BOLIVAR, Mo. – Homecoming festivities at Southwest Baptist University will begin with Honors Chapel at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 22, in Pike Auditorium, when seven alumni will be recognized for living lives of service.
Alumni Life Service Awards
Inspired by the Life Beautiful Award presented each year to one male and one female graduate, President John Dowdy suggested to the Southwest Baptist College Board of Trustees in 1955 that the Life Service Award be given annually to graduates whose lives have exemplified the principles which are upheld at Southwest. The award is the highest recognition that the University can bestow upon an alumnus or alumna. This year’s recipients include:
J
oe Dillsaver ’65, ’67: Joe Dillsaver received his associate’s degree from Southwest Baptist College in 1965,
and was part of SWBC’s first senior college graduating class of 1967. He is retired
after having served as a professor of criminal justice at Northeastern State University
from 2000-2009.
“I was smart enough to realize that a large university was not for me,” Dillsaver said of his decision to attend SBU. “My world abounded with new friends, many forming the first senior class of Southwest. These people are still friends and we cherish our time together. Yes, it’s about the people.”
Dillsaver, who has had three novels published and six manuscripts completed, attends First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, with his wife, Jackie. They have two children, Dr. Matthew Dillsaver and Carrie (Dillsaver) McCracken.
Bob and Leslie Marsden ’73: Bob and Leslie Marsden were longtime residents of Bolivar, where Leslie owned and
ran Leslie’s Craft Carousel for 20 years, and Bob was a member of the Bolivar Area
Chamber of Commerce.
“We have a great appreciation for SWBC and the wonderful memories we shared with so many like-minded individuals; both students and teachers,” Bob said. “As we entered SWBC, we were young and inexperienced, and here, we matured in body, mind and soul.”
The Marsdens have been caring for Leslie’s sister, Monica Keathley, who was paralyzed
from the neck down after contracting Transverse Myelitis in 2006. They sold their
home and business and moved to North Little Rock, Ark., to care for Monica. The Marsdens
attend Park Hill Baptist Church, where Leslie teaches Sunday School and leads the
Celebration Choir, of which Bob is a member.
John and Linda Sheehy ’65 ’67: John and Linda Sheehy both received their associate’s degrees from Southwest Baptist College in 1965, and were also part of SWBC’s first senior college graduating class of 1967. The Sheehys also were named Mr. and Miss Southwest during their time at SWBC.
“We were privileged to be a part of that unique and closely connected class during our time at SBU,” Linda said. “We see our nomination as a representation of our class, and we are humbled to represent such an amazing group.”
Linda, a retired teacher of 34 years, and John, a retired hall-of-fame basketball
coach, live in Siloam Springs, Ark., and attend Fellowship Bible Church, where they
have taught Sunday school to young married couples, off and on, for more than 35 years.
They have two children, Dr. Tracy Manly and Clark Sheehy, head men’s basketball coach
at SBU.
Richard Wright ’81: Wright, a Life Beautiful recipient in 1981, attends First Baptist Church of West Plains, where he was the lead pastor for 10 years. Since 1997, he has been chairman of the Missions Committee for the Baptist Convention of New England. Wright also served as the President of the Baptist Convention of New England from 1995-1997.
“SBU has a special place in my heart,” he wrote. “It is here I not only received my education and degree, but more importantly, where I met my wife, learned about God and myself, and where a foundation was formed for a life of service.”
He continues to live out his life of service as he works as a paraprofessional at West Plains High School for students with special needs. Wright is married to Jacklyn Wright ’79, ’14. They were blessed with three children, Nathan ’05, Angela ’07, ’08, and Jonathan ’12.
Edwin Lightfoot Distinguished Alumni Award
The Alumni Association presents the Edwin Lightfoot Distinguished Alumni Award annually to an alumnus or alumna who demonstrates the ideals personified by the late Edwin Lightfoot ’40. The award criteria include alumni leadership in the University, dedication to the education and welfare of youth, and demonstrated support for SBU.
Steve Morrow ’72: Steve Morrow is retired after working as the State of Missouri Director – Office of Child Advocate for five years. He also served at SBU as director of student life/vice president of student development for 12 years and as a faculty/staff member for 17½ years.
“I am grateful to our Heavenly Father for SBU,” Morrow wrote. “To my friends and former colleagues, I want to thank you for filling in the puzzle pieces of my life. Without you, the puzzle would be incomplete. I’m forever grateful that God saw fit for our paths to cross.”
Morrow, who has authored five books, is a member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Bolivar, where he attends with his wife, Jean. They have two adult children, Matthew Morrow and Melissa Vestal.
For more information and listing of events for SBU Homecoming, go to www.SBUniv.edu/alumni/homecoming or contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at (417) 328-1806.