FALL 2013 UPDATE

TAKING SHAPE

FAITH AND SCIENCE IN HARMONY

A LEGACY OF TEACHING BUILT ON A LOVE OF STUDENTS

Dr. Robert Judd

A special message from President Gresham

Dr. Nancy Halliday

Highlights in this Issue:

JANET FISCHER, LEAD ARCHITECT,

TROY RHODES & CO.

DR. LOREN GRESHAM, PRESIDENT,

SOUTHERN NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

STAN LINGO, LINGO CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

The steel is going up on the new J.D. & Mary West Science Laboratory on

the campus of Southern Nazarene University, and the structure that was

once a flat, one-dimensional image on architectural plans, is now taking

shape right before our eyes.

You can watch the progress on our website at www.snu.edu/cfts.

Construction of the laboratory, which is Phase I of the Campaign for the

Sciences at SNU, will take approximately one year.

Before this project could begin, the financial support had to take shape

with a strategically timed plan and measured steps in readying the

university for this significant investment in this much-needed facility.

TAKING SHAPEGreetings from Dr. Loren Gresham

Many generous, visionary supporters of SNU, about 100 in number,

made early financial commitments before the Campaign was announced

publicly in January of 2012, providing a solid financial foundation for the

building.

Since then, and much like the building itself, the financial support for this

project has taken shape in ways that excite our campus community. Now,

over 300 individuals, corporations and foundations have made financial

commitments with $985,534 pledged and $5,312,484 in cash.

While the financial support for the Campaign for the Sciences is taking

shape, and is vitally important in achieving our goal, our highest aspiration

and mission is to see students transformed by the Christ-centered

education they receive at SNU.

Providing the best possible facilities and equipment for instruction by a

high caliber faculty allows them to be shaped into graduates who are

prepared to be not conformed to the world, but distinguished from their

surroundings by the way their lives took shape at SNU.

As you read this update, I believe you will be encouraged by the

Campaign progress and stories about those whose lives have been

impacted by their education in the sciences at SNU. But, most of all, I

hope you will see the immediacy of the need and prayerfully consider an

investment in the Campaign for the Sciences at SNU.

At the opening of this academic year, I read Colossians, Chapter 2 to

our faculty and staff. May the words of the Apostle Paul be a clear

description of how we live out our faith at SNU: “My counsel for you is

simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given.

You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted

in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the

faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the

subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving.”

(Col. 2: 6,7 Message)

Sincerely,

Loren P. Gresham, PhD.

QUICK FACT: Southern Nazarene University’s fall enrollment of 2,266 reflects the highest in the University’s 115-year history.1

“YOU HAVE A PERSONAL CONNECTION WITH THE PROFESSORS AND NOT JUST ON AN ACADEMIC LEVEL.”

For Amanda Six, her freshman year at SNU was not what she expected it to be. That

year, Amanda’s her father passed away, challenging not only her family back home, but

Amanda herself. She had to face this along with her busy school schedule. Amanda says

she could not have made it through the year without the help and support she received

from the SNU community.

“Most freshmen come to college not thinking unexpected things will happen, but the

professors were very supportive of me during my freshmen year,” she says. “IT WAS GREAT HAVING A SUPPORT SYSTEM AWAY FROM HOME HERE AT SNU. THAT HELPED ME OVERCOME THE LOSS OF MY FATHER.”

Amanda, class of 2014, came to SNU with a love of nature and biology and a desire to

learn more about them. Coming out of high school Amanda felt held back in terms of

what she could have learned due to limitations of science equipment and facilities. SNU

offered a chance to break those limitations with hands on experience working with animal

specimens and cadavers in her labs. Amanda wants future SNU students to have that

same experience and excitement when they first come to SNU and see the state-of-the-

art equipment that will result from the Campaign for the Sciences.

“HAVING A NEW SCIENCE BUILDING WITH UPDATED TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT WILL HELP STUDENTS LEARN ALL THEY NEED TO SUCCEED,” she explains.

Amanda, a Native American, has applied to physicians’ assistant school at OU Medical

Center to work towards her goal of becoming a physician’s assistant in the Muskogee

Creek Nation, which is underserved in healthcare.

