A Carpenter’s Prayer, formerly known as Wayfaring Stranger, is the first feature film from Huntington University and Forester Film LLC — and it could be coming to a movie theater near you! The film's distributor is making arrangements for showings in theaters around the United States, and they want to hear from you about where the film should go next. Learn more about how to request to see A Carpenter’s Prayer in your local theater here (use the "demand" form to submit your zip code). If you haven't had a chance to see this film yet, now is an excellent chance to bring it directly to your community.
A Carpenter's Prayer tells the inspiring true story of a pastor and his family who set out to build a new church in 1970s rural Michigan. Along the way, they face challenges that threaten to unravel everything when an afflicted carpenter becomes their unlikely source of hope, proving that faith in God is the true path to redemption, even in the most tragic circumstances.
All Forester Film productions feature students in production roles alongside industry professionals. Check out this behind-the-scenes video about the making of A Carpenter's Prayer.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Lace up your running (or walking) shoes and get ready to light up the night as Huntington University presents the fourth annual Night Lights 5K on Friday, August 23, 2024. This event promises a night of fun and fitness, all for a great cause: HU’s Hometown Grant.
Check-in for the chipped race begins at 8:00 p.m., with the event officially starting at dusk. The cost of registration is $25 and includes your entry fee and shirt. Prizes will be awarded to the top performers in each age group, which include 14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60 and over. Show off your running prowess and claim victory in your respective category!
To register, visit huntington.edu/5K or contact Jill La Mar at jlamar@huntington.edu or (260) 359-4069. Pre-registration is available until 4:00 p.m. on August 22, with walk-on registration available the night of the event (see details online). Please register by August 8 to guarantee a shirt.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The Office of Academic Affairs at Huntington University has named 377 students to the Dean’s List for spring semester 2024, including 357 students on our Huntington, Indiana, campus and 20 students at Huntington University Arizona in Peoria, Arizona.
To achieve designation on the Dean’s List, students must be classified as regular students, have been enrolled full-time with a load of 12 hours or more in graded courses, and earned at least 42 grade points with a semester GPA of at least 3.50.
“Students named to the Dean's List at Huntington University have demonstrated much more than intelligence,” said Dr. Luke Fetters, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty. “They have shown that they manage their time, analyze complex material, communicate at a high level, and desire to make the most of the talents and abilities that God has given them. While many of these students are involved in student organizations, athletics, outside employment, and various other time-consuming activities, they are also performing at a high level in the classroom. We are proud of their accomplishments and look forward to celebrating their future contributions at Huntington University, in graduate school, in meaningful careers, and in community leadership wherever God leads them.”
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Since 2021, Huntington University agriculture students have directly benefitted from $30,000 in grant funding provided by the Duke Energy Foundation, a community-focused philanthropic arm of Duke Energy. Three $10,000 grants increased workforce development opportunities for the next generation of agriscience professionals by providing access to industry materials and technology in Huntington University agriculture courses.
In 2021, a Duke Energy Foundation grant provided for the purchase of welding helmets and protective equipment, power tools, tool bags and building supplies that 23 students used in the Welding and Construction and Maintenance agriculture courses. A grant in 2022 was used for the purchase of a DJI Phantom 4 drone and Sentera sensors, offering eight students who participated in a drone course in partnership with Purdue Extension the opportunity to interact with precision agriculture technology. In 2023, a third grant provided lab equipment for 11 animal health and veterinary nursing students, giving these students on-campus access to realistic veterinary nursing skills practice.
The materials purchased through these three grants will continue to be available for Huntington University students to use, expanding the grants’ impact beyond the students who initially benefitted from them.
Each partnership between the Duke Energy Foundation and Huntington University has made a tangible investment in the future of the agriculture workforce, providing resources for tomorrow’s animal and crop scientists, teachers, veterinary nurses, policymakers and environmental stewards who will make their careers in Indiana and around the world.
