October 14, 2016
The Trine University faculty has issued a proclamation to name Dr. John J. McKetta
Jr. the “patron saint of the faculty” in honor of his dedication to his alma mater.
McKetta earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the university,
then named Tri-State College, in 1937.
The proclamation states, “Let it be known to all that, whereas no one in the 130-year history of this institution has done so much to raise the spirit and the status of the Faculty, while reminding us of our high purpose, we hereby proclaim Dr. Johnny McKetta Patronus Sanctus Facultatis.”
Immediately after completing high school, McKetta began work in the coal mines of Wyano, Pennsylvania. His first day on the job, the roof of the mine caved in, killing two miners. From that moment, McKetta searched for a way out of the coal mines and found an interest in chemical engineering. He wrote letters to 54 chairmen of chemical engineering departments across the country and received one response back, from Tri-State College.
In 1988, McKetta established the McKetta Teaching Awards because of Trine University’s influence on his education and career. Given annually to 10 recipients across various schools, 290 awards have been given to 261 recipients as of May 2016, totaling $1 million in gifts to the faculty. McKetta also held an essential role as one of the few faculty voices on the Trine University Board of Trustees, serving as a trustee for 50 years.
The Dr. John J. McKetta Jr. Department of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering is named in his honor and he received the university’s Pillar of Success Award in 2001. He received an honorary doctorate from the university in 1967.
“The idea to honor Johnny in this way was faculty generated and enacted, possibly the only award of its kind in the world,” said Tom Tierney, founder of The Humanities Institute and professor emeritus of English at Trine University. “I suspect all who know Johnny have their ‘Johnny stories’, but the common thread of all of them is that we love him.”
Tierney presented McKetta with a certificate of this unique honor on behalf of the university on Sept. 8.
Area residents interested in launching or advancing their nursing career can learn more about Trine University’s associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs during a Friday, Jan. 16, event at Cameron Health.
Trine University’s Thunder Therapy Clinic, which provides pro-bono rehabilitation services to those in the Fort Wayne area with limited means, will offer occupational therapy beginning in January.
Trine University’s first Associate of Science and Master of Science in nursing graduates, along with physician assistant and surgical technology graduates, received a welcome to the healthcare field from the leader of Cameron Health, herself a longtime nurse, during the university’s fall Commencement on Dec. 12.