29 Sep Shelly Francka New HU EXCEL Director

Shelly Francka has joined Huntington University’s EXCEL Adult Degree Programs as its new director. She replaces Rick Upchurch, who left this summer to take a position with a college in South Dakota.

Francka comes to the university from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo., where she was the director of the MBA program. She holds a Master in Business Administration degree from Southwest Baptist University, a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, and an Associate in Science degree in practical nursing. She is currently working on her doctorate in business administration.

“The passion and dedication of faculty and staff of Huntington University was instrumental my decision to join HU,” Francka said. “It is so refreshing to see such dynamic individuals unite for a common goal, shared vision, and student success.”

As the new director, Francka hopes to continue to support growth in the current EXCEL programs, create a greater awareness of EXCEL in the local communities, and develop new programs by identifying employer and community needs.

“I would love in the next two years for the enrollment to double,” she said.

23 Sep HU Students Offer PE for Homeschoolers

Huntington University’s physical education students are offering a homeschool P.E. program for children ages 3 through 5th grade this fall.

Children will be split into one of four developmental levels: preschool (ages 3 and 4), grades K-1, grades 2-3 and grades 4-5. Classes are held in the Merillat physical education complex from 2:15 to 3 p.m. every Thursday from September 29 to December 8.

This service is available free to all area homeschooled children. Huntington University students conducting the elementary physical education class are either physical education majors or elementary education majors. (More information here.)

21 Sep Strong Fall Enrollment at HU

Huntington University recorded a strong enrollment this fall with the third highest overall enrollment in the school’s history, just 1.3% beneath the 2010 enrollment. Graduate and adult programs both set new enrollment records.

For fall 2011:

• Huntington enrolled 1,009 undergraduate students, including its second largest class of traditional degree-seeking students.
• The Graduate School set an enrollment record with 92 students.
• The EXCEL Adult Degree Program set an enrollment record with 161 students.

Huntington strives to provide new and innovative programs for its students. The film studies, film production, and animation programs grew to 116 students overall this fall, up from 108 in 2010. The nursing program saw a 23% increase, with 75 students enrolled in the program this year.

Other tidbits about this fall’s student body:

• Students hail from 23 countries and 35 states.
• 63% are from Indiana.
• 5% are ethnic minorities.

08 Sep Sept. 17 Women’s Auxiliary Breakfast

Huntington University’s Women’s Auxiliary’s Fall Breakfast will be held at 9 a.m. Sept. 17 in the upper level of the Habecker Dining Commons on campus. The speaker will be Dr. Matthew Ruiz of the Huntington University Exercise Science Department.

Ruiz’s topic is “Energy for Everyone! Exercises for Your Comfort Zone that can strengthen your body, mind, and spirit.” He will be showing types of exercises for various types of “comfort zones.”

Ruiz was a competitive baseball player, basketball player and personal trainer for 14 years. He has conducted applied sport psychology consultations since 2001 with various athletes and teams including volleyball, swimming, baseball, gymnastics, football and tennis.

The breakfast is a buffet and costs $7. Please make a reservation with either Pat Jones, 260-359-4075 or 260-356-7365, or Linda Bordeaux, 260-672-2598 by Sept. 14.

The Huntington University Women’s Auxiliary exists for the purpose of linking campus and community. It provides help with amenities in university dorms, as well as maintaining some scholarships. The project for this year is to sponsor reupholstering of the furniture for Roush dorm lounge.

08 Sep Death of HU Trustee Fred Geyer

From Dr. G. Blair Dowden, President of Huntington University:

“I am sad to share with you that long time trustee and alumnus of Huntington University, Fred Geyer, unexpectedly passed away at 7:15 p.m. this evening at St. Joseph Hospital in Fort Wayne. Fred has been an avid Huntington University supporter since his graduation in 1950 with a degree in biology. He served on the Board of Trustees for 15 years and continued to serve as a Trustee Emeritus, always taking an interest in our students and our growth and development as a Christ-centered institution.

“Fred was the founder and president of Geyer Instructional Aids for 40 years and donated significant scientific equipment and classroom materials to the university throughout the years. He was a true gentleman and a strong servant of our Lord. He will be greatly missed. Please pray for Pauline, his spouse of 60 years, and the family as they deal with this tremendous loss.”

06 Sep Thanks to Women’s Groups from the HU Auxiliary

Thanks from the Huntington University Women’s Auxiliary to the Women’s Missionary Fellowship and Women’s Ministry groups across the United Brethren denomination who graciously contributed to the 2010-11 completion of the Baker/Roush Hall Prayer Room project.

Malory Jones, resident director, has responded to the few touches added this fall in completing the modest meditation room: “The Prayer Room looks fantastic! So clean and polished looking! Thanks for all your hard work. May the room be utilized much this year.”

Funds received from the summer letter to the denominational women’s groups also contribute toward our present project of partial funding for the lovely reupholstery of furniture in the Roush Main Lounge. Come see!

