Engineering for the Moon
Dr. Bill Lovegrove, BJU Engineering faculty, has been chosen as a finalist in the NASA LunaRecycle Challenge. His proposal for bricks made up of lunar soil and recycled materials won him a $25,000 milestone prize and a chance to compete for the $400,000 final prize in August. As NASA makes plans to return to the moon, they look for innovative ways to recycle waste that will be generated at a lunar manned base and to make use of locally available materials. Dr. Lovegrove’s proposal meets both needs. He and BJU engineering students will work to refine this idea for demonstration to NASA in August. More details are available at LunaRecycleChallenge.ua.edu.
First Place Finish for BJU Students
Earlier this semester, seven BJU marketing students attended the American Marketing Association’s International Collegiate Conference in Chicago—an event that brings together more than 300 student chapters, including the University of Michigan, Indiana University and the University of Florida.
BJU students Zane Herzog and Eric Weist competed in the Marketing Strategy Competition, widely regarded as one of the most demanding and competitive events of the conference. Zane and Eric earned first place out of 110 competing chapters! In addition, Zane placed 7th out of nearly 600 competitors in the Perfect Pitch Competition and received an honorable mention in the Sales Competition.
Is Christian College Worth It?
Are Dave Ramsey and Mike Rowe right about college—is it worth it? What about a liberal arts degree? And if college-aged students continue to live at home while attending a local institution, is the Christian worldview cultivated by their parents sufficiently resilient to endure the secular worldview infused in that college environment?
Two Christian parents who are also BJU professors share their perspective on these questions and more. View the full interview with Dr. Scott Buhr and Vice Provost Laurilyn (Davis) Hall at the link below.
Artist Series Auditions for 2026-2027
The University Productions group invites you to audition for next year’s Classic Players and Opera Association productions on Saturday, May 2nd from 1-3 p.m. Classic Players auditions (Hamlet and As You Like It) will be held in Rodeheaver Auditorium and Opera auditions (La Cenerentola) will be held in Stratton Hall. Please sign up for a time slot using the attached links. We hope you’ll consider taking part in BJU’s 100th season! For further details, please contact our Artistic Director David Schwingle at [email protected].
Ken Ham Blog Post Highlights BJU
Ken Ham, founder of Answers in Genesis, recently referenced Bob Jones University on his blog, highlighting the need for Bible‑believing scientists and BJU’s creation‑based science programs. Read the full post by clicking below.
Front Campus Refresh
The BJU Marketing Department is capturing the front campus construction project on video, giving our alumni and off-campus community a front‑row view of the progress through a live feed. Watch the transformation in real time at this link, with completion scheduled for September 2026 in time for the opening of the Centennial Celebration year.
Call for Stories
From music to medicine, last month’s “Class Notes” held exciting news about Bob Jones University alumni who are excelling in their field. As we approach the Centennial Celebration year, we want to hear where your BJU education has taken you. Brag on your fellow alumni or submit your own accomplishments through the form at the button below!
Podcast Explores BJU’s Then and Now
What does 100 years of Christian liberal arts education look like at Bob Jones University? In the months ahead, the BJU Alumni Podcast will release short “then and now” episodes exploring the university’s story through the people, places and projects that have made BJU a lasting legacy.
Listen at the links below!
Spring Break Mission Trip
“It was really inspiring to see how God used consistent work of the missionaries over many years to have a huge impact on the community,” Lauren Green said. “Their faith in God to lead is so powerful.”
During spring break this year, Bob Jones University Bruins track and field student-athletes Misha Gray, Joel Batres-Mena and Melody Davis along with women’s soccer student-athlete Lauren Green joined a Biblical Ministries Worldwide team in El Salvador to serve alongside missionaries faithfully sharing the gospel with their community.
Using the link below, you can read the entire article by Trenton Goldsmith from Bruins Athletics Communications.
Advancement Report Goes Out
Alumni Association Members recently received a printed version of this year’s Advancement Annual Report. This piece is chock full of exciting stories and important information about how the Lord continues to bless and use Bob Jones University across the globe. If you are not a member of the Alumni Association and would like to read a PDF version of this report, click the cover photo.
Employment Opportunities
BJU Faculty/Staff Positions
BJA Positions
Alumni Updates
Future Bruins
Hamersky, Daniel ’18 ’20, and Becca (Talbert) ’14 ’17, Jude Bohdan, March 27, 2026
Hudson, Daniel ’21, and Giovanna (Sasamine dos Santos) ’23, Lara Quincy, November 12, 2025
Roos, Blain, and Tiffany (Staats) ’06, Adalyn Joy, February 24, 2026
Marriages
Shelton: Steven ‘24 to Lydia (Flynn) ‘23, July 26, 2025
Deaths
Anderson, Mary (Spearman) ’56, April 21, 2026
Bell, Norma (Garrett) ’61, February 13, 2026
Boles, Mary (McNulty) ’61, April 1, 2026
Bozwell, Gretchen (Nebergall) ’93, March 18, 2026
Brooks, James Arnold ’58 RFS, March 29, 2026
Enjaian Jr., Michael Mesrop ’55 FE, March 18, 2026
Franks III, Joseph Anthony ’60, March 18, 2026
Gordon, Margaret “Frances” ’48, April 3, 2026
Harvey, John Albert ’70, May 10, 2025
Harvey, Joy (Hagaman) ’86, January 11, 2023
Keltner, Kathleen (Jones) ’79, March 16, 2026
Kirk, Virginia “Ginny” ’95, March 26, 2026
Phillips, Paula Sue RFS, March 6, 2026
Ryder, George Barton ’74 FE, March 10, 2026
Thomson, Gloria (Stanley) ’71, March 19, 2026
Tillman, Jack Wayne ’51 RFS, March 19, 2026
Upton, Joyce Ann ’58, April 20, 2026
Wry, William Ernest ’62, April 4, 2026
Zbell, Sylvia (Williams) ’64, April 2, 2026
Class Notes
Conn, Michael ’13, is now the lead pastor of a church plant, Old North Baptist Church, in Dayton, OH.
Hodges, Allen ’77, was elected to serve as the state chairman for the South Carolina Association of CPAs for 2026
Kelley, J. Brendan ’13, has been elevated to principal at national employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. in its Greenville office, effective January 1, 2026. He focuses his practice on representing employers in workplace law matters, including preventive advice and counseling. He regularly defends employer in federal and state courts and arbitration against claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Family and Medical leave Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, claims related to restrictive covenants and various tort claims.
Murphree, Matt ’00 ’05, is starting his 15th year as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Salina, UT. In September 2026, he will transition as the new Director of Northwest Baptist Missions.
Stertzbach, David ’70 and Diane (Bundy) ’71 are now serving with GFA as an interim pastor
Sulaiman, David ’18, CoSurge LLC (dba CoSurge CPAs) has named David Sulaiman, CPA as the firm’s first Employee Benefit Plan Practice Leader. In his new role, David will oversee the firm’s expanding employee benefit plan audit practice for defined benefit, defined contribution, and health and welfare plan audits. His leadership will focus on strengthening audit processes, maintaining clear communication with plan sponsors throughout engagements, and mentoring CoSurge’s audit team to deliver consistent, high-quality service. David is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in South Carolina. He is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the South Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (SCACPA).
Rouse, Alexander ‘24 was awarded a grant by the South Carolina Arts Commission. He is using this grant to study and paint native birds of South Carolina. In May 2026 he will host a benefit exhibition at Conestee Nature Preserve in Mauldin, SC.
