Construction of the new facility will begin this fall and is being funded by a $125,000 commitment from STAR Financial Bank.

The trading room will serve as a real-time, high-tech laboratory classroom designed to simulate a Wall Street environment on the Anderson University campus.

[Photo, from left: James L. Edwards, Anderson University President; Gary W. Erskine, STAR Regional President, Anderson; Osborne J. Morgan, STAR Senior Private Advisor; and Terry Truitt, Dean of the Falls School of Business.]

The 1,000-square-foot lab will be equipped with:

• 20 trading stations, with a computer and dual displays at each station
• two large-screen displays providing live coverage of CNBC, CNN, and other financial networks
• two electronic ticker tapes that surround the classroom with financial information
• video conferencing equipment
• software for trading, deal capturing, settlement, analytics, pricing, portfolio management, derivatives pricing, and other finance-related challenges
• market information subscriptions

The trading room will benefit all students with coursework in finance, but the greatest benefit will be to upper-division finance students, particularly those working with the university’s Raven Investment Fund, a student-managed portfolio of more than $310,000 that over the last three years has outperformed the market in return and risk.

“We have great students at Anderson University. Now, thanks to the generosity of STAR Financial Bank, our students will have state-of-the-art technology in a top-notch facility that will accelerate their careers and their contributions to their professions,” said Dr. Terry Truitt, dean of the Falls School of Business.

For STAR Financial Bank, the commitment reflects the organization’s emphasis for investing in the community.

“In the recent economy, we’ve looked at ways to invest our money, and we’ve narrowed it down to education, economic development, and the arts. So, this really is one of our main areas of focus,” said Gary Erskine, STAR Financial Bank Regional President, Anderson.

Erskine believes the trading room will give students real-world experience that textbooks and lectures alone cannot provide.

“One of the things I like about the trading room is that it’s live; it’s real money, real gains, and real losses,” Erskine said. “In stock trading as I have known it, there is always an emotional element. By having real money and risk involved, it puts that element into play. And what better education is there than the education of experience?”

The stock trading room represents a new milestone in what AU Vice President for Advancement Bob Coffman calls a long, productive partnership with STAR Financial Bank. “We are pleased that they found this project to be consistent with their long-standing commitment to educating both future business leaders and the public on financial issues,” said Coffman.

The stock trading room is a part of the $110 million Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $96 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment, and $25 million 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 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

STAR provides professional services in banking, insurance and private advisory. Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, STAR holds assets of $1.7 billion. It operates 48 banking centers throughout Indiana, including the communities of Anderson, Angola, Carmel, Churubusco, Columbia City, Elwood, Fishers, Fort Wayne, Gas City, Gaston, Greenfield, Hamilton, Indianapolis, Kendallville, Kokomo, Marion, Muncie, New Castle, Noblesville, Pendleton, Shirley, South Whitley, Tipton and Upland. As a full service provider, STAR Insurance Agency offers life, health, homeowners, auto, farm and crop, commercial and annuity insurance products. STAR Private Advisory offers private banking, brokerage services and fiduciary services, including estate planning, investment management and trust services. For more information about all of STAR’s services, visit the company’s website at starfinancial.com.

Orangehaus Music Business Camp
July 12-17, 2010
For High School Students Ages 14-18
Cost: $650 for early registration ($725 after June 1); includes tuition, housing, and meals

The Orangehaus Music Business Camp, sponsored by the Anderson University School of Music, is designed for high school students ages 14-18 who are interested in exploring potential careers in the music business. The week-long summer program, now in its third year, is an innovative forum for students to learn how to record, engineer, produce, and market a professional demo. Classes are available in ProTools technology, artist development, songwriting, Internet marketing, live performance, digital distribution, and more. Instructors are award-winning music industry professionals who have worked with such artists as Taylor Swift, Casting Crowns, Dave Barnes, Thousand Foot Crutch, and Jon McLaughlin. For more information, visit the Orangehaus Music Business Camp website.

Entrepreneurship Camp
June 20-22
For Indiana High School Students
Cost: $59; includes tuition, housing, and meals

The Entrepreneurship Camp, sponsored by the Falls School of Business, is designed to help Indiana high school students sharpen their skills in business and entrepreneurship. Students will participate in team projects and events, visit local businesses, compete for prizes, and work with Anderson University students and faculty. Students will also have the opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, craft elevator pitches, and implement viral marketing. The average prize per attendee is $100.  For more information, visit the Entrepreneurship Camp website, or contact Emmett Dulaney at eadulaney@anderson.edu.

JustDance Summer Dance Intensive
June 21-25, 2010
For High School and College Students
Cost: $600 (plus $50 application fee and additional $235 for housing and meals)

The JustDance Summer Dance Intensive is a week-long dance camp that offers high school and college students experiential training in a variety of dance forms, including modern dance, ballet, jazz, world dance, improvisation, and repertory. Classes will be taught by Anderson University faculty as well as a guest dance company, RusticGroove. An informal showing will take place at the end of the week for parents and friends. The intensive is designed especially for high school and college students who intend to pursue dance in college or are currently enrolled in or considering a dance program. However, dance faculty and professional dancers may also participate. For more information, visit the JustDance Summer Dance Intensive website.

Career Camp
Junior Camp: July 19-21, 2010
Senior Camp: July 28-30, 2010
Cost: $79 for early registration ($99 after June 1)

The Career Camp, sponsored by the Anderson University Career Development Center, will be offered in separate installments for high school juniors and seniors. Students will have the opportunity to discover their values, personality, abilities, and interests through the use of online assessments, and explore areas of study (college majors) and occupations based on this assessment. In addition, students will be exposed to the various job markets along with their projected growth in the coming years. Students will also develop a short- and long-term plan of action toward meeting their career goals. For more information, visit the Career Camp website, or send an e-mail to career@anderson.edu.

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 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

Through national and regional conferences, the development and exchange of resources, and participation in online networking, NetVUE will help institutions deepen vocational exploration by their students. The goals of the network are to share knowledge, best practices, and reflection on experiences among campuses while facilitating the incorporation of additional independent colleges and universities into this enterprise.

In announcing the launch of NetVUE, CIC President Richard Ekman said, “Over the past several years, the Council of Independent Colleges has made a commitment to advancing vocational exploration as a guiding force in American independent higher education. The concept of vocation emerged as a significant factor from various sources and has been applied in different ways for different campus constituencies. CIC hopes that NetVUE will capitalize on what has been learned about the theological exploration of vocation and how it can be adapted and developed to strengthen colleges and universities, their leadership, and the education they provide for their students.”

