A Life of Blessings Ignited a Life of Giving Simply put, Dr. Demos Gallender BA ’61 gives to Anderson University today because someone made ic financially possible for him to earn an AU degree more than 50 years ago. That gift exemplified the Lord's unending generosity to Gallender and initiated Gallender’s philanthropy to AU. In the summer of 1954, a 17-year-old Gallender arrived in Anderson, Ind., with an optimistic atvitucle and willingness to work. He had labored in numerous fields in Louisiana, where he was originally from, and had worked for a dairy processing plant in New Orleans. AA year before, he had met a gentleman named Bob Cole who had attended Anderson University. He told Gallender that there were many factories in Anderson he could work in while going to school. This idea cemented Gallender's plans to go to college. Later that summer, he graduated from high school and hitchhiked from New Orleans to Anderson, Ind,, to attend Anderson University. ‘When Gallender arrived in Anderson, he soon found there ‘was no available work. Delco Remy had not hired anyone in two years, and no other Factory was hiring. After attending classes at AUin the morning, he would head out in search of employment. One day in November afier another long fruitless day of job searching, Gallender was walking back to campus in the cold and feeling discouraged about his circumstances. He could not find a job. He had no money. He only had two pairs of blue jeans, two t-shirts, one light jacket. and a pair of shocs that were full of holes to combat the harsh Indiana winter. A rush of despair swept over him. He was alone with no one to help him. Gallender’s desperation got the better of him, and he decided it was time to go home. He was physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually drained, and he was convinced that he could not make it. “College is over,” he thought. “Ian make the grades, but I don’e have the resources. I don’t have the support. I'm leaving.” He returned to Dunn Hall, showered, and went to bed early in preparation for the hitehhike back to Louisiana. While he was sleeping, Gallender heard a knock at his door. Irritated, he opened the door to a complete stranger. He was introduced to a young man named Bill Ellis. Ellis told him that he had been sent by John Kane, the then alumni director, and gave him a $5 gift certificate to the college cafeteria. Gallender was overwhelmed with gratitude. Additionally, Ellis mentioned a daily one-hour job racking pool at the YMCA. According to Gallender, “Ellis changed my plans for the next day and influenced every aspect of sy future life.” Looking back, Gallender sees God's hand at work. “I have found out in my life that God always supplies your requests plus a litle extra,” Gallender says. “And then God expects you to give that extra away. Don't try to keep it. Don’t try to use its i's not yours.” —ALUON OMG,