From registering for the ACT and SAT, to navigating the application process, to picking a school that is the best fit, preparing for college can be quite the undertaking. This past spring, students in Marian University’s 21st Century Scholars Program mentored students from Pike High School to help guide them through the process.

21st Century Scholars met with the students at Pike High School and on Marian University’s campus, planning and engaging in college-prep activities and talking to them about topics ranging from applying for scholarships to dream jobs.

“I think that the biggest takeaway for the students was the amount of impact that they can have on their peers by being willing to share the knowledge that they have gained by obtaining access to college,” Kalyn Miller, director of 21st Century Scholars, said. “I think that this was eye-opening to show the scholar mentors that, while they are learning as students, they still have so much that they have already learned. That knowledge can be very powerful for those that are trying to obtain the goals that they have successfully earned.”

The partnership began in February 2018 and is slated to continue during the Fall 2018 semester.

“The visits to Pike High School were really fun. It was amazing being able to connect with a high schooler and talk to them about their goals in life and actually help be a stepping stone in them being able to reach their goals,” Salem Padgett ’20 said.

Padgett’s favorite part of the mentorship program was seeing how the high school students changed from their first visit to their very last.

“The more times we went back, the mentors would start to notice that these students were really getting excited about going to college, and I could tell what we were doing was really having an impact on them and their futures,” Padgett said.

Through their leadership and service, Marian University’s 21st Century Scholars were able to start important conversations with Pike High School students guide them through the process of preparing for college and their future careers.

How do Marian University alumni rate their college experience?

Results from a 2018 “undergraduate alumni scorecard” project led by Gallup, a research-based global performance management organization known for its public opinion polls, were released August 9.

The findings are impressive, clearly demonstrating that Marian alumni have great jobs and great lives.

Gallup, along with partners at the Strada Education Network, documented their findings in the Strada-Gallup Alumni Survey, which surveyed a total of 75,000 college graduates nationally.

Compared to peers across state and nation, Marian alumni are more satisfied

Over 1,100 Marian University graduates participated in Gallup’s survey of 21,000 Indiana college graduates.

Here is a summary of Gallup-Strada’s findings about Marian’s undergraduate alumni in several key areas.

College value and preparation

Marian graduates ranked the return on their educational investment higher than their peers graduating from other schools, both in Indiana and nationally.

• 36 percent had a job waiting for them BEFORE graduation, compared to 31 percent nationally and 35 percent in the state.
• 18 percent had a job in two months or less, compared to 15 percent nationally and statewide.

Other findings reported by Marian alumni related to the return on their educational investments:

• 54 percent had an applied job or internship before graduation and were employed full-time in two months or less after graduation.
• 75 percent work in Indiana.
• 76 percent say Marian prepared them well for life after graduation.
• 77 percent agree their education was worth the cost.
• 86 percent are satisfied or extremely satisfied with the education they received.

​​Workplace fulfillment

Compared to other college graduates, Marian alumni reported higher levels of satisfaction with their work.

• 36 percent report they have “the ideal job,” compared to 29 percent nationally and 26 percent statewide.
• 49 percent said their job gives them an opportunity to do work that interests them, compared to 42 percent across the nation and 43 percent in Indiana.
• 51 percent are “deeply interested” in their work, compared to 42 percent nationally and 45 percent statewide.

Personal well-being

In total, Gallup’s survey explored five “thriving elements” of well-being. The number of alumni scoring highly across all five was relatively low, but Marian graduates scored 23 percent in all five areas, compared to just 11 percent nationally and across the state.

Specifically, Marian alumni reported:

• 43 percent reported they are well physically, compared to 34 percent nationally and 35 percent statewide.
• 58 percent are financially stable, compared to 43 percent nationally and 47 percent statewide.
• 63 percent reported living in a safe, healthy community, compared to 46 percent across the nation and state.
• 67 percent had a strong sense of purpose in their lives, compared to 53 percent across the nation and in Indiana.
• 67 percent also reported strong social well-being, compared to 50 percent nationally and inside the state.

​Student support and experiential learning

The survey also investigated key student experiences related to student support and learning outcomes among the alumni surveyed.

Findings reported by Marian graduates include:

• 30 percent reported being active in co-curricular activities and student groups compared to 20 percent nationally and 22 percent statewide.
• 36 percent reported they had a mentor who encouraged them to pursue their goals and dreams, compared to 22 percent across the nation and in the state.
• 57 percent reported their professors cared about them as a person, compared to 28 percent nationally and 31 percent statewide.
• 74 percent reported they had at least one Marian professor who made them excited about learning, compared to 64 percent nationally and 63 percent statewide.

Attachment to Marian University​

The pollsters at Gallup surveyed college graduates about their emotional attachments to their respective alma maters.

Marian graduates reported:

• 36 percent reported they “can’t imagine a world without [their university],” compared to 25 percent nationally and 30 percent across the state.
• 41 percent said Marian is “passionate about the long-term success of its students” compared to 25 percent nationally and 28 percent statewide.
• 50 percent reported Marian was “the perfect school for people like me,” compared to 34 percent nationally and 39 percent statewide.
• 86 percent reported that “if they had it to do all over again,” they would still choose Marian University as the place to earn their bachelor’s degree.

For more information about Gallup and their higher education surveys, visit gallup.com.

Americans have more choices than ever in terms of how we locate, consume, and share news and information. And the number of adults who do so online continues to grow, according to a 2017 Pew Research Center report.

• 85 percent of adults report getting news on a mobile device, up from 72 percent in 2016. 
• Nearly 65 percent of adults who get news on both desktop/laptop computers and mobile devices prefer mobile, up from 56 percent in 2016.
• For the first time in Pew surveys, more than half (55 percent) of Americans aged 50+ report getting news on social media sites.

That's why the Department of Communication keeps pace with changing technologies, educational trends, and employment demand, explains Dr. George LaMaster, chair of the growing department.

Four new concentrations available in 2019

Toward that end, Marian freshmen majoring in communication can choose four new concentrations starting next year:

1. ​Concentration in digital media
2. Concentration in multimedia journalism
3. Concentration in public relations
4. Concentration in speech performance

"Our goal is to prepare graduates for their first jobs after college. But we also want to teach them to be intellectually curious, creative, and critical thinkers for the rest of their lives," says LaMaster.

Graduates working in fast-paced fields like communication will continuously adopt and adapt to new, evolving technologies in the years ahead, he says. This includes those working in social media management, web management, corporate communications, content marketing, public and media relations, journalism, digital marketing and advertising, and related fields.

​LaMaster notes his department is searching for a full-time faculty member to serve as director of student media and teach courses in new media and digital journalism, also starting with the 2019 year.

Hands-on learning is key

Communication faculty are focused on providing high-impact teaching and learning opportunities for students to guarantee they have a range of real-world experience before completing their degrees, according to LaMaster.

Next year, that will also include required internships and a community engaged learning (service learning) course for communication majors.

"Although 75 percent of our students were already completing an internship before graduation, it's such an important experience that we've made it a requirement. In fact, many communication students already complete two or more internships. We encourage students to start thinking about them beginning in their freshman year," LaMaster says.

