as children’s pastor atLincolnton Church of God.Dana Williams – Communications. FromMurfreesboro, Tenn., Dana is employed in thepublic relations department at Life Care Centersof America as Corporate and Field RelationsCoordinator.Amanda Cantu – Theology. Amanda plans tobecome a full-time minister after completinggraduate school in Arizona.Camden Morgante - Behavioral and SocialSciences. Camden will continue her educationat Regent University in Virginia Beach, Va.,where she plans to pursue a doctoral degree inClinical Psychology.Jessica Brew – Business. From Chesapeake, Va.,Jessica will be working at Doolas Designs, LLC inManhattan Beach, Calif., as a partner and directorof marketing.Melissa Colter - English and Modern ForeignLanguages. From Nashville, Tenn., Melissa plansto take an internship in young adult publishingat LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville.Robert Debelak III - History and PoliticalScience. A native of Cleveland, Tenn., Robertplans to attend The University of Texas LawSchool in Austin.Jami-Lynn Hauser - Natural Sciences andMathematics. From Milford, Mich., Jami-Lynnhas been accepted to Michigan State College ofOsteopathic Medicine.Michael Land - Instrumental Music. Michaelhas been accepted into University of Wisconsin(Madison) School of Music and plans to pursuea doctoral degree and ultimately teach music atthe collegiate level.Marie Chiara - Christian Ministries. After graduation,Marie plans to work with a faith-based,non-profit or non-government organizationinvolved in sustainable international developmentprojects as well as providing humanitarianaid before pursuing a master’s degree.Jared Stine - Vocal Music. Jared’s future plansinclude attending the Candler School of Theologyat Emory University where he has beenawarded a full scholarship.Alicia Berberich - Early Childhood, Elementaryand Special Education. From Palmer, Alaska,Alicia has student taught this semester in 2ndgrade at Hopewell Elementary and in 5th gradeat Stuart Elementary.Katie Thornton - Health, Exercise Science andSecondary Education. From Peachtree City, Ga.,Katie was recently married and plans to continueworking in ministry with her husband, Martin.TORCH • Summer 200817

Campus NewsMiss POF 2008 Recalls Her ExperienceBy LINDSEY CALHOUNAfter months of practice andpreparation I find myself standingback stage on March 15 with 21other participants whispering indisbelief that it is almost over. Wefeel the adrenaline rush over us onlymoments before the show begins.The announcer’s voice rings throughthe building, “Welcome to the 45thannual Parade of Favorites! Sit backand enjoy the show!”For a split second my breath istaken away. The curtain is pulledback. We run out on stage into ourpositions and wait. Everyone isThe contestants perform during the opening number.screaming and cheering as the spotlights beam onto the stage and themusic begins. “One, two, threeo’clock, four o’clock rock.” The manynights of practice in sweatpants andt-shirts are finally transformed intoan eye-catching scene from the fifties.I was extremely honored lastsemester when I was voted to representDelta Zeta Tau in this year’sParade of Favorites. As I attendedmy first meeting I sat in a room with10 other girls, some of whom Imerely knew their name and othersI didn’t know at all. We were eachgiven a packet of information fromthe director, Amber Bush, and assis-tant director, Kimber Humphries, thatexplained everything POF entailed. I’lladmit, it was a lot more work than Iexpected, but given the chance I woulddo it all over again—winner or not.The week before the production Ispent hours every night with the contestantsand escorts who were no longermere acquaintances, but my friends.As the night of the production proceeded,each contestant performed atalent of her choice. The environmentback stage was so encouraging! Manyof the girls prayed for one anotherbefore they faced the judges and audiencewith their performance. Theescorts provided a convenient break forthe girls to prepare forevening wear as theydanced to Elvis’s “BlueSuede Shoes.” The crowdcheered in amusementfrom their performance.The hard part was overfor most of us. We eachwalked out onto stagewith our escort displayingour evening wearwith elegance and poise.As we were calledto the stage for theannouncement of the Top Five, everycontestant secretly held their breath.Emcees Stephanie Taylor and JasonVanhook announced: “And this year’sParade of Favorites top five contestantsin no particular order: Miss LaceyNoles, Miss Kelsey Glasser, Miss LindseyCalhoun, Miss Laura Fleischmann,and Miss Kristen Pace!”At this point I should have been‘shaking in my boots’ as some wouldsay. Yet, for some reason when myname was called, I lost all feeling. I hadno nerves, anxiety, or worry for what Iwould or wouldn’t say when I was askedmy impromptu question. I was so honoredto even be included in the top fivethat I just stood, glowing in excitement.We each answered our impromptuquestion, referring to our platform, tothe best of our ability. I remembertelling my escort backstage, “Bryan! Iget to be a runner-up! DZT is going tobe so proud!”Miss POF 2007, Jennifer Jackson,came to the stage to perform her winningtalent from last year and then toassist in handing out the awards whichwere presented before the announcementof the winner: Miss Congeniality,Lacey Noles; Best Interview, Morgan St.John; Best Talent, Kelsey Glasser; TheKay McDaniel Award, Lacey Noles;Service Award, Lindsey Calhoun; andthe Escort Award, Nat Durant.I stepped forward as they asked thetop five contestants to return to thefront of the stage. I awaited my name tobe announced: fourth runner up goes toMiss Lacey Noles. I was surprised asthey continued. Third runner up goes to18 TORCH • Summer 2008The Top Five (l-r): Kristin Pace, 3rd runner-up; Laura Fleischmann, first runner-up; LindseyCalhoun, Miss POF; Kelsey Glasser, second runner-up; and Lacey Noles, fourth runner-up.

