Class Notes

1960s

Warner David ’67 released a book on his life as a missionary kid titled, “Peace in a Mad Dog World.” It is published by Trilogy Christian Publishing and is available on Amazon.

1970s

Dr. Dave Nesselrode ’70 received the Delta Epsilon Chi honorary award at Kentucky Mountain Bible College at school’s graduation for his leadership ability, Christian character, and intellectual achievement.

Gene Ezell ’70 wrote the title song on the new album, “Love is the Voice,” from The Taylors. The album was nominated for a 2023 Grammy Award for Best Roots Gospel Album. His song, “When the Old, Old Story Was New” by Kingsmen Quartet was a 2022 Dove Award Nominee for Best Southern Gospel Song of the Year.

Kent Olney ’77 retired after 26 years as a sociology professor at Olivet Nazarene University. Olney now serves as the dean of Olivet’s College of Arts and Sciences. He also recently published, “Sixty Six: A Sociologist Reflects on Scripture, Its Themes and Their Relevance.” It was published by Francis Asbury Press. Olney’s thesis is that just as US Route 66 that carried travelers to their dreams eventually grew obsolete, we are in danger of letting the 66 books of the Bible follow that same trajectory. This book attempts to counter that trend and point its readers back to the design and relevance of the Word of God.

1980s

Captain Dr. Greg Crabill ’83 retired from the Navy after 20 years of military service. He currently teaches in the Family Practice Residency Program at East Tennessee State University. He and Billie Cozadd ’83 Crabill are enjoying life on a small homestead in Eastern Tennessee.

Jorge Acevedo ’84 was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from United Theological Seminary. He also released his seventh book, “Everybody Needs Some Cave Time: Finding God in Dark Places” released by Invite Resources. In May 2023, he earned a Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary with a dissertation of “Congregational Vitality: The Church’s Journey from Heroic Solo Leadership to Generative Team Leadership.” In August, he retired as Lead Pastor at Grace Church after serving for 27 years. He is now coaching, writing and speaking.

Dr. Bev Zelesky ’84 Hogue recently edited a collection of essays called, “Teaching Comedy.” It was published this year by Modern Language Association and it includes essays by college professors using comedy to teach a variety of types of classes.

Mindy Heitkamp ’89 Bradford published a book with her husband James titled, “Masculinity by Design: Finding the True North.” It is available on Amazon.

Ruth Freeburg ’89 Rutherford is now the librarian for the Fairbanks Symphony Orchestra.

1990s

Dr. Henry Zonio ’97 was the keynote speaker at the 2023 Godly Play North American Conference in Kansas
City, Mo., in June speaking on how churches can be more intentional in addressing racism and racial justice
in children’s and youth spiritual formation. He is also on a plenary panel at the Religious Education Association 2023 Annual Meeting in July addressing the ways children’s and youth spiritual formation practices have caused harm rather than healing and how to prevent further harm. Lastly, he wrote an article for Faith and Leadership online magazine of Leadership Education at Duke Divinity on how churches can play a vital role in the anti-racist formation of children and youth.

2000s

Dr. Jonathan Powers ’03 was named the Associate Dean of the E. Stanley Jones School of Mission and Ministry at Asbury Theological Seminary in Summer 2022. In the fall of 2022, Seedbed Publishing released the “Our Great Redeemer’s Praise Hymnal” for which he served as the general editor. He has served as the general editor for the book, “New Life in the Risen Christ: A Wesleyan Theology of Baptism.” It was published by Cascade in May 2023 as part of their Wesleyan and Methodist Explorations imprint.

Anna Lee Porter ’05 Brown received a Doctor of Philosophy in counselor education and supervision from Regent University.

Dr. Enoch Jacobus ’06 was awarded tenure in April 2023 at Shorter University, where he serves as Associate Professor of Music Theory.

Anne-Marie Buckles ’07 is a missionary with SEAPC (SouthEastAsiaPrayer Center). She served in Cambodia for 2.5 years and returned to the States in July 2021. Starting in 2024, she will be going overseas quarterly for short-term trips to sensitive areas where she will work with locals to bring education opportunities to at-risk populations.

Janna Dyk ’07 accepted the position of Director of Curator at Goucher College Art Galleries in Baltimore, Md., in May 2023. Janna completed her MFA in 2015.

2010s

Kyle Cope ’11 graduated from the Patterson School of Diplomacy with his Master’s.

Brittany Flowers ’13 U’Wren was promoted to Assistant Director of Operations at Kentucky Children’s Hospital.

Caleb ’14 and Gwendolyn Cipkowski ’14 Wheat adopted their third child, Jashwanth from India. He is welcomed home by siblings Jaxton and Katherine. Caleb started a new job planting a church in Northern Kentucky.

Belle and Isaac Santala ’22 are proud to announce the arrival of Willow on May 5, 2023. Proud Great Grandfather is Gil Moegerle ’67.