This newsletter from Bob Jones University President Steve Pettit is intended to inform BJU’s alumni and friends of student and faculty achievements and campus programs and activities. Communication regarding this newsletter may be addressed to [email protected].
- Message from the President
- BJU Holds 95th Commencement
- BJU Seeks Dean, School of Business
- Communication Students Present at 2022 SSCA Convention
- The Collegian Staff Win S.C. Press Association Awards
- 2022 Vintage Dedicated to Two Long-term BJU Staff
- EDUcamps Accepting Summer Registrations
- BJU Adds New Academic Programs
- Dr. Bill Lovegrove Receives 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award
- BJU Cinema Students Sweep 2022 NRB Film Competition
- BJU Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Living Gallery
- BJU Resumes Study Abroad Courses this Summer
- President Steve Pettit’s Speaking Schedule
- BJU Presents Samson et Dalila
- Summer Mission Teams in Africa and the Western U.S.
- Summer Mission Teams Aided by Student Investment Association
- The Brodys Recognize Athletic Achievement
- Summer Orientation
- Three BJU Graduating Students Commissioned into U.S. Army
- Construction and Renovations Occurring on Campus This Summer
- Biblical Worldview Summit Attended by All Faculty
Message from the President
As I addressed our 2022 graduating students at Commencement, I emphasized that they can expect constant change.
Change is built into nature. Seasons change. People change with age — save your college photo so that years from now you can look back and see how you’ve changed. Marriage brings about change.
Change is built into salvation. We experience a new birth. We are transformed from death to life. Our world is changed from darkness to light. We once had an old nature; now we have a new nature. As we grow spiritually, we change.
Change is even built into being a responsible leader. The basic role of a leader is to appropriately lead through change. A leader is a change agent. Every day of my life I am faced with multiple decisions that involve change of some kind.
Today — your college graduation day — is a day of change. Tomorrow is going to be different. For almost all of you, you will be starting a life tomorrow that you have never experienced. It’s called life after college. It’s called a job. It’s called a wife or a husband.
While you will experience change, there will be some things that do not change. God will never change. Malachi 3:6 says, “For I am the Lord, I change not.” Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ the same yesterday and today and forever.”
God’s Word does not change. Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my Word shall not pass away.”
God’s reign doesn’t change. “But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever.”
These things are immutable, and we cannot change them.
For example, God has clearly established His moral values on the greatest issues of our day. Things like human life, human sexuality, and human race and justice are all spelled out clearly in the first 11 chapters of Genesis. They are not up for debate or negotiation, although they are very much debated in our culture today.
Another example is the BJU creed, which was written because of the issue of change. In the 1920s, some one-time Christian universities abandoned their faith standards and commitments. In contrast, the BJU creed written at that time is a statement of the unchanging beliefs of all true Christians regardless of their protestant denomination. If a Christian remains true to this creed, he shall be true to God. The creed is not up for negotiation or change. We will continue to affirm the creed daily in Chapel.
For the last several years, we have emphasized Learn. Love. Lead. I want to add another word this morning, and that is “live.”
Live with conviction. Stand on what is eternal. There are only three things that are eternal — God, His Word and the souls of men and women.
Live intentionally by orienting your life around these eternal realities.
Live by principle so that you can make an impact on the world for Jesus Christ. Be a person driven by what you believe.
BJU Holds 95th Commencement
May 6 at 2 p.m., Bob Jones University held its 95th Commencement, awarding 650 degrees to the Class of 2022 — 56 associate degrees, 514 bachelor’s degrees, 78 master’s degrees, a doctor of ministry and a doctor of philosophy. Students earned these degrees in 83 academic majors.
Graduates were from 29 countries, including the United States. In the U.S., they represented 46 states and U.S. Territories; 231 had at least one parent who is a graduate, and 194 had a sibling who is a current student.
At the annual Awards Ceremony, Thursday morning, May 5, various society and association awards were given, including the Society of the Year awarded to the Theta Sigma Chi Colts and the Association of the Year given to the Public Policy Organization. Forty-three academic-related awards and scholarships were presented by academic school, and personal awards were given in nine categories. In the personal category, the Highest Scholastic Average for the year was awarded to Elizabeth Olson, a rising sophomore majoring in premed/predent from Toronto, Ontario, and the highest over four years was awarded to Erick John Ross, from Greenville, South Carolina, graduating with a BS in computer science.
