HU Magazine - Fall/Winter 2021

HuntingtoN university

The Heart of a Counselor

This summer, counseling faculty introduced themselves to the campus community in person

HUNTINGTON UNIVERSITY

FALL/WINTER 2021 | VOL. 26 | NO. 1

Huntington University Magazine is published by Huntington University and mailed free to Huntington alumni, faculty, staff and other friends of the University.

PRESIDENT

Dr. Sherilyn Emberton

EDITOR

Lynette Fager ’10

Director of Communication

MAGAZINE STAFF

Laura Flores

Graphic Designer

Joanne (Miller) Green ’93, ’10

Sports Information Director

Nicole Manges '18

Content Developer

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

President Roger Cooley ’84

Secretary Bronwen (Fetters) Carlisle ’16

Member-at-Large Luke McConnell '16

Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Huntington University. As a Christian university of the liberal arts, Huntington University is committed to equal opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin or physical handicap in programs or activities.

Huntington University 2303 College Avenue Huntington, IN 46750

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD

Each issue of the Huntington University Magazine has a theme, and as 2021 comes to a close, what better theme to focus on than the positive things that have happened this year through the lenses of Christ, scholarship and service. Additionally, we want to shine a light on the ‘do differently-s’ and the ‘try something new-s’ that God has blessed this year. Colossians 3 tells us that “whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” As Foresters, we know that one facet of that mandate from Scripture is that we need to constantly seek ways to improve. So as you read this issue, please take a moment to appreciate and give thanks for all God has done so far and all He will do as we strive to do His will.

A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT

For 124 years, Huntington University has offered rigorous academic programs and robust co-curricular activities that support a mission of Christ, scholarship and service. Throughout the decades, we have added programs, created new faculty and staff positions and imagined creative spaces with new buildings and special features. The University has grown from a single building (now known as Becker Hall) to 18 buildings on the main campus, a 30,000-squarefoot building in Arizona, and a multi-level facility in Fort Wayne.

Students can now pursue bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate level programs. They can mix and match online and face-to-face course deliveries, study programs in different locations, and participate in 18 athletic programs.

In 1 Corinthians 3:10, Paul writes, “According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.”

Since 1897, each generation of Foresters has built upon a foundation of excellence for the next generation. Many times, that process has included a refining of academic majors, researching new teaching methods and innovative technologies and adding new labs and equipment to better prepare students for emerging careers and exciting new ministry fields.

The stories in this edition earmark foundational strengths of Huntington University — ones that continue to be refined for the glory of God. In Isaiah 28:16, God reminds us of the importance of honoring foundation: “Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation.’”

May Jesus always be our sure foundation and the greatest influencer of all things Huntington!

Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, President

Forester Happenings

Fall 2021 Enrollment Update

Huntington University’s fall 2021 enrollment numbers came in at 1,363 total students. Though down slightly from last year’s record enrollment, this number is still up overall when looking at the last five years of data.

“While many universities across the country are reporting downward trends over the past few years or small upticks after extremely low enrollment in 2020, Huntington University is pleased to be consistent, with steady enrollment growth in key areas,” said Daniel Solms, vice president for enrollment management and marketing.

Those “key areas” specifically include the enrollment numbers at HU Arizona, where total undergraduate enrollment is up over 8%. Additionally, graduate program enrollment numbers are up 4%.

Looking at the makeup of our student population, HU has endeavored to increase diversity, and those efforts have yielded nine years of consistent growth. HU’s students who identify as a U.S. ethnic minority currently make up 17% of the total undergraduate population.

Distinguished Service Honorees Announced

During the annual Burgers, Boots, and Blue Jeans event on September 16, the Huntington University Foundation presented the Distinguished Service Award to Brent and Darlene Stanley. The award, established in 2002, honors an individual or an organization whose life or mission embodies the principles associated with the mission of the University. The award is given to a person or organization that gives substance and credence to the University’s beliefs, serves as an effective role model for HU students and is recognized as making a tremendous contribution to Huntington County.

“It is a pleasure to honor the Stanleys for their commitment throughout Huntington County and to Huntington University. They love our community, and it shows. We are proud to honor them this way," said Kay Schwob, senior director of development at HU.

Fulbright Fairchild

Mark Fairchild, PhD, professor of Bible and religion, has been selected as a Fulbright Senior Research Scholar for the 2021-2022 year to conduct research in Turkey.

