Petter was nominated for the award by Dr. Joel Shrock, associate professor history. In his recommendation letter, Shrock stated that “Ryan is not only in our academic Honors Program but also gained entrance into our competitive Center for Public Service, which is reserved for the most academically talented and most committed to public service. Throughout his academic career he has sought out opportunities to help those in developing nations to build business capacity to solve their problems.”

Petter was grateful to be nomination for the award. “I appreciate the recognition and the recommendation for the Newman Award,” Petter said. “This award is a great honor to receive. I believe AU has helped shape me into the person I am today. Being able to branch out and get involved in student government, campus ministries, and Students in Free Enterprise was one reason I came to AU.”

Shrock said schools do not just nominate someone for the Newman Award just to have representation. They nominate someone who shows outstanding qualities. “Ryan is an exceptionally talented and motivated leader who has always found a way to harness his abilities for the benefit of others,” Shrock said. “His commitment to helping people combat poverty can truly change the fate of many who are mired in economic distress throughout the developing world.”

Petter will join a network of Newman Civic Fellows around the country. Together — sharing ideas and tools through online networking — the Fellows will leverage an even greater capacity for service and change, and will continue to set examples for their classmates and others.

“These students represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders. They serve as national examples of the role that higher education can — and does — play in building a better world,” noted Campus Compact Board Chair James B. Dworkin, chancellor at Purdue University North Central.

Through service-learning courses and other opportunities for community engagement, colleges are developing students’ public problem-solving skills, such as the ability to analyze community needs, the willingness to participate in public processes and debate, the commitment to raise awareness about challenges, and the ability to inspire others to become part of solutions.

“Dr. Frank Newman, a founder of Campus Compact, had a tremendous impact on American education and its role in the development of citizens who are eager and prepared to make a difference,” explained Campus Compact President Maureen Curley. “He dedicated his life to creating systemic change through education reform and this new group of Newman Civic Fellows would have inspired him. They are reflections and affirmations of his life’s work.”

Campus Compact is a national coalition of almost 1,200 college and university presidents — representing some 6 million+ students — who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education, that is, to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility. For more information about the organization and the award, visit www.compact.org.

— Matt Daughtery, a senior from Breese, Ill., contributed to this story. Daugherty, a communication arts and marketing major, 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.

Students participating in the global studies program must complete an 18-hour core of interdisciplinary courses. These classes provide an introduction to a broad spectrum of topics such as economics, politics, geography, and intercultural competence. After completing the global studies core, majors must obtain advanced training in a foreign language and a 12-hour area of concentration in one of four categories. Topics available include international affairs and human security, community health with an emphasis on food, nutrition and hunger, community development with a focus on economics and social growth, and culture, which concentrates on humanities. [Photo: Dr. Leroy Quashie (left) and Dr. Daniel Allen are among the faculty members who developed the new global studies major.]

An interdisciplinary team of faculty spent the last two years researching and developing the program. “Its inception recognizes that globalization involves links across the traditional academic departments,” said program director Dr. Daniel Allen, assistant professor of political science. “Students wishing to fully engage with a globalized world need to develop an understanding of the political, economic, social, cultural, spiritual, and geographic forces that shape our world.”

Advisors for the concentrations include Allen; Dr. Jerry Fox, professor of management at the Falls School of Business; Dr. Leroy Quashie, associate professor of family science; Sally Shulmistras, professor of French; and Willi Kant, director of international studies and Tri-S.

Each student involved in this program must complete a capstone course that requires an intercultural experience. Because the program can be tailored to fit individual goals and vocations, this capstone experience will be molded by the advisors based on each student’s needs and interests. For some, this will require a Tri-S trip. For others, it will require a study abroad program. In some cases, students will be allowed to do an intercultural exchange within the United States.

“The most exciting part about this major is its diversity,” said senior sociology major Meredith Tarplee. “This major could be applied to anything from sociology to nursing to ministry. It really opens up a new world of opportunity for students that most other schools don’t offer.”

Development of this program is guided by the dean of the College of Science and Humanities, Dr. Blake Janutolo. “At no time in history has it been truer that we are all one global family interconnected in most of what we do,” said Janutolo. “A major in global studies will help a student understand how we are interconnected with each other and how that interconnectedness affects our lives. It should prepare the student to interact and work in a global setting and value cultures different from his or her own.”

— 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 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.

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.

Joshua Powell

Sophomore Joshua Powell, born and raised in Vero Beach, Fla., traveled to AU because of the opportunities the university offers for musicians. Being a part of an Orangehaus Records album is allowing Powell to make his dreams of writing and releasing an album a reality.

Powell grew up surrounded by music; his father played the drums for Sandi Patty and his cousin was in a touring worship band. “My cousin came and played in my town when I was young and I wanted to be as cool as him, so I picked up the guitar and taught myself how to play,” he said.

“I came knowing how to play different types of music, but AU has taught me the mechanics of music and given me the opportunity to work with a label,” said Powell.

His music is folk-based with some influence from indie and ambient music. He played one of his songs, “Last Chance to Slow Dance” at the four musicians’ debut show as Orangehaus artists called “An Evening with Orangehaus.”

“All the guys are really talented, and I am really excited to work with them on this label,” said Powell.

Greg Hojnacki
Sophomore Greg Hojnacki, from Hudson, Ohio, was first inspired by music when he “heard his cousins listening to an old MXPX album, and eventually picked up a guitar and started learning because both of them as well as my brother played,” said Hojnacki.

He initially heard about AU through friends, but came to visit and “instantly fell in love with the atmosphere and the people here,” said Hojnacki. “I also knew AU had a highly ranked business school.” He is currently studying marketing and music business.

Hojnacki’s folk music style laced with a pop-oriented feel goes great with the album. He plays guitar and sings on the album. “The songs I am using on the album are all personal experiences that have shaped my way of thinking and taught me valuable life lessons,” said Hojnacki. “The inspirations came from conversations with close friends, the beauty I find in little things and places I have been, which have molded me into who I have become.”

Tyler Ewigleben
Freshman Tyler Ewigleben, from Brownsburg, Ind., came to AU for a number of reasons. “My brother goes to AU and he showed me everything the business school offers. I also love the level of community this campus has,” said Ewigleben. “The opportunity with Orangehaus was always a part of my decision and I wanted a school that would be a positive influence on my life.”

Ewigleben grew up surrounded by music. His parents are music educators and he began writing lyrics and songs at a very young age. “I have been spoon-fed music since birth,” said Ewigleben.

Ewigleben’s three songs featured on the album relate to his life experiences. The song “Highway to Boston,” depicts the essence of a relationship; the ups and downs and the positive place you want to be at the end, but in the end it’s everything you didn’t want. Here is a glimpse of the lyrics:

Words that I never said
They’re still living in my head
Every time I turn around
You’re looking up
I’m looking down
And we’re lost in the sound of Boston.

His other songs are called “All the Wrong Places” and “Bring Me Your Love.” These two pieces are about love and the “ironies in America … and the fight to stay together,” said Ewigleben.

Rob Krosley
Freshman Rob Krosley, from St. Louis, Mo., came to AU after attending the Orangehaus Music Business Camp two years in a row. “The camp really solidified my belief that this was the place I needed to be,” said Krosley.

Krosley plays guitar and vocals on the album. His songs have a pop-rock feel. “My three songs really represent three manifestations of love,” he said. “I believe that whatever love we have here on earth, be it between a man and a woman, a father and son, or two friends, is all a picture and a reminder of a perfect love found in Christ.”

One of his songs is about a chance he and a friend had to show the love of Christ by sharing the gospel with a little girl in Mexico. “My hope is that we will be able to record a Spanish version of the song and send it to the church we worked with,” said Krosley.

