“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.

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.

“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.

“While we are grateful to be included among the best of Midwest universities, we want most of all to be measured by our quality and our student success,” said Anderson University President Dr. James L. Edwards. “Our mission to transform lives through education will be met by nothing less.”

The 2012 Best Colleges guidebook provides the most thorough examination of how more than 1,400 accredited four-year schools compare on a set of up to 16 widely accepted indicators of excellence. Among the many factors weighed in determining the rankings, the key measures of quality are: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and, for National Universities and National Liberal Art Colleges, “graduation rate performance” and high school counselor ratings of colleges.

For more information on the rankings, visit www.usnews.com/colleges/.

Over the past two decades, the U.S. News & World Report college rankings, which group schools based on categories created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, has grown to be the most comprehensive research tool for students and parents considering higher education opportunities.

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.

“Anderson University is a distinct place often described in the past by our alumni and others as ‘very special.’ We want to bring greater distinction and clarity to that idea that will gain wide affirmation from those who are a part of the AU family and those who will come to know us,” said Anderson University President Dr. James L. Edwards.

The process began more than two years ago. The new logo and font were designed and developed by Kerry Shaw, director of Publications at Anderson University. The logo features the university’s name with an overarching base and orange flame. Students and alumni will associate this graphic with the Eternal Flame landmark located in front of Decker Hall. Edwards added that the goal of this long and very widely involved process is “clarity and distinction.”

Dr. Marie Morris, vice president of academic affairs, said, “I don’t really view this as a ‘brand direction’ but rather clarifying the AU story – its rich heritage and its bright future. I’m thrilled to be at AU at this time for this very important clarifying moment. Our world is changing and how we educate and prepare students must also keep pace with the times. It’s a new day for us at AU.”

Established in 1992 to mark the university’s 75th anniversary, the Eternal Flame echoes the university’s mission to educate and prepare individuals for lives of faith and service in their families, churches, and society. The new logo is a visual stepping stone to help define the bigger story among the countless experiences yet to be told about AU.

“Many on campus know that we provide students with something spectacular at Anderson University,” said Chris Williams, director of university communications. “We need to learn to share the story of Anderson University with others. The new logo is just one of the many ways we will be sharing this story with a variety of audiences in the future.”

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 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Forbes.com included only the top 20 percent of all undergraduate institutions in the 2011 rankings. The rankings were prepared by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity (CCAP).

“We have one more indication just how special Anderson University is, based on achievement of our students and graduates,” said Anderson University President Dr. James. L. Edwards. “The story of quality is another vote of confidence for a truly remarkable faculty. We are grateful for this recognition.”

Forbes executive editor Michael Noer explained the ranking process in an article on Forbes.com.

“Our annual ranking of the 650 best undergraduate institutions focuses on the things that matter the most to students: quality of teaching, great career prospects, graduation rates, and low levels of debt. … We try and evaluate the college purchase as a consumer would,” said Noer.

The rankings are based on five general categories: post graduate success (30%), student satisfaction (27.5%), debt (17.5%), four-year graduation rate (17.5%), and competitive awards (7.5). A complete ranking methodology may be viewed at http://blogs.forbes.com/michaelnoer/2011/08/03/americas-top-colleges/.

Data collected by Forbes is corroborated by data from the Student Satisfaction Inventory and the National Survey of Student Engagement. Data from the SSI, for example, shows that students rank Anderson University above the mean on a large battery of questions ranging from classroom instruction to campus safety.

Anderson University has been recognized for its quality programs in recent years. AU has been recognized by US News & World Report as one of America’s best colleges and universities for seven consecutive years. The Princeton Review also has recognized Anderson University as one of the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for 2011.

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, US News & 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.

The John A. Morrison Awards recognize faculty and staff who go beyond excellence in performance and have demonstrated a commitment to something larger than self. Each year, one staff and one faculty member are selected from nominations by their colleagues and announced at the annual Recognition Luncheon. Nominees for the Morrison Award should demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission and core values. Dr. John A. Morrison was Anderson University’s first president, serving in that role from 1925-1958.

Farmen has been on the faculty of Anderson University since 1964 in the department of psychology. He is a graduate of Anderson University and received a B.D. from Oberlin College, and a Master of Arts and Ph.D. from Case-Western Reserve University. [Photo on left: Dr. William Farmen with AU President Dr. James L. Edwards]

Over his tenure, Farmen helped lead the way in innovation from the earliest days of using the internet for academic pursuits, to superior teaching in the Liberal Arts Seminar, and the adoption and use of Moodle in the classroom. He has written or contributed to two online books distributed free to students and has written major content on a variety of courses that are also made available free of charge to students via Moodle.

Showing great loyalty to AU Farmen has served with energy and enthusiasm on university committees, always striving for what is in the long-term, best interest of students and the university. Farmen gets to know students personally and has been known to join with them in activities such as caving, rock climbing, and canoeing. He is committed to the development of the “whole person” stating, “I teach because I am interested in the intellectual, moral, and to an increasing extent, the personality development of adolescents and youth.”

When Farmen was promoted to the rank of professor, then president Dr. Robert Reardon commented “this promotion takes cognizance of your professional development, your faithfulness to the college, and your dedication to its students.”

Hippensteel is in her ninth year of service at AU as the wellness program director at the Kardatzke Wellness Center.

An AU alumna, Hippensteel has deep roots in Anderson University and the Church of God. She began her association with the campus as one of four siblings born to the late AU President Dr. Robert Reardon and Geraldine Reardon. After graduating from Anderson University, she went on to further her education in exercise physiology at Ball State University. With more than 20 years of experience in her field, she arrived back on campus to begin sharing her knowledge and passion for living a healthy lifestyle through her words and her example. [Photo on right: Connie Hippensteel with AU President Dr. James L. Edwards]

While at AU, Hippensteel has found joy in helping and mentoring others by celebrating successes, while avoiding any sense of disapproval if advice is not taken or heeded. With faculty and staff, she has provided a steady diet of monthly “Lunch and Learn” classes, weekly yoga sessions, “Healthy AU” seminars, and many other opportunities to jump-start personal wellness goals. Students have also benefited from her teaching and mentoring for a life of faith and service. Toward the goal of wholeness and wellness, Hippensteel believes each person can find the physical and spiritual practices in life we were created to enjoy.

Hippensteel’s influence goes beyond the campus. She is an active member of the Park Place Church of God bell choir and the sanctuary choir. As coordinator of the AU Circle Singers, she and a choir of women surround the elderly and others in need with their ministry of song.

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 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

“AU Scholars’ Day shows the incredible work that our students can do,” said chemistry professor and Scholars’ Day organizer Dr. Chad Wallace. “It is a way to share this good news between our various academic departments, with the student body at large, and with the community outside of AU.”

Each participant put together an abstract about what they worked on for the academic year or their college career. The abstracts were then put together in a program and separated in two presentation groups. Viewers at the event could easily locate each student’s work in the program and also visit each group’s presentations. Visitors were welcome to engage the students and ask questions about their research.

Many students presenting at Scholars’ Day are taking a required class or independent study. But sophomore J. Alex Karel, a chemistry and physics double major, was anxious to get hands-on experience researching. He spent 500 hours over the summer of 2010 doing a noncredit independent research study on “Investigating the Durability and Leaching of an Antimicrobial Agent.” With the help of Dr. Scott Kennedy, professor of chemistry, Karel was able to work with Aurum Consulting, LLC and Coeus Technology at the Flagship Enterprise Center. This summer, Karel will continue his research.

Senior Bible and religion and psychology double major Rachel Miller took a capstone year-long class at AU where she was able to conduct research on a topic she was interested in: mythology. Through interviews and literature, Miller studied the collective mythology of Anderson University students.

“It is special to see people interested in something I have researched and invested time in for the academic year,” said Miller.

Miller plans to attend Emery University for graduate school this fall to combine her passion for religion with psychology. She hopes eventually to teach at the collegiate level.

