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

KOKOMO, Ind. — Friends and family of Indiana University Kokomo's Class of 2013 can cheer for their favorite graduate wherever they are, as the campus provides its first-ever live stream broadcast of Commencement ceremonies.

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. — Three Indiana University Kokomo School of Nursing assistant deans will be honored for service to the university and community.

Lynda Narwold and Bridget WhitmoreThe IU School of Nursing chose Lynda Narwold and Bridget Whitmore as recipients of the Lillian Yeager Distinguished Public Service Award, in honor of their work with Camp Eeze-the-Wheeze/KIDDs Camp. The annual camp for children with asthma or diabetes has positively impacted the lives of nearly 400 Kokomo-area children during the last 17 years.

Mary Bourke will receive the Elizabeth Lion University Service Award, given for making significant contributions to the university. Bourke, led curriculum development for the Master of Science in Nursing program at IU Kokomo. She also was recently selected for the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's Leadership for Academic Nursing fellowship.

All three will receive their awards at the IU Schools of Nursing Culbertson awards luncheon. They were chosen from nominees from all eight campuses.

Dean Linda Wallace said the recognition is well deserved.

Mary Bourke

"Lynda Narwold and Bridget Whitmore have provided a wonderful service to the children of our community, as well as a valuable educational experience for our students. I cannot think of two individuals more worthy of this award," she said. "Mary Bourke has served as a mentor to other faculty, particularly in curriculum development, evaluation and research. She has benefitted students by improving learning and outcomes, helping with grant writing, and providing services by students to the community.

She also noted that Sylvia Mason, assistant to the dean, was re-elected secretary of Business Officers of Schools of Nursing, which is part of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Bourke called the nomination "an honor and a privilege," because a committee of her peers made the selections.

"We have an incredible team in the School of Nursing, and I am so fortunate to be part of our culture of excellence."

Narwold, assistant dean for the R.N. to B.S.N. program, said her award is "a tremendous honor," because of her connection with the late Lillian Yeager, a former colleague who served as dean at IU Southeast.

"I was privileged to know Lillian when I first started teaching in the School of Nursing," she said. "Her commitment to the university and her community was inspiring. I can only hope to have half the impact she had in her lifetime."

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.