�鶹ԭ�� Blog | News Stories and Media Releases

�鶹ԭ�� Announces Fall 2026 VIA Lineup

Chloe Leckrone — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 14:20:28 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� offers more than a dozen presentations in its Values,Ideasand the Arts (VIA) series forFall2026. Presentations are at 11 a.m. on Mondays in Wine Recital Hall at the North Manchester campus unless otherwise noted. They are free and open to the public. Aug. 24: President StacyYoungwelcomesthe student populationtothe new school year. Aug. 31: Students fromProfessorBeateGilliar’scoursesshare their experiences navigating life through trials and tribulations—discoveringhow to create meaning and thriveas a young college student. Sept. 7: Allison Ackley shares her journey from graduating from Manchester to co-owning multiple Ben and Jerry’s shops in California. Ackley speaks on challenges, successes, and lessons learned while managing everything from leadership visions to day-to-day operations. Sept. 14: Dr. Elizabeth Bennion, Director of American Democracy Project at IU South Bend, is joined by Democracy Fellows to discuss the role, practices, and importance of the Constitution in today’s world. Oct. 5:A performance by the Fort Wayne Dance Collective. Oct. 19:Kathy Nimmer, educator and recipient of the 2026 Helen Keller Achievement Award,presents a reflective and motivatingdiscussion of her experience with vision loss, teaching and more. Oct. 26:The Changing Role of the United Nationshighlights the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Manchester’s participation in these endeavors. Nov. 2: Rachel Swank, […]

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Researchers including �鶹ԭ��’s Dr. Sabrina Brown reconstruct environmental history of Yellowstone’s geyser basins

Chloe Leckrone — Mon, 17 Aug 2026 19:18:59 +0000

A studyincluding work from a �鶹ԭ�� professorreveals how climate and hydrothermal activity have shaped the vegetation, wildfire and aquatic ecosystem history of the Yellowstone Plateau over the past 15,000 years. The results of the National Science Foundation-funded project were published this week in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Sabrina Brown, assistant professor of biology and environmental studies at �鶹ԭ��, has spent the last decade conducting research in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.Her interest in Yellowstone National Park’s Lower Geyser Basinbegan in 2020when sheanalyzed sediment samples from Goose Lake, noticingalongside coauthors Cathy Whitlock and Chris Schillerthat its contents differed from those in lakebeds in other parts of the park, suggesting that distinct geologic factors may have influenced the lake’s evolution. Collaboratorson the projectincludedscientists fromMontana State University,theU.S. Geological Survey, Oregon State University,�鶹ԭ��and Colorado State University. Inthis study,the teamcollectedcore samples from small lakesof different agesin theLower Geyser Basin, which is Yellowstone’s largestgeyser system.The lakes are closed, meaning that theyhave noinflowing or outflowingstreams. Pollen records from thelakesindicatethatafterthe ice receded, a grassysteppeecosystem developed onthe rhyolitevolcanic soils.Steppewas replaced byalodgepole pine forestthatestablishedbetween 12,800 and 11,000 years ago. Despitesubsequentchanges in climate,these pineforestshavechanged littlein composition, leading theauthors tosuggestthat lodgepole pine will continue to […]

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�鶹ԭ�� hosts more than 100 youth for NxtGen Leadership Camp

Chloe Leckrone — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 12:20:34 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� hosted105campersfrom 26 Indiana high schoolsfor itsthird-annualNxtGenLeadership Camp from July6-10. The NxtGen Program on Campusis a Lilly Endowment-funded initiative designed to help Indiana colleges and universities in their efforts to create new or expand and enhance existing high-quality, on-campus programs for community youth. The program aims to increase opportunities for Indiana youth to participate in learning experiences on college campuses that expose them to Indiana’s higher education institutions, while also providing them with experiences that will help prepare them for success in college and beyond. The camp is hosted at no cost to campers, and a $250 stipend is provided to every participant at the end of the week to ease the financial burdens of the students and their families. Camp highlights this yearincluded academic explorationat both campuses, team building, college preparation andexperience, leadership development, and a trip to Camp Mack. In addition toparticipatingin academic and leadershipsessions, campersalsocompleted a service project for Humane Fort Wayne,baggingand delivering more than 1,000 poundsofdog food. One student said, “Going to the North Manchester and Fort Wayne campuses was impactful to me because it showed me the environment of a college. I’ve never truly been able to explore one before and it was a […]

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�鶹ԭ�� to host Regional Student Environmental Conference

