December 2004 Development Newsletter

Article Body: "Is it Christmas yet?"

Well, actually plenty of shopping days left until the 25th but here in Lamoni we already feel like a number of gifts have been delivered by Graceland University athletic teams.

We kick into our recap with news that the Women's Soccer team had a SEASON FOR THE AGES! The Lady Yellowjackets posted a remarkable, no make that a sensational 18-0-5 record, a Conference championship and a berth in the NAIA Championship tournament in Santa Barbara, California.

GU made it to the FINAL 4 before losing to Lindsey Wilson College of Kentucky 5-4 in a final penalty kick round. Graceland Soccer is now on the map and finished ranked at an all-time best 5th in the nation! Another glass of Holiday punch is in order for Head Coach Kevin Sherry and his dedicated and very talented ladies.

From Futbol to FOOTBALL, the Cris Welch led Yellowjackets became only the 2nd team in school history to nail down 8 victories again just 2 defeats. This benchmark comes only 2 years after we suffered through a winless campaign. Graceland ended tied for 2nd in the Heart of America Conference and was the only NAIA team with 8 victories left out of the playoffs.

A Holiday cheer goes up for Graceland harrier Mark Boswell of Lamoni. He ran his heart out at the NAIA Cross Country Championships in Louisville, Kentucky. Mark finished in the elite TOP 100 which is pretty awesome. Even Santa's Rudolph should be impressed!

And with impeccable timing the new Yellowjacket Club is being formed to raise money for all of the athletic teams to help continue the success of Graceland Athletics. Look for information about the Yellowjacket Club in the upcoming issue of Horizons, or if you would like more information on the Yellowjacket Club and how you can "join the team that supports the teams" let me know and I'll be happy to contact you about it.

Around campus as students make their final push to the end of the 1st semester they can be proud of their outstanding effort for the Graceland Forever Capital Fundraising Campaign. The very popular Penny Wars landed almost $700.

The Education Department is thrilled with the turnout for this year's 12TH annual Writers in the Middle Conference during the last week of November. Nearly 400 junior high students from around Iowa invaded the main campus to sharpen their writing skills. Singer- songwriter Monte Selby was one of the keynote speakers.

On the Development Office side Vice President for Institutional Advancement Sherri Kirkpatrick is back from a 3 week trek to India and China. Sherri put on her nurses cap to work for Graceland's International Health Center project. Not only did she provide additional training for dozens of health workers but she also got the chance to meet a woman she so fondly calls "the barefoot doctor" named Xu.

And if your sleigh is anywhere near Lamoni on December 9th then steer up THE HILL to take in Cantus, one of America's finest professional male vocal ensembles. This widely acclaimed Holiday concert is part of Graceland's very popular Performing Arts Series.

The annual Christmas at The Shaw Center Party occurred on December 5th. It was all about the student band performance, orchestra and choir concert. During the concert they tickled the ivory of a brand new 7-foot Steinway piano. It was a recent gift from a couple of very generous donors. After the concert, everyone moved over to the MSC Main Room for the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. The Main Room was packed with students and families to get their pictures taken with Santa Claus.

Here's hoping you and yours have a happy, safe Holiday Season. I have attached a few pictures from the sports teams but you can click on the direct links listed here to see many more in our photo gallery, our Christmas gift to you!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Office of Development
Event Date: 1/20/2005 2:30 PM