Trends: Fall 2007 (Volume 4, Issue 1) by Indiana Tech: Marketing

Volume 4 / Issue 1 The Magazine for Students, Alumni & Friends of Indiana Tech

New Faculty Four new full-time faculty members joined the university this fall. Alumni Hall of Fame:

Positioned for Greatness:

New Coach Spotlight:

Joseph J. Foster III

Elkhart Campus

Kirsta Solberg

Letter from the President Hello everyone! A new academic year is well under way here at Indiana Tech, and it’s shaping up to be another great one. We opened this year with a convocation, a new tradition for us. The theme was “Building Character, Building Careers,” and the ceremony incorporated my thoughts on the importance of emotional intelligence and the Code of Ethics that was developed as a joint effort among students, faculty, and staff. The message we tried to convey was that college is a time for determining what kind of person you’re going to be. The stories in this issue of Trends highlight the positive things happening here at Tech. We celebrated our largest group of incoming students in 42 years. We had a fantastic homecoming and a standing room only University Forum with journalist Charlie Savage. We welcomed a new volleyball coach and several new faculty members. The future holds even more promise. Our Career Planning and Development Center is building an online job database to serve students and employers, we’re adding a new graduate degree in organizational leadership, and our Elkhart area campuses are growing. The thing to remember about all of these people, programs, and events is that they support the theme of “Building Character, Building Careers.” We’re not here just to hand out grade reports and diplomas. We’re here to help students of all ages become the kind of people who will make a difference in the world. As you browse these pages and think about how Indiana Tech is evolving, think about how you can make a difference in the world.

Dr. Arthur E. Snyder, President

TRENDS Fall 2007

Departments

Letter from the President

Tech Happenings

Alumni Updates & In Memoriam

Faculty & Staff News

Features

New Student Enrollment

Highest in 42 Years

New Master’s Degree Designed for Future Leaders

Positioned for Greatness

The Art of HR

Career Planning and Development Center

People

2007 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee

Joseph J. Foster III

New Faculty

Alex Odemba, Edward F. Ruppel, Cortney Rae Robbins, Min Lu

New Coach Spotlight Kirsta Solberg

Trends is published quarterly for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Indiana Tech by the university’s Creative Services Department. Janet Schutte, Marketing Director Jeffrey Melton, Marketing Specialist

Please send comments, news, and feature story ideas to: Indiana Tech attn: Creative Services 1600 E. Washington Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46803

(260) 422-5561, extension 2219 e-mail: alumni@indianatech.edu

(260) 422-5561, extension 2250 e-mail: JLSchutte@indianatech.edu

Drew Kora, Graphic Designer Nathan Davidhizar Intern

For alumni news, please send to the address at the left, attention Alumni Office, or call:

The editors reserve the right to edit articles for length and clarity. Articles may be reproduced with permission and proper attribution.

Alison Delicati and CJ Miller, Contributing Writers

TRENDS Fall 2007

tech happenings

Pulitzer Prize Winning Author Visits Campus

Visitors from across northern Indiana packed the theater in Andorfer Commons on September 27, 2007 to hear Pulitzer Prize winner Charlie Savage speak on his new book, “Takeover: The Rise of the Imperial Presidency and the Subversion of American Democracy.” His presentation included a lively question and answer session with the audience of about 275 students, staff, faculty, and community visitors. Following the presentation, Savage signed books on the second floor of Andorfer Commons. Savage, a Fort Wayne native, is a Washington correspondent for the Boston Globe. He has also received the American Bar Association’s Silver Gavel Award and the Gerald R. Ford Prize for Distinguished Reporting on the Presidency.

TRENDS Fall 2007

Convocation Focused on Character “Building Character, Building Careers” was the theme of Indiana Tech’s Fall 2007 Convocation. The ceremony held on September 4, 2007 in the Schaefer Center gym included introductions to the Code of Ethics and the Tech Rewards program. The Code of Ethics stresses the importance of honesty, accountability, respect and professionalism in our actions, words, and appearance, both on and off campus. With Tech Rewards, students earn points toward prizes for their participation in various academic and extracurricular events. Inspired by a ribbon or medal.

The logo is versatile, too. It can be made of or surrrounded by various colors and patterns depending on application. As long as the letters, star, and overall shape are consistent it will be recognizeable.

