President’s Update                                                                      May 2002

Huntington College Friends and Family,

Huntington College will hold its 104th Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 18, 2002.  More than 220 graduates will receive their degrees from the College’s undergraduate program, Graduate School of Christian Ministries, and the EXCEL program.

Dr. Paul R. Fetters, professor of practical theology, will deliver the baccalaureate address, “Our Model for Prayer,” to graduates and their parents on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m.  Fetters earned a B.A. from Huntington College, B.D. from Huntington College Theological Seminary, M.Div. from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, M.S. in Education (Guidance and Counseling) from St. Francis College, and D.Min. from Fuller Theological Seminary.  He served as Dean of Huntington College Graduate School of Christian Ministries from 1972 to 1997.  He is the author of numerous books and scholarly publications including two definitive works on the history and theological perspectives of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ.  Dr. Fetters is retiring this summer after more than 30 years of service to Huntington College. 

Dr. Henry F. (Fritz) Schaefer III will deliver the annual commencement address, “The Way of Discovery,” in graduation ceremonies beginning at 3:00 p.m.  Schaefer is the Graham Perdue Professor of Chemistry and Director of the Center for Computational Quantum Chemistry at the University of Georgia.  His research involves the use of state-of-the-art computers and theoretical methods to solve important problems in molecular quantum mechanics.  This Nobel-prize nominee is among the most frequently cited chemists in the world.  A thoughtful Christian scholar, Schaefer says, "The significance and joy in my science comes in the occasional moments of discovering something new and saying to myself, 'So that's how God did it!' My goal is to understand a little corner of God's plan." 

Dr. Schaefer will receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Huntington College in recognition of his cutting-edge research.  Two additional honorary doctorates will also be awarded.  Mrs. Lynette S. Merillat will receive an honorary Doctor of Christian Service degree.  Her husband, Mr. Richard Merillat, will receive an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree.  The Merillats were instrumental in creating the Merillat Scholars Program at Huntington College. This program provides substantial financial assistance to Huntington College students who are members of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, student leaders of Youth for Christ, or children of Huntington College alumni. 

Chris and I hope that you can join us for these important campus events. 

Please remember to pray for our graduates as they leave Huntington College to impact our world for Christ.  I trust you also will remember to pray for all our students this summer as they take on a variety of responsibilities, summer jobs, and ministry opportunities in their home communities and around the world.  

Sincerely,

G. Blair Dowden

President

Admissions

Class of 2002

The chart above summarizes the number of prospective students who have applied and been accepted to Huntington College for the fall 2002.  The bars represent year-to-date comparisons over the past five years.

Academic

Alpha Chi

Huntington College Alpha Chi members Erin Steury, Erinn Caley, and Jennifer Herring, accompanied by chapter sponsors Dr. Paul and Jean Michelson, attended the 2002 Region V Convention of Alpha Chi at Brescia University in Owensboro, KY on March 22-23.  Ms. Steury presented a paper on "The Relationship Between Learning Style and Academic Performance."  Ms. Caley presented a paper on "Reform or Revolution? An Examination of Thoreau's Political Philosophy."  Ms. Herring gave a paper on "Conjugate Lateral Eye Movements in Relation to Creation, Recall, and Gender."  Ms. Herring was selected as the winner of the Region V Undergraduate Scholarship for 2002-2003.  The Indiana Beta Chapter at Huntington College was recognized by the Region for winning the 2001 National Alpha Chi President's Cup as the Outstanding chapter of Alpha Chi and received a sixth consecutive Star Chapter award. 

The Indiana Beta Chapter of Alpha Chi National Scholarship Honor Society presented eight students with the 2002 Sophomore Honor Award.  Christopher Buehrer, Victoria Hall, Amber Hirschy, Anne Jacquay, Joni Michaud, Sara Rowe, Rachel Tinon, and Christina Watson were recognized as the top students in their class at a reception held April 28 at the home of the President and Mrs. G. Blair Dowden.

Biology

Drs. Bruce Evans and Beth Burch attended the annual meeting of the Indiana College Biology Teachers' Association (ICBTA) at Hanover College April 5 and 6.  Dr. Evans serves as treasurer of the association and Dr. Burch was voted President-Elect. Next spring Huntington will host the annual ICBTA meeting on campus to showcase the new Science Hall for their biology colleagues from around the state. 

Business

Professor Jim O’Donnell attended the annual gathering of the Economic and Business History Society in Chicago, where he presented a paper on “Financial Bubbles.”  He also addressed a gathering of accounting majors at Manchester College about “The Risks of Careerism.”

Chemistry

On May 7, Huntington College hosted the Northeastern Indiana Section of the American Chemical Society and special guest Dr. Helen Free, an expert in clinical chemistry, medical devices and healthcare management.  Dr. Free presented a public lecture in Hiner Hall, located in HC’s new Science Hall. The title of her talk was “Chemistry: Contributions to the Quality of Life.”

