Commencement
07 May 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo began a new Commencement tradition of honoring service to the campus, community, or state, awarding its inaugural Chancellor's Medallions Tuesday, May 7.
From left: John Applegate, Greg Goodnight, and Susan Sciame-Giesecke. See more photos here.Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke presented the medallions to Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight and Kokomo-Center Schools Superintendent Jeff Hauswald, recognizing their partnership with the campus and their innovations that have improved the community.
"Both of these leaders have provided transformational service to their communities," she said. "Their impact is far-reaching, and will be seen for many years to come."
IU has a long tradition of awarding Chancellor's Medallions to those who provide exemplary service, but the Kokomo campus had never given one. Sciame-Giesecke decided the time was right, and worked with John O'Donnell, CEO of Kokomo Opalescent Glass, to design the award. It is created from crimson-colored glass, made in Kokomo and etched with an image of the campus Well House.
The first recipients worked with Sciame-Giesecke to provide IU Kokomo with a crucial missing piece — its own gymnasium. The gym will be in the former Kokomo-Center middle school swimming pool, which is currently being filled in for renovation. By August, it will be a college regulation-sized court, branded for IU Kokomo, where Cougar athletes can practice and play their games.
From left: John Applegate, Jeff Hauswald, and Susan Sciame-Giesecke. See more photos here.Sciame-Giesecke also commended Goodnight for establishing a trolley system, which provides free transportation through the city, and for aggressively adding walking and biking trails. She noted that Hauswald has transformed Kokomo-Center Schools from a good corporation into one that regularly has waiting lists of students who want to attend, for the international school curriculum, overseas travel opportunities, and integrated arts programs, among others.
Hauswald said the school and campus have also worked together to provide training for teachers, and to develop college-readiness math curriculum.
"I don't think people realize how blessed we are to have an Indiana University campus in Kokomo," he said. "We have a great partnership in this community, and as an IU graduate, I greatly appreciate and value it."
Goodnight was honored to receive the Chancellor's Medallion, and thanked his city council for making it possible for him to accept partnership opportunities.
"We are always ready to do what we can to help provide higher education in our community," he said.
John Applegate, IU Executive Vice President for University Regional Affairs, Planning, and Policy, praised the relationship built between the campus, city, and school.
"This is exactly what IU regional campuses are supposed to be about," he said "This is an example of what our campuses can do in the regions they serve."
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
07 May 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo celebrated the accomplishments of its 547 graduates at Commencement ceremonies Tuesday, May 7.
2013 Commencement. See more Commencement photos here.The Class of 2013 enjoyed sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s for the outdoor event, in the campus Pavilion. Sunlight glinted off the rhinestones and other decorations on many of the graduates' mortarboards.
The ceremony included the first graduates from two new schools — the School of Sciences, and the School of Humanities and Social Sciences — and first student athlete to graduate. This year was the third for team sports, and basketball player Jacob Faust earned his degree in business.
John Applegate, IU Executive Vice President for University Regional Affairs, Planning, and Policy, congratulated the class, saying their education has prepared them to succeed in the world.
"As we celebrate the time-honored tradition of Commencement, you are poised to take your places among the next generation of business leaders, journalists, judges, artists, scientists, public health professionals, teachers, social workers, and government leaders," he said. "No matter what degree you have earned, you and your fellow graduates are now the torchbearers, poised to respond to and help shape our future."
Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke highlighted the achievements of several graduates, including Shane Simmons and Lisa Ortega, who are the first in their families to graduate from college; Nick Sears, who graduated cancer-free after surgery and treatment in January 2013; and Shawn Owings, who was the first female medic to serve on the front line in Iraq. She asked all student veterans to stand for applause, and also honored international students and those who studied overseas during their college careers.
"Our students have come to us from very different backgrounds," she said. "They saw our campus as a place of opportunity. We know they are prepared to make a difference in this region. We couldn't be more proud of all of you."
Student body President Jeremy Gibson, from Kokomo, said the most important lesson he learned during his years on campus was how to think critically, and to apply what he learned outside the classroom.
