Founded in 2006, the Anderson University Honors Program has always tried to provide outlets for sharing the work that the scholars complete within the program. In the past, some students have been able to share their projects at outside meetings, but this was the first time they presented them on campus to more than just classmates and faculty members.

[Photo: 2012 Anderson University grad Stephanie Stichter, an Honors Program student, presents on her capstone project during Scholars' SOAR.]

Dr. Kimberly Lyle-Ippolito, co-director of the Honors Program, has worked very closely with the Office of Admissions to create a new way for the seniors to present their work. “We wanted to not only advertise what our student can do, but show prospective students who attended Scholar’s SOAR what it looks like to be a senior Honors student,” said Lyle-Ippolito.

“The Honors Senior Capstone is the culmination of undergraduate Honors work,” the syllabus for the class reads. It creates an opportunity for the students to not only reflect on their three years of experience in the Honors Program but also to consider the topics that they have studied in their major more formally.

“In this course, they design and implement their own projects,” said Dr. Linda Swindell, who recently retired as professor of psychology. Swindell taught the senior seminar since its introduction. “It is not your typical regurgitation of information. It is an analysis, and then we expect them to answer a question or to present an idea that is groundbreaking at some level.”

The students were not expected to execute the project completely on their own, though. “Each student has a sponsor, and you become very involved in working with your student,” said Lyle-Ippolito, who served as a sponsor this year as well. The sponsors also evaluated the final project and provided the student’s grade to Swindell.

Senior Stephanie Stichter, an athletic training major, selected a topic that was both of interest to her and applicable to her major. “My project looked at the relationship between the hygiene practices of athletes and the contraction of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). I chose this topic because it was a condition that we deal with as athletic trainers, and I did not know much about it.”

Daniel Kelsey, a Christian ministries major with a youth leadership-development complementary major, is also a senior in the Honors Program. His project used the knowledge of the Christian faith that he has been developing through his major to study the concept of time in relation to Christianity. “I looked at some of the different ways time has been conceptualized around the world and what some of the benefits could be for Christians if they choose to look at time both linearly and cyclically.”

Melissa Tucker, a senior education major, observed a classroom during her first semester teaching practicum and found an area that needed improvement. “In this instance, it was the use of problem-solving by high ability 3rd and 4th grade students,” she said. She based the idea on a project from another class, which is relatively common in the senior seminar, but she went more in-depth for the Honors project. “In the next several weeks, I completed a literature review of research currently in the field, collected baseline data, created a plan of action, implemented my action plan for two weeks, and then completed a full analysis of the whole experience.”

The seniors meet once a week during fall semester, and spend a lot of time meeting with their sponsors both in the fall and the spring. Kelsey, Stichter, and Tucker all enjoyed this class set up for their senior year. “I enjoyed being able to spend one last semester with my cohort. I also liked that the schedule was flexible to work around our busy senior schedules,” said Stichter.

During Scholars’ SOAR, the prospective students had the opportunity to choose which projects they would like to hear about. Additionally, the presentations were open for public viewing.

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

“With a combined total of 123 years of service, these individuals have invested their lives in Anderson University and its students,” said Dr. Blake Janutolo, dean of the College of Science and Humanities. “Each one has served as an exemplary faculty member, and each will be missed as they begin a new chapter in their lives.”

[Photo: Anderson University recently honored retiring faculty (pictured from left) Prof. Paul Gray, Dr. Linda Swindell, Prof. Zola Noble, and Dr. Ken Turner.]

Paul Gray, professor of kinesiology, joined the AU faculty in 1978 and has served the university for 34 years. He received his B.A. from Anderson University, his M.A. from Ball State University, and is currently finishing his doctorate at Ball State.

At AU, Gray coached football, wrestling, and golf. He is an expert in adaptive physical education and is known within his department for his expertise in using technology in the classroom. He has also been a long-time advocate for Special Olympics.

“As director of the Madison County Chapter of Special Olympics, Paul took a struggling program and, with the help of others in the community and university, turned it into a model of what a local chapter of Special Olympics should be,” said Janutolo. “In the process, he introduced hundreds of AU students to Special Olympians and by doing so changed their perception of what it means to work with persons who have special needs.”

Zola Noble, associate professor English, joined the AU faculty in 1993, but taught as a full-time adjunct for five years prior to this. In all, she has served the university for 24 years. Noble received her B.S. from Anderson University, M.S. from St. Francis College, and MFA from Spaulding University.

Noble is an accomplished author, with articles appearing in several journals and magazines. Some of her articles include “Back Roads Attractions,” published in The New Southerner, “An Ordinary Woman: Sarah McIntyre of Saltville, Virginia,” published in The Smithfield Review, and “Sitting in Church,” published in 94 Creations.

“Zola has put in many hours grading papers and helping our students become better writers,” said Janutolo. “She has made a difference in the lives of so many of our students.”

Dr. Linda Swindell, professor of psychology, joined the AU faculty in 1993 and has served the university for 19 years. She received her B.A. from the University of Hawaii, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from Arizona State University.

Swindell came to AU after teaching at the University of Mississippi. At AU, she served as director of the Liberal Arts Seminar Program from 2000-2006 and as chair of the Psychology Department since 2009.

“Dr. Swindell is recognized by her students and peers and a master teacher,” said Janutolo. “She cares deeply about her students and has invested large amounts of time in preparing them for graduate school or careers in psychology. Loved and respected by her students, Linda is a role model for what it means to be a professor.”

Dr. Ken Turner, professor of mathematics, director of statistics, and chair of the Math Department, joined the AU faculty in 1966 and has served the university for 46 years. He received his B.A. from Anderson University, M.A. from Ball State University, and Ph.D. from Purdue University.

During his time at AU, Turner developed a strong statistics program and authored or coauthored three major statistics textbooks. His Fundamental Concepts in Design of Experiments has been adopted at schools including Cornell University and South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and is often used a reference text by those in industry.

“Over the years I have greatly appreciated Ken’s insight into the workings of the university,” said Janutolo. “In his own gentle way, he has always been willing to point out our flaws and inconsistencies with constructive suggestions for improvement, and at the same time congratulating us on our strengths and accomplishments.”

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

The John A. Morrison Awards recognize faculty and staff who go beyond excellence in performance and have demonstrated a commitment to something larger than self. Each year, one staff and one faculty member are selected from nominations by their colleagues and announced at the annual recognition luncheon. Nominees for the Morrison Award should demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission and core values. Dr. John A. Morrison was Anderson University’s first president, serving in that role from 1925-1958.

The MOSAIC Team at Anderson University established the MOSAIC award in 2012 to recognize individuals within the university who embody the ideal of “modeling and promoting a work-learning environment in which all persons feel welcomed and affirmed on the journey toward intercultural competence.”

Tom Bruce has served Anderson University for 35 years. “Called” to service at AU in 1977 by then-President Robert H. Reardon, Bruce has served with three of the university’s four presidents, and has filled many roles, including assistant director of development, director of information services, director of university relations, executive director of university relations and alumni affairs, and currently as executive director of university advancement. In his current role, Bruce manages a wide range of programs in the areas of public relations; electronic, print, and mass media; church relations; development; and alumni relations.

