At six-years-old Kori Cowan was diagnosed with a congenital blood disease affecting her immune system. Kori has developed polyps in her nasal cavity and behind her eyes. She has already endured 17 operations as a result of these painful growths, which must be surgically removed. Doctors believe these polyps may be the result of environmental issues in the family’s home, including an extreme mold infestation. Ryan, Andy and Heather’s oldest son, has also fallen ill and has gone to live with his biological father – tearing this close-knit family apart.

Despite the daily struggles Kori faces, she has not let her disease slow her down. During one of her stays at the blood clinic, Kori was inspired by a little girl with whom she shared a room and who remains one of her best friends. Kori has raised over $35,000 for the American Cancer Society in honor of her friend while being restricted to the upstairs of her family’s deteriorating home. Now, it’s up to Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to build Kori and her family a safe, new home that will allow her to not just fight her own disease, but continue to fight cancer as well.

The family will go on vacation to Disneyland while Extreme Makeover: Home Edition team leader Ty Pennington, designers Paul DiMeo, Didiayer Snyder, and Xzibit, celebrity volunteer Platinum selling artist David Cook, local builder Hallmark Homes, and community volunteers rebuild their home.

Before they leave, the Cowan-Brown family will participate in a press conference at 12:30 p.m. today at 11040 S. 100 W., Bunker Hill, Ind.

Hallmark Homes invites all Hoosiers to show their support of this Extreme Makeover: Home Edition by visiting the site and following the build on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. For more information, visit www.hallmarkextreme.com.

Businesses and community partners have already signed up to be part of the project. Anderson University is mobilizing students, faculty, staff, and alumni to help make one family’s dream come true. Other partners include: Schneider Electric, Carter Lumber, Bilt Best Windows, Reese Wholesale, Climate Master, JN Stone, Modern Trailer Sales, Blakley’s Designer Floors, Madison Millwork, ZIP System, AdvanTech, and Ball State University.

The Location Address:
The Cowan-Brown Family — 11040 S 100 West, Bunker Hill, Ind., 46914

About Hallmark Homes:
Hallmark Homes is one of the largest, on-your-lot custom home builders in the Midwest. Having built more than 1,000 homes since 1992, Hallmark Homes’ service, quality control, scheduling and warranty are second to none. Hallmark Homes is a proud recipient of the coveted 2008 Keystone Award and 2008 Residential Warranty National Award of Distinction. Hallmark is also member of the Better Business Bureau and the National Association of Home Builders. For more information, visit www.hallmarkhomes.com.

About ABC-TVs Extreme Makeover: Home Edition:
The Emmy® award-winning reality program Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, now it its seventh season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. It is executive-produced by Anthony Dominici. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8 – 9 p.m., ET on ABC.

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” is broadcast with Spanish subtitles via secondary closed captioning. A TV parental guideline will be posted closer to airdate.

ABC Media Relations: (Los Angeles) Jonathan Hogan (818) 460-7016. (New York) Lisa Scalzo (212) 456-7109. Photography is available at www.abcmedianet.com or at (818) 460-6611.

Build Schedule:
Oct. 21: Family is notified, also known as the “Door Knock”
Oct. 22: Demolition of the house
Oct. 27: House reveal, also known as the time for “Move that Bus!”

Spectators and Volunteers
Hallmark Homes is inviting individuals from across Indiana to attend and volunteer during the build. All individuals interested in participating as spectators or volunteers should visit the Web site: www.hallmarkextreme.com.

Sponsorships and Donations
To make a donation please go to www.hallmarkextreme.com. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Derek Wilder at (765) 620-3883 or via e-mail at derek@hallmarkhomes.com.

Media Credentials
During the week-long build, a media tent will be available for all qualified media members. Media must show identification or a letter of assignment on media letterhead at check in to receive credentials.

Interviews
To schedule interviews with builders, family, and talent or to request information on credentials, please e-mail media@hallmarkhomes.com. To schedule an interview please call (765) 620-3883.

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.

“I have never seen so many children,” Thomas beamed. “That’s insurance for Anderson University.”