“That community is like home to me,” adds Amanda. “I understand them. I know them and

I know that sometimes they have trouble getting access to healthcare and that’s where

my heart is.”

As she enters her final semester of college, Amanda is looking back on the growth and

education she experienced here at SNU. But as she is looking back, she is also looking

forward to her future and the chance to give back to the SNU scientific community that

has come to mean so much to her.

To watch a video and read more about Amanda, go to snu.edu/cfts

BIOLOGY STUDENT FINDS COMMUNITY OF SUPPORTAmanda Six, Senior

QUICK FACT: SNU is the only private university in the Midwest to offer an undergraduate degree in network engineering with preparation for Cisco and Microsoft Certifications.2

“SNU IMMEDIATELY FELT LIKE HOME TO ME AND I FELT LIKE THE PROFESSORS COULD WORK WITH ME.”

As a student athlete, it can be difficult to balance both your studies and practice in your

sport, but with the help of dedicated professors at SNU Brennan DiChiara, senior, has

made it work. When visiting SNU Brennan was concerned that being able to achieve his

goal of becoming an actuary might be challenged, but he says his fears were calmed after

meeting with professors.

Brennan says that one of the professors that was instrumental in helping him achieve his

educational goal was Dr. Nick Zoller, who went the extra mile in helping him become an

actuary and even helping him get his first internship with American Fidelity Assurance.

Brennan is also extremely thankful for the spiritual leadership Dr. Zoller offered as well.

“HE STARTS OUT EVERY CLASS WITH A DEVOTIONAL AND BEFORE WE TAKE A TEST, HE’LL PRAY FOR US THAT WE NOT ONLY DO WELL, BUT ALSO PRAYS THAT HE WILL BE FAIR IN GRADING THE TEST,” adds Brennan. “He’s been super helpful throughout my

whole time here.”

DiChiara is extremely grateful his professors are willing to work with him and his schedule

as he plays wide receiver for the SNU football team and tries to balance study and sports.

“One of the things I have loved about being here is how willing the teachers are to work

with you,” he says. “They’ve been 100 percent supportive and even come to the games to

cheer for me. If they see you’re trying, they are there to help in any way they can.”

Brennan is grateful for the numerous alumni and friends of SNU that have supported his

education through various scholarships.

“IT’S INSPIRED ME TO GIVE BACK,” he says. “I’ve been able to benefit

from people giving to SNU and that’s something I want to do because of how much I’ve

appreciated it. I don’t want anyone to not be able to go to school because

of finances.”

Brennan will be finishing his degree at Southern Nazarene University this December and

admits that he will miss the relationships he has formed with peers and mentors as he

moves into his next stage of life.

To watch a video and read more about Brennan, go to snu.edu/cfts

STUDENT ATHLETE FINDS SUCCESS PURSUING HIS GOALSBrennan DiChiara, Senior

QUICK FACT: Brennan accepted a job offer from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas as Actuarial Assistant on the Client Analytics Team.3

“DR. FINKENBINDER WANTED TO SEE HIS STUDENTS GRADUATE AND PURSUE THEIR DREAMS.”

Legacy is an important part of SNU, and Ruth Patterson and Stephanie Waterhouse are a

shining example of how legacy shapes and benefits both individuals and SNU as a whole.

Ruth Patterson came to SNU in 1969 from a small town in Kansas with a desire to

become a medical technologist. During her time at SNU, Ruth had many influential

professors, including Dr. Leo Finkenbinder, whose passion for ecology was inspiring.

“I had microbiology under him and almost changed my mind about being a Medical

Technician (MT). Micro is my favorite area in the lab now,” Ruth says. “Dr. Finkenbinder

wanted to see his students graduate and pursue their dreams.”

After graduating in 1973, Ruth went on to train at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Wichita, Kansas

and became a registered MT for 40 years.

Ruth’s legacy continued when she and her husband encouraged their daughter Stephanie

to consider SNU when she decided to pursue a degree in medicine.

“SNU HAS A VERY HIGH ACCEPTANCE RATE FOR MEDICAL SCHOOL ADMISSION AND HARRY AND I KNEW SHE WOULD GET WHAT SHE NEEDED TO SUCCEED,” recalls Ruth. “We are thankful

SNU has strived for excellence all through the years.”

