Anderson University » Capital Campaign

Novak family provides major gift for York Performance Hall and Galleries

randalroy — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 18:30:54 +0000

Anderson University recently announced the receipt of a major gift from the Novak family to name the Green Room in the York Performance Hall and Galleries project in memory of Zachary Novak BA ‘04. Zach died in a 2006 plane crash outside of Bloomington, Ind., along with fellow AU alum Garth Eppley BA ‘03

“In so many ways Zach Novak represents the hopes we have for students in our School of Music,” said Dr. James Edwards, president of Anderson University. “His musical gifts and personal qualities were exceptional. He thrived in our programs and contributed to them. We are so pleased the family has chosen to memorialize this wonderful young graduate and help us complete a facility that in many ways defines the goals and commitments of this extraordinary person.”

Zach Novak was born and raised in Anderson. He graduated from Highland High School in 1999 and from Anderson University with a bachelor’s degree in music education in 2004. He graduated from AU Summa Cum Laude with honors in music. Zach received the School of Music’s Voice Performance Award and won the senior men category and State National Association of Teachers of Singing awards. At the time of his death, he was due to graduate from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University with a Master of Music degree in choral conducting with a minor in voice.

“When the discussion surfaced about AU building a performance hall, the idea of a room named in Zach’s honor seemed only fitting due to his love, appreciation, and gratitude for the professors,” said Dan Novak, Zach’s father. “Zach had a deep passion for the Lord and for music, and AU fostered that passion. We are thankful to AU and the board for granting this request in honor of Zach. We are grateful that we can honor Zach’s memory as well as future performers who will continue to provide beautiful music.”

“The Green Room is one of the most important spaces in the performance hall,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wright, dean of the College of the Arts at Anderson University. “It is where performers prepare themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually for what they are about to do on the recital hall stage. It is important that this space is equipped and appointed to meet all of the needs of the performers.”

Anderson University broke ground for the York Performance Hall and Galleries in May 2011. The 24,000 square-foot facility, with an estimated cost of $4 million, will adjoin the existing Krannert Fine Arts Center, bringing together classrooms, rehearsal rooms, and the new performance venue. The performance hall project will provide a flexible performance space for many ensembles, solo student performances, and guest artists visiting Anderson University.

In addition to the recent gift for the York Performance Hall and Galleries project, a scholarship at AU was created several years ago in memory of Zachary Novak. The Novak family created the Zachary Joseph Daniel Novak Endowed Scholarship Fund. It quickly grew so that funds could be awarded to two students each year. The Novaks are invited to campus each year to meet the scholarship recipients and enjoy a recital.

The York Performance Hall and Galleries project will feature orchestra space for 45 musicians, a choir loft for 75 voices, and an advanced acoustical design. The main floor of the facility will accommodate approximately 250 seats while the balcony space will support approximately 75 seats. A large lobby with glass walls will provide natural light and wide views of campus — providing an ideal setting for greeting guests and hosting receptions.

Gifts to underwrite the seats in the hall are still being accepted. For more information, see: www.anderson.edu/performance-hall.

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.

Anderson University launches STAR Trading Room

leiter — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:34:41 +0000

Anderson University and STAR Financial Bank recently launched a live financial stock trading room in the Falls School of Business. Construction of the new facility began in the summer of 2011 and is being funded by a significant financial commitment from STAR Financial Bank. The trading room will benefit all students with coursework in finance as well as upper-division finance students working with the university’s Raven Investment Fund, a student-managed portfolio of that has outperformed the market in return and risk.

“The STAR Trading Room on our campus is an exciting center of action,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “It provides real time connection to the markets and makes actual trades possible. AU is very much a part of the real world, and the STAR Trading Room is a strong part of our real life campus culture. We are grateful to have in STAR Financial Bank a generous partner who shares our vision for the best of tools for our teaching mission.”

[Photo (l-r): Dr. Terry Truitt, dean of the Falls School of Business; Dr. James Edwards, president of Anderson University; Tom Marcuccilli, chairman of STAR Group Board of Directors; Eva Tan, a senior at AU studying in the Falls School of Business, Tom Wright, STAR Bank Board of Directors, Tom Miller, President of East Region of STAR, Gary Erskine, Anderson Market President, STAR Financial Bank and Oz Morgan, retired Relationship Manager for STAR Wealth Management]

“One of the things I like about the trading room is that it’s live; it’s real money, real gains, and real losses,” said Gary Erskine, Anderson Market President for STAR Financial Bank. “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?”

“Because it’s one of the few in the country, the STAR Trading Room gives students at Anderson University a good head start with the tools that are needed to come out of college more prepared than most for the financial world,” said Dr. Terry Truitt, dean of the Falls School of Business. “The dynamics of the financial world are far more complex, far more global in nature and there are far more variables that impact the financial markets on a minute-to-minute basis. The data feed in the center is state-of-the-art, giving students up-to-date information needed to build a strong investment strategy.”

The STAR Trading Room will serve as a real-time, high-tech laboratory classroom designed to simulate a Wall Street environment on the AU campus. 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 is a natural blending of STAR’s commitment to educating the community on financial matters and Anderson University’s commitment to educational excellence, said Bob Coffman, vice president for Advancement at Anderson University. “It is a great reflection of the warm and beneficial relationship we have enjoyed with STAR for many years.”

View pictures from the dedication in the Anderson University Flickr album.

The STAR Trading Room is a part of the $110 million Dreams. Discovery. Direction.campaign for Anderson University. Anderson University recently announced that the campaign passed the $110 million goal, raising nearly $114 million. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. Major components of the campaign included resources for capital projects, endowment, and operational support.

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 www.starfinancial.com.

AU campaign is a job well done

randalroy — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:59:34 +0000

What began as a dream in 2006 is now a reality. Anderson University has raised $113 million in the largest fundraiser the school has attempted.

It was an October afternoon more than five years ago when AU President James Edwards said the university planned to raise $110 million. Before the announcement was even made, some big donors were already on board.

“These are very challenging times,” Edwards said. “We need to be convinced there are people to make these kinds of gifts.”

The times got even tougher as the recession set in during late 2008. Because of this economic slowdown, the fundraiser was extended beyond its original May 31, 2010, deadline to Dec. 31, 2011. With the extra time, AU went over its expected goal.

As Edwards explained in 2006, “We’re coming to one of those great moments in the life of the university.”

Some of the money has already been used to pay for operational expenses, create scholarships and fund campus construction. The additions are apparent to any visitor to the campus, and they have served the campus and Anderson well. Some of the improvements no doubt were responsible in luring the Colts back to Anderson.

The money came from foundations, organizations and more than 7,000 individuals. The vast majority of the money came from a small set of donors. As Robert Coffman, vice president for advancement and campaign leader, explained, it used to be that 80 percent of the donations came from 20 percent of the donors. Now it’s more like 90-10.

It shows that there is a core of supporters who believe in the school and its mission and want to see it flourish during hard economic times.

Small, private schools are finding it difficult to even stay afloat. There is always competition for students, competition between schools and keeping tuition low enough to attract students but high enough for the university to meet its mission. That’s why having donors and supporters are extremely valuable to a university. It can be the difference between meeting the mission and providing a top-notch education and cutting programs and classes because of tight finances.

Anderson University’s fundraiser shows the school has valuable friends who want the university to excel in all areas of higher education. Congratulations to AU on the fundraiser.

— Editorial published in The Herald Bulletin. Reposted with permission.

Anderson University passes $110 million campaign goal

leiter — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:00:32 +0000

Anderson University recently announced to the Board of Trustees that the institution has exceeded the $113 million mark of the $110 million Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign goal. The public phase of the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University was officially launched on Oct. 5, 2006, and is the university’s largest campaign to date.

“We are so delighted to report a remarkable success in the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Exceeding this aggressive goal in the context of our global economic challenges is an amazing accomplishment. We are grateful to our campaign leadership, particularly Jim Winner, Tom Ward, and Bill and Gloria Gaither, for their unwavering commitments, wise counsel, and generosity. We are also deeply thankful for our staff in advancement led by Vice President for Advancement Robert Coffman, for their untiring guidance and exceptional service to our donor-partners. With much yet to accomplish, we are aware that God has blessed us, and our friends are exceptionally strong in their commitments to Anderson University, to our staff and faculty, and especially to our promising students.”

The Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign was designed to raise support for endowment and scholarships, facilities and equipment, academic and student programs, and operational needs. The last major campaign for Anderson University, with a goal of $75 million, ended in 1999 and raised $83.7 million.

“This is a tremendous achievement for Anderson University, thanks to the generosity of so many members of the Anderson University family,” said Louis Gerig, chair of the AU board of trustees and president of Sease, Gerig & Associates in Indianapolis, Ind. “This goal was achieved during difficult economic times and proves that our friends will support us based on the quality of our graduates, the excellence of our programs, and our mission to be servant leaders in the world. I want to thank President Edwards and his staff for their ongoing leadership that brought us to this moment.”

The campaign drew support from foundations, organizations, and more than 7,000 individuals — including faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni, and friends of the university — who contributed more than $100 million to the campaign effort. More than 80 percent of Anderson University faculty and staff alone committed in excess of $4 million in gifts and pledges. Approximately 650 churches and religious organizations contributed more than $2.6 million. More than 80 new endowed scholarships have been established at Anderson University.

“I am so proud of literally thousands of friends who found a way to support the mission of AU during what has been the most challenging economic times since the Great Depression,” said Robert Coffman, vice president for advancement at Anderson University. “At a time when it would have been so easy to suspend their support, so many faithful friends have kept Anderson University on their reordered list of financial priorities. It has made a tremendous difference in the lives of our students as they and their families have faced their own challenges in finding a way to fulfill their dreams of academic and Christian discovery at Anderson University.”

The comprehensive campaign has touched virtually every aspect of the university. Notable additions to the university facilities include significant improvements to the university’s athletic complex that were vital to attracting the Indianapolis Colts to return to Anderson for their summer training camp, beautification and improvement of the university’s Fifth Street corridor, and construction of an education and conference venue at the Flagship Enterprise Center.

