Savannah Hassler recognized at annual awards reception
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is pleased to announce that the Art Education Association of Indiana (AEAI) has awarded Savannah Hassler the 2023 Outstanding Art Education College Student award. The awards reception took place in Mooresville, Indiana, on November 3. Hassler is a senior art education major.
Other collegiate accomplishments for Hassler include serving in numerous leadership roles for HU’s National Art Education Association chapter and Kappa Pi International Art Society chapter, working as HU’s student assistant gallery director and having her college art exhibited in multiple art shows in the area.
“A call for nominations for the 2023 Outstanding College Art Education Student for the state of Indiana stated candidates for the award needed to demonstrate a commitment to excellence in art education and support the art education community. I thought of Savannah as soon as I read the criteria because she exemplifies both,” said Barb Michel, EdD, professor of art and chair of the Department of Art and Design at Huntington University.
According to its constitution, the purpose of the AEAI is “the promotion, advancement, and improvement of art education in Indiana through professional development, service, advancement of knowledge, and leadership.” More information about the AEAI is available at AEAI.org.
Music, Games, Crafts, and Fun for All Ages
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Forester Radio and the Huntington University Department of Music are bringing the holiday cheer by hosting a Christmas carnival and concert in the Merillat Centre for the Arts on Thursday, December 7. Both events are free and open to the public.
The carnival, sponsored by Forester Radio and geared towards kids ages three and up, runs from 6:00-7:15 p.m. in the lower level of the Merillat Centre for the Arts. It features games such as a snowman ring toss and pin the nose on Rudolph. There will also be Christmas-themed crafts, winter treats and special appearances by beloved holiday characters. For more information about the carnival, visit facebook.com/ForesterRadio.
A Christmas concert by the Huntington University Symphonic Band, composed of HU students and Huntington community members, will immediately follow the carnival. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in Zurcher Auditorium and features a variety of holiday favorites to inspire the Christmas spirit.
Carnival and concert attendees should also leave time to check out the ongoing Forester Festival of Trees inside the upper lobby of the Merillat Centre for the Arts. The festival, which runs through December 11, features a display of over 20 lavishly decorated Christmas trees. This event is also free and open to the public and can be viewed during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily. Visitors are encouraged to vote for their favorite tree.
About Forester Radio:
With over 20 years of broadcast history, Forester Radio is a community-focused station that serves as a live classroom for students at Huntington University. The station plays Christian rock and alternative hits from the 1980s through today, featuring artists like DC Talk, Switchfoot, Disciple, Anberlin and Superchick. Forester Radio broadcasts on 105.5 FM in the Huntington, Indiana, area and worldwide at ForesterRadio.com or via the TuneIn Radio app.
Dr. Tim Smith examines mid-20th-century British military officers’ diplomacy and business interests in “Vacation Diplomacy and Business Fracas.”
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Dr. Tim Smith, professor of history at Huntington University, has published a new article about retired British military officers’ diplomacy and business interests related to Vietnam, Cambodia and Pakistan.
Smith’s new peer-reviewed article considers the advantages and disadvantages of using retired British military officers to enact “unofficial” soft-power diplomacy in areas of Cold War international turmoil — in particular General Sir Douglas Gracey’s 1951 tours of Vietnam, Cambodia and Pakistan.
Gracey’s visits to the battlegrounds in Cambodia and Vietnam were highly profitable and provided the British military with valuable insights concerning the French management of the First Vietnam War (1945-54). However, Gracey’s business interests, and a proposed visit to Pakistan, were more contentious, as the legacy of the First Kashmir War (1947-9), and Gracey’s role therein, was still a source of acute tension in Anglo-Indian-Pakistan relations.
“General Gracey used various approaches to Allied peacekeeping and peace enforcement as the general responsible for managing the power vacuum in Cambodia and the south of Vietnam at the end of the Second World War,” said Smith. “He was also controversially responsible for the Pakistan Armed forces during the First Kashmir War. Despite several historians taking an interest in Gracey’s role in these conflicts none appear to have spotted his later efforts at ‘unofficial’ retirement diplomacy. This piqued my interest, and it revealed not just the benefits of using a retired general in a conflict zone for British diplomacy but also the inherent weaknesses of doing so depending upon the circumstances.”
