Approximately 40 colleges in each of the six geographical regions in the U.S. were selected as meeting four key criteria that make a college truly exceptional: engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities, and successful outcomes. These are the “hidden gems” of higher education institutions - as determined by a review board of academicians, guidance counselors, and parents.

“We are truly honored to have received the designation of ‘College of Distinction’ by Students Horizons,” said Dr. Michael Collette, vice president for Enrollment Management and Information Systems. “We believe that this distinction will provide a level of pride for our students and their families for this recognition, and confidence that we have been acknowledged by our peers for having high quality faculty, uncommonly good teaching, nationally recognized programs, and very engaged students.”

Anderson University was required to go through an application process to be considered, be nationally recognized by education professionals, employ outstanding teachers that provide innovative learning experiences, have an active campus and community that allows for personal development, and be highly valued by employers for its outstanding preparation. Colleges of Distinction also recognized an impressive nine other colleges in the state including: Goshen College, Butler University, Manchester College, St. Joseph’s College, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, Saint Mary’s College, Taylor University, University of Evansville, and University of Southern Indiana.

College seekers can also visit the Colleges of Distinction website to learn more about featured schools, including Anderson University. Furthermore, visitors can read tips from high school guidance counselors and essays from college students, presidents, and other members of different campus communities.

Student Horizons, Inc. is a digital services company devoted to higher education. Founded in 2002 by concerned parents and admissions professionals, their mission is to enable students to find colleges and universities that appeal to and complement their unique personalities and aspirations. Student Horizons, Inc. is located in Bethesda, MD.

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.

They’re just learning to adapt.

Kelly Kaiser and other seniors planning to graduate in May with business degrees from Anderson University said the ongoing financial meltdown, the one that’s sunk blue chip stocks and shuttered major banks, means they have to be smart and a bit more open-minded about their job search.

While Kaiser hopes to parlay her concentration in nonprofit management into work with a Chicago museum, she said she understands that the current job market means considering other options and being patient.

“You have to be optimistic, and you have to be willing to work for it,” the Anderson native said. “And if you don’t have a job in May, it’s not the end of the world.”

Students said their classes, even those outside the business school, have turned the financial crisis into an economic case study.

“It’s been a great learning experience,” said Ben Hayhurst, who will graduate in May with a finance degree. “Rather than go back and look at some random historical data, what we’re in right now will be in textbooks 10, 15 years from now. And I don’t want to say that’s exciting, but it’s interesting to be living through it and watching it.”

Like Kaiser, Hayhurst is just beginning to send out job applications. Both said they planned to ramp up their efforts beginning in January.

Hayhurst is focusing on a career centered around investments, something his internship with an Indianapolis brokerage firm could help with. The field is broad enough, he said, that he’s continuously learning of new opportunities or hearing about companies with ties to the university that could lead to an entry-level job.

Considering all available options is a top strategy Maryann Coty recommends to students.

As director of AU’s career development center, Coty prepares pending graduates across all disciplines to transition into the work force, a task that has brought increased challenges for students.

“It’s just a lot more competitive,” she said.

Compared to six percent of surveyed companies saying they were hiring new graduates in the spring, Coty said, only one percent report such hiring efforts now.

Along with going after fewer jobs, new graduates must compete against more experienced professionals who have recently been laid off, she said.

Younger job seekers “have to look at what they can offer, and the things that they can bring as a new graduate is youth and enthusiasm and new skill sets that maybe they’ve learned in the classroom,” Coty said.

She has advised students to look for jobs in expanding industries, fields like health care, technology or alternative energy. And Coty said a tough job market means students have to be experts at selling themselves to employers.

“They really have to make sure that their resumes and their interviewing skills are really sharp, and that they can really bring out their strengths,” she said.

Part of that confidence, students said, has come from preparation offered by the university.

Kaiser noted that the anticipation of leaving school and entering the working world is less nerve racking that the feelings she had four years ago as an inexperienced college freshman.

