Profile Winter 2011

PROFILEin

side

Martin Luther: 12’tall, 6.75 tonsA Lutheran Quest from Germany to RomeRise to the Challenge of L-R’s New Core Curriculum

The Magazine of Lenoir-Rhyne University Winter 2011

/ Winter ’11/ PROFILE PROFILE/ Winter ’11/ Page 3

81015Science Complex

A Pilgrimage

Meet Jennifer and Karen

6A monument to Martin Luther rises up

at Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Jon Hair, sculptor

Standing Tall

8Internships pave the way to success in

today’s job market.

Meet Jennifer and Karen

Real Experience for the Real World

10Martin Luther’s two-month, 1000-mile journey

exactly 500 years ago.

A Pilgrimage

L-R Grad Retraces Martin Luther’s Steps

15The first phase will be a 35,000 square foot addition

to the Minges Science Building.

Science Complex

Donors Advance Science at L-R

Winter 2011 Volume 61 Number 1

The Magazine of Lenoir-Rhyne UniversityPROFILE

Editors Mike Langford, Maggie Greene

Contributing Writers Maggie Greene, Julie Day Jones, Brendan Haney, Jennifer Platzer

Contributing Photographers Mike Langford, Maggie Greene, Erin Sweet, Phil Robinson/SportsFotos

Layout and Design Mindpower Inc.

Printing Hickory Printing Group

Website www.lr.edu

President Dr. Wayne Powell 828-328-7334, [email protected]

Provost Dr. Larry Hall 828-328-7112, [email protected]

Vice President for Institutional Advancement Scott Shrode 828-328-7360, [email protected]

Vice President for Administration and Finance Peter Kendall 828-328-7100, [email protected]

Vice President for Enrollment Management Rachel Nichols ’90 828-328-7306, [email protected]

Class Notes or Change of Address Suzanne Jackson 828-328-7080, [email protected]

To suggest a story idea, contact Maggie Greene at 828-328-7109, [email protected].

©Copyright 2011 by Lenoir-Rhyne University, Hickory, NC. Lenoir-Rhyne, founded in 1891, is a private liberal arts institution affiliated with the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Profile is a publication of Lenoir-Rhyne University

Postage paid at 7th Avenue NE and 8th Street NE Hickory, North Carolina 28603

6A Monument

In pursuit of the development of the whole person, Lenoir-Rhyne University seeks to liberate mind and spirit, clarify personal faith, foster physical wholeness, build a sense of community, and promote responsible leadership for service in the world.

As an institution of the North Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the university holds the conviction that wholeness of personality, true vocation, and the most useful service to God and the world are best discerned from the perspective of Christian faith.

As a community of learning, the university provides programs of undergraduate, graduate, and continuing study committed to the liberal arts and sciences as a foundation for a wide variety of careers and as guidance for a meaningful life.

Our Mission

20 – Core Curriculum

22 – Bear Tracks

28 – Alumni and Class Notes

34 – Homecoming!

Back Cover – Calendar

PROFILE/ Winter ’11/ Page 5Page 4 / Winter ’11/ PROFILE

The last few years we have been fortunate to be part of a great success story at Lenoir-Rhyne, one that has been built on the foundation of excellence established by those who came before us. We have seen our enrollment grow dramatically as more students discover the advantages of the L-R brand of education. Financial support from alumni and friends has provided us unprecedented backing to develop new opportunities for students through programming, scholarships, and improved infrastructure. The general financial condition of the university is the strongest in our history, and it is the strongest among our peers. Our students are finding more opportunities to study abroad and become engaged in service activities, either as a career focus or as a life’s commitment. The exciting new curriculum introduced this fall is challenging students to address tomorrow’s issues in the context of the lessons learned from the past, all the while helping them acquire critical communication skills, both written and oral, that will enable them to provide leadership for the next generation. Student scholarship is a focus in our developing the liberal arts university of the future. Our athletic teams, and our individual athletes, are bringing excitement and distinction to L-R and this community. All-in-all there is much of which we are proud.

With all the positive measures of Lenoir-Rhyne’s status, we are determined, more than ever, to enhance the university further, to raise our profile, to find greater opportunities for more students. Some have asked us “Why?” Why don’t we just sit back and enjoy this environment, relax, and take it easy. There are several reasons.

When any organization becomes self-satisfied and rests on its laurels, then it will later look around and find that others have moved beyond it. At this time, we feel we are the ones who have moved out of the pack among small private institutions in the South. However, if we sit still, then others will move ahead, just as we did in recent years. We like this position, and we know that to maintain it we must continue to improve.

It is also clear to us that we are in a unique position in higher education. The state higher education system is suffering dramatically, cutting programs and services, and raising class sizes beyond responsible levels. Many private institutions are still reeling from the impact of cuts in salaries, services, and student scholarships. We have none of these problems, so we are able to focus our attention on enhancing our educational services and programming instead of trying to repair the damage from recession inflicted cuts. The window of opportunity is open for us, and we choose to enter, because if we don’t it may not stay open for long.

One more thing to consider is a concept I try to present to alumni and students whenever possible. When someone earns a college degree, that identification is theirs for life. The value of that degree at any point in time is determined by the quality of the institution at that time, not at the time the degree was granted. This means that if we are able to enhance the reputation of Lenoir-Rhyne, then we are not only serving our current students, but also all students who came before them who will also see the value of their degree grow.

We hope that you see the results of our continued aggressive agenda to take L-R to new heights. In the coming years we will be engaging a number of initiatives to build the institution. Among these are the further expansion of our program offerings, the strengthening of partnerships with Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and the extension of our programming to off-site centers. As these unfold we will always stay true to our commitment to excellence.

We are grateful to each and every one of you who works with us to build the future of Lenoir-Rhyne. Much of our success is due to the partnership we have maintained with you.

From the President

Wayne B. Powell, Ph. D. President of the University

L-R By the Numbers

Sincerely,

Wayne B. Powell, Ph.D., President of the University

537

100% 349,675

1,267

100

430 – The largest class of first-year students ever at L-R. We welcomed students from 28 states and six countries to campus this fall. 100% of the 31 nursing graduates took and passed the state licensing exam!

537 – Students, faculty, and staff are participating in the “Bears on the Move” program that promotes exercise and healthy living. 9 graduate programs are now offered at Lenoir-Rhyne University. 13,500 pounds of grey granite now stands on Shaw Plaza in the form of a 12-foot Martin Luther statue.

50+ – The number of clubs, organizations, and honor societies that students have an opportunity to be a part of while at L-R. 349,675 is the total number of lr.edu web pages viewed by visitors in one month.

Think you know a lot about Lenoir-Rhyne University? You probably do, but as a dynamic, growing institution we are making strides every day. Check out these numbers for a quick overview of how L-R has been rising up.

1 – The number of National Poet Laureates who have come to the L-R campus. W.S. Merwin spoke on campus as part of the Visiting Writers Series. Over 100 convocation sessions were offered for the fall semester. Attendance at six convocations each academic year is required by all students and provides opportunities for educational and cultural enrichment and personal enjoyment.

1267 – The number of applications L-R received in one week in November 2010 (and the largest number of applications ever received in one week). 14 broomsticks were used for the Quidditch matches that took place on campus during Harry Potterfest. L-R students and the Hickory community enjoyed “flying” around campus after the golden snitch.


A monument to Martin Luther rises up at Lenoir-Rhyne University

Hair has completed commissions for the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, the U.S. Air Force Academy, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, and several universities and corporations. He recently completed a bust of American playwright Eugene O’Neill for the city of Shanghai.

“I enjoy sculpting historical figures because I’ve always had an interest in history,” says Hair. “When someone changes the course of history, as Martin Luther did, I want to capture them in the most accurate form possible.” Prior to beginning any sculpting work, Hair does extensive historical research to ensure accuracy of clothing style, poses, and appearance.

Hair said the Martin Luther statue is the largest stone sculpture he has ever created. Granite is a very dense and heavy material that is difficult to carve but is more permanent than most other materials, including marble.

“I had not done any stonework since my college days but I was looking for something new. With stone it is 100% hands on.” Hair went on to explain that when a sculptor works in clay it can easily be manipulated and the material reworked but when using stone, you chip something away and it is done.

