Indiana Tech Magazine – Spring 25

MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS SPRING 2025

CONTENTS 02 University News

24 From the Desk of Kristi Jarmus

See a summary of the Feb. 18 Day of Giving. We love the support of our donors!

If you haven’t already, please take Indiana Tech’s alumni survey. Don’t miss this opportunity to share your valuable insights and ideas with your university.

06 Thank you, Dr. Walls!

26 Alumni Spotlight: Dick Schul

04 By the Numbers

Dr. Jeffrey Walls bids farewell to Indiana Tech after 36 years of remarkable service to the university.

08 On A Roll

Vice President for Institutional Advancement Terri Law is enjoying a wonderful ride during her first year at the university.

10 The Junction of Innovation and Education

Progress is being made to turn Indiana Tech’s ambitious Junction 36 concept into an impactful reality for the region.

14 Scoring Big

Graduates from Indiana Tech’s fastgrowing sport management degree program are thriving in an array of sport industry careers.

18 Inside Our Colleges

The Cyber Warriors win second straight regional to reach the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition national championship.

Nineteen sixty-nine graduate Dick Schul loves to mentor young people, so he was delighted to accept the university’s invitation to speak at this year’s commencement ceremony.

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28 Darius Darling, Alumni

Association President

Darius’ priority is to make sure future Warriors get the same kind of lifechanging experience he had while he was at Indiana Tech.

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30 Thanks to You

Nineteen sixty-one graduate Gene Dominique passed away in November 2024, but thanks to Gene and his family’s generosity, his legacy will live on at Tech for years.

31 In Their Words

Meet Tanya Mae Ndiaye, a 2008 graduate featured in Indiana Tech’s 2022 oral history project.

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32 In Memoriam

ON THE COVER: An architectural rendering of Indiana Tech’s Junction 36 advanced manufacturing innovation center. Read more on page 10.

22 Athletics Update

The Department of Athletics will field rifle, pistol and cheer teams beginning fall 2025.

VOLUME 22, ISSUE 2

Please send comments, news and feature story ideas to:

Karl W. Einolf, PhD 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, Morgan Clarke Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, Erin Rosswurm Director of Institutional Advancement and Grants Administration—Fort Wayne, Kayla Paz Director of Advancement Services, Erin Kircher Executive Administrative Assistant for Institutional Advancement MARKETING: Brian Engelhart Vice President for Marketing and Communication, Matt Bair Director of Marketing and Communication, Jennifer Murphy MBA ’22 Director of Marketing, Julie Farison Creative Director, Nicholas Ferran Graphic Designer, Elle Helm Graphic Designer, Joel Kuhn, BS ’12 Web Developer, Randy Smith Director of Photo and Video, Amber Owens, MBA ’21 Director of Social Media

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

Winter weather seemed to linger in Indiana this year, but it never placed a chill on the ever-present energy found here at Indiana Tech. Now that spring has come, our best day of the year, Commencement Day, brightened our community right along with the sunnier weather. On Saturday, May 10, over 1,000 graduates and their families joined us for our commencement ceremony at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and the university-wide celebration that took place back on main campus that afternoon. For links to view photos and videos from this special day, visit commencement.indianatech.edu.

Commencement serves as a time to recognize all our students who have worked so hard to earn their Tech degrees, and who are now commencing on the next stage of their lives.

As it happens, this will also be the case for one of the most distinguished and longest-serving members of our faculty, Dr. Jeffrey Walls of our College of Business. Dr. Walls is commencing on his next stage of life, retiring at the end of this academic year after a 36-year career at Indiana Tech. In recognition of his service to students, Indiana Tech’s Board of Trustees voted to bestow the rank of Professor Emeritus upon Dr. Walls during its recent February meeting. Learn more about Professor Walls and his remarkable career in our farewell to him on page 6.

Dr. Walls’ dedication to our students is shared by his faculty and staff colleagues across our three colleges. Learn more about all that they are doing and that our students are accomplishing in our Inside Our Colleges story on page 18.

Of special note once again this year: our Cyber Warriors cyber defense team won their 11th straight state Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (CCDC) championship, along with their second consecutive Midwest Regional CCDC! This amazing team, led by longtime coach and Tech alum Matt Hansen, will be competing for the National CCDC title as this magazine arrives in your mailbox. Keep an eye out for updates on Indiana Tech’s website and social media channels.

A new initiative for Indiana Tech this year is the establishment of Junction 36. This advanced

manufacturing and Hardtech innovation center will combine an all-new facility on Fort Wayne’s Electric Works campus with the outstanding talents of our faculty and students to serve area companies, entrepreneurs and students of all ages. Junction 36 was launched under the auspices of a $21 million grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. that the university received in August 2024. Read more about the progress on this important project on page 10.

In all that we do to serve students, we rely on the support of alumni and friends like you.

Thank you to all who contributed to Indiana Tech’s third annual Day of Giving on Feb. 18.

This year, with your participation, we reached new highs of over $115,000 raised from 444 donors, supporting student scholarships, athletic teams and so much more. With your help, this annual giving event continues to impact more and more students each year. See more about this year’s Day of Giving in our By the Numbers feature on page 4.

Thank you, my fellow Warriors, for all that you do to make our university special, and to impact the lives of our students in countless positive ways.

Warm regards,

Karl W. Einolf, PhD President

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UNIVERSIT Y NEWS

New Doctor of Business Administration degree program starts this fall Indiana Tech’s College of Business is adding to the university’s doctoral degree program offerings by launching a new Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program this coming fall. Designed for professionals seeking to make a lasting impact in their fields, the online DBA program can be completed in as little as three years without a dissertation. Students can customize their experience at a pace that meets their scheduling needs, while applying their professional experience and leadership skills. Students in the program will work to identify real-world challenges and create solutions that will have significant impact in for-profit and not-for-profit industries.

The new DBA program will offer three concentrations: Marketing, Health Care Management and Business Strategy. Students will complete their studies online in conjunction with periodic in-person immersion events held on Indiana Tech’s main campus, similar to those held by the PhD in Global Leadership program.

Learn more about the new doctoral program today at indianatech.edu/doctoral/dba.

Corporate partnerships launched with Sweetwater and Avancez The university has launched new corporate partnerships with industry-leading firms Sweetwater and Avancez, helping each firm attract, retain and develop talented team members through Indiana Tech’s certificate and degree programs.

Sweetwater is the #1 online retailer in the United States for audio gear and music instruments, known for its outstanding customer service and a corporate culture that fosters the growth and development of every team member. Its partnership with Indiana Tech will offer qualifying Sweetwater employees scholarships and tuition support for programs essential to their operation, including cybersecurity, HR management, information technology, marketing, supply chain management and more. Sweetwater and Indiana Tech will

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also work together to expand internship opportunities for current Indiana Tech students to work at the company while completing their degrees.

Avancez is an industry-leading supplier for complex assembly and integrated supply chain solutions, focused on automotive manufacturing and assembly in the U.S. and Canada. Through its partnership with Avancez, Indiana Tech is providing inperson classes in production management to Avancez team members at its Fort Wayne facility. Students take six courses to earn a certificate in production management, with the opportunity to continue on with additional study if they choose, to an associate degree in production management, and further on into a range of bachelor’s degrees.

Tech earns mark of excellence for its commitment to international education Indiana Tech has been awarded a seal of excellence from the Institute of International Education (IIE)’s Open Doors for 75 years of participation in its annual survey.

Open Doors data and IIE’s awards recognition were shared during International Education Week, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.

The Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange is the only long-standing, comprehensive information resource on international students and scholars in the United States and American students studying abroad for academic credit. It is an essential resource for those concerned with U.S. international educational exchange.

“Since our founding in 1930, Indiana Tech continues to be a place of opportunity for anyone who is seeking high-quality, life-changing education,” said Sharmila Chowdhury, executive director of Indiana Tech International Admissions and Services. “We are proud to be recognized as a university where all are welcome to aspire and achieve.”

