Signatures | Winter 2021: Called to Soar

Signatures THE ANDERSON UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2021

CALLEDTOSOAR W INTER 2021 | 1

A S INGLE F RAME When freshmen make the walk to touch Pioneer Rock, it symbolizes the start of their college journey, building upon the legacy of those who have gone before.

But this year, it was more than that. It was a symbolic gesture that AU is still here and ready to serve students in person again.

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President’s Letter

Called to Soar As the calendar year comes to a close, I want to share three things that I know to be true. First and foremost, Jesus is at the center of everything we do at Anderson University. How we teach classes, how we make decisions, how we conduct meetings, how we interact with one another, how we steward our resources; all of these aspects of our daily campus life are anchored in our identity as a Christian university.

Second, our campus community is resilient, adapting to a rapidly changing world. Since the beginning of the pandemic, our faculty and staff have not John S. Pistole ‘78 joins students during the Day of Giving festivities.

missed a beat in providing education, community, and continuity, even when we could not be in person. Our faculty continues to innovate and approach their classes with a passionate commitment. Additionally, we continue to welcome hundreds of new students each year who want to learn and make a positive impact in the world.

Finally, I want to let you know that you make a difference. As you’ll see throughout this publication, a lot of exciting things have been accomplished as a result of you — our alumni and donors — who support our Called to Soar fundraising initiative. The funds you give toward scholarships, academics, and campus renewal all create an outstanding experience for our students.

New labs, refurbished spaces, and other exciting updates included in this issue are great to see! But what really matters is how these changes impact our students’ lives. Your gifts allow for more students to access an AU education, and donor support helps make that education more valuable through enhanced educational programs and facilities. More AU students means more AU alumni entering the world as servant leaders with Christian values and the academic and professional skills they need to make a difference. This is the real impact of what we do. This is the real impact you make with your giving.

Whether you provide financial or in-kind support, volunteer as a speaker or mentor, refer students to AU, or simply live well and make AU proud, we appreciate you. Thank you for what you have done, and for what you continue to do.

Sincerely,

THE ANDERSON UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE | WINTER 2021

14 THE RICKERS Jay and Nancy Ricker aren’t alumni of AU, but they still believe in its mission. Read about their generous financial commitment to the Called to Soar initiative.

12 CARL ERSKINE

22 ERIC DAVIS

24 KASEY THOMAS

Get the scoop: Baseball legend and AU

Learn how alumnus Eric Davis is living a

Read about how the AU MBA

alumnus Carl Erskine is coming to the

life of impact at the school where his own

prepared alumna Kasey Thomas for

big screen.

education began.

a new career opportunity.

VOLUME 100 ISSUE 2 Editor — Susanna J. Spencer; Designer — Kyle Lockhart BA ’15, MBA ’21; Illustrator — Jeffrey Jackson BA ’12; Contributing Writers — President John Pistole BA ’78, Jen Hunt BA ’91, Elyse Cromer BS ’06, Trent Palmer BA ’06, Caitlynn Elkins, Cassie Sanchez BA ’20, Zach Wadley BA ’14, Jacey Crawford Williams BA ’21, Allison Ludwig BA ’16, Brent Baker BA ’85, Susanna J. Spencer, Faith E. Sayles BA ’18; Photographers — Nouhad Elie Melki II BA ’21, Connor Carr BA ’23, Hannah Lockhart BA ’15; Executive Director of Marketing — Mischon Hart BA ’07; Director of Alumni Engagement — Trent Palmer BA ’06.

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.

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At a Glance:

The Impact of Called to Soar

RAVEN WINGS — MULTIPLE DONORS ($2,800) Anderson University premiered the Raven Wings mural during Homecoming Weekend 2021!

Next time you’re on campus, visit this new campus feature located next to the Welcome Center at Decker Hall. Snap your photo and share it with the Raven family by using #SoarRavensSoar and tagging us on social media. We hope this will be a fun photo opportunity for you and your loved ones.

HAMMOCK LOUNGE — MULTIPLE DONORS ($3,010) Generous AU donors have supported multiple campus renewal projects for the current Called to Soar focused fundraising initiative. Because enhancing the student experience is an important focus for AU, one of the recently completed projects was a hammock lounge in Nicholson Library. Now a popular spot on campus, this area provides a comfortable and relaxing space for students to read or take a study break indoors.

HONORS LOUNGES — ONE DONOR ($30,000) Providing spaces for students to live and work in community is an important part of the campus renewal focus for the Called to Soar initiative. Three designated lounges in the honors program give these dedicated and hard-working students places to study and hang out together as a community.

With a gift from a kind and caring donor, the lounges, one each in Martin and Smith Halls and one in Nicholson Library, are also key for attracting and recruiting high-performing honors students.

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING LAB — ONE DONOR ($71,318) Creating an enhanced state-of-the-art facility for AU engineering students has been another important focus for the Called to Soar initiative. AU’s Electrical Engineering Lab contains highly qualified equipment widely used in the industry. Provided through funds from a generous donor, this updated, high-tech lab space is used to test and design electrical systems and explore new energy solutions. With 10 student workstations and one instructor station, students benefit from hands-on training on this equipment through electrical circuit, electronics, digital logic, and microcontroller courses.