[Photo: Tom Bruce (left) with his wife, Marlyne, and AU President Dr. James L. Edwards.]

In addition to his service at Anderson University, Bruce has served on many local community boards and committees, including the Madison County Leadership Academy, Anderson Fine Arts Center, Boy Scouts of America, Wilson’s Boys and Girls Club, Saint John’s Hospice Program, Junior Achievement, Madison County Management Club, the Mayor’s Human Needs Commission, Anderson Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Anderson YMCA, United Way drives, WIPB-TV, and Visiting Nurse Health Care.

Bruce earned a degree in business administration from Anderson University in 1971, a Master of Science in mass communications in 1977, and a master’s degree in business administration in 1987.

In nominating Bruce for the award, his colleagues shared that “his years of quality service to Anderson University, the community, the church, and individuals has been a unique form of ministry. Tom Bruce, with a ‘blessed quietness,’ has managed to infuse his many campus activities with a contagious spirit of warmth and sensitivity that lingers in one’s memory.” Another colleague stated that Bruce “serves fully and without reservation wherever needed. He is a man who engenders trust and respect. His very life and personality embody what Anderson University values most — faith, service, generosity, excellence, and humility.”

Dr. Linda Swindell, professor of psychology, has served Anderson University for 19 years and recently announced her retirement this spring. Over the years, Swindell has demonstrated a commitment to research and scholarship, and a deep caring for the long-term good of Anderson University. She has provided leadership of the Liberal Arts Seminar and Honors Program, and founded and developed an honor society on campus.

[Photo: Dr. Linda Swindell (center) with Provost Dr. Marie Morris and President Edwards.]

Swindell has served as an example to her colleagues of perseverance and courage through great personal trials, intellectual rigor combined with a strong Christian faith, modeling and encouragement of professional development, generosity of time and resources in helping colleagues and students grow intellectually, helping to create a sense of community on the AU campus, and diligent committee work that has contributed to a revitalized mission of the university.

Embodying the institution’s core values of excellence, integrity, servant leadership, responsibility, and generosity, Swindell daily strives to seek truth, live faithfully, and to be useful as a servant of God.

Swindell holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Hawaii, and a Master of Arts and Ph.D. from Arizona State University.

Dr. Donald Boggs, professor of communication and general manager of Covenant Productions^®, came to Anderson University in 1978. During his tenure he has traveled to more than 40 countries, providing consultation in the area of communications. Boggs directed the award-winning documentary, A Ripple of Hope, which tells the powerful story of race relations, leadership, and the nonviolent impact in Indianapolis of boldly acknowledging the tragedy of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. His most recent trip was to Haiti to expose the weaknesses in Haiti’s infrastructure and to work with the Haitian people in improving communications through a nine-station network.

[Photo: Dr. Donald Boggs with Dr. Marie Morris and President Edwards.]

Over the years, Boggs has impacted the lives of countless members of the community and his own students in following the truth in a story wherever it may lead and always respecting the people group with whom he is working. In this process of storytelling, Boggs actively enlists his students, giving them “real world” professional experience.

Chris Witt, a 2003 AU graduate and award-winning film editor, traveled to Honduras and Brazil with Boggs on a documentary project. Witt said, “I was able to work on my storytelling and I gained perspective on cultures outside of AU.” Darcy Noonan, a 2009 AU graduate, traveled to the Philippines in 2008 to produce a documentary for Children of Promise. Noonan said, “When you tell someone’s story, it changes how you look at where you are and what you’re doing.”

Boggs holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from the University of Akron, and a Ph.D. from Kent State University.

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.

Considering her options, Francis, an accounting and youth leadership-development major, decided that selling her laptop computer would be the best way to raise the needed funds. She contacted AU alumna Suahil Housholder, accountant at AU and Anderson Dining Services, and asked if a “for sale” email could be sent to faculty and staff.

[Photo, from left: Latoya Francis, Suahil Housholder, and Nelda Ely.]

Housholder, also originally from Grand Cayman, was happy to assist, and sent out the email on the AU classifieds email list on Wednesday, April 25.

One of the first to respond was Nelda Ely, graduate student counselor.

“I was still at home that morning when I saw the email, and I immediately felt it was so sad that she had to give up her laptop, because I know how important they are,” said Ely. “I paused a moment to pray, because I thought, ‘Okay, I know there a lot of needs on campus. Is this really appropriate?’ And I didn’t feel any halt in my spirit.”

Ely sent an email response to the classifieds list, asking if it might be possible to contribute funds so that Francis would not have to sell her computer. By the time she arrived at the office around 8 a.m., Ely was surprised to find she had already received 8 to 10 responses from others who wanted to contribute.

Housholder, too, was floored by the immediate response.

“I work from home and didn’t have the opportunity to check my email until about 10:30 in the morning, and when I did I was just blown out of the water.” she said.

Housholder agreed to coordinate the collection, and by May 1, $1,255 had been contributed by more than 35 faculty and staff on campus.

For Francis, the contributions help assure not only her return home but also a major part of her work with TAPP in Uganda over the summer.

TAPP was founded by Church of God missionary Colleen Stevenson in 2004 as a response to the AIDS crisis in Uganda. According to TAPP’s Facebook page, TAPP finds hope and compassion by seeking solidarity with individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS through creating opportunities for sustainable income.

“With TAPP women, most of them don’t have enough money to send their children to proper schools, so I’ve been researching a private school for the poor,” said Francis. “They have a couple of these in Africa and India that have been quite successful, so I was researching how we can use this model and tailor it to the needs that are currently in Uganda.”

With the support she has received from AU faculty and staff, Francis will be able to take her research further than she had anticipated.

“It actually means that I get to not only go, but I get to finish the business plan and have a chance to see it come to fruition,” said Francis. “I can write and say all the things I think need to be said, but to make it successful, you need to actually sit down with the administrators and teachers to come up with a curriculum that fits the needs of the families and students in Uganda.”

Housholder and Ely both expressed their appreciation for those who contributed.

“I think this demonstrates the true heart of Anderson University, that we are a God-loving people and we seek opportunities to help others,” said Housholder.

“It’s been exciting for me to see the faces of those who have contributed,” said Ely. “ I think all of us have been blessed as much as Latoya has been.”

Francis also shared her appreciation.

“As a student, one of the things that has been instilled from Day One has been the idea of servant-leadership,” she said. “To see that faculty and staff would go out of their way to help a student this way, it just shows me that servant-leadership is not just talk, but it’s actually something that’s lived on this campus.”

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

“At Anderson University, we believe experiential learning is important,” said chemistry professor and Scholars’ Day organizer Dr. Chad Wallace. “We believe that learning is best accomplished by doing. What does real scholarship look like? You will find it in these presentations.”

[Photo: Student Chelsea Whyte discusses her research during Scholars’ Day on April 24, 2012.]

Participants created abstracts of their research, which were compiled into a program booklet.

See Scholars’ Day Abstracts [PDF]

Senior Kirsten Milliron developed a 60-page screenplay adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ The Horse and His Boy. This was a significant undertaking for Milliron, who has had more experience writing shorter pieces.