Currently, 22 percent of Indiana Tech’s student population is comprised of international students, representing 52 countries. The IIE has conducted an annual statistical survey of international educational exchange activity into and out of the United States since 1948. It began publishing the results of the survey annually as the Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange in 1955. The Open Doors project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and supported in its implementation by IIE. Established in 1919, IIE is a global not-for-profit that creates and implements international education programs, conducts research and provides lifechanging opportunities for students and scholars worldwide. Its vision is a peaceful, equitable world enriched by the international exchange of ideas and greater understanding between people and cultures.

University named a top employer for women for second consecutive year Indiana Tech has once again been recognized as a top workplace for women, earning Women in the Workplace Silver Partner status from the Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne. The honor was presented during the organization’s 2025 Women in the Workplace luncheon on March 12. ↘ Indiana Tech earned Silver Partner status for initiatives related to leadership, benefits and policies, and recruitment and retention. ↘ Forty-four percent of top leadership roles (vice president equivalent or higher) are comprised of women; 59% of the university’s middle management positions are held by women. ↘ According to the Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne, Indiana Tech’s benefits package was one of the highest scored by the organization, regardless of industry. ↘ The university was lauded for having a bounty of equitable recruitment and retention practices and prioritizing professional development opportunities for all its employees.

“Indiana Tech thanks the Women’s Fund of Greater Fort Wayne for this recognition. We proudly support its efforts in creating a positive community where women can flourish,” said Indiana Tech President Dr. Karl W. Einolf. Founded in 2020, the Women’s Fund strives to build a community where women can thrive by making sure they are economically and physically secure, safe and healthy.

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DAY OF GIVING

BY THE NUMBERS

ON TUESDAY, FEB. 18, INDIANA TECH HELD ITS DAY OF GIVING— A ONE-DAY, ONLINE FUNDRAISING AND ENGAGEMENT EVENT. ON THIS DAY, THE GENEROSITY OF OUR WONDERFUL DONORS TAKES CENTER STAGE AND HELPS OUR UNIVERSITY FORWARD ITS MISSION OF CHANGING THE LIVES OF OUR STUDENTS. HERE IS A SUMMARY OF DAY OF GIVING 2025.

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115,100

$

444

DONORS

500

DONATIONS

Athletics

$54,845

319 donors

Scholarship Fund

$33,500

61 donors

Student Support

$2,925

12 donors

College of Business

$2,655

21 donors

Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences

$2,466

14 donors

Student Groups

$2,398

28 donors

Indiana Tech’s Employee Emergency Fund grew by $3,305 thanks to 21 donations.

TOP FIVE ATHLETIC TEAMS: Women’s Volleyball

$17,975

16 donors

Softball

$7,943

70 donors

Women’s Lacrosse

$5,380

62 donors

Rugby

$3,855

49 donors

$3,795

27 donors

HIGHEST PARTICIPATION

BEST NEW PROGRAM

Women’s Basketball

ALTHOUGH DAY OF GIVING HAS PASSED, YOU CAN SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR INDIANA TECH AT GIVING.INDIANATECH.EDU

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Thank you, Dr. Walls!

When the 2024-25 academic year ended, so too did the teaching career of business professor Dr. Jeffrey Walls at Indiana Tech.

Dr. Walls—an ardent supporter of the university—has been a fixture on the Indiana Tech campus for 36 years. He has built a human resource degree program that is nationally recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world’s largest HR professional society.

Tough, demanding, fair and loyal, Dr. Walls will go down as one of the university’s most popular professors of all time.

He has an immense network of graduates flourishing in HR careers in this region. The number of lives he has changed with his career guidance—regardless of their major—is in the thousands. The number of Indiana Tech alumni who call him “friend” is immeasurable.

Without question, Dr. Walls embodies the Indiana Tech mission. He prepares our students for active participation, career advancement and leadership in today’s world while motivating them toward lives of significance and worth.

Dr. Jeffrey Walls Professor Emeritus On Friday, Feb. 28, Indiana Tech’s Board of Trustees promoted Dr. Jeffrey Walls to Professor Emeritus. He is just the fifth professor in our university’s history to receive this honor. In the photograph is Indiana Tech President Dr. Karl W. Einolf, Dr. Walls, his wife Susan, and chair of Indiana Tech’s Board of Trustees Gregg Sengstack.

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SPRING 2025

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On a Roll

It’s such a good feeling to be connected to positive momentum. Just ask Terri Law, who is approaching the end of her first year as Indiana Tech’s vice president for institutional advancement. She will eagerly tell you about the great ride she is enjoying.

Law began her role at Indiana Tech in September 2024 and was wowed by the welcome she received.

The alumni community she cultivates is passionately supportive of Indiana Tech.

“I’ve never started work at a place where I’ve been welcomed so warmly. Everyone was so eager to help me get settled in, and I really appreciate that about the culture of our campus community.”

“It was so nice to see how our alumni and friends supported the Building a Century of Excellence Campaign.

The campaign far exceeded its goal, and whenever that happens, you know your alumni, your friends and your supporters really believe in what the university is doing. They want to be a part of the future we are trying to create at Indiana Tech.”

She is at a university that is thriving at a time when others are not.

“We are a fiscally stable university with a president who has been here for some time and is committed to the future. Not every private institution of our type and size is as fortunate.

It’s a good feeling to be at a place where leadership is committed to success and there is a solid base to operate from and try to do some ambitious and exciting things.”

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Fort Wayne, her new hometown, is a burgeoning city on the rise.

“I had not been to Fort Wayne in 25 years before I interviewed for this position, and it’s dramatic to see the difference from where it was to where it is now. I’m really impressed with what the city has been able to do to revitalize itself. My husband, Robert, and I have really enjoyed connecting to some community events, exploring things like the art museum and getting our feet wet in the community.”

of positive momentum, ALL signs indeed. And positive

reinforcement that she made the correct decision to come to Indiana Tech last summer from New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) in Las Vegas, New Mexico. There, Law was executive vice president for student and donor engagement and executive director of the NMHU Foundation. Through her work leading the university’s advancement efforts, NMHU increased annual fundraising revenue from $200,000 to over $3 million. She also launched the university’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, which raised over $5 million of its $10 million goal just 19 months into its planned six-year time period.

Now, Law is eager to make her mark at Indiana Tech, and it starts by strengthening alumni’s engagement with their university.

“Just before I came on, Indiana Tech finished a very successful oral history project that gave alumni an opportunity to share their experiences and tell us what they’re looking for from Indiana

Tech. Although that project is complete, building connections with our alumni is never-ending,” Law said. “I want to make sure our alumni know all the points of connectivity that exist—through the alumni board and through my office—for them to express their feelings and share their stories. We have so many more relationships to make and so many great stories and ideas to gather.”

Some of the ways Law’s team is planning to strengthen engagement with alumni include expanding alumni events, working with the alumni board to revitalize its efforts, offering more to do during homecoming and increasing the frequency of the alumni email newsletter.

Another priority for Law is to increase fundraising efforts that will support Indiana Tech’s Department of Athletics.

Last year at homecoming, the Office of Institutional Advancement collaborated with the Department of Athletics to implement new opportunities for the university’s athletics alumni to reconnect with each other. Those events were very

popular and will return for Homecoming 2025, along with a golf scramble and an online auction—held in conjunction with the Athletics Hall of Fame Brunch— which will feature some special items and experiences. Finally, a new athletics advisory board, the Warrior Club, is being prepared for launch.

“Historically, Indiana Tech has been a university that provides outstanding opportunities for student-athletes to excel—in the classroom and on their field of play. We want to find meaningful ways to reconnect with our athletics alumni and donors to make sure our current studentathletes are getting a great experience at our university,” Law said.

“Terri has done a great job of immersing herself in the Indiana Tech community and connecting with our university’s outstanding alumni and donors,” said Indiana Tech President Dr. Karl W. Einolf.

“Her passion for helping our students achieve their academic goals comes through in every engagement she has with supporters of Indiana Tech.”

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THE JUNCTION OF INNOVATION AND EDUCATION NDIANA TECH first announced its new Junction I 36 initiative in August 2024, when it received

a 5-year, $21 million grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. in support of the project. Since that time, work has been underway across the university to turn this ambitious concept into an impactful reality for students, partners, and the community alike.

