President Frederick J. Finks

The lingering gray clouds of winter are giving way to clear blue skies with soft white clouds drifting lazily in the afternoon skies. Even the barren trees of winter don’t look as bad against the sunlight of coming spring. Piles of snow are shrinking in size, which gives rise to the hope that spring flowers can’t be hidden underground for much longer. And the greatest harbinger of spring is not the return of the robin; rather it is the college student who wears shorts and sandals amidst the 40 degree temperatures knowing that summer can’t be far behind.

Spring cannot come too soon. The long winter nights with their numbing cold have taken their toll. The world seems to have been captured in this frozen wintry prison as economies have been shaken and banks failed. Governments of all nations are reacting like ice carvers chipping away at unwanted intrusions to get to their visions contained within. This recession seems different from those of the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and even 2000. Failure to react could result in even more depressing times.

Colleges and universities are not places of safe haven. The freezing effects of budget cuts, layoffs and lower enrollments might just prolong this winter of stress and delay the coming of spring. But we dare not lose hope. Signs of spring abound: the winter thaw will come in the normal cycle of seasons’ change. So, too, will this time pass and bring renewed hope of a better tomorrow. We who serve in institutions of higher learning must remember the value inherent in our educational system that unlocks minds, explores the universe of possibilities and transforms lives. No winter can keep this spring from coming.

Fred Finks, President

Today our country witnessed one of the most powerful moments in world history–the peaceful transition of power as 
Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States.  This event was memorable in more ways than one could imagine.  A charismatic leader challenged the nation and the world to unite in peace. 

Millions gathered on the the Mall to celebrate a new era and to participate in history in the making.  A dream envisioned on the same hollowed ground decades ago became reality with the oath of office of our new president.  Today we began to heal the wounds and scars of our past and exhibit just how great this nation can be.  This is America.

Fred Finks, President

The year of 2008 was anything  but normal.  We were all brought closer to the realization that our world has shrunk in size.  And the saying, “Stop the World I Want to Get Off”  was resurrected by those deeply impacted by the global economic crash.  Very few were spared the effects of the crisis that enveloped the finanical markets and the economies of every nation.

Today closes the chapter on 2008 and at 12:00 AM we will usher in a new year with all the hopes and promises it can bring.  We will witness new inventions, new drugs, new cures for diseases.  We will inaugurate a new president, an African American, who broke through the racism and prejudice of 300 years to reveal that America really is a great nation.  I pray that he will continue to heal our nation and bridge the divisions that have plagued us.

I am grateful for the power of education and the transformation that it brings to those who seek wisdom.  I am thankful to be part of a great university, Ashland University, and those who have dedicated themselves to make it even better.  In this new year, I resolve to be a better citizen of my community, my country and my world.

Exams are over.  Dorms have emptied.  December graduates have walked across the stage and received their diplomas.  The hallways are empty, the classrooms closed.  The campus is quiet while the students have gone home for the holidays. In a few short weeks students will be gathered with family under festive trees with fancy packages.  They will be home for the holidays.

May this Christmas season remind us all of God’s love for us. And as we gather with family may our homes reflect that love.   As the angels sang, “Peace on earth,” so may we experience that abiding peace.

Frederick J Finks

President

All around us are signs of the Season.  The Christmas Tree brightly lit on the chapel lawn greets visitors as they pass by on College, Claremont and King.  Offices throughout the campus are cheered by ornaments and tinsel.  The Festival of Lights opened the season as always with excellence from our choirs.  Timothy Guenther offered an unmatched performance on the organ.  The annual Library Christmas Party brought many faculty, administrators and students from across the campus to sing and of course accompany with jingling bells.

All of us are mindful of the challenges this Christmas season brings to so many in our community and all communities around the world.  Uncertainties continue to creep into the mind as to what the future might hold.  A question on everyone’s mind is “Just how long will this recession last?”

But in the midst of these challenging times, the lights, the tinsel, the trees and carols of Christmas offer a brief respite and the hope of all good things to come.  It reminds us of that night long ago in a darkened stable in a small town in Judea when the world seemed lost and without hope.  It was the gift that would change eternity and bring hope amidst the troubling times.

As we enter this season, let us not forget how very blessed we really are.

