Two seemingly unrelated items on the Partners page of The Christian Chronicle’s latest print edition failed to make a crucial connection. Now it’s time to set the inspiring record straight.

Enrollment again hit record and near-record levels this fall at some colleges and universities associated with Churches of Christ. Harding University in Searcy, Ark., posted an all-time high enrollment for the 25th consecutive year, eclipsing 7,000 students. Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn., topped 4,000 students, marking a fifth straight year of record enrollment.

York College officials report that enrollment has reached a 12-year high, hitting 507.

The disappointment on Caleb Hawley’s face was evident as he was cut from the last round of competition before “American Idol” viewers take over the vote.

A York College alumnus appeared on Wednesday night’s season premiere of “American Idol” and received a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Or, as York’s website described it:
Caleb Hawley Rocks Out with Steven Tyler
If that last name sounds familiar, Hawley is the grandson of Monroe Hawley, a prominent Church of Christ preacher featured in a 2007 Christian Chronicle interview.
More on the younger Hawley, via York:
American Idol began season 10 this week with the first audition stop in New Jersey. The second contestant of the evening was York College’s own, Caleb Hawley who …

York College in Nebraska is mourning the death of a longtime business professor and church elder.

York College in Nebraska reports that fall enrollment has hit a 10-year high of 483 students — a 12 percent increase from a year ago.

We reported in April on colleges and universities associated with Churches of Christ drawing fewer students from within the fellowship. As a follow-up to that report, our latest print edition highlights the changing student population at York College, where 58 percent of freshmen listed their religious affiliation as something other than Church of Christ in fall 2009. Read the full story and then share your comments.