Gifts from Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York provided funding for construction of dedicated housing for School of Theology students at York Seminary Village as well as the York Performance Hall and Galleries currently under construction on the campus. In addition, the Yorks contributed a world-class collection of rare books, including children’s literature works viewed by experts among the top such collections in the country, along with funds for a special reading room and storage areas. The family also provided a match to gifts for renovation of the School of Theology facilities.

The campaign featured several examples of local partnerships. STAR Financial Bank provided funds for the creation of a soon-to-be dedicated simulated stock trading room to enhance the preparation of students in the Falls School of Business. The development of the Austin Education Technology laboratory for Education majors was underwritten by a gift from the estate of Robert Austin who served as the university counsel for many years, and St. John’s Health Systems and Community Hospital Anderson each supported acquisition of special state-of-the-art equipment for nursing education.

Co-chairing the National Campaign Cabinet were James B. Winner, president of Winner Advisors, and Tom L. Ward, chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive officer of SandRidge Energy, Inc. Gospel music artists and alumni Bill and Gloria Gaither served as co-chairs of the National Campaign Advisory Commission.

For more information about the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University, visit www.anderson/campaign or contact the Anderson University Office of Development at (800) 421-1025.

Construction progressing on AU performance hall

leiter — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:00:37 +0000

Construction continues on Anderson University’s York Performance Hall and Galleries project. The building will adjoin the existing Krannert Fine Arts Building and will include classrooms, rehearsal rooms and a new performance venue, said Chris Williams, director of university communications.

The 24,000-square-foot, $4 million project is expected to be completed this summer with ground breaking having taken place May 5. [Photo on left: Construction continues on the York Performance Hall and Galleries project on the Anderson University campus. Workers have begun installing prefabricated walls.]

“It is very exciting,” Williams said of the project. “It is going to a be a space that will be acoustically superior giving a proper performance space to our music students, faculty and guest artists to showcase their art and performances. It is a truly wonderful addition to the campus.”

The building will also support a special art gallery space for the Warner Sallman art collection that includes depictions of Christ as well as a special wood art collection donated by the York family featuring Binh Pho, a renowned wood artist, Williams said.

View a slideshow of images of the construction project on the York Performance Hall and Galleries website.

—Abbey Doyle is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Photo credit: John P. Cleary. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University passes the $105 million mark in campaign

leiter — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 19:06:00 +0000

Anderson University recently announced that the institution has passed the $105 million mark toward the $110 million goal of the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign. Last May, AU passed the $100 million mark thanks to confirmation of a gift of a valuable wood art collection from Dr. James York and Dr. Elizabeth York. Total campaign commitments now stand at more than $105 million. The public phase of the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University was officially launched on October 5, 2006, and is the university’s largest fundraising effort to date.

“We are so grateful for the confidence expressed by our many friends who share our vision for a distinctive Christian university, said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “This level of support is possible because of the trust of many and by investments toward a future of great promise. Many of these gifts are given out of a lifetime of stewardship and our students will benefit for generations to come.”

Within the scope of the campaign, Anderson University recently announced the York Performance Hall and Galleries project. The approximately 24,000 square-foot facility will adjoin the existing Krannert Fine Arts Building, bringing together classrooms, rehearsal rooms, and the new performance venue. Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York have also provided the lead gift for the construction of this multi-faceted facility.

“Many of our donors are coming forward with major commitments to the campaign as we move closer to the end date,” said Robert L. Coffman, vice-president for Advancement. “In several cases this represents estate commitments that our friends are confirming at this time. We are so pleased to be able to recognize these donors and their commitments as part of this unprecedented effort to build financial strength for Anderson University.”

The Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign is designed to raise support for endowment and scholarships, facilities and equipment, academic and student programs, and operational needs. The campaign will conclude Dec. 31, 2011. For more information about the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University, visit www.anderson.edu/campaign or contact the Anderson University Office of Development at (800) 421-1025.

Davidson receives Wall Street Journal Award

leiter — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:00:26 +0000

Ambrosia S. Davidson was presented with the Wall Street Journal award for 2011 at the annual Falls School of Business banquet.

Davidson graduated on May 7, 2011 with a marketing major and Spanish minor. She was a member of the AU Honors Program, Delta Mu Delta, Alpha Mu Gamma, Alpha Chi, Phi Eta Sigma, and the Center for Public Service. During her time at AU, she participated in Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), worked with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, and served an internship at Minnetrista Cultural Center in Muncie. Davidson plans to pursue employment in marketing communications or public relations.

The Wall Street Journal award is presented each year to an outstanding senior and is the highest honor an FSB student can receive. Davidson’s name will be engraved on a plaque in Hardacre Hall with past winners and also included in a full-page article in The Wall Street Journal highlighting students who have received the award across the country. In addition to this, 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. [Photo on left: Larry Thomas, Ambrosia S. Davidson, Terry Truitt, dean of the Falls School of Business, and Dorothy Morrison Thomas]

Recognized at the banquet were outstanding students in the departments of accounting (Katie E. O’Bold, Chase S. Barber and Abigail M. Unternahrer), finance (Rose M. Hirschy), management (Matthew J. Meier), and marketing (Ambrosia S. Davidson).

Awards were also given to the following students:

Abigail M. Unternahrer, accounting
Jacqueline K. Burgher, economics
Christopher C. Bourgea, entrepreneurship
Bryce L.Woodyard, finance
Bradley E. Miller, management and SIFE Leadership
Heather Jo Douglas, marketing
Kyle A. Dillon, Indiana CPA
Kathryn L. Albers, FEI

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 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. 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 Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and is a member of the Christian Business Faculty Association (CBFA).

The Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign is designed to raise support for endowment and scholarships, facilities and equipment, academic and student programs, and operational needs. Major components of the campaign include resources for capital projects, endowment, and operational support. The campaign will conclude Dec. 31, 2011. The last major campaign effort for Anderson University, with a goal of $75 million, ended in 1999 and raised $83.7 million.

AU holds groundbreaking for York Performance Hall and Galleries

leiter — Thu, 05 May 2011 19:53:18 +0000

Anderson University held the groundbreaking for the York Performance Hall and Galleries on Thursday, May 5. The approximately 24,000 square-foot facility, with an estimated cost of approximately $4 million, will adjoin the existing Krannert Fine Arts Building, bringing together classrooms, rehearsal rooms, and the new performance venue. The performance hall project will be designed to be a flexible performance space for many ensembles, solo student performances, and guest artists visiting Anderson University.

Dr. Jeffrey Wright, Dean of the College of the Arts, acknowledged at the groundbreaking how grateful he was for the time and resources put into this project. Wright is looking forward to showcasing the work of faculty, students and guest artists for years to come. He thanked the individuals who “grasp our vision on this project at this time.” He added that the arts are at the core of the liberal arts education at AU and a “way to express for all that is left unsaid in all other academics.”

[Left to right: Dr. David Markle, Senior Pastor of Park Place Church of God; Mike Montgomery, KRM; Robert Coffman, Vice President for Advancement; Dr. Jeffrey Wright, Dean of the College of the Arts; Twyla and Phil Harp, sister-in-law and brother of Dr. Elizabeth York; Dr. James L. Edwards, President of Anderson University; and Lou Gerig, Chair, AU Board of Trustees]

The new facility will support a permanent gallery space for the renown Warner Sallman art collection at Anderson University as well as an additional gallery space for a valuable wood art collection donated by Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York that includes works of leading artists, including pieces created by internationally-renowned wood artist Binh Pho. Anderson University maintains a special website dedicated to Warner Sallman’s work – www.warnersallman.org.

“We are so grateful for the commitment and support of the York family,” said Bob Coffman, vice president for advancement at Anderson University. “This new facility will provide a world-class environment in which our students and faculty will perform. Through their generosity, Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York are making a significant difference in the lives our students.”

Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York have given of their time and resources to make a difference in people’s lives. Their giving spirit was what convinced the couple that Dr. James York should retire early from his practice of orthopedic surgery so that they could work in mission hospitals throughout Africa. It also prompted them to contribute to the Harry L. and Henrietta Harp Endowed Memorial Fund at Anderson University. And it is one of the primary reasons they created the James M. York, M.D., and Elizabeth H. York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Anderson University School of Theology. The Yorks also provided resources for the York Seminary Village project at AU and the York Children’s Book Collection within the Nicholson Library.

The architectural firm of KRM in Anderson is designing the project. Contractors managing the 18-month construction of the facility — targeted to begin in early summer 2011 — will be announced at a later date pending a further review and evaluation of project costs and projected gift income by the Executive Committee of the AU board of trustees.

Lou Gerig, AU board of trustees chair, expressed his gratitude at the groundbreaking to the faculty who will make this place more than a building but a learning experience for those aspiring careers in music, performance or art.

President Edwards acknowledged this project as “one more reason for students to come to AU for a world class education. Imagine the future that will unfold from here,” added Edwards.

Anderson University alumni and friends can help support a seat at the performance hall by making a gift online or sending a gift by mail. View photos from this event. Visit the York Performance Hall and Galleries website for more information.

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

The Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign is designed to raise support for endowment and scholarships, facilities and equipment, academic and student programs, and operational needs. Major components of the campaign include resources for capital projects, endowment, and operational support. The campaign will conclude Dec. 31, 2011. The last major campaign effort for Anderson University, with a goal of $75 million, ended in 1999 and raised $83.7 million.

York gift lifts AU campaign past $100 million mark

randalroy — Mon, 02 May 2011 12:00:16 +0000

Anderson University recently announced that the institution has passed the $100 million mark toward the $110 million goal of the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign thanks to confirmation of a gift of a valuable wood art collection from Dr. James York and Dr. Elizabeth York. Total campaign commitments now stand at more than $101 million. The public phase of the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University officially launched on Oct. 5, 2006, and is the university’s largest fundraising effort to date.

“With this marvelous gift, we celebrate the vision and partnership of so many to reach a historic level of support for Anderson University,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Our students benefit daily from this generosity. A talented faculty and staff do their transforming work because others have shared in this vision. We look to the future with confidence because dear friends like the Yorks are extending the commitments of their lives to the future through the mission of education. These are such promising days for Anderson University.”

