18 March 2013

KOKOMO, Ind. – For many college seniors, graduation is the icing on the cake. Years of hard work finally pay off, and students celebrate the culmination of an important and memorable part of their lives.

Alicia DellenHowever, Indiana University Kokomo Senior Alicia Dellen will celebrate more than graduation this May. In addition to earning a bachelor's in nursing, she also is releasing a piano solo and duet album with her brother, Matthew.

Dellen, classically trained since she was four years old, has 20 years of playing piano under her belt. Although she hasn't always appreciate her talents, she now realizes how much piano has impacted her life.

"Playing piano teaches you discipline, hard work, and detail," Dellen said. "Releasing this album and seeing how much my brother and I have accomplished through our music is such a blessing."

Dellen studied music under Tamara Orlovsky, a Russian concert pianist, who inspired her to be disciplined in the art of piano. She began playing piano concerts with her older brother when she was 14, and since the pair has traveled to 23 different states to showcase their talents.

"Traveling together as a family, to share something we truly love, is a wonderful experience," Dellen said. "We are very passionate about music ministry and feel very blessed to participate and work in that capacity."

When Dellen was 15 years old, she won a piano competition, which gave her the opportunity to play at Southern Adventist University with the orchestra. Two years later, she was invited to play again and go on a music tour with the orchestra.

She competes in piano competitions at other universities, and since last fall, she has been practicing on the piano in Kresge Auditorium, located on campus, to help prepare.

"When you go to a competition, you don't get to see or touch the piano before you play, so practicing on different pianos will help you for competitions," Dellen said. "You become used to the piano you are always playing, which can hinder a performance on a new piano."

Piano is a huge aspect of her life, but it doesn't stop with competitions and playing with her siblings.

Dellen and her church group host programs at prisons, deliver food, play music, and just get to know people.

"It's amazing to see what such a small gift can do for a person," she said about one of her favorite experiences. "Playing music and helping people is such a great gift to be able to give."

It was her experiences in music ministry that helped lead her toward a career in nursing, but she had a little extra help from her mother, who has been a huge driving force in her life and successes.

"When I was younger, I was always reading mission stories about doctors and nurses who would travel and help people," she said. "It's always something I wanted to do."

At age 13, she had her opportunity when she traveled to El Salvador on a mission trip, and assisted the Maranatha Group in building a church in 10 days.

"It's amazing to go to another country where they don't have a lot, and work to make a difference," she said. "It opens your eyes and truly shows you how the little things matter."

She hopes to travel again, but this time working as a nurse in clinics around the world.

"There's always something you can do to help someone, wherever you are."

Story by Mary Olk. Mary is a senior majoring in communication arts and is an intern in the Office of Media and Marketing.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

08 March 2013

KOKOMO, Ind. — Two Indiana University Kokomo students are among 30 future business professionals chosen to attend a prestigious summit during spring break.

Katie Wilkinson and Sarah McClurgSarah McClurg and Katie Wilkinson, both seniors, will meet with top business leaders from companies including Kraft Foods, Wal-Mart, and Walgreens, during the Enactus 2013 Partner Summit March 11 and 12 in Northfield, Ill.

Jason VanAlstine, Enactus faculty advisor, said their selection is an honor for McClurg, Wilkinson, and the entire IU Kokomo team.

"Only 30 students were picked to attend this event nationwide," he said. "I think it says a great deal about our team's reputation that we had two selected. This is due in large part to the hard work that all of our students do in the community, with Katie and Sarah being among the best of those students."

McClurg said the companies represented are partners with Enactus, an international non-profit organization that brings together student, academic, and business leaders committed to using entrepreneurism to improve the quality of life and standard for living for people in need.

"Because we are two of the top 30 students chosen for this summit, there is a good chance these executives could consider us for jobs," McClurg said. "They know because we've been leaders in Enactus, we have project management experience. This is another step in professional development, and an opportunity to network with top business leaders."

Wilkinson said the leaders represent companies that have hired Enactus students in the past, and the summit is an experience to meet and talk with them in a small group, rather than in a large forum.

"Having that face time could make all the difference if we seek jobs with those companies," she said.

VanAlstine nominated the two for their consistent leadership in Enactus.

