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Designed for Good: A Purpose and a Plan
We are Designed for Good. This theme was evident across campus as Asbury welcomed more than 1,350 alumni, families and friends to Reunion 2023. Laughter and storytelling, the recognition of old friends and the discovery of new ones, marked this weekend of gathering and conversations, which included participants from ages two months to 97 years young.
The collective good of being together was on display in class gatherings celebrating banner-year classes ending in 3s and 8s, rehearsals, youth programming, fellowship at the Hiccup Coffee Shop, the President’s Dinner, the Equine Program reunion, and in Hughes.
“It was like coming home,” said one alum. “I didn’t know how much I needed to be here, and I’m so glad I came.”
‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face…’
The Hymn Sing began with a simple medley of choruses that filled Hughes Auditorium with the beautiful sound of congregational worship. A thousand voices lifted in praise reverberated throughout the space. The pleasure of singing together brought both joy and tears in this fellowship and communion with God. And it was good.
Gathering in Hughes Auditorium, where tens of thousands had gathered in February for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, was reverent and purpose-filled. There was remembrance, renewal and a challenge to live into all God created His people to be.
“We should strive to live ’upright, Godly lives in this present age’ as Paul remarked in Titus, because this is our teleological end as persons made in the image of God. This is our design,” said Asbury President Dr. Kevin Brown.
Designed for Good was more than just a theme, it was a reminder of God’s good purposes for His good creation. Time passes, faces change, but the weekend celebrations were attended by Asburians who continue to trust in God’s faithfulness. They came with softened hearts ready to hear and share the stories of God’s goodness, even when things are hard, making this gathering a rich time of refreshment and reconnections.
Designed for Good highlights the Imago Dei design in human beings and one component of God’s goodness for us is being in community with one another. To illustrate, alumni share their stories on why the annual Reunion holds significance for them and their return to a supportive community.
I have looked forward to attending Reunion ever since I graduated from Asbury! Everyone in my class is scattered around the world, so this was the first time since graduation that we could come together and reminisce. There was something special about being in person together that was a far richer experience than social media, which is great for seeing the highlights of someone’s life, but having a space for us to come back in person and catch up on our lives was much better. I feel like the Vindicated Class had a really strong connection and I loved seeing them again!
I was an Asbury student when God descended on our Chapel service in 1970. We all could feel His presence as a beautiful and wonderful force from Heaven glued us to our seats. I was a philosophy major and predominantly intellectual, but I knew of the potential of the Holy Spirit’s activity among people. Before this happened, I had read a book about the 1950 Asbury revival and wondered if that could happen in our day since there was a lot of turmoil. Some students were praying for the Holy Spirit to come. Something powerful happened to me that day that I cannot explain; my spiritual DNA was rearranged. I arrived at Hughes this past February at midnight and was overwhelmed by God’s presence, like in 1970. The next day, I went out on the lawn where thousands of people prayed and worshipped. I talked to so many people that were hungry for God and crying together about what He was doing. I decided to come to Reunion to meet with alumni and return to Hughes in fellowship with Jesus.
Serving at Reunion these last few years with the Alumni Board have been such a blessing. While my wife, Kristi Henize ’93 Becht, and I have never missed our own banner-year Reunions, we had never been on campus for others. Serving in an off year gave me a chance to reconnect with some great friends who weren’t in my class. I cherish the memory of serving at a Golden Grad 50th Reunion class dinner. Sitting with those folks and hearing their stories was priceless. Sharing my own story as an alum, and also a parent of alums, in this Reunion season was so beneficial for me.
I arrived at Asbury in September 1969 as a conceited 16-year-old pastor’s kid who was angry at her parents for not letting her go to Harvard on a full scholarship. In the Cavalier Class, I met many other angry and confused teens struggling to figure out life. The Revival in 1970 changed us forever. I confessed my sins of pride and lying and felt instant forgiveness. The campus had been strife-filled for several years, but the Revival brought confession and repentance, even from professors and pastors. Now, my classmates live all over the globe, but past Reunions and the blessings of Christmas letters, cell phones, and emails have kept many of us connected over these 50 years. The fact that several alumni who only attended for one year came to our 50th class Reunion this June is a testimony to the bonds we formed long ago and have maintained over decades. Especially as we are all aging, I consider the Reunion a foretaste of Heaven.
Keeping Track of our Past
Frank Martin ’73 shares his experience on the Asbury track team
Frank Martin ’73 heard about the possibility of a track team during the days when the activity was only an intramural sport.
“It was a big deal when Asbury announced that a track team was going to be organized, but there were only six or seven of us on it at the start,” said Martin. “Since I had run track in high school, I looked forward to returning to the track and hopefully doing well for Asbury.”
Martin recalled the team members being close friends and feeling a campus-wide appreciation for the track team. In one instance, practice ran late, so the dining hall’s chef fed the group in a side room after dinner’s typical hours.
Little did Martin know that God would honor his decision to run track and use his years as a track athlete in his future ministry.