DUNKIN SOCIAL MEDIA LAB — MULTIPLE DONORS ($90,000) Local contractor Craig Dunkin and his family gave the lead gift to create this state-of-the-art digital media lab in memory of their son, Matthew, who passed away in childhood. This lab provides a hands-on teaching/learning space for students to apply concepts and skills developed in two digital analytics courses that focus on social media and digital marketing.

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The Joy of Coming Home

BY TRENT PALMER ’06

T

o soar, according to the dictionary, means “to fly or rise high in the air.”

Well, mission accomplished. The 2021 Called To Soar Homecoming celebration was one for the ages, with Ravens near and far literally and figuratively flying back to Anderson University’s campus to gather once again. What a reunion it was — especially after a two-year gap due to the global pandemic. Complete with a hot air balloon overlooking the majesty of the Valley’s fully illuminated paths, and the traditional bustle of the Street Fair (which was three times larger

than recent years and teeming with alumni and friends), Ravens young and old were seen smiling, laughing, embracing, and recounting the days of yore with the joy of coming home.

Make sure to mark your calendars for next year’s Homecoming celebration on October 14–15, 2022. And of course, if your travels bring you to Anderson in between, please let us know and stop by for a visit. Those who took in the festivities this year can attest to the many new and exciting things going on at AU — and we’re only just getting started.

“For the ones who’ve gone before, Soar, Ravens, Soar!”

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Preparing for an Impact in National Security

BY CAITLYNN ELKINS

“I

t’s not much of a college experience if all you do is go to classes, come home, and do nothing else,” said Samantha Huber ’22, a national security, political science, and criminal justice triple major, with a minor in journalism, who is taking in all that her Anderson University (AU) college career has to offer.

A common reality for the average college student is being wildly busy, both academically and socially. But now that she’s in the final stretch of her senior year, Huber has taken busyness to the next level. This includes women’s lacrosse, her role as the student body vice president, and writing for the university’s student newspaper, the Andersonian.

“I’ve always been pretty involved, but AU has allowed me to take on more leadership roles than I had in high school,” she said.

role in Washington, D.C., at the Intelligence Analysis unit of Customs and Border Patrol — a component of the Department of Homeland Security.

“I don’t think that all students can say that the education they get truly helps prepare them professionally in a tangible way,” said Huber, when asked to reflect on her already highly decorated résumé.

However, she said, “The things that I’ve learned at AU and what my professors have taught me have directly related to what I am doing,” which has put her “ahead of the curve,” even before graduation.

Huber has also been able to benefit from financial assistance made possible by AU’s generous donors. It’s obvious she’s taking full advantage of every opportunity.

Part of her drive for involvement is fueled by the people who make up AU’s campus community and culture. She credits Dr. Michael Frank, professor of political science, for giving her the confidence to thrive both academically and professionally as a student.

When asked to advocate for her major, Huber said, “I definitely think people should invest in AU cyber and national security — not only because the instruction and training are great, but also because of the faculty in the program.”

Dr. Frank has been a key influence in connecting Huber with AU alumni who have helped her navigate some strong internship opportunities.

Previously an intern at a Sheriff’s office in Georgia, Huber most recently held a summer

She concluded, “What better people to go into this field than hard-working graduates from AU? We need people in national security and law enforcement who have a strong faith background and the core values that AU promotes.”

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At Home with an AU Education

BY CASSIE SANCHEZ ’20

F

or Taylor Fort ’23 (pictured middle), growing up in Madison County, Indiana, means having community. After spending her first year of college away from home, Fort came back to the area, transferring to Anderson University (AU) to complete her education in nursing thanks to the university’s Madison County Scholarship.

This scholarship, available for students who’ve lived or attended high school in Madison County, seeks to keep local talent local while offering private education as an affordable college option.

Since transferring to AU, Fort has been able to discover opportunities she otherwise might have missed if at another institution. One of these opportunities was joining the AU women’s soccer team. Despite the pandemic altering last year’s schedule, Fort was still able to build strong friendships with her teammates.

“It’s been fun getting to know them,” she shared, which has made this current season more exciting since the team is back to normal with 18 games on the schedule.

Along with her teammates, Fort is surrounded by friends on campus, many with whom she played sports in high school. Her family is also able to support her at home games, as they live nearby.

Before coming to AU, Fort was unsure of what to study. She decided on nursing, confident that the university’s top-ranked program was the perfect fit. Even as a transfer, she didn’t have to take additional classes or start the program behind her classmates.

She has also been surprised by the generosity and care of her nursing professors: “I have each of their numbers if I ever need to ask for help.”

Whenever Fort and some of her classmates have missed a nursing class because of a game, Dr. Dama O’Keefe, assistant professor of nursing, has asked about the game and if they needed any help catching up with what they missed.

“Our professors want to be a part of our lives, no matter what,” Fort said.

She’s still discovering the many career paths available to her in nursing, as well. In her clinicals, Fort has worked in a variety of different units, but the most interesting ones for her have been intensive care and rehab, because she loves encouraging patients in the recovery process.

Fort’s AU experience wouldn’t have been possible if not for financial aid like the Madison County Scholarship, and she stresses that all students should talk to their financial aid counselors when looking for additional financial support: “Get yourself out there, be vulnerable, and ask, ‘What can I do?’ because AU wants you here.”

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the final living member of The Boys of Summer: Mr. Carl Erskine ’84 (pictured right). While the legend of Erskine is well-known around central Indiana, he’s now coming to the big screen.

