Medical Missions Outreach
In June, nine BJU nursing and pre-med students, three nursing graduates, and Dr. Debbie Jones—Interim Dean of the School of Health Professions—joined Medical Missions Outreach as part of a team of forty-one fellow believers and Christian medical professionals traveling to the island of Roatan, Honduras. Partnering with two local ministries—Iglesia Bautista Fe Viviente (Living Faith Baptist Church) and Solid Rock Christian School—the team provided medical and optical care while also sharing the gospel with those they served.
According to Dr. Jones, during the week-long clinic, approximately 1,100 people received medical or optical services. The needs were diverse—pregnancy, blood pressure concerns, diabetes, vision issues, and more. Yet no matter the health need, each person who came for help heard the good news of Jesus Christ—how He died on the cross for their sins and why they desperately need a Savior. Through medical care, compassion, and biblical truth, men, women, and children who had never known Jesus were introduced to Him. By God’s grace and for His glory, more than 200 professions of faith were made during this outreach.
One interaction in particular left a lasting impression on Debbie. A grandmother and her young grandson came to the clinic seeking help. The woman arrived in tears, fearful that her declining health meant she might be dying. As her grandson’s sole caregiver, her greatest concern was not for herself but for him—if something happened to her, he would be left completely alone. Through the team’s evaluation, they discovered her blood pressure was dangerously high and provided the needed medication. When she came back the next day, her blood pressure had decreased, her fear was relieved and she expressed heartfelt gratitude to the team. Later, the team learned both the grandmother and her grandson attended church the following Sunday. It was just one of many reminders that meeting physical needs can open doors for eternal impact.
The outreach also produced encouraging results for the local church. Some patients attended the Wednesday prayer meeting, and several more came to church the Sunday after the team departed. For Debbie, these outcomes underscored why experiences like this are so valuable for students. Not only did they have opportunities to demonstrate and share Christ’s love with people who need Him, but they also learned firsthand how their professional skills can become powerful tools for ministry and compassion.
Perhaps one of the most meaningful growth experiences came while canvassing neighborhoods. Although many students initially felt hesitant and intimidated, they quickly gained confidence as they saw how receptive people were to both medical assistance and conversations about the gospel. Unlike what some expected in the United States, local residents openly welcomed discussion and were eager to learn about available medical care and the church. By the end of the week, students were initiating conversations, building relationships, and seeing firsthand how practical acts of service can point people to Christ. Debbie noted, “Mission trips in general have always been a way for Jesus to work in students’ hearts. Adding a medical aspect helps students see needs outside of their normal circle and, in this instance, the needs in a third-world country.”
Please pray for Iglesia Bautista Fe Viviente as they build on the relationships established through this outreach. Transportation challenges make it difficult for many people to reach the church, but God is already at work. Pray for wisdom, resources, and fruitful discipleship as the church continues sharing the gospel and helping new believers grow in their faith.
Medical Missions Outreach
In June, nine BJU nursing and pre-med students, three nursing graduates, and Dr. Debbie Jones—Interim Dean of the School of Health Professions—joined Medical Missions Outreach as part of a team of forty-one fellow believers and Christian medical professionals traveling to the island of Roatan, Honduras. Partnering with two local ministries—Iglesia Bautista Fe Viviente (Living Faith Baptist Church) and Solid Rock Christian School—the team provided medical and optical care while also sharing the gospel with those they served.
According to Dr. Jones, during the week-long clinic, approximately 1,100 people received medical or optical services. The needs were diverse—pregnancy, blood pressure concerns, diabetes, vision issues, and more. Yet no matter the health need, each person who came for help heard the good news of Jesus Christ—how He died on the cross for their sins and why they desperately need a Savior. Through medical care, compassion, and biblical truth, men, women, and children who had never known Jesus were introduced to Him. By God’s grace and for His glory, more than 200 professions of faith were made during this outreach.
One interaction in particular left a lasting impression on Debbie. A grandmother and her young grandson came to the clinic seeking help. The woman arrived in tears, fearful that her declining health meant she might be dying. As her grandson’s sole caregiver, her greatest concern was not for herself but for him—if something happened to her, he would be left completely alone. Through the team’s evaluation, they discovered her blood pressure was dangerously high and provided the needed medication. When she came back the next day, her blood pressure had decreased, her fear was relieved and she expressed heartfelt gratitude to the team. Later, the team learned both the grandmother and her grandson attended church the following Sunday. It was just one of many reminders that meeting physical needs can open doors for eternal impact.
