It had been a lot of hard work, but the Mishawaka women said there was much fun mixed in with that dedication and they would miss their experiences from college.

They were just two of 645 who graduated from AU on Saturday afternoon at the Kardatzke Wellness Center.

“It’s scary but awesome,” Elizabeth Barwick said of her feelings about graduation. “I don’t want to leave everyone, but I’m excited about all the opportunities ahead of me.”

Both graduated with bachelor’s degrees while majoring in mathematics education. Elizabeth wants to move back closer to the Mishawaka area, while Katherine plans to look for a teaching job in the Anderson area.

[Photo: Carl Erskine addresses graduates during commencement on Saturday, May 5.]

“We got a really, really good education,” Katherine Barwick said. “I’m grateful for that. I know people are looking for AU graduates for education jobs.”

Bracken Henry of Mount Gilead, Ohio, and David Herron of St. Louis were both graduating with master’s degrees in business administration. Henry had graduated with his undergraduate degree from AU, while Herron, 38, came through the program as a nontraditional student.

“I took my time to get this, and I’m very satisfied to be here today,” Herron said. “I was impressed with the program and staff. Everything was outstanding.”

Henry said he “loved” the program. His advice to future students would be to be ready to work hard.

“It is not easy, and it’s a lot of hard work,” he said.

Herron’s advice, he said, may seem silly but is sincere.

“Take advantage of as many experiences as you can so you can get the most out of the program as you possibly can,” he said.

The graduates weren’t the only ones who were having a hard time hiding their glee. Friends and family of the students packed the Wellness Center, many lining up outside, camera in hand, waiting for the graduates to march past.

Michael and Dawn Anderson — AU grads themselves — came from Akron, Ohio, to see a former co-worker and friend graduate with her doctorate.

“She has worked so hard to get here,” Michael Anderson said. “We wanted to show our support for all of that hard work.”

Dawn Anderson said she did a lot of pushing and supporting of her friend, especially in the beginning.

“I strongly believe in education, and I knew it was something that was important for her to do,” she said. “I really just helped her know she could do it. And she did, yea!”

Terry and Ruth Canfield, of Akron, came to see their son Nate Canfield graduate with a bachelor’s. He majored in business management with a concentration on nonprofits.

“We love the school and are so glad they chose Anderson,” Ruth Canfield said.

Terry Canfield, a Church of God pastor, said having both sons graduate from AU was an “answered” prayer.

“I’m so proud and excited,” he said. “We are just thrilled.”

Commencement speaker Carl Erskine — former Major League Baseball player and sports legend of Anderson — focused on taking leaps. In this Leap Year, the graduating class is about to take the biggest leap of their lives, he said.

Erskine talked at length about the leaps taken by his team, the Brooklyn Dodgers, in recruiting Jackie Robinson — the MLB’s first black player. Erskine related many of the benefits of that risk. Later, Erskine recalled how friends and family took a leap of faith when it came to the birth of Betty and his son Jimmy, born with Down Syndrome.

“The world was no more ready for Jimmy than it was for Jackie (Robinson),” Erskine said. But quickly he noticed a change and said he continues to see the change today.

At the end of his address, Erskine showed his World Series ring and a gold medal Jimmy had won swimming in the Special Olympics, an organization he continues to champion.

Erskine asked the graduates which one meant more. Are you getting the most out of what you’ve been given, he asked.

“As you leap into your next life class,” Erskine said, “you will find something — others may not remember what you said, others may not remember what you did, but everybody will remember how you made them feel.”

AU President James Edwards reminded students that graduation was a time to count your blessings but also a time to count your debts. And while his statement was followed with laughter, Edwards was quick to say he wasn’t just talking about student loans.

— Abbey Doyle is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Reposted with permission. Photo credit: Don Knight.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

“Each year we have the privilege to honor an outstanding senior in biology with the Stevenson Outstanding Student Award,” said Dr. Blake Janutolo, dean of the College of Science and Humanities and chair of the Biology Department. “This award makes it easier for our best students to pursue further experiences in biology or help meet the expenses of that first year in graduate school.”

[Photo (l-r): Dr. Daniel Ippolito, professor of biology; Dr. Kimberly Lyle-Ippolito, professor of biology; Dr. Jerry Stevenson; Kelly Frye; Patricia Stevenson; Dr. Michael Bailey, assistant professor of biology; and Dr. Blake Janutolo, dean of the College of Science and Humanities.]

Frye, from Elhart, Ind., majored in biology and communication arts. She will spend the next year teaching at a boarding school in Ghana, and also hopes to spend time in the local health clinic. Following her time in Ghana, Frye intends to pursue graduate studies toward a master’s in public health.

While at AU, Frye was a member of the Honors Program, the Center for Public Service, Alpha Chi, Sigma Zeta (also serving as secretary), and the AU debate team. She has worked as a teacher’s assistant for several biology labs and as a biology tutor at the Kissinger Learning Center. She was a staff writer for the Anderson Media Group, a student assistant for the Center for Public Service, a social media intern for the MBA program, and a copy and project editor with Fifth Street Communications^™.

“The Stevenson Award has been a huge blessing to me. I’m honored that my biology professors selected me for this prestigious award,” said Frye. “I’ve combined two disciplines — biology and communication — so that I can pursue a career in public health. Specifically, I want to tackle issues of infectious disease control and containment, which require a unique blend of scientific, communication, and leadership skills. My time at AU — and the Stevenson Award along with it — has shown me that this type of career is possible to pursue, but the support from this award is outstanding. I am encouraged and energized for my experience abroad next year, and the education that will follow it.”

Dr. Jerry Stevenson received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Findlay in 1953, a Master of Arts from Bowling Green State University in 1956, and an M.D. from The Ohio State University in 1960. In addition, Stevenson served as a corporal in the Army and a lieutenant commander for the United States Public Health Service.

[Photo (l-r): Dr. Jerry Stevenson, Patricia Stevenson, Kelly Frye, Melody Frye, and Richard Frye.]

Patricia Stevenson attended both Anderson University and The Ohio State University, where she pursued an interest in occupational therapy and worked as a technician in the university’s Pathology Department.

From 1965-1970, Dr. Stevenson served as chair of the Biology Department at Anderson University. He was instrumental in building the current curriculum for the department and bringing distinction to the university’s pre-medical program. He worked full-time in the Pathology Department at St. John’s Hospital in Anderson from about 1970 to 1997.

The Stevensons currently reside in Estes Park, Colo. They have two children and four grandchildren.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

Aleza Beverly, dean of the School of Adult Learning, has been the director of summer classes since the mid 1990s. She is an advocate for taking summer classes. “It gives students a chance to jump ahead on hours or to make up hours that they have not been able to do during the regular semester,” said Beverly.

Summer classes can work for any student, even those who cannot stay at AU for the summer. “Reading courses are a type of independent study where the instructor gives the student the syllabus and then they turn the work in later,” said Beverly. They also require a GPA of at least 2.5. Tutorial classes do not require minimum GPA, but they require the instructor and the student to remain in contact throughout the summer. “Tutorial courses give more structure to the independent study,” said Beverly.

Dr. Jaye Rogers, associate professor of history, has been teaching summer classes since she started working at AU 16 years ago. However, when she began her college career, these types of classes were hard to find. “When I started college at 26, with two small children, there were no online courses anywhere,” said Rogers. “It was enormously difficult and expensive to arrange childcare to fit with my class schedule.” She is now very supportive of online classes. “They offer all students — but especially nontraditional students — a way to fulfill academic requirements while also juggling their many other responsibilities.”

Rogers also enjoys the opportunity summer classes offer to get to know her students in a more personal way. “I find that I get to know a little more about my students during summer courses because a face-to-face class that lasts four weeks is a little more intimate,” said Rogers. “We are all just more relaxed, and that allows all of us to be more engaged in the classroom.”

Summer classes also offer many benefits for traditional students, many of whom may have a hard time finishing their major in just four years. Summer classes allow them to lighten their schedule during the school year or to add another major or minor before they graduate. Many students are even able to graduate early because of summer classes. Christie Combs, who majored in accounting and minored in finance and management at AU, was able to graduate early in December 2011 because of the summer classes she took throughout her college career. “It would have been nearly impossible to graduate in three and a half years with 150 credit hours without taking summer classes,” said Combs.

Graduating early is typically a significant reason for students to participate in summer classes, and many may complete internships for credit in the summer. Scheduling hours to complete an internship with a business is often easier in the summer, and for some students this may even lead to a full-time job.

“The internships I did over the past summers for credit led to my internship last summer, which eventually helped me obtain my current full-time job,” said Combs. She now works for Defense Finance and Accounting Services, where she interned during the summer of 2011 and worked part-time during her final semester at AU.

Summer classes can be scheduled with the registrar through May 7, the first day of summer classes.

— Marissa Phillips is a junior from Brookville, Ohio, majoring in communication arts. Phillips is an associate with Fifth Street Communications^™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

Daniel Kelsey will graduate in May with a major in Christian ministries and a complementary major in youth leadership-development. He is a member of the Honors Program and the Center for Public Service at Anderson University. Earlier this year, he was recognized as the 2012 recipient of the Billie Roy and Pearl Toon Smith Endowed Christian Education Scholarship Award. After graduation, he hopes to work as a youth pastor or with a nonprofit organization or residential home in the Louisville, Ky., area.

[Photo: Daniel Kelsey with AU President Dr. James L. Edwards and Provost Dr. Marie Morris.]

Doris Elliott graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in December, majoring in theatre studies and minoring in history and psychology. She was a member of the Honors Program and the Center for Public Service. Through CPS funding, Elliott became a member of the National Association for Drama Therapy. For her Senior Theatre Capstone Experience, she began a theatre program at Park Place Community Center in Anderson. She hopes to continue her studies to become a licensed drama therapist.

Candace DeLong, a biology and history double major from Anderson, Ind., is the 2012 Outstanding Senior Female Athlete. As a four-year member of the cross country and track teams, DeLong earned many honors. In cross country, she was named the 2008 HCAC Freshman of the year and received All-HCAC honors in 2010 and 2011. Last fall she finished 2nd overall at the 2011 HCAC Cross Country Championship Meet. In outdoor track and field, DeLong was the 2011 HCAC 3,000m steeplechase champion, and holds both HCAC and AU records in this event. Her best competitive time in the steeplechase this spring ranked her in the top 10 in the nation. During the 2012 indoor track season, DeLong was the HCAC Mile Champion, earning her All-Conference honors.

[Photo: AU Outstanding senior athletes Candace DeLong and Michael Tucker, pictured with Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Brent Baker (left), Athletic Director Marcie Taylor, and AU President Dr. James L. Edwards.]

Michael Tucker, a business management major from Zionsville, Ind., is the 2012 Outstanding Senior Male Athlete. As a four-year member of the baseball team, he has earned numerous honors. He was named HCAC All-Conference in both 2009 and 2010. In 2011, he was named the HCAC MVP and a 1st Team All-American by both the American Baseball Coaches Association and D-3 Baseball. He holds three school records, most notably 47 career home runs.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

During commencement, Anderson University will award four honorary degrees. Anderson University will award John E. Wilson, AU alum and basketball legend, with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters; Lois A. Settlemeyer, former scientist with Dow Chemical and past member of the Anderson University Board of Trustees, with an honorary Doctor of Letters; Dr. Frank Campbell, longtime Anderson physician, with the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters; and Charles Dickmann, renowned Anderson attorney and community philanthropist with the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

A live webcast of the full commencement program will be streamed at www.anderson.edu/commencement/webcast. Coverage will begin at 3 p.m. EDT.

