2023 Spring AU Magazine - Anderson University
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Spring 2023 AU Magazine
Spring 2023 AU Magazine
2023 Spring AU Magazine
Spring 2023 - An Incredible Legacy in Progress
From a distance, the house was everything Evans and Diane Whitaker wanted. The neighborhood was perfect, the views idyllic, the facade pristine.
Why, they wondered, is it so inexpensive?
(You probably know where this is going.)
“We went up the stairs, onto the porch and looked in the window. It became obvious why it was so cheap,” Dr. Whitaker recalls. “It was a disaster inside.”
This magazine is the story of laying those foundations, a 20-year process that continues today. It’s a celebration of Dr. and Mrs. Whitaker’s incredible legacy.
They bought it anyway, and it became “the hardest personal project we’ve ever undertaken. But when we finished, it was stronger, better, more appealing, more marketable.”
When the newlyweds bought that house, it was symbolic of what would become one of the Whitakers’ core values: to find something beautiful and make it better.
Anderson University was not “a disaster” when Dr. Evans and Mrs. Diane Whitaker arrived as president and first lady more than 20 years ago. The culture—or, perhaps more accurately, the people who embraced the value of intentionally Christian higher education—was strong. It was a beautiful place in an ideal location. The foundation was intact. But the pillars—Great Academics, Great Faith, Great Hospitality, Great Purpose—weren’t fully formed.
Basic numbers tell that story. Barely 1,600 students attended Anderson in 2002, taught by 60 full-time faculty members and supported by 80 staff.
Today? Anderson University is the largest private institution of higher education in South Carolina. Enrollment this year reached a record of nearly 4,200 students. Among majors, minors and academic concentrations, those students have access to approximately 130 courses of study. And it’s a university that employs roughly 1,000 people who work at a “Great Colleges to Work For” honor roll institution—one of only two in the state.
So, when Dr. Whitaker says his and Mrs. Whitaker’s hope “was to make Anderson University a stronger place,” you could consider it a mission accomplished. But it’s not. As Dr. Whitaker says, “I’ll be laying foundations until my last day on the job.”
This magazine is the story of laying those foundations, a 20-year process that continues today. It’s a celebration of Dr. and Mrs. Whitaker’s incredible legacy: where Anderson University has been, where it is now and, ultimately, where it’s headed.
Thank you for being a part of the journey.
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For decades families and alumni have referred prospective high school sophomores and juniors to Anderson University’s growing legacy. Go Trojans!
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Featured Stories
His Calling is His Legacy
Across campus, a forest of oak trees held pillows of verdant foliage, a testament to strong roots spreading deep and wide, unseen beneath tufts of perfectly manicured fescue just out of view of the men and women gathered in
a windowless auditorium.
An Oral History
The possibility of closure haunted Anderson often—especially in its early years. The first full-time president, Dr. James Kinard, only served two years (from 1914 to 1916), in part because he feared its collapse could come at any moment
Kindness. Caring.
And, Yes,
Cookies!
Let’s just get this out of the way first: Diane Whitaker is known for her culinary prowess–specifically, chocolate chip cookies.
A new legacy: coach Gail Wallach and the launch of Trojan women’s lacrosse
The head coach for Anderson University Women’s Lacrosse, Wallach learned extreme diligence and tenacity as a three-sport star in high school and college.
Fabric
of
AU
Kip Miller
At each Anderson University commencement ceremony, President Evans Whitaker addresses the graduates as they prepare to take on the new role of Anderson University alumni.
Mary Anne Bunton
After 30 years of service to Anderson University—as a student, supporter and Chair of the Board of Trust—Bunton remains enthusiastic about the institution’s future.
In memoriam: Dr. Melvin Younts
A transformational giver, Dr. Younts will be celebrated, remembered and his legacy of giving felt for many years to come.
Jason’s Column
This is my opportunity to express my appreciation to Dr. Whitaker for all the ways he has impacted my journey at Anderson. And I am just one of many.
Give Now to Support Your C
AU
SE
Making a difference in the lives of Anderson University students is just one click away. Show your support with the “Give Now” button, which provides a safe and secure method to invest in AU’s future. No matter the cause you choose to support, we’re so thankful for your commitment. Can’t find one that’s right for you? Reach out to the Anderson University Office of Development, and a representative will be happy to get you involved however you choose to give.
GIVE NOW
GIVE NOW
Alumni Spotlight
Trojan Athletic Fund
Anderson Fund
Philanthropy & Estate Planning
For information about giving to AU or setting up an estate gift, contact Associate VP of Philanthropy and Estate Planning Johnna Shirley at
jshirley@andersonuniversity.edu
or call her at
864-622-6079
If you missed the last three editions - check them out!