"Sarah will present at competition for the third time this year, and is a project manager," he said. "Katie is our director of recruitment, and under her direction, our active team membership has grown considerably. Both bring enthusiasm to their jobs, and I am happy to see their effort lead directly to personal awards like being invited to this event."

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

08 March 2013

KOKOMO, Ind. — Health sciences students at Indiana University Kokomo gave of themselves – literally – when they donated breast tissue to advance research of breast cancer, benefitting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank.

Students who donated breast tissue benefitting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank.Student Pam Plain called donating tissue "one of the most uplifting things I've done in my life," and now plans a career in breast cancer advocacy. She's excited to be an intern at the tissue bank this summer.

"I have talked about my donation, and the need for donations, with friends and family members," she said. "It gives you an opportunity to open up a dialogue about a topic many people don't want to talk about. This is something an average person can do to contribute."

Six students in Jessica Henderson's civic engagement and breast cancer class donated tissue at the center, in the IU Simon Cancer Center, while others provided support and encouragement to donors and assisted clinic staff in sample collection.

Henderson, assistant professor of health sciences, wants her students to know they don't have to wait to earn a degree to make a difference. After all, she is a breast cancer survivor herself.

"I was touched by their response to serving at the tissue bank," she said, adding that the students are forming an advocacy club on campus. "They showed a deep sense of empathy with the women and men who have been affected by breast cancer, and they expressed an eye opening experience into the joys of being an advocate.

"They appreciated the heartfelt passion of the people who volunteered that day. I have a feeling most of them caught the advocacy bug, and will be more likely to seek out opportunities to serve their communities in the future."

This was a unique opportunity because the tissue bank, in Indianapolis, is the only one in the country that collects and studies healthy breast tissue.

"In order to prevent breast cancer, we need to know what normal is," she said. "Being able to study normal tissue is vital. This tissue bank provides samples to researchers all over the world."

Student Alexandria Jewell said the process was similar to a biopsy, with a doctor drawing three core samples of breast tissue from each donor.

"Other than the blood draw, it was pain-free," she said. "It sounds scarier than what it is."

Shanique Gilliam gave tissue after learning there is a pressing need for samples from women of varied backgrounds.

"It was important to me, as a black woman, to donate," she said.

Sandra Beech donated in honor of her grandmother, who died of breast cancer.

"This gave me a chance to take action, and be part of something good," she said. "I want to do what I can to contribute to a cure. Breast cancer is more than a pink ribbon."

Sandie Bennett said with one in eight women being diagnosed with breast cancer, nearly everybody knows somebody who has had it.

"It's just really nice to be part of something that hits home for so many people. It's doing something about it, not just talking about it."

The students also plan to walk in the Komen Race for the Cure in April.

"You don't have to be a scientist or doctor to make a contribution to the eradication of breast cancer," Henderson said. "Every voice, every person counts."

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

05 March 2013

KOKOMO, Ind. — In Nick Sears' darkest days, hospitalized after surgery for a rare form of cancer, the thought of graduating on time was what kept him going forward.

Nick SearsCommencement was in the back of his mind as he slowly recovered from treatment for thymoma, a cancer that begins in the thymus, a small organ under the sternum. He spent three weeks in the IU Health Simon Cancer Center, gathering strength first to walk just a few steps, and then to complete laps around the hospital.

As he grew stronger, he started exercising on a stationary bike, determined to go home to Kokomo ready to graduate on time. That goal gave him something to focus on besides cancer during his three weeks in the hospital.

"The cancer diagnosis was terrifying," he said. "Knowing I just needed to finish these two classes gave me a goal to attain. With everything that has happened, it gave me something to strive for, and another reason to fight."

Now cancer-free, Sears is completing the classes he needs to earn his marketing degree from Indiana University Kokomo, and says Commencement will mean more to him than he ever imagined.

"It's going to be one of the best days of my life," said Sears, 25. "I feel deeply appreciative for it. Having cancer has completely changed my views. I've learned to appreciate everything I have more than I used to. I'm a lot happier. All around, my attitude has changed completely."

Sears realized something was wrong as early as September 2012. He collapsed several times, and had no strength. He suspected a pinched nerve, but tests run by several doctors yielded no clues. Then, in December, he was referred to a neurologist, who diagnosed him with thymoma.

