07 December 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. — More than 100 Indiana University Kokomo alumni, faculty, staff, and friends attended a reception celebrating the first-ever Homecoming, as well as a visit by IU President Michael A. McRobbie and the Board of Trustees.

IU President Michael A. McRobbie gestures to a "Complete in 4" banner as one of the ways IU Kokomo is promoting on-time graduation of students.McRobbie updated those attending on progress being made throughout the university and on the Kokomo campus, and thanked them for their support.

"This kind of progress I have described this evening could not happen without the dedicated and generous support of the alumni, faculty, students, staff, and friends of Indiana University," he said. "Your dedication and generosity have left an indelible mark on the university and are testament to the true strength of this great institution. Working together, we will continue to achieve our goals of true excellence in education and research."

McRobbie highlighted just a few recent accomplishments, including the summer tuition discount, which resulted in a nearly 12 percent increase in IU Kokomo's summer enrollment; the on-time graduation award that offsets increases in tuition and fees for juniors and seniors who are on track to graduate in four years, and creation of several new schools, including the School of Public Health, the School of Philanthropy, and the School of Global and International Studies.

At Kokomo, he noted the record-setting fall enrollment of more than 3,700 students, and the first season of athletic competition in the NAIA.

"All of these gains are a result of the strategic planning that has been done on campus, and the implementation of those plans, and the entire campus deserves our congratulations," McRobbie said.

Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke thanked those who attended, reminding them their support is needed to keep the campus moving forward. She encouraged everyone to look at plans for the Milt and Jean Cole Family Wellness and Fitness Center and the student courtyard.

"The momentum is continuing," she said. "Our students are so excited; they can't wait to use the fitness center. We appreciate the support and partnerships that are making these facilities possible for IU Kokomo and for our students."

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

25 September 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. — The Indiana University Kokomo Alumni Association (IUKAA) invites you to come save three lives, with a donation of a pint of blood, on Wednesday, October 3, in the Kelley Student Center, room 130.

IU Kokomo Alumni Blood Drive"Every pint of blood donated saves three lives," said Ryan Bowman, director of alumni relations and campus ceremonies. "We hope to be able to save hundreds of lives through the contributions of IU Kokomo's students, faculty, staff, and alumni."

The IUKAA is teaming up with the Howard-Tipton Chapter of the American Red Cross to collect at least 70 units of blood. The blood drive will take place from noon to 6 p.m., and appointments can be scheduled online at www.redcrossblood.org, or in person from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. now through Friday, September 28, outside the bookstore.

Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every two to three seconds, and most people will need blood during their lifetime.

The IUKAA and Red Cross will provide drinks and snacks during the blood drive.

For more information, call Gail Daggett at 765-455-9457, or e-mail gdagget@iuk.edu.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

10 April 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. — Amber (Gailey) Cargile witnessed death and destruction "on a biblical scale," as one of the first humanitarian workers in Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake.

Amber Cargile

She was part of a multinational response team letting the world know what the Haitian people needed and how to help, and said it was one of the most meaningful deployments in her 20-year Air Force career.

Indiana University Kokomo will honor Cargile, 43, for her humanitarian service and military career with its Distinguished Alumni Award. She will receive the award at Commencement, on Tuesday, May 8.

"It was a humbling experience. You come out of it thankful for what you have, where you come from, and the opportunities you've had, " said Cargile, a 1990 graduate with a bachelor's degree in social and behavioral science. "I don't know that I've worked as hard anywhere else, but the rewards were immense. To know I was part of that initial group that came down and was helping steer the ship in the right direction was very rewarding."

Chancellor Michael Harris congratulated Cargile on the award.

"Amber Cargile represents the excellence we can expect of IU Kokomo graduates who receive a world-class education," Harris said. "I am grateful for her service to our country. This award is well-deserved."

Amanda Shoultz, president of the IU Kokomo Alumni Association, said the alumni board chose Cargile because of her military career and current job as spokeswoman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Arizona District.

"She has used the leadership skills and knowledge gained as a student at IU Kokomo to make the world a better place through her impressive military career," Shoultz said.

Cargile said she was surprised and honored to be chosen for the award.

"My liberal arts education at IU Kokomo really gave me a foundation and prepared me to do just about anything. I learned critical thinking and writing, and had a broad-based understanding of how things work. Those skills have helped me throughout my career."

Cargile worked in radio after graduating from IU Kokomo, and then enrolled in the U.S. Air Force Officer Training School. Her military career included serving as head of the communications team in Guam doing humanitarian relief after the Asian tsunami in 2005, and as deputy spokeswoman for U.S. forces in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.

