Indiana Tech Magazine Fall 2024

MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS FALL 2024

CONTENTS 02 University News

The first class from Huntington UniversityIndiana Tech nursing partnership celebrates commencement.

04 Shining Brightly: A Recap of

Homecoming 2024

22 Athletics Update

The new luncheon format for the Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony and other new events were received well by the athletics crowd during homecoming weekend.

24 From the Desk of Kristi Jarmus

Illuminated by gorgeous fall sunshine, our beautiful campus welcomed Warriors from near and far to celebrate homecoming weekend.

Our director of alumni relations is thankful for the efforts of our alumni volunteers—espcially when they enrich the lives of our students.

10 The New Zollner

26 Alumni Spotlight: Joseph Knecht

Although the three-year expansion and renovation project for the Zollner Engineering Center is officially complete, the possibilities this all-new facility provides for our students are endless.

The foundation for Mr. Knecht’s remarkable career in titanium was forged at Indiana Tech.

14 By the Numbers

Take a deeper dive into the Zollner Engineering Center Expansion and Renovation project.

Because of the astonishing generosity of our alumni, Indiana Tech was able to shatter the initial goal it set for this campaign five years ago.

16 A Few Words with...

30 Thanks to You

28 Giving Back: The Building a

Century of Excellence Campaign

Anthony Mongold, lab manager and engineering technician for the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, has played a substantial role in the Zollner Engineering Center Expansion and Renovation project.

Using 2024 Day of Giving donations, Indiana Tech’s student chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers was able to make substantial progress to its racing lawnmower.

18 Inside Our Colleges

Meet Robert L. Brockers, a 2017 graduate featured in Indiana Tech’s 2022 oral history project.

Indiana Tech’s growing forensic science program is developing quality professionals for various lab fields.

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31 In Their Words

32 In Memoriam

ON THE COVER: The expanded and remodeled Zollner Engineering Center is a stunning addition to Indiana Tech’s already beautiful campus. Read more on page 10.

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1

Please send comments, news and feature story ideas to:

Karl W. Einolf, Ph.D. President

Indiana Tech attn: Marketing 1600 E. Washington Blvd.

Fort Wayne, IN 46803

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT: Theresa M. Law, JD, CFRE Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Matt Rowan Senior Director of Institutional Advancement, Dave Stevens Senior Director of Institutional Advancement, Kristi Jarmus Director of Alumni Relations, Kayla Paz Director of Advancement Services, Erin Rosswurm Director of Advancement and Grants Administration MARKETING: Brian Engelhart Vice President for Marketing and Communication,

Matt Bair Director of Marketing and Communication, Jennifer Murphy, MBA ’22 Director of Marketing, Adult and Online Programs, Julie Farison Creative Director, Elle Helm Graphic Designer, Joel Kuhn, B.S. ’12 Web Developer, Randy Smith Director of Photo and Video, Amber Owens, MBA ’21 Social Media Manager

phone: 260.422.5561 or 800.937.2448, ext. 2250 email: marketing@IndianaTech.edu The editors reserve the right to edit articles for length and clarity. Articles may be reproduced with permission and proper attribution.

Our Mission: Indiana Tech provides learners a professional education; prepares them for active participation, career advancement and leadership in the global 21st century society; and motivates them toward a life of significance and worth.

Indiana Tech online: IndianaTech.edu

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

It was wonderful to see Indiana Tech Warriors past and present come together on campus for Homecoming and Family and Friends Weekend in October. Alumni from across the decades joined our current students, families and friends for two days of fellowship and fun centered on this special university we all call home.

Highlights from the weekend are found in our Homecoming 2024 feature story on page 4.

On Friday evening, we celebrated a historic milestone for Indiana Tech: the conclusion of the Building a Century of Excellence Comprehensive Campaign. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to raise over $31 million for student scholarships, excellence in athletics, student support services and the expansion and renovation of the Zollner Engineering Center.

The campaign exceeded its fundraising goal by nearly $5 million, and I am deeply grateful to all of the alumni, faculty, staff and friends of Tech who helped make this possible.

Ravi and Eleanor exemplified a deep commitment to Indiana Tech. Giving freely of their time, talent and treasure, the Talwars served as mentors and friends to many students, faculty and staff members, sharing professional insights and personal encouragement along the way. They gave generously to support student scholarships and to establish state-of-the-art learning facilities such as the Talwar Leadership Center and the Zollner Engineering Center on campus. For all of these reasons and more, they were honored, posthumously, with the Indiana Tech’s President’s Medal during this year’s President’s Dinner at homecoming.

The all-new Zollner Engineering Center was officially dedicated during homecoming weekend.

Learn more about this amazing new home for Indiana Tech’s science, engineering and computer sciences programs in our story starting on page 10, along with this month’s By the Numbers and A Few Words with... features.

Ravi and Eleanor Talwar will be deeply missed by everyone at Indiana Tech. Yet, their passion for our students and university, and their commitment to serving others, is shared by so many members of our Warrior family. Thank you for your commitment to Tech and our students, and for helping us build and maintain such a caring community.

Homecoming weekend also provided the Indiana Tech community with the opportunity to celebrate the lives of the namesakes of our Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, Ravi and Eleanor Talwar, each of whom passed away over the last year. Ravi was a 1965 mechanical engineering graduate of Indiana Tech who went on to a highly successful career in engineering and business, and who served on our Board of Trustees from 2016 until his passing last December.

Warm regards,

Karl W. Einolf, Ph.D. President

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UNIVERSIT Y NEWS

Professor Crysta Burke honored with Leepoxy Award for Teaching Innovation Crysta Burke, assistant professor of mathematics, was named the winner of Indiana Tech’s 2024 Leepoxy Award for Teaching Innovation. She received her award during Indiana Tech’s convocation ceremony on Aug. 28.

The Leepoxy Award for Teaching Innovation was established in 2008 by Indiana Tech supporter and owner of Leepoxy Plastics, Larry Lee. It is given annually to a full-time faculty member who: ↘ Challenges students to continuously progress to higher levels of thinking ↘ Engages students in active learning activities ↘ Connects to students in innovative ways to positively impact their experiences at Indiana Tech “Indiana Tech is grateful to Crysta for her innovative, student-first teaching practices, and we are honored to present her with this year’s Leepoxy Award,” said Dr. Kate Watland, Indiana Tech vice president for academic affairs.

“Students appreciate her enthusiasm, passion, engagement and willingness to adjust her teaching approach to the individual learning needs of her students.”

New speaker series helps students and community learn from industry experts Indiana Tech’s McMillen Library launched a new speaker series this fall in collaboration with Indiana Tech faculty and staff members. The Field Insights Speaker Series offers free presentations for Indiana Tech students, staff, faculty and the Fort Wayne community, providing them with the opportunity to learn from industry experts and explore various career paths.

Featured speakers are regional professionals from a wide array of fields providing insights into their specific jobs as well as

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their overall industries. The Field Insights Series began in September, focusing on forensic science and criminal justice careers as part of National Forensics Week. To see upcoming presentations in the Field Insights Series, visit library. indianatech.edu/speaker-series.

Also this fall, the College of Arts and Sciences began its Science Seminar Speaker Series with a presentation by Dr. Mark Bauer, Indiana Tech assistant professor of physics, on Exploring Mountain Building in Alaska through Geophysics. The Science Seminar Series was created to provide students with professional development opportunities, and is open to the campus community and general public.

Learn more at academics.indianatech.edu/coas/ coas-science-seminar.

Indiana Tech – FWCS partnership highlighted during Indiana’s College GO! Week Sept. 23 through 27 marked Indiana’s College GO! College Application Week.

College GO! is an Indiana Commission on Higher Education initiative dedicated to helping Hoosier students find the right college for them. It gives students options to research schools and visit campuses, and then guides them through the steps of preparing and applying for college.

During this year’s College GO! Week event, Indiana Tech’s Promise IT Program partnership with Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS) was highlighted for area students. Promise IT provides FWCS students guaranteed admission to Indiana Tech and full coverage of tuition and fees at the university for those who meet financial need qualifications. The program began with the current 2024-25 academic year and provides all FWCS students who graduate high school with a 2.0 GPA or above admission to the university.