“The Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies is extremely grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for the continued support,” said Nate Perry, managing director of the Haupert Institute. “Their investment in our students will greatly impact the workforce as these students work in the ag education, precision agriculture and the veterinary medicine sectors. For those majoring in ag education, we know the impact will also be realized as those individuals teach, lead and work with junior high and high school students as well.” “We appreciate the opportunity to support Huntington University and the next generation of agriscience professionals,” said Duke Energy Government and Community Relations Manager Jennifer Jordan. “One of the most important investments we can make is in the people and communities we serve. By providing access to industry materials and technology, we hope to help create opportunities for students to thrive and reach their full potential through hands-on learning.”
“The Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies is extremely grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for the continued support,” said Nate Perry, managing director of the Haupert Institute. “Their investment in our students will greatly impact the workforce as these students work in the ag education, precision agriculture and the veterinary medicine sectors. For those majoring in ag education, we know the impact will also be realized as those individuals teach, lead and work with junior high and high school students as well.”
“We appreciate the opportunity to support Huntington University and the next generation of agriscience professionals,” said Duke Energy Government and Community Relations Manager Jennifer Jordan. “One of the most important investments we can make is in the people and communities we serve. By providing access to industry materials and technology, we hope to help create opportunities for students to thrive and reach their full potential through hands-on learning.”
About the Duke Energy Foundation: The Duke Energy Foundation provides more than $30 million annually in philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation is funded by Duke Energy shareholders.
About Duke Energy Indiana:
Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 900,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.
Photo:
From left to right: Sydney Petersen, an animal health + veterinary nursing student from Indiana; Nate Perry, managing director of the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies; Courtney Mason, an agribusiness student from Michigan; Kevin Johnston, former Government and Community Relations Manager at Duke Energy; and Wyatt Harrington, an agricultural education student from New York, present some of the equipment purchased through the grants Huntington University received from the Duke Energy Foundation.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — At the Alpha Chi National Convention in Birmingham, Alabama, in April, Huntington University’s Alpha Chi National College Honor Society students and faculty sponsors received regional and national recognition for their scholarship and service, continuing the longstanding tradition of excellence that characterizes Huntington University’s Alpha Chi chapter, Indiana Beta.
Rebecca Luckey, a history, political science, international and development studies, and history education major, won an Alpha Chi national scholarship as well as a regional scholarship for her paper "Was America’s involvement with Vietnam a ‘noble cause’ (Ronald Reagan) or ‘moral and intellectual poverty’ (Jimmy Carter)?"
Class of 2024 biology major and 2023-2024 Indiana Beta chapter president, Mica Allen, presented a paper on fungi effects on treated and untreated soybean seeds and led a chapter strengthening session on service projects.
Dr. Tanner Babb, associate professor of psychology and associate academic dean at Huntington University, led several meetings at the Convention as Alpha Chi regional president for Region V, and Dr. Ruth Nalliah, professor of chemistry and Alpha Chi faculty sponsor, received an Alpha Chi 2024 Distinguished Service Award from Region V for service as chapter sponsor.
“It is always a joy to see our students’ work acknowledged and rewarded on the national level,” said Nalliah. “Huntington University students consistently do very well in receiving both regional and national recognition for their academic work and engagement.”
Election to Alpha Chi is the highest academic honor at Huntington University.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is proud to announce its #1 ranking in the United States for first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for the 2023-2024 academic year, as released by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
“At Huntington University, our mission of Christ, scholarship, and service is the guiding principle in everything we do,” said Dr. Luke Fetters, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to integrating faith and learning, fostering academic excellence, and instilling a spirit of service in our students.”
Out of the 2,218 nursing programs nationwide that received a ranking from the NCSBN, Huntington University secured the #1 placement, with a 100% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate. The NCLEX-RN, the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (RN), is a test all entry-level nurses must take and pass before beginning their career. Additionally, Huntington’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates have a 100% job placement rate.