Dr. Tim Smith, FRHistS, joined the University faculty in 2007. He previously taught history at the University of East Anglia in the UK. He has produced four books concerning imperial and diplomatic history in Asia.
“Vacation Diplomacy and Business Fracas: General Sir Douglas Gracey’s Tours of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Pakistan, in 1951” was published in volume 20 of the Historical Yearbook and is available through the Central and Eastern European Online Library at https://www.ceeol.com/search/journal-detail?id=1073.
Broadway musical brings the novel to life
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The Huntington University Theatre Company and Department of Music are proud to present “Tuck Everlasting,” a musical based on the novel of the same name by Natalie Babbitt.
“Tuck Everlasting” introduces audiences to eleven-year-old Winnie Foster, who yearns for a life of adventure beyond her white picket fence. After she becomes unexpectedly entwined with the Tuck family, however, she gets more than she could have imagined. When Winnie learns of the magic behind the Tucks’ unending youth, she must fight to protect their secret from those who would do anything for a chance at eternal life.
As her adventure unfolds, Winnie faces an extraordinary choice: return to her life, or continue with the Tucks on their infinite journey.
The novel was originally written for children, but those involved with the Huntington University production are quick to point out that the story offers something for all ages.
“I think everyone is going to love this show, but I think those who appreciate family and have lived life with someone special will be drawn to this story,” said Director Mary Beth Frank.
Originally produced on Broadway, the musical has plenty of spectacular music and choreography and action-packed adventure, but it also raises deeper questions about life, family and forgiveness.
“The story is full of fun adventures, humor and life lessons and is brought to life by an amazing cast of singers and dancers,” said Music Director Melanie Carter. “This show will make people think about and appreciate the different phases of life and be grateful for our memories.”
“A surprising number of people have only seen the movie, which is often described as being serious or heavy,” said Choreographer Amya Floor. “The musical focuses more on the happiness found in life and is much more exciting and upbeat throughout.”
“Tuck Everlasting” opens in Zurcher Auditorium in the Merillat Centre for the Arts on November 16 and runs through November 18. Show times and tickets are available at huntington.edu/Tuck.
About the Production:
TUCK EVERLASTING is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. www.concordtheatricals.com
TUCK EVERLASTING
Book by Claudia Shear and Tim Federle
Music by Chris Miller
Lyrics by Nathan Tysen
Based on the novel Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — On October 20-21, Huntington University hosted its third Spirit of a Forester Scholarship Competition. The competition included an onsite extemporaneous essay and an interview with faculty and staff.
As a result of the competition, Huntington University awarded scholarships ranging from full tuition to $16,000. The recipient of the full tuition scholarship is Elijah Ingle from Bluffton, Indiana.
Additional scholarship recipients include the following:
● Claire Benton; Lowell, Indiana ● Gabrielle Brown; Detroit, Michigan ● Addie Conner; Greentown, Indiana ● Elizabeth Feiock; Brownsburg, Indiana ● Elnora Flores; Bremen, Indiana ● Gracie Gilbert; Garrett, Indiana ● Grace Hammond; Columbia City, Indiana ● Hailey Hardesty; Valparaiso, Indiana ● Cole Hively; Middlebury, Indiana ● Dakota Hudson; Fort Wayne, Indiana ● Annabelle Johnson; Bluffton, Indiana ● Emily Karcher; Van Wert, Ohio ● Lynlee Malkey; Winchester, Indiana ● Lorin Miller; Columbia City, Indiana ● Lillian Norris; Ossian, Indiana ● Ali Riley; Markle, Indiana ● Theoren Twitchell; Elkhart, Indiana ● Kierra Wilson; Wabash, Indiana
For more information about upcoming Spirit of a Forester Scholarship Competition events, visit huntington.edu/Admissions or email admissions@huntington.edu.