Other events scheduled during Anderson University’s commencement day on May 5 include the Falls School of Business hooding ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in Byrum Hall for candidates of both Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Business Administration degrees.

Related events scheduled prior to commencement include the School of Theology Senior Recognition and Awards Chapel on Tuesday, April 24, at 11 a.m. in Miller Chapel. The hooding ceremony for the Doctor of Ministry graduates will take place on Friday, May 4, at 6 p.m. in Miller Chapel.

The hooding ceremony for the Master of Education and the Master of Music Education will be conducted on Thursday, May 3, at 6 p.m. in the Reardon Auditorium Lobby. The certification ceremony for the Teach for Indiana Program (TIP) will be conducted on Saturday, May 5, at 11 a.m. in Decker Hall, Room 133.

A special pinning ceremony for the Anderson University School of Nursing will be conducted on Friday, May 4, at 6 p.m. in Reardon Auditorium.

Carl Erskine was a pitcher for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1948 through 1959. He was a pitching mainstay on Dodger teams that won five National League pennants, peaking with a 1953 season in which he won 20 games and set a World Series record with 14 strikeouts. He pitched two no-hitters during his career. A native of Anderson, Ind., he returned to the community after his baseball career. He coached the Anderson University baseball team for 12 years, guiding them through four championship seasons. He retired from an executive position at STAR Financial Bank. He is a trustee emeritus of the Board of Trustees for Anderson University where he served for many years. He continues to devote time to Anderson University and the Anderson community. Included among the books Erskine has authored is What I Learned From Jackie Robinson: A Teammate’s Reflections On and Off the Field.

John E. Wilson, known on the Anderson University campus in the 1940s as “Jumpin’ Johnny,” made his mark on the sports of basketball and baseball. After high school, Wilson came to Anderson University and quickly became a star player. He earned 11 letters, was selected All-conference three times, team MVP three times, named an All-American twice, and once finished third in the nation in scoring. Wilson still holds the school record for career scoring average and season scoring average. After leaving AU, Wilson played baseball for one year with the Chicago American Giants in the Negro Leagues before playing basketball for the Harlem Globetrotters from 1949 to 1954. Wilson returned to AU in 1970 to finish his bachelor’s degree in education. He earned a master’s degree in education from Indiana State University and has coached at the high school and college levels. He is a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, the Anderson Black Expo Basketball Hall of Fame, and the AU Athletic Hall of Fame.

Lois Settlemeyer earned a bachelor’s degree from Anderson University in 1966 and a Master of Ministry from the Anderson University School of Theology in 1978. Relying on her undergraduate studies in chemistry and mathematics, she worked for Dow Chemical Company for 31 years using her skills in research, analysis, and technical problem solving. Retiring from her work as a development scientist, Lois moved to the Northwest. She expanded her interest in photography and is now an award-winning photographer of macro and landscape photos. Lois also dedicated 15 years as a trustee for Anderson University.

Dr. Frank Campbell earned his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine. He worked in a private medical practice in Anderson, Ind., for 30 years and served as chief of staff at Community Hospital. In 1996, he took time away from his practice to care for his aging father. He returned to practice in 2007 at the Madison County Community Health Center, where he continues to serve as medical director. He also serves on the Saint John’s Health System’s Foundation Board. Last fall, the Anderson University School of Nursing honored Campbell with the 2011 Friend of Nursing Award.

Charles Dickmann served as an attorney in the Anderson community for 62 years with Sansberry Dickmann Freeman & Builta. He continues to provide counsel for the firm. A native of Hancock County, Ind., he holds bachelor and law degrees from Indiana University. Before pursuing his education, Dickmann served in the military during World War II. He was drafted as a private in December 1941 and served in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy during the war. By end of the war, he was promoted to the rank of captain. Since coming to Anderson in the early 1950s, Dickmann has remained active in the community, providing leadership on countless boards. He was named the Anderson Herald Bulletin “Man of the Year” in 1985 and was inducted into the Madison County Junior Achievement Business Leaders Hall of Fame in 1986.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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 event, the first of its kind at AU, will offer prospective students the opportunity to interact with professors and current students, tour departments, and explore different areas of study at AU.

See the Academic Departmental Open House Flyer [PDF].

The Admissions Office traditionally offers visit days year-round and individual departmental visit days in the fall. The creation of this event was a response to departmental requests for an additional visit day in the spring semester and research from other colleges.

“Our hope is to bring a lot of potential students and families to campus and enable them to make those final decisions by facilitating interactions between them and key people in the departments,” said Admissions Event Coordinator Audrey Weiger.

The event is designed especially for prospective students who have already been accepted to the university. The invitation has been extended to these students and their families as way to get a more in-depth look into key programs and facilities offered at AU. “One of the best ways to make a final college decision is to hone in on different departments,” said Weiger.

The Academic Departmental Open House will take place in the following locations on campus:

• Art and Design – Krannert Fine Arts Building
• Biology – Hartung (Second Floor)
• Falls School of Business – Hardacre Hall
• Chemistry and Physics – Hartung Hall (Third Floor)
• Communication – Broadcasting Center
• Computer Science – Decker Hall (Third Floor)
• School of Education – Decker Hall (Third Floor)
• English – Decker Hall (Third Floor)
• History and Political Science – Decker Hall (Third Floor)
• Kinesiology – Kardatzke Wellness Center
• Mathematics – Decker Hall (Third Floor)
• Modern Foreign Languages – Decker Hall (Third Floor)
• School of Music – Krannert Fine Arts Building
• School of Nursing – Hartung Hall (Third Floor)
• Psychology – Hartung Hall (First Floor)
• Religious Studies – Hartung Hall (First Floor)
• Sociology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Family Science – Decker Hall (Second Floor)

Parking will be available near the soccer fields (location 31 on the AU campus map) and shuttle transportation will be available to and from the academic location(s). Admissions personnel will be present to provide assistance. Registration is not required to attend the event.

To learn more about the Academic Departmental Open House, contact the AU Office of Admissions by phone at (765) 641-4080 or by email at info@anderson.edu.

— Katie Price is a senior from Kokomo, Ind., majoring in fine arts and minoring in public relations. Price is writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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 a high school student at Whitefield Academy in Louisville, Ky., Karr volunteered at her local hospital on numerous occasions. She claims her experience in high school, as well as the microbiology class she completed last semester, best prepared her for an internship with MCCHC. Dr. Kimberly Lyle-Ippolito, Karr’s advisor for the project and professor of biology, agreed that microbiology was a great assistance to her as she worked with patients. “She did mention a couple of times, ‘Oh, I saw a patient that actually had what we talked about!’” said Lyle-Ippolito. [Photo: Ashley Karr (right) tests the blood pressure of classmate Rachel Salay. Karr conducts this type of task regularly at her internship at the Madison County Community Health Center.]

After successfully interviewing for the position, Karr planned on taking her internship as an independent study, but she approached Lyle-Ippolito about turning the experience into an educational one. Requirements to earn college credit included two papers and a proficiency evaluation. “She had to pass a skills test so that she was actually assessed by the nurse practitioner to ensure that she could do certain medical skills,” said Lyle-Ippolito.

Credit hours are not the only benefit of Karr’s internship. “If you work or volunteer to do this, then you’re right in the nitty-gritty,” said Lyle-Ippolito. “And if you don’t think you ever want to do this again, it’s better that you find out when you’re a sophomore.” The hands-on experiences will allow Karr to tailor her future courses to help answer any specific questions that may arise through her observations.

Karr was recommended for her internship by AU alumna Joanna Tilley, who also volunteered at MCCHC before graduating in 2011. Lyle-Ippolito named networking like this as a huge aid in finding an internship like Karr’s. “It also helps if you’re willing to volunteer and do whatever is necessary,” said Lyle-Ippolito.

Internships are not the only opportunities for AU students. “AU also has summer research programs for undergraduates, and those are good even if you’re not planning on going into research,” said Lyle-Ippolito. “When you read textbooks, you only get a one-line summary of someone’s entire career.” These programs give students an appreciation of what actually goes on in a lab, and it teaches what is required of a professional and allows students to learn how to think logically.

Karr has high hopes for her future after graduation. Her first plan is to complete the physician assistant studies program at the University of Kentucky and then continue on to become a medical missionary in Africa. “I actually went to the Philippines for a month and a half, and it sparked my heart for medical missions,” said Karr.

In fact, Karr’s internship is already preparing her for the mission field. “It’s been a really good experience to witness to people in the Anderson community,” she said. “A lot are suffering from addictions and family problems, and I have the opportunity to witness to them.”

— Marissa Phillips is a junior from Brookville, Ohio, majoring in communication arts. Phillips is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

On June 11, members of the Crossroads Church of God boarded a plane to Africa. The group consisted of 14 church members, ranging in age from 18 to 78 years old. This was Smith’s first international mission trip, and the third trip the church has made to the Kasubi Secondary School in Lolwe Island, Uganda. During the initial trip to Uganda, a teacher spoke to the Crossroads group about the poorly funded science program. Unable to purchase up-to-date lab equipment, the students had never used a microscope. The teacher feared that without the necessary lab equipment, his students would never be able to truly appreciate science. The mission group saw a need in the Ugandan schools and hoped that someday they would be able to help.

The teacher encouraged the church group to seek monetary donations from their congregation to obtain the funds for microscopes. After learning of the school’s lack of resources, Smith stumbled across the biology department’s microscopes during a late-night study session. “I was studying late one night for a biology lab test, and noticed that the old microscopes were sitting on a shelf in the lab,” said Smith. “I grabbed one and checked it out, and I realized that they still worked really well.”

Smith approached Dr. Blake Janutolo, dean of the College of Science and Humanities, and requested the department donate the microscopes to the Kasubi Secondary School. Janutolo and the biology department agreed to donate two microscopes to the cause. “I was pleased to know that something we no longer needed could be put to good use in Uganda,” said Janutolo.

During his three weeks in Uganda, Smith recalls the students’ reactions to the donated lab tools. “They were thrilled, as were the teachers. They were amazed by the precision of the microscopes and extremely grateful for the donation,” said Smith. “I learned that education is a blessing. Education gives us an opportunity to constantly grow and improve ourselves which gives us the ability to learn what we like and do what we love.”

Along with the microscopes, Crossroads Church of God also donated hygiene products, clothing, sandals, glasses, backpacks, and school supplies. Smith plans to return to Uganda in June 2013 through the church. He is grateful for the opportunity to return and looks forward to being around the Ugandan people once again. “They have this unashamed, unrelenting faith and desire to learn. It’s alive, joyous and, at times, seemingly tangible,” said Smith. “You can see their passion in their ways of worship, actions, and even their smiles. It’s a kind of passion I strive for.”

— Kristen Schaap is a senior from Chicago, Ill., majoring in communication arts. Schaap is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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 pleased to make this strategic appointment at this time in the life of the university,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “This title is appropriate to her comprehensive role and her leadership. Dr. Morris is highly regarded on campus and in the wider academic community.”

In her role as provost, Morris will provide leadership and vision for internal functions of the university developing collaborative relationships between university programs, departments, and divisions. Along with the president, the provost assists in representing the university to various constituent groups: church, community, and education. The provost serves in place of the president in the president’s absence.

