12 Dec An HU Contribution to the Zombie Apocalypse

If you’re a fan of zombies–and who isn’t these days?–Bryan Ballinger, assistant professor of digital media arts at Huntington University, has something just for you: a new dark-humored zombie graphic novel.

Ballinger (right), along with HU animation grads Josh Addessi (2010), Cole Phillips (2010), and Sarah Krzynowek Bodnar (2012), contributed stories to the graphic novel, “Dead Anyway: Stories from the Zombie Apocalypse.”

“It’s basically a collection of comic stories about zombies,” Ballinger said. “Most are silly and humorous.”

Ballinger first heard of the idea for “Dead Anyway” after connecting with Pete Mitchell, front man for the L.A. rock band “No More Kings.” Mitchell had done several zombie-themed songs with the band that caught Ballinger’s attention, but his artwork was even more impressive.

“I found his portfolio online and really liked his work,” Ballinger said. “I sent him a note about it, we became friends, and he told me about his graphic novel idea. I told him about all these great artists I was friends with and whammola, we started working on it.”

In addition to being a contributor, Ballinger also served as the art director and editor for the graphic novel, and was in charge of the layout and general production of the book. As editor, Ballinger approached various artists seeking contributions for the quirky zombie anthology.

“Having had Josh, Cole and Sarah as students, and having stayed in touch with them and their work since graduating, I was very familiar with their artwork, and I knew they’d be perfect for this,” he said.

He and Mitchell also gathered contributions from some of the best in the industry to bring their undead graphic novel to life.

“We’ve got an incredible mix of contributors to this book, from established children’s book illustrators to a concept artist who did work for several Pixar films, to an art director from Cartoon Network, to artists who’ve worked at Disney, to an animator and designer from Brazil, an illustrator from Belgium, and an artist who’s done a ton of work for Marvel comics,” Ballinger said. “I am really proud of this book, and I feel very blessed to have been able to work with all these great artists.”

After five months of work, “Dead Anyway” is now available for sale online for $20 at DeadAnyway.com.

13 Nov HU Names Gym after Steve Platt

On November 10, the Merillat Complex gymnasium at Huntington University got a new name: Platt Arena. The christening honors Steve Platt, a Forester basketball legend.

After a storied career at 79-student Union Township school outside of Huntington, Platt took five years off to focus on farming and raising his young family, playing hoops only in industrial and church leagues. But then Huntington University coach Keith Spahr persuaded the 6-foot-5 Platt to give college ball a try.

Highlights from Platt’s basketball career:

• Platt was a four-time All-District Player of the Year.
• He led the entire nation in scoring two years in a row: in 1973 (36 points per game) and in 1974 (38 points per game)
• He and was featured in Sports Illustrated magazine (the article describes our denomination as the “United Brethren of Christ”).
• He was an NAIA All-American, and was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1987.
• He remains Indiana’s all-time collegiate leader in scoring, with a career total of 3700 points, placing him seventh on the all-time list of collegiate scorers at any level (including NCAA Division I).
• He was drafted by the NBA’s Washington Bullets during the Elvin Hayes era, and was the last person cut from the team in the fall of 1974 (Washington reached the NBA finals 3 of the next 5 years).
• Platt was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.
• He was recognized by Fort Wayne’s News-Sentinel newspaper as one of Northeast Indiana’s Top 50 Athletes of the Century.

Platt later returned to coach the men’s basketball team, leading the Foresters to 329 wins, including a runner-up finish at the 2006 NAIA Division II National Tournament.

06 Nov HU Bowling Teams Compete for First Time

The Huntington University men’s and women’s bowlings teams. Front row, l-r: Cassandra Griffith, Ayla Yeiter; middle row: Tiffany Walther, Stephanie Misamore, Elieni Newsome, Emily O’Leary. Back row, l-r: Bryan Myers, Connor Brown, Kris Kasson, Tyler Neff, Derik Heinold, Addison Trump, Coach Jim Bischoff. (click to enlarge)

Bowling is a new sport at Huntington University. And in mid-October, the men’s and women’s bowling teams competed in their first bowling tournament, the Storm Western Shootout at Western Bowl in Indianapolis, Ind.

The six-person women’s team, all freshmen, finished 11th out of 26 teams, competing against a field of 173 bowlers from around the Midwest. Four members of the team finished in the top 50 personally (the highest, Emily O’Leary, finished 32nd with a 169.5 average, and Stephanie Misamore finished 34th with a 169.1 average).

Robert Morris College won the tournament. Other participants included Notre Dame, Ball State, Ohio State, Morehead State, and Eastern Michigan.

The HU men’s team–a senior, a sophomore, and four freshmen–finished 33rd out of 37 teams (a total of 233 bowlers). HU’s Connor Brown, one of the freshmen, finished 21st overall, with a 195.3 average and a game-high of 233. Fellow freshman Kris Kasson placed 52nd, with a 180.6 average.