Themselves children of John A. Morrison, the first president of Anderson College, Hoffman and Thomas said their father would be proud of the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd of all ages that soaked up a brisk, sunny autumn day on University Boulevard.

“It’s delightful,” said Hoffman, who graduated from Anderson College in 1940. Thomas graduated in 1943.

“He said some day we will be a university, and we are. We grew from a two-room Bible-reading class. In other words, I’m 90 years old.”

“And I’m 88,” Thomas said before a second could pass.

Up and down University Boulevard on Saturday, children, students, and alumni mingled, chatted, and reunited amid a carnival atmosphere. Student and alumni groups cooked up elephant ears, bratwursts, chili, and Thai noodles, to name a few, to raise money for campus groups or missions.

But the food wasn’t just for eating.

“Marshmallow golf is so fun, even if you don’t play golf,” barked Chris Green, who was raising money for Student Government Association. In a small mulch mound, he placed a marshmallow atop a tee for would-be fluff duffers.

“It’s not intuitive,” he said, recommending a heavy iron and a low approach.

Nearby, junior Paul Bates was raising money for Avanti Boosters Social Club by braving a dunk tank in the low-50-degree weather. Or so it seemed.

A student passerby stopped in his tracks and stared, apparently noticing the slight steam vapors rising from the water below into the cooler air.

“It’s cheating, isn’t it?” Bates acknowledged of the warm water into which he’d been dunked a half-dozen times in five minutes. “It feels pretty nice to get in it.”

It’s a sentiment many homecoming guests likely shared, filling the street on the first dry, sunny day after a week dominated by inclement weather.

“It’s the biggest turnout I’ve seen,” said Ben Davis, AU director of alumni relations. “That’s as good as a crowd gets for the street fair.”

The crowd on hand was just a part of the Anderson University family that would be able to get the flavor of the event. For the first time, the street fair could be viewed live on streaming video through the university’s Web site, www.anderson.edu, and that of AU alumni, www.andersonalums.com.

[PHOTO: WQME 98.7 FM's Matt Rust interviews 2009 AU alum Kelly Kaiser during the Homecoming Street Fair Webcast.]

At the alumni tent, 1952 graduate Jean LeViere of Portersville, Pa., smiled as she flipped through yearbooks and looked at displays from her days as an Anderson College student. She became a teacher after her years at the school, and two generations followed in her footsteps.

“Oh, it’s great,” she said of reconnecting with AU alums and being among crowds of students and faculty at homecoming, as she’s tried to do nearly every year since graduating.

She began her college career at Indiana University before she transferred to AU. “I fell in love with it,” LeViere said.

AU junior Alex Campbell and others from Fair Commons Apartments cooked up something special Saturday — chili and white chicken chili, sales of which benefit their sponsor child, 10-year-old Travis Mugabe from Uganda.

She said it takes $25 a month to support Travis, and the students have several fundraisers throughout the year to collect that money.

“This is probably one of our biggest ones,” she said, noting that Saturday’s good turnout would likely support the child for months to come.

“All the proceeds are going to go to him,” Campbell said.

– Dave Stafford is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Story posted by 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.

[PHOTO: Anderson University soccer 20th anniversary celebration.]

“I’ve been here for better, been here for worse,” Graham said. She should know — it was her 38th straight year at AU homecoming.

“It’s just a great time to reconnect,” said Graham, a retired elementary school teacher, who traveled to campus with her husband, Jerry, from their Midland, Mich. home.

“This is my adopted school,” said Jerry Graham, a Church of God youth pastor.
Long-standing ties to AU and to the Church of God led many to come to homecoming events that began Thursday and continued Saturday and Sunday. So did family and friends.

Sue (Zollweg) Keil, who attended Anderson from 1976 to 1979, and her husband, Mark, warmed themselves inside Decker Hall on Friday evening. They were waiting to see their son, AU junior Nathan Keil, on stage in “Cheap Thrills,” a sketch performance show and popular homecoming fixture.

“He never even considered Anderson,” Sue Keil said. But he visited, “liked the campus, liked the community,” and chose to attend AU. This homecoming, their daughter Emily is also visiting, weighing the possibility of going to AU.

