07 February 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. — Stargazers will be able to see the planets Jupiter and Uranus, and the Orion nebula at the February 10 Indiana University Kokomo Observatory Open House.
The ObservatoryPatrick Motl, assistant professor of physics, will begin the open house at 7 p.m. with a talk on NASA's Extrasolar Planet Observations and Characterization Deep Impact Extended Investigation (EPOXI) spacecraft, and its mission to study comets and asteroids.
Visitors may then view the stars and planets until 10 p.m., weather permitting, through the Observatory's telescopes.
"We will be near new moon, and highlights for the night will be Jupiter and winter favorites like the Orion nebula," Motl said. "Uranus will also be up after sunset."
EPOXI's mission is to search for planets around stars other than the sun, and to observe comets. The most recent observations are of comet ISON, during January. The comet was just discovered in September 2012 and is expected to be easily observable in small telescopes by the end of 2013.
The Observatory's telescopes are a six-inch Takahashi refracting telescope and a 16-inch Meade reflecting telescope mounted together. The Takahashi provides exceptionally sharp images of planets, while the Meade lets stargazers see fainter objects in the sky, due to its larger light collecting area.
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 February 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo's web services team earned top honors for creativity and innovation at the recent Cascade Server Conference in Atlanta.
Ed Ventura stands infront of the digital sign that earned the UITS web services team the "Cassie" award.The team won a "Cassie" award for using the Cascade server to run campus digital signs. The awards recognize colleges and universities for using the web content management system in the most effective way. Representatives from Cascade owner Hannon-Hill Corp., along with those who use it, voted for winners in nine categories. IU Kokomo won the "Most Creative Use of Cascade Server" award, chosen from three finalists.
"We're proud to be recognized by other campuses outside the IU system for our innovative use of technology," said Ed Ventura, digital media specialist. "It's a big win for us. We developed a relationship with other campuses to create something that can be used university-wide. It has the potential to save us a lot of money, but beyond that, we've proven how powerful the web content management system can be."
The server is intended for use creating websites, but the IU Kokomo team took it a step further and used it to run campus digital signs. The group, which also included Johnathan Grant, Rudy Kizer, and Jason Shonk, developed the code and design.
University Information Technology Services communications office and two other regional campuses now use that code and design to run their signs. Because digital sign designers already know how to use the system, they did not require additional training, which saves both time and money.
The team also was one of four nominees in the "Lightning Bolt" category, recognizing those who were fastest in rolling out a new website using Cascade server. They rolled out five new websites in six months, including a redesign of the www.iuk.edu site.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
31 January 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo will celebrate Black History Month with a series of educational, social, and cultural events.
Tashona Jones, coordinator of campus diversity, said there is something for everyone in the month long celebration, no matter his or her background.
"I believe it's important for our campus to celebrate Black History Month because African Americans have played a significant role in this country's rich history," Jones said. "One month just isn't long enough to cover it all. For those people who don't have much exposure to the African American culture, this is a time they can catch a small glimpse of it."
The campus begins Black History Month Friday, February 1, with a presentation, "Encountering Blended Identity," at 7:30 p.m. in Kresge Auditorium. It includes film clips and discussion about the challenges and opportunities for blended identity.
The Black History Month celebration will have its official kick off at 11:45 a.m. Monday, February 4, with a performance by children from F.D. Reese Christian Academy. The elementary students will perform "Celebrating Dreams of Future Generations to Come," in the Kelley Student Center commons.
Maxine Brown, a founding member of the Southern Indiana Minority Enterprise Inc., will discuss the rich African American history in southern Indiana, in a free presentation at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 7, in Kelley Student Center, Room 221. Later that day, at 7 p.m., hip-hop violinist, Svet, will perform in Kresge Auditorium.
Todd Bradley, associate professor of political science, will lead discussion about the re-election of President Barack Obama at 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 13, in Kelley Student Center, Room 221. The discussion will focus on inclusiveness as a major component of democratization.
