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Check out this month's newsletter for a message from Brent Baker and more ways you are making an impact at AU!
Series 2, Edition 5: September 7, 2017
 
One of my favorite authors, Wendell Berry, has said "if you don't know where you are, you don't know who you are." It seems strangely true that a sense of place, in this case Anderson University, has been a shaping part of my life journey and that many aspects of who I know myself to be have come through my engagement with AU. Maybe you too? Having served as Vice President for Student Life/Affairs, a Resident Director, a student leader/athlete and my childhood growing up on and around campus, I am excited to bring all of this to my new role as a Development Officer. Here are a few things I am learning.

Development work is an opportunity to 'Give Gifts, and Make Invitations.' It is a bit counterintuitive to hear that a fund raiser is really a gift giver, but I am learning that helping a donor give to something they are passionate about or that affirms their own value system, is, in fact, giving them a gift. Henri Nouwen went so far as to say that fundraising is ministry. "Fundraising is... always a call to conversion. And this call comes to both those who seek funds and those who have funds. Whether we are asking for money or giving money we are drawn together by God, who is about to do a new thing through our collaboration." (A Spirituality of Fundraising, pg. 17) Making invitations then is simply an extension of the opportunity to take part in the ministry of Anderson University. The invitation is not asking for money; it is sharing the needs, or better yet, sharing the opportunity to be a part of something exciting that is already happening on campus or the chance to help make something happen that will only occur in collaboration with a donor.

There are innumerable ways to meaningfully engage with AU beyond the financial. Your goodwill towards our alma mater goes a long way in all kinds of situations. A good word to the parents of a soon-to-be college student may make all the difference in giving AU a thorough look in the college search process. Praying for our students, professors, and campus leadership has impact. Visiting campus and saying hello to faculty/staff you may know is an encouragement to those of us working here. Speaking of visiting campus, I do want to make a shameless plug for you to come to Homecoming 2017. As you likely know, we are celebrating our 100 year anniversary and our Centennial is shaping up to be quite a party! You can view the schedule on the Homecoming webpage.

There are many names and associated stories of gifts that arrived at just the right time, or that allowed something necessary or meaningful to occur. The generosity and participation of so many in the Christ-centered education and the ministry of Anderson University is amazing. Thanks for what many of you have done and are doing. And, thank you to others who will join us, who receive the gift and take up the invitation. We really do need each other to be our best selves.

See you at Homecoming!

Brent Baker
Development Officer for Major Gifts
babaker@anderson.edu
(765) 641-4138
Encouraging a dream… like Katie Watson's 
2017 Legacy Student Scholarship Winner, Class of 2021 
For most students at AU, the new school year brings new hope, new excitement, and the anticipation of fulfilling a dream. One such student is this year's Legacy Student Scholarship winner, Katie Watson. "My mom graduated from AU in 1992," said Katie. "I always grew up hearing her talk about her time at AU, what she learned, how she grew, and how it prepared her for her life now."

Katie visited many different colleges, but after much deliberation, she made the decision to attend AU. "I think knowing how much she loved it, and how much she grew and was prepared to be a nurse, helped impact my decision to attend AU," said Katie. "But in the end, it felt like a place that could be my home too, and where the Lord was leading me specifically."

Helping students offset the rising costs of higher education with much needed financial aid is critical to the success of Anderson University, and to the fulfillment of dreams. Your help is needed more than you know. "Without your gifts, I would not be able to be going to AU," said Katie. "I plan to make the most of the scholarships I have received by learning to become the best health care provider I can be, loving Jesus all the way, and showing my future patients His love."

As you support and invest in the lives of Anderson students, please know that every dollar you give to the AU Student Fund is greatly appreciated and goes directly to student financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships. Katie said, "You will be able to affect so many future students' lives for the better!" Visit the AU website to invest in a dream today!
 
Did you know...
98% of this year's incoming freshmen class
received financial aid?
Share Encouragement. Invest in a Dream Today.
 
I'm Here Because of You:
Jourdan Blackburn, Sport Marketing Major, Class of 2019
I decided to transfer to Anderson University because so many people with whom I had attended church in my hometown of Mooresville, Indiana, had graduated from AU. I remembered that when they would come home for breaks, they would talk about how much they loved AU and the supportive, caring community. I started out at a huge state school that just didn't have that type of community, and I realized how much I wanted that. What I found when I got here on campus is that all of the professors know me and my classmates by name, always greeting us when we see them on campus...which is not something I experienced at the bigger school. I love the professors here at AU and how willing they are to help out their students.

In addition to studying Sport Marketing, I'm also minoring in Event Planning and Management. When I leave AU with my degree, I would like to work for a professional sports team in their marketing department. I'm really looking forward to the future opportunities I will have as a graduate of Anderson University.  

When it comes to the many alumni and friends of the university who support the students through their financial gifts, there is absolutely no way I could put into words how thankful I am for these special people and all they've given to me and so many others. I would not be able to attend AU without the funds I receive through the distinguished student scholarship. I really love this school and am so thankful that our donors have made it possible for me to be here. I plan on giving back to AU when I graduate because I want to make sure other students are able to have the same amazing opportunities and experiences I've had. 
I Give Because I Received:
Judy Renbarger BA '57 hopes to see you at Homecoming!
Each decade of students that attend AU has their own set of unique characteristics. Judy Renbarger shares her own experiences while she was a student.

Renbarger graduated from AU in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Education. World War II had recently ended and many people were still suffering from the impact of both the war and the depression. According to Renbarger, due to these events, AU's campus was extremely diversified.

When Renbarger was a student, she remained very involved on campus by joining student government and the cheerleading team. In 1965, she represented her class as homecoming queen.

Renbarger has still had the chance to serve in lots of committees at AU due to her proximity. Her favorite of these is the Homecoming committee, where she and other alumni set up a tent to represent the 50s class. In recent years, they have collaborated with 60s class and are hopeful that other decades will join in too.

This year, Renbarger and her classmates will celebrate their 60th anniversary at Homecoming making it a special year for activities and to reconnect with more classmates.

To this day, Renbarger is still involved in the life of Anderson University. She finds great joy in taking part in alumni activities and catching up with her classmates. Being both close and very involved, Renbarger has front row seat to see all the ways in which AU is growing and developing. "I am still very connected to AU and want to watch this place succeed," Renbarger said.

Read More
 
 
 
 
 
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(800) 421-2015  |   give@anderson.edu  |   anderson.edu/gift
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