Don Noble, Friend

Don was a masters student when I was an undergraduate. He checked IDs and sold meal tickets for the Cafeteria.

Many times as Don and I talked, I’d learn about some other job experience he’d had in his past—from being a mortician to being a pilot in the Air Force. He’d also been a Bible teacher. While at Andrews, Don kept getting job offers. In jest, I’d often ask Don for his autograph since he was in such high demand.

Because of his education, life experience, people skills, and commitment to the message and mission of the Adventist Movement, in 1982 Don was hired to run Maranatha (Volunteers International). Because of our friendship, Maranatha was my first experience with a church building project. That trip took me to Belize, where I began my friendship with Ronald Alan Knott, who later became my husband.

For graduation, Don gave me the book, Living Above the Level of Mediocrity: A Commitment to Excellence by Charles R. Swindoll. Don modeled the values of this book. And, I finally got Don’s autograph when he wrote in the front of the book.