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After months of searching and an immea-surable amount of prayer, Dr. William Wil-son was selected to carry on the legacy of excellence as the university president. Wilson and his wife Lisa are humbled and honored to be serving in the leadership capacity. photo/mark moore

“...go where My light is dim... to the uttermost bounds of the earth.

- oral roberts, ORU founder & chancellor

erising to global heightspresident wilson provides new direction

Eachchapelservicebeganwithin-ternationalstudentsshowcasingtheirna-tion’sflagandleadinganopeningprayerintheirnativetongue.Anationishigh-lighted each service, giving the Okla-homa-based university an internationalpresence. The emphasis on recapturingaglobalvisiontoenlargetheORUfoot-print is thebrainchildof thenewpresi-dent,Dr.WilliamWilson. FounderOralRobertsvisualizedauniversity with the purpose of buildingmenandwomentofurthertheKingdomandto“gowhereMylightisdim...totheuttermost boundsof the earth.”His sonRichard Roberts succeeded him, carry-ingonthislegacy.Dr.MarkRutland,asthethirdpresident,tookstepstoregainastrongfootholdforfuturesuccess. Godhasstrategicallyplacedstrongleaders in this crucial role for specificseasons,anditisWilsonthatisempow-ered with a clear vision to usher ORUintoglobalization.Withwell-establishedglobal ties through the Empowered21ministryandanunshakableheartforthenations,hewillnodoubtensure thatnolittleplansaremadehere.story/sierra quant

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Inauguration was a day for the ORU community to embrace the inspiring vision of President Wil-son. During this special time, lead-ers from around the globe were invited to share their encourage-ment and prayers for Wilson in his new endeavor. The festivities were concluded with the first on-cam-pus fireworks display, illuminating the campus with light. photo/mark moore

giving right directionclay jacobsen impacts the industry

Each new project Clay Jacobsen undertakes fuels his creativity and passion for his craft. A successful director, novelist, and business owner, Jacobsen realized his career allows him the freedom to influence people’s lives for the better. photo/mark moore

Today, Jacobsen has a diverse career journeyandrésumé.Inadditiontoowninghisownproductioncompany and being an accomplished author, he hasworkedalongsidemanydistinguishedindividualsandprograms.“TheMikeDouglasShow,”“Alf,”“TheAr-senioHallShow,”“TheHollywoodSquares,”“Jeop-ardy!”“AmericanIdolExtra”and“MissTeenUSA”arepartofhisextensivedirectingcredits.Hewasalsoinvolved in specials with celebrities Frank Sinatra,Wayne Newton, Kenny Rogers, David CopperfieldandDianaRoss. Manydirectorsdreamoflandingjobsofsuchprominence. Jacobsen credits the hands-on expertisehegainedatORUasavitalpartofhissuccess. BythetimeJacobsenbeganhissearchtoattendauniversity,histwoolderbrothershadencounteredtheone-of-a-kindeducationORUoffers.Theyrelayedsto-riesoftheirinvolvement,whichcompelledJacobsentotakefurther interest.Ultimately,hewasdrawnto thestrongsenseofspiritualityandthenationallytelevisedshowsthestudentshadtheprivilegetocrew. “IknewIwouldwalkawaywithadegreeandexperience,not justclassroomknowledge,”Jacobsensaid.“IhadthreeyearsofnationalTVcameraexperi-encewhenIgraduated.” While on campus, Jacobsen ran cameras forbasketball games, the chancellor’s weekly televisionshowsandquarterlynationallysyndicatedspecials. Another aspect that made Jacobsen’s time atschoolsoinfluentialwastheencouragementandpro-fessionalismoftheprofessors. CharlesZwick,AssistantProfessorofCommu-nication,Arts and Media, who still teaches at ORU,

n No second chances. No room for mistakes.Armedwithdeterminationandcaffeine,theteamwasreadyforthechallenge.Cameraswererolling,andev-eryonewaspoisedinposition.Itwasshowtime.ThetelethonwouldairLIVEforover21hoursstraight;thesuccessofthisshowfellononeman’sshoulders. WhenClay Jacobsengraduated in1978 fromOral Roberts University with a Telecommunicationsdegree, he never imagined he would direct one, letalone six, “Jerry Lewis MDA Telethons,” the showsthatraisedfundstobenefittheMuscularDystrophyAs-sociation.Weeksofpreparationwentintothemakingofatelethon,andthefewdaysleadinguptoonewerehectic.Forsome,60-secondcommercialsseemlikeaneternity,makinga21-hourshowhardtofathom. AlthoughJacobsenhadanarrayofaccomplish-mentsandacquiredskillatthetimeofhisfirsttelethon,hedidn’tfeelpreparedforthismammothundertakingandquestionedhowhewouldmastertheassignment. “The telethon was so overwhelming my firstyear,”Jacobsensaid.“ButwhenIbrokeitdowninto45-minuteshowsinsteadof21.5hourslive,itstartedtoallcometogether.Intheend,everyonewashappy,JerryloveditandIjustwantedtogotobed.” Lookingback,Jacobsenfoundthisexperienceone of his most rewarding due to the difficult chal-lengesthathefacedhead-onandroseabove.Tohisac-claim,heworkedwithactorandproducerJerryLewisfor25years.Jacobsen’sclimbontheladderofsuccesshasgonefromcameramantotechnicaldirectortotechsupervisortodirector.Jacobsenhasrisenfarabovehishumblebeginningsasahighschoolstudentwhoduggravesatthelocalcemetery.

“Directing happened on God’s timing, not mine. Man makes goals that are sometimes not God’s goals.

- clay jacobsen, director & author

impacted Jacobsen greatly. Zwick bridged the gap between the hands-oncompetencyofthetechnicalcrewandtheclassroom.JacobsenappreciatedhowZwickmadetheacademicworkrelevantforacareerinproduction. Aftergraduation,Jacobsenwasequippedtoentertheworkforceandthemediafield.HemovedtoLasVegastohelpaChristiantelevisionshowdevelopanationalpresenceforaseason.Seekingdirectionforthenextstepinlife’sjourney,hesearcheddiligentlyforanewopportunity. Equippedwithvaluablefieldexperience,Jacobsenapproachedthegrowing studios of talk showhostMervGriffin, the creator of thegameshows“WheelofFortune”and“Jeopardy!”Jacobsentookaleapoffaithandsubmittedhisworkingportfolio,anxiouslyawaitingnews.Itdidn’ttakelongforJacobsentobeofferedajob. “Withinthreedays,IwasrunningcameraonaCBSsportsweight-liftingevent,”Jacobsensaid.“Theopportunityopenedamazingdoors.IwasabletodofreelancecameraworkforaboutayearandahalfuntilIbecameatechnicaldirector.” Jacobsenwasadvancingbyleapsandboundsinhisprofessionalca-reer,andhistechnicalexpertisewasinhighdemand.HetraveledfrequentlytoLosAngeleswhen“EntertainmentTonight”calleduponhimtoassistwithstate-of-the-artequipmentthatcreatedelaboratespecialeffects. Withnewskillsanddevelopingcompetency,Jacobsensteppedintoanewroleandgainedrecognition.HehadthehonorofbecomingamemberoftheDirectorsGuildofAmerica,andhebecamethedirectorfor“TheAllNewDatingGame.” Jacobsencontinuestohaveasuccessfulcareerasadirector,buttherewasatimewhenhenearlycalleditquits. Jacobsenhadapersonalgoaltobecomeafull-timedirectorbytheageof30.Hewasworkingasatechnicaldirector,anticipatingthedayhewouldsitinthecoveteddirector’schair.OnJacobsen’s30thbirthday,hisdreamjobwasgiventoanotherman,thecameramanworkingonthesameshow.Ithappenedtobethecameraman’sbirthdayaswell,butthiswasnopartyforJacobsen. Jacobsenwasdiscouragedhisdreamwasnotcomingtopasswithinhis timing. At this point, there were two options: throw in the towel orovercometheobstacleandpresson.Hechosethepathofdiligenceandwasblessedbecauseofit.