Another song on the album is about “me getting past my selfish tendencies in order to love even when it’s hard,” said Krosley. Lastly, “the third song focuses on love between friends in the midst of a tough situation.”

Orangehaus Records has established a way for these students to develop their talents and is empowering them to gain experience in the recording industry. The album’s anticipated release date is in spring 2011.

— Lydia Smith is a senior from Indianapolis, Ind., majoring in communication arts and and minoring in peace and conflict transformation. Smith 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 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.

Construction of the new facility will begin this fall and is being funded by a $125,000 commitment from STAR Financial Bank.

The trading room will serve as a real-time, high-tech laboratory classroom designed to simulate a Wall Street environment on the Anderson University campus.

[Photo, from left: James L. Edwards, Anderson University President; Gary W. Erskine, STAR Regional President, Anderson; Osborne J. Morgan, STAR Senior Private Advisor; and Terry Truitt, Dean of the Falls School of Business.]

The 1,000-square-foot lab will be equipped with:

• 20 trading stations, with a computer and dual displays at each station
• two large-screen displays providing live coverage of CNBC, CNN, and other financial networks
• two electronic ticker tapes that surround the classroom with financial information
• video conferencing equipment
• software for trading, deal capturing, settlement, analytics, pricing, portfolio management, derivatives pricing, and other finance-related challenges
• market information subscriptions

The trading room will benefit all students with coursework in finance, but the greatest benefit will be to upper-division finance students, particularly those working with the university’s Raven Investment Fund, a student-managed portfolio of more than $310,000 that over the last three years has outperformed the market in return and risk.

“We have great students at Anderson University. Now, thanks to the generosity of STAR Financial Bank, our students will have state-of-the-art technology in a top-notch facility that will accelerate their careers and their contributions to their professions,” said Dr. Terry Truitt, dean of the Falls School of Business.

For STAR Financial Bank, the commitment reflects the organization’s emphasis for investing in the community.

“In the recent economy, we’ve looked at ways to invest our money, and we’ve narrowed it down to education, economic development, and the arts. So, this really is one of our main areas of focus,” said Gary Erskine, STAR Financial Bank Regional President, Anderson.

Erskine believes the trading room will give students real-world experience that textbooks and lectures alone cannot provide.

“One of the things I like about the trading room is that it’s live; it’s real money, real gains, and real losses,” Erskine said. “In stock trading as I have known it, there is always an emotional element. By having real money and risk involved, it puts that element into play. And what better education is there than the education of experience?”

The stock trading room represents a new milestone in what AU Vice President for Advancement Bob Coffman calls a long, productive partnership with STAR Financial Bank. “We are pleased that they found this project to be consistent with their long-standing commitment to educating both future business leaders and the public on financial issues,” said Coffman.

The stock trading room 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 $96 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 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.

STAR provides professional services in banking, insurance and private advisory. Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, STAR holds assets of $1.7 billion. It operates 48 banking centers throughout Indiana, including the communities of Anderson, Angola, Carmel, Churubusco, Columbia City, Elwood, Fishers, Fort Wayne, Gas City, Gaston, Greenfield, Hamilton, Indianapolis, Kendallville, Kokomo, Marion, Muncie, New Castle, Noblesville, Pendleton, Shirley, South Whitley, Tipton and Upland. As a full service provider, STAR Insurance Agency offers life, health, homeowners, auto, farm and crop, commercial and annuity insurance products. STAR Private Advisory offers private banking, brokerage services and fiduciary services, including estate planning, investment management and trust services. For more information about all of STAR’s services, visit the company’s website at starfinancial.com.

“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.

Orangehaus Music Business Camp
July 12-17, 2010
For High School Students Ages 14-18
Cost: $650 for early registration ($725 after June 1); includes tuition, housing, and meals

The Orangehaus Music Business Camp, sponsored by the Anderson University School of Music, is designed for high school students ages 14-18 who are interested in exploring potential careers in the music business. The week-long summer program, now in its third year, is an innovative forum for students to learn how to record, engineer, produce, and market a professional demo. Classes are available in ProTools technology, artist development, songwriting, Internet marketing, live performance, digital distribution, and more. Instructors are award-winning music industry professionals who have worked with such artists as Taylor Swift, Casting Crowns, Dave Barnes, Thousand Foot Crutch, and Jon McLaughlin. For more information, visit the Orangehaus Music Business Camp website.

Entrepreneurship Camp
June 20-22
For Indiana High School Students
Cost: $59; includes tuition, housing, and meals

The Entrepreneurship Camp, sponsored by the Falls School of Business, is designed to help Indiana high school students sharpen their skills in business and entrepreneurship. Students will participate in team projects and events, visit local businesses, compete for prizes, and work with Anderson University students and faculty. Students will also have the opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, craft elevator pitches, and implement viral marketing. The average prize per attendee is $100.  For more information, visit the Entrepreneurship Camp website, or contact Emmett Dulaney at eadulaney@anderson.edu.

JustDance Summer Dance Intensive
June 21-25, 2010
For High School and College Students
Cost: $600 (plus $50 application fee and additional $235 for housing and meals)

The JustDance Summer Dance Intensive is a week-long dance camp that offers high school and college students experiential training in a variety of dance forms, including modern dance, ballet, jazz, world dance, improvisation, and repertory. Classes will be taught by Anderson University faculty as well as a guest dance company, RusticGroove. An informal showing will take place at the end of the week for parents and friends. The intensive is designed especially for high school and college students who intend to pursue dance in college or are currently enrolled in or considering a dance program. However, dance faculty and professional dancers may also participate. For more information, visit the JustDance Summer Dance Intensive website.

Career Camp
Junior Camp: July 19-21, 2010
Senior Camp: July 28-30, 2010
Cost: $79 for early registration ($99 after June 1)

The Career Camp, sponsored by the Anderson University Career Development Center, will be offered in separate installments for high school juniors and seniors. Students will have the opportunity to discover their values, personality, abilities, and interests through the use of online assessments, and explore areas of study (college majors) and occupations based on this assessment. In addition, students will be exposed to the various job markets along with their projected growth in the coming years. Students will also develop a short- and long-term plan of action toward meeting their career goals. For more information, visit the Career Camp website, or send an e-mail to career@anderson.edu.

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.

VITA is a federal program offered through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to encourage all citizens to file taxes and ensure that filings are accurate. VITA will be offered at AU for a total of seven weeks this year starting at 6:30pm on Thursday nights. Remaining dates for VITA include: March 11, 25; and April 8.

VITA coordinator, Cindy Peck, says that the program has a tremendous impact on the community. “We served around 240 clients last year including members of the community and from AU,” says Peck. Peck adds that students who participate in the program also receive benefits. “Our students gain experience and practical service-learning,” she says, “plus, it can even be fun.”

The VITA program has been offered at AU for over thirty years, though there are no exact records. Cindy Peck, 2009 recipient of the Outstanding Educator Award by the Indiana CPA Society, has been the VITA coordinator for nine of those years. The program was created for local Anderson residents that cannot afford professional tax services, but AU students can also receive assistance. “International students are particularly helped,” says Peck, “because their tax returns aren’t able to be filed on the various online website that regular students can use.”

Appointments must be made prior to receiving assistance. Those interested in registering for VITA should contact Carol Whetsel at (765) 641-4358.

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. Falls School of Business is one of Anderson University’s largest academic departments offering eight undergraduate majors as well as MBA and DBA programs. The school is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and is a member of the Christian Business Faculty Association (CBFA).

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.

“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.

They spent hours planning, filming and editing one-minute infomercials for their product and mingling with other entrepreneurs who had already established their own companies and products.

The 12 business-minded people spent nearly three days immersed in the business world, but, as high school juniors and seniors, they still have plenty of time to come up with their own entrepreneurship dreams. [Editor's note: Click here to view the winning infomercial from the Anderson University 2009 Entrepreneurship Business Camp.]

