MARTIN MEMONOVEMBER 2017

REFLECTIONSFIRSTSFUTURE

FEATURESREFLECTIONS

FIRSTS

FUTURE

A Word from the PresidentDr. Eugene G. White

Sister Jane Edward SchillingMeeting Sister Jane

Celebrating 40 Years

Martin University’s Circle City Classic Weekend GetUP Mornings with Erica Campbell Circle City Classic Parade

Ribbon Cutting: A Facelift to Martin’s Campus

Advancement: All In For Martin Mr. José Lusende

Martin University’s

mission is to provide

excellence in educating and

developing traditional

and non-traditional students in

an inclusive, supportive

and healthy collegiate

environment.

3

REFLECTIONSA MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Patrons and Dreamers,

This Martin Memo is focused on “Reflections”, “Firsts”, and “Future”. It is a very timely theme and it sets the stage for our next big steps as an institution of higher education. I addressed you as “Patrons” and “Dreamers” because we need your continued support and patronage, but we also need you to keep dreaming because there are still many possibilities and opportunities for Martin University.

In our reflections, let’s continue to look back on our founders for their vision, determination and faith in creating this unique school. We recently had to say a sad farewell to Sister Jane Edward Schilling, the founder who ran the day-to-day operations of Martin Center College and Martin University for the first 30 years of its operations. As we reflect upon the gift she gave us and the legacy she left to guide us, we can honestly say, “Thank You” and God’s Speed. Further reflections enable us to visualize where we currently are and where we want and need to go. It will take time, talent and the treasure of many to get us closer to where we need and want to be. However, the example of Sister Jane and Father Hardin is a bold example of vision, prayer, hard work, and dedication to achieving a dream. Let’s keep that reflection as our guide for the future.

The concept of “First” is easy to understand. However, the work required in achieving “firsts” is often overlooked. The University is now completing its “First 40 Years”, it’s starting its “First Endowment”, it’s planning for its “First Scholarship Dinner”, it’s just completed its “First new parking lot”, and it’s the first full year of a University Advancement Department at the University. These firsts are exciting and bring tremendous promise, but they are only essential first steps in moving the University to a higher level of effective operation and productiveness.

The last thought in the theme of this Memo is “Future”. The future is ours to claim and conquer, but it is not promised to us. We make our future every day in each and everything we do. We can take nothing for granted. The future is captured in vision, planning, hard work, good people, faith and a commitment to make it happen. I thank each of you for helping us to create our future each day.

“Reflections”, “Firsts”, and “Future” are great pieces for a good Martin Memo.

Sincerely,

Dr. Eugene G. White

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MEETING SISTER JANE

In August, 1998, I came to Martin University to register for my first classes. At that time, the Admissions Department and the Center for Adult Education (CAE) were located in the Andrew J. Brown Building, on the lower level. I was excited to finally be returning to college, and especially to be attending a predominantly Black college. On this day, I was accompanied by my son, Corwyn, who was only four years old.

When we entered the CAE, we were greeted by Mrs. Mynelle Gardner. Soon, Dean Craig entered the room, and it was she who facilitated my registration for my first semester. I registered to attend Emancipatry Narratives, ENG 235, U.S. History, and Algebra. Corwyn was well-behaved throughout the entire process. These women were quite vocal in their remarks about his smile, and they engaged him in conversation while I completed the registration process.Just as we finished the process, a short white woman walked into the large room, from one of the offices in the rear. She introduced herself as Sister Jane Schilling, the Vice President of the University. I introduced myself as a new student; then I introduced my son. Sister Jane Schilling asked my son if he were going to attend college, too. He laughed, and said he wasn’t big enough to go to college, yet, because he still had baby teeth. Then, as an after-thought, he told Sister Jane that one of his bottom teeth was loose.

Sister Jane bent down close to my son’s face, and said, “Show me the tooth that is loose. My father was a dentist when I was little girl.”My son opened his mouth and pointed to the loose tooth. Sister Jane Schilling put her finger firmly on the loose tooth, and then wiggled it, in and out, in and out. On the second wiggle out, the tooth came freely from its place in the gum without bleeding, or causing my son any discomfort. She caught the tooth in her left hand, and the both of them laughed as they shared that moment. Then, Sister Jane told my son to wait where he stood. She went back to the office from where she had come, and returned with a book titled The Tooth Fairy.

