University recognizes supporters of completed projects

OCT. 9 --  Trine University dedicated two structures and a garden wall today as part of Through the Years homecoming weekend festivities.

The first dedication honored the couple who made it possible to build a 170-bed residence hall.

“Our phenomenal growth the past few years has created the need for additional apartment-style living on our campus – all you need to do is look around – we are here this morning to dedicate such a facility and to thank and recognize those whose help and support make that happen,” Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine president said late this morning during a dedication ceremony for the Larry and Judy Reiners Residence Hall.

From Reiners, guests proceeded east on Thunder Drive to the new garden wall and Ford Hall, home of the Ketner School of Business.

Brooks also thanked a philanthropist for her friendship and support to Trine.

Judy A. Morrill was recognized for the Judy A. Morrill Garden Wall that runs on the north side of Thunder Drive from Darling Street to Fawick Hall.

“This wall and its surrounding area serves as a functional place for our students and guests to safely access buildings and classes,” Brooks said. “Its beautiful façade adds to the beauty of our campus and we have Judy to thank for it all.”

“This is another special moment for Trine University and particularly our students and faculty of the Ketner School of Business,” Brooks told the guests.

In 2009, Ralph W. Ketner, a longtime benefactor and friend and 1939 accounting graduate, made a $500,000 gift to his namesake business school at Trine University. That gift helped fund the plan to renovate Ford Hall as the future home of the Ketner School of Business, Brooks said, noting that Ketner could not attend the ceremony.

Others recognized during the dedication of Ford Hall include:

• Chairman of the Board of Trustees and alumnus Rick L. James and his wife Vicki L. James for providing the major capstone gift and funding that allowed Trine to fully renovate Ford Hall. A portrait and plaque on the second floor of Ford Hall honors them for their many contributions to Trine.
• The late Thomas and Joy LaCour for enabling Trine to relocate the Thomas and Joy LaCour Golf Management program to Ford Hall.
• Trustee and alumnus Mitch Rhoads, and his wife, Debra for the Mitchel E. and Debra S. Rhoads Center for Entrepreneurship in the Ketner School of Business.
• Trustee and alumnus Lynn A. Brooks and his wife, Patti, for the Lynn A. Brooks Dean’s Suite in Ford Hall.
• David Willman, and his wife, Jill, for the David and Jill Willman Financial Trading Center.
• Alumnus and trustee Steve LaHood and his wife, Wendy, for the LaHood Lecture Hall in Ford Hall.
• Alumnus Ron Cook and his wife, Debbie, for the Ronald E. Cook Classroom.
• Alumnus Larry Kennedy and his wife, Maryann, for the Larry and Maryann Kennedy Student Lounge and the Larry and Maryann Kennedy Classroom.
• Dedicated friend and supporter John Cerasani, president and founder of Northwest Comprehensive, for his financial investment for the Ketner School of Business. The John Cerasani Student Lounge in Bean Counters coffee shop was dedicated in his honor.

A complete list of the names of those who supported the renovation of Ford Hall and the Ketner School of Business is on a plaque on the second floor of Ford Hall. Among the names on the plaque are alumni Harry Sinden, Carl E. Hall and George Stump, who provided financial support to the overall renovation project.

Trine also acknowledged other financial contributors who were unable to join for the ceremony. Those supporters include:

• The Wells Foundation
• Alumnus Dick Kocerha and his wife, Betty, for the Dick and Betty Kocerha Classroom
• Alumnus George Metzger and his wife, Charlene, for the George and Charlene Metzger Classroom
• Alumnus Richard Morin for the Richard L. Morin Faculty Office

On Saturday, Trine University will dedicate the Sig and Cliff Ryan Tennis Center at 10:30 a.m. and dedicate the Sport ONE/Parkview Softball Field at 11 a.m.

Brooks encouraged all guests to tour the campus and enjoy the other homecoming activities during the weekend.

Top photo: Larry and Judy Reiners, left, pose with Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine University president, during a ceremony to dedicate a residence hall named in their honor. Bottom photo: Judy A. Morrill poses with Brooks during the dedication of the Judy A. Morrill Garden Wall.
Photos by Dean Orewiler, multimedia specialist