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🙌We'll miss you!🙌

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🤫Shhhhhhh......🤫

We'd like to surprise her with messages from as many of the people she has influenced over the last several decades.

We need you!🫵

👉If you are able, please take a moment to share a quick note, photo, or recording to show your appreciation for the one-and-only Jane Smith. At her retirement this spring, we'll surprise her with all the messages at once!👈

🙏Please take a moment of your time to celebrate! Here are some ideas to get you started.

You could:

📷Share a fun or meaningful photo

💭Reminisce about a memory

🥳Write some words of celebration or encouragement

🎙️Record an honoring video or audio note

🎨Be creative!

Just use the ➕ button at the bottom of the page to begin.

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The BJU School of Education & Human Services

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Jane, Thank you for your years of faithfulness to your Lord and BJU. From my first year at BJU in 1978 until now, you have always been a bubbly person with a huge smile. Congratulations on your retirement. You will be deeply missed.

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Congratulations and God’s blessings on you!

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Thank you, Jane/Miss Smith, the matchmaker of junior highers, back in the day. You made the New York mission trip a lot of fun; fast-forward - as an educator, I appreciate your input into the lives of the student teachers.

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Ms. Smith,

Thank you for helping me through my four year at BJU!! Congratulations on your retirement!

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I Jane,

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for all that you have done to help me in my teaching career. You were a voice of compassion, truth, and fun in the midst of all the chaos. I would not be who I am today without you. You are an amazing person and teacher. I hope you enjoy retirement!!

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Jane,

We want to wish you a very happy retirement! It is so well deserved! However, BJU will not be the same without you! You always had a smile and were so encouraging to Vann and me. Sometimes, you were the encouragement that we needed and you didn't even know it. I enjoyed the class I took from you. You made it fun! Congratulations and God's blessings as you begin your next chapter!

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Oh Miss Jane! I forget what official role you had in my educational journey…maybe you were my advisor for a short time? Student teacher Placement? Something important! lol But I knew immediately that we were kindred spirits… both a little scattered and crazy, but we knew how to have fun and apparently both had some education expertise lol Your joy and humor were such bright spots to all us exhausted education majors! You were so helpful and down-to-earth when we had questions or frustrations. I was always jealous of those that got to do drivers Ed with you… just think how good of a driver I could have been :)

Found a pic with some fellow music ed-ians… Sarah O’Brien, Melody Parrot (Yowell) and Meredith Rogers (Jenkins). Good times. Better times, thanks to you!!

Happy Retirement… much deserved!!

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Jane,

Your energy for Christian Education and love of life and ministry is simply infectious! Who can't be moved by the love you share with hundreds of kids, students, parents, and fellow educators! Thank you for making Eternity Matter More with every part of your being. We are all indebted to you for your life-long investment in us...We will miss you so much!

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Jane,

You have impacted so many budding teachers for good! Without your encouragement, I'm not sure I would be in the career that I LOVE! Your graciousness and encouragement to both my husband, Phil, and me are rare. We're forever grateful for your enthusiasm and wisdom. I count myself blessed to have partaken of a very small part of your influence. Happy Retirement!!!

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Miss Smith was one of the most fun people from my time at BJU. One of my favorite memories of her was the staff vs students family feud in Levinson Hall. She had everyone in stitches! As a teacher, I’ve occasionally seen her at professional development conferences and she always remembers me. What a special lady to have invested in so many students and then to remember them years later! She’ll be sorely missed!

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Dear Miss Smith,

Thank you for your faithfulness and encouraging spirit! Your excellent instruction as my Driver's Education teacher has helped me survive and be courageous now that I'm driving in Perú! May God continue to use you!

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Ms. Smith,

Thank you for going ALL out in everything-whether it's expressing excitement to see your students, getting us to participate in icebreakers, fiercely advocating for us in our student-teaching experiences, making us laugh at faculty staff basketball game, or judging the Alpha talent show. You are a blessing and we can't help but miss you! Praying God continues to bless every part of your life!

