Alumni Hall of Fame Adds James R. Bard Legendary Professor Honored Athletic Hall of Fame Administration Building Getting ‘Green’ Makeover Volume 6, Issue 1 / Fall 2009 The Magazine for Students, Alumni & Friends of Indiana Tech
Walker Settles In As A.D.
WARRIOR WEEKEND
ALUMNI GATHER FOR HOMECOMING 2009
Letter from the President
Greetings, Welcome to another great year at Indiana Tech! Yes, I know we’re a couple of months away from New Year’s Day, but life in the academic world gives us the opportunity for a fresh start with the beginning of the fall semester. We approached this fall with just a bit of trepidation, confident that we could weather the nation’s economic troubles but concerned that a shortfall in state grant money might hurt some of our traditional students. However, I am quite excited to say that our teamwork has produced another year of enrollment growth, serving about 4,900 students of all ages. This fall also brought the successful start of our Ph.D. in Global Leadership. We had more than 30 students enrolled in August, and the program shows great promise for additional students who’d like to begin in October or January. In addition to the start of a new academic year, the fall season also brings Homecoming which offers a unique opportunity for the past to meet the present. This year’s festivities were particularly exciting with the dedications of the Bard Life Sciences Laboratory and Frank & Anne Oropeza Hall. As you enjoy the photos and stories in this issue of Trends, make plans to celebrate our 80th anniversary with us at next year’s Homecoming. Our 2010 Homecoming will be very special as we rededicate the old Administration Building. This historic building is undergoing a complete restoration, and it will be a magnificent welcome center. As always, I invite you to visit campus any time. You don’t have to wait for Homecoming. If you’re visiting from out of town, spend some time touring the campus and see how it has changed over the years. If you happen to live near Fort Wayne, come out and cheer for our Warrior athletics teams. Whether you’re an alum, a current student, or a friend of the university, do everything you can to stay connected. As we grow and change, remember that Indiana Tech is your university. Sincerely,
Dr. Arthur E. Snyder, President
Contents Departments
2
Tech Happenings
15
Richter’s Notes
16
Alumni Updates
16
In Memoriam
17
Faculty & Staff News
Features
4 Tech Sees 11% Growth As It Nears Milestones
6 Alumni Gather for Homecoming 2009:
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Alumni Hall of Fame Adds James R. Bard New Residence Hall Honors Alum Frank Oropeza Legendary Professor Dow Honored at Athletics Ceremony Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees
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11 Administration Building Getting ‘Green’ Makeover 12 Walker Settles In As A.D. 14 Tech LEADS: Indiana Tech’s strategy to support incoming students 14
Trends Volume 6, Issue 1. © 2009 Indiana Institute of Technology Arthur E. Snyder, Ed.D., President
Trends is published quarterly for students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Indiana Tech by the university’s Creative Services Department.
Please send comments, news, and feature story ideas to:
Janet Schutte Marketing Director
Indiana Tech attn: Creative Services 1600 E. Washington Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46803
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(260) 422.5561 or 800.937.2448, extension 2250
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e-mail: JLSchutte@indianatech.edu
For alumni news, please send to the attention of the Alumni Office at the address on the left, or call: (260) 422.5561 or 800.937.2448, extension 2219 e-mail: alumni@indianatech.edu. The editors reserve the right to edit articles for length and clarity. Articles may be reproduced with permission and proper attribution.
Jayson Barrand Creative Services Intern
Fall 2009
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Tech Happenings
Ph.D. Off to a Strong Start The Ph.D. in Global Leadership was launched with an immersion orientation weekend for about 30 students on August 15 and 16. Students gathered at the Fort Wayne campus to get to know each other, meet the Ph.D. faculty, learn more about what is expected of them in the program, and learn about the library and information technology resources available to them. Additional students can begin the program inJanuary, March, and May. For program information, admission requirements, and upcoming information sessions visit www.IndianaTech.edu/PhD.
Convocation Speaker Urges Responsibility Indiana Tech’s 2009 convocation focused on the theme “Responsibility Now, Rewards Later” with attorney Tamara Holder as guest speaker. Holder, founder of The Law Firm of Tamara N. Holder, LLC, is an expert on criminal defense, expungement and sealing of records, and public policy. Her presentation stressed to students the importance of acting responsibly now in order to reap the rewards of an untarnished record later in life. She shared her own story about how a seemingly minor alcohol-related offense almost prevented her from becoming an attorney. Also as part of the convocation ceremony, Cortney Robbins was honored with the Leepoxy Plastics Award for Teaching Innovation. Robbins is an assistant professor of English.
