HUNTINGTON, Ind. – It was a good year to be a Forester despite a spring season that never unfolded. HU athletes turned in epic performances in 2019-20. It's been undoubtably the most memorable year in Huntington University history.Check out the list of accomplishments that took place this fall and winter. Sit down, relax and grab a cup of coffee, you'll be reading for a while.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. – Huntington University senior Sarah Fryman was indisputably one of the best players in the nation in 2019-2020 and earlier today it was officially documented by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) with her designation as a First Team All-American.The 5-9 forward was one of ten NAIA Division II players to earn this distinguished honor. Fryman is just the third Forester in program history to receive an NAIA First Team All-American badge.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. – The NAIA has cancelled all remaining sporting events for the rest of the 2019-2020 academic year, effective immediately. The national office made the announcement early Monday afternoon.The decision from the NAIA brings an end to all 2019-2020 seasons within the Crossroads League, which had previously announced on Friday that it would suspend all league sporting events until April 1.
SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Forester softball team kicked off league action Thursday afternoon with two road losses, 7-3, 5-1, at Spring Arbor. HU's record stands at 5-6 overall, 0-2 in CL play.Game one saw SAU (11-10, 3-1) jump out to a comfortable lead early on and then stave off their visitors the rest of the way. It was a 4-0 difference after three. The Foresters got two back in the top of the fourth when Kaela Robey clocked one off the left foul pole with high school teammate Jenessa Hasty on first for a two-run dinger. It's her second long ball this season.
AVON, Ohio – Due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, the Crossroads League has announced that it is suspending all sporting events until April 1. The move is effective immediately.Each league institution will decide the best pathway for their student-athletes during this time.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. – The Foresters dominated the 2020 NAIA Indoor Track & Field National Awards as announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) yesterday afternoon.The awards are voted on by USTFCCA member coaches based on performances at both the 202 NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships this past weekend and throughout the season leading up to that point.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Ty Platt, head coach of the men's basketball team, has announced his retirement, effective this spring. The announcement took place on Sunday, March 8, at the men's basketball annual end-of-the-year banquet, the conclusion of the 2019-2020 season and Platt's 29th year of coaching basketball."It has been an honor to be the head men's basketball coach at Huntington University the last 12 years," said Platt. "The opportunity to be involved in the lives of so many young men and have an impact on them as players and people is what makes coaching such a great profession. The countless relationships that I have had with assistant coaches, players, managers, athletic personnel, fans, supporters, alumni and community members is something I will always be grateful for and treasure for the rest of my life."
The Huntington University Theatre Company is pleased to announce the 2020-2021 Theatre Season.
“We look at a lot of different things when selecting a season, such as what actors will be returning next year, what other events are going on at HU and in the area, how the shows balance budget-wise, etc.,” said Ryan Long, chair of the Department of Theatre Arts and assistant professor of theatre. “I also try to balance contemporary and classical works so that students get a good mix of both during their time here.”
All three of this year’s shows will be making their Huntington University debut.
Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson September 24-26, 2020 Studio Theatre Directed by Ryan Long
Fuente Ovejuna by Lope de Vega, translated by Adrian Mitchell November 12-14, 2020 Zurcher Auditorium Directed by Adam Sahli
Seussical music and book by Stephen Flaherty, lyrics and book by Lynn Ahrens, based on the works of Dr. Seuss April 15-17, 2021 Zurcher Auditorium Directed by Alex Price
In addition to bringing something new to Huntington University audiences, the three shows are unique opportunities for student performers and align with the season’s theme: New Perspectives.
“Each show features characters who demonstrate viewing things from a new perspective, as well as sharing that perspective with the audience and other characters in the shows,” said Long.
The Department of History and Political Science at Huntington University is pleased to announce that Brooks Walker is the winner of the 2019 Jack P. Barlow, Sr., History Book Prize. Walker is from Columbia City, Indiana, and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science with minors in history and Christian ministries. He intends to graduate in May 2021 and pursue a career in nonprofit management.
The Barlow Prize is given to an outstanding student in the department’s advanced research seminar. Dr. Jeffrey Webb, professor of history at Huntington University, recognized Walker.
“Brooks turned in an exemplary performance in the seminar,” said Webb. “He demonstrated the key qualities that make for success in both the classroom and in life: open-mindedness, critical engagement and resilience. His academic leadership at HU is admired by faculty and peers alike.”
Webb’s Seminar in Contemporary U.S. Politics focused on different aspects of the American political process; Walker’s research project studied the issue of voter fraud and voter suppression in contemporary election cycles.
