“The STAR Trading Room on our campus is an exciting center of action,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “It provides real time connection to the markets and makes actual trades possible. AU is very much a part of the real world, and the STAR Trading Room is a strong part of our real life campus culture. We are grateful to have in STAR Financial Bank a generous partner who shares our vision for the best of tools for our teaching mission.”

[Photo (l-r): Dr. Terry Truitt, dean of the Falls School of Business; Dr. James Edwards, president of Anderson University; Tom Marcuccilli, chairman of STAR Group Board of Directors; Eva Tan, a senior at AU studying in the Falls School of Business, Tom Wright, STAR Bank Board of Directors, Tom Miller, President of East Region of STAR, Gary Erskine, Anderson Market President, STAR Financial Bank and Oz Morgan, retired Relationship Manager for STAR Wealth Management]

“One of the things I like about the trading room is that it’s live; it’s real money, real gains, and real losses,” said Gary Erskine, Anderson Market President for STAR Financial Bank. “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?”

“Because it’s one of the few in the country, the STAR Trading Room gives students at Anderson University a good head start with the tools that are needed to come out of college more prepared than most for the financial world,” said Dr. Terry Truitt, dean of the Falls School of Business. “The dynamics of the financial world are far more complex, far more global in nature and there are far more variables that impact the financial markets on a minute-to-minute basis. The data feed in the center is state-of-the-art, giving students up-to-date information needed to build a strong investment strategy.”

The STAR Trading Room will serve as a real-time, high-tech laboratory classroom designed to simulate a Wall Street environment on the AU campus. 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 is a natural blending of STAR’s commitment to educating the community on financial matters and Anderson University’s commitment to educational excellence, said Bob Coffman, vice president for Advancement at Anderson University. “It is a great reflection of the warm and beneficial relationship we have enjoyed with STAR for many years.”

View pictures from the dedication in the Anderson University Flickr album.

The STAR Trading Room is a part of the $110 million Dreams. Discovery. Direction.campaign for Anderson University. Anderson University recently announced that the campaign passed the $110 million goal, raising nearly $114 million. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. Major components of the campaign included resources for capital projects, endowment, and operational support.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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 www.starfinancial.com.

The award is named in honor of Dr. Robert A. Nicholson, president emeritus of Anderson University. Bonte was selected by the Department of Student Life to receive this award because of his involvement in service activities. He will receive $750 and be able to designate a charity of his choice to receive an additional $250. Bonte has chosen The Christian Center in Anderson, Ind. [Photo on left: President James L. Edwards; Brent Baker, vice president for student affairs; Raleigh Bonte; and Mike Bonte.]

Bonte is a Bible and Religion major from Shelbyville, Ind. As a student at Anderson University, he has participated in many service opportunities such as the Christian Center, Prison Ministry, Frontline Ministry Tutoring and several work projects during his sophomore and junior years. He has also served as a Campus Ministry Christian Center Student Coordinator. Bonte attends South Meridian Church of God in Anderson and Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in his hometown.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

But after 24 years at what is now known as Pay Less grocery, Cross said he knew it was time for a change. He turned in his two weeks’ notice and registered to go back to school, initially to study computer science.

His boss, family and friends thought he was crazy for quitting a well-established career, but Cross thought there was something better out there for him. And he wanted to set a good example for his children — now 17 and 24 — by going to college.

Two years into school and after working a “desk job” during that time, Cross knew computer science wasn’t for him.

“I always wanted to be a doctor so I thought, ‘I should be a nurse,’” he said. “I always have liked helping people and making people feel better. Nursing was the right fit.”

Cross graduated from Anderson University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and has been working as a registered nurse. He began at Community Hospital Anderson while still in school as a nursing student and continues to work for the hospital. After several years as a medical/surgical nurse, Cross began working on the cardiac interventions unit about six months ago.

“It is definitely rewarding,” he said. “I love what I do. And the great thing about nursing is that you could be doing one thing today and then tomorrow do 10 different things with the same license.”

In addition to his work at Community, Cross is an adjunct instructor, teaching nursing at Ivy Tech. A number of his students are “non-traditional” like he was and are turning to nursing as a second career.

“There are so many opportunities,” he said. “And the money and benefits are good. And I have more time with my family.”

Beth Tharp, vice president of patient care services and chief nursing officer at Community, has been a nurse for 30 years. She’s noticed an increase in people turning to nursing as a second career.

“There are so many opportunities in nursing beyond just working in the hospital,” Tharp said. “Nurses play a really important role not only in patient care, but they are also becoming more and more involved in public policy making and helping shape what health care is going to look like in the future.”

Opportunities include work at a hospital, a doctor’s office, insurance companies or teaching, among others. And the levels of nursing are just as diverse, such as licensed practical nurses, registered nurses or nurse anesthetists.

Nancy Pitcock, chief nursing officer at Saint John’s Medical Center, said she, too, has noticed more “non-traditional” nursing students applying for the hospital’s summer nursing technician internship program.

There are a number of factors that are leading to an increase of people turning to nursing as a career, even after they have established themselves in another job. Nursing, Pitcock pointed out, is a stable career as there will always be a need for nurses. Also, the flexible schedule and good wages are enticing.

Pitcock said universities are also making the transition to nursing easier with flexible scheduling and online classes to work around a student’s current work schedule.

“It’s a wonderful career,” she said. “The ability to care for others is vital to me. There is constant growth — both personal and professional growth. You never get bored.”

—Abbey Doyle is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Photo credit: John P. Cleary. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

Blankenship, along with recent grad Stefanie Vinsel and senior Andrew Stuart, are working as production assistants for the Super Bowl edition of NBC’s “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” at Hilbert Circle Theatre in Indianapolis. The show airs locally at 12:35 a.m.

Junior audio, video and cinema production major Patience Randle will also be involved in Super Bowl activities as a production assistant for MidAmerica Jibworks. [Photo on left: Josh Blankenship and Andrew Stuart talk about their roles with NBC's "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon." Both are working as production assistants for the Super Bowl XLVI edition of the show.]

Blankenship, who graduated in December with a degree in broadcast production, started Sunday and will be working up until the Super Bowl game on Feb. 5. There will be a live show after the Super Bowl, he said.

“I’m a little bit nervous,” he said last week as he was getting prepared, “but think I’ll be fine once I get into the swing of things.”

Blankenship was actually supposed to start Monday, but got a last minute call to start Sunday instead. He said he was ready.

He’s been helping out with errands and assisting stage managers to make sure they have everything they need.

The assistants’ work can range from standing in for people to fetching coffee, and involves working from eight to 16 hour days, he said.

Blankenship doesn’t mind the long hours, though.

“I think it just comes with the territory,” he said. “Being there until the job’s done.”

Plus, working with Covenant Productions^® and on class projects during his time at AU, along with an internship with WTHR over the summer, he’s already had to work long days.

“I love it more than I hate it,” he said.

Blankenship worked a 13-hour day Monday and expected to have another long one Tuesday.

So far, he said he’s enjoyed seeing professionals come and work together to get everything up and running.

“It’s going great,” he said. “It’s been a lot of fun. I’ve met quite a few interesting people.”

While he’s a fan of Fallon’s show, Blankenship said his favorite part is just being there and being a part of the production.

Andrew Stuart, a senior audio, video and cinema production major, said he was looking forward to the experience and meeting professionals, although he added he really had never seen the late night show.

“It’s a nice change of pace really,” he said. “It’s cool to have something like that in Indy and be a part of it.”

Stuart said they were told to “expect a lot of different things.”

“They just told us to have an open mind and be ready,” he said.

To help with nerves, he said he’s just going to treat it like any other job and do his best to contribute good work.

“Any experience at any level is great,” he said. “On this level, it’s top notch.”

Stuart was to work Monday and today, balancing the job with his school schedule.

As will Patience Randle, who will be in Indianapolis through Thursday, working for pre-game activities and events.

She had been a camera operator and helped with some crane and camera work during AU’s “Candles and Carols.” She gave her contact information to a guy from the company and later got a call about helping out with Super Bowl activities.

“I was really surprised,” she said. “That wasn’t my goal. I had just helped him.”

She said people in the business appreciate hard work and that she’s willing to do.

“It’s a big deal for me just as far as being able to have the opportunity,” she said.

[Update: Other Anderson University alumni working on Super Bowl coverage include David Neidert BA '07 and Luke Renner BA '98, both working with the NFL Network; and Samuel McDonough BA '03, working with Puls4, an Austrian NFL affiliate.]

—Dani Palmer is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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 two teams both sport red and blue colors.

And that meant she could design her hand-warming muff, known as Z-Muff, using two basic shades.

“I was biting my nails waiting to see which teams were going to be in the Super Bowl,” said Dobrikova, 28, of Anderson.

After Sunday’s playoff games, she began sewing game-related muffs — made-in-America long-hair shag fabric — and has 200 for sale.

She is offering Z-Muffs through her website and is working to distribute the red, blue or red-and-blue muffs in Indianapolis during Super Bowl week.

She just received a U.S. patent for her Z-Muff this week. Dobrikova’s design differs from most hand muffs in that it has a pocket for each hand. Usually, hands touch in muffs.

“The hands don’t touch inside. There’s a faux fur lining,” she said. “There’s a benefit in having the hands separated. When they touch, they sweat together, and you take your hand out and they’re colder because they’re wet. Having the pockets insulated keeps the hands warm.”

She came up with the concept while a student at Anderson University. She offered them at the annual homecoming fair and sold out. She then competed for a $15,000 prize in the 2006 INvision AU business competition and won. The prize money allowed her to seek a patent.

She is married and the mother of two.

The big game-related Z-Muffs are $30 each and two for $50. They can be purchased through the website.

—For The Herald Bulletin. Photo credit: John P. Cleary. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

“We have seen the students’ grades go up tremendously,” said director Kim Vaughn, also the user support specialist for Anderson Community Schools. “One was having problems with math and was earning a D minus. She has brought that up to an A.”

[Photo: AU student Krista Sams works with Jaquayla Cole during the Literacy and After-School Caring and Sharing program at Allen Chapel Fellowship Hall in Anderson.]

Some students need a little one-on-one assistance while others simply require a place to study without distractions.

“I like coming here because I actually do my homework,” said Camille Neal, junior. “If I weren’t here, I just wouldn’t get it done.”

“I like it because I get educated and then get better grades,” said Jaquayla Cole, 10. “If I don’t come here, I get bad grades.”

Alongside the 20 volunteers from the congregation who prepare nutritious dinners, serve the meals and offer homework assistance are a few Anderson University students. Offering their time and expertise provides a dual learning experience.

“My major is secondary education,” said Sarah Warnock. “This age range is what I will be teaching when I graduate. It’s great practice for me.”

“I love working with kids,” said Krista Sams, a psychology major. “I am minoring in family science so this is good experience for me.”

Some of the children come for the camaraderie built through spending time together.

“I like being with Sarah,” said Xavia Cullum, 10. “She helps me with my homework.”

The after-school program began five years ago. After experiencing success, the leadership added the Augusta Hawkins Literacy Center materials to better the reading skills of the students.

“This came out of a study commissioned by Congressman Augusta Hawkins,” said the Rev. John Lambert, pastor of Allen Chapel. “He convinced Congress to pass legislation to help students who were underachieving, with an emphasis on minority students.”

“Reading helps them overall,” pointed out Vaughn, director of the Young People’s Department (a division within the African Methodist Episcopal Church) for the state of Indiana. “Reading will help them be successful in everything they do. Every other subject will fall into place if their reading level is where it needs to be.”

Program Information

• What: Literacy and After-School Caring and Sharing Program
• When: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7:30 p.m.
• Where: Allen Chapel Fellowship Hall, 1610 Sheridan St., Anderson
• Cost: None

Typical Schedule:

• 5-5:30 p.m. Dinner
• 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tutoring and homework
• 6:30-7:30 p.m. Enrichment (sample topics: Spanish, Bible study, Zumba)

— Emma Bowen Meyer is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Story reposted with permission. Photo credit: Emma Bowen Meyer.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

In creating work for the Conservatory exhibit, AU art+design majors became interested in the irony of talking about nature housed in an artificial green space. They also found themselves wondering “How do we make something about nature with a non-natural material, glass?” [Photo on left: Glass student Kameron Robinson prepares his exhibit pieces.]

