Bethany Hazel,听Associate Professor of Nursing in N麻豆原创’s College of Nursing, expressed her excitement over West’s recognition. “Shaylene exemplifies the values we strive to instill in all our nursing students鈥攃ompassion, excellence and dedication. We couldn鈥檛 be more proud of her and the impact she鈥檚 making in her profession.”听

The DAISY Award is an international recognition program that honors nurses for their extraordinary clinical skills and compassionate care. Established in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who passed away from complications of an autoimmune disease, the award acknowledges the profound impact nurses have on patients and their families. Nurses can be nominated by patients, families or colleagues who have experienced or observed exceptional care.

The N麻豆原创 College of Nursing celebrates and honors the achievements of its graduates who carry the University’s mission of service and excellence into their careers. Rooted in the College of Nursing鈥檚 vision to be a community of nurse leaders guiding professional practice with Christian values, professional ideals and a commitment to lifelong learning, making meaningful contributions in an increasingly technological healthcare system both nationally and internationally.

For more information about N麻豆原创’s nursing program, visit .听

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John and Jennifer Garrick, Class of 1992
2024 Alumnus of the Year Award

Jennifer Garrick have dedicated over three decades to ministry, leadership and service to others, spending most of their lives furthering the gospel. Their journey began with the creation of their musical album 鈥淭he Message,鈥� which they performed across the Pacific Northwest. This album laid the foundation for J & J Ministries, which grew into an international outreach initiative, partnering with notable organizations such as the Luis Palau Association. Recognizing the expanding scope of their ministry, John and Jennifer rebranded their mission as Eternal Impact, embracing the motto 鈥淟IVE IT OUT!鈥� to inspire others to live out the gospel in their daily lives.

In 2023, after years of impactful leadership, John and Jennifer transitioned from their roles in Eternal Impact to join Standing Stone Ministry full-time, where they continue their passion for supporting pastors and Christian leaders. With over 33 years of marriage and ministry experience, together, the Garricks have served as lead pastors, church planters, associates, missionaries and leaders in the non-profit sector. Now residing in Sisters, Oregon, they offer shepherding and retreats for ministry couples, ensuring that no leader walks alone in their spiritual journey.

Reflecting on receiving this award, John and Jennifer share, 鈥淲e are deeply humbled to be honored by our alma mater in this way. Our time at N麻豆原创 laid the foundation for our calling, and we are grateful to be part of a community that continues to inspire and equip others to live out their faith boldly.鈥�

Because of their commitment to living out the gospel as creative and redemptive agents in the world, exemplifying the Christian ideals of the University, N麻豆原创 is honored to present John and Jennifer Garrick with the 2024 Alumnus of the Year Award.

Amy (Bloomquist) Kennedy, Class of 2009
2024 Leon Doane Young Alumnus Award

Amy (Bloomquist) Kennedy, a dedicated leader in nonprofit ministry, has made a significant impact through her work with A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP). Serving as Co-Executive Director, Amy has played a vital role in expanding the ministry鈥檚 reach, seeing team members in national parks grow from an average of 180 to over 270 during her tenure as a college recruiter. Her passion for investing in the development of others, coupled with her expertise in nonprofit management, has made her a favorite presenter at training conferences and a beloved mentor to many.

A proud alumna of Northwest Nazarene University (N麻豆原创), Amy earned her undergraduate degree in Communications and Business while actively participating in music and the business club. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Nonprofit Management degree from Regis University, where she was recognized as an Opus Student Scholar and inducted into the Nu Lambda Mu international nonprofit honor society.

Amy鈥檚 journey has been marked by resilience and a deepening relationship with God, even in the face of personal tragedy. Despite the loss of her father, twin sister, another sister, nephew and mother, Amy鈥檚 faith has continued to grow, shaping her approach to leadership and service.

Reflecting on receiving the Leon Doane Young Alumnus of the Year Award from N麻豆原创, Amy shares, 鈥淚 feel increasingly humbled and honored that I would be selected for such a prestigious award. I have no words that could ever express my gratitude for those who helped make this possible. This opportunity is inspiring me to continue to dream and believe in the beautiful things God has for me.鈥�

For her commendable accomplishments in her chosen field and for living out the values of N麻豆原创 in all areas of her life, N麻豆原创 is pleased to present Amy (Bloomquist) Kennedy with the 2024 Leon Doane Young Alumnus Award.

Alan Crews, Class of 1984
2024 Distinguished Service Award

Alan Crews, a 1984 graduate of N麻豆原创 with a degree in Engineering Physics, has been a stalwart supporter of his alma mater for nearly three decades. Over the course of 29 years, Alan has generously donated over $200,000, benefiting 46 different designations within the University. His unwavering commitment to N麻豆原创 extends far beyond financial contributions; Alan is a daily presence on campus, where he actively engages with students, faculty and staff, fostering a vibrant and supportive community.

A true advocate for the power of education, Alan has established four endowed scholarships to assist students in achieving their academic and professional goals. Among his remarkable contributions are ten fully funded scholarships that continue to provide critical financial support to students across various disciplines. These scholarships include the Alan R. Crews Volleyball Scholarship, the Alan R. Crews Counseling Scholarship, the Calvin F. Crews Scholarship and the Glenda Crews Memorial Scholarship, among others.

