KOKOMO, Ind. — Is the idea of sending your child to college overwhelming?

IU Kokomo admissions specialists will prepare you to navigate the process successfully with its "Parents' Roadmap to College: Guide Your Student to Success" program, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, September 9, in the Kelley Student Center, Room 130.

Tracy Springer, manager of career services, encouraged all parents of high school students to attend the free program. She added it would be helpful to all parents, but particularly those whose children will be the first in their family to attend college.

"The transition from high school to college can be overwhelming, especially if you never experienced it yourself," she said. "We want to help make this process as easy as possible."

The event is open to all parents of potential college students, regardless of what schools they are considering. Those who want to attend should RSVP by Tuesday, September 3, at www.iuk.edu/parent-visit.

Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke will greet parents, and a panel of experts will discuss how to prepare your child for college, the application process, athletic recruiting, scholarships and financial aid, career services, campus life and clubs, and college majors and academics.

For more information, call 765-455-9217.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

Jan C. Halperin

Halperin most recently served as director of development for the Evanston History Center, Evanston, Ill. She has previous IU experience, as director of development at IU South Bend.

As vice chancellor, she will lead development efforts on campus and oversee alumni relations and marketing.

"Jan brings a wealth of experience to IU Kokomo, in both marketing and media, and advancement," said Sciame-Giesecke. "We are excited to have someone with her background join our team. Her past experience working at IU South Bend is also a plus. She will help the campus continue to grow and seek external support to enhance our scholarship funds, athletic programs, and facilities."

Halperin said she's seen how an IU education impacted her own children's lives, and as vice chancellor, she can provide that opportunity to other students.

"The opportunity to give back to IU and to be a part of this community is a gift," she said. "My children received exemplary educations and launched their careers based on their IU degrees. I look forward to making a difference in students' lives, through creating scholarships and connecting with the community."

Halperin earned her bachelor's degree in history from University of Wisconsin, Madison.

She and her husband, Kent Kauffman, have three grown children, and plan to move from Chicago to Kokomo.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo will be closed for the Labor Day holiday this Monday.

Classes resume on their regular schedule on Tuesday, September 3. Offices open at 8 a.m.

The bookstore, the Cougar Country Café, and the IU Kokomo Library also will be closed Monday.

Online and electronic resources are available when the library is closed, at www.iuk.edu/library.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

The Main Building

Classes resume on their regular schedule on Tuesday, September 3. Offices open at 8 a.m.

The bookstore, the Cougar Country Café, and the IU Kokomo Library also will be closed Monday. The Cole Fitness Center will be closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.

Online and electronic resources are available when the library is closed, at www.iuk.edu/library.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

Emily West

"I always knew I wanted to help people in my career, but I wasn't sure how," she said. "As a police officer, I get to do that on a daily basis. They say when you finally realize what you want to do, and are meant to do, you know. I have never been so sure of anything in my life."

West, 20, Peru, has a jump-start on that career, as an IU Kokomo police cadet.

She works 12 to 20 hours each week, answering emergency calls, writing parking tickets, unlocking cars, and providing security at campus events, among other duties.

This is the second year IU Kokomo has had cadets. The first two, Andrew Doran and Eddy Chapa, recently graduated from the IU Police Academy, and will serve the campus as police officers this year. West, the campus's first female cadet, will earn 12 credit hours by completing the academy during summer 2014.

IU Kokomo Police Chief Jerry Williams said serving as a cadet gives the criminal justice students an advantage when they graduate, because they've already completed the police academy and will be ready to work immediately.

"This program is a home run, not only for the IU Police Department, but for cadets and other police departments across the country," Williams said. "They help the police department by being an extra set of eyes and ears on campus, while earning money for college, and learning the skills of the trade to succeed in law enforcement. They will graduate with a degree, two years of experience, and the academy behind them. The cadets will be sought after by police departments because they can begin work immediately, without that department having to pay to send them to the academy."

As a former member of the IU Kokomo volleyball team, West is prepared for the physical requirements of police work.

"I was a college athlete for two years," she said. "I'm physically active every day, and I train hard. I'm excited about the new wellness and fitness center, so I can work out on campus."

She said it was a hard decision to leave her team for this job, but was ultimately the right one for her future.

"I know being a cadet will prepare me to be the best police officer I can be in the future," she said. "What the cadet program offers to students is really unbeatable. This really is my future, starting here and now. "

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

From the Well House LIVE Issue

Writers and artists from the most recent print and online editions will perform or display their works during the opening reception, from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Art Gallery. The show continues through Sunday, October 6.