In addition, 10-, 20-, 25- and 30-year service awards were presented to members of the faculty and staff. Forty-year service awards were presented to Katie Leedy, Advancement Office staff; Kathy Pilger, mathematics faculty; and David Wilson, utilities staff. Connie Collins received her 50-year service award.
Retiring faculty and staff were also acknowledged: Ramona Anest, Pete Brower, Dave Brown, Charlotte Burke, Alan Carper, Connie Collins, Dave Eoute Sr., Don Jacobs, David Lehman, Faye Lopez, Anna Parker and Mike Worley.
A Baccalaureate service was held Thursday evening, with Dr. Matt Morrell, pastor of Fourth Baptist Church and President of Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Plymouth, Minnesota, as the speaker. Dr. Morrell graduated from Northland International University in 1998, earned a master of divinity from Central Baptist Theological Seminary in 2002 and completed a doctor of ministry from Northland International University in 2010. He has taught in multiple venues at home and overseas, including ministering at Central Baptist Seminary’s Romanian campus and at Faith Baptist Bible College in India.
BJU Seeks Dean, School of Business
Bob Jones University is seeking an academic dean for its School of Business. The position offers the opportunity to build an educational experience that fully prepares Christian leaders for careers in the business world. It is a 12-month position reporting to the provost.
Started in 1947, BJU’s School of Business has approximately 400 students, 15 faculty, six academic programs and 4,800 graduates.
Some of the many responsibilities of the dean include: leading a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship; creating and communicating a vision and strategic direction for the School; developing a multi-year plan for growth; engaging and building relationships with prospective and current students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community; engaging faculty in continuous assessment; focusing on faculty development; overseeing daily operations; establishing a team environment that strives for excellence and results; and cultivating BJU’s biblical worldview emphasis.
A master’s degree and five or more years of related experience are required; a terminal degree is preferred. Candidates should exhibit a Christian life that shows evidence of a close relationship with Christ and be ministry and community minded.
For more information, contact BJU’s Human Resources Department at bju.careers or Dr. Gary Weier, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, [email protected].
Communication Students Present at 2022 SSCA Convention
Three graduate students from Greenville — Erica Connors, Patricia Duarte and Ashlyn Hunt — in the communication studies program presented academic papers at the 92nd Annual Southern States Communication Association Convention April 6–10 at the Hyatt Regency Greenville.
Prior to the convention, students from across the region submitted papers for consideration in SSCA’s competitive, blind review process. Erica Connors (“Culture and Community: Exploring Intercultural Competence through Diversity”), Patricia Duarte (“Knowledge, Mindfulness, and Skill: How People with Transnational Identity Learn to Navigate Workplace Dynamics”) and Ashlyn Hunt (“I Just Want to Be Green: Exploring How Third Culture Kids Experience Belonging”) were invited to present their research during panel discussions.
In addition to being selected to present her work, Erica Connors received the Top Graduate Student Paper Award in the Intercultural Communication Division.
“In the communication studies program, graduate students learn to conduct both quantitative and qualitative research that is necessary for the academic and professional arenas,” says Dr. Charlotte Burke, BJU communication faculty. “Our students make professional application of their research by performing a communication audit for a corporate client. The BJU communication faculty are proud of our graduate students and the exceptional academic and professional work they produce as students and later as professionals.”
Southern States is a regional association of communication scholars. The Southern States Communication Association’s purpose is to promote the study, criticism, research, teaching and application of the artistic and scientific principles of communication.
The Collegian Staff Win South Carolina Press Association Awards
The South Carolina Press Association (SCPA) recognized staff members of BJU’s student newspaper, The Collegian, with multiple awards on March 18.
The SCPA Collegiate News Contest recognizes the best in South Carolina collegiate journalism. Collegiate staff members compete against students from other colleges and universities in 12 categories, including writing, design, photography and illustration. BJU competes in the Collegiate Under 5,000 (students) division.
BJU students were awarded four first-place awards:
- Arianna Rayder, junior graphic design major, Porter Corners, New York — Specialty Page Design
- Johnathon Smith, junior, journalism and mass communication major, Burton, Michigan — Feature Story
- Andrew Thompson, junior premed/predent major, Stapleton, Alabama — News Story and Arts and Entertainment Story
Melia Covington, senior graphic design major, Landrum, South Carolina, was awarded second place, Photography.
