BOLIVAR, Mo. — Five Southwest Baptist University alumni were honored with special awards in recognition of living lives of service at Honors Chapel on Friday, Oct. 18.
The event marks the beginning of Homecoming festivities and also featured the presentation of the 2019 Homecoming court.
“Homecoming is a university-wide celebration,” SBU President Dr. Eric A. Turner said. “The definition of homecoming is to return home. As we come together to celebrate what the Lord is doing and what He has done here at SBU, it is my distinct honor to say to everyone, ‘Welcome home, Bearcat family.’
“The alumni receiving the Life Service Awards today are people whose lives exemplify SBU ideals. This is the highest honor given to alumni by this university.”
Edwin Lightfoot Distinguished Alumni Award
The National Alumni Association Board 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.
Elizabeth Mitchell Pace ’59: Elizabeth Mitchell Pace taught in the Bolivar School District for 35 years and was member and officer of the Parent Teacher Association, Classroom Teacher Association and Lakes Country Council of the International Reading Association. She serves the Bolivar community as a member of the service organization Bolivar Twenty Club and as a supporter of the Exodus House and House of Hope.
Pace earned her associate of arts in 1959 from Southwest Baptist College, her bachelor of science degree from Baylor University in 1962 and her master of science in education from Missouri State University in 1981.
She recalled the impact that Edwin Lightfoot has had, not only on her life, but on SBU’s past, present and future.
“Dr. Lightfoot’s contributions to SBU have had an immense, long-lasting result,” Pace said. “The ripple effect of his gifts is not measurable. It is satisfying to enjoy the benefits of a Christ-centered, caring academic community, to observe the growth of the university, to watch the students become servant leaders in a global society.
“A gift of any size to the university can offer limitless benefits. One can only imagine the results.”
While a student at SWBC, Pace was Student Association secretary, a biology lab assistant,
Life Beautiful Award recipient, debate team member, Miss Southwest candidate and revival
team participant. She also traveled with the Chorale to Italy, Austria, Czech Republic
and Germany. Pace and her husband, Julian, are members of First Baptist Church of
Bolivar and have two children: Julian Jr., and Emily.
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:
Dr. Russell Ford ’65 ’67: Dr. Russell Ford was a member of SWBC’s first four-year graduating class, earning a B.A. in education, majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. He then went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps from 1967-1970, which included a 13-month tour of duty in Viet Nam.
Ford expressed his gratitude for the award, saying he is humbled, honored and thankful.
“I was raised in a Christian home, and I thank God for how he has blessed me and for leading me every step of my life, including choosing Southwest Baptist College,” Ford said. “I’m thankful to SBU, the institution, for what it stands for and for what it meant for my life.
“I’m thankful for the faculty who were positive influences, and I want to thank SBU for the memories. I remember, especially, a meaningful campus revival; I remember family meals in the cafeteria; I remember rooting for the Bearcat basketball team – ‘Up with the Purple Pride!’ – and, I’m thankful for lifelong friends.”
Ford has received several awards and honors including the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” (earned in Viet Nam), Educator of the Year, St. Clair Chamber of Commerce (1996), Missouri Superintendent of the Year (1996) and was the Missouri representative for National Superintendent of the Year (1996). Ford and his wife, Barbara ’69, have two adult children: Mark and Sharida Green, and are members of Go Church in Ridgefield, Wash.
Dr. David Hilderbrand ’65 ’67: Dr. David Hilderbrand began his teaching career in chemistry at South Dakota State University and taught from 1974-2004 as well as served in other director roles at the university. He currently is Professor Emeritus of chemistry and Dean Emeritus of the Graduate School at SDSU.
Hilderbrand earned his bachelor of arts degree in mathematics from SWBC in 1967.
Hilderbrand said it was a humbling privilege to receive the Life Service Award from SBU, and is thankful for what SBU has meant to his life.
“Some very special relationships developed here, and one of those was four of us guys who lived in a suite in Beasley Hall,” Hilderbrand said. “You have changed my life, and I am far better for having known you. I also want to express my appreciation for the quality education and the leadership opportunities that I had while a student here.”
Hilderbrand also recognized Dr. Bill Little, a former professor, whom he described as a mentor and friend, as well as the late Dr. Bev Harris.
