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 SUMMER 2004
She walks the walk and talks the talk! McMurtrie Named Advisor of the Year
Each year, IPFW’s Academic Advising Council selects a person as the recipient of the Outstanding Advisor Award. This year, that honor was Sandy McMurtrie’s, who has been counseling students in General Studies for the past five years. How do you get be an Outstanding Advisor? In Sandy’s case, it’s a combination of “been there, done that,” and a genuine caring and concern for the students who come through her office. Sandy says she knows “each person can be successful; sometimes it just takes a little encouragement from us to make them see their potential. When I talk to returning adult students, I can really relate to what they’re going through … I didn’t want to take a math course at 50 either!” How did Sandy get to where she is today? In many ways, hers is a typical story. Graduating from high school in the ‘60s, the career options for women were pretty much limited to being a teacher, a nurse, or a secretary. Sandy went to International Business College for their executive secretarial degree and along the way, got married, had three children, and worked in a family business. Then one night, she heard a first-person presentation by Joan Uebelhoer, a professor in IPFW’s Women’s Studies program. That sparked Sandy’s interest in taking a class by Uebelhoer. And as they say, the rest is history. After she took that class, she wanted to take more, and IPFW became a “hobby gone wild.” Sandy says that after taking a few classes, she decided she also wanted to work here. She began her tenure in student affairs 15 years ago, and in fall 1999, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and supervision and became an academic advisor in the Division of Continuing Studies. (Continued on page 2.)
Professor Bill Bruening presented the award to Sandy McMurtrie.
eMentor eVent an enhanced first-year experience
An evening of fun and mentor matchmaking! Dinner at 6 p.m. Program at 7 p.m. General Studies alumni are invited to an evening of fun and mentor matchmaking. Find that mentor within the six Career Clusters who will help you shape your future education and career goals into a reality. R.S.V.P. by calling 260-481-6828 by Oct. 12.
National Omicron-Psi Honor Society Inducts New Members
One hundred forty-four IPFW students including 19 from General Studies were inducted into IFPW’s chapter of the national Omicron-Psi Honor Society in May. The national Omicron-Psi Honor Society recognizes the achievements and sacrifices of nontraditional students and encourages their continuing academic pursuits through scholarships and awards. Coadvisors for the IPFW chapter are Robin Newman, director of the Center for Women and Returning Adults, and David W. Wood, director of Distance Learning and Weekend College. Julie Fellers Hook, director of General Studies, assisted at the induction ceremony. The General Studies inductees are listed on page 3.
IDIS 110: The Adult Freshman Experience
IDIS 110 is a course designed to help adult students make the transition back to the college classroom. Students work with experienced staff to sharpen their college survival skills, focusing on managing time; building a support system; and balancing college, work, and family. Students are introduced to the campus resources that will help them succeed in college. In addition, the class is an opportunity for adult students to meet and support one another through their first semester back to school after lengthy stop-outs. Three sections of IDIS 110 are offered this fall semester due to the popularity of the class. Mary Lehto, instructor and campus advisor, is pleased to see that many of new student friendships continue after the course has ended. Lisa Doehrman, mother of four, stepped on the IPFW campus last fall after graduating from high school 13 years ago. After completing the general education requirements, she plans to enter the dental hygiene program. “It was great to share the experiences of other nontraditional students with the same roles I was juggling! The goal-setting exercise required us to write down short and long-term goals, an exercise adults often don’t take the time to do,” said Doehrman. Lehto suggests that students revisit those goals often along their academic journey. Douglas Olsen, a General Studies major, experienced a 30-year break in his pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. “It’s not 1973 anymore! After talking to Robin Newman at the Center for Women and Returning Adults, the ideas and goals of the class just spoke to me. It certainly helped me feel confident that I had made the right decision to return to school,” said Olsen. Academic Counseling and Career Services, the course sponsor, also offers academic workshops throughout the fall semester to support new students. You can access this schedule at www.ipfw.edu/accs/academic/workshops.
