The senior seminar keynote speaker for Northwest Nazarene University’s science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) graduates will be Chancellor of Montana Tech and professional engineer Donald Blackketter, Ph.D.  Blackketter will address the challenges that face American STEM education at the April 18 presentation.

“My presentation will build on my experience as a student, faculty member and administrator at several institutions. I will talk about the general state of STEM education in the US, exemplars, and may even include some theological ponderings and opinions related to sciences and engineering education,” said Blackketter.

Even though employment opportunities, salaries, and recruitment rates have increased in America over the last several decades, the number of science and engineering graduates has plateaued. Addressing questions like, “Why are we seeing this trend?” “What are universities doing wrong?” and “What is NNU doing right?” Blackketter offers an expert perspective on this important topic facing American higher education.

Blackketter, chancellor of Montana Tech since June 2011, served 22 years at the University of Idaho as a mechanical engineering faculty member, department chair and dean of the College of Engineering. Dr. Blackketter brought extensive teaching and research experience to Montana Tech after having held leadership roles at the National Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology (NIATT) and NIATT’s Center for Clean Vehicle Technology from 1998 to 2005. Blackketter is a registered professional engineer in Idaho and Mont. and a former Fulbright Scholar. He earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Wyoming in 1985, 1986, and 1989, respectively.

Dr. Blackketter’s presentation is open to the public and will be held Thursday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the Jackson Lecture Hall of the Thomas Family Health & Science Center, 603 Dewey St., on NNU’s campus.

Teams will compete in a simulated market setting where judges will rank the teams. The first place winner will earn a $1,500 prize to put toward making their proposals a reality. Winners will also be given the opportunity to compete in the regional social venture competition in Seattle, Wash.

This year’s students have formed the following businesses: Douémour: Providing solar powered light to Rwandans through a one-to-one donation program, Douémour’s objective is to aid in the development of Rwandan communities and to increase families’ standard of living through a stable light source.

4M Tree Recycling: By creating recycled mulch and providing it to customers in Canyon County, 4M Tree Recycling plans to be a green fertilizer provider for local landscaping specialists, nurseries, and homeowners.

Harvesting Hope: Through the founding of a culinary education center that provides culinary experience for underprivileged individuals looking to work in the culinary arts, Harvesting Hope creates an opportunity to learn to cook under a professional chef.

BikeIt Boise: This proposed company focuses on providing bike rentals in Boise, Idaho to encourage healthy living, reduce traffic congestion and make Boise more environmentally friendly.

PURE: By operating a large water purification plant in India, PURE plans to provide and distribute quality drinking water to designated kiosks run by local entrepreneurs.

WasteSmart: In the pursuit of cleaning up disease harboring waste and turning it into useful, desirable, and profitable products, WasteSmart incinerates waste and creates briquettes out of the ash.

The public is invited to attend the second annual Social Venture Plan Competition (SVPC) that will take place Wed., March 20, 2 to 6 p.m. in the University’s Brandt Center, 707 Fern Street. Attendees will be given a virtual $1000 to “invest” in up to three business plans. For more information, please contact Kendra Lubiens at (208) 467-8021.

Gil Hoffman, chief political correspondent and analyst for the Jerusalem Post, will speak at Northwest Nazarene University at 5 pm on Monday, March 4. Hoffman’s lecture is titled: “Peace, Politics or Plutonium: Will there be war or peace in the Holy Land?”

Called “the most optimistic man in Israel” by Israel Television, Hoffman has interviewed every major figure across the Israeli political spectrum. He has been interviewed by top media on six continents and is a regular analyst on CNN, Al-Jazeera and other major news outlets. Hoffman is a member of the speakers’ bureaus of AIPAC, Hagshama, Hasbara, Israel Bonds, Israel on Campus Coalition, JNF and the Jewish Federations of North America.

Having lectured for synagogues, churches, universities and organizations in Israel, the US, Canada, England, South Africa, Australia and France, Hoffman is excited to add the state of Idaho to his speaking repertoire.

Raised in Chicago, Hoffman graduated magna cum laude from Northwestern University’s School of Journalism. He wrote for the Miami Herald and Arizona Republic before moving to Israel where he now lives with his wife and two children.

This event is free and open to the public. The lecture will begin at 5 p.m. in the Harter Lecture Hall, Helstrom Business Building, 804 E Dewey St., Nampa, Idaho. Hors d’oeuvres and seating will begin at 4:30.

