The Griggs Center for Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy welcomed April Anthony, founder of Encompass Home Health, to campus Tuesday afternoon for the final event in the fall Entrepreneur Speaker Series.

“For the Entrepreneur Speaker Series we have different areas of focus for different events,” said Dr. Jim Litton, director of the Griggs Center. “Today’s focus was on women’s entrepreneurship, and April is a great example within our ACU community of a successful woman entrepreneur.”

Also as a part of the Women’s Entrepreneurship series, Darbie Angell, founder of CRU Dinnerware, spoke to about 50 students who were a part of the Women in Business and the Collegiate Entrepreneurs’ Organization (CEO.)

Angell addressed the group via a video conference and shared her story of being a young mom and entrepreneur.

A group of students and community members had the opportunity to engage in a question-and-answer session with Anthony at a luncheon following Angell’s Chapel talk.

Rachel Katagiri, sophomore international studies major from Arlington, is a member of CEO and said listening to Anthony speak was encouraging to her, because she plans on becoming an entrepreneur in the future.

“It’s awesome that ACU even hosts these types of events because it’s not like you’re going to run into these people just walking down the street, so it’s cool that they give students opportunities to come to events like this,” Katagiri said.

Katagiri said students do not have to already have an idea for a new business to come to these events and encouraged more students to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the business world.

Anthony said she enjoyed the opportunity to speak to students.

“It is fun to share your story and let people turn the textbook into reality,” Anthony said.

Anthony encouraged students to follow their passions and find a job that they love doing.

“Her story embodies what ACU is all about, being successful in your work but also focusing on faith and giving back to others,” Litton said.