“We are grateful to Community Hospital Anderson for this generous support in providing a state-of-the-art piece of equipment that will greatly enhance our development of skilled nurses,” says Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Community Anderson is a valued partner in our shared commitment to bring the very best of health care to this region, which must begin with the best of education of professionals in this vitally needed field of service.”

At the dedication event, Edwards added Community Hospital and the AU School of Nursing collaboration and partnership is important for the nursing program to continue to grow given the vast need of nurses.

The Pyxis® MedStation® System is the leading automated dispensing system supporting decentralized medication management. Barcode scanning to help ensure accurate medication dispensing, features to prevent loading of the wrong medication and active alerts to provide an added safety precaution for high risk medications are just a few of the ways the Pyxis® MedStation® system supports safe and efficient medication management.

“We are thrilled to partner with Anderson University to provide this system,” says Bill VanNess, M.D., president and CEO of Community Hospital Anderson. “Investing in the education of our future nurses benefits the entire health care community, and ultimately, our patients, as we send more prepared nurses into the workforce.”

The Pyxis® MedStation® System is the leading solution for decentralized medication management. Pyxis® MedStation® System technology offers the tools nurses and pharmacists rely on to help improve safety, security and efficiency. The Pyxis® MedStation® System provides profile-based medication dispensing and includes the Pyxis® BioID, a fingerprint verification function. The product also features electronic tracking and documentation.

“The medication management process is complex,” says Dr. Karen Williams, dean of the Anderson University School of Nursing. “Pyxis® technology is committed to breaking the harmful cycle of medication errors and simplifying medication management to bring safety and nursing practice together in measurable ways. Our students will now have the opportunity to utilize this important technology prior to entering the patient care environment, which is consistent with the Anderson University School of Nursing mission of, ‘educating individuals committed to competence and compassion in the nursing profession, serving God and society.’”

The addition of the Pyxis® MedStation® System fortifies an already strong nursing program at Anderson University. The School of Nursing at Anderson University is unique from other nursing programs because it integrates a Christian perspective into its programs and the relationships among students, faculty, and staff. During the dedication event, Williams commented Pyxis® MedStation® System will be an important component in preparing nursing students to improve the quality of patient care by being knowledgeable in this technology.

“We are grateful to our friends at Community Hospital and the Community Hospital Foundation for providing our School of Nursing with this important learning device,” said Karen Roller, executive director of Development at Anderson University. “Their intentions from the onset were to provide the best possible preparation opportunities for our nursing students. When we asked them to consider funding the Pyxis machine, they immediately saw the potential positives for not only our students, but for future patients. Their concern was always to promote the well-being of patients through promoting excellent preparation of nursing students. They partnered with us to find a state-of-the-art device and we’re grateful for their gift, encouragement and guidance in this process.”

The mission of Community Hospital Anderson is to serve the medical, health and human service needs of the people in Anderson, Madison County and contiguous counties with compassion, dignity, respect and excellence. Service, although focused on injury, illness and disease will also embrace prevention, education and alternative systems of health care delivery.

Growing up with two aunts and a mother in the nursing profession, VanNess knows how critical nurses are to the medical field. Given AU’s past history working with the community and the hospital, VanNess continues to see quality nurses who have the capability to succeed in the nursing field.

The Community Anderson Foundation was established to receive, hold and distribute financial support for the benefit of the hospital and throughout the years has participated in numerous campaigns to benefit the community.

“While we typically focus much of our attention on the hospital, we also support the health care needs of the community,” says Keith Trent, vice president and chief foundation officer with Community Anderson. “We are pleased to partner with the hospital in providing this state-of-the-art equipment to the AU School of Nursing.”

The addition of the Pyxis® MedStation® System is a part of Dreams. Discovery. Direction., a $110 million campaign launched by Anderson University on October 6, 2006. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date, the campaign has raised $93 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support.

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.

The collection and the reading room were made possible through the generous support of Dr. James and Elizabeth York. Speaking on behalf of the Yorks were two of their sons, Chris and Stephen York.