The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story is set to premier in August 2022 under the guidance of renowned filmmaker, Ted Green. The documentary will look at Erskine’s life, including his time with the Dodgers, his work with Special Olympics, and his hometown of Anderson, Indiana.

Chronicling Carl:

New Documentary to Profile Anderson Legend Carl Erskine

BY ZACH WADLEY ’14

T

o conjure up an image of what America looked like midway through the 20th century is to see the Brooklyn Dodgers’ famous Boys of Summer — immortalized by Roger Kahn in his 1972 classic — and the 1955 World Series champions, defining an era of American history.

Baseball was king in the ’50s and New York City was its castle. The mighty Yankees had long since established themselves as baseball’s gold standard; the Giants boasted Willie Mays and had been a mainstay since 1883; and the Brooklyn Dodgers had finally found success after decades of toiling around at the bottom of the standings.

But time is always the unbeatable enemy and The Boys of Summer are in the distant past. The Dodgers’ Ebbets Field is long gone, replaced by a forgettable apartment complex. Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, and other heroes of yesteryear have left us, their tombstones and Hall of Fame plaques silently preserving their memory.

While the era of baseball bliss in the ’50s fades, not all is lost. Residing in Anderson, Indiana, is

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Green, an Indianapolis resident, has made it his mission to profile some of Indiana’s greatest heroes. He’s already completed documentaries on the great Bobby “Slick” Leonard, former coach and Indiana Pacers player, as well as Holocaust survivor Eva Kor and legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden. He’s now taking on the project of profiling Erskine — a man who has lived a life of service every step of the way.

“With Carl, there is so much to explore,” said Green.

“There’s baseball; there’s his work and friendships with Jackie Robinson and Johnny Wilson; there’s his work with the Special Olympics. There are so many different buckets brimming with incredible information.”

Green feels “privileged beyond words” to work on the project, and like his past documentaries, this one will consist of two years’ worth of work to research, film, and edit. When the finished product is ready, he hopes to host the premier at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Anderson before the film heads to local PBS channels and streaming services.

It would take pages upon pages to illustrate Erskine’s work and the lives he has changed, but perhaps nothing so succinctly describes the man as does the documentary’s title. Needing a name for his film, Green decided on a quote from former Indiana governor, Mitch Daniels. While presenting Erskine with the 2010 Sachem Award — the

state’s highest honor — at a State House ceremony on March 2, Daniels said he was frequently asked by people from around the country: “What is a Hoosier, exactly?” In answer to this question, Daniels nodded in Erskine’s direction and told the crowd,

“This man right here is the best we’ve got.”

The high praise from Daniels is shared by many, including those who played for Erskine during his 12 seasons as the Anderson College (University) Ravens’ baseball manager. Don Brandon ’63 enjoyed a standout career on the diamond while at AU, finishing as a two-time All-Conference selection. In 1972, Brandon succeeded his former coach and mentor, and for 38 years racked up the most wins in Raven history, along with over two dozen Coach of the Year awards.

a legendary coaching career at Kankakee Community College prior to his time at AU, and like Brandon, felt the impact of Erskine’s teachings after playing for him from 1961–65.

“He touched the lives of so many people in so many areas of life,” said Lehnus. “He showed me how to have class, and he exuded class. He showed me it was possible to be successful with quiet leadership. He showed me that integrity was more important than wins, and he showed me humility.”

Erskine is 94 now. His hair is white, his voice is soft, and he hasn’t thrown his famous curveball in quite some time, but he still has a story to tell.

Luckily for the rest of us, his story is set to be immortalized.

“When I was a 12-year-old farm boy in Alabama and a diehard Brooklyn Dodgers fan, Carl Erskine struck out 15 of the mighty Yankees in the third game of the 1953 World Series,” said Brandon.

“My older brother was in his freshman year at Anderson College at the time, studying for pastoral ministry, and later on told me that Erskine lived in Anderson and that he was a Christian. Erskine became my hero.

“I ended up playing three years for Coach,” continued Brandon. “I was a sponge that soaked up everything Coach said and taught. When I was not in the game, I sat by him. Here was my hero who had an abundance of baseball knowledge and all I had to do was ask and listen. It is a pleasure for me to say that I am an extension of Carl Erskine, Branch Rickey, and the Dodger way.”

At the same time Brandon was guiding the Raven baseball team, Denny Lehnus ’65 was patrolling the sidelines as head coach of the AU men’s basketball team. Lehnus had put together

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Adding Fuel to the Fund:

The Rickers

BY JACEY CRAWFORD WILLIAMS ’21

W

hen Jay and Nancy Ricker first moved to Anderson, Indiana, in the late 1970s, no one had ever enjoyed a refreshing “Ricker’s pop” or visited what would become the iconic hub for weary travelers and hungry teenagers across the Hoosier state. And the Rickers had no idea that they would one day become local philanthropists, contributing generously to the mission of Anderson University (AU).

Both raised on farms in northwest Indiana, the Rickers decided to launch a business in their home state in 1979. The two picked Middletown — a small town about 10 miles from the heart of Anderson — as the place to launch their brand new company, Ricker Oil Co.

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It didn’t take long for business to take off. The couple quickly began to accumulate several gas stations in the area and decided to move their headquarters to Anderson in the mid-1980s.

The Rickers would spend the next few decades building an empire of gas stations across Indiana.

