The annual Homecoming festivities for Evangel University were cancelled this year, due to the Covid Pandemic. However, five graduates received alumni awards virtually by the Alumni Board of Directors as part of the annual celebration. The honorees are all local this year.
Evangel University alumni awards for 2020
Evangel Theatre presents It’s a Wonderful Life: Radio Show
The Evangel University Theatre proudly presents It’s A Wonderful Life: A Radio Show by Joe Landry. The production will be broadcast live over Periscope on Friday, Nov. 20th at 7:00 p.m.
The production became a cross-department effort when the theatre students reached out to the broadcasting students for help with recording the show.
Evangel volleyball player receives $92,000 Army ROTC scholarship
Evangel University (EU) sophomore Emily Connelly was awarded a $92,000 scholarship from Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) on Thursday evening, Nov. 12. A native of Liberty, Texas, Emily is a member of the EU women’s volleyball team.
Evangel University Symphonic Band, Orchestra & Sinfonia present a joint concert on Nov. 12
The Evangel University Symphonic Band, Orchestra and Sinfonia will present a joint concert on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Spence Chapel Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, masks are required, and social distancing protocols will be observed.
Evangel mourns the passing of Dr. Joel Griffin
The Evangel University family is mourning the loss of a highly respected faculty member, Dr. Joel Griffin, associate professor of music and director of jazz studies. Joel passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2020, from injuries sustained one week earlier in an automobile accident in Ozark, Missouri.
O’Reilly Army Hospital & Evangel featured in PBS documentary rebroadcast
Ozarks Public Television (OPT) will rebroadcast their highly-regarded, locally-produced documentary, “O’Reilly General Hospital – The Hospital with a Soul,” on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2020, at 8 p.m. CT. The hour-long special tells the story of the WWII-era army hospital that was located in Springfield, Mo., on the grounds of what is now Evangel University.
Evangel University honored with BBB TORCH Award
The Better Business Bureau honored six Ozarks businesses, including Evangel University, with a TORCH Award on Monday, Oct. 12, 2020. “BBB TORCH Awards recognize companies committed to exceptional service and high ethics.”
Two new Steinway Pianos donated to Evangel University
Two new Steinway Grand Pianos have been donated by Dr. Samuel E. Coryell, to the Evangel University Department of Music for use in student instruction. The new Steinways join the nine-foot Steinway “D” Concert Grand piano donated to Evangel in 2019.
Evangel appoints Dr. George O. Wood as interim president
Evangel’s Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. George O. Wood as interim president designate. He will serve as the interim president after President Taylor retires on Nov. 25. Wood is a 1962 Evangel graduate and is the former superintendent of the General Council of the Assemblies of God.
Evangel University welcomes four new faculty members for 2020
Evangel University started the 2020-2021 academic year with four new full-time faculty members who teach from the bachelor’s level through doctorate and seminary programs.
Evangel President set to retire at the end of the semester
In January 2020, Evangel University President Carol A. Taylor, Ph.D., announced plans to retire in the summer. However, amidst the coronavirus pandemic and a delay in a search for her replacement, the Board of Trustees asked Dr. Taylor to delay her retirement, and she agreed. With the semester well underway and the Board resuming the search for a new president, Dr. Taylor and the Board agreed that this semester would be a good time. Her last day will be the end of the fall semester, Nov. 25.
Evangel senior launches Abby’s Açaí Co.
In the midst of the Covid pandemic, Evangel University senior Abby Voelker and her mother decided to start a food truck to make açaí bowls! Abby is a psychology major and biology minor who enjoys hiking, is on the University golf team and serves as a resident assistant in Spence Hall.
Evangel University recognized as a College of Distinction
Evangel University is honored to again be named as a College of Distinction for 2020-2021. The recognition comes with a special focus on Evangel’s Departments of Business and Education.
MEMORIAL: Dr. Zenas J. Bicket
On September 17, 2020, Zenas Johan Bicket—academician, administrator, author, theologian, family man, and follower of Christ—finished his earthly course, having fought a good fight against Alzheimer’s disease and having kept the faith.
Paul K. Logsdon named 2020 recipient of Kenworthy Award for Outstanding Leadership
Evangel University spokesman Paul K. Logsdon was honored recently by Leadership Springfield as the recipient of the 2020 Kenworthy Award. His commitment to Evangel and civic engagement over the past 32 years was highlighted.
Blackbaud: Vendor for Evangel University experiences data security breach
Evangel University officials have been made aware of a data breach at Blackbaud, a third-party vendor that works with colleges and other organizations in the fundraising world. The file that was hacked did NOT include confidential or financial information such as credit cards and bank accounts.
Evangel’s new student service day with Convoy of Hope at Weller Elementary
Evangel University held their traditional Community Day of Engagement today (Saturday, Aug. 22, 2020), with approximately 250 new students working at Weller Elementary and the Convoy of Hope warehouse.
Five of 20 SBJ Men of the Year are connected to Evangel University
The 10th Annual Men of the Year celebration was held on Aug. 13 by the Springfield Business Journal, and five of the twenty of community leaders honored are connected to Evangel University. Ron Bogart, Robert Cirtin, Ryan DeBoef, Jeremy Hahn and Charlie Hungerford were among more than 100 nominated.
EU LAUNCH: New students welcomed to Evangel
As the 2020 academic year gets underway, Evangel University will be staggering the opening of its six residence halls next week for EU Launch. Evangel anticipates students from 45 states and 21 foreign countries this year.
Evangel commencement to be virtual this Saturday
The Evangel University 2020 Commencement ceremony has been rescheduled to a virtual commencement and a special video will be live-streamed this Saturday, August 15, at 11 a.m. The commencement for Evangel and AGTS is being held virtually due to public health considerations.