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TIDINGS: THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF SOUTHERN VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY -- A REVIEW OF FALL SEMESTER 2005 |
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KNIGHTS IN SHINING ARMOR The 2005-2006 men's basketball teams excel, thanks to 60% of their players being returned missionaries SVU's men's varsity & junior varsity basketball teams began their 2005-2006 seasons this November. This year, the basketball Knights have many praiseworthy attributes. Most unusual, however, are the teams' massive amount of collective missionary experience. Over 60% of SVU's basketball players previously served two-year missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. "We recruited approximately thirty-six athletes to play basketball this year," said Head Coach of the varsity team, Don Chamberlain. "Twenty-two of them are returned missionaries. I thought it was very unusual to have all these young men attending the same school and participating in the same sport."
From Great Britain, to Illinois, to Brazil, these Knights have been around the world and speak a myriad of languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, German, and Hmong. Besides being so educated in secular and cultural knowledge, the players also have spiritual knowledge that governs their character. "With all of our returned missionary players, there's a higher level of maturity from the team than you would expect to see at other schools," said junior Nathaniel Mann. "It's great for the younger players on the team; it gives them good role models." Mann, a 6'8" point-guard from Boise, Idaho, served in the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission. In the 2004-05 season, he was awarded with the title of SVU's Male Athlete of the Year for his dedication to scholarship and service at the university. Daniel Glazier, from Lakeport, CA, noted that, "when working with returned missionaries, people expect a higher standard." He continued, "Returned missionaries are seen as examples -- not only because of their missionary service, but because they are normally older students." Glazier served in the Chile Santiago South Mission and came to SVU to study American History. Recognizing the impact that returned missionaries have on his team's bond and atmosphere, he said, "Returned missionaries set the tone in practice by making the experience positive for all the athletes."
(left to right) Top row: Assistant Coach Ben Lingen; Tanner Johnson; Cameron Gentry; Brad Harmon; Nathaniel Mann, Tyler Proctor, Mitch Philpot, Uchenna Faumuina-Eze Bottom row: Assistant Coach Tony Caputo; Joseph Lovell; Brett Schroeder; Tim Davis; Dillon Farnsworth; Aaron Louder; Reggie Shaw; Matthew Lisonbee; Chris Pendelton; Head Coach Don Chamberlain The combination of maturity, discipline, and charity sets the stage for an uplifting environment and beneficial associations -- rare treasures in today's world of college sports. "Undoubtedly the best part of being on a team with so many other returned missionaries is their dedication to morality and upholding high standards," said Mann. Glazier commented, "I think this is because the returned missionaries, and players who are preparing for missions, know the real purpose of life. We all understand that basketball is a game and for fun. Yes, we want to win, and yes, it gets a little heated at times, but we're not willing to compromise the values we have in our hearts for just a game." Junior point-guard Tanner Johnson from Star Valley, WY said, "It makes it easier to live the way we know is right, because it's the norm. Being on the team is all about supporting those around you, who in turn lift and build you up." Like his teammate Glazier, Johnson also served in the Chile Santiago South Mission. Chris Jones, from Orem, UT, commented, "You always have friends who want to do and say the right things. I have never been around a sports team that uses such clean language. I heard more profanity in middle school basketball than I've heard at SVU."
A few of SVU's Basketball-playing returned missionaries (left to right): Nathaniel Mann, Daniel Glazier, Tanner Johnson, and Brett Schroeder The university's
basketball Knights
share a special bond with one
another that extends beyond the bounds
of the court. "We are all committed to each other," said Mann. "We are
all trying to improve ourselves and
each other. We don't have any inter-squad rivalry. That's apparent in
the way we interact with each other
and even in things as small as apologizing for a foul. Everyone of us is
concerned for our teammates."
The Knights make time to help each other with studies and personal and
athletic development and take time out to
simply have fun together. "The
players on the team An SVU education prepares students to be leader-servants. This is accomplished through rigorous instruction in liberal arts, focus on spiritual development, training in athletics and fine arts, service to the community, and participation in social activities. Many students have found SVU to be the perfect bridge from a missionary experience to meaningful employment and contributions to society. "For me, in many ways, playing basketball at SVU is like being on a mission," said Mann. "I am still surrounded by people who are dedicated to the Lord and his kingdom; I still have that same satisfaction of productivity and peace." Athletics at Southern Virginia provide opportunities for spiritual, physical, and social growth, and help develop and maintain physical and mental health. Athletics also foster leadership and service qualities. Commenting on the preparation of leader-servants, SVU's Director of Athletics, Thomas Longenecker, said, "Athletes must often forsake their own personal desires for the common good of their teammates. Our athletic programs require integrity and discipline, and teach students to apply the skills they learn on the court, mat, and field to the classroom and other aspects of their lives." We congratulate the Knights on their shining commitment to high moral
standards and wish them a successful and exciting season. Good luck,
Knights! This semester, many prestigious guests traveled from around the world to speak at SVU, including Sister Susan W. Tanner, General President of the Young Women, and her husband, Dr. John Tanner, Academic Vice President at Brigham Young University. Here are some highlights from our guest speakers this fall ...
