INDIANAPOLIS—Marian University (marian.edu) announced today that Donald Sefcik, DO, has been promoted to Senior Vice President for Health Professions and Dean of the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM). The Catholic university on the westside of Indianapolis also extended Dr. Sefcik’s contract through the 2024-2025 academic year.

Dr. Sefcik was hired in March 2016 to serve as Vice President of Health Professions and Dean of MU-COM.

With his promotion, Dr. Sefcik will renew his efforts of developing and executing a strategic plan for increasing enrollment in health professions programs at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. Additionally, he will seek to expand research opportunities and launch additional programs within the health professions. Lastly, he will design and implement a plan for expanding interprofessional education and interprofessional collaboration within the health professions.

“Since his arrival in 2016, Dr. Sefcik has established himself as a respected leader at Marian University and within central Indiana’s healthcare community,” Marian University President Daniel J. Elsener said. “It has become increasingly important to establish a continuity of leadership as Marian continues to pursue expansion and further advance its reputation as an academic trailblazer in the health professions. To that end, we are blessed to have Dr. Sefick leading our efforts well into 2025.”

“It is amazing how much growth Marian University has experienced under President Elsener’s leadership over the past three years,” Dr. Sefcik said. “I want to thank the staff, faculty and students of the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Leighton School of Nursing, and campus at-large for making my transition to Marian so smooth. I look forward to working with all of you for the next six years.

About Marian University Indianapolis

Over thousands of years in human history, key individual, philosophical, and historical achievements and milestones have directly impacted the Catholic church and Christianity as we know it today.

A 2013 book titled Didache: The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles offers insight about late first and early second century Christian rituals and liturgy as the first "manual" for Christian life.

The book's author, Professor Clayton N. Jefford, will discuss his work on Tuesday, March 26, when he appears at Marian University for the annual Simon Brute Seminary Lecture at 4 p.m. in Lecture Hall 1 of the Evans Center. View our campus map.

The lecture is free and open to high school students, parents, Marian students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends, and members of the general public.

The Department of Theology and Philosophy is hosting the event says Matthew Sherman, department chair, because of its mission to share the Catholic faith and Christian tradition with a broad constituency.

Toward that end, the department will distribute the third in a series of Christian theological timelines to attendees, including a poster with the first two already included.

"These timelines visually demonstrate historically significant events in Christianity and key biblical and scriptural scholars," Sherman explains. "We want to share the big-picture view of how a now 2,000-year-old tradition has responded to the distinct needs of Christians in each historical era."

Can't make it to the lecture? Email bday@marian.edu to request your copy of the poster and timelines. They can also be downloaded here:

• Poster: Christian Theological Timelines
• Timeline #1: Historically significant Christian events
• Timeline #2: Scriptural scholars

The third timeline will be added to our free educational resources page where it will be available for download after March 26.

We hope you'll join us!

And, if you are a high school student who wants to learn more about theology, Catholic studies, pastoral leadership, philosophy, religious education, and related programs at Marian University, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at admissions@marian.edu.

For more information about the Department of Theology and Philosophy, contact Dr. Matthew Sherman at msherman@marian.edu.

Once again, a Marian University senior has been selected for the highly-competitive, post-graduate Orr Fellowship. Kylee Kasper ’19 was named an Orr Fellow after accepting a job offer from Genesys.

The two-year program sets out to provide fellows with full-time salaried positions, opportunities to hone leadership and business skills, and an unmatched professional network.

“I received my offer from Genesys while I was home for winter break. It was probably the best Christmas gift I've ever gotten,” Kasper said.

Becoming a fellow is no easy achievement, with an annual acceptance rate of only five percent.

“I felt very prepared entering the Orr recruitment process because of the leadership experiences I have had here at Marian,” Kasper said. “The Exchange was a great resource, and they helped me create a new resume specifically tailored for the fellowship.”

Fellows selected from Marian University in previous years include Amber Ferrari ’15, Emily Doll ’16, Hana Roessler ’17, and Stephanie Purdy ’18.

“I almost didn't even submit a resume for Orr Fellowship, so my advice for any underclassmen is to just be confident and to not fear the possibility of rejection because you never know until you try,” Kasper said.

Through the fellowship, Kasper hopes to expand her professional network and gain experience.

INDIANAPOLIS — With their May 2019 graduation fast approaching, the third class of the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM) took time away from their studies March 15 to learn where they will begin the next phase of their journey toward becoming a doctor. In a ceremony known nationally as “Match Day,” the future doctors gathered with faculty, staff, family and friends in Alumni Hall on Marian’s campus to learn where they are being placed for residencies.

Of the 160 students who participated in “Match Day,” 158 received information about where they will complete their post-doctoral specialty training, commonly referred to as a “residency.”

“We are obviously pleased with the 98.8 percent placement rate for MU-COM graduates,” Donald Sefcik, DO, senior vice president of health professions and dean of MU-COM, said.  “We are equally excited that 62.5 percent of our graduates will begin residencies in primary care specialties, and that nearly one-third of them will remain right here in Indiana for their residencies.”

By geographic location, 48 graduates (30 percent) will be training in the State of Indiana, while 65 percent will be training in one of the five states (Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky) that align with one of MU-COM’s primary goals of placing physicians in Indiana and neighboring states. The 158 graduates who have finalized their residency plans will begin their training in 80 different cities in 23 states.

The “Match Day” ceremony is administered by the National Resident Matching Program of the Association of American Medical Colleges, and is held at medical schools across the country each year on the third Friday in March.

When MU-COM was opened in August 2013, it became Indiana’s second medical school, and the first to open in 110 years. It is the nation’s first osteopathic medical school at a Catholic university, and just the fifth medical school of any kind located at a Catholic university.

The 160 graduates will celebrate their commencement Saturday, May 4 in the arena/convocation center on the Marian University campus.

Additional statistics about the residency placements:

Top 5 by Specialty (%)

Top 5 by State (%)

Top 5 by Training Facility (#)

About Marian University Indianapolis

Founded in 1937, Marian University is proud to be the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana. In 2018, Marian is serving 2,400 undergraduate and 1,160 graduate students earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university’s high-impact, experiential curriculum is designed to provide hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities for students from 45 states and 23 nations. Marian climbed in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Midwestern rankings to be named #10 Most Innovative Regional University, #24 Best Value University, and #38 Best Regional University. Marian University opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013, making it the first new school of medicine in the state of Indiana in over 110 years. Marian’s national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football National Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship, and more than 40 USA Cycling national championships.