The York wood art collection includes works of leading artists, including pieces created by internationally renowned wood artist Binh Pho. It will be housed in new gallery space in the recently announced Performance Hall and Galleries project. The approximately 24,000 square-foot facility, with an estimated cost of approximately $4 million, will adjoin the existing Krannert Fine Arts Building, bringing together classrooms, rehearsal rooms, galleries, and the new performance venue.

Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York have also provided the lead gift for the construction of this multi-faceted facility. In addition to the wood art gallery, plans call for a permanent gallery for the Warner Sallman Art Collection. Best known for Sallman’s Head of Christ, the collection is recognized as one of the world’s leading compilations of the art of Christ. Anderson University maintains a website dedicated to Sallman’s work — www.warnersallman.com.

“The Yorks have demonstrated not only great generosity but also great vision in the many projects they have supported through the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign,” said Robert Coffman, vice president for advancement. “They have served as a source of significant inspiration for many of the university’s most dedicated donors.”

Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York have given of their time and resources to make a difference in people’s lives. The Yorks have contributed to the Harry L. and Henrietta Harp Endowed Memorial Fund at Anderson University and they created the James M. York, M.D., and Elizabeth H. York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the AU School of Theology. The Yorks also provided resources for the York Seminary Village project at AU and the York Children’s Literature Collection within the Nicholson Library, as well as providing the challenge gift for renovation of the School of Theology building.

The Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign is designed to raise support for endowment and scholarships, facilities and equipment, academic and student programs, and operational needs. Major components of the campaign include resources for capital projects, endowment, and operational support. The campaign will conclude Dec. 31, 2011. The last major campaign effort for Anderson University, with a goal of $75 million, ended in 1999 and raised $83.7 million.

For more information about the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University, visit www.anderson.edu/campaign or contact the Anderson University Office of Development at (800) 421-1025.

Two biology seniors receive Stevenson Award

randalroy — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:58:45 +0000

Anderson University seniors Elizabeth Barrow and Joanna Tilley were awarded the 2011 Stevenson Outstanding Student Award during a luncheon on campus Tuesday, April 12. The $5,000 award is presented annually by the Biology Department and made possible through a gift by Dr. Jerry and Patricia Stevenson. The award was divided equally between the students, who both achieved a 4.0 GPA during their time at AU.

“We are pleased to recognize two outstanding seniors for this award,” said Dr. Blake Janutolo, dean of the College of Science and Humanities and chair of the Biology Department. “As evidenced by their 4.0 GPAs, both students were excellent in the classroom. They both served the department as lab assistants and tutors, and each one did a great senior seminar presentation. In addition, they were active in a number of campus groups and activities, and were both accepted to the medical school of their choice.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Stevenson Outstanding Student Award is a part of the $110 million Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $97 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment, and $25 million for operational support.

AU announces Performance Hall plans

randalroy — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:55:12 +0000

President James L. Edwards and the Anderson University board of trustees are pleased to announce the planned construction of the Performance Hall and Galleries project. The approximately 24,000 square-foot facility, with an estimated cost of approximately $4 million, will adjoin the existing Krannert Fine Arts Building, bringing together classrooms, rehearsal rooms, and the new performance venue. The performance hall project will be designed to be a flexible performance space for many ensembles, solo student performances, and guest artists visiting Anderson University. The facility will seat approximately 400 in the audience and a choral loft area in an intimate setting.

“The performance hall project adds a significant dimension to the outstanding programs found in the School of Music,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “The lead gift for this project has come from Dr. James York and Dr. Elizabeth York. These great friends of Anderson University have lifted our vision for what we can accomplish toward a bold and vibrant future in several of our outstanding programs.”

The Performance Hall and Galleries project is a part of the $110 million Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $97 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment, and $25 million for operational support.

It is anticipated that the new facility will support a permanent gallery space for the Warner Sallman Art Collection at Anderson University as well as an additional gallery space for other specialized art collections owned by the institution. Anderson University maintains a website dedicated to Sallman’s work — www.warnersallman.org.

The Performance Hall and Galleries project is designed to be an acoustically superior venue that will give proper recognition to the work of students, faculty members, and guest artists. The architectural and acoustical design of the facility will enhance the nationally recognized programs of the School of Music. The hall will be carefully constructed and shaped to ensure that music is heard and experienced in powerful and moving ways.

“This is a project that we have been anticipating for a long time that we feel will have a significant impact on the growth and development of the School of Music,” said Dr. Jeff Wright, dean of the School of Music at Anderson University. “All of us in the School of Music are very excited about the impact that the performance hall will have on our work and the development of students.”

The Performance Hall and Galleries project will feature orchestra space for 45 musicians, a choir loft for 75 voices, and an advanced acoustical design. The main floor of the facility will accommodate approximately 250 seats while the balcony space will support approximately 75 seats. A large lobby with glass walls will provide natural light and wide views of campus — providing an ideal setting for greeting guests and hosting receptions.

The School of Music is one of the largest and strongest academic units on the campus of Anderson University. Graduates perform in some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including The Metropolitan Opera in New York City and La Scala Theatre in Milan. Graduates are also teaching in some of the strongest school systems in the nation, leading music ministries in important churches, sharing their artistic vision through all facets of the music industry, and pursuing graduate degrees from prominent universities.

“As a performing artist, I understand the importance of a performance hall in creating a venue where the expression of art can be realized,” said Lawrence Brownlee, a 1996 alumnus of Anderson University and a world renowned bel canto tenor. “It also provides an intimate space where the acoustics and atmosphere contribute to an experience that both listeners and performers can enjoy. For those students who will go on to have performing careers, it is vital for them to understand the setting in which their performances will take place. The performance hall has many possibilities, and I am sure it will benefit the Anderson community in countless ways.”

All current Anderson University music students and alumni share one thing in common. They perform as soloists and as members of musical ensembles during their years at AU. Each week, the School of Music hosts multiple performances that showcase the artistry of student musicians. In addition, the School of Music presents performances by faculty members and guest artists, many of whom are featured in a special Thursday Night Concert Series which attracts significant audiences from the campus and community. In short, the School of Music boasts an active performance calendar that will be supported by the new performance hall.

Sayer receives Smith Scholarship

leiter — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 18:14:29 +0000

Keith Sayer, a senior at Anderson University double majoring in Bible and Religion and English, from Mooresville, Ind. was recently selected as the 2011 recipient of the Rev. Billie Roy and Pearl Toon Smith Endowed Christian Education Scholarship Award. The $5,700 scholarship was presented to Sayer on March 21 by the Religious Studies Department during a special luncheon in the Olt Student Center.

“Mr. Sayer is a worthy recipient of this year’s award. His work within the department has been outstanding and his application was impressive,” said Dr. Alan Overstreet, associate professor of Christian education/ministry and chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Anderson University. [Photo, from left: Dr. Merle Strege, Dr. Marie Morris, Keith Sayer, Dr. Fred Burnett, Dr. Alan Overstreet, Sheila MacMurray.]

After graduation, Sayer plans to spend the summer working at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth. In the fall, he will attend either Vanderbilt Divinity School or Duke Divinity School in pursuit of a professional degree in religion. Sayer hopes to teach and write for the church and eventually plans to pursue further doctoral study to prepare to be a professor.

“The Rev. Billie Roy and Pearl Toon Smith Endowed Christian Education Scholarship represents the wonderful life and years of Christian service of a truly exceptional woman; the bulk of the honor involved in receiving this award is a recognition that I am following in her legacy, which is a humbling thought,” said Sayer. “I am so thankful for the confidence that the Anderson University faculty have demonstrated toward me by choosing me for the Smith award.”

In addition to the Scholarship Award, the Smith family also supported The Pearl Toon Smith Endowed Memorial Christian Education Lecture Series, funded by the Rev. Billie Roy Smith in memory of his late wife Pearl, who passed away in January 1995 after 54 years of marriage. The first lecture series was held in 1997.

In March 2007, the Smith family converted the endowment to a scholarship fund to honor Pearl’s love of Christian education. The annual award recognizes an outstanding senior in Christian Education. [Photo: Keith Sayer and parents Larry and Julia Sayer.]

“Keith thinks carefully about issues of interpretation and has worked to make meaningful connections between his academic pursuits and his ministry opportunities,” said Overstreet. “It is gratifying to know that this award will help to launch the next phase of his academic career and that it will support his ongoing work.”

Past recipients include Xen Riggs, Hannah Adams, and Suzanne (Drayer) Kellam.

Originally from Alabama, the Rev. Billie Roy Smith (BTh ‘49) felt a call to ministry in 1946 and moved with Pearl and their young daughter to Anderson, Ind., where he enrolled at Anderson University. Pearl supported the family by working second shift at Guide Lamp. The family attended Park Place Church of God where Pearl was touched by the teaching of Carl Kardatzke in their Sunday school class. Kardatzke’s classes created a desire in Pearl to study Christian education, so she decided to take several classes sponsored by the Church of God. Over the years, Pearl taught Sunday school and served on the state board of Christian education for the Alabama Women of the Church of God.

“It is always a privilege to present the Billie Roy and Pearl Toon Smith Memorial Christian Education Scholarship Award. The Smith and Stephens families have provided valuable support to the university community, both through the scholarship and the preceding lecture series, and the Department of Religious Studies is appreciative of the benefits that continue to come to students through the generous vision of the families,” said Overstreet. [Photo: Ken and Arlene Hall, Christie Smith Stephens, Keith Sayer, Ron Moore.]

The Rev. Billie Roy and Pearl Toon Smith Endowed Christian Education Scholarship Award is a part of the $110 million Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $97 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment, and $25 million for operational support.

SOE receives gift for new Technology Laboratory

Web Student — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 20:06:51 +0000

Thanks to a generous gift from the estate of the late Robert Austin, the Center for Educational Technology (CET) at Anderson University will be the home of the Robert and Marjorie Austin Education Technology Laboratory. The new laboratory features a faculty development area, a student exploratory area, and a state-of-the-art electronic classroom center.

