Several individuals on the trip are blogging through their journey. Check this post every few days to see more updates,

5/21/13: Robbie Craker

“I’ve “walked where Jesus walked” in many places around the world – the hot, red sands of Mozambique, Africa; the rubble-filled streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti; Tiananmen Square in Beijing; the subways of Moscow, Russia; a pastor’s home high in the Venezuelan Andes; the aisles of a small church in a small town in Eastern Washington. So will I be disappointed and underwhelmed with the Holy Land?

I hope not. I hope I can meld the experience of “walking where Jesus walks” today with where the historical Jesus walked 2,000 years ago.”

Alumni on the tour are Dick and Joyce Etulain (Clackamas, OR), Dan Etulain (Bellingham, WA), Randy and Robbi Craker (Spokane, WA), Donald and Barbara Edwards (Salem, OR), Pamela Pacheco (Surprise, AZ), Mark and Priscilla Anderson (Eagle ID), David and Sandy Alexander (Nampa, ID), Joel Pearsall (Nampa, ID), Chadwick Pearsall (Nampa, ID), Alexa Murphy-Sweet (Parma, ID), Mark and Debbie Goodwin (Portland, OR), Clifford Martin (Keiser, OR), Dale and Beatrice Shafer (Spokane, WA) and Mark Maddix (Nampa, ID).

Please keep all 21 individuals in your prayers over the next few weeks, and look for future updates and journal entries and photos from several alumni on the tour.

Rimar Christie (St. Michael Bridgetown, Barbados) was selected the Most Outstanding Performer winning the 100 meters (10.64) and 200 meters (21.47) and leading the Crusaders to a win in the 4×100 relay (41.72), which he anchored. He will now compete in the NCAA Division II national outdoor track and field championships on May 23-25 at Pueblo, Colo.

Christie is ranked no. 11 in the 100-meter dash with a time of 10.38. He will also run the 200-meter race as the no.23 seed. His qualifying time in the race is 21.17. Rimar will have his first race in the 100m on Thursday evening at 6:25 p.m. The 200m prelims will be on Friday evening at 5:45 p.m. The meet is being hosted by Colorado State University at Pueblo at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl. The top eight qualifiers in each race will qualify for the finals to be run on Saturday.

Christie recently won both events at the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Championships in Monmouth, Oregon earning him the GNAC Outstanding Performer of the meet award. During the regular season Christie set new school records in the 100, 200 and as the anchor leg of the 4 x 100.

Christie is also a candidate for USTFCCCA West Regional track athlete of the year. The regional award winners along with the NCAA Elite 89 winners will be announced at the championships on Wednesday May 22.

“We are very proud and happy for Rimar to be selected to represent NNU at the national championships,” commented head coach John Spatz. “It’s a select honor and one that Rimar has worked very hard to earn both in the classroom and on the track. His dedication in both these areas has been outstanding. He’s a very humble, quiet leader on our team. You couldn’t ask for a better person to represent our track program and the university as a whole.”

A total of 1,283 student-athletes have earned a total of 1,836 USTFCCCA All-Region honors. The USTFCCCA regions for track & field match those used for NCAA Cross Country Championships.

On the women’s side 613 different student-athletes earned All-Region distinctions. For the men 670 student-athletes were named All-Region.

NNU Crusaders earning All-Region honors include:  Carly Dranginis, West-Hammer; Vessie Umu, West-Shot Put,  Rimar Christie, West-100 Meters, West-200 Meters, West-4×100 Relay; Andrew Curtis, West-4×100 Relay; Cody Henderson, West-4×100 Relay; Derek Sepe, West-4×100 Relay, Kevin Rima, West-Discus.

Dranginis earned GNAC All-Conference honors with a third place finish in the women’s hammer. She scored a total of 14 points in three events at the conference championships on May 10-11. Vessie Umu won her first conference title in the shot put throwing 45′ 7”.

Christie won conference titles in three events, winning the 100, 200 and running the anchor leg on the 4 x 100 relay. He was named the meets’ outstanding male performer by the GNAC. Christie is also a finalist for the West Region male track athlete of the year.

Sepe, Henderson and Curtis combined with Christie in winning the conference title in the 4 x 100. During the regular season the foursome established a new school record of 41.25 while turning in the #2 time in GNAC history in this event.

Kevin Rima turned his talent to the track after a very successful breakout year on the hardwood with the Crusader men’s basketball team. Rima, a two time All-Conference performer in the discus established a new school record in the discus throwing 161′ 5” in 2013.

During 2013 Homecoming & Family Weekend this fall,  two special events will provide opportunity for all choir-member alumni and directors to reconnect. The first is the All-Choir and Director Reunion Luncheon on Saturday, November 9; the second is the Saturday evening Centennial Finale that features Michael W. Smith, Choir & Orchestra.