Dr. Marie Morris, vice president for academic affairs and dean stated that “Anderson University has a long and rich history of changing students’ lives through its commitment to educate students for a life of faith and service, through its focus on academic and Christian discovery and opportunities for experiential learning. We thought it important to join with others who share a commitment to fostering discovery and exploration in vocation as we prepare students for this ever changing world. As a member of NetVUE we look forward to increased opportunities for collegial sharing and to the future impact we anticipate in furthering our school’s mission.”

NetVUE is generously supported by Lilly Endowment Inc., which has funded similar programs over the years. “We have discovered,” said Craig Dykstra, Lilly Endowment’s senior vice president for religion, “that structured programs that encourage and guide students in the theological exploration of vocation do indeed help them draw on the wisdom of their religious traditions as they make decisions about their futures and figure out how to lead lives that really matter. We have been approached by hundreds of colleges and universities seeking to enhance their educational programs by incorporating vocational reflection more intentionally into their curricular and co-curricular activities. We are delighted that CIC is committed to sustaining and extending this important conversation and helping colleges across the country to advance their educational missions in this way.”

For more information about NetVUE, visit www.cic.edu/NetVUE.

The Council of Independent Colleges is an association of more than 600 independent, liberal arts colleges and universities and higher education affiliates and organizations that work together to strengthen college and university leadership, sustain high-quality education, and enhance private higher education’s contributions to society. To fulfill this mission, CIC provides its members with skills, tools, and knowledge that address aspects of leadership, financial management and performance, academic quality, and institutional visibility. The Council is headquartered at One Dupont Circle in Washington, DC.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

They spent hours planning, filming and editing one-minute infomercials for their product and mingling with other entrepreneurs who had already established their own companies and products.

The 12 business-minded people spent nearly three days immersed in the business world, but, as high school juniors and seniors, they still have plenty of time to come up with their own entrepreneurship dreams. [Editor's note: Click here to view the winning infomercial from the Anderson University 2009 Entrepreneurship Business Camp.]

The students attended AU’s business summer camp put on by the Falls School of Business and Students in Free Enterprise. The camp allowed them to meet Anderson entrepreneurs, tour their facilities and practice making pitches.

The finale event was an infomercial competition in which students pitched No Dirty Talk, an antimicrobial cell phone cleaner created by Elwood company Saf-T-Aid.

“We really like the idea of getting them involved and doing something real,” AU Associate Professor Greg Heberling said. “We don’t just have them write a business plan, we have them start their own business.”

Highland High School junior Kristin Dulaney’s favorite part of the camp was making elevator pitches, in which students took an idea and had a limited amount of time to come up with 60-second or five-minute pitches.

“You have to come up with your own product that you want to try to get investors to invest in,” she said.

Students learned skills in the camp that others wouldn’t be exposed to until they took college-level business and entrepreneurship courses, Dulaney, 16, said.

“I went in not knowing a ton about entrepreneurship,” she said. “I knew I liked business, but I didn’t know a ton about it. I really learned a lot more about business and entrepreneurship and the many things that can be done with that.”

Dulaney plans to double-major in college and expects one of her majors to be business-related.

Saf-T-Aid President Allen Traylor said the students’ infomercials for No Dirty Talk were creative and helpful for his business.

“They were all great, all creative, all with a little different flavor,” he said.

Saf-T-Aid is launching the trademarked No Dirty Talk in markets now.

The camp allowed students to win money with which to buy the right to use equipment for their infomercials, including cameras and backdrops. They came up with their own pitch ideas and did their own filming and editing.

“It helps our students. It ties it to the real world,” said AU Assistant Professor Emmett Dulaney, who is Kristin’s father. “It’s so much easier for them to see what we’re talking about.”

Emmett Dulaney helped organize the camp, which attracted students from all over central Indiana, as far away as Center Grove and New Palestine.

This year was the first for the camp, which has been a priority for SIFE students wanting to promote entrepreneurship in the area for about three years, Heberling said. The camp was funded through a grant, and an entrepreneurship class helped develop the camp and market it to high school students.

Emmett Dulaney said the school hopes to find sponsors for the camp next year.

Camp organizer JinAyla Sexton said students had provided good reviews on their experience.

“They were exhausted, of course, but they were also very excited when they were leaving,” she said.

Students especially learned from their visits to locally owned businesses such as XADS, the Flagship Enterprise Center, White River Paintball and Good’s Chocolate Shop, Kristin Dulaney said.

“You actually get to do and see how somebody took those ideas and put them into action,” she said. “You know that entrepreneurship isn’t just starting some corporate business. You can start any type of business that you want to.”

—Aleasha Sandley is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

For three days and two nights, surrounding area high school juniors and seniors will learn valuable skills to succeed in the business world. Exercises for the young entrepreneurs include constructing business-related Web sites, pitching sales ideas and slogans and meeting with local business owners. Each student will earn money via these tasks, which will be utilized in creating businesses, and will be hosted at Mounds Mall on the final day.

During the event, participants will stay in AU’s dorms, use campus facilities, and eat in the cafeteria while visiting, and being visited by, successful area entrepreneurs.

“We’re hoping to set a precedent,” said Emmett Dulaney, assistant professor of marketing. “We would like to offer it every year.”

Along with Dulaney and Greg Heberling, professor of business and economics, several AU business students and recent graduates will be assisting in the event as team leaders.

“The [student] counselors will gain experience as well,” stated Dulaney. “It will help them realize what skills they have.”

The event, scheduled for July 28-30, requires a registration deposit, teacher’s reference evaluation and a medical release form. The cost of the camp is $525, but the fee will be waived this year for the first 25 students. A $45 deposit is required at the time of the application, but will be returned on the last day of the camp to all who attend. All necessary documents can be found on the camp’s Web site.

—John Tapley is a senior majoring in Mass Communications at Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

The Grow Conference featured speakers, ranging from Anderson University Falls School of Business Dean Terry Truitt to Continental Inc. owner Judy Nagengast, and workshops on lean operations and quality control. Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman was the keynote speaker during lunch at the conference.

Skillman said Indiana had continued to make strides toward becoming a leading state for business, even with a souring economy. She cited various studies, including one from the Council on State Taxation that placed Indiana fifth in the nation for friendly business tax policies.

“We do have an advantage over almost all states in the country,” she said, noting Indiana’s dedicated work force and location in the middle of the country. “We all have a role to play in the economic recovery of our state. Indiana will see a complete economic comeback.”

