Generally Speaking ...

              Generally Speaking …
A NEWSLETTER FOR STUDENTS AND ALUMNI OF THE INDIANA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES, INDIANA UNIVERSITY-PURDUE UNIVERSITY FORT WAYNE GENERAL STUDIES PROGRAM FALL 1999
GS Alumni Book Connections to IPFW
Alumna finds “perfect job” keeps her connected with IPFW.
The reference shelves at Borders are filled with books on finding a dream job, building career skills, locating job opportunities, and determining a career focus based on one's personality. For some people finding the right career can take many years. This was true for Carol Tanner, BGS '98. In 1983, Tanner graduated from IPFW with an Associate of Science in Public and Environmental Affairs. After working in the mortgage industry and in a local consumer protection agency, Tanner realized she needed to find her niche in life and a job she loved. It had been ten years since she was a student, and she knew that  returning to college as an adult to complete her bachelor's degree wouldn't be easy. She would have to continue working full-time plus since she now had a husband and home to care for. What she didn't realize was that she had been out of school too long. To finish her degree she would be required retake most classes. That meant starting over as a freshmen. "I wasn't about to do that," stated Tanner. "College is hard enough without having to throw away credits that I had already worked hard to accumulate." It wasn't long before she learned about the General Studies program. "I didn't have to start over, I could keep the credits I already earned and tailor the subjects I needed to my interests." She added with a laugh, "Determining my interests then became the problem." Within the first semester she realized that the subjects she loved in high school still interested her. "When I took my first journalism class with Ann Colbert I was hooked instantly." Tanner had worked on the yearbook and newspaper for two years during high school. During that time she wrote articles, coordinated photo shoots, and worked on layout and design. Continued on page 2.
Alumna Carol Tanner found that the General Studies program could give her the flexibility she needed to pursue her life-long interests. She was able to complete her degree and settle into a career she truly enjoys.
FROM BOOK TO FILM--Local writer's screenplay plays well in competition.
Local author and screenwriter Leslie Edgerton, BGS '94, has been notified that his screenplay, Spatterdashers, has been chosen as a semifinalist in the Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting competition. "The Nicholl Fellowship is far and away the most prestigious competition a screenwriter can earn, outside of the Oscar's themselves." Spatterdashers was adapted from Edgarton's novel The Death of Tarpons. The Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting Competition is sponsored by the Academy Foundations. Currently he is co-writing a screenplay based on a dream he had and has specifically targeted the father/son relationship of Michael and Kirk Douglas as featured artists. He is also teaching an online creative writing course for UCLA School of Extension's Writers Program and a community writing course for the Fort Wayne Community Schools Neighborhood Connection adult education program.
CAMPUS VOLUNTEERS CONNECT WITH KIDS
Indiana Reading Corps seeks tutors for young students. Literacy is fundamental to the education process, yet many Indiana school children don’t read at grade level. In response, volunteers to the Indiana Reading Corps (IRC) provide one-on-one support and enrichment to school children by engaging them in enjoyable experiences with literature, writing, reading, and listening. IFPW is one of the 25 Indiana state colleges supporting the program. “Our program offers exciting opportunities for faculty, staff, and students to make a difference in their community,” says IPFW program coordinator Kelly Metzger, whose office is within the School of Education. “By volunteering to serve as a reading coach, you can help redirect the lives of kids who otherwise have less chance for academic success.” Young students are introduced to an average of 50 books each school year. The books are provided by the IRC program. Last year, the associate degree honorary fraternity, Alpha Kappa Nu, participated in a community service project by assisting as tutors and sponsoring holiday parties for the visiting students. The IRC goal this school year is to match 25 students with tutors. If you would like to volunteer, call Kelly Metzger in the School of Education at 481-6443. The IRC was initiated through the America Reads challenge, and is funded by by the AmeriCorps, Indiana Campus Compact, and the affiliated college campuses.
Kudos CONGRATULATIONS SUMMER GRADS!
