IU East opened the Student Events and Activities Center this fall. It is the fifth building on campus.

For Indiana University East the past year has brought many celebrations, accomplishments and memorable moments. The campus experienced a record number of graduates who joined an alumni family now numbering over 9,000, celebrated the grand opening of the Student Events and Activities Center, and remembered the legacy of Chancellor Emeritus David Fulton who passed away.

Changes in Administrative Leadership
IU East welcomed new members to its administrative leadership this year.  Jerry Wilde started as dean of the School of Education in January 2016. In July, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Michelle Malott began her tenure as did Robert Mulligan, the new dean of the School of Business and Economics. In September, Evelyn Gordon began as IU East’s director of Human Resources.

In addition, IU East welcomed 11 new faculty and 30 full-time staff this year.

Record Breaking Numbers
The graduating Class of 2016 recorded the campus’ highest number of graduates in a given year. In May, IU East had 772 baccalaureate degrees and 23 master’s degrees conferred at the 45th Commencement Ceremony.

IU East’s fall headcount enrollment in August reflected a more diverse student body and a large incoming freshman class. The Class of 2020 was one of the larger freshman classes to enroll, including more full-time, first-time students. IU East had a record number of seniors enrolled in courses this fall.  Among degree-seeking students, enrollment increased among African-American students, students of two or more races and total minority students.  In February, the spring headcount enrollment reached over 4,135 students.

Honorary Awards
Also during the 2016 Commencement Ceremony, IU East presented Indiana University Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees to former Indiana State Senator Allen E. Paul and to former Indiana State Representative Richard “Dick” Bodiker. Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie conferred the honorary degrees, awarded to individuals who demonstrate the highest standards of personal integrity and sincere concern for the public good.

McRobbie presented the President’s Medal for Excellence to IU East Chancellor Emeritus David Fulton during commencement. The President’s Medal is the highest honor an IU president can bestow. Fulton, who passed away in September 2016, was chancellor from 1995 to 2007. He received the President’s Medal in recognition of his service to IU and to IU East.

Remembering legacy and leadership
The past year brought a time of remembrance as the campus mourned the loss of Chancellor Emeritus David Fulton. A public memorial service to celebrate Fulton’s life was held in October in Vivian Auditorium.

Fulton left an impact on many in the region through his contributions as an educator, administrator, community leader and public servant. His legacy is exemplified by the more than 2,000 Indiana University degrees he conferred as chancellor; his instrumental role in shaping IU East as a major educational resource in the region; the construction of Springwood Hall; the development of IU East’s art collection and influencing the naming of the Tom Thomas Gallery in Whitewater Hall; and connecting the campus to community.

George Blakey was inducted into the IU Presidents Circle in September. Chancellor Kathy Cruz-Uribe attended the luncheon with Blakey.

Accomplishments and Recognition
The Indiana University Alumni Association honored retired IU East Alumni Association Director Bette Davenport for her service and volunteer leadership. Davenport was one of seven individuals to be presented with the award during the Alumni Leaders Conference held in June. Davenport retired in 2004 and continues to serve in a volunteer role with the IUAA.

This fall, IU East was named to the 2015 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for its community outreach programs, housed under the Center for Service-Learning. The President’s honor roll is an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service. This designation is the highest honor a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning, and civic engagement.

In September, IU East Professor Emeritus of History George Blakey was inducted into the Indiana University Presidents Circle. IU inducted 246 individuals into the prestigious donor recognition society honoring individuals whose lifetime giving has reached $100,000.

On October 29, the IU School of Nursing and Health Sciences honored four individuals and the Lighthouse Assembly of God with Nursing Excellence Awards during its gala, “Excellence Beyond Borders.” Honored individuals were Toni Reinke, recipient of the Lifetime in Nursing Award; Dr. Patricia O’Malley and Joyce Darnell, recipients of the Nursing Excellence Award; Ryan Williams, Outstanding Alumni Award; and the Lighthouse Assembly of God Church, recipient of the Friend to Nursing Award.

At the start of 2016, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) announced that IU East would be one of 44 participating higher education institutions in a new project that will focus on improving the first-year of college for underserved students. The three-year project, “Re-Imagining the First Year of College,” began February 1 and will ensure success for all students, particularly those who have historically been underserved by higher education: low income, first generation, and students of color. The project is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and USA Funds.