Singers from all choirs are invited to participate in both events: the luncheon is a perfect time to catch up with friends and instructors, and alumni can take part in a 300-voice Centennial Choir as part of the evening’s finale with Michael W. Smith, Choir & Orchestra.

Please RSVP by June 3 at nnu.edu/choir to reserve your spots in both events.

PHOTO CAPTION: D. E. Hill at a prop from “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

As part of the year-long centennial celebration, NNU has connected with Idaho ultra-marathon runners to organize a 100-mile run and relay during the University’s 2013 Homecoming & Family Weekend Nov. 8 and 9. The marathon starts and finishes at NNU’s Johnson Sports Center, 313 E Dewey St., Nampa, and circles Lake Lowell three times. Registration for solo runners and relay teams is now open at nnu.edu/100miles.

Registration is available until Oct. 18; however, entry fees increase after August 1., and there is only room for 30 solo runners and 20 teams. Early registration price for solo runners is $80, and the small relay team (4 runners) price is $360. Relay teams may consist of no more than 12 runners.

Teams have the opportunity to compete in one of nine relay divisions including elite (sub 7:00 min/mile pace), seniors (50 or older), ultra division (teams of 2 or 3 runners), heroes division (military/law enforcement/fire) and high school (19 or younger).

Volunteer opportunities are available. Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt, food at the finish line and Wild Idaho Endurance Runs race points per hour. These points can be used to pay for future Wild Idaho registration costs. Volunteers may sign up at runwildidaho.com/volunteer.

The event is organized by NNU alumnus and long-distance athlete Ben Blessing. More information is available on the website or by email at benblessing@hotmail.com.

If this ultra-marathon is 96.9 miles too long, NNU is also hosting their 11th annual Homecoming 5K on November 9th. Those interested in taking part in this shorter, fun-filled event can find information at nnu.edu/homecoming.

Family and friends celebrated the graduation of 40 NNU students receiving their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. The degrees were awarded during the 11th annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony on Friday, May 10.

The pinning ceremony was a formal send-off of the nursing graduates into their chosen professions. The pin they receive serves as a highly regarded symbol of nursing excellence, commitment to the profession of nursing and completion of the nursing education program at NNU.

During the ceremony, seven students were recognized for their academic and professional accomplishments: Meghan Leis (Eagle, Idaho) received the dean’s award; Elizabeth Miller (Boise) earned the RN predictor award; Hilda Turman (Mountain Home, Idaho) earned the preceptor award; Brigitta Panther (Nampa) and Josh Patterson (Nampa) received the outstanding clinician awards; Elora Drake (Boise) was honored with the nursing student of the year award; Kelsie Thorngren (Boise) received the scholarship award; and, Leesha Vaden (Meridian) earned the leadership award.

Photo caption: Jocelyn Sawmiller, Boise

Johnson Sports Center: Monday 11 am – 2 pm, Tuesday thru Saturday 10 am – 4 pm.

The Johnson’s Sports Center will be closed until Tuesday May 22, due to refinishing of the floors.

To see photos from Commencement 2013, go to nnu.edu/commencement;  facebook.com/northwestnazarene; or to read the article in the Idaho Press-Tribune, go to http://www.idahopress.com/members/student-athlete-grew-as-person-scholar-at-nnu/article_8c085e48-bacb-11e2-a750-001a4bcf887a.html or

http://www.idahopress.com/members/nnu-graduates-largest-class-ever/article_304b2874-bacb-11e2-b127-001a4bcf887a.html

These ten outstanding graduates were selected by faculty and staff to share their thoughts on their time at NNU. These quotes were also presented in the commencement program booklet.

ACADEMIC TO PROFESSIONAL
“NNU provided an outstanding education and amazing opportunities. Through field experience and internships, I was able to discover a career path that I am passionate about. I strove for excellence academically that fostered the skills needed professionally. I feel confident in the knowledge gained, but more importantly I am prepared for what is next—prepared to succeed in the workplace.”

Shanna Rippy (Idaho)
Bachelor of Science: Economics
Political Science Minor
Track and Field
Omicron Delta Epsilon
Delta Mu Delta

SCIENCE IN MISSIONS
“I wanted to study at a university that would connect my faith with science— NNU has done this. Through an engineering mission trip to Papua New Guinea (PNG), I used my education to tangibly further the Lord’s kingdom. We surveyed the site for and designed a new hydro-electric dam that will provide power for the Nazarene school and hospital in PNG. The trip showed me how I can use my talents to further God’s kingdom.”

