Tri-State University and its Office of Alumni and Development expressed gratitude for the Steuben County community’s support by hosting an annual Community Appreciation Breakfast in TSU’s Witmer Clubhouse Friday, April 11.

The event gathered local business and professional people and government officials for a morning meal, a university update by TSU President Earl D. Brooks II, and the presentation of the university’s annual Community Service Awards.

Dr. Oren Skinner, development officer for the Steuben County Community Foundation, received a service award for his ongoing support of the university in the areas of scholarships and fund raising. Skinner joined the foundation in 2004 after 18 years as an educator and administrator with the Metropolitan School District of Steuben County.

Angola businessman Javier Lopez also received a Community Service Award for his continued support of TSU student, faculty, and staff projects, and for his provision of college assistance through the Steuben County Community Foundation. Lopez was educated in Mexico and Japan, and now embraces education in his new home.

Dr. Brooks thanked the community for its support and invited residents to campus to enjoy TSU’s dining facilities, athletic events, library, theater, golf course, and technology  center. “It’s good to see you all and have the opportunity to update you on the university , say thank you, and give back to our neighbors. It takes partners to make TSU the success story it is today. It’s an exciting time for this university, and we want you to be a part of that energy and excitement,” he said.

Dr. Brooks called the past several years the most remarkable transformation in the institution’s history, pointing to the success of its $90 million Vision for the Future capital campaign as the impetus. He said the university expects around 500 new students, the highest enrollment in 27 years, this fall, and has begun construction on four new apartment buildings to accommodate the numbers.

However, TSU must move beyond past success to continue growth and change, he said. The university’s name change to Trine University on Aug. 1 after a three-year study will identify the university as private and differentiate it from businesses and schools also claiming a tri-state identity, he said.

Facility updates scheduled for the next three years include the renovation of the Ford building to better accommodate the Franks School of Education, the Department of Communication, and the music program. The Aero building, which now houses the operations department, will be remodeled as a learning factory for engineering students, with operations moving to a new location. Shambaugh Hall will be renovated as part of a larger effort to enhance the Ketner School of Business.

A local partnership for the creation of a performing arts center will be explored, as will the possibility of a rehabilitation and physical therapy center in conjunction with Cameron Hospital in Angola and Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. That would bring a health care degree to the campus, and a possible master of science degree in biomedical engineering for the Allen School of Engineering & Technology.

With 975 residential students expected in the fall, more apartments will be needed, and the university hopes to increase the number of students in honors housing. A new stadium and a new field house to accommodate nine intercollegiate sports will soon be constructed. Greek life is growing, with new fraternity houses being built and sororities establishing TSU chapters.

Foreign language courses and internships could be in the plans to meet the needs of global education. A hospitality and tourism major begins in the fall, and graduate-level business and education degrees are also eventual goals.

President Brooks closed with thanks and a request. “We thank you for your support, interest, and enthusiasm, and ask for your input on how we can better assist and serve our community,” he said.