“They created within me a desire to do my best, to succeed and to work hard in whatever activity was involved,” Hilderbrand said. “I also want to thank SBU for the spiritual community, an atmosphere that allowed me to take the faith that I brought to campus and begin a 60-year journey of a deeper understanding of God and of the love of Christ.”
During his time at SWBC, Hilderbrand was president of the Student Association, a two-time nominee for Mr. Southwest, selected Most Likely to Succeed, a dorm counselor, chemistry lab assistant and a member of SWBC’s first four-year graduating class. Hilderbrand and his wife, Julie ’68, have two adult sons: Grant and Lucas.
Dr. Gary Longenecker ’71: Dr. Gary Longenecker has served his community throughout the years as a board member of several organizations, including: Students Against Driving Drunk, Girl Scout Council of Greater St. Louis and the Missouri Baptist Convention. He has served as volunteer with the Division of Family Services of Missouri and has been recognized for Student Volunteer Mobilization by the North American Mission Board for the SBC for Colorado, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Illinois and Missouri.
Longenecker earned his bachelor of arts degree from SWBC in 1971 and an honorary doctorate from SBU in 2008. He is the director and founder of Kingdom Sports Products, which developed the “Ball of Many Colors” – a soccer ball that helps spread the Gospel throughout the world. Thousands have come to know Christ through its message.
Longenecker said he was honored and “extremely humbled” to receive the Life Service Award.
As a 26-year-old college student, Longenecker said he struggled when he first came to SWBC.
“I didn't think I would make it,” Longenecker said. “But, with the help of some wonderful faculty and some encouragement from a lot of people, I was able to finish and eventually go on and get my seminary degree. So, I’m very thankful for this institution.
“The reason why I got involved in ministry was that God called me, but I also felt that God wanted me to prepare for the ministry. As a high school student, I didn't think I was prepared. And, with some encouragement, I started my education after being out of high school for about 10 years, at this university.
“I struggled, honestly, and yet I was encouraged by the Redford School of Theology and church ministries. The faculty there not only prayed for me and encouraged me, but they really helped me to finish, so I owe a great deal of gratitude to this university for what they’ve done for me, personally.”
Longenecker currently is senior pastor at Harmony Baptist Church in Rogersville, where he serves on several committees. He also has served at First Baptist Church of Lebanon, Mo. Longenecker and his wife, Mary, have two children: Mark and Jill.
Dr. Glenn Miller ’81: Dr. Glenn Miller earned his associate’s degree in general education from SWBC in 1981, a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and a doctor of educational ministry from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Miller said receiving the Life Service Award from his alma mater was special, but three things made the day even more special:
1. “SBU is a high-quality academic institution. As I went on to get graduate studies
at other institutions, and I’ve had the privilege of teaching at several schools and
universities in Missouri and Kansas, I recognized the quality of the education that
I received while I was here.”
2. “From the classroom to the global mission field to everywhere in between, SBU’s
unwavering commitment to the Kingdom and to the Great Commission makes me want to
be a part of things here, and makes me proud to be an alumnus.”
3. “And, unbeknownst to me, my wife Kim, and two of my four children, Chris and
Beth, were responsible for this nomination, which makes it very special.”
Miller founded the Institute for Church Management (ICM) in 2004, creating a 10-course curriculum for improved church/non-profit administration. He also is the founder/Chief Executive Officer of Miller Management Systems, LLC, serving more than 3,000 ministries across 28 denominations. He and his wife, Kimberly ’81, have four children and six grandchildren.
For more information about SBU Homecoming, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at (417) 328-1806.
PHOTO: Southwest Baptist University presented special alumni awards during Honors Chapel on Friday, Oct. 18. Front row (left to right) — Dr. David Hilderbrand (Life Service Award), Dr. Russell Ford (Life Service Award), Dr. Glenn Miller (Life Service Award), Elizabeth Mitchell Pace (Edwin Lightfoot Distinguished Alumni Award recipient), Dr. Gary Longenecker (Life Service Award recipient). Back row (from left) – Dr. Eric A. Turner, president of SBU; and Dr. Lee Skinkle, provost.
*Published: 10-18-19