A Purdue University Calumet international student from Saudi Arabia received the university’s Student Activities Outstanding Student Leader Award at the recent Campus Life Awards Banquet.

Outstanding Student Leader

Award recipient Faisal Ali Aljaizani, a graduate student in technology, served the past year as president of the Purdue Calumet chapter of the Society of Manufacturing Engineering Technology Club. He also has volunteered at and coordinated  American Red Cross blood drives on and off campus, has earned the American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR AED certificate, has been a coordinator for the Illiana Islamic Center in Highland and has organized fundraising drives for the Muslim Student Association that have benefited hungry children in Somalia and Syrian refugees.

Additionally, he has been elected to Tau Alpha Pi Engineering Technology Honor Society and selected for inclusion in Who’s Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

“Faisal has breathed new life into the MET club with his enthusiasm, organizing skills and willingness to go above and beyond what other officers have ever done in bringing MET students together,” Purdue Calumet Professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology Greg Neff said. “He has expanded the organization to include other majors, graduate students and international students, and he has organized dozens of activities.”

Students who received awards

Following is the entire list of students who received awards at the banquet:

Named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges: Faisal Ali Aljaizani of Saudi Arabia; Rachel M. Lewandowski, Dyer; Parvizsho Aminov, Hobart; Emily J. Mastej, Highland; Ashley L. Bohling, Crown Point; Clameirdre D. Prince, Broadview, Ill..; Adam H. Cooper, Munster; William W. Schenkel, Huntington; Dawn M. Jaranowski, Cedar Lake; Rachel C. Trotman, Munster; Caitlyn A. Lackey, Griffith; Terra R. Woessner, Lowell; and I-Chun Lee, Crown Point.

Above and Beyond Award recipients for leadership and service to student organizations: Faisal Ali Aljaizani of Saudi Arabia; Morgan Walker, Gary; I-Chun-Lee, Crown Point; Marissa Sue O’Donley, Merrillville; Erica Williams, Gary; Cassandra John, Griffith; Ayla Garcia, Dyer; and Maria Esperanza Gonzalez, Gary.

LeadOrgShape—Training for Life and for Organizations: Faisal Ali Aljaizani of Saudi Arabia; Yoon Kyung Ha, South Korea; Jacque Lynn Hazelwood, Hammond; Jose Alexander Midence, Crown Point; Brian T. O’Halloran, Hammond; Rebecca Rossi, Chicago Heights, Ill.; and Nevenka Stefanovska, Hammond.

Student Activities Student Organization Award: Muslim Student Association and Alpha Psi Lambda Multicultural Fraternity, Inc.

Student Activities Student Organization Advisor Award: Professor Edward Furticella (Finance and Accounting Club)

It’s been said that one college class can change a person’s life.

That idiom seems to have introduced a passion and career path for recent Purdue University Calumet spring graduate Andrew Jackura.

Physics course fascinated him

“While working on my mechanical engineering degree, I took a physics class from Professor Robert Kramer,” Jackura, 24, said. “I instantly knew that I wanted to pursue physics; this class was fascinating to me.”

Andrew Jackura

But since he was so close to completing his mechanical engineering baccalaureate degree, the Highland resident continued in that curriculum, earning his degree in 2011.

But Jackura was not yet ready to close his book bag and leave campus. In fact, he remained at Purdue Calumet two more years to earn a degree in physics.

On to a Ph.D program

Unwavering in his new-found interest, he now plans to pursue a Ph.D. in theoretical nuclear physics beginning this fall at Indiana University.

Initially, Academic Advisor William Baginski saw Jackura as an average student who would impress him by excelling at each academic challenge he faced.

“I wasn’t sure how Andrew would handle the rigors of the mechanical engineering program, but as he progressed, his thirst for knowledge grew,” Baginski said. “He continued to excel at a high level, and his interests expanded. Along the way of earning a degree in mechanical engineering, he developed an appetite for the science that supports all engineering: physics.”

Smaller class sizes allow more familiarity with professors

Though accepted out of high school to Purdue’s West Lafayette campus, the 2007 Highland High graduate chose to attend Purdue Calumet, so he could continue working at his fulltime job and remain near his family.

“I really didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do (academically), but I knew it was in engineering,” he said of his application to Purdue Calumet. “And this campus has much smaller classes, which allow students to become more familiar with their professors.”

His Purdue Calumet education also enabled experiential learning opportunities at the Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Ill. and as an instructor in the campus Physics Lab.