The students attended AU’s business summer camp put on by the Falls School of Business and Students in Free Enterprise. The camp allowed them to meet Anderson entrepreneurs, tour their facilities and practice making pitches.

The finale event was an infomercial competition in which students pitched No Dirty Talk, an antimicrobial cell phone cleaner created by Elwood company Saf-T-Aid.

“We really like the idea of getting them involved and doing something real,” AU Associate Professor Greg Heberling said. “We don’t just have them write a business plan, we have them start their own business.”

Highland High School junior Kristin Dulaney’s favorite part of the camp was making elevator pitches, in which students took an idea and had a limited amount of time to come up with 60-second or five-minute pitches.

“You have to come up with your own product that you want to try to get investors to invest in,” she said.

Students learned skills in the camp that others wouldn’t be exposed to until they took college-level business and entrepreneurship courses, Dulaney, 16, said.

“I went in not knowing a ton about entrepreneurship,” she said. “I knew I liked business, but I didn’t know a ton about it. I really learned a lot more about business and entrepreneurship and the many things that can be done with that.”

Dulaney plans to double-major in college and expects one of her majors to be business-related.

Saf-T-Aid President Allen Traylor said the students’ infomercials for No Dirty Talk were creative and helpful for his business.

“They were all great, all creative, all with a little different flavor,” he said.

Saf-T-Aid is launching the trademarked No Dirty Talk in markets now.

The camp allowed students to win money with which to buy the right to use equipment for their infomercials, including cameras and backdrops. They came up with their own pitch ideas and did their own filming and editing.

“It helps our students. It ties it to the real world,” said AU Assistant Professor Emmett Dulaney, who is Kristin’s father. “It’s so much easier for them to see what we’re talking about.”

Emmett Dulaney helped organize the camp, which attracted students from all over central Indiana, as far away as Center Grove and New Palestine.

This year was the first for the camp, which has been a priority for SIFE students wanting to promote entrepreneurship in the area for about three years, Heberling said. The camp was funded through a grant, and an entrepreneurship class helped develop the camp and market it to high school students.

Emmett Dulaney said the school hopes to find sponsors for the camp next year.

Camp organizer JinAyla Sexton said students had provided good reviews on their experience.

“They were exhausted, of course, but they were also very excited when they were leaving,” she said.

Students especially learned from their visits to locally owned businesses such as XADS, the Flagship Enterprise Center, White River Paintball and Good’s Chocolate Shop, Kristin Dulaney said.

“You actually get to do and see how somebody took those ideas and put them into action,” she said. “You know that entrepreneurship isn’t just starting some corporate business. You can start any type of business that you want to.”

—Aleasha Sandley is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. 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 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.

INvision AU partners with companies and organizations from government, health care, technology, social services, arts and culture, religious, service providing conglomerates, and other sectors in order to provide opportunities to AU students.

Joshua Cook: Miles Design

Joshua Cook, recent graduate with a degree in Visual Communication Design, is interning at Miles Design, a graphic design firm in Indianapolis. “In the two months I’ve been working here, I have observed an unbelievable amount about visual design and operating a business,” said Cook.

“The most valuable aspect to my internship has been the collaboration with the other designers. It has been such a privilege working beside some of Indianapolis’ finest visual designers. There is a reason that Miles Design consistently puts out excellent work and it’s because they are passionate about visual design and the role it plays in our daily lives. It has been really exciting to be a part of that passion.”

Josh Miles, Principal and Founder of Miles Design, said, “Joshua Cook has been an all around solid performer. We’ve just extended his internship beyond the INvision program to go the rest of this summer.” Cook has accepted a job at Miles Design and will begin working there full time when he finishes his internship in September.

Bryan Smith: Clarian Health

Bryan Smith, an AU senior majoring in Accounting, is interning in the Human Resources department of Clarian Health in Indianapolis. “I have spent weeks compiling and analyzing invoice data from the division’s accounts payable system and am currently researching the best practice to audit the data that we have accumulated,” said Smith. “My next responsibility will be the implementation of a new internal control to make Clarian’s A.P. department operate more efficiently.”

In addition to the practical experience of producing and presenting reports, Smith says that he has learned a lot about how to make a “solid business case” for projects needing executive approval. “I am learning a great deal from the main aspect of my project which is procurement, contract, and vendor management and I hope to learn more in the coming weeks about how to audit and control these functions.”

Josh Novak: Buchanan Counseling Center and Community Hospital

Josh Novak, a Psychology major and rising senior, is completing two internships this summer—one at Buchanan Counseling Center at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and one at Community Hospital in Anderson. “I am learning so much from these internships that will help me in my future,” said Novak.

Novak said that he hopes to learn more about what it looks like to run a counseling center and learn the behind-the-scenes aspects of counseling. “More importantly to my experience, however,” said Novak, “is that I get to sit in with the counselors and their clients in some counseling sessions. I also attend conferences, staff meetings, case studies, and continuing education classes.”

Todd Baden: OneAmerica

Todd Baden, a senior Accounting major, is completing an internship at OneAmerica in Indianapolis. He performs internal audits to improve OneAmerica as a whole. “I help plan audit objectives, but my main responsibilities are to gather the necessary information, analyze the data and then draw the appropriate conclusions and recommendations.”

Baden said that the most valuable aspect of his internship has been the hands on experience. “I don’t make copies or do donut runs. I am treated like a full time employee, which is the best way to learn,” said Todd.

–David Hynds is a freelance writer for Anderson University

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

This July marks Dr. John D. Fozard’s tenth year as president of Mid-America Christian University. Echoing the academic fervor of his parents, John received a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing from Southern Illinois University. In 1977, he earned his Master of Ministry degree from Anderson University’s School of Theology. Twenty-four years later, he finished a doctoral program in Theological Distance Education at Trinity College & Seminary in Newburgh, Indiana. [Pictured left to right: Philip Kinley, Dr. James Lewis, President Edwards, Dr. John Fozard, Dr. David Sebastian, Julie Kurrle, Norberto Kurrle, and Joy Sherman.]

For twenty-two years, before accepting his role as president, John worked in numerous positions, specializing in areas such as mental health, hospital chaplaincy, and ministry to the aging. Through his leadership roles, he has determined a need for the availability of prepared Christian leaders to face challenges on a global scale.

John’s goals for the future are clearly reflected in MACU’s mission statement: impact the world on every level possible through the tenants of Christian principles. His past accomplishments, in every ascending degree of size, mirror the noble traditions of our own institution. Whether in the church or in the business office, John has made significant contributions around the world.

John is married to Brenda; they have a daughter, Rachel Fozard Bailey, and a son, Jonathan. Their grandchildren are Claire and Garrett.

Norberto and Julie (Beam) Kurrle have been serving in Paraguay ever since they left the School of Theology in 2002. For Norberto, it meant going home; his parents moved to Paraguay as missionaries in 1975 and have never left. For Julie, a Michigan native, it was a new adventure. The young couple packed their Suburban and spent 70 days making their way down south.

Norberto and Julie work with Radio Alternativa, a 24-hour broadcast Christian radio station in Paraguay. They also work in the areas of Christian leadership and children’s ministry and are transitioning from work with Radio Alternativa to a commitment to Christian leadership in the country. They hope to train and disciples Paraguayans to impact their own nation for Christ. They also help the Paraguayans in their community with basic necessities, such as blankets, farm tools, and mosquito netting.

The Kurrles are currently on their second furlough since making their commitment in Paraguay and will be in the United States until August. They are traveling with their 3-year-old son, Timmy.

After earning advanced degrees and forging a career in the business world, James Lewis accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. It changed the direction of his life. He left a job as assistant director of Corporate Internal Auditing to study at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. It was a decision that has greatly benefited the Anderson University School of Theology.