Stephen commented on the effort his mother made to acquiring and researching this collection. For the collection to have a “practical effect” was the reason it has found a permanent home at Anderson University. It was not meant for one’s profit, but to be shared with scholars and others who have interest in the collection.

“It was her love of reading that is the genesis of this collection,” added Chris.

Dr. Janet Brewer, director of the Robert A. Nicholson University Library, shared that the collection is not just for children but can be shared and appreciated by adults and students as well. Brewer mentioned the university has already been contacted by scholars wanting to view the collection.

“We are anxious to share, to read, to touch, and experience this collection,” said Brewer.

The dedication is part of a day-long celebration, the Elizabeth York Children’s Literature Festival, which will feature a number of speakers, including author and illustrator David Slonim, authors Valiska Gregory and Linda Vieira, and rare-book dealers Jett Whitehead and Rob Hittel. Click here to read more about these special guests.

“We are enriched as a university to have this marvelous collection of children’s literature as an acclaimed centerpiece to our collections on the campus,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Those who study children’s literature as future teachers and writers, and those who research the field will greatly benefit from this wonderful resource that adds so much to the intellectual base of the campus. We are deeply grateful to the York family for bringing these resources into our care.”

Dr. Elizabeth York began her children’s book collection by purchasing first editions featuring the works of 18th and 19th century illustrators like Randolph Caldecott, Edmund Dulac, Arthur Rackham, Howard Pyle, and Jessie Wilcox Smith. The search for these classics led York to Beatrix Potter, A.A. Milne, James Barry, and Rudyard Kipling. Then she came upon Robert Louis Stevenson.

It was while she was collecting children’s books that the Yorks inherited a 1926 signed copy of New Hampshire by Robert Frost. York followed up the acquisition by reading a biography of the poet. From there she was hooked and began collecting Robert Frost. She collected enough to fill four large shelves in her home.

“Mrs. York’s collection of Robert Frost material is quite varied,” said Jett Whitehead, rare books dealer specializing in modern poetry from Bay City, Mich. “Her collecting interests include first edition copies of the poet’s books — many of them signed and/or inscribed by Frost — along with unusual ephemera pieces. A common denominator found throughout the York Frost collection is quality — she only approved items in the best collector condition available.”

York broadened her range of collections over the years until she had, at last count, 200 to 250 Mother Goose, ABC, 123 books; 350 pop-up books; and 250 to 300 Christmas books. She has also collected early primers, chapbooks, and books by more contemporary children’s book illustrators. The collection also includes several volumes of African-American and Native American children’s literature.

“Dr. Jim and Elizabeth York have made a remarkable impact on Anderson University in the last several years,” said Bob Coffman, vice president for Advancement at Anderson University. “Through their generous support of projects as diverse as seminary housing to visiting professorships to this most recent gift of the reading room and special collections, they have woven their lives and their values into the fabric of AU.”

[PHOTO (l-r): Robert L. Coffman, vice president for advancement; David L. Sebastian, dean of the School of Theology; President James L. Edwards; Stephen York; Janet Brewer, director of the Robert A. Nicholson University Library; and Chris York.]

Dr. James and Elizabeth York have given of their time and resources to make a difference in people’s lives. Their giving spirit was what convinced the couple that Dr. York should retire early from his practice of orthopedic surgery so that they could work in mission hospitals throughout Africa. It also prompted them to contribute to the Harry L. and Henrietta Harp Endowed Memorial Fund at Anderson University. And it is one of the primary reasons they created the James M. York, M.D., and Elizabeth H. York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Anderson University School of Theology.

Mrs. York’s parents, the Rev. Harry and Henrietta Harp, were active in the Church of God, and it was in their honor that their children established the Harp Endowed Memorial Fund. The fund supported the Harp Lectures in Christian Theology and Leadership at Anderson University, and continues to support the Harp Professor in Residence. It also provides an annual award, the Harry L. and Henrietta Harp Memorial Award, to a graduating seminary student who has made the most outstanding accomplishment in congregational ministries.