Preacher Moss will present his comedy and lecture tour, "End of Racism," at 11:30 a.m. Monday, February 18, in the Kelley Student Center, Room 130.
Sarah Heath, assistant professor of history, will talk about the 1954 Brown V. Board of Education decision, which ended racial segregation of schools, and the challenge of inclusion in the 21st Century. Her presentation is at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 19, in the Kelley Student Center, Room 130.
IU Kokomo students may win a Kindle Fire for participating in a Black History Month quiz on Friday, February 22, in the Kelley Student Center commons, just outside the bookstore.
The month will end with a gospel celebration Sunday, February 24. The time and place will be announced later in February.
Events are free and open to the public, and free parking is available on campus. For more information call Jones at 765-455-9359, or e-mail jonestas@iuk.edu.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
31 January 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. – The only thing Svet needs to put on the performance of a lifetime is his trusty violin.
SvetMr. Hip Hop Violin will perform on campus on Thursday, February 7, at 7 p.m. in Kresge Auditorium. The event is free and open to the campus and community.
"I've never seen such a high energy performance from one person," said Lorie Blunck, Student Union Board director. "His violin work is amazing, and you will feel like you're at a hip-hop concert."
Svet made his mark on the music world when he started blending current hits with classical, hip-hop, and reggae ton music, all with his violin. In addition, Svet is a singer and music producer, which have allowed him to move effortlessly through the music industry. His natural violin talents have led him to amazing opportunities, and he's always looking to take his music to the next level.
"I am really excited for the campus and community to watch Svet perform," Blunck said. "He will have you on your feet dancing and singing within minutes."
Svet discovered his natural violin talents at the ripe age of three. Through much dedication and determination, he later received a scholarship to the Eastman School of Music. By the age of 25, Svet has been featured on BET, MTV, and on ABC's America's Got Talent. He's performed with Trick Daddy, Trina, and Tpain, and was featured on BET's 106 & Park 2009 to perform for Kanye West and Jamie Foxx. In May 2011, Svet was nominated for "Talent of the Week" by worldstarhiphop.com, one of the largest and most influential hip-hop websites in the world.
Student Union Board sponsors this event. For more information on Svet, visit www.svetmusic.com.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
23 January 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. —CommunityFirst Bank of Indiana demonstrated its support for Indiana University Kokomo with a generous gift of $15,000 for the Milt and Jean Cole Family Wellness and Fitness Center.
Mike Stegall of Community First Bank presents a $15,000 check to Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke for the Milt and Jean Cole Family Wellness and Fitness Center. See construction photos here.In addition, Duke Energy recently donated $10,000 for the center, which is on schedule to open this summer.
"We are excited about getting closer to reaching our campaign goal and couldn't do it without the support of businesses like CommunityFirst and Duke Energy," said Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke. "We continue to seek community support for this center that will ultimately benefit the health and well-being of our students."
The wellness and fitness center will be a 20,500 square-foot facility. Amenities include a jogging and walking track, cardio and strength training area, two multipurpose rooms, a health studies classroom, locker rooms, and a reception area.
Mike Stegall, president and CEO of CommunityFirst, toured the construction site after presenting the check to the campus.
"We're sold on this project," he said. "My board unanimously agreed it would be a wise use of our resources to support it. We understand the importance of what IU Kokomo brings to the community from our vantage point, and what it means for economic development. The campus is a great partner and a great ally."
When construction began in September, the previously unused space under the IU Kokomo Library contained nothing but the rocks that lined its floor.
More than 50 truckloads of concrete later, it is well on its way to becoming the Milt and Jean Cole Family Wellness and Fitness Center.
John Sarber, IU director of construction management, said the biggest accomplishment so far is putting down the concrete floor in the part of the space formerly known as "the rock room," for its rock floor.
Laura Sheets of Duke Energy presents a $10,000 check to Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke for the Milt and Jean Cole Family Wellness and Fitness Center. See construction photos here."It was a feat getting that floor in," he said. "It's come a long way."