“The past few years have shown how critical nurses are to our society, and we are honored to play a role in shaping the future of healthcare by preparing the next generation of nurses,” said Jodi Eckert, director of nursing at Huntington University.
With state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, manikins, a student-run nursing council and clinical experiences — Huntington’s BSN program provides students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for the NCLEX-RN exam and a successful career.
Recent graduate and winner of Miss Indiana 2023, Cydney Bridges, found the nursing faculty’s support critical to her success in the program.
“The Huntington University Department of Nursing was where I felt most supported on campus. Each and every one of my professors helped me realize that I could achieve anything I set my mind to with hard work and determination,” said Bridges.
To learn more about Huntington University's nursing program, visit huntington.edu/Nursing.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is pleased to announce the promotion of Jeff Berggren to the role of assistant vice president for graduate and online programs and university marketing and the promotion of Susie Carr to assistant vice president for enrollment strategy and undergraduate admissions.
In his new role, Berggren builds on three decades of experience marketing all aspects of Huntington University. He spent the first two decades of his HU career overseeing marketing operations and enrollment before moving to Arizona in 2014 to launch the University’s Arizona location. After spending nine years in Arizona leading not only undergraduate programs but also the launch of the Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy, Berggren returned to Indiana to oversee the growth and marketing of the University’s graduate, online and non-traditional programs. Berggren will continue to provide leadership for the graduate, online and non-traditional programs while additionally leading all of the University’s marketing activities.
“Having the opportunity to return to a leadership role in telling the story of how HU impacts lives is a very exciting to me,” said Berggren. “I have enjoyed the unique experience of being heavily involved in the various markets where HU is involved. That includes traditional undergraduate in Indiana, non-traditional undergraduate in Arizona, graduate in both Arizona and Indiana, along with online programs. So, this feels like an appropriate next step that allows me to participate in telling the various stories of HU alumni, faculty, staff and current students. I’m excited to work with the marketing team we have assembled, and we are already rolling!”
The University’s marketing team includes Nicole Manges, who was promoted to coordinator of university communications, Brad Conner, who was promoted to director of graduate and online program instructional support and web content, and Dylan Herring, who has joined Huntington University as media specialist. Manges, Conner and Herring are HU alumni.
Carr joined the HU team in 2023 as the director of undergraduate admissions and has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of higher education admissions. As the assistant vice president for enrollment strategy and undergraduate admissions, Carr leverages her experience of over twenty years in recruitment, leadership and enrollment strategy to drive strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing both operational and student experiences, thereby elevating enrollment efforts.
Her proven history of excellence and dedication to fostering talent make Carr the ideal candidate to lead enrollment strategy and undergraduate admissions, and her expertise in selecting and recognizing talent will undoubtedly strengthen teams and the University. Carr’s expanded leadership responsibilities entail overseeing undergraduate enrollment services, including the Offices of Admissions and Financial Aid. She continues to provide direct oversight of the enrollment management team, ensuring the delivery of exceptional recruitment, admissions, financial aid, and transfer student services to all prospective students in the University’s residential programs.
“Overseeing undergraduate enrollment, strategy and financial aid fills me with a deep sense of purpose and conviction,” said Carr. “I passionately believe that each student who crosses our threshold is destined for greatness, and it is our obligation to support and empower them on their educational journey. Together with our enrollment management and leadership team, I am confident that we can create a culture of excellence and innovation rooted in faith and service. Through prayerful discernment and unwavering dedication, let's embrace collaboratively so that every student receives the support they need to flourish and fulfill their journey.”
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The Department of History and Political Science at Huntington University has announced that Colin Jackson is the winner of the spring 2024 Jack P. Barlow, Sr., History Book Prize. Jackson is from Huntington, Indiana, and is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in history education with a minor in political science. He intends to graduate in April 2025 and pursue a career in teaching social studies at the middle or high school level.
