FORT WAYNE — Trine University’s ability to adapt and thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic
earned it a spot among northeast Indiana’s top innovators, honored during a June 25
ceremony.
Trine received the 2021 Innovation in Education award given by Greater Fort Wayne
Business Weekly during its annual Innovation Awards, held at Ceruti’s Catering in
Fort Wayne.
The university was cited particularly for its work to support local businesses through
Trine innovation 1 and for continuing to offer its popular STEM with Storm program
online during the pandemic.
Lou Phelps, CEO of Business Weekly publisher KPC Media Group, said the awards’ judges
singled out individuals, businesses and organizations that developed solutions.
“The pandemic forced us all to change, to adapt, to be resilient, and we did that
by coming up with solutions to challenges,” she said.
“We looked for those ideas that we felt had the greatest impact during a time when
many were struggling within the region to survive,” said Lisa Long, editor of Greater
Fort Wayne Business Weekly, “but what we found was that many of you knew how to thrive.”
Jason Blume, executive director of Trine innovation 1, accepted the award on behalf
of the university and took part in a panel discussion following the ceremony on how
organizations managed to adapt and innovate.
A special section included in the June 25 edition of Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly
recognized the winners.