MBU Senior Stories: Class of 2018
Meet some of our newest graduates of the MBU Spartan family.
Clayce Fletcher
B.A. in Human Services | Benton, Illinois
Activities: MBU outdoors, Resident Assistant to Pillsbury-Huff
Favorite spot on campus: I spend most of my time at the Perk. It is my favorite because it has coffee, which is a necessity, and all of my closest friends.
Favorite MBU hangout: I hang out behind PH a lot, to reflect and spend time with Jesus. It’s my home so I treat it like my backyard.
Favorite Perk drink: Americano, splash of cream and a tad bit of hazelnut — I try to keep it classy.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
I would tell myself to relentlessly pursue solidifying my identity in Christ. The times that have been peaceful have been because God defined who I was, and in the hard time I wish I would have looked more to Christ for a definition of my purpose. I would remind myself that this is the building block of your life, and that it will save you from silly heartache, bad decisions, and futile stressors and instead lead you to being blessed by God’s goodness and what He has done for you.
Tell us your favorite MBU memory.
Sitting in Stephen Crain’s resident director apartment binge-watching all the Harry Potter movies. It was like I was sitting with my family. We did no homework, and worried about nothing other than Harry’s fate. I was with my favorite people, and it was the perfect night.
Funniest memory?
Watching fighting with Chance — friendly of course. The other RA’s had really ticked him off and he was storming away but I wouldn’t let him go to bed mad, so I latched on to him and he dragged me to his room by his pants. He ended up loosing his pants and marching off to his room in his boxers and found that I had obtained his keys by taking his pants. I cried laughing that night!
What does being a Spartan mean to you?
It means being a part of community that is focused on encouraging one another toward Christ, whether it’s to follow Him for the first time or to continue with endurance.
What professors/staff inspired you and why?
The men at MBU have been amazing examples. Casey Peterson, Stephen Crain, Brian Knapp, and Matt Easter have set an example of manhood and faithfulness that I hope to emulate in my own life. They are men who care about pursuing Christ in obedience in all that they do; in their relationships with their wives, in their work, and in their personal relationships with Jesus.
How has MBU impacted your faith?
The people and experiences that I have had at MBU have shaped my view on Christ. I have been encouraged, challenged, and met by God at MBU. Throughout my time here, I have been shown and taught more and more that God is powerful and that He has defined everything about me.
How has MBU prepared you for your future?
God has blessed me with a lot of awesome experiences at MBU. I had abundantly joyful times at MBU that prepared me to move forward with hope and believe in God’s goodness. The challenging times in the past years at MBU prepared me to move forward with knowledge of God’s sovereignty and power.
What are your next steps after graduation?
I have been accepted into the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary where I will be getting my Masters in Divinity. I hope to plant a church someday that pursues genuine faith in Christ.
Abigail Scanio
B.A. in Communications | Ballwin, Missouri
My favorite MBU spot for community was either the dorms when living on campus or The Quad and The Perk on a sunny day.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
I would tell freshman Abby to keep being nice to everyone you meet because it is always rewarding, and to work hard even though there are the freshman stereotypes.
One of my favorite MBU memories would have to be meeting my now-fiancé right before sophomore year classes started.
What does being a Spartan mean to you?
For me, being a Spartan means staying true to who you say you are. Consistent. Reliable. Okay with being bold.
What professors/staff inspired you and why?
Multiple professors have inspired me through the years, but one who stands out unsurprisingly is Holly Brand to whom I took personal adjustment with. She was the most clearly loving, upbeat, compassionate woman who invested in my personally, not just in my work for her class.
It has been so special to watch MBU’s consistency through their ever-patient faculty, uplifting chapel worship, and safe environment.
How has MBU impacted your faith?
My faith has grown experiencing a university that is gracious to all and positive academically.
How has MBU prepared you for your future?
MBU has prepared me for my future by giving me a foundation of confidence and love for other people and their stories. It has shown me that you don’t need to always sweat the small stuff. People and their hearts come first.
