The Trailblazer Times

Year-in-Review

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

One of the best things about coming to the end of a school year is being able to remember the highs of lows of the year.

The Trailblazer Times editorial staff decided to help this process along by highlighting the big changes and fun memories from the year.

A "brand" new face

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Reprinted from the Aug. 22, 2009 edition of the Trailblazer Times _______________________________ In an e-mail, MNU President Ed Robinson said that a reason for the change was, "the need for new, updated printed and web materials to promote MNU with prospective undergraduate and graduate students.

New VP for Academic Affairs excited about position

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

On July 1, Stephen Ragan joined the MidAmerica Nazarene University community as the new Vice President for Academic Affairs. Ragan replaced the interim Academic Dean Doug Henning, who had been in the position since the fall of 2007 when Frank Moore left MNU.

New RE learns the ropes

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

MidAmerica Nazarene University has a new Resident Educator on
campus, and her name is Jenny Marvine.

Marvine was the assistant RE in Spindle, but since Stacie Porter's departure at the beginning of the semester, Marvine has taken on many of Porter's responsibilities.

Brownback leads Town Hall Meeting at Bell Center

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

On Monday, Sept. 21, Kansas Senator Sam Brownback held a town hall meeting in the Bell Cultural Events Center to discuss many heavily debated topics with members of the community. Brownback has been a U.S. Congress member, Kansas Secretary of Agriculture, and on both the Joint Economic Committee and Senate Committee of Energy and Resources.

Rincones comes to the Colony

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

As MidAmerica Nazarene University welcomes the new fall semester, it also welcomes a new resident educator to Colony West, alumnus Daniel Rincones.

Prior to Rincones, the Colony West dorms were led by, current Dean of Spiritual Life, Brady Braatz. Sophomore Jake Stack, along with many other students, will miss Braatz being a part of Colony West, but feels confident in Rincones' new role as resident educator.

Myers makes Uphaus family friendly

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

The residents of Uphaus Hall have a lot to get used to this year. Besides having to adjust to a new Resident Educator in the building, they will also have to get used to having his wife and dog live there too.

Brent Myers is the new RE for Uphaus, and he brings with him his wife Laurie and their dog Marley.

Carlson takes theater beyond acting

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Reprinted from the Sept. 23, 2009 edition of the Trailblazer Times _______________________________ Rhonda Carlson, MidAmerica Nazarene University's newest addition to the theater program, began her first class session of Acting I with the admonition for the students to not be afraid to make fools of themselves.

Campus Center goes completely trayless

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Students eating in Campus Center recently will have noticed a fundamental difference in how they get their food. Last Tuesday, Sept. 15, Campus Center and Pioneer Food Services stopped using trays. "Some benefits (of going trayless) include proactively responding to the green conservation attitudes and values of students, lessening the institutional feel in the cafeteria, and becoming better stewards of all our resources," Food Service Manager Donna Brunton said.

Campus Center wall causes controversy

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Many MNU students are in an uproar about the new addition to Campus Center - a retaining wall separating the dish return from the serving area.

The wall appeared without any warning to the student body during lunch on Nov. 19, causing widespread confusion as to what it was and why it was there.

MNU hosts first annual schoolwide Spelling Bee

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Reprinted from the Dec. 9, 2009 edition of the Trailblazer Times _______________________________ From denouement to reconnaissance, and from iridescent to phlegm, last Monday, Dec. 7, was a night of unusual words and riotous cheers at the first annual MNU Spelling Bee, held in the Bell Center.

Students respond to Haiti crisis

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

On Tuesday, January 12, a 7.0 earthquake hit the island nation of Haiti, devastating the capitol of Port-Au-Prince. The death toll is estimated to be between 150,000 and 200,000. Estimates of the number of people now homeless are in the millions.

Virtually every humanitarian and non-profit organization has set up a way to help the people of Haiti.

Renowned conductor, composer fills position of MNU choir director

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Composer, conductor, teacher, and church musician are all titles familiar to John Leavitt. To the students of MidAmerica Nazarene University, he is the new choir director.

Just days before the end of the fall semester, Professor Juan Hernandez stepped down as the Director of Choral Activities to take the position of Assistant Dean of Music at Grand Canyon
University in Phoenix, Arizona.

Coach Bill Olin announces retirement

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Reprinted from the Jan. 27, 2010 edition of the Trailblazer Times _______________________________ Going into last Saturday's game against Culver-Stockton, women's head basketball Coach Bill Olin was just 7 games away from earning 500 career wins as a head coach during his 30 years of coaching.

Women's soccer team honored for scholastic excellence

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Contrary to popular belief, some people who play sports have more going for them than just their athleticism. For example, the MNU women's soccer team was recently awarded the National Soccer Coaches Association of America 2008-2009 Team Academic Award for having a combined average GPA of 3.

Coach Olin's final season comes to an end

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

The Pioneer Women's Basketball program gave fans a lot to cheer for in their last season under head coach Bill Olin.

The Pioneers ended their season in the Heart of America Athletic Conference Tournament on Saturday, March 6 with a 66-45 loss against Evangel.

Changes come to Pioneer Stadium

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Reprinted from the Sept. 23, 2009 edition of the Trailblazer Times _______________________________ Everyone noticed the first big change at Pioneer Stadium-assigned seating. While some thought it was a great idea, others did not like it so much. Kevin Steele, Athletic Director of MNU, stated that a change was needed.

Pioneer basketball season ends early this year

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Reprinted from the March 10, 2010 edition of the Trailblazer Times _______________________________ The Pioneer Men's Basketball program is no stranger to the HAAC Conference Tournament. However they are unaccustomed to losing in the conference tournament, as they fell 85-69 to William Jewell on Wednesday, March 3rd.

Pioneers fall in second round of playoffs

Thu, 22 Apr 2010 08:00:00 GMT

Reprinted from the March 10, 2010 edition of the Trailblazer Times _______________________________ After several years in the waiting, the Pioneers finally won a playoff game with their 40-24 victory over McPherson College in the first round of the NAIA Football Championship Series.