“Doing this project was a dream I had had for several years,” Milliron said. “I feel really accomplished that I did something like this. … If I ever have a film company hire me to do an adaptation, I have experience under my belt now.”

Senior psychology major Matthew Danskey presented research on lucid dream recall. While the subject itself is fascinating for him, the entire research and presentation process was equally important.

“Taking a piece of research from beginning to end and coming out with something finished and polished is pretty fun,” Danskey said. “My plans are to get a doctorate in psychology, so being familiar with research and presenting is definitely going to be handy.”

Senior nursing major Katelyn Veal collected data for her research before and during an international nursing trip to the United Kingdom. She studied the national health care system in the UK and the ways in which nurses are beginning to participate in clinical commissioning groups.

“I’m really interested in public health, and I want nurses to be more aware of opportunities to stay involved on a national level within their health care system,” said Veal. “This research will definitely be applied to my nursing practice as I graduate and work as a bedside nurse, staying aware of opportunities to impact on a bigger level than just at the bedside.”

Senior chemistry major Brandon Hensley analyzed water samples to detect levels of benzyl benzoate using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The highlight for Hensley was using the GC-MS machine.

“I was curious to see what was in the water, and I got to analyze that,” he said. “It was interesting to be able to run my own experiments and find something out that I don’t think anyone [at AU] has looked at before.”

Scholars’ Day 2012 participants included:

• Kayla Lighty (Psychology): “Adult sibling relationships and communications”
• Samantha Holder (Nursing): “Gender’s impact on prenatal care in India”
• Ryan Bowser, Kent Shilts (Chemistry/Physics): “Metal diethenoylmethanates and tetrathenoylethanates as microporous metal-organic frameworks”
• Emily Thalls (Psychology): “Effects of gender and body mass index on body image”
• Wes Becker, Jeremy Redman (Business): “Raven Investment Fund”
• Samantha Anderson (English): “The history of swing dancing and why it’s important to know it”
• Chelsea Whyte (Honors): “A Christian ethical reflection on the community’s response to the Chicago housing crisis”
• Alisha Sink (Psychology): “Investigating the effects of environmental stimuli on affective responses and perceptions”
• Jared Bickle (Kinesiology): “The effects of mode exercise on stress levels”
• Kelly E. Frye (Honors): “An age-old epidemic: Cholera outbreaks in the past decade”
• Kirsten Milliron (English): “The Horse and His Boy: A screenplay adaptation”
• Daniel Kelsey (Religious Studies): “The effect of the concept of time on the practice of Christianity”
• Andrea Whitacre (English): “Social ethics and the fall of heroism: Myth, magic, and religion in Gisla Saga Surssonar”
• Abbie Mason (Psychology): “The effect of birth order on preferred study environment”
• Matthew Danskey (Psychology): “The effects of a two-week reflection-intention training program on lucid dream recall frequency: A replication”
• Katelyn Veal (Nursing): “Clinical commissioning in the United Kingdom and the involvement of nurses”
• Meredith Tarplee (Psychology): “The impact of mentoring on the emotional intelligence of middle school girls”
• Sin Hea Yeom (Chemistry/Physics): “X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and art”
• Matthew Bursley (Biology): “The anti-bacterial of Carica papaya leaf extracts”
• Neil Eliason (Psychology): “Personality differences among nursing, psychology, and computer science”
• Brandon Hensley (Chemistry/Physics): “Analysis of benzyl benzoate in water samples by solid phase extraction and GC-MS analysis”
• Ryan Petter (Business): “Economic consequences of recent conflict in Liberia”
• Charles Goodrich (Chemistry/Physics): “X-ray fluorescence analysis of pottery”
• Sarah Conway (Psychology): “Growth from pain: The effects of counseling, spirituality, and gender on posttraumatic growth”
• Kim Lundstrom (Nursing): “Unmet expectations of internationally recruited nurses working in Britain’s National Health Service (NHS)”
• Melissa Tucker (Education): “Increasing creative and critical thinking of gifted and talented students”

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.

Michael Heckendorn, a psychology major from Charlevoix, Mi., has been an active participant in the AmeriCorps program on campus, contributing more than 300 hours of community service between September 2011 and September 2012. He has volunteered at the Christian Center, the Neighbors campus ministry, Man 4 Man ministries, and Operation Foundation. He also served as an MLK Service Day site coordinator.

[Photo, from left: Falls School of Business Dean Dr. Terry Truitt, Associate Professor of History Dr. Jaye Rogers, Michael Heckendorn, Benjamin Herrick, Associate Professor of History Dr. Joel Shrock, AU alum Jeffrey D. Claflin.]

“It was an honor and a humbling experience to be selected as the inaugural recipient of the Eisenhower Scholarship,” said Heckendorn. “The scholarship came at a time of financial struggle, and it reminded me of God’s providence for my life and my future.”

Heckendorn will graduate from AU this spring. He has been interviewing for positions with social service agencies in Indiana. After working for a year, Heckendorn plans to return to school for a Master of Social Work, with the goal of becoming a school social worker.

Benjamin Herrick, a political science major and history minor from Holts Summit, Mo., has also been active in service. In high school, he worked as an intern for a state senator and volunteered at a local hospital. At Anderson University, Herrick has volunteered with the Prison Ministry group for three years. He co-founded a day camp for children of incarcerated parents and helped start a tutoring program for boys in the Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility.

“Being granted the Eisenhower Scholarship is a humbling privilege for me,” said Herrick. “Not only does it remind me of how privileged my time at Anderson University has been, but it also affirms that my hard work is paying off in many ways. I hope to continue upholding the standards set by the scholarship and that potential candidates in the future will embrace the challenge as well to live a life of hard work and of service.”

Herrick hopes to pursue law school after graduating from AU, with the goal of living a life of public service in legal and political circles.

The Eisenhower Endowed Scholarship Fund at Anderson University was established in 2010 with initial funding from the Eisenhower Memorial Scholarship Foundation. The foundation was created in the late 1960s by leading Indiana business men and women, including members of the Tarzian, Honeywell, Ball, and Lilly families. The purpose of the foundation was to promote free enterprise, patriotism, faith, and conservative values consistent with those of the foundation’s namesake, President Dwight David Eisenhower. Over its life, the foundation awarded more than 220 four-year undergraduate scholarships to be used in private liberal arts colleges across Indiana and Michigan. Upon dissolution of the foundation, its remaining assets were distributed among several institutions, including Anderson University.

[Photo, from left: Michael Heckendorn, Jeffrey D. Claflin, and Benjamin Herrick.]

The Eisenhower Scholarship Award at AU is granted annually to a qualifying junior or senior majoring in political science or business, or a member of the Center for Public Service (CPS). Faculty recommend candidates for the award, and the recipient is chosen by a selection committee comprised of representatives from CPS, the History and Political Science Department, and the Falls School of Business.

Jeffrey D. Claflin was an Eisenhower Scholar during his years at Anderson University, where he majored in business administration and history, graduating in 1981. He attended the AU School of Theology from 1982 to 1985, and earned a JD from IUPUI in 1990. Claflin is currently a partner in the law firm of Plews Shadley Racher & Braun, LLP, managing the firm’s office in South Bend.

