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Articles Archives 2010Science Olympiad is Feb. 12 at VU Lady Trailblazers move up to No. 2 in latest NJCAA DI poll Blues Night Coffeehouse is Feb. 24 VU Lady Trailblazers turn away host Olney Central 95-72 behind Gholson's 24 points, eight boards, three steals Vincennes and Jasper are sites of Homeland Security Community Academies Spring campus visitation days begin Feb. 25 VU-Jasper offers workshop for social services Indianapolis woman receives VU scholarship VU’s Bartnovskaya takes pole vault at IU again College Goal Sunday is Feb. 20 at VU and VUJ VU students offer free tax preparation service EVENT CANCELLATION - Speaker Byron Pitts at VU, Feb. 1 Watch Meet Your Legislators Live on WVUT or on vinu.edu Bartnovskaya wins pole vault, sets school and national records at Gladstein Invitational Speaker Brent Scarpo at VU on Jan. 27 Renowned CBS journalist to speak at VU, Feb. 1 WVUT Meet Your Legislators program is Jan. 29 Blazer Baseball on verge of pre-season Top 10 as 2011 season edges closer Spring enrollment is strong at VU Lady Trailblazers register another impressive win in topping Jefferson 76-74 on the road Hidde appointed to VU Board of Trustees Lady Trailblazers dismantle Lindsey Wilson 75-29 for 14th win of season VU welcomes international students Trailblazers can’t recover from early deficit, drop 74-62 verdict Lady Trailblazers shake off rust for 82-92 win at Cincinnati State VU expands training to Ben Davis University High School VU Closes for Holidays Lady Blazers beat reigning champs Gulf Coast for second time this season VU Classic tips off Friday, continues Saturday Justin S. Mowery Memorial Scholarship VU’s Thompson named NJCAA Div. I Player of the Week Enrollment milestones reached at Vincennes University Sandi Patti to Perform at VU’s Skelton Center VU and IU East announce partnership to bring bachelor's degrees to Jasper Share the Road New distance education initiative begins soon Thanksgiving comes early to Red Skelton Museum Trailblazers lose 84-58 as Blackhawks pull away Baker joins VU Foundation staff VU off-campus credit classes begin Jan. 10 VU's McGhee leads Lady Trailblazers in knocking off nation's No. 1 team, 92-86 Vincennes University begins new distance education initiative, Learning Unlimited Major announcement about Red Skelton Museum and Education Center planned on Monday Gas leak causes evacuation of VU’s McCormick Science Center Register For Your Emergency-Text Alert McGhee scores 22 to lead Lady Trailblazers' pasting of LTC Author Jack Wilson to sign books at VU on Nov. 20 Wiggins explodes for 29 as VU survives Allegany’s late onslaught for 76-74 win Guitars in the Night concert is Nov. 18 VU Art Gallery exhibit opens Nov. 16 Beaman makes presentation about VU Parent/Family Program WVUB nominated for state awards VU Trailblazers rout Olney Central, 89-53 Lady Trailblazers blow out Olney Central, 101-58 Tickets on sale now for Christmas dinner and concert on Dec. 1 Nominations sought for VU Davis Citation award Lowry, Alter and Kuhn continue to shine for VU cross country teams African Dinner and Culture Night is Nov. 12 at VU Registration now underway for broadcasting workshops at VU VU Blazerfest is Nov. 6 VU Community Series presents “Simply Sinatra” on Nov. 19 VU honors award recipients Industrial and state leaders praise new manufacturing training labs at Vincennes University VU will host Festival of Bands on Nov. 2 Breast Cancer Awareness Benefit is Oct. 27 Dinner raises funds for cancer awareness VU Blazers 20th in NJCAA preseason poll Wills, Trusts and Ethics Institute is Nov. 5 at VU New ABB Robotics training lab to open at Vincennes University U.S. Senate Debate in Vincennes to be televised on WVUT-TV November events at the VU Skelton Center Lady Blazers Volleyball comes up short on road at Lake Land High school students prepare for promising careers Free Tickets Now Available for U.S. Senate Debate in Vincennes Trio of runners still leading the way for VU Cross Country Natalie Stovall in concert at VU on Nov. 11 VU receives funding renewal for COPE Student Support Services Dinner to raise awareness of breast cancer 9th District Congressional Forum will be Oct. 13 in Jasper VU dedicates Tecumseh Dining Center Blazers hit floor Sunday in jamboree VU's 2010 Ceramics Invitational exhibit opens Art exhibit opens Oct. 5 at VU’s Shircliff Gallery VU enrollment