“My wife and I became missionary teachers for World Gospel Mission (WGM) at Southwest Indian School in Peoria, Ariz. While there, I had the opportunity to coach cross country and track and field for three years,” said Martin. “Currently, my wife and I are pastors to retired WGM missionaries in the Southwest. Even with them, I can encourage them to keep running the race until the Lord calls them home.”
He shares his story as a new track and field complex is currently under construction and expected to be completed during the 2023 fall semester.
“To have a dedicated facility for those who love to run will mean a lot to them,” Martin said. “I ran on the old gravel track, and that’s not always easy to do. Having an all- weather track will be a true blessing.”
The initial phase of the Outdoor Venue includes an eight-lane track, turf field, lighting, and fencing adjacent to the school’s athletics facilities. The University is still actively fundraising for the second phase of the project, which will include spectator seating, locker rooms, public restrooms, and an event space/ press box designed to host university and public events.
To see facility renderings or to support the Outdoor Venue project, visit asbury.edu/outdoor-venue.
A Few Fun Facts about Reunion 2023…
1,015
Pre-registered through Reunion app
1,346
Total Registered Attendees (This includes those registered in Hughes)
$147,000
Raised for the Reunion Class Gift project:
Common Areas in the Residence Halls
50+ Events
in Two and a Half Days
1,000 Voices
for the Hymn Sing
27 Hymns
Sung throughout the weekend
26 Vocalists
in the Men’s Glee Club
25
Reunion Ambassadors/Conference Assistants
11
Alumni Board Members
12
Class Leaders
97 Years Old
Oldest Attendee: Mrs. Verna Carter ’48 at her 75th Reunion
34
Program and Worship Leaders
6
Livestreamed Programs at Asbury.edu/reunion
6
Golf Carts for Campus Shuttles
100+
Cavaliers and Guests of the 1973 Class Celebrated their 50th Reunion
35+
2018 Class Gathering Participants
14
Banner Year Class Gatherings
480
Bottles of Ale-8
220
Cups of Coffee from the Hiccup Coffee Shop
600
Kona Ice Cones and Bags of Kettle Corn
19
Equine Reunion Participants
11
Buildings Used Across Campus, plus the Equine Farm and Ropes Course
105
Attending the Youth Programs
1
Canoe Trip,
Climbing Wall,
Swimming Pool,
and a Giant Inflatable Slide
A Legacy in Men’s Glee Club
For many alumni, Reunion is a time to travel back to college years and experience (or sing!) special memories. Bill Glover ’74 recalls how Men’s Glee Club shaped his eagerness to return to campus.
A sense of belonging. A fun family within the Asbury family. Sharing Jesus through music. All of these are wonderful memories that come to mind when I think about the privilege of participating in Men’s Glee Club both as a student and now as an alumnus returning to Reunion. Growing up, I always enjoyed choral music and being in Men’s Glee gave me that small group comfort of doing something I loved. And the friendships that grew out of
it have lasted throughout the years, and I look forward to reconnecting with many friends during this Reunion.
Dr. Bill Goold, our director, taught us the meaning of hard work and musical excellence, but Men’s Glee was not all rehearsal and performance. We had fun! Spring break concert tours allowed us to share the message of Jesus in song as well as see different parts of the country. I’ll always remember the afternoon running around Washington, D.C., for the first time. I painfully remember getting sunburned on a beach in Florida one afternoon before singing later that night. And bus-ride Rook card games were a hit!
We were sharing the hope of a life with Jesus with folks in Wilmore and throughout our beautiful country. Psalm 133:1 says, “How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!”
Men’s Glee taught me not only the importance of music but, more importantly, our calling to live in peace and harmony in His Spirit with our neighbors both near and far. This was an important life lesson that served me well in my years following Asbury. I was so thankful for this opportunity to be at Reunion this year and share in this renewed “harmony” once again!
Alumni Award Honorees
ASBURY’S HIGHEST ALUMNI HONOR OF DISTINCTION
Every year during Reunion, the Asbury University Alumni Association recognizes a group of alumni who exemplify service, excellence and the love of Christ in their careers and callings. For the full bios of the honorees, visit asbury.edu/alumni-awards.
Rev. Kathleen Register ’53 Redeker
A faithful follower of God and a lover of all others that He places within her path is one way to describe Kathleen. She served as a missionary-teacher in Japan where, outside the classroom, she held home Bible studies. After moving back to the U.S., Kathleen became an ordained minister. As a pastor, she was a compassionate teacher who modeled the call of God to live a life of “holiness unto the Lord.” She and her late husband established a family scholarship to help students attend Asbury. A fervent prayer warrior, Kathleen rarely misses a Chapel service online and is one of Asbury’s greatest fans on social media.