Since coming to Anderson in 1992, James has served both the university and his local congregation, Sherman Street Church of God. In his current position as the seminary’s associate dean, Doctor of Ministry director, and seminary teacher, he experiences daily exciting forms of service to the gifted men and women called to equip themselves for service in the church.

James also has served the wider Church of God through membership on the former Social Concerns Committee, the Reconciliation Task Force, as curriculum writer for Sunday School, and other special assignments. He was recognized by the National Association of the Church of God in 2007 with its coveted Pansy M. Brown Christian Education Award for his committed service in advancing Christian Higher Education.

James is married to Barbara Kaye. God has blessed them with one son, Timothy [now deceased], and two daughters, Andrea Nicole and Kimberli Chantrelle – both of whom earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Anderson University. They also enjoy in their lives two beautiful granddaughters, Ameris Joy and Nya Simone.

—Photo credits: George Abiad.

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 three days and two nights, surrounding area high school juniors and seniors will learn valuable skills to succeed in the business world. Exercises for the young entrepreneurs include constructing business-related Web sites, pitching sales ideas and slogans and meeting with local business owners. Each student will earn money via these tasks, which will be utilized in creating businesses, and will be hosted at Mounds Mall on the final day.

During the event, participants will stay in AU’s dorms, use campus facilities, and eat in the cafeteria while visiting, and being visited by, successful area entrepreneurs.

“We’re hoping to set a precedent,” said Emmett Dulaney, assistant professor of marketing. “We would like to offer it every year.”

Along with Dulaney and Greg Heberling, professor of business and economics, several AU business students and recent graduates will be assisting in the event as team leaders.

“The [student] counselors will gain experience as well,” stated Dulaney. “It will help them realize what skills they have.”

The event, scheduled for July 28-30, requires a registration deposit, teacher’s reference evaluation and a medical release form. The cost of the camp is $525, but the fee will be waived this year for the first 25 students. A $45 deposit is required at the time of the application, but will be returned on the last day of the camp to all who attend. All necessary documents can be found on the camp’s Web site.

—John Tapley is a senior majoring in Mass Communications 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.

Courses in the 56-hour program will be offered in the evenings at the Flagship Enterprise Center in Anderson. Students will progress through the program as a cohort group and will be able to finish the program in only 34 months.

Jeffrey Buck, director of MBA programs at Anderson University, said the format of the program is designed for working professionals, “using a schedule structure that is manageable for these individuals, while at the same time maintaining the highest quality standards possible.”

“First and foremost, this program is intent on providing a quality education experience that is delivered in an obtainable fashion. These are two degrees that are in-demand and through this arrangement individuals can earn both degrees with a substantial cost and time savings,” said Buck. “Our changing economy is dictating an increased need for individuals with graduate level education in both disciplines.”

The program will be offered one night a week from about 6-10:30 p.m. During that evening, two courses will be offered — one in technology and one in business.

“The prescribed curriculum and course sequencing are important features of the program,” says Buck. “Individuals in the program will be taking business courses and technology courses at the same time. This contributes to making the program one that is truly integrated and not just two separate programs.”

Faculty from Purdue’s College of Technology in both West Lafayette and Anderson will teach courses in the technology curriculum, and faculty from the Anderson University Falls School of Business will teach the business courses.

The program does not require a thesis, but students will be required to complete a capstone project.

The degree is coordinated as a collaborative effort between the Anderson University Falls School of Business and Purdue’s Center for Professional Studies in Technology and Applied Research. The Purdue center was created earlier this year to coordinate and implement professional programs available through the College of Technology.

Those interested in the program should contact the Falls School of Business at Anderson University at 765-641-4362 or mba@anderson.edu. Students will be required to apply to both Anderson and Purdue universities. Applicants are strongly advised to apply before June 1, but applications will be accepted after that date.

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.

Related Web sites:
Anderson University Falls School of Business: http://www.anderson.edu/mba
Purdue Center for Professional Studies: https://www.tech.purdue.edu/prostar/index.cfm

The Grow Conference featured speakers, ranging from Anderson University Falls School of Business Dean Terry Truitt to Continental Inc. owner Judy Nagengast, and workshops on lean operations and quality control. Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman was the keynote speaker during lunch at the conference.

Skillman said Indiana had continued to make strides toward becoming a leading state for business, even with a souring economy. She cited various studies, including one from the Council on State Taxation that placed Indiana fifth in the nation for friendly business tax policies.

“We do have an advantage over almost all states in the country,” she said, noting Indiana’s dedicated work force and location in the middle of the country. “We all have a role to play in the economic recovery of our state. Indiana will see a complete economic comeback.”

Skillman, who was on hand when the Flagship opened its doors in 2005, mentioned Anderson companies Nestlé, Comfort Motion Technologies and Bright Automotive as being bright spots in the economy.

“In this region, there is … a lot going right,” she said.

Since 2005, 10 business opening or expansion announcements have been made in Madison County with assistance from the state, Skillman said, a $700 million investment.

“More than 600,000 Hoosiers are working for themselves,” she said. “Our economic health will depend on how our small businesses do.

“We need places like (the Flagship) to push those great ideas, those new ideas out into the marketplace.”

State Rep. Scott Reske, D-Pendleton, who attended the conference, said it took a bipartisan effort to get Indiana in a good position to attract new business. Reske, who chairs the Economic Development Committee in the Indiana House, said Indiana’s jump to one of the best places for business happened in 2002, when then-Gov. Frank O’Bannon restructured taxes.

About 60 businesses and 140 people attended the conference, and Flagship CEO Chuck Staley was thrilled with the turnout.

“We had hoped for this many, but I’m not sure we actually expected it,” he said.

Flagship Director DeWayne Landwehr said he wasn’t sure how many businesses would take part in the conference due to the slow economy.

“I was concerned, with the downturn in the economy, we would have trouble getting people to support it,” he said. “My overarching goal is the increase the overall economic health of Madison County.”

Tammy Rimer, owner of Anderson public relations and marketing business Community Networks, said the conference provided her with good networking opportunities.

“The speakers have been beneficial in some way or another,” she said. “Because of the nature of our business, the networking will be beneficial.”

—Aleasha Sandley is a reporter for the Herald Bulletin in Anderson. 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.

“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.

“This award is bestowed by the faculty in the Falls School of Business,” said Dr. Terry Truitt, dean of the Falls School of Business. “Great deliberation is given. Overall contributions are considered, including academic contribution, GPA attainment, extracurricular involvement, leadership at AU and in the FSB, standing in their discipline, and moral and ethical fortitude.”

During his student years at the Falls School of Business at Anderson University, Hayhurst served as the vice president for Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Consulting and was a winning team member at the SIFE Consulting Showcase in 2007. Hayhurst, a native of Holt, Mich., also held the position of Executive Director of the Anderson Media Group (AMG) and led the organization as it produced the award-winning Falls Report magazine. Following graduation on May 9, Hayhurst plans to pursue a job in the Indianapolis area in the field of finance and banking.

“My experiences in the Falls School of Business were both diverse and unforgettable,” says Hayhurst. “I know they will be a tremendous asset upon my graduation.”

In addition to receiving the award and recognition in The Wall Street Journal, each year’s winner is also presented with the Larry and Dorothy Morrison Thomas Award, which includes a $5,000 cash award to the selected student. Dorothy Morrison Thomas is the daughter of Dr. John A. Morrison, who served as the president of Anderson University from 1923-1958.

“I am extremely honored to receive such a prestigious award,” added Hayhurst. “The generosity and kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas is greatly appreciated and exemplifies Anderson University and God’s love.”

Also recognized at the banquet were outstanding students in the departments of accounting, finance, management, and marketing. A group of fifteen students and two professors were also inducted into Anderson University’s chapter of the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society for Business.

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.

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.