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TRENDS
Students Give Community Helping Hands This year’s orientation program for new students went beyond acquainting them with Indiana Tech; it gave them an opportunity to reach out to the community through a variety of service projects. The program, called Community Connection, is a joint effort between student life and academics. New students were required to attend orientation programs on August 24 and 25. Each day, half of the students participated in orientation activities with faculty and advisors while the other half participated in one of several community service projects. “We want our students to understand that attending Indiana Tech isn’t just about going to classes. It’s also about being involved with the campus and the community,” said Allison Carnahan, vice president for enrollment management and student life. Community groups who benefited from the program included Habitat for Humanity, the YWCA, Matthew 25, Deeds of Compassion, Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation, the Islamic Center of Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne Ballet, and Cancer Services of Allen County.
Fall 2009
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Tech Sees 11% Growth As It Nears Milestones Indiana Tech is enjoying another year of significant growth with the total enrollment for fall 2009 11% higher than the previous year, increasing from about 4,400 in 2008 to nearly 4,900 in 2009. The university’s total enrollment includes traditional students at the main campus in Fort Wayne as well as students in the College of Professional Studies at campuses throughout the state and online. With the current enrollment figures, Indiana Tech is closing in on two significant milestones: 1,000 students in the traditional program and 5,000 total students. The traditional program at the main campus in Fort Wayne has shown steady growth for several years. The current enrollment is 998 students, an increase of 57% from the 636 students enrolled just five years ago. This year’s enrollment includes 406 new students, an increase of 13% over last year’s incoming class and the largest group of new students in more than 40 years. “Indiana Tech is thriving because we are committed to our goal of becoming a more comprehensive university,” said Dr. Arthur Snyder, Indiana Tech president. “We’ve added degree programs that are in demand by students and employers. We’ve made tremendous physical improvements to our campus. We’ve increased the number of student activities and sports programs. All of these things add up to more reasons for students to choose Tech.” The university’s response to a shortfall in state grants also has played a factor in this fall’s enrollment. When the state announced in late July that grants awarded through the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana (SSACI) would be cut 31%, Indiana Tech promised students that the university would fund the difference between previously estimated grants and actual grants. “It’s hard to know exactly how many students chose Indiana Tech because of the grant funding, but many students have said they don’t know what they would have done without our help,” Snyder explained.
Fall 2009
The College of Professional Studies is showing growth in several areas, especially online programs. The university currently has 410 students who are primarily online students compared to only 58 at this time last year. This number is expected to grow even more through efforts to recruit students in the military. Indiana Tech is ranked in the top 15% of military friendly schools by G.I. Jobs magazine and offers generous benefits through the Yellow Ribbon program as well as scholarships for active service members and their spouses. Unlike many other colleges and universities, Indiana Tech has no limit on the number of students who can take advantage of Yellow Ribbon benefits and the university will contribute up to $10,000 per year toward tuition costs for those students. “Serving in the military is something to be proud of, and it lays a great foundation of life experience,” Snyder said. “But adding a college education to that experience really helps individuals be successful in civilian life or as they advance in the armed forces. We’re doing all we can to help by making our programs affordable and accessible online.” Growth also has come through the addition of the Ph.D. in Global Leadership, which debuted in August with 30 students. “The success of the Ph.D. program shows that there is a thirst for higher education,” Snyder said. “We’re proud that all of our programs — traditional, accelerated, online, in class, undergraduate, graduate — are filling a need, and we look forward to the continued success of our students.”
Indiana Tech Enrollment Fall 2009
Fall 2008
998
902
CPS
3,884
3,502
Total
4,882
4,404
Traditional
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OR WARERKIEND WomE ecoming
H
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200
ALUMNI GATHER FOR HOMECOMING 2009 Homecoming 2009 was touted as an opportunity to “Maximize Your Memories,” and the weekend certainly lived up to that theme. The main Homecoming events had a great turnout, with more than 150 people in attendance, and even more current and former students participated in or watched the variety of alumni athletic events held that weekend. Many returning alumni declared Homecoming 2009 “one of the best.” Alumni were very impressed with the faculty, staff, and students as well as the growth of the campus. One of the 14 members of the class of 1959 on hand for the 50-year reunion shared his gratitude with the Office of Alumni Relations. “The homecoming was really very, very nice. My wife and I enjoyed it a lot,” wrote Stan Puskarz, BSME, ‘59. “Special thanks to all the hard working folks who put in such an effort to make sure the alums had a good time.”
