Signatures
ANDERSON UNIVERSITY NAMED 2024-25 COLLEGE OF DISTINCTION
Anderson University is proud to announce its recognition as a 2024-2025 College of Distinction, a prestigious honor that highlights its unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional undergraduate education. The award reflects AU’s dedication to fostering hands-on learning, strong student-faculty relationships, an active campus community, and stellar student outcomes.
THE END OF AN ERA
Honoring President John Pistole's 10 years of service to Anderson University.
HARD WORK WINS
LAUNCH INTO THE DEEP
One student's inspiring story of overcoming adversity and pursuing education at Anderson University.
By Caitlynn Walters
Carter Collins and the AU men’s basketball team have found success through hard work and a willingness to stick together.
By Zach Wadley
A biblical story of faith inspires AU’s ambitious $25 million three-year campaign, which aims to prepare students enrolling at AU in 2040. By
Jacey Crawford Williams
EMMANUEL GARANG
VOLUME 102 ISSUE 1
EDITOR
Erin Burkett ’20
DESIGNER
Jeffrey Jackson ’12
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
President John Pistole JD, BA ’78
Brent Baker PhD, BA ’85
Erin Burkett ’20
Mason Fridley ’23
Mischon Hart ’07
Stefanie K. Leiter PhD, BA ’05
Cara Miller PhD, BA ’03
Trent Palmer MA, BA ’06
Nic Don Stanton-Roark MA ’13
Tammy Tilley MS, BA ’85
Natalie Wadley ’14
Zach Wadley MS, BA ’14
Caitlynn Walters
Jacey Crawford Williams ’21
PHOTOGRAPHERS
George Abiad ’89
Erinn Bridgman
Connor Carr ’23
Sky Cramer ’23
Kira Dashewich ’26
Ella Frantz ’26
Madison Fridley ’27
Maria Gifford
Hannah Lockhart ’14
Nouhad Elie Melki II ’21
Dale Pickett
DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
Trent Palmer MS, BA ’06
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATION
Zach Wadley MS, BA ’14
VICE PRESIDENT FOR MARKETING & COMMUNICATION
Mischon Hart ’07
Signatures is the official institutional periodical of Anderson University. Editorial offices are located in Hardacre Hall on the AU campus. Address any correspondence to Anderson University, ATTN: Signatures Magazine, 1100 E. 5th St., Anderson, IN 46012. Signatures and the Anderson University logo are registered trademarks of Anderson University.
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
RAVENS
ON THE MOVE
Greetings!
It is an exciting time at AU as we begin the 2024-2025 academic year! This summer, we hosted a variety of youth camps, including soccer, basketball, music, and Christian leadership. We hope these camp participants will consider becoming a future Raven one day!
Our commitment to global engagement has been a highlight this summer. In July, Dr. Stefanie Leiter and Dr. Larry Linamen led a Serve, Study, Share (Tri-S) trip to China, marking the restart of this key program post-COVID. In June, Dr. Linamen and I had the privilege of visiting Hyderabad, India, to engage with international schools sending students to AU this fall to study business and cybersecurity.
Our fall enrollment and retention numbers are on an upward trend, reflecting the hard work and dedication of our admissions, financial aid, marketing, and business office teams. Their efforts, combined with the recruitment of student-athletes by our athletic coaches, have significantly contributed to this positive outcome. The academic support team has also played a crucial role by providing tailored assistance to ensure student success. Student-athletes not only enhance their teams but also the university, making up more than 50 percent of our student body.
This fall, we will announce a new capital fundraising campaign to address several opportunities, including new and improved stadium seating, restrooms, and concessions for our football, lacrosse, and track and field teams. Dr. Brent Baker, our vice president for advancement, has spearheaded outreach to alumni of these sports alongside our generous board of trustees.
I hope you enjoy this magazine full of stories of Ravens on the move. Each year of my presidency, I’ve been thankful to receive stories of what Ravens are doing both on campus and across the globe to make an impact, lead with purpose in their communities, serve others, and follow the call of Christ in their lives. There is no limit to the good work of our extraordinary students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and friends.
I hope you are doing well, finding joy in your journey, and considering ways to invest in the future of AU and the next generation of Ravens.
Blessings,
MEET THE INCOMING UNDERGRADUATE CLASS
STUDENTS FROM INDIANA
STUDENTS FROM OUTSIDE INDIANA
INCOMING FRESHMEN & TRANSFER STUDENTS
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
CAMPUS NEWS
ANDERSON UNIVERSITY INTRODUCES ONLINE CYBERSECURITY DEGREE
Anderson University launched an online cybersecurity degree program that began in fall 2024. Students will receive a solid foundation of cybersecurity knowledge and benefit from the flexibility of an online program. In addition, they will learn the skills needed to analyze, interpret, defend, and protect from cybersecurity threats. Students also are exposed to the role of policy development and regulatory frameworks, which play a key role in informing and shaping cybersecurity strategy.
AU’S COLLEGE MENTORS FOR KIDS PROGRAM EARNS CHAPTER-OF-THE-YEAR AWARD
The Anderson University College Mentors for Kids program has been recognized nationally. It earned the organization’s 2023-2024 Chapter-of-the-Year Award for small schools, a testament to the dedication and impact of our students and faculty. In addition, chapter president Trey Whitted from Alexandria, Indiana, received the Chapter-Leader-of-the-Year award for all College Mentors for Kids chapters serving less than 40 students across the country. This recognition is a source of pride and inspiration for our entire community.
ANNE WILSON COMING TO SOLD OUT REARDON AUDITORIUM OCT. 19
Anderson University is thrilled to announce Anne Wilson's sold-out concert at Reardon Auditorium on Oct. 19. The event, part of her REBEL tour with special guest Jordan Rowe, will be a night of unforgettable music and entertainment. Guests have the opportunity to hear new songs from her recently released album “REBEL”, including the hits “Strong” and “Rain in the Rearview” as well as favorites like “Hey Girl,” “Sunday Sermons,” and of course, her smash hit multiweek #1 anthem “My Jesus.”
ANDERSON UNIVERSITY AWARDED ICI BELONGING GRANT
Anderson University was recently awarded the Independent Colleges of Indiana Belonging Grant worth $1,000. AU plans to use the grant to fund two college campus community conversation sessions focused on fostering a sense of belonging among faculty, staff, and students. The sessions aim to create a supportive environment where participants can engage in meaningful dialogue about diversity, inclusion, and belonging, ultimately strengthening campus community ties.
AU ENGINEERING BOASTS 90% PASSAGE RATE ON FUNDAMENTALS OF ENGINEERING EXAM
The Anderson University engineering program class of 2024 posted the highest first-time passage rate on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam in program history with 90 percent of all engineering students passing. The exam is the first step in becoming a licensed professional engineer. It serves as an external validation of program strength. The average first-time passing rate across all disciplines on the exam is 71 percent.
RICKER FAMILY DONATES
$2.5 MILLION TO ANDERSON UNIVERSITY
Anderson University was blessed to receive a $2.5 million gift from Jay and Nancy Ricker in April. The donation will be used for expanding student scholarships, AU’s cybersecurity program, and other initiatives stemming from the university’s new strategic plan.
Read all of our campus news here.
10:07 10:06 10:05 10:08 10:09
RECALLING TRADITION
THE STORY OF HOW 10:07 BEGAN
Every Tuesday at 10:07 p.m., Anderson University students gather in the Fair Commons Apartments lobby to sing, worship, and praise Jesus. 10:07 has no programming and no professional AU staff managing the function. These students come together as a community of Christians, committing themselves to an hour of undivided attention to each other and their savior. This expression of Christian kinship is not only beautiful but a wonderful example of what healthy Christian fellowship looks like.
The AU tradition of 10:07 began more than 20 years ago with a group of students who wanted to bring a time of uninterrupted worship to campus. However, 10:07 didn’t begin as an on-campus worship event. The program actually spurred from a Sunday night service hosted at Park Place Church of God. Park Place had begun a young adults ministry called Open Door, which was made up of mostly AU students, and the goal was to provide a place for college students to get off campus, eat a meal, and hear some good news.
In 2000, a group of students who attended Open Door decided they wanted a more “unplugged”
experience. So this group created an acoustic worship set in the Dunn Hall lobby on Tuesday nights and began worshiping at 10:07.
10:07 was an instant hit. “We started out the first night with 30 or 40 people, and then the next week it was 50 or 60. In about three months, we were squeezing 110 people into the lobby, and we had to move to a bigger space,” shared Collin Moneymaker ’02, one of the original 10:07 band members.
