Dr. Brian Dirck, assistant professor of History at Anderson University, has released Lincoln the Lawyer, a new book focusing on the law career of the 16th President of the United States. Published by the University of Illinois Press, the book examines what the law did to and for Abraham Lincoln, and its important impact on his future presidency.

“A lot of people forget that Lincoln was a lawyer, and a very good one,” Dirck points out, “in fact, he is the most experienced trial attorney we ever put in the White House.”

Despite historians’ focus on the man as president and politician, Abraham Lincoln lived most of his adult life as a practicing lawyer. It was as a lawyer that he fed his family, made his reputation, bonded with Illinois, and began his political career. Lawyering was also how Lincoln learned to become an expert mediator between angry antagonists, as he applied his knowledge of the law and of human nature to settle one dispute after another.

It’s women, working with women for women. And they are bound to make a difference. By making and selling hand-crafted journals, six young ladies, all former or current students at Anderson University, have come together to help fight women’s oppression all over the world. Megan Barnett, Audrey Mattingly, Jaime Nigh, Melissa Oesch, Melissa Ann Taylor and Rachel “Ray” White have all taken part in beginning Bound 4 Freedom, a non-profit organization, right here in Anderson.

The whole thing began when Barnett, 22, was making journals and giving them away.

“Our pastor said she should start making more journals and sell them because they were so unique,” said Oesch, 24. “We began talking and we were both concerned with women in oppressed situations and so we came up with the idea and started gathering other women interested. Now it’s the six of us and we have lots of volunteers.”

Even though the organization is still in its beginning stages, it has come a long way since its August 2005 inception.

“We started with 20 bucks,” said White, 23. “We made a journal and sold it and used that money to make a few more and so on. We’re up to 700 plus journals sold.”

Now, Bound 4 Freedom has two part-time employees, regular studio hours at The Mercy House, a local church located on 14th Street in Anderson, approximately 30 regular volunteers and an online store.

“Our goal is to go international with this,” said Mattingly, 23. “We want to start up branches all over and employ women who are struggling to give them a sustainable income. Right now, we’re just in the U.S., but we’re just starting.”

Each journal is hand-crafted and very unique.

“We have a lot of people involved and each person has their own aesthetic, so each journal comes out different,” said Mattingly.

As for materials, the women said they use everything from old wallpaper, material found at garage sales and “just whatever,” said Mattingly. “The paper inside, we buy at Hobby Lobby.”

Each journal is hand-sewn, has 100 unlined pages and range in cost from $15 to $40 depending on the size and materials involved [Photo: Mandy Coplin and Joshua Cook work on decorating the covers of hand made journals along with other volunteers for Bound 4 Freedom].

Currently, the organization is working to officially receive their non-profit status and hope to have that done by July.

“It’s a long process,” said Taylor, 22. “We’ll be happy to receive this.”

Bound 4 Freedom is already working with international organizations donating journals for volunteers who work with HIV/AIDS patients to help women record their life stories to pass onto their children. They also donate journals to volunteers working in countries with extreme poverty to keep track of their journeys.

These young women have many more plans for Bound 4 Freedom. “We would like to connect to Dove Harbor, Alternatives and the Mustin Shelter to help local women who are struggling,” said Mattingly. “We want to give these women a chance to build work references and learn a skill. We also want to give back to our community as well.”

Ultimately, Bound 4 Freedom would like to become an umbrella organization and give people across the globe a venue in which to sell their hand-crafted items. “We would love to also be a connection for non-profit organizations,” said Mattingly.

These women are well on their way and business is picking up.

“We’ve made more than 847 journals so far,” said White.

Bound 4 Freedom journals are available locally in the Anderson University Bookstore and at The Mercy House during volunteer hours which run from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“We’re always looking for more volunteers,” said White. “Anyone is welcome to just show up. We will teach them everything they need to know.”

–Lynelle Miller is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin in Anderson. Story and photos republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Former University of Pittsburgh head football coach Mike Gottfried sent a clear message to the parents of the youth who were honored at the Celebration of Character on Sunday evening [co-sponsored by the Center for Character Development at Anderson University]. “You should be proud,” Gottfried said. The now 17-year veteran of cable TV sports network ESPN’s football analysis staff gave the keynote address at Character Counts of Madison County’s annual banquet at Reardon Auditorium.

Anderson University recently announced the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction campagin has reached over the $80 million mark toward the $110 million goal. The public phase of the “Dreams, Discovery, Direction,” campaign for Anderson University was officially launched on October 5, 2006, and is the university’s largest fundraising effort to date.