"I encourage you to continue to seek knowledge that contradicts your beliefs, and to persist in the face of failure, because failure is also a learning opportunity," he said, "The world is changing, on our campus and in our state, country, and the world. We are the vanguard of change. We can make our mark on the world and make it a better place."
Registrar Stacey Thomas read the graduates' names as they crossed the stage to accept diplomas and handshakes from Applegate and Sciame-Giesecke. Each one also received applause, celebrating their accomplishment, and proud family members held up phones to take pictures.
The graduates burst into loud cheers as Applegate invited them to turn their tassels to the left, designating them as IU graduates, with the rights and responsibilities that go with that honor.
"The reputation of IU will depend upon your commitment to the values, knowledge, and skills you have learned here," he said.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
07 May 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. — When Victoria Johnson crossed the stage at Indiana University Kokomo's Commencement Tuesday (May 7), her husband was nearly 3,000 miles away, deployed to Honduras with the U.S. Army.
2013 Commencement. See more Commencement photos here.He didn't miss this important day in her life, however, as the campus provided a live webcast of Commencement for the first time ever.
"We were so excited that he could watch me graduate," she said. "He took the whole day off so he could catch it on his computer. Even though he's far away, he's supported me the whole way through nursing school."
Johnson, from Kokomo, also celebrated with family, including her parents, her husband's parents, and her two children, Khalon, 3, and Kensley, 2, saying they've all been instrumental to her success, especially since she completed most of her college while Arek Johnson has been serving in the military.
"There's been a lot of love surrounding us, and a lot of support and help when I've needed it," she said. "My kids have inspired me. They never run out of hugs."
Proud family members surrounded the graduates, cheering when their names were read and snapping pictures throughout the ceremony.
Jessica Beck credited her daughter, Allison, for her participation in the ceremony. She earned a bachelor's degree in education.
"I wasn't going to walk at Commencement, and she was beside herself that I wouldn't celebrate all my success," Beck said, with a laugh. "I'm here for her."
Beck, Sharpsville, hopes she's shown Allison, 18, and younger daughter Kati, 7, the value of persisting to reach a goal.
"This was a long journey, but it was worth it," she said.
Don Sedberry also completed a long journey to his college degree. He was one of the first students in the new media communication program when it started in 2002.
"It's been a long time coming, between work and medical issues," he said. "I've really enjoyed it, and enjoyed working with the amazing faculty." Sedberry, who lives in Indianapolis, plans to work for a year or two, and then earn a master's degree and a Ph.D., so he can teach at the college level.
Sherese Williams also plans to continue her education, after graduating with her bachelor's degree in nursing. She previously received an associate degree, and worked 13 years before returning to school. Now, she wants to earn a master's degree and become a nurse practitioner.
"With all the changes in health care, education is more important than ever for a nurse," the Indianapolis resident said. "The more you know, the more you can advance in the field. I am excited for the opportunities my degree offers me."
Joe Sullivan, Kokomo, hopes his criminal justice degree will help him advance in his career at the Howard County Sheriff Department. He currently works as a corrections officer, with the goal of becoming a deputy.
"This gives me the knowledge I'm going to need when I start going on the road," he said.
Jacob Faust had the distinction of being IU Kokomo's first student athlete to graduate. The Galveston resident earned his degree in business and played on the basketball team.
"I'm excited to finally be done," he said, adding that the best part of his experience was working with the faculty and staff. "They answer all the questions you have, and are happy to assist you in any way you need."
Joshua Holda, from Flora, graduated a year early with his bachelor's degree in chemical biology, thanks to an agreement between the campus and Logan College of Chiropractic. He is already enrolled in the chiropractic program, and said he is succeeding in his classes.
"The School of Sciences really prepared me properly for the classes in graduate school," Holda said. "I appreciated the small class sizes and the outstanding faculty at IU Kokomo. They know the students, and they care about the students.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
07 May 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo celebrated it best and brightest Monday, with the undergraduate honors convocation and master's recognition and hooding ceremony.