Skillman, who was on hand when the Flagship opened its doors in 2005, mentioned Anderson companies Nestlé, Comfort Motion Technologies and Bright Automotive as being bright spots in the economy.

“In this region, there is … a lot going right,” she said.

Since 2005, 10 business opening or expansion announcements have been made in Madison County with assistance from the state, Skillman said, a $700 million investment.

“More than 600,000 Hoosiers are working for themselves,” she said. “Our economic health will depend on how our small businesses do.

“We need places like (the Flagship) to push those great ideas, those new ideas out into the marketplace.”

State Rep. Scott Reske, D-Pendleton, who attended the conference, said it took a bipartisan effort to get Indiana in a good position to attract new business. Reske, who chairs the Economic Development Committee in the Indiana House, said Indiana’s jump to one of the best places for business happened in 2002, when then-Gov. Frank O’Bannon restructured taxes.

About 60 businesses and 140 people attended the conference, and Flagship CEO Chuck Staley was thrilled with the turnout.

“We had hoped for this many, but I’m not sure we actually expected it,” he said.

Flagship Director DeWayne Landwehr said he wasn’t sure how many businesses would take part in the conference due to the slow economy.

“I was concerned, with the downturn in the economy, we would have trouble getting people to support it,” he said. “My overarching goal is the increase the overall economic health of Madison County.”

Tammy Rimer, owner of Anderson public relations and marketing business Community Networks, said the conference provided her with good networking opportunities.

“The speakers have been beneficial in some way or another,” she said. “Because of the nature of our business, the networking will be beneficial.”

—Aleasha Sandley is a reporter for the Herald Bulletin in Anderson. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Thomas, a Center for Public Service fellow, first gained cross-cultural experience by traveling with Tri-S to London in 2005. Since London, she has participated in five additional Tri-S trips and in May will travel to Australia. [Pictured left with students in Russia.]

“Carrie exemplifies the scholar/leader who is committed to academic excellence, international travel and education, public service, as well as campus and community leadership,” said Joel Shrock, Director of Center for Public Service. “Carrie’s record of accomplishments is beyond impressive, it is dazzling.”

Through each international experience, Thomas learned it was possible to pursue her career outside the traditional American public school system. Along with a strong interest in European culture, Thomas started her international teaching journey at Anderson University by serving on the licensing feasibility committee for adding the English as a New Language Program. She will be receiving a certification in English as a New Language.

“Dr. Nelson encouraged me to think about applying for the Fulbright Scholarship during an international politics class I took in the fall of my junior year,” said Thomas. Thomas started the application process after accepting a position at Dubravushka Boarding School in Obninsk, Russian Federation, as an English Language teacher for students ages 5-17.

Most recently, Thomas was a student teacher in Vienna, Austria, this past semester at the Danube International School. She student taught English A and English as a Second Language, in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for grades 6-10.

“Both Russia and Austria were different opportunities and experiences,” said Thomas. “In Russia, teaching was more difficult because I had few resources and little structure with which to work. In Vienna, I had more support and was paired with a great collaborating teacher as opposed to teaching on my own. I think teaching on my own first was a more backwards approach but one that served as a great opportunity.” [Pictured right in Vienna.]

Thomas’ award is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Her responsibilities will include teaching English as a foreign language at Gymnasium Jura Hronca (Grammar and Secondary High School) in Bratislava, Slovakia. She will also work on conducting some independent research on language teaching and the education system of Slovakia.

Thomas is graduating May 9 with a 4.0 GPA and is a Presidential Scholar, Sigma Tau Delta (English Honors Society) 2007-08 president, Kappa Delti Pi (Education Honors Society) 2007-08 secretary, AU International Education Committee member, AU English as a New Language Committee member and Athletic Committee member. Thomas also started her own Carrie Thomas Youth in Philanthropy Endowed Fund through the Hendricks Community Foundation which provides grants to youth organizations and is a member of AU’s Women’s Golf Team.

She is the only AU English major to have received the Recognition of Excellence for her PRAXIS II English Language, Literature, and Composition exam. This honor is earned by scoring in the top 15 percent of candidates nationwide who took the test in the past five years.

“Carrie is best described as an ambitious academician, intellectually courageous, highly admired by faculty and students, always considerate of the needs of others, and one who works well with people of all ages and backgrounds,” said Dean of the School of Education Diana Ross. “She has been an outstanding student leader at Anderson University.” [Pictured left in Slovakia.]

Thomas’ grant starts in the fall of 2009 and will last 10 months. She plans to start graduate work in the future on comparative and international education along with second language acquisition.

“It is amazing how God places people in your life at the right time and right place,” said Thomas. “ God has blessed me with opportunities like Tri-S, ENL and people like Dr. Nelson, Dr. Shrock, and Dr. Ross who have helped shape and guide my future plans.”

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.” With this goal as a starting point, the Fulbright Program has provided almost 300,000 participants—chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential — with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.

- Stefanie Leiter is the Web Content Manager at Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

“This award is bestowed by the faculty in the Falls School of Business,” said Dr. Terry Truitt, dean of the Falls School of Business. “Great deliberation is given. Overall contributions are considered, including academic contribution, GPA attainment, extracurricular involvement, leadership at AU and in the FSB, standing in their discipline, and moral and ethical fortitude.”

During his student years at the Falls School of Business at Anderson University, Hayhurst served as the vice president for Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Consulting and was a winning team member at the SIFE Consulting Showcase in 2007. Hayhurst, a native of Holt, Mich., also held the position of Executive Director of the Anderson Media Group (AMG) and led the organization as it produced the award-winning Falls Report magazine. Following graduation on May 9, Hayhurst plans to pursue a job in the Indianapolis area in the field of finance and banking.

“My experiences in the Falls School of Business were both diverse and unforgettable,” says Hayhurst. “I know they will be a tremendous asset upon my graduation.”

In addition to receiving the award and recognition in The Wall Street Journal, each year’s winner is also presented with the Larry and Dorothy Morrison Thomas Award, which includes a $5,000 cash award to the selected student. Dorothy Morrison Thomas is the daughter of Dr. John A. Morrison, who served as the president of Anderson University from 1923-1958.

“I am extremely honored to receive such a prestigious award,” added Hayhurst. “The generosity and kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas is greatly appreciated and exemplifies Anderson University and God’s love.”

