MidAmerica Nazarene University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
MidAmerica Nazarene University (MNU) stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith and a pioneering spirit. From its humble beginnings with five buildings and 263 students, MNU has blossomed into a thriving campus boasting 23 buildings and an enrollment of 1,500 students, nurturing over 30,000 alumni. This article explores the remarkable achievements and diverse contributions of some of MNU's most notable graduates, highlighting their impact across various fields.
MNU recognizes alumni who live out MNU’s values of Pioneering Spirit, Passion to Serve, and Purposeful Lives.
Honoring Outstanding Alumni
Each year, the MNU Alumni Association takes pride in honoring exceptional alumni and friends of the university. These awards celebrate individuals who embody MNU's core values and have made significant contributions to their professions, communities, and the university itself. Some of the most prestigious awards include the Michael Copeland Civic Leadership Award, the Carry the Torch Award, and the Young Alumni Award.
Michael Copeland Civic Leadership Award
Named in honor of the late Olathe Mayor and esteemed alumnus Mike Copeland ('84), this award is presented annually at Homecoming to a worthy leader. The award recognizes individuals who embody a spirit of service, leadership, and commitment to the greater good.
Jeff DeGraffenreid: A Legacy of Service in Public Safety
MidAmerica Nazarene University announced Dr. Jeff DeGraffenreid (’96, MEd ’99) as the recipient of the Michael Copeland Civic Leadership Award. Currently serving as Olathe’s Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Management, DeGraffenreid has dedicated more than three decades to public safety. He began his career in 1991 as a paramedic in Johnson County, Kansas, before pursuing a leadership path in the fire service. Under his leadership, Olathe’s Fire Department has achieved both international accreditation and an ISO Class 1 Public Protection Classification-the highest possible rating for fire protection services. DeGraffenreid’s impact also includes service on the Kansas Regional Homeland Security Coordinating Committee, the Kansas City FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Advisory Board, and the Kansas City Regional Fusion Center Advisory Board. Few Kansas fire chiefs hold the Chief Fire Officer credential, and DeGraffenreid is among them. A life of service is also a family value. Jeff’s wife, Paula (Lash, ’92), is an educator and fellow MNU graduate. The Michael Copeland Civic Leadership Award stands as a testament to DeGraffenreid’s vision, humility, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of others.
Read also: Pioneers of MNU Football
Carry the Torch Award
The Carry the Torch Award is selected based on humanitarian contributions to MNU, the church, and the community. This award recognizes individuals who exemplify MNU's values of Pioneering Spirit, Passion to Serve, and Purposeful Lives through their selfless actions and dedication to making a difference in the world.
Dr. Chris and Janet Halvorson: Investing in the Future of MNU
The Halvorsons have been long-term supporters of MNU and its students. Chris is a retired physician and Janet is the daughter of MNU’s founding academic dean, Dr. Donald M. Metz. She and Chris have continued Dr. The Halvorsons lived most of their adult lives watching MidAmerica grow from a cornfield to the thriving campus it is today. Chris and Janet have continued Dr. Metz’s legacy of investing in the university. Their fingerprints are all across the campus. They have served on countless committees, planning, dreaming, envisioning what could be, and planting their influence. They are tremendous advocates for a Christ-centered education.
Young Alumni Award
The Young Alumni Award is presented to a recent traditional student who demonstrates early success by age 30. This award recognizes the achievements of young graduates who are making a significant impact in their respective fields and serving as role models for future generations of MNU alumni.
Capt. Andrew Bauerle: Investing in the MNU Community
Army. Drew says he invested a lot of life in MidAmerica. He says it is a place where he likes to check in and see what is happening on campus and with the people who formed his life.
Alumni Leading in Diverse Fields
MNU alumni have distinguished themselves in a wide array of professions, from healthcare and ministry to business and public service. Their diverse talents and unwavering commitment to excellence have made a lasting impact on their communities and beyond.
Read also: Affording NNU: A Guide
Catherine (Maxwell ’90) Wiens: Championing Healthcare Compliance
Cathy is the chief compliance officer for Olathe Health, now part of the University of Kansas Health System. She has served in various healthcare administration roles since 1990 including nine years in behavioral health and 25 years with Olathe Health. While a student at MidAmerica she was a member of Heritage Choir. Cathy has been a member of College Church of the Nazarene since 1991 serving in various children and adult ministries as well as on the church board.
Dr. William Sawyer (’83): Serving the Global Church
Bill is the chief administrative officer at the International Church of the Nazarene Global Ministry Center, where he has served for eight years. Bill grew up on the MNU campus. His father Dr. Robert Sawyer, was one of the founding faculty members. He says what he remembers most about the founding faculty in those early days is the commitment they made to prayer and fasting.
Shayna Baszler: From MNU to the MMA Arena
MidAmerica Nazarene University has produced a handful of pro wrestlers (Ted DiBiase, Jr. of Mississippi College and Maven Huffman of Eastern Mennonite - of all places!) and mixed martial artists (Shayna Baszler of MidAmerica Nazarene and Stipe Miocic of Trevecca Nazarene).
Dr. Jon D. North: Leading MNU into the Future
Dr. Jon D. North was elected the sixth president of MidAmerica Nazarene University and is the first alumnus of MNU to hold this position. Before he was elected president, Dr. North served MNU as the senior vice president for University Advancement and executive director of the MNU Foundation. Over the past 15 years, his leadership has elevated the university’s landscape. Under his direction, the MNU Foundation’s assets quadrupled, laying a strong financial foundation for the future. He also spent 17 years with Heart to Heart International, a global humanitarian aid organization based in the Kansas City metro. As an active member of the Kansas City community, Dr. North serves on various non-profit and community boards. Dr. North and his wife, Faith, are both MNU graduates, as are their four adult children and two daughters-in-law.
Supporting Alumni Success
MNU is committed to supporting its alumni throughout their professional journeys. The MNU Office of Career & Workforce Development provides resources and guidance to help alumni find jobs, explore career changes, and advance in their fields. More than half of the MNU workforce are alumni! Pioneers can be found at every level and in almost every office across campus. We are invested in the growth and development of our alumni as professionals. We believe in helping alums “work in whatever you do with all your heart, as working for the Lord, rather than people” (Col.
Read also: Affording Trevecca: A Guide
Accessing Transcripts
One of the most frequent questions we are asked is this: “How do I get my transcript?” Employers often request transcripts to see what courses you took and how you did in the classes that are relevant to the position for which you are applying. You can order a digital copy of your transcript or have it sent to a third party.
Staying Connected
The MNU Alumni Office is working with the Pioneer Store on campus to develop a line of products exclusively for alumni. As alums prepare for Homecoming they often reach for their college yearbooks. Alumni can check out the latest news and updates on their classmates and share what’s happening in their work and life. Get answers to your questions as an alum.
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