“All of us at Indiana Tech are extremely proud to partner with Fort Wayne Community Schools on the Promise IT program,” Indiana Tech President Dr. Karl Einolf said back in February when the program was announced. “Making education more affordable, accessible, relevant and impactful is central to the mission of each of our organizations.

By working together, we will help more students obtain college degrees that will position them, and our region, for greater success in the years ahead. This program is a significant win for students and families, and for our city’s employers and economy.”

Learn more at admissions.indianatech.edu/ promiseit.

First class from Huntington University – Indiana Tech nursing partnership celebrates commencement The first cohort of students in the Huntington University—Indiana Tech nursing program partnership celebrated commencement on Oct. 19. Twenty students earned their bachelor’s degrees in nursing after completing the intensive, accelerated 13-month program. The students in the first cohort of the program began their studies in August 2023.

The nursing program partnership was first announced in January 2023. Students learn from Huntington nursing program faculty and earn a Huntington degree at the conclusion of the program. Clinical work takes place at Parkview Health locations throughout Northeast Indiana. Parkview also provides career placement opportunities and substantial tuition assistance through a program administered by the Questa Education Foundation. Indiana Tech provides facilities including classrooms and lab space and is responsible for marketing and admissions efforts for the program.

Two more cohorts of nursing students are currently engaged in the program, one of which started in January 2024 and the other in August 2024. Registration is currently taking place for the January 2025 cohort. For all the details about this unique and impactful partnership, visit indianatech.edu/nursing.

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Y L T H G I R B G N I N I SH GEOUS R O G TED BY UR A N I M ILLU INE, O H S N U FALL S UL CAMPUS S R IF BEAUT ED WARRIO O M RT WELCO AR AND FA ING M NE FROM TE HOMECO RA CELEB D. EN WEEK

Y ZOLLNER CENTER DEDICATION

ALUMNI TOUR THE NEW ZOLLNER CENTER

From the sparkling clean glass façade of the Zollner Engineering Center to the well-manicured new green space in the center of campus, Indiana Tech was dressed to the nines for Homecoming 2024 during the first weekend of October. Mother Nature cooperated with some glorious early fall weather that brought Warriors back home in droves and created a warmth that will not soon be forgotten.

“It was so exciting to begin my time at Indiana Tech planning for homecoming and getting to experience a great homecoming weekend in my first month here,” said Indiana Tech’s new vice president for institutional advancement, Terri Law. Law came to the university in July from New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) in Las Vegas, New Mexico, where she served as executive vice president for student and donor engagement and executive director of the NMHU Foundation. She began her role at Indiana Tech on Sept. 3.

“All of the alumni and friends who I met gave me such a warm welcome, and I was so pleased to be a part of our celebration!” Law added.

Law and her institutional advancement team kicked off the weekend’s activities on Friday, Oct. 4, with a welcome reception in the Zollner

PARTY ON THE SQUARE

Engineering Center. Alumni enjoyed socializing with each other and taking golf-cart tours of campus. At 1:30 p.m., attendees and invited guests celebrated the completion of the Zollner Engineering Center Expansion and Renovation project with a ribbon-cutting and time capsule ceremony. Started in May 2021, this $21.6 million project nearly doubled the size of Zollner and created a new state-of-theart learning environment for Indiana Tech’s Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences (learn more about the Zollner project starting on page 10).

A little later, the lives of Talwar College namesakes, Ravi Talwar and his wife, Eleanor, were celebrated during an hour-long reflection in the Seitz Center.

President Karl Einolf and First Mom, Maria, former president Dr. Art Snyder and his wife, Camille, members of the Talwar family and friends shared tears, smiles and laughter as they told stories about the Talwars, who were fervent supporters of Indiana Tech. Ravi, who earned a mechanical engineering degree from Tech in 1965, passed away in December 2023. Eleanor passed away in June. (Learn more about the Talwars on page 6.)

Friday’s festivities were capped off by the President’s Dinner, during which President Karl W. Einolf welcomed leadership-level supporters and special (story continues on page 7) FALL 2024

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TALWAR CELEBRATION OF LIFE I am only one man, but I am one man.

I can’t do everything, but I can do something.

And what I can do, I ought to do.

And what I ought to do, by the grace of God, I will do.

A quote attributed to American author Edward Everett Hale, found on Ravi’s desk.

Within a span of eight months, Indiana Tech lost two dear friends: Ravi Talwar, in December 2023, and his wife, Eleanor, in June 2024. On Friday, Oct. 4, Indiana Tech, with the loving help of Talwar family members and friends, paid their respects with a celebration of life at the university.

That Ravi became a student at Indiana Tech in the first place is rather serendipitous. According to his account, he was researching colleges in the early 1960s, found an ad for Indiana Institute of Technology and decided to take a chance on our university because India, the name of his home country, was right there in our name. As such, his first travel outside of his country was to attend school in Fort Wayne.

The rest is history.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Indiana Tech in 1965.

He completed a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering at Purdue University in 1969.

For the next 18 years with General Electric, he honed his skills as an engineer and became a savvy and visionary manager.

MEMBERS OF THE TALWAR FAMILY WITH PRESIDENT EINOLF AFTER THE ZOLLNER DEDICATION CEREMONY

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In 1987, he struck out on his own and acquired his first company—the first of many entrepreneurial endeavors that proved to be beneficial for him and his family over the next three-plus decades.

With their treasure, Ravi and the love of his life, Eleanor, who he married in 1972, were selfless, using it to positively impact as many lives as possible. Fortunately for Indiana Tech—that school with India embedded right in its name—giving back to the place that gave him his start in the United States was a priority for the Talwars.

“Ravi and Eleanor’s hearts were so deeply entrenched in our students; they just cared so much about our students’ experience here and wanted to make sure they had what they needed to succeed,” said Indiana Tech President Karl W. Einolf, who presided over the ceremony. “We are so grateful for the transformational change and lasting impact the Talwars brought to Indiana Tech, and we will miss their friendship dearly.”

Learn more about Ravi Talwar at alumni.indianatech.edu/alumniassociation/awards/ravi-talwar.

PRESIDENT’S DINNER

reunion class members to celebrate the successful completion of the Building a Century of Excellence Campaign.

The campaign began with a goal of $19 million and wound up raising more than $31 million. During the dinner, Dr. Einolf also awarded the Indiana Tech President’s Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the university, to the Talwars.

Saturday morning began with the

annual non-denominational prayer service led by alum Heinz Wegener in the namesake Heinz and Nanalee Wegener Worship Center. Student achievement also took center stage Saturday morning, as Indiana Tech’s top 10% of juniors and seniors were honored with induction into Indiana Tech’s chapter of the Alpha Chi honor society, with a reception for parents, faculty, staff and alums following.

ALPHA CHI INDUCTION

In a shift from previous years, the Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was celebrated in a luncheon format that morning. The change was a hit with all participants as it created a more family-friendly atmosphere. See more about the event on page 22.

Around campus Saturday afternoon,

CLASS OF ‘64

CLASS OF ‘74

GLENN REPP

students, alumni and their family members enjoyed Party on the Square, which featured inflatables, field day games, a scavenger hunt and dessert food trucks. The Tech chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) hosted a mystery game between students and alums, complete with snacks, beverages and spirited competition. The competitive spirit was also present at various Tech sites as alumni games took place for baseball, softball, men’s and women’s lacrosse and men’s and women’s soccer.

On Saturday evening, alumni celebrating their 25-, 50- and 60-year reunions gathered for the Alumni Reunion and Awards Dinner. Alums from these featured classes were recognized for their time at Tech, their careers and their contributions to the community in the years since graduating. Glenn Repp, BSME 1953, received special recognition as a 71-year honoree.

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Also honored were four impactful members of the Indiana Tech alumni community.

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Donald King Sr., BSCE 1959, Alumni Hall of Fame

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Chauntiel Smith-Jones, BSBA 2016, Graduate of the Last Decade (G.O.L.D.) Award

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Sheri Stahlhut, AS 2008, BSBA 2010, MBA 2019, Alumni Volunteer of the Year

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Keith Hardy, ASBA 2024, CPS Alumnus of the Year

Homecoming wrapped up with three events—Casino Night and two new events that proved to be hits.

