Sen. Jim Banks (right) presenting the Sagamore of the Wabash award to Dr. G. Blair Dowden on January 25 during a special luncheon with the Huntington’s Board of Trustees.

Sen. Jim Banks (right) presenting the Sagamore of the Wabash award to Dr. G. Blair Dowden on January 25 during a special luncheon with the Huntington’s Board of Trustees.

Huntington University President G. Blair Dowden was recognized with one of Indiana’s top honors, the Sagamore of the Wabash. The award is the highest honor the Governor of Indiana can bestow, and is given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor.

The term “sagamore” was used by the American Indian tribes of the northeastern United States to describe a lesser chief or a great man among the tribe to whom the true chief would look for wisdom and advice. The Sagamore of the Wabash award was created during the term of Gov. Ralph Gates, who served 1945-1949.

Former Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels selected Dowden for the award because of his contributions to education over his 22 years as president of Huntington University. Dowden will retire at the end of the school year.

“Not only is Dr. Dowden’s contribution to HU substantial, but his impact on the State of Indiana over the past two decades in leading a great institution has made higher education in Indiana among the best in country,” said Indiana Sen. Jim Banks, who nominated Dowden for the award.

Banks presented Dowden with the award on Friday, January 25, during a special luncheon with Huntington’s Board of Trustees.

Dowden came to Huntington in 1991 as the university’s 12th president. Under his leadership, the university achieved a reputation for academic excellence, moving from the second tier to the Top 15 among the Midwest’s baccalaureate colleges ranked by U.S. News & World Report. Huntington was recognized five times on the magazine’s list of best values in the region. Huntington also earned recognition from The Princeton Review as a “Best Midwestern College.” Forbes includes Huntington on its elite list of “America’s Top Colleges.”

A recognized leader in Christ-centered higher education, Dowden has served as chairman of the Board of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and currently serves on the boards of the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) and the American Council on Education (ACE).

Huntington University award winners in the Fort Wayne ADDY Awards on February 16, 2013.

Huntington University award winners in the Fort Wayne ADDY Awards on February 16, 2013.

Huntington University’s digital media arts students shined at the Fort Wayne ADDY Awards Saturday night, February 16, 2013, taking home 13 student golds and eight student silvers in the annual creative advertising contest. Senior Tyler Johnson also took home the People’s Choice Award for “Epic Adventures of a Heroic Man.” This is the largest representation by Huntington ever at this event.

This annual competition recognizes advertising creative excellence from students and local advertising and media professionals. Entries are judged on creativity, originality and creative strategy.

“We are so proud of our students who pour themselves into their films and animations. This is a terrific way to celebrate their art and accomplishments,” said Dr. Lance Clark, professor of digital media arts film and communication. “Our digital media arts program is really getting a reputation for excellence.”

The Student ADDY Awards Competition is a unique national awards program designed specifically for college students. Work entered at the local level can move up to the regional and national judging.

Cathy Reich (right), administrative assistant to Bishop Phil Whipple (and earlier to Bishop Ron Ramsey), is mourning the death of her mother. Carolyn Brandon, from Bryan, Ohio, passed away around 6 pm Wednesday, February 13.

Cathy wrote on Facebook: “She had a peaceful home-going. We spent much of the day singing praises and she lifted her hand in praise. She has left such a legacy for all of us, a life well lived that pointed people to Jesus. She loved him so, and was passionate about letting others know it. I’m going to miss her until I get there. Then we’re going to have a party!”

Arrangements:

Viewing: 5-8 pm Saturday, Feb. 16, 2013.
Viewing Location: Greenisen Chapel, 225 E. High Street, Bryan, Ohio 43506
Funeral: 4pm Sunday, Feb. 17. Viewing 2-4 pm.
Funeral Location: First Brethren Church, 13050 County Road C, Bryan, OH 43506

Contact Cathy Reich at:

Cathy Reich
302 Lake Street
Huntington, IN 46750
Email: cathy@ub.org
Facebook

Attendees of the 2012 UB Youth Summit.

In 2012, the Youth Workers Summit attracted 25 youth workers from across UBdom (above). It was a great time of networking with other youth leaders and being encouraged by others who are in the trenches of youth ministry. They enjoyed the beach, the golf course, and incredibly beautiful weather, along with the chance to slow down and step away from the constant demands of youth ministry.

You can now register for the annual UB Youth Workers Summit.

Date: April 29 – May 2 (Monday – Thursday).
Location: at First UB church in Holly Hill, Fla.
Registration Cost: $99 ($120 after April 1).

