16 May Huntington University Team Travels to Uganda
A team of three staff members, one alumnus, and ten students from Huntington University left for a 24-day mission trip to Uganda on May 16.
While there, the group will worship with communities, show “The Jesus Film,” do construction work, and facilitate vacation Bible schools. In addition, the team will meet with representatives from Uganda Christian University, Samaritan’s Purse, the U.S. Embassy, and Wycliffe Bible Translators.
The course description is as follows: “The purpose of this course is to expose students to the issues of HIV/AIDS, poverty, and mission strategies in Uganda, Africa. They will be called upon to integrate academic thought and practical experience in order to shape a Christian worldview. From May 14-June 5, 2006, students will work with Food for the Hungry’s various ministry sites. These include the Child Development Program for HIV/AIDS orphans; Bringing Hope, the HIV/AIDS medical ministry and abstinence program; and the local churches’ clean water initiatives. In addition to ministry experience, students will have the opportunity to hear local leaders discuss the issues and trends in medicine, social ills and church leadership.”
Are you looking for a different kind of summer camp? This coming July the Huntington University Department of Theatre Arts will host its inaugural Huntington University Summer Theatre Youth Camp. From June 26 to July 21, campers ages 6 to 15 will learn basic theatrical training from theatre professionals and perform a fully produced musical theatre production. This summer’s performance will be a junior version of the “Music Man” in which every camper will have a part.
Dr. Ann McPherren has been appointed vice president for Huntington University Planning and Strategy. She will report directly to President G. Blair Dowden and will be part of the Senior Leadership Team. The position gives McPherren responsibility for coordination, development, implementation, and monitoring of the new strategic plan and process. She will also continue serving as professor of business and economics, teaching six hours each semester. McPherren celebrates 25 years of service at the University this year. She graduated from HU in 1979.
Playing sports, watching movies and taking road trip adventures sounds more like summer vacation than an internship. But for Huntington University senior Josh Wood, it’s all part of the job.
Mrs. Charlotte (Char) Binkley, executive director of the WBCL Radio Network in Fort Wayne, Ind., will also receive the Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Her voice is familiar to Christian radio listeners throughout the area.
Rev. Charles Billiam (Bill) Eakin will receive the Doctor of Divinity degree. He has served nearly 60 years with Youth for Christ, a term longer than any other staff member in the organization’s history. He continues serving as a Campus Life coach in Indianapolis. During the 1980s, he spoke at the United Brethren Youth Convention. He and his wife established 30 Youth for Christ clubs in Akron, Ohio. Later, as the international field director, he managed all overseas activities for Youth for Christ, a position that took him to 40 countries. In 1974, Eakin and his family moved to Indianapolis, where they have remained.
Dr. Robert C. Andringa (right), president of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), will give the Commencement address at Huntington University on Saturday, May 13. Dr. Norris Friesen, Huntington’s vice president and dean, will deliver the baccalaureate address to graduates and their parents at 10:30 a.m., in the Zurcher Auditorium of the Merillat Centre for the Arts. Commencement will be held on the campus front lawn at 3 p.m. You can read more about them on the Huntington University site.
As vice president and dean, Dr. Friesen (right) is the chief academic officer of Huntington University. He supervises the faculty, assistant and associate deans, the RichLyn Library, academic registration, and adult and graduate education. He came to the university in 1985 as Dean of Student Services, was named Vice President for Student Development in 1993, and accepted his current role in 2002.