English lauded with MVNU Distinguished Alumni Service Award during Homecoming 2021

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — A 1971 graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene College was presented the Distinguished Alumni Service Award during the 2021 Homecoming activities at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Nov. 12-13.

Glenn English, of Charleston, W.Va., was presented the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from Rev. Brad Kochis, MVNU’s Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement. The award recognizes alumni who have shown and modeled the values of the University in their lives and careers. Mr. English had a successful career in finance and investments and started the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Charleston in 1994.

“Glenn was also the catalytic leader for what has become known as Pioneer Spirit here at the University. Pioneer Spirit is a ministry that seeks to connect, engage, and care for the earliest classes here at Mount Vernon Nazarene University, when the college was just a two-year school,” said Kochis.

Members of 20 different classes participated in reunions, basketball games, tournaments, Music Department concerts and other activities throughout the weekend celebrating their time at MVNU, their lives, and the changes and growth of the campus.

Other highlights of the weekend included:

PRESIDENT’S PRAYER BREAKFAST

Dr. Charles McCall, founding faculty member, opened Homecoming with the devotional during the President’s Prayer Breakfast.

“We have much to pray for — our churches, our homes, our schools, our nation. The COVID pandemic in its second year has loosened its grip but not let go. It is among us still with piercing power. We will pray for strength from various burdens,” said McCall. “We will pray for our university in unity that we remember our mission always as a calling from our God. We achieve this only with total openness of heart before him.”

HONORARY ALUMNI

MVNU President Dr. Henry W. Spaulding II, and his wife, Sharon, were officially declared Honorary Alumni for their efforts on, and off, campus to support the University, its mission, as well as faculty, staff, and students. The Spauldings came to MVNU in 2009 when he was named Provost and Academic Dean. In 2012, he was elected president. They have embodied the spirit of what it means to be a part of this cherished community of faith and higher education and have modeled what it means to serve beyond themselves in the context of the MVNU community with hospitality, kindness, and faith.

GOLDEN GRADS

The classes of 1970 and 1971 were honored as Golden Grads during Homecoming Chapel. The designation was set to start in 2020 by honoring the 50^th anniversary of the first graduating class. However, bringing both classes together for recognition was a special homecoming of its own.

“Today, it is our distinct honor as a campus community to welcome the first two graduating classes of what was then Mount Vernon Nazarene College to the inauguration of the distinct society of Mount Vernon Nazarene University Golden Graduates,” said Kochis. “Classes of 1970 and 1971, on behalf of all of us who have come after you and are here today, we say thank you for believing in a dream, for taking a risk, and for continuing to walk in journey with us into the future ahead for generations that need to know this place.”

WALL OF FAME

Five standout athletes were inducted to the Cougar Wall of Fame. They are:

Jackie (Albrecht) Bailey, women’s volleyball, 2007-2010. She was named the NCCAA National Player of the Year her junior year and National Co-Player of the Year her senior year.

Catherine Hess, women’s soccer, 2001-2004. She was selected to 10 All-Conference and All-Region teams, 12 times she was named Player of the Week in the conference, region, and nation, was named the Conference Player of the Year and Regional Player of the Year.

Kristi Brandolini, women’s soccer, 2004-2007.  She played an integral part in the 2006 team that won the NCCAA National Championship and holds several MVNU records including the all-time leader in goals scored with 70 and leading in total points with 189. 

Bryan Bumgarner, men’s golf, 2001-2004. He was awarded the national Player of the Week twice, was named to two different All-Conference teams and three All-Tournament teams, was a medalist in four separate tournaments and invitationals, and was named Conference Player of the Year in 2003. 

Amanda Himes, women’s basketball. 2007-2011. She was part of the NCCAA National Championship-winning team and holds various records including most career points with 2,189, highest points per game average at 18.6 points per game, among others. 

For more on the Wall of Fame inductees, and men’s and women’s basketball, visit mvnucougars.com.

To view images of Homecoming 2021, click here.