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Mrs. Smith, it was so good to visit with you recently at the BJU Scholarship Summit - your warmth and energy are just as I remember from having your class in the late 90's. As we contemplate your retirement, we rejoice that you have so clearly taken your candle and put it on a candlestick as Scripture tells us to do. And not only has your candle shone brightly, but you have used it to light the candles of others so they may go forth in Him! Since graduating in 2000, my husband Shane and I have been at Reformation Bible Church and Harford Christian School. After 26 years here, Shane and I are coming to understand the impact of those who have gone before us in Christian education. Thank you, Ms. Smith, for serving the Lord in Christian ed. Thank you for being an example of the believer in word and in deed. Your dedication is celebrated today. May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you as you follow His leading into retirement. We thank God for you!

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Wow! Thank you, Ms. Smith! I want to wish you a very happy retirement! My memories are of you at The Academy! BJU has been lucky to have you all these many years. Congratulations and blessings as God begins to write a new chapter of your story. Thank you for loving students!

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Joey Turner, The Academy, Class of 1994, Professor of Human Services

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May God bless you greatly as you enter retirement! Thanks for being faithful in service at BJU over so many years. I have only good memories of how fun and bubbly you always were in both my Jr. High and Academy years. Kept things far from being dull for sure! Enjoy what God has in store for you in the days ahead.

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You embody joy and hope! You made me feel at home when I awkwardly entered the Academy part way through a school year. Just seeing you around the quadrangle brought a light to each day, and talking with you was always, always an encouragement. Thank you for letting Christ’s love shine through you and brighten so many lives, including mine.

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Thankful for you and your ministry to so so many of us!

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What a gift it was to meet you 32 years ago in Greece. I didn't know what a beautiful, lifelong friend I was meeting; I just knew you were the coolest person on the trip, and I was blessed to be in your orbit. I still feel that way, and I'm thankful that you have loved me and mine so well for so long. I'll miss working with you as much as I loved working for you. We are enriched by your presence and will be diminished by your absence. Love you, sweet friend. Enjoy every second of your well-earned retirement.

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I would have never guessed that when I met you all those years ago when I was a rookie El Ed major, that I'd get the privilege of getting to work alongside of you across the road at BJA for 21 years after that! It's been such a joy to host your students at various times in my classroom, not just to help them, but to get to see you and others of my previous professors that impacted my life! Thank you for cheerfully investing in me and all of the education students for all of these years. Enjoy your new adventure!

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Jane, I never had the privilege of being in one of your classes, yet I feel like one of your students. I have fond memories of your interrupting classes when I was a student at Bob Jones Academy and employing your theatrics to entertain us and to let us know that you cared about us. I enjoyed reconnecting with you on the Reformation Tour in 2002. Thank you for encouraging me and cheering me on from afar when I was a teacher at BJA and you were on faculty at BJU. And, thank you for your help in these recent months. It is always a joy and delight to talk to you, and I know you will continue to be a blessing wherever it is God leads you for future ministry.

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Ms. Smith,

I have so many fond memories of you throughout my BJA days! You left an impact on my life in so many small but meaningful ways. You were always caring and just put passion into everything you did. Throughout college and beyond you would stop and chat. You were supportive when my brother, Jimmy, died. I am sure he would also have wonderful memories and thoughts to share on how you touched his life during his time at BJA. Although I didn't have you in class in college, you impacted me to be passionate in all I do in my classroom. As a special education teacher in NC and full time caregiver for a young man with autism now, I get to impact lives in the same way! Thanks for being a part of my life and giving so much to everyone you came in contact with. Happy retirement!!!

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You surprised me the first day I met you with your humor and absolute joy for life! I was in a group of students you arranged student teaching for. Thanks for sharing your love of God and others! Many blessings on your retirement!

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Ms. Smith, I'm so thankful for your vivacious personality and how much life you brought to the education department at BJU. You put all of us brand-new student teachers at ease with your wit and wisdom. I remember how you patiently placed all of us music ed student teachers in schools that fit perfectly with our needs. I'm still teaching elementary music today in part because of the excellent cooperating teacher that you placed me with. Many congratulations to you as you enter this new adventure of retirement.

