AlumNews

2005 - Derek and Britton (Davis) Nuckols

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 14:30:34 GMT

Derek and Britton (Davis) Nuckols wish to announce the birth of their first child, a daughter, Piper Elizabeth on February 22, 2008 in Katy, TX. Derek works for Mustang Engineering and Britton is a full-time mom. Address: 6115 Plantation Forest Dr., Katy, TX 77449 and you can e-mail the family anytime at britton.nuckols@gmail.com

2005 - Matt Bell

Wed, 2 Jul 2008 13:42:30 GMT

Matt Bell received his Juris Doctorate from Faulkner University Jones School of Law in May 2008. He plans to further his education by completing an LLM in International Business and Trade at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, IL.

Faculty Facts: Dr. Darin Martin

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 18:20:14 GMT

Dr. Darin Martin
Title: Assistant Professor of Education
Hometown: Bartlesville, OK
Office Phone: 405.425.5433
Email: darin.martin@oc.edu

Degrees: Harding University - B.A. in Elementary Education
Harding University - M.Ed. Education Curriculum
Oklahoma State University - Ed.D. Education Administration

Bio: "I love teaching tomorrow's teachers. Our candidates and faculty are dedicated, caring, and focused on excellence." Dr. Darin Martin is interested in classroom technology and peer evaluations. He is in the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the International Society of Technology in Education. He is a superintendant certification, and he was an Oklahoma principal. His favorite memory of OC was "helping on the 2005 hurricane relief trip in Port Arthur, Texas." He attends Memorial Road Church of Christ, and he is a Bible class and VBS teacher.

OC Podcast: Rwanda Initiatives

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:51:05 GMT

This week on the OC Podcast, Ann talks to Dr. Nathan Mellor, Vice President of Community Engagement at OC and Dr. Brian Bush, Managing Directory of OC’s ‘.

For those unaware, there are many exciting initiatives on the Oklahoma Christian University campus to bless and be blessed by the country of Rwanda and its people. Many members of the OC community have taken their different gifts and used them to raise money and awareness for the country of Rwanda.

Links to the initiatives mentioned in the podcast are as follows:

Wishing Well- a student led organization dedicated to bringing clean drinking water to Africa
Rwanda Outreach and Community Foundation
Peace through Business- Rwanda- training Rwandan businesswomen
Rwandan Presidential Scholars- 30 Rwandan students studying on the OC campus

Listen to the interview to learn more about what is going on in our own backyard and how you can get involved. Click the "Audio" button to listen in your browser, the "iTunes" button to subscribe in iTunes, or the "RSS" button to subscribe using another service:

Subscribe:

iTunes

RSS

Businesswomen helping to build nationwide bonds

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:47:24 GMT

By Clytie Bunyan
Business Editor - The Oklahoman

Businesswoman Terry Neese is dizzy with details these days. She's trying to tie up loose ends for 30 women participating in this year's Peace Through Business program.

She's had to work with governments in two countries — Afghanistan and Rwanda — and deal with travel agents, the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development to make sure the women get their visas on time.

"The most difficult thing is the visa process,” Neese said. "It's very traumatic.”

The program began last year, when Neese's organization Women Impacting Public Policy brought 12 Afghan women to Michigan and Oklahoma for five weeks of intensive study and one-on-one mentorship.

Along the way, the organization under went a name change, with the State Department prompting that "you can't go into these countries with a name like ‘WIPP'” and expect a favorable response, Neese said.

So WIPP was renamed the Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women.

July 17, 15 more Afghan women will return to attend a comprehensive entrepreneurship program at Northwood University in Midland, Mich. They're hoping to go back to Afghanistan to experience some of the same gains their counterparts from last year have reported — strong business after implementing their business plans they learned to develop here.

Expanding the program
The other 15 women will precede the Afghan group, arriving Thursday in Oklahoma, from Rwanda. Their participation is a result of a call Neese got from Oklahoma Christian University President Michael O'Neal after he read about the program last year.

He suggested she expand the program to include women from Rwanda.

"The women of Rwanda are a rising economic and societal force in their nation,” he said. Taking capable women who need more training, experience and connections and bringing them to OC for an entrepreneurial boot camp is another way to "build on a nation-building effort,” O'Neal said.