Before they knew it, the couple owned 57 Ricker properties and employed nearly 1,000 people.

In 2018, after 40 years of business, the Rickers decided to sell their wildly successful business and focus their efforts on something else: giving back to the communities that had given so much to them.

The family donated large sums to Conner Prairie in Fishers, Indiana, as well as Habitat for Humanity.

But they didn’t stop there; as long-time supporters of the Paramount Theatre in Anderson, the couple decided to completely pay off the historic theatre’s mortgage.

The successful business owners-turnedphilanthropists have not only contributed economically to local businesses, but have also donated countless hours through community service. Because of this, Jay and Nancy Ricker were named The Herald Bulletin’s 2019 Person of the Year.

As the pair continued to think of ways to contribute to the community, they shifted their focus toward future generations. “We were talking and we said, ‘You know, we want Anderson to succeed down the road, and AU’s a big part of it,’” shared Jay Ricker. “So we thought that would be a good spot to make a significant donation.”

That’s when they decided they would donate $1 million to the university.

It was renamed in 1960 in honor of long-serving Anderson College Board of Trustees member, S.P. Dunn. It was the first campus building named in honor of an African American in the Midwest beyond the region’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This treasured residence hall will be the main focus of this donation.

“Anderson University is honored to receive this gift from Jay and Nancy Ricker as they give back to the Anderson community,” said President John S. Pistole.

“Their generosity and intentionality is inspiring and an encouragement not only to current students, faculty, and staff, but our over 30,000 alumni and those future Ravens who will benefit from their gift,” Pistole said.

“You know, we want Anderson to succeed down the road, and AU’s a big part of it.”

As the Ricker family began discussions with AU leadership about the donation, they learned of the university’s focused fundraising initiative: Called to Soar. The couple requested a university “wishlist” of the improvements and updates leadership wanted to implement on campus.

According to Jay Ricker, number one on that list was Dunn Residence Hall.

Built in 1954 and renovated in 1999, Dunn will receive the majority of the Rickers’ donation.

The dormitory houses around 190 men and was the first male dorm on AU’s campus.

Thanks to the donation, new bathrooms, updated flooring, a refreshed lobby, general repairs, and cosmetic updates await Dunn. The rest of the Rickers’ donation will be used to improve the lobbies in Martin, Morrison, Myers, and Smith Residence Halls with new furniture.

The Called to Soar initiative began in October 2018 and runs through the end of December 2021.

“This initiative strengthens the school by enhancing the student experience. As we increase the value of the AU experience, we will increase enrollment and retention of students,” said Jen Hunt, vice president of Advancement.

“These initiatives let our students know that we care about them, signifying that there is a large base of alumni and other donors who love and support AU.”

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Scholarships, Experiential Learning, & Campus Renewal

T

he Called to Soar initiative is comprised of three main buckets, as well as an annual fund.

The first bucket collects money for scholarships in order to expand student access to higher education and help students overcome barriers by making college education affordable. The goal of this fund is to attract and retain Ravens and provide more students the opportunity to soar.

A $7 million goal has been set for this bucket.

The second bucket supports academic programs and experiential learning. It focuses on AU’s five academic growth areas of business, engineering, nursing and health sciences, education, and national and cyber security.

Donations in this bucket go toward practical educational experiences, such as the nursing simulation lab, virtual reality class simulations for education students, and the Social Media Command Center for business students. This bucket has a goal of $4 million.

The third bucket is dedicated to campus renewal.

Its funds are used to update campus and create comfortable, inviting spaces for students to build community with one another. One of the main goals of this fund is to renovate Olt Student Center, which is home to the campus coffee shop, Mocha Joe’s, and two dining locations. A $2 million goal has been set for this bucket.

Including the annual fund, the goal is to raise a total of $20 million for the Called to Soar initiative. Millions have been raised so far, and the university is closing in on its goal.

“It’s been a real source of encouragement and enthusiasm for those who have been involved in working with the Rickers ... just to know that people who are not alumni and who are not affiliated with the Church of God see the value

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of AU to the city of Anderson, Madison County, and central Indiana, and who see the significance of having a vibrant, healthy Anderson University,” said Pistole.

The way Jay Ricker sees it, AU is more than an institution of higher education — it’s a valued establishment that contributes to the surrounding community in a number of ways.

From its involvement with organizations that benefit the city to training and equipping the next generation’s leaders, he believes that “Anderson wouldn’t be the same” without AU. The Rickers also value the university as a Christian academic institution. Faith and the church were integral parts of both his and Nancy’s upbringing, Jay Ricker said.

The Rickers’ donation won’t just benefit current students; Pistole said the improvements funded by the couple will impact future Ravens for years to come.

Pistole is also hopeful that this generous gift will encourage and inspire others to invest in AU and support its mission of educating students for lives of faith and service in the church and society.

“We give thanks to God for his provision, and to generous folks like the Rickers,” said Pistole.

“God bless, go Ravens.”

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Alumni

News & Events

AU CIRCLES One of Anderson University’s greatest strengths is community, and the friendships formed here can last a lifetime. We would love to celebrate you and know how you’re staying in touch with other Ravens through AU Circles. Please tell us about your AU Circle at anderson.edu/au-circles. Plus, we'd love to send you an AU swag package for the next time your flock convenes!