Rockin’ the Campus Indiana Tech’s third annual Fall Kick Off Concert let the students be the rock stars—at least for one song. Live Band Karaoke invaded campus on the evening of September 5, 2007 at the outdoor amphitheater. Would-be stars sang their favorite songs in front of a live band. Prizes were awarded for the best performances.

TRENDS Fall 2007

tech happenings

Homecoming 2007 This year’s celebration featured a wide range of events which involved current students, staff, faculty and alumni. The festivities ran Sept. 14 through Sept. 22 and included:

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Tailgate Party Alumni Athletic Games TWIST XVIII Golf Scramble

TRENDS Fall 2007

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Lunchtime Luau Guided Campus Tours President’s Club Dinner

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Warrior Fieldhouse Dedication Alumni Banquet Dinner and more!

2007 Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee Joseph J. Foster III This year’s inductee in the Alumni Hall of Fame was Joe Foster, BSAE 1950. Foster grew up in Albany, N.Y., as the oldest of four children. He built his first airplane model at the age of 10, and that began a lifelong love of aviation. Foster worked as an airplane mechanic for 50 cents an hour while attending Tech. He graduated in 1950 and enlisted in the Air Force in 1951. During his career he flew 19 different types of prop/turboprop/jet airplanes and logged 5,750 hours in the air. He retired as a lieutenant colonel with 28 years of Air Force service in January 1979. After retirement, he worked in project management at several aerospace companies developing the MX ICBM, B-1B Bomber, and C-17 transport. At the Homecoming banquet, Foster had these words for his fellow alumni: “I feel very humble in accepting this honor. In my mind it recognizes not just me, but all Tech graduates and the people that

taught us to excel…. I am very proud of the people, places, and things that I have known and worked with. I came to Tech 59 years ago in September 1948 as a young 18 year-old who had never been more than thirty miles from home. With 99% of the students being veterans on the G. I. Bill, I immediately picked up on the culture at Tech: It was study and learn. The curve was high, but the professors and staff were so dedicated to us students. I have attended other colleges and hold an M. A. in Business Management. But, no college came close to the ‘motivation to learn’ that I experienced at Tech. And, that caring learning climate is still here. That is why I am so proud to be a “Tech” graduate. Today’s students have wonderful facilities to live in and learn. But it is the professors and staff that make that learning possible. And even after 57 years I see, and sense, that same spirit.” TRENDS Fall 2007

New Student Enrollment Highest in 42 Years Indiana Tech’s enrollment continues its upward climb with the university celebrating its largest traditional program enrollment in 37 years and its largest incoming group of students in 42 years. A 19.6% increase in new students brings the total fall enrollment in the traditional program to 772, the highest level since the university had 774 students in 1970. The 348 new students for fall 2007 is the largest incoming group since Indiana Tech had 416 new students in 1965. The university also has an additional 34 students enrolled in Early Start, a program that allows local high school students to take certain Indiana Tech courses. Over the past few years Indiana Tech has gradually been adding academic programs, sports teams, and campus improvements as part of a strategic plan to become a more comprehensive university. “We’ve come a long way from being just an engineering school, and our enrollment growth shows students are discovering that Indiana Tech has a lot to offer them,” said President Arthur E. Snyder. Recently added academic programs include degrees in elementary education, computer security and investigation, software engineering, and criminal justice. New athletic teams for 2007 are men’s and women’s golf, cross country, and track. Tennis was added in 2006. “Developing more academic options meets our core purpose of providing career-oriented education, but athletics and other activities add

TRENDS Fall 2007

depth to the collegiate experience that we offer to our students,” Snyder said. “Guest speakers, discussion forums, and academic competitions combine with more entertainment-type events to get students involved in the campus community.” The university’s College of Professional Studies (CPS) also expects growth. Since those programs allow up to nine different start dates for students, enrollment figures are not final. Based on the first two session starts, however, enrollment in the College of Professional Studies is expected to reach 2,224 this year, a 4% increase from last year. That number is based on a full-time equivalency estimate. The actual number of students taking at least one course in the College of Professional Studies is expected to be about 3,447. Projected CPS Enrollment

