Generally Speaking …
A newsletter for students and graduates of the Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne General Studies Degree Program Published two times each year by the IPFW Division of Continuing Studies Fall 2008
IPFW student athletes earn degrees/accolades
Basketball Don DeWitt Scott defies the odds. While NCAA statistics show less than average graduation rates nationally for student athletes in Division I schools, Scott has completed not one, but two degrees at IPFW. Scott, a Mastodon basketball shooting guard from 2004 to 2008, graduated with a Bachelor of General Studies in 2007. By May 2008, he had earned a Master's in Liberal Studies and accolades from his academic and athletic advisors. "When I think of the ideal student athlete, DeWitt Scott is the first person who comes to mind," says Dane Fife, head coach of men's basketball. "While he certainly performed on the court, he developed into a tremendous student over the course of his four years at IPFW," Fife said. Scott was recruited in 2004 after completing a year at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. At IPFW, he selected the General Studies Degree Program as his best option for finishing the degree he had started. He credits his IPFW athletic advisor, Leslie Clark, and his General Studies academic advisor, Sandy McMurtrie, for keeping him on track. “Both were a very big help to me," Scott says. The Bachelor of General Studies program allowed Scott to explore his interests in the arts and humanities. He took courses in English, communication, history, religion, and philosophy while excelling on the basketball court. "He was a good writer and he really loved philosophy," McMurtrie remembers. Scott took courses each summer and graduated with the B.G.S. in 2007. But because he sat out the 2004-05 basketball season, he had one year of athletic eligibility left. He decided to stay with the team and use his scholarship to pursue a graduate degree. "The Master of Liberal Studies was the natural next step after the B.G.S.," Scott explains. "I could continue to take the subjects that interested me the most." He earned the M.L.S. in May 2008 with concentrations in English literature and communication. He also earned the 1,000 career points award for his athletic achievements with the IPFW Basketball Dons. Referring to his time spent at IPFW, Scott says, "It's been the best four years of my life undoubtedly!" According to IPFW Athletic Director Tommy Bell, Scott was not the only IPFW student athlete completing a graduate degree this year. Fabiana Souza, former women's volleyball player and graduate assistant coach, also received a masters degree at this year's commencement. "The academic success of Department of Athletics student athletes is truly a commitment of IPFW's faculty, administration, and coaching staff. We are extremely proud of the continued academic success of our student athletes," Bell says. DeWitt Scott displays his 1,000 point game ball.
Mentors make a difference
General Studies students and alumni mentors discuss potential career paths at last year's eMentor event. You can learn more about the program and register to participate as a mentor or a mentee at www.ipfw.edu/dcs/gsdp/ementor or call the General Studies office at 260-481-6828.
eMentor eVent from college to career
Save the date: eMentor event -- Nov. 4 Call now to participate! Vote early and plan to attend Students preparing for careers face more choices than ever before. And no one can help them navigate the maze of options better than those who have successfully completed the voyage themselves. On Nov. 4, the General Studies office will host the sixth annual eMentor event to pair junior- and senior-level students with alumni willing to share their experience and knowledge and provide valuable networking opportunities. The event, which will be held on campus in the Walb Student Union, will include dinner and conversation in a "speed dating" environment intended to stimulate mentor/mentee matches. Students will be encouraged to seek out potential mentors in their fields of interest, ask questions, and request continuing correspondence. Be a mentor. Find a mentor. Approximately 80 percent of IPFW's 2,500 General Studies alumni who live in northeast Indiana are a great potential resource for current students seeking mentors. If you are interested in being a mentor, or if you are a student who would like to know a mentor, please come to the General Studies office in Kettler Hall, Room 144, or call 260-481-6828. You can learn more about the program at the eMentor Web site www.ipfw.edu/dcs/gsdp/ementor. Pre-dinner Mentor Fair--5-6 p.m. Come early to meet and mingle with the staff of the offices of Career Services, Student Life, and IPFW Alumni Relations, and members of YLNI (Young Leaders of Northeast Indiana).