“We are deeply grateful to so many of our friends, alumni and wider sources of support who have joined us in this transformational campaign,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “‘Dreams, Discovery, Direction,’” is a campaign that expresses the hopes we have for our students and for those who will join us in this work in years to come. We are on schedule because of the devotion so many have for the mission of Anderson University. While we have a long way to go to reach our goal of $110 million, we receive this support as an expression of confidence that our life changing work is deeply meaningful to those who have made this impressive interim report possible, our generous donors.”

The campaign will raise support for endowment and scholarships; facilities and equipment; academic and student programs; and operational needs. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support. At the time of launch, the university announced that more than $61 million had been received in gifts and commitments. The last major campaign effort for Anderson University, with a goal of $75 million, ended in 1999 and raised $83.7 million.

“We are extremely gratified by the way in which friends of Anderson University have responded to the vision set forth in the ‘Dreams, Discovery, Direction,’ campaign,” said Bob Coffman, vice-president for Advancement at Anderson University. “This early success in the public phase of the campaign has fueled our optimism as we work to involve wider circles of our constituents.”

Gospel music legends Bill and Gloria Gaither serve as co-chairs of the National Campaign Advisory Commission. Co-chairing the National Campaign Cabinet is Tom L. Ward, chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive officer of SandRidge Energy, Inc.; and James B. Winner, president of Winner Advisors.

For more information about the “Dreams, Discovery, Direction,” campaign for Anderson University, visit www.anderson/campaign or contact the Anderson University Office of Development at (800) 421-1025.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Anderson University recently announced to the Board of Trustees that the institution has reached the $72 million mark toward the $110 million goal of the “Dreams, Discovery, Direction,” campaign. The public phase of the “Dreams, Discovery, Direction,” campaign for Anderson University was officially launched on October 5, 2006, and is the university’s largest fundraising effort to date.

“We are deeply grateful to so many of our friends, alumni and wider sources of support who have joined us in this transformational campaign,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “‘Dreams, Discovery, Direction,’” is a campaign that expresses the hopes we have for our students and for those who will join us in this work in years to come. We are on schedule because of the devotion so many have for the mission of Anderson University. While we have a long way to go to reach our goal of $110 million, this support is an expression of confidence that our life changing work is deeply meaningful to those who have made this impressive interim report possible, our generous donors.”

Headlined by Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) championships in men’s and women’s cross country and track, the Anderson University intercollegiate athletics program claimed the league’s Commissioner’s Cup trophy for the 2006-07 academic year.

Asking the hundreds of Anderson University’s new graduates to become “prophetic citizens,” commencement speaker Cheryl J. Sanders told them Saturday to retain their Christian values while forging their new careers and building their post-collegiate lives. “Prophetic citizens are not gullible; they are not easily deceived,” said Sanders, senior pastor of the Third Street Church of God in Washington, D.C., since 1997. “Prophetic citizens don’t suspend their outrage when people in high places do the wrong thing. “They see hospitality as a virtue, not a burden.”

For Anderson resident Temple Miller—a newly minted Anderson University graduate—it was worth waiting 27 years to get her bachelor’s degree. Miller, 48, and hundreds of other Anderson University students received their diplomas during a two-hour ceremony Saturday inside the Ward Fieldhouse at the Kardatzke Wellness Center. While most of the 20-somethings getting their sheepskins have yet to fully begin their lives, it was life changes that postponed Miller earning her bachelor’s degree in English.

Before going to Anderson University, Miller last stepped inside a college classroom nearly 30 years ago when she was enrolled at Gulf Coast Bible College in Houston. But her education got sidetracked. First it was supporting her husband, Tim, in his career, and then, of course, came children.

“One baby came, then another baby came, and then, finally, a third baby came,” Miller said.

Instead of going back to school, she opened up Twin T’s hair salon on East 10th Street, a business she owned and operated for 17 years before, she said, she felt the compulsion to close.

“I loved doing hair,” she said. “It was great to schedule around the kids ball games, and I was my own boss.

“But I started feeling like I wanted to get out from under it.”

She closed the business on July 31, 2001, a business move that proved fortuitous. A few days later, her life would change again.

On Aug. 11, her husband, daughter Tara and son T.J. were involved in a two-vehicle collision along Alexandria Pike that left the three of them seriously injured. They were all riding in a older pickup — driven by then-17-year-old T.J. — that was struck nearly head-on by a sport-utility vehicle, Miller said.

Tara, then 12 years old and riding between her father and brother and restrained by only a lap belt, was the most severely injured. Miller said the crash was initially called in to emergency responders as a fatality.

“I realized how quickly everything can be gone,” she said.

Tara, who will be a freshman at Ball State University in the fall, suffered three broken bones in the back, and a severe head injury.

“The left side of her face was basically crushed in,” she said.

It would be a year before Tara would return to school, and Miller feels it was part of a larger plan that she sold her business when she did. But after her daughter began to fully recover, Miller felt the urge to write.

