On this episode of SWU Soul Stories, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, Andrew Beckwith, sits down with special guest and chapel speaker, Claire Culwell. Claire Culwell is an abortion survivor with a miraculous story. When her mother became pregnant at age 13, she had an abortion, but weeks later realized she was still pregnant. It turns out she had had twins, and only one of the fetuses was aborted, leaving Claire as a survivor. Claire’s mother gave birth to her, and Claire was adopted shortly after. Today, Claire shares her miracle testimony nationally and internationally for churches, fundraising banquets, and college events. She has also been featured in the national media on Fox News and many other news outlets. To purchase her book go to: https://amzn.to/3v54YnH

As always you can find out what's happening on SWU's campus at www.swu.edu.  

Find everything Alumni related including links to the new online store at https://linktr.ee/SWUAlumni.

Southern Wesleyan University was originally established in 1906 as the Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute whose mission was to develop Christian character in its students while giving thorough intellectual training. Now, a private, four year Christian university, Southern Wesleyan University is committed to providing liberal arts and professional education. In addition, we are proud to be an institution of The Wesleyan Church, a worldwide body of evangelical Protestant believers. Though our name has changed over the years, our mission—to be a Christian community of learners that recognizes God as the source of all truth and wisdom—has remained.

Mr. Rosco Campbell, Class of 1975, taught for 40 years in Anderson School District 4 in Pendleton, SC. He also served as an athletics official for many of those years and was inducted into the South Carolina Basketball Officials Hall of fame in 2015. He was among the first group of African Americans to attend Southern Wesleyan in the 70’s and in 2020, this group came together to form the Black Alumni Network in order to reconnect and give back to the school that had affected them so deeply. “We still had loyalty to the University, but we hadn’t been doing the things we should’ve been doing as alumni. So, when we got together during Covid, we started talking about how Central Wesleyan had impacted our lives and how it molded us into who we were and how it shaped us for our careers…We decided we needed to take that shared experience among ourselves and share it back with the university and the students there now. We want them to see what the future looks like for them.” There is no better way to show your loyalty to SWU than by making a gift during this week of giving. Help us reach our goal of $45,000 for student scholarships this week at https://www.swu.edu/giving/week-of-giving-2023/.

Mrs. Wanda Whitener (Young), Class of 1973, served as a healthcare administrator for several hospitals in upstate South Carolina during her career. Her life was impacted by a full scholarship offer made in person by Dr. Paul Wood and Mr. Sam Parker at her high school’s awards ceremony. She and her husband, Ken, met during their time at Southern Wesleyan. When asked why she gives back to SWU Wanda said, “All of my success in my life and career started with getting that college education and getting my degree. It opened doors for me. It opened doors for Ken. That was life changing for us and we can do it now for young people.” You can help us create life changing moments for students by partnering with us during this week of giving to help us raise $45,000 for student scholarships. Go to https://www.swu.edu/giving/week-of-giving-2023/ to impact a life today.

Mrs. Janene Bryson (Jennings), 1971-75, worked as a nurse in various capacities following her time at Southern Wesleyan. With a deep family commitment to Wesleyan education including a father, Lowell Jennings, who served as chair of the SWU Board of Trustees for decades, Janene’s path to Southern Wesleyan was clear. As a student, she was able to continue friendships from her youth group from Gastonia Wesleyan and create even more. When asked why she gives to SWU Janene said, “I mentioned the Christian higher education legacy and I caught that vision from my parents. I was so happy with my time there and thrilled with my sons’ time there. Life is hard no matter when or where you are living it, but I have found it easier when you are surrounded by Christian friends and family.” You can be a part of the SWU Legacy by joining with us during this week of giving to raise $45,000 for student scholarships. An investment that has eternal value. Help us leave a legacy by giving at https://www.swu.edu/giving/week-of-giving-2023/ today.

Dr. Amber James, Class of 2004, currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Music, directs Student Productions, and will soon be the chairperson of the Music Department at Southern Wesleyan University. She is also a current student in the Masters of Counseling Psychology program. With parents and grandparents who were ministers in the Wesleyan Church, Dr. James understood the importance of a Christian education. She first came to SWU as a young person competing in Teens N Talents competitions to earn scholarship money and eventually came as a student in 2000. Her time being involved in student productions and 3 years on summer ministry teams deeply influenced her life and helped her make life-long friendships. When asked why she gives to SWU, Dr. James said, “The biggest reason I give to student productions is because I want my kids to have all that they need to make our productions the top quality that they can be. I feel strongly that I should be a part of that because people did it for me when I was a student here. People invested their time and money so that I could have those things so it’s just a way that I can pay it forward and lead by example.” Join Dr. James and others in helping us pay it forward during this week of giving to ensure that the next generation can experience the difference that Southern Wesleyan can make in their lives. Go to https://www.swu.edu/giving/week-of-giving-2023/ to make your gift today.

Deborah Rhodes('04) joined me to talk about her experience traveling with From the Heart and The Difference on SWU Summer Ministry Teams.  She shared stories from different camps and how the friendships are still strong to this day.  There is something about traveling in a van with college students all summer.  We also talked about the upcoming Ministry Team Reunion on March 25 at Southern Wesleyan as part of Little Mermaid Weekend.  