In early May, Brian Engelhart was appointed to the role of Executive Director of Junction 36. In this role, Engelhart is leading the development of community partnerships, the programs and services to be provided via Junction 36, the fundraising efforts to support the initiative and the project team members who will serve regional students, entrepreneurs, and companies.

Engelhart joined the Indiana Tech team in 2013, most recently serving as Vice President for Marketing and Communication from 2017 to present. From 2014 to 2017, he served as Vice President for University

SPRING 2025

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Relations, overseeing Tech’s alumni relations, fundraising, marketing and communication efforts. He was a member of the internal team that developed the Junction 36 project concept and the proposal that was funded by Lilly Endowment to launch the initiative. As part of the proposal team, he worked to build partnerships with and support from regional companies, the City of Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne Community Schools’ Amp Lab, and area foundations, among others.

Indiana Tech President Dr. Karl Einolf notes, “Brian’s business development and marketing background, deep involvement in our community, extensive knowledge of all that Indiana Tech has to offer, and passion for this project make him the right leader for this initiative. He’ll help us turn our ambitious vision for Junction 36 into a realworld operation that will serve as a great asset to our area’s students, entrepreneurs and companies for years to come.”

Earlier this spring, the university completed its purchase of Building 36 on the Electric Works campus in downtown Fort Wayne. Building 36 will be the future home of the new advanced manufacturing innovation center that will be a key feature of the Junction 36 initiative.

Funds from the Lilly Endowment grant helped underwrite the $1.5 million purchase cost of the building.

As detailed planning continues, Junction 36 is developing around three central components: TRANSFORMATION OF BUILDING 36 ON THE ELECTRIC WORKS CAMPUS into a center for Hardtech and advanced manufacturing innovation that will help grow local companies by connecting them to university-led research, development, and training. It will provide training related to Industry 4.0, business assistance for small-tolarge organizations, spaces for business innovation teams and startups, and space to host community gatherings as part of the innovation ecosystem at Electric Works and throughout Northeast Indiana.

Under the leadership of Indiana Tech, building 36 will facilitate and include: ↘ Research and development ↘ Testing and prototyping ↘ Small-batch production ↘ Workforce training ↘ Creator space/maker space ↘ Automation innovation, development and integration ↘ Enterprise support services

Building 36 is located on the west end of the Electric Works campus, at the corner of College and Wall Streets. The university anticipates a timeframe of 18-24 months for turning the building into the home of Junction 36 and its associated services and facilities. Even before then, however, Junction 36 will be able to serve partners, entrepreneurs and students through collaborations and projects done at the all-new, state-of-the-art Zollner Engineering Center on main campus, which opened in August 2024.

The soon-tobe-transformed Building 36 on the Electric Works campus.

Brian Engelhart Executive Director of Junction 36

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THE TALENT CONNECTION, a program that will provide unique learning experiences that connect talent to the community in ways that create strong bonds and lead to enhanced talent attraction and retention. The program includes significantly expanded student service learning for Indiana Tech and other regional students, a new Fellows program focused on keeping top talent in the region and assigning Indiana Tech students as project partners and mentors for Amp Lab and other regional high school students. ↘ The Talent Connection Fellowship will recruit outstanding student leaders from the region and across the country to address larger problem-solving around the region’s most complex issues. Challenges will be submitted to the Fellows by area companies, nonprofits, civic organizations and communities for the development of solutions over a 1–2-year time period of collaborative work by the Fellows team PUBLIC WORKSHOP, a program to help diverse learners and entrepreneurs access support and overcome systemic barriers to advancing their education. Public Workshop will work to bring the benefits of the Indiana Tech initiative to wider

regional audiences, helping more area residents and entrepreneurs reach their full potential by connecting them to a diverse set of resources.

Working with partners around the region, Public Workshop will connect learners and entrepreneurs with wrap-around services such as early childhood education, affordable housing, training pathway guidance and resources for personal health.

“The purchase of Building 36 at Electric Works is just one exciting step in our development of the Junction 36 initiative,” Engelhart said. “With a wide range of partners, we’ve already begun laying the groundwork for a project that will enable us to drive innovation, collaboration and economic growth in our region. Both at Electric Works and at our main campus, we’ll be helping industry and education converge to create lasting impact. I look forward to working with our alumni, students and faculty to help turn our vision for the project into reality.”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT JUNCTION 36, VISIT JUNCTION36.TECH TODAY

Junction 36 will become a centerpiece in the neighborhood, with a modern façade and a park-like landscape.

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GRADUATES FROM INDIANA TECH’S FAST-GROWING SPORT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

ARE

THRIVING

IN

AN

ARRAY OF SPORT INDUSTRY CAREERS.

Israel Vaides (front-right) poses with co-workers on the sideline of the Tennessee Titans’ Nissan Stadium . Vaides is a 2022 Indiana Tech sport management graduate; he now produces content for the NFL team.

Professor Craig Dyer arrived at Indiana Tech in 2006, he W hen took over a sport management program that had just 30 students enrolled. Today, sport management is one of the Indiana Tech’s fastest-growing degree programs, comprised of nearly 120 students.

Dyer will tell you the expansion of the university’s athletics program over the past 20 years has driven the increased interest in sport management at Indiana Tech. With the addition of rifle and pistol this year, Indiana Tech has 32 collegiate athletic teams, compared to 10 when Dyer arrived.

“It’s natural that when you bring in more student-athletes, you are bringing in more people who are interested in working in the sport industry,” Dyer said.

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But another key reason sport management is turning heads is because it produces quality results. Currently, six sport management graduates are working for major league sports organizations.

BRANT

↘ LUKAS BRANT, A 2019 GRADUATE, is senior manager of season ticket service for FW Cincinnati of Major League Soccer. He’s been with that successful organization for five years after a seven-month stint as an inside sales executive with the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers right after graduation. ↘ CHRISTIAN CALDERON, A 2022 AND 2024 GRADUATE, is a marketing manager, also with FC Cincinnati. ↘ JAVON SANDERS, A 2024 GRADUATE, is an account executive for the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies.

CALDERON

↘ P. TYLER SINCLAIR, A 2023 GRADUATE, is a group sales executive for the Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation, which owns the NHL’s Calgary Flames and manages their home arena, the Scotiabank Saddledome. ↘ ISRAEL VAIDES, A 2022 GRADUATE, is producer of original content for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans.

SANDERS

↘ MICHAEL WARNER, A 2023 GRADUATE, is a new membership sales consultant for the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.

And beyond our “big-leaguers,” several other graduates are representing Tech all around the country in an array of impressive industry-related positions:

SINCLAIR

↘ VICTORIA (RAFFLE) BOCKSTAHLER (2022): She recently became a membership assistant at Sawgrass Country Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. ↘ ANTHONY FRANK (2018): He has been the University of Idaho’s manager of athletic operations and events since 2023. ↘ ALLIE LANE (2014): She is the director of development for Purdue Fort Wayne athletics after a long front-office stint with the NBA G League’s Fort Wayne Mad Ants.

VAIDES

↘ CHAUNTEL SMITH-JONES (2015): She started her Capture Sports Agency in 2015 and represents players within the WNBA and FIBA. ↘ KAYLEE SWANSON (2007): Most recently, she was a senior director of business development with University of Maryland Sports Properties after a three-year stint as manager of ticket partnerships with the Baltimore Orioles.

WARNER

“It has a lot to do with the hands-on experience that our program provides students,” Dyer said. “We require at bare minimum a field experience, and we also provide an internship in our program. So, a lot of our students are getting more than just one experience.

They’re getting two, if not three, internships and opportunities to get that experience prior to graduating.

I think that lends itself to having some better opportunities once they do hit the job market.”

Indiana Tech’s hometown of Fort Wayne has a wealth of opportunities for its sport management majors to get that hands-on experience. The city is home to minor league teams like the Komets (ECHL), the TinCaps (Midwest League Single A baseball) and FC Fort Wayne (United Soccer League Two), and non-profits like Turnstone Center for Children and Adults with Disabilities, the World Baseball Academy, the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fort Wayne. Those organizations frequently request Indiana Tech sport management students, and for good reason.

