STATE Magazine Fall/Winter 2022

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by

Indiana State

PRESIDENT OF INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY Dr. Deborah J. Curtis,

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS &

Greg Goode, ’95,

’97

DIRECTOR OF UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATION & STATE MAGAZINE CO-EDITOR Mark Alesia

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF

GRAPHIC

Tony

MAGAZINE

STATE

University Communication Indiana State University 200 North 7th Street Parsons Hall, Room 203 Terre Haute,

47809 ISU-Magazine@indstate.edu 812-237-8764

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University Advancement

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Indiana State

NEW HEAD OF

Clint

NEW BOOK ON ISU’S HISTORY

TRAGEDY

FOR ISU FAMILY

MYRA JANCO DANIELS

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

CAMPAIGN KICKOFF

Fundraising campaign gets off to rousing start with dinner celebration

CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES

How donor generosity helps students through scholarships, experiential learning, athletics, and faculty excellence

HOMECOMING

See the schedule of events leading up to the football game vs. Illinois State

Sycamore running back Justin Dinka carries the ball during ISU’s season-opening victory, 17-14 in overtime, against North Alabama at Memorial Stadium.

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

This is such an exciting time to be at Indiana State University, with our enthusiastic students returning, the Fall colors arriving on our beautiful campus, planning for Homecoming festivities, and the Sycamore family showing its pride. We are fortunate and grateful, and the future is bright.

Last month, we announced “Be So Bold: The Campaign for Indiana State University” at an energizing kickoff event at Hulman Center. What a wonderful night, seeing so many people dedicated to ISU’s success coming together to celebrate this campaign. During the “quiet phase,” we reached 62% of our $100-million goal. This is evidence that our mission to educate and graduate students who go out prepared to change the world is resonating with friends of the university. Now in this “public phase,” we continue the work of inspiring a culture of philanthropy by accelerating toward the big and bold campaign target.

As with everything we do, “Be So Bold” is focused on student success. The purpose is to grow ISU’s distinctive and transformative student experiences. We will increase opportunities and build upon our nationally recognized record for social mobility. We will escalate our capacity to recruit and retain world-class faculty who engage our students in a stimulating, high impact postsecondary setting. We will advance a 21st century university experience that supplies the future leaders of this state and nation.

In these pages, you’ll see stories about how the priorities of the campaign — Scholarships, Experiential Learning, Faculty Excellence, and Athletics — impact students. The campaign’s success is a message about people believing in our mission and making a commitment to invest in strengthening our capacity to educate and graduate more Indiana State University alumni.

In the changing landscape of higher education, it’s never been a more important time to support the mission of Indiana State University. That is why Lynn and I have made a major commitment to the campaign, and that is why we’re appealing to you to do the same. In doing our part to enhance the talent pipeline for the benefit of future generations and this state’s economic development, Indiana State University is proud to be the State of Indiana’s university.

Sincerely, Deborah J. Curtis, Ph.D. President

First Destination Survey shows value of ISU education

Indiana State University posted strong results in its First Destination Survey, showing a 95 percent placement rate for the Class 2021 into jobs, the military, or graduate school.

The survey reported an average starting salary of $57,360 for ISU graduates and that 66% of graduates stayed in Indiana.

“The results of the first-destination survey provide strong evidence that ISU graduates are in demand by employers throughout Indiana and beyond,” said Nancy Rogers, Vice President for University Engagement. “ISU students definitely receive an

education that prepares them for life after college. An ISU degree is an excellent value proposition.”

The survey is done by ISU’s Career Center using protocols established by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

The response rate for the Class of 2021 was 68.5%, which exceeds the minimum of 65% established by NACE.

The top employers for ISU graduates were Union Health, ISU, and the Vigo County School Corporation.

Clint Weddle appointed Executive Director of Alumni Association

Clint Weddle has been named Executive Director of the Indiana State University Alumni Association.

Weddle was previously Interim Executive Director of the Alumni Association, which works to grow connections with more than 100,000 alumni around the world.

The Alumni Association manages an advisory board, creates plans for membership and scholarship support, and coordinates programs, communications, and events for alumni.

“Within the Division of Advancement, I have had the opportunity to see the great many ways in which our alumni, students, administrators, faculty, and staff work together to make Indiana State University a special place,” Weddle said. “I am honored to serve and to work with our outstanding alumni and talented staff as we move the University forward.”

Andrea Angel, Vice President of University Advancement and CEO

of the ISU Foundation, said she’s “thrilled” with Weddle’s promotion.

“Clint has shown leadership, vision, and attainment of lofty goals during his tenure on our University Advancement team,” Angel said. “He is successful in collaborating with our University partners and alumni to advance the ISU Alumni Association, and these relationships will only grow in his new role.”

Before becoming Interim Executive Director of the Alumni Association, Weddle was Director of Corporate and Foundation Giving in the Division of University Advancement. In that role, he championed development and corporate relationships in support of ISU programs and students.

Weddle established partnerships with more than 30 corporate entities and eight charitable foundations, which provided more than $13.5 million in philanthropic support to ISU during his tenure.

Prior to joining ISU, Weddle, a Terre Haute native, served as Director of Development for the Ivy Tech Foundation. Before that he worked at the Clay County School Corporation and coached the boys’ basketball team.

Weddle’s coaching career also includes six years with the Indiana State Women’s Basketball program as an Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. He also previously coached at Oakland City University and the University of Indianapolis.

The highlight of the night was students and leaders of “Be So Bold: The Campaign for Indiana State University” taking the stage to turn over cards to reveal the fundraising goal.

When the number was revealed — $100,000,000 — colorful streamers were shot into the air and the crowd at the highenergy campaign kickoff event last month at Hulman Center cheered loudly. Music started. Dancing broke out. The arena’s new video ribbon boards added to the festive atmosphere.

So began the “public phase” of the campaign. During the “quiet phase,” ISU raised 62 percent of the goal.

ISU President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis told the crowd that like everything at the university, the campaign is focused on students.

“This campaign’s success is a message about people believing in our mission and making a commitment to invest in strengthening our capacity to educate and graduate more Indiana State University students,” Curtis said. “We are driven by a desire to help more students cross the stage at commencement having earned that lifechanging degree.

