Summer 2009 - My EC

Summer 2009
President’s Pen
Charisma editor Lee Grady wrote an article about Christian college students after
our 2009 graduation ceremony. His daughter Meredith was among those graduating
this year. He wrote, “Today’s Christian college students are nauseated by any kind
of religious hype, whether it’s blow-dried evangelists, insincere appeals for offerings,
faked healings, goofy buzzwords, or schmaltzy pop music.” I want to say a hardy
“AMEN!” Students may not look like me, but they are passionate about making a
difference in this chaotic world. Watching them walk across the stage to receive their
diplomas, I wondered who among them might cure cancer, relieve the suffering of the
poor, give a classroom of students hope, or preach in remote areas of the world.
Lee said it best: these young people are living out Christianity that is racially
diverse, authentic, and relevant; aims to impact the culture; and inspires selfless
sacrifice. “They remind me that while the gospel is timeless, our movements and institutions need regular updating so we
can stay relevant and genuine. Amid the huge challenges we face in this critical hour, God has prepared and anointed a new
generation to carry His message to a love-starved world.” Congratulations to the Class of 2009—go change the world!
Blessings,
Michael S. Stewart
President
Read Lee Grady’s entire article at http://charismamag.com/index.php/fire-in-my-bones/20665-pentecostalism-version-2009
On The Quad Emmanuel College
Coming Your Way
2
Over
the
next few
months,
President
Stewart will be
attending alumni
dinners in many cities in
the Southeast. From July through September,
dinners will occur in North Carolina; then he will
be on to Virginia, South Carolina, and beyond.
For more information on
locations or to volunteer your help:
• Check our website: ec.edu/alumni
• Contact the Director of Alumni Relations,
Harrell Queen: [email protected] or
336-584-9545 (o) 336-260-0695 (c)
• Contact Shanterrin Harland in
the Alumni Relations Office:
[email protected] or 706-245-2863 (o)
Graduation
Baccalaureates & Associates
5
For Alumni and Friends
of Emmanuel College
New Scholarships &
Faculty Award Recipients
Mission Statement
Emmanuel College is a Christ-centered,
liberal arts institution which strives to
prepare students to become Christlike
disciples who integrate faith, learning, and
living for effective careers, scholarship, and
service.
6
Faculty/Staff Awards
7
Senior Officers
Dr. Michael S. Stewart, President
Dr. Craig Edwards, Vice President for
Academic Affairs
Brian James, Vice President for Development
Jason Croy, Vice President for
Student Affairs
Greg Hearn, Vice President for Finance
Ron McCullar, Director of Campus Operations
Beth Ward, Assistant to the President
Remembering
Brittani Panozzo
8
Homecoming Invitation
Events
9
Alumni and Development Staff
Shanterrin Harland
Brian James
Keith Marriner
Harrell Queen
Ginny Swails
The Gathering
10
Retirement/AlumNotes
Editorial Staff
Ginny Swails, Managing Editor
Lifesprings Resources, Inc.
11
We Remember
Contributing Writers
Rev. Terry Reel
Bett Smith
Dr. Michael S. Stewart
Ginny Swails
Contributing Photographers
Family & Friends of Brittani Panozzo
Joseph Brookshire, Jr.
Mollie Corbett
Stephanie E. Mathis
Glenn Toney
Philip Sanders
Design and Printing Services
LifeSprings Resources, Inc.
On the Quad (USPS 175-200) is published
four times a year by the Emmanuel College
Alumni and Development Office, P.O. Box 129,
Franklin Springs, GA 30639. To submit
address changes, send an e-mail to
[email protected] or call 800-860-8600, opt. 4.
Summer 2009, Vol. 63, Issue 4
POSTMASTER:
Please send address changes to
Emmanuel College Alumni Relations,
P.O. Box 129, Franklin Springs, GA 30639.
CONTENTS
4
We Have A Dream
Bett Smith
The dream of building an appealing and permanent structure that designates the entrance to
Emmanuel College is well on its way to becoming a reality. We’re excited to report the current
total of alumni donations to this project is $26,217.43. The project is intended to honor and
encourage Dr. Stewart for his leadership and achievements. We will soon be presenting to the
president an updated list of names of all contributors to the Entrance Project. To assure that you
are included on the updated roster as one of the active supporters of President Stewart, send a
donation of any amount to:
EMMANUEL COLLEGE/Entrance Project
Alumni Relations
P.O. Box 129
Franklin Springs, GA 30639-0129 CONTACT:
Office of Campus Development
Brian James
706-245-2854
3
GRADUATION
2009
graduation
2009
Baccalaureate Honor Graduates
Summa Cum Laude (GPA 3.9 – 4.0)
Rebecca Ann Dzimianski (valedictorian), Kathleen Colette Milligan (valedictorian), Kara Christine Parten
(valedictorian), Amber Lenora Hill, Amber Nicole Risner
Magna Cum Laude (GPA 3.75 – 3.89)
Louise Delane Bryant, Christina Nichole Burchette, Erica Renee Cox, Cindy Rochelle Comer Dobbs, Edda Wanjiru
Mburu, Matthew Tyler Milford, Melissa Leigh Morrison, Summer Alexandria Swails
On The Quad Emmanuel College
Cum Laude (GPA 3.6 – 3.74)
Selina Nicole Bohannon, Jennifer Maxwell Brown, Reanna Dee Hampton, Jeremiah Daniel Isbell, James Roy
Jones III, Elizabeth Jo Pelaccio
ASSOCIATES
4
FACULTY
Saturday, May 9, 2009, marked
Emmanuel College’s graduation
ceremony in her 90th year. Held at
the John W. Swails Center, graduates,
their guests, and members of the
faculty, staff, and administration
filled the teal and blue seats to
celebrate the accomplishment of 129
graduates. President Stewart awarded
116 baccalaureate degrees and 13
associate degrees to the candidates.