The outreach also produced encouraging results for the local church. Some patients attended the Wednesday prayer meeting, and several more came to church the Sunday after the team departed. For Debbie, these outcomes underscored why experiences like this are so valuable for students. Not only did they have opportunities to demonstrate and share Christ’s love with people who need Him, but they also learned firsthand how their professional skills can become powerful tools for ministry and compassion.
Perhaps one of the most meaningful growth experiences came while canvassing neighborhoods. Although many students initially felt hesitant and intimidated, they quickly gained confidence as they saw how receptive people were to both medical assistance and conversations about the gospel. Unlike what some expected in the United States, local residents openly welcomed discussion and were eager to learn about available medical care and the church. By the end of the week, students were initiating conversations, building relationships, and seeing firsthand how practical acts of service can point people to Christ. Debbie noted, “Mission trips in general have always been a way for Jesus to work in students’ hearts. Adding a medical aspect helps students see needs outside of their normal circle and, in this instance, the needs in a third-world country.”
Please pray for Iglesia Bautista Fe Viviente as they build on the relationships established through this outreach. Transportation challenges make it difficult for many people to reach the church, but God is already at work. Pray for wisdom, resources, and fruitful discipleship as the church continues sharing the gospel and helping new believers grow in their faith.
NASA Competition Finalists
BJU’s Engineering team is among sixteen finalists that remain in the competition for NASA’s LunaRecycle Challenge.
This summer, Dr. Lovegrove and this team have focused on developing a durable and practical moon brick to help support future lunar exploration efforts and reduce waste created during space expeditions. In mid-August, Dr. Lovegrove and two students, Jonas Barker and Micah Shelton, will demonstrate their moon brick process before a panel of NASA judges as they compete for the challenge’s top prize.
Ministry on the go
Who could have ever guessed that a church pianist would have a hand in keeping Bob Jones University’s fleet of 200+ vehicles on task and on time?
When Kurt Petterson first visited Bob Jones University in 1984, he knew almost immediately he had found the place God wanted him to be. Raised in Baltimore, Kurt grew up immersed in music. He began piano lessons at age seven, accompanied choirs throughout his school years, and served as a church pianist while still in high school. He planned to study sacred music, but he had another lifelong passion too: buses.
As a teenager, Kurt would sit on school trips and watch the bus driver, fascinated by both the vehicle and the role. So, in 1985 when he arrived at BJU as a student majoring in church music and noticed a sign looking for student bus drivers, he jumped at the opportunity. Despite never having driven a bus before, he earned his campus license, passed his road test, and soon found himself transporting children from breakfast to school each morning. What began as a student job became the foundation of a lifelong ministry.
Kurt graduated in 1991 with his bachelor’s degree, but he never left BJU. Over the years, he became one of the most familiar faces in the University’s transportation department. Today, he coordinates travel for hundreds of vehicles, oversees bus operations, helps ensure compliance and safety, and supports countless university events, athletic trips, music tours, and ministry opportunities.
Mentored by beloved staff members Jerry Alexander and Craig Olsen, Kurt continues the legacy and mission of BJU. He has never viewed his work as simply providing transportation—it’s ministry on wheels—and Kurt loves being the person behind the scenes who makes someone else’s mission successful. After four decades of service, that purpose still motivates him every day.
As the University continues to serve students, BJU is seeking a Transportation Supervisor to join Kurt and the transportation team. This position offers much more than the opportunity to work on vehicles. It is a chance to serve alongside a faithful colleague whose career has been defined by stewardship, mentorship, and ministry. The individual who fills this role will help ensure that students, faculty, athletic teams, music groups, and ministry organizations have the transportation support they need to carry out their work.
How You Can Help
- Pray that the Lord will direct the right individual to join the transportation staff and continue this important ministry.
- Share the opportunity. If you know someone with vehicle maintenance skills, a strong work ethic, and a heart for serving in a Christian education environment, encourage them to explore this opening and consider joining Kurt’s team.
Gospel Advancement in Summer Ministry
Six states, 14 summer camps, and two church ministries visited in 15 days!
For three consecutive summers, we—staff members from Alumni Relations and Student Life—traveled to camps, churches, and Christian organizations spanning the United States. The purpose was simple: to encourage alumni and students where they are serving and to see firsthand how God is using BJU community members to strengthen local churches, disciple young people, and advance the gospel.
This summer, the trip concentrated on ministries in the western region of the US. Along the way, the team connected with more than 25 alumni, nearly 40 current students, and several incoming students who will join BJU this fall. Every stop provided a reminder of God working in and through graduates and current students as they faithfully serve Christ in communities across the nation.