Miss Kristen Pace; second runner upgoes to Miss Kelsey Glasser.There I stood with one of myclose friends, Laura Fleischmann, incompete shock. The crowd was goingcrazy! Then, the air became still andeverything faded away, this year’sfirst runner up goes to . . . MissLaura Fleischmann! I couldn’t believewhat I justheard. I wasthe winner ofMiss Parade ofFavorites!What anhonor!As MissParade ofFavorites2008, I wouldLindsey Calhoun,Miss POF 2008like to personallythank theLord for anytalent, ability, and wisdom thatallowed me to win such an award.I am nothing without Him. Next Ithank my family for their supportand prayers, especially my motherwho spent lots of time and moneyhelping me prepare. I couldn’t completethis article without thankingDZT for everything they have pouredinto my life and college experiencespiritually and socially and the honorto represent them. I would also liketo thank all of the students and facultythat worked so diligently to putthis production on for the 45th consecutiveyear.Most of all I would like to thankall of the contestants and escorts thathave ever been a part of Parade ofFavorites. I am rather partial to thestudents that I participated with forthe memories and relationships wecreated and share, but I don’t feel theamount of work that goes into thisproduction from the participants isrecognized enough. Thank you foryour hard work and contribution tothe history of Lee University throughthe legacy of Parade of Favorites.Department of Business EarnsAccreditation With ACBSPLee University’s Department ofBusiness has received full membershipin the Association of Collegiate BusinessSchools and Programs.ACBSP was established in 1998 asan accrediting body whose missionreflected excellent classroom teaching.With this belief the department becamean associate member more than adecade ago. Realizing the value ofdiscipline-specific accreditation, thedepartment began to align businesspractices and the curriculum withACBSP’s criteria and standards in orderto provide a more valuable classroomexperience for our students.The accreditation represents the culminationof 2 1⁄2 years of work concludedwith a site visit by ACBSP auditorsin February of this year. Coursesyllabi, faculty credentials, departmentalmanagement systems, and the universityinfrastructure were thoroughly investigatedby the team of auditors.“Lee University now joins ranks with2,400 other institutions, both domesticand international, as we become fullyaccredited,” stated Business DepartmentChairman Dr. Dewayne Thompson.“ACBSP’s standards reflect Lee University’sand derives significant influence fromthe Baldrige Criteria in Higher Education.It is also recognized by the Council onHigher Education Accreditation.”(l-r) Vice President for Student Life Walt Mauldin, Corey Fick, Campus Pastor Jimmy Harper,Jessica Hodson, Assistant Vice President Mike Hayes.Servant Leader Scholarships AwardedThe 2008 Charles W. Conn ServantLeadership Scholarships were awardedto Jessica Hodson and Corey Fick.Hodson is an interdisciplinary studiesmajor from Cleveland, Tenn. Sheserved as the community service secretaryon the Student Leadership Council(SLC), where she has participated in itsannual clothing and food drives. She iscurrently planning a Civil Rights studytour for students, which will visit keyplaces in the Civil Rights Movement.Jessica’s passion to serve is also evidentin her ministry at church, where she hashelped create an outreach program tomeet the needs of residents in PattonTowers in Chattanooga. She plans studyin Nicaragua and El Salvador where shewill research the role of the church.Corey Fick is a biblical and theologicalstudies major from Kelso, Wash. Hevolunteers for the poor and homelessministry at Chattanooga VineyardChristian Fellowship and assists theministry in feeding people in need indowntown Chattanooga. Corey hasbeen involved with mission’s trips toEcuador and Brazil where he visitedorphanages, helped remodel churches,and participated in outreach.TORCH • Summer 200819

Campus NewsDEPARTMENTAL FOCUSSchool of Religion: Building the KingdomBy JEROME BOONE, chair, Departmentof Bible and Christian MinistriesThe School of Religion at LeeUniversity continues the originalpurpose and mission of the schoolwhich was established in 1918 as aplace “where workers could betrained for the field.” The evangelisticzeal of the Church of God in theearly 20th century was spreadingthe gospel of Jesus Christ so aggressivelythat ministers were needed tosupport the great harvest of souls.From that first term of a dozen studentsat Bible Training School, theschool has grown to serve over4,000 student course enrollments inany given semester. The mission ofthe school has expanded along withits enrollment. The School of Religionhas a dual mission these days:to help every student be conversantin the Christian faith, to articulatetheir own beliefs and to actualizetheir faith, as well as to prepare menand women for full-time vocationalministry.In essence, the mission of theSchool of Religion is to help othersknow God truly and faithfully. Buildingthe kingdom of God is the hopefuloutcome of all of our work. In theclassroom, faculty strive to revealwho God truly is. They also press forthe implications of that knowledge:how, then, should we live our lives?The logical complement to the classroomwork is the Christian servicerequirement which enables everystudent to “love others” in a practicalway through benevolence and socialjustice activities.A true expression of puttingfaith into action was the studentand faculty response to HurricaneKatrina. Weekend after weekend,students and faculty from the Schoolof Religion rode the Lee bus to the gulfcoast and worked to help clean up thehurricane damage as well as bring foodrelief to those displaced by the hugestorm. The faith-in-action work of ourstudents is evident every semester inand around Cleveland at the soupkitchens, economically depressedneighborhoods, and benevolence ministriesat local churches.The work of the School of Religionintensifies in the preparation of menand women for ministry. The preparationextends to developing theologicalperspectives on ministry, skills for ministryand practical experience of ministrythrough internships. All of thispreparation is carried out within anethos of character developmentthrough the spiritual disciplines of historicalChristianity.A vital part of student experience isministerial internships. Many studentswork in local churches or their homechurches in the various areas of churchIntercultural Studiesstudents in Zambiaministry. Students serve dozens ofchurches in the Cleveland/BradleyCounty area every week as volunteeryouth workers or children’s workers.They are often working with our ownalumni who serve as pastors, youthpastors and children’s pastors in nearbychurches. The Intercultural Studies(missions emphasis) students most oftenserve in an international context: mostrecently in Zambia, South Africa, Cambodia,Thailand, India and Panama. Theinternships bridge the path from academicprogram to field ministry. Bothstudents and the church benefit fromthe relationship.Students find many opportunities toenhance their educational experience inthe School of Religion. A favorite is theIsrael Study Tour. Students travelthroughout Israel tracing the life andministry of Jesus. They begin inNazareth at the birth place. They visitthe villages around the Sea of Galileeand finally spend time in Jerusalemand Judea. Another popular education-20 TORCH • Summer 2008

al tour has been Ireland. Students learnabout the rich and distinct contributionof the Irish to church history. Othertours have focused on Paul’s missionarywork in Greece, the Seven Churchesof Revelation in Western Turkey andmissions work in Cyprus.School of Religion faculty strive forexcellence in both discipline studiesand practical ministry as a means ofmaintaining expertise in what theyteach. In recent years, the followingfaculty have published books: RickieMoore, Emerson Powery, Jerald Daffe,John Lombard, Terry Cross, MichaelFuller, Edley Moodley, Bob Bayles,William Simmons and Jimmy Harper.Virtually all the faculty have given presentationsat professional societieswhich represent their disciplines. Inaddition, many have served the churchby providing seminars for laity andretreats for ministerial staff. Facultyregularly support the international educationalministries of the church byteaching courses and seminars in suchcountries as Zambia, Kenya, Peru,Ecuador, Cuba, Germany and India.The composite work of the faculty is awitness to their commitment to theGreat Commission.All that we do in the School ofReligion is geared toward building upthe kingdom of God. We endeavor todemonstrate excellence in our devotionto the proper interpretation of Scriptureas the foundation for Christianliving. We intentionally challenge studentsto think for themselves andGlobal Perspectivesgroup in IstanbulSchool of Religion facultytransform their “inherited” faith into a“personal” faith. We utilize time-intensiveretreats to interact with studentsabout such important issues as God’scalling in their lives, personal preparationfor ministry and the discovery ofpersonal and ministerial gifts. Facultymembers sponsor ministry-related studentclubs like Pioneers for Christ,Missions Alive, Youth Leaders Association,Children’s Leaders Associationand Acting on AIDS. We enrichthe educational programs by bringingin guest speakers with recognizedexpertise in key areas toengage students about significantissues. We understand that discipleshipis relational and that the workof the Spirit is the transformationalcatalyst.It is an exciting time to be in theSchool of Religion at Lee University.Students are discovering their placesin Kingdom work and recognizingthe talents which God has giventhem. Faculty are striving to beagents of God’s grace in the communityof faith in order to sponsordiscipleship. The educational programis Christ-centered and open tothe Spirit. The physical setting of thewhole enterprise is about to changesignificantly as we move to the newSchool of Religion building in thefall semester. Our 90th year is,indeed, a milestone year.