Faculty advisor Eva White said the 2013 Live Edition is unique because "it is our first truly international issue. It features contributions from India, Iran, United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, and the United States, including Indiana."

Student editor Mary Kennelly said the issue also has a new color insert with more art, and a collage of artwork on the inside back cover.

"We needed to add these features to accommodate the large number of submissions we received for this issue," she said.

From the Well House is IU Kokomo's student-run organization celebrating the arts and sciences. The group produces a print edition each spring, and an online edition each fall, including original writing, video, photography, multimedia, and other work from around the world. Submissions are accepted throughout the year.

For more information go to www.fromthewellhouse.org or e-mail fromthewellhouse@gmail.com

The Art Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. It is closed Sunday, Monday, and Friday. Free parking is available on campus.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

IU Kokomo's Observatory.

Patrick Motl, assistant professor of physics, will begin the open house at 8 p.m. with a talk about a nova in Delphinus that was discovered August 14. It is now fading away, he said.

"In a nova, material from one star in a binary pair lands on the surface of a white dwarf companion, and the materials builds up until it erupts in a nuclear explosion," Motl said.

Visitors may then view the stars and planets until 10 p.m.; weather permitting, through the observatory's telescopes. In addition to the moon and planets, highlights in the evening sky include the Ring Nebula and color contrast double star Alberio.

The Observatory's telescopes are a six-inch Takahashi refracting telescope and a 16-inch Meade reflecting telescope mounted together. The Takahashi provides exceptionally sharp images of planets, while the Meade lets stargazers see fainter objects in the sky, due to its larger light collecting area.

The open house is free and open to the public in the Observatory, 105 E. Rebecca Lane. Free parking is available on campus.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

Lynda Narwold

"I have a passion for service, and by preparing nurses to serve, I can impact many, many, more people," she said. "I believe nurses must use our skills to give back to the community. That's the role model I want to be to my students, to walk the walk. We're all busy, but if it's something you want to do, you can make time for it."

Narwold, 62, assistant dean for the Indiana University Kokomo School of Nursing, has served as an example during her nearly 30 years teaching. Her greatest impact on the campus and community has been with Camp Eeze-the-Wheeze/KIDDsCamp/Fit Camp.

She, along with Assistant Dean Bridget Whitmore, founded the camps in 1997, after the son of a close friend died from an asthma attack. They started with Camp Eeze-the Wheeze, for children with asthma. The second year, they added KIDDs Camp, for children with diabetes. They began to address childhood obesity with Fit Camp, for children interested in healthy lifestyles, in 2011.

"We give the kids a chance to learn to manage their diseases, but in a fun environment," she said. "At the same time, our student nurse counselors are learning how to treat children with these chronic conditions, and how to teach them the skills they need."

Narwold realized the impact the camps have when approached by a mother of a former camper who called her by name and said her daughter attended the first camp.

"She said we saved her daughter's life, by offering the camp," Narwold said. "If we impacted just one child's life, and made it better, then we've done our job."

Dean Linda Wallace said Narwold is "absolutely essential to the School of Nursing," because of her desire to serve and her love of teaching.

"She is the go-to person for getting things done, whether I need an extra course taught, someone to chair a committee, or lead a student trip to Guatemala or South Korea, she is there and willing to take the challenge."

She noted that Narwold's service has been rewarded, as she's received IU Kokomo's Virgil Hunt Service Award, IU's Pinnel award, and the IU School of Nursing's Lillian Yeager Public Service Award.

Narwold, who leads the R.N. to B.S.N. program, has witnessed great change at IU Kokomo since joining the faculty in 1984. At the time the East Building, which houses the School of Nursing, was almost new, and was one of two buildings on campus. While it has grown in size, Narwold said the biggest changes are not physical.

"It's the student population that has changed the most," she said. "The average age in our Associate of Science in Nursing (A.S.N.) program was 30. Now we have a lot of our students coming here straight from high school. It's been fun to see the campus grow in that way."

That change has meant evolution in teaching, to incorporate more technology, and more focus on student learning, rather than faculty just lecturing.

"We've given a lot more responsibility for learning on the students," she said. "The licensing test is harder than it used to be, and you have to be a strong student in order to pass. We're developing their problem solving skills, along with nursing skills, so they know what to do in critical situations. Nursing is not an easy profession."

