VIEW A FLICKR SLIDE SHOW OF THE RENOVATIONS.

Tim Johnson, Director of Residence Life, said, “We are so pleased that the university has taken on the major commitment of upgrading and enhancing our residential facilities. By renovating our older halls we are not only providing a safer living environment, but we are bringing modern comforts, amenities, charm and larger living spaces to the older facilities.”

Renovations will include new heating, cooling and ventilation systems, plumbing and restroom upgrades, a new fire protection system, electrical and technology upgrades, renovated lobbies and finishes upgrades and new furniture.

“Basically, we are leaving the structure in place, and we are upgrading everything else,” said Joyce Jones-Myers, on-site project manager.

The renovations are expected to be finished before classes resume in the fall semester.

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

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

Britt was one of 33 selected participants from an applicant pool of over 250 other Indiana collegiate women. Finalists were chosen for their communication skills, poise, academic performance and community and volunteer involvement.

Britt explained why she decided to take part in the program, which helps promote the Indy 500 race. “I grew up five miles from the track. The race has always been a part of my life, and I’ve always been interested in the tradition of the 500.”

Britt is involved in several campus and community service activities. This past year, she was a resident assistant in Martin Hall. She is a fellow in the Center for Public Service, and has volunteered with After School Fun. Additionally, she has traveled to Honduras with Tri-S and Ghana with her church.

Through the program, Britt has taken part in various community outreach and service opportunities. She has read books to elementary school classes, helped with an opening day youth softball event, led tours of the track, helped with a mini-marathon and other events.

Britt is majoring in Biology and Teach Science major and minoring in Chemistry.

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

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

Thousands of people still hustled to find their seats in Ward Fieldhouse as the color guard presented the flags to begin the ceremony.

VIEW PHOTOS OF GRADUATION ON FLICKR

Friends and family members of all ages, dressed in all kinds of attire, sat among each other for the joyous day—to celebrate the graduation of the university’s class of 2008.

The ceremony hasn’t changed much over the years, said sisters Nicole Fischer, 26, and Kate Lintondo, 31.

The two women sat with their grandparents in the audience as their mother, Katrinna Fischer, 49, received her master’s degree in teaching.

Katrinna Fischer teaches at Eastside Elementary School in Anderson. Her family has sat through several commencement ceremonies at Anderson University as other family members have graduated: Nicole; Kate; Kate’s husband; and Katrinna.

“We just like education,” said Nicole, who is now in law school.

Katrinna Fischer earned her bachelor’s degree from Anderson University not too long before she started the graduate program. Next year, she’ll start at Ball State University to earn her doctorate.

“She’s excited,” Kate Lintondo said. “She’s looking forward to it.”

All of the graduates, and their teachers, seemed excited for the future.

Commencement speaker James T. Morris, who was given an honorary doctor of law degree, said he was told this group of students was the most prepared class for public service from the university.

“The world is eager for you to make your mark, to do what you can,” he said.

Morris, executive director for the United Nations World Food Programme, talked about Myanmar and the world’s efforts to help the country, which was recently hit with a disastrous cyclone. He also spoke about efforts to eradicate world hunger and help the children of the world.

“Spending time on a team of people, seeking a common cause for a common good, that is the most rewarding experience that a human being can have,” Morris said. “This is a Christian university. This is a university with global outreach. … The practical application of our faith, whether you’re Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist, brings us together in a common ground.”

Coming together is how the world will rid itself of hunger, Morris said.

“You never feel so good about yourself with someone else working for someone else,” he said. “Leadership and being an effective person is about seeing your calling in its biggest context.”

The joyous occasion ended as most do—some were laughing and some were crying, but all were ready to go on to another adventure.

—Jessica Kerman is a reporter for the Herald Bulletin in Anderson. Story republished with permission.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

The beagle-mix puppy was in high demand at Anderson University during “Rent-a-Puppy,” a fundraising event for social service organization Alacritas.

“It’s good publicity for us and the shelter,” said 20-year-old Samantha Smith, president of the group.

For $1, students could play and pet and cuddle with one of the six puppies out for rent.

“I’m part of Alacritas, so I was just coming to help out,” Jaime Kuhnle, 22, said as she lay on the grass while Baby slept on her chest. “It’s really creative idea to raise money for the club and also to raise awareness.”

Jessica Combs, 21, fundraising officer for Alacritas coordinated the effort with Terri Kelley from the shelter. Combs said she found the idea on Web sites for other colleges and approached Anderson Animal Care and Control about doing it.

“We wanted to raise money for Alacritas, but we’re getting something for the shelter, too,” she said. “There was no goal amount. We’re just attempting to raise whatever we could.”

Almost 100 students participated in the program, which started early because of a crowd ready to rent. From 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., students played in the “valley” on campus with the puppies.