Also recognized at the banquet were outstanding students in the departments of accounting, finance, management, and marketing. A group of fifteen students and two professors were also inducted into Anderson University’s chapter of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society for Business.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

On October 6, 2006, the university launched a $110 million campaign entitled; Dreams, Discovery, Direction. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $90 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support.

CLICK HERE FOR A CAMPUS MAP AND DIRECTIONS TO AU.

During commencement, Anderson University will award four honorary degrees. Anderson University will award Rev. Emory Williams (distinguished Church of God minister) with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree, Billy Jo Hall (longtime member of the Anderson University Board of Trustees and investment advisor at LPL Financial Services in Mount Sterling, Ky.) with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, Thomas J. Snyder (president of Ivy Tech Community College) with the honorary Doctor of Laws degree and Bobbette Snyder (executive director of the Madison County Leadership Academy) with the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

Other events scheduled on Anderson University’s May 9 commencement day include the Falls School of Business hooding ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in Byrum Hall for candidates of both Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Business Administration degrees.

The hooding ceremony for the Master of Education and the Master of Music Education will be conducted at 12 noon on May 9 in Shield dining room, Olt Student Center. The certification ceremony for the Teach in Indiana Program (TIP) will be conducted in Decker Hall, room 133, at 11:30 a.m.

Events earlier in the week associated with commencement weekend include the School of Theology Senior Recognition and Awards Chapel on Tuesday, April 28, at 11 a.m. E.D.T. in Miller Chapel. On Friday, May 8, at 6 p.m. E.D.T. the hooding ceremony for the Doctor of Ministry graduates will take place at Miller Chapel / Tallen Hall in the SOT. In addition, a special pinning ceremony for the Anderson University School of Nursing will be conducted on Friday, May 8 at 6 p.m. in Byrum Hall.

Dr. Carl Caldwell is a 1966 graduate of Anderson University and is the fifth chief academic officer in Anderson University’s 91-year history. Caldwell’s responsibilities have focused on the development of Anderson University programs, faculty and strategic planning. Before coming to Anderson University, Caldwell served as vice president for administration, vice president for academic affairs, and dean of the college at Franklin College in Franklin, Ind.

Caldwell received a master of arts in history from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and a doctorate in history from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind. He has completed individual research and study seminars at Oxford University in England, as well as in Israel, Syria, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen Arab Republic.

In addition to having held several teaching assignments, Caldwell has also lectured on Middle East history, political structures and policies. His administrative positions have included associate dean for academic affairs at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., and dean for academic affairs at Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Va.

In November of 2002, Caldwell received the national Chief Academic Officers Award from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). The award, delivered at the Institute for Chief Academic Officers, is annually presented to an individual who advances academic excellence at private colleges and universities. It is one of the Council’s highest honors for exemplary academic leadership. He has been a member of the Chief Academic Officers (CAO) Task Force, a frequent speaker at CIC’s Institute for Chief Academic Officers, and a mentor to new CAOs.

In October of 2008, Dr. Caldwell announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2008-09 academic year from a distinguished career of 38 years in academic and administrative leadership. He has served at Anderson University since the spring of 1996.

Caldwell and his wife, Carolyn, a 1964 graduate of Anderson University, have two sons and four grandchildren. Following retirement, the Caldwells will continue to serve in full time positions at the American University of Iraq – Sulaimani.

Dr. Kerry Robinson is the senior pastor of East Side Church of God, in Anderson, Ind., a congregation he has served since December 1996. East Side Church is located near the campus of Anderson University and Church of God Ministries, Inc. and is widely recognized for its mission to “Lift up Jesus Christ so that people may Discover Hope for Life.” As the primary speaker for East Side Church of God, Dr. Robinson shares passionately to groups of various sizes in diverse settings in an effort to help individuals discover the hope of Jesus Christ.

Prior to his current assignment, Dr. Robinson was the Senior Pastor of White Chapel Church of God and President of Warner Christian Academy in Daytona Beach (1992-1996) and Senior Pastor of Scott Memorial Church of God, Chattanooga, TN (1983-1992).

Dr. Robinson is a graduate of Anderson University, Anderson School of Theology, and has done postgraduate work at Emory University in Atlanta. He is a graduate of Beeson Divinity School at Samford University in Birmingham, AL., with a Doctor of Ministry Degree. Dr. Robinson has served in leadership for the Church of God at the state, regional, and national levels.

Dr. Robinson is married to the former Becky Meyer and they have two adult sons.

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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Her passion for teaching Accounting extends beyond her feelings towards the subject matter. For Caldwell, reward and success are measured by students achieving and exceeding their own perceived potentials. One of her key goals in the classroom was to, “Help them learn how to learn and problem solve,” she said.

Recounting how her own experience led her down this road, Caldwell said, “As a student growing up, I realized that memorization did not work for me, so I had to figure out different tools to help me learn how to learn.”

Her passion for seeing people develop educational skills is part of what drew her to teaching. “This is why I firmly believe in the liberal arts context,” she explained. “My passion for teaching was making education an exciting experience for every student.”

Caldwell headed up the Falls School of Business Freshman Experience, a self-created program designed to bolster retention by helping students get plugged in to academic programs that they were passionate about. “We would identify students who seemed to be leaning towards a business major,” she explained. “I would contact each student and ask for an appointment to visit with them.”

Many students were interested in studying business, but had no clue what area they wanted to study, she said. “I would try to get them in the hands of a faculty member with similar interests.” Through the individual attention, Caldwell and others helped students find the right fit for them in the Falls School of Business.

For Carolyn Caldwell teaching has become a passion and a way of serving. “I want to help young people find out what they are good and and find ways to use that.”

Caldwell’s husband, Dr. Carl Caldwell, is the vice-president for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College at Anderson University. They plan to conclude their service at the end of the 2008-2009 school year. The Caldwells have two sons and four grandchildren.

—David Hynds is the Web Content Specialist for Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

During the consulting time, projects such as accounting assistance, marketing research, and sales promotion were undertaken by the teams, all with the intention of promoting the growing businesses in ways they cannot do alone.

“This event showcases the impact SIFE is making on the Madison County community as well as provide a venue in which the consulting teams can compete,” said Bethany Masters, vice president of entrepreneurial impact for SIFE.