This student-organized event is sponsored by the newly created NNU Senior Academic Society, a group that focuses on providing academic conversations to the University and the community outside the classroom. For more information or to inquire about available seating for high school students, please contact SAS President, Emma Roemhildt at ERoemhildt@nnu.edu.

NNU will again host the annual Science Extravaganza for area middle school students Jan. 30 – Feb. 1 at the Thomas Family Health & Science Center. More than 1,000 students come to our campus and learn from selected undergraduate students who provide them with a fun, hands-on experience. The Idaho National Laboratories sponsors the event that has been held at NNU for more than a decade.

Dr. John Cossel, professor of biology and leading herpetologist, looks forward to this time of year because, “it allows middle-school-age students to experience science at a different level and exposes them to the thought of higher education as well as potential career opportunities in the science field.”

One of the favorite sessions is “Creepy Crawlies,” which focuses on reptiles and amphibians from our tropical rainforest vivarium. NNU college students love sharing about the research they are conducting with endangered species of amphibians and letting the middle-school students see living examples of these exotic species. A highlight of this session is not only to see the University’s live resident American alligator named “Al,” but actually to touch him and observe first-hand the many adaptations alligators have for living in aquatic environments.

In addition to the “Creepy Crawlies,” this year students and teachers will also spend three days learning about photosynthesis, osmosis and robotics. The physics club from Mountain View High School, Meridian, will display their hovercraft project, and Micron will guide students through explorations involving the physics of catapults.

The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation granted Northwest Nazarene University $4.6 million to establish the NNU Center of Innovation in Teaching and Learning and proceed with the construction of the NNU Learning Commons.

This grant is the result of a growing relationship and partnership between NNU and the Albertson Foundation,” said NNU President David Alexander. “Our faculty will continue to work closely with the Albertson Foundation around matters of teacher preparation to equip existing teachers to better understand and use technological means for their teaching ends. This center will be at the forefront of equipping Idaho’s teachers, preparing the next generation of teachers and developing our faculty.”

The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation is seeking to equip and train the next generation of teachers to improve student achievement by establishing the NNU Center of Innovation in Teaching and Learning. This center will focus on blended learning—the convergence of teaching strategies and technology.

“Students at all grade levels desperately need teachers who not only don’t fear technology but embrace it to help students adapt to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century,” says Jamie MacMillan, executive director of the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation.

Eric Kellerer, Ed.D., director of the NNU Center of Innovation in Teaching and Learning, says that for the last 20 years, educators were promised that technology would transform education.

“At the same time, we have seen huge leaps in understanding the process of learning (the pedagogy) for students. Unfortunately, those two themes, technology and pedagogy, have failed to come together,” explains Dr. Kellerer. “This is the time. We stand at the precipice of a generation in which there will be a convergence of the technical with the educational.”

The Centers will be launched in the spring of 2013. In addition to cutting-edge training for Idaho teacher candidates, the Centers will also offer development training on blended learning techniques as well as opportunities to participate in classroom research projects for current preschool through 12th grade (P-12) teachers and administrator professionals. Reports on research conducted at the Centers will be published semi-annually and a conference will be hosted annually.

Paula Kellerer, Ph.D., dean of the School of Education, Social Work and Counseling at Northwest Nazarene University emphasizes that blended learning is not about utilizing the latest and greatest technology in the classroom–it’s about providing personalized learning for kids.

“The ultimate objective of the centers is to improve student achievement in P-12 classrooms through the effective use of technology,” says Dr. Kellerer. “It’s not about finding one solution that fits all, but finding many solutions that can be used at the right time for the right student. Every student can learn. Every student can succeed. We are here to help teachers find resources, equip them to use those resources effectively and to share the stories of success with other teachers, with Idaho, and the Northwest.”

Idaho has significant student achievement challenges. The state ranks 47th in the nation for the percentage of high school graduates who go on to some form of education beyond high school and 46th for the percentage of college students who progress from their freshman year to sophomore year.

“We cannot stand back and be passive observers,” says Dr. Eric Kellerer. “We need to get in the fray. Idaho can be the leader in ushering in a new day in teaching and learning.”

Northwest Nazarene University is a nonprofit Christian university located in Nampa, Idaho. NNU offers over 60 areas of study, master’s degree programs in eleven disciplines, accelerated degree programs, concurrent credit for high school students, and a variety ofcontinuing education credits. In addition to its 90-acre campus located in Nampa, the University also offers programs online as well as in Boise, Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, and in cooperation with programs in 10 countries. For more information, visit www.nnu.edu.

