|
Joe Alessi - Valparaiso began his career in retailing, holding several senior positions for department stores and mass merchandisers. Between 1989 and 2000, he held sales and marketing positions for several North American railroads, most recently the Canadian National / Illinois Central. In 2000, he began his third career when he joined Heat Wagons, Inc. as Vice President. Since relocating to Valparaiso, Joe has been an active member of his community serving as president and coach for Lady Viking Soccer League, and coaching soccer at the Boys and Girls Club of Valparaiso. He chaired the Mayor's Bike Path Committee, is an annual volunteer at the Valparaiso Popcorn Festival, and is an active member of the Friends of the Library. He served as a committee member for Project Neighbors, participating on the Economic Development Task Force and as a trustee for the Conservatory for Performing Arts. He is married and has two daughters. (Spring / Fall 99, r01 / 03) |
|
Samellia Allen-Williams - Gary graduated with a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and Spanish. She was a Supplemental Instruction Leader for Biology and Spanish and a Spanish Tutor in the Modern Languages lab. Samellia was Secretary of the Student Guides, a staff writer for the Northwest Phoenix and a member of the Chancellor's Steering Committee. By day she is the Director of Physician Dictation Services, and by night she is a Supervisor for a leading telemarketing firm.
(Spring / Fall 99, r01 / 03) |
|
Crystal Angeles - Griffith has returned to Northwest
Indiana after having lived in Miami, Houston and two years in Honduras
studying Spanish as a child. She is a Program Associate for the Institute
and works part time at a church nursery. Crystal expects to graduate May
2006 with a BA in Communication and a minor in Fine Arts. She then hopes
to pursue a Masters in Film Production. Crystal lends her creativity and
time to art galleries, the Toll Theatre and is always looking to participate
in walk-a-thons. In her spare time she likes to meet exciting new people
and practice Tai Chi. Crystal is an avid horror film fan, has organized
a film club on campus and is currently working on a script for a film she
plans to produce and direct. |
|
Miguel
Arredondo – East
Chicago is the
Building Director for the City of East Chicago. Miguel is retired
from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, after serving 25 years,
the last 8 as Chief of Police. Miguel received an A.S. and B.S.
from Calumet College of St. Joseph in Law Enforcement Management.
He will receive his Certificate in Public Management in the spring
of 2006, and continue by pursuing his MPA in Public Management. He
serves on numerous civic, church, and school boards. Miguel is
married and has two sons. |
|
Curtiss Asbell - St. John believes that to be a great leader, one must first be a servant. Curtiss is a Technical Service Consultant with Silver Train, Inc. He makes people's lives better by brining them to the place where education, jobs and personal growth opportunities come together. He has a BS in Mathematics with a minor in Engineering. His understanding of processes, people and systems has allowed him to build a successful career in operations and technology. Curtiss will complete his MBA in 2006. (Fall 04 / Spring 05) |
|
Rosa Askew – Gary is employed as a social worker for the Gary Community School Corporation. In addition to her job as a school social worker, Rosa is employed as a contract therapist for Metropolitan Oasis Community Development Corporation. She established a community outreach clothing ministry at her church, Christian Valley Missionary Baptist Church (Gary, Indiana). She continues to serve as chair her high school class reunion committee, Roosevelt High School Class of 1980. (Spring / Fall 02, r08 / 05) |
|
Roberta “Bobbie” Atzhorn – Chesterton has completed her MSW degree, with a specialty in advocacy and policy-making at IU Northwest. She is the owner of a home and office organizing business and has taught classes in basic organizational skills. Bobbie has two daughters. (Spring 2003 / Fall 2004) |
|
Connie Bales – Hebron is an Assistant Principal at Lowell Middle School. Connie holds a BA in Elementary Education from Valparaiso University, a MA in Curriculum and Instruction from Indiana Wesleyan University and completed Administrative coursework from IU Northwest. Connie has written grants, which have received funding and coordinated a community guest reader program for Oak Hill Elementary School. Connie enjoys reading, perennial gardening, traveling, and cooking for family and friends.
