News release from Trine University:
Trine University celebrates 20 years in Fort Wayne
ANGOLA, Ind. (August 12, 2014) – Education is one thing that can’t be taken from you and it’s worth the investment, says an area resident who earned a degree at Trine University’s Fort Wayne Regional Campus.
Brian Kibiger of Fort Wayne is one of more than 720 adults who have completed degrees during the past 20 years at the Fort Wayne campus.
Trine continues to offer numerous degree options for working adults at that campus and other education centers in Indiana and Michigan operated by its School of Professional Studies (SPS).
“Trine University opened the Fort Wayne campus to accommodate those who desire to earn a Trine degree while maintaining their busy lives,” said Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Trine president. “Our School of Professional Studies has since opened additional regional sites and the goal remains the same to help working students take the next step in their careers.”
Though enrollment has increased during the past two decades, Trine continues to offer personal attention and schedules to meet the needs of working adults. From seated classes to online options, Trine endeavors to help busy adults meet their educational goals.
Kibiger credits that flexibility and personal advising with enabling him to complete a Bachelor of Applied Management degree in 2005. “I knew about Tri-State (now Trine) forever and I went to Fort Wayne for the bachelor program because it was one or two nights a week. I was working a day shift so it just fit it.
“My advisor put me on the right track and consolidated my credits from community colleges and the military. The company I worked for helped me pay for it and that was it,” he said. “It took me six years. I worked full time and I’m a father; that was tough. It was the best years of my life, though so I can’t complain.”
Kibiger was an apprentice industrial electrician who was shy of having an associate’s degree. “First I heard from managers ‘we want to move you but you don’t have an associate degree’,” he said. “Then it was ‘if only you had a bachelor’s degree’.”
He went on to earn a Master of Business Administration from another university because at that time Trine did not offer the degree.
Recently, he became a product manager for Tuthill Transfer Systems in Fort Wayne. “Without my bachelor’s degree, I would not have been prepared for anything that happens,” Kibiger said.
On Thursday, Aug. 21, Trine’s SPS will celebrate Kibiger and other successful alums and its 20 flourishing years in Fort Wayne with an open house from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will be under the big top at the Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus, 9910 Dupont Circle Drive East, Fort Wayne.
“We’re excited to mark our 20th anniversary at the Fort Wayne Regional Campus,” said Mersiha Alic, dean of Trine’s School of Professional Studies. “We have been privileged to serve military veterans, parents returning to the workforce and professionals intent on advancing their careers. We remain focused on providing real-world skills and expertise to help individuals succeed in today’s world.”
To learn more about the numerous majors offered at Trine’s Fort Wayne Regional Campus, call 260.483.4949 or send an email to fortwayne@trine.edu.
The campus is located at 9910 Dupont Circle Drive East, Fort Wayne.
About Trine University
Trine University, an internationally recognized, private, co-educational, residential institution, offers associate, baccalaureate, and master degrees in programs to students in engineering, mathematics, science, informatics, business, teacher education, communication, criminal justice, golf management, social sciences, and various other fields of study. Trine is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and offers 21 varsity sports. Its golf program includes the university-owned 18-hole championship Zollner Golf Course. Founded in 1884 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org), Trine operates a 450-acre main campus in Angola, Ind., and education resource centers throughout Indiana, Arizona and Michigan.
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