Trine moving forward, working together as new academic year launches

Trine University will continue to move forward as its faculty and staff work together to carry out its mission and vision, employees heard Tuesday, Aug. 12, during the university’s annual kickoff celebration for the fall semester.

Standing in for university President Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., who was with family for the birth of a grandchild, Tony Kline, Ph.D., executive vice president, credited Trine employees with allowing the university to thrive despite current trends in higher education.

“The essential ingredient in why we have emerged as a leader in higher education is because of you, individually, and the power of what we can collectively do together,” Dr. Kline said. “Our students truly feel our collective effort, an interconnectedness that creates remarkable Trine experiences on our beautiful campuses.”

Looking forward, Dr. Kline recapped campus upgrades and enhancements that are coming online, in progress or starting soon, including the Summit Street Apartments, John and Mary Pellegrino Student Design Center, inflatable dome, renovations to Hershey Hall, Zollner Football Stadium expansion and Trine Family Training Center.

“As we continue into the future, one thing will always remain the same at Trine University: We continue to make our decisions based on what is best for our students' experiences,” he concluded. “That will be something that, together, we will continue to accomplish as we move forward.”

Service recognition

The university then recognized employees for their years of service.

Sean Carroll, professor, Allen School of Engineering and Computing, and Emily Chancellor, administrative assistant, Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences, were recognized for 35 years of service.

Timothy Tyler, professor, Allen School of Engineering and Computing, and Grady Rose, custodian, were recognized for 30 years of service.

Dr. Brooks and Camilla Hukill, custodian, were recognized for 25 years of service.

Kelly McGuire, assistant vice president of enrollment, and Chad Keefer, associate professor, department chair, Jannen School of Arts and Sciences, were recognized for 20 years of service.

Four employees were recognized for 15 years of service: Jeremy Rentz, professor, Allen School of Engineering and Computing; Linda Conley, associate professor, Ketner School of Business; Jamie Wozniak, head women's volleyball coach; and Kandee Heisler, lecturer, Jannen School of Arts and Sciences.

These employees were recognized for 10 years of service: Jennifer LaRose, executive director of camps, conferences and events; Beau Watson, associate professor, Allen School of Engineering and Computing; Tammy Steele, student accounts manager; Ray Bender, custodian; Steven Sullivan, associate professor, director of integrated clinical education, Brooks College of Health Professions; Jenna Encheff, professor, Brooks College of Health Professions; Kevin Woolverton, professor, Allen School of Engineering and Computing; Sheri Thomson, administrative assistant, Allen School of Engineering and Computing; Colin Meadowcroft, senior producer and creative specialist; Brett Lancaster, maintenance; Jeffrey Shoemaker, assistant director of campus safety; Cisco Ortiz, vice president for student affairs, dean of students; and Tracey Floto, executive director for assessment and accreditation.

These employees were recognized for five years of service: Anna Glowinski, associate professor, department chair, Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences; Jeriah Estipular, custodian; Marcia Howard, custodian; Lisa Schall, building manager, executive assistant, Brooks College of Health Professions; Melanie Beer, administrative assistant, Ketner School of Business; Laurie Stockton-Moreno, director, The Center for Montessori Education; Melissa Lafferty, career coach and industry liaison; Christina Boggs, administrative assistant, Allen School of Engineering and Computing; Stephanie George, director of human resources; Janelle Pulczinski, director Of Amy Salyer-Nichols Writing Center, assistant professor, Jannen School of Arts and Sciences; Jill Noyes, assistant professor, Jannen School of Arts and Sciences; Sara Szebuntschak, mail center manager; Brian Lapp, associate professor, director of clinical education, Brooks College Of Health Professions; Tyann Billman, associate professor, program director, Brooks College of Health Professions; Anuja Shukla, senior director of student services and engagement, College of Graduate and Professional Studies; and Erin Weldon, director of instructional design and development, College of Graduate and Professional Studies.

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