In March of 2009, Morris was named vice president for academic affairs and dean at Anderson University. She is only the sixth person to serve in the role. She previously served as vice president and undergraduate academic dean at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va.

While at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), Morris served as a faculty member in the Nursing Department, chair of the Nursing Department, Honors Program director, self-study director for EMU’s reaccreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools, associate academic dean, and vice president and undergraduate academic dean.

Morris earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Eastern Mennonite University, a Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Virginia, and a Ph.D. in nursing administration from George Mason University. Her dissertation was entitled, Voices of Women: A Qualitative Study of Effective Female Nurse Faculty.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. 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.

Lyle-Ippolito and her student assistant, senior biology major Julie Gosney, tested bacteria in mice who were fed varying diets, to see the different effects on weight gain.

The purpose of the research is to attempt to find the “magic bullet” for dieting, as Lyle-Ippolito puts it. If the bacteria in the intestines of mice could be changed, people may be able to lose weight easier. “The idea would be to intake live bacteria in order to help change the bacteria in your gut,” said Lyle-Ippolito.

Lyle-Ippolito bought standard white mice from a pet store and then bought genetically identical black mice, which are prone to obesity. She then divided them into two groups. One was put on a low-fat diet, where only 20 percent of the calories were from fat, while the other group was on a diet that included about 40 percent fat.

As food passes through the body, it only uses a certain amount of calories. The excess is passed on to the bacteria in the intestines and is used by them. How many calories the bacteria use is determined by how many are consumed. “The theory has been presented that if you eat a high-fat diet, the microbes in your gut change and then it’s almost impossible to lose weight, even if you quit the high-fat diet,” said Lyle-Ippolito.

The mice were put on their diets for eight weeks. During that time, Lyle-Ippolito and Gosney tested microbes by collecting waste from the mice and amplifying the DNA.

The white mice have finished their eight weeks on the high-fat diet and are now back on the low-fat diet to see if they will lose weight. The black mice still have a few weeks left on their diets before more testing can begin.

The research is continuing during the fall semester.

Lyle-Ippolito received support for the research through an Anderson University Faculty Development Grant. “Without this funding, I couldn’t have done anything,” said Lyle-Ippolito. “There’s just not a lot of money to do undergraduate research, and so the Faculty Development Grant was really the only way I could do this and the only way I could hire Julie to help me.”

Gosney spent between five and 10 hours in the lab each week, taking care of the mice, collecting their waste, and testing the bacteria. “Sometimes I had trouble getting the DNA to show up, so that was a little frustrating,” said Gosney.

Overall, she was excited and grateful for the opportunity to learn and do something she enjoyed. “I wanted to work under a professor on their own project, since I will be doing that a lot in graduate school,” said Gosney. “It’s good to know what it’s like to work under a researcher so that in the future, I can be more understanding of the people I oversee.”

— Alyssa Applegate is a senior from Dayton, Ohio, majoring in communication arts and minoring in Spanish. Applegate is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2011, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the eighth 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.

“While we are grateful to be included among the best of Midwest universities, we want most of all to be measured by our quality and our student success,” said Anderson University President Dr. James L. Edwards. “Our mission to transform lives through education will be met by nothing less.”

The 2012 Best Colleges guidebook provides the most thorough examination of how more than 1,400 accredited four-year schools compare on a set of up to 16 widely accepted indicators of excellence. Among the many factors weighed in determining the rankings, the key measures of quality are: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and, for National Universities and National Liberal Art Colleges, “graduation rate performance” and high school counselor ratings of colleges.

For more information on the rankings, visit www.usnews.com/colleges/.

Over the past two decades, the U.S. News & World Report college rankings, which group schools based on categories created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, has grown to be the most comprehensive research tool for students and parents considering higher education opportunities.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2011, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the eighth 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 is a distinct place often described in the past by our alumni and others as ‘very special.’ We want to bring greater distinction and clarity to that idea that will gain wide affirmation from those who are a part of the AU family and those who will come to know us,” said Anderson University President Dr. James L. Edwards.

The process began more than two years ago. The new logo and font were designed and developed by Kerry Shaw, director of Publications at Anderson University. The logo features the university’s name with an overarching base and orange flame. Students and alumni will associate this graphic with the Eternal Flame landmark located in front of Decker Hall. Edwards added that the goal of this long and very widely involved process is “clarity and distinction.”

Dr. Marie Morris, vice president of academic affairs, said, “I don’t really view this as a ‘brand direction’ but rather clarifying the AU story – its rich heritage and its bright future. I’m thrilled to be at AU at this time for this very important clarifying moment. Our world is changing and how we educate and prepare students must also keep pace with the times. It’s a new day for us at AU.”

Established in 1992 to mark the university’s 75th anniversary, the Eternal Flame echoes the university’s mission to educate and prepare individuals for lives of faith and service in their families, churches, and society. The new logo is a visual stepping stone to help define the bigger story among the countless experiences yet to be told about AU.

“Many on campus know that we provide students with something spectacular at Anderson University,” said Chris Williams, director of university communications. “We need to learn to share the story of Anderson University with others. The new logo is just one of the many ways we will be sharing this story with a variety of audiences in the future.”

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh 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.

Forbes.com included only the top 20 percent of all undergraduate institutions in the 2011 rankings. The rankings were prepared by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity (CCAP).

“We have one more indication just how special Anderson University is, based on achievement of our students and graduates,” said Anderson University President Dr. James. L. Edwards. “The story of quality is another vote of confidence for a truly remarkable faculty. We are grateful for this recognition.”

Forbes executive editor Michael Noer explained the ranking process in an article on Forbes.com.

“Our annual ranking of the 650 best undergraduate institutions focuses on the things that matter the most to students: quality of teaching, great career prospects, graduation rates, and low levels of debt. … We try and evaluate the college purchase as a consumer would,” said Noer.

The rankings are based on five general categories: post graduate success (30%), student satisfaction (27.5%), debt (17.5%), four-year graduation rate (17.5%), and competitive awards (7.5). A complete ranking methodology may be viewed at http://blogs.forbes.com/michaelnoer/2011/08/03/americas-top-colleges/.

Data collected by Forbes is corroborated by data from the Student Satisfaction Inventory and the National Survey of Student Engagement. Data from the SSI, for example, shows that students rank Anderson University above the mean on a large battery of questions ranging from classroom instruction to campus safety.

Anderson University has been recognized for its quality programs in recent years. AU has been recognized by US News & World Report as one of America’s best colleges and universities for seven consecutive years. The Princeton Review also has recognized Anderson University as one of the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for 2011.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2011, US News & World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the eighth 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.

Stream assessment uses local water sources to test the quality of water in a particular area and to determine what organisms inhabit it.

“The beauty of the stream assessment exercise is that it can be tailored to students at various levels of expertise. It’s also just a fun activity to do,” said Ippolito.

Last fall, Ippolito gave a presentation on stream assessment at the Indiana College Biology Teachers Association conference in Hanover, Ind. “Since Anderson has the White River within walking distance of the campus, this topic seemed to be the right one to present on,” said Ippolito.

The paper, titled “More Bang for the Buck: Stream Assessment Labs as an Introduction to Both Field Work and Number-Crunching,” discussed the educational value of stream testing as part of a student’s biology curriculum.

Professor of Biology Dr. Kimberly Lyle-Ippolito also attended the conference. “He represented AU with great dignity,” said Lyle-Ippolito. “He brings an incredible intellect and breadth of knowledge to his teaching.”

Ippolito also utilizes stream assessment at the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies in Mancelona, Mich., where he teaches an aquatic biology course as a member of the summer faculty. Senior Matthew Bursley, a biology major, attended Ippolito’s course in Michigan, and has taken two courses from him at AU. Bursley sees the value in stream assessment, and he appreciates Ippolito’s passion for incorporating this into his lesson plans.

“His paper clearly indicates his wealth of knowledge on the topic. It will help other teachers learn new insightful ways to approach steam analysis,” said Bursley. “I have learned so much just from the three courses I have taken with him. He teaches something insightful every day in his classes.”

— Eva Christine McKnight is a sophomore from Batesville, Ind., majoring in communication arts and minoring in dance performance and English. McKnight is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh 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 Unite for Sight conference at Yale attracted approximately 2,200 professionals and students from all over the nation and across the world. The participants of the conference came because of a shared interest in the fields of medicine, public health, nonprofits, social entrepreneurship, public service and more. [Photo on left: Yana Alekseeva, Grace Yeom and Joanna Tilley.]

According to Vivian Coffman, assistant director of the Center for Public Service (CPS), this is the first time AU students have attended this conference. “The students found it, and the CPS leadership reviewed it and decided it was a good conference to go to,” Coffman said. Although CPS requires all students in the program to attend at least one conference, CPS does not tell students which conferences to attend.

The students are expected to find conferences that will provide strong networking and leadership opportunities. Many of these conferences are new experiences for the students and provide a chance to rub shoulders and meet with the best and brightest of their prospective professions.

Tilley reported that the Unite for Sight conference is the world’s largest global health conference and the largest social entrepreneurship conference as well. Alekseeva could not hold back her excitement when she said, “There is no better opportunity to actively learn about leadership than by meeting with thousands of leaders around the world.”

As a junior in the biology/pre-med program, Alekseeva joined CPS just this year so she could have the opportunity to meet and network with professionals in the medical field . “We’re required to go to a conference, and I thought it would be neat to meet those people,” she said. Having contacts with professionals and peers in the medical field could become valuable resources in the future.

Being involved with many other campus activities on top of a grueling course load, Alekseeva keeps herself plenty busy with little time to get away for a weekend to Connecticut. Even with all that she has going on, Alekseeva said she wouldn’t change a thing. “It’s great here at AU,” she said. “It’s nice to be at a Christian university where you don’t have to argue evolution.” Although Alekseeva will have an impressive résumé, she said it’s about more than just that. “I really want to help people. I want to be the ‘doctor-nurse’ who is at the bedside as a friend and confidant,” she said.

During the conference, the group had the opportunity to hear from respected and well-known speakers from across the globe addressing topics like glaucoma, HIV prevention strategies, patient-doctor relationships and healthcare in Latin America. “The trip to the Unite for Sight conference was a truly memorable experience,” Alekseeva said. “I have a new perspective on methods of approaching issues in global health as well as a deeper understanding of specific topics in this field.”

In the current economic situation, where many are struggling to find employment, strong networking skills and resources can be a deciding factor between job candidates. CPS is supporting students in their efforts to actively search out opportunities like the conference at Yale. Leadership and willingness to learn are the qualities that will separate students like Tilley, Yeom and Alekseeva from the pack, and AU and CPS gladly support them in their efforts.

— Kyle Beckman is a senior from Auburn, Ind., double-majoring in communication arts and business-information systems and minoring in political science. Beckman is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh 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. Beverley Pitts, president of the University of Indianapolis and a 1968 graduate of Anderson University, received an honorary Doctor of Letters during the chapel. Honorary degrees will also be awarded to AU alumni Steven Curtis Chapman and Charles Myricks, Jr., during the May 7 commencement ceremony at Anderson University.

[Photo: Dr. Beverley Pitts and AU President Dr. James L. Edwards.]

During her address, Pitts reflected on her experience at Anderson University and on those who made her education possible. She encouraged students to consider with gratitude those who made their own journeys possible.