Jackura counts support from Purdue Calumet staff and faculty in his educational success. In addition to Baginski and Kramer, he calls Professors Adam Rengstorf and Dan Suson “great role models.”

Five Purdue University Calumet employees have received 2012-13 awards for outstanding service to the university.

Award recipients are:

• Outstanding Administrative Leader: Assistant Vice Chancellor for Educational Opportunity Programs Roy L. Hamilton of Gary;
• Outstanding Administrator: Senior Career Services Coordinator Deborah Blades of Hebron;
• Outstanding Operations Technical Employee: School of Technology Administrative Assistant Laura Dorsch of St. John;
• Outstanding Clerical Employee: University Village-Housing Clerk Ila Muller of Hammond; and
• Outstanding Service Employee: Physical Facilities Maintenance Worker Tom Sanchez of Merrillville.

Outstanding Administrative Leader Roy L. Hamilton

He provides oversight for programs relating to military veterans, 21^st Century Scholars, students with disabilities, underrepresented students and academic progression of student athletes. Last year, his campus unit secured a $100,000 grant to support a student program for military veterans that is considered a model in Indiana. He also conceived, established and implemented the university’s Academic Athletic Monitoring Program that assists student-athletes in their academic progression. Additionally, he leads the university’s annual Martin Luther King Day Convocation program and observance.

“It is an extremely humbling experience to have others recognize me for my work and passion,” he said. “I attribute my success to having a body of colleagues who have mentored me and have been critical and supportive of my efforts here at Purdue Calumet. It is encouraging to have others recognize me for work that does not seem work because of my love for it. Every day I come to campus is an opportunity for me to be creative and assist in transforming lives.”

He holds a baccalaureate degree from Morehouse (Ga.) College and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Outstanding Administrator Deborah Blades

In her Career Services role, she coordinates on-campus recruiting, employee development and student and alumni job fairs that have exceeded employer participation goals by 20 percent. She also has collaborated in developing a specific job fair for military veterans. Additionally, she has developed mobile applications and used social media to connect jobs via non-traditional methods. Campus peers have applauded her innovation, work ethic and attention to detail.

“I am humbled to be named Purdue Calumet’s Outstanding Administrator and be recognized for something I am truly passionate about,” she said. “Assisting students, alumni and community members reach their career goals is an amazing feeling. I am thrilled to be able to share this honor with my Career Services team members.”

Outstanding Operations Technical Employee Laura Dorsch

Among her numerous contributions, she has created spreadsheets and maneuvered databases that have allowed seamless delivery to School of Technology clients. Colleagues have applauded her efforts to effectively prioritize multiple client requests, as well as her knack for turning stressful situations into a working environment of collaboration.

“Not everyone has an opportunity to work in a place that they truly love,” she said. “For me, working in the School of Technology is such a place. It gives me the opportunity to work with great people as part of a team and to make a difference in the education of our students. This award, not only recognizes my efforts, but it recognizes the great team that we have within the School of Technology.”

Outstanding Clerical Employee Ila Muller

This recipient has been praised for working tirelessly to enable efficient organization of her operation. Involved in decision-making, meticulous to detail, engaging and personable, she is considered an ambassador for her unit in assisting students and staff. Beyond her direct responsibilities, she has served as co-coordinator of Purdue Calumet’s Lake Area United Way campaign, and assisted with campus participation at the Lake County Fair and with Black History Month.

“This award means so much,” she said. “It was such a nice surprise, and I am very grateful. I take pride in my work, and to be recognized with this award is truly appreciated!”

Outstanding Service Employee Tom Sanchez

For 28 years, he, diligently, has helped maintain campus buildings and offices by fixing the broken and installing the new. His job runs the gamut of securing doors to helping students change their flat tire. His campus peers applaud his skill and efficiency in responding to countless last minute requests.

“I am very honored and thankful of all my fellow co-workers who help each other when needed to complete our tasks and provide service to our customers,” he said. “I have enjoyed working here and hope to continue helping in any way I can.”

The 2012-13 Purdue University Calumet Outstanding Service Award recipients (l to r) Roy Hamilton, Laura Dorsch, Chancellor Thomas Keon, Deborah Blades, Ila Muller and Tomas Sanchez

Purdue University Calumet will honor a graduating class of 943 undergraduate and graduate candidates during Commencement Exercises Sunday (5/19) at the Radisson Star Plaza Theater.