Five students earned third-place awards:
- Nathaniel Hendry, junior communication major, Knoxville, Tennessee — Photograph
- Catherine Reynolds, senior English education major, Eden, North Carolina, and Jewel Schuurmans, senior journalism and mass communication major, Sioux Falls, South Dakota — Sports Story
- Lindsay Shaleen, junior multimedia journalism major, Hanahan, South Carolina — Sports Photograph
- Olivia Thomas, senior journalism and mass communication major, Greenville, South Carolina — Column or Editorial Writing
In addition, The Collegian staff won third place in the General Excellence category, which recognizes the staff’s overall achievements from Dec. 2020 through Nov. 2021.
“These awards recognize the hundreds of hours staffers have invested in the paper this year,” said Betty Solomon, faculty advisor for The Collegian. “I’m especially proud to receive these accolades as we celebrate The Collegian’s 35 years of award-winning journalism.”
2022 Vintage Dedicated to Two Long-term BJU Staff
The 2022 Vintage is dedicated to longtime staff members Betty Fagge and Shirley Canaday, who combined have served BJU for nearly 94 years. Both are totally committed to the University’s mission and its community of students, faculty, staff, retirees and alumni.
Serving 49 years, Betty Fagge began as a student worker and continues today as executive assistant to the former university president and current chancellor, Dr. Bob Jones III.
While enrolled in BJU’s one-year business program, Betty worked in the business office and after graduation, became full-time assistant to the office manager. In 1975 she transitioned to BJU TV Ministries, where for over a decade, she served as a production assistant and managed the logistics for BJU’s weekly television ministry, Show My People. When production closed down, she became executive assistant to Dr. Bob Jones III.
As executive assistant to the president — now chancellor — since 1987, there is no way to determine the scope of the university projects supported by her office — from the expansion of undergraduate and graduate programs to the addition of buildings and the renovation of others — or the number of people she has influenced.
For her exemplary service, she was nominated by students to receive the President’s Second-Miler Award in 2005. Her colleagues describe her as “a load lifter,” “consistent,” “loyal,” and someone with a phenomenal memory of past events and names which often made their job easier.
The second co-dedicatee, Shirley Canaday, has served 45 years assisting three consecutive executive vice presidents. After completing a one-year business certificate from BJU, Shirley returned to her executive assistant position at Brown Transport Corporation in Atlanta. When her employer, Dr. Bob Wood, followed the Lord’s leading to become executive vice president for operations at BJU in 1977, she moved to Greenville to continue as his executive assistant.
Over nearly four decades working with Dr. Wood — and later Marshall Franklin — Shirley supported the University’s expanding business operations. She contributed to hundreds of projects, helping establish the business structure of BJU Press and the formation of University Medical Associates. She managed flight schedules and kept records of corporate aircraft. As the University prepared for regional accreditation, she supported the details of dividing the organization into two entities, BJU, Inc. and BJU Education Group.
In 2017, she received the Student Body Staff Appreciation Award for her numerous contributions to the University and gracious, helpful spirit.
Also in 2017, Shirley transitioned to academics, assisting Dr. Gary Weier, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. She supports the collective work of the academic deans, academic program changes and the interactions of the provost with our accrediting agencies and other university vice presidents as they lead major initiatives. She also assisted with the formation of the School of Health Professions and the School for Continuing, Online and Professional Education.
She is described by her colleagues as “self-sacrificing,” “hospitable,” “exceptionally kind” and “personable.”
For their 94 years of dedicated service to the Lord and Bob Jones University, the Vintage staff was honored to co-dedicate the 2022 edition to Betty and Shirley.
EDUcamps Accepting Summer Registrations
Bob Jones University offers a variety of week-long summer camps and sports camps, primarily June 6–July 29, for elementary, junior high and high school students. Openings are still available. For information on available camps, visit educamp.bju.edu and for sports camps BJUBruins.com.
BJU Adds New Academic Programs
At the recommendation of faculty and approval by the Board of Trustees, BJU will add two new majors in fall 2022 — BS, applied French for the professions, and BS, applied Spanish for the professions. These programs will provide a clear path to employment in high-demand fields where language proficiency is a key asset. They can be combined with a minor or a second major leading to a career.