“Anderson University commits itself to offering stellar academic programs,” said Dr. Marie Morris, vice-president for Academic Affairs and Dean. “It has long been the desire of our faculty to prepare students well to enter the workforce in their chosen field of study. To achieve our academic goals we must stay on the forefront of technology and pedagogical approaches. For these reasons, we are blessed with the generous support provided to develop the Robert and Marjorie Austin Education Technology Laboratory. Through this exciting new learning space our students will shine among their peers in the “hands-on” preparation they will receive.”

[Above photo left to right: Robert L. Coffman, vice-president for Advancement; President James L. Edwards; Mike and Terri Austin; Diana Ross, professor of Education; and Janice Fulkerson, interim dean of the School of Education.]

[View photos on Flickr from this event.]

“We are so grateful to the Austin family for their generous gift that enabled us to create this education technology lab for the professors and students in the School of Education,” said Dr. Janice Fulkerson, interim dean of the School of Education. “It has allowed us to change the design of our lessons and the way we deliver instruction to our students. It has given these future teachers a wonderful opportunity to integrate technology into their teaching and learning and connect to the global community in a more meaningful way.”

“This gift comes at an important time as more schools are requiring teachers they hire to have significant skills in technology to enhance their teaching,” said Dr. Diana Ross, professor of Education. “In fact, Indianapolis Public Schools recently announced that all of its high school students will be issued netbooks at the start of the school year. Our graduates must know what that means for instruction in their classrooms.”

According to Ross, the gift will ensure that Anderson University education majors will have access to state-of-the-art instructional technology to prepare them for the real world of teaching.

“One of the concerns I have had is our ability to prepare prospective teachers to use technology in their classroom,” Ross said. “Information technology and its accompanying equipment are widely used in school systems, and our students who are becoming teachers and administrators in those systems should have access to technology that they will use in their future jobs.”

Jeffrey Trotter, instructor of Education at AU, said the new technology lab can help teachers prepare for a new generation of learners.

“The technology laboratory is a place where the School of Education can provide our education students a better opportunity to observe and develop the skills necessary to be effective in today’s classrooms,” he said. “Students know and use technology in many ways that can be transferred to the classroom. They are learning differently and we must respond to that.”

According to Tom Harrington, academic support specialist at Anderson University, professional development will be crucial to show students and faculty not only how to work the equipment, but also how to implement it effectively.

“What you see next to me is a pretty impressive piece of equipment,” Harrington said, pointing to a SMART Board. “But that’s all it is until it comes alive in the classroom with a skilled teacher. It’s how you use the interactive board, not the piece of equipment itself; and to do that well, you need training and support.”

The Education Technology Laboratory represents collaboration at Anderson University between Information Technology Services (ITS), the Center for Educational Technology, and the School of Education. The project was spearheaded by Harrington, Trotter, and ITS Director Cindy Smith.

According to Ross, while the gift was earmarked for the School of Education, the center will serve all AU students and faculty. Faculty members and students can arrange to have individualized training or develop multimedia courseware for their classes.

The Technology Learning Center is a part of the $110 million Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $97 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment, and $25 million for operational support.

AU, STAR partner to build stock trading room

randalroy — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:55:55 +0000

Anderson University and STAR Financial Bank are partnering to build a simulated financial trading room in the Falls School of Business.

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.

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.

AU, SOT students serving in Berlin

randalroy — Wed, 26 May 2010 12:05:50 +0000

Six students from Anderson University and the AU School of Theology are currently in Germany, where they are participating in urban ministry in a variety of settings.

The students, enrolled in Dr. MaryAnn Hawkins’ class Christian Mission and the Urban Church, are partnering with Gateway Berlin, an organization that seeks to minister to a post-Christian population in a diverse urban context.

“If you have a heart for marginalized, urban people or a heart for those who have left Christianity, then you need to know how to reach out and how to represent Christ in an authentic relationship,” said Hawkins, associate professor of intercultural studies at the School of Theology.

[Photo: Back, from left: Jack Haines, Jael Tang; Middle: Amity Rees, Ann Bartlett, Daniel Kihm; Front: MaryAnn Hawkins, Rachel Lockhart]

The course, which runs from May 10-27, is focused on a number of aspects. These include “the importance of ministry in the urban centers of the world, understanding diversity and reconciliation, ministry leadership, and historical context,” Hawkins said.

The students are applying these concepts through several ministries, including food distribution centers, an elementary school, an inner-city mission, and a coffee house that provides a refuge for prostitutes, said Hawkins.

In preparation for the ministry experience, the students met with Hawkins four times, where they discussed issues of urban ministry. They also held a meeting via Skype with the leader of Gateway Berlin. While in Berlin the students are taking a class that delves deep into the service-learning components. In all, the students will read about 1,200 pages and will write an integration paper based on their experiences and readings, said Hawkins.

“One of our assigned textbooks, The Forgotten Ways, by Alan Hirsch, has really accentuated the importance for the church to truly be mission-minded by engaging the culture on its own turf, as opposed to waiting for them to come to us,” said SOT student Daniel Kihm. “As a pastor, I can attest that this is an ongoing challenge for the church, yet one that must remain on the front burner.”

The ministry of Gateway Berlin is co-sponsored by the Church of God in Germany and Church of God Ministries in the United States.

Funding for the course was provided by the Collins Family Intercultural Education Endowed Fund, established by Don and Gloria Collins. Don Collins served as campus pastor at Anderson University from 1978 to 1997.

The couple recently established a new fund, the International Urban Education Endowment, that will help provide funding for future courses in Germany. “Our goal is to fund this endowment with $100,000. It currently has $10,000 to supplement student costs,” Don Collins said.

For more information about the International Urban Education Endowment, please contact Karen Roller at kdroller@anderson.edu, or call (800) 421-1025 or (765) 641-4056.

—Kate McCollum is a 2010 Anderson University graduate. McCollum majored in communication arts and was an associate with Fifth Street Communications, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

The International Urban Education Endowment is a part of the $110 million Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $95 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment, and $25 million for operational support.

Drayer receives Smith Scholarship

leiter — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:17:00 +0000

Suzanne Drayer, a senior at Anderson University majoring in Christian Ministries, from Uniondale, Ind. was recently selected as the 2010 recipient of the Rev. Billie Roy and Pearl Toon Smith Endowed Christian Education Scholarship Award. The $5,700 scholarship was presented to Drayer today, April 23, by the Religious Studies Department during a special luncheon in the Olt Student Center.

“Suzanne demonstrated on more than one occasion both the desire to understand and to represent well her own ministry contexts as well as a concern to address significant issues with profound ministry implications, ” said Dr. Alan Overstreet, associate professor of Christian Education/Ministry and chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Anderson University. [Photo on left: Christie Smith Stephens, Suzanne Drayer and Stan Stephens]

Drayer plans to pursue a Master of Arts in Higher Education at Indiana Wesleyan University this coming fall.

“My pursuit in ministry has definitely been confirmed through my experiences at AU as well as my supportive professors and I look forward to the opportunities I will accrue as I continue my educational journey,” added Drayer. “I want to thank the Religious Studies Department faculty and especially to the Smith family for this incredible honor.”

In addition to the Scholarship Award, the family also supported The Pearl Toon Smith Endowed Memorial Christian Education Lecture Series funded by Rev. Billie Roy Smith in memory of his late wife Pearl who passed away in January, 1995 after 54 years of marriage. The first lecture series was held in 1997. [Photo on right: Troy and Mindy Drayer with daughter Suzanne, her fiance Ryan Kellam and President James L. Edwards]

In March, 2007, the Smith family decided to convert the endowment to a scholarship fund to honor Pearl’s love of Christian education. The annual award recognizes an outstanding senior in Christian Education.

Past recipients include Xen Riggs, who is continuing his work at the School of Theology at Anderson University and Hannah Adams, who is studying at Candler School of Theology.

Originally from Alabama, Rev. Billie Roy (BTh ‘49) felt a call to ministry in 1946 and moved with Pearl and their toddler daughter to Anderson, Ind.,where he enrolled at Anderson University. Pearl supported the family by working second shift at Guide Lamp. The family attended Park Place Church of God where Pearl was touched by the teaching of Carl Kardatzke in their Sunday school class. Kardatzke’s classes created a desire in Pearl to study Christian education so she decided to take several classes sponsored by the Church of God. Over the years, Pearl taught Sunday school and served on the state board of Christian education for the Alabama Women of the Church of God.

The Rev. Billie Roy and Pearl Toon Smith Endowed Christian Education Scholarship Award is a part of the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. On October 6, 2006, the university launched a $110 million campaign entitled; Dreams, Discovery, Direction. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised over $95 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support. [Photo on left: Merle Strege, Suzanne Drayer, Alan Overstreet]

Brown receives Wall Street Journal Award

leiter — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:00:55 +0000

Graham Lewis Brown was presented with the Wall Street Journal award for 2010 at the annual Falls School of Business banquet Wednesday, April 14. Brown, a graduate from Norwell High School and a graduating management senior with a 4.0 GPA, has been actively involved in FSB activities over the past four years.

A native of Ossian, Ind., Brown has served as Executive Director of the Anderson Media Group (AMG), and represented Anderson University in the I-69 Collegiate Challenge. He was a counselor for the inaugural Entrepreneurship Camp for area high school students, and serves as the director of both camps being offered in the summer of 2010. He is, however, most known by many of his fellow students as the co founder of The Flop, a pancake restaurant off-campus that was opened last spring. [Pictured left: Graham Brown with Larry and Dorothy Morrison Thomas.]

The Wall Street Journal award is presented each year to an outstanding senior and is the highest honor an FSB student can receive. Graham’s name will be engraved on a plaque in Hardacre Hall with past winners and also included in a full-page article in The Wall Street Journal highlighting students who have received the award across the country. In addition to this, 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.

Also recognized at the banquet were outstanding students in the departments of accounting, finance, global business, management, and marketing. Several 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 2,700 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. 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).

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.

Becker receives Stevenson Outstanding Student Award

randalroy — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:18:36 +0000

Anderson University senior Lauren Elizabeth Becker, from Englewood, Ohio, was awarded the 2010 Stevenson Outstanding Student Award during a luncheon on campus Tuesday, April 13. The $5,000 award is presented annually by the Biology Department and made possible through a gift by Dr. Jerry and Patricia Stevenson.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Stevenson Outstanding Student Award is a part of the $110 million Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $95 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment, and $25 million for operational support.