Moneymaker also shared why he felt 10:07 was beneficial on campus. “Prayer and worship were a big focus of people’s lives, and having a time in the middle of the week to step away from classwork, sports, and other activities was really nice for a lot of people. It gave people time to refocus and re-engage,” he said.
Plenty can change in 20 years, but the heart of 10:07 remains. The quiet time and space to connect with the AU Christian community is paramount, and 10:07 has been a tool that helps cultivate that community. Thanks to Moneymaker and the rest of the original team, AU has a great tradition that has helped thousands of students connect and engage with God during the school year in a way that is beautiful and unique.
By Mason Fridley ’23
HARNESSING ENERGY and ADVANCING EDUCATION
Nearly 2,900 miles south of Anderson University sits a town called Misahaulli, Ecuador. The small town is nestled between Rio Napo and the Rio Misahualli, two major rivers, and is an access point to the mighty Amazon jungle— the largest rainforest on Earth.
It is there where Anderson University engineering students and faculty traveled in March 2024 on a Tri-S (Serve, Study, Share) trip to be the hands and feet of Jesus. At Antioch Christian Academy, Ecuadorian children have the opportunity to receive a quality education—something that is not accessible to many in the jungle. The school is a part of Jungle Kids for Christ, an organization that aims to empower children of the jungle so that they
can break the cycle of poverty and abuse and share that message of transformation with their family, community, country, and world.
The school is a necessity but was experiencing intermittent water outages that caused classes to be canceled for several days at a time multiple times a year. The 12 AU students and two faculty members traveled to ACA to develop a backup water supply system to fix the ongoing problem.
While on the campus, students collected information to assess four alternative backup water supply systems, including a new cistern, a well, a rainwater collection system, and a dam of a natural spring. Students also assessed options to provide a backup power supply to the water system.
Students met with local ministry leaders and an engineer to clarify decision-making criteria and identify appropriate and available technology for the school’s context. In addition, they completed a topographical survey of the site, including important information about piping and electrical systems on site.
“I think that opportunities such as the Ecuador trip are invaluable as an engineering student,” said John Buyer, a sophomore electrical engineering and humanitarian engineering double major. “This trip gave me insights into real-world client projects that challenged me to think critically and also grow holistically in cultural awareness. It also helped my communication and engineering skills.”
The work completed on site allowed students to prepare a preliminary design document with detailed information about system alternatives. From this preliminary design, the local ministry partners chose an alternative (the new cistern) the week after AU students and faculty arrived home, and students finished the plans and specs in May.
“Out of this project, not only do I have the ability to speak about a large project on my resume and in future job interviews, but I also got to network with the missionaries and open up the possibility of interning at JKC, running a summer STEM program to teach students about engineering,” said Buyer.
By Zach Wadley ’14
A
Beacon of Light in HEALTHCARE
Nursing students at Anderson University participate in an intercultural experience to broaden their understanding of healthcare around the world. Across the pond in Ireland this past spring, a group of senior nursing students were able to do just that while serving at Tiglin, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping individuals overcome addiction, homelessness, and other challenges.
Located in Dublin, Ireland, the nonprofit offers a wide variety of social services, including men’s and women’s rehabilitation centers, long-term transitional housing support, crisis homeless services, a social enterprise cafe, life skills training, and continuing education opportunities. The organization seeks to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those experiencing addiction and homelessness with the mission of helping people become “psychologically well, socially adjusted, physically healthy, and spiritually alive.”
The team of 13 students and two faculty served hundreds of hot meals to homeless men and women while at Tiglin at the Lighthouse, the organization’s homeless cafe that provides meals, groceries, clothing, and other supplies. Students also spent time at the men’s and women’s rehab centers, where they participated in worship and testimony sessions and put their clinical skills into action through wellness screenings and health education.
“As we were sharing health information and education, one of the residents asked very specific questions about tests they were having done.
One of our students stepped out in faith and asked if they would like prayer for that situation,” said Dama O’Keefe, dean of the College of Nursing, Kinesiology, and Public Health. “The resident was very touched by that kindness, and it served as a pivotal moment for our students and the residents in building connection and trust.”
Many of the residents have not prioritized regular health checks due to homelessness, drug addictions, or other factors. While Tiglin strives to promote a healthy lifestyle and physical wellness for its residents, it still lacks a full-time nurse or physician.
For the health education sessions, nursing students prepared short presentations on specific topics to help residents better understand illnesses and conditions and how they might care for themselves if faced with that health concern. After their presentations, students provided wellness exams for residents that included taking vitals, listening to the heart and lungs, and providing recommendations for age-appropriate screenings and care they can consider.
“Having had these students as sophomores, it was incredibly impactful to see the culmination of their education in action on this trip as they educated the residents and provided screenings,” shared O’Keefe.
“An even greater blessing to witness was the spiritual growth from these students within such a short time. To see them step out in faith and connect with residents, lead devotions, and pray over them was remarkable.”
By Natalie Wadley ’14
STUDENT PROFILE
EMMANUEL GARANG
FINDING PEACE: A STUDENT’S UNIQUE JOURNEY OF FAITH AND RESILIENCE
When you meet Emmanuel Garang, a junior computer science major, you will immediately be greeted by his enchanting smile and powerful sense of positivity. Underneath that and his ability to uplift those around him, is a powerful, strongwilled young man who trusted God’s journey for him.
Born in South Sudan, Garang reflects on his time in East Africa as being “so hostile.” He says, “Everyone does physical abuse, and if you don’t do that, you will not survive.” This mentality made Garang a naturally defensive person, ready to fight at a moment's notice.
Garang did seek comfort and fun in playing with the kids in his village. With the daily income per person being $1, kids like Garang didn’t have an abundance of toys to play with. Games like hide-and-seek, wrestling, and tag filled his childhood days.
At just four years old, Garang was wrestling with another child when he suddenly broke his arm. Getting hurt in harmless play is a typical story for young boys, but the steps taken afterwards were life-changing for Garang. At the time, both of his parents were away from home; his father was serving in the military and his mother was in another village for several days. An uncle was the only adult figure with him, and in Garang ’s words, he “wasn’t very good at taking care of others and didn’t really know what to do.”
He ended up taking Garang to one of their neighbors (who was also a friend of his father) for help to see if they could reset the arm. After several failed attempts at urging the uncle to seek medical attention, the neighbor ended up tying Garang ’s broken arm with bamboo and bandages. After seven days and the spread of a severe
infection, all circulation to his arm had been cut off and his arm was dead.
When his mother got home, she sought medical attention, driving an hour to the nearest doctor she knew, where it ultimately was deemed best for Garang to have his arm amputated.
Garang rose to the occasion and adopted new ways of playing with friends, getting dressed, and doing things for himself. He even discovered what would be a lifelong passion in the game of soccer.
As time went on, Garang wanted the opportunity to learn and live in the United States. He applied to be an exchange student and was placed with a host family in Kokomo, Indiana. It was through this family that he learned about Anderson University. Attending a higher education institution was always a dream of Garang ’s. He recalls his father saying, “School is the way to get out of poverty.”
Being immersed within the rich, Christian environment at AU allowed Garang to truly lean into his faith. While he grew up in a home based on Christian teachings and values, he didn’t consider himself a “true” Christian. “My family would preach about God, but they would also preach about violence,” he says.
Garang accepted God as his savior, which in turn, gave him peace. He shares, “God is a God of peace. God has allowed me to see everyone as a human being. He allowed me to have empathy.” It has been a hard-won fight for Garang to learn to understand others and their feelings and to overcome his survival instincts. However, through God's power, Garang has been blessed with the gift of peace, and now the rest of the world can also benefit from this gift.
By Caitlynn Walters
HARD WORK WINS
MAKING HISTORY WITH CONTINUITY
It’s August 2022, and Carter Collins is standing before a shell-shocked Anderson University men’s basketball team at the annual preseason meeting the night before a new academic year begins at AU.
Hours before, Collins was the surprised one as former head coach Owen Handy told him he was departing the program and that Collins would be named the interim head coach. After Handy informed the team at the meeting, Collins stepped up in his first head coach moment—one he didn’t expect so soon.
“I had zero idea that was coming,” Collins said. “Immediately my mind started racing and I know [Handy] said some other things, but I can’t remember them 100 percent.”
