Huntington College Friends and Family,

New and returning students descended on Huntington College last week. How grateful we are to God for leading these young people to us. Their presence brings an energy and enthusiasm to campus that we miss during the summer months.

Nevertheless, this summer has been a busy time on campus. During July, the Youth for Christ Summer Institute 2000 was held at Huntington College. Approximately 330 Youth for Christ staff members attended, including President Roger Cross. By all reports, it was an outstanding time and they were appreciative and impressed by the people, facilities, and program of Huntington College. This is the fifth year that Youth for Christ has held their Summer Institute on the Huntington College campus. In addition to the Youth for Christ conference, Huntington College was host to12 other camps and conferences. A total of 2227 individuals participated.

Summer is also the time when maintenance projects are in full swing. We were able to widen and replace several sidewalks, replace carpeting in the residence halls and library, remodel the bookstore and build a sand volleyball court. A new wireless network for computer users is now available in the residence halls and the library.

President Blair Dowden and his wife, Chris, left town last week for their three-month sabbatical. This month, they plan to hike the Tetons in Wyoming. During October, they will visit Hosea University in Korea and Seoul Women’s University (on behalf of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities), work at the United Brethren mission in Macau, and teach English in Myanmar (Burma). In November their plans are for extensive reading and studying. All of us in the Huntington College community are delighted for the time of renewal and learning this sabbatical affords the Dowdens.

I have served as Interim President for nearly two weeks since Dr. Dowden left on his sabbatical. My earlier impressions of what a great college community this is has grown considerably during this time. I always knew, first as a parent of a student and then as a Trustee, that the people at Huntington College served Christ with devotion and distinction. Now, during these first weeks of gaining a greater understanding of the people and students God has called here, I am impressed even more!

My wife, Lorraine, and I count it a great privilege to serve Christ and the Trustees in this office while Blair and Chris are on sabbatical. Pray for them and us.

On the following pages, I have included a number of exciting things that are happening among the faculty and students at Huntington College. I know you will be encouraged to see what God is doing. Thank you for your part in this success.

Our Fall 2000 enrollment stands at 207 first-time freshman and 33 transfer/re-admissions for a total of 240 new students. The chart below summarizes the number of prospective students who have applied and been accepted to Huntington College. The bars represent year-to-date comparisons over the past five years.

The GPA for the new class is the highest ever by a significant margin. Contrasted to the 3.06 GPA for the Fall of 1993, last year's class set a new record at 3.34 after years of continuous improvement. We anticipate that the final cumulative GPA for the Fall of 2000 new class will be about 3.55. The new class is fairly diverse by recent HC standards. The group includes 4 Canadians (we had 0 enrolled last year), 4 Jamaicans (two enrolled last year) and two Hondurans (one enrolled last year).

Two new division chairs have been named: Dr. Linda Urschel (Division I) and Dr. Ann McPherren (Division II). Dr. Bill Bordeaux continues as chair of Division III.

The Chemistry Department has launched a new instructional web site. As one of the results of a Lilly Summer Technology Grant, a library of interactive molecular structures is now available on the campus intranet.

The Advancement staff received documentation for two trusts with a combined value of $2.5 million. (One of these is from an anonymous local donor. When received, the gift will be the largest expression of financial support from the local community.) In addition, details have been received on a bequest valued at $725,000. Two of these three gifts are earmarked for Huntington College’s endowment; the other is undesignated.

In other good news, giving through August toward the Capital Campaign now exceeds $33 million. The campaign goal is $37 million.

Regional campaigns have been initiated in Grand Rapids and Indianapolis, and plans are underway to begin campaigns in Lansing and Huntington later this fall.

Mr. Jerry White has begun work in the Business Office as Controller and Director of Financial Services. Jerry has worked most recently as an auditor with the firm of Krouse, Kern & Co. in Fort Wayne. Prior to that he worked as Manager of Financial Services for the Elkhart General Hospital, in Elkhart, Indiana. He has his Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Anderson University and is a Certified Public Accountant. Jerry is married and has three children. His wife, Polly, also graduated from Anderson University.