While her mother’s opinion did help influence her, Stephanie says that her first visit to

the campus was a key factor in her choice to attend SNU. After she met with Dr. Nancy

Halliday and other science faculty members, she could tell that they were genuinely

invested in helping her achieve her professional goals.

After graduating from SNU in 2009, Stephanie went on to earn her Master’s in physiology

and biophysics from Georgetown University and then graduated from medical school at

Texas Tech University in May 2013. She now lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she is

in residency at the University of Virginia.

A common bond Ruth and Stephanie share in their legacy is the strengthening of their

faith by seeing how God is at work in the sciences. Both Ruth and Stephanie are confident

that the Campaign for the Sciences will help to cement future legacies of scientists and

physicians that will attend SNU, thanks to the state-of-the-art facilities that the Campaign

will provide.

Stephanie believes that investing in the CFTS will result in the shaping of many more

Christian researchers, physicians and scientists.

For the entire story, go to snu.edu/cfts

SNU LEGACY BONDS MOTHER & DAUGHTER Alumni, Ruth Patterson & Stephanie Waterhouse

QUICK FACT: For over 20 years, all math education majors passed the state certification exam on first try.4

SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SCIENCE EDUCATION AT SNU

Now that construction is underway on the 25,891 square foot J.D. & Mary West Laboratory, much is required for

completion of all phases of the Campaign for the Sciences. Although many have committed to making this building

project a reality by their financial support, your investment will ensure that graduates continue to be equipped to

provide medical care to the underserved, conduct significant scientific research, steward and preserve our natural

resources, provide quality science education in our public schools, and, moreover, positively impact the quality of

life for untold persons near and far, for generations to come.

If you believe in the future of Southern Nazarene University’s science division and its ability to educate future

generations of scientific world changers, consider giving to the Campaign for the Sciences today!

$2,00

0

$1,02

0

$100

$250

$63,1

65

$500

$271

,400

$250

$200

$129

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$230

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ALUMNI GIVING FOR CAMPAIGN FOR THE SCIENCES

BY CLASS YEAR

VIEW A LIVE 24/7 PHOTO STREAM OF CONSTRUCTION

@ SNU.EDU/CFTS

‘36 ‘53‘49 ‘58 ‘63 ‘70‘43 ‘56‘51 ‘60 ‘74‘67‘65 ‘72‘42 ‘54‘50 ‘59 ‘64 ‘71‘46 ‘57 ‘62 ‘77‘69‘52 ‘61 ‘75 ‘76‘68‘66 ‘735

PHASE I (IN-PROGRESS)

PHASES II & III

Two–story laboratory addition south of the existing Beaver Science Building

25,891 square feet base building

Five biology laboratories

Three chemistry laboratories

Two research laboratories

Laboratory support spaces

Five offices and ancillary support spaces

Six student gathering areas

Completion of second floor

Elevator and stair connection to W. Don Beaver Science Building

Renovation of W. Don Beaver Science Building

HOW CAN WE SECURE THE FUTURE OF THE SCIENCES AT SNU?

Support the Campaign for the Sciences today!

∙ Mail your gift or pledge using the enclosed card OR give securely online at www.snu.edu/giving

∙ Pray for SNU’s Faculty and Students – and for those who will teach and learn in this new facility

for years to come.

∙ Identify prospective students and encourage them to visit SNU!

Naming Opportunities for the Campaign for the Sciences are still available. Please contact the Office

of University Advancement at 405-491-6311 or e-mail tbrant@snu.edu for any

additional information.

Alumni

Trustee & Foundation Boards

Friends

Corporate Support

Trusts & Estates

Foundation & Grants

41.24%

4.02%

18%

10.6%

4.49%

21.65%

DISSECTION OF GIVING

$10

$70

$1,80

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$175

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‘78 ‘92‘85 ‘99‘82 ‘96‘80 ‘94‘88 ‘01 ‘08‘04 ‘12‘79 ‘93‘87 ‘00 ‘07‘77 ‘91‘84 ‘98‘76 ‘90‘83 ‘97‘81 ‘95‘89 ‘03 ‘11

TOTAL CASH & PLEDGES: $6,298,018

6

“I HAVE NEVER FELT IN MY LIFE SUCH A STRONG LEADING FROM THE LORD...THE VOICE WAS ALMOST AUDIBLE.”