The Jack P. Barlow, Sr., Book Prize honors the memory of Professor Barlow, who served for over three decades as professor of American History at Huntington University, and carries a cash award sponsored by the Ron Frank Fund, which rewards academic achievement and student participation at professional academic conferences. The fund was established in 1973 in honor of Ron Frank, who passed away unexpectedly in the spring semester of his senior year at Huntington University.
PEORIA, AZ. — Huntington University Arizona is pleased to announce that Chelsey Edwards has joined the team as the academic fieldwork coordinator in Arizona for Huntington University’s Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy.
“I have always had a passion for working in academia and helping students be successful as they progress in their academic careers,” said Edwards, which makes this position an ideal fit for her.
Edwards is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, an NBCOT registered therapist, and holds her OT license. In April, she will graduate with her PPOTD from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions with an emphasis in education.
“I am completing my post-professional OTD capstone on best practice in fieldwork so I can help support and guide this fieldwork program through evidence-based practice and scholarship through faith in Jesus Christ,” said Edwards, which once again aligns Edwards ideally with her position in HU’s Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy in Arizona.
Huntington University Arizona opened its doors in 2016, welcoming students seeking a degree in digital media arts. The facility, a 30,000 square-foot building, houses bachelor’s degree programs in animation, film production, broadcast media and graphic design. The facility features film and TV studios, high-end computer classroom/labs, private editing suites, a state-of-the-art TV control room, Foley pit, a host of EFP and cinema cameras, and lighting gear for student production work.
Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S. News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest, and Forbes.com has listed the university as one of America’s Best Colleges. Additionally, Princeton Review has named the institution a “Best Midwestern College.” Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The non-profit university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).
Huntington University’s Department of History & Political Science has presented the 2020 S.G. Whittle Johnston Memorial Award in History to Ashley Spirek.
The S.G. Whittle Johnston Memorial Award in History was established by a Huntington University history alumna to honor the memory of this alum’s graduate school mentor. By funding the award, the donor wishes to encourage upper-level history students in their undergraduate study of history. The award goes to a junior or senior history major who submits the most outstanding work of original scholarship. Each year the recipient receives a plaque and a cash award.
Spirek, from Kyiv, Ukraine, is a quadruple major in history, philosophy, political science, and international & development studies. Upon graduation in May 2021, she hopes to pursue further study in history. Spirek received the award for her paper about the Vietnam War from a prompt: “Assess the view that from 1949 to the Tet Offensive America ‘chose war’ and that after Tet America ‘chose peace.’”
“Ashley has produced an exemplary research paper. In doing so, she has demonstrated a highly felicitous and coherent understanding of one of America’s most contested Cold War episodes. This was achieved through a sophisticated use of examples and a highly lucid academic writing style. The result is a most dynamic and engaging paper,” stated Dr. Tim Smith, professor of history.
Huntington University’s Department of History & Political Science offers a broad program of study that is research-led and taught by professors who are dedicated to their students. Students develop abilities in literary and oral communication, argument analysis, teamwork, independent research and presentation skills that equip them for careers in law, political science, not-for-profit sectors, business, media and government.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is pleased to announce that the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies has added two new programs: crop science and agronomy and animal science.
“Adding crop science and agronomy and animal science broadens the horizon for future ag majors at Huntington University,” said Nate Perry, coordinator of ag operations and external relations. “A number of prospective students have indicated an interest in not just the business side of crop production or animal production but also the science and study of those areas.”
The new programs will join an agriculture curriculum lineup that currently includes agribusiness and agricultural education.
“These new majors allow students to select which area matches more closely to their interest area,” said Perry. “Additionally, many of the companies that support Huntington University agriculture have shown an interest in employing students and graduates who have advanced knowledge in these areas.”
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — For the fourth year in a row, Huntington University animation and film students in Indiana and Arizona have garnered top awards at the Broadcast Education Association (BEA) Festival of Media Arts. This year, Huntington University took second place in overall awards.
This year’s competition was the largest yet including over 1,700 entries from over 300 universities around the world. Of the 18 Best of Festival awards the BEA, Huntington University claimed two of them.
“It is both a joy and privilege to teach and serve in our digital media arts department,” said Dr. Lance Clark, associate dean of the arts and professor of digital media arts at Huntington University. “When we launched our programs in film, animation and broadcast media 15 years ago we had a vision to be the top school in the nation. Little did I know that we would accomplish that so soon. Prospective students who want a top-notch faith center education in the arts should really look no further than Huntington University and our School of the Arts.”
