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.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — The Huntington University Art + Design department is currently hosting its largest gallery show of the year in the Robert E. Wilson Gallery. The 15th Annual High School Art Exhibit features 125 works by area 9-12 grade students from 12 different high schools, as well as home school students.
Ashley Hall, a junior Art Education major, is this year's High School Exhibit Show Coordinator. She was elected into this position last year and is also the Vice President of HU's Art Ed Association.
"While working on this exhibit I really learned just how much work goes into organizing dates, contacting schools, and coordinating with everyone else working to put this show together," Hall said, "It has been a fun experience, and the evidence of our hard work is in the gallery."
"Under Ashley's leadership, this year's is the largest HU High School Art Exhibit we've had since it started 15 years ago," said Department Chair and Associate Professor of Art, Barb Michael, "She has been a superstar."
But Ashley didn't put the show together alone. Megan Duckworth, also a Junior Art Education major, is the Student Assistant Gallery Director for the Department of Art + Design and helped put together this gallery.
"I have loved seeing all the artistic talent that is in the surrounding high schools. I would say this year's show is by far the most outstanding high school show I have seen since being here at HU," she said. "There is such a wide range of style and media within the exhibit, and I know there will be multiple pieces that will catch people's eyes. It is so exciting to see all the artistic talent and creativity in this generation of artists."
Art Education majors plan this show from beginning to end. It helps students to learn things like, setting or revising exhibit criteria, contacting area art teachers to invite them to submit student work, overseeing the marketing of the show, accepting the artwork from art teachers, installing the work in the gallery, announcing and handing out awards at the reception, and so much more. They've been planning this show since last August.
"The experience gives them a good idea of all the work that goes into a large exhibit from the planning side of things," Michel said.
Along with helping students learn how to put on a gallery, Professor Michael believes that showcasing art is an important reason to put on this gallery. "As future art teachers, it is a great way for them to experience an exhibit from the planning side," she said.
"We enjoy the opportunity to showcase talented high school art in a professional setting. This work deserves to be in the public eye," She said. She also expressed how much hard work the High School teachers put in to make this happen too, "We appreciate the art teachers who use their own gas money and time outside of school, to participate in the show. They are vital to the success of the exhibit. These are dedicated educators, and people we want our own future art teachers to get to know."
Not only to the high school teachers spend time and money on this gallery, but they also have the daunting task of choosing which art makes it into the show. Each school can enter ten pieces of art into the gallery. This can prove difficult when coming from a larger school, maybe with multiple art teachers.
The show runs through February 21, and there is an awards reception Saturday, February 15, from 6-7:30.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is pleased to announce the promotion of three faculty members: Professor Matt Webb, Dr. Kevin Drury, and Dr. Brock Zehr.
"Promotions are one way that the University recognizes their efforts and contributions inside the classroom, in the University community, and in their larger academic disciplines,” said Dr. Luke Fetters, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty.
Between the three professors, promotions will include from Instructor to Assistant Professor and from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor.
"Faculty members moving from instructor to assistant professor have made significant progress toward a terminal degree and have demonstrated a high degree of competence as teachers," adds Fetters. "Faculty members moving from assistant professor to associate professor have completed their terminal degrees, have been in higher education for at least five years, have demonstrated excellence in the classroom, and are making contributions that extend beyond the classroom and Huntington University."
Professor Matt Webb has been promoted from instructor of film production to assistant professor of film production. Webb is a Huntington University grad from the Class of 1998, earned his Master of Arts degree in theology and arts from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, and has been teaching at Huntington University since 2016.
Dr. Kevin Drury has been promoted from assistant professor of mathematics to associate professor of mathematics. Drury has studied at Virginia Tech, Yale, and the University of Chicago. He has also conducted math research at the University of California Santa Barbara and the University of Notre Dame.
Dr. Brock Zehr has been promoted from assistant professor of business and director of the MBA program to associate professor of business and director of the MBA program. Before coming to Huntington University, Zehr worked in the banking and financial services industries and even owned his own specialty finance company and a vending services business. Zehr started as an adjunct professor in 2009 and was offered the assistant professor of business position in 2015.