BRENT AND DARLENE STANLEY MARK FAIRCHILD

Fairchild will be involved in excavations at an underwater basilica in Iznik (ancient Nicea). Nicea is the site of Christianity’s first ecumenical council, known as the First Council of Nicea. Preliminary evidence suggests that the submerged basilica was the place where over three hundred leaders of the early church met with the emperor Constantine, culminating in the confessional statement known as the Nicene Creed. Fairchild will collaborate with Mustafa Śahin of Uludag University (Turkey) and Julia De Sigoyer from the Université Grenoble Alpes (France). Fairchild published a report on the discovery of the basilica in the Biblical Archaeology Review in 2018.

Nursing Scholarships Awarded

Huntington University’s Department of Nursing has announced the 2021-2022 scholarship recipients:

• Molly Burton, Raylynn Johnson and Kayla Sparling are recipients of the Indiana Center for Nursing Scholarship

• Catherine Neese is the recipient of the Winter Nursing Scholarship

• Christine Harber is the recipient of the Bruce and Linda Myers Nursing Scholarship

• Danielle Cummins is the recipient of the Nursing Scholarship

Watson Receives Outstanding Achievement Award

Susanne Watson, director of undergraduate admissions, has been recognized with the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals’ (NACCAP’s) Outstanding Achievement Award. This award honors those who work diligently to advance the cause of Christian higher education and demonstrate a commitment to growing their institution.

“Susanne was nominated by her peers for being an enabler, a creative force within the office and one who comes alongside to help other team members be successful in pursuit in their goals and objectives,” said Chant Thompson, NACCAP director emeritus.

Daniel Solms, vice president for enrollment management and marketing, concurred with this assessment, saying that “Susanne has a big heart; she genuinely cares for people and wants to see them succeed. You see that when she engages with prospective students and as a leader of her team. Susanne is also diligent and possesses strong administrative skills that she uses to make us more efficient and to strengthen the foundation of activity that supports us connecting with future students.”

SUSANNE WATSON

From the Desk of Jeff Berggren

Catch up on the latest Arizona happenings with the Director of Arizona Operations

Positive Enrollment Numbers

Our area is booming, and our enrollment numbers are booming right along with it. This fall, 101 students returned to HU Arizona. We also had 56 new students join us, 28 of whom are first-time freshmen!

With a total enrollment of 157 students, we are up 8% from last year. This was our fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth. What is also exciting is that this HU Arizona class includes students not only from the Phoenix area but from across all of Arizona and outside of the state. In fact, this current class consists of more out-of-state students than ever before, including students from California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada and Indiana.

Rocky Mountain Emmy Student Production Awards

HU Arizona undergraduates once again made history when 26 student projects received nominations for 2021 Rocky Mountain Emmy Student Production Awards — the largest group of Student Production Award nominations HU Arizona has received to date.

For a University our size to garner that many nominations is truly incredible. This is only the fifth year of Rocky Mountain Emmy nominations for HU Arizona.

On November 6, the Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announced the Student Production Award winners. HU Arizona walked away with 12 awards, shattering our previous record of seven.

To see a full list of nominated projects, visit the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Rocky Mountain Southwest Chapter website.

Student Production Award Winners

College Video Essay

“Baked Chemistry”: Olivya Bryant, photojournalist

College Music Video

“Falling”: Alex Kennedy, producer/director

College Fiction Short Form

“Stitched Together”: Realiti Ibsen, director, Alexa Bland, animator, Kesmine Hickman, animator

“Scorn”: Xander Williams, director

College Fiction Long Form

“Murphy”: Chloe Caufield, writer/director, Sam Dorcey, producer, Lisette Perez, cinematographer, Wilson Hickman, editor

College Animation/Graphics/Special Effects

“Huntington Promo”: Nathan Holt, motion graphics lead

“Mending Needle”: Laurel Zeiler, lead artist

College Audio/Sound

“Scorn”: Xander Williams, sound mixer/designer

College Director

“Rocket Science”: Kenny Gondales, director

College Photographer

“Standby”: Jose “Pepe” Sifuentes, cinematographer

“By Good Rights”: Alexis Lopez, cinematographer

College Writer

“Scorn”: Xander Williams, writer

Scan to view the Student Production Award sizzle reel!

HU Arizona’s First Doctoral Cohort

We welcomed our first Arizona cohort of the Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy (OTD program) on January 22, 2021, with a White Coat Ceremony. Thanks to the power of technology, this event was a joint experience for HU’s Fort Wayne-based OTD program cohort and the inaugural HU Arizona OTD program cohort.