For senior Kenton Pratt, the focus became the mysterious absence of animals. His piece in the show is an installation of bird cages … which are empty. “I kept thinking, maybe there should be birds here, but if there were, the would be caged.” Birds also played a role for Stephanie Cochran, whose inspiration for the exhibit came from Bauer Birds, who gather colored trash to make wild, fantastical nests. “These birds are collectors, and what they do is kind of like what artists do,” she shared.

Senior Kameron Robinson, on the other hand, found himself asking, “How can I enhance the space without reproducing it?” He was drawn to the bold, vertical lines of the lady palm trees in the Conservatory and created mirrored, organic shapes which help magnify their fascinating textures and shapes. Because of their mirrored quality, his pieces allow viewers to examine not only the plants but also their own presence in the Conservatory space.

Also included in the exhibition is work by alum Davin Ebanks (BA ‘98), as well as a collaborative piece by AU glass professor, Arlon Bayliss, and students from his Introduction to Glass course.

One of the unique features of the exhibition is its collaborative nature. Bayliss, and Brent Cole, associate glass professor at Ball State, began plans for the project last spring. As next-door neighbors in the world of glass, both schools’ programs have much to gain from the kind of collaboration this exhibition offers. “Working together enables us to do bigger things,” Cochran explains, “this show wouldn’t have happened without the help we were able to give each other.”

Collaborating with a public venue also gave students a taste for the demands of a professional exhibition. Similar to the off-campus experiences of other majors, exhibitions provide art+design students the opportunity to go out into the community and envision where they might fit in the professional world. Robinson said, “Although I gained some exhibition experience during my internship this summer, this was my first public exhibition, and I was glad to go though it together with other undergrads.”

Built in 1914 by German architect George Edward Kessler, Garfield Park Conservatory houses 10,000 square feet of beautiful, historic plants from tropical regions throughout the world. It also hosts changing educational displays and three spectacular seasonal shows each year — no small undertaking. Through Neo Natural, students have been able to bring greater public awareness to the institution. According to Stephanie Cochran, “Part of the calling of artists is to bring awareness to the beauty in our community, and this is one way to do that.”

Date: January 21 – March 18, $3/person, $8 per family
Opening Reception: Saturday, January 21, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. Free Admission
Location: Garfield Park Conservatory & Sunken Garden
2505 Conservatory Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46203

About the Department of Art+Design
The Department of Art+Design at Anderson University offers majors in the areas of glass, fine arts, visual communications design, and art education. Students gain experience through intensive studio practice, professional internships, and by working closely with faculty of professional artists and designers.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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 collection of World War II posters offers viewers an opportunity to examine a time in American history and consider the role visual artists served in the war effort. Posters proved to be a form of visual communication throughout the 20th century, especially during World War II, when the US government used them to enlist support of its citizens. [Photo on left: Glen Groth, WWII: He's Watching You, 1942.]

Of special interest is the variety of approaches to poster design including photography, typography, and collage integrated with persuasive messages to encourage support of the war effort. The posters also show the influences of period art movements. Jean Carlu’s posters reflect both his European heritage and the impact of Cubism. Lester Beall, an American designer, studied European avant-garde art and design, and his use of photomontage echoes works by Russian designers like Gustav Klutsis.

The posters also employ well-known propaganda techniques. Illustrated imagery was most frequently naturalistic, and texts and symbols were kept simple to easily communicate the central message to the viewer. Phrases like “Loose lips sink ships,” and “He’s watching you,” had a flair for the dramatic, appealing to viewers’ emotional perceptions of the war efforts.

Now a part of the Wilson Galleries’ permanent collection, these World War II posters originally hung in the Cummins Engine Factory in Columbus, Ind. During the war years these posters encouraged factory workers to maximize their efforts on the home front. The workers were often referred to as “production soldiers,” and the posters affirmed the importance of this role, declaring messages that forged a direct relationship between production and patriotism.

When the war drew to a close, Mary Dugan, the wife of a foreman at the factory, kept the posters preserved in storage. Shortly after the 50th anniversary of World War II, the collection was donated to the Wilson Galleries by her granddaughter, Kathleen Dugan, a painter and professor of art in the Department of Art+Design at AU. [Photo on right: Jean Carlu, Give 'Em Both Barrels, 1941.]

The Jessie C. Wilson Galleries serve Anderson University and East Central Indiana with monthly exhibitions that feature the work of regionally and nationally recognized artists. Through these exhibitions, the gallery is dedicated to enriching and engaging AU students, as well as promoting the visual arts within the greater community.

For more information, contact the director of exhibitions programming, Tai Lipan, at (765) 641-4320 or by email to talipan@anderson.edu. Visit the Wilson Galleries’ exhibits website to learn about other upcoming gallery events.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

“PRSSA is a pre-professional society that accomplishes several things for students,” said faculty advisor Rebecca Fuller Beeler, assistant professor of communication arts. “First, it allows them to network with each other, future PR professionals, and with professionals working in the field. Second, it gives members of our chapter access to resources like industry publications and online job postings. Third, membership in a university’s chapter earns the student a reduced membership rate when they graduate and join the Public Relations Society of America.” [Photo on left: PRSSA members pose with professional advisor Andrea Farmer.]

This organization meets every three to four weeks for one hour. Sessions include guest speakers, résumé workshops, interviewing exercises, and trips to public relations agencies in Indianapolis. The professional advisor for the AU Chapter is Andrea Farmer, APR, account manager at Borshoff, a full-service communications agency in Indianapolis. AU Director of University Communications and Community Relations Chris Williams also works with the group as staff advisor.

During the first semester, AU’s PRSSA chapter was visited by various public relations professionals from the Indianapolis area. These guests shared details about their jobs and what they look for when they hire interns. This offers students a chance to learn about the profession while also offering them a valuable chance for networking in the professional realm.

“For many students, trying to figure out what to do after graduation can be terrifying,” said PRSSA Treasurer Matt Dougherty, a senior public relations and marketing major. “By being a part of PRSSA, students can get a better idea of what they need to do to begin their careers. By networking, attending seminars, and working on résumés, it is almost as if PRSSA gives public relations students a roadmap to success.”

In February, the chapter will travel to Purdue University to attend a regional PRSSA conference. This conference will allow students to learn from professionals with whom they are not currently connected. This will also be a strong opportunity for students to network with other students and professionals. In the future, the group hopes to conduct various fundraisers that will allow them to attend other conferences hosted by PRSSA as well as PRSA.

“This year, we hope that members will learn and benefit from our meetings so that they are more prepared for the workforce after they graduate,” said PRSSA President Alyssa Applegate, a senior public relations major. “My hope is also to give members a chance to network with the professionals we bring in to expand their resources for internships and potential jobs.”

According to Applegate, the greatest benefit of joining this pre-professional society is becoming more prepared for the professional world. By hearing presentations by professionals, students are able to determine if public relations is something that they wish to pursue. Another benefit is the ability to learn from the mistakes and successes of current professionals.

“As members, we want to learn to be more rounded and educated as individuals from others who have worked in the field and can give us tips,” said PRSSA member Kayla Meid, a junior public relations and theatre arts major. “We also want to feel more experienced before heading into the workforce.” According to Meid, this organization gives excellent advice for the professional world while bringing AU’s public relations majors together on a common ground.

For more information on this pre-professional organization, email questions to PRSSA@anderson.edu.

— Kelly Gualdoni is a junior from Fort Wayne, Ind., majoring in communication arts. Gualdoni is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

“Martin Luther King Jr. was a prophet, and like all prophets he challenged the status quo,” said Stuart Erny, director of campus ministries. “This year at AU we want to emphasize Rev. King’s core allegiance to non-violence, which he viewed as the approach required by a faithful following of Jesus.” [Photo on left: Anderson College Civil Rights March, 1965.]

The day of service will include a “Civil Rights Era” display located in Reardon Auditorium lobby featuring children’s books, a civil rights timeline, DVDs of King’s speeches, a special reenactment and other activities.

This year’s reenactment will focus on the Montgomery bus boycott. Entitled “The Back Seat: Then and Now,” the reenactment will link historical content with current situations. This artistic endeavor was written by Rev. Nichele Washington. Dr. James Lewis, School of Theology associate dean and professor of Christian theology and ethics, will be facilitating. The event will be at 10:25 a.m. in the bottom level of Decker Hall.

Various service projects and campus activities will start at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Anderson University will also join the city of Anderson in a collective walk to the Paramount Theatre for the city-wide MLK Jr. celebration.

The day concludes with a free showing for the campus and public at Reardon Auditorium of “Soundtrack for a Revolution,” a documentary that chronicles the civil rights movement through song. At 6:30 p.m., AU President Dr. James L. Edwards will facilitate a candlelight vigil at the Eternal Flame in front of Decker Hall.

The day will be celebrated as a day of service for the institution, with classes and other administrative activities canceled until 5 p.m. Monday evening classes will meet as usual.

“I’m always amazed when I hear about my parents’ and grandparents’ commitment to justice and steadfast belief that love truly conquers all,” said Michelle Williams, assistant dean of students and director of multicultural student services. “This is the message that Dr. King was preaching. Love trumps violence, bigotry, and hate.”

A full schedule for the service day on Monday, Jan. 16, is listed below, and may also be viewed in PDF format. To volunteer for the service day, see the volunteer schedule [PDF] for more information.

Monday, January 16, 2012

• 9 – 11 a.m.
  Various Service Projects (Sign-up to serve [PDF])
• 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
  “Civil Rights Era” booth displays (Reardon Lobby)
• 10:25 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.
  Montgomery Bus Boycott Reenactment (Bottom of Decker)
• 11:30 a.m.
  Collective Walk (Meet at Reardon and walk to Paramount Theatre)
  Anderson City Community invited to partner with AU community in a walk to the Paramount Theatre celebration. Transportation from Paramount Theatre is available.
• 12 – 1:30 p.m.
  City-wide MLK Jr. Celebration (Paramount Theatre)
• 2 – 4 p.m.
  Various Service Projects (Sign-up to serve [PDF])
• 5 – 6:30 p.m.
  Evening Film, “Soundtrack For a Revolution” (Reardon Auditorium) – chapel credit given
• 6 p.m.
  Candlelight Vigil (Eternal Flame)

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

• 11 a.m.
  MLK Jr. Chapel with special guest Elder Anne Henning-Byfield, (Reardon Auditorium)

On Tuesday, Jan. 17, there will be a special chapel in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with guest speaker Elder Anne Henning-Byfield. Byfield lives a life filled with creativity and passion as a psalmist, a poet, motivational speaker, preacher, spoken word artist, strategic consultant, writer, composer, wife, mother, and grandmother. Known for her unique brand of leadership, presentation style, humor, and passion for living, Byfield leads by example, inspires, and develops others to lead their best life. A multi-talented individual, she has worked in diversity management, research, training, and development. She has a gift for combining multiple mediums with a unique approach to leadership and change.

Byfield wrote the litany for Rosa Parks’ funeral in Detroit, Mich., and Congresswoman Julia Carson’s funeral in Indianapolis. She performs in many spoken word settings and is producing a spoken word CD. Her book of poetry, The Essence of my Existence, is scheduled to be released in March, and Issuing A New Press Release, a book on leadership, will soon be published. For a full bio, visit the chapel page on the AU MLK website.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

Crosby thrived at AU from 2004 until his graduation in the spring of 2008, when he earned a degree in athletic training. After he crossed the stage and received the diploma for which he worked relentlessly, Crosby turned his attentions to graduate school. He attended Ball State University, where he earned a master’s degree in sport performance.

Crosby worked as an athletic trainer for a high school in Chicago for a year, but his goal was to work in a university setting. It wasn’t long before he received a call from Steve “Doc” Risinger, director of sports medicine and head athletic trainer at AU.

“Doc called me up in July and he told me to come back and interview for an opening in the athletic training department,” Crosby said. “We had a great relationship when I was a student. He had a lot to teach and I asked a lot of questions. He appreciated that.”

