Spire Magazine 2021

Friends of BU Notes

Joshua R. Arnold of Princeton, West Virginia, represents Bluefield University by serving on the Commission for Student Development Officers. Megan K. Westra of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, wrote a book entitled, Born Again and Again: Jesus' Call to Radical Transformation . She is on the pastoral staff at Transformation City Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A dynamic and passionate public speaker, Westra has presented at the Christian Community Development Association’s National Conference in 2015 and 2017. Westra is pursuing her MDiv at Northern Seminary. She lives in Milwaukee with her husband of eight years, Ben, and their six-year-old daughter, Cadence. For more information on how to order the book, please visit https://heraldpress.com/books/born- again-and-again Donald Julian Evans of Narrows, Virginia, passed away on October 21, 2020. He proudly served in the United States Army. He retired from the First Virginia Bank as Branch Manager and Vice President. He also previously served as the President of the Narrows Chamber of Commerce. Joe Philpott of Basset, Virginia, passed away on August 8, 2020. Joe was defined by his dedication to his family, his community, and his career. He was an avid reader, traveler, gardener, golfer, coin collector, fisherman, and sports enthusiast. Joe was a lifelong employee of Bassett Furniture Industries where his contributions were countless and invaluable, he dedicated numerous hours of his time to volunteering for local organizations. He also served in the United States Army where he stationed in Germany and served in the 502 M.P. Battalion attached to Combat Command of the Second Armored Division.

Dr. Armond M. Opitz of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away on November 21, 2020. Armond greatest accomplishment was his family and he was a life- long believer and supporter of education. He started by serving as Dean of Student Development at Southeastern Community College. He then started Southwest Virginia Community College with Dr. King, where he also served as Dean of Student Development for 24 years. After his retirement in 2010, he continued serving the community helping start a Savings and Loan in Richlands; serving on the Cedar Bluff Town Council; publishing a newspaper column; serving as a member and Chairman of the Tazewell County Planning Commission; and serving as an Advisory Board Member for the Brushy Fork Institute at Berea College, Kentucky; and much more. Marriott Henry Jackson of Richmond, Virginia, passed away on December 25, 2020. She was devoted to her church for over 40 years, joining the choir and utilizing her skills to serve the Lord. Marriot was a lifelong member of the Philanthropic Educational Organization; she volunteered her time serving on the Board of The Virginia Home for many years; and she was a former member of The Council of The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Aaron James Mingo of Hull, Iowa, was hired as the new head football coach at Taylor University. He previously served as the offensive coordinator, offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator at Bluefield University. Friends

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