The foundation walls are nearly complete and the basement floors should be poured by mid-September for the new science building. The process of backfilling around the foundation will also begin this month.

Several sidewalks have been widened or replaced to better serve students and a new sand volleyball court has been created near the residence halls on Campus Street.

Hardy Residence Hall received new carpeting this summer along with the main lounge area of Roush Residence Hall. The second phase of recarpeting Richlyn Library was also completed in the resource area on the first floor.

The residence halls and library have a wireless network for computer users. Students will be able to access our campus computer network, including email and the internet, in the residence halls and library without having to plug-in to a data jack.

Over the summer, Barnes & Noble assisted the College in totally remodeling the bookstore, including new carpeting and fixtures. A cappuccino machine, soft seating and a CD listening area are some of the new features in the bookstore.

Ms. Leah Penington has been appointed Resident Director of Hardy Hall. Leah is a graduate of Taylor University (Ft. Wayne) with a degree in Public Relations. She was employed at the Do It Best Corporation in Ft Wayne as a communications coordinator and is currently involved in a mission project in Jamaica. Leah also has the unique privilege of being the sister to current student Sarah Pennington.

On September 5, new students participated in the annual Volunteer Plunge, a half-day of community service, as a part their orientation activities.

For the first time in school history the men's cross-country team opened the season with a pre-season NAIA national ranking of 6. The women's cross-country team is rated in their pre-season poll at number 20.

The men’s and women's cross country teams recently competed in the 39^th Wabash Hokum Karem. Overall, each team finished in 4^th place. For the women's event, Purdue finished in 1^st place, followed by DePauw, University of Indianapolis, HC, Millikin in 5^th place, and Marian in 6^th place. Danielle Vohs and Julie Lowe, paired together, finished in 10^th place overall, with an outstanding time of 24:41. For the men's event, DePauw was the overall winner, followed by University of Indianapolis, Wabash, HC, Millikin, and Marian. The pair of Curtis Hines and John Ngure finished in 7^th place with a time of 30:49.

The men’s tennis team defeated the Indiana Wesleyan University on September 2. Led by freshman #1 singles player Jacob Miles, the Foresters broke through the IWU defenses, capturing all nine points (six singles and three doubles). Unfortunately, the women’s team didn’t fare as well, though several matches were close. Freshman singles player Lindsey Weber (#6) defeated her opponent 7-6, 6-3 for the lone HC point.

On September 5, both teams collected wins over conference opponent Marian College. For the men's team, HC surrendered a total of 11 games in nine matches to sweep the Knights 9-0. For the women's team, HC and Marian were tied at 4 points each following six singles and two doubles matches. Becky Harness and Brooke Owens, HC's #2 doubles team, captured the deciding point with an 8-4 win, giving HC their first sweep of the Marian Knights tennis teams in at least a decade.

On September 7, the opponent was Tri-State University. The men's team won in three matches by a 9-0 score, all in straight sets. The women's team defeated Tri-State, 7-2. This was the HC's women's team first win over Tri-State in four years!

In men's tennis, our Foresters remained undefeated on the season, defeating Goshen College 8-1 on Saturday, September 9. This gives our men's team an overall record of 4-0 on the season, 3-0 in the MCC. On the women's side of the court, our Foresters again squeezed out a close victory, also over Goshen College. This final score was 5-4, with the #3 doubles team of Kristen Freeman and Lindsey Weber claiming the final point to seal the victory for HC. This gives our women's tennis team an overall record of 3-1, 2-1 in the MCC. Lindsey Weber remained undefeated at #6 singles, winning against Goshen by 6-0, 6-0 scores.

In men's soccer, a slow start by HC forced our Foresters to try to climb up a steep hill. In the September 9^th match against Urbana University, our Foresters fell behind quickly by a 3-0 score. HC was able to collect a goal in the 2^nd half when Tim Caldwell netted his first goal of the season. HC had many other scoring opportunities but was unable to take advantage. HC is now 0-2 in men's soccer.