What are your next steps after graduation?
After graduation, I’ll be getting married in June, working with Kaldis full time and making Tower Grove home.
Yuri Duarte Pecanha
B.S. in accounting and business administration| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Sports/Organizations: Men Soccer Team
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
Don’t worry. You will find a solution for all your problems. Don’t stress too much. God will lead you in the right direction.
Favorite MBU hangout?
It is hard to say. I don’t have a favorite one. It would be unfair to put just one name here.
Favorite spot on campus?
Third Floor SRC
Favorite Perk drink?
Mango Smoothie with Protein
Tell us your favorite MBU memory.
I don’t have a specific memory that I consider my favorite one. I would say that my four years in MBU is the memory that I will always carry on my heart. This school gave me my bachelor degree in Accounting and Business Administration. It also gave me friends that I call family. I had great experiences here. I will never forget these four years.
Funniest memory?
In my first year at MBU I couldn’t speak English really well. One of my teammates asked me if could help him with a presentation for Mr. Spartan at the chapel. I didn’t understand well and I thought he was asking for help with his homework. So, I went to school at the time that he told me and I found out that I would be in front of the entire school 10 minutes before the presentation. I was freaking out. I decided to help because he was counting on me. I was supposed to juggle a soccer ball and I couldn’t even do it right because I was still terrified about everything. All of my teammates made fun of me. It is really funny when I remember now but back in that time it was not funny at all.
What does being a Spartan mean to you?
It means a lot. I feel part of a community and part of the school. It also means so much to me because this school gave me my education and great experiences. I will always be proud to be a Spartan.
What professors/staff inspired you and why?
Professor Steve Gustafson and professor Stephanie Kontrim-Baumann. They inspired me because of their knowledge. Professor Gustafson is a great professor that knows a lot and has huge experience with accounting. Professor Baumann inspired me for her knowledge about international business. She knows specific things about my country that I thought no one would know here in America.
How has MBU impacted your faith?
It made me look to religion with a different perspective. I am from a different country when churches and chapels are different from here. So, it was great to see a different perspective of religion. We always learn with diversity.
How has MBU prepared you for your future?
It gave me the knowledge about my major that I needed to succeed. It gave me the maturity and the courage to face obstacles in life. My experiences here made me stronger. I am definitely stronger, more prepared and mature for the world compared to my freshman self.
What are your next steps after graduation?
I will apply for my work visa and try to find a job related to my major. I will work for a year and then I considering to come back to MBU for my master degree.
Cheyenne Anderson
B.S. in biology; double minor in biochemistry and chemistry | Bonne Terre, MO
Activities/Sports: Women’s tennis, MBU Math and Science Club, Sigma Zeta National Science and Mathematics Honor Society, MBU Institute for Leadership, REFINE
Favorite spot on campus: When the weather is nice, sitting in the swings in the quad with my people.
Favorite MBU hangout: The fireplace at the Perk.
Favorite Perk drink? Iced chai tea latte with, like, half a can of whipped cream.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
Find out all the ways you can milk your student discount as soon as possible.
Tell us your favorite MBU memory.
Some of my favorite memories are all the memories I made with the tennis team on our spring break trips and matches.
Funniest memory?
My freshman year International Student Services put on The Amazing Race for International Education Week. My friend Haley Grueber and I took this thing so seriously and made so many short videos and photoshopped pictures for our submissions to enhance our chances of winning. Come to find out we were the only ones even doing it.
What does being a Spartan mean to you?
To me being a Spartan means always encouraging and inspiring others. In my time at MBU, I constantly felt encouraged and inspired.
What professors/staff inspired you and why?
Oh, there are so many. All of the professors in the Natural Sciences division really gave me such a love for biology and a passion to pursue a career in it. Not only have they invested in my education, they’ve invested in me as a person. I know I can go to them with a question about biology, or life, or my faith, and that has been so meaningful to me.