From the other side of the lectern by Henry Graf, B.G.S. ’03 and instructor, COM 114
At my graduation party from Concordia High School in 1993, my sociology teacher inquired about what I was going to study while at college. I stammered around trying to find something impressive to say and finally replied with what seemed like a mantra among my peer group, “undeclared.” He encouraged me not to worry, letting me know that most people change their major at least once. Little did I know that my 10-year undergraduate journey would consist of four schools (Ball State, Concordia River Forest, University of North Texas, and IPFW) as well as more than a half-dozen declared majors (vocal performance, theater, communication, psychology, education, youth ministry, and General Studies). When I moved with my family to Fort Wayne from Texas, I had given up on finishing my degree. However, living near IPFW I often passed the campus. On a whim I stopped at the Admissions office to find out what kind of programs IPFW had and how long it would take me to finish a degree. When I told an Admissions counselor my story, he suggested that the General Studies program might interest me. I was amazed to find out that most of my credits transferred. By spring, I had earned a Bachelor of General Studies from IPFW. Currently, I am working on a master’s degree in communication and serving as a graduate aide for COM 114 - Fundamentals of Speech. Of the universities I have attended, my best experience has been at IPFW. Caring faculty and staff isn’t just a catch phrase; it’s a reality. When I met with my advisor, Sandy McMurtrie, for the first time, my head was shaved. I haven’t had my hair cut since that meeting and Sandy still remembered my name when I walked into her office recently. When I was applying for the graduate program in communication, a voice from a back office asked if that was Henry Graf. It turned out to be Adam Dircksen, a professor who not only remembered my name but could identify me by hearing my voice from another room. Even the transition from student to graduate aide was smoothed by my assigned mentor, Irwin Mallin, who helped ensure that I was given the opportunity to excel. Two years ago, I was disenchanted with higher education. Now, with the encouragement and resources provided by IPFW, I am preparing to apply to Ph.D. programs. Who do you know who is driving by IPFW everyday and could reap benefits like these? Please pass the word along so that no one misses out on this opportunity.
Coming Soon--CAPP: Curriculum, Advising and Program Planning Using Degree Audits by Kim De Leon, assistant registrar--degree audits
The new CAPP program (Curriculum, Advising, and Program Planning), which will be operational soon, will benefit IPFW departments and students alike by saving each a lot of time. Departments will be able to use CAPP to run compliance with graduation and with their minor requirements as well as aid advisors in checking different majors for prospective students during advising appointments. CAPP also will monitor a student’s GPA. Students will be able to check for compliance with their academic majors and instantly see the requirements they have met toward graduation. CAPP also will allow students to “degree shop” online. Students who are considering a change of major or degree can run a “what if” analysis by choosing the major or degree in which they are interested. CAPP will sort completed courses and any courses for which they are registered and match them with the new degree requirements. With that information, students can see immediately if changing majors or degrees is a good option. They also save time by avoiding advising appointments in majors that would not be a good fit. Academic departments can access records now through CAPP of students who attended IPFW only since fall 1995. CAPP will be fully functional when academic history has been completed. An announcement will be made on OASIS when this feature is accessible. Although CAPP will save time and help students manage their progress, the program cannot replace the academic advisor. Each student brings a diverse course history and not all individualities can be programmed into OASIS. Advisors are needed to interpret degree and university requirements and to offer guidance toward graduation and career options.
(McMurtrie - Continued from page 1.) What set Sandy apart from other nominees? “She understands her students’ needs and knows how hard it can be to stick with it and succeed … Because of Sandy, I didn’t just graduate with an associate degree, I graduated a more compassionate, socially active person.”--Kim De Leon, 2002 graduate, assistant registrar--degree audits, and a former coworker. “Sandy has the ability to lift me up when I’m down … She has never refused to speak to me and makes an effort to greet me on or off campus … she has overtly influenced my decision to continue my schooling from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree and on to a master’s degree.”--Marsha Spaulding, 2004 graduate. “Sandy goes out of her way to tailor her approach by providing appropriate resources for each individual.”--Catherine McGinnis, coordinator of employment services--Academic Counseling and Career Services. As the winner of the award, Sandy received a plaque and $500 for use towards professional development. She hopes to use the award money to further develop the General Studies mentoring program, which she began last year.
