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Ancilla College News - Current Events


Ancilla College Hosts New Student Orientation
Approximately 100 students, parents, and guests were in attendance as Ancilla College hosted New Student Orientation on Wednesday, August 11.

Students and parents from throughout the local community were able to learn about student activities and athletics, register for classes, and receive new student identification cards and parking passes.

Guest speakers during the event included Dr. Ronald May (Ancilla College President), Sr. Carleen Wrasman, PHJC (Coordinator of Mission Integration and Campus Ministry), Kathy Mills (Director of Financial Aid), Sarah Lawrence (Admissions), Mollie Baker (Admissions), Nelson Lopez-Diaz (Admissions), and Gene Reese (Director of Athletics and Student Development).

“We were extremely pleased with the turnout for our third and final New Student Orientation for the fall 2010 term,” said Lawrence.  “New Student Orientation is a fun and inviting experience for students and their guests to learn about the many academic and extra-curricular activities students can be involved in while attending Ancilla.”

Those wishing to schedule an individual appointment and tour are encouraged to contact the Admissions Department at (574) 936-8898 Ext. 330.

Ancilla College, University of Saint Francis Sign Articulation Agreement
In an effort to increase the educational opportunities for local nursing students, Ancilla College has signed an articulation agreement with the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, IN, that will allow for a seamless transition of credits between the colleges.

Administrators from both colleges were on hand for the official signing.  Representatives from Ancilla College included Ann Fitzgerald (Chair, Division of Nursing and Health Sciences), Dr. Joanna Blount (Dean of Academic and Student Services) and Dr. Ron May (Ancilla College President).  Those attending on behalf of the University of Saint Francis included Sr. Elise Kriss, OSF (University of Saint Francis President) and Dr. Nancy Gillespie (Dean of the School of Health Sciences).

“The agreement the two colleges signed today is a continuation of a long standing relationship between them,” said Dr. May.  “The agreement permits graduates of the Ancilla College nursing program to continue their professional development.  It is also an indication of how highly regarded our program is.

“We are grateful to the University of Saint Francis for its cooperation in the development of this program.  We look forward to the continuation of this agreement and the development of others with our sister Catholic college.”

Kriss echoed Dr. May’s sentiments, stressing the inherent faith-based connections the two colleges share.

“For Catholic colleges to partner and provide opportunities to advance education, it’s something we should be doing – especially with Ancilla, a college that is so close to us,” said Kriss.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for two college nursing programs to come together,” added Dr. Gillespie.  “It also symbolizes the commitment to nursing by both groups of Sisters.  For generations, the Sisters have demonstrated a great interest in nursing and health care.”

According to Dr. Blount, one of the aspects of the agreement is that the University of Saint Francis will reserve 25% of their incoming nursing class for Ancilla College students. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Ancilla nursing graduates will be able to enter the RN to BSN or the RN to MSN programs at Saint Francis.  Another perk is that the program is online, allowing students to continue their education without leaving the local area.

“This is a must in this profession, since many students need to remain employed as they advance their education,” said Dr. Blount.  I am very excited by this partnership.  Already, we are discussing collaborating on Business Administration and Teacher Education programs as our next articulated programs.  Our goal is to provide choices to students who may not otherwise have them.”

According to Fitzgerald, the signing will prove extremely valuable to the nursing profession, as more students will be able to receive the preparatory training needed.

“Graduate prepared nurses are desperately needed to train future nurses,” said Fitzgerald.  “This is a wonderful opportunity for a seamless transition to that role.”

The agreement signed between Ancilla College and the University of Saint Francis is another in a long list of agreements Ancilla has signed with various four-year institutions.

Over the years, Ancilla College has established course-by-course articulation agreements with 20 Indiana public and private colleges and universities.  In addition, Ancilla has established “2+2” agreements with several senior institutions, allowing a seamless transfer to the senior institution in a specific major if the student has completed the associate’s degree in that particular major while at Ancilla College.

“Every year we update the agreements with additional courses that we have added,” said Sharon Blubaugh, Ancilla Registrar.  “These agreements facilitate the transfer of credits for our students to four-year institutions.”

Ancilla College and Calumet College of Saint Joseph Co-Host Open House
Desila Rosetti was on the Ancilla College campus recently to host the Calumet College of St. Joseph (CCSJ) Open House.

Ms Rosetti, business faculty at CCSJ, met with students to discuss two bachelor’s degrees that will be offered at Ancilla College. The two degrees – Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources Management and Criminal Justice with a minor in Paralegal – are part of an articulation agreement between Ancilla College and CCSJ.

