NEW CENTER TO BE LOCATED IN THE HEART OF ELKHART

Thanks to the generosity of Elkhart County benefactors, IU South Bend will have a new facility in downtown Elkhart where students and residents can pursue their college degrees, enhance their job training, and pursue lifelong learning opportunities. The $2.5 million facility will be built at 125 E. Franklin St. Plans call for construction of a 16,000square-foot building that will include eight classrooms, a student lounge, and offices for faculty and staff.

A group of Elkhart civic leaders, led by Art Decio and Bob Deputy, quietly worked on a private fundraising drive for the facility for the past year. “The support from the Elkhart community has been outstanding,” said IU South Bend Chancellor Una Mae Reck. “We have served Elkhart since 1977 but we never had a permanent home. This new facility will add to the beauty of downtown Elkhart and serve as a magnet to potential students. It is great to be a downtown neighbor.” Elkhart civic leaders praised the project as another step in the strategic effort to continue the riverfront development taking place in downtown Elkhart . They predict the new facility will provide an influx of students and faculty to the downtown area which will lead to more business opportunities.

“Once again, the Elkhart community has come through to support a worthy project,” said Decio. “We need a university presence in Elkhart to help educate and train residents now and for generations to come.” Decio, Deputy, a committee of community and business leaders, along with leaders at IU South Bend will continue to visit local companies and individuals to solicit the remaining financial support.

“ Indiana University has been committed to Elkhart County for many years,” said Deputy. “As an IU graduate, I remember teaching at Elkhart Memorial High School when it was a location for IUSB. Finally, we can make a new home for IU in downtown Elkhart .” Other members of the fundraising committee include Glenn Banks, Jack Cittadine, John Dille III, Tom Dusthimer, Alice Martin, Frank Martin, Rex Martin, and Jeff Wells.

The Elkhart Center is expected to open its doors in 2007. Until then IU South Bend will continue to offer classes at its current location at Indiana 19 and Nappanee Street . More than 1,500 students were enrolled in classes at the Elkhart Center last year.

“Chancellor Reck and I held focus groups with students and business leaders in Elkhart over the past year,” said Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs and University Advancement Ilene Sheffer. “Over and over again, the support for higher education classes in Elkhart was emphasized. As the need grows for credit and noncredit classes, we know that a new downtown presence will attract more students who desire a college degree and extended learning options.”

Elkhart Mayor David Miller also helped with the project. “Last year, we were voted one of the most livable cities in America ,” said Miller. “Having an Indiana University center downtown is icing on the cake.” The Elkhart Redevelopment Commission approved a plan to donate the one-acre parcel of property to the Elkhart Community Foundation, which will construct the building. After the facility is completed, the foundation will donate the building to IU South Bend.

Architect’s drawings of the proposed building were prepared by The Borger Group LLC, Fanning/Howey Associates, Inc., J.A. Wagner Construction, and the Indiana University Architect’s Office. Parking needs will be met by adding spaces on site and using existing city lots. The building has been designed for possible future expansion.

The current IU South Bend - Elkhart Center offers about 50 day and evening courses, including Saturday morning classes. Placement exams, admissions, advising, state-of-the-art computer labs, registration, and bookstore services are all available to students in Elkhart .

A groundbreaking ceremony will be scheduled when construction and financing details are complete.