Thunderbolt: Tri-State Alumni Newsletter


	June 2008
	Foundations fund projects Through the generous support of various foundations, TSU received funding for some new and some tried-and-true programs. Our new hospitality and tourism major will launch on strong footing in the fall, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Franklin H. and Ruth L. Wells Foundation to TSU’s Ketner School of Business. A $10,000 donation from Franklin Electric Co. in Bluffton, Ind., will support Tri-State University’s annual Bolting into Engineering, Science, and Technology (BEST) Camp, as well as scholarships and university improvement through the university’s Annual Fund. Zollner steps up—again In recognition of the long-term support of the Zollner Foundation, as well as its recent $1 million commitment to TSU’s new athletic stadium, the stadium will take the name Fred Zollner Stadium. Artificial turf is installed and will be ready for play by mid-June. [learn more] Celebrating new beginnings for 124 years Two hundred twenty-four TSU graduates set a new course for their lives by earning diplomas at commencement Saturday, May 3 in Hershey Hall. TSU President Earl Brooks II congratulated the graduates and welcomed their families and friends before introducing the dignitaries sharing the stage with him. [learn more] Enroll out the red carpet New students may reach 500 this fall, elevating main campus enrollment to a possible 1,325. In addition, TSU’s 2008 Scholarship Day attracted a larger number of high achieving students than any previous year, according to statistics released by the TSU Office of Admission, nearly doubling the participants since 2006. Financial aid, scholarships, TSU’s new academic programs, and its enhanced campus will continue to fuel this momentum. 07.15.08 - 07.19.08 Lego Camp at the Technology Center will educate kids ages 6-9 on the building of simple machines and mechanisms through the use of programmable bricks, wheels, gears, levers, and pulleys. TSU North (Angola), noon-3 p.m. 07.28.08 - 07-31-08 Lego Camp at the Technology Center will educate kids ages 10-12 on the building of simple machines and mechanisms through the use of programmable bricks, wheels, gears, levers, and pulleys. TSU North (Angola), noon-3 p.m. 08.01.08 The 18th annual Alumni and Friends Golf Outing will offer morning and afternoon flights. Visit our website for more information. Zollner Golf Course, beginning at 7 a.m. 09.26.08 - 09.27.08 Homecoming weekend. Alumni check-in Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Trine Welcome Center.	TSU will offer new informatics and hospitality/tourism management degrees in the fall? Accreditation by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) is pending for the Ketner School of Business? Artificial turf has been installed on Shive Field and new lighting will soon be added? TSU has recorded the most successful fundraising year ever? A new field house with 200-meter indoor track to connect with Ketner Sports Center will be built in 2008-2009? Don’t get teed off—reserve your spot Alumni & Friends Golf Outing sponsors Steve and Wendy LaHood invite you join them and a host of other TSU friends for the 18th annual event on Aug. 1 on our own Zollner Golf Course. The event’s popularity necessitated two flights last year, and that schedule will continue this year. The Alumni & Development Office reports a lot of interest, with morning and afternoon flights filling up quickly. Alumni and friends are encouraged to reserve their spots early. Register online today! Golf Guru Two swings — two holes-in-one within eight days of each other. That is the rare feat Dick Jennings, 1964 Tri-State BSBA and golf team captain, accomplished recently. “I don’t know, my friends keep telling me that there is a lot of skill involved,” Jennings said. “But to be completely honest, I think it’s just a lot of luck.” On May 20 at the Houston-area Woodlands Country Club Player Course, Jennings made a hole-in-one on the 143-yard 14th hole using a 7-iron. The second hole-in-one at The Woodlands came May 28 on the Palmer Course on hole No. 6. Jennings used a 5-wood on the 194-yard par 3. According to a 2000 article in Golf Digest, the likelihood of someone having a hole-in-one is 5000-to-1. Congratulations, Dick! Giving skyrockets Our Vision for the Future Capital Campaign is approaching the $79 million mark and still building steam. This year marks the largest to date for giving, with gifts reaching $14-$15 million. What a remarkable commentary on our devoted alumni and friends. Their support is crucial to our development as a premier private institution. Your gift x2 The Alumni & Development Office has experienced an increase of over 25 percent in donations made through company matching gifts. You can double or even triple the value of your TSU gift by taking advantage of your company’s matching gift program. Many will match contributions by their employees and employee spouses, even if they are retired. [learn more] Tradition, future linked at Homecoming Homecoming weekend will link a powerful future with a respected history when Trine University presents “A Proud Tradition: A Dynamic Future” Sept. 26 and 27 all across campus. Even more dramatic changes will be unveiled, including our new student apartment buildings on Zollner Golf Course, fieldhouse, and football field with artificial turf. To make our 13-year-old Touchstone Dinner even more accessible to travelers, we have moved the event to Friday evening. Be a part of the excitement as we gather to celebrate a proud tradition and a dynamic future! Be thunderous support! The Thunder Varsity Club is the primary fund-raiser for the Department of Athletics. Those who join help nearly 500 student-athletes excel in the classroom and on the competition field. As we enter our second year of full NCAA status, Varsity Club support from alumni, parents, and fans will enable our teams to consistently compete at high levels in the Division III MIAA. Several membership opportunities exist. Gifts are tax-deductible. Contact Director of Athletic Development Mike Ferrell at 260.665.4319 or the Office of Alumni & Development at 260.665.4114. Athletic accolades TSU excelled during its first year as a full-status member of the NCAA Division III Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, advancing a team to its first NCAA regional and claiming an individual national championship. The Thunder softball team won their conference title for the second consecutive year, traveling to Rock Island, Ill. to compete in the regional at Augustana College. [learn more] Attention all TSU alumni and friends! Keep in the know and subscribe today! Full Name E-Mail Subscription Type

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