Gratefully,

The HU Women’s Auxiliary Executive Team

Barbara Fetters and Judy Campbell, co-presidents
Chris Dowden, vice president
Ruth Weber, secretary
Deb Cherry, treasurer
Sue Cherry, corresponding secretary
Jean Michelson, publicity secretary

01 Sep HU Welcomes 15 New Faculty and Staff

Fifteen new faculty and staff have joined Huntington University for the 2011-12 school year. In the teaching area, the newcomers are:

• Sheila Counterman, instructor of nursing.
• Anita Gray, assistant professor of library science and director of library services.
• Jonathan Hicks, assistant professor of theater.
• Dr. Carrie Lloyd, assistant professor of psychology.
• Dr. Joni Schmalzried, assistant professor of education.
• Dr. Matthew Wright, assistant professor of mathematics.

You can read about all 15 new employees (with photos) on the Huntington University site.

26 Aug New This Fall: Evening TESOL Certificate Program

Beginning in the fall of 2011, the EXCEL Adult Degree Program at Huntington University will offer a TESOL certificate program.

The 15-credit hour TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate will equip adult students to work effectively with English language learners in their churches or social service organizations.

The program involves four courses and a practicum, and is offered on the university’s main campus in Huntington. Courses, available in an accelerated, evening format, include intercultural communication, instructional methods for listening and speaking, as well as instructional methods for reading and writing.

Classes are now enrolling for the fall. For more information, call 800-600-4888 or visit huntington.edu/EXCEL.

The Institute for TESOL Studies at Huntington University was founded in 2009 as an outgrowth of long-term relationships between Huntington University faculty and educators in China.

24 Aug HU Prof Writes “Kooky Cookery” Book

Bryan Ballinger, associate professor of digital media arts at Huntington University, has published a collection of vintage recipes and recipe booklets.

Kooky Cookery: An Archive of Irregular Recipes from Yester-year features recipes such as Bologna Cups with Peas, Sausage-Eyed Apple Winkers and Cheese-Burger Pancakes.

“I collect vintage recipes and recipe booklets and have been for years, in particular, ones that were put out by food companies trying to come up with more and more ways to use their products, and that is a ‘recipe’ for some really absurd food creations,” Ballinger said. “When I was getting my Master in Fine Arts in creative writing, I decided to write a humorous book about these recipes as part of my final thesis. Since then, I’ve been working on the design and layout of the book.”

Ballinger teaches in the digital media arts department at HU. His specialty is in the design and illustration work of digital media, including 3D CGI skills in modeling, texturing, lighting and animation.

Before coming to HU, he was a freelance illustrator with clients such as Microsoft, Nintendo, Disney, and Harley Davidson. He was also the lead 3D designer for five years at Big Idea Productions, the creators of VeggieTales. He also spent six years as a senior designer and illustrator at the Microsoft Corporation where he was awarded a patent for development of multimedia buttons.

“Kooky Cookery” is available in print, Kindle, Nook and PDF formats at kookycookery.com.

20 Aug Fandana 2011

The 2011 Fandana Music Festival

Steve Dennie, Communications Director

The first Fandana Festival proved to be a huge success for Huntington University. The three-day festival, August 11-13, 2011, began on Thursday afternoon (August 11), led up to a big concert on Friday night, and concluded with a small worship service (for anyone still there) on Saturday morning.

The university estimates that up to 1500 people attended on Thursday, and over 3000 attended on Friday. Over 30 bands participated. The weather, both days, was gorgeous.

Where’d the name “Fandana” come from? It’s just a made-up, catchy word. But unofficially, I’m told, it means “good times, good fun, and good music at Huntington University.” That’s the image they want in people’s minds when they hear the word Fandana.

They gave me a press pass, so around 5 pm on Thursday, August 11, I headed over to the campus to catch some good music.

Fandana: Day 1

Fandana is a big deal. At least a thousand people would be attending. I heard thoughts of maybe 3000 people coming before it was all over. Hard to tell with a first-time thing like this. But the college seemed ready, with volunteers everywhere, places roped off, plentiful signs, and all kinds of little extras. This took a healthy dose of planning to put together. And there’s still time to come for the big Friday night finale with Todd Agnew, Superchick, Attaboy, and Switchfoot!

After getting my pass in the Merillat Physical Education Complex, I traipsed over to the Fine Arts building, where bands had been performing in the main auditorium–the Orange stage–since 4 pm.

I heard Reilly, a five-member band from Philadelphia, that I just loved. The show opened with two members–husband and wife–coming onto the stage playing “All the Lonely People” on violins. The girl played violin during most of the songs, and a little keyboard. The guy mostly played lead guitar, but occasionally would sling it onto his back and go play some mean violin with his wife. I tell you, it was a beautiful sound! I’ve never heard a rock band combine violins so effectively. Plus, they gave a solid, but brief, presentation of the gospel. (I should mention their incredible version of “For What It’s Worth,” the “there’s something happening here” classic from Buffalo Springfield.)

Throughout Reilly’s performance, more and more people trickled in, until the lower section was decently populated, with others in the upper section. Probably a dozen kids stood in front of the stage. I must say, I didn’t care for the dark, foggy atmosphere on stage. I couldn’t see the performers well–way too much shadow, and no spotlights hitting them from the front (that I could see). I don’t know if that mood atmosphere was intentional, or the result of a fog machine gone rogue. But I didn’t care for it (though I realize I’m not the target demographic).