Reflecting on this prestigious acknowledgment, Alan shared, 鈥淩eceiving this award is deeply meaningful to me, as it represents the lasting connections and impact we can all make in our community. It鈥檚 a privilege to support the next generation of N麻豆原创 students and to be part of a University that continues to shape lives and futures.鈥�

Because of his heart of service to the community of Northwest Nazarene University and his outstanding service through the years, N麻豆原创 is recognizing Alan Crews as the 2024 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.

Congratulations to the 2024 Alumni Award recipients!

See Previous Award Winners

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In a letter to the Northwest Nazarene University Board of Trustees, President Joel K. Pearsall announced plans to retire in the summer of 2025. In a June 4 video call with the Board of Trustees, Chair Mike Zahare expressed gratitude to President Pearsall and his wife, Nikki, for their many years of service to the University.

鈥淧resident Pearsall鈥檚 tenure as N麻豆原创鈥檚 president will be remembered foremost by his love of God and consistent servant leadership. His wife Nikki鈥檚 quiet and steadfast presence has faithfully blessed the N麻豆原创 campus community by her loving actions,鈥� said Board Chair Zahare, 鈥淚t has been a tremendous honor to serve alongside them. With overflowing gratitude, we pray God鈥檚 richest blessings on them and their family in this next phase of life.鈥�

Joel K. Pearsall became N麻豆原创鈥檚 13th President in June of 2015. He is a lifelong member of the Church of the Nazarene and has a family legacy of serving Nazarene higher education. His father, Dr. Kenneth Pearsall, also served as president of N麻豆原创 (then NNC) between 1973-1983. President Joel Pearsall earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Northwest Nazarene College in 1980. He went on to earn his Juris Doctor from Willamette University College of Law in 1983.

Prior to joining the campus community, President Pearsall had an active law practice in Oregon, and served on the staff at Salem First Church of the Nazarene. Immediately before joining the University, Pearsall sat on the Northwest Nazarene University Board of Regents (now Trustees) from 1992 until 1999.

In 1999, Pearsall joined the N麻豆原创 leadership team as the Vice President for Financial Affairs and In-House Legal Counsel (general counsel). During his time in the Office of Financial Affairs, the N麻豆原创 campus underwent significant physical growth, including the building of the Helstrom Business Center and the Johnson Sports Center, redesigning the sports complex including relocating the track complex and the soccer field, expanding the Kirkeide Apartment Complex and acquiring the building that currently houses the Office of Graduate 麻豆原创.

After being named Vice President for University Advancement in August 2008, Pearsall oversaw the completion of the Thomas Family Health and Science Center. He helped to develop the University鈥檚 campus master plan and participated in the receipt of major gifts from the Leah Peterson estate and the J.A. & Kathryn Albertson Foundation that were applied to build the Leah Peterson Learning Commons, as well as the receipt of the Howard & Mary Conrad family gift. In his role as Vice President for University Advancement, Pearsall also served as the Executive Director of Northwest Nazarene University Foundation, Inc.

During the nine years of President Pearsall鈥檚 leadership, much was accomplished. The Conrad Student Commons was constructed, numerous Masters and Doctoral programs were launched, and NCAA Division II athletic programs were strengthened. In addition, the N麻豆原创 endowment experienced significant growth, and the University’s finances have been appreciably strengthened. President Pearsall has continually emphasized long-term strategic planning and metrics-based decision-making in an atmosphere of shared governance, contributing to the ongoing fulfillment of N麻豆原创鈥檚 mission.

Pearsall鈥檚 impact extended beyond the University and into the local community, the educational community, and the Church of the Nazarene. Pearsall served for five years on the Valley Regional Transit Ways & Means Committee, and then served for six years on the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. For the past several years, he has served as a Peer Evaluator for the Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities. And, Pearsall has served on the General Board of the Church of the Nazarene since 2009 鈥� presently he serves as the General Board President.

鈥淲ords cannot adequately describe President Pearsall鈥檚 tremendous impact on Northwest Nazarene University and the surrounding community over the last twenty-five years,鈥� said Chair Zahare. 鈥淔rom serving on the Board to serving in two Vice President roles, and then for the last nine years as N麻豆原创鈥檚 13th president, President Pearsall has strengthened N麻豆原创鈥檚 reputation for academic excellence, guiding and supporting the diligent and outstanding accomplishments of N麻豆原创 faculty, staff, and students.鈥�

When asked about the succession process, Chair Mike Zahare noted that, 鈥渢he N麻豆原创 Board of Trustees has approved the hiring of the executive search firm, FaithSearch Partners, an executive search firm working with the complete spectrum of the faith community in the United States. During the coming year, the N麻豆原创 Board of Trustees, in partnership with FaithSearch Partners, and with input from N麻豆原创 constituencies, will develop a detailed leadership profile to inform the entire search process. This work will begin next month during the Board鈥檚 summer retreat.鈥�

In reflecting on his time at N麻豆原创 and discussing his transition, President Pearsall noted: 鈥淔rom the time I moved to Nampa 50 years ago as a high school student, I have been shaped by Northwest Nazarene University. I have benefitted from the positive impact of N麻豆原创 faculty and staff members 鈥� and I am incredibly grateful. Over these past 25 years, God has richly blessed our campus community. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve with a tremendous Board of Trustees and an outstanding faculty and staff; I look forward to serving with them during my final year.