One especially encouraging visit was to Treasure Mountain Bible Camp in Marble, Colorado, where we met Joshua and Kimberly (Corver) George, BJU graduates from the mid-1990s. Affectionately known around camp as “Papa G” and “Mama G,” the Georges oversee the camp kitchen and have spent the past two summers serving full-time at Treasure Mountain. Former faculty members at Bob Jones Academy, they now invest their time and talents in supporting the camp’s ministry to young people from across the country.
The Georges serve alongside camp director Jeremy Sheldon and his wife, Lydia (Kassales) Sheldon, a fellow BJU alum. Whether managing a commercially licensed kitchen, helping with camp activities, or mentoring summer staff on weekend hikes, the Georges’ love for Christ and for those they serve was evident in every interaction. Just as striking was how beloved they are by those to whom they minister!
The Georges are only one example of the many alumni we encountered who are serving faithfully and sacrificially. Everywhere we traveled, we witnessed BJU graduates and students using their gifts to impact others for Christ. Seeing alumni ministering alongside current students was a powerful testament to God’s continual hand of blessing on the mission of BJU!
Remembering 9/11 Twenty-Five Years Later
September 11, 2001, holds deep significance for the United States of America. 2,977 men and women lost their lives in the terror attacks that unfolded that Tuesday morning. It was a day marked by incredible tragedy, but also by tremendous courage. Amidst the chaos and grief, the nation watched first responders and ordinary citizens demonstrate selflessness as they worked to save lives. While this day remains a vivid memory in the minds of many, most of the students currently at BJU were not yet born. As we observe the 25th anniversary of 9/11 this year, BJU will hold a special chapel on September 10 to remember those who lost their lives and to honor the veterans who served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that followed.
We are honored to welcome retired Navy Captain and Chaplain Steven Brown as our guest speaker. A graduate of Bob Jones University, Captain Brown served our nation for 33 years before retiring from the United States Navy. His distinguished military career earned him numerous honors and commendations. Following the September 11 attacks, he played a role in supporting relief efforts at Ground Zero in New York City. We invite you to join us for this chapel centered on remembrance and gratitude.
Remembering 9/11 Twenty-Five Years Later
September 11, 2001, holds deep significance for the United States of America. 2,977 men and women lost their lives in the terror attacks that unfolded that Tuesday morning. It was a day marked by incredible tragedy, but also by tremendous courage. Amidst the chaos and grief, the nation watched first responders and ordinary citizens demonstrate selflessness as they worked to save lives. While this day remains a vivid memory in the minds of many, most of the students currently at BJU were not yet born. As we observe the 25th anniversary of 9/11 this year, BJU will hold a special chapel on September 10 to remember those who lost their lives and to honor the veterans who served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that followed.
We are honored to welcome retired Navy Captain and Chaplain Steven Brown as our guest speaker. A graduate of Bob Jones University, Captain Brown served our nation for 33 years before retiring from the United States Navy. His distinguished military career earned him numerous honors and commendations. Following the September 11 attacks, he played a role in supporting relief efforts at Ground Zero in New York City. We invite you to join us for this chapel centered on remembrance and gratitude.
Remembering 9/11 Twenty-Five Years Later
September 11, 2001, holds deep significance for the United States of America. 2,977 men and women lost their lives in the terror attacks that unfolded that Tuesday morning. It was a day marked by incredible tragedy, but also by tremendous courage. Amidst the chaos and grief, the nation watched first responders and ordinary citizens demonstrate selflessness as they worked to save lives. While this day remains a vivid memory in the minds of many, most of the students currently at BJU were not yet born. As we observe the 25th anniversary of 9/11 this year, BJU will hold a special chapel on September 10 to remember those who lost their lives and to honor the veterans who served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that followed.
We are honored to welcome retired Navy Captain and Chaplain Steven Brown as our guest speaker. A graduate of Bob Jones University, Captain Brown served our nation for 33 years before retiring from the United States Navy. His distinguished military career earned him numerous honors and commendations. Following the September 11 attacks, he played a role in supporting relief efforts at Ground Zero in New York City. We invite you to join us for this chapel centered on remembrance and gratitude.
Did You know?
The most prolific “Hidden Pictures” illustrator for the world-renown Highlights magazine is a Bob Jones University graduate! Tim Davis (’82, ’85) has worked as a professional illustrator and published author for more than three decades. As the most prolific Hidden Pictures illustrator in Highlights magazine’s history, Tim teaches workshops for the iconic children’s magazine to train others in the art of Hidden Picture creation.
Tim currently has an exhibit in Greenville, SC, featuring original Hidden Picture artwork. If you’re in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to see these original works before the exhibit concludes at the end of August. The exhibit is housed at First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Washington Street in downtown Greenville.