“This was incredibly positive,” said Claudia Smith, a contracted employee with the city shelter.

“And it makes college students more aware of volunteer opportunities,” Kelley added.

A few people expressed interest in adopting the puppies — Derby, Foxy, Marvin, Rudy, Baby and Pumpkin. Some said they would be lining up Monday morning in front of the shelter to get to Baby first.

“The dogs are so happy,” Claudia Smith said. “It’ll be hard to take them back (to the shelter).”

—Jessica Kerman is a reporter for the Herald Bulletin in Anderson. Story republished with permission. Photos by John P. Cleary.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Eric Davis is a Computer Science major from Anderson, Ind. After graduation Eric will pursue a career with Interactive Intelligence, a software company located in Indianapolis that focuses on business communication.

Michelle Deal is a Nursing major from Fishers, Ind. Michelle plans to enjoy her summer by spending time backpacking and traveling to Egypt and the Grand Canyon. In the fall, she will begin a masters program at Vanderbilt University to become a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Alex Erwin is a Christian Ministries and Mathematics double major from Greenfield, Ind. Upon returning from his last Tri-S trip to Africa after graduation, Alex plans to pursue a career in a nonprofit organization with an emphasis on helping the poor and disenfranchised.

Aaron Kaczmarek is Bible and Religion and History double major from Glendale, Ariz. After graduation Aaron plans to participate in an Americorps program for a year. He will then pursue Masters degree in Theological Studies primarily focusing on the intersection of cultural theories and theology in the urban context.

Mark Price is a Biology and Chemistry double major from Massillon, Ohio. After graduation, Mark will attend either Ohio State University or Case Western Reserve Medical School to pursue a career in medicine. This summer, he will participate in a cross-country bicycle trip from Indiana to California to help raise money for the ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) association.

Melissa Miller is a Social Work major from Goshen, Ind. After graduation, she will attend the University of Oklahoma for their advanced standing Master’s program in Social Work
The ceremony also honored outstanding senior athletes, Gwen Kemple, Amanda Nagy, Sean Hudson and Denny Kimmel.

Gwen Kemple competed with the cross country and track team for four years. She won the 5,000 and finished second in the 10,000 in each of the last two HCAC Championships (2006-07). In 2006, she won the 5,000 at the HCAC Track Championships and qualified for the national meet in the 10,000. Kemple has been All-Conference, All-Regional and an All-American in cross country. She won the HCAC championships in cross country in 2004 and 2007. She has been an Academic All-American in both track and cross country and is on the Dean’s List at AU. She is an English major from Rushville, Ind.

Amanda Nagy competed with the track team for four years. She won the 100, 200, 400 relay and 1,600 relay at the 2007 HCAC Championships and was named HCAC Track MVP in 2006 after winning the 100, 200, 400 relay and 1,600 relay. In 2006, Nagy qualified for the national meet in the 100. She also won the 100 and 200 at the HCAC Championships in 2005. Nagy currently holds school records in the 55 (7.32), 100 (12.08) and 200 (25.28), 400 relay (49.53), 800 relay and 1,600 relay (4:05.10) team. She is an Athletic Training major from Wickliffe, Ohio.

Sean Hudson competed for four years with the cross country and track teams. He was All-HCAC and All-Regional in 2006 after finishing second at the HCAC Championships and 15th at the Great Lakes Regional. He was All-HCAC in cross country in 2005, finishing second at the HCAC Championships. Hudson qualified for the national meet in the 5,000 in track and is a two-time HCAC champion in the 1,500. He was HCAC Freshman of the Year, All-Regional (25th), Academic All-American and All-HCAC after finishing third at the HCAC cross country meet in 2005. Hudson is a History major from Shelbyville, Ind.

Denny Kimmel led the football team in rushing last year despite playing in only three games before using a medical redshirt. He holds the NCAA Div. III record for career receptions by a running back with 171 and was an All-American and the North Region Offensive Player of the Year in 2005 after rushing for a school-record 1,308 yards and 10 TDs. Kimmel set eight school records in 2005. In 2004, he was 2nd Team All-HCAC after rushing for 785 yards and an HCAC leading 13 TDs, and also caught 44 passes for 317 yards and a TD. Kimmel is a Criminal Justice major from Markleville, Ind.

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

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

Boltz is from Greentown, Indiana. She is majoring in Biology, with a Psychology minor. At AU, she is a member of Sigma Zeta, an honor society for science and math, and the Pre-Professional Health Club. Through Sigma Zeta, she is involved in planning and executing a science homeschooling program. After she graduates, Boltz plans to attend Indiana University Medical School this fall.

