Alumni Letters
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May 2007 Letter
- NNU Professors Teach in Kazakhstan
- Observations of an Undergraduate
- MBA Mexico Seminar
- A Kazakhstani Student in Nampa
- Graduation 2007
- Dr. Samuel L. Dunn, Citation of Merit
NNU Professors Teach in Kazakhstan
Drs. Ron Galloway and Bill Russell spent two weeks in May visiting Kazakh-American Free University (KAFU), Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan. While on campus they taught a class on personnel management to undergraduates, provided seminars for local businesspeople, consulted on the creation of multiple PhD programs, and discussed the integration of their Master’s Degree with our MBA. KAFU students may take classes at KAFU and transfer credits to NNU to complete their MBA.
Their visit represents the latest development in a growing relationship with KAFU. In recent years Drs. David Houghton and Samuel Dunn also taught on campus, and Dr. Houghton was awarded an honorary Doctorate. Seven former KAFU students have graduated from NNU with an MBA degree, and two KAFU students are preparing to move to Nampa for further studies at NNU.
KAFU is located on an urban campus in Ust-Kamenogorsk. The city is also known for its metallurgical production, and once produced nearly all the nuclear material for the Soviet nuclear arsenal. Dr. Russell notes, “It’s a city that is challenging and will be a powerhouse.”
Observations of an Undergraduate
by Betsy Schultz
As a student in the Business Department, about to complete my sophomore year, my time at NNU has certainly been a learning experience. I have been challenged to learn and grow academically and in other areas of life.
Attending classes is an enjoyable experience that students look forward to. The professors are extremely helpful in class, but are also willing to do whatever is necessary to help students succeed. Professors push students to excel and to do their best. Professors are good examples of spiritual leaders and are always willing to share what God is doing in their lives. Many classes open with prayer. Many professors have also been successful in the business world themselves, so their past experiences are very valuable. One student said that “Professors at NNU truly demonstrate the outcomes of Northwest Nazarene University. Professors are well educated and are excellent resources.” NNU business professors are an enormous asset to the department and the university.
The School of Business will certainly prepare students for the working world and the challenges that each student will face upon graduation. One example is the cross- cultural experience required for all NNU graduates. This requirement gives business students the opportunity to see how what is learned in the classroom is applicable in the real world. It gives students the opportunity to experience the workplace abroad. There have also been opportunities presented by the School of Business that allow students to begin networking and building business relationships. Also, business students are encouraged to join a business-related club on campus. This is a chance for students to apply ideas learned in the classroom for competition and projects within the community. Opportunities include the Student Management Fund, American Marketing Association, and Students in Free Enterprise.
MBA Mexico Seminar
by Mark Resman
In March our MBA Cohort left Boise to study Strategic Management and spend ten days experiencing Mexico’s business environment and culture. The trip was led by Dr. Galloway and daily classes led by Professor Sam Dunn. The class of ten students visited Guadalajara, Leon, and Mexico City with numerous day trips to see points of interest along the way. Early in the trip the class had the opportunity to meet with Idaho’s trade representative for Mexico, Armando Orellana, to discuss the challenges of business between the US and Mexico. Senior Orellana explained the many successful trade agreements established between Idaho and Mexico.
In Guadalajara, visits to the Mexico’s electronics manufacturer Flextronics and food producer Yakult demonstrated the advanced manufacturing capabilities of Mexican industry. Several students commented that the factory environment was similar to that of the modern manufacturing plants of the United States. These visits contrasted with less modern processes used by artisans in Tonala to create unique pottery and glassware and the largely manual processes observed in factory visits to Flexi and Quirelli, in Leon, manufacturers of many of the world’s high quality shoes. Each of these cases demonstrated both the dedication of Mexican workers toward creating high quality products, their strong work ethic and a strong desire to improve their standard of living. However, a concern heard in each visit was the increasing competitive pressure applied to each of these industries by low cost labor available elsewhere in the world.
The class had the opportunity to experience Mexico’s cultural wonders with a visit to the Great Pyramids of Teotihuacan, attendance of the Ballet Folclorico (demonstrating the ancestral dances of Mexico) and touring the treasures of Mexico at Mexico’s National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City. When combined with shopping for souvenirs to bring home for spouses, children and friends, the students directly experienced the wonders of Mexico’s culture, the friendliness of its people and the excitement and challenges of adventuring into a foreign land, for either business or pleasure.