Campus NewsPioneers for Christ Celebrate 60 YearsBy JESSICA SMALLEY, Lee ClarionThis year, Lee is singing “HappyBirthday” to Pioneers for Christ(PFC) as the club celebrates 60 yearsof service.The late Dr. Charles Beach startedthe club in 1948, and their basic missionwas to serve people by showingthem the love of Christ. But evenafter 60 years the heart and missionof PFC has not changed.Today, the mission statementreads, “Through Christ, transformingbroken people into healthy communityby promoting, exhibiting, andteaching a way of love and selflessservice.”According to Rachel Workman,president of PFC, the lasting legacythat PFC has on campus is of beinga group of people who love God andlove people.PFC is completely student-led.They have differentteams that make up theclub including dance,drama, worship, prayer,and leadership team.They participate in outreachevents not onlyon campus, but in theCleveland communityand other cities as well.Several times asemester, PFC membersembark on service tripsthat take the membersoutside of Cleveland. Onthese trips, still referredto as invasions, they goto other cities and workwith a church to help inany way they can,whether it is cleaningout a food bank, leadinga service or hanging outwith the youth group.They go on invasions a few times asemester as well as participate in differentoutreaches around Cleveland.“There’s nothing like serving withpeople. It’s an intimate act, and I’mhonored to serve in a group with suchupstanding individuals,” said Workman.Some of the service group’s communityactivities include yard work,picking up trash and spending timewith local children.While PFC focuses on reaching out,they also strive to reach in and servethe Lee community. One method isthrough “Hot Dog Days” and “HotChocolate Days.” Members of the groupcan be found after chapel handing outdifferent items from free hot dogs tofree lemonade to free hot chocolate, allin the name of Christ.Another form of ministry to the Leecommunity is through Campus Church,a time during the week when peoplewith different backgrounds anddenominations come together toworship because they have the samebeliefs. The body meets on Thursdaynights at 7:30 p.m. in the BeachBuilding Brown Auditorium. Accordingto Workman, these meetings area great way to build community.“It’s certainly a large commitment,but a rewarding one. I don’tknow what I would have done withoutPFC,” said Workman.PFC has influenced many lives onand off campus. They have ministeredto students and encouragedthem to keep serving the Lord and tofinish their college experience at Lee.The legacy that Dr. Charles Beachstarted 60 years ago is still affectinglives and making a difference in studentslike Lauren Roberts, two-yearPFC member.“I found a place where I fit . . . Ican be involved in something biggerthan myself.”Pioneers for Christlaunch everyinvasion with prayer22 TORCH • Summer 2008

Faculty Facts(l-r) Jeff Sargent, Bill Estes and Linda Thompson are congratulated by President ConnFaculty Receive Excellence AwardsEach spring, faculty members arehonored for excellence in the classroom,for advising and for scholarship.The following are excerpts from thepresentations made to this year’s honoreesby President Conn at graduation:BILL ESTES - Excellence in Teaching“He is a teacher of exceptionalenergy and effectiveness. He is one ofthose wonderful, old-fashioned collegeprofessors in the sense that the campusis his natural home, the students are hiscalling and he brings a passion andlove to the academy that makes a placelike Lee better for all of us.”LINDA THOMPSON -Excellence in Scholarship“Linda has established herself as anational figure in the scholarship ofmusic education…in the life of scholarship,she leads by example with herown commitment to continuingresearch and publication.”JEFF SARGENT - Excellence in Advising“Rarely has a new faculty membercreated such an immediate record ofbeing the kind of professor for whichLee University has always been knownfor—a place where individual studentsare at the center of faculty concerns.”Janet Rahamut AwardThe Lee University student bodyhonored Dr. Rolando Cuellar, assistantprofessor in intercultural studies,with the 2008 Janet RahamutAward. The award ispresented to a facultymember who hasshown exemplary serviceto students outsidethe classroom,both formally andinformally. Dr. Cuellarjoined the Lee faculty in 2003. Dr.Janet Rahamut was a well-lovedprofessor of English.New Chair for HPSDr. Randy Wood has beennamed the new chairman of theHistory andPolitical ScienceDepartment. Hereplaces Dr.Murl Dirksenwho served thedepartmentsince its formationfive years ago.PROMOTIONSIN RANKAssociateProfessor toProfessor▼AssistantProfessor toAssociateProfessor▼Daniel Hoffman, Ph.D. Trevor Milliron, Ph.D. Kevin Brown, Ph.D. Michael Fuller, Ph.D.Andrew Lee, Ph.D. Jose Minay, Ph.D. Rachel Reneslacis, Ph. D. Patty Silverman, Ph.D. Linda Thompson, Ph.D. Doug Warner, D.M.A.TORCH • Summer 200823

AthleticsChris Warters, the Player of the Yearin the SSAC and Region XIII holds theregion championship plaque highafter his team beat LSU-Shreveportfor the Region XIII title.So Close, Yet So Far AwayThe 2008 Lee baseball teamcaptured the hearts of thousandsaround the world by coming withinone out of winning the NAIA CollegeWorld Series.It will take a long time for manyto forget the heartbreaking 7-6 loss.Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho)scored three runs with two outs inthe bottom of the ninth to give the16-time Series champions the victoryon Thursday (May 30). Never mindthat the host Lewiston squad cameback to take the crown from thephysically and mentally exhaustedFlames the following night.The Flames defeated Bellevue(Neb.), Union (Ky.), Lewis-Clark andOklahoma City to move within onewin of giving Lee its first ever NAIAnational title. Coach Mark Brew’ssquad joins Matt Yelton’s women'ssoccer team as being the only Leeteams to reach the final round of aNAIA championship event.One must digest exactly what the2008 Flames accomplished before youclose the book on this group.The team got off to a great start(37-1) and at one point zipped to 34straight wins. The Flames overpoweredthe large majority of their SouthernStates Athletic Conference regular-seasonopponents, finishing 23-4 andJoel Matthews (22) is congratulated after eightsolid innings of pitching in a win over OklahomaCity University at the NAIA World Series.earning the right to host the NAIARegion XIII Tournament. Not only didLee win the region, the club earned theNo. 1 seed in the World Series bywhipping Embry-Riddle (Fla.) twostraight games in the South AtlanticSuper Region in Daytona.In what started out to be a rebuildingyear last August (only one position24 TORCH • Summer 2008