This year’s commencement
speaker was Bonnie Wurzbacher,
senior vice president, Global
Customer Leadership of the CocaCola Company. Mrs. Wurzbacher
is a 1977 graduate of Wheaton
College, where she received her
B.A. in education. She later went to
Emory University for her M.B.A. in
general management. She spoke of
her career journey after graduation,
which began in education in Chicago,
Illinois, and ultimately switched to a
career in business. She reminded the
graduates that no matter where they
live, work, or learn, they can share
their faith and evangelize through
actions as well as words. Places like
a mission field overseas or the pulpit
in a church aren’t the only venues for
sharing the Gospel. At the end of her
speech, Mrs. Wurzbacher encouraged
the new college graduates not to
rush, but to wait until God’s timing
plays into their lives whether it is for
work, a relationship, or life in general.
His plan is not always our plan, but
His is the perfect plan.
Abbie A.
Coleman
Scholarship
In 1988, the
Abbie A. Coleman
Scholarship was
established at
the Collinsville
Pentecostal
Holiness Church by George W. Coleman in
memory of his first wife, Abbie A. Coleman, a
long-standing, active, and dedicated member
of the Collinsville PH Church. The scholarship
was established to further the education
of people pursuing a Christian education.
In January 2009, the Collinsville Church, in
consultation with their scholarship committee
and the Coleman Family, voted to transfer the
scholarship to Emmanuel College.
The Coleman family has had a long history
of support for Emmanuel. Three of the five
children of George and Abbie Coleman
attended Emmanuel College: David L.
Coleman, Kathy Coleman Bridges, and
Karen R. Coleman.
The scholarship will assist students from
the Collinsville Church or the Cornerstone
Conference.
Charles B.
Presley
Memorial
Scholarship
Born on
November 13,
1931, Charles
B. Presley was
a longtime
member of the Taylor Memorial PH Church
in Anderson, South Carolina. Charles
graduated from Emmanuel College in 1952 as
valedictorian and president of the graduating
class. He taught piano and voice and directed
small groups and choirs at Emmanuel for over
ten years. Charles, along with three other
musicians, was commissioned to compile The
Gospel Hymnal for the Pentecostal Holiness
Church. He formed the Gospel singers
at Emmanuel and traveled the Southeast
promoting the hymnal and Emmanuel College.
He went to be with the Lord in April 2009,
leaving behind his wife of over 55 years,
Mary Jo, his son, Mike Presley, and daughter,
Willette Presley Poore. The family established
this scholarship fund to assist music majors
at Emmanuel to continue their education.
FACULTY Awards
Meredith
Grady
Georgia Meredith
Grady was born on
April 21, 1987, in
Gainesville, Florida.
Her parents are
J. Lee and Deborah
Grady.
Meredith came to Emmanuel College as
a freshman in 2005, majoring in Christian
Ministries. She immediately made a splash with
her acting abilities. She starred as Rosalind in
the EC production of As You Like It and joined
the EC Players. By her sophomore year she
was leading the EC Players as well as serving
her peers as a Christian Service officer. She
starred in another EC play as Lilly in Lilly the
Felon’s Daughter. At the end of that year,
Meredith was crowned Miss Emmanuel. As
Miss Emmanuel, Meredith started a recycling
program and founded a new organization
called G.O. (Girls Only). This organization
provided opportunities for women to serve at
various non-profit organizations and to further
develop their leadership skills. Her senior year
she interned at LifeSprings Resources and
gained experience in writing for various media.
Her future plans include marrying her fiancé,
Sven Legg, an EC alumnus, and going to
graduate school at Regent University.
Micah Hayes
Micah Hayes
graduated
with a 3.1 GPA
and a degree
in business
administration.
He plans to live
in Atlanta and
pursue business opportunities. He was twice
named an NAIA Champions of Character
recipient and was awarded a Champions of
Character scholarship by the NAIA while the
team was in Kansas City for the NAIA National
Tournament. This past year, he was the captain
of the men’s basketball team and the MVP of
the NCCAA tournament, in which he led the
team to its first-ever national championship.