Though many students presented individually, the Raven Investment Fund was a group of 10 students from the Falls School of Business portfolio management class. This class provides students real-world investment experience. Started in 2007, the fund began with $10,000 and each January increases an additional $100,000 through an endowment fund. Over the years, the class has made an 18 percent return for Anderson University.

“It is exciting to see AU students become life-long learners. We have many students who have begun to apply what they learn in the classroom into practice in the real world,” said Wallace. “Many of these students have worked very closely with AU professors and are learning first-hand the lasting benefits of being part of the academy by doing careful research and sharing that information.”

For more information about the event, see the Anderson University Scholars’ Day program (PDF). To view photos from the event, see the 2011 Scholars’ Day Flickr album.

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 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Dr. Beverley Pitts, president of the University of Indianapolis and a 1968 graduate of Anderson University, received an honorary Doctor of Letters during the chapel. Honorary degrees will also be awarded to AU alumni Steven Curtis Chapman and Charles Myricks, Jr., during the May 7 commencement ceremony at Anderson University.

[Photo: Dr. Beverley Pitts and AU President Dr. James L. Edwards.]

During her address, Pitts reflected on her experience at Anderson University and on those who made her education possible. She encouraged students to consider with gratitude those who made their own journeys possible.

“We are all part of a shared culture at AU,” Pitts said. “Faculty, administrators, and graduates long before us built an institution based on the Christian values of personal responsibility and concern for others, high quality learning, and a commitment to service. You don’t even know who they are, but much of what you are now experiencing, the privilege of an excellent education in a faith-based institution, is based on their humble beginnings. … Stand high on the shoulders of those who brought you to this point. Be grateful for the privilege that they have given you. I hope you will take great advantage of this privilege and do good with what you know.”

Students recognized during chapel:

Renee Bader, a psychology major, is a member and officer in Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Chi, and Psi Chi. She is also a Center for Public Service Fellow. Bader anticipates getting married and starting graduate school this summer. She plans to attend the University of Cincinnati to earn a master’s degree in school counseling.

Elizabeth Barrow, a biology major and chemistry minor, served as president of Sigma Zeta, president of Alpha Chi, president of the Pre-Professional Health Society, and was co-founder of Operation Foundation: Project Anderson. She served as a TA in a number of science classes and as a tutor in Organic Chemistry. She is also a Center for Public Service Fellow and an officer in Phi Eta Sigma. Barrow is active in a number of campus groups and participated in Tri-S trips to Australia, London, and Honduras. She plans to attend IU Medical School to obtain her M.D.

[Photo, from left: Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean Dr. Marie Morris, Ambrosia Davidson, Joanna Tilley, Keith Sayer, Samantha Toeller, Beth Barrow, Renee Bader, and AU President Dr. James L. Edwards.]

Ambrosia Davidson, a marketing major and Spanish minor, is a member of the AU Honors Program, Delta Mu Delta, Alpha Mu Gamma, Alpha Chi, Phi Eta Sigma, and the Center for Public Service. During her time at AU, she participated in Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), worked with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, and served an internship at Minnetrista Cultural Center in Muncie. After graduation, Davidson plans to finalize details for her wedding and pursue employment in marketing communications or public relations.

Keith Sayer, a Bible/religion and English double-major, is a member of Alpha Chi, Sigma Tau Delta, and the AU Honors Program. He plans to attend either Vanderbilt Divinity School or Duke Divinity School this fall to pursue graduate studies in religion. Sayer hopes to teach religion at the undergraduate level and participate in teaching ministries of the church through research, writing, and possibly serving as a teaching minister.

Joanna Tilley, a pre-med biology major with minors in chemistry and Christian ministries, is a member of Alpha Chi, Sigma Zeta, Pre-Professional Health Society, Alacritas, and the Center for Public Service. She plans to pursue medical school this fall at Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Va.

Samantha Toeller, an elementary education/special education major and applied music minor, has served in Kappa Delta Pi and Alpha Chi. She is completing her full-year student teaching experience, with classroom experience in 2nd and 6th grades as well as in intermediate special education resource. Toeller hopes to receive a teaching position at a school in Indianapolis or Chicago, and to teach within a multicultural setting in the intermediate grades.

Gabe Miller, an exercise science major, is this year’s Outstanding Senior Male Athlete. As a four-year starter for the men’s basketball team, he received 1st Team All-HCAC honors following both his junior and senior seasons. Miller led the Ravens in assist over the past four seasons and led in steals the past two years. He played a key role on the 2009-10 team that won the HCAC season championship and made it to the second round of the NCAA Division III tournament. He was the team captain during his junior and senior years.

[Photo, from left: Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean Dr. Marie Morris, Athletic Director Marcie Taylor, Gabe Miller, Ellen Thompson, and AU President Dr. James L. Edwards.]

Ellen Thompson, a biology major, is this year’s Outstanding Senior Female Athlete. She was a member of the women’s basketball team the past four seasons, a member of the women’s golf team during her freshman and sophomore years, and a member of the softball team the past two seasons. In basketball, Thompson earned HCAC All-Conference and team MVP honors during the 2010-11 season. She is the ninth leading scorer in school history with 965 points, second in free throws made (281) and free throws attempted (381), and fourth in free throw percentage at 73.8 percent. She was team captain during her senior season.

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 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Mayor Kris Ockomon accepted the award for the City of Anderson as the 2010-2011 Community Partner of the Year. The City of Anderson has continued to support the work of the students in the community, creating opportunities for freshman orientation service projects, and inclusion in events like Martin Luther King Jr. City Wide Celebration and the We Can Care Food Drive. [Photo on left: AU alum Cliff Ritchey from Commonway Church leads worship.]

AU alum Cliff Ritchey led chapel worship and Pastor Matt Carder of Commonway Church in Muncie challenged those in attendance to look for to make a difference in the world by noticing opportunities to impact the world and community you live in by showing up in the simple and ordinary ways of daily living.

Jennifer Randonis, assistant professor of English, received a faculty award for partnering AU with the College Against Cancer-Relay for Life. This was the second year she has led the fight against cancer on campus.

“Randonis is sensitive to a need and condition that has impacted the lives of many students and community members and rallied a group of students to make a difference in the fight against cancer,” said Stephanie Moran, Director of the Community Partnership Center.

Falls School of Business professor of management, Dr. Wendell Seaborne, was rewarded for his work with Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and his dedication to the excellent programs they put forth as a service to the community. Moran said, “He is committed to the development of students through direct creative application of their skills and talents.”

Lolly Bargerstock-Oyler, assistant professor of social work, received a faculty award for her work with the Park Place Community Center. This center meets many needs in the Park Place community and gives students an opportunity to serve. [Photo on right: Pastor Matt Carder from Commonway Church speaks at chapel.]

“She has had a vision for the Park Place Community Center that will have positive impact on the neighborhood and campus for years to come,” said Moran.

This is the second year that students were awarded for their service to the community

• Senior psychology major, Renee Bader, for her work with the Girls Scouts of America. She was an integral part of the development of a relationship with the Girl Scouts which allowed for members to come to campus and learn about communication skills through Anderson University student led interventions.
• Junior family science major, Alyssa Martin, for her service at the Christian Center. She has been dedicated to the residents there and been able to share her faith through relationship and service in a very transparent way.
• Junior elementary education major, Kenton Mahoney, for his work with the College Against Cancer Relay for Life Event. He put many hours and energy into making that event a success.
• Senior finance major, Rose Hirschy, for her work with Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) for the past 3 years. She has participated in many volunteer opportunities, but has been very faithful to her commitment of assisting those in the community that need help with their taxes yet have no means to enlist the help of accountants or prep services.