Claflin served as a member of the board of the Eisenhower Memorial Scholarship Foundation and was instrumental in establishing the new scholarship at AU and acquiring the initial funding from the foundation.

“Jeff knows the value of education, and Anderson University appreciates his investment personally and his being instrumental in establishing a fund that will benefit students for many years,” said AU Development Officer H. L. Baker.

“I wanted to continue with the good work of the original foundation, in at least some manner,” said Claflin, “and this is a way for me to give back to both the university and to the people at the foundation who were so generous with me. I’m happy to have been a part of the effort to bring the scholarship to AU, and just as happy that AU was, and is, willing to step up to administer the scholarship program consistent with the values of those who founded the original Eisenhower Foundation.

“When you put free enterprise ideas into the hands of those who are well-grounded in a sense of what’s good and right, and those who are concerned for the welfare of others, then I think you also have a very powerful tool for doing a great many good things,” continued Claflin. “By bringing this scholarship to AU, I’m hoping, in a small way, to do just that, and I hope that the recipients of the scholarship will, in turn, carry these ideas forward in their careers and beyond.”

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

At the end of this semester, Swindell will step down as the chair of the psychology department and retire from AU. At 62, she is ready to set out on a new path. She hopes to experience new opportunities like volunteering with immigrants and getting involved with politics.

“My plan is to continue my master’s work at St. Meinrad School of Theology,” said Swindell. “I want to get involved with a political campaign and volunteer with my church, helping legal immigrants adjust to a life in the United States.”

Swindell sees a need for immigrants in her community to feel accepted into society. Her goal is to educate others about immigration and to further her knowledge in that area. “It’s simple: I see a need and I want to be the one to fill it,” said Swindell.

As Swindell prepares for life beyond AU, she focuses on the reason she is retiring in the first place. “I lost my husband, Bill, three years ago, and something has not been right since,” said Swindell. “I knew that my time here was coming to a close. Life is short and brief. I want to spend it with my parents, my two daughters, and my five grandchildren.”

Swindell has touched the lives of numerous students she has come into contact with in her time at AU. “Dr. Swindell is wonderful,” said Emily Thalls, a senior psychology major. “She’s incredible at what she does as a professor and advisor. She is organized, efficient, and she truly cares.”

Along with the students she teaches, Swindell has blessed her fellow psychology associates through encouraging and helpful words.

“She is a valuable asset to the department and the university,” said Dr. Wayne Priest, colleague and friend of Swindell for five years. “Swindell has excellent knowledge of psychology and theology and consistently puts these into practice, both personally and in her relationships with others.”

Dr. Lee Griffith, professor of psychology, has worked alongside Swindell for all of her years at AU. “She has shown us all how to face sickness, loss, and death with strength, determination, perseverance, and faith,” said Griffith. “Anderson University has been greatly blessed to have her contribution to the spiritual, intellectual, and collegial life of the institution. We will greatly miss her.”

Closing the book on one chapter and starting another is a difficult and rewarding adventure to take. Even though her time at AU is ending, her legacy will remain.

“Leaving here will be difficult,” said Swindell. “I have found redemptive aspects of working here, and it has given my life meaning and structure. I am truly blessed to have participated with this campus.”

With her strength, faith in Christ, and the same butterflies she had 19 years ago, Swindell will set out on a new road full of hope, promise, and family.

— Kayla Meid is a junior from Indianapolis, Ind., majoring in communication arts with a focus on public relations and theatre arts. Meid is an associate of Fifth Street Communications^™, writing on behalf of the Anderson University Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

The purpose of the scholarship is to support, enhance, and promote the academic study of Christian education and assist Christian education student scholars in their academic work as they prepare for careers and lives of service in the academy, the church, and the world.

[Photo: Daniel Kelsey is pictured with his parents (left) Randy and Lisa Kelsey, Christie Stephens, and Dr. Stan Stephens.]

Religious Studies faculty noted that during his undergraduate years, Kelsey had “integrated ideas and experience into a theology and plan for ministry.”

“Daniel has done good work with respect to Christian education and continues to work at correlating in meaningful ways his ministry experience, the particular ministry contexts in which he has served, his course work, and his future plans,” said Dr. Alan Overstreet, associate professor of Christian education/ministry and chair of the Religious Studies Department.

After graduation, Kelsey plans to seek employment in the Louisville, Ky., area with a Christian nonprofit organization or a social service agency working with at-risk children and youth. He also hopes to pursue a Master of Social Work from the University of Louisville.

“I have greatly appreciated my time in the Religious Studies program,” said Kelsey. “The professors and classes have challenged me to consider what I believe and have prepared me for a future career in ministry. I have been able to formulate my approach to ministry and broaden my understanding of what it means to engage in Christian education. I am deeply thankful for this award and appreciate the support and flexibility it gives me as I pursue work and education within Christian ministry upon graduation. This award provides me with both financial support and encouragement as I look to share the love of Christ with those around me.”

[Photo, from left: Sheila MacMurray, Dr. Alan Overstreet, Daniel Kelsey, and Dr. Marie Morris.]

Originally from Alabama, Billie Roy Smith 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, and 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.

In 1996 Billie Roy Smith, B. Th. ’49, honored the life and memory of his wife of 54 years, Pearl Toon Smith, by endowing a Christian education lectureship. From 1997 to 2007 renowned Christian education scholars and practitioners presented lectures and discussions in their areas of expertise to university students, faculty, pastors, church leaders, and others interested in the field of Christian education. In 2007 the Smith and Stephens family converted the lecture series into an endowed scholarship honoring the stewardship and the dedicated and faithful Christian lives and ministries of both Billie Roy and Pearl Toon Smith.

[Photo, from left: Dr. LaVern Norris, Dr. Kenneth Hall, Arlene Hall, Daniel Kelsey, Christie Stephens, and Dr. Stan Stephens.]

Past recipients of the scholarship award include Xen Riggs, Hannah Adams Ingram, Suzanne (Drayer) Kellam, and Keith Sayer.

“The generous vision of the Smith and Stephens families has contributed significantly to Christian education for several years,” said Overstreet. “The lecture series was of great benefit to all who shared in it, and the scholarship award provides ongoing support to students in their academic and ministry careers. The Department of Religious Studies appreciates deeply this support and the fruit that it bears.”

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

The event, the first of its kind at AU, will offer prospective students the opportunity to interact with professors and current students, tour departments, and explore different areas of study at AU.

See the Academic Departmental Open House Flyer [PDF].

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

“We have seen the students’ grades go up tremendously,” said director Kim Vaughn, also the user support specialist for Anderson Community Schools. “One was having problems with math and was earning a D minus. She has brought that up to an A.”

[Photo: AU student Krista Sams works with Jaquayla Cole during the Literacy and After-School Caring and Sharing program at Allen Chapel Fellowship Hall in Anderson.]

Some students need a little one-on-one assistance while others simply require a place to study without distractions.

“I like coming here because I actually do my homework,” said Camille Neal, junior. “If I weren’t here, I just wouldn’t get it done.”