Dr. Joanna Blount, Dean of Academic and Student Services at Ancilla College, was on hand to talk with students about the shared mission of the colleges.

“This agreement with CCSJ is a true partnership,” said Dr. Blount.  “The agreement is based on acceptance of programs, not a course by course transfer. This is a distinct difference between the two.”

Blount explained that this agreement allows an Ancilla student to transfer to CCSJ without loss of credits into these two bachelor’s degrees.

Blount explained that, as a result of this agreement, CCSJ accepts the 44 credits of general education courses in place of the 52 credits of general education coursework required by CCSJ.

Students will still need to complete the required number of credits for the bachelor’s degree but will not have to take the general education classes to fulfill graduation requirements. 

“I have not seen a comparable program in the state,” said Dr. Blount.  “This is of great benefit to students in reduced time to completion. It also helps the parents and students who are trying to fund a college education in this economic climate.”

Ancilla College to Sign New Articulation Agreements
Ancilla College nursing graduates will soon have a new opportunity to further their education.

On Thursday, July 29th, Ancilla College and the University of St. Francis in Fort Wayne will sign a pair of articulation agreements that are described as nothing short of groundbreaking. The two agreements to be signed are for a RN to BSN completer program and a RN to MSN completer program.

What makes this really unique is that USF will reserve 25% of each year’s incoming class for Ancilla College students. Ancilla students must have completed the degree and have obtained the RN license. There are additional requirements such as minimum GPA, standard admission requirements; the MSN degree requires a resume, 3 letters of professional references, and an essay.

Representatives from USF at the signing include: Dr. Nancy Nightingale Gillespie, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Sr. M. Elise Kriss, President. Dr. Ron May, President of Ancilla College, Dr. Joanna Blount, Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, and Ann Fitzgerald, Director of Nursing and Health Sciences will sign for Ancilla College. The signing will take place at 11:00am EDT in room 231 of Ancilla College and the public is invited to attend. There will be a short reception following the ceremony.


Bremen Native Neeley Chosen as Ancilla College Men’s Basketball Coach
Bremen native Greg Neeley has been chosen to take over the head coaching position with the Ancilla College men’s basketball team, the College announced on Friday.

It is the first basketball head coaching position for Neeley, who has served as the top men’s basketball assistant at Piedmont College in Demorest, GA, the past three seasons under head coach Lee Glenn.

Neeley – who will effectively begin his new position on Monday, July 26 – will also serve as an adjunct faculty member.

“(Ancilla College Athletic Director) Gene Reese and the search committee absolutely hit a home run with this hire,” said Glenn on the Piedmont College athletic website.  “Greg is one of the brightest rising stars in our profession and is going to make an immediate impact on his new team as he embarks on a highly successful head coaching career.”

Neeley oversaw the recruiting for the NCAA Division 3 program and was also in charge of the men’s and women’s tennis programs at Piedmont.

A graduate of Bremen High School, Neeley completed his undergraduate studies at Ohio Northern University and holds an M.B.A. with a concentration in Managerial Leadership from Piedmont.

Though he has experienced quite a bit of success at Piedmont, Neeley was unable to pass up an opportunity to take a head coaching position a mere 20 miles from his hometown.

“This is a good situation here (at Piedmont), but I’m a Midwestern guy and an Indiana basketball guy,” said Neeley.  “I think there are a lot of parallels between Piedmont and Ancilla – places that are smaller, private schools with good people.  The more I got to know the people at Ancilla and the more conversations I had about (the job), the more appealing it was.  Ancilla is a place where you can have success, but you can also do it the right way, with good people.”

Reese felt Neeley was a clear standout amongst over 100 candidates for the vacant head coaching position.

“Having the opportunity to bring an NCAA coach in for the first time to administer our program is a tremendous opportunity for us,” said Reese.  “Greg is very prepared, very organized, very knowledgeable, and has a tremendously high energy level.  I’m looking forward to his leadership of the men’s basketball program.”

Neeley is an active member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABS) and has been published in the November/December 2005 issue of Winning Hoops Magazine.


Ancilla Director of Admissions Alonzo to Resign
Ancilla College Director of Admissions Erin Alonzo will be stepping down from her position at the Donaldson-based campus, effective August 5, 2010, the College announced on Thursday.

Alonzo, who has been with Ancilla College since November 2005, will be relocating to the East Coast with her husband, Mario.

“Erin Alonzo has served Ancilla College and its students effectively during her service at the College,” said Dr. Ron May, Ancilla College President.  “She has effectively worked with area high school guidance counselors and others to help them become more aware of the programs and services Ancilla College offers its students. 

