Welcome Letter
Homecoming 2005 “A Vision for the Future, A Celebration of Success” was a grand event. There were all sorts of activities—the Scholarship Reception, Touchstone Dinner, a Trustees meeting, board meeting for the Alumni Board plus smaller get-togethers of fraternities and volunteer organizations. There was a groundbreaking for the new University Center and Center for Technology and Online Resources, as well as dedications for the newest upperclass housing known as the Ingledue Villas. Saturday was the emotional dedication of Jannen Field in memory of Robert Jannen Jr., son of Dr. Robert (’50) and Dolores Jannen. This upgrade to the baseball diamond—perimeter brick wall and fence surround—is not just appealing to the eye but makes this field more functional. And finally, a long overdue tribute to TSU professor emeritus Al Guilford BSCE ’54 with the dedication of the Al Guilford Civil and Environmental Engineering Student Project Laboratory in the basement of Fawick Hall.

Perhaps most exciting…the public phase of our $70 million Capital Campaign was officially announced with a toast during both the Touchstone and Homecoming dinners. We took pleasure in the opportunity to share with our gracious supporters that we have surpassed the $50 million mark.

As you continue to read on, remember if you have not been to campus in over five years, you have not seen the Tri-State of today. Come for a visit, and stay in our guest house.

Allen Keen ‘03

TSU to Create Business Center
The Ketner School of Business will be creating a high-tech business center, thanks to the generosity of Joe Jelley (BSBA ‘57). The gift will renovate portions of the first floor of Shambaugh Hall into a business center. Also, Ketner will have wireless technology. Because the gift falls during the Lilly Challenge (see story below), the gift will be more than doubled by the Lilly Endowment. Thank you, Joe!

Get Ready for the Gala
Last year’s gala raised over $60,000 for the scholarship fund. Monies raised this year also will support annual scholarships that come from alumni, friends and former parents. This year is a special year for the Gala. Every dollar raised during the event will be matched by the Lilly Endowment Inc. TSU was one of 14 schools invited to participate in the Challange that will match $1.50 for every $1 TSU receives from its supporters. Join us for an evening of dancing, wine tasting, silent and live auctions. For more information, please contact Julie Wert at wertj@tristate.edu or at 260.665.4316 or Nancy Roberts at robertsn@tristate.edu or at 260.665.4114.

Escape with TSU: Las Vegas
Cure your winter blues this February and escape with us to the beautiful MonteLago Village Resort, Lake Las Vegas, February 24-26. Accommodation packages include a president’s reception, breakfast buffets, and an alumni dinner are available. Please contact Julie Wert at wertj@tristate.edu or at 260.665.4316 or Nancy Roberts at robertsn@tristate.edu or at 260.665.4114. Information on the event can also be found online.

Men’s Hoops in the Capitol
Men's Thunder Basketball returns to Indianapolis during the holidays. This year, the Thunder take on cross-state engineering rival Rose-Hulman at Conseco Fieldhouse on December 30th. Tickets are available through TSU athletics; for more information call 260.665.4141 or e-mail tsuathletics@tristate.edu.

The Big Dig: University Center Webcam
It didn’t take long after the October ground breaking for construction crews to begin the two-year, $14 million University Center project. Check out the daily progress of the new University Center on the home page, tristate.edu. Look for the “BIG DIG” button in the lower right hand corner or click here.

Faculty Spotlight
Dr. Jerry Beehler retires this month after more than 35 years at Tri-State College/Tri-State University. Most recently a professor of mathematics, Dr. Beehler served the institution as vice president for academic affairs (1993-96), dean of arts and sciences (1984-93), and chair of both the mathematics department and the department of mathematics and computer science (1974-84). He joined the Tri-State family in 1969, after earning his Ph.D. at the University of Toledo, where he served as a NASA Fellow. Thank you for your years of dedication and service, Dr. Beehler!

University’s Accreditation Includes Public Comments
TSU is seeking comments from the public about the University in preparation for its periodic evaluation by its regional accrediting agency. The University will undergo a comprehensive evaluation visit February 12-15, 2006, by a team representing the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Tri-State University has been accredited by the Commission since 1966. The team will review the institution’s ongoing ability to meet the Commission’s Criteria for Accreditation. The public is invited to submit comments regarding the university:

   Public Comment on Tri-State University
   Higher Learning Commission
   North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
   30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
   Chicago, IL 60602-2504

Comments must address substantive matters related to the quality of the institution or its academic programs. Comments must be in writing and signed; comments cannot be treated as confidential. All comments must be received by January 12, 2006.