INDIANAPOLIS — Sixteen women at the Indiana Women’s Prison (IWP) on the west side of Indianapolis are now pursuing college degrees through Marian University. The opportunity is provided through the Women’s College Partnership, a joint venture between Marian and the Bard Prison Initiative (BPI).

Marian University has become the newest member of BPI’s Consortium for the Liberal Arts in Prison, which collaborates with colleges and universities to catalyze, launch, and sustain college-in-prison programs across the country. Marian joins a diverse array of colleges and universities that make up the BPI Consortium including Bard, Goucher, Holy Cross, and Emerson colleges, Washington University in St. Louis, the University of Vermont, Yale, Wesleyan, Villanova, and the University of Notre Dame. BPI spent nearly two years designing the program and fundraising for the launch of the Women’s College Partnership at IWP.

Admitted students at the maximum security prison will have the opportunity to first earn an Associate of Arts in liberal arts degree, followed by bachelor’s degrees, from Marian University, a Catholic university located less than seven miles from the prison. Classes are taught at the prison by Marian University and visiting faculty, using Marian University curriculum.

“At Marian University, increasing access to higher education is fundamental to our mission,” President Daniel J. Elsener said. “We are continually exploring ways to fill gaps in our community, whether it’s through improving healthcare for Hoosiers by opening a medical school or increasing access to higher education by starting a two-year college. Like the medical school and the two-year college, this partnership with Bard Prison Initiative and Indiana Department of Corrections is mission-driven. Through education, we can help these inmates by giving them the self-worth, confidence, skills and knowledge they need to become productive members of society.”

“If leaders in higher education are serious about diversity in education and preserving the place of the arts and sciences in American life, they must act boldly to engage new and different ambitious undergraduates,” Max Kenner, Executive Director of the Bard Prison Initiative, said. “We applaud Marian University’s bold step in this effort, are proud to be its partner, and celebrate the restoration of college within the Indiana Women’s Prison.”

BPI is not new to Indiana. Through the Consortium, BPI has partnered with University of Notre Dame and Holy Cross College’s Moreau College Initiative to offer Associate and Bachelor of Arts degrees at Westville Correctional Facility since 2013. Nationally, more than 900 students are currently enrolled in college through programs affiliated with BPI’s Consortium. Bard has awarded 543 degrees to students inside prisons in New York since 2001.

“Bard College has a long history of building new avenues of access, based on a commitment to the relationship between democracy and higher education,” Jessica Neptune, BPI’s Associate Director of National Projects and founder of the Women’s College Partnership, said. “These innovations include the Bard Prison Initiative, the Microcolleges at the Brooklyn Public Library and in Holyoke, Massachusetts, and Bard’s High School Early Colleges across the country. The Bard Prison Initiative’s partnership with Marian University at IWP represents another important iteration of this commitment.”

The program’s results speak for themselves. Nationally, nearly half of all people released from prison return. But for incarcerated students who have earned a college degree through BPI, the recidivism rate is a mere 2.5 percent.

“I am convinced that one of the most effective keys to reducing the rate of recidivism among those incarcerated in prison can be found in education,” Indiana Department of Correction Commissioner Robert Carter said. “This partnership with Marian University will change lives.  It offers the opportunity for incarcerated women to receive higher education that will not only expand their knowledge base, it will greatly improve their chances of finding meaningful employment upon release. Education and employment together offer incarcerated inmates a future of self-reliance, and the opportunity to grow in ways that can improve their standing within their family and their community.”

Gay Lynn Crossley is one of four Marian University professors currently teaching classes for the Women’s College Partnership at Indiana Women’s Prison. Crossley, who teaches a first-year English course, says the semester is off to a great start and she is impressed with the students in her class.

“I’m truly inspired by this group of students,” Crossley said. “The writers have formed an enthusiastic community of women who are building the knowledge and skills necessary to create positive change in their worlds and the worlds of others.  It's a pleasure to read their work.”

Both Marian and BPI expect that the program will be expanded over time. That expansion will include admissions of new cohorts of students, the possibility of additional institutional partnerships and more degree options.

About Marian University Indianapolis

Founded in 1937, Marian University is proud to be the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana. In 2018, Marian is serving 2,400 undergraduate and 1,160 graduate students earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university’s high-impact, experiential curriculum is designed to provide hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities for students from 45 states and 23 nations. Marian climbed in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Midwestern rankings to be named #10 Most Innovative Regional University, #24 Best Value University, and #38 Best Regional University. Marian University opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013, making it the first new school of medicine in the state of Indiana in over 110 years. Marian’s national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football National Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship, and more than 40 USA Cycling national championships.

A professor and two accounting graduates from the Byrum School of Business will be honored during the Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS) 2019 CPA Celebration on May 10. The awards banquet and ceremony will be held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom.

Associate Professor of Accounting Kevin Huston is being presented with the Innovation Award, which was established to recognize a transformative individual or firm implementing "unique, forward-thinking activities to address future issues and needs."

Huston led a group of 15 business students who produced a comprehensive report on Marian University following American Institute of CPA's International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) guidelines.

• The project was part of Huston's ACC 480 class, a special topics course open to accounting and other business majors at Marian.
• The team explored the university's governance, business model, operational environment, growth strategy and opportunities, resource allocation, performance, and outlook for the future. They presented their final report to the university's Board of Trustees and finance committee earlier this year. 
• According to Huston, IIRC initiatives have primarily focused on the corporate sector in the U.S. Huston believes the team's report may be among the first of its kind for an American university. The students will present their work during a 75-minute session at an INCPAS educators conference in May. 

David W. and Suzanne M. Lemler, owners of the Lemler Group accounting firm and graduates of Marian University, will be recognized with the CPA Center of Excellence Award. ​

Firms recognized as CPA Centers of Excellence are dedicated to the professional development of their personnel in order to help the firm to become more agile, adaptive, and dynamic in today's rapidly changing business environment.

This award recognizes an individual or firm that embodies "excellence through collaboration, development of business and soft skills (including strong critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and leadership), and a competency-based approach to lifelong learning."