“SincethenGodhasopenedsomanydoors,”Jacobsensaid.“Direct-inghappenedonHis[God’s]timing,notmine.ManmakesgoalsthataresometimesnotGod’sgoals.” Currently,Jacobsendabblesinmultipleprojects,butheisalsotheassociatedirectorforthepopulartelevisiongameshow“Jeopardy!”Hisre-sponsibilitiesincludeeditingepisodesbeforetheyair.Hevaluestheflexibil-ityofhisschedulesohehasthefreedomtopursueotherprojectstodirect,suchas“NFLGameDay.” Jacobsenalsoappreciateshisprofessiondoesnotbe-comemundanebutgrowsandevolvesastimeprogresses.Hespentfouryearsinvolvedwiththeshow“PrimeTimeCountry”andobservedchangesintheshow’sstructurethroughoutsea-sons.Withstate-of-the-artequipmentastoolsforfreshtechniques,everyyearthereisalwaysaskilltolearnorimproveupon. ThehardestpartofJacobsen’sjobisthechallengeofdirectingaliveshow. “Youhave toput it all together, andyoucan’t do it all by yourself,” Jacobsen said. “It isalwaysateameffort.Itisthehighestpressureandalsothemostrewarding.” Countless situations can occur on the air,andhehastobereadyfortheunexpected.Advancedpreparation,adedicatedcrewandcreativeproblem-solvingskillsaremust-haves.Asiftheactualpracticeofdirectingashowisn’thardenough,thecontentofashowcanrevealanotherconcern. “It’shardtofindgoodqualitytelevisionshowsaChristiancanworkonandfeelgoodabout,”Jacobsensaid.“Thegrindofputtingmaterialoutthatyoudon’tagreewithcanbetaxing.I’veturneddownshowsformoralreasons.” Withuncompromisingstandards,Jacobsenstrivestoshowhisfaith,asopposedtohidingitinanabundantlysecularenvironment.Jacobsenin-teractsandworkswithpeoplefromdifferentbackgroundsandbeliefs,buthechoosestorespectothersevenwhentheyholdopposingviewpoints.ORU

order the book here

Jacobsen seeks creative ways to share the love of Christ. He fol-lowed God’s path through the years, cherishing his ever-chang-ing profession, and has climbed the ladder of success in various areas of production. photo/mark moore

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studentsandalumniarechallengedtogointoeveryman’sworldtosharetheloveofChrist.Hedoesthatwell. “Youhavetobereadytodefend,butalsotoloveothers,”Jacobsensaid.“IhopepeoplecanseehowChristcanworkinalife,andyoucanhavejoyandagreattimebeingaChristian.Ineverwanttoworkwithsomeonewhothinkstheywerejustapieceusedforthepuzzle,butthatIcaredaboutthem.” OthershavecometonoticeJacobsen’skindheartednessaswell. CinematographerRayReynolds,whocurrentlyoperatescamerasonthesetof“Jeopardy!”hasworkedonnumerousprojectswithJacobsen,suchas“TheFlorenceHendersonShow,”“TheOtherHalf”and“AmericanIdolExtra.”ReynoldshastheutmostrespectforJacobsen’sintegrity. “Hemakesyoufeelapartoftheteam,”Reynoldssaid.“Hegenu-inelycaresforpeoplewhile,atthesametime,isveryknowledgeableandskilledathiscraft.Healsobringscreativitytothetable.” ManypeopleintheindustryareawareofJacobsen’sfaithbecauseofhisChristian-basedworksthathavebeenpublished. Jacobsenhaspublished four novels,multiple shorterworks and anonfictionbook.With ideascolliding inhishead,heneededanoutletofexpressionandturnedtothewrittenword. Thisresultedinthebirthofthebook,“TheUltimateRealityShow.”ThisnovelshowcasesthecharacterJackForrestandthepotentiallymorallycompromisingsituationsheisputinonarealityshowtotryandwin$10million. Jacobsen enjoys writing as a secondary career, utilizing free timebetween filming todevelopmore stories. “CircleofSeven,” “TheLaskoInterview”and“FictionandTruth”areadditionalpublications. ThenextnovelJacobsenwouldliketopursueisthesequelto“TheInterviewwiththeDevil.”HewascompelledtowriteitaftertheterroristattacksofSeptember11,2001.Itportraysthestoryofareporter’sonce-in-a-lifetimeopportunitytointerviewtheruthlessleaderofaglobalterroristgroup. Buthisconceptforanupcomingnovelmaybeovershadowedbyanall-newprojectheisundertaking. ClayJacobsenandhiswifeCindystartedCCJacobsenProductionsasanavenuetohelpexposeup-and-cominghighschoolathletestopotentialcolleges.Videosaremadetohighlighttheathleticskillsofthestudent.Now,asnewempty-nesterswiththeirtwodaughtersawayatcollege,theyplantofocusmoreoftheirtimeandattentiononthisinnovativeproject(ttp.tv). Muchoftheideaisstillinthedreamstage.Strategicplanningandtacticaldetailshaveyettobedetermined,butJacobsenpassionatelybelievesheshouldpursuethisnewventure. “I feel God is leading us to do mini-documentaries featuring theturningpointofalifeasGodmovesintheirlife,”Jacobsensaid.“Weare

lookingforgreatstoriestoreachotherpeoplearoundtheworld—tosharehowtheHolySpiritisworkinginpeople’slivestoday.” EachepisodewouldbefullyproducedanddirectedbyCCJacob-senProductionsandreleased inaneasilyaccessibleformat to thepublic.WhetherthesevideosbecomethenextYouTubesensationorarebroadcastontelevisionforalltosee,Jacobsenacceptsthechallengetotakethegospelintoeveryman’sworld. story/sierra quant

to be ad-miredbetsy baehr brings creativity to advertising

From a cozy photography studio to the bustling city of Chicago and everywhere in between, Betsy Baehr uses her creative skills to impact others. Baehr simply takes each challenge in stride, step by step. photo/jennifer lemerand

w WithinthesprawlingmetropolisofChicago,therearesightstoseeandexperiencesallaround.Knownforbeingacityofinnovativediscoveries,itisaplaygroundforclevermindsdevelopingbril-liantworks.Uncoveringthenextbigthingisaroundeverycornerordareitbesaid,insideeverycoffeeshop.NestledinaChicagoJavashoponacoolfallafternoonarmedwithnothingotherthananote-bookandpenwhilesippingherfavoritewarmdelight,shehasconceivedsomeofhergreatestideas.Itismomentslikethesethatproduceoutcomessuchascultivatinganadcampaignforoneofthetop50globalbrands. BetsyBaehrDrachearnedherdegreeinPublicRelations&AdvertisingfromOralRobertsUniversityin2009.Withapassionburninginsideherandaneyeforbrilliance,Baehrhasbeenabletogofromstudentstrivingforexcellencetonotableinitiatorofcreativeideas. “Godcreatedmybraintodream,”Baehrsaid. BaehrhasbeenanartdirectoratSaltCommunications inChicagofor thepast threeyears.Shehasbecomeacrucialpartofherinspiredteam.Withcreativestrengths,she’sabletobringafreshperspective toeveryprojectsheundertakes.Baehrdrawsfromhersurroundings influencesforhercutting-edgeapproach,andyetherideasarestillherown.Often,herconceptsarethesegueintoup-and-comingtrendsthatareyettobeuncoveredbythepublic. Throughouthercareer,Baehr’sprofessionalismandabilitytogenerateinnovativeideaswithinher fieldhasaffordedher theopportunity toworkon top-notchadvertisingcampaigns fornotablebrandssuchasP&G,Groupon,Craftsman,Reebok,BayerPharmaceuticals,S.C.Johnson&Sons,French’sandHershey’s,buttherewardsofherlaborwerenothandedtoher. Aftergraduatinghighschool,BaehrfoundshewasdrawntoORUbecauseitembodiedtheChristianmodelshedesiredtoseeinacollegiateinstitution.Havingenthusiasmtoexpressherselfcre-atively,BaehrselectedherdegreeasPublicRelations&AdvertisingwithaminorinGraphicDesign.Whileattendingcollege,Baehrhadtheopportunitytoparticipateininternshipswhichfurtherfueledherpassionfordesign. “Iwasn’tsomuchmotivatedbymyGPA;Iwasmoresomotivatedbymydesiretolearnandtakeeverythingin,”Baehrsaid.“ORUtaughtmetoapproachmycareerwiththemindsetthatit’spos-sibletomakealivingandmakeadifferencedoingwhatyoulove.” ItwasthesummerbetweenhersophomoreandjunioryearswhenBaehrhadaninternshipwithBetterHomesandGardensmagazine. “Itwasreallymyfirstjobinanytypeofcreativemarketingoradvertising,”Baehrsaid.“It’sreallywhereIlearnedthepowertherightimageholdstosellaproductortellastory. Ilearneda

“ORU taught me... it’s possible to make a living and make a difference doing what you love.