Neese told O'Neal if Oklahoma Christian could create a curriculum and provide room and board, she would get the women here. The women also will have to shadow local businesswomen, who will continue to be mentors for a year.

O'Neal delivered.

His interest in hosting the women stemmed from an already established relationship with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, after having been his guest there in 2004 with some of the university's trustees. Kagame had invited the trustees to Rwanda during a meeting in Minneapolis. When they visited Rwanda, O'Neal tagged along.

What's transpired since is a partnership that brought Kagame to OC in 2006 and allows 10 of that country's smartest young students each year to attend the university.

"We saw a tremendous opportunity to have a different outcome in Africa. (Kagame's government) are people who believe in free markets and most of the same principles of liberty that have blessed this nation, so we began efforts to help the country,” O'Neal said.

Helping Rwanda
OC now has four initiatives under way to help Rwanda, including 30 students it partially sponsors (OC and Rwanda share the costs).

The Institute for Economic Empowerment of Women raised about $500,000 to bring both groups of women to the U.S. this year and Neese envisions the program will continue.

"I understand what they're going through,” she said of the women's desire to learn more about entrepreneurship. "I started with no money, no business plan and no management skills.”

The women from Rwanda will be in Oklahoma until Aug. 2.

1999 - Dave Blanchard

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:11:51 GMT

Dave Blanchard (99) completed a Masters of Divinity from Abilene Christian University on May 10, 2008. He now serves the Livonia church of Christ in Livonia, Michigan, as the full time youth minister. Dave and Caryn (Hale 99) have three beautiful children, Lily 6, Elijah 3, and Micah 1.
Email: lilyspad7@yahoo.com

2006 - Filipe Nunes

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:12:44 GMT

Filipe and Jennifer Nunes just adopted a little girl from Guatemala. Her name is Shiloh and she just turned one!

2006 - Eric Silvestri

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 18:08:55 GMT

Eric and Tara Silvestri just adopted a little boy from Ethiopia named Malak. He is 10 months old and is one of the cutest thing's I've ever seen!

Professor honored as AMA Member of the Year

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:23:30 GMT

Dr. Burt Smith, Professor of Business at Oklahoma Christian University, has been named the American Marketing Association’s Member of the Year by the Oklahoma City Chapter.

Dr. Smith is the author of the book “The Great Game of Networking,” and he is an accomplished entrepreneur. He is the past president of the American Marketing Association (AMA) and a former board member for the OKC Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Smith is a National Chapter Excellence Award Winner, and was among thirty-nine Oklahomans honored in the Journal Record’s “Achievers Under 40” Centennial Class.

His academic interests include: organizational design, marketing management, strategy, small business, branding, and customer satisfaction. Dr. Smith is the co-sponsor for the Marketing Student Advisory Council and the student AMA chapter. He says he works at OC “because I love serving the mission. I really feel called to be here.”

To learn more about the Fast-Track MBA program, click here.

Bush named Managing Director of Academy

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:22:00 GMT

Brian Bush, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Oklahoma Christian University, has been named Managing Director of OC’s Academy of Leadership and Liberty.

In his new position, Bush will be responsible for the Academy’s general operations, program development and events, including The Hatton W. Sumners Distinguished Speaker Series, the Oklahoma Leadership Academy, iDebate, Constitution Day and Peace Through Business Rwanda.

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome Brian to our team,” Academy Executive Director, Nathan Mellor said. “His experience will be invaluable as our program expands, and he has great insight into our purpose.”

Bush has served in a variety of leadership positions, including Assistant Dean of Students to his alma mater, Harding University in 2005, and Assistant D.A. for the state of Oklahoma in 2004. Still licensed in Oklahoma, Bush is presently admitted to the Oklahoma Bar, the United States District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, and the Court of Indian Offenses in Anadarko, Okla.

“I was pleasantly surprised when this opportunity came to me,” Bush said. “Training tomorrow’s leaders is one of the most important things we can do in my opinion, and I am excited to help the Academy grow.”

In Corporate and Foundation Relations, Bush worked to build relationships with local foundations and corporate partners while overseeing the writing and administration of grants that benefit the OC community.

Assisting OC President Mike O’Neal and the Academy’s Executive Director in various civic, foundation, and governmental relations also fall under Bush’s new responsibilities. He also serves as a liaison between the OC community and the professional legal, tax, and accounting communities, and judicial and governmental officials while overseeing general operations of the Academy including the preparation of budgets and supervising of Academy staff.