continues upward trend VU receives $1.5 million workforce training grant Wissing discusses Indiana in Afghanistan VU Foundation celebrates success Stemle is new grants writer for Vincennes University Book with rare autographs donated to VU Library VU campus visitation days are Oct. 22-23 and Nov. 19-20 October events at the VU Skelton Center VU to host Elementary Parent Math Nights beginning Oct. 4 Saturday Skills Seminars are Oct. 2 at VU 9th District Congressional Forum planned for Oct. 13 in Jasper VU Volleyball continues to roll vs. Rend Lake Alumni praise VU’s role in their success Two receive surprise awards during VU Family and Alumni Weekend Pumpkin sale benefits VU scholarships Reservations are due Oct. 4 for December shopping trip September events at the VU Skelton Center Speakers will discuss experiences in Afghanistan on Sept. 30 VU Fall Family and Alumni Weekend is Sept. 17-19 Judge in landmark Constitutional case to speak at VU Latin American Culture Night is Sept. 23 at VU Red Skelton Museum Foundation, Indiana Historical Society form new partnership Indiana in Afghanistan photo exhibit at VU VU enrollment continues to grow VU grateful for quick help from Dept. of Transportation New VU facility will meet growing need for skilled technicians VU’s John Deere Ag/Diesel Building dedicated Art Gallery exhibit opens with reception on Aug. 31 VU’s John Deere Ag/Diesel Tech Building to be dedicated Aug. 25 VU names Franklin to head up Trailblazers basketball program VUJC to offer dental assistant training Full-time VU students invited to try out for Blazer Baseball roster spot Instructions for reaching campus while phone lines are repaired Full-time VU students invited to try out for Blazer Baseball roster spot College classes coming to Ben Davis New VU Fair Pavilion is dedicated Register For Your Emergency-Text Alert Vincennes University Fair Pavilion dedication is Monday Walnut Grove historical park dedication is August 21 David Ragland exiting from Trailblazers for ISU assistant coaching position VU receives major employment training grant VU Board extends President Helton’s contract VU Alumni Association offers travel opportunities Vincennes University approves $144.7 million budget Two appointed to VU Admissions staff VU enrollment grows 44 percent in five years Clown pie fight at VU Broughton named NJCAA Baseball 3rd-Team All-American Ladner cites optimism in accepting Davis Citation VU’s Zach Manley on verge of NJCAA national championship golf tournament Red Skelton Festival features Clown Follies and more on June 12 Early College Fellows at VU seek to boost student success in high school and beyond Summitt marks 50 years of employment at VU Indianapolis students receive high school and VU college degrees VU to present concert reading of “Alice of Old Vincennes: A Musical” VU faculty and professional staff promotions VU room and board rates to increase 4 percent VU players high in final ITA rankings after top-5 national tournament showing Frazier caps VU career with 3rd place finish at NJCAA national championship meet Twenty VU track & field athletes look to grab hardware from NJCAA National Championship Meet Honneger, Clark, Smith NJCAA champs at national championship tennis tournament! Blazer Baseball to make 1st appearance in NJCAA World Series! Donation received for Red Skelton Museum and Education Center Tecumseh Dining Center renovation to be completed this summer Frank S. Ladner to receive VU’s Walter A. Davis Citation Tractor-Trailer Driving Training Open House is May 8 Mother and daughter to graduate together on Saturday Senator Lugar to visit Super Mileage Challenge Vincennes University designated “Tree Campus USA” by Arbor Day Foundation Recycling contest celebrates Earth Day Visitors from The Netherlands tour VU VU tennis 7th in NJCAA poll; Trailblazer players ranked highly in singles, doubles April 29 concert will feature tribute to The Beatles Dual-skilled players among pitchers added to Blazer Baseball team for 2010-11 VU Nursing program earns accreditation Goodwin article published in journal Items needed for VU Alumni Trash and Treasure Sale Trailblazers, Lady Trailblazers among VU groups taking on Harlem Wizards VU Blazer Baseball takes two vs. Southeastern Illinois Ladner donates $1.5 million to VU’s Haas CNC Training Center VU’s Buis verbally commits to continue career at Oregon VU to Honor 1923 & 1981 Vincennes