In women's soccer, our Foresters won their season opener on September 8 for the second straight season, this time over Thomas More College. In this match HC was led in scoring by Erin Abbey with 2 goals, and Kara Shoemaker with her first goal of the season. The final score of this game was HC 3, Thomas More 2. In game #2 of the season, HC fell to Adrian College by the final score of 7-0. Both contests were played as part of the Manchester College Invitational. Our women's soccer team is now 1-1 on the season.

The Foresters participated in the Madonna University Invitational. In the first match, against host school Madonna, our Foresters fell in three games. In the 2^nd game of this event for HC, our Foresters were matched up against Lake Superior, and again fell in three games. HC is now 0-2 in women's volleyball.

Mrs. Susan Stong is the new Secretary in the Physical Plant. Susan brings over 12 years of experience working with facility issues and customer service. She is a 1981 Huntington College graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Christian Education and Sociology. Susan and her husband, Tom, have three daughters.

Mr. Neil (Gus) Gustafson is the new Tech Services Coordinator of the Merillat Centre for the Arts. Gus has worked most recently as Technical Director for Spring Hill (Evart, Michigan), overseeing all in-house program events and remote events. He has worked extensively with high school and college students in productions and ministry settings. He is married and has four children. His wife, Kathy, is working at the Huntington Public Library.

The public is cordially invited to attend the Foundation’s annual dinner. The event will take place at the Habecker Dining Commons on the Huntington College campus and is $15 per person or $100 for a table of eight. To make reservations, please call Tricia Kuntz at 359-4047.

Huntington College has been listed among the top liberal arts colleges in the Midwest by US News and World Report. The magazine's newest guide to "America’s Best Colleges" marks the sixth consecutive year that HC has been ranked among the best in its class.

September 1-29. Picturing Faith: Religious America in Government Photography 1935-1945. This acclaimed photo essay visits our Robert E. Wilson Gallery, offering a glimpse of American belief during a tumultuous era in our nation’s history. Gallery talk Tuesday, September 19, 7 p.m.

Friday, September 22, 8 p.m. Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder. Six-time Grammy winner Ricky Skaggs brings his unique blend of bluegrass, pop, and country gospel to the Merillat Centre. Presented by the Huntington College Community Arts Program. Admission: $20 for all seats.

Tuesday, September 26, 8 p.m. Huntington College Theatre presents Fresh Faces, directed by David O’Roark. Admission is free.

Friday, October 6, 8 p.m. Fernando Ortega in concert. Award-winning Christian artist Fernando Ortega has achieved recognition as a classical pianist and songwriter of rare craftsmanship and spiritual sensitivity. Presented by the Huntington College Community Arts Program. Admission: $14, $12, $10.

Saturday, October 7, 3 p.m. Homecoming Faculty Showcase. Huntington College faculty and adjunct instructors will showcase their talents in a concert of vocal and instrumental classics. Admission: $10, Students/Seniors $5.

October 2-27. Huntington College Alumni Art Exhibit. An invitational exhibit of work by Art Department graduates. Artists’ reception Saturday, October 7, 1-3 p.m. Chamber music provided by Huntington College student pianists.

Friday, October 13, 8 p.m. The United States Air Force Hoffman Prairie Woodwind Quintet, presented by the Huntington College Department of Music in Longaker Recital Hall. Admission is free; donations are welcomed.

Thursday, October 19, 8 p.m. The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Freimann Concert, presented by the Huntington College Community Arts Program. Admission: $8 for all seats.

Monday, October 23, 8 p.m. 15th Annual Church Music Concert, at First Presbyterian Church, 50 E. Tipton St., Huntington, Indiana. "The Red-Haired Priest" highlights works of Antonio Vivaldi and features performances by Huntington faculty Hiromi Ito, concertmaster of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra, and Michael Brennan, regionally acclaimed classical guitarist, with the HC Orchestra and Concert Choir. Admission: $10, Students/Seniors $5.

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NOTE: The Merillat Centre for the Arts is now featured on Comcast Online's local city guide, www.InFtWayne.com. The site describes the Merillat Centre as "a crown jewel of the Huntington College campus, contributing exciting shows, breathtaking ballets, heart-stopping acrobatics, enchanting concerts, and rollicking family fun."