Among the five selections is Community Networks, a company that provides a link between advertisers and companies looking to use digital signage for promotion. Second, Global Student Solutions works to set up a support system to serve and equip international students during their time in the United States. Next, Point of Service Technologies offers a unique drug testing system to provide a quick, accurate, and cost effective way to determine if a patient is using illegal or prescription drugs . Also among the chosen companies is SecureWebManager, LLC. Owner Mike Kovaleski has developed a state-of-the-art system to provide a more secure way for users to manage log-in names and passwords for the various internet services they use. Finally, screen-printing company ID Graphics will be utilizing SIFE’s consulting talents for the second year in a row.

ID Graphics participated in last year’s consulting program, and owner Dan Wehner says the benefit to his business was unprecedented. “Last year’s SIFE consulting experience was exactly what I hoped it would be,” says Wehner. “I worked with a team of five individuals who each brought unique skill sets and creative solutions to the table to produce a marketing strategy tailored to the needs of my company. Results of their project include a dramatically improved on-time delivery record, a 90% reduction in order errors, a much smoother daily operational flow, and improved customer satisfaction. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results of the SIFE Consulting effort.” [Above photo: Consulting team with Mike Kovaleski, owner of SecureWebManager.]

The event is open to the AU campus and Anderson community in Reardon Auditorium on Thursday, March 12, at 5:30 p.m.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Dance classes started at AU in 2001 and in 2005 the dance program opened a studio, located in the Kardatzke Wellness Center. A minor in dance performance has been offered since 2006.

“Over these past few years, the amount of student interest and enthusiasm has been overwhelming, and student participation has exceeded our expectations,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wright, Dean for College of the Arts. “We now have 18 students who are declared minors in dance. Creating these dance majors seemed the logical way to capture the momentum of dance on our campus and move it to the next level.”

Over a period of several months, dance faculty, music school faculty, and business school faculty, along with the help of some external consultants in dance education, developed the curricula for these three majors.

The university’s new state-of-the-art dance studio, equipped with a L’Air sprung floor, barres, mirrors, and theatrical sound and lighting equipment, is the ideal facility in which to learn and practice the art of dance.

Dance technique courses include four levels of ballet, modern, jazz and tap as well as musical theatre dance forms and world dance forms. Theoretical courses include dance history survey, period dance, and dance improvisation and composition.

Partnering with the Falls School of Business, the 51 hour Dance Business major includes dance technique and dance theory classes, in addition to marketing, management, and accounting classes. Within the Dance Business major, students will have the option of two tracks: non-profit business and business administration. Students must also complete an internship before graduation.

“Dance has been overlooked by many colleges as a viable major, but there is now a national trend of including dance majors in the arts curricula on the college campus,” said Wright. “I believe it is important to give students the opportunity to study dance within the context of a liberal arts, church-related university such as AU. Many students are looking for this opportunity, and there are very few schools that are offering it.”

—Stefanie Leiter is the Web Content Manager at Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

The students have three messages that they want to deliver: Sincere thanks for the legislators’ ongoing commitment to SSACI funding (need-based aid from the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana); the urgent need for their continued support of this program; and the critical importance of increasing the number of Hoosiers with bachelor’s degrees to Indiana’s economic recovery. The students will be wearing bright blue scarves bearing the message “Fund Students First,” as well as name tags identifying themselves, their hometowns, and their campuses.

“It is vital for Anderson University students to make their voices heard in the Indiana legislature as the state confronts a challenging budget year,” said Dr. Joel Shrock, associate professor of History at Anderson University.

AU students involved in the experience include Christin Dawson (Management), Josh Canfield (History), Greg Murra (History), Jesse Luke (Marketing), Lindsey Emmick (Mass Communication), and Kelly Kaiser (Management).

This gathering of students from the independent campuses is being coordinated by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and will begin at the Indiana History Center at 450 W. Ohio Street beginning at 11:00 a.m. Before marching to the State House at noon, the students will be briefed by ICI President Hans Giesecke and Vice President Anthony Maidenberg on current legislative issues involving state-funded need-based student aid.

In the Indiana History Center’s auditorium, several legislators are expected to address the entire group before students go to the State House to meet with their hometown legislators on an individual basis. “We’re so pleased that the students are going to have the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with their hometown legislators at the State House “says Giesecke. “Our students are going to experience the thrill of serving as advocates for their student financial aid.”

“By having members of each of Indiana’s two major political parties address the students,” adds Maidenberg, himself a former state senator, “it demonstrates to the students that higher education funding is truly a nonpartisan issue and that politics can be set aside when it comes to meeting the needs of Hoosier students.”

“Our goal is not only to raise awareness to the legislature of the importance of state financial aid—to put students’ names and faces on the state funds they appropriate—but also to introduce our students to how the legislative process works, how it affects their lives and futures, and how they can play a role in shaping its direction,” concludes Giesecke.

Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) is a nonprofit corporation that represents the state’s 31 nonprofit, accredited, undergraduate degree-granting institutions of higher education. ICI member institutions enroll more than 83,000 students (approximately 23 percent of all students statewide) and annually produce 34 percent of all bachelor’s degrees in Indiana. Information about ICI is available at www.icindiana.org.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

One of the most promising of these initiatives is SIFE’s Print Less Anderson. Anderson University students work with a partnering business to understand the environmental and financial impact of conserving paper usage and recycling paper waste. Additionally, SIFE will implement a “Green Seal of Approval” program, an evaluation and certification for environmentally conscious businesses in the area. Currently, criteria have been established for restaurants, convenience stores, and office buildings.

Todd Baden, the vice president of Environmental Impact for SIFE, says that the city has been supportive and eager to make progress in these areas. “Developing the Office of Environmental Sustainability will ensure that the City of Anderson’s efforts are sustainable and will be able to keep growing,” he says. “The staff members who are joining with us will provide influence, credibility, and creativity. We’re looking forward to seeing what everyone can bring to the table for this exciting work.”

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

As purchasing manager, she develops and implements strategy for sourcing fastening materials for the North American Baby, Health, and Home Care businesses.

“Although I am responsible solely for North American Fastening, I am part of a global team with global suppliers,” she explains. “I daily work with individuals of different cultures and backgrounds, and I learn constantly.”

Katherine’s responsibilities include: management of supply assurance for three plants, participation in a global team that manages 30 plants, linking technical counterparts to develop the global short- and long-term hook strategy, and ownership of the global relationship with a key supplier.

If her performance thus far is any indication, Katherine is not intimidated by the responsibility. During her first year, she saved or cost-avoided about $7 million for Procter & Gamble. She also moved a key supplier from fixed pricing to a new pricing model, which she created to ensure the supplier’s resiliency and Procter & Gamble’s financial predictability.