And if an ideal museum gig in Chicago doesn’t come her way, Kaiser said she’s prepared to take other avenues.

“Apply as many places you can and hope something opens up,” she said of her job-search approach.

“Apply, apply, apply. Don’t just bank on one company.”

—Barrett Newkirk is a reporter for the Herald Bulletin. Story republished with permission.

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.

Richard Roberts has done just that with William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” the latest production by Anderson University’s theater department. The director has given the play, which opens tonight, a retro makeover by shifting it to the 1970s and flooding the senses with vintage clothing, period music and pop art.

It is common these days to see the Bard’s characters travel through time, but what’s so enjoyable about this “Much Ado” is that all those vibrant stage elements create a visual energy that carries over into many strong performances.

The rumors and lies at the heart of “Much Ado” aren’t all meant to create disharmony. Having just returned from war, Claudio falls instantly in love with Hero. They plan a wedding that the jealous Don John hopes to blow apart by spreading a false rumor about Hero.

The lighter story line revolves around Benedick, a friend to Claudio, and Beatrice. The two are friendly rivals engaged in a “merry war” of insults.

Both have sworn off marriage, but everyone else thinks they’d make a perfect match so a few white lies get told to try and bring them together.

Roberts, resident dramaturg at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, last assisted Anderson University in 2005 when he directed “The Music Man.” His vision for “Much Ado” is a playful revamping of a classic that skillfully blends unique visuals with effectives staging, visual comedy and some surprising musical interludes.

In one scene, Roberts moves the action to a beach where Benedick must struggle to stay hidden while listening in on some gossip. In the following scene, which puts Beatrice in a similarly hilarious predicament, Hero and her girlfriends are clothes shopping and jabbering while Beatrice hides behind racks of dresses and under tables.

The hit songs played throughout the show add more variety and fun, but they sometimes seem rushed, too short and unnecessary. Overall, the music does compliment the clothing and works of art by Robert Indiana, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein that decorate the stage.

An intensely animated performance of Benedick comes from Adam Tran, who while transitioning from cocky bachelor to love fool runs and rolls around the stage with sound authority.

As his female counterpart and eventual paramour, Lisa Ermel gives Beatrice a closed but caring personality. Ermel’s performance is also very strong, and she seems to approach Beatrice as having a slight advantage in her verbal jousting with Benedick. She may very well be right.

Other lead actors gave sound performances Monday during a very clean dress rehearsal. The main cast is very balanced in talent, something not so surprising coming from AU. But what is noteworthy about this particular production is the depth of skill seen in the cast going down to more minor roles.

Leah Brenner, a familiar face on the Byrum Hall stage, has a knack for delivering the comedic lines of constable Dogberry that cut through some of the play’s tenser scenes. And as Margaret, Charissa Huguegnard, demands attention, given to a somewhat dull but vitalsupporting role.

Roberts makes one major adaptation from most productions of “Much Ado” in that some major male roles are played by women. Along with Brenner’s Dogberry, a change that alters the play in no substantial way, Roberts takes Leonato, the role of Hero’s father as written by Shakespeare, and turns it into Leonata, Hero’s mother.

While the gender change requires some rewording of lines throughout the play, it also gives Brooke Lose, another strong senior in the school’s theater department, the opportunity to tackle the part and for Roberts to play around with staging, as when Lose’s Leonata is picking out decorations for her daughter’s wedding, something Leonato would have likely left to his wife anyway.

Overall, this “Much Ado” is a freshly altered reworking that allows a talented group of performers to shine.

———-

If you go…

“Much Ado About Nothing” by William Shakespeare, directed by Richard Roberts

Byrum Hall, Anderson University

Opens tonight and continues Friday and Saturday, and Nov. 20-22. All shows at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for military and seniors, $5 for students. For tickets, call the Byrum box office at (765) 641-4351.

—Barrett Newkirk is a reporter for the Herald Bulletin. Story republished with permission. Photos by Richard Sitler.

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.

Sophomore Kelsey Kegerreis explained the new prediction.

