鈥淲e are pleased to host our Constitution Day events and are grateful to the CFM Foundation for their generosity,鈥� says Scott Hall, Moorman Professor of Business at HLGU. 鈥湻焉缜� University has long been an advocate of the principles of a free and virtuous society. As part of our initiatives, we are excited to have Greg Baylor with us to speak on the importance of our constitution and its role in promoting and protecting those principles.鈥�

Gregory S. Baylor serves as senior counsel with Alliance Defending Freedom, where he is the director of the Center for Religious Schools and Senior Counsel for Government Affairs.

Since joining ADF in 2009, Baylor has focused on defending and advancing the religious freedom of faith-based educational institutions through advice, education, legislative and public advocacy, and representation in disputes. He has testified about religious liberty issues three times before congressional committees.

Greg regularly comments on religious liberty and higher education issues in television, radio, and print media, including The New York Times, Christianity Today, National Public Radio, and network and cable news programs. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for the Museum of the Bible.

Greg earned his Juris Doctor in 1990 from Duke University School of Law, where he graduated Order of the Coif, with high honors, and served on the editorial board of the Duke Law Journal. He received his bachelor鈥檚 degree in Honors English in 1987 from Dartmouth College. Following graduation from law school, he served as law clerk to the Hon. Jerry E. Smith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He practiced labor and employment law at two large international law firms for three years before joining the staff of Christian Legal Society鈥檚 Center for Law and Religious Freedom, where he served for 15 years prior to joining ADF. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife (a medical doctor) and two daughters.

The day will include a variety of fun activities that allow students and alumni to get involved. The men鈥檚 basketball alumni game will take place at 11 am and women鈥檚 alumni basketball game will take place at 10 am. To participate in alumni games, contact women鈥檚 basketball coach Kelly Quigle at 573-629-3212 or kelly.quigle@hlg.edu, or men鈥檚 basketball coach Jason Durst at 573-629-3213 or jwdurst@hlg.edu. The day will also include basketball skills contest for all ages and free lunch for alumni and their families from noon to 1 pm. The men鈥檚 basketball team will be facing Williams Baptist University at 3 pm and the women鈥檚 team will face this college鈥檚 team at 1 pm.

For more information on the event, contact Alumni Director Lauren Youse 鈥�05 鈥�16, at 573-629-3126 or via email at lauren.youse@hlg.edu.

番茄社区 University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.

HLGU is hosting a free concert with singer-songwriter Erskin Anavitarte on Wednesday, October 17, at 7 pm. The event will be held in the Roland Fine Arts Center and is open to the public.

Erskin is a Texas-born and Nashville-based artist of many passions. He is a singer-songwriter, diversity spokesman, and adoption advocate who captivates his audience with his energetic personality, musical artistry, and lyrical truth. Whether across the country or around the world, his focus is to strengthen ministries, engage the culture, and create impactful art.

Erskin has traveled across the country and around the globe to encourage people in communities, churches, coffee shops, and other concert venues. The many musical genres that he seamlessly covers 鈥� Pop, Jazz, Country, R&B, and Hip Hop 鈥� attract a diverse fan-base and are continually winning over new listeners. His music can be found on Spotify, ReverbNation, and iTunes.

Erskin was a basketball stand-out who earned a scholarship to East Tennessee State University. He then went on to earn an M.Div. at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX. He currently resides in Nashville, TN, with his wife Kelli and their children. Erskin鈥檚 heart for orphaned, abandoned, and vulnerable children led him to become an advocate for the non-profit organization Holt International.

For more information about the concert, contact the student life office at 573-629-3026, or studentlife@hlg.edu.

by Rebecca Sneed ’12

The community is invited to attend this special night of music. Doors open at 6:30. Tickets are available for $10 per person at the door. Groups of 10 or more are $8/ticket in advance. Contact Josh Pierce, director of student life, at joshua.pierce@hlg.edu for a group discount. The event is free for students with a valid HLGU ID.

The Gray Havens centers on husband and wife Dave and Licia Radford. Since their beginning in 2013, their projects have been hailed as 鈥渁n imaginative treatment of faith鈥having] a visionary quality that鈥檚 both playful and enraptured.鈥� They have a knack for creating a listening experience similar to paging through your favorite book, with richly textured compositions and multi-layered lyrics. Releasing their debut EP on Noisetrade in 2013, and their first full-length album, Fire and Stone, in 2015, the duo has gained a steady following of listeners nationwide.

Their newest release, “Ghost of a King,” debuted at #3 on the iTunes singer-songwriter charts, rewarding listeners with immersive soundscapes and lyrical imagination. From poetic 鈥� almost Shakespearean 鈥� imagery to grand epics fit for darkened concert halls, to pop music infused with loops and infectious beats, the album possesses a remarkable range. In the context of that refreshing variety, the album stays cohesive thanks to its exploration of the human condition of longing.