He finished the fall semester, and then had surgery January 15 at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis. Doctors removed a tumor the size of an egg from his chest, along with part of his heart sac and part of his right lung.

He recently received good news, that his cancer was a slow-growing form, and he will not have to go through chemotherapy and radiation.

"I'm happy this is gone," he said. "My strength is returning, and my energy level and my mental clarity are returning. I am so ready to get back to classes, and to my job. I can actually get out and enjoy my life now."

Sears works for Sam's Club, an opportunity he gained by participating in the Enactus student organization. He started as an intern, and now works at the Kokomo store. His goal is to build a career with the organization, eventually managing a store and then working in marketing at the corporate level.

His Enactus friends have supported him through the surgery and recovery, he said, with visits, cards, notes, phone calls, and posts on his Facebook page.

"I received a lot of cards, and some of them came to visit me," he said. "I've had a lot of e-mails, texts, and support with my classes. I just appreciated their friendship, knowing they were supporting me while I was in the hospital."

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

05 March 2013

KOKOMO, Ind. — Video images of the meteor that recently struck Russia fascinated people around the world.

The Observatory.Kokomo-area residents can learn more about that meteor, and other near earth asteroids, at Indiana University Kokomo's monthly Observatory open house, from 8 to 10 p.m. Sunday, March 10.

Patrick Motl, assistant professor of physics, will begin the open house with discussion of the meteor event, and real-world efforts to protect earth from asteroids, which do not resemble what happens in movies like "Armageddon."

"The asteroid that caused this event was recently identified as being an Apollo asteroid, a class of near earth asteroids," he said. "I will talk about near earth asteroids, efforts to identify them and characterize their orbits, and possible mitigation strategies that don't involve sending Bruce Willis into space."

Those attending may see comet Panstarrs around sunset, as it recently made its closest approach to the sun, and will be a little higher above the western horizon than usual.

"The comet should be bright enough to be visible to the naked eye, though people may have trouble finding it so low in the sky, and the tree line along the horizon may block the view," Motl said.

Jupiter and the winter hexagon are still prominent in the sky, and with Leo, Virgo and Coma Berenices rising in the sky show that spring is on its way.

The open house is free and open to the public in the Observatory, 105 E. Rebecca Lane. Free parking is available on campus.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

05 March 2013

KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo spring break begins on Sunday, March 10. Classes resume at 8 a.m. Monday, March 18.

All campus offices, including the Office of Admissions, will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily during spring break week.

The Library will be closed Sunday, March 10, Saturday, March 16, and Sunday, March 17. It will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March 11 to March 15. Online and electronic resources are available when the library is closed, at www.iuk.edu/library.

The IU Kokomo bookstore will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 11 through March 14, and closed Friday, March 15.

The Cougar Country Café closes at 1 p.m. Friday, March 8, and will re-open at 8 a.m. Monday, March 18.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

01 March 2013

KOKOMO, Ind. — The Catholic Church is at a crossroads, as it prepares to select its next leader.

Fr. Bernie O’Connor shared his insight on the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and election of the Catholic church's next leader.Pope Benedict XVI stepped down on February 28, the first pope in nearly 600 years to resign the office. Rev. Bernard O'Connor, Indiana University Kokomo's Chancellor's Scholar for Law and Humanities, spoke about the implications of the resignation, and what is next for the church, at a recent Arts and Sciences Research Forum.

"I think we're on the cusp of a remarkable reformation, if we get the right candidate," O'Connor said.

He has a unique view of what may happen, as he worked in Rome and the Vatican prior to teaching at IU Kokomo. He served as Benedict XVI's representative to the approximately 5 million Catholics in India, and met the church leader at least twice a year during that time.

He anticipates the College of Cardinals will meet in the papal conclave to elect the next pope around March 10, and will make their choice quickly.

What remains to be seen is which direction the conclave goes with its selection — if it chooses a traditional candidate, likely from Italy, or if it signals reform by choosing a pope from Africa, Asia, or South America.

O'Connor's choice is the Archbishop of Caracas, Venezuela, Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino.

"If that is where your main population lies, the time has come," he said, noting that 41 percent of the world's Catholics live in South America. "I hope and pray I see a pope from South America or Africa."

O'Connor said Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, is the most likely American candidate. He personally favors Cardinal Sean O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston, but doesn't think the church is ready for an American pope.