Crosby got the job as the new assistant athletic trainer and served as the head athletic trainer for both the men’s soccer and women’s soccer teams.

But the season was not without difficulty for him. He returned home to Anderson late one night after a road game and went to bed with a headache.

“It was just a headache,” Crosby said. “I really didn’t think anything of it.” Crosby woke up barely an hour later with severe nausea, and the headache had intensified. Unable to get back to sleep as a result of the sickness that had suddenly overtaken him, Crosby rushed to the hospital. “They thought it was just a bad flu at first, but then they did an MRI and a CT scan and that’s when they found it,” Crosby said.

The doctors found a tumor the size of a golf ball pressing up against the young athletic trainer’s pituitary gland. “It stroked,” Crosby said. “The tumor did, not me. But when it did, that’s what caused all the symptoms.” After spending four days in an Indianapolis hospital and enduring a series of tests and medications, Crosby returned home. With the help of rest and medication the tumor is now shrinking. “It’s not life-threatening,” Crosby said, “but it is life-changing.”

“AU was great to me the whole time,” Crosby said. “Everybody helped out and covered my classes and teams. There were no pressures at all to rush back.” But he couldn’t wait to return to work. “It’s a great environment,” Crosby said. “It’s a Christian environment. The facilities are top-notch. It’s everything you want in one place.”

Crosby returned to the training room around Christmas break. He loved working with the soccer team, interacting with the student-athletes and the laid-back atmosphere of the athletic training facilities. For the spring semester, Crosby will serve as the head trainer for the AU men’s baseball team.

“I love this place,” Crosby said. “It really just doesn’t feel like work.”

— Kyle Beckman is a senior from Auburn, Ind., majoring in communication arts and business/information systems and minoring in political science. Beckman is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™
, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

Last year the 89-year-old retired public accountant became the oldest person to graduate from Anderson University with a bachelor’s degree in English.

More recently, she was named Indiana Senior Poet Laureate in a national writing competition.

And, while some people might think a poem by an elderly woman submitted to a poetry contest would be traditional and syrupy, Brant’s winning poem was far removed from such stereotypes. “Too Late I Know My Brother” touches on the friendship of two soldiers from diverse racial backgrounds who become brothers in battle.

“My son’s experience during the Vietnam War inspired me,” Brant said in her East Cross Street home. “Donald was a radioman in the Air Force and was stationed for a while in Biloxi, Miss., where he was appalled at the treatment of blacks by the local people. He became good friends with one of the young black men he met there.”

In the poem the two men go into battle together. One steps on a mine and dies in his young friend’s arms.

“My son felt bad for him,” Brant said. “The description of their friendship is true. The event is not. My son came home safely from the jungle.

“We are a family of soldiers,” she added. “My late husband, Edward, was also in the Air Force and my grandson, Michael Smith, was a Marine who served during Desert Storm. My great-grandson, Anthony Smith, served two tours in Afghanistan.”

The award was presented by Amy Kitchener’s Angels Without Wings, a private literary society in Monterey, Calif. The poem will be published in an anthology, “Golden Words.” The contest was for poets 50 and older. More than 900 poems were submitted by 219 poets for the 2011 contest, according to the society.

There was a $3 entry fee per poem and the national runner-up winners received prizes of $500 and $100, respectively.

“It was the first national contest that I have entered,” said Brant, who grew up on a farm near Lapel. “I’ve dabbled in poetry ever since I was 12 years old. I’d write poems for friends’ birthdays and about our great Lapel High School basketball team. I even had a poem about our 4-H Club girls in the local Lapel paper.”

But writing poetry took a back seat to raising her three children and career as real estate broker and public accountant with the family business, Edward Brant Accounting. After her husband died five years ago, she decided to return to college to earn her bachelor of arts degree. While there, she got involved with the school’s literary magazine and published a few more poems.

Brant is a member of the National and Indiana State Federation of Poetry Societies. The local chapter meets every third Wednesday at the Anderson Public Library. Her entry into the “senior poets” contest was through a notice in the organization’s newsletter.

“She is an amazing, down-to-earth poet,” said Glenna Glee, president of the state organization and an Anderson resident.

“She has a real talent of taking the voice of somebody else on just about any subject and doing something special with it,” Glee, 93, said. “She’s a great addition to our group here in Anderson.”

Too Late I Know My Brother
by Gail M. Brant

I never really noticed him before.
He was just there –
a tall dark shadow in the ivied hall.
I didn’t see his dignity, his gentle air,
The firm determination of his jaw.
He looked like all the rest of them
who lived beyond the track.
I never really noticed him.
His skin was black.

And then, one day, the trumpets blew
and drummers beat
a cadence for our marching feet.
And gray ships sailed across the sea
and cannons roared and shrapnel flew
And I was there. And so was he.

I never really noticed then, his skin was black.
We were just two lonely soldiers far from home.
And we could talk and we could walk
down common yesterdays,
And share each others’ dreams of days to come.
For he was brave when I was most afraid.
And he would laugh when I could only cry.
When I would curse, he bowed his head and prayed.
When I dared not, he gave me strength to try.

And then, one day, the enemy
charged up our hill
and overran the outpost that we kept.
But just before we reached our line,
his big boot touched a hidden mine;
and while the battle around me raged,
I held him in my arms
and wept.

—David Allen for The Herald Bulletin. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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 School of Nursing strives to provide excellence in all areas of student instruction and preparation,” said Dr. Karen Williams, dean of the School of Nursing. “From entrance into the School of Nursing to graduation, every professor is invested in providing each student with a positive learning environment in the classroom through interactive learning, in clinical practice, and simulation.”

To prepare students for this crucial exam the AU nursing program utilizes Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI)^® for review and comprehensive assessment that is designed to prepare students for the NCLEX throughout their nursing education. This program is divided into three phases: “Self-Assessment Inventory,” “Critical Thinking Entrance Assessment and Content Mastery Series,” and “NCLEX Preparation/Exit.” Collectively, this program prepares students gradually as their education progresses, instead of cramming information at the end of their college experience.

“The ATI system uses books, DVDs, and a website in order to prep us for content using questions that are NCLEX-styled,” said senior nursing major Katie Rattin. “This is also how the whole program tests. All of our tests are on the computer, with questions that are set up how NCLEX questions will appear.”

According to Williams, the School of Nursing has undergone a complete revitalization of its curriculum. Changes have been made to include the most up-to-date technologies and practice guidelines. “We have an emphasis on helping students move from memorization to experiential learning, which improves the ability of students to critically think,” said Williams. “We utilize fantastic clinical experiences designed to reinforce what is learned in the classroom. Our students also benefit by utilizing simulation and virtual learning scenarios.”

“SimMan^® is a very beneficial tool that is used to provide students with a more realistic experience of caring for a patient,” said senior nursing major Sydni Terrill. “With the SimMan^® as a tool, nursing students can participate in simulations that prescribe critical thinking skills, the use of proper technique, and teamwork to be demonstrated in order to efficiently serve the ‘patient’ in need.”

According to Williams, the School of Nursing strives to prepare students by teaching nursing content, assisting with test anxiety, and building test-taking skills. The success of this graduating class can be shared by both the students and staff of the AU School of Nursing.

“The NCLEX has many impacts on the life of a nursing student. It is the end goal in a nursing program. It depicts the ways in which a nursing student develops studying habits, skills, and techniques,” said Terrill. “The success of the class before me has given me confidence that the nursing program at AU prepared me for State Boards following graduation.”

— Kelly Gualdoni is a junior from Fort Wayne, Ind., majoring in communication arts. Gualdoni is an associate with Fifth Street Communications, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

Under the new system, student booking agents are hired to find gigs for entertainers. These agents contact organizations and venues to book shows for their clients, and gain hands-on experience in the music business industry.

“We give music business students the opportunity to act in a real world environment,” said Kurtis Dickerson, a junior marketing major and vice president of business affairs for Orangehaus Entertainment. “They work closely with the artists, making sure that their image is being correctly portrayed. Artists can now work with an agent to learn how the industry functions and what is required of them in a real world scenario.”

Because many of the artists lack a fan base in the Indianapolis area, Orangehaus Entertainment works to create a strong foundation and following for the artists. Venues start in small locations such as Monon Coffee in Indianapolis, Ind., or Be Here Now in Muncie, Ind. As the artist’s popularity grows, concerts are booked in more prestigious Indianapolis locations such as the Earth House Collective or the Irving Theatre. The agents, as well as Orangehaus Entertainment, receive a small percentage of every show’s profits.

“Orangehaus Entertainment is centered around assisting artists with booking shows and promotion,” said Meaghan Hines, a senior music business major and vice president of marketing for the company. “We take on Orangehaus Records’ currently signed artists, as well as artists that are not signed.” The agency currently represents five artists: Tyler Fields, Michael Tomlinson, Joshua Powell, Greg Hojnacki, and Rob Krosley.

“Orangehaus Entertainment has expanded my horizons and given me the opportunities to play at new venues,” said Hojnacki, a junior marketing major. “This includes several venues in the Broadripple, Muncie, and Indianapolis areas.”

The recent expansion was developed under the supervision of Dr. Rebecca Chappell, director of music business studies and Orangehaus faculty adviser. Chappell believed that students would benefit from the creation of a separate entity that allowed students to gain experience in the booking side of the music industry.

According to Chappell, this development was made possible by the Coleman Entrepreneurial Fellows Program grant through the Falls School of Business.

“The Falls School of Business made a strategic commitment to encourage entrepreneurial activity both within the school of business and across campus,” said Chappell. “The program goal was to identify and engage faculty across campus to develop new courses or modify existing ones to integrate entrepreneurial concepts.”

Orangehaus Entertainment is currently seeking more artists and agents for the program. For more information, contact Kurtis Dickerson at kedickerson@anderson.edu.

— Kelly Gualdoni is a junior from Fort Wayne, Ind., majoring in communication arts. Gualdoni is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

“Many people throughout the world are need of proper health care education and medicine,” said Baird. “However, they lack a mentor who is fluent in their native language.”

Bridging the Gap trains bilingual citizens in the field of health, including understanding doctor’s procedures, health care options, and information about health insurance. To complete the program, individuals must pass a language proficiency exam and attend 40 hours of classroom lectures. The individuals who pass the exam are then given a certification that permits them to interpret and translate in hospitals nationwide. In the United States, the interpreters are able to assist the patient in understanding all healthcare and prescription options available to them.

“Medicine is practiced differently throughout the world. Some countries use teas and herbal supplements, contrary to our country’s reliance on prescription drugs,” said Baird.

The certification she has acquired will benefit not only her, but her students. Having a certification allows her to better educate her students on the potential career opportunities that await them after college. Spanish interpreters are currently in high demand. Although Baird mostly interprets Spanish, there is an occasional need for Portuguese or German interpretation. Because many of her foreign language students hope to teach English as a foreign language, Baird hopes that her abilities will not only help people in need, but influence her students to follow a similar career path.

Esther Doub holds a paid position as a medical interpreter for the Madison County Community Health Center. She hopes that the foreign language students at AU see the local opportunity to use their degree. “There are plenty of fields besides education available to those who hold a degree in a second language,” said Doub. Now that Baird holds this certification, Doub hopes that more students will be exposed to this potential career path in the foreign language field.

Baird hopes to serve as an interpreter at hospitals in the area. She hopes that through her cultural experiences and medical interpretation class, she will be able to reach those in need, and help those who are unable to communicate.

“It’s not just interpreting words, but cultural difference between the two,” said Baird. “Since I have embraced several cultures in my lifetime, I am better able to determine the disconnect between the two languages and cultures and receive exceptional health care.”

— Kristen Schaap is a senior from Chicago, Ill., majoring in communication arts. Schaap is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

“In a way this association is like family,” said FSSA president and senior family science major Michelle Willhelm. “It is bringing the family science majors and minors together to listen to speakers, serve others, gather for social events, and even help prepare each other for life after college.” [Photo on left: Lolly Bargerstock-Oyler, assistant professor of social work; student Mary McDonough; Amy Hoagland, administrative assistant in sociology; student Jeeyoung Wolfe; student Lauren Cantrell; and Dr. Leroy Quashie, assistant professor of family science and director of the Family Science Program.]