How has MBU impacted your faith?
I would say that studying the sciences at MBU has enhanced my faith, actually. I’ve spent the past four years studying biology, yet I know I’ve only seen a tiny glimpse into God’s creation, but to even just get that has made me want to know Him even more. The magnitude of Him and His creation is unfathomable.
How has MBU prepared you for your future?
I am graduating with the hands-on experience and thinking power needed to contribute to the field of biology. MBU also taught me the importance of investing in others, enjoying the journey, and most importantly, keeping my faith first.
What are your next steps after graduation?
After I graduate I’m going to do some traveling for a bit to just finally relax. I’m going to take some time off of school to gain some work experience, then pursue obtaining my Ph.D in plant pathology in the fall of 2019. I may be done with my undergraduate, but if it’s God’s will, I still have a while to go!
Andrew Howard
B.S. in Business Administration | Charlotte, North Carolina
Sports: Men’s Basketball
Favorite MBU spot: Lounge on the top floor of Lacey Gym
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
Time will fly by quicker than you think.
My favorite MBU memory was beating Columbia in conference tournament
What does being a Spartan mean to you?
Being a Spartan means acceptance into a special family that’s not originally yours.
What professors/staff inspired you and why?
Dr. Collum impacted me with what he has been through and how God changed his life. It gave me an example of how God is there for you when you need him.
How has MBU impacted your faith?
This special family has helped me find security in my faith and helped me grow closer to God. For example, Dr. Collum shared how God changed his life. His testimony gave me an example of how God is there for you when you need him.
Melanie Hanna Laurence
B.A. in Christian Ministry | St. Louis, MO
MBU Activities: 2 years of Cross Country and Track, 2 years of choral programs, 4 years of Campus Ministry
Favorite MBU Hangout: Quad, Perk, Knapp’s apartment, pretty much anywhere that is MBU 😊
Favorite Perk Drink: Decaf Mayan Mocha
Advice to Freshman self:
You can’t do everything, learn to say no and prioritize/time manage. Surround yourself with community- invest in those younger than you and seek to be poured into by those more season than you. Be open to friendships with ANYONE! Even those that you maybe wouldn’t usually see yourself building a friendship with. God is very clever when it comes to building who He puts in our paths for us to build relationships with.
Favorite MBU memory:
Any chorale or In Character gig, admissions events such as Spartan Preview Day, Registration Day and Welcome Weekend
Tell us your favorite MBU memory.
Climbing out of a window and ripping my pants.
What does being a Spartan mean to you?
Resilience in Christ and standing firm in one’s identity and foundation in the Gospel.
What Professors and staff inspired you?
Dr. John E. Greever, Kayla Knapp, Mr. Joe Braden, Dr. Mark Grossman, Ashlee Johnson, Mark Lawley — so many.
How has MBU impacted your faith?
(Please see attached five page essay — JUST KIDDING!) I have been driven to the necessity of repentance — turning away from my sin and into Jesus — the only acceptable object of worship. Our hearts longing to be loved, secure, and affirmed is completely fulfilled in Jesus. All humans are created after God’s own image. He knows us better than we know ourselves and knows what we need, when we need it, and is faithful not to withhold.
How has MBU prepared you for the future?
Security/confidence in what I believe and professionalism (still learning that by the way!), dependency upon God and not my own or other’s abilities
Next steps after graduation?
Pursuing a master’s in counseling at Covenant Theological Seminary
Guy Shaw
B. A. in music | St. Louis, MO
Organizations: Production Assistant for Special Events, Jazz Band, Concert Band, Pep Band, Chapel Band, and whatever else I could get around to musically.
Favorite MBU hangout? Probably the Special Events Studio upstairs in the chapel because the vibes are super chill and I’ve spent many hours practicing away in that little room.
Favorite spot on campus?
