PFW & IUFW
FRIENDS of the University
Fort wayne
Who We Are
The FRIENDS of the University is an arm of the Purdue Fort Wayne Foundation and a not-for-profit corporation designed to receive gifts for campus development. The purpose of FRIENDS is to support the entire campus through annual giving, and to provide programs and special events that contribute to the education and culture of campus life and student success. FRIENDS envisions a community that is continually nourished and developed by two great universities — PFW and IUFW — which are the epicenter of teaching, education, and research in northeast Indiana.
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History & Impact
For the past 50 years, this group has supported IPFW, now PFW and IUFW, by engaging its members in a variety of educational meetings, campus-based events, and annual giving. Its member base advocates for the university while continuing their own passion for learning. Since its inception in 1976, over $250,000 has been raised by FRIENDS members to support vital programs that will benefit students for years to come.
Members have access to 6 annual meetings with keynote speakers, a wide variety of concerts and events that showcase the excellence found on our regional campus, and networking opportunities with fellow Friends and alumni.
Membership
Membership
Membership is open to anyone! Community members, alumni, faculty, and staff are all encouraged to join. [email protected].
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Program Schedule
Monthly Meetings are on the third Monday of the month.
Generally held in September, October, November, March, April, & May
Steel Dynamics Keith E. Busse Mastodon Alumni Center
1528 E California Rd, Fort Wayne, IN. 46825
what to expect
Meeting Agenda
11:00 AM - Social
11:30 AM - Business Meeting
12:00 PM - Keynote Speaker
12:30 PM - Lunch
Join FRIENDS!
Join FRIENDS!
Please pay your dues below! Ask us about paying by check or lifetime memberships. Send us an inquiry at [email protected].
VOLUNTEER-LED initiatives
Main Projects
FRIENDS of the University Food Pantry
FRIENDS of the University Endowed Scholarship.
FRIENDS Outstanding Teacher Award.
updated 2023
Strategic Plan
Friends of the University envisions a community that is continually nourished and developed by two great universities—Purdue University Fort Wayne and Indiana University Fort Wayne—which are the epicenter of teaching, education, and research in northeast Indiana.
Friends of the University supports the administration, faculty, staff, and students of PFW and IUFW in meeting the goals of both universities. FRIENDS enhances campus life through the recognition of excellence and active involvement in worthy initiatives.
- Continue to support:
a. Outstanding Teacher Award (annual)
b. Student Scholarship Program
c. Food Pantry
d. Empty Bowls (Ceramics Dept)
2. Solicit and evaluate proposals from university departments, faculty, staff, and students for future FRIENDS’ initiatives.
3. Increase revenue to support the mission.
4. Increase awareness of FRIENDS’ mission, objectives, and accomplishments among faculty, staff, students, and community.
5. Increase and maintain a robust and engaged FRIENDS’ membership.
6. Increase FRIENDS’ knowledge of and advocacy for the campus community.
organization
Committees
Executive Committee
President: Mary Lee
Vice President:
Secretary:
Other Committees:
Program Committee
Recognition Committee
Membership Committee
Nominating Committee
Past Presidents
Carolyn Gutman 1976 - 81
Skeez Howard 1981 - 82
Marcia Laker 1982 - 83
Margaret Nolan 1983 - 84
Mary Ann Haynie 1984 - 85
Hilda Seybert 1985 - 86
Mary Young 1986 - 87
Kitty Rish 1987 - 88
Dorothy Shaffer 1988 - 89
Donna Jesse 1989 - 90
Marsha Heller 1990 - 91
Peg Lehrman 1991 - 92
Marilyn Finkbeiner 1992 - 93
Ruth Bloom 1993 - 94
Suzanne Thomas 1994 – 95
Jeanette Rohleder 1995 – 96
Ruth Rhinehart 1996 – 97
Alice Kinne 1997 – 98
Ann Jenney 1998 – 99
Myrna Nelson 1999 – 00
Carol Bundza 2000 – 01
Jeanette Rohleder 2001 – 02
Marsha Heller 2002 – 04
Amanda Senger 2004 – 06
Shirley Johnson 2006 – 08
Pat Smith 2008 – 10
Anne Donnelly 2010 – 13
Pat Becker 2013 – 16
Mary McDonald 2016 – 18
Nancy O’Brien 2018 – 21
Mary Lee 2021 – 26