“Additionally, Erin has involved college faculty and staff more completely in the recruitment process.  We will miss her leadership, but understand her desire to move east to be with her husband.  I am confident she will find opportunities there that will permit her to share her talents with other institutions.  She has our best wishes.”

In her time at Ancilla College, Alonzo has been instrumental in helping to stabilize and increase enrollment through tough economic times, fulfilling the College’s Strategic Plan, directing marketing and advertising efforts, developing a successful team of counselors in the Office of Admissions, working to form alliances with various four-year public and private universities, and improving relations between Admissions and all other departments at Ancilla College.

Alonzo assisted in the framing and development of the roles of the Advising Center on campus during its creation.  She was also involved in helping advance technology in the Office of Admissions through the development and successful implementation of a Customer Relationship Management system (CRM).

“I think helping fulfill the mission of the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ is one of the things I’m most proud of,” said Alonzo.  “I realize the importance of this institution and how vital it is to the local community, to be an option for students who have the potential and need a place where they can flourish.”

Before accepting her role at Ancilla College, Alonzo served as the Assistant Director of Admissions at Indiana University – Kokomo.  She also had previous stops at two different colleges in Texas.

“The entire campus community plays a role in the recruitment and retention of students,” said Alonzo.  “The Athletic Department has been a strong partner in building a viable entering class each year and the faculty participation in recruiting events has been a blessing.

“Although I will be sad to leave, I am confident that there are exciting times ahead for Ancilla College as it will continue to grow and serve the surrounding communities.”

Ancilla, Calumet College to Co-Host Open House
Ancilla College and Calumet College of Saint Joseph (CCSJ) will be co-hosting an open house on Tuesday, July 20, at Ancilla to present two bachelor’s degrees that will be offered at the Donaldson-based campus this coming fall semester.

According to Dr. Joanna Blount, Dean of Academic and Student Services at Ancilla College, “This is truly a wonderful opportunity for the community and for Ancilla College graduates to continue their higher education through Calumet College of Saint Joseph while remaining in the community.”

The two degrees – Business Management with a Concentration in Human Resources Management and Criminal Justice with a minor in Paralegal – will be presented to former Ancilla graduates and those interested in pursuing either one of the degrees.

“If you began a degree in Business or Criminal Justice but did not complete, now is the time to continue and complete your degree,” said Dr. Blount.

CCSJ Vice President Dr. Dan Lowery will be on hand to answer questions.  Representatives from both the Business and Criminal Justice departments at CCSJ will also be on hand.

Desila Rosetti, Business Professor, will be available to talk with students about the business program. 

The open house will begin at 7:00 p.m. Eastern and attendance is by RSVP.  Those interested in furthering their education through these programs are asked to RSVP by calling (574) 936-8898 Ext. 322.

Ancilla College Stressed as Affordable, Student-Focused Environment
Though enrollment numbers have increased 8.5% over this same time last year, Ancilla College President Dr. Ron May has stressed that there is still plenty of opportunities available for potential students to enroll at the Donaldson-based campus.

“We are here, and we have space available for the fall term,” said Dr. May, who described Ancilla College as an affordable and intelligent option for those looking to continue their education.

“Our programs provide the foundation for success in baccalaureate programs as well as for the transition into the world of work,” said Dr. May.  “We are in a convenient location and we offer students educational opportunities in a small, student-focused environment.

With fall semester courses set to begin August 23, Ancilla College will continue to take registration up to that date.

Plans include hosting a College Placement Party and Open Registration on August 7, beginning at 9:00 a.m. EDT.  This event is open to the community and is free of charge.

“The positive enrollment forecast is a great indication of the future of our economy,” said Erin Alonzo, Director of Admissions.  “While we have more students entering the doors of Ancilla College, there is always room for more.

“This increase of enrollment is a sign that the communities surrounding our campus are working together for the betterment of all.  It truly is a blessing to serve the people of Northern Indiana and provide high quality academic programs.”

Alonzo encouraged prospective students to contact Admissions at (574) 936-8898 Ext. 330 to schedule a visit, tour, and placement test, free of charge. 

She added that college staff will be available to guide students through the application process, financial aid, and support services, ensuring that those individuals are given the best possible foundation to achieve their goals.

According to Dr. May, students may qualify for need-based and Academic REACH grants, in addition to state and federal aid.

Alonzo agreed, stating that affordability shouldn’t be an obstacle to attending college and pursuing one’s dreams.

“There are three main things all students need to ask themselves when they’re choosing a college: ‘Can I get accepted and do I fit?’; ‘Does the college have what I need to be successful?’; and ‘Can I afford to go?’

“Ancilla fits all three criteria, and we’re right here in their own backyard.”


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