Director of the Career Development Center Maryann Coty shared that over 700 current undergraduate students have utilized the center’s resources and services.

“Using our office resources, meeting with our staff, or simply viewing the Career Development Center web site can help direct students with their internship and employment search,” said Coty.

Alumni contacting the Career Development Center for career advice, resume help, or connecting them to other alumni has increased due to layoffs and the current economy since the fall of 2008. Through a new intuitive headed by the Alumni office, the Alumni Mentoring Program creates a connection with students and alumni, and even alumni with other alumni to network professionally in their given industry and region.

“Connecting with our office is important either as a student, an alumni, or serving as an Alumni Mentor,” said Coty. “Industry networking connects students to the organizations they wish to pursue in an effort to research the job market, how the economy affects the industry, and the different sectors to their career choice.”

One example was the recent April 3 Media Career Day the Career Development Center, INvision AU and the Dept. of Communications Arts hosted in Reardon Auditorium. The Career Development Center brought in alumni from a television station, radio station, reporters, a publishing company, and newspapers to allow students to see all the job opportunities and majors encompassed in the media industry. This not only helps with networking efforts but helps undeclared students to see the vast opportunities in the media field. [Media Day pictured left.]

INvision AU is another tool the Career Development Center offers in finding paid internships for students. The Lilly Endowment grant allows AU to place interns in an organization with an agreement that the company matches the grant for future interns.

“This is a great opportunity to help students find internships, to gain experience, build required soft skills, connect students with an organization, and build a foundation for their career plan,” said Coty.

Coty breaks down each class year below to prepare students for internships and employment:

Senior Year

• Make sure your resume clearly identifies the education and skills you’ve obtained. When apply for a job, target your resume toward the organization and the job description.
• Actively get in touch with your network list. Contact everyone you know, relationships built over your time at AU, alumni connections, internships, part time jobs, volunteering in the community, etc.
• Let your network know what field you are interested in and that you are graduating.
• Attend job fairs to learn about organizations and job opportunities, and to make connections.
• At the start of your senior year have a good understanding as to when organizations within your field of interest recruit for employment. Some organizations may recruit in the fall for the following summer. This requires a great deal of researching of organizations. With today’s economy be open to taking internships.
• Follow up with the organizations in which you’ve applied for employment.

Junior Year

• Actively search for a summer internship. Talk to your faculty advisor, an alumni mentor, your network, and the career center.
• Contact the career center to prepare for interviews.
• Research the different skills you will need to develop and/or improve upon within your field of interest. Internships are a great way to develop communication, organizational, team building, leadership, and other skills organizations seek in entry level employees.
• Determine your strengths versus your weaknesses.
• Prepare to be competitive in the job market.

Sophomore Year

• Connect with alumni. Learn about the job opportunities available within your field of interest. Alumni can help educate you on what is current in the industry.
• Begin to create your network list. Include family, friends, faculty, alumni, and other professionals.
• Start networking early with alumni and everyone you know. Connections are the key to building lasting professional relationships.

Freshman Year

• Develop a short- and long-term career plan that meets your career goals with the assistance of a career counselor.
• Your resume allows you to see the knowledge and skills you currently possess.
• Sign up for LART 1200, Career and Life Planning, if undeclared. The class encourages those students who are undecided to determine interests relative to the current job market.

To view further information on a student timeline, click here.

“I wish employers knew how much we desire to have jobs and how eager we are to enter the work force – that’s a charisma not a lot of employees can say they still have,” said senior art major Dane Benton on today’s economy and job market search.

The CDC assists students and alumni with applying their academic and life experiences to attain career goals; provides them with the services and resources necessary to make better informed career decisions; and develops the skills necessary to implement their career plans.

—Stefanie Leiter is the Web Content Manager at Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

While at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), Morris has 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 & Undergraduate Academic Dean.

Dr. 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.

Dr. Morris has been listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and she is an Executive Leadership Development Fellow within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). She has received the Bennett, Kellogg, & Mellon Scholarship, the Edgar A. Thurman Foundation Grant and the Lilly Fellows Faculty Mentoring Program Grant.

She presently serves as a Board Member with Lilly Fellows National Network; Chair of the Mennonite Education Agency Deans & Marpeck Deans; Member of Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Honor Society (Epsilon Zeta and Pi Mu), and Institutional Representative for Virginia Network for Women and a Reaccreditation Evaluator for Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools.

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.

CLICK HERE FOR A CAMPUS MAP AND DIRECTIONS TO AU.

During commencement, Anderson University will award four honorary degrees. Anderson University will award Rev. Emory Williams (distinguished Church of God minister) with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree, Billy Jo Hall (longtime member of the Anderson University Board of Trustees and investment advisor at LPL Financial Services in Mount Sterling, Ky.) with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, Thomas J. Snyder (president of Ivy Tech Community College) with the honorary Doctor of Laws degree and Bobbette Snyder (executive director of the Madison County Leadership Academy) with the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

Other events scheduled on Anderson University’s May 9 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 9 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 11:30 a.m.

Events earlier in the week associated with commencement weekend include the School of Theology Senior Recognition and Awards Chapel on Tuesday, April 28, at 11 a.m. E.D.T. in Miller Chapel. On Friday, May 8, at 6 p.m. E.D.T. the hooding ceremony for the Doctor of Ministry graduates will take place at Miller Chapel / Tallen Hall in the SOT. In addition, a special pinning ceremony for the Anderson University School of Nursing will be conducted on Friday, May 8 at 6 p.m. in Byrum Hall.

Dr. Carl Caldwell is a 1966 graduate of Anderson University and is the fifth chief academic officer in Anderson University’s 91-year history. Caldwell’s responsibilities have focused on the development of Anderson University programs, faculty and strategic planning. Before coming to Anderson University, Caldwell served as vice president for administration, vice president for academic affairs, and dean of the college at Franklin College in Franklin, Ind.

Caldwell received a master of arts in history from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and a doctorate in history from Indiana University in Bloomington, Ind. He has completed individual research and study seminars at Oxford University in England, as well as in Israel, Syria, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen Arab Republic.

In addition to having held several teaching assignments, Caldwell has also lectured on Middle East history, political structures and policies. His administrative positions have included associate dean for academic affairs at Manchester College in North Manchester, Ind., and dean for academic affairs at Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, Va.

In November of 2002, Caldwell received the national Chief Academic Officers Award from the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC). The award, delivered at the Institute for Chief Academic Officers, is annually presented to an individual who advances academic excellence at private colleges and universities. It is one of the Council’s highest honors for exemplary academic leadership. He has been a member of the Chief Academic Officers (CAO) Task Force, a frequent speaker at CIC’s Institute for Chief Academic Officers, and a mentor to new CAOs.

In October of 2008, Dr. Caldwell announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2008-09 academic year from a distinguished career of 38 years in academic and administrative leadership. He has served at Anderson University since the spring of 1996.

Caldwell and his wife, Carolyn, a 1964 graduate of Anderson University, have two sons and four grandchildren. Following retirement, the Caldwells will continue to serve in full time positions at the American University of Iraq – Sulaimani.

Dr. Kerry Robinson is the senior pastor of East Side Church of God, in Anderson, Ind., a congregation he has served since December 1996. East Side Church is located near the campus of Anderson University and Church of God Ministries, Inc. and is widely recognized for its mission to “Lift up Jesus Christ so that people may Discover Hope for Life.” As the primary speaker for East Side Church of God, Dr. Robinson shares passionately to groups of various sizes in diverse settings in an effort to help individuals discover the hope of Jesus Christ.

Prior to his current assignment, Dr. Robinson was the Senior Pastor of White Chapel Church of God and President of Warner Christian Academy in Daytona Beach (1992-1996) and Senior Pastor of Scott Memorial Church of God, Chattanooga, TN (1983-1992).