“In the changing landscape of higher education, it’s never been a more important time to support the mission of Indiana State University. That is why Lynn (Curtis, her husband) and I have made a major commitment to the campaign, and that is why we’re appealing to you to do the same.”

Two former ISU Presidents, Dr. Lloyd Benjamin and Dr. Dan Bradley, were present for the kickoff, as were several ISU trustees

PHOTO

BOLD is being proud of our roots.

and numerous donors. The campaign’s co-chairs are Paul and Susan Chaney and Larry and Buffy Boulet.

“Our ask,” Paul Chaney told the crowd, “is for you to take that bold step and help inspire the next generation of Sycamores to fulfill their dreams.”

Buffy Boulet said she isn’t an alumna but started attending ISU events with her husband and was “hugely impressed” by the university’s mission.

“ISU has finally and unequivocally embraced its identity as a transformational place … There’s a new energy! Lots of you have been inspired to give in new ways that resonate with you — to pay forward to future Sycamores what ISU gave you,” she said.

The campaign has four priorities: Scholarships, Experiential Learning, Faculty Excellence, and Sycamore Athletics. (See stories on each in this magazine.)

for a brighter future.

For each priority, the kickoff event had a video and a speaker talking about how it helps ISU students.

Student and ISU Presidential Scholar Corey Christman spoke in his nursing scrubs about the benefit of scholarships.

“I stand before you in my ISU nursing scrubs, without a tie, without a jacket, and with shoes that don’t shine,” Christman said. “But in these

(continued on page 8)

BY MARK ALESIA

President Curtis and University Advancement’s Jeremiah Turner present a gift to the event’s emcee, newscaster and alumnus Rondrell Moore (previous page); student Corey Christman (left) spoke in his nursing scrubs; Dr. Curtis (right)

PHOTO COURTESY OF ENVISIONARY

PHOTO COURTESY OF ENVISIONARY

Be So Bold (continued)

scrubs, I have held infants minutes after birth, consoled grieving families, and traveled to distant countries to provide free care to the less fortunate. ISU didn’t just provide me with a scholarship, they provided me with the ability to make sure that their generosity and care doesn’t stop with me.”

Dr. Robert Guell, a professor of economics, noted that he has been an ISU donor for more than 30 years. He talked about the importance of endowed professorships and chairs.

“Faculty are the main instruments by which our students have their success,” Guell said. “Faculty are the people who organize the curriculum that puts experiential learning and success at its core.”

ISU volleyball player Melina Tedrow quoted from a book about New Zealand’s elite rugby team and its culture. She read the quote: “Leave the jersey in a better place.”

“Aren’t we all trying to leave our jersey in a better place?” Tedrow said. “Maybe it is not a jersey for you, maybe it is a suit or a scrub. We are teachers and business owners, mothers and fathers, all just trying to make an impact on the people next to us.”

She asked the crowd to “be bold and leave your jersey in a better place.”

Tejas Kandharkar, a 2022 ISU graduate and current medical student, spoke on experiential learning and his experience in the student undergraduate research program from his freshman to senior years.

“I was fortunate enough to get an experiential learning opportunity doing research in Dr. (Shaad) Ahmad’s biology lab,” Kandharkar said. “I had the chance to present this research at regional conferences and the Indiana statehouse. Doing and presenting research taught me how to discuss science with actual professionals in the scientific field and how to

communicate complex ideas to the public.”

So many Sycamores came together that night to launch a campaign that will benefit generations of students. It is an ambitious goal.

During an interview while shooting the cover photo of this magazine, Paul Chaney was asked about one of the bands he wore on his wrist.

It said, “Relentless.”

“It’s one of the things we like to say on our sales team, that we’re relentless in reaching our sales goal,” Chaney said.

He said that while working on Be So Bold, he intends to be relentless.

“You have to be,” Chaney said. “You have to be bold to reach that goal that’s been set. I think we’re well on the way. I think with the support from the campaign cabinet, the co-chairs, the Foundation, the university, we’re going to succeed.”

ISU volleyball player Melina Tedrow (left) read a favorite quote from a book. Student Meka Wiggins (right) wants to become a doctor.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ENVISIONARY

Scholarships help nursing student take a step toward the American dream

Negus Bogard was born in Ethiopia 21 years ago. He was the third of four children to parents trying to survive in a poverty-stricken country. The death of his mother when he was 8 years old left his father alone to care for the children. Dreaming of a better life for his children, his father thought adoption was the solution.

So the young Bogard was sent to care centers and in 2015, at age 14, he was adopted by a family in Robinson, Illinois. They showed him love and care and helped him adjust in his new country.

While Bogard has only two relatives in Ethiopia who went to college — and he is the only one

in his immediate biological family — it was an expectation for his adoptive parents.

Now, he is a junior at Indiana State University’s nursing program, an academic journey only made possible by two scholarships: the Warren M. Anderson Scholarship, which covers most of his tuition, and the Sycamore Alumni Legacy of Change Endowment (SALCE) Scholarship.

The scholarships have helped reduce his financial struggles and minimize his debt. They have made it possible for him to continue his studies and balance a part-time job at Walmart.

BY DIANNE FRANCES D. POWELL

CAMPAIGN PRIORITY: STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

PHOTO COURTESY OF

Scholarships (continued)

“I don’t know where I would be right now without this help,” he said. “They are making my career more achievable. I don’t think I will be a nurse without these scholarships. Studying nursing costs a lot. Getting these scholarships reduced that amount.”

ISU is keeping college education affordable, but 76 percent of its students still require financial assistance to make earning a college degree a reality. Scholarships supported by Indiana State’s donors make a big impact on the students’ future trajectory.

Bogard always knew his future involved caring for the sick after witnessing his biological mother’s illness at a young age and, later, his biological father’s illness. He has always wanted to be able to care for them and provide for their needs. While his biological parents are his inspiration, his mother in the United States helped him understand his calling.

“I did not know the word ‘nursing’ growing up,” he said. “It was my mom here who brought up that word.”

As a kid growing up in Ethiopia, Bogard never dreamed that he would ever be able to get a college education in the U.S., and says he is grateful for the opportunity. He started at ISU as a cross-country athlete. He ran for the Sycamores for three semesters before deciding to focus on his studies. On campus, he is involved with the

Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Student Nurses Association, and the African Student Union.