Dr. John S. Tanner -- Academic Vice President of Brigham Young University; Susan W. Tanner -- General President of the Young Women Dr. John S. Tanner is the Academic Vice President & Provost at
BrighamYoung University, where he helped to streamline the curriculum
and write BYU's statement on Academic Freedom. At SVU, Dr. Tanner presented his research on
"Shakespeare and the
Saints,"regarding the tradition of veneration that members of the
LDS Church have for William Shakespeare and his literary works. Dr. Tanner categorized his findings into three areas:
"Shakespeare on the Stage," "Sheakespeare in the Classroom," and
"Shakespeare at the Pulpit & Hearth." He gave examples of the
sacrifices early Sister Tanner currently serves as the General Young Women's President of the Church. She and Dr. Tanner spoke at a fireside at SVU during their visit. Dr. Tanner counseled young people to have faith in the Lord's promises, and to live the Gospel with diligence until they receive the answers to their prayers. SisterTanner spoke about miracles. She reconted blessings in her life, each of which she considered to be a miracle. After asking for the Lord's help, it is our challenge to expectour prayers to be answered. Then, we must strive to recognize the miracle when it arrives and be grateful for the blessing. The uplifting fireside was also attended by members of the local Buena Vista, Virginia Stake.
Jenny Oaks Baker Violinist Jenny Oaks Baker traveled to Southern Virginia to share her talents and words with students and staff. Between breathtaking solos, Sister Baker told the audience about the trials and blessings she encountered in her journey to be a professional instrumentalist. She recounted experiences from her days as a student at The Juilliard School, and various performances throughout her career. Sister Baker shared her belief that talents are blessings we receive from the Lord, which we should use to bless others in return. At times we may be tempted to take pride in our accomplishments and abilities, but we should remember the origin and purpose of our talents and focus our efforts to glorify God.
Maurice McTigue Maurice McTigue was formerly a member of Parliament, and Cabinet Minister for New Zealand. He spoke to SVU about institutional accountability, which he referred to as "the process that requires us to disclose, fully and truthfully, our performance, to those individuals who are entitled to know." Compared to companies in the private sector, governments are remarkably unaccountable for their expenditures and actions, and thus lack motivation to remain ethically and fiscally responsible. Citing examples from his experience as a Cabinet Minister, Mr. McTigue explained how government spending can be curbed by downsizing bureaucracies and eliminating failing projects. Mr. McTigue's advice was dramatic in its simplicity, and advocated the courageous embrace of institutional reform as refinement for the future.
Dr. Amos Jordan Rhodes scholar Dr. Amos Jordan has a long list of government administration credentials to his name, including President of the Center for Strategic & International Studies, and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs. Dr. Jordan advised students to prepare for the turbulent and exciting world of the future. The "emerging generation" will have to face revolutionary changes in population, technology, economics, the environment, and international relations. Dr. Jordan counseled students to continue their educations, work hard at being flexible, and spend time giving service to their communities. Most important to their survival and success was his advice "to keep the Lord's teachings at the center and forefront of your life." With his words, Dr. Jordan painted a vivid picture of the future -- a place where Southern Virginia's students can fill a need for skilled and compassionate leader-servants.
Scott F. Proctor "What Joseph Smith Would Say to You Today," was the topic of Scott Facer Proctor's remarks to students at SVU. Brother Proctor and his wife, Maurine, are the publishers of Meridian Magazine, an online news publication for Latter-day Saints, and are long-time friends of Southern Virginia University. Brother Proctor has also written and edited several books for the LDS audience. In his talk, Brother Proctor spoke of seven key pieces of advice that he believes the prophet Joseph would give to young people living in today's world. They were: 1. Seek personal revelation, 2. Search the scriptures, 3. Cleanse yourself, 4. Exercise discernment, 5. Lean on the arm of Jehovah, 6. Never be discouraged, and 7. Obey the Lord's commands with promptness and valiancy.
Following Dr. Russell B. Clark's remarks to students, SVU sang to wish him a happy birthday, and presented him with an enormous cake. SVU hosted Dr. Russell B. Clark this November, in honor of his 105th birthday. Dr. Clark began practicing medicine in 1930 in Chicago, during the days of Prohibition and the Great Depression. He retired when he was 83, but continues to manage real estate properties. At SVU, Dr. Clark shared his unique perspective on history, having witnessed first-hand many changes in society. Three individuals whom he believed wielded great influence over civilization were Louis Pasteur, Marie Curie and Sir Alexander Fleming. Dr. Clark also shared his "special list for staying young at heart," which included wise counsel to stay fit with exercise & nutrition, forgive yourself and others, and keep your choice in clothing stylish. Dr. Clark is truly a great example as he has spent his days serving other people and continues to find joy and purpose in lending a helping hand. We wish to thank all our distinguished guests, for giving of their precious time and inclination, for traveling to our campus so we might host them, and for sharing, in a moment, pearls of wisdom that required a lifetime to obtain. Please accept our gratitude as we commemorate you Knights. May your words ring forever in our halls and hearts.
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