The annual Homecoming and Feast of Ingathering Banquet for alumni and friends was held in the Pickens-Springer Gymnasium on Saturday evening, November 13, 2010, at 6:30. Approximately 260 people were in attendance.
The program was well planned. David Burrows, Chairman of the Board of Regents, gave the opening prayer. The dinner meal was catered by Ryan Parker, the best chef in the known world. It was delicious meal with sweeten ice tea, and an exceptional dessert. Special recognition was given to Charlotte Iaquinta by Jon Chasteen, Vice President for University Advancement for her 27 years of service to the university. Then, Jon presented the 2010 Alumnus of the Year recipient, and David Burrows presented him the trophy, followed by Dwight Burchett's acceptance speech.
Tame Lambert, Executive Director of Women's Ministries spoke on behalf of the importance of women who raise money to support our colleges and university. The presidents of the Heartland Conference and the New Horizons Conference made their presentations:
Heartland Conference--$27,000
New Horizons Conference--$10,000
A musical group called "One Voice" sang accompanied by gifted musicians. They are talented and enthusiastic.
The highlight of the evening was the Presidential Presentation by Dr. Ed Huckeby, President of Southwestern Christian University. He is an educator, a gifted administrator, and is leading the university to become a "World Class University of Excellence." The future is bright for Southwestern Christian University. The enrollment is up 66%. The dormitories are full. Many improvements have been made to facilities and landscaping.
Dr. Reggies Wenykia, Vice President for Academic Affairs, gave the closing prayer. He shared a brief story of his life, how he came to the United States, and how the late Rev. Dr. George Fisher paid for his education at Oral Roberts University.
The following is the introduction given by Jon Chasteen to the recipient of the Alumnus of the Year for 2010:
The recipient of the 2010 Southwestern Christian University Alumnus of the Year Award has served 41 years in the ministry, 40 of which have been at Life Christian Center. He led a congregation of 60 in attendance to a phenomenal growth of 1,500 members during his pastorate.
Under his leadership the congregation dedicated a 77,000 square foot facility on 65 acres at I-240 and South Anderson Road in Oklahoma City on September 22, 1985. He founded Life Christian Academy and the Life Community Sports Complex. He and his wife, Mary, owned and operated a Wedding Chapel and a day care at another facility as well. He has served the ministry as well as the community in a number of ways by investing his life and making numerous contributions to the people of this area.
It is his belief that the family is the first and greatest institution established by God. He feels that he was called by God to team with families to develop excellence in every area of the home and all things done at Life Christian Ministries were done with the family in mind.
He was also on television for three years with a one hour recorded program of the weekly services, as well as a local one-minute radio spot titled “A Day In Your Life.” He has ministered internationally to such countries as Russia, Kenya, South Africa, Honduras, Philippines, Haiti, and Mexico. The influence that he has had with pastors in conferences has had lasting results through encouragement and day to day practical applications of ministry.
He has now transitioned from Lead Pastor to a lesser role with his son, Shon, who has become Lead Pastor. This significant shift has opened new venues of opportunity in the area of seminar lectures, leadership conferences, and pastor counseling.
He attended Southwestern both as a high school student and college student, graduating from the college in May of 1962 with a Bachelors degree in Theology. He also has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and has taken graduate studies in speech and psychology. In addition, he graduated this past May with his Master of Ministry degree from Southwestern Christian University.
His love and dedication to Southwestern has been seen for decades. Since his attending in 1962, he has always been involved and connected to Southwestern. He served on the SCU Board of Regents for over 17 years and then, in 2009, perhaps showing his greatest display of love for his alma mater, he served as interim president.
It is my honor to announce to you the 2010 Alumnus of the year . . . Dwight Burchett
Posted on
Tue, November 16, 2010
by Hugh Morgan