Arvid ’73 and Judy Mommsen ’65 Metcalf
Exemplifying servant-leadership and devotion to Christ, Arvid and Judy invest in their community in big and small ways. Judy taught science and Bible at a Methodist mission school in Panama. Arvin served in the U.S. Navy, started Metcalf Mechanical Contractors, and was a pilot for UPS. After retirement, the couple increased their service at Asbury, including Judy serving as a “hall mom” at Asbury for 10 years. The couple has opened their home to hundreds of guests over the years and continues to help families in need. Their hospitality and service are cherished throughout Wilmore and around the world.
Rev. Dr. Chris Bounds ’88
As an ambassador for God’s Kingdom and the Wesleyan Holiness doctrine, Chris advances the cause of Christ through his teaching, preaching and writings. He has served as a pastor, as a professor and Wesley Scholar in Residence at Asbury University, and as the dean of the School of Theology & Ministry at Indiana Wesleyan University. He currently serves as a professor of theology at Asbury Theological Seminary. Bounds is also on the board of One Mission Society and The Francis Asbury Society. A theologian and evangelist, Chris desires to see people respond to the invitation to live a saved, sanctified, and sent life for God.
Distinguished Young Alum Award Honoree
This award was created in 2000 to acknowledge younger alumni who are emerging as influential leaders.
Elijah Friedeman ’15
Elijah is not afraid to place his trust in Jesus and boldly speak the truth of God’s Word. After graduating from Asbury with majors in Ancient Languages and Communications, Elijah received an M.Div. Upon finishing seminary, he realized two options appeared before him in his service to God: missionary work in the Philippines or planting a church in Mississippi. “I recognized that the church in Mississippi would not get planted if I did not go there.” Elijah heeded the call to establish Foundry Church in Mississippi. He also serves as the vice president of enrollment at Wesley Biblical Seminary.
Volunteers of the Year
Honoring those who selflessly give of their time, talents and resources in support of Asbury.
Jeanette Davis ’76 Davis
Jeanette has a “come alongside” ministry that she uses to serve the Asbury community. She works behind the scenes with Reunion, assists with serving the retired faculty group, continues to invest in the Illuminated and Consecrated Classes, and volunteered to host guests during the Outpouring.
Joanne Davis ’76
Generously volunteering her time and talents, Joanne found joy in helping advance Asbury’s mission. She served on the Alumni Board, greeted alumni at Reunion and during online prayer times, helped with Set Apart retreats, served during the Outpouring, and faithfully prayed for the Asbury family.
The Vikings Return
Alumna Nanci Thompson ’64 Youngblood recounts her friend group’s reconnections 50 years after their memorable campus camaraderie
After 50 years, it was a huge surprise to hear from former Asbury College classmates that a reunion of the “Viking Six” was being planned. Six of us began college in the fall of 1960 in the Viking Class and became fast friends — three sets of roommates: Judy Denning ’64 McCurdy and Carolyn Range ’64 Ingles, Beverly Moore ’64 Van Landingham and Georgia Cleveland ’64 Henderson, Karen Ruegg ’64 Montgomery and Nanci Anne Thompson ’64 Youngblood. We began our freshman year in Fletcher Hall with ’Ms. VS’ (Van Sciver) as our housemother.
So, what did we do besides take classes, study, and attend Chapel? Judy was the angel of us all. She was a Cheerleader with a capital ’C.’ If we couldn’t find Judy, she was somewhere helping someone with a problem. She also sang in Brahms’ German Requiem in her sophomore year. Carolyn was a voice major who always seemed to be heading to the practice rooms. She sang in the Women’s Glee Club, and as a member of The Salvation Army, she was in the band. Beverly was a cheerleader for our class’s Viking basketball teams and played in The Salvation Army band, as did Georgia, who was also on the Student-Faculty Committee. Karen worked on the 1962 Asburian staff and was president of the French Club. Nanci Anne was vice president of the 1962 Viking Cabinet and played basketball her freshman year.
In the fall of 2014, lodging was arranged for a Viking reunion by Carolyn at the Terrace Hotel at Lake Junaluska United Methodist Conference Center, about 30 miles from Asheville, N.C. When we met at the Asheville airport, we celebrated with hugs and the awesome realization that each of us was still alive and healthy, but some of us wondered, “Who are these old women?”
We checked into the hotel in the same roommate configuration we had at Asbury, and the reminiscing began. We pulled out old yearbooks and many pictures, bringing back rich memories. The administration and professors we had were a big topic of conversation, as were the whereabouts of former classmates and their respective careers, marriages, break-ups, and locales.
Each of our life situations was different. Some were grieving widows, others were celebrating nearly 50 years of marriage. We all agreed that our experience at Asbury was life-changing, and we were all grateful for the adventures of learning, spiritual growth, and fellowship we experienced there.
There was one more reunion in 2016 — this time in West Palm Beach, Fla., including lots of talking, eating, beach walking, and catching up, and we vowed to meet again soon in person. None of us knows what the future will hold. We all turned 80 last year and still celebrate life! We are thankful for relatively good health, memories, and the continuation of our relationships throughout the years.