The award is given to an outstanding student in the department’s upper-level courses. Jackson’s award-winning performance in the course The American Revolution was recognized by instructor Dr. Jeffrey Webb, professor of history at Huntington University.
“Colin worked to prepare himself for class activities and debates, and routinely made meaningful contributions to discussions,” said Webb. “He distinguished himself in his writing, particularly a deep and engaging essay that examined the sources of revolutionary ideas in the years leading up to the War of Independence.”
About the Jack P. Barlow, Sr., Book Prize: 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. It is funded 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, a former student at Huntington University.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Two professors at Huntington University have received the Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award, the first time the newly created award has been conferred. Professor of History Dwight Brautigam, PhD, and Associate Professor of Mathematics Andrew Hoffman, PhD, were recognized by their peers through a nomination and selection process for their significant commitment to excellence in teaching.
In their nominations, colleagues touted Brautigam’s career-long passion for engaging students and his devotion to ensuring they have “an impactful, life-changing experience.” They said his courses “empowered students to take the initiative in their own learning” and turned them into “active inquirers, investigators, and problem-solvers.” One professor observed that Brautigam’s innovative approach to teaching has been “contagious and inspiring” to many others on the faculty. Brautigam will retire at the end of the 2023-2024 academic year after 37 years at HU, having also received the student-voted Professor of the Year award on five different occasions, more than any other HU faculty member to date.
Hoffman’s fellow professors described him as a “champion of innovative techniques to engage students in active learning” since his appointment to the faculty in 2017. They also praised his “leading-edge active learning methods and strategies” for making his subject “exciting and relevant” to HU students. Hoffman has provided leadership in professional development on campus while serving as president of the Hoosier Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators.
The Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award promotes faculty professional development in the area of instruction and pedagogy and celebrates the efforts of full-time faculty who have made significant efforts to bring best practices in teaching from their respective fields into HU classrooms, labs and studios.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — On Thursday, March 28, Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly named Kelsey Herber, Huntington University’s volleyball head coach, to its Forty Under 40 Class of 2024.
Chosen from a pool of over 200 nominations, Forty Under 40 recipients are selected by a panel of distinguished judges. Winners are identified by their impactful community service, business achievements and noteworthy contributions in Northeast Indiana.
“Receiving this award is an encouragement and motivation to continue passionately pursuing the life of ministry God has called me to. I feel very honored, humbled, and grateful,” said Herber.
Although Herber is in her fifth year as head coach, her roots with Huntington’s volleyball program go back to her college days, where she joined the Huntington team as an outside hitter — winning an All-Conference Honorable Mention badge her final year.
Upon graduation, Herber found herself drawn into various coaching and leadership positions including serving as a coach for Empowered Volleyball Academy for eight years, before transitioning to her current role as Director of Mental Health. Herber also was an assistant coach for Huntington University for three years, before taking the head coach position over in 2019.
“Coaching is one of my greatest passions in life. Having the opportunity to lead a group of young women on the court and to walk alongside them in their lives is an honor. Coaching goes far beyond the court and is much bigger than volleyball. I believe there is an eternal impact, and relationship is at the foundation of my coaching philosophy,” said Herber.
In her first season leading the Foresters, Herber’s squad earned the most wins in program history in 10 years. Over the next four seasons, her players racked up 18 All-Conference honors and collected 16 Scholar Athlete badges.
“I may be the leader of my team, but my players have taught me, inspired me, and encouraged me in countless ways,” said Herber. “God has used this role in my life to grow my heart, mind, and abilities. I'm not the same person I was when I began coaching, and I have no doubt there is more transformation to come.”
However, being a coach isn’t the only hat that Herber wears in her community — she is also an on-air personality for Star 88.3 for the Josh and Friends Show that airs on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. While this might seem out of the box to some, Herber believes her different roles play off of each other.