player returning from the 2007 squad)the Flames finished the long campaignwith a new school record of 63-10.The team set another record with aNo. 2 ranking earlier in the season, andmaintained the No. 3 spot in the finalsix polls. The Flames won 90 percentof their games at Olympic Field, accruinga 36-4 mark at home. Brew, tabbedas the region and conference Coach ofthe Year, now has a 112-25 record inhis second year at the helm.Pablo Lopez,Lee’s First TeamNAIA All-AmericanpitcherIncluded in a 49-5 regular seasonwas an impressive season sweep overarchrival and highly-regarded TennesseeWesleyan College. Lee alsoboasted wins over nationally-rankedTrevecca Nazarene University andCumberland University, while taking 3-of-4 from Lindenwood University, a2007 World Series qualifier.The team batted .357 with 253 extrabase hits and 1150 stolen bases overall,but it was Lee’s pitching that helpedcarry the Flames to the runner-up slot inthe World Series. The hurlers finishedthe year with a 3.54 ERA and juniorPablo Lopez was named an NAIA FirstTeam All-American and to the NAIAWorld Series All-Tournament team.Individually, the Lee men havebeen just as impressive. Second TeamAll-American and Region XIII andSSAC Player of the Year, junior firstbaseman Chris Warters blasted 20home runs, just one short of therecord. He batted .438. His 82 RBI seta new Lee record, and his 25 doublesis just one off the mark.Jeremy Hutslar (.388) completedhis brilliant four-year Lee career instyle. The All-SSAC and All-Regionoutfielder also won a spot on theNAIA Series All-Tournament team.He was presented the tournament’s“Charlie Hustle” award and for thesecond straight year was a SSAC andNAIA Scholar Athlete, joining teammateBen Wilson in earning thesame academic honors. Hutslar stole44 bases this season. He walks awayfrom Lee with the career runs-scored(264) and season hits (111) andcareer base-stealing (113) records. Hiscareer .385 batting mark tied AaronSimmons' record.Brian Bistagne (.392) was outstandingin the Series. The juniorshortstop dazzled the Series crowdwith his defensive play and walkedaway with the tourney’s Gold Glovehonor and a place on the Series All-Tournament team.Clint Harrelson (.374), Chris Dubon(.368 with 10 homers), Warters, andKevin Wyman were all tabbed to theAll-Region XII Team. Josh Guy (.323with 9 homers), had three of thosehome runs in the Series. Senior EdgarMercado came up with several key hitsand developed into one of the nation’sbest at second base.Lopez (10-1, 12 saves, 1.63 ERA)paced the pitching staff. He broke therecord for appearances in a season(29). Dallas Sims (10-1), JoelMatthews (10-2), Dave Mason (9-1)and Jeff Ibarra (10-2) were standoutsall season long. Sims was an All-Region pitcher and hurled the hugewin over Lewis-Clark and Matthewsgot the decision over Oklahoma City.Ryan Stovall and Ibarra came onstrong in relief roles and Mason wassolid in the win over Union.Souther StepsDown as HeadGolf CoachLee University’s Jack Souther officiallyretired from head golf coachingduties at the end of the 2008 season.Souther came to Lee in 1982 afterretiring as a superintendent in the Ohiopublic school system. He arrived as thewomen’s head basketball coach andteacher and for 10 years he directedhoop clubs and also coached women’sfastpitch softball for four seasons.The golf team sent coach Southerout in style. The Flames won the SSACand Region XIII championships andearned a fifth straight trip to the NAIANational Tournament. The championshipalso marks the first region titlefor Souther and his team.“Coach Souther has been a vitalpart of our athletic department formany years,” said Lee Athletic DirectorLarry Carpenter. “He has taken the Leegolf program to the top tier and anythingless comes as a disappointmentfor him. At 81 years old, he still comesin every morning wanting to knowwhat he can do to help others. He’s oneof the most loyal and supportive peopleto ever coach at Lee and will certainlybe missed by all of us.”Coach Souther’s golf team gave him aspecial retirement gift by winning theNAIA Region XIII Golf Tournament andreaching the National Tournament forthe fifth straight year. Souther is joined(from left) Josh Lawson, Matt Clouse, TylerNelson, Wes Nobles and Sam Bedwell.TORCH • Summer 200825

AthleticsThe 2007-2008 Lee women’s basketballseason was centered a roundfive outstanding seniors. They teamedwith coach Marty Rowe to carry theprogram to 110 basketball wins overthe past four years against just 26defeats. They advanced to the NAIANational Tournament four straightyears and whipped Brescia University inthe Jackson event last March to becomethe first Lee women’s basketball team towin a national tournament game.This past season’s record of 32-3 seta Lady Flame mark for most wins in aseason. At one point the club posted 27straight wins (Nov. 17-March 21). TheyWomen’s Basketball Gets Most Wins Everwere ranked No. 2 in the country anddefeated the NAIA national champion,Vanguard University, in a holidaytournament.When Rowe took the Lee job fouryears ago, several of his Brescia playersdecided to follow him to Lee. Two ofthe players making the move were JessicaStill and Jan Dodson. They wentThe Lee softball team found away to earn another appearance inthe NAIA Region XIII Softball Tournamentfor a sixth trip to the NAIANational Tournament.The Lady Flames entered regionSSAC Freshman of theYear, Brooke McKinnon,puts up a shoton to become two of the best playersto ever wear the Maroon and White.This year, Still was named firstteam NAIA All-American and Dodsonwas a second-teamer. Still broke thesingle-season (105), career (365) andsingle-game 3-point records. BothDodson and Still were Academic All-Americans. McKinnon and Nelsonplay with a 31-20 record. After losingin the opening round of the SSACTournament to Emmanuel, Lee foughtback and showed the mark of a championby placing second in the doubleelimination event. Shorter College,joined Still and Dodson on the All-SSAC team.Richmond was named the MVP ofthe Southern States Athletic ConferenceTournament, while Fallon Lee will godown as one of the Lady Flames’ toppoint guards ever. Still was the SSACplayer of the year and Rowe was theconference coach of the year.Lady Flames Softball Place Second in RegionLee’s Softball Gold Glove winner Hernanza Ruizdrives to tag out a Shorter College runner atsecond base during a regular-season SSAC game.ranked ninth nationally, defeated the24th-ranked Lady Flames in the final.This year’s season was highlightedby the play of freshman shortstopHernanza Ruiz and steady efforts ofjuniors third baseman Tiffany Walker,junior outfielder JaShaundrea Hinton,senior outfielder Danielle Everett andfreshman second baseman DanielleBalough. The pitching staff has beenanchored by a pair of seniors, SarahWarren and Jessica Kerr. SophomoreSara Mitchell and Rowe have donetheir share of hurling work, whilefreshman Kaitlyn Grosch has steppedin to handle the catching duties andalso done good work at the plate.Others who have played a keyrole for the Flames are Caitlin Haley,Hanah Swinson, Lindsay Shein andNoelle Mena.26 TORCH • Summer 2008