Bush graduated from Harding University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and then attained a Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 2003. Bush was active in the student body throughout both college experiences, serving as student body president his senior year at Harding, and as chairperson for the steering committee for Oklahoma Close Up state government studies program while at OU.

Bush and his wife, Becca, have one son, Tyler. They are members of the Edmond church of Christ.

1999 - Phillip Woolley

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:28:28 GMT

Phillip graduated OC in 1999 and is currently working as an educator with Hyland Christian School in Broomfield, CO.

Degree(s)? B.A.

Major? History

What are you most known for? Living abroad in Thailand and China and teaching

What is your true calling? Foreign Service Officer, Politics

How'd you find this calling? Through my travels overseas and living as a U.S. Expat

What is your biggest personal or professional achievement so far? Being an Athletic Director and commissioner of the Front Range Christian Athletic Association

What is your proudest moment? Helping tsunami victims in Thailand

What is the biggest professional or personal hurdle that you've overcome? Leaving everything familiar to me, and living in a new culture at another part of the world.

What is something people should know about you that is not on your resumé? I have worked in Golden Gate State Park, as a Trail technician, and have have coached rugby, swimming, volleyball, basketball, and track and field.

Life's motto? Don't ask, just eat.

Your inspiration? Christian brothers and sisters around the world have greatly inspired me in my walk in life.

Teamwork or fly solo? I tend to fly solo, when I've left my team behind.

If you woke up tomorrow and had to start a new career, what would it be? Press Secretary

How do you plan to self improve? Learning new skills to further my career, possibly graduate school in Foreign Relations, Foreign Policy, and travel the rest of the world.

What advice do you have for future generations? Travel, and learn a second language.

Describe yourself in 3 words? Daring, caring, generous

Causes you support? www.savedarfur.org www.enoughproject.org Change the World, It Just Takes Cents

How do you spend your down time? Reading, watching movies, playing with my nieces and nephews, and staying as young as possible.

Passions and diversions? Music, listening playing and watching.Books, learning new languages, eating ethnic foods, watching, just watching.

Stress relievers? One of my favorite movies I could watch over and over again.Traveling, and getting lost.

What's next for you? Hopefully passing the Foreign Service Test, and working my way towards becoming a U.S. Diplomat

What are you working toward? Becoming a Diplomat

How will you make your mark? Working for my country that I love, and hopefully making a difference in someone's life.

2007 - Christina Stokes

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:25:12 GMT

Christina graduated OC in 2007 and is currently working as an English Language and Culture teacher for Junta de Andalucia in Spain.

Major? TEFL with a Spanish minor

What are you most known for? To people at my church and in my life, I am know as a Stokes girl, my parents daughter and a world traveler who cannnot get enough international culture experience. :)

What is your true calling? I think that God has put in me the desire to travel and explore the world he has created, as well as a love for languages. Experiencing new cultures and learning to love people from all over the world is what I want to do.

How'd you find this calling? The people at my church, in my youth group and mentors, helped to encourage me to live out my dreams and God has led me through the highs and lows to put theses things in my heart.

What is your biggest personal or professional achievement so far? I think that as of now, my biggest achievement (personally), is moving to another country and living there on my own. To support and live in a foreign country and begin a life from the ground up. It was such a growing and hard experience that I would not trade for anything.

What is the biggest professional or personal hurdle that you've overcome? I think that the biggest hurdle to overcome is to break free from the stereotype and personality that I have defined myself within and see the new ways that God can use me, if only I would let him.

Your inspiration? My inspiration comes from many people... my parents have encouraged me to find what God has planned for me and to run at it without holding back; different people from my church community who helped to show me how to make my dreams a reality; and my different teachers who encouraged me to never settle for less than the best and work towards the best!

Teamwork or fly solo? I think that teamwork is a great way to better yourself and others. There is no way that I can think of everything and in different areas I fall short, but when you work with a team, the other people can support each other and make up for what you lack.

If you woke up tomorrow and had to start a new career, what would it be? If I had to change careers I think that I would be a doctor, to offer medical aid in other countries; a counselor, to help people and meet them where they are at; or an archologist, because I always wanted to be Indiana Jones. :)

What advice do you have for future generations? Live life to the fullest and never hold back. Don't let fear keep you from trying new things and following your heart.