New to this year’s Celebration of Service Chapel was the eight AmeriCorps Service Engagement Award recipients. These awards were made possible through AU’s association with Indiana Campus Compact. Each of these eight students has served over 300 hours of service to the community during their 2010-2011 term of service. The recipients included:

• Junior global business major, Ashley Ledford, for her award winning work with SIFE as a program director.
• Senior management major, Bradley Miller, for his work with SIFE as the President of SIFE.
• Senior psychology major, Austin Boon, for his work with Dove Harbor, Alternative School, Girls Scouts, “Lil Sibs” Weekend, among other opportunities to provide leadership in the area of teaching communication skills.
• Sophomore political science major, Benjamin Herrick, for his work with Prison Ministry and Grace and Action.
• Senior psychology major, Jackie Hammond, for her work with Prison Ministry, Grace and Action, Aspire, and tutoring
• Junior psychology major, Emily Thalls, for volunteering weekly at Dove Harbor where she teaches Interpersonal Communications skills to the women who reside there. She has also taught Interpersonal Communications skills to AU Resident Assistants, Girl Scouts, children of the Madison County Youth Center, students at AU, “Lil Sibs” of AU students and alumni, and attendees of the annual Day of Healing Convention.
• Senior social work major, Breann Patuzzi, for her work at the Christian Center, AU-East Africa, Neighbors, and S.T.A.R. where she currently volunteers as a tutor at Shadeland Tutoring and Recreation. She has also been interning and serving at the Department of Child Services.
• Senior management and sociology major, Kristina Feltham, for her work with seniors and the Generation to Generation Ministry. Kristina has also been involved in many various service learning opportunities and volunteer experiences on campus. She also serves as the Indiana Campus Compact student representative for the AU campus.

View photos from the Celebration of Service Chapel on the Anderson University Flickr album.

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 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Chapman will address the graduating class of 2011 during the 3 p.m. (EDT) program and will receive an honorary doctorate along with the Rev. Charles Myricks, chief operating development officer for the National Association of the Church of God, and Dr. Beverley Pitts, president of the University of Indianapolis. Anderson University’s commencement will be conducted in the Ward Fieldhouse of the Kardatzke Wellness Center. Myricks will speak earlier in the day during Anderson University’s baccalaureate service at 10 a.m in Reardon Auditorium. All events are free and open to the public. AU will offer a live webcast during Commencement starting at 2:45 p.m. EDT.

Other events scheduled during Anderson University’s commencement day on May 7 include the Falls School of Business hooding ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in Byrum Hall for candidates of both Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Business Administration degrees.

The hooding ceremony for the Master of Education and the Master of Music Education will be conducted at noon in Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. The certification ceremony for the Teach for Indiana Program (TIP) will be conducted at 10 a.m. in Decker Hall, Room 133.

Events earlier in the week include the School of Theology Senior Recognition and Awards Chapel on Tuesday, April 26, at 11 a.m. in Miller Chapel. The hooding ceremony for the Doctor of Ministry graduates will take place on Friday, May 6, at 6 p.m. in Miller Chapel. In addition, a special pinning ceremony for the Anderson University School of Nursing will be conducted on Friday, May 6, at 6 p.m. in Byrum Hall.

Individuals receiving honorary degrees during the May 7 commencement ceremony at Anderson University include the following:

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN — DOCTOR OF MUSIC

Steven Curtis Chapman is a Christian singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and author. He attended Anderson University in the early 1980s while starting his career as a songwriter. Chapman has developed into one of the most prolific singers in the genre, releasing more than 20 albums to date. Chapman has also won five Grammy awards and 56 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, more than any other artist in history. His seven “Artist of the Year” Dove Awards — his latest in 2009 — are also an industry record. In addition to his music career, Chapman, along with his wife Mary Beth (also an AU alum), established a nonprofit foundation called Show Hope (formerly called Shaohannah’s Hope) to mobilize individuals and communities to care for orphans through its international orphan care work as well as adoption aid grants. Chapman plans a summer 2011 album release for his new project titled re:creation.

CHARLES MYRICKS — DOCTOR OF DIVINITY

Charles Myricks, Jr., is a gifted musician and playwright with a deep love of music. He graduated from Anderson University in 1982 and went on to receive his Master of Arts degree from Ashland Theological Seminary. He has served as vice president and general manager of Word Gospel Records. Under his leadership, Word Gospel artists received 3 Grammy Awards, 8 Dove Awards, and 12 Stellar Awards. He has served as a trustee at Anderson University and in ministry with the Arlington Church of God in Akron, Ohio. He currently works as chief operating development officer for the National Association of the Church of God.

DR. BEVERLEY PITTS — DOCTOR OF LETTERS

Dr. Beverley Pitts serves as president of the University of Indianapolis. In that capacity, she oversees an institution with 4,500 students, including a branch campus in Athens, Greece, and doctoral programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and clinical psychology. She earned a BA from Anderson University in 1968 and an MA in journalism and doctorate in higher education from Ball State University. Prior to becoming provost at Ball State University, she held positions of associate provost, assistant provost, director of academic assessment, and director of general studies at Ball State. She was also founding chair of the Department of Communication at Anderson University.

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 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

Students majoring in youth leadership-development, a complementary major offered by the department of psychology, are required to take many of the courses in the psychology curriculum. These courses focus on functions of the brain and the process of thought. However, they must complete an additional senior capstone course that examines the direct social interactions of children, followed by an internship where these lessons are directly applied to area youth.

“The internship is not a situation where they go and shadow someone or stuff envelopes,” said Dr. Lee Griffith, professor of psychology. “The students are going out into a setting where they use skills and give presentations which have been developed in the capstone class. The presentations can be about topics such as bullying, boundaries, gossip, or self-image — anything they believe will be relevant to the group they are working with.”

[Photo: Anderson University senior Trista Meadlo writes a thank you note with a youth group participant at Maple Grove Church of God.]

Griffith, along with Dr. Linda Swindell, places youth leadership-development interns with local organizations that already focus on building basic social skills in children. Students have interned with Alternatives Inc., Dove Harbor, and area youth groups.

Senior Trista Meadlo, a sociology and youth leadership-development major, is currently working with the Maple Grove Church of God youth group. Meadlo and another intern use the weekly meetings with the children to bond over a community dinner, play team-building games, and to teach presentations developed in the capstone course. She ultimately hopes to apply her experiences during the internship toward working with inner-city youth.

“I want to show the kids that they do have options for the future. They do not need to accept what they are given in life. They can do whatever they want,” said Meadlo.

Swindell credits employer and graduate school interest in AU students to the senior capstone course and internship.

“It allows our students, at the bachelor’s level, to use their training, get involved with an internship, and let others know who they are. If they go back to school and get their master’s degree they already have that really good experience,” said Swindell.

[Photo: AU seniors Trista Meadlo and Troy Jones lead the youth group in a get-to-know-you game at Maple Grove Church of God.]

Although an internship is required for the youth leadership-development major, all psychology students are encouraged to volunteer in the Anderson community. This form of hands-on education upholds the university’s emphasis on service-based learning.

— Eva Christine McKnight is a sophomore from Batesville, Ind., majoring in communication arts and minoring in dance performance and English. McKnight 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 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

Typically, the orchestra only practices about three times the week before a concert. The musicians are a mix of all ages and play all types of instruments: strings, winds, brass, and percussion. Musicians are paid to play with the orchestra, although many would do it purely for fun. [Photo on left: Val Fagan and Haley Ferguson practice their instruments on campus.]

Junior Val Fagan, a psychology major, has played the string bass in the orchestra for all three of her college years and plans to continue next year. During her freshman year, Fagan was invited by Dr. Sowers to play in the orchestra because of a shortage of string bass players. “I was thrilled and honored to be asked to play in a professional symphony,” said Fagan. “The level of music and professionalism attracted me to it and I am very grateful for the opportunity.”

Playing in the Chamber Orchestra at AU helped Fagan with the more advanced musical pieces the ASO plays. The Chamber Orchestra practices twice a week. The practices “help me to maintain my playing ability and sometimes challenge me with harder pieces that force me to work on technique,” she said.

