AU School of Theology honored Dr. John D. Fozard with the 2009 Distinguished Ministries Award, Norberto and Julie (Beam) Kurrle with the 2009 Distinguished Alumni Award, and Dr. James W. Lewis with the 2009 Distinguished Service Award at the annual SOT Alumni & Friends Annual Awards Luncheon on Monday, June 29.
Anderson, Purdue universities partner for graduate degree program
May 21st, 2009
Starting this fall, Anderson and Purdue universities will jointly offer students the chance to earn two master’s degrees at the same time. The degree program will allow students to earn, in a concurrent manner, a master of business administration from the Anderson University Falls School of Business and a master of science in technology from Purdue’s College of Technology.
Anderson University graduates largest class in history
May 10th, 2009
Wearing the traditional black caps and gowns, the 2009 class of Anderson University graduates lined up on the school’s campus Saturday, eager to receive their diplomas, but somewhat anxious about their job prospects amid a shaky economy.
AU SOT receives grant from Chatlos Foundation for pastors
April 15th, 2009
Anderson, Ind. — AU School of Theology recently received a $5,000 grant for scholarship support from the Chatlos Foundation. The scholarship was created to help pastors from small churches attend online seminary courses.
About 70% of all Church of God congregations have fewer than 100 regular attenders. As a result many pastors have difficulty financing seminary education. Many pastors are bi-vocational or retired minsters who continue serving in retirement.
AU students follow calling in theology
April 13th, 2009
Sarah Blake’s journey into ministry started the day she was born.
Three months premature and not breathing at birth, Blake wasn’t supposed to make it. Now that she’s a senior at Anderson University, she takes the miracle that she’s alive as a sign that she’s on the right path in the school’s master divinity program.
Dr. Barry Callen to receive life-time achievement award
February 27th, 2009
The Wesleyan Theological Society, at its 2009 meeting at Anderson University, March 5-7, will present it most prestigious award. Anderson University Professor Emeritus of Christian Studies, Dr. Barry L. Callen, will receive the Society’s Life-Time Achievement Award at the Society’s Friday, March 6, evening banquet.
Williams named dean of AU School of Nursing
February 23rd, 2009
Anderson University has named Karen Williams, DNP, MSN, ANP-C, RN, as dean of the School of Nursing. Williams, who will begin her new role in June of 2009, replaces Dr. Andrea Koepke who served as dean from 2000-2008 before accepting a position with the University of Findlay. Professor Pat Griffin has guided the School of Nursing since June of 2008 and will remain in the position until May 31 when Williams will transition to her new assignment.
AU welcomes Dr. Andy Odle for Impact Your World Week
February 2nd, 2009
Dr. Andy Odle will be the featured campus guest speaker for Impact Your World Week, Feb. 3-5, at Anderson University. The AU Campus Ministries office sponsors Impact Your World Week to offer students and the community an opportunity for worship and study with an off-campus speaker.
Impact Your World Week is conducted early in Semester II and focuses on Christ’s call to us to serve in the world. Key leaders from around the world are invited to campus each year to lead this special week.
SOT attracts large number of international students
January 9th, 2009
AU’s School of Theology attracted a large number of young international students this year. Individuals from Kenya, Singapore, India, Nepal, Mexico and Russia have recently joined the ranks of seminary students pursuing graduate degrees at the SOT. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences add diversity and depth to the classroom experience.
David Sebastian, Dean of the School of Theology, said, “The Seminary community has been blessed by welcoming a good number of young international students. These students bring so much to the classroom, chapel worship and community activities. Our lives are richer when we learn to appreciate what God is doing around the world.”
Jael Tang from Singapore is one such student. She recently completed her undergraduate studies in church music. Jael grew up in the Church of God in Singapore, which was how she landed at AU. After some consideration, Jael chose to stay and continue her education in the SOT because she “feels comfortable with the community and enjoys the campus.” She is planning to pursue a Master of Divinity or a Master of Arts in Intercultural Service.
Jael appreciates the diversity of the School of Theology. “The wide variety of beliefs, backgrounds, ages, etc. make it a unique place to be. People assume that since it’s a Church of God seminary, everyone is Church of God, but it’s not.”
Although she hasn’t decided what she plans to do with her graduate degree, Jael doesn’t plan on staying in Anderson forever. She is considering serving in the Church of God in places such as China, New Zealand or Berlin.
Armando Valdes from Mexico appreciates the community within the SOT and the wider AU campus. “The students try and all get together. Everyone is part of the same group. The community is really nice, for all the campus, not just the SOT,” he said.
Armando has had connections to AU his entire life. “We have had Tri-S trips for as long as I can remember. Tri-S has been coming to sing at my church for at least 20 years,” he said. “I started translating for Tri-S trips. Through that I got to know Dr. Shively and Dr. Neidert. It’s they’re fault that I’m here.”
After some encouragement Armando applied to AU School of Theology. He is now pursuing an MA in Intercultural Service. Armando hopes to someday serve on the mission field. However, he feels called to be a coordinator rather than a traditional missionary. “When groups do trips, someone must plan ahead. Someone needs to make connections and set up projects and activities. The preparatory work, that’s what I want to do,” he said.
Hellen Obwoge of Kenya says is at AU thanks to interactions with former students and graduates. “Some of our teachers graduated from the AU School of Theology. They would talk about their time in school,” she said. In 2006 an SOT student did an internship at Hellen’s university. Hellen became friends with the student and was encouraged to apply.
Hellen says that the cross-cultural transition has been a challenge for her. “The culture is totally different. The food is very sugary and salty. And the weather, it’s so cold! I love to see the snow, but I don’t want to walk in it,” she explains. Hellen also misses her family. “I keep getting more and more homesick,” she says. “But the encouragement from professors and students help me sustain and persevere.”
“I have really enjoyed my anthropology class. This is my area. I love to study people’s lives,” She said. “I also enjoyed my spiritual formations class. The professor offered encouragement. It gave me strength.” Hellen plans to pursue a MA in Intercultural Service.
—David Hynds is the Web Content Specialist for Anderson University.
Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.