“We are all part of a shared culture at AU,” Pitts said. “Faculty, administrators, and graduates long before us built an institution based on the Christian values of personal responsibility and concern for others, high quality learning, and a commitment to service. You don’t even know who they are, but much of what you are now experiencing, the privilege of an excellent education in a faith-based institution, is based on their humble beginnings. … Stand high on the shoulders of those who brought you to this point. Be grateful for the privilege that they have given you. I hope you will take great advantage of this privilege and do good with what you know.”

Students recognized during chapel:

Renee Bader, a psychology major, is a member and officer in Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Chi, and Psi Chi. She is also a Center for Public Service Fellow. Bader anticipates getting married and starting graduate school this summer. She plans to attend the University of Cincinnati to earn a master’s degree in school counseling.

Elizabeth Barrow, a biology major and chemistry minor, served as president of Sigma Zeta, president of Alpha Chi, president of the Pre-Professional Health Society, and was co-founder of Operation Foundation: Project Anderson. She served as a TA in a number of science classes and as a tutor in Organic Chemistry. She is also a Center for Public Service Fellow and an officer in Phi Eta Sigma. Barrow is active in a number of campus groups and participated in Tri-S trips to Australia, London, and Honduras. She plans to attend IU Medical School to obtain her M.D.

[Photo, from left: Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean Dr. Marie Morris, Ambrosia Davidson, Joanna Tilley, Keith Sayer, Samantha Toeller, Beth Barrow, Renee Bader, and AU President Dr. James L. Edwards.]

Ambrosia Davidson, a marketing major and Spanish minor, is a member of the AU Honors Program, Delta Mu Delta, Alpha Mu Gamma, Alpha Chi, Phi Eta Sigma, and the Center for Public Service. During her time at AU, she participated in Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), worked with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, and served an internship at Minnetrista Cultural Center in Muncie. After graduation, Davidson plans to finalize details for her wedding and pursue employment in marketing communications or public relations.

Keith Sayer, a Bible/religion and English double-major, is a member of Alpha Chi, Sigma Tau Delta, and the AU Honors Program. He plans to attend either Vanderbilt Divinity School or Duke Divinity School this fall to pursue graduate studies in religion. Sayer hopes to teach religion at the undergraduate level and participate in teaching ministries of the church through research, writing, and possibly serving as a teaching minister.

Joanna Tilley, a pre-med biology major with minors in chemistry and Christian ministries, is a member of Alpha Chi, Sigma Zeta, Pre-Professional Health Society, Alacritas, and the Center for Public Service. She plans to pursue medical school this fall at Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Va.

Samantha Toeller, an elementary education/special education major and applied music minor, has served in Kappa Delta Pi and Alpha Chi. She is completing her full-year student teaching experience, with classroom experience in 2nd and 6th grades as well as in intermediate special education resource. Toeller hopes to receive a teaching position at a school in Indianapolis or Chicago, and to teach within a multicultural setting in the intermediate grades.

Gabe Miller, an exercise science major, is this year’s Outstanding Senior Male Athlete. As a four-year starter for the men’s basketball team, he received 1st Team All-HCAC honors following both his junior and senior seasons. Miller led the Ravens in assist over the past four seasons and led in steals the past two years. He played a key role on the 2009-10 team that won the HCAC season championship and made it to the second round of the NCAA Division III tournament. He was the team captain during his junior and senior years.

[Photo, from left: Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean Dr. Marie Morris, Athletic Director Marcie Taylor, Gabe Miller, Ellen Thompson, and AU President Dr. James L. Edwards.]

Ellen Thompson, a biology major, is this year’s Outstanding Senior Female Athlete. She was a member of the women’s basketball team the past four seasons, a member of the women’s golf team during her freshman and sophomore years, and a member of the softball team the past two seasons. In basketball, Thompson earned HCAC All-Conference and team MVP honors during the 2010-11 season. She is the ninth leading scorer in school history with 965 points, second in free throws made (281) and free throws attempted (381), and fourth in free throw percentage at 73.8 percent. She was team captain during her senior season.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh 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 pleased to recognize two outstanding seniors for this award,” said Dr. Blake Janutolo, dean of the College of Science and Humanities and chair of the Biology Department. “As evidenced by their 4.0 GPAs, both students were excellent in the classroom. They both served the department as lab assistants and tutors, and each one did a great senior seminar presentation. In addition, they were active in a number of campus groups and activities, and were both accepted to the medical school of their choice.”

[Photo, from left: Michael Bailey, instructor of biology; Dr. Kimberly Lyle-Ippolito, professor of biology; Dr. Daniel Ippolito, professor of biology; AU senior Elizabeth Barrow; Dr. Blake Janutolo, professor of biology and dean of the College of Science and Humanities; AU senior Joanna Tilley]

Barrow, from Dayton, Ohio, majored in biology and minored in chemistry. She plans to attend IU Medical School next year, with the goal of earning an M.D. During her time at AU, Barrow served as president of Sigma Zeta, president of Alpha Chi, and president of the Pre-Professional Health Society. She was a fellow in the Center for Public Service and participated in several Tri-S trips, including a medical mission trip to Honduras.

Tilley, from Kingsport, Tenn., majored in biology and minored in chemistry and Christian ministries. She plans to attend Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Blacksburg, Va., with an interest in family practice. Tilley hopes to work in a rural, underserved region, possibly on a Native American reservation. Her long-term goal is to work in medical missions with rural minority groups in Asia. While at AU, Tilley was active in the Center for Public Service, Pre-Professional Health Society, Alpha Chi, and in campus ministries.

Dr. Jerry Stevenson received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Findlay in 1953, a Master of Arts from Bowling Green State University in 1956, and an M.D. from The Ohio State University in 1960. In addition, Stevenson served as a corporal in the Army and a lieutenant commander for the United States Public Health Service.

Patricia Stevenson attended both Anderson University and The Ohio State University, where she pursued an interest in occupational therapy and worked as a technician in the university’s Pathology Department.

From 1965-1970, Dr. Stevenson served as chair of the Biology Department at Anderson University. He was instrumental in building the current curriculum for the department and bringing distinction to the university’s pre-medical program. He worked full-time in the Pathology Department at St. John’s Hospital in Anderson from about 1970 to 1997.

The Stevensons currently reside in Estes Park, Colo. They have two children and four grandchildren.

The Stevenson Outstanding Student Award is a part of the $110 million Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $97 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 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh 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.

To be a member of Alpha Chi, students have to be of junior or senior status and in the top ten percent of their class maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.70.

Melissa Carlson was awarded one of ten $2,500 Graduate Fellowships given by the national Alpha Chi organization and Gina Farmer won the regional $1,000 Graduate Fellowship. Jacqueline Burgher was first runner-up for the $200 regional scholarship and Matt Barton won the $200 presentation prize for having the best paper in Exercise Science. Listed below are the names of the eight students and the titles of their presentations.

• Senior exercise science major, Matt Barton
  “Do College Students Accurately Perceive Moderate and Vigorous Exercise Intensities Based Upon the ACSM Guidelines”

• Senior chemistry and mathematics/economics double major, Jacqueline Burgher
  “Interactions of Interfaces: Absorption of Polyacrylic Acid, Cetyl Trimethylammonium Bromide (CTAB), and Nanoparticles on an Oil”

• Senior chemistry major, Melissa Carlson
  “Reverse Phase HPLC Determination of L-DOPA in Mucuna Pruriens Nutritional Supplements”

• Senior history major, Gina Farmer
  “Theodore Roosevelt Imperialism: ‘Big Stick’ Policy in Latin America”

• Senior finance major, Rose Hirschy
  “Father of Conservation”

• Senior bible and religion major, Melissa Reginelli
  “Messages of Hope in Ezekiel”

• Junior finance and mathematics/economics double major, Eva Tan
  “The Tiananmen Square Protests of 1989″

• Senior biology major, Joanna Tilley
  “Antibacterial Properties of Golden Seal”

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh 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.

“By bringing multiple disciplines together, the seminar allows students to see first-hand that the basic principles of the scientific method are the same across fields,” said Andrew Spracklen BA ‘09. “It increases students’ comfort in exploring areas outside of their primary fields of study. This is very important as research becomes more and more interdisciplinary.”

[Photo: Anderson University senior Jacqueline Burgher presents her science seminar research project. Credit: Stefanie Vinsel]

Students select an advisor and three faculty members to be a part of their committee, which provides feedback and support throughout the two-semester class. Students then choose any topic of interest to research and decide whether to present published research or do their own original studies.

“We encourage as much as possible for the students to do original research,” said Professor of Biology Dr. Kimberly Lyle-Ippolito. According to Lyle-Ippolito, original research provides first-hand experience in science professions while still under the support of AU faculty and staff.

“Whether they did their own research or they summarize the recent research of another scientist, every student is required to write a formal paper, meeting all the requirements that would go into submitting the paper for publication,” said Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Scott Kennedy. “Every student is also required to give a formal, 20-minute presentation, typical of the type of presentation at a national conference.”

To help students prepare for the requirements of their future employers, presentations must meet strict time limits and be given in a format that any science professional could understand. Presentations must include an introduction, methods, materials, results, and conclusions.

Spracklen is currently a second-year Ph.D. student in the Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Training Program at the University of Iowa. According to Spracklen, the science seminar class gave him an extra advantage when beginning grad school.

“Seminar provides a great opportunity to learn how to effectively communicate scientific work to a critical and diverse audience,” he said. “Presenting my current work, whether at weekly lab meetings or at national conferences, is much easier and much more comfortable thanks to the experience of having gone through it during seminar.”

— Kelly Gualdoni is a junior from Fort Wayne, Ind., majoring in communication arts. Gualdoni is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh 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.

Chapman will address the graduating class of 2011 during the 3 p.m. (EDT) program and will receive an honorary doctorate along with the Rev. Charles Myricks, chief operating development officer for the National Association of the Church of God, and Dr. Beverley Pitts, president of the University of Indianapolis. Anderson University’s commencement will be conducted in the Ward Fieldhouse of the Kardatzke Wellness Center. Myricks will speak earlier in the day during Anderson University’s baccalaureate service at 10 a.m in Reardon Auditorium. All events are free and open to the public. AU will offer a live webcast during Commencement starting at 2:45 p.m. EDT.

Other events scheduled during Anderson University’s commencement day on May 7 include the Falls School of Business hooding ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in Byrum Hall for candidates of both Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Business Administration degrees.

The hooding ceremony for the Master of Education and the Master of Music Education will be conducted at noon in Schield Dining Room, Olt Student Center. The certification ceremony for the Teach for Indiana Program (TIP) will be conducted at 10 a.m. in Decker Hall, Room 133.

Events earlier in the week include the School of Theology Senior Recognition and Awards Chapel on Tuesday, April 26, at 11 a.m. in Miller Chapel. The hooding ceremony for the Doctor of Ministry graduates will take place on Friday, May 6, at 6 p.m. in Miller Chapel. In addition, a special pinning ceremony for the Anderson University School of Nursing will be conducted on Friday, May 6, at 6 p.m. in Byrum Hall.

