The Beginnings
The beginnings of what is now Indiana Tech were modest. John A. Kalbfleisch, a former president of International Business College, founded the college in June 1930. The college was incorporated as a proprietary school by the State of Indiana on Jan. 10, 1931.
The first students were recruited by members of the corporation, officially known as Indiana Technical College, using leads from high school principals in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. At the time, there were no classes, laboratories, or even school catalogs.
Tuition in that first year was $55 per quarter, much of which was paid using the barter system. Among the items exchanged for classes were a 1929 Chevrolet, honey, chickens, brooms, and 100-pound bags of popcorn.
The school first leased, and then purchased, a former mortuary located on East Washington Boulevard across from the YMCA (where many students lived). The first classes, held in the summer of 1931, had eight students. By fall there were 139, and the winter semester enrolled 179 students. In 24 months a male student could obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical, structural, civil, or radio engineering. In 1933, the first graduating class was composed of thirteen electrical engineers.
The year 1936 saw the passing of Mr. Kalbfleisch, who died in February 1936, and the appointment of Archie T. Keene as president.
The next year, fire struck Indiana Tech in late May. Although the fire caused extensive damage to the building, it was seen as a positive event because the college was able to use insurance money to upgrade the building, classrooms, and laboratories.
The school held its first formal commencement in 1937. The Indiana Tech library was started in 1939 in the basement of the downtown building, with $200 budgeted for books.
World War II and the 1940s
During the war years, enrollment fell from 472 to 86 by the fall of 1944. The five remaining faculty members took 50 percent pay cuts and worked evenings in local industries to support the war effort. The college also held special classes to meet the needs of the military, such as refresher courses for airmen and meteorologists and mechanical drafting classes for women.
The return of servicemen from the war and the G.I. Bill gave a large boost to Indiana Tech's enrollment. By the fall of 1948 there were 1,183 students enrolled, and the school went to three teaching shifts to keep up with the demand.
In August 1948, Indiana Tech was reorganized under state law as a not-for-profit, endowed college, and a $100,000 endowment was given to the school by its former board. A residential building next to the college was purchased and extensively remodeled into classrooms and laboratories.
The Move and the 1950s
A number of major changes were implemented in the '50s, the largest of which was a move to a new site. In 1953, Indiana Tech offered the Missouri Synod of Lutherans $1 million for 20 acres of Concordia College's campus. The official move to the new campus occurred July 1, 1957, although the first classes were held on the campus in September 1955 because of overflow enrollments at the downtown buildings.
In 1956, Charles Dana, founder of the Dana Corporation, offered a $300,000 grant for building an engineering and science facility for the campus. The Dana Engineering and Science Building was dedicated on June 14, 1958.
Indiana Tech's Alumni Association, first proposed in 1943, was incorporated in 1954. Enrollment reached its high-water mark in 1957, with nearly 2,000 full-time students. The first female graduate, Anna Reid, received a degree in chemistry in 1958.
Establishment and the 1960s
Several notable events occurred during the decade of the '60s. The college went to a four-year degree program in July 1960 and was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools in 1962.
The name of the institution was changed from Indiana Technical College to Indiana Institute of Technology, effective January 1, 1963. Also that year, President Keene retired after 26 years at the helm, and Edward Thoma was appointed Indiana Tech's third president.
Construction boomed on Indiana Tech's campus during the 1960s. McMillen Library was dedicated May 19, 1962, with major funding for the project coming from Dale McMillen, founder of Central Soya. The parochial high school (now the Cunningham Business Center) and the Kroger supermarket (now the Fieldhouse) were bought in 1963 for $1 million.
The building now known as Kalbfleisch Hall was built in the summer of 1963 with funds donated by Mr. and Mrs. Carl Pierson. Mr. Pierson was a longtime Indiana Tech trustee, and Mrs. Pierson was the widow of Indiana Tech founder John Kalbfleisch. A wing was added to the Dana Building, and the Alumni Quadrangle dormitories and Student Center were built in 1965.
The '60s saw the advent of the computer on the Indiana Tech campus. The university obtained the first computer in Fort Wayne, an IBM 1620, in October 1960. The area's first computer science degree program was introduced in 1969.