Education

The Indiana Association of Colleges for Teacher Education recognized four HC students as Outstanding Future Educators at IACTE’s annual awards banquet in Indianapolis.  Those honored from HC were Russ Degitz, secondary history education; Julie Lowe, elementary education with a middle school math endorsement; Rachel Reinhard, elementary education with a middle school math endorsement; and Kate Uebersax, elementary education with a middle school math endorsement. 

Educational Ministries

Dr. Tom Bergler spoke on the topic, "Following Jesus in a Postmodern World" at the University of St. Thomas "Revival" on April 20 in St. Paul, Minnesota.  The event brought together about 100 students drawn from all the Christian organizations on campus to focus on Christian unity and discipleship.  In addition, Tom presented "Living a Cross-Shaped Life" at the University Christian Outreach Retreat at Pine Hills Camp, Brighton, MI.  The event was a retreat for students from several different colleges and universities.

English

Dr. Del Doughty has been appointed, along with five other writers/professors, to the Indiana Arts Commission’s literature panel for 2002-03.  On April 11, he judged applications for IAC/NEH individual artist.

Graduate School of Christian Ministries

The Graduate School of Christian Ministries has launched an extension program in Indianapolis.  Each semester, two MA-level courses will be offered in the state capital.  The new program fills a unique niche in evangelical theological education in the region.

Dr. Ray A. Seilhamer will be the closing speaker for the Eastern Annual Conference for the Evangelical Congregational Church in Pennsylvania in June.  Later that month, he will also be the devotional speaker for the Western Conference, Evangelical Congregational Church, which will be held at Bluffton College, Bluffton, Ohio.

Dr. Gary House attended the Asbury Theological Minister’s Conference in February. He also taught a seminar on Evangelism at a conference in Dayton, Ohio. Later this spring, he will attend a post-Amsterdam 2000 Conference on Evangelism in Asheville, NC.

History

Dr. Paul Michelson spoke on Romania in a roundtable discussion panel on "The Successes and Failures of Liberalism in South Eastern Europe, 1800-1948," at the national convention of the South East European Studies Association, Chapel Hill, NC.

Dr. Jeff Webb has been selected to attend the NEH Summer Institute entitled "Space and Society in the Past: Landscape, Power, and Identity in the Early Modern Atlantic World."  This five-week institute is designed to offer an introduction to the interdisciplinary problems of Atlantic history from 1550 to 1800.  Investigations will include insights from geography, history, literature and cultural studies.  Dr. Webb will use the opportunity to continue to work on the topic of his dissertation with the long-term goal of publishing a book about social equality and class distinctions in early America.

Mathematics

The Spring 2002 Huntington College Mathematics Competition was held on April 19.  The competition provided a means of fostering mathematical interest and expertise among high school students.  The competition consists of three parts: the written exam, individual ciphering, and a team problem-solving event.  Six area high school teams competed: Ayersville High School of Defiance, OH, Huntington North High School, Kokomo Area Schools at Home, Marion High School, North Miami High School of Denver, IN, and Oak Hill High School of Converse, IN.  Ben Eggleston, junior mathematics major, was the competition coordinator.

Physical Education & Recreation

Dr. Paul Smith recently completed the Instructor's Manual for Lifetime Physical Fitness & Wellness by Werner Hoeger.  This textbook is used at HC in PE110 Introduction to Physical Wellness.  “The Instructor's Manual is an extensive outline of the text, including laboratory explanations, and classroom activities,” explains Smith.  “Dr. Robbi Beyer, from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh, supplied the test bank for the Manual. The text is now in the 7th edition but this Manual is the first ever produced by the publisher to support it.” 

Physics

Dr. Jerry Smith participated in a state-wide meeting of university faculty leaders in Indianapolis at the invitation of the Indiana Higher Education Commission.  The purpose of the conference was to brief participants and to engage in discussion of higher education issues facing the state.  In addition to Commission members, two legislators were also present for the discussion that covered budgetary issues, transfer and articulation across campuses, and assessment and accountability in higher education.  Dr. Smith also attended the Indiana annual meeting of the American Association of Physics Teachers in Indianapolis. He participated in a workshop on teaching physics, and attended sessions where presentations were made on various topics in physics research.

Sigma Tau Delta 

Senior English major Tai Mauney received the Sigma Tau Delta Undergraduate Scholarly Paper Award this year for her paper "God in the Image of Man or Machine" which she presented at the Mideastern Conference on Christianity and Literature.  The announcement was made at the Sigma Tau Delta National Convention Awards Banquet on March 16.  The award was accompanied by a $375 cash prize. 

Thornhill

The Thornhill Nature Preserve has a number of community events planned for the spring: Gardening to Attract Wildlife - June 4^th; Father/Son Day - June 8^th; Historic Uses of Herbs- July 2^nd.  For details see, www.huntington.edu/thornhill.