In thinking about the year ahead, President Pearsall stated, 鈥淢y focus remains on helping our faculty and staff educate and mentor this era of N麻豆原创 students so that they can continue to become God鈥檚 creative and redemptive agents in the world. I believe that N麻豆原创鈥檚 future is incredibly bright!鈥�

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鈥淚 have no doubt Zach is going to excel in this new role,鈥� said Kelli Lindley, Vice President for External Relations. 鈥淲ith his deep love for N麻豆原创 and an obvious desire to build upon the meaningful work done before him, I anticipate Zach’s service to our alumni and friends is going to make a significant impact that enables N麻豆原创 to connect and fulfill its mission in new and innovative ways. It truly is exciting as we start this new chapter within Alumni Relations and N麻豆原创 is blessed to have Zach leading the charge.鈥�

Marble graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2004 and a Master of Science in Business Administration in 2023, both from N麻豆原创.

Since beginning his role as Associate Director of Alumni Relations, Marble has made a marked impact on N麻豆原创鈥檚 alumni office, creating connections between alumni, students, parents, friends and community of N麻豆原创. Additionally, he implemented the new connection tool N麻豆原创 Connect, planned and managed events for N麻豆原创 alumni and friends across various geographic areas, raised donations and oversaw construction of 8 new pickleball courts and oversaw the N麻豆原创 Alumni House guest rooms.

鈥淚 am thrilled to enter this new role as Director of Alumni Relations,鈥� Marble stated. 鈥淭he N麻豆原创 community is something that I hold near and dear to my heart, and I look forward to the opportunity to invest further in this esteemed institution.鈥�

Marble takes the role of Director of Alumni Relations following the retirement of Darl Bruner, who served in the role for 30 years.

鈥淚t has been a great privilege to work alongside Darl for many years,鈥� Lindley said. 鈥淲atching him invest in N麻豆原创 through his tireless work ethic and commitment to providing excellent customer service to our alumni and guests. It is obvious that Darl has developed deep, meaningful relationships with hundreds of alumni and friends and will be deeply missed.鈥�

The Director of Alumni Relations is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to engage and connect with alumni, work cooperatively with the Alumni Association and provide leadership and strategic planning in an effort to strengthen and expand the relationship between N麻豆原创 and its alumni. This position reports to the Vice President for External Relations.

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Stands received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 1993 and his Master of Educational Leadership degree in 1996 from Northwest Nazarene University. Following his positions as a classroom teacher, assistant principal and principal in Boise, Meridian and Eagle schools, Stands continued his education by earning an Education Specialist degree in 2018 from the University of Idaho, where he moved into a Regional Director position in the West Ada School District before becoming the Director of Safety and Behavior in 2023.听听

“[In choosing an L.E. Wesche award recipient,] the committee considers the candidate’s positive impact on the field of education extending beyond the classroom or office, how they have been a catalyst for change, their representation of the N麻豆原创 ideals of scholarship in a Christian context and their quality leadership and service to the profession,” said Holly Ripley, Associate Professor of Education and Chair of Undergraduate Education. “In his remarks shared with the student teachers at the reception, Stands reminded our teacher candidates of their mission 鈥榯o make an eternal difference in [their] students’ lives.鈥� He is an inspiration to our teacher candidates just entering the field.”听

This award is named in honor of Dr. Lilburn Wesche, N麻豆原创 Faculty Emeritus, who graduated from Northwest Nazarene College in 1951. During his 30-year career at N麻豆原创, he was a professor, head of the education department, director of teacher education, director of graduate studies, interim academic dean and chair of the division of professional studies. Award recipients are current professionals who make a positive impact in the field of education that extends beyond the classroom.听

The L.E. Wesche award recipient is nominated and selected by an advisory council composed of current and emeriti N麻豆原创 education department faculty. The committee considers the candidates’ positive impact on the field of education extending beyond the classroom or office, how they have been a catalyst for change, their representation of the N麻豆原创 ideals of scholarship in a Christian context and their quality leadership and service to the profession.听

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By Ryan Cork, Class of 2008

As I began my college search in late high school, N麻豆原创 was, quite frankly, not on my radar. I had lived in southern California and my sister had attended Point Loma Nazarene University鈥攁nd that seemed like a pretty ideal school situation. It鈥檚 hard to beat a campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean. However, I had other family ties to N麻豆原创. My grandpa had gone to NNC in the 1950s (and his father before him) and my uncle spent nearly his entire career at the school. I have memories of that uncle giving us N麻豆原创 apparel for Christmas in a not-so-subtle attempt to remind us of the option. So in my senior year of high school I decided it would be a good idea to at least visit the campus, just to be sure it wasn鈥檛 for me.

I could not have been more wrong. It sounds cliche…maybe even trite…but when I walked on campus I remember feeling a sense of peace; it felt like I needed to be there. There was an excitement and a sense of belonging that was palpable. I spent the two days I was there exploring the campus, nervous, but excited. I had the opportunity to sit in on a few classes, attend chapel and even spend a night in the dorm. In addition to all of this, I knew that N麻豆原创 had a robust communications department which housed a great film school. Part of my visit was experiencing a short sneak peek into that world. I had discovered a love for storytelling through visual mediums, like film, a few years prior and was excited about the prospect of studying at N麻豆原创. After that visit, PL麻豆原创 became a faint memory. I was ready to make my mark in Nampa, Idaho.

