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.

18 Aug Bailey’s Coffee Donates $300 from Fandana Proceeds

Bobby Bailey, owner of Bailey’s Coffee in Huntington, Ind., presented Huntington University today with a check for $300 to be used for student scholarships.

The donation was 20 percent of the proceeds from the Bailey’s Coffee booth at HU’s Fandana Festival on August. 11-12. The booth was set up at the main stage, and kept very busy throughout the evening concerts.

Bailey’s Coffee is located in Parkview Huntington Hospital and has been in operation for two years.

17 Aug Several Thousand Attend HU Fandana Festival

Steve Dennie, Communications Director

The Fandana Festival proved to be a huge success for Huntington University. The three-day festival, August 11-13, 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.

I previously wrote about my experience attending on Thursday. I returned on Friday 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.

12 Aug Fandana Music Festival: Day One at Huntington University

Steve Dennie, Communications Director

Huntington University kicked off its first Fandana Music Festival on Thursday, August 11. They gave me a press pass, so around 5 pm I headed over to the campus to catch some good music.

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.

10 Aug EXCEL Discounts for Active-Duty Military

Thousands of men and women loyally serve this country each year in the armed forces. As a way to say thank you, the EXCEL Adult Degree Programs at Huntington University lowered the cost of its degree programs for active-duty military personnel.

Beginning with the fall semester, tuition will be reduced from $340 per credit hour to $250 per credit hour for all 100 and 200 level courses for active-duty military personnel and their dependents.

Numerous military personnel have enrolled in the EXCEL program since its inception in 1993 because of its reputation for quality education and the high standards it sets for its students.

Senior Master Sgt. John Furge, a 2005 EXCEL graduate, used the program to finish his bachelor’s degree in organization management while continuing his career in the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Indiana Air National Guard in Fort Wayne, Ind. Chief Master Sgt. Tim Tolentino, also of the Fighter Wing, transferred to the program after discovering the convenience of the onsite classes and the quality of the professors.

“The flexibility that I had through Huntington fit perfectly with my schedule especially as a military person. They understood that sometimes duty calls,” said Tolentino, a 2007 graduate. “They took into consideration that we were working people and that we were fitting education into our schedule, but they still made it challenging. They empower you to learn.”

09 Aug Fandana Festival Starts Thursday

Thirty bands are expected to perform during the first Fandana Festival, to be held on the campus of Huntington University this week. The festival begins on Thursday afternoon, August 11, and continues to Saturday morning, August 13. The biggest day will be Friday, with Todd Agnew, Superchick, and Switchfoot performing in the evening starting at 6 pm.

There will be two stages–one by the soccer field, and another in the Merillat Centre for the Arts

Tickets are:

• $19 for adults, in advance, or $25 at the gate.
• $5 for ages 6-10.
• Free for ages 5 and under.
• $15 for groups of 15 or more.

Bring your youth! They’ll have a great time, and will get acquainted with our church college at the same time.

01 Aug HU Graduate’s Film Featured in NY Festival

The Eighth Annual Animation Block Party festival in Brooklyn, N.Y., accepted Huntington University animation graduate Brett Swanson’s short animated film, “Flora,” into the festival, which is to take place July 29-31 at Rooftop Films and BAMcinématek.

The Animation Block Party is the largest animation film festival on the East Coast. It is dedicated to screening the world’s best professional, student and independent work of all genres. “Flora” was selected as one of the top 100 films to be featured during the festival out of more than 650 other submitted films.

The film is about a young girl who sets out to decorate her bedroom with origami flowers. However, she is in for a surprise when the room begins to take on a life of its own and transforms into a beautiful garden.

“It is exciting to have my film in a festival and crazy to think about how many people will get to see it,” Swanson said. “I put so much of my time and energy into this project, and getting it into a festival is a reminder that all of the stress and long hours were worth it.”

Swanson, of Lumsden, Saskatchewan, Canada, is a 2011 animation graduate of the digital media arts program.

21 Jul Fandana Festival Aug 11-13 at Huntington U

The first annual Fandana Festival is coming to the Huntington University campus on Aug. 11, 12 and 13.

More than 30 bands will perform on multiple stages around campus, including Switchfoot, Sidewalk Prophets, Photoside Cafe, BarlowGirl, Stellar Kart, Josh Wilson, SevenGlory, Hyland, Red Umbrella, Attaboy and Me in Motion. The festival will also feature an indie band competition, seminars, an indie film component and kid-friendly activities including inflatable games.

“Huntington University is very enthused about hosting the only multi-day Christian music and arts festival in the state of Indiana. The Fandana Festival is also one of the only music and arts events in the nation to be held completely on a college campus,” said Jeff Berggren, HU’s senior vice president for enrollment management and marketing. “This is an opportunity to welcome our regional friends for a fantastic family and teen group experience.”

The fun will begin on Thursday afternoon with the biggest festival day on Friday. Fandana will run through Saturday with a smaller workshop component for independent bands as well as a praise and worship service that morning. Overnight lodging is also available in residence halls for individuals or groups. Meal plans and individual meals are also available.

Tickets are $19 in advance or $25 at the gate for all three days. HU students are $5, children ages 6-10 are $5 and children 5 and younger are free. Groups of 15 or more are $15. Special rates are available for HU faculty and staff.

“The Fandana Festival is a great ministry opportunity for HU and we look forward to watching the event grow over the next several years,” Berggren said.

18 Jul Accolades for HU Online Programs

Huntington University’s online degree in business administration as ranked 9th in the nation in the Top 10 Online Bachelor of Business Administration Degree Programs of 2011.

The rankings, available online, were compiled by The Best Colleges, a publication that reviews publicly available data and produces rankings based on reputation, accreditation, student satisfaction, and cost.

Huntington offers online degree programs through its EXCEL Adult Degree Programs and the graduate school. In March, The Best Colleges ranked Huntington University sixth in the nation for Online Christian Colleges & Universities for 2011.

EXCEL offers online programs in Christian ministry, organizational management, business administration, not-for-profit leadership, and human resource management. Those programs are also offered onsite, along with additional programs in marketing, accounting, and nursing.