AU Alumni News, April 2021

Spring is my favorite season and though AU is beautiful year-round, I'm always most in awe of the Valley and surrounding campus areas as the daffodils rise, magnolias bloom, and the grass greens up after a long winter. And with the new life that God grants us each year in His creation, it has felt in the past month as our students, faculty, and staff has experienced some newfound energy and excitement as we've lifted some COVID-19 restrictions, been able to get outside for activities and programming, and found ways to appreciate even this year, perhaps one of the most challenging in AU's 104-year life. God has certainly been faithful through it all and seeing students out and about hammocking and throwing the frisbee, while the dogwoods burst forth their pinks and whites, we're reminded again of the many ways He has shaped this institution and the lives of those who've gone before.

-Trent

Anderson University's Fifth Day of Giving, April 14-15
By Cassondra Jones '22

On April 14 and 15, Anderson University hosted its fifth Day of Giving with an emphasis of Called to Soar, AU’s focused fundraising initiative. The 24-hour, high-energy giving event supported student scholarships, campus programs, and improvements at Anderson University. More than 700 alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends showed their support for Anderson University by raising more than $300,000- the most amount raised in any of AU’s past Days of Giving!

But AU’s Day of Giving is always more than just gifts; it was a celebration of the school we all adore as well as an opportunity to turn our affection into action. AU is the special place it is today because of the support it has received through donors.

Ravens all over the country joined virtually to support their alma mater. You are part of Anderson University’s family, and we thank you for your help in making a difference!

AU Announces First-50-Day Plan of Fall 2021

President John Pistole recently announced the university’s plans for restoring the residential student experience on AU’s campus within the first 50 days of the fall 2021 semester. This will include re-establishing in-person classes and campus-wide student activities, such as Chapel and events within the residence halls.

Campus officials feel confident and optimistic about this decision, as the COVID-19 vaccine becomes increasingly available within the U.S. and as the number of cases on the AU campus remains steadily low. President Pistole remarked that the university will continue to monitor the virus on campus, and will be prepared to shift its policies and guidelines if needed.

Read more about the first 50 days here.

AU Nursing Students Host Vaccination Clinic on Campus

On April 1, Anderson University teamed up with the Madison County Health Department to deliver almost 400 COVID-19 vaccines to students, faculty, and staff. AU nursing students were able to further experience delivering the vaccines to peers and professors.

AU will host a second vaccine clinic before students leave for summer break to deliver the second dose. The vaccine isn’t mandatory or required for employees or students, but simply encouraged.

Covered by Fox59 anchor and alumna Lindsay Stone BA '18, learn more about AU's vaccination clinic here.

AU Announces the Return of its RN to BSN Program

Anderson University is pleased to announce the return of its former RN to BSN completion program, housed within the School of Nursing and Kinesiology. This program, which has been reimagined to better fit the needs of working nurses, will be offered once again in the fall of 2021, now allowing students to complete courses 100% online, within 12 - 24 months.

“Indiana has an unfilled need of qualified nurses,” said AU Provost Dr. Joel Shrock. “Anderson University’s commitment to bringing back the RN to BSN program in a new and improved format illustrates our response to our state’s needs, and our desire for Hoosiers to benefit from highly trained AU nurses.”

More information can be found here.

AU Will Benefit from $9.8 Million Lilly Endowment Grant to Improve Student Retention

Anderson University will benefit from a $9.8 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through the competitive Phase 3 of its initiative, Charting the Future of Indiana’s Colleges and Universities. The grant, which will be coordinated by the University of Indianapolis, will support an initiative to improve student retention through the use of data analytics at six institutions of higher education across the state, including the University of Indianapolis, Anderson University, Indiana Institute of Technology, Martin University, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, and the University of Southern Indiana.

Anderson University will receive $1.3 million to deploy a predictive model and supportive processes for student retention, which was developed for Phase 2 of Charting the Future.

Learn more about this opportunity here.

Two New Campus Ministries
By Delaney Dye '22

Campus Ministries has been an important component of Student Life at Anderson University. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Campus Ministries has had to adjust how each ministry looked this year. In addition to these changes, Campus Ministries has added two new ministries: Anam Cara and RenewAU.