2006 2,138

2007 2,224

% increase 4%

Traditional Program Enrollment

New students Returning students Total

Fall 2006 291 404 695

Fall 2007 348 424 772

% increase 19.6% 5% 11.1%

New Master’s Degree Designed for Future Leaders Indiana Tech will expand its graduate degree offerings with the addition of a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership in the spring of 2008. The program is designed to guide students in developing their unique talents as a leader. Unlike other degree programs, in which students take a series of individual courses, the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership is built around three modules: Personal Leadership, Negotiation and Influence, and Organizational Leadership. Each module will integrate four courses within those topics. “In today’s fast-paced world, organizations of all types and sizes need people who are trained in using leadership skills to navigate through periods of change,” Indiana Tech President Arthur E. Snyder said. “This program was created for mid-career professionals who want to hone their talents as leaders in a variety of areas.” The 12-month program uses a team model and an emphasis on experiential learning to guide students through a personal assessment of their strengths and weaknesses as a leader, a study of leadership theory and best practices, and development of a personal leadership action plan. Each team will consist of about 15 students to foster effective group dynamics. The Master of Science in Organizational Leadership will be taught in a blended format, combining online work, self study, and classroom work. Over the span of the 12-month program, students will be required to attend only five on-campus weekend sessions in Fort Wayne and two half-day videoconferences. The on-campus sessions will include group exercises, guest speakers, and student presentations. Admissions requirements for the program are:

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At least three years work experience with an increasing level of supervisory responsibilities A bachelor’s degree (in any field) from an accredited institution, with a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 or better Three letters of recommendation A brief essay on the student’s reasons for applying and expectations for the program

Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) Goal: To guide students in developing their personal leadership styles in order to serve in the workplace, the community, and beyond Launch date: March 2008 Program length: 12 months Format: Blend of online work, self study, and classroom work Credits: 36 Tuition: $390 per credit (includes all textbooks and materials) More information: Visit www.IndianaTech.edu/MSOL or call 800.288.1766

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New Faculty The traditional program at Indiana Tech welcomed one of its largest groups of new students ever this fall. But the throngs of freshmen and transfer students weren’t the only new faces on campus. Four new full-time faculty members also joined the university. The following snippets provide a glimpse of how their backgrounds and personalities are as diverse as the subjects they teach.

Alex Odemba Hometown: Tarime, Tanzania

His dream: He would like to retire at the university in his home village in Tanzania.

Family/Children: Wife, 5 children Education: MBA from Fordham University, New York. He is in the process of earning his Ph.D. from Notre Dame and DBA from the University of Phoenix online.

Little known fact: He hates mowing his yard so to make it more enjoyable for himself, he cuts trigonometry patterns in it. Pet Peeve: When students with potential do not apply themselves.

Area of expertise: Accounting (ACCA), teaches business and economics classes

Favorite Food: Goat meat

Why he joined Indiana Tech: It’s close to home, and he previously enjoyed teaching here as an adjunct

Classes he’s teaching: Economics (macro and micro), Managerial Economics and Finance

Proudest accomplishments: Raising a family and having a top executive position at age 25

Favorite Class to Teach: Macro or global economics

Edward F. Ruppel Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Why he joined Indiana Tech: It’s a nice place to teach

Family/children: Wife, 2 children, and 3 grandchildren. Ruppel is extremely proud of his children and their accomplishments. His daughter, holding a Ph.D. in geophysics from MIT, is a researcher at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. His son is vice president of manufacturing for a small start-up medical instruments company.

Proudest accomplishment: He’s the first person in his family to get a degree

Alma maters: Undergraduate from LaSalle University (1972) and graduate from Xavier (1982) Professional background: Worked in information systems and business for 38 years

His dream: To go to Australia Little known fact: He has donated 98 pints of blood to the Red Cross Classes he’s teaching: Principles of Management, Public Relations, Quality MIS, Introduction to Technology, Project Management, Information Systems, Strategic Planning Favorite Class to Teach: Strategic Planning

10 TRENDS Fall 2007

Alex Odemba (left) and Edward F. Ruppel (right) TRENDS Fall 2007 11

Cortney Rae Robbins (left) and Min Lu (right) 12 TRENDS Fall 2007

Cortney Rae Robbins Hometown: Hartford City, Indiana Family/children: 4-year-old son. Robbins’ proudest accomplishment was raising her son and earning her master’s degree at the same time.