Coach Rosene said, “Micah is a champion on
the court, in the classroom, and in the game of
life. It is his charismatic personality and heart
of a Lion that make him so special. He is the
kind of guy you want your kids to look up to!” STAY
CONNECTED!
Now we are just a click
away. Check out our new
alumni website:
www.ec.edu/alumni
n Update Contact Information
n Electronic AlumNotes
Submission
n On the Quad Online PDF
n Give to EC Online
n And Much More!
WE WOULD LOVE TO
HEAR FROM YOU!
In order for your news to be printed
in the fall issue of On the Quad, we
need to receive your information by
July 17, 2009. Photos are welcome
and should be 300 dpi and saved as
a JPEG format. Pictures will not be
returned.
Online:
Email:
Mail:
NEW SCHOLARSHIPS & FACULTY AWARD RECIPIENTS
NEW SCHOLARSHIPS
www.ec.edu/alumni
[email protected]
AlumNotes
Emmanuel College
Alumni Relations
P.O. Box 129
Franklin Springs, GA 30639
5
Faculty / Staff awards
Faculty/Staff Awards
The Lee H. and Lucille Firebaugh Memorial Award
The family of the late Lee H. and Lucille Firebaugh of Natural
Bridge, Virginia, began funding this award and honorarium over
25 years ago to recognize a member of the faculty each year.
Criteria for the Firebaugh Award include teaching excellence,
commitment to professional growth, effective execution of
duties, commitment to Christian values, responsiveness to
students outside the classroom, accountability, and impact on
the entire institution. This year the Lee H. and Lucille Firebaugh
memorial award goes to Dr. Beverly Oxley.
Dr. Oxley holds a B.S. in education from East Central State University in Ada,
Oklahoma, an M.Ed. from Central State University in Edmond, Oklahoma, and
Ed.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Georgia State University.
She is a licensed psychologist and a registered play therapist. She has been a
special education teacher in public schools and a school psychologist and has
taught at Emmanuel for the past 16 years, serving as department chair and on
various committees.
One colleague writes, “Beverly is an exemplary teacher who is committed to
her God, her college, and her family. She is a caring, loving person who has a true
heart for the Lord and for her students. She is involved with college-sponsored
missions, special student groups, and many, many other ministries in addition to
her heavy load as department chair, psychologist and counselor, and many other
duties. She is committed to excellence as a scholar and teacher and engages her
students in the classroom.” On The Quad Emmanuel College
The Brady Memorial Award
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The Brady award is given to faculty or staff
members who exhibit professional growth, Christian
maturity, servant leadership, integrity, outstanding
character, and involvement in helping students.
The Brady Memorial Award carries with it an
honorarium. This year, two individuals have been
selected to receive the Brady Memorial Award:
Dean Tracy Reynolds and Dr. Bruce Scranton.
Tracy Reynolds serves as dean of the School of Christian Ministries. He holds a
bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in music education from the University of
Georgia and graduate education from Erskine Theological Seminary. In addition,
Tracy has extensive experience and honors as a youth and music pastor.
Tracy is a leader, shaping the lives of young men and women who are preparing
for ministry. His pastoral style has moved the School of Christian Ministries
forward. He also established and leads Emmanuel Leadership Initiative (ELI).
One colleague writes, “Tracy is a role model for so many students. He is so
selfless. ELI is very important to him, and this training of future leaders is something
he has started and has built into a very worthwhile endeavor, not for him, but for
the college and the students who are most important to him. They look up to him,
and he leads by example. His Christian witness needs no further words.”
Dr. Bruce Scranton serves as chair of the Department of Mathematics at EC. He
holds a B.S. degree from Northern Illinois University and an M.S. and Ph.D. in math
from Purdue University. In addition, Dr. Scranton has an extensive background
in business with companies such as Delta Technology, Lockheed Martin, Martin
Marietta, and GE. He has brought that wealth of experience to Emmanuel and
has led the Math Department and served as a faculty senator and director of
Institutional Research.
One colleague writes, “Dr. Scranton demonstrates excellence of all criteria of
the Brady Award. He performs all tasks with integrity and with students’ best
interests in mind as well as adhering to the mission of the college. He is very well
respected by the members of his department, other faculty, and staff. Dr. Scranton
has willingly accepted many more responsibilities this semester and puts forth
100% effort on each task. He is a constant source of encouragement, and his
commitment to Christ is evident in his everyday life.”
The Dorothy Ferguson Caddell
Support Staff Award
In 1986 Mrs. Dorothy
Ferguson Caddell, a
former staff member of
the college, initiated the
Support Staff Award to
recognize a hard-working
member of the nonteaching staff. Since that
time, a number of faithful
staff members have
been honored with this
award due to their vital
contribution to the operation of the college. This year
the Dorothy Ferguson Caddell Support Staff Award
goes to Mr. T. J. Rosene.