“College is important,” Bogard said. “It gives you knowledge and experience before you go out in the real world. It gives you the time to grow.”

Generous donors have helped give him that opportunity.

CAMPAIGN PRIORITY: FACULTY EXCELLENCE

Endowed positions help recruit and retain talent, making long-term impact on student success

One of the priorities of the Be So Bold campaign is Faculty Excellence though endowed faculty positions, deans, and department chairs.

Terry Daugherty, Dean of the Scott College of Business, said there’s a common misperception about such endowments.

Namely, that the money goes directly into the pocket of a professor as salary.

Not so.

“It doesn’t replace the salary itself,” Daugherty said. “Sometimes those exist. But they are very rare and usually at medical schools stemming from hundred-million dollar gifts.”

The recipient has the discretion to use the money for research, hiring an assistant, purchasing data, attending a conference, or leading a study abroad program.

The knowledge and research transfers to the classroom.

“Endowed professorships are a way that the university can invest in student success,” Daugherty said. “An outstanding faculty member will impact thousands of students over their career. They’ll contribute significant amounts of thought leadership and research that brings notoriety, increases the reputation and brand of the university, and engages with the community.

“That’s why I view it as a way to ensure long-term success, because you’re able to recruit and retain and reward outstanding individuals.”

There is also prestige to occupying an endowed professorship. And it impacts how outsiders view an institution.

“The prestige of a university, and especially a college, is often judged by the number of professorships you have,” Daugherty said. “Because what that says, indirectly, to the outside community is, you have high-quality professors who are supported by named endowments. It’s an indirect measure of quality.”

Daugherty said endowed professorships don’t always last in perpetuity. The recipient usually has an evaluation period during which they report on how the money was used.

An example is the Dr. Robert and Carolyn Steinbaugh Endowed Professor of Business. The $1 million estate gift from Carolyn Steinbaugh honors her late husband Dr. Robert Steinbaugh.

from 1957 to 1984. He retired in 1991 and passed away in 2014.

“I hope to give faculty a chance for research or expanding their own knowledge and studies where, without additional financial resources, they may not be able to,” Carolyn Steinbaugh said when making the commitment last year.

Daugherty said it’s understandable that many donors prefer to give money for scholarships. But he hopes the long-term vision of ensuring highquality faculty isn’t overlooked.

“As a university, if we’re able to retain outstanding faculty members, reward and recognize those who are contributing in a way that makes a significant impact, it’s going to transform the lives of students for generations,” Daugherty said. “That’s something that’s oftentimes not understood.”

Robert Steinbaugh taught management and finance at ISU and served as a department chair Terry Daugherty

Carolyn Steinbaugh

CAMPAIGN PRIORITY: EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Recent grad publishes research with faculty mentor from distinctive ISU programs

Wilson graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and minors in Physics and Language Studies. She is now a Chemistry Ph.D. student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a longterm goal of working in academia.

It is just one example of the Be So Bold campaign’s priority of experiential learning for students. It is also a hallmark of an ISU education. Generous donors make it possible.

Wilson and Stone recently submitted a second paper to Phytotaxa where they are seeking to describe and name 25 more new species as a result of the same research project from lakes Malawi and Tanganyika.

Wilson credits the experiential learning opportunities at ISU for helping her realize her love for research and for setting her on the path to excel in a Ph.D. program.

It all started during her freshman year, when Wilson was awarded The Sycamore Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), an award that carries a stipend and allows students to participate in hands-on research alongside faculty.

BY DIANNE FRANCES D. POWELL

Not all recent college graduates can call themselves published scholars, but Indiana State University alumna Mallory Wilson can.

Wilson, who graduated from ISU in May, is coauthor of a journal article in Phytotaxa where she, along with lead author Dr. Jeffery R. Stone, Professor of Environmental Geosciences at ISU, and fellow co-author Dr. Elena Jovanovska, a postdoctoral researcher in Switzerland, report their discovery of five new diatom species from lakes Malawi and Tanganyika in Africa.

When they began, they were investigating one diatom — single-celled algae — but after looking through all of the samples, they ended up discovering more.

“We went through the whole process of how to describe species, how to locate them, how to use scientific language to explain what separates them from everything else,” Wilson said. “The whole process was really exciting.”

She met Stone through the program and it began a four-year experiential learning mentorship with a professor at the top of the field. Later, she continued to conduct research under Stone’s direction in the Summer Undergraduate Research Experiences (SURE) Program, a 10-week intensive summer research experience for ISU undergraduates.

When she wasn’t in class, Wilson spent countless hours in the paleolimnology lab in the Science Building conducting research and working as a lab technician.

SURF and SURE are among the experiential learning opportunities available to students at ISU. These experiences help them grow and learn outside the classroom through first-hand experiences. Other opportunities include facultyled trips, study abroad, community engagement, and internships.

“When I went into college, I had no real idea of

what I wanted to do,” Wilson said. “Going into the lab and spending time in the microscope and spending time with the people there, learning what it takes to run a lab, learning how to balance everything while also doing my research, showed

me just how important research was to me and how much I wanted to continue on that path.

“If I hadn’t been in Dr. Stone’s lab, I probably wouldn’t be able to know the real path that I wanted to go on. … It prepared me in a lot of different ways. When I went into my interview process at UW Madison, they definitely noticed the special experiences I had at ISU with the SURF and the SURE.

“Having those experiences made me an attractive candidate for the program. I can tell that they were really impressed by it. I feel that without my experience doing research with Dr. Stone, I probably wouldn’t be here at all. I’m really grateful for it.”

Now, Wilson plans to use her curiosity, ISU education, and other talents to lay the foundation for future scientific breakthroughs.

“The area of chemistry I want to go into is related to pathology and human health,” she said. “I don’t think I’m going to become the person who cures cancer, but I’d like to be someone who helps along the way. … I just know that I want to be part of a movement to help improve the world.”

Over the past few years, Hulman Center at Indiana State University has been transformed, first by a $50-million state-funded renovation and then by new video boards made possible by a $2 million donation from the Hulman-George family.