The School of Nursing has also changed, eliminating its associate degree programs and focusing on the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degrees.

"More and more health care providers wanted B.S.N. trained nurses, and research showed better outcomes for patients with B.S.N. nurses," she said. "It was the right thing to do, both for our students and for our region."

Narwold led the associate degree program until its last class graduated, in 2008, before becoming assistant dean for the R.N. to B.S.N. program, which provides a way for registered nurses to earn a bachelor's degree.

The R.N. to B.S.N. program has grown from about 15 students in its first year, to more than 100 being accepted for the 2013-2014 school year.

"I really enjoy these students," she said. "They are practicing nurses, so they already have the basic skills. They need the leadership skills and concepts that will help them advance their careers beyond being a bedside nurse."

Narwold also serves on the Indiana State Board of Nursing, after being appointed by Gov. Mitch Daniels in 2007. The board oversees licensing of nurses, so she can share the latest requirements with her students. In addition, she is a member of the Board of Trustees at Community Howard Regional Health.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

Mr. Mickey Maurer at IU Kokomo in 2012.

Gloria Preece, director of IU Kokomo's M.B.A. program, said the program is an excellent way for students and faculty to engage with the area business community.

"This is a great opportunity for our talented students to network with area professionals," she said. "It's also a way for us to show off our campus and students to the community, and let them see all the great things we are doing here."

The event begins at 4 p.m. Wednesday, September 11, in Alumni Hall with the Business After Hours, in conjunction with the Greater Kokomo Chamber of Commerce. Refreshments will be served during this time.

At 5:30 p.m., Maurer will give a 45-minute presentation in Kresge Auditorium, about his new book, "Ten Essential Principles of Entrepreneurship You Never Learned in School." He will also answer questions from audience members.

Maurer is chairman of the board of the Indiana Business Journal Foundation and the National Bank of Indianapolis. His career has spanned numerous industries, including cable television, film production, radio broadcasting, newspaper publishing, real estate, and banking. The Indiana University Maurer School of Law is named in his honor.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo's Student Veterans Organization will host "Meet at the Memorial Rock," a 9/11 reflection and commemoration, at 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 11. The event, which is open to the public, will be at the flagpole in front of the Main Building.

Memorial RockDoug Preece, president of the Student Veterans Organization, said the event is not political, but is just a short time of remembrance.

"I think reflection is good for the soul," he said. "It's important for people to recognize what happened in the past, and our nation's contributions by veterans. That was a significant event in our history. Everyone can remember where they were on 9/11. For those of us who are involved, it resonates a little deeper."

Preece, a reservist at Grissom Air Reserve Base, in Miami County, deployed to the Middle East on September 21, 2001, just 10 days after the terrorist attacks. He's been sent overseas several times since then, serving as a boom operator for the KC-135 Stratotankers, which provide mid-air refueling for long-range bomber, fighter, and cargo aircraft.

The mission of the Student Veterans Organization is to meet the academic and social needs of student veterans through peer support, advocacy, fellowship, and community service. It is open to current U.S. armed forces members and veterans, ROTC members, and their families. For more information, contact Preece at dapreece@iuk.edu.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

Polly Boruff-Jones

Boruff-Jones most recently was director of library and information services at F.W. Olin Library, Drury University, Springfield, Mo., where she also served as director of academic computing. She previously was associate dean for learning, teaching, and research at Indiana University—Purdue University Indianapolis.

As dean of the library, she will lead all areas of library administration and operation.

"I am excited to welcome Polly to our campus," Sciame-Giesecke said. "She comes to us with IU experience from her years as a librarian and associate dean at IUPUI. She is committed to making the library the center for learning on campus. I know under her leadership, we will see new initiatives that will help our library grow and expand its services."

Boruff-Jones, 56, is eager to work with library staff to support the campus' learning and teaching mission.

"I'm most looking forward to working with the librarians, faculty, staff, and campus administration to explore opportunities for innovation in the library," she said. "The library is instrumental in supporting our students and faculty in their learning and research."

Boruff-Jones earned a bachelor's degree in political science and environmental science, a Master of Library Science, and a Master of Public Affairs in nonprofit management, all from Indiana University.

She and her husband, Rick Jones, look forward to moving to the Kokomo area.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

KOKOMO, Ind. — Indiana University Kokomo dedicates the new Milt and Jean Cole Family Wellness and Fitness Center in a ceremony at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 18, in Kresge Auditorium.