“INDIANA TECH DOES A FABULOUS JOB PREPARING THEIR STUDENTS FOR HANDS-ON EXPERIENCES AND FOR THEM TO THRIVE IN THEIR ENVIRONMENT.” MITCH MEINHOLZ / DIRECTOR OF SALES AND EVENTS FOR THE FORT WAYNE KOMETS “Indiana Tech does a fabulous job preparing their students for hands-on experiences and for them to thrive in their environment,” said Mitch Meinholz, director of sales and events for the Fort Wayne Komets. “We have a couple students who do off-ice officials work, which is important for the game to go off without a hitch. Then, we have a number of students who we see daily here at the office or on game nights. They’re doing everything from trying their hand at sales to working game nights and going through the entirety of what it looks like to run a game from start to finish with extreme detail.”

“There are so many opportunities here, and all a student has to do is say, ‘yeah, I want some experience with that,’ and we can get them connected. We also have local golf courses and local high schools—if a kid wants to be an athletic director, like senior Alex Light, we’ve got those connections, too,” Dyer said.

Light, a Warsaw, Indiana, native, interns in the athSo why is it that our sport management program letics department of his alma mater, Warsaw High School. He is learning the ins and outs of high school is churning out such prolific graduates?

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The Sport Management Lab Indiana Tech’s sport management program unveiled its Sport Management Lab at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.

The second-floor classroom in the Cunningham Business Center was enhanced to include new technology, audio and video upgrades, including six 75-inch displays, and a completely modernized student seating arrangement.

The new environment is better equipped for project-based discussions and activities, group-based work and executive-style presentations.

“The newly outfitted classroom is such a welcoming space for students. We use a lot of video and web content in our sport management courses, so the upgraded television and sound system help to enhance the student’s experience,” said Craig Dyer, associate professor and department chair of sport management.

“I really enjoy seeing the sense of community that forms at all the tables. Students are much more talkative with their peers, and the branding of the room as a Sport Management Lab really makes them feel like it is their space,” said Dr. Robert Turick, assistant professor of sport management.

athletics, including game-day operations, media rela- streams play-by-play broadcasts of the team’s road tions and facility upkeep. games which, according to head coach Sommer Ross, “For the profession I choose to enter upon graduation, is an immeasurable contribution to the team. hands-on experience is absolutely vital,” Light said.

“Getting an understanding of everyday life in high school athletics is an eye-opener, and you really get a feel of what the future is like—fast-paced and long hours. I kind of like that style though; it’s about showing up, getting work done and enriching the lives of the athletes around me.”

Indiana Tech’s small-staffed athletic department bodes well for our experience-seeking sport management majors, too.

“You can go to any home game and there are students working that game and they’re getting a wide range of experience with both our indoor sports and our outdoor sports,” said Dr. Robert Turick, who joined the sport management department in July 2024. “They’re able to work the gate, they’re able to work the concession stand, they’re able to do all those things that maybe they wouldn’t get a chance to do if they were at a larger college.”

“The ability to bring our athletes’ away games to family and friends all across the States and Canada—that’s something most teams are not equipped to do,” Ross said. “Fiona’s desire to gain experi“THEY’RE ABLE TO WORK THE ence in broadcasting allowed us to provide another level of intrigue to GATE, THEY’RE ABLE TO WORK our program and—most importantTHE CONCESSION STAND, ly—a more memorable experience THEY’RE ABLE TO DO ALL THOSE for the student-athletes, while also THINGS THAT MAYBE THEY allowing her to get valuable training in a field she wants to pursue WOULDN’T GET A CHANCE TO after college.”

DO IF THEY WERE AT A LARGER

Readers may remember Quinn COLLEGE.” from a story in the spring 2024 isDR. ROBERT TURICK / ASSISTANT sue of Indiana Tech Magazine that chronicled her “debut” as play-byPROFESSOR OF SPORT MANAGEMENT play announcer on Dec. 30, 2023, for the Fort Wayne Komets of the ECHL. Working as a press box intern with the Komets, she was thrust into Sophomore Fiona Quinn performs multiple duties as the role when the Komets’ regular announcer, Shane an intern for Indiana Tech’s women’s hockey team, in- Albahrani, lost his voice and was unable to call that cluding statistician and equipment manager. She also night’s game in Indianapolis.

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“THE CLASSROOM WELCOMES COLLABORATIVE LEARNING AND ALLOWS STUDENTS TO DISCUSS ALL THINGS SPORT. AS SOMEONE WHO NEEDS TO TALK ABOUT NEW TOPICS WITH OTHERS TO FULLY GRASP THE CONCEPT, THE ROUND TABLE OFFERS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR EVERYONE’S OPINIONS.” RYAH DIGIACOMO / SOPHOMORE

In addition to her internship with Indiana Tech women’s hockey, Quinn still interns with the Komets, supporting Albahrani during live broadcasts with statistics, research and on-air color commentary. She also handles some media relations for the team. Her dream job is to be general manager of the Komets one day.

“Those championships represent really cool opportunities for our students to get involved and work some meaningful, high-intensity events,” Turick said. “Even before that, representatives from Visit Fort Wayne are going to come to my class and talk about the bid process they went through to get those championships in our city—another chance for our students to see how “Fiona is my rock, and I can always depend on her,” things work behind the scenes in our industry.”

Albahrani said. “She’s a tremendous help with media relations. She’s created many great relationships with It’s all about sending graduates out into the sport world equipped with the skills and experiences to sucthe media and other people in the hockey world. Even ceed. In fact, Dyer and Turick learned in February that at the young age of 20, with the experience she has another one of their graduates, Javon Sanders, earned gained, I can honestly say Fiona could work in any mea big-league position. dia relations department in minor league hockey.”

“Indiana Tech has done so much to prepare me for a With their program experiencing such momentum, career in sports,” said Sanders, a 2024 graduate who Dyer and Turick are finding other ways to supplement is in sales with the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. “Profeslearning outside the classroom and improve the pro- sor Dyer has given me the right tools and opportunigram. Recently, the program began offering an MBA ties I needed to become successful in this industry. I in sport administration. For the 2025-26 academic was also able to build a network of people with differyear, the professors are developing a sports-related ent backgrounds from myself that gave me a new veil speaker series and planning sports-related field trips of knowledge. I learned from those who have been in (learn about a recent trip on page 18). Dyer and Turick my shoes, so that I know the dos and don’ts that are see several hands-on opportunities for students be- important in this industry.” ginning in winter 2027 when Fort Wayne will host the first of two NCAA Division II men’s and women’s basketball championships.

SPRING 2025

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INSIDE OUR COLLEGES

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Helping others find opportunities As a first-generation student, senior criminal justice major Jessica Diaz knows how important opportunity can be to improving one’s future.

As an aspiring immigration attorney, Jessica is eager to help others find the same kinds of opportunities that can lead them to a brighter future, as well.

In the meantime, she is getting incredible hands-on experience through her internship with Amani Family Services, a Fort Waynebased not-for-profit that helps immigrant and refugee families settle and flourish in the community. It serves more than 500 families and individuals from around the world who have made Allen County their home.

Diaz works within Amani’s Naturalization and Legal Assistance program and its Victim Care program. She has learned a lot about immigration law by sitting in on consultations and working with the NALA staff. Additionally, she has provided research for cases and learned how files are prepared and delivered. On the Victim Care side, she has helped develop and deliver informational handouts for clients and she has worked with a local women’s group.

“Jessica has been a pleasure to work with, and it’s been rewarding to witness her growth as an intern at Amani, applying both her skills and classroom knowledge,” said Nancy Luna, Amani Victim Care program manager.

“I have been helping with Know Your Rights projects. Now, more than ever, this work is incredibly important for the immigrant and refugee community to know and understand their rights and the resources available to them,” Diaz said.

Antonette Payne, a local immigration attorney and adjunct professor at Indiana Tech, connected Diaz with the Amani opportunity, which has been an immeasurable experience.

“Their genuine passion and compassion for the immigrant and refugee community is what excites me the most,” Diaz said about Amani. “My favorite part of my internship is how hands-on and involved it is. I love being able to interact and practice the skills and tools I will be using in my future. I am truly being set up for success here at Amani.”