ASSOCIATE DEGREES: Martha J. Black, Michael W. Cummings, Dale A. Davis, Dean S. Heckman, Michelle L. Hippenhamer, Mary J. Neal, Shelley L. Riley, M. Dolores Shaw, Anne B. Shirmeyer, Jim R. Wallen, Joel D. Wheeler BACHELOR’S DEGREES: Christine S. Bause, Dawn R. Bunker, Carol Y. Goings, Sharon E. Hittie, Patricia A. Hudson, Julie A. Huffman, Kimberly E. Jacobs, Candace C. Keefer, Mark C. Mazer, Kathleen A. O’Boyle, Charles A. Pearson, Angela M. Penn, Cynthia K. Powell, Mark D. Rondeau, David A. Schmidlin, Deborah L. Smith, Tiffany R. Stokes, Mary E. Ulery, Angela N. Walker, Kimberly L. White, Barbara K. Wright
General Studies Students Awarded Scholarships
Thirty-seven IPFW freshmen have been awarded the Chancellor Scholarship, which provides for half their tuition. The scholarship is based on high school rank and SAT/ACT scores. Among this year’s recipients is General Studies student Rosemary Shannon. The Dean’s Scholarship awarded by the School of Continuing Studies was awarded to Dawn M. Oetting. Dawn was also the recipient of the Eleanor A. Bieberich scholarship awarded annually to a General Studies returning adult student. Dawn is a junior pursuing the bachelor’s degree with duel minors.
Campus Community Reads for Fun and Facts
Julie Fellers Hook, director of General Studies, has been reading The Pilot’s Wife by Anita Shreve. Jennifer Bosk, director of IPFW Alumni Relations, is reading Jazz by Toni Morrison for a graduate class in American Contemporary Literature. Michael Stockstill, executive director, Continuing Studies and associate professor of history is reading H.D. Brand’s Theodore Roosevelt biography and Stephen Ambrose’s Undaunted Courage about the Merriweather Lewis and the Lewis and Clark expedition. Jeanne Barone, instructor in communications, is reading Lakota Woman by Mary Crow Dog, an interesting and disturbing book about growing up Native American. She is excerpting segments for the “Communicating Race” course she is teaching now. The IPFW BOOK GROUP, the oldest association on campus is reading Why Darkness Seems So Light: Young People Speak Out About Violence edited by Helen Frost for their October 26 meeting.
Booking--Continued from page 1.
“I took those interests and scheduled classes that enhanced the skills I already had,” said Tanner. While working full time she managed to take two or three classes each semester. Her class selections included editorial practices, writing, and photography. “General studies is the perfect degree. It offers flexibility and diversity, and the people in the department really take an interest in the students.” Working towards a minor in journalism, Tanner regarded some journalism faculty as her mentors. “Ann Colbert, Jim Sweeney, and Cathie Rowand … They aren’t just teachers. These people are out there working in the profession. They know what a student needs and they teach so much more than the basics. They teach real-life practical experience.” She added, “Plus, they really care about their students, both personally and professionally.” In addition to taking classes, Tanner also completed a one-year journalism internship at a local weekly paper. She also served as a student representative on the board of directors for the school newspaper, The Communicator. “I needed the experience and exposure so I could move into the ‘90s,” she said. “After all, when I was in high school we didn’t have computers. Everything was done the old-fashioned way--cut and paste!” Just two classes shy of graduation, Tanner was hired as the community relations coordinator for Borders, a position that perfectly matched her interests and skills. Tanner completed her degree and participated in spring 1998 commencement. “Today I’m using all the skills I learned at IPFW,” she said. “Writing, photography, Pagemaker, editorial practices--I use them all. And I stay connected to IPFW through my position at Borders.” “Borders doesn’t just want to sell books and music,” said Tanner. “Each Borders store strives to be an integral part of the community.” To achieve that goal, Tanner works with IPFW’s Office of University Relations, the Department of Fine and Performing Arts, IPFW’s Indiana Reading Corp., and a host of professors. Working together they have arranged informational, educational, and entertaining events and programs at Borders. One such program is “IPFW Saturday Sessions.” On the third Saturday of each month throughout the school year, an IPFW faculty member presents a program, discussion, or reading at Borders. Topics have ranged from poetry to computer programming to civil war music. “IPFW has been a big part of my life and it is a big part of the community. I’m proud to say that I’m an IPFW graduate and I’m proud to further IPFW’s connection with the community,” she stated. Tanner may have taken longer than most people, but she has found her career path. “The things I learned in class while working towards the Bachelor of General Studies degree helped me obtain a job I truly enjoy,” she said. The variety, the people I meet, the ability to work with IPFW--it’s great. I love my job!” said Tanner. “And I credit my education at IPFW for helping me get this job. It may have taken me longer than most people to figure out what I wanted to do in life, but thanks to IPFW, the faculty, the general studies staff, and the journalism program, I have a career that I enjoy.”
Meet the Staff …
SANDY MCMURTRIE Sandy McMurtrie, General Studies secretary for eight years, has been named program assistant in the General Studies offices. The growth in the student base in the General Studies program and efforts to manage enrollment and retention of current students has resulted in the need for increasing staffing. McMurtrie’s responsibilities will include sharing the advising and auditing of General Studies majors with Director Julie Fellers Hook, planning and editing the department newsletter, “Generally Speaking,” and arranging workshops and special events such as the graduation party and student development workshops. This semester McMurtrie is also teaching “Introduction to General Studies” for the PACE program on Saturday mornings. McMurtrie has been the secretary for General Studies for eight years and looks forward to meeting and accommodating students in her role as program assistant.
