�鶹ԭ�� Blog | News Stories and Media Releases

�鶹ԭ��, CFWC hold groundbreaking for phase one of Manchester Mile

Chloe Leckrone — Mon, 11 May 2026 13:57:55 +0000

Representatives from �鶹ԭ��, the Community Foundation of Wabash County,JPR,and the ManchesterMilecommittee held a groundbreaking for the first phase of the Manchester Mile on Wednesday, May 6. The Manchester Milewill stretch from the corner of Wayne Street and College Avenuedown to Market Street, thentoMain Street,directlyconnectingcampus to downtownNorth Manchester. Phase one of theprojectwill begin in June and is expected to be completed by August.New sidewalks, lighting, seating,trash receptacles,and other facilities will be added. Phasetwo willfollowin 2028. This project isfunded byLilly Endowment Inc.’sCollege and Community Collaboration(CCC)initiative.ManchesterUniversityreceived $12.1 million in 2024 toincrease amenities, expand housing opportunities, improve cultural facilities, and offer a safe and attractive connection between the University and downtown. “This is literally the connector between the community and the university,” said President Stacy H. Young at the groundbreaking.“Our hope is that it will bring students downtownand expose them to more of NorthManchester,andbring morelocal businesses to campus.It’sgoing to open a lot of doors for collaboration.” For the media Contact the President’s Office atPresident@manchester.edufor more information. �鶹ԭ��, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more atwww.manchester.edu/about-manchester. Our mission and values �鶹ԭ�� respects the infinite worth of every individual andgraduatespersons of ability and conviction who […]

The post �鶹ԭ��, CFWC hold groundbreaking for phase one of Manchester Mile appeared first on �鶹ԭ��.

�鶹ԭ�� Esports to add Mario Kart World to lineup in Fall 2026

Chloe Leckrone — Mon, 04 May 2026 17:54:02 +0000

Manchester Esports will add Mario Kart World to their list of supported titles for Fall 2026. Mario Kart World is one of the largest games in the Indiana High School EsportsLeague (IEN) and will be supported bytheGreat Lakes EsportsConference(GLEC) in Spring 2027. �鶹ԭ��establishedits esports team in 2019andhas wonnineGLEC Championship titles.The team competes inSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate, League of Legends, Rocket League,Overwatch, Valorant, and Fortnite. �鶹ԭ��Esports is currently looking to recruit new Mario Kart World players withscholarshipsfor their debut roster this Fall. Interested students can emailesports@manchester.eduor addtoweroftoaston Discord. For the media Contact GarrettSchieferstein, director of esports, atGDSchieferstein@manchester.edufor more information. �鶹ԭ��, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more atwww.manchester.edu/about-manchester. Our mission and values �鶹ԭ�� respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.

The post �鶹ԭ�� Esports to add Mario Kart World to lineup in Fall 2026 appeared first on �鶹ԭ��.

�鶹ԭ�� presents ‘A Melodious Mosaic’ band concert

Chloe Leckrone — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 12:41:43 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� Presents: Your invited to attend “A Melodious Mosaic” on Wednesday, April 22 at 7 p.m. in Cordier Auditorium. The free concert features Manchester’s Jazz Ensemble and Symphonic Band. The Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. Tim Reed, professor of music, will perform a mix of jazz,funkand rock music. The Symphonic Band, directed by MacKenzi Lowry, lecturer of music, will performmusic portraying ideas offinding joy and overcominglife’schallenges. Pre-concert activities, including games, a photo booth and an “instrument petting zoo,” will begin at 6 p.m. in the auditorium lobby. The “petting zoo” will give guests the opportunity to try out a variety of musical instruments. The concert is expected tolast justover an hour. For the media �鶹ԭ��, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more atwww.manchester.edu/about-manchester. Our mission and values �鶹ԭ�� respects the infinite worth of every individual andgraduatespersons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.

The post �鶹ԭ�� presents ‘A Melodious Mosaic’ band concert appeared first on �鶹ԭ��.

�鶹ԭ�� to present spring musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors’

Chloe Leckrone — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:05:56 +0000

�鶹ԭ��’s spring musical isLittle Shop of Horrors. Performances are Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m., Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 19 at 2p.m.in Cordier Auditorium at the North Manchester campus. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. Little Shop of Horrorstells the story ofa timid florist whosediscovery ofastrange, man-eatingplantbrings fame and fortune to the flower shop.While all ages are welcome, the show does feature some dark subject material and imagery. The production is organized and led by members of Manchester’s Theatre Society. “It has been my pleasure to bring this show to life, and it wouldn’t be possible without so much support and belief from everyone along the way,” saidstudentNathaniel Pickett, musical coordinator. “The cast and I are extremely excited to put on a great show for everyone, andwehope to see everyone there!” Videorecordingby the audience is prohibited. Little Shop of Horrorsis presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. For the media �鶹ԭ��, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more at/about-manchester. Our mission and values �鶹ԭ�� respects the infinite worth of every individual andgraduatespersons […]

The post �鶹ԭ�� to present spring musical ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ appeared first on �鶹ԭ��.

