PATH OF A WARRIOR From the Desk of Kristi Jarmus
HELPING TO SHAPE THE FUTURE Today, I sat in on a meeting between an alumnus and faculty member. These meetings are not unusual—alumni often meet with faculty and staff to connect and discuss the possibility of participating in the classroom, giving a presentation or assisting with Career Center events such as mock interviews or panel discussions. As I listened to these individuals get to know each other, I was struck by the impact of what we choose to tell each other when we share stories. It goes beyond dry facts and details; the magic happens when we share our unique perspectives and experiences. In a short time, these individuals connected on shared interests and learned from each other’s unique experiences. This spring, Indiana Tech is partnering with a company called Publishing Concepts Inc. (PCI) to kick off its first alumni Oral History Project. For weeks I have been thinking about how to share the excitement our alumni relations team has about this vital project. Today’s meeting helped me sum it up: YOU are interesting and unique. YOU are Indiana Tech’s legacy. And, only YOU can share the essence of your Tech story. In March, PCI started sending out postcards and emails inviting alumni to confirm contact information and participate in the Oral History Project by sharing memories. The PCI team will collect your story and compile a summary for you to review in their client-only portal. You will have an option to submit a picture of your choosing. This project will continue through the summer
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Spring 2022
with PCI making reminder calls. In the fall PCI will compile all stories in a digital archive that will help document the storied history of this great university. Digital and hardcopy books will be available for purchase; PCI will review these options with you. You do not have to purchase anything to contribute to this project. When you are contacted by PCI, we hope you choose to participate. Learn more about this project at alumni.indianatech.edu/oral-historyproject-faq. As always at this time of year, planning is underway for the TWIST golf outing—TWIST XXXIII will be Sept. 18. Also, mark your calendars for Homecoming 2022 weekend, Sept. 30 through Oct. 2. The Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony will also be that weekend and we will celebrate reunion classes of 1962, 1972 and 1997. Finally, we have two volunteer opportunities. ↘ Would you like to share your years of career expertise with current students? We are looking for alumni who would be willing to participate online or in-person in small group mentorship activities. ↘ The Alumni Board is looking to fill several committee positions related to outreach, homecoming and student relations. Please email alumni@indianatech.edu if you are interested in either of these opportunities. Have a great remainder to your spring!
