25 June 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. —The travel and tourism industry has the greatest potential for growth of any industry in the world, accounting for 8 percent of all jobs, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Spring colors on campus

Indiana University Kokomo will tap into that market with its new Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism, following the IU Board of Trustees approval Friday (June 22). Final approval is expected from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

"This is a historic moment in the life of the School of Business at IU Kokomo," said Erwin Boschmann, dean of the School of Business. "We will be offering a new major program for students interested in studying the business of hospitality and tourism."

This degree option continues the campus' commitment of transforming the region, by assessing need and demand, and intentionally offering relevant new programs.

"One of the key goals of IU Kokomo, under the leadership of Chancellor Michael Harris, has been to transform north central Indiana. This degree contributes to that transformation because it provides a brand new area of study and opportunities not available before," said Susan Sciame-Giesecke, executive vice chancellor of academic affairs. "Students now will be able to enter careers in hospitality and tourism as the region seeks to diversify the economy. The School of Business is the perfect fit for this program. We are an engaged campus on the move, and are excited about this new direction."

Graduates of this degree program will be future leaders and planners for convention centers, hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

25 June 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. — The Indiana University Board of Trustees Friday (June 22) approved the official name for the IU Kokomo wellness and fitness center, set to open next summer.

Milt and Jean Cole with Chancellor Michael and Tali Harris

It will be known as the "Milt and Jean Cole Family Wellness and Fitness Center", and will house a jogging and walking track, cardio and strength training area, two multipurpose rooms, a health studies classroom, locker rooms, and a reception area.

The name honors the $1.25 million gift the Cole family donated for the center, to be constructed in the basement of the Library. This is the largest cash gift in campus history.

"I am extremely grateful and appreciative of the Cole family, whose shared vision for this campus makes a facility like this possible," said Chancellor Michael Harris. "This wellness and fitness center is essential to the future growth of this campus.

"It will impact thousands of people for years to come with health and educational opportunities as a result of this center," he added.

In addition to Milt and Jean Cole, the family includes Keith and Carmella Cole, and Randy and Candy Cole. They are owners of Cole Hardwood in Logansport.

Construction on the 20,500-square-foot facility will begin later this year, and Harris expects a grand opening in July or August of 2013.

The new center allows opportunities to offer additional allied health majors – such as sports medicine and athletic training – and provides year-round training space for athletes.

For more information about the Milt and Jean Cole Family Wellness and Fitness Center and the fundraising campaign, go to http://www.iuk.edu/wellnessfitnesscenter.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

21 June 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. — Kick off the summer with a free concert, Saturday, June 23, in Foster Park.

IU Kokomo Crescendos at the Haynes Apperson Festival

Indiana University Kokomo's Crescendos show choir will perform as part of the Kokomo Symphony's Summer Fun Concert. The event begins with an arts and music festival at 4 p.m. The concert follows at 6 p.m.

Cindy Ison, senior lecturer in music, said the family-friendly event showcases the community's artists and musicians, including those at IU Kokomo.

Musical selections will range from Tchaikovsky, songs from animated children's movies, classic rock, big band and a salute to American service members.

The concert goes on rain or shine, with the performance in the Kokomo High School auditorium if it rains.

For more information, call 765-236-0251 or e-mail kokomosymphony@sbcglobal.net.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

19 June 2012

KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo will partner with area teachers to enhance science education, while also providing more opportunities for future teachers to build their skills.

Julie Saam

The School of Education received a $2,250 Scholarship of Engagement faculty grant from the Indiana Campus Compact to fund its science inquiry fellows project. The project includes a one-day workshop to prepare teachers in grades 5-12 to lead scientific inquiry projects.

Teachers who attend the Saturday, August 25, workshop may apply for a fellowship, which would provide classroom assistance from math and science education students.

Julie Saam, assistant dean for the School of Education, said the project benefits current teachers by offering assistance getting started teaching through scientific inquiry. It also gives future teachers a chance to work with students and hone their skills.

"We're enhancing what is already happening in these classrooms, and preparing our education students to be excellent teachers," Saam said. "Our students need to be out there. We can talk all we want in a classroom, but if they're not out there practicing it, they don't learn how to be effective educators."

It also fits with the campus' three themes, set forth by Chancellor Michael Harris, of academic excellence and student success, building relationships and making friends, and transforming the region.

Susan Sciame-Giesecke, executive vice chancellor of academic affairs, said the program extends the campus' community outreach of hosting the Howard County Science Fair, and hopefully will lead to more participation.

"IU Kokomo has been a leader in the promotion of local and state sciences fairs for years," she said. "The future of our economy is dependent on more students seeking college degrees in science, math and technology. This workshop will help teachers understand the importance of continuing science fairs and increasing student participation. We hope it will encourage more students to look at science and a college major and a career choice."

Saam said the goal is to show teachers how to start and complete a scientific inquiry project, and also how to organize and run a science fair.

"We want to help teachers understand how to go through the process of helping students choose questions," Saam said. "They can then help their students frame those questions to collect the data they need, and then lead them through collecting and analyzing that data, to come to a conclusion and back it up with the data."

She also wants to introduce teachers to community resources with expertise in scientific areas.

"There are people out there who can help students with research, or provide other resources. We want to make sure not just teachers with an inside track know what is available to them," she said.

The workshop is 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, August 25 at Inventrek, 700 E. Firmin St. For more information or to register, contact Saam at 765-455-9302 or e-mail jsaam@iuk.edu.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.