The Lemler Group currently employs four Marian University graduates, although that number will soon grow to five. The firm has hired intern and accounting major Mariana Lovera, who graduates May 4, to serve as a a full-time staff auditor starting in June. David and Suzanne graduated from Marian in 1997.

Audit Manager Michael Barton of Petrow Kane Leemhuis, a 2014 graduate of Marian with degrees in accounting and marketing, will be recognized with the INCPAS Advocacy Award. The honor is awarded each year to an Indiana CPA who has demonstrated excellence in serving the profession, public interest, company, and community.

Specifically, the Advocacy Award recognizes one CPA each year who has made significant contributions to INCPAS legislative and/or regulatory initiatives.

Students, alumni, family members, friends, and faculty gathered in the Marian University Theatre Sunday, April 14 to recognize dozens of outstanding students for their work during the 2018-19 academic year.

The ceremony was part of the university's 43rd Annual Student Achievement Awards. Nearly 100 undergraduates were honored for exceptional academic, athletic, campus ministry, student life, and other accomplishments. A total of 64 awards were made. 

The event was followed by a reception in Alumni Hall. Music was provided by the university's saxophone quartet.

Academic Awards

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

Department of Art and Design Award of Excellence

• Emma Cassani

Sister Dolorita Carper Award of Achievement in Art

• Angela Leap

Outstanding Senior in Communication

• Nicholas Sitzman

Outstanding Senior in English

• Katherine Timmermann
• Brandilyn Worrell

Sister Stella Gampfer Award for Outstanding ENG 112 Portfolio

• Oluwabanwo Adeniyi

Dorothy Day Award for Community-Engaged Writing

• Katherine Timmermann​

Goethe Institute Book Award for Students of German

• Lisa Hess, freshman
• Olivia Thomas, sophomore
• Noelle Jester, junior
• Michael Jeffries, senior

Senior Award for Outstanding Achievement in Spanish

• Lucas Brown, major
• Rebecca Doyle, minor

Senior Award for Outstanding Achievement in French

• Daniela Alvarez

The Alliance Francaise d’Indianapolis Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Study of French

• Chandler Horton

Sister Mary Carol Schroeder Memorial Award

• Willis Overton

Dexter Massey Memorial Award

• Brendan McNamara​​

Sister Adele Zahn Award for Excellence in Humanities

• Ruthann Gorrell
• Sarah Hershberger
• Gregory Romer
• Sarah Tippenhauer
• Claire Zink

Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics

• Eric Blessing​​

Senior Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music

• Betsy McCrary

Joseph N. Hingtgen Distinguished Senior in Psychology Award

• Daniela Alvarez

Theatre Department Senior Service Award

• Kegan Main

Theology Award

• Madeline Lees

Philosophy Award

• Daniel McGrath

Senior Biology Recognition of Excellence Award

• Ruthann Gorrell
• Kegan Main

Purichia Recognition of Excellence in Biology Award

• Abigail Burnett
• Htoo Thu

American Institute of Chemists Award

• Kristen Buss

Sister Mary Rose Stockton Excellence in Chemistry Award

• Evelyn Diagostino
• Nathan Dimmitt
• Jenna Hedlund
• Taylor Kowalski
• Breea Liette
• Allyson McAtamney
• Grace McIntyre
• Matthew Morand
• Teodora Simion
• Emily Varrasso

Outstanding Achievement in Engineering

• Jeremy Lee

BYRUM SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Financial Executives International Award

• Rachel Kassing

Henry K. Engel Accounting and Finance Scholarship

• Mirmaksud Ismoilov

Donald A. Fleming Family Accounting and Finance Scholarship

• Madison Bombei

Sister Laurita Kroger Award

• Therese Miller

Ken Elmendorf Outstanding Graduate in Business Administration

• Daniel Sanders

Ken A. Elmendorf Scholarship

• Thomas J. O'Neil

Joseph P. Greenlee Accounting Endowed Scholarship

• Trey McCartney

Geraldine and Robert Decraene Scholarship

• Rachel Moning

Becher Family Accounting Endowed Scholarship

• Bradley Sprinkle

James R. Ellswroth Endowed Scholarship

• Blair Kramer​​

KLIPSCH EDUCATORS COLLEGE

Senior Award for Outstanding Achievement in Elementary Education

• Ashley Minton

Senior Award for Outstanding Achievement in Secondary Education

• Gabriella Arnold

Academic Achievement Award for Outstanding Student in Exceptional Needs Education

• Stephanie Dunbar

Rosanne Pirtle Kindergarten Award

• Morgan Keenan

Indiana Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Outstanding Future Educator Award for Elementary Education

• Grace Lumpkin

Indiana Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Outstanding Future Educator Award for Secondary Education

• Willis Overton

Academic Achievement Award for Service to English Language Learners

• Megan Good

Master’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Elementary Education

• Marques Gibson

Master’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Secondary Education

• Brianna Stephens 

Indiana Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Outstanding Future Educator Award Master’s Level

• Matthew Hahn

LEIGHTON SCHOOL OF NURSING

Nursing Academic Excellence Award: Traditional Program

• Rebecca Doyle

Nursing Academic Excellence Award: Accelerated Program

• Tayler Helgason

Nursing Leadership Award: Campus Program

• Alexis Annee

Nursing Leadership Award: Accelerated Online Program, St. Vincent Indianapolis

• Alexandria Auscherman

Nursing Leadership Award: Accelerated Online Program, St. Thomas Nashville

• Sarah Vance

Nursing Leadership Award Accelerated Program St. Vincent Indianapolis

• Matt Harley Matterson

Nursling Leadership Award Accelerated Program St. Thomas Nashville

• Jordan Black​​

EXERCISE AND SPORTS SCIENCE

Outstanding Senior in Exercise Science

• Morgan Hayse
• Lucas Sullivan
• Anna Tucker

Outstanding Senior in Sport Performance

• Brendon Neal

Co-Curricular Awards

Marian University Aspiring Leader Award

• Katherine Grabowski

Dean’s Award for Outstanding Leadership

• Taylor Kowalski    
• Erynne Pope
• Jomar Seals
• Hannah Vandermel
• Anna Wall
• Lucas Wallace