“I have wanted to work for P&G for as long as I can remember,” says Katherine. “The more I researched the company, the more I respected it and determined that my values meshed well with those of P&G.” She completed an internship at Procter & Gamble the summer before her senior year. The internship eventually turned into a full-time job offer.

Katherine’s experience at AU helped her get the job. “The professors in the Falls School of Business and my coursework taught me how to think. My involvement in SIFE exposed me to P&G, provided me with valuable experience that aided me to be ‘qualified’ for the role, and a contact from one of the professors helped me to get connected internally.”

In addition to working at Proctor & Gamble, Katherine plans to begin her MBA this fall at either the University of Chicago or Northwestern University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

“This weekend was a great learning experience. It was a way to great way to take my academic knowledge of business and apply it to a real world situation,” said AU senior Alex Lavold. His team of five students, each from a different school, created an innovative way of teaching kids about healthy living skills through an amusement park. “Determining profitability in such a short time period was difficult, but we were able to create a thorough business plan through our team work.”

Students presented their solutions to a panel of keynote judges from companies such as Bose McKinney Law Firm, Leadership Horizons, Ginovus, Main Street Capital, and the Grant County Affordable Housing Corporation. The winning team was awarded a $500 gold coin for their business idea, Personal Pantry Solutions, a company that uses a query system database and grocery store kiosks to assist people with special dietary needs in finding recipes and food ingredients. The judges selected a winner based on criteria that considered innovation, profitability, and market potential.

“We said beforehand even if we didn’t win, we were so happy with our idea, our team, and our presentation,” said Bethany Masters, the AU student on the winning team.

Each university, Duke Energy, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Indiana Michigan Power, the Grant County Economic Growth Council, and the Innovative Network were the key event sponsors.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

The award is named in honor of Dr. Robert A. Nicholson, president emeritus of Anderson University.  Brown and Schubert were selected by representatives of the Student Life Department to receive this award because of their involvement in service activities. Each student personally received $750 and also designated a charity of their choice to receive $250.  Brown has chosen Young Life of Henry County based in New Castle, IN and Schubert selected the Mulunda Miaka Orphanage in Zambia, Africa.

Stephanie Brown is a Sociology and Bible and Religion double major from London, Ohio.  Stephanie has been involved on campus through Student Life as a Discipleship Coordinator in Rice Hall and as a current member of the International Student Association.  In addition, she serves as a fellow in the Center for Public Service program at Anderson University.  Off campus, Stephanie has volunteered with the After School Fun program at Park Place Church of God and has mentored youth as a leader through Young Life of Henry County.  It is through these experiences that she has discovered how to build relationship and provide life-changing support and encouragement.  Stephanie attends Sharon Mennonite Church in her hometown and Bethany Christian Church in Anderson.

Chad Schubert is a Business Management major from Cincinnati, Ohio.  As a student at Anderson University, Chad has been involved in the Varsity Soccer Team, a Resident Assistant through the Department of Student Life, and a member of Students in Free Enterprise.  He is also a founder and co-captain of the AU Ultimate Frisbee Club.  Chad currently serves as vice president for Global Impact within Students in Free Enterprise.  In this role, Chad has directly managed SIFE’s support of the Mulunda Miaka Orphanage in Zambia, Africa – most notably through the “Give a Chicken” program where proceeds from the program are used to help the orphanage become self-sustainable.  Chad attends The Mercy House in Anderson during the school year and Northminster Presbyterian Church in his hometown.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Approximately 40 colleges in each of the six geographical regions in the U.S. were selected as meeting four key criteria that make a college truly exceptional: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities, and successful outcomes. These are the “hidden gems” of higher education institutions – as determined by a review board of academicians, guidance counselors, and parents.

“We are truly honored to have received the designation of ‘College of Distinction’ by Students Horizons,” said Dr. Michael Collette, vice president for Enrollment Management and Information Systems. “We believe that this distinction will provide a level of pride for our students and their families for this recognition, and confidence that we have been acknowledged by our peers for having high quality faculty, uncommonly good teaching, nationally recognized programs, and very engaged students.”

Anderson University was required to go through an application process to be considered, be nationally recognized by education professionals, employ outstanding teachers that provide innovative learning experiences, have an active campus and community that allows for personal development, and be highly valued by employers for its outstanding preparation. Colleges of Distinction also recognized an impressive nine other colleges in the state including: Goshen College, Butler University, Manchester College, St. Joseph’s College, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Saint Mary’s College, Taylor University, University of Evansville, and University of Southern Indiana.

College seekers can also visit the Colleges of Distinction website to learn more about featured schools, including Anderson University. Furthermore, visitors can read tips from high school guidance counselors and essays from college students, presidents, and other members of different campus communities.

Student Horizons, Inc. is a digital services company devoted to higher education. Founded in 2002 by concerned parents and admissions professionals, their mission is to enable students to find colleges and universities that appeal to and complement their unique personalities and aspirations. Student Horizons, Inc. is located in Bethesda, MD.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

The Global Chicken Challenge began with more than 50 teams of students. Each team was given a live chicken. The students then traded their chicken back to the SIFE team for any one of various available items valued one dollar. The objective of the exercise was to continue trading items for objects of increasing value. Students were encouraged to barter with individuals throughout the Anderson community to find the most valuable items. After a day and a half of searching and trading, each team presented their final item to a panel of five judges. The team with the most valuable item was declared the winner and awarded a $300 cash prize. Local farm supplier Reynolds Farm Equipment provided financial support to the event.

Anderson University senior Andrew Murray completed the challenge with the winning item, an iPod, valued at $144 by the panel.

“It’s fairly easy to barter once you get out into the community and find people who are willing to work with you,” said Murray. “Other items included a freezer, rocking chair, printer, and video game. The SIFE team plans to auction off these items to support their work with communities in Africa. Teams completed a pretest and posttest that discussed ideas related to bartering in order to track their learning throughout this experience.

The event also signified the launch on SIFE’s online chicken sponsorship Web site www.giveAchicken.com where the team is encouraging others to help make the Mulunda Miaka Orphanage in Zambia, Africa a more sustainable community. For only $6, visitors to the website can participate in the Give-A-Chicken project and sponsor a chicken which will then be donated directly to the orphanage. Included with the donation are the chicken’s feed and medication, meaning that when the chicken or eggs are sold, all the profit goes directly to orphanage.

“Zambia is a land locked country located in central southern Africa,” says SIFE president Kyle Schroeder. “Chickens are a staple food and a main source of protein in the Zambian diet. They also serve as a viable revenue source.”