Inaugural year for the newest building
In January, President McRobbie visited IU East as part of “McRobbie on the Move.” Throughout the year, McRobbie visited IU regional campuses to learn about the current successes and challenges in the communities and how the university can be an even better partner throughout the state of Indiana. He was also the keynote speaker at the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce annual dinner.

While on campus, McRobbie met with several groups throughout the day including the IU East Advisory Board, alumni, community leaders, Student Government Association (SGA) members, students and the media.

IU President Michael McRobbie toured the Student Events and Activities Center in January 2016.

McRobbie also toured the new Student Events and Activities Center, which was still under construction at the time and scheduled to open in the fall.

Leading up to the opening of the Student Events and Activities Center, IU East announced several gifts that supported the campus:
• Belden provided a $100,000 gift and cable products.
• First Bank Richmond gave a $150,000 gift which the campus recognized by naming the First Bank Richmond Atrium in the new center.
• IU East Chancellor Kathy Cruz-Uribe and her husband, Gene, a professor of history in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, gave a $50,000 gift and to recognize their generosity, the campus named an interactive classroom located in Springwood Hall as the Chancellor Kathryn Cruz-Uribe and Eugene Cruz-Uribe Interactive Classroom.
• West End Bank and its charitable foundation provided a $100,000 and the outdoor area and main entrance to the center has been designated as West End Bank Plaza.
• Reid Health provided $100,000 to support of the center and is recognized in the gymnasium where the Red Wolves basketball and volleyball teams will start play this upcoming school year. Reid’s gift will also be recognized by naming the wellness center located in Springwood Hall the Reid Health Wellness Center.
• Paul and Pat Lingle gave $700,000, and in recognition IU East named the college regulation hardwood floor Lingle Court.
• Quigg Family Foundation/Nasser Paydar Classroom is a state-of-the-art classroom which provides space for health education, fitness and activities in the center. The classroom is sponsored in Paydar’s honor by the Quigg Family. Paydar was the fifth chancellor at IU East and kicked off the “Bold Aspirations” campaign for the center.

IU East opened the Student Events and Activities Center on August 19 with a Dedication Ceremony and Celebration dinner. The fifth campus building promotes student success through programs in health and wellness, physical education, athletics, student activities, and special events.

Vicky Duval, WTA player and IU East student, was one of the special guests to speak at the Student Events and Activities Center Celebration.

President McRobbie, Chancellor Cruz-Uribe, and special guests helped make the grand opening special for the campus and community. Guests included IU East National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-Americans who joined each other on stage, including alumni Tyler Rigby, Lauren Crump, Breezy Strete, Tyler Fangman, Mallory Livingston, and current student-athletes Lucas Huffman and Tia King.

Guest speakers included current student and professional tennis player Victoria Duval; and alumni Keith Fargo, director for the National Alzheimer’s Association; and Stacie Van Dyke, an Emmy-award winning anchor and reporter. Paul Lingle, president of Lingle Real Estate, and Rob Quigg, executive director of the Quigg Family Foundation and treasurer for Richmond Baking, spoke to the importance of the relationship between community and campus. Professional music performances were provided by alumni Adam Cappa, American contemporary Christian and rock singer-songwriter; and recent graduate Tyler Johnson, who is an accomplished pianist.

SoMo co-headlined the September concert with Daya. The concert brought over 1,000 people to campus.

At the celebration, IU East announced its largest gift ever from a graduate. The $1 million gift is from an anonymous donor and will provide students with financial assistance through scholarships to complete a degree. The donor has the desire to help others succeed and to improve their life through higher education.

In addition to the Dedication Ceremony and Celebration, the new center played host to several inaugural events such as the Spirit of Philanthropy Luncheon in October and the Guidance Counselor’s Breakfast in November.

One of the biggest events held on campus this year was the concert by nationally known recording artists on September 29. Nearly 1,000 people attended the Daya and SoMo concert held in the Student Events and Activities Center. The Office of Campus Life and the Student Activity Advisory Team sponsored the event.

Red Wolf Nation at home and abroad
Aside from the Student Events and Activities Center, IU East was a part of historic moments in the community and the state of Indiana as well.

