John E. Brown r 1921 - 2011 · PDF fileminutes, telling me about his father’s ... eral of the Chapman Charitable Trusts. ... By Tracy Balzer

U.S. NEWS RANKS JBU NO. 1 + TP TOSS SEEN ‘ROUND THE WORLD + 101 STEPS

WINTER 2012

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF JOHN BROWN UNIVERSITY

John E. Brown Jr. 1921 - 2011

The entire JBU community will miss Chancellor

Brown dearly, and we are deeply

grateful for the way God used

John to lead this university to honor

Christ over all.

Chancellor Brown’s Love of JBU

{ P R E S I D E N T ’ S L E T T E R }

Feb. 15, 2012

Godspeed,

Dr. Charles W. PollardPresident, John Brown University

Dear Friends of JBU,

I met Chancellor John Brown, Jr. about eight years ago. I had just been offered the job as JBU president, and I asked to meet with the two men whose names were on the sign outside the university. Chancellor Brown and I met first, and we had a wonderful conver-sation. He gave me an oral history of JBU and the Brown family in about 45 minutes, telling me about his father’s conversion, his evangelistic preaching and his founding of the college, about his own role in starting intercollegiate athletics, securing accreditation, and raising resources for JBU, and of his son’s role in strengthening the academ-ic, spiritual, and financial profile of JBU.

It was a fantastic introduction to JBU, but it was also a bit overwhelm-ing. If Chancellor Brown had this much energy at over 80, what did the com-munity expect from its new president that was half his age? He laughed and assured me of a warm welcome by the JBU community. This conversation was the beginning of a relationship that grew into a friendship. I would talk with him almost every day that I was in the office, and I learned a lot from him.

John constantly promoted JBU, whether at the Rotary meeting in Siloam Springs or at an alumni event in California, and his conversations often led to good things for the university. For example, his visits with Mr. Chap-man in Tulsa in the 1950s led to JBU

being included as a beneficiary of sev-eral of the Chapman Charitable Trusts. These trusts have provided over $73 million in gifts to the university over some 45 years. John taught me a lot about how to spread the good news of JBU and to be bold in asking for help.

I think that John was so effective for JBU because he so loved people. He also exhibited that love for people when he spoke of JBU alumni. For example, every Homecoming we have a Heritage Society meeting in which we celebrate the 50th anniversary alumni class. Each of the alumni would take a picture with John as part of that ceremony, and he almost always remembered a funny or touching an-ecdote about the graduate even though he had not seen some of them for 50 years. Each JBU alumnus was special in his eyes, and he had a great capacity to communicate that love for a person through remembering their names and stories.

John shared that love with us as well. In the last year or so, he would come to me on occasion and say “God has called you to JBU, and he hasn’t changed his mind yet. You and Carey are like one of the family.” Now knowing how much John loved his family and how much he loved JBU, he could not have paid us a higher compliment. The entire JBU community will miss him dearly, and we are deeply grateful for the way God used John to lead this university to honor Christ over all.

FEATURES 6 |

By Tracy Balzer – The story of an alumna who lost her memory, except the day she became a Christian.Amazing Stories: Lost & Found

JBU News — The Latest JBU Headlines — page 3Grad School — Grad School Sees Record Enrollment — page 10Chaplain’s Corner — Feel Free to Applaud Creation — page 11Advancement — John E. Brown Jr.’s Message — page 22Alumni Director — Relationships Matter — page 23Homecoming 2011 — Photos from the Reunions — page 24Alumni News — The Latest Milestones for JBU Alumni — page 27In Memoriam — Remembering JBU Friends — page 29From the Editor — The 100 Steps Are Gone — page 32

ON THE COVERJBU’s archivist Marikit Schwartz and the Brown fam-ily supplied dozens of photos for this Brown Bulletin honoring the life of Chancellor Brown. Additional photos from the Brown family and the Archives can be found online at www.jbu.edu/rememberingJohn-BrownJr.

8 |By Jessa Eldridge – JBU’s Men’s Basketball tradition gets national attention.TP Toss Seen ’Round the World

DEPARTMENTS

The official magazine of John Brown University, the Brown Bulletin, is published by University Communications for alumni and friends in the JBU community.

Dr. Chip PollardPresident

Dr. Jim KrallVice President for Advancement

EDITORIAL STAFF

Lucas RoebuckEditor and Director of University Communications

ContributorsJessa Eldridge, Tracy Balzer, Johanna Merwin, Rod Reed, Mindy Hunt, Jerry Rollene, Marquita Smith

Production SupportGrace Bentley, Rachel Fiet, Virginia Wietecha, Rebekah Krall

Copy EditingPaul T. Semones, Andy Klungland, Cherissa Roebuck

ThanksMarikit Schwartz, Matt Snyder, Robert Headrick, Darla Grimm

Submissions of news items, story ideas, letters and corrections can be made via electronic mail to:[email protected] or via U.S. postal service toBrown Bulletin2000 W. UniversitySiloam Springs, AR 72761

WINTER 2012

{ C O N T E N T S }

COVER: THE LEGACY OF JOHN E. BROWN JR. 14 |

By John E. Brown III – JBU’s third president writes about the legacy of the second.Reflections On Dad

21 |Friends and community members who grew up with and around John share their thoughts.Thoughts from Contemporaries

18 |By Marquita Smith – A look at the life of Chancellor Brown, from the early years until his passing.John E. Brown Jr.’s Lasting Impact on JBU

Share your story...refer a student to

go to www.jbu.edu/refer or call 1-877-JBU-INFO

GARETH UNRUH, CLASS OF 2000

DUSTIN PRUITT, CLASS OF 2006

KENDRA CHESTER, CLASS OF 2013

AUSTIN MCCULLOUGH, CLASS OF 2013

Gareth is a youth pastor, and has shared many stories about his time at JBU with his church youth group. Dustin works at Nestle Purina Pet Care and

has shared with family and friends about the experiences he had at JBU.

Kendra heard about JBU through her youth pastor, Gareth. She is majoring in English at JBU, and will graduate in 2013. Austin heard about Dustin’s experience and decided to

visit and then attend JBU. He will graduate with a degree in psychology in 2013.

JBU

{ J B U N E W S }

Winter 2012 | Brown Bulletin | 3

John Brown University is the top regional college in the South, accord-ing to rankings released in the “U.S. News and World Report’s America’s Best Colleges” 2012 edition.

“This number one ranking represents the deep commit-ment JBU’s outstanding faculty and staff have to excellent Christian higher educa-tion,” said Dr. Chip Pollard, university president. “There are many great colleges in the South, and we are honored to lead our peers in the rankings this year.”

Over the past nine years, JBU’s ranking has continued to climb. JBU

ranked 12th in 2002 and 2003, 11th in 2004, 8th in 2005, 6th in 2006 and 2007, 4th in 2008, 3rd in 2009 and 2nd in 2010 and 2011.

“We have superior faculty, wonderful facilities and a great location in North-west Arkansas,” said Dr. Ed

Ericson, vice president for academic affairs. “Topping our U.S. News category

reflects the positive educa-tional momentum at JBU.”

JBU was also named a “Best Value” institution by the magazine.

“One of JBU’s founding principles was to make education affordable,”

said Dr. Jim Krall, vice president for university advancement. “Our finan-cial aid team is diligent in helping students find the resources they need. We are also blessed to be able to offer millions of dollars in scholarships each year because of the generosity of our alumni and friends.”

JBU announced in August that it completed its Keeping Faith Cam-paign, which provided more than $40 million for annual and endowed scholarships.

The campaign finished one year early, with more than $118 million given, exceeding the original goal by $18 million.

‘U.S. News’ Ranks JBU No. 1 in the South

The John Brown University business teams swept the undergraduate division at the 2011 Tri-State Donald W. Reyn-olds Cup Business Plan Competition held in Las Vegas, Nev. The Craftistas took first place while Agricultural Food Systems took second place. JBU student

Kirk Dennison ’10 from Agricultural Food Systems also won the Elevator Pitch Award for his ability to success-fully sell the product to a potential investor in 90 seconds. JBU teams were awarded a total of $41,000 in cash priz-es. For the competition, each team was

required to complete a business plan that included a mission, vision, strategy, marketing, financials and investment opportunities for the first five years of business. Judges examined the plans and watched team presentations before selecting the winners.

JBU Business Students Sweep Tri-State Governor’s Cup

Pictured left to right: Kirk Dennison ‘10, Lauren Kessler Morris ‘10, Jose David Andrade ‘11, Lawson Hembree ‘11, Camille Malkiewicz ’11, Zac Freeman ’11 and Troy Zellers ‘11.

{ J B U N E W S }

4 | Brown Bulletin | Winter 2012

JBU Students Succeed at NASA Competition

John Brown University’s lunabotics team received first place in the “Sys-tems Engineering Paper” category at NASA’s second annual Lunabotics Min-ing Competition held in May. Of the 70 teams registered for the competition at Kennedy Space Center, JBU finished in ninth place for the total amount of lunar dirt collected and deposited.

“The team should be very proud of this accomplishment,” said Will Holmes, associate professor of engi-neering and team advisor. “The team received a perfect 20 out of 20 points possible on the paper, and this result is a direct testament to the outstanding job of engineering design, analysis and management the team demonstrated throughout the project.”

JBU to Offer Exclusively Online Business Administration Degree

John Brown University launched an online Business Administration degree as part of JBU’s Degree Completion Program. The curriculum will allow students with 60 hours of college cred-

it, who meet admission requirements, to complete a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration completely online.

“JBU’s addition of an exclusively on-line degree in our Degree Completion Program provides the perfect comple-ment to our 17-year history of provid-ing excellent education for working adults in six locations around Arkansas,” said Lori Walker, director of marketing and corporate relations for the Degree Completion Program. “Anyone with good Internet access can complete a JBU Business Administration degree, no matter where he or she is around the globe.”

JBU Wins Third CASE Award for Educational Fundraising

John Brown University has been selected by the Council for Advance-ment and Support of Education (CASE) as a winner of CASE’s 2011 Educa-tional Fundraising Award. This award is a part of CASE’s Circle of Excel-lence program, honoring exemplary advancement programs. Of the 874 institutions eligible, JBU was one of four institutions selected for the Educa-

tional Fundraising Award in the Overall Performance category. JBU previously received this award in 2008 and 2009.