Junior Haley Ferguson, a psychology major, also plays with the Anderson Symphony Orchestra. She has played the viola for about 10 years and has been with the orchestra since her freshman year. Sowers told her about the opportunity when she auditioned for the Chamber Orchestra on campus. “In high school, I was part of a 100-piece symphony orchestra and love the big sound, so I was immediately interested in the opportunity to become involved with ASO,” she said.

Ferguson enjoys the opportunity to improve her skills while playing in the ASO. “There is a lot to learn from the people around me, and being young and aware that I am not nearly as skilled as others is a perfect opportunity for growth,” Ferguson said. Her involvement in ASO, Chamber Orchestra, and playing for worship events on campus helps her to continually develop her musical skills. She plans to remain in the ASO through her college years and continue to play the viola after college. “I will never part from music,” she said. “I value it so much. The viola is sticking with me for the long haul.”

Junior Ben Rexroth has been a substitute violinist for the Anderson Symphony Orchestra for the past year and a half. Rexroth, who is majoring in finance and business information systems, has been playing the violin for 15 years and is also a part of the Chamber Orchestra at AU.

Rexroth also learned about the ASO from Dr. Sowers and said he “wanted to do it for the experience” because few college students get this kind of opportunity. He said it can be a big commitment during the week of a performance, but he “would love to keep doing it next year as long as other activities don’t get in the way.” The other orchestra members have made it a positive experience for him as well. “I always feel welcome there. I definitely feel younger and less experienced,” he said, “but I never feel as if the other members look down on me because of it.”

For each of these students, playing in the Anderson Symphony Orchestra is a unique and unforgettable experience. Their participation in orchestra on campus is beneficial to their preparation for playing in a higher-level orchestra. Both AU and the Anderson Symphony Orchestra help them develop their musical talents and create memories they will not forget.

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

“We are honored to continue to be ranked as a top tier institution by U.S. News and World Report,” said Dr. Michael Collette, vice president for Marketing and Strategic Planning.  “It is even more fulfilling to know this ranking is based greatly on the strength of AU’s academic reputation, respect for our quality faculty and wide recognition the many programs of academic distinction.”

The 2011 Best Colleges package provides the most thorough examination of how more than 1,400 accredited four-year schools compare on a set of up to 16 widely accepted indicators of excellence. Among the many factors weighed in determining the rankings, the key measures of quality are: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and, for National Universities and National Liberal Art Colleges, “graduation rate performance” and high school counselor ratings of colleges. U.S. News has made some significant changes to the 2011 Best Colleges’ ranking methodology and presentation. For more details on these changes, go to www.usnews.com/collegemeth.

Over the past two decades, the U.S. News college rankings, which group schools based on categories created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, has grown to be the most comprehensive research tool for students and parents considering higher education opportunities.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

The John A. Morrison Awards recognize faculty and staff who go beyond excellence in performance and have demonstrated a commitment to something larger than self. Each year, one staff and one faculty member are selected from nominations by their colleagues and announced at the annual Recognition Luncheon. Nominees for the Morrison Award should demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission and core values. Dr. John A. Morrison was Anderson University’s first president, serving in that role from 1925-1958.

Griffith has been on the faculty of Anderson University since 1977 in the department of psychology. He received his bachelor of arts at Cedarville College in 1972, his master of arts in 1975 and his Ph.D. in 1977 both from the University of Texas at Austin Counseling Psychology. [Photo on left: Marie Morris (vice president of academic affairs and dean), Lee Griffith and President James Edwards.]

Upon Griffith’s letter of invitation dated May 13, 1977, then vice president & dean Robert Nicholson, stated “You are so welcome here and you haven’t even arrived yet!….I feel the Lord was in this exchange of conversations in a wondrous way and will be with us as we together seek out and create opportunities for ministry and Christian leadership in the years ahead.”

Each year, Griffith spends 20 hours of continuing education on a variety of topics. Twelve hours of this time is spent in group supervision with two other Christian Psychologists. Griffith shares that he uses this time to try to understand cases from a Christian perspective.

One student describes Griffith as “gaining my utmost respect as a fine professor. It is obvious that he does even more ‘homework’ in regard to his courses than expected from students, which is substantial. Largely because of his thoroughness, I believe I have gotten an excellent, current, and relevant education, with strong preparation for grad school. In addition, Griffith’s handling of the Christian perspective in his teaching is well done, stimulating, and fills a void. It has lent credibility to the ‘Christian’ part of my Christian education.”

Griffith shares on his professional faculty page the following: “In all of my teaching, counseling, and presenting it has been my aspiration to present a Christian approach whether it be Statistical Quality Control done ethically and caringly or if it is a distinctively Christian approach to counseling and diagnosis. I have many interests and enjoy learning from people in a variety of disciplines.”

Tim Johnson, this year’s Morrison Award staff recipient, is an AU alum and has served Anderson University for 17 years in various support roles. Johnson began in Student Life as a resident hall director in Dunn Hall and South Campus then moved to the position of on-campus housing coordinator and currently serves as the associate dean of students for resident life and judicial affairs. [Photo on right: Sena Landey (vice president for finance and treasurer), Tim Johnson, Brent Baker (vice president for student life and dean of students) and President James Edwards.]

Johnson is described by those who know him well, as someone who cares deeply. His team of resident directors and assistants know of his careful attention to encouraging and faithfully supporting them. He has demonstrated in many ways his deep commitment to creating healthy relationships among all who live in the residence halls.

Students know of his care through his involvement in Tri-S, his steady service as a timekeeper at football and basketball games, and the many student activities he makes time to attend. As the joys and sorrows of our students and their families unfold in our midst, Johnson is present and prepared to listen and support them in whatever way he can.

As a part of our broader community, Johnson’s care for family and faith are evident in his involvement at East Side Church of God. He can be found singing in the choir, acting with the drama team, ushering, and serving as a church elder. Those with whom he worships have learned they can depend on Tim to give freely and sacrificially of his God given talents.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

“At AU, many of our students, from many disciplines, experience the joys of creating works of self-expression, researching important ideas, and discovering new knowledge.  Scholars’ day is an opportunity for our students to showcase that work,” said chemistry professor and scholars’ day organizer Chad Wallace.

The idea came to Wallace as his students presented their research at various chemistry conferences.  He realized that these discoveries are often shared within their discipline-specific community, but go unnoticed by the larger academic community.  He thought it would be a great idea to share that work with the rest of Anderson University.  He also realized that he did not know what other departments do. Wallace approached Dr. Marie Morris, vice president for academic affairs and dean, about hosting the event at the end of the school year.  He then formed a committee to bring the idea to life.  That committee contacted department chairs to nominate or ask students to participate in Scholars’ Day.

Each participant put together an abstract about what they worked on for the academic year or their college careers. The physical plant, Wallace, and retired professor Dale Bales collectively constructed the presentation boards for the students. The abstracts were then put together in a program so viewers could locate each student’s work the day of the event. Visitors to the event were welcome to engage the students and ask questions about their research.

Senior history and political science major, Courtney Bettner, tied in her love of research with her other passion of French history and culture. Bettner studied “Africa’s Triple Heritage and West African Francophone Literature” for her class with modern foreign language French Professor Sally Shulmistras. Though many students, faculty and staff passing Bettner’s projects did not speak French, the opportunity behind Scholars’ Day is to help make others on campus aware of each major’s unique differences.

“Scholars’ day is very interdisciplinary,” added Bettner. “This event creates an interesting atmosphere since so many majors are represented and helps each major explain what they have been working towards for their degree.”

Another project presented from senior psychology student Kristin Bradley was titled “Parenting Styles in Relation to Academic Performance and Academic Stress.” Bradley focused on these parenting styles and their effects on college age students. Bradley felt this experience with Professor Linda Swindell was meaningful and hopes AU develops Scholars’ Day to help represent more majors in the future.