There is, however, another project left to fund: updated locker rooms.

“The locker rooms at Hulman Center are game changers,” said Sherard Clinkscales, ISU’s Director of Athletics. “Completing that will put the bow on the Hulman Center from an athletic perspective.”

As part of the Be So Bold fundraising campaign that will benefit ISU and its students in myriad ways, the Sycamore athletic department is seeking $2 million for updated locker rooms, coaches’ offices, a film room, and athletic training space at Hulman Center.

(continued on page 14)

PHOTO COURTESY OF RATIO ARCHITECTS

A vision for the project has been developed by RATIO Architects.

Making it happen would help keep the men’s and women’s basketball programs competitive in the Missouri Valley Conference and NCAA Division I athletics.

ISU basketball player Cooper Neese said a locker room is more than just a room.

“As a player, it’s a big part of the recruiting process to showcase the culture of the team and make someone want to be there and be a part of what is being built,” Neese said.

Said basketball player Mya Glanton: “It is not only important to me and my teammates, but to all the future Lady Sycamores to have a facility we’d be proud to call home.”

Men’s basketball coach Josh Schertz said consistent success requires the ability to recruit and retain top student-athletes.

“Without that there is no chance of sustained success,” Schertz said, “and so our mission statement is quite simply to develop and care for our players at the highest level possible. That is the path to recruiting and retaining the type of

talent and the type of character required to build a championship caliber program.

“This new locker room will help us achieve both of those objectives as it will not only enhance our current student-athletes’ quality of life, but it will make us all the more attractive to potential recruits who visit our campus.

“College athletics has never been more competitive, we need to work together to create any edge we can get and this remodeled locker room will be an absolute game changer for our basketball program.”

Women’s basketball coach Chad Killinger said the recent renovations and new video boards make Hulman Center one of the best facilities in the MVC.

“Being able to upgrade the locker rooms will put it over the top,” he said, “as far as the amenities that will benefit our student-athletes and allow us to recruit and retain quality individuals.

“We spend a great deal of time in that facility during the season and being able to take care of the young women in our program with these additional improvements will allow us to continue to serve them in the best way possible.”

PHOTO COURTESY

OF RATIO ARCHITECTS

Dreiser Hall opened for classes at the start of the fall semester after an $18.4-million renovation funded by the state.

Built in 1950, Dreiser has been transformed into a more modern facility for higher education. It is home to student media, including television and radio studios and The Statesman. It is also home to ISU’s Theater Department and an upgraded 100-seat theater.

Interaction spaces were added on all floors, and additional glass improved natural light and views of campus.

There’s a new northwest entrance near Dede Fountain.

A new, larger elevator was installed that will go to all floors. ADA improvements were made in the theater, restrooms, and throughout the building.

Hannig Construction of Terre Haute was the general contractor.

Grace Krawiec in the new television studio and Gavin Cook in the new radio studio at renovated Dreiser Hall.

Indiana State University announced a partnership with GEODIS, a world leader in transport and logistics, for space at “Made @ Plainfield,” a facility that brings higher education and industry together for teaching, workforce training, and research.

The purpose is to create convenient new opportunities for post-secondary education and, for people currently in the workforce, enhanced skills and credentialing.

“As Indiana State University continues to deliver on our

mission to contribute to the education of our state’s workforce — we really mean that, that’s what we’re all about — this partnership will accelerate our momentum in attaining that goal,” ISU President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis said.

David Brooks, Senior Director of Operations for GEODIS, said it’s exciting to “tie the abilities and opportunities we have at GEODIS with the skillset and teaching they have at ISU.”

ISU calls the space the Logisitics 4.0 Innovation Hub. It will train people in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the management of logistics companies. It is expected that early next year, there will be a mini-prototype of a warehouse using robotics ready for student tours, research, and teaching.

Terry Daugherty, Dean of the Scott College of Business, and Associate Professor Dr. Kuntal Bhattacharyya led ISU’s effort for space at Made @ Plainfield. Curtis also credited Clint Weddle,

Executive Director of the ISU Alumni Association, and Dr. Jason Trainer, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management.

The audience included officials from ISU, GEODIS, Hendricks County, the town of Plainfield, and the Plainfield Chamber of Commerce. The event culminated in a ribbon-cutting.

“The most important objective that keeps us tied together in a common bond is the idea of creating the next generation of business leaders,” Bhattacharyya said.

There are other benefits for ISU and its partners. The university expects to offer courses for certificate and degree programs in areas such as MBA, healthcare,

cybersecurity, and information technology. The university also expects to conduct meetings in the space.

“I’m here to say, this is just the beginning,” Curtis said. “We’re very excited.”

Made @ Plainfield is at 1610 Reeves Road in Plainfield.

Pictured above from left to right are: Dr. Kuntal Bhattacharyya, Associate Professor; Jeremiah Turner, Associate Vice President for University Advancement; David Brooks, Senior Director of Operations, GEODIS; Dustin Burford, Vice President of Operations, GEODIS; Dr. Deborah J. Curtis, ISU President; Dr. Terry Daugherty, Dean, Scott College of Business; Brandy Wethington Perrill, Executive Director, Hendricks College Network

‘An incredible and underappreciated history’ New book chronicles

ISU’s rise in its first 70 years

While writing the history of Indiana State University, Dan Clark deviated from the genre’s norms.

“The usual institutional history in American higher education is always written with a view from the presidential office or the faculty, with little attention paid to student life,” said Clark, an associate professor of history at ISU.

That is not the case in “A History of Indiana State University: From Normal School to Teachers College, 1865-1933.” It is the first of a twovolume project that grew out of the committee planning ISU’s sesquicentennial celebration.

“I possessed a solid background to undertake the project, but I found the idea of writing an institutional history a bit intimidating,” Clark said. “On the positive side, it had fixed boundaries. But within the boundaries of one institution, an historian had to try to understand many different facets — state politics, state educational history, professionalization of the faculty, the history of teacher’s colleges and normal schools, etc. That was a bit daunting.”

Clark started the project in 2014 and works on it as research that is expected of an ISU history professor, with some time given for the work but no extra compensation.

