[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 54 (Thursday, April 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E826-E827]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO MIDAMERICA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT RICHARD SPINDLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DENNIS MOORE

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2005

  Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
distinguished leader in the fields of higher education and community 
service who soon will be stepping down after 15 years of valuable 
service as president of MidAmerica Nazarene University, which is 
located in the Third Congressional District.
  Dr. Richard Spindle is a visionary leader who oversaw significant 
expansion of MidAmerica Nazarene University during his tenure as 
president, including a major enrollment increase, construction of two 
new dormitories, the Cook Center and the Bell Family Arena. Founded in 
1966, MidAmerica Nazarene University is a private, liberal arts 
university offering undergraduate and selected professional and 
graduate degrees. Since the initial semester of operation, enrollment 
has increased dramatically and now totals approximately 1,400. A 
Christian community in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, MidAmerica 
Nazarene University seeks to transform the individual through 
intellectual, spiritual and personal development for a life of service 
to God, the church, the Nation and the world.
  During the past 2 years, I have been privileged to work with Dr. 
Spindle in a successful effort to obtain federal funding for MidAmerica 
Nazarene's criminal justice instruction program. He has been a major 
force for positive change and advancement in the Olathe community and 
throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. I join with many of our 
neighbors in wishing Richard and Billy Spindle all the best as they 
prepare to move to Brazil in August in order to consult with Brazilian 
Nazarene College.
  Mr. Speaker, I am placing in the Record a recent news article from 
the Olathe News, which details a celebration that was held in Dr.

[[Page E827]]

Spindle's honor at MidAmerica Nazarene, highlighting many of the 
personal qualities which made him a popular and effective 
administrator. I commend him to you, Mr. Speaker, and to our colleagues 
in the House of Representatives.

                 [From the Olathe News, Apr. 24, 2005]

                   Spindle Preps for His `Transition'

                           (By Arley Hoskin)

       Leaders don't retire, they transition. And that's the way 
     MidAmerica Nazarene University president Richard Spindle 
     views his departure in May. The community gathered Thursday 
     at the university's Cook Center to celebrate Spindle's 
     transition. As leaders in the community spoke of Spindle 
     during the gathering, it became clear that Spindle had both 
     their respect and admiration. ``We've been fortunate here to 
     have a leader like Dr. Spindle,'' Olathe Mayor Michael 
     Copeland said. In Spindle's honor, Copeland deemed the day 
     ``Richard Spindle celebration day.''
       MNU experienced extraordinary growth during Spindle's 15 
     years as president. But the focus of the evening was not on 
     MNU's all-time high enrollment, the development of Cook 
     Center, the ground breaking for the new dormitory or the 
     plans for a new cultural arts center.
       When people spoke of Spindle, they spoke not just of a man 
     with many accomplishments, they spoke of a friend. ``Some 
     people you feel good about and relate to,'' said Ron Wimmer, 
     Olathe school district superintendent. Spindle was that kind 
     of man, Wimmer said, and he also brought credibility to the 
     university.
       Many of the school districts new employees graduate from 
     MNU, but Spindle contributed more to the community than a 
     pool of employees.
       Wimmer enjoyed his presence at the Olathe Chamber of 
     Commerce meetings and Spindle is someone whom Wimmer 
     considers a friend. Wimmer is not alone.
       A video shown during the celebration was filled with 
     accolades from faculty, staff and alum. Spindle is the kind 
     of leader who knows students by their first names, MNU alum 
     Bryan Beaver said. Others agreed. ``I really did not expect 
     to be able to call the president a friend. I feel like I can 
     say that,'' said Allison Bartholomew a 2002 graduate.
       Students were not the only ones who noticed Spindle's 
     caring personality. A person's handshake says a lot and 
     Spindle's spoke of confidence and care. Frank Devocelle, CEO 
     of Olathe Medical Center recalled the first time that Spindle 
     shook his hand. Both men extended their right hands, and 
     Spindle reached out and cupped Devocelle's hand with his 
     left hand. ``It left (me) with a feeling of warmth, a 
     feeling of caring and a feeling of concern for others,'' 
     Devocelle said.
       Spindle was known for his concern for others. ``He was a 
     role model of servant leadership,'' said MNU chaplain Randy 
     Beckum. ``Not by power, (but) by integrity.''
       Spindle took pride in beautifying the campus--he not only 
     helped developed plans for campus renovations, but 
     participated in some of those ventures.
       Alumni president Jill Kenney remembers planting trees along 
     Mur-Len Road with Spindle and his wife, Billy. It was cold 
     and the trees were puny she said, but the Spindle's had a 
     vision.
       The trees were just part of the Spindle's vision. Spindle 
     developed a 100-year plan during his time as president and he 
     was able to see the two new dorms, and the Cook Center and 
     Bell Family Arena built.
       More importantly he saw the lives of students change. 
     ``These 25 years have been filled with joyous 
     opportunities,'' Spindle said. The students were always his 
     main concern, said academic dean Frank Moore. He was the same 
     man inside the office as he was outside, Moore added.
       Billy, who shared her husband's passion for students, was 
     also honored at the celebration. Billy served on the women's 
     auxiliary and generated more than $150,000 worth of 
     scholarships through the sale of birthday cakes and the MNU 
     country store, now MNU mercantile and diner. Billy also is 
     known for leading by example. ``She is a part of everything, 
     heart and soul,'' said Kathy Smith, who served with Billy on 
     the women's auxiliary.
       The Spindles plan to move to Brazil in August where Richard 
     Spindle will serve as a consultant for Brazilian Nazarene 
     College.

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