“The world needs more compassionate people like Jessica,” said Dominic Lombardo, professor and program chair of Indiana Tech’s criminal justice program. “She is passionate about helping people help themselves so that they can have successful lives.”

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COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Sport management majors get hands-on at ASMA Conference In February, sport management professors Craig Dyer and Dr. Robert Turick took four of their students to the Applied Sport Management Association (ASMA) Conference in Cincinnati. The ASMA is a scholarly organization that builds connections between faculty and students in the arena of sport management and those working in the sport industry.

“This conference really embraces student research and getting students involved,” Dr. Turick said.

“Opportunities like these are great for our students to just be a sponge and absorb a lot of cool information, come back and talk about it in our classes and with their peers.”

Sophomores Ryah DiGiacomo, Trevor Robinson and Fiona Quinn, and junior Chris Putman attended the conference in Cincinnati. All four teamed up to deliver a case study that recommended viable cities for WNBA expansion. In solo presentations, Quinn proposed what the Professional Women’s Hockey League needs to do to survive, and Putman discussed mental health issues experienced by cross country and track and field athletes.

“Attending ASMA was incredible—it allowed me to network with talented professionals and learn from high-ranking industry leaders,” DiGiacomo said. “One of the most inspiring aspects was hearing about the different paths people took to reach their current roles, showing that success in the industry comes in many forms. The conference not only brought me closer to my fellow sport management classmates but also helped define my career path.”

TALWAR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCES

Cyber Warriors earn national berth for second straight year For a second straight year, Indiana Tech’s cyber defense team, the Cyber Warriors, is heading to the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition national championship.

The Cyber Warriors earned their spot on March 15 by winning the Erich J. Spengler CCDC Midwest Regional title—the university’s fifth. They advance to the national competition, which is April 25 through 27 in San Antonio, Texas. It also means Indiana Tech will finish the season as one of the top 10 cybersecurity teams in the nation for a second straight year.

“We took an early lead on the first day and held onto it throughout the entire competition, clearly showing our capabilities as a top team in the nation. Now, we get to move onto the national championship to test those capabilities once again,” said coach Matt Hansen, an Indiana Tech alum who was a championshipwinning Cyber Warrior himself during his time as a Tech student. “I am incredibly proud of this team and the year-round hard work it put in.

Something like this doesn’t happen on accident. These students will be technical leaders in the cybersecurity industry, without a doubt.”

Each year, competing cybersecurity teams work to combat attempted network security breaches and

related challenges that test their problem-solving, technical abilities and teamwork at every turn. Indiana Tech’s Cyber Warriors have become a regional dynasty and a national powerhouse, having won 18 Indiana state championships, including 11 straight.

Members of this year’s Cyber Warriors team include Tavares Baker, Timothy Bukowski, Avery Hughes, Brody Long, Jeremy MacRoberts, Myles Nieman, Martin Quintana, Samuel Regelbrugge, Martin Topp and Maggie Trowbridge.

For six straight years, every member of the Cyber Warriors has secured a job in their career field prior to graduating. Indiana Tech has also established a growing national reputation as a producer of top talent in the cybersecurity field—so much so it was recognized in 2023 as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.

Learn more about Indiana Tech’s cybersecurity program and the Cyber Warriors at academics.indianatech. edu/colleges/cyber-center.

TALWAR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING TALWAR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCES

Two new master’s degrees coming fall 2025 Indiana Tech’s Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences will begin offering two new Master of Science degrees—in artificial intelligence and electrical engineering—during the 2025-26 academic year. Eight-week classes begin on Aug. 18.

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence is for students seeking the latest advancements in AI technologies, including machine learning, deep learning and natural language processing. They will gain hands-on experience with AI tools and frameworks that will prep them for real-world applications in various industries and enhanced job prospects in high-demand fields such as data science, robotics, healthcare, finance and more.

Students interested in the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering will gain industry-relevant expertise that is aligned with industry needs. The program will offer in-depth knowledge in areas like wireless communications, renewable energy, smart grids and VLSI, preparing graduates to drive innovation in their workplace.

“We are pleased to be able to offer these new programs as they align with our university’s mission to foster career advancement, leadership and global participation for our graduates,” said Dr. Lucy Yang, dean of the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences.

“These programs will equip students with essential skills they need to be successful in today’s tech-driven world.”

SPRING 2025

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INSIDE OUR COLLEGES

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

COAS to offer two new degrees for 2025-26 academic year Students will be able to pursue two new bachelor’s degrees from Indiana Tech’s College of Arts and Sciences, beginning fall 2025.

A B.S. in Environmental Science, featuring two concentrations, is being offered for students wanting to better understand and address the environmental challenges of today. Students will explore environmental issues—integrating physical, chemical and biological processes—to identify root causes and develop solutions. They will receive hands-on training in scientific research, environmental monitoring, data analysis and technology use. ↘ The ecology and natural resources concentration focuses on the study of ecosystems, biodiversity and the management of natural resources. It involves understanding the interactions between organisms and their environments, as well as the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. This concentration will prepare graduates for jobs like conservation scientist, wildlife biologist, park ranger and environmental consultant. ↘ The sustainability concentration focuses on sustainable development with the goal of balancing environmental health, economic viability and social equity. It will equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to address environmental challenges through sustainable practices. This concentration will prepare graduates for jobs like urban planner, sustainability coordinator, environment consultant and renewable energy expert.

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The second new degree is a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science, which will provide students with a strong foundation in the scientific, ethical and professional aspects of pharmaceutical discovery, development and application.

Students in this program will develop a deep understanding of core scientific principles underpinning modern pharmacy and drug research, including pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics and toxicology.

They will also gain the analytical and technical skills needed to design and interpret research, evaluate ethical considerations and communicate findings effectively across diverse audiences.

Upon completion, graduates will be prepared for a variety of roles in drug development, regulatory affairs, clinical research and further academic pursuits. These graduates will be particularly valuable in states, like Indiana, which possess a robust life sciences sector.

Indiana is home to several major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, contract research organizations and start-up ventures supported by regional bioscience initiatives—organizations that employ professionals familiar with industry standards, regulatory guidelines and cutting-edge technologies.

“Both of these degree programs can open doors to a wide variety of rewarding and in-demand career pathways for our students,” said Dr. Anne Gull, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “For those wanting to have a positive impact on the health of our planet and humankind, these programs will be popular.”

TALWAR COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCES

NSBE regional conference opens doors for Warrior members Eighteen members of Indiana Tech’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) earned invaluable professional experience during November’s NSBE Fall Regional Conference, which was held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Speech competition attracts record numbers A record 19 students participated in February’s annual speech competition, vying against each other in three categories: original oratory, impromptu and radio. The first-place winners received 50-inch televisions while second-place finishers received Apple AirPods. Judges consisted of industry professionals.

“This competition is an excellent opportunity for students from all disciplines, because it provides valuable experience in public communication—a crucial skill that employers highly demand,” said Dr. Alicia Wireman, associate professor of communication and event organizer. “Students who participate consistently share how enjoyable and enriching the experience is, noting how much they learn throughout the competition.”

Regional conferences provide NSBE members with the opportunity to source internships and full-time positions in a career fair and convention setting. In addition, participants attend leadership development workshops and showcase their talents in competitive ways.

Several Warriors earned awards during the convention, including chapter advisor and English professor, Dr. Susan McGrade, who was honored as Regional Advisor of the Year. In addition: ↘ Dylan Wright won the Mr. Fo’ Solid award for being the Region IV member who best embodies the NSBE mission statement. ↘ Ronald Stephenson won first place in the Technical Research Exhibition oral presentation for his presentation on algorithms and cybersecurity. He placed second in the TRE poster presentation. ↘ Makiah Burnell earned a Mental Health Advocacy Scholarship and the Fo’ Academics award for superb academic performance in the region.

Business major Jayden Fu, who won third place in the original oratory category, said, “Thank you for putting together such an amazing opportunity and experience!

I think more students at Tech should get involved with it, as it has taught me so much.”

