“I love the energy that freshmen bring to campus every year,” said Brent Baker, vice president for student life at Anderson University. “It’s a renewing, refreshing time.” With this in mind, AU’s Department of Student Life chose the theme Carpe Momento: God is moving. Be aware. Be a part. Orientation 2004 activities at Anderson University are scheduled between August 26 and September 6. [CLICK HERE TO GET THE FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS]. The phrase is a mix of Latin (carpe – “seize”) and Spanish (momento – “moment”) and is a take off several ideas, according to Baker. The most obvious source was the phrase “carpe diem” or “seize the day.” The Spanish-Latin mix was inspired by author Leonard Sweet’s book Carpe Manana, or “seize tomorrow.” The idea for the actual theme (Carpe Momento) came from yet another book, Seizing Your Divine Moment, written by Erwin McManus.

“We’ve encouraged the student leaders for this year to read it,” Baker said. “And we’re hoping others will pick it up as well. We’re trying to make the whole theme a lot more solid than just a phrase.” This idea of “seizing God moments” will be incorporated into the Student Leadership Retreat this fall as well.

McManus’ book is available in the Anderson University bookstore or online through Amazon.com.

A review from Publishers Weekly states, “The author uses an Old Testament Bible story about the son of King Saul to give readers perspective on how they can fulfill the will of God in their lives and make the most of divine and defining moments. To live life most fully, he insists, we must take risks, and he warns those looking for instant gratification that being in God's will is inherently risky, as it does not ensure protection from harm or difficulty. McManus challenges the readers to act on what they already know about God from Scripture and prayer rather than wait for a heavenly sign before moving forward. ‘There are certain things that you do not need a calling to do,’ he gently chides. ‘You've already been commanded to do them. Too many divine opportunities are lost because we keep waiting for a word when the word has already been given.’”

Anderson University is a private, four-year, Christian liberal arts institution of approximately 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, the university offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education and theology.

----Student writer Chris Wolfgang works in the AU Office of Media and Electronic Communications