“During one of our meetings, the group agreed that our goal should be for 24 percent of the undergraduate population of AU to each donate a shoebox,” said Kegerreis. Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, is a worldwide production that has been a way to not only get AU to work together, but has also engaged the campus with other Indiana campuses.

Between Taylor University, Indiana Wesleyan University and AU, 791 boxes were donated to the annual project last year. AU contributed 291 of those boxes, while IWU, a relatively smaller school, donated 515 boxes. But Operation Christmas Child is not a one-way volunteer program—those who volunteer have often felt and seen a difference in themselves.

Sophomore Joanna Tilley is starting her 11th year as a volunteer to the project. She has been able to attend a shoebox delivery trip to Belize and has received over 80 letters from children who have received her boxes.

“This seemingly simple shoebox project is an incredible opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ with children who are orphaned, starving, sick and often abandoned by everyone else they know,” said Tilley.

SGA advisor Debbie Sebastian is starting her second year with the program and continues to be “impressed with the dedication and passion that several students have with the program.”

Along with Tilley, Kegerreis has also been involved with this project since she was young. “My siblings and I would always would go to the store with my mom and help pack a few shoeboxes,” Kegerreis explained. “As I grew older, I began saving my own money and making Operation Christmas Child my own project each year. The small amount of money that I invest in a shoebox each year is minimal compared to the difference it is making in someone else’s life.”

The drop-off date for the boxes is Nov. 3-14, in the SGA office, the bottom of Decker from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and in the dorm and apartment lobbies. Most boxes donated include small items such as marbles, dolls, cars, stuffed animals, jump ropes and yo-yos. Hygiene products are also donated, since those items are often times scarce in the receiving countries. Small clothing items—such as a t-shirt, scarf, hat or a pair of mittens are accepted as well.

The monetary donation to this project is minimal, but it is about much more than that.

—Julia Cline is a reporter for the on campus newspaper Andersonian. Story republished with permission.

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.

McLaren will offer four sessions at AU entitled: “The Story We Find Ourselves In,” “A Whole-Hearted Gospel,” “Christianity as Way and Practice,” and “More Ready Than You Realize: Evangelism in the Emerging Culture.” All services will be conducted October 21-23 on the Anderson University campus.  Morning services will be conducted during chapel/convocation at 10 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday in Reardon Auditorium.  Evening services will also be conducted Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. in Reardon Auditorium. The services are free and open to the public.

He serves as a board chair for Sojourners/Call to Renewal, and is a founding member of Red Letter Christians, a group of communicators seeking to broaden and deepen the dialogue about faith and public life. He is also a board member for “Orientacion Cristiana,” and formerly served on the boards of International Teams in Chicago, Mars Hill Graduate School in Seattle, and Off The Map. He has taught or lectured at several seminaries in the U.S. and abroad.

From 1978 to 1986, McLaren taught college English, and in 1982, he helped form Cedar Ridge Community Church, an innovative, nondenominational church in the Baltimore-Washington region. He left higher education in 1986 to serve as the church’s founding pastor and served in that capacity until 2006. During that time, Cedar Ridge earned a reputation as a leader among emerging missional congregations.

He is on the international steering team and board of directors for emergent, a growing generative friendship among missional Christian leaders. He is also active in global networking among emerging leaders

McLaren has authored or co-authored a dozen books, including A Generous Orthodoxy, A New Kind of Christian, and The Secret Message of Jesus.

McLaren graduated from University of Maryland with degrees in English (BA, summa cum laude, 1978, and MA, in 1981). His academic interests included Medieval drama, Romantic poets, modern philosophical literature, and the novels of Dr. Walker Percy. In 2004, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree (honoris causa) from Carey Theological Seminary in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

He is a frequent guest on television, radio, and news media programs. He has appeared on many broadcasts including Larry King Live, Religion and Ethics Newsweekly, and Nightline. His work has also been covered in Time (where he was listed as one of American’s 25 most influential evangelicals), Christianity Today, Christian Century, the Washington Post, and many other print media.