Price is double majoring in Biology, Chemistry. He is from Massillon, Ohio. Price is a member of track team, Sigma Zeta and Alpha Chi honors societies, Novus Dux and the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. After graduation Price plans to attend either Ohio State University or Case Western Medical School. Over the summer, he will go on a cross-country bicycle trip to California to raise money for the ALS Association, which works with people living with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

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

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

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

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

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

The event was attended by Betty Martin Church, granddaughter of hall’s namesake, Earl Martin; Joy Loyd, former resident and Martin’s niece; former Resident Directors Melissa Sprock, Erin Davis and Pam and Don Taylor; current RD Abby Long; and other current and former residents.

Memories were relived through a slide show, photo-collages, and a video created by resident Lauren Householder. Several former residents shared favorite memories and stories from their days living in Martin Hall. All testified to the longevity of the relationships built there.

Loyd told of her adventures in Martin, folding her roommate up in a couch, sleeping atop Warner Auditorium and making a midnight run to the Truck Stop. She paid tribute to Earl Martin who founded the hall and served as the dean of the School of Theology, commenting on how many lives he had touched through his service at Anderson College.

Pam Taylor served as RD with her husband Don from 1972 to 1976. Pam recounted stories of spontaneous Bible studies, taking care of girls who got sick in the middle of the night and the bonds of friendship and sisterhood which developed through the sharing of hard times. Don reminisced about the pranks that residents pulled on him during their time in Martin.

Junior Brooke Hynds was a resident in Martin her freshman year and an RA her sophomore year. Hynds shared the story of the bond she developed with three girls on her hall freshman year whom she still lives with. She said that her RA staff bonded early in the year, and those relationships are still strong today.

Martin Hall will be renovated in the summer of 2008. Renovations include opening up the lobby, installing new furniture and flooring, adding several rooms, upgrading the bathrooms and installing a new air conditioning and heating system.

The celebration attested to the endurance of the friendships, memories and stories that have been created over the past 50 years in Martin Hall.

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

CLICK HERE FOR A CAMPUS MAP AND DIRECTIONS TO AU.

AU will award James T. Morris with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree and Phyllis R. Naylor with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

Other events scheduled on Anderson University’s May 10 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. In addition, the hooding ceremony for the School of Education will also be conducted at 12 noon on May 10 (as well as the certification ceremony for the Teach in Indiana Program–TIP) in Schield dining room of the Olt Student Center.

Earlier events associated with commencement weekend include the School of Theology Senior Recognition and Awards Chapel on Tuesday, April 29, at 11 a.m. EDT in Miller Chapel. In addition, a special pinning ceremony for the Anderson University School of Nursing will be conducted on Friday, May 9 at 6 p.m. in Byrum Hall.

James T. Morris serves as Special Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and President for Pacers Sports and Entertainment. Before joining the Pacers, Morris spent five years as the Executive Director for the United Nations World Food Programme. As head of WFP, Morris oversaw the world’s largest food aid organization, with more than 12,000 staff members, 90 percent of whom work in the developing world.

In July 2002, Morris was appointed UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s Special Envoy for Humanitarian Needs in Southern Africa, a region which continues to be gripped by a major food emergency. In 2003, he successfully guided the World Food Programme in carrying out the largest humanitarian operation in history, feeding 27 million Iraqis.

After serving six years in city government in Indianapolis, Ind., Morris moved to the Lilly Endowment, Inc. in 1973. He served as president for six years until 1989. Morris then became chairman and chief executive officer of IWC Resources Corporation and Indianapolis Water Company.

While serving in these leadership roles and on several corporate boards, Morris has carved time out of this already busy schedule for volunteer activities. He was affiliated with the United States Olympic Committee as treasurer and as chairman of the audit and ethics committee, was a member of the Board of Governors of the American Red Cross, and was chairman of the Board of Trustees of Indiana University. He has contributed time and guidance to many civic and community organizations.

Phyllis R. Naylor, author of the 1992 Newbery Medal winner Shiloh, was born in Anderson, Ind. She wrote her first book in kindergarten and sold her first story at age 16 for $4.67. Before she started writing full-time in 1960, Naylor worked as a teacher and editor. Since she sold her first children’s book in 1965, she has written 136 books for children and adults.

Shiloh is the story of an 11-year-old Marty Preston who chances upon a mistreated beagle pup in his hometown of Friendly, West Virginia. Marty is not prepared for the ethical questions he has to face. Should he return the dog to its owner, only to have the animal abused again? Should he tell his parents? Should he steal food to help the poor creature? Marty’s efforts to cope with these questions provides the moral backbone for this story, which is presented in a language and manner that will be understood by third- and fourth-grade readers.

Kimberly Majeski grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and graduated from college with a degree in Political Science. After serving on the staff of a United States Congressman and two state representatives including the Speaker of the House and the Majority Floor Leader, Majeski received a call from God to preach. She immediately began preparing and studying for what has now become her life’s work.