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Congratulations on your retirement! Jon and I have so many memories of you during our time at the Academy and into college. Thank you for your commitment to excellence and your love for the Lord!

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Miss Smith, Thank you for teaching me to drive and showing me where you live. Quite the mansion! I’m so glad I got to go through the Department of Education with you there. Running into you on campus when I’m back for a visit from Turkey has been great! I hope you thoroughly enjoy retirement.

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Miss Smith,

I just wanted to say how thankful I am that you are part of the team of people who had influence on my life. I received my English Education degree in 2006, but only after enjoying your smiling face in that final semester of student teaching. I am so grateful for your encouragement all along the way. I seek to be an inspiration to those who come across my path now just like you have been for hundreds of education students through the years. After teaching for almost 10 years in Christian schools in Georgia and Virginia, the Lord sent me to minister in England for almost 9 years. And now I am making the transition to Italy to serve the Lord there. Soon I will enter the classroom again as a student in language school with the hopes of someone with as much love of life and learning as you to aid me in my educational journey! God bless you for your faithfulness all these years! Feel free to enjoy some retirement in Italy! I would love to show you around!

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Jane,

It has been such a gift to work alongside you for more than 30 years in education. Your passion for Christian education and your genuine excitement for learning have shaped countless classrooms, teachers, and students in ways that will continue far beyond your years of service at BJA & BJU.

I will always remember how, when I was a new teacher, you would interrupt our classes to express care and to insert a little extra spark into our day. Those moments spoke volumes about your heart for people and your belief that encouragement and enthusiasm for learning are a vital part of education.

Your work with student teachers has created a remarkable ripple effect. Through your wisdom, example, and faithfulness, you have influenced generations of educators who now carry forward what they learned from you. Your impact reaches far wider than any single classroom or school.

Thank you for investing so deeply, teaching so faithfully, and loving so generously. May this next season be filled with joy, rest, and the assurance that your legacy in education will continue to shine for years to come.

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Jane(you told me to call you that now) : ),

Coming into the Academy as a junior in 1995 and having you as my guidance counselor was such a blessing! You made an impact on my life right away. And then just over the years coming in contact at different times always a joy! When you were still teaching drivers Ed and it was time for our oldest to learn, I knew right away, you were the one to teach him and what a great experience it was for him.

I wish you all the best in the days to come. And look forward to seeing what new adventures you have!

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Thank you, Miss Smith, for helping me with my internship placements even when you were busy! And sure handling all those logistics. Both of them were huge blessings to me and advanced my career opportunities. God bless you in your retirement.

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Ohhhh! Wow! Jane Smith!

Where to begin? I first encountered Jane Smith in 1984 when I began teaching math at BJ Academy. Forty-two years have gone by since those first encounters with Jane Smith. Jane has not changed much over these years that I have known her. At the Academy she would spontaneously interrupt my class with a BJA cheer or just pop into class to make the students laugh. As long as I have known her, she has been an all-out "character"! Her laugh is contagious, and you have to smile when you are around her.

But Jane has a serious side that rarely shows, but the students know that she has a real heart for them and cares about their needs: social, spiritual, and academic. God made Jane Smith a unique person who cares for all aspects of her "kids".

Jane, thank you for being a friend for over forty years. Enjoy retirement and keep laughing!

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Jane,

Thank you so much for your ministry! I remember you always exuded such Christ-like kindness any interaction I had with you. You are were such an encouragement spiritually and vocationally. I taught elementary for 11 years and are now teaching my own children! Thank you again for your enduring ministry. May the Lord continue to richly bless you!

With you in Him,

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Miss Smith,

Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. You have been such a joy to watch and to get to know in my few years here at Bob Jones University. Thank you for always being an advocate for your students and for doing your best to accommodate all the requests that we students and faculty throw at you. You will be missed greatly, and I am jealous of the students that you will substitute for in your retirement. I hope they learn as much from you as I have. Praying for you in this new step of your life.

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Good evening!!!

Even though I just came, but I’m still so sad to hear that our resident supervisor was retiring. May God bless you and your family and for all your work!

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AI thinks you are pretty cool.....

I asked AI to summarize this page and this is what it said.....

