Northwest Nazarene University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Northwest Nazarene University (NNU), formerly Northwest Nazarene College, has a rich history of producing graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields. As one of the liberal arts colleges affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene, NNU provides a comprehensive education rooted in Christian values. This article explores some of the university's notable alumni and their achievements, highlighting the impact of an NNU education.
NNU's origins trace back to 1913 when Eugene Emerson established the Idaho Holiness School, which later became Northwest Nazarene College in 1916. In 1917, it transitioned into a liberal arts college with degree-granting authority. Over the years, NNU has grown into a respected institution offering over 60 baccalaureate degree programs, 11 master's degree programs, and a Ph.D.
Alumni Making a Difference
NNU alumni have excelled in diverse fields, embodying the university's mission of transformation, truth, community, and service. The NNU Alumni Association and Office of Alumni Relations recognize these accomplishments by bestowing awards annually.
Arts, Ministry, and Service
- John and Jennifer Garrick: Recipients of the NNU Alumni Award in 2024, the Garricks have dedicated over three decades to ministry, leadership, and service. Beginning with their musical album "The Message," they established J & J Ministries, an international outreach initiative in partnership with organizations like the Luis Palau Association. They have served as lead pastors, church planters, missionaries, and leaders in the non-profit sector.
- Amy (Bloomquist) Kennedy: Honored with the Leon Doane Young Alumnus of the Year Award, Kennedy serves as Co-Executive Director at A Christian Ministry in the National Parks (ACMNP). Her leadership has expanded the ministry's reach, increasing team members in national parks.
- Ann Kiemel Anderson: A religious speaker and author who attended NNU.
- Mildred Bangs Wynkoop: A theologian who attended NNU.
Engineering and Physics
NNU has a 61-year history of providing a quality engineering and physics education. The Department of Engineering and Physics, established in 1955 by Manhattan Project scientist Dr. Gilbert Ford, offers a multidisciplinary degree focusing on engineering fundamentals with a choice of concentration. The department offers design projects and research in partnership with organizations such as NASA, ASI and Micron. With over 300 alumni pioneering in science and engineering fields, the program provides students with a foundation for their future careers.
- Terrel L: (BA in Engineering Physics; ME in Nuclear Engineering).
- Lee L. Carter: (BA in Engineering Physics; MS in Physics, University of Washington; Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering, University of Washington). Lee participated in shield design and evaluation for numerous projects at Westinghouse Hanford Company. He coordinated the effort in 1976-79 that combined a number of special-purpose Monte Carlo computer codes along with an upgrade to an interactive computer environment to obtain the first release of the MCNP computer code that is now utilized extensively throughout the world. Lee co-authored a book “Particle Transport Simulation with the Monte Carlo Method,” which is still a world standard.
- Richard A: (BA in Engineering Physics). After graduating from NNU, Richard chose to pursue a career in aerospace and found extreme success in doing so. Space Program. His expertise in his field has led to Richard taking a major role in nearly every space mission and program.
- Doug Bloomquist: (BA in Physics; Ph.D. in Physics, Washington State University). In 1978 Doug joined the staff of Sandia National Laboratory where he spent 32 years using science and technology to solve issues of national security. During his time at Sandia, Doug contributed to numerous research teams, furthering what is known about science. Doug also spent over 20 years providing managerial leadership to various operations and organizations.
- Natalie Williams: (BS in Physics; MS in Astronautics, University of Texas, Austin). Natalie is retired from a 34-year career with Boeing Co. in Seattle, Washington. She worked in aerospace engineering, specifically in aerospace objectives analysis, design, test, training and mission execution. Natalie is a firm believer in lifelong learning and holds a certification from the Dale Carnegie School of Management.
- Carolyn A. (Fitch) Bertozzi: (BS in Physics; Ph.D. in Biophysics, John Hopkins University). Between 2002 and 2015 Carolyn published 18 research articles in biophysics research journals. In 2008 Carolyn began her teaching career at John Hopkins University in the Department of Biophysics. She is currently a senior lecturer in Biophysics. In 2015 Carolyn received the George E. Owen Teaching Award for excellence in teaching.
- Alan Crews: A 1984 graduate of NNU with a degree in Engineering Physics, has been a stalwart supporter of his alma mater for nearly three decades. Over the course of 29 years, Alan has generously donated over $200,000, benefiting 46 different designations within the University. A true advocate for the power of education, Alan has established four endowed scholarships to assist students in achieving their academic and professional goals. Among his remarkable contributions are ten fully funded scholarships that continue to provide critical financial support to students across various disciplines. These scholarships include the Alan R. Crews Volleyball Scholarship, the Alan R. Crews Counseling Scholarship, the Calvin F.
Athletics
- John Cramer: A basketball legend at Northwest Nazarene College. Cramer graduated from NNC in 1950 and immediately was hired as head basketball coach at Middleton High School. After two years at Middleton and a won-loss record of 42-12, neighboring Caldwell High School came calling and John answered. The first year with the Cougars, he went 20-6, losing the District Championship to the Nampa Bulldogs.
Honorary Degree Recipients
NNU periodically awards honorary degrees to individuals who exemplify the University's mission and values. The criteria for these degrees include:
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- Personal Character and Integrity: Recipients represent NNU's mission and values, demonstrating a heart, soul, and mind given to transformation, truth, community, and service.