The creation of the Martin Luther statue was a multi-step process that began with sketching. Hair then sculpted a 36-inch tall maquette of Martin Luther in clay. Molds of the sculpture were made, and then a plaster casting of the piece was poured. This process took over two months to complete. Hair used the 36-inch plaster casting as a guide to sculpt the full-size stone statue. “Once I began the actual sculpting process it took me about three months to complete,” explained Hair.

His sculptures appear in galleries, private collections, and on a growing number of corporate and college campuses from Beijing to Hollywood. His work has appeared in Southwest Art, Sculpture Review, Arts & Antiques, Wildlife Art, Robb Reports and Art World News magazines.

Martin Luther was a German priest and scholar who lived from 1483 to 1546. In 1517, he nailed his 95 Theses to the Wittenberg Church door, challenging certain beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. Called upon by Pope Leon X to recant his radical teaching, Luther refused. As a result, he

was excommunicated from the Church and declared an outlaw. Luther later translated the Bible from Latin into German, the language of the people. He married a former nun, beginning the tradition of clerical marriage. Luther wrote many hymns, including “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” helping to create the tradition of congregational singing.

The statue is a gift from Charlotte philanthropist Irwin Belk, who previously donated nine bronze statues of athletes playing different sports to Lenoir-Rhyne. His generosity also helped fund the LRU Irwin Belk Track.

Standing TallHe arrived on a cold and rainy day, but the anticipation around the L-R campus was hot when one of the world’s largest statues of Martin Luther was delivered and erected on Shaw Plaza.

“I am very pleased about the addition of this statue to our campus,” said L-R Pastor Andrew Weisner. “The fact that the statue was erected this year is a clear, strong symbol that Lenoir-Rhyne continues to embrace and appreciate its relationship (past and present) with the Church,” he continued.

The teaching of Martin Luther launched the Protestant Reformation and created the Lutheran Church. Lenoir-Rhyne was founded in 1891 by four Lutheran pastors and is affiliated with the N.C. Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Jon Hair, a sculptor from Cornelius, N.C., designed the 12-foot granite statue. Since beginning his sculpting career in 1999, Hair has completed more than 30 major public art commissions. His 35-foot bronze and steel monument entitled “Olympic Strength” stands in front of the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, C.O. He also created “The Boilermaker,” a massive 26-foot bronze sculpture for Purdue University.


Real Experience for the Real World

Meet JenniferJennifer Platzer is a junior majoring in public relations at L-R. Jennifer wants to pursue a career in the communications field but was uncertain exactly what options were available.

Last summer, she secured an internship as a Community Outreach and Marketing Intern with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure in Atlanta to help clarify her career decision. “I worked on so many different projects but the three main areas were outreach, event planning, and public relations,” said Jennifer. An internship allows a student to gain leadership skills that cannot be taught in a classroom. Jennifer was given the opportunity to completely plan a new event for the greater Atlanta area called “Play for the Cure.” Creating media kits, interacting with the public and other agencies, and developing educational materials were just a few of the tasks Jennifer was put in charge of.

Often when students graduate from college, they have some class projects under their belts and maybe a leadership position with a club. An internship such as Jennifer’s allowed her to put to use her writing skills and interpersonal skills, and to learn how to multitask. When she is ready to interview for a job, she can pull from these experiences and her future employers will know she can handle the rigors of day-to-day work life.

“I learned a lot about not only my major but also about the ‘real world,’” Jennifer commented. “Having to listen to the Atlanta traffic reports and handling a one-hour commute were life lessons.”

As the job market becomes more and more competitive it is essential for students to have unique experiences that differentiate them from others. It is not enough to just successfully complete your degree, participate in a few on-campus activities, and send out your résumé. Practical experiences and hands-on knowledge will pave the way for a student to succeed in their chosen field. One of the best opportunities available to students is an internship. Every year, many students at Lenoir-Rhyne move forward with career internships; some are lucky enough to find a paid internship, while others are paid in experience. Several of the degree programs at L-R actually require students to complete at least one internship as a component of their graduation requirement. Jennifer Platzer and Karen Fletcher are two current L-R students who took full advantage of all that an internship offers. Instead of spending the lazy days of summer around a swimming pool or at the beach, they began laying the groundwork for their future careers.

Senior Karen Fletcher knew that Health and Exercise Majors at L-R must complete three internships before graduation. What she didn’t realize, was that she’d be moving to Texas to do it. “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be so far away from Hickory, but this was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Karen interned with the Cooper Aerobics Centers in Dallas and McKinney, Texas. Both centers were opened by Dr. Kenneth Cooper, who is recognized as the leader of the international physical fitness movement, and also coined the term “aerobics.”

Through her internship, Karen learned what it means to be a professional, how important great customer service is, and built her confidence. Karen says, “It was a wonderful experience to realize that I really can make a difference in someone’s life with what I’ve learned in the past three years,” She maximized her internship experience at a nearby physical therapy and sports medicine center. “I loved working at Cooper,” said Karen, “but I felt more passion helping patients in the physical therapy clinic.”

Following graduation, Karen plans to spend a year getting more practical experience then to attend a graduate program in physical therapy at Duke, Emory, or UNC-Chapel Hill. Karen stresses the value of her experience and encourages other students to find internships, as well. Rising to the challenge is one of Karen’s key messages: “If you really want to have a good experience and to make yourself stand out to get into graduate school or get a job, you have to take the initiative and put in the work.”

Meet Karen

“In my internship I learned the kinds of real-life skills that I could never have learned from a textbook.”

Internships pave the way to success in today’s job market

Giving up a summer vacation may

not be at the top of every student’s

to-do list, but the long-lasting,

positive effects are invaluable as

Jennifer and Karen found out.

Lenoir-Rhyne students can discuss

internship opportunities with their

advisors. There are also many

websites available that list full

and part-time internships in many

different fields.


When it comes to walking in another’s footsteps, Sarah Hinlicky Wilson (L-R ’98) isn’t afraid to go the extra thousand miles. This fall, she and her husband Andrew made a pilgrimage from Erfurt, Germany, to Rome, Italy, retracing the steps of Martin Luther’s two-month, 1000-mile journey exactly 500 years ago.

They hoped that by physically connecting the two cities, they could symbolically connect Protestants and Catholics and make progress toward healing a division that’s half a millennium old. It’s a mission that Wilson calls, “Connecting our churches, step by step.” For Martin Luther, the journey began as a simple business trip. But the Catholic friar’s historic visit to Rome in 1510 was the first step toward one of the greatest rifts in Church history. Upon his return to Germany, Luther continued to be troubled by the doctrine of his faith, and his desire for reform within the church grew. Seven years later, he nailed his legendary “95 Theses” to the church door in Wittenburg. By 1521, Martin Luther was excommunicated from the Catholic Church and the Protestant movement was officially born.

Five hundred years after his journey, on August 22, 2010, Sarah and Andrew Wilson set out on foot from the Augustinian priory in Erfurt, Germany, where Luther lived and studied. They spent the next 70 days retracing his path, arriving in Rome in time for Reformation Day on October 31.

Despite preparing both physically and mentally for the trip, they soon found that trekking halfway across Europe is much more than symbolic. They walked an average of 25–30 miles per day, on highways that were largely not pedestrian-friendly. Cities were choked with traffic, while the country roads were often shoulder-less and guarded by barking dogs. Even a minor detour could mean hurrying through darkness to reach their destination. And amid the modern highways and cities, they also walked along historic Roman roads and passed Augustinian monasteries that surely must have offered hospitality to the weary friar.

In all, the couple walked 1001.7 miles. Their journey took them through half of Germany, then Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and half of Italy. Andrew’s parents served as “roadies,” keeping the Wilsons’ son Zeke on a regular school schedule and traveling by camper for weekly reunions along the journey. And all along the way they encountered supporters, both Protestant and Catholic, who offered fresh water to nourish their bodies and encouragement, prayer, and hospitality to bolster their spirits.

Martin Luther’s StepsL-R Grad Retraces

A pilgrimage from Erfurt, Germany, to Rome, Italy, retraced the steps of Martin Luther’s two-month, 1000-mile journey exactly 500 years ago.

1000


Institute for Ecumenical Research, a scholarly institute dedicated to understanding and working through the issues that divide Lutherans from other churches around the world.

Her husband, Andrew Wilson, holds a doctorate in Church History from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is currently a postdoctoral Fellow at the Foundation for Interreligious and Intercultural Research and Dialogue in Geneva, Switzerland. He, Sarah, and their son Zeke have been living in Strasbourg, France, for the past two years.