Senior Jesse Kufeldt, student coordinator for RenewAU, describes the ministry as a “focused and directed time of prayer for the renewal of spiritual health on the campus of Anderson University...It is our mission to wait and intercede faithfully, knowing that God is breathing renewal into all aspects of Anderson University.”

Every Monday night, students come together at the bottom of Decker to pray for each other, students, faculty, staff and the campus. RenewAU believes that God is still working in lives individually as well on the AU campus.

The second ministry, Anam Cara, focuses on the importance of having a positive mentor in one’s walk. Anam Cara is a Celtic word meaning “soul friend.” Through this campus ministry, students invite a “soul friend” into their life. This mentoring ministry pairs students, faculty, and staff with each other based on common interests and desired areas of growth. They meet in a one-on-one setting to further grow in discipleship and share about life.

These ministries will be continuing next year along with many more.

Black Bird Film Festival is Back in Person
By Claire Mountcastle '22

Each year, AU’s cinema and media arts students have the opportunity to showcase their hard work by displaying short films at the annual Black Bird Film Festival.

This year’s show will take place IN PERSON at Reardon Auditorium on April 28. The students will have a chance to strut their stuff on the “red carpet” at 6:15 p.m. and the screening begins at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to dress up and get in on the action, but it is not required.

The event is a mix between the Oscars and a Hollywood movie premiere. Everyone from students, faculty, staff, alumni and people from the Anderson community are welcome to attend the event which will include a variety of short films, commercials and music videos. The evening will conclude with the presentation of the coveted Squawkys for Best Director, Best Film, Best Actor/Actress and Audience Choice to name a few.

The CMA department hopes to see you there!

The Valley From The Eyes of Squirrels
By Delaney Dye '22

Looking to get the inside scoop on what is happening on campus, I turned to members of the AU community who seem to know it best: the squirrels. Our furry friends see the Valley firsthand. Unfortunately, they were not able to stay still long enough for an interview, but we did capture a conversation between two squirrels during the CAB Easter Egg Hunt on March 29.

Peanut: This acorn is plastic and bright pink!

Bushy: Look at all those colorful chewy treats inside, I have never seen any like it!

Peanut: Our human friends were searching around in our homes and bushes looking for other ones just like it! Invasion of privacy if you ask me!

Bushy: I was wandering along to the end of my branch when I heard them call one an “egg.” They have been acting so weird lately! They wear these pieces of fabrics over their faces ever since they came out of hibernation!

Peanut: And what a long hibernation it was! At least they’re back so we can hear that sweet music they play in the Valley.

Bushy: And so we can feast on all their Chick-fil-A fries they accidentally leave behind! I was going nuts without them!

Most recently an Easter Egg Hunt by CAB, student-led Worship and hammocking have been some of the highlights happening in the Valley this month!

Disclaimer: This conversation is based on assumption and not direct quote due to the lack of technology we have to communicate with squirrels.

Alumni Spotlight - Amanda Norvell
By Cassondra Jones ‘22

Anderson University alumna Amanda Norvell BA ‘06 attained a job in the sunshine state of Florida, working with NBC GolfNow. Since working with NBC GolfNow in Orlando, Norvell has worked her way up the ranks from Director of Emerging Marketing to Vice President of Marketing and Direct to Consumer Products & Services.

Norvell oversaw the development and launch of the first-ever holistic direct-to-consumer (DTC) strategy for GOLF as well as GolfNow & Emerging Businesses. This led to a successful merge of four historical membership programs, benefits, and transition of existing members into a completely new program and product known as GolfPass.

When working for a large business, Norvell finds herself in a team environment. Norvell’s strategy and operations team works along with the project and technology, programming, finance, and marketing team to create and improve products.

Norvell shares, “I have an amazing team that I get to work with and lead every day. -- I care about them and their development. I love to see them grow and take bigger roles. That’s one of the most fun parts of my job.”