Little known fact: She likes only odd numbers and never sets her alarm to even numbers Pet peeve: Slow and/or bad drivers Favorite book: The Catcher in the Rye

Alma mater: Ball State University (2007) Classes she’s teaching: Basic English and English Composition I Area of expertise: English Why she joined Indiana Tech: It’s close to her hometown, and she’s used to the area and small school atmosphere

Favorite class to teach: Any class in which she teaches students to write and read.

Min Lu Family/Children: Wife and 3 children

Favorite Music: Classical

Alma Mater: Western Michigan (2001) Area of expertise: Mechanical Engineering

Little known facts: He has no favorite food, and he eats anything and everything put in front of him at the dinner table. He’s the kind of person that always takes charge

Why he joined Indiana Tech: He felt he could contribute more to the engineering community by teaching here.

Classes he’s teaching: Machine Design, Statics and Dynamics, Computer Graphics, Dynamics class

Proudest accomplishment: Earning his doctorate

Favorite Class to Teach: He just loves teaching. Every class is his favorite.

His goal: To see his students achieve greatness TRENDS Fall 2007 13

Positioned for Greatness James Fischer, the new Elkhart campus director, is only half joking when he declares his goal: “To rip market share from the jaws of other institutions.” On second thought, maybe he’s not joking at all. Fischer joined Indiana Tech in mid-September, bringing more than 12 years of higher education administration experience to the university. His most recent position was campus director for Tri-State University in South Bend. His additional experience in higher education includes positions with Tabor College, Bethel College, and the Caribbean Graduate School of Theology. As campus director for Elkhart, Fischer leads one of three main campuses in the College of Professional Studies. Like Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, Elkhart also has smaller locations under its umbrella. The Elkhart campus includes not only Elkhart itself, but also South Bend, Warsaw, and Merrillville.

Kendallville Avilla

In Fischer’s mind, just calling it the Elkhart campus is thinking too narrowly. “We’re not just Elkhart; our greatest growth areas are outside of Elkhart,” he says. “We’re moving beyond the Elkhart/South Bend focus into the northwest region of Indiana.”

Auburn

Fort Wayne New Haven Bluffton

Although Elkhart currently has the smallest enrollment of the three CPS areas, the locations are also relatively young and show great potential for growth.

› The university expanded to South Bend in 1995 › The campus in Elkhart was established in 2003 › Indiana Tech has offered classes in Warsaw since 1999, but didn’t build its own facility

ncie

›

derson

there until 2005. Indiana Tech classes in Merrillville began this summer

mel

hers

enfield eenwood

elbyville

Northwest Indiana CPS locations Elkhart

South Bend Merrillville

Warsaw Main Campus Legend Auxiliary Campus Indiana Tech Facility Class Locations

Columbia City Huntington

The Elkhart campus serves a diverse audience, Fischer says. “We have small cities, but also rural areas,” he explains. “And we happen to have some very strong pockets of industry, such as the recreational vehicle industry in and around Elkhart and the orthopedic industry in Warsaw.” Programs that serve the needs of those industries, such as the industrial and manufacturing engineering degree in Warsaw, help fuel enrollment growth. Kendallville Avilla The locations in the Elkhart group focus on offering the business administration program, Auburn but provide other degree opportunities such as accounting and criminal justice when there is enough interest from potential students. Elkhart, South Bend, and Warsaw all offer graduate Fort Wayne degree programs, and Merrillville will add graduate courses in the fall 2008. New Haven “We have to continue to provide quality education to adults seeking professional development and do what we do well—meeting the needs of business and communities as well as the Bluffton individual needs of students,” Fischer says.

Those “other institutions” should consider themselves warned. 14 TRENDS Fall 2007

new coach spotlight

Solberg Digs In Kirsta Solberg joined Indiana Tech as the new Warrior volleyball coach in August, 2007. Solberg is originally from Huron, Ohio, near Sandusky and the Cedar Point amusement park. She played volleyball throughout high school and helped win her school’s first state title during her senior year in 1999. Solberg attended Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, where she helped lead the NCAA Division I team to win a championship in 2003 and as runners-up in 2004 for Division I Independent Colleges. She earned her bachelor of fine arts in graphic design in May 2004. Solberg became the first American to play in the Danish Volleyball League, playing for Holte IF in Copenhagen, Denmark, and helping lead that team to the Danish National Finals. She earned her MBA from IPFW in May 2007. Solberg took a few minutes out of her busy first season to share her thoughts about her new role.