Carter Collins Head Coach
The meeting, normally reserved for introductions and general business such as university and program rules, was that, plus a time for players to ask questions about the direction of the program and what Collins intended to change.
“We were all shocked,” said forward Tate Ivanyo, who was entering his sophomore season at the time. “Handy told us that he had faith in Coach Collins, and that he would take good care of the program and lead us to success.”
It’s March 2024 and those questions have been emphatically answered with success the program hasn’t seen since Eisenhower was in office. The direction: new heights. The change: a larger trophy case needed. In Collins’s office sit four trophies from the past two seasons—two each for the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles.
The Ravens, who had only won one regular season conference title since joining the HCAC in 1988,
have now entered the most successful run in program history since the 1950s, and they’ve done it with continuity and unselfishness.
When asked to define the culture of the program, Collins doesn’t label it. He simply believes, and repeatedly tells his team, to “get better every day,” whether it be on the court, in the classroom, or as a person.
Coming off of a successful 2022-23 campaign, AU was slated to return every key player, but that’s not always how things work out in today’s game as players seek more playing time and perceive better opportunities elsewhere.
However, it did work out that way for Collins and AU, and the Ravens were set to be favorites rather than a surprise story. The transition from hunter to hunted can be daunting, along with the challenge of maintaining egos that come from success.
“There aren’t many egos going around [in the locker room],” said Ivanyo. “Coach talked to us a lot about egos coming off a championship season.
Tate Ivanyo #12, Forward
Sometimes guys can feel like they’re on a platform now that they’ve done something, but we haven’t really experienced any of that. This is one of the few teams I’ve ever been on where everyone gets along and cares for each other. Of course, we all want individual success, but that is not the priority. Ultimately, we want team success.”
Kenney Troutman’s introduction to AU basketball was that August 2022 meeting when he found out that Collins would be his coach instead of Handy. The freshman played limited minutes as the Ravens made their run, and while he enjoyed the ride, he wanted to see an increased role in 2023-24.
A hard worker his whole life, Troutman would wake up early every morning to get shots up with his father, whom he affectionately calls “Pops.” Thirteen degrees and dark outside at 6 a.m.? Pops would position his car just right so the headlights would shine on the family’s basketball hoop in the driveway.
Collins told Troutman he would need to work to improve in the offseason to break into the rotation, which was returning everyone from the year before. So why did he return knowing the task that was ahead of him?
“I did a lot of maturing over the summer [of 2023] and I knew what kind of team we had coming back,” said Troutman.
“Kenney hardly played his freshman season, but he was a big energy guy,” said Ivanyo. “Coming into his sophomore year he had made tremendous improvements across the board to his game. He was a great locker room guy, great leader, and he’s a great example of the growth that we’ve seen in guys in our program.”
Troutman’s unselfishness and realization that he was a part of something bigger than himself are qualities Collins has been able to find in each player on his roster. It’s led to happy times on the hardwood.
It’s May 2024, and Collins is in his office as the quietness of the summer has settled upon AU’s campus. There are still a few recruiting holes to fill for the 2024-25 campaign, and his phone buzzes every now and then during the interview for this story. What’s his secret sauce? Why are players willing to stay? What is his recruiting pitch?
“Coach told me I had to put in the work over the summer, and that’s what I did. I knew this was a great group of guys and that if I stayed put, my time would come.”
His time did eventually come as he broke into the rotation during the 202324 season, and it culminated with him drilling five 3-pointers in the HCAC Tournament championship victory over Hanover.
“You’re seeing transfers out of every program in college basketball,” Collins said. “We’ve been immune to that over the last five years at AU. This shows that we’re upfront about who we are as a program and university in the recruiting process. People who go through the recruiting process and come here generally leave pretty happy. We’d love to keep it that way.”
August 2022 isn’t all that far off in the rearview mirror, but the shock is gone. Collins is here to stay. So is his team.
By Zach Wadley ’14
Kenney Troutman #3, Guard
AU THAT SERVES
MEGAN LONG'S RECORD-BREAKING SEASON
The Anderson University Ravens have a long legacy of success on the tennis court. The program has seen decades of seasons filled with championship wins and historic moments, and this past season was no exception.
Scott Greve, head coach of the tennis team, has brought new energy to Anderson’s tennis players in his first year of appointment, reinvigorating their love for the sport and offering new ideas and inspiration.
“The theme for this past season was sacrifice,” Greve shared. “That goes for on and off the court.” The team's efforts were guided by Romans 5:5, which reads, “This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Greve shared, “We have to understand the ‘why’ behind the team. It’s so much bigger than tennis.”
Megan Long ’24 sacrificed for her own and her team's success all four years she competed as a Raven.
From a tumultuous start during COVID-19 to leadership changes, Long sings the praises of her familyoriented team. “There was always someone to lean on,” she shared. “It was super special and helpful throughout my time at Anderson. The camaraderie on the team is unmatched.”
The highlight of Long’s career was certainly this past year, her final season as a Raven. Over fall break she and her father looked into some of the school records and discovered she was not far from achieving and surpassing a handful of them herself. “I kind of forgot about it until it happened,” Long explained. “I was just focused on trying to win for my team.”
The first school record Long broke, for overall career wins, was at a tournament in Florida surrounded by her family and her teammates, who waved banners in celebration of her accomplishments. The second record, also broken in the Sunshine State, was for doubles match wins. “Ella Frantz, my doubles partner, turned to me when we won and said, ‘Oh my gosh! We did it!’ She’s a great hype woman.”
The final school record Long won for herself was for all-time singles match victories. “It was a very mentally tough match,” Long explained, recalling the cold, windy conference match that led into the conference tournament. With each match described, Long sings the praises of her opponents’ playing and sportsmanship.
“Growth and friendships are my biggest takeaways from my time at Anderson and on the team,” Long said. “We worked to be mentally strong and overcome adversity. I carry those things with me in my daily life.”
Long, now a middle and high school social studies teacher, has been invited to return as an assistant coach for the lady Ravens tennis team. The legacy of AU’s tennis team continues as more athletic successes are celebrated. Even more, the familial support of the team will remain strong. “It’s easy to succeed when you have such great people pushing you to be your best every day,” Long explained. “I wouldn’t trade my time with the team for the world.”
By Erin Burkett ’20
The end of an era: THE FIFTH PRESIDENT of ANDERSON UNIVERSITY
As President John S. Pistole embarks on his tenth and final year at Anderson University, we reflect on his decade of leadership as the university’s fifth president. Two points that rise up most prominently from his tenure come from his character—his dedication to following the example of Jesus and being a public servant.
A PRESIDENCY ROOTED IN FAITH
From the consistency and frequency of Pistole's references to his faith, it is obvious to nearly anyone interacting with him that his relationship with Jesus is active, impactful, and life-giving. It is clear that he has his priorities in order. His humility and quiet optimism have made him approachable and encouraging to many during his decade of ministry within the university community.
Pistole's presidency has been a walk of faith, guiding the university through valleys and mountaintops. He has led AU through a time where the headwinds of leading a small Christian college are strong, and external pressures have required deep wells of integrity and resilience from its leaders to sustain the mission. In his faith statement submitted to the presidential search committee ten years ago, Pistole shared, “I see my work in public service for more than 30 years as ‘ministry in daily life,’ where I have been called to be the hands and feet of Christ to all I meet, knowing I may be the only Christ they may meet.”
CHAMPIONING STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
Students hold a special place in Pistole's heart, and in response, they have affectionately nicknamed President John Pistole as “PJP.” He is more than a figurehead; senior double major in cyber and national security Jaden Soller shares, “PJP intentionally develops meaningful relationships with students by supporting them at activities, such as plays and sporting events. He even will occasionally present as a guest lecturer in classes!” Pistole and his wife, Kathy Harp, regularly open their on-campus residence to countless students, providing a space for them to gather, enjoy a home-cooked meal, discuss their calling, or seek encouragement during their formative college years.
During his presidency, his administration welcomed 5,391 new students to Anderson University. His active presence among students marks his presidency and demonstrates his priority to connect with students, showing a deep commitment to their development and success.
“His passion for students and his warm demeanor have made him a favorite on campus. The university and community are indebted to him for the way he has served selflessly and wholeheartedly.”
–Rev. Dr. Doug Talley, chair of the board of trustees
DEVELOPING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Grant funding is crucial in enhancing a university's capabilities and resources. External funding is a catalyst for growing and strengthening a university’s academics, student programming, employee development, community engagement, and more. Simply stated, grants resource the mission in new ways that might not otherwise be possible. During Pistole’s presidency, Anderson University has received more than $7 million in grants to fund projects of all sizes.