When I finally arrived at N麻豆原创 I was greeted with the same excitement and sense of belonging that I felt during my campus visit. What followed was a college experience that I wouldn鈥檛 trade for the world. I had excellent training in film and video and amazing experiences that most would be surprised to know existed in humble Nampa, Idaho. Unlike film schools in Hollywood or New York, I was part of a community that truly cared for one another.

Some of my absolute favorite memories are of being in the Dex, laughing and talking with friends or in Culver freshman year trying to figure out what life outside of home was like. I鈥檒l be honest, the first semester came with its fair share of homesickness, but the camaraderie of my dorm-mates prevailed and I couldn鈥檛 imagine being anywhere else. One highlight that stands out was being selected to live in The Brick House during my junior year. Hosting events that brought our community together and the overarching amounts of fun we had that year will be cherished memories for the rest of my life.

Outside of the social engagements were my classes. In the film program we were taught to focus on story鈥攕tory drives everything. It isn鈥檛 just about access to equipment or fancy filmmaking techniques. Those are merely tools to help tell a compelling story. Having that focus and foundation built on story I learned while I was at N麻豆原创 has stayed a driving force of my career. I always come back to story; it is a comfort and a respite in a world of ever-changing technology.

When I left N麻豆原创, I began a career in filmmaking by way of advertising. I鈥檝e spent the last 14 years in or working with ad agencies creating commercials, short films for in-house communication and online content that visually tells the story of some really great brands. I also have a side business creating films for nonprofits, which is easily the most rewarding part of my career. I鈥檓 grateful to be a part of a culture at N麻豆原创 that fosters a desire in students to use their talents and giftings to give to the world. I now lead a team at Drake Cooper, an advertising agency in Boise, Idaho. We create visual content for marketing and advertising for a range of clients from Idaho Central Credit Union and Your Health Idaho, to Blue Diamond Almonds and Extramile Convenience Stores. I can say with confidence that my time living and learning at N麻豆原创 informs the way I approach my daily work and the way I lead my team of creators.

Recently, in a fun full-circle experience, the ad agency I work for was selected to be the agency for N麻豆原创 which has given my team and me the opportunity to create a handful of TV commercials for the University. The goal of this project was to inform the audience about N麻豆原创鈥檚 full range of degree programs while simultaneously delivering the message that earning your degree can be accomplished remotely. For this campaign we produced two commercials. One which focused on the faces of people pursuing different degrees, called 鈥淥ne of These People鈥� and the other utilized a rotating set-piece designed to illustrate the ability to learn remotely, called 鈥淐hanges.鈥�

I certainly didn鈥檛 think when I embarked on this career path that I would be a part of creating ad campaigns for my alma mater, but it has been such a pleasure being on campus again and interacting with the community. We chose to feature almost exclusively students or alums in these two spots as a nod to the talent that lives within the N麻豆原创 family. That鈥檚 not something we get to do very often but it was a rewarding experience to see everybody rise to the challenge, especially on 鈥淐hanges.鈥� The rotating set-piece was a beast and our student set-hands handled it like pros! I walked around that set with tremendous pride for N麻豆原创 and my time spent there; it was an honor to get to tell a small part of the story of the community that has meant so much to me.

I often tell people that working in advertising is the perfect intersection of art and commerce. If I had attended a strictly arts school, I may have missed out on the opportunity to grow my mind in the ways of commerce. Conversely, if I had chosen a business school, the arts may have slipped through my grasp. At N麻豆原创, both pursuits are treated as not only equals, but interdependent. The simple fact is the well rounded education offered by N麻豆原创 has been essential to my career. Not just from the technical skills gained, but the whole-person mentality I was taught and modeled to pursue.

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Growing up in a small town outside of Portland, Kling went to a small public high school and developed into a good volleyball player, allowing for a chance to be recruited by N麻豆原创. With the opportunity to play college volleyball and the support of her parents, Kling decided to make the trek to Idaho, which remains one of the most influential decisions in her life.

鈥淚 came to N麻豆原创 as an 18-year old kid and have never really left,鈥� said Kling. 鈥淓ven with a few years working off campus after graduation, I have spent more time at N麻豆原创 than anywhere else in my life.鈥�

Kling attended N麻豆原创 and played volleyball for four years, from 2002 to 2005, before graduating in the spring of 2006 with a degree in Business Administration. After eight years working in the marketing department for Home Federal Bank, she returned to N麻豆原创 as the Athletics Office Manager. Over the last nine years, she has worked her way up the ladder in the Athletic Department to the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Development, a title she has held since the summer of 2022.

In 2002, Kling quickly realized that N麻豆原创 was the right place for her as a student and an athlete. The relationships that were made and the lessons learned had an incredible impact. Being in a new place with people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences was very influential, whether it came from professors, her volleyball team or other students.

One particular professor and class she looks back on fondly was an ethics class taught by Dr. Ralph Neal.

鈥淓thics opened my eyes to the circumstances of many people whose lives were different than mine,鈥� said Kling. 鈥淚 learned new ways to love and gained a much more holistic worldview.

鈥淚 felt like I was more equipped to go out into the world, and it has been a large influence in how I interact with others on campus as well as how I raise my children.鈥�

That ethics class and many of her business and marketing classes were instrumental in setting the tone for her work ethic and standard of excellence that she strives to achieve in her professional and personal life.