Men’s Basketball Advances toElite Eight; Sets School RecordIn certainly one of the most excitingseasons in the rich history of men’sbasketball at Lee, coach TommyBrown’s Flames will be remembered forthrilling victories over NCAA Division Iopponent East Carolina and the keyNAIA upset over then No. 1-rankedMountain State in Beckley, W.Va.The Flames set a new school recordwith 33 wins against just two defeats.Brown directed his unit to the SouthernStates Athletic Conference regular seasonand tournament championships.Lee advanced to the Elite Eight of theNAIA National Tournament beforebeing defeated by eventual nationalchampion Oklahoma City.While Brown was being named theSSAC Coach of the Year, he was alsoselected as the Victory Sports NationalCoach of the Year. In three seasons atLee, Brown has taken the Flames tothree straight national tournaments inKansas City.The Flames were directed by fiveseniors—Brad Harris, Kellen Pickel, ColeRose, Rick Harper and Jeff Steve. Harriswas named first-team NAIA All-Americanand was picked to play in the CollegeBasketball All-Star Game in Wadsworth,Ohio. Pickel scored 1,500 points (11th onthe all-time scoring list) and also helpedlead the Flames to three straight trips toKansas City and the NAIA National Tour-nament. Rose will be remembered for hisnever-say-die attitude; his tremendoushustle; and the man coach Brown alwayscalled on to defend the opponent’s topplayer. Harper was also a rugged defensiveplayer and became known for hisplaymaking ability. Steve filled whateverrole coach Brown called for, not only ingames, but also in practice.After the superior season ended,assistant coach John Meeks resignedand accepted an assistant’s job at MartinMethodist College. Josh Templetonwas promoted to the No. 2 coachingslot and Matt Sanders, a former assistantcoach and Lee graduate, agreed toreturn to the staff.Lee senior Kellen Pickel firesup a shot against OklahomaCity in the NAIA NationalTournament at Kansas City.TORCH • Summer 200827

AthleticsDodson, Pierre-Louis Earn Top AwardsTwo of Lee’s most celebrated athleteswere selected as winners of the2008 annual Paul Conn Student Athleteof the Year Award. Jan Dodsonhas been a standout on the basketballcourt for the past four years and RicardoPierre-Louis has put the Flames onthe world soccer map with his performances.Dodson directed the Lady Flames tofour straight NAIA National Tournamentappearances and a Sweet 16(highest ever by Lee women’s basketballteam) this past season. She wasnamed All-SSAC and second-teamNAIA All-American. From Nov. 17,2007-March 21, 2008, Dodson helpedlead the Lady Flames to 27 straightwins – a record that may never be broken.Lee also set a school record with32 wins and Dodson earned a spot onThe team of Jason Browning,Kelvin Page, Will Campbell and MattHadden combined to capture theannual Stanley Butler Memorial GolfInvitational title. Playing in the fourmanteam, select shot event, thewinners fired an impressive 16-underpar 56.Andy Higginbotham directed histeam of Dan Hampton and PhilPearson to a second-place finishwith a 15-under 57. Hampton alsocollected an extra $1,000 when hisball landed closest-to-the-pin in theannual helicopter drop.Third-place honors in the championshipflight went to the teamof Tarry Walker, Gary Rominger,Matt Clouse and Harry Ledford.They totaled an impressive 14-under58 finishBill Estes paced a group of fourtaking home the top prize in the B-Flight. Estes was joined by BillRobertson, Troy Gregory and AveryJohnson. The team carded an 11-the All-SSAC Academic and NAIAScholar Athlete teams.A three-time first-team NAIA All-American, Pierre-Louis broke theLee single season and career scoringRicardo Pierre-Louis and Jan Dodsonunder par 61. Scott Hicks directed thesecond-club. He played with TommyBrown, Richard Cribbs and Ricky Perry.Ralph Brett captained the team of LaurenBrett, Matt Holden and SteveMoore to the third-place finish. Theywere 8-under par at 64.records. The Flames reached thenational tournament two of the pastthree seasons and won SSAC andRegion XIII titles. Pierre-Louis wasnamed the 2007 NAIA Player of theYear and was drafted in the first round(22nd overall pick) in the Major LeagueSoccer Super Draft. He was also a starin the classroom and a SSAC scholarfor three years.“Jan and Ricardo are outstandingchoices for the award,” said Lee AthleticDirector Larry Carpenter. “Both haveexcelled academically and athleticallyand helped take their teams to newheights. Jan is a well-rounded individualwho makes an impact on all she comesin contact with. Ricardo came to Leeand everyone knew it was only a matterof time before all the soccer scoringrecords would be his. He is an outstandingindividual whose humility surpasseshis athletic accomplishments.”Butler Golf Tourney Is Anticipated Annual EventJulie Donnestad outdid all the menand claimed the longest drive honors.Phil McNamara was closest-to-the-pinon the second hole. Phil Pearsongrabbed the same prize on No. 14,while Jerry McGaha walked awaywith the straightest drive prize.(l-r) Jason Browning, Will Campbell and Matt Hadden were winners of Lee’s annualStanley Butler Golf Tourney. Not pictured, Kelvin Page.28

DimitarPamukchiyanTennis TeamsBattle in SSACThe year started off well for theFlames tennis team as they weredubbed the fifth-best team in the NAIAin the preseason poll, easily a Leerecord. Despite missing top player DimitarPamukchiyan in the first two games,the Maroon and White got off to a 2-0start. Not even the return ofPamukchiyan could push Lee past No. 1Auburn University-Montgomery in thethird match, though the netters did takethree of nine points from the Senators.AUM went on to win both the men andwomen's national titles.Despite shellacking Emmanuel Collegein the opening round of the SSACTournament, Lee could not gain anymomentum in the rest of postseasonplay, losing 5-0 to AUM in the leaguesemifinals before 24th-rated Xavier Universityeliminated them from the RegionXIII Tournament by the same score.The Lady Flames’ season went muchthe same way. The Lee ladies started offwith two dominant wins before losingto three talented opponents. Afterimproving to 7-5 in mid-season, Leelost twice by 8-1 margins. The 7-7final record extended the Lady Flames’streak of seasons without a losingrecord to 10.Senior Erin Schanke was best on theteam with an 8-5 record, with threewins against ranked players. BrooklynGoodell (7-6 at No. 2 and five wins inSSAC play) and Kelli Miller (7-5 atNo. 3) both captured some key victoriesover the course of the campaign.2007-08 Season ScoreboardVOLLEYBALL: 28-13, 12-0 SSAC• SSAC Tournament Champions• Highest Rating: No. 12WOMEN'S SOCCER:22-2, 10-0 SSAC• SSAC Tournament Champions• NAIA Region XIII TournamentChampions• Highest Rating: No. 2MEN'S SOCCER:16-5-3, 5-2-2 SSAC• Highest Rating: No. 4WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY:• NAIA Region XIII ChampionsMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY:• One NAIA Scholar-AthleteWOMEN'S BASKETBALL:32-3, 20-0 SSAC• NAIA National TournamentSecond Round• SSAC Regular Season andTournament Champions• Highest Rating: No. 2MEN'S BASKETBALL: 33-2, 17-1 SSAC• NAIA National TournamentElite Eight• SSAC Regular Season andTournament Champions• Highest Rating: No. 2BASEBALL: 63-10, 23-4 SSAC• Finals of NAIA World Series• NAIA Region XIII TournamentChampions• SSAC Regular Season Champions• Highest Rating: No. 2SOFTBALL: 32-22, 15-11 SSAC• Highest Rating: No. 11GOLF:• NAIA National ChampionshipQualifier• NAIA Region XIII Champions• Highest Rating: No. 33WOMEN'S TENNIS: 7-7, 3-4 SSAC• Highest Rating: No. 18MEN'S TENNIS: 6-6, 1-3 SSAC• Highest Rating: No. 5TORCH • Summer 200829