Student Government Association Leadership Award

• Kegan Main

Resident Assistant Distinguished Service Award

• Leah Noe

Athletic Academic Awards

M-Club Senior Scholar-Athlete Awards

• Jarin Bush
• Breena Smith

Campus Ministry Awards

Missionary Character Award

• Mary Sarah Mugumya
• Willis Overton

Rich Worship Award

• Elizabeth Poynton

Education for Justice Award

• Madeline Lees
• Margaret Verhiley

Franciscan Values Award

• Robert Gilmore
• Ruthann Gorrell
• Katherine Timmermann

Diana and John Sweany Maid and Knight of Marian Memorial Spirit Award Nominees

​Maids

• Paula Angarita Rivera
• Courtney Denney
• Lilandra Lestz
• KaLynn Terrell
• Anna Wall

Knights

• Kegan Main
• Zachary Walke

Alumni Association Awards

Distinguished Senior Award Nominees

• Daniela Alvarez
• Alexis Annee
• Paula Angarita Rivera
• Catherine Berghoff
• Ruthann Gorrell
• Abigail Jordan
• Kylee Kasper
• Kegan Main
• Catherine Schmidt
• KaLynn Terrell

Seventeen students and two faculty members from the Klipsch Educators College (KEC) will depart for China early next month, arriving in Beijing where they will spend several days before traveling on to Shanghai by train.

With a total population of 1.4 billion, China is the world's largest country, surpassing India and the United States.

The 12-day trip will give students insight into a way of life that mixes ancient Chinese traditions with modern educational, cultural, political, social, and economic systems. In 2017, Business Insider ranked several Chinese cities as among the most high-tech in the world, including Hong Kong (#22), Shenzhen (#20), Shanghai (#17), and Beijing (#16). 

The educational excursion will be led by Dr. Cheryl Hertzer, director of the university's English as a new language program and coordinator of KEC's study abroad program, and Robert Behning, KEC's director of external affairs.

The goal for the trip is to provide Marian students—some of whom have never flown or left the country—to visit, observe, and learn from their interactions with teachers and students in highly effective, high-performing Chinese schools.

The students, all of whom are earning bachelor's degrees in education at Marian, are exploring pre-elementary, elementary, pre-secondary, secondary, and special education aspects of China's educational institutions. They include:

• Kendra Corman 
• Abby English
• Olivia Gillum
• Nate Granger
• Logan Gruell
• Sarah Herron
• Lindsey Kennison
• Molly McMillan
• Maria Portman
• McKenna Roberts
• Allison Sinks
• Lizzy Smith
• Hope Spaulding
• Anne Strevels
• Grace Tatarek
• Tristan Tonte

Among the destinations on the itinerary are visits to Chinese primary schools, high schools, vocational schools, and universities, including a teacher's college.

The group will share meals with local families, see the Great Wall, visit the Summer Palace, view temples, and even take a dim sum cooking class.

"Our goal is for the experience to be both an outward and an inward journey for these future teachers. The outward journey will provide them with a look into an educational system very different from our own. We want them to identify practices they could adapt and/or adopt to strengthen their own schools and classrooms," explains Dr. Hertzer. 

"The inward journey is one that leads to enhanced self-awareness and understanding of the influence different cultures have on our lives as well as how to become more effective teachers of children from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds," Hertzer adds.

We wish them bon voyage! For more information about Marian University's innovative teacher education program, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at (317) 955, 6516, (800) 772-7265, or admissions@marian.edu. 

Emily Neice ’19 has received a Fulbright U.S. Student Program award to Germany from the U.S. Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. The prestigious award will allow Neice to support the teaching of English at a school in Germany through a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship.

Neice, a history major with minors in German and global studies and member of the cycling team, is one of over 2,100 U.S. citizens who will conduct research, teach English, and provide expertise abroad for the 2019-20 academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Recipients of Fulbright awards are selected on the basis of academic and professional achievement, as well as their record of service and leadership potential in their respective fields.

“I knew that post-graduation I wanted to find a way to help people and to try and make this world a better place. The Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship seemed the best of both worlds,” Neice said.

Neice has spent her final semester of school studying abroad at Salzburg College in Salzburg, Austria, and in September, she’ll be back abroad, placed in a classroom in Schwleswig Holstein, Germany, to provide assistance to the local English teachers.

“Learning and teaching abroad allows for values and cultures to be experienced firsthand by both parties. As a climate of nationalism moves across the globe, the ideals of Senator Fulbright are as important as ever. I wanted to play a part in trying to bring our two countries closer together though this program,” Neice said.

Wendy Westphal, Ph.D., assistant professor of German and chair of the Department of Languages and Cultures, Adrianna Ernstberger, Ph.D., assistant professor of history, and Dean Peterson, head cycling coach, were all mentors for Neice as she pursued the award.

“The Marian faculty and athletic coaching staff has already built a strong reputation for helping guide their students and athletes to success, but these three go above and beyond that every day,” Neice said. “Without them, I would not have had the confidence to even pursue such a grant, let alone have grown into an individual worthy of receiving it. I am proud and thankful to be a Marian Knight.”

As a Fullbrighter, Neice will build lasting relationships and serve as a cultural ambassador for the U.S.

Marian University Speech and Debate completed its season with a national runner-up finish at the 2019 Pi Kappa Delta Biennial National Convention and Tournament hosted by Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.

Marian University placed second among more than 70 programs across the United States. Eighteen team members traveled to the tournament, bringing with them 94 entries.

Individual national champions included Emily Pingel ’21, Jess Ryan ’19, Ruthann Gorrell ’19, Maresa Kelly ’19, and TJ O’Neil ’19. A full list of results are listed on the team’s Facebook page.

“I knew we had a chance to do something special at the end of the year,” Kyle Kellam, Ph.D., director of forensics and associate professor of communication, said. “Our team finish means a lot to me because it represents the efforts of the whole team, which we’ve always been focused on.”

Three students were selected to present their speeches as examples in educational showcases for the entire tournament. A discussion was facilitated between the speaker and the audience about their speech. The students chosen were Gorrell, O’Neil, and first-year team member Carol Obergfell.

Pi Kappa Delta also recognized 10 outstanding students in the nation who, throughout their four years of speech and debate, demonstrated excellence in academics, competition, community service, and advocacy. This year, Gorrell was honored as one of the distinguished All-American recipients.

After returning from the tournament, trophies in hand, Marian University Speech and Debate hosted the first-ever Indiana Catholic Speech Championships just a couple of weeks later. The tournament, which took place on April 13, is a uniquely Catholic state championship for Catholic high schools that participate in speech and debate.