BY MARK ALESIA

Clark traces ISU from a one-building “normal school” for training teachers in one- or two-year programs to a Teachers College that offered graduate education and took on traditional collegiate ideals such as a broadened curriculum, intercollegiate athletics, and Greek life.

He covers everything from the 1888 fire that destroyed the Normal School’s only building to a student revolt in 1893 to the pranks and fights that grew out of the rivalry with what is now Rose Hulman Institute of Technology.

“The first volume of Dan Clark’s history of ISU is very welcome and timely, and it’s the first scholarly history of the university in nearly a century,” said Dr Christopher Olsen, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Dr. Clark is a major historian of higher education with a significant record and reputation. He’s able to situate ISU and similar institutions into the broader, national context of education in critical ways.

“As he often says, institutions like ISU serve the majority of Americans who go to college and yet they are the least studied sort of institution. It’s important that we, and the country, understand the significant role that ISU has played in the state and the nation, and how critical ISU is for its role in social mobility and changing the lives of its graduates and their families for generations.”

Clark said it has been a sometimes slogging but ultimately rewarding project to “help us today understand the legacy of learning that we inherit and keep alive.”

He added, “It really has been my honor to begin to reacquaint today’s ISU community with their incredible and underappreciated history.”

Here is an edited Q&A with the author:

What primary source material did you use? How much has been preserved from the earliest days of the Normal School?

Not much has survived from the earliest years of the normal school, largely owing to the fire that destroyed the main building in 1888. Had President Parsons’ secretary not thought to grab the Board of Trustee Minutes before rushing out of the building, even that critical source would have been lost.

For the late Nineteenth Century, Board of Trustee Minutes and school catalogs supplied the most critical source material. The Board Minutes recorded contracts, purchased items, as well as the basic outlines of policy, personnel, and curriculum decisions. They included presidential reports and visitor reports.

Catalogs served as the principal instrument of institutional advertisement. They were distributed to every school-governing entity (cities and townships) throughout the state to recruit the practicing teachers who aspired to enhance their education and opportunities.

Catalogs not only detailed the curriculum and faculty, they also offered the evolving vision of the school, and descriptions of student life and activities to entice potential students. The ISU archive houses presidential correspondence (after the fire), plus faculty committee records.

What about news publications?

By far the most critical resource was the Normal Advance, which began publication in 1895. (It became the student newspaper, The Statesman, in 1929.)

The Advance was more like a monthly magazine than a typical newspaper during its first couple of decades, containing not only campus occurrences, but also editorials, sports coverage, and regular columns on

PHOTO COURTESY OF ENVISIONARY

History (continued)

education, literature, and general culture. It published student-authored poetry and short stories, discussed chapel talks and speakers, and, of course, included letters to the editor.

The Sycamore yearbook evolved out of an end-of-the-year Advance annual edition, and these too were great sources. I also examined at times local and Indianapolis newspapers, and some national educational journals, all of which were critical for understanding the 1893 student revolt.

Some collections of faculty or alumni papers provided significant details. For instance, I recall a short but revealing document from an alum who had played in the first marching band. The student wrote about the formation of bands in the late 1920s, which were cobbled together from students, faculty, and even janitors who played instruments. He also mentioned fighting with Rose students during parades, as they loved to taunt the band, since they had none.

What, if anything, surprised you during your research?

I did not expect to find the level of success among alumni, and it was something in which the school took obvious pride. Beginning in the early 1900s, the number of graduates gaining admission and winning fellowships to top-notch graduate programs (Johns Hopkins, Berkeley, Wisconsin, Columbia), mainly in the sciences, especially in Biology, just blew me away.

By the 1940s some thirty-plus alums had gone on to serve as presidents at normal schools, teachers colleges and at traditional colleges and universities (University of Minnesota and Colgate to name only a couple). …

For the period covered by my study, negative views emanated from an ill-informed notion that normal schools of any type were inferior in quality, a stereotype unfortunately also linked to the fact that normal schools always enrolled a majority of female students—a disparaging attitude disgustingly rooted in sexism, but one that nonetheless existed.

My research reveals how ignorant such views of the school’s quality were. One major theme that emerges is the pride those associated with Indiana State University should feel in being part of an institution of access — to use the modern phrasing — for aspiring students rising from often challenging circumstances.

Were some opposed to ISU’s evolution?

Yes. Some members of the faculty and some students voiced opposition at times to the athletic program and eventually the quasiGreek life. But these voices never deterred the overall transformation. President Parsons himself in some ways reflected an institutional ambivalence. While he approved of athletics, for instance, he opposed faculty coaches and long emphasized that athletics should be for a sound mind and body rather than competitive glory.

Other faculty members spearheaded the Athletic Association (through whose dues sports teams were funded), although Parsons usually contributed. Eventually, by the 1910s, amid the growing Hoosier hysteria for basketball, he caved in on allowing a faculty coach, but he never warmed to football and would not allow one of the male debating clubs to formally declare themselves a fraternity (they would have to wait until the 1920s).

Oddly enough, he allowed women’s organizations to call themselves sororities early on, but fraternities had garnered an undemocratic reputation nationally. Overall Parsons allowed the evolution to occur, but it was the effort and vision of faculty and students who truly guided the institution toward collegiate status. On that the evidence is overwhelming.

SYCAMORES TURN TO EACH OTHER FOR SUPPORT AFTER TRAGIC DEATH OF THREE STUDENTS IN CAR ACCIDENT

The ISU family mourned the tragic loss of students Christian Eubanks, Jayden Musili, and Caleb VanHooser, who passed away early in the morning of August 21 in a one-car accident.

Musili, 19, a sophomore from Fort Wayne, Indiana, was part of the Pathway to Blue program and became an ISU student this year.

Eubanks, 18, a freshman from Waukegan, Illinois, and VanHooser, 19, a freshman from Liberty Township, Ohio, were football players for the Sycamores.

There were a total of five people in the car. Two of them were ISU football

players Omarion Dixon and John Moore, who survived the crash but sustained serious injuries.

“There are no words to express the depth of our sadness about this tragedy,”

ISU President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis said after authorities released the names of the people involved. “We send our condolences to the family and friends of the students involved. The Sycamore family is mourning and will support each other in this time of grief.”

