During 2017, NWI Innovators of the Month will feature our largest class of Innovators. This issue shines the spotlight on new Society Members Chancellor Thomas L. Keon, Purdue University Northwest.; Mark Fisher, President, Dwyer Instruments; Supt. Debra Howe, Ph.D., Tri-Creek School Corp.; and Lynne Jordan, Founder, STRIPES.
Chancellor Thomas L. Keon Takes Measure of Progress on Merger In the 8th month of a groundbreaking merger of two campuses into a single university, Chancellor Thomas L. Keon took the measure of progress at Purdue University Northwest. Named a Fellow for inspiring this achievement of unifying Purdue Calumet in partnership with now retired Chancellor James Dworkin of Purdue North Central, this innovative model is among a handful of mergers of this nature.
At the heart of making this the 5th largest university with 15,000 students in Indiana is tied to his view that geographic areas that drive innovation and economic development are linked to major universities. In his review, he cited three factors to measure progress. First is student success. He noted that of 1300 students that started, 87% have elected to continue into the spring semester, aided by advisors at both campuses.
“I’m extraordinarily pleased with the number of students who have chosen to return.” Secondly, he cited the contributions of faculty and staff. With a team of 1551 colleagues, he is monitoring concerns and complaints. He added that instituting an ombudsperson has resolved 90% of the concerns at the east and west campuses.
“Fortunately, the number has not been different than the past and in some instances far fewer.” Thirdly, he takes a “a soft but important measure’ of what he describes as continuous improvement. “With students in mind, we never want to say we are just ‘good enough.’”
HVAC Manufacturing Leader Releases ‘Most Advanced” Solution Dwyer Instruments located in Michigan City is a global leader in designing and manufacturing innovative controls, sensors, and instrumentation solutions to the HVAC and Process Automation markets. Last year, Dwyer released a revolutionary SMART Air Hood™ Balancing Instrument to the HVAC industry.
This air flow hood is regarded as the most advanced balancing instrument on the market. The hood’s innovative construction offers: Quad Flow Design technology; Predictive Balancing; accurate, rapid results with the award-winning PredictAir™ Software Application; and is the lightest and most ergonomic instrument engineered to date
. Holding over 650 technical patents, Dwyer has a long history of innovation in designing and manufacturing measurement sensors that provide superior product performance. Investing in research and development facilities for best in class product testing and verification has not only kept Dwyer relevant for over 85 years, it has kept them on the cutting-edge of product offerings. Using the most advanced computer modeling software to simulate real world situations, helps Dwyer to create more accurate measurement techniques in their products.
Innovative product designs have been recognized by industry experts, including receiving ACHR Dealer Design Awards for the past three years running. Mark Fisher (above), President, Dwyer Instruments, stated, The company’s greatest asset is the caliber of people that choose to put their best foot forward daily. Each and every employee pours heart and soul into all projects.
Tri-Creek is a leader in Problem-Based Learning in NWI Tri-Creek School Corporation launched an 8th grade student piloted, project-based learning initiative that differentiates this Lake County school district as one that emphasizes problem-solving skills, said Debra Howe, Ph.D. Superintendent, Tri-Creek. This alternative energy project grew from a 90 panel solar array to an astonishing 6,600 solar panels that provides energy for three elementary and one middle school, said Dr. Howe, named 2016 Empowering Woman of the Year by South Shore Clean Cities.
Last Thursday, the school awarded a contract for this project with an electrical energy savings forecast of $250,000 annually. This rural district provides a highly competitive public education program that serves of 3,300 students from the southern third of Lake County. Perhaps no better example is Apple recognizing Tri-Creek with their Apple Distinguished Program Award for 2015 – 2017. “Our staff works hard to ensure our students gain knowledge, skills, and real world experience,” she said. Tri-Creek is building a 12,000 sq. ft. advanced manufacturing facility at the high school campus to advance automotive, welding, and other technical trades so they are competitive as they enter the workforce.
Tri-Creek also launched the Opportunity Center program as an alternative to suspension and expulsion which boosts graduation rates over 98%. “Dr. Howe’s vision is to give students the skills, knowledge and connection to the world around them,” said Frank Szczepanski, nominator.
Human Trafficking Advocate Weaves Rugs to Raise Awareness An advocate of hope and renewal to help victims of human trafficking, Society Member Lynne Jordan of Valparaiso takes shreds of clothing and weaves them into rugs. This nurse and founder of Living Hopes Ministry Today and now “STRIPES” differentiates herself by weaving and selling these rugs as a sort of “symbol and sword” to help children and girls trapped as victims. Her mission as she weaves in her basement on one of her 8 looms made by her husband is to raise awareness of unspeakable crimes that are committed globally.
Why seek out discarded clothing? “Through creativity, stained and damaged clothing that basically had no value is restored to something of beauty,” Lynne said. Launched two years ago after becoming a deep learner of this crime, Lynne chose the name based upon a verse from the Bible that stated…”by his stripes healed.” Like other innovators who repurpose ideas for the greater good, she said, “I chose a name that matters to repurpose the pain these victims feel into something beautiful.”
So she started selling these rugs – now pushing 400 – and channeling money to organizations to help victims. As a Society Member, she now feels a responsibility to “steward” her cause further. Like a rug re-invented from cast-off clothes, survivors can re-invent themselves and bring renewed value to their lives, said nominator Deanna Ehrhardt.