“I deeply appreciate the alumni, par-ents, foundations and corporations that support JBU. Their generosity is the reason we received this award,” said Dr. Jim Krall, vice president for university advancement. “The CASE award hon-ors their support of Christian higher education and the wonderful students of JBU.”

CRE Awarded $724k Grant to Support Marriages

The Center for Relationship Enrich-ment (CRE) at John Brown University was awarded a $724,428 federal grant by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families. The grant award covers the first year of the three-year grant program and will be used to sup-port the research and development of healthy marriages in Northwest Arkan-sas. CRE is the only Arkansas recipient of this grant.

“Arkansas has one of the highest di-vorce rates in the nation,” said Dr. Gary Oliver, executive director of CRE. “This grant will allow us to continue to address the needs in our community as well as expand our program’s efforts.”

JBU Enrollment Grows to Record Number

John Brown University’s total student enrollment hit a record num-ber with 2,183 total students and 701 new enrollments for Fall 2011. These numbers include full-time and part-time students, first year students, transfers, re-applicants, graduate and degree completion students. The total includes 436 new full-time traditional students, the largest incoming class in JBU history.

John Brown University’s traditional undergraduate class has 1,279 students, a 1.8 percent growth from Fall 2010.

JBU students Marshall Nicholson ‘11, Mike Anthes ‘11, Susanna Whittaker (front) ‘11, Billy Strnad ‘11 and David Penner ‘11 with their NASA awards.


{ J B U N E W S }

The graduate program reached 467 stu-dents, a 10.9 percent growth from Fall 2010. Approximately 1,000 students live in JBU’s residential facilities.

JBU Celebrates the Completion of the Keeping Faith Campaign

On Oct. 7, 2011, John Brown University held a celebration dinner for successfully completing the historic $110 Million Keeping Faith Campaign. Over 600 attended the event, which was held in the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers, Ark. The program included a mixture of videos depicting projects completed during the campaign and speeches from JBU students, faculty and staff.

“The resources given during this campaign had a tremendous impact

on JBU’s students, faculty and staff,” said Dr. Jim Krall, vice president of university advancement. “This is the largest completed campaign of its size for a private university in the state of Arkansas. It has provided new facili-ties, faculty development programs, scholarships and much more. We are so grateful to all who gave, and to God’s faithfulness to the university.”

JBU Forensics Team wins State Championships in 4 events at Arkansas State Tournament

Three students were crowned Arkansas State Champions in four dif-ferent events at the Southern Forensics Championship Tournament, held Jan. 27-29 at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) in Conway, Ark. The team finished second place overall in

More than 600 attended the Keeping Faith Celebration of Gratitude Dinner at the John Q. Hammons Convention Center in Rogers, Ark.

the state behind UCA. Nine different schools from Arkansas participated In the tournament, which serves as the state championship tournament for Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.

JBU students won Arkansas State Championships in the following events:

Joshua McBride ’15 and Andrew Goff ’14 - Duo Interpretation (also top overall duo in the Southern region)Kaitlyn Thompson ’15 - After Dinner SpeakingJoshua McBride ’15 - Prose Interpre-tationKaitlyn Thompson ’15 - Dramatic Interpretation

For the most recent JBU news, be sure to check out JBU NOW! at jbu.edu/news

{ A M A Z I N G S T O R I E S }


JBU class reunions hold the promise of reuniting good friends and recount-ing the old college-days stories: pranks played, matches made, courses con-quered. At the same time, there may be a corresponding fear that accompanies the experience: What if I don’t recog-nize her? What if I don’t remember his name?

When Beth (Buth) Walker ’85 planned for her class reunion in the Fall of 2010, such fears were nonexis-tent. A traumatic neurological illness in her young adult years took all of Beth’s memories from her, including her years at JBU. Beth knew in advance that she wouldn’t recognize her former classmates. Even so, she and her hus-band, Hal Walker ’82 attended her class gathering that Homecoming on the John Brown University campus, eager to share the story of reassembling not only her memories, but her entire life.

Beth and Hal once lived in mar-ried student housing at JBU as a young couple working hard to complete their undergraduate degrees. Ten years later they found themselves in Loudon, Tenn., enjoying life as parents to a curly-haired 2-year-old daughter named Jordan. One evening, during a birthday party for Hal in their home, Beth ex-perienced a migraine headache and ex-cused herself from the party to recover. Sometime later Hal went to check on

her, and to his alarm, discovered her on the floor in a fetal position and burn-ing up with 106-degree fever. Their friends helped transport her to the emergency room and she was admitted to the hospital. An otherwise unremark-able birthday celebration ended as Beth slipped into a coma and was placed on life support.

For several days, Beth’s condition mystified doctors. Her brain danger-ously swelled and the high fever stub-bornly continued. Neurosurgeons could make only one suggestion, to perform a risky surgery to remove part of Beth’s brain. This would allow for the swelling to decrease and buy them more time to determine a diagnosis. It was a terrify-ing suggestion, with a grim prognosis. If Beth survived the surgery, doctors predicted she would likely be an invalid.

Beth and Hal’s small group from church responded immediately. They came to Beth’s intensive care room, laid their hands on her and prayed. Mean-while, Hal likewise held fast in the small prayer chapel in the hospital, pleading on his wife’s behalf for God’s miracu-lous intervention. Soon after, doctors returned to Beth’s room, and to their astonishment, discovered Beth’s condi-tion had miraculously stabilized. No surgery would be needed, and hospital personnel joined the Walkers’ friends and family in celebrating.

One week after experiencing the initial migraine, Beth emerged from her coma and doctors finally arrived at a diagnosis: viral encephalitis. The worst appeared to be over; Beth had survived. What hadn’t survived the ordeal was a significant amount of Beth’s neurologi-cal function. She awoke from her coma unable to read, walk, write, or eat on her own. Her memory was drastically impaired, stealing away her ability to recognize her own family, or even remem-ber her own name. “I was introduced to a tall, good looking man and a cute little girl as my husband and my daughter,” Beth now recalls. She had no memory of either of them, two strangers who were, according to friends and doctors, the most important people in her life. Even today, Beth still does not remem-ber the very first time she met her husband, or falling in love with him, or

THE AMAZING STORY OF A JBU ALUMNA WHO LOST HER ENTIRE MEMORY —

EXCEPT THE DAY SHE ACCEPTED CHRIST

LOST & FOUND

STORY BY TRACY BALZERPHOTOS COURTESY THE WALKER FAMILY


{ A M A Z I N G S T O R I E S } }

even marrying him. “I didn’t get to pick this husband!” she jokes.

Six months of intense rehabilitation at the Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Cen-ter in Knoxville, Tenn., were needed for Beth to begin putting the unrecogniz-able pieces of her life back together. Her toddling daughter, Jordan, pushed Beth through the halls in her wheelchair and helped feed her, a practical and meaningful way of helping mother and daughter get reacquainted. One of the results of Beth’s illness is “visual mem-ory deficit,” a condition that continues to make life a challenge. In those early recovery days, friends helped make the transition from rehab center to home by staying with Beth. She needed ongo-ing re-orientation to her own home, learning one minute the location of the kitchen, forgetting it the next.

The swelling of the brain had caused Beth’s childhood, adulthood, and im-portant relationships to be completely inaccessible to her, with one remarkable exception. Miraculously, Beth maintains perfect recall of the day when she, at just eight years of age, put her trust in Jesus and received the gift of salva-tion. She clearly remembers attending the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church where Pastor John F. Whitely was speaking at revival services, and as the congregation joined in singing “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” young Beth responded to the irresistible invitation presented to her. “He drew me into His family,” She says. “I [now] understand the meaning of how Jesus said, ‘I will never leave you or forsake you,’ and ‘Do not be afraid.’” In spite of the damage done to her frontal lobe (Beth describes the visual image of her brain as resem-bling “swiss cheese”) the memory of that life-changing childhood moment remains with her, a source of encour-agement and assurance.

Through the months and years of re-habilitation, Hal stayed true to his bride, determined that their original love for each other and for the Lord would see

them through the process of recon-structing their relationship. Once Beth’s rehabilitation was complete, Hal made a special effort to “create” a memory of their wedding for her by arranging a small wedding in Tennessee. Beth wore her original wedding gown, and their daughter Jordan served as ring bearer. “We like to say that we have been mar-ried twice to the same person and never divorced!” Beth smiles at the very real memory she has been given, thanks to Hal’s loving efforts on her behalf.

Trauma, however, puts the best of mar-riages to the test. Hal and Beth have had to learn to know and love each other all over again. Their repeated attendance at Family Life mar-riage retreats has helped provide the resources they need to stick together. Likewise, they’ve depended greatly on their church fam-ily and members of their small group. “God is working on us both,” Beth says, and recognizes their need to depend on the Lord for both the big and the small things. Because of ongoing visual memory challenges, they have equipped her car with GPS devices just in case she gets disoriented. “I pray a lot when I am lost,” she says, but testifies to God’s faithful protection over the years.

Now, almost 20 years after her life-changing incident, Beth has found many ways to “turn misery into ministry.” She takes advantage of any invitation to share her testimony in churches, women’s groups, and with Stonecroft Ministries. She notes that from a purely medical standpoint, she should not be able to do what she is now able to do. “In all of this we can see how medicine shows God’s mercy, but miracles show His power!”

Beth discovered another avenue

of ministry through her interest and expertise in breeding and raising golden retrievers. She has worked with Human Animal Bond in Tennessee (H.A.B.I.T.), an organization that utilizes volunteers like Beth and her dogs, to facilitate pet visitation to care-giving facilities like nursing homes, hospitals, rehab cen-ters, and others. Beth has found herself ministering to those in the very reha-bilitation centers where she was once a resident. Through such visitations, Beth is able to tell her story to others and

encourage them in their own distress. And it has provided Beth with a greater sense of purpose in her own life as well.

When asked what sort of encouragement or wisdom she has to pass on to others who have

experienced life-threatening trauma and its aftermath, Beth does not hesitate. “Satan attacks and makes me feel down, lost, confused and angry,” she reflects, and then strongly exhorts, “Seek God’s face!” She cites practices like journal-ing that have helped her “put the pieces together,” and emphasizes the essential role that the “circle of great believers” around her has played. Her lively spirit has played a part as well. “I can get cocky and forget to be dependent on the Lord,” she relates with a chuckle. And then she finds herself corrected: “I lose my keys all the time, and at some point the hardware man will have to tell me that I’ve reached the maximum number of times I can copy keys!”