DONALD KING SR.

CHAUNTIEL SMITH-JONES

SHERI STAHLHUT

KEITH HARDY

The Class Kickback, for 10- and 15-year reunion classes, was held at the Proof Restaurant Event Room. Alumni Association president Darius Darling hosted the event and DJ Teezy (aka G.O.L.D. Award winner Chauntiel Smith-Jones) laid down tracks while classmates caught up with each other. At 2Toms Brewing Company, the All Athletic Hangout gave athletic alums a chance to catch up over beer and pizza.

“These events were extremely successful,” said Kristi Jarmus, director of alumni relations, “and we look forward to building off the momentum they created next year.”

Watch for upcoming details about all Homecoming 2025 events (Friday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 4) at indianatech.edu/ homecoming-2025.

WARRIOR HOCKEY FANS CASINO NIGHT

PARTY ON THE SQUARE

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1ST-PLACE TEAM

TWIST XXXV

STUDENTS TAKE OVER TWIST TITLES On Sept. 15, Indiana Tech held its 35th TWIST golf outing at Chestnut Hills Golf Course in Fort Wayne. Started by former professor Walter Trask and current professor Dr. Jeffrey Walls, the Trask/ Walls Invitational Student Tournament (TWIST) began as a networking event to teach students about the game of golf as well as the business networking that often happens on the golf course.

In the years since, it has grown into a fundraiser for student scholarships, welcoming students as well as alumni, corporate partners and community leaders in support of a good cause.

“This year’s event was absolutely historic; a team comprised of all students, from our men’s golf team, were the winners, and the special hole prizes went to the students and one alumna,” said Walls.

1st Place: Aidan Dufort, Kaleb Martin,

2ND-PLACE TEAM

Brayden Paterek, Jackson Policicchio

2nd Place: Nick Quick, Megan Quick, Dr. Walls,

Tom Kocks

Closest to the Hole: Sam Kolar (student) Long Drive Ladies: Megan Quick (alumna) Long Drive Men: Aidan Dufort (student) Longest Putt: Gary Glaser III (student)

THANK YOU TO ALL GOLFERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE TWIST OUTING.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS:

Asher Agency

Design Collaborative

Mike’s Carwash

Bobick’s Golf

Elevatus Architecture

Chipotle

Fort Wayne TinCaps

MKS – Michael Kinder and Sons, Inc.

Custer

Fox & Fox

O’Neal Excavating & Construction

DataPrint Initiatives

Innovative Control Systems

Schust Construction

DeBrand Fine Chocolates

Prabodh Kothari

Summit Mechanical

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OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS, WITH THE HELP OF ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY, INDIANA TECH INVESTED NEARLY $22 MILLION IN A MAJOR PROJECT TO EXPAND AND RENOVATE ZOLLNER ENGINEERING CENTER. THE ALL-NEW ZOLLNER CENTER IS THE HOME OF THE TALWAR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCES AND ITS EXTENSIVE PROGRAMS IN ENGINEERING, COMPUTER SCIENCES, CYBERSECURITY, LIFE SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY.

THE NEW ZOLLNER

DEDICATED TO STEM PROGRAMS

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THE DEDICATION CEREMONY FOR THE ZOLLNER ENGINEERING CENTER WAS HELD DURING HOMECOMING WEEKEND

staff and students were joined by alumni F aculty, and community leaders at a dedication ceremony for the new Zollner Center on Oct. 4, 2024, as part of Tech’s annual homecoming weekend. The project nearly doubled the size of the prior facility.

Construction began in May 2021, and unfolded in three phases prior to completion during the summer of 2024.

The first phase of the project included the construction of a 30,000-square-foot addition to the east side of the existing facility. The addition was completed in August 2022. The next phases of the project began in May 2022 and included a complete renovation of the existing Zollner Center space, resulting in an allnew, 70,000-square-foot, three-floor facility that is now a centerpiece of Indiana Tech’s main campus.

The new Zollner Engineering Center provides a home for the university’s current, growing programs in engineering, computer sciences and life sciences.

It also provides new space for the introduction and growth of new programs that are part of the university’s strategic plan, including an array of engineering technology programs, and those in areas such as computer science, robotics and life science.

Indiana Tech President Karl Einolf brought a memento from a prior special event on campus to the dedication event: a ceremonial trowel from the 1957 groundbreaking for the Dana Science Center.

The structure of the original Dana Science Center now forms the west wing of the renovated and expanded Zollner Center.

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KEY ELEMENTS OF THE NEW ZOLLNER CENTER FACILITY Twenty-eight specialized laboratory and collaboration spaces across three levels. Here’s a floor-by-floor overview:

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PROJECTS LAB CIRCUITS LAB: ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING ANALYTICAL/ORGANIC CHEMISTRY LAB PLC LAB: ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY LAB CAD AND ENGINEERING LAB INFORMATION SYSTEMS LAB CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY LAB FORENSICS AND MICROBIOLOGY LAB CENTRAL COMPUTER LAB WITH 24/7/365 ACCESS FOR STUDENTS AND FACULTY 37 FACULTY OFFICES PROJECT LEARNING AND COLLABORATIVE STUDY SPACES FUTURE GROWTH SPACE FOR NEW PROGRAMS IN HEALTH SCIENCE FIELDS, COMPUTER SCIENCES, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

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DIGITAL FORENSICS LAB COMPUTER SCIENCE LAB COMPUTER SCIENCE PROJECTS LAB SOFTWARE ENGINEERING LAB POWER CONTROLS LAB SCIENCES LAB NETWORK OPERATIONS CENTER CYBERSECURITY OPERATIONS CENTER DATA CENTER SUPPORTING COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAMS 3-D DESIGN LAB PHYSICS LAB

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MANUFACTURING/AUTOMATION LAB MATERIALS/SOLID MECHANICS LAB BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING LAB EXERCISE SCIENCE LAB THERMAL SCIENCES LAB ROBOTICS DESIGN LAB ENGINEERING INNOVATION DESIGN CENTER ENGINEERING DESIGN WORKSHOP

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ONE OF MANY COLLABORATIVE STUDY SPACES

BY THE NUMBERS ZOLLNER EDITION

21,400,000

$

PROJECT COST

40,000

30,000

SQUARE FEET RENOVATED

10+

NEW COLLABORATIVE SPACES

SQUARE FEET ADDED

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NEW LABS ADDED

ENGINEERING DESIGN WORKSHOP

$125K IN PROGRAMRELATED ART

4,000,000

$

IN NEW EQUIPMENT

112

3

1

26

300

300

NEW MACHINES AND PRECISION EQUIPMENT

NEW PIECES OF SOFTWARE

STATE-OFTHE-ART METAL 3D PRINTERS

COMPUTERS

MANUFACTURING AUTOMATION WORKSHOP

POWDERED METAL 3D PRINTER

MONITORS

340

HOURS OF TRAINING

CYBERSECURITY OPERATIONS CENTER

52

11

45

4

CARD READERS

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

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SIGNAGE SCREENS

FIRST AID CABINETS

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CAMERAS

THE 1957 FACADE OF THE DANA SCIENCE CENTER REMAINS AS THE WEST WING OF THE NEW ZOLLNER CENTER

“Indiana Tech has a long and proud history of providing excellent education in science, technology, engineering and math-related fields,” Dr. Einolf noted during his dedication remarks. “We continue to see growth in these areas, and an ever-increasing demand for our talented and capable graduates among regional and national employers. The $21.5 million investment our university has made in the new Zollner Center is just a portion of the more than $50 million we are THE NEW ZOLLNER CENTER IS spending to expand access JUST A PORTION OF THE MORE to STEM education, training, THAN $50 MILLION WE ARE research and development SPENDING TO EXPAND ACCESS services throughout our region.