The FSSA had been discussed for a few years, but this is the first official year as a club on campus. “Past senior family science majors have always said they needed some kind of association to be identified with,” said Willhelm.

At the end of the 2011 spring semester, family science students nominated and voted for officers. Michelle Willhelm serves as president, along with vice president Stephanie Cleary, secretary Tyler Rush, and treasurer Andry Rakotomalala. Officers are required to be family science majors.

The club created a mission statement they believe reflects the goal “to provide opportunities for professional development, to promote scholarship, leadership, and mutual support to members.”

FSSA officers primarily oversee member-led committees, which let the students make the club their own. The committees are given specific responsibilities, such as fundraising, service events, social events, and guest speakers.

Willhelm plans to take part in national events through the American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences. She believes after this building year the club will become more involved with the national office. The AAFCS offers students to attend conferences that will allow them to network with professionals in the industry.

Rakatomala, a junior family science major, wants to help the club reach its full potential. “Next year I want the FSSA to be more recognized as an official organization,” he said. “I want it to grow to a point that any family science major or minor can come and get all their questions answered.”

— Matt Dougherty is a senior from Breese, Ill., majoring in communication arts and marketing. Dougherty is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

“Theatre has a way of connecting any community through emotion, communication, and through the sharing of similar circumstances,” Bush said. “Creating and sharing a part of yourself with another human being has a powerful way of healing and nurturing someone who otherwise feels broken and alone.”

Holding this view is what inspired Bush to pursue graduate studies at one of the most prestigious theatre schools in London.

With a passion for acting, Bush held a few acting jobs upon graduating. However, it was her internship with the Indiana Repertory Theatre that ignited her passion and talent for teaching, directing, and facilitating.

Bush worked with the IRT’s youth conservatory on the technical track, which allowed middle and high school students to learn how to develop their own craft from the IRT’s designers, directors, and playwrights. At the end of the conservatory, the students showcased the work they did, the plays they wrote, and the sets, props, and costumes they designed.

“The most inspiring part of the finished product, for me, was not hearing the words they wrote acted out by IRT actors, but them knowing that as young artists they hold the power to stir emotion and evoke change.” Bush said. “This sparked the ‘teacher’ in me.”

More opportunities opened up for Bush as she directed for AU’s Wisdom Tooth Theatre Project and worked at Shawnee Summer Theatre in Bloomington, Ind., for two summers, as head of their children’s theatre program.

Bush said, “It was these experiences, of encouraging the art out of people who are skeptical or unfamiliar with referring to themselves as artists that led me to pursue my MA in applied theatre.”

Having traveled to London previously with Tri-S, Bush decided there was no better place to study than in the theatre capital of the world. She had an interview in New York with representatives from University of London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, and was offered a place in the program.

Bush said the strength of the AU theatre program worked in her favor. “My performance-based theatre background from AU sets me apart from a large number of the students who had only studied theatre education as an undergraduate,” she said.

— Corinne Schmitt is a senior from Geneva, Ill., majoring in communication arts. Schmitt is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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 June 11, members of the Crossroads Church of God boarded a plane to Africa. The group consisted of 14 church members, ranging in age from 18 to 78 years old. This was Smith’s first international mission trip, and the third trip the church has made to the Kasubi Secondary School in Lolwe Island, Uganda. During the initial trip to Uganda, a teacher spoke to the Crossroads group about the poorly funded science program. Unable to purchase up-to-date lab equipment, the students had never used a microscope. The teacher feared that without the necessary lab equipment, his students would never be able to truly appreciate science. The mission group saw a need in the Ugandan schools and hoped that someday they would be able to help.

The teacher encouraged the church group to seek monetary donations from their congregation to obtain the funds for microscopes. After learning of the school’s lack of resources, Smith stumbled across the biology department’s microscopes during a late-night study session. “I was studying late one night for a biology lab test, and noticed that the old microscopes were sitting on a shelf in the lab,” said Smith. “I grabbed one and checked it out, and I realized that they still worked really well.”

Smith approached Dr. Blake Janutolo, dean of the College of Science and Humanities, and requested the department donate the microscopes to the Kasubi Secondary School. Janutolo and the biology department agreed to donate two microscopes to the cause. “I was pleased to know that something we no longer needed could be put to good use in Uganda,” said Janutolo.

During his three weeks in Uganda, Smith recalls the students’ reactions to the donated lab tools. “They were thrilled, as were the teachers. They were amazed by the precision of the microscopes and extremely grateful for the donation,” said Smith. “I learned that education is a blessing. Education gives us an opportunity to constantly grow and improve ourselves which gives us the ability to learn what we like and do what we love.”

Along with the microscopes, Crossroads Church of God also donated hygiene products, clothing, sandals, glasses, backpacks, and school supplies. Smith plans to return to Uganda in June 2013 through the church. He is grateful for the opportunity to return and looks forward to being around the Ugandan people once again. “They have this unashamed, unrelenting faith and desire to learn. It’s alive, joyous and, at times, seemingly tangible,” said Smith. “You can see their passion in their ways of worship, actions, and even their smiles. It’s a kind of passion I strive for.”

— Kristen Schaap is a senior from Chicago, Ill., majoring in communication arts. Schaap is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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 24,000-square-foot, $4 million project is expected to be completed this summer with ground breaking having taken place May 5. [Photo on left: Construction continues on the York Performance Hall and Galleries project on the Anderson University campus. Workers have begun installing prefabricated walls.]

“It is very exciting,” Williams said of the project. “It is going to a be a space that will be acoustically superior giving a proper performance space to our music students, faculty and guest artists to showcase their art and performances. It is a truly wonderful addition to the campus.”

The building will also support a special art gallery space for the Warner Sallman art collection that includes depictions of Christ as well as a special wood art collection donated by the York family featuring Binh Pho, a renowned wood artist, Williams said.

View a slideshow of images of the construction project on the York Performance Hall and Galleries website.

—Abbey Doyle is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Photo credit: John P. Cleary. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

“Going through intense rehab and being around physical therapists, orthopedic doctors, and athletic trainers, and seeing their love and devotion toward their patients and athletes, I learned I wanted to be just like them someday,” Donaghy said.

Donaghy has played sports her entire life and continues to compete at the highest level as she is an integral leader on the women’s volleyball team. The Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference recognized Donaghy’s excellence and hard work with First Team All-Conference honors at the conclusion of this past season.

The athletic training program at AU challenges students with a rigorous course load and a considerable time commitment of logging hands-on hours with the different varsity athletic teams. “When I came to the athletic training Discovery Day in March of 2008, I fell in love with the AT staff and the amazing sports medicine center,” said Donaghy.

In the fall semester of 2010, Donaghy learned of an athletic training internship at IMG Performance Academies in Bradenton, Fla., and she jumped at the opportunity. “I requested more information immediately,” Donaghy said. “They responded quickly asking for a résumé, a letter telling them why I wanted to work with them, and three recommendation letters.” After she submitted all of the requested materials, Donaghy waited for the interview process to begin.

When spring break rolled around, Donaghy traveled Florida and took time out of her vacation to visit the IMG campus. “I met with the director and the head ATC, and then I got a tour of the 500-acre campus,” said Donaghy. She believes that this visit worked to her advantage, as she was ultimately selected for the internship.

The internship began on May 28 and ended August 10. “That summer gave me tons of practice and confidence to grow on,” Donaghy said.

Her days started at 7 a.m. with taping, evaluating, treating, and stretching athletes. She would move on to cover practices on the basketball courts or at the lacrosse, football, or baseball fields. In the afternoons, Donaghy repeated her routine of treatments and practice coverage until 5 or 6 p.m. At the end of her work day, often a 10-hour day, Donaghy kept her upcoming senior volleyball season in mind and mustered the energy to work out.

On the job, Donaghy came into contact with a number of high profile athletes. IMG hosted the NFL Rookie Symposium, so she ran into Cam Newton and other popular athletes. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers held camp at IMG, Olympic sprinters trained at the Bradenton campus, and Under Armor held football tournaments for the highest rated and most talented high school players in the country at the facility.

Contact with these athletes, along with networking with professionals in the athletic training field sent Donaghy back to Indiana with invaluable experience. “I learned so many new manual techniques and rehab ideas,” said Donaghy. “And I got to meet so many different people and now have connections with people from all over the world.”

— Kyle Beckman is a senior from Auburn, Ind., majoring in communication arts and business/information systems and minoring in political science. Beckman is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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 Wisdom Tooth Theatre Project at Anderson University offers an up-close rendition of the 1946 film by staging a radio play based in the same year. Nine actors wearing period costumes stand behind microphones and read the script as if it’s going out on the airwaves. During the 90-minute performance, they’re accompanied by sound effects created on stage.

The wording is exact. The tone and inflections of the voices are critical. [Photo on left: Actor Aaron Jones delivers his lines into a microphone in "It's A Wonderful Life: A Radio Play," as Morgan Ozenbaugh, middle, and Kelsey Leigh Miller wait to accompany him with sound effects. The play runs this weekend at Anderson University's Byrum Hall.]

As a plot reminder, George Bailey runs a savings and loan in Bedford Falls during the Depression. The miserly Henry Potter, who is a shareholder, wants to take it over. George’s Uncle Billy loses a payment. On Christmas Eve, George wishes that he never existed. Enter his guardian angel, Clarence, who shows in a dream sequence what life would have been like without George. Clarence, of course, is seeking to earn his angel wings by saving George.

This AU offering makes for a pleasant seasonal diversion, particularly as you close your eyes and envision the scenes you’ve watched for years. But don’t keep them shut for too long. Each performer brings to the work a physical presence that needs to be seen.

Tristan Rodden, in his first AU play, is perfect as George Bailey. He hit every line in Tuesday’s rehearsal with the everyman appeal of a Jimmy Stewart. Rodden’s delivery of his lines even makes his “gee whiz” asides seem natural.

Adam Tran, now an AU stage veteran, literally jumps into some of his roles. His voices range from a calming Brit accent for guardian angel Clarence to a streetwise-slinging cop, Bert. Tran earns his angel wings.

Kait Burch is — as was Donna Reed in the movie — limited to lines from a devoted wife. She’s allowed to express confusion when confronted by George in the dream sequence. Aaron Jones may have too many roles to take on but he adds the proper gruffness to portray Potter.

Kelly Gualdoni adds zest in her roles, from the saucy Violet to Mary’s cranky mother.

Standing at the side of the stage, Abigail White interprets the play for the hearing impaired and expresses the mood of the lines with fitting facial expressions. Director Matthew Socey joins in for two radio commercial breaks.

As on-stage sound effects engineers, Morgan Ozenbaugh and Kelsey Leigh Miller provide chuckles by shutting doors, stomping shoes and dropping a tray to accompany the plot.

In one sense, this version could be only a group of students reading the lines from a classic film. But this well-chosen troupe reminds us of the power that radio once had. More importantly, this rendition shows the influence that a performer’s voice can have in interpreting the written word for an audience.

• What: “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” by Joe Laundry, directed by Matthew Socey and presented by Wisdom Tooth Theatre Project
• Where: Byrum Hall, Anderson
• When: 7:30 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday
• Tickets: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and military and $5 for students

—Scott L. Miley is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Photo credit: Scott L. Miley. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

Following are just four examples of the many faculty who are active in the community.

Dr. G. Lee Griffith, professor of psychology at Anderson University, takes on the role of counselor in his own private practice. “Most patients come to me because they know I’m a Christian,” said Griffith.

Abbie Mason, a senior psychology major who has taken two of Griffith’s courses, said, “He is very honest to his classes about situations he has encountered in order to help students understand and conceptualize a topic.”

Deidra Colvin, assistant professor of marketing and director of marketing for the residential MBA program, has done freelance work in the past. Last year, Colvin participated on the AU branding initiative, analyzing surveys to work with AU in trying to figure out the current concept of the university. Currently, she is continuing to work on her doctoral degree.

In Colvin’s circumstance, working with advertising agencies gives her good contacts for her students to network with. “My primary target market is the student and my goal is to provide superior customer value — a learning environment that engages students through lectures, case studies, and experiential activities, and prepares them for success in their future career,” Colvin said.

