>newground
IU Northwest Vice Chancellor Jeff Lorber describes his plans for the campus.
"Regional vitality, cultural discovery"—The new motto for IU Northwest also identifies the mission that Jeff Lorber, the new vice chancellor, has been called upon to advance. "My work," he explains, "is to help IU Northwest fully engage in the civic and cultural life of communities within a seven-county region."
In short, Lorber will be absorbed in fulfilling the long-term goals of IU Northwest outlined at length in its Shared Vision, a detailed guide to the various ways IUN has committed itself to the health and well-being of the communities that surround it.
Lorber heads the newly formed Division of University Advancement, a merger between the Office of External Affairs and the Office of Marketing and Communications. He speaks with great optimism about the prospects of the division. Currently, as he describes it, "a metamorphosis is taking place. New people are being hired. We are building a stronger relationship between the two divisions, which we hope will enable us to communicate more effectively with the public and improve community outreach."
Lorber, 37, arrived on the Gary campus nine months ago from Knoxville, Tennessee, where he was director of development for the University of Tennessee (UT) College of Engineering. Prior to his work at UT, Lorber served in a variety of development roles at Northern Illinois University, Butler University, the University of Northern Iowa, and Washington University in St. Louis.
Throughout his career Lorber has demonstrated significant success in major gift fundraising. At Tennessee, for instance, he coordinated the donation of the largest gift in UT's history, a software gift valued at more than $47 million. Not surprisingly, much of his work at IU Northwest likewise centers on major gift fundraising. This work, as he sees it, "helps institutions build significant relationships. What makes it meaningful is the one-on-one interaction with individuals who are interested in making a difference in higher education."
Lorber was awarded the doctor of education degree in educational administration and policy studies from UT this past spring. He also holds a master of science degree in college student personnel from Western Illinois University and a bachelor of arts degree in communications/public relations from the University of Northern Iowa.
IU Northwest Chancellor Bruce Bergland speaks in glowing terms about the new hire. "Jeff's broad base of experience in fundraising and marketing, and his commitment to building an alumni base and connecting with alumni make him an ideal person for the job. His doctorate reflects a strong academic bent as well which enables him to connect with faculty." On top of that, Bergland adds, "He has all the right personal characteristics. He's extremely energetic, upbeat, and outgoing. He's not that old, but he has exemplary experience."
—by Liz Rosdeitcher
To learn more about the IU Northwest campus, go to IUN.