Bridge Program Launches for Occupational, Physical Therapy Assistants
PEORIA, Ariz. — Occupational therapy assistants (OTA) and physical therapy assistants (PTA) now have the opportunity to continue their education at Huntington University Arizona through the Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy (OTD) – OTA/PTA to OTD Bridge, a program designed for busy professionals seeking career advancement.
“The OTD faculty and I are excited to be able to offer this opportunity for practicing OTAs and PTAs,” said Dr. Evelyn Andersson, program director for OTD Arizona. “Since the start of our OTD program, we have received many inquiries about offering a bridge program. We believe our program will be a great opportunity for OTAs and PTAs who want to build on their extensive clinical experience to pursue a doctorate in occupational therapy.”
This doctoral program, which has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education and the Higher Learning Commission and licensure from the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education, builds on HU Arizona’s current strengths in healthcare education, opening doors for OTAs and PTAs to pursue a doctoral degree in occupational therapy.
The OTA/PTA to OTD Bridge program follows the same rigorous curriculum as the existing Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy. This ensures all students receive a comprehensive and high-quality education, whether in the traditional or bridge cohort, while meeting the unique needs of individuals with prior experience as OTAs or PTAs.
Key features of the new program include: 1. Nine-Semester Duration: Unlike the traditional program, which is completed in eight semesters, the bridge program spans nine semesters to help students balance their academic and professional responsibilities. 2. Online Learning: Didactic content is delivered through the user-friendly Moodle teaching platform, allowing students to access course materials conveniently. 3. In-Person Labs: To enhance practical skills and ensure a well-rounded education, students in the bridge program will gather in person for three weekends per didactic semester. These weekends will include laboratory sessions, practical exams, and presentation skills training, all delivered by experienced HU Arizona OTD faculty.
Admission criteria for the Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy – OTA/PTA to OTD Bridge are as follows: ● Graduate with an associate degree as an occupational or physical therapy assistant ● Initial certification as an occupational therapy assistant or successful completion of the National Physical Therapy Examination or a state-specific exam for physical therapy assistants ● One year of experience as an occupational therapy assistant or physical therapy assistant ● Completion of 90 undergraduate credits or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA ● Attainment of a grade of B- or higher in all prerequisite courses, which may be met from the OTA or PTA associates degree programs ● Prerequisite courses, including Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab, Anatomy and Physiology II with Lab, Lab Science (Biology, Physics, or Chemistry), Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Social Science, Statistics or Research, and Medical Terminology
Expanding educational offerings underscores Huntington University’s commitment to advancing healthcare education and ensuring students from diverse backgrounds and experiences access high-quality learning opportunities.
The inaugural cohort of the Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy – OTA/PTA to OTD Bridge begins in January 2024.
To learn more about the Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy – OTA/PTA to OTD Bridge, visit huntington.edu/OTDBridge or request information here.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University has received a $100,000 gift toward the transformation of the Merillat Complex & Fieldhouse (PLEX) from Bippus State Bank.
“A strong and vibrant University is key to our local economy,” said Eric Fawcett, president and chief executive officer of Bippus State Bank. “Huntington University and Bippus State Bank have partnered together numerous times over the years. Both of our institutions know the importance of collaboration, and that collaboration is vital to both of our successes going forward.”
He continued, “This gift shows our commitment to not only the University but to our community. The bank is grateful for the opportunity to financially assist with this project. The newly renovated PLEX will certainly be something our entire community can be proud of.”
Work began on the PLEX transformation in 2022. The $18.7 million project will upgrade the 90,000-plus-square-foot facility to a best-in-class venue. Once complete, the PLEX will feature three large arena and gym spaces, substantially expanded weight and cardio areas, a large entry lobby, hospitality suites, a pro shop, a hall of fame and larger classrooms, serving not just Huntington University student-athletes but all HU students and the greater Huntington community.