The exterior walls are framed and insulated, and concrete block walls are in place for the men's and women's locker rooms, along with office space and a laundry room.
A recessed floor marks where fitness rooms will be, with wood gym flooring, soundproof walls, and stereo systems. These rooms will house fitness classes when completed. White boxes are hanging on one wall, showing where the big screen televisions will be placed for those using treadmills and other equipment.
Metal framing is going up for office space, and most of the ductwork is completed, Sarber said.
"We are on schedule," he said. "Everything is moving forward quickly."
Kelly Goad, director of the development, said campus and community partnerships are crucial to making the facility a reality.
"Having the support of CommunityFirst Bank and Duke Energy exemplifies their dedication to Kokomo and our region, by supporting health and wellness initiatives for our students, faculty, and staff," Goad said. "Their generosity is a wonderful illustration of their passion to support our students, university, and community."
For more information about the wellness and fitness center, the fundraising campaign and tax benefits of giving, go to iuk.edu/wellnessfitnesscenter or contact Goad at 765-455-9407 or kmgoad@iuk.edu.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
23 January 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. —CommunityFirst Bank of Indiana demonstrated its support for Indiana University Kokomo with a generous gift of $15,000 for the Milt and Jean Cole Family Wellness and Fitness Center.
Mike Stegall of Community First Bank presents a $15,000 check to Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke for the Milt and Jean Cole Family Wellness and Fitness Center. See construction photos here.In addition, Duke Energy recently donated $10,000 for the center, which is on schedule to open this summer.
"We are excited about getting closer to reaching our campaign goal and couldn't do it without the support of businesses like CommunityFirst and Duke Energy," said Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke. "We continue to seek community support for this center that will ultimately benefit the health and well-being of our students."
The wellness and fitness center will be a 20,500 square-foot facility. Amenities include a jogging and walking track, cardio and strength training area, two multipurpose rooms, a health studies classroom, locker rooms, and a reception area.
Mike Stegall, president and CEO of CommunityFirst, toured the construction site after presenting the check to the campus.
"We're sold on this project," he said. "My board unanimously agreed it would be a wise use of our resources to support it. We understand the importance of what IU Kokomo brings to the community from our vantage point, and what it means for economic development. The campus is a great partner and a great ally."
When construction began in September, the previously unused space under the IU Kokomo Library contained nothing but the rocks that lined its floor.
More than 50 truckloads of concrete later, it is well on its way to becoming the Milt and Jean Cole Family Wellness and Fitness Center.
John Sarber, IU director of construction management, said the biggest accomplishment so far is putting down the concrete floor in the part of the space formerly known as "the rock room," for its rock floor.
Laura Sheets of Duke Energy presents a $10,000 check to Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke for the Milt and Jean Cole Family Wellness and Fitness Center. See construction photos here."It was a feat getting that floor in," he said. "It's come a long way."
The exterior walls are framed and insulated, and concrete block walls are in place for the men's and women's locker rooms, along with office space and a laundry room.
A recessed floor marks where fitness rooms will be, with wood gym flooring, soundproof walls, and stereo systems. These rooms will house fitness classes when completed. White boxes are hanging on one wall, showing where the big screen televisions will be placed for those using treadmills and other equipment.
Metal framing is going up for office space, and most of the ductwork is completed, Sarber said.
"We are on schedule," he said. "Everything is moving forward quickly."
Kelly Goad, director of the development, said campus and community partnerships are crucial to making the facility a reality.
"Having the support of CommunityFirst Bank and Duke Energy exemplifies their dedication to Kokomo and our region, by supporting health and wellness initiatives for our students, faculty, and staff," Goad said. "Their generosity is a wonderful illustration of their passion to support our students, university, and community."
For more information about the wellness and fitness center, the fundraising campaign and tax benefits of giving, go to iuk.edu/wellnessfitnesscenter or contact Goad at 765-455-9407 or kmgoad@iuk.edu.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
23 January 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. – For senior Shane Simmons, May 2013 will be a month of firsts.
