Porter teaches courses in Christian ministry, particularly in the areas of sacred music, liturgics, and worship. Her research and publications explore the interface of theology and church music from the early church to the present. She received her PhD from the University of Surrey, UK.

Porter will be sharing in a variety of church and seminary venues, including a mini-seminar on leadership and worship on Wednesday, April 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Anderson University School of Theology also announces the 2011 Harp Professor in Residence, the Rev. Dr. Paulson Pulikottil, dean of academic affairs at Union Biblical Seminary, Pune, Maharashtra, India. Pulikottil received his PhD from the University of Sheffield, UK, in the area of Old Testament focusing on the Qumran texts.

Pulikottil will teach at the seminary and offer public lectures during his semester stay in Anderson, Indiana (January through May 2011). Pulikottil is also pastor of the Community of the Redeemed (CORE) church in Pune, India.

The Harp Professor in Residence at the Anderson University School of Theology is an endowed program by the Harp and York Families. The dean of the School of Theology identifies and selects the Harp Professor related to his or her support of the seminary degree programs. Click here to see a list of past Harp Professors in Residence.

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 President James Edwards selected Glenn and Berny Falls for the 2009 William P. Riethmiller Community Partnership Award. The award is given each year to people in Anderson who have shown a dedication to Anderson’s community, Roller said.

Glenn Falls, 87, taught accounting at Anderson University for 35 years and has been a board member for several local businesses including the Anderson Banking Company and Pay Less Super Markets. Along the way, he helped many of his students work for and with those companies. Falls said Friday that, when he first started teaching at the university, Anderson residents didn’t feel a connection with the university.

“They thought of the college as, ‘Those folks over there on the hill,’ and I wanted to develop different feelings,” he said. “I had a feeling that the college should have a relationship with the whole city and more.”

Glenn Falls said his proudest accomplishment has been that many of his former students are still working with the businesses he worked to develop relationships with.

Berny Falls, 78, was a hospice nurse who worked with cancer patients throughout the country for about 15 years. After moving to Anderson and marrying Glenn Falls in 2002, Berny Falls has continued her home care for recently released cancer patients. She said she enjoys the one-to-one care, although it’s not the easiest job.

“I enjoy the fact that I could bring some comfort and love to the people that were dying,” she said. “I don’t enjoy death, but I enjoy loving them into the kingdom.”

Anderson University’s Henry Schwartz was also recognized at the dinner as the 2009 Madison County Medical Society Distinguished Scholar. The $5,000 award is given to an Anderson University student who plans to attend medical school and has demonstrated community service, Roller said.

“They believe that medicine is also about giving back to the community,” she said.

Schwartz said he intends to pursue family practice medicine. He is the vice president of the AU Pre-Professional Health Club, and was certified as an EMT this year.

The Anderson University dinner — a gathering of Anderson University fellows and sponsors — has been held for more than 25 years, Roller said. Entertainment was provided by a quartet led by Anderson University faculty member and pianist Ken Chan.

—Christina M. Wright 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.

“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 award acknowledges what we already know,” said Terry Truitt, dean of the Falls School of Business, “that Professor Peck is an exceptional educator. She goes beyond the classroom, engaging students in professional and community service.”

As an educator at Anderson University since 1988, Peck, CPA, has strived to serve her students and institution faithfully as a student advisor and MBA Admissions Committee member. She has gone above and beyond her traditional academic role by leading cultural and work camp student trips to London, Ireland, Costa Rica, and Peru. Peck is also the coordinator for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

“I feel honored to be recognized by my CPA peers,” said Peck. “There are many, many outstanding educators out there who do their duty to their students in wonderful ways that are not publicized. I feel fortunate to be one of them.”

With the Indiana CPA Society, she served as a former member of the board of directors (1999-2002), leadership cabinet, and education foundation. She served on the Indiana Board of Accountancy board for six years and recently completed her two-year term as chair of the BOA. In the community, she is a past board member of the United Way of Madison County and current member of the Hamilton Southeastern High School Academy of Finance Advisory Board.

“Professor Peck is highly respected by her peers and her students,” said Truitt. “She maintains high academic standards and yet works very hard to help students achieve their goals.”

Peck added that students energize her because of “their potential and the future that is in front of them.”

—Stefanie Leiter is the Web Content Manager for the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

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.

Dr. Diana Ross, Dean of the SOE, says having education majors spend a full year in the classroom introduces them to what it takes to be a successful teacher.