Degrees conferred beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Degrees will be conferred during the 1:30 p.m. ceremony to graduates of all six undergraduate schools of study and those earning master’s degrees. The class consists of 232 individuals earning master’s degrees, 687 baccalaureate candidates and 24 associate degree recipients.

Some 650 candidates will participate in the ceremony. Purdue President Mitch E. Daniels, Jr. and Purdue Board of Trustees members will be present.

The ceremony will include a posthumous presentation of an Associate of Science in Computer Graphics Technology to the parents of Griffith student Matthew Rocchietti, who died last November.

Alumnus Jeff Gardner

Purdue Calumet alumnus Jeff Gardner, president and CEO of Windstream Communications in Little Rock, Ark., will address the candidates. Gardner is a 1983 accounting graduate.

Additionally, Purdue Calumet Chancellor Thomas L. Keon and graduating Purdue Calumet Student Government Association President Marissa Henderson will offer remarks.

Chancellor’s Medallion

Students with the top grade point average from each of Purdue Calumet’s six academic schools will receive a Chancellor’s Medallion. Other academically-distinguished candidates, as well as those graduating from the Honors Program also will be recognized.

This class increases to more than 47,700 the total number of degrees granted at Purdue Calumet.

Construction management and engineering technologies student Brianne Slick.

For her senior project, the 25-year-old Merrillville resident developed sanctuary restoration plans, including anticipated refurbishing costs, for the once majestic downtown City Methodist Church of Gary after the church had been abandoned nearly four decades. Brianne has accepted a job as an estimator with an electrical contractor in Denver, Colo.

Physics student Andrew Jackura.

After previously earning a baccalaureate degree in mechanical engineering at Purdue Calumet in 2011, the 24-year-old Highland resident returned for more. A course he took within his ME curriculum fueled an interest in physics. He now plans to attend Indiana University to work on a Ph.D. in theoretical nuclear physics.

Computer graphics technology student Igor Manevski

The 26-year-old Merrillville resident and native of Macedonia has been intrigued by animation since watching TV as a youngster and taking special notice of the “fantastic animated scenes and their details.” For his senior design project, he developed a series of 3-D, rigid body animated scenes. One is a sports car that he brought to life from his own design inspired by Lamborghini and other super/hyper cars. He is optimistic about landing a job in the graphics unit of a Chicago mobile application company.

Hospitality and tourism management student Jessica Oxford.

Desiring to transfer from a southern Indiana institution, she did her homework and determined that Purdue Calumet’s HTM program was just what she wanted. Three years after enrolling at Purdue Calumet she is graduating. The 26-year-old, full time student from Crown Point also works full time for Horseshoe Casino and plans to continue to do so after graduation.

Former Illinois residents Raymond and Brigid Lukas, now of Dyer

Raymond, 35, is a military veteran and former plumber who has overcome three brain surgeries due to pituitary adenoma to complete work on a communication degree. His wife, Brigid, 34, who is graduating in sociology-criminal justice and human development & family studies, is receiving the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences’ Chancellor Medallion as the School’s top student. Ray and Brigid, who have renovated their home while attending Purdue Calumet, also have a 3-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter.

Biological sciences student Alexandria (Alex) Starr.

Alex, 22 of Plymouth, helped lead the Peregrines’ women’s basketball team to national prominence and a 21-10 record this season. The NAIA Division II All-America honorable mention selection also has been active in Student Government, presided over the university’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee, served on the campus’ National Residence Hall Honorary and was selected to participate in the American Red Cross National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Leadership Program in Washington, D.C. She plans to begin optometry school this fall.

Management student Brandon Rukes.

A pre-enrollment phone called he received from a professor helped impress Brandon, 21, of Griffith that Purdue Calumet was the school he wanted to attend. Enrolled in and employed by the Honors Program, he made friends, had a great experience and even earned Indiana Student Employee of the Year recognition in 2012. His degree in management includes majors in accounting and finance. An internship he served with U.S. Steel’s Gary Works plant last summer has blossomed into a full time job he begins in the plant’s Accounting Department early next month.

The prospect of restoring Gary’s once majestic downtown City Methodist Church after nearly four decades of neglect may seem highly unlikely.

On schedule to graduate

But if it were to happen, a Purdue University Calumet construction sciences student has done the initial heavy lifting, so to speak, of preparation.