- betsy baehr, art director

lotaboutcollaboration,andthiswasreallywhereIdevelopedmyboldnessto speakup and sharemy ideas about designor thedirectionof a photoshoot.” WhenBaehrreturnedtoschoolaftercompletinghersummerintern-ship,shewasgivenataskinAssistantProfessorChrisPutman’sAdLayoutandDesignclassshecountsasadefiningmomentinheracademiccareerandoneshebelieveslaunchedherintoherdestiny.TheassignmentrequiredstudentstocreatecontentforrebrandingaBrokenArrowchurch.Baehrtookherworksoseriouslythatshetookthetimetovisitthechurchtobetterlearnabout theessenceofwhotheclientwas.WhilevisitingthechurchBaehrrealizedjusthowimportantunderstandingtheidentityofherclientwastotheidea-developmentprocess. “Itwasaboutmecreatingsomethingthatrepresentedwhotheywereand met their needs, not just satisfying my own creative desires,” Baehrsaid. Aftergraduation,BaehrworkedforaseasoninherhometownofDesMoinesasadesignerandphotographerinaphotographystudio.Stilldesir-ingtoventureintodesignwithintheadvertisingindustry,BaehrsetouttomakeherimpressiononChicago. Astimewenton,Baehrfacedobstacleswheninitiallytryingtoes-tablishherselfwithintheindustry.Shefoundherselfdoingpersonalresumedrop-offsandanythingthatwouldsetherapartinthecompetitiveindustry.She noted that because she opted for a graphic design minor, she had aroughtimebreakingintothecreativedevelopmentsideofadvertising.Per-severancebroughtherthroughasBaehrcontinuedtobuildherportfolioandgainedmoredesignexperience.Thencamethatopendoor.ShewasabletolandaninternshipatHavasWorldwide,oneofthelargestintegratedmar-ketingcommunicationsagenciesintheworld.Aftermorethanayearthere,BaehrscoredacreativepositionatTribalDDB,aworldwideorganizationspecializingininteractivemarketing.Baehrprovedherselfasaneffectivedesigner.Duringhertimethere,sheworkedontheReebokaccount.Baehrhadbeenhiredalongwithacopywriterasapartnerthoughtheyhadnevermetbefore,theyhadbeenpaireduptoworkoneveryprojecttogether.

“Ienjoyedworkingwithsomeoneandhavingsomeone tobounceideasoffof,”Baehrsaid. Thiscareer-illuminatingexperienceaffordedBaehrworkonseveralprojectsforReebok,includingdesignoftheire-commerceandonlinerat-ingsystem.UponvisitingtheReebokheadquarters,Baehrwasfilledwithexcitement. She was submerged in the brand’s history and was given anundertakingthatwouldmoldthebrandsfuture.BaehrneededtobeexposedtoeverythingReebok, theartandscienceof shoemaking,and thedesignbehindtheproduct.Baehralsohadtheopportunitytoseeacustom-builtfa-cilitywhereshoesaretestedforquality,durabilityandconsumerbenefits. “Ijustfeltexcitedandahugesenseofaccomplishment,”Baehrsaid.“IfeltvaluedbecauseReebokinvestedinme.” ShethentransitionedherselftoworkinhercurrentpositionasartdirectoratSaltCommunications,wheresheisprizedandaproveninspira-tion. “ORUreallytaughtmethatifyourdreamjobdoesn’texist,thencre-ateit,”Baehrsaid. Baehr now provides her clients with sensational, well-designed,conceptualsolutionstomeettheirbusinessgoals.Lookingback,Baehrisamazedathowfarshehascomefromworkinginasmallphotographystu-dioinherhometown. “If Ihad seen theend resultswhen I startedworkingat this littlephotographyshopandyoutoldmethatwithinayearIwouldbeworkingin downtown Chicago for one of the biggest advertising agencies in theworld–workingontheReebokaccount–Idon’tthinkIwouldhavebelievedyou,”Baehrsaid. Baehr’sjourneywasnotonlyoneofperseverancebutonethatsomemightseeasbeingintricatelyfashionedbyGod. “Ijusttookitstepbystep,”Baehrsaid.“Iworkedhardforit,anditallworkedout.” ThoughBaehrwasnotmentoredbyaspecificperson,shehasre-ceivedpearlsofwisdomalongtheway.It’s theimpartationofsimpleyetvitalknowledgethatmadethedifferenceforher.

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“Interviews don’t get people jobs, rela-tionshipsdo,”Baehrsaid. Baehrlearnedthisinvaluabletruththroughpersonalexperience.Ithasproventobethecasethroughouther career.Throughallof thevisionandwidespread success,Baehr finds evenmoredriveandaccomplishmentinusingherdesignstoimpacthercommunity.Usingherartisticexper-tise and appetite for transforming lives, she hasdonatedherskillstohelpstophumantrafficking.Baehr is working with the Chicago-based orga-nizationTraffickFree, towhichshehasappliedherselfandhertimetopositivelyimpactthelivesofothers.Ascreativedirector,sheisreachingherpersonalcareergoalsaswellasbeingaffordedtheopportunitytochangetheworld.

“TherereallyisnothingthatmotivatesmemorethanusingwhatIfeelGodhasgiftedmewithtomakeadifference,andso,whetherit’sthisorganizationoranother,IknowthatIwillalwaysneedthatsideoutletusingthegiftsGodhasgivenmetocreatechangeintheworld,”Baehrsaid. Withapassionforinitiatingtransformationfirstwithinhercommunityandthenthroughouttheglobe,Baehrisgratefulforthemannerwhichbroughthertothisplaceofdesireandartisticvisiontoday.BaehrcreditsORUwithhelpingtoshapehercreativepracticesandlookstothefuturewithexpectationsofwhatGodwilldonext. Itismadeevidentthroughherwork:Baehrisfilledwithaburningdesireanduntamableexcite-mentforherdailyresponsibilities. “Igettocreateeveryday,”Baehrsaid.“Igettotakemyideasandmakethemintosomethingthathasneverbeencreatedbefore.Igettothinkofnewwaysofcommunicatingideas.Igettoresearchwhatmotivatespeople.Thepsychologybehindadvertisingreallyfascinatesme,andfiguringouthowtomotivatepeopletowardactionisachallengeIthoroughlyenjoy.” Asshereflectsonwhatshebelievesherpurposewithinthedesignworldis,Baehrgushesoverherloveforconceptualizinglong-termsuccess,thebiggerpicture,andfulfillingthecreativepieceofadream.Someofthenewestrealizationsaboutwhosheisprofessionallyhavecomenotfromherownvisionarygiftsbutappreciatingthatgiftinothersaroundher.Whetherherinspirationiscomingfromindividualsinherownofficeorjustpeoplebeingcreativeingeneral,Baehr’sprogressivegoalistoputherselfinsituationsinwhichshecanmorereadilybestirredtocomeupwithnewideas. “I’mtryingtofindotherwaystofindinspiration,ratherthanjustlettingitfindme,”Baehrsaid.“This journeyoffindinginspirationrangesfromparticipatinginwomen’snetworkinggroupstomonthlycreativemeetinggroups,readingcreativeblogsandevenbrowsingwebsiteslike“KickStarter.” Baehr’sloveforrelationshipandcollaborationthroughouthercareerhasnotonlybroughthermotivation,buthasalsoactedasatwo-edgedsword.Growingwithintheindustry,oneofthethingsthatmadeBaehrbetterwasherabilitytobevulnerablewithhercreationsandallowingotherstoseeandprovideconstructivecriticismofherwork.Sheadmitsithasnotalwaysbeeneasyandcouldevenbepainfultryingtoacceptcriticismaboutprojectsthatshehadbecomesopassionateabout.Whenshewascompletingherdegree,Baehrhadadifficulttimesharingherworkwithothersforthemtocri-tique.ItwasonlyaftercompletingherinternshipwithBetterHomesandGardensthatBaehrrealizedherconfidenceinherworkgoesbeyondtheopinionsofothersandthatwhenexecutingaconceptforaproject,therearetimeswhenshecangetsoengrossedinherownvisionthatconstructivecritiquingusuallystrengthenstheprojectandbetterstheoutcome. Baehrnowaspirestoenhanceherleadershiprolewiththeopportunitytopourherexperiencesandindustry-basedknowledgeintointerns,thosewhoarewheresheoncewas.Sheenjoysreachingoutandinvestinginothers. Withallofhercreativeabilitytodreamandthinklongterm,shefindsiteasytostartplanningthefutureandneglectthepresent.Baehrislearningtosayfocusedonthenowofherjourney,givingherbestforwhereGodwouldhaveherbeinthisseasonofherlife.Desiringtoleavealastingimpres-sion,Baehrwantsnothingmorethantobeacreatorofchangeandmakeanimpactonherworld.story/rondah frierson

Unwavering when facing the unknown, Baehr looks to the future with unending excitement. She trusts that her steps are ordered and that they all lead to a higher path. photo/jennifer lemerand