Jaclyn Kreps tests out the new Cole Fitness Center.

IU President Michael A. McRobbie will preside over the ceremony, honoring Milt and Jean Cole and their family, for their $1.25 million gift to the campus. There will be a reception and tours of the facility immediately following the ceremony.

Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke said the Cole Fitness Center has transformed the campus, providing a place to build a community and to enhance the health of students, faculty, and staff.

"We are so appreciative of the Cole family, whose generosity allowed this center to be built," she said. "The Coles have dedicated their lives to enhancing the quality of life in north central Indiana. They embody the true essence of philanthropy, which is supporting projects that will have a long-term impact on people's lives.

"This center allows us to provide a complete educational experience that is focused on the whole student, both mind and body. The impact of this facility will be felt for many years to come."

The 21,000 square-foot facility opened in August, and has been a popular addition to the campus. Fitness Center Director Brandon Podgorski said people are coming in regularly to use the jogging and walking track, weights, and cardio equipment, while the student athletes are glad to be able to train on campus.

"I hope the center is a catalyst in making the IU Kokomo community, as a whole, more fit," he said. "In my mind, that's the most important reason why it is here. I've been pleased with the participation so far, and it will only continue to grow. "

The gift from the Cole family, which also includes Keith and Carmella Cole, and Randy and Candy Cole, is the largest cash gift in IU Kokomo history. The family owns Cole Hardwood, Inc., in Logansport.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

IU Kokomo welcomes new faculty.

Kathy Parkison, vice chancellor for academic affairs, said of the new faculty hired, 12 are for newly created positions, needed because of student enrollment growth and addition of new programs.

"We have an extremely talented class of new faculty, from a variety of great institutions," she said. "This brings a lot of new ideas and new thoughts into every academic unit, and that's exciting. They will help lead this campus into the future."

The new additions bring total faculty count to 119.

New faculty members, listed by school, include:

Division of Allied Health

David Hancock, assistant professor, health sciences. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in sports psychology and a Master of Arts in human development from Laurentian University, Ontario; and a Ph.D. in human kinetics from University of Ottawa. He previously was an adjunct assistant professor and postdoctoral fellow at Queen's University School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Ontario.

Library

Polly Boruff-Jones, dean. She has a bachelor's degree in political science and environmental science, a Master of Library Science, and a Master of Public Affairs in nonprofit management, all from IU. She previously was director of library and information services at F.W. Olin Library, Drury University.

School of Business

Olga Korne, visiting lecturer in accounting. She has a bachelor's degree in education from Kolomna University, and a Master's degree in accounting from the IU Kelley School of Business. She was on faculty at DeVry University, an accounting analyst for Chase Student Loans, and an investment accountant for Conseco Services.

Gloria Preece, Master of Business Administration director, lecturer in business. She has a bachelor's degree in marketing and an M.B.A., both from IU Kokomo. She previously was interim director, and was CEO of Prism Property Management.

School of Education

Lance Mason, assistant professor of social studies education. He has a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction, with a minor in social thought, from Penn State University. He was a graduate assistant at Penn State.

Kelli Servizzi, assistant professor of special education. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Butler University, master's degrees in education from Butler and Ball State, and a Ph.D. in elementary education from Ball State. She was previously an instructor at Ball State and a developmental therapist at First Steps Network.

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Jeffery Batis, assistant professor of psychology. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Utah State University, and a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in psychology from Wayne State University. He previously was a visiting assistant professor at Wesleyan University, and associate director of image processing for Molecular NeuroImaging.

Scott Blackwell, visiting lecturer in humanities. He earned his bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. in English and philosophy from Purdue University. He has been an adjunct instructor at IU Kokomo, and a lecturer at Butler University.

Rosalyn Davis, clinical assistant professor of psychology. She received a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Ball State University. She previously was an instructor at University of Phoenix.

Meredith Neville-Shepard, visiting assistant professor of communication arts. She earned a Ph.D. from University of Kansas. She previously was an adjunct lecturer at IUPUI.

Peter Sposato, acting assistant professor of history. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He has been an adjunct instructor at Hobart & William Smith Colleges and Rochester Institute of Technology.

Kathy Steinberg, visiting lecturer of psychology. She earned her bachelor's, master's and Ph.D. in educational psychology from Purdue University. She previously was director of student assessment at ITT Technical Institute and an academic assessment specialist and assistant director of research at IUPUI.