Dr. Robinson is a graduate of Anderson University, Anderson School of Theology, and has done postgraduate work at Emory University in Atlanta. He is a graduate of Beeson Divinity School at Samford University in Birmingham, AL., with a Doctor of Ministry Degree. Dr. Robinson has served in leadership for the Church of God at the state, regional, and national levels.

Dr. Robinson is married to the former Becky Meyer and they have two adult sons.

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.

But several college students are changing the way some kids see their future, and themselves.

College Mentor for Kids, a program founded in 1994 by two Indiana University students, works to change all that and help kids to dream big.

Twice a week in Hartung Hall on the campus of Anderson University, 40 college students and 40 elementary kids in the first through fourth grades merge together to experience college life and all it has to offer.

Both Robinson Elementary and Anderson Elementary students know that on Tuesdays and Wednesdays of every week during the school year, they get to ride a bus to campus and partner up with their “big buddy.”

After snacks and reading time, participants break into groups and do different activities on campus.

“We get to see people, like famous basketball players and nurses,” said Jalen Cooley, a second-grader at Robinson Elementary. “I want to be a lawyer.”

Another Robinson second-grader, Amy White, said, “I like meeting people and we got to go to the library … I think I want to be a veterinarian someday.”

Derek Thurber, sophomore at Anderson University, said he likes working with the kids and finds it a good experience. “I work with Juan, a first-grader at Robinson Elementary. He seems to be improving in his behavior and enjoys the activities.”

Students on campus who are interested in mentoring children in this program must go through a three-step process. The president and vice president of the program will interview each candidate to find out what experience they have with kids, what their goals are and why they want to participate in the program.

Then the candidates give a short impromptu speech, answering questions such as how they would explain or answer the children’s questions. The students must also demonstrate how well they work with and communicate with children by being observed in a group.

“I got involved in College Mentor for Kids because I am an education major,” said Michelle Milius, sophomore at AU. “Michael, my first-grade buddy, has improved so much, and I’ve learned a lot of patience.”

Alexis Gentry, a freshman at AU, has two little buddies, a boy and a girl. “One of my buddies wants to come here when he grows up and asked if I will be here when he comes.”

She said they found it interesting that the college students have roommates in a dorm and do not live with their parents.

Michael Watts, a junior at AU and president of College Mentor for Kids Anderson Chapter, explained what makes this program unique:

“We have them do various things around the AU campus … activities such as going over to the wellness center and meeting with athletic trainers to see what you would do to become an athletic training major, or going to the library and seeing what librarians do, how to research and how to use the computers, and then we’ve been over to security to see what a police officer would do — basically to get them familiar with the college campus and what is a college education.”

Watts said when the children are new to the program, he asks them what they think college is and what people do there. Responses are pretty limited, but by the time the program ends each one has a better understanding and idea of how college could play an important role in their future.

“I would tell anyone wishing to aspire to great things or goals, to always believe in yourself. No matter the situations or circumstances for the present time, the future may hold something different. If you keep your head up and your eyes set on your goal, you can achieve anything,” said Watts.

He’s enjoyed watching his own little buddy grow and become a better student in school. “He even takes an interest in me and asks me about my own family. I like that I can impact and help even one student.”

—Kim Ousley is a reporter for the Herald Bulletin. 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.

Her passion for teaching Accounting extends beyond her feelings towards the subject matter. For Caldwell, reward and success are measured by students achieving and exceeding their own perceived potentials. One of her key goals in the classroom was to, “Help them learn how to learn and problem solve,” she said.

Recounting how her own experience led her down this road, Caldwell said, “As a student growing up, I realized that memorization did not work for me, so I had to figure out different tools to help me learn how to learn.”

Her passion for seeing people develop educational skills is part of what drew her to teaching. “This is why I firmly believe in the liberal arts context,” she explained. “My passion for teaching was making education an exciting experience for every student.”

Caldwell headed up the Falls School of Business Freshman Experience, a self-created program designed to bolster retention by helping students get plugged in to academic programs that they were passionate about. “We would identify students who seemed to be leaning towards a business major,” she explained. “I would contact each student and ask for an appointment to visit with them.”

Many students were interested in studying business, but had no clue what area they wanted to study, she said. “I would try to get them in the hands of a faculty member with similar interests.” Through the individual attention, Caldwell and others helped students find the right fit for them in the Falls School of Business.

For Carolyn Caldwell teaching has become a passion and a way of serving. “I want to help young people find out what they are good and and find ways to use that.”

Caldwell’s husband, Dr. Carl Caldwell, is the vice-president for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College at Anderson University. They plan to conclude their service at the end of the 2008-2009 school year. The Caldwells have two sons and four grandchildren.

—David Hynds is the Web Content Specialist for Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

During the consulting time, projects such as accounting assistance, marketing research, and sales promotion were undertaken by the teams, all with the intention of promoting the growing businesses in ways they cannot do alone.

“This event showcases the impact SIFE is making on the Madison County community as well as provide a venue in which the consulting teams can compete,” said Bethany Masters, vice president of entrepreneurial impact for SIFE.

Among the five selections is Community Networks, a company that provides a link between advertisers and companies looking to use digital signage for promotion. Second, Global Student Solutions works to set up a support system to serve and equip international students during their time in the United States. Next, Point of Service Technologies offers a unique drug testing system to provide a quick, accurate, and cost effective way to determine if a patient is using illegal or prescription drugs . Also among the chosen companies is SecureWebManager, LLC. Owner Mike Kovaleski has developed a state-of-the-art system to provide a more secure way for users to manage log-in names and passwords for the various internet services they use. Finally, screen-printing company ID Graphics will be utilizing SIFE’s consulting talents for the second year in a row.

ID Graphics participated in last year’s consulting program, and owner Dan Wehner says the benefit to his business was unprecedented. “Last year’s SIFE consulting experience was exactly what I hoped it would be,” says Wehner. “I worked with a team of five individuals who each brought unique skill sets and creative solutions to the table to produce a marketing strategy tailored to the needs of my company. Results of their project include a dramatically improved on-time delivery record, a 90% reduction in order errors, a much smoother daily operational flow, and improved customer satisfaction. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results of the SIFE Consulting effort.” [Above photo: Consulting team with Mike Kovaleski, owner of SecureWebManager.]

The event is open to the AU campus and Anderson community in Reardon Auditorium on Thursday, March 12, at 5:30 p.m.

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.

Dance classes started at AU in 2001 and in 2005 the dance program opened a studio, located in the Kardatzke Wellness Center. A minor in dance performance has been offered since 2006.

“Over these past few years, the amount of student interest and enthusiasm has been overwhelming, and student participation has exceeded our expectations,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wright, Dean for College of the Arts. “We now have 18 students who are declared minors in dance. Creating these dance majors seemed the logical way to capture the momentum of dance on our campus and move it to the next level.”

Over a period of several months, dance faculty, music school faculty, and business school faculty, along with the help of some external consultants in dance education, developed the curricula for these three majors.

The university’s new state-of-the-art dance studio, equipped with a L’Air sprung floor, barres, mirrors, and theatrical sound and lighting equipment, is the ideal facility in which to learn and practice the art of dance.

Dance technique courses include four levels of ballet, modern, jazz and tap as well as musical theatre dance forms and world dance forms. Theoretical courses include dance history survey, period dance, and dance improvisation and composition.

Partnering with the Falls School of Business, the 51 hour Dance Business major includes dance technique and dance theory classes, in addition to marketing, management, and accounting classes. Within the Dance Business major, students will have the option of two tracks: non-profit business and business administration. Students must also complete an internship before graduation.

“Dance has been overlooked by many colleges as a viable major, but there is now a national trend of including dance majors in the arts curricula on the college campus,” said Wright. “I believe it is important to give students the opportunity to study dance within the context of a liberal arts, church-related university such as AU. Many students are looking for this opportunity, and there are very few schools that are offering it.”