For more information about Spiritual Emphasis Week, contact the Anderson University office of Spiritual Life and Counseling at 765-641-4203.

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.

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.

Two student groups are working around campus to win support for the two major candidates. Members of both clubs reported heavy interest in the McCain vs. Obama showdown, judgment day for which is about three weeks away.

“This year, because of the election, we’ve seen a lot more politics on campus,” said sophomore Kimberly Hathaway, president of AU College Republicans.

The group’s membership has nearly doubled since last year, from eight to 15 “active members,” and not all of the new participants are freshmen, Hathaway said.

Since school began, Hathaway and her counterpart with AU College Democrats, Michael Kellermeyer, said they’ve pushed to ensure that students are registered to vote. Both agreed that the vast majority of AU students would vote absentee in their home districts.

The students in College Republicans will also continue knocking on doors and working phone banks for local candidates in the weeks before Election Day, and Hathaway said soon they’ll be making calls in support of John McCain from GOP headquarters in downtown Anderson.

One local candidate the College Republicans have campaigned for is Frank Burrows, who is running for Indiana’s 36th District House seat. On Friday, club members sat in a campus dining hall during the lunch rush for a casual conversation with Burrows and his wife, Janet.

The students said their peers were following all the major issues, from the war to education, but many said the economy seemed to be the most critical.

“The election will determine who is president when students graduate, so they can’t just stay in their Anderson bubble,” sophomore Megan Bontrager said.

While the College Republicans are becoming involved in many local races, Kellermeyer said, the students he knows and talks to are entirely focused on the presidential race.

“No one’s talking about state or local politics,” he said.

After a few years in inactivity, the College Democrats reorganized this year with seven involved members. Their faculty advisor is Terri Austin, the incumbent candidate running against Burrows in House district 36.

Kellermeyer said he expected membership in College Democrats to be triple what it stands at now. While Barack Obama has strong support among the student body, Kellermeyer said, there is a stigma attached to identifying oneself as Democrat or liberal.

Most students prefer to call themselves independent voters, Kellermeyer said, because it’s “hip.”

“People are cool if you’re feeding the homeless,” he said, “but as soon as you say ‘I’m a Democrat,’ that draws in homelessness, abortion and gay rights, and I think people are opposed to that.”

Students were mixed on whether McCain or Obama had more support on campus, and that included students not involved in either of the political clubs.

Nicholas Hunnicutt, a freshman from LaOtta, Ind., said he was backing McCain because he preferred the candidate’s stance on energy and gun control. Hunnicutt said most students seemed to favor McCain, too.

“I thought the campus was more liberal, but now I’m here, more people are talking about it, and it seems more conservative.”

Sophomore Jill Davis said more students appeared to support Obama, but she was still undecided.

It’s been very hard for her to make a decision based on news coverage, she said, and after months and months of hearing about the presidential race, she has become apathetic and disinterested.

“It’s very discouraging,” he said. “When I got into it, I decided that I really didn’t like either of the candidates.”

———–

College Democrats of America

College Republicans of America

-Barrett Newkirk is a reporter for the Herald Bulletin in Anderson, Ind. 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.

Anderson University opens its newest theatrical season this weekend with a children’s show that should appeal to older generations as well.

After all, with source material as fun and timeless as the Dr. Seuss books, it would take a true Grinch to watch “Seussical” and not crack a smile.

The two-act musical directed by Laurel Goetzinger is an amalgamation of several Seuss books smashed together in the imagination of young boy played by Samuel McKanney. The plot centers around Horton the Elephant (Theodore Hicks), the do-gooder star of the books, “Horton Hears a Who” and “Horton Hatches the Egg.” The Cat in the Hat (Alvin J. Morrison) also plays prominently, acting as tour guide through the land of Seuss.

The Cat and the boy travel through water, jungle and towns encountering a swarm of dancing and singing Seussian characters. The story moves quickly at times, often with no sense of transition, which could befuddle younger audience members. But regardless of age, anyone familiar with theses stores should enjoy seeing them on stage.