Lincoln Alices Saturday in IHSAA's Parade of Past Champions in Indianapolis Meet Your Legislators is March 27 Glee casting call at VU on March 28 Miss VU to be featured on ABC’s Good Morning America on Thursday “Footloose” musical opens at VU Katie Donnar is Miss Vincennes University 2010 VU student is finalist in national essay competition VU Surveying Program receives major gift Blazer Baseball earns come-from-behind win in final at-bat vs. South Suburban VU Tennis serves up 7-2 defeat to DePauw in season’s home opener Elementary parent math nights coming in April Miss VU Scholarship Pageant is Saturday Civil War Era Newspaper Collection Now Available Student Government Association Receives U.S. Flag and certificates of appreciation from Operation Care at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan VU Alumni Mixer is March 15 Drum Enchanted Evening is March 25 at VU VU Blazer Bowlers’ 3-peat earns 17th NJCAA National Title Vincennes University begins new distance education initiative Vincennes University begins new program at Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library Vincennes University Blazer Baseball 2010 Spring Home Hpener Manhattan Transfer concert re-scheduled to April 23 Buis ignites sophomore night pasting of Kennedy-King to wrap up regular season Trailblazers shocked, 64-62 by layup as time expires against Kennedy-King Lady Trailblazers are never challenged in 100-75 victory over Cincinnati State Ford's last-second 3-pointer lifts Trailblazers over Cincinnati State Feb. 27 VU concert to feature music of Mozart Donations for VU Alumni Trash and Treasure Sale needed College Goal Sunday is Feb. 21 February events at the VU Skelton Center Latest winter blast halts VU teams' scheduled road trips Vincennes Classes Begin at Noon; Jasper Campus Closed Monday Science Olympiad is Feb. 13 at VU VU programs and students receive state recognition Free Homeland Security Academy is open to public Feb. 11 marks second anniversary of Knox County 211 Blazer Baseball opens season with doubleheader split at Roane State Lady Trailblazers notch 8th straight with 82-72 win at Mineral Area Trailblazers overtake Mineral Area with strong 2nd half for 85-71 victory VU Track & Field has successful day at DePauw Tiger Indoor Invitational Frazier, Wilson and women’s 4x400 relay qualify for indoor nationals Energy savings to cut budget at VU VU business programs accredited VU Temporarily Renames Street to Honor Colts VU Black History Month presentation is Feb. 4 VU Track & Field living up to expectations in early going Former child soldier to tell his story at VU VU Faculty Art Exhibition opens Lady Trailblazers dismantle St. Catharine 94-34 Bluegrass Jam is Feb. 14 at VU Manhattan Transfer concert in Vincennes is re-scheduled Ford 3s, VU’s free throws help Trailblazers top Daley 73-68 VU students to prepare tax returns VU to Help Bring Early College High School to Evansville Trailblazers' Return Home is Sweet with 106-72 Victory over Lindsey Wilson Wednesday’s Trailblazer game is Recycling Night Buis, Craft lead Lady Trailblazers over Kennedy-King, 77-61 Jan. 22 VU Banquet Will Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. VU's 2nd-half flurry fuels comeback at Parkland Trailblazers eke out 1,500th all-time win in victory over Cincinnati State Thompson and Craft lead Lady Trailblazers with inside-out attack vs. Cincinnati State Trailblazers put pieces in place for 2010-11 with redshirts Wiggins, Lufile Lady Trailblazers dismantle Olney Central, 94-38 Sign Up for VU E-Texts Eykamp String Quartet to perform Jan. 17 Schedule for Opening of Spring Semester 2010 Trailblazers Pick up Pair of Wins in Olney Central White Squirrel Classic Public Invited to Comment About VU VU Health Watch Wednesday Continues |
- Johnson appointed VU Provost and Vice President of Instructional Services/Dean of Faculty
- VU moves forward with $15.6 million in campus projects
- Student creations are a real “glass” act
- Community leader honored with VU award for service
- Vincennes University Commencement features New York Times best-selling author Ira Wagler
Johnson appointed VU Provost and Vice President of Instructional Services/Dean of Faculty
May 14, 2012
VINCENNES, Ind. - Charles R. Johnson has been appointed as Vincennes
University Provost and Vice President of Instructional Services/Dean of
Faculty, according to an announcement by VU President Dick Helton.