team is very talented. We have a lot of heart and drive,” she says. “My immediate goal is to do well in the conference and take the team to the conference tournament. They know the level they have to play at to do that and win.” Indiana Tech “Indiana Tech’s strengths are in its small size and family-like atmosphere. People on the team support each other,” says Solberg. Many of her players are also active in other groups at the university. Aspirations “Something I would like to do one day is start a non-profit sports organization for kids who may not have the means to play club sports or other things that help them get seen for college recruiting,” says Solberg. “It will be a way for them to compete outside of school competition at a good level and receive good coaching if they are in a school that can’t bring in good coaches. I would like it to start with volleyball and branch out to other sports such as basketball.” Favorites Food: “Biaggi’s is good and not too expensive. Also, Panera.”

Coaching “One of the challenges of being a new coach has been making the transition from the former coach—getting over the hurdles and having the team accept me and the assistant coaches,” says Solberg. “There have been highs and lows, with great wins and bad losses. But, I think it’s made us a better team over all. Now we’re on the same page, playing as a team and being more consistent. I think our biggest accomplishment so far was beating Madonna earlier this year. It was our first time out together and a ‘nail-biting’ match.” “My ultimate goal is to lead the team to a national tournament. The

TV shows: “Grey’s Anatomy, Lost, reality TV.” Travel spots: “I loved Puerto Rico. I’d like to go to Hawaii.” Activities: “Being competitive and creative. I like all sports (I love the Cleveland Cavs! And Ohio State Buckeyes football). I like to paint/draw and try to play piano (though I am not that great at it!). I love great comedians because I love to laugh!” Role models: “On a personal level, my parents. Tony Dungy for his coaching and leadership.” TRENDS Fall 2007 15

The Art of HR Indiana Tech students learned that what happens in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas—occasionally it becomes college credit. This summer a small group of students took Dr. Jeff Walls’ Seminar in Human Resource Management course, which centered on a trip to Las Vegas to attend the 59th Annual Society for Human Resource Management Conference and Exposition. Spending their days in the Las Vegas Convention Center and their nights as they wanted, the students participated in the world’s largest convergence of HR professionals. More than 22,000 attendees arrived, several thousand more than expected.

introduction more than 70 million bands have been sold, each for $1. Linda Alvarado, President and CEO of Alvarado Construction based in Denver, Colo., decided to enter construction at a time when it was a field without women. She began taking very “unusual classes for women” like surveying, and construction supervision. Today her company is one of the largest in their industry and works on developing convention centers and other large structures. Her part in a bid for ownership of the Colorado Rockies made her the first woman and the first Hispanic owner of a major league baseball team.

Best-selling author Dan Pink spoke on key skills he believes leads rightDozens of seminars each day explored all of the specialties of the human brained people to dominate today’s markets and how they will lead the resources field. There were factual basics like introductions to payroll future. Pink is a proponent of free agents, even writing a book called management and philosophical sessions on HR and Sun Tzu’s “The Art “Free Agent Nation,” and spoke about people increasingly working for of War.” Sessions were designed with all levels in mind, so undergraduthemselves. That’s a philosophy he lives up to, having left a job with the ate and graduate students had choices to suit them. All sessions were White House to become a consultant and speaker himself. divided into several tracks: employment, HR and the law, skill development, strategic management, total rewards, and innovation. A significant piece of the Conference Center was taken up with the Exposition, a small city of booths and displays set up by companies. A keynote speaker took the stage each morning of the conference. With more than 1,300 exhibitions, it is the largest human resources Past speakers have included Bill Cosby, Colin Powell, Queen Noor of expo in the world. Many exhibitors were happy to share a business Jordan, and Christopher Reeve. The 2007 speakers included Lance card or take a resume from students, and with HR personnel from Armstrong, Linda Alvarado, and Dan Pink. every industry represented, it was a great opportunity for students. Lance Armstrong spoke about being a Tour de France winning cyclist and cancer survivor. Every attendee was given a yellow Live Strong wristband, and he told the amazing story of how the Live Strong bracelets came to be. They were donated by Nike with the intent of raising $5 million for the cancer efforts of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. That goal was reached in six months, and almost four years after their 16 TRENDS Fall 2007

The 2008 SHRM conference will be June 22 to 25th in Chicago. Speakers will include actor, writer, and diplomat Sidney Poitier and comedic actress Nancy Giles. Giles, who has performed with the Harlem Boys Choir and on Law and Order, has written and performed pieces like “Black Comedy: The Wacky Side of Racism” and “Notes of a Negro Neurotic.”