Alumni mentors influence academic/career choices
Three semesters short of graduating with a degree in education, Tina Funkhouser, then in her mid-40s, began to question her resolve to become a teacher. She had heard about the IPFW General Studies Degree Program from a friend and was curious about how it might fit her interests. "What could I do with a General Studies degree?" Funkhouser asked. General Studies academic advisor Sandy McMurtrie suggested that Tina might direct that question to B.G.S. graduates who work in social services, Funkhouser's true interest. She left McMurtrie's office with three business cards. To her amazement, each of the three people she contacted agreed to meet with her to answer her questions about how the General Studies degree had prepared them for their careers. "The exercise introduced me to some wonderful Fort Wayne agencies and the people who work there," Funkhouser says. Jamie Martin, B.G.S. '06, who is employed at Vincent House, allowed Funkhouser to shadow her through a day of work helping homeless families become reestablished into homes and the community. "Now I volunteer at Vincent House whenever and wherever I can," Funkhouser says. Anne Shirmeyer, B.G.S. '99, volunteer coordinator at Park Center (mental health services), also shared her experiences as a General Studies student. "She (Shirmeyer) is really good at her job ... Guess where else I'm volunteering?" Funkhouser says quizzically. Her final contact, Sheila Hamilton-Taylor, B.G.S. '96, who teaches Introduction to Public Relations at IPFW invited Funkhouser to sit in one of her classes. After class, the women discussed how the General Studies degree had impacted Hamilton-Taylor's life. "All of these ladies are making an impact on the City of Fort Wayne by using skills they gained through the pursuit of a General Studies degree," Funkhouser observes. Funkhouser concluded that the General Studies degree would give her opportunity she wanted to focus on the areas that interested her most--education, human services, special needs, and mental illness. Funkhouser will be graduating in December with a B.G.S. "I'm excited about graduating and applying my new skills," Funkhouser says. "My desire is to obtain a job in one of the many excellent human service agencies in Fort Wayne that make the city such a great place to live." Jamie Martin (R), Anne Shirmeyer and Sheila Hamilton-Taylor also volunteer to mentor IPFW students through the General Studies eMentor eVent. See page 1 for details. Tina Funkhouser
Sheila Cuffy receives Faculty Star Award
Sheila Cuffy, B.G.S. '00, M.A. in Communications '06, who teaches online courses in communication, is being recognized for her commitment to providing her students with the best learning experience. An IPFW alumna, Cuffy has been successfully teaching communication courses for Continuing Studies by providing highly interactive and interesting courses for her students. All Continuing Studies students were given the opportunity to nominate faculty members for this recognition. Some students took the time to write about their appreciation to Cuffy for making a positive impact on their education. One student's comments summarized the sentiments of those who voted: "This instructor knows what it takes to teach an online class. She has a great site set up for the class, gives great instructions and direction of expectations, and is always available for questions. She makes learning the material interesting. She is a GREAT instructor!"
Former Volleyball Mastodon Lloy Ball, B.G.S. '05, visited his hometown of Woodburn wearing Olympic gold after returning from the 2008 summer games in Beijing. Undefeated in Olympic play in 2008, Team USA captured its first gold medal in men's indoor volleyball in 20 years and third all time in the sport. This was Ball's fourth trip as an Olympian. Ball will return this fall to Russia where he plays professional ball. Other former General Studies Mastodons playing abroad include C.J. Macias and Brook Ullrich who are competitors in the eight-team Federacion Puertoriquena de Voleibol in Puerto Rico. Joshua Collins, employed recently at IPFW, left in September to play professional volleyball in Italy.
Meet the General Studies staff--
Administrative assistant Susan Kirkpatrick's friendly face is the first you'll see as you enter the General Studies office, now located in Room 144 Kettler Hall (across the hall from the former office). Kirkpatrick joined the staff in July but she is not a stranger to the office. A General Studies student since 2004, Kirkpatrick expects to complete the A.A.G.S. and begin the bachelor's degree in 2009. Before joining the General Studies staff, Kirkpatrick worked in the IPFW Mail Room and other campus offices for nearly seven years. Kirkpatrick Peer advisor, Linda Nuechterlein, waited until her three sons had graduated from college before returning to complete her bachelor's degree as a part-time student. Students seeking advise on choosing classes, participating in internships, or needing support services are often delighted to see one of their classmates as their academic advisor. As an honor student, Nuechterlein has traveled to France to study at the Human Rights Institute, joined the Students for Non-Violence campus organization, and works as a part-time academic advisor for the General Studies program. Nuechterlein
General Studies students awarded scholarships
Sheri G. Drake was awarded the Eleanor A. Bieberich scholarship sponsored by a General Studies alumna in honor of her mother. The award recognizes achievement and future goals of returning adult female students. With the scholarship, Drake believes she can work fewer hours and utilize her time for training and internships in a career field. Coralee Bowley and Tricia Graf received IU School of Continuing Studies Alumni Association Scholarships. Graf also was awarded a Ford P. Hall Scholarship (IU School of Continuing Studies and a General Studies Alumni scholarship. Graf's vision to provide dance therapy for healing through the arts for children keeps her motivated to attend IPFW full time while juggling the full-time duties of wife, mother, and instructor in her business, Studio 149.