Other hands-on learning opportunities are available. Student interest in podcasting, making videos, and digital media, for example, is what led to the creation of MU Knightwatch last semester.

The site is by and for Marian students learning to report and share news, information, opinions, ideas, art, music and movie reviews, and humor in a range of digital formats. MU Knightwatch aims to educate and entertain. Two recent posts include an opinion piece on the life of Senator John McCain and a story about a flat tire.

High-achieving high school students interested in pursuing careers as K-12 teachers are invited to Marian University for a scholarship workshop on October 20. 

Hosted by the Klipsch Educators College, during this special event you will:

• Learn about the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship (NGHES), a $7,500 annual scholarship offered by the state.
• And, if you are a 21st Century Scholar, learn how you can combine an NGHES scholarship with a full-tuition scholarship to Marian University that includes free room and board.

Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship Workshop: Saturday, October 20 // 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Marian University and the State of Indiana are making it possible for you to become a K-12 teacher who inspires!

Led by state officials and education professionals, at this free workshop you will:

• Learn about the NGHES scholarship process and requirements.
• Get scholarship application and interview tips.
• Discover the Klipsch Educators College and what Marian University has to offer.

If you plan to apply for the NGHES scholarship, the deadline is November 30. Join us October 20 and get valuable information about the process! 

Register online

Space for this valuable workshop is limited, so register and reserve your spot today.  Parents or family members are welcome.

When we know you will be attending, we'll send more details, including the location and where to park.

Questions? Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at admissions@marian.edu, 317.955.6300, or 800.772.7264 or Greg Albright, marketing and communication coordinator in the Klipsch Educators College, at galbright@marian.edu or 317.955.6519.

Rensselaer, Ind.—Saint Joseph’s College will collaborate with Marian University when the latter opens its previously announced two-year college in Indianapolis, officials from the two institutions announced today during a press conference on the Saint Joseph’s College campus in Rensselaer, Ind.

Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener joined Saint Joseph’s College Rector Father Barry Fischer and Father Jeffrey Kirch, Provincial Director of the Cincinnati Province of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, in announcing that the boards of trustees at both institutions had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) formalizing the mission collaboration. Under the terms of the MOU, the new two-year college, slated to open in July 2019 adjacent to the Marian University campus in Indianapolis, will be called Saint Joseph’s College of Marian University – Indianapolis.

“This is a collaboration between two Catholic institutions with a shared mission and history,” Elsener said. “Saint Joe’s has a rich tradition of educating thousands upon thousands of leaders with a strong liberal arts foundation. The outlook for success for our innovative two-year college is greatly enhanced by this collaboration.”

“This is a positive step forward for the future of Saint Joseph’s College,” Fr. Barry Fischer said. “Saint Joseph’s College continues to live, in both name and mission, and we are excited about the possibilities that will be presented through this collaboration.”

According to Marian University’s President Elsener, a study will be conducted to determine the feasibility of expanding the two-year college to other areas of the state. One of the locations that will be considered, he said, is the Saint Joseph’s campus in Rensselaer.

“Our first priority is ensuring the successful opening of our flagship campus in Indianapolis,” Elsener said. “Once we have that site up and running, we can begin to look at expanding into rural areas, with the Rensselaer campus being a focal point of that study.”

An advisory board, under the direction of Marian University’s board of trustees, will be created to guide the two-year college, and at least 40 percent of the advisory board will be composed of members selected by Marian from a list of recommendations provided by the Saint Joseph's board of trustees. Additionally, former faculty and staff of Saint Joseph's College and members of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood will be strongly considered for open positions for the new two-year college.

Per the terms of the agreement and in keeping with its historical mission, Saint Joseph’s College will provide $1.5 million in scholarships, to be paid over 10 years, for students who attend the new two-year college. These scholarships will primarily be funded from donations already made to Saint Joseph’s College to support deserving students.

“Saint Joseph’s College and Marian University indeed share a mission, and a big part of that mission is to provide access to higher education for those who can’t afford it,” Fr. Barry said. “The scholarship funds being provided to the two-year college are indicative of our commitment to its mission and the success of its students.”

When Marian University originally announced last month its intentions of opening a two-year college, it established a goal of 75-125 students in the first year. Three programs of study are planned: liberal arts, business, and information technology.

“We are confident that we’ve landed on three focused areas of study that are relevant to employers, are true to our liberal arts foundation, and are easily transferable for students who may want to later pursue a four-year degree,” Elsener said. “We will always have the option of adding more degrees as our economy and the needs of employers shift, but research clearly indicates that it’s in the best interest of students to focus on a few areas of study rather than a plethora of options.”

Perhaps the most innovative feature of the two-year college is the employer partnerships that are being established to help students make connections between learning and earning. Marian University faculty will work closely with specific central Indiana employers to ensure that students of the two-year college will be able to recognize connections in what they are learning in the classroom and their future jobs. Students will develop a foundation for lifelong learning while progressing toward their associate’s degree. Flexible class schedules will be established, allowing students to work, if they choose. “Our students will earn while they learn,” Elsener said.

Ivy Tech Community College and Marian University are announcing a new 2+2 partnership that will allow students to transfer from Associate of Science to Bachelor of Science degree programs. This collaboration provides a seamless, cost-effective degree pathway for students in business and psychology.

With the 2+2 program, students are able to complete the first two years of their education and earn an Associate of Science degree at Ivy Tech and then transfer to Marian to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in two additional years. Upon acceptance to Marian, Ivy Tech students will be able to transfer with junior status.

“This is a great agreement for Ivy Tech, because it provides our students who wish to attend Marian University, one of our fine Independent Colleges of Indiana right here in Indianapolis, with a 2+2 opportunity,” said Dr. Russ Baker, vice president for academic affairs for Ivy Tech.

“This is exactly the kind of transfer relationship our students are looking for and what they deserve. We are very excited about the expansion of our partnership with Marian University over the last year and look forward to additional programs where we can collaborate.”

According to Brian Studebaker, director of transfer admission at Marian University, the partnership is the first 2+2 agreement between Marian and Ivy Tech, although the two institutions partnered earlier this year on a reverse transfer agreement for students.

“These new 2+2 options not only help Ivy Tech students identify a clear, affordable path toward a bachelor’s degree, but they strengthen long-term earning potential. In 2017, the average weekly salary for workers with an associate degree was $836 compared to $1,173 for those with a bachelor’s degree. By enabling Ivy Tech graduates to continue their educations, we enhance their ability to provide a good living for themselves and their families. We look forward to continuing discussions with Ivy Tech in the future about additional partnerships,” Studebaker added.

• Students who complete Ivy Tech’s Associate of Science in Business Administration will be able to transfer their credits to a Bachelor of Science degree in business at Marian University in business analytics, finance, management, or marketing.

• Students who complete Ivy Tech’s Associate of Science in Psychology will be able to transfer into the Bachelor of Science program in psychology at Marian.

All credits students earn for the above associate degrees will transfer seamlessly into Marian's respective bachelor’s degree programs with no credit loss.

“I want Marian to grow and flourish. I want students to have the same amazing college experience that I had here.”