In addition, an aerospace concentration is being added to the BS in engineering to prepare students for the increasing number of aerospace jobs and a teaching & learning concentration to the BS in educational studies to meet current student demand.
Six School of Religion courses are part of the BJU Core, which is required for all undergraduate students. Students taking all six required courses from BJU will automatically earn a minor in worldview studies beginning this fall.
Also new this fall are seven undergraduate certificates that develop student skills and lead to careers. They supplement the value of a student’s primary degree program. These certificates include animation, cinematic arts studies, digital media, public relations, Shakespeare performance, keyboard pedagogy and digital audio production.
Finally, a graduate certificate will be offered in instructional leadership to provide students with skills and resources to positively impact student learning.
Dr. Bill Lovegrove Receives 2022 Excellence in Teaching Award
Each year, the South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities — which BJU joined in 2021 — recognizes one faculty member from each of its 21 member colleges and universities with the Excellence in Teaching Award.
BJU faculty were given the opportunity to nominate a colleague for the award. Each dean then selected one nominee from their respective college or school, and from those selections the Dean’s Council named the BJU recipient. Criteria included being an effective teacher and engaged in professional development, scholarship, and institutional and community service.
Three BJU faculty were recognized as exceptional and dedicated to helping students succeed.
- Dr. Adele Dunn, Division of Management in the School of Business.
Her colleagues said, “Dr. Dunn is an outstanding professor and has demonstrated Christlikeness both in and out of the classroom. She pours herself into the lives of her students. She has been an integral faculty advisor to several project teams including the Elon Musk X-Prize team. She is a supporter of experiential learning.”
- Dr. Julie Hartman, chair of the Division of Educational, Child and Family Studies, School of Education and Human Services.
“Dr. Hartman is a go getter, always learning new things and has a passion that her students do the same. She is constantly researching best practices for her programs and for student opportunities. She is a master teacher and engages her students the entire class period.”
- Linda Abrams, Division of History, Government and Social Science, College of Arts and Science.
“Linda is actively engaged in developing her own pedagogy, and as director of the Center for Effective Teaching and Engaged Learning, she invests in her fellow faculty. She has earned the respect of students and colleagues. She has created a vision for excellent teaching and models the principles she teaches. Students LOVE her classes.”
The 2022 winner for Bob Jones University for Excellence in Teaching is Dr. Bill Lovegrove, engineering professor in the College of Arts and Science. Dr. Lovegrove just completed his 34th year of teaching. Colleagues said of him, “Bill is relentless in working toward the best possible learning experience with a biblical worldview. He is constantly reevaluating his pedagogical methods for ways of improving his approach. He reads broadly, thinks carefully, and does most everything in teaching with calculated intent to help students learn. He epitomizes excellence in teaching, connection to his profession, and a humble spirit.”
Dr. Lovegrove was honored at the SCICU dinner in Columbia, South Carolina, April 5, and received $3,000 for on-going professional development.
BJU Cinema Students Sweep 2022 NRB Film Competition
BJU cinema students were recently recognized at the annual National Religious Broadcasters (NRB) Convention March 8–11, at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee. This is the eighth time BJU students have entered the competition. They have won awards in the film category every year, sweeping the category the last two years.
NRB presents awards to undergraduate or graduate student intercollegiate NRB members for outstanding examples of radio, television and film production. The convention allows students to network with professionals in their fields and participate in workshops related to Christian media.
Submissions from BJU students and recent graduates in the iNRB Student Production Awards placed first, second and third. Cinema production graduates from 2021 and 2020 won awards:
- First Place — Faith Boardman, North Vernon, Indiana — “The King’s Distraction”
- Second Place — Gabriela Gaduh, Simpsonville, South Carolina — “Willow”
- Third Place — Mark Kamibayashiyama, Greenville, South Carolina — “For the Stage”
First-place winners received a trophy. Second and third place winners received certificates.
BJU students also competed in the 24-Hour Film Challenge held during the conference. Participants were given an envelope containing two props, a location, a theme and a line of dialogue that had to be incorporated into their film. They also had to find locations and actors in an unfamiliar city.