Another highlight performance of homecoming Friday evening was the School of Music’s Homecoming Concert, which featured the AU Chorale, Women’s Chorus, Men’s Choir, and Chamber Orchestra. Becky Archibald, an Anderson native and 1983 AU graduate who is an award-winning concert pianist, received the Outstanding Music Alumni Award.

[PHOTO: Jeff Wight, dean of the AU School of Music, presents the 2009 Outstanding Music Alumni Award to Becky Archibald.]

At the School of Nursing, alums checked out an entirely remodeled second floor that also includes technology that puts the school at the forefront of education.

Visitors grouped around the hospital bed of SimMan 3G. He’s a remarkably lifelike mannequin with simulated vital signs and body functions. Instructors can program SimMan to have symptoms of particular ailments, giving students a feel for real-world situations without treating someone.

“This is the only one in the state of Indiana,” said Karen Williams, dean of the AU School of Nursing. “I think it says we have a great nursing program. We’re trying to really use technology to the students’ advantage.”

That was the impression made on 2006 alum Odessa Gray, now an obstetrical nurse in Connersville. “It’s so much more convenient to have all that assessment tool in one model,” she said, noting that she believed some nursing students would choose AU because of the available technology.

The nursing school is more spacious and organized than she remembered. “It’s just amazing to me,” Gray said. “It’s an awesome addition to this university.

[PHOTO (from left): Cindy Penhorwood, Pat Griffin, Holly Renz, and Karen Roller.]

Also Friday evening, the nursing school presented the following alumni awards:

• Distinguished alumna: Cindy Penhorwood of Heart to Honduras.
• Service to the community: Holly Renz of Community Hospital Anderson.
• Friend of nursing: Karen Roller, AU executive director of development.
• Lifetime achievement: Pat Griffin, former interim dean of the School of Nursing.

– Dave Stafford is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Story posted 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.

Part 1: Featuring the Martin Hall “Subterraneans” (1964-65), Joy (May) Sherman (class of 1997), Dienzel Dennis (class of 1961), and Brent Baker (class of 1985).

Part 2: Featuring UMatter Class Challenge announcement, Phil Fair (class of 1961), Kelly Kaiser (class of 2009), and Ben Davis (class of 1997).

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.

Jenn Helvering, daughter of Sandi Patty and John Helvering, appeared shocked when she was named 2009 Homecoming Queen at Anderson University on Thursday in Reardon Auditorium.

“I really was very surprised,” the AU senior said afterward. “I didn’t expect it at all. I got the e-mail, and I thought it was a mistake.”

Helvering said she was sad that she would be gone all weekend. She travels nationally with a Christian music program called The Revolve Tour.

“I’m sure for most of her life, Jenn has been known as ‘Sandi Patty’s daughter,’” said the singer and former Anderson resident by e-mail Thursday.

“But every day, I get to be Jenn Helvering’s mom. I’m especially proud of that today.”

John Helvering, who attended the event, agreed.

“It was extremely exciting to see (the honor go to) someone that did not work for this title,” he said. “But it’s very well deserved.”

Senior Jason White, from Madisonville, Ky., was named 2009 Homecoming King. White is an accounting major, social club Dativus president, serves on the University Leadership Council and is involved with SIFE (Student In Free Enterprise).

Family of another national music figure from Anderson were also on hand. Mike and Tammy McLaughlin accepted the 2009 Distinguished Young Alumni Award for their son, singer-songwriter Jon McLaughlin, during the ceremonies.

The theme of this year’s homecoming is “Stay Connected for Good.”

Also honored were Ray Freer, AU professor emeritus and former art department chairman, with the Distinguished Service Award; Ken and Grada Lockhart, with the John H. Kane Loyalty Award; AU freshman Jyllian Kumfer, with the Alumni Council Scholarship Award; and Christine Densmore Young, director of resident programming at Bethany Pointe, with the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Becky Archibald will receive the Outstanding Music Alumni Award during the Homecoming Concert at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the Park Place Church of God. Admission is free.

Anderson native McLaughlin, who studied music at AU, is working on his third album for Island Def Jam Records.