ORIGINAL ORATORY FIRST PLACE:

Sydney WilliamsHubbard SECOND PLACE:

Chloe Melady THIRD PLACE:

Jayden Fu FOURTH PLACE:

Cole Collins

IMPROMPTU

RADIO

FIRST PLACE:

FIRST PLACE:

Tasneem Banu Kaliulla

Cale Sanders

SECOND PLACE:

David Pagoada-Cruz

Andrew Collier THIRD PLACE:

Cole Collins FOURTH PLACE:

Kaillie Woods FIFTH PLACE:

Chance Ngabire SIXTH PLACE:

Sydney WilliamsHubbard

SECOND PLACE:

WRIGHT

STEPHENSON

BURNELL

THIRD PLACE:

Chloe Silvers FOURTH PLACE:

Ayden Pumala FIFTH PLACE:

Kaillie Woods SIXTH PLACE:

Tasneem Banu Kaliulla

The Indiana Tech chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) was chartered in 2005.

Since then, the organization has had a steady presence on campus in order to fulfill the NSBE mission statement, which is “to increase the number of culturally responsible Black Engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally and positively impact the community.”

SPRING 2025

21

INSIDE ATHLETICS

INDIANA TECH REINTRODUCES CHEER AND WILL LAUNCH OLYMPIC DISCIPLINES OF RIFLE AND PISTOL FOR FALL OF 2025 With the addition of these programs, Indiana Tech will field 32 varsity athletic programs for the 2025-26 academic year.

The cheer program will be headed by spirit director Morgan Bair, who was a part of the University of Saint Francis cheer program for three years and helped it to two national championship appearances.

Bair will build the program and hopes to be competing by fall of 2026. Within the next five years, she hopes to have a program that is diverse, highly skilled and making national championship appearances.

“This is an exciting step forward for our campus,” Bair said.

“Cheerleading was a significant part of our athletic events for many years. Bringing it back will energize our athletic events and foster a stronger sense of pride and community on campus.”

Rifle and pistol will join archery under the umbrella of shooting sports, which will be overseen by Indiana Tech archery coach Dominic Greenman. Tech has hired Gregg Rice to oversee the rifle and pistol programs and work alongside Greenman to help the Warriors compete at the highest level.

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Rice brings to Tech a wealth of expertise in shooting sports and a proven track record of success.

Since 2006, Rice has been a dedicated coach and mentor, earning numerous certifications, including licensure as both a coach and official from the International Sport Shooting Federation (ISSF). He is a USA Shooting Advanced Coach and a member of the NRA National Coach Development Staff. Additionally, he serves as an assistant coach for Team USA, where he has coached athletes at prestigious international events such as the World Cup, Grand Prix and PanAm Games.

Adding these two programs, Indiana Tech joins the likes of Purdue University, Hillsdale College, the University of Akron and a handful of institutions across the college landscape that offer the opportunity to compete at a club or varsity level.

“We are excited to add two sports that are widely viewed and participated in across the globe. The most recent Olympic games allowed the world to take a glimpse into the precision and focus that is needed within these sports,” Director of Athletics Jessie Biggs said.

Coaches Biggs and DiCristofaro hit Indiana Tech milestones for wins In November, women’s basketball coach and Director of Athletics Jessie Biggs reached two milestones—she notched her 300th career win at Indiana Tech on Nov. 20 against Lawrence Tech and broke the school record for most all-time wins with her 302nd on Nov. 26 against University of MichiganDearborn. Biggs is in her 13th season as the head coach of the women’s basketball team and moved past the great Gary Cobb (301) for No. 1 on the all-time list.

On Feb. 1, men’s hockey coach Frank DiCristofaro notched his 250th career win at Tech in a 5-0 win over Concordia University. DiCristofaro has been the Warriors’ coach since their inaugural season in 2014-15.

During his tenure, he has led the Warriors to five straight WHAC regular-season titles and five WHAC tournament titles. In March 2019, the DiCristofaro-led Warriors won the North American Intercollegiate Hockey Association national championship.

ALUMNI: WARRIOR CONNECTIONS FROM THE DESK OF KRISTI JARMUS

STAY CONNECTED

Your Alumni Journey Matters As Indiana Tech celebrates the 2025 commencement season, we’re taking the opportunity to reconnect with our greatest asset—you—through an alumni survey.

Whether you graduated last year or decades ago, your Indiana Tech story continues to be an important part of our shared legacy.

The alumni survey, launched in January, yielded a very positive response. Over 50 raffle winners were selected from over 400 survey participants. The insights we have received have been so incredibly valuable, we have decided to keep the survey link open until the end of June for those who missed the chance to contribute. We don’t want anyone to miss out on this opportunity to be heard.

SCAN HERE TO TAKE THE ALUMNI SURVEY ind.tc/m99z

The survey takes only a few minutes to complete, yet provides us with years’ worth of guidance. This is your moment to share where life has taken you since graduation and how you’d like to engage with Indiana Tech in the future. We are listening and ready to implement changes that serve you better. We will publish feedback from our survey in the online issue of Indiana Tech Magazine this summer.

graduate, serves as the staff liaison for this important initiative. Meetings are held the last Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. ET. Remote Alumni Committee: Recognizing our growing national and global alumni base, the Alumni Board started this committee to ensure remote graduates feel just as connected to the Tech community as those located close to the main campus in Fort Wayne. The committee, chaired by alumnus Darrell Martin (‘23).

Meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. ET.

A NEW COMMUNITY PRESENCE The Alumni Board is also enhancing local visibility with a new Community Engagement Representative role.

This person be the face of Indiana Tech alumni at local events, strengthening our presence as a community that has supported our university for generations.

Current board member Clifford Clarke (‘89, ‘05) will represent the Alumni Association at Fort Wayne community events. Clarke brings extensive experience in community relations and a passion for northeast Indiana’s development.

With this change, the Alumni Board is seeking a new chair for the existing Alumni Outreach Committee. This leadership position offers an opportunity to shape core alumni programming and events throughout the year.

Interested alumni with event planning experience and a passion for building community are encouraged to contact the Alumni Relations Office.

SCAN HERE TO SEE UPCOMING EVENTS

TWO NEW COMMITTEES CREATED TO ENHANCE ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT At the annual Alumni Board retreat in January, two new committees (described below) were created to nurture more meaningful connections across our diverse alumni population. Reach out to alumni@ indianatech.edu if you would like to attend their meetings or learn more.

Military and Veteran Alumni Committee: Our military and veteran alumni bring exceptional leadership skills and global perspectives to our community. It is exciting to create programming that honors their service while leveraging their expertise. Sharla Stevens (‘21), an Army veteran herself and Indiana Tech

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alumni.indianatech.edu/events

Check our website for upcoming events in your area, and remember, it’s never too late to reconnect with your Tech family. We’re eager to hear where your Indiana Tech education has taken you and how we can support your continued success!

Kristi

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.

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ALUMNI: SPOTLIGHT DICK SCHUL �69 MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Family, Faith and Philanthropy The foundation of Indiana Tech’s 2025 commencement speaker is deeply rooted in all three.

ICK Schul has always felt an obligation to give D back.

Over his remarkable 43-year career,

the Indiana Tech graduate mentored countless professionals to help them become better leaders and advance in their careers. Away from the workplace, Schul has served on several boards over the years (including the university’s board of trustees) and devoted his time and treasure to lift up his community, particularly underprivileged young adults.

Much like the love he has for his family and the devotion he has to his faith, Schul is passionate about philanthropy. So, when he was asked to be the guest speaker for Indiana Tech’s May 10 commencement ceremony, naturally he was elated by the opportunity to share his wisdom with the class of 2025.

“Honest to God, I was really excited and honored to receive this opportunity,” Schul said. “This is such a pivotal time in the lives of our new graduates; I believe they can’t get enough good advice about the best ways to move forward into their careers.”

Schul’s message for a successful career was pretty simple: have passion for what you are doing; have a good attitude about your workplace and your peers; invest the appropriate amount of time in both your professional and personal life; and create and maintain a network of quality professionals around you. You can watch a recording of the 26

ceremony livestream and view photography from the day at commencement.indianatech.edu.

