Grateful for Anderson experience

By DeLoma Combs

Anderson University has become a vital part of my life. I love the campus, cherish the students, and have such a respect for the faculty and staff. I believe in the mission of this place and have been blessed by the opportunity to serve this community.

Anderson University has been as much a part of my life as the Church of God. My great-great-grandmother, Caroline Winebrenner June, was a pioneer in the Church of God movement, a commitment that continues to influence her grandchildren. My connection with AU began when my parents, Ray Finlay ’40 and Kathleen Norris ’39 met on campus. When I was 2 years old, Dad felt God’s calling to return to North Dakota as a Church of God pastor. Occasionally we came back for camp meeting, but my reconnection with the university actually began in 1960 as a student.

Moving to Indiana was a bit of a culture shock, and I missed the North Dakota blanket of snow. One of my fondest memories came during that first February snowfall. It was my birthday and I spent the day with my friends making snow angels and sledding down the valley hills. My expectations were high when I came as a student, and I was not disappointed. I was so impressed with the dedication of the AU faculty and staff, and I still am.

Working to pay my way through school and putting in countless hours at the lab for my biology major and chemistry minor paid off. After graduation I became a registered medical technologist in Anderson. I married Dwayne Combs BA ’62 in 1966, and we raised three children near campus: Daniel BA ’93 (married to Angela Clark BA ’93), Darla BA ’94 (married to Greg Couch BA ’90), Derek BA ’99 (engaged to Kerri Spencer BA’ 02). I stayed home for 22 years to raise the children and never envisioned I would someday return to campus as an employee.

I have built many relationships while working here. I’ve watched young people grow and listened to their dreams. I’ve welcomed alumni back, shared memories and heard stories of how their faith developed on this campus. But the time has come for me to focus on another phase of life.

With mixed emotions, I am retiring from my position as coordinator of Alumni Programs but not my commitment to AU. I look forward to long walks with my husband, long talks with my children and countless hours of play with my three (soon to be four) grandchildren, Christy, Micah and Benjamin. I dream that someday AU will be a special part of their lives, too.