Guin Thompson, visiting assistant professor of new media. She has a Bachelor of General Studies degree from IUPUI and a Master of Fine Arts from University of Hartford. She was an adjunct professor at Emily Carr University, Canada.

Michelle Westervelt, visiting assistant professor in English. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Illinois College and a Master of Arts degree in English from Indiana State University. She previously taught English as a second language in Japan and was an adjunct English instructor at IU Kokomo.

School of Nursing

Sylvia Jones, visiting lecturer in nursing. She has a master's degree from IUPUI. She has been a staff nurse at Community Howard Regional Health and an adjunct faculty member at Ivy Tech Community College.

Amanda Leffler, visiting lecturer in nursing. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from IU Kokomo, and a Master of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University. She previously was an adjunct clinical instructor at Indiana Wesleyan University.

Carolyn Townsend, visiting lecturer of nursing. She has a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from IU Kokomo, a Master of Science in Nursing from IUPUI and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from University of Southern Indiana. She has been a registered nurse at Clarian Health, chief quality coordinator at IU Health, and a lecturer in the IU School of Nursing.

School of Sciences

Mohammad Almalag, assistant professor of informatics. He received a bachelor's degree in computer science from King Saud University, a Master of Science in computer science from Ball State University, and a Ph.D. in computer science from Old Dominion University. He was an instructor, course developer and lab instructor at Old Dominion University.

Megan Dailey, lecturer in math. She has a Master of Arts degree from University of Kentucky. She was an instructor at Centre College, and a teaching assistant at University of Kentucky.

Ashley Duffitt, lecturer in biology. She has a bachelor's degree in biological and physical science from IU Kokomo, and a master's degree in environmental science from Taylor University. She previously was a visiting lecturer at IU Kokomo, and was a research lab tech at IUPUI and a teaching assistant at Taylor University.

Diane Hampshire, lecturer in math. She has a bachelor's degree in biological and physical sciences from IU, and a master's in mathematics from Oakland University. She previously had been a visiting lecturer at IU Kokomo, and also was an instructor at University of Dayton, a special lecturer at Oakland University, and an adjunct faculty member at Oakland Community College.

Hisako Masuda, assistant professor of biochemistry. She has bachelor's degrees in chemistry and biochemistry from Hiram College, and a Ph.D. in molecular genetics and biochemistry from Rutgers University. She was a postdoctoral fellow at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and an instructor at Middlesex County College.

The campus has two IU Future Faculty Teaching Fellows. This program gives doctoral students an opportunity to spend one or two semesters as half-time faculty members at an IU campus. The fellows experience what it is like to teach and be a faculty member, preparing them for successful academic careers.

IU Kokomo's Future Faculty Teaching Fellows are Joo Hyung Kim, history and political science; and Cecil Sayre, humanities.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to celebrate Spanish Heritage month by participating in the class at 2 p.m. in the Cole Fitness Center.

"Celebrating and recognizing different heritages, like Spanish Heritage month, is a gateway for students and the IU Kokomo community at large to begin learning, teaching, and having conversations about the particular identities," said Maria Ahmad, coordinator of student life and campus diversity.

Ahmad, advisor for Cougar Advocates for Diversity (CAD), strives to educate students about different people, diverse issues, and about themselves and how they relate to others.

"No way is having a couple events about a specific culture or group enough to understand and think about diversity, but it is a safe place to start," she added.

Spanish Heritage month spans September 15 to October 15. Throughout the month, CAD will host other events and seminars to teach and celebrate the Spanish culture.

"The end goal is that when students graduate from IU Kokomo and enter their professional field, they are equipped with skills on working with people who are different than them in terms of culture, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, and any other identity," said Ahmad.

For more information, contact Ahmad at maahmad@iuk.edu.

Written by Sofia Stout, intern for Office of Media and Marketing.

Indiana University serves north central Indiana.

KOKOMO, Ind. — A long-desired dream comes true for Indiana University Kokomo students, with the opening of the Milt and Jean Cole Family Fitness and Wellness Center.

IU President Michael McRobbie, First Lady Laurie Burns McRobbie, Cole family - Milt, Jean, Carmella, Brittany, Keith, Candy, Tori, Randy - and Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke. See more pictures on Flickr.For years, students asked for a place to exercise on campus, to be with their friends, to build their community. They said a fitness center is an essential part of the college life experience, the key missing piece on campus.