The inaugural class includes

• Hannah Benson, Woodinville, Washington

• Kristin Carr, Phoenix, Arizona

• Lucas Godwin, Ramona, California

• John Hancock, Clay Springs, Arizona

• Kennedy Kelly, North Barrington, Illinois

• Megan Law, Scottsdale, Arizona

• Amber Ocampo, Los Angeles, California

• McKenna Scheldt, San Tan Valley, Arizona

• Caroline Soliman, Gilbert, Arizona

• Shannon Ware, Beaverton, Oregon

The White Coat Ceremony signifies each student’s commitment to deliver the best care to their patients, with compassion and empathy as the hallmark of their clinical practice. A recording of the White Coat Ceremony is available at huntington.edu/WhiteCoat_January2021

Right at Home

STORY BY JOANNE GREEN ’93, ’10

A conversation about all-time softball greats in Indiana wouldn’t go too long before Erin (Rethlake) Ehler’s name would come up. Perhaps the most accomplished player in Huntington North High School program history, the hometown favorite is now the 12th head coach of the Forester softball program.

Ehler’s success as a player includes a long list of accolades. In her final campaign as a Viking, she was named Miss Indiana Softball. She was also the 2013 Gatorade Indiana Softball Player of the Year.

After her decorated high school career, Ehler took her talents to the University of Kentucky, where she was a pitcher, first baseman and outfielder. Ehler was her team’s Freshman of the Year and earned Kentucky’s Defensive Player of the Year praises as a junior and senior.

A left-handed pitcher with a wicked curve ball, Ehler graduated with 26 wins to her name, a 2.68 ERA and 216 strikeouts while giving up 218 hits and 104 earned runs. Offensively, she finished her career with 106 hits, 35 RBI and 38 stolen bases.

Ehler also taps into previous coaching experience, most recently as an assistant coach at Indiana Tech. She is well established in the travel softball circuit as a coach for Indiana Shock.

While this is her first go-around as a college head coach, she brings a seasoned approach.

“I want my players to leave the program having grown mentally and spiritually,” she said. “I want them to graduate ready to impact their corner of the world.”

With a handful of fundraisers, several months of practice and a few exhibition games already under her belt, she is excited for the upcoming season.

“This fall has been a big change on and off the field. We saw moments of greatness throughout the struggle and adjustment, so I can’t wait to see all their hard work pay off this spring.”

Ehler inherits a Forester squad that went 25-29 last season, including a 14-20 record in the Crossroads League for the seventh spot in the conference regular season standings.

A Huntington legend joins HU for her first season as softball head coach

Equipping Shepherds

HU is committed to providing resources for spiritual formation

COLUMN BY REV. ARTHUR WILSON, MA ’12

As Jesus prepared to depart from His disciples, he gave Peter a command in John 21:17 that I believe is relevant for us as we strive to help students become and remain disciples: “Feed my sheep.” As he handed the mantle for spreading the Gospel and establishing the church to the disciples, Jesus reminded them that one of the most effective ways to accomplish this was by providing nourishment and support that promotes growth and sustainability.

At Huntington University, we have numerous shepherds who are positioned to engage students for spiritual growth and sustainability. But it’s also important to acknowledge our responsibility to equip, resource and support these influencers. While developing the comprehensive Spiritual Formation Plan, we gained a firm understanding of the ways we can set up our shepherds and students for success. Financial resources ensure that the vision for effective equipping can come to fruition. This is why we’ve established the In Stride fundraising campaign.

I look forward to the day when I’m able to share with you the fruit that emerges from the funds raised through In Stride. If you’d like to learn more about this opportunity, feel free to contact me or a member of the University’s advancement team. May the Lord’s blessing be upon you!

We have big dreams for how we desire to equip shepherds. Here are a few of them:

Online

Through RightNow Media, we’re committed to providing content that will strengthen shepherds’ effectiveness in building relationship and providing spiritual support to any HU student, regardless of where they are in their faith journey. As we imagine the high-quality content we want to produce, we’re also aware of how costly the equipment and software required to make this a reality is.

On Campus

We’re devoted to providing physical resources such as Study Bibles and books to support students’ spiritual formation. As the relationship between shepherd and student strengthens, so

does the student’s willingness to take seriously the books that the shepherd deems valuable. By providing resources, we create more opportunities for students to receive holistic and spiritual support from the men and women they admire and look to for guidance.