Kling also credits her time spent on the volleyball team as contributing to her development as a person while at N麻豆原创.

鈥淭he relationships that I formed on the volleyball team with my teammates and coaches have remained a big part of my life,鈥� said Kling. 鈥淭hey loved and cared about me, and the relationships were and are true and authentic as I am still surrounded by these people to this day.鈥�

While in the N麻豆原创 volleyball program, she experienced the leadership of two different head coaches. She started with Deb Bradburn for three years from 2002-04 before playing her senior season under the direction of Jared Sliger.

鈥淒eb was such an inspiration to all of us on the team,鈥� said Kling. 鈥淪he was in better shape than half of us and instilled a great work ethic. I still remember many things she told us and will quote them to my children now when they are playing sports.

鈥淎s a team, we all wanted to be great for her, perform well and make her proud, driving us to be our best at all times. She set a wonderful example, from her devotions to her work ethic, and remained positive despite any struggles or hardships we may have experienced.鈥�

Jared Sliger took over the volleyball program in 2005, and Kling looks back fondly on the one season she had with him as a coach, despite how short their time together was.

鈥淛ared jumped right in and took such good care of all of us,鈥� said Kling. 鈥淚 was particularly appreciative of how he included my husband Dan when he could. I was the only married player on the team that year, and he welcomed Dan as a part of our family.鈥�

That welcoming and inclusive theme at N麻豆原创 continues to be evident to Kling the more years she spends on campus. Family is the number one priority in her life, and she loves that leaders on campus and her coworkers have understood that and have helped and accommodated her whenever necessary to make that a reality.

Kelli Lindley has been especially instrumental as a mentor and friend. Lindley, now N麻豆原创鈥檚 Vice President for External Relations after spending eight years as the Director of Athletics, was Kling鈥檚 supervisor on campus for all eight of those years.

鈥淜elli has been such a massive mentor and transformative light during these last eight years,鈥� said Kling. 鈥淚 have always been so impressed by her and the relationships she is able to form with others. She was a great boss and hard worker, and her family did not suffer at the expense of that work ethic鈥攕etting a prime example for how I wanted my professional life to be.

鈥淲hen Kelli took over, she took the time to get to know me and my plan,鈥� said Kling. 鈥淚 have taken a few leaves of absence with maternity leave over the years, and I was fully supported and able to pick right back up where I left off each time, with Kelli鈥檚 full understanding, having done the same herself.

鈥淚 have been fulfilled professionally but not at the expense of my family, which I love and has been a true blessing. I鈥檝e been surrounded by mentors and others that are family people and have contributed greatly to my N麻豆原创 experience.鈥�

Now in her new role as Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Development, Kling desires that everyone who interacts with N麻豆原创 from off-campus can know and appreciate how great Northwest Nazarene University and N麻豆原创 Athletics is.

鈥淚 want people to see the value of N麻豆原创,鈥� said Kling. 鈥淒onors, community members, fans, anyone that comes into contact with our brand and our people. I want everyone to feel valued, and I want to establish true partnerships with them.

鈥淲e are the only NCAA Division II athletics program in the State of Idaho, and we have some of the best athletes in the nation right here in Nampa, and I want as many people as possible to know about that.

鈥淚 don鈥檛 necessarily interact with many of the athletes on a day-to-day basis, but what I do directly impacts them and their N麻豆原创 experience. I want that to be just as good, if not better, than my experience as a student-athlete.鈥� Kling鈥檚 experiences at N麻豆原创 and the habits she has formed as a result have led her to where she is now. She enjoys being able to have an impact on those students that are in the same place that she was.

鈥淚 know what it is like to be involved in different aspects of campus and understand the transformative power of N麻豆原创 for students, faculty and staff,鈥� said Kling. 鈥淚 believe that N麻豆原创 was the best place for me and can be the best place for many more students and staff in the future because people here genuinely care about others and want everyone to succeed.鈥�

鈥淎ll the relationships I have made here have helped instill loyalty in me and given me a great appreciation for what N麻豆原创 has to offer, and I hope to have a hand in leading many more people to realizing and experiencing the same thing in the years to come.鈥�

Photos Represented:
Header鈥擳he Athletics Staff, featuring Molly Kling
Article Insert鈥擬olly Kling, Assistant Athletic Director for Marketing and Development

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Dr. Reginald Finger, Class of 1976
2023 Alumnus of the Year Award

Dr. Reginald Finger grew up as an only child with dedicated Christian parents who modeled service, hospitality and consistent spiritual practices in his home.

Reginald鈥檚 first visits to NNC were as an Alaska Bible quizzer. There was no question of other colleges or universities; he only applied to NNC. By the time he came to campus as a first-year student, he already felt very much at home there.

As a mathematics major, Reginald made significant lifelong friendships, building on the relationships he鈥檇 made while a quizzer. Two years after graduating, he moved to Seattle for medical school, earning his MD degree, a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology and a preventive medicine residency credential from the University of Washington.

Ultimately, Reginald became a physician epidemiologist, researcher, embryo adoption advocate and public health professor. With resistance to his stance on sharing his Christian faith in medical settings, he was motivated by a desire to make changes that future Christian students wouldn鈥檛 have to battle against.

After completing medical school, Reginald became a state epidemiologist in Kentucky until 1997. He did medical policy research for Focus on the Family and then spent seven years writing, researching and speaking on embryo adoption.