Based on the tributes from colleagues and former students on her retirement celebration page, Jane Smith’s impact spans over four decades of service at Bob Jones Academy (BJA) and Bob Jones University (BJU).

Her legacy is characterized by several key areas of influence:

1. Professional Mentorship in Education

Jane played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of countless educators through her work in the School of Education.

Student Teacher Placement: She was known for her meticulous and thoughtful placement of student teachers, often finding the "perfect fit" between students and cooperating teachers to ensure their success.

Career Advocacy: Many alumni, like Angela Campbell, credit Jane’s encouragement as the primary reason they stayed in the teaching profession.

Practical Instruction: She even impacted students in unique practical ways, such as serving as a long-time Driver’s Education teacher.

2. Infectious Joy and "Theatrics"

Nearly every tribute mentions Jane's vibrant, high-energy personality.

Spontaneous Encouragement: Colleagues like Kathy Pilger and Anita Sedivy recalled how Jane would "spontaneously interrupt classes" with cheers or humor to lift the spirits of exhausted students and faculty.

Bubbly Disposition: She is frequently described as "the one-and-only," possessing a contagious laugh and a "huge smile" that made the campus feel like home for new and struggling students.

3. Spiritual and Personal Investment

Beyond academics, Jane is celebrated for her "heart for people."

Personal Connection: Former students noted her rare ability to remember them by name years after graduation at professional conferences or campus visits.

Compassionate Support: She provided a "voice of compassion and truth" during student hardships, such as offering support during family losses or the "chaos" of student teaching.

Christian Leadership: She is recognized for "making Eternity Matter More" by modeling a life of faithfulness and servant-leadership to both her students and her Lord.

"Your work with student teachers has created a remarkable ripple effect... you have influenced generations of educators who now carry forward what they learned from you." — Anita Sedivy

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Happy Retirement!!! I remember meeting you as my Driver's Ed instructor and who would have known.... that you taught Nate Driver's Ed too ! Such fond memories in your car. I am so thankful for the past 7 years to work alongside of you and the student-teacher dinners at my house. Your positivity and kindness has impacted so many of us. We love you and can't wait to see what God has for you in retirement!

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Jane,

Thank you for continuing to pursue me even though I was difficult. It has truly been a most amazing experience to be able to work with you in my "last" and best job ever. The experience has been one that will remain for years. Wishing you God's blessings as you enter a new chapter in your life.

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Ms. Smith

I'll never forget Early Field Experiences and "checking out Will" joke! Thank you for always making class fun and enjoyable, and when I'm a teacher I hope I come close to being as fun and energetic as you are. I'd put pictures with my wife and kids but sadly that hasn't happened yet. Have a fantastic retirement!

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Jane, our whole family is thankful for you, but I particularly wanted to thank you for how you have influenced me during so many stages of my life. I have known you since I was a child in jr. high when you were the spunky guidance counselor everyone loved to chat with, yet you seamlessly welcomed me as an officemate years later. You have rejoiced and mourned with me through many life events (the baby in this picture is almost 23 now!), and I am thankful for your positive influence in my life (though, in some seasons, from a distance) and your encouraging demeanor to so many people throughout your career.

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Brenda Hansen (for Rob and the family as well)

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Miss Smith,

I really should be calling you Aunt Jane. I have known you since I was a little girl growing up in the Quandrangle of BJA. I have fond memories of seeing you at school counseling with students, traveling on the NY Mission trip(during your birthday), talking with Dad in meetings or even coming to our family birthday parties. I am finishing up my 25th year in teaching and I appreciate more and more your strong testimony at BJA and your love for teens. You inspired me to love kids and try to see them beyond their behaviors. Thank you for loving Jesus and others! I am so happy for you on your retirement! Wish Dad, Mom and I could be there! Miss you!! Hugs!!