Advocates of lifelong learning, the Yorks recently provided the resources to construct York Seminary Village consisting of eight buildings, located south of 5th Street, between 6th and 7th Streets, in Anderson. York Seminary Village provides housing to ministerial students studying through the Anderson University School of Theology. In addition, the Yorks also established the York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Anderson University School of Theology that is designed to reduce tuition expenses for deserving seminary students and promote a healthy diversity within the seminary community.

Mrs. York came to Anderson University in 1949. She later married Dr. James M. York, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University Medical School, and they spent the next several years in various locations as Dr. York completed his orthopedic surgery training. As they traveled, Elizabeth continued her undergraduate studies, graduating from Rutgers University in New Jersey. Dr. York took early retirement after 32 years of practice and volunteered his surgical skills at mission hospitals throughout Africa. The couple served hospitals in Kenya, Cameroon, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. In all, they served as short term missionaries for six years.

The Elizabeth York and James York Reading Room and Special Collections is a part of the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. On Oct. 6, 2006, the university launched the $110 million campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $93 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support.

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 outdoor dedication will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 2 adjacent to Nicholson Library just off University Boulevard in Anderson. The collection and the reading room are made possible through the generous support of Dr. James and Elizabeth York.

The dedication is part of a day-long celebration, the Elizabeth York Children’s Literature Festival, which will feature a number of speakers, including author and illustrator David Slonim, authors Valiska Gregory and Linda Vieira, and rare-book dealers Jett Whitehead and Rob Hittel. Click here to read more about these special guests.

“We are enriched as a university to have this marvelous collection of children’s literature as an acclaimed center piece to our collections on the campus,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Those who study children’s literature as future teachers and writers, and those who research the field will greatly benefit from this wonderful resource that adds so much to the intellectual base of the campus. We are deeply grateful to the York family for bringing these resources into our care.”

Dr. Elizabeth York began her children’s book collection by purchasing first editions featuring the works of 18th and 19th century illustrators like Randolph Caldecott, Edmund Dulac, Arthur Rackham, Howard Pyle, and Jessie Wilcox Smith. The search for these classics led York to Beatrix Potter, A.A. Milne, James Barry, and Rudyard Kipling. Then she came upon Robert Louis Stevenson.

As each box was unpacked, our excitement grew,” said Dr. Janet Brewer, director of the Robert A. Nicholson University Library. “To be holding an autographed, first edition of a book and then think, the author had held it, too…what an experience. This collection represents the beginning of an entirely new emphasis in research and scholarship for the Nicholson Library, one that we look forward to promoting, enhancing, and sharing for years to come.”

It was while she was collecting children’s books that the Yorks inherited a 1926 signed copy of New Hampshire by Robert Frost. York followed up the acquisition by reading a biography of the poet. From there she was hooked and began collecting Robert Frost. She collected enough to fill four huge shelves in her home.

“Mrs. York’s collection of Robert Frost material is quite varied,” said Jett Whitehead, Rare Books Dealer — specializing in modern poetry – from Bay City, Mich. “Her collecting interests include first edition copies of the poet’s books — many of them signed and/or inscribed by Frost — along with unusual ephemera pieces. A common denominator found throughout the York Frost collection is quality — she only approved items in the best collector condition available.”

York broadened her range of collections over the years until she had at last count 200 to 250 Mother Goose, ABC, 123 books; 350 pop-up books; and 250-300 Christmas books. She has also collected early primers, chapbooks, and books by more contemporary children’s book illustrators. The collection also includes several volumes of African-American and Native American children’s literature.

“Dr. Jim and Elizabeth York have made a remarkable impact on Anderson University in the last several years,” said Bob Coffman, vice president for Advancement at Anderson University. “Through their generous support of projects as diverse as seminary housing to visiting professorships to this most recent gift of the reading room and special collections, they have woven their lives and their values into the fabric of AU.”