Individuals receiving honorary degrees during the May 7 commencement ceremony at Anderson University include the following:

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN — DOCTOR OF MUSIC

Steven Curtis Chapman is a Christian singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and author. He attended Anderson University in the early 1980s while starting his career as a songwriter. Chapman has developed into one of the most prolific singers in the genre, releasing more than 20 albums to date. Chapman has also won five Grammy awards and 56 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, more than any other artist in history. His seven “Artist of the Year” Dove Awards — his latest in 2009 — are also an industry record. In addition to his music career, Chapman, along with his wife Mary Beth (also an AU alum), established a nonprofit foundation called Show Hope (formerly called Shaohannah’s Hope) to mobilize individuals and communities to care for orphans through its international orphan care work as well as adoption aid grants. Chapman plans a summer 2011 album release for his new project titled re:creation.

CHARLES MYRICKS — DOCTOR OF DIVINITY

Charles Myricks, Jr., is a gifted musician and playwright with a deep love of music. He graduated from Anderson University in 1982 and went on to receive his Master of Arts degree from Ashland Theological Seminary. He has served as vice president and general manager of Word Gospel Records. Under his leadership, Word Gospel artists received 3 Grammy Awards, 8 Dove Awards, and 12 Stellar Awards. He has served as a trustee at Anderson University and in ministry with the Arlington Church of God in Akron, Ohio. He currently works as chief operating development officer for the National Association of the Church of God.

DR. BEVERLEY PITTS — DOCTOR OF LETTERS

Dr. Beverley Pitts serves as president of the University of Indianapolis. In that capacity, she oversees an institution with 4,500 students, including a branch campus in Athens, Greece, and doctoral programs in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and clinical psychology. She earned a BA from Anderson University in 1968 and an MA in journalism and doctorate in higher education from Ball State University. Prior to becoming provost at Ball State University, she held positions of associate provost, assistant provost, director of academic assessment, and director of general studies at Ball State. She was also founding chair of the Department of Communication at Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh 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 program’s community-based nature, according to Tilley, provides “a holistic approach to learning, inside and outside of the classroom.” While studying in Washington, she took courses in sustainable agriculture and global development of environmental sustainability.

[Photo: Joanna Tilley and her classmates work in a field at the Pacific Rim Institute.]

To help with her career goals, she looked to Au Sable to learn about agricultural and global development. Dr. Daniel Ippolito, professor of biology at Anderson University, works at the Au Sable headquarters in Michigan each summer and has been a strong proponent of the program.

“I’m interested in the environment and sustainable lifestyles,” said Tilley. “That was a big emphasis during our time at Au Sable. We had our own garden, and a lot of the food we ate was local. One of our projects was to apply what we knew and plan an entire community garden.”

Tilley will be attending medical school next fall but has plans beyond becoming a doctor. She wants to use her knowledge of medicine and environmentally sound agriculture to work in rural medical missions abroad.

— Kelly Frye is a junior from Elkhart, Ind., majoring in biology and communication arts. Frye is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh 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 first speaker was Dr. Bradley Bengtson, a plastic surgeon who attended Indiana University School of Medicine after graduating from AU in 1982. Bengtson has been consistently rated as one of the Best Doctors in America, a nationwide database that recognizes the top 5 percent of doctors in their area of specialization.

During his talk, Bengtson provided a unique emphasis on spirituality as well as the professional aspects of his work.

“We have never had anyone incorporate that much of their spiritual life into a talk about their work,” said senior biology major Joanna Tilley, who will be attending medical school next fall. “I thought Dr. Bengtson had a lot of wisdom to impart.”

Bengtson emphasized the importance of relationships and their role in his career. He explained that a mentor saw something in him that he had not seen in himself: his potential to become a plastic surgeon. Though it was a career he had never considered, he found it extremely gratifying. In just 30 minutes, he can entirely change someone’s life by performing surgeries such as cleft palate reparations.

Bengtson reminded students, however, that one’s career is not the only important aspect of life. He encouraged students to prioritize — focusing first on their relationship with God, then family, followed by career, personal life, and social life.

“The advice about the organization of your life was so helpful,” said freshman chemistry major Jacob Cantú, who hopes to work as an anesthesiologist. “It was a really good thing for me to hear at this point in my education because I had it backward.”

Bengtson also addressed common myths about medical school. He answered questions about the necessary course requirements and majors, as well as the types of experiences he had. He noted that music majors are often accepted into medical school, partly because they show great diversity of talents and also because they understand the dedication necessary for success.

Later in the fall, the Pre-Professional Health Club hosted Dr. Shanu Kothari, a 1991 AU graduate who works in the field of minimally invasive bariatric surgery.

Kothari spoke extensively about the excellent level of preparation he received from the biology department at AU, noting that his peers in medical school often struggled with laboratory techniques he performed all four years as an undergraduate.

“It was very inspiring to hear from Dr. Kothari because he assured us that no matter how difficult school becomes, there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel,” said freshman biology major Josh Smith, who plans to work in the field of medical missions.

Kothari emphasized the advantages of attending a small undergraduate school before medical school because of opportunities to work closely with professors and receive one-on-one attention.

“It was encouraging to hear that looking back on the biology program at AU, Dr. Kothari was thankful,” said junior biology major Emma Clawson, who wants to work either as a physician’s assistant or in research. “This biology department is a hidden wonder on campus.”

— Kelly Frye is a junior from Elkhart, Ind., majoring in biology and communication arts. Frye is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh 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 department does an assessment each year that includes a major field exam. Students take the test after they have completed Genetics, which is the last course in the core of required biology courses.

According to Educational Testing Service, which administers the exam, “the major field test is designed to measure the critical knowledge and understanding obtained by students in a major field of study. The major field tests go beyond the measurement of factual knowledge by helping to evaluate students’ ability to analyze and solve problems, understand relationships, and interpret material from their major field of study.”

[Photo: Biology students take part in a shark dissection in the Fish Biology and Ecology class.]

Schools receive individual student results as well as the average or institutional score. The score is compared to 425 other institutions across the United States, derived from a total of more than 30,000 students who took the test.

Fifteen Anderson University students took the test — six seniors and nine juniors. The students scored in the 95th percentile among all students across the nation who took the exam.

“That means that 95 percent of those 425 other institutions were below us,” said Dr. Kimberly Lyle-Ippolito, professor of biology.

Henry Schwartz is one of the students achieving success at Anderson University. He is a senior biology major and chemistry minor.

“The rigorous major has taught me some very important and rewarding lessons about the payoff of hard work,” said Schwartz. “It’s not easy to make it through the program, which is why the graduates have such a high success rate. I think that this aspect is important for the integrity of the program, as well as for preparing students for the rigors of the demanding career field that we have chosen. Since the program is relatively small, the professors know you, and help tailor your education to your career goals.”

Senior biology major Beth Barrow has also seen success at Anderson University. She attributes small class sizes and hands-on experience to her achievements.

“I have had many successes already as a result of being a part of AU’s biology department. I was able to participate in research as early as I desired,” said Barrow. “Also, a university this size allows the undergraduates to be the ones handling the equipment and running the tests.”

[Photo: Biology students present research in the Microbes and Disease class.]

Lyle-Ippolito feels AU’s biology program is unique from many other schools because of the small size, hands-on experience, challenging program, and the integration of Christian faith.

“I like the integration of faith and science, the personal relationships, and mentoring we experience,” said Lyle–Ippolito. One example she gave was when a student’s mother had died, and the students and professors spent time in prayer with her.

Many factors contribute to make the Anderson University biology department what it is. From the success and satisfaction of biology students to the outstanding performance on the national field test, the department is set apart by its academic achievement, spiritual integration, and the positive student-teacher relationships.

— Jonathon Hosea is a sophomore from New Castle, Ind., majoring in communication arts. Hosea is an associate with Fifth Street Communications™, writing on behalf of 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 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh 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 honored to continue to be ranked as a top tier institution by U.S. News and World Report,” said Dr. Michael Collette, vice president for Marketing and Strategic Planning.  “It is even more fulfilling to know this ranking is based greatly on the strength of AU’s academic reputation, respect for our quality faculty and wide recognition the many programs of academic distinction.”

The 2011 Best Colleges package provides the most thorough examination of how more than 1,400 accredited four-year schools compare on a set of up to 16 widely accepted indicators of excellence. Among the many factors weighed in determining the rankings, the key measures of quality are: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and, for National Universities and National Liberal Art Colleges, “graduation rate performance” and high school counselor ratings of colleges. U.S. News has made some significant changes to the 2011 Best Colleges’ ranking methodology and presentation. For more details on these changes, go to www.usnews.com/collegemeth.

Over the past two decades, the U.S. News college rankings, which group schools based on categories created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, has grown to be the most comprehensive research tool for students and parents considering higher education opportunities.

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 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh 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.

Nick Pease, Teresa Collins, and Aaron Farnsworth each felt called to serve in the military. Although their stories are different, they have a common theme: the desire to earn a college degree.

Seven Years, Two Tours, and a Degree

The typical college student takes four years to complete an undergraduate degree. Sometimes indecisiveness, lazy attitudes, or other extenuating circumstances may require additional semesters. Nick Pease, however, is not lazy, and he isn’t the typical college student. Pease finally graduated in December 2009 after seven years of college and two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

While he was still in high school, Pease joined the Army Reserves. Upon graduation, he was sent to basic training, and then started at Anderson University in January 2003. “I planned on being in the Reserves and going to college. I never thought about the possibility of getting deployed, let alone twice in four or five years,” he said. “It was never really a concern of mine.”

Pease remembers the morning he received a call saying he was being deployed to Afghanistan. “The phone call didn’t really sink in. There was definitely some disbelief on my part,” he said.

Including five months in training, his first tour lasted from February 2004 to May 2005. In Afghanistan, Pease worked as an ammunition specialist and guarded the ammunition point in Kandahar. “We were labeled as ‘combat support,’” he said.

After returning from his first tour in the fall of 2005, at the start of his sophomore year, Pease was discouraged at how much had changed since he’d been gone. “It was incredibly difficult because friends I had made freshmen year had now moved on, graduated, and started their adult lives. I essentially had to start over,” he said.

The second deployment came in 2008. With his sophomore and junior years behind him, Pease was just finishing up his fall semester of his senior year. “I had signed up for classes for the spring, but found out in late 2007 that I was going to Afghanistan again,” he said. This time, Pease had been promoted to the rank of sergeant and was now in charge of the entire ammunition point. “At one time, the value of the ammo point was around $80 million,” he said. “It was a lot of pressure to keep everything straight.” Pease said that everything had a place, and a lot of paperwork to go with it.

The level of danger was also higher during this second deployment. The team was now closer to the most dangerous places and was regularly targeted with gunfire. Sometimes the rockets would land close enough to shake the barracks.

Throughout his ordeal, there was one incredibly bright spot: he met his wife, Caroline. Both attended Anderson University. Pease proposed at a Colts football game, on leave from his second tour of duty, and the two were married on August 1, 2009.

Now, Pease has finally graduated from AU with a degree in communication arts. “Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing,” he said. “I have those life experiences. I made some great friends and have been to some places I never would have been had it not been for the army.”

Pease has now closed two chapters of his life: college and the army, as he completed his duty to the military in March of this year.

22 years of service

December 1987: Just seven months after graduating from high school, Teresa Collins was shipped overseas to the Philippines to serve her country in the United States Air Force. While in the Philippines, Collins had a job as a flight operator. “I kept track of the pilots’ schedules and training records,” she said. “I logged their training to make sure they stayed current with all the new methods and could continue to fly.”

After spending three years overseas in active duty, Collins decided it was time for her life to take a new path, so she joined the Reserves and remained there for 10 years. No longer working as a flight operator, Collins now worked in information management and medical files in records management. Eventually, she felt it was again time for a change.

