In times past, the term “Back to School” was synonymous with big yellow buses, backpacks, long lines in the shopping centers, elated children and even happier parents as this was the finalization of a long, long summer. This chronology of events is changing as more and more parents have their own back to school lists as well. With the rulers, crayons, and Elmer’s glue, they are adding scientific calculators, 3-ring binders, and computer discs to the list, this time for themselves.

The reason for this change is that more adults ages 24 and older are going back to school. The reasoning varies from the downsizing or out-phasing of their previous jobs, required continuing studies to keep their present jobs, and a desire to advance their careers. Sometimes during a mid-life goal assessment, one might feel that in order to reach old goals, they must pursue a post-secondary education. Plainly, better jobs, more income, and living better lives are all at the top of the list of why many are returning to institutions of higher learning.

I am one of the persons mentioned earlier. Not until completing my undergraduate degree and working at my first place of employment, did I realize that I was not doing what I wanted to do in my career. My passions were dormant and my skills, talents, and gifts were becoming neglected. After completing my own self-evaluation, I decided to return and complete a degree program. This time I decided to research all of the options available. I decided that this time I would fulfill the calling that was on my life. Only then would I feel whole and complete.

I am not the only one embarking upon this journey. I see others like me everyday at IUPUI. This campus of about 27,000 students is very diverse and epitomizes the “melting pot” of which we often hear. Nearly half are the non-traditional student, age 24 and older. About 80 percent of the student population work 30 hours or more per week. These are serious students who more than likely are making many sacrifices to continue their education. These sacrifices come in the form of finances, family, free time, and relationships. At this age the main priority is succeeding at any cost. Their grade point averages are substantially higher; they are more focused and committed. The drop out rate is mostly lower than their younger counterparts.

When discussing these ideas with Gloria, a fellow “older” classmate, she agreed. When paying for higher learning comes out of your own pocket, you are motivated to complete the program, or risk wasting money and precious time. Gloria also shared the difficulty of “fitting” in. While our group is nearly half of the student population, we rarely see enough of each other. Sometimes having a mature conversation with someone who is not preoccupied with dating, partying, and Spring Break is a challenge. I can relate to Gloria. Although I have not reached the “30” mark, I sometimes feel archaic. Interestingly, being a non-traditional student is a “double-edged” sword. Not only is it a challenge to belong with the younger students, but your personal life can suffer as well. For instance, while I am preparing for a class or have to study, my mature adult friends have other agendas. The majority of time our schedules are out of sync, and I feel like a fish out of water. That feeling does not last long though, because I can regroup and focus on the goals that I am achieving.

Being a student at this age has its rewards. Instead of working at a dead-end job, not making enough money and not leading the life that I desire, I am motivated to finish and obtain my goals. As my pastor often states, “this is simply a temporary inconvenience for a permanent improvement.” So I shall continue to walk this campus with pride and enjoy the experience and relationships that await me. I look forward to returning to the store for school supplies, even if it is for me!

Why Give Back?
By Gretchen Hueni

Our alumni lead busy lives. Whether they are putting in over-time planning that perfect event, working the midnight shift at an upscale hotel, or taking care of a home and children, many make the time to give back to their alma mater…and we’re very grateful they do. Gifts of any size allow our programs to grow stronger by providing scholarships for deserving students, equipment for our food labs, and resources for our committed faculty.

Alumnus Eddie Nefouse can sum up the reason he and his wife established and contribute to the Edward and Amy Nefouse Scholarship in two words: Dr. Brothers. “She went out of her way to make sure I graduated, and I can’t thank her enough for all the support she provided me.”

We’d like to thank the following friends and alumni who supported the Department of Tourism, Conventions, and Event Management from July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2002. To be added to our list of donors, or to report any omissions, please contact Gretchen Hueni at 317.274.1484 or at ghueni@iupui.edu.