G.O.L.D. Alumni of the Year (Graduate of the Last Decade)
›› Brandan Haines, 1999 BSCIS
Alumni Volunteer of the Year ›› Gene Dominique, BSME 1961
Alumni Hall of Fame Inductee ›› James Bard, BSME 1959
Class of 1959 Reunion Attendees ›› James Bard, BSME ›› Cleo Betts, BSELE ›› Manmohan Gill, BSME
For two members of the class of 1949, the campus they saw at this year’s Homecoming was a far cry from the Indiana Tech of their day. William A. Miller, BSCE ‘49, and Robert O’Malley, BSCE ‘49, didn’t get to see any of their classmates, but enjoyed the opportunity to get acquainted with alumni from other classes. “We were amazed and excited with the huge transition from our original restricted quarters to the present wonderful facility,” Miller wrote.
›› F. Robert Hall, BSEE ›› Ronald Hicks, BSAEE ›› Don King, BSCE ›› Ernest Mascarello, BSME ›› Edward Mayo, BSRE ›› Charles Monroe, BSAEE
Renee Gerber, BSBA ’96, e-mailed, “The group of us who attended this year had so much fun we want to do it again next year. Do you happen yet to have the dates for next year’s Homecoming?”
›› Frank Oropeza, BSEE
We sure do! The 2010 Homecoming will be September 17–19. Save the Date for Tech’s 80th anniversary celebration!
›› Kazimierz Szczepaniak, BSChE
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›› Stanley Puskarz, BSME ›› James Robertson, BSME ›› Dale Puff, BSEE
TRENDS
Alumni Hall of Fame Adds James R. Bard Bard Life Sciences Lab Dedicated
James Bard, a 1959 mechanical engineering grad- emphasize strong family values and a positive uate, was doubly honored at Homecoming with work environment. the dedication of the Bard Life Sciences Lab and induction into the Alumni Hall of Fame. “Jim has told me that the secret to his success is simple: find self-motivated and positive thinkAfter graduating from Indiana Tech, Bard ing people, empower them to be successful, and joined his family business in Bryan, Ohio. reward them when success is achieved,” PresiFounded almost 100 years ago in 1914, Bard dent Arthur Snyder said during the induction Manufacturing is still a family owned comceremony. “Sounds easy… but few have been pany. Bard worked during the summer months able to do this as well as Jim.” throughout high school and college and after his graduation from Tech continued to learn Bard retired a few years ago, but continues as the business from the ground up. He started on an advisor on the company’s board of directors. the shop floor and then moved to the engineering department. He was an engineer until 1970 In 2001, Bard received the Northwest Ohio when he became a company officer. Entrepreneur of the Year Award. In 2004, the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration The business grew and prospered, and, in 1981 Institute presented Bard with a lifetime Jim and his brother, Richard, obtained financachievement award. ing and bought the company. The business has continued to prosper and has added manufacBard’s public service and philanthropy have turing facilities in Georgia and Mexico. been directed primarily to the town where he grew up and where he and Joan still reside, A good deal of Bard’s success can be attributed Bryan, Ohio. He has served as president of to hard work and persistence, but, like most the Bryan Area Foundation and received their entrepreneurs, he was always looking for new Good Citizen of the Year Award in 2008. In products, ideas, and innovations. When he 2006, Indiana Tech awarded Bard an honorary started with the company it was a regional doctorate of engineering degree. supplier of heating products to the residential market. Their primary product was a patented Jim and Joan Bard’s commitment to helping oil furnace that dated back to the 1930s. Bard others through education has been a major part knew, however, that if the company was to of their involvement at Indiana Tech throughgrow it needed to develop new products. out the years. They have been members of the President’s Club since 1998, and in 2005 they Using his Indiana Tech engineering educaestablished the James R. Bard Scholarship to tion, Bard was instrumental in designing and help students with financial need. The Bards manufacturing a new product line: air condistepped up to help Indiana Tech students again tioning units that could be mounted on the with support for the life sciences lab. outside wall of modular school buildings. The “wallmount,” as it was called, was launched in “The Bard Life Sciences Laboratory will make 1962 and would eventually become the major it possible for our students to receive the best product line of Bard Manufacturing. Over the available, hands-on, training in the field of biopast 40 years, the company has grown to be medical engineering, a field that did not even the largest U.S. manufacturer of wall-mounted exist a few years ago. But, true to his nature, HVAC products. Jim is looking to the future,” Snyder said. “He and Joan are supporting this laboratory because Bard’s personal integrity, ethics, and values they know that that our graduates will be suchave also become an integral part of the cessful at improving the health and well-being company’s culture. He has made it a point to of countless individuals in the years to come.” Fall 2009
James and Joan Bard cut the ribbon to the new Bard Life Sciences Laboratory.