General Studies Students Present Research
General Studies students Marsha Spaulding and Lisa Turner presented research projects before an IPFW audience celebrating Women’s History Month in March. They also presented their papers at “Women, Justice, Peace,” the 16th annual all-IU Women’s Studies Conference in Kokomo. Spaulding repeated her presentation entitled “Is There a Need for a Family Homeless Shelter in Adams County?” for Adams county officials as an additional requirement for an honors certificate. Her research revealed a population of “invisible homeless” in Adams County--adults and children who move within their circle of family and friends but have no permanent residence. Spaulding’s project drew attention to the need for improved communications, services for needy families, and heightened awareness by county officials of the impending need for adequate shelter for this population. Turner’s presentation, “Marjorie Dickerson Wickliff--Local History at Its Best,” focused on Marjorie Dickerson Wickliff, who was an important figure in the Civil Rights Movement in Fort Wayne, a founding member of the NAACP, and Turner’s great aunt.
Congratulations Class of 2004!
As photographers captured special moments of Commencement 2004, reporters asked the graduates to share their feelings. Among the 187 General Studies students who received diplomas in May, those pictured below expressed the thoughts behind their happy smiles …
• “This is it! It’s my moment. Thanks for believing in me!”--Lyna Weaver with daughter
• “I could not have completed my degree without the support of (General Studies staff members) Julie, Sandy, and Kim. Many thanks for their friendship and encouragement.”--Vicki Goltz (pictured with advisor Sandy McMurtrie)
• “When I fly over Fort Wayne, I always announce from the cabin: ‘the home of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.’”--Pat Murray, commercial pilot (pictured with his fiancée)
• “Relieved, ecstatic, and flying high … without drugs!”--Patrice Hunsberger
• “WOW! It took me 20 years to get here! I’m so proud to be carrying this banner … for myself and for my children.”--Genevieve Epps
• “Thinking about being a role model for my children. They were enjoying the evening as well.”--Laura Ballou
• “The smile comes with the gown!”--Dimples Smith
• “It’s been a long journey, but my degree has already opened new doors for advancement in the military!”--Anthony Rogers
• “At the time, I was reflecting on all the great things I had done while at IPFW, all building to that moment!”--Travis Blume
Students graduating with highest distinction were (l-r) Laura Ballou, Vicki Goltz, and Tangela Hughes.
Students graduating with distinction include (l-r) Stacy Simonis, Christina Adams, Patrice Hunsberger, Troy Kirkpatrick, Penny Helms, and Casey Wieland.
To see more Commencement 2004 photos, go to www.ipfw.edu/dcs/gsdp/ and click on “SEE OUR 2004 GRADUATION PICTURES”
IU SCHOOL OF CONTINUING STUDIES Honor Roll
MAY 2004 GRADUATES
Associate of Arts: JILL AUSBURY, CHRISTOPHER BEER, JAIME BREWER, EVE BRINDLE, SHIRELY CHAMBERS, DREW DURHAM, JAMIE EHLERDING, SCOTT ESSIG, MARY HAGAN, SUSAN HATFIELD*, JODIE HIVELY, KRAIG KEYS, MOLLY LOMONT, CHRISTOPHER MEISNER, BRADLEY MINSER, KRIK STAUFFER, CHRISTIE STIVERSON, DAVID WOOD Bachelor of GS: CHRISTINA ADAMS*, MITZI ADAMS, NICHOLAS ALDRICH, DAVID ANTHONY, JASON ARNETT, AMANDA ARTHERHULTS, LAURA BALLOU**, CYNTHIA BELL*, SUSAN BENDER, TRAVIS BLUME, RONALD BRANCH, SHANE BURNWORTH, JEANETTE CADY, JAMES CHURCHHILL, DEBRA CLAYTON, YIANI DEMITSAS, AMY DRAKE, MATTHEW DRINEN, JANICE DURRE, KRISTI EMELY, CHRISTY EVILSIZOR*, VICKI GOLTZ*, MICHAEL GORDON*, ANDREW HANEFELD*, REBECCA HEIMANN, PENNY HELMS*, MARLENE HOLDEN, TRACY HOLDEN, TANGELA HUGHES**, PATRICE HUNSBERGER*, BREANNA JACKSON, TAMMY JONES, TERRECE JORDAN, SHARON KLIMCZAK, RYAN KOHLHEIM, DEREK LALIBERTE, ELIZABETH MARQUART, JANESSA MAST, RAMONA MCGOWN, MARY NANCE, BENJAMINE NEFF, LINDA PARRISH, CELIA PRICE, JERAMIAH ROBERTS, DONNA ROSENBERRY, BRADLEY ROSIER**, SCOTT RUF, DAVID SCOTT, LISA SHAFFER, GEOFFREY SHROUT*, STACY SIMONIS*, ELIZABETH SMITH, NATHAN SOMERS, MARSHA SPAULDING, GRACIELA TELLEZ, VIRGIL THARP, CASEY WIELAND*, TRAVIS WISEL, ROSALYN WYNNE, JAMIE YOAKUM *Distinction ** Highest Distinction