“Dick Schul is one of Indiana Tech’s most distinguished alumni and an impactful member of our board of trustees. His highly successful business career took him around the world, and his lifelong commitment to giving back to his community has benefited the lives of so many individuals and organizations over the course of decades. All of us at Indiana Tech thank Dick for joining us at commencement to share his life lessons,” said Indiana Tech President Dr. Karl W. Einolf.

Schul is an active member of Ascension Catholic Parish in Chesterfield, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis where he and his wife of nearly 55 years, Geri, live. Currently, he is a board member for St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf and St. Joseph Educational Ministries. He served on the boards of the Maryland Heights Chamber of Commerce and the North County Boy Scouts of Greater St. Louis. For 12 years, he served on the board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Missouri and Kansas, and as a mentor for underprivileged young adults at Boys Hope Girls Hope. In 2013, he was honored with the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award in the greater St. Louis area from the American Philanthropic Foundation.

Schul’s service to Indiana Tech’s board began in 2012; currently he is vice chair.

“I always felt like it was important to give back. And in my case, it’s always been a priority to help kids in need,” Schul said.

Schul graduated from Indiana Tech in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Shortly after graduating, he began his career at Westinghouse Electric, where he held positions of increasing responsibility in engineering, “I ALWAYS FELT quality assurance and marketing.

LIKE IT WAS IMPORTANT TO GIVE BACK. AND IN MY CASE, IT’S ALWAYS BEEN A PRIORITY TO HELP KIDS IN NEED.”

In 1981, he moved to Emerson Electric to be product manager. He quickly rose to director, vice president and then president in 1990 at Emerson’s ALCO Controls Division. He was promoted to president of air moving motors in 1996, and group vice president over several motor divisions in 2000, overseeing 6,500 employees with annual sales exceeding $700 million. In 2004, he was named group vice president of Emerson Climate Technologies, the role in which he served until his retirement in 2013.

at Emerson, preparing them for career success and future promotions. After retirement, Mr. Schul created his own management consulting group, mentoring emerging leaders and companies.

“The things I learned at Indiana Tech helped me develop as a problem solver, which was essential throughout my career,” Schul said. “It was there that I learned how to sort data, analyze problems in a sequence and then find solutions.”

Once he ascended to positions of leadership, his philosophy was simple: hire good people, treat them well and let them do their jobs.

“I always tried to be fair, honest and direct with people and tried to make them understand the strategy behind the things we were doing,” Schul said. “I also tried to hire people who had expertise in areas where I was lacking, and it made the operation better and my job a lot easier. I provided guidance and direction, but my philosophy was ‘I hired you to do your job’ and I let ’em go. I was hands-off except when I needed to be.”

Schul has conducted business in more than 60 countries. His international business experience It’s an approach that has served him well in all includes managing Emerson’s P&L in the Middle East facets of life over the years and the type of insight and Africa, with headquarters in Dubai, UAE, and a that was good for our Class of 2025 to hear. call center in Manila, Philippines. At the same time, he led Emerson’s corporate sales functions. He developed and implemented a mentoring program called LEAD, through which he counseled high-potential managers SPRING 2025

27

GIVING BACK DARIUS DARLING

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DARIUS DARLING TECH’S ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT At just 32 years of age, he has quite an impressive body of work to show for himself.

native earned two degrees from THE Detroit Indiana Tech—a Bachelor of Science in

Business Administration concentrating in sport management in 2014, and an MBA in 2017. Darius immersed himself deeply into the campus community, so much so that he continued working at Indiana Tech full time after graduation. Then, after nearly a decade at Tech, Darius took a position with Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company in Fort Wayne where he is flourishing as a recruiting specialist.

We were sad to see our good friend leave, but very happy for his new beginning. Now, in addition to his position at Brotherhood, Darius is: ↘ Associate pastor at his local church. ↘ An award-winning gospel recording artist. ↘ President of Indiana Tech’s Alumni Association. ↘ On the board of directors for both the YWCA and Fort Financial Credit Union. ↘ Owner of Stay Royal Productions, a music label and live-event production service in the region. ↘ President of the local chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, Incorporated fraternity.

Darius is married now and about to become a father, too. He and his wife, alumna and Hall of Fame track athlete Chloe (née Brooks), are expecting their first child in August.

Darius credits his mother and his family for helping him become a successful person. They were instrumental in instilling within him his devout faith in God, his love of music and singing, and his empathetic and compassionate nature.

He had a solid foundation in place when he arrived at Indiana Tech, the place where he said he “grew up.”

“When I think of Indiana Tech, I think of the place that gave me a chance. I wasn’t the best high school student, but I found a place that would allow me to reimagine and reengineer who I wanted to be long term,” Darius said. “The goal was always to be the

best version of myself, and Indiana Tech exposed me to new opportunities that I did not know I could be a part of.”

He continued, “I would love to acknowledge a few people who made my Indiana Tech journey so special: Andrea Check, Jessica Inniger, Dr. Dan Stoker, Dr. Susan McGrade, Dr. Steve Dusseau, Dr. Jeff Walls, professor Craig Dyer and Connie Scott. These people were instrumental in “WHEN I THINK OF assuring that I was INDIANA TECH, I THINK successful at Indiana OF THE PLACE THAT Tech. If not for their GAVE ME A CHANCE... investments in me and students like me, my time I FOUND A PLACE THAT at Indiana Tech would not WOULD ALLOW ME have been the same.”

TO REIMAGINE AND

REENGINEER WHO I Now, Darius’ goal as WANTED TO BE LONG Alumni Association president is to make TERM.” sure future Warriors get the same chance he had to grow up and thrive at Indiana Tech. To obtain insight, he is collaborating with Indiana Tech’s Office of Institutional Advancement this summer for a listening tour that will include stops in Chicago, Hammond, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and Washington D.C., with both formal receptions and casual happy hours planned to accommodate diverse schedules. These events offer excellent opportunities to network with fellow alumni, give feedback and learn more about Indiana Tech’s vision for the future.

“Alumni engagement is about both looking back—and it’s about moving forward together,” Darius said.

“We’re eager to hear individual updates, and how alumni want to participate in Tech’s next chapter.”

Learn more about listening tour events at alumni.indianatech.edu/events/.

Learn more about Darius’ music at linktr.ee/dariusdarling.

SPRING 2025

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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.

Gene Dominique B.S. MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, 1961 Just after Thanksgiving 2024, Indiana Tech lost a great friend and alumnus, Gene Dominique. He was a member of the Class of 1961 and a mechanical engineer for nearly 40 years. Prior to his time at Indiana Tech, Gene served our country as a member of the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division and served in Korea.

For several years, he and his wife, Carol, served together on Indiana Tech’s Alumni Association Board, with Gene holding the office of president and alumni representative to the board of trustees. Carol is still active with the university, helping with homecoming and other events. In addition to their time, Gene and Carol have been generous in other ways—financially supporting the institution’s growth through the years and, in 2000, establishing an endowed scholarship.

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At his celebration of life, loving friends and family from across the country shared stories about Gene as a trusted mentor, in not only business but in friendship and life in general. The family requested that memorial donations be made to Indiana Tech’s Dominique Family Scholarship.

Through the month of December, over a dozen gifts totaling more than $7,500 were made in Gene’s honor. Thanks to you, Gene and Carol. Your legacy of kindness and generosity continues to grow and will forever support students at Indiana Tech.

Supporting an existing scholarship is easy to do by visiting giving.indianatech.edu/waysto-give/scholarship. Interested in starting your own legacy through a scholarship?

Contact Matt Rowan via at mcrowan@ indianatech.edu.

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 THIS 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 Tanya Mae Ndiaye B.S. ACCOUNTING, 2008 OWNER, THE ORGANIZER TAX SERVICES “As a single mother of five, I was looking for a better quality of life for my children and myself. I decided to go back to school after being out of college for quite a while, but I wanted my children to know that it was never too late to pursue an education. Indiana Tech was convenient and had classes that would fit into my busy schedule. I decided to go to school for a bachelor of science degree in accounting, then I went for a bachelor of science degree in business administration. I finally went for a master’s degree in business administration.