"As a compromise, they may choose a Canadian," he said, most likely Cardinal Marc Ouellet, the prefect of the Congregation of Bishops.

He cited the selection of John Paul II as an example of a radical choice. He succeeded John Paul I, who died after only 33 days in office. O'Connor said the cardinals had time to go home and hear from their constituents between that election, and see that they were ready for a non-traditional choice.

John Paul II, from Poland, was the first non-Italian pope in more than 500 years.

He hopes the conclave doesn't just look for someone with administrative skills.

"The church does not need a brilliant administrator, it needs a humble pastor," he said. "It needs someone who is comfortable in dialogue with unbelievers, those who have faith crises. Those are the people we need to address. Will they get the message, or will they be so disoriented by the resignation that they make a safe choice?"

O'Connor said Benedict's resignation should not have come as a surprise, as the former pope made no secret of the fact he planned to step down if his health declined and he could no longer perform the job, physically or mentally.

The pope's work day begins at 6 a.m., and does not end until 8 p.m., a grueling schedule for a man far younger than Benedict's 85 years, O'Connor said.

"It's non stop," he said. "It is brutal. I'm surprised he held out as long as he did."

O'Connor added that Benedict XVI spoke with his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, in the last years of his life, when he struggled with Parkinson's disease and other ailments. Benedict, who was then Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, advised the Pope that if he were in his place, he would resign.

O'Connor said while some have questioned if there is more background to the resignation, "What brought him down was old age. The fact of the matter is, for quite some time, he's needed a push cart to get down the aisle for Mass."

Based on comments by the pope's brother, George Ratzinger, that Benedict XVI will end his prolific writing after retirement, O'Connor believes Benedict may have Alzheimer's disease.

"All of a sudden he's going to put down the pen?" O'Connor said. "I'm reading between the lines. Benedict had the courage and the humility to say, 'What I told you I will do, I will do.'"

He said Benedict has paved the way for reform, and for a possible reunification with the Protestant church, by removing many of the monarchical trappings of the office of pope, making it more accessible. He hopes the next leader will continue the trend of reform, and also will seek new forms of evangelism.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

27 February 2013

KOKOMO, Ind. – Being a police officer for 21 years, member of the SWAT team for 10 years, and a 9-1-1 director for the past two years just isn't enough for Cliff Gardner.

Cliff GardnerHe's always had a passion for helping people, which is why he will graduate this May with a bachelor's degree in psychology – taking his desire to help others to the next level.

"Psychology goes hand-in-hand with law enforcement, and that's why I chose to go back to school," Gardner said, who returned to the classroom 13 years ago. "It's been a long journey, but I'm thankful for everything I've learned and the opportunities I've received."

During his time as a student, he completed an internship with the probation department in Miami County where he was able to help in a different capacity.

"The biggest thing I learned from this is there is help in juvenile probation departments that actually works," Gardner said. "It was awesome to be apart of the department and learn something new."

At times, it proved difficult to work at the department, but he pushed through because he knew he could make a difference.

"Working with these kids was a lot like being a father," Gardner said. "Sometimes they just needed a someone to stand up to them and help them do better and be better people."

Gardner sat in with probation officers during appointments, and after some training, completed appointments on his own. He had the opportunity to fill in for other officers and gain first-hand experience. Gardner knew many of the probation officers from his work at the police department but said it was a different experience to look at these situations from the probation side.

Gardner's line of work is tough, but he was never out to punish anyone. He simply wants to help.

"Officers deal with life and death, and often traumatic experiences," Gardner said. "It's difficult to relate to them and understand why they are upset, but I know I can help."

His desire to help others in a different way rooted in a weeklong critical incident debriefing training. Critical incident stress debriefing is for use with small groups of paramedics, firefighters, and law enforcement officers who were distressed by an exposure to a particularly gruesome event.

He found opportunities to facilitate these debriefings with other police officers, volunteer firefighters, EMTs, and schools within several communities.

"Once I worked with the debriefings in different capacities, I knew it was something I needed to do," Gardner said.

In addition, Gardner worked with a local psychologist to bring an employee assistance program to the police department, where he helped with most of the debriefings. Through this, he connected with Four County Counseling. Upon successfully completing training, he assisted them with debriefing cases.