�鶹ԭ�� selected for nationwide Connect Church grant

Chloe Leckrone — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 12:38:19 +0000

�鶹ԭ��’s Peace Studies Institutehas received a $375,000 grant from the Faith in Rural Communities initiative of the NC Rural Center to coach 25 rural churches in asset-based community development over the next three years, serving congregationsacrossthe region.Manchester is the only university to receive this competitive grant, which will be directed by Manchester’s peace studies and religious studies programs. Through the Connect Church program,Manchesterwill help churchesidentifyand mobilize their existing strengths to build stronger relationships, address local challenges, and contribute to the vitality of their communities.Participatingcongregations will meet regularly withConnect Church coachesto inventory assets,learn aboutcommunity needs and design projects that create lasting impact. A distinctive element of Manchester’s proposal involves training students as coaches,providingpaid experiential education opportunities. Student coaches also gain valuable experience working with religious organizations on issues important to their communities. “Connect Church is rooted in the belief that rural congregations already possess the gifts and relationships needed to make a lasting difference in their communities,” said Darren Crotts, senior program director of Faith in Rural Communities. “By focusing on the assets within a congregation and the opportunities around them, churches can become catalysts for meaningful and sustainable change.” “At Manchester,our tradition ofpeacebuilding is not separate from faith– itis […]

The post �鶹ԭ�� selected for nationwide Connect Church grant appeared first on �鶹ԭ��.

�鶹ԭ��, Rotary to dedicate Little Free Library on campus

Chloe Leckrone — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 14:47:08 +0000

North Manchester Rotary and �鶹ԭ�� will dedicate a Little Free Library on campus at noon Thursday, April 16. Students, faculty and staff are invited. The new Little Free Library is in the 600 block of College Avenue, next to the public sidewalk at �鶹ԭ��’s Oak Grove. “Rotary and �鶹ԭ�� are dedicated to promoting literacy and environmental responsibility, and this Little Free Library combines both,” said Rotary President Anne Gregory, a retired �鶹ԭ�� staff member. “Studies have proven that having access to books you can keep helps increase reading rates, especially among young people. Rotary now has five Little Free Libraries in town and contributes to several others, keeping books out of the waste stream.” The Little Free Library at �鶹ԭ�� itself is an upcycled metal newspaper box. “We ask that you ‘take one book and leave one book’ so that the selection is always changing,” said Ruth Barrett ’82, Rotary’s service chair and president of the �鶹ԭ�� Alumni Association Board. “Books for children in English and Spanish are especially popular.” �鶹ԭ�� provided the space in its landscaped area and produced the sign featuring Manny as part of the collaboration. “We welcome you to visit, pick up a book and […]

The post �鶹ԭ��, Rotary to dedicate Little Free Library on campus appeared first on �鶹ԭ��.

�鶹ԭ�� student Taylor Jo Bennett selected for Realizing the Dream scholarship

Chloe Leckrone — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 17:50:34 +0000

Taylor Jo Bennett, asophomoreat �鶹ԭ��, was recognized at the Realizing the Dream banquet in Indianapolis on Feb.28. Realizing the Dream is a program by Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) that annually celebrates a first-generation Indiana college student from each of the state’s private, non-profit colleges and universities. Recipients earn a $5,000 scholarship for outstanding achievement as they successfully advance toward completing their bachelor’s degree. Bennett, ofPittsboro, Ind.,is studyingpolitical science,sociologyand peace studies.“I’ve always aspired to become a lawyer, and my college education is going togetme to that next step of law schooland allow me to see things differently and analyze a diverse range of issues and ideas,” said Bennett.“I believe thatthat’struly what a college education isabout—generatingyou into amore adaptive yet still opinionated human being.” At the banquet, recipients honoredan inspiring educator who influenced their decision to attend college, and that educator receives a $1,000 professional development grant.Bennett selectedDaniel Ross,a historyteacher atTri-WestHigh School. Recipients put together videos describing what it means to be a first-generation college student and thanking their influential educator.Bennett’sRealizing the Dreamvideocan be viewedhere. For the media �鶹ԭ��, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more atwww.manchester.edu/about-manchester. Our mission and values […]

The post �鶹ԭ�� student Taylor Jo Bennett selected for Realizing the Dream scholarship appeared first on �鶹ԭ��.