The General Studies office is now located in Kettler Hall Room 144.
2008 Graduates
*Distinction **Highest Distinction Associate of Arts in General Studies: Natalie Bandor*, Jessica Barker, Megan Baumgartener, Jason Bennett, Adrienne Benningan, Dustin Blaich, Kip Bolin, Coralee Bowley*, Jennifer Cole, Chantell Davis, Michelle Days, Carlos Esparza, Ryan Fazio, Benjamin Federspiel, Allison Frees, Sarah Firned, Erich Hansen, Sarah Hawley, Carol Hille-Klemm, Stephen Horner, Alfred Jackson, Maggie Jones, Eriko Kato, Mark Kuehnert, Thomas Lalevich, Candice Lecy, Matthew Longmate, Alan Mayor, Madison McBride, Donishia Morrison, Victoria Noll, Jason O’Hair, Delinda Phillips, Christina Pranger, Stephanie Rager*, Tennille Ross, Shanna Schipper, Heather Schoeff, Risa Sechler, Keith Smith, Suzanne Stokes, John Watkins, Kenna Wegenka*, Lindsey Wells, Aurora White** Bachelor of General Studies: Graydon Ainsworth, Kimberly Albright, Ann Anglin, Christian Arnold, Patricia Azevedo, Brooke Ballinger, Wynona Banks, Jennifer Barkel, Lori Bassett, Tiffany Batt, Kathryn Baum, Richard Berich, Adrian Bisson, Adelyn Bhuiya, Brittany Blaylock, Zachary Bloom, Katie Blosser, Sunni Bryant*, Jaraun Burrows, Caitlin Butler*, Christy Call*, Daniel Chamberlin, Suzanne Chapman, Anne Cline, Chris Coburn, Kasey Conlon, Brittany Connelly, Jennifer Conrad, Erica Cytlak, Beth Dannecker-Noe, Vitor Gomes De Oliveira, Nichole Dicke*, Erica Dyer, Zeljko Egeric, Frankye Ellis, Kristin Flener, Nathan Floyd, Suzanne Fortress, Erin Fuentes, Todd Gerbers, Kristina Gaze, Ryan Gibson, Vanessa Gonzales, Todd Hammel, Steven Hanford, Rebecca Hansen*, Molly Hayden, Robert Hinsenkamp, Cassie Hixson, Nancy Hofer, Andrew Hoover, Jared Hoy**, Carter Irwin, Demetrius Johnson, Rebecca Johnson, Sheena Johnson, Tonya Johnson, Leslie Jones, Mickail Kashani, Grant Kinsey*, Nathan Kitrush, Monica Klug, Kari Kolker**, Robin Kucinsky, Justin Lance, Shahn Lehmer*, Patrick Lepper, Stacy Lish, Tawny Loveless, Jane Markin, Cindy Maurizi, Rodney McCarter, Sheila McCrea, Valerie McEowen, Christopher Meisner, Richard Miller, Laura Moeller**, Mark Mosher, Daniel Nielson, David Noll, Trisha Oberlin, Andy Ottenweller, Mitchell Overton, Chris Palevich, Christopher Perkins, Rachel Peters, Lisa Peterson, Nichole Platter, James Powell, Anthony Price, Jorge Ralat, Christopher Roberts, Natalie Roberts, Allison Rorick, Sara Sailors, Abie Sauter, Crystal Schlarb, Anthony Schrader, Trevor Shaffer, Nakaia Shelmadine, Patrica Shifley, April Snyder, Dennis Sorg, Brandy Spaulding, Diana Speller, Marnie Tetzlaff, Deborah Thorpe-Rodda, Ashley Ulery, Brooke Ulrich, Ryan Van Driessche, Alexandra Vasquez, Jason Wetzel, Ashley Wierbinksi**, Gwen Winston, Prisca Wu, Elizabeth Wyss, Margaret Zimmerman
Congratulations to sprint and summer graduates--2008!