Johnson’s appointment follows a six-month national search following the
resignation of Dr. Ronald Davis to become vice president and chief academic
officer at John Wood Community College in Quincy, Ill., last October.
Johnson will replace Robert A. Slayton, former dean of the Learning
Resources Center, who has served as interim provost.
Johnson comes to VU from Purdue University, West Lafayette, where he most
recently served as director of three specialty master’s degree programs,
including Weekend MBA, Master of Science in Finance, and the new Master of
Science in Accounting that will be introduced this fall. He has taught
courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Since 2007 he has served as a consultant to American University of the
Middle East, Kuwait, where he has provided support in the launch of an
evening MBA program, undergraduate business programs, and admissions,
student services, administrative functions, and faculty recruitment. Since
2010 he has served on the University’s Board of Trustees.
Johnson previously served as director of the Purdue Krannert School of
Management’s Executive Education Program, director of its Master’s and
Executive Programs, and director of its Professional Master’s Programs.
Prior to joining Purdue in 1998, Johnson served as manager of Training and
Development for National City Corporation and National City Bank, a Fortune
500 financial services company based in Cleveland, Ohio.
While completing his master’s degree in Business Administration at Bowling
Green State University (1987), Johnson served as a manager and later as the
director of two residence halls and conference housing. In his nearly 11
years at Bowling Green, he also served as director of Undergraduate
Studies/Program Advisement and director of Graduate Studies in Business in
the College of Business Administration.
In addition to his master’s degree, Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in
Economics from Indiana State University (1984) and is pursuing his
doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Purdue University.
“I am delighted to be joining Vincennes University. As a native of
Southwestern Indiana, I have had many connections with VU in the past,
including dozens of family and friends who are VU alumni, and I have always
had a favorable impression,” Johnson said. “Yet the more I learn about VU,
the more impressive it is. President Helton, along with the faculty,
staff, and students I have met, give me great confidence that VU is
well-positioned to build on its traditions of innovation, academic
excellence, and engagement. It is an interesting time for all of us in
higher education and I look forward to working with the entire VU community
to address the challenges we will face as we strive to continue meeting the
evolving needs of the people of this region and the state of Indiana.”
VU President Dick Helton said that he believes that Johnson has an
excellent background for his new position. “I am delighted that Chuck has
such a wide range of both academic and business experience, including
teaching, curriculum development, and student services. His international
education leadership and his record of achievement at one of the most
respected management schools in the nation make him ideally qualified to
serve in this important position at Vincennes University. I look forward
to working with him,” Helton said.
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College
VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper and additional
sites such as Indianapolis and the Gibson County Center for Advanced
Manufacturing and Logistics. VU also offers instruction at military sites
throughout the nation.
In addition to offering 200 associate degree and certificate programs, VU
also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security,
nursing, secondary education programs in mathematics and, science, and
special education/elementary education.
VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 28 other states, and 30
countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with
residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in
the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the
United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded
VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is
available at www.vinu.edu.