Though many students worked on their projects for an assigned class, junior Melissa Carlson felt the independent studies she has taken separate from required classes in her chemistry major as invaluable. Carlson has completed one previous independent study in the fall and plans to research over the summer what she will focus on in the fall for her senior seminar.

For the spring semester, Wallace suggested to Carlson a study through an article from ECHO, a non-profit organization whose vision is “to bring glory to God and a blessing to mankind by using science and technology to help the poor.” Her project titled “Helping the World’s Poorest Farmers: HPLC Determination of L-Dopa in Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Beans)” involved research to expel a harmful chemical from the beans while leaving the nutritious protein behind in the bean.  Velvet beans could be an important crop for farmers to grow in third-world nations. This was Carlson’s first independent study without the help of other students and believes the opportunity to present was a “stepping stone” towards future studies.

“It is impressive to see how the undergraduate students not only working on independent studies and various research but how well they can help explain these studies in a way others can understand,” added Morris.

“The first AU Scholars’ Day was a huge success,” said Wallace. ”It was exciting to see the interactions of our presenters with their fellow classmates and professors. I am thankful for the hard work of the many individuals who helped make this event so successful.”

To receive more information about the event, visit the Anderson University Scholars’ Day event program. To view photos from the event, visit the 2010 Scholars’ Day Flickr album.

- Stefanie Leiter is the Web Content Manager in the Office of University Communcations at Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

The purpose of AU-EA is a three-fold. A major goal is to raise money for the selected AU-EA project. This year, AU-EA has chosen to work with Wild Hope International in Tanzania. Francis will travel in June to Wild Hope International, which is currently focused on responding to issues of poverty, HIV/AIDS, poor education, lack of resources and spiritual hunger. The money raised will help fund Wild Hope’s programs. Secondly, AU-EA hopes to educate about and advocate for East Africa. This will be through various activities and opportunities on AU’s campus, as well as through Francis serving as a representative of AU on the Africa trip. Lastly, AU-EA wants to redefine beauty, which promotes true self-confidence and includes a lifestyle of service and compassion.

Each of the AU-EA event participants develops a proposal for an idea she feels strongly about. Francis hopes to create a missions project for soccer players called “Nyota Soccer Club.” The idea for her project came from Francis’ first mission’s trip, which was a soccer trip through YWAM (Youth with a Mission).

“I am so grateful for this experience and never imagined I’d actually win,” said Francis. “I am excited to actually see the project come about and see what other girls will do with theirs.”

- Melissa Powers is a senior from Indianapolis, Ind., majoring in communication arts and minoring in marketing. Powers is an associate with Fifth Street Communications writing on behalf of the AU Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

CLICK HERE FOR A CAMPUS MAP AND DIRECTIONS TO AU.

During commencement, Anderson University will award two honorary degrees. Anderson University will award Dr. William G. Enright (the 2010 Anderson University commencement speaker) with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and Dr. Mark W. Fulton (an Anderson-area dentist and the co-founder and President of Mission Haiti, Inc.) with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

Other events scheduled on Anderson University’s May 8 commencement day include the Falls School of Business hooding ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in Byrum Hall for candidates of both Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Business Administration degrees.

The hooding ceremony for the Master of Education and the Master of Music Education will be conducted at 12 noon on May 8 in Shield dining room, Olt Student Center. The certification ceremony for the Teach in Indiana Program (TIP) will be conducted in Decker Hall, room 133, at 12 noon.

Events earlier in the week associated with commencement weekend include the School of Theology Senior Recognition and Awards Chapel on Tuesday, April 20, at 11 a.m. E.D.T. in Miller Chapel. In addition, a special pinning ceremony for the Anderson University School of Nursing will be conducted on Friday, May 7, at 6 p.m. in Reardon Auditorium.

William G. Enright, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University and former Senior Pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis.

He is a graduate of Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California and McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois. His Ph.D. is from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He also holds two D.D. (honorary) degrees from Hanover College, Hanover, Indiana and Dubuque Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa.

Dr. Enright is currently a director of the Lilly Endowment, Inc, The Wishard Hospital Foundation Board and a trustee of Hanover College. His most recent appointment was as “Advisor for the National Cathedral Association” of the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. His civic involvement in Indianapolis has included serving as a member of Envisioning Indianapolis, the Police Advisory Board, the Board of Directors of the Central Indiana Council on Aging, and the St. Vincent Hospital Advisory Board. In addition, he served as co-chair of The Mayor’s Taskforce on Racism. He is co-founder of the Celebration of Hope, a program for racial reconciliation, which was recognized by President Clinton as one of ten national programs to be honored at the White House. He has also been honored by two governors with a Sagamore of the Wabash.

He has authored several books, the latest being Channel Markers, and lectured at numerous colleges, universities and theological institutions as well as business associations such as The Young Presidents and World Presidents organizations. In July, 2005, he served as “preacher and chaplain” for the Chautauqua Institution in New York.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

“We are pleased to be listed among the top schools in our category,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Universities that are achieving their mission especially in these very challenging times deserve this recognition and we are proud to be among them. When a student finds the right college of quality that is an excellent fit in terms of culture, programs and degrees, and overall mission, the future opens in such powerful ways, and for that student, the selected school is the best in the nation. We intend to be such a school for so many.”

The 2010 America’s Best Colleges package provides the most thorough examination of how more than 1,400 accredited four-year schools compare on a set of 15 widely accepted indicators of excellence. Among the many factors weighed in determining the rankings, the key measures of quality are: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and graduation rate performance (National Universities and Liberal Art Colleges).

Over the past 26 years, the U.S. News college rankings, which groups schools based on categories created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, has grown to be the most comprehensive research tool for students and parents considering higher education opportunities. The America’s Best Colleges ranking package, which includes extensive editorial content and multimedia resources, has helped families navigate the difficult decisions involved throughout the college process, from college admission and selection to financing options.

The exclusive rankings, which include more than 1,400 schools nationwide, are available today at www.usnews.com/colleges, will also be published in the September issue of the U.S.News & World Report magazine, on newsstands starting August 20.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

“We chose Anderson University and the other terrific schools we recommend as our ‘regional best’ colleges primarily for their excellent academic programs,” said Robert Franek, Princeton Review’s Vice President of Publishing. “We also work to have our roster of ‘regional best’ colleges feature a range of institutions by size, selectivity, character and locale. We choose the schools based on institutional data we collect from several hundred schools in each region, our visits to schools over the years, and the opinions of independent and high school-based college advisors whose recommendations we invite. We also take into account what each school’s customers – their students – report to us about their campus experiences at them on our 80-question student survey.”

The 158 colleges The Princeton Review chose for this year’s “Best in the Midwest” designations are located in twelve states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The Princeton Review also designated 218 colleges in the Northeast, 123 in the West, and 141 in the Southeast as best in their locales on the company’s 2010 Best Colleges: Region by Region section on its Web site. The 640 colleges named “regional best(s)” represent only about 25% (one out of four) of the nation’s 2,500 four-year colleges.

The Princeton Review does not rank the colleges in its 2010 Best Colleges Region by Region Web site section. The Princeton Review survey for this project asks students to rate their own schools on several issues — from the accessibility of their professors to quality of the campus food — and answer questions about themselves, their fellow students, and their campus life.

The Princeton Review is known for its tutoring and classroom test preparation courses, books, and college and graduate school admission services. Its corporate headquarters is in Framingham, MA, and editorial offices are in New York City. It is not affiliated with Princeton University and it is not a magazine.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

INvision AU partners with companies and organizations from government, health care, technology, social services, arts and culture, religious, service providing conglomerates, and other sectors in order to provide opportunities to AU students.

Joshua Cook: Miles Design

Joshua Cook, recent graduate with a degree in Visual Communication Design, is interning at Miles Design, a graphic design firm in Indianapolis. “In the two months I’ve been working here, I have observed an unbelievable amount about visual design and operating a business,” said Cook.

