Anderson University freshman Sarah Boesing, recently received the Bell Award from WLKY (Channel 32, CBS), for her work with Break the Grey, a ministry that encourages families facing childhood cancer and other life-altering illnesses. Break the Grey was developed in 2005 by Boesing, a nursing major and a native of New Albany, Indiana, when she was 15.

The Bell Awards are given by the “Spirit of Louisville Foundation” through WLKY to those who give back to the community through volunteering and service. Boesing’s positive impact to the area caught the attention of the foundation that then presented her with the award at their annual ceremony.

“I don’t think I deserved to win the Bell Award,” said Boesing. “It’s pretty prestigious and in my mind what I do isn’t worth something that great. Break the Grey is a passion for me and I don’t do it to just get awards.”

During her time with Break the Grey, Boesing’s activities have included raising money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society, mailing “care packages” to emotionally distraught families, throwing “no-more-chemo” celebrations, and fundraising for bone marrow transplants just to name a few.

Boesing was born with a terminal kidney disease and spent significant time at a children’s hospital in her hometown at an early age. These experiences gave her a chance to meet and interact with many children and families facing childhood cancer. After a kidney transplant in August 2001, she felt God calling her back to the hospital where she grew up.

“The award is designed to honor local citizens that personify the ‘Spirit of Louisville,’” stated Debbie Roberson, Bell Awards Program Director. “Sarah let her compassion inspire her to take negative and turn it into positive by transforming her adversity into strength. We are so pleased to see Break the Grey growing into other communities.”

Break the Grey strives to share love and hope by serving, supporting, and encouraging families who are patients of the childhood cancer units at Kosair Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky and Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. The name is derived from the winter months during which parties for these families are regularly conducted. During its history, Break the Grey has ministered to over 100 families in four different states.

—Erin Helvering is a student worker on campus in the University Communications office. She is a freshman communications major from Anderson, Ind.

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.

There’s something wonderful about taking a 400-year-old comedy and its many outdated puns and create a show that young actors clearly enjoy performing and that audiences should delight in experiencing.

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.

Anderson University launched a weekend of homecoming events with a special convocation Thursday that included honors for some distinguished alumni.

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.

It was a shock to Don Peslis when introducing state Sen. Tim Lanane and state Rep. Terri Austin at the Character Counts 10th anniversary block party Saturday that they really were there for him.

Peslis, who brought national character developing program Character Counts to Madison County and founded Anderson University’s Center for Character Development, had no idea that Lanane and Austin were about to present him with one of Indiana’s highest honors — the Distinguished Hoosier Award.

“Without Don Peslis, there would be no Character Counts,” Lanane said. “I myself have been proud to stand on the Senate floor and talk about Character Counts to every other senator.”

Austin presented the award to Peslis, reading from it that Peslis had made a significant contribution to his community and endeared himself in the hearts of Hoosiers for his work with Character Counts. He had earned the respect and admiration of Hoosiers across the state, read the award signed by Gov. Mitch Daniels.

Mayor Kris Ockomon expressed his pleasure at working with Peslis on Character Counts matters.

“Kids, this is your day, and this is the guy that made it happen,” he said to the crowd at the block party Saturday.

Peslis gave the credit back to the people of Anderson and those who have helped him with the program.

“This is your award,” he said to the crowd. “We just love Anderson, Indiana, and it’s been our joy to live, work and play in Anderson, Indiana, where character really does count.

“I’ve had the best job in this city for the past 15 years.”

Formed in 2000, the mission of The Center for Character Development at Anderson University is to recognize, enhance, teach and sustain positive qualities in the lives of persons in order to promote civility through character development. The intent of this initiative, now a part of the School of Education at AU, is to foster greater understanding and cooperation among individuals and organizations and help develop a positive environment to address issues that will shape the future. For more information about the Center for Character Development at Anderson University call 765-641-3861 or online at www.character-development.org.

—Aleasha Sandley 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.

This year isn’t politics as usual at Anderson University.

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.