The theme is “THRIVE: More Than Just Surviving in Youth Ministry.” Participants will spend some much-needed time together talking, learning, serving, worshipping, laughing, sharing, and connecting with brothers and sisters in the trenches of youth ministry.

This conference is for the “lead” (or primary) youth leader of your United Brethren church, whether full-time, part-time, or volunteer.

The keynote speaker is Arthus Wilson (right), campus pastor at Huntington University.

Attendees will stay at the Ocean Walk Resort in Daytona Beach, Fla. The cost of lodging is included in the registration fee, unless you bring your spouse (in which case you are responsible for your own lodging expenses and reservations.

The conference begins with steaks on the grill at 4:00 on Monday afternoon, April 29, and will come to a close after the evening session on Thursday, May 2. Please make your travel arrangements accordingly.

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The congregation of Olive Branch UB church in Lakeville, Ind., is quite proud of their new church sign. Very nice.

Note the use of the brand new logo for the US National Conference (in the upper left of the sign). Olive Branch may be the first church to incorporate the new logo. All UB logos can be downloaded from the UB website.

A team consisting of UBs from Canada and from King Street UB church in Chambersburg, Pa., worked in Haiti January 25-February 3. Joan Sider, a member of the team from the UB church in Toronto, Ontario, sent back daily reports. Those reports were compiled in one lengthy feature which you can read here on UBCentral.org.

A medical team went to Haiti February 5-12, so they are finishing up their work. Joan has also sent reports on their work, which will also be compiled soon.

The United Brethren Facebook page reached a new milestone: 700 likes. In fact, we’re at 701. The Facebook page is especially handy for urgent prayer needs.

Here are subscription numbers for our various email newsletters.

  • 985 people subscribe to the Connect newsletter. This is the official denominational newsletter.
  • 99 people subscribe to the UB Daily News (daily posts on UBCentral.org delivered to your inbox). So we’re on the edge of a milestone there.
  • 221 people subscribe to the UBCentral posts using Feedburner. It does the same thing as the newer and better-looking UB Daily News.
  • 105 people receive the monthly Global Ministries Prayer Guide.

Subscribing to the UB Daily News is the best way to keep up on what’s happening in the United Brethren world–missions, urgent prayer needs, pastoral changes, UB events, local church news, mission trips, etc.

You can subscribe to any of these e-letters here.

Beth Palmer sent the following on Friday morning, Feb. 8, concerning her dad, Charles F. Malson, Sr. Rev. Malson, a retired UB minister, is at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Mich.

“Grandpa is more alert today. Spent a fairly good night and needed some pain meds. Trach area and legs still an issue when it comes to pain. His digestive system is processing nutritional liquids, so they intend to add more again today.

“He is breathing longer periods with no assistance from the vent; however, it is available as a backup. This helps to strengthen the diaphragm that took a break from its task. The other muscles associated with breathing are also adjusting to working again.

“The abdominal mass is smaller, so the doctor said today that it is most likely as they suspecteed, fluids and blood that went to the wound area and still need to go away on its own.

“Daddy sat up longer yesterday in a chair. He was taken there by the assistance of a sling and relocated in his bed again by this amazing motorized device. Technology is wonderful when used for good.

“He is consciously lifting his own legs and working on lifting his arms a bit when requested. He looks more like himself with fewer bruises and less swelling.”

Charles F. Malson, Sr.
10928 Easy Street
Carson City, MI 48811
Email: cfmalsonsr@yahoo.com

Three regional meetings are planned during these opening months of 2013, the first just a few weeks away on February 25. These events will acquaint people with the proposals coming before the National Conference in June 2013. These meetings are open to anyone. Ministers and lay delegates are especially encouraged to attend.

Monday, February 25: Praise Point Church (Willshire, Ohio)
Location address: 555 Decatur Rd North, Willshire, OH 45898

Monday, March 18: Pleasant Heights Church (East Liverpool, Ohio)
Location address: 848 Northside, East Liverpool, OH 43920

Monday, April 8: East Washington Church (Ashley, Mich.)
Location address: 8051 S Crapo Rd, Ashley, MI 48806

Over 20 proposals for revising the UB Discipline will come before the delegates in June 2013. Most are minor changes, but some will no doubt generate a good deal of discussion. These regional meetings will acquaint people with the proposals and the rationale for them. Hopefully, this introduction will help cut down the amount of time taken in floor discussion at national conference.

Each meeting will go from 9:30 am through lunch. The host churches will provide lunch.

These events are free. But please let us know now many people from your church will attend, so we can give the host church a headcount for lunch.