Unsatisfied with the status quo, Jonathan Cyprowski strives to perform every task with absolute excellence. He instructs his stu-dents with expertise as he pours into their lives zealously. photo/mark moore

hi am, therefore, i mustjonathan cyprowski rises above the norm

He’snotnormal.Butthen,heneverwantedtobe.Withanunbreak-ableenthusiasmanddedicationtoGod,W.JonathanCyprowski—callhimJonathan—strivesforexcellenceineveryendeavorandexpectsnothinglessfromothers.Hecurrentlydevoteshis timeand talents tohisdual roleasOralRobertsUniversityDirectorofStudentPublicationsandInstructorofJournalism. Hehaspreparedhimselfwell,havingcompletedhisBachelorofArtsdegree inCommunicationswithaminor inTheater fromCaliforniaUni-versityofPennsylvania.HefollowedthataccomplishmentwithearningthetitleofMostOutstandingStudentinhispursuitofaMasterofArtsdegreeinJournalismfromRegentUniversity,graduatingatthetopofhisclass.Theseachievementswereonlyonestopinhisdrivetowardsuccess. HegrewupinaChristianhomewithparentswhowereinvolvedinministryfromdayone.Hewassavedattheripeoldageoffourand,fromthenon,dedicatedhimselftoGod’sministry.HetooktheroleofJesusinhislifeveryseriously.ThewordshelivesbyarethewordsofJesusinJohn10:14–16,“Iamthegoodshepherd;andIknowMysheep,andamknownbyMyown.AstheFatherknowsMe,evensoIknowtheFather;andIlaydownMylifeforthesheep.AndothersheepIhavewhicharenotofthisfold;themalsoImustbring,andtheywillhearMyvoice;andtherewillbeoneflockandoneshepherd.” ForCyprowski,“Iam;therefore,Imust”meansaChristianlifebe-ginswithaGod-givenidentityandendswithaGod-fulfilledresponsibility. “Myprimaryloveinministryistodeveloppeople,”Cyprowskisaid.“ImustlivewithaKingdom-dynamicmindset.[Jesus]ismydrivingforce,becauseI’veseenHimdosomuch.” CyprowskisawJesusinhisparents,somuchsothathefeelstheyshouldwearredcapesundertheirclothes. “They taught me how to live life,” Cyprowski said. “They bothraisedmenottomakeaveragedecisions.Iwouldputpostersofmyparentsonthewall,ifpossible.” Hisparentsalsotaughthimhowtoplanahead,howtoidentifyhisgoalsandaccomplishthemontime.Inhisfreshmanyearofhighschool,hestartedayouthBiblestudygroup,whichexpandedtoincludealargeper-centageofthestudentbody.HealsotraveledextensivelywithVisionMinis-triesInternationaldoingyouthconferencesandeventsalloverthecountry.Beingtalentedinmanyareascanbebothablessingandaproblem,andthedifficultyforhimwaspinpointingtheexactdirectionofhisministry. “Ihadarealpassiontotravelandpreach,”Cyprowskisaid.“Ihadtohavesomethingtogowithministry.Communicationswastherightfit.”

“If you do everything unto the Lord and offer excellence to God, He gets the glory from what you do. - jonathan cyprowski, journalism instructor

Helaunchedhimselfwholeheartedlyintoacareerofbothministryandjournalism,workingfirstasaninternforamajortelevisionsportsnet-work. “IhadincrediblesuccessatESPN,”Cyprowskisaid.“Theyofferedmeapermanentjob,butthentheeconomiccrisishappenedandthepositionjustwasn’tthereanymore.” Thoughthissetbackcosthimanadvantageousandpotentiallylucra-tivejob,Cyprowskiforgedahead,rememberingGodhadmadehimwhohewasandwouldcontinuetobewithhim.“Iam;thereforeImust,”ranginhisheart. At the same time, he continued ministering in his home church.YouthMinisteratChristCommunityChurchinStateCollege,Pa.,andclosefriendinministryJimBuccidescribesCyprowskiasaconfidentandgenu-inespeaker. “Hehasanauthoritywhenhespeaks,”Buccisaid.“HemotivatespeopletogoafterGod.Hebringsexcitementandvisiontopeople’slives.” He landeda jobwith theChristianBroadcastingNetworkwritingfeaturestoriesonChristiansports figures.Hecontinued thereuntil2010,whenhemovedtoPittsburghtowritefreelanceforthePittsburghTribune-ReviewcoveringsportingeventswhileworkingforFirstNiagaraBank.Hejokesabouttheincongruityofworkingforabank. “Godcanusemeanywhere,”Cyprowskisaid.“LikewithBalaam.IfHecanteachadonkeytospeak,Hecanuseajournalistinabank.” HispositionatFirstNiagarapaidthebills,andfreelancingfortheTribune-Reviewkepthishandinthejournalistink,buthebegantofeeltheitchofdissatisfaction thatcomeswithanewdirectionfromGod.Hehasalways loved education, believing it to be a key to success, so he beganprayingaboutteaching. “Banking and being a part-time journalist wasn’t enough,” Cy-prowskisaid.“Sometimesacallingisworthmorethanmoney.Acallingisattachedto‘Imust.’” AfriendofhisfromORUcalledthenextdayaskingifhewouldbe

interestedinteachingjournalism.Fromthatmoment,theballstartedrollingveryquicklyandCyprowskifoundhimselfontheroadtoTulsa,readytostartanewchapterinhislife.Henowthrowshimselfheadlongintoteaching17credithoursandhisworkwithstudentsontheOracleandthePerihelion.Heisnowaffordedarareandunusualopportunityforcreativity. “Mycreativeoutletsaremystudents,”Cyprowskisaid.“TheyareadifferentgenerationevenfromwhenIwasinschool.Howtheylearnisdif-ferent,alsotheirperspectiveandhowtheyseetheworld.” Perspective,forCyprowski,concernslifeandthecommunity,arealpurposeandwhatajournalistwantspeopletosee.IfanythingchangesintheapproachforStudentPublicationsinthefuture,itwillbethegraspofanewperspective. “Journalism can be so negative,” Cyprowski said. “The greatestweaponinajournalist’srepertoireistoadmitwhenthey’rewrong.Theremustbe integrity,mental fortitudeand theability to say, ‘Here’s the realtruthofit.’” Hehopes ashis students leavehis classroom tobecomeeffectivejournalists,theywillbetruetothemselves,toGodandtotheircalling.Aneffectiveteacher,accordingtoCyprowski,doesn’tspoonfeedinformationtostudentsandthenexpectthemtostandontheirown. “Youdon’tteachpeoplewhattothink,”Cyprowskisaid.“Youteachthemhowtothink,howtoseedifferentperspectives.Andyoudon’thavetoseparatefaithfromprofession.” ForCyprowski,beingsuccessfulisajourneydefinedbyone’scoreidentity. He cites a speech by civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.whenhespokeofhowevenastreetsweepershouldbesogoodathisjob,thehostofheavenwouldstoptonotice. “Successisinyourexcellence,”Cyprowskisaid.“Ifyoudoevery-thinguntotheLordandofferexcellencetoGod,Hegetsthegloryfromwhatyoudo.” Thisisexcellenceinaction:neversatisfiedwithnormal. story by sarah cochran

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To make a set design as functional and innovative as possible, Jared Cole labors over every detail of con-struction. He tackles daunting design projects and is eager to face new challenges himself while building up whole-person students by encouraging them to over-come difficulties they face. photo/mark moore

h Helikesfixingthings,buildingthings,fixingthingshebuilds.Heisconstantlyimprovingonhistheatersets,hisskillsandhimself.Evenhistitleisevolving.Officiallyanassistantprofessoroftheatre,heisalsothetechnicaldirectorandthescenicandlightingdesignerandalwayswillingtoexperimentwithnewchallenges.JaredColeislearningbydoing. HisfinetuningbeganatGreenvilleCollege,Greenville,Ill.wherehegraduatedwithadoublemajor,BachelorofArtsdegreeinCommunica-tions:TheatreandinMusic.Fiveyearslater,helaunchedhimselffullyintosetdesigningandaMastersofFineArtsdegreeinTheatre:ScenicDesignfromWayneStateUniversityinDetroit.Butthiswasnothisoriginalplan. Growingupinthechurch,hewasnotanovertlyrebelliouspersonandneverexperiencedamajorturnaroundorupheavalinhisChristianlife.Savedat4or5—he’snotsurewhich—he’sbeenasteadyfollowerofChristwiththoseteachablemomentsinlifewhenGoddrewhimyetalittleclos-er. “Iwasagoodkid,”Colesaid,noddinghishead.“ButI’vecometorealizethatsinissinnomatterwhatitis.It’sadailywalk.Youcan’tliveonwhatyoudidinthepast;youhavetolooktothefuture.” ThefutureforColecamewithatwist.Hisoriginaldesignincludedteachingmusic,especiallychoir,atthehighschoollevel.Thenlife’sjourneytookanunexpectedturn,andhedecidedtoswitchtoaCommunicationsandTheatredoublemajor. Andhelovedit.Ithadstartedinhishighschooldaysasanactor,pickingupcarpentryskillsalongtheway.Forfreshideasonlearningcon-struction,hewatchedthePBSseries,“ThisOldHouse,”andpouredthroughhow-toconstructionbooks. “Asanactorinasmalltheatre,Ihadtohelpbuildthesets,”Colesaidwithashrug.“Somebodyhastobuildthesets,or,otherwise,theydon’tgetbuilt.Therewasalsoalotofon-the-jobtraining.Theywouldneedsome-thingweldedandsay,‘Here,practiceonthisscrapmetal.Okay,nowgodoit.’” Hisrealinspirationto“godoit”camefromAssociateProfessorofCommunications at Spring Arbor University, Spring Arbor, Mich., Paul

build it, they will comejared cole goes with the grain

“I want to inspire them to be good artists, to stay true to the character they’re playing, even if it’s the bad guy. - jared cole, theater instructor

