Anderson University To Host Commencement May 4
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Anderson, Ind. — Anderson University will hold its annual Commencement ceremony at 2 p.m. May 4 in the Kardatzke Wellness Center (KWC). This year’s ceremony will once again combine aspects of Baccalaureate and Commencement into one celebration.
“We are excited for our hundreds of graduates as they embark on the next phase of their life’s journey, whether starting their careers or graduate school,” said Anderson University President John S. Pistole. “We’re grateful to our outstanding faculty and staff who have walked with these graduates and worked with them to accomplish their goals. AU continues to make a difference for good in the world with these current grads.”
Kristian Andersen ’96 will serve as the Commencement speaker. Andersen is currently a co-founder and partner at High Alpha – a venture studio that conceives, launches, and scales technology companies. Prior to High Alpha, Andersen founded Studio Science – a leading design and innovation consultancy that he sold to an investment group in 2019. Andersen is an active angel investor and previously co-founded Gravity Ventures, a seed-stage venture fund, and a number of software companies, including Octiv, Lessonly, Visible, and Pathagility. In addition to serving on several corporate boards, he is actively involved in a number of philanthropic and nonprofit endeavors.
Brian Martin will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker. Martin is a grateful, joyful, devoted believer in God who loves to share the love, truth, and grace of God to those around him. God has empowered him to earn a bachelor’s in Bible and religion from Harding University, a master’s in theological studies from Anderson University, and pursue a doctorate in global leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. Martin has been working at AU since 2014 and he currently serves as the director of AU’s Center for Intercultural Engagement.
Honorary degrees will be presented to Deanna K. Edwards ’65 and Andersen. Edwards earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Anderson College followed by a Master of Education from Ball State University. The wife of Dr. James L. Edwards, she spent 25 years as the first lady of Anderson University where she was an active ambassador to the campus and community, serving on several boards and committees.
“Commencement is always an exciting time to commission the newest set of Anderson University graduates,” said Provost Courtney Taylor. “As these students launch out in faith and leave our campus, it’s amazing to think of all of the ways that God will use them to serve others throughout Madison County, central Indiana, and even to the ends of the earth.”
Those unable to attend Commencement can watch live online. Guests attending are encouraged to be in their seats by 1:30 p.m. The processional will enter at 1:45 p.m.
Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.