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On top of this building you will find peace and quiet, plenty of tables and seating to spread out, and a gorgeous view of Marian’s campus.

3. Another being in the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab Outdoor Classroom.

For those who love the outdoors, the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab is the place to be. You can explore nature as you walk through the trails. In the EcoLab, you’ll find an all-wood classroom where students can sit and do homework, hang with friends, and take some time to enjoy the outdoors.

4. There is Marian University pride everywhere you go on campus. The Steffen Music Center has the first ten notes of a very special song on the outside of the building. Can you guess the song?

The exterior of the Steffen Music center is all about Marian spirit. The building features the first ten notes of the university’s “We Rise and Cheer for You Dear Marian” fight song. You can see these notes on the side of the building facing Wheeler-Stokely Mansion.

5. Sometimes, school can get a little stressful. Luckily, there are plenty of places to unwind around campus. The Allen Whitehill Clowes Tea House is a favorite spot for many students.

This gorgeous area was just redone in 2018 and features peaceful greenery and relaxing places to sit.

6. The words found around the fountain in the center of campus are more than just for visual effect, they are the university’s four Franciscan Values.

Here at Marian we are proud to be a campus rooted in our Franciscan Values: Peace and Justice, Responsible Stewardship, Reconciliation, and Dignity of the Individual. At Marian, these core values are ingrained in our culture, including our curriculum.

7. The university’s campus location right in the heart of Indianapolis connects students to entertainment, dining, and professional sports. It also makes for great networking opportunities and career connections.

Marian has built many great relationships with different companies and organizations throughout Indy. Marian students have a great reputation in the local community, which translates to amazing internships and even full-time positions.

8. Located just north of the main campus is the Major Taylor Velodrome where our national championship cycling team trains, competes, and wins.

Knights supports Knights! The Major Taylor Velodrome is a great place for students to hang out and support the cycling team, who has won 44 national championships in total. Located on the north end of campus, the structure creates a great, entertaining atmosphere for watching multiple cycling disciplines compete.

Three students from Marian University’s Byrum School of Business won first place out of 53 entries at a national social media competition hosted by Ball State University’s Center for Advancement of Digital Marketing and Analytics. The event required students to develop a social media campaign and tools to solve case issues. On Saturday, April 13, Daniel Sanders ’19, Katherine Santos ’19, and Cameron Riches ’22, presented their social media strategy for their client Sun King Brewery.

“The students worked hard to develop a great strategy for the client, often working in the evenings when everyone could be available. They showed incredible creativity and skill, impressing the judges with their innovative ideas,” Lori Rumreich, assistant professor of marketing, said.

During the final round of the competition the students were not only judged by marketing professionals from Sun King Brewery, Salesforce, and Geico, but they were also challenged with a case twist and only 21 minutes to prepare.  

“Once our team thoroughly understood Sun King Brewery's market image and position, we were able to conceptualize the ‘Craft that Cares’ strategy that incorporates all Sun King has to offer. It focuses on four main market segments: customers, employees, the community, and the environment. Our strategy shows that Sun King Brewery is more than great taste, it is an experience,” Sanders said. “Using social media knowledge attained in the classroom and my tactical understanding learned at my internships really made it easy to translate ideas and concepts to the national social media competition.”

Sanders, Santos, and Riches proposed social media tactics including a Twitter Bot, a “go live” video feed called Craft Cam, and Instagram animations that impressed the judges. 

“Working on the Sun King project was an absolute blast,” Santos said. “We’ve been taught to think outside of the box, and I think that’s why we won. Everyone brought unique and creative ideas to the table and Professor Rumreich helped us implement them. None of this would’ve been possible without the Byrum School of Business.” 

The judges awarded Marian University’s team $500 for their win.

“Everything we do in the Byrum School of Business from a student’s first semester is based on learning by doing. This foundation really prepared these students to create a winning social media strategy. They have learned to develop ideas, assess and communicate them effectively, and this was evident in how professionally they delivered their plan at the competition,” Rumreich said.

INDIANAPOLIS – Marian University will award a record 965 degrees at its commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 4 at the new arena/convocation center on its west side campus. A record 798 undergraduate and graduate students will receive bachelor and master’s degrees at the university’s 82nd Commencement Ceremony. An additional 167 future doctors will graduate from the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MU-COM), the largest of the medical school’s three graduating classes.

The university will hold two separate ceremonies, the first at 10 a.m. for undergraduates and the second at 3 p.m. for graduate students and MU-COM.
James P. Hallett, chairman and chief executive officer of KAR Auction Services, Inc. and owner of the Indy Fuel hockey team, will deliver the commencement address at the undergraduate ceremony. Virginia A. Caine, M.D., director of the Marian County Public Health Department and associate professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine Infectious Diseases Division, will deliver the commencement address at the graduate and MU-COM ceremony.

Marian University will confer honorary degrees during both ceremonies. Recipients at the undergraduate ceremony are:

James P. Hallett
Recipient of Doctor of Business

James P. Hallett has more than 40 years of experience in the automotive industry. He serves as chairman and chief executive officer of KAR Auction Services, Inc., a global Fortune 700 company that helps the world’s largest auto manufacturers, financial institutions, insurance companies, and dealer groups buy, sell, and trade used vehicles. 

Hallett joined the company in 1993 as president of ADESA Canada and relocated to Indianapolis in 1996 to serve as president and chief executive officer of ADESA. He was the architect behind the merger of ADESA and Insurance Auto Auctions that resulted in KAR Auction Services, Inc., in 2007. He assumed his current role in 2009. A lifelong hockey fan, Hallett shares his enjoyment of the sport as owner of the Indy Fuel.

Tom Morales
Recipient of Doctor of Business

Following 23 years of success working with landmark companies including Procter & Gamble Company, Union Carbide Corporation, and Donaldson Company, Inc., Tomas (Tom) Morales decided to explore his dream of launching a business that would blend his pride in his Mexican heritage with his Hoosier roots. With a goal to build a bridge between the Indianapolis business community and the growing Hispanic population, Morales co-founded Morales Group, Inc., in 2003, a staffing agency that has successfully placed more than 50,000 associates throughout the Midwest.

