TSU Math Competition
January 31, 2006
Tri-State welcomed 127 high school mathematicians on 31 teams to the University’s 33rd annual Math Competition in Hershey Hall. Top scoring teams and individuals earned TSU scholarships. Thirteen schools from as far away as Huntington, Ind., participated in the competition, which has become a tradition for the area’s accomplished math students.
Detroit Regional Reunion
January 31, 2006
Dr. Dolores Tichenor, Dr. David Finley, Julie Wert, and I enjoyed meeting with 48 TSU alumni for the Detroit Regional Reunion, where a tour of the Roush Automotive Collection entertained guests and thrilled car buffs. The group enjoyed the showcase of 40 years of motor sports achievements, as well as a reception, which gave them a chance to mix and catch up on news. The event drew one of the largest crowds for a regional reunion.
Dr. Martin Luther King and Black History Celebration
February 1, 2007
TSU celebrated the remarkable legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King during the 17th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month Celebration. Once again, the Voices of Unity Youth Choir, made up of Fort Wayne-area children ranging in age from 8-20, astounded the audience with their talent and diverse repertoire. The evening also included refreshments, entertainment, and a keynote address by the Rev. Bill McGill, executive director for One Church-One Offender Inc. and senior associate pastor at Imani Baptist Temple in Fort Wayne, Ind. Kudos go to Deborah McHenry, Director of Student Success and Retention, for organizing the signature cultural event.
Distinguished Speaker Series
February 5, 2007
A TSU graduate who first caught the public’s eye on TV commercials, billboards, and signs across America as the original Marlboro Man in the 1950s cigarette ad campaign brought his present-day expertise as a wardrobe and image consultant to TSU as part of the Distinguished Speaker series. William Thourlby earned his B.S. and B.A. at TSU before moving on to star in the commercials and perform in numerous television shows and movies. He shared with the audience some basic tenets from his seminar, “Passport to Power,” which he presents across the country.
Alumni Board of Governors meeting
February 10, 2007
Twenty-six members of the TSU Alumni Board of Governors met in Witmer Clubhouse for an annual look at the organization’s by-laws before attending the Black and White Scholarship Gala that night. Myself along with trustees John Pittman, John Hester, and Jeff Posendek provided University updates and comments about the board’s January retreat in Austin, Texas, before the Alumni board set to work on its agenda for the day.
Mid-States Conference wrestling meet
February 10, 2007
TSU fared well in its first role as host to seven teams in a Mid-States Conference wrestling tournament in Hershey Hall, finishing third overall and posting second-, third-, and fourth-place individual finishes. TSU’s Coach Callahan was named co-Head Coach of the Year for the conference, while TSU athletes Bryan Wight and Louis Posa were named to the All-Academic Team.
Black and White Scholarship Gala
February 10, 2007
Melanie and I had the pleasure of hosting The Black and White Scholarship Gala with Drs. Ralph and Sheri Trine. The gala was a success in all regards, breaking previous records by raising nearly $80,000 for TSU student scholarships. A record number of TSU friends and supporters gathered for the event. A live auction bested previous events by raising more scholarship funds than ever before. Dignitaries included Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, as auctioneer, Rep. Dick Dodge, R-Pleasant Lake, and members of the TSU Board of Trustees and Alumni Board of Governors.
Building corporate friendships
February 12, 2007
Corporate friendships continue to develop, as Sue Ehinger, executive vice president and COO of Parkview Health Systems met with me here on campus. We enjoyed discussing business and sharing stories of her daughter’s experiences here as a TSU student.
Developing local partnerships
February 13, 2007
TSU Vice President for Student and University Operations Mike Bock and I met with Angola Mayor Dick Hickman to discuss the mayor’s service on a special committee. University construction plans, possible property acquisition, infrastructure needs and options permitting more green space on TSU’s campus were discussed.
TSU student outreach
I am proud of student teams of seniors from the Franks School of Education and the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department who joined forces to create lesson plans to teach mathematical and physical science concepts to elementary school students. Five ECE teams used their technical knowledge to develop five different products for their EDU counterparts to use in teaching science lessons to children in grades 1-5. Faculty members in both departments viewed this as an important way to achieve interdisciplinary team experience for their students, as well as an opportunity to create science course modules with different perspectives. Dr. Bob Whelchel, Professor Wes Garner, and Teacher-In-Residence Helene Moog directed the collaborative endeavor.