The Catalysts, a group of SNU alumni founded in 1977 to provide science student

scholarships, assist in faculty research projects, and travel to professional meetings

proved instrumental in the success of one of SNU’s most prestigious scientific

accomplishments: the Quetzal Education Research Center in Costa Rica.

In 1995 Dr. Ted Bader, a 1967 graduate of and current president of the Catalysts, was

contacted by Dr. Leo Finkenbinder, SNU faculty member, asking him to come to Costa

Rica and help raise money for the research center. From 1986 to 1995 the Catalysts had

given thousands of dollars to support to Dr. Finkenbinder in his trips to Costa Rica, which

ultimately led to the creation of QERC. Dr. Finkenbinder had been working to stabilize the

ecology of the Quetzal valley, and 1995 was a crucial year for the project since time had

come to begin building the research center, which could not be completed without funding

of the initial amount of $15,000.

Dr. Bader recalled the hospitality of the Quetzal valley people helped open his heart to the

project and how he turned to God in prayer to ask Him to direct the next steps

of the project.

“ONE MORNING DURING MY STAY, I STOOD ON THE BLUFF OVERLOOKING THE RIO DE SAVEGRE, AT A SPOT ABOUT 15 YARDS NORTHEAST OF THE CURRENT TWO STORY BUILDING, TO ASK THE LORD IF I SHOULD ATTEMPT TO RAISE MONEY FOR THIS PROJECT,” Bader recalls. “I have never felt in my

life such a strong leading from the Lord to do so. The voice was almost audible.”

Bader responded to God’s call by donating a royalty check he had just received from

his medical book, in addition, he contacted Olan Moore, who was the first student body

president in 1922, and challenged him to match his amount. Moore enthusiastically

responded and soon a building was constructed and, in just over six months $100,000

was raised for further funding.

Dr. Bader’s passion for supporting the sciences continues to this day as he and the

Catalysts turn their attention to the Campaign for the Sciences. He stated that it is

important for alumni and university supporters to become actively involved in the

Campaign so that SNU can continue to train some of the finest scientific and

medical minds for a needy world.

For the entire story, go to snu.edu/cfts

A CATALYST IN TURNING SCIENTIFIC DREAMS INTO REALITYDr. Ted Bader, Alumnus

QUICK FACT: SNU’s Quetzal Education Research Center (QERC) had 8 students attend for classes and research this past spring.7

“I LOVE BEING PART OF THE ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL JOURNEYS STUDENTS TAKE TO REACH THEIR DREAMS.”

Dr. Nancy Halliday is a person of harmony. From her early career as a symphonic

musician, through her teaching at SNU, to her current position as an associate professor

in the Department of Cell Biology at the OU College of Medicine, Dr. Halliday has become

well versed in both musical harmony as well as the harmony between faith and science.

Halliday, a 1988 graduate of SNU, first went to college to become a classical musician,

and after graduating from the Eastman School of Music in 1979, began her career as

a symphony musician, which eventually brought her to Oklahoma City. A physician who

knew of her interest in medicine recommended she contact SNU. After visiting the campus

and meeting with faculty member Dr. Gene Heasley, Halliday decided it was the place for

her, and while at SNU changed her focus from being a healthcare provider to teaching.

She proceeded to graduate with her B.S. in Biology in 1998 and her Ph.D. in Cell Biology

from the OU College of Medicine in 1994.

“I love being part of the academic and personal journeys students take to reach their

dreams,” adds Dr. Halliday. “I feel called to serve by equipping the saints as they prepare

to serve God. I find myself in Christ when I lose myself in the service of others.”

The fact that Dr. Halliday is so experienced in higher education is one of the driving factors

behind her support for the Campaign for the Sciences. She said that a key aspect force of

a successful program is very much linked to the faculty and students within the program.

And as such she urges those who have directly benefited from their education of SNU to

get involved in the Campaign for the Sciences.

“SNU hires great faculty, but great faculty can become even more effective if they

have excellent facilities and equipment,” Dr. Halliday says. “IN ADDITION, HAVING UP-TO-DATE AND STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTS THE ABILITY OF SNU TO RECRUIT TOP STUDENTS INTO THE SCIENCE PROGRAMS.”