Senior Shane SimmonsTalk about jam-packed. Not only will he graduate, he's also getting married, taking a honeymoon to the Bahamas, moving to Indianapolis, preparing for graduate school, and, if all goes well, will start a new job.
As he leaves Indiana University Kokomo to begin a new chapter in his life, Simmons said he would miss the campus.
"My experience here has been more than I could have asked for," Simmons said, who will receive a degree in communications. "IU Kokomo has kept me grounded, focused, driven, and it has matured me. I've met some really great people and learned a lot."
When Simmons isn't swamped with schoolwork, his eyes and ears are glued to CNN or sports channels. It makes sense, then, that his life goal is to become a well-known broadcast journalist on a major television network.
"I've always had a passion for TV broadcasting," Simmons said. "In high school, I had my own sports show and I wanted to find a way to continue that."
For his senior seminar project, Simmons and friend Korey West founded a news-broadcasting club called Cougar News. The club took off and aired its first episode early last December, receiving more than 100 views within the first week.
"Starting Cougar News is essential to our experience and education," Simmons said. "I'm really proud of the success we've had and how much I've learned in the process."
Simmons emphasized that broadcast journalism requires a lot of experience. In order to be successful, it will require a lot of hard work and determination – two skills he doesn't lack. He is always looking to Anderson Cooper and Brooke Baldwin, both from CNN, to improve.
"If Anderson Cooper can travel the world as a teenager pursuing his dreams, I can do the same."
Simmons hopes to report on sports or politics. His minor in political science greatly prepared him and made him even more passionate about reporting on the subject.
"I remember taking a political theories class with Todd Bradley, and that class changed me," he said. "I'm much more open-minded and have new ways of thinking."
Recently, another great opportunity presented itself that puts him one step closer to reaching his goals. He landed a video production internship with the Office of Media and Marketing at IU Kokomo.
"I'm really excited for this internship," he said. "I have some basic knowledge of shooting and editing video, but enhancing my skills is going to really help me in the long run."
In addition to his work with Cougar News and Media and Marketing, he is a photographer for the student newspaper, The Correspondent, and a member of the History and Political Science Club.
This fall, he plans to start graduate school at Ball State University to pursue a master's in journalism with hopes of landing a broadcast reporting job in a large city.
Walking across the stage at May's Commencement will set him on this journey of firsts, as he will also be the first person in his family to graduate from college.
"My family has always been so supportive of me, and I wouldn't be where I am without them," Simmons said.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
Story written by Mary Olk. Mary is a student writer for the Office of Media and Marketing.
22 January 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. – In a time where college students have the world at their fingertips, it's important to know the do's and don'ts of managing an online presence. Luckily for students at IU Kokomo, C.L. Lindsay will visit to present his lecture "Trouble Online: Campus Computing and the Law."
This event will take place on Wednesday, January 23 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Kresge Auditorium, located in the Kelley Student Center. It is free admission and open to the public. Student Union Board is sponsoring this event, and encourages all students, faculty, and staff at IU Kokomo and all community members to attend the event.
"It's important to understand and learn online policies and how to be careful," said Kristin Birkey, graduate assistant for student affairs and SUB advisor. "Lindsay teaches these topics in a serious, but humorous, light."
Lindsay will touch on how your Facebook pages can come back to haunt you, especially when potential employers can view your sites and information. He will even find questionable Facebook pictures of audience members and show them to further illustrate and explain his points.
Other topic points include plagiarism, intellectual property online, computing privacy, and laws regarding these topics.
"Everyone seems to have a Facebook profile these days. Lindsay's lecture is relevant and hits close to home," Birkey said. "He will present about real issues that will make you think twice about what you post."