BJU entered teams that placed first and second. The first-place team comprised Alyssa Fanning, senior cinema productions major, Jonesboro, Georgia; Emilee Johnson, sophomore Biblical studies major, Cincinnati, Ohio; Mary McKinley, junior film and digital storytelling major, Travelers Rest, South Carolina; and Anna Sherwin, senior cinema productions major, Columbus, Ohio. They produced “Return to Sender.”
The second-place team — all film and digital storytelling majors — included junior Jacob Henson, Snellville, Georgia; junior Nathan Maze, Mather, Georgia; junior Matthew Post, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania; and sophomore Liam Shadwick, Taylors, South Carolina, created a film called “Out of Time.”
“It’s gratifying to see our students win awards for their work,” said Sharyn Robertson, head of BJU’s cinema department. “The training they receive in the cinematic arts produces well-rounded, competitive entries. The film project is a collaborative effort combining faculty mentorship, a student production crew and project-based training which helps bring the student’s overall vision to reality.”
BJU Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Living Gallery
Bob Jones University presented its annual Living Gallery with six performances in Rodeheaver Auditorium April 14–16. This year’s program drew people from 32 states in addition to South Carolina.
Living Gallery illustrates the Gospel narrative through a unique program that combines original drama, choral and orchestral arrangements, and live portrayals of classic works of art to celebrate Christ’s resurrection.
For this 25th anniversary production, the director and playwright for the inaugural Living Gallery in 1998 — Jeffrey Stegall and David Burke — created a fresh adaptation of the original play. With new scenes and characters, the play focused on Christ’s admonition, “Come unto Me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Woven through the program titled “Through the Darkest Day” was a play that followed the experiences of Christ’s followers between the crucifixion and His reappearance.
“Some of the pieces of art depicting moments in Christ’s earthly ministry were also incorporated in the first Living Gallery,” said Stegall. “They offer us the opportunity, not only to view remarkable works of art, but also to meditate on the overwhelming power of the cross.”
BJU Resumes Study Abroad Courses this Summer
After two summers of cancellations due to international travel restrictions caused by COVID-19, the University has started up its Study Abroad courses again this summer. Students can choose from seven for-credit courses:
- Art + Design led by Jay Bopp and Lewis Carl will study in Italy, May 18–June 2.
- A team of business students will study in Portugal under Dr. Adele Dunn and Dr. Robert Hucks from July 7 through August 6.
- Paul Radford will take two separate groups of students to study Communication in the U.K. — one in May and the second in June.
- Jeremy Patterson’s French team will study in France, May 10–June 7.
- A team of Global Health students will travel to Ghana with Dr. Amy Hicks and Dr. Bernard Kadio in the second of a five-year program to study the causes of malnutrition among children and provide intervention programs.
- A team of Spanish students led by Amos Kasperek will study in Spain for five weeks in May and June.
At least 60 students will participate in these programs this summer.
President Steve Pettit’s Speaking Schedule
June 14, Tuesday, p.m.
Inter-City Baptist Church
Bible Conference
4700 Allen Road
Allen Park, Mich.
July 4–8, Monday–Friday
The Wilds Teen Camp
1181 Deering Center Road
Deering, N.H.
July 10, Sunday
Lifepoint Baptist Church
12247 Navajo Road
Apple Valley, Calif.
July 11–15, Monday–Friday
Ironwood Teen Camp
49191 Cherokee Road
Newberry Springs, Calif.
July 18–22, Monday–Friday
Camp Chetek Teen Camp
730 Lakeview Drive
Chetek, Wis.
July 25–29, Monday–Friday
The Wilds Teen Camp
1000 Wilds Ridge Road
Brevard, N.C.I
BJU Presents Samson et Dalila
The Bob Jones University Opera Association presented three performances of Camille Saint-Saens’ Samson et Dalila in March. This dramatic opera, which debuted in 1877, portrays the biblical account of Samson as he turns his eyes from the God of the Hebrews to the worldly pleasures of the oppressive Philistines and the deceptive ploys of the temptress Dalila.
“Samson et Dalila is grand opera at its finest,” says Dr. Darren Lawson, dean of the School of Fine Arts and Communication. “The sets and costumes were equally grand.”
Over 200 students participated in the production — 160 were in the cast, 53 in the orchestra and 50 or so worked on costumes, makeup, wigs and staging. Three students were understudies for the guest artists.