Today, The Gray Havens are making the most well-crafted music of their career. Their next highly anticipated full-length album is expected to release in 2018.

For more information, contact Josh Pierce, director of student life, at 573-629-3014, or via email at joshua.pierce@hlg.edu.

Pastor Rafael Cruz, father of Republican Presidential candidate and United States Senator Ted Cruz, will be speaking at two events in Hannibal, Missouri early next week. The public is invited to attend these free events being held on Sunday, March 13 at 7:00 pm at Becky’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor & Emporium, 318 Main Street; and on Monday, March 14 at 10:00 am in the Roland Fine Art Center’s Parker Theatre on the campus of 番茄社区 University, 2800 Palmyra Road.

Rafael Cruz is a powerful example of the American Dream. Born in Cuba, Rafael lived and suffered under an oppressive dictator. He began fighting Batista’s regime as a teenager, and was imprisoned and tortured simply because he wanted to be free. Today, Pastor Cruz travels the country sharing his story and speaking on the Biblical foundations of our nation. It is his passion to encourage Christians in what can be done to return our nation to the principles that made America exceptional. Rafael is an ordained minister and the director of Grace for America, sharing the Word of God in churches and at pastors’ conferences throughout the United States.

Pastor Cruz is traveling our nation, speaking on the importance of religious liberties and freedom. Those in attendance will hear Rafael’s story about growing up under a dictator and why young people in Cuba were attracted to this form of government. Cruz will also speak about his son, Ted, his current campaign for Presidency, as well as his love for Christ, the United States, and how America needs to build a solid foundation.

Leadercast is the world’s largest one-day leadership conference, broadcast LIVE from Atlanta and simulcast to hundreds of locations around the world on May 6, 2016. This year marks the 16th year of the annual leadership conference and the third year that 番茄社区 University and Hannibal Regional Healthcare Systems will be at hosting the event at HLGU’s Roland Fine Arts Center. Event day registration will begin at 7:30 am with the conference starting at 8:00 am.

The theme of this year’s conference is, “Architects of Tomorrow,” focusing on visionary leaders who imagine and build a future that is rich in innovation and collaboration and full of hope, a future where problems are solved, questions are answered, and confusion gives way to clarity.

The conference will equip attendees to create their own visionary path. Key speakers – visionaries in their own fields – will inspire the more than 100 people who attend locally, and the more than 100,000 people who will attend the event live in Atlanta or at hundreds of other simulcast locations in more than 20 countries. Among the keynote speakers are:

• Kat Cole – Group President, FOCUS Brands, Inc. (including Cinnabon庐, Moe’s Southwest Grill庐, Auntie Anne’s庐, and more)
• Steve Wozniak – Co-founder of Apple, Inc.,
• Henry Cloud – Acclaimed Leadership Expert, Clinical Psychologist, and Best-Selling Author
• Nick Saban – Head Football Coach, The University of Alabama
• Andy Stanley – Leadership Author and Communicator
• James Brown – Network Broadcaster, CBS Sports and News
• Rorke Denver – Navy SEAL Commander and Author
• Chris Barez-Brown – Author and Creativity Guru
• Tripp Crosby – Host of Leadercast, Comedian and Director

For years, Leadercast has brought people together and equipped them to become better leaders, managers, community members, and employees. Here is what people have to say about Leadercast:

“We believe strongly that the development of well-equipped regional leaders is an essential ingredient in pursuing our vision of a healthier and more vital northeast Missouri. We are very pleased to be working with HLGU to bring this incredible line-up of leadership and inspiration to our region,” remarked C. Todd Ahrens, President and CEO of Hannibal Regional Healthcare System.

“It is one of the single most consolidated sources of leadership that I know of,” said Youse. “But it goes beyond that. I think this conference, although very focused on leadership, transcends the topic and really shows you how to lead in life.”

“Leadercast is something that anyone from education to management can benefit from and should attend. We are all leaders in some way and should continue to seek guidance on improving ourselves. I believe we should bring our entire office. I’m looking forward to Leadercast 2016,” Bob Pollard, director of client services, Benson Financial Group.

Online registration is now open. The early registration fee of $60 includes the live broadcast of renowned speakers from around the world, leadership reference materials, snacks, and hot lunch. Registration fee increases to $65 as of Monday, April 28. Groups of 10 or more received a discounted rate of $50 per person and must call Lauren Youse, HLGU Alumni Director at 573.629.3126 to receive the group rate. To reserve your seat, go to www.hlg.edu/leadercast, or call Lauren.

In celebration of Black History Month, HLGU’s Roland Library is proud to have on display various pictures and artifacts regarding African American history. The display, with items on loan from Jim’s Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center, will be open for the month of February.

Included in the display are the clergy robe, ordination certificate, and picture of Rev. Donald A. Sprague, a former HLGU student and pastor of the 8th and Center Street Baptist Church. Also included in the display are pictures of Rev. Sprague’s church and choir, and photos of local African Americans.