“I like it because I get educated and then get better grades,” said Jaquayla Cole, 10. “If I don’t come here, I get bad grades.”

Alongside the 20 volunteers from the congregation who prepare nutritious dinners, serve the meals and offer homework assistance are a few Anderson University students. Offering their time and expertise provides a dual learning experience.

“My major is secondary education,” said Sarah Warnock. “This age range is what I will be teaching when I graduate. It’s great practice for me.”

“I love working with kids,” said Krista Sams, a psychology major. “I am minoring in family science so this is good experience for me.”

Some of the children come for the camaraderie built through spending time together.

“I like being with Sarah,” said Xavia Cullum, 10. “She helps me with my homework.”

The after-school program began five years ago. After experiencing success, the leadership added the Augusta Hawkins Literacy Center materials to better the reading skills of the students.

“This came out of a study commissioned by Congressman Augusta Hawkins,” said the Rev. John Lambert, pastor of Allen Chapel. “He convinced Congress to pass legislation to help students who were underachieving, with an emphasis on minority students.”

“Reading helps them overall,” pointed out Vaughn, director of the Young People’s Department (a division within the African Methodist Episcopal Church) for the state of Indiana. “Reading will help them be successful in everything they do. Every other subject will fall into place if their reading level is where it needs to be.”

Program Information

• What: Literacy and After-School Caring and Sharing Program
• When: Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7:30 p.m.
• Where: Allen Chapel Fellowship Hall, 1610 Sheridan St., Anderson
• Cost: None

Typical Schedule:

• 5-5:30 p.m. Dinner
• 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tutoring and homework
• 6:30-7:30 p.m. Enrichment (sample topics: Spanish, Bible study, Zumba)

— Emma Bowen Meyer is a reporter for The Herald Bulletin. Story reposted with permission. Photo credit: Emma Bowen Meyer.

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.

Following are just four examples of the many faculty who are active in the community.

Dr. G. Lee Griffith, professor of psychology at Anderson University, takes on the role of counselor in his own private practice. “Most patients come to me because they know I’m a Christian,” said Griffith.

Abbie Mason, a senior psychology major who has taken two of Griffith’s courses, said, “He is very honest to his classes about situations he has encountered in order to help students understand and conceptualize a topic.”

Deidra Colvin, assistant professor of marketing and director of marketing for the residential MBA program, has done freelance work in the past. Last year, Colvin participated on the AU branding initiative, analyzing surveys to work with AU in trying to figure out the current concept of the university. Currently, she is continuing to work on her doctoral degree.

In Colvin’s circumstance, working with advertising agencies gives her good contacts for her students to network with. “My primary target market is the student and my goal is to provide superior customer value — a learning environment that engages students through lectures, case studies, and experiential activities, and prepares them for success in their future career,” Colvin said.

James Morehead, professor of communication, teaches speech classes on AU’s campus. Not only a professor, Morehead is an accomplished actor, playwright, and author of a few plays and a book of poetry. In 1995 he was recognized as “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” from AU. He also serves as senior pastor of the Pasadena Heights Church of God in Indianapolis.

Virginia Chapman, professor speech, serves Ovid Community Church by helping generate concepts and ideas for sermons at the church. She has presented a panel on Elements of Alternative Sentencing at the Indiana Association of Community Corrections Act Counties.

Chapman also conducted a training session for the Indianapolis AmeriCorps staff on Business Communication and has been involved in speechwriting and debate preparation for candidates at the local and state level. On the campus of AU, she started the Harold E. Achor Debate Tournament.

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

“We are pleased to make this strategic appointment at this time in the life of the university,” said Dr. James L. Edwards, president of Anderson University. “This title is appropriate to her comprehensive role and her leadership. Dr. Morris is highly regarded on campus and in the wider academic community.”

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson University continues to be recognized as one of America’s top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, The Princeton Review, and Forbes. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2011, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the eighth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

“Anderson University is a distinct place often described in the past by our alumni and others as ‘very special.’ We want to bring greater distinction and clarity to that idea that will gain wide affirmation from those who are a part of the AU family and those who will come to know us,” said Anderson University President Dr. James L. Edwards.

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2011, US News & World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the eighth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

The John A. Morrison Awards recognize faculty and staff who go beyond excellence in performance and have demonstrated a commitment to something larger than self. Each year, one staff and one faculty member are selected from nominations by their colleagues and announced at the annual Recognition Luncheon. Nominees for the Morrison Award should demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission and core values. Dr. John A. Morrison was Anderson University’s first president, serving in that role from 1925-1958.

Farmen has been on the faculty of Anderson University since 1964 in the department of psychology. He is a graduate of Anderson University and received a B.D. from Oberlin College, and a Master of Arts and Ph.D. from Case-Western Reserve University. [Photo on left: Dr. William Farmen with AU President Dr. James L. Edwards]

Over his tenure, Farmen helped lead the way in innovation from the earliest days of using the internet for academic pursuits, to superior teaching in the Liberal Arts Seminar, and the adoption and use of Moodle in the classroom. He has written or contributed to two online books distributed free to students and has written major content on a variety of courses that are also made available free of charge to students via Moodle.

Showing great loyalty to AU Farmen has served with energy and enthusiasm on university committees, always striving for what is in the long-term, best interest of students and the university. Farmen gets to know students personally and has been known to join with them in activities such as caving, rock climbing, and canoeing. He is committed to the development of the “whole person” stating, “I teach because I am interested in the intellectual, moral, and to an increasing extent, the personality development of adolescents and youth.”

When Farmen was promoted to the rank of professor, then president Dr. Robert Reardon commented “this promotion takes cognizance of your professional development, your faithfulness to the college, and your dedication to its students.”

Hippensteel is in her ninth year of service at AU as the wellness program director at the Kardatzke Wellness Center.

An AU alumna, Hippensteel has deep roots in Anderson University and the Church of God. She began her association with the campus as one of four siblings born to the late AU President Dr. Robert Reardon and Geraldine Reardon. After graduating from Anderson University, she went on to further her education in exercise physiology at Ball State University. With more than 20 years of experience in her field, she arrived back on campus to begin sharing her knowledge and passion for living a healthy lifestyle through her words and her example. [Photo on right: Connie Hippensteel with AU President Dr. James L. Edwards]

While at AU, Hippensteel has found joy in helping and mentoring others by celebrating successes, while avoiding any sense of disapproval if advice is not taken or heeded. With faculty and staff, she has provided a steady diet of monthly “Lunch and Learn” classes, weekly yoga sessions, “Healthy AU” seminars, and many other opportunities to jump-start personal wellness goals. Students have also benefited from her teaching and mentoring for a life of faith and service. Toward the goal of wholeness and wellness, Hippensteel believes each person can find the physical and spiritual practices in life we were created to enjoy.

Hippensteel’s influence goes beyond the campus. She is an active member of the Park Place Church of God bell choir and the sanctuary choir. As coordinator of the AU Circle Singers, she and a choir of women surround the elderly and others in need with their ministry of song.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

“AU Scholars’ Day shows the incredible work that our students can do,” said chemistry professor and Scholars’ Day organizer Dr. Chad Wallace. “It is a way to share this good news between our various academic departments, with the student body at large, and with the community outside of AU.”

