Anderson University is looking ahead to a full slate of classes offered this summer for interested students. AU will offer four, 4-week, sessions that provide flexibility and variety. Sessions provide both introductory and advanced courses on campus for specific majors and enrichment purposes. Classes began May 12.

“Service and selflessness” was the message of the 90th commencement ceremony at Anderson University.

Thousands of people still hustled to find their seats in Ward Fieldhouse as the color guard presented the flags to begin the ceremony.

Friends and family members of all ages, dressed in all kinds of attire, sat among each other for the joyous day—to celebrate the graduation of the university’s class of 2008.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kathleen Dugan, Assistant Professor of Art and Design, is hosting a “Facing Autism Symposium” at the Indianapolis Art Center, April 26 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. The symposium is provided as a free service to the community, generously supported by Dugan, The Indianapolis Art Center and the Autism society of Indiana.

Six students were in honored in Reardon Auditorium on April 22 for achieving a 4.0 cumulative GPA during their years at Anderson University. Eric Davis, Michelle Deal, Alex Erwin, Aaron Kaczmarek, Mark Price and Melissa Miller all received awards for their outstanding academic achievement.

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

AU announced the addition of several new majors with the release of the 2008-2010 Academic Catalog, including the addition of a Global Business major, an Entrepreneurship major and a Youth Ministry major. Other changes include the restructuring of the Department of Communication Arts and the option for dual licensing through the English as a New Language (ENL) program.

Byrum Auditorium will host performances of the play Living Out by Lisa Loomer on April 17-19 and 25-26.

Living Out tells the story of the complicated relationship between a Salvadoran nanny and her Anglo employer. Both women are smart, hard-working mothers. Both want better lives for their children. This play explores the shared humanity between them and the differences wrought by race, class, and Ana’s illegal status.

Anderson University will sponsor the OrangeHaus Music Business Camp, July 15-19. The camp will allow students to have one-on-one interactions with some of the best talent in the Christian music business industry. The OrangeHaus Music Business Camp is designed for high school students, ages 14-18. The experience will help students discover what it takes to be a working professional in the field of music business. Developed by the music business faculty at Anderson University, the summer program offers 3 and a half days of classes in record production, artist development, songwriting, and music marketing.

Anderson University recently announced that James T. Morris, Special Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and President for Pacers Sports and Entertainment and former Executive Director for the United Nations World Food Programme, will address the graduating class of 2008 during commencement exercises, May 10. The 3 p.m. EDT program will be conducted in the Ward Fieldhouse of the Kardatzke Wellness Center. Speaking during Anderson University’s baccalaureate service will be Rev. Kimberly Majeski, campus pastor at Anderson University. Baccalaureate will take place earlier that day in Reardon Auditorium at 10 a.m. All events are free and open to the public.