Anderson University issued the following announcement on Feb. 20
Gratitude plays an important role in the life of Anderson University, especially when university friends, donors, and alumni give generously to our community. John Sanders recently donated the proceeds from the sale of a business to AU. He is not an alum and has no family ties to the university. He gave because of his belief in AU and in the value of a Christian liberal arts education.
Sanders spent the majority of his career in the private sector until he felt an unavoidable call by God to enter public service. He was prompted to do so after the deaths of two loved ones. Soon after entering public service at the TSA, he met AU President John Pistole.
During his tenure at TSA, Sanders served as the Chief Technology Officer where he was primarily responsible for developing, procuring, deploying, and maintaining nearly 15,000 security systems at commercial airports in the U.S. He focused on implementing advanced security solutions to protect the nation’s transportation systems, ensuring freedom of movement for people and commerce.
Sanders had the privilege to work alongside AU President John Pistole. From a working relationship to a friendship, Sanders respected Pistole as a co-worker and as a Christian man. “As a fellow Christian believer, I oftentimes found that government and religion was something that wouldn’t cross paths,” Sanders recalls. “John would openly talk about his faith. That was who he was, and he never tried to hide that.”
Sanders and Pistole left the TSA around the same time. Quickly after, Pistole began to fulfill his calling at Anderson University as president. Although they were no longer co-workers, their friendship continued past government grounds.
In the fall of 2015, Pistole invited Sanders to Anderson University to explore the campus and get a deeper look into a Christian liberal arts university. “I saw a lot of amazing things happening at AU, and I wanted to somehow be a part of it,” Sanders said as he reflects on his first visit.
Sanders began to make a variety of gifts to the university over the next few years. He was always inspired by the programs here at AU such as Tri-S and the website redesign.
For Sanders, there was “no doubt in my mind that this is what God wanted me to do.” Through prayer, his choice was inspired by Esther 4:14, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
When the time came that Sanders faced a windfall from an investment in a business, he was sure of the path before him. “I am very confident that the money going to AU will yield significantly better results in terms of fulfilling God’s will than putting it in my bank account,” he said.
The time is also meaningful for Anderson University. With a new strategic plan, conversations are underway about how to renew the campus and uplift an outstanding student experience. Sanders’ gift holds great promise for these impending projects. The university continues to be dedicated to preparing students for lives of faith and service, and the support of our donors enables and strengthens this important work.
While Sanders was praying to determine his path, our students were also praying. “I can honestly say donors are answered prayers,” said Tyler Bradshaw ’19. “There were times when I didn’t know how I was going to get the funds to continue my education at AU.
Then, suddenly, a guardian angel appeared to relieve me of that burden. I would ask donors to be that guardian angel for someone else.” Having the financial burden lifted allows Bradshaw to focus on his personal growth, “You can’t help but be true to yourself here because whatever it is you want to do and whoever you want to be the opportunity lies before you.”
We are grateful for all of our supporters. Every gift to AU is important, regardless of size. If you would like to make a gift to AU, visit: anderson.edu/gift. Or if you would like to talk with someone about programs or alternative ways to give, contact Jen Hunt, Vice President for Advancement: jehunt@anderson.edu
Anderson University is a private, liberal arts institution in Anderson, Indiana with a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service in the church and society. Anderson University is recognized among top colleges by U.S. News and World Report, Colleges of Distinction, and The Princeton Review. Established in 1917 by the Church of God, the university now offers more than 60 undergraduate majors and graduate programs in business, music education, and theology.
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Original source can be found here.