16 November 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. — Students in an Indiana University Kokomo freshman learning community are making their list and checking it twice, preparing to play Santa for eight residents of The Walnut House, a Mental Health Association group home.

Andre Gillard and Lesly Winburn show some of the gifts collected for Miracle on Walnut Street.

"This is not just about the holidays," freshman Lindsie Garrett said. "This is about our class getting to express to someone that people they don't even know care about them."

Garrett and Carol Garber, the class instructor, visited the four men and four women, and compiled a list of specific requests, which they are now asking the community to help, to create a "Miracle on Walnut Street."

"They were just so excited to explain what they wanted," Garrett said. "They didn't ask for anything big, and they're so excited to think about getting exactly what they want."

The class will have "Miracle Trees," with each ornament containing one wish, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, November 19, Tuesday, November 20, and November 26-30, both in the Main Building and Kelley Student Center. Those who want to contribute may take an ornament or two, buy the requested items, and return them to the students. They will take the gifts to the home for a holiday party on Thursday, December 6.

Student Shane Houston said most of them asked for "pretty basic stuff," as gifts, including a box of Alphabits cereal, licorice, crayons, children's movies, and other small items most college students would take for granted.

"I think its' going to be really heartwarming and exciting to see the looks on their faces when we bring them what they want," he said.

Garber said of all the community service projects her class has completed through the years, this one has been the most touching.

"I've done 10 or 12 years of service projects. This it the first one that's made me cry," she said. "It's very humbling meeting people who are so thrilled to receive such small gifts. We want to give them the personal things that will make them feel like someone cares."

She hopes her students learn they can make a difference in their communities by working together.

"They're learning to work together as a team, and experiencing the joy of helping someone else," she said.

Andre Gillard said it is important to him that they are providing gifts to people who might otherwise be forgotten.

"Everyone should have a happy Christmas," he said. "They are valuable in our community."

Gillard said the project has been life-changing for him.

"This project has opened my eyes to the needs of others, and made me a kinder person," he said. "I plan to do things like this on my own for the rest of my life. I want to make a difference in everything my hands touch."

Lesly Winburn is excited to deliver the gifts.

"These things are going to mean a lot to the residents," she said. "They don't have anyone to care about them, so I'm glad we can help."

The Miracle Tree will have specific sizes and items needed. In general, residents asked for sweat shirts and sweat pants, pajamas, sheet sets, blankets, pillows, lunch boxes, hat, glove and scarf sets, lap blankets, slipper socks and art supplies.

Garber said Kohl's has donated a $500 gift card, which students will use to buy each resident a new winter coat.

Anyone who would like to help but cannot visit the Miracle Tree may contact Garber at cagarber@iuk.edu to get a specific gift request to fulfill.

"We appreciate any help we can get to make their holidays a little brighter," she said. "We want to show our support at a time they are often depressed, lonely, or without the support of their families"

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

15 November 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo senior Mary Harlan hoped to find an internship opportunity at the national Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) conference.

Mary HarlanInstead, she landed a job that could lead to a career in her field, public relations and marketing, with The Finish Line.

"I just wanted to talk to them about an internship, because their offices are based in Indianapolis," she said. "I guess they really liked me, because they bypassed the internship and offered me a job."

Harlan said her job, as an assistant manager at the Markland Mall store, is a direct result of her involvement in SIFE as an IU Kokomo business student.

"SIFE does a great job linking us with the connections we need," she said. "I would not have had this career opportunity if I was not in Kokomo's group. Now I have a job that is helping me pay for my last year of school, and it can lead me to a career in my field."

Harlan hopes to advance through the company to the corporate office after she earns her degree in marketing and management this May.

"There are a lot of opportunities for promotions within the company," Harlan said. 
"I can go through management training, and then be promoted to manage a store. It usually takes a few years to get to the corporate office."

Jason VanAlstine, SIFE sponsor, said Harlan is the most recent IU Kokomo student to earn this kind of opportunity at one of the organization's conferences. Another current student, Lisa Ortega, was hired as an intern at Sam's Club at the regional conference in Chicago.

"These are the kinds of contacts the students can make at conferences," he said. "These companies are sending their best human resources officials to recruit, because they know they are reaching the student leaders of the highest caliber. Mary is an example of that."