Corrine (Purvis) Youngs ’11 might have graduated in 2011, but she has not left Marian University behind. She volunteers as a coach for the speech and debate team before their state tournament each year, she judges the Regional Ethics Bowl Tournament that is annually held on campus, and she has served on the Marian University Alumni Board. She also consistently donates to the university, ensuring more students have the opportunities she has had.  

“My time at Marian developed me into a balanced individual, and along those same lines, fostered leadership,” Youngs said. “I want to give more students that opportunity.”  

After studying theology and communication at Marian, Youngs went on to law school, and now works as an attorney at the Bopp Law Firm, P.C. Her practices focuses on first amendment law, campaign finance law, election law, constitutional law, civil litigation, and appellate practice. She lives in Danville, Indiana, with her husband and labradoodle puppy. Outside of her professional work, she serves as vice chairman of the Hendricks County Young Republicans and cantors at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church. 

Thank you, Corrine, for giving of your time, talent, and treasure to your fellow Knights! 

Indianapolis–Approximately is an exhibition featuring artwork by Anna Buckner. Approximately is on display in the Marian University Art Gallery located in the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences from October 15-November 9, 2018. An artist's presentation and reception of the exhibit will be held on November 1, from 4-6 p.m. Bucker will also present an artist’s workshop on November 1, 2018 from 1:00-3:15 p.m. in the Evans Center, Room 213B. The exhibit, reception, and workshop are generously funded by the Talbot Street Art Fair and are free and open to the public.

Anna Buckner is interested in exploring the limits of existing structures and systems of logic. Buckner studies grid patterns inherent within the natural world, painting, language, technology and textiles. She aims to disrupt these systems, pushing them to their comprehensible limits in an effort to create space for new visual and poetic possibilities. Buckner’s work is in-between painting, piecework, sculpture, installation, and performance as a way to probe the boundaries of established forms of making.

Anna Buckner was raised in North Carolina. She received a BFA in painting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2012 and an MFA in painting from Indiana University in 2016. In 2014, she completed an apprenticeship in Buddhist Thangka painting in Sikkim, India. She is currently a visiting assistant professor at Michigan State University and co-founder of Command Zine.

The Marian University Art Gallery (Evans Center) is located on the north end of the second floor of the Michael Evans Center for Health Sciences on the Marian University campus. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays.  Please contact the Director of Galleries Crystal Vicars-Pugh at cvicarspugh@marian.edu or 317.955.6665 for additional information.

Birmingham. Selma. Montgomery.

Synonymous with the American Civil Rights Movement, these Alabama cities weathered peaceful protests, acts of civil disobedience, and violent clashes over racial discrimination in the 1950s and 1960s.

From the Montgomery Bus Boycott to the Birmingham Children’s Crusade and protest marches from Selma to Montgomery, these cities were among those at the forefront of America’s decades-long quest for equal rights.

This October, Marian University students and faculty headed south to experience these historic places for themselves—and explore issues that still haunt the nation today.

Over five days and four nights, 32 students and two faculty members traveled the Yellowhammer State. Learning about the history of race relations in the region, the group visited multiple sites including:

• 16th Street Baptist Church
• Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
• Civil Rights Memorial Center
• Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church
• Edmond Pettus Bridge
• Kelly Ingram Park
• National Voting Rights Museum
• The Legacy Museum
• The National Memorial for Peace and Justice

Throughout the trip, they reflected on the nation’s past and its future, considering human equality and civil rights through the lens of Marian University’s core Franciscan values, including peace and justice, dignity of the individual, and reconciliation.

Nearly half of the group was composed of freshmen. Along with two international exchange students, the rest of the group included sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Many are secondary education and history majors, although political science, sociology, psychology, biology, public health, nursing, and students from other majors were also represented.

The trip was connected to an earlier October 2 guest lecture by James Madison, a professor emeritus of history at Indiana University and author of A Lynching in the Heartland: Race and Memory in America.

Madison’s 2003 book refutes the notion that lynching was confined to the southern states. In it, he details the 1930 lynching in Marion, Indiana of two black teens accused of the murder of a young white man and the rape of his white girlfriend.

A mob dragged the two young men from the Grant County Jail to the Courthouse Square where they threw the hanging ropes over the limb of a maple tree. The crime was witnessed by an estimated crowd of about 4,000 Hoosiers. No one was ever punished for the murders.

"Many students were shocked to learn that one of the most infamous American lynchings took place less than a two-hour drive from our campus,” said Dr. Adrianna Ernstberger, assistant professor of history and director of gender studies in the Department of History and Social Sciences at Marian. “Madison’s lecture was powerful. It reminded us that the perpetuation of white supremacy is not just a southern problem.”

Joined by Dr. Wesley Bishop, a visiting professor of history at Marian, Ernstberger led students to significant museums, memorials, and public spaces in Alabama.

“Our goal was to give students a solid understanding of civil rights history in America and help them apply what they learn to contemporary issues of social injustice. As historians, we believe that our nation must understand where we’ve been in order to create new strategies for where we want to go,” Ernstberger explained.

Among the key takeaways for students:

• The Civil Rights Movement isn’t confined to the 1960s. The struggle to end racism in America began long before then and continues today.
• The movement may have been led by noted figures like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and John Lewis, but it was and continues to be sustained by millions of American people who join marches, protests, boycotts, sit-ins, and who are politically active.
• Americans can act to protect civil rights and eliminate social inequality. Students, citizens, and community organizers can build and mobilize social justice movements that make an impact, like the Black Lives Matter Movement.

Thanks to broad support and financial assistance from key campus supporters, the cost of the trip for students was just $250, which included all meals, hotels, museum admissions, and travel expenses.

For more information about bachelor's degree programs offered by the Department of History and Social Sciences, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at admissions@marian.edu or 317.955.6300.

INDIANAPOLIS—Marian University (marian.edu) has commitments of nearly $9 million to open a new Center for Ethics in 2019. The majority of the money raised comes in the form of a lead gift from Frank D. Walker, Chairman Emeritus of Walker Information, and the Walker Family Foundation. The new entity will be called the Walker Center for Applied Ethics at Marian University.

The mission of the Walker Center for Applied Ethics is to advance a more ethical world by improving and evolving the interdisciplinary teaching of ethics and by bridging the gap between research and organizational best practices. Areas of focus will include research, certificate programs for ethics professionals, and a nationally recognized speaker series.

In addition to the Walker gift, Marian University previously received a gift from OneAmerica for the Semler Endowed Chair of Ethics, named for Jerry Semler, chairman emeritus for The Companies of OneAmerica, upon Semler’s retirement from the company. Elsener said that the university will continue to seek additional donors and funding sources for the effort.

“I am so grateful to Frank Walker, the Walker Family Foundation, Jerry Semler, and OneAmerica for adding their magnanimous commitments to create this center,” Daniel J. Elsener, president of Marian University, said. “Their contributions will be returned with increase, and will benefit the community for decades to come.”

“It’s an honor to be associated with the creation of the Walker Center for Applied Ethics,” Semler said. “Having an ethics center at a faith-based institution like Marian University makes perfect sense. This will benefit all Marian students, as well as the community.”