Chloe Leckrone — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:09:29 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� will host the inaugural Regional Student Environmental Conference on Monday, Sept. 28, organized by Earth Charter Indiana and Manchester’s Center for Environmental Resilience and Social Engagement. This event will connect youth and local experts for environmental education, stewardship, and action. The conference will begin at 9 a.m. with a welcome session, followed by morning sessions led by high school and college students who will share success stories about implementing environmental initiatives in their communities. The day will continue with a presentation by a speaker, to be announced soon, as part of �鶹ԭ��’s Values, Ideas and the Arts (VIA) series. The program will be held in Cordier Auditorium and is free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided for all attendees thanks to generous sponsors. The afternoon will have sessions focused ontaking action, led by local experts and organizations. This event welcomes all high school and college students, as well as educators. RSVP by Sept. 21 at /event/regional-student-environmental-conference/. For the media �鶹ԭ��, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more atwww.manchester.edu/about-manchester. Our mission and values �鶹ԭ�� respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of […]

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�鶹ԭ�� appoints Julie Knuth chief of staff

Chloe Leckrone — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:26:20 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� has appointed Julie Knuth chief of staff to the president. She previously held the role of director of presidential and board operations. Knuth, a2001Manchestergraduate,holds a bachelor’s degree innonprofit business management.Shehasservedthe Universityfor15yearsthrough three different presidential administrations. In this expanded role, Knuthwilloversee institutional research and all grant work for the University.She willcontinue to serveas assistant secretary and liaison to the Board of Trustees and support the Executive and Governance Trusteeship Committees.Sheremainsthe Title IX appeals administrator. Knuthis Manchester’s lead contact for theManchester Togetherinitiatives, whichincludeCollege Row housing, campus facility upgrades,Eel River Commons, and the Manchester Mile.These projects are funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.’sCollegeandCommunityCollaboration grant. “Few individuals understand �鶹ԭ�� as deeply as Julie Knuth,” said President Stacy H. Young. “Throughout her years of service and under three presidential administrations, she has consistentlydemonstratedunwavering commitment, sound judgment, and a remarkable ability to navigate complex challenges with professionalism and grace. Julie is a trusted partner, a thoughtful strategist, and an exceptional problem solver. I am thrilled to have her step into the role ofchief ofstaff, where she will help guide strategic initiatives, overseeinstitutionalresearch and grants, and continue to advance the mission and success of �鶹ԭ��.” For the media �鶹ԭ��,in North Manchester and Fort […]

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Manchester Symphony Orchestra announces 88th season

Chloe Leckrone — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 14:17:31 +0000

The Manchester Symphony Orchestra (MSO) is prepping for its 88th season. “I am thrilled about this music!” said Conductor and Artistic Director Debra Lynn. “Mark your calendar now because you don’t want to miss a note. This year, we’ve made a special effort to balance our repertoire more evenly between new, diverse works and familiar, beloved symphonic standards.” The season begins with A New World concert on Oct. 4 at �鶹ԭ��’s Cordier Auditorium, featuring the “New World Symphony” by Antonín Dvořák, “A Place in the Sun” suite by Franz Waxman, “American Salute” by Morton Gould and based on “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” by Patrick Gilmore, and Aaron Copland’s rousing “Hoedown from Rodeo.” “A Place in the Sun” showcases Scott Humphries on saxophone. The Fort Wayne resident is well known to MSO fans as its former conductor. “Our first concert features music composed right here in the USA, celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday,” Lynn said. “Scott Humphries’ saxophone solo adds a textural layer not often heard in symphonic music.” The MSO will kick off the holiday season on Nov. 22 with its Winter Wonderland concert at Cordier. “We’ll include the familiar tunes‘Winter Wonderland’byFelix Bernard and Leroy Anderson’s timeless‘Sleigh Ride,’complete […]

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Tish Kalita selected for Institutional Leadership for Vocation Seminar

Chloe Leckrone — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 12:57:12 +0000

Tish Kalita, executive director of experiential learning and external relations at �鶹ԭ��, was selected to participate in the inaugural Institutional Leadership for Vocation Seminar through the Council of Independent Colleges’ (CIC) Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE). CICselected 16 individuals through a competitive nomination process toparticipatein the inaugural 2026 summer seminar on Institutional Leadership for Vocation.The seminar brings together a group of emerging institutional leaders who explore how vocational exploration and discernment can play a greater role across campus, particularly in the work these leaders do with members of the faculty and staff, but also in curricular and co-curricular programming for students.Participants in the seminargatheredfrom June 15–19 in Louisville, Ky. Participants hadthe opportunity toreflect ontheir vocational path into leadership and how that informstheway they continue to lead. They exploredhow to make the case for vocational exploration and discernment across their campus, and ways that vocation can be integrated across student-facing programming. The seminar wasled by Remylin Bruder, provost, vice president of academic affairs, and professor of nursing at Rochester Christian University, and Kurt Schackmuth, vice president for student life and chief mission officer at Lewis University. For more information about this and other seminars,visit the NetVUE website. “One […]

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�鶹ԭ�� runner Gavin Byerly named HCAC 2025-26 Male Athlete of the Year

Chloe Leckrone — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 14:07:04 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� senior Gavin Byerly, of Huntington, Ind., has been named the 2025-26 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference’s (HCAC) Male Athlete