In addition to his leadership role at Morales Group, Inc., Morales currently serves on the boards of Elevate Indy, Youth with a Mission, and the Indiana University Simon Cancer Center Development Board. He has also served on the boards of the Immigrant Welcome Center, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Franciscan Health Foundation. Morales was also a commissioner of the Metropolitan Development Commission and was appointed by former Governor Mitch Daniels as a commissioner of the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana. In addition, he lectures all over the country on immigration issues and is a passionate advocate for the Hispanic community.

Charles Edward Welch III ’68 and Mary Leahy Welch ’68
Recipients of Doctor of Philanthropy

Charles (Chuck) Edward Welch III graduated from Marian University in 1968. He served on active duty in the United States Navy from 1969-73. Chuck spent 38 years working at General Electric in Human Resources. During his time with the company, he was manager of corporate employee communication and a company negotiator in seven successful national contract negotiations with General Electric’s largest labor unions.

Mary Leahy Welch was also a 1968 graduate of Marian University and held a long career at General Electric. For 20 years, she held roles in corporate marketing with the company as a conference and program manager. She oversaw corporate meetings and planned and managed sales and incentive meetings along with high-level customer events in the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South Africa. Mary was a member of the Board of Trustees for 10 years and is currently a member emerita.

In 1989, Chuck and Mary joined with close friends and classmates Len and Sue Strom to establish the Welch-Strom Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship fund has grown to over $1 million and has paid over $500,000 in awards to 44 Marian students since 2000.

Len ’68 and Sue ’68 Strom
Recipient of Doctor of Philanthropy

After graduating from Marian University in 1968, Len Strom began his business career with General Electric, serving 15 years with the company. After, Len joined BLACK+DECKER as chief human resources officer for 20 years. In 2005, he went to work for the Archdiocese of Baltimore as the executive director of human resources until his retirement in 2011. His work with the Archdiocese of Baltimore still includes an ongoing role as a 20-year member of the archbishop’s Board of Financial Administration. He also is a member of the Marian University Board of Trustees.

Sue Strom graduated from Marian University in 1968 as well. After graduating, Sue held a 25-year career in education, teaching high school English and French. She also worked in positions as a learning specialist and head of learning services. Sue is currently a founding member of the Women’s Education Alliance and serves on the organization’s Board of Trustees.

Len and Sue met the first week of school at Marian University in a biology class. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last August. For both Len and Sue, raising a family is their greatest achievement. They have four children and 10 grandchildren.

Honorary degree recipients at the graduate and MU-COM ceremony are:

Virginia A. Caine, M.D.
Recipient of Doctor of Public Service

Virginia A. Caine, M.D., is the director of the Marion County Public Health Department and associate professor of medicine at Indiana University School of Medicine Infectious Diseases Division. She previously served as past president for the American Public Health Association.

Dr. Caine set up the first nationwide physician educational program regarding AIDS for the National Medical Association. She led the process to create Indianapolis’ first integrated HIV healthcare delivery system and was principal investigator for the Ryan White Title III funds, which established the first HIV/AIDS clinics in the major city hospitals, 10 community health centers, and the resource for community-based HIV/AIDS prevention programs. She was also instrumental in reducing the black infant mortality rate to its lowest level ever in the history of Indianapolis.

Dr. Caine is chairman of the board of trustees for the National Medical Association and current chair of the Infectious Diseases Section, board member for the Center for Disease Control Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Editorial Board, chair of the Managed Emergency Surge for Healthcare Coalition, member of the National Biodefense Science Board, co-chair of the Jump In for Healthy Kids Advisory Committee, founding member of the Indiana Health Information Exchange, and board member of the Indiana Latino Institute.

Dr. Caine has earned a national reputation and received many awards for her dedication to improving public health. She was named the National Medical Association’s 2010 Practitioner of the Year and received two Indiana Governor’s Sagamore of the Wabash awards.

State Representative Tim Brown
Recipient of Doctor of Public Health

State Representative Tim Brown, M.D., was elected as a state representative in 1994 and serves House District 41, which includes portions of Montgomery, Boone, and Tippecanoe counties. He has worked on various legislative initiatives, many of which focus on healthcare. He recently retired as an emergency room physician St. Elizabeth Hospital in Crawfordsville.

Representative Brown was appointed as chairman of the Public Health Committee and the Statutory Committee on Ethics. He is the chairman for the House Ways and Means Committee, member of Indiana State Medical Association, board member of the Franklin Methodist Retirement Community, and was the treasurer for the State Medical Association for four years.  

Representative Brown has received several awards for his commitment to serving the community as a legislator and physician including Outstanding Legislator for Indiana Medical Association, Outstanding Achievement Award for AIDS, and Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Ophthalmology Association in 2005 and Indiana Public Health Association in 2006.

About Marian University Indianapolis

Founded in 1937, Marian University is proud to be the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana. In 2019, Marian is serving 2,431 undergraduate and 1,164 graduate students earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university’s high-impact, experiential curriculum is designed to provide hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities for students from 45 states and 23 nations. Marian climbed in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Midwestern rankings to be named #10 Most Innovative Regional University, #24 Best Value University, and #38 Best Regional University. Marian University opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013, making it the first new school of medicine in the state of Indiana in over 110 years. Marian’s national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football National Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship, and more than 40 USA Cycling national championships.

INDIANAPOLIS– Marian University has been named to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s 2019 Transfer Honor Roll in recognition of the dynamic pathways they have created to support transfer students. The Transfer Honor Roll recognizes excellence and success in community college transfer pathway development among four-year colleges and universities.

Colleges were selected based on their Transfer Friendliness Rating, given to them by PTK Connect, Phi Theta Kappa’s online tool that helps students find their best-fit colleges, career pathways, and more. Marian University is one of 78 colleges and universities nationally to receive the Transfer Honor Roll distinction.

"Marian University has a long tradition of offering a personalized approach to our admission processes,” Brian Studebaker, director of transfer admission at Marian University, said. “With the unique needs and backgrounds of our transfer students, it's more important than ever to have a seamless process to assist them in reaching their next goal. We are fortunate to have great partners at Ivy Tech to collaborate with in creating pathways to degree completion for their students. It is an honor to have Phi Theta Kappa recognize our commitment to transfer student success through our academic advising and career planning, as well as our focus on affordability through our robust transfer scholarship opportunities."