There is probably no other place in America where 18- to 22-year-olds pull off grand opera with such professionalism. The guest artists were amazed and likened our students to a big regional opera company.
Summer Mission Teams in Africa and the Western U.S.
With the relaxation of many COVID restrictions, this summer BJU is once again able to send students out on two summer mission teams.
One mission team will be in Zambia from May 11 to June 1. This team is led by Katie Hickey of our university events staff and is made up of two graduate students and seven undergrads. The group is visiting Central Africa Baptist University, Faith Children’s Village orphanage, Life Songs schools and several local churches.
Their goals are to catch a vision for the work God is doing in Zambia and throughout Africa, network with local and international ministries, and better equip team members to serve in their own local churches and local ministries. The team is prepared to serve in youth ministries wherever they visit.
The second mission team of 12 students led by Bobbi Kopp of the Division of Nursing faculty is going to several recent church plants in Utah, June 3–14, to assist these church plants with a number of tasks, including camp.
The trip will expose our students to the great need for the Gospel in the West, as well as Mormon teaching and culture, and how to strategically present the Gospel in this context. The ultimate goal is to touch the students’ hearts and motivate them to consider moving to Utah to serve in a future church plant.
Summer Mission Teams Aided by Student Investment Association
One of five academic-related student associations in the School of Business, the University Investment Association helps students learn about investing and managing their financial resources. It emphasizes the importance of giving each year, raising money for a Christ-honoring cause.
Since the association began in 2015 through last year, it has raised and given away over $50,000. This year, they set a goal of raising $25,000 to support the university’s summer mission teams. They beat that goal by raising a total of $26,515.
Funds came from three sources — current member dues and asking former members to pay dues one more time. As a third source, students were asked to read The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn, which deals with the biblical foundation for giving. The members contacted alumni donors who pledged $217 per book read. One hundred eight students read the book.
The funds are being used to supplement what the mission teams themselves raised — with some left over which will go toward next year’s mission teams.
The students in the association also manage a real investment portfolio which they have grown from an initial $15,000 in 2015 to $35,000 in 2022.
The Brodys Recognize Athletic Achievement
On April 30, the athletic department held its annual awards ceremony known as The Brodys and celebrated athletic accomplishments during 2021- 2022. Eleven awards were given out, highlighting both individuals and teams.
Male Student-Athlete of the year was awarded to Henry Blair, who joined the men’s basketball team last fall and made an immediate impact averaging 19.6 points a game. The rising senior was also named the NCCAA South Region Player of the Year and was an All-American. The kinesiology major is from Ludowici, Georgia.
Delaney Edwards, sport administration and coaching major from Greenville, South Carolina, earned the Female Student-Athlete Award. She led the women’s basketball team in scoring and became one of only six players in program history to reach 1,000 points as a Bruin. She was also named First Team All-Region and All-American. In the post-season, she helped her team defeat Pensacola Christian College to win the South Region Tournament and advance to nationals.
Camila Miranda Silva, sophomore nursing major from Newberry, Florida, was recognized as the Rookie of the Year. Miranda played on the inaugural beach volleyball team and also indoor volleyball, helping her team capture their fourth consecutive national title. During the beach volleyball season, she played in one of the top pairings as the team saw a 6–11 record in their first season.
Moment of the Year Award went to Trevor Brunson, sophomore sport management major from Ramseur, North Carolina. In the regional basketball tournament, the #3-seeded Bruins faced the #2-seeded Trinity on their home court. It was a back-and-forth game, and coming up to the final buzzer, Trevor knocked down a contested three-point shot with seconds to go as the Bruins advanced to the regional championship, which they won for the first time since 2017–2018.
Comeback Player of the Year was Daniel Fuller, Biblical studies major from Easley, South Carolina. After an injury last season, Daniel battled back to help the men’s basketball team capture the regional championship.
Caroline Hartzler of the women’s soccer team was honored as Scholar-Athlete of the Year. The award is given for the highest GPA based on the number of credits earned. This is the second time she has received the award. From Greenville, South Carolina, Hartzler earned her degree in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Team of the Year honors went to the men’s soccer team, which completed the 2021 season with the best finish in program history. They outscored their regional opponents 22–1 in the regular season, won their second straight regional title, and captured their first national title since 2016.