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New Residence Hall Honors Alum As part of the Homecoming festivities, the university dedicated its newest residence hall in honor of 1959 grad Frank Oropeza and his wife, Anne. Frank Oropeza earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
with gathering spaces including a big screen television, recreational game tables, a fireplace, an island dining area, and a full kitchen available for use on request. The building also has laundry facilities on each floor, cable TV, and Wi-Fi Internet access.
“We are quite fortunate here at Indiana Tech to benefit from the dedication of alumni who remain loyal to the university throughout “The dedication of Frank and Anne Oropeza Hall is our gift to the the years after they have graduated,” Indiana Tech President Arthur E. college to enable students to have a better life while they pursue an Snyder said at the ceremony. “And among the most faithful is a person education, so they can follow their dreams,” Frank Oropeza said. of incredible vision and leadership, Frank Oropeza.” “Since graduation 50 years ago, my entire professional career has been an exciting adventure from design engineer to business entrepreneur. The new facility houses 62 students in 16 suites. Each suite has two Indiana Tech truly prepared me for the challenges I was to face in bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchenette, and a living room. In addition industry…. Consequently, it is a great honor for Anne and I to give to the suites, the residence hall has a community area on the first floor back part of what the college helped us accomplish.”
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TRENDS
Legendary Professor Honored at Athletics Ceremony “Ben Dow is a man whose legacy lives on in literally thousands of young people whom he mentored and shaped during 30 years of service at Indiana Tech,” President Arthur E. Snyder said during the ceremony. Dow joined Indiana Tech’s faculty in the fall of 1947. He taught a variety of courses and served as the Department Chair of Aeronautical Engineering from 1955 to 1970 and Department Chair of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering from 1970 to 1977. His passion for Warrior athletics showed as he coached golf for 20 years, tennis for 12 years, and helped with baseball, water polo and bowling. He also served as a Board of Trustees member, Curriculum Committee chairman, Faculty Senate member, Faculty Athletic Representative for the Mid-Central College Conference, Faculty Athletic Committee Chairman, Faculty Advisor for the Flying Cub, and Faculty Advisor for the Student Chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics among other roles. “As our staff and I travel and visit with alumni from that era, it is quite a common occurrence for Ben’s name to surface,” Snyder said. “Many attribute the success in their own careers to Ben’s care and excellent instruction. While at Tech, Ben was able to touch the lives of so many students because he was committed to them in so many capacities.” Marjorie Dow, Ben’s wife of 64 years, said his fondest memories of Indiana Tech are his connections with students. The Dows often invited students to their home, making him a favorite of many alumni from 1947 to 1977.
This year’s Athletic Hall of Fame included a tribute to one of Indiana Tech’s most beloved faculty members, Ben Dow, above with his wife Marjorie and Dr. Snyder.
Fall 2009
One accomplishment of which Dow is most proud was working with his colleague Ben Kemp to oversee the design and building process of the famous Indiana Tech wind tunnel. Dow and Kemp also teamed up to build their own sailboat. What they thought would be a four-weekend project took them three months to complete, but the 14-foot sailboat was launched in the summer of 1950. “Professor Dow, known affectionately to many as ‘Gentle Ben,’ embodies what it means to serve, instruct, and coach with honor and excellence,” Snyder said. “He is a man who continues, even today, to exhibit the strength, the passion, the perseverance, and the fight of a true Warrior.” Special arrangements were made for Dow and his family to travel to Fort Wayne from North Carolina for the Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony.
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Athletic Director Jeff Walker, left, with Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Rick Gesue. Members of the Dance Team are recognized for their national award.
Athletic Director Jeff Walker, left, with Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Kelly Mettert.
Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees Benjamin (Ben) Dow
Heather Anderson
›› Professor, Department Chair, Coach 1947–1977 ›› Honors: —— Iota Tau Kappa —— Engineering Honorary Society —— Kekiongan Feather Service Award (for Outstanding Service to Students) ›› 1966—Granted U.S. Patent Number 3,232,013 on February 1st ›› 1972—Outstanding Educators of America ›› 1972—Engineers of Distinction ›› 1973—Outstanding Citizen Engineer for Northeastern Indiana
›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ››
Rick Gesue ›› ›› ›› ›› ››
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1962 Baseball, 1958–1962 Honors: Hayashi Award Winner 1962—Graduated Magna Cum Laude 1962—All Conference Baseball Team
Kelly Mettert ›› A.A. Recreation Arts, 1978 ›› Golf, Cross Country, Tennis, 1976–1978 ›› Honors: —— All Conference Golf (2 Years) —— Most Valuable Player—Golf (2 Years) ›› Individual Golf Scoring Record (18 holes): 67 ›› Individual Golf Scoring Record (36 holes): 140 ›› 1976—Golf Team Score Record (18 holes): 284 ›› 1976—Golf Team Score Record (36 holes): 594
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B.A., Computer Science and B.S. Business Administration, 2004 MBA—Human Resources, 2008 Basketball, Softball, 1999–2004 Basketball Honors: Academic All-American 1999–2000—First Year Award 2000–2001—Second Year Award 2000–2003—Hustle Award 2002–2003—Captain’s Award Softball Honors: Academic All-American 1999–2000—First Year Award 2000–2001—Second Year Award 2000–2001—Best Offensive Player Award
Ryan Eddy ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ›› ››
B.S. Business Administration, 2001 MBA—Human Resources, 2003 Baseball, 1999–2001 Honors: 2000—Academic All-American in Baseball 2000—Helped lead Tech baseball to NAIA World Series 2000—Charles Berry Hustle Award for NAIA World Series 2001—College of Business Student of the Year Career Tech Batting Average: .353
TRENDS
Administration Building Getting ‘Green’ Makeover The oldest building on the Indiana Tech campus, long known simply as the administration building, will undergo a complete renovation after the Board of Trustees approved the plans at its September meeting. The $3 million project will use “green” materials, construction methods, and technologies with a goal of achieving LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Level Certification. The renovation project allows the university to accomplish several goals: ■■ ■■ ■■
■■
Saving the historic building, which is in need of repairs and upgrades Increasing learning opportunities for students and the community Reorganizing the use of space throughout campus to centralize student services Becoming a more energy-efficient campus
The Seitz Center was built in 1857 as part of the Concordia Seminary campus. Indiana Fall 2009
Tech purchased the building and campus in 1957. While the rest of the campus has undergone significant expansion, construction and improvements within the past 10 years, the building remains a recognizable landmark for alumni from throughout Indiana Tech’s history. “We are being very diligent in preserving the architectural integrity of the building. Though the interior will be thoroughly modernized with ‘green’ technology, we will maintain the original 1850s exterior,” Indiana Tech President Arthur Snyder stated. The renovated building will house a Campus Welcome Center, which will feature 1800s-style furniture and a fireplace built from bricks salvaged from the building. A museum area with display cases constructed from wood salvaged from the building will showcase mementos from Indiana Tech’s history. Sensors will enable research by the university’s energy engineering students and professors. The building also will house a large classroom, a conference room and a
monitoring gallery where visitors can view real-time energy usage results and learn more about green practices. The Office of the President and other administrative offices will be moved into the renovated building from the Abbott Center, allowing Abbott to be used as a center for student services featuring admissions, financial aid, the registrar, and the business office all in one convenient location. The renovation project provides an opportunity for the university to incorporate more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly practices on campus. The design, by Viridian Architectural Design, will preserve the exterior brick shell of the building, windows, and door openings but integrate a new floor and roof system as well as energy efficient mechanical and electrical systems. Michael Kinder & Sons is the construction manager for the project. Renovation work began in October, and the project is expected to be completed by August 2010.