These funds have fueled big ideas at AU, such as building student programming and retention initiatives, creating a pipeline of cybersecurity professionals for workforce needs in Indiana and beyond, and enhancing research-based literacy instruction in K-12 public schools through training our future teachers.
DRIVING PHILANTHROPIC SUCCESS
Pistole’s ability to inspire philanthropy has been a hallmark of his presidency. During his tenure, he secured more than $62 million in donations from alumni, donors, and friends of the university. These precious gifts have funded scholarships, infrastructure, renovation projects, academic innovation, and more.
A generous $2 million unrestricted gift in 2016 from Eric and Sally Blom, the granddaughter of first AU President John Morrison, set the tone for significant future gifts. The “Called to Soar” focused fundraising initiative from 2020-2022 raised $23 million, exceeding its goal of $20 million. Generous gifts from Jay and Nancy Ricker, totaling more than $4.6 million, have also impacted AU, with $1 million provided in 2021 for renovations to Dunn Hall and $2.5 million given in 2024 to resource an initiative the current strategic plan called the Launch 2040.
ADVANCING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
One of Pistole’s most significant contributions has been his relentless pursuit of academic excellence. Under his leadership, Anderson University added 17 new undergraduate majors, a robust set of certificate offerings, a biblical studies certificate fully in Spanish, and a master’s degree in organizational leadership. His presidency has overseen the creation of the Center for Security Studies & Cyber Defense (CSSCD) and the Center for Compelling Preaching. Dr. Courtney Taylor, provost, remarked, “President Pistole has led AU with a deep belief in the transformative power of Christ-centered education. His dedication to the pursuit of excellence— professionally and personally—has served as an inspiration for our academic community.”
Pistole championed the development of cybersecurity programs and growth of engineering programs. He galvanized a vision to create a channel of graduates into the workforce with practical knowledge, technical skills, and professional ethics from a Christian faith perspective. These graduates
serve on the front lines of the cyberscape, defending businesses, not-for-profits, churches, and government entities from threats. Pistole has used his professional network from his former days as the deputy director of the FBI and administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to bring in world-renowned security professionals from various federal agencies and the private sector to engage our students.
Distinguished security and public service professionals have included individuals such as two former attorneys general and two former U.S. senators, plus a former director of the CIA, former director of the FBI, two former directors of National Intelligence, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), former director of the National Counterterrorism Center, former administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), former undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence, former general counsel of the National Security Agency (NSA), and others. Pistole’s vision, presidency, and acumen have positioned the university as a cybersecurity education leader for many years to come.
INFLUENCE BEYOND CAMPUS
During his presidency, Pistole engaged in national and state-level conversations across higher education and other key organizations by participating on the board of trustees for the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, Independent Colleges of Indiana, Ascension St. Vincent Anderson Hospital, and Madison County Community Foundation. Pistole also serves as a member of the Homeland Security Experts Group and the National Intelligence University Board of Visitors. He regularly responded to media requests for commentary on security issues through major networks such as CNN, FOX, MSNBC, and NBC. Pistole has also served on two occasions on the Ministries Council of the Church of God, which is its governing board, and participated in the annual summer gathering of the National Association of the Church of God at Zion’s Hill, Pennsylvania, along with the bi-annual gathering of the International Youth Convention and many of the regional Church of God bi-annual meetings.
Pistole and his wife, Kathy, have a heart for Anderson, and it shows that they have been “all in” where God has planted them this last decade. They are active members of their congregation at Park Place Church of God. Kathy volunteers year-round at the Park Place Community Center Food Pantry to distribute meals to families in need. Her quiet and dedicated commitment to serving the local community has been remarkable.
NAVIGATING A GLOBAL CRISIS
President Pistole led the rapid transition and development of health and safety protocols when the pandemic forced an unprecedented shift to remote education and operations. His steady leadership during these challenging times allowed the university to navigate the pandemic without compromising its mission or values. Pistole’s adept handling of the crisis provided a stable anchor for AU, guiding it through each uncertainty brought on by the pandemic.
GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS AND DIVERSITY
Recognizing the importance of a global perspective, Pistole has demonstrated a commitment to creating a diverse campus environment and building support programs for underrepresented groups. His administration implemented programs to increase diversity among students, faculty, and staff and has improved the university's diversity metrics. Pistole has overseen the continuous development of programs, policies, and scholarships to serve the needs of the growing Hispanic population in Indiana and nationwide.
President Pistole recently launched a global outreach initiative to redevelop international admissions post-pandemic and expand access to an Anderson University education worldwide. This initiative focuses on bringing in new graduate and undergraduate students from India and China to our business and STEM degree programs.
A LASTING LEGACY
As Pistole prepares to step down at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, Anderson University celebrates a decade of being led under a vision to position Anderson University as a college that is “distinctive, compelling, and relevant.” His faithfulness and service have held the university steadfast through its centennial celebration and prepared it to meet future challenges with confidence and resilience. Pistole’s legacy lives not only in the funding and programs he helped create but also in the lives he impacted through the spirit of humility, faith, and public service with which he led. The university community, forever grateful for his contributions, looks forward to building on his remarkable legacy in the years to come.
By Mischon Hart ’07
Ten years ago, on March 1, 2015, I began my tenure as the fifth president in our school’s history.
As I conclude my service and move into retirement, I look back on how we have remained focused on our mission of being Christ followers who have worked tirelessly “to equip students for a life of faith and service to the church and society.” Our amazing, dedicated faculty and staff have done this unselfishly, with each person contributing their unique gifts as part of the body of Christ. We have been guided by a group of gifted trustees, who have volunteered their time, talents, and treasure to help us navigate the rapidly changing world of higher education.
For most of us, we’ve pursued this work as a calling to help our students live transformed lives for Christ and the kingdom (Romans 12:1-2). Our hope and prayer has been, and continues to be, that each student will then live out their life in service to others. Our five core values still resonate: generosity, responsibility, excellence, integrity, and servant leadership. These are lifelong, eternal values that help all of us lead transformed lives, which in turn, help others lead lives that make a difference in a world of great need.
None of this life-changing work could have been done without the extraordinary generosity of our donors. Whether small or large gifts, we believe that “little is much when Christ is in it.”
I’m excited for the future of AU, where all of us, including our 30,000-plus alumni, are working together to help AU continue to be distinctive, compelling, and relevant.
Finally, I want to thank my wife, Kathy Harp, for being on this journey of life with me for more than 45 years. We’ve had quite the experiences together, and I’m a much better person because of her selfless dedication and service to others. She is an inspiring role model for me and many others as she graciously serves others, never seeking the spotlight. I am blessed.
I plan to follow AU in the years ahead, cheering on all the good work that our faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni, and donors are doing.
Forthosewhohavegonebefore,Soar,Ravens,Soar!
ANDERSON’S NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENT IS ON THE RISE
Despite nationwide FAFSA delays, the admissions, athletics, and financial aid teams are working tirelessly together to ensure steady enrollment growth post-pandemic. Anderson University has received a record number of applications for admission for the fall of 2024—a testament to our forward momentum. For the incoming fall class, we’ve seen growth in business, engineering, cybersecurity, and nursing majors, reflecting our commitment to excellence. We’re deeply grateful that AU continues to thrive in the face of nationwide challenges. Exciting statistics are on the way, so stay tuned! God bless and go Ravens!
PAST ALUMNI EVENTS
OKLAHOMA ALUMNI GATHERING
September 2023
More than 40 alumni in the Great Plains gathered in Oklahoma City. Representing seven decades of graduates, these alumni enjoyed a wonderful evening of reminiscing and hearing about exciting things happening at their alma mater from President Pistole himself.
GENESYS ALUMNI LUNCH
November 2023
Alumni had the opportunity to host a “lunch at work” event for former Ravens at Genesys, a growing software company. This company employs several alumni and even has a branch campus on the third floor of Decker Hall, which provides growth and employment opportunities for students.
MINISTRY CAREER FAIR
February 2024
Various ministry organizations came to campus for a ministry fair for students to learn and become involved. This is a group of alumni representing eight different faith-based ministries. They are serving their communities and making a difference for the kingdom all around the world!