Lindsay, a former attorney, founded the Coalition for Student and Academic Rights (CO-STAR), which is a national student rights organization that helps college students with legal problems. He is the author of multiple books regarding student rights, online privacy, policies, and more. Lindsay has appeared on national television, radio, and national publications. In addition to the show he will present at IU Kokomo, he has two other popular shows about cyber bullying and keeping your college parties legal.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
18 January 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. — Seung Yeon Oh wanted to spend a year studying in the United States, at a university where she could experience real American culture and improve her English language skills.
Seung Yeon OhShe's found that and much, much, more, as an exchange student at Indiana University Kokomo.
"Some of my friends envy me," she said. "They are on big campuses in big cities, and they don't receive a lot of attention from faculty. At IU Kokomo, I am getting lots of attention."
Oh, also known as Stella, began her education at Sungshin Women's University, in Seoul, South Korea. Her major is French language and literature, but she is focusing on her second major in business while at IU Kokomo.
"This is pushing me to focus on improving my English," she said. "All Korean students are required to study English when you start school, but the problem is, English is taught in reading and writing. Lots of Korean students can read and write in English, but they have a problem with listening and speaking. This year, I am using and learning those skills, which will help me in my career when I return to Korea."
IU Kokomo also benefits from having an exchange student on campus.
Suzanne Jones, coordinator of international student services, said it is important for a college campus to have a diverse student population, so all students grow in their understanding and appreciation of others who are different.
"This helps cultivate character qualities that make us better human beings, like empathy, open-mindedness, tolerance, and a delightful curiosity about the world," Jones said. She encourages students to make foreign travel part of their education, but realizes that isn't possible for everyone.
"Even if they can't, they can encounter other cultures of the world right here at home, with our exchange students and international faculty. We hope those encounters will impact our students for the rest of their lives," she said.
Dianne Roden, professor of finance, said Oh works hard and is a positive role model. She also reminds other students that what they are learning affects people outside their own country.
"One of the topics we cover is the world wide movement towards one set of international financial reporting standards, which is more meaningful when we have Stella and other international students in our class," Roden said
Oh originally considered studying at a university in New York City, but thought the big city environment would be distracting. She also did not want to be someplace where it would be easy to find people who speak her native Korean, which would keep her from practicing her English.
IU Kokomo has a long-standing partnership with Sungshin University, particularly its School of Nursing, and Oh heard from faculty there that there was great interest in hosting foreign exchange students on campus.
She's found that to be true, as friends, faculty, and staff have made sure she enjoys real American cultural experiences, like tailgate parties, dances, sporting events, shopping in Indianapolis, and holiday celebrations, including Thanksgiving in Chicago with Catherine Barnes, an academic advisor.
Oh appreciates Indiana's weather after her time in Chicago, where "the strong wind drove me crazy," she said. "I am glad I am in Indiana, where it is much warmer."
A family in Kokomo takes her grocery shopping each week and has her participate in family activities.
She also has her own apartment, which she has enjoyed, after previously living at home with her parents.
"I like to live alone because I have freedom," she said, but added. "As the time passes, sometimes I miss my parents."
She said, though, that Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke, Interim Vice Chancellor Kathy Parkison, Jones, and Roden have all looked out for her and tried to keep her from being lonely.
After her year at IU Kokomo, Oh plans to finish her degree in Korea, and then work for a year to earn money to pay for graduate school in the United States.
Oh said leaders of Korean businesses perceive students who have studied in the United States to be extra intelligent, so her exchange student experience will help her in the future. She sees other positives, though.
"I think the biggest benefit for me is that I've experienced normal American culture."
Jones focuses on helping Oh academically, tutoring her in English both in the library and in coffee shops and restaurants, so she can learn colloquial English.
"These educational and recreational activities create an overall experience for her, so she can return home not only with another year of college complete, but with new friends and life-enriching experiences she can share with her friends in Korea."
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
18 January 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo will be closed Monday, January 21, for observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Classes will resume and offices will open at 8 a.m. Tuesday, January 22.
The bookstore, the Cougar Country Café, and the IU Kokomo Library also will be closed Monday.
Online and electronic resources are available when the library is closed, at www.iuk.edu/library.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