Accompanied by faithful family and friends, a deep trust in God, and a healthy sense of humor, Beth Walker has experienced losing and being lost – and the miracle that comes with being found and finding again. n


{ T P G A M E }

For more than 30 years, the JBU Men’s Basketball Toilet Paper (TP) game tradition has been one of the best-kept secrets of college athletic fan traditions.

The secret is out.After the first home basket is made,

Golden Eagle fans toss thousands of rolls of toilet paper onto the court, earning a technical foul for the mess that everyone quickly helps to clean up.

On Nov. 2, 2011, Yahoo! Sports’ front page ran a story about JBU’s TP game. It called the phenomenon “one of the premier traditions in all of col-lege basketball.” Within a few days, the entire sports community was buzzing about JBU’s TP game.

Even before the Golden Eagles made their first basket this year, Simeon Hinsey ’02 knew that the Toilet Paper game was going to be a big deal. Hin-sey, JBU’s sports information director, had contacted Yahoo! Sports writer Jeff Eisenberg in 2010 asking him to men-tion JBU’s TP game.

Hinsey’s inspiration to contact Yahoo! Sports came when he saw an article written about Taylor University’s Silent Night basketball tradition.

“I saw the article on Taylor Universi-ty and knew that if Taylor was on Yahoo! Sports, then JBU definitely should be too,” Hinsey said. “When I contacted Jeff Eisenberg and sent him a link to our TP game video, he emailed me back

within minutes saying that he would definitely be interested in covering the game in 2011.”

But Yahoo! was only the beginning.After Yahoo! Sports ran a story on

it’s main webpage about the TP game, other media outlets started talking about the tradition. Sports Illustrated online, The Sporting News, CBS News and dozens of others ran stories about JBU.

Rachel Fiet, assistant director of uni-versity communications, was notified by ESPN that they planned to use JBU’s video of the event on “Sports Center” and “Around the Horn.”

“This was a big deal, and I knew that students would want to be involved,”

TP TOSS SEEN ‘ROUNDTHE WORLD

JBU Men’s Basketball TP Tradition Attracts the Attention of National and International Sports Outlets


{ T P G A M E }

Fiet said. “We set up a TV in Walker Student Center and watched it live. It was great to see the enthusiasm in the students’ reaction.”

Within a day of airing the Toilet Pa-per game on ESPN, the 30-year tradition had caught the atten-tion of over 50 news channels, blogs, radio stations, newspapers and online media. All over the country, newscasters and reports began talking about the school that threw toilet paper after the first basket of the season.

The only place left for the TP game to go was global.

“I found out that the game had caught international attention when someone forwarded a link from a TV

station in El Salvador that was cover-ing the game,” said Fiet. “Last year we had a lot of TV coverage, but this year it started out as a viral video on the Internet that was then picked up by TV stations. You never know how big a game like this will be.”

Students joined in spreading the word. Graphic design major Christina Schoenrock ’13 posted footage from ESPN’s coverage onto her Facebook page. “I wanted to show my friends that my school is on national news and that I go to a pretty cool university,” Schoenrock said. “When I first came to JBU and heard about the game, I thought ‘You guys do what intention-ally? That’s so cool.’ Now, I’ve been to

every game.” Several videos of

the TP game can be found on YouTube, the most popular of which has been viewed more than 300,000 times.

For days after the game, Hinsey was still receiv-ing emails and phone calls. “I talked to people from New York, North Caro-

lina, California and even Japan!” Hinsey said. “I don’t know what next year is going to bring, but even if this was our 15 minutes of fame, then it was still great.”

JBU.edu, the official university web-site, recorded its highest traffic ever during the TP game media blitz. People were coming to JBU’s website to find out about the college that was behind

the memorable tradition. With or without camera crews, one thing is

certain: Next year, people will once again clamor for seats and wait for the Golden Eagles to sink their first basket. And, as they have done for the last three decades, fans will hurl toilet paper onto the court and the Golden Eagles will again receive the best technical foul in college sports. – Jessa Eldridge

Watch the ESPN coverage of JBU’s TP Game on You-Tube by scanning this QR Code.

Fall 2011 brought a record enroll-ment in the Graduate School! As a result, the Graduate School enrollment now represents over 20 percent of the university’s student body. Much of the success of the Graduate School can be attributed to excellent faculty and the increasing international and online op-tions for students.

Excellent FacultyMany students choose JBU for grad-

uate school because of the excellent reputation of its faculty. These faculty include both full-time professors and practitioners who bring an applied per-spective to the classroom – professors and practitioners who, according to MBA graduate Josh Eldridge ‘04, “give legs” to the classroom material.

Just a few examples of faculty excel-lence include: Prof. Tom Verdery, who has over 34 years of sales management experience with Procter & Gamble; Maxie Carpenter, who has 27 years of experience in operations, training and communications with Walmart and now uses his expertise as a consultant. Counseling faculty members Steve Seward and Joe Young are counselors in private practice and, therefore, can integrate what they do into what they teach.

International StudyIn addition to receiving quality

instruction from excellent faculty, JBU graduate students have the opportu-nity to earn graduate credit through international trips that are designed for working adults who are not able to go overseas for an extended period of time. In the past, international trips were limited to Guatemala and North-ern Ireland, but a trip to China was added during Summer 2011. These trips are 7-10 days and are designed to complement the students’ other stud-

ies. For example, when in Guatemala, students learn about business practices within the social, economic, political and cultural context of a developing country; whereas, when in Northern Ireland, students receive a practi-cal orientation to European business and cultural issues that help prepare them for the increasingly international marketplace. In China, students are immersed in the culture of one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

As a retired Procter & Gamble executive whose extensive interna-tional experience includes China and other parts of Asia, Tom Verdery is able to draw on his connections to provide JBU students with a unique and memo-rable introduction to the business and culture of this rapidly expanding eco-nomic entity.

Graduates like Ronnette Smith ‘10 state that some of their most memora-ble experiences in the graduate pro-gram include international trips. “My trip to Guatemala was life changing. I was drawn by the unity and strength of families in the Guatemalan communi-ties to rise above challenges,” said Ron-nette, who received a Master of Science in Leadership and Ethics.

The international trips not only provide an international experience for students but also help them gain a global perspective in their chosen field of study.

Online OptionWhile the international trips give

graduate students the opportunity to learn about cultures in other countries, the online options give students resid-ing in other countries the opportunity to earn a JBU graduate degree from afar. For example, Jake Day is a sol-dier who is stationed in Kosovo but is able to pursue an MBA through JBU’s online program. According to Jake,

“my professors have done a great job at creating online learning environments which foster interaction, quality learn-ing and integrity.”

Over 40 percent of the graduate students took at least one online course during the Spring 2011 semester and at least that many enrolled in online courses during Fall 2011. With the online program continuing to develop, all the graduate business courses and selected graduate counseling courses are now available in an online format.

Current MBA student Emily Jones ‘09 says, “I can’t speak highly enough about JBU overall and the online classes in particular. The instructors have a lot to do with the online learning environment. They listen and respond with what works well for students.” All online courses are interactive and all faculty are selected based upon their subject matter expertise and passion for sharing both knowledge and experi-ence with students through the use of various virtual interactive forums and collaborative e-learning initiatives.

The online programs combine the academic quality and tradition of the existing campus programs with the convenience and technological en-hancements available for online course delivery. In keeping with JBU’s mis-sion, they are designed to not only pro-vide students with academic knowledge in all business-related matters, but also to partner that academic knowledge with real-world application relevant to students in their professional pursuits.

The Graduate School of John Brown University is an increasingly prominent part of the institution and will continue to take JBU’s mission to those seeking post-baccalaureate education.

Mindy Hunt is coordinator of marketing for the Graduate School at John Brown University.

{ G R A D U AT E S C H O O L – M I N D Y H U N T }

10 | Brown Bulletin | Winter 201010 | Brown Bulletin | Winter 2012

Graduate School Enjoys Record Enrollment

{ C H A P L A I N ’ S C O R N E R — T R A C Y B A L Z E R }


When I was first getting to know my husband’s family, they invited me to join them for Sunday afternoon drives in the rugged Cascade Mountains of Washington. During one outing we came upon a dramatic waterfall cascad-ing through craggy rocks, and one of us spontaneously cheered in response. From then on, we all seemed to have a heightened awareness of the natural wonders around us: a snow-capped peak, a raging river, you name it, and

those wonders would be echoed by more of our applause. Even now that our daughters are grown, our family still acts as if we’re seeing these won-ders of nature for the first time. When Kelsey returned from her semester abroad in Oxford her senior year, she said her friends there told her she clapped a lot, which made us laugh, knowing it was true of all of us. I imag-

ined Kelsey clapping as she rambled through the English countryside or gaped at the glorious architecture of Christopher Wren.

I want my children, my students and myself, to feel comfortable applauding the wonders of our lives, to be listen-ers to that general revelation that is anything but general. Wonder-filled experiences alert us to transcendence, reminding us that God works creatively within us.

Mysterious objects in the sky have long fascinated humanity. One famous incident involved the “magi” of early Christianity. What were they wonder-ing when they saw that extraordinary star in the east? Surely they experi-enced something numinous, an encoun-ter with something charged with mean-ing and unlike anything they’d seen before. This star spoke to them. It had a message, and they listened. The heavens declared the glory of God, so power-fully that they knew they must follow the star. They believed God had put his star in the sky, and the magi responded, kneeling at the feet of the Christ Child.

The Psalm writer articulated this wonder long, long ago:

When I consider your heavens,the work of your fingers,the moon and the stars,which you have set in place,what is man that you are mindful of him,the son of man that you care for him?(Psalm 8:3-4, NIV)

Those who give attention to the wondrous share a kinship with the magi of old. An even greater kinship with the wondrous God of the universe awaits us.

From A Listening Life by Tracy Balzer (Pinyon Publishing). Reprinted by per-mission. Tracy is the director of Christian Formation for John Brown University.

Feel Free To Applaud Creation

I want my children, my students and myself, to feel comfortable applauding the wonders of our lives, to be listeners to that general revelation that is anything but general.