“I have a blast participating in each of these roles. With my degrees being in broadcasting and counseling, I have found multiple ways to implement each of these skill sets,” Herber said. “I consider each ‘hat’ as an opportunity to be a light for Jesus in our community.”
Herber lives in Roanoke, IN with her husband Zach, HU alum, 2017, and her son Ren.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University students brought home 25 awards from the American Advertising Federation (Ad Fed) Fort Wayne 2024 Annual Advertising Honors on February 24, including the Best in Show and Judge’s Choice student awards. Collectively, HU students earned more awards than any other educational institution in this year’s Fort Wayne competition.
Additionally, Visiting Instructor of Graphic Design Yue Wang received two professional awards, bringing the total number of awards for Huntington University to 27, an increase from 2023.
This year’s award-winning students represent six academic programs from two departments in Huntington University’s School of the Arts. The Department of Art & Design, which includes undergraduates majoring in graphic design, studio art, and visual art education, earned a total of 12 student awards and two professional awards. The Department of Digital Media Arts, encompassing undergraduates majoring in animation, film production, and television production, received a total of 13 student awards.
Awards Summary:
Altogether, Huntington University students and faculty returned from the awards show with a Best in Show, a Judge’s Choice, 10 Gold, 7 Silver and 8 Bronze awards to their credit.
Submitting her entries under the name Yue’s Studio, HU professor Yue Wang received the following professional awards:
Silver Professional Elements of Advertising: Infographic “Silkworm to Silk Infographic Design”
Bronze Professional Cross Platform: Integrated Campaign “Dunhuang City Brand Identity Design”
Students from the Department of Art & Design received the following awards:
Gold Student Sales Promotion: Packaging Wendy Beatriz Mejia “Espresso Americano Package Redesign”
Sales Promotion: Packaging Allese DeYoung “Celsius Packaging Redesign”
Out of Home & Ambient Media: Poster Leah R. Docea “Fantasy World Building Infographic”
Integrated Brand Identity Campaign Morgan Watts “Brand Design – All Around Bakery”
Elements of Advertising: Illustration Solomon Rangel “Space Debris Infographic”
Silver Student Integrated Brand Identity Campaign Mallory Carver “Chick-Fil-A Brand Campaign”
Integrated Brand Identity Campaign Leah R. Docea “Adaptive by Design Rebrand”
Elements of Advertising: Logo Design Wendy Beatriz Mejia “Espresso Americano Logo Design”
Bronze Student Collateral Material: Event Materials Elizabeth Kruse “These Shining Lives Poster”
Online/Interactive: Social Media Campaign Josey Reineman “Huntington University T&F Meet Day”
Integrated Brand Identity Campaign Solomon Rangel “Dry Gentlemen Brand Design”
Elements of Advertising: Logo Design Wendy Beatriz Mejia “Duli Logo Design”
Students from the Department of Digital Media Arts received the following awards:
Best in Show Student Elements of Advertising: Animation Rheanna Jones, Joy Heisey, Rachel Scobey “Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie”
Judge’s Choice Student Online/Interactive: Social Media Elliot Martin “Cinematography Reel”
Gold Student Online/Interactive: Social Media Elliot Martin “Cinematography Reel”
Television Advertising Ericka Whitman “‘In the Beginning’ Promo”
Elements of Advertising: Animation Rheanna Jones, Joy Heisey, Rachel Scobey “Headless Horseman at Conner Prairie”
Elements of Advertising: Animation Cameron Wray, Seth Lecheler, Taylor Stickan “Subliminal”
Elements of Advertising: Animation Joy Purcell, Carrie Runyan, Anna Houser, Alyssa Smith “Jupiter Flights at Conner Prairie”
Silver Student Online/Interactive: Social Media Rebekah Steffen “I Remain”
Television Advertising Jaron Sustar, Hadlee Mertz, Smey Him “Ott’s Coffee”
Elements of Advertising: Art Direction Mason Hyslop, Tyler Bradley, Sam Mann “Scene Recreation Last of Us”
Bronze Student Television Advertising Megan Hostetler “Gold: Live at Huntington University”
Integrated Advertising Campaign Ericka Whitman “‘In the Beginning’ Event Campaign”
Elements of Advertising: Animation Ericka Whitman “#UCanCrushHunger FDN Graphics PKG”
About Huntington University:
Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering award-winning graduate, undergraduate and online programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. Founded in Huntington, Indiana, in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University has over a century of experience educating graduates who are ready to impact the world for Christ through scholarship and service. The nonprofit university’s locations include the original home campus and the UB Launch in Huntington, a doctoral program in occupational therapy and an accelerated baccalaureate nursing program in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and an undergraduate and doctoral program location in Peoria, Arizona. Huntington University’s home campus offers 18 official men’s and women’s athletic programs, and the university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — On February 17, Huntington University hosted 68 top high school seniors in the fourth Spirit of a Forester Scholarship Competition.