Coach Jim Bischoff commented, “Overall it was a great first outing for both teams and I’m very proud of them. All of them did a great job of representing Huntington University. They couldn’t wait to bowl, compete, and make history.”

02 Nov HU Students to Serve at Chicago Homeless Shelter

Fourteen Huntington University students will serve at a homeless shelter in the heart of Chicago over Nov. 9-11.

As a part of the university’s annual Urban Plunge, students will serve as needed at the Cornerstone Community Outreach homeless shelter. Students will also work at another yet-to-be-decided location.

The Plunge is organized through the Joe Mertz Center for Volunteer Service on campus. The JMC is a student-directed organization that mobilizes the campus community for Christian service with more than 11,000 volunteer hours recorded each year by students, faculty and staff.

You can read about the individual students on the Huntington University website.

30 Oct 92% of HU’s Education Majors Landing Jobs

After six months, 92 percent of Huntington University’s graduated education majors are employed in an education-related field. The university has consistently seen this success over the last five years.

Of that 92 percent, 82 percent are employed fulltime — the highest year thus far – and 5 percent are teaching part time. A majority of those graduates are employed in Indiana.

The survey was based on responses from 22 out of 25 graduates from the Class of 2012.

26 Oct HU Exploring a Branch Campus in Arizona

The City of Peoria, Ariz., and Huntington University are exploring the development of a branch campus in the Phoenix suburb. The 180-day exclusive negotiating agreement, approved by the city council, will give both Huntington University and the city an opportunity to explore logistics, conduct market research, and assess the community’s needs.

Huntington was recruited by the City of Peoria’s Economic Development Services Office because of its reputation for high-quality academic programs in both the sciences and the arts. Here is the City of Peoria’s press release.

“Their programs in health care particularly resonate with the city’s strong employment base in the industry and offer a perfect complement to other recent developments in Peoria,” commented Scott Whyte, Peoria’s director of Economic Development Services.

Since 2010, the City of Peoria has actively pursued attracting institutions of higher education, wanting to establish university campuses throughout the city. They see college campuses stimulating various business interests, including dining, entertainment, shopping, and services.

Huntington officials say the invitation fits the Christian college’s entrepreneurial spirit and academic strengths. Says Dr. G. Blair Dowden, president of Huntington University:

“It is with great anticipation that Huntington University explores this strategic partnership with the Peoria community. The academic programs that Peoria seeks to bring to the city parallel some of Huntington’s strongest and fastest growing programs including digital media arts, exercise science and kinesiology, and nursing. These majors demonstrate our continuing desire to respond to market demands in a high-quality manner.”

Huntington administrators traveled to Arizona in August to meet with Peoria’s economic development officials. They also sought input from HU alumni living in the region. Another site visit was planned for October.

While it may seem unusual for a Southwestern city to seek an educational partner in the Midwest, it is the result of the historical development of colleges and universities across the United States, explained Jeff Berggren, senior vice president for enrollment management and marketing.

“The Midwest is fortunate to have many strong, independent colleges and universities. Indiana has 31 private colleges, but Arizona, with its similar population, has only 11,” Berggren said. “When the City of Peoria wanted new partners in higher education, it was only natural that they would look to our region.”

Berggren added that Trine University in Angola, Ind., and St. Scholastica College of Duluth, Minn., are also exploring the potential of offering programs in Peoria. Huntington administrators were introduced to the opportunity in Peoria by peers at Trine while collaborating on Fort Wayne initiatives.

19 Oct Dr. Dowden Retiring from Huntington University

Dr. G. Blair Dowden

After 22 years as president of Huntington University, Dr. G. Blair Dowden today (October 19, 2012) announced that he plans to retire. Dowden, 60, informed the Board of Trustees, during their October 18-19 meeting at the college, that he will retire at the conclusion of the current academic year.

“President Dowden has been quietly considering retirement from Huntington University for some time. He initiated this transition now to give the Board plenty of notice, assure an effective transition of leadership, and to maintain institutional momentum,” said Kelly Savage, chair of the Board of Trustees. The firm Carter-Baldwin Executive Search has been retained by the Board to begin a national search for Dowden’s successor.

“Huntington University has experienced remarkable growth and success under President Dowden’s leadership, and we are very grateful for his 22 years at the helm,” said Savage (left).

Dowden became the 12th president of Huntington University in 1991.

“Blair’s interest has been, and continues to be, others,” said former bishop C. Ray Miller (right), Board of Trustees chairman emeritus. Miller was bishop when Dowden was selected in 1991 to succeed Dr. Eugene Habecker. “When we first interviewed Blair Dowden, I saw him as a people-person. After 20 years, he continues to send cards and best wishes. Blair has been God’s man for HU at this time, and we have been extremely fortunate to have him stay with us for 20 years.”

Dowden came to Huntington at a key moment in its history. Most campus facilities were new, and a well-credentialed faculty was in place. But with only 614 students enrolled, Huntington struggled for name recognition and financial sustainability.

