Two hundred and twenty-five students graduated in the 61st commencement exercises of Mid-America Christian University (MACU), Saturday, May 5, 2012.

Several students were recognized during the exercises for significant achievements. Valedictorian honors went to Britnie Cay Dubala, while Salutatorian honors were shared by Ashley Lynn Craig and Jonathan Wayne Millican. College of Adult and Graduate Studies' Outstanding Research Honor Awards were presented to Andrea Anderson (Outstanding Research in Management and Ethics), Kathy Curran (Outstanding Research in Management and Ethics), and Brenda Barefoot (Outstanding Research in Behavior Science and Ethics).

Commencement speaker for the occasion was Dr. James Earl "J.E." Massey, Dean Emeritus of Anderson School of Theology in Anderson, Indiana. For 50 years, Dr. Massey has been an extraordinary Christian communicator in pulpit and classroom, serving as Senior Pastor of the Metropolitan Church of God in Detroit (1954-1976), missionary educator in Jamaica (1964-1967), Campus Minister of Anderson University (1969-1977), Speaker on the "Christian Brotherhood Hour" radio broadcast (1977-1982), Dean of the Chapel of Tuskegee University (1984-1989), and Dean of Anderson School of Theology (1989-1995). He provided editorial leadership for the magazines Christianity Today, Leadership, Preaching, and the landmark publication The New Interpreter's Bible.

Dr. Massey has preached and lectured at more than 100 colleges, universities, and seminaries in the United States and on four continents. He holds the title "Life Trustee" of Asbury Theological Seminary, is an accomplished musician, a man of literary skill and spiritual depth, called the "Prince of Preachers," and is an honored representative of his church heritage, the Church of God (Anderson).

In a special ceremony during the day's exercises, President Fozard announced that Mid-America was naming the university's Ministry Center in Dr. Massey's honor: The J.E. Massey Center for Ministry and Leadership. "In so doing," President Fozard stated, "it is our distinct privilege to recognize Dr. Massey's prestigious career and extraordinary life of service — to the Church and mankind." A significant portion of Dr. Massey's lifeworks will be housed in the Massey Center and will be accessible to biblical scholars and pastors online. Additional information regarding the Massey Center will be made available soon.

Another highlight of the spring Commencement was the awarding of an honorary degree to the Rev. Donna Thomas, a highly regarded global missionary, author, and Church of God leader. Her tremendous accomplishments as a visionary and a Christian motivator have caused Rev. Thomas to be widely sought as a guest speaker on national radio, television, as well as at churches around the world, and interdenominational ministry events. She has also written several inspirational and informative books on subjects relating to evangelism. The most recent addition, The "Why Not" Factor – Chuck Thomas, Trailblazer, was written about the life of her late husband, Rev. Charles Thomas, a dedicated pastor and missionary.

Following Commencement Exercises, a special reception was held in the University Dining Hall in honor of special guests Dr. James E. Massey and Rev. Donna Thomas.

MACU is proud to host the second annual Oklahoma City Thunder Youth Basketball Camp on its campus, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., June 25-29, 2012. The camp meets in MACU's Max R. Gaulke Center, 3500 S.W. 119th Street in South, Oklahoma City.

The camp is open to boys and girls from ages 5 to 16. The program concentrates on the fundamentals of basketball and emphasizes character lessons of teamwork, sportsmanship and respect.

Presented by Cox Communication, Thunder Youth Basketball Camps provide each child with a Thunder Youth Basketball T-shirt and a ticket for an upcoming Thunder game. When available, the camps feature Thunder coaches and players. Thunder mascot Rumble the Bison and members of the Thunder Girls typically appear at the camps.

The Thunder partners with The National Basketball Academy to run the camps. There will be a special 20-percent discount off the registration fee for MACU employees of $180.00 per camper.

Lunch will be provided by Pioneer College Caterers for each camper at a cost of $5.00 per day. Camp participants should come dressed in basketball attire, such as T-shirts, shorts and sneakers. They need to leave valuables, such as jewelry, iPods, MP3 players, cell phones and video games at home. The camp cannot be responsible for such items. An official Thunder Youth Basketball Camp T-shirt will be provided on the first day of camp, and campers are asked to wear it every day of camp.

To enroll, you may pick up a registration form from Dr. Eric Anthony Joseph in his office or register online by going to www.thebasketballacademy.com and click on the OKC Thunder logo OR go to the OKC Thunder official website http://www.nba.com/thunder/ and click on the community tab and select Thunder Youth Basketball to register. Please call Mr. Tyler Blackwell at 405-229-9619 -or- Dr. Joseph at 405-692-3106 with any questions.

!!! LET'S GO THUNDER !!!

Senior Ashlee Dodson has been named to the All-Sooner Athletic Conference softball team with a second-team nod, while senior Ashtin Simeroth and sophomore Amber Tinney each received honorable-mention recognition, the league announced last night (May 6).

Dodson was a force in the Lady Evangels' lineup this season, leading the squad in hitting(.350), runs (34), hits (55), doubles (18), triples (2), home runs (5), slugging percentage (.586), on-base percentage (.400) and stolen bases (10). She has also stifled the opposing running game behind the plate, throwing out nearly 54 percent (15-of-28) of potential base stealers. Even though she is listed as a junior on the roster, Dodson is set to graduate early and will not return next season.

Simeroth rode a late season hot streak to raise her batting average for the season to .296, which ranks second on the team. She has driven in 20 runs on the season and is also second on the team in hits (45) and on-base percentage (.335), along with 11 doubles and 21 runs scored.

Tinney was the Lady Evangels' ace on the mound this season, ranking fifth in the SAC with 163 1/3 innings pitched. She also led the staff in wins (9), complete games (19) and shutouts (3) while also recording one save.

The trio helped the Lady Evangels to a third-place finish at the recent National Christian College Athletic (NCCAA) Central Regional tournament and also win their second most conference games (5) since joining the NAIA in 2009.

Mid-America Christian University senior Luis Martinez has been named to the All-Sooner Athletic Conference squad as a second-team selection, the league announced last night (May 6). Also, senior Justin Rivera earned a Rawlings SAC Gold Glove award as a right fielder.

Martinez has been the Evangels' offensive catalyst this season, leading the team in batting average (.369), runs (32), hits (55), slugging percentage (.544), on-base percentage (.429) and doubles (15). He is also second in RBI (25) and tied for second in homers (3).

Rivera was flawless in right field this season, recording 38 putouts along with six assists with no errors.

The duo is now helping the Evangels gear up to play in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Central Regional tournament, beginning next Wednesday (May 9) at Coca-Cola All-Star park in Lakewood, Colo, just one mile from the Colorado Christian University campus.

MACU will begin action in the tourney at 3 p.m. (CST) Wednesday against top-seeded Oklahoma Wesleyan.