“The most valuable aspect to my internship has been the collaboration with the other designers. It has been such a privilege working beside some of Indianapolis’ finest visual designers. There is a reason that Miles Design consistently puts out excellent work and it’s because they are passionate about visual design and the role it plays in our daily lives. It has been really exciting to be a part of that passion.”

Josh Miles, Principal and Founder of Miles Design, said, “Joshua Cook has been an all around solid performer. We’ve just extended his internship beyond the INvision program to go the rest of this summer.” Cook has accepted a job at Miles Design and will begin working there full time when he finishes his internship in September.

Bryan Smith: Clarian Health

Bryan Smith, an AU senior majoring in Accounting, is interning in the Human Resources department of Clarian Health in Indianapolis. “I have spent weeks compiling and analyzing invoice data from the division’s accounts payable system and am currently researching the best practice to audit the data that we have accumulated,” said Smith. “My next responsibility will be the implementation of a new internal control to make Clarian’s A.P. department operate more efficiently.”

In addition to the practical experience of producing and presenting reports, Smith says that he has learned a lot about how to make a “solid business case” for projects needing executive approval. “I am learning a great deal from the main aspect of my project which is procurement, contract, and vendor management and I hope to learn more in the coming weeks about how to audit and control these functions.”

Josh Novak: Buchanan Counseling Center and Community Hospital

Josh Novak, a Psychology major and rising senior, is completing two internships this summer—one at Buchanan Counseling Center at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and one at Community Hospital in Anderson. “I am learning so much from these internships that will help me in my future,” said Novak.

Novak said that he hopes to learn more about what it looks like to run a counseling center and learn the behind-the-scenes aspects of counseling. “More importantly to my experience, however,” said Novak, “is that I get to sit in with the counselors and their clients in some counseling sessions. I also attend conferences, staff meetings, case studies, and continuing education classes.”

Todd Baden: OneAmerica

Todd Baden, a senior Accounting major, is completing an internship at OneAmerica in Indianapolis. He performs internal audits to improve OneAmerica as a whole. “I help plan audit objectives, but my main responsibilities are to gather the necessary information, analyze the data and then draw the appropriate conclusions and recommendations.”

Baden said that the most valuable aspect of his internship has been the hands on experience. “I don’t make copies or do donut runs. I am treated like a full time employee, which is the best way to learn,” said Todd.

–David Hynds is a freelance writer for Anderson University

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

“I’m looking, but …,” said 37-year-old Dawn Vetor, of Madison County, her voice trailing off. “I have some prospects, but nothing fluid.”

Angela Shelton, 30, Anderson, a former paraeducator at East Side Middle School, was a little more upbeat.

“I’m optimistic,” said Shelton, her silver braces shined as she flashed a bright grin. “I’m looking for a job.”

Both women, graduating with bachelor’s degrees in organizational leadership, were among the 700 students going through Anderson University’s 91st commencement.

Like Shelton, many graduates were hopeful of their future job prospects, despite not yet having offers.

“I’m trying to be optimistic,” said Jon Weber, 22, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. “It’s rough.”

Weber, who received a degree in marketing, said he’s had five interviews and applied at 15 to 20 companies. But he’s received no offers.

Emily Wasonga seemed nonplused at her job prospects. The 21-year-old native of Kenya earned degrees in international education and communications on Saturday. She said she had no concrete career plans, but emphasized the university’s aim of instilling a sense of Christian service in its students. She said she wants to work in a humanitarian field.

“If it’s a matter of making money,” Wasonga said, “there are a lot of ways to make money.”

Commencement speaker Carl H. Caldwell touched on the unsettling nature of the times.

“To say you graduate in an uncertain time is an understatement,” he said. “If you’re not worried about this, I guarantee your parents are.”

But Caldwell said there’s a lack of certainty at all times — including when he graduated from Anderson University in 1966 during the Cold War.

“Every graduating class has had to face problems,” he said.

Caldwell, the school’s vice president of academic affairs, retired at the end of the school year. He had been with Anderson University since 1996. He earned his master’s degree in history from Ohio University and his doctorate in history from Indiana University.

Next year, Caldwell and his wife, Carolyn, an accounting professor at AU, will move to the Middle East, where they will teach at American University of Iraq in Sulaimani.

But Caldwell’s speech offered a reassuring tone.

“Seeing you before me, I feel very proud of our future,” he said.

For a full gallery of photos, visit The Herald Bulletin site.

—Shawn McGrath is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Photo credits: Don Knight. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Amy Lynn Bader is majoring in Elementary Education and has spent this semester student teaching in first and third grade. After graduation, she will be getting married and moving back to her home state of Ohio, where she is seeking an elementary teaching position.

Andrea C. Brinkley will graduate with a degree in Elementary Education. Following a final Tri-S trip to Romania and Hungary, she hopes to find an elementary teaching position in Indiana next school year.

Katie Ann Kinman will major in Elementary Education with a specialization in Character Education and a minor in Spanish. After graduating, she plans to teach in an elementary school in the central Indiana area beginning this fall. She also hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in the field of education.

Rachel Elizabeth Koontz is double-major in Chemistry and Biology. After graduation, she will work on earning a Doctor of Medicine degree at either Wake Forest University or Indiana University School of Medicine.

Candice Nichole Lane is a double major in Psychology and Spanish. After graduation she will move to Indianapolis and begin a year-long research assistantship with IUPUI. This summer she will get married and apply to psychology graduate programs.

Carrie Anne Thomas is majoring in Language Arts Education and International Education with certification in English as a New Language. She was recently selected for a Fulbright Award through the Fulbright Program for U.S. Students, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. After graduation Carrie will assume her English Teaching Assistantship in the Slovak Republic, teaching English as a Foreign language at Gymnasium Jura Hronca (Grammar and Secondary High School) in Bratislava. While there, she will also conduct independent research on language teaching and the education system of Slovakia and participate in additional school and community activities.

Raymond Joseph Kenney and Erica Christine Narwold were unable to attend.

Jeremiah Townsell is a Criminal Justice major from South Bend, IN. As a four year starter for the Raven football team, Jeremiah twice earned 1st team ALL-HCAC honors. He ranks 10th on the career tackles list, 9th on the career sacks list, and 2nd on the career tackle for a loss list. Jeremiah was the 2008 Defensive MVP, 2007 and 2008 Lineman of the Year and was a Team Captain during the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

Melenda Hawthore is an exercise science major from Indianapolis, IN. As a four year member of the women’s basketball team, Melenda earned HCAC All-Conference honors in the 2006-2007 and the 2008-2009 seasons. She was a member of the HCAC All-Tournament Teams in the 2006-2007 and 2008 -2009 seasons. In addition, she was a finalist for the HCAC Player of the Year in 2008-09. This past season Melenda became one of only 7 players in the history of AU women’s basketball to score 1,000 points. As a two year member of the track and field team, Hawthorne was twice named to the HCAC –All Conference team; in 2006 in the high jump and in 2007 in the javelin.

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Director of the Career Development Center Maryann Coty shared that over 700 current undergraduate students have utilized the center’s resources and services.

“Using our office resources, meeting with our staff, or simply viewing the Career Development Center web site can help direct students with their internship and employment search,” said Coty.

Alumni contacting the Career Development Center for career advice, resume help, or connecting them to other alumni has increased due to layoffs and the current economy since the fall of 2008. Through a new intuitive headed by the Alumni office, the Alumni Mentoring Program creates a connection with students and alumni, and even alumni with other alumni to network professionally in their given industry and region.

“Connecting with our office is important either as a student, an alumni, or serving as an Alumni Mentor,” said Coty. “Industry networking connects students to the organizations they wish to pursue in an effort to research the job market, how the economy affects the industry, and the different sectors to their career choice.”

