Barnetts
AEUFF director Dennis Whaley and President Robert H. Spence presented a distinguished service award to Rick and Cherie Griepp at graduation.
Upcoming Events
August 26
8 a.m. – Student Move-in
6 p.m. – Ice Cream Reception
September – Art Exhibit – Henry Domke
September 28
8 p.m. – Kelly Isaacs: Life of Corrie Ten Boom
September 29 - 30
7:30 p.m. – Bonhoeffer Opera
October – Art Exhibit – Judith Fowler
October 12 - 14
Homecoming ’06
Noon – AEUFF Luncheon on Friday
($5 tickets may be ordered with registration)
October 26 - 28
7:30 p.m. – Drama: Night of One Acts
November – Art Exhibit
The Next Generation:
Contemporary Expressions of Faith
November 7
10 a.m. – Chapel: Organist Diana Bish
November 16 - 17
Crusader Days (for high school students)
November 16 - 18
7:30 p.m. – Drama: Student Production
December 8
7:30 p.m. – Christmas Music Production
May 3 and 4
Awards/Baccalaureate/Commencement
Focus: Family & Friends - Summer 2006
AEUFF introduces new program to connect students with locals
Reflections from David W. Barnett
AEUFF President
Summer greetings from Julie and me! It is always a pleasure to share the many activities and events in which the Association of Evangel University of Family & Friends has been involved.
As the spring term drew to a close, I was privileged to attend the annual Scholarship Awards Dinner. It was an impressive and inspiring evening, as we witnessed numerous awards being given to deserving students to further their education. Much of that scholarship money is provided by you, the friends and family of Evangel. Many thanks to all who have contributed and will contribute toward these awards.
At our Parents Luncheon during graduation week, the AEUFF honored Rick and Cherie Griepp for their outstanding volunteer service. Rick and Cherie founded the EU Blitz Club, which quickly became an integral part of fan spirit and support for Crusader Football. In addition to their work in establishing the Blitz Club, the Griepps have served on the AEUFF advisory board since it was chartered.
As you make your plans to attend Homecoming 2006, we invite you to enjoy lunch with the AEUFF on Friday at noon. Last year, we had a record attendance, and we would love for this luncheon to become part of your homecoming tradition. It’s an excellent opportunity for future Crusaders to join EU Prep and meet other Prep members. Remember to mark Family & Friends Luncheon on your homecoming registration.
This fall we are launching a new program that is a cooperative effort among AEUFF, on-campus students, and Springfield area churches and families. The Student Hospitality Program is a significant step forward for AEUFF. I urge you to participate so that all Evangel students may enjoy a family atmosphere during their time in Springfield.
If you are traveling through Springfield this summer, I encourage you to take time to visit Evangel and see the new clock tower that is under construction.
It is my pleasure to serve both Evangel and you.
May the Lord bless you, and may He continue to bless Evangel University!
— David W. Barnett
2005 Homecoming Queen Joy Virgin dines with missionaries Stephen Kuert and Bob Friesen during an EU missions emphasis home dinner.
We all need a home away from home
Match Me Up With Some Townies in Their Cribs is the catchy new slogan adopted by the AEUFF Hospitality Committee.
College students are often thrust into a strange new environment far from home, family and friends. Sometimes this can be overwhelming. However, throughout the city of Springfield there are caring Christian families who would be happy to host one or more college students — perhaps for a home-cooked meal or in some other way show them kindness and encouragement.
Using the new slogan, the goal of the program is to match students with local families in order to form relationships that will make college life a little less stressful. “Having a place where they are welcome to feel at home while they are away from home can make a big difference in the life of an Evangel student,” said Jim Denton, chair of the Hospitality Committee and father of three Evangel graduates.
Interested students will fill out an application form which will be used to match them with a local family. They will meet at a luncheon on campus Saturday, September 30.
The connection could be based on a given area of study such as math or music. Some families may wish to host students from a particular state or ethnic background. Both students and families will be screened in an endeavor to create the best matches.
“Once the match has been made, host families may invite students to their homes for a meal or just to hang out. Students who cannot travel home for holidays such as Thanksgiving and Easter are especially encouraged to sign up,” said Denton.
Dennis Whaley, director of university relations, will serve as the liaison between the Family & Friends and area ministers who will assist in the recruitment of host families.
