>newground
From left: At IUSB, Vice Chancellor Ilene Sheffer, Campaign Chair Ernestine Raclin, and Chancellor Una Mae Reck.
“The excitement in the air is palpable now,” wrote Vice Chancellor Ilene Sheffer last summer as the Campaign for IUSB entered the final stretch. “What seemed a long shot at the start has nearly become a victory.”
That near victory is now unqualified success. IU South Bend surpassed all expectations, reaching 105 percent of its $5 million goal. It raised money for scholarships, endowed chairs and professorships, technology, and several academic programs.
Chancellor Una Mae Reck created great momentum among IUSB supporters for the first campaign in IUSB’s history. “She has added an awful lot of excitement,” says Sheffer. “Going over the goal is a testament to the leadership she brings and her commitment to great things happening.”
For Campaign Chair Ernestine Raclin, the Campaign provided a welcome opportunity to tell a great story. “It was a pleasure to go out and talk about this wonderful institution and its significance to this region,” she says. “And as an employer at
1st Source Bank in South Bend,” she adds, “I know.”
Sheffer elaborates, “At a time when most of the state worries about the brain drain, 72 percent of IUSB’s graduates stay in the north central Indiana region. The campus also has the second highest student retention rate among IU campuses, following IUB.”
Advancing Indiana
IUSB is clearly at the forefront of another race—IU’s goal of advancing Indiana economically and culturally. “That explains why so many local businesses offered their support,” Sheffer continues. “They are aware that IUSB is a resource on which they depend.”
“More and more,” observes Chancellor Reck, “the Michiana community sees IU South Bend as a jewel. IU South Bend provides an affordable education with over 105 academic programs at both the bachelor's and master's level. At a time when federal and state dollars are diminishing, it is heartwarming to have the support of our staff, local businesses, and the whole community.”
The success of the IUSB campaign means future success for the region. Those who placed their bets here can no doubt expect great windfalls.
>Liz Rosdeitcher
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