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TRENDS
Walker Settles In As AD Jeff Walker is the new guy in town in more ways than one. He’s new to the Indiana Tech community, joining the university as athletic director in August 2009. But with just a few words, Walker’s southern drawl reveals that he’s “not from around here,” as he puts it. Walker was born in Athens, Tenn., and grew up in Memphis, Decatur, and Nashville, Tenn., as his father moved around in the hotel business. His most recent position before joining Tech was as athletic director at Crichton College in Memphis. Walker described his childhood as fairly normal, playing all the seasonal sports: football in the fall, baseball in the spring. It wasn’t until he began high school that he realized his true calling: basketball. Modestly, he admits that he was not the best but he is a perfect example of how true practice and determination can help shape a man. All that determination led him to a successful career as a coach and athletic director. The highlights of his resume include positions as:
Walker’s office décor shows that he’s not allow each team what they need from just a basketball guy, but also a family the facilities.” man. He’s been happily married to Lynne Walker for 24 years. Behind his desk chair, On The Midwest there are several family photos including “College athletics are college athletics, one of his 23-year-old daughter, Gracie, no matter where you go,” he observed. a teacher in Memphis, and one of his 18“Aside from the obvious climate and year-old son, Rex, a student at University regional differences, there’s not a whole of Alabama-Birmingham. Walker is also lot else.” surrounded by photos on the walls and on top of cabinets of every team he has Getting to Know Jeff Walker had the pleasure of coaching these past Education: B.S. in Health and Education, 20 years. Walker’s lifelong love of music Belmont University; M.A. in Theology, is also on display with a “swinging” Elvis Fuller Theological Seminary; M.A. in Presley clock and a small photo of The Health and Physical Education, Tennessee Beatles “Abbey Road” album cover. State University Walker took a few moments to share some thoughts about his new job.
On Joining Indiana Tech “Indiana Tech has a great tradition of success in athletics and academics. Tech is an institution that continues to excel in the classroom and in athletic competition,” he said. “Everything has been good. I am surprised at how great the support from the staff and faculty is for athletes. I’ve never really had that before.”
Career Highlights: Coached 7 players who went on to the NBA (2 of which were from his Memphis Fire days), 12 NBA draft picks, 13 College All-Americans, and 19 high school All-Americans. The Memphis Fire went 8-0 in 1995. His 1999-2000 teams at Hiwassee College became T.J.C.C.A.A. Champions. Favorite Food: Pork BBQ Favorite TV Shows: “SportsCenter” and “Leverage”
On Warrior Athletics ►► Head boys basketball coach for Raleigh-
Egypt High School in Memphis ►► General manager and head coach for
the Huntsville Lasers, Mid-Michigan Great Lakers, and Memphis Fire ►► Head basketball coach for San Diego
Mesa College, Grayson County College, Hiwasee College and Crichton College ►►Athletic director for Crichton College
Fall 2009
“Our No. 1 goal is to make it the best possible experience for all 585 of our athletes with the help of well-knowing coaches, staff, and the right resources. We want to play in conference championships every year.” “Our biggest challenge is our facilities here,” Walker explained. “With the men and women’s bowling team coming next year, we will have 22 different athletic teams. We will try our best to
Favorite Movie: “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” Favorite Travel Spot: Gulf Coast of California Favorite Activities: Watching the Atlanta Braves and Tennessee Titans, fishing Role Models: Pete “Pistol Pete” Maravich and Paul Westhead
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Tech LEADS: Indiana Tech’s strategy to support incoming students Elaine Pontillo, Ph.D., Vice President of Academic Affairs
Like many of our sister institutions of higher education, Indiana Tech is finding that a percentage of our entering students are underprepared for university level coursework and study. We have always provided courses to these students to strengthen their reading, writing and mathematical skills prior to their undertaking more advanced study. That practice has yielded moderate results, with some students becoming successful but others failing and/or leaving the university very early in their academic careers here. To address this situation, we applied to the U.S. Department of Education for a Title III grant which would allow us to dedicate resources to create a program designed to both improve the basic skills of our students and to connect them to Indiana Tech so that they persist to degree completion. We were awarded the grant and funding in the amount of nearly $400,000 per year for five years. The program is entitled Tech LEADS to signify: Learn, Experience, Achieve, Develop, and Succeed. The grant activities began in October 2008 with the first ten months dedicated to program design. Under the leadership of the grant director, Dani Witzigreuter, two interdisciplinary teams comprised of faculty and staff members worked to create a curricular model and an advising model, which were implemented fall 2009 with 110 students grouped into six cohorts (learning communities). Each learning community is comprised of 15 to 20 students who are enrolled in the same set of courses, typically two or three developmental courses and one university level course. Students learn to develop better academic skills and then apply them to the content of the university level course. The university level course this semester is Introduction to Psychology, a course requiring reading, writing and comprehension skills. The faculty members instructing the courses collaborate and 14