Global

We’re committed to providing every HU student the opportunity to serve the Lord in another part of the world by providing financial support. If you’ve ever served the Lord in another context, you know how spiritually transformative this kind of experience can be for the individual and the collective group. Imagine how impactful this could be for the relationship between coach and athlete, faculty and student, or student and student at HU.

One acorn can grow an oak tree. One oak tree can produce a forest. One forest can change the world.

Give online at ForesterFund.com today

To learn more about the Forester Fund, please contact Marcy Hawkins at mhawkins@huntington.edu or (260) 359-4097.

Steve Thomas Joins Advancement Staff as Director of Gift & Estate Planning

With more than 25 years of charitable estate planning and fundraising experience, the majority of Steve’s career has been in higher education directing planned giving programs. Prior to his years in philanthropy, Steve practiced law, focusing in the areas of estate and business planning.

If you are interested in learning more about planned giving at Huntington University, contact Steve directly at (260) 359-4005 or sthomas@huntington.edu.

Debuts at H u

The popularity of esports has reached Huntington University

STORY BY DENALI KERN ’23

With the recent rise in popularity of competitive esports, Huntington University saw a good portion of HU students take an interest in a possible club on our own campus, and, as of fall 2021, we created just that: our very own Super Smash Bros. and Overwatch teams!

“We know that our students care a lot about gaming, and we wanted to show them in a real way that we think this is a worthy pursuit,” said HU Esports Staff Sponsor Adam Skiles.

Schools in our area already had established esports clubs, schools such as Anderson, Bethel, Grace, Manchester, Mount Vernon, Saint Francis, Trine and Valparaiso. It was time that Huntington University also took a step into the world of competitive gaming.

To take that step, the University readied a space on campus that was dedicated to the HU Esports club so that students could simply show up and start playing.

“We purchased brand new Alienware gaming PCs with fast 240 Hz monitors that can refresh 4x faster than most traditional computer monitors,” Skiles explained. “We also provided the students with gaming keyboards and mice.”

They are currently working with two TVs and one Nintendo Switch. For Overwatch, they have around ten PC setups for the players to use. The club is still looking for some expansion in the equipment department.

Although they are just getting started as a club, the experience so far has been a positive one.

“The experience and opportunity of being a part of HU’s first competitive Smash Bros. team has been amazing,” said John Thomas. “It’s not just one moment for me that’s been incredible. It’s playing one of my favorite games of all time with my teammates. It’s the adrenaline rush every time we take a stock in a match. It’s the hilarious banter between the team and our coach.”

This fall, the Super Smash Bros. team advanced to the playoffs in the Great Lakes Esports Conference. The club is looking to compete in Rocket League and Valorant for this upcoming spring semester.

“I am stoked to see what’s to come and so honored to be a part of laying the foundation for Huntington University’s esports,” said Thomas.

Spectators can find livestreams or recorded games on Twitch.com by searching “Huntington University” and then the corresponding game of Super Smash Bros. or Overwatch. Other recorded game plays are on the HU Esports YouTube channel.

s mas H b ros. t eam

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The Heart of a Counselor

Meet the current clinical mental health counseling faculty

STORY BY NICOLE MANGES ’18

Summer 2021 marked the beginning of an era for the Master of Arts in clinical mental health counseling program at Huntington University. New program director Dr. Elijah Lee and faculty member Dr. Michelle Caulk joined returning faculty member Dr. Eric Williams, forging a team of three experienced counselors who have a heart for educating other counselors.

As a team, the counseling faculty represent an impressive level and variety of educational and clinical backgrounds. Between them, they hold three PhD degrees in counselor education and supervision plus master’s and bachelor’s degrees in subjects such as English language and literature, sociology, library and information science, psychology, marriage and family therapy and, of course, counseling. They

are practicing clinicians as well as counselor educators, each with their own specialties.

Drawing on their experiences, these faculty are ready not just to train clinicians at the level of academic and clinical excellence HU students expect but also to shepherd counselors with identities rooted in faith and compassion.

There will certainly be more to see from these faculty in the coming months as they continue to bring their unique perspectives to the clinical mental health counseling program. For now, the following pages will introduce you to the new faces of the counseling program at Huntington University and give glimpses into the heart of each of these counselors.

Elijah Lee

PhD, LCPC (KS), NCC Program Director and Assistant Professor

In the field of counseling, Dr. Elijah Lee says he has found both the poison and the antidote of humankind’s sickness: authentic relationship. His pursuit of counseling has specialized in looking for this cure and the hope of offering it to a world seeking it out.