Wednesday (September 18), IU President Michael A. McRobbie officially dedicated and named the Cole Fitness Center, celebrating its opening with the campus community and honoring the generosity of the Cole family.

Milt and Jean Cole and their family, owners of Cole Hardwood Inc., Logansport, gave $1.25 million for the fitness center, the largest cash gift in campus history.

Milt and Jean each spoke during the ceremony about their dedication to philanthropy, urging those attending to get involved.

"I do believe this center has created excitement here in Kokomo," Milt said. "It has elevated the positive energy. The iron is hot; it's time to strike. I encourage everyone to get behind the movement. It's a golden opportunity to get something done in Kokomo."

Jean thanked friends and family who came for the dedication, saying it touched her to see so many attending. She hoped students did not just see them as people who could give a donation, but would learn from and follow their example. She pointed out her sons and daughters-in-law, Randy and Candy Cole, and Keith and Carmella Cole, and their grandchildren, seated in the front row, saying they all learned to work and to be generous.

"What mother could dream of a better life lesson of giving, that Milt and I can pass on to our children, and they can pass on to their children," she said. "Life is nothing but choices, and saying yes, and walking through doors."

As an exercise science and nutrition student, Tara Lees is grateful for the chance not only to work out in the fitness center, but also to take classes in it and to have a job there.

"I thank the Cole family for being so generous and giving us this opportunity to expand our college experience," she said. "It's nice to have hands-on learning experiences, rather than just watching a video or reading a book. Having a fitness center here makes so much more possible for our program, and it gives students a chance to live a healthier lifestyle."

Kelley Baer, a radiography student from Kokomo, said it means a lot to students to have a high quality, attractive, convenient, place to exercise on campus.

"We are so grateful to the Coles," she said. "This is a gift that is going to keep on giving for many years."

Most excited about having a nice place to shower and change after running, Joanna Davis, Westfield, a student in the radiography program, looks forward to running on the fitness center track during the winter.

"I hope the Coles know how much this means to all of us," she said. "You feel better when you exercise before or after your classes. We're so happy to finally have this center."

Since the Cole Fitness Center opened in August, it has been a hub of activity. Students, along with faculty and staff, flocked to join and started walking on the track and treadmills, lifting weights in the strength training area, and performing reps on the machines. The athletes exercise there as well, doing yoga and participating in core training.

The Cole Fitness Center is in the lower level of the library, in space formerly used for storage. When architect Rick Dalhstrom Jr., from MSKTD & Associates, first saw what was called the "rock room," it was essentially concrete walls and a gravel floor, with no light.

"I had a hard time imagining it as a fitness center initially," he said. He worked with interior designer Amber Kolkman to choose the right lighting, colors, and ceilings to create a vibrant, inviting space.

Kolkman designed the Cole Fitness Center with an industrial feel, as a nod to Kokomo's long manufacturing history. Varying ceiling heights and bright blue and green walls provide an energetic vibe, achieving her goal of making you forget you are in a basement.

"It's inviting and energetic, and encourages people to come work out," Kolkman said.

Myles Hattabaugh, a junior computer information technology student from Kokomo, thinks the center will bring more students to IU Kokomo. He exercises there four or more times weekly.

"It's really nice," he said. "They have a lot of equipment for a lot of people. The quantity and quality of everything is really good. I like being able to work out around my class schedule."

Hannah Gray, a junior computer information technology major, likes being able to exercise at school, rather than having to drive home to Noblesville.

"I like that the center has a lot for girls and guys both, not just a lot of weights," she said. "I like the variety of the equipment here, and that it is for all students, not just the athletes."

Nursing student Taylor Backes, Carmel, exercises in the fitness center every time she is on campus and understands the importance of maintaining good physical health.

"Health and healthy living is an integral part of nursing," she said. "Having the center here supports that. It is a great addition to our campus. It's a great way to relieve a little stress and take a break between classes."

Interim Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke said the Coles are long-term benefactors to the campus, starting with a leadership gift for the library in 1992. They also provided the wood for the stage floor in Kresge Auditorium, where the dedication ceremony took place, and supported an endowment for science equipment.

"To know them is to know generosity, coupled with humility," she said.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

David L. Holmes

Indiana University Kokomo will host noted author David L. Holmes to discuss these issues, which he also writes about in his new book, Faiths of the Postwar Presidents, in a free political science and history forum Wednesday, September 25.

