Bolts From the Blue
DID YOU KNOW...

Alumni Reunion Successful
GETTIN' DOWN IN DETROIT

Forty-eight TSU alumni, one of the largest crowds ever for a regional reunion, gathered Jan. 31, 2007 for the Detroit Regional Reunion, where they enjoyed a tour of the Roush Automotive Collection. The museum showcased 40 years of motor sports achievements. An alumni reception gave friends a chance to mix and catch up on news. (read more)

Distinguished Speakers Series
HOW TO BE GQ

TSU class of ’49 alumnus William Thourlby brought the magic of image-making to center stage for TSU and Steuben County as the featured guest in the Distinguished Speaker series Feb. 7. Thourlby’s initial claim to fame as the model for the Marlboro Man in the 1950s cigarette ads evolved into roles on TV’s “Hawaii Five-O” and in films like “The Manchurian Candidate.” His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to the position of wardrobe and image consultant for U.S. presidents and corporate executives. He shared some points from his seminar, “Passport to Power,” which he conducts across the U.S.

TSU's Petrie Shines
SCHOLAR SPOTLIGHT

Professor Dennis Petrie of the TSU Department of English and Communication has penned the seventh edition of his textbook, “The Art of Watching Films,” published by McGraw-Hill in New York. Petrie loved films in his youth, but could not view many in the remote area of south-central Kentucky where he lived. His collaboration on the textbooks with the late Joseph Boggs began during Petrie’s college years at Western Kentucky University at Bowling Green, and he continues to produce the text alone since Boggs’ death several years ago. The text is widely used, and Petrie has begun work on the eighth edition. He discussed his book in a Northeast Indiana Public Radio interview on Thursday, Feb. 8.

Noteworthy News
TSU LAUNCHING MUSIC PROGRAM

TSU will launch a new music program in the fall. A new Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music will teach courses allowing students to earn a music minor, and coordinate a TSU band program to eventually include a University/Community Concert Band; University Marching Band; and Pep Band. In celebration of the new music minor, TSU sponsored a concert for small music lovers, Music for Tiny Tots, on March 4. The Fort Wayne Philharmonic String Trio and Philharmonic Friends created an “instrumental playground” to give children in preschool through second grade a chance to see, touch, hear and play the instruments. The trio then presented a 30-minute concert designed for young children.

Scholarship Gala Update
FANTASTIC FUND-RAISER

TSU’s Black and White Scholarship Gala broke several records in its fourth year. The event generated nearly $80,000 for student scholarships, while bringing together a record number of supporters, and boasting the most profitable live auction ever. TSU alumni and friends enjoyed dinner by Bon Appétit, a wine tasting event by Biaggi’s of Fort Wayne, Ind., live and silent auctions of gifts donated by benefactors and live music by the Hillsdale Community College Contemporary Jazz Band. President Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D. and his wife, Melanie, hosted the event with TSU Trustees Drs. Ralph and Sheri Trine. Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, Rep. Richard Dodge, R-Pleasant Lake, and TSU Trustees and Alumni Board of Governors members were among the dignitaries.

Basketball Update
LET'S RUMBLE

The TSU Thunder men’s basketball team experienced a phenomenal year, tying for No. 2 seed in MIAA NCAA Division III most of the season and taking the season down to the wire in a final game with nationally ranked Hope College on Feb. 17. Even though Hope prevailed, third-seed TSU hosted its first-ever MIAA quarterfinal tournament on Feb. 21, beating No. 7 seed Kalamazoo College to take on Calvin College in the MIAA semi-finals at Hope College on Feb. 24. TSU’s season ended in a 66-82 loss to Calvin and a 16-10 season win-loss record.

Governor Daniels Visits TSU
STATE SCENE

President Brooks welcomed Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels to the Governor’s Chamber Luncheon at TSU’s Witmer Clubhouse Tuesday, Feb. 20. TSU sponsored the luncheon and the Angola Area Chamber of Commerce was host to around 170 businesses and professional leaders. Governor Daniels elaborated on education issues to be addressed in the next General Assembly session, including proposed Hoosier Hope Scholarships to keep Indiana college graduates living and working in their home state. After lunch by TSU’s Bon Appétit, Daniels told the group he enjoys such local visits, and thanked President Brooks and the University for hosting the event.

Master Plan, Enrollment Updates
GROWTH AT A GLANCE

We have made impressive headway by raising $62 million as we continue to roll toward our Vision for the Future campaign goal of $90 million by 2009. The result of the fund-raising is visible everywhere. The University Center and Center for Online Technology, a central social, entertainment, and technology hub, will be dedicated this fall. New apartments are being built, and all students will soon benefit from $2 million in technological improvements.

As a result of these improvements and efforts by the Office of Admission, TSU expects the largest freshman class in 10 years this fall. A record number of students, a 96 percent increase, have made deposits for the fall semester at TSU. Applications are up 47 percent and accepted students have increased by 43 percent. TSU’s presence in over 300 high schools and 200 annual college fairs, improved athletic recruiting, a visible and competitive scholarship program, and attractive financial aid packages also factor into the increases.

But the job is far from over. Even though record donations have been raised, they only scratch the surface of TSU’s needs, said officials with the Office of Alumni and Advancement. This year’s projected freshman class brings to the forefront TSU’s need for even more student housing, they said.