PFW & IUFW
FRIENDS of the University
Who We Are
FRIENDS of the University is an organization of alumni, current and retired faculty, staff, and community members committed to fostering greater awareness and support for higher education in Northeast Indiana through the support of Purdue Fort Wayne (PFW) and Indiana University Fort Wayne (IUFW). FRIENDS is chartered through the Purdue Fort Wayne Foundation, a not-for-profit corporation.
Through its programming, partnerships, and giving, FRIENDS serves as a bridge between the universities and the broader community—encouraging lifelong learning, supporting educational excellence, and helping PFW and IUFW continue to grow and serve Fort Wayne and beyond.
History & Impact
At the heart of FRIENDS is a commitment to learning and education. For over 50 years, FRIENDS has created opportunities for continued learning and connection to the campuses through educational programs, special events, and community engagement.
FRIENDS also promotes charitable giving to support department initiatives and programs, to provide the coveted Outstanding Teacher Award for faculty, and to provide scholarships and opportunities that enrich the student experience. Since its inception in 1976, FRIENDS has contibued over $300,000 to support vital initiatives, such as the FRIENDS of the University Food Pantry, that will benefit the campuses for years to come.
Membership
Membership
Membership is open to anyone! Community members, alumni, faculty, and staff are all encouraged to join. Email [email protected].
be in the know
Program Schedule
Monthly Meetings are on the third Monday of the month.
2026-2027 Dates
- September 21
- October 19
- November 16
- March 15, 2027
- April 19
- May 17
what to expect
Meeting Agenda
11:45 AM - Registration & Lunch
12:15 PM - Keynote Speaker & Discussion
1:00 PM - Adjourn
Location: Steel Dynamics Keith E. Busse Mastodon Alumni Center
1528 E California Rd, Fort Wayne, IN. 46825
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].
Vision
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.
VOLUNTEER-LED initiatives
Main Projects
FRIENDS of the University Food Pantry
FRIENDS of the University Endowed Scholarship.
FRIENDS Outstanding Teacher Award.
organization
Committees
Executive Committee
President: Mary Lee
Vice President: Vacant
Secretary: Carolyn Krebs
Treasurer: Phylis Borg
Member Committees:
Program Committee
Recognition Committee
Membership 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
Judy Gillman 2021 – 23
Mary Cooper 2023 – 25
Mary Lee 2025 – 27