Lee’s philosophy as a counselor educator and practicing counselor comes from Jeremiah 3:15, where God promises Jeremiah that He will provide “shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

“This has been a central Scripture for me both in teaching/training counselors and in shepherding His people in the field of counseling,” said Lee. “We are in need of counselors in the field who will shepherd people in the midst of all of life’s experiences, through suffering and joy. To this end, I believe it is my call and great privilege to shepherd shepherds.”

Lee is an ordained minister in the River Fellowship and counsels out of his private practice, Hope Healing LLC.

Michelle Caulk

PhD, LPC, LPHC, NCC Director of Clinical Experiences and Assistant Professor

Dr. Michelle Caulk began her professional life as a librarian and research analyst, then transitioned to the counseling field in 2010. She specializes in grief and loss, trauma, directing a private practice and mental health within the church and is a Master Clinician in Accelerated Resolution Therapy.

Caulk has founded a counseling center, worked with clients to help them live in hope and wholeness and taught counseling students. She has a history of writing and speaking passionately and effectively on topics such as mental health in the church and counseling the bereaved, and she partners with community churches to create “relational homes” in which those with mental illness may find community, advocacy and understanding.

As a counselor educator and practicing counselor, Caulk says that her joyful task and privilege is to help others see and act out God’s purpose within this life in relationships, service, work and personal growth. In addition to teaching, Caulk coordinates practicum and internship experiences at HU.

Eric Williams

PhD, LCMHCS, LMFT Assistant Professor

Dr. Eric A. Williams’ time as a counselor has seen him in many places; he has experience as a counselor in community mental health, private practice, child development centers, grade schools and military bases. He was worked with military families and with children and adolescents in areas such as mental health and substance abuse. Williams is also a U.S. Army veteran paratrooper who served during 9/11.

In a recent interview about the threeday intensive that every clinical mental health counseling student completes at the start of the program, Williams remarked that a strength of the intensive is that it brings people from a variety of backgrounds together to discuss counseling and identity.

“There are different shades of how to become a counselor,” he said. “There are different shades of what it looks like to be a counselor. Everybody’s experience is different, and we like the opportunity to really bring these different experiences together.”

The same is true beyond the three-day intensive. For each of HU’s clinical mental health counseling faculty, the journey to becoming a counselor looked different. At the center of each, however, was the heart of what it means to be a counselor.

That’s the call on the hearts of so many counselors: to be a shepherd.

A Master of Arts degree in clinical mental health counseling can help you answer that call. Huntington University offers Christ-centered counselor training that equips you to engage diverse cultural contexts through

• Cultivation of clinical skills

• Critical thinking

• Academic excellence

“And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding” Jeremiah 3:15

Pastoral Relationship in Action

Mark Vincenti transitions to full-time campus pastor

STORY BY ABIGAIL RUSIE, ’22

Vincenti categorizes his responsibilities in four big “buckets”:

1. Overseeing chapel and formations opportunities for our campus community

2. Leadership development through our Sojourner (previously Campus Ministry Coordinator) program and within student groups

3. Pastoral care

4. Strengthening our bond with the United Brethren denomination and UB churches

“Having Mark on staff allows us the opportunity to not only continue the great work of engaging and serving our traditional undergraduate student body but frees me up to look at the other components of our University, developing the Spiritual Formation Plan for Peoria, for Fort Wayne OTD, for our online students and our graduate students,” said Vice President for Spiritual Formation and Intercultural Enrichment Rev. Arthur Wilson.

This fall, Huntington University was pleased to welcome Rev. Mark Vincenti as our new campus pastor in the Center for Spiritual Formation and Intercultural Enrichment. Vincenti comes most recently from Emmanuel Community Church in Fort Wayne but has been part of the HU community for a long time as an alumnus from the Class of 1999. He is well-known to many of our students due to his involvement as assistant coach for the soccer teams. He has also led HU students in Bible studies, offering mentorship and encouragement.

Vincenti believes God has placed Huntington in a unique position for spiritual impact that touches our world for the glory of God.

“God is literally gathering people to this University from down the street and across the world and sending people from HU to those same places,” Vincenti said. “If students come here and catch fire for Jesus in a way they never have before and leave equipped to live out a vibrant faith in Christ, they will take that wherever they go, setting Gospel fires to the ends of the earth.”

