A Trip to China

Vice President Michael Bock recently returned from a 10 day trip to China with Trustee Ralph and Sheri Trine, recent Pillar of Success award winners, where relationships were established to allow for purchases of various products directly from the manufacturer for the University. In addition, contact was made to begin the process of establishing a student exchange program for TSU and Chinese students.

 

College Fair

We had a great turn out for the Northeast Regional College Fair, which hosted nearly 70 colleges on Oct. 25. I had the opportunity to attend the event with my daughter, Megan. The event was not only enjoyable, but very informative, providing information on both private and public colleges and addressing financial aid information. Tri-State University was well represented.

Traveling to Connecticut

On Oct. 30, I traveled to Connecticut to meet with Virginia Fabiani, whose family financed the Fabiani Residence Hall and the Fabiani Theatre in the University Center. I shared pictures of the construction progress on both the University Center and the new apartments. Mrs. Fabiani’s son, Jim Fabiani, currently serves on the Board of Trustees for TSU.

While in Connecticut, I had dinner with Trustee Jana Moak. Moak recently unveiled her plan to provide a planned estate gift of $1 million to TSU at this year’s Homecoming celebration.  

 

Jelley-Joye Foundation Scholarship

I spoke with the Joe Jelley family regarding a scholarship for TSU students through the Jelley-Joye Foundation. Joe Jelley is a 1957 business administration graduate and contributor to the Ketner School of Business.

 

TSU Shares in Economic Development

On Nov. 3, Michael Bock and I met with Gary Neilander, Steuben County Economic Development Director, to discuss ways in which the University would support a new business currently looking at moving to Steuben County, as well as a possible arrangement with a local industry to introduce prototype equipment for use and evaluation by TSU.

Honoring a TSU Alum and Trustee

Trustee Jerry Allen was inducted into the Cloverleaf High School Hall of Fame on Nov. 4. I had the honor of speaking during the ceremony, which was held in Westfield Center, Ohio. Dr. Allen has been as instrumental in the success of his own community as he has in the success of TSU.

Successful NCATE Visit   

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education gave TSU’s Frank School of Education a positive recommendation, noting that standards were met with no weaknesses. The final accreditation decision will be made by the Unit Accreditation Board in April. TSU is expected to join 623 colleges who have earned this accreditation, demonstrating that professionals from across the country recognize the quality of TSU’s efforts and that TSU meets high standards set at the national level.

Auctioneering Program Update

Trustee Dean Kruse and I met on Nov. 7. I updated him on the auctioneering degree program, which is the first degree program in the nation. We also discussed the progress of the campus master plan which is moving along on pace with our spring 2007 completion date.

Lunch Before Class

Parkview Hospital CEO Mike Packnett joined Michael Bock, Dr. David Finley, and I for lunch on Nov. 9.  Mr. Packnett then went to speak to Professor Kim Miller’s Accounting I class in Well’s Theatre about the financial operations of the corporation.

 

Outstanding Women of Angola and TSU

Congratulations to Dr. Dolores Tichenor, Dean of the Jannen School of Arts and Sciences, for being honored as one of 39 outstanding women in Angola’s 100 year history. Elvira VanDervort Sniff and her sister, Lucy VanDervort, as well as Elizabeth Orlosky, who all have TSU backgrounds, were also honored by the Women’s Fund of Steuben County Community Foundation. A celebration was held at the Carnegie Public Library in honor of these women who demonstrated excellence in their careers, families, and community.

 

Angola Chamber After Hours

I attended the Angola Chamber event hosted by Bon Appétit at Witmer Clubhouse on the evening of Nov. 9. The event was a great opportunity to network with chamber members and TSU faculty and staff. Bon Appétit also provided great food and drink for the well-attended evening.

 

Senior Design Projects

TSU enjoys a very rich and prestigious academic history based on the quality of education and preparation of students for successful professional careers. This week I am pleased to highlight the Capstone Design Projects for 2006-2007 in our Wade Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

 

Microscale Cooling

TSU ME students are designing and building a practical microscale device to cool electronic chips. The students are trying to dissipate up to 1000 W (equivalent to ten 100W light bulbs!) of waste heat from a dime-sized electronic chip.

Automatic Alignment of Newsprint Rolls

TSU ME and EE students are working together on a machine to automatically align rolls of newsprint that can weigh up to six tons. A laser beam is shot through the core of the newsprint, striking a target that then provides data to a set of motors that can automatically adjust the table supporting the newsprint. 

Multi-Channel Cooling Control of Plastic Injection Molding

TSU ME students are designing and building a control system for the cooling of molds used in the plastic injection molding process. State-of-the-art cooling control is achieved by regulating the temperature of cooling water as it enters the mold. 

Fire-Fighting Robot

TSU ME students are designing and building a fully autonomous robot that can enter a burning building, locate a fire, and then put it out. The robot is sophisticated enough to distinguish between the heat of a fire and that of a human. 

Basic Utility Vehicle

TSU ME students are designing and building a small, robust truck suitable for developing countries.  The truck, capable of carrying a half-ton payload over unimproved roads, is equipped with an efficient 10 hp single-cylinder engine. To save on costs, the vehicle is designed to be assembled by the owner.