Even though she has moved on from the SNU campus, Dr. Halliday is still very much

invested in the Campaign for the Sciences and excited about the new students it will

bring to SNU, as well as and the opportunities it will make available to them to further

understand the harmony between faith and science.

For the entire story, go to snu.edu/cfts

FAITH AND SCIENCE IN HARMONYDr. Nancy Halliday, Professor Emeritus

DR. HALLIDAY INSTRUCTS SNU ALUMNI,

AMY MADDEN & MARY SIEMS (FIRST-YEAR MEDICAL STUDENTS)

QUICK FACT: 75% of high achieving high school science students invited to Science Scholars Weekend made SNU their college of choice.8

Dr. Robert Judd taught and invested in the lives of SNU students for 30 years. During that

time, his care and compassion touched many students and faculty in a way that changed

them and in the process left behind a shining legacy.

Dr. Judd spent a portion of his younger years living on farms in Ohio, where his father

always stressed the importance of education and learning. He remembers when his father

accepted Christ into his life and how it changed not only his father, but also the life

of his family.

After Dr. Judd married, he and his wife bought and moved into a small trailer where they

lived while attending Olivet Nazarene University. His days at Olivet were not easy, he

recalls. It was challenging trying to balance a job, a full course load, and marriage.

“I worked all night and took 22 hours one semester. I don’t recommend it,” he laughs.

“I regretted it because I had two courses I didn’t do well in.”

Inspired by the launch of the Sputnik satellite and the space race, Dr. Judd went back to

school to obtain his Master’s degree, which then led him to teach at Huntington University

in Indiana. While there, a 1968 visit from Dr. Willis Snowbarger, who was a representative

for higher education in the Church of the Nazarene, led Judd to Bethany, Oklahoma where

he stayed until he retired in 1998.

When Dr. Judd first began teaching biology at SNU, both he and the W. Don Beaver

Science Hall were new. He entered at a time when exciting things were happening for

the sciences on the SNU campus. and he taught alongside two other new professors, Dr.

Sharon Young and Dr. Leo Finkenbinder, and life-long friendships were forged.

“WE HAD A GREAT STAFF IN THAT BUILDING,” HE SAYS. “IT

WAS A WONDERFUL RELATIONSHIP. TO THIS DAY I CANNOT

RECALL EVER HAVING A SQUABBLE IN OUR DEPARTMENT.”

Dr. Judd said he loved his job at SNU and the bonds that he made with his students, many

of whom he still keeps in contact with today. “I loved when students would come into my

office and flop down in the chair next to me and tell me they were not sure what to do

next,” recalls Dr. Judd. “They would talk about their concerns, challenges and their course

A LEGACY OF TEACHING BUILT ON A LOVE OF STUDENTSDr. Robert Judd, Professor Emeritus

Drs. Finkenbinder, Young, and Judd in 1992

QUICK FACT: Seven SNU science graduates entered the Physician Assistant (PA) program at the OU Health Sciences Center, this Fall.9

work. There was nothing better than that.”

Currently, Dr. Judd is retired and still living in Bethany, which shows his deep love for Betheny

and Oklahoma.

“I HAD THE BEST JOB ANYBODY EVER HAD,” Dr. Judd says. “I really

didn’t want it to end, but at the same time I also felt it was time.”

He explained that the integration of computer technology in the classroom paired with the

changing nature of his field was what prompted his retirement. He decided that it was time

to leave and let someone younger take over his role in the dawning of the new information

age. Despite missing teaching, Dr. Judd said he is enjoying his retirement, good

health

and grandchildren.

Dr. Judd had the pleasure of experiencing the W. Don Beaver Science Hall when it

was new and is equally excited that the Campaign for the Sciences marks a new

beginning for future generations of students at SNU.

For the entire story, go to snu.edu/cfts

Dr. Judd in front of J.D. & Mary West Laboratory constuction site.

QUICK FACT: 533 students pursuing degrees within the College of Natural, Social, and Health Sciences take a majority of their courses in the current W. Don Beaver Science Building.QUICK FACT: Seven SNU science graduates entered the Physician Assistant (PA) program at the OU Health Sciences Center, this Fall.10

OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT6729 NW 39th Expwy, Bethany, OK 73008

snu.edu/cfts