Being here for five years, I have too many good memories on campus to pick one space. However, the Special Events Office and Front of House in Chapel are favorites. With Tango Charlie being a competitive third.
Favorite Perk drink?
Probably a Cardinal Cream soda or a hazelnut latte.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
I would tell myself to invest in my craft more, to take more risks during breaks from school, and to not let the expectations of other people shape how I spend my time. In a nutshell, practice more.
Tell us your favorite MBU memory.
The first thing that comes to mind is working thePerk, our coffee house event/concert that happens every fall. Being a tech for that event is absolutely insane. I love the fast pace and quick thinking required to work events, and most of my good memories revolve around working events with the tech crew.
Funniest memory?
That’s tough to pick one memory from the last 5 years, but a really good one is probably the time I accidentally muted Stuart Harrier in the middle of a really powerful song in chapel. It was just Stuart singing and playing keys leading worship, and the room had a really good energy and the students were singing really loud. I went to make an adjustment on the delay on his voice, and accidentally muted him and his keyboard during the bridge of the song — for like a solid six seconds — while I tried to figure out what happened. It was horrifying initially, but I think it’s really funny now.
What does being a Spartan mean to you?
I think that it means to appreciate what wrestling with one’s beliefs and convictions. Pursuing passions in an outside of the box, sort of unconventional way, and utilizing all of the resources at one’s disposal.
What professors/staff inspired you and why?
Definitely my music professors. Mr. Shane Williams, Mr. Jose Silva and Dr. Ladd Faszold were professors that I had for a great deal of my major courses, and these teachers always knew how to reach me, not just intellectually, but on a personal level too. I have never felt so cared about and invested in by educators than I have at MBU. I also would not have the access to the job market I am going into without the experience I have gained from working for/with Aaron Chastain and Terri Adams. I seriously cannot express my gratitude to these individuals enough.
How has MBU impacted your faith?
MBU has taught me that seeking excellence in my craft and excellence in my faith are not separate endeavors.
How has MBU prepared you for your future?
By offering me hands on experience and opportunities to pursue passion in the areas where it was not exactly developed yet. People invested in me way before I was good at anything and showed me the grace I needed to be able to grow. That is something I hope to pay forword as I go forward as a teacher and performer.
What are your next steps after graduation?
Right after graduation is my wedding on May 12. After that, I plan to continue teaching privately, as well as auditioning for local groups like the STL Philharmonic and/or the STL Brass Band. I am also going into the studio with my band, NightHike. The goal is to get into the Studio side of music/production and start creating more of my own music. I’m excited to continue my musical journey as an MBU alumni.
Shelby Wannemuehler
B.A. in Public Relations, minor in Journalism | St. Charles, MO
Activities: MBU Dance Team, Student Activities, CKI
MBU hangout: The swings in the quad on a nice spring day while listening to music with friends.
Perk drink: Cold brew with a shot of vanilla
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
Life is going to get really hard. Cling to the Lord as your friend and cling to the community here. Do the all-nighters. Go on the trips with your friends. Go to the football games. Take it all in. Keep your eyes steady on the Lord. Enjoy every second, because one day you will wish you could relive it.
Tell us your favorite MBU memory.
After my father passed away during my sophomore year at MBU, I was given a notebook with notes from all my friends, from faculty and staff — and from strangers who I didn’t even know. The notes were encouragements from the community here at MBU. I was in shock at the community I was surrounded by. People I didn’t even know were praying for me and my family. It was the sweetest thing and I still have it and read it to this day.
Funniest memory?
My roommate and I my sophomore year came 2nd place in North Hall’s roommate games. We decided to walk into the event a few minutes late — so, when we walked in we blared the “Rocky” theme song and choreographed an entrance. It was a hilarious and fun night getting to share that with my roommate, who is still one of my best friends to this day.
What does being a Spartan mean to you?
It’s bold, confident perseverance. It’s pushing on and leaning on the Lord. It’s pushing through even when you feel like the underdog — it’s the boldness of Christ manifested.