VU moves forward with $15.6 million in campus projects
May 11, 2012
VINCENNES, Ind. - A campus already cited for its beauty and accessibility
will soon be enhanced as the result of six new projects valued at $15.6
million.
Vincennes University hosted the Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Thursday and Friday. The visit included tours, meetings, and a
presentation by VU President Dick Helton that highlighted VU’s initiatives
on campus and throughout the state. Today the Commission approved $3.8
million for a new VU Art Center, $4.25 million for renovating Morris
Residence Hall, and almost $3.1 million for renovating Vanderburgh
Residence Hall. In addition, the Commission also approved three other
projects that are underway, or are soon to be underway at VU. They include
a $2 million renovation project for the five-story section of the
Technology Center, a $1.6 million renovation project for the Welsh
Administration Building, and a $900,000 project to relocate the Jerry
Blemker Baseball Field to a site near the intersection of Old Terre Haute
Road and Niblack Blvd.
“Members of the Commission for Higher Education were very complimentary
about our campus and facilities. With these additional investments, I am
confident that VU will continue its leadership in offering students some of
the best higher education assets in Indiana. I appreciate the Commission’s
continued support for Vincennes University,” said Helton.
Phil Rath, vice president of Financial Services and Government Relations,
said he was pleased with the Commission’s visit to VU and that that members
spoke highly of VU during their visit to campus. “One of the new
commission members, Eileen O’Neil Odum, told me that she thought that VU
was one of the best-maintained campuses she has visited. Another new
member, Chris LaMothe, told me he was very impressed with the technology
offered to our students,” Rath said.
The $3.8 million Art Center will be located on College Avenue between Third
and Fourth streets, across the street from the Dayson Foundation and Alumni
Center. The new 15,224 square-foot facility will include new equipment and
technology for art instruction as well as a small gallery for exhibiting
student works. It will replace the current Art Annex Building at the
corner of Third and Scott streets.
The renovations to both Morris and Vanderburgh Halls total just over $7
million. Both projects include energy efficiency and electrical system
upgrades as well as complete upgrades of HVAC systems to improve air
quality, control, and comfort. Vanderburgh Hall will have all exterior
windows replaced and Morris Hall will have an upgrade to the exterior skin
of the building. Both projects are funded by revenue bonds supported by
housing operation revenue.
Vanderburgh Hall currently houses 432 students in 216 rooms and Morris Hall
houses 378 students in 189 rooms.
The $1.6 million Welsh Administration Building renovation will include a
new entry and a canopy that will connect the building to Governor’s Hall.
An elevator will also be added to the three-story section of the building.
The $2 million renovation of the five-story section of the Technology
Building will include upgrading restrooms, fire sprinkler system, and the
internal structure. It is the first phase of modernizing the building that
originally was an industrial facility.
“Taken together, these projects are a major step forward for the campus.
In addition to changing the face of the campus, these projects will improve
quality of instruction and residence life, enhancing the total student
experience. They will make VU more attractive to prospective students and
that is important in this competitive market,” Rath said.
Student creations are a real “glass” act
April 27, 2012
Vincennes University students demonstrated glass working techniques and
exhibited their creations during an open house on April 27 at the McCormick
Science Center.
Janesa Henry, Wheatland, is one of about 20 students enrolled in the
Scientific and Decorative Glass Working class. She is a Physical Therapist
Assistant major at VU and said that she chose to take the science class
because it sounded like fun and didn’t require any previous experience. “I
thought it would be a nice diversion from my health studies.” The daughter
of J.R. and Tracy Henry, Henry is a 2009 graduate of South Knox High
School.
Chemistry Professor Jay Bardole has taught the course for more than 40
years and his impending retirement was another reason that Henry cited for
taking the class. “I’ve always heard such good things about Professor
Bardole and I knew that this would be my last opportunity to take one of
his classes,” she said.
The Scientific and Decorative Glass Working class focuses on the
fundamentals of working with glass tubing and rods. The techniques covered
in the class introduce students to the “feel” of handling glass; shaping
glass tubing, and crocheting glass rods. Throughout the class, students
produce a scientific project, an art project, and a project of their
choice.