“I wanted to do more writing,” she said. “I need the tools to help me.”

Miller took her first writing class at Anderson University in 2003. And like the dominoes that fell to keep her from graduating decades ago, so did her desire to complete her degree.

“I never planned to graduate,” Miller said. “I was just going to take some writing classes.”

And now, four years from that first writing class — and, well, 27 years since she was last in college — she walked across the stage Saturday and accepted her rightfully earned diploma.

“I loved it,” she said of going to Anderson. “I loved the professors. It’s gone by so fast. It’s hard to believe I’m graduating.”

—Writer Shawn McGrath is a reporter with The Herald Bulletin in Anderson. Story and photo reprinted with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Anderson University recently announced that longtime benefactors Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York will resource the construction of a new recital hall at Anderson University. Preliminary plans call for the construction of a recital hall at a cost of approximately $2 million that accommodates between 150-200 patrons with excellent acoustics and a raised platform. The scope and location of the facility as well as the timeline for construction are to be determined. The project is a part of the “Dreams, Discovery, Direction” campaign for Anderson University.

“The grand traditions of musical talent of Anderson University students and faculty have begged for a facility such as the one being planned for the near future,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York have a love for so many of the quality programs of this university, and a much needed recital hall is one more expression of their passion for our work. With their help we are again stepping into a future of such promise for our students and faculty.”

“Both Jim and I grew up in families that loved music,” said Dr. Elizabeth York. “Music-both singing and instrumental-has always been a large part of our life. Over the years, we have heard great symphonies and have experienced church music that has shaped our hearts and developed our appreciation. It is with a deep gratitude that we support of this project.”

Anderson University students who choose music as an academic major or minor at Anderson University must perform a solo recital as part of graduation requirements. Because music is among the university’s top five majors, student recitals are regular events on campus. The 75 music recitals that faculty, students, and guest artists perform in a typical year currently take place in two classrooms that lack permanent seating, a stage, and professional lighting.

The goal of each recital is to showcase the talent of the student artist in a professional setting. The performer, dressed in formal attire, presents a well-rehearsed program for an audience of peers, professors, family, and friends. A reception honoring the student artist usually follows. A well-constructed recital hall is an important recruitment and retention tool.

“All of us in the School of Music are excited about the prospect of a performance venue that will properly showcase the immense talent of our students, faculty and guest artists,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wright, dean of the College of the Arts. “We have waited many years for this to become a reality, and we are delighted that the York family shares our vision for elevating music to new levels of visibility and viability on our campus and in our community. This space will make a tremendous difference in our ability to attract and retain the highest levels of talent for the School of Music.”

“We are so grateful for the commitment and support of the York family,” said Bob Coffman, vice-president for Advancement at Anderson University. “This new facility will provide a world-class environment in which our students and faculty will perform. Through their generosity, Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York are making a significant difference in the lives our students.”

In addition to their love for music, the Yorks have a special love for books and have provided generous funding for the creation of a Rare Books and Special Collections area in the Anderson University Nicholson Library. They have already made gifts of many special editions that will be housed in that collection.

Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York have given of their time and resources to make a difference in people’s lives. Their giving spirit was what convinced the couple that Dr. James York should retire early from his practice of orthopedic surgery so that they could work in mission hospitals throughout Africa. It also prompted them to contribute to the Harry L. and Henrietta Harp Endowed Memorial Fund at Anderson University. And it is one of the primary reasons they created the James M. York, M.D., and Elizabeth H. York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Anderson University School of Theology.

Dr. Elizabeth York’s parents, Rev. Harry and Henrietta Harp, were active in the Church of God, and it was in their honor that their children established the Harp Endowed Memorial Fund. The fund supports the Harp Lectures in Christian Theology and Leadership at Anderson University and provides an annual award (known as the Harry L. and Henrietta Harp Memorial Award) to a graduating seminary student who has made the most outstanding accomplishment in congregational ministries. Future plans for the fund include support of a visiting professorship.

Advocates of lifelong learning, the Yorks established the York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Anderson University School of Theology that is designed to reduce tuition expenses for deserving seminary students and promote a healthy diversity within the seminary community. Recently, the York’s supported the current construction on the second phase of York Seminary Village south of Decker Hall. The construction project, consisting of 4 buildings, will be located on the east side of Walnut Street, between 6th and 7th streets, in Anderson. The total project will consist of 20 apartments and a community center in 8 buildings. The first phase of York Seminary Village was dedicated on August 16, 2006.

Dr. Elizabeth York came to Anderson University in 1949. She later married Dr. James M. York, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University Medical School, and they spent the next several years in various locations as Dr. James York completed his orthopedic surgery training. As they traveled, Elizabeth continued her undergraduate studies, graduating from Rutgers University in New Jersey. Dr. James York took early retirement after 32 years of practice and volunteered his surgical skills at mission hospitals throughout Africa. The couple served hospitals in Kenya, Cameroon, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. In all, they served as short term missionaries for six years.