Vincenti invites readers to pray for the Spirit of God to continue to infuse Huntington University with His purpose and power in increasing measure and for a powerful move of God that results in changed people who enter God’s Kingdom mission and makes His glory known around the world.

More About Mark

Tea or Coffee? – Tea over coffee, hot chocolate over both Early Riser or Night Owl? – I have been both…Early Riser right now

Driver or Passenger? – Driver

Board Game or Video Game? – Board game, though I was pretty good on the Atari 2600

EReader or Actual Book? – Actual

Favorite Fiction Book – Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis

Favorite Animated Movie – Either Frozen (Disney dad) or Spiderman, Into the Spider-Verse (dad of a little dude)

Who would play you in a movie? – Barry Allen/The Flash

Alumni Awards 2021

Get to know this year’s outstanding alumni

Every day, Foresters around the world are doing amazing things. As they go about their daily lives wherever God has called them, they are making an impact that is often fartherreaching than they realize. We love hearing their stories because they never cease to encourage and inspire us.

While there are many ways for us to hear about alumni, the nomination process for our alumni awards is one we look forward to every year, and the nominations we received for this year’s alumni awards certainly did not disappoint. We were pleased to present four awards among three categories in 2021.

The Distinguished Alumni Citation is designed to recognize exceptional service or achievement over a longer period of time —

a premise similar to a lifetime achievement award. This year’s recipient was Paul Hirschy.

Our Alumnus of the Year award is designed to recognize an alumnus’ outstanding achievement or recognition. This year’s recipient was Brandon Schall.

The Young Alumnus of the Year award is designed to recognize alumni who are 30 years old or younger and have made a significant impact on the world since graduation. This year, we honored two deserving alumni: Zachary Keller and Kayla Lane.

The four honorees received their awards during the Davis Hall: Larger Than Life event on October 1 as part of Homecoming Weekend.

Janelle Taylor, Paul Hirschy, and Alumni Board President Roger Cooley at Davis Hall: Larger than Life

Rev. Hirschy has spent his life serving others. At Huntington College, he was on the student senate for four years and was student body president. He went on to spend 27 years in leadership roles with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. After serving at Bluffton United Brethren Church, he became the manager of the United Brethren Publishing House in Huntington and managed the denomination’s bookstore.

“He would take a mini-bookstore to every annual conference,” said Ray Seilhamer, who first met Hirschy at Huntington College and later worked closely with him in the UB denomination. “This was hard work. He would take quality Christian books, Sunday School curriculum, music, certificates and other church forms for pastors and lay people to purchase.”

When Hirschy became National Director of Ministry for the UB denomination, Hirschy and Seilhamer, who was bishop at the time, attended over 100 conferences together.

“He was faithful to his ministry descriptions,” Seilhamer remarked. “He loved the church.”

Hirschy served as bishop of the UB denomination for one term from 2001-2005. As bishop, he was instrumental in adopting an international structure in 2001 and revising the U.S. National Conference structure in 2005.

“[Paul has] always showed a servant spirit, willing to do whatever was asked of him, and doing it to the best of his ability,” said Steve Dennie, UB director of communications and Hirschy’s coworker from 1978-2005.

Hirschy has remained connected to the University through avenues such as the Alumni Board and the Office of Advancement. Whether he is providing books to pastors or meeting with fellow HU alumni, Hirschy’s exceptional service has shaped the UB denomination and the Forester Family in incredible ways.

Paul Hirschy (1968, MCM 1972) Distinguished Alumni Citation

Brandon Schall (2003)

Alumnus of the Year

Schall is the senior vice president of client services at American Specialty, where he has worked since 2008 and held a variety of leadership roles. To those who know him, however, it is clear that his impact has gone far beyond his job title.

“If you asked me the names of people Brandon has impacted, the list would be too long to print,” said friend and coworker Spencer Batt. “He looks at his neighbors, coworkers, fellow parents at his children’s school, business clients and anyone else he meets as a person he can love and have a godly impact upon.”

Zachary Keller (2012) Young Alumnus of the Year

Keller currently serves as a math teacher in Jay County High School in Portland, Indiana, but as fellow alum Grace Kaufman pointed out, “math teacher” doesn’t quite sum it all up.

“Zach is, in short, serving in the mission field of teaching high school math,” said Kaufman. “It is truly so much more than teaching math to teenagers. Zach is serving as a leader … His work qualifies as thankless and selfless in so many ways.”