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Patton.Freshoutofcollegeasanundergraduate,ColewashelpingtheThe-atreDepartmentwithsomeofthesetworkandactingroles. “Paulencouragedmetogointothedesigningfield,”Colesaid.“HesaidIcouldlearnthingsthatwouldbemoremarketable.Yeah,andthatwasit.” PattonsawinColearealdedicationtotheworkandacommitmenttothestory:firstinhisactingandlaterinhissetdesigns.PattondescribedColeastheantonymofDiotrephesin3John,amanwhocausedcontentionintheearlychurchbecauseofhisself-servingappetites. “Peoplewhoaregooddon’thavetobefirst,”Pattonsaid.“AndJar-edisdefinitelyoneofthebeststagedesignersIknow.HiscombinationofconstructionanddesignskillsareunmatchedbyanyoneIknowintheatre.Hisworkcontinuestoservestorieswehavestaged.Heiseverydirector’sfriend,servingavisionwithouttryingtodominateit.” Cole’shumilityagreedwithPatton’sadvice,andwiththemaster’sdegreeunderhisbelt,hebeganseekingfull-timepositionsteachingtheatreanddesigningsets. “Oh,it’salongstory,”Colesaid,eyeingtheceilingabovetheHow-ardAuditoriumstage.“Ibegansendingoutalotofapplications.ThemoreIbegantolookintoORU’swebsite—[theuniversity]quicklyrosetooneofmytopchoices.TherearesomanyadvantagestoaChristianschool.Thething thatdrewmewas theeducationof thewholepersonand the reallystrongfaithaspect.” His current position keeps him on his toes, presenting new chal-lengeseveryday.Thelargewoodenhousehebuiltfor“Proposals”neededpaintandshinglesandroofspace,andevergreentreeswereneededtofillthestage. “Idoliketheword‘challenges,’”Colesaid,rubbinghischin.“Everytheatreandschoolhasdifferentchallenges–liketryingtofindcreativewaystousespace.Like,howdoIsolvethis?”

Heenjoysavarietyofperformancegenres,includingoperaandbal-let.Theworkhewitnessesbytopartistsintheirfieldscreatesacontinuinglearningenvironmentforhimanddriveshispassion. Hestaystruetohisbeliefthatbeingpassionateaboutwhathedoesisonlypartofthestory.Morethananything,hewantstoleaveitallonthetable,knowinghedidhisbesttogiveglorytoGodwithhistalents. “Myphilosophyis thatGodgaveustalents,andweshouldhonorGodwiththosetalents,”Colesaid,chokingupalittle.“LikeitsaysinCo-lossians3:23.Itellmystudentswe’redoingitforahigherpurpose.Iwanttoinspirethemtobegoodartists,tostaytruetothecharacterthey’replaying,evenifit’sthebadguy.” Hewantsstudentstowalkawaywithsuccessdefinedbyahealthyprideintheirwork,notaboastfulpride. “SuccessisbeingabletolookatthefinishedproductandknowthatIdidthebestIcould,”Colesaid.“IfIcanputmynametoit,ifIcanlookatashowandsayI’mgladmyname’sattachedtothis,it’sasuccess.” Oneofhisprevioussuccesseswas“TheSpitfireGrill”atGreenvilleCollege,andhewantstobringit,ifpossible,toORU.Hewouldalsoliketomakesomeadjustments to the techniques inconstruction, lightingandpainting. “I like doing challenging theatre,” Cole said, looking around thestage.“Itchangesourperceptions,forcesustolooktofindthetruth.Com-binethatwithmakingphysical improvements.Wedogreatworkalready,buthowdoweexpand,dobetter?It’swhatI’mtryingtodo.” Throughhisjourneysofar,hehasacquiredunmatcheddesignandartisticability,leavinghismark,hisuniquestyle,everywherehegoes.Heisstilladdingtohimself,alwaysbuildinghisknowledgeandhislife.Itmaynotbeperfectorasoriginallyplanned,buthe,liketheshingle-lesshouseonstage,isaworkinprogress. story/sarah cochran

Rafael Barreiro wholeheartedly assumes command of the MultiMedia Institute, eager to produce uplifting pro-graming. His passion for his craft and knowledge of the technical work has been valuable in shaping the next generation of filmmakers. photo/mark moore

h Hehasaheartforpeople,andhewantsthemtogrow,tobebetter,todobigthings.HemayhavetocheckhisnamebadgetoconfirmhisOralRoberts University title, but he knows his purpose without hesitation: totakestudentswithapassionforworkinmediatomakingabigimpactontheworld.AsanassociateprofessorandthedirectoroftheMultiMediaIn-stitute,RafaelBarreirohassetouttodojustthat. HisownjourneytodobigthingsforGodstartedwithawell-round-ed education. He graduated from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn.,withabachelor’sdegree inTheaterArts andSecondaryEducationandaconcentrationinTVproduction.Hewentontogetathirdbachelor’sdegreeinelementaryeducationfromthesameuniversity.Finally,hecappedoffhisstudentcareerwithaMasterofFineArtsdegree indirectingcinemaandtelevisionatRegentUniversityinVirginiaBeach,Va.Hisdesireforlearn-ingabout the loveofGod,however,came longbeforehis formaleduca-tion. AsayoungstergrowingupinUruguay,BarreiroparticipatedintheCatholicScoutsprogram,wherehefirstlearnedaboutGodandhowtowalkwithHimeveryday.Afterhisconfirmation,theHolySpiritarousedahun-gerinhimtoknowmoreabouttheBibleandabouttheloveofGod.AbigleapforhimcamewhileattendingschoolintheUnitedStates.TheInter-nationalStudentAdvisorpairedstudentswithlocalfriendshipfamilies;hiswasafatherofsixchildrenandpastorofaCharismaticchurch. “IsawthisfamilyreadingtheBibleatthetable,andtheBiblecamealive,”Barreirosaid,hiseyeswide.“Isawloveinaction.TheywerelivingthebookofActs,andIbegantolearnmoreabouttheHolySpiritandthatifyouhumblyseektheLord,holdingfasttoHim,hewilltakeyoutounex-pectedplaces.” ThefirstunexpectedplaceforBarreirowastheaterarts,whichwasasignificantchangefromhisoriginalgoalofgoingintothefieldofbiology.Uruguaywasneartheocean;itmadesense.However,itwasnotGod’splanforhim.Asanexchangestudent,hesawaproductionof“WestSideStory,”andaproductionatTheChildren’sTheatreCo.inMinneapolis,anditwasashocktohimthatsomethingsotheatricalexisted.Hebecameinvolvedwithschoolplays and the speech anddebate team, finishing sixth in the state

competitionforhisdebateonthedramaticarts.Thefinalturningpointcamewhenhewastryingtoencourageafriendwhowantedtobeanarchaeologistandwasbecomingunsureofsuchanillogicalchoiceforhereducationinthatcountry. “ReferringtoJesus’parableofthetalents,Iaskedher,‘Areyougo-ingtoburyyourtalents?’”Barreirosaid,tappinghishandtohischest.“Thequestionbouncedrightbacktome.ThenIthought,‘ShouldIbeabiologistnow?’” Theanswerwasno.HispassionwastellingpeopleabouttheloveofGod,andthebestvenuewouldbethroughfilmandTVproduction.ToBarreiro, Jesus is real—not just another subject in school, like math and

lights, camera, actionrafael barreiro propels the mmi program

“I want them to do for God what Hollywood does for money. - rafael barreiro, multimedia director

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science.ThemorepeoplewithwhomhecouldshareabouttheGoodNewsat once, the better. He wanted to see in every home what he saw in hispastor’shome:readingtheBibletogether,experiencingtheHolySpiritandthedepthofGod’slove. “IwantedtoshowtheloveofChristlivedoutinfamilyfilms–moviesthefamilycanenjoytogether,”Barreirosaid.“Themaincharacterswouldbekids.Ialwayslikedworkingwithkids.Godwantstodobigthingswiththem.” HisfirstopportunityforworkingwithkidswasattheSaintPaulel-ementaryschoolEXPOforExcellenceandthenatHeritageMiddleSchoolinWestSaintPaul,whereheworkedforeightyears teachingtheaterartsamongothersubjects.Duringhistenurethere,hedirected100schoolplays,20ofwhichwerefullproductions,buthewantedtogobigger.HestartedfreelancevideoproductionworkandsoontookapositionwiththeChristianBroadcastingNetworkinVirginiaBeach,Va.,andinnineyears,rosefromlineproducertoseniorproduceroftheSpanishtelevisionshow,“Club700Hoy,”reaching30millionviewers,primarilyinMexicoandLatinAmerica.ButGodhadyetanothervisionforhim. “Iwroteandproduced430episodesforCBN,andIthought,‘Isthisit,God?’becauseIfeltIhadbeencalledtofamilyfilmsandentertainment,”Barreirosaid.“Godgavemethevisiontoequipanduniteyoungfilmmakersandtostartproducingthosefilms.Ithought,thisisthetimetotrainexcel-lent,effectiveworkersforGod.” CBNManagingProducerSteveSchaefer,whowasthesupervisingproducerduringBarreiro’sstay,wasreluctanttoseehimgo.Barreiro’sabil-itytoassembleaneffectiveandcohesiveteamforproducingshowswasun-paralleled,andhisChrist-likeapproachtomanaginghisteamimpactedtheentireprogram.Barreirokeptupwiththetechnologyandpatientlytrainedhisteam. “Hetooktheshowtonewlevels,”Schaefersaid.“Hewasalwayslookingfornewideastoshootvariousstoriesandfornewcameraandedit-ing techniques. Therewasahighstandard toeverythinghedid.ORUisblessedtohavehisskillsandbackground.”