(Spring 02 / Fall 03, r08 / 05) |
|
Juanita Bass – Merrillville retired from USX after 31 years in customer service. Juanita received her Bachelors in Continuing Studies with minors in Sociology and Criminal Justice. She is currently a graduate student in SPEA. Juanita is an Americorps volunteer, where she serves as the Site Supervisor for the Aftercare for Indiana through Mentoring Support Center in Gary and also an Aftercare Coordinator at Camp Summit with the Department of Corrections. Juanita is also a volunteer for the Lake County Court Appointed Special Advocate Program working with families and children in child abuse and neglect cases. She is 1st Vice President of the Male Chorus Boosters at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Gary and Treasurer of her high school Reunion Committee. For six years, she was a Loaned Executive for the Lake Area United Way during their fundraising campaigns. She also served on the Allocations Committee. She is past member of the lake County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Coalition representing her church Juanita is a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and past chair of the IU Northwest
Habitat Committee. She is also a past board member for Habitat. She is currently on the IU Northwest Alumni Board. Juanita's goals are to work in the area of social services and in her community with youth and senior programs. (Spring / Fall 01, r08 / 03) |
|
Tawana Bates – Gary received her
MPA for IU Northwest in 2005. She received her BS in
Criminal Justice in May of 2002, with a minor in Sociology, her
Associates in Criminal Justice in December 2000. Tawana is
Founder and President of Survivors Outreach Association, a nonprofit
that deals with the violence that is committed against women and
children, and social issues in Lake County. She is a volunteer rape
advocate for Haven House, past President of the IU Northwest Criminal
Justice Club, national member of the Lambda Alpha Epsilon, past Treasurer
of the Student Alumni Association, past SPEA representative for the
Student Steering Committee and member of the Sociology Club. Tawana's career objectives include attending law school, and getting
into the political arena, but her ultimate goal is to work with
survivors of violence. She is currently employed by the state of
Indiana as a Correctional Officer at Westville Correctional Facility. (Spring / Fall 01, r08 / 05) |
|
Anne Bell – Crown Point is a Lead Business Analyst at NiSource, Inc. She has been involved with Women in Management group at NiSource. Formerly, Anne was an instructor in the Training and Development Department at NIPSCO. She has a BA in Organizational Communication from Purdue University Calumet. A lifelong interest in Disney has led to Anne's hobby of working for Disney and participation with the Disney Volunteers organization. (Fall 00/Spring 01) |
|
Terri Bennett – Gary received a BA in Sociology from DePauw University
in Greencastle, IN. She will graduate with honors from the SPEA in May of
2006. As a single parent, she lives on G.A.S.- Giving, Achieving, and Shopping! In addition, she's an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,
Inc., Sigma Phi Omega Chapter, Salem Baptist Church and employed with
the State of Indiana as an Employment Specialist. (Spring / Fall 02,
r08 / 05) |
|
Carrie Besch – Dyer graduated in December 2002 with a
BA in Business Administration and a minor in marketing. She has interned with the Gary / Chicago Airport Marketing Department and has worked in a management position at Menards, along with working as a residential trainer at LARC (Lansing Association for Retarded Citizens). She has also served on the Shared Vision Communications Committee, along with being a member of the IU Northwest Sociology Club. (Fall 00 / Spring 01) |
|
Scott Besedick – Crown Point received his BS in Business Administration with a minor in Manufacturing Management from Valparaiso University. Scott is President for Perma Lubrication, Inc. in Valparaiso where he has received the “Outstanding Service Award". He is currently pursuing a MBA with a minor in Marketing. He is on the corporation board of Theta Chi Fraternity. Scott enjoys spending time with his wife who is an assistant principal with the Hobart School System. (Fall 99 / Spring 00) |
|
Greg Bialata – Hobart is the Loss Prevention Manager for Super Kmart in Portage, IN where he oversees safety and security. He received his MPA in Public Management from IU Northwest. His future career goals are executive leadership, security consulting, and teaching criminal justice courses at a university. Greg was Event Chairman for the 2002 Miniature Golf Fundraiser for the Institute for Innovative Leadership at IUN. He volunteers his time with Christmas in April, JR Achievement, March of Dimes, and has served on several committees at IU Northwest. Greg has also been a guest lecturer at IU Northwest discussing security management and criminal justice issues. Greg is a member of Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, IU Northwest Criminal Justice Club, the IU Northwest
Alumni Association, the American Society for Industrial Security, and the North American Hunting Club. He is athletic and enjoys outdoor activities. (Spring / Fall 01, r08 / 02) |
|
Bryan Blaschke - Valparaiso expects to graduate in May 2002 with a BGS in Science. Currently he serves as a supplemental instructor and tutors in science at IU Northwest and plans to continue his education. Bryan is an Eagle Scout and has worked for the Boy Scouts of America, LaSalle Council, as the Program Director of Camp Tamarack in Michigan. He has served the Boy Scouts as Lodge chief, Dunes Moraine Chapter Chief for two years, and the Training Committee Chairman for three years. (Fall 99 / Spring 00) |
