Fortune joined Vanderbilt in September 2000 as associate vice chancellor for public affairs after serving as press secretary to former Gov. Don Sundquist for more than six years.

“Beth Fortune possesses an in-depth, comprehensive knowledge of Vanderbilt, as well as a thorough understanding of its culture, history and mission. She is a highly respected and vastly experienced professional in the fields of public affairs, politics and the media, as well as a well-regarded and widely recognized leader in higher education and in our local community,” Zeppos said. “There were many outstanding candidates for this position, but with Beth’s depth of experience combined with her passion for Vanderbilt, she was the clear choice.”

As vice chancellor for public affairs, she leads the university’s comprehensive communications, government and community initiatives and serves as the university’s chief spokesperson.

Fortune succeeds Michael Schoenfeld, who became Duke University’s vice president for public affairs and government relations July 1. Her appointment is pending approval by the Board of Trust.

As associate vice chancellor Fortune served as the principal deputy to the vice chancellor for public affairs and oversaw the university’s news and communications functions, including the News Service, Creative Services, Science and Research Communications and The Vanderbilt View monthly publication.

“Vanderbilt is an engaging, dynamic institution that has many important constituencies, and it’s a privilege to serve in a role that reaches out to so many of them,” Fortune said. “I appreciate this incredible opportunity and look forward to continuing to work with all the members of the Vanderbilt community.”

From 1995 to 2000 Fortune was a member of the Governor’s Cabinet and the first female gubernatorial press secretary in Tennessee history. She also served as press secretary for Sundquist’s successful 1994 run for governor.

Three times named by Business Nashville and in 2003 by The Tennessean as one of the city’s top young leaders, Fortune also has been recognized by the Nashville Scene as among the most effective and respected public affairs professionals in the city. She was the recipient of the Spirit of Leadership award in 2006 from CABLE, a networking organization.

From 1985 to 1992, Fortune was a political reporter for the Nashville Banner, the city’s former daily evening newspaper. She won an Exceptional Merit Media Award from the National Women’s Political Caucus for a series on women in Tennessee politics.

She also worked as a principal in The Fulton Group, a former Nashville lobbying and public affairs firm, and as manager of public affairs for the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority.

Fortune was one of former Mayor Bill Purcell’s first appointments to the Metropolitan Educational Access Corporation and served as chair from 2004 to 2007. She also serves on the boards of Women in Numbers (WIN), Urban League of Middle Tennessee, Blue Ridge Conference on Leadership, Nashville Area Habitat for Humanity, Belcourt Theatre and as president of Renewal House. She is past president of the Nashville Women’s Political Caucus, past president of WIN, a former member of the CABLE board of directors and member of the Leadership Nashville Alumni Association.

In 2002, she was one of 16 women worldwide selected by the International Women’s Forum to participate in its prestigious yearlong fellowship on executive leadership that included programs at Harvard University and the University of Cambridge in England.

A 1985 graduate of Anderson University, Fortune earned a master of arts in journalism and public affairs from American University in 1990.

Media Contact: Elizabeth Latt, (615) 322-NEWS
Elizabeth.p.latt@vanderbilt.edu

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.

Schulle was born in Brazil in 1979, not long after the government in neighboring Argentina quelled protests of the government by the country’s young adults by kidnapping, torturing, and many times killing them. The families never knew what happened to the children after they were ripped from their homes.

What Schulle remembers is the many mothers, adorned with white scarves, holding public marches and demanding the whereabouts of their children. “I grew up knowing their story and it had a huge impact on my life,” she explains. Years later as a graduate music composition student at Butler University, she brought their struggle together in a cantata named for their organization, The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo. “I wanted to give these women a musical voice and write this as a tribute to them.”

The cantata, which was performed with chamber orchestra, is sung in Spanish and Latin. It has nine movements, beginning with the night the children are taken from their homes and ending with the mothers today still asking what happened to their children.

The cantata is Schulle’s final thesis for her degree at Butler, which she will receive in December. It was not required for her to find someone to perform her piece. That has just been a special bonus to her. “I never imagined that it would be performed so soon in such a wonderful way,” says Schulle. “I’m so grateful my alma mater is still supporting me.”

Ultimately, Schulle would like to see her piece performed in Argentina.

—Written by Deborah Lilly, editor of Signatures magazine.

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.