Community leader honored with VU award for service
April 27, 2012
VINCENNES, Ind. - Rowe D. Sargent was cited as a “servant leader” as he
received Vincennes University’s 2012 Walter A. Davis Memorial Citation for
Service at a banquet on April 26 at the Green Activities Center. The
Citation was presented by the VU Alumni Association.
Rob McLin, CEO and president of Good Samaritan Hospital, said he grew up
near the Sargent farm. “His devotion to being a really good human being
and helping others, through all his mission trips throughout the world, is
a testament to his values as a person,” McLin said. Citing his service on
the boards of the North Knox School Corporation and Good Samaritan
Hospital, McLin said that Sargent’s “insight and common sense approach to
leadership has really been helpful and appreciated.”
Rowe’s daughter Susan Brocksmith, professor of business management at VU,
said her father “is a shining example of how to make a difference in both
our community and our country - he is a true example of what it means to be
a servant leader.” She concluded her remarks by noting that “our community
would not be the place it is today without you.”
In presenting the citation, VU President Dick Helton said that Sargent is
an example of a leader who “has a passion for what he does and a compassion
for those he serves.”
The Walter A. Davis Memorial Citation for Service is awarded annually to a
VU alumnus or to a resident of the greater VU community and recognizes not
only the recipient’s professional achievements, but also civic leadership
and contributions. Recipients are selected from nominees submitted by
alumni and the public.
In offering his gratitude for the Davis Citation, Sargent said he has been
blessed to live in Knox County with his family, neighbors, and friends.
“My father-in-law taught me a lot. One of the things he always said was
that public service is the price we pay for occupying space on Earth. We
do have a responsibility to try to make our surroundings better for the
next generation,” Sargent said.
ROWE D. SARGENT
Sargent’s Christian faith is demonstrated in his mission trips to Albania,
Romania, Jamaica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Russia, and Mexico. On a trip to
China, he and his wife Maridell delivered Bibles from Beijing to Urumji,
and inland cities. Sargent has been active on the Mission Committee at
Bethel Church in Freelandville and currently serves as deacon. He loans
cargo trailers for church groups and individuals who are going on mission
trips, or hauling food and supplies for North Knox Social Ministries. He
also has participated in the Emmaus Walk.
Sargent has served 15 years on the North Knox School Board. His interest
and concern for young people and the 4-H program has led him to continue
his service on the Knox County Fair Board. He also has been active in the
Bicknell Kiwanis and helps with the annual Labor Day Parade. Sargent has
been affiliated with the Knox County Chamber of Commerce for numerous years
and has spent several years on the VU Community Services Committee. This
past year he ran for County Commissioner with the aim to help make Knox
County a stronger and better place in which to live and work. As a result
of being a Commissioner, he serves on the Good Samaritan Hospital Board of
Governors, the Knox County Development Commission, and the Knox County
Drainage Board.
Sargent started farming near Bicknell - hogs and cattle, plus corn, and
later soybeans. He is a former president of the Knox County Swine
Committee and he assisted in establishing the Knox County Corn Growers
organization, of which he was president for two years. Sargent also has
served on the National Growers Board for nine years where he has served as
vice president of the National Corn Growers Field Services Committee as
well as chairing the National Corn Growers Yield Contest. He also made
yearly trips to Washington, D.C., to lobby for the National Corn Growers.
Sargent has served on the Sheriff’s Merit Board as well as the Knox County
Health Board. He has sold Pioneer seed corn and soybeans to local farmers,
winning some awards for his sales volume. He currently works with Craig
Williams of Oaktown as a Pioneer Seed representative.
Sargent just completed his term as the national president of the Fellowship
of Christian Farmers International which is based in Lexington, Illinois.
This organization sponsors many mission trips and organizes humanitarian
projects to help farmers in the United States who have sustained damage and
loss due to tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes. The group builds fences,
distributes hay, repairs buildings, rounds up livestock, and performs other
acts of assistance. FCFI also was active in Haiti after the earthquake.