- Professional Achievement and Service: Recipients have demonstrated outstanding stewardship of their giftedness and have made a substantial contribution to their field of study, profession, church, or community.
- University Association: Recipients have a connection to Northwest Nazarene University.
Notable Alumni Award Recipients
- 2025: Dr. Al & Kitty Jones, Sven Olson, Dr. Rick Daniels
- 2024: John & Jennifer Garrick, Alan Crews
- 2023: Dr. Reginald Finger, Eric Ely, Eddie Miles
- 2022: Cris & Philip Zimmermann
- 2021: Dr. Tim P. Tooman, Dennis Doan, Rev. Chuck Wilkes & NNVers
- 2019: Patrick Gray, Bette Moore, Dennis Strait
- 2018: Dr. T Scott Daniels, Lisa Nordstrom
- 2017: Steve Woodworth, Dr. Carolyn A. Fitch, Dr. Francis A. Sharpton
- 2016: Dr. Ray Lindley, Steve Wyborney
- 2015: Andy and Judy Bennett, James Weatherby
- 2014: Randy Newcomb, Mark Kasinger, Kathy Johnson and JoAnn Willis
- 2012: Brian Helstrom
- 2011: Dean Walker
- 2010: Pamela Litsey DeBoard, Dean Carlson, Chuck Wilkes Sr.
- 2009: Jennifer Roemhildt Tunehag, Rand Michael, Judy Stallcop
- 2008: Dana Freeborn, Randy Peterman, Ralph and Lynn Neil
- 2007: Hugh & Evelyn Friberg, Walden Hughes, Darrell Marks
- 2006: Ronald Galloway, Bart Harmon, Martha Hopkins
- 2005: Dr. Edwin Robinson (College President), Richard Williamson, Wes Maggard
- 2004: Robert Donaldson, Ken Wilde, Robert C. Kiel, Bruce Webb
- 2003: Dennis L Johnson, Randy Maddox, Mary Bellamy
- 2002: Gordon Harter, Philip Altmeyer, Geri Back and Ruth Hall
- 2001: Jack & Fairy Hawthorne, Monte Ortman, B. Edgar Johnson
- 2000: Clarence Kinzler, Irving & Beverly Laird
- 1999: Phyllis Hartley-Perkins, Dean Cowles, Jerry and Barb Hull
- 1998: Steve Walden, Greg Jamison, Jo Kincaid
- 1997: Dr Richard Hagood (College President), Delbert Gish, A.B. & Marjorie Ellis
- 1996: Dr. Jorge Bravo, Rick Hieb, Larry Bunts
- 1995: Cynthia Tobias, James Zimbelman, Laura Sporleder
- 1994: Franklin Cook, Donna Fletcher Crow, Ernie Thompson
- 1993: Stephen Hicks/Jerry Cohagan, Harold Hughes, Ruth Wood
- 1992: Jim Jackson, Mark Beymer, Art & Jean Horwood, John Wordsworth, Jeanine Van Beek, Gale Maxey, Glen Wardlaw, Doug Bloomquist
- 1991: Juanita Pate, Keith Kirkeide, Marvin Bloomquist
- 1990: Jerry Caven, Natalie Williams, Ruth Long, Juanita Demmer
- 1989: Paul Wardlaw, Lynda Qualls-Stephens, Dick & Barbara White, Jack Wright, Jr., John VanManen
- 1988: Kent Hill, Howard Miller, Hazel Croft, Carolyn A.
- 1987: Myron Finkbeiner, Darrell Marks, Paul Miller
- 1986: Tom and Edythe Leupp, Jerry Groenig, Beulah Bozarth
- 1985: Noel Riley-Fitch, Harmon Schmelzenbach, Wanda McMichael
- 1984: Larry Hull, Louise Mansfield, Walter Howard, Frances Mangum, John Sutherland
- 1983: Jerry Nelson, Minnie Richards, Floyd G. Johnson
- 1982: Morris Weigelt, W. Eugene Skiens, Orrin Hills
- 1981: Tom Nees, Phil Fitch, Marguerite Manley
- 1980: Cliff Cowley, Ron Lush, Sr., John E. Wordsworth
- 1979: Chet Galloway, Dorothy Davis Cook, Raymond C. Kratzer, Helen G. Wilson, Donna Parsons, Dr. L Wesley Johnson, Dr. Don Tillotson, Joseph H. Mayfield
- 1978: Guy Nees, Elizabeth Cole, Marian Washburn, Dr. Bob Mangum
- 1977: Ken Hills, Albert F., Dr. Jennifer Garrick
- 1976: Ann Kiemel Anderson
- 1975: Richard Etulain
- 1974: Leon Doane
- 1973: Douglas Powers
- 1972: Phillip E. Bramson
- 1971: Rodney and Patricia Huling
- 1970: Ron Weatherford
- 1969: Earl Mosteller
- 1968: Thomas E. Mangum
- 1967: Helen G. Wilson
- 1966: Norman E. Oke
- 1965: Double E. Hill
- 1964: Jerald D. Johnson
- 1963: Prescott Beals
- 1962: David Sutherland
- 1961: Stanley Mittelstaedt
- 1960: Homer Powell
- 1959: George Coulter
- 1958: The NNC Missionary
- 1957: Howard H. Hamlin
- 1956: Albert F.
- 1955: Thelma B.
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