Sister Jane took the time to explain to my son that this book had a special bag, for when children lose their teeth. Children need to put the teeth into the bag, so the Tooth Fairy can collect them at night. In exchange for the tooth, the fairy would leave something special for the child. She told him everything was in the book, and he should have his daddy read the story to him. He told her could already read for himself. Again, there was laughter. This time, everyone in the room joined in.

That night, Corwyn asked me to read the story to him. When I finished reading, he put the tooth in the bag, just as the story instructed. The next morning, the Tooth Fairy had left a one-dollar bill and a bug ring in the bag, in exchange for the tooth. That book and bag were used a few more times before the bag was lost. But the book was passed on to be used by other children. After that adventure, Sister Jane never failed to inquire about my son. And when I told my son of her passing, he recounted this story, in her memory.

-JL Mize

FIRSTSCELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

On Wednesday, August 9, 2017, Martin University officially celebrated its 40th Anniversary. The 40th Anniversary Dinner Celebration was the University’s anchor event in a year-long celebration that included the April 14th Founders’ Day Luncheon and the October 25th President’s Breakfast. This one of a kind celebration, “40 Years of Service and a Grand Day of Celebration”, provided moments of reflections, introduced a year of “firsts” for the University and provided a picture of a promising future. A dream realized by Founders Fr. Boniface Hardin and Sr. Jane Edward Schilling, the evening celebrated those, who during the University’s 40-year history, went above and beyond to help ensure its future. Strada Education Network was the presenting sponsor for the year-long “Grand Day of Celebration”. Ms. Pat Roe, Vice President for Philanthropy, served as co-chair for the sold-out event. Most noteworthy was the event’s intent to recognize those who during the University’s infancy, supported and nurtured the promise of what it would become and continue to be in the lives of many who have benefited from its environment of support, care and instruction. Honored for support, Dr. Eugene G. White, President, presented the Lilly Endowment, Inc., Mr. Michael Browning, and Mr. James “Jim” Morris with the Founders’ Award. It could be said that without the support of Mr. Browning, Mr. Morris and the Lilly Endowment, Martin University would not have survived some of the darkest periods in its history. Dr. White also recognized Dr. Martin Greenan and Mr. Robert Kolentus and presented each of them with the University Service Award for their dedication to the University. A surprise recognition was bestowed upon Dr. Gene and Mrs. Joanne Sease for their commitment and sacrifice to Martin University. The former University of Indianapolis president, served as a supporter and confident of Fr. Hardin. Dr. Sease spoke with humor and eloquence of the camaraderie shared between the two and the need for the community to continue to support this “hidden gem”. Dr. Sease and Dr. White officially announced the 40 for 40 Endowment, the first-ever endowment created for Martin University in its 40-year history. This great evening of celebration was complete with great music, a silent, special auction, special words of encouragement and anticipation for what the next 40 years will bring.

Martin University would like to thank all of the sponsors and supporters of the 40th Anniversary events.

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MARTIN UNIVERSITY AND CIRCLE CITY CLASSIC WEEKEND

On Friday, September 22nd, Martin University in partnership with AM1310 The Light, kicked off its celebration of Circle City Classic Weekend by hosting “GetUp Mornings” with Erica Campbell. The nationally syndicated GetUp Mornings with Erica Campbell show was broadcast live from the Martin University Fr. Boniface Hardin Gathertorium. The show also featured comedy from Ms. Campbell’s comedic partner “Griff” and a number of popular local talent that performed, including Judah Band, Krash Krew, Demetrius West & Jesus Promoters and others. Other guests on the show included Hezekiah Walker, Tanya Bell of IBE and Martin University’s own Dr. Eugene G. White and Tracey Jackson.

FIRSTS8

Indiana’s only Predominately Black Institution of higher education made its debut in the 2017 Circle City Classic Parade. Martin staff, students, and President, Dr. Eugene G. White, engaged the crowd along the 1-mile parade route. Many Martin Alum provided support along the way.

Parade Partcipants: (staff) Dr. Eugene G. White, Ezell Marrs, Rodney Gunn, Tracey Jackson, Carol Branson, Lydia Morton, Angela Adams; (students) Kevin Perry, Brandon Williamson, RaShon Rush, and Yasmin Reed.

NOW ENROLLING FOR SPRING AND SUMMER 2018!