A Kazakhstani Student in Nampa
By Sevints Nuriyeva
After graduation from Kazakh-American Free University (KAFU), Kazakhstan with a Bachelor’s in Economics and Management, the University invited me to teach management courses for undergraduate students and to work as an administrative assistant at the Masters program. In January 2005, I was awarded a scholarship from the Marshall Christensen Foundation to attend an MBA program at Northwest Nazarene University. I was so excited that God gave me this opportunity to study at a Christian university, to get acquainted with a new educational environment, and to find new friends.
My educational experience at NNU was just amazing; it helped me to broaden my perspective on business, leadership, and cross-cultural communication. I have truly learned a lot from the faculty and my classmates. Upon the completion of my last class in December 2006, I was employed as a graduate intern in the School of Business at NNU. I am responsible for auditing the web pages and updating Blackboard for the School of Business, as well as performing other activities to improve my management skills. Recently I had an opportunity to teach Principles of Management in the STEP program as an adjunct professor. A wonderful experience, this course challenged me and gave a basis for further professional development as a professor.
Currently, I am enrolled in the online Ph.D. program in International Business at Northcentral University, Arizona. In February, 2008, upon finishing my internship I am planning to work as a liaison between NNU, the School of Business and KAFU and to adjunct management courses at both universities.
When you surrender to God’s leadership, He performs glorious things in your life!
Graduation 2007
May 6, 2007 heralded the 91st Annual Baccalaureate Service and Commencement Convocation for Northwest Nazarene University. Held in the Idaho Center, Professor of Social Work Jerry Hull presented the Baccalaureate Sermon. Degree candidates received their graduation hoods following the sermon. During the Commencement in the afternoon, Mr. Ralph Palmen, President of Pinnacle Forum America and long time supporter of NNU, received an Honorary Doctorate and delivered the Commencement Address. Faculty Emeriti were recognized for distinguished service, including Dr. Samuel L. Dunn, Professor of Business.
Graduates were honored as they marched across the platform in recognition of their achievement. Forty-two MBA candidates from Massachusetts to Kazakhstan to Puerto Rico to Nampa were honored during the ceremonies. Fifty-two candidates for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration or Accounting were also honored.
Photos of individual graduates may be obtained through www.imagegrad.com. A videotape or DVD of the ceremony is available through NNU Media Technology, and may be ordered on their website at www.nnu.edu/offices/academic-affairs/commencement/photographs-and-video/.
Dr. Samuel L. Dunn
Citation of Merit upon Retirement from Northwest Nazarene University
May 6, 2007
Dr. Samuel Dunn’s vita lists a double major at Olivet Nazarene College in 1962, completion of teacher certification in 1962 and of MS and PhD degrees in Mathematics at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Since completion of his original PhD, Dr. Dunn has earned an MBA degree and several professional certificates from institutions such as BYU, Arizona State, and Boise State. Currently, Sam is working toward a doctoral degree in business from Northcentral University. His numerous scholarly publications include subjects such as futurism, religion, business and Jesuit thinking.
In 1994, after 26 distinguished years at Seattle Pacific University, Dr. Dunn came to Northwest Nazarene College as Vice President for Academic Affairs. He was charged with several specific tasks and initiatives by President Hagood and the Board of Regents. During his time as VPAA, Sam was instrumental in the establishment of the nursing, MBA and STEP programs, in the change from the quarter to semester credit system, the institutional name change to reflect NNU’s transition from college to comprehensive university status, the change from divisions to schools, and numerous other accomplishments.
In the spring of 2002, Dr. Dunn left the position as VPAA and returned to the classroom in the School of Business. Since that time, Dr. Dunn has ably taught classes in international business and other subjects, led the design of the Masters of International Business Administration degree, participated in multiple international trips and provided consultation to Nazarene higher education efforts in South America and in Africa. He and his wife Lois are members of College Church of the Nazarene.
Dr. Samuel Dunn is a thoughtful colleague, always eager to experience new things, think new thoughts and learn new ways. Sam has offered years of exemplary service and dedication to his Lord. Truly, Dr. Dunn is an inspiration to those privileged to work with him and to the many who call him “friend.”