“We’re honored that all of our children have come through AU,” said Mike McLaughlin. “But Jon’s experience here is one that has certainly impacted his life.”

Archibald, a 1983 AU alum and award-winning jazz and classical pianist, said, “It was quite a surprise when they called me. I was very, very happy and honored.”

Young, originally from Detroit, worked as a missionary and preschool teacher before accepting her current position with Bethany Pointe Health Campus. Her husband, Jerry, has been pastor at the Christian Congregation Church in Alexandria for 34 years.

“I’m humbled, in a word,”Young said. “Basically, I feel like I represent and accept this honor on behalf of all the AU grads who have graduated to a life of service.”

A native of Port Huron, Mich., Freer was a professor of art at AU and later chairman of the department. Retired in 2008, he is event coordinator for the Anderson Center for the Arts.

“I’m not sure I deserve it,” Freer said. “I used to come here when I was an elementary school child for camp meeting, so I’m really pleased to have this kind of award.”

Ken Lockhart founded several insurance companies during a near 40-year span, and Grada taught in public schools for 11 years. Ken has served as a Church of God board member, and Grada serves on the Town and Gown Steering Committee.

“John Kane was a friend from years back that used to come to our home church,” Ken Lockhart said. “To receive an award in his name is really quite an honor.”

Kumfer, a graduate of Columbia City High School, is the daughter of AU alums and grew up attending AU homecomings. She intends to work to help AIDS patients in other countries.

“My family has been involved with the Church of God of Anderson for so long,” Kumfer said, “it’s just a blessing to be able to be part of this community.”

2009 Homecoming Court members

Seniors: Caity Stuart, Bonnie Lanning, Brett Sears, Jenn Helvering, Thomas Newell, Thomas Neyer, Jason White and Phillip Crawshaw

Juniors: Naomi Millet and Caleb Hatch

Sophomores: Liisa Kilmer and Andy Harper

Freshmen: Brandy Buchanan and Merle Klein

Alumni Award Honorees, 2009

• Christine Densmore Young, Class of 1976, Distinguished Alumni Award
• Jon McLaughlin, Class of 2005, Distinguished Young Alumni Award
• Ray Freer, Class of 1965, Distinguished Service Award
• Ken and Grada Lockhart, Classes of 1957 and 1955, respectively, John H. Kane Loyalty Award
• Jyllian Kumfer, freshman, 2009 Alumni Council Scholarship Award
• Becky Archibald, Class of 1983, Outstanding Music Alumni Award

AU Homecoming Event Schedule

Friday, October 9

7:30 p.m.: School of Music Homecoming Concert and presentation of Outstanding Music Alumni Award, Park Place Church of God

7:30 and 10 p.m.: Cheap Thrills, Reardon Auditorium; $2.50 presale, $3 at the door

Saturday, October 10

10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Street Fair, University Boulevard (rain location: Kardatzke Wellness Center)

10 a.m.-1 p.m.: RavenFest with andersonalums.com University Boulevard

1:30 p.m.: AU Football vs. Mount St. Joseph, Macholtz Stadium; $5 admission; $3 for seniors, students, and children under 6; free for faculty and staff

2:30 and 7:30 p.m.: “Into the Woods,” Byrum Hall. Admission: $12 adults, $10 seniors and military, $5 students; for information, call 641-4543; for tickets, call 641-4541

5-6 p.m.: Homecoming Reunion for the classes of 2004-09, Schield, Olt Student Center; no cost

6:30 p.m.: Athletic Hall of Fame Awards Dinner, Ruth Lilly Pavilion, Kardatzke Wellness Center; cost: $20

7:30 and 10 p.m.: “ ’60s & ’70s” Encore, Reardon Auditorium; $2.50 presale, $3 at door

—Rodney Richey 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.

The Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to Christine Densmore Young, from Detroit, Mich. Christine Young enrolled in Anderson University after viewing many Christian colleges across the country with her father. During her time as an AU student, she joined a mission in Willemsburg, N.Y., focusing on helping children from Puerto Rico. She also spent time studying in Mexico City. After graduating from AU in 1976, Christine taught preschoolers and worked with mentally handicapped children around Anderson. She also filled various directive and creative roles in her husband, Jerry’s, church in Alexandria.