“We are grateful for the significant support of Bippus State Bank,” said Stephen Weingart, vice president for university advancement. “The community aspect of the PLEX project makes support from community partners all the more significant for Huntington University.”
To learn more about the PLEX project or to be a part of the PLEX campaign, visit www.huntington.edu/PLEX.
About Huntington University
Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering award-winning graduate and undergraduate 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 operates at three academic locations, including the original home campus in Huntington, a doctoral program in occupational therapy location in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and an undergraduate and doctoral program location in Peoria, Arizona. Online programs are also available. Huntington University’s home campus offers 17 men’s and women’s athletic programs, and the university is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). For more information, visit the website www.huntington.edu.
About Bippus State Bank
Bippus State Bank is a community bank that creates meaningful customer relationships, fosters employee development and maintains shareholder confidence by providing premium financial products and services. For more information, visit the website www.bippusbank.com.
One classroom. Your choice. Huntington University has been distinguished as one of the Top 10 Online Colleges in Indiana, by Forbes. "The rising popularity of distance learning has eliminated many hurdles limiting access to higher education, allowing student learners to attend top-tier institutions and learn from expert faculty without having to uproot their lives," shared Forbes. It is our goal to make flexible education attainable to those that desire to receive it. Read Forbes' full article for more information. Learn more about HU's flexible HUGO programs:
Huntington University is celebrating another record enrollment for fall 2023. Official numbers mark the highest enrollment in University history with over 1,504 students, up from 1,428 in 2022.
“The fact that more than 1,500 students are participating in our residential, online and graduate programs is a significant milestone for Huntington University,” said Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, president. “We are encouraged to see the growth that is happening in historic areas and through some of our most recent initiatives and new programs.”
Welcoming 994 undergraduate students on HU’s home campus in Huntington, Indiana, and 242 undergraduate students at the HU Arizona location in Peoria, Arizona, the University continues to be encouraged by the student populations at both locations, the Parkview-Randallia OTD program and in new programs, including two new partnerships: an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) degree program in partnership with Indiana Tech and Parkview Health and an animal health and veterinary nursing dual-degree program in partnership with Purdue University’s School of Veterinary Medicine. Other academic majors with a strong or record enrollment include animation, business, film, MBA, nursing, OTA and agriculture programs.
“Through these strategic partnerships and innovative delivery models, we are offering programs that meet workforce needs.” said Emberton. “These majors, in collaboration with our public and private sector partners, provide new opportunities for our students and the communities we serve. We are excited to see the work for Christ that students will accomplish with these opportunities.”
Students across the University hail from 65 of the 92 counties in Indiana, 41 states (including Alaska and Hawaii), and 38 countries. They represent all four corners of the United States, from Washington to Florida and California to Maine.
Minority students make up 23% of the 2023-2024 student body, which is an increase for the University. Indiana continues to be the biggest pool for students, with Arizona, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois also being significant contributors to the record growth. With the continued renovation of the University’s health and wellness complex and new athletic programming, over 341 student athletes will participate on 18 different NAIA athletic teams.
Huntington University mourns the passing of Professor Emeritus of Bible and Religion Chaney R. Bergdall. Admired throughout his career as a respected and caring colleague among the faculty, he was also seen as a beloved educator and friend to students and alumni. He served as part of the teaching faculty of the University for 37 years.
Dr. Chaney Bergdall was from a family of alumni whose associations with the University date back to the early 1930s. His father, George, and aunts Irene and Mary were all graduates of the University. His aunt Irene Bergdall was professor of mathematics at Huntington College for 33 years. Chaney graduated from Huntington College in 1969 and as a student was active in tennis, baseball, choir, student government, Clericus, and the Gospel Volunteers. He received a Master of Arts degree from the Institute of Holy Land Studies, a Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and a PhD from Fuller Theological Seminary.
Dr. Bergdall joined the faculty in 1975 with the purpose of preparing young people for ministry and leadership. Through his love of Scripture, he instilled in his students a desire to dig deeper into the Word of God. Comments from former students praise his “intellectual excellence and Christlike humility.”