Describe yourself in 3 words? adventurous, dreamer, and wide-eyed

How do you spend your down time? I love to read and to be with my friends. I enjoy working with kids and hanging out with my family.

Passions and diversions? I love soccer and shopping. I am obsessed with reading a good novel and love to see movies. I love my church and the people there. I enjoy playing with children and hanging out with all my little friends.

Stress relievers? When I am stressed, I try to redirect myself. I might take a nap or a hot shower. I might stop what I am stressing myself over and work on another project and come back later with a fresh mind and prospective.

What's next for you? I hope to work in the States with the international and immigrant community. I would love to find a job that allows me to work with people and realte to them in realistic ways.

What are you working toward? I want to one day live in a foreign country and immerse myself into another culture. I would love to work as a relief aid worker as well.

How will you make your mark? I want to change and make a difference in at least one life and influence them to change another life.

2004 - David and Nichole (Broyles 04) Brookman

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:10:40 GMT

We announce the birth of our first child. A little boy named Ryan Samuel, born April 7th, 2008. He weighed 7lbs 3oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. Ryan is a miracle from God that we've prayed for for a long time.

2001 - Stephen Ball

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:20:40 GMT

The following article appeared in the Daily Oklahoman on Sunday, June 15, 2008 about 2001 OC alumnus and National Alumni Council member, Stephen Ball:

Manager of theme park says he's 'just a big kid at heart'

By Debbie Blossom

On a wall in the office of Frontier City general manager Stephen Ball hangs a large, framed photograph of a crowd of park visitors watching a staged Western-theme gunfight.

And in one corner, along with his brother and parents, is a very young Ball, soaking it all in.

"That's me,” said Ball, who clearly remembers that long-ago day at the park. "My family probably came here once a year during the 1980s.”

It might seem like fate that an adoring fan of the 50-year-old Oklahoma City Western theme park is now its manager, but in reality the Guthrie native's long association with Frontier City and his loyalty to what it represents are behind his rise to the executive suite.

In March, after working his way up the job ranks for 17 years, Ball was named general manager by the Frontier City's new owners.

This is my dream job,” he admits. And though it may have seemed like an awfully long ride to the top, it never bothered Ball.

2004 - Andrea (Goedeke) Love

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:05:54 GMT

I would like to announce the birth of Madison Rae Love on June 6, 2008. She weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. and is 20 inches long.

Email: drewsmile74@yahoo.com

1991 - Richard Hopkins

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:04:35 GMT

Rich has qualified for the 2008 World Championship Public Speaking for Toastmasters International - emerging victorious over 7 other speakers from California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, and British Columbia. He will compete in Calgary, Canada on August 16.

This is Rich's second trip to the championship - he took the bronze in 2006.

Email: rich.hopkins@gmail.com

2000 - Melody (McCoy) Rabbitt

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:02:25 GMT

Tim and Melody (McCoy) Rabbitt want to announce the birth of their son, Treyton James Rabbitt, on March 14, 2008. He joins stepbrother, Trevor(16), and stepsister, Andrea(13). Email: mathlover05@peoplepc.com

2006 - James Prather

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 22:28:11 GMT

Two OC alumni, James Prather (Computer Science, 2006) and Robert Nix (Computer Science, 2006), have decided to create a start up company. A third Alum, Wes Baucum (Computer Science, 2007) is also helping. The company is called Scarlet Dragon Entertainment, LLC, and its main product will be a multiplayer online video game. Using a tested and very successful and lucrative revenue system of providing a free game with purchasable in-game items, we will be providing the game to a relatively niche market by utilizing the web browser as its platform. We have been testing a version of the game for the last four years and have gathered significant experience in creating and sustaining a browser-based multiplayer video game with over 20,000 players having played the game at one time or another during the last four years. All previous work on the game has been done in our spare time since we have full time jobs. This summer we have decided to seek serious angel funding around $400,000 to allow us to work on it full time. We're taking all that we've learned and applying it in reshaping the game and taking it to a professional level. We have a business plan and a project time-line with major milestones and goals. We are managing to stay on schedule thus far thanks to the many evening and weekend hours we've been putting into it. Being relatively recent graduates, the problem is that we don't know anyone who can invest this much capital into our company. We are very passionate and very serious about making an amazing product and only need help to get it off of the ground. We would be very happy to talk with anyone interested who would like to help fellow alumni. We can be reached via e-mail at jrprather@gmail.com or via phone at 817-456-5100. We live in Dallas, TX, so if anyone interested is within a few hours drive (including the OKC/Edmond area) we'll drive to meet you.