coordinate assignments and also serve as advisors to the students. In this manner, intentional strategies are used to demonstrate how skills are applied to course materials. In addition to the courses, students are scheduled for supplementary instruction, a one-hour weekly class meeting during which advising and/or tutoring is provided. Students have the opportunity to use the time to prepare assignments and participate in tutoring and group advising, depending upon their needs each week. The program design contains several components that research has shown contribute to student persistence to degree completion. They include: (1) groups of students in common classes allowing for them to become acquainted and supportive of each other, (2) scheduled and structured advising activities providing a strong connection with at least one faculty member who is aware of the student’s academic progress and attendance pattern, (3) faculty team who coordinates course activities and tests to intentionally demonstrate to students the application of their developing skills, and (4) planned social activities for students, faculty and staff to connect the students to the university. In order to measure the success of the program, data on student performance and participation are being gathered, along with student satisfaction input. It is too early to fully judge the results of the program, but thus far we have noted an improvement in student class attendance and engagement, and academic achievement in comparison with students in similar courses in previous years. Elements of the program such as the advising model are already being implemented across the university, and we anticipate the Tech LEADS model will become fully integrated into Indiana Tech in the future. TRENDS
Richter’s Notes
“BEST HOMECOMING EVER!” Mark Richter, vice president of Institutional Advancement That’s the phrase that I heard over and over again during Homecoming this year. We are glad that everyone enjoyed returning to campus, but we are not resting on our laurels. Planning has already begun for next year’s extravaganza and will include a special 80th birthday party for the school. Mark your calendars now for September 17–19, 2010.
Phonathon Moved to Spring This Year I know that many of you look forward to talking to our students when they call in November to ask you to support Indiana Tech. While visiting with these callers is enjoyable, it also gives you a chance to catch up on some of the happenings around campus through the eyes of a student. For this school year, however, we have decided to conduct our student phonathon later because we are completing a new alumni directory (see the next story for the details) and many of you already have, or will be, receiving phone calls about this project, as well. To avoid confusion, we felt it was better to not overlap these two activities. So, please do not wait for the student’s call before you make your gift to Tech in November or December this year. We will be sending a letter to all alumni in November asking for your calendar year-end support. I hope that you will respond with favor and generosity.
New Alumni Directory in the Works Indiana Tech updates its Alumni Directory every five years. The new Alumni Directory, which will be available in February 2010, will be much-improved over previous editions. At the time I am writing this, we have already updated information on 2,694 alums through the contacting that is being done. Designed to be a definitive reference for Indiana Tech alumni, the publication will make it easy for you to reconnect with former friends and classmates. In addition, the book will include a “Through the Years” photo gallery, organized by decade, of photographs and captions submitted by alumni. Another new feature is a 10-page introduction that we have put together on the history of Indiana Tech. We are also asking alumni to vote for one of three options for the cover. Your votes will decide the winning cover. If you have not been contacted, here is what you can do. Please call 877-596-4573, and the person you speak with can verify your information over the telephone. Thanks for helping with this important project! Mark welcomes your calls and visits. You can reach him at 800.937.2448, ext. 2346, or stop by his office in Abbott Center.
MOMENTUM CAMPAIGN UPDATE We continue to build toward our $19 million goal for the Momentum campaign. The total amount raised has already reached $16.8 million. Recent gifts include a significant estate commitment from alumnus Fred Benn (BSME ‘70) and a pledge of $200,000 in unrestricted support from the English, Bonter, Mitchell Foundation of Fort Wayne. Steel Dynamics Foundation’s $300,000 donation will fund the establishment of a laboratory for energy engineering. Further details about this exciting new addition to campus will be provided in a future issue of Trends.
Fall 2009
The Momentum campaign, launched in July 2007, focuses on programs, places and people. Contributions help to support degree offerings, expand facilities, increase library resources and provide scholarships. The course of the campaign continues through June 2012. The university is grateful to all individuals and organizations whose generosity is helping to provide excellent education and bright futures for our students. To learn more, call the Office of Institutional Advancement at 800.937.2448, ext. 2219, or visit the Web site at momentum. indianatech.edu.
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Alumni Updates ►► Robert Gornstein, BSAEE 1959, is a retired chief scientist from
Navatek Ltd., located in Honolulu, Hawaii. He can be reached at rjgornstein@clearwire.net. ►► Mushtaq Luqmani, BSCHE 1969, serves as chair of the
department of marketing for Western Michigan University. Luqmani’s scholarly interests are in international marketing, supply chain management, global sourcing, and privatization.