Dr. James and Elizabeth York have given of their time and resources to make a difference in people’s lives. Their giving spirit was what convinced the couple that Dr. York should retire early from his practice of orthopedic surgery so that they could work in mission hospitals throughout Africa. It also prompted them to contribute to the Harry L. and Henrietta Harp Endowed Memorial Fund at Anderson University. And it is one of the primary reasons they created the James M. York, M.D., and Elizabeth H. York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Anderson University School of Theology.

Mrs. York’s parents, Rev. Harry and Henrietta Harp, were active in the Church of God, and it was in their honor that their children established the Harp Endowed Memorial Fund. The fund supports the Harp Lectures in Christian Theology and Leadership at Anderson University and provides an annual award (known as the Harry L. and Henrietta Harp Memorial Award) to a graduating seminary student who has made the most outstanding accomplishment in congregational ministries. Future plans for the fund include support of a visiting professorship.

Advocates of lifelong learning, the Yorks recently provided the resources to construct York Seminary Village consisting of 8 buildings, located south of 5th Street, between 6th and 7th Streets, in Anderson. York seminary village provides housing to ministerial students studying through the Anderson University School of Theology. In addition, the Yorks also established the York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Anderson University School of Theology that is designed to reduce tuition expenses for deserving seminary students and promote a healthy diversity within the seminary community.

Mrs. York came to Anderson University in 1949. She later married Dr. James M. York, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University Medical School, and they spent the next several years in various locations as Dr. York completed his orthopedic surgery training. As they traveled, Elizabeth continued her undergraduate studies, graduating from Rutgers University in New Jersey. Dr. York took early retirement after 32 years of practice and volunteered his surgical skills at mission hospitals throughout Africa. The couple served hospitals in Kenya, Cameroon, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. In all, they served as short term missionaries for six years.

The Elizabeth York & James York Reading Room & Special Collections is a part of the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. On October 6, 2006, the university launched a $110 million campaign entitled; Dreams. Discovery. Direction. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $92 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support.

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.

“Our partnership with Saint John’s Health System through the years has been extremely important to our work in nursing education,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “We are especially grateful that they are partnering with us to bring state-of-the-art technology to this vital educational program in which we have such a significant mutual interest.”

SimMan® 3G is a portable, patient simulator for advanced training in teaching facilities. SimMan® 3G has realistic anatomy and clinical functionality, providing highly realistic patient simulation training experiences for the practice of medical teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.

“Our mutually-beneficial partnership and support of the Anderson University School of Nursing has been vitally important for Saint John’s Health System, our associates and our patients for many years,” said Saint John’s President Tom VanOsdol. “We are extraordinarily pleased at this time to join with St.Vincent Health in bringing this state-of-the-art technology to Anderson University and our entire healthcare community. Our fundamental belief and commitment is simply that better training for our nurses results in better care for our patients, and that’s why Saint John’s is here.”

SimMan® 3G provides simulation-based education to challenge and test students’ clinical and decision-making skills during realistic patient care scenarios. When using SimMan® 3G in the clinical classroom, faculty may use one of the mannequin’s many preprogrammed case studies or they can create their own scenario.

“Students entering the field of nursing today must be increasingly equipped to deal with the demands of a highly sophisticated and complex healthcare delivery system,” said Dr. Karen Williams, dean of the School of Nursing at Anderson University. “Through the use of high-fidelity simulators like SimMan® 3G, faculty of Anderson University will be able to accurately duplicate the patient care environment seen in acute and chronic care. SimMan® 3G will be utilized across the nursing curriculum at Anderson University in order to promote synthesis and application of nursing knowledge.”