James Morehead, professor of communication, teaches speech classes on AU’s campus. Not only a professor, Morehead is an accomplished actor, playwright, and author of a few plays and a book of poetry. In 1995 he was recognized as “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” from AU. He also serves as senior pastor of the Pasadena Heights Church of God in Indianapolis.

Virginia Chapman, professor speech, serves Ovid Community Church by helping generate concepts and ideas for sermons at the church. She has presented a panel on Elements of Alternative Sentencing at the Indiana Association of Community Corrections Act Counties.

Chapman also conducted a training session for the Indianapolis AmeriCorps staff on Business Communication and has been involved in speechwriting and debate preparation for candidates at the local and state level. On the campus of AU, she started the Harold E. Achor Debate Tournament.

— Corinne Schmitt is a senior from Geneva, Ill., majoring in communication arts. Schmitt is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

Radaker presented his Thoreau monologue on Oct. 15 at First Parish Church in Concord, Mass., in celebration of the church’s 375th anniversary. More than 100 people sat in the audience as Radaker discussed, in character, Thoreau’s political thoughts and ideas, many of which were inspired by the women who attended First Parish Church in the 1860s. Thoreau attended the church until 1840, when he objected to the tax placed on churchgoers to pay for clergy. Many of the women who remained in the church’s congregation were active in the anti-slavery movement, and they influenced Thoreau’s thoughts and behaviors.

Rewind to when Radaker was 16 years old. He picked up Thoreau’s most well-known book, Walden, and discovered his love for the author. Radaker, who grew up in Pennsylvania, was fascinated with nature. “My primary interest in Thoreau concerns his realization and celebration of the natural world,” said Radaker. “He is one of our first environmentalist voices, one of the first voices in American culture and American literature urging us to reconsider our views and attitudes toward what we now call the environment.”

After reading more from Thoreau, Radaker discovered that Thoreau advocated for more than just nature; he was a political dissenter and a social critic as well. “He was a very important voice in responding to perceived governmental injustice. He is the well-known author of what most Americans know as Civil Disobedience,” said Radaker. “That essay has inspired many great reformers since it was first published in 1849. Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Bishop Desmond Tutu, and many other reformers from the past century have been influenced by that argument, which argues for how even one principled individual should consider not cooperating with the government, but doing so nonviolently and in the process objecting on a moral level to what the protestor perceives as some form of injustice.”

Along with politics, Thoreau also questioned materialistic values. “He’s the great advocate of simplifying our lives, urging us to not be so stuck on having large and impressive things, whether it’s our home or our wardrobe or even our diet. He even criticizes Americans’ diet, which is way ahead of its day,” said Radaker.

While attending college at AU, Radaker portrayed Thoreau in the play The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail. “I landed that part and it meant a great deal to me. At the time I thought it was a dream come true! I also thought, ‘I’m sad I’ll never get to portray Thoreau again in my life,’” said Radaker. Thirteen years later, his mentor told him about the Great Plains Chautauqua Society, where scholars spend their summers portraying various authors from the mid-19th century. His mentor urged him to try out. Many national scholars competed for one of the seven coveted spots, and in December of 1990, Radaker was chosen to portray Thoreau. “I like acting, but I also love this combination of acting and scholarship,” said Radaker. “Because to portray someone well, the more you know about your author, the better you’re going to depict him.”

Once the Chautauqua tours were over in 1993, Radaker continued depicting Thoreau, performing at universities, conferences, libraries, museums and parks. Over the last 20 years, he has become very comfortable performing as Thoreau and uses a wide variety of material. “If you care about the acting side of something like this, and I do, then you’re continually crafting your delivery,” said Radaker. “So people who hear my Thoreau show now often do compliment me for its dramatic, evocative, poetic flavor.”

Diane Weiss, who was in charge of special programs for the celebration, was one of those people. “He created such a dramatic atmosphere and made it seem so real. It was spell-binding and mesmerizing,” she said.

Even though this was the fourth time Radaker had performed in Concord, his shows always have something new to offer, even to those who have seen him before. “Because of my acting experience and the fact that I’ve had these wonderful 20 years rehearsing certain passages, my shows are never the same,” said Radaker.

Weiss saw him perform once before, but it was a very different show. “The first time, he presented Thoreau’s reaction to Captain John Brown and Harper’s ferry. This time he talked more about the three major anti-slavery speeches Thoreau wrote and women’s influences on his ideas,” said Weiss. “It’s not like you get the same performance. He really listens to what each venue wants and caters to them.”

Radaker’s performances portray different sides of Thoreau, so the audience understands the complexity of the author. “I’m depicting someone who had some distinctly different selves and I’m trying my best as an actor to offer that. I try to emphasize these dramatic shifts and the tones you can find in all of his writings,” said Radaker. “People are more interesting if they have different selves. They’re not really just one self, they’re competing, a compendium of selves. And Thoreau was that too.”

Radaker’s monologue stirred the audience as he stressed Thoreau’s political thoughts. His progressive beliefs and fiery fervor came through in Radaker’s presentation. “When I get to the end of the political material, Thoreau is defending someone who has taken his outrage about slavery into the public arena in a violent way and Thoreau was agreeing with him,” said Radaker. “That’s very passionate, it’s very radical and it demands a radical, passionate voice. Then, there is a long, dramatic pause between the end of that material and Thoreau suddenly becoming a different human being. Suddenly, he is talking about how he spends most of his time ‘not upon the affairs of men, but upon nature.’ It’s supposed to jar you in the audience.”

Weiss not only experienced Thoreau’s transformation, but also Radaker’s conversion to Thoreau. “I was very impressed with the way he was able to get into character. I watched him in the five minutes before he went on. I was able to see him transform from his usual self into his character, and it was very profound. He really becomes Thoreau.”

Radaker’s performance also showed the impact Thoreau had on American literature. “Sometimes we in Concord feel like we own Thoreau since he lived here. We forget there are other people outside of Concord who are just as knowledgeable, if not more so, than we are about him,” said Weiss. “To have someone from Indiana come in and do a perfect portrayal of him was very impressive. He feels like a son of Concord and he understands his subject matter deeply. Plus, he does a very good New England accent.”

— Alyssa Applegate is a senior from Dayton, Ohio, majoring in communication arts and minoring in Spanish. Applegate is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

Students participating in the global studies program must complete an 18-hour core of interdisciplinary courses. These classes provide an introduction to a broad spectrum of topics such as economics, politics, geography, and intercultural competence. After completing the global studies core, majors must obtain advanced training in a foreign language and a 12-hour area of concentration in one of four categories. Topics available include international affairs and human security, community health with an emphasis on food, nutrition and hunger, community development with a focus on economics and social growth, and culture, which concentrates on humanities. [Photo: Dr. Leroy Quashie (left) and Dr. Daniel Allen are among the faculty members who developed the new global studies major.]

An interdisciplinary team of faculty spent the last two years researching and developing the program. “Its inception recognizes that globalization involves links across the traditional academic departments,” said program director Dr. Daniel Allen, assistant professor of political science. “Students wishing to fully engage with a globalized world need to develop an understanding of the political, economic, social, cultural, spiritual, and geographic forces that shape our world.”

Advisors for the concentrations include Allen; Dr. Jerry Fox, professor of management at the Falls School of Business; Dr. Leroy Quashie, associate professor of family science; Sally Shulmistras, professor of French; and Willi Kant, director of international studies and Tri-S.

Each student involved in this program must complete a capstone course that requires an intercultural experience. Because the program can be tailored to fit individual goals and vocations, this capstone experience will be molded by the advisors based on each student’s needs and interests. For some, this will require a Tri-S trip. For others, it will require a study abroad program. In some cases, students will be allowed to do an intercultural exchange within the United States.

“The most exciting part about this major is its diversity,” said senior sociology major Meredith Tarplee. “This major could be applied to anything from sociology to nursing to ministry. It really opens up a new world of opportunity for students that most other schools don’t offer.”

Development of this program is guided by the dean of the College of Science and Humanities, Dr. Blake Janutolo. “At no time in history has it been truer that we are all one global family interconnected in most of what we do,” said Janutolo. “A major in global studies will help a student understand how we are interconnected with each other and how that interconnectedness affects our lives. It should prepare the student to interact and work in a global setting and value cultures different from his or her own.”

— Kelly Gualdoni is a junior from Fort Wayne, Ind., majoring in communication arts. Gualdoni is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

Orcutt and a friend began the Shadeland Bicycle Collective in the fall of 2008 in a classroom at Shadeland Elementary School. After his graduation in May 2011 with a fine arts studio major, Orcutt turned all of his attention to the Shadeland Bicycle Collective. Through donations and word of mouth, the collective grew into a full nonprofit organization, complete with professional bicycle repair tools, stands, an official logo, a website, and a new location on West 11th Street in Anderson. The collective held its grand opening on Oct. 22, 2011. [Photo on left: Ben Orcutt talks with Kris and Lisa Stevens at the grand opening for his bike collective.]

The collective functions as an educator, an advocator, and a repair service — with priorities in that order. “We run a full-service repair shop like any bike shop does,” said Orcutt. “The main difference is that we do that so we can fund what we do with the rest of our time, which is primarily education. You have a membership to the shop and that membership gives you access to all the tools, equipment, repair manuals, and knowledge of the other people in the room with the intent to repair your own bicycle. The whole project is empowering people to maintain their own form of transportation.”

[Watch an interview with Ben Orcutt during the Anderson University Homecoming 2011 Webcast.]

Since education is the goal, Orcutt works with various other organizations, such as the Cub Scouts, the Park Place after-school program, and the Christian Center. “For example, the Park Place after-school program has different clubs for the kids. There’s an art club, a reading club, a sports club, and then there’s a bike club. They have kids sign up to work directly with me,” said Orcutt. “We strip [the bicycle] all the way down, and we learn all the names of the parts and what they do. We clean it all, and then we repaint the frame and rebuild it all clean and new. It’s pretty cool because the kids get to see everything completely disassembled and their own ability to rebuild it and make it look completely new.”

Orcutt enjoys teaching children, along with encouraging people in homeless shelters and drug and rehabilitation transition homes. “All of those places are filled with people that don’t have a lot of control over things in their own life,” said Orcutt. “They’re told what to do a lot of the time. We found that giving people the ability to control just one little thing in their life, like transportation, has a really big impact on their self-esteem. That is the goal, and we get to that through a variety of bicycle-related means.”

The bicycle collective is part of a larger nonprofit organization, The Shadeland Project, which also includes a thrift store and an after-school program. Many of the people who started The Shadeland Project also attend church at The Mercy House, the same church Orcutt attends. “We’ve always believed in the bike collective,” said Matt Connor, senior pastor at The Mercy House. “Our ministry philosophy is that we support whatever the people in the church dream up.”

Advocacy for bicycles is another goal of the collective. Orcutt is working with the Madison County Council of Governments — specifically with the bicycle and pedestrian coordinator of Madison County. The objective is to lower the number of cars and other polluting vehicles on the road and to increase the number of bicycles.

“The collective is a beautiful mission on every level: helping the environment, supporting healthy lifestyles, empowering people to own their own transportation, and building community,” said Connor. “Riding bicycles helps in so many ways, even in terms of being aware of all aspects of your neighborhood and community versus driving with no concern for the space between.”

Experiences at the church and at AU have prepared Orcutt for his new role at the bicycle collective. “The thing I learned in college is figuring out how to do something on my own. If I don’t know how to do something, I know how to figure it out,” he said. “When I came to this campus, everything I wanted to do didn’t exist here. My group of friends and I realized if we want something to happen, we have to do it for ourselves. And through that, I feel like I have a confidence to just go for it.”

Connor agrees, saying he has seen the same changes in Orcutt. “I believe the art department at AU taught Ben a special do-it-yourself work ethic and ingenuity that allowed him to feel like he could also do the same with his life. His mission has been one great art project of making old things new and bringing something into existence that was previously only in his head.”

