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.