One example was the recent April 3 Media Career Day the Career Development Center, INvision AU and the Dept. of Communications Arts hosted in Reardon Auditorium. The Career Development Center brought in alumni from a television station, radio station, reporters, a publishing company, and newspapers to allow students to see all the job opportunities and majors encompassed in the media industry. This not only helps with networking efforts but helps undeclared students to see the vast opportunities in the media field. [Media Day pictured left.]

INvision AU is another tool the Career Development Center offers in finding paid internships for students. The Lilly Endowment grant allows AU to place interns in an organization with an agreement that the company matches the grant for future interns.

“This is a great opportunity to help students find internships, to gain experience, build required soft skills, connect students with an organization, and build a foundation for their career plan,” said Coty.

Coty breaks down each class year below to prepare students for internships and employment:

Senior Year

• Make sure your resume clearly identifies the education and skills you’ve obtained. When apply for a job, target your resume toward the organization and the job description.
• Actively get in touch with your network list. Contact everyone you know, relationships built over your time at AU, alumni connections, internships, part time jobs, volunteering in the community, etc.
• Let your network know what field you are interested in and that you are graduating.
• Attend job fairs to learn about organizations and job opportunities, and to make connections.
• At the start of your senior year have a good understanding as to when organizations within your field of interest recruit for employment. Some organizations may recruit in the fall for the following summer. This requires a great deal of researching of organizations. With today’s economy be open to taking internships.
• Follow up with the organizations in which you’ve applied for employment.

Junior Year

• Actively search for a summer internship. Talk to your faculty advisor, an alumni mentor, your network, and the career center.
• Contact the career center to prepare for interviews.
• Research the different skills you will need to develop and/or improve upon within your field of interest. Internships are a great way to develop communication, organizational, team building, leadership, and other skills organizations seek in entry level employees.
• Determine your strengths versus your weaknesses.
• Prepare to be competitive in the job market.

Sophomore Year

• Connect with alumni. Learn about the job opportunities available within your field of interest. Alumni can help educate you on what is current in the industry.
• Begin to create your network list. Include family, friends, faculty, alumni, and other professionals.
• Start networking early with alumni and everyone you know. Connections are the key to building lasting professional relationships.

Freshman Year

• Develop a short- and long-term career plan that meets your career goals with the assistance of a career counselor.
• Your resume allows you to see the knowledge and skills you currently possess.
• Sign up for LART 1200, Career and Life Planning, if undeclared. The class encourages those students who are undecided to determine interests relative to the current job market.

To view further information on a student timeline, click here.

“I wish employers knew how much we desire to have jobs and how eager we are to enter the work force – that’s a charisma not a lot of employees can say they still have,” said senior art major Dane Benton on today’s economy and job market search.

The CDC assists students and alumni with applying their academic and life experiences to attain career goals; provides them with the services and resources necessary to make better informed career decisions; and develops the skills necessary to implement their career plans.

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

“Walk. Chalk. Talk,” is Leech’s educational philosophy. “No gimmicks. I don’t jump on trendy bandwagons of pedagogy,” he explained. “Instead I try and make the content itself as alive and interesting as I can. … The media is not the message.”

Instructing in a university setting hasn’t always been Leech’s passion. “I always thought I hated school,” he said. “During my junior year of college, one of my friends overheard me say I hate it. He said to me, ‘No you don’t; you love it.’ I realized he was right. I decided that I love it so much that I wanted to remain a part of it.”

Since he came to AU in 1977, Leech has instructed on a variety of topics but focuses mainly on the subject of biological psychology. “Every year was memorable,” he said. “It was always a different group of students, and it is the students that sustain us in this.”

In addition to bio-psychology, he said that he also enjoys his History and Systems class. Leech admitted that history didn’t interest him much in his undergraduate study. “I didn’t understand the importance of it,” he said. However, his views have since changed. He says that history informs “why we think the way we think.”

Leech also served on the Faculty Development Committee from its early days. “I was on the ground floor for the committee,” he said. To expand the influence of the committee, Leech helped develop criteria for and write a grant proposal to the Lilly Endowment.

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

While at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), Morris has 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 & Undergraduate Academic Dean.

Dr. 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.

Dr. Morris has been listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and she is an Executive Leadership Development Fellow within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). She has received the Bennett, Kellogg, & Mellon Scholarship, the Edgar A. Thurman Foundation Grant and the Lilly Fellows Faculty Mentoring Program Grant.

She presently serves as a Board Member with Lilly Fellows National Network; Chair of the Mennonite Education Agency Deans & Marpeck Deans; Member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society (Epsilon Zeta and Pi Mu), and Institutional Representative for Virginia Network for Women and a Reaccreditation Evaluator for Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

CLICK HERE FOR A CAMPUS MAP AND DIRECTIONS TO AU.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

But several college students are changing the way some kids see their future, and themselves.

College Mentor for Kids, a program founded in 1994 by two Indiana University students, works to change all that and help kids to dream big.

Twice a week in Hartung Hall on the campus of Anderson University, 40 college students and 40 elementary kids in the first through fourth grades merge together to experience college life and all it has to offer.

Both Robinson Elementary and Anderson Elementary students know that on Tuesdays and Wednesdays of every week during the school year, they get to ride a bus to campus and partner up with their “big buddy.”

After snacks and reading time, participants break into groups and do different activities on campus.

“We get to see people, like famous basketball players and nurses,” said Jalen Cooley, a second-grader at Robinson Elementary. “I want to be a lawyer.”

Another Robinson second-grader, Amy White, said, “I like meeting people and we got to go to the library … I think I want to be a veterinarian someday.”

Derek Thurber, sophomore at Anderson University, said he likes working with the kids and finds it a good experience. “I work with Juan, a first-grader at Robinson Elementary. He seems to be improving in his behavior and enjoys the activities.”

Students on campus who are interested in mentoring children in this program must go through a three-step process. The president and vice president of the program will interview each candidate to find out what experience they have with kids, what their goals are and why they want to participate in the program.

Then the candidates give a short impromptu speech, answering questions such as how they would explain or answer the children’s questions. The students must also demonstrate how well they work with and communicate with children by being observed in a group.

“I got involved in College Mentor for Kids because I am an education major,” said Michelle Milius, sophomore at AU. “Michael, my first-grade buddy, has improved so much, and I’ve learned a lot of patience.”

Alexis Gentry, a freshman at AU, has two little buddies, a boy and a girl. “One of my buddies wants to come here when he grows up and asked if I will be here when he comes.”

She said they found it interesting that the college students have roommates in a dorm and do not live with their parents.

Michael Watts, a junior at AU and president of College Mentor for Kids Anderson Chapter, explained what makes this program unique:

“We have them do various things around the AU campus … activities such as going over to the wellness center and meeting with athletic trainers to see what you would do to become an athletic training major, or going to the library and seeing what librarians do, how to research and how to use the computers, and then we’ve been over to security to see what a police officer would do — basically to get them familiar with the college campus and what is a college education.”

Watts said when the children are new to the program, he asks them what they think college is and what people do there. Responses are pretty limited, but by the time the program ends each one has a better understanding and idea of how college could play an important role in their future.

“I would tell anyone wishing to aspire to great things or goals, to always believe in yourself. No matter the situations or circumstances for the present time, the future may hold something different. If you keep your head up and your eyes set on your goal, you can achieve anything,” said Watts.

He’s enjoyed watching his own little buddy grow and become a better student in school. “He even takes an interest in me and asks me about my own family. I like that I can impact and help even one student.”

—Kim Ousley is a reporter for the Herald Bulletin. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Alspaugh contributed to the goals and services of Indiana education by helping with data networking and budget modification. He will be entering into his senior year this fall continuing his history major.

Henry contributed to the goals and services of Indiana education by checking licenses, putting together mailings and inputting workshop hours into the computer. She will be entering into her senior year this fall continuing her psychology and family science major.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Dr. Dale Bales of the department of chemistry and physics was the eighth person at Anderson University to receive the John A. Morrison faculty award this past year. Bales first joined the faculty of AU in 1976, left for a brief time in the early 1980’s, but returned in 1987 to stay. He has served the institution for 28 years.