In addition to the two Best of Festival awards, Huntington University students garnered the Best of Fest Student Film & Video award in the Film & Video Competition category, as well as the first, second, third place awards and the Award of Excellence in the Student Film & Video Competition Animation/Experimental/Mixed categories.
“I couldn’t be prouder of our HU Arizona animation program and the work that Christian Washington and the students are doing,” said Phil Wilson, Arizona digital media arts program director. “We brought Christian on just last year, which feels like yesterday, and now his program has won a ‘Best Of.’ This marks two years in a row that HU Arizona has brought home a “Best Of” at BEA. I think it comes down to our hands-on curriculum, hard-working students, and focus on the fundamentals of good storytelling.”
The Broadcast Educators Association Festival of Media Arts is a competitive festival open to BEA individual faculty and student members. Competition ranges from dramatic narratives to non-fiction documentary and news to the frontiers of interactive multimedia. This year’s awards presentation will take place during the BEA’s annual convention on April 18-21 in Las Vegas.
Huntington University took home the following honors and awards:
Best of Fest: “Sleepwalker (Feature Category)” by Matt Webb Category: Faculty Scriptwriting Category
Best Of Fest: “Tobeus & Toby” by Alyssa Alley, Alexa Bland, Kesmine Hickman, Sarah Wickenhauser Category: Animation/Mixed Faculty Advisor: Christian Washington
3rd place: “Adventures of Norm Promo Campaign” by Samantha Creager & Taylor Haywood Category: Multimedia Sound Design Faculty Advisor: Adam Widener
1st place: “Stranger” by Chloe Caufield Category: Student Documentary - Micro Documentary Faculty Advisor: Phil Wilson
Award of Excellence “Copper Hills Center of the Arts Promo” by Phil Wilson Category: Commercial or PSA - Faculty
1st place: “Bubble” by Briana Valenzuela, Abi Stewart, Petra Vargas, Kesmine Hickman Category: Animation/Mixed Faculty Advisor: Christian Washington
2nd place: “Instruments” by Carley Shepherd Category: Animation/Experimental/Mixed Faculty Advisor: Josh Addessi
3rd Place: FDN Sports Intro by Mado Gonzalez, Bronson Dye & Hunter Rose Category: Animation/Experimental/Mixed Category Faculty Advisor: Bryan Ballinger and Josh Addessi
Award of Excellence: “Everyday Adventures” by Noah Stinson, Michaela Stinson Category: Animation/Experimental/Mixed Category Faculty Advisor: Josh Addessi and Bryan Ballinger
Award of Excellence: “Fire Flower” by Kayla Heidenreich, Nikki Hines, Rebecca Atkins & Kayden Seymour Category: Animation/Experimental/Mixed Category Faculty Advisor: Steve Leeper and Curtis Wood
Award of Excellence: “The Fantastic Adventures of the Interstellar Millers Trailer” by Jacob Salsbury Category: Animation/Experimental/Mixed Category Faculty Advisor: Josh Addessi
3rd place: “Animated Camera as Narrator in The Wind Rises” by Linus Obenhaus Category: Instructional/Educational Category Faculty Advisor: Matthew Webb
Award of Excellence “Against These Things” by Joe Stone and Joseph McNichols Category: Narrative Faculty Advisor: Luis Bohorquez
Award of Excellence “Kim” by Chloe Caufield Category: Narrative Faculty Advisor: Luis Bohorquez
Award of Excellence “What We Become” by Stephen Davis, Lisette Perez, and Joseph McNichols Category: Narrative Faculty Advisor: Luis Bohorquez
Award of Excellence: “Fire Flower” by Kayla Heidenreich, Nikki Hines, Rebecca Atkins & Kayden Seymour Category: Narrative Category Faculty Advisor: Steve Leeper and Curtis Wood
Award of Excellence: “Glitch” by Daniel Isaacs Category: Short Subject Faculty Advisor: Matt Webb
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The American Library Association has announced that a book Dr. Jeffrey Webb, professor of history, co-edited has been named one of seven “2020 Outstanding Reference Sources” at its annual January meeting in Philadelphia. The two-volume reference book, Conspiracies and Conspiracy Theories in American History (ABC-CLIO, 2019), was selected by research and reference librarians in the Collection Development and Evaluation Section (CODES) of the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association.
Huntington University students Benjamin Kratz, Reilly Vore and Juliet Wilson served as assistant editors, and Jonathan Krull, director of the Huntington University Honors Program, contributed several articles. Dr. Christopher Fee, professor of English at Gettysburg College, served as the other co-editor. The Office of Academic Affairs and the Jack P. Barlow, Sr., Research and Artistic Creation Fund at Huntington University generously supported the project.