September 2008

Point Loma Nazarene University students, faculty, staff, and alumni are helping Lazarian World Homes make a difference in Tecate, Mexico.

Lazarian World Homes is a nonprofit organization formed through a partnership of Point Loma Nazarene University, Baylor University, and the Armenian Relief and Development Agency. Using Lazarian Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) polystyrene foam blocks, which are inexpensive and eco-friendly, Lazarian teams are building homes, classrooms, churches, and community buildings. All the buildings are sustainable, well-insulated, and seismically sound with an economic life of 40 to 50 years.

Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of the Lazarian blocks and architectural plans is their ease of use. Their simple design and quick constructability means that houses can be built in days to weeks rather than months. Building teams can see their projects through from start to finish. Because the blocks are made of polystyrene, they are lightweight and can easily be handled by children and those with less physical strength.

“The ease, simplicity, and speed with which these buildings are constructed make it an ideal project to plug college students into,” said Rob Gailey, assistant professor of business and director of the Armenian Center for International Development at Point Loma Nazarene University. “With the growth of our international development studies major, we are excited to have such a viable, practical, and impactful partnership that provides our students with a hands-on experience helping to provide shelter to impoverished communities.”

According to Kenn Coil, the president of Lazarian World Homes, “The key genius for the blocks is their simplicity. We have only four [uniquely shaped] pieces. They don’t require professional workers.”

From May 12 to July 11, 2008, the team built a seminary, consisting of eight buildings, in Tecate. Media and other interested parties are welcome to visit the site.

All building plans, information, and expertise are provided free of charge to anyone who is interested. The goal of Lazarian World Homes is to spread this expedited, responsible method of building worldwide, providing desperately needed shelter for the world’s poor. They are looking to train project managers in Mexico and other countries to continue the work.

As word has spread about the Lazarian homes, so has interest from around the world. Coil and his team have been contacted by groups in Australia, Brazil, Uganda, and India, and they traveled back to Armenia in August (the first work there was completed in May 2007). On September 20^th, Lazarian World Homes took part in a mass building effort in Mexico with a large group of San Diego builders and contractors. They have also been contacted by Habitat for Humanity and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

In December, Lazarian World Homes will be building in Rosarito, Mexico. If you would like to join in the building project, please contact Kenn Coil at kcoil@lazarianworldhomes.com

To see photos and read more about Lazarian World Homes, please visit www.lazarianworldhomes.com



Reuben Welch to Travel with PLNU Alumni Group to Italy



A small group of PLNU alumni and friends plan to explore the sights of Italy this Spring.  Included in the group are President Brower and his wife, Linda, as well as PLNU's former chaplain Reuben Welch.  Dr. Welch has graciously agreed to bring devotions several times throughout the trip.

The group will be adventuring through Rome, Florence and Venice.  If you would like to join, visit our Italy website for itinerary and cost information.  Call 800-478-5662 to reserve your spot on the expedition! 



Bartell Hotels Gives Generously to PLNU

Bartell Hotels has maintained a special partnership with PLNU since 2002. Company President Richard Bartell and his team began pursuing ways to serve PLNU several years ago. Their aim was to support student scholarships and connect with the university.

Bartell Hotels provides discount rates to PLNU alums and parents at each of their eight nearby hotels. In addition to the “friend of PLNU” discount, Bartell gives a percentage to our university’s scholarship fund for each night booked! They also help sponsor various athletic, alumni and community-related events.

For PLNU’s Fall Festival on October 18, Bartell Hotels is our presenting sponsor. They will be providing a “Taste of Bartell Hotels”, during which chefs from their hotel restaurants will prepare and serve delicious foods! Come visit with us at the PLNU Fall Festival from 10am – 2:30pm on October 18th!

To read more about the FREE PLNU Fall Festival, visit www.pointloma.edu/Community/FallFestival

To view a list of Bartell Hotels and discounts available, please visit www.plnupartnership.com



Shea Foley (07) and Shea Parton (07): Business, Ministry, and Lifelong Friendship

Sharing a first name is probably the least important thing Shea Parton (07) and Shea Foley (07) have in common. The friends were roommates at Point Loma from their sophomore to senior years (aside from the semester junior year when they studied abroad). While in school, they shared a major: business with an entrepreneurial finance focus. They also shared a passion for surfing and for helping others. Now, they are putting their education and activist mindset to work in the business they have developed together.

Parton and Foley are currently living in L.A. and running Apolis Activism with Parton’s older brother, Raan (05). The youngest Parton brother, Stenn, is involved part-time while finishing school. A socially responsible clothing company (specializing in contemporary sportswear), Apolis Activism has been in existence since the Parton brothers were in high school. From about 1999 to 2004, the company was simply called Apolis, which means “citizen of no country.” Their Web site describes Apolis as a place “where there are no flags and no borders; humanity is our common cause and greatest priority.” The brothers added “Activism” to the name to more immediately reflect their deeper goal of using the business to help the poor.

“The clothing side is a vehicle for the activism,” said Shea Parton, who emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainable development. “We have been working in India and Uganda on sustainable practices. We’re at the beginning stages right now, but we have some pretty ambitious long-term goals.”

Foley is currently responsible for the company’s accounting, shipping, invoicing, and other hands-on tasks. Raan handles design and production while Shea Parton acts as sales manager, building relationships and dealing with business administration. Stenn helps with marketing. The small team relies on independent contractors for production, Web design, and consulting. Expanding their network of investors and independent partners is one of their goals.

Overall, the experience of running a company at such a young age has offered Foley and the Partons great opportunities.

“Being able to go into a role where you’re making decisions and learning from mistakes and consultants in a challenging industry has been the best part,” said Foley.

Shea Parton added, “It’s been a blessing to be sincerely building a business with more of a purpose behind it than just clothes. It gives more depth to getting up in the morning and working, especially in what can be a shallow industry.”