|
Dan Botich – Crown Point is an associate for Cender & Company, L.L.C., a newly formed municipal financial advisory firm located in Merrillville. Dan received his undergraduate degree in urban studies from Columbia University (New York, NY) and is a graduate of the IU SPEA program with a
MPA. He is Chairman of the Board of Directors for Partners in Contracting, the treasurer of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community Improvement Corp. and on the Columbia University Alumni Recruitment Committee. With an interest in historic preservation, Dan and his wife Lisa purchased a historic 108 year old home in Crown Point and are slowly renovating and restoring it with the help of a lot of books and questions for his neighbors. One of Dan's many goals is to complete the Chicago Marathon in less than four hours. (Spring / Fall 99,
r08 / 03) |
|
Sandra Bowie – Valparaiso is a self
employed social entrepreneur in the community development arena. She
is passionate about affordable housing and working with non profits. One of Sandra’s many talents is fundraising. The Dallas transplant is
an above average cook and enjoys travel. A native from Connecticut,
Sandra received her BS in business administration from Northeastern
University in Boston and is pursuing a MPA from IU Northwest. (Spring
2003 / Fall 2004) |
|
Deana Bradley – Valparaiso is a Juvenile Intake / Supervision Probation Officer in Porter County. Deana plans on pursuing further career opportunities in law enforcement. She graduated with honors with her
BS in Criminal Justice from IU Northwest. While attending school, Deana was a member of Alpha Phi Sigma and Pi Alpha Alpha, which are national honor societies for Criminal Justice students. (Fall 00 / Spring 01, r08 / 03) |
|
Terry Brinker – Indianapolis, IN lived out his dream of becoming a business owner and became the owner of Miller Pizza Co., Merrillville. He was a former firefighter with the Gary Fire Department and is currently employed at NIPSCO. Terry has a degree in business from IU Northwest and his career objective is to own an investment firm as well as other businesses. He is actively involved with his children and his church. (Spring / Fall 00) |
|
Garsca
Brooks – Hammond is a
junior majoring in African American Studies. She is currently
involved in the Black Student Union on campus and has been a Student
Guide since her freshman year. She works as a server at Chili’s in
Calumet City while going to school full time. Her goals for her
career include creating a program to teach young urban girls how to
carry themselves as ladies with proper social etiquette and
mannerisms and to teach African American Studies at the college
level. |
|
Kevin
Brown – Gary is a life long resident, who participated in band and athletics as a
youth. As a senior in high school, he got the opportunity to work in
a dentist office. This experience led him to pursue a career in
dentistry. He began his undergraduate studies at Marquette University
finishing them at IU Bloomington with a BA in Biology. Kevin gained
admission to dental school but was not able to complete the program.
He is currently a Wastewater Laboratory Analyst for United Water
Services at the Gary Sanitary District. He recently began the MBA
program at IU Northwest in preparation of one day owning his own
business. Kevin does volunteer work with D.A.D.S. Inc. and Calumet
Council Boy Scouts. An active member of his church, Kevin serves on
five auxiliaries. He is single and has no children. (Fall 03 / Spring 04) |
|
Suzanne Bunch – Trenton, GA graduated from IU Northwest with distinction in
2003 with a BS in Business Administration and a concentration in Human
Resources. She is a certified Workers Compensation Specialist. Suzanne was one of the leaders and designers in the development and implementation of the computerized Risk Control Report, which is an electronic means for providing and collecting information through both the Northlake and Southlake campuses. She developed the training program for the computerized Risk Control Systems for hospital employees. Suzanne is the co- chair for the 2003 Leadership Institute's Habitat for Humanity Build. She enjoys spending time with her 15-year-old daughter, Caitlyn as well as entertaining family and friends, cooking, baking, quilting and kayaking. (Spring 02 / Fall 03) |
|
Irene Carlay - Schererville is a junior
majoring in Nursing pursuing her baccalaureate degree. Irene is
currently the president of the IU Northwest Student Nurses'
Association, member of the Student Alumni Association and the IU
Northwest Student Guides. She is employed at Southlake Methodist
Hospital on the cardiovascular unit as a nurse extern. Irene's goals in
life are to continue school to obtain a Master's or a Doctorate in
Nursing in order to become successful in her career. |
|
Alice Carter – Merrillville is a senior Phlebotomist of 27 years. Alice is presently employed at
Rush Presbyterian Hospital within the Core Laboratories. She received
a BS in Healthcare Management Services from Calumet College and is
pursuing a MPA with a double concentration, Healthcare Management and
Human Services Administration from IU Northwest. She has also
received a Certificate in Nonprofit Management. Alice’s associations
