Trine honors community members

Scholarship Gala Committee honored

 

Trine University thanked the local community for its support by hosting its annual Community Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, April 17 in Witmer Clubhouse.

Members of the professional community mingled before enjoying breakfast by Trine’s Bon Appetit. After the meal, Trine President Earl D. Brooks II recognized the Trine University Community Service Award recipients, the Trine University Scholarship Gala Committee members, with a gift.

Trine University Scholarship Gala Committee members pictured, from left with Trine President Earl D. Brooks II, are Beeth Beech, Diane Stock, Lorrie Simmons, Melanie Brooks, and Sherry Fulk. Jeanne Horman, Judy Weaver, Sheri Trine and Karen Stuckey also served on the committee, along with several Trine University staff members. The committee plans every aspect of the annual fund-raiser, which raised $105,000 this year from over 350 people in support of Trine scholarships.

“This is a special group of ladies who totally manage and organize this event for the university each year. Over the course of six years, we have accumulated gifts of over $450,000, with those dollars directed to our annual scholarship funds to assist students in our region. Each year’s growth has exceeded the previous year, and we thank many of you for being part of that tremendous continual support,” Dr. Brooks told the community group.

He then updated them on the status and plans for the university in his annual state of the university address. Although the economy has caused the university to move thoughtfully and prudently, Trine has good news and positive indicators for the future, he said.

He pointed to two consecutive years of record-breaking incoming classes and an estimated 450-500 in the fall as steady growth factors for Trine. Deposits, inquiries, student retention and campus visits are increasing, and the geographic and demographic makeup of students is widening, he said.

Trine graduates, especially in engineering, are highly recruited for jobs. Accreditation is secured for the schools of engineering, education, and business, and is in the offing for the forensic science program in the school of arts and sciences, which points to the quality of Trine’s academic programs, he said.

The university has raised $87 million of a $90 million capital campaign goal, which has allowed it to channel $65 million into campus improvements in five years. Strategic moves made in the past five years have led to such momentum and opportunity, he said.

The university has adjusted to operate more efficiently, and has a seven-year balanced budget history. That efficiency will allow for the maintenance of academic programs at the highest level, he said.

With expanded academics, new housing, improved culinary services, a new university center, new music programs, an expanded Greek system, Zollner Golf Course, WEAX radio, outstanding NCAA Division III athletics, and ramped-up Student Life activities, students enjoy a complete and wholesome college experience now, he said.

Infrastructure plans include the new T. Furth Center for Performing Arts, Athletic and Recreation Center, expansion of the Ketner School of Business in the Ford building and a fourth new fraternity. Housing improvements should draw 1,600 residents by 2010, and a total of over 2,000 students should seek education at Trine. When that happens, strategic planning will be needed for more housing, classrooms, and cafeteria space, he said.

“We are well positioned for the future,” he told the group. He thanked them for supporting university plans, and asked for the pooling of resources to benefit Trine, the city, region, and community. “Please take advantage of our resources,” he said. “We want you involved with our plans and value your input.”