Following graduation, Orcutt chose to stay in Anderson to continue pursuing the Shadeland Bicycle Collective. “People talk about trying to do missions somewhere, trying to save the world somewhere else,” Orcutt said. “But nearly all of the kids in this city are on free or reduced lunch. The graduation rate is around 60 percent. If anybody needs help, this town needs help. I think there are too many people who are ignoring what’s already happening in their own backyard.

“There was a guy we worked with at the Christian Center. He was young — 18 or 19 — and he had never graduated from high school. He grew up in what I gathered to be an incredibly abusive home, and he had mental issues. But he learned how to take the chain off of a bike and fix it with a chain breaker tool. So every time someone would come in to the shop needing their chain fixed, I would send them over to him. He was really nervous at first to show somebody else how to do it. But I think that was the first time he had ever taught somebody else something successfully and I could tell that was a really big deal for him. That was when I decided that this project was worth pursuing.”

— Alyssa Applegate is a senior from Dayton, Ohio, majoring in communication arts and minoring in Spanish. Applegate is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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 communications major from Casper, Wyo., will shoot footage on stage from a hand-carried camera weighing just shy of 20 pounds during the production. His goal — to get the right shot by remaining invisible.

“I’m a little nervous. Last year I was in the balcony and felt like I could just fly under the radar because I was the least exposed,” Rudkin said. “This year I am on the stage in front of everyone.”

[Photo: Anderson University student Collin Rudkin]

“Candles and Carols” is a holiday music program recorded and distributed by AU’s Covenant Productions^®. It will air in December on more than 100 television stations. The program will also be shown internationally by the EWTN television network.

Friday’s concert is free to the public and begins at 7:30 p.m. in Reardon Auditorium, 1015 E. Fifth St.

Although this will be the 47th annual Candles and Carols, producer Don Boggs said the program has only been televised since about 1989.

“It’s been a musical tradition at AU for many years,” he said. “The show consists of AU musical ensembles. Various music groups are represented.”

Boggs, general manager of Covenant Productions^®, said the program started out as a community event for Anderson. Once televised, that community grew to 120 television stations across the United States, one to two satellites for international channels and is watched in 1 billion homes, he said.

“It’s an unusual thing because most Christmas shows for TV typically are shot a year ahead of time or in July,” Boggs said. “It’s always shot the first Friday of December and aired that year. We have to turn around the program very quickly.”

A staff of mostly students have less than 13 days to take the footage filmed on the evening of Dec. 2 and produce a program ready to be uploaded to various stations by the 15th.

[Photo: The production staff of "Candles and Carols" meets in Reardon Auditorium to see the production setup for the concert.]

“We use eight cameras and six of those are operated by students,” Boggs said. “That’s just unheard of — to film a program of that high of quality to be seen internationally and use students. We’ve got great students though.”

Covenant provides professional experiences and credits for students through programs like “Candles and Carols.”

“A credit is important because it’s like a résumé,” Boggs said. “Employers look for that experience. How do you get that experience? Well, this fills in that gap.”

Planning for “Candles and Carols” started in July with music selections. In August, stations were called and the music was licensed. Three weeks before the program, assignments were passed out, followed by two large production meetings. On Thursday, a full dress rehearsal will be filmed.

“The dress rehearsal just confirms the shots. It’s where we make sure the plan works. Then on Friday, we shoot live,” Boggs said. “It’s a very challenging production that demonstrates in a very powerful way the different parts of the profession.”

With help from AU faculty and professionals in residence, students get a chance to try different positions within the production process each year.

[Photo: David Armstrong, operations director for Covenant Productions^®, meets with the Candles and Carols production staff.]

“There are so many different aspects of production,” Rudkin said. “AU allowed me to get a feel for some of them.”

Rudkin’s first year of production with “Candles and Carols” was spent in the role of assistant director. The next year he spent the evening filming from a hard camera, a stationary camera on a tripod, from the balcony. Next year, Rudkin hopes to return to the role of assistant director and direct a few segments on his own.

“I got exposed to everything — equipment, professionals,” he said. “It was so much more than expected from my first semester.”

Rudkin said the experience he gains from “Candles and Carols” will help him with future internships and even employment after college.

“I’ll spend my summer interning, hopefully in Colorado or Wyoming because that’s where I’m from and where I’d like to live,” he said. “Whatever I do will influence what I decide to do after graduation.”

— April Abernathy is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Story reposted with permission. Photo credit: John P. Cleary / The Herald Bulletin.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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 fictional movie tells the story of a not-too-distant future in which society has collapsed. In its place, is a country divided into 12 districts and a capital. Once every year, each district chooses two young representatives to participate in The Hunger Games.

Okeniyi will play the role of Thresh, the representative selected from District 11 to partake in The Hunger Games. “Thresh is definitely the strong, silent type and does more speaking with his actions than his words,” said Okeniyi. “However, he does have a gentle side to go along with his rough exterior.” Director Gary Ross often told Okeniyi to think of his character as a gentle giant.

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Okeniyi came to AU with plans to become a graphic designer, not an actor. “I have always enjoyed performing, whether it be acting, singing, or dancing,” said Okeniyi. “When I initially moved to the United States, I put performing on hold because it was now time to ‘grow up and be realistic,’ but the longer I put it on hold, the more the passion festered and grew inside of me.”

During his time at AU, Okeniyi participated in step dancing, “Cheap Thrills,” and the university production of “Nickel and Dimed.” His true passion, however, was discovered when he took an introductory acting course during his senior year. The class was taught by an AU alumnus, Steven Pierce. “Instead of treating the class like an intro class,” said Okeniyi, “Steve took us on as serious acting students. Through his teachings, he inspired me and reignited the fire for acting within me.”

“The purpose of this class is to create actors who can honestly and deeply relate to each other,” said Ronald Johnstone, director of theatre arts. “It doesn’t matter if you are a beginning student or a world-renowned actor. That is the essence of acting.”

After graduation, Okeniyi moved Los Angeles to pursue his dreams. He now lives with AU alumni and fellow actors Marcus York and Alex Davis. “Living with close friends who are fellow actors, you are able to share the weight of your stresses, concerns, and success,” said Okeniyi. “They keep me very grounded.”

Upon arriving in Los Angeles, Okeniyi enrolled in acting workshops and learned about the film industry by working as an extra in various films. “Learning your craft is the job,” said Okeniyi. “As an actor, you have to stay sharp and really be on top of your game.”

According to Okeniyi, his experience between projects includes a lot of time reading scripts for potential projects which then lead to numerous meetings with casting directors and directors, auditioning for projects, and promoting upcoming projects like “The Hunger Games” for various events. “One day I may be going on an audition, another day it might be a meeting for a project, or another day it may be some kind of event,” said Okeniyi.

Okeniyi’s first acting jobs were the lead role in an independent horror film called “Slew Hampshire,” followed by the co-lead role in a short film titled “Lions Among Men.”

According to Okeniyi, finding out that he had landed his first major role in “The Hunger Games” was a surreal moment. Barely over the excitement of his newly found success, the exciting news sent him into a mild shock. “It was not until I called my family that the moment became real to me,” said Okeniyi.

Although he is working alongside many famous actors, Okeniyi was never made to feel excluded or isolated by his fellow cast members. “Everyone involved in the movie was extremely welcoming to me,” said Okeniyi. “They really made the newcomers feel important and necessary to the success of the film.”

Although he cannot currently release the details, there are several other exciting projects lining up in Okeniyi’s future. His career is quickly growing, yet he has never lost site of God and relationships with friends and family.

“You really have to want it within yourself. It can’t be about fame or money. It has to be for the passion of acting. Everything begins with a vision and you have to be willing to work hard to fulfill that vision,” said Okeniyi. “There are definitely going to be hard times involved when anyone chases a dream, but this experience is different. So many things can cause difficulties: money, missing friends and family, people telling you what you can’t do, etc. You really have to be confident in yourself and develop thick skin in order to protect that dream.”

— Kelly Gualdoni is a junior from Fort Wayne, Ind., majoring in communication arts. Gualdoni is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

In September, Chappell attended the Experiential Classroom XII Conference in Stillwater, Okla., which focused on teaching professors to be great entrepreneurship educators. “I never really thought of myself as an entrepreneur before, but it was pointed out to me that I started Orangehaus Records, Orangehaus Publishing, Orangehaus Entertainment, Orangehaus music business camp and that I even teach a class called ‘Beyond Talent: Entrepreneurship for Musicians,’” said Chappell.

By starting these programs, she helps students apply the skills they learn to real-life situations. Junior music business major Victoria Hall said, “I definitely see her as an entrepreneur because she is always looking for ways to make the programs here profitable and help us to learn at the same time.”

“[Chappell] is very vivacious and fun to be around. People like her in the AU community because she helps students feel comfortable in the classroom,” said Hall. “Her teaching style is very effective because she uses a lot of resources. Seeing examples of what’s going on today in the music business helps us to apply what we learn. She also recognizes talent and helps those people to rise where they need to be.”

Music was a huge part of Chappell’s childhood. “My father was a songwriter, and both of my parents were musicians,” said Chappell. “They had great talent but they didn’t really understand how to make money from their talent, so when I decided I wanted to work full time in the music industry, I wanted to learn ways to teach others how to make a living in music.”

Debbi Brock, assistant professor of business and entrepreneurship in the Falls School of Business, agreed that business skills are important for everyone to learn. “If you’re a music major, art major, dance major, you’re going to be running your own business. Most people don’t work for a company their entire lives,” she said. “You have to learn how to manage your income, finances and career and learn how to market yourself.”

After Chappell decided to attend the four-day conference, she applied for several scholarships to cover expenses, and in September she found herself at Oklahoma State University, ready to learn. “I love that she will take time to go to events like this and learn new things. It creates great opportunities for her,” said Brock.

Out of the nearly 80 professors who attended, less than a handful of teachers did not work in a school of business, including Chappell. “They’ve been trying to open it up and get more involvement from other disciplines because their philosophy is that every discipline should teach entrepreneurship,” said Chappell. “I find that musicians are natural entrepreneurs because entrepreneurship involves creativity and musicians are naturally creative. So I think it works well for that discipline.”

Chappell and the other professors spent the first two days learning about teaching case studies and the Socratic Method. This encourages critical thinking on the students’ part and uses a lot of questioning to come up with the right answer. “I have never used case teaching in my discipline because, outside of entertainment law, there are no case studies for music business. So this idea was foreign to me,” said Chappell. “I wanted to learn how to do it because I thought it was an interesting approach to teaching.”

After learning the new method, delegates divided into two different groups: one group entered the teaching competition and the other entered the curriculum competition, with Chappell taking on the teaching challenge. Bright and early on Saturday morning, Chappell taught her assigned lesson to 20 Oklahoma State University business students and two faculty members, who scored eight different aspects of her lesson using a 1-6 rating scale. The combined scores of the students and faculty members determined who won the award.

The case study assigned to Chappell was about the Intellefit. The Intellefit was a glass booth that customers walked into to have their exact measurements determined so they knew what size clothes would be appropriate for them. Stores like David’s Bridal, Gap, Levi and Macy’s used this technology. The Intellefit is now being used in airports as a full body scanner that checks for weapons and potentially harmful substances. “I had to explain the Intellefit and try to get the students to figure out if it was a good opportunity or a good business concept,” said Chappell. “I asked them to summarize the case, and I asked them a series of questions about it to get them to determine the answer for themselves.”

Even though she had never taught a case study before, Chappell captivated her audience. All of the students gave her between a 5.4 and a 5.9 for all eight of the components they graded her on. The comments she received from them were all very positive: they said her presentation was very engaging, she did a great job of reinforcing key learning points derived from the case, and that it was a great way to explain a topic. These scores, combined with the teacher ratings, placed her at the number one slot for outstanding case teaching.

On Sunday morning of the conference, Chappell received a certificate for the “Outstanding Case Teaching Award.” She was shocked to hear that she won. “I didn’t think I would win!” she said. “I’ve never taught case study before. It’s not a part of my discipline, and I was very intimidated by all of these people from prestigious schools who taught case study all the time in their classrooms.”

