“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1
There are so many people I would like to praise and express my thanks for in support of my time at ACU. I hesitate from listing them as I know I will miss someone, not because they were insignificant in this journey, but because there have been just so many who have been prayerful for our family during the difficult times in life. However, as a first attempt, I would like to list the following, as I wish to one day look back and remember the good others have done in my life:
First and foremost, I thank my sons, who moved with me at what was probably the worst and most tender time in their lives, to a very different place, who have endured more than I would have chosen for them to endure, and to still keep the faith.
I want to express my most sincere thanks to my husband, Dwain. Not many men would have given up a successful career at the railroad for his family’s sake or another career in sales and marketing to do the same a second time. But he did, as we moved from Phoenix, to support our family and to be a companion to me in our desire to serve the ACU community. Dwain has been my encourager and friend for over 32 years. For a woman who never thought she would marry anyone, he has been the fountain of blessings that defines marriage as a creation of God.
Dr. Jack Griggs, for having the faith to provide such an opportunity to a person unknown to him, but known to God
Dr. Rick Lytle, for his continuance of Dr. Griggs faith, for his patience as I moved through the challenges of a PhD program, for his listening ear, for his support of our family, and especially for his grace.
Dr. J-Robert Ouimet, Chairman of the Board of Holding OCB Inc. and Ouimet Foods – Cordon Bleu – Clark – Paris Pâté – for being a spiritual mentor and friend. J-Robert passed away at the age of 86 this past July. J-Robert was an active mentor and financial supporter of MSR during my years in Academy leadership. During my last visit with him in Montreal, I toured his company operations to see how lives were being changed through spiritual interventions incorporated by his management team. He also took me to the top of St. Joseph’s Oratory and shared insights from his life as a Catholic and devout family leader. I remember his parting words (paraphrased here), which have guided me through many experiences and leadership meetings: God does whatever He pleases; we are only vessels entrusted with His resources. Pray to stay in His will, and just make sure you don’t get in the way.
For Jim Porter – ACU Board of Trustees and ACIMCO rep during my time as faculty senate rep on the committee, for regarding me as a reputable member of the financial management team, for setting an example of inclusion that poured over into every ACIMCO meeting, for being a spiritual model of business leadership, and for sharing real-life examples of financial corporate responsibility.
For Dr. Monty Lynn, for his gracious spirit, for his servant heart, for his example of academic excellence and biblical integration, in research, in teaching, and in all we do as faculty.
Dr. Don Pope, for his continuous support and strength in times when they were needed the most.
Dr. Brad Crisp, for his camaraderie and leadership, and for listening to God when it mattered most for me, and my family.
Jozell Brister, for her faith and support as I learned to not just teach economics but to become an economist at heart, as she is and continues to be.
Dr. Jeanene Reese for being a mentor to me over the years, for telling me the truth, encouraging me to “thrive” daily.
Dr. Royce Money and Dr. Dwayne VanRheenen, for being the strength of God in academia and in a learning community, for guiding and encouraging me in their own way to become a teacher, shaped by God, for His purposes.
Finally, to my mother, who after many years since her passing, continues to live a good life through her children. From my dissertation acknowledgement, I repeat this sentiment: “To my mother, who instilled within us the will to accomplish in our time what she could not in hers”. My mother was a master teacher without a degree. I hope to emulate in my students’ lives the life she shared in me.
To Him be the Glory