Frederick J. Finks
President

We are a grateful nation, giving thanks for God’s bounty and the freedoms that few know throughout the world.  During this time when families gather for the traditional feasts of harvest may we pause to give thanks for all that is good.

One only needs to look around us to see the ebb and flow of life.  Each day we witness the effects of the earth’s rotation as we see sunrise and sunset.  The moon moves across the sky each night in  seamless rotation.  Winter falls upon us as leaves drop and trees stand with limbs bare to the blustery winds, there is only hope for a spring revival.

It is easy to understand order with everything in its place moving like a symphony chorus with beautiful harmony.   We can see the joy that comes from the birth of a newborn and feel the sadness at the death of a beloved grandparent.  Both are the fabric of life, birth and death in an endless cycle.

It’s chaos that’s hard to comprehend.  Our world out of balance makes no sense at all.  The death of a young woman in the prime of her life with a future full of promise simply doesn’t make sense.  The question of “Why?” goes without a plausible response.  We are left in silence, full of confusion.

Our campus will pause today in mourning.  At noon the chapel bell will sound 21 times signifying the years in the life of Giselle Updegraff.  In silence we will remember a life we shared only so briefly, but one that left a memory blazed deeply within.

For the Campus,

Dr. Frederick J. Finks, President

This was Homecoming weekend on the campus of Ashland University.  As usual events began on Wednesday night with the Banana Split and concluded on Sunday morning with the annual Alumni Awards Brunch.  The campus was alive with activities involving Admissions Day, Center for Non-Violence, comedians, class reunions, Eagle Emeriti and induction of the class of ‘58, Homecoming football, Club Rugby, Silent Auction, Homecoming dance, cookout in Fraternity Circle and a social at O’briens.

Homecoming is a time for transitions.  As freshmen enter their college years they come with eager anticipation and hope.  They are young, often immature but full of promise.  These are the years of engagement.  After graduation, many move on to focus on marriage, jobs and families.  Attention turns to their local communities and they become somewhat disengaged with their alma mater.  Then comes Homecoming and the opportunity to re-engage. 

Alumni returned from all over the United States, coming back to see old friends and favorite professors.  Many shared stories of their years at Ashland.  Laughter comes easily as alumni are reunited.

We could not have asked for a better Homecoming weekend;  Perfect weather;  Perfect victories; perfect reunions.  The transitions of engagement, disengagement and re-engagement all wrapped up in a perfect weekend.

The opening ceremonies of the Olympics is this Friday.  Athletes from around the world have converged on Beijing to compete in the summer games.  Representing Ashland University this year is A.G. Kruger, Strength and Conditioning Coach at AU.  A.G. is the only American Athlete in the hammer throw and is the two time winner of the US National Championship.  The also won the Olympic Trials in Oregon earlier this year.

This is just one more instance of Ashland’s presence around the world.  Earlier this summer I had the privilege of representing AU at alumni events in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan.  It was rewarding to see so many of our graduates who live overseas and to hear firsthand their personal stories and journeys.  Ashland is held in high esteem by our sister schools in Korea, Japan and Taiwan.  I was humbled to share in meals and conversations about Ashland’s impact in the lives of so many.

We can be thankful that our University which came from such a humble beginning has grown in such stature to reach around the world in so many ways.  Thanks to all…alumni, donors, friends, church who reach beyond our borders to create our global presence.

Fred Finks, President

Last Saturday on a beautiful sunny Ohio morning, the procession of graduating students gathered with eager anticipation.  The chapel bell announced the impending ceremony.  The AU Band began the familiar march and family and friends filled lawn in front of Founders Hall.  Between 6500 and 7000 attendees gathered to celebrate the accomplishments of undergraduate and graduates alike.  Students were arrayed  in black robes and a sea of colorful tassels.  Smiles were plentiful and laughter flowed easily.  Dr. Peter Linneman challenged students to use the education they received as a springboard to further learning and achievement.

The smiles on the faces of students who walked across Jones Terrace revealed the joy and satisfaction of their accomplishment.  Their eyes were filled with the promise of a future waiting to be discovered.  Their handshake revealed the confidence that they would succeed.  The congratulatory shouts from family and friends became a chorus of celebration.

Thus closure came to the class of 2008 or was it just the commencement of a journey into the future.

Fred Finks

President