Homecoming Update

This year’s Touch the Future Homecoming weekend was the highest attended event in recent TSU history. With nearly 350 in attendance, this year’s occasion was a complete success. Highlights include the announcement of our new capital campaign goal of $90 million, the election of a new trustee member, Dr. Winston Porter; and the unveiling of a special section in Hershey Hall that highlights the career of long-time TSU basketball coach Mark Peterman. I want to thank all of those who’s hard work made Homecoming such a success.

Thursday, Sept. 21

Thursday’s Scholarship Reception and Touchstone Dinner were a huge success. At the scholarship reception, students and their scholarship donors had a chance to mingle and meet each other. Over 100 guests were in attendance, showing the importance of our scholarship donors and the appreciation of our students.

At the Touchstone Dinner, we welcomed 225 guests. The plan to increase the capital campaign goal to $90 million was introduced. The announcement of the plan was followed by three check presentations. Steel Dynamics, Inc. of Fort Wayne presented a donation of $250,000. Bon Appétit donated a contribution of $300,000. An estate plan in the amount of $1 million was presented to the University from Jana Moak, who is currently a Board of Trustee member. All donations will go toward the new University Center and Center for Online Technology and Resources. At the same dinner, it was  announced that Tri-State University received a grant for $500,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The grant is in support of a project entitled, “Academic, Mentoring, and Financial Support for Upperclass Students in STEM Disciplines,” which will award scholarships to undergraduates in engineering, science, math, and technology.

Pillar of Success

Drs. Ralph and Sheri Trine were awarded the Pillar of Success at Thursday’s Touchstone Dinner. The couple, who have been long-time supporters of TSU, were honored for their years of dedicated service. Through the years, the Trines donated funds for countless projects, including the Trine Welcome Center, Fort Wayne campus décor, and the Trine Guest cottage. A special video was presented in honor of their contributions. The couple’s family was in attendance to congratulate them on their award.   

Friday, Sept. 22

Friday was scheduled with numerous events, including the Franks School of Education Open house, Ingledue Freshman Honors Villas Dedication, and Homecoming Dinner. At the Homecoming Dinner, 21 alumni from the class of 1956 came to celebrate their 50 year class reunion. Alumni came from as far away as Arizona, Texas, North Carolina, and California to celebrate their past at TSU. A total of 311 guests were in attendance at the event, making the dinner the highest attended in TSU history.

 

Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees committee meetings were held in the morning with the annual Board of Trustee meeting held at Witmer Clubhouse on Friday afternoon. Several former trustees were in attendance as special guests: Dr. Lee Forman, Mr. Wayne Larson, and Mr. Paul Kahlenbeck. Dr. Winston Porter was appointed as the newest Board of Trustees member. The capital campaign goal was approved and increased to $90 million.

Saturday, Sept. 23

The President’s Advisory Council met Saturday morning. I got the chance to thank the council members, which include John Glenhill, Paul Kahlenbeck, Wayne Larson, Bill Becher, Col. George Higginson, Tim Markley, and Walter Cunningham for their input and assistance with strategic planning and accreditation.  An update was also given on the University master plan, and I had the chance to answer additional questions.

Saturday’s afternoon events included Allen School of Engineering Open House, the Thunder Games, the McKetta Chemical Engineering Celebration, the Alumni Tailgate Luncheon, and various sporting events. At the 5th Quarter event, alumni got a chance to see each other one more time. Nearly 100 guests were in attendance. Dan Putnam auctioned off both the football and soccer game ball. Those in attendance also got a chance to meet with the new football coach, Matt Land.

Sunday, Sept. 24

The Alumni Board of Governors met on Sunday to discuss new goals for the upcoming year. The board made plans to aggressively assist with the recruitment of new students in collaboration with the Admission Department. In addition, the board plans to raise over $600,000 for the capital campaign. The meeting was adjourned after a presentation on the importance of planned giving benefits.