TO STEM EDUCATION, TRAINING, Combined with our work to RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT establish Junction 36, the SERVICES THROUGHOUT new hardtech and advanced OUR REGION. manufacturing center we’ll be creating at Electric Works, it will enable us to expand our collaborations with corporate partners, attract new businesses to our area and help grow our regional economy.”

In addition to providing state-of-the-art learning facilities for students and faculty, the Zollner Center’s cutting-edge labs and equipment are also being used to serve area industries and entrepreneurs through the Northeast Indiana Center for Engineering (NICE). An initiative of the Talwar College, the NICE helps area companies and individuals with product

development, prototyping, research and more. In turn, students and faculty get experience working on meaningful real-world projects for NICE clients.

As part of the building project, Indiana Tech also renovated and expanded the central quad area on its campus, adding an extensive amount of green space to central campus. Walkways on the existing quad were reconfigured, and seating areas were incorporated throughout. The quad renovation further enhances the beauty of campus and encourages wider use of the green space there.

The Zollner Engineering Center was first built in 1958, with the current facility’s west wing opening as the Charles A. Dana Science Center in June of that year.

The building was renovated and expanded to a total of 40,000 square feet in 2002 and was re-christened as the Zollner Engineering Center at that time.

Key project planning and construction partners in this most recent expansion and renovation project included CMA Plus Construction Management, Elevatus Architecture, Michael Kinder and Sons, Engineering Resources, Inc., Primary Engineering, Perkins + Will, Almet Inc., O’Neal Excavating, Innovative Control Systems, Votaw Electric, Shambaugh, A. Hattersley & Sons and C.L. Schust.

For more details and a closer look at the new Zollner Center via photos and videos, please visit indianatech.edu/zollner.

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ITM: What has it been like watching the Zollner Engineering Center Expansion and Renovation project progress and finally complete?

A FEW WORDS WITH

ANTHONY MONGOLD Zollner Lab Manager

HAVING JOINED INDIANA TECH’S TALWAR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCES AS A LAB MANAGER AND ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN IN JULY 2022, ANTHONY MONGOLD HAS PLAYED A SUBSTANTIAL ROLE IN ITS ZOLLNER ENGINEERING CENTER EXPANSION AND RENOVATION PROJECT. As lab manager, Anthony oversees the safety, security and ease of use of Zollner’s lab spaces. As a technician, he leads a team of student workers in the repair, upgrading and replacement of any faulty equipment. This team also runs tests and preforms preventive maintenance on all engineering equipment while providing training to students, staff, faculty and outside users.

AM: It’s been anything but boring. When I started, the expansion was already under construction, so I focused on what labs we planned on having and what equipment would be needed when we moved them to their permanent locations. During each construction phase, we had to keep a close eye on when and how equipment needed to be moved and what was the bare minimum to get it operational when the faculty needed it. As new equipment started arriving, we had to plan where it would be located, how we would get it there and what auxiliary equipment (piping for air, computers with software, drain lines, gas banks) was needed to make that happen. It was nonstop training over the summer, but everything is starting to settle and I’m able to breathe a little easier.

ITM: You have been instrumental in dialing in our university’s additive manufacturing machinery, particularly our 3D metal printers. How cool are those machines and how special is it to have those at Indiana Tech?

AM: 3D printing is what drew me into the engineering field. The idea that anything you could ever imagine could be produced right before your eyes fascinates me to no end. You’re starting to see 3D printers more and more in grade schools and at the college level as the technology is extremely versatile and easy to use.

We’ve already been able to work the M290 into three of our undergraduatelevel classes and the occasional capstone

And if that isn’t enough, Anthony is the primary professor for machining courses and additive manufacturing specifically for metal printing. He also teaches a Printed Circuit Board design and fabrication class.

Although he is clearly a busy guy, Anthony took some time to share insight into his role at Indiana Tech and his life.

THE ENGINEERING INNOVATION DESIGN CENTER 16

“WE HAVE THE LARGEST VARIETY OF EQUIPMENT project, but we plan to add more. I’ve I’VE EVER SEEN, WHICH seen schools that only allow graduate GIVES ME THE CHANCE students and above to take a single class TO WORK WITH AND with the technology, but I think that is a waste. More and more companies are LEARN HOW TO USE starting to utilize additive manufacturing ALL OF THE DIFFERENT machinery, so it’s time students get as PROCESSES.” much experience with it as possible, and I plan to make that happen.

ITM: How are students reacting to our state-of-the-art technology and facility?

AM: It’s a really exciting time to be in the facility. Countless students have jumped at a chance to use the new equipment, and several seniors are looking to use the plasma table, carbon fiber and metal printers for their capstone projects. I tell my students all they need is to find a reason to use the equipment. After that, they just schedule lab time with us and they’ll be able to use the machines, even for personal projects.

ITM: As part of the renovation and expansion of Zollner, the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences wants to position itself as a resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the community where they can use our machinery to have prototypes made. How do you factor into these types of initiatives?

AM: Whenever we get requests for prototyping or training, I usually become the primary contact. From there, I work with the client to learn about their needs and develop a production game plan. I also work with our finance department and administration to quote the project and gain overall approval. If the project

—ANTHONY MONGOLD

a month or two later, Indiana Tech’s HR director reached out and urged me to finish the application. Since Tech was willing to push me, I decided to finish what I started. I attended an interview, during which biomedical engineering professor Jack Phlipot took time out of his day to personally show me the engineering labs and discuss Tech’s future plans for getting new equipment. I had other job offers, but this one seemed like it would be the most interesting experience.

proceeds, I’ll personally make the part for the client or train them to create it themselves.

ITM: Do you see yourself staying in higher education? If so, what is the appeal?

One of our success stories involved a local high school where the students wanted to fabricate a circuit board to integrate into the device they were making. I coached them on several things related to software, production and setting up the router, but for the most part, I stayed hands-off so they could get some real-life experience and not just a lecture. Naturally, there were hiccups, but rather than just remaking the board, we went to the machine shop and, with an angle grinder, fixed the issue. It wasn’t planned, but sparks were flying, and the students seemed to enjoy themselves.

AM: Eventually I’d like to move to a research-and-development-based career, however, Indiana Tech provides a unique opportunity for me. After all the recent purchases, we have the largest variety of equipment I’ve ever seen, which gives me the chance to work with and learn how to use all of the different processes. With the help of my students and workers, I’ve been able to do my own research and development with only a few setbacks.

ITM: You are from North Carolina and graduated from Western Carolina University. What brought you to Fort Wayne and Indiana Tech?

AM: I think I just enjoy working too much as I’ve been here just over two years and there were two separate occasions our former dean (Dr. Ying Shang) had to remind me that I hadn’t taken any vacation days. I own some machining equipment, so in my spare time I like to make products or upgrades for family and friends. I do like to try different restaurants and go exploring in general, but only when I have company.

AM: When I was getting my master’s, my advisor kept encouraging me to apply for the position, but I wasn’t interested in managing labs. Eventually, I started the application, but I gave up because I felt like I was underqualified for the teaching part of the position. However,

ITM: What do you like to do outside of work? What are some of your hobbies?

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INSIDE OUR COLLEGES

CO L L E G E O F A R T S A N D S C I E N C E S

SOLID DNA Well-positioned building blocks have led to success in Tech’s forensic science program.

When Dr. Alexander Sinelnikov joined Indiana Tech in 2020 to lead the university’s forensic science program, his goal was to develop outstanding graduates who are well-prepared to succeed in any biology laboratory setting.

Four years later, he’s getting the results he was looking for: graduates are earning quality positions and the program is growing.

“Our graduates are ready for any lab setting, whether it be forensic, clinical, research or industry, or any other laboratory working with DNA,” Sinelnikov said. “We have had a 64 percent increase in students enroll in our program from fall 2023 to fall 2024. I attribute this to the outstanding work of our admissions team and the various events it hosts over the year to promote our university.”

Without question, Tech’s admissions team does remarkable work in introducing our university to hundreds of prospective students and their families every year.

But Sinelnikov has made the job easier by creating a hands-on environment where relevant learning takes place—an environment equipped with the kinds of state-of-the-art lab equipment used by professionals in the field.