Said Sherard Clinkscales, Director of Athletics: “My heart is broken at the loss of these three souls. Life is

so precious, and it is very difficult to comprehend when tragic events like this happen. They will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go to each of their families.”

ISU had a Celebration of Life ceremony August 29 at Tilson Auditorium.

Rhonda Eubanks, mother of Christian, said her son started playing football at age 5.

“He loved football,” she said. “He used to sleep with the football. He played basketball, he ran track, he was a black belt in Tae Kwon (continued on page 24)

Support (continued)

Do, he swam, he played golf. He was an all-around athlete. But there was so much more to him than just his athletic ability. He was one of the most humble, caring people I know.”

John Muia, uncle of Jayden Musili, said his nephew was proud of his Kenyan heritage.

His legacy to the world was his ability to motivate others, helping them to realize their potential,” Muia said. “Jayden was extremely kind.

He was always humble and always eager to help.”

Muia also had a plea for students.

“Please take care of yourselves,” he said. “Don’t ever think it won’t be you. Take care of yourselves and take care of each other.”

Caleb VanHooser’s family provided a statement that was read by Ardell Sanders, ISU Executive Director of

“There is one thing I can say that you can do in his honor and then continually do,” the statement said. “When Caleb would leave, his last words were always, ‘I love you.’ Please continuously hug your mom, dad, loved ones, and Sycamore family and tell them, ‘I Love You.’”

Dr. Curtis ended the ceremony by reading the poems “Turn Again to Life” by Mary Lee Hall and “May Time Soften Your Pain” by an

It’s a publication distinct from STATE magazine that was restarted in 2020. The Annual Report celebrates ISU and recaps the achievements of Sycamores from across campus. It will be available in print and online.

Myra Janco Daniels, who died in June at age 96, graduated in 1948 from what is now Indiana State University.

She blazed a trail for female executives in advertising and became a benefactor for the arts, building and running a $20-million arts center in Naples, Florida, after retiring.

She was a top executive of a Chicago ad agency in the 1960s, managing men at a time when that was unusual. An advertising star named Draper Daniels purchased the agency. He was part of the inspiration for Don Draper’s character in the television series “Mad Men” and creator of advertising icons such as the Marlboro Man.

Draper made Janco president and CEO. After about two years, in 1967, they were married. They stayed married until Daniels’ death in 1983.

After she and her husband moved to Florida, Janco Daniels started from scratch and built the Artis-Naples arts center, a venue the Wall Street Journal called “a breathtakingly elegant cultural showcase.”

Janco Daniels’ obituary in the Wall Street Journal told the story of how she worked for Meis Brothers department store in Terre Haute while in college. She had a fulltime job for the company and was eventually head of advertising while also working on her degree.

One of her successful ads described new cotton dresses as “cool as lemonade.” She started her own agency in Terre Haute before teaching at Indiana University and then moving to Chicago.

Janco Daniels received ISU’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1966.

“Myra Janco Daniels lived an extraordinary life,” ISU President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis said. “She came to Indiana State from Gary, Indiana, and through the force of her talent and determination became an example of achievement not just to women but to all Sycamores.”

BY DIANNE FRANCES D. POWELL

FREDA LUERS IS GRAND MARSHAL OF HOMECOMING PARADE

“I encourage our campus and greater Wabash Valley communities to participate or be spectators,” Luers said. “After the parade, everyone should plan to head to Memorial Stadium to watch our beloved Sycamores take on the Redbirds.”

Registered student and Greek-affiliated organizations will have tailgating west of Memorial Stadium from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The ISU Alumni Association will have its tent near the main entrance to Memorial Stadium. Alumni Association members will enjoy lunch and family-friendly activities including face painting, a 360-photo booth, and glitter tattoos. A cash bar will be on site. A membership registration booth will be open for Alumni and friends during the day.

A Black Alumni Reception will take place on Saturday from 6-8 p.m. at the Charles E. Brown African American Cultural Center.

MONDAY, OCTOBER

TUESDAY, OCTOBER

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER

OCTOBER

FRIDAY, OCTOBER

OCTOBER

OCTOBER

BY DR. LLOYD W. BENJAMIN III

One of the most prolific architectural families this past century in Terre Haute was the Miller family and no single architect did more to shape the Indiana State University we see today than Ewing Miller II.

Miller, who died in 2021, designed or contributed to the design of 31 buildings and developed a master plan for the campus from 1955 to 1973.

In 1954, two friends encouraged Miller, then 31, to settle permanently in Terre Haute, where his family of architects had earned a solid reputation. Miller was skeptical. One friend wrote to him: “Well, you ought to come back and try it one more time because Indiana State’s beginning to grow, and we really think the university is going to expand considerably.”

The campus had a limited number of buildings clustered about the quad. These included Old Main, North Hall, the Vocational building, Normal Library, Science building, Parsons, Reeve and Tirey Halls, and the Fine Arts and Commerce Building. The most recent buildings were Dreiser and Gillum Halls.

The Miller and Yeager architectural firm, having started in 1910, was firmly established

in Terre Haute when Ewing II settled there. Predating Ewing joining the firm, his family was responsible for several landmark buildings in Terre Haute, including the Elks Lodge, the Federal Building (now home of the Scott College of Business), Woodrow Wilson School, and, on the ISU campus, Tirey Hall and the Arts and Commerce Building.

College campuses of the 19th and early 20th century were conservators of historical styles such as the Romanesque, Neo Gothic, Neoclassical, and Tudor, etc. At the Normal School, the first name for ISU, a classical style was adopted for Normal Library — a building elevated on a base with appropriate classical elements (columns, pediments, etc.) and an interior stained glass dome with a figure of Philosophy in the center drawn from Raphael’s representation of the same subject in the Vatican Apartments in Rome. It suggested a noble grandeur associated with antiquity, the liberal arts, and connection with other elite universities in larger cities.

Adjacent to the campus, Fairbanks Library was built in a similar style. By contrast, at Indiana University, the Student Services Building and Maxwell Hall were done in Gothic and Romanesque Revival styles.