Along with these three promotions, the University has announced that Dr. Tim Smith and Dr. Todd Martin will be taking sabbaticals within the next few semesters.
"A sabbatical is an opportunity for faculty members to step away from the classroom for a semester to focus on their scholarly activities," said Fetters. "Both Dr. Smith and Dr. Martin are world-class scholars in their specific areas of study."
Sabbaticals offer faculty members focused attention on research that will then enhance their portfolio, add value to their teaching, and even expand Huntington University's reputation.
Dr. Tim Smith, professor of history, will be taking a sabbatical during the fall semester of 2020. Smith has been with Huntington University since 2007 and has a record of many accomplishments. He has written four books on the imperial and diplomatic history in Asia. Before coming to Huntington University, Smith taught in the United Kingdom.
Dr. Todd Martin, professor of English, will be taking a sabbatical in the spring of 2021. Martin’s scholarly interests and publications currently include a passion for the short fiction of Katherine Mansfield, and he has presented research on Mansfield around the world.
Huntington University Arizona is pleased to announce that Evelyn Andersson, PhD, OTR/L, has joined the team as the program director in Arizona for Huntington University’s Doctoral Program in Occupational Therapy.
Dr. Andersson brings 24 years of full-time practice as an occupational therapist and 14 years of full-time academic experience from several universities to the Huntington University Arizona team. In her role as occupational therapy faculty, Dr. Andersson has been involved in different formats of occupational therapy education such as entry-level master’s, five-year bachelor’s to master’s, occupational assistant to occupational therapist bridge, post-professional master’s and PhD programs in occupational therapy. She has taught in traditional classroom settings as well as online formats on many topics such as theory development, research methods, neuroscience, pediatrics, health and wellness and mentorship of research in master’s and doctoral level occupational therapy programs. At her other university appointments Dr. Andersson has participated in preparing accreditation for occupational therapy programs and PhD program reviews. She has presented on a variety of pediatric and education related topics nationally and internationally.
“Being given the opportunity to develop and launch a new program is a dream job for me,” said Dr. Andersson. “To do it with the support and Christian compassion of Huntington University is more than I ever could ask for!”
Dr. Andersson completed her initial occupational therapy and faculty education training at Munksjoskolan and Uppsala University, Sweden. She earned a post-professional master’s degree in occupational therapy from Columbia University with a focus on administration and pediatrics, and her Doctor of Philosophy degree from Texas Woman’s University. Dr. Andersson is currently serving as the president of the Arizona Occupational Therapy Association.
“The Phoenix metroplex is experiencing strong population growth, and the rural areas continue to be in need of occupational therapists,” said Dr. Andersson of the role occupational therapy plays in Arizona. “Employers cannot find therapists to fill their positions. Arizona is going to continue to be a strong job market for occupational therapists.”
Dr. Andersson has practiced in hospitals, clinics, home health, primary care, and school systems for pediatric, adult and aging populations both in Sweden and the United States. She is currently exploring wellness interventions using qigong, tai chi and yoga therapy with foci on trauma, aging and autism.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Charlie Brown and his beloved band of Peanuts characters are coming to life on the Huntington University stage. Based on the classic comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, this musical features Charlie Brown, Sally, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder, and Snoopy in a charming revue of vignettes and songs. The characters tackle the challenges of friendship, the highs and lows of sibling relationships, the pitfalls of elementary school, and other life lessons with the wit and humor that have charmed readers and audiences for over 65 years.
Though the comic strip is many years older than any of these young thespians, they are all energized by the idea of “creating three-dimensional character out of these two-dimensional creations,” as senior Eleni Hanson, the theatre performance major who is portraying Lucy, put it.
“Everybody in the cast is more than five years old, but our characters are supposed to be around that age,” said Andrew Bower, senior theatre performance major, who is portraying Charlie Brown. “We’re playing kids, so we have to figure out what that means physically and vocally since it’s a musical.”
Even the lovable beagle Snoopy is inspiring bourgeoning actors to get into character.