The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation is a Boise-based, private family foundation committed to limitless learning for all Idahoans. Since 1997, the Foundation has invested more than $500 million to improve education in Idaho. For more information about the Foundation visit www.jkaf.org.

Alumni, family and friends were welcomed back to campus to celebrate NNU’s centennial kick-off at Homecoming & Family Weekend Nov. 8-10. The special weekend brought friends back together to celebrate the athletic-literary societies, travel groups and the Samaritan Hospital in addition to annual homecoming festivities.

Participants took a walking tour of campus and learned about NNU’s history and heritage at seven museum displays showcasing presidential leadership, academic excellence, musical talent, campus expansion, athletic achievement, lasting memories and redemptive agents. Displays will be housed in the Brandt Center for display through Homecoming & Family Weekend 2013.

Find photos of the fun on our Facebook page here, and mark your calendar for the Centennial Finale at Homecoming & Family Weekend 2013 on November 7-10, 2013.

If you participated in Homecoming & Family Weekend 2012, we welcome your feedback and comments. Please consider taking our survey here.

The first copies of a two-book set documenting the narrative of NNU’s 100-year history are available to pre-order online and be picked up during Homecoming & Family Weekend Nov. 8-11. This book set weaves together many facets of the University through story and photograph.

“Spirit Of Place: Remembrances and Reflections” is a coffee table, pictorial depiction of the “spirit of NNU.” Dr. Gaymon Bennett, emeritus professor of English, compiled and edited the stories from a cross-section of NNU alumni. Pictures and stories within the book are organized around the themes of spirit and community, sacrifice and service, college life, classroom and beyond, people and place, love and laughter and transformation.

“Seeking First The Kingdom: A Centennial History” is a historical narrative written by NNU alumnus Dr. Richard W. Etulain. It is organized around the seasons of presidential service and leadership, taking into account the times, the state of the church and the challenges and opportunities of culture of the time. Both works are designed by NNU Professor of Graphic Arts Paul Kinsman.

Pre-order the packaged set of “Spirit Of Place” and “Seeking First The Kingdom” for $45 online at www.nnu.edu/homecoming.They will be available for pickup during Homecoming & Family Weekend or shipped for an additional $10 (extra charges may apply for shipping outside of the U.S.).

There will be book signing events held with the authors: Fri., Nov. 9, following chapel at 11 am in the Brandt Center Lobby, 707 Fern St. in Nampa; Fri., Nov. 9, following the basketball game at 9:30 pm at the Johnson Sports Center, 311 E. Dewey Ave. in Nampa; and, Sat., Nov. 10, at 9:30 pm during the dessert reception following the Centennial Radio Hour & Gospel Sing in the Brandt Center Lobby.

• Speaker: Althea Taylor
• Schedule:  MWF Chapel (Extended Chapel Schedule)
• TWR 9:00pm in Swayne Auditorium

Rev. Althea C. Taylor is an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene and serves as the executive pastor for Bronx Bethany Church of the Nazarene. She formerly served as the coordinator for Nazarene Compassionate Ministries USA/Canada. In her role as coordinator, she helped to equip and resources the operation of more than 194 Compassionate Ministry Centers and promote the tangible expression of compassion through Nazarene churches across the United States and Canada.

In addition, she gave leadership to the compassionate and practical response of Nazarene Disaster Response and Work & Witness ministries. Rev. Taylor has also served as a board member of Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Inc., the compassionate arm of the Church of the Nazarene throughout the world. She has given service as a member of the Women Clergy Council, Urban Strategic Readiness Taskforce, Global Social Justice Committee, and Connecting A New Generation committee within the Church of the Nazarene.

Taylor holds a B.A. in business management, master of science in management of technology, and a master of divinity. Rev. Taylor has served as youth pastor, administrative pastor, and pastor for community outreach, and also as an executive director for Bronx Bethany Community Corporation, a compassionate ministry center (a not-for-profit subsidiary of the church). She has served on the Metro NY District NYI council and as a visiting adjunct professor to Caribbean Nazarene College, Trinidad West Indies. She speaks at conferences, special worship services, and training seminars.

A creative, student-produced video clip preceded the beginning of chapel and set the stage for Kaylee’s invitation.  Motivation for this effort began during LEAD Retreat prior to the start of classes. Student leaders expressed interest in keeping the prayer focus that emerged last year under the leadership of senior Ben Heidegger. The level of participation was up to each individual. One meal a day or more could be fasted and evening sessions of worship and prayer were scheduled in the Perk. Several faculty and administrators attended these sessions and student turn out was strong. The fasting concluded early Friday morning before classes with a time of praise, prayer and communion in the Prayer Chapel.  Kaylee’s father, Pastor Tim Bunn of the Eagle Church of the Nazarene, led the celebration of Holy Communion.