Chad Wallace, now chair of the department of chemistry and physics taking over the title from Bales, indicates the following: “I had the great opportunity to know Dale Bales at two different times in my life. The first was when I was a chemistry undergraduate student attending here. ‘Dr. Bales’, as I knew him then, was my teacher, adviser, and mentor. I saw a man of great knowledge, insight, wisdom, and humility. He epitomized to me the perfect blend of scientist and committed Christian.

In fact, for all of these years I have known him, he has almost always been a pastor of some local congregation while excelling in his duties at AU. He so inspired me, that I knew I wanted to attend graduate school so I might one day come back to my alma mater and hope to influence students’ lives a fraction of what he did.”

The recipient of the John A. Morrison staff award has served in various capacities in her lengthy tenure of 34 years with the university. She has been a student, taught classes, and is currently a staff member serving as Manager of Student Technology Services and Group Coordinator for Information Technology Services.

In her most recent assignment, Jan Schmidt, along with her colleagues in the ITS department, has been an integral part of equipping our campus with up-to-date technologies and training us in their use. Schmidt has also committed significant time to leading a number of Tri-S service trips around the world (including Calcutta, India, Grand Cayman and London) where she has developed powerful and meaningful relationships with students and those they served.

The Morrison award is designed to recognize faculty and staff who go beyond excellence in performance and have demonstrated a commitment to something larger than self. Each year, one staff and one faculty member will be selected from those nominated by the faculty and staff and announced at the annual Recognition Luncheon. Nominees for the Morrison Award should demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission and core values.

—Stefanie Leiter is Web Content Manager at Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

As Dean Branson, director of student programming, pointed tightly-packed vehicles toward temporary parking spaces, returning students and some experienced parents waited for any chance they had to help another freshman into the dorms.

“They’re responsible for unpacking, but we get their stuff up to the room as quickly as we can,” Branson said.

Cars came loaded with all the comforts of home — lamps, rugs, television — downsized to fit into each of the single rooms that most students must share with an unfamiliar roommate.

“We have to know that the people coming here have never done this before,” Branson said. “So we have to make them feel at home.”

Hominess is what attracted Nathan Breneman to AU. The freshman from Dublin, Ohio, said the size of the campus made the school seem like a good fit. He was settling into Dunn Hall on Thursday, but said he wasn’t nervous about starting classes, although he was worried that living without his own car would take a lot of getting used to.

His parents were also wondering about how their lives would be different with their oldest son out of the house.

“I just know the home will be a lot quieter,” said Jenny, Nathan’s mother. “He’s the talker. He’s the one who always has something going on.”

Nathan is one of an estimated 600 new undergraduates enrolling at AU this fall, the school reported. The university expects the size of its full-time freshman class to increase between 12 and 15 percent this year, but exact figures will not be known until late September.

Approximately 80 percent of new undergraduate students are coming from Indiana or neighboring states, but 47 states and 30 countries are represented in the total undergraduate population of about 1,850 students, the university reported.

Callie Zelber and Kelly Thomas moved into Rice Hall on Thursday. Strangers less than a year ago, the two girls met though Anderson University’s new social networking site for accepted students, a Web site that lets people seriously considering AU to talk.

Admission’s counselor Christy Kihm said lots of students had found roommates using the site. “It was a big hit.”

Zelber, of Indianapolis, and Thomas, of Miamisburg, Ohio, said they connected over their shared love of the Disney princesses, and now their dorm room is festooned with images of Belle from “Beauty and the Beast.”

The girls said it was a challenge to decide which clothes to bring, and they both made a point to pack photographs and their beloved teddy bears.

With five days left before classes start, Kelly said she’d be using the time to relax, meet some new people, and if there’s time, find out where her classes are. dresser to herself, she joked that it was a good excuse to go buy more clothes.

VIEW FLICKR PHOTO ALBUM OF 2008 MOVE-IN DAY

—Barrett Newkirk is a reporter for the Herald Bulletin. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

VIEW PHOTOS OF GRADUATION ON FLICKR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

CLICK HERE FOR A CAMPUS MAP AND DIRECTIONS TO AU.

AU will award James T. Morris with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and Phyllis R. Naylor with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

Other events scheduled on Anderson University’s May 10 commencement day include the Falls School of Business hooding ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in Byrum Hall for candidates of both Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Business Administration degrees. In addition, the hooding ceremony for the School of Education will also be conducted at 12 noon on May 10 (as well as the certification ceremony for the Teach in Indiana Program–TIP) in Schield dining room of the Olt Student Center.

Earlier events associated with commencement weekend include the School of Theology Senior Recognition and Awards Chapel on Tuesday, April 29, at 11 a.m. EDT in Miller Chapel. In addition, a special pinning ceremony for the Anderson University School of Nursing will be conducted on Friday, May 9 at 6 p.m. in Byrum Hall.

James T. Morris serves as Special Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and President for Pacers Sports and Entertainment. Before joining the Pacers, Morris spent five years as the Executive Director for the United Nations World Food Programme. As head of WFP, Morris oversaw the world’s largest food aid organization, with more than 12,000 staff members, 90 percent of whom work in the developing world.

In July 2002, Morris was appointed UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s Special Envoy for Humanitarian Needs in Southern Africa, a region which continues to be gripped by a major food emergency. In 2003, he successfully guided the World Food Programme in carrying out the largest humanitarian operation in history, feeding 27 million Iraqis.

After serving six years in city government in Indianapolis, Ind., Morris moved to the Lilly Endowment, Inc. in 1973. He served as president for six years until 1989. Morris then became chairman and chief executive officer of IWC Resources Corporation and Indianapolis Water Company.

While serving in these leadership roles and on several corporate boards, Morris has carved time out of this already busy schedule for volunteer activities. He was affiliated with the United States Olympic Committee as treasurer and as chairman of the audit and ethics committee, was a member of the Board of Governors of the American Red Cross, and was chairman of the Board of Trustees of Indiana University. He has contributed time and guidance to many civic and community organizations.

Phyllis R. Naylor, author of the 1992 Newbery Medal winner Shiloh, was born in Anderson, Ind. She wrote her first book in kindergarten and sold her first story at age 16 for $4.67. Before she started writing full-time in 1960, Naylor worked as a teacher and editor. Since she sold her first children’s book in 1965, she has written 136 books for children and adults.

Shiloh is the story of an 11-year-old Marty Preston who chances upon a mistreated beagle pup in his hometown of Friendly, West Virginia. Marty is not prepared for the ethical questions he has to face. Should he return the dog to its owner, only to have the animal abused again? Should he tell his parents? Should he steal food to help the poor creature? Marty’s efforts to cope with these questions provides the moral backbone for this story, which is presented in a language and manner that will be understood by third- and fourth-grade readers.

Kimberly Majeski grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and graduated from college with a degree in Political Science. After serving on the staff of a United States Congressman and two state representatives including the Speaker of the House and the Majority Floor Leader, Majeski received a call from God to preach. She immediately began preparing and studying for what has now become her life’s work.

Majeski served on the pastoral staff of the Trinity First Church of God in Nashville, Tennessee and also served as the Director of Education for the Cumberland Crisis Pregnancy Center where she enjoyed an extensive speaking ministry taking the message of truth and purity to many churches, women’s events and to over 13,000 young people in the public school system.

Majeski was ordained in 2000 and earned her Master of Divinity in 2003 from Anderson University School of Theology while serving as a Ministry Coordinator in the national offices of Women of the Church of God. During her career, she has served as a conference speaker, women’s retreat leader, Bible teacher, and pastor, She is married to Kevin Majeski and the two now live in Anderson, Indiana where Kimberly is the campus pastor of Anderson University.

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