Chancellor Cruz-Uribe was designated as a torchbearer for the Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay. Torchbearers were nominated by the public and selected by local committees on a county-by-county basis. Those selected are Hoosiers who demonstrate exceptional public service, excellence in their profession, acts of heroism or volunteer service to their neighborhood, community, region or state. The torch relay traveled through each of Indiana’s 92 counties during the 3,200-mile journey across the state.

Executive Vice Chancellor Michelle Malott and Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences Ross Alexander presented Alla Kudryavtseva with her degree in December.

The chancellor joined 32 individuals selected to represent Wayne County for the torch relay in September. IU East had other members of the campus community selected to carry the torch including Eric Marsh, executive director of WCTV; Curtis Frame, men’s basketball manager; and Mike Swain, director of Purdue Polytechnic Richmond.

IU East along with the City of Richmond and the Richmond Art Museum (RAM) completed the Wayne County Cultural Atlas planning project. The group worked together along with the public to identify and highlight cultural points of pride and potential. These select locations, and the personal stories gathered about them, are part of a mapping and public art project that helps residents and visitors better enjoy and appreciate the rich culture — past, present, and future — of Wayne County. Funded by an Our Town grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, Wayne County Cultural Atlas is a collaborative, community-driven planning project.

In May, Wayne County Cultural Atlas revealed its cultural trail and prototype marker during the ALL-IN Block Party, a free community event held in downtown Richmond. The ALL-IN Block Party connected members of the community with each other, helping to make Wayne County an even better place to live.

This summer, Red Wolf Nation watched as five students and an alumna participated in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, August 5-21. In one of the most memorable Olympic moments, Monica Puig won the first gold medal in any sport for Puerto Rico. Puig made Olympic history after she defeated Germany’s Angelique Kerber on August 13. Puig is a communications studies major at IU East.

IU East alumna Venus Williams and current online student, Rajeev Ram, won the silver medal in mixed doubles tennis. Williams won her fifth Olympic medal and it was Ram’s first Olympic appearance and medal. Williams received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 2015. Ram, of Carmel, Ind., is the first ATP player to enroll in IU East’s online degree completion programs. He is a general studies major at IU East. Also on Team USA, Sloane Stephens competed in women’s singles tennis. She is a communications studies major. On the Australia team, sisters Anastasia Rodionova and Arina Rodionova were women’s tennis doubles partners. Both are pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

On December 13, WTA player Alla Kudryavtseva was presented with her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies degree at IU East’s Student Events and Activities Center. Kudryavtseva was the second WTA player to be presented with her diploma while visiting the IU East campus.

WTA player Irina Falconi, although unable to join the degree presentation on campus, earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. Kudryavtseva and Falconi are the second and third players to graduate under the IU East and WTBA agreement, after Venus Williams graduated in August 2015.

IU East and the Women’s Tennis Benefits Association (WBTA) have an agreement that establishes IU East as the primary provider for baccalaureate online degree completion programs for WTA players. Twenty-one WTA’s players are currently enrolled in IU East online degree completion programs.

Red Wolves Athletics
The men’s basketball team were in the top four at the NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball National Championship semifinals on March 14 at the College of the Ozarks’ Keeter Gymnasium. In November, the Red Wolves hung their Fab Four banner during the Wetzel Auto Red Wolf Classic, the first basketball games held in the IU East Student Events and Activities Center.

The women’s basketball team made their first trip to the NAIA national tournament at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa in March. At the time, it was the program’s second season. The team also put up their first banner in recognition of the national tournament trip during the Wetzel Auto Red Wolf Classic.

The NAIA in September announced that IU East was a recipient of the NAIA Champions of Character Five Star Award for the 2015-16 school year. IU East earned a “Silver” designation on the NAIA’s three-tiered Champions of Character recognition system. Institutions earned points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions also earned points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and by having minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the course of the academic year. IU East has been named a Champions of Character institution after each of its nine years of NAIA membership.

This November, Blake Brooks and Salvador Campos qualified for the NAIA Cross Country National Championships held November 19 at the North Farm Cross Country Course in Elsah, Ill. They were among the 331 runners who took part in the national meet. They earned their trips to the national meet with their performances at the River States Conference meet on November 5, where Campos finished sixth and Brooks was 11th.