Majeski served on the pastoral staff of the Trinity First Church of God in Nashville, Tennessee and also served as the Director of Education for the Cumberland Crisis Pregnancy Center where she enjoyed an extensive speaking ministry taking the message of truth and purity to many churches, women’s events and to over 13,000 young people in the public school system.

Majeski was ordained in 2000 and earned her Master of Divinity in 2003 from Anderson University School of Theology while serving as a Ministry Coordinator in the national offices of Women of the Church of God. During her career, she has served as a conference speaker, women’s retreat leader, Bible teacher, and pastor, She is married to Kevin Majeski and the two now live in Anderson, Indiana where Kimberly is the campus pastor of Anderson University.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

Royte looks at recycling, E-waste and the zero waste movement from all sides, and discusses the practical ways in which we can achieve positive change by limiting our waste footprints.

In Garbage Land, Royte leads readers on the wild adventure that begins once our trash hits the bottom of the can. Royte takes readers on a bizarre cultural tour through slime, stench, and heat—in other words, through the back end of our ever-more supersized lifestyles. By showing what really happens to the things people have “disposed of”, Royte reminds readers that decisions about consumption and waste have a very real impact—and that unless we undertake radical change, garbage will always be with us, in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we consume.

Elizabeth Royte has written for The New York Times Magazine, Harper’s, National Geographic, The New York Times Book Review, the New Yorker, Outside, Smithsonian,and other national magazines. Her work is included in The Best American Science Writing 2004 (Ecco/HarperCollins), the environmental omnibus Naked(FourWallsEightWindows), and Outside Magazine’s Why Moths Hate Thomas Edison (W.W. Norton & Company). A former Alicia Patterson Foundation fellow, Royte is the author of The Tapir’s Morning Bath: Solving the Mysteries of the Tropical Rain Forest, a New York Times Notable Book of the Year for 2001.

The PACT Program was established in 1997 through the vision of Maurice and Dondeena Caldwell. The program seeks to encourage the inclusion of the concerns of peace and conflict transformation into the existing curriculum and campus life. The program also offers a Peace and Conflict Transformation minor.

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

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.

The forum on April 8 will include a showing of the film Dying to Live at 5:30 p.m. The following Tuesday, on April 15 at 7:30, the forum will host a panel of three experts in Indiana immigration: Angela D. Adams, Dr. John Clark and Father Daniel Groody.

Both events are free, and open to the public.

“This forum intends to draw attention to and educate the public about an important and controversial issue of our time: immigration,” said Dr. Jacoba Koene, chair of the Department of Modern Foreign Languages.

Produced by the Center for Latino Spirituality and Culture at Notre Dame University, Dying to Live has received honors from the New Way Media Film Festival, World Huger Year, and the Australian International Film Festival.

“The film is produced by Father Daniel Groody of Notre Dame University, and he is also our featured speaker on the aspect of theology and immigration,” said Koene.

The film takes a profound look at the human face of the immigrant. It explores who these people are, why they leave their homes and what they face in their journey. Drawing on the insights of Pulitzer Prize winning photographers, theologians, church and congressional leaders, activists, musicians and the immigrants themselves, this film exposes the places of conflict, pain and hope along the US-Mexico border. It is a reflection on the human struggle for a more dignified life and the search to find God in the midst of that struggle.

Koene said, “The panel of speakers will address the topic from three different perspectives: the legal aspects of immigration, the economic impact of immigration on Indiana, and a theological perspective on immigration. Each of the speakers is an expert in his or her area.”

Angela D. Adams is an Associate in the Immigration group of Lewis & Kappes in Indianapolis. In her practice, she assists clients in the acquisition of family and employment based visas to enter the United States and in the resolution of general immigration issues. She is also appointed to the Indianapolis Mayor’s Commission on Latino Affairs. She will be sharing a legal perspective on immigration.

Dr. John Clark is a Senior Fellow at Sagamore Institute, where his research includes international security and the immigration of skilled workers into the United States. He is also an adjunct professor at IUPUI, teaches courses for Butler University and the FBI’s Midwest Counter terrorism Task force, and has written many articles discussing immigration’s impact on Indiana. He will be sharing an economic perspective on immigration.

Father Daniel Groody is Assistant Professor of Theology and Associate Director of the Institute for Latino Studies at Notre Dame University. He is also an accomplished author and the producer of Dying to Live. He will be sharing a theological perspective on migration.

Anderson University is a private Christian university of 2,700 undergraduate and graduate students in central Indiana. Anderson continues to be recognized as a top Christian college: in 2008, U.S. News and World Report ranked Anderson University among the best colleges and universities in the Midwest for the fourth consecutive year. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, Anderson University offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, education, music, nursing and theology.