FSB Professor honored with scholarship

leiter — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:15:17 +0000

Dr. Doyle Lucas, director of the Doctor of Business Administration Program at the Anderson University Falls School of Business, was recently honored with the creation of an endowed scholarship bearing his name. The Dr. Doyle Lucas Endowed Scholarship Fund will celebrate the service of the professor and help business students with their academic financial burdens.

Lucas has served Anderson University as a faculty member in the Falls School of Business since 1984. His primary teaching areas include principles of management, human resource management, and organizational behavior. As director of the DBA Program, Lucas works with doctoral students from more than 25 states. Additionally, he serves as chairperson or member of doctoral dissertation committees. He also serves as an active contributor to the Christian Business Faculty Association (CBFA), Delta Mu Delta Honor Society, Warner Press, Inc., and Anderson University Athletics.

The scholarship is primarily funded by students in the Anderson University Falls School of Business Doctor of Business Administration program. Former DBA student Amy Bourne initiated the funding of the scholarship after attending a CBFA conference hosted by AU.

“The idea struck me during a DBA special dinner that it would be a great way to honor all the work Dr. Lucas does,” said Bourne. After working with the AU Development office to set up the fund, Bourne contacted current and former DBA students. “The response was overwhelming. I had many, many, many e-mail responses with bold ‘yes, I want to donate’ or ‘it would be an honor.’”

Bourne also received the overwhelming support of Dr. Terry Truitt, dean of the Falls School of Business. “Since its inception, Dr. Doyle Lucas has fully invested himself in the Anderson University DBA program, but more importantly he has poured his life into the lives of every student with whom he has been privileged to teach and to serve,” said Truitt.

The scholarship established in Lucas’ name is a part of the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $95 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support.

Lucas has impacted many students over the years, including Bourne. “He influenced me by his actions,” she said. “His passion for his work is amazing and worth emulating. Because Dr. Lucas is incredibly humble, a scholarship is a great way to honor him and pass on his legacy and passion to another generation.”

AU extends “Dreams, Discovery, Direction” campaign

leiter — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:08:16 +0000

The Anderson University Board of Trustees recently approved the extension of the $110 million “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.” campaign. As a result of national and worldwide economic conditions, the campaign has been extended from May 31, 2010 to end on Dec. 31, 2011. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history and is generating support for endowment and scholarships; facilities and equipment; academic and student programs; and operational needs. To date, the campaign has raised more than $93 million in gifts and commitments.

“The Board of Trustees views success for this campaign as more than simply reaching the stated goal of $110 million,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “The campaign has already generated significant gifts for the university—such as the construction of York Seminary Village, support for academic departments and millions of dollars of new endowment funds in support of students. A short extension will allow our most deeply committed friends and supporters to adequately recover from the current economic downturn and be able to make the kinds of gifts they had intended to provide.”

The public phase of the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.” Campaign for Anderson University officially launched in October 2006 with major components of the campaign that include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support. The last campaign for Anderson University ended in 1999 and raised more than $83 million.

“The University has already realized a significant historic goal by raising over ninety-three million dollars,” said James B. Winner, president of Winner Advisors, member of the Anderson University Board of Trustees and National Campaign Cabinet Co-Chair. “The ‘Dreams. Discovery. Direction.’ campaign is already a success. This is the largest amount of campaign funds to be raised during the university’s 92 year history. Yet, there are a number of campaign goals to be realized. The world-wide economic challenge has impacted our donors and we want to provide them additional time so that they may achieve their philanthropic goals and objectives for this campaign.”

Although the unprecedented economic climate has slowed the anticipated progress of the campaign, Anderson University has realized excellent participation by lead donors, trustees, faculty and staff, and young alumni. For example, in April of 2008, Anderson University announced a remarkable level of participation from 76 percent of the faculty and staff who contributed more than $2.4 million in gifts and pledges to the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.” campaign.

“We have been encouraged and gratified by the loyal and generous support of our donors, even in these tough economic times,” said Robert L. Coffman, Vice President for Advancement. “The action of the board to extend the campaign will give our donors the opportunity to participate in the recovery of the economy fulfill their desire to make the kinds of gifts they really want to make.”

For more information about the “Dreams, Discovery, Direction” campaign for Anderson University, visit www.anderson.edu/campaign or contact the Anderson University Office of Development at (800) 421-1025.

Community Hospital Anderson partners with AU

leiter — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:30:15 +0000

Community Hospital Anderson recently announced that it is partnering with the Anderson University School of Nursing to enhance medication training and practices. Community Hospital Anderson, along with the Community Hospital Anderson Foundation, will provide the AU School of Nursing with the Pyxis® MedStation® System. The Pyxis® MedStation® System represents the very latest in automated medication management.

“We are grateful to Community Hospital Anderson for this generous support in providing a state-of-the-art piece of equipment that will greatly enhance our development of skilled nurses,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Community Anderson is a valued partner in our shared commitment to bring the very best of health care to this region, which must begin with the best of education of professionals in this vitally needed field of service.”

At the dedication event, Edwards added Community Hospital and the AU School of Nursing collaboration and partnership is important for the nursing program to continue to grow given the vast need of nurses.

The Pyxis® MedStation® System is the leading automated dispensing system supporting decentralized medication management. Barcode scanning to help ensure accurate medication dispensing, features to prevent loading of the wrong medication and active alerts to provide an added safety precaution for high risk medications are just a few of the ways the Pyxis® MedStation® system supports safe and efficient medication management.

“We are thrilled to partner with Anderson University to provide this system,” said Bill VanNess, M.D., president and CEO of Community Hospital Anderson. “Investing in the education of our future nurses benefits the entire health care community, and ultimately, our patients, as we send more prepared nurses into the workforce.”

[Watch video highlights from the dedication event.]

The Pyxis® MedStation® System is the leading solution for decentralized medication management. Pyxis® MedStation® System technology offers the tools nurses and pharmacists rely on to help improve safety, security and efficiency. The Pyxis® MedStation® System provides profile-based medication dispensing and includes the Pyxis® BioID, a fingerprint verification function. The product also features electronic tracking and documentation.

“The medication management process is complex,” said Dr. Karen Williams, dean of the Anderson University School of Nursing. “Pyxis® technology is committed to breaking the harmful cycle of medication errors and simplifying medication management to bring safety and nursing practice together in measurable ways. Our students will now have the opportunity to utilize this important technology prior to entering the patient care environment, which is consistent with the Anderson University School of Nursing mission of, ‘educating individuals committed to competence and compassion in the nursing profession, serving God and society.’”

The addition of the Pyxis® MedStation® System fortifies an already strong nursing program at Anderson University. The School of Nursing at Anderson University is unique from other nursing programs because it integrates a Christian perspective into its programs and the relationships among students, faculty, and staff. During the dedication event, Williams commented Pyxis® MedStation® System will be an important component in preparing nursing students to improve the quality of patient care by being knowledgeable in this technology.

“We are grateful to our friends at Community Hospital and the Community Hospital Foundation for providing our School of Nursing with this important learning device,” said Karen Roller, executive director of Development at Anderson University. “Their intentions from the onset were to provide the best possible preparation opportunities for our nursing students. When we asked them to consider funding the Pyxis machine, they immediately saw the potential positives for not only our students, but for future patients. Their concern was always to promote the well-being of patients through promoting excellent preparation of nursing students. They partnered with us to find a state-of-the-art device and we’re grateful for their gift, encouragement and guidance in this process.”

The mission of Community Hospital Anderson is to serve the medical, health and human service needs of the people in Anderson, Madison County and contiguous counties with compassion, dignity, respect and excellence. Service, although focused on injury, illness and disease will also embrace prevention, education and alternative systems of health care delivery.

Growing up with two aunts and a mother in the nursing profession, VanNess knows how critical nurses are to the medical field. Given AU’s past history working with the community and the hospital, VanNess continues to see quality nurses who have the capability to succeed in the nursing field.

The Community Anderson Foundation was established to receive, hold and distribute financial support for the benefit of the hospital and throughout the years has participated in numerous campaigns to benefit the community.

“While we typically focus much of our attention on the hospital, we also support the health care needs of the community,” said Keith Trent, vice president and chief foundation officer with Community Anderson. “We are pleased to partner with the hospital in providing this state-of-the-art equipment to the AU School of Nursing.”

The addition of the Pyxis® MedStation® System is a part of Dreams. Discovery. Direction., a $110 million campaign launched by Anderson University on October 6, 2006. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date, the campaign has raised $93 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support.

AU dedicates space for rare children’s books

leiter — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 16:45:30 +0000

Anderson University dedicated a new space and a reading room for rare children’s books and special collections in the Robert A. Nicholson University Library on Friday, October 2, at 10:30 a.m. It is estimated that the rare collection contains approximately 6,000 books — many of which are first editions — by authors such as A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh), Beatrix Potter (The Tale of Peter Rabbit), and Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are). The books also contain one of the nation’s best collections of first editions by Robert Louis Stevenson (Treasure Island).

The collection and the reading room were made possible through the generous support of Dr. James and Elizabeth York. Speaking on behalf of the Yorks were two of their sons, Chris and Stephen York.

[PHOTO (l-r): Robert L. Coffman, vice president for advancement; David L. Sebastian, dean of the School of Theology; President James L. Edwards; Stephen York; Janet Brewer, director of the Robert A. Nicholson University Library; and Chris York.]

[Watch video highlights from the dedication event.]

Stephen commented on the effort his mother made to acquiring and researching this collection. For the collection to have a “practical effect” was the reason it has found a permanent home at Anderson University. It was not meant for one’s profit, but to be shared with scholars and others who have interest in the collection.

“It was her love of reading that is the genesis of this collection,” added Chris.

Dr. Janet Brewer, director of the Robert A. Nicholson University Library, shared that the collection is not just for children but can be shared and appreciated by adults and students as well. Brewer mentioned the university has already been contacted by scholars wanting to view the collection.

“We are anxious to share, to read, to touch, and experience this collection,” said Brewer.

