Indiana Lt. Gov. tours Trine campus

ANGOLA, Ind. – Indiana Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann toured Trine University during a visit to Steuben County on Monday.

A focus of Ellspermann's visit was the economy and at Trine she learned about Innovation One (i1) and other programs that will enhance the region. Trine's i1 is an initiative to help new and existing businesses and entrepreneurs bring ideas to market. Through i1, Trine is partnering with area businesses and industries to enhance programs to better prepare graduates for careers in specific industries, such as plastics engineering and cast metals.

"We appreciate the opportunity to show Lt. Gov. Ellspermann our campus and the progress of both the Jim and Joan Bock Center for Innovation and Biomedical Engineering and the T. Further Center for Performing Arts," said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine president. "We're grateful that she made time to see and learn about what Trine is doing in efforts to aid the economy."

The Bock Center is being constructed and will be ready in the fall. It will house i1 and a variety of state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment. Trine's i1 will involve students from every area of study as it works with companies and collaborates on projects.

Trine is also in the midst of a $6 million renovation and addition to the T. Furth Center for Performing Arts (the former Angola Christian Church), located on Maumee Street west of Darling Street. The Furth Center will provide a prominent place for the arts in the lives of residents and students expand the cultural resources of Steuben County and create an environment where artists can thrive. Completion is projected for December 2013.

Joining Ellspermann and Brooks at Trine were Michael Bock, senior vice president, and Jack Shaw, vice chair of the Trine University Board of Trustees.

Ellspermann discussed economic development with local leaders and talked with business leaders about the challenges they face.

"Our challenge in Indiana is to make sure we make this the best place to do business," she told The Herald Republican.

Cutline: From left, Trine president Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Indiana Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann, Trine Board of Trustees vice chair Jack Shaw and senior vice president Michael Bock pose for a photo at Trine. The Trine team led Ellspermann on a tour of Trine University during Ellspermann's visit to Steuben County on Monday.