Each participant put together an abstract about what they worked on for the academic year or their college career. The abstracts were then put together in a program and separated in two presentation groups. Viewers at the event could easily locate each student’s work in the program and also visit each group’s presentations. Visitors were welcome to engage the students and ask questions about their research.

Many students presenting at Scholars’ Day are taking a required class or independent study. But sophomore J. Alex Karel, a chemistry and physics double major, was anxious to get hands-on experience researching. He spent 500 hours over the summer of 2010 doing a noncredit independent research study on “Investigating the Durability and Leaching of an Antimicrobial Agent.” With the help of Dr. Scott Kennedy, professor of chemistry, Karel was able to work with Aurum Consulting, LLC and Coeus Technology at the Flagship Enterprise Center. This summer, Karel will continue his research.

Senior Bible and religion and psychology double major Rachel Miller took a capstone year-long class at AU where she was able to conduct research on a topic she was interested in: mythology. Through interviews and literature, Miller studied the collective mythology of Anderson University students.

“It is special to see people interested in something I have researched and invested time in for the academic year,” said Miller.

Miller plans to attend Emery University for graduate school this fall to combine her passion for religion with psychology. She hopes eventually to teach at the collegiate level.

Though many students presented individually, the Raven Investment Fund was a group of 10 students from the Falls School of Business portfolio management class. This class provides students real-world investment experience. Started in 2007, the fund began with $10,000 and each January increases an additional $100,000 through an endowment fund. Over the years, the class has made an 18 percent return for Anderson University.

“It is exciting to see AU students become life-long learners. We have many students who have begun to apply what they learn in the classroom into practice in the real world,” said Wallace. “Many of these students have worked very closely with AU professors and are learning first-hand the lasting benefits of being part of the academy by doing careful research and sharing that information.”

For more information about the event, see the Anderson University Scholars’ Day program (PDF). To view photos from the event, see the 2011 Scholars’ Day Flickr album.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Dr. Beverley Pitts, president of the University of Indianapolis and a 1968 graduate of Anderson University, received an honorary Doctor of Letters during the chapel. Honorary degrees will also be awarded to AU alumni Steven Curtis Chapman and Charles Myricks, Jr., during the May 7 commencement ceremony at Anderson University.

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

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

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

Students recognized during chapel:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Mayor Kris Ockomon accepted the award for the City of Anderson as the 2010-2011 Community Partner of the Year. The City of Anderson has continued to support the work of the students in the community, creating opportunities for freshman orientation service projects, and inclusion in events like Martin Luther King Jr. City Wide Celebration and the We Can Care Food Drive. [Photo on left: AU alum Cliff Ritchey from Commonway Church leads worship.]

AU alum Cliff Ritchey led chapel worship and Pastor Matt Carder of Commonway Church in Muncie challenged those in attendance to look for to make a difference in the world by noticing opportunities to impact the world and community you live in by showing up in the simple and ordinary ways of daily living.

Jennifer Randonis, assistant professor of English, received a faculty award for partnering AU with the College Against Cancer-Relay for Life. This was the second year she has led the fight against cancer on campus.

“Randonis is sensitive to a need and condition that has impacted the lives of many students and community members and rallied a group of students to make a difference in the fight against cancer,” said Stephanie Moran, Director of the Community Partnership Center.

Falls School of Business professor of management, Dr. Wendell Seaborne, was rewarded for his work with Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and his dedication to the excellent programs they put forth as a service to the community. Moran said, “He is committed to the development of students through direct creative application of their skills and talents.”

Lolly Bargerstock-Oyler, assistant professor of social work, received a faculty award for her work with the Park Place Community Center. This center meets many needs in the Park Place community and gives students an opportunity to serve. [Photo on right: Pastor Matt Carder from Commonway Church speaks at chapel.]

“She has had a vision for the Park Place Community Center that will have positive impact on the neighborhood and campus for years to come,” said Moran.

This is the second year that students were awarded for their service to the community

• Senior psychology major, Renee Bader, for her work with the Girls Scouts of America. She was an integral part of the development of a relationship with the Girl Scouts which allowed for members to come to campus and learn about communication skills through Anderson University student led interventions.
• Junior family science major, Alyssa Martin, for her service at the Christian Center. She has been dedicated to the residents there and been able to share her faith through relationship and service in a very transparent way.
• Junior elementary education major, Kenton Mahoney, for his work with the College Against Cancer Relay for Life Event. He put many hours and energy into making that event a success.
• Senior finance major, Rose Hirschy, for her work with Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) for the past 3 years. She has participated in many volunteer opportunities, but has been very faithful to her commitment of assisting those in the community that need help with their taxes yet have no means to enlist the help of accountants or prep services.

New to this year’s Celebration of Service Chapel was the eight AmeriCorps Service Engagement Award recipients. These awards were made possible through AU’s association with Indiana Campus Compact. Each of these eight students has served over 300 hours of service to the community during their 2010-2011 term of service. The recipients included:

• Junior global business major, Ashley Ledford, for her award winning work with SIFE as a program director.
• Senior management major, Bradley Miller, for his work with SIFE as the President of SIFE.
• Senior psychology major, Austin Boon, for his work with Dove Harbor, Alternative School, Girls Scouts, “Lil Sibs” Weekend, among other opportunities to provide leadership in the area of teaching communication skills.
• Sophomore political science major, Benjamin Herrick, for his work with Prison Ministry and Grace and Action.
• Senior psychology major, Jackie Hammond, for her work with Prison Ministry, Grace and Action, Aspire, and tutoring
• Junior psychology major, Emily Thalls, for volunteering weekly at Dove Harbor where she teaches Interpersonal Communications skills to the women who reside there. She has also taught Interpersonal Communications skills to AU Resident Assistants, Girl Scouts, children of the Madison County Youth Center, students at AU, “Lil Sibs” of AU students and alumni, and attendees of the annual Day of Healing Convention.
• Senior social work major, Breann Patuzzi, for her work at the Christian Center, AU-East Africa, Neighbors, and S.T.A.R. where she currently volunteers as a tutor at Shadeland Tutoring and Recreation. She has also been interning and serving at the Department of Child Services.
• Senior management and sociology major, Kristina Feltham, for her work with seniors and the Generation to Generation Ministry. Kristina has also been involved in many various service learning opportunities and volunteer experiences on campus. She also serves as the Indiana Campus Compact student representative for the AU campus.

View photos from the Celebration of Service Chapel on the Anderson University Flickr album.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

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

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

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

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

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN — DOCTOR OF MUSIC

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

CHARLES MYRICKS — DOCTOR OF DIVINITY

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

DR. BEVERLEY PITTS — DOCTOR OF LETTERS

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

Students majoring in youth leadership-development, a complementary major offered by the department of psychology, are required to take many of the courses in the psychology curriculum. These courses focus on functions of the brain and the process of thought. However, they must complete an additional senior capstone course that examines the direct social interactions of children, followed by an internship where these lessons are directly applied to area youth.