After Reilly came two guys from Nashville who called themselves 33 Miles. I’m sure there’s a story behind the name, but I didn’t hear it. They sat on stools, with one guy singing lead vocals and the other playing acoustic guitar and harmonizing. The crowd loved them. A lot of energy between them, and they connected with the crowd. The guitarist reminded me of Kristian Bush from Sugarland. Their second-to-last song was a nicely-done version of David Crowder’s “How He Loves.”

They finished just before 8 pm. Another group, 77 Times, was scheduled to play next. But at the same time, Stellar Kart was playing out on the Red Stage outside. Nearly everyone cleared out of the auditorium. I decided to hear a few songs from 77 Times before leaving. But after 1 song, I realized they weren’t quite my cup of tea, so I headed out.

Ashley Smith, who works in the university media relations, gave me a ride in an electric cart out to the Red Stage, which was set up on a field along Route 24, a field sometimes used for soccer practice. It made a nice, mini-Woodstock venue. As Stellar Kart jammed (they were my kind of band!), people sat on blankets or in chairs they had brought, while others threw frisbee rings. There was a hot air balloon, and a long line of people at a cart selling coffee products–coffee, tea, mocha, latte, and smoothies. There were a lot of younger kids with parents. A good-sized crowd stood in front of the stage listening to the band. A big screen to the side showed the performers in large.

Stellar Kart did two Disney songs in kind of a rock/grunge style (I’m not good at differentiating contemporary music styles). One was “Kiss the Girl,” from The Little Mermaid, followed by “A Whole New World.” I could imagine Foo Fighters doing those songs, though I could understand all of the words. (Thanks for enunciating!)

After Stellar Kart finished, there was a ten-minute lull during which headliner BarlowGirl got set up. The big screen was filled with scenes from Huntington University–students, profs, athletics, classes, etc. Good marketing opp.

I’d never heard BarlowGirl before, though I know they’ve come through Fort Wayne. I was quite impressed. They rocked the place, that’s for sure. Three girls, and a guy on drums, for the first couple songs. Then the lead singer switched to drums, the bass guitarist moved over to lead vocals along with some keyboard, and the drummer took bass. I liked them a lot.

BarlowGirl started playing at 9 sharp, right on time. I stayed for about a half hour before deciding I needed to leave. But I left excited about what Huntington University was pulling off. And with anticipation to coming back the next day, when the REALLY big crowds were expected. Bands would play on the Orange Stage all day, beginning at 9 am. Then at night would come the headliners. Yes, this 54-year-old with one bad ear is looking forward to it.

Fandana: Day 2

I returned on Friday, August 12, for the evening concert at the outdoor “Red Stage,” set up on the soccer practice field, right along Route 24.

I enjoyed the music, but I was most taken by the family-friendly atmosphere. It wasn’t just teens and young adults. There were people of all ages–lots of older baby boomers, lots of young children (including a number of strollers), and everywhere in between. Remember: today’s 60-year-olds came of age during the 1960s; they grew up on rock music.

People brought their own chairs, or lay on blankets on the grass. The young-adult set thronged around the stage, standing up throughout the concert (that’s what young people do–that, and a lot of jumping). Children scampered around being children. People on the fringes threw frisbee rings. I didn’t see anyone smoking.

A bunch of rented inflatables were set up for kids. Just behind the sound booth, women in clown suits were face-painting children and drawing caricatures. Norm the Forester (the HU mascot) and the Star 88.3 mascot (a star, of course) wandered through the crowd. A few older folks sat their chairs clear back in the pine trees along the highway, far from the stage. But the sound level, in my opinion, was pretty tame compared to most rock concerts.

When I arrived around 6 pm, Todd Agnew was performing. He mostly did worship music (his forte), and then gave a 20-minute talk before concluding with a few more songs, including his “Grace Like Rain” take on “Amazing Grace.”

Then the evening kicked into Christian rock mode, with Huntington University’s own Attaboy sandwiched between headliners Superchick and Switchfoot. All were good, and similar. As the sun set, hundreds of colorful glow rings were distributed. People wore them around necks and wrists and ankles, and as darkness descended, it made for quite a colorful sight as you looked over the crowd.

Switchfoot, as planned, took the stage around 9:30. An After Party was held in the Merillat Centre for the Arts at 11 pm, but I was long gone by then.

I appreciated Fandana’s emphasis on two causes: human trafficking, and child soldiers. Two Christian organizations which focus on these causes, TrafficJam.org and Project AK-47, were promoted throughout the event. The organization names were prominently displayed above the stage, the whole stage backdrop illustrated these causes, and an offering was taken on Friday night.

This was the inaugural Fandana Festival. For a first-time thing, it seemed (to me) to go amazingly well. HU plans to make it an annual event, and will announce next year’s dates soon. This is a great event to bring not just your youth group, but other adults who enjoy contemporary Christian music. The atmosphere is wholesome and fun, making Fandana a nice place to just hang out.