Career Planning and Development Center Given all the energy, stress and money involved with earning a degree, it is natural to aspire to be gainfully employed after graduation. The Career Planning and Development Center (CPDC) at Indiana Tech would like graduates to see a bright future as well. “The CPDC helped provide me the confidence and skills I needed to advance in my existing company,” says Barbara Kensill. Kensill is a College of Professional Studies (CPS) student working on her accounting degree in the evenings while working at Parkview Health during the day. Through one-on-one career coaching received through the CPDC, Kensill was able to put together a solid resume, learn about professional dress, and practice interviewing skills that ultimately landed her a job promotion. Seniors aren’t the only ones benefiting from CPDC services. It’s a process that should start much earlier. Freshman Jessica Medrano wasn’t sure which academic major would suit her interests. After a few appointments with

the CPDC and taking an interest inventory, Medrano was able to jump start her career by declaring a suitable major. She chose a therapeutic recreation major that will allow her to hone in on her desire to help others in need. For over three years, the CPDC has provided services, programs and one-on-one career advising related to self-assessment, career exploration and job searching free of cost to traditional students, CPS students and alumni. In addition to student and alumni services, the CPDC serves employers by connecting them to quality job candidates. Through oncampus interviewing; networking sessions; the annual career fair; and most recently, an online job posting database, employers can seamlessly screen, select and hire Indiana Tech students and graduates to fill internship and full-time positions. Warrior Jobs, Indiana Tech’s new online job posting database powered by NACElink, allows employers to post jobs at no cost. Since going live with the site, more than

300 students and alumni have searched the system and applied for jobs. Companies can also easily search students’ resumes at the click of a mouse by selecting majors of interest, graduation date, or even searching by keyword. Employers wishing to post a job may do so by clicking the “Warrior Jobs—Employer Link” at the bottom of the CPDC homepage at www.indianatech. edu/cpdc. While offering all these services benefits students, the real key to the CPDC’s success lies in its personal attention in working with individual students. Being a small university, CPDC staff members get to know students and provide the extra attention to detail that can give students a leg up in the job search process. In addition, CPDC staff members work with students early in their college careers, helping them to seek and find meaningful experiences and internships to assist them in preparing for the work world. With the support of these services, it is no wonder that the majority of Indiana Tech graduates do see a bright future.

TRENDS Fall 2007 17

alumni news

Nick Bobay, BSBA 1990, MBA 2001, is managing director at ITT Defence Ltd in Basingstoke, UK, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of ITT Aerospace/Communications Division. His responsibilities include management and operations of the company’s international business segment, headquartered in the United Kingdom. Nick and his wife, Lori, reside in Virginia Water, UK with their four children. Kristie L. (Vedder) Lehman, BSACC 1999, is living in Fort Wayne, Ind., and can be reached at CKLehman@msn.com. Rafael Robert, BSRE 1962, lives in Costa Rica and has farms that export tropical ornamental plants and palms to the United States and Europe. Charles Keene, BSBA 1994, is retired and living in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Indiana Tech Lunch Bunch 3rd Tuesday of Every Month 11:30am–1:00pm

Cedric Pruitt, BSBA 1993, is a supervisor with General Motors in Lansing, Mich. He lives in Okemos, Mich., and his e-mail address is cwp32@aol. com. Pruitt won the Outstanding Minority Recognition Award for Mid-Michigan in 1995. Aaron Bare, BSBA 1995, is the cofounder and CEO of CareerTours, an Internet-based recruiting resource that allows career seekers to experience companies through profiles and video or audio CareerTours. Cathy Tarricone, BSBA, was recently promoted to director of activations for Corner Care Clinic in Indianapolis. Aaron Gregory, BSET 1995, is a senior field technician for Smith & Nephew. Gregory lives in Auburn, Ind.

in memoriam We have learned of the deaths of the following alumni & friends: Richard H. Babylon Smithsburg, MD BSME 1952 Joseph M. Galbreath Fountain Inn, SC BSCE 1968 Donald R. Millard Edgerton, WI BSCE 1960 Edward J.T. Nacey Little Falls, MN BSCE 1954 Ugo A. Coty Glendora, CA BSANE 1949

Calling all Fort Wayne area alums of Indiana Tech: You’re invited to take a break from the busy workday and be a part of Indiana Tech’s Lunch Bunch! Grab your business cards and head to the Alumni Association’s monthly event where you can get a bite to eat, network, and socialize with old classmates, staff and faculty at some of Fort Wayne’s best restaurants.