As might be hoped for with a whimsical production like “Seussical,” the costumes are a knockout. Set and costume designer Brandon Kirkham and makeup designer Catherine Miller create a colorful batch of human and animal outfits that range from genteel formal wear for the Whos to wild ensembles with leather pants and heavy black boots for the mix of jungle creatures.

The cast and crew were still ironing out a few technical glitches during a dress rehearsal earlier this week, but the actors for the most part gave an impressive run through.

Strong performers play lead and as members of the ensemble. Leah Ashton Eger, a name people may know through her work with AU’s Orangehaus record label, belts out her numbers as Horton’s nemesis the Sour Kangaroo in homage to Aretha Franklin.

As Horton, AU junior Hicks portrays the gentle soul of that large, naïve creature. He also successfully performs some of the show’s few calm moments during songs that are personal mediations about his struggle to stick with his better judgment and not give into the peer pressure from others in the jungle.

Morrison as the Cat is also fun to watch. The part requires a lot of dexterity: humor, physicality and a decent singing voice. Luckily, it’s all there as the Cat beefs up the comedy in almost all of his scenes.

Another gem of the show is senior Debbie Fights as Gertrude, the slim-tailed bird who also pines for Horton. Maybe it’s easy to play the sweet lovefool, but Fights pretty much nails it. She’s doesn’t appear to hold anything back out of fear of being overly playful. If there’s a character that the kids will love, it’s hers.

But parents should not feel like the show has nothing to offer them. If reading Seuss before bed was ever a tradition in your house, whether you were the reader or the one being read to, you’ll leave “Seussical” with a fresh understanding of genius behind those stories.

———–
If you go…

“Seussical” at Anderson University’s Boze Lyric Theatre

Based on the works of Dr. Seuss. Directed by Laurel Goetzinger

Byrum Hall, Anderson University

Friday through Sunday and Oct. 18 and 19

Friday show at 7:30 p.m., Saturday shows at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for military and seniors, $5 for students

For tickets, call the Byrum box office at (765) 641-4351

-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.

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.

“We have seen the enormous benefits of collaboration with businesses, social service and governmental agencies when we place our students in internships in these settings,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University.  “Through this continuing support from Lilly Endowment, we will enhance and extend these efforts and give our students one more reason to begin their careers of distinction right here in Indiana.  We are deeply grateful for the trust of another very valuable grant from Lilly Endowment.”

The sustaining grant will bolster $750,000 the university received from the Endowment in 2003 that created the INvision AU program at Anderson University.  The activities and initiatives of INvision AU are intended to strengthen and extend programs and relationships that enable AU graduates to find highly desirable jobs in Indiana.

“The Career Development Center and INvision AU provide integral services to students as they consider their transition from education to post graduation employment,” said Dr. Brent Baker, vice president for Student Life.  “This grant from Lilly Endowment for the ongoing work of INvision AU truly strengthens our opportunity to do this well and encourages our graduates to find employment in Indiana.”

According to the proposal approved by the Endowment, the following initiatives will be actively pursued by Anderson University:

• Create 40 annual internship opportunities with Indiana organizations for AU students.
• Develop strong relationships with 25 targeted Indiana organizations through which internship and job opportunities could be available to AU students.
• Demonstrate that one start-up or developing organization in a neighboring community will flourish as a consequence of interaction with the INvision AU program.
• Create two formal alumni networking events annually on the AU campus where students can network with AU alumni and learn about job opportunities.
• Develop a partnership with five Indiana organizations from various industries where AU students will be able to network and learn about job opportunities within the industry.
• Offer at least three annual on-campus job fairs in varying industries to AU students.
• Demonstrate that at graduation, 75 percent of students involved in INvision AU activities will secure their position of choice in the State of Indiana.

INvision AU is an education-based collaboration among Anderson University and job-creating entities, contributing directly to Indiana’s innovation capacity and the creation of “knowledge jobs.”  For more information visit www.anderson.edu/invision.

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.