He has enjoyed his time as a student at IU Kokomo, where he has been interacted with students sharing life experiences and vice versa.

"This has been such a rewarding journey," Gardner said. "I remember sitting in on Kevin Clark's first statistics class, and to see how far I've come is truly awesome."

He hopes to continue his education, pursue a master's degree, and counsel police officers in the future.

In his spare time, Gardner loves to go fishing and golfing, and enjoys spending time outdoors. He raises horses and chickens and enjoys horseback riding, while spending time with his family.

Story written by Mary Olk. Mary is a student writer for the Office of Media and Marketing.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

27 February 2013

KOKOMO, Ind. – More than 20 cheerleaders from the local community stormed the floor during halftime of the men's final basketball game of the season – cheering, chanting, and dancing their hearts out.

Mini-cheer camp students and IU Kokomo cheerleaders perform during halftime.These second through sixth graders from Thompson and Galveston elementary schools recently participated in a mini-cheer camp hosted by Indiana University Kokomo's cheerleading squad. Halftime was their chance to show off their skills.

Head cheer coach, Chelsea Bower, focuses on getting the squad involved with the community.

"It's so important for our cheerleaders to bring all of their campus pride and spirit out into the community," Bower said, who was thrilled with the turnout at the mini camp. "We have a lot of energy and talent and wanted to share it with aspiring cheerleaders."

Bowers loves hosting these mini cheer camps because the kids are always so excited to learn new skills and perform at a real basketball game.

"They are just so proud, and it's awesome to witness," she said.

Freshman Maciah Faucett had a great time bonding with the girls participating in the camp., and said she enjoys being out in the community and sharing her love for cheerleading.

"We want to support the community and teach new skills," Faucett said. "Seeing all these girls look up to us and love cheering as much as we do is the coolest thing."

Bower hopes to expand the cheer camp within the region next year. It will be a few days long and incorporate more material.

"We're excited to build new traditions within the cheerleading program at IU Kokomo, and hosting an annual cheer camp is a great way to do so," Bower said.

The cheer squad already is planning for next year.

"We all had a great time hosting the camp, and we love seeing the girls show off their talents," Faucett said. "We can't wait to see what next year has in store for the cheer program."

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

21 February 2013

KOKOMO, Ind. — The Kokomo area's young scientists took home nearly $5,000 from the Howard County Science Fair, held recently at Indiana University Kokomo.

Emily Harshman (right) presents to Assistant Professor of Physics Patrick Motl.Emily Harshman, from Northwestern High School, earned the top senior division prize of $1,000 for her exhibit, "The Preventative Effects of Selected Fruits on Escherichia Coli and Serratia Marcescens."

Other senior division award winners were: Rachel Johns, Northwestern High School, second place, $700; Lauren Ward, Northwestern High School, third place, $500; Teng Lee, Kokomo High School, fourth place, $400; Nathan Chou, Northwestern High School, fifth place, $300; Ian Parslow, Northwestern High School, sixth place, $250; Joel Coffman, Eastern High School, seventh place, $200; Blaine Kistler, Northwestern High School, eighth place, $150; and Cade Meurer, Northwestern High School, ninth place, $100. Elizabeth Bolyard, Northwestern; and Emma Fenske, Kokomo Area Schools at Home, tied for 10th place, each receiving $50.

The top five in the junior division, in alphabetical order, are Kayla Bevington, Northwestern Elementary; Seth DeCleene, Sts. Joan of Arc and Patrick School; Victoria Leeder, Eastern Elementary; Andrea Peterson, Sts. Joan of Arc and Patrick School; and Jared Smith, Eastern Elementary. Each received $100.

The rest of the top 10 in the junior division, in alphabetical order, were Michael Embry, Kokomo Area Schools at Home; Sophia Schaeffer-Bastin, Sts. Joan of Arc and Patrick School; Thomas Warner, Howard Elementary; Amanda Wilson, Northwestern Elementary; and Tyler Wilson, Northwestern Elementary. Each received $50.

The annual Howard County Science Fair is a partnership between Indiana University Kokomo and Haynes International. Many IU Kokomo faculty and students volunteered as judges, and also provided programs for students in Hunt Hall and the Observatory between judging and the awards ceremony.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.