Hard Times in the 1970s
The early 1970s were difficult times for Indiana Tech and then-President Charles Terrell, who took over in 1972 after the resignation of Indiana Tech's fourth president, Edward Dugan. A nationwide decline in the demand for engineers resulted in a downturn in engineering enrollments - a situation that had a major impact on the university's financial well-being.
The problems did not improve until the university's sixth president, Thomas F. Scully, took over in March 1977. President Scully initiated business and College of Professional Studies programs, after which the financial position of the school gradually improved. The university has not experienced a deficit year since 1978.
Improvement in the 1980s
The 1980s saw more progress. While strengthening the engineering programs, more emphasis was placed on developing the College of Business and Arts. In 1982, the Extended Studies Division, which is now the College of Professional Studies, began offering correspondence courses for adults.
During the 1980s, the facilities at Indiana Tech underwent continuous improvement. The interior of the Dana Science Center was extensively remodeled in 1983 and 1984. The McMillen Productivity and Design Center was dedicated in 1984. Research and Development moved to the Kroger Building (now the Fieldhouse) to meet record demand for Tech-built magnet wire test instruments. Dormitory space was renovated in the Alumni Quad, and Kalbfleisch Hall was remodeled into student suites.
Following the death of President Scully, Donald J. Andorfer was appointed the seventh president of Indiana Tech in July 1985. Mr. Andorfer had been chief financial officer of the university since 1977 and served as the first Dean of the College of Business and Arts.
The late 1980s brought improvement for the College of Professional Studies with the development of innovative accelerated classes in 1987. In 1988, the College of Professional Studies established its presence in Indianapolis when it began a program for adult students there.
Expansion and growth of the 1990s
The historic Administration Building, built in 1857 at a cost of $7,000 to house a Lutheran seminary, is the oldest building in Fort Wayne still being used for its original purpose - education. The building was renamed the Seitz Center, and the formal dedication was held June 23, 1994 in honor of Indiana Tech Board of Trustees Chairman Emeritus Paul W. Seitz.
A centerpiece of the campus is the Schaefer Center for Student Life, dedicated in 1990, which houses the university's dining hall and gymnasium. The Schaefer Center was named in honor of the late Edward J. Schaefer, a prolific inventor and engineer who invented the submersible motor. He was the founder of Franklin Electric Company in Bluffton, Indiana. Mr. Schaefer was a trustee who awarded the university a $5 million challenge grant following his death to be used for endowment and campus renovations. As part of that bequest, a major renovation project to upgrade the Anthony Building (now known as Cunningham Business Center) was completed in the fall of 1994.
A third campus, in South Bend, was created in 1995 to meet the needs of prospective adult students for the College of Professional Studies in north-central Indiana.
The year 1999 brought the esteemed ABET accreditation of the mechanical and electrical engineering programs as well as the beginnings of an MBA program, offered in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis through the College of Professional Studies. Also, in August 1999, a College of Professional Studies office was opened in Warsaw, Indiana.
Indiana Tech Today - A More Comprehensive University
In honor of Katherine and Carl Pierson, the Pierson Center residence hall was dedicated on April 18, 2001. Carl, a longtime trustee, and Katherine, university co-founder and widow of John Kalbfleisch, were steadfast and dedicated supporters of Indiana Tech. Their son, the Rev. Arnold Pierson of Chicago, has kept his parents’ legacy alive and continues their strong tradition of support.
A new administration center was dedicated on May 23, 2001. It was christened Abbott Center, named for alumnus Steven R. Abbott, B.S. 1969, a generous supporter of his alma mater. Additionally, the Engineering and Science Center was renovated, doubled in size, and rededicated as the Zollner Engineering Center in fall 2002.
On July 1, 2003, after an 18-month nationwide search, the Board of Trustees appointed Arthur E. Snyder, Ed.D., as the eighth president of Indiana Tech. Dr. Snyder had served as the Dean of the Tabor School of Business and the Dwayne O. Andreas Chair of Executive Management at Millikin University in Decatur, Ill. On October 3, 2003, more than 500 people, including Dr. Snyder’s wife Camille and their children Melanie and Christopher, assembled at Schaefer Center to celebrate his inauguration as president of Indiana Tech.