MY FUTURE STARTS HERE

Martin University offers 14 undergraduate degree programs.

AccountingAddiction CounselingApplied Science*BiologyBusiness AdministrationCriminal Justice*Early Childhood EducationIndustrial ManagementLiberals ArtsPsychologyReligious Studies*Social SciencesSociologyTeachers Education Program*Denotes certifications available.

Martin University offers 2 graduate degree programs.

Community PsychologyUrban Ministry Studies

Martin University is a member institution of the Independent Colleges of Indiana.

Martin students enjoy the benefit of individualized degree plans, personal attention of faculty mentors, and academic programs designed with student development in mind, to ensure each program continues to meet the rapidly changing needs of a global society.

For additional information or to enroll contact a member of the Enrollment Services Team at 317.543.3235 or apply online at www.martin.edu.

WE’RE GROWING! Martin’s campus underwent a facelift that increased its parking lot capacity and provided a more aesthetically pleasing campus. Construction of the revamped parking lot, located on the east side of the campus, began in late August. Completion of the project was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, November 3, 2017. The honor of cutting the ribbon was performed by Board of Trustees Chair, Gregory M. Gill. As the University looks to its future in the Martindale-Brightwood community, plans to improve facilities to better serve its students and the community are part of its long-range strategic plans.

Members of the Martin University Board of Trustees, Administrators, Faculty and Staff

The Martindale-Brightwood Education Zone

Mission Statement

The mission of the Martindale-Brightwood Education Zone is to create a collaborative network of community partners who provide a comprehensive range of services for family and children from pregnancy through the end of grade 6 in 5 fundamental areas of need; Education, Medical Wellness, Mental Wellness, Social Service and Safety.

Vision Statement

All people deserve to live in a community that is vibrant and thriving. The vision of the Martindale-Brightwood Education Zone is to create a safe, respectful and supportive environment by promoting interactive student, family and community engagement.

On this #GIVINGTUESDAY, Monday, November 28, 2017, consider supporting the Martindale-Brightwood Education Zone. Visit www.martin.edu/institutional-advancement to donate or call 317.543.3093.

FUTURE

ALL IN FOR MARTINWhen Dr. Eugene G. White, Martin University President, initiated the “ALL IN FOR MARTIN” annual campaign, he wanted to pay tribute to the University’s founders: Father Boniface Hardin, OSB and Sister Jane Edward Schilling, CSJ. Both founders gave to Martin ALL they had. They went all in for Martin. Dr. White also wanted to invite the community at large to join Martin’s founders in extending their dream and legacy of making higher education accessible to those who could benefit from Martin University’s important mission.

As we celebrate Martin’s 40th anniversary, my thoughts went back to the boldness that an African-American Benedictine monk and a Caucasian nun exuded in 1977 to create this institution. I believe it was more than just boldness. Many observers agree that it was also faith and prayers. Dr. White often says that it took faith and prayer to create Martin University because our founders did not have any financial resources. There was no foundation, no patron, and no endowment. This sentiment was echoed by Father Kenneth Taylor, pastor of Holy Angels Catholic Church and St. Rita Catholic Church. In a recent article published by the Indianapolis Recorder, Father Taylor eulogized the life of Sister Schilling who passed away in September. He wrote, “Sister Jane leaves us a legacy that if you step out in faith, creativity takes place, obstacles can be overcome and great things can happen.”

Martin stands today as a result of the support from the philanthropic community. Many believed in its mission and its value in our society. The last 40 years of service to the community would have not been possible without all who helped Martin. Like the old African proverb goes, “It takes a village.” In this season of saying THANK YOU, we are extending our gratitude to all who have helped Martin along the journey. We invite you to go ALL IN FOR MARTIN so that the University will be here for the next 40 years and beyond. Contact Martin University Advancement Department at 317-543-3093, and we will show you how you can be a part of the “ALL IN FOR MARTIN” movement. You can link your legacy to Martin’s posterity. Both Father Hardin

and Sister Schilling will look down from Heaven and smile.

By José Lusende, CFREDirector of Advancement

Martin University

PHILANTHROPY

Martin University would like to thank all of the sponsors and supporters of the 40th Anniversary events.

University Relations and CommunicationsMartin University2186 North Sherman DriveIndianapolis, IN 46218O: 317.822.3489Email: communicationsdept@martin.edu

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