include Indiana Student Council Advisement Committee, IU Innovative
Learning Association, American Business Women’s Association and
American College of Healthcare Executives (Illinois chapter). (Spring 2003 / Fall 2004) |
|
Claude Chandler – Chesterton received a BS in Public Affairs in May 2004. Claude aspires to become a strong voice for environmental concerns. Recently he submitted an application to sit on the Save the Dunes
Council Board of Directors. His goals include representing IU Northwest around the state, graduate school and politics. (Spring 01, Fall 02) |
|
Alicia
Charlson – Valparaiso is a junior
studying Spanish and Communications. Alicia received her Associate’s
of Arts degree with a concentration in Spanish in May 2003. She was
very involved during high school with many organizations including
being the President of PRIDE, a group that worked to educate kids on
the dangers of alcohol, drug, and tobacco abuse. Currently, Alicia is
the Co-Executive Chair for the Student Guides and a department liaison
for the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisor Council. She is
active at her church, teaching Sunday School, singing with the choir,
and the 2001-2002 Pastoral Call Committee. For the last two years,
she has also been recognized on the National Dean’s List. Alicia
plans to attain her BA in May of 2005 and work in public relations. (Fall 03 / Spring 04) |
|
Suzanne Chick – Valparaiso is owner of the Valparaiso Institute of Yoga. By night, she teaches yoga classes in Valparaiso, Gary, Hobart and other locations. By day, Suzanne is a social worker in the East Chicago Public Schools. She earned her
MSW from Loyola University, her BA in Economics from Valparaiso University and graduated from Bishop Noll High School. Suzanne is the oldest child of Tina and Harry Chick of Highland, Indiana. In her spare time, Suzanne enjoys cooking with family and friends, hiking, gardening, traveling and the performing arts. (Fall 02 / Spring 03) |
|
Laura Christian – Valparaiso is a
senior pursuing a BS in Business Administration. She
currently looking for a job in the field of accounting, and she plans to go to
sit for the CPA exam in 2006. Laura has volunteered at community
organizations including the Urban League of Northwest Indiana and the
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. She is a member of
Student Guide Services on Campus. Laura's hobbies include photography
and camping. She has also been active in environmental groups at
school since becoming a member of the Institute, Laura has been
doing the bookkeeping for Leadership Northwest Indiana. (Fall
03 / Spring 04, r08 / 05) |
|
Gail Coleman – Gary is currently a substitute teacher in the Gary Community School
Corporation. She currently holds two BS degrees, one in Paralegal
Studies, from Calumet College of St. Joseph’s and one in
Communications and Theatre Arts from St. Joseph’s College in
Rensselaer. Gail is presently a Court Appointed Special Advocate in
the Lake County Juvenile Justice system. She is also a RPR with
Insource, working with families with disabilities. Her career
objectives are to attend graduate school and to work with juveniles
with disabilities. Gail is the mother of two children. (Spring
2003 / Fall 2004) |
|
Justin Copley – Burlington, VT is a 1999 graduate of St. Joseph's College with a BS in Business Management and History. Justin recently received his MBA with a minor in marketing from IU Northwest. His career objective is to find an opportunistic position where he can contribute to his community through various channels while achieving desired company results. Currently, Justin is a Document Solutions Sales Representative for
SymQuest, a technology firm. He also volunteers with the
Chittenden County United Way Organization. (Spring / Fall 02, r08 / 05) |
|
Iesha
Cotton – Gary is an
Architectural Research and Development Chemist for Accurate
Dispersions-Sherwin Williams Paint Company. She is a graduate of
Rockford College and Indiana University Northwest with a B.S. in
Chemistry and an A.S. in Biology and an A.S. in French. She is a
Minister of Dance and choreographer of Victory in Praise Dance
Ministry and Sons & Daughters of Faith Dance Ministry. She has
studied in Paris and Nice, France receiving all A’s in her courses. She aspires to be a doctor in the near future. |
|
Shari Coulis - Munster graduated in May of 2001 with a double major in French and English and a minor in Spanish. Shari has served as President of the Arts & Sciences Student Advisory Council and has been a member of the Women's Student Association, the Spanish Club, the French Club, and the International Affairs Club. Shari is currently serving on the Shared Vision Task Force, the IU Northwest Alumni Association board and on the Area of Excellence in Cultural Discovery and Learning Committee. She is a member of the Chancellor's Advisory Team, the philanthropic committee of the Philoptochos Society and serves as Community Outreach Coordinator for St. Demetrios Church in Hammond. Shari is active in the PTO's at both Wilbur Middle School and Munster High School. (Spring / Fall 99) |
|
Derrick Crocker - Gary graduated in August 1999 with his undergraduate degree in Business Management. He is a talented, creative individual who writes lyrics and produces music with a group of local young men. His career objective includes being an entrepreneur and owning an entertainment company. Currently, Derrick is working for CitiFinancial in Valparaiso as a Customer Service Representative. (Spring / Fall 99) |
Privacy Statement