The invitation-only semi-annual competition includes students with a 3.7 grade point average or higher. Through an onsite extemporaneous essay and an interview with faculty and staff, students compete for scholarships ranging from $16,000 per year to full tuition for four years.
In addition to gathering together students who excel academically, the competition is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding of the Spirit of a Forester, the set of traits that characterize Huntington University students: chasing truth, defying complacency, remaining curious, caring completely, embracing interconnectedness, having grit and exploring creativity.
The recipient of the full tuition scholarship from the February 17 competition is Heavyn Craft of Southfield, Michigan.
Additional scholarship recipients include the following:
For more information about upcoming Spirit of a Forester Scholarship Competition events, visit huntington.edu/Admissions or email admissions@huntington.edu.
About Huntington University: Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering award-winning graduate, undergraduate and online programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. Founded in Huntington, Indiana, in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University has over a century of experience educating graduates who are ready to impact the world for Christ through scholarship and service. The nonprofit university’s locations include the original home campus and the UB Launch in Huntington, a doctoral program in occupational therapy and an accelerated baccalaureate nursing program in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and an undergraduate and doctoral program location in Peoria, Arizona. Huntington University’s home campus offers 18 official men’s and women’s athletic programs, and the university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).
HUNTINGTON, Ind. – HU Volleyball Coach Kelsey Herber was honored as the Marc Davidson Coach of the Year as announced at last night’s annual Northeast Indiana Fellowship of Christian Athletes Rally. Herber is just the second recipient of this high honor. After being nominated by Hannah Doden, an FCA Area Representative, Herber was selected among a pool of nominees by the local director and FCA board.
“This is such a well-deserved honor for Kelsey,” said Forester Athletic Director Lori Culler. “Her faith is at the center of all she does and her relationship with Christ is the source of her strength, purpose and boundless joy.
“She embodies all we desire our coaches to be. We are blessed to have her on our staff.” Last night’s FCA banquet featured Daryl Strawberry, former MLB baseball player, as the keynote speaker. The Tim Bresnahan Volunteer of the Year was also recognized during the ceremony. Marc Davidson was a beloved high school coach in the Fort Wayne area who went home to be with the Lord in May of 2022 at the age of 49. Coach Davidson finished his career at Blackhawk Christian School where he won two state championships and amassed a record of 227-70 through nine seasons. To honor Coach Davidson, FCA of NE Indiana developed this award in 2023 to be given each year to a coach committed to caring for the spiritual, mental and physical health of his or her athletes. Last spring Lisa Davidson, Marc’s wife, was presented with the first ever award in his honor. The Huntington University Foresters compete in 18 intercollegiate sports for men and women. In the past decade, Huntington has produced 154 NAIA All-America honors and 501 All-America Scholar Athlete honors. 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.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Business students at Huntington University will benefit from a gift from the estate of longtime Huntington businessman J.T. Brennan.
Brennan, known for his interest in the stock market, designated funds to support the Department of Business at HU. The funds are being used to establish the Forester Acorn Fund.