Dennis will e-mail forms to those who contact him via email, or call him at (417) 865-2811 ext. 7436.
Incoming freshman Tara Lesterjette and her father, Steve, listen to Jeanine Bartels explain the new student hospitality program at the New Student Orientation luncheon in June.
One parent’s response to Evangel hospitality
When he got home to Friendswood, Texas, Steve Lesterjette wrote: “I just wanted to tell you personally what a wonderful and divinely appointed day it was for our family. My daughter, Tara, was beaming. Tricia and I were melted. We are so thankful that she will be attending a great place like Evangel.
“It isn’t easy to let her go anywhere far from home; but we are at peace that this is right for her. We have no worries about the school.
“EVERYONE we met in every office was happy to see us, understood their role and went the extra mile to make us feel at home.
“...it made us feel God was smiling and reassuring us that all would work out. We made many friends at Evangel that Friday.
Blessings!
See you soon!”
The Duncans shared this inspiring story of their mother’s dream come true, following her funeral in July. All four are Evangel graduates: Polly Cartwright ’74, Rev. Tom Duncan ’75, Shelda Bannon ’77, and Jim Duncan ’84.
Godly mother inspires generosity
Reflections from Dennis Whaley
Director of University Relations
As we approach the fall semester, I want to share two stories about the role of parents and their influence on their children’s college choices.
The first is from Polly (Duncan ’74) Cartwright. “My parents, James and Emily Duncan, were such an inspiration,” she said. “They encouraged us to always tithe and to help those less fortunate than ourselves.”
Summer vacations were spent working various food service jobs at Lake of the Ozarks. “At 15 I was hired as a waitress. From day one, Mother made sure that I kept accurate records of my tips and paychecks.”
You see, Emily Duncan was never able to afford a college education, and her dream was that her children would receive a college education at Evangel. She had plans for her children’s earnings.
“While I was still in high school, Mother felt that we should fund a scholarship for someone at Evangel — and we did!” Soon the pot increased, as Tom and Shelda started working and saving their money, too.
The Duncans owned Jim’s Tunnel Dam Fishing Camp. One day as Polly and her mother were making beds in the cabins, she asked in a voice conveying her 18-year-old attitude, “Why do I have to go to college?” “So you don’t have to make beds the rest of your life!” was her mother’s quick reply.
When she started attending Evangel, Polly went home every summer to work as a waitress. As her tips increased, her tithe grew. One fall when she returned to Evangel, the first thing Polly did was march into Wayne Kraiss’ office with her dad’s old sock full of money. “I didn’t even own a checking account,” she said. “To his amazement, I poured the entire contents of the sock onto his desk and told him that he could use that money for a scholarship.”
Polly’s mother had instilled in her children a desire to give a scholarship, even though they were needy students themselves. “We truly learned that it is more blessed to give than receive.”
On July 2, 2006, Emily Duncan passed from this life into Heaven, but her influence will live on through her children. All four are graduates of Evangel University and continue to fund Evangel scholarships!
Doree Donaldson ’82, Matt Metzger ’05, Carol Metzger ’65, and Dorothy and Don Waggoner at the 2006 Scholarship Dinner.
Family prayers influence choice of Evangel
Matt Metzger’s grandparents, Don and Dorothy Waggoner, attended Central Bible College and wanted a Christian education for their children as well. They sent all four children — Carol (Matt’s mother), Ron, Helen and Doree — to Evangel.
Not wanting to follow family history, Matt had his mind set on going to a state school. However, a month before enrolling, he felt that he should attend Evangel instead. “My family has prayed for me ever since I was born,” said Matt. “Now I realize what they were praying for — the relationship that I, as a Christian, need with my Heavenly Father.” Little did he know the impact that those prayers would make on his life.
When Matt arrived on campus, he found an amazing spirit and connection, not only with the friends he made but also with the faculty, staff and administration.
While Matt was working as a caller in the alumni office, he decided that he wanted to give back as much as Evangel had given to him. “You can’t put a price tag on your education, life skills, true friends and the grounds for a real relationship with Jesus Christ. I was so blessed by my experience that I want to bless Evangel and then some.”
Matt graduated in 2005. He keeps Evangel University at the top of his prayer list, as well as his giving list. He has already created a business scholarship in honor of his grandparents to help other students benefit from an Evangel education.