“We are very pleased to host this display, and greatly appreciate the Huck Finn Freedom Center for sharing it with our campus,” stated Julie Andreson, HLGU Library Director. “It is important for us to remember our past, learn from our struggles, and celebrate our progress. I feel privileged to have such important historical documents to share with our students.”

The community is welcome to view the exhibit during the normal operating hours of the Roland Library, Monday-Friday, 7:30 am to midnight, and Saturday, noon to 5 pm.

For more information on the exhibit, contact Faye Dant at 217-617-1507, or via email at fayedant@gmail.com.

番茄社区 University’s Art Department is presenting an opening reception for guest artist Eric Brown on Friday, February 5, at 6 pm in the Hagerman Art Gallery of the Roland Fine Arts Center. The gallery will remain on display for the month of February.

A self-taught artist, Eric traces his love for art to finding a book on the floor of what was to be his room when he was 8 and his parents moved to an old country house. The book, entitled An Age of Barns, was filled with painting and pen and ink work. From that moment on, Eric began to develop his ability with a pencil, striving to match the detail on those pages.

Today, Eric is an accomplished artist, and the pencil is still his tool of choice for pleasurable creativity. His philosophy is, “Drawing can be the constant companion that’s never a burden to have along with you. It’s always ready for your time and eager to make you as happy as you allow it. Never forget to pick up a pencil and let your creativity free for a bit!”

番茄社区 University is honored to announce it has been chosen to host the first ever American Midwest Conference Wrestling Tournament. This new event will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2016, in the Mabee Sports Complex. Admission for the event will be $8 for an adult all-day pass and $5 for children/students. For those only interested in the finals, adults may purchase tickets for $5 and children/students $3.

The six wrestling teams participating in the tournament, 番茄社区, Lindenwood – Belleville, Lyon, Missouri Baptist, Central Baptist, and Williams Baptist, are allowed to bring up to 24 wrestlers each with 12 of those wrestlers allowed to score team points. The competitors will be competing on three mats that will be spread throughout the complex. The 3rd through 5th place matches will start at approximately 3 pm while the championship matches will begin around 6 pm.

HLGU Head Wrestling Coach Scott Hawes stated, “I’m looking forward to the honor of hosting the first AMC tournament here in Hannibal, “America’s Hometown”. The AMC Wrestling Championship will bring us an exciting day of wrestling which will showcase many wrestlers who will be contending for NAIA All-American honors and quite possibly a national championship. Serious wrestling fans from the area will not want to miss this championship!”

HLGU Athletic Director Jason Nichols added, “I’m looking forward hosting the first annual AMC wrestling tournament. We’re making preparations to what we hope will be a great competitive tournament that will bring exposure to the sport of wrestling in the AMC.”

Additionally, HLGU will be broadcasting the tournament live via Stretch Internet. A link to the live feed can be found at . All statistical information during the tournament will be kept live through Track Wrestling.

番茄社区 University is a four-year Christian university fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and prides itself in its traditional and nontraditional educational experience in a distinctively Christian environment.

A PDF Document about the tournament can be found .

More than four decades after his death, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s commitment to social justice and change remains relevant. The public is invited to attend a celebration of his principles by participating in the annual commemoration of his life and work. The celebration event will be held on Sunday, January 17, from 5-7 pm in the Roland Fine Arts Center on the campus of 番茄社区 University. This event is free and open to the public.

The afternoon will be filled with inspiring music and a thought-provoking presentation by featured speaker, Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker, pastor at Liberation Christian Church in St. Louis. The event will also include an art exhibit component. The exhibit’s theme is to Honor Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement, and will include pieces from professional artists as well as area students.

This year marks the 4th year that 番茄社区 University and Jim’s Journey: the Huck Finn Freedom Center will be co-hosting the celebration. Additional sponsors this year include HAYS and Willow Street Christian Church.

Jim’s Journey board member, Joel Dant, will emcee the event, and Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU president, will give opening remarks. This year’s featured speaker, Dr. Wise Baker, will engage those in attendance in meaningful dialogue around the theme “Our Youth are Our Hope.” In addition to being a pastor, Dietra is also a chaplain at Lakeside Residential Center and St. Louis County Juvenile Detention Center. She has over a decade of service to adolescents through her work here and other youth oriented community organizations.

Entertainment will be provided by talented young community members and will include singing, dancing, rap, and storytelling. Following the program, guests are welcome to attend a reception in the RFAC lobby with cake and refreshments.

Monday, January 18, from noon-4 pm, the public is also invited to a private tour of Jim’s Journey: the Huck Finn Freedom Center, 509 N. 3rd Street, Hannibal. The tour will begin at 1 p.m. A free showing of the film “The Children’s March”, will also take place.

For more information about these events please contact Faye Dant at 217.617.1507 or via email at fayedant@gmail.com.