Alumni Authors Autobiography

Yussef Norman Johnson, ’88 shares his testimony of grace through his new book, Gang Banger in a Pinstriped Suit. Johnson’s book takes its readers on a journey through major life events that helped shape the person that Johnson is today. Johnson has an Associate degree in Criminal Justice, A Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology, and a Master’s degree in Management from IWU. Since graduating from IWU Johnson has been employed as a Police Officer which he then advanced to the rank Lieutenant of Detectives Division. In addition to this he also was Senior Manager of a fortune 500 Company.

To obtain more information about his book – Gang Banger in a Pinstriped Suit

Mel Shoemaker ’62 Authors

News Release – IWU Graduate (B.A. 1962) Publishes

Mel Shoemaker ’62, a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University and Asbury Theological Seminary (M.Div. with Honors, 1967), has published The Theology of the Four Gospels (WestBow Press, A Division of Thomas Nelson, 2011).

Rev. Dr. Melvin H. Shoemaker was Professor of New Testament Biblical Literature and Theology in the C. P. Haggard School of Theology at Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, California, from 1986 to 2005. He was broadly recognized for his excellence in teaching the Gospels, church history, and NT theology, which contributed to his appointment to direct the Honors Program for ten yeas until his retirement. Previously, he was Professor of Religion at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, Indiana. He has completed graduate studies at Drew University (M.Phil.), and Fuller Theological Seminary (D.Min.). He is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church, and served as a parish minister in Wesleyan and Free Methodist churches for more than twenty years. He has contributed to numerous anthologies, dictionaries, and scholarly journals in biblical theology. Rev. Dr. Mel Shoemaker retired in 2005, and now resides in Palm Springs, California, with his wife Glenna.

Biblical theology is the discovery and development of doctrine as found and emphasized by a specific book of the Bible. Instead of beginning with a subject and then searching the scriptures broadly to assemble what may be relevant and illuminate one’s understanding of that specific topic, biblical theology starts with a particular author and focuses upon a specific scriptural unit. The objective is to let the Bible speak for itself and discover what the original writer(s) wanted his readers—or those listening to the reading—to understand. Therefore, New Testament biblical theology assists the student in understanding the distinctive doctrinal enrichment each book in the Christian canon brings to the collection of authoritative literature.

The Theology of the Four Gospels is designed to engage an individual or group in a fresh study of the teachings of Jesus and the distinctive perspectives of the Four Evangelists—i.e. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Even though everyone participating in the study is examining the same literature, the conclusions may vary widely, which may contribute to a very fruitful discussion. Why should one anticipate a variety of interpretations? Each person comes to the study of the Bible with prior opinions, judgments, and beliefs. These presuppositions have been formed by our culture (e.g. ethnicity, political, social, economic, and religious background), critical knowledge (educational background in history, literature, language, natural abilities, life experiences, and age), and character (moral values, belief in the supernatural, human immortality, accountability, rational choices, and spiritual maturity).

This is the goal – i.e. to let the Four Gospels speak for themselves. The theological outcome may be tentative and provisional; however, the reader or student becomes engaged in the process of building a sound, personal theology and a steadfast, living faith in Jesus Christ.

The Theology of the Four Gospels is available now from WestBow Press and bookstores in hardcover, softcover, and ebook.

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Lalita Toeniskoetter, earns certification

SoutheastHEALTH Case managers earn certification –

Nurse Lalita Toeniskoetter, care coordinators in the Case Management Department at SoutheastHEALTH, has passed the American Case Management Association certification exam and is now an accredited case manager. Toeniskoetter has been a member of the Southeast staff since 1985. She received her bachelor of science in nursing from Marion College in Marion, Ind. (now Indiana Wesleyan University). Just over 1,000 hospital case managers nationwide have earned the American Case Management credentialing.

Adapted from: Clipping link

Robert Baker ’36 is remembered

KOKOMO — Robert E. Baker D.D.S., 97, passed away at 3:35 PM Friday in St. Joseph Hospital.
He and his twin sister, Roberta, were born on May 27, 1914, in Converse, to the late Tom and Jessie (Henshaw) Baker.

He graduated from Marion High School in 1932 and from Marion College in 1936. In 1938, Robert married Janet Shugart, and they were happily married for 55 years until her passing in 1993. Robert served in World War II with the U.S. Air Force from May of 1942 until April of 1946, and was honorably discharged, having obtained the rank of Captain.

In 1950 Robert graduated from Loyola Dental School, Chicago, and began practicing on the third floor of the Armstrong Landon Building in downtown Kokomo. He operated his dental practice for 37 years with the help of his loyal dental assistant, Elsie Condo. Robert retired in 1987 to lovingly care for Janet. He married his second wife, Marie Tolle, in August of 1999. She preceded him in death in 2001.

Robert was a member of Union St. Friends Church, which later became First Friends Church in Kokomo, for 61 years. He was a member of the American Dental Association, and other local organizations such as the Elks and the Izaak Walton League.

Robert enjoyed working with his hands. He was a mechanic of professional caliber who could fix anything and found fulfillment in repairing things for friends. He enjoyed woodworking and made beautiful furniture and doll houses. He created unique jewelry for members of his family.
Robert loved to hunt, fish, play cards, shoot skeet, bowl and travel. Robert always made time to attend his grandchildren’s activities. For 75 years, Robert looked forward to traveling to Elk Lake in Northern Michigan to spend every summer.

Robert is survived by his children, Mary Jane (Gary) Chenoweth of St. Louis and Janet Ann (Greg) Parker of Kokomo; his grandchildren, Rob (Natalie) Chenoweth, Joseph Parker, Amy Chenoweth and Christen (Ian) Sando; a great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Chenoweth; and two sisters, Roberta Larrison and Betty Carper. Other survivors include several nieces and nephews and a devoted friend, Robbie Brock.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Janet and Marie; and a sister, Ada Matchette.

Services are at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Friends Church, 1801 W. Zartman Rd., with Pastor Annie Glen officiating. Burial is at 2 p.m. in Grant Memorial Park Cemetery with military rites provided by the local VFW and Army representatives.

Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Ellers Mortuary Webster Street Chapel, 3400 S. Webster St.

Memorials may be made to First Friends Church.

Ellers Mortuary Webster Street Chapel handled arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.ellersmortuary.com

Provided by: Chronicle Tribune

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