Ryan Austin (2012) wrote that he was “forever grateful for the beautiful ministry of Dr. Chaney Bergdall and how his eyes lit up as he would teach, not giving simple answers, but always inviting more questions.”
“Dr. Bergdall spoke of the Bible with such excitement that he practically vibrated as he taught through texts. Part of my passion for the Word of God has its roots in this man's lectures” commented Heather Lane Sylvia (1999). The student body selected Dr. Bergdall as Professor of the Year twice.
His colleagues held him in high respect. According to Dr. Jeff Webb, professor of history, he was the best example for young faculty: “He was an outstanding educator, thoughtful colleague, and committed follower of Christ. I audited Beginning Hebrew to get a taste of the language and see what made him such an effective teacher and came away inspired to model his proficiency with the subject, his generous spirit, and his obvious love for his students. By his example, he taught younger faculty what it meant to be devoted to the college’s educational mission of broadening and sharpening the minds of those entrusted to our care.”
Professor of Christian Thought and Practice Dr. Karen Jones gave special tribute for the way he worked with his colleagues and his ability to “think outside the box.” One of the collaborative changes she made with Dr. Bergdall was to institute a faculty and staff worship service at the start of every new year. A tradition that continues to this day.
Jim O’Donnell, associate professor emeritus of business and economics, described him as “the spokesperson for the faculty, speaking sense, grace and truth.” Dr. Dwight Brautigam, professor of history, indicated that he “was a constant, abiding anchor member of the faculty.”
Along with his work for the University, Dr. Bergdall was an ordained minister in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and pastored congregations in Illinois and California. He also served on several study committees for the United Brethren Church that dealt with social and theological issues.
Dr. Bergdall retired in 2012 and received the distinguished alumni award in 2013.
Dr. Chaney R. Bergdall will be remembered as an outstanding educator and friend of the University. Upon his retirement, he said, “I’m a teacher and minister of the Gospel, I’ll never retire from that,” and he never did. Please remember in prayer his wife, Patricia (1972), and sons Bruce (2002) and Steven at this difficult time.
Huntington University and the HU Alumni Board are pleased to announce that the recipients of the 2023 Distinguished Alumnus Award are Mark and Charlene Canada. The Distinguished Alumnus Award is designed to recognize distinguished service or achievement over a longer period of time. The Canadas are members of the Class of 1980 and have devoted their lives to the betterment of others.
One nominator described the Canadas as “committed to international missions” and said that “they have demonstrated long and noteworthy service in The Great Commission, fidelity to the church and family, professional excellence, and boldness to break new ground in overseas missions’ support.”
But a life in the mission field wasn’t always the Canadas’ focus. In fact, Mark was a partner at a successful law firm for years before the couple packed up their life to answer the call that God had placed on their heart. They spent more than a decade in the mission field. In addition to their work on the front lines of ministry, the Canadas created Marketplace & Development Enterprises (MDE). MDE’s mission is “to provide mature believers with opportunities and resources that encourage and empower them to utilize their vocational or business skills and experience in the marketplaces of unreached communities for the purpose of disciple-making and church planting.”
The Canadas reside in the Indianapolis area and they have two adult children and three grandchildren.
The Canadas will receive this award during Huntington University’s 2023 Homecoming festivities. For more information, visit huntington.edu/Homecoming.
Huntington University faculty and students have collaborated on an extensive research project published in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy. The study examined functional outcomes for individuals with disabilities who received seating and mobility services through an international service-learning (ISL) model. At its core, ISL means providing some type of professional service in a different country based on an identified need.
Led by Dr. Nate Short, an associate professor in the Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy at Huntington University, along with OTD students Erin Kline, Jonah Eckert, Natalie Grady and Holley Weber, completed the collaborative study in partnership with international disability ministry Joni and Friends.
Prior research findings suggest a neutral or even harmful impact for recipients of generic seating and mobility services without professional oversight and collaboration with in-country partners. Leveraging a prior study done in Peru, Short and his team analyzed the impact of customized seating systems along with supportive education and training. Individuals with disabilities who had received seating and mobility services in El Salvador over the past five years participated in an assessment, the Wheelchair Outcome Measure, to gauge functional impact.
The findings of the study support international service-learning (ISL) as a model for service delivery specific to seating and mobility. Over a five-year period, recipients of services demonstrated significant improvement for in-home and out-of-home functioning, including community mobility and participation, which often involved participation in a local church. The results may also be applicable to similar short-term missions work, as there is often a broad criticism that these endeavors lack sustainability (without examining the nuances or comparing models of implementation).
“Collaborating with our own OTD students is always rewarding and gives them valuable experience to carry forward into clinical practice and their own future research. They did a wonderful job of examining prior research, analyzing data and collaborating on the final manuscript,” said Short.
To access the article, contact Short at nathan.short@huntington.edu.
The Huntington University Foundation is pleased to announce that Al and Rita McCabe are the recipients of the 2023 Distinguished Service Award. The McCabes will receive the award at the Foundation’s annual dinner on Thursday, September 28.
The Huntington University Foundation established the Distinguished Service Award in 2002 to recognize individuals or organizations that embody the principles associated with the mission of the University. Recipients are chosen because they give substance and credence to the University's beliefs, make significant contributions to Huntington County and serve as effective role models for students. The McCabes have been fixtures of Huntington University athletics for more than two decades. Before either Huntington University or Huntington North High School had official volleyball line judges, Al volunteered as a line judge. Before there was a dedicated concession stand at HU, he built a custom popcorn cart and candy displays. Together, the McCabes have managed the concession stands at Huntington University season after season, overseeing the volunteers and the successful operation of concession sales in Platt Arena and Forest Glen Park.
In Huntington County, the McCabes also have a long history of involvement. Rita has held leadership roles with the Union Thrifty and Paper Artisans clubs and the Huntington County Extension Homemakers, including five terms as Homemakers council president. She has also been on the Northeast Indiana Homemakers Camp committee multiple times, serving Homemakers in more than 10 Northern Indiana counties, and on the Open Class committee for the Huntington County 4-H Fair. She received the district Enthusiasm Award from the Indiana Extension Homeowners Association.
Founded in 1938, the Huntington University Foundation exists to support the mission of the University by promoting education and fostering a synergistic relationship between the University and the Huntington County community and surrounding area. To learn more about the Foundation’s history and ways to support its goals, visit huntington.edu/Foundation.
Dr. Becky Benjamin, associate professor of psychology and department chair at Huntington University, has been published in the APA journal Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology. Benjamin’s research, titled “High-Tech Versus Low-Tech: Comparing Approaches to Increase College Student Reading Compliance and Engagement,” focuses on how students learn.
More specifically, Benjamin’s research was prompted by the understanding that when students read the books and articles assigned to them in their courses, they learn more because they’re interacting more with the content of the course. But past research shows that without holding students accountable in a meaningful way for doing this reading, students rarely complete the readings for their courses. According to Benjamin, her research tested two different approaches to holding students accountable for completing readings and tested the impacts that these accountability approaches had on 1) how much students actually complied with reading expectations and 2) how engaged they felt with the readings. She compared a high-tech approach to a more traditional approach (writing reading reflections) and found that both worked equally well.
“In fact,” said Benjamin, “they both appeared to work very well, because students anonymously reported very high levels of reading for the course and high levels of engagement with the texts.”
Benjamin’s planning on this topic began in the spring of 2021, and the research report was submitted in the fall of 2022.
“I believe that new teaching methods and technologies should be tested before we just start adopting them widely. So this high-tech tool — a program called Perusall — that I started having students use in my courses was a perfect candidate for a research study,” said Benjamin. “I’ve also been studying reading in one form or another for over a decade, so conducting teaching and learning research in this area is a perfect match for my interests.”
University Arizona is thrilled to celebrate the graduation of its inaugural Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy (OTD program) cohort. The program’s pioneering class, now doctors of occupational therapy, were hooded, marking a significant milestone in their academic and professional journey.
Under the guidance of distinguished faculty members and with support from the University, these trailblazing graduates completed a rigorous curriculum that equipped them with the knowledge, skills and expertise to excel in the dynamic field of occupational therapy. Throughout their educational journey, they demonstrated academic prowess and a deep passion for improving the lives of individuals and communities.
“The Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy at HU Arizona is proud to graduate the inaugural class of 2023,” said Dr. Jamie Sanfilippo, dean of HU Arizona. “These students are ready to go out and serve Arizonians from all walks of life such as children with disabilities in clinics and schools, adults with upper extremity injuries or neurological diseases, as well as the aging population. All with the mission of enabling people to engage in their precious everyday activities at home, in school and at work. Congratulations HU AZ OTD Class of 2023!”
The graduation ceremony took place on Thursday, August 10, at New Life Community Church. Distinguished guests, faculty, family members and friends gathered to celebrate this remarkable achievement and honor the graduates’ dedication to their studies and future contributions to the field.
To learn more about HU Arizona's OTD program, visit huntington.edu/OTD/AZ.
Huntington University’s Department of Nursing is pleased to announce the following 2023-2024 scholarship recipients:
The Indiana Center for Nursing Scholarship goes to nursing students at Huntington University who meet requirements including GPA, Indiana residency, and commitment to working as a registered nurse in Indiana. The Department of Nursing announces the number of scholarship awards each year.
The Winter Nursing Scholarship criteria include being a sophomore enrolled full-time, GPA, and commitment to HU and Department of Nursing standards.
The Department of Nursing awards the Bruce and Linda Myers Nursing Scholarship on behalf of the Myers family. Bruce and Linda Myers are the former owners of Myers Funeral Homes in Huntington and Markle. During their 25 years in business, they developed close ties with the people of Huntington and Wells Counties and with Huntington University, where Bruce served on the Huntington University Foundation Board and the Fine Arts Council. Linda is a retired registered nurse with 30 years of medical-surgical and critical care experience. Their professional and personal lives have always been founded on a deep faith in and love for their Savior, Jesus Christ.
Their desire in giving the scholarship is twofold: to support the mission of Huntington University and the Department of Nursing and to aid serious students of the nursing field in achieving their educational goals by providing financial assistance. Criteria to receive this scholarship include being a current junior nursing major or sophomore accepted into the program and GPA as well as an essay and demonstrated financial need.
The Huntington University Nursing Scholarship was established to provide encouragement and financial support to students at Huntington University in the nursing program. Criteria include being a sophomore enrolled full-time and GPA.
Huntington University has received $50,000 from Bippus State Bank that will go directly toward the creating of HU’s second feature film, Patterns.
“It’s our pleasure to present this check to the Huntington University Film Department,” said Eric D. Fawcett, president and CEO of Bippus State Bank. “We were able to visit the set and see firsthand how HU Film is providing students with hands-on experience in all aspects of film production. It’s obvious Huntington University’s Film Program prepares graduates to bring their visions to life on the big screen. We are proud to support HU Film and contribute to the production of this film.”
The production of Patterns comes on the coattails of the successful premiere of HU’s first feature film, Wayfaring Stranger.
“We are the only private college in Indiana that is consistently making Independent SAG feature films,” said Dr. Lance Clark, dean of the arts, professor of digital media arts/film, and producer of Patterns. “To have the financial support of our community and especially businesses like Bippus State Bank means so much to every one of us who is attempting to do big things for the industry and for our students. My goal is to bring feature filmmaking to Indiana, and we are now one step closer.”
Huntington University received a grant for $10,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation. Altogether, the Duke Energy Foundation awarded more than $300,000 in shareholder-funded grants to 16 organizations to provide job search, education and specialized training opportunities for Hoosiers.