Greg Fulton, who took over the men’s soccer team this year, was named Coach of the Year. When the team won the national championship, he was also named NCCAA national coach of the year.
The Brenneman Servant Award, named in honor of Sam Brenneman, who served for over 21 years in the university facilities operations, went to Dr. Brenda Schoolfield, who teaches in the Division of History Government and Social Science and serves as faculty liaison with the Bruins. Dr. Schoolfield was recognized for her testimony and love for the student-athletes.
Heart of the Bruin Awards went to Bethany Daulton, women’s basketball, and Caleb Felber, men’s soccer. Bethany was recognized for demonstrating a spirit of humility and service to her teammates and coaches, and Caleb was recognized for his leadership on and off the field. Both were members of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Bethany, from Greenville, South Carolina, received a BS in kinesiology on May 6. Caleb, from Whiteland, Indiana, earned his degree in composite social studies education.
Summer Orientation
Bob Jones University will hold two sessions of Summer Orientation this year, June 17 and 18 and June 24 and 25. These sessions are invaluable in helping incoming students know what to expect when they arrive on campus in the fall and streamline their first weeks of college life. Most students who attend complete registration for first semester classes while they are here.
At Summer Orientation, incoming students attend an Information Fair where they learn about campus services and opportunities and such things as meal plans, student employment and financial aid. They can take placement tests in English, languages and music, attend workshops related to their major or one on choosing a major if undecided, learn about student expectations and meet their first-year advisors to discuss their specific academic program.
And there are sessions for parents to prepare them for having a student at BJU.
For more information or to register, visit bju.edu.
Three BJU Graduating Students Commissioned into U.S. Army
On May 6, 16 ROTC students from Furman University’s Paladin Battalion were commissioned as Second Lieutenants in the U.S. Army. Three of the students taking the oath of office were BJU seniors who graduated from Bob Jones University that afternoon. BJU has crosstown partnerships with Furman University for Army ROTC and Clemson University for Air Force ROTC.
The three BJU students included Douglas Hammond, an information technology major from Anderson, South Carolina, who joined the Transportation Corps; ShyAnne Jones, a studio art major from Russell, Massachusetts, who joined the Ordnance Corps; and William Moyer, a sport management major from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, who became a member of the Field Artillery Corps.
Major General Brian Mennes, the Deputy Commanding General of the 18th Airborne Corps at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, was the guest speaker for the Commissioning Ceremony. BJU President Steve Pettit represented Bob Jones University.
Construction and Renovations Occurring on Campus This Summer
BJU will complete several campus improvement projects over the summer.
Gaston and Johnson Residence Halls
Work began on student living and learning spaces in Gaston and Johnson freshmen residence halls Monday morning following Commencement. Renovations will include creating more indoor common areas for study and gatherings, improving building entries and creating inviting common areas on the resident floors. The work will also include the installation of sprinkling systems and new fire alarm systems. Funds for these renovations are being raised through the Living & Learning Capital Campaign. Work will be completed by the time students return to campus in August.
Internet Upgrades
Internet access in all residence halls is being upgraded this summer. This will give students the type of internet access they enjoy at home.
Mack Building
BJU is building out computer science collaboration space on the second floor of the Mack Building, which is expected to be completed by the end of June. BJU is in negotiations with SermonAudio about occupying the space. If SermonAudio occupies the space, they can greatly benefit our students by providing access to the latest technology.
BJU Seminary Rotunda
BJU Seminary is renovating the rotunda of their building to provide seminarians with space to meet, relax and study with each other and faculty. Work is expected to be completed by the opening of the next academic year.
Biblical Worldview Summit Attended by All Faculty
On Monday and Tuesday after Commencement, the Center for Biblical Worldview hosted a Biblical Worldview Summit for all university faculty to demonstrate the value of a unified vision of biblical worldview and how the vision can impact strategies for developing biblical thinking, engaged learning and life mentoring in the classroom and beyond.
The keynote speaker was Rosaria Butterfield whose most recognized book, The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: An English Professor’s Journey into Christian Faith, recounts her conversion experience from an LGBTQ+ activist to her salvation and new life in Christ.
The summit also included workshops in which faculty shared strategies within their field that advance their subject area while presenting their subject from a biblical worldview. Bob Jones University believes it is absolutely essential that Christian students learn how to apply a biblical worldview to all aspects of life.