Torch TravelsTORCH TRAVELS - Send us a photo of you and/or a fellowalumnus or alumna reading Torch at an exotic or noteworthydestination. Tell us where you were and what was the occasion.Send prints to the Lee University Alumni Office, 1120 North OcoeeStreet, Cleveland, TN 37311, ATTN: Torch Travels. High resolutiondigital photos can be e-mailed to torch@leeuniversity.edu.Who’s WhereElsie Bark Flinton ’58 livesin Millville, NJ where she isretired but continues to workin the local church. Her husband,James, a Church ofGod minister, is deceased.The couple has a daughterand two granddaughters.Darla Weir Huddleston ’73and her husband, Bill, live inBushnell, FL. They own asecurity company managedby their son, Chris Huddleston’06. Darla has beenwriting grants for nonprofitsfor several years, butrecently became projectdirector for a federal abstinenceeducation project shewrote for the Christian CareCenter in Leesburg.Donna Kay Jenkins Ragan’73, of Lenoir City, TN,passed away on October 21,2007. She had operatedAunt Donna’s Pre-School inLenoir City for several years.Donna was preceded indeath by her husband,Wayne, and is survived byher two sons and grandson.Johnny Thompson ’77 livesin McDonough, GA wherehe is a work-based learningcoordinator at HeritageHigh School in Conyers,GA. Johnny says, “I amenjoying working on mysecond retirement and makinga contribution to theRockdale County SchoolSystem.”In front of the Captain Davey Jones Flying Dutchmanin the Bahamas with Torch are (l-r) Colleen Ward ’07,Jessica McDougall ’08, Rachael McDougall ’08 andCasey Graves ’07.▼Todd Wright Named MaryvilleWomen's Basketball CoachMaryville College (Maryville, Tenn.) introduced Todd Wright’95 as its new women’s basketball coach during a press conference.The appointment was effective May 1 and he has alreadybegun recruiting and preparing for the upcoming season.Formerly the head women’s basketball coach and assistant▼Ankor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia, was the backdropfor recent Torch reading by Steven Johnson ’91.30 TORCH • Summer 2008

Dennis Thomas Walters ’78,formerly of Fayetteville, N.C.,died February 29, 2008. Hewas a 1978 honors graduatefrom Lee with a degree inhealth and physical education.He was a member ofUpsilon XI and co-captain ofthe tennis team. He obtainedhis master’s degree in 1980from the University of SouthwesternLouisiana. He taughtfor the Cumberland Countyschool system from 1980 to2004 at Stedman Jr. High,Spring Lake Middle, andHope Mills Middle. He alsocoached wrestling, track andfield, and assisted in footballand basketball as a coachand trainer. He is survived byhis wife, Cathy Dean Walters.Rob Arp ’84 was recentlyhired as the chief developmentofficer for the PsychologicalStudies Institute (PSI)in Atlanta, GA.Barbara Brooks Hall ’84from Hollywood, FL, hasbeen teaching elementaryschool for the past 22 years.She has three children and iseditor for a multiculturalChristian magazine, Saved.Myra Mintz Maney ’84lives in Waynesville, N.C.where she is the personalproperty listing director withthe Haywood County, NC,Assessor's Office. She hastwo children, the youngest ofwhom will attend Lee this fall.professor of health and physical education at Roane StateCommunity College in Harriman, Tenn., Todd was chosen fromamong 90 applicants for the position.“We conducted phone interviews with our top five candidatesand wanted to bring in the best male candidate and thebest female candidate, and I believe we did that,” statedMaryville’s Associate Athletics Director Kandis Schram. “At theend of the interviews, we felt like the most qualified and theone with the most experience was Todd Wright. He has coachedboth high school girls and college women and this experiencewill help him be effective in recruiting and winning on the collegiatelevel. I think he has the experience to continue the winningtradition of women’s basketball here.”Todd holds a master’s degree in human performance andsport studies from the University of Tennessee. Prior to joiningthe staff at Roane State, he was head women’s basketballcoach, athletics director and mathematics teacher at OliverSprings High School in Oliver Springs, Tenn.Upon being hired at Maryville, Todd said, “I want to begin bythanking God for opening this door and this opportunity. Myfamily has been such a strong support system, and I appreciatetheir support through my journey as a coach. I do not take thisposition for granted, and I want to give everything that I havegot to continue their success. I am excited about the opportunityand challenge that lies ahead.”Located in Maryville, Tenn., Maryville College is the 12th oldestinstitution of higher learning in the South with a fall 2007enrollment of 1,176 students.▼▼With Lady Liberty reading Torch over their shoulder,Pam Coker Browning ’78, Renee Holman ’78,Robin Daugherty Cole ’79 and Twyla DaughertyGreen ’82 enjoy the Big Apple, New York City.Three generations of Abbotts, including Bill ’55, Joel(student) and Mark take in the history of NormandyBeach at Point du Hoc, France, with Torch in tow.TORCH • Summer 200831