Frank D. Walker started with Walker Information as director of sales in 1960 after serving in the US Air Force. He served in a variety of capacities with the organization founded in 1939 by his mother, Dorothy “Tommie” Walker, before becoming president in 1967 and chairman/CEO in 1983. He turned over day-to-day operations to his son Steve Walker in 1994. During his tenure, Frank was particularly interested in developing research products that measured the ethical culture of business organizations and evaluated the business value and impact of corporate social responsibility.

“Frank’s life, career and company consistently demonstrate the strategic importance of ethics and corporate citizenship,” Ed Bonach, retired chief executive officer, CNO Financial Group, said. “Marian’s Franciscan values provide support to further ethics in our businesses, communities and lives. Walker and Marian are a solid team!”

Walker identified Marian University as the best partner for a new ethics center after contacting seven colleges and universities across Indiana. “During my conversations with Marian University’s leadership, it became apparent that the institution has been committed to values and ethics since inception,” Walker said. “I found it impressive that Marian is already offering a concentration in Ethics, and has hosted the Central States Regional Ethics Bowl on campus since 1999.”

The Walker Center for Applied Ethics will look to collaborate with other ethics centers and organizations, businesses, universities, and community organizations to achieve its mission. Already, a planning committee has been formed; members include representatives from Business Ethics Indiana (BEI), Eli Lilly and Company, Cummins, and Ascension St. Vincent, among others. “We want to collaborate, not compete, with other ethics centers,” Walker said. “We’re not looking to recreate what has already been accomplished. We want to innovate, collectively.”

Fernanda Beraldi from Cummins and Steve Guymon from Lilly are founding members of BEI.  “On behalf of BEI, we are thrilled in the creation of the Walker Center.  This represents a unique opportunity to accelerate the partnership of academics, professionals and the broader community to elevate the understanding of leading practices, collaborative research and practical application of ethics.  We are confident that the Walker Center will be an excellent conduit to share and enhance this field with current and future leaders.”

“In recent years, we’ve seen challenges in business ethics and social responsibility,” Scott Bruns, Indianapolis Managing Partner for Ernst & Young LLP and a member of the Walker Center for Applied Ethics planning committee, said. “Yet studies show that companies that are perceived by the public to be ethical are also the companies that are the most profitable. Through the Walker Center for Applied Ethics at Marian University, we want to connect and collaborate with the community, and help people understand that being ethical isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s good for business.”

The planning committee is currently evaluating potential certificate programs for ethics professionals. Among the topics being considered are Anti-Corruption, Privacy, Risk Identification, Risk Management, and Behavioral Ethics.

“The certificate program will provide real-world applications for business professionals,” Walker said. “We will certainly conduct research and engage in the theory of ethics, but identifying ways to help leaders apply what they’ve learned to improve the ethical culture of their businesses is a top priority.”

“Research has revealed that if a company’s employees think the CEO is ethical, employee loyalty scores increase,” Walker added. “This is especially true of the generation that has entered the workforce in the past decade. Nobody wants to be embarrassed by the company they work for.”

According to Elsener, the next step in opening the Walker Center for Applied Ethics is to hire a search firm to help identify a director. “We want to find someone who will not only serve as the face and voice of ethics on the Marian University campus, but will also represent Marian University at the state and national levels.”

For more information, visit marian.edu/walkerethicscenter.

About Marian University Indianapolis

Founded in 1937, Marian University is proud to be the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana. In 2018, Marian is serving 2,400 undergraduate and 1,160 graduate students earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university’s high-impact, experiential curriculum is designed to provide hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities for students from 45 states and 23 nations. Marian climbed in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Midwestern rankings to be named #10 Most Innovative Regional University, #24 Best Value University, and #38 Best Regional University. Marian University opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013, making i

t the first new school of medicine in the state of Indiana in over 110 years. Marian’s national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football National Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship, and more than 40 USA Cycling national championships
.

Karen Spear, Ph.D., associate professor of philosophy, learned early on that she did not belong in her mother’s world of science and math. In fact, she rebelled against having to figure out the one correct answer and, instead, discovered a fascination for all the unanswered questions.

“Just because a question seems unanswerable doesn’t mean it’s not worth thinking about,” said Spear, who happens to not be just a “thinker.”

 As director of Marian University’s Center for Organizational Ethics, Spear has accomplished plenty. While she admits it was difficult being a “one-person” center, Spear’s efforts established an ethics concentration and minor, an institutional review board, an annual professional ethics lecture, and, of course, the Ethics Bowl at Marian University. On November 3, the 20th annual Central States Regional Ethics Bowl was held on campus.

An Ethics Bowl is a competition of unanswered questions. Teams must argue and defend their moral assessment of complex ethical issues, ranging from business and professional ethics, to personal relationships, social, and political affairs. Marian University has hosted the Central States Regional Ethics Bowl since 1999. Sponsored by the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE), the university is a qualifying site for the National Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl.

The 2013 Marian University team won the second place trophy at regionals and got to compete at nationals. The Central States region is highly competitive, but Spear believes competing at the national level is realistic in the future, especially with the coming Walker Center for Applied Ethics in 2019.

It’s not going to be a one-person center anymore, thanks to a gift to Marian University from Frank D. Walker, chairman emeritus of Walker Information and the Walker Family Foundation, whose mission is to advance a more ethical world by improving and evolving the interdisciplinary teaching of ethics and by bridging the gap between research and organizational best practices.

“Everything is falling into place. Ethics is huge. We have the opportunity to talk shop beyond just best practices and compliance, to explore the most ethical way for our community to be,” said Spear, who is excited about joining forces with ethics professionals in local businesses…and, perhaps, about Ethics Bowl nationals.

Q & A with Karen Spear

What is your recruiting pitch for students considering competing at an Ethics Bowl?

If you are interested in ideas, and if, like me, you think it’s fun to be intellectually engaged, the ethics bowl competition could be for you. It’s a great opportunity to learn how to collaborate and come to consensus with a group of people you may not agree with. And it looks great on a resume.

Our recruiting efforts will likely also be boosted by the new Debating Ethics: Current Moral Issues course which has recently been added to the First Year Seminar curriculum.

What do you most love about Marian University?

I love teaching at a Catholic university where our introduction to philosophy course covers St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, who talk about faith in the philosophical context. Their understanding of being human is that there is something in us that seeks God. I like being able to share that with students.

What is something about you many would not expect?

I love rock and roll. When I was eight years old, I heard the Beatles, and that was it for me. As a teenager, I got into folk music, but now I find myself really enjoying the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. I listen while walking and driving. I find that it centers me, because I’ve been listening to it long enough that, in a way, it’s just home.

INDIANAPOLIS—Marian University (marian.edu) has hired Jeffrey Jourdan to serve as executive director and Dr. Michael Nichols to serve as associate director and dean of its new two-year college. The university announced last month that the new institution will be called Saint Joseph’s College at Marian University—Indianapolis (SJC@MU). Jourdan and Nichols will begin their new roles Nov. 16.

As executive director, Jourdan will implement and continue the development of the two-year college plan, with ultimate responsibility for:  hiring personnel; executing on a branding/marketing effort for the new school; fundraising, fostering relationships with targeted schools, parishes, community organizations, and employers; and final administrative oversight on student recruitment, curriculum development and delivery, and facility/infrastructure improvements. Jourdan will report to the Provost, Dr. Alan Silva.