“Every class related to my degree was very hands-on from my freshman year on,” said Brooke Buhr, a 2024 graduate who joined the Indiana State Police Laboratory in August as a forensic scientist. “Even the classes that didn’t necessarily fully align with what I saw myself doing in my future job, they were teaching me the nontangible skills—public speaking, being able to work in a group, being able to manage my time wisely.”

In her role, Brooke is analyzing DNA and body fluids to help her team solve crimes.

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That could entail analyzing rape kits, blood on a bloody knife or body fluids on clothes.

“Victims of crimes are very vulnerable people, and helping their families get closure in court will be a really rewarding aspect of this job,” Buhr said.

Tech’s forensic science graduates can also be hired for an array of related positions, including fingerprint analyst, crime scene investigator, bloodstain pattern analyst and lab technician. Arnez Williams, a 2022 grad, is a fingerprint classifier, also with the Indiana State Police Laboratory.

Jocelyn Bringht, a 2024 graduate, is pursuing a nursing degree within the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered through a partnership between Huntington University, Indiana Tech and Parkview Health.

“A forensic nurse is a nurse who specializes in trauma, treating crime survivors and collecting evidence that could help in criminal cases,” Bringht said. “I want to find evidence to help with crimes and help someone—even if just a tiny bit—get through one of the hardest things they could go through.”

America has always had a fascination with crime, and that intrigue has grown exponentially over the past 25 years with the advent of streaming services, such as Netflix, and podcasts. If you are a crime junkie, there is an unlimited supply of content out there to feed your need.

“The interest in solving crime and the role forensic science plays in that is not going away anytime soon,” Dr. Sinelnikov said.

“That’s why we are going to continue to develop relevant, interesting courses and maintain a modern lab setting that prepares our graduates to succeed in any lab setting they pursue.”

“I chose this career because I liked the puzzlepieces, problemsolving aspects...

I want to help reduce crime.”

Damon Kuntz

BOURBON, INDIANA

“Forensic science assists criminal cases in finding and examining evidence, which piqued my interest.”

Sophia Jermstad

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

“I chose to pursue a degree in forensic science to help reduce the number of people wrongly convicted due to forensic error.”

Samantha Yauch

FORT WAYNE, INDIANA

CO L L E G E O F B U S I N E S S

Cuevas benefits from Pacers/Fever workshop Junior Arlette Cuevas was one of 22 selected to participate in an annual workshop for aspiring sport management professionals hosted by Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

The immersive workshop gave participants a unique handson experience and exposure to the sports and entertainment industry where they could network with PS&E leadership and staff; collaborate on projects focusing on guest experience, digital media and marketing; and gain valuable mentorship and insights.

This year’s experience focused on the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, allowing participants to see a professional women’s team and encounter, first-hand, the growing excitement surrounding women’s sports, specifically, basketball.

“I learned so much diving into this project. My skills were challenged and put to the test, pushing me to think outside of the box,” Cuevas said. “The rapid pace challenged our group to be innovative, giving me a new level of perspective on a fast-paced environment.”

Before applying, Cuevas used Indiana Tech’s Career Center to update her resume and create a compelling cover letter.

She is well on her way to joining a growing number of sport management graduates enjoying great success with organizations like the Tennessee Titans, the Atlanta Hawks, the Calgary Flames and FC Cincinnati.

CO L L E G E O F E N G I N E E R I N G

$1 million NSF grant will assist students pursuing computer-related degrees Indiana Tech has received a $1 million grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) that will make pursuing a bachelor’s degree at the university in a computing-related field possible for low-income domestic students.

The grant will address the needs of fulltime, domestic, low-income students who demonstrate academic ability or potential and have interest in computingrelated fields.

It will provide qualified students with scholarships, a free laptop, experiential learning opportunities, career preparation and additional multi-tier support. To be considered, students must pursue a bachelor’s degree at Indiana Tech in cybersecurity, information systems, computer science, software engineering or computer engineering.

“Indiana Tech is extremely grateful to have received this grant from the

National Science Foundation,” said Dr. Stephanos Mavromoustakos, professor and chair of cybersecurity and computer science, and leader of the grant proposal team. “Far too often, financial circumstances prevent people from pursuing education that will open doors for them. With this grant, Indiana Tech will be able to provide some students with academic opportunities that will be life-changing.”

Students interested in learning more about this opportunity should visit academics.indianatech.edu/nsfscholarship.

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INSIDE OUR COLLEGES

CO L L E G E O F E N G I N E E R I N G

Outside her comfort zone Passion for material makes Albrecht a “natural educator” Software engineering major Rebekah Albrecht is a quiet person by nature, so teaching a weekly high school class of more than 20 students isn’t necessarily in her wheelhouse. However, she is knocking this internship opportunity out of the park and gaining invaluable skills in the process.

“This opportunity has challenged Rebekah and pushed her out of her comfort zone, and she has improved week by week,” Hunter said. “She’s passionate about coding and understanding how things work, and she does a good job of conveying that to her students.”

Albrecht is teaching an eight-week introductory robotics class for Indiana Tech’s STEAM Academy at Wayne High School’s New Tech Academy. She is responsible for developing the coursework and planning activities for the students.

Eric Toy, computer science teacher at New Tech Academy, added, “I’ve been extremely impressed with Rebekah’s performance. She is exceptionally thorough and organized with detailed lesson plans that take into account pacing, student learning styles and the specific needs of our program.

Her energy and dedication make her a natural educator, and I feel fortunate to have her teaching my students.”

“This experience has taught me how to think on my feet and focus more on communicating effectively. Learning how to be comfortable taking the lead and speaking to a crowd will be helpful to me, no matter what direction my career takes me,” said Albrecht, who will graduate in December. “It’s been very neat to see the students engage with the material and build off of the information I teach them.”

Albrecht is teaching Toy’s students how to use Python programming language to program the Hiwonder MechDog robotic dog, and how to use sensors and artificial intelligence to expand the MechDog’s abilities. Students are working toward designing and developing their own improvements for MechDog, which will be presented to the class at the end of the program.

Albrecht walked in May’s commencement ceremony, but she needed to finish up two classes, including this internship, to make graduation official. That’s when STEAM Academy Camps Director Caleb Hunter proposed the teaching opportunity to Albrecht.

“I want them to not only learn robotic programming but also how to apply their current knowledge to a problem and come up with a creative solution,” Albrecht said.

“This experience will help them in whatever field they decide to pursue.”

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CO L L E G E O F E N G I N E E R I N G

Cybersecurity grad King earns role with Apple In September 2023, cybersecurity graduate Zachary King was hired

by Apple as a penetration tester.

King works in Austin, Texas.

“In my role, I conduct deepdive manual penetration tests on critical systems like the Apple Online Store, Apple Store App, retail systems and backend payment platforms,” King said.

“My role involves guiding product teams to incorporate secure coding practices and improve architectural designs, ensuring robust security across Apple’s platforms.”

When asked if his Indiana Tech education prepared him for a career at Apple, King emphatically responded, “Absolutely!”

He added, “Indiana Tech equipped me with essential skills through courses like Digital Forensics and Database Systems, which provided insights I’ve been able to apply in real-world situations. The Indiana Tech Cyber Warriors program, spearheaded by coach Matt Hansen, was especially instrumental in helping me develop practical, hands-on skills. I’m confident that much of my professional success stems from the foundation built during my time at Indiana Tech.”

The Cyber Warriors are Indiana Tech’s competitive cyber defense team, which has gained national acclaim by winning 16 straight Indiana collegiate championships and finishing tenth in the nation at the end of the 2023-24 academic year.

“My experience with the Cyber Warriors had the most profound impact on my development. The practical, handson experience I gained as part of the team was invaluable,” King said. “For anyone pursuing cybersecurity at Indiana Tech, I strongly recommend getting involved with the team.

It offers a wealth of knowledge and experience to those willing to invest the effort.”

Learn more at academics.indianatech.edu/ cybersecurity-center.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Indiana Tech’s SHRM chapter earns prestigious honor The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world’s largest HR professional society representing 340,000 members in 180 countries, honored Indiana Tech’s SHRM student chapter with a 2023-24 Superior Merit Award.