See more Honors Convocation photos here.Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke congratulated the students on their achievements, and for their hard work.
"We want you to know, you exemplify excellence," she said. "We encourage you to continue to excel in all that you do."
Kathy Parkison, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs, said faculty and staff enjoy watching students succeed.
"It's events like these that remind those of us who have dedicated our lives to higher education why we have made that choice," she said.
For Lucien Madding, receiving his academic honors program medal at the convocation was the culmination of a long journey. He's worked at IU Kokomo for 25 years, and enrolled as a student more than seven years ago.
Madding, from Kokomo, works in shipping and receiving in physical plant, and earned his bachelor's degree in labor studies with honors. He plans to complete the last few credits he needs for a bachelor's degree in general studies, and is also considering graduate school options.
"I decided if I'm ever going to do anything in life, I had to get my bachelor's degree," Madding said. "I was 43 when I started, and I thought, Lord willing, I was going to be 53 in 10 years, and I wanted to be 53 with a college degree. That was seven and a half years ago, so I got it in."
Mary Olk, who received the Outstanding Student Leader Award, said it meant a lot to her to have her service recognized.
"It's nice to be appreciated," she said. "I really wanted to be involved like I was, and I'm passionate about it. To be recognized for it is a true privilege."
Olk, from Peru, has served as student body vice president, editor of the campus newspaper, and as an orientation leader. She was a member of the SumAntics improvisation group and worked as the student writer in the Office of Media and Marketing. She also received the outstanding student award in communication arts.
Jordan Ousley, from Kokomo, was honored to receive the outstanding education student award.
"All of my colleagues in education are just as deserving of this award," he said. "I appreciate the education faculty, Dean [Paul] Paese, and everyone who helped make me a better teacher."
Twenty-two graduate students in the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (M.A.L.S.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), and Master of Public Management (M.P.M.) programs received honors at the annual master's recognition and hooding ceremony.
Each student received the hood that marks him or her as earning a master's degree from a mentor faculty member.
Earning an M.B.A. has already impacted Joe Cameron's career. He starts work soon as an assistant tour manager for the Broadway musical "Sister Act."
"I got the exact job I wanted," he said, adding that he stood out among applicants because few people in the entertainment industry have master's degrees.
"It's definitely going to help me with upward mobility in the company," he said. "The people I interviewed with were happy I have that credential and skill set."
See more Master's Hooding Ceremony photos.Marjorie Schaeffner, Macy, plans to teach English overseas, after completing her M.A.L.S. degree. She earned the award for the outstanding student in her program.
She said her teaching assistantship with Kristen Snoddy, senior lecturer in English, was a life-changing experience.
"If I was ever on the fence before about teaching, there's no doubt now that I am a teacher," she said. "She gave me a little taste of what it's like, and I know it's what I was meant to do."
Schaeffner has started looking for jobs teaching English in Japan or China.
Jayne Deno, Kokomo, returned to earn her M.P.M. degree after her twin sons graduated from college.
"It was my turn," she said, "It was the right time to go to school. I really enjoyed the program. It was very intense, but worthwhile."
Deno completed her program while working in admissions at Ivy Tech Community College. She previously worked nearly 30 years at Delphi, in human resources and communications.
"It's a great deal of personal satisfaction for me to finish," she said. "I've gained so much. The professors are excellent. We are so fortunate to have people with so much insight and knowledge at this university."
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
03 May 2013
Nursing Recognition Ceremony Spring 2013
Along the way, he also gained confidence in his own abilities.
"I wasn't sure I could do everything I needed to do to be a nurse," he said. "Now that I've accomplished it, I feel like I can do anything."
Whaley, from Alexandria, was among the 39 Bachelor of Science in Nursing and 59 R.N. to B.S.N. graduates honored at the Indiana University Kokomo School of Nursing's annual recognition and pinning ceremony, celebrating entrance into their professional field.
The Division of Allied Health Sciences recognized 15 Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Technology and nine Associate of Science in Radiography graduates at its recognition and pinning ceremony.
Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke congratulated the graduates in both programs, and wished them the best in their careers.
"We couldn't be more proud of you. We know you will carry our name and exemplify what you have learned at IU Kokomo," she said.
At the nursing recognition the graduates, all color coordinated in black and white, celebrated the end of long days and nights of studying, participating in clinicals, and preparing for exams.
Addessa Baity, Marion, was thrilled to finally graduate, but is already planning ahead for more education.
"You don't know how much relief I feel right now," she said with a laugh. "Now I plan to work a year or two before I go back to become a nurse practitioner."
Radiography Pinning Ceremony Spring 2013
Guest speaker Mary Zody, clinical associate professor, urged the nursing graduates to take risks in their careers.
"Always be willing to take a chance," she said. "Keep one eye on the floor, to keep you grounded, but keep one eye looking ahead. With your degree, you can take any road you want."
Hollie Boyles, Galveston, who earned an Associate of Science in Radiography degree, said it feels "amazing" to complete her degree.
"I've been working towards this for a long time, and it is great to be done," she said, adding that she will start working on her bachelor's degree in medical imaging technology in July.
Her classmate Kenzie Daniel, from Yorktown, also plans to continue in the bachelor's degree program.
Daniel, who won the Mallinckrodt outstanding student award, praised the faculty and staff for their excellence and dedication to students.
"This has been such a positive experience for me," she said. "I've realized this is what I was meant to do."
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
03 May 2013
School of Business Beta Gamma Sigma inductees.
The School of Nursing inducted 25 students, its largest class ever, into Sigma Theta Tau Alpha Chapter. Six IU students founded the honorary in 1922, "so our new members are carrying on a very proud tradition," Dean Linda Wallace said.
"Those chosen are graduates who have demonstrated superior scholastic achievement and leadership potential," Wallace said. "This is a wonderful accomplishment."
Alpha Chapter has a long and distinguished history of providing leadership to the profession of nursing, including supporting nursing education, nursing scholarship, and nursing service.
IU Kokomo's new members include undergraduates Daniele Hoffman and Jacqueline Vaughn, Carmel; Cristy Mullinix, Converse; Alicia Dellen and Michelle Harrison, Fishers; Mary Shelby, Gas City; Mary Peterson, Greentown; Tricia Hatfield, Victoria Johnson, Ashley Lay, Shawn Owings, Kristen Radford, Lauren Thurston and Kristin Tucker, Kokomo; Eric Emery, Marion; Tammy Staley, Markleville; Tracy Burdine, Peru; Lynsie Carter, Russiaville; Guillermo Trejo, Sweetser; Kara Moulder, Tipton; Alexis Martin and Karyn Wilcox, Wabash; and Laurie Walsh, Westfield.
Graduate students inducted were Leigh Swartzendruber and Beth Robbins, Greentown.
The School of Business inducted nine new members into Beta Gamma Sigma honorary. Undergraduates must be in the top 10 percent of their class to be inducted, while graduate students must be in the top 20 percent.
David Rink, professor of marketing, noted that Master of Business Administration student Megan Mathews received the honor for the second time. She was previously inducted as an undergraduate.
He said the organization's mission is to encourage and reward academic achievement, and to promote high standards for business leaders.
"These students are the best and brightest future business leaders," he said.
IU Kokomo's new members include undergraduates Cynthia Ballard and Emily Barnard, Flora; Derek Lawhead, Boyd Marler, Lisa Ortega, and Anthony Wood, Kokomo; and Debra Smith, Kempton Graduate students selected were Jordan Lee and Michael Vas, Kokomo, and Megan Mathews, Converse.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
02 May 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. — Megan Mathews has a passion for being a role model.
Megan MathewsFor the last three years, she has served as a mentor for a Madison-Grant High School student, while also balancing a busy work schedule and classes to earn her Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree from Indiana University Kokomo.
