Governor Daniels praises the campus’ innovative leadership

Indiana University East has shared four decades of its history with the campus and community during its 40th Anniversary celebration. The campus kicked off the anniversary during its 40th Commencement Ceremony in May and has hosted celebration events throughout the fall semester.

Throughout the celebration, IU East has received numerous reflections and well wishes via video, including ones from Governor Mitch Daniels, IU President Michael McRobbie, Congressman Mike Pence, former IU East Director Frederick Grohsmeyer and Chancellors Charlie Nelms and David Fulton, and IU and IU East administrators, faculty, staff, alumni and the community.

The videos share IU East’s historic milestones and memorable moments.  The short videos are posted online at iue.edu/40/voices.

Governor Daniels in his video said that it was easy to express 40th anniversary greetings to IU East, especially in view of the campus’ great track record in recent years.

“Under your innovative Chancellor (Nasser Paydar), your leadership in distance learning, your efficiency, and your partnership with Ivy Tech have stamped your institution as the flagship among the regional campuses of Indiana,” Daniels said. “It used to be an old saying that life begins at 40 and I have to believe in the case of IU East, it has to be true. Congratulations on excellence in the last few years and best wishes for continued innovation and pioneering in the years directly ahead.”

President McRobbie congratulated the campus on 40 years of education, research, and service to the state of Indiana. McRobbie talked about the connection IU East has had with the community since it was established.  He mentioned Whitewater Hall’s wall of signature tiles constructed in 1975, to pay tribute to the community and honor over 800 people who helped make the campus possible through their generosity.

“Some of these grassroots patrons gave a $1 a week for three years to purchase the original plot of land for the campus. What every person gave was the gift of opportunity that has changed the lives of thousands of Hoosiers over the course of the years,” McRobbie said. “Over the past 40 years, this campus has continued to open the doors of opportunity that strengthen this community.”

Chancellor Nasser Paydar said IU East has been successful because the campus is focused.

“We have wonderful and hardworking, dedicated faculty and staff and we have the support of our community,” Paydar said.