AU MEETS ALUMNI AT WORK An easy, fun, and engaging way to connect with alumni is to meet them where they spend 40 hours a week — their workplace! The Office of Alumni Relations at Anderson University locates various businesses and organizations that employ pockets of our alumni. We then work with leadership in those areas to have a presence there.

If your office employs a group of AU alumni, let us know at alumni@anderson.edu. This is one way we can support and encourage our alumni base and learn how they are changing the world in the workplace!

DAY OF GIVING RECAP During Day of Giving 2021, AU alumni, friends, faculty, staff, parents, and students showed their belief in and love for AU through generous and overwhelming support. On this day, more than $340,000 was raised for student scholarships, campus renewal projects, and academic growth areas! This is the most we’ve raised on any Day of Giving in AU's history! Because of this, more AU students who are Called to Soar will become servant leaders who are needed in our world today. We are forever grateful for you, Ravens, and for the ways you’re making a difference.

Mark your calendars for next year’s Day of Giving on April 6–7!

WE WANT MORE LEGACY STUDENTS AT AU! To prove it, we have created an opportunity for one lucky legacy student to receive one free year of tuiton at AU, as a Christmas gift from our AU family to yours.

Alumni can visit anderson.edu/legacy to submit their students in the drawing by Friday, December 17.

Names will be accepted through Thursday, December 16, 2021. Even if you don’t win, your student(s) could be second, third, or even fourth generation Ravens! Plus, legacy students receive a $5,000 Legacy Scholarship every year they attend AU.

SAVE THE DATE FOR HOMECOMING 2022: OCTOBER 14–15

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“Life is saved only by dedication to something larger than itself. The purpose of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.”

-John A. Morrison, first president of Anderson University

Create a Raven Legacy. Support future Ravens who are Called to Soar!

How?

By simply including Anderson University in your will or estate plans and creating a powerful ripple effect that will impact the future servant leaders of AU.

Have you already included AU in your will, but haven’t notified us? Please do so, as we’d love to thank you for your generous gift and ensure that you’re on our list of Heritage Society members. Want to know more about making this kind of transformative impact? Contact Jen Hunt, vice president for Advancement, at jehunt@anderson.edu or (765) 641-4063.

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ANDERSON UNIVERSITY’S Distinguished Alumni Award: Angela (Lehr) Ellison ’94 Angela (Lehr) Ellison ’94 has been

Distinguished Young Alumni Award: Jacob McCall ’16 and Mia (Klaes) McCall ’17 After two missions trips to the

an Indiana police officer with the

Dominican Republic (DR) in 2018

Fishers Police Department since

and 2019, Jacob ’16 and Mia

1996. She is the department’s

(Klaes) ’17 McCall each felt an

longest-standing female officer

undeniable calling from the Lord

and is proud of that legacy.

to move to the DR, which they

Ellison was recently granted the

answered on January 3, 2020.

title of CISM coordinator for the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Critical Incident/Memorial

In early 2020, Jacob unexpectedly had a large

Team, and Wellness Coordinator for the Indiana

seizure as a result of an undiagnosed brain

State FOP.

tumor. At the same time, Mia found out they

Through her service, Ellison has been afforded

surgery to remove his tumor, the couple returned

tremendous opportunities outside of the agency

to the DR to continue their ministry. Later that year,

to bring awareness of the stresses of police work,

they welcomed their baby girl, Zion Jo, into their

were expecting their first child. After a successful

and most importantly, to support officers in

lives. The McCalls are still serving as missionaries

need. Ellison teaches classes on self-care, stress

in the DR, educating and developing English

management, and suicide prevention to police

curriculum for the children they teach.

chiefs and officers.

The Presidential Civic Engagement Award (Awarded Posthumously): John Maidlow ’79 John Maidlow ’79 came to Anderson College in 1975 and met several lifelong friends in Dunn Hall. He blossomed as a student and even became student body president for one year. He and his wife, Susann Hepler, met on campus and married in 1977.

Soon after graduation, Maidlow joined the family business, Lehman’s Inc., and immediately excelled, first becoming an owner, and then eventually the sole owner and president. Proud alumni, the Maidlows have continued to support the mission of Anderson University.

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2021 ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS Distinguished Service Award: Rev. Jimmy O. Terry ’93

MOSAIC Multicultural Award: Rev. Elsa Johnson Bass ’72

An ordained minister, Rev. Jimmy

Rev. Elsa Johnson Bass ’72 grew

O. Terry ’93 has had the

up in Erie, Pennsylvania, and

opportunity to preach and teach

planned to be an elementary

in New York City and across the

school teacher. However, her love

country. For over 20 years, he and

of the theater changed her path.

his wife, Rev. Joyce A. Terry, have

Starring in a leading role in Erie

served congregations, children,

ignited her desire to study theater

youth, and young adults, both nationally and

in New York City.

internationally, through music, missions, and Rev. Bass is currently an associate pastor at

ministry.

Christ Center Church of God in Philadelphia, Rev. Jimmy Terry serves as director of T.R.U.S.T.

and has a seasoned career as a pastor, educator,

Ministries, a 501-c3 non-profit organization

and founder of various theaters and theatrical

that resources other nonprofits and faith-based

programs. In 2014, she retired after 40 years as

organizations through consultation, leadership

an educator, and in 2016, founded the Cross

development, and on-site training. Prior to

Culture Christian Theater with a mission to

ministry, Jimmy Terry served AU’s Office of

engage, entertain, and empower people while

Admissions from 2000–2004.

sharing the transformative power of the gospel.