“I’ve always been good at math. My mother has math awards from my childhood. My dream job was to work for a CPA firm, so the accounting and business classes were a good fit for me. I was motivated! I enjoyed my classes and meeting students from all of walks of life. There were people starting college for the first time right out of high school and others, like myself, were returning to complete a degree. We came from all types of backgrounds and ages, and we were able to share experiences from our own perspectives.

The program and my studies taught me to be more patient; sometimes the computer couldn’t keep up with me! I had to work hard to develop excellent time management skills. There was a lot to juggle between school, work, family and my children’s activities.

I did homework alongside my children. It was important for them to see that Mom had homework, too, and that completing it was important. Graduation was one of the most exciting moments of my life. My family traveled to support me; it was wonderful. Education is a blessing.”

Tanya is an accountant in Indianapolis and owns a tax preparation business called The Organizer Tax Services. In 2019, Tanya was appointed to the City of Indianapolis’ Office of Audit and Performance.

SPRING 2025

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

1950s

1960s

Ramon E. Anspach Redmond, Washington Aeronautical Engineering, 1959

Steven P. Bennett Fort Wayne, Indiana Mechanical Engineering, 1968

Donald B. Conrod Camano Island, Washington Mechanical Engineering, 1953

Irwin Bluestein Tamworth, New Hampshire Electronic Engineering, 1960

Charles E. Fleck New Lenox, Illinois Electronic Engineering, 1957

Paul M. Cuarino Grafton, Ohio Chemical Engineering, 1960

Edward J. Klodzen Fishers, Indiana Electrical Engineering, 1956

Cecil G. Dominique Fort Wayne, Indiana Mechanical Engineering, 1961

Erick F. Koehling Frisco, Texas Mechanical Engineering, 1955

David G. Gahlinger Jackson, Alabama Mechanical Engineering, 1963

Benny D. McCoin Mokena, Illinois Mechanical Engineering, 1957

Charles D. Hollish Roanoke, Virginia Mathematics, 1966

Larry A. Mock Fort Wayne, Indiana Civil Engineering, 1959

Robert L. Kinsley Canton, Ohio Electronic Engineering, 1963

Gerald W. Schmucker Smithton, Pennsylvania Mechanical Engineering, 1955

Frank J. Magyar Zanesville, Ohio Electronic Engineering, 1961

Gary L. Bowen Monroeville, Indiana Business Administration, 2005

Melvin R. Schoonover Tucson, Arizona Electronic Engineering, 1958

Samuel A. Medici Spencerville, Indiana Electrical Engineering, 1967

Martin J. Heminger Fishers, Indiana Accounting, 2007

Frederick V. Pfafman North Fort Myers, Florida Electronic Engineering, 1960 Dinesh J. Sheth Inverness, Illinois Mechanical Engineering, 1965 George B. Till Framingham, Massachusetts Mechanical Engineering, 1960 Santosh Tolani Woodland Hills, California Mechanical Engineering, 1965 Herbert R. Weier Fort Wayne, Indiana Electrical Engineering, 1963

1990s Jeffrey L. Hoffman Laotto, Indiana Electronics Technology, 1998

2000s

Walter P. “Paul” Troder 1928-2024 On December 17, 2024, Paul Troder, a passionate supporter of Indiana Tech and life-long learning, passed away at age 96.

Mr. Troder, namesake for Indiana Tech’s newest residence hall, Troder Hall (opened August 2024), proudly served his country for two years as an Army PFC in the infantry. Upon discharge, he attended Indiana Tech and earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree in 1951.

In 1958, Mr. Troder founded Allied Moulded

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Products in Bryan, Ohio. Allied was an early manufacturer of non-metallic electrical boxes, which were game changers in the industry because of their cost-savings, ease to work with and non-conductive and non-corrosive properties.

Today, Allied remains a leading manufacturer in the industry.

Throughout his life, Mr. Troder served the city of Bryan in various capacities and earned several community and industry recognitions. His wife of 63 years, Betty Lou, passed away in 2015.

Patricia Schaefer 1930-2025 Longtime friend of Indiana Tech Patricia “Pat” Schaefer passed away April 2, 2025, just a few weeks shy of her 95th birthday. Ms. Schaefer was a 20-year member of Indiana Tech’s board of trustees, serving from 1992 through 2011. In 2003, she was recognized with an honorary doctorate from Indiana Tech, and upon her retirement from the board in 2011, she was honored with trustee emeritus status by her fellow board members for her distinguished service to the university.

Throughout her life, Ms. Schaefer gave generously of her time, talent and treasure to support students at Indiana Tech. In grateful recognition of her efforts, along with those of multiple generations of the Schaefer family, the university’s Schaefer Center athletics complex bears their family name.

She and her family have also provided extensive support for student scholarships and the labs and facilities within the Zollner Engineering Center.

An accomplished pianist, Ms. Schaefer earned her undergraduate degree in piano and musicology from Northwestern University. She went on to achieve a Master of Arts in Music from the University of Illinois and a Master’s in Library Science was from the University of Michigan.

After earning her Library Science degree, Ms. Schaefer joined the staff at Muncie Public Library, ultimately rising to become director of the city’s public library system in 1986, a role in which she served until her retirement.

Ms. Schaefer’s interests encompassed music, art, theater, literature, writing, education, the humanities and animal welfare. These passions were evident in her broad-reaching philanthropic and leadership contributions in those fields.

Beyond her service on Indiana Tech’s board of trustees, Ms. Schaefer served on the boards of the Milton S. Eisenhower Library at Johns Hopkins University, Franklin Electric Company, Inc., Berea College, Indiana Library Association, Phi Mu Alpha, Altrusa International of Muncie, Indiana Humanities, United Way of Delaware County, Muncie Symphony Board, Youth Symphony of East Central Indiana, Cornerstone Center for the Arts, Midwest Writers Workshop, Muncie Matinee Musical, Ball Brothers Foundation Center for History, Arts, and Industry, Wapahani Girl Scout Council, YWCA, Central City Business Association and The Fort Wayne Fine Art Foundation.

Thomas M. Stockamp 1939-2025 The Indiana Tech community lost a distinguished alum and longtime friend when Thomas “Tom” Stockamp passed away on April 3, 2025. He was 86 years old at the time of his death.

Mr. Stockamp was a proud alumnus and lifelong supporter of Indiana Tech and its students. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in 1963, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a 4.0 grade point average. His appreciation for his professors and the education he received inspired he and his wife, Laurel, to establish the Thomas & Laurel Stockamp Scholarship. This endowed fund will exist in perpetuity to support worthy students in their pursuit of a degree at the university.

“Professors believed in me and worked with me,” Mr. Stockamp said of his Indiana Tech experience in the fall 2020 issue of Indiana Tech Magazine.

“The more my grades improved, the more I studied.

The more I studied, the more my grades improved.

Indiana Tech allowed me to bloom as I stood in the light of the person I wanted to become.”

Mr. Stockamp’s commitment to Indiana Tech extended to his service as honorary co-chair of the recently-completed Building a Century of Excellence comprehensive campaign. The impactful campaign far exceeded its original goal of $26,235,000, raising a total of $31,642,133 to support student scholarships, the expansion of the Zollner Engineering Center, athletics and student support services.

While still a student at Indiana Tech, Mr. Stockamp began his career with the Indiana Highway Department, before moving on to Old Fort Supply in Fort Wayne after graduation. There, he was the project manager for the first of its kind, state-ofthe-art computerized concrete plant. Desiring to own his own company, he then started Landmovers Excavating Company. After selling the company, he started T-G Excavating, doing projects throughout the state. Seeking new opportunities for his business, he found it in the oil- and gas-rich areas of the south and southwestern United States. He established an office in Tulsa, Oklahoma, joining his offices in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis.

1600 EAST WASHINGTON BLVD FORT WAYNE, INDIANA 46803

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

FORT WAYNE, IN PERMIT NO. 159

SHARE YOUR MEMORIES

In August 2024, the Indiana Eta Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon broke ground for a new Sig Ep House. The Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity has been a part of Greek life at the Indiana Tech campus since 1963. The house should be ready for occupancy for the fall 2025 semester. What are your favorite memories of Greek life at Indiana Tech? We’d love for you to share them with us at alumni@indianatech.edu.