The Ministry Team Reunion starts with lunch in the cafeteria at noon, followed by the 2 pm showing of the Little Mermaid, and a reception/mixer following the show in the old church fellowship hall.

Here's the link to the Facebook Event Page for the Ministry Team Reunion.  You can register and pay here. 

As always you can find out what's happening on SWU's campus at www.swu.edu.  

Find everything Alumni related including links to the new online store at https://linktr.ee/SWUAlumni.

Southern Wesleyan University was originally established in 1906 as the Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute whose mission was to develop Christian character in its students while giving thorough intellectual training. Now, a private, four year Christian university, Southern Wesleyan University is committed to providing liberal arts and professional education. In addition, we are proud to be an institution of The Wesleyan Church, a worldwide body of evangelical Protestant believers. Though our name has changed over the years, our mission—to be a Christian community of learners that recognizes God as the source of all truth and wisdom—has remained.

Ricco Booker('99) currently serves with the Upstate Fatherhood Coalition helping fathers reengage in the lives of their children.  On this episode, Ricco shares about his recruitment to Southern Wesleyan and his time here playing basketball and baseball.  Ricco achieved many athletic accolades while also being a big part of the campus community here at SWU.  He shared in the February 15th chapel as part of our Legacy series which you can listen to here.  It was amazing to catch up with Ricco and hear about what God is doing in his life and community.  

As always you can find out what's happening on SWU's campus at www.swu.edu.  

Find everything Alumni related including links to the new online store at https://linktr.ee/SWUAlumni.

Southern Wesleyan University was originally established in 1906 as the Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute whose mission was to develop Christian character in its students while giving thorough intellectual training. Now, a private, four year Christian university, Southern Wesleyan University is committed to providing liberal arts and professional education. In addition, we are proud to be an institution of The Wesleyan Church, a worldwide body of evangelical Protestant believers. Though our name has changed over the years, our mission—to be a Christian community of learners that recognizes God as the source of all truth and wisdom—has remained.

Former SWU basketball and baseball player Ricco Booker returned to campus to share in chapel as part of this semester's Legacy series.  Ricco shared with students the ingredients to leaving a great legacy and the people who have helped him build his own.  

As always you can find out what's happening on SWU's campus at www.swu.edu.  

Find everything Alumni related including links to the new online store at https://linktr.ee/SWUAlumni.

Southern Wesleyan University was originally established in 1906 as the Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute whose mission was to develop Christian character in its students while giving thorough intellectual training. Now, a private, four year Christian university, Southern Wesleyan University is committed to providing liberal arts and professional education. In addition, we are proud to be an institution of The Wesleyan Church, a worldwide body of evangelical Protestant believers. Though our name has changed over the years, our mission—to be a Christian community of learners that recognizes God as the source of all truth and wisdom—has remained.

On February 8, 2023, something happened following the 10 am chapel service at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.  Students remained after chapel ended to pray, confess, weep, and worship.  It has continued for over a week.  This morning, Asbury announced plans for moving forward as they seek the Lord's guidance.  Over the weekend, a group of 14 from Southern Wesleyan drove to Asbury to see for themselves this thing that God was doing.  On this episode, Heath Mullikin sits down with Global Engagement Director, Barry Van Steenburg, along with students Barry Van Steenburg III, Jay Drury, Alicia Brosco, and Sarah Watson to talk about why they went, what they experienced, and their hopes and prayers for revival at SWU.  You will hear the hearts of these students who want nothing more than to see our campus transformed by the Holy Spirit.  God has already been at work and we are praying for more!  To stay up to date with what's happening at Asbury you can go to this link.  As always you can find out what's happening on SWU's campus at www.swu.edu.  

Find everything Alumni related including links to the new online store at https://linktr.ee/SWUAlumni.

Southern Wesleyan University was originally established in 1906 as the Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute whose mission was to develop Christian character in its students while giving thorough intellectual training. Now, a private, four year Christian university, Southern Wesleyan University is committed to providing liberal arts and professional education. In addition, we are proud to be an institution of The Wesleyan Church, a worldwide body of evangelical Protestant believers. Though our name has changed over the years, our mission—to be a Christian community of learners that recognizes God as the source of all truth and wisdom—has remained.

Kerri Smith(Trogdon '98) serves in Starr, NC teaching students with visual impairments for Randolph County Schools.  She has served in the same district for 25 years!  Kerri and her husband, Roger, have also served in their local churches helping with youth ministry and are heavily involved with Victory Mountain Camp in Sophia, NC.  In this interview, Kerri talks about her journey to SWU, the life long friends she made while here, her 3 summers on ministry teams, and life after graduation.  

Find everything Alumni related including links to the new online store at https://linktr.ee/SWUAlumni.

Southern Wesleyan University was originally established in 1906 as the Wesleyan Methodist Bible Institute whose mission was to develop Christian character in its students while giving thorough intellectual training. Now, a private, four year Christian university, Southern Wesleyan University is committed to providing liberal arts and professional education. In addition, we are proud to be an institution of The Wesleyan Church, a worldwide body of evangelical Protestant believers. Though our name has changed over the years, our mission—to be a Christian community of learners that recognizes God as the source of all truth and wisdom—has remained.