Norvell mentions her time at AU, as an amazing education while learning from many supportive professors such as David Baird, professor of communication, Mike Wiese, professor of business, and Laura Falco, professor of marketing. Norvell remembers the positive impact they had on her and the lessons they taught her. “They created the atmosphere where I felt like I could be successful and go do what I wanted to do. They helped me find that passion,” Norvell stated.

Peyton Bennett is thankful for his time at AU
By Claire Mountcastle ’22

Right after graduating in 2018, Peyton Bennett became involved with the Orr Fellowship where he was able to land his first, and current, job at SupplyKick. Bennett’s role played a huge part in creating assets and deliverables to help draw in companies.

Almost 18 months ago, Bennett transitioned into the Amazon branding for clients. Now, he is in charge of overseeing brands and respective creative strategies.

With a major in visual communication design, he also credits the interdisciplinary classes he took toward his ambitions in business. “The classes I had [at AU] were super informative for me and really helped me develop,” Bennett said. “The business and marketing classes I took definitely helped me orient my mindset towards business.”

Bennett credits his liberal arts classes as an aid in expanding his soft skills. “I think it is incredibly beneficial to be able to talk about many different subject matters,” he said.

When Bennett thinks about his career, he has a lot to thank AU for. “AU has enabled me to develop myself as a professional,” he said. “AU provides many opportunities to learn and grow, as well as gives a hands-on experience that you don’t get anywhere else.”

Fermilab Names Kevin Pitts BA '87 as Chief Research Officer
text sampled from Fermilab press release (linked below)

In his new role, Kevin will focus on oversight for the international Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, including advancing scientific excellence across the laboratory through strong communication, collaboration and coordination with the Department of Energy and other partners.

Pitts joins Fermilab after 22 years with the University of Illinois where he was most recently the vice provost for undergraduate education and a professor of physics in the Grainger College of Engineering.

Read more about Kevin's new appointment here.

A Small World, a Grand Discovery

Our story starts with a simple design project within Anderson University’s Office of Marketing and Communication.

One of three designers on the team, Jeffrey Jackson ’12, was asked to create a plaque for a donated rare print replica of the Declaration of Independence. Generously gifted by alum Everette Humphrey ’59, this artifact is dedicated in honor of the late Celia and Aubrey Lydick (shown right), former Anderson residents who, according to Humphrey, are the reason he graduated from AU (then Anderson College).

When Jackson saw the Lydicks’ name attached to the project, he wondered if he had any relation to the couple, as the surname was shared by his great-grandparents. “I texted my sister immediately, asking if the first names rang any bells,” Jackson says. “Turns out they were our own great-grandparents — my dad’s grandparents.”

Read more about this unique connection here.

AU Circles

We know many of you have kept up your lifelong AU friendships with consistent gatherings. First off, that's awesome! Secondly, we'd love to know about these and celebrate that they're happening. Thanks for considering sharing your #AUcircles story with us!

Please fill out this form to share more about your AU Circles.

P.S. We'd love to send a little AU swag package to you for the next time you and your crew convene!

AU Circle pictured above, 2006 alumnae: Adrienne (Packer) Barclay, Amy Wanaselja Williams, Christy Berger, Jess Gebert, Michele (Dreger) Schrougham

Work at AU!

Anderson University has many full-time staff and faculty positions open including:

Accounting, Tenure Track, Falls School of Business
Visual Communication Design, Tenure Track, Communications & Design Arts
Academic Success Coach (Athletics), Educational Support Services
Accreditation Manager, Department of Teacher Education
Administrative Assistant to the Dean, School of Theology & Christian Ministry
Adult & Graduate Recruiter, Office of Adult & Graduate Admissions
Assistant Coach, Men’s Basketball / Head Coach, Men’s Golf, Athletics Department
Assistant Coach, Women’s Basketball / Head Coach, Women’s Golf, Athletics Department
Assistant Football Coach–Offense, Athletics Department
Campus Pastor, Department of Student Life
Dean of Students, Office of the Provost
Police Officer, Police & Security Services

To learn more about any of these openings and to complete an application, please visit the AU website.