RAVEN ROUNDBALL REUNION
February 2024
AU's all-time scoring leader Ken Strawn ’63 and other basketball alumni were recognized at the Raven Roundball Reunion. The men’s team went on to win the HCAC league title as well as the conference tournament crown en route to a national tournament berth.
LOS ANGELES FILM EVENT
February 2024
Seven decades of SoCal Ravens gathered at MPC Studio Los Angeles for fellowship, education, and screenings of the work of various alumni and faculty. This exciting event celebrated the success of our cinema and media arts program and the impact Ravens are having in the film industry.
TED BAKER TREE REDEDICATION
March 2024
Family and friends paid tribute to longtime AU employee, Rev. Ted Baker ’72 by planting a new tree in his honor. It was a cherished time filled with memories, stories, and renewal. The tree is located in the Valley, just across from the entrance to Olt Student Center.
This year’s Homecoming and Family Weekend is scheduled for October 11 & 12 .
It is sure to remind you of days gone by with musical and drama performances, sporting events, the iconic luminaries, our beloved street fair with a ferris wheel and reunion tents, and much more. We hope to see you, your whole family, and your college pals back on campus for what is sure to be a weekend to remember.
Visit for a full schedule of events, updates, and to register for a special gift.
ALUMNI AWARDS
2024 RECIPIENTS
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
TONI ROMANO BA ’57
Education and service are synonymous with the name Toni Romano. From an early age, even before her time at Anderson College, she was teaching and working towards a better future. From pioneering and establishing new programs and classrooms for nursery school students, ministering to her community, and spearheading new educational opportunities, Romano has a legacy of caring for others that is inspiring to all. Her work allowed her to support families, help provide training for people working in poverty, advocate for others, and so much more. Romano discovered a passion for yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices, which opened doors for education around the country. Romano has continued to serve her community and share her heart with those around her. Her memoir, “Growing Into Wisdom and Grace: Evolving from Religion to Spirituality,” was published in 2020.
DISTINGUISHED YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD
DEREK MALLORY BA ’17
Hurdles are something Derek Mallory is accustomed to overcoming, literally and figuratively. He was a track star during his time as a Raven, and his event of choice allowed him to leap alongside beloved teammates. Now excelling as a physical therapist at a rehabilitation hospital, Mallory is putting his passion for serving those on recovery journeys and with special needs into practice every day. This passion has led him on trips overseas with his wife to serve and inspire cross-culturally.
MOSAIC MULTICULTURAL ALUMNI AWARD
MICHELLE D. WILLIAMS MA ’O8
Grace, love, and a sense of justice fuel Michelle Williams’s efforts as a leader, advocate, and passionate communicator. As the former director of the Multicultural Student Services (now Center for Intercultural Engagement) and assistant dean of students, Williams helped AU continue improving its intercultural principles. Now the CEO of Shalom Consultants and vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Firefly Children and Family Alliance, Williams continues to empower those around her.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
LISA PAY BA ’86
Carrying on the torch of attending Anderson was a call that Lisa Pay answered with vigor and pride. With a legacy of familial involvement in the Church of God, she earned her degree in social work and was launched into a career of serving and advocating for those under her care. Between practicing social work and teaching the subject at AU for more than 30 years, Pay is dedicated to bringing up the next generation of passionate humanitarians.
JOHN H. KANE LOYALTY AWARD
JERRY GRUBBS MA ’70
Dr. Jerry Grubbs is more than a teacher, preacher, and writer; he is a shepherd. From serving as a faculty member in AU’s School of Theology, as well as many other roles, including director, academic dean, and vice president of student life. He has led from the pulpit of several Church of God congregations and his life has been dedicated to education and lifting those around him. His work has earned countless honors as he has continued to share his wisdom and research with others, as well as his generosity and faithful service to his community and those in need around the world.
ALUMNI PROFILE
ANN SMITH
LIVING OUT A LEGACY OF LOVE
At 99 years old, Ann Smith’s life story is a tapestry, woven with threads of faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to service. A graduate of Anderson College and a member of the Church of God since she was a toddler, Smith's journey has taken her from Alabama to the far reaches of Japan and South Korea as a dedicated missionary. Yet, Smith insists, her story is not about her accomplishments but about God's profound role in her life.
“Everything I am and what I have done is thanks be to God," she emphasizes. “To see all I have seen in this long life I have lived, Anderson College is one of the places that provided the space for things to happen.”
Smith's early life was marked by significant challenges. Growing up in a loving yet financially challenged home, she dropped out of high school at 16 to work in a steel mill after her father’s tragic drowning. Reflecting on those times, Smith recalls, “The good, bad, wonderful, horrible is the raw material for growth and celebration in life.”
Despite the hardships, Smith’s thirst for knowledge led her back to education. After overcoming surgery due to strain from her steel mill job and her grandfather’s passing, Smith’s mother encouraged her to attend college. Without hesitation, Smith packed her suitcase and found her way to Anderson College in 1948.
“Anderson College was more than just an education; it was a community of acceptance and support that forever changed my life,” Smith shares. “Dr. Carl Kardatzke believed in me and constantly fed into me through notes of encouragement.”
“Following Jesus, marrying Nathan, and experiencing life in Japan are the three areas of my life that I would not change even if I could,” she reflects.
After 26 years in Japan and a short term in South Korea, Smith was offered a position on staff at the missionary board. After five years on staff, she worked in church relations at Anderson before later serving on its board of trustees.
“One of my goals in life has been to soar as far as I can go but to bring other people along with me and then set them free to go beyond me,” Smith says.
Turning 100 years old in January 2025, Smith embraces her role as a cheerleader by investing in people. Smith emphasizes the importance of investing in the future.
“It is not about me, it is about the impact and opportunities that God has given me to serve and learn.”
Smith’s path to becoming a missionary was deeply influenced by her personal history in the Church of God and hearing stories of China from her pastor’s wife. However, when the doors closed to China in 1949, Smith knew there was divine guidance to serve elsewhere.
While volunteering in a church in Anderson, she met her husband, Nathan, and together they embarked on a life of service.
“It's not just about asking why we should invest but also why not. Our investments reveal our values and shape our legacy.” She adds, “I long for young people today to have the same opportunities to experience this place that has the potential to change their lives.”
Reflecting on her journey, Smith ’s eyes light up. “Anderson College exposed me to a broader world; it was Anderson who introduced me to people who had traveled the world. What a gift! An incredible gift.”
As she continues to live out her faith, Smith’s life remains a testament to the profound impact of God ’s guidance and the opportunities to serve and learn.
By Stefanie Leiter ’05
ALUMNI PROFILES
KELLY WILLIAMS
AT THE INTERSECTION OF CORPORATE SUCCESS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE
When Kelly Williams BA ’93, MBA ’21 spoke at the 2022 AU Career Day, he emphasized the importance of tenacity and flexibility. No matter a person’s circumstance, he said, success comes from hard work and an openness to unexpected opportunities. And don’t forget to help others along the way.
For Williams, this advice has been the catalyst of his own success for more than 30 years. “While it wasn't always a scripted career path, I never let the fear of a new opportunity guide me,” he says.
Now the CEO and shareholder of Compactor Rentals of America, Williams began as an AU basketball player and physical education major. He fondly recalls bus rides with teammates, discussions of faith, and one particular game at Hanover that was nearly canceled due to bad weather. Williams says. “As we walked out to the floor for tip-off, I looked into the stands and saw only two people there for Anderson—my mom and dad.”
Despite his plans to teach, Williams was offered a position with Budget Rent-A-Car in Indianapolis and quickly climbed the ranks to executive leadership, relocating several times. “I didn't know much about business,” Williams says, “but it had so many similarities to playing on a basketball team that I found my passion.”
Williams moved to Phoenix in 2014 to work with Mobile Mini, the nation’s leading portable storage provider, eventually taking over the role of CEO and president and leading a corporate merger that nearly doubled the company’s size. In the meantime, Williams returned to AU for his MBA, and that experience has served him well as he focuses on the continued growth of Compactor Rentals of America.
While he is grateful for so many blessings, including the support of his wife and two daughters, Williams realizes that not everyone has been so fortunate. That is why he also seizes opportunities to serve his community—both in Arizona and Indiana. For instance, Williams is an auxiliary board member for the Tipton Boys and Girls Club and recently established the Boys and Girls Club of Tipton County and Mr. Robert Williams Scholarship Fund at AU in honor of his dad, who passed away from COVID-19 in 2020. The scholarship’s first recipient will attend Anderson University this fall.
