Ancilla College President Dr. Ken Zirkle Announces Retirement, Board Appoints Replacement

Dr. Ken Zirkle, who has served as the president of Ancilla College for the past four years, has announced his retirement, effective Monday, May 14th.

During his time an Ancilla, the college saw a lot of growth. Two new residence halls and a student life center were built on campus and a few new programs were added including the Autism Program at Ancilla and the culinary arts and agriculture programs. Continue reading

Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ to Celebrate 150 Years in America

In 2018 the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ will celebrate 150 years of their presence in America. A number of activities are planned for the coming year to acknowledge a century and a half of service from these dedicated congregation members. To kick off the year-long celebration, an opening prayer service and public reception is scheduled at The Center at Donaldson on Sunday, December 31st from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. ET.

Back in 1868, while our country was dealing with the aftermath of the Civil War, the foundress of the congregation, Catherine Kasper, missioned the first Poor Handmaids to America. Continue reading

Blueberry Bicycle Cruise set for Sept. 2

An annual fundraiser for the Ancilla College Alumni Association is set to take you on a scenic tour through Marshall County on your bicycle.

The Blueberry Bicycle Cruise is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 2 and will cover 31, 41, or 62 miles as it has for the past 27 years. The event, in association with the annual Marshall County Blueberry Festival, serves as a fundraiser to help give scholarships to Ancilla College students every year.

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Ancilla College Introduces APAC Program

An open house and ribbon cutting ceremony was held Tuesday morning to usher in a new chapter to the array of specialized programs that Ancilla College offers its students. The Autism Program at Ancilla College (APAC) will help students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to build social and workplace skills along with academic and real-world knowledge.

Students with ASD may have superior intellectual ability but are challenged in social situations or have a communication gap. The APAC will allow growth in these aspects as the students gather skills in their post-secondary education.

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Earthworks Receives Grant for Animal Watching Equipment

Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation and Development members Howard Conner, Stan Moore and Joe Skelton present a check to Earthworks Coordinator of Earthcare Education Cheri Ringer. (Photo provided by Earthworks.)

Local children have the chance to learn about nature during Earthworks’ summer program. Earthworks is an environmental learning center run by the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ as part of The Center at Donaldson. Continue reading

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

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