T. J. Rosene is just completing his second year at
Emmanuel but already has made a huge impact. He
holds a B.S. from Reinhardt College and an M.Ed. from
Troy University.
Mr. Rosene serves as head basketball coach for
the Emmanuel Lions men’s team. This year under his
leadership, history was made. For the first time in the
90-year history of Emmanuel, the Lions won a national
championship in the NCCAA. In addition, Coach
Rosene was named National Coach of the Year.
Coach Rosene’s leadership extends well beyond
the basketball court. He is a leader who demonstrates
humility, integrity, and a clear Christian commitment.
Emmanuel College Rewarded
for Good Sportsmanship
The 2009 Southern
States Athletic Conference
Musco Lighting Team
Sportsmanship Award was
presented to Emmanuel
College in the inaugural
year of its existence.
The SSAC
Sportsmanship Award
is presented to a school
whose male and female athletic programs display the
highest standard of sportsmanship, fairness, and equity
in contests and relationships. Throughout the year, a
points system is kept and votes are tallied at the end.
Emmanuel was selected according to the voting ballots
toward all of the men’s teams.
Accepting the award on Emmanuel’s behalf was
Athletics Director, Coach Mike Bona. He is proud of
Emmanuel’s athletic programs in their conscious effort
to follow the Champions of Character program that
is emphasized within the athletic department. “The
Champions of Character program follows the same
guidelines of sportsmanship, responsibility, respect,
servant leadership, and integrity that this award actually
recognizes. It has been a championship year for
our athletic program with our men’s basketball team
winning the NCCAA National Championship on the
field of play and our teams getting recognized for this
prestigious sportsmanship award.”
–Brittani Panozzo
Brittani
Panozzo
Remembering
by Ginny Swails
Heartbreak struck the Emmanuel College community on Saturday,
May 2, 2009, when in a tragic car accident the life of Brittani Panozzo
was completed on earth. Her eternity in heaven was just beginning,
and as she celebrated with her heavenly Father, those she left behind
began remembering and celebrating her life.
Known well for her compassionate
spirit, Brittani wasn’t one to ignore the less
fortunate. Africa became one of her main
focuses, and not long before her accident,
she spoke at a Wednesday night chapel
service about her trip to the continent and
her desire to make a difference. Though one
may never know the extent of her impact, Brittani was sure to have changed the lives of those with whom she
came in contact. Those who knew her best would say it was impossible to not be touched by Brittani.
Brittani also made an impact here in the U.S. Through the Service Learning
group, Koinonia, and with the help of her friend LJ Gay, Brittani was able to inspire
dozens of other students to do what she and LJ had just completed in the fall
of 2008. By taking a vow of poverty and giving up simple luxuries, those who
participated were able to understand better what it is like to be poor. According to
the Koinonia page on the EC website, “All of the students involved with this vow
said they felt very grateful after the experience because it made them realize how
much they took for granted.”
“Brittani was a beautiful spirit. Her heart to serve others, sing, and dance was
staggering to watch. She always brought the best out of people; she also brought in
the room a certain ambience when she entered that was contagious. Brittani will be
missed; she is our friend and our sister. She will always have a place in our hearts
and memory forever and will be a part of the driving force to follow after God as she did. We love
you, Brittani.” (LJ Gay, friend)
Brittani has been described as a butterfly: “Magnificent in beauty, changing as God molded her,
and fluttering all around, bringing beauty to everyone she came in contact with and glory to Him
through that contact everywhere.”
As she made her impact all over, Victoria Bryant State Park is creating a butterfly garden in honor
of Brittani. To help, or for more information about
this, call Victoria Bryant State Park directly at
706-245-6270 and ask for Amanda.
During her life and now after her death, Brittani
continues to touch and make a difference in the
lives of those she knew well and those who only
knew of her. Her spirit will live forever, not only
in heaven, but also in the hearts of everyone she
inspired.
“You are still inspiring me.” (Margaret Turner,
friend)
A memorial service was held Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at 7:00
p.m. in the John W. Swails Center on what would have been
Brittani’s 23rd birthday. After the service was Brittani’s birthday
party. Tears turned to smiles as the events of the day changed
from sadness to celebration. A birthday party isn’t complete
without birthday cake, and Brittani’s mother, Michelle Norris, and
brother, Chase Panozzo, were there to blow out her candles.
Remembering Brittani
“I think
I will forever
be a nomad
until our
Father brings
me home.”