Advancement

Mr. Troy Irick has accepted the position of Managing Director of Development and Director of Community Relations in the Advancement Office.  Troy is a 1985 graduate of Huntington College and comes to us from M&S Industrial Metal Fabricators (Huntington, IN) where he was president of the company.  Many will know Troy as a very active member of the Huntington County community.

The Office of Advancement has been celebrating God’s provision during our recent Campaign for Huntington College.  Coinciding with the Board of Trustees meeting, volunteers and major donors were recognized during festivities Friday, April 26.  On Friday, May 3, students, faculty, and staff commemorated the success with a worship celebration and big tent luncheon.

The $37-million Campaign for Huntington College has exceeded its goal, and contributions from the local community have been instrumental in the effort’s success.  College officials recently announced that a total of $43 million has been received or pledged toward the comprehensive fundraising effort.  Of that sum, $7.8 million came from residents and businesses of Huntington County.  Full details are online at http://www.huntington.edu/news

The Betty Brown and Don and Leora Ackerman Scholarship has been established at Huntington College. Initially funded at $10,700, interest from this endowment will underwrite a $500 annual award to an education student who maintains a 3.2 GPA and writes an essay on “Teaching as Ministry.” For more information about endowed scholarships, contact Rich McConnell, director of gift planning, at rmcconnell@huntington.edu or visit our web site at www.huntington.edu/advancement/giftplanning. 

Business & Finance

Maintenance

Mr. David Lee began work as Maintenance Technician on Monday, April 29.  He has much to offer our college community with past experience in the East Allen County School system and vast experience in the plumbing field.  

Technology Services

Mrs. Juanita Schrodt has joined the HC team as Technology Services Office Manager & Science Building Supervisor.  Juanita began her work on April 22, and will be instrumental in helping the College with the transition into the new science building this spring and summer.  She has significant experience in office support service, strong software usage skills, and a great love for the Lord.  Juanita and her family reside in Huntington.

The College will be merging oversight for telecommunications and voicemail systems together with computing services to create a department of "Technology Services."  In this restructuring process, Mr. Kerry Arnold is taking on the new role of Senior Network Engineer.  In this key role, Kerry will be focused on the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and development of our technical systems. 

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees Meeting

The Board of Trustees met on Thursday and Friday, April 25-26, on the campus of Huntington College, for their annual spring meeting.  Following are several items discussed and acted upon:

Finance Committee Recommendation:

• The Board approved the proposed budget for 2002-03.

Academic Programs Recommendations:

• The Board approved the list of candidates for diploma, associate, baccalaureate, and masters degrees for 2002.
• The Board approved the promotion of Dr. Ruth Nalliah from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor of Chemistry. The board also approved the granting of tenure to Dr. Nalliah.

The Board also approved the one-year appointment of Dr. Norris Friesen to Vice President and Dean of the College and the one-year interim appointment of Mr. Ron Coffey to Vice President for Student Development.  The Board heartily affirmed the change of title for Mr. Jeff Berggren to Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing.

Student Development

Career Development

Survey responses from the Class of 2000 indicate that 87% had found employment (68% in their chosen field).  An additional 11% chose to pursue additional education. Only 2% were actively seeking employment.  Survey responses from the Class of 2001 indicate that 81% had found employment (60% in their chosen field).  In addition, 17% were enrolled in graduate school.  Only 1% were actively seeking employment. 

The Career Development Office hosted an etiquette dinner for seniors.  About fifty seniors participated, learning proper etiquette for each course in the seven-course dinner.  

Forester of the Year Nominees

The following seniors have been nominated for the honor of Forester of the Year:  Julie Baker, Rachel Blue, Katie Harner, Julie Mireau, Jessica Salsbery, Tim Doll, Mark Flood, Bruce Bergdall, John Brittenham, and Ryan Dennison.  A male and female will be selected by the student body and will be announced at the annual Forester Night.

Servant Leadership Award

Jacob Miles and Kelli Whiteman have been selected for the Servant Leadership Award.  Each student will receive a $1000 gift of which $250 will be given to the charity of his/her choice.  The Servant Leadership Award is funded by a grant from the Barney II and Morre Foundations.

The Huntingtonian

The Huntingtonian was awarded first place in a competition sponsored by the American Scholastic Press Association (ASPA), an association representing more than 2000 schools.  All campus papers are grouped according to school enrollment and then judged in six main categories. The judge's letter of congratulations read: "I was extremely impressed with the high professional quality of the work displayed in your newspaper. The dedication and commitment of all those involved are evident. Congratulations on a job well done!"  Ms. Leah Pennington is the staff advisor to the paper and Elizabeth Swart is the editor-in-chief.