“We are thankful for J.T. Brennan remembering the HU Department of Business in his estate,” said Dr. Ann McPherren, Department of Business chair. “The Forester Acorn Fund will provide business students with the real-world opportunity to actively invest and manage funds in the market.”
"I am excited about the experiential learning opportunity this fund will provide for our students,” said Dr. Brock Zehr, associate professor of business, who teaches courses in investing and personal finance. “They will gain experience in investment research, portfolio management, and investment decision-making. I am hopeful it will further career exploration in the financial services industry."
Pictured: Dr. Brock Zehr, associate professor of business, Mr. Jim Brennan, brother of J.T. Brennan and representative of the estate, Dr. Ann McPherren, professor of business, and Mr. Jim O’Donnell, emeriti professor of business.
Sixty-eight high school seniors from around the country attended the Huntington University Spirit of a Forester Scholarship Competition on Saturday, February 17. The competition is an invitation-only event for which HU-admitted high school seniors qualify with a 3.7 grade point average or higher and compete for four-year scholarships ranging from $16,000 to full tuition.
During the Saturday competition, finalists participated in interviews with HU faculty and staff and an extemporaneous writing session. Bonus points that counted toward the overall score were available for additional projects based on the seven traits collectively called the Spirit of a Forester: chasing truth, defying complacency, remaining curious, caring completely, embracing interconnectedness, having grit and exploring creativity.
“I submitted extra credit for [defying] complacency,” said student Katie Bolinger. “In the last year, I’ve tried to grow and make changes to make sure I'm growing in my faith and to not be stagnant.”
Her father, Brian Bolinger, offered a parent’s perspective on the scholarship competition and what it means for families of future Foresters.
“Knowing that there's other people who are specifically donating to grow the next Forester, I think it makes you feel the need to use it more than other scholarships,” he said. “It makes it more meaningful knowing that it's coming from somebody who wants to invest in the future generation.”
Parents were invited to attend a panel discussion consisting of HU’s president and senior leaders. The discussion focused on HU’s commitment to its mission and how that mission shapes strategic initiatives, how those initiatives benefit HU students and how HU offers a value that is worth the costs.
Scholarships offered through the Spirit of a Forester Scholarship Competition are a part of that value, making the HU experience possible for new generations of students.
“I'm a pastor,” said Steve Boyd, whose son Brian took part in the competition, as he reflected on how a scholarship would impact his family. “We’ve already made sacrifices to not be in the corporate world and choose to follow God's calling. We will have two kids in college in the next two years. So it obviously would mean a lot; it would be just great!”
Volunteer faculty, staff and HU students made the scholarship competition possible by setting up spaces around campus, greeting students and parents, planning and support, completing interviews and reviewing essays and extra credit packages.
Student Heavyn Craft, when asked how she felt about the competition and how it went for her, said, “I feel like it went well. It was very smooth. Everyone's super nice. Honestly, they took extra care of us. They made sure that we weren't nervous, and they just wanted to help.”
For Craft and her peers, the scholarship competition is a significant step toward a bright future that is only just beginning.
“For me to win even the smallest of scholarships would mean everything,” she said, adding that “being able to just go to school and not have to worry about the financial aspect of it, being able to just get my education and then focus on everything else that comes after that” would be a blessing.
As Craft and others noted, this is the true goal of the Spirit of a Forester Scholarship Competition: To help students pursue their calling at Huntington University and impact the world for Christ through scholarship and service.
The Office of Academic Affairs at Huntington University has named 435 students to the Dean’s List for fall semester 2023, including 410 students on our Huntington, Indiana, campus and 25 students at Huntington University Arizona in Peoria, Arizona.
The Department of History and Political Science at Huntington University is pleased to announce that Jace Gilman, Rebecca Luckey and Karson Miller have received the fall semester 2023 Jack P. Barlow, Sr., History Book Prizes. The Barlow Prizes are given to outstanding students in the department’s upper-level research- and writing-intensive courses.