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Photos courtesy of Stephanie Mathis
Emmanuel’s 90th Birthday
Celebrate
90
EMMANUEL COLLEGE’S
TH BIRTHDAY
WITH US DURING HOMECOMING 2009
HOMECOMING 2009
$30 per person
$55 per couple
$75 per family of 3 or more
Golden Grads - FREE
REGISTER ONLINE:
www.ec.edu
QUESTIONS?: 800-860-8600
HOTEL
ACCOMMODATIONS
Royston: Franklin Inn
706-245-7241
Ramada Limited
706-246-0256
On The Quad Emmanuel College
Lavonia: Best Western
706-356-4000
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Holiday Inn Express
706-356-2100
Sleep Inn
706-356-2268
Super 8
706-356-8848
Hartwell: Best Western
706-376-4700
Jameson Inn
706-376-7298
Skelton House
706-376-7969
Tentative Schedule –
Times and Locations to Follow
Schedule
Friday, October 2, 2009
REGISTRATION 8:00am – 7:00pm
Feast of Ingathering
Feast of Ingathering Lunch with the President
Golf Tournament Luncheon
Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament
Athletes Dinner
Alumni & Friends Reception
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Come see how the campus is changing!
REGISTRATION 8:00am – 12:00noon
Alumni Board Meeting
Golden Grads Reunion
Alumni & Friends Brunch
Alumni Reunions
Emmanuel Academy – Class of 1958 Reunion
Singers Reunion
Alumni/Student Music Department Recital
Library Photo Tour
Dedication of the New College Entrance
Intercollegiate Sports Games
College Football Party
Kids Activities
Internet Lounge
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION – Dinner and Alumni
Program with Alumni and Singers Choir
Celebrating the following class years:
Golden Grads 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979,
1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004
Come see how we’re changing!
Come back to Emmanuel for a weekend to remember your college days.
This time, there will be no studying, no classes, and no curfew. Make
sure you take some time to walk around campus to see the new details
and to talk to the students who are here, making memories they will be
able to share at Emmanuel’s 100th Birthday Celebration!
The Gathering in
Hampton Roads
by Rev. Terry Reel
special Saturday call-in session arranged by Jack Puckett, featuring Stan Oliver (a founder of
the Gathering) and Billy Ray Nash. That was a perfect pleasure and a pure delight.
A hot topic was Jack Shaw’s new book, Little by Little, and a cool one was Terry Reel’s novel,
Return to Wingfield Point, featuring some Emmanuel experiences. Charlotte Humphries showed
off photos of her family’s private chapel on John’s Island, South Carolina, and everybody shared
grandchildren stories that pushed the limits of credibility.
We gathered as a body for a farewell worship service on April 19 at Cedar Road Chapel in
Chesapeake. A quartet of Vernon and Vinson Synan, Jack Shaw, and Terry Reel, accompanied
by Maurine Synan Gminder on the piano, brought echoes (admittedly rather faint) of the
broadcasts on WKLY and weekend services throughout the Southeast in the ‘50s.
John Swails moved the congregation with an abbreviated message during praise and
worship, followed by the morning sermon by Pastor Reel. The church ladies, led by Gladys
Gray, served up a delicious old-fashioned country-style dinner on the grounds. A main feature
was the presentation of an original blue and gold “Emmanuel College Gathering” celebration
cake made by Sharon Alston, Cedar Road orchestra director and pianist.
Had Ruth Tew and Dorothy Poteat been there in body—as they surely were frequently evoked
in spirit—they probably would have castigated us severely for using such a cliché as “a goodley
tyme was hadde by alle.” But cliché or not, it was a profoundly great time. Too much happened
to do it justice by pouring it into this tiny space, but sic temper etre. And, we’ll never forget
those wonderful moments.
Those in attendance were Bill and Judy Powell Batts, Larry and Gloria Sorrells Jones,
Vinson and Carol Synan, Vernon and Phyllis Sparks Synan, Bobby and Kathryn Vinca Hoyle,
Mattie Faye Brown White, James and Rachel Sorrow, Jack and Lois Plaster Puckett, Wesley
and Jeanie Peyton, Yvonne Ruffin, Willette Brown Rollins, Carolyn Johnson Stocks, Jan and
Charlotte Godwin Humphries, Betty Jo Howard Bailey, Mike and Pam Stewart, Gene and
Mildred Harwell Stallings, Jack and Jane Shaw, Linda Howard, Ruth Jones, Charley and Lexine
Rollins Gill, Ruth Brookshire, John and Sylvia Williams Swails, Harrell and Linda Queen, Wesley
and Janice Robinson Russ, Ruth Cato Turton, Harold (grandson of EC founder G. F. Taylor) and
Cindy Taylor, Tom and Rhetta Tatum, John and Norma Setzer Burnett, Hope Ross Dunlow, and
Terry and Ruby Underwood Reel. Anne Scott and her husband were in Tidewater for another
event and
joined the
group for
worship on
Sunday.
A
volunteer
group is
already
planning
a similar
gathering for
next year.
Emmanuel “Gathering”
They came roaring out of the ‘50s
and ‘60s, give or take a few decades,
and gathered for a festive weekend
of Emmanuel memories in Tidewater,
Virginia, this past April. “They” are a
loosely knit group—not all from the
same class—that refers to itself as the
“Emmanuel Gathering.”