Merrillville resident and New Lenox, Ill. native Brianne Slick is on schedule to graduate Sunday (5/19) from Purdue Calumet’s construction management and engineering technology program. One of her final assignments was to complete an extensive design project, required of all seniors, that enabled her to apply lessons she has learned as a prospective construction project manager.

Senior project

Her senior project, which she initiated last fall, provided restoration plans for the sanctuary within the multi-faceted, 1925 circa City Methodist Church, once considered among the most magnificent in Indiana.

Changing times in northwest Indiana, however, led to the church’s demise, closing and ultimate abandonment in 1975.

When a Gary faith-based community advocate sought to find out what it would take to restore the grand old worship facility, Purdue Calumet Chancellor Thomas Keon became aware. He then contacted university Professor and Head of the Department of Construction Sciences and Organizational Leadership Anthony Gregory.

“I put it out there as a possible senior project for our students, and Brianne stepped forward,” Gregory said. “She researched the church’s history and did a proposal last fall focusing on the sanctuary portion only. Then she did an analysis to determine whether or not the sanctuary could be made usable and if so, what the rehabbing would cost.”

Dean’s List

For the ambitious, 25-year-old Dean’s List student, the project got off to a challenging start.

“I couldn’t find any architecture plans for the church, so I had to do my own measurements,” she said. “Professor Gregory helped with the perimeter measures, and I did the interior myself.”

And she did them during the brutal winter months of January and February. Purdue Calumet Professors Dennis Korchek and Jose Pena also provided assistance.

She then went about employing lessons of her Purdue Calumet education.

“I had to decide what needed demolishing and what could be replaced,” she said. “Then I did a quantity take-off to determine material needs. I also used the RSMeans software program, which provides material and labor costs based on geographic location.”

Sometimes overwhelming

Brianne Slick

Though admitting the project at times was frustrating and overwhelming, “I fell in love with the (the building) right away,” she said. “The sheer beauty of the architecture and that it brought so many people together appealed to me.”

Along with other Purdue Calumet construction management and engineering technology seniors, she presented her project last week. A few weeks following graduation, she will begin her professional career in construction as an estimator with an electrical contractor in Denver, Colo.

Like so many students, Slick had other ideas of what she thought she wanted to study after high school. Briefly, she tried civil engineering. Then for two and one-half years, she explored veterinary science while working as a vet assistant. Though she adopted three dogs and two cats, her career path remained uncertain.

Meantime, while continuing to assist her father with home remodeling, she took the advice of family members and friends who encouraged her to resume her college education.

Accredited program nearby

“At the time, I didn’t realize construction management was a degree,” she said. “Purdue Calumet appealed to me because it offered an accredited degree program nearby.”

Three years of study and two paid internships later, she acknowledges that the Purdue Calumet program “covers the fundamentals of construction as to what you need to know in order to manage projects.”

She adds that she also has benefited from helpful professors and flexible course scheduling.

“Brianne is one of those students with a critical mind who makes a professor better,” Associate Professor of Civil Engineering Technology Jose Pena said. “I have no doubt she will be a success in any area and endeavor she initiates. I wish we had more students with her discipline, drive and, above all, capacity for analyzing, asking questions and looking beyond the surface of things.”

One of the best decisions

Reflecting on her Purdue Calumet years, she said, “I can honestly say this has been one of the best decisions of my life. Being a woman in construction is not only a challenge, but it is also a reward knowing that I can do anything I put my heart into…”

Few students excuse themselves from the first day of class, but Purdue University Calumet’s Raymond Lukas had a good reason for leaving his Spanish 101 instructor, Barbara Shinovich, a phone message two days before the 2011 fall semester began.”

Brain Surgery

“When I called him back and asked if I had awakened him, he just chuckled,” Shinovich said, “He then told me he was recovering from brain surgery, was in ICU and would miss the first two class sessions, but that his wife also was in the class, and she would take notes and provide him other class information.”

Raymond, 35, has had three brain surgeries to treat his pituitary adenoma condition, a non-cancerous tumor on the pituitary gland. His time in the military also has prompted shoulder surgery, and while working as a plumber, he hurt his back, necessitating another operation.

Will still graduate on time

Nonetheless, the Dyer resident and Tinley Park, Ill. native expects to make it on time to his Purdue Calumet graduation Sunday (5/19) afternoon at the Radisson Star Plaza Theater in Merrillville, where he will receive a degree in communication.

“I’ve had to hang in there and get my degree, so I can move into a less physical career,” Raymond said.