Currently the director of Bethany Pointe Health Campus in Anderson, Christine has greatly enhanced the lives of the aged through various programs, specifically utilizing her abilities in the teaching of sign language, Spanish, and other forms of cognitive strengthening. Along with teaching, she also founded the Bethany Pointe Choir and continues to work alongside her husband at The Christian Congregation. Christine believes that through her efforts with Bethany Pointe, she is sharing the same enthusiasm, encouragement, and care she experienced as an AU student.

The Distinguished Young Alumni Award was presented to Jon McLaughlin, from Anderson, Ind. He attended Anderson University to study music, graduating in 2005. While at AU, he was the first artist signed to student-run Orangehaus Records and recorded a self-titled album in 2004. The album led to a tour throughout the Midwest, where he began to gather a grassroots following. In 2006, McLaughlin signed with Island Def Jam Records. His public image increased when his song “Human” was used in the television sit-com Scrubs and again in the television drama The Ghost Whisperer. His song “Another Layer” landed on the soundtrack of the movie The Bridge to Terebithia, and his hit “Beautiful Disaster” was used in the film Georgia Rule. He then made a big-screen appearance on Disney’s Enchanted singing “So Close,” written by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. In 2007, he opened for Kelly Clarkson and also appeared on The Tonight Show starring Jay Leno. His latest album is OK Now, featuring the song “Beating My Heart.” He has spent the last few months touring and working on songs for his next album.

The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Ray Freer. He believes his decision to join AU came “shortly after birth” since his father was a Church of God preacher in Port Huron, Mich. From a young age, Ray had a passion for art and utilized this fervor while working his way through college at Warner Press. His student job, coupled with his appreciation of art, inspired him to study graphic design independently, though at the time, Anderson College did not have such a specialized degree.

After graduating from AU in 1965, he moved to Southern California with his wife, Kathy, and began his long-standing teaching career. Six years later— and after receiving his master’s degree — Ray moved back to Anderson and, at the age of 29, took the position of art department chair. He enacted many changes to the art department, specifically the inclusion of specialized fields — such as graphic design — within the fine arts major. He also designed the current Fine Arts building. After 12 years as the department chair, he stepped down in order to give himself more time as an independent artist. He continued teaching a variety of art classes at AU until his retirement in the spring of 2009.

Currently, Ray works on independent projects, volunteers with the Church of God Food Pantry, and serves as an event coordinator for the Anderson Center for the Arts. He also enjoys teaching young children about the virtues of art and observing how they speak in deep levels through non-verbal communication.

Ken and Grada Lockhart are the 2009 recipients of the John H. Kane Loyalty Award. For both Ken BS ’57 and Grada ’55 Lockhart, the decision to join AU was simple, yet deeply rooted within their Church of God upbringings. From early ages, the church influenced the Lockhart’s; Ken’s grandfather was a preacher, and Grada’s parents were ordained ministers.

During their attendance at Anderson College, the Lockhart’s majored in business—Ken focused on accounting while Grada experienced a more general business field with an emphasis on secretarial work. The two were married in 1955 and over the years,moved around the Midwest, depending on Ken’s job, but stayed close to the Church of God. Imbued with experience shared by Glen Falls, Ken worked with and founded several insurance companies during a near 40-year span. Grada switched her focus from business to teaching and taught as a substitute for 11 years in Covington, Ky., and Indianapolis. Later, she worked for Duke Associates as an administrative assistant.

Although they have retired, the Lockhart’s are still heavily involved with the growth and development of their alma mater. Ken served as a Church of God board member from 1981-1996 and returned briefly from 2005-2007. He also founded a church scholarship fund in the 1970’s, later named the Lockhart Scholarship Fund. Hundreds of AU students have benefited from this generosity. Grada is currently involved with several projects throughout Anderson. For several years, she has been a member of the Town and Gown Steering Committee, a bridge between the college and city which helps develop promotional information. She is also involved with the Paramount Theatre and teaches Sunday school lessons.