His tenure can be characterized in just two words – leadership and expansion. Under his leadership, academic programs have increased to meet the growing and changing needs of society and interests of students. In the last five years, major changes to the curriculum have sparked student interest, resulting in significant enrollment growth at Indiana Tech. At his inauguration, Indiana Tech’s curriculum consisted of business, engineering, and computer studies. With an eye toward becoming a more comprehensive, quality university, Dr. Snyder established the College of General Studies, dedicated to extending learning beyond traditional borders and engaging a richly diverse student population. The College of General Studies offers career-focused professional preparation for vital social service programs. His innovative strategy opened doors for unprecedented programs such as criminal justice, elementary education, physical education, biomedical engineering, energy engineering, and organizational leadership. Tech recently earned accreditation for a Ph.D. program in global leadership.
Andorfer Commons, the university's largest building project to date, was begun in spring 2003 and completed during the summer of 2004. The 70,000-square-foot student center houses the McMillen Library, the cafeteria, a student union, theater, bowling alley, Tech Treasures gift shop, the Wegener Worship Center, and conference rooms. The university has opened the doors of Andorfer Commons to the community, welcoming city, business, and neighborhood leaders to gather with their constituents on our campus. Several times a year, Dr. Snyder presides over his own briefings in the Joyce Schlatter Board Room and invites various community leaders to join him for breakfast. Very often, this interaction has resulted in significant opportunities to partner with community and government entities, while providing a backdrop to the vision, goals, and mission of Indiana Tech.
Since 1998, the university’s Fort Wayne campus has added approximately 15 acres to the original historical urban setting. Now, the campus spans roughly 40 acres and additional parcels are acquired as they become available. In addition to building projects, two city blocks were added to the Fort Wayne campus. The land is home to a lighted soccer field which the university began using in fall 2004. The campus also grew north, across Washington Boulevard with the construction of Virginia Yergens-Rogers Hall, an apartment-style dorm built in 2004. The Labor of Love for Learning (L3) Amphitheater was dedicated in the summer of 2005. Additional enhancements included an outdoor basketball court and sand volleyball court, and a tennis court donated by Dr. Rudy and Rhonda Kachmann. The Cunningham Business Center underwent renovations in summer 2006. The heating ventilation and air conditioning systems were upgraded, as well as floor and wall finishes, bringing a fresh look to the building.
Growth is not limited to the Fort Wayne Campus, however. In 2000, the Indianapolis campus moved into the well-known Pyramids on the northwest side. Expansion continued with an office in Huntington in 2001 and an annex to the Indianapolis campus in Greenwood in 2002. Summer 2003 brought the formation of the Elkhart Campus. Indiana Tech built a new building to house the Warsaw site in 2004. A new building in Plainfield was constructed during 2005, and classes started there in the fall of 2005. Indiana Tech continued to add locations with the addition of Merrillville in 2006. Most recently, a new building was erected in 2007 for operations in Huntington and in 2008 Indiana Tech moved the South Bend operation to Mishawaka while introducing a new office in Hammond. In June 2009, the university opened a new location in Fishers, Ind.
Indiana Tech received word on December 5, 2003 that the university had been awarded a $750,000 Lilly Endowment grant to encourage and support higher education institutions in creating and implementing collaborative programs to develop meaningful economic opportunities for college graduates. This was the beginning of Indiana Tech’s Career Planning and Development Center (CPDC). It has grown substantially over the years and, today, the mission of the CPDC is to prepare students and alumni for professional and personal success by providing career exploration, programs and activities related to self-assessment, advising, and job search preparation.
On September 24, 2005 Indiana Tech celebrated its 75th Anniversary by transforming Andorfer Commons into an elegant vision of silver and blue. The Diamond Jubilee Gala guests were entertained by the renowned 1960s group, The Marcels.
As one of his highest priorities, Dr. Snyder adopted a plan to strengthen The College of Professional Studies. At Tech, non-traditional students now have more choices, making it easier to combine continuing education with a full-time job and family responsibilities. In 2007, Indiana Tech introduced the online program format which enabled students to take advantage of Indiana Tech’s flexible accelerated academic programs and earn a degree at their convenience.