Factors considered in determining a college’s Transfer Friendliness Rating include admissions practices, cost of attendance, campus life, recruitment practices, and peer reviews. It is meant to reflect what the transfer student experience is like at their colleges, as well as the strategies colleges are taking to support and enroll transfer students. The profile immediately gives colleges a Transfer Friendliness Rating they can use to gauge how friendly their admissions and recruitment strategies are. The top 25 percent highest-rated colleges were named to the Transfer Honor Roll.

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 10 nations. 

About Marian University Indianapolis

Founded in 1937, Marian University is proud to be the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana. In 2019, Marian is serving 2,431 undergraduate and 1,164 graduate students earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university’s high-impact, experiential curriculum is designed to provide hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities for students from 45 states and 23 nations. Marian climbed in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Midwestern rankings to be named #10 Most Innovative Regional University, #24 Best Value University, and #38 Best Regional University. Marian University opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013, making it the first new school of medicine in the state of Indiana in over 110 years. Marian’s national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football National Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship, and more than 40 USA Cycling national championships.

Marian University’s Gamma Eta chapter of the Sigma Zeta National Science and Mathematics Honor Society submitted six proposals in hopes of receiving research awards. All six proposals, totaling the work of 13 students, were honored with the national awards—the most by any chapter of the organization.

Each spring, the organization holds the Sigma Zeta National Chapter Annual Convention. This year, 10 students traveled to, Canton, Ohio, to present their award-winning research.

Students who attended the convention and received awards include:

• Abigail C. Burnett, Nicole Lisek, and Anthony Wilson: An Evaluation of the Efficacy of Echinocandins and Triazoles on Reducing the Viability of Quiescent C. albicans

• Kegan Main: Categorization of Head and Neck Cancer Cell Lines Through Phenotypic Specific Migration

• Kristen Buss: Correlation of Low Doses of Actinomycin D Chemotherapy on Multiple Human Cancer Cell Lines with Increased Nucleolar Amplification

• Leah Noe: Selective Inhibition of Aspartate Aminotransferase by L-Cycloserine in the Presence of Vitamin B₆ to Test Glutamate Concentration Levels

• Megan Desrosiers: Isolation and Identification of Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) Bacteria in an Urban Wetland Ecosystem

• Htoo Thu, Brittany Fahringer, and Mason Mockobee: Supplementation of Metformin with Vitamin D to Improve Glucose Uptake and Lower Triglyceride Levels in Drosophila melanogaster

The Sigma Zeta National Science and Mathematics Honor Society has 77 chapters nationwide. The organization provides students the opportunity to expand science knowledge and experience outside the classroom. To be a member, a student must have over a 3.0 GPA overall and over a 3.0 GPA in the sciences

Marian University’s Gamma Eta chapter is led by co-advisors Joyce Horton, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry and biology, and Steve Dougherty, assistant professor of biology. With 70 members, the Gamma Eta chapter is one of the largest in the organization.

Two groups of students and faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences are travelling internationally this month for study-abroad courses.The students could choose from courses focused on business, the arts and humanities, and nursing.

Both groups departed Indianapolis on May 5. Students and faculty will return between May 20 and May 24, depending on the travel options they selected.

The first group, led by Dr. Bill Mirola who is dean of Marian's College of Arts and Sciences, headed to the United Kingdom, where they will experience  contemporary life in England. 

This group will be based at Harlaxton College, located an hour north of London in Lincolnshire. They will explore a range of historical and cultural attractions in London like the British Museum, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London, among others. 

The second group, led by Dr. Jamie Higgs, professor of art and art history in Marian's Department of Art and Design, traveled to Greece, where they will spend several days in Athens before flying on to Rome. They will study Greek and Italian history, art, architecture, literature, and myth, examining the impact of these cultures on the modern world. 

While in Greece, they will visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, temples, archaeological sites, and museums in Athens, Mycenae, Nafplion, Olympia, and Delphi.

In Italy, the group will visit the Piazza del Campidoglio, the Roman Forum, Colosseum, and a number of temples, churches, and museums. They will see the Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica, where they hope to receive the Pope's blessing. They will also have a stay in Assissi, where they will visit the Basilica of San Francesco (Saint Francis). Other cities to which they will travel include Florence and Venice.

Students in both groups had the option to add a four-day, three-night trip to Paris onto their itineraries. 

For information about Marian University's study-abroad program or the College of Arts and Sciences, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at (317) 955, 6516, (800) 772-7265, or admissions@marian.edu. 

Business and accounting majors from Marian University were invited to give a 75-minute presentation during the 2019 Educators Conference sponsored by the Indiana CPA Society (INCPAS).

The May 3 event, which was held in Indianapolis, was attended by accounting faculty at colleges and universities throughout the state.

The students, led by Associate Professor of Accounting Kevin Huston, discussed an experiential, project-based assignment they completed using the American Institute of CPA's International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) principles and guidelines.

The assignment was part of a Byrum School of Business special topics course focused on integrated reporting and the competitive advantage it can provide for CPAs and their clients.

IIRC guidelines are global standards adopted by government officials, investors, companies, standard settings, NGOs, and accountants around the world to address corporate reporting mandates.

Huston's students discussed learning outcomes, key takeaways, and how the project helped them prepare for career success. Their work focused on Marian University's governance structure, business model, operational environment, growth strategy and opportunities, resource allocation, performance, and outlook for the future. They presented their final report to Marian's Board of Trustees and finance committee earlier this year. 

Huston believes Marian University may be the first university in the nation to prepare an integrated report using these international standards. The report can be accessed here.

For information about the Byrum School of Business and its academic programs, contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at (317) 955, 6516, (800) 772-7265, or admissions@marian.edu. 

INDIANAPOLIS—Marian University hosted nearly 200 guests today for a blessing, ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house at the facility that will house Saint Joseph College of Marian University – Indianapolis (Saint Joe Indy), its new two-year college. Classes are set to begin July 9.

The building, renamed Saint Joseph Hall, is a former church located at the northeast corner of 30th Street and Kessler Blvd., just two blocks west of Marian’s main campus. Marian acquired the property two years ago from an anonymous donor, and has spent more than $600,000 on renovations. Last year, the new Riverside High School held its first year of classes in the building, while its permanent home in the Naval Armory was being renovated.

“We have made tremendous progress since first announcing last fall that Marian would open a new two-year college,” Daniel J. Elsener, Marian University president, said. “Some of the students who will make up our first cohort are here today, and you can sense their excitement as they tour the building.”