“Community involvement resonates into the culture of every great company I've been a part of,” he says. “Giving back allows for opportunities that otherwise might not exist.”
By Cara Miller ’03
ANGELA BLESSING
SHE’S
A BLESSING!
If the saying, “If you want to be blessed, then be a blessing” holds true, then this 1998 AU alumna surely is pressed down, running over, and poured into her lap blessed. By living up to her name, Angela (Duran) Blessing was selected as the 2023-24 Indiana High School Principal of the Year by the Indiana Association of School Principals (IASP). The Kokomo High School principal will represent Indiana at the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) in October.
Blessing credits her time at AU for igniting her passion for education. “My time at Anderson shaped me into the person and educator I am today. All of my education, professors were instrumental in helping me to become a great teacher. I was honored to represent Anderson as the future outstanding educator for the state of Indiana during my senior year student teaching experience in 1998.”
Kelly Barker, assistant director of special programs for Kokomo School Corporation, shares that Angela “came to KHS at a time when the entire building was under a lot of stress and had a lack of direction. She leads with encouragement, love, and high expectations for students and staff. She loves her team, and we know it. She has a real passion and ability to mentor staff out of their comfort zones into unknown territory.”
Blessing emphasizes God’s presence in her life to guide her, “I have always felt that God has called me to serve in some role; my way to serve is by being an educator and now a principal. My husband and I both strongly believe that we were called to serve at Kokomo High School. We want to be used in a community where God felt we were needed.”
Barker reflects on one of the many students Blessing has impacted: “He moved here with an aunt because his mom had passed away from the very same disease he had. His goal in life was to graduate from high school…and show his family back home ‘he did it.’” Determined to help celebrate his accomplishment, Blessing organized a graduation ceremony for the student, and, wheelchair-bound, he rolled across the stage to receive his diploma.
Angela Blessing embodies the essence of her name and represents AU’s ethos to which President John Pistole speaks: “Anderson University is proud to acknowledge and celebrate the recognition of our alum, Angela Blessing, as the Principal of the Year for Indiana. Her servant leadership and dedication to providing the best learning environment for young minds are exemplary.”
By Tammy Tilley ’85
1924
100 YEARS of Looking Back 1934
In 1924, Anderson University, less than ten years old, was “Anderson Bible Training School.” Students were typically training for pastoral or missionary work, and often already professionals entering a second career but still had time for some hijinks on a snowy winter day.
1944
Anderson College students June Weigle, Edna Spence, Toula Vikas, and Pat Steininger enjoy their free time by sledding and socializing during the holiday break in December 1944.
This letter from John Batdorf to Anderson College President John Morrison makes reference to the dent the Great Depression had made in the college’s finances and the “Dollar Campaign” effort to make up faculty pay from that period. Reference is also made to the burgeoning tradition of an annual “home-coming.”
1954
The Fall Harvest Festival was an annual tradition in the 1950s and beyond, complete with floats in a parade through downtown Anderson.
In the 1960s, bicycle races were a popular student pastime. As seen in this 1964 snapshot, races ranged from the competitive to the more whimsical.
During the mid-century, students attended chapel at the campusadjacent Park Place Church of God. Students are pictured here filing back to class after a chapel service in spring 1974.
By 1984, the growing student body had outgrown the Park Place sanctuary, leading to the construction of the 2,217seat Reardon Auditorium. The auditorium, named after the retiring President Robert Reardon, also featured a state-of-the-art sound system and full orchestra pit.
2004 1984 1994
By the 1990s, Anderson College had become Anderson University, and boasted a wide variety of music and arts programs. Below, a 1994 snapshot shows an ensemble posed in front of Helios.
Students enjoy recreational activities at the newly completed Kardatzke Wellness Center in spring 2004. The wellness center, which began construction in 2001, opened with multiple tracks, weight rooms, offices, and classrooms.
The Peace Pole, which stands on the west side of Krannert Hall in the Valley, was dedicated to the university as a reminder of the practice and pursuit of creating peace.
By Nic Don Stanton-Roark
MA ’13
ADVANCEMENT’S LETTER
My fellow Ravens!
For those of you whom I have not met, my name is Brent Baker, and after six years as executive director of development, I am just finishing my first year as the vice president for advancement. My presence in this role is quite a surprise to me—not the career track I envisioned after serving for 15 years as the vice president of student affairs at AU. However, all of the years working in the non-academic program, often directly with students, have provided me with a deep appreciation for the mission and culture of this place. Here is the most important thing I have come to believe across my nearly 25 years here: AU is a special place! It’s not perfect, but it continues to be a transformative place where students come as they are and leave on a path of becoming. As I work daily to deepen connections and raise support with our alumni and friends of the university, it is in service to a college that I know is worthy of support.
Faculty are the heart of this good place. The talented professors who provide the instruction also often become mentors and friends to our students. Hearing stories from my dad, HL Baker, who served as a staff member for more than 50 years, his experience confirms what is so often shared regarding our faculty. When faculty teach and then befriend a student, I believe their care is amplified. When we get more than we expect of something meaningful and valuable, in this case, a faculty member’s attention beyond the classroom, it is part of the special equation of an AU education.
We occupy a unique space on the landscape of Christian higher education, one that I celebrate and one that follows the example of Jesus. For us to continue to be a Christ-centered place where you can receive a high-quality education, it takes the support of many benefactors who believe in the mission of AU, see its value as a beacon of hope in the city of Anderson, or simply want to “pay it forward” as a way of honoring their own experience at AU. Financial gifts inherently provide for the next generation of Ravens. You may not have heard, because we are just ending the quiet phase, but we are in the middle of a three-year, $25 million campaign called Launch AU in connection with the Launch 2040 strategic plan.
Thank you to so many of you who have faithfully supported in many ways across many years. We cannot do what we do without you! I hope you will consider continuing your support or contributing for the first time and that you are blessed through your generosity.
It takes us all to launch the next generation of Ravens!
Warm regards,
THE FUTURE is underway AT AU.
Anderson University’s vision for future students, church partners, and neighbors in our community is to meet the world’s deepest hungers with immeasurable hope. To fund this vision for 2040, the Launch AU campaign is raising $25 million over three years.
You have the opportunity to launch with us.
Additional information about the Launch AU campaign can be found at launch.anderson.edu.
LAUNCH INTO the DEEP.
The story behind the Launch AU campaign
By Jacey Crawford Williams ’21
A group of disheartened fishermen washed ashore after an all-night fishing attempt with nothing to show for it. As they cleaned their empty nets along the shoreline, a gentleman followed by a considerable crowd closed in on them. The man approached the fishermen and asked one—Simon Peter—permission to push his boat out a bit from the shore and use it as a platform to teach the growing crowd. Simon Peter obliged, and after the man stopped speaking to the crowd, he turned to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.”
On the heels of a long, fruitless night, Simon Peter replied, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net” (Luke 5:5 NKJV). The New Testament equivalent of, “Yeah, right; if you say so.” Yet, as soon as the fishermen obeyed, launched into the deep, and let down their nets into the sea, they found their nets filled to the brim with fish. Before they knew it, their nets were quite literally bursting at the seams and their boats nearly sinking from the weight of their catch.
This biblical story of blind faith and rewarded obedience has served as a catalyst for Anderson University’s new Launch AU campaign.
“What we are connecting to is the idea that, in faith, we are continuing to launch the ship, if you will, of an AU education,” said Brent Baker, vice president for advancement.
Aimed at securing the future of the university and enhancing campus life, the Launch AU campaign was born out of a university leadership meeting in the fall of 2022. Two questions were posed: Will we be ready for students born on this very day—the students of 2040? What must we do today to prepare the university to fulfill its mission for future generations?
The seed planted that day grew into a full-scale strategic plan called Launch 2040, dedicated to supporting a wide range of initiatives aligned with the university’s ethos: spiritual life, academic life, student life, relationships, excellence, continual improvement, and stewardship.
The Launch AU campaign was set forth to raise $25 million over three years to resource the strategic plan. The funds are being raised in five different buckets—student and spiritual life, athletic excellence, student scholarships, the strategic plan, and academic life—with an emphasis on six select projects: Tri-S, Macholtz Stadium renovations, tennis court renovations, scholarships, the Center for Public Service, and the Launch Fund.
AU’s Tri-S (Serve, Study, Share) program, which enables experiential learning for students through travel, has become one of the most treasured programs at the university. Over the course of 60 years, nearly 20,000 travelers have experienced more than 80 countries across 1,600 trips. That’s 20,000 Ravens becoming more globally-minded, exposing themselves to different cultures, and expanding their worldview, all because of Tri-S.