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JOHN E. BROWN JR.



LEGACYJOHN E.

BROWN JR.

THE

OF



Fittingly, my father’s life spanned the life of John Brown University. He was born in August of 1921, and passed away on June 3, 2011 – two months short of his 90th birthday. Throughout all of those years, his life and the lives of our extended family members have been blessed and made all the more meaningful as a result of our association with JBU.

To understand my father, you have to remember that he was the only son born to a family of five daughters. The day he arrived, it was as if the heavens

had parted and God had spoken!My Aunt Mary once told us that,

when they were young, the sisters had all wanted a horse to ride on the fam-ily farm. My grandfather Brown said, “No,” a horse was too expensive and he couldn’t afford it. “Well,” Aunt Mary said, “the day Buddy turned six, Daddy Brown bought him a pony with a new red leather saddle and paid a man to teach him how to ride it.”

Dad, or “Buddy” as his friends often called him, grew up milking cows and riding horses. While I was in high

John E. Brown III:Reflections On Dad

“Dad and I were different personalities raised in

different generations, but with many strikingly similar

experiences and beliefs.”

Except where noted, photographs courtesy JBU Archives



school, he decided to purchase a few head of polled Hereford cows for a 10-acre plot he bought near the president’s home. He would grab me after school and say, “let’s go feed the cows.” In the beginning, I thought those cows were just smelly and dirty and a great waste of time.

Ironically, I learned to enjoy and love those times on our small cattle spread. Dad eventually bought about 400 acres east of Gentry to run a cow-calf operation. While I attended law school in 1971-74, Stephania and I lived on another 60 acres between Siloam Springs and Gentry where I fed and cared for about 40 cows. Some of the best father-and-son times my dad and I shared were the days we spent working on the farms together, often with our JBU part-time ranch hands – Myron “Pete” Peters and Green King.

Dad had a passion for many things beyond the JBU campus – travel, go-ing out to eat at a favorite restaurant, buying and selling new or used cars, speculating on land, or even building a few houses and commercial properties. However, his entrepreneurial interests extended to JBU’s radio properties, in particular.

My grandfather had led in the pur-chase of radio stations in the 1930s as a means of ministry and advertising for “College Hill.” When I joined JBU in 1974, we operated two principal sta-tions – KUOA-AM in Siloam Springs and KGER-AM in Long Beach, Calif. The University also owned Southern California Military Academy in Long Beach. Dad’s good friends and long-time JBU Trustees – Bill George, Clint Fowler and George Hurte – were responsible for running various parts of the California enterprises and fund-raising activities. All were devoted to supporting the mission of JBU.

In the 1970s, Dad initiated an effort to expand JBU’s holdings in “non-traditional investments,” such as, radio stations. We traveled to a number of

destinations to check out opportuni-ties, eventually buying and upgrading stations in Northwest Arkansas; Hous-ton and Waco, Texas; and in Northern Florida. Again, trustees Bill George and Galen Gilbert were instrumental in the evaluation, purchase, operations, and eventual sales of these properties – adding millions of dollars to the JBU endowment funds.

Some of the times Dad most en-joyed were our family trips to South-ern California. Dad loved to stay at the Disneyland Hotel. While he attended to business, we had the run of the hotel grounds, swimming pools and the amusement park. The annual California alumni meetings were often held at Knott’s Berry Farm, another favorite attraction. Some of our early trips west were by train – the Southern Belle from Siloam to Kansas City, then the Super Chief across the prairie and Rockies to Southern California. In later years, as the family grew larger, Dad would drive us all out west with stops at the Grand Canyon, the “petrified for-est” or other attractions along the way.

Even before I began working offi-cially at JBU, I would go along on many of Dad’s JBU trips. We regularly went

to the annual National Religious Broad-casters meetings in Washington, D.C., with visits to the Capitol Building and various House or Senate offices. Dad eventually took me up to D.C. in the summer of 1964 and dropped me off to serve as a page for a month in the U.S. House of Representatives – a great experience for a 15-year-old kid.

That pattern continued after I began working at JBU. We would go to the Mabee Foundation and the Rogers & Bell Law Firm (trustee of the Chapman trusts) in Tulsa, to Chicago to see Paul Harvey, or to Michigan to call on Stan Kresge and the Kresge Foundation. I first met Sam Walton in his original of-fice in Bentonville on a trip with Dad. We probably talked about quail hunting for the first 10 minutes, then got down to our report from JBU.

I was also privileged to work for a time with many of Dad’s early JBU co-laborers – Joe and Tarver Smith, Stewart Springfield, Sr., Marion Snider, L.A. “Audrey” Thomas, Cecil Smith and Carl McQuay in radio, and so many other faithful JBU servants. My father would be the first to say he stood on the shoulders of others at JBU.

That would have included my

John E. Brown Jr., Bill George and John E. Brown III (courtesy of the Brown family).



mother, Caroline. Mom was Dad’s rock and confidant through all of their 65 years together. She was constantly at his side for entertaining campus guests, or attending JBU functions and Trustee events, or giving Dad kitchen counsel on issues at the University. With her English degree from JBU and sharp mind, she gently edited and critiqued two Brown family presidents on their written and verbal communications.

She also kept up with the needs and schooling of five children and main-tained the president’s home while Dad was focused on the campus or off on one of his many trips.

My father was avid in his belief in the mission of John Brown University. He loved to call on business and founda-tion leaders, but always respected their time. He charmed his way into their office, gave a good account of JBU’s

progress or needs, and quickly left, which made him welcome most places that he went.

Dad and I were different personali-ties raised in different generations, but had many strikingly similar experiences and beliefs. We were both raised within a loving family, grew up in and around the JBU campus, graduated from JBU, and married our teenage sweethearts from Siloam Springs. We both brought up our children in the former JBU President’s home on Holly Street.

Dad and I believed that God had touched our lives for a special purpose. We both committed our lives and pro-fessional gifts, different as they were, to my grandfather’s dream of building a national Christian university dedicated to educating the “Head, Heart, and Hand.”

Dad Brown was not much for giving speeches. But, in his later years, he would find himself moved by a report of JBU progress at a campus meeting and rise to ask to be recognized for a “few words.” He enjoyed recalling my grandfather’s conversion when he “fol-lowed the beat of the drum” to a Salva-tion Army meeting one night in Rog-ers, Ark. God had given our Founder a vision for Christian higher education in Northwest Arkansas. And, Dad Brown would conclude, “the beat goes on!” n

The Brown family on the steps of the Cathedral of the Ozarks, c.1960: Karen, John III, Caroline, John Jr., Julie, Melinda, Laurie (courtesy of the Brown family). Scan the QR Code to see

a gallery of photographs from the life of Chancellor Brown on

your Internet device.



By Marquita SmithJust last year, John E. Brown Jr.’s

gentle smile graced the campus as he grabbed lunch in the cafeteria or mingled in the administrative building. At 89, he remained a constant pres-ence on campus, quietly greeting and welcoming new students and faculty to the foothills of the Ozarks.

Brown, John Brown University’s second president, passed away June 3, 2011.

Even during his last days, Brown could be spotted engaged in conversa-tions with students, staff and faculty about the school’s history, record-breaking fundraising efforts and Golden Eagle basketball. As an alumni, president and chancellor of the univer-sity, he leaves a legacy of exemplary financial management, academic excel-lence and spiritual heritage.

“John was an enthusiastic promoter of JBU in every venue. He would tell the good news of JBU at the rotary club, the Homecoming event, and over dinner with a donor,” said JBU Presi-dent Charles Pollard. “He had a keen business mind, and he worked hard to generate the resources needed to support the mission of the university, whether that would be through buy-ing and selling radio stations or raising funds from friends of the university.”

Like his father, Brown’s Christ-like courtesy touched many throughout his life. Brown also fulfilled his father’s dream of making sure this once-small campus community created a large impact within Christian education and around the world.

The Early YearsSince his father founded the univer-

sity, Brown grew up participating in the activities of JBU and its sister institu-tions. He attended the Brown Military Academy near San Diego for high school and returned to study business at JBU. In 1941, his sophomore year at JBU, he married Caroline (Trahin) Brown. A year later, Brown left for the battlefields of World War II. As a Naval Officer, he

served in the Asian-Pacific Theater until 1946. When he returned to JBU, he as-sumed the university’s vice presidential position while continuing to remain ac-tive in the Naval Reserve. He completed a bachelor’s degree in business and decided not to continue his education, accepting the presidency instead.

The Youngest PresidentIn 1948, at only 26 years old, Brown

became the youngest college president in the United States, and was featured in several magazines.

Brown’s two goals for the univer-sity—establish sound financial structure and receive accreditation—followed his father’s vision for JBU to be known for its academic excellence. JBU was ac-credited in 1962, which Brown consid-ered his “greatest achievement.”

“When I became president, I didn’t really do things much different than my father had, except I intensified the effort to bring the school into a sound financial structure and to receive accreditation,” Brown once said.

Building JBUCreating financial stability was a

more difficult challenge, however. When Brown stepped into his new role, the school struggled with a $2 million debt. Through fundraising efforts Brown removed the debt and established an endowment fund, still providing scholarships and campus expansions. Under Brown’s leader-ship, the university constructed many buildings, including the Cathedral of the Ozarks, the old library, the old sci-ence building, duplexes in Broadhurst Village, Mayfield Hall, the Murray Sells physical education building, the Mabee Student Center and the Chapman ad-ministrative building.

“I always say my dad started the col-lege, I came along and sort of held it together, and my son John III took it to new heights,” Brown was often quoted.

Brown did far more than simply hold the school together. During his watch, the campus experienced an evangelical revival shifting from more of a funda-mentalist perspective. To this day, the


John E. Brown Jr.’s Lasting Impact on JBU

“I always say, my dad started the college, I came along and sort of held it together, and my son John III took it to new heights.”



university has no denominational affilia-tion and admits students of any faith.

Additional Achievements During Brown’s time as president,

JBU grew in both size and prestige. Brown’s accomplishments as president were not limited to renovating campus buildings and improving academics. Un-der his leadership, enrollment increased steadily, and the Honors Program was founded in 1961.