As associate director and dean, Nichols will assist in the implementation and continued development of the two-year college plan, with ultimate responsibility for:  hiring faculty, development and delivery of the curriculum, and assessment of student and program outcomes.  The Associate Director will also work closely with the Executive Director and other university personnel on student recruitment, student support programming, and facility/infrastructure improvements. Nichols will report to Jourdan.

“In Jeffrey Jourdan and Michael Nichols, we have identified and hired two proven leaders with the requisite experience for launching our new, innovative, and mission-centered two-year college,” Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener said. “Through their leadership, we will provide a much needed additional option for students who want to pursue higher education, but may not be ready for a traditional four-year college.”

Jourdan comes to SJC@MU from Ivy Tech, where he most recently served as executive director, strategic initiatives. He has held a variety of leadership roles since joining Ivy Tech in 2009. Prior to joining Ivy Tech, Jourdan served as a therapist atADULT&child Mental Health Center, and director, Domestic Violence Diversion ProgramatThe New Foundation in Phoenix, Ariz. Jourdan holds a B.A. in Physical Education from Hanover College and a M.A. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Argosy University in Phoenix.

Nichols comes to SJC@MU from Saint Joseph’s College, where he has served since 2011, including his most recent stint as associate vice president for academic affairs and curriculum coordinator. He previously held faculty positions with Purdue University, Ripon College, Northwestern University, and Miami University (Ohio). Nichols earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Saint Joseph’s College (where he was valedictorian), a M.A. in Comparative Religion from Miami University (Ohio), and a Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Northwestern University.

Saint Joseph’s College at Marian University—Indianapolis is slated to open in July 2019. The college plans to enroll 75-125 students in its first class, offering associate degrees in business, information technology, and liberal arts. Flexible class schedules and connections with local employers for internships and jobs will allow students to earn a living wage while they pursue their degree. Graduates will be offered automatic acceptance into Marian University.

For more information about Saint Joseph’s College at Marian University—Indianapolis, visit marian.edu/saintjoeindy.

About Marian University Indianapolis

Founded in 1937, Marian University is proud to be the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana. In 2018, Marian is serving 2,400 undergraduate and 1,160 graduate students earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university’s high-impact, experiential curriculum is designed to provide hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities for students from 45 states and 23 nations. Marian climbed in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Midwestern rankings to be named #10 Most Innovative Regional University, #24 Best Value University, and #38 Best Regional University. Marian University opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013, making it the first new school of medicine in the state of Indiana in over 110 years. Marian’s national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football National Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship, and more than 40 USA Cycling national championships.

About Saint Joseph’s College at Marian University—Indianapolis

In today's global world, being culturally competent is an important asset that can help college graduates distinguish themselves in the employment market and in their chosen professions.

That's why Marian University's Department of Languages and Cultures hosted its second-annual Cross-Cultural Symposium on November 14.

The symposium showcased cross-cultural studies completed by undergraduate students earning degrees in business, education, and the liberal arts and sciences.

Projects and participants

The projects featured in this year's event explore a range of cross-cultural issues—from education to business, the arts, religion, popular culture, holidays, crime, food, healthcare, politics, sports, and law, to name a few.

Many who participated are majoring or minoring in a foreign language, but the event was open to students from all majors. 

Participating projects are organized by category. Those selected as winning entries by judges are noted with asterisks (**). Winners were selected on the basis of the quality of their research and their poster presentations.

Education

• Effective Ways to Educate Hispanic Students in the U.S. Educational System**
  Hope Spaulding
• Culture and Education: Haiti vs. America
  Caylee Maddox and Caitlyn Rigler
• The Education System in Syria and the United States
  Nathaniel Ganger, Elizabeth McClure, and Sarah Witch

French​

• Influence of French Ballet on American Dance
  Brianna Croner, Cora Dale, and Rachel Dukes
• Branching of Catholicism in the United States and France
  Baylee Dill and Jennifer Rowe
• Finding the French in Cajun Food**
  Cameron Adams and Franchessca Cardenas
• The Meals of the Day
  Matthew Burns, Maria Portman, and Zachary Schott
• Halloween Crossover
  Tyler Hargrove, Deena Miller, and Erynne Pope
• Combining Forces: France and Indiana Education Systems
  Emma Gilbert, Zoe Hilger, and Anna Stankovsky
• Rugby vs. American Football: A Growing Passion
  Allan Augustus, Anton Berry, and Mac Dutra
• Cross-Cultural Effect of Revolution on French and American Societies
  Gabriel Michael Proctor
• Evolution: Basketball in France and the United States**
  Kaleb Yeknich
• Citizenship in France and the United States
  Sang U Cung 

German

• Frohe Weihnacten: Christmas in Germany and the United States
  Lisa Hess and Sophia Kalscheur​
• Underground Music and Culture in Germany and the United States**
  Anthony Hamilton and Christian Marszalek
• American Fast Food vs. German Street Food
  Justin W. Brown, Austin Peerman, and Ryan Surguy
• Patriotism in Sports: American Football vs. Soccer in Germany
  Nathan Bogle, Anthony Jagel, and Nicholas W. Rosenow
• The School Systems in Germany vs. the United States
  Quinn Cecil, Reagan Riddle, and Brigette G. Skees
• World War Recycling: America vs. Germany**
  Sydney Mathias, Edythe Thompson, and Benjamin D. Wilson

Latin (Classics)

• The Influence of Roman Law on United States Law
  Seth Abad, Serena Flanagan, and Alex King
• Catholicism: The Last Living Legacy of Rome
  Luke Brown, Nicholas Lindstrom, and Mark Ninmer​
• A Comparison of the Class Reforms of the Roman and Modern American Militaries
  Chris Boswell, Nick Emsing, and Khaing Thu
• Roman Mass Entertainment vs. Modern Mass Entertainment
  Gregory Deadman and Arlette-Marie Munyankindi
• The Catholic Mass of Roman Times: A Comparison of Then and Now**
  Keith Hart, Phillip Rogier, and Tyler Underhill
• How is Roman Sculpture Reflected in American Sculpture?
  Justin Horner, Moira Metz, and Nick Monnin
• Roman and American Attitudes Toward the Dignity of the Soldier**
  Steven Conry, Peter Ponticello, and Isaac Siefker

Spanish

• ​Latino Health Paradox
  Varner Spencer and Aidan Washer
• Differences in Business Practices: The United States vs. Mexico
  Blake Eley, Kylee Kasper, and Maggie Previs
• Holy Week: Spain vs. United States
  Karalyn I. Evans and Joey L. Messer
• Spain-United States: A Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Path to Citizenship
  Sarah Hershberger, Ryan Kehoe, and Lucas Normington​
• Foods of El Salvador
  Charles Crayton II and Riley Ferguson
• Crime in Peru
  Sam Osho, Sierra Schemenauer, and Jomar Seals
• The Costa Rican Military
  Nick Graveel, Trenton Moore, and Andrew Streit
  