“The Duke Energy Foundation continues to invest mightily in the next generation of leaders,” said Nate Perry, managing director of the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies at Huntington University. “We are thankful for the continued interest and support of Huntington University and the students in the Department of Agriculture. This year’s gift focuses on students looking to enter the veterinary medicine industry and will provide students with a great jump-start to their education as they prepare for their future career.”
Huntington University will use the funds to equip students with hands-on training to master skills needed for the Veterinary Technician National Exam (VTNE) to become credentialed veterinary technicians.
More specifically, according to Perry, HU will use the grant funds to “purchase some vet medicine training models for students to utilize. These models will serve as another tool in the students’ toolbox as they prepare themselves to work with live animals and ultimately work towards mastering the skill set required to be a registered vet nurse. These models will prepare students to complete their courses, sit for and pass the VTNE and ultimately make an impact in the veterinary industry. They will be well-prepared individuals entering the workforce.”
Huntington University and Forester Films LLC are at it again. Coming off of the success of the Wayfaring Stranger premiere early this summer, the University launched right into the filming of its second feature film, Patterns.
Written by HU alumna Rachel Hart, directed by HU alumna Dawn Davis and produced by HU faculty and alumni Dr. Lance Clark and Matt Webb, Patterns is the story of three estranged siblings who return to their family home after their mother’s death. Over their weekend together, they navigate the challenges of a family that has drifted apart, the memories that haunt the house and their father who suffers from dementia.
According to Webb, Patterns was chosen “because it deals with issues that so many of us are dealing with in real life. Most people we know have gone through the process of grieving the loss of a family member and/or we know someone struggling with dementia. These characters are much like us: struggling to know how to communicate with one another, wrestling with all of the complexities of our relationships and learning how to cope with grief, forgive one another and find hope for the future.”
As with the University’s first feature film, Patterns is a creation born out of a film capstone, meaning that it is a teaching tool and training opportunity for current students. There are 24 students and five alumni involved in the creation of Patterns.
“Huntington is the place where I was able to explore my creativity and start my journey as a director,” said Davis about her return to HU to direct Patterns. “Coming back here to work with the Capstone students has felt like a full-circle moment.”
Hart also appreciated the return to her alma mater and the collaborative experience.
“As a first-time feature length scriptwriter, to have Matt as a mentor through the writing process was an invaluable opportunity,” said Hart. “I had so much fun delving deeper into the outlining and rewriting phases [than] I would have imagined. Over the course of a year and a half to two years, I pushed myself to consider every piece of feedback and hopefully create unique and relatable characters for the audience to get to know. More than anything, I wanted to write a film that someone would walk away from and say, ‘Yes, that was genuine.’ No matter what, I couldn't have asked for a better experience in writing the script.”
When asked what they learned from creating their first feature film and how that knowledge would impact the creation of Patterns, the producers were quick to say that they “learned to be patient and wait for the right people to come along to join us in the right positions, whether that’s actors, crew members, students or community members. It takes so many people from all across the community to make these films happen, and we’ve learned to reach out early, to spread the net wide and to lean into the help that so many people have been willing to offer.”
Dr. Nicole Scheiman, department chair, director, and professor of the occupational therapy assistant program at Huntington University, took her expertise in occupational therapy to the Internal Lymphoedema Framework Conference 2023 at the University of Nottingham in the UK. It was Scheiman’s work with a research team of other experts on cancer-related lymphedema that opened the door for Scheiman to present at the conference.
The research team included David Doubblestein, PT, PhD, Jane Armer, RN, FAAN, PhD, Linda Koehler, PT, PhD, Elizabeth Anderson, RN, PhD, Nicole Scheiman, OTR/L, DrOT, Paula Stewart, MD, and Mark Schaverien, MD. Collectively, this team represents six universities, and together, their study — “A Core Outcome Set for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Delphi Consensus Study” — was also presented as an example of research making an impact on the clinical outcomes of breast cancer, ultimately improving quality of life.
“It felt amazing to see ‘Huntington University’ on the big screen at an international conference!” said Scheiman.