Chad Larson (Oregon)
Bachelor of Science: Physics
Bachelor of Science: Engineering Physics
NASA Reduced Gravity SEED Program
NASA RockSat Team Leader
PNG Engineering Design Team Leader

EXAMPLES TO FOLLOW
“My professors concerned themselves not just with my undergraduate education, but also with my spiritual walk and future plans. They are an example of what it means to be a Christian scholar. At NNU, I developed an understanding of faith and learning that does not conflict but is dependent on each other. I was pushed in the classroom but more importantly, I understood the complexities of the subjects and how they shape my whole person.”

Emma Roemhildt (Alaska)
Bachelor of Arts: Political Science
Bachelor of Arts: History
Senior Academic Society, President
Sigma Tau Delta
Undergraduate Academic Council

SUPPORTING COMMUNITY
“I had to overcome significant financial barriers to be at NNU, but the staff in financial aid and admissions helped me find a way semester by semester. Even though I worked two jobs to support myself, I was still part of a community that is knit together and serves together. I have learned to be the best person I can be in spite of difficulty. The people at NNU helped me realize and embrace this truth.”

Jarrod Anderson (Colorado)
Bachelor of Arts: Christian Ministries
Children’s Ministry Minor
Future Children’s Pastor at Boise First Church of the Nazarene

READY FOR ANYTHING
“I always thought teaching abroad would be an experience I would really enjoy, and NNU offered what other schools were not—an opportunity to test it out, to try teaching in South Korea. I have learned engaging strategies to aid my teaching objectives, effective classroom management strategies and teaching tools that will benefit children for years to come. I’ve learned to live in God’s moment, ready for anything, with open eyes, ears and heart.”

Alicia Bland (Texas)
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education
Spanish Minor
Multicultural Mentor
Multicultural Club
Outdoors Club

GLOBAL REACH
“NNU was the only Nazarene university that offered a fully online graduate religion program. Over the course of my studies, I lived in the Netherlands and Germany, so an online program was the only option available to me. I was able to apply my pastoral and teaching ministry right away— sometimes even on the very same day. The classes helped me form a solid philosophy of pastoral ministry out of which my daily actions flow.”

Gideon de Jong (Netherlands)
Master of Art: Pastoral Ministry
Pastor, Berlin Church of the Nazarene, Germany
Teacher, European Nazarene College

DEVELOPING PEOPLE
“On top of dedication to excellent academic standards, NNU strives to grow and develop people on all levels. Rather than only being a successful businessperson, I know I will be a genuinely successful individual because of the time spent at NNU and the relationships I built. NNU’s depth and focus on development of the whole person is absolutely amazing, and it definitely sets the University apart from other non-traditional programs.”

Brian Fullmer (Idaho)
Bachelor of Science: Business Administration
Adult & Professional Program in Business (Online)
Delta Mu Delta

CULTURAL DIVERSITY
“When looking for a social work program, I wanted an emphasis on diversity, professionalism, high standards of educational learning and catering to the working family. NNU did all of that. I was often challenged to look beyond my own values and beliefs and encouraged to embrace the traditions of others. The emphasis on culturally competent practice and diversity among the staff and students makes NNU different from other universities.”

Kerrie Ann Hull (Ireland)
Master of Social Work:
Management, Community Planning and Social Administration
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

CONNECTING EDUCATORS
“NNU has provided me with the privilege of networking with educators from across the state. I found camaraderie with an outstanding group of professionals both in my cohort and the University’s connections. I have had the opportunity to share the ideas and thoughts generated from my classes with district- and state-level personnel. When I refer to an NNU class, there is an instant sense of respect and friendship.”

Shalene French (Idaho)
Doctor of Education: Educational Leadership
Director of Human Resources, Bonneville Joint School District

HOURS OF EXPERIENCE
“Through many hours of field experience, NNU’s Education Department has prepared me to be a more effective teacher. The faculty challenged us to become equipped, inspiring and supportive teachers as well as a part of the community in which we teach. I truly believe those hours in the classroom and with NNU’s faculty will help me make a smooth transition in my role as an educator.”

Hyesu Hwang (South Korea)
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education
Studio Art Minor
Intercultural Ministry Sunday School Teacher

