September 2004 Development Newsletter

Article Body: No disrespect to Christmas but at Graceland University this is the "most wonderful time of the year"!

During the last week of August upper classmen welcomed wide eyed newcomers to campus. The largest incoming class, representing 18 Countries and 34 States, has just finished their first week of classes and is on their way to academic greatness.

A few pleasant additions to campus surprised the students upon their arrival on THE HILL. Brand new bathrooms on each floor of the Gunsolley Men's Dorm means private air conditioned showers with awesome handicap accessibility. And the very popular EnterNet C@fe is bigger and better with 12 new computers doubling last year's net surfing fun.

Every fall the student-athletes arrive 2 weeks early to begin preseason. One can hear a collective sigh of relief when 2 and 3 a day practice sessions end with the start of classes. The Football Program has been the talk of campus with possibly the largest and best freshmen recruiting classes in YellowJacket history. Head coach Cris Welch has 115 newcomers battling for spots on the opening day roster. Men and Women Varsity Soccer programs are also gearing up for another banner season along with the Women's Volleyball and Cross Country teams.

And if students are already pulling out hair over tough homework assignments then HOMECOMING 2004 can't be too far away. Mark your calendars for October 1st, 2nd and 3rd. This year figures to be very special with the official dedication of the newest jewel on the Graceland campus, The Helene Center for the Visual Arts. Ribbon cutting is set for the Sunday of Homecoming weekend and a worship service is scheduled to honor the spiritual and cultural significance of art in the Shaw Center. A reception and tours will follow.

Also on the busy Homecoming schedule is the official launch of the Graceland Forever fundraising campaign along with the revival of the Alumni College. The Alumni office has lined up presentations from 4 distinguished Graceland graduates on subjects ranging from global intelligence, ice age history, stone carving and wheel-thrown pottery techniques.

Indeed it is "the most wonderful time of the year"!

Go Yellowjackets!

Sincerely,
Your Development Officer
Event Date: 1/10/2005 2:35 PM