Andrew McFarland, associate professor of history, said how a president's beliefs guide him in the job has been a great topic of discussion for many years, especially in the most recent elections.

"We thought this topic was a good fit and would be of interest to our campus and community," he said. "There is so much discussion today about the role of religion in politics, and a great deal of debate about the separation of church and state."

The presentation is from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Kelley Student Center, Room 130. It is open to the public, and free parking is available. Books may be purchased in the campus bookstore during regular hours, and Holmes will sign copies starting at 5 p.m.

The IU Kokomo campus bookstore is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

A student checks out new technology at the New to IT@IU Tech Expo in 2012.

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to visit with vendors and learn the ins and outs of using campus technology during the event, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, September 24, in Alumni Hall.

"This is especially a great opportunity for new students to learn about the resources we have on campus, to get them connected and keep them connected," said Kathy Kennedy, interim campus web manager.

The first 100 students who engage with at least five vendors will receive free T-shirts. Vendors include Dell, AT&T, UITS-Kokomo IT Training, the IU Kokomo Internet radio club, the new media academic club, the library, Verizon, Lenovo, and CDWG.

There will also be battle gaming demonstrations on three large monitors, featuring Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, and Ouya, and a gadgets showcase featuring Google glass.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

KOKOMO, Ind. — The Kelley Student Center Commons buzzes with conversation and activity during the lunch hour most days. But on Tuesday, September 24, there was not one voice to be heard, as the Indiana University Kokomo campus observed a silent lunch.

Silent LunchThe hour challenged students to think about the difficulties deaf people face, and what can be done to accommodate them, as part of Deaf Awareness Week.

As usual, students gathered at tables to eat their lunches and study — just without the usually conversations. Many wrote notes on napkins to communicate with each other. Some even tried sign language, using the manual alphabet printed on placards on each table. The sounds of the Cougar Country Café cash drawer, and of footsteps, were nearly the only sounds.

Mercedes Smith, a freshman from Sharpsville, already knew some sign language, and learned more from Vinny Vincent, assistant director of financial aid, who sat at her table to teach her. As a future nurse, she said it is important for her to learn some sign language, and also to be aware that not everybody can hear.

"Any field you go into, you may have to communicate with people who can't hear," she said. "I think we take it for granted that everybody can hear, but that isn't always the case. I thought this was interesting."

Also practicing some sign language was Drew McCombs, a sophomore from Flora. His cousin is deaf and read lips, but McCombs would like to learn more sign language to make communication easier.

"We don't always think about what we might do to include someone who is deaf, because you don't notice them," he said. "There is no outward sign of deafness. This makes us all more aware of their needs."

Food service staff participated as well, taking lunch orders on paper, and using paper signs to ask questions like "white or wheat bread?" during the lunch rush.

Maria Ahmad, coordinator of student life and campus diversity, anxiously watched to see if people would participate, and was very pleased with the response.

"The goal is to help students become more aware and more cognizant of what a certain population may go through every day, and whether or not they are truly being accommodated," Ahmad said. "I hope the silent lunch started conversations afterward. It is important to provide that platform for students to start talking and thinking about diversity."

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

Visiting artist Bryan Tisdale. For more pictures, visit our Flickr account.

She feels more positive about her prospects after meeting visiting artist Bryan Tisdale, who spent two days working with students on campus.

"It's good to see someone who recently earned the same degree I am working on, who is a successful artist outside of school," Brubaker said. "He is able to continue producing art, even though he has another job, and that other job is art-related. That is inspiring to me."

Tisdale, 39, Greenwood, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the IUPUI Herron School of Art and Design in May. He visited classes in the fine arts building talking about his inspiration, his print making process, and the equipment he uses. He also critiqued student work individually, providing encouragement and tips for improvement.

These kinds of interactions were important to him when he was a student, Tisdale said, and he wants to pay it forward with younger students.

"If I can inspire at least one person, that would be awesome," he said. "I want them to know there is life outside of art school. I spent so much time when visiting artists came to my school, trying to soak up as much information as I could.

"Print making is all about trouble shooting, and we have to learn from each other, and bounce ideas off each other, to grow as artists."

Tisdale left his job in medical billing to return to school in his 30s, describing himself as a "full time student and Mr. Mom," during that time. He is grateful to his "awesome wife" Aaren and their sons, ages 13 and 10, for supporting his dream.

"I always had a creative side," he said. "I wanted my children to know it's OK to pursue what you love."