JUDY ZEHNER The General Studies alumni representative to the IPFW Alumni Association, Judy Zehner, is a very active lady! Zehner, BGS ’82, is the director of community relations at Science Central. Her interest in quality of life issues in her hometown of Fort Wayne has been central to her work in the not-for-profit sector for over thirty years. She co-chairs the Johnny Appleseed Festival, serves on the WBNI Community Advisory Board, is vice president of Headwaters Park Commission and is a member of many local organizations supporting the goodwill and betterment of the community. Zehner met her husband, Jim, at Purdue University Extension 37 years ago. They have a son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, Rhett.
Generally Speaking … is published three times a year by the IPFW Office of General Studies, 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46805. Telephone: 219-481-6828 Sandy McMurtrie, editor Julie Fellers Hook, program director Marilyn Marchionni, publishing
Alumni Announcements
IU School of Continuing Studies Alumni Association Meets at IPFW October 23 The SCSAA is governed by a 12-member board of directors. Each IU campus, as well as the Division of Labor Studies, has an alumni representative serving on the board. The board meets every fall and spring and rotates the meeting location among IU’s eight campuses. The SCSAA board is pleased to be meeting on the IPFW campus for its fall meeting on October 23. Don Kreitzer, BGS ’94 is the IPFW General Studies board member as well as the IPFW Alumni Association Board President. Don’s term will conclude in 1999 and we want to offer him our gratitude for his outstanding representation of the local campus. The goal of SCSAA is to serve general studies alumni through programs and publications. The association supports the pre-graduation reception hosted by the General Studies staff her at IPFW. A portion of the funding for Continuing Studies alumni events comes directly from dues-paying member of the IU Alumni Association. You are encouraged to support SCSAA activities by becoming a member and through participation in activities taking place on the IPFW campus. Join now by calling 219-481-6807.
NOTES ON OASIS Online Access to the Student Information
Students are reminded to report schedule changes to their General Studies advisors • OASIS, the university’s Student Information System (SIS), now can monitor all sections of all courses. That means that students now can use the Web to register for classes, or drop or add a course without seeing their instructor or advisor. The system will confirm the student’s course request instantly and even modify the student’s plan of study. But with the convenience of the new technology comes added responsibility for the student. With Web-based registration, it is the student’s responsibility to communicate changes to the advising department. A General Studies student’s plan of study is as unique as the student him/herself. While students are required to complete areas of learning, the choices within those areas, as well as the total number of credit hours selected, may be limited. Advisors in the General Studies program are available to monitor those requirements. The 1998-2000 Undergraduate Bulletin states: “While students are ultimately responsible for accomplishing their own educational goals and progressing toward graduation, IPFW is committed to helping them meet this responsibility by ensuring access to quality academic advising. Academic advisors are available to assist students by furnishing accurate, up-to-date information and appropriate guidance on academic matters.”--page 275 • The opportunity is there for you to take advantage of the registration technology. The outcome is dependent on your accepting responsibility for reporting changes to your plan of study. • Want an easy way to find out your IPFW grades, class schedule, financial aid award, or fee statement? Want to register or drop/add? Use OASIS: http://www.ipfw.edu/oasis • REMEMBER: Report changes to the General Studies advisors.
Bulletin Board
SPRING 2000 DATES TO REMEMBER: Priority Registration Oct 11-Nov 12 (By appointment) First Payment Deadline Nov 18 Concentrated Registration Nov 29-Dec 2 Jan 3-6
Office Move Update … Yes, we really will be moving to Kettler Hall. Our offices will be located in KT 145 and 139 of the east wing on the main floor. As of this publication, early spring 2000 registration will take place in our Walb Student Union office, room 221. Watch for notification of the office’s move in December.
Looking for a job? Academic Counseling and Career Services (ACCS) is offering “A CONFERENCE ON CAREERS” Wed., Nov. 3, in the Walb Ballroom, noon-4 p.m. Learn more about writing a resume, creating scannable resumes, interviewing, and searching for a job on the WWW. Also check out the INDIANA MULTICULTURAL JOB FAIR, Friday, Nov. 12 at the Indianapolis Convention Center. For more information call 481-6595.
INDIANA UNIVERSITY PURDUE UNIVERSITY FORT WAYNE GENERAL STUDIES 2101 E. COLISEUM BLVD. FORT WAYNE, IN 46805-1499
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