In their leisure time, Ken is an avid golfer, and Grada enjoys traveling. The husband and wife currently live in Anderson and attend Church of The Crossing in Indianapolis.

The Outstanding Music Award this year went to Becky Archibald. An Anderson, Indiana native, and a graduate of Anderson University, Becky received her master’s in piano performance from California State University at Long Beach. An award winning pianist, her music weaves the improvisational style of jazz with classical piano. Archibald’s solo piano CDs, Searching, The Long Ride Home, The Light At the End of the Blues, and The Christmas One have been played on radio stations around the country and overseas. She has performed at Carnegie Hall and the Renaissance Center in Nashville and has been a guest artist at many universities in Indiana.

This year’s Alumni Council Scholarship Recipient is Jyllian Kumfer. She is the daughter of the Rev. Timothy BA ’82 and Cynthia (Franklin) BA ’81, AA ’81 Kumfer. She is a graduate of Columbia City High School in Columbia City, Ind. Jyllian grew up coming to Anderson University for Homecoming and Lil’ Sibs Weekends, as well as the Church of God National Conventions. She is confident that her experiences at AU will help her discover God’s direction for her life.

For more information about Anderson University’s 2009 Homecoming celebration, contact the office of Alumni Relations at 765-641-4100 (phone), 765-641-3888 (fax), alumni@anderson.edu (e-mail).

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 honored to be selected by Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. We look forward to building the home of their dreams in 106 hours flat,” says Paul Schwinghammer, president of Hallmark Homes. “It’s gratifying to know that we can help make a positive difference for a Hoosier family.”

It’s not just the family who will have a positive experience. “The real excitement comes in knowing how much the people who volunteer on this project will be changed,” says Derek Wilder. “It’s a great thing to be part of something bigger than yourself.”

Five families are being considered throughout the region and Ty Pennington, the star of the show, will show up on the doorstep of the selected family on Oct. 21.

Hoosiers will be able to visit the site during the build and to volunteer to help. A special Anderson University alumni work day is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24. Alums interested in serving should visit: https://co.clickandpledge.com/advanced/default.aspx?wid=23036

More information is available at www.hallmarkextreme.com.

A press conference is scheduled for this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. at Inventrek at 700 East Firmin Street, Kokomo, IN 46902.

Businesses and community partners have already signed up to be part of the project. Anderson University is mobilizing students, faculty, staff and alumni to help make one family’s dream come true. Other partners include: Carter Lumber, Bilt Best Windows, Reese Wholesale, Climate Master, JN Stone, Modern Trailer Sales, Blakely’s Flooring, Madison Millwork, Schneider Electric and Ball State University.

A special Web site, www.hallmarkextreme.com, launches today to provide around the clock updates during the 106-hour race to the finish.

About Hallmark Homes:
Hallmark Homes is one of the largest, on-your-lot custom home builders in the Midwest. Having built more than 1,000 homes since 1992, Hallmark Homes’ service, quality control, scheduling and warranty are second to none. Hallmark Homes is a proud recipient of the coveted 2008 Keystone Award and 2008 Residential Warranty National Award of Distinction. Hallmark is also member of the Better Business Bureau and the National Association of Home Builders. For more information, visit www.hallmarkhomes.com.

About ABC-TVs Extreme Makeover: Home Edition:
The Emmy® award-winning reality program Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, now it its seventh season, is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. Its executive- produced by Anthony Dominici. David Goldberg is Chairman, Endemol North America. The show airs Sundays from 8 p.m. – 9 p.m., ET on ABC.

Note to Media: One of five deserving families in our community will be selected as the recipient for a new Hallmark home and a life changing week. Below you will find information on the build schedule, volunteers, sponsorships, donations and media credentials.

Build Schedule:
Oct. 16: Pep rally for volunteers
Oct. 21: Family is notified, also known as the “Door Knock”
Oct. 22: Demolition of the house
Oct. 27: House reveal, also known as the time for “Move that Bus!”

Spectators and Volunteers
Hallmark Homes is inviting individuals from across Indiana to attend and volunteer during the build. All individuals interested in participating as spectators or volunteers should visit the Web site: www.hallmarkextreme.com.

Sponsorships and Donations
To make a donation please go to www.hallmarkextreme.com. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Derek Wilder at (765) 620-3883 or via e-mail at derek@hallmarkhomes.com.

Media Credentials
During the week-long build, a media tent will be available for all qualified media members. To schedule interviews with builders, family and talent or to request information on credentials, please e-mail media@hallmarkhomes.com. To schedule an interview please call (765) 620-3883.

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.

An award-winning composer and pianist, Archibald creates music that is inviting, intense, and intimate. She is a master at weaving the improvisational style of jazz with classical piano. The L.A. Jazz Scene describes her music as “thoughtful, melodic, and passionate.” The Nashville Scene defines it as having “flashes of humor but with an introspective quality drawn from the wells of Chopin and Gershwin.” Selections from The Long Ride Home and The Light at the End of the Blues made the Grammy entry list (in years 2002 and 2004) for Best Instrumental Composition. Her arrangement of “Jingle Bells” from The Christmas One made the 2006 Grammy entry list in the Arranging category. Becky’s solo piano CDs, Searching, The Long Ride Home, The Light At the End of the Blues, and The Christmas One have been played on radio stations around the country and overseas, and are often heard on NPR’s “All Things Considered.”

Archibald will be performing some of her original compositions accompanied by School of Music students and faculty members. Performances by the Anderson University Wind Ensemble and the Anderson University Jazz Ensemble will also be a part of the evening’s concert.

“We are pleased to honor Becky with our 2009 Outstanding Music Alumni Award,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wright, dean of the College of the Arts. “Her artistry and musicianship are superb. She is a wonderful representative of the School of Music in the professional arena. This will be an evening of music you will not want to miss.”

The Homecoming Concert on Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Park Place Church of God is free and open to the public.

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.

Rudolph “Rudy” R. Pyle III, 39, was appointed Sunday by Gov. Mitch Daniels to fill the vacancy created last month by the resignation of Judge Fredrick R. Spencer. Pyle becomes Madison County’s first black judge.

“I first thank God for blessing me with this opportunity and thank the governor for having the confidence in me to be successful in this important post,” Pyle said Sunday. “I’m very honored and very humbled.”

Pyle said he didn’t feel a burden with his selection as the county’s first black judge. “It’s actually a moment that everyone in Madison County can be proud of. Here we have the first African-American judge in 2009. We as a community have come this far.”

Daniels’ spokesman Brad Rateike noted Pyle’s education and history in announcing the appointment.

“Rudy Pyle’s devotion to public service and diverse range of real world and academic experience show he has the necessary traits to be a great judge,” Rateike said in a statement. “The governor is confident he will bring new energy to the bench and will help establish a more effective and efficient court system in Madison County.”

Pyle said his experience gives him the ability to view cases from the perspective of law-enforcement officers and with an understanding of legal theory. “It gives me a really well-rounded background to be an effective judge.”

The announcement of Pyle’s appointment said he will be sworn in at an unspecified later date. The Indiana Supreme Court appointed retired Judge Jack Brinkman as a temporary judge in Circuit Court days after Spencer’s resignation.

Spencer resigned the judgeship on Sept. 25 amid an investigation of a judicial misconduct complaint. That case was closed with Spencer’s resignation.

A Republican, Pyle will ascend to the bench to fill a short term before he will have to stand for election next year. Given the interest in recent judicial openings, it’s likely that he will face challengers in the 2010 primary and general.

For now though, he said he’s focused on the job ahead.

“One of the biggest challenges will be to make sure the transition is as seamless as possible. We’ll be moving forward with unification of the court system,” Pyle said. Circuit Court is the only court that is not part of the unified court system, which uses the same case-management system, shares resources and is designed to improve overall court administration.

“It’s just an effort to be more efficient and to use taxpayer resources much more efficiently,” Pyle said.

The selection of Pyle to fill the Circuit Court post is the county’s second judicial replacement in recent months. In May, Daniels appointed David Happe, 38, as the new judge of Superior Court 4, filling the vacancy created by the death of Judge David W. Hopper.

Pyle was one of six candidates interviewed to fill the vacancy in Superior Court 4, and Daniels’ office did not solicit applicants for the Circuit Court opening. Along with Happe and Pyle, others who were interviewed were former Prosecutor Rodney Cummings, former Colorado Supreme Court Justice Gregory K. Scott, former Anderson mayoral candidate John M. Blevins, and former Superior Court 5 judicial candidate William C. Davisson.

Pyle said he was appreciative of residents who supported him for the judicial post. “I was just very honored and very humbled by it. … The others in consideration were equally capable also.”

A Rhode Island native, Pyle came to Anderson in 1987, where his father, Rudolph Pyle Jr., was a professor at AU. Pyle’s father, now retired, and mother, Caroline, still live in Anderson, and Pyle said he’s settling into a new home in the city he considers his hometown.

“I’m here to stay,” Pyle said.

A HISTORY-MAKING JUDGE

Rudolph “Rudy” R. Pyle III is the first black judge in Madison County. Here’s a look at the new judge of Madison Circuit Court:

• Age: 39.
• Family: Son, Seth, 1.
• Political affiliation: Republican.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree from Anderson University. Law degree from Indiana University. Master’s degree from the College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Va.
• Professional: Deputy Madison County prosecutor since 2004; in private practice in 2006. Indiana State Trooper for nearly four years. Served as law clerk for Indiana Court of Appeals. Adjunct professor at AU.

— Dave Stafford is a staff writer for The Herald Bulletin. Story posted 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.

Bruce received the Wanda Savage Award in honor of the longtime member who passed away in November 1998. He is the eighth person to receive the distinction. Wanda’s husband, Russell, desired to find a way to remember his wife and established an annual award in her honor.

Bruce said he achieved the award with the help of friends and mentors, including Savage.

“Mrs. Wanda Savage was a friend and exemplified a community spirit, which was so very inspiring to me and others,” he said. “I am grateful to Anderson University and the many mentors along my 33 years that have encouraged me and exemplified what it means to serve. Persons in my life like Shirell Fox, Robert Reardon, Robert Nicholson, and James Edwards have all encouraged me to serve the greater community.”

A native of Santa Cruz, Calif., Bruce completed studies in business administration at Cabrillo College in California. He continue his studies at Anderson College and completed a degree in business administration in 1971. Bruce and his wife, Marlyne, returned to California where he began working for a bank. Participating in their management program he became a bank branch manager after one year at the age of 23.

Bruce soon became interested in the field of mass communications. He completed a master of science in mass communications in 1977 from the University of California at San Jose, where he majored in communications and public relations. At that time only a handful of colleges offered programs in public relations. He would later complete a second master’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing at Ball State University in 1987.

Following graduation, Bruce accepted a position from the late Robert H. Reardon, president of Anderson College, now University, to serve the school in the area of communication.

During his time with Anderson University, Bruce has had the honor of serving with three of the four presidents of Anderson University as well as significant leaders of the institution. His longest and latest role has been in the Advancement Division, where he now serves at the executive director of university relations and alumni affairs. In this assignment, he oversees a wide-range of programs including public relations — electronic, print and mass media, church relations, and alumni programming.

During the years, Bruce has served many community boards and committees. His service has included the Leadership Academy of Madison County, Anderson Fine Arts Center, Boys Scouts of America, Wilson’s Boys & Girls Club, Saint John’s Hospice Program, Junior Achievement, and Madison County Management Club.

He has also served the Mayors’ Human Needs Commission, Anderson Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Anderson YMCA, United Way Drives, WIPB-TV, and Visiting Nurse Health Care.

Bruce said he was fortunate to be associated with Anderson University and the city of Anderson.

“I truly believe that I have received far more than I have given,” he said. “I have been the beneficiary of making so many wonderful friends along the way.

“For all the challenges, there are as many great opportunities in our future. Community service opens a world of possibilities. I feel grateful for having had so many service opportunities.”

— Story posted with permission of The Herald Bulletin.

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.