Manchester Symphony Orchestra offers March 8 Invocation

Chloe Leckrone — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:28:18 +0000

An invocation is an appeal for help or support, often a prayer that seeks a blessing or guidance. The Manchester Symphony Orchestra invites you to attend its Invocation concert at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 8in�鶹ԭ��’s Cordier Auditorium. Tickets are $20 atwww.manchestersymphonyorchestra.org/ticketsor at the door. As part of the MSO’s education outreach, admission is free for everyone 18 and younger, as well as all college students (with ID). The concert begins with “Invocation” by Gustav Holst, a quiet, meditative piece featuring MSO principal cellist Robert Lynn. It is followed by Errollyn Wallen’s busy and exuberant “Mighty River.” “I’vewanted to perform ‘Mighty River’ for a while,” said MSO Conductor Debra Lynn. “It isa minimalistwork, a genre wedon’toften perform at the MSO. It is an excellent technical challenge for our musicians and offers something fresh and new for our audience.” “Mighty River” employs a sense of perpetual motion as it weaves its story, featuring the hymn “Amazing Grace” and the spirituals “Deep River” and “Go Down Moses.” Composed in2017, ithonors William Wilberforce, whose tireless work abolished slavery in England. The hymn “Amazing Grace” was written by John Newton, a slave ship captain whose conversion to Christianity came about following a deadly […]

The post Manchester Symphony Orchestra offers March 8 Invocation appeared first on �鶹ԭ��.

�鶹ԭ�� senior named 500 Festival Princess for 2026

Chloe Leckrone — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:08:21 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� senior Mackenzie Jarvishas beennameda500Festival Princessfor 2026. The 500 Festival Princess Program annually honors community-driven and academically accomplished Indiana women and supports them in growing their professional skills, building meaningful connections, and receiving mentorship from the 500 Festival Board of Directors. Jarvis, of Indianapolis, is studying business management and marketing, and is concurrently working toward her Master of Business Administration. Throughoutthe month of May, Jarvis and the other princesses will educate Hoosiers about the rich history and iconic spirit of the 500 Festival and the Indianapolis 500 through statewide outreach, communityserviceand engagement. “I am excited to have the opportunity to network and give back to my communities here and home in Indianapolis,” said Jarvis. “I am so pleased to be able to join the list of fantastic women who are and have been princesses,and to play a role in Indiana history.Attending Manchester has expanded my opportunities to give back. I have learned so much about the value of service and how it plays a role in my own life. Learning more about service inspired me to search for more ways to get involved in my community.” To request a visit from a 500 FestivalPrincess, clickhere. For the media ManchesterUniversity,in […]

The post �鶹ԭ�� senior named 500 Festival Princess for 2026 appeared first on �鶹ԭ��.

�鶹ԭ�� to host Dr. Kyle Besing for presentation on mathematics and human intuition

Chloe Leckrone — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:00:04 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� will host Dr. Kyle Besing for his presentation “Probability and Our Intuition” on Monday, Feb. 16, at 11 a.m. in Wine Recital Hall. His presentation will discuss the relationship between probability and perception, exemplifying how math and probability affect intuition and human perception of the real world. Besing is the Associate Provost of Curriculum and Instruction and Associate Professor of Mathematics from Kentucky Wesleyan College and has a Ph.D.in Applied Mathematics.He enjoys incorporating humor into his projects and teachings, loves engaging students who have previously decided that they “don’t get math,” and promotes curiosity in learning. This event is free and open to the public. Manchester’s VIA programming broadens students’ cultural experiences, enriches students intellectually and aesthetically, provides opportunities to experience the arts, promotes dialogue about ideas and values, and embodies in its presentations the values expressed in the University Mission.VIA features speakers,musiciansand dramatic performers from the University community, across the country and around the globe. To learn more about this VIA, pleaseemail the VIA committee atValuesIdeasArtsCommittee@manchester.edu. For the media �鶹ԭ��, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more atwww.manchester.edu/about-manchester. Our mission and values �鶹ԭ�� respects the infinite worth […]

The post �鶹ԭ�� to host Dr. Kyle Besing for presentation on mathematics and human intuition appeared first on �鶹ԭ��.

