Ancilla College President Discusses Agriculture Program

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

Ancilla College is adding a new two-year degree program in agriculture. President Dr. Ken Zirkle says classes will be offered this fall. Students who complete the program can either transfer to Purdue and get a bachelor’s degree or enter the workforce.

Zirkle says the head of a regional agriculture-related corporation recently told him they need workers with training beyond high school but not a bachelor’s degree. He says that’s a perfect fit for what Ancilla has to offer. School officials will be working with local corporations to develop classes to meet their needs. Continue reading →

Ancilla College Announces Summer CNA Course

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

Ancilla College is offering a Certified Nursing Assistant course this summer. Graduates who pass the Indiana State Department of Health CNA test are state-certified to work as nurse’s aides in long-term care facilities, home health and hospice groups and assisted living facilities.

Prospective enrollees must pass a physical, drug screen and background check. The program consists of 32 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of clinicals. Courses will meet Monday and Wednesday nights from 6 until 10 p.m. starting June 8th. Clinicals will take place on Saturdays from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Students will take the state certification exam after they complete the course requirements. Continue reading →

Ancilla Officials Break Ground on New Residence Hall

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

Ancilla College officials broke ground on the new residence hall Tuesday afternoon.

The three-story facility and student life dining center is expected to open on Aug. 1, just in time for the fall semester. The residence hall will be home for nearly 100 new students. The project includes a separate dining facility, fitness area, media center, two-story lobby with fireplace and prayer rooms.

Ancilla College President Dr. Ken Zirkle told those in attendance yesterday that this is just the beginning of great things to come at Ancilla.

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FAFSA Deadline Looming, Ancilla College Schedules Workshops

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The clock is ticking for prospective college students to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Ancilla College Executive Director of Admissions Eric Wignall encourages anyone who may be considering college next year to fill out the FAFSA.

“There’s no age limit. There’s no income limit. You may not qualify for aid. You may make more money or your family make more money so you don’t qualify for the need-based scholarships, but the FAFSA is your way to get into the financial aid system,” Wignall said. Continue reading →

Ancilla College Rolls Out Revamped Nursing Curriculum

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

Ancilla College nursing students can complete their degrees in less time, thanks to the recently revamped curriculum. Director of Nursing and Health Sciences Ann Fitzgerald says the required number of credit hours has decreased from 72 to 63. By cutting a semester from the curriculum, Fitzgerald says students will be able to finish sooner and save both time and money.

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Ancilla Schedules Financial Aid Night at Oregon-Davis

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

Ancilla College officials will be at Oregon-Davis High School in Hamlet tonight to share information about applying for college financial aid. They’ve scheduled a presentation about completing the FAFSA at 6 p.m. and will remain to help parents and students complete the form. It’s due March 10 and must be submitted in order to be considered for any federal grants, low-interest loans or scholarships. Continue reading →

Ancilla College Officials Finalizing Residence Hall Construction Plans

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

Ancilla College officials hope to break ground on the school’s first residence hall within the next three to four weeks. Vice President of Development Todd Zeltwanger says the school’s board of trustees approved the construction late last year.

“By August we hope to have a three-story residence hall with about 96 beds ready for occupancy for students from all over the area to come and live on campus and experience Ancilla College in a whole new way,” Zeltwanger said. Continue reading →

Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Honor Dr. Otis R. Bowen and Donors

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

A new plaque in the lobby of the Catherine Kasper Life Center on the Center at Donaldson Campus celebrates the generosity of one of the ministry’s most staunch supporters. The Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ Foundation created the Otis Bowen, M.D. Fund after his death two years ago. The pediatrician-turned-politician resided there until his death. Sister Judith Diltz says they are delighted to be able to honor Doc Bowen.

“His presence here among us was a gift and a grace. Carol put many miles on that wheelchair as she rolled him around this facility and our whole campus, and he was just such a delight.” Continue reading →

Dr. Zirkle to Stay at Ancilla College

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

The Board of Trustees at Ancilla College recently voted to name Dr. Ken Zirkle as president of Ancilla College. He held the interim president position for the past seven months. Dr. Zirkle’s contract is for another year.

In a news release from the facility, the board also voted to approve a new residence hall for the 2015 Fall semester. Dr. Zirkle stated that he’s looking forward to assisting in the future growth and development of the college.

Dr. Zirkle has executive post-secondary experience in a career that spans decades including State University of New York, University of Findley, Becker College, Post University, and Mercyhurst University.

File Your Taxes, Complete Your FAFSA

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

Income tax filing time means it’s also time to see where you stand in terms of need-based college financial aid for the 2015-16 academic year. Ancilla College Executive Director of Admissions Eric Wignall says you need to have family income information handy before visiting www.fafsa.gov to fill out the necessary form. Last year’s tax information can be used to estimate, and this year’s data can be plugged in after taxes are finished.

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Ancilla College Schedules Financial Aid Night at Knox High School

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

Get answers to all of your questions about applying for financial aid during an upcoming workshop at Knox High School. Ancilla College Executive Director of Admissions Eric Wignall says filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA makes you eligible for need-based assistance, including student loans and state and federal grants. Continue reading →

Ancilla College Offers Winter Term Course

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

image001 (5)The first winter semester course offering at Ancilla College begins today. The four-week introduction to psychology course is offered entirely online and is available to students at any college or university. Ancilla President Dr. Ken Zirkle says the credits are fully transferable to other colleges or universities. He adds taking a course during what is traditionally an off time academically can help students retain their athletic eligibility and meet the minimum standards for financial aid offerings. Continue reading →

Ancilla College Announces Plans to Add Campus Housing

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

image001 (5)Ancilla College officials hope the addition of the school’s first residence hall will draw students from beyond the immediate vicinity to the state’s only private, two-year college. It will open in the fall of 2015, according to a news release. Preliminary plans include housing for 100 new students and a live-in dean and student services director. Floor plans are being drawn now to possibly include a teaching kitchen for a new hospitality/culinary program. School officials say artist’s renderings are being finalized, and a groundbreaking is tentatively planned in March.

Ancilla College Training Leaders for Life

Posted on Author Lenny Dessauer

Ancilla College LogoAncilla College students have an opportunity to hone their life skills through the Leaders for Life Program. Director of Student Events and Activities Ericka Taylor-Joseph says community and business leaders interact with the students during the 10-week program to help them develop skills in various areas. The Leaders for Life Program is open to both tradition and non-traditional students. Taylor-Joseph says leaders typically take initiative, are organized and outgoing and have a drive or passion to do something for the community. Continue reading →

Ancilla College and Local Businesses Team up for Student Internships

Posted on Author Anita Goodan

Ancilla College is offering students hands on training and real life experience internship opportunities with local businesses like Jimmy John Shark. Students will have the chance to go out and work in positions they are interested in to see if they like it. Ancilla College Professor Kristin Korcha says the college is taking the right steps to help students figure out their career path.

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