At Mulunda Miaka Orphanage, chickens and eggs will be used for meals and will also be sold to help the orphanage be self-sustainable.

“With the support of the university and other on-campus organizations,” says Schroeder, “this became a successful project to kick off the year for the Students in Free Enterprise.” The SIFE team’s mission for the year is to “Develop passionate leaders who are positively impacting the world.” Through a combination of global, entrepreneurial, environmental, and community impact projects, the team works to help improve the surrounding community. The SIFE team at Anderson has existed for 19 years and has a history of being one of the top programs in the United States.

Students in Free Enterprise is an international organization active in 48 countries across 1400 college campuses. Focusing on teaching others about success, market economic, and personal financial management skills, entrepreneurship, ethics, and environmental sustainability. A Business Advisory Board and team of faculty advisors provide oversight and guidance for the team. For more information about the Anderson University SIFE team, visit their website at http://sife.anderson.edu. To get involved with their Give-A-Chicken project, visit http://www.giveachicken.com/.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Although precise numbers are not available until the third full week of classes (week of September 22), the university is projecting an increase of 12-15 percent for first-time freshman over last year.  Within this year’s enrollment are approximately 600 new undergraduate students and a total undergraduate population of roughly 1,850 students.  The AU undergraduate student population includes persons from more than 30 international countries and 47 states.

“New students bring such promise and energy to the campus each year,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University.  “We are breaking trends in our region to show a strong growth in new student enrollment.  We are prepared for all they will bring to this good place.”

“Several contributing factors can be cited for the current enrollment level,” said Dr. Michael Collette, vice-president for Enrollment Management and Information Systems. “Anderson University has a number of distinctive programs in business, education, communication, art, music and ministry.  The school also supports several efforts to provide internships and experiential opportunities for students leading to employment; as well as a longstanding effort to remain affordable despite a national economic downturn.”

Approximately 80 percent of new undergraduate students at Anderson University come from Indiana and contiguous states and represent nearly 60 religious denominations.  The average high school grade point average of new undergraduate AU students is 3.4 with 30 percent falling in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class.  The top five individual majors among new AU undergraduate students are Education, Business, Music, Communication and Nursing.

Students matriculating to Anderson University have indicated that the top five most important factors influencing their college choice were career preparation, job placement services, spiritual atmosphere, quality of faculty and the availability of scholarship and grants.

Graduate divisions of the university are also projecting strong enrollments for the academic year.  In addition, the School of Adult Learning at Anderson University will unveil a new online degree program this academic year and will be developing plans to expand their programming for all adult students during the next two years.

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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

To rank schools, US News first organizes colleges and universities by category, and then ranks them within each group. Rankings are based on a wide range of criteria, including academic reputation, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, and financial resources to name a few.

“While the best college for a given student will always be measured by personal fit, we are truly honored to be listed among the best in our region,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University.  “These surveys give our students and their parents the confidence that we are highly regarded and worth considering as they make their important choices for the investment of their college years.  We consider this highly regarded listing a tribute to our faculty and staff who are deeply committed to excellence and to student success.”

“We are pleased to be recognized as one of the best colleges in the Midwest by U.S. News and our peer institutions,” said Dr. Michael Collette, vice-president for Enrollment Management and Information Systems. “We are blessed with a strong faculty and we are encouraged by the financial resources provided by donors as well as the continued acknowledgment of our academic strength at an affordable value.”

The US News rankings will appear on the magazine’s web site on Friday, August 22. College-bound students can use the site to search for colleges according to their own interests, fill out interactive worksheets and search for scholarship and financial aid information. Excerpts of the college rankings will be published in the September 1 edition (on newsstands August 25) of the weekly news magazine. The full rankings will be published in the annual America’s Best Colleges guidebook, also available in libraries and bookstores on August 26.

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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Bruce Applegate, an associate professor of food science at Purdue University, thought there must be a safer, cheaper way to detect the food-borne pathogen.

“You have to be able to grow them in the host strain,” he said of viruses called bacteriophages that are used to detect the pathogen. “Do you really want to be growing 500 liters of E. coli?”

Instead, Applegate developed a process that allows researchers to use different, less volatile strains of E. coli. His method also turns the pathogen cells red, making them easier to find, and it also keeps them alive, allowing investigators to identify them during a food recall.

“We’ve really gotten around it,” Applegate said of the problem. He’s using that research from Purdue to co-found a company, West Lafayette-based Intelliphage, which he hopes to move into Purdue Research Park.

In the university’s fiscal year 2007 — which ran from July 1, 2007, to June 30, 2008 — 10 companies, including Intelliphage, were formed based on technology developed at Purdue. In the previous fiscal year, 15 startups were launched.

Since 2002, 56 companies have been formed at Purdue Research Park, creating 447 jobs with average pay of $58,000, according to figures from research park officials. Purdue has a long history of encouraging its faculty to move from the laboratory to the boardroom, but it is being challenged in-state by Indiana University and Anderson University.

Joseph Hornett, senior vice president of the Purdue Research Foundation, said Purdue — which applies for about 250 patents a year and is granted about three dozen annually — stresses entrepreneurship to its faculty. “This is just becoming part of the Purdue culture,” he said.

In 2006, Purdue applied for 241 patents and was issued 32. By comparison, IU sought 41 patents and received nine.

Hornett’s counterpart at IU, Tony Armstrong, president and chief executive of the IU Research and Technology Corp., said his incubator usually sees two or three companies launched each year. But he said IU is trying to help more professors launch startups, or form partnerships, based on their discoveries.

Right now there are 25 companies, ranging from two employees to “more than 20,” Armstrong said, at IU’s Emerging Technologies Center, the incubator in Downtown Indianapolis where about 150 workers are employed. On Aug. 6. Armstrong was appointed head of the RTC, which oversees the incubator.

“Certainly our goal is to increase our activity in startups and licensing and technology,” Armstrong said about IU’s efforts. “We’ve probably been a little slow, a little behind the numbers that they (Purdue) put up. But we’ve been working on that.”

Another school working to encourage economic development is Anderson University. Chuck Staley, president and chief executive of the school’s Flagship Enterprise Center, said that in five years the school’s tech park has landed 54 companies employing more than 600 people.

The private school partnered with the city of Anderson to create a campus of buildings to house startups and established companies to work with students, he said.

