Six community leaders are joining the IU South Bend Advisory Board. Their terms began on September 12, and each will be serving a three-year term on the board.
In 1972, the IU Board of Trustees formally established advisory boards at each of the regional campuses. The boards are comprised of leaders from the region, and they assist the Chancellor in responding effectively to the educational needs of the region.
Levon Johnson, president and CEO of the Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, received his master’s degree from IU South Bend, and has prior experiences working with middle schools and high schools in Elkhart. As IU South Bend continues to increase engagement with the Elkhart community, Johnson will prove to be a vital liaison.
Laurie Nafziger and Liliana Quintero both come from the health sector. Nafziger is president and CEO of Oaklawn Psychiatric Center, and has already stewarded successful partnerships between Oaklawn and the university. Quintero is the executive director of the Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition. She was born in Colombia, got her MBA from IU South Bend, and has stayed in the region, empowering community members to take charge of their health.
Justus Zimmerman is the executive director of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra. The powerful possibilities of collaboration between the SBSO and IU South Bend were recently on display when the symphony teamed with the Raclin School of the Arts’ resident chamber music ensemble, the Euclid Quartet, in giving the prestigious world premiere of a composition by Anna Clyne, one of today’s top composers.
Shelli Alexander received her bachelor’s degree in accounting and business administration from IU South Bend, and currently serves as regional president of 1st Source Bank, one of the area’s most prominent financial entities and a longtime partner of the school.
Cathy Stone is the director of education for the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, with over 35 years of service as both teacher and administrator at schools in both Indiana and Michigan. She is another returning Titan, having earned her Master of Science in education degree from IU South Bend.
“Our university thrives when we connect with our community, its diversity, and interests. Our advisory board reflects those community connections and commitments.,” said Chancellor Susan Elrod. “The new members come from a broad range of organizations, and from a wide set of backgrounds. It is particularly gratifying to see IU South Bend graduates coming back–and giving back–sharing their talents with their alma mater. I look forward to what each of them will contribute.”