During their time in Europe and throughout their pilgrimage, they have been delighted to encounter

Christians – both Protestant and Catholic alike – hungry for unity and eager to celebrate the similarities of their faiths. For Wilson, ecumenism starts with a willingness to connect, and it also requires that we be truthful about our history. In the past, theological debate has focused mainly on differences, with Martin Luther characterized either as a villain or a hero, depending on the debater’s perspective, pitted against either a perfect or hopelessly flawed Catholic Church, again depending on perspective.

Wilson found that these polarizing caricatures were far from the center of Christian life, and that Luther’s true history – as a devout Catholic priest whose theological

The couple quickly adjusted to this new adventure, and their bodies and minds soon found a rhythm. In addition to their backpacks with basic hiking gear, they carried a smartphone for securing that night’s lodging, a camera for documenting the journey, and a laptop for writing and posting updates online. They kept hats and sunglasses handy for protection from the sun. And as for shoes? Wilson wore Keen sneaker sandals that she replaced once, and her husband made the trip in a single pair of Crocs.

At the end of long days of walking, the Wilsons marshaled the power of social media to spread the word not only about their journey, but about the advancements and healing happening within the Church. In addition to providing updates via Twitter and Facebook, they also started a blog, www.hereiwalk.org, a play on Luther’s legendary words, “Here I stand, I can do no other,” at his trial in 1521. Around 1800 people visited their blog during the trip.

While Martin Luther may not have had these same conveniences, he, too, lived in the midst of a communication revolution. For Luther, the printing press was a new and invaluable tool for disseminating information about his growing movement. For the first time in history, information and scholarly opinion were made available to the local population, which quickly hardened opposing sides in the growing conflict within the Church. But where Luther’s journey ultimately led to division, the Wilsons’ “ecumenical pilgrimage” focused on unity and the finding of common ground.

As Sarah Wilson wrote, “To have a future together, the churches have to face the past.” In her meditations, Wilson views each step of the journey through a lens of unity, focusing on the shared history that unites all Christians and the progress that has been made toward healing old wounds. Each day, she chose a scripture passage that illuminated how Church unity was a challenge from its very birth. Her eloquent writings reveal a heart and mind eager to take lofty ideas and bring them – literally – down to earth.

The challenge of ecumenical advancement has been Wilson’s life work. After graduating from Lenoir-Rhyne, she went on to earn a doctorate in Systematic Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. She is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and is currently an assistant research professor with the

An Ecumenical Pilgrimage August 31 – October 31

Sarah Hinlicky Wilson

and husband Andrew


questions led him outside his tradition – was generally viewed positively.

However, she also found that many churchgoers are unaware of the

amount of progress that has been made on a scholarly level toward healing old wounds. For most of the 20th century, Christians have expressed high hopes for Church unity – possibly even reunion. Vatican II, ending in 1965, made great strides in the ecumenical movement that remain poorly understood at the local level. And more recently, in 1999, the Catholic and Lutheran churches publicly declared their common faith by signing the Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification.

Upon their arrival in Rome, the Wilsons celebrated this progress by attending an ecumenical Reformation Day service at a German-speaking Lutheran church. While in the city, they also visited the burial sites of St. Peter, the historical symbol of Catholicism, and St. Paul, the symbol of Protestantism. Both Peter and Paul were apostles of Christ who were martyred for his sake – a shared history that far outweighs their disagreements. It was only fitting that Sarah and Andrew complete their journey by connecting the two.

The walk to Rome may be finished, but the journey continues. This pilgrimage was not only a physical journey, but also the start of an ongoing grassroots effort to increase awareness and dialogue among

churches. The Wilsons are continuing to post to their blog, and they’re also working on a book and a documentary about their experience. But they have an even bigger idea, one that became clear as they boarded the plane to return to Erfurt.

After his time in Rome, Martin Luther was faced with another two-month journey back to his home. As Sarah posted at the end of their trip, “In a sense, this pilgrimage remains incomplete. We’ve only gone halfway, Lutherans following Luther’s path from a traditionally Lutheran land into the heart of Catholicism. That’s why we’d like to extend an invitation to our Catholic friends and fellow travelers out there to take the return journey.”

This invitation is one they take seriously, and they’ve even gathered some tempting information about Luther’s return route, which differed from theirs. They have also continued their journey by plane and car, spreading the word to universities and congregations in Europe and the U.S. In November, the couple spent a week at Lenoir-Rhyne as theologians-in-residence, where Sarah Wilson preached a Thanksgiving sermon at the weekly chapel service. The couple has now returned to Strasbourg and are readjusting to a “wheeled” world and to the pace of modern life, and they’re continuing to explore how their lives can better embody the ecumenical spirit. For more information, or to contact Sarah or Andrew, visit their website at www.hereiwalk.org.

A gift has been made to Lenoir-Rhyne University from the estate of the late Nancy “Bo” Cloer Shell ’46 in the amount of $380,000. This gift will be used to sponsor a zoology lab in the new Science Complex.

“As someone who had a lifelong love for animals, it was a natural fit for this gift to be used for a zoology lab,” said Ralph Shell, Mrs. Shell’s son.

The first phase of the Science Complex will be a 35,000 square foot addition to the Minges Science Building. The second phase will be a complete renovation of Minges. When complete, the Science Complex will have 68,000 square feet, more than doubling the space currently devoted to science education at L-R.

“This project is in response to the crucial need for science education in Western North Carolina,” said Dr. Wayne Powell, LRU president. “We are honored that the Shell family saw fit to make this generous donation toward the Science Complex to see it to fruition.”

Donors Advance Science at Lenoir-Rhyne University

“This project is in response to the crucial need for science education in Western North Carolina.”


Specialized classrooms and laboratories will provide space for biology, chemistry, physics, and conservation of natural resources, as well as the zoology lab that is sponsored by Mrs. Shell.

Mrs. Shell, a retired teacher, graduated from L-R with a commerce degree. As a student she was active with the YWCA, Literary Society, The Sphinx, math club and Future Teachers of America.

Mrs. Shell was a member of First United Methodist Church in Hickory. She was an avid bridge player and a longtime member of the Hickory Service League.

Lenoir-Rhyne is grateful to Mrs. Shell’s son and daughter, Ralph Shell and Edie Shell King, who assisted with the coordination of this estate gift.

James and Judith Tarlton of Hickory have donated $250,000 to Lenoir-Rhyne University in support of the planned Science Complex.

Though not a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University, Tarlton has been a long-time supporter of L-R programs. “I am a strong believer in education and am pleased we can make this contribution toward bettering the L-R science offerings,” Tarlton commented.

Tarlton is owner/partner of Shook & Tarlton Investment Company. He is also owner and CEO of Hospitality Group of Hickory, which includes 20 hotels throughout North and South Carolina.

He has served on the board of directors for several area groups, including North Carolina Children’s Home, North Carolina Housing and Finance Agency, Catawba Valley Communtiy College Foundation, Tourist Development Board and the Lenoir-Rhyne Business Council.

Dr. Wayne Powell, president of Lenoir-Rhyne said, “We are very appreciative of the Tarlton’s gift in support of the Science Complex project. They have a very successful record in the business world and it is especially fitting that they would assist L-R in becoming even more successful.”

Over the years, the Tarltons have been involved in a number of Lenoir-Rhyne programs including the Centennial Renewal Campaign, Piedmont Educational Foundation, and the Visiting Writers Series. Mr. Tarlton is currently on the Board of Trustees. Mr. and Mrs. Tarlton are also members of the Founders Society. Jim ’50 and Ida Norris ’52 Elliott have made a gift in the amount of $55,000 to Lenoir-Rhyne in memory of Dr. Jefferson L. Norris and Mrs. Mae Throneburg Norris, Mrs. Elliott’s parents. This donation will be used toward general construction of the new Science Complex.

Jim and Ida Norris Elliott

Jim Elliott is a psychiatrist with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. As a biology and chemistry major while at Lenoir-Rhyne, Elliott recognized the importance of staying on the cutting edge of science. “We are pleased to be able to make this gift to L-R to allow them to continue to grow and stay on the forefront of science endeavors.”

While at L-R, Elliott was involved in basketball and intramural sports. He was also a dining hall waiter and part of the Letterman Club.