Little Sibs Weekend

SAB and Residence Life coordinated a "Little Sibs Weekend" on April 26-28.  About 100 little brothers and sisters spent the weekend on campus with their older brothers and sisters.

Athletics

Chi Alpha Sigma

The National College Athlete Honor Society, Chi Alpha Sigma, held its sixth annual induction ceremony on Sunday, April 21.  This year's inductees were: Erin Abbey, Liz Ballard, Aaron Barker, Rick Hammer, Jacob Miles, Carrie Reese, Renee Rupp, Kara Shoemaker, Lindsey Van Gelder, and Alison Young.  Induction into Chi Alpha Sigma requires that junior or senior student-athletes achieve at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, earn a varsity letter, and be of high moral character.  

Baseball

In their regular season finale, the Foresters split a pair of games with Taylor University, losing game one 4-2 and winning game two 8-3.  In game one, Mike Dodd provided all of HC's scoring punch with a two-run homerun in the fifth.  The Forester offense got back on track in the second game, scoring at least one run in each of the first five innings.  Brian Porter led HC with two hits, including a two-run homerun, and two RBI’s.  The Foresters finished their regular season at 20-22 and 16-12 in the conference.  HC moves on to the NAIA Regional Tournament at Indiana Wesleyan on Wednesday, May 8, where they will play Indiana Tech at 10:00 a.m.

Golf

With their top two golfers missing due to other obligations, the Foresters struggled to a fourth place finish at the Indiana Wesleyan Invitational, shooting a 349 in their last match of the year.  Justin Knierim and Jay Tropf both shot 84s to lead the Foresters.  Derek Boone had a 90 and Shawn Oertling finished with a 91 to round out the team scoring.  Coach Pete Schownir commented that overall he was very pleased with how the season went.  “ Our 310 conference average far exceeded my expectations and the 302 we shot at Taylor tied the program's second-lowest all-time team score and showed the real potential of these young players."  The team finished the regular season with a record of 26-45-1.  

Softball

As the eighth seed in the MCC Softball Tournament, the Foresters had to face the top-seeded Lady Pilots of Bethel College in the first round of the double-elimination tournament and fell 8-0.  The loss put HC in the loser's bracket for their next game, where they met St. Francis.  The Cougars scored at least one run in each inning on their way to a 9-1 win, ousting the Foresters from the tournament.  The women concluded their season with a 5-31 record. 

Tennis

Women’s Tennis.  The Foresters took to the courts against the Lady Trojans of Taylor University and fell 5-4 in a tightly contested match. With two matches left on the courts, the Foresters trailed 4-3.  Dana Starks (#6 singles), Becky Harness (#1 singles, Harness and Lindsey Weber at #1 doubles, and Freeman and Hannah Fairchild at #3 doubles.  The women concluded their season with a 5-11 record.

Men’s Tennis.  The Foresters squared off against Taylor University in the first round of the Region VIII Tournament and avenged their only loss of the season with a nail-biting 5-4 victory.  In their fall meeting, the Trojans handled HC easily, winning 7-2, and looked as if they might send the Foresters packing again.  Down 4-3, HC needed to win the final two singles matches still on the court.   #1 Jacob Miles, #4 Ben Eggleston, and #5 Michael Christner were the three singles winners.  Bryan McDaniel and Mark Richard squeaked out a 9-8 win at #2 doubles, and Ben Eggleston and Brandon Ecker got the 8-3 win at #3 doubles.  

The Foresters ran into a buzz saw in the final of the Region VIII Tournament, losing 8-1 to the Saints of Aquinas College.  The Foresters concluded their season with an impressive 15-2 record.  

Track

On a day with less-than-desirable conditions for a track meet, the Forester men and women battled with the rest of the conference for the MCC Track and Field title.  The women finished third with 154 points and the men finished sixth with 75 points. HC's Erin Abbey and Danielle Vohs were the top two overall individual performers in the women's meet, scoring with 37 points and 31.5 points respectively.  Abbey was a double winner, finishing first in the 400-meter hurdles and the long jump.  She also was second in the 400-meter dash, third in the 200-meter dash, and was a member of the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relay teams, which both finished third.  Vohs also won two events, the 800 and 1500-meter races, was second in the 3000 meter run, and was a member of the third place 4x400 relay and the second place 4x800 relay.  Along with Abbey and Vohs, Jenny Cook and Natalie Guenin also received MCC All-Conference honors for their performances in the meet.  Cook earned 16.5 points for HC, while Guenin tallied 15.  Jonathan Doyle was the men's top performer for HC accumulating 10.5 points in four events.  Doyle was fourth in the 110-meter hurdles, sixth in the 400.

Other

MCA Events

May 6-18.  Graduating Art Major Exhibit, Robert E. Wilson Gallery.  This exhibit will feature works by talented Huntington College graduating art majors. Artists’ reception is Saturday, May 11, 6-8 p.m.