ThoughleavingCBNtoteachatthecollegeleveldidn’tseemlikethetypicalswitch,heknewGodhadamasterplanforhim.HestartedaskingGodwhatwasnext.WhenheheardabouttheMultiMediaInstitute,hefeltanimmediatepull. “IgotreallyexcitedaboutMMI,”Barreirosaid.“Itfeltlikeagoodstrategyforin-depthtrainingandwherebigthingscanhappen.Here,Icanmakeanimpact.” Itwillbeadifferentimpact.Hefocusesmorenowonteachingeffec-tiveclasses,onacclimatinghimselftobeingaprofessorandonenhancingtheMultiMediaInstitute.Hewantstousetheexperienceshehashadasanelementaryteacherandaproducertopreparestudentsforcreatingthemostprofessional,up-to-datefilmspossible. “Weneedtoproducepowerfulstoriesinhigh-qualityfilms—televi-sionshowsreadytoair,”Barreirosaid,rubbinghishandstogether.“Gradu-atingstudentswillhavedemoreels.Theywillknowhowthingsworksotheydon’thavetobetrainedonthejob.” Mostofall,hewantstoempowerstudentstodoexcellentworkwith-outexcuseandentertheworkforcewithpracticalexperienceandanopenhearttowhatGodwilldowiththemwithoutfearoffailure.Thatiswhyheoftenshareswithhisstudentsoneofhisfavoriteverses:2Kings18:6–7,whichsays,inpart,“HeheldfasttotheLordanddidnotstopfollowinghim;...hewassuccessfulinwhateverheundertook.” “Iwant themtolearnsomething,whichiskey,”Barreirosaid.“IftheyseekGodwithall theirheart, if theyarestrongintheLord,Hewilldirect theminunexpectedways.More than theycan imagine. Iknowbyexperience.” ForBarreiro,thepurposeoffilmproductionandlifeingeneralistotellothersabouttheloveofGodclearly,effectivelyandwithexcellence.Bydoingexcellentworkandmakingqualityfilms,studentscanmoveforward,reachmorepeopleanddomorethanevenhecoulddream. “Dobiggerandbigger things,”Barreirosaid, spreadinghishandswide.“Ifit’snotusatORU,whowill?” story/sarah cochran

and that’s a wrapdon eland retires, enters next phase of lifef FewpeoplecansaytheybattledhypothermiawhilelostintheOlym-picNationalForest,wentmountainbikingonSlickrockTrailinUtahorthattheyhadacloseencounterwithabear.Thismayseemlikeadescriptionofawildernessexplorer,butacertainprofessoratORUhasexperiencedthesescenes. DonEland,assistantprofessorofCommunication,ArtsandMediaisabouttoembarkonanewphaseofhislifeasheentersretirement,openinganinvitationforfutureadventures. Elandhasbecomeskilledinthemultimediafield,butithasnotal-waysbeenhisprofessional focus.Growingup in a family that cherishedmusic,Elandgrewtolovemelodiesandchords.Attheyoungageof16,ElandwasalreadygivingdozensofmusiclessonsatTulsa-basedSaiedMu-sicCompany. ORUhasplayedapivotalroleinEland’slifewithsixfamilymem-bersteachingorworkingattheuniversityand12earningdegrees.Eland’sbrotherwasinORU’sfirstgraduatingclass,andhisfatherchairedthemusicdepartmentforthefirst20yearsoftheuniversity’slife. ElandwalkedtheORUgraduationstagetwice:oncewithaBachelorofMusicdegreeinPerformance,andagainwithaBachelorofMusicEduca-tiondegree.Hecontinuedhiseducation,earningaMasterofMusicattheUniversityofTulsa,followedbypostgraduateclasses.HelandedanadjunctprofessorteachingpositionatOralRobertsUniversitybecauseofthemusi-calinfluencehehadonthecommunity.Thisallowedhimtotransitionintoafull-timeprofessoranddeveloponeoftheMidwest’sfirstmusictechnologycurricula. ThemarriageofmusicandsoftwareinclinedElandtoshifthispro-fessionaldirection,andhehaslovedexploringandlearningaboutmultime-diasince. Hehasbeengratefulfortheopportunitytoteachanengagingsubjectandimpartitintoyounglives.

Don Eland divides his time among outdoor excursions, creating lesson plans and becoming acquainted with the latest technology. Eland made it a priority to be a lifelong learner and has become a man of many tal-ents. photo/courtesy ORU photography

“Creative thinking is the mental currency of the 21st century, and I get some of my best ideas during worship services.- don eland, assistant professor of multimedia

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“I’ve always loved my job,” Eland said.“It’saprivilegetolovewhatyoudo.Ilovetheva-rietyandthecreativechallenge.It’sreallyfun.” Escapingawildbearorbattling theele-mentshasnothingonthechallengesthatteachingan ever-changing subject can provide.As muchasElandhasenjoyedcreatingthroughtheyears,hehasovercomeobstaclesinhisprofession.Theprimebarrierwasthechallengetoteachinnova-tiveandemergingtechnology. “Youareneverdone,anditneverstops,”Eland said. “I don’t think I ever taught a classwiththesamesyllabus.Icouldn’trefinealectureovertimeuntilitwasperfect.It’slikeanewclassevery semester—challenging, exhausting. Thereisnotaprofessionthatisn’tchanging.” Eland has taught a wide variety of mul-timediaclassesrangingfromphotographyto in-teractive media, but one aspect that Eland hasthoroughlyenjoyedabout teaching is theabilitytohelpdevelopworldleaders. “Myfavoritepartaboutteachingisthecre-ativechallengeofworkingwithstudentsandthatnoneofthemarealike,”Elandsaid.“Ithinkthereisanewgenerationofstudentswithanewkindof intelligence—one that isnotevenrecognizedyet—akindoflearningthatisgoingtochangethewaypeoplethink.Thewholecultureofeducationischanging.” Thethrillofdiscoveringtoolstohelpex-pandhisknowledgehasbeenanintriguingjour-

ney,andkeepingupwiththeinnovationhasbeennoeasytask. “Nobodycankeepupwithmedia,”Elandsaid.“Youcollectit,filterit,buildnetworksandprioritize—picking your battles. In media, youcan’tdothatkindofjobunlessyoulovewhatyoudo.Youhavetolovewhatyouaredoingorthereisnochanceofkeepingup.” The21stcenturyboastsstunningtechnol-ogyandElandencouragesotherprofessorstoem-brace teaching styles that reside with upcominggenerations.Studentsagreethatheismotivatedtoemploylessonsthatcomplementstudents’learn-ingstyles. “Eland is very hands-on in his teachingstyle;thisisveryhelpfulwhenlearningphotog-raphy,” freshman Graphic Design major TaylorGrahamsaid.“We[theclass]wereabletoputintopracticethemethodswewerelearningeveryday.Heengageshisstudentsbyallowingthemtoex-periencetheprograms,aswellashavingtheop-portunitytoparticipateinreallifephotoshoots.”As Eland has taught his students the basics ofphotography, he has enthusiastically sharpenedhisownskills. He has traveled all over the globe andtakeshiscameraoneveryjourney.FromEuropetoAsia and everywhere in between, he likes tofreeze memories while they happen, seizing themoment’s emotions and action. The added 15poundstohisbackpackisworththeweightwhen

hecantakeaphenomenalpictureorvideo.Elandhas had multiple occasions to capture stunningandsometimesshockingphotos.Hehadtheop-portunity to capture the tsunami wreckage thatdevastatedJapanin2011;herecallshisemergen-cyresponseteamhadabasecampinSendai,neartheFukushimanuclearreactor. No matter what Eland experiences orwhere he travels, he still relies on the Lord tosparkhiscreativity. OnceElandgavethelastfinalexamthatconcludedhisteachingcareer,hehasnointentionofceasingwhatheloves.Hisoptionsarealittlelessconventionalthanmostretirementplansandcouldbeafascinatingjourneyinthemselves.Withaquickdustingoffofthemountainbike,shakingouthiscrumpledbackpackandconsideringotherretirementoptions,photographyandmultimediawilllikelybeincludedinallofthem. “Mysonlivesinaself-sustainingcommu-nityjustoutsideofLexington,Virginia,whichhasalotofappealtomywifeandI,”Elandsaid.“Ialsoboughta5thwheeltrailerandatruck.Ihavebeento46countriesandeverystatebutAlaska—Iwant togoback tomy favorites. I’d love togoback to Rijeka in Croatia, and to remote CostaRica—it’sthemostbeautifulplaceonearth.” AlthoughElandhasclosedthedoorontheteaching profession, he can continue to capturenewmemoriesthroughhiscameralensinretire-ment. story/sierra quant