During the summer of 2007 the Fort Wayne campus received a generous upgrade. A life sciences lab was integrated into the Zollner Engineering Center. It is designed for both biology and human anatomy and physiology courses. Also in 2007, air conditioning was added to the Schaefer Center gym, along with other numerous updates. An outdoor fireplace was constructed just south of Abbott Center which provides a convenient place for students to gather and socialize. A lovely outdoor fountain was incorporated into the center of campus, bringing more charm and ambience to the grounds. The athletic field house, formerly a Kroger grocery store, received a renovation and during Homecoming 2007 was formally dedicated as the Warrior Fieldhouse. The ramshackle buildings and grounds facility was razed and the maintenance staff moved into more spacious quarters in the new fieldhouse. The bookroom relocated to the Warrior Fieldhouse as well. The final touch in a long list of improvements was to return the campus to a more pedestrian-friendly environment by closing the road that previously ran through the campus.
In spring 2008 ground was broken adjacent to the baseball field for the construction of Evans-Kimmell Hall. A gift from Michael Evans, Ph.D., CEO of AIT Laboratories in Indianapolis and a member of the Indiana Tech Board of Trustees, funded a major portion of the building costs. The first of its kind on campus, the new residence hall features a suite created solely as lodging quarters for visitors who financially support the university at the President’s Club level ($1000 or more annually). Returning alumni and current students share Evans-Kimmell Hall, establishing an excellent opportunity to promote rapport between the past and the future. Dr. Evans and his family were honored at a building dedication ceremony during Homecoming 2008.
For many years Indiana Tech has provided higher education opportunities to a significant group of low-income and first-generation students. Many of these learners are underprepared for college work and life in an academic community. However, when these students are involved in a relationship-based education, sustained with federally-funded Student Support Services programs, they are likely to be more successful than their peers. Fortunately for our university and its students, in July 2008 the U.S. Department of Education approved Indiana Tech’s Strengthening Institutions proposal. Tech will receive $2 million over the course of five years. Funds from the Title III grant will be systematically invested in the development of a specialized program for first year students known as Tech LEADS. Anticipating the needs of at-risk students is a critical component of the Indiana Tech plan.
On August 7, 2008, Indiana Tech entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chihlee Institute of Technology in Taiwan. This was the first formal international relationship of its kind for Indiana Tech and presents a substantial opportunity to provide global advantages for students and faculty. Dr. Snyder is working to develop international relationships in countries such as Japan, England, and Ireland.
Continuing the growth trend, the university broke ground in March 2009 for its fifth residence hall, Frank & Anne Oropeza Hall. The building will be ready for students to occupy in August and will be dedicated at Homecoming 2009
The History of Indiana Tech Warrior Sports
Indiana Tech started its first intramural sports program in 1932 and intercollegiate sports began the next year. Indiana Tech athletic teams, first known as the Engineers, took their present name of Warriors in 1954. The first sports were softball, football and water polo. A fencing team was started in the late thirties and basketball, which has become an Indiana Tech tradition, began in the 1940s.
The men's basketball team earned its first NAIA National Tournament berth in 1965. The Warriors reached the final four of the NAIA District and Conference Tournaments four years straight (1992/93/94/95). In 1995, the Warriors gained a berth in the national tourney in Boise, Idaho for the second time in 30 years. The Warriors gained another berth in the NAIA National Tournament in 1998 after winning the Great Lakes Region Div. II Tournament. Indiana Tech again earned a tournament appearance in 2004 after being ranked eighth in the nation.
The women's basketball team, known as the Lady Warriors, has become a traditional powerhouse. The team won NAIA District championships in 1981 and 1982, the 1984-85 team was the first in Indiana to play in the NAIA National Tournament, and the Lady Warriors have since played in four NAIA National Tournaments (1992/93/94/95).
Soccer started at the school in 1952 and a team reached the NAIA National Soccer Tournament in 1981.
Baseball was re instituted in 1991. After eight years, the Warrior baseball team won the Great Lakes sectional and regional tournaments (14 games) to earn a berth in the NAIA National Tournament where they finished as runner-up. The Warriors returned to the NAIA World Series in 1999 to finish fourth in the tournament, and then solidified their reputation as a national baseball powerhouse when they returned a third year in a row in 2000 to finish third in the tourney. They increased their NAIA World Series streak to six consecutive appearances by earning berths in 2001, 2002 and 2003.
Women's volleyball marked its return to Indiana Tech in 2005. The university added men's and women's tennis in 2006, and golf, cross country and track in 2007. Men's and women's lacrosse were added to the athletic slate in 2009, with bowling to follow in 2010.
For current news and more history of Indiana Tech sports, visit athletics.IndianaTech.edu.
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