Miller is from Edgerton, Indiana, and graduated from Woodlan High School. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in history, political science and international and development studies. After graduation, he plans to pursue a Master of Arts degree in history. Miller was recognized by Dr. Jeffrey Webb, professor of American history at Huntington University, for his performance in the course American Environmental History.
“Karson made substantial contributions to our seminar discussions, reflecting a deep engagement with the subject matter and related issues,” said Webb. “His research project on New Deal-era conservation and infrastructure far exceeded standards for undergraduate scholarship.”
About the Jack P. Barlow, Sr., Book Prize:
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 prize of $250 worth of academic books. It is 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, a former student at Huntington University.
Luckey is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and graduated from Homestead High School. She is pursuing bachelor’s degrees in history education, international and development studies, history, and political science. She plans to teach at the secondary level and pursue graduate study in history. Luckey was recognized by Dr. Dwight Brautigam, professor of European history at Huntington University, for her performance in the course European Nation-States in Conflict.
“Rebecca was a stalwart leader and constant source of intellectual accountability for herself and her classmates,” said Brautigam. “She is a fantastic example of how commitment to her academic improvement raises the level of everyone in the room. She is a most worthy recipient of the Barlow Prize.”
Gilman is from Summitville, Indiana, and graduated from Madison-Grant High School. He is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in history, international and development studies, and political science and is a member of the HU tennis team. After graduation, he plans to attend law school and pursue a career in the legal profession. Gilman was recognized by Dr. Timothy Smith, professor of non-Western history at Huntington University, for his performance in the course America and Vietnam.
“Jace displayed a high level of critical engagement with the subject matter of the course and emerged as a leader in our discussions and debates,” Smith said. “His commitment to his own personal, academic, and professional growth is highly commendable.”
True stories are often more heartbreaking than fiction. The Huntington University Theatre Company presents These Shining Lives, a play written by Melanie Marnich and based on the true story of four women who worked for the Radium Dial Company, a watch factory based in Ottawa, Illinois.
The play, which was called “Perfect, touching and wistful…beautifully tragic” by Talkin’ Broadway, chronicles the strength and determination of women considered expendable in their day, exploring their true story and its continued resonance. Catherine and her friends are dying, it’s true; but theirs is a story of survival in its most transcendent sense, as they refuse to allow the company that stole their health to kill their spirits — or endanger the lives of those who come after them.
Director Ryan Long said she’s excited about how the cast and crew have come together to create an ensemble piece where each person contributes to make the whole production shine.
“It’s amazing how these cast members have latched on to each of their characters and really made them their own,” said Long. “In other productions I’ve worked on, it’s taken months to create this type of synergy. This cast has been in rehearsals less than a month and they’ve already got incredible insight and connectivity.”
“I think people should come see this play because it is an all-around well-written story and a beautiful, tragic picture of how our actions matter and can make a difference for good or bad,” said cast member Elisa Hobbs.
Public performances will be on Thursday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, February 17 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. An educational matinee for middle/high school students, including homeschool students, will be held on Thursday, February 15 at 9:30 a.m. Tickets for all public performances may be purchased online at huntington.edu/BoxOffice, by phone at (260) 359-4261, or at the Huntington University Box Office beginning one hour prior to show time. Please contact the Box Office regarding ticketing for the educational matinee.
Performances are in the Studio Theatre inside the Merillat Centre for the Arts on the campus of Huntington University; seating opens 30 minutes prior to show time. For more information, visit huntington.edu/Shining.
These Shining Lives is the second production of the Huntington University Theatre Company’s 2023-2024 season. For more information, visit huntington.edu/Theatre, email theatre@huntington.edu, or call the Huntington University Box Office at (260) 359-4261. Follow the Huntington University Theatre Company on Facebook to keep up with the latest program news and events.