Joining him in cap and gown graduates’ attire will be his wife, Brigid, who also is earning a baccalaureate degree–in two study fields: sociology-criminal justice and human development & family studies. Additionally, she will receive the Chancellor’s Medallion as the top senior in Purdue Calumet’s School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.

Pituitary Adenoma

Raymond first became aware of his pituitary adenoma in 2005, following a car accident.

“I was having bad headaches and nausea,” he said. “I could have awakened totally blind from it, so I guess it was a blessing in disguise that I had the accident.”

Besides attending to his health, studies, marriage, fatherhood—he and Brigid have a 3-year-old son, Mason, and 6-year-old daughter, Paige—and renovating their Dyer home, Ray also gained hands-on experience serving an internship and working part-time at Hammond radio station WJOB.

Becoming motivated

Watching her husband resume an education he began years earlier in Illinois motivated Brigid, 34, to do the same. Building on an associate

Raymond and Brigid Lukas

degree she had earned, the former South Holland, Ill. resident has prepared diligently to become a caseworker for children or military veterans.

“It’s been a challenge,” she said. “This spring, I had an internship in the morning, ate my lunch in the car and went to class in the afternoon. Ray had classes starting at 5 p.m., so he would drive the kids to campus before his class. We’d meet in a parking lot, and I would drive the kids home.”

But both admit the experience has been worth it.

“Some of my classes were taught by actual social workers,” Brigid said. “The stories they told really taught you about the field.”

Earning a Purdue degree

Both also admit the opportunity to earn a Purdue education factored into their decision to enroll at Purdue Calumet.

“It has been a pleasure to teach such dedicated and diligent students,” Shinovich said. “They are a credit to Purdue Calumet and demonstrate what can be accomplished even during the most trying times.”

As excited as he is to graduate, prospective public relations professional Raymond says he will be even more excited to watch his wife receive her academic medallion.

“I am extremely proud of her,” he said, “that she has been able to achieve what she has given all that we’ve gone through.”

Igor Manevski is intrigued by animation.

Creating animated movies

Hoping to learn how to create animated movies is what attracted him to Purdue University Calumet and its computer graphics technology program some six years ago.

After he graduates Sunday (5/19) with a baccalaureate degree, the Crown Point resident and Dean’s List student is optimistic about landing a job in the graphics unit of a Chicago mobile application company.

“It’s looking promising,” the 26-year-old native of Macedonia said.

Glass half full

Then again, he has been a glass half full kind of guy throughout his life.

After moving to America with his parents and sister when he was 10, “I was able to speak English fluently within two months,” he said.

It was during his years at Crown Point High School that he became interested in animation.

“As I watched TV, I took special notice of the fantastic (computer graphics) animated scenes and their details,” he said. “After reading about the software that’s used to design those scenes, I really got interested.”

Closer to home

When the cost of attending an out-of-state animation technical school proved prohibitive and a closer-to-home alternative came up short in his

Ignor Manevski

expectations, he turned to Purdue Calumet.

“My sister also came here and graduated in 2003 in criminal justice and gerontology,” Manevski said. “She brought me the (university) catalog; that’s how I found out about Purdue Calumet’s CGT program with a track in animation.”

For his senior design project in animation, he has researched efficiency in computer graphics imaging and developed a series of 3-dimensional, rigid body animated scenes. One is a sports car that he brought to life from his own design inspired by Lamborghini among other super and hyper cars.

“I designed my car from the inspiration of other super cars,” he said. “I added detail that attempts to demonstrate emotion that is so convincing my car appears real.”

Bright future

What also appears real, according to Purdue Calumet Assistant Professor of Computer Graphics Technology Magesh Chandramouli, is a bright future for his student.

“Igor is one of the most talented and responsible students I have worked with,” the professor said. “Owing to his diligence and unwavering commitment, he will scale great heights in his career.”

Reflecting on his Purdue Calumet experience, one that also has included opportunities to serve as a teacher’s assistant tutor, hold a few part-time jobs, conduct freelance work and participate on the men’s tennis squad, Manevski said, “Purdue Calumet has prepared me for greater responsibilities, higher thinking and tackling projects with research. We’re here to learn how to learn in a timely fashion, and I feel well prepared to continue my lifelong learning.”

Three reasons factored into Alexandria (Alex) Starr’s decision to attend Purdue University Calumet: opportunities to get a Purdue education, take advantage of Chicago proximity and continue her basketball career..