Many of the 230 students completing General Studies degrees in academic year 2007-2008 came with their families to the Century Club Room in the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum for a precommencement party hosted by the IU School of Continuing Studies Alumni Association. Graduates, their friends, and families enjoyed a light buffet, exchanged hugs and congratulations, and posed for photos before lining up for the processional. General Studies extends special gratitude to Dr. Bill Bruening (photo below) who served as the General Studies faculty representative to IU. Pictured (l-r): 1. Joann Blosser with daughter, Katie, and husband, Rick; 2. Dr. Bill Bruening, General Studies faculty representative to IU; 3. Ashley Wierzbinski; 4. Dan Nielson with family (including his mother, Mary, who graduated with the B.G.S. in 2007); 5. Wynona and Roger Banks; 6. Alumna and Alumni Board representative Lyna Weaver and Kari Kolker; 7. Tom Boyer and parents; 8. Jared Hoy; 9. Commencement party volunteers (top l-r) Anna Sevier, Roxanne Kingsbury, Mark Whinery, Sandy McMurtrie, (bottom l-r) Lyna Weaver, Gail Hook, and Janet Gabriel; 10. Joann Blosser assisting honor students
From the IPFW Alumni Board
General Studies Alumnus Joins IPFW Alumni Board
Doug Olsen, B.G.S. '06, has joined the IPFW Alumni Board as the General Studies representative for 2008. Olsen, who concentrated in writing and photography in his undergraduate degree, is pursuing a M.S. in Communication. He also serves as a graduate administrative assistant advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences. "Having to know quite a bit about the various departments under the A&S umbrella proved the benefit of my B.G.S. degree," Olsen says referring to his "well-rounded education" (undergraduate) that included courses in psychology and sociology. "As the General Studies alumni representative, I hope to be able to fill the shoes worn by Lyna Weaver (the outgoing alumni representative) who has contributed much to the Alumni Association and to the enjoyment of IPFW. I bring my enthusiasm and my well-rounded background to the position and look forward to the year ahead," Olsen said in his letter of acceptance to the board.
Special Thanks Lyna Weaver for her Service to GS Alumni
"IPFW is about growth," Lyna Weaver said in her self-introduction to the alumni board three year ago as the oncoming General Studies representative. During her tenure on the board, Weaver worked diligently to promote IPFW and the interests of General Studies students and alumni. "We thank Lyna for her support of the eMentor program and the pre-commencement parties where she greeted students and shared her IPFW enthusiasm and loyalty," said Julie Fellers Hook, director of the General Studies program.
Alumni Activities Calendar -- Fall 2008
Oct. 14 Tenth Annual Mastodon Roast Dedication of Alumni Fountain The Connie and Dan Dickey Alumni Fountain will be dedicated during the Tenth Annual Mastodon Roast. The area between Helmke Library and Walb Union has been named Alumni Plaza. Cobblestones to commemorate family and/or friends can be purchased for $100 through Alumni Relations. Nov. 4 General Studies eMentor eVent Nov. 12 Economic Outlook Luncheon Nov. 13 Eighth Annual IPFW Legislative Issues Luncheon Nov. 22 Homecoming Pre-game Breakfast Jan. 29 Fifth Annual Palm Island Resort Retreat For more on all activities or to volunteer, contact the IPFW Alumni Association at 260-481-6807. To participate in the eMentor eVent, call 260-481-6828.
Alumni in the news
Diana Speller, B.G.S. ‘08, announces the birth of Adam Joseph (AJ) Speller, who was born on her birthday, Aug. 16, 2008. Lloy Ball, B.G.S. ’05, brought home the gold medal for indoor volleyball as a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team. This was his fourth consecutive participation in the Olympics. Debbie Branfield, B.G.S. ’03, was appointed vice president Family and Children’s Services, Inc., for 2008-09 and served on the Alumni Marketing team to produce the new branding and tag line. Danni Tippmann, B.G.S. ’02, is interpreter at the Chief Richardville House on Bluffton Road, Fort Wayne, and executive director of the Whitley County Historical Museum in Columbia City. Shellie Goetz, B.G.S. ’00, received the Up and Coming Lawyer Award from Leadership in Law Awards by Indiana Lawyer. Goetz is a labor and employment lawyer at Baker & Daniels LLP and attended the 2008 Leadership Institute for Young Leaders in Northeast Indiana. Abby Weilbaker, B.G.S. ’03, accepted a new position as assistant to general manager at Channel 15. Diana Jackson, B.G.S. ’98, assistant director of diversity affairs, Ivy Tech Community College, was named one of 50 Influential Educators by INK, Fort Wayne. Dorthea Bragg, B.G.S. ’98, Multiple Sclerosis Society, has been named to the board of directors of the Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau. Kyaw Soe, A.A.G.S. ’98, director, Immigrant Reading Program, IPFW, has been appointed to The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Fort Wayne Community Advisory Committee.
Generally speaking … Published two times each year by the IPFW General Studies Degree Program. Julie Fellers Hook, director Sandy McMurtrie, editor Marilyn Marchionni, publishing editor 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499 260-481-6828
General Studies Degree Program Division of Continuing Studies Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne 2101 E. Coliseum Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499
Graduating Spring or Summer ’09? Call 260-481-6828 NOW!
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