She moved to the National Guard, where she has served for nine years, bringing her total years of military service to 22 years. While many women and men in the military stop serving after they complete their required four to six years, Collins has other plans. “I’m re-enlisting in May,” she said. “I’ll stay in as long as they allow me to stay in.”

Collins said when she first joined, she was never deployed like the men and women who are serving today; it was mostly her choice to go. However, she has some of the same fears they do. “Overseas was my first duty station,” she said. “When they asked me to go, I had a little anxiety and fear, not knowing what was going to happen or how everything was going to work out.”

Looking back over her military career, Collins said she wishes she had stayed longer in active duty. “The travel opportunities are so much greater,” she said. Collins could choose to be activated again; however, circumstances in her life are different now, as she has two children to support. “If my officers were to call me and say they need me to go, I would go. It’s what I signed up for,” she said. “However, I think of it differently now because I’m a single parent with kids.”

Collins has created a lot of memories in her 22 years of service, but one memory sticks out in her mind more than others. “One of the most memorable things about my years in the service was in 1991. I was stationed in the Philippines, and Mount Pinatubo erupted,” she said. “Even though it was a very scary time, it was something I will never forget. I lived through an earthquake, which caused the volcano to become active again, and then I lived through the eruption. I thank God everyday that I am here.”

Collins began studying at Anderson University in 2009, and will enter the School of Nursing this fall. “One of my major goals right now is to become a nurse and work in ICU or OB area,” she said.

High School, the Army, and Biochemistry

Aaron Farnsworth is not a typical biochemistry major. A 2002 graduate of Highland High School in Anderson, he has been to Iraq and Afghanistan to serve his country. “I went straight into the Army after graduating from high school,” he said. “For about half of my senior year I thought about it, then I just did it.”

Farnsworth was motivated by the challenge that military service would bring. “I wanted the adventure. I wanted to jump out of airplanes and travel,” he said. “I liked the idea of a challenge, no matter what it was.”

Farnsworth served in the army for four years, including nine weeks in Iraq and eight weeks in Afghanistan.

When he first got the call about for his first tour of duty, Farnsworth said he was anxious. “I was so nervous, I didn’t know if I was really ready to go,” he said. It got especially hard when he was in the range of gunfire. “It’s hard to describe the emotion and feelings when you’re in a place like that. There were times I was scared.”

For Farnsworth, the transition home was not a difficult one, simply because both of his tours of duty were short. “The longer you spend over there the more difficult it is to adjust to coming back,” he said. “It didn’t stick to me like I imagine it would for others.”

In transitioning back, Farnsworth decided it was time to go to college and get his degree. Currently, he is a sophomore majoring in biochemistry. His future aspirations are to attend graduate school or do some kind of research.

Out of all the memories Farnsworth made over the course of his tour of duty, one sticks out in his mind: the friends he made. “I remember those guys, the men I spent time with there,” he said. “It’s hard because I’ve been out for four years. With school and work, it already seems like so long ago, but I will never forget them.”

— Missi Martin is a junior from Goshen, Ind., majoring in communication arts. Martin is an associate with Fifth Street Communications, writing on behalf of 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 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth 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. Daniel Ippolito is a professor of biology at Anderson University. Like the rest of his colleagues, he normally goes about his regular routine. But for one week in April, Ippolito would not be found in his office. Instead, you would find him hiking along streams in Central America.

The Creation Care Study Program combines environmental science, ecology, culture studies and service for adventurous students around the world. With each semester broken up into sections, the program hires professors to teach specific and intensive classes. Three years ago, Ippolito agreed to teach a course on stream ecology, and this year he returned to teach the same course once again.

“I obviously try to maximize time in the field,” said Ippolito. “We manage to visit ive different bodies of water, varying in size, during three field trips.” They do what is called “rapid environmental assessment,” which includes water quality readings and collecting water invertebrates. But he also tries to encourage other forms of education during the week. Visiting a farm of endangered green iguanas, cooling off under a waterfall and checking out ancient Mayan ruins were a part of the busy schedule.

Ippolito had a smaller class this year, but his seven students were very diverse. His class was comprised of four science majors, one women’s studies major, one photojournalism major and one business major. “I really had to aim for a middle ground so that the science people wouldn’t be bored and so the non-science people wouldn’t be overwhelmed,” said Ippolito. He thought it went well and was pleased with the final grades of his students.

While his desk is nestled securely on the second floor of AU’s Hartung Hall, Ippolito loves the experience of teaching in other environments and takes the opportunity to travel when he can.

– Joshua Mifflin is a 2010 Anderson University graduate. Mifflin majored in communication arts and Spanish and was an associate with Fifth Street Communications writing on behalf of 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 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth 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.

Flow cytometers are generally used in clinical research. “The machine calculates the size of cells, their complexity and how they stain,” said Professor Kimberly Lyle-Ippolito. Cells from a sample, like blood or body fluids, pass through a flow chamber where they are organized into a single-file line. The line passes through the machine at 500 cells per second. A laser then hits the individual cells, and based on the reflection of the light beam, a computer reads and organizes the data of each cell’s characteristics.

[Photo: Senior Lauren Becker changes samples in the flow cytometer. Becker used the machine to do research this past summer and is currently teaching sophomores Kelly Frye and Emma Clawson how to utilize the flow cytometer for independent research. Becker recently received the Stevenson Outstanding Student Award, an annual award given to a student by the Biology department.]

“These types of machines are often used to count blood cells for those diagnosed with diseases,” said Lyle-Ippolito. But AU’s flow cytometer will aid science majors in gaining invaluable experience. This spring, cell, biochemistry and molecular biology classes will begin using the machine during labs. Currently, three AU students are using the flow cytometer for independent research. “Part of the reason we wanted the machine was so science majors could graduate from AU with more experience,” said Lyle-Ippolito. “Whether they want to get into grad school or find jobs right out of AU, the experience of using this equipment will certainly help them.”

Flow cytometers are rare on college campuses. In fact, most large state schools do not own one, and the ones that do usually own a less expensive $20,000 quality machine. “Ours is the Cadillac version,” said Lyle-Ippolito.

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 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth 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.

Becker was selected by the biology faculty as the senior who best represented the department academically and working with others in the department, said Dr. Blake Janutolo, dean of the College of Science and Humanities and chair of the Biology Department.

[PHOTO: Lauren Becker (center) is pictured with Department of Biology faculty.]

A biology major with a TeachScience complementary major, Becker plans to teach high school biology and pursue a master’s in biology or science education. She will graduate cum laude this spring with honors in biology.

During her time at Anderson University, Becker participated in research with Dr. Scott Kennedy, investigating the cell cycle of yeast cells and using the department’s new flow cytometer. She gave a poster presentation at the American Chemical Society and holds memberships in the National Science Teachers Association and the National Association of Biology Teachers. Becker was also a Center for Public Service Fellow at Anderson University and was a member of Sigma Zeta Upsilon, serving as the honor society’s coordinator of science enrichment for homeschooled children.

Dr. Jerry Stevenson received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Findlay in 1953, a Master of Arts from Bowling Green State University in 1956, and an M.D. from The Ohio State University in 1960. In addition, Stevenson served as a corporal in the Army and a lieutenant commander for the United States Public Health Service.

Patricia Stevenson attended both Anderson University and The Ohio State University, where she pursued an interest in occupational therapy and worked as a technician in the university’s Pathology Department.

[PHOTO: Lauren Becker is pictured with her mom, Beth Becker, and grandparents Bob and Doris Brown.]

From 1965-1970, Dr. Stevenson served as chair of the Biology Department at Anderson University. He was instrumental in building the current curriculum for the department and bringing distinction to the university’s pre-medical program. He worked full-time in the Pathology Department at St. John’s Hospital in Anderson from about 1970 to 1997.

The Stevensons currently reside in Estes Park, Colo. The couple has two children and four grandchildren.

The Stevenson Outstanding Student Award is a part of the $110 million Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $95 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 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth 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.

CLICK HERE FOR A CAMPUS MAP AND DIRECTIONS TO AU.

During commencement, Anderson University will award two honorary degrees. Anderson University will award Dr. William G. Enright (the 2010 Anderson University commencement speaker) with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and Dr. Mark W. Fulton (an Anderson-area dentist and the co-founder and President of Mission Haiti, Inc.) with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

Other events scheduled on Anderson University’s May 8 commencement day include the Falls School of Business hooding ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in Byrum Hall for candidates of both Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Business Administration degrees.

The hooding ceremony for the Master of Education and the Master of Music Education will be conducted at 12 noon on May 8 in Shield dining room, Olt Student Center. The certification ceremony for the Teach in Indiana Program (TIP) will be conducted in Decker Hall, room 133, at 12 noon.

Events earlier in the week associated with commencement weekend include the School of Theology Senior Recognition and Awards Chapel on Tuesday, April 20, at 11 a.m. E.D.T. in Miller Chapel. In addition, a special pinning ceremony for the Anderson University School of Nursing will be conducted on Friday, May 7, at 6 p.m. in Reardon Auditorium.

William G. Enright, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University and former Senior Pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church, Indianapolis.

He is a graduate of Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California and McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois. His Ph.D. is from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. He also holds two D.D. (honorary) degrees from Hanover College, Hanover, Indiana and Dubuque Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa.

Dr. Enright is currently a director of the Lilly Endowment, Inc, The Wishard Hospital Foundation Board and a trustee of Hanover College. His most recent appointment was as “Advisor for the National Cathedral Association” of the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. His civic involvement in Indianapolis has included serving as a member of Envisioning Indianapolis, the Police Advisory Board, the Board of Directors of the Central Indiana Council on Aging, and the St. Vincent Hospital Advisory Board. In addition, he served as co-chair of The Mayor’s Taskforce on Racism. He is co-founder of the Celebration of Hope, a program for racial reconciliation, which was recognized by President Clinton as one of ten national programs to be honored at the White House. He has also been honored by two governors with a Sagamore of the Wabash.

He has authored several books, the latest being Channel Markers, and lectured at numerous colleges, universities and theological institutions as well as business associations such as The Young Presidents and World Presidents organizations. In July, 2005, he served as “preacher and chaplain” for the Chautauqua Institution in New York.

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 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth 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 is named in honor of Dr. Robert A. Nicholson, president emeritus of Anderson University. Tilley was selected by the Student Life Department to receive this award because of her involvement in service activities. She will receive $750 and also designate a charity of her choice to receive $250. Tilley has chosen the World Medical Mission initiative of Samaritan’s Purse based in Boone, N.C. [Photo on left: Nicholson Student Service Leadership recipient Joanna Tilley with president emeritus Dr. Robert A. Nicholson and current AU president Dr. James L. Edwards.]

“The Nicholson award symbolizes AU’s greater commitment to focus on service and honoring those who take time to get involved,” said Brent Baker, vice president for student life and dean of students. “Joanna is just one of many students who display this type of commitment and it is wonderful to honor her in a special way.”

Joanna Tilley is a biology major from Kingsport, Tennessee. As a student at Anderson University, Joanna has been involved in Christian Center Ministries and After School Fun. Joanna currently serves as Service Coordinator for the Alacritas Social Club, the Campus Coordinator for Operation Christmas Child and is a fellow in the Center for Public Service. She continues to be involved the Neighbors program, Pre-Professional Health Society, the Anderson University Honors program and the Alpha Chi and Sigma Zeta Honor Societies. Joanna attends Park Place Church of God in Anderson.

