Anderson University unveils “Thy Kingdom Come” mural

Anderson, Ind. — Anderson University has unveiled a new mural in Olt Student Center named “Thy Kingdom Come: Celebrating As One”. The mural was completed as part of a collaboration across multiple departments at AU.

“I’m so thankful and excited that the dream of this mural has become a reality because I believe it captures AU’s vision and commitment to follow Jesus and fulfill his prayer, ‘Thy Kingdom Come,’ by being an ethnically diverse, unified campus community that reflects God’s kingdom in heaven as we welcome, accept, love, and celebrate people from all races, ethnicities, and nationalities,” said Brian “B” Martin, director of the Center for Intercultural Engagement (CIE).

Drawing inspiration from the Bible, the mural was based on two scripture verses:

• After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” — Revelation 7:9-10
• Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. — Matthew 6:10

Levi Taylor and Korey Rees, a pair of AU students, had the initial idea for the mural and Martin organized the project. Martin tapped 2012 AU alums Ashley Nora and Jeffrey Jackson for the mural’s design and then leaned on Holly Sims ’09, assistant professor of visual communication design, to coordinate the painting with her students. PACT, CIE, MOSAIC, and the Student Government Association came together to fund the project.

“I was happy to collaborate with B Martin to help bring his vision for a public art piece on campus to life,” said Sims. “Mural projects can be logistically complex, especially for those new to the process, so I enjoyed working as a team in this role. Public art that actively engages the community—especially through student participation—is groundbreaking work.”

The mural, which resides in a heavily trafficked area in the bottom of Olt Student Center, was completed March 24, 2025 and dedicated in an April 4, 2025 ceremony.

“For me, this mural serves as an outward declaration of what AU has always been committed to,” said Rees. “In so many interactions with professors, administrators, CIE events, and chapel speakers, it is clear to me how passionate the AU community is for caring for all of its members and honoring and celebrating the differences that do not divide us, but in fact divine us and allow us to see more of the beauty and power of our God.”

Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 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 for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.