►► Kenny Odle, BSBA 2006, is self-employed in IT project
management in Fort Wayne, Ind. He can be reached at kroman47@verizon.net. ►► Gina Schulz, BSTR 2008, currently works as a certified
therapeutic recreation specialist at Meaningful Day Services Inc. in Indianapolis. ►►Angela (Scheumann) Giese, BSIS 2007, has been a web
►► Thomas Smead, ASBA, BSBA, MBA 2002, is a manager who
also deals with technical services at Superior Essex of Fort Wayne, Ind. He can be reached at smeadtv@comcast.net.
designer/developer for The Seattle Times since August 2009. She can be contacted at angiegiese@gmail.com. ►► C.J. Miller Jr., BSN 2009, works as a security analyst for Secure
►► David N. McDade, BSBA 2003, currently holds the title of
materials coordinator at Penske Logistics. He can be contacted at dnmcdade@indtech.edu.
Works and is also working on being a Certified Intrusion Analyst for the Global Information Assurance Certification.
►► David Temple, ASBA 2004, has been the director of marketing
and communications at Mercy Ministries of America in Nashville, Tenn., since March 2008. He can be contacted at kewikimobile@ gmail.com.
In Memoriam We have learned of the deaths of the following alumni and friends. If you would like to send a memorial gift to honor someone, please contact Eve Colchin at 800.937.2448 ext. 2335.
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Frank A. Denbrock Jackson, MI BSEE ‘48
Christian C. Holst Huntington, IN BSEE ‘66
Walter R. Newlon Logan, OH BSEE ‘56
James E. Shirey, Jr. Edinburg, PA BSEE ‘67
Walter M. Dlugolecki Peachtree City, GA BSME ‘72
Keith C. Harding Candler, NC BSME ‘43
Joseph E. Noviasky Whiteboro, NY BSME ‘53
Theodore W. Slesiona Charlestown, RI BSME ‘60
Paul Dray Sun City West, AZ BSCE ‘52
George W. Huhman Pinckneyville, IL BSCE ‘60
William D. Ogle Auburn, IN BSME ‘49
Gunnard E. Erickson Ellicott, NY BSME ‘49
William T. Irick, IV New Haven, IN BSEE ‘67
Donald F. Schrock, Sr. Dallas, TX BSEETGR ‘58
Anthony J. Grismore Salem, WI BSME ‘99
Edward N. Mawhorr LaPorte, IN BSEE ‘67
Thomas E. Schrock Elkhart, IN BSEE ‘58
TRENDS
Faculty & Staff News Sullivan Attends Model Schools Conference Joe Sullivan, McMillen Library ARC specialist, recently attended the International Center for Leadership in Education’s Model Schools Conference in Atlanta, Ga. More than 25 of the nation’s highest performing and rapidly improving schools using their resources most efficiently and effectively were represented. The conference focused on instructional practices and leadership approaches presented by schools that have achieved dramatic improvement in student performance as well as cutting-edge research on best practices, skills and knowledge needed for success in the 21st century.
Briegel Reviews Books William Briegel, social science instructor, has reviewed several textbooks in the past year. They include sections of Listen to This by Mark Evans Bond; History of Music in Western Culture; Social Problems, Lauer and Lauer 8 edition; Taking Sides by Kurt Finsterbusch, 15th edition; Art Appreciation, McGrawHill 8th edition.
Robb Wins Scholarship Holli Robb, administrative assistant at the Plainfield campus, was awarded a $2,500 scholarship from the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce to study sign language at Vincennes University.
University Welcomes New Staff Indiana Tech is pleased to announce several additions to the university staff: Lisa A. O’Leary-Tessier, business office assistant Kimberly Grooms, administrative assistant, College of Professional Studies—Mishawaka Ryan Lister, financial aid counselor, College of Professional Studies—Indianapolis Robert Ferrick, enrollment specialist Kaylee Swanson, student life administrative support Jennifer Miller, administrative assistant, admissions Rodney Hamilton, women’s basketball coach Paula Earleywine, admissions representative, College of Professional Studies—Indianapolis Dawn Sterba, admissions representative, College of Professional Studies—Fort Wayne Mhariel McDonald, staff accountant Theresa Mikel, administrative assistant, College of Professional Studies—Warsaw Margo Nelson, administrative assistant, College of Professional Studies—Fishers Amber Katris, assistant professor of accounting
Fall 2009
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SHOW YOUR SPIRIT To purchase your Maximus bobblehead for only $20, call the Office of Institutional Advancement at 800.937.2448, extension 2219. Proceeds will go toward supporting student leadership projects.
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