Even though she won’t only use case study methods in her classes, the conference still taught her an important lesson. “I’m less preoccupied with content now and more about the implications of that content on music business. For example, if I asked a student to give me an explanation of copyright for published works, another student could Google that and get the answer on their phone before the student could answer. They have a wealth of information at their fingertips,” said Chappell. “So what is my role as a teacher? I need to teach them to ask the question, ‘How does the fact that copyright duration is life plus 70 years promote or prohibit the creation of new works?’ That’s the question they should ask, so it’s those things that I now try to figure out.”

— Alyssa Applegate is a senior from Dayton, Ohio, majoring in communication arts and minoring in Spanish. Applegate is an associate withFifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

Seventh grade St. Mary’s teacher, Sally Ness, a 2008 Anderson University graduate in elementary education and special education, will use the Make Activities Count (MAC) grant money she’ll be receiving from McDonald’s Restaurants of Central Indiana to do a project she said is about “anti-bullying and diversity all meshed into one.”

She wanted a big multicultural project since the student population at the school is diverse.

“It’s kind of a celebration of who they are and about being who they are and owning up to it,” she said.

The seventh-graders will make self-portraits with the assistance of a painter friend of Ness who will focus on what is unique about each student, like mixing paints to match skin color.

She said they will also try to incorporate some Frida Kahlo work since they have a large Latino population at the school.

When finished, the portraits will either be displayed in the classroom or throughout St. Mary’s,1115 Pearl St., and the students will then be making presentations to younger kids in the school.

The presentations will give them a chance to be leaders and work on public speaking skills, Ness said.

But first, they will read “The Skin I’m In” by Sharon Flake to get some good dialogue going.

Coming from teaching first to seventh grade, Ness said she read books this summer that were at a junior high level to prepare and came upon “The Skin I’m In.”

It brought her back to being that age and reminded her what it was like to be in school.

And even though the book is about a poor inner-city school, she said there is still important meaning behind the story.

It’s about a young girl who is bullied, but learns to stand up for herself and love who she is.

Moving up to a higher grade level, Ness said she immediately saw the differences between the two groups of students.

“It was so apparent how brutal junior high can be with all the insecurities and being 12, 13.”

She said bullying isn’t really so much an issue at St. Mary’s as older students just feeling excluded and having a lack of self-confidence.

The students are good kids, she said, but there are a lot of differences.

For example, since it is a private school, some are of wealthier families while others are there on scholarships, she said.

And then there’s the diverse population she mentioned.

“(I want the students) not only being tolerant of one another, but celebrating those differences,” she said of the lessons she hopes her students take from the project.

With the $350 from the grant, she plans to buy the book for all of the seventh graders — there are 11 of them — and a nice canvas for each to paint on.

Any money left over will be used to buy books for the nine eighth-graders.

Right now, the project is still in the idea phase and will start a week after Christmas break, Ness said.

The MAC grant Ness is receiving has provided funding to teachers for projects that supplement regular classroom learning and are interesting since 2003, according to Cher Nelson, assistant account manager with McDonald’s Restaurants of Central Indiana.

Each project is reviewed and selected by a group of judges with the number of grants awarded each year varying, she said.

This year, Nelson said, 51 grants worth up to $500 each, were awarded, and applications for the grant can be submitted at www.mcindiana.com during fall 2012.

—Dani Palmer is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Photo credit: John P. Cleary. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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 year’s show revolves around the question, “What bothers us?” The artists’ answers are simple and clear: the use of offensive advertising, the declining quality of design, and the lack of the handmade element in printing.

Clipner’s work demonstrates the importance of handmade qualities in designs and in conceptual developments behind them. Her work is a combination of lithography and woodcut prints and screen print posters that relate her own and others’ experiences. The purpose of this body of work is to reveal common struggles many of us go through and give us hope for the future.

Gray’s work showcases the craft of making handmade prints and posters not just for the purpose of media production but also as an art form in itself. This designer shows illustrations and propaganda artwork that reflect both personal battles and perspectives of war in Iraq. In a second series of designs Gray reflects on current design trends.

Rudynski’s work focuses on changing the ways in which overused advertising techniques and spam affect the everyday viewer. He aims to bring to light the problems that people interact with everyday in advertising, to educate others, and to offer solutions to improve people’s experiences with advertising on the Internet. His artwork is a two-part representation of the problems in advertising through a video and screen print posters.

For more information, contact the Anderson University Department of Art+Design at (765) 641-4322. Visit the Arts Events section of the website for upcoming College of the Arts events.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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 nearly two years, Wiese has worked as a junior digital specialist at the agency. He was recently recognized for a case study he wrote and produced for the Grammy Awards. The case study, providing a strategic solution for the Grammy Awards, earned him a Silver Effie, an award showcasing advertisers who did outstanding work, in May 2011.

“I am extremely grateful for the outcome of our work,” said Wiese. “Even though it was not gold, I am happy with the outcome. It was a great achievement since it was my first year at Chiat\Day.”

Wiese is proud of what he has accomplished so far. He believes both his undergraduate and graduate schooling prepared him for his career. Wiese attended Virginia Commonwealth University’s Brandcenter and received his master’s degree in advertising.

“Adam is creative, culturally aware, a strong presenter, and has an ability to lead without being overbearing,” said Dr. Michael Wiese, professor of marketing at AU (and Adam’s father). “His experience at the VCU Brandcenter will differentiate him in the marketing communication industry.”

Adam was part of the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) program for four years at AU. He believes his undergraduate experience provided him the knowledge he needed to achieve what he wanted.

“Adam always showed keen interest in marketing communications and especially in the area of branding,” said Deidra Colvin, assistant professor of marketing. “He had a very positive attitude and a constant desire to know more about marketing and branding. It was no surprise when I learned that he had done some research to find the best school out there for a master’s degree for those who want to work in advertising and branding.”

“What AU did best to prepare me was the support they offered, especially from the professors,” said Wiese. “There are few universities where the professors are willing to sit down and work with a student. At AU, the professors care to find out what your strengths and interests are and help guide you in a direction to help you find the right career for you. The projects I worked on for class at AU were for real companies. Those types of projects really prepared me for VCU and Chiat\Day.”

Wiese’s personal advice to anyone going into the marketing field is to tell stories. “Have the ability to break through to a group of people, to inspire them, to change their minds, and rally around an idea,” said Wiese. “This skill applies not just on a professional level but on a personal level as well.”

— Matt Dougherty is a senior from Breese, Ill., majoring in communication arts and marketing. Dougherty is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

“Best of Indiana Glass” is an annual juried exhibition hosted by Gallery 924 in Indianapolis. The exhibition was sponsored by the Indiana Glass Arts Alliance and featured a diverse selection of glass works, ranging from traditional vessel forms to contemporary sculpture. [Photo on left: Cochran and fellow art majors (Maggie Durbin and Kenton Pratt) with her piece, Untitled.]

Over the summer, Cochran interned with local glass artist Ben Johnson, who encouraged her to enter the show. Her two pieces Anticipation … They Could Have Been Gray and Untitled were accepted, and Untitled, a piece made of cast glass, won fourth place. For Cochran, the experience was one of surprise and excitement.

The piece Untitled is a “sort of self-portrait,” Cochran explains. Cochran says her piece stems out of her natural perspective as a woman who has had to fill many different roles, although not all of them fit very comfortably. She’s proud to have won an award for the piece, but having the opportunity to see how others were engaged by it is even more meaningful to her. At the opening reception she discovered that people of all ages were able to find their own stories in her work. “It hit a lot of women,” she says. “It was exciting to have conversations with them.”

Anticipation, Cochran’s second piece in the show, is a blown glasswork. The idea came while searching through photos of underwater sea creatures. It was an experience of “unexpected beauty at a dark time.” She sees Anticipation as a beginning link to her current work, which relates to themes of both the beauty and manipulation of nature. Cochran enjoys working with living things. “When something dies, the light leaves it. Glass captures that moment of life. I like to work with how glass vibrates that light.” [Photo on right: Anticipation ... They Could Have Been Gray, 2011]

Cochran chooses to work in glass because of the community that comes from working with fellow glass artists. She explains that in glass, “You can’t do it yourself. You have to form relationships and be interdependent.” She adds that she has found herself challenged as a person as well as an artist, learning to accommodate others who are working with her and sharing the same space. These relationships have become a source of energy for Cochran — and as she sees it, the enthusiasm is contagious.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

“Candles and Carols is a wonderful musical experience that ushers in the Christmas season for many of us,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “It shares the beauty and vibrancy of our music with an audience of all ages, and with the world. The message of the evening is always one of hope, peace, and joy.”

“It is a pleasure for us to give this gift to the Anderson community which faithfully supports us each year. Although it is only a small token of appreciation, I know it will be an enjoyable and memorable evening,” said Dr. Jeffrey E. Wright, dean of the Anderson University College of the Arts. More than 250 AU students from the School of Music will participate during the service, including the Chamber Orchestra directed by Gert Kumi and Kyung-Nam Oh; Chorale, and Men’s Choir, directed by Dr. Richard Sowers; the Women’s Chorus, directed by Joani Brandon; the Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. Susan Taylor; and the Dance Ensemble, choreographer, Roberta Wong.

The audience will have the opportunity to participate in the program through congregational singing and the candle lighting ceremony at the conclusion of the evening.

Anderson University’s Covenant Productions^® will tape and distribute the event to television stations nationwide. The program will air through December on stations affiliated with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), independent regional networks, and national affiliates. To view an updated schedule, visit the online TV schedule. This schedule will be updated before and after the production as station information becomes available. Covenant Productions^® will also produce a DVD and CD of the program. DVDs are $16 each and CDs are $12 each. An order form is available online. Orders may also be placed by calling the School of Music at (765) 641-4542.

Candles and Carols is a free concert with general seating. For more information, contact the AU School of Music at (765) 641-4542.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

Rosengarten is originally from the Midwest having done her undergrad at Wright State University then went on to receive her M.F.A. in painting at Boston University studying under the renowned painter, John Walker. She now lives in Yellow Springs, Ohio teaching painting and drawing at the University of Dayton.

The exhibition discussion gave students the opportunity to learn more about her progression through the years and processes used to make the work. Rosengarten describes her work as being on the line between abstraction and representation.  She works both with drawing and painting, but her work currently on display at the Wilson Gallery is a series of charcoal and pastel drawings of plant forms that feature high contrast and dramatic mark making. “ Drawing is my way of coming home and is the medium in which I identify myself,” said Rosengarten. She enjoys the ease of the medium and the ease of problem solving within the drawings.

During the presentation Rosengarten chronologically showcased her work from undergrad studies to her current work.  She referenced many of her exemplars from over the years and how she’s applied their techniques in her own work such as, Susan Rothenberg, Mark Rothko and Richard Diebenkorn.  She believes that regardless of how long you have been making art you should still be looking at exemplars. “Researching allows you to understand your art in the context of other artists’ work,” stated Rosengarten.

By bringing in artists and exhibition like Jennifer Rosengarten the art+design faculty hope to continue exposing their students as well as the larger AU community to different artists’ work and opportunities within the art industry.

The current exhibition is “Perry Four: The Paintings of Tim Kennedy”, which be open until November 12. For more information on current exhibitions please visit the Wilson Galleries event page or contact the Director of Exhibitions Programming, Tai Lipan, at (765) 641-4320 or by email.

– Katie Price is a senior from Kokomo, Ind., majoring in fine arts and minoring in public relations. Price is writing on behalf of the Anderson University Department of Art + Design.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

Professors Gert Kumi and Kyung-Nam Oh serve as co-directors for the string chamber ensemble in concert. Kumi started playing the violin at the age of eight in his native country of Albania. He immigrated to the United States and was accepted at the Juilliard School in New York City as a scholarship student of Stephen Clapp. He graduated from Juilliard with his master’s degree in 2003. Kumi has performed across the United States, Europe, China, South Korea, and Africa.

Kyung-Nam Oh was born in Seoul, South Korea. Oh is currently an adjunct cello faculty member at Anderson University. He has served as the director of the Master’s Youth Orchestra and the MYO Young Artist’s Competition. Oh holds a master’s degree from Ball State University and a performance diploma from Indiana University. He is currently completing his Doctor of Arts degree in music at Ball State University.