—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.

The students have three messages that they want to deliver: Sincere thanks for the legislators’ ongoing commitment to SSACI funding (need-based aid from the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana); the urgent need for their continued support of this program; and the critical importance of increasing the number of Hoosiers with bachelor’s degrees to Indiana’s economic recovery. The students will be wearing bright blue scarves bearing the message “Fund Students First,” as well as name tags identifying themselves, their hometowns, and their campuses.

“It is vital for Anderson University students to make their voices heard in the Indiana legislature as the state confronts a challenging budget year,” said Dr. Joel Shrock, associate professor of History at Anderson University.

AU students involved in the experience include Christin Dawson (Management), Josh Canfield (History), Greg Murra (History), Jesse Luke (Marketing), Lindsey Emmick (Mass Communication), and Kelly Kaiser (Management).

This gathering of students from the independent campuses is being coordinated by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and will begin at the Indiana History Center at 450 W. Ohio Street beginning at 11:00 a.m. Before marching to the State House at noon, the students will be briefed by ICI President Hans Giesecke and Vice President Anthony Maidenberg on current legislative issues involving state-funded need-based student aid.

In the Indiana History Center’s auditorium, several legislators are expected to address the entire group before students go to the State House to meet with their hometown legislators on an individual basis. “We’re so pleased that the students are going to have the opportunity for face-to-face interaction with their hometown legislators at the State House “says Giesecke. “Our students are going to experience the thrill of serving as advocates for their student financial aid.”

“By having members of each of Indiana’s two major political parties address the students,” adds Maidenberg, himself a former state senator, “it demonstrates to the students that higher education funding is truly a nonpartisan issue and that politics can be set aside when it comes to meeting the needs of Hoosier students.”

“Our goal is not only to raise awareness to the legislature of the importance of state financial aid—to put students’ names and faces on the state funds they appropriate—but also to introduce our students to how the legislative process works, how it affects their lives and futures, and how they can play a role in shaping its direction,” concludes Giesecke.

Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) is a nonprofit corporation that represents the state’s 31 nonprofit, accredited, undergraduate degree-granting institutions of higher education. ICI member institutions enroll more than 83,000 students (approximately 23 percent of all students statewide) and annually produce 34 percent of all bachelor’s degrees in Indiana. Information about ICI is available at www.icindiana.org.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

One of the most promising of these initiatives is SIFE’s Print Less Anderson. Anderson University students work with a partnering business to understand the environmental and financial impact of conserving paper usage and recycling paper waste. Additionally, SIFE will implement a “Green Seal of Approval” program, an evaluation and certification for environmentally conscious businesses in the area. Currently, criteria have been established for restaurants, convenience stores, and office buildings.

Todd Baden, the vice president of Environmental Impact for SIFE, says that the city has been supportive and eager to make progress in these areas. “Developing the Office of Environmental Sustainability will ensure that the City of Anderson’s efforts are sustainable and will be able to keep growing,” he says. “The staff members who are joining with us will provide influence, credibility, and creativity. We’re looking forward to seeing what everyone can bring to the table for this exciting work.”

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

As purchasing manager, she develops and implements strategy for sourcing fastening materials for the North American Baby, Health, and Home Care businesses.

“Although I am responsible solely for North American Fastening, I am part of a global team with global suppliers,” she explains. “I daily work with individuals of different cultures and backgrounds, and I learn constantly.”

Katherine’s responsibilities include: management of supply assurance for three plants, participation in a global team that manages 30 plants, linking technical counterparts to develop the global short- and long-term hook strategy, and ownership of the global relationship with a key supplier.

If her performance thus far is any indication, Katherine is not intimidated by the responsibility. During her first year, she saved or cost-avoided about $7 million for Procter & Gamble. She also moved a key supplier from fixed pricing to a new pricing model, which she created to ensure the supplier’s resiliency and Procter & Gamble’s financial predictability.

“I have wanted to work for P&G for as long as I can remember,” says Katherine. “The more I researched the company, the more I respected it and determined that my values meshed well with those of P&G.” She completed an internship at Procter & Gamble the summer before her senior year. The internship eventually turned into a full-time job offer.

Katherine’s experience at AU helped her get the job. “The professors in the Falls School of Business and my coursework taught me how to think. My involvement in SIFE exposed me to P&G, provided me with valuable experience that aided me to be ‘qualified’ for the role, and a contact from one of the professors helped me to get connected internally.”

In addition to working at Proctor & Gamble, Katherine plans to begin her MBA this fall at either the University of Chicago or Northwestern University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

“This weekend was a great learning experience. It was a way to great way to take my academic knowledge of business and apply it to a real world situation,” said AU senior Alex Lavold. His team of five students, each from a different school, created an innovative way of teaching kids about healthy living skills through an amusement park. “Determining profitability in such a short time period was difficult, but we were able to create a thorough business plan through our team work.”

Students presented their solutions to a panel of keynote judges from companies such as Bose McKinney Law Firm, Leadership Horizons, Ginovus, Main Street Capital, and the Grant County Affordable Housing Corporation. The winning team was awarded a $500 gold coin for their business idea, Personal Pantry Solutions, a company that uses a query system database and grocery store kiosks to assist people with special dietary needs in finding recipes and food ingredients. The judges selected a winner based on criteria that considered innovation, profitability, and market potential.

“We said beforehand even if we didn’t win, we were so happy with our idea, our team, and our presentation,” said Bethany Masters, the AU student on the winning team.

Each university, Duke Energy, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Indiana Michigan Power, the Grant County Economic Growth Council, and the Innovative Network were the key event sponsors.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

The award is named in honor of Dr. Robert A. Nicholson, president emeritus of Anderson University.  Brown and Schubert were selected by representatives of the Student Life Department to receive this award because of their involvement in service activities. Each student personally received $750 and also designated a charity of their choice to receive $250.  Brown has chosen Young Life of Henry County based in New Castle, IN and Schubert selected the Mulunda Miaka Orphanage in Zambia, Africa.

Stephanie Brown is a Sociology and Bible and Religion double major from London, Ohio.  Stephanie has been involved on campus through Student Life as a Discipleship Coordinator in Rice Hall and as a current member of the International Student Association.  In addition, she serves as a fellow in the Center for Public Service program at Anderson University.  Off campus, Stephanie has volunteered with the After School Fun program at Park Place Church of God and has mentored youth as a leader through Young Life of Henry County.  It is through these experiences that she has discovered how to build relationship and provide life-changing support and encouragement.  Stephanie attends Sharon Mennonite Church in her hometown and Bethany Christian Church in Anderson.

Chad Schubert is a Business Management major from Cincinnati, Ohio.  As a student at Anderson University, Chad has been involved in the Varsity Soccer Team, a Resident Assistant through the Department of Student Life, and a member of Students in Free Enterprise.  He is also a founder and co-captain of the AU Ultimate Frisbee Club.  Chad currently serves as vice president for Global Impact within Students in Free Enterprise.  In this role, Chad has directly managed SIFE’s support of the Mulunda Miaka Orphanage in Zambia, Africa – most notably through the “Give a Chicken” program where proceeds from the program are used to help the orphanage become self-sustainable.  Chad attends The Mercy House in Anderson during the school year and Northminster Presbyterian Church in his hometown.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

They’re just learning to adapt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,750 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

The Global Chicken Challenge began with more than 50 teams of students. Each team was given a live chicken. The students then traded their chicken back to the SIFE team for any one of various available items valued one dollar. The objective of the exercise was to continue trading items for objects of increasing value. Students were encouraged to barter with individuals throughout the Anderson community to find the most valuable items. After a day and a half of searching and trading, each team presented their final item to a panel of five judges. The team with the most valuable item was declared the winner and awarded a $300 cash prize. Local farm supplier Reynolds Farm Equipment provided financial support to the event.