She said her degree from IU Kokomo has been an asset to her throughout her career. After transferring from a larger private college, she cherishes the relationships she formed while on campus.

"You get a world-class Indiana University degree, but with smaller, more personal classes. Our professors cared about us not just in the classroom, but also as people," Cargile said. "You just don't get that at a larger campus. That is one of the gems IU Kokomo has to offer. It's more than book learning, it's the whole person."

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

08 March 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo students, whose parents are IU Alumni Association members, are eligible for $1,000 scholarships through the IUAA Scholars program.

The association plans to give 33 scholarships statewide, with at least two recipients at each of the eight IU campuses.

"We are proud the IU Alumni Association offers support to children of its members," said Penny Lee, vice chancellor for public affairs and advancement. "We want to make attending Indiana University a family tradition. IU Kokomo offers a world-class university experience, and our students graduate with less debt of any IU regional campus. This scholarship contributes to that achievement."

Eligible students can obtain a 2012 scholarship application online at alumni.indiana.edu/students/scholarships/iuaa.html. Applications will be accepted now through March 30, and scholarship recipients will be notified by May 11.

An applicant must be the son or daughter of an IU Alumni Association member and a full-time undergraduate student attending any IU campus.

The scholarships will be awarded on the basis of financial need and academic achievement as determined by the Office of Student Enrollment Services. Preference will be given to students who have not received a scholarship in prior years.

The IUAA Scholars program has provided $311,000 of support to IU students in 18 years.

Revenue from the IU Collegiate License Plate Program funds this scholarship program. In 2011, more than 48,000 plates were issued, making the IU plate the most popular specialty plate in Indiana.

To check on the status of your membership or to join the IU Alumni Association, contact Joan Hall, director of membership, at 800-824-3044.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

24 February 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. – Indiana University Kokomo students have opportunities to learn in South Korea and Guatemala, thanks to the leadership of Linda Wallace, dean of the School of Nursing.

Wallace recently was honored for her dedication and service, receiving the 2011 IU Kokomo Alumni Association Amanda Shoultz, left, president of the IU Kokomo Alumni Association, presents School of Nursing Dean Linda Wallace with the 2011 Distinguished Service Award..

"She has gone far and above the call of duty as a faculty member, and has taken her students' clinical experiences and expanded those from the local to the international level," said Amanda Shoultz, president of the IU Kokomo Alumni Association.

Wallace, who has taught at IU Kokomo since 1992, said support from campus leadership, including Chancellor Michael Harris, has made her accomplishments possible.

"IU Kokomo creates opportunity and builds relationships," Wallace said. "I have always believed leadership is really just an opportunity to serve others."

Wallace has taught health assessment, management, critical care and cultural studies courses at all levels of the nursing program. She began the South Korean nursing exchange program in 2000 as a faculty exchange program, which then expanded to include students. Wallace also led a service-learning trip to Guatemala with nursing students.

Tali Harris, a lecturer in the School of Nursing, said Wallace's award is well deserved.

"The Distinguished Service Award is given to a person who walks the extra mile and contributes their heart and soul to IU Kokomo," Tali Harris said. "Linda Wallace is most qualified for this award."

Wallace said she is "humbled and honored" to receive the Distinguished Service Award.

"I am proud and excited to work with and for such an enthusiastic team."

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

24 February 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. — Lace up your running shoes and get ready to run for scholarships for Indiana University Kokomo students at the 27th annual Old Ben 5K Walk/Run, set for 9 a.m. Saturday, March 10, in Highland Park.Old Ben 5K runners

Penny Lee, vice chancellor for public affairs advancement, said participants will not only get a good run, but will help provide educational opportunities for students in north central Indiana.

"This is a great opportunity for the community to partner with us to make an IU Kokomo education even more affordable," Lee said. "We are proud that our students graduate with the lowest student debt of any IU regional campus, and it is the generosity of people who participate in events like this that help make it possible."

Pre-registration deadline is Sunday, March 5. Registration the day of the race begins at 7:30 a.m. in Rodgers Pavilion. Participants may compete in either the walking or running races. The first 200 registered participants will receive a free T-shirt.

Registration is $12 if received by Sunday, March 5, or $15 the day of the race. For more information, call the Office of Alumni Relations, 765-455-9411.

The Old Ben 5K Run/Walk is an annual event to raise funds for the IU Kokomo Alumni Association Student Scholarship Endowment Fund. Sponsors include Howard Regional Health System, Club Kokomo Roadrunners, the City of Kokomo and the Kokomo Tribune.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

23 February 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University alumni are invited to come cheer for the IU men’s basketball team as they take on Purdue at a game watching party Sunday, March 4.