“The Chamber Orchestra’s fall concert will reflect the growth within Anderson University’s string program. You will not want to miss this wonderful afternoon of chamber music,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wright, dean of the College of the Arts.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

An Anderson, Ind., native, Hull grew up in a time when girls were not allowed to play sports. “I was the consummate tomboy,” Hull said. She played wiffle ball and basketball, and rode bikes with the kids in the neighborhood. She had three brothers and she kept up, although she retained some jealous sentiment because her brothers could compete in athletics in high school and she could not. It simply was not a part of the culture of the time.

Once she reached high school, she could only cheer for the athletic teams. “There was a time when there was a break from a basketball game and I went out and played a short pick-up game with some boys. But when the game started up again and we cleared the floor, I went back to cheerleading,” Hull said. Her fortunes would change only slightly when she went to college.

Hull studied physical education at Purdue University, and in her four years of undergraduate study, she also participated on the women’s field hockey and basketball teams. She played softball for one season as well. The only issue with these teams was that they were classified as “extramural” activities instead of sanctioned, recognized interscholastic teams that could earn varsity letters. “We didn’t even have our own trainers,” Hull said. “We would have to tape our own ankles before games. I broke my finger in a field hockey game against Indiana State and taped it myself to the finger next to it and finished the game.” On top of the lack of trainers, the women’s basketball team did not have warm-ups to go with their uniforms in 1971. To solve this problem, the team painted a house and gave blood to buy new warm-up suits.

It wasn’t all bad for Hull, though. “I thought I died and went to heaven at Purdue because I could finally play. I lived in the gym,” Hull said. She vividly remembers her time playing basketball in Mackey Arena. “It was cool, the ball pings when it hits the floor,” Hull said.

In 1974, during her senior year, Hull went to the university president and the athletic director to discuss transitioning women’s athletics into varsity sports. In 1975 Purdue made the change and women’s athletics were finally recognized as NCAA varsity intercollegiate sports. “The time was just ripe for women’s sports to be recognized, and it was cool to be a part of that,” Hull said.

The reason Hull could only play softball for one season was because of her involvement with Developmental Movement Education. DME brought in children from the community at a time when perceptional motor skills were being piloted. Such concepts as spatial awareness, body orientation, interception (catching), and projection (throwing or striking) were cutting edge. “It was a very rich learning environment for me,” Hull said.

After she left Purdue, Hull taught and coached for four years at a middle school in Lowell, Ind., but she returned to Anderson when she married. When AU hired her in 1979, she taught physical education while also coaching basketball and volleyball. She had her first of four children in 1981, which taught her the importance of being able to balance personal and professional life. Hull coached her last basketball game in 1985 and her last volleyball game in 1992 so she could spend more time with her family.

Hull still teaches physical education, a field she is passionate about. “I’m committed to teaching and love P.E. and want to pass along that love and advocacy of physical education,” said Hull. “Physical education makes kids more fit, skilled or better at sports, and it starts when they’re young.”

Hull promotes physical education programs across the state, and she enjoys the opportunity to get to know students on a personal level for four years. She loves the concept of training students to be leaders. She loves passing on the excitement of physical education. She loves AU and what AU stands for. “People come here and stay,” Hull said.

— Kyle Beckman is a senior from Auburn, Ind., majoring in communication arts and business/information systems and minoring in political science. Beckman is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

“We are pleased to make this strategic appointment at this time in the life of the university,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “This title is appropriate to her comprehensive role and her leadership. Dr. Morris is highly regarded on campus and in the wider academic community.”

In her role as provost, Morris will provide leadership and vision for internal functions of the university developing collaborative relationships between university programs, departments, and divisions. Along with the president, the provost assists in representing the university to various constituent groups: church, community, and education. The provost serves in place of the president in the president’s absence.

In March of 2009, Morris was named vice president for academic affairs and dean at Anderson University. She is only the sixth person to serve in the role. She previously served as vice president and undergraduate academic dean at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va.

While at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), Morris served as a faculty member in the Nursing Department, chair of the Nursing Department, Honors Program director, self-study director for EMU’s reaccreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools, associate academic dean, and vice president and undergraduate academic dean.

Morris earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Eastern Mennonite University, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia, and a Ph.D. in nursing administration from George Mason University. Her dissertation was entitled, Voices of Women: A Qualitative Study of Effective Female Nurse Faculty.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

Ever since she was young, Shoemaker has taken advantage of every opportunity she could to gain experience and knowledge. Her parents are both teachers, so the Auburn, Ind., native grew up in the elementary classroom. “I’ve always had a passion for kids, but then I got really involved in high school music and decided I would combine my two loves of music and education,” said Shoemaker. [Photo on left: Kayla Shoemaker receives her award certificate from MaryAnn Fritz, coordinator of the IMEA conference.]

In February 2010, Shoemaker heard about the Indiana Music Educators Association scholarship from two of her professors, Dr. Susan Taylor and Professor Joani Brandon. Only one AU student is nominated each year for the scholarship — someone who goes “above and beyond” — and only one person throughout the state wins the scholarship each year.

“It is an honor that travels with the student on their résumé as being the one person who was chosen for this, so we really try to think of somebody who has a good chance of getting that,” said Brandon.

The lengthy application process included two professor recommendations, an essay on Shoemaker’s musical background experience, her philosophy on music education, and why she wants to become a music teacher. The criteria considered were strong academics, leadership in chapter organizations, and additional work with children or children’s programs beyond the applicant’s college requirements.

Shoemaker easily met all of these requirements. She is currently the president of AU’s student chapter of the National Association for Music Education, which participates in fundraising and attends various music education workshops throughout the year. She is also the children’s choir director at Central Christian Church in Anderson. Shoemaker spent several summers in charge of the music for vacation Bible school camps. Last summer, she worked as a counselor for AU’s music education camp for high school students. The camp consisted of workshops on conducting, aural skills, leadership seminars, and other activities so that students could get a glimpse of what being a music educator is all about.

Last summer, Shoemaker also worked in the School of Music as an office assistant for the Master of Music Education program and sat in on various training sessions. “We have six intense weeks with guest faculty from all over the country and she was working with us with all the different teachers that come in. We have over 100 teachers that come in to take classes,” said Brandon.

“Those teachers were very impressed by her and what she had to offer,” added Taylor.

Several factors made Shoemaker stand out above her competition, both at AU and statewide. One was her level of passion and dedication during a practicum for her elementary music education methods course. For this practicum, 50-75 homeschooled students, ranging from pre-school to age 11, came in once a week. The AU students taught them and worked closely with them.

“We’re looking for somebody who has a real passion, not for chorale or band or orchestra, but someone who really loves elementary general music and will do really well with that,” said Brandon. “Watching Kayla work in the homeschool situation really encouraged us to choose her. She was outstanding in that.”

Another deciding factor was Shoemaker’s passion. “She is, first and foremost, incredibly bright. She just has that teacher personality. When you watch her work with kids, she has a real connection with them,” said Taylor. “You look at a student like Kayla who is taking advantage of all kinds of opportunities to better herself, and not just because it’s a requirement or something she has to do. She has a real passion and sincere interest and is preparing to be a good teacher.”

Shoemaker attributes some of her success to her professors. “Professor Brandon and Dr. Taylor are two professors who have been very essential in my education. But I could honestly list the entire music faculty because I think all of them in general have been such a supportive family through all of this. They’ve all contributed in some way or another.”

What is the main reason behind all of Shoemaker’s hard work and activities? It all boils down to her own philosophy of music education. “I want to use music. I don’t want to necessarily just teach music,” said Shoemaker. “I want to use music for kids to grow, learn, and discover.”

— Alyssa Applegate is a senior from Dayton, Ohio, majoring in communication arts and minoring in Spanish. Applegate is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2011, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the eighth 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.

If that doesn’t seem like enough of a challenge, she acts the part of seven different characters in “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

“I keep running backstage, changing costumes, and running back out a different person,” said Sands during a phone interview between rehearsals. “A couple of them are pretty stressful. I even have to rip off my wig.”

[Photo: Meaghan Sands stars as the Blue Fairy, along with Danny Kingston as the main character, in “Pinocchio, ”playing through Nov. 19 at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis.]

Since graduating with a degree in voice performance in December, Sands has spent a good deal of time on the stage. In addition to her work at Beef & Boards, she has also performed with the Indianapolis Opera in the productions of “La Traviata” and “Madama Butterfly.”

“I really want to blur the lines between genres,” she said. “Some people think it’s important to be specific in your type of genre, but I would like to do everything. I would like to sing opera and soul in the same song.”

This versatility serves her well as she shifts gears between her many characters in the classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which runs through Nov. 20, and her role as the Blue Fairy in “Pinocchio,” which ends Nov. 19.

Originally from northern New York state (about 20 minutes from the Canadian border), Sands was drawn to this area after a car accident interrupted her dance major at a state school. A friend beckoned her to the Hoosier state, where she found a home at AU.

Although she plans to return to New York eventually, she is currently enjoying her work in Indiana and her home in Anderson.

“I really like it here right now, and I am learning a lot from these experiences,” she said. “There are some fine actors right here, and I’m always a student. I’m always watching somebody.”

With 11 performances each week, she is quickly chalking up experience points. And, when she needs a little extra encouragement, her professors are nearby and willing to help.

“I feel like they are family now,” she said. “When you go back to Anderson University, that’s how everybody is — like family. I made arrangements to continue to take voice from Fritz Robertson and Laurel Goetzinger, and they helped me develop some of the lines in the show that felt unnatural.”

Knowing this kind of support is nearby, her plans of traveling to New York or Chicago are distant and hazy. Still she is confident that she has chosen the perfect career.

“It’s what I love,” she said. “There’s nothing I’d rather do than this. This is the best thing I could have hoped for.”

— Emma Bowen Meyer for The Herald Bulletin. Reposted with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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 relationship between the department and St. Mary’s began in the late 1990s when administrators and staff at the school worked with Chuck Koontz and Sam Blanchard, computer science professors, to solve minor technological problems and to answer questions from staff as needed. Shortly thereafter, the relationship began to grow into what it has become today: Blanchard leads a group of gifted computer science students in serving as an information technology staff for St. Mary’s.

In 1998, a former electrician in the Anderson area wanted to transition into the field of computer science, so he began taking classes with AU’s School of Adult Learning to pursue his career aspirations. Blanchard received a call from St. Mary’s concerning a wiring and networking issue, and he took the student along to Muncie for a learning experience. “St. Mary’s has technology needs,” Blanchard said, “and we have students who want to learn. It’s a great combination.”

St. Mary’s leaders thought so highly of the work that AU computer science students and professors were doing that the school hired the AU Software Research Center (SRC) to become the IT staff for the private elementary school. Evan Cottle, a senior double majoring in business/information systems and Bible and Religion, appreciates the time he spends working with St. Mary’s. “It is a great opportunity for me. Vocationally I want to work in a church setting and this has prepared me for my hopeful career path,” Cottle said.

Josh Stefee and Chris Siebold, also senior business/information systems majors, feel fortunate for this opportunity.

“This partnership allows us to take classroom knowledge out of the classroom and apply it to real-life situations,” Siebold said. AU facilitates opportunities to learn not only in the classroom, but also to apply that knowledge in the real world as well. Such training and integration of learning into real-life situations prepares students for their futures in a way that classroom learning alone does not.

“We provide systems support for St. Mary’s School, as well as the parsonage,” said Stefee. “We’ve installed printers, run their servers with grades and records, assisted with the Lotus email program, maintained computer labs, and installed fiber optic cables.”

St. Mary’s leaders appreciate the assistance the AU students provide and work well with the AU student workers. “They’re really excited to have us there and understand that it is a work and learning experience,” said Steffee. “So if we make a mistake, they are understanding and work well with us.”

Blanchard spearheads this initiative with energy and enthusiasm that makes him easy to work with. “He has his cup of coffee and goes to town. He’s very enthusiastic about St. Mary’s,” Siebold said.

Stefee added, “He’s always available, very helpful, and passionate about the school.”

— Kyle Beckman is a senior from Auburn, Ind., double-majoring in communication arts and business-information systems and minoring in political science. Beckman is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.