Gillum (left) and Dreiser (right) Halls

Prior to Ewing Miller’s campus designs, all of the buildings, with the exception of Dreiser and Gillum Halls, were constructed in revival styles. Ralph Yeager Jr., Miller’s professional partner, was a graduate of the University of Illinois where early interest in a modern idiom of building was practiced. President Tirey favored his work and the commissions for Gillum and Dreiser grew out of that relationship. What, one might ask, was modern about these two buildings located on the quad that differed noticeably from the other nearby buildings that were done in revival styles? The modern elements Miller pointed to were the glass blocks incorporated in the façades used for illuminating the stairways and the small portecocheres that off-set the starkness of the brick boxes. Miller referred to the style derogatorily as “Mussolini Modern.”

A brief discussion of several of his buildings that exemplify the modernism Miller introduced on campus follows:

Burford, Erickson and Pickerl Halls

The growth in the number of students necessitated the expansion of campus housing and the Miller firm designed Burford, Erickson, and Pickerl Hall. All three buildings were 6 stories high, built in an L-shape and shared common dining facilities. Miller once remarked that the profit margin from dormitory design and construction didn’t favor stylistic innovation. To distinguish Burford from costsensitive public housing he inserted glazed tile on the building surface under the windows—a feature he had seen in England.

Sycamore Towers were conceived as an integrated group of high-rise buildings that were completed in the mid-1960s. Enrollment growth necessitated additional housing for women and, eventually, men shortly after Burford, Erickson and Pickerl Halls had been completed.

Building high-rise housing represented a new development in campus architecture. The twelve story Towers doubled in height the previous three dormitories. Miller explained that the decision to go higher was influenced, in part, by the cost of land. But the overarching influence, he stated, was the desire of the trustees to have iconic tall buildings visible at a distance that would signify ISU was a modern urban campus in contrast to housing at IU and Purdue.

Cunningham Library

Cunningham Library was dedicated in 1974. It was a boldly modern statement, one which pleased Miller, who said, “…the library is the best building we did…” He described it as a “formalist building” with its concrete exterior (a modern international feature) noting its minimalist classic simplicity.

“(Former ISU President) Alan Rankin also felt that the library was the statement of the University,” Miller said. “We wanted a building where the mass and the breadth of the building carried it as an important building and you get that best by being more formalist.”

(continued on page 30)

Sycamore Towers (Blumberg, Cromwell, Mills and Rhoads Halls)

Normal (Library) Hall (left) and Fine Arts and Commerce Building (right)

Ewing Miller (continued)

Enrollment growth had driven the need for a much larger library to replace the older Normal Hall which could only accommodate about 4% of the student body while the new library was designed to meet the needs of 25% of the student population at any given time. Miller, I believe, saw the building as a sculptural object that deserved to be seen from the front and sides in a park-like setting. Miller had intended for the covered walkway in front of the building to continue south past Holmstedt Hall to connect with the quad but street closure issues intervened.

Rankin Hall (Link Building)

Rankin Hall was dedicated in 1972. This was the last major “modernist” architectural statement on campus. It was named the Link Building because it joined the Elks Building to the south with the Tirey Hall facilities to the north.

Miller thought of it as a monumental gateway to the quadrangle off 7th Street. The circular design and unadorned exterior limestone slab walls continued his interest in formal monumentality.

Miller had the rare honor of being elected as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and was the recipient of numerous distinguished awards including the Indiana American Institute of Architects President’s Award 2008 and the first Indiana AIA Gold Medal in 2013 for his exemplary practice as architect and designer. For his military service he received the Purple Heart and Prisoner of War Medals.

His wife, Donna Barnard Ari, described him lovingly: “Always a gentleman, Ewing endeared family, friends, and strangers with the twinkle in his eye, his humor, wisdom, steadfastness, intellect, warmth and bow ties.”

Dr. Lloyd W. Benjamin III served as Indiana State University’s tenth President from 2000-2008.

RANKIN HALL

Indiana State Athletics honored The Oakley Foundation and Bud & Annie Perry at the second annual Tried & True Gala for their decades of support for Indiana State University and the Terre Haute community.

A crowd of 200-plus turned out on August 5 at Hulman Center for the event as The Oakley Foundation and the Perrys were honored with the Max and Jackie Gibson Award. The award recognizes an athletic supporter who has made a significant and lasting impact on Sycamore Athletics through special service or major philanthropic giving. The honor is the highest recognition given to donors or friends of the program.

“Bud and Annie Perry exemplify the true Sycamore Spirit of philanthropy and generosity,” ISU President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis said. “This event gave us the opportunity to lift up two very humble people and thank them for their kindness and altruism.”

The evening included a video tribute to the Foundation and the Perry family with speakers including Indiana State Senator Jon Ford and former chair of the ISU Board of Trustees Mike Alley.

“When I think about Bud and Annie, and the Oakley Foundation, it’s really all about what servants they are to our community,” Ford said. “They really help so many

people in a wide range of areas and have really done it quietly.”

Said Alley: “When I heard that the Perrys were receiving this award, I was so excited. It’s remarkable the impact they have had on the Wabash Valley. They have certainly helped ISU in a number of ways, but that assistance and the leadership (extends) to the Children’s Museum, to Ivy Tech, to Rose-Hulman, to their support of Riverscape. Bud and Annie are right there supporting it and you have the Oakley Foundation that is bringing forth that support as well. It has really impacted ISU and Terre Haute in a great way.”

In his closing remarks, Bud Perry said he was “overcome” by the honor.

“We don’t expect to be singled out as givers to the university,” he said. “There are so many good people that are helping the university out. We’re delighted. Annie and I are both happy for ourselves and for the university that we could help out.”

ISU Director of Athletics Sherard Clinkscales said numerous people made the event a success.

“I am grateful for another strong turnout to honor the Oakley Foundation and Bud & Annie Perry as we get ready to kick off another athletic season,” Clinkscales said.

“I want to thank our title sponsor, Dorsett Automotive, and all of our sponsors and attendees for their support in this event. Our athletics staff, along with our campus partners Sodexo and Hulman Center, put on a tremendous event this year and I look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come.”

On behalf of his family, Bud Perry (center), accepts the Max and Jackie Gibson Award from Indiana State University President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis (right) and Director of Athletics Sherard Clinkscales (left) at the second annual Tried & True Gala.