Torch Travels▼Anita Owens Rich '80 introduces Torch to a Samaritan's PurseMongolia staff member and the mother of a child who recentlyreturned from having heart surgery through the Children's HeartProject in front of the mother’s home in Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia.At the gate of the Mormon Tabernacle with Torch are (l-r)Mickey Moore ’73, his wife, Donna, Andrea Shope ’94 (back)with her children and her mother Diane Griffey.(l-r) Pam Coleman ('06M) and Melissa Beaty ('05) broughtalong Torch during a rock hopping excursion at the Chimneyswhile vacationing in Gatlinburg with their families.▼▼Who’s WhereSheila White Ricketts ’89 isa support manager/supervisorin supportive living atOrange Grove Center, an allinclusivecenter for peoplewith mental retardation inChattanooga, TN. Sheila ismarried and has two sons.Sheila would love to hearfrom fellow classmates.Tammy Nieves ’90 purchasedher first home in May,2007 in Winchester, VA. Shehas been employed withFedEx for eight years andsays she “loves the freedomon the job which keeps me inshape.” Tammy attends WinchesterChurch of God.Tammy says she is “happilysingle and would love to hearfrom my old team mates.”Thomas Bordeaux ’93 livesin Metairie, LA, and is in hisfirst year of the D.Min programat the Church of GodTheological Seminary. Hehas been serving as a hospicechaplain in NewOrleans since October 2004.Richard Shrubb AppointedPresident of Minnesota CollegeRichard G. “Ric” Shrubb ‘83, vice president of Academicand Student Affairs at Terra Community College in Fremont,Ohio, was recently appointed president of Minnesota WestCommunity and Technical College.Minnesota West has campuses in Canby, Granite Falls,Jackson, Pipestone and Worthington, serving more than 4,400students. Shrubb, 49, previously served as dean of GeneralEducation and director of the ClintonCounty campus at SouthernState Community College in Ohio;associate professor, program directorof technical communication andassessment coordinator at the MilwaukeeSchool of Engineering; andEnglish faculty member at PearlRiver Community College in Mississippi.He also served in the U.S.Army as an intelligence specialist.“Dr. Shrubb is an outstanding fitfor Minnesota West Community and Technical College,” saidChancellor James H. McCormick. “He will be a strong additionto the leadership team of our colleges and universities andwill bring new perspectives and fresh insights from his experiencein other states.”Shrubb holds a doctorate in educational leadership andsupervision of instruction from the University of SouthernMississippi; a master's degree in business administration fromWilliam Carey College in Mississippi; a master's degree inEnglish from Southeastern Louisiana University; and a bachelor'sdegree in English from Lee University.32 TORCH • Summer 2008

The Gleasons▲ Tricia Gleason ’95 is busyas a “home manager” withfour sons under the age of10. In addition to domesticduties, Tricia stays active invarious ministries at her localchurch in the Christian educationdepartment, includingWednesday night director.She and her husband, Brett,and the boys live in TerreHaute, IN. Tricia says herfavorite job is “at home takingcare of her boys—all fiveof them.” Tricia would loveto hear from old Lee friends:gleasonlady4him@hotmail.comBarry ’97 and Laura PageHyden ’01 live in Clinton,TN where Laura teacheshigh school government atClinton High School. Sheholds a master of sciencedegree from the Universityof Tennessee, Knoxville.Krista Shelton Anderson ’98lives in Clarkston, MI whereshe and her husband, Stefan,welcomed their third childand first daughter, ScarletGrace Anderson, born onFebruary 28, 2008. Krista iscurrently working as a middleschool language artsteacher and she and Stefanrecently celebrated theireighth wedding anniversary.Herbert Garrard ’99 is livingin Cleveland, TN where he iscurrently serving as anevangelist and enjoying hissix grandchildren.Ian ’99 and Kelly WilsonShaw ’99 are youth couplespastors at Bethany WorldPrayer Center in Baker, LA.They have three daughters.S. Kyle Hinton and his wife,Shanti, are residents ofReading, PA, where Kyle isassociate pastor of SpringValley Church of God.Shanti is a pharmacist inErie, PA. Kyle holds a mastersdegree from the Churchof God Theological Seminaryand would love to hearfrom old friends via e-mail:kylehynson@hotmail.com. ▼TheHintonsJeremiah Waldrop ’01 andhis wife, Anne, live in Knoxville,TN with their two sons.Katie Bredamus ’03 marriedShawn Mitchell on June 23,2007. Katie assists Shawn attheir church where he is theyouth pastor. Katie is a middleschool band director inDanville, VA.Krista Slicker Scranton ’03 ismarried to Stacy and lives inthe Houston area where sheworks for a non-profitorganization called Faith inPractice which sends surgical,medical and dental teams toGuatemala.Save These Dates!• Reunions for the classes of 1998,1988, 1978, 1968, 1958 and more• Athletic Reunion for Flames andLady Flames Soccer• Student Leadership Council 10thAnniversary• Alpha Gamma Chi 45th Anniversary• Flames and Lady Flames basketballgames• Lady Flames volleyball match andVolley for a CureKen '02 and Monet CallowaySamuelson '01 recentlywelcomed Isabella Rose,“Bella,” born December 31,2007. Ken and Monet teachin the Avery County SchoolSystem in North Carolina.Both are working on doctoraldegrees in School SystemLeadership at East TennesseeState University. They wouldlove to hear from some oldfriends at monetsamuelson@averyschools.net.▼LEE UNIVERSITYGENERAL ASSEMBLYALUMNI RECEPTIONAugust 7, 2008, 9:00 pmGrand Hyatt, Lone Star Ballroom,San Antonio, TexasIf you will be at the Church of God GeneralAssembly in San Antonio this August,be sure you place the alumni reception onyour list of places to be! Come join hundredsin the brand-new Grant Hyatt hotelconnected to the convention center. Welook forward to seeing you there!LEE UNIVERSITYHOMECOMING 2008November 7–8, 2008TheSamuelsons• Alumni Baseball game• Music Festival• President’s Circle Luncheon• And much more!!Homecoming this year will featurea special 40th anniversary reunionof the Evangelistic Singers (EVS).Any alumni of EVS are invited toattend. Please contact the currentdirector, Rodney Gipson atrgipson@clevelandschools.org orcall (423)333-5659.TORCH • Summer 200833

