Anderson University recently announced that 76 percent of the faculty and staff have contributed more than $2.4 million in gifts and pledges to the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.” campaign. The public phase of the campaign for Anderson University was officially launched on October 5, 2006 and is the largest fundraising effort in the history of the institution. To date, more than $82.3 million has been raised toward the $110 million goal.

“Nothing is more inspiring than to see this kind of giving that expresses so much about those who are at work on the campus every day and who share a vision for our future,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Theirs is one of the very best of the many stories we have to tell in this transforming effort. We are so grateful to our faculty and staff for their outstanding response to the campaign.”

“It is so wonderful that such a substantial percentage of our dedicated faculty and staff have provided financial support for our campaign at such a significant level,” said Bob Coffman, vice-president for Advancement at Anderson University. “The level of participation on-campus is truly remarkable within higher education circles. This kind of commitment is viewed as a very positive factor by other potential donors from outside the campus community as they consider their own gifts.”

“In addition to the outstanding contributions our faculty and staff make daily in support of the mission of AU, the high percentage of individuals willing to participate in the on-campus portion of the campaign is truly an example of going the extra mile,” said Janet Brewer, director of Nicholson Library at Anderson University and co-chair of the On-Campus Campaign Initiative.

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

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

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

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

Martin Hall hosted a celebration to honor the decades of sisterhood that have been created since the dorm’s construction in 1958. 50 people attended the 50-year celebration in Martin Lobby to share memories, stories and friendships from the hall on the eve of its renovation.

Governor Mitch Daniels will honor alumni and gospel music singing and songwriting pioneers Bill and Gloria Gaither with the 2008 Sachem, the state’s highest honor, at a ceremony this week.

“With all the success they have achieved, the Gaithers still live with us: in the house in which they raised their children, in the way in which they raised those children, in the way in which they and their music have spoken to us and to the better angels of our nature now for fifty plus years,” said Daniels.

Anderson University mourns the recent passing of Dr. Gilbert Stafford, professor emeritus of Theology and former director of the Doctor of Ministry program within the School of Theology. Dr. Stafford passed away on Sunday, March 30, following an extended struggle with cancer. He retired at the end of the 2006-07 academic year after 31 years of service.

Anderson University announces the resignation of Michael Zapolski, Athletic Director for Anderson University. Zapolski recently accepted a position as Athletic Director of Augustana College located in Rock Island, Ill. He came to Anderson University during the 2003-04 school year replacing Barrett Bates, longtime coach and Athletic Director.

Covenant Productions at Anderson University (Anderson, Ind.) will offer free premieres of A Ripple of Hope, an independent documentary which captures one poignant day in the life of Robert Kennedy and explores a little known act of personal courage and responsibility. The premieres will occur in Anderson and Indianapolis on April 3 and April 4. The confirmed screening schedule is as follows:

AU alum and Hoosier recording artist Jon McLaughlin had an audience in more than 200 countries on Feb. 24 as he sang “So Close” during the Academy Awards ceremony. Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2007 were presented on Sunday, February 24, 2008, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and were televised live by the ABC Television Network. The show was hosted by comedian Jon Stewart.

February 21-24, Byrum Hall Theatre will feature Albert Herring, a hilarious 1940’s opera by Benjamin Britten and set in late Victorian England.

2005 AU alumnus and national recording artist Jon McLaughlin sang the National Anthem for the Indianapolis Colts’ game on December 30 against the Jaguars.

McLaughlin recently performed his song “Industry” during halftime of the Indianapolis Colts game Sunday. The Colts played the San Diego Chargers in the AFC Divisional playoffs at the RCA Dome.

Echoes inevitably fade to silence, and Anderson University’s Echoes yearbook is no exception. The 2007 yearbook, now available to those who ordered one, will be the last edition because students say they prefer to keep in touch through Web sites like Facebook rather than remember their experiences with a yearbook.

“Students voted with their feet and pocket books on this one,” vice president of academic affairs Carl Caldwell said.

The student body had become less willing to be photographed for the yearbook and dwindling sales of the $35 volume hardly justified publication, he said.