Dr. George Washington Buckner Posthumous Honoree

Buckner became the first Black diplomat to a foreign country in 1913 when President Woodrow Wilson appointed him U.S. Minister and Consul General to Liberia.

Buckner was born a slave in Kentucky in 1855. He attended school in Indianapolis and graduated from the Indiana State Normal School, now Indiana State University, in 1871. While teaching in Vincennes, he went to Indiana Eclectic Medical College and graduated in 1890. He practiced medicine in Evansville and founded the Cherry Street YMCA.

Buckner’s time as a diplomat lasted less than two years because of health problems. He returned to Evansville and practiced medicine and became a civil rights activist. Buckner died in 1943 at age 87.

Three people have been selected for ISU’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Presented annually since 1957, the Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes alumni who have made significant achievements professionally and within their communities, locally and globally. The honorees will receive their awards at the President’s Dinner.

John Thompson CEO, Thompson Thrift Construction

As Chief Executive Officer of Thompson Thrift Construction, Thompson is responsible for the overall direction of the company, including preconstruction, construction services, and field operations.

He founded Thompson Thrift with partner Paul Thrift in 1986. Since then, Thompson and Thrift have expanded the business into a highly regarded full-service real estate development and construction company.

His key positions or activities: Boy Scouts of America, Past Board Member; Terre Haute Children’s Museum, Past Chair; National Association of Home Builders Construction Council Executive, Past Board Member; National Multifamily Housing Council Design and Construction Board Member.

Paul Thrift CEO, Thompson Thrift Development

As CEO of Thompson Thrift Development, Thrift oversees the company’s asset portfolio and new market opportunities. He founded Thompson Thrift with partner John Thompson in 1986. Under their leadership, the business has grown into the nationally recognized fullservice real estate development and construction company it is today.

During his tenure as CEO, Thrift successfully guided Thompson Thrift Development through the competitive real estate marketplace while expanding its portfolio to include multifamily, industrial, and commercial mixed-use developments across the country.

His key positions or activities: Indiana State Chamber, Past Chair and Executive Committee Member; Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, Past Chair; Terre Haute Economic Development Corporation, Past Chair; Indiana State University Foundation, Past Chair Athletic Advancement Committee; Wabash Valley Red Cross, Past Chair; World Gospel Church, Terre Haute, Deacon Council Past Chair; Indiana State University School of Business Dean’s Council; Terre Haute Tomorrow & Terre Haute Competes, Steering Committee Chair; MultiFamily Leadership Board, National Association of Home Builders Current Chair; National Multifamily Housing Council, Executive Board Member.

Sources for George Washington Buckner’s profile were “The Life of Dr. George Washington Buckner,” the U.S. Office of the Historian, and findagrave.com. Buckner’s photo was used with permission from the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science.

INNOVATIVE FACULTY WEAR BLUE!

Sycamore

Shown

The impact of donor giving at Indiana State University is helping establish and advance University programs and initiatives. The philanthropic passions of our donors are improving the lives of our students through scholarships, hands-on learning, program and facility development, and much more.

Mike and Amy Alley of Carmel committed $100,000 in support of various programs including the Linda Eldred Student Success Center, the Alley Professional Development Fellows Endowment, the Porter Cancer Research Center, and Sycamore Athletics.

GEODIS Logistics of Plainfield committed $150,000 to support experiential learning projects and to provide scholarships for the Operations and Supply Chain Management program through the creation of the ISU/ GEODIS Logistics 4.0 Innovation Hub.

Jack and Joyce Rentschler of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, donated $300,000 on Give to Blue Day to provide programmatic support for multiple Sycamore Athletic teams and for the Bayh College of Education.

Kathleen Sauer of Plainfield gave $100,000 in memory of her husband, long-time ISU English professor and retired Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Thomas Sauer, to support students and travel abroad experiences through the Dr. Thomas G. Sauer and Kathleen P. Sauer College of Arts and Sciences “Bridge the

David Brooks, Senior Director of Operations, GEODIS Logistics

Jack and Joyce Rentschler

Gap” Scholarship and the Thomas G. Sauer Scholarship Fund for Travel Abroad.

Marjorie Z. Ashby of Zionsville donated $354,000 through her testamentary trust to the Marjorie Z. Ashby College of Health and Human Services Endowment Fund to support nursing, health, and nutrition programs in the College.

Yanya Yang and Neng Chiang Yang, siblings from Lexington, Kentucky, and Portland, Oregon, respectively, donated $250,000 to the Art Department at ISU to name the Yang Family University Art Gallery. Their gift will provide support for scholarships and professional development, as well as funding for exhibitions, programming, and infrastructure enhancements.

Scott Watson of Chicago committed $125,000 to establish the South Vermillion High School Class of ’81 Endowed Scholarship.

Susan Abernathy of Ridgefield, New Jersey, gave $250,000 through the estate of her late husband, Dr. Lucky J. Abernathy, to support students pursuing a graduate degree in the Bayh College of Education through the Dr. Lucky Abernathy Endowed Scholarship.

Karen and John Lukens of Terre Haute made a $100,000 commitment through their estate to

support the Forrest Sherer Insurance and Risk Management Scholarship.

Kim and Steve Smith of Naples, Florida, committed $250,000 to establish the Kim and Steve Smith Faculty Fellow in Insurance and Risk Management Endowment, and in support of Sycamore Athletics.

John and Marilyn Thyen of Naples, Florida, committed $150,000 to the Indiana State Football Program, to provide support for various programmatic needs and enhancements.

Dr. David Mitchell and Geraldine Penman Mitchell of Terre Haute donated $645,000 through their bequests to support ISU students by establishing the Geraldine Penman and David C. Mitchell Scholarship.

Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics of Indianapolis provided a gift-in-kind of $224,000 through physician services and medical support for Sycamore Athletics.

Rich and Robin Porter of Okatie, South Carolina, made a $1,150,000 commitment to enhance their support of the Porter Cancer Research Center, as well as to establish the Porter Master’s in Nursing Endowed Scholarship, and to provide support for the Sycamore Track & Field program.

*Donor gifts are reflective of giving from March 2022 through July 2022.

Scott Watson

Yanya Yang and Neng Chiang Yang

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