taking the leap of faithecuadorian michelle rojas follows God’s lead

Michelle Rojas will not let any hin-drance stand in the way of her be-coming the woman she is destined to become. Her dauntlessdetermina-tion to pursue her dream brought her to the university hundreds of miles from her Ecuadorian home. photo/ Ezra Chavez

s Sevenwords:“Iwanttobeanactresssomeday.”That’sallittookforMichelleRojastoexpressthedreamshehadkepthiddensinceagesixwhensheplayedtheroleofEve,Adam’swife, ina first-gradeperformance. For theEcuadorian, thatwhisperofherdesirewouldpresentanarrayofobstaclesshewouldovercome. Asayounggirl,itwasimpresseduponRojasthatactinginEcuadorwasanundesirableoccupationbecauseofthereputationthatshadowedthecraft.Itwasnottobepursuedbecausetheopportunitieswerescarceandfrequentlyinvolvedworldlycontent. “NobodyreallyknewIwantedtoact,”Rojassaid.“Iwasashamedtosayitbe-causeofculturalties.Itwasconsideredstrictlyahobby,andthatyouweresupposedtodosomethingseriouswithyourlife.” Shewasexclusivelyinvolvedinsportsinhighschooluntilherliteratureteach-erannouncedanadditionalactresswasneededforaplay.Rojasreceivedthepartwithoutformallyauditioningfortheshow,andherpassionforactingflourished. “ThatwasthefirsttimeIknewIlovedtheaterbecauseitmademefeelalive,”Rojassaid.“There’sapointwhenyouhavethatadrenalinerushlikewhenyoujumpfromaplane,andthat’swhatIfeltonstage.” Ashighschoolgraduationdrewnear,Rojaswasconfrontedwithcriticalde-cisionsregardingherfutureandeducation.Desiringastimulatingexperience,sheenrolled inayear-longexchangeprograminFrance,hoping togainclarityaboutherupcomingtransitiontocollege.Rojaswasthrustintoanenvironmentwhereshedidn’tspeakthenativelanguage.Initially,shecouldn’tfullyexpressheremotionsinFrench.HerneedforanoutletofcommunicationcausedRojastofallinlovewiththeexpressionofmovementanddance. RojaswantedtocontinuehereducationinFrance,butduetoeconomichard-shipsinherfamily,shereturnedtoEcuador.StudyingattheUniversityofSanFran-ciscoinQuito,Ecuador,Rojaswasdeterminedtoembracetheredirection. “TheLordtoldme,‘I’mpreparingyouinadifferentway,’”Rojassaid.“Therearenomajorsintheaterordancethere,soIchosePublicRelationsasmymajor.”

“... God was telling me to jump a cliff to get to the other side, but with-out knowing if there was enough ground to catch me. I had to take a leap of faith. - michelle rojas, ecuadorianjunior dtf performance major

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Noticing the integrity and qualityoftheworkRojasproducedinherdegreeofstudywhilestillastudent,corporationsbegan to seek her out for her expertise.She opened a successful cupcake shopcalledMr.&Mrs.Yumasagroupprojectinabusinessclassandassistedothercli-entslikefootwearandapparelchampionNike.Yetevenwithherbuddingsuccess,Rojasdidnotfeelfulfilled. “Theopportunitieswereawesome,but if Isawmyselfworking in thefieldtenyears fromnow, Iwouldn’t like it,”Rojassaid.“Dance means freedom tome.Actingispureadrenaline.Watchingamoviemakesmyheartbeatfaster.” Although dancing brought Rojasgreat joy, it came to a screeching haltwhenshebrokeherkneeinrehearsalandthedoctorssaidanoperationwas inor-der.Littledidsheknow,Godhadadiffer-entplan. “Iwenttothedoctoraweeklater,andhesaid,‘Ican’toperate;it’snotbro-kenanymore,’”Rojassaid. Thisexperiencedrewher in toanintimate relationship with God. Rojascame to realize God wanted to use hergiftsforthegloryofHiskingdom. Determined to find a universitythatwouldhelp fulfill her purpose,Ro-jasappliedtocollegesaroundtheglobe,searching for theone thatwouldbeherperfect fit. She was offered a full-ridescholarshiptoauniversityinLosAnge-lesbutitwasduringthistimeherparents

learnedof theChrist-centerededucationand whole person ideology that OralRobertsUniversityoffersandencouragedRojastoapply.WithlittleknowledgeoftheSoonerstate,RojaschoseORUashernewhome. “Ihadapeacetocomehere—suchagreatpeace—but I’vealsoneverbeensoscaredinmylife,”Rojassaid.“ItwaslikeGodwastellingmetojumpaclifftogettotheotherside,butwithoutknowingiftherewasenoughgroundtocatchme.Ihadtotakealeapoffaith.Idon’twanttodanceforme,ordotheaterforme,butforGod.” Nowadays Rojas is a first-yeartransferstudentmajoringinDrama-Tele-vision-Film Performance and is sched-uledtograduatein2015. OthershaveacknowledgedRojas’tremendousjourney. “She is very focused, even in themidst of adversity,” ORU alumnus andGrayMediaTimGrayfoundersaid.“JusttogettoORU,shealreadyhasachievedsomuch.Sheisverypassionateandde-termined.” Rojas looks to the future expec-tantlywithGod-ordainedstepsontheho-rizon.Herdesireistobeanactressinthefilmindustry,tobealightandexampletothoseintheentertainmentworld. Whether dancing her heart out orgracingcenterstage,Rojaswillcontinueto diligently take steps toward makingherdreamsreality. story/sierra quant

““When God puts a call on your life, it’s your job to continue that call.

- caleb koehler, sophomoreconvergence journalism major

photo/chandler branzell

Evident excellenceSHRM chapter earns national award for 17th yeare Excellenceisnotasingleactionbutahabit.AgroupofORUstu-dentshasconsistentlygonetheextramiletograsptheirprofessionalpoten-tial.Theschool’schapteroftheSocietyforHumanResourceManagementembodiesexcellence. ThegoalofSHRMistogiveeverymembertheopportunitytogainreal-worldexperienceandhonenetworkingskills tobecomeproficient inhumanresourcepractices.The teamhasflourishedunder thedirectionofAssistantProfessorofCommunication,SusanMcMurray,whohascoachedthegrouptosuccess.Theireffortshavepaidoff.Thisdiligentgroupofstu-dentsisacknowledgedinthetop20percentofchaptersinthenation. TheSuperiorMeritAwardisthehighestnationallyrecognizedhonora chapter can receive. Chapters earn merit points based on the activitiescompleted throughout the year. SHRM gave a helping hand to theTulsaarea throughcommunityserviceprojects,planned field trips,publishedanewsletter,andhostedHRprofessionalsinordertobeconsideredforthisprestigious award.The points have been tallied, and among 575 affiliatechapters,theORUchapterhasbeenrecognizedwithaSuperiorMeritAwardforthe17thconsecutiveyear. Eachmemberisactivelyengaged.Recently,theytouredTulsa-basedTheWilliams Companies Inc. and St. Francis Hospital facilities, eagerlysoakingupknowledgeaboutcorporateHR. Thechapterhostsmonthlyguestspeakerssothestudentscangaininsightsfromprofessionalswhoareestablishedinthefield.JulieThornton,VicePresidentofHumanResourcesatParagonFilms,spokeaboutrevamp-ingtheworkplacetobeamorenurturingandcreativeenvironment.CareyBaker,PresidentofPart-TimePros,addressedtheimportanceofprofession-aldevelopment.MembersalsochatwithprofessionalsastheyinteractatthemonthlyTulsaAreaHumanResourcesAssociationluncheons. Therelationshipsestablishedthroughthissocietyhaveopeneddoorsforstudentsfor jobopportunitiesandinternships.ManySHRMmembersareofferedHRjobsbeforetheywalkacrossthe graduationstage. Thissocietypreparesstudentstogointoeveryperson’sworldandbeadeptintheworkforce.ThetraditionofexcellencewillbecontinuedforyearstocomeasnewstudentspropeltheSocietyofHumanResourceManagementchap-terforward. story/sierra quant

“ “SHRM members learn to network and serve in meaningful interships and as as result stand out as being prepared and ready for the workforce.