Mission accomplished

Four years later, mission accomplished for the Plymouth resident.

Alex Starr

Starr, 22, is graduating after a storied athletic career in which she earned NAIA All-America honorable mention basketball honors this past season, helping lead Purdue Calumet to national prominence.

The Purdue degree she will receive Sunday (5/19) in biological sciences has prepared her to enter optometry school this fall. “Ever since I got my first set of glasses when I was 10, I’ve wanted to be an eye doctor,” she said.

As for Chicago proximity, “I have definitely taken advantage of being so close,” she said. “I love shopping in the city, and when I have had free evenings, my friends and I have loved going out to eat and to the clubs downtown.”

Active on campus

Throughout her four-year Purdue Calumet stay, she also has been active in Student Government, has presided over the university’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee and served on the campus’ National Residence Hall Honorary.

Following her freshman year, she was one of 12 student athletes from among 400 applicants to be selected to participate in the American Red Cross National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Leadership Program in Washington, D.C. The experience motivated her to help the university’s Wellness staff promote and coordinate Red Cross blood drives on campus.

“One of our drives produced 300 units; that’s a potential 1,000 lives saved,” she said. “I tried to make the drive a competition; a lot of my athlete friends participated. We distributed T-shirts; I see them around campus. It just shows that people want to make a difference.”

Making a difference

Making a difference is indeed what Starr did on the basketball court. The sharp shooting guard was the top scorer (16.4 points per game) this past season for the 21-10 Peregrines, the 20^th ranked team nationally in the National Association of the Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Division II. Just the fifth player in Purdue Calumet women’s basketball history to surpass the 1,500-point career scoring milestone, she also will leave the Hammond campus as a two-time All-Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference selection.

“Alex has been an outstanding asset to our university and basketball team,” her coach, Tom Megyesi, said. “She is a tireless worker who always went the extra mile to improve as a basketball player and as a student. She volunteered for numerous extracurricular activities on campus and has represented Purdue Calumet with pride.”

The feeling is mutual.

“Coach Meg was like a father figure to us,” she said. “He was always looking out for us, and he was very positive.”

Others took notice

Others on campus also took notice of her.

“I first met Alex as a student in my physics course,” Professor Daniel Suson said. “She impressed me then with her determination and dedication to master the material. After the class we continued to meet each other around campus. It was great to hear how her classes were going and to see her progressing toward her goals. Alex has been one of those students who excels regardless of what she does…”

Looking back on her Purdue Calumet experience overall, the daughter of two dentists said, “I’m going to miss the people and friendships. I think what it takes to be successful is to really get involved, and I have been able to do that. I’ve loved it here—everything about Purdue Calumet.”

Alex Starr in action

Daniel (Dan) Yovich, who earned outstanding teaching awards, created mathematics games and was nationally-recognized in academe and industry as an applied creativity instructor before retiring from Purdue University Calumet in 2000, died Friday (5/10) after a lengthy illness. He was 83.

Among most popular

Yovich, professor emeritus of organizational leadership and supervision, was considered among the most popular, foresighted and energetic faculty members to serve Purdue Calumet and its students. He also was an inventor, having produced patents in biocide coating compositions at the paint manufacturing business he founded in Kankakee, Ill. Additionally, he created three arithmetic-related games: Krypto, MathSuey and Wizzitt.

A former Army Security Agency Intelligence Officer during the Korean War, he worked as a product development chemist in the coatings industry for 20 years before making a career change and joining the Purdue Calumet faculty in 1979.

“Dan was way before his time,” friend, colleague and Purdue Calumet Professor of Organizational Leadership and Supervision Carl Jenks said. “He was bright, creative, and the students loved him. He had a way of effectively getting his points across while keeping his students interested.”

Earned national recognition

At Purdue Calumet, he introduced classes in creativity and entrepreneurship, earning national recognition teaching applied creativity in academe and industry. He founded the Inventors and Entrepreneurs Society of Indiana and was a three-time recipient of outstanding teaching awards during his 21-year faculty career at Purdue Calumet. He also was a member of the World Futurist Society.

After retiring from Purdue Calumet, he lectured at Grand Valley State and Northwood Universities in Michigan. He is survived by his wife, Anita, two sons, two daughters, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Memorial service

A memorial service is scheduled at 11 a.m., Thursday (5/16) at Saint Stephen Church, 750 Gladstone SE East Grand Rapids, Mich. 49506.