The family garage serves as Tisdale’s studio, where he creates his own prints to place in galleries and sell. He also is a screen-printer for the Adidas group, and hopes that leads to a job in the company’s art department, creating original designs for clothing.

Brubaker, from Flora, said being able to meet and talk to an artist one-on-one is a rare opportunity, and one she appreciates.

"Even if you go to a museum or an art show, you can look at the art, but you can't talk to the artist and ask questions. This allows us to touch the work and really find out in-depth how it was created."

Tisdale uses his own photographs in his work, which new media communications major Mark Thompson finds exciting.

"I like how he works from Photoshop to screen, which is what I do," he said. "I'm excited to watch him create a print while he is here, and to get my hands dirty and help."

Tisdale is IU Kokomo's third visiting artist, and Minda Douglas, assistant professor of fine arts, said faculty want to host artists in various mediums each year.

"We hope meeting working artists will provide inspiration to our students," she said. "It is a good experience for them to meet artists other than our faculty, who may have expertise in areas we do not, and can provide new ideas."

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.

2013 Graduate Assistants

He's gaining valuable experience towards that goal this year, as Indiana University Kokomo's sports information director — and as Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) student.

"I'm getting real world, hands on experience, not just reading about it in a book," McClure said. "You see how what you are learning in class applies to your job. I'm getting my feet wet, learning the responsibilities, and working independently."

McClure, 23, Carmel, is one of five graduate assistants, who are also coaching athletic teams, managing the Cole Fitness Center, and advising student organizations, while earning master's degrees to prepare them for their future careers. As sports information director, he updates the athletic department website, assists with game day operations, and is the media contact person for athletics. He has a bachelor's degree in sports communication from IU Bloomington.

Todd Gambill, vice chancellor for student services and enrollment management, said the graduate assistants program benefits both the students and campus.

"It would be nearly impossible to offer the level of service we currently provide to our students and student athletes without this group of rising stars," he said. "Adding graduate assistants to our workforce is a wonderful way to provide extra hands for the workload, but also to offer graduate students real world experience that can be parlayed into post graduation employment."

In addition to job experience, graduate assistants earn discounted tuition and a stipend.

Whitney Farris, an M.B.A. student from Kokomo, was one of the first two graduate assistants last year, serving as sports information director. This year, she is assistant coach for the men's basketball team.

"I enjoy my graduate assistant position, and all the experiences and learning that it affords me," she said. "It is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a new program. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work with people in the athletic department, around campus, and in the community, to support our student athletes."

Farris, 26, has a degree in business management from Valparaiso University, where she played basketball. She plans a career in athletics, preferably coaching.

McClure, Cody Dunham, Ryan Bowerman, and Priyanka Singh Deo are all new graduate assistants this school year.

Dunham, 22, Marion, Ky., is the graduate assistant for the new Cole Fitness Center. An M.B.A. student, he has bachelor's degree in communication from Georgetown College, Kentucky.

"It's really cool to get in on the ground level with opening a new facility," he said. "People have really enjoyed it and have needed something like this. It's not hard to make people happy in my job."

Ryan Bowerman, 25, is the assistant women's volleyball coach. He is from Crawfordsville, and enrolled in the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (M.A.L.S.) program, focusing on global studies. He previously earned a degree in mathematics from Wabash College, and then spent a year teaching in the Amazon jungles of Ecuador.

He appreciates the chance to earn an advanced degree while gaining coaching experience.

"This is really good job experience, doing a lot of what a head coach does, like recruiting, checking on athletes' academic progress, and running practices," he said. "This has been an exciting season, and we've been really pleased with the volleyball team. They've really stepped up their game."

Bowerman plans either to be a coach or to work for a not-for-profit or non-government organization after completing his master's degree.

Singh Deo, 24, is the graduate assistant for student activities and campus diversity. She is from Khariar, Orissa, India, and is enrolled in the M.B.A. program. She previously earned a bachelor's degree in business management, with a minor in economics, from Purdue. She worked in contract management for Linde Engineering, Munich, Germany, before starting her graduate program.

"I experienced diversity at its finest," she said, "We worked with clients from all over the world, and had to be mindful of their culture and ways of doing business. Since I gained invaluable experiences by being a student leader and embracing diversity, I am striving to promote it on IU Kokomo's campus."

She plans to work in contract management after earning her M.B.A., and hopes to live on the west coast.

Indiana University Kokomo serves north central Indiana.