"Our world needs a lot more mentors," Mathews said. "This is life-changing work for both of us. I'm keeping my student on track to go to college for free, through the 21st Century Scholars Program, which is a huge benefit to her. Working with her also is good for me, because it gives me a break from work and school."
Mathews, 29, from Converse, is also demonstrating the value of a job completed well, as she will be among the 547 students earning degrees at IU Kokomo's Commencement on Tuesday, May 7.
Gloria Preece, M.B.A. program director, said Mathews has been "an exceptional student," and received the 2013 School of Business Outstanding Student Award.
"Megan demonstrated superior leadership skills as our M.B.A. association president, giving both her time and dedication," Preece said. "She is highly regarded as an exceptional student by all of the business faculty, and her academic performance has been stellar."
When Mathews decided to earn her master's degree, IU Kokomo was her only choice because she already knew from her undergraduate experience she would learn from excellent faculty.
"The professors get to know you on a first-name basis," she said. "I had such a positive experience, and I knew that would continue in graduate school. You can't beat the value of an IU M.B.A. close to home, and I can't say enough about the quality of the faculty and instruction."
Mathews earned her bachelor's degree in accounting and finance from IU Kokomo in 2007.
"I knew I wanted to come back at some point," Mathews said. "Sometimes it's hard to balance everything, but it is doable. The satisfaction you have after going through the program can really make a person proud. It's a great investment in yourself and your career."
Her hard work has already paid off in a promotion with McClure Oil Corp. in Marion, where she has worked five years.
"I am already starting to see the benefits of higher education, even before I complete my degree," she said.
Going to school while working made the learning experience more enriching, she said.
"I found my classmates had some interesting insights, based on their work experience, and I could apply my work experience to what I was learning as well," she said. "Those factors, along with the outstanding faculty, brought everything together. It's hard to put a value on the relationships I've built."
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
02 May 2013
Commencement 2012
Live streaming will be available at www.iuk.edu starting at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday, May 7. If Commencement moves indoors due to inclement weather, streaming will begin at 10:15 a.m for the morning ceremony and again at 1:15 p.m. for the afternoon ceremony.
Ryan Bowman, director of alumni relations and campus ceremonies, said the webcast allows graduates to share their special day with those who live far away or just cannot attend.
"We want all of our graduates' family and friends to be able to see the Commencement celebration, even if they aren't able to be in Kokomo," he said. "They will see the entire ceremony, almost like they were there in person. We think this is a great way to enhance this celebration for our students."
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
30 April 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. — Brandon Rush had a life-changing experience on a humanitarian trip while an undergraduate at Indiana University Kokomo.
Brandon RushHe and other students volunteered in Cartagena, Colombia, where they built a school, played games with children in a cancer ward, and donated medical and dental supplies during their trip to the poorest areas of the South American country.
"That trip changed me as a person," he said. "It affected me at the core level, and gave me a bigger global perspective. Prior to that, I'd not been out of the country, other than to Canada. It was a unique thing for me to see how people live outside the United States. It reinforces what is important in life, and what is not important."
He said that trip, and the two he took later, taught him the importance of giving back, not only internationally, but also in his own backyard. Those are lessons he's put into practice as an attorney in Peru, where he is an active community volunteer.
The IU Kokomo Alumni Association will honor Rush for his service with its Distinguished Alumni Award, which he will receive during Commencement on Tuesday, May 7.
Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke congratulated him on receiving the honor.
"IU Kokomo is very fortunate to have alumni who have distinguished themselves in their professions and service to the community," she said. "Brandon's story highlights the impact that our international learning experiences have on our students' ability to effectively live and work in a global world. Brandon combined his study of the Spanish language and law to pursue a career in immigration law. He is passionate about serving his clients who need his services as they transition to a new culture."
Rush, 29, was surprised and happy to be chosen for the award.
"It's not why I did anything, but it's nice to be noticed," he said. "I didn't realize anyone was paying attention. I hope it inspires others to be involved in whatever they're doing."
He added that it is especially meaningful for him to receive it this year, because his wife, Tara Rush, is graduating with her degree in elementary education.