John Kane Loyalty Award: Zach Gray ’10 Zach Gray ’10 is co-founder and managing partner of Zinc Partners, a Salesforce consulting firm. Gray graduated from AU with honors and a degree in computer science.

Prior to founding Zinc, he was chief technology officer (CTO) of MS Companies. In this role, he was named CTO of the Year in 2017 by the Indianapolis Business Journal. He also worked for Interactive Intelligence after graduation from 2010 to 2012.

Over the past three years, Gray has offered his expertise creating virtual Salesforcebased internship classes for computer science students at AU, making the university’s computer science program unique and distinctive from other programs.

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A Continued Call to Education

BY BRENT BAKER ’85

I

t’s not uncommon for someone to be part of the same school system from kindergarten through the 12th grade. What is uncommon is continuing all the way to the assistant superintendent’s office within the same system.

So far, that has been the path for Eric Davis ’03, alumnus of both Anderson Community Schools and Anderson University (AU), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in social studies education.

Beginning his professional career teaching at Highland High School, Davis quickly moved into administration serving several schools as assistant principal, including Anderson High School (AHS). In 2016, he became principal at AHS, and in 2020 became assistant superintendent. Along the way, he completed a doctorate from Ball State University (BSU) and also gained his superintendent’s license.

After high school, Davis said he chose AU “because of the small, intimate environment where you have close relationships with your professors and others on the campus.”

During his time at AU, Davis enjoyed his coursework, chapel, and campus events, and seemed to know he would thrive where he was known and where he could form relationships with fellow students and faculty. For Davis, this took place within the Department of History and Political Science, and the Department of Teacher Education.

It was these faculty who impacted Davis’ preparation for teaching — many of whom he remains connected with today. Dr. David Murphy, AU professor of history, not only taught Davis

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but also informally advised him during the writing of his doctoral dissertation at BSU. “Dr. Murphy has been instrumental in helping me throughout my career,” explained Davis. “He still asks me, ‘How can I help you? Is there anything you need?’”

Davis is grateful for his AU degree and the faculty who have supported him beyond graduation day.

In efforts to give back, Davis also taught within AU’s transition to teaching program for a time, helping to prepare future educators for the classroom.

“It’s always gratifying to hear about a former student who goes on to future success,” said Kraig Binkerd MEd ’05, math teacher at Anderson High School. Binkerd has a unique relationship with Davis, because he taught Davis as a student at Anderson High School, and now works for him.

“Even greater than his professional accomplishments, I’ve always been impressed with the personal care he takes in fulfilling his duties,” Binkerd shared. ”Eric is a great example of servant leadership for teachers and students alike.”

Davis’ mantra, which he adopted from one of his mentors, is “Pay it forward.” This comes from his commitment to expressing gratitude by serving, which has been a hallmark of his success in the Anderson school system.

“I feel passionate about serving within the school system,” said Davis. “It’s always been enjoyable for me to be able to give back, because so many people have helped me get where I am today.”

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“I started a master of public administration degree at another university, but was not getting the skills I needed from the program,” Thomas said.

She spoke to Brian Martin next (former graduate recruiter and current Cultural Resource Center director) about AU’s MBA, and he convinced her to enroll.

The Impact of an AU Education:

Generation to Generation

BY SUSANNA SPENCER

F

or Kasey Thomas BA ’15, MBA ’21, the connection she has to Anderson University (AU) goes way back — back to the very beginning, in fact.

In 1917, her great-grandfather, Rev. Robert Boelke ’21, a Church of God minister from Buffalo, New York, enrolled in Anderson Bible College (as it was called then) and graduated in the very first class of 1921.

Thomas’ great-grandmother, Viola Reitz Nieman, also grew up in Buffalo within the Church of God, and though she wanted to attend Anderson College for nursing, she didn’t have the means at that time. Later on in 1986, in efforts to help aspiring nurses with their education, she created the Viola A. Reitz Nieman Endowed Scholarship Fund, which still supports AU students today.

Additionally, both Thomas’ mother and grandmother attended AU for nursing, so it’s easy to see that her family tree has deep roots.

Choosing a degree in criminal justice, Thomas graduated from AU in 2015. Then, after working for a time with the Department of Child Services, she decided she wanted to move into management.

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When asked if she’s been using the skills she learned from her MBA, she said, “One-hundred percent. As an undergraduate student, you can execute any strategy assigned to you. But the MBA prepared me to actually develop strategy — including next-level analysis of data, issues, and problem solving” — which she’s currently doing in a role she loves.

After earning her MBA, an unexpected job opportunity presented itself through the Alexandria school system, and Thomas found herself transitioning into the field of education. Serving as a supervisor for emotional learning groups, her role involves developing programming for K-12 students, such as friendship groups, anti-bullying support groups, and more.

Thomas credits AU’s Falls School of Business for this preparation: “I feel I’ve made a positive impact in this role. I’m able to solve real-world problems, in real time, using the skills I built while studying at this amazing university.”

Thomas has seen the ripple effect of an AU education from both her family’s experiences and her own, giving her an unwavering confidence in what an AU degree can do. With the strong support she received throughout her MBA, Thomas also emphasized the value of the relationships and connections she built with AU peers and faculty, as well as a global education that graduates “can take anywhere in the world.”