In 2013, the opportunity arose to join the faculty at Indiana Wesleyan University. Reginald continued to teach there in the Master of Public Health program until his retirement in 2023.

Reginald has enjoyed leading chapels and devotionals periodically for the N麻豆原创 volleyball team since 2015. Moving to Nampa made it easier to participate in the receptions, awards events, games and special meals, as well as blessings for the seniors on Senior Day. This year, Reginald also gave a couple of mid-afternoon devotionals to the men鈥檚 basketball team. He continues to be involved in campus life at N麻豆原创, leading chapels and devotionals for the Nighthawks volleyball and basketball teams.

From 2020 to 2022, Reginald was involved in a project outlining the basics of 鈥淚ntegration of Faith and Learning鈥� for the Indiana Wesleyan faculty. During that time, he spoke at the Quadrennial Forum for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities in Dallas, collaborated on an article for the CCCU Advance periodical, hosted a series of webinars at IWU and recorded a podcast.

鈥淚 am deeply honored and grateful to receive this award,鈥� Reginald said. 鈥淚 was picked to represent a set of values and actions that N麻豆原创 promotes and that are exemplified by thousands of alumni and I鈥檓 delighted to celebrate the relationships I am part of because of N麻豆原创.鈥�

Because of his continued dedication to N麻豆原创, its alumni and students, N麻豆原创 is honored to present Dr. Reginald Finger with the 2023 Alumnus of the Year Award.

Eric Ely, Class of 1982
2023 Professional Achievement Award

While in Junior College at Treasure Valley Community College in Ontario, OR, Eric Ely was invited to a college Bible study at First Church of the Nazarene. It was through this Bible study that Eric came to Christ. Through an introduction with the head coach at NNC, Eric was invited to visit the campus.

Eric majored in Elementary Education at NNC. He went on a foreign basketball tour with the team to Mexico through Sports and Cultural Exchange International (SCEI). Eric continued to do several foreign evangelistic basketball trips with SCEI while attending NNC.

Eric played varsity basketball at NNC, track and field, and intramural softball, served as Class Chaplain, Dorm Chaplain and Ombudsman in Student Development, participated in Mission to the Cities and worked at the Golden Bell Nazarene Ranch, with Work and Witness teams, ROTC, Timeouts and helped at the Spanish Nazarene Church on occasion.

Before graduation, Eric had the opportunity to play basketball professionally in France for a year. He played with a pro team in a small town of about 15,000 people in Northern France. That team played in the Division 4 National Championship in Versailles, Paris. Eric was pegged as 鈥渢he Good American鈥� in the national sports paper La Voix Du Nord after the media saw him play in the final four of that championship game.

From N麻豆原创 in 1982, Eric went to Bible College at Grace Community Church in Los Angeles for a cross-cultural training program, which prepared him for his next three and a half years playing professionally in Brazil, helping his team to the National Championships each year. He attended a vibrant church there, where he met his wife, Regina Celia DeSouza.

After Brazil, Eric returned to NNC to work as an 麻豆原创 Counselor and assist with the women鈥檚 basketball team from 1986 to 1989 before taking a job in Orlando, FL, at Frontline Outreach, an inner-city mission.

He and Regina returned to work at NNC again in 1990 in the Office of Student Development as the Director of Residential Life until he became the first director of the new Office for Multicultural Affairs. This role identified the needs of minority and international students on campus and hosted prospective multicultural students considering the University as their college. In 1997, Eric was offered the opportunity to begin and develop an Office for Multicultural Affairs at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University in Ohio, which he accepted and implemented for two years. At the end of his second year there, Oral Roberts University offered him a position coaching an NCAA Division 1 women鈥檚 basketball team.

During the six years Eric served at ORU, his Mid-Major D1 women鈥檚 basketball team won the conference three times and advanced to the NCAA tournament, eventually losing twice to national champions Tennessee and Purdue. He was then invited to work at the University of Missouri in the Big 12 Conference as the recruiting coordinator, serving there for three seasons before returning to ORU in the summer of 2007.

Eric moved on to Oregon State University, where he helped rebuild the depleted PAC10 team, building a strong women鈥檚 basketball program from 2010 to 2020, going to the final four after six years, two Elite Eights and three Sweet Sixteens. They were ranked as high as #2 in the nation for women鈥檚 college basketball in 2016 and 2017.

Following that accomplishment, Eric was invited to be an assistant coach and translator for the AIA, USA University Games Pan American Team. The games were played in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and won the Gold by defeating Brazil in the championship. He and his wife, Regina, are both gold medal owners now.

The pandemic caused a job change for a while, with Eric volunteering with the Greater Corvallis Rotary Club, serving in senior citizen living facilities. That fall of 2020, Eric began working at Texas Tech in Lubbock, Texas, helping rebuild their program for two years. In the summer of 2022, he was invited back to Oregon State University, where he currently is the Director of Player Personnel and Assistant to the Head Coach.

鈥淢y education and training at N麻豆原创 have been the basis for all the opportunities I鈥檝e experienced as a Christian professional over the years,鈥� Eric said. 鈥淚鈥檓 certainly humbled and elated to receive this amazing award! N麻豆原创 has done a great job preparing students over the decades. I feel even more responsibility to continue doing the best I can in representing God, N麻豆原创 and all the alumni associated with N麻豆原创.鈥�

For his faithful service worldwide as a Christian professional, Eric Ely is the honored recipient of the 2023 Professional Achievement Award.