The annual Superior Merit Award program recognizes chapters for providing superior growth and development opportunities to its student chapter members. It began in 1972 to encourage student chapters to require ongoing excellence in the following areas: ↘ Student chapter requirements ↘ Chapter operations ↘ Chapter programming and professional development of members ↘ Support of the human resource profession ↘ SHRM engagement Indiana Tech’s student SHRM chapter, which is the largest student organization on campus, has earned a Superior Merit Award every year since 1998. The university’s HR degree program has an outstanding reputation for cultivating exceptional human resource professionals and launching successful careers. It has helped more than 500 Indiana Tech students pass the SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) exam—a competency-based certification exam that measures one’s ability to apply HR principles to real-life situations.

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INSIDE ATHLETICS

WINNERS GONNA WIN… EVEN AT HOMECOMING! Indiana Tech’s Department of Athletics is used to winning results on the field. This year, the department was able to replicate its winning formula for a fun-filled day of homecoming festivities.

2024 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

On Saturday, Oct. 5, the department kicked off the day with the Athletics Hall of Fame Ceremony luncheon on Kline Court inside the Schaefer Center. Typically an evening event, the timing shift proved to be a big hit with all involved.

“Many of our inductees have young children and they want them to be able to attend, but that’s not always possible for an evening event. The luncheon format made the Hall of Fame Ceremony more familyfriendly and casual. When it was over, everyone could go take part in the fun activities that were going on in Scully Square,” said Indiana Tech Director of Athletics Jessie Biggs. “It was a great way to kick off the day.”

lacrosse standout Dylan Johnston, women’s basketball standout Ulyssia Richmond and standout women’s volleyball coach Kirsta (Solberg) Cobb.

The afternoon and early evening were jam-packed with alumni games for baseball, men’s and women’s lacrosse and men’s and women’s soccer. The day wrapped up at 2Toms Brewing Company in Fort Wayne for the first-ever Indiana Tech Athletic Social.

The 2024 Hall of Fame class was comprised of the 2009 women’s volleyball team, women’s lacrosse standout Kendall Guthrie, men’s

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“We could not be happier with how the day turned out,” Biggs said.

“It just had a good flow, it was more inclusive and family-friendly and it just felt more like a celebration of the wonderful tradition of excellence our athletic program has been able to establish here over the years.

I look forward to building off this success next homecoming.”

ULYSSIA RICHMOND WOMEN’S BASKETBALL P L AY E R Richmond, a 2015 graduate, played on the women’s basketball team from 2010 through 2014. During four seasons at Tech, she amassed 1,595 points, 390 rebounds, 162 assists and 85 steals in 123 games (97 as a starter). Richmond made the WHAC All-Newcomer Team in her freshman season, was WHAC First Team AllConference as a junior and WHAC All-Conference Honorable Mention as a senior.

THE 2009 WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL TEAM This team went 34-11 overall, going 14-0 in Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference play on its way to a second of four straight WHAC regular-season championships. The Warriors won their first-ever WHAC Tournament championship in 2009—the first of three straight tournament titles. Tech finished the season in the NAIA National Championships Final 12. The squad boasted two All-Americans in Ashley Hamilton and Erika Stouder. Coach Kirsta (Solberg) Cobb was named WHAC Coach of the Year, while five Warriors earned All-Conference selections. Hamilton was the WHAC Player of the Year and made the NAIA All-Tournament Team.

The 2024 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees

KIRSTA (SOLBERG) COBB WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL COACH Kirsta (Solberg) Cobb coached the women’s volleyball team from 2007 to 2011, amassing a record of 160-49 and a .766win percentage. She led the Warriors to four straight WHAC regular-season championships, NAIA National Championship appearances from 2008 to 2011 and three straight WHAC Tournament Championships from 2009 to 2011. While at Tech, (Solberg) Cobb coached 15 WHAC First Team All-Conference selections, 32 All-Academic Team members, a two-time WHAC Player of the Year, a WHAC Setter of the Year, a WHAC Libero of the Year and a WHAC Freshman of the Year. She was the WHAC Champions of Character Coach of the Year in 2007 and won four straight WHAC Coach of the Year awards from 2008 to 2011.

DYLAN JOHNSTON M E N ’ S L A C R O S S E P L AY E R Johnston, a 2013 graduate, played on the men’s lacrosse team from 2010 to 2013. He was a part of the inaugural season of the men’s lacrosse program and helped take it to the MCLA DII National Tournament quarterfinals by his senior year. He still holds top-ten records at Tech in single-season ground balls, career ground balls and career games played. Before lacrosse became a WHAC sport in 2013, the Warriors competed in the CCLA/MCLA. There, Johnston earned Honorable Mention All-American and Third Team All-Conference honors. In 2013, he earned First Team All-Conference, First Team All-American and Defensive Player of the Year, while also earning WHAC All-Conference, WHAC All-Academic and WHAC Champions of Character Team honors.

ALUMNI: WARRIOR CONNECTIONS FROM THE DESK OF KRISTI JARMUS

Summertime never seems long enough, but one thing that makes the transition to autumn exciting is the opportunity to re-engage with alumni.

Alumni board members and alumni volunteers returned to campus this fall to help during move-in day, hang out with students at Welcome Weekend and participate in events hosted by Indiana Tech’s Career Center.

The Office of Alumni Relations hosted its second Young Alumni Panel for first-year students. Five alumni participated in two lunch-hour sessions, sharing tips and advice in lively discussions with over 350 students. Questions from students ranged from “how do I get to know people?,” to “how early should I search for an internship?” We are grateful to the alumni who participated, and we will continue to schedule this as a regular event.

Homecoming means making memories!

What is your most unique memory of Homecoming 2024 at Indiana Tech? I have one to add to my collection that is rather sweet! This year, while taking a break from the alumni-hosted field day activities, Indiana Tech Alumni Board President Darius Darling, and his wife, Chloe (also an alum), met a puppy. The puppy was visiting campus with Erica Lay, associate director of admissions, and her family; the Lays brought the pup to

Basketball Alumni Day, Feb. 2, 2025: Bring the family to take in women’s and men’s basketball games from the alumni hospitality area. We’ll have raffles, food and fun. This year the Tech basketball teams honor longtime supporter, Dr. Jeff Walls, between games. Dr. Walls is retiring in May of 2025 and the teams are showing their appreciation for years of attendance and encouragement.

help it get socialized. It worked, and how!

The Darlings left homecoming with the most unique swag ever—a sassy pup they named Rio. Aside from that great story, Homecoming 2024 was an incredible success (as you read about on pages 4 through 9) with a good balance of old and new events. In fact, the new events were so popular we look forward to hosting them again at the next Homecoming, Oct. 3 and 4, 2025. Be sure to save the date!

Day of Giving, Feb. 18, 2025: Engage with the university and support athletics, students, scholarships and your favorite college during this fun-filled 24 hours.

Want to champion a challenge for a team, student, group or program? Reach out.

We can walk you through becoming a Warrior Challenge Leader for the day.

Contact Kristi Jarmus at 260.399.2837 to learn how a moderate gift and some encouragement can go a long way.

We’ll be checking in

The alumni board will conduct outreach calls to say “hello,” and look for those interested in volunteering. There are many opportunities to get involved, from helping with alumni engagement events to supporting our students. Reach out to alumni@indianatech.edu if you would like to play a role in the alumni community and Don’t forget to fill out your alumni survey. the lives of our students.

You could win a cool giveaway if you Looking ahead to spring complete the survey by Jan. 31, 2025.

January Alumni Pickleball Clinic and Do you have an idea for an event in your Tournament: Watch for details in the area? Reach out, we would like to hear e-newsletter for this first-time event, from you! which will take place in Fort Wayne. Reach Kristi out to alumni@indianatech.edu if you are a pickleball enthusiast and would like to volunteer to help organize this event.

KEEP US CONNECTED! Your stories are what make Indiana Tech proud—and we want to hear from you! Share your successes, update your information, learn about the Alumni Association and find ways to connect with your peers, friends and faculty members on our website at Alumni.IndianaTech.edu, or scan the code to the right. You can also email your updates to alumni@IndianaTech.edu.