Hundreds to compete at �鶹ԭ�� Science Olympiad Regional Tournament

Chloe Leckrone — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:04:30 +0000

�鶹ԭ��’s annual Science Olympiad Regional Tournament will draw hundreds of Indiana middle and high school students to the North Manchester campus on Saturday, Feb. 7. �鶹ԭ�� 250 students from nine high school teams and eight middle school teams will compete. They will participate in more than 30 events, with activities that include flying helicopters, programming robots, and taking tests in topics ranging from anatomy and physiology to water quality. Science Olympiad competitors spend time doing in-depth learning and solving tough problems in STEM topics. This is a great fit for Manchester’s close-knit community where faculty inspire students to develop their curiosity through hands-on classroom and lab experiences. Dozens of Manchester faculty, students and staff donate their time by running events and assisting competitors and their families during their day on campus. “Science Olympiad competitors are a great fit for Manchester,” said Dr. Kathy Davis, �鶹ԭ�� professor of chemistry and tournament coordinator. “They are exactly the kind of students we want to choose Manchester when it is time for them to come to college, and it’s our honor to host them!” �鶹ԭ��’s regional tournament is one of six Indiana regional tournaments this year. Five middle school B division and […]

The post Hundreds to compete at �鶹ԭ�� Science Olympiad Regional Tournament appeared first on �鶹ԭ��.

�鶹ԭ�� to host Dr. Zachary Elewitz for presentation on data and AI

Chloe Leckrone — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 14:00:12 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� will welcome Dr. Zachary Elewitz for a presentation about what CEOs at Fortune Brands Innovations want to achieve with artificial intelligence (AI) on Monday, Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. in Wine Recital Hall. Elewitz is Head of AI Lab at McKesson, a Fortune 10 healthcare company, and has 15 years of experience leadingdata and analyticorganizations across Fortune 500 businesses. In his presentation, Elewitz will highlight what major enterprises are attempting to achieve with AI, how CEOs think about value, and how to build AI products with admissible risk. Other subjects will include what AI and data scientists really do and how they spend their time, as well as identifying legitimate concerns within the usage of AI. Manchester’s VIA programming broadens students’ cultural experiences, enriches students intellectually and aesthetically, provides opportunities to experience the arts, promotes dialogue about ideas and values, and embodies in its presentations the values expressed in the University Mission.VIA features speakers,musiciansand dramatic performers from the University community, across the country and around the globe. To learn more about this presentation, contact the VIA Committee atValuesIdeasArtsCommittee@manchester.edu. For the media �鶹ԭ��, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more […]

The post �鶹ԭ�� to host Dr. Zachary Elewitz for presentation on data and AI appeared first on �鶹ԭ��.

�鶹ԭ�� athletic training director named President-Elect of Indiana Athletic Trainers’ Association

Braden Unruh — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:00:48 +0000

The post �鶹ԭ�� athletic training director named President-Elect of Indiana Athletic Trainers’ Association appeared first on �鶹ԭ��.

�鶹ԭ�� to host historian for MLK Commemoration program

Chloe Leckrone — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 13:17:02 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� will host James Kelly, historian and historical interpreter at the Whitney Plantation in Louisiana, for his presentation, “Reckoning with the Past: Museums, Memory, and the Moral Vision of Dr. King,” on Monday, Feb. 2. The program will be heldat 11 a.m. in Wine Recital Hall. It is free and open to the public. Kelly is a historian, film consultant,lecturerand former community college administrator.His work focuses on the intersections of slavery, publicmemoryand the Civil War. His research has been featured in documentaries and major motion pictures like“The Free State of Jones,”“Emancipation”and thetelevisionseries“Mysteries at the Museum,”as well as media outlets including“60 Minutes,”National Geographic, Smithsonian, National PublicRadioand the BBC. He currently serves as a researcher and historical interpreter attheWhitney Plantation near New Orleans. The Whitney Plantation is a nonprofit museum dedicated toeducating the public aboutthe history of slaveryfrom the perspective of enslavedpersons. It wasoperatedas a sugar,indigoand rice plantation from 1752-1975.More than a dozen structures are preserved there, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.Learn more atwhitneyplantation.org. This presentation is sponsored by the Dr. Everett L. Refior Lectureship in Establishing Peace Through Enforceable World Law. Refior lectures at Manchester highlight the efforts of global citizens working together […]

The post �鶹ԭ�� to host historian for MLK Commemoration program appeared first on �鶹ԭ��.

President Young featured in Journal Gazette’s ‘Five Questions’ series

Chloe Leckrone — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 19:43:58 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� President Stacy H. Young was featured in The Journal Gazette‘s “Five Questions” series on Jan. 11, 2026. President Young highlights Manchester’s strategic focus on accessibility and student success, including programs that allow high school students to earn college credit at reduced cost and new accelerated bachelor’s degree programs that can be completed in three years, saving students both time and money while preserving valuable experiential learning opportunities. She also reflects on Manchester’s role in preparing graduates with the skills Indiana’s employers need and the importance of partnerships with schools, businesses, and policymakers to strengthen workforce readiness. Read the full story here.

The post President Young featured in Journal Gazette’s ‘Five Questions’ series appeared first on �鶹ԭ��.