• Sinaloas vs. American Crips
  Noah Earl and Merrick Strykowski
• Poverty in Mexico vs. Mississippi
  Anna Getty, Kaitlyn Hill, and Sarah Spangler
• Schools in Argentina vs. Schools in America
  Alexander Fauber, Anna Howard, and Megan Nasser
• The Culture of Drinking in Spain and America**
  Chris Pappas and Julian Santos
• HIV/AIDS Stigma in Latin America vs. the United States
  Justin Butsavage, Jency Joseph, and Hannah Young
• El Chocolate**
  Seth Knoll, Grace McIntyre, and Elizabeth Lewis
• El Templo Mayo en Mexico
  Isabella Simons
• National Parks in Guatemala
  David Langford, Doug Payne, and Morgan Raines
• The Virgin Mary vs. the Virgin of Guadalupe**
  Cameron Cardenas, Dakota Dorsett, and Elizabeth Kassab​
• The Cost of Healthcare: A Comparison of the U.S. and Mexico
  Joy Crawford and Catherine Stone
• Santa Claus, the Three Kings, and Rosca de Reyes: A Christmas Season Comparison of Spain and the United States
  Mason Miranda, Jacey Scales, and Benjamin Spannan
• Political Satire in Valencia and the United States
  Elizabeth Cooley and Esther Ehrstine
• A Peak into Holy Week, Comparing Mexico and the United States**
  Gracie Hamilton, Noah Isch, and Lauren Kenney​
  

Study abroad

• Comparing the Teaching Profession in Korea and the United States
  Micayla Watroba

For more information about the symposium or the Department of Languages and Culture, contact Dr. Wendy Westphal at ​wwestphal@marian.edu or (317) 955-6026.

Eight outstanding school seniors from Indiana and Ohio have been awarded full-tuition scholarships to Marian University.

Each year, the university invites some of its top undergraduate applicants to compete for its prestigious Saint Mary Academic Scholarship. The award covers tuition expenses for all four years.

This year, 78 students were selected to compete for the Marian scholarship based on their academic accomplishments, community service, and extracurricular activities. They participate in campus interviews with faculty and staff.

The 2019-20 Saint Mary Academic Scholarship recipients are:

• MADISON ALTMAN
  North Montgomery High School | Crawfordsville, Indiana
  Intended major: Biology

• WILLIAM BLAGBURN
  Greenfield Central High School | Greenfield, Indiana
  Intended major: Accounting

• RACHEL NOBBE
  Greensburg Community High School | Greensburg, Indiana
  Intended major: Nursing

• EMILY PARSONS
  Mother of Mercy High School | Cleves, Ohio
  Intended major: Secondary education

• KATHERINE STEGEMANN
  Avon High School | Avon, Indiana
  Intended major: Nursing

• GAVIN THOMPSON
  Carmel High School | Carmel, Indiana
  Intended major: Chemistry​

• LILLIAN THOMPSON
  Morristown Jr./Sr. High School | Morristown, Indiana
  Intended major: Biology

• MARY TIMM
  North Putnam High School | Bainbridge, Indiana
  Intended major: Psychology

"The academic profile of incoming Marian University students as measured by GPA and college entrance exam scores, has improved every year over the last five years," Paul Woolston, vice president of enrollment management, said. "Not surprisingly, the competition for the Saint Mary's Academic Scholarship is getting more intense each year as well. I'm excited about these recipients. There's no doubt they will be leaders in their communities and successful in their chosen career fields."

Marian welcomed its largest freshman class in 2018, a 26 percent increase over 2017. The university's enrollment team believes the 2019-20 fall semester could once again bring record enrollment since admission applications are currently ahead of the same time in 2018.

Applications for the fall 2019 class are still being accepted at marian.edu/apply.

Has a new campus tradition been born? Marian University Knights took a frigid “Polar Plunge” to benefit Special Olympics of Indiana on December 7 and, by all accounts, had a great time doing it.

The event was all part of the learning experience for BUS 209: Quantitative Analysis of Business, a semester-long, nine-credit course that’s a key component of the Byrum School of Business undergraduate curriculum.

The students spent their semester engaged in marketing, management, and statistical research in order to analyze participation rates in Special Olympics of Indiana (SOIN) fundraising events.

“The course requires students, most of whom are sophomores, to complete background research, interviews, and a quantitative survey in order to solve a business problem for a real client,” explains Assistant Professor of Marketing Joel Hall.

The BUS 209 students investigated three aspects of SOIN fundraising operations:

1. Best practices in event planning and management, including why some types of events raise more funds than others.
2. How to improve retention and participation among its annual Polar Plunge participants, including recommendations for growing the current 30 percent retention rate.
3. Suggestions for promoting SOIN’s founding in 1969 and its upcoming 50^th anniversary

They were also tasked with planning and managing a 2019 Polar Plunge at Marian University. The pool was located on the circular drive outside of the Physical Education Center, where participants could register, change into bathing suits, and hang out for an “After Splash Bash.”

“The students had a lot to accomplish in 15 weeks. They split into three teams, each with its own focus, although cross-team collaboration and multitasking was an important learning goal. Early weeks were spent studying and applying a range of research and statistical techniques as well as engaging in client meetings, conducting interviews, and finalizing a survey. After that, they focused on event planning and logistics, securing participant registrations and donations, analyzing survey results, and producing project deliverables including a final report,” Hall says.

To make it convenient for all Marian students to participate, the Polar Plunge took place on Reading Day, a day without classes (and Marian tradition) that’s held the last Friday before final exams. Despite chilly temperatures, it was a successful event, raising more than $4,200 for SOIN.

“Having a fun, interactive event as part of their coursework attracted the students. They got to meet several SOIN athletes who were in attendance and get more insight into what it means to be a person with special needs. But they also learned about how planning and details matter. They had to solve some last-minute issues, which caused them a bit of stress at times. But that’s one of the things we want to help them learn to manage—they are now better prepared to head into the working world where last-minute problems can and do occur,” notes Hall.

Hall says he hopes a Polar Plunge to benefit SOIN will become an annual Marian University tradition that a student club or group will adopt.

For more information about business majors and courses at Marian University, visit marian.edu/business.

An important part of Marian University's mission is focused on providing all undergraduates with personal attention from faculty mentors and opportunities to engage in scientifically robust activities before graduation.

Each fall, the College of Arts and Sciences hosts a research symposium to showcase the breadth and depth of achievement among its students. 

Participants include students earning degrees in fields like biology, chemistry, genetics, the humanities (which typically include languages, literature, history, and philosophy, among others), mathematics, microbiology, psychology, sociology, and similar subjects.

Projects and participants

This year, there were a total of 51 unique research projects which are listed here by category. 