The addition of the SimMan® 3G to the Saint John’s Center for Clinical Excellence fortifies an already strong nursing program at Anderson University. The School of Nursing at Anderson University is unique from other nursing programs because it integrates a Christian perspective into its programs and the relationships among students, faculty, and staff.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Saint John’s, Saint Vincent’s and PHI Air Medical these past months as we partnered together in crafting a gift which will serve our nursing students and the community for years to come,” said Karen Durica Roller, executive director of Development. “We’re grateful to these friends whose generosity helped to make the dream of having such a valuable learning tool a reality. This simulator is currently being used by our armed forces in preparing first responders to emergency and life-threatening situations. We’re pleased to be among the very first higher education institutions in the state to acquire SimMan 3G. The addition of SimMan 3G puts cutting edge laboratory experiences in the hands of Anderson University’s students.”

In addition to the Saint John’s Center for Clinical Excellence, Saint John’s and its partner PHI Air Medical will also bring value-added training experiences to the students. PHI will provide a pediatric simulator for training of students, and will also provide mass casualty training, and on-site visits to its helicopter on the roof of Saint John’s Emergency Department.

Saint John’s will provide nurse mentors for Anderson University nursing students, and has also created a student award to recognize academic excellence.

The Saint John’s Center for Clinical Excellence will also be used by Saint John’s, Community Hospital Anderson and Saint Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood for their nursing education, training and testing of competencies.

Saint John’s Health System is a ministry of Saint Vincent Health, the state’s largest healthcare employer, with 18 health ministries serving 45 counties in central Indiana. Saint John’s is a sophisticated, comprehensive, fully-diversified healthcare organization, providing a full range of quality healthcare services to the greater Madison County area. It is particularly well known for cancer care, behavioral health, rehabilitation services, and surgical/medical services.

Click here to view photos from the open house.

The Saint John’s Center for Clinical Excellence and SimMan® 3G is a part of the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. On October 6, 2006, the university launched a $110 million campaign entitled; Dreams. Discovery. Direction. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $92 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

“This award is bestowed by the faculty in the Falls School of Business,” said Dr. Terry Truitt, dean of the Falls School of Business. “Great deliberation is given. Overall contributions are considered, including academic contribution, GPA attainment, extracurricular involvement, leadership at AU and in the FSB, standing in their discipline, and moral and ethical fortitude.”

During his student years at the Falls School of Business at Anderson University, Hayhurst served as the vice president for Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Consulting and was a winning team member at the SIFE Consulting Showcase in 2007. Hayhurst, a native of Holt, Mich., also held the position of Executive Director of the Anderson Media Group (AMG) and led the organization as it produced the award-winning Falls Report magazine. Following graduation on May 9, Hayhurst plans to pursue a job in the Indianapolis area in the field of finance and banking.

“My experiences in the Falls School of Business were both diverse and unforgettable,” says Hayhurst. “I know they will be a tremendous asset upon my graduation.”

In addition to receiving the award and recognition in The Wall Street Journal, each year’s winner is also presented with the Larry and Dorothy Morrison Thomas Award, which includes a $5,000 cash award to the selected student. Dorothy Morrison Thomas is the daughter of Dr. John A. Morrison, who served as the president of Anderson University from 1923-1958.

“I am extremely honored to receive such a prestigious award,” added Hayhurst. “The generosity and kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas is greatly appreciated and exemplifies Anderson University and God’s love.”

Also recognized at the banquet were outstanding students in the departments of accounting, finance, management, and marketing. A group of fifteen students and two professors were also inducted into Anderson University’s chapter of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society for Business.

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.

On October 6, 2006, the university launched a $110 million campaign entitled; Dreams, Discovery, Direction. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $90 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support.

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.

Anderson University has announced the installation of all-weather synthetic field turf and outdoor game lights at Macholtz Stadium located in the northwest corner of the university campus. The artificial field turf and lighting system at Macholtz Stadium will be ready for the fall 2008 athletic season.

“We are grateful to our football parents who have championed these improvements and provided some of the research needed to move the program ahead,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Our multi-sport program can benefit in many ways from a synthetic surface and lights. We have received helpful advice regarding this project from several alumni as well as our friends in the Indianapolis Colts organization who understand the usefulness of these facilities. This is but one of several improvements we hope to make to bring our outdoor facilities to a standard of excellence in the next several years.”

