’93 & ’99
The Reverend Doctor James Hager II was commissioned as a chaplain captain in the U.S. Army Reserve on Sept.13, at Prince of Peace parish in Columbia. The service was officiated by Chaplain John Landon, Archdeacon of the CEC Archdiocese of the Armed Forces. Chaplain Hager returns to service after a 21-year break. He is also the pastor of Prince of Peace mission. Also, on Aug. 5, Chaplain Hager was board certified as a pastoral counselor by the International Board of Christian Counselors. He and his wife, Jeanne, celebrated their 16th anniversary on Sept. 25 and took an Alaskan cruise.
’01
B. Christian Chapman has served in ministry since graduating from Southern Wesleyan University. His experiences are recounted in his book, “Testify.” Chapman recently presented a copy of his book to the university’s library. Chapman’s success in college baseball led to playing with Athletes in Action, where as a missionary he worked with South African nationals to develop an Olympic-grade team. He competed nationally in a professional golf “longest drive” competition, raced motocross and has taken part in a racing-themed reality series on Spike TV. He led Bible studies for NASCAR teams and motocross racers, served as chaplain to football teams and pastored collegians at Clemson University. Chapman has served as staff pastor at several churches ministering to youth, young adults and adults, preaching, training church planters and investing in the spiritual growth of those in his care. He lives in Charlotte, N.C., with his wife, Amy, and three boys.
’06
The South Carolina Independent School Association has recognized Pinewood Preparatory School teacher Nancy Beatty as a master teacher. She is among an exclusive group chosen as master teachers statewide in SCISA’s fifth year awarding the title. She holds the distinction of being the first physical education teacher to receive the designation in the history of the program. Master teachers are considered to be true standouts in their field. They must have master’s degrees and a minimum of five years in the classroom, among other criteria.
’07
Charleston County School District named Braeden Kershner, a SWU music education graduate, as the first CCSD Teacher of the Month for the 2009-2010 school year. Kershner is a band teacher at Stall High School. He was recognized recently by district superintendent Dr. Nancy McGinley, who praised his efforts to build a quality band program whose enrollment quadrupled during his two-year tenure. In addition to the marching band, he has started the PRIMETIME Drumline, the Ellusion Flagline, the Genesis Boys Singing Group and the new Los Conquistador’s Mariachi Band, the first of its kind in any high school in the state.
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BIRTHS
'09
Bethani Faith Smith was born on Feb. 27, 2009, to Brad and Bethani (Ford) Smith. She weighed 7 lbs., 9 oz., and was 20 inches long.
Faculty/Staff
Retired Southern Wesleyan University professor Dr. Bob McDonald died Oct. 24 after a courageous battle with cancer. McDonald served as associate director of LEAP (now known as Adult and Graduate Studies) 1988-1997. Prior to this, he served as an adjunct instructor in the LEAP program from 1986-1988. In 1998, McDonald assumed full-time responsibilities as professor of recreation and social sciences and was appointed as Division Chair of Social Sciences in 1999, a position he held until his retirement in 2005. McDonald was selected to address the graduating class of December 2004 and was awarded a presidential citation from the university. In May 2005, he was awarded status as faculty emeritus.
Dr. David Spittal, president of Southern Wesleyan University, praised McDonald as a highly esteemed member of the SWU faculty who contributed greatly to the advancement of the recreation program as well as his leadership within the Adult and Graduate Studies (AGS) program.
"He was an active advocate for students and gave his time and interest to give support to all who came in contact with him," Spittal said.
Rev. Ken Dill, Southern Wesleyan University chaplain, was hired by McDonald to serve as director of student services in the AGS program. Dill described McDonald as a gracious man who taught him valuable lessons about managing people.
"Sometimes busy people are not productive people, but Bob was busy and productive. He also had the ability to make you feel like he had all the time in the world for you. A student would never know how busy he was because Bob never showed it," said Dill.
Southern Wesleyan University religion professor Dr. Bob Black, recalled McDonald as a "good teacher, a good colleague, good friend and a good man."
"He regularly went out of his way for the struggling student, he often went the second mile to place graduates in jobs through his extended network of contacts, and he did it all without calling attention to himself," Black said, adding that McDonald was a quiet but powerful model for his colleagues and students.
Dr. Don Wood, professor of religion, said "hero" is a word that best described McDonald. Wood commented that McDonald's development of the recreation major was a boon to the university's enrollment. He also would work late hours to help his majors get placed in internships and jobs. Wood added that McDonald was dedicated to his church family as well, faithfully teaching Sunday School and being active in ministry to his community.
"Though he was gentle and self-effacing, he also stood firmly for what he believed was just and right," Wood said.
McDonald is survived by his wife, Linda, their son, Robert McDonald, daughter Laurie Pettit and five grandchildren.
Funeral services were held for McDonald Oct. 27 at First Baptist Church in Pickens, S.C.
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WEDDINGS
’06
Michael David Schmidt and Stacey Michelle Rockwell were married on Sept. 12, 2009.
’07
Kayla Marie Richey and Chad James Sanders were married on Aug.1, 2009.
Jonathan Michael Sipe and Adrienne Elizabeth Besenbach were married on July 11, 2009.
’09
Kerri Shaw Crawford and Joshua Martin Pratt were married July 25, 2009.
Laura Ashley Lacey and John Luther Guthrie were married on July 11, 2009.
Tyler Cain Brady and Rebekah Gail Eden were married on June 26, 2009.
Student
Melodie Loren Worley and John Mathew Webber were married on June 6, 2009.
Travis Craig Peacock and Melissa Ann Zooberg were married on June 6, 2009.
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