Who’s WhereDelta Zeta Tau EstablishesAlumni AssociationLee University’s oldest women’s social service club, Delta Zeta Tau,has formed an alumni association for the hundreds of women who haveworn the red and white of the ladies who “Seek to Serve” over the past44 years.“As we evaluate both where we have been and where God is callingus to go, we have come to the realization that it is impossible to fullyembrace our vision without reflecting on our rich history,” stated LindseyCalhoun, current DZT president. “We (the current membership) are notcapable of bringing this vision to pass on our own. That is why we willrely on the sufficiency of God and the foundation of our society. Withthis understanding, we are excited to establish the Delta Zeta Tau AlumniAssociation.Calhoun stated that the Alumni Association will provide manyopportunities, creating a more feasible route to reaching the club’s goals.This will include a bigger body of believers, incorporating alumni andcurrent members.“I believe that the alumni associationwill be a great asset to the heritageof Delta Zeta Tau,” said JenniferWallace Jackson ‘07. “Even after wegraduate, begin careers, and havefamilies, the alumni association willserve as a tool for us to stay connectedand continue to contribute to thelegacy of DZT.”Delta Zeta Tau’s first annual alumniassociation reception will be heldduring Homecoming 2008 on Friday,November 7 at 8:00 p.m. The evening will be a celebration of a pastlegacy and future accomplishments to come.“We would be so happy for all former members of DZT to join us aswe launch this venture between the current members and our sisterswho have gone before us,” Calhoun continued. “We hope these inauguralactivities will be a springboard toward next year when we celebrate our45th anniversary”Christopher Lindeman ’04has been living in Germanysince August 2002. He ismarried to Lamprini (Parusis)Lindeman and he isserving as co-pastor, youthpastor, and music ministerfor the Church of God inGeislingen, Germany.Nicole Macaluso Rogers ’04is married to Tracy and theyreside outside of Charlotte,NC.. Nicole is enjoying havingher own photographybusiness, while Tracy isabout to graduate as 2ndLieutenant in the UnitedStates Army.Joshua Raines ’05 and hiswife, Melanie ’05, recentlycelebrated the birth of theirfirst child, Elijah BlueRaines, on March 24, 2008.Micheal '06 and MelissaOxford '06 live in Alamosa,CO with their three children.Micheal is a nursing homeadministrator for Life CareCenters of America andMelissa enjoys being a stayat home mom.Christa Bennett DirectingAfrica NetworkLee University alumna Christa Bennett ’03 decided totake a different path with her life after graduation. She isworking to establish justice in Rwanda and Darfur throughthe non-governmental organizations Network for Africa(N4A) and Waging Peace. Bennett’s primary interests are theprotection of human rights, community development, and therecognition of women and children in politics.“It is important for women to know theyhave choices. Likewise, if children can beequipped with an understanding of the possibilitiesthat life offers them, they will be less likelyto succumb to hopelessness,” Bennett said.After leaving Lee, Bennett completed amaster’s degree in war studies at King’s College in London.While studying abroad, she began working with WagingPeace. When she moved to California with her husband in2007, she began working to help direct a United States branchof the Waging Peace partner, N4A. N4A develops projects inRwanda to promote development in the fields of health andeducation. By equipping poor people with the tools to helpthemselves, they can begin to lift themselves out of poverty.“When I was unpacking after moving last year, I cameacross a note card on which I had written a gem from one ofDr. Conn’s sermons: ‘Never underestimate God’s desire for youto be happy. Never underestimate God’s intention to make youstrong. The Lee experience may not be what you expected, butit’s what God expected.’ This was true in my life, and no matterwhat your Lee experience looks like, if your heart is open,I believe it can be used to get you to where you’ve alwayswanted to be, even if you didn’t know what that looked likewhen you began your college journey.” —Katie Gee34 TORCH • Summer 2008

Noah Stusek ’06 marriedHolly McCaughey on April4, 2007. Noah is a youthpastor at Renewed StrengthChurch in Westville, OH. Theyouth group is called Undignifiedbased on the verse in2 Samuel 6:22. Holly is athird grade teacher atSpringfield Christian Schoolin Springfield, OH.Erich and Emily Lacks ’07live in Pulaski, TN, whereboth are using their degreesfrom Lee, while pursuingmasters degrees at theChurch of God TheologicalSeminary. Erich is a youthpastor at the Well Churchof God and Emily is servingas a case worker in Columbia,TN.WHEN WERE YOU AT LEE?WHO'S WHERE is for twenty-somethings with fresh jobsand new babies, but it's also for those with establishedcareers and empty nests! Whenever you were a student,we want to hear from you!Name __________________________________________________Address _________________________________________________Betsy Reed Appointedin Foreign Fair TradeLee University alumna, Betsy Reed ’03, was recentlyappointed as the first member of staff for the Scottish FairTrade Forum. During her time at Lee,Reed explored many opportunitieswithin the history and political sciencedepartments and asserts that her timespent as an officer in Pi Sigma Alpha,the Political Science Honor Society atLee, was a “precursor to her ability tomove comfortably in political circles.”“Debating politics in class sharpenedmy ability to be diplomatic, and many of my academicexperiences at Lee served to sharpen my logic, reasoning andresearch abilities, as well as giving me the confidence to usethem,” said Reed.After graduating, Reed moved to Scotland to pursue amasters of social sciences in Nationalism Studies at the Universityof Edinburgh. Afterwards, Reed worked in politics inboth the United States and Scotland. Her work includedresearching and planning policy events for a former memberof Scottish Parliament, which she says, “plunged her into thedeep end of Scottish politics.”“Fair trade is a partnership between consumers in moredeveloped countries like the United States and producers inplaces like Africa, Asia, and South America who make manyof the goods we buy—from coffee to chocolate, bananas tosoccer balls.”Reed explained that this is not a task for one nation alone,but encourages global participation within fair trade: “We arehelping people we may never even meet to achieve a life inwhich they cannot only take pride in their work, but can bepaid fairly for it. The reason I do it is because I believe that it'sright and lines up with values rooted in my faith. And I wouldsay that the job I do now is fueled by both my faith and myunderstanding of global political systems, so it really doescombine my faith and my education.” —Katie GeeCity ____________________________________________________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 “Alumniand Friends” and click on “Who’s Where Update.”• E-mail: torch@leeuniversity.edu. Please include all the informationrequested above• Mail: Send this completed form to the Lee University Alumni Office,P.O. Box 3450, Cleveland, TN 37320-3450High resolution digital photos can be e-mailed via the Web site link, totorch@leeuniversity.edu, or mailed to the above address.TORCH • Summer 200835

L E E U N I V E R S I T YP.O. Box 3450Cleveland, TN 37320-3450www.leeuniversity.eduYOUNG ALUMNI TORCH SOCIETYHaving graduatedwithin the past7 years from LeeUniversity, you may feelthat you just don't have thetime or money to give back toLee at this point in your life. Butby supporting scholarships, newbuildings, residential college life,technology, and academic programs,your Annual Alumni Fundcontribution helps other studentsto enjoy the same Lee experiencethat you did.Your gift also counts toward LeeUniversity’s annual alumni participationrate, which has an impacton both Lee’s national rankingsand on the levels of corporate andfoundation giving.TORCH SOCIETYThe Torch Society rewards and recognizes young alumni who giveevery year, and give any amount to the Annual Alumni Fund. It is arecognition and reward program specifically for Lee's young alumni.The goal of the Torch Society is to encourage consecutive participationin giving back to Lee, regardless of the monetary amount. Torch Societymembers receive special benefits that are reserved for young alumnileaders, recognition on the Torch Honor Roll, and milestone gifts inappreciation of loyal giving to Lee.If you graduated in the last 7 years, it's easy to become a Torch Societymember:• Make a gift of any amount to the Annual Alumni Fund for twoconsecutive years.• Continue making consecutive annual gifts to the Alumni Fund tomaintain your membership.• When you have been an alumnus of Lee University for more than7 years, you will continue to receive recognition and appreciationfrom Lee for your annual giving even though you will no longer beeligible for Torch Society membership.BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP• Invitation to Torch SocietyNetworking Reception• Annual Torch Society member 2008 Milestone Gift: Flash Drivemilestone gift• Torch Society Pass for admission to all Homecoming weekend eventsDonate Online: https://www.leeuniversity.edu/info/forms/donate.aspDonate by Mail or Phone: Lee University Office of Alumni Relations,P.O. Box 3450. Cleveland, TN 37320-3450, 1-800-LEE-5530 option 6