Ida Norris Elliott is a teacher with Durham County Schools and is also director of religious education with the Lutheran Church of Albermarle. As an English and religion major, she was a member of the band, the Philia Society, and the newspaper and annual staff of the Lutheran Student Association. She was also a library assistant and class officer.

Lenoir-Rhyne has played a large role in many of their family members’ lives as well. Their niece Elizabeth Norris is a current student at L-R, while Jim’s brother, Frank W. Elliott Jr. ’41–’42 is a graduate. Other family members who have graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne include Jeff and Catherine B. Norris ’52, John ’52, and Theresa Norris ’54 Yoder.

“Since Lenoir-Rhyne has meant much to both of our families, we hope to express our appreciation with this gift,” said Mrs. Elliott.

The couple enjoys gardening, walking, sports, and reading. They are members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Durham, NC.

John Allen Williams, Jr. ’87 has made a donation to the Lenoir-Rhyne Science Complex project in the amount of $25,000.

Williams graduated from L-R with a degree in accounting and went on to earn the title of Certified Public Accountant. While a student, he was a member of the Interfraternity Senate and held leadership positions with Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He was also awarded the title “Senior Greek of the Year.”

“After visiting campus recently, I clearly recognized the need for improvements to the science building at Lenoir-Rhyne,” said Williams. “I am pleased to be able to make this donation to the science complex addition.”

Williams is an active member of his community and is involved with the Indiana CPA Society and Noblesville Preservation Alliance (an organization created to preserve historic homes and neighborhoods in the town). He has also served as the team captain at Eli Lilly for the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk.

“We are pleased to make this gift to L-R to grow and stay on the forefront of science.”

“Lenoir-Rhyne has meant much to both of our families. We hope to express our appreciation with this gift.”

/ Winter ’11/ PROFILE

He volunteers as the congregation president for Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, IN. He also serves on the Benefaction Grant Fund, Property Stewardship and Organ committees, and Board of Elders.

Williams is a member of the Lenoir-Rhyne President’s Society and an Adopt-a-Bear sponsor. He also serves on the L-R Board of Visitors.

Williams enjoys playing ice hockey and softball, researching family and local history, and looking for antiques for his 125-year-old house.

Williams and his wife Sarah currently reside in Noblesville, I.N., where he is a Marketing Consultant in the B2B Analysis Group with Eli Lilly and Company.

Dr. Wayne B. Powell, president of Lenoir-Rhyne, and his wife, Mrs. Joyce Powell, recently made a donation in support of the Science Complex in the amount of $25,000.

Dr. Powell has been president of the university since 2002. During his tenure as president, the university has significantly enhanced its reputation and stature through growth in academic programs and enrollment, supported through continuous financial stability. His vision to increase the science offerings at L-R is apparent in his professional direction on campus as well as his personal donation toward the project.

“We believe that science education is the most fundamental component necessary for the growth of this country. L-R’s proposed new Science Complex will allow North Carolina’s premier liberal arts university to continue to excel in science education and will directly impact the economic development of this region,” commented Dr. Powell. The Lenoir-Rhyne Board of Trustees agrees with Dr. and Mrs. Powell and has designated the Science Complex as its top construction priority.

Dr. Powell spent over 20 years of his career in mathematics research and in developing special programs to provide opportunities for students interested in science. He received over $2 million in grants to support high school students from ethnic minority backgrounds by providing them programs featuring hands-on experiences in science. He also received multi-year grants from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support his own research in mathematics. He has served as a reviewer of special project proposals for the NSF, helping to develop scientific research centers at major universities around the country. Dr. Powell published over 20 mathematics research articles in internationally recognized journals and gave numerous invited lectures around the world on his research.

Dr. Powell received his bachelor’s degree in 1971 from Texas Lutheran University, where he majored in mathematics. He received his master’s degree in 1973 from Texas A&M University, where he majored in mathematics and minored in computer science. He earned his Ph.D. in mathematics in 1978 from Tulane University. Joyce is a 1972 graduate of Texas Lutheran, where she completed her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Medical Technology. She has periodically worked in the medical field since then.

Dr. Wayne B. and Joyce Powell

The three children of Dr. and Mrs. Powell are all in careers in science or mathematics. Dr. Jennifer Powell is an assistant professor of biology at Gettysburg College working in molecular genetics; Kevin Powell, with degrees in chemistry and computer science, is a software specialist at the Pioneer Corporation in Des Moines; Rachel Powell is a senior at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, majoring in biology and chemistry and will enter medical school next year.

Dr. Powell’s father, Dr. Robert Powell, was a distinguished scientist in plant physiology at the University of Florida and Texas A&M. His brother, Dr. Charles Powell, is currently a research professor at the University of Florida in plant pathology. Mrs. Powell’s father, Dr. Robert Newton, was a senior research scientist in organic chemistry at Dow Chemical and holds four patents for commercial products he developed. Her brother, Dr. Kenneth Newton, is a chemical physicist who currently works in the health care industry in California.

The head of the science program at their children’s high school once described the Powell family as the most science-oriented family she had ever known.

Dr. Powell currently serves on the boards of the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce, Frye Regional Medical Center, Project Potential, the Catawba Science Center, the Champions of Education, and the Catawba Valley Executives Club. He is an active member of the Lake Hickory Rotary Club. He is past Chair of the Presidents’ organization of the Lutheran Colleges and Universities of the ELCA.

Dr. and Mrs. Powell are lifelong Lutherans and active members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hickory. Joyce volunteers in a number of programs in the community, including the Hickory Choral Society, the Service League, and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

“We believe that science education is the most fundamental component necessary for the growth of this country.”

“After visiting campus, I recognized the need for improvements to the science building.”


For Brandes, the goal of the FYE is to get students outside their comfort zone and to help them take responsibility for their own learning. He says, “I feel it’s important for students to have a meaningful and successful first semester.” To engage students on both an academic and cultural level, his class meets off-campus, at the Hickory Museum of Art, and goes beyond traditional ways of learning to help transition students from high school to university and beyond. First year students entering Lenoir-Rhyne in fall 2010 were the first group to experience the new Core Curriculum program that was approved by the Board last December. The Core Curriculum is designed to implement the university’s Common Learning Goals (CLGs), which were passed unanimously by the faculty in 2008. The FYE is a fundamental component of the new Core Curriculum. In addition, the curriculum consists of a Foundation component that provides basic skills and knowledge in areas such as computer literacy, language, research, writing, and quantitative reasoning; a Liberal Arts and Sciences component that delves deeper into the student’s chosen field of study; and a Core Capstone Project in which students explore an in-depth thesis topic culminating in a presentation to an informed and curious audience.

With learning goals integrated across semesters, students do not just “go through the Core,” but they also “grow through the Core.” The new Core Curriculum takes a holistic approach to liberal arts education, with an emphasis on developing core skills, attitudes, and abilities while exploring both introductory and in-depth topics. The goal is to graduate students with the ability to think critically, to communicate effectively, and to demonstrate an ability to pursue active citizenship, leadership, growth, and lifelong learning in a global society. As its mission, the Core Curriculum seeks to provide students with the tools to participate fully in a changing and culturally diverse society. In keeping with LRU’s philosophy of liberal-arts education, the program “[gives] students the tools to put ideas together, to see connections, to compare, to weigh, and to decide about the world, and their place in it. In this, thinking straight and discovering onward are two sides of a coin.” You can learn more about the Core Curriculum and First-Year Experience by visiting http://gen.lr.edu.

The Human Animal and Coca-Cola; Baseball and Other Religions; and “Ya’ll Come Back Now, Ya Hear?” Roots of Southern Culture don’t sound like typical college courses, but at Lenoir-Rhyne University, these offerings are part of a unique program for first-year students specifically designed to help develop the whole student. The First-Year Experience, introduced in the fall of 2010, is comprised of five-hour courses spanning the first two semesters. Despite their unconventional topics, the selection of courses is designed to teach integral skills – time management, study skills, academic integrity, and career discernment, to name a few – within an environment of creative thinking and active participation. By integrating social acculturation with academics, the First-Year Experience, or FYE, provides a greater opportunity for students to succeed. It was born out of the knowledge that students tend to make more progress on their chosen academic and career path once they feel comfortable on the university campus and experience some academic success. One of this year’s FYE courses is called “The Spirit of Black Mountain College: Creative Chaos.” Taught by Professor Rand Brandes, the course explores the power and pleasure of creative writing, combining the writing and interpretation of poetry with collaboration with other artists to produce original, spontaneous, multi-media “happenings.”

Rise to the Challenge!

core: the central or innermost

part, the ‘heart’ of anything.

curriculum: a course;

spec. a regular course of

study or training, as at a

school or university.

Lenoir-Rhyne Steps Up With New Core Curriculum and First-Year Experience


Lenoir-Rhyne College Fed Challenge Team Visits New YorkMembers of the LRU College Fed Challenge team recently traveled to New York City for a seminar organized by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Students had the opportunity to interact with economists and analysts at the center of the policymaking process.

The College Fed Challenge is a team competition for undergraduates. It is intended to encourage students to learn more about U.S. macro economy, the Federal Reserve System and the implementation of monetary policy. It is also aimed at spurring interest in economics and finance as subjects for advanced study and as the basis for a career. Teams of three–five students are required to prepare a 20-minute presentation and then answer 15 minutes of questions from judges that include economists from banks, financial institutions, and the Federal Reserve Bank itself. Winning teams from the different Federal Reserve Districts go on to compete in Washington, D.C. for the national title.

L-R participated for the first time last year in the competition held at the Charlotte branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, and took second place coming in behind the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The 11 other participating schools were: Duke University, Gardner-Webb University, Western Carolina University, Appalachian State University, Johnson C. Smith University, North Carolina A&T State University, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Guilford College, and Methodist

University from North Carolina, and three South Carolina universities: Anderson University, Winthrop University, and Furman University.

The L-R team members are Irene Delora Austin, Matt Paynter, Bryan McNees, and Will Moseley. Dr. Mary Lesser, visiting professor of economics, coaches the team.

Lutheran Bishop from Malaysia Visits Hickory and Lenoir-Rhyne UniversityThe current Bishop of the Lutheran Church of Malaysia, the Rt. Rev. Philip Lok Oi Peng, made a visit to Lenoir-Rhyne University in October. Bishop Lok discussed “What It Means to be a Christian in a Muslim World.”

Bishop Lok, 46, was selected as the bishop of the Lutheran Church of Malaysia and Singapore in August 2005. Bishop Lok is a member of the Pastoral Development and Renewal Initiative (PADERI) overseeing the holistic development of pastors and church leaders in the Church of Malaysia. He received an honorary degree in the Doctor of Divinity in 2009 from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary.

The Lutheran Church of Malaysia and Singapore (LCMS) has been a member of the Lutheran World Federation since 1971. Bishop Lok is the seventh bishop to serve in this role since 1963.

Christianity in Malaysia is a minority religion and is practiced by less than 10% of the population. Islam is the official state religion and is practiced by more than 60% with the remaining practices consisting of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and traditional Chinese religions. The main Christian denominations practiced include Roman Catholics, Baptists, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, and Anglicans.

From a 2009 report on membership figures through the Lutheran World Federation, Malaysia has approximately 103,000 Lutheran churches. The LCMS actively participates in comprehensive Christian relationships through the Council of Churches of Malaysia, including the Christian Federation of Malaysia, the Christian Conference of Asia, and the World Council of Churches; the Federation of Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Malaysia and Singapore, including Basel Christian Church of Malaysia, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malaysia, Lutheran Church in Singapore, and Protestant Church in Sabah; the Lutheran World Federation through Asia Lutheran Communion; and Malaysia Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism.

In addition, the LCMS works in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America through the Southeastern Synod; Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria, Lutheran Church in Singapore, and Myanmar Lutheran Church.

Lenoir-Rhyne University and Southern Seminary Joining ForcesThe boards of Lenoir-Rhyne University and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (LTSS), along with the ELCA, are conducting a feasibility study to determine possible partnerships between the two Carolina institutions that will enable each to draw upon the academic and theological strengths of the other.

The Feasibility Committee in conjunction with both boards is moving toward a model of merging the institutions in a manner that would strengthen both operations in their current locations.

Preliminary discussions began when it became clear that the two institutions had similar goals. This partnership will allow each school to capitalize on their unique strengths. For example, LRU offers numerous professional programs and several master’s degree programs. LTSS offers theological studies and a variety of contextual learning experiences.

“We are fortunate that both of these institutions are excelling in their respective areas,” stated Wayne Powell, LRU president. “And because of this we are able to enter into a cooperative agreement to provide theological education to a broader scope of the South.”

Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary is located in Columbia, South Carolina. LTSS was established in 1830 with the intention of training ministers and imparting Christian education for Lutheran churches in the South. The seminary is situated on a 17-acre campus. Sacred theology, religion, divinity, and ministry are some of the areas of study offered at the seminary. LTSS also offers programs on military chaplaincy, Baptist studies, and Methodist studies. LTSS has approximately 155 students with almost half that number over the age of 40.

Alpha Lambda Delta earns national awardThe National Council of Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) Honor Society for First Year College Students recently awarded an Alpha Award at the bronze level to the Lenoir-Rhyne chapter.

Bear Tracks

Rev. Phillip Lok


This award is ALD’s newest chapter recognition award, honoring those chapters who have initiated a notably high percentage of their invited students. Last year, the L-R chapter initiated 79% of the invited students to join the society.

Alpha Lambda Delta is an honor society for students who have maintained a 3.5 or higher GPA and are in the top 20% of their class during the first year or term of higher education.

Youth Choir Performs in the Big AppleWhile their friends were off at camp or lounging by the pool, 42 singers with the Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus (LRYC) Meistersingers were performing at the world-famous Carnegie Hall in New York City. As part of their annual Winter tour, the group sang in a children’s choir festival in the famous hall with over 250 other young singers.

The group combined many rehearsals with the opportunity to take in sights around the Big Apple: a play on Broadway, dinner at the Hard Rock Café, and a stroll through Time Square.

On the return trip, the singers performed a concert at Grace Lutheran Church with the Top of Virginia Chorale from Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University.

LRYC is under the direction of Florence Jowers and includes over 100 singers from age eight to 18. The Winter 2011 tour is planned for a more local venue – Charleston and Columbia, SC.

Faculty Member Presents at National ConferenceDr. Sarah J. Gareau joined the L-R faculty this fall as the Director of the new Master of Public Health graduate program and Coordinator of the new Community Health undergraduate program. In early November, Dr. Gareau represented L-R at the 138th annual meeting of the American Public Health Association (APHA) in Denver, CO. This year’s APHA theme was Social Justice: A Public Health Imperative.

As an appointed member of APHA’s Committee on Women’s Rights and co-Program Chair of the Women’s Caucus in official relations with APHA, Dr. Gareau organized, moderated, and presented in sessions related to breast and cervical cancer screening among Asian-American women, promoting the health and humanity of pregnant women, the marginalization and treatment of drug-using women, emerging issues in reproductive and sexual health, best practices in lesbian health care, the health of incarcerated women, and public health career development for women.

While in Denver, Dr. Gareau also presented at the National Women’s Studies Association annual meeting (Difficult Dialogues II) where she presented and helped organize a session focused on the rights of pregnant women.

100% Pass Rate on State Exam and Reaccreditation for the LRU Nursing ProgramRecently, the LRU nursing class of 2010 moved forward with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) exams. Thirty-one students were eligible to test, all 31 tested and all 31 passed the exam.

Of the 70 nursing programs in the state of North Carolina, only eight schools have reported a 100% passing rate; the average score was 88%. Scores from across the state ranged from 57% to 100% for baccalaureate schools at the end of the third quarter.

Recently, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) granted reaccreditation to the L-R nursing program for 10 years, the longest length possible. CCNE is a nationally recognized accrediting body responsible for the evaluation of the baccalaureate and graduate degree programs in nursing.

The CCNE accreditation evaluation consists of a review of the program’s mission, goals, and expected outcomes; and an assessment of the performance of the program in achieving the mission and goals, through the most effective utilization of available resources, programs, and

administration. Only those institutions of higher education that demonstrate the uppermost national standards of nursing education earn the 10-year reaccreditation.

Accreditation is an important step in the success of any institutions’ nursing program. Accreditation holds the nursing program accountable to the community of interest (nursing profession, consumers, employers, students, etc.) and it is used to evaluate the success of a program in achieving its missions and goals. Accreditation shows a commitment to continuous improvement by L-R as well as identifying the school as one that has met accreditation standards.

New Faculty Welcomed to LRU Fall SemesterShellie Bumgarner, Clinical Instructor, Nursing; David Dreyer, Assistant Professor, Political Science; Sarah Gareau, Program Director, Master of Public Health; Timothy Goldberg, Assistant Professor, Mathematics; Amy Hedrick, Assistant Professor, Psychology; Nikki Vasilas, Assistant Professor, Counseling; Robert Wenta, Visiting Assistant Professor, Mathematics; and Nicolas Zaunbrecher, Instructor, Communications.

Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Choir

LRU Nursing Class of 2010


Bear Tracks

Football Finished with a 7-4 overall record and 4-3 in the South Atlantic Conference. Had its first winning season since 1994.

First-Team All-South Atlantic Conference Demetrius Green Brandon Martin Chandler Rearden (2010 Jacobs Blocking Trophy winner, given annually to the top offensive lineman in the SAC) Marcus Shuford (2010 SAC Football Defensive Player of the Year)

Second-Team All-South Atlantic Conference Nelson Bullard Kaleb Myrick

Men And Women’s Cross Country Both teams finished second at the 2010 South Atlantic Conference Championships.

Men’s First-Team All-South Atlantic Conference Jakob Maidens Tyler Mooney

Women’s First-Team All-South Atlantic Conference Amanda Barnes

Kate Griewisch (Second year she has received this honor)

Women’s Second-Team All-South Atlantic Conference Tiffany Payne

Women’s Soccer Won both the 2010 South Atlantic Conference regular season and Tournament Championships. Regular season record of 18-2-1. The team set a school record for wins in a season and advanced to the Third Round of the NCAA Division II tournament.

Honors Adrian Blewitt – 2010 SAC Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year Denesha Soto – 2010 SAC Women’s Soccer Freshman of the Year

First-Team All-South Atlantic Conference Catherine Hauck (2010 SAC Women’s Soccer Player of the Year) Amber Holt Casey McDonnell Caitlin Scruggs

Second-Team All-South Atlantic Conference Kaelia Frazier Elizabeth Hawes Jessica Schob

First-Team All-Region Catherine Hauck Casey McDonnell

Second Team All-Region Amber Holt

Men’s Soccer The team finished 10-7 on the year.

First-Team All-South Atlantic Conference Oriol Cortes

Second-Team All-South Atlantic Conference Nicky Matthews Chris Wilson

Scoreboard

TENNISL R B E A R S . C O M

BASKETBALLL R B E A R S . C O M

Chandler Rearden Kate Griewisch


When I wrote the article for the Summer 2010 edition of Profile, we were in the middle of 90 degree weather, but as I write this article, Hickory has received not one, but two snowfalls, with one of those bringing a “White Christmas.” What a difference five months can make – not only with the weather, but also at L-R! Since this summer, L-R experienced record enrollment, a 12’ statue of Martin Luther was erected in Shaw Plaza, and the athletics program expanded to include lacrosse. What a great time to be a BEAR! The Alumni Office and Alumni Association Board of Directors have been equally as busy! Since this summer, we enjoyed welcoming the best alumni to campus for Homecoming, hosting the Alumni BBQ, getting together for our late summer and fall Board Meetings, and beginning preparations for what will be an exciting Alumni Weekend. During the summer meeting, the board entertained a proposal from the Teaching Fellows Program Advisor and two students. After the presentation, we were very excited to approve using $5,000 to establish a scholarship that is already in use to assist Teaching Fellow students with Longitudinal Research Projects. We are thrilled to help this academic program achieve its goals as it continues to become established. This partnership aligns beautifully with the association’s purpose to further the interests of Lenoir-Rhyne. The board is also continuing its efforts to engage alumni in fun, unique ways. Many areas celebrate the holidays with Christmas receptions and the coming of Winter

Happy New Year Alumni!

Ciao Bella! The L-R Alumni Association has partnered with World Cultural Tours to offer alumni and friends an affordable travel program. The first trip being offered through this program is to Italy in November 2011. The nine-day itinerary includes roundtrip airfare, seven-night accommodations, luxury motor coach, professional tour manager, breakfast daily, welcome and farewell dinner, five additional dinners and sightseeing per itinerary. Travelers will stay in the same hotel the duration of the trip and will visit many cities including Motecatini, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Pienza, San Gimignano, Siena, and Rome. It is anticipated that the cost will be $2,599 per person (double occupancy), plus taxes pending airfare confirmation.

For additional information contact World Cultural Tours at 877-218-8687 (www.worldculturaltours.com). Additional itinerary details can be found on the Alumni Association website, www.alumni.lr.edu.

LRU Alum Named to State Society David Stephens ’69 was recently selected for membership into the exclusive North Carolina Society, a 200-member non-profit organization that seeks to promote North Carolina’s historical and cultural inheritance. The members of this group have all long been interested in the state’s history and seek to enhance its cultural ranking throughout the country. Stephens works in the fields of archives and records management. He has written two books on records management that are currently used as textbooks at the college level. He is working on a new book dealing with international records management.

Oldest living alumna passes awayL. Pauline Kuhn Iddings passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2010. She was just weeks away from her 105th birthday. She graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 1926, and up until her death was the oldest living alumnae of L-R.

brings opportunities to have outdoor events. If you would like to share an idea for an alumni gathering in your area, please contact me at [email protected] or Suzanne Jackson, Director of Alumni Relations, at [email protected]. Have you visited the LR Alumni website lately? If not, please take a moment to visit www.lr.edu/alumni. You will find a calendar of events, news related to alumni happenings, links to event registration, and information on gifting to L-R. If you are interested in gaining access to the online directory, please contact Suzanne to obtain your initial login ID. Finally, mark your calendars for the Alumni Weekend April 29–30, 2011. You will receive information for this soon, but also check the Alumni website for updates. Again, it is my privilege and honor to serve as your Alumni Association President this year. I look forward to hearing any ideas you have regarding your Alumni Association and seeing you on campus soon. Until then, best wishes to you and your family for a wonderful winter full of warmth and merriment. GO BEARS!

Carrie Maness Regan ’99

Alumni Association Board of Directors President

Pauline married John White Iddings, Sr. ’27 in the late 1920s and he served as pastor for several Lutheran churches in North Carolina. Lenoir-Rhyne became a family tradition for Pauline. Her mother, Lucy Price Kuhn, graduated from L-R (then referred to as Lenoir College) around the turn of the 20th century and her son and granddaughter went

on to attend L-R as well. Her oldest son, J. White Iddings, Jr. ’61 will celebrate his 50th-year class reunion during Alumni Weekend 2011 and her granddaughter, Kemp Iddings Parsons, graduated from L-R in 2002 – that makes four generations of this family that span over a century at L-R. While a student at L-R, Pauline was involved in theater, basketball, and student government. Described in the 1926 Hacawa as a “talented, unassuming girl who radiates sunshine wherever she goes,” Pauline will be missed by the friends and family she has left behind.

Bear This in Mind Show your school pride and do Lenior-Rhyne proud. Each time you use your Lenoir-Rhyne University Platinum Plus® MasterCard® to make a purchase you’ll be earning rewards points and helping Bank of America support L-R, at no additional expense to you! For every net retail purchase dollar you spend on the card, you’ll earn 1 WorldPoints® point that can be used toward the rewards you really want. Check the Alumni Association website for details on how to sign up for your LRU Platinum Plus® MasterCard®.

Carrie Maness Regan


1991 James Mangels has been named director of student services and personnel for Trigg County Public Schools in Cadiz, Ky. He and his wife, Lisa, also reside in Cadiz.

1992 Chris Blackmon received his master’s in management from Troy University in May 2010. He is employed at Pee Dee Mental Health in Hartsville, S.C. as a Human Services Specialist II and is owner of Blackmon’s Automotive, LLC.

1994 Baby Bear To Wes ’93 and Hannah Barton Hawn, a daughter, Noa Catherine, on June 24. She joins big sister, Clara, age 8.

1995 Baby Bear To Chris and Jennifer Thompson Dollar, a son, Noah Christopher, on June 16. Noah is the little brother of Jacob, age 2. The Dollars reside in Lansing, N.C.

1996 The Rev. Stephen F. Mims recently accepted a call to serve as pastor of Summer Memorial Lutheran Church in Newberry, S.C.

Lisa Petty Phillips opened Josh’s on Union Square in Aug. 2009 with her husband, Tim Phillips, and her oldest son, chef Josh Phillips. Lisa is a controller at Sealed Air Corporation.

Married Jason Golt and Kimberly Perry on March 6. The couple lives in Raleigh.

Baby Bear To Keith and Kim Liner Connolly, a son, Kyle Leonardo, on May 21. Kyle is little brother to Kayla. The family lives in Clayton, N.C.

1997 Married Amy Prestwood and Scott Wood on May 15. Amy received her master’s degree in 2000 and is a licensed counselor, and Scott is a systems administrator. The couple lives in Charlotte.

Baby Bears To Eric ’95 and Kristi Wietzke Childers, a daughter, Katherine Marie, on May 27. She joins her big brother John-Luke (Jack), age 3. The family lives in Palmyra, Va.

To Amy and John Josephson, a daughter, Olivia Kate, on Sept. 24. The family resides in Atlanta, Ga.

To Kyle ’96 and Nancy Brown Randle, a daughter, Sara Mae, on Dec. 4, 2009. Sara joins her big brother Jonas, age 4. The family lives in Lancaster, S.C.

To Van and Jill Weidknecht Van Horne, a son, Max Blake, on Dec. 26, 2009. He is the youngest brother of Evan, age 6, and Wade, age 4. The family lives in Mills River.

1998 Mathew Eberhardt has achieved the designation of Fellow in the Society of Actuaries.

Baby Bears To Christopher ’95 and Cynthia Kuehnert Bowen, a son, Croix Stuart, on May 24. He is welcomed by his two big sisters, Carolina, age 8, and Courtney, age 5. The Bowens live in Virginia Beach, Va., and Chris is pastor at St. Michael Lutheran Church.

To Carrie and Mathew Eberhardt, a daughter, Emmalyn, on Aug. 3. The family lives in Columbia, S.C.

2000 Baby Bears To Jim and Airen Murray Blaine, a daughter, McPherson Elizabeth, on July 20. McPherson joins her big sister, Maloy, age 2.

To Kenn ’99 and Krystal Ramsey Phillips, a son, Kenneth Parker, on Oct. 27. He is little brother to Oscar, age 2.

2001 Baby Bear To Heather and Lee Baldonado, a daughter, Aurora “Rory” Caroline, on June 1. Rory joins big sister, Delaney, age 2. The family lives in Charleston, S.C., and Lee serves as the environmental services supervisor and chair for the Green Committee for the South Carolina Aquarium.

1949 Donald J. Deal was inducted into the North Carolina Bandmaster Association Hall of Fame in November 2009 at the N.C. Music Education Convention in Winston-Salem.

1952 At 80 years of age Rev. Bob Lineberger still flies WWII remote control model fighters (P-47s) with a five-foot wingspan capable of 80 mph. He and his wife, May, live in Columbia, S.C.

1960 After 30 years, Dr. Joseph Troutman has retired from the Interdenominational Theological Center as librarian and processor of theological bibliography, and editor of “The Journal of the ITC.” He also served as head of the Department of Theological Services, graduate division, the Robert W. Woodruff Library, Atlanta University Center, Inc.

1964 Isaac Prevette and his family created photos and videos for several airlines, airport shops, and computer stores depicting their travels and family photos. These will also be shown on flat screen PCs and on websites for travel agencies and automobile dealers. Isaac and his family live in Rautajarvi, Finland.

1966 Thomas Watson was recently named the 2010 Alumnus of the Year by Gardner-Webb University.

1967 Dr. James L. (Jim) Thomas spent three months last summer in Australia/Tasmania giving 76 workshops and 54 story/circle times for children’s librarians, day/child care providers, early childhood educators, and parents. The subject of the workshops was “Opening Doors to Early Literacy” and also included developmentally appropriate activities.

1970 Lynn Johnson recently announced the release of his debut novel, Warriors of the Forgotten Front, based on the true-life experiences of his father, Sgt. Aaron Johnson and several members of his WWII combat unit, G Company of the 339th Infantry Regiment, Eighty-Fifth Division. As author of the book, his name is listed as L. Craig Johnson. Lynn lives in Virginia Beach, Va., and is retired from a career with the Government Accountability Office.

1973 Robert Carpenter recently published an article titled “Augsburg Confession War: The Conflicts Concerning Lutheran Confessional Beliefs Arising from the North Carolina Lutheran Synod in the 1800’s.” The article appeared in the online “Journal of Backcountry Studies” in the Summer of 2010. You may access the article at this link: http://library.uncg.edu/ejournals/backcountry.asp. A retired high school principal, Robert is currently an adjunct professor at Belmont Abbey College and also teaches a genealogy and local history class through Gaston College. He and his wife, Sue, live in Bessemer City, N.C.

1974 Sarah Turner Pitts is an attorney licensed in Tennessee, Texas, and Mississippi. She is currently associate dean and professor of accounting, finance, and business law at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn.

1975 Lori Randall Lewis recently wrote two plays for Brookgreen Gardens in Pawley’s Island, S.C. Both plays were produced during Brookgreen Gardens Cool Summer Evenings over the past three years. “The Legend of Alice Flagg” is a ghost story about a local teenager who lived during the 1800s. “A Carolina Pirate: Anne Bonney and Company” is a true story of America’s most famous women pirates. Lori is currently writing another play for Brookgreen for summer 2011.

1979 Miriam Adderholdt recently presented a poster session on her book, Perfectionism: What’s Bad About Being Too Good? at the 50th annual convention of the National Association for Gifted Children in Atlanta, Ga. She currently teaches at Randolph Community College in Asheboro, N.C.

1989 Michael Shackelford recently became the head pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Spartanburg, S.C. He lives there with his wife, Carolyn Blossom Shackelford ’01, and their two children, Megan, age 11 and Nathan, age 8.

Class Notes


In Memoriam Pauline Kuhn Iddings ’26 of Hickory on Nov. 16 Charles McCreight ’34 of Camden, S.C., on Nov. 1 James Beam ’37 of Cherryville on Nov. 24 Martha Beatty Russell ’38 of Charlotte on July 28 Daisy Boggs Graff ’40 of Akron, N.Y., on Oct. 6 Lillian Misenheimer ’40 of Albemarle on July 23 John Phillips ’40 of Burlington on Oct. 20 Elaine Deal Merritt ’41 of Fairfax, Va., on Sept. 3 Minerva Yoos Savage ’42 of Annandale, Va., on Aug. 8 Robert Mauney ’43 of Hendersonville on Sept. 1 Grady Jay Shepherd ’43 of Burlington on Sept. 29 J. Russell Boggs ’44 of Fort Worth, Texas, on July 22 Margaret Hoyle Correll ’46 of Lenoir on Sept. 26 Margaret Arney Sherron ’46 of Madison on July 15 Pearle Kluttz McCall ’47 of Buies Creek on Oct. 31 Elsie Hall Murphy ’47 of Hickory on Aug. 21 Joseph Rhyne ’47 of Gastonia on Nov. 30 Ella Keller ’48 of Granite Falls on Sept. 16 Marjorie Miller Lown ’48 of Mt. Pleasant, S.C. on Sept. 10 Martha Minter McAllister ’48 of Concord on Oct. 14 Carol Evans Triplett ’49 of Hickory on Oct. 3 Nancy Moose Bailey ’50 of Salisbury on July 5 Vance Dagerhardt ’50 of Maiden on Oct. 19 Robert Jones ’50 of Conover on Dec. 21 Dorothy Kincaid Chasteen ’51 of Centerville, Ind., on Sept. 18 Ernest Lippard ’51 of Hickory on Aug. 13 Betty Morris ’51 of Bessemer City on July 21 Billy Megginson ’52 of Charlotte on Oct. 2

Rebecca Bolick Stine ’52 of Greenville on Aug. 31 Nellie Carpenter Bowman ’53 of Hickory on Aug. 8 Paul Conrad ’53 of Winston-Salem on Sept. 19 William Bass ’54 of Hickory on Aug. 23 Harlan Creech ’54 of Salisbury on July 15 Ernest Diaz ’55 of New Market, Va., on July 2 J. Melvin Dingler ’56 of Hudson on Nov. 27 Roddy Hodge ’56 of Murrells Inlet, S.C., on Nov. 24 Jerry Pasour ’56 of Dallas on Sept. 22 Jane Coley Sigmon ’56 of Newton on Oct. 28 Dave Wright ’56 of Raleigh on Sept. 14 Kenneth Spencer ’57 of Hickory on Aug. 12 Revonda Ball ’59 of Creston on Oct. 26 Donald Bowman ’61 of Matthews on Nov. 15 Ronald Eckard ’62 of Hickory on Sept. 29 Robert Harmon ’62 of Richmond, Va., on Oct. 2 Madge Kestler ’63 of Statesville on Oct. 6 Victoria Feimster Ratchford ’66 of Stanley on Oct. 17 Robert Galloway ’67 of Shallotte on Aug. 14 Beverly Friday Bumgarner ’68 of Winston-Salem on Oct. 18 Margaret Flowers Cline ’68 of Hickory on Oct. 23 Clyde Craig ’69 of Hickory on Oct. 20 Cynthia Gibson Andrews ’70 of Statesville on Aug. 8 Mildred Padgett Tate ’73 of Marion on Nov. 10 Richard Touchberry ’73 of Fort Mill, S.C., on Sept. 29 Max Culler ’82 of Norfolk, Va., on July 20 J. Wayne Bumgardner ’89 of Hudson on Dec. 2 Kelly Crump McDaniel ’89 of Clemmons on Aug. 31

Class Notes

2002 Baby Bears To Wesley and Mary-Margaret Jackson Baker, a daughter, Sullivan Simmons, on Sept. 9. Sullivan is little sister to Charlotte, age 3. The family lives in Hickory.

To Joseph ’01 and Lindsay Bertram Favero, a daughter, Isadora Michele, on July 12. She joins big sister, Eleanor, age 2.

To Gary and Rhonda Barcomb Kovar, a son, Tyler Joseph, on Aug. 12.

2003 Baby Bear To Steven and Kelly Hoover Hoke, a son, Grayson Cromer, on Aug. 4. Kelly is employed by the state park system and Steven is a teacher with Catawba County Schools. The family lives in Newton.

2004 Baby Bear To Gordon and Jessica Brustad Wilson, a son, Brett Lewis, on Oct. 15. Jessica received her master’s in teaching last May.

2005 Married Elizabeth Putnam and Cris Leonard on June 26. Elizabeth is a high school science teacher with Gaston County Schools. The couple lives in Dallas.

Baby Bear To Seth and Amanda Lindamoor Griffin, a son, William Reid, on March 13. Amanda completed her master’s in middle grades education in May 2010 from Appalachian State University. The family lives in Conover.

2006 James Magar graduated in June from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Florida. He lives in Shelby, N.C., and currently practices at Majors Wellness Center in Kings Mountain.

2007 Marquita “Kiki” Jones is currently completing a year of professional volunteer service in Lutheran Volunteer Corps (LVC) in Washington, DC. She will serve with Byte Back, a nonprofit organization that teaches computer and office skills to underserved communities, as Director of Communications & Development.

Baby Bear To David and Ashley Credle Bolch, a daughter, Emma Colleen, on Oct. 21. Ashley is an accountant and David is a supervisor. The family lives in Claremont.

2008 Married Anna Causey and Aaron ’06 Pannebaker on July 18, 2009. Anna is a nurse at Levine Childrens Hospital, and Aaron is the band director at Bunker Hill High School in Claremont. The couple lives in Lincolnton.

Erika Little and Brett Bernhardt on Nov. 14, 2009. They reside in Statesville.

Baby Bear To Bobby and Ruth Petree, a daughter, Phoebe Ruth, in February. She is the youngest of four: Abigail, age 10; Chloe, age 8; and Ezekiel, age 5. Ruth is a second grade teacher at Banoak Elementary. The family lives in Newton.

2009 Married Jarod Ewers and Christine Huitt ’10 on May 22. Christine works as an occupational therapist and Jarod works as a law enforcement officer. The couple resides in Lincolnton.

The Honor Roll of Donors is now available online. You may access it by going to http://giving.lr.edu. If you would prefer to have a copy mailed to you, call 828-328-7171 and let us know. Thank you for your continued support of Lenoir-Rhyne!

Honor Roll of Donors now online

Submit Your Class Notes for Alumni NewsName (Maiden) Class Year

Address

City State Zip Is it new?

Phone ( ) - Email

Marriage Date (Do not submit before marriage)

Spouse’s Name (Maiden) Class Year

Birth / Adoption Son Daughter Name Date

Occupation: Self Spouse

Death of Date Class Year

Other news

You may submit class notes online at: www.alumni.lr.edu, by FAX to: 828-328-7358 or email [email protected]

By mail to: Office of Alumni & Parent Relations, P. O. Box 7228, Hickory, NC 28603


Homecoming!

L-R cheerleaders greeted alumni at the annual BBQ.Delta Zeta sorority created the winning float during the Homecoming parade for the fourth consecutive year.

Beautiful weather, face painting, inflatable play equipment, food, and the traditional corn hole tournament made for an exciting afternoon for all.

One of several class reunions over the weekend, the class of 1975 celebrated

the 35-years since graduation with an evening of dinner and sharing memories.

Christopher Wilson and Jennifer Platzer were crowned the 2010 Homecoming King and Queen.

Rise Up and Give BackWhen you were a student at Lenoir-Rhyne, you were asked many questions that sparked thought and conversation. Today, we ask, “Will you rise up and give to the students of L-R the way alumni gave to you?”

Lenoir-Rhyne needs your support to keep offering scholarships to hard-working students, building the most advanced facilities, and backing faculty and leadership who are tirelessly dedicated to raising the standards of education in Western North Carolina.

Please make your gift today so that even more students can receive the kinds of advantages you enjoyed. For more information on The Fund for Lenoir-Rhyne, contact Krystal Phillips, Director of Annual Giving at [email protected] or 828-328-7171.

Gifts can be sent to The Fund for Lenoir-Rhyne, LR Box 7150, Hickory, NC 28603 or made online at giving.lr.edu.

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LEN

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US Postage Paid

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Hickory, NC

P. O. BOX 7228 HICKORY, NC 28603

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

FEBRUARY 3 Visiting Writers Series presents An Evening with Amina McIntyre 7 p.m., Belk Centrum 5 Women’s basketball plays Newberry College on national television 12 p.m., L-R Shuford Memorial Gymnasium 11 LRU Arts Aloud presents Hickory Jazz Orchestra “Dinner, Dance and Romance” 6:30 p.m., Cromer Center $ Contact Scott Woodard ([email protected]) 23–27 The Playmakers present “Proof” by David Auburn P.E. Monroe Auditorium $ 24 Visiting Writers Series presents An Evening with Kevin Young 7 p.m., Belk Centrum

MARCH 3 Institute for Faith and Learning presents Gail O’Day, “Friendship and the Gospel of John: Love as Christian Practice” 7 p.m., Belk Centrum 3-6 A Cappella Choir tour Burlington, NC, Arlington, VA, Chagrin Falls, OH and Charleston, WV Check mus.lr.edu for times and locations 21 Institute for Faith and Learning presents Ted Peters, “Evangelical Atheism, Religious Pluralism and Christian Faith” 7 p.m., Belk Centrum 25 Friends of Music Concert Series Merling Trio 7:30 p.m., P.E. Monroe Auditorium 26 Fools for Fitness 5K 9 a.m., LRU Campus $ Contact Ingrid Anthony ([email protected]) 31 Visiting Writers Series presents An Evening with David Baldacci 7 p.m., P.E. Monroe Auditorium

APRIL 2 A Cappella Choir Spring Concert 7:30 p.m., St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church 9 Visiting Writers Series presents An Afternoon with Deborah Wiles (The Little Read) Followed by a luau on the lawn 12 p.m., P.E. Monroe Auditorium 9 L-R Choral Festival Concert 3 p.m., St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church 13–17 The Playmakers present One Act Play Festival Belk Centrum $ 15 L-R Concert Band Concert 8 p.m., P.E. Monroe Auditorium 17 Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus 3:30 p.m., Corinth Reformed Church 29–30 Alumni Weekend $ 30 75th A Cappella Choir alumni reunion concert 3 p.m., First Baptist Church, Hickory

MAY 12 Graduate Hooding and Commencement Ceremony 7 p.m., P.E. Monroe Auditorium 13 Baccalaureate service 2 p.m., P.E. Monroe Auditorium 13 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony 8 p.m., Moretz Football Stadium

Profile Winter 2011

Documents

Transcript of Profile Winter 2011