The dedication is part of a day-long celebration, the Elizabeth York Children’s Literature Festival, which will feature a number of speakers, including author and illustrator David Slonim, authors Valiska Gregory and Linda Vieira, and rare-book dealers Jett Whitehead and Rob Hittel. Click here to read more about these special guests.

“We are enriched as a university to have this marvelous collection of children’s literature as an acclaimed centerpiece to our collections on the campus,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Those who study children’s literature as future teachers and writers, and those who research the field will greatly benefit from this wonderful resource that adds so much to the intellectual base of the campus. We are deeply grateful to the York family for bringing these resources into our care.”

Dr. Elizabeth York began her children’s book collection by purchasing first editions featuring the works of 18th and 19th century illustrators like Randolph Caldecott, Edmund Dulac, Arthur Rackham, Howard Pyle, and Jessie Wilcox Smith. The search for these classics led York to Beatrix Potter, A.A. Milne, James Barry, and Rudyard Kipling. Then she came upon Robert Louis Stevenson.

It was while she was collecting children’s books that the Yorks inherited a 1926 signed copy of New Hampshire by Robert Frost. York followed up the acquisition by reading a biography of the poet. From there she was hooked and began collecting Robert Frost. She collected enough to fill four large shelves in her home.

“Mrs. York’s collection of Robert Frost material is quite varied,” said Jett Whitehead, rare books dealer specializing in modern poetry from Bay City, Mich. “Her collecting interests include first edition copies of the poet’s books — many of them signed and/or inscribed by Frost — along with unusual ephemera pieces. A common denominator found throughout the York Frost collection is quality — she only approved items in the best collector condition available.”

York broadened her range of collections over the years until she had, at last count, 200 to 250 Mother Goose, ABC, 123 books; 350 pop-up books; and 250 to 300 Christmas books. She has also collected early primers, chapbooks, and books by more contemporary children’s book illustrators. The collection also includes several volumes of African-American and Native American children’s literature.

“Dr. Jim and Elizabeth York have made a remarkable impact on Anderson University in the last several years,” said Bob Coffman, vice president for Advancement at Anderson University. “Through their generous support of projects as diverse as seminary housing to visiting professorships to this most recent gift of the reading room and special collections, they have woven their lives and their values into the fabric of AU.”

Dr. James and Elizabeth York have given of their time and resources to make a difference in people’s lives. Their giving spirit was what convinced the couple that Dr. York should retire early from his practice of orthopedic surgery so that they could work in mission hospitals throughout Africa. It also prompted them to contribute to the Harry L. and Henrietta Harp Endowed Memorial Fund at Anderson University. And it is one of the primary reasons they created the James M. York, M.D., and Elizabeth H. York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Anderson University School of Theology.

Mrs. York’s parents, the Rev. Harry and Henrietta Harp, were active in the Church of God, and it was in their honor that their children established the Harp Endowed Memorial Fund. The fund supported the Harp Lectures in Christian Theology and Leadership at Anderson University, and continues to support the Harp Professor in Residence. It also provides an annual award, the Harry L. and Henrietta Harp Memorial Award, to a graduating seminary student who has made the most outstanding accomplishment in congregational ministries.

Advocates of lifelong learning, the Yorks recently provided the resources to construct York Seminary Village consisting of eight buildings, located south of 5th Street, between 6th and 7th Streets, in Anderson. York Seminary Village provides housing to ministerial students studying through the Anderson University School of Theology. In addition, the Yorks also established the York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Anderson University School of Theology that is designed to reduce tuition expenses for deserving seminary students and promote a healthy diversity within the seminary community.

Mrs. York came to Anderson University in 1949. She later married Dr. James M. York, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University Medical School, and they spent the next several years in various locations as Dr. York completed his orthopedic surgery training. As they traveled, Elizabeth continued her undergraduate studies, graduating from Rutgers University in New Jersey. Dr. York took early retirement after 32 years of practice and volunteered his surgical skills at mission hospitals throughout Africa. The couple served hospitals in Kenya, Cameroon, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. In all, they served as short term missionaries for six years.

The Elizabeth York and James York Reading Room and Special Collections is a part of the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. On Oct. 6, 2006, the university launched the $110 million campaign, the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $93 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 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.

AU to dedicate space for rare children’s books

leiter — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:13:04 +0000

Anderson University will dedicate a new space and a reading room for rare children’s books and special collections in the Robert A. Nicholson University Library on Friday, October 2 at 10:30 a.m. It is estimated that the rare collection contains approximately 6,000 books—many of which are first editions—by authors such as A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh), Beatrix Potter (The Tale of Peter Rabbit), and Maurice Sendak (Where the Wild Things Are). The books also contain one of the nation’s best collections of first editions by Robert Louis Stevenson (Treasure Island).

An outdoor dedication will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 2 adjacent to Nicholson Library just off University Boulevard in Anderson. The collection and the reading room are made possible through the generous support of Dr. James and Elizabeth York.

“We are enriched as a university to have this marvelous collection of children’s literature as an acclaimed center piece to our collections on the campus,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Those who study children’s literature as future teachers and writers, and those who research the field will greatly benefit from this wonderful resource that adds so much to the intellectual base of the campus. We are deeply grateful to the York family for bringing these resources into our care.”

As each box was unpacked, our excitement grew,” said Dr. Janet Brewer, director of the Robert A. Nicholson University Library. “To be holding an autographed, first edition of a book and then think, the author had held it, too…what an experience. This collection represents the beginning of an entirely new emphasis in research and scholarship for the Nicholson Library, one that we look forward to promoting, enhancing, and sharing for years to come.”

It was while she was collecting children’s books that the Yorks inherited a 1926 signed copy of New Hampshire by Robert Frost. York followed up the acquisition by reading a biography of the poet. From there she was hooked and began collecting Robert Frost. She collected enough to fill four huge shelves in her home.

“Mrs. York’s collection of Robert Frost material is quite varied,” said Jett Whitehead, Rare Books Dealer — specializing in modern poetry – from Bay City, Mich. “Her collecting interests include first edition copies of the poet’s books — many of them signed and/or inscribed by Frost — along with unusual ephemera pieces. A common denominator found throughout the York Frost collection is quality — she only approved items in the best collector condition available.”

York broadened her range of collections over the years until she had at last count 200 to 250 Mother Goose, ABC, 123 books; 350 pop-up books; and 250-300 Christmas books. She has also collected early primers, chapbooks, and books by more contemporary children’s book illustrators. The collection also includes several volumes of African-American and Native American children’s literature.

Mrs. York’s parents, Rev. Harry and Henrietta Harp, were active in the Church of God, and it was in their honor that their children established the Harp Endowed Memorial Fund. The fund supports the Harp Lectures in Christian Theology and Leadership at Anderson University and provides an annual award (known as the Harry L. and Henrietta Harp Memorial Award) to a graduating seminary student who has made the most outstanding accomplishment in congregational ministries. Future plans for the fund include support of a visiting professorship.

Advocates of lifelong learning, the Yorks recently provided the resources to construct York Seminary Village consisting of 8 buildings, located south of 5th Street, between 6th and 7th Streets, in Anderson. York seminary village provides housing to ministerial students studying through the Anderson University School of Theology. In addition, the Yorks also established the York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Anderson University School of Theology that is designed to reduce tuition expenses for deserving seminary students and promote a healthy diversity within the seminary community.

The Elizabeth York & James York Reading Room & Special Collections is a part of the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. On October 6, 2006, the university launched a $110 million campaign entitled; Dreams. Discovery. Direction. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $92 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support.

AU partners with Saint John’s Health System

leiter — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:00:37 +0000

Continuing a tradition of collaboration, Saint John’s Health System and Saint Vincent Health have partnered with the Anderson University School of Nursing, creating the Saint John’s Center for Clinical Excellence. The new nursing education facility features the latest technology in patient simulation: the SimMan® 3G, the next generation of patient simulators from Laerdal Simulation.

“Our partnership with Saint John’s Health System through the years has been extremely important to our work in nursing education,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “We are especially grateful that they are partnering with us to bring state-of-the-art technology to this vital educational program in which we have such a significant mutual interest.”

[Watch video highlights from the SimMan dedication event.]

SimMan® 3G is a portable, patient simulator for advanced training in teaching facilities. SimMan® 3G has realistic anatomy and clinical functionality, providing highly realistic patient simulation training experiences for the practice of medical teamwork, leadership, and communication skills.

“Our mutually-beneficial partnership and support of the Anderson University School of Nursing has been vitally important for Saint John’s Health System, our associates and our patients for many years,” said Saint John’s President Tom VanOsdol. “We are extraordinarily pleased at this time to join with St.Vincent Health in bringing this state-of-the-art technology to Anderson University and our entire healthcare community. Our fundamental belief and commitment is simply that better training for our nurses results in better care for our patients, and that’s why Saint John’s is here.”

SimMan® 3G provides simulation-based education to challenge and test students’ clinical and decision-making skills during realistic patient care scenarios. When using SimMan® 3G in the clinical classroom, faculty may use one of the mannequin’s many preprogrammed case studies or they can create their own scenario.

“Students entering the field of nursing today must be increasingly equipped to deal with the demands of a highly sophisticated and complex healthcare delivery system,” said Dr. Karen Williams, dean of the School of Nursing at Anderson University. “Through the use of high-fidelity simulators like SimMan® 3G, faculty of Anderson University will be able to accurately duplicate the patient care environment seen in acute and chronic care. SimMan® 3G will be utilized across the nursing curriculum at Anderson University in order to promote synthesis and application of nursing knowledge.”

The addition of the SimMan® 3G to the Saint John’s Center for Clinical Excellence fortifies an already strong nursing program at Anderson University. The School of Nursing at Anderson University is unique from other nursing programs because it integrates a Christian perspective into its programs and the relationships among students, faculty, and staff.

“It has been a pleasure to work with Saint John’s, Saint Vincent’s and PHI Air Medical these past months as we partnered together in crafting a gift which will serve our nursing students and the community for years to come,” said Karen Durica Roller, executive director of Development. “We’re grateful to these friends whose generosity helped to make the dream of having such a valuable learning tool a reality. This simulator is currently being used by our armed forces in preparing first responders to emergency and life-threatening situations. We’re pleased to be among the very first higher education institutions in the state to acquire SimMan 3G. The addition of SimMan 3G puts cutting edge laboratory experiences in the hands of Anderson University’s students.”