What professors/staff inspired you and why?
Keith Beutler was a professor for my general education history classes. I loved the way he organized the literature in his class. And, in his class — every story points back to Christ. He didn’t throw it in your face. But, every piece of historical literature we read — led back to Christ or reflected Christ in some way. In his classes we had many deep discussions that challenged and grew my faith. Even though his classes were not in my area of study, they were impactful to my life.
How has MBU impacted your faith?
I experienced the toughest season of my life while at MBU — my father’s cancer diagnosis, cancer battle and eventually his passing. And, through that season, grew tremendously as a woman of Christ — and I contribute a lot of that to the community here at MBU. The support that is provided and the people who pray for you — people care for you here. People show you Jesus. And, they’ve done just that to me when I was the most broken and the most vulnerable.
How has MBU prepared you for your future?
Thanks to MBU, I am now confident. MBU has taught me to be confident in my skills and what the Lord has given me. Because of that, I am ready. I am ready to do good work and be Jesus’ hands and feet to all the people I cross paths with in this life.
What are your next steps after graduation?
I will be working full-time at a local advertising agency here in St. Louis as a junior strategist focused on higher education.
Alec Blackford
B.S. in Sports Management| Springfield, IL
Organizations: Resident Assistant and founder of Spartan Wall
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
I would tell myself to always be active on campus and learn something from every interaction and opportunity.
My favorite MBU memory was going to the first MBU football game and actin crazy with my friends and painting our chests.
Funniest memory? My funniest memories are when me and my friends would dress up on Halloween and put on performances of our costumes all over campus.
Favorite MBU hangout.
thePerk: the Event or at a resident life event.
Favorite spot on campus.
My absolute favorite spot on campus is the outside sitting area outside The Perk.
Favorite Perk drink: Mocha with half syrup or an iced americano with a little bit of milk.
What does being a Spartan mean to you? Being a Spartan means that I am forever part of a community that will challenge me and allow me to make a difference as I grow and encourage growth in the lives of others.
What professors/staff inspired you and why?
The professor that inspired me the most was Guy Danhoff because of his firm love for marketing and how much he cared about seeing his students truly learn and succeed.
How has MBU impacted your faith?
In my time at MBU, I have seen my faith grow more than ever in my life. I have learned what Gospel living looks like and that has changed everything.
How has MBU prepared you for your future?
I feel equipped to step into a workplace and grow and learn as I pour into the lives and works of my coworkers.
What are your next steps after graduation?
My first step after graduation is to get married to the love of my life and MBU grad as well, Emily Morton.
Chanel Brown
B.A. in Biology, Psychology minor | Chicago Illinois
Sports: Women’s Basketball
Favorite MBU hangout? SRC
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
Stay Focused. No matter what obstacles may come, or it doesn’t matter how difficult the race, to always finish, and if your teachers are trying to help you, take that help!
Favorite Perk drink? Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
Tell us your favorite MBU memory.
Talent Shows and being around my teammates.
Funniest memory?
Easter Egg Hunt Outside of North and PH & Being around my teammates, they’re hilarious.
What does being a Spartan mean to you?
Being a Spartan means that I am a part of a village. It took a village to get to where I am today. Throughout my four years at MBU, everyone had pride in wearing a Spartan on their chest or back. I am glad to be a part of it.
Favorite spot on campus? Perk
What professors/staff inspired you and why?
Holly Brand. She is a strong woman of God. It doesn’t matter what type of mood the class is in, she makes it enjoyable.
How has MBU impacted your faith?
MBU made my faith stronger. I am comfortable expressing my faith around my peers and my teachers. MBU will always have a special place in my heart.
How has MBU prepared you for your future?
MBU prepared me for the real world and for any obstacle that comes my way. It taught me that “you gain more by giving, you get more by building, and you learn more by listening.”
What are your next steps after graduation?
Graduate school to get my masters in Clinical Counseling.