Dr. Dorothy (Ackerman) Butler, Class of 2013
2023 Leon Doane Young Alumnus Award

Dr. Dorothy (Ackerman) Butler began her college career at N麻豆原创, majoring in Elementary Education. While taking a general chemistry class for a science elective, she discovered a proclivity for chemistry. N麻豆原创鈥檚 professors鈥擠r. Tim Anstine in particular鈥� encouraged her academically and personally, calling out the potential he saw in her. Because of his encouragement, Dorothy switched her major to chemistry and never looked back.

During her time at N麻豆原创, Dorothy worked with Team SuperHydro and NASA. She and her team spent a few days in Texas, testing their experiment and participating first-hand in research aboard the Zero-G plane.

Between her junior and senior years at N麻豆原创, Dorothy was selected as an Amgen Scholar and moved to Seattle for summer research at the University of Washington, studying ways to tailor drug delivery mechanisms.

Dorothy was heavily involved at N麻豆原创, serving as an RA in Ford Hall, playing the flute in the N麻豆原创 concert band and a small ensemble, working at the Brick House, as a peer tutor and teaching assistant and as part of the student alumni council.

鈥淭he education and experience I received at N麻豆原创 were amazing, but the life lessons learned outside the classroom and the friendships were the best part,鈥� Dorothy said. 鈥淗aving professors and staff that care about your whole transformation鈥� is truly an incredible experience. At N麻豆原创, I learned the importance of being rooted in Christ, and I truly appreciate all the care and wisdom poured into me while there.鈥�

Following graduation, Dorothy started a doctoral program in chemistry at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. She spent the next five years earning her Ph.D.

While at Vanderbilt, Dorothy studied the role of human milk oligosaccharides (sugars) in providing protection against infectious diseases. Her first research publication was recognized with an Editor鈥檚 Choice designation and was the most-read article in 2017.

After completing her Ph.D., Dorothy moved to Northern Virginia for a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Cancer Institute. She researched at NCI for three years, studying the sugars found on cancer cells that can be used to treat and diagnose cancer. When the pandemic started, her research shifted to studying the antibodies to carbohydrates in COVID patients and how they may be related to some of the autoimmune symptoms experienced.

After NCI, Dorothy began a position as a science policy project manager at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. As part of that role, she worked on a project to make cancer clinical trials more accessible to patients. She then took a fellowship at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in their Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) as an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science & Technology Policy Fellow. In this role, Dorothy has had the opportunity to work on international trade policy. She is participating in an interagency group working on the plastic treaty negotiations happening in the UN over the next few years.

鈥淒orothy Ackerman Butler graduated from N麻豆原创鈥檚 Department of Chemistry in 2013 and has continued to pave the path for women in STEM, influencing many young hopefuls through outreach programs and teaching.鈥� 鈥擣rom Publication: INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF N麻豆原创: YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW

For her impressive accomplishments in her chosen field and for living out the values of N麻豆原创 in all areas of her life, N麻豆原创 is pleased to present Dr. Dorothy Butler with the 2023 Leon Doane Young Alumnus Award.

Eddie Miles, Class of 1994
2023 Distinguished Service Award

Eddie began his first year at NNC on a full-ride athletic scholarship in 1990 after transferring from Boise State University and playing for a Boise men鈥檚 soccer club team. He had no idea the impact his time there would have on his life.

Eddie majored in Business Administration and participated in community service, raking leaves, volunteering with special needs children who would come to swim in the NNC pool and as a volunteer tax preparer. He played soccer all four years, made lifelong friends, met his wife Christine and strengthened his relationship with God during college.

After graduation, Eddie began his career in banking, and from there, he moved into healthcare administration and medical management. Over the years, Eddie held positions as CEO of Medford Medical Clinic, Vice President at Memorial Physicians and the Vice President of Operations at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. In 2018, Eddie left medical administration and began working with The Dolsen Companies as their Chief Operating Officer.

Eddie鈥檚 nature was to serve; he always gave back in some capacity. He coached youth soccer teams, served on church boards, was the president of SOZO Sports and was a member of the White Pass Ski Patrol. A huge proponent of NNC, he jumped at the chance to join the Alumni Board in 2014 and eventually the Board of Trustees in 2019.

In September 2020, Eddie was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma brain tumor. He died on December 7, 2021, after a courageous 15-month battle during which he lived life to the fullest.

Because of his heart of service to every community he was a part of and his commitment to Northwest Nazarene University, N麻豆原创 is recognizing Eddie Miles posthumously as the 2023 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.

Congratulations to the 2023 Alumni Award recipients!

See Previous Award Winners

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MAJOR: MBA

FUTURE PLANS: Working as an independent sales agent in the textile industry

GRAD YEAR: Summer 2023

HOMETOWN: Aachen, Germany

FUN FACT ABOUT YOU: I did not know anything about Idaho, let alone Nampa, before I first came here from Germany in 2018.

FAVORITE N麻豆原创 MEMORY: The undergraduate ceremony. In Germany, we do not hold such ceremonies, so making this experience of walking and celebrating with friends and family was something I will never forget.