This organization has projects in Albania, Mexico, Greece, Russia, and
Jamaica, as well as special outreach assignments at various agricultural
fairs, machinery shows, and the Future Farmers of America Annual
Convention.
Sargent is a graduate of Sandborn High School. He enlisted in the Navy,
spent time in an electronics school, and served two years aboard the
aircraft carrier USS Lexington. He traveled to the Far East, making stops
in Hawaii, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Guam, Okinawa, and Japan. He was
also stationed in Iwakuni, Japan, for two years as a radar technician in a
flight crew that flew missions along the Chinese and Russian coasts. He
married Maridell (Miller) Sargent in 1958 between deployments. Mrs.
Sargent was named the recipient of the Walter A. Davis Memorial Citation
for Service in 2000.
Rowe and his wife, Maridell, are the parents of two children, Mark Sargent
(Deanna), and Susan Brocksmith (Mike). They have four grandchildren,
Patrick and Chris Sargent, and Victoria and Casandra Brocksmith.
Vincennes University Commencement features New York Times best-selling author Ira Wagler
April 23, 2012
VINCENNES, Ind.—New York Times best-selling author Ira Wagler will return
home to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Letters during Vincennes
University’s 206th Commencement on April 28. Both Wagler and VU President
Dick Helton will address the Class of 2012.
The author of the book “Growing Up Amish: A Memoir” (Tyndale House
Publishers, 2011), Wagler is a 1991 VU alumnus who holds a bachelor’s
degree in English from Bob Jones University (1993) and a law degree from
Dickinson School of Law (1997).
Wagler practiced law with the firm of Clymer & Musser, Lancaster, PA from
1997 to 2001 before beginning a career as general manager of Graber Supply,
LLC, Pole Building Supplier and Builder, Atglen, PA. Speaking of his
co-career as a writer, Wagler says on his website, “This I will do or die
trying. Actually, it’s just now all coming down, unfolding as you read
this. It’s been a wild, wild ride, far beyond anything I could have
imagined.“
Wagler describes his memoir as a “journey at its core no different than
many coming of age journeys.” Inspired by his favorite writer, Thomas
Wolfe, Wagler’s book is a true story of self-discovery and seeking where he
belongs. The epilogue to his book concludes, “I have no regrets for the
road I chose. And I rarely wonder how life would have been on the road not
taken.”
Born in 1961 in the small Old Order Amish community of Aylmer, Ontario,
Wagler’s book creates a vivid portrait of Amish life from childhood to his
decision to leave the Amish community for good at age 26. In between,
beginning at age 17, Ira left and then returned to the community numerous
times over five years, torn between his heritage and the freedom and
possibilities of the outside world. The book describes a difficult path
with “years of turmoil, rage, and anguish.” The 9th child out of 11
children, Wagler dedicated his book to his mother, Ida Mae, who “never
wavered in her deep love for all her children, even—and maybe
especially—for her wayward sons.”
Prior to enrolling at VU, Wagler received his GED from Washington High
School in 1989, having only completed the 8th grade in an Amish one-room
school in Aylmer, Ontario.
An avid hiker along the Tacquon Trail, completing as much as 12 miles in a
day, Wagler is also a big fan of football, especially the New York Jets
since 1981, as well as Nascar and baseball. Wagler also enjoys reading,
writing and describes himself as a “charcoal grill purist.“ Wagler
continues to work in “tidbits on the Great American Novel.“
VU’s Commencement will be televised live on WVUT-TV beginning at 2 p.m. EDT
on April 28.
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College
VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper and additional
sites such as Indianapolis and the Gibson County Center for Advanced
Manufacturing and Logistics. VU also offers instruction at military sites
throughout the nation.
In addition to offering 200 associate degree and certificate programs, VU
also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security,
nursing, secondary education programs in mathematics and, science, and
special education/elementary education.
VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 28 other states, and 30
countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with
residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in
the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the
United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded
VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is
available at www.vinu.edu.