“The internship is not a situation where they go and shadow someone or stuff envelopes,” said Dr. Lee Griffith, professor of psychology. “The students are going out into a setting where they use skills and give presentations which have been developed in the capstone class. The presentations can be about topics such as bullying, boundaries, gossip, or self-image — anything they believe will be relevant to the group they are working with.”

[Photo: Anderson University senior Trista Meadlo writes a thank you note with a youth group participant at Maple Grove Church of God.]

Griffith, along with Dr. Linda Swindell, places youth leadership-development interns with local organizations that already focus on building basic social skills in children. Students have interned with Alternatives Inc., Dove Harbor, and area youth groups.

Senior Trista Meadlo, a sociology and youth leadership-development major, is currently working with the Maple Grove Church of God youth group. Meadlo and another intern use the weekly meetings with the children to bond over a community dinner, play team-building games, and to teach presentations developed in the capstone course. She ultimately hopes to apply her experiences during the internship toward working with inner-city youth.

“I want to show the kids that they do have options for the future. They do not need to accept what they are given in life. They can do whatever they want,” said Meadlo.

Swindell credits employer and graduate school interest in AU students to the senior capstone course and internship.

“It allows our students, at the bachelor’s level, to use their training, get involved with an internship, and let others know who they are. If they go back to school and get their master’s degree they already have that really good experience,” said Swindell.

[Photo: AU seniors Trista Meadlo and Troy Jones lead the youth group in a get-to-know-you game at Maple Grove Church of God.]

Although an internship is required for the youth leadership-development major, all psychology students are encouraged to volunteer in the Anderson community. This form of hands-on education upholds the university’s emphasis on service-based learning.

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,600 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

Typically, the orchestra only practices about three times the week before a concert. The musicians are a mix of all ages and play all types of instruments: strings, winds, brass, and percussion. Musicians are paid to play with the orchestra, although many would do it purely for fun. [Photo on left: Val Fagan and Haley Ferguson practice their instruments on campus.]

Junior Val Fagan, a psychology major, has played the string bass in the orchestra for all three of her college years and plans to continue next year. During her freshman year, Fagan was invited by Dr. Sowers to play in the orchestra because of a shortage of string bass players. “I was thrilled and honored to be asked to play in a professional symphony,” said Fagan. “The level of music and professionalism attracted me to it and I am very grateful for the opportunity.”

Playing in the Chamber Orchestra at AU helped Fagan with the more advanced musical pieces the ASO plays. The Chamber Orchestra practices twice a week. The practices “help me to maintain my playing ability and sometimes challenge me with harder pieces that force me to work on technique,” she said.

Junior Haley Ferguson, a psychology major, also plays with the Anderson Symphony Orchestra. She has played the viola for about 10 years and has been with the orchestra since her freshman year. Sowers told her about the opportunity when she auditioned for the Chamber Orchestra on campus. “In high school, I was part of a 100-piece symphony orchestra and love the big sound, so I was immediately interested in the opportunity to become involved with ASO,” she said.

Ferguson enjoys the opportunity to improve her skills while playing in the ASO. “There is a lot to learn from the people around me, and being young and aware that I am not nearly as skilled as others is a perfect opportunity for growth,” Ferguson said. Her involvement in ASO, Chamber Orchestra, and playing for worship events on campus helps her to continually develop her musical skills. She plans to remain in the ASO through her college years and continue to play the viola after college. “I will never part from music,” she said. “I value it so much. The viola is sticking with me for the long haul.”

Junior Ben Rexroth has been a substitute violinist for the Anderson Symphony Orchestra for the past year and a half. Rexroth, who is majoring in finance and business information systems, has been playing the violin for 15 years and is also a part of the Chamber Orchestra at AU.

Rexroth also learned about the ASO from Dr. Sowers and said he “wanted to do it for the experience” because few college students get this kind of opportunity. He said it can be a big commitment during the week of a performance, but he “would love to keep doing it next year as long as other activities don’t get in the way.” The other orchestra members have made it a positive experience for him as well. “I always feel welcome there. I definitely feel younger and less experienced,” he said, “but I never feel as if the other members look down on me because of it.”

For each of these students, playing in the Anderson Symphony Orchestra is a unique and unforgettable experience. Their participation in orchestra on campus is beneficial to their preparation for playing in a higher-level orchestra. Both AU and the Anderson Symphony Orchestra help them develop their musical talents and create memories they will not forget.

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

“We are honored to continue to be ranked as a top tier institution by U.S. News and World Report,” said Dr. Michael Collette, vice president for Marketing and Strategic Planning.  “It is even more fulfilling to know this ranking is based greatly on the strength of AU’s academic reputation, respect for our quality faculty and wide recognition the many programs of academic distinction.”

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2010, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the seventh consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

The John A. Morrison Awards recognize faculty and staff who go beyond excellence in performance and have demonstrated a commitment to something larger than self. Each year, one staff and one faculty member are selected from nominations by their colleagues and announced at the annual Recognition Luncheon. Nominees for the Morrison Award should demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission and core values. Dr. John A. Morrison was Anderson University’s first president, serving in that role from 1925-1958.

Griffith has been on the faculty of Anderson University since 1977 in the department of psychology. He received his bachelor of arts at Cedarville College in 1972, his master of arts in 1975 and his Ph.D. in 1977 both from the University of Texas at Austin Counseling Psychology. [Photo on left: Marie Morris (vice president of academic affairs and dean), Lee Griffith and President James Edwards.]

Upon Griffith’s letter of invitation dated May 13, 1977, then vice president & dean Robert Nicholson, stated “You are so welcome here and you haven’t even arrived yet!….I feel the Lord was in this exchange of conversations in a wondrous way and will be with us as we together seek out and create opportunities for ministry and Christian leadership in the years ahead.”

Each year, Griffith spends 20 hours of continuing education on a variety of topics. Twelve hours of this time is spent in group supervision with two other Christian Psychologists. Griffith shares that he uses this time to try to understand cases from a Christian perspective.

One student describes Griffith as “gaining my utmost respect as a fine professor. It is obvious that he does even more ‘homework’ in regard to his courses than expected from students, which is substantial. Largely because of his thoroughness, I believe I have gotten an excellent, current, and relevant education, with strong preparation for grad school. In addition, Griffith’s handling of the Christian perspective in his teaching is well done, stimulating, and fills a void. It has lent credibility to the ‘Christian’ part of my Christian education.”

Griffith shares on his professional faculty page the following: “In all of my teaching, counseling, and presenting it has been my aspiration to present a Christian approach whether it be Statistical Quality Control done ethically and caringly or if it is a distinctively Christian approach to counseling and diagnosis. I have many interests and enjoy learning from people in a variety of disciplines.”

Tim Johnson, this year’s Morrison Award staff recipient, is an AU alum and has served Anderson University for 17 years in various support roles. Johnson began in Student Life as a resident hall director in Dunn Hall and South Campus then moved to the position of on-campus housing coordinator and currently serves as the associate dean of students for resident life and judicial affairs. [Photo on right: Sena Landey (vice president for finance and treasurer), Tim Johnson, Brent Baker (vice president for student life and dean of students) and President James Edwards.]