In addition to expanding JBU’s edu-cational facilities and programs, Brown also was responsible for the introduction of intercollegiate athletics at JBU. He built tennis courts and a soccer field, and was a lifetime fan of JBU Golden Eagle basketball. Rarely did he miss a home game.

“He loved JBU athletics, and was a fixture at the JBU basketball games,” said Dr. Pollard. “He had a great sense of humor, always trying out new jokes on me. He loved Christ, loved his family and loved the work of JBU.”

The ChancellorIn 1979, he passed the presidency on

to his son, John E. Brown III, to become Chancellor of the university. He served as Chancellor — overseeing JBU’s fundraising activities and endowment properties — until he retired in 1987. Brown held the honorific title of Chan-cellor until his passing.

As a life-long learner, Brown had earned honorary doctorates of law degrees from Biola Bible College (1952) and from Texas Wesleyan College (1954) and in 1993 he received an honorary doctorate of higher education from JBU.

Brown helped promote Christian higher education and strengthened the relationship between the campus and the community by serving as president of the Independent Colleges of Arkansas and as a trustee of the Arkansas Founda-tion of Associated Colleges.

His dedication to the JBU and Siloam

Springs community stayed with him after retirement, inspiring him to issue a personal challenge for students to become active in the Siloam Springs community. Brown filled several local offices, including leadership positions such as president of the Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce.

In January 2005, Caroline passed away. Brown married Louise Randolph in 2006. He is survived by Louise, five

children, Karen Wilt, John Brown III and wife Stephania, Melinda Pollock, Julie Lolley and husband Mikel, Laurie Wilkinson and husband Burt, 14 grand-children, and 14 great grandchildren.

The LegacyWhen Brown became president in

1948, JBU’s enrollment was 300.Today JBU serves over 2,100 students

from 49 nations and 42 states. The life-

(Above) Brown talks with the Rev. Billy Graham during a visit in 1959. (Below) Brown, Caroline Brown, Paul Harvey, and Mrs. and Rev. Jerry Hopkins pose during Harvey’s visit to campus, c. 1965.

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SUMMER 2011 CAMPAIGN UPDATE{ T H E L E G A C Y O F J O H N E . B R O W N J R . }

long work of Chancellor Brown — from his leadership in academic accreditation, to his fundraising, to his promotion of JBU until his final days — has been in-strumental in JBU’s success of preparing young people to honor God and serve others. This is John E. Brown Jr.’s legacy.

Once, during a campus speech, Brown said that “Will Rogers said, ‘There ain’t no good ole days and there never was.’ I agree with him and think these days and the ones ahead are the best because we have solved a lot of the old problems.”

Brown didn’t subscribe to the notion that the past held the university’s greatest moments. He believed the “best days of JBU are still ahead.” Thanks to Brown’s life of devotion, they surely are. n

(Above) Franklin Graham, John E. Brown Jr., Louise Brown and Chip Pollard pose for a photo during the Rev. Franklin Graham’s 2010 visit to JBU. Photo by Luke Davis. (Below) President Dwight Eisenhower meets with John E. Brown Jr. in Southern California.

{ K E E P I N G F A I T H C A M PA I G N U P D AT E }



Thoughts from ContemporariesDr. Skip Murphy

In the fall of 1959, Dr. John E. Brown Jr. was the first person I met on campus, which left a lasting impres-sion on me. I have had the privilege of knowing Dr. Brown, Jr. as a student, employee, and friend for the past 52 years. Dr. Brown followed the dream of his father to have John Brown Univer-sity become a great Christian university where young people could receive a quality Christian education. Other presidents of private and state univer-sities in the surrounding states had a great respect for Dr. Brown as well as the community of Siloam Springs. Dr. Brown was a family man, loyal to his employees, and had a great love for the JBU alumni. I just can’t say enough about Dr. John E. Brown, Jr.

Marion SniderHe was my friend since high school

– and a true friend at that. He was easy to get along with, and when he spoke, you knew that he meant what he said. Everyone could work with him because he knew what needed to happen in order to accomplish things. He not only instigated great expansion at JBU, but also welded the community to the cam-pus by involving himself in and doing a lot for the community. He was a good friend and always had time for people.

Don HaxelI recall the first time I met John E.

Brown Jr. I was a senior in high school in the fall of 1956 and involved in the athletic program. My assignment was to sell JBU an ad for the sports sched-ule of Siloam High. Mr. Brown quickly put me at ease and I learned that he was very much a sports fan and an avid sup-porter of the Siloam Springs Panthers. That first feeling was one of being intimidated in his presence, however

before I left his office it was a feeling of being completely impressed by the man. This feeling remained to the end.

Sharon WassonJohn E. Brown Jr. exhibited life-

long loyalty to family, church and John Brown University. He was born with inherent gifts that set him apart. They were used to further his life purpose and unique calling – fulfilling the dreams of his father for the university. Always armed with a diverse repertoire of jokes, he was a delightful com-panion. Guided by firmly established Christian beliefs and principles, his actions exemplified a man of deep con-victions and faith. He was an inspired leader who lived his life and shared his varied gifts to the glory of God and to glorify his Lord Jesus Christ.

Randy RowlinI was blessed on many occasions to

witness a man who was as at ease with

U.S. Senators and oil tycoons as he was with the unnamed person on the streets of Siloam Springs. He was the warmest, most appreciative host of a major donor to JBU while simultaneously sharing that same warmth with students and townspeople who attended the gift an-nouncement or ground breaking.

Perhaps John blessed me the most when I saw him with his family. It didn’t matter who, when or how many he was with. His wit was the sharpest, his pride deepest, his joy bubbled over because John loved being with family. He lived his values and faith and en-couraged others to do the same. How blessed I was to be included in a few of those special moments!

John E. Brown Jr. (center), poses with his father, JBU’s founder and first president (second from right).

Scan this to read more reflections on Chancellor Brown and leave your own on JBU’s website.


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When I talk to people about

supporting JBU, I often think about

John’s message for giving to the

institution. His basic message was,

“Things are going well at JBU, but we

need your help.”

We miss John E. Brown Jr. He was a legend not just on this campus, but also with the board, alumni and friends of JBU.

John believed in the quality Chris-tian education that is offered here at JBU, and he strongly felt that alumni, parents, friends, foundations and busi-nesses should consider JBU in their charitable giving.

Through a lifetime of experi-ence at JBU, John deeply understood that, to offer a high qual-ity Christian university education, we needed generous support from alumni, parents, friends, foundations and corporations.

John cared daily about the univer-sity and most days would spend time after lunch in the advancement and president’s office area visiting with his wife Louise. We often talked about gifts coming into the university and people he thought might want to get involved with JBU.

When I talk to people about sup-porting JBU, I often think about John’s message for giving to the institution. His basic message was, “Things are

going well at JBU, but we need your help.”

This message is just as true today as it was when John was president of JBU. “U.S. News and World Report” named JBU No. 1 in the South, we have a strong enrollment and have finished the Keeping Faith Campaign with $118

million, one year early and $18 million over the original goal. Things are going very well at JBU.

He also had a great passion and interest in furthering the impact of JBU. This is why the second part of the message from John was that we need your help.

JBU has given much to all of us

and we continue to benefit from all that is going well at the University. It is now our turn, our responsibility, to help JBU improve even more for current and future generations of students.

John will be greatly missed. His message, however, is timeless. We are thankful for the inspirational legacy he left and for the leadership he provided JBU both during and after his time as president.

Dr. Jim Krall is vice president for university advancement.

John E. Brown Jr.’s Message:‘Things Are Going Well at JBU,

But We Need Your Help’


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Every time I meet with alumni, there is someone who has had a “transforma-tional” experience while here at JBU. Not all of us came to JBU because of its commitment to Biblical principles. Some were required to come and oth-ers came thinking JBU was just like the church we attended back home, religious and comfortable. What we all found when we got here was that there were professors, administrators, and other students who believed in and lived out the motto “Christ Over All.” Who

believed that nothing was more impor-tant than committing your life to Christ and serving Him.

The relationships we built here, the connections we found at JBU, caused a change in so many of our lives, and that is still happening for the students who walk the campus today. Dr. Pollard and his wife Carey are constantly hosting students, alumni, faculty and staff at their home. Dr. Pollard teaches an Eng-lish class and speaks in Chapel regularly. (If you want to read his Chapel sermons, he has recently compiled some of them in a book, May It Always Be True.) Profes-sors continue the tradition of inviting students to their homes for a meal.

While they maintain the campus, the grounds crew members mentor the work study students assigned to them.

Discipleship ministry staff and student ministry teams provide a plethora of op-portunities to build strong relationships while serving others.

One of the “dangers” of graduating from JBU is that we lose touch with many of the people that have impacted our lives.

The Alumni and Parent Relations of-fice is here to help you not only recon-nect with JBU alumni, but connect you with other alumni who have similar ministry and life passions. We believe

that your fellow alumni can become a tremendous resource for continued transformation through synergistic rela-tionships. We, therefore, will be intro-ducing additional tools this coming year on the JBU Alumni Website to make it easier for you to connect with JBU friends and classmates, as well as find those who share similar interests.

Also, I encourage you to take ad-vantage of the new committee of the Alumni Board, “Committed To Care” (see note in Alumni News on page 28). They are fellow alumni who want to pray for and help you through any dif-ficult or exciting transitions in life.

As you go through 2012, I’d encour-age you to let God continue the trans-forming work He started when you were here at JBU.

Relationships Matter

One of the “dangers” of graduating from JBU is that we lose touch with many of the people that have impacted our lives.


