Open Letter to Alumni, February 2009

As your director of alumni relations, I wish to take this opportunity to update you on what is happening at TUFW.   The Fort Wayne campus has meant so much to me over the years.  Attending class as a child with my dad, Phil ’74, and essentially growing up on campus, I have many memories and I have seen a lot of changes.  We are at another point of transition in the life of “the Vine of God’s own planting.”

When the decision was made to discontinue the traditional undergraduate program at Taylor University Fort Wayne, our first priority became caring for our students, many of whom have decided to stay through the end of the year, and caring for our loyal faculty and staff.  We also fielded hundreds of questions via email, Facebook and phone calls from concerned alumni.  Numerous rumors have floated along the “vine,” so it’s important to communicate with you, our valued alumni.

The Alumni Council met in special session November 8, December 19, and then again January 31 for our regularly scheduled meeting.  In the November meeting the Council spent much time in discussion and intense prayer, with many tears, struggling to come to an acceptance of the decision.  Eventually, we began to look toward the immediate future, discussing HOW we should plan.  Two of the  meetings were with Taylor University President, Dr. Gene Habecker, and Terri Collins, associate vice president for alumni and parent relations at Taylor, to listen, explain and then to provide feedback in order to come to grips with the decision.  Dr. Habecker invited two Board of Trustees members to join us in December.

Since the October 13 announcement, the following has been discussed or decided:

  1. Leadership Transition - Dr. Habecker appointed a leadership transition team when Chancellor Duane Kilty resigned.  Dr. Randall Dodge ‘81, dean of students, has been asked to chair this team of four that includes Dr. Doug Barcalow ’71, Stephen Olson ‘98, and me.   I have been asked to serve representing alumni, which is encouraging.
  2. Future Campus Use - Now that we have a process in place to assist our students in their transition and are continuing to help our faculty and staff through placement services, Taylor is assessing future programming and facility usage for the Fort Wayne campus.
  3. Alumni Relations & Future Alumni Council - Taylor is committed to fund the position of director of alumni and friend relations based in Fort Wayne effective June 1, 2009.  This full-time person will facilitate Fort Wayne campus alumni activities and opportunities.  The Alumni Council also has been assured they will be needed after May 31, 2009.  Recently, the National Alumni Council (NAC) for Taylor has asked that two members of our Fort Wayne campus Alumni Council join them as regular members along with the staff member.
  4. Fort Wayne campus Alumni Endowed Scholarship - The Alumni Council proposed and approved a revision of the Fort Wayne campus Alumni Endowed Scholarship.  Fort Wayne alumni dependents and relatives, as well as dependents of Fort Wayne campus staff and faculty (with at least two years of service) will receive first consideration for financial assistance to attend Taylor.  If there are no students who meet these criteria, students from the Fort Wayne area majoring in biblical studies, cross-cultural ministries, business, music, communications, Christian education, elementary education, social work, or professional writing will be considered.  Traditionally, this fund generates between $25,000 and $30,000 annually for scholarship aid.
  5. Communication with Alumni - Discussions have taken place concerning future communication with Fort Wayne campus alumni.  There is a commitment by Taylor to provide opportunities to communicate to alumni and friends via print and electronic mediums.  Details will be shared as soon as a plan is completed.
  6. Heritage Weekend - A great celebration called Heritage Weekend will be held May 8 and 9 at the request of many alumni.  More information is now available at fw.taylor.edu/alumni/ and on Facebook at Heritage Weekend 09.  You may also call our alumni office at 260.744.8790 or email alumnifw@fw.taylor.edu.  You will not want to miss this special weekend where we will celebrate our heritage of over 100 years!  More information will be forthcoming.
  7. Fort Wayne campus Archives - Just last week, I met with representatives from our library, and they are providing over 50 hours of help per week digitizing and cataloging pictures and documents from the archives that will be placed on a website for you to access in the near future.  Cyril Eicher ’32, and Dr. Jackie Carl ’53, president of our alumni association, have given hundreds of hours to assist with this project.  We owe them our thanks.  I am grateful for the collaboration between the Taylor and TUFW libraries.
  8. Romans Study Book by Dr. Wes - Two weeks ago, Dr. Wes Gerig’s book, An Outline Study of Romans, arrived from the printer.  If you would like this treasure, you may purchase a copy for $10 (includes shipping and handling) by contacting Deb Shaw ’80, in our advancement office.  She can be reached by calling 260.744.8821 or email dbshaw@fw.taylor.edu.

As you can see, much work has been done, yet there is much more to be done.  While I do not have all of the answers for the future, I am thankful for our heritage, and I am thankful Taylor is going to provide a director of alumni and friend relations to care for our Fort Wayne campus alumni (Several people have asked if I am interested in this position, and my answer is yes, I am considering this role).  I am deeply saddened with the October 13 announcement, but I believe God is going to use the remnant of this campus and our alumni.

Be encouraged!  Alumni, students and faculty/staff are praying for you.  As word is spreading about Heritage Weekend, many have communicated they are planning to return to 1025 W. Rudisill to come together once again to relive, reminisce and to reflect on what God has done through this place and its people.  My life will always be changed because of what God has done through this campus, for which I am thankful.  I praise Him for the continuing influence of our alumni around the world.

Hoping to see or hear from you soon,
Michael D. Mortensen, ‘91

P.S.  Please complete and submit our Heritage Weekend survey, so we can better plan for this grand celebration of our heritage.  Your prompt response will help me and the Alumni Council tremendously.