In addition to the Saint John’s Center for Clinical Excellence, Saint John’s and its partner PHI Air Medical will also bring value-added training experiences to the students. PHI will provide a pediatric simulator for training of students, and will also provide mass casualty training, and on-site visits to its helicopter on the roof of Saint John’s Emergency Department.

Saint John’s will provide nurse mentors for Anderson University nursing students, and has also created a student award to recognize academic excellence.

The Saint John’s Center for Clinical Excellence will also be used by Saint John’s, Community Hospital Anderson and Saint Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood for their nursing education, training and testing of competencies.

Saint John’s Health System is a ministry of Saint Vincent Health, the state’s largest healthcare employer, with 18 health ministries serving 45 counties in central Indiana. Saint John’s is a sophisticated, comprehensive, fully-diversified healthcare organization, providing a full range of quality healthcare services to the greater Madison County area. It is particularly well known for cancer care, behavioral health, rehabilitation services, and surgical/medical services.

Click here to view photos from the open house.

The Saint John’s Center for Clinical Excellence and SimMan® 3G is a part of the Dreams. Discovery. Direction. campaign for Anderson University. On October 6, 2006, the university launched a $110 million campaign entitled; Dreams. Discovery. Direction. The campaign is the largest fundraising effort in the university’s history. To date the campaign has raised $92 million. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support.

AU ranked as top school by U.S. News and World Report

leiter — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 05:00:27 +0000

U.S. News and World Report has again ranked Anderson University among the best universities in the Midwest offering master’s level degree programs. Institutions in this category offer a full range of both undergraduate and master’s level degree programs. The magazine’s 2010 guide to “America’s Best Colleges” marks the sixth consecutive year that Anderson University has been listed among the best in its class.

“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.

Ben Hayhurst wins Wall Street Journal Award

randalroy — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:50:13 +0000

Ben Hayhurst, a graduating senior majoring in Finance, was recently presented with The Wall Street Journal Award during the annual banquet for the Falls School of Business (FSB) at Anderson University. The award is presented each year to an outstanding senior and is the highest honor an FSB student can receive. Hayhurst’s name will be engraved on a plaque in Hardacre Hall with past winners and also included in a full-page article in The Wall Street Journal highlighting students who have received the award across the country.

“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.

AU says to young alums: “U Matter”

randalroy — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 12:30:24 +0000

AU recently launched its young alumni initiative, titled U Matter, as an integral part of the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.” campaign.

U Matter engages young alumni by encouraging them to relive their college experiences and recognize the effect those experiences have had on their lives.

“We are excited by what this initiative can do for the university, its students and its relationship with alumni,” said Patricia Bailey, AU trustee and chair of the alumni campaign division.

Vice President for Advancement, Bob Coffman said, “When a student becomes part of the AU family, a relationship forms that lasts a lifetime. When that student becomes an alum, they simply move to a new branch of the family—a branch whose opinions, needs and wants are vitally important to us and which continues to shape the character of Anderson University. That is what our U Matter campaign is all about.”

Bailey said, “To those inside the Anderson University family, giving is a way to connect with Anderson University, its students and the structure that supports the mission: structures like the new University Center which is in final development, and structures like endowments which help students and faculty.”

The emphasis is on participation, not amount. The U Matter campaign initiates with young alumni and invites them to become a part of the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.” campaign, while also being understanding of their current stage of life. For those alumni trying to start a career or a family, big capital campaigns often seem out of reach. U Matter brings the campaign to a manageable scale, offering a realistic option to young alumni.

Bailey explained, “To those outside of Anderson University and our alumni family, our commitment to each other and to Anderson University is evaluated by the percentage who give, regardless of the number of actual dollars given.”

“Giving is also a way to say ‘thank you’ to those who have given to support us when we were students,” said Bailey. “Because yesterday’s student, like today’s student, did not pay the entire cost of our education as gifted funds subsidized our tuition and related costs,” said Bailey.

The campaign, set to conclude on May 31, 2010, is the university’s largest fundraising effort and has raised $86 million to date toward the goal. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 for operational support. For more information about the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.” campaign visit the web site.

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

AU faculty and staff give over $2.4 million to campaign

randalroy — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 13:00:24 +0000

Anderson University recently announced that 76 percent of the faculty and staff have contributed more than $2.4 million in gifts and pledges to the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.” campaign. The public phase of the campaign for Anderson University was officially launched on October 5, 2006 and is the largest fundraising effort in the history of the institution. To date, more than $82.3 million has been raised toward the $110 million goal.

“Nothing is more inspiring than to see this kind of giving that expresses so much about those who are at work on the campus every day and who share a vision for our future,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Theirs is one of the very best of the many stories we have to tell in this transforming effort. We are so grateful to our faculty and staff for their outstanding response to the campaign.”

“It is so wonderful that such a substantial percentage of our dedicated faculty and staff have provided financial support for our campaign at such a significant level,” said Bob Coffman, vice-president for Advancement at Anderson University. “The level of participation on-campus is truly remarkable within higher education circles. This kind of commitment is viewed as a very positive factor by other potential donors from outside the campus community as they consider their own gifts.”

“In addition to the outstanding contributions our faculty and staff make daily in support of the mission of AU, the high percentage of individuals willing to participate in the on-campus portion of the campaign is truly an example of going the extra mile,” said Janet Brewer, director of Nicholson Library at Anderson University and co-chair of the On-Campus Campaign Initiative.

The campaign will raise support for endowment and scholarships; facilities and equipment; academic and student programs; and operational needs. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 for operational support. At the time of launch, the university announced that more than $61 million had been received in gifts and commitments. The last major campaign effort for Anderson University, with a goal of $75 million, ended in 1999 and raised $83.7 million.

Gospel music legends Bill and Gloria Gaither serve as co-chairs of the National Campaign Advisory Commission. Co-chairing the National Campaign Cabinet are Tom L. Ward, chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive officer of SandRidge Energy, Inc.; and James B. Winner, president of Winner Advisors.

For more information about the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction.” campaign for Anderson University, visit the campaign site or contact the Anderson University Office of Development at (800) 421-1025.

Campaign passes $80 million

Administrator — Mon, 14 May 2007 16:49:58 +0000

Anderson University recently announced the “Dreams. Discovery. Direction campagin has reached over the $80 million mark toward the $110 million goal. The public phase of the “Dreams, Discovery, Direction,” campaign for Anderson University was officially launched on October 5, 2006, and is the university’s largest fundraising effort to date.

“We are deeply grateful to so many of our friends, alumni and wider sources of support who have joined us in this transformational campaign,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “‘Dreams, Discovery, Direction,’” is a campaign that expresses the hopes we have for our students and for those who will join us in this work in years to come. We are on schedule because of the devotion so many have for the mission of Anderson University. While we have a long way to go to reach our goal of $110 million, we receive this support as an expression of confidence that our life changing work is deeply meaningful to those who have made this impressive interim report possible, our generous donors.”

The campaign will raise support for endowment and scholarships; facilities and equipment; academic and student programs; and operational needs. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support. At the time of launch, the university announced that more than $61 million had been received in gifts and commitments. The last major campaign effort for Anderson University, with a goal of $75 million, ended in 1999 and raised $83.7 million.

“We are extremely gratified by the way in which friends of Anderson University have responded to the vision set forth in the ‘Dreams, Discovery, Direction,’ campaign,” said Bob Coffman, vice-president for Advancement at Anderson University. “This early success in the public phase of the campaign has fueled our optimism as we work to involve wider circles of our constituents.”

Gospel music legends Bill and Gloria Gaither serve as co-chairs of the National Campaign Advisory Commission. Co-chairing the National Campaign Cabinet is Tom L. Ward, chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive officer of SandRidge Energy, Inc.; and James B. Winner, president of Winner Advisors.

For more information about the “Dreams, Discovery, Direction,” campaign for Anderson University, visit www.anderson/campaign or contact the Anderson University Office of Development at (800) 421-1025.

Recital hall project supported by York family

Administrator — Sat, 05 May 2007 13:17:37 +0000

Anderson University recently announced that longtime benefactors Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York will resource the construction of a new recital hall at Anderson University. Preliminary plans call for the construction of a recital hall at a cost of approximately $2 million that accommodates between 150-200 patrons with excellent acoustics and a raised platform. The scope and location of the facility as well as the timeline for construction are to be determined.

“The grand traditions of musical talent of Anderson University students and faculty have begged for a facility such as the one being planned for the near future,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York have a love for so many of the quality programs of this university, and a much needed recital hall is one more expression of their passion for our work. With their help we are again stepping into a future of such promise for our students and faculty.”

“Both Jim and I grew up in families that loved music,” said Dr. Elizabeth York. “Music-both singing and instrumental-has always been a large part of our life. Over the years, we have heard great symphonies and have experienced church music that has shaped our hearts and developed our appreciation. It is with a deep gratitude that we support of this project.”

Anderson University students who choose music as an academic major or minor at Anderson University must perform a solo recital as part of graduation requirements. Because music is among the university’s top five majors, student recitals are regular events on campus. The 75 music recitals that faculty, students, and guest artists perform in a typical year currently take place in two classrooms that lack permanent seating, a stage, and professional lighting.

The goal of each recital is to showcase the talent of the student artist in a professional setting. The performer, dressed in formal attire, presents a well-rehearsed program for an audience of peers, professors, family, and friends. A reception honoring the student artist usually follows. A well-constructed recital hall is an important recruitment and retention tool.

“All of us in the School of Music are excited about the prospect of a performance venue that will properly showcase the immense talent of our students, faculty and guest artists,” said Dr. Jeffrey Wright, dean of the College of the Arts. “We have waited many years for this to become a reality, and we are delighted that the York family shares our vision for elevating music to new levels of visibility and viability on our campus and in our community. This space will make a tremendous difference in our ability to attract and retain the highest levels of talent for the School of Music.”

“We are so grateful for the commitment and support of the York family.” said Bob Coffman, vice-president for Advancement at Anderson University. “This new facility will provide a world-class environment in which our students and faculty will perform. Through their generosity, Dr. James and Dr. Elizabeth York are a making a significant difference in the live our students.”