Homecoming 2011:

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Class of 1976 First row: Tom Strombeck; Barb (McCullough) Stombeck; Marsha (Wilson) Smith; Nancy (Culberson) Netherton; Mary Nolan; Denise Peabody; Linda Christensen; Second row: Chuck Martin; Dave Williamson; Lee Netherton; Steve Genheimer; Dan Siemens; Robyn Christensen

Class of 1966 First row: Jan (Unruh) Cross; Ruth (Drummond) Brown; Nancy (Thomas) Pruett; Janie (Bunnel) Ives; Nancy (Ward) VanGulick; Susan (Ward) Kreider; Jerry Housley; Bernadine (Williams) Teague; Nancy (Sheets) Zercher; Second row: Roger Cross; Jack Woodman; Herb Hornstra; Geoffrey Puett; Ed VanGulick; Larry Kreider; Sam Miess; David Teague; Don Coon; Jeane (Nickell) Coon; Ray Zercher

Class of 1971 John McCullough; Diana Bland; Cindi Siemens; Cheryl (Guyer) Parker; Marsha (Coulam) Pritz; Joy (Showers) Knauz; Mike Kline; Barbara (Phillips) Kline; Lucille (Wheeler) Metsger; Linda (Mendell) Fredricks; Jan (Harwood) Horine; Second row: Larry Bland; Don Siemens; Dave Pritz; Dave Jordan; Scott Metsger; Nancy (Farley) Griffith Crow; Jan (Bridgen) Clark

A Celebration of Gratitude


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Class of 2001 First row: Jennifer (Miles) Terry; Shannon Nichols; Julie (Smith) Cotton; Anna Slaten (’00); Alicia (Miller) Williamson; Corey Rice; Lisa (Schaefer) Smallwood; Laurel (Arnett) Holler; JoJo (Rose) Voth; Hollie Schaub; Alli Unruh; Second row: Staci Graber; Tabitha McFadden; Jammie Solomon; Iver Florguist; Derek Dewey; Octavio Sanchez; Drew Holler; Katie Remington; Jonna (Henser-son) Nixon; Kelli Unruh; Third row: Josh Graber; Jeff Slaten; Drue Smallwood; Joshua McFadden; Carrie (Norris) Lutke; Sarah (Eifert) Martin; Matt Martin; Mark Etter (’05); Jason Osterberg; Donnie Baker; Luke Wahlgren; Nick Ogle; Rebecca Hattaway; Brittany Birch; Vigil Cannon; Jay Unruh; A.J. Neufeld (’02)

Class of 1981 First row: Jean Rolfs; Debbie Wolcott; Barbara Caldwell; Becky (Pearson) Reed; Teresa (Conrad) Myers; Jane (Butter-more) Moore; Enid (Smith) Penner; David Hall; Second row: Steve Wolcott; Patty (Cochrum) Skinner; Joe Walenciak; Nancy (Ayres) Schaefer; Becky (Cook) Lloret; Melody (Clements) Artz; Mike King; Patty (Bunnel) Leibold

Rugby Reunion Front row: Jeremy Hudson; Mark Dye; Dan Smith; Jon Clark; Josh Hixson; Jordan Grantham; Nate Bishop; Mark Trumble; Brock Erdman; Luke Friesen; Ron Argueta; Chris Borkert; Brian Marshall; (not pictured, Matthew Minnich); Back row: Rob Sorbo; Jorge Forero; Aron Henderson; Joshua McKinney; Steve Beers; Connor Lenihan; Jason Pollack; Tripp Jackson; Cory Lenihan; Josh Moyer; A.J. Neufeld; Brian Palmer; Jacob Tankersley; Bryan Jones; Chris Scott; (not pictured, Ryan Hawk)

2011

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Class of 2006 Front row: Dell Miller; Kha-di Miller; Sarah Silvey; Luke Silvey; Alicia Cleaver; Laura (Kiehlbauch) Mendenhall; Middle row: Valerie Cozart; Megan (Jones) Davis; Rebecca May; Back row: Abbi An-drus; Nathan Cozart; Robby Davis; Scarlett Sharp; Davin Prince; Jonathon VerHoeven; Matt Cleaver; Matthew Minnich; Debra (Johnson) Minnich; Megan McKenney; Raynisha Robinson

The Heritage Society Front Row: Carl Haetten; Betty Haetten; Nancy Janssen; Doris Pennington; Joan Smith; Wanda Jackson; Janelle Decker; Rachel Van Amburg; Donna Bowling; Margaret Weathers; Alice McQuay; Priscilla Barnes; Helen Garst; Katherine Neathery; Middle Row: Marian Nokes; Gil Weaver; Sally Weaver; Jan Lancaster-Goring; Bob Pennington; Bill Smith; Bob Sheridan; Martha Sheets; Beverly Pickle; Howard Whiteley; Yvonna Whiteley; Frank Kinsman; Ednamae Kinsman; Marion Snider; Jo Moll; Al-len Moll; Ray Neathery; Back Row: Bobi Hromas; Les Hromas; Bob Cook; Betty Cook; Pal Wright; Brenda Dickason; Al Dickason; Dick Goodrum; Nick Petelski; Robyn Petelski; Bill Berry; Jim Sheets; John Pickle; Andy Bowling; Norm Buchanan; Bobby Jackson; Sheldon Van Amburg; Larry Dodgen; Jim Decker; John Garst

The 90s First row: Dena Grantham; Jordan Gratham; Brian Marshall; Sara Lasater; John Lasater; Hendrick Lorentz; Maria Conroy; Middle row: Traci Forero; Trish Lynn; Analucia Jackson; Jamie Shirley; Kimberly (Jackson) Corie; Eliza (Loyd) Tuttlebee; Shawna (Cross) Stewart; Anna Lorentz; Jennifer (Brackbill) Rivera; Lorena Rovira Anglin; Jeff Anglin; Back row: Chris Scott; Jorge Forero; Genevieve (Benware) Jaeger; Greg Jackson; Chris Barlow; Joseph Odima; Dean Reusser

Class of 1961 Front Row (left to right): Betty (Rogers) Haetten; Nancy (Netherton) Janssen; Janelle (Jackson) Decker; Rachel (Pickle) Van Amburg; Catherine Neathery; Second Row (left to right): Brenda Dickason; Robyn Petelski; Bob Pennington; Beverly Pickle; Norm Buchanan; Last Row (left to right): Pal Wright; Al Dickason; Dick Goodrum; Nick Petelski; Ray Neathery; John Pickle; Jim Decker



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MARK BENNETT AND DE-SIREE (HARRIS) BENNETT ’03 welcomed their second son, Evan Mark Bennett, into their family on Sept. 13, 2011.

DAVID BURNEY ’08 AND EM-ILY (AMON) BURNEY ’10 were married on Oct. 16, 2011, in Fayetteville, Ark. Both live in Si-loam Springs and hope to further God’s King-dom through academic development.

BRANDON COLE ’06 AND BETHANY (SITES) COLE ‘06 recently celebrated the arrival of their first child, Ellie Grace Cole on May 9,

2011. Ellie Grace was born in Siloam Springs, Ark. She weighed 8 lbs., 11 oz., and was 20 inches long. Bran-don is currently

the assistant coach at Bentonville High School and Bethany stays home to raise their new daughter.

MALACHI CRANE ’06 AND SARAH (SHINER) CRANE ’05 welcomed their daughter Adalyn Renee Crane on Sept. 2, 2011. Both Mala-chi and Sarah are employed at Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, Mich.

DEREK CRAWFORD ’09 is now the Associ-ate Pastor at First Baptist Church in Seymour, Texas.

NICK DEYOUNG ’98 AND SARAH (GESELL) DEYOUNG ’98, with their children Thad (7 yrs.), Gwennie (5 yrs.), and Sophie (2 yrs.),

are proud to announce the birth of Elsa Beatrice DeYoung. Elsa was born on May 18, 2011, weighing 8 lbs., 16 oz., and 20.5 inches long. She has beautiful red hair like her brother and blue eyes like hers sisters.

JAMES ELDRIDGE ’06 AND JESSA (PARETTE) ELDRIDGE ’11 were married on June 11, 2011, in Rogers, Ark. Jessa is currently the staff editor for university communication at JBU and James is a reservist in the United States Air Force.

NATHAN FIELDS ’09 AND ANNA (NEALE) FIELDS ’06 were married on July 16, 2011, in Little Rock, Ark. Both serve as missionaries and plan to return to the field after a year long furlough.

JULIE GUMM ’94 wrote “Adopt without Debt: Creative Ways to Cover the Cost of Adoption”, which reached Amazon’s #1 Bestseller’s list (in it’s category).

SIMEON HINSEY ’02 AND STEPHANIE HINSEY welcomed their son Seth Al-sabyerdiese Hinsey into their family on Dec. 30, 2011. He weighed 8 lbs., 15 oz., and was 20 ¾ inches long. Mommy and baby are home and doing great.

JEREMY HUDSON ’02 developed ECO Modern Flats, the first LEED platinum-certified multifamily apart-ments in the state of Arkansas. Other

alumni involved in the project were Jacob Tankersley ’03 and Heidi Tanker-sley ’04

JAMES BRETT LANDRUM ’12 AND KRISTEN (STARKEY) LANDRUM ’11 were married on May 14, 2011 in Garland, Texas. Warm fuzzies were had by all.

PAWAN MAGAR AND BROOK (BIRCH) MAGAR ’03 were mar-ried on June 18, 2011. Brook majored in digital media and has been living in Kathmandu, Nepal, for the past 7 years.

JOSHUA MITCHAEL ’14 AND ANDREA (GREENE) MITCHAEL ’11 were married on Sept. 17, 2011, in Springdale, Ark.

MARK A. MILLER ‘88 was re-cently appointed Associate Provost for Academic Administration at Marietta College in Marietta, Ohio. For the past 12 years, Mark has served there as a member of the mathematics faculty. Mark’s wife, Andrea, works for Mariet-ta College as a mental health counselor.

KEVIN MILLS ’95 wrote “Baby Codes: 101 Winning Combinations to Help Your Baby Sleep”, which reached Amazon’s #1 Bestseller’s list (in its category) in July 2011.

JOSHUA NAUMAN ’95 was recently promoted to a commander in the JAG Corps of the United States Navy.

TIMOTHY NICHOLSON ’11 AND SARAH (NEALEIGH) NICH-OLSON ’11 were married on Oct. 24, 2011.


THE ALUMNI BOARD desires to help meet your needs by praying, praising and/or spreading the word to your peers. If you or a family member needs prayer or if you’ve received a special award/honor, please email us so we may acknowledge the event and/or pray for you and your family. Contact us at: [email protected]

DERICK PALMER ’02 completed an M.A. in Marriage and Family Coun-seling from Liberty University as well as an Ed.D. in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University. He is currently the director of counseling and wellness at Alaska Pacific University.

GRETA PALMER ’01 completed an M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling from Liberty Univer-sity. She is a personal fitness trainer and has set up a private

practice.

