Taylor to Confer Five Honorary Doctorates

Philip Anschutz has enjoyed significant success as a business leader in multiple industries including entertainment, hospitality, oil and gas, railroads, real estate, sports, and telecommunications. Mr. Anschutz is responsible for remarkable feats of business ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit—such as laying the fiber-optic cable that allowed widespread internet access throughout the western United States, being one of the founders of major league soccer, and bringing redemptive stories like The Chronicles of Narnia to the silver screen. He will receive the Doctor of Business degree, honoris causa.

Jamie Fellowes is the Chairman of the Board at Fellowes Brands and recently the Business Solutions Association named him a “Legend of the Industry” in recognition of his career accomplishments. Mr. Fellowes has been a Taylor parent and a faithful supporter of the University’s Christian mission for many years. Mr. Fellowes will also receive the Doctor of Business degree, honoris causa.

Jim Morris found early career success, rising to serve as the Chief of Staff to then-Indianapolis mayor, Richard Lugar. Following his tenure in the Indiana State House, Mr. Morris transitioned to a role with the Lilly Endowment, eventually serving as president, all the while he remained quite active at his church. He subsequently served as the Executive Director of the United Nations’ World Food Programme, leading the largest food distribution operation in world history. Mr. Morris will receive the Doctor of Public Service degree, honoris causa.

Edgar Sandoval is the President and CEO of World Vision. After being born in Los Angeles and growing up in Central and South America, Mr. Sandoval returned to America with very little, working minimum-wage jobs by day and studying English as a second language by night. He eventually entered the private sector before joining World Vision in 2015. Mr. Sandoval will receive the Doctor of Divinity degree, honoris causa.

Elaine Vandermeulen graduated from Taylor University in 1962. Throughout her life, Elaine has been a faithful steward of God’s gifts and a great friend of the University. Elaine and her late husband, Gordon, shared an entrepreneurial spirit, marked by their good work in running Great Lakes Fasteners for 40 years. Elaine and Gordon have supported numerous initiatives around the University, from student-led spiritual emphasis activities like “Wonder 2022” to founding the Vandermeulen Innovation Hub. Mrs. Vandermeulen will receive the Doctor of Humane Letters degree, honoris causa.