INDUCTED INTO NATIONAL OMICRON-PSI HONOR SOCIETY
SUSAN BEACH, BRIDGET BOETJER, JOYTINA COCHRAN, STEPHANIE FILICKSY-MUIR, FRANCINE GARY, VICKI GOLTZ, MICHAEL GORDON, TRACY HOLEN, RACHEL HURRAW, RHONA KACHMANN, RACHEL KEEFER, DAVID MARTIN, JANET MCCAULEY, ROBERT DOUGLAS OLSEN, KAREN REINOEHL, KAREN RIGHTSELL, LINDA TONKEL, LYNA WEAVER, TAMARRA WILLIAMS
GS Bulletin Board
Dates to Remember Early payment deadline Aug. 5 Classes begin Aug. 23 Last day for full refund Aug. 27 Labor Day holiday begins (for Weekend College) Sept. 3 Fall workshops from ACCS
Upcoming Alumni Events 29th Annual IPFW Alumni and Friends Golf Outing July 22 Alumni Dorm Night Aug. 6 & 7 Soccer Showcase Tailgate Aug. 20 IPFW’s 40th Anniversary Party Sept. 14 Sixth Annual Mastodon Roast Oct. 12 Call 260-481-6807 for information and to sign up for events.
Alumni in the News A very special thank you to all alumni who support the General Studies program with their time by serving as mentors, on our referral network, or on our alumni board or school council. Your generous gifts enable us to honor our graduates with a premier party before Commencement and to mail photos to students who attend the festivities. It is the favorite day of the year for our staff as well! Thanks for the memories of IPFW.
Awards and Promotions: Kim DeLeon, assistant registrar-degree audit, IPFW, received the Triumphant New Professional in Student Affairs Award as nominated by the CAPP Team; Travis Blume, IPFW Multicultural Services, received the Clerical Student Affairs Award; Ramona McGown of Providence Communications and QC Printing sells printing and ad copy for the FW Business Journal and Health Cares; Dawn Oetting received a law degree from Valparaiso University; Lydia Bates is the academic coordinator of Upward Bound at IPFW; Donald Kreitzer was awarded a faculty appointment, Ketner School of Business, Tri-State University; Kim Gonzales has joined Do It Best Corporation as education services specialist in the communications department; Cynthia Amber, attorney, is a new partner in Northeast Indiana Center for Child Advocacy, a nonprofit center dedicated to children’s rights.
Recently Published: Scott Bushnell, senior vice president of corporate communications at American Specialty Companies Inc. in Roanoke recently coauthored Roanoke, The Renaissance of a Hoosier Village. The historical perspective has present day applications in the transformation of small towns into centers for big business. Local author Les Edgerton and teenage son Mike teamed up to write Surviving Little League. The book uses humor to overcome negative experiences kids can have with aggressive team coaches and parents and puts less emphasis on winning and more on teaching skills and fundamentals. Current student and author Wes Matsel used his military background to create a plotline for Threat Level: Severe. Military and homeland security characters tell the story of a terrorism attempt on the heartland of America. He continues to work on two more books of a series.
GENERAL STUDIES DEGREE PROGRAM Division of Continuing Studies 2101 E. COLISEUM BLVD. FORT WAYNE, IN 46805-1499
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