June 2007 Development Newsletter

Article Body: Good things happen for those who wait, and if you don't think so, then reflect back on the just-concluded school year at Graceland University. Hello and welcome to the June edition of the Development office newsletter.

Long-time GU professor and administrator Dr. Steven L. Anders ('73) held down the fort starting in August 2006 while a very dedicated and meticulous presidential search committee pored over resumes and letters of recommendation to find the right person for the permanent job. In the end, the Board of Trustees selected a gentleman who is no stranger to the roadways of Lamoni and the pathways of Graceland. Please read Sellars Gets the Nod to enjoy the full story.

As if we didn't have enough on our emotional plates at the end of the merry month of May, what a grand graduation. Get this, a record 807 diplomas were signed, sealed, and delivered on an absolutely gorgeous southern Iowa day, May 20. GU Board of Trustees Chair Ken McClain delivered a memorable commencement address. McClain gave every grad a copy of the long-time children's favorite, Green Eggs and Ham. McClain used the story to drive home his key point - that we should never be afraid to be terrible at something especially if it's our passion, that perseverance will certainly win out in the end. You can click on the photo to enjoy a few shots from a very special day.

The night before graduation is always awesome with the annual Alumni candle lighting ceremony. It happens just after dark right there on the brick plaza leading up to the grand old Higdon Administration Building. Those who have long since walked the stage welcome the brand new alumni to the fold. You really need to come back to Lamoni to enjoy this.

What you really would have enjoyed was seeing faculty and staff competing on the Monday after graduation for the ultimate challenge. Somebody thought it would be a great idea to stage the Blue 'n Gold Games pitting different departments against each other. I need to come clean and tell you that after a strong start under fearless leader Kelly Everett our Development team faded and had better luck at chow line seconds. We can report in this newsletter that no one was injured and cooler heads did prevail. Isn't that the Graceland way? See what I mean by clicking on the snapshot.

The more serious Blue and Gold competition with a Graceland flavor happened weeks before graduation. The third annual alumni and friends golf outing now called "The Yellowjacket" took place at the luxurious Rancho de los Cabelleros Resort in Wickenburg, Arizona. This is a major fundraiser for GU athletics and boy did we shoot a good score this year. All told, a tad over $20,000 was raised for the Yellowjacket Club. This year's target project is a remodeling of the men's and women's soccer locker rooms. Fore!

Who shines in this month's Graceland Investor Spotlight, you ask? That's easy because 2+1 equals 3. In this case, ladies and gentlemen, that's 3 as in $3 million. We salute Robert and Nora Ackerley and Leland and Carmen Ackerley of Houston, Texas. All they've done is add another $1 million to their previous $2 million gift a few years ago to set up the very prestigious Ackerley Computer Science and Technology Scholars program. You can read more by clicking on Ackerley Scholars Rock.

Incidentally, isn't it time your family made a summer splash with a spectacular gift to Graceland? Hey, every gift, big or small, is spectacular to us. We are still crunching the numbers before we can accurately report to you how well Graceland fared under the Matching Challenge Grant program. Please look for that in next month's newsletter. Right now you can check out the very latest on the Science and Technology Center Project just by clicking the link, and if the time is right, go ahead and make your gift today. FYI, we still have many affordable naming opportunities in the state-of-the-art building starting at $20,000. You can make that gift with a multi-year pledge. Please don't laugh when I say, it's never been easier to make a gift to the University you love.

Before I run out of time, let's pass along our Estate Planning Tip of the Month. Are you making travel plans this summer? Is your will up-to-date? Are your assets properly listed in the name of the trust? Are your personal representative and power of attorney still willing and able to serve? Be sure the beneficiary designation lists the right person and/or charity on your pension plan, IRA's, insurance policies, 401k, etc., because not all assets are controlled by your will. When you review and update your plan, please remember to include Graceland University in your will. For the best strategies contact Ed Fredenberg, Director of Gift Planning, at 1-800-645-3582 or edfreden@graceland.edu.

High five congratulations are in order for Graceland students Katie Waugh and Eric Mercer. Both have been accepted in the Des Moines Arts Festival this summer. This is quite an accomplishment since only a handful of emerging artists make the final cut from over 1400 applicants. If you're in the area, come see their incredible displays at the festival June 29 – July 1. Details are available at GU Artist Shine.

Isn't it nice to know that anybody can come to Homecoming? Graceland's version happens this year on September 28-30. Remember the honor classes this time around are '57, '67, '72, '82, '87, and '97. Spend some time on the Graceland internet home page, http://www.graceland.edu//, or simply park your mouse on Homecoming 2007 to learn so much more about what is always an awesome weekend in Lamoni.

Until next month, be safe and GO GRACELAND!
Event Date: 6/30/2007 9:05 AM