In addition to their love for music, the Yorks have a special love for books and have provided generous funding for the creation of a Rare Boos and Special Collections area in the Anderson University Nicholson Library. They have already made gifts of many special editions that will be housed in that collection.

Dr. Elizabeth York’s parents, Rev. Harry and Henrietta Harp, were active in the Church of God, and it was in their honor that their children established the Harp Endowed Memorial Fund. The fund supports the Harp Lectures in Christian Theology and Leadership at Anderson University and provides an annual award (known as the Harry L. and Henrietta Harp Memorial Award) to a graduating seminary student who has made the most outstanding accomplishment in congregational ministries. Future plans for the fund include support of a visiting professorship.

Advocates of lifelong learning, the Yorks established the York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Anderson University School of Theology that is designed to reduce tuition expenses for deserving seminary students and promote a healthy diversity within the seminary community. Recently, the York supported the current construction on the second phase of York Seminary Village south of Decker Hall. The construction project, consisting of 4 buildings, will be located on the east side of Walnut Street, between 6th and 7th streets, in Anderson. The total project will consist of 20 apartments and a community center in 8 buildings. The first phase of York Seminary Village was dedicated on August 16, 2006.

Dr. Elizabeth York came to Anderson University in 1949. She later married Dr. James M. York, a graduate of Johns Hopkins University Medical School, and they spent the next several years in various locations as Dr. James York completed his orthopedic surgery training. As they traveled, Elizabeth continued her undergraduate studies, graduating from Rutgers University in New Jersey. Dr. James York took early retirement after 32 years of practice and volunteered his surgical skills at mission hospitals throughout Africa. The couple served hospitals in Kenya, Cameroon, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. In all, they served as short term missionaries for six years.

The campaign, set to conclude on May 31, 2010, is the university’s largest fundraising effort to date which marked $57 million raised toward the goal at the time of the launch. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 for operational support.

AU to construct second phase of York Seminary Village

Administrator — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 15:13:23 +0000

Anderson University will soon begin construction on the second phase of York Seminary Village south of Decker Hall. The construction project, consisting of 4 buildings, will be located on the east side of Walnut Street, between 6th and 7th streets, in Anderson. The total project will consist of 20 apartments and a community center in 8 buildings. The first phase of York Seminary Village was dedicated on August 16, 2006. York Seminary Village is made possible through the generous support of Dr. James and Elizabeth York. The project will provide apartment units for students studying through the Anderson University School of Theology and their families (photo: AU president James Edwards, Dr. James York, Elizabeth York, and School of Theology Dean David Sebastian cut the ribbon on the first phase of York Seminary Village).

On October 6, 2006, the university launched a $110 million campaign entitled; “Dreams, Discovery, Direction.” The campaign, set to conclude on May 31, 2010, is the university’s largest fundraising effort and has raised $63.9 million to date toward the goal. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 for operational support. For more information about the “Dreams, Discovery, Direction” campaign visit the web site at www.anderson.edu/campaign.

Advocates of lifelong learning, the Yorks recently established the York Endowed Scholarship Fund through the Anderson University School of Theology that is designed to reduce tuition expenses for deserving seminary students and promote a healthy diversity within the seminary community.

Anderson University is a private, four-year, Christian liberal arts institution of approximately 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, the university offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

AU launches “Dreams, Discovery, Direction” campaign

Administrator — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 15:14:05 +0000

Anderson University has announced the public phase of a $110 million campaign. The “Dreams, Discovery, Direction” campaign is the university’s largest fundraising effort to date and will raise support for endowment and scholarships; facilities and equipment; academic and student programs; and operational needs. Major components of the campaign include $51 million for capital projects, $34 million for endowment and $25 million for operational support. At the time of launch, the university announced that more than $61 million of the campaign goal had been received in gifts and commitments.

“We have been building a platform for this campaign and now we’re at the point to take the next step in our development as an institution,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University [watch President Edwards discuss the campaign on Inside Indiana Business with Gerry Dick]. “This campaign will help identify the dreams of many who make up the AU family as they merge with needs and the unique opportunities of our mission. One of the main goals of this campaign will be to continue to bring distinction to the experiences that students, alumni and friends encounter at this university. They have a great stake in our success.”

“Anderson University has laid out a compelling and transformational vision for the future that will strengthen every aspect of the institution and keep it firmly rooted in its historic mission,” said Bill and Gloria Gaither, gospel music legends and National Campaign Advisory Commission co-chairs. “It is an ambitious vision—one that will require all of us to step-up to the challenge in bold new ways proportional to our ability. We are proud to invite others to join us in building that future.”

The last major campaign effort for Anderson University ended in 1999 and raised $83.7 million [picture: proposed Student Center].

“The vision of this campaign seems to have captured the imaginations of many long-time friends of the university,” said Bob Coffman, vice-president for Advancement at Anderson University. “Several have already come forward with major commitments and we have been fortunate to build strong relationships with new friends as well. The campaign presents an opportunity not only to strengthen the institution financially but also to strengthen our ties with alumni, parents and friends across the country and around the world.”

Co-chairing the National Campaign Cabinet will be Tom L. Ward, chairman of the Board of Directors and chief executive officer of SandRidge Energy Inc.; and James B. Winner, president of Winner Advisors [picture: proposed Recital Hall].

“In business, you can tell a lot about a company by the quality of its product,” said Ward. “I first came to know and appreciate Anderson University by observing the quality of its product: outstanding alumni who were leaders in the community and in the church. The future depends upon leaders equipped with a world-class education and a mature faith to face tomorrow’s challenges. The world needs our product. Let’s build it together.”

“You can’t support everything. I understand that,” said Winner. “You have to pick something you believe in and have faith and confidence in. When I see the quality and caliber of graduates coming out of Anderson University, there’s no question that we’re on the verge of doing even greater things.” [picture: proposed University Center].

Campus dedicates York Seminary Village

Administrator — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 14:11:07 +0000

Anderson University dedicated the first phase of York Seminary Village south of Decker Hall on Wednesday, August 16. The dedication was conducted at the site of Phase I, consisting of 4 buildings, located on the west side of Walnut Street, between 6^th and 7^th Streets, in Anderson. York Seminary Village is made possible through the generous support of Dr. James and Elizabeth York. The project will provide apartment units for students studying through the Anderson University School of Theology and their families (photo–l to r: President Edwards, Dr. James York, Elizabeth York, Dr. David Sebastian).

“York Seminary Village adds an exciting new dimension to the nature of seminary education at the School of Theology,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “Housing is more than a convenient necessity. It adds the dimension of a living and learning community to the seminary experience. We believe this residential element will greatly enhance the breadth and depth of students and families preparing for ministry.”

The project is being developed in phases. Phases II will be located on the east side of Walnut Street, a mirror image of Phase I. Construction of Phase II will begin as the need and demand arise. The total project will consist of 20 apartments in 8 buildings, plus a community building.

“Through the generosity of the Yorks, we have been able to accelerate the time frame for fulfilling a long-standing institutional dream,” said Bob Coffman, vice-president for Advancement. “Their support for this project is the most recent of many gifts that are making a significant difference in the lives of our students.

The Yorks have given generously to the Anderson University School of Theology and the university is grateful they have committed resources for the construction of the new seminary housing project on the south side of the campus.

AU breaks ground on Education Center

Administrator — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 21:04:19 +0000

Anderson University broke ground to begin construction on a new 53,000 square-foot Flagship Education Center to be located on the southwest end of the Flagship Enterprise Center at I-69 and Pendleton Avenue (exit 22) in Anderson. Projected to be completed by summer, 2007, the Flagship Education Center will provide space to support education initiatives of both Anderson University and Purdue [pictured—l-r: Charles Staley, Dr. Niaz Latif, Anderson Mayor Kevin Smith, Dr. Terry Truitt, Dr. Dennis Depew, and Dr. James Edwards].

Speaking during the event was Dr. James Edwards, president of Anderson University; Kevin Smith, mayor of the City of Anderson; Dr. Dennis Depew, dean of the College of Technology at Purdue University; Charles Staley, president and CEO of the Flagship Enterprise Center; and Dr. Terry Truiit, dean of the Falls School of Business At Anderson University [watch Dr. James Edwards make remarks during groundbreaking event--requires Windows Media Player 9].

“This educational facility will provide access to Anderson University’s programs for many growing communities along the I-69 corridor,” said President James L. Edwards, Anderson University. “We will continue to provide collaborative leadership at this important site to enhance the educational and economic development of the region.

The new facility will be built for a cost of approximately $7 million and will be divided into three floors of operational space. The first floor will provide approximately 27,000 square-feet for classrooms, faculty and staff offices and a professional development center accommodating 150 persons. The second floor will provide 16,400 square-feet for the Purdue College of Technology statewide location in Anderson, as well as classrooms and breakout spaces. The third floor will provide 9,700 square-feet for efficiency apartments to house daytime MBA students and/or upper-division entrepreneurship students.

“Through this initiative and continued partnership with Anderson University, Purdue University students will have the best possible educational experience,” said Dr. Niaz Latif, assistant dean for Administration and Budget for Purdue’s Statewide Technology. “In addition, the new facility will allow us to better meet the educational needs our citizens by engaging the region’s business and industry.

“This new endeavor helps set the table for continued economic growth,” said Dr. Terry Truitt, dean of the Falls School of Business at Anderson University. “Adding the academic ingredient to the existing economic activity stirs the entrepreneurial pot. “This Education Center is further evidence that the greater Anderson community is on the right track toward building the foundation for strong economic growth.”

“The success of a business incubator, such as the Flagship Enterprise Center, is increased exponentially by a close working relationship to a university,” said Charles Staley, CEO of the Flagship Enterprise Center. “The presence of Anderson University and Purdue University will insure that success, anchor both universities on the I-69 corridor and continue to link Anderson and Madison County to the rapidly growing Northern Indianapolis area.”

The architectural firm of K.R. Montgomery and Associates in Anderson will design the project in coordination with GDI Construction Corp., the primary contractor for the project. Funding for construction of the education center will come from tax-exempt debt financing.