Rush earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology from IU Kokomo in 2007, after starting out as a business major. He then earned his law degree from University of Dayton School of Law.
"Sociology really changed my perspective," he said. "It changed my thought process, my thought patterns, and got me interested in people, and pointed me in the direction of law. It has helped me understand some of the things I see in the legal system, and the situations people come from."
J.R. Pico, who was one of Rush's Spanish instructors, is proud of how he's used his language skills to help recent immigrants become acclimated to Miami County, and to teach them English.
"He is an outstanding example of what we want our graduates to do to make a difference in the world," he said. "We have appreciated his willingness to talk about his own experiences, to overcome misconceptions and stereotypes some of our students may have, and to encourage them to learn through international travel."
Rush has his own family and criminal law practice in Peru, near his hometown of Bunker Hill. He also is involved in several community organizations. He is on the Miami County Museum Board of Directors, and has served on the Ole Olsen Memorial Theatre Board of Directors.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
30 April 2013
KOKOMO, Ind. – Many college students struggle with figuring out what they want to be when they grow up. But not Andrew Jones – he's had it planned for years.
Andrew JonesHe aspires to be an author, and with Commencement just around the corner, he is one step closer to making his dream a reality.
"I've always loved reading and writing," said Jones, a graduating senior at Indiana University Kokomo, who will receive his bachelor's in English. "English has always been my strongest subject, and I've always received a lot of encouragement to pursue it."
When Jones came to IU Kokomo in the fall of 2009, selecting his major was a no-brainer. He didn't choose it simply as a career path or because he's good at it. He is passionate about many areas of the field.
Jones' love for English starts with reading and writing. He enjoys reading fantasy, science fiction, and historical fiction, and has always been mesmerized by the medieval, European settings.
"It's epic and exciting with these chivalrous, honorable heroes," he said. "These knights were proud of their faith, and themes of bravery and sacrifice are common themes, which I value in these types of novels."
One of his favorite novels is "Le Morte d'Arthur," a story about young Arthur rising to king and then his death and the fall of Camelot.
"Some of the greatest characters and greatest stories in the world are just in this one book," he said. "It's incredible how much can simply fall between pages."
Jones really enjoys the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings series, with "The Hobbit" being one of his favorite books. In addition, he enjoys "1984" and "Star Wars."
"As an English major, I'm constantly reading and writing, but I have to allow myself to read for leisure," Jones said. "You don't always have to read demanding, high-level texts."
He simply enjoys getting lost in a novel.
Recently, Jones has found a hobby in reading political blogs. He hopes to be a blogger someday, and would like to focus on political blogging. He really enjoys the short format, and keeping up on causes he cares about and American politics.
"Politics are such a big deal, and they have massive consequences and will have big consequences in the next generations," Jones said. "It's important to know what's going on in the world."
During his time on campus, he's focused his spare time and energy in writing for The Correspondent student newspaper. He's received practical writing experience, while writing about his interests, and has written every semester he's been at IU Kokomo.
"The experience has been extremely helpful in deciding if I ever want to go into the newspaper business," Jones said. "It's been invaluable to work and learn in the process."
This passion led him to receive the Phoenix Prize in English scholarship during his junior year. It's the "coolest thing he's ever received."
"Receiving this scholarship showed me that my work has value, and everything I've done so far has been worth it," he said. "I want to make sure that whatever I do in life that I impact someone in the way the scholarship impacted me."
In 2009, he also was named the Herbert Presidential Scholar for the Kokomo campus. The program was created by President Emeritus Adam W. Herbert during his tenure at IU (2003-2007) and is considered one of the most prestigious scholarships offered to IU students.
Jones has many paths he can take after graduation. He hopes to continue to write professionally, while focusing on his fiction writing in his spare time. After taking Theories and Practices of Editing at IU Kokomo, he's also considering a career in editing.
Whatever Jones decides to do, he will always write and pursue his dreams of becoming an author.
Story written by Mary Olk. Mary is a student writer for the Office of Media and Marketing.
Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.