In his first report to the Board of Trustees, Dowden laid out a vision for making Huntington one of the top Christian colleges in the country. The plan called for “increased integration of Christianity in…all areas of institutional life.” Aggressive enrollment goals were based on the development of distinctive academic programs. The plan included increased financial support and greater public awareness of what Huntington had to offer. This vision was not about building an institution, but rather about equipping students to change the world.

Under Dr. Dowden’s leadership at Huntington University:

• Enrollment has doubled.
• The endowment has tripled.
• Eight buildings have been constructed or remodeled.
• The school has attracted a well-credentialed faculty.
• The student body has become more ethnically diverse.
• Academic programs were significantly expanded at all levels.
• The EXCEL adult degree program started.
• Some of the university’s largest and fastest-growing degree programs were launched during Dowden’s presidency, including nursing and digital media arts.
• The institution transitioned from “college” to “university” in 2005.

“Huntington University has a very bright future,” Dowden said. “The university has a compelling mission in Christ-centered higher education and a strategic vision for the future. Current initiatives — from the development of an occupational therapy doctoral program in Fort Wayne to the exploration of a branch campus in Arizona — demonstrate that Huntington University is nimble, entrepreneurial, and poised for further growth.”

Under Dowden’s leadership, Huntington University achieved a reputation for academic excellence, moving from the second tier to the Top 15 among Midwestern 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 University has also earned recognition from The Princeton Review as a “Best Midwestern College.” Forbes includes Huntington on its elite list of “America’s Top Colleges.”

09 Oct HU Launches Student Ambassador Program

Front Line Foresters (l-r): Will Stauffer, James Parker, Jake Essig, Lance Wood, Brian Menzie, Kyle Geiss, Becca Berhai, Antonio Castillo (click to enlarge).

Huntington University has launched a student ambassador program to represent the student body to alumni, family, and friends of HU.

Nine students will serve as Front Line Foresters this year. They will host Foundation Breakfasts, participate in Prayer Ministry luncheons, host Homecoming & Family Weekend events, welcome the Board of Trustees to meetings, and show appreciation to donors with thank-you calls and letters.

Through these interactions, the student ambassadors will develop leadership skills and gain a basic knowledge of philanthropy and the workings of the Advancement Office at HU.

“Since beginning my role in advancement more than a year ago, I’ve had a strong desire to engage with and involve students in a more significant way in donor relations,” said Vince Haupert, vice president for advancement. “We asked our esteemed faculty to recommend students who are spiritually grounded, academically successful, and display a professional demeanor. We certainly didn’t lack for qualified students.”

08 Oct Homecoming: Improvements Named After Coach and Donors

The new track at Huntington University.

Huntington University dedicated two significant renovation projects during Homecoming & Family Weekend on October 5-6.

In 2010, Huntington made renovations to Becker Hall (the Administration Building) to update the building and to create space to house the digital media arts program. The biggest renovations were to Davis Hall, on the third floor. It now supports a film studio with a greenscreen, a stadium-seat theater, faculty offices, editing rooms, and an equipment cage.

The DMA department named the Martin Center for Digital Media Arts in honor of Jerry and Elsie Martin and their support of the recent capital campaign. The ceremony was held on the third floor of Becker Hall.

Over the summer, the university renovated and resurfaced the track and field stadium. The stadium was named the King Track and Field Stadium in honor of longtime HU coach Tom King (right).

King first came to Huntington in 1970 as the dean of men. Over the next four decades, he coached more than 94 All-America Scholar Athletes. His athletes have earned more than 53 All-America honors, including four-time national shotput champion Jim Arnett, two-time national champion John Ngure, and national runners-up Danielle Vohs and Jenny Keil. Teams and individuals coached by King have competed at the national level many times. He has also been named MCC Coach of the Year in 32 of the past 44 years.

03 Oct Three Alums to be Recognized at Homecoming

Huntington University will “Remember the Past, Live Today, and Embrace the Future” at Homecoming & Family Weekend on October 5-6. Festivities will include alumni awards, department and five-year class reunions, a parade through the center of campus, coronation, the annual Davis Hall Follies, among other activities.

Huntington will recognize three alumni for their achievements at 12:45.

Dr. David Nicholls, a 1972 graduate with a degree in business education, will be honored with the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Citation. He has spent more than 30 years as a teacher, administrator and superintendent, and is now the executive pastor at New Hope Community UB church in Bryan, Ohio.

Jeff Edgel, a 2004 graduate with a degree in elementary education, will be honored with the 2012 Young Alumnus Award for his music ministry and his promotion of the university. Edgel is a member of the Christian rock band Attaboy. Through the band, Edgel ministers to teens around the country and promote HU.

Brooks Fetters is a 1981 graduate with a degree in business administration. He later returned to Huntington to earn a Master of Christian Ministry degree in pastoral ministries in 1987. He will be honored with the 2012 Alumnus of the Year award for his leadership in the Huntington community and his support of the university. Fetters worked as a funeral director in the Huntington community for many years, and was elected mayor in January 2012.