The former Howe Military Academy is quiet these days, but there is still activity on campus with a view toward the future for Great Commission University.
Great Commission University, a branch of the World Olivet Assembly, recently completed the $3 million purchase of Howe Military, which had been in operation since 1895 prior to closing in 2019.
Great Commission gives a nod to the Howe Military history in a post on its web site at greatcommissionuniversity.org.
“The dream of the World Olivet Assembly is to establish Great Commission University in collaboration with evangelicals around the world for the purpose of educating and equipping men and women of godly character as ordained ministers and missionaries commissioned with preaching the Gospel to ends of the earth — particularly among unreached peoples,” says President Paul Foerster’s welcome on the web page.
The World Olivet Assembly is an international outreach and Foerster anticipates many of its students will come from other countries. The university has been working with Sen. Jim Banks’ office on Homeland Security clearance.
“Their office was very helpful in communicating in our behalf,” said Foerster. The Department of Homeland Security is headquartered in Washington, D.C. There is no clear indication as to when the college will be given permission to admit students from outside the country, said Foester.
While Great Commission endures delays, Foerster, a native of Germany, said the United States’ religious freedoms assure it can continue to work toward its goal.
At this time, around 10 European and African students take classes online. An accredited program can be provided through Olivet University, though Great Commission is in the process of seeking independent accreditation.
There are many hurdles for Great Commission to surmount. It has been informed by the health department that its current well can serve a maximum of 25 people. That means more wells will have to be dug to serve growth on campus. There has been some discussion at LaGrange County Regional Utility District (LCRUD) board meetings about the possibility of extending water service to the university, though that is not currently in the district’s plans.
Great Commission paid significant fines to LCRUD for delays in connecting to the Region C sewer. It has entered a three-phase agreement with LCRUD. The first phase was completed in 2021 and 16 more buildings on campus are slated to be connected to the wastewater system over the next two years.
Six people live on campus, including Foester, academic officer Nicole Enke and Nicholas Haman, chairman of the board of directors.
“Everyone has been very helpful and very kind overall,” said Haman.
Howe Military’s once bustling campus was a boon to the little town of Howe, and Foerster said he realizes that many would like to see that activity revived. The infrastructure is in need of many updates, he said.
Two dormitories have been remodeled to accommodate a maximum of 80 students. The administration building, a cafeteria, two residential homes and chapel hall have been remodeled.
When students begin learning on campus, the goal is to grow slowly, adding around 10 students each quarter, said Foerster.
Progress at Great Commission University may not be readily apparent to those looking on from the outside, but many steps have been taken logistically, legally and structurally to prepare for its long-term operation.
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