INDIANA TECH ALUMNI GROUP

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@INDIANATECHALUM

INDIANA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

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ALUMNI: SPOTLIGHT JOSEPH KNECHT ’80 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

A LEADER OF STEEL The career move that allowed Joseph Knecht to put a stake in the ground—somewhat literally—began with a patch of bare earth. graduate of Indiana Tech with a bachelor’s A 1980 degree in electrical engineering, Knecht was

“It was baptism by fire,” Knecht said. “I was a young engineer right out of school and thrown into supervising 40- and 50-year-old electricians.

I learned a lot about leadership, about how to get things done.”

“A headhunter contacted me and talked about this company out near Philadelphia. I flew out for an interview, and there were four stakes in the ground and cows,” Knecht said. “I thought it would be pretty interesting to really grow up with and build a new plant, so I decided to pick up and move.”

It’s a path, he says, that requires the engineering foundation he learned at Indiana Tech, as well as crucial soft skills that he acquired through years of ongoing education and an innate ability to inspire.

working at Joslyn Stainless Steel, later Slater Steel, in Fort Wayne for about three years when he got the call.

This kind of bold willingness to say yes to opportunities became a hallmark of Knecht’s career, taking him farther from a potential role in his father’s electrical contracting business and his hometown of Fort Wayne than he ever imagined.

Ultimately, Knecht served as vice president, Advanced Manufacturing, for VSMPO-Tirus U.S., the U.S. division of the world’s largest titanium producer. He has secured patents, been published and traveled the world. And very quickly, he discovered a talent for managing people, starting with that first job.

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“There’s no magic button,” Knecht said. Listening is one of the greatest tools a young person considering— or being placed in — a managerial role can employ.

“First, you’ve got to earn their respect. I did that by demonstrating that I was competent and that I could help them. You really have to listen and act on their advice, if it makes sense. I took some of those ideas and ran with them, and we made some really dramatic improvements. It taught me a bit about leadership— about not just having your way, but listening and then making good decisions based on the input from others.”

That led to those four stakes in the ground, which became Axel Johnson Metals and then Titanium Hearth Technologies. There he and his team installed an electron beam furnace—relatively new technology at

ACCOLADES FROM HIS STUDENT DAYS ↘ At Indiana Tech, Knecht was a member of Sigma Phi Delta, a social/professional fraternity of engineers, as well as president and business manager. ↘ He was a varsity soccer player for three years and was very active in intramurals—basketball and flag football. ↘ Knecht was sports editor for The Nucleus student newspaper and president of the Inter-Fraternity Council. (At that time there were seven active fraternities on campus.) ↘ This is where he acquired some initial leadership skills. “I was really active in a lot of extracurricular stuff at Tech. But (with) some of it...you’ve got to be thrown into it. You’ve got to figure it out on the fly.”

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS ↘ Knecht helped to grow a startup titanium melt shop to become one of the largest melters of titanium in the free world before the company was purchased by TIMET, the largest U.S. producer. ↘ He has two patents for equipment used in an electron beam hearth melting process.

ADVICE FOR STUDENTS “I have hired many people over my career, and after determining if they are competent for the position under consideration, I always tried to judge if the person was honest, had integrity and could be a team player. So my advice would be to always be honest, have high integrity and, whatever direction your passion takes you, give it your best effort. If you are with the right organization, you will be recognized, rewarded and enjoy personal fulfillment.”

KNECHT WITH ONE OF HIS SON’S RACING GO-KARTS

the time. The company grew until they attracted the attention of TIMET, the largest titanium producer in the country.

Knecht stayed on through the transition as plant manager. Over the years, he completed a long list of courses in management, manufacturing and continuous improvement (Six Sigma, Lean and Theory of Constraints). Knecht held various other leadership roles at TIMET, managing process and continuous improvement activities, forged products and strip products. He later moved to a senior leadership role at VSMPO, a Russian-owned company based in Switzerland.

Amid it all, Knecht found time for his wife, Jill, and their three children. He was able to take an active role in his son and daughters’ activities when they were young, from helping coach CYO basketball to transporting their horse to 4-H events and acting as mechanic for his son’s go-karts on a national circuit. In his early days in eastern Pennsylvania, Knecht was very active in the local volunteer fire department, and he’s a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus.

Now semi-retired in eastern Ohio, Knecht started Knecht Man-Tech & C.I. and consults for international titanium manufacturing companies in places such as Germany, China and Kazakhstan.

A self-described car nut, Knecht owns a 1979 International Harvester Scout made in Fort Wayne.

A career that’s encompassed the globe came full circle when Knecht, a regular supporter of Indiana Tech’s campaigns, returned to campus and spoke to a group of industrial KNECHT’S 1979 manufacturing INTERNATIONAL engineering HARVESTER SCOUT technology students.

One of the topics students were eager to discuss was leading change, critical in a field and a world where the pace is ever accelerating.

“My career took a different path than I ever imagined when I graduated,” Knecht said. “I really don’t think one can appreciate the different paths available until you are exposed to opportunities.”

The foundation was laid at Indiana Tech, not only through the technical skills he learned in courses, but also the opportunity to try out roles.

“My Indiana Tech degree opened doors for me,” Knecht said.

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GIVING BACK

The Building a Century of Excellence Campaign For the past five years, Indiana Tech has been asking its alumni, friends, community, faculty and staff to invest in our institution through the comprehensive campaign journey that we call Building a Century of Excellence.

We began this bold endeavor to build upon the successes of our students and university and bring Indiana Tech to the next level. Today, we are thrilled to share with you that the ambitious dreams and goals we created through Building a Century of Excellence have come to fruition.

We began the campaign with a goal of $19 million. Through the extraordinary enthusiasm and commitment of our Warrior community, we received initial donations that gave us confidence to raise that goal to $26,235,000 as we carried out the campaign. Now, at the close of the Building a Century of Excellence campaign,

together we have surpassed even this increased goal, and have done so by a wide margin. With your exceptional commitment and generosity, we have raised a total of $31,642,133!

This is truly a landmark accomplishment, not only in terms of funds raised, but also in terms of the extensive and farreaching support we have received. More than 2,600 donors made nearly 20,000 gifts to the Building a Century of Excellence campaign. We are so grateful for this affirmation of Indiana Tech’s critical role in our community and in the lives of our students. This campaign has shown that there is vast support for our mission; and we know that the future holds even more success.

The Building a Century of Excellence campaign officially concluded on June 30, but its impact will be felt for years to come. At this year’s homecoming, we officially opened with a ceremonial ribbon cutting for one of the campaign’s key achievements, a state-of-the-art expansion and renovation of the Zollner Engineering Center, which nearly doubled the existing building’s space while enhancing its technology to better serve existing engineering and computer

science programs, and establish new programs, partnerships and initiatives.

The campaign also helped to dramatically improve the student experience at Indiana Tech overall, with funds raised supporting student scholarships, supportive services for students, our student emergency fund, student Presidential Ambassador program and more. Students also will benefit from the construction of a new indoor track facility, enhancements to our library and other campus improvements impacting nearly all students.

Since closing the campaign on June 30, we have not stood still. Recently, we learned that Lilly Endowment, Inc. has awarded Indiana Tech a $21 million grant to support the development of an advanced manufacturing center in Fort Wayne, a project we call Junction 36, Powered by Indiana Tech. This collaborative project, to be based at Electric Works (the former General Electric campus), will signal a new era in Indiana Tech’s development with industry, technology and community partnerships working in tandem with us like never before. We’re also continuing to fund new student scholarships, faculty research and campus enhancements.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Building a Century of Excellence campaign. You have made a dramatic difference in the future of Indiana Tech, and in the lives of our students.

We are grateful for your generosity, commitment and optimism about the future of our institution, and we look forward to more success in the years to come!