Mark your calendars now to attend: December 18, 2007 Olive Garden 315 W. Coliseum Blvd. January 15, 2008 Don Hall’s Gas House 305 E. Superior St.

February 19, 2008 Don Pablo’s 407 W. Coliseum Blvd. March 18, 2008 Don Hall’s Triangle Park Grill 3010 Trier Rd.

April 15, 2008 Andorfer Commons Cafeteria Indiana Tech Enjoy lunch with students followed by a tour of campus

RSVP to Rose Schafer by calling 800.937.2448 ext. 2219. See you there! 18 TRENDS Fall 2007

faculty & staff news

University Welcomes New Staff Indiana Tech is pleased to announce several additions to the university staff: Perry Collins, vice president of the College of Professional Studies Coreena Esters, administrative assistant, College of Professional Studies—Greenwood James Fischer, campus director, College of Professional Studies— Elkhart Christopher Grasso, vice president of Institutional Advancement Steve Herendeen, manager of campus development and support, College of Professional Studies Min Lu, associate professor of mechanical engineering Alex Odemba, assistant professor of business Cortney Robbins, associate professor of English

Allwein Joins AQIP Team Tim Allwein, assistant professor of business, has accepted an invitation to become a reviewer with AQIP. AQIP, the Academic Quality Improvement Program, is an accreditation process of the Higher Learning Commission through which colleges and universities can maintain their accreditation through continuous improvement. Allwein will likely participate in training this fall and begin reviewing in 2008.

Barlow Adds to Credentials Kathleen Barlow, associate professor of English and communications, participated in a summer workshop for the National Writing Project/Indiana Teachers of Writing. She is now a senior teacher consultant in writing pedagogy and was invited to make a presentation at the annual state meeting of the Indiana Teachers of Writing in October on the development of learning/writing labs. Also this summer, Barlow earned a certificate as a certified professional grant writer through an intensive course at Ohio State University. In the spring, she was named to the Indiana Arts Commission as a grant reviewer, awarding grants in the arts and humanities to grant applicants from Indiana in the literary arts.

Grasso Joins as New VP for Advancement Christopher Grasso joined the university on September 14, 2007 as vice president of Institutional Advancement. Grasso will lead a team of four staff members in fundraising and alumni relations. He brings 30 years of experience in fundraising and development to the university. Grasso’s most recent position was vice president for advancement at St. Patrick’s Seminary and University in Menlo Park, California. Prior experience includes positions with the Archdiocese of San Antonio in Texas, Albertus Magnus College, the University of Arizona, the University of California, Los Angeles, California State Polytechnic University; Drexel University, the Teke Educational Foundation in Indianapolis and Saint Anselm College. Grasso holds an MBA in management from the University of Southern New Hampshire and a bachelor’s degree in economics and business from Saint Anselm College.

Collins Joins as VP for Professional Studies Edward Ruppel, assistant professor of business Rhoda Schlatter, associate admissions counselor Ashley Skinner, Student Information Center representative Kirsta Solberg, volleyball coach Charles Stott, enrollment manager, College of Professional Studies— Greenwood

Perry Collins joined the university on October 22, 2007 as vice president of the College of Professional Studies. Collins will oversee nontraditional programs at Indiana Tech locations around the state as well as distance education programs. Collins comes to Indiana Tech after serving as director of the EXCEL Program for Adults at Huntington University. In addition to his experience in higher education, Collins served in the military for 39 years. He retired as a colonel and vice commander of the 122nd Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard in 2003. Collins holds a master’s degree in management from Indiana Wesleyan University and a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Huntington College. Collins resides in Roanoke, Ind., and is very active in the community including serving as Roanoke Town Council President from 2005 to 2007 and as a board member for the Huntington County United Way. He is also the chairman of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee and a member of the Indiana Veterans’ Benefits Board.

TRENDS Fall 2007 19

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