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.

Through national and regional conferences, the development and exchange of resources, and participation in online networking, NetVUE will help institutions deepen vocational exploration by their students. The goals of the network are to share knowledge, best practices, and reflection on experiences among campuses while facilitating the incorporation of additional independent colleges and universities into this enterprise.

In announcing the launch of NetVUE, CIC President Richard Ekman said, “Over the past several years, the Council of Independent Colleges has made a commitment to advancing vocational exploration as a guiding force in American independent higher education. The concept of vocation emerged as a significant factor from various sources and has been applied in different ways for different campus constituencies. CIC hopes that NetVUE will capitalize on what has been learned about the theological exploration of vocation and how it can be adapted and developed to strengthen colleges and universities, their leadership, and the education they provide for their students.”

Dr. Marie Morris, vice president for academic affairs and dean stated that “Anderson University has a long and rich history of changing students’ lives through its commitment to educate students for a life of faith and service, through its focus on academic and Christian discovery and opportunities for experiential learning. We thought it important to join with others who share a commitment to fostering discovery and exploration in vocation as we prepare students for this ever changing world. As a member of NetVUE we look forward to increased opportunities for collegial sharing and to the future impact we anticipate in furthering our school’s mission.”

NetVUE is generously supported by Lilly Endowment Inc., which has funded similar programs over the years. “We have discovered,” said Craig Dykstra, Lilly Endowment’s senior vice president for religion, “that structured programs that encourage and guide students in the theological exploration of vocation do indeed help them draw on the wisdom of their religious traditions as they make decisions about their futures and figure out how to lead lives that really matter. We have been approached by hundreds of colleges and universities seeking to enhance their educational programs by incorporating vocational reflection more intentionally into their curricular and co-curricular activities. We are delighted that CIC is committed to sustaining and extending this important conversation and helping colleges across the country to advance their educational missions in this way.”

For more information about NetVUE, visit www.cic.edu/NetVUE.

The Council of Independent Colleges is an association of more than 600 independent, liberal arts colleges and universities and higher education affiliates and organizations that work together to strengthen college and university leadership, sustain high-quality education, and enhance private higher education’s contributions to society. To fulfill this mission, CIC provides its members with skills, tools, and knowledge that address aspects of leadership, financial management and performance, academic quality, and institutional visibility. The Council is headquartered at One Dupont Circle in Washington, DC.

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.

While Chaplain Green spreads comfort at the hospital, his son Scott serves as a physician at the nearby Roby Building.

And Chris works in the Saint John’s emergency room where he prepares himself for the unexpected to happen at any given moment.

“The best way to describe the ER is up and down,” Chris Green said. “We had a Code Blue today and I had to step right in and do my job. Then there are times that are not so busy but that can change in a minute.”

Though the Greens have never worked on the same case together, Chris has taken care of his father’s patients in the emergency room.

“The three of us have never assisted with a patient at the same time,” Chaplain Green said. “But I have talked with patients that Chris has worked with in the ER. And yes, some of them are patients of my son, Scott. So indirectly we have all helped with certain patients at different times.”

Chaplain Green spends most of his time giving spiritual guidance to families at Saint John’s with loved ones who are sick. He has been employed at the hospital for 11 years and wouldn’t change his job for anything in the world.

“I love what I do,” Chaplain Green said. “A great challenge is working with a patient with a bad diagnosis. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I work the whole hospital and help patients in a crisis. It means alot when I see someone outside of the hospital and they remember how I helped their sick grandmother. That makes this job very meaningful.”

The Greens may cross paths through Saint John’s but they see one another more often at the Middletown Christian Church where Larry Green is pastor. The Greens love to take family vacations together in Minnesota where they fish for crappie and catfish.

“I grew up in Minnesota,” Chaplain Green said. “My gosh, it gets so cold. I remember one time it got to 50 below zero and I had to take a snowmobile to my job at a paper mill. Boy, that was many years ago.”

In January of 2008, Larry, Scott, and Chris traveled to Salem, India, where they cared for destitute individuals in small towns and villages. With health care an ongoing issue in this country, Scott Green said Americans should be happy with what they have.

“We worked at a clinic in a village plagued with leprosy,” Scott Green said. “Poor people in these villages have no access to hospitals or emergency care. They have no health care at all. The water is contaminated, the people are malnourished, and there are no food inspectors.

“There are things going on in India that you would never see here.”

Larry and Scott Green are alumni from Anderson College, and Chris will carry on the family tradition when he graduates from Anderson University next spring.

After receiving a physician assistant degree in public health care, Chris plans on working for a year as an emergency medical technician before gaining employment in the private sector. But for now, he is content with working at Saint John’s Health System with his dad and grandpa.

“It’s really nice,” Chris Green said. “We are a very close family.”

“From my perspective there is value to roots and a legacy,” Scott Green added. “There is a connection here that we are very proud of. We all show our compassion differently while carrying on a family tradition. You want to leave a legacy for your kids that they will be proud of.”

– by David Humphrey for The Herald Bulletin. Photo credit: David Humphrey. Story republished with 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.

“We are pleased to be listed among the top schools in our category,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Universities that are achieving their mission especially in these very challenging times deserve this recognition and we are proud to be among them. When a student finds the right college of quality that is an excellent fit in terms of culture, programs and degrees, and overall mission, the future opens in such powerful ways, and for that student, the selected school is the best in the nation. We intend to be such a school for so many.”

The 2010 America’s Best Colleges package provides the most thorough examination of how more than 1,400 accredited four-year schools compare on a set of 15 widely accepted indicators of excellence. Among the many factors weighed in determining the rankings, the key measures of quality are: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and graduation rate performance (National Universities and Liberal Art Colleges).

Over the past 26 years, the U.S. News college rankings, which groups schools based on categories created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, has grown to be the most comprehensive research tool for students and parents considering higher education opportunities. The America’s Best Colleges ranking package, which includes extensive editorial content and multimedia resources, has helped families navigate the difficult decisions involved throughout the college process, from college admission and selection to financing options.

The exclusive rankings, which include more than 1,400 schools nationwide, are available today at www.usnews.com/colleges, will also be published in the September issue of the U.S.News & World Report magazine, on newsstands starting August 20.

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 chose Anderson University and the other terrific schools we recommend as our ‘regional best’ colleges primarily for their excellent academic programs,” said Robert Franek, Princeton Review’s Vice President of Publishing. “We also work to have our roster of ‘regional best’ colleges feature a range of institutions by size, selectivity, character and locale. We choose the schools based on institutional data we collect from several hundred schools in each region, our visits to schools over the years, and the opinions of independent and high school-based college advisors whose recommendations we invite. We also take into account what each school’s customers – their students – report to us about their campus experiences at them on our 80-question student survey.”

The 158 colleges The Princeton Review chose for this year’s “Best in the Midwest” designations are located in twelve states: Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The Princeton Review also designated 218 colleges in the Northeast, 123 in the West, and 141 in the Southeast as best in their locales on the company’s 2010 Best Colleges: Region by Region section on its Web site. The 640 colleges named “regional best(s)” represent only about 25% (one out of four) of the nation’s 2,500 four-year colleges.

The Princeton Review does not rank the colleges in its 2010 Best Colleges Region by Region Web site section. The Princeton Review survey for this project asks students to rate their own schools on several issues — from the accessibility of their professors to quality of the campus food — and answer questions about themselves, their fellow students, and their campus life.

The Princeton Review is known for its tutoring and classroom test preparation courses, books, and college and graduate school admission services. Its corporate headquarters is in Framingham, MA, and editorial offices are in New York City. It is not affiliated with Princeton University and it is not a magazine.

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 many incoming students at AU, there is a strong family or church connection, but for Barwinska, there was no prior connection. But in the course of her online research, she discovered a personal touch at Anderson University that led her to this campus.

“I was sending a lot of e-mails to Scott Martin, who was the director of international students at the time, probably at least one a day,” she says. “I had a lot of questions, being an international student. And he was patient enough to respond every single day. I decided to come to AU thinking it would be a really good school, and it turned out to be.”

From the moment she stepped off the plane at Indianapolis International Airport, Barwinska was greeted by fellow AU international students, forming connections that remain strong today.

And among those connections, her friendship with fellow 2009 graduate Emily Wasonga was key to Barwinska’s decision to go to Africa in May 2007 and eventually to write her book, To Be … in Africa.

A native of Kenya, Wasonga was familiar with the work of Frida and Paul Enane, who had established the Frepals Clinic in Kibera, Kenya, where they served the medical needs of some of Kenya’s poorest citizens.

Wasonga felt a calling to do something to support the work at Frepals, and the idea that emerged was to hold a pageant that would focus not on the external beauty of the contestants, but on the beauty of their ideas for service in East Africa. This program is now known as the AU-East Africa Ambassador Initiative.

Although she was involved in the planning of the pageant, Barwinska had no plans to go on the trip … until she was approached by Wasonga.

“One day, Emily came to me and said, ‘I know the project is going to work out, and I’m going to go home, and I want you to come with me,’” Barwinska recalls. She began thinking about all the reasons why such a trip would be difficult to arrange. But that personal challenge from her good friend outweighed those concerns, and Barwinska agreed to go.

The main focus of the trip, coordinated through AU-East Africa, was to provide support and resources to the Frepals Clinic. However, an equally important aspect of the trip, according to Barwinska, was for the participants to simply “be” in Africa, to be present and form relationships with Kenyans.

Barwinska maintained a journal during her trip, and at times she would share some of her writings with Martin for feedback. She says, “I remember Scott telling me one day, ‘You know, you should be more detailed, because when you go back to it and read it after a few years, it will all come back to you.’” So, she recorded as much detail as she could, details about the environment, the people she met, and the emotional impact the experience had on her.

After her return to campus, Barwinska referred back to her journal as she began sharing her experiences with family and friends. In the process, she began wondering if her writings could be turned into a book. So she consulted Martin once again.

“I thought maybe I could just write it and publish a copy for myself, maybe for a couple of friends,” she recalls, “but Scott said, ‘You could actually get this published.’ And I thought it just sounded so impossible, so improbable. How do you even go about doing it? And Scott said, ‘Just do it. We’ll figure out a way.’”

When the manuscript was finished, Martin realized the book was a perfect fit for Global Student Solutions (GSS), an organization he had established to serve the needs of international students studying abroad in the United States.

“GSS has been planning to serve global students through publications, and we wanted to do books,” he says, “so when Daria’s book came along, it was a great fit. This blending and exploration of culture and life-changing experiences is what we are all about. Here is a Polish student who is studying in America and is further challenged to examine her life through another global student from Kenya. The book walks with her into Kenya, where she tries to be ‘present’ and really feel another culture.

“I can’t overstate the significance of having a voice like Daria’s in the public forum,” he continues. “While this is still a ‘western’ voice on the developing world, I think it offers a different perspective that will be informative to people and help us as we engage cross culturally.”

It has been two years since Barwinska’s trip, but she continues to be active in addressing the needs in East Africa. She and Wasonga are currently working to collect shoes for East Africans, as well as books and toys for orphanages and schools. And she hopes one day to return to Kenya.