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Campaign Results

$31,642,133 $26,235,000 $19,000,000 Initial Goal

Revised Goal

Total Raised

Campaign Pillars

EXCELLENCE IN ATHLETICS

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

ZOLLNER ENGINEERING CENTER EXPANSION AND RENOVATION

ENHANCING STUDENT SUCCESS

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THANKS TO YOU

BECAUSE OF GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM OUR FRIENDS AND DONORS, INDIANA TECH CONTINUES TO BE A LIFE-CHANGING LEARNING ENVIRONMENT THAT MOTIVATES STUDENTS TOWARD LIVES OF SIGNIFICANCE AND WORTH, EVERY DAY.

ASME Builds a Racing Lawnmower!

“No gift is too small” is a phrase commonly associated with fundraising, and it is absolutely true. Just ask members of Indiana Tech’s growing American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) student chapter, which has nearly doubled in size over the past year.

During Indiana Tech’s Feb. 20 Day of Giving, the ASME chapter received $170 in donations.

With them, the group has been able to begin development of a racing lawnmower.

“The starter, ignition coil and throttle body all needed to be replaced. The gracious donations from our lovely donors not only allowed us to get the lawnmower up and running, but they also allowed the students of our ASME chapter to have creative freedom and use their engineering skills and capabilities to the fullest potential,” said mechanical engineering student Hunter Perkins, who is also president of Indiana Tech’s ASME chapter.

A racing lawnmower is a performance machine modified to achieve peak performance under

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fast racing conditions while maintaining the characteristics of a lawnmower in chassis, engine and body. Although there are sanctioned competitions for these types of machines, the ASME chapter has no immediate plans to enter its lawnmower. Instead, it has developed this program to give members an outlet to test their knowledge and skills.

Indiana Tech’s lawnmower came from a separate donation by community members Evan Roberts and Dave Lawson. Moving forward, the ASME chapter would like to give the lawnmower an Indiana Tech-inspired livery and show it off at car shows.

Like so many of Indiana Tech’s student organizations, its ASME chapter is focused on career development, leadership and team building. Your donations, regardless of the size, are instrumental in helping these organizations fulfill their missions of reinforcing our students’ learning experiences while they are at Indiana Tech.

ALUMNI: IN THEIR WORDS IN 2022, INDIANA TECH’S OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT PARTNERED WITH PUBLISHING CONCEPTS INC. TO COLLECT STORIES FOR IN MY WORDS: THE ORAL HISTORY PROJECT 2022. THIS PROJECT WAS AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS AS 2,428 INDIANA TECH ALUMNI PARTICIPATED AND NEARLY 2,000 STORIES WERE SUBMITTED. THE RESULT WAS A 236-PAGE PUBLICATION THAT CAPTURED A VARIETY OF MEMORIES FROM THE UNIVERSITY’S STORIED PAST. IN MY WORDS INTRODUCES YOU TO THOSE WHO WERE POSITIVELY IMPACTED BY THEIR INDIANA TECH EXPERIENCE AND SHARED THEIR STORIES FOR USE IN THE PUBLICATION.

Meet Robert L. Brockers B.S. ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP, 2017 FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER, CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS “I saw the commercials and had a few friends who were attending the school, and they had a very flexible schedule with evening and online classes. I used both of those to my benefit, and that’s what inspired me.

I also wanted to further my career. I was a technician who had gone as far as I could go in my role, and I wanted to move to management. I knew a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership could get me across that threshold, and it did. I graduated in 2017, applied for a management spot at the same company and got the job not even a year after I graduated.

Since then, I have become a regional manager.

After I graduated, my experience at Indiana Institute of Technology increased my pay, my status and my quality of life.”

FALL 2024

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IN MEMORIAM

Indiana Tech commemorates the following alumni and friends of the university who have recently passed on.

1950s James R. Bard Bryan, Ohio Mechanical Engineering, 1959 Ernest B. Busboso Locust Dale, Virginia Electronic Engineering, 1959 Joseph F. Cavanagh Orting, Washington Electrical Engineering, 1957

Adrian P. Malof Buffalo, New York Aeronautical Engineering, 1957

Roger K. Strickler Huntington, Indiana Mechanical Engineering, 1969

Mark D. Mosher Belle Isle, Florida Chemical Engineering, 1956

Norman H. Tarr Gallipolis, Ohio Electrical Engineering, 1964

Thomas F. Ryan Poughkeepsie, New York Electronic Engineering, 1959

Gerald K. Thomas Buffalo, New York Electronic Engineering, 1961

1960s

Eugene G. Vaerewyck Tarentum, Pennsylvania Physics, 1960

Robert J. Censak Binghamton, New York Mechanical Engineering, 1957

Abdo K. Abou-Antoun Saint-Laurent, Quebec Electrical Engineering, 1964

Harry J. Dell Moore, Oklahoma Mechanical Engineering, 1957

Carl R. Bergstrom St. Charles, Illinois Electrical Engineering, 1967

Cyril G. Elsinger Dubuque, Iowa Mechanical Engineering, 1958

Ted L. Blaney West Chester, Ohio Chemical Engineering, 1964

Dezi J. Folenta Lincoln Park, New Jersey Mechanical Engineering, 1959

Carl E. Eichman Niles, Michigan Mechanical Engineering, 1964

Patricia J. Drake Mattoon, Illinois Mechanical Engineering, 1974

Walter J. Gordon Cincinnati, Ohio Electrical Engineering, 1958

Robert P. Hunsicker Largo, Florida Electrical Engineering, 1969

2000s

Edgar J. Hendrix Mogadore, Ohio Electronic Engineering, 1958

Gerald D. Lilja Ferndale, Washington Mechanical Engineering, 1963

Peter Keller Tomball, Texas Civil Engineering, 1952

William J. Masi Clermont, Florida Civil Engineering, 1960

Howard B. Kellner Weston, Florida Electronic Engineering, 1956

John F. Meredith Montrose, Colorado Electrical Engineering, 1968

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George D. Wagner Aurora, Ohio Mechanical Engineering, 1967 Kenneth V. White Early, Texas Electronic Engineering, 1960

1970s

Alana M. Lashaway Greenfield, Indiana Business Administration, 2008

Dr. Terri Aujlee Shaw 1979 – 2024 Indiana Tech mourns the loss of Dr. Terri Shaw, associate professor of psychology, who passed away on Oct. 7, 2024.

Dr. Shaw leaves behind her spouse, James S. Shaw, daughters Haley and Tamara Shaw, and son James Shaw, and will be missed by extended family, friends, colleagues and students alike. Those who knew her will remember her as someone who found great fulfillment and enjoyment in being an enthusiastic and motivating psychology professor, and who had a passion for empowering others and helping them become resilient to life’s challenges. Visitors to her office, as well as those who got to know her, will recall that she both proudly displayed and lived by her motto: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

Dr. Shaw joined Indiana Tech in 2011 as an adjunct faculty member and became a full-time assistant professor of psychology in the fall of 2013. She earned tenure and was promoted to associate professor of psychology in the fall of 2019. During her time at Tech, she also supported students through her work as staff sponsor and founder of the Black Excellence Association (BEA), and as an academic advisor for psychology and child development. Dr. Shaw also served on the International Committee and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Indiana Tech Faculty Senate. She earned her B.A. in psychology from Purdue University in 2004, her M.S. in counseling education from Indiana University in 2008 and her PhD in Global Leadership from Indiana Tech in 2020.

In addition to her career as an educator, Dr. Shaw served her country with distinction in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1998 to 2006, including a deployment to Iraq during Operation Enduring Freedom from January 2003 to January 2004.

She was also a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Mental Health Counselor. Prior to teaching at Indiana Tech, she taught at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne and Brown Mackie College.

1600 EAST WASHINGTON BLVD FORT WAYNE, INDIANA 46803

SHARE YOUR MEMORIES It’s hard to believe, but Pierson Hall, Indiana Tech’s largest residence hall, is nearly 25 years old. Built in 2001, Pierson accommodates 250 students in suite-style rooms. It is named after Carl and Katherine Pierson, two people who were instrumental in the founding and growth of the university.

When you were at Indiana Tech, do you have fond memories of staying in Pierson Hall? How about any other dorm over the years? We would love to hear your memories of life at Indiana Tech, so drop us a line at alumni@indianatech.edu.

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FORT WAYNE, IN PERMIT NO. 159