They toured the World’s Greatest
Harbor (Hampton Roads), visited the
birthplace of American representative
government (Williamsburg), strolled
beneath the big guns of the Battleship
USS Wisconsin, and then had a guided
tour of CBN broadcast and production
facilities and Regent University’s
educational facilities. They also joined
the audience for a live recording
session of The 700 Club hosted by Pat
Robertson and were given a screening
of CBN’s new movie of the first landing.
Later, they visited the first landing site at
Cape Henry, where Dr. Synan gave us a
historical perspective on the first landing.
But for all that, they mostly enjoyed
sharing memories of their days at
Emmanuel. Their time was lubricated
with tears and punctuated with laughter,
and they shared a deep and moving
season of uplifting prayer.
Planned by Dr. Vinson Synan, Mattie
Faye (Brown) White, Bobby and Kathy
(Vinca) Hoyle, the Gathering stayed on
the oceanfront at Virginia Beach.
The event got off to a heart-warming
reunion and sharing of experiences
at a dinner gathering at the home
of Dr. Synan. His wife, Carol Lee,
gave up the daytime tour that day to
prepare a sumptuous feast for over
50 guests. What a meal—and what an
evening! Dr. Mike Stewart, president
of Emmanuel, gave us a status report
on the school and its recent progress
and bright outlook. It was spontaneous,
poignant, spiritual, prayerful, and
reminiscent, all at once. A highlight of
the evening was hearing a few words
from the venerable John Swails, whose
towering intellect is as impressive today
as it was in the ‘40s at Southwestern
and from the ‘50s onward at Franklin
Springs.
The weekend featured live audience
participation—really live for a group
from this era—with no need for canned
laughter. And then, there was that
9
Picture of the
whole group
AlumNotes
Dr. Beverly J. Oxley
RETIREMENT
AlumNotes
50s
MARY JO (WALTERS) PRESLEY (’52) has
recently moved. Her new address is 1304
McLees Road, Anderson, SC 29621. Her
phone number is 864-226-3205. She would
love to hear from her classmates and friends.
00s
On The Quad Emmanuel College
Beverly J. Oxley, Ph.D., started
teaching at Emmanuel College
in 1992 and at her retirement in
May 2009, served as chair of the
Social Sciences Department. She
has had a variety of professional
experience as a public school
special education teacher and
school psychologist. Today her
areas of expertise are in child
and adolescent psychopathology,
children with special needs,
and developmental psychology.
As a licensed psychologist and
registered play therapist, she
maintains a private practice in
Royston, specializing in children,
adolescents, and family systems,
where she will now work “full-fulltime.”
10
Dr. Oxley is married to Professor
Paul Oxley in the School of
Christian Ministries. The Oxleys
have been involved in short-term
missions for many years. They
have led student groups from
Emmanuel to Kenya, Uganda,
and Israel. More recently, Beverly
has led teams to Malaysia,
London, Scotland, and Romania.
The Oxleys have two daughters,
Julinna, who is an assistant
professor in the Philosophy
Department at Coastal Carolina
University (CCU), and Andeena,
who is a social worker with the
Department of Human Resources
in Oregon. They also have three
granddogs and four grandcats.
GINIA
HARPER
(’04)
and her
husband,
BEN
(’03) will
celebrate
our fifth
anniversary
this July. We have three beautiful children,
Emma, Jamin, and Jenna. They keep us on
our toes, but we wouldn’t have it any other
way. Ben is an associate/children’s pastor
at First Assembly of God in Hendersonville,
Tennessee. We are so blessed to be a part
of this awesome ministry. God has been so
faithful to us. I am working for Remington
College, Nashville campus, as a Career
Services rep. What an awesome opportunity
to help students find their place and step out
into the work force on the right foot. We own
a home right outside of Nashville and are
so lucky to have family around us. We often
miss our days at EC, but are thankful for
where God is taking us.
Brock (’03)
and Stacey
Tibbs would like
to announce the
new addition
to their family.
Hailey Rose
Tibbs was born
on March 27 at
6:11pm. She
weighed 7 lbs
11 oz and was
19 in. long. She
has dark hair
and blue eyes.
Hopefully one
day she will
come to EC
and become
a Buzzardette!
GO
BUZZARDS!
We Remember
Rev. Dr. Jacob E. Till, Jr.
(’43), 85, went to be with the
Lord Tuesday morning, May 12,
2009. He was born April 4, 1924,
in Birmingham, Alabama, in the
home of Rev. Jacob E. Till, Sr.,
and Rev. Minnie Lee Morris Till.
He grew up in a close family
that made their home wherever the Tills were called to
minister in Alabama and Florida PH churches. He was
very proud of his heritage and was himself called to
preach the day before his 13th birthday.
Jake was a proud husband, father, grandfather,
minister, retired military chaplain, businessman,
educator, and author. In 1950, he was diagnosed with
diabetes and started taking daily insulin shots in 1953.
He had diabetes for almost 60 years and in 2008
released his book Successfully Living With Diabetes.