“I’m been eating kibble for the last two weeks to get into character,” joked freshman film major Brody Bowman, who will be playing the canine. “Just kidding. But really, it has been incredibly fun to pretend. As a kid you pretend to be an animal all the time, so to be able to be these characters that are so unapologetically childlike, it’s great!”
Since it first premiered off-Broadway at Theatre 80 in 1967 to its 2016 off-Broadway revival, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown! has been nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album as well as Tony awards for Best Revival of a Musical and Best Direction of a Musical, and it has won the Drama Desk Award for Best Performer and Outstanding Director of a Musical, Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical, and Tony Awards for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and Best Featured Actress in a musical, to name a few.
The show opens on February 27 at 7:30 p.m. with additional shows on February 28, 29 and March 5, 6, and 7 at 7:30 p.m. and February 29 and March 7 at 2:00 p.m. All shows will take place in the Studio Theatre in the Merillat Centre for the Arts. Tickets are on sale now at the Huntington University Box Office or online at huntington.edu/CharlieBrown. Tickets range from $5 to $13.
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown! is presented by arrangement with Tams-Witmark, a Concord Theatricals Company. It is based on The Comic Strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz; book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner; additional dialogue by Michael Mayer; additional music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa; original direction for this version of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” by Michael Mayer; originally produced in New York by Arthur Whitelaw and Gene Persson
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is pleased to welcome Ted and Sarah Trout and Anna (Trout) Jones as speakers for the February Foundation Breakfast. This breakfast will take place on Wednesday, February 12, in the upper level of the Habecker Dining Commons.
In 2015, Anna’s sister Becca (class of 2014) was killed in a tragic farming accident. Anna and Becca are the third generation of Trout farmers who have a strong love for the earth and an ever-strong faith in the Lord. Though the tragedy of losing Becca at such a young age (she was only 23) was a blow to the family, they did not let the accident keep them from continuing to plant seeds on their farm and in the community for Christ.
At the February Foundation Breakfast, Becca’s family will share their journey of grief and of God’s faithfulness. They will also share how opening Board and Brush has been a way for Anna and Sarah to help others complete sentimental projects.
The Foundation Breakfast Series is held on the second Wednesday of each month, October through May, excluding December, and is open to the public. Breakfast begins at 7:45 a.m. in the upper Habecker Dining Commons and concludes by 9:00 a.m. The cost of the breakfast is $10, a portion of which will help support area students attending Huntington University through the Huntington County Grant. First-time attendees enjoy a complimentary breakfast courtesy of Chris and Janelle Love of Bailey-Love Mortuary.
More information and the opportunity to RSVP for the February breakfast is available online at huntington.edu/FoundationRSVP.
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.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University is pleased to announce that the Huntington University Theatre Company has received five Certificates of Merit from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for excellence in Design and Technology.
“This type of recognition comes from our peers at the collegiate level, so it means a lot,” said Ryan Long, Assistant Professor of Theatre. “It means that out of other collegiate theatre programs and productions, we are doing things that make us stand out among the crowd and showcase the excellence of our program. It also showcases the high caliber work that our students and staff are doing.”
The number of Certificates of Merit awarded are determined by a respondent who views and provides feedback for the show. A Certificate of Merit is not guaranteed to any show. By presenting a Certificate of Merit, the respondent is acknowledging that he or she sees a designer, crew member, or technician who is going above and beyond what the show requires and who stands out among peer institutions.
Respondents who see productions from Huntington University are also responding to productions from Ball State University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Taylor University, Bethel University, Goshen College, Indiana Wesleyan University and several other institutions with large theatre programs.
“The work that the HUTC does is outstanding,” said Long. “We have exceptional students and staff working on these productions. Awards like these demonstrate that excellence to those outside our University.”
The Huntington University Arizona Center for Digital Media Arts is pleased to announce that “Bubble,” one of its animated short films, has been accepted by the Phoenix Film Festival, a nationally recognized film festival. “Bubble” is the first animated short film from the Huntington University Arizona Center for Digital Media Arts to receive this honor.
The animated film will join five other short films produced by the HU Arizona Center for Digital Media Arts film program in the 20th Annual Phoenix Film Festival, which is held every year in April at Harkins Theatres in Scottsdale.
“Bubble,” directed by Briana Valenzuela, tells the story of a lone betta fish who, after a tragic accident, isolates herself from the rest of the world inside of a bubble to remain as safe as possible. During this time, she meets a kind piranha who does everything he can to befriend her. When the piranha swims after a fishing hook to retrieve a worm as a gift, the betta fish puts herself in harm’s way to save the piranha, popping her bubble in the effort. Although the hook catches the betta, the piranha makes a daring attempt to free her, and the two become newfound friends.
“The Phoenix Film Festival has quickly become a fantastic partner for our Huntington University Arizona film program,” said Phil Wilson, program director and assistant professor of film. “Festival Director Jason Carney has come to the Center a number of times, both as a part of the launch of the Peoria Film Fest and as a Guest Speaker to our Senior Film Production classes.
"Having this many films selected to one of the most prestigious film festivals in the state of Arizona just validates the hard work of our students, the quality of our programs, and, hopefully, says to everyone in the state, ‘Hey, Huntington is here in the Valley, and our students are doing really strong work.’ We mean to have a strong presence in the Arizona film community for many, many years.'”
“Bubble” is the first finished short film to be written and animated by Huntington University Arizona students and was completed in only eight weeks.
“As an instructor, I'm grateful and excited to have the opportunity to mentor such incredible young talent, as well as help students tell stories that are both personal and honor the incredibly awesome God we serve,” said Christian Washington, assistant professor of animation.
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University plans to bring in the new decade with Step Forward on Tour, a collection of special events focused on sharing the Huntington University story with alumni and friends around the United States. Step Forward on Tour will begin in February, with other stops planned for later months.
“For those who attend the events, Step Forward on Tour is an excellent opportunity to get an in-depth campus update,” said Stephen Weingart, vice president for university advancement, “but it’s also a time to form connections with other Foresters. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to meet the Forester Nation in a literal sense – to see in person the network of alumni who are living across the nation.”
Over the course of the next year, Step Forward on Tour will travel to various states and invite the Forester Family to step forward with Huntington University in its story. The tour presents a unique chance for those who were not on campus for the public launch of the Step Forward comprehensive campaign on October 17, 2019, to get an inside look at the campaign’s goals.
Upcoming dates and locations:
Additional cities and dates will be coming soon; more information is available at huntington.edu/StepForwardTour.
If you are a Huntington University alum, make sure you will receive your invitation by updating your contact info with the Office of Alumni Relations (alumni@huntington.edu).
Huntington University’s Department of History & Political Science is pleased to announce the addition of a new minor offering in archaeology.
The archaeology minor offers students a sampling of courses in the study of archaeology and allied fields such as anthropology, art, bible & religion, film and history. When paired with a major, such as history, this minor offers a solid foundation for students to continue their education in archaeology and related fields.
“The addition of the archaeology minor compliments a very active museum studies program at Huntington University,” said Dr. Tim Smith, professor of history. “The archaeology minor offers an interdisciplinary understanding of archaeology as well as a more refined sense of personal orientation toward careers in archaeology, art, biblical studies, history, landscape studies, and museum studies.”
Huntington University’s history and political science faculty are excited to offer this new program. The department already offers a popular class in the Art and Archaeology of Angkor, and when combined with additional classes outside of the department in Biblical Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology and Religions of the World as well as electives in art and film, Huntington University is well-placed to give students a solid foundation in archaeological studies.
“Students will also be required to undertake an archaeological internship and/or practicum, where they will be able to transfer classroom skills into the professional field” said Smith. “This, combined with interdisciplinary faculty who actively continue to pursue research, teaching and mentoring in related academic disciplines, forms the core components of the minor."
To learn more about courses of study offered through the Department of History & Political Science at Huntington University, please visit huntington.edu/History.
Huntington University continues the 2019-2020 Forester Lecture series with an insightful presentation focused on the HPV epidemic. The documentary Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic will be shown, followed by a panel discussion with Duane Hougendobler, MD, PPG – Pediatrics; Abby Mitchell, NP, PPG – OB/GYN; Kristine Johnson, RN, HCCSC; and Jayme Dee, RN, MSN, Huntington University.
HPV, or human papilloma virus, may be the most widespread, misunderstood and potentially dangerous epidemic that most people hardly know anything about. Someone You Love looks at the lives of five women affected by HPV, interviews top experts, and reveals how dangerous this virus can be, causing six different types of cancer in both men and women. It’s estimated that 80 percent of all people under 50 will have a strain of the virus at some point in their lives. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in humans, and while most will not realize they have it, for some people, HPV can lead to cancers with tragic consequences. Cervical cancer, the second leading cancer in women, is almost exclusively caused by HPV. A vaccination is available for children, teens and young adults, but it is underutilized.
The public is encouraged to attend this powerful free screening and discussion. Due to the intensity of the film and nature of the topic, this event may not be appropriate for children under 12.
The Forester Lecture will be held at 6:30 p.m. on February 13 in Zurcher Auditorium, located inside the Merillat Centre for the Arts.
On Saturday, February 22, authors and literary characters alike will gather at Huntington University for the University’s inaugural StoryCon, an event especially for high school students who enjoy telling, hearing, reading or writing stories.
“ComicCon and PopCon have gained in popularity and, in many cases, have opened the door to more serious considerations of our favorite characters and stories in popular culture,” said Dr. Todd Martin, professor of English and the mastermind behind StoryCon. “If they can make what is fun serious, why not make serious literature and writing fun! The first of what we hope becomes an annual event, StoryCon is a celebration of ALL stories and characters and those who create them, and we invite all interested high school juniors and seniors to come celebrate with us.”
Built on the premise that everyone has a story, StoryCon will be a day full of activities that celebrate storytellers and workshops to help emerging writers tell their own tales. The day’s schedule includes topics such as “Designing Costumes: CosPlay on a budget,” “Getting Character Right,” “Life After English: What can you do with an English major?” and “You’ve Written Something – Now What?” There will also be an open mic time for sharing stories, a workshop for students who want feedback from other writers on their projects and an escape room.
For students who are interested in studying English at Huntington University, the day will conclude with opportunities for students to interview for a scholarship from the Department of English.
StoryCon will begin with registration from 9:30-10:00 a.m. and conclude at 5:30 p.m. Lunch and all activities are free for participants and will take place in the Merillat Centre for the Arts at Huntington University.
High school seniors who have been accepted for admission to Huntington University are welcome to stay after StoryCon to participate in the University’s Admitted Student Weekend but should also complete the Admitted Student Weekend registration form.
To see the full StoryCon schedule and register for this unique event, please visit huntington.edu/StoryCon. Contact the Department of English at huenglish@huntington.edu with any questions.
Three Huntington University alumni recently had their senior psychology study published in the Undergraduate Journal of Psychology at Berkeley. The study focuses on the correlation between meeting the fundamental needs of college students and students persisting in the completion of a college degree.
“This research comes at a perfect time,” said Dr. Rebekah Benjamin, associate professor of psychology at Huntington University and supervising professor for the project. “When many colleges and universities are struggling to find ways to help students succeed and persist, it’s critically important to consult empirical research that tests theories related to motivation and well-being in the college context.”
The study was the work of three psychology students – Quintin Graves, Kathleen Morrical, and Brant Shelby – and was based upon a research proposal originally presented by Graves. The trio saw the study as filling a hole in the scope of previous research; while many researchers had studied fundamental needs of college students and persistence in completing a degree separately, the two topics had rarely been combined and compared with each other.
“Having our students publish research in highly selective undergraduate journals like this one makes me very proud,” said Benjamin. “It was a joy to supervise this research project. These students were dedicated to completing this project with excellence, and their hard work has paid off.”
The study was published in the Undergraduate Journal of Psychology at Berkeley, published by the University of California, Berkeley. It is available in Volume XII, Fall 2018-Spring 2019, or online at ujpb.org.
“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On January 20, 2020, Huntington University is doing something that might seem controversial or even racially insensitive. We have invited a white male police officer to speak at our annual MLK Jr. Convocation.
You read that correctly: Chief Keirsh Cochran, a white male dressed in law enforcement blue, will stand onstage where prolific men and women of color have stood before him, and he will talk about social justice and racial equality.
Who was the mastermind behind this idea? Rev. Arthur Wilson, campus pastor and dean of spiritual life at Huntington University. Rev. Wilson is an African American man who has always had a strong connection to the works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and other key civil rights leaders. Rev. Wilson approaches life through the lens of “What contribution can I make to improve the status of people?” And that’s how he approached the 2020 MLK Jr. Convocation.
“I prayed about it,” said Rev. Wilson. “I prayed and God said, ‘Ask Keirsh.’ When God speaks, I act.”
A conversation with Rev. Wilson and Officer Cochran sheds some much-needed light on the vision for the 2020 MLK Jr. Convocation.
Why is someone like Officer Cochran ideal to speak at this service? Rev. Wilson: We’re in 2020, many years since Dr. King first gave us his dream of what he envisioned our nation becoming, and I know that an aspect of that dream has to be many people of different nationalities speaking to the causes he felt so passionate about. When he marched, there were people of all nationalities and ethnic backgrounds with him. When he was beaten, he wasn’t just beaten with other African Americans; he wasn’t just imprisoned with other African Americans. African Americans weren’t the only ones to lose their lives in his movement for justice and liberty. And I think that is important for us to remember and reflect on. To show that his dream has continued in the process of being fulfilled. Part of the evidence of that is that we have many people in our cities, in our communities, in our churches, and in our universities who share his vision. Because Dr. King’s vision wasn’t just about minorities – it was about all God’s children, black man and white man; that’s what he said and that’s the reason why I feel it’s necessary.
There may be people who judge Huntington University for its choice in speakers for this service because Officer Cochran is white. What would you say to those people? Rev. Wilson: To suspect that it has to be a minority, and I can only speak for myself as a minority, is one of the greatest insults to me as a minority. It is an insult to me to suspect a minority to always be the one to carry a message of reconciliation. But to have somebody who is of that same culture saying ‘hey, we have a different message.’ We do have representation. Our speaker happens to be white, we happen to have a white singer, but we also happen to have a biracial rapper, we also happen have a black gospel singer, we also happen to have a black dean of spiritual life who is going to provide the welcome, we also have a black multicultural affairs director who is providing the prayer, we also will have a Hispanic student doing the scripture reading. The fact that the focus is getting stuck on this white speaker, no. This is definitely intentional, intentional to have representation, because representation is important, but representation of all. And what people have done is excluded white people from MLK Jr. Day because it’s this us vs them perspective and that has to end. It’s us vs evil.
Officer Cochran, what about you? What would you say to those people? Officer Cochran: Believe me, I understand the optics of a white police officer speaking at an MLK Jr. Day service. However, I want to emphasize that my commitment to civil rights has taken me to Dr. King’s childhood home, the first church he pastored, his office, his pulpit, and his grave. I celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King on a personal level. His photo is in my office. I believe if he knew there was a white police officer standing up for the cause and advocating for racial unity, he would be nothing short of overjoyed. I believe it’s a piece of his dream realized.
Why is Officer Cochran uniquely suited to speak on this topic? Rev. Wilson: To want to step into an occupation where there is already a negative perception of members of that community, to go into that as a white male to prove there are some good among the men who wear blue, that’s a bold effort. By doing this, this really gives us an opportunity to examine where we are – how far we’ve come. Because by selecting a speaker who is Caucasian, there might be some who would become a little bit nervous or anxious because it appears as if Caucasians have organized this event. And part of the strategy behind this is to have us really think clearly about why we are doing this. I think one of the things we need to continue to build on is reconciliation, unity, diversity efforts, and initiative beyond a day.
Please join us on Monday, January 20, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. in Zurcher Auditorium in the Merillat Centre for the Arts as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his message of equality, social justice, and reconciliation. This event is free and open to the public.