Saint Joe Indy is a collaboration between Marian University and Saint Joseph’s College, which suspended operations at its Rensselaer, Ind. campus in May 2017. Over the past two years, Marian has welcomed more than 80 Saint Joseph’s College transfer students to its campus, most of whom have since graduated. It has also hired several former Saint Joseph’s College staff and faculty members, including the campus chaplain and associate director and dean of Saint Joe Indy.

Students will pursue associate degrees in Business Administration or Liberal Arts, and will earn their degrees in less than two years. Graduates will be granted automatic acceptance into Marian to pursue a bachelor degree, if they so choose.

Officials with Saint Joe Indy say its “earn and learn” model differentiates the college from other institutions of higher education. Students will be required to attend class only two-days-per-week (Tuesday and Thursday), allowing them to work at least three-days-per-week. The university is forming partnerships with area employers who are willing to commit to hiring Saint Joe Indy students for paid internships.

“Earn and learn is a win-win for the students and the local business community,” Jeff Jourdan, Saint Joe Indy executive director, said. “For many students, the biggest barrier to pursing a college degree is the financial commitment. Saint Joe Indy students get the best of both worlds – relevant, paid work experience to build their resume while earning their degree. And it’s also a win for central Indiana employers, who will be able to tap into a diverse, committed group of students who are looking to better themselves.”

Local employers who have committed to hiring Saint Joe Indy students for paid internships include Allison Transmission, Community Health Network, Infosys, Key Bank, One America, Shiel Sexton, SnapShyft, StatWax, The Heritage Group, Pondurance and The Brookfield Group.

Saint Joe Indy is still accepting applications for its first class. Information and applications are available at marian.edu/saintjoeindy.

About Marian University Indianapolis

Free-Form features the artwork of one of Marian University’s First Year Seminar classes held at Indiana Women’s Prison and will be on display in the Evans Center Gallery in conjunction with the screening of the film College Behind Bars at 6 p.m. in the Michael A. Evans Center for Health Sciences Lecture Hall on June 11. The exhibit and preview are free and open to the public, but registration is required for the preview. Register now.

Marian University partnered with the Bard Prison Initiative to offer higher education to those incarcerated at Indiana Women’s Prison. In professor Jenny Ambroise’s First Year Seminar course, students became “makers” by creating visually based projects that connected with the theme of fashion as art, personal experiences, and the common reader Where Am I Wearing. Projects ranged from designing steampunk fashion to making African-inspired masks and address ideas about creativity and visual literacy.    

The Marian University Art Gallery (Evans Center) is located on the north end of the second floor of the Michael Evans Center for Health Sciences on the Marian University campus. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays, although appointments at later times are welcome. 

About Marian University Indianapolis

Founded in 1937, Marian University is the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana. In 2019, Marian is serving more than 2,400 undergraduate and 1,160 graduate students earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university’s high-impact, experiential curriculum is designed to provide hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities for students from 45 states and 23 nations. Marian climbed in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Midwestern rankings to be named #10 Most Innovative Regional University, #24 Best Value University, and #38 Best Regional University. Marian University opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013, making it the first new school of medicine in the state of Indiana in 110 years. Marian’s national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football National Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship, and more than 40 USA Cycling national championships.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Klipsch Educators College at Marian University will receive $900,000 from the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation over the next three years. The funds will offset operating costs of Klipsch College’s New Teacher Preparation Program. Installments of $400,000, $300,000 and $200,000 will be paid, respectively, through 2021. The Klipsch College has now received grants totaling $2,650,000 from the Fairbanks Foundation, dating back to 2016.

Klipsch Educators College’s New Teacher Preparation Program is an innovative approach to preparing future educators for the classroom. Based on international best practices, the program: 1) recruits only talented, particularly minority, students; 2) practices teaching early and throughout the program; 3) provides deeper content knowledge for elementary and secondary education students; and 4) establishes a yearlong paid teaching residency. During the year of residency (fifth year), the teacher resident will be compensated with a competitive stipend, receive a full scholarship for their master’s degree, and have access to a master teacher for a total value of more than $30,000. In just five years, Klipsch College graduates earn both a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in education.

“Schools of education at universities across America have remained, for the most part, unchanged for more than four decades,” Dr. Kenith Britt, dean of Klipsch Educators College, said. “And, despite increased school funding, student achievement has not improved. It’s time that our nation’s universities adopt new models for preparing K-12 teachers, and Klipsch College is doing just that. I cannot thank the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation enough for recognizing our innovative model, and investing in Klipsch College and the students we are educating.”

“Marian University has taken bold steps to transform how it selects and prepares teachers with the ultimate goal of better serving students in our community,” Claire Fiddian-Green, President and CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, said. “We share Marian University’s dedication to elevating the teaching profession and are proud to support the Klipsch Educators College’s work to develop a pipeline of high-quality teachers and school leaders who will serve in Indianapolis schools.” 

Marian University announced in November 2016 the creation of its Educators College. It has since been compared by Education Week to similar programs at Harvard University and New York University, in that it features a bachelor’s/master’s degree program, substantial financial aid opportunities, an enhanced curriculum, study abroad opportunities, and a pioneering, one-year clinical residency program within K-12 Catholic, charter, and public schools across the region.

In November 2017, the college was renamed the Fred S. Klipsch Educators College after local entrepreneurs and philanthropists Fred and Judy Klipsch donated $12 million to help fund scholarships for deserving students. Klipsch College has committed to fund full-tuition scholarships for recipients of the State’s Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship (NGHES). High School students who receive the NGHES and participate in the State’s 21st Century Scholars Program receive both free tuition and free room and board from Marian University.

About Marian University Indianapolis

Founded in 1937, Marian University is the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana. In 2019, Marian is serving more than 2,400 undergraduate and 1,160 graduate students earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university’s high-impact, experiential curriculum is designed to provide hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities for students from 45 states and 23 nations. Marian climbed in U.S. News & World Report’s 2019 Midwestern rankings to be named #10 Most Innovative Regional University, #24 Best Value University, and #38 Best Regional University. Marian University opened its College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2013, making it the first new school of medicine in the state of Indiana in 110 years. Marian’s national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football National Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship, and more than 40 USA Cycling national championships.

About The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation