Wednesday, September 26, 2012

SBU Department of Music presents “Wind Music Potpourri”


Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu


BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Southwest Baptist University Department of Music presents “Wind Music Potpourri” Tuesday, October 9, at 7:30 p.m. featuring music performed by the Wind Symphony and Chamber Ensembles. Works by Rimsky-Korsakov, Mailman, Margolis, Copland, and Hindemith are featured by the 60-member Wind Symphony along with compositions performed by brass and woodwind chamber groups. The free public performance will be held at Pike Auditorium on the SBU campus in Bolivar.

The Wind Symphony music for this performance depicts a variety of styles and emotions.
Procession of the Nobles is an arrangement of an orchestral work from the opera Mlada, by Nicholas Rimsky-Korsakov. The work suggests an air of ceremonial pomp with its musical fanfares and flourishes. Martin Mailman’s Liturgical Music, Op. 33, is based on four movements selected from the Mass Proper (Introit/Alleluia) and Mass Ordinary (Kyrie/Gloria).

Since its premiere in 1963, the piece has become a landmark work in the band repertoire with countless performances. Color (1984) is a five-movement work based on English Renaissance country dance tunes. Composer Bob Margolis states that the “focus of this music is not melody, but the setting…the texture, the color, and the harmony.” Down A Country Lane, commissioned by Life magazine, was first composed as a solo piano work, which appeared in the June 29, 1962, issue.

Aaron Copland wrote the work specifically with young musicians in mind, stating that “the music is descriptive only in an imaginative, not a literal sense. I didn’t think up the title until the piece was finished―Down A Country Lane just happened to fit its flowing quality.” The work was transcribed for orchestra by the composer in 1965 and transcribed for band by Merlin Patterson in 1988. Rounding out the program is the final “March” movement from Paul Hindemith’s Symphonic Metamorphosis on Themes of Carl Maria von Weber.

For more information, please call Dr. Brian Hopwood, department of music, at 417-328-1647 or email him at: bhopwood@sbuniv.edu

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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

SBU Safety and Security Represented at ASIS 2012


Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu


BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University Director of Safety and Security Mark Grabowski and Assistant Director Zeke Clawson recently attended the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) 2012 conference in Philadelphia.

Grabowski said, “This is the world’s largest security professional’s conference with approximately 25,000 attendees. We attended seminars and visited vendor booths that displayed the latest products and trends in the security industry. The meeting also provided the requisite CEU’s [continuing education units] that I needed to maintain my Certified Protection Professional (CPP) designation.”

Grabowski was recognized on stage in a general session for achieving the professional status of CPP last year.

For more information on ASIS and the CPP designation, visit http://www.asisonline.org/ .

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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

Monday, September 24, 2012

SBU DPT Student, Alumna Featured in Videos


Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu


BOLIVAR, Mo. –Southwest Baptist University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program has one student, Justin Emfinger, and one graduate, Dr. Josie Gimple ’08, featured in the videos below.


For more information on the SBU DPT program, contact Dr. Steven Lesh at 417.328.1670.

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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

Friday, September 21, 2012

SBU Homecoming 2012 Oct 5-6: Life Service Award Winners Announced


Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu


BOLIVAR, Mo.BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University will be celebrating Homecoming 2012 on Friday, October 5, and Saturday, October 6. Students will begin their activities earlier in the week with traditional events such as "Spirit Chapel" and "Bed Races." 

This year’s reunion class will have the opportunity to catch up with classmates on Friday at a pre-dinner social followed by the alumni banquet. On Saturday, everyone is invited to the parade starting at 10:00 a.m., followed by the football game where the SBU Bearcats will face the Hornets of Emporia State University at 2:00 p.m.

Approximately 2,000 SBU alumni and their families are expected to come to Bolivar for the homecoming events. Bolivar businesses are encouraged to decorate their windows using the homecoming theme and the SBU school colors, purple and white.

For more information about parade entries, participating in the car show, or other Homecoming activities, contact the SBU Homecoming hotline at 417-328-1806, or visit the SBU website at: http://www.sbuniv.edu/alumni/homecoming

2012 Life Service Award Winners
Inspired by the Life Beautiful Award presented each year to one male and one female graduate, President John Dowdy suggested to the Southwest Baptist College Board of Trustees in 1955 that the Life Service Award be given annually to graduates whose lives have exemplified the principles, which are upheld at Southwest.
Currently, the SBU National Alumni Association Board nominates a maximum of six names of prospective recipients from business, missions, church-related vocations, education and other fields of service. The recipients are ratified at the May meeting of the SBU Alumni Board. The award, presented during Honors Chapel at Homecoming by the president of the University, is the highest recognition that the University can bestow upon an alumnus or alumna.
Remarks from the 2012 Life Service Award Winners
Dorothy Johnson Laverentz ’53
  • AA from SWBC in 1953; BA in education from the University of Missouri Kansas City
  • Worked at La Petite Academy
  • Attends Northgate Baptist Church in Kansas City, MO
  • 10 years of service with Meals on Wheels
  • Married to Raymond with one daughter Debbie Howe and husband Kelly.  Three grandchildren: Derek, Patrick and Breanna
Thank you, Dr. Mike Fuhrman, and the SBU National Alumni Association Board for honoring me with the 2012 Life Service Award.  I could never have imagined that I would be chosen for this award.
I attended the First Baptist Church of Appleton City, MO for the first 18 years of my life.  St. Clair County was my world.  My pastors, V.S. Stanley and C.W. Dorman, were graduates of SWBC.  I am grateful for my Christian parents, pastors, Sunday school teachers, and other leaders in the church who were my mentors.
 A weekend revival team from SWBC came to our church, and I knew then that I wanted to attend SWBC.  This institution provided the foundation I needed for growth in my Christian life.  Even working as a waitress at SWBC was a valuable experience.  Does anyone remember the “sad sacks” we packed for the Sunday evening meal?  Who named them “sad sacks?”
Thank you fellow alumni, friends of SBU, and staff for making SBU the spiritual institution that it has become today.  I am grateful for the sacrifice my parents made to make it possible for me to attend SWBC.  We serve an amazing God.

Jacqulyn Bateman Thorn ’59
  • AA from SWBC in 1959; BS in Education from the University of Central Missouri (formerly CMSU) in 1963; MS in Education from the University of Central Missouri in 1973
  • Public school teacher for 34 years, retired in 1994
  • Member of Hamilton Baptist Church in Hamilton, MO since 1966, serves as church librarian
  • Married to Gordon Thorn with two step-children: Julie Condit and her husband Eldon of Colorado, and the late Thomas Thorn and wife Mindy of Iowa; one granddaughter, Heather and husband Barry Houk, and one great grandson, Landynn Thomas Houk.
Thank you Dr. Taylor, Lindsay Schindler and the SBU National Alumni Association Board, David Anderson who originally nominated me, and any others who had a part in presenting me with this award.  I am deeply honored and very appreciative.  I am also thankful for the positive impact SWBC had on my life.  I have warm memories of my time spent here.
However, this is not about me; it is about my Lord Jesus Christ and what He has done in my life!  “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”  Ephesians 3:20 NLT
When I was on campus fifty-three years ago, I was the least likely person anyone would expect to receive such a prestigious award in her lifetime.  I was extremely timid and socially challenged.  However, in my misery, a few years later I cried out to God, and life has never been the same since!  From that moment on, God’s presence has continually been within me and beside me through the ups and downs, healing, restoring, and guiding me, and living through me to love and serve others to His glory!
God has uniquely created each of us with differing personalities, strengths, weaknesses and learning styles.  None of which should be judged but all celebrated as God given gifts.  In the public schools, each learning disabled student is provided, following an extensive evaluation, an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) for his/her education.  Our loving God also has a personalized plan for each of our lives and is willing to implement it as we give him permission.  Only then can we become the person He created us to be.  “For we are God’s masterpiece.  He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”  Ephesians 2:10 NLT

Dr. Stan Smith ’71
  • BA in from SWBC in 1971; M. Div. from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1975; D.Min. from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in 1993
  • Serves as the Associate Executive Director and State Director of Missions (28 years) for the Baptist Convention of Pennsylvania-South Jersey
  • Attends East Shore Baptist Church in Harrisburg, PA and serves on the missions committee
  • Married to Lynda with 2 children: Stanley Smith, Jr. and his wife, Mirna Kenovich, and their son, Luka Andrew; and Elizabeth Doherty and her husband Ryan Doherty.
Robert Burton wrote in the early 1600’s “a dwarf standing on the shoulders of a giant may see farther than a giant himself.”  Though I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this award, there is a deep sense in which this is more a story of the men and women upon whose shoulders I was privileged to stand. 
Giants like Dr. GH Surrette, who while serving as our interim pastor came to my home for lunch.  I was considering going to a different college at the time.  My mother was terrified to have a doctor in her home.  He came through the door, took off his coat and rolled up his sleeves, and asked my mother how he could help in the kitchen.  Sensing the call of God on my life, he would, for unknown reasons, discover at the last minute that he could not make it to our church on Sunday and ask me to fill in for him.  But most important of all, he believed in me beyond my own confidence in myself.  He challenged me to academic excellence.  Giants like Dr. Dan Cochran. 
I was told philosophy would compromise my faith, but Introduction to Philosophy was a required class.  He taught me that all truth came from God; I did not need to be intimidated by great philosophers.  Before class we would meet and play billiards.  He would share and probe and challenge my thinking.  I minored in philosophy because of him and would have majored in it if it had been offered. 
Drs. Surrette and Cochran matured and stretched and deepened my faith.  Or men like Dr. James Sells who, as President, took me on the road with him to speak to groups of potential students or appeal to alumni because he believed that my story would encourage others.  The story could go on.  So today is a continuation of the stream of investment and return that Southwest Baptist University made in my life and continues to make.  This is a unique institution with a profound legacy and exciting future, and I am grateful to be part of its story today. 

CH (COL) Jeff Houston ’75
  • BA in Religion and Music from SWBC in 1975; M. Div. from Golden Gate Seminary in 1989; Masters of Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2012
  • Chaplain Colonel in the U.S. Army, 23 years of Active Duty service; four combat tours in Iraq
  • Ordained Southern Baptist Chaplain endorsed by the North American Mission Board
  • Married to Lisa for 39 years with three daughters: Amy Ashley, Sara Price and Karen Phipps
I am humbled, and honored to accept the Life Service Award. I praise the Lord for what he has
done, and I give Him thanks for what he continues to do.
God works through His people. The honor of this Life Service Award goes to all those who sacrificially poured their lives into mine. Those unbelievably influential individuals that God placed in my life to love, teach, and guide me on life's journey.
I am thankful for my wife Lisa and how God has used her for 40 years to encourage and support me. I am thankful for how God has used my parents and family to uniquely prepare me for life and ministry. I am thankful for how God has used great institutions such as SBU to teach and train me along the way. I am thankful for how God has used friends to renew a sense of joy and sanity after years of combat ministry to our country's warriors fighting on foreign soil.
I am thankful for the pastors and teachers on whose shoulders I am privileged to stand. Those who taught me more about ministry and serving God than any college, seminary, or textbook ever could.
I am honored to receive this award on behalf of all these, for if there is ever anything praiseworthy in my life, it is but a reflection of what God has done through them.

Beth Toppass Snowden ’51
  • AA from SWBC in 1951; BS in Education from the University of Central Missouri (formerly CMSU) in 1959; Masters of Science in Education from the University of Central Missouri in 1975
  • Retired school teacher and counselor; 28 ½ years of service
  • Charter member of Susquehanna Baptist Church; teaches Sunday School and sings in the choir
  • Married to the late Clay Snowden with four children: Carol Hensley and husband Nelson, Jonathan Snowden and wife Diana; Lyndell Snowden and wife Mary, and Glenn Snowden

My “wake up” call about SWBC came about when I was in high school.  The women’s quartet were guest singers at our yearly associational meeting.  I was impressed! I wanted to know more about this college!  The singers left a great impression on me.
            What an experience.  I’ll ever be grateful for the friendships I forged at SWBC.  The Christian love, guidance, and many more examples of what a committed Christian looks, acts and sounds like were awesome.  These blessings have carried over throughout my lifetime.  I can forever be thankful for these gifts of a loving heavenly father. 
            I met my husband on campus.  Clay found Christ as his personal savior through the prayers of his friends and caring teachers.  Our marriage was blessed with four children, ten grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. We enjoyed serving our savior through teaching in the public schools.  We were active in our local church.  One of our richest blessings we experienced was being a part of a mission team from First Baptist Church in Independence to form a mission church.
            Precious friendships were formed here on campus.  Fellow alumni that we have had a privilege to meet along our life’s pathway have enriched our lives.  We learned to be strong examples of Christian love and service.  We learned we did not have to be “missionaries to China” to serve our Lord and Savior.  We observed by example to be aware of needs in our families, our neighborhood, and our community.
            It is such a blessing to me to see the expansion of the campus.  It means more young people have the opportunity of study on a Christian campus.
            Thank you SBU for your continuing blessings in my life and in the lives of young people.  May you long continue to be a living witness of God’s amazing love.

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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

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Wednesday, September 19, 2012

SBU Winter Commencement Information


Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu


BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University’s winter commencement dates and times are as follows:

Bolivar Campus December 2012 Commencement:
The Bolivar campus Winter Commencement will be held Friday, December 14, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in the Jane and Ken Meyer Wellness and Sports Center on the Bolivar SBU campus.  Graduation information will be mailed to all graduates several weeks before the ceremony. 

For additional details, contact the Provost Office on the Bolivar campus at 417-328-1601.

Springfield Campus December 2012 Commencement:
The Springfield campus Winter Commencement will be held Thursday, December 13, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Ridgecrest Baptist Church located at 2210 W. Republic Rd., Springfield.  Graduation information will be mailed to all graduates several weeks before the ceremony. 

For additional details, contact the Springfield campus at 417-820-2069.

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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

SBU Dedicates Roy G. Smith Physical Therapy Wall of Honor


Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu

BOLIVAR, Mo. – SBU recently dedicated the new Roy G. Smith Physical Therapy Wall of Honor located in the Warren B. Davis Family Physical Therapy Center.

see caption below
The wall, which will memorialize the names of high achieving physical therapy alumni and clinicians, was named in honor of Roy G. Smith in recognition of his lifetime of international humanitarian Christian service. The former Harry Denman Evangelism Award recipient was an international fund raiser for the reconstruction of the post World War II Pacific Rim, U.S. Navy Officer, Director of the YMCA for South America, guest preacher, and advocate for health reform for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease. 

(The plaque reads as follows):
Roy G. Smith was born on January 20, 1911, in Stotts City, Mo., and spent his life serving others. Raised on a farm near Sarcoxie, Mo., he found the means to attend the University of Missouri during the Great Depression.

While at the University he played basketball for the Tigers and served as President of the university chapter of the YMCA. Upon graduation, Mr. Smith secured a job working for the YMCA in St. Louis, Mo., as the General Program Secretary. Not long after he married LloGene Wood of St. Louis and started a family. When the Second World War broke out, he was called to serve his country as a U.S. Navy officer. After completing officer training in Virginia Beach, VA, he was stationed aboard several ships in the Pacific Theatre which would establish a pattern of international travel and the future service direction for Mr. Smith.

As the War came to a close, he sent for his young bride and family back in the United States to join him in the Philippines. His family was on the very first civilian transport ship to land in Manila after the War. For the next six years, Mr. Smith led fund raising campaigns through the YMCA to help with the reconstruction of the war torn Pacific Rim. In 1952, he was promoted to the Director of the YMCA for all of South America and was relocated to Lima, Peru.

After nearly 50 years of service to the YMCA, Mr. Smith retired and returned to the United States in 1972. At that point in time he was responsible for the construction and operations of all of the YMCA facilities in South America. Mr. Smith was not finished with his service upon retirement. He accepted positions in the ministry with the United Methodist Church in both Warrenton and Columbia, Mo.

He served in many capacities including guest preacher for rural churches with no full time minister in the district as well as the parish visitor making daily trips to visit infirmed church members in local hospitals and nursing homes. Very late in his life, he became an advocate for health care reform related to respite care for families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease.

The State Historical Society of Missouri housed on the Campus of the University of Missouri, Columbia, Mo., has documented, archived, and displayed many of the Wood-Smith Family, Papers, 1864-1987 (C3857) outlining the international humanitarian service of Mr. Smith.

The Physical Therapy Wall of Honor is named after Mr. Roy G. Smith in recognition of his lifetime of international humanitarian Christian service as a model to inspire future generations of servant leaders in His global society. Dedicated on 07-18-2012

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PHOTO: The wall of honor is pictured with display artifacts about Mr. Smith, including the Harry Denman Evangelism Award and a 1931 Savitar (University of Missouri).

(From left for right: Sara Salivar (daughter), Patsy J. Lesh (daughter), Steven G. Lesh (grandson), Reaghan Lesh (great granddaughter), Diana B. Lesh (granddaughter-in-law).

Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

Save the date for SBU Homecoming 2012


Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu


BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University will be celebrating Homecoming 2012 on Friday, October 5, and Saturday, October 6. Students will begin their activities earlier in the week with traditional events such as "Spirit Chapel" and "Bed Races." 

This year’s reunion class will have the opportunity to catch up with classmates on Friday at a pre-dinner social followed by the alumni banquet. On Saturday, everyone is invited to the parade starting at 10:00 a.m., followed by the football game where the SBU Bearcats will face the Hornets of Emporia State University at 2:00 p.m.

Approximately 2,000 SBU alumni and their families are expected to come to Bolivar for the homecoming events. Bolivar businesses are encouraged to decorate their windows using the homecoming theme and the SBU school colors, purple and white.

For more information about parade entries, participating in the car show, or other Homecoming activities, contact the SBU Homecoming hotline at 417-328-1806, or visit the SBU website at: http://www.sbuniv.edu/alumni/homecoming

Reunion Class Pre-Dinner Social
If you are a member of one of this year’s reunion classes, come early on Friday night (5:30 p.m.) for a pre-dinner get together.  Enjoy free refreshments as you reconnect with your classmates.  Photos of each reunion class will also be taken, according to the following schedule:
1952 – 5:40 p.m.
1962 – 5:50 p.m.
1972 – 6:00 p.m.
1982 – 6:05 p.m.
1992 – 6:10 p.m.
2002 – 6:15 p.m.

Alumni Banquet
Friday, October 5, at 6:30 p.m., you are invited to join us for the Alumni Banquet in Mellers Dining Commons. The cost is $11.50 per person.  We will be honoring our Life Service Award recipients, both present and past.  Please join us for an evening of celebration and fellowship! Childcare will be provided for children ages 12 and under for $5.00 per child. Banquet tickets may be purchased at the registration booth.

Registration Prize
The Office of Alumni Relations is giving away a gift card worth $400 to Big Cedar Lodge near Branson, MO. The gift card may be applied to any service offered by the hotel and is also redeemable at any Bass Pro Shops! The winner will be drawn from the pool of alumni who register for and attend Homecoming. Please stop by the registration center in the Goodson Student Union before 12:00 p.m. on Saturday to confirm your eligibility.


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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

SBU Homecoming Parade will be Oct. 6 with Change to Route


Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu


BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University’s Annual Homecoming Parade will occur on Saturday, October 6, at 10:00 a.m. There is not a fee to participate in the parade.

The parade will experience a minor change to the route this year. Instead of beginning the parade at E. Locust and Springfield, it will begin at the corner of  W. Locust and Main (West of First Baptist Church) and proceed south on Main Street.  From Main Street, the parade will follow its traditional route, turning west on Maupin Street, turning south on Pike Street, and end at SBU’s Bolivar campus.

Businesses and Individuals wishing to participate can contact Nathan Penland at npenland@sbuniv.edu or 417-328-1828.

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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

Monday, September 17, 2012

SBU to Collaborate with Area Universities, Colleges on Academic, Service Projects

SBU to Collaborate with Area Universities, Colleges on Academic, Service Projects

For immediate release
Sept. 17, 2012
Contact:
Missouri State University President Clif Smart, (417) 836-8500
Drury University President Todd Parnell, (417) 873-7201 
Evangel University President Robert Spence, (417) 865-2811
Ozarks Technical Community College Chancellor Hal Higdon, (417) 447-2601
Southwest Baptist University President Pat Taylor, (417) 328-1500

Area universities, colleges collaborate on academic, service projects
Drury, Evangel, Missouri State, OTC and SBU join forces to benefit students, community

SPRINGFIELD, MO – The five Springfield-area universities will collaborate on two projects, one academic and one service-oriented. The leaders of Drury University, Evangel University, Missouri State University, Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC) and Southwest Baptist University announced two joint initiatives today (Sept. 17) at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

The five presidents/chancellors signed agreements regarding creation of a Foreign Languages Institute and announced plans to work together on an annual community service project. This year that project will be Meals a Million in November sponsored by Friends Against Hunger.

President C. Pat Taylor speaking about the FLI
The five presidents/chancellors included Drury President Todd Parnell, Evangel President Robert H. Spence, Missouri State President Clifton M. Smart III, OTC Chancellor Hal L. Higdon and Southwest Baptist President C. Pat Taylor. 

Foreign Languages Institute meets regional demand
Missouri State University will establish the Foreign Languages Institute (FLI) at the Jim D. Morris Center and will allow students from Evangel, Drury, Southwest Baptist and OTC to enroll in classes offered through the FLI.

By consolidating some of the language resources into one location, the institute will be able to offer more language options than any school would be able to offer individually. The first two new languages that institute staff leadership hope to be able to offer are Portuguese and Italian. The institute will also offer additional sections of Chinese and Arabic for the universities who presently cannot offer those subjects.

 “Southwest Missouri continues to undergo dramatic change,” said Smart. “Its population is growing, its economy expanding. The region is moving beyond the relative isolation of the past in order to engage more fully not only the national but also the global society. Language education and training are crucial elements in MSU’s focus on public affairs and its efforts to increase cultural competence.”

During the announcement, the presidents recognized the need for the teaching of foreign languages. They also recognized that as individual universities, it is hard to get classes of sufficient size, particularly in the less commonly taught languages, to be economical.

“We appreciate the opportunity for collaboration and are very pleased that our students will be able to engage in language studies beyond those which we are able to offer,” said Spence. “The Foreign Languages Institute will benefit Evangel students in their business and church-related careers.”

The anticipated market for the Foreign Languages Institute will include traditional Missouri State students, other higher education institutions, regional and state businesses, government agencies, school districts, and non-profit organizations.

“The creation of the Foreign Languages Institute will meet an increasing need in our area,” said Higdon. “As we continue to grow, education in foreign languages and cultures will become crucial to doing business, engaging our community, and supporting southwest Missouri’s position in the state and national economy.”

The FLI is a partnership between MSU’s international programs and the modern and classical languages department and will collaborate with other university units, including Missouri State Outreach, the Management Development Institute, the Small Business and Technology Development Center, Ozarks Public Television and KSMU Radio, to develop innovative and targeted language training programs.

Schools to pool volunteer resources for Meals a Million
The university presidents/chancellors also announced that they are joining together on a fall service project, which they plan to do annually.

This year’s project is to provide more than 1,000 volunteers for Meals a Million, a three-day event to package 1,111,111 meals for impoverished people from Nov. 9-11 at the Springfield Expo Center. (College of the Ozarks is also participating in the Meals a Million project.)

According to Friends Against Hunger, which sponsors Meals a Million, each meal is a vegetarian recipe that provides a rich source of easily digestible proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins with nine essential amino acids. The combination was developed by food scientists to help the undernourished recover from malnutrition. The meals are intentionally easy to prepare, requiring only the ability to boil water. The meals are distributed both domestically and internationally through non-governmental organizations.

“I’m encouraged and optimistic about the future when I see all of our institutions coming together for the benefit of our students and the community,” said Parnell. “Meals a Million and the Foreign Languages Institute are just the latest examples of how the Ozarks’ robust and diverse higher education community is an asset to our region.”

“SBU is extremely pleased to participate in the Foreign Languages Institute with our colleagues from other area universities,” said Taylor. “I appreciate Missouri State University’s leadership for providing this opportunity for our students to study languages that we could not offer on our campus. And SBU students are excited to be involved with Meals a Million. This type of project teaches students that they can make a difference and meet needs in our community.”

About Drury University
Drury University is an independent university, church related, grounded in the liberal arts tradition and committed to personalized education in a community of scholars who value the arts of teaching and learning. Education at Drury seeks to cultivate spiritual sensibilities and imaginative faculties as well as ethical insight and critical thought; to foster the integration of theoretical and practical knowledge; and to liberate persons to participate responsibly in and contribute to a global community.

About Evangel University
Evangel University is a private, Christian university of arts, sciences and professions, attracting more than 2,000 students from all 50 states and abroad. Evangel has a strong reputation for academic excellence, offering more than 100 undergraduate programs and nine master’s degree programs. Since its founding in 1955, Evangel has focused on the integration of spiritual, intellectual, social and physical aspects of students’ lives.

About Missouri State University
Missouri State University is a public, comprehensive university system with a mission in public affairs, whose purpose is to develop educated persons while guided by three overarching and enduring commitments to student learning, inclusive excellence and institutional impact. The university’s identity is distinguished by its statewide mission in public affairs, which entails a campus-wide commitment to foster competence and responsibility in ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement.

About Ozarks Technical Community College
The Ozarks Technical Community College system offers associate degrees and certificates in a variety of technical, allied health, and two-year transfer degree programs, as well as workforce development opportunities and community enrichment courses. Classes are available at six locations throughout southwest Missouri, including the option to earn a complete associate degree online.

About Southwest Baptist University
Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. 


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SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.


Thursday, September 13, 2012

SBU Back-to-School Picnic Rescheduled for Oct. 9


Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing &Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu


UPDATED 9/18/12

The annual Back to School Picnic has been rescheduled for Tuesday, October 9, at 6:00 p.m., in the intramural gym.  All new faculty and staff will be introduced. 

UPDATED 9/13/12
The Annual Back to School Picnic, which was scheduled for September 18,  has been postponed due to the air conditioning system not working in the intramural gym (as a result of Friday's storm).  It will be 2-3 weeks before the a/c is repaired.  A new date will be selected as soon as the a/c is fixed.  Thank you.

BOLIVAR, Mo. – SBU current and retired faculty and staff are invited to attend the annual Back-to-School Picnic on Thursday, September 18, at 6:00 p.m. in the intramural gym located in the Jane and Ken Meyer Wellness Center on the Bolivar campus. 

Menu includes oven-fried chicken, Pulled pork, split dinner rolls, old settlers’ beans, corn cobbettes, tossed green salad, ice cream, canned sodas and water.

No RSVP is necessary.

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Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

SBU Gallery to Feature Faculty Exhibit through Oct. 15, Reception Sept. 20


SBU Gallery to Feature Faculty Exhibit through Oct. 15, Reception Sept. 20

Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu


BOLIVAR, Mo. – The Driskill Gallery, located in the Jester Learning and Performance Center of Southwest Baptist University, presents an exhibit by the Department of Art faculty.  Works include ceramics, prints, mixed media fibers, and digital images by Grant Cochran, Dianna Callahan and Deby Gilley. The exhibit will begin on September 18, and run through October 15.


The Green Goddess, by Dianna Callahan
A reception will be held on Thursday, September 20, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.  The gallery is free and open to the public.  Gallery hours are Monday thru Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  

For more information contact Gallery Director Dianna Callahan, 417-328 1651.


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PHOTO: The Green Goddess, painter Dianna Callahan. Paint stick on fabric quilt inspired by a painting by James McNeil Whistler.

Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

SBU Barnett-Padgett Literary Artist Series to feature Thom Satterlee


Southwest Baptist University News Release
Contact: Sharina Smith, Office of Marketing & Communications
417-328-1803 / ssmith@sbuniv.edu


BOLIVAR, Mo. – Southwest Baptist University’s Barnett-Padgett Literary Artist Series will present poet Thom Satterlee, author of Burning Wyclif, in a reading of his works on Thursday, September 27, from 6:00-7:00 p.m., in Meyer Recital Hall on the SBU Bolivar campus. 


Burning Wyclif focuses on the life of Bible translator, John Wyclif. The book won the Walt McDonald First-Book in Poetry Competition and was named an American Library Association Notable Book and a Finalist for the L.A. Times Book Prize. 

Satterlee has translated two collections of Danish poetry and co-edited three other books.  In 2009 he received a National Endowment for the Arts Creative Writing Fellowship in Poetry, and since 2011 he has held the position of Writer-in-Residence at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana.

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PHOTO: Poet Thom Satterlee by Adam Perry

Southwest Baptist University is a leader among private universities in truly integrating Christ-centered academic pursuits with comprehensive professional programs at an affordable price. At SBU, the faculty and staff create a caring, academic community to prepare students to be servant leaders in a global society. For more information, visit www.SBUniv.edu.

SBU’s Office of Marketing and Communications is available to news media 24 hours a day at (417) 399-7918.