During the 1940s, Rev. Till served the IPHC,
Emmanuel College, and the Florida Conference as an
evangelist, Southeastern Regional zone youth director,
fund-raiser, developer, and publication editor. While
teaching at Emmanuel in 1950, he was called to active
duty in the U.S. Air Force as a chaplain representing
the PH church. Throughout the ’50s, he served in
England and Korea and at various bases in the U.S.
His overseas tours were marked with ministry and
discipleship success as he helped sponsor and/or
involve many airmen and civilians in Oral Roberts and
Billy Graham crusades and the start-up ministry of Dr.
David Yonggi Cho in Seoul, Korea. It was also during
this time he met Peter Yun, who has been unofficially
adopted as the oldest brother in the Till family.
Undoubtedly, his most important military
assignment was at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha,
Nebraska. While preaching at an Assembly of God
church, he met his wife, Sandra L. Clark. They had
a six-month courtship and were married on April 30,
1955.
Upon Chaplain Till’s retirement from the military,
he and Sandra went to pastor the Faith Heritage PH
Church in Quincy, Florida, where they served for 26
years. During many of these years, Jake wrote for
the denomination’s Sunday school literature. After
pastoring in Quincy, he assisted his long-time friend
Jack Carter at Trinity PHC in Tallahassee for a few
years. In 1996, Rev. and Mrs. Till began pastoring
at Fort Braden PHC in Leon County, Florida, where
they served until they retired in 2007. Jake also
Submit your
AlumNote and
photograph
online at
www.ec.edu/alumni
Charles Bristoe Presley
(’52), “Charlie,” was born
November 13, 1931, in
Greenville, North Carolina.
He was the son of Isaac
Hill Presley, a PH minister,
musician, and composer.
His mother was Willette Puckett Presley, a PH
minister and musician.
At the age of three, Charlie picked out
“Silent Night” on the piano after hearing the
family sing it. He never stopped playing after
that.
He attended the Georgia Academy for the
Blind from fourth grade through high school.
He graduated in 1949 and was valedictorian
of his class. He received extensive training in
voice, piano, and piano technology. He earned
many first-place medals and several state
championships and never placed other than first
in all district meets.
After traveling for one year in evangelistic
work with his brothers, Jack and Moody, Charlie
attended Emmanuel College. There he met
Mary Jo Walters, and they graduated together
in 1952. He was valedictorian and president of
his graduating class. His classmates voted him
“most intellectual.” While at Emmanuel, Charlie
sang in the campus choir, touring choir, and
with a quartet on weekends and summers in PH
churches throughout the Southeast. In 2006,
he was the recipient of the Emmanuel College
Distinguished Alumnus of the Year award.
He married Mary Jo on August 17, 1953.
They continued their education in Columbia,
South Carolina. In 1955, he graduated from
Columbia College with a B.A. in music
education, and she graduated from the
University of South Carolina in 1956 with a B.A.
in business education.
While in Columbia, Charlie worked with
Case Piano Company as a piano tuner and
salesman for four years. He was Junior Boys
teacher, organist, and deacon at the Columbia
PH Church.
They moved to Anderson, South Carolina,
in 1958 and bought the local branch of Case
Piano Company. The name was changed to
Presley Music House. He taught private piano
lessons and was a piano/organ salesman and
professional piano technician.
For nearly 50 years, Charlie devoted himself
to the Taylor Memorial PH Church. During this
time, he served as choir director (1959-1994),
deacon, Upper SC and General Conference
delegate, and church organist. He was active
in hospital visitation, Men’s Fellowship, and the
Golden Age Club. He has been the assistant
teacher for class 6 for many years. He even
purchased a bus that was used by the Taylor
Memorial Church and Emmanuel College
Singers.
Charlie was one of four musicians
commissioned by the Pentecostal Holiness
Church to compile The Gospel Hymnal (1973).
He taught piano and voice and directed choir
and smaller groups part-time at Emmanuel,
1961-62 term, and from 1968 to the spring
of 1976, when he formed the Gospel Singers
Choir, which traveled the Southeast promoting
The Gospel Hymnal.
He has served as a judge on all levels of
Teen Talent, including nationals. He has been
an accompanist and advisor for local Teen
Talent participants, including first-place national
winner Andy Fleming and regional first runnerup Justin Hayes. In 1971, he trained the Region
II Teen Talent participants.
Charles served as vice president for the
Anderson Chapter National Federation of the
Blind.
He was the organist for various functions,
including Emmanuel graduations and
banquets, the King Memorial Lectures, General
Conference Sessions, and various camp
meetings.
Of all of Charlie’s accolades, he faithfully
served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Charlie was an example to all who knew him.