“They see it all–from the office to the multiple levels of classrooms — all at the same school,” says Ross. “Graduates often report that their first year of teaching held few surprises after participating in the year-long internship.”

Katie Scott [picture left with students], a recent graduate of the program and now a teacher, says she was pleased with the innovative program.

“Even though it was an exhausting year,” Scott notes, “I am glad I was allowed to participate in the full year’s student teaching program. It was a great experience, and I left feeling very prepared to teach.”

Rachel Chapman, now teaching in Alabama, agrees.

“Student teaching for a full year at Sunnyside Elementary in Indianapolis gave me valuable experience and honed my skills. Even though I was a student teacher, the school faculty and staff treated me as an equal.”

Drs. Linda Duncan and Janice Fulkerson, professors in the AU School of Education, serve as in-school supervisors for the interns.

“This is not to say the traditional program is inadequate,” says Duncan, “but those who do the internship come out more prepared to face the first year of teaching. They have confidence in their abilities. They pretty much have seen it all, and they are better equipped to handle the challenges teachers face.”

Fulkerson believes she, too, benefits from the experience.

“The program allows me to be in the schools for two full days a week to observe teachers as well as to participate with the students in their professional development opportunities. Consequently, I take back to my campus classes the real world of teaching.”

The program is designed so that participants can still graduate in four years. The SOE, however, has retained the traditional one semester student teaching experience for students who cannot financially afford to work for an entire year or cannot complete all their coursework in three years.

Scott admits that student teaching for two semesters was one of her hardest and most demanding experiences.

“I would not, however, trade the past year for anything!”

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lucas, through his leadership in CBFA, as a published scholar in his discipline of management, and as the director of the Doctor of Business Administration program at Anderson University has made a significant contribution to advance the biblical integration in the study and practice of business. He has excelled in “discovery, integration, application, and teaching” through his research, service, and teaching at the undergraduate, MBA, and DBA levels. For thousands of students over the years, he has been their example of what it means to be “salt and light” as a business professional.

Additionally, in the last eight years, his service has directly impacted the lives of more than 100 doctoral students and graduates currently serving in Christian institutions across the United States and Canada. These students and graduates consider Lucas to be their mentor and example for a life of biblical integration, Christian servanthood, and professional excellence. Through his work with the DBA students, he has contributed to a significant increase in the scholarly productivity of faculty from CBFA institutions in professional conferences, papers, and articles.

The Chewning Award was established by the Christian Business Faculty Association (CBFA) to perpetuate the passion and commitment of integrating personal faith and business as modeled by Dr. Richard C. Chewning, faculty emeritus at Baylor 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 than 25 years, Tirabassi has motivated hundreds of thousands of people to change their lives through best-selling books, extensive media appearances, and a wide range of speaking events.

Tirabassi speaks to men, women, and students on a variety of topics, including prayer, leadership, balanced living, mentoring, and parenting. She frequently appears on television and radio, empowering people with a dynamic message of how to live a disciplined life in an “out-of-control” culture. She is the founder and CEO of Becky Tirabassi Change Your Life, Inc.

Tirabassi has been a certified life coach with the Spencer Institute since 2005 and a certified aerobics instructor since 1991, with a nutrition specialty certificate from the Cooper Clinic in Dallas, Texas. She is a DISC certified behavioral consultant with the Institute for Motivational Living, Inc.

Tiribassi has sold more than one million books, tapes, and videos. Her appearances on television include the CBS Early Show, FOX and Friends, Everyday Living with Joyce Meyer, Life Today with James Robinson, ESPN 2, and the Golf Channel.

All services will be held in Reardon Auditorium on the Anderson University campus in Anderson, Indiana. Dates and times for services are:

• Tuesday, Oct. 20, 10 a.m.
• Tuesday, Oct. 20, 5:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 21, 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.

The Anderson University Office of Spiritual Life and Counseling Services sponsors SEW once each year to offer students and the community an opportunity for worship and study with an off-campus speaker.

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.

As part of the reaccreditation process, the social work faculty prepared a self-study report. This report includes how students are admitted to the program, how students are advised, the different practicums offered and past internships completed by students. It also includes details about the social work curriculum. This report must meet national standards in order to receive accreditation. Sharon Collins, professor and director of social work program, notes that their report passed “unconditionally.”

“Our program ensures advanced standing in graduate programs,” says Collins. This means students can complete all graduate work in one calendar year rather than two. “Students who graduate from an accredited program are also eligible for social work licensure in any state in the country,” says Collins.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But the food wasn’t just for eating.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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