The campaign’s total goal for the Tri-S program is $3 million, supporting AU’s dedication to producing graduates who are culturally aware and socially responsible.
“Had I not traveled to Latin America and Europe with Tri-S, I don’t think I would have considered the idea of doing my doctoral studies outside my home country,” said Dr. Jason Varner ’02, AU professor and director of the university’s PACT program. “The short-term experiences I had with Tri-S led directly to the transformative, long-term opportunities I was privileged to experience later down the road.”
Next up on the campaign docket is Macholtz Stadium, the beloved home of the university's football, lacrosse, and track and field teams. Built in 1977, the stadium’s outdated facilities require upgrades to better serve athletes, coaches, and fans. Planned improvements include new bleachers; an upgraded press box; enhanced accessibility; and updated amenities; such as bathrooms and concessions.
The goal is to raise $4.5 million to provide a top-tier athletic facility that aligns with the quality of education and experience AU strives to offer, enhancing the game-day atmosphere and supporting the athletic program’s mission of fostering talent and character development.
“We are very excited for the renovation project to Macholtz Stadium,” said Jonathan Coddington ’14, head football coach. “This will provide a championshiplevel facility that student-athletes across all athletic teams will benefit from, along with a quality gameday atmosphere for each of our sports [teams] who compete there. We talk consistently in our football program about 'adding to the legacy' of our historic football program, and this project will provide the opportunity for the next several generations of Ravens to continue to do that in Macholtz Stadium.”
Another goal of the Launch AU campaign is to rehabilitate the campus tennis courts. The university’s tennis teams have a rich history, both on and off the court, and to continue this legacy, AU has committed to raising $600,000. The funds will go directly toward building a championship facility for the teams.
As the courts stand currently, weathered by time, they are dangerous for practice and do not meet the requirements for collegiate competition. As such, home matches are being held off-campus to ensure players remain safe, virtually erasing the true “home-court advantage.” The funds being raised aim to restore the courts to their original glory, ensuring that the tennis program can host its own matches, camps, and clinics.
Another one of the Launch AU campaign's cornerstone projects is making education accessible to all deserving students, regardless of their financial circumstances. The Scholarship Fund aims to break down the barriers that prevent talented students from pursuing their educational journey at AU and building their careers in nursing, engineering, cybersecurity, or any number of fields. More than 95 percent of AU students receive some form of financial aid, so the importance of the generosity of donors to our scholarship funds cannot be overstated.
“College is expensive,” said Baker. “So raising money so that we can help students attend who otherwise wouldn't be able to is a really important part of the campaign.”
The university aims to raise $8.5 million for scholarships, divided into the AU Student Fund ($4.5 million), current-use scholarships ($2 million), and endowed scholarships ($2 million). These dollars will fund scholarships like the Madison County Scholarship, AU Legacy Scholarship, the Church of God Scholarship, and intercultural scholarships.
Up next in the lineup is AU’s Center for Public Service (CPS), an honor society that has been instrumental in launching students into prominent careers in public service. Conceptualized in 1973, CPS has long brought up innovators, disruptors, and trailblazers who have gone on to impact the world for the greater good, such as AU President John Pistole ’78, former administrator of the TSA and deputy director of the FBI.
Each year, CPS selects a limited number of applicants to become Fellows who will go on to interact with professionals from various industries, including community leaders, service organization representatives, and faculty members. CPS Fellows gain diverse experiences across the U.S. and globally, often leading to job opportunities.
“It’s a longstanding program—50-year history,” said Baker. “It was created originally through a grant from the Lilly Endowment, and it provides students with opportunities to gain experiences and make connections that will help them when they graduate.”
As part of the Launch AU campaign, the university has initiated a $500,000 endowed fund to ensure that the CPS program will continue to have the necessary resources to provide meaningful experiences for the Fellows.
“Some of the support would go toward experiences, including travel, educational opportunities, or unpaid internships that a Fellow might otherwise not be able to afford,” said Baker.
The final flagship project for the Launch AU campaign is the Launch Fund, which has its sights set on those who learn, work, and/or teach at AU. The fund is designed to encourage relationshipbuilding both on- and off-campus, faith-journey progression, greater Anderson-area community involvement, and university enrollment initiatives.
In action, these strategies look like introducing new degree programs, fostering interdepartmental connection through student events, building out mentorship training, forming new clubs, and financing a number of groups designed to support individual initiatives of the campaign as a whole.
The Launch AU campaign underscores the university's commitment to building a community of education, faith, and service and fostering economic growth to ensure the next generation of students can enjoy the full impact of an AU education.
“One aspect that is so important is the transformative nature of an AU education,” said Baker. “There are students whose lives were absolutely changed here.”
Changing lives is still AU’s mission, with the Launch AU campaign being a means to an end of a continued vibrant, Christ-centered community that educates and inspires for generations to come.
“Having worked at the university for nearly 24 years, and many of them in student life, I have had the opportunity to see a number of students come to AU for reasons other than the faith environment,” said Baker.
“They come because AU is local, they get good financial aid, we have a particular major, or they want to play a sport. But they get here, and some of them hear the gospel for the first time, and their lives are changed.”
“We've always been a place where the gate to get in is wide. And I just love that students can come to AU and have an opportunity to make friends in a circle that helps encourage them to go deeper.”
–Dr. Brent Baker
To learn more about the Launch AU campaign, visit launch.anderson.edu
AU INTRODUCES MADISON COUNTY DIRECT ADMIT INITIATIVE TO HONOR LOCAL TALENT
In June, Anderson University announced its new Madison County direct admit initiative, designed to simplify the admission process and provide a direct pathway for Madison County high school students to Anderson University. The new initiative guarantees admission starting with 9th-12th grade students from Madison County high schools who express interest in the program and graduate with a 2.5 GPA or better.
REMEMBRANCES
ALUMNI
1940s
Dr. Fred Durward Morgan ’46
June Weigle Allen ’48
Donna Anne Stanley Thomas ’49
1950s
Alfred Jackson “Jack” Knowles ’50
Robert E. Williams ’50
Loren Roush Williams ’50
James Elwood Walters Jr. ’50
Mary Hart ’51
Phyllis Jean LeViere ’52
Chester Gerald Egelston ’53
John D. Holeman ’53
Ruthie Mae Johnston ’53
Robert Lee Riggs ’54
James Clark Burchett ’55
Betty Jean Bartz ’56
Betty Jane Tufts ’56
Robert Alfred Bartz ’57
Dr. F. Dale Bengston ’57
Betty Marie Clemens ’57
David LeRoy Day ’57
Reba Jean Hendricks Boyer ’58
Robert Eugene Clinage ’58
William Smith McDonald ’58
Sylvia Jo Hazzard ’59
Dr. D. Neil Snarr ’59 ’61
Dr. Darrell D. Taylor ’59
1960s
James Simmie Moore ’60
Walter Victor Truex ’60 ’65
William Arthur White ’60 ’63
Walton A. Carter Jr. ’61
Gary Dean Claflin ’61
Dana Kaye Bounds ’62
Hazel Eugenie “Jenny” McKenzie ’62 ’69
Thomas Lee Mercer ’62
Sandra Renee Boyle ’64
James Bruce Dinius ’64
Donald Keith Land ’64
Linda J. Miller ’64
Jerome Taylor Henning ’65
Carolyn Jean Metz ’65
Robert Wayne Sims ’65
John Douglas Deihl Jr. ’66
Ronald Wayne Moore ’66
Ronald Leroy Ruby ’66
George Gilbert Williams ’66
Jerry Clifford Childers ’67
Drusilla A. Henry ’67
Barbara Sanders Lucy ’67
David Garland Selent ’67
Sue Ellyn Spaulding ’67
John Dewey Williams ’67
Tony Rex Wilson ’67
Suzanne Flowers-Blair ’68
Dennis Ray Jackson ’68
Sharon Ann Berner ’69
Evelyn Maye Kachelein ’69
1970s
Vivian Elaine Atkins ’70
Sandra Joy Kitchen ’70
Brenda Joy Moss ’70
Rev. Howard Lee Sergeant ’70
Jeffrey L. Spires Sr. ’70
Daniel Dale Yelton ’70
Antha Jane Childes ’71
Dwight L. Grubbs ’71
James Elbert Keith ’71
Vicki Lynn Lake ’71
Carol Hockersmith ’72
Suetta Mae Johnson ’72
Paulette F. Battishill ’73
William Kent Fulda ’73
Nellie E. Martin ’73
Norma Elaine Cain Spears ’73
Thomas Joe Hay ’74
Sandra Kay Trieb ’74
Janet Elaine Chaney ’75
Larry Allan Domsher ’75
Danny Ray Bryant ’76
Brenda Lee Kozicky ’76
Visit to submit a class note or remembrance.