Advanced biology

• Analyzing Animal Intake at Indianapolis Animal Care and Control
  Whitney Zuercher, Allie Timmerman, Cassandra Vance, and Kennedy Adams

• Influence of Predator Scent in Shaping Beaver Foraging Habits
  Logan Clonce and Bradley Mullings

• Selective Inhibition of Aspartate Aminotransferase by L-Cycloserine in the Presence of Vitamin B6
  Leah Noe, Jansen Nicole, and Tretter Bryson 

• The Effects of Sexual Dimorphism on Toxic Prey Avoidance in the Chinese Praying Mantis, Tenodera sinensis
  Emma Swartz, Sophie Podgorski, and Tisa Steinmeyer

• Determining the Impact of Biological Scale on the General Public’s Understanding of Cancer Metastis
  Hagar Weinstein, Danielle Schroeder, and Ruthann Gorrell

• Investigating the Impact of Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) on the Growth and Mortality of Dragonfly Larvae (Anisoptera)
  Jessica Sobers and Logan English

• Changes in Glucocorticoid Metabolites in White-Tailed Ptarmigan Following Artificial Stress Stimuli 
  Allison Bryant

• Exploring the Education of Cancer Metastasis: Development and Evaluation of Informative Text
  Abigail Burnett and Emma Carlton

Cell biology

• SF9 Cell Metabolism of Nicotine with Varying Sugar Diets
  Julia Robson, Kennedy Adams, and Siera Stuart

• Analyzing the Efficacy of Natural Baby Soaps for the Elimination of Bacterial Colonization on Bath Toys
  Abigail Rost, Jacqueline Benitez, Mira Nicpon, and Katelyn McLaughlin

• Vitamin E: A Possible Preventative Measure for CTE
  Dylan Roth and Cameron Dargis

• The Effects of Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Yeast-Absorbing Creatine in Varying Concentrations of Salinity
  Kadin Abegg, Devin Humes, and Joe Happe

• The Effect that Docosahexaenoic Omega-3 Fatty Acid has on Intestinal Microbiome and its Relationship to Age-Related Macular Degeneration
  Andrea Nunez, Macy Willoughby, and Sydney Mathias

• Clostridium Butyricum: The Effect of Catalase Concentration in a Normoxic Environment
  Catherine Schmidt, Luke Sartino, Luisa Luttmann, and Morgan Raines

• The Effects of Sugars on Lactobacillus casei Growth
  Alexis Felty, Sidney Gerkin, Taylor Kowalski, and Parker Williams

• Analysis of Leaf Economic Spectrum Differences in Native and Invasive EcoLab Species
  Sarah Downing, Adam Brinkman, Claire Bossert, and Randell Bruns

Genetics and microbiology

• Cloning CCA1 in Yeast to Understand Sideroblastic Anemia
  Hali Shaffer, Brooke Spencer, and Brandi Williams

• Enhanced Surveillance of Staphylococcus spp. to Identify Targets for Infection Prevention
  Ryleigh Schwein, Journey Fischbeck, and Jacqueline Benitez

• Personal Hygiene and Occurrence of Staphylococcus spp. in our Environment
  Aidan Washer, Laura Haunert, Deena Miller, and Rayna Onate

• Using Yeast SPS1/X-Men As A Model to Study Human Immunodeficiency
  Jon Waldron, Inga VanMeter, and Monica Dudley

• Occurrence and Distribution of Bacterial Indicators and Pathogens in Our Environment
  Sydney Mahias, Kaylee Carpenter, and Devin Humes

• Changes in Glucocorticoid Metabolites in White-Tailed Ptarmigan Following Artificial Stress Stimuli
  Ariyanna Casey

• Enabling studies of Human Immune Disfunction using Yeast Gene OTS3/UNGI
  Mary Dulu and Bindiya Pandya

• Antibiotic Resistance Coming Soon to a Pathogen Near You
  Mackenzie Altman, Catherine Stone, Tamia Mills, and Lindsey Layman

Humanities

• Dramaturgy Poster
  Thomas O'Neil

• Civil Rights History Program: Birmingham, Selma, & Montgomery: The Role of Franciscan Values
  Abby Fralich

• Community Centers' Effects on the Determinants of Health: Improving Community Mental Health
  Allisandra Potts-Kummer

• Seeming and Scheming: Machiavelli’s Fox in Macbeth
  Sarah Meer

• Thomas Malthus' Theories of Unsustainabilty
  Grace Von Lehman

• Examining the Civil Rights History Field Trip
  Elizabeth Poynton and Abigail Spitler

Independent research

• Development of a Novel Laboratory Approach for the Colorimetric Detection of Vitamin C
  Paula Angarita, Devan Gabbard, Kegan Main, and Katherine Timmerman

• Thermosensitive Hydrogels Physically Linked with Chitosan-β-cyclodextrin Loaded with Curcumin Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
  Nathan Dimmit

• Effects of Cationic, Anionic, and Non-Ionic Surfactants on Oil-in-Water Microemulsions: Studies Using Turbidimetry and PFG-NMR
  Daniela Alaniz and Tuong Thai

• What Natural Soil Type Produces a High Yield for Crop Growth
  Inga VanMeter

• Studies of Radiation Damping Effects in NMR Relaxometr
  Anders Nystrom

Mathematics and internships

• Geometrical Investigations of Pythagorean Triples
  Cierra Carney

• Internship in Chemistry
  Derek Lewis

• Mathematical Investigations of Titrations in Chemistry
  Marta Morris

• Internship in Chemistry
  Melissa Sturgill

Psychology and sociology 

• Winning the Lottery: How Family Background Shapes Where Kids Go to School
  Shelby Robertson

• How Police Interactions Impact the Communities They Serve
  Maverick Bacon

• On the Impact of Academic Performance by Semester: Student Mood & Academic Self-Efficacy
  Katja Barnes and Anna Chrzanowski

• Navigating Gendered Selves in the Twitterverse: The Constructs That Bind Us
  Milo Sonntag

Thank you for everyone’s generous efforts which resulted in another year of monumental progress for Marian University. Here’s a look at our top 2018 moments.

1. We enhanced and opened new facilities, including the Dining Commons, weight room, arena/convocation center, and the Drew Family Health and Fitness Center.

2. We awarded a record 933 degrees at commencement.

3. Our incredible students received prestigious scholarships to study abroad.

4. Our education students traveled to South Korea.

5. We received our first grant from the National Institutes of Health.

6. We welcomed our largest freshman class in university history.

7. We climbed significantly in US News & WorldReport best colleges rankings.

8. We announced Saint Joseph’s College of Marian University—Indianapolis, our innovative two-year college.

9. We announced the Walker Center for Applied Ethics, a center made possible by a generous gift from Frank D. Walker.

10. We celebrated the incredible transformations that have occurred at our university.

11. We raised nearly $110 million towards our Forging Leaders: The Legacy We’re Made For initiative, a fundraising campaign that will help us transform the next generation of leaders for service to the world.

INDIANAPOLIS—Marian University (marian.edu) announced today that Father Barry Fischer, C.PP.S. has been hired to serve as campus chaplain. Fr. Barry joins Marian from Saint Joseph’s College (Rensselaer, Ind.) where he most recently served as Rector. His official start date at Marian University is March 1, 2019.

As campus chaplain, Fr. Fischer will be responsible for promoting a vibrant sacramental life on campus; supporting the growing practice of Eucharist Adoration; collaborating with the Campus Ministry team to promote the spiritual growth of all students, and; promoting the Catholic faith tradition throughout university life. Additionally, Fr. Barry will support the recently announced Saint Joseph’s College of Marian University – Indianapolis, a mission-based collaboration he helped establish when Rector in Rensselaer.