• May 14 – June 7 All Library services will continue in the current Riley Library building; there may be some disruption as we will be preparing for the first part of the library migration.
• June 7, 5:00 PM Riley Library building will be closed to the public until summer 2014.
• June 10 – 21 All library staff will be involved in moving to Harter Lecture Hall and Helstrom Room 103, so please do not plan on any services being available.
• June 24, Monday The library will re-open in our migration resting place of Harter Lecture Hall and Helstrom Room 103.  What will be available?
  • A small but solid core of Reference materials
  • Current print periodicals and 1 year of issues
  • 19,000 new and recently (5 years) used items on shelves ready to be checked-out
  • Items not housed in Harter will be available for retrieval by library staff
  • All library services will be operational, but may be on a limited basis through July
  • The old Riley Library building will be completely closed to the public; some library staff will be working there, others will be in Harter or Helstrom Room 103
• July 8, Monday –July 19, Friday Library operations in Harter Lecture Hall will be CLOSED while the remaining materials in the old Library building are migrated to their 16 month temporary locations in Culver or Ford.
• When completed
  • Library services & core collections in Harter Lecture Hall and Helstrom Room 103
  • A major portion of the circulation collection will be available by request
  • Low usage materials including selected Reference, Wesley, Government Documents, Children’s Literature, and Curriculum collections, audio CDs and periodical back issues will be in storage and unavailable until late summer 2014.

LIBRARY SUMMER HOURS: 9:00 am – 5:00 PM, Monday  - Friday 

Closed May 13, 27 & July 4 in addition to dates provided above

Check http://www.nnu.edu/academics/libraryfor complete hours and updates

• graduate on time
• take classes that don’t fit into their regular schedule
• reduce semester course loads
• follow special interests.

Session one began May 14 and runs through June 14; Session two begins June 17 and runs through July 19; Session three begins July 22 and runs through August 23.

For more information visit nnu.edu/summersession or call 467-8870

The re-accreditation process involved multiple written documents over a year of analysis revolving around the five NACEP standards  (Curriculum, Faculty, Student, Assessment, Evaluation).  The effort was led by Dr. Dennis Waller, director, with the support of staff members Cindy Roberts and Joanna Vanderpool.

The NNU Concurrent Program began in 1999 and has expanded from two high schools to over 70 public and private high schools in 2012.  In 2012-13, the CCP had 2,500 individual students enrolled from high schools (public and private) in four states in the Northwest.

Questions about NACEP or the NNU CCP may be directed to Dr. Dennis Waller at 208-467-8257, or drwaller@nnu.edu.

The first camp is for girls entering grades 1-6, the second camp for girls entering grades 7-12, and the third camp for girls entering grades 3-8.  All three camps begin at 9 a.m. and end at either noon or 1 p.m. each day.

NNU’s coaching staff, along with NNU players, will be the instructors. Each camper will receive a rubber NNU basketball, an NNU t-shirt, and three game tickets for a Crusader home game. Tuition is $75 for camps one and three and $100 for camp two.

For more information, pick up a brochure at the Johnson Sports Center; print out a brochure/or register at  www.nnusports. com website; or call NNU assistant basketball coach Elpidia Allen at 467-8451.

Waitley, Class of 2005, is the owner of K1 Event Planning & Fundraising. She currently serves with Leadership Idaho Agriculture, Meridian Chamber of Commerce, International Association of Professional Ag Leaders and is the chairman of the Governor’s Gala Celebration Committee. Waitley is also the grant coordinator for the Trinity Pines Marketing Committee.

Freeman, Class of 2002, is a team leader at TitleOne Corporation in Boise. He graduated as a member of the inaugural class of TitleOne’s leadership training program, LeadershipOne, in 2009 and is currently a team leader with XOne, TitleOne Growth Initiative. He is the vice president of operations for NITA Solutions, LLC., and is a worship team member at Foothills Christian Church. While an MBA student at BSU, he received their COBE Distinguished Student Scholarship.

The class of 1963 was NNC’s 50th graduating class. The weekend of their commencement, they buried a time capsule under the clock tower in front of Elmore Hall. On Friday, May 10 at 12:45 p.m., their time capsule will be opened and the class of 2013 will bury a new capsule. Those attending the event will receive the first Centennial keepsake button. For each of the remaining five centennial events, a button will be given to attendees, with the final button given during Homecoming & Family Weekend 2013 in November.

Golden Grad inductees are: George Beail (Santee, Calif.), Jewell Quick Coverstone (Soldotna, Alaska), Dan and Lavone Edgar (Nampa, Idaho), Karalee Miller Ellis (Keizer, Ore.), Eugene and Sheryl Good (Camas, Wash.), Karen Kertch Hammer (Meridian, Idaho), James Jackson (Evergreen, Colo.), Glenn Larsen (Nampa, Idaho), Barbara Sutter Markham (Coos Bay, Ore.), Ernie McNaught (Nampa, Idaho), Joseph Needham (Clarkston, Wash.), Virginia Cooley Nelson (Coos Bay, Ore.), Joseph O’Neill (Nampa, Idaho), Mel and Carol Schroeder (Newberg, Ore.), Joyce Miller Summers (Turlock, Calif.), Mona Chenoweth Swanson (Kennewick, Wash.), Gerald VanOrder (Nampa, Idaho) and Jan Wilson Watson (New Meadows, Idaho).