On September 14, Assistant Professor Dr. Duke Bulanon in NNU’s Department of Physics and Engineering, along with  two junior engineering students, Mark Horton of Nyssa, Ore. and Paulo Salvador, Sao Paulo, Brazil, participated in the annual Pomology Fruit Field Day at the University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center.

Joined by Governor Otter, Idaho legislators and other academia, attendees learned how NNU engineering students and University of Idaho research students have been working on agricultural remote sensing projects to help farmers understand how crops are reacting to a variety of conditions.

The team from NNU is working to equip a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) with a multispectral imaging sensor that will capture images in both visible and near-infrared bands. These special images will allow farmers to see invisible changes in how a plant reflects light when it undergoes water stress, nitrogen deficiency or disease infestation, immediately showing growers exactly what changes are needed to produce a healthy crop.

Dr. Bulanon and the NNU students will continue their research in November as part of an $84,000 grant that was received through the Idaho State Department.

Photo caption: Dr. Bulanon, Gov. Otter, Paulo Salvador and Mark Horton

Visit the main centennial website at nnu.edu/100 to read and share stories from every generation. Remember, Homecoming & Family Weekend is coming up soon on Nov. 8-11, 2012.

NNU President David Alexander announced today the hiring of Bill Rapp, 1982 alumnus, as the University’s new athletic director, Rapp was introduced Wednesday morning to students, faculty and the community during a press conference.

Rapp is known as a dynamic combination of professional athletic talent and business aptitude.
“NNU anticipates benefiting greatly from Bill’s extensive professional experience in sports management. He is a leader who brings vision and development skills to support and expand on our legacy of athletic and academic achievement,” commented Alexander.

Rapp brings 30 years of experience with the SAP Open (ATP World Tour) and professional tennis tournaments in the Bay Area and 11 years as the tournament director with Sharks Sports & Entertainment. Rapp was the first USPTA pro to become a ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) director. Early in his career in San Jose, he also managed ticket sales for the San Jose Sharks (NHL).

As the SAP Open tournament director, Rapp signed all professional players including Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Andy Roddick and Andy Murray.

President Alexander said, “Bill Rapp is a unique hire for NNU’s intercollegiate athletic program. Not only was he a student-athlete at NNU, he has a successful record as a sports entrepreneur. Bill Rapp will grow NNU athletics.”

Excited for the opportunity Rapp stated, “When I graduated from NNU I felt prepared for whatever was next. God led me to a rewarding career in teaching, coaching, sports marketing and tournament management. Most importantly, He allowed me opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others.”

He continued, “Now, three decades later, I am excited to partner with NNU coaches, staff, alumni and community. Together we will focus on our athlete’s academic, physical and spiritual development. Our athletes will train intensely, compete fiercely and will compete and win with class.”

Rapp and his wife Sherra have three sons, Spencer, Jensen and Anderson and will begin at NNU October 1.

In case you missed it, here is a selection of photos from the celebration of Week One at NNU, including a selection of shots from Rootbeer Fest, Bonfire, and All-Campus Worship.

See the Photos →

The drop-in session will be held at the Boise Center from 5-7 p.m. For those who cannot attend the face-to-face meetings, log onto nnu.edu/infonight and RSVP to join one of the online sessions that will begin at 5 p.m. as well. The Boise Center is located at 720 Park Blvd., Suite 105, Boise, Idaho, in the lobby of the Washington Group Plaza.

Whatever your passion is—whether it’s business, nursing or something in between—we think you should love what you do. Our graduate, adult and professional programs are designed for just that. Come see if an NNU education is one you can love. We sure think so!

To learn more, log on to www.nnu.edu/infonight or call 208.467.8113.

        Art & Design Retreat Day:  September 15, 2012

        Jonathan Bouw, September 13 – November 14, 2012  (Homecoming: Nov. 8-11, 2012)

        Illustrator Jonathan Bouw Art Talk: Wed., Sept. 19 at 3 p.m.

        Bouw Reception: Wed., Sept. 19, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Juried Show, November 29  – December 10, 2012

        Juror: Courtney Gilbert, Sun Valley Center for the Arts, Thursday, Nov. 29;

        Juror Talk: 11 a.m.

        Reception:  Thursday, Nov. 29; Awards given at Night of the Arts 7 – 9 p.m.