The Athletic Complex, consisting of football and baseball fields, all-weather running track and practice fields, was constructed in 1977. In 1985, the football field was named Macholtz Stadium to honor the late Dr. James Macholtz, beloved coach of AU Track and Field as well as the Anderson University football program. Macholtz Stadium holds 4,300 fans and is surrounded by a competition, eight-lane running track.

“While the renovations at Macholtz Stadium directly benefit our football and track and field programs, the entire campus community benefits from these improvements,” said Marci Taylor, interim director of Athletics. “To compete for the top notch student-athlete in the Great Lakes region it is imperative to have modern, state of the art facilities. The campus community and the Anderson area benefit in that this venue has the potential for multiple uses throughout the calendar year.”

Anderson University will be the third school within the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) to provide artificial turf. Currently, there are nine colleges and universities within the HCAC (8 schools providing football programs). Approximately 17 high schools in the Indianapolis area have artificial turf or in process of installing artificial turf in their stadiums.

“The improvements to the stadium give Anderson University a great opportunity to compete in the HCAC,” said Jeff Judge, head football coach at Anderson University. “The enhancements to the stadium allow us to recruit outstanding students from the region and the Indianapolis metropolitan area. Along with the Kardatzke Wellness Center, these improvements put AU in the top category of Division III football.”

The overall cost for the improvements to Macholtz Stadium is approximately $800,000 and will be entirely funded through new gift resources. Advantages of synthetic turf versus grass include availability, usability, and maintenance cost. Research indicates that an artificial turf field will pay for itself in savings within the product’s expected life of 10-12 years. Outdoor all-weather lights will allow the university to expand operational hours and usage of Macholtz Stadium for many of the 16 intercollegiate athletics teams at AU as well as the institution’s expanding academic and intramural program. The current athletic filed at Macholtz stadium was used a maximum of 68 hours during the 2007-08 academic year.

“We are grateful to friends of the university for their commitment to a project that will truly benefit the entire campus,” said Robert L. Coffman, vice president for Advancement at Anderson University. “It also enhances our ability to attract and host events that will benefit our community.”

Anderson University has a history of welcoming and hosting special athletic and music camps. The institution anticipates that these activities can be increased without compromising institutional needs with the availability of an all-weather synthetic field (e.g. bands camps, soccer camps, football camps, etc.). The enhancements offer expanded economic development opportunities for many different athletic events and community activities. In addition, ongoing support can be provided to special community activities such as Special Olympics of Madison County.

The installation of artificial turf and outdoor lights at Macholtz Stadium is the first phase of a larger strategy and vision for the northeast quadrant of the university campus. The field enhancements are a part of the $110 million “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.” Campaign launched on October 6, 2006. The campaign, set to conclude on May 31, 2010, is the university’s largest fundraising effort and has raised $84 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.

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.

“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.

“We are deeply grateful to so many of our friends, alumni and wider sources of support who have joined us in this transformational campaign,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “‘Dreams, Discovery, Direction,’” is a campaign that expresses the hopes we have for our students and for those who will join us in this work in years to come. We are on schedule because of the devotion so many have for the mission of Anderson University. While we have a long way to go to reach our goal of $110 million, we receive this support as an expression of confidence that our life changing work is deeply meaningful to those who have made this impressive interim report possible, our generous donors.”

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 million 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.

“We are extremely gratified by the way in which friends of Anderson University have responded to the vision set forth in the ‘Dreams, Discovery, Direction,’ campaign,” said Bob Coffman, vice-president for Advancement at Anderson University. “This early success in the public phase of the campaign has fueled our optimism as we work to involve wider circles of our constituents.”

Gospel music legends Bill and Gloria Gaither serve as co-chairs of the National Campaign Advisory Commission. Co-chairing the National Campaign Cabinet is 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 www.anderson/campaign 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 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.