The Indiana University Kokomo Alumni Association and Howard/Tipton County chapter of the IU Alumni Association will host the party at 5:30 p.m. at the Half Moon Restaurant & Brewery, 4051 S. LaFountain St.

All IU alumni are invited, and may join either or both alumni associations during the party. Appetizers will be provided. Alumni may invite their family, friends and IU fans to attend as well. Reservations are not required.

For more information call Gail Daggett, alumni administrative assistant, at 765-455-9411.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

19 April 2011

KOMO, Ind. – Indiana University Kokomo named Alan Biggs as the recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award. Biggs, who earned a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from IU Kokomo in 2001, will be recognized and presented the award during Commencement on Tuesday, May 10.

Biggs, vice president of financial services and chief financial officer at Howard Regional Health System, not only serves on numerous community boards, but also sits on statewide health councils and volunteers time to IU Kokomo Alumni Association committees and fundraisers.

“I was deeply moved to receive the distinguished alumni award. To say honored isn’t close enough,” said Biggs, a Logansport resident. “You do all these things, both with your career and also with your community, not for recognition, but to satisfy some internal drive – some ‘itch’ to make things better – to make the most of your opportunities, to honor those who have had faith in you. You do them ultimately to make your place in the world a little better for your family, your friends, and your community.”

Biggs earned a Bachelor of Science in accounting from IU Bloomington in 1991, and held accounting positions before being hired at Logansport Memorial Hospital as the chief financial officer in 1997. He later advanced to chief operating officer and served as the interim CEO for five months in 2010. It was during his 14 years with Logansport Memorial that he was motivated by CEO George Poor to pursue a master’s degree.

“The experience of earning my M.B.A. while holding down a demanding full-time job and raising a family helped me see that I could balance several things at once, including time and support for community, church and children’s activities,” said Biggs. “It was the best feeling imaginable, that people would think of me for this award and would think I was worthy of such an award. It really gave me a boost and inspires me to want to continue doing whatever I can to help make my place in the world a little better.”

Chancellor Michael Harris applauds Biggs for his desire to give back to IU Kokomo, and is pleased he was recognized with this award.

“Alan is very deserving of this award, and I am grateful for his contributions to IU Kokomo,” Harris said. “One of our goals at IU Kokomo is to build meaningful and long-lasting relationships. With the help of alumni like Alan, we will be sure to make a positive impact on those within our region.”

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

30 November 2010

KOKOMO, Ind. – At age 50, Judy Golitko fell in love with learning. So much so, that she spent the next nine years dedicated to higher education.

She began her journey by earning an associate degree at Indiana University Kokomo in nursing in 2001, which gave her the confidence she needed to continue. After pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing and graduating in 2003, she went on obtain her law degree from IU Maurer School of Law in Bloomington.

 

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29 September 2010

KOKOMO, Ind. – Help save lives and sign up to give blood at the 14th Annual Blood Donor Challenge Blood Drive, sponsored by the Indiana University Kokomo Student Alumni Association, on Thursday, October 7, from noon to 6 p.m. in the Kelley Student Center, Room 130.

The blood donor challenge is a friendly competition among IU campuses, with a university-wide goal of 3,000 units of blood. The Kokomo campus' goal is 60 units.

Tali Harris, R.N. M.S.N., serves as the campus' honorary co-chair this year. Tali is a visiting lecturer at the School of Nursing, and is the wife of IU Kokomo Chancellor Michael Harris.

"Donating blood is a selfless act of caring and generosity," said Tali Harris, who has worked as a registered nurse for nearly 32 years. "As an R.N., I know that blood donors provide the gift of life every time they bravely step forward. From my own experience, it always feels better to give than to receive, especially with blood."

Last year, the IUKSAA was named Student Organization Winner after 174 units of blood was donated, due largely in part to the American Red Cross' involvement with "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" filming that was going on at the time.

Cathy Valcke, advisor for the IUKSAA and director of alumni relations, stressed the importance of giving when no one is looking.

"This is a great opportunity for the campus and community to get involved by giving blood," Valcke said. "There are so many lives that can be saved by donating blood."

Please go to www.givelife.org and enter sponsor code "iukokomo" to schedule your blood donation appointment, or call the IU Kokomo Office of Alumni Relations at (765) 455-9411, or e-mail at alumni@iuk.edu.

Last year, in all, Indiana University collected 3,052 units of blood, which translates into saving 9,156 lives.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.