“We lost 27,000 well-paying jobs,” Staley said, referring to auto-industry layoffs. “We came to the conclusion it was pure folly to think we could exist and direct our mission in a community that was on economic life support. Not many private institutions are actually engaged in that direct of a way.”

While Purdue consistently leads its rivals like IU in terms of patent applications filed and issued or companies formed, Hornett lauded the new presidents at Purdue and IU — France Co´rdova and Michael McRobbie, respectively — and their focus on technology transfer. That includes a new research alliance aimed at seeking $35 million in annual funding from the General Assembly in each of the next two years to boost the life-sciences industry.

“It’s kind of a fortuitous time in Indiana,” Hornett said. “There’s a new understanding that working together is much better than working at each other.”

At IU, McRobbie has created an office of engagement to ramp up commercialization of its research and technology. Armstrong said the school also will break ground “later this year” on a 40,000-square-foot incubator in Bloomington of which more than half will be devoted to “wet lab” space. And the school hopes to raise $5 million for a seed fund for new companies.

One of the new companies at IU is Rimedion, which was founded in July and developed from work performed at the School of Medicine.

CEO Butch Mercer, who co-founded the company with Ken Cornetta, a professor of medical and molecular genetics, said it produces materials for clinical trials, does certification testing and works on orphan drug development to treat immunodeficiency diseases and certain cancers. Mercer hopes to move Rimedion into the ETC this fall.

“IU and the IU ETC have a commitment to Indiana economic development and I believe this is one,” Mercer said. “This is not an area IU is very experienced in. (But) what I find is a very serious engagement on their part to get it done.”

—Chuck Bowen is a correspondent for the Indy Star in Indianapolis, Ind. Story 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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Summer school students also have the opportunity to select offerings such as reading courses of assigned textbooks, journals and research documents; flexible online study; tutorial courses which regularly meet with an arranged instructor; or special Tri-S courses that provide academic credit through study abroad.

“Summer school is an opportunity for students to get ahead or catch up on graduation requirements. The rate per credit hour is approximately two-thirds less than traditional tuition during the regular school year,” said Aleza Beverly, Dean of the School of Adult Learning. “For students who are able to stay in the area during the summer, there are three- and four- week face-to-face classes in the day and evening with tutorial options. For those going home or studying abroad, an online course or reading independent study course is a good option. These options make summer school attractive and affordable.”

Registration continues until the first day of each scheduled class. View the Schedule of Undergraduate Classes [PDF] for the summer of 2008. Tuition for summer school at AU in 2008 is $310 per semester hour. All current AU students enrolled in the spring semester are automatically admitted for Summer School. New and former students wishing to enroll should contact the AU Admissions Department at 1-800-428-6414.

For further information and details about Summer School 2008, please contact Aleza Beverly, Dean of the School of Adult Learning and director of Summer School, at 765-641-4251.

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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Thousands of people still hustled to find their seats in Ward Fieldhouse as the color guard presented the flags to begin the ceremony.

VIEW PHOTOS OF GRADUATION ON FLICKR

Friends and family members of all ages, dressed in all kinds of attire, sat among each other for the joyous day—to celebrate the graduation of the university’s class of 2008.

The ceremony hasn’t changed much over the years, said sisters Nicole Fischer, 26, and Kate Lintondo, 31.

The two women sat with their grandparents in the audience as their mother, Katrinna Fischer, 49, received her master’s degree in teaching.

Katrinna Fischer teaches at Eastside Elementary School in Anderson. Her family has sat through several commencement ceremonies at Anderson University as other family members have graduated: Nicole; Kate; Kate’s husband; and Katrinna.

“We just like education,” said Nicole, who is now in law school.

Katrinna Fischer earned her bachelor’s degree from Anderson University not too long before she started the graduate program. Next year, she’ll start at Ball State University to earn her doctorate.

“She’s excited,” Kate Lintondo said. “She’s looking forward to it.”

All of the graduates, and their teachers, seemed excited for the future.

Commencement speaker James T. Morris, who was given an honorary doctor of law degree, said he was told this group of students was the most prepared class for public service from the university.

“The world is eager for you to make your mark, to do what you can,” he said.

Morris, executive director for the United Nations World Food Programme, talked about Myanmar and the world’s efforts to help the country, which was recently hit with a disastrous cyclone. He also spoke about efforts to eradicate world hunger and help the children of the world.

“Spending time on a team of people, seeking a common cause for a common good, that is the most rewarding experience that a human being can have,” Morris said. “This is a Christian university. This is a university with global outreach. … The practical application of our faith, whether you’re Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist, brings us together in a common ground.”

Coming together is how the world will rid itself of hunger, Morris said.

“You never feel so good about yourself with someone else working for someone else,” he said. “Leadership and being an effective person is about seeing your calling in its biggest context.”

The joyous occasion ended as most do—some were laughing and some were crying, but all were ready to go on to another adventure.

—Jessica Kerman is a reporter for the Herald Bulletin in Anderson. Story 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.

Students in the Falls School of Business will have a new choice in major beginning in the fall of 2008. The Falls School of Business will be offering a Global Business major beginning with the next catalog year. The 65-credit hour major also requires students to enroll in at least six hours of international experience to be approved by the dean and take additional hours of a foreign language.

“Anderson University, by tradition, is internationally focused,” said Terry Truitt, dean of the Falls School of Business. “Strong programs like Tri-S, our foreign language department, and AU-East Africa show the University’s broad reach… The global mindset isn’t something new; we are just building on our strengths.”

The Department of Communication Arts has undergone extensive restructuring in this new catalog. Communication Arts majors now have the option to specialize in Audio/Video/Cinema Production, Broadcast Journalism, Journalism and Public Relations. The department also offers opportunities for practical experiences seldom seen at the undergraduate level.

Donald Boggs, chair of the Department of Communication Arts, said, “Communication media have changed dramatically since our Mass Communication major was created in 1977 and we have restructured the department and the major to reflect the changes. The Internet and other factors have brought a ‘convergence’ of media and specialized media. Meeting the needs of niche audiences will represent the future of communication.”

Through the Federal National Professional Development grant, the ENL program is now able to provide students with an ENL license, training educators to assist English language learners in the classroom.

The ENL program helps educators serve the needs of English language learners, gain cross-cultural understanding and experience hybrid classes with face-to-face and online work. Ryan Weiss, Assistant to the Director said, “New teachers often face a challenge in teaching LEP students. We give teachers the tools and instruments to overcome these obstacles.”

—David Hynds is the Web Content Specialist for Anderson University.

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 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.