Pictured are MVNU President Henry Spaulding; Morris family members son-in-law and daughter, Bobby and Kristi (Morris) Small; grandchildren, Rob and Andrea Small, Jami and Matt Pope, Daniel and Carrie Peeples, Cayla Harstine; and great-grandchildren, Will and Brianna Small, Bayli Pope, Rhyli Pope, Presli Pope, Grady Pope, and Tanner and Tate Peeples. Not pictured are daughters Cathy Stewart and Vicki Lupo.
Faculty and staff members at Mount Vernon Nazarene University were honored for their years of service at the annual University Dinner on Monday, August 21, 2017. During the event, President Henry Spaulding reminded attendees that as the new academic school year begins, administration, faculty, and staff have “good work to do and that we have done good work together.” Spaulding said that the iconic Eternal Flame in the center of campus is a reminder that “the work of the university has always depended on what MVNU could accomplish together.”
“The Eternal Flame’s meaning comes into clear focus when each of us embraces the history, practices, and vision of MVNU,” said Spaulding.
“This is going to be a good year. Let us celebrate who we are, think and dream big, and practice outrageous passion for our work. Most of all, let us determine to worship God through living our vocation together. When this happens we will understand the Eternal Flame has never been eternal, but the faculty, staff, and students who are around the flame, are eternal.”
President Spaulding presented several significant awards during the festivities. Mr. Scott Tarrh, Assistant University Registrar, was honored as Outstanding Staff Member of the Year. Dr. Randie Timpe, Assistant to the President for Planning and Director of Institutional Research and Accountability, was recognized as Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year.
Spaulding also presented the Hospitality Award to a staff member who makes a significant impact upon the university through consistent hospitality, demonstrates a positive, respectful, and effective interaction with students, faculty, staff, and the general public, and exhibits professionalism, warmth, and a gracious attitude. The award was presented to Mrs. Esther Carpenter, Coordinator of Gift Receipts and Records.
President Spaulding then introduced The Novice H. Morris Lifetime Achievement Award, named for the late Dr. Novice H. Morris who was the secretary for five MVNU presidents.
“The criteria for this award include: being a member of the staff for at least 10 years, retired for at least five years, contributing broad service to the university, having been active in the local church, and being recognized by his/her peers by competency, hospitality, integrity, and faith,” he said, presenting the first award of its kind to the Morris family. The award was accepted by Novice’s daughter, Kristi Morris Small along with 17 members of the extended family.
“MVNU is indebted to Novice Morris. Words cannot express our gratitude for her life. She is part of the heritage of MVNU and will forever inspire all of us, especially the staff to love this place and our common vocation,” he said.
Several other faculty and staff members were honored:
5-year award: Elizabeth Barrett, Katie Booth, Kevin Chaney, Carol Dorough, Jim Dorough, Amy Dunmire, Melissa Martin, Hannah Miller, Rob Stanley, Jamie Thorne, Eric Vail, Lisa Walchle;
10-year award: Carrie Beal, Linda Tarrh, Susan Meisel, Sharon Metcalfe, Elizabeth Napier, Kevin Peterson, Esther Rudolph, Brad Whitaker;
15-year award: Sheryl Arden, Jane Kennard, Joyce McDonald, Bonnie VanWinkle, Toni Veale, Rodney Yoder;
20-year award: John Noonan, Vicky Reed, Alan Shaffer;
25-year award: Debbie Beheler, Gary Detty, Pam Snow, Ardyth Stull;
30-year award: Judy DeVolld;
35-year award: Jim Clark, Denise Parks;
40-year award: Lincoln Stevens
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and several convenient Graduate and Professional Study locations throughout the state; MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education to more than 2,200 students from 28 states and 17 countries/U.S. territories.