Kayla Lane (2015) Young Alumnus of the Year

Lane launched Studio852 to tell the stories that inspire her and to tell stories that matter. While pursuing those stories, she found a place on the teams of award-winning films and shows like The Irishman and The Mandalorian. Though her resume is filled with impressive accolades, those who nominated her cite her passion for her faith, friends, family and Foresters as the reason for the nomination.

“[Kayla] has a deep love for Huntington University and understands how the faculty and staff influenced her to be her best,” said Marcy Hawkins, director of the Forester Fund at HU. “She is not afraid to share with others about her faith and values.”

FORESTER ATHLETICS

CROSS-COUNTRY

Junior Haile Stutzman nabbed his second conference individual 8K title at the 2021 Crossroads League Championships this fall by crossing the line in 24:52 to win by eight seconds over the second-place finisher. The Silverton (Oregon) native earned his first CL crown as a rookie. Stutzman and teammates Kent Yoder (7th, 25:08) and Elijah Chesterman (9th, 25:24) were tabbed All-Conference for their Top 15 finish. In the women’s 5K, the Foresters landed two runners in the top five, with freshman Shelby Christman taking third in 18:39 and sophomore Sydney Lambert grabbing fifth in 18:45, both deemed All-Conference.

BASKETBALL

Second-year coach Kory Alford and his squad got off to a great start by winning the Ness Bros. Hall of Fame Classic, which included slipping past Calumet College of St. Joseph by ten and then running away with a 31-point victory in the championship game against Missouri Baptist. The Foresters are picked to finish fifth in the Crossroads League, with junior Zach Goodline and senior Caleb Middlesworth voted preseason First Team All-Conference. On the women’s side, Culler’s crew is chosen to finish sixth in the league. Sophomore Emily Seboe garnered preseason Second Team All-Conference accolades, while junior Dazia Drake was a preseason Honorable Mention All-Conference pick.

HALL OF FAME

On Saturday of the Ness Bros. Hall of Fame Classic, three Foresters were honored for their incredible athletic contributions to Huntington University by being inducted into the HU Hall of Fame. The three inductees included Peter Kitchen (1995) in tennis, Molly Long (2012) in softball and Brett Snodgrass (2003) in basketball.

Four New Members Join HU’s Alumni Board

STORY BY JANELLE TAYLOR ’97

Huntington University’s Alumni Board started a new year on October 1 and has added four new members.

“We believe they will bring insight to critical areas where we have a growing number of constituents who need representation,” said Alumni Board President Roger Cooley (1984).

Dr. Luke Brenneman (2012) is the first Huntington University Arizona representative on the Alumni Board.

“Within weeks of graduating from HU, I moved to Arizona for my PhD. I went from being completely immersed in everything HU to a literal and figurative desert, separated from the community and group identity that had shaped me for four years. I’ve stayed in touch with HU friends and happenings but want to re-engage the community that played such an important role in my young adult life.”

Dr. Ethan Fahrney (OTD 2019) lives in New Mexico and works as an occupational therapist at Indian Health Service, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“I would like to be able to give back to HU OTD for providing me with wonderful opportunities to grow professionally while I was in school. I look forward to providing a voice for OTD alumni on the board to express their concerns and wishes.”

Erin (Mohr, 2020) Kline recently graduated from HU’s OTA program.

“I wanted to be on Huntington University’s Alumni Board because I wanted to have the opportunity to give back to HU. I have a unique position of being both a main campus graduate while also being in the OTD program in Fort Wayne. I am open to helping in any way that I can.”

“Being on the Alumni Board will give me the opportunity to serve my fellow alumni and to give back to the HU community. I can be an ambassador for the school and help people connect or re-connect to the institution.”

Nominations for Alumni Board members and 2022 Alumni Awards are currently open through December 31, 2021, at huntington.edu/Alumni

Craig Sloan (1999) is also a member of HU’s Green Ribbon Committee.

Dr. Luke Brenneman

Dr. Ethan Fahrney Erin Kline

Craig Sloan

Class of 1970 and 1971 Reunion

Theatre Troupe Performance

Ani Weitzel and Matthew Raman were crowned the 2021 Homecoming Queen and King

Alumni Author's Panel, featuring Sarah Harvey, Mark Vincenti, Sara Ward, Fayth Glock and Mzati Banda

CLASS NOTES

1960s

Former Huntington College professor Marilyn Gerrard (1962) passed away on October 5, 2021. She was an instructor of physical education for women at the College from 1963-1966.

Raymond Roberson (1967) released a new book, Presidential Maxims: Excellence in Leadership Volume 1. The book identifies leadership traits and learned behaviors for success, following the lives of the first nineteen U.S. presidents.