Born in Columbia, Penn., Fr. Fischer entered the minor seminary of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood in 1960. He studied philosophy at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Ind., and, following graduation, began his missionary life in South America. He completed his theological studies at the Pontifical Catholic University in Santiago, Chile and was ordained a priest there in 1973.  He served in various ministries in Chile for 20 years. In 1989, he moved to Guatemala to care for the congregation’s seminarians. That same year he was elected to the position of General Councilor for his community and in 1995 was elected the Superior General of the Missionaries. He served two terms as Moderator General of the worldwide Congregation from 1995-2007.  He then moved to Salzburg, Austria where he lived for 10 years, establishing an International Center for Precious Blood Spirituality. Fr. Fischer returned to the U.S. to serve as vice president for mission and ministry at Saint Joseph’s College, and was named Rector of Saint Joseph’s College when the institution suspended operations in 2017.

“Fr. Barry Fischer brings a wealth of experience to Marian University,” Adam Setmeyer, vice president of mission and ministry, said. “The extensive time he spent serving in Latin America, as well as Superior General of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, will prove invaluable to our efforts. I am thrilled that Fr. Barry will be joining our Marian University community, and all that he will bring to our community.”

About Marian University Indianapolis

Founded in 1937, Marian University is proud to be the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana. In 2018, Marian is serving 2,400 undergraduate and 1,160 graduate students earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university’s high-impact, experiential curriculum is designed to provide hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities for students from 45 states and 23 nations. Marian climbed in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Midwestern rankings to be named #10 Most Innovative Regional University, #24 Best Value University, and #38 Best Regional University. Marian University opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013, making it the first new school of medicine in the state of Indiana in over 110 years. Marian’s national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football National Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship, and more than 40 USA Cycling national championships.

With the start of the 2019-20 academic year, Marian University undergraduates who minor in a foreign language can choose from two tracks.

Thanks to a newly revised curriculum, students can add these minors to their plans of study:

• French for the professions
• French studies
• German for the professions
• German studies
• Spanish for the professions
• Spanish studies

According to Dr. Wendy Westphal, chair of the Department of Languages and Cultures and director of the university's study-abroad program, "In increasingly globalized industries like healthcare and business, employers want and need employees who can speak more than one language."

What are the major differences between the two tracks?

The "for the professions" minors train students to be effective written and verbal communicators in the workplace. Students will explore industry-specific language, words, and phrases and learn how to interact with colleagues, customers, and patients in a variety of professional contexts. They will also produce relevant business documents, like resumes and correspondence.

Westphal says students who choose for the professions minors will participate in project-based experiential learning, like investment simulations on the DAX, Germany's blue-chip market for stocks that are traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. They will visit organizations like the German American Chamber of Commerce and the Goethe Institut in Chicago. Locally, they will tour German-owned firms like Indiana Veneers Company.

In comparison, the "studies" minors are focused on the literature, film, history, art, and general cultural aspects of each language. Courses in these minors are focused on building general cross-cultural knowledge and awareness in addition to developing language proficiency.

Westphal notes both tracks are focused on continuous improvement and proficiency in four key areas: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

"Students who study a language at Marian learn to appreciate the impact and importance of other cultures. In Indiana, for example, foreign investment makes a big impact on the state's economy. The number of international businesses with French, German, and Spanish owners and investors in our state is impressive. Faculty emphasize local connections in their courses," Westphal adds.

For more information about language minors at Marian University, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at (317) 955-6300, (800) 772-7264, or admissions@marian.edu.

INDIANAPOLIS — During the most recent meeting of the Marian University board of trustees, a unanimous vote was cast to extend the contract of President Daniel J. Elsener through the 2024-25 academic year, university officials announced today. The length of the contract coincides with the university’s Strategic Plan 2025, which was unveiled in fall 2015.

“I am excited about Marian's bright future under Dan's leadership,” Michael Becher, president of Marian University’s board of trustees, said. “Securing Dan's leadership of Marian University through 2025 will ensure we meet the goals of our ten year strategic plan. The Board of Trustees shares my excitement and is pleased to share Dan's bold vision for Marian University.”

President Elsener joined Marian University as its eighth president in August 2001. His academic preparation, professional experience as a lifelong educator, and leadership in community and national efforts have been a great benefit to Marian University, Indianapolis, and beyond. His life in educational leadership began with a bachelor's degree in political science from Nebraska Wesleyan University, followed by a master's degree in education administration from the University of Nebraska and further graduate studies at Kansas State University, Washburn University, Wichita State University, Kansas Newman University, and St. Meinrad.

Prior to serving at Marian University, Elsener served as a teacher, high school principal, superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Wichita in Kansas, Secretary/Superintendent of Catholic Education for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, and Executive Director of the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation.

During President Elsener’s tenure, Marian University has achieved tremendous growth. Marian currently serves the largest enrollment in the university’s history, with 4,400 students from 40 states and 34 nations served in the 2018-19 academic year. In 2013, Marian University opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine, just the second medical school in Indiana and the first to open in the state in 110 years. Fueled by a powerful vision of forming transformational leaders for service to the world, Marian University has been nationally recognized as one of the fastest-growing colleges and universities in America. This leadership vision is providing an exceptional education to the university’s students, bringing innovations to the critical professions of healthcare, education, business, ministry, and also the larger wellbeing of the community and economy. The campus has been transformed over Elsener’s time as president, with many bold initiatives and new buildings being constructed to accommodate these dynamic programs and the burgeoning student population, including facilities for health sciences, business, a student center, dining commons, graduate student apartments, a fitness center, and an arena/convocation center. The university recently launched a daring move to raise the impact of the successful Marian University School of Education to national prominence. The Klipsch Educators College is at the forefront of innovation in recruiting and developing exceptionally talented educators for service to K-12 schools. And Marian has also achieved success in athletics during President Elsener’s term, including the creation of a football program that played in three NAIA national championships in its first 10 years, winning twice.

President Elsener’s vision for enhancing Marian University’s ability to serve its students and community will continue to expand in the coming years. This summer, Marian, with the help of the Saint Joseph’s College Rensselaer community, philanthropists, and businesses, will open a groundbreaking new two-year college, branded Saint Joseph’s College of Marian University – Indianapolis. Later in 2019, Marian will open the Walker Center for Applied Ethics with the vital mission of advancing a more ethical world by improving and evolving the interdisciplinary teaching of ethics and by bridging the gap between research and organizational best practices. Elsener will also focus efforts on financing the Sisters’ Legacy Fund, which will contribute mightily to the support of Marian’s founders, the Sisters of St. Francis Oldenburg, and the faith values and deep sense of mission that laid the foundation for the current success of Marian University.

“It’s been an honor to serve as the president of Marian University for the past 18 years, and I’m thrilled to serve with an outstanding Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, alumni, community partners, and most especially the Sisters of St. Francis of Oldenburg in advancing the professional, cultural, social, and economic wellbeing of central Indiana and beyond,” President Elsener said. “I have, with the support of my family, been able to follow my calling to advance the mission of Catholic education. To serve another six years and possibly more in this dynamic, fast-growing and mission-centered Catholic university is a great blessing and privilege. To paraphrase Saint Francis of Assisi, we have done little compared to what we still can accomplish. The opportunity to further our vision of educating transformational leaders for service to the professions and common good excites me beyond what mere words can describe.”

About Marian University Indianapolis