Fall 2022
Spring 2022
Fall 2021
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School of Interior Design
School of Public Service & Administration
The South Carolina School of the Arts
Center for Cybersecurity
Center for Leadership and Organizations
International Graduate School
Center for Global Engagement
Faculty Directory
Innovation & Digital Learning at AU
AU PRO
Study Abroad
Honors College
Student Diversity and Outcomes
Thrift Library
Academic Catalog
DEAN’S LIST
Student Achievement
Commencement
Definition of Credit Hour
Calendars and Schedules
CAMPUS LIFE
Campus Life
Base Camp
Welcome Week
Recreation & Fitness
Community & Public Service
Christian Life
Student Activities
Campus Housing
Dining at AU
Thrive Wellness
Campus Safety
Community, Dignity & Inclusive Campus Family
Student Leader
Student Handbook
Complaint Procedure
Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP)
Commuter Engagment
Connect With Us
ATHLETICS
AU Trojans Athletics Website
GIVE
Give
Our Community is Stronger Together
Anderson University Magazine
A Day-Online Giving Campaign
Blackbaud Security Update
Board of Visitors
Christian Ministry Foundation
Development Staff
Donor Recognition
Gift & Estate Planning
Giving to Anderson University
Make a Gift Online
Parent Association
Parent Leadership Council
Trojan Athletic Fund
Ways to Give
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State Authorization and Disclosures
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University Center of Greenville
Employment
Find Your Program
Visit
ABOUT AU
About AU
My City, My University
Mission, Vision & Values
Statement of Faith
Office of the President
Campus Map
Share Your Photo
The University Grace
Alma Mater
Inclement Weather Information
ABOUT
About AU
My City, My University
Mission, Vision & Values
Statement of Faith
Office of the President
Campus Map
The University Grace
Alma Mater
Inclement Weather Information
ADMISSION
Admission
Transfers
Special Programs
Dual-Enrollment Scholars Program for High School Students
Online & Continuous Learning
Graduate
The University Grace
Veterans
Scholarships & Aid
ACADEMICS
Academics
Find Your Program
College of Arts & Sciences
College of Business & Economics
College of Christian Studies
College of Education
College of Engineering
College of Health Professions
School of Interior Design
School of Public Service & Administration
The South Carolina School of the Arts
Center for Cybersecurity
Center for Leadership and Organizations
International Graduate School
Center for Global Engagement
Faculty Directory
Innovation & Digital Learning at AU
AU PRO
Study Abroad
Honors College
Student Diversity and Outcomes
Thrift Library
Academic Catalog
DEAN'S LIST
Student Achievement
Commencement
Definition of Credit Hour
Calendars and Schedules
CAMPUS LIFE
Campus Life
Base Camp
Welcome Week
Recreation & Fitness
Community & Public Service
Christian Life
Student Activities
Campus Housing
Dining at AU
Thrive Wellness
Campus Safety
Community, Dignity & Inclusive Campus Family
Student Leader
Student Handbook
Complaint Procedure
Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP)
Commuter Engagement
Connect With Us
ATHLETICS
AU Trojans Athletics Website
GIVE
Give
Our Community is Stronger Together
Anderson University Magazine
A Day-Online Giving Campaign
Blackbaud Security Update
Board of Visitors
Christian Ministry Foundation
Development Staff
Donor Recognition
Gift & Estate Planning
Giving to Anderson University
Make a Gift Online
Parent Association
Parent Leadership Council
Trojan Athletic Fund
Ways to Give
ALUMNI
Alumni Association
AU Network
Ways to Get Involved
ADMISSION
Admission
Transfers
Special Programs
Dual-Enrollment Scholars Program for High School Students
Online & Continuous Learning
Graduate
The University Grace
Veterans
Scholarships & Aid
ACADEMICS
Academics
Find Your Program
College of Arts & Sciences
College of Business & Economics
College of Christian Studies
College of Education
College of Engineering
College of Health Professions
School of Interior Design
School of Public Service & Administration
The South Carolina School of the Arts
Center for Cybersecurity
Center for Leadership and Organizations
International Graduate School
Center for Global Engagement
Faculty Directory
Innovation & Digital Learning at AU
AU PRO
Study Abroad
Honors College
Student Diversity and Outcomes
Thrift Library
Academic Catalog
DEAN’S LIST
Student Achievement
Commencement
Definition of Credit Hour
Calendars and Schedules
CAMPUS LIFE
Campus Life
Base Camp
Welcome Week
Recreation & Fitness
Community & Public Service
Christian Life
Student Activities
Campus Housing
Dining at AU
Thrive Wellness
Campus Safety
Community, Dignity & Inclusive Campus Family
Student Leader
Student Handbook
Complaint Procedure
Curriculum Enhancement Program (CEP)
Commuter Engagment
Connect With Us
ATHLETICS
AU Trojans Athletics Website
GIVE
Give
Our Community is Stronger Together
Anderson University Magazine
A Day-Online Giving Campaign
Blackbaud Security Update
Board of Visitors
Christian Ministry Foundation
Development Staff
Donor Recognition
Gift & Estate Planning
Giving to Anderson University
Make a Gift Online
Parent Association
Parent Leadership Council
Trojan Athletic Fund
Ways to Give
ALUMNI
RESOURCE MENU
CURRENT STUDENTS
PARENTS
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
FACULTY & STAFF
ACCREDITATIONS & AFFILIATIONS
GRADUATE WRITING HUB
Policies, Procedures, and Expectations for Students
Preferred Partnership Program
State Authorization and Disclosures
Tuition & Fees
University Center of Greenville
Employment