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Jane, almost 8 yrs ago I started in the Career Services office when you were the Co-Director. And at home one night while cleaning out some files, I found the paper that had your name on it back in the early 2000s that was giving me approval to student teach. I'm so thankful for your investment in my life back then as a student and for the past 8 yrs as we have worked together as colleagues in the AL building. Thanks for mentoring me and for being my friend. Thanks for serving the University and students so well for so many years. I'm grateful for your heart and passion and fun-loving spirit. It won't be the same around here without you, and you will be greatly missed. I still hope we can get together for games. I'll try not to beat you as much. :) Congrats on your retirement!

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Long before I had the privilege of working with you, I observed you from a distance. As a college student, I saw you in schools as a guidance counselor—fun and deeply invested in the students you served. Years later, our paths crossed again when you taught driver’s education to Ana Kate, and then again when you mentored Karalyn as she pursued her own path in education. Again, it was clear: you have a gift not just for education, but for seeing people—really seeing them—and helping them find their way.

Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to experience that gift up close. You are the heart of our student teaching program—the one who somehow holds everything together. You juggle countless responsibilities with grace and humor. In the midst of the busyness, you graciously welcome every interruption from students and faculty, offering full attention and care. You keep everyone informed, organized, and encouraged. When things feel uncertain, you are the reassuring voice that it will all work out—and somehow, it always does. Thank you! You will be missed!

Congratulations on your much-deserved retirement! Enjoy!

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Hi Miss Jane!

I remember the first time that I met you in Early Field Experiences 1, and I have never laughed so hard in a class as I did on that first day of class with you. I had so much fun in that class, and I was super excited when I found out that you were going to be my advisor for my sophomore year. Now, I’m only a summer away from student teaching, and I know that without all that you’ve poured into me I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Thank you for reminding me to take the heard semesters one day at a time. I have left your office so many times feeling encouraged by your positive outlook on life and your advice as I make decisions for my next steps in college and life. Thank you for always helping me to see the bright side of even the hardest days and for welcoming me with a smile! I’ve loved it when you have popped into one of our Ed. classes before a first day of practicum or just to say hello. I’ll miss seeing you with your smiles and contagious energy around campus in the fall, but I know you’re going to have so much fun whatever you pursue next. Thank you for serving the Lord faithfully by serving so many students!

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Mrs. Jane,

Thank you for being one of my biggest supporters as I head towards graduation. Your sweet spirit and spunky attitude never fail to bring me joy, and your wisdom and helpfulness are a consistent blessing! I love you, and will miss you so much! Congratulations on your retirement!

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Just a little something extra because a simple note could not express how much I love you!

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Miss Jane, thank you for all that you did to help the student teachers over the years and how you continued to make improvements for the program. You were our advocate and encourager! I don't know how I would've made it past student teaching without you. I think one of my favorite memories of you was when you participated in a Faculty/Staff basketball game for a Bible conference fundraiser and scored a foul shot. Got it on video too!! It was awesome, haha. Your energy and enthusiasm were always inspiring to me, and continue to be. :D It's been fun being your neighbor these last several years, and you will be greatly missed by us all here on campus. Thanks for the wonderful legacy and impact you have left behind. May you enjoy your retirement to the fullest! :)

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Thank you for all you help! Without you I really don’t know what I would be doing right now!

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Dear Jane,

You have somehow managed to be a part of nearly every career move in my life, whether you were directing my struggles as a student teacher, secretly engineering my teaching job at BJA, or encouraging (pushing) me into a HS principal position. 😊 Thank you for believing in the shy, quiet guy and always encouraging me to push for more for the sake of the Kingdom. May you find rest and joy in these few years before you come out of retirement to teach for me at BJA.

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Where do I begin? Though I never had you as an instructor, I believe I still owe you for chaperoning a few dates I had with my future wife in the early days of our relationship. Since we have now been married 40+ years and have nearly 80 years of education experience between the two of us, I think we can count that as a big success!

At that time, I had no idea we would someday be colleagues in the School of Education and Human Services. It has been a joy to work alongside you these past years in helping the next generation enter classrooms of their own. They say "No one is irreplaceable," but I am not so sure about that. There will never be another Jane Smith!

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Jane, congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for your years of service at BJU! Thanks for pouring into us rising-teachers and preparing us for His Kingdom work. I'll never forget the peanut butter boy story during student teaching semester.