SIFE is an international organization that mobilizes college students to make a difference in their communities while learning to be socially responsible business leaders. Students compete by presenting results of community service projects performed during the year. The organization is in the process of changing its name to Enactus, to reaffirm its long-standing commitment to using entrepreneurial action as a catalyst for progress.

IU Kokomo's SIFE volunteer service has included preparing women, housed at the Family Service Association's domestic violence shelter, to enter the workforce. They have also sponsored a canned food drive for Kokomo Urban Outreach and have presented a financial literacy program to IU Kokomo freshmen. The team won its regional to advance to the nationals.

Harlan is glad IU Kokomo's SIFE team competed at nationals, making it possible for her to be at the conference, in Kansas City, and said participating in the club prepared her for the opportunity.

"SIFE lets you take what you are learning in the classroom and apply it in real life," she said. "I actually have managed people through our projects, so I was ready to step into management training. So many people don't know what SIFE can do for you. It opens so many doors."

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

07 November 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. – Indiana University Kokomo continues its role as a key player in the economic well being of north central Indiana by hosting meetings for regional leaders seeking collaboration for growth in business and industry in the area.

Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke speaks at regional event.

Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke recently facilitated a group of mayors, commissioners, and city and county council members to discuss the possibility of forming a Regional Planning Organization. The purpose of this group will be to "take this region to the next level", according to Jim Tidd, executive director of the Miami County Economic Development Authority.

"Indiana University Kokomo is committed to its regional campus mission to support the economic development of the region we serve," Sciame-Giesecke said. "Facilitating this initiative is a way for us to contribute to the creation of a regional organization. This meeting was a very good first step in this initiative. I look forward to our continued partnership."

Representatives from six counties – Howard, Cass, Clinton, Miami, Tipton, and Fulton – convened to share pros and cons of a regional effort, and plan to meet again on the IU Kokomo campus next month to consider setting a plan in motion.

David Terrell, executive director for the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, said IU Kokomo as a convener of these meetings is incredibly important.

"More and more, we're relying on regional universities to step up. This helps move the community forward," Terrell said. "I'm thrilled this is happening, and that IU Kokomo is taking the lead."

County leaders expressed appreciation for campus administrators taking the initiative to encourage regional collaboration.

"I want to thank IU Kokomo for spear heading this effort," said Paul Wyman, Howard County Commissioner. "What happens in our region is very important for this community and for job creation. This is a big step forward in solving some of those issues."

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

07 November 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. — Julie Saam has a passion for working with college faculty members, helping them to be not only experts in their field, but excellent teachers in the classroom.

Julie Saam

This semester, Saam, associate professor and assistant dean of the Indiana University Kokomo School of Education, is working with new IU faculty system wide, to develop them into outstanding educators, as the 2012 Bender FACET Fellow.

"We want to prepare and support faculty so they succeed on our campuses," Saam said. "Our students benefit when faculty are prepared to be outstanding educators. Everything we do is about student learning."

The Faculty Colloquium on Excellence in Teaching (FACET) is an IU organization for faculty members who are committed to being excellent teachers, and to helping others develop their teaching skills.

Saam first became interested in working with new faculty as a doctoral student at IU Bloomington, when she was part of the Future Faculty Teaching Program. The program places doctoral students in faculty positions on regional campuses.

It was led by FACET founder Eileen Bender, who inspired Saam to become a specialist in faculty development.

"I will be looking at new faculty on all our campuses, to see how we can develop a networking process, and educate them on all the resources available to them as IU faculty members," Saam said. "A lot of times, when you are hired into a department, you may be the only person in your field, like the only science education teacher, on your campus. Through this program, I can introduce them to networking opportunities to meet others in their field."

She will also prepare new faculty to teach effectively, noting that some graduate programs focus only on content area, not on preparing doctoral students to teach that content area.

Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke said Saam's fellowship is well deserved.

"This initiative is a good example of the benefits of collaboration among the IU campuses, and Julie is the right person to lead this effort," Sciame-Giesecke said. "As a teacher, she exemplifies Eileen Bender's passion for teaching excellence. Our new faculty will establish important relationships to further their teaching and research."

FACET created the Eileen Bender fellowship in 2011 to create leadership opportunities within the organization, preparing members to gain a greater understanding of the system-wide impact of FACET and potentially prepare them to be program director.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.