Family Fun Night is this Friday night

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:32:42 GMT

Register today for Family Fun Night at Oklahoma Christian!

A free cookout, inflatable games, pony rides, and a great family-friendly film, are just some of the many exciting and fun activities to look forward to. Best of all, at Family Fun Night... everything is FREE!

The kids carnival and cookout begin at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn of Lawson Commons just west of the Freede Centennial clock tower and are followed by a showing of Disney Pixar's ”Ratatouille” at dusk.

Families that register online at www.oc.edu/familyfun by June 18 will be entered into a drawing to win a free iPod Touch to be given away at Family Fun Night. There will also be a drawing for passes to Frontier City and Whitewater Bay.

This will be a great evening of fun for the whole family… so grab the kids, bring your lawn chairs or blankets, and come early to get a good seat!

You must be present and pre-registered to win the iPod and theme park tickets. For more information, visit www.oc.edu/familyfun.

2003 - Chris Newey

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:27:08 GMT

Chris graduated from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine on May 17, 2008, and will be completing his residency training in neurology at the Cleveland Clinic.

Dell D620 laptops for sale

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:58:26 GMT

IT Services at Oklahoma Christian will begin selling 2-year-old Dell D620 laptops starting next Tuesday, June 18. There are only a limited number available. These machines are being sold as is. They are fully functional, but not necessarily cosmetically perfect. They have about two years of Dell warranty and Complete Care left. The computers will come with an operating system only (Windows XP) and no other software. After purchase, the machine will no longer be serviceable by Oklahoma Christian, but the warranty will be transferred and can be used through Dell.

All of the computers will be sold on a first come, first served basis. To be placed on a waiting list to purchase a computer(s), please e-mail robin.beam@oc.edu with your requested purchase(s). The machines are priced at $580 and the Oklahoma City sales tax (8.375%) is included in this price for personal purchases. We will accept cash, checks or credit cards for the purchase.

The hardware specs are listed below:

•2.0GHz Intel Core Duo Processor
•14.1" Wide WXGA+ LCD screen
•Intel Integrated Graphics Media Accelerator 950
•1.0GB RAM standard (1 DIMM), 4GB Maximum
•60GB 5400 RPM Hard Drive
•Internal 56K Modem
•10/100/1000 Ethernet Card
•802.11 a/b/g wireless
•24x/10x/24x/8x CDRW/DVD combo drive
•Touchpad and Pointing Stick
•6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
•4 Year Warranty (2 years remaining)
•Dell Complete Care
•6.0 lbs

Please feel free to e-mail or call Robin Beam with any questions at 405.425.1803.

Leadership development opportunity for alumni in Edmond

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:42:53 GMT

EDMOND, OK – Applications for Leadership Edmond Class XXIV are now available on the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce’s website. The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. on August 1, 2008 with an early-bird discount for applications turned in by 5 p.m. on July 18, 2008.

Leadership Edmond is a leadership development program designed to provide community leaders with a deeper understanding of the critical issues affecting the Edmond area. This program also provides an ongoing source of diverse leaders who are prepared and committed to serve as catalysts and sustainers of positive change for the quality of life in the Edmond area. The program is presented by Edmond Medical Center.

Participants receive in-depth exposure to the critical issues facing the community through lectures, discussion groups, on-site visits, simulations and other leadership development activities. Participants also get a chance to meet key community leaders.

Class sessions, usually the second Monday of each month, September through May, are day long events held in the Edmond area, depending on the topic for the class. The location and format of each session is different.

The program enables participants to develop their leadership capacities, build strong relationships and prepare themselves for the challenges of years to come. The 2008-2009 class will be the 24th class of Leadership Edmond.

Class size is limited to 35 individuals. Class members are selected to represent a broad range of occupations and backgrounds.