The campaign, set to conclude on May 31, 2010, is the university’s largest fundraising effort to date which marked $57 million raised toward the goal at the time of the launch. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 for operational support.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Anderson University recently announced that longtime benefactors Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York will resource the construction of a new recital hall at Anderson University. Preliminary plans call for the construction of a recital hall at a cost of approximately $2 million that accommodates between 150-200 patrons with excellent acoustics and a raised platform. The scope and location of the facility as well as the timeline for construction are to be determined.

“The grand traditions of musical talent of Anderson University students and faculty have begged for a facility such as the one being planned for the near future,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York have a love for so many of the quality programs of this university, and a much needed recital hall is one more expression of their passion for our work. With their help we are again stepping into a future of such promise for our students and faculty.”

“Both Jim and I grew up in families that loved music,” said Dr. Elizabeth York. “Music-both singing and instrumental-has always been a large part of our life. Over the years, we have heard great symphonies and have experienced church music that has shaped our hearts and developed our appreciation. It is with a deep gratitude that we support of this project.”

Anderson University students who choose music as an academic major or minor at Anderson University must perform a solo recital as part of graduation requirements. Because music is among the university’s top five majors, student recitals are regular events on campus. The 75 music recitals that faculty, students, and guest artists perform in a typical year currently take place in two classrooms that lack permanent seating, a stage, and professional lighting.

The goal of each recital is to showcase the talent of the student artist in a professional setting. The performer, dressed in formal attire, presents a well-rehearsed program for an audience of peers, professors, family, and friends. A reception honoring the student artist usually follows. A well-constructed recital hall is an important recruitment and retention tool.

“All of us in the School of Music are excited about the prospect of a performance venue that will properly showcase the immense talent of our students, faculty and guest artists,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wright, dean of the College of the Arts. “We have waited many years for this to become a reality, and we are delighted that the York family shares our vision for elevating music to new levels of visibility and viability on our campus and in our community. This space will make a tremendous difference in our ability to attract and retain the highest levels of talent for the School of Music.”

“We are so grateful for the commitment and support of the York family.” said Bob Coffman, vice-president for Advancement at Anderson University. “This new facility will provide a world-class environment in which our students and faculty will perform. Through their generosity, Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York are a making a significant difference in the live our students.”

In addition to their love for music, the Yorks have a special love for books and have provided generous funding for the creation of a Rare Boos and Special Collections area in the Anderson University Nicholson Library. They have already made gifts of many special editions that will be housed in that collection.

Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York have given of their time and resources to make a difference in people’s lives. Their giving spirit was what convinced the couple that Dr. James York should retire early from his practice of orthopedic surgery so that they could work in mission hospitals throughout Africa. It also prompted them to contribute to the Harry L. and Henrietta Harp Endowed Memorial Fund at Anderson University. And it is one of the primary reasons they created the James M. York, M.D., and Elizabeth H. York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Anderson University School of Theology.

Dr. Elizabeth York’s parents, Rev. Harry and Henrietta Harp, were active in the Church of God, and it was in their honor that their children established the Harp Endowed Memorial Fund. The fund supports the Harp Lectures in Christian Theology and Leadership at Anderson University and provides an annual award (known as the Harry L. and Henrietta Harp Memorial Award) to a graduating seminary student who has made the most outstanding accomplishment in congregational ministries. Future plans for the fund include support of a visiting professorship.

Advocates of lifelong learning, the Yorks established the York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Anderson University School of Theology that is designed to reduce tuition expenses for deserving seminary students and promote a healthy diversity within the seminary community. Recently, the York supported the current construction on the second phase of York Seminary Village south of Decker Hall. The construction project, consisting of 4 buildings, will be located on the east side of Walnut Street, between 6th and 7th streets, in Anderson. The total project will consist of 20 apartments and a community center in 8 buildings. The first phase of York Seminary Village was dedicated on August 16, 2006.

Dr. Elizabeth York came to Anderson University in 1949. She later married Dr. James M. York, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University Medical School, and they spent the next several years in various locations as Dr. James York completed his orthopedic surgery training. As they traveled, Elizabeth continued her undergraduate studies, graduating from Rutgers University in New Jersey. Dr. James York took early retirement after 32 years of practice and volunteered his surgical skills at mission hospitals throughout Africa. The couple served hospitals in Kenya, Cameroon, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. In all, they served as short term missionaries for six years.

The campaign, set to conclude on May 31, 2010, is the university’s largest fundraising effort to date which marked $57 million raised toward the goal at the time of the launch. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 for operational support.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.