Francis Achana
Sotiris & Dina Avgoustis
Larry & Linda Brothers
Lucy J. Cahill
Raymond & Joyce Dault
Peter J. George
Dellarose Gustin
Tracy L. Haddad
Bo & Nichole Hagood
William & Gail Heeb
Cathaleen Henard
Julia Lee Herrmann
Don Hess
Robert & Carol Hooker
Jeanette J. Horrall
Stephen B. Horrall
Rob & Gretchen Hueni
David & Carol Hutton
Nick & Lori Kellum
Joan L. Kjeldsen
Susan R. Logsdon
Margaret A. Lowery
Elinor K. Mahaffey
Patricia D. May
Edward & Amy Nefouse
Peter John Occolowitz
Jack & Debbie Pehler
Stuart & Dawn Rhodes
George & Mischell Saliba
Rebecca L. Schafer
Toby L. Slunaker
Jorg & Gloria Stachel
Albert & Mary Steiner, Jr.
The Stergiopoulos Family
Pamela W. Stokes
John & Erin Strouse
Jayme S. Sturdevant
Jeff & Susan Vessely
Timothy Allen Weber
Violet W. White
Robert & Marion Wolen

What to look for in an Internship
By: Jenny Pierce

I recently completed an internship at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. While the WDW Corporation is a very large and well-known company with great guest service standards and opportunities for advancement, it’s actual internship program is not all that it is made out to be.

There are hundreds of great internships out there, but only a handful of them make your time worthwhile. Don’t get me wrong, any internship is going to help your resume in one way or another, but you really want to find one that allows you to use your talents and creativity to the fullest extent. Here is an example of Disney’s internship program. It is definitely one that you will want to research and consider before you apply.

Upon arrival, the company assigns you a position- one that you do not get to choose. Basically you are stuck wherever they place you- NO EXCEPTIONS. After being placed in your work area, you are not given the opportunity to rotate around and try different positions. For example, if you were assigned to be a sales host or hostess (cashier) in a quick-service restaurant, you would not be allowed to work at the beverage station or clean tables. You are only allowed to be a host/hostess. For many people, having one simple task and repeating it day after day is fine, but for those who become bored very easily, this may not be the internship you are looking for.

For those students currently seeking internships, ask your potential employer many questions. Ask if you will have the chance to work in different areas and are there any opportunities for advancement, etc. Find a company that you think you might like working for in the future, and research that company as much as possible. Good luck!

An Extended Welcome
By: Nicole Young

The Informer would like to introduce two new faculty members to the School of Physical Education and Tourism Management and Tourism Management community. They are Tony Kaleth, Ph.D. and NiKole Keith, Ph.D.; both teach in the Department of Physical Education.

Dr. Kaleth, a native Hoosier, was born and raised in Valparaiso, Indiana, a northwestern city close to Chicago. He completed his undergraduate studies at Valparaiso University majoring in psychology. He then transferred to Virginia Technical College, seeking a degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology. Dr. Kaleth remembers his stay in rural Virginia being nice, but very different from growing up so close to the “Windy City”. There wasn’t a lot to do, but the people were nice and friendly.

This is Dr. Kaleth’s first semester as an instructor and he enjoys the courses that he teaches. He and his wife (and two dogs) enjoy living in Indianapolis, and were pleasantly surprised to see how the city has changed for the better. Presently, they are relishing all the new activities that Indianapolis has to offer.

When asked where he sees himself in five years, Dr. Kaleth quickly answered, “hopefully still here at IUPUI!” As he settles in, Dr. Kaleth looks forward to getting to know everyone. Noticing his friendly and laid back nature, I am sure that it will not be hard for him to make new friends here at IUPUI.

Just miles away from Valparaiso, Dr. NiKole Keith was born and partially raised in Chicago. By the time she was in high school, her family had relocated to Minnesota. While visiting her brother on the east coast, Dr. Keith believed that she would enjoy attending college there. She chose Howard University and completed a bachelor’s degree in physical education. From there she completed a master’s degree at the University of Rhode Island and her doctorate at the University of Connecticut. When she likes the east coast, Dr. Keith and her husband realized that they did not desire to raise a family their. Dr. Keith is the second half of an athletic powerhouse; she is married to Floyd Keith, the director of the Black Coaches Association. They have three daughters, and one bundle of joy on the way!

Humorously, Dr. Keith does not see herself as athletic. However, that is hard to believe after talking to her about sports for just a few minutes. She plainly states that she loves the science of sports, and the component of competition is pure joy for her. It is no surprise that her favorite class to teach is Principles and Practices of Exercise Science. Whether or not she is athletic, I am sure that the Department of Physical Education welcomes Dr. Keith and her passion for exercise science.