Kristen Reiff finished sixth in a time of 24:19 to lead the Ravens and was named All-Conference.

Candace DeLong (24:21) and Mollie Ringer (24:25) were also named All-HCAC after finishing eighth and ninth, respectively. DeLong was named Freshman of the Year for her efforts.

“I was proud of the way our ladies ran,” said coach Scott Wilson. “Kristen earned all-conference for the first time and Candace finished well and was all-conference, which is a great accomplishment. Mollie ran an impressive race and Erica Moffitt had her best race. With our whole team back next year, our future looks bright.”

Other AU finishers were Erica Moffitt (22nd, 25:10), Abigail Ingalls (34th, 26:15), Kaitlyn Gingerich (39th, 26:36) and Jenna Milazzo (42nd, 26:50).

Franklin won the championship with 45 points, followed by Manchester (49) and Anderson (77). Rose-Hulman was fourth (115), Hanover fifth (126), Mt. St. Joseph sixth (172), Transylvania seventh (179), Defiance eighth (198) and Bluffton last (252).

Nothing too earth-shattering at the time, the 1988 AU graduate recalled, but a notable step for a NCAA Div. III school eager to compete.

“When I was a player, we played Central Michigan when Dan Majerle was there,” said Slyder, who will begin his third season as head coach this winter. “In the past few years, we’ve played (NCAA Div. I) Ball State, Murry State, Butler, IPFW … and Eastern Michigan.”

On Nov. 7, the Ravens will add Indiana University to the list — a historic one.

[Buy tickets or register for the alumni rally].

According to the Ravens’ 2008-09 season schedule, AU is set to open the exhibition season at Assembly Hall, where they will contend with the Div. I Hoosiers in Bloomington. The first-ever matchup between the Hoosiers and Ravens will be televised on the Big Ten Network, with the game time yet to be determined. [The game will be streamed at on the Big Ten Network in Assembly Hall at 7 p.m. on November 7th.]

“We’ve had that excitement for about a month when we heard about it,” Slyder remarked on the marquee opportunity. “Every kid in our program has dreamed about this at some point. Now, they’ll get their chance. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.”

The game will mark the Hoosiers’ home opener and the debut of new IU head coach Tom Crean following a season marred by the much-publicized divorce between former coach Kelvin Sampson and the university. The Hoosiers are still facing possible NCAA sanctions due to telephone recruiting violations under Sampson.

The Ravens, on the other hand, finished 15-12 overall for second in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. In 2008-09, AU returns 10 players led by first-team all-conference Mike Russell and Ryan Fultz.

And beyond the Hoosiers, AU will contend with a litany of challengers once the regular season opens on Nov. 17 at O.C. Lewis Gymnasium versus Alma at 7:30 p.m.

“At the moment, it’s the most competitive schedule I’ve ever been a part of and frankly, it’s by design,” Slyder said. “Our guys have a challenge ahead of them.”

On Nov. 25, AU hosts University of Wisconsin-Platteville, a four-time national champion under coach Bo Ryan. In this year’s Sam Pierce Chevrolet Tournament, the Ravens will host Aurora University and the defending national champions from Washington University. On Jan. 3, Elmhurst College, a team ranked in the Top 25 most of last season, comes to Madison County after AU travels to San Antonio, Texas, for a holiday trip with games scheduled against Texas Lutheran and Howard Payne.

The Ravens’ schedule features 14 home games and 11 away contests. On Dec. 19, AU will face Trine University at Conseco Fieldhouse prior to the Indiana Pacers for an matinee contest.

“As a coach at any level to able to, as I imagine, to bring in teams like Wisconsin-Platteville and Washington University, the defending national champion, to our home court is a rarity,” Slyder remarked.

The same can be said for playing in front of 17,000 fans wearing cream and crimson.

“Who knows where we go from here? Like I told our guys, I don’t know what the exact percentages are, but who can say, ‘I played at Assembly Hall or against a Big Ten school?’ We’re going to make it a special weekend,” Slyder said. “We just want to go in there and etch a lot of memories.”

Tickets to Anderson University men’s basketball games are available through the ticket office. Call (765) 641-3886 for more information.

—Richard Torres 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.

Ben Davis, director of alumni relations, and Paul Mumaw, president of the school’s alumni council, presented the annual awards to four alumni and a scholarship to a current student.

“These honorees were chosen by our alumni counsel, a panel of volunteers who represent our alumni association of more than 20,000 people across the world who call Anderson their alma mater,” Davis told students. “As we celebrate this homecoming weekend with reunions, performances and hopefully a few athletic whoopins around here, you will see hundreds of these alumni and their families who come back to visit the campus. It’s a celebration of the memories they have from their time at AU and of the relationships they formed while they were here.”

Each honoree was showcased with a narrated, biographical slide presentation. The awards were as follows:

• Phyllis Newby, a 1972 AU graduate, received the 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award. While working as a missionary in Haiti, Newby has helped develop more than 200 church-schools that have educated nearly 40,000 children.
• Michelle Bitler Kourouma, a 1999 AU graduate, received the 2008 Young Distinguished Alumni Award. Kourouma has worked as a language teacher in the United States and France and is now working as an intercultural living exchange assistant at the University of Maryland Baltimore-County, where she assists teachers and students involved in cultural exchange programs.
• Judy Matas received the 2008 Distinguished Service Award. Matas came to the school in 1964 as an elementary education major. She met her husband, Ron, at the school, and together the couple raised three children and fostered more than 20 others. Matas worked at the university from more than 20 years before retiring last year.
• Phil Fair received the 2008 John H. Kane Loyalty Award. A 1961 AU graduate, Fair has served as the executive director of the mass communications board of the Church of God and has held posts in worship ministry at East Side Church of God and North Anderson Church of God. At the university, he worked as assistant director of admissions and then director of admissions. He was also executive director of advancement and church relations before retiring this year.
• Sarah Zehner received the 2008 Alumni Council Scholarship. She is the daughter of Kathy Holbrook and August Zehner, both AU graduates. Sarah Zehner is also a graduate of Anderson High School and plans to major in elementary education at AU.

The university also announced that Barbara Douglas, professor emerita of music, has received the 2008 Outstanding Music Award. Douglas taught voice and music history for 36 years. In recent years, she has sung with the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival in Virginia, the Louisville Bach Society and Chamber Arts Society and Masterworks Chorale in Muncie.

The morning chapel service also rallied students for upcoming athletic events and recognized the college’s homecoming court, and President James Edwards announced seniors Dane Benton and Sarah Walker were voted homecoming king and queen.

———–

Homecoming schedule of events is as follows:

Performance events:

School of Music Homecoming Concert, 7:30 p.m. today, Park Place Church of God. Featuring the Chorale, Women’s Chorus, Men’s Choir and the Chamber Orchestra. Outstanding Music Alumni Award to Barbara Douglas, Professor Emeritus of Music. Free.

Cheap Thrills, 7:30 and 10 p.m. today, Reardon Auditorium. Cost: advance $2.50, $3 at the door.

“Seussical,” 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Byrum Hall, special family performance. Admission: children 12 and under admitted free, $12 for those 13 and over, $10 for seniors and military, $5 students. For information, call Byrum Hall ticket office at (765) 641-4351.

“Old School” encore on Saturday at 8 and 10 p.m. Reardon Auditorium. Admission: advance $2.50 and $3 at the door (Agathos alumni $2.50).

Sandi & Friends, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Reardon Auditorium. Admission and further information, visit Reardon Box Office.

Athletic events:

Alumni softball game, 9 a.m. Saturday. Open to all softball alumni, softball diamond.

Alumni baseball game, 9 a.m. Saturday. Open to all baseball alumni, at Raven Park.

Locker Room Legacy Project Open House, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Football locker room. Free to all football alumni.

Alumni men’s soccer game, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, East Fifth Street soccer complex.

Women’s soccer game, 1 p.m. Saturday. Anderson University vs. Taylor Fort Wayne, East Fifth Street soccer complex.

Women’s volleyball vs. Huntington, noon Saturday, O.C. Lewis Gymnasium. Free.

Homecoming football game, 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Anderson University vs. Franklin College. Halftime introduction of the 2008 homecoming king, queen and court. Macholtz Stadium. Admission $5, seniors, students and children under 6, $3, faculty and staff free.

Men’s soccer game, 3 p.m. Saturday. Anderson University vs. Taylor Fort Wayne, East Fifth Street soccer complex.

Alumni women’s soccer game, 5:15 p.m. Saturday, East Fifth Street soccer complex.

Campus events:

Admissions Discovery Day, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. today, Kane Room, Olt Student Center, for prospective students. Parents encouraged to attend. Advanced registration at (800) 428-6414.

University Bookstore open today and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Residence Halls open today and Saturday, noon to midnight.

Campus Illumination today at dusk, campus and valley.

Street Fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, University Boulevard, rain location at Kardatzke Wellness Center. This event includes activities hosted by the alumni office, social clubs, interest groups, honor societies and athletic teams. There will be bookstore apparel, activities for kids and food.

Alumni events:

Alumni Council meetings

Reception in the Valley, today, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Hartung Hall plaza. Cider and fellowship. Rain Location at Decker Commons.

Continental Breakfast for Communication Arts Alumni, 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, third floor lounge, Decker Hall. Guest speaker: Cory Edwards.

Continental Breakfast for chemistry/physics alumni, 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday, third floor, Hartung Hall.

Sociology/social work/criminal justice alumni reception, 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Decker Hall, second floor, outside the department offices.

RavenFest, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, University Boulevard.

Department of Student Life reunion for student leaders, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, student/alumni fair for anyone who has been a student staff member of the student life family. Rain location: Rice Hall lobby.

Theatre Alumni Reception, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Byrum Performance Hall Classroom B112. All alumni are welcome.

School of Adult Learning tailgate party, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Current adult students and alumni are invited., University Boulevard. No Charge. RSVP at adulted@anderson.edu or (765) 641-4250.

15th annual 1950s Hospitality Tent, 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, inside Macholtz Stadium entrance.

Special events:

L’Amifidel Alumni Cookout, 6 p.m. today, Decker Commons Courtyard. Cost: to be announced (one meal swipe for students).

School of Nursing alumni dinner: 6 p.m. today, social networking hour. 7 p.m., dinner. Guest speaker: Becky Haskett speaking on emotional intelligence. Kane Dining Room. Cost: $20. Presentation of alumni awards: Lifetime Achievement Award, Service to the Community Award, Distinguished Alumni Award, Friend of Nursing Award.

Register for the following:

Alacritas Alumni Breakfast, 9 a.m. Saturday, Kane Dining Room, Olt Student Center. Free.

Avanti Booster Alumni Breakfast, 9 a.m. Saturday, South Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. Cost: $12.

Camarada Alumni Breakfast (with Dativus), 9 a.m. Saturday, North Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. Cost: $12.

Dativus Alumni Breakfast (with Camarada), 9 a.m. Saturday, North Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. Cost: $12.

Multicultural Alumni Reunion, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Kane Dining Room, Olt Student Center. No cost.

Class of 1968 Alumni Reception, 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. No cost.

Class of 1983 Alumni Reception, 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. No cost.

Class of 1998 Alumni Reception, 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. No cost.

Under 2002-07 Alumni Reception, 5 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. No cost.

Hall of Fame Awards Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Cozway, Kardatzke Wellness Center. Cost: $25.

For more information about homecoming, call the Office of Alumni Relations at (765) 641-4100.

—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.

Photo: Judy Matas, Phil M. Fair, Phyllis Newby, Pastor Jerry Graham (of Midland, Mich. receiving the award on behalf of Michelle Kourouma), Sarah Zehner

The Distinguished Alumni Award will be presented to Phyllis Newby. Newby was attending the School of Theology in Jamaica before a visit to Haiti convinced her to redirect her life toward missions. After graduation, she enrolled in Anderson College, graduating in 1972 with majors in theology and English. While at Anderson, she was an Alphi Chi scholar, an Ambassador for Christ, and served on Tri-S visits to the Caribbean. After graduating, she returned to Haiti to begin her calling as a missionary.

Newby has had a critical hand in the development of over 200 church-schools, accounting for the education of nearly 40,000 children. During the summer, Phyllis travels throughout Haiti, directing vacation Bible school programs for local children. She also holds a yearly summer camp, which serves as a source of ministry to the children, their parents, and their communities.

Currently, Phyllis is attempting to better the living conditions of many of the villages she supports. Some of her current projects are programs to provide each school child with three meals a week; collect funds to help families pay for funerals and weddings; set up health clinics; discourage out-of-wedlock unions by providing the clothes, locations and finances for weddings; distribute clothing; drill uncontaminated wells; house pastors; educate locals about personal hygiene; and offer classes that teach sewing. Her passion for the Haitian people has provided them with physical as well as spiritual needs, and her influence in their midst has bettered humanity.

The Distinguished Young Alumni Award will be presented to Michelle Bitler Kourouma. Bitler Kourouma is an intercultural living exchange assistant at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County, where she assists teaching mentors to schedule cultural and social events; facilitates communication between students, mentors, resident assistants, and faculty; and serves as a liaison between the Intercultural Living Exchange and Study Abroad.

Having graduated from AU in 1999 with a BA in French, she went on to get her secondary teacher certification in French and history at the Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan. Currently, she is pursuing her MA in intercultural communication at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County. Other work experience includes being a teacher training specialist in Mali, an educational consultant in the Peace Corps Guinea, an English/French teacher in the Peace Corps Guinea, a private French teacher in the United States, a private English teacher in France, and a home health-care worker in the United States.

Bitler Kourouma is a certified and internationally experienced language teacher who has made great strides in the education field.

The Distinguished Service Award will be presented to Judy Matas. Judy Matas came in the fall of 1964 to Anderson University, where she was an elementary education major. While a student at AU, she was president of Sourettes, a freshmen girls’ social club at the time. She was also involved with Arete Pep, AU Chorale, and Campus Singers.

AU is also where Judy met her husband, Ron. After they were married and had their first son, Judy was a stay-at-home mom until their youngest child entered kindergarten. During those years, she and Ron fostered more than 20 children along with raising their three children: James, Andrew, and Sarah.

Matas was also extremely involved with the North Anderson Church and wrote children’s Sunday school curriculum for Warner Press. When Judy went back to work full time, she worked at East Side Church of God as a secretary, office manager, and business coordinator.

She came to AU in July 1988 as secretary for Jerry Grubbs, vice-president for Student Life. Then in 1992, she moved to the Office of the President where she has worked for the last sixteen years as executive secretary to the president, managing his calendar, working with the Board of Trustees as well as the president’s executive staff. After working at AU for more than 20 years, Judy retired this last year. She and Ron plan to travel, spend more time with their children, grandchildren, and her parents.

Phil M. Fair is recipients of the John H. Kane Loyalty Award. Phil M. Fair has been a servant of the Anderson community for nearly 38 years. A 1961 Anderson University graduate with degrees in business administration and sacred music, Phil has served as the executive director of the Mass Communication Board of the Church of God, and has held posts in worship ministry at both East Side Church of God and North Anderson Church of God.

Those who know him personally say that Phil is a helpful friend who supports them during the most difficult of times, displaying both kindness and wisdom. He carries the powerful ability to recognize strengths in his friends and colleagues and dedicates himself as a hardworking behind-the-scenes-man to ignite and encourage the development of those talents and gifts that he sees in others. Phil was recently described by a very close friend as a humble man, “who never toots his own horn, eager to witness the betterment of others, never asking for recognition or appreciation.”

It is with this same selfless dedication that he served Anderson University for nearly 27 years. He began his service in March 1981 as assistant director of admissions, assuming the role of director in 1985. After enthusiastically welcoming new students into the Anderson family for more than 10 years, Phil was asked to fill a new position of capital campaign manager and director of special advancement projects in 1991.

Until his retirement in 2008 as the executive director of advancement and church relations, Phil was a loyal member of the advancement team. After his retirement from AU, Phil and his wife, Betty, moved to Oklahoma City, where they have renewed connections with friends in the area. Phil is working part time for SandRidge Energy Co. as manager of community relations and special projects.

The Outstanding Music Award this year will go to Barbara Douglas. Barbara Douglas, lyric soprano, is professor emerita of music at Anderson University, where she taught voice and music history for 36 years. She has performed in opera, oratorio, recital, and sacred concert. She was a co-director of the Tri-S European Chamber Choir in 1978 and was a member of the Clarion Trio. In recent years, Barbara has sung with the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival in Virginia, the Louisville Bach Society and Chamber Arts Society in Kentucky, and Masterworks Chorale in Muncie, Ind.

This year’s Alumni Council Scholarship Recipient is Sarah Zehner. Zehner is the daughter of Kathy Holbrook BA ’84 and August Zehner MBA ’04, graduated from Anderson High School in Anderson, Indiana. She was involved in the National Honor Society as well as the Student Executive Council. She is also an active member of her church, having traveled with her youth group on missions trips. Most recently, she went to Mexico to help with a vacation Bible study. While at AU, Sarah plans to major in elementary education.

For more information about Anderson University’s 2008 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.

U Matter engages young alumni by encouraging them to relive their college experiences and recognize the effect those experiences have had on their lives.

“We are excited by what this initiative can do for the university, its students and its relationship with alumni,” said Patricia Bailey, AU trustee and chair of the alumni campaign division.

Vice President for Advancement, Bob Coffman said, “When a student becomes part of the AU family, a relationship forms that lasts a lifetime. When that student becomes an alum, they simply move to a new branch of the family—a branch whose opinions, needs and wants are vitally important to us and which continues to shape the character of Anderson University. That is what our U Matter campaign is all about.”

Bailey said, “To those inside the Anderson University family, giving is a way to connect with Anderson University, its students and the structure that supports the mission: structures like the new University Center which is in final development, and structures like endowments which help students and faculty.”

The emphasis is on participation, not amount. The U Matter campaign initiates with young alumni and invites them to become a part of the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.” campaign, while also being understanding of their current stage of life. For those alumni trying to start a career or a family, big capital campaigns often seem out of reach. U Matter brings the campaign to a manageable scale, offering a realistic option to young alumni.

Bailey explained, “To those outside of Anderson University and our alumni family, our commitment to each other and to Anderson University is evaluated by the percentage who give, regardless of the number of actual dollars given.”

“Giving is also a way to say ‘thank you’ to those who have given to support us when we were students,” said Bailey. “Because yesterday’s student, like today’s student, did not pay the entire cost of our education as gifted funds subsidized our tuition and related costs,” said Bailey.

The campaign, set to conclude on May 31, 2010, is the university’s largest fundraising effort and has raised $86 million to date toward the goal. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 for operational support. For more information about the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.” campaign visit the web site.

—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.

For more information about Anderson University’s 2008 Homecoming celebration, contact the AU Office of Alumni Relations at 765-641-4100, 765-641-3888 (fax), or visit the AU public Web site at AU Homecoming.

Ben Davis encouraged alumni to bring their business cards to alumni tent during the street fair. “It is an important facet of our alumni network that we have professionals in all kinds of industries, all over the country, who can serve as career resources to current AU students and to other alumni,” said Davis. “Collecting alums’ business cards will help us update our records on all the wonderful things our grads are doing, and hopefully establish some meaningful mentor relationships between alumni and students. ”

Also at the alumni tent, visitors will have an opportunity to sign up for an account on the recently launched alumni network, AndersonAlums.com.

“Even though we’ve already had more than 1700 alumni join AndersonAlums.com, we know there are still those who haven’t heard about the site or need a little extra help signing up. We want to continue to add members to the site, so that alumni can form more meaningful connections,” Davis said.

The schedule by event type is as follows:

Performance Events

School of Music Homecoming Concert on Friday, 7:30 p.m. Park Place Church of God. Featuring the Chorale, Women’s Chorus, Men’s Choir & the Chamber Orchestra. Outstanding Music Alumni Award to Barbara Douglas, Professor Emeritus of Music Photo/Bio. No Cost.

Cheap Thrills on Friday, 7:30 & 10 p.m. Reardon Auditorium. Sponsored by Dativus Social Club. Cost: presale $2.50, at the door $3.00.

Seussical on Saturday, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m and Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Byrum Hall. Special Family Performance. Admission: Children 12 and under are free. $12.00 for those 13 and over, $10.00 Seniors & Military, $5.00 students. For information, contact Byrum Hall ticket office at (765) 641-4351.

“Old School” Encore on Saturday at 8 & 10 p.m. Reardon Auditorium. Admission: Presale $2.50 and $3.00 at the door (Agathos alumni $2.50).

Sandi & Friends on Sunday at 7 p.m. Reardon Auditorium. Admission and further information visit Reardon Box Office.

Athletic Events

Men’s Golf Team Alumni Outing on Friday, 11 a.m. Registration and box lunch. Shotgun start .Anderson Country Club. Cost: $75.00 (includes green & cart fees, lunch and door prizes).

Alumni softball game on Saturday, 9 a.m. Open to all softball alumni. Show up at the softball diamond ready to play.

Alumni baseball game on Saturday, 9 a.m. Open to all baseball alumni. Show up at Raven Park ready to play.

Locker Room Legacy Project Open House on Saturday 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Football locker room. Free to all football alumni.

Alumni Men’s Soccer Game on Saturday, 9:30 a.m. East Fifth Street soccer complex.

Women’s Soccer Game on Saturday, 1 p.m. Anderson University vs. Taylor Fort Wayne. East Fifth Street soccer complex.

Women’s Volleyball vs. Huntington on Saturday, noon. OC Lewis Gymnasium. No Charge.

Homecoming Football Game on Saturday, 1:30 p.m. Anderson University vs. Franklin College. Half time introduction of the 2008 Homecoming king, queen and court. Macholtz Stadium. Admission $5.00, Seniors, students and Children under 6 $3, Faculty & staff free.

Men’s Soccer Game on Saturday, 3 p.m. Anderson University vs. Taylor Fort Wayne. East Fifth Street soccer complex.

Alumni Women’s Soccer Game on Saturday, 5:15 p.m. East Fifth Street soccer complex.

Campus Events

Chapel (Reardon Auditorium). All invited. Tuesday, 10 a.m.

Thursday, 10 a.m., with Homecoming Court coronation and Alumni Awards presentation to:

• Phyllis Newby, BA ‘72, Distinghished Alumni Award
• Michelle (Bitler) Kourouma, BA ‘99, Distinguished Young Alumni Award
• Judith F. (Baker) Matas, ‘68, Distinguished Service Award
• Phil M. Fair, BS ‘61, John H. Kane Loyalty Award
• Sarah Zehner, Freshman, Alumni Council Scholarship Award

Admissions Discovery Day on Friday, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Kane Room, Olt Student Center). For prospective students. Parents are encouraged to attend. Pre-register at (800) 428-6414.

University Bookstore open on Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6p.m.

Residence Halls open on Friday and Saturday, Noon – Midnight.

Campus Illumination on Friday at dusk. Campus and Valley.

Street Fair on Saturday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (University Blvd, rain location: Kardatzke Wellness Center). This event includes activities hosted by the alumni office, social clubs, interest groups, honor societies, and athletic teams. There will be bookstore apparel, activities for kids, and good food!

Alumni Events

Alumni Council Meetings

Reception in the Valley on Friday, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Hartung Hall plaza. Cider and fellowship. Weather/Rain Location: Decker Commons.

Continental Breakfast for Communication Arts Alumni on Saturday, 9 - 10 a.m. Third floor lounge, Decker Hall. Guest Speaker: Cory Edwards. Email Dr. Boggs if you plan to attend. No Charge.

Continental Breakfast for Chemistry/Physics Alumni on Saturday 9 - 10 a.m. Chemistry Core–3rd floor, Hartung Hall. Email Dr. Wallace if you plan to attend.

Sociology/Social Work/Criminal Justice Alumni Reception on Saturday 10 - 11 a.m. Decker, Second Floor, outside the department offices. Come and go coffee/tea reception open to all alumni.

RavenFest on Saturday, 10 a.m - 1 p.m. University Boulevard.

Department of Student Life Reunion for Student Leaders on Saturday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Student/Alumni Fair. Anyone who has been a student staff member of the student life family. Rain: Rice Hall Lobby.

Theatre Alumni Reception on Saturday, 10:30 a.m. Byrum Performance Hall Classroom, B112. All alumni are welcome.

School of Adult Learning Tailgate Party on Saturday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Current Adult Students and Alumni are invited. University Boulevard. No Charge. RSVP at adulted@anderson.edu or 765-641-4250.

15th Annual 1950’s Hospitality Tent on Saturday, 1 - 5 p.m. Located inside Macholtz Stadium entrance.

Special Events

L’Amifidel Alumni Cookout on Friday, 6 p.m. Decker Commons Courtyard. Cost: TBD (1 meal swipe for students). Register now!

School of Nursing Alumni Dinner on Friday, 6:00 pm Social/Networking hour. 7:00 pm Dinner. Guest speaker: Becky Haskett speaking on Emotional Intelligence. Kane Dining Room. Cost: $20.00. Presentation of Alumni Awards:

• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Service to the Community Award
• Distinguished Alumni Award
• Friend of Nursing Award

Register now!

Alacritas Alumni Breakfast on Saturday, 9 a.m. Kane Dining Room, Olt Student Center. No Charge.

Avanti Booster Alumni Breakfast on Saturday, 9 a.m. South Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. Cost $12.00. Register now!

Camarada Alumni Breakfast (with Dativus) on Saturday, 9 a.m. North Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. Cost $ 12.00. Register now!

Dativus Alumni Breakfast (with Camarada) on Saturday, 9 a.m. North Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. Cost $ 12.00. Register now!

Multicultural Alumni Reunion on Saturday, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Kane Dining Room, Olt Student Center. No cost. Register now!

Class of 1968 Alumni Reception on Saturday, 5 - 6 p.m. Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. No Cost. Register now!

Class of 1983 Alumni Reception on Saturday, 5 - 6 p.m. Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. No Cost. Register now!

Class of 1998 Alumni Reception on Saturday, 5 - 6 p.m. Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. No Cost. Register now!

Under 2002-2007 Alumni Reception on Saturday, 5 - 6 p.m. Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. No Cost. Register now!

Hall of Fame Awards Dinner on Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Cozway, Kardatzke Wellness Center. Cost $ 25.00. Hall of Fame Recipients:

• Larry Holloway
• David Courtney ‘78
• Rodney Nealeigh ‘85
• Clarice Rose ‘54

Register now!

—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.

DePauw scored 31 points in the second quarter en route to a 52-17 victory over Anderson University on Saturday at Blackstock Stadium in Greencastle.

Using a 20-mph wind that had aided the Ravens in taking a 10-0 lead after one quarter, the Tigers scored on all five of their possessions in the second quarter and added 14 more in the third as the first 55 combined points between the teams came with the wind to their back.

Chase Thurston finished 19-of-42 for 180 yards and a pair of touchdown passes. Nolan Bernard had five receptions for 79 yards, including a 33-yard TD pass in the first quarter after Tristan Cork’s 34-yard field goal had opened the scoring on the previous drive.

Zach Duke had five catches for 56 yards, including a 21-yard TD in the fourth quarter - again with the wind behind the Ravens. John Sims finished with five receptions as well for seven yards. Darryl Stott led the ground game with 40 yards on 12 carries.

Jeremiah Townsell led the defense with 14 tackles, four tackles-for-loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. Ivan Cole had 11 tackles in his first career start at linebacker and Cory Perrin added 10 tackles, two pass breakups and a forced fumble.

AU (0-2) travels to Earlham on Saturday. The game will be carried live on the internet broadcast at 1 p.m.

Dr. Diana Ross, Dean of AU’s School of Education, says the purpose of the program is to give future teachers the experience of teaching in a highly-rated school with a large population of second language learners. Kodiak student ethnic groups include 24% Asian, 23% Native American and 7% Hispanic. “The high population of those from the Philippines is always a surprise to our participants,” Ross said.

“The students report that even though they are teaching in an American school, it seems they are in a foreign country,” says Ross, who led a group of students to Kodiak in May 2007. “An experience such as this is an excellent way to learn more about the cultural diversity growing in US schools.”

Recently, the students reflected on their experiences in Kodiak.

“My eyes have been opened to the challenges and benefits of cultural diversity,” said Brittany Curtis. “As a teacher, I have the opportunity to appreciate each student’s background and experiences. My goal is to broaden my future students’ respect and understanding of diverse cultures.”

All of the participants agreed that the most pleasant surprise was their experience at Camp Woody. The students accompanied the entire 5th grade on a small nearby island for three days of outdoor education. Events included tide pooling and survival training, and in-class lessons included a focus on the Island’s rich World War II history. The AUSOE students chaperoned each night, an experience they feel gave them stronger connections with the 5th graders.

Kodiak Island, located approximately 252 miles southwest of Anchorage, is the second largest island in the United States, second only to the island of Hawaii. Two-thirds of the island consists of the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge, home to 3,000 giant Kodiak brown bears and other wildlife.

“I have seen mountains and oceans, but I have never been where I could see them in the same view,” wrote Jessie Rigby in her journal. “I think the group may have gotten sick of my constant remarks like, ‘Oh my goodness, this is gorgeous!’ and ‘Can you believe we’re in Alaska? This is incredible!’

“I simply could not believe my eyes. My breath was taken away.”

Other AU students traveling to Alaska were Jacqueline Farrow, Alie Campbell and Autumn Steiner. The participating students will be presenting a workshop this Fall Semester chronicling their experience.

The teaching program is part of the Tri-S program of intercultural education projects seeking to introduce students to other cultures. Visit the Tri-S office in Decker Hall for more information about joining the May 2009 group.

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.