Table Of Content

v.. ,;;?. , ••^i- OAKWQOD COtXEGE BEYOND EXPECimiONS ^^yu. yw-'^. t,:/-:I-;--., y. I Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive 2013 in littp://arcliive.org/details/acorn441997unit The Oakwood Acorn College Yearbook for 1996-1997 "Enter to Learn, Depart to Serverr T Contents able of 4 Messages 16 Dedication Oakwood 17 Scenes of 39 Student Activities 84 Students 163 Faculty, Staff and Administration Ads 182 184 Student Roster Specialthanks to the 1996-1997YearbookStaff,PatriceComvell, Eisliah Smith, andallothers ii'liohelpedmakethisyearbookpwssible. I To the distinguished students of Oakwood College The legacy of Oakwood College's quality Christian education has been part of my life since my matriculation as a student began on this historic campus in 1953. As a student, I thought of one day returning to Huntsville to serve the college in some way. At no time did I anticipate that service would not only be as a professor and chair of the Religion Department, but also as the ninth president of Oakwood College. I did not know, then, the detail of God's plan for my life, but I trusted whatever He had planned for me. Mine has been the privilege of serving this campus family. For the past 11 years, the challenges and burdens of college leadership have been more than offset by the association of the marvelous students, faculty, and staff that comprise the Oakwood family. As I leave, drawn across the wall of my consciousness is a rich tapestry of memory. Woven from the vivid threads of faces and voices, people and personalities, events and occasions, it will provide a never-ending source of joy and satisfaction. In its folds, Jean and I will recall the winding journey of our meeting here as students, our children attending and graduating from Oakwood, and our return for service. Thus, as we bid farewell, it is with a deep sence of the sacred privilege we have enjoyed as in God's providence we have been able to serve as "architects of the future," building young lives. We leave with the students now, and those who will follow, our love and heartfelt prayers that you will always remain open and obedient to God's leading and guidance. Settlefor nothing less than God's planfor your life. Then truly, your lives will be living testimonies to the mission and ministry of Oakwood College. As life's opportunities disguised as challenges await you, I pray heaven's richest blessings upon you, and leave with and for you the words you have heard me share out of my heart every Commencement: "T'm hurt,' Sir Andrew Barton cried, 'I'm hurt but am not slain; I'll lay me down and bleed awhile. Then get up and fight again.'" (Paraphrasedfrom the ''Ballad ofSir Andrew Barton. ") P£^6owA^ T X^t€^ , Benjamin F. Reaves, D. Min. Ninth President of Oakwood College ForOldTime's Sake. JustBetweenFriends. Seizingtlieopportunity,theseladiestake AnisaJones(1)andMrs.Reaves(r) thecliancetoronelastphotographwith involvethemselvesinmeaningful PresidentReaves. conversation. LeadershipPersonified. IJustWanttoThankYou. In appreciation for the monetary gifts Alfred Johnson II, senior, thanks Dr. andtributespaidinhishonor,Dr.Reaves Reaves for the lasting influence that he addressesthestudentsonelasttime. hasleftinthemindsofall.