For Thomas, these relationships, and her education, will undoubtedly “last a lifetime.”

Dr. Benjamin McPheron, chair of physical sciences and engineering. “They challenged me and taught me to be disciplined at work so I can fully enjoy time outside of work,” shared Bailey.

Bailey also credits AU for his success on the Fundamental Engineering Exam (FE exam) — “the first step toward getting your professional engineering license, so when you design something, you can officially put your stamp and signature on it, stating that the design works.”

BY FAITH SAYLES ’18

Bailey’s sense of purpose with Mussett, Nicholas & Associates is not surprising. At the company, beginners start out working alongside a partner who supervises and provides guidance for projects. But early on, Bailey was encouraged to work on projects independently.

nderson University alumnus Dave Bailey ’19 is enjoying a successful and fulfilling career since graduation.

“I’m still fairly new — only a few years out of college — but I’m designing projects on my own,” he said.

Bailey, who studied electrical engineering through the School of Science and Engineering (SSE), currently works for Mussett, Nicholas & Associates, an engineering consulting company in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to help Dave grow as a student and a professional,” said Dr. McPheron. “His leadership inside and outside of the classroom set the tone for the rest of his classmates, which helped everyone learn better.”

Engineering Excellence:

from Classroom to Career

A

“I enjoy my work because I feel like I’m contributing to society while working with our clients,” said Bailey, who also loves to see his designed projects move from construction to completion.

As a student, Bailey received significant handson experience in the field through internships with SMC Corporation in Noblesville, Indiana; Wessler Engineering in Indianapolis; and Ascension Technologies in Indianapolis — all thanks to connections with AU faculty and the SSE’s annual engineering career fair.

After four years in the field, Bailey will be able to sit for his professional engineering exam, credentialing him as a licensed professional engineer in the United States.

Though the test will likely be difficult, Bailey feels he’ll be prepared and looks forward to the possibility of moving up within the company.

Reflecting on his experience post-graduation, Bailey concluded, “It’s been good, and I’ve been blessed.”

AU’s small class sizes led Bailey to one-on-one mentoring with Dr. Willis Troy, assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, and

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CLASS NOTES Jim Ostrognai BA ’99 Greg Etchison BA ’97 Liz Loerop BA ’07 Amrutha Pulikottil BA ’12 Drew Beechler BA ’13 Val Spangler MBA ’12 Andry Rakotomalala BA ’14, MBA ’16 Craig Caldwell BA ’88 Jessica Ebbert BS ’08 Dayan Smith BA ’19 Timothy Scales MBA ’98 Anya Aslanova BA ’00 Justin Cave BA ’13 Vince Edwards MEd ’11 Lawrence Brownlee BA ’96 Mechelle Meadows BA ’08 Robert Fain BA ’00 Isaac Seevers BA ’04 Twyla Salaiz BA ’04 Greg Ruthsatz MBA ’02 Kevin Pitts BA ’87 Toni Romano BS ’57 Ricardo Cunningham BA ’94, DBA ’09

Please visit anderson.edu/class-notes and anderson.edu/remembrances to read about the lives of our incredible AU friends and alumni.

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REMEMBRANCES Stacey Collins MBA ’01 Donald Schlafer MDiv ’72 Gwyn Angus BA ’66 William Parker III BA ‘68 Rev. Mary Jane Modlin Cynthia Lynn Boruff William Bashford Claudia May Hawkins BA ’63 Jeannie Louis (Lenon) Ecker Norman Beard BA ’55, MDiv ’58, DHL ’98 Gail Milburn Brant BA ’10 Melissa Humerickhouse BA ’01, MA ’03 Elizabeth Diane Bostic BA ’00 Suzanne Wegner BA ’92 Spencer Shank Donald Tawney BTh ’56 and Lenora Tawney BS ’54 Robert Reitz Charles Waldo Phyllis Jenness Rev. Dr. Dean Schield BS ’58 Lori Luna BA ’00 Kimberly Hostetter BA ’90 Jackie Hensley BA ’73 Richard Reinhardt BA ’70 Rev. Wilfred Jordan MDiv ’61 Jonathan Dech BA ’90 Mark York BA ’97 Rev. Harold L. Minkler BA ’52, MDiv ’55 Constance Joann Byrum Gray AS ’76 Mark C. Thurman Brian Charles Barlow BA ’78, MA ’83, MDiv ’84 Rev. Duane Smith BA ’66, MDiv ’69 Patsy Lou Lighty Corey Turner Kelly Jones Patricia J. Means Todd A. Mills BA ’83 John Hayden Maidlow BA ’79 Teresa Gail Fraley King BA ’73 Rev. Roger Carl Williams BA ’60, MDiv ’63 Sally S. Coomer Christina Marie Arteritano BS ’14

CALLED TO SOAR DONOR REPORT $1,000,000+ Estate of Robert Glenn Falls Lilly Endowment, Inc. Jay and Nancy Ricker