Patrick Eugene Topolsky ’76
Willodene A. Belokopitsky
Herrick ’76
Robert Allen Burgette ’77
Karen Michelle Graham ’77
Joseph George Reynolds Jr. ’77
Marvin Lyle Clark ’79
Andrea Lea Ether ’79
1980s
Albert Henry LeMay ’80 ’83
Nancy Sue Rader ’80
Scott David Deal ’82
Rev. John Lester Crose ’83
Dr. Carl Daniel Erskine ’84
Karin Paulette Jarrett ’86
Andrew David Johnson ’86
Dawn E. Wild ’86
Lisa Mareen Carnegis ’87
Jeffrey Floyd Apple ’88
Normarie Brandon ’88
Kelvin D. Broadnax ’88
Cindy Lou Bittinger ’89
1990s
Lorene Faye Wells ’90
Rudolph Smith ’91
Mary Jane Kinley ’92
Rachel Janet Ramsey ’93
Courtney Hope Anderson ’95
Dennis A. Biele ’95
Jamie Sue Conway ’95
Robin Michelle Snyder ’99
2000s
Elizabeth Carol Babb ’01
David Lee Rhorer ’02
Christopher Ryan Woolsey ’03
Heidi Jacalyne Collins ’04
Lisa May Scott ’05
Mary Kimball 'Kim" Cotton ’07
John Bradley Marvel ’08
2010s
Alana Marie Lashaway ’18
Carl Erskine and Johnny Wilson were honored with a mural in downtown Anderson.
ADDITIONAL ALUMNI AND FRIENDS
Robert Abshire
Lola Jane (Maddox) Adams
Leonora Adamson
May Allbee
Ronald Armes
Bettye Jane Arvin
Russell Ashby
Paul Carrington Ashton
James A. Avery Sr.
Ralph Edward Bailey
Robert Bain
Patricia Ruth Baker
Donald Herbert Bancroft
Alfred E. Behrens
Jess R. Bell
Henry J. Benak
Ruth Ellen Shawhan Berline
Ronald Clair Berline
Rettia Julene Billings
Dr. Glen Ivan Bounds
Dorothy Bratton
Mark A. Brewer
Thomas Marion Bricker
Velma Katherine Brittan
Marlene Brooks
Alice M. Brown
Phyllis A. Brown
Joan Janell Brunson
Kathleen Pearl Burris
Janice Faye Carroll
Marllon Dewane Carter
Earle Cascadden
Helena Casenave
William Cavitt
Gerard J. Cerny
Stephen Chaleff
Carol Lee Chapman
Betty Jayne Church
Patricia Lenell (Barker) Clark
Carl E. Clay
George W. Cline
Darlene Elaine Clingenpeel
William K. Cobb
Ida Marie Cody
Henry C. Cohart
Gloria Ruth Collins
Martha J. Cope
Virgil LeRoss Corbin
Dr. Melvyn Thomas Cornelius
Beverly Sue County
Rev. Charles Boyd Courtney
Henrietta Cross
Robert Gene Crozier
Timothy O. Crum
James H. Cuffman
Jack Allen Cunningham
Mark Eugene Cupp
Charles Alan Curless
Ralph Craig Curry
Doris Mae Dennis
David J. Dillon
Carl J. Doherty
Charles Henry Dortmund
Ronny Lee
Douglas
Mildred Drenning
Ronald William Drenning
Daniel R. Dunbar
Marsha Jeanette Dunkin
Ted M. Eash
Danyse G. Edel
Ann Elston
Duane Herbert Elsworth
Thomas D. Epply
Rebecca Anne Erickson
Henry G. Featherstonaugh
Gregory Scott Fields
Dr. Wilmer C. Fields
Deanna Joy First
James W. Fleser
Ivan K. Fleser
Wilfred Winston Foreman
Edward Fox
Marilyn Kay Freund
Hugh W. Galema Jr.
Charles Winford Garner
Kenneth M. Garrison
Louis L. Geneva
Reva N. Gibson
Julian Glazer
Rev. Clyde E. Goin
Ramona Pauline Good
Bettye Dean Gray
Barella Gray
Donald Merrill Gwinnup
Sylvan W. Hanson
Shirley Hargrave
Sheryll Ann Capin Harrell
Donald Lewis Hays
Burke Hazelrigg
Albert William Heiman Jr.
Marelyn D. Hency
Norbert Henkelman
George Daniel Herr
Gennifer Gayle Hines
Abelean Hinton
Iris Marie Hird
Dr. Jay J. Hochstetler
John R. Holdren
Beatrice Holeman
Larry Ralph Hoover
Todd Max Howard
Nora Evelyn Howell
Dorothea Elizabeth Hoyt
Sandra Sue Huntzinger
William A. Imler
Vicki Jennings Jaeger
Lawrence A. Jegen III
Paul M. Johnson
Stanley Jones
Elden L. Kadel
William Joseph Kaplan Jr.
Lois Marian Hutton Keys
Jerry W. Kimball
Robert Dean King
Norval S. King
Joshua Patrick Kirtley
Jack David Klapp
Greg Allan Koroch
James B. Krammer
Florence Ann Lawson
James Earl Lee
Mary Jo Lee
Gerald Wayne Levell
Velma Littrell
Daniel Patrick Lorigan
Robert Thomas Lovelace
Sandra Lovely-Carey
Larry Maddox
Helen Maginn
Vera L. Martin
Robert Allen Martin
David Jonathan Matas
Larry Mattingly
Reitta Naomi Maurice
Ronald Lee Maze Jr.
Theresa Gay McBride
Howard Willard McClintock
Samuel McCollough
Robert L. McCormick
Patricia K. McCutcheon
Patricia Arlene McDonald
Ted Ransom McDuffee
Donald McKinsey
Katherine E. Mellenthin
Morris Edward Mersing
Donnabel Kramer Moore
Rita Marie Morgan
Mary F. Morgan
Larry D. Muckenhirn
Janice Kay Murphy
Rev. Robert Lee Neace
Karen A. Nelson
Helen L. Nelson
Thomas Newman Jr.
Thelma Rebecca Norman
Leonard Norris Jr.
Betty Jo Norris
V. Robert Norris
William J. Norton
George G. Pancol
Gladys K.S. Pang
Michael Eugene Patty
Carolyn Faye Patty
Besty Peck
Judith Raylene Pelfrey
Clayton Perry
Joan Dawn Pioch
Betty Jean (Solomon) Proctor
Kenneth E. Reed
Marjorie Reed
Ted Marion Reese
Evelyn M. Renier
Charles Riedel
Albert O. Roberts Jr.
Grace Roberts
Clara Robinson
Carol Violet Ruby
Carlton L. Rule
Porter L. Russ
John William Rutherford
Robert Sample
Joan A. Sauter
Bonnie Louetta Scheller
Mary Carlos Seal
Ray Neal Selwa
Ronald Buckner Servies
Wendell Sharpton
Dorothy E. Shepherd
Frederick “Rick” Shoot
Dr. Jerry E. Sipe
James Arthur Skeoch
Clark E. Sloan Jr.
Richard Dale Smith
Janet Raye Sprague
Roy L. Springfield
Dorothy M. Stewart
Mary Glenna Strawn
Dennis Ray Strayer
Joyce Wiuff Strege
Edith Swain
Jane A. Swinford
Betty Swinford
Jacqueline Taylor
Eddie Allen Tennison
Toby A. Thomas
Arthur C. Thompson
Jewell W Thornhill
Lois Tucker
Denise Lynn Tucker
Nancy Jean Ummel
John E. Vajner
William Richard Vandergrift
Elizabeth von Buchler
Steven Brooks Vore
Darlene Mardelle Wardlow
Fay Evelyn Webber
Daniel F. Webster
Betty P. Webster
Brenda L. Welker
Marilyn Reid Williams
Brad Lee Willoughby
Steven Douglas Woodruff
Basil L. Worl
Kimberly L. Yoder
Gary Paul Zeller