After 56+ years of marriage to Darrell Ovenshire, Carol Aiko Uozumi Ovenshire went to be with Jesus on July 10, 2021. Carol was the 1961 Huntington College Homecoming Queen.

1970s

Rev. Linda (Hoverman, 1977) Watson retired from 40 years of pastoral ministry in June 2021. The ceremony was held at the Indiana United Methodist Annual Conference.

1980s

Linda (Dove, 1983) Douglas retired from Fort Wayne Community Schools at the end of the 2020-2021 academic year. She taught elementary music for 35 years with the district.

Ron Cherry (1984) received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Whitley County Consolidated Schools, where he taught and coached track for 30 years. He had more students advance to the state competition than any other coach.

1990s

Rev. Dr. Todd A. Wilson (1993) completed his doctoral studies, graduating summa cum laude from Asbury Theological Seminary in June. He has also completed a book entitled Living in the Shadow of Reality, which will be submitted for publication this year. He is a certified teacher in Indiana and is currently serving as a Hospice Chaplain and Bereavement Counselor. He and his wife, Tammy, and their children reside in Rochester, Indiana.

Following a hiatus in a family wealth office, April (Taylor, 1995) King returned to the practice of law on May 25, joining Twin Cities firm Howse and Thompson. Rollin (1995) and April also watched their middle child graduate high school and celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary. Rollin wrapped up his 20th year of teaching at Bethel University, presently serving as chair of the chemistry department.

2000s

Jill (Powley, 2006) Haskins has accepted a teaching position at Streams of Hope Christian Academy in Fort Wayne, Indiana, teaching 1st-12th grade.

2010s

Christina (Hernandez, 2010) Hazeldine and her husband and fellow HU alum, Joshua, welcomed their third child, Josephine Ailee, on June 2, 2021. Josephine arrived weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces and was 19.5 inches long. The Hazeldine family lives in Honduras, and Joshua teaches at a bilingual school. They desire to share the love of Jesus with those surrounding them.

Andrew (2010, MBA 2019) and his wife, Samantha (Freeman, 2011) Edmonds, welcomed a new daughter, Maylee Jean, on June 23, 2021. Maylee joins big sister Madilyn.

Wesley and Carita (Landes) Bass (2011) welcomed Asher Edward Bass on June 14, 2021.

Andrew Martin (2011) was promoted to the role of associate production manager at Industrial Light & Magic in San Francisco, California. Several recent roles he has held include VFX on Marvel's Black Widow, production manager for ILM VFX on Jordan Peele's Us, and production coordinator on the Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride at Disneyland and Disney World. He also serves as secretary of the American Barefoot Club Board of Directors, the national board for barefoot waterskiing, and has obtained a coaching certification.

Ted and Becca (McIllwain) Rankin (2013) welcomed their third daughter, Nelle Elizabeth, on September 9, 2021.

Elisha (Frison, 2015) Creger married Dylan Creger on June 19, 2021, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Josh and Courtney (Lierman) White (2017) got married on September 20, 2020. Josh passed the state bar exam in September and accepted a position at Rosswurm Law in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Abbey Frisco (2018) started a job as the assistant director of multimedia content at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

This summer, Katelynn Farley (2019) was promoted to editor of the Huntington County TAB on her one-year anniversary of working for the company.

2020s

Emma Hall (2020) welcomed her daughter, Margaret Jean Hall, on April 25, 2021.

Cory and Maddy (Glinz) Burkholder (2020) got married on December 19, 2020. Maddy is a NICU nurse, and Cory works at a credit union. They live in Michigan.

Lauren (Parcell, 2021) Hickok got married to Dakota Hickok on June 19, 2021, at her family's farm.

Ben (2020) and Madison (Hoover-Ferretti, 2021) Rigel got married on May 15, 2021. Ben works on Huntington University’s campus, and Madison accepted a position at the Huntington City-Township Public Library as an outreach specialist.

Nursing is more than a job; it’s a calling.

100% nursing student job placement rate

93% NCLEX pass rate (national average is 86.5%) Faculty collectively have over 95 years of practical experience

UPCOMING EVENTS

Handel’s Messiah

December 5

Symphonic Band Christmas Concert

December 7

Christmas Jazz

December 10

Finals Week

December 13-16

VIP Christmas Open House

December 20

J-Term Begins

January 3

For more information, visit huntington.edu/Events