President Frederick J. Finks

Can anyone ever be prepared for the inevitable prospect of death? It really doesn’t matter whether you are lying in a bed at hospice or walking down the street with your wife, when death comes we are never quite prepared. This week, Ashland University lost two beloved individuals.

Maxine Rybolt, a long time friend and major donor of Ashland University, passed on to eternity after spending months at Hospice House. Maxine and her husband, Albert, were gracious and giving to their church, the University and the community. The Rybolt Sport Sciences Center is named in their honor and the recently constructed Rybolt Greenhouse will likewise bear their name. Maxine lived a long life and leaves a lasting legacy behind.

Then today, sad news reached our campus as one of our beloved faculty members died of an aneurysm while walking last night with his wife. Dr. Joe Bailey, Professor of Education Administration, was loved by everyone on our campus and impacted people beyond anyone’s estimation. Joe was easy to talk with, he smiled quickly and joked often. You felt comfortable in his presence as soon as you walked into the room.

Our campus will mourn the loss of two great people who made a difference in the lives of so many and who touched Ashland University in a very unique way.

March 3 ushered in the usual anticipatory rite of looking for Spring. Today brought a brief respite to the howling winds of winter and brought the hope of warmer weather and sunshine. Even though the temperatures rose only to the high 40s, students donned shorts and sandals and spread out across campus.

Spring also brings the excitement of Spring Break with hundreds headed south to warmer weather and sandy beaches. Other AU students will join short term mission projects like Habitat for Humanity. Our AU Jazz Ensemble will fly to Spain. Spring break also sends the women’s basketball to semi-final play in the GLIAC and wrestlers, swimmers and indoor track team members to the NCAA National Championships.

Spring also brings hundreds of prospective students to the campus to see and experience the University first hand. Plan Your Own Day, First Flight and Drive In’s make it possible for prospective students to visit AU. It is all about ExploreAshland.com.

Seasons come and seasons go, but there’s something special about March Madness with spring just around the corner.

Fred Finks

President

You can almost feel spring is in the air even though current temperatures seek to belie the fact. Yet on the Ashland University campus, love is in the air. This has been a week full of love. On Monday, the students of Kem Hall hosted “Fotos with Finks” where students paid one dollar for a picture with the president and two dollars for one with me and Holly. The proceeds were given with love to support cancer awareness. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday the sisters of Alpha Phi sponsored “Cardiac Arrest” by placing a number of us in their “jail” with proceeds going to support women’s cardiac care. Thursday night and Saturday’s basketball games encouraged everyone to wear “pink” for Breast Cancer Awareness. Donations were also accepted for a beloved faculty member undergoing medical treatment.

Ashland University students are some of the best in the nation. They set aside their personal agendas to volunteer for others. What an amazing group of young people to be around! Whether they had me in front of the camera, behind bars begging for bail money or even wearing a pink shirt, I rejoiced that we shared our hearts and love for others.

Congratulations AU students–You’re the best.

Fred Finks, President

The news on the Ashland Campus is all about the announcement of the public campaign for the new athletic complex. Since May, the University has been in the silent phase of a $23 million campaign to build a 7,000-seat football stadium and a 1,000-seat track and soccer stadium. Today it went public. The new athletic complex has been a long time in coming, but will address a critical need to showcase three outstanding sports: football, track and soccer. The complex will also include a 40,000-square-foot End Zone facility that will house offices, locker rooms, meeting rooms, weight room, entertainment areas, equipment and training areas.

Early support has generated $14,800,000 towards the goal of $23,000,000. No specific date for construction has been set and will depend on funding. Bringing Spirit to Campus will be an exciting campaign as it hits the airwaves and crosses the country among friends, alumni and perspective students.

Frederick Finks, President

Last week my Blog dealt with the annual Ashland University Christmas e-card http://ecard.ashland.edu.  As of this posting, we have had over 6.2 million hits on our website that hosts our current and past Christmas cards.  We have also received over 2000 emails from people who have seen the cards.  Take time to read some of the responses we have received.This one from a woman who lost nearly everything in Hurricane Katrina:

It’ s that time of year again when the University Ecard Christmas card is sent around the world.  The card hit the web this week and already AU has received 1600 emails thanking us for the card.  The annual card has become one of the most anticipated electronic publications.  Several cards have surpassed 7 million readers.  Follow this site if you haven’t already received the card and experience the joy of Christmas    http://ecard.ashland.edu   

Fred Finks, President

Tonight Holly and I were invited to serve dessert pies to our students in Convo.  For an hour and a half we enjoyed laughing with the students and serving pie non-stop.  Once again we find our experiences at Ashland to be extremely rewarding and fulfilling.  We are thankful to work and live among the exuberance of our students as they learn and grow.

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, may we all be reminded of the simple things in life that bring a  depth of richness and a deep sense of thanksgiving.

Fred Finks, President

Ashland University was honored by Ashland Mayor William Strine by being presented The Oak Award-2007. The special award recognizes the unique contribution of organizations and people who have a major impact on the economic development of Ashland. Ashland University was cited for its 129-year history and its continuing impact as the leading employer in the city.

Ashland University has partnered with the City of Ashland since 1877 when a number of leading businessmen raised $10,000 in support of starting a college in Ashland. Today the town/gown relationship continues to be important to both the University and City. A strong city helps the University. A strong University helps the city.

Faculty members, staff, administrators and students are active participants in local schools, churches, civic organizations and volunteer organizations. We believe that investing in our city is the right thing to do and only makes it a better place to live. We are honored to receive this award from the mayor in recognition of our commitment to make Ashland a better place.

Fred Finks, President

Last night was the second Alumni Social in New York.  It was nice to see young and old alike in an enjoyable evening of reconnecting and networking.  Alumni from the New York and New Jersey areas converged on Midtown to share an evening together.  Graduates from the sixties, seventies, eighties, nineties and even some as recent as last year came together for three hours of reconnecting and remembering.

Several friendly faces from my college days showed up to reminisce about the good old days.  The recent grads likewise sat around and told stories.  Laughter flowed easily among all in attendance.

Once again I was amazed at the connections that a small town University in rural Ohio can have through its alumni who are scattered around the globe.  Our alumni are not only successful but caring and giving in their very nature.  It was a rewarding evening to see so many friendly people who are making a difference wherever they live.

Fred Finks

President

The lingering effects of summer warmed the campus once again this week.  Students, with smiles on their faces, traversed the campus going to and coming from class.  I began a practice last year as I assumed the presidency of Ashland University to speak to everyone I passed on the campus.  At first I noticed hardly anyone expected to be spoken to by this unknown stranger.  This year as I walk across the campus I notice from afar warm smiles and friendly hellos.  Most are looking me in the eye knowing we will speak.  It is just one more simple expression of “Accent on the Individual” and perhaps part of my upbringing in the South to wave at strangers and to make everyone your friend.

As the colors of the trees change to a mosaic of reds, orange and yellow.  I am thankful for the change in seasons and the change in my new friends as we greet one another on the beautiful campus of Ashland University.

Fred Finks

President