You've Got Mail
The BJU Centennial Calendar of Events will arrive in your mailbox, starting this week! With so much happening around campus during this milestone year, there’s truly something for everyone. From Art & Design exhibitions to the Concert, Opera, & Drama Series; from student performances and theatre productions to Heritage Day and Homecoming; and from Bible Conference to the Centennial Celebration Concert, the centennial calendar is filled with opportunities for our entire BJU community. We hope you’ll join us as we reflect on God’s faithfulness throughout the past century and look forward to His continued faithfulness in the next 100 years.
One of the best ways to stay informed about upcoming events and notable news is to ensure we have your most up-to-date contact information. You can update your information by emailing [email protected] or by completing this form.
Dual Enrollment 50% Tuition Discount
Save money on college while earning credits that can count toward both high school graduation requirements and a college degree. Through BJU SCOPE’s dual enrollment program, eligible high school students can take online college courses at a 50% tuition discount—just $690 for a 3-credit course. Families can save more than $2,000 before freshman year even begins, while their student gets a head start on college. Courses are 100% online with flexible deadlines, credits can be transferable through SACSCOC accreditation, and every class is taught from a biblical worldview.
The goal isn’t to finish high school faster. It’s to begin college stronger, with real savings, college credit, and less stress. Families interested in learning more can download SCOPE’s free dual enrollment white paper to learn how the program works, what it costs, and the next steps to get started.
Learn more by clicking on the button below.
“If I can summarize in one sentence the benefits of taking online classes, it would be flexibility, affordability, and the content of the classes.”
— Seth Banks, High School Senior, Dual Enrollment Student
“It was very important for our family to have a partnership with Bob Jones. They provide a very clear worldview for each of the curriculum.”
— John Banks, Seth’s Father
Employment Opportunities
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Alumni updates
Future Bruins
Felber, Micah ‘12 and Abigail (Offord) ‘12, Jonathan James, October 5, 2025
King, Tyler and Joy (Fonte) ’23, Shepherd Vincent, April 28, 2026
Leffew, Zack and Melanie (Gorsline) ’14, Fisher Willard, May 21, 2026
Deaths
Andersen, Sherry Lee ’70, June 16, 2026
Bippes, Mary (Pope) ’68, June 13, 2026
Briggs, Leora (Benson) ’66 April 2, 2024
Briggs, Orin Gail ’64, July 2, 2026
Cender, Ronald Joseph ’61, July 16, 2026
Chapman, Sheldon Warren ’68, June 20, 2026
Cromley, Alice Joy ’51 RFS, July 10, 2026
Cymbalak, Mark James ’86, June 21, 2027
Engelhardt, George ’75 ICS, June 13, 2026
Fields, Carol (Corrieri) ’66, July 4, 2026
Guiler, Myron Kenneth ’59 Hon FE, July 4, 2026
Heinrich, Donald Frank ’58, June 23, 2026
Martens, Jerroll Dean Martens ’60, July 9, 2026
McClanahan, Amy (Crawford) ’81, June 28, 2026
McDonald, E. Zelota (Markham) ’56, June 28, 2026
Norris, L. Katherine (Boyd) 1yb, July 1, 2026
Russell, James Herbert ’71, July 11, 2026
Smith, Treva (Pope) ‘66
Voegtlin, Donald Howard ’70, November 22, 2025
Wilson-Field, Carol (Corrieri) ’66, July 4, 2026
Class Notes
David, Joe ’54 recently completed a book (in conjunction with the Center for Excellence in Education [CEE]) on Admiral H.G. Rickover entitled, Rickover: Underway, My Way. It was the #1 best seller on Amazon in May. Admiral Rickover is known to the world as the “Father of the Nuclear Navy.”
Ellis, Justin ’25, recently graduated from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, earning both the J.P. Strom Award for the highest academic achievement and the Clifford A. Moyer Marksmanship Award for achieving the highest firearms qualification score in the class. Officer Ellis serves with the Greer Police Department in SC.
Ellis, Zac ‘23 was recently promoted from Engineer to A-shift Captain at Lake Cunningham Fire Department in Greer, SC.
Mulnix, Fletcher ’13, has been named the Chief Assistant District Attorney for the South Georgia Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
Gallant, Anna (Joyce) ’19, has released her first book, The Gift of a Quiet Life. In the book, Gallant challenges contemporary culture’s emphasis on productivity and platform-building, instead inviting readers to find God’s goodness in the “gifts of home, story, community, and kinship.” Adding to the project’s alumni connection, the book’s cover was designed by BJU alumnus Max Burak ’20, a longtime friend of Anna. His artwork beautifully complements the book’s themes of simplicity and community. Copies of Anna’s book are available for purchase on Amazon. 