Although she graduated from AU this spring, Barwinska remains on campus, working in the Department of Student Life and considering options for her future. As a student at AU, she studied biology and worked for two years as an intern with a contract research organization in Greenfield. In the second year of her internship she conducted independent research, serving as a study director. Now she is looking toward graduate school, with the goal of earning a PhD in genetics and pursuing a career in research. With her experiences at AU, she feels up to the task.

“Just knowing that I could do my internship for the past two years, and that I got to do my own study last year, I think that really shows I was well prepared by the faculty here,” she says.

For more information about Barwinska’s book, or to purchase a copy, visit Global Student Solutions. Contact info@globalstudentweb.org for information on book signings or other opportunities to hear Barwinska share her story.

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.

–Randy Dillinger serves as Web Content Editor and SEO Manager in the office of University Communications at Anderson University.

“I’m looking, but …,” said 37-year-old Dawn Vetor, of Madison County, her voice trailing off. “I have some prospects, but nothing fluid.”

Angela Shelton, 30, Anderson, a former paraeducator at East Side Middle School, was a little more upbeat.

“I’m optimistic,” said Shelton, her silver braces shined as she flashed a bright grin. “I’m looking for a job.”

Both women, graduating with bachelor’s degrees in organizational leadership, were among the 700 students going through Anderson University’s 91st commencement.

Like Shelton, many graduates were hopeful of their future job prospects, despite not yet having offers.

“I’m trying to be optimistic,” said Jon Weber, 22, a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. “It’s rough.”

Weber, who received a degree in marketing, said he’s had five interviews and applied at 15 to 20 companies. But he’s received no offers.

Emily Wasonga seemed nonplused at her job prospects. The 21-year-old native of Kenya earned degrees in international education and communications on Saturday. She said she had no concrete career plans, but emphasized the university’s aim of instilling a sense of Christian service in its students. She said she wants to work in a humanitarian field.

“If it’s a matter of making money,” Wasonga said, “there are a lot of ways to make money.”

Commencement speaker Carl H. Caldwell touched on the unsettling nature of the times.

“To say you graduate in an uncertain time is an understatement,” he said. “If you’re not worried about this, I guarantee your parents are.”

But Caldwell said there’s a lack of certainty at all times — including when he graduated from Anderson University in 1966 during the Cold War.

“Every graduating class has had to face problems,” he said.

Caldwell, the school’s vice president of academic affairs, retired at the end of the school year. He had been with Anderson University since 1996. He earned his master’s degree in history from Ohio University and his doctorate in history from Indiana University.

Next year, Caldwell and his wife, Carolyn, an accounting professor at AU, will move to the Middle East, where they will teach at American University of Iraq in Sulaimani.

But Caldwell’s speech offered a reassuring tone.

“Seeing you before me, I feel very proud of our future,” he said.

For a full gallery of photos, visit The Herald Bulletin site.

—Shawn McGrath is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Photo credits: Don Knight. Story republished with 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.

Thomas, a Center for Public Service fellow, first gained cross-cultural experience by traveling with Tri-S to London in 2005. Since London, she has participated in five additional Tri-S trips and in May will travel to Australia. [Pictured left with students in Russia.]

“Carrie exemplifies the scholar/leader who is committed to academic excellence, international travel and education, public service, as well as campus and community leadership,” said Joel Shrock, Director of Center for Public Service. “Carrie’s record of accomplishments is beyond impressive, it is dazzling.”

Through each international experience, Thomas learned it was possible to pursue her career outside the traditional American public school system. Along with a strong interest in European culture, Thomas started her international teaching journey at Anderson University by serving on the licensing feasibility committee for adding the English as a New Language Program. She will be receiving a certification in English as a New Language.

“Dr. Nelson encouraged me to think about applying for the Fulbright Scholarship during an international politics class I took in the fall of my junior year,” said Thomas. Thomas started the application process after accepting a position at Dubravushka Boarding School in Obninsk, Russian Federation, as an English Language teacher for students ages 5-17.

Most recently, Thomas was a student teacher in Vienna, Austria, this past semester at the Danube International School. She student taught English A and English as a Second Language, in the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme for grades 6-10.

“Both Russia and Austria were different opportunities and experiences,” said Thomas. “In Russia, teaching was more difficult because I had few resources and little structure with which to work. In Vienna, I had more support and was paired with a great collaborating teacher as opposed to teaching on my own. I think teaching on my own first was a more backwards approach but one that served as a great opportunity.” [Pictured right in Vienna.]

Thomas’ award is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Her responsibilities will include teaching English as a foreign language at Gymnasium Jura Hronca (Grammar and Secondary High School) in Bratislava, Slovakia. She will also work on conducting some independent research on language teaching and the education system of Slovakia.

Thomas is graduating May 9 with a 4.0 GPA and is a Presidential Scholar, Sigma Tau Delta (English Honors Society) 2007-08 president, Kappa Delti Pi (Education Honors Society) 2007-08 secretary, AU International Education Committee member, AU English as a New Language Committee member and Athletic Committee member. Thomas also started her own Carrie Thomas Youth in Philanthropy Endowed Fund through the Hendricks Community Foundation which provides grants to youth organizations and is a member of AU’s Women’s Golf Team.

She is the only AU English major to have received the Recognition of Excellence for her PRAXIS II English Language, Literature, and Composition exam. This honor is earned by scoring in the top 15 percent of candidates nationwide who took the test in the past five years.

“Carrie is best described as an ambitious academician, intellectually courageous, highly admired by faculty and students, always considerate of the needs of others, and one who works well with people of all ages and backgrounds,” said Dean of the School of Education Diana Ross. “She has been an outstanding student leader at Anderson University.” [Pictured left in Slovakia.]

Thomas’ grant starts in the fall of 2009 and will last 10 months. She plans to start graduate work in the future on comparative and international education along with second language acquisition.

“It is amazing how God places people in your life at the right time and right place,” said Thomas. “ God has blessed me with opportunities like Tri-S, ENL and people like Dr. Nelson, Dr. Shrock, and Dr. Ross who have helped shape and guide my future plans.”

The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to “increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries.” With this goal as a starting point, the Fulbright Program has provided almost 300,000 participants—chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential — with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.

- Stefanie Leiter is the Web Content Manager at 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.

Amy Lynn Bader is majoring in Elementary Education and has spent this semester student teaching in first and third grade. After graduation, she will be getting married and moving back to her home state of Ohio, where she is seeking an elementary teaching position.

Andrea C. Brinkley will graduate with a degree in Elementary Education. Following a final Tri-S trip to Romania and Hungary, she hopes to find an elementary teaching position in Indiana next school year.

Katie Ann Kinman will major in Elementary Education with a specialization in Character Education and a minor in Spanish. After graduating, she plans to teach in an elementary school in the central Indiana area beginning this fall. She also hopes to pursue a Master’s degree in the field of education.

Rachel Elizabeth Koontz is double-major in Chemistry and Biology. After graduation, she will work on earning a Doctor of Medicine degree at either Wake Forest University or Indiana University School of Medicine.

Candice Nichole Lane is a double major in Psychology and Spanish. After graduation she will move to Indianapolis and begin a year-long research assistantship with IUPUI. This summer she will get married and apply to psychology graduate programs.

Carrie Anne Thomas is majoring in Language Arts Education and International Education with certification in English as a New Language. She was recently selected for a Fulbright Award through the Fulbright Program for U.S. Students, sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. After graduation Carrie will assume her English Teaching Assistantship in the Slovak Republic, teaching English as a Foreign language at Gymnasium Jura Hronca (Grammar and Secondary High School) in Bratislava. While there, she will also conduct independent research on language teaching and the education system of Slovakia and participate in additional school and community activities.

Raymond Joseph Kenney and Erica Christine Narwold were unable to attend.

Jeremiah Townsell is a Criminal Justice major from South Bend, IN. As a four year starter for the Raven football team, Jeremiah twice earned 1st team ALL-HCAC honors. He ranks 10th on the career tackles list, 9th on the career sacks list, and 2nd on the career tackle for a loss list. Jeremiah was the 2008 Defensive MVP, 2007 and 2008 Lineman of the Year and was a Team Captain during the 2007 and 2008 seasons.

Melenda Hawthore is an exercise science major from Indianapolis, IN. As a four year member of the women’s basketball team, Melenda earned HCAC All-Conference honors in the 2006-2007 and the 2008-2009 seasons. She was a member of the HCAC All-Tournament Teams in the 2006-2007 and 2008 -2009 seasons. In addition, she was a finalist for the HCAC Player of the Year in 2008-09. This past season Melenda became one of only 7 players in the history of AU women’s basketball to score 1,000 points. As a two year member of the track and field team, Hawthorne was twice named to the HCAC –All Conference team; in 2006 in the high jump and in 2007 in the javelin.

—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.

The competition for the award was tough this year–Spracklen will be one of 16 graduates in biology. According to Janutolo, one of the key decision points was an internship Andrew completed last summer at Penn State University from which he received the highest reviews and evaluation. Andrew plans to get married this summer, then enter into the doctoral program in the area of Molecular Biology at the University of Iowa.

Dr. Jerry Stevenson received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Findlay in 1953, a Master of Arts from Bowling Green State University in 1956, and an M.D. from The Ohio State University in 1960. In addition, Dr. Stevenson served as corporal for the Army and a lieutenant commander for the United States Public Health Service.

Patricia Stevenson attended both Anderson University and The Ohio State University, where she pursued an interest in occupational therapy and worked as a technician in the university’s Pathology Department.

From 1965-70, Dr. Stevenson served as Chair of the Biology Department at Anderson University. He was instrumental in building the current curriculum for the department and bringing distinction to the university’s pre-medical program. He worked full-time in the Pathology Department at St. John’s Hospital in Anderson from approximately 1970 to 1997.

Dr. Jerry and Patricia Stevenson currently reside in Estes Park, Colo. The couple has two children and four grandchildren.

—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.

The Stevenson Outstanding Student Award is a part of the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University.  On October 6, 2006, the university launched a $110 million campaign entitled; Dreams. Discovery. Direction. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $90 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support.

To be a member for Alpha Chi, students have to be of junior or senior status and in the top ten percent of their class. While all Alpha Chi students on campus are invited to submit a paper or presentation of work in their major for the national competition, Anderson University can only submit two papers for the national scholarship competition. Students compete either as juniors or seniors. This year three Alpha Chi students submitted papers for the scholarship competition. A faculty committee then selected the two students to represent Anderson University. Both students this year competed in the junior category.

Zehner will be serving as student body president next school year on campus and is a triple major in chemistry, biology, and philosophy.

“Anderson University has a long history with Alpha Chi and having our students win national and regional scholarships,” said Blake Janutolo, Dean of College of Science and Humanities.

Senior Heike Baird from Anderson, Ind., was an alternate winner for the Nolle Scholarship and received a $100 award. Baird also served as an alternate for the regional scholarship, a $200 award. Baird is majoring in English with a minor in Spanish. [Photo: Front row, left to right: Jennifer Perry, Heike Baird, Candice Lane. Back row, left to right: Nick Zehner, Blake Janutolo, Trish Janutolo, Marcus Smith, Nathan Turner]

“Nick and Heike have continued that tradition by submitting excellent papers for the scholarship competition and giving dynamic, professional presentations of their work at the National Convention. Watching their presentations made me proud to be part of an university that produces students that excel in their academic achievements,” added Janutolo.

A nominee for the Nolle Scholarships must be planning to be a senior in the fall semester of the award year.

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.