Johnson is described by those who know him well, as someone who cares deeply. His team of resident directors and assistants know of his careful attention to encouraging and faithfully supporting them. He has demonstrated in many ways his deep commitment to creating healthy relationships among all who live in the residence halls.

Students know of his care through his involvement in Tri-S, his steady service as a timekeeper at football and basketball games, and the many student activities he makes time to attend. As the joys and sorrows of our students and their families unfold in our midst, Johnson is present and prepared to listen and support them in whatever way he can.

As a part of our broader community, Johnson’s care for family and faith are evident in his involvement at East Side Church of God. He can be found singing in the choir, acting with the drama team, ushering, and serving as a church elder. Those with whom he worships have learned they can depend on Tim to give freely and sacrificially of his God given talents.

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.

“At AU, many of our students, from many disciplines, experience the joys of creating works of self-expression, researching important ideas, and discovering new knowledge.  Scholars’ day is an opportunity for our students to showcase that work,” said chemistry professor and scholars’ day organizer Chad Wallace.

The idea came to Wallace as his students presented their research at various chemistry conferences.  He realized that these discoveries are often shared within their discipline-specific community, but go unnoticed by the larger academic community.  He thought it would be a great idea to share that work with the rest of Anderson University.  He also realized that he did not know what other departments do. Wallace approached Dr. Marie Morris, vice president for academic affairs and dean, about hosting the event at the end of the school year.  He then formed a committee to bring the idea to life.  That committee contacted department chairs to nominate or ask students to participate in Scholars’ Day.

Each participant put together an abstract about what they worked on for the academic year or their college careers. The physical plant, Wallace, and retired professor Dale Bales collectively constructed the presentation boards for the students. The abstracts were then put together in a program so viewers could locate each student’s work the day of the event. Visitors to the event were welcome to engage the students and ask questions about their research.

Senior history and political science major, Courtney Bettner, tied in her love of research with her other passion of French history and culture. Bettner studied “Africa’s Triple Heritage and West African Francophone Literature” for her class with modern foreign language French Professor Sally Shulmistras. Though many students, faculty and staff passing Bettner’s projects did not speak French, the opportunity behind Scholars’ Day is to help make others on campus aware of each major’s unique differences.

“Scholars’ day is very interdisciplinary,” added Bettner. “This event creates an interesting atmosphere since so many majors are represented and helps each major explain what they have been working towards for their degree.”

Another project presented from senior psychology student Kristin Bradley was titled “Parenting Styles in Relation to Academic Performance and Academic Stress.” Bradley focused on these parenting styles and their effects on college age students. Bradley felt this experience with Professor Linda Swindell was meaningful and hopes AU develops Scholars’ Day to help represent more majors in the future.

Though many students worked on their projects for an assigned class, junior Melissa Carlson felt the independent studies she has taken separate from required classes in her chemistry major as invaluable. Carlson has completed one previous independent study in the fall and plans to research over the summer what she will focus on in the fall for her senior seminar.

For the spring semester, Wallace suggested to Carlson a study through an article from ECHO, a non-profit organization whose vision is “to bring glory to God and a blessing to mankind by using science and technology to help the poor.” Her project titled “Helping the World’s Poorest Farmers: HPLC Determination of L-Dopa in Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Beans)” involved research to expel a harmful chemical from the beans while leaving the nutritious protein behind in the bean.  Velvet beans could be an important crop for farmers to grow in third-world nations. This was Carlson’s first independent study without the help of other students and believes the opportunity to present was a “stepping stone” towards future studies.

“It is impressive to see how the undergraduate students not only working on independent studies and various research but how well they can help explain these studies in a way others can understand,” added Morris.

“The first AU Scholars’ Day was a huge success,” said Wallace. ”It was exciting to see the interactions of our presenters with their fellow classmates and professors. I am thankful for the hard work of the many individuals who helped make this event so successful.”

To receive more information about the event, visit the Anderson University Scholars’ Day event program. To view photos from the event, visit the 2010 Scholars’ Day Flickr album.

- Stefanie Leiter is the Web Content Manager in the Office of University Communcations at Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

The purpose of AU-EA is a three-fold. A major goal is to raise money for the selected AU-EA project. This year, AU-EA has chosen to work with Wild Hope International in Tanzania. Francis will travel in June to Wild Hope International, which is currently focused on responding to issues of poverty, HIV/AIDS, poor education, lack of resources and spiritual hunger. The money raised will help fund Wild Hope’s programs. Secondly, AU-EA hopes to educate about and advocate for East Africa. This will be through various activities and opportunities on AU’s campus, as well as through Francis serving as a representative of AU on the Africa trip. Lastly, AU-EA wants to redefine beauty, which promotes true self-confidence and includes a lifestyle of service and compassion.

Each of the AU-EA event participants develops a proposal for an idea she feels strongly about. Francis hopes to create a missions project for soccer players called “Nyota Soccer Club.” The idea for her project came from Francis’ first mission’s trip, which was a soccer trip through YWAM (Youth with a Mission).

“I am so grateful for this experience and never imagined I’d actually win,” said Francis. “I am excited to actually see the project come about and see what other girls will do with theirs.”

- Melissa Powers is a senior from Indianapolis, Ind., majoring in communication arts and minoring in marketing. Powers is an associate with Fifth Street Communications writing on behalf of the AU Office of University Communications.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

CLICK HERE FOR A CAMPUS MAP AND DIRECTIONS TO AU.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2009, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the sixth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing, and theology.

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

Joshua Cook: Miles Design

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

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

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

Bryan Smith: Clarian Health

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

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

Josh Novak: Buchanan Counseling Center and Community Hospital

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

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

Todd Baden: OneAmerica

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

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

–David Hynds is a freelance writer for Anderson University

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But Caldwell’s speech offered a reassuring tone.

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Year

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

Junior Year

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

Sophomore Year

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

Freshman Year

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Walk. Chalk. Talk,” is Leech’s educational philosophy. “No gimmicks. I don’t jump on trendy bandwagons of pedagogy,” he explained. “Instead I try and make the content itself as alive and interesting as I can. … The media is not the message.”

Instructing in a university setting hasn’t always been Leech’s passion. “I always thought I hated school,” he said. “During my junior year of college, one of my friends overheard me say I hate it. He said to me, ‘No you don’t; you love it.’ I realized he was right. I decided that I love it so much that I wanted to remain a part of it.”

Since he came to AU in 1977, Leech has instructed on a variety of topics but focuses mainly on the subject of biological psychology. “Every year was memorable,” he said. “It was always a different group of students, and it is the students that sustain us in this.”

In addition to bio-psychology, he said that he also enjoys his History and Systems class. Leech admitted that history didn’t interest him much in his undergraduate study. “I didn’t understand the importance of it,” he said. However, his views have since changed. He says that history informs “why we think the way we think.”

Leech also served on the Faculty Development Committee from its early days. “I was on the ground floor for the committee,” he said. To expand the influence of the committee, Leech helped develop criteria for and write a grant proposal to the Lilly Endowment.

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,800 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 65 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.