SOMETHING VALUABLE YOU LEARNED AT N麻豆原创: Things do not always go your way. Throughout my five years on the men鈥檚 soccer team, I faced a lot of struggles in terms of injuries and not being able to compete in the sport I love. However, teammates, coaches and trainers have always supported me and helped me overcome these struggles and helped me learn new perspectives that I would not have otherwise.

PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT FROM YOUR TIME AT N麻豆原创: Winning the GNAC Men鈥檚 Soccer Championship.

WHY YOU CHOSE CHRISTIAN HIGHER EDUCATION: Coming from a German background where schools are public and have no relation to any religion, it was great to have the opportunity to find a school that enabled me to combine education and my faith.

HOW DOES N麻豆原创 HELP CREATE HABITS OF HEART, SOUL, MIND AND STRENGTH? N麻豆原创 helps its students create habits of heart, soul, mind and strength by providing a caring educational environment that allows students to flourish as a student and as a person. Those habits not only are fundamental for your student-life but they will benefit you in your professional career as well.

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I will never forget my friends鈥� faces when I told them I was moving to Idaho.

鈥淲here even is Idaho?!鈥� they asked. Not only that, they wondered why I would leave the sunny, sandy and beautiful central coast of California for a rural state I had barely heard of that definitely had a winter season. It was a valid question.

Growing up in California, I didn鈥檛 even know what 鈥淣azarene鈥� meant. And I definitely didn鈥檛 know there was a denomination identified by the name. My childhood was spent in the California mountains surrounded by a family that simply couldn鈥檛 be defined without Jesus. Jesus was who we prayed to, looked to for guidance and whose presence we felt in the conversations we shared around our warped wooden dinner table. I was raised to love and follow Jesus, but I didn鈥檛 ever consider attending a Christian university. Sure, college was always my plan, but I had my hopes set on the central coast.

I think my visions of attending Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, stemmed from the same reason many students choose N麻豆原创. My mom was a student-athlete on campus and my grandfather was an English professor there for many years before I was born. It was in my blood; its green and gold school spirit practically coursed through my veins. And so, in the fall of 2013, I took my first steps on campus alongside approximately 20,000 other undergraduate students who already called Cal Poly home.

As I look back, Cal Poly truly changed my life. It was a large campus with great diversity of thought, rigorous classes and hundreds of events meant to broaden my thinking and immerse me in the greater community. I had the opportunity to push back and to disagree. Not only was it a space to grow my intellect but also my leadership and interpersonal skills. For two years, I was a Resident Advisor for on-campus apartments that housed around 1,000 students, and through that experience gained friends from different countries, religious backgrounds and walks of life. And while there was a considerable Christian representation on campus, Cal Poly opened my mind to a world without Jesus as its compass. It was instrumental in my development of self and offered a judgment-free space to figure out who I was and what I believed. Cal Poly helped me realize that if we never question our beliefs, are they ever truly ours?

After three incredible years, I decided to transfer. While I had countless memories of campus fun and late-night trips to the beach (a whopping 7-minute drive away), I was also coping with losing my dad to stage four lung cancer. My entire life, my dad was my best friend; he was a beautiful depiction of what a follower of Jesus should be. Unfortunately, cancer does not care about the state of a person鈥檚 heart鈥攊t is too intently focused on stopping its rhythm. When I lost my dad, I knew I could no longer stay at Cal Poly surrounded by all the memories; I needed time to heal. And N麻豆原创 opened her loving arms at just the right time, coaxing me to a place of rest and recovery.

So yes, I was a transfer student. And I didn鈥檛 choose Christian higher ed until halfway through college. But after over six months of prayer, my mom and I agreed that N麻豆原创 was where I was supposed to be. And if I am honest, I don鈥檛 know that I really did choose N麻豆原创. As silly as this might sound, I like to think the campus beckoned me. She was magnetic鈥攄rawing me in like a tattered childhood blanket and a warm cup of cocoa after a long walk in the rain. And she made quite the first impression. I remember visiting one weekend in early February to see what this Boise (pronounced boy-see) place was all about. I was instantly enamored with the beauty silently reverberating off the old brick buildings. I felt like I had gone back in time鈥攁nd as if I had found the place where I belonged.

That is why I chose Christian higher education and, more specifically, N麻豆原创. From its band of welcoming students and professors that are the lifeblood of campus to its unyielding peace amidst the seasons of change, N麻豆原创 is a place that pulls people in and becomes exactly what they need for that season. N麻豆原创 is where I met my husband (and believe me, I was not hoping that would happen); it鈥檚 where I found my best friend. It gave me professors who are still mentors and peers, and it was a soft landing when I needed it most鈥攁 place to protect me as I healed and grew. My time at Cal Poly was incredibly impactful, but it didn鈥檛 fully transform me from the inside out. For me, N麻豆原创 was the great role model, pushing me ever closer to becoming more like Jesus. I needed her community, her guidance, and her warmth鈥ven if I didn鈥檛 fully realize it until I no longer walked through her seasoned halls.

Without a doubt, I am better because of the time I spent on N麻豆原创鈥檚 campus and the people it brought into my life. And while Christian higher education is a 鈥╣ood option for some people, N麻豆原创鈥攚ith its deeply rooted love for Christ, transformation and community鈥攊s a great option for many. It absolutely was for me.

Bre Sheldon, 2018, Communications & Public Relations

Bre is currently the Communication Director at Midtown Church in Boise, Idaho.

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