Anderson University senior Andrew Murray completed the challenge with the winning item, an iPod, valued at $144 by the panel.

“It’s fairly easy to barter once you get out into the community and find people who are willing to work with you,” said Murray. “Other items included a freezer, rocking chair, printer, and video game. The SIFE team plans to auction off these items to support their work with communities in Africa. Teams completed a pretest and posttest that discussed ideas related to bartering in order to track their learning throughout this experience.

The event also signified the launch on SIFE’s online chicken sponsorship Web site www.giveAchicken.com where the team is encouraging others to help make the Mulunda Miaka Orphanage in Zambia, Africa a more sustainable community. For only $6, visitors to the website can participate in the Give-A-Chicken project and sponsor a chicken which will then be donated directly to the orphanage. Included with the donation are the chicken’s feed and medication, meaning that when the chicken or eggs are sold, all the profit goes directly to orphanage.

“Zambia is a land locked country located in central southern Africa,” says SIFE president Kyle Schroeder. “Chickens are a staple food and a main source of protein in the Zambian diet. They also serve as a viable revenue source.”

At Mulunda Miaka Orphanage, chickens and eggs will be used for meals and will also be sold to help the orphanage be self-sustainable.

“With the support of the university and other on-campus organizations,” says Schroeder, “this became a successful project to kick off the year for the Students in Free Enterprise.” The SIFE team’s mission for the year is to “Develop passionate leaders who are positively impacting the world.” Through a combination of global, entrepreneurial, environmental, and community impact projects, the team works to help improve the surrounding community. The SIFE team at Anderson has existed for 19 years and has a history of being one of the top programs in the United States.

Students in Free Enterprise is an international organization active in 48 countries across 1400 college campuses. Focusing on teaching others about success, market economic, and personal financial management skills, entrepreneurship, ethics, and environmental sustainability. A Business Advisory Board and team of faculty advisors provide oversight and guidance for the team. For more information about the Anderson University SIFE team, visit their website at http://sife.anderson.edu. To get involved with their Give-A-Chicken project, visit http://www.giveachicken.com/.

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.

Dr. Dale Bales of the department of chemistry and physics was the eighth person at Anderson University to receive the John A. Morrison faculty award this past year. Bales first joined the faculty of AU in 1976, left for a brief time in the early 1980’s, but returned in 1987 to stay. He has served the institution for 28 years.

Chad Wallace, now chair of the department of chemistry and physics taking over the title from Bales, indicates the following: “I had the great opportunity to know Dale Bales at two different times in my life. The first was when I was a chemistry undergraduate student attending here. ‘Dr. Bales’, as I knew him then, was my teacher, adviser, and mentor. I saw a man of great knowledge, insight, wisdom, and humility. He epitomized to me the perfect blend of scientist and committed Christian.

In fact, for all of these years I have known him, he has almost always been a pastor of some local congregation while excelling in his duties at AU. He so inspired me, that I knew I wanted to attend graduate school so I might one day come back to my alma mater and hope to influence students’ lives a fraction of what he did.”

The recipient of the John A. Morrison staff award has served in various capacities in her lengthy tenure of 34 years with the university. She has been a student, taught classes, and is currently a staff member serving as Manager of Student Technology Services and Group Coordinator for Information Technology Services.

In her most recent assignment, Jan Schmidt, along with her colleagues in the ITS department, has been an integral part of equipping our campus with up-to-date technologies and training us in their use. Schmidt has also committed significant time to leading a number of Tri-S service trips around the world (including Calcutta, India, Grand Cayman and London) where she has developed powerful and meaningful relationships with students and those they served.

The Morrison award is designed to recognize faculty and staff who go beyond excellence in performance and have demonstrated a commitment to something larger than self. Each year, one staff and one faculty member will be selected from those nominated by the faculty and staff and announced at the annual Recognition Luncheon. Nominees for the Morrison Award should demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission and core values.

—Stefanie Leiter is Web Content Manager at Anderson University.

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.

As Dean Branson, director of student programming, pointed tightly-packed vehicles toward temporary parking spaces, returning students and some experienced parents waited for any chance they had to help another freshman into the dorms.

“They’re responsible for unpacking, but we get their stuff up to the room as quickly as we can,” Branson said.

Cars came loaded with all the comforts of home — lamps, rugs, television — downsized to fit into each of the single rooms that most students must share with an unfamiliar roommate.

“We have to know that the people coming here have never done this before,” Branson said. “So we have to make them feel at home.”

Hominess is what attracted Nathan Breneman to AU. The freshman from Dublin, Ohio, said the size of the campus made the school seem like a good fit. He was settling into Dunn Hall on Thursday, but said he wasn’t nervous about starting classes, although he was worried that living without his own car would take a lot of getting used to.

His parents were also wondering about how their lives would be different with their oldest son out of the house.

“I just know the home will be a lot quieter,” said Jenny, Nathan’s mother. “He’s the talker. He’s the one who always has something going on.”

Nathan is one of an estimated 600 new undergraduates enrolling at AU this fall, the school reported. The university expects the size of its full-time freshman class to increase between 12 and 15 percent this year, but exact figures will not be known until late September.

Approximately 80 percent of new undergraduate students are coming from Indiana or neighboring states, but 47 states and 30 countries are represented in the total undergraduate population of about 1,850 students, the university reported.

Callie Zelber and Kelly Thomas moved into Rice Hall on Thursday. Strangers less than a year ago, the two girls met though Anderson University’s new social networking site for accepted students, a Web site that lets people seriously considering AU to talk.

Admission’s counselor Christy Kihm said lots of students had found roommates using the site. “It was a big hit.”

Zelber, of Indianapolis, and Thomas, of Miamisburg, Ohio, said they connected over their shared love of the Disney princesses, and now their dorm room is festooned with images of Belle from “Beauty and the Beast.”

The girls said it was a challenge to decide which clothes to bring, and they both made a point to pack photographs and their beloved teddy bears.

With five days left before classes start, Kelly said she’d be using the time to relax, meet some new people, and if there’s time, find out where her classes are. dresser to herself, she joked that it was a good excuse to go buy more clothes.

VIEW FLICKR PHOTO ALBUM OF 2008 MOVE-IN DAY

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

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

Although precise numbers are not available until the third full week of classes (week of September 22), the university is projecting an increase of 12-15 percent for first-time freshman over last year.  Within this year’s enrollment are approximately 600 new undergraduate students and a total undergraduate population of roughly 1,850 students.  The AU undergraduate student population includes persons from more than 30 international countries and 47 states.

“New students bring such promise and energy to the campus each year,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University.  “We are breaking trends in our region to show a strong growth in new student enrollment.  We are prepared for all they will bring to this good place.”

“Several contributing factors can be cited for the current enrollment level,” said Dr. Michael Collette, vice-president for Enrollment Management and Information Systems. “Anderson University has a number of distinctive programs in business, education, communication, art, music and ministry.  The school also supports several efforts to provide internships and experiential opportunities for students leading to employment; as well as a longstanding effort to remain affordable despite a national economic downturn.”

Approximately 80 percent of new undergraduate students at Anderson University come from Indiana and contiguous states and represent nearly 60 religious denominations.  The average high school grade point average of new undergraduate AU students is 3.4 with 30 percent falling in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class.  The top five individual majors among new AU undergraduate students are Education, Business, Music, Communication and Nursing.

Students matriculating to Anderson University have indicated that the top five most important factors influencing their college choice were career preparation, job placement services, spiritual atmosphere, quality of faculty and the availability of scholarship and grants.

Graduate divisions of the university are also projecting strong enrollments for the academic year.  In addition, the School of Adult Learning at Anderson University will unveil a new online degree program this academic year and will be developing plans to expand their programming for all adult students during the next two years.

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.