San Diego Regional

Alumni joined TSU in paradise on October 6, 7, and 8, 2006, for a very successful Regional Dinner at “The Bahia,” San Diego’s original beachfront resort. Guests enjoyed a three day weekend, which included a President’s Reception, a cruise aboard the Bahia Belle, a tour of the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, Old Town Trolley tour, and Alumni Dinner. Twenty-four were present during the event’s festivities, including special guests James and Kathi Jelley, the children of Joe Jelley, a 1957 business administration graduate and contributor to the Ketner School of Business.

 

While on the West Coast

While in California, I visited with Drs. Cliff and Juliette Sponsel on Sunday, Oct. 7. As many of you are aware, Dr. Sponsel is a trustee emeritus and a 1931 civil engineering graduate.  The Sponsels reside in Santa Barbara, California and have provided support for the C.W. Sponsel Administration Center.  

I also had the opportunity to visit with Mrs. Jean Farnsworth, the wife of the late TSU alum, James Farnsworth. She also resides in Santa Barbara, California and has established an endowed scholarship in her late husband’s memory.

 

On to Austin, Texas 

After the Regional Dinner in San Diego, I flew on to Austin, Texas for an Oct. 9 meeting with Dr. John Pittman, Dr. John McKetta II, and Mike McKetta III, trustees; and Dr. Peter Flawn, University of Texas President from 1979-1985 and 1997-1998.  We discussed the Board of Trustee’s Winter Retreat being held in Austin at the end of January.

Engineering Open House

TSU’s Engineering Open House was a huge success. On Friday, Oct. 20, 47 prospective students and 111 visitors flocked to campus.  The event included panel discussions, featuring an engineering student panel. Information on the new B.S./M.E. Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering was highlighted. This new five year program is especially attractive to new incoming students.

ICI Fall Board Meeting

On Oct. 23 and 24 in Indianapolis, Ind., I attended the Independent Colleges of Indiana’s bi-annual meeting. We discussed the key issues facing higher education particularly in the state of Indiana. Discussion centered on continued state funding support for students, state support for technology projects, the ISTEM collaborative efforts, and partnerships among ICI institutions.  

A Personal Thank You

I would like to thank each of you for the many gifts, cards, calls, and visits we received during the loss of Melanie’s father. We truly appreciate the TSU family for all of your kindness and for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.