- susan mcmurray,assistant professor of communicationSHRM adviser

Countless hours of rehearsal develop the skill that allows dancers to perform stun-ning pieces. Dance majors use their God-given craft to connect with the audience in a meaningful way, prompting thought and discussion. photo/mark moore

h Howard Auditorium’s stage wasdarkandabandoned,butoncethesemes-terwasinfullswing,itburstwithmove-ment and melody. Performances givenby dance students were the product ofdedicationandpersonalsacrifice. “EternalFlame,”thefallshowcase,addressedhowChristianstodaystrivetobea light inadarkworld.In thespringperformance,“Light in the Uttermost,”theaudiencewasenthralled.Eachsonginvited the spectators into a dynamicblend of choreography and music; theextensiverangeofdancestylesdisplayedstudents’versatilityoftechnique. Backstage,aflurryofdancerspre-paredfortheirnextcue.Costumes,shoesandevenhairstylesneededtobechangedinminutes. Theclassicalballetdancersgrace-fullypirouettedacrossthefloor.Jazz,mu-sicaltheaterandmoderndanceswerein-corporatedintotheperformanceaswell.Heart-poundingnumberswerecontrastedwithwhimsy.Thecrowdwascaptivatedbythegroupsinperfectsynchronizationandpowerfulsolopieces.Choreography,costumes,lightingandstylewereallme-

ticulouslyinterwoventoenhanceeachexpressivedancenumber.Inanattempttocon-nectwithothers,pupils,throughtheircreativecapabilities,hopedroutinesimpactedlivesatadeeperlevel.Manystudent-choreographedpiecesrepresentedpersonalrev-elations.Evenafterthecurtainclosedandtheartiststooktheirwell-deservedbows,theaudiencewasabuzzabouttheintricacyoftheshowtheyhadwitnessed. JustasthedancersflourishedinHowardAuditorium,studentshadtheoppor-tunitytosharethestagewithotherprestigiousdanceprogramsattheAmericanCol-legeDanceFestival.Thisopportunityopeneddoorstostudentsforscholarshipsandfuturepossibilitieswithesteemeddancecompanies.story/sierra quant

grace on the stagedance students tap into their destiny

Actors blossom on stage into convincing characters full of depth. Excelling in many genres of theater, drama students take a bow, knowing the performance was a job well done. photo/mark moore

a Audiences stood and cheeredas student performers acted, sang anddanced their way through another out-standingseasonofshows.Studentshaveshowcased their rising talents every se-mester,andthisyeartheyhaveraisedthebarofexcellence. Students portrayed brilliantly de-velopedcharactersinclassicplays,cap-turinghumorinthecomediesandsuperbvocalanddanceabilitiesinthisseason’stremendous dramatic showpieces. Thealtitudeoftalentsthestudentspossessedcontinuedtoskyrocket. ORUTheatre presented a spiritedopener to the season by carrying out amodern take on Shakespeare’s “MuchAdoAboutNothing.”Maintainingitses-tablished excellence, the follow-up pro-duction was “Proposals” by the worldrenownedplaywrightNeilSimon,whichcaptivated onlookers. The performancegaveviewersashowfilledwithlaughterand enjoyment that had them cheeringandapplaudingformore.Thedepartmentonlycontinuedtogainmomentuminthespringsemester,openingwith“Tintypes,”amusicalreviewconceivedbydramatistsMaryKyte,MelMarvinandGaryPearle.Studentsdancedandsangtheirwayinto

theheartsofspectatorsanddeliveredashow-stoppingperformancethatbroughtthehousetoitsfeet.ORUTheatreinconjunctionwithPlayhouseTheaterTulsa,apro-ductioncompanyfoundedbyalumni,putonanoutstandingperformancesurpassingallexpectations.Thecast’seffortstoinvitetheaudienceintothewonderfulworldof“ALittlePrincess:TheMusical”byplaywrightandcomposerBrianCrawleyandAndrewLippawerefruitful.Thethrillingandartisticallyoutstandingperformanceshighlightedthequalitythetheaterprogramhasbeenknownfor.story/rondah fri-erson

on with the showdrama, theatre, film majors take center stage

t “ “We had another outstanding team with 30 students logically presenting the truth of God’s Word.

- agena farmer, assistant professor of comm& debate coach

up for debatedebate team triumphs at competition The tallieshaveallbeen totaledand there isnoargumentabout the results.Hoursofpreparinganditallcomesdowntoameetingofthesharpestmindstoarguetheirpositionsonsomeofthemostrelevantcurrenteventsandtopics–thatiswhatstudentshavebeenworkingtoward.Itistheartofrefutationasitshouldbedisplayed;it’stheplacewherepupilsengageinpowerfulpersuasionfortheprize. TheORUDebateteam,anational-award-decoratedcompetitionteam,hasnowcompleteditssecondacademicseasonatavarsitylevelintheNationalParliamen-taryDebateAssociation.TheNPDAisthelargestintercollegiatedebatetournament.Teamsargueinatwo-on-twoformatfacingoffonatopic,usuallyonefulfillingcur-rentevents,onetakingtheaffirmativepositionandtheothertheopposingside. Withmorethan120opposinggroupsfromacrossthecountryvyingforthetitleofmastersofpersuasion,thisyeartheywontheGreenCountrySwingFirstPlaceSweepstakes.placedthirdintheSweepstakesatHendersonState,firstplaceatJohnBrownUniversity’sGoldenEagleTournamentandOverallSweepstakeswinnerofOzarkCup. SponsoredbyAssistantProfessorofOrganizational/InterpersonalCommuni-cationAgenaFarmerandledbytheircoach,MollyBrown,anadjunctfacultymem-ber, the convincingcluster spends their semesterspreparing, traveling, competingandproudlyrepresentingtheiruniversityincompetitions. Thesedevotedstudentsworkhardmaintainingtheiracademicresponsibilitiesallwhilepreparingforevents,andontheweekendsthegrouphitstheroad,bringingtheirAgametochallengeopposingteamsfromotheruniversities. The experience is packed with a range of activities–from individual speak-inganddebateeventstotournamentmanagementanddevelopmentofbusinessandchurchcommunication.Thefocusondevelopingpresentationskillswithinthepar-ticipantspreparesthemformakingpresentationsineverywalkoflife. Tobeinvolved,thereweretwooptionsforjoining.Participantseitherjoinedthedebatecluborenrolledandearnedclasscredit.Bothopportunitiesmakestudentseligibleforyearlyscholarships,butitisthepassionforpersuasionandacompetitivenaturethatkeepsthemcomingbackyearafteryear.story/rondah frierson

““I teach to make a difference in the lives of my students so that they can make an impact for Christ in their world.

- mark hall, arts & cultural studies dean

from old english to new deandr. mark hall promoted to dean of arts and cultural studies

Dr. Mark Hall transitions from focusing solely on teaching classes to serving as Dean of Arts and Cultural Studies. He looks forward to shaping and improving the program by partnering with the ded-icated faculty and students at ORU. photo/mark moore

p People can dedicate their lives to discovering thebeautyofthewrittenword,tocraftingphrasesthatdanceoffthepageorsweepthereadertoanotherworld,butittakesanoutstandingcommunicatortobeabletotransferthatskilltoyoungcreativeminds. Dr.MarkHallissuchapersonandhasbeenanORUprofessorofEnglishforover20years.Withaheartfortheworld-classstudentsandfaculty,he is transitioning intoanewassignmentastheArtsandCulturalStudiesDean. StartingasaTeacher’sAssistantintheuniversity’sCollegeofTheologyandMinistryin1987,Hallhasalwayshad a passion for higher education. Hall goes beyond in-structingand iscommitted tobeinga lifelong learner.Heisequippedwiththreemaster’sdegreesfromOralRobertsUniversity:twodifferentM.A.sinBiblicalLiteratureandanM.A.inTheologicalandHistoricalStudies.FromtheUni-versityofCentralMissouri,heearnedaB.S.E.inEnglishEducation,anM.S.E.inEnglish,andaSpecialistdegreeinHigherEducationwithanemphasisinEnglish.AttheUni-versityofTulsa,heearnedhisPh.D.inEnglish. WithexpertiseinclassessuchasBritishLiteratureI,EnglishRomanticPeriod,C.S.LewisandtheInklingsandhistwo-decadeslongjourneyinhighereducationwithallhehasgleanedalongthewaysecurelyunderhisbelt,Hallwaswellpreparedtoaccepthispositionwithenthusiasm. Inadditiontohisinvolvementineducation,Hallisanordainedministerandwasthepastorofachurch.Man-agingfacultyandstudentsismuchlikeshepherdingaflock,andHallisuptothetask. AsHallreflectsuponhisdiverselifeexperiencesandlooksforwardtotheimpacthecanmakeinhisnewpositionastheArtsandCulturalStudiesDean,hecanhelpshapetheprogramsothatstudentsandfacultyalikecanembracetheirpotential. story/sierra quant

““ Some of you alumni remember what it was like when we were figuring out the grand experiment of, ‘Could we really create a whole person?’ That same excitement is back.

- laura holland, department chair

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