CHRISTOPHER REPCIK AND MAGGIE (MILANO) REPCIK ’05 were married on Sept. 10, 2011. Maggie continues to work as a social worker and teen service coordinator for Walden Family Services.

SETH RICHARDSON AND MANDY (LAWRENCE) RICH-ARDSON ’10 were married on June 25, 2011.

JENNIFER ROEDER ’95 is now a business and financial assistant at EFK Moen, LLC in St. Louis, MO.

MATT SHULTE ’02 accepted a new job as the Executive Director of Youth for Christ in Lincoln, Nebraska and received his master’s degree in nonprofit management from Spertus College, Chicago, Ill. Matt and his wife Kristin Shulte welcomed their third child, Micah Wayne Shulte, into the family on Feb. 11.

CHASE WILLSEY ’05 AND CAMBRYN WILLSEY are proud to announce the birth of their first child, Paisley Grace Willsey. Paisley was born on Aug. 1, 2011, and weighing 7lbs., 9 oz.

JBU GRADUATES STEVEN BEAM ’10, CURRENT GRADU-ATE STUDENT CHELSEA SHAF-FER AND MANDY HOUGLAND ’10 were listed on Northwest Arkansas Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list. This list recognizes intriguing business and political leaders under 40 years old who bear watching.

LUCAS ROEBUCK ’97 AND CHERISSA (DEES) ROEBUCK ’01 announced the birth of their third child, Alex-ander James Roebuck, on July 28, 2011. He weighed 8 lbs., 4 oz.

JACOB ROEBUCK ’97 AND LAURA (HARTMAN) ROEBUCK ’01 announced the birth of their daugh-

ter, Penelope Jane Roebuck on Aug. 28, 2011. She weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz.

JAMIE TRUMAN AND LAURA (REDMOND)TRUMAN ’06 were blessed with the arrival of twins, Emma and Mason Truman.

{ A L U M N I N E W S }

Ralph Hudson ‘05During his political career, Ralph

Hudson sought to make positive change in Washington County. In 1995, Hudson served Washington County as a Justice of the Peace and contributed to the discussions on budget, property rights, and non-profit funding. Hudson also served as the 3rd District Direc-tor for Representative Asa Hutchinson, managing all three offices in the district for Hutchinson as well as all Veterans Affairs.

“Having served in the U.S. Navy, I had a unique perspective on the plight of the veteran,” Hudson said. “I really enjoyed helping Congressman Hutchin-son take care of them.”

Drew Morris ‘86Before Drew Morris graduated

from JBU in 1986, a political career was farthest from his mind, but Mor-ris soon discovered his desire to serve the people of his district and develop a broader understanding of the legislative process. He decided to run for Arkansas State Representative.

“My time in the Arkansas Legislature was truly the most fulfilling work ex-perience of my entire 25 year career to this point,” Drew Morris ’86 says of his term as a State Representative.

Morris was elected in 1999-2000 and served on various education and agriculture committees. During his time in office, Morris learned the value of listening and compromise.

“To be an effective legislator you must first develop solid relationships built on mutual respect and trust. Then you have a chance of getting things done together,” Morris says.

JBU Alumni in PoliticsWe featured a section on JBU alumni

in politics in the last regular issue of the Brown Bulletin, but as we suspected, we overlooked a few individuals. – ed.


{ I N M E M O R I A M }

JOHN E. BROWN JR., the second president of JBU, passed away June 3, 2011. He was 89.

Born Aug. 1, 1921, Brown graduated from JBU in 1942. He trained as a naval pilot and later served at sea with the Pacific Fleet during World War II. He was on the USS Ancon and the USS Eldorado. He re-ceived the American Area Asiatic-Pacific Area star, the Philip-pine Liberation award, and the World War II Victory medal. He was also at NACSB Atlanta, NAS Beaufort, SC and CASCU Coronado, California. He returned to JBU after the war and was ap-pointed JBU’s vice president by John Brown Sr. in 1946.

Brown succeeded his father as president of JBU in 1948, when he was just 26, mak-ing him, like his father had once been, the youngest university president in America. He received an honorary doctorate from Biola University in 1952. In 1954, Texas Wesleyan College also awarded him an honorary doctorate. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from JBU in 1993.

During his tenure as president, Brown pushed high academic standards, leading to JBU’s accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1962. Brown also was responsible for the in-troduction of intercollegiate athletics at JBU and was a lifetime fan of JBU Golden Eagle basketball, rarely missing home games. Un-der Brown, enrollment increased steadily, and the Honors Program was founded in 1961.

Brown was given the honorary title of Chancellor in 1987, which is how most students knew him for the past few decades. Brown was honored with JBU’s Outstand-ing Alumnus Award in 1999. He was active in Rotary and was named Pioneer Citizen of the Year in 1991 by the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce.

He married Louise Randolph on May 21, 2006. He was married to Caroline (Trahin)

Brown from Nov. 23, 1941 until she died on Jan. 28, 2005. He is survived by Louise of the home, five children, Karen Wilt, John Brown III and wife Stephania, Melinda Pol-lock, Julie Lolley and husband Mikel, Laurie Wilkinson and husband Burt, 14 grandchil-dren, and 14 great grandchildren.

GLENN COATES ’63, age 71, passed away on June 13, 2011. He was born on Oct. 8, 1940 in Springfield, Ohio. After graduating from JBU with a degree in English, he taught high school English and completed a Master of Science in Secondary Education. He spent 30 years teaching at Marshfield High School in Coos Bay. He is survived by his children Keith Coates, Shannon Coates Dana Morrison, Amber Coates and former wife Barbara Greiner Coates ’63.

TROY ENGLISH ’96, age 38, passed away on Sept. 10, 2011, after being diag-nosed with non-smokers terminal lung cancer in March of 2009. He was born on February 23, 1973 in Washington, D.C. Troy received a B.A. in Physical Education and Health from JBU before working as a trainer in a fitness center in Oklahoma. Later on, Troy was employed by Ad-vanceMed Handford. He is survived by his wife Steffani Trammel English `96 and their children Christopher English, Sylas English and Taryn English.

ADALENE (PEACE) FELTS ’43, age 88, passed away on July 12, 2011. She was born on Sept. 16, 1922, in Stonington, Co. She earned a degree in home economics. She was an expert in caring for flowers as well as arranging them. After finishing her college degree in elementary education at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Ok., she taught the fifth and fourth grades for nearly 20 years at Boulevard Elementary School in Colombia, Mo. She was preceded in death by her husband Doil

Felts. Adalene is survived by her children Marcia Odman, Edley Felts and John Felts and seven grandchildren.

BONNIE FORD ’85, age 48, passed away on May 5, 2011, after battling ovarian cancer. She was born on April 4, 1963, in Greenwich, Ct. Bonnie graduated from JBU with a degree in accounting and a minor in broadcasting. She worked as a book-keeper for Broken Hearts Ministries and then became a manager for PetSmart in GA. She was active in Southern Hope Humane Society and Homeward Bound of Ellijay, Ga. Bonnie is survived by her father Mr. & Mrs. Oliver W. (Charlene) Ford; her mother Mrs. Gayle E. Clayton; one sister Miss Karen Ford; two brothers Mr. Jonathan Ford and Mr. Douglas Ford.

HENRY (GASTON) GRIGGS, age 81, was born on Dec. 25, 1930, passed away on Nov. 17, 2011. He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War and a biology professor at JBU from 1975-1996. He was preceded in death by his wife Audrey Marlin Griggs. Gaston is survived by his children Barney Griggs and Sherrie Lewis ’89 and two grandchildren.

DR. GEORGE FRANKLIN IVEY ’38, age 94, passed away on Sept. 29, 2011, after a long illness. He was born on Oct. 12, 1916, in Graceville, Fl. He received his Mas-ters and Ph.D. in Family Counseling from Florida State University and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from JBU. Dr. Ivey served as a chaplain in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, which included combat postings in the South Pacific and the Philippines, and reached the rank of Major. He was preceded in death by his son George Frank Ivey in 2010. He is survived by his wife Doris Ball and son David Ivey and two granddaughters.



GARY KEELING ’65, age 68, passed away on June 29, 2011, after battling pancreatic cancer. He was born on April 25, 1943, in Butterfield, Mo. Gary gradu-ated from JBU with a degree in physical education and health. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years and coached high school basketball and volleyball. During his coaching career, he had 585 wins. In 2005, Gary was inducted into the Missouri Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. He was preceded in death by his parents; broth-ers Bob and Larry Keeling; and a niece. He is survived by his wife Jannis Bland ’66, children Gary Keel-ing, Robert Keeling, Dawnmarie Petersen and Brandi Keeling, and six grandchildren.

JOHN KNONER ’56 was born on May 28, 1933, and passed away on July 12, 2011. He earned a degree in mechanical engineering from JBU before working as a structural engineer for Boeing until retire-ment, whereupon he became a consultant for the company for 7 more years. He is survived by his wife Clydell Graves ’56, children Mark Knoner and Ann Cole, and six grandchildren.

DAVID MILLER ’73, age 61, passed away on April 18, 2011. He was born on Nov. 10, 1949, in Bridgeport, Ct. After graduating with a degree in electrical en-gineering from JBU, he worked as an electrical engineer for Teledyne Continental/General Dynamics Land Sys-tems for 37 years. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Harrison ’78, children Stephen Miller, Timothy Miller, Michael Miller, and one granddaughter.

GUILLERMO NUNEZ ’92, passed away on June 14, 2011. He was a former Walton International Scholar at JBU and earned a degree in engineering. Guill-

ermo worked in Opera-tions Management for Esso Standard Oil. He is survived by his wife, Maria Nunez and children Alexa Nunez, Emily Nunez and Guillermo Nunez.

ALICE (POTTER) PENNER ’44, age 87, passed away on Oct. 28, 2011. She was born on May 25, 1924, in Siloam Springs, Ark. Alice studied home economics while at JBU. She worked with the Manna Center since its opening in 1993 and worked on the election board for over 50 years. She was preceded in death by her husband Wallace. Alice is survived by her children Rod Penner and Sandy Frazier and five grandchildren.

