Campus News from Summer 2009 "Tomorrow's Leaders Today"

Thayer called to serve as chaplain at Bethany College
Rev. Scott Thayer has been named to the dual position of Chaplain of Bethany College and Pastor of Bethany Memorial Church.

Thayer received his Bachelor of Arts from Central Michigan University, and a Master of Divinity from Yale Divinity School. He has completed coursework in theology from the University of Bonn, Germany, and Ph.D. work at Emory University in biblical studies.

Most recently, he served as Senior Minister at the First Christian Church in Tuscaloosa, Ala., where he also served as President of Campus Ministry Association at the University of Alabama. He is a member of the Outdoor Ministry Task Force, an Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Team member, and a member of Division of Mission in the Alabama-Northwest Florida Region of the Christian Church (DOC). He is also a board member of the Council on Christian Unity.

Thayer and his wife, Jeanne, are parents to 12-year-old Michael.

“Joy in resurrection” at Lexington Seminary
DisciplesWorld — Before a crowd of 400, Lexington Theological Seminary president James Johnson exclaimed, “I’m here to report that there is joy in resurrection!”

Rather that dwell on recent financial difficulties for the seminary, which largely stem from the global economic recession, Johnson focused his remarks on the signs of hopefulness surrounding the seminary’s new curriculum and pedagogical approach.

He named five indications that God is at work and that change is being well received: First was the successful completion of a court case surrounding LTS finances. “The court hearing didn’t have to turn out positive, but it did.”

Second, he cited financial support for LTS has increased 46% overall and 41% from alumni/ae, in the midst of the recession.

Third, he said, inquiries from potential students for 2010 are high.

Fourth, the strong work ethic and commitment of trustees impressed Johnson. Last January, for example, the trustees passed twenty reports — some of which were policies immediately enacted — in a marathon meeting. Normally this level of work would require many meetings.

Finally, Johnson praised the LTS faculty for their dedication to the seminary, its students and the ministry of the church and for their willingness to change quickly. “Generally higher education institutions, including seminaries, have not earned reputations for changing rapidly,” Johnson quipped.

Oklahoman, Oregonian receive ministry fellowships to attend Eureka College
Lindsay Rittgers of Midwest City, Okla., and Douglas Collins of Albany, Ore., have received Ministry Fellowships to attend Eureka College this fall.

The full-tuition, four-year scholarships are based on academic achievement, leadership and a desire to enter the ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The fellowship includes two mentorships with ministries related to the Christian Church. The program pays for the costs associated with the mentorships.

“Eureka College is pleased to welcome Lindsay and Doug to this ministry program,” said Eureka College Chaplain Bruce Fowlkes. “They have made leadership and service to the church their personal goals, and they will be wonderful additions to the Eureka College campus and the Eureka community.”

Barton College helps restock food pantry
Faculty and staff returning to Barton College brought more with them than the expected pencils and planners. Packages of non-perishable food items piled up as the Barton community answered Hope Station’s call for help.

Hope Station, an interfaith community agency located in Wilson, placed ads in the local newspaper asking for food donations to replenish their nearly exhausted supply. Luann Clark, administrative assistant to the vice president for administration and finance, read the notices and was moved to respond. Clark emailed the campus community and asked them to bring items to the opening College Assembly. They filled the back of a pickup truck and two additional boxes filled with late donations.

President loses his head; good samaritan returns it
For more than two months, a statue of James A. Garfield, former president of Hiram College and the United States, stood headless, unable to gaze on his alma mater. The head of the 95-year-old sandstone statue was stolen May 14, less than a week after its arrival on campus. On July 31, a good samaritan - not a suspect in the investigation - returned the head to police.

“We’re obviously thrilled to have the head back so that we can restore the statue to its original condition,” said Hiram College President Thomas Chema. “We’re grateful to the good samaritan who helped recover the head. The statue represents Garfield’s connection to Hiram and is a wonderful addition to our campus, sitting adjacent to our new Garfield Institute for Public Leadership.”