For more information on the Leadership Edmond program visit www.edmondchamber.com. Applications are available on the Edmond Chamber website or can be downloaded here.

Fletcher inducted into Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:10:23 GMT

The Oklahoma Higher Education Hall of Fame recognizes and honors individuals for outstanding meritorious service to higher education in Oklahoma. This year they are inducting Oklahoma Christian University Professor Emeritus, Dr. Harold Fletcher.

From 1950, Dr. Fletcher and his wife Mary Helon have faithfully supported and enhanced OC through their lives of faith, intellectual openness, inquiry, learning and devotion to the arts.

Many congratulations to the Fletcher family and our sincere gratitude for everything they have done to make Oklahoma Christian University much of what it is today.

Click here to read more about the many contributions of Dr. Harold and Mary Helon Fletcher to OC.

Want to congratulate Dr. Fletcher? Leave a comment for him below.

Fast Track MBA Expansion Announced

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:07:15 GMT

Oklahoma Christian University officials have announced the addition of Fast Track MBA classes in the Tulsa area beginning this fall.

The OC MBA is an accelerated graduate program designed for the working adult. Like the Oklahoma City campus, the Tulsa branch will offer classes two nights a week which allows students to complete their degree in one year. A one night a week program, two year schedule will also be available. Classes will begin September 2 at the Park Plaza Church of Christ located at 5926 E. 51st Street.

Launched in 2000, the Fast Track MBA has graduated more than 700 students. There are currently 220 enrolled in the program. The program offers a general MBA along with six different specialized tracks to choose from including Accounting, Leadership and Organizational Development, E-Business, Engineering and Technology Management, Health Services Management and Financial Services.

In February 2008 OC announced the MacBook initiative which provides all incoming students with a MacBook and their choice of an iPhone or iPod Touch. The initiative enhances OC’s learning opportunities and its ability to better meet the needs of students.

Four informational sessions will be held throughout the summer at Park Plaza. Session dates include June 23, July 14 and 28 and August 11. Each session will begin at 6 p.m. and last approximately one hour.

For more information about the program or admission requirements, contact the MBA office at 405-425-5562 or 800-877-5010 or at mba@oc.edu.

What do you think about this? Share your thoughts by commenting below.

1990 - John Lindsay

Mon, 9 Jun 2008 19:21:13 GMT

Oklahoma Christian University is proud to feature John Lindsay in the Alumni Spotlights section of AlumNews. John Lindsay graduated OC in 1990 and is currently the Family Life Minister at the Canyon Church of Christ in Anthem, Arizona.

Degree(s)? BS - Mass Communications MA - Professional Counseling

Major? Mass Comm-Radio/TV

What are you most known for? Summer Singers (88-89) Kappa Sigma Tau Student Senate marrying way up: Gayla Neill ('90)

What is your true calling? Ministering to people and connecting them to God; marriage ministry

How'd you find this calling? Through years of experience and through observing others who have mentored me...it's an on-going thing.

What is your biggest personal or professional achievement so far? Marrying my wife, Gayla

What is your proudest moment? Witnessing the birth of my three daughters!

What is the biggest professional or personal hurdle that you've overcome? Overcoming pride and arrogance in myself and learning from past mistakes.

What is something people should know about you that is not on your resumé? Multi-tasking. (No matter what they say, men can't multi-task)

Life's motto? Live justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God

Your inspiration? My wife, Gayla

Teamwork or fly solo? Teamwork

If you woke up tomorrow and had to start a new career, what would it be? Helping others walk the road I've walked.

How do you plan to self improve? Pray for guidance and understanding and challenge myself to go places I never thought imaginable.

What advice do you have for future generations? It's not about YOU, it's all about HIM!

Describe yourself in 3 words? Forgiven, Loved by God and family

Causes you support? Death to self, life in Christ. Anything my girls are involved in with their mother's blessing!

How do you spend your down time? Reading, talking with my wife, listening to music.

Passions and diversions? Passions: family Diversion: Seinfeld episodes

Stress relievers? Being with my wife away from everything else. Kosmo Kramer

What's next for you? I've had to stop planning that kind of thing out...it's never worked out when I try it, but God does amazing things when I allow Him to.

What are you working toward? Raising Christ-reliant kids in a self-indulgant world

How will you make your mark? With an ink pen or a sharpie, possibly?