The winds of change have blown over the Graceland University campus since the last time we spoke. Ambassador John Menzies has resigned as our 16th President. John Menzies officially stepped down on August 5.
The Board of Trustees has named Dr. Steven L. Anders as acting President. John will be available to assist Steve through the end of the year and said, "I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve as Graceland University's President over the past four years...It will be one of the treasures of my life to reflect on the time I spent here, especially in the company of the students." Please read the whole story by clicking on Amb. John Menzies Resigns as Graceland President. A search committee is forming to look for John's successor.
We didn't have to look too far for dedicated faculty and staff to help new students move in the weekend before Labor Day. Classes actually began August 29 and both the Lamoni and Independence campuses are once again full of excitement and anticipation. It's always fun checking out the "deer in the headlights" look on the faces of the freshmen. See for yourself by enjoying some of the pictures the Development staff took by clicking on Student Move in Day.
And if the newcomers seem just a tad overwhelmed now, wait until Homecoming gets here...oh jeez...that's just a few weeks away. "Jacket Fever-Catch the Buzz" is this year's theme and it promises to be a real blast. We don't want to hear that you can't come because there is not enough time to make travel plans. You can still make that trip to Lamoni you've been talking about for years. Just park your mouse on Homecoming 2006 and click away for all you need to know about coming back to "the Hill." Maybe this will entice you...the Homecoming musical is "Some Enchanted Evening." Larry "Gator" Rivers, formerly of the Harlem Globetrotters, is also bringing a talented cast of characters to take on GU alumni. Wouldn't your kids just love that?
How sweet would it be to boast a World SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) Championship come Homecoming? Indeed, Graceland's team is set for the trip to Paris, France next week focused on the Final Four presentations on Wednesday, September 13. We have a full story about the drive for a World Title at Excitement builds as SIFE team prepares for Paris. You will also be able to logon to the Graceland University Web site daily for timely updates on our drive to win the whole enchilada. If you are making the trip to cheer SIFE on then make plans to attend the Alumni reception September 14. Get this...the Final Four presentations will be web cast live by SIFE at www.sife.org. Go Team...Fight...Win! (to steal a line from the Graceland Cheerleaders). Kudos to all of you who sent cash gifts to Graceland to help make the SIFE team's trip to Paris possible. The first $20,000 you sent in was actually matched by an anonymous friend of Graceland. Now that's real team work!
You'll absolutely love the team of students making ready for the annual Graceland Fall Phonathon. Student callers visited with over 6,000 households last year, updating alumni and friends about campus news, updating records and landing support for the very important Graceland Annual Fund. It's that time of year again and we'd like to suggest that if you would rather make a gift at a time that is best for you...before the students call...just click on Make a gift today or call 1-800-645-3582 to give by debit/credit card. When the students call, pick up the phone and enjoy getting to know your fellow Gracelander.
Not only will Graceland be getting a new President but we already have a new man at the helm of the Board of Trustees. We shine our Investor Spotlight on Independence attorney Ken McClain, a proud member of the Graceland Class of 1979. Ken and his wife Cindy just committed $500,000 from their estate as a deferred gift to the University...which is a spectacular way to join the Heritage Club. This gift to the Graceland Forever Campaign along with their family's previous $500K cash commitment to the Science and Technology Center qualifies for a $1 million dollar naming opportunity. Hence forth...we unveil the McClain Administrative Center Offices.
So, you thought your Graceland Winter Term days were over? Picture yourself in front of the three-story library in ancient Ephesus! This could be you next January if you hurry up and register for the winter term trip: "Explore Turkey: Religions Ancient and Modern." Religion professor Dr. Priscilla Eppinger is planning a marvelous trip to explore sites important to Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The group of students and alumni will also meet local leaders and engage in interreligious dialogues. For more information about the trip, go to http://www.travelillume.com/trc/egu/. Questions regarding registration can be directed to Dr. Priscilla Eppinger at Eppinger@graceland.edu or 641/784-5154.
Our Estate Planning Tip of the Month is a continuation of our case for John and Mary we shared in our last edition of the newsletter. As you'll recall, John and Mary Jones enjoyed a good life. They bought an initial starter home, but as their children grew older they sold that residence, rolled over the gain and acquired a second home. Their current residence is the third home they've purchased. It is now worth approximately $1.8 million with a cost basis of $200K. John and Mary have decided they no longer need the big home and would be quite happy with a smaller retirement condominium. However, they do not want to sell and pay a large capital gains tax. To read about one solution for John and Mary, Click here. Should you and/or your professional advisor wish to speak to Todd Sturgis regarding this or other giving options, please call 1-800-645-3582 or e-mail Todd at tsturgis@graceland.edu.
The new school year brings with it new battles to be fought between the white lines. The Graceland Football team opened up with a 24-7 victory over Avila. We've got pictures at Football Opener. For the scoop on all Yellowjacket teams click on Graceland Athletics.
See you at Homecoming!