Of course, there are challenges as well.

Shea Parton explained, “There is a transition from the dream life of college where fellowship is at your fingertips to not knowing what to expect and dealing with reality.”

Fortunately, God has blessed Parton and Foley with a weekly Bible study group that meets just down the street from where they work and live. Both Foley and Parton have also benefited from ongoing relationships with their PLNU professors – especially Randy Ataide and Carl Hammond.

“Both professors have real life experience that speaks volumes,” Parton said. “They share lessons and challenges and come alongside us. They have both helped us with our business plans and decisions on more than one occasion.”

“It’s pretty amazing that you can call your professors after graduation and still get help,” added Foley, who said that he didn’t really know the Lord before coming to Point Loma. It was the example of people like these, as well as student ministry leaders, his roommates, and friends who helped change that.

“I believe the friendship we’ve built is really God-assigned,” said Parton. “We’re out of college but we still sharpen each other and walk alongside each other. We’ve been thankful for stumbling into working together. After college, it would be easy to get out of the habit of fellowship. It’s good to have someone you have a history with, someone you can talk to about things that are real.”



PLNU Professor Conducts Research on Marriage Satisfaction - Take Survey

Point Loma Nazarene University is known for its outstanding academics. The research conducted by our professors contributes significantly to this reputation.

Dr. John Wu, PLNU professor of Psychology, is gathering data regarding marriage satisfaction. His purpose is to collect information on how current marriages are functioning to provide improved resources to married couples.

The survey takes 10 -15 minutes to complete online. It is fully anonymous and is taken separately from your spouse. Dr. Wu has already collected over 900 surveys. He invites you to please take part and contribute to this ongoing marriage research.

To take the marriage survey and for helpful marriage resources, visit www.pointloma.edu/marriagesurvey



Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner

Athletics are a challenging and memorable part of the college experience for both student-athletes and their fans. Likewise, sports are a central part of PLNU’s Homecoming weekend. Be a part of honoring those who have contributed to Point Loma’s sports history at the Hall of Fame Dinner. The dinner takes place after the Homecoming men’s basketball game from 7:45 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. in Nicholson Commons Dining Hall.

A tradition since 1982, this year’s Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner will honor the distinguished honorees from our longstanding history. The newest honorees will join approximately 100 athletes, coaches, and meritorious contributors in the hall.

There are five categories for inclusion in the hall: athletes, coaches, teams, honorary inductees, and meritorious service honorees. The process for election to the PLNU Athletic Hall of Fame is rigorous, making acceptance into the hall especially prestigious. First, a person or team must be nominated by an eligible person. After the nominations are received, a nominee must receive a two-thirds majority vote to be elected for induction to the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Athletic Hall of Fame Members You May Know
Champ Cartwright
Jim Bond
Jim Crakes
Barry Meguiar
Marty Decker
52/53 & 53/54 Basketball Teams
67/68 Basketball Team
Connie Navarro
Larry Hester
Rose Lyon
Lloyd Higgins
Daryl Nicholson
Robin Leafblad
Sean Martin
Rick Mallicoat
Shane Peterson

To view the full list of Athletic Hall of Fame honorees, please visit http://www.pointloma.edu/Athletics/Hall_of_Fame.htm (list will be updated with new inductees Oct. 30^th)

Tickets to the Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner are $30 per person and must be purchased by November 10.   Call or e-mail Dianne Rabello for tickets:  619-849-7107
diannerabello@pointloma.edu



Homecoming Concert Honoring Dr. Keith Pagan



On Sunday November 22, 2008 the Music Alumni and the Music Department will honor Dr. Keith Pagan with a concert in Crill Performance Hall (at 1:30pm). Both current students and former choir members will be performing. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Dr. Pagan’s retirement from PLNU.

Dr. Pagan served the institution for a total of 33 years. The positions he held included Associate, Professor, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Academic Dean, Director of Concert Choir, Choral Union, Choral Arranging and Treble Choir. 

A wonderfully skilled musician, Dr. Pagan conducted his choirs with excellence and humor. “He was very strict, but a fun teacher”, stated Joyce Pinckard, one of his former students. “He loved to make us laugh, and he taught in a way that commanded our respect.”

Please join us in celebrating and thanking Dr. Keith Pagan for his many years of dedicated service and the care given to PLNU and our students and alumni.

To register to participate in the Pagan Reunion Choir and to contribute to the online scrapbook for Dr. Pagan, visit http://www.pointloma.edu/Music/Pagan_Reunion_Choir_Information_and_Schedule.htm

To view the Facebook site, type the following into “Search” on www.thefacebook.com : Point Loma Choir Alumni - Dr. Pagan's groups


PLNU Family Competes on Family Feud!



Dr. Dan Jackson, professor of music at PLNU, and his family were recently invited to compete on the thirty-two year-running game show, Family Feud.

The Jackson family had always enjoyed viewing the game show. While watching the show one day this summer, Derek Jackson, a sophomore at PLNU, learned that Family Feud was coming to San Diego. “Let’s try out!” he urged. Derek wrote the game show, applying for their family to participate. In early August, Dan, his wife Connie, his sons Marcus (’06) and Derek and Marcus’ wife Piper (’06) auditioned with a group of 1000 other people. Four weeks later, the Jacksons received notice that they were chosen to challenge the opposing family team on the next game show!

“It was a wonderful time to spend with our family,” stated Dan Jackson. “We had a great time being all together.”

“Strategizing and competing together as a team provided an opportunity to see each person’s strengths & personality,” stated Piper Jackson. “Playing the game with my family was a blast,”

Watch the Jackson’s compete in the episode of Family Feud airing on ABC, September 30^th, 2008 between 3pm and 4pm PST!