BENJAMIN JOHN POLLARD, ’12, died May 14, 2011. Born Dec. 28, 1989, in Oxford, England, he was son of Chip and Carey Pollard. He played soccer and gradu-ated with honors from Siloam Springs High School. He studied English Literature at John Brown University and loved to write. He had a passionate con-cern for young people, and served as camp counselor and a youth soccer coach. He cared deeply and lovingly for his friends, espe-cially his girlfriend, Megan McLoud, and his friends in Suite 26 at J. Alvin residence hall. He is survived by his parents; his three siblings, Chad, Emma, and James; three grandparents; and a large extended family, including 13 cousins. A memorial fund has been established at John Brown University in honor of Ben to fund scholarships for students at JBU and to fund construction of a job training/recreational center in Guate-mala City, Guatemala. To contribute to the fund, visit http://www.jbu.edu/friends/benpollardmemorialfund/.

CARL RICE, age 81, passed away on Nov. 16, 2011, in Sunderland, Vt. He was born on Oct. 13, 1930, in Springfield, Vt.

In addition to being an army veteran, Carl also was a licensed lay minister with a mas-ter’s degree in guidance from St. Joseph’s College. Carl was an army veteran of the Korean War and was honorably discharged after achieving the rank of Sergeant, First Class. He still holds the single game home run record at Castleton State. He is survived by his wife and children Seth Rice, Melissa Rice, Sara Silva and one grandchild.

THOMAS (WES) SMELLEY ’56, passed away on June 25, 2011. After study-ing broadcasting at John Brown University, Thomas joined the U.S. Army. He worked as the Human Resource Director for Arkansas State Hospital. He also worked for Com-mercial National Bank, National Investors Life Ins. Co. and TCBY. He also traveled to Russia for 12 years raising money for a Methodist church connected to the larg-est prison there. He is survived by his wife Carol.

LELAND STUTTON, ’47, age 83, passed away on Oct. 12, 2011, following a six-month battle with cancer. He was born on Nov. 3, 1927, in Springdale, Ark. Leland studied mechanical engineering at JBU. He was a World War II Navy vet-eran, before being honorably discharged. Leland worked as a truck driver for 25 years and spent 20 years in the music industry as a country and bluegrass performer and producer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Eunice Fleeham ’57. He is survived by his two sons and six grandchildren.

IREANE (BRITTELL) STRATTON ’37, age 94, passed away on Aug. 26, 2011. Ireane graduated from JBU with a degree in Home Economics and taught at the Brown schools in Detroit, Mich., and Glendora, Calif. She also became a Home Demonstration Agent during the Great Depression and taught women how to stretch their money. While her husband, Leland Strat-



ton, served in WWII, she worked in the li-brary at JBU. She is survived by her children Marilyn Elliott, Wendell Stratton, Lois Terry and eight grandchildren.

ROBERT THOMPSON ’38, age 95, passed away on May 2, 2011. Robert gradu-ated from JBU with a degree in music and served in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946. He became a nondenominational minis-ter for many years and later on became principle of Instant Printing Center in Fort Worth, Texas, where his family resided for 35 years. He was preceded in death by his two sons, Eric Thompson and Dwight Thompson. He is survived by his wife Sylvia (Stevens) Thompson ’45, and his daughter Sylvia Geesbreght and eight grandchildren.

DAVID WEST ’55, age 77, passed away on June 29, 2011. At 16 years old, David contracted polio and was in a wheelchair for the remainder of his life. He received a Ph.D. from the Univer-sity of Arkansas and, for 44 years, he taught at Missouri University’s Trulaske Col-lege of Business, where he received awards for teaching and research. In addition to teaching, Dr. West also published three books. He is survived by his wife Jane and children Tim West and Lori Staub and five grandchildren.

LINDA LOY (SPRINGFIELD) WAL-TERS ’62, age 70, died quietly at her home on Jan. 18, 2012, after struggling nobly with multiple sclerosis for nearly 35 years.

Lynda was born in Siloam Springs on March 2, 1941, to Stewart and Maurine Springfield. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from JBU in 1962, then moved to Dallas to take a job with Texas Instruments. It was there that she met Jim Walters, the man with whom she would make a loving marriage for more than 47 years. In 1969 Lynda returned to Siloam Springs, where she and Jim raised their two sons and have lived ever since. A lover of music and gifted

musician, she played the organ for years at home, and even in the small country churches she and Jim would visit from time to time. For years and even in the last weeks of her life, a spot would be prepared for Lynda’s wheelchair at local restaurants, theaters, concerts, ball games and more. There are few places in the Siloam Springs community where her irrepressible smile and bright presence will not be missed.

Lynda is survived by her husband, Jim; son Scott and his wife Ardelle; son Kirk and his wife Randi ; and grandchildren, Alden, Maia, Kate, and Ellie.

STORM WHALEY ’35, age 95, passed away on Sept. 18, 2011. He was born on March 15, 1916, in San Diego, Ca. He married Jane Bucy in 1935. In 1935, he earned a B.A. in Mathematics Education and an honorary Doctor of Law (LL.D.) from JBU and sang in JBU’s “Ozarkians” quartet traveling with John Brown, Sr. Storm was the manager of KUOA radio station and other California radio stations. In 2001, he was given JBU’s Outstanding Alumnus Award. In 1954, he became Assistant to the President of the University of Arkansas and served as Acting President of the University from 1959-1960. From 1960-1970, he was appointed the vice President for Health Sci-ences at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock. While serving at UAMS, he was a delegate to the World Health Assembly; member of the national advisory council to the U.S. Public Health Service; and chair of an ad hoc committee to report on regional Medical Programs. He is survived by his wife Jane Bucy Whaley ’35, and their children Car-roll Jean Anderson, Ann Whaley, Rebecca Whaley and seven grandchildren.

NATHAN WILLITS, age 88, was born on May 9, 1923, and passed away on Sept. 21, 2011. He received both a Masters and Ph.D. in Soil Science. In addition to helping start Clearwater Christian Col-lege, he also helped establish a school for agriculture in Colombia, South America. Nathan volun-teered helping JBU’s International Student Program for many years by finding host families for students. He is preceded in death by his wife, June Field. He is survived by his children Stephen Willits, Mark Willits `79, Joanna Mayer and seven grandchildren.

SARAH “ANN” (SNIDER) WISDOM ’66, age 67, passed away on June 4, 2011. She was born on May 3, 1944, in Siloam Springs, Ark. She is the daughter of Marion Snider, JBU fac-ulty emeriti, and graduated from JBU with a degree in mathematics education. She taught math for 37 years in the Grandview School District before retiring in 2003. She is survived by her husband Howard Wisdom ’75 and their children Joe Wisdom and Sarah Wisdom.

ROBERT WITHERSPOON ’40 died on April 10, 2011. He married the late Ruth Witherspoon in 1942. Robert was a WWII Navy veteran and taught from 1950-1985. He is survived by his children Robert With-erspoon, Jr. and John Witherspoon and nine grandchildren.


{ F R O M T H E E D I T O R — L U C A S R O E B U C K ‘ 9 7 }

A JBU Landmark Takes the Next Step

Most every JBU alum has a story about the 100 Steps — the century of concrete rise-and-runs that forge a path from the Soderquist Business Center (built on the footprint of the beloved California Residence Hall) down to the Intramural Fields in “the valley” where many moons ago I’m told (and some of you may remember) was a pool and other athletic facilities.

You have probably counted them at some point your time on the JBU campus — when I was younger and lighter I used to sprint up them, usually very winded by the time I was around step number 85. By the time I was at 100, I always thought, “I couldn’t do one more...”

One more step has arrived. As a part of the memorial construct-

ed at the top of the 100 Steps to honor our memories of California dorm, the builders found it necessary to add one more step. A steam tunnel prevented the memorial from being placed right at the top of the already existing 100 Steps, and so a new step was added to connect the two memorable structures.

Jerry Rollene ‘75, alumni direc-tor wrote: The Alumni Board and the University worked together to create a lasting remembrance of a building that made a huge impact on the life of so many students. The California Dorm Memorial (pictured, right), combined with the new walkway from the top of the (now) 101 Steps, to the parking lot provides a nice finished area where students can walk to and from the stairs when going to the intramural fields.

In the 1940s, the only way to get to the valley swimming pool and activities building was to walk around Mayfield down West University Street. In 1946, JBU received funding from Lippet Brothers Inc. to build a shortcut to the valley, a 100-stair shortcut to be exact.

JBU students, alumni and friends have

been making memories on these stairs ever since.

In 1948, JBU graduates posed on the 100 Steps for their commencement photo and processions.

Mandy Gert Richardson was carried up the steps on the back of JBU’s own star volleyball player Emily Goodlin Tiegreen ‘09. Richardson said it was “hardcore and terrifying.”

When Rob Sorbo ‘07 was a member of the JBU rugby team, his legs cramped up and he fell flat on his back at the bot-tom of the stairs.

Daniel Miller ‘04 asked Gretchen Merwin Miller ‘04 to be his wife on 100 Steps the night before their graduation in 2004 (pictured, right).

Joe Carr ‘09 remembers fondly when he ran down those steps with his room-mate Ronnie Bate ‘01 for every intramu-ral football game. After each game, they weren’t quite as enthusiastic to run back up, Carr reports.

Burt Wilkinson used the 100 Steps to train for an annual Colorado moun-tain climb. “Best conditioning I know,” Wilkinson said.

In 2011, when JBU got 23 inches of snow overnight, Karis Butler ’12 and her friends cleared a path next to the 100 Steps. They spent an afternoon sled-ding down the extremely steep hill. “It definitely wasn’t one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made, but it sure was fun and memorable!” Butler said.

Johanna Merwin ‘12 had her mattress thrown down the 100 stairs during an intense prank war. She arrived just in time to see her mattress flop and fold all the way down the stairs. She solicited help to carry it back up.

James Elliot ‘97 said that his favorite step is 47. Though he will not reveal why, some have their suspicions.

The 100... er... 101 Steps have done more than connect the valley to campus. The landmark has connected generations

(Thanks to Johanna Merwin for her stellar help compiling these stories.)

A steam tunnel prevented the memorial from being placed right at the top of the already existing 100

Steps, and so a new step was added to connect the

two memorable structures.

John Brown University2000 W. University StreetSiloam Springs, AR 72761

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Fayetteville, ARPermit #849

Documents

John E. Brown r 1921 - 2011 · PDF fileminutes, telling me about his father’s ... eral of the Chapman Charitable Trusts. ... By Tracy Balzer