Surviving, in addition to his wife of over 55
years, are his son, Mike (’74) Presley (Ruth) of
Palmer, Alaska; daughter, Willette (’80) Poore
(Jimmy) of Anderson, South Carolina; two
grandchildren, Jeffery Michael Hill Presley
(Mandi) of Greer, South Carolina, and Charles
Steven Presley of Anchorage, Alaska; greatgrandson, Carter Jackson Presley of Greer,
South Carolina; brother, Dr. John Moody
Presley (Jane) of Port Orange, Florida; and
sister-in-law, Frances (’47) Presley of Port
Orange.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded
in death by his stepmother, Edna McAbee
Presley, and a brother, Rev. Warren Jackson
Presley.
Memorials may be made to the Charles B.
Presley Memorial Scholarship Fund for Music
Majors at Emmanuel College.
Brittani Jourdan
Panozzo, 22, passed away
May 2, 2009, in Danielsville,
Georgia.
Brittani (’09) was born May
5, 1986, in San Antonio, Texas.
She was a senior at Emmanuel
College, preparing to receive her B.A. degree
in Music & Worship Ministry on Saturday, May
9, 2009. Brittani had recently returned from a
three-and-a-half-month mission trip to South
Africa. Her heart was in the mission field,
planting churches and ministering to all people,
particularly those less fortunate than herself.
She also had a heart to work in orphanages
and bring to Christ people who didn’t know
Him. Her way of worship and praise was “free,
undignified, unbridled passion” for her Lord.
Conforming to tradition was of no concern to
her; in fact, she just wanted everyone to have
what she had. She wished everyone could feel
as free and open as she did about worshiping
the Lord in their actions through praise, dance,
singing, art, or dramatic interpretations—she
loved it all; she worshiped Him in all these
ways openly. Her spirit was so much the same
because her life was so Christ-centered, and
her personality drew people in. Although her
life was short, her life’s impact on others was
immense.
Brittani graduated from J. H. Rose High
School in Greenville, North Carolina, where she
lived from 2001.
Brittani is survived by her mother and
stepfather, Michelle and Keith Norris; brother,
Chase Panozzo; father, Todd Panozzo; stepsiblings, Kaley and Kleat Norris and Carson
Austin; maternal grandmother, Julia Mull;
paternal grandmother and grandfather, Judy
and Jim Billington; aunt, Susan Dear; uncle,
Jeff Alderette; uncle and aunt, Mark and Marie
Panozzo; uncle, Scott Panozzo; and cousins,
Morgan Dear, Autumn Wellman, Natale,
Caprise, and Francesca Panozzo; grandfather,
Mort Curtis; step-family; grandparents, Carl and
Nancy Norris; uncle and aunt, Eric and Tracy
Nicholson; and cousins, Jordan and Noah
Nicholson.
A memorial service was held on Tuesday,
May 5, 2009, in the John W. Swails Center on
what would have been Brittani’s 23rd birthday.
We Remember
served on the Florida Conference Board of the
IPHC for many years.
Jake was passionate about education. He
held three master’s degrees to span divinity,
history, and education. He received degrees
from Emmanuel College and Piedmont College,
master’s degrees from Chandler School of
Theology at Emory University and the University
of Nebraska, and a master’s degree and Ph.D.
from Florida State University. Dr. Till retired
from Gadsden County Public Schools, where
he served most of his years as a member of
the county’s administrative staff. He served
over 30 years as a member of the Emmanuel
College Board of Trustees, where all seven of
his children, three daughters-in-law, and two of
his grandchildren attended school.
In 2007, Jake and Sandra retired to
Fayetteville, North Carolina, and enjoyed
traveling back and forth to Quincy and Atlanta
as much as time and health would permit.
Dr. Till is survived by his wife, Sandra, and
their children (and grandchildren), Peter Yun
(’64) and his wife, Sandy (Amy and Peter J.),
of Wise, Virginia; Reggie (’83) Till and his wife,
Lisa (Bryan and Steve), of Fayetteville, North
Carolina; Jake (’79) Till and his wife, Whitney
(Peyton and Bailey), of Marietta, Georgia; Larry
Till (Cameron, Eric, and Emily), of Woodstock,
Georgia; John Till and his wife, Lavonda
(Lucas, Nick, Jordan, and Emily), of Marietta,
Georgia; Tami (’87) Arp and her husband,
Jim (Nathan and Jared), of Fayetteville, North
Carolina; and Shirley (’98) Till of Los Angeles,
California. His surviving sisters are Mary
Barineau of Tallahassee, Florida, and Esther
(’46) Rudd Nease of Greenville, South Carolina.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his
brother, Maurice Till, and his sister, Minnie Ola
Barineau. At Dr. Till’s request please consider
a contribution to the Till Scholarship Fund. His
funeral services were held Saturday, May 16,
2009, at Fresh Fire Worship Center.
11
On The Quad
USPS 175-200
P. O. Box 129
Franklin Springs, GA 30639
Homecoming
2009
Friday, October 2nd
Saturday, October 3rd
Periodicals
POSTAGE PAID at
Franklin Springs, GA
30639
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contribute to the various
parts of this project.
If you are interested,
please contact Brian
James at 706-245-2854.