$500,000–$999,999 Connie Frederick Trust OGSystems, LLC Mr. John P. Sanders

$100,000–$499,999 Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence D. Adcock Dr. Larry and Mrs. Renee Allen Anonymous Faculty & Alumnus Avis Foundation, Inc. Patricia Seasor Bailey and Mark Bailey Dr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Batdorf Fred E. and Thelma V. Boze Foundation Randy and Lori Burgan Church of God Ministries, Anderson, Indiana Erin Coffman Lou Contos Jamie H. and Daniel A. Courtney Dr. Walter Froese Gaither Charitable Foundation Bill and Gloria Gaither Carl and Liz Hicks Dr. and Mrs. Terry Horner Michele Jackson and Wayne DeVeydt Glenna Lee Family Trust Lehman’s Inc. Leppien Foundation John and Cleo Leppien Madison County Community Foundation John and Susann Maidlow Terry and Kimmi McCardwell Estate of Mary Joanne McClellan John Pistole and Kathy Harp Dr. Lloyd B. Schnuck, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Vern Smith

$10,000–$99,999 Abel Construction Company Inc. Byron and Keiko Adcock Kristian and Brandi Andersen Anonymous Nick and Paolina Anthony Mr. Charles Armstrong Associated Agencies, Inc. Mr. Paul Auer Dr. and Mrs. James Ault Colin Bailey Ann Baker Mrs. Katherine J. Barnett Dr. and Mrs. Norman E. Beard Dr. Richard F. Bebee Mrs. Sharon Berner Dr. Eric and Mrs. Sally Blom Mr. Scott Bowser Timothy W. and Michelle L. Cantwell

Doctors Don and Wanda Carmichael Mr. and Mrs. Dennis D. Carroll Central Indiana Community Foundation Church at the Crossing, Indianapolis, Indiana Betty Clemens College English Association, Inc. Rev. and Mrs. Don Collins Daniel and Angela Combs Conreco Mr. Kim Contos Jim and Carol Cook Council of Independent Colleges Dr. and Mrs. David E. Cox Dr. Robert G. Culbertson Dayspring Church of God, Cincinnati, Ohio Kyle and Dana DeFur Delaware Glass & Mirror Co. Denver Foundation Ms. Esther DePree W. R. Dunkin & Son, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Craig R. Dunkin Lori Efroymson-Aguilera and Sergio Aguilera Dr. Sheryl Elston Evolv Technology, Inc. Ferree Charitable Remainder Unitrust Fleming Family, LLC Ford Family Fund Fredericks, Inc. Bill Fredericks Dr. Demos Gallender Mrs. Jennifer Gause Rachel Geiersbach Mr. and Mrs. Gary Gerould Mr. and Mrs. James Giesler Steven and Chapel Givens Mr. and Mrs. Keith Gordon Estate of Lena Graham Greif, Inc. Marty and Kim Grubbs Ben and Amy Guthrie Mr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Harbron Donna and John Harman Jon and Amanda Hayhurst Mrs. Lynda E. Henderson Joanne Hernandez Mary Ellen Hicks Barry and Connie Hippensteel Ms. Pamela Hockema Mr. Marion Hovermale Mr. and Mrs. Everette J.W. Humphrey Independent Colleges of Indiana Foundation Indiana Center for Nursing, Inc. International Paper Paddy and Mary Jamerson Mrs. Kimberly Leach Johnson Mrs. Marcie McCormick Jones Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth D. Julian Paul and Dawn King Dr. Jerome J. Kolb Dr. Shanu Kothari krM Architecture+

Ronald and Marilyn Leach Charitable Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Ronald L. Leach Mr. and Mrs. Virgil L. Leatherman Jeff and Stephanie Leppien Jan Lewis Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts Dr. and Mrs. Larry Lilly Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Loose Maxine McCall Ben and Sandy McCurdy Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. McCutcheon Col. Marjorie Charlene Merrill Ms. Linda J. Miller Mr. and Mrs. John A. Mitchell Estate of Kenneth J. Mix Myers Autoworld New Life Christian Fellowship, Fortville, Indiana Dr. and Mrs. Clarence E. Nichols Nicholson Associates, LLC Mr. and Mrs. C. William Norris Dorothy Nye Ontario Systems Jim and Chandra Ostrognai Park Place Church of God, Anderson, Indiana Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Pensec Dr. and Mrs. Guy Perry, Jr. Timothy and Jennifer Ponce’ Presser Foundation Rev. and Mrs. Steve Rennick Mr. and Mrs. David Renz Velma R. Renz Revocable Trust Dr. Mary L. Holland Rhodes Ms. Anita L. Riegsecker Salem Church of God, Clayton, Ohio SalesForce.com Foundation Kyle and Laura Schroeder Lois A. Settlemeyer Mr. and Mrs. Hollie Sharpe Snap-Raise Martha Songer Estate of Elmer A. Sowers Chris and Julie Spires Rev. and Mrs. Rod Stafford Star Financial Bank Mrs. Sandra K. Stephenson Dr. and Mrs. Jerry L. Stevenson Estate of Harry and Betty Stipes Mr. Dale E. Stultz Dave and Beth Tharp Mr. and Mrs. Gary Thornhill Averil Van Putten Dr. and Mrs. Edward J. Weippert Dr. and Mrs. Ralph E. Welton, Jr. Mr. Robert Wenzel Whippoorwill Woods LLC Scott and Jennifer Wilson Paul and Kim Womack Wyoming General Assembly of the Church of God

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Signatures

NONPROFIT ORGNIZATION U. S. POSTAGE

PAID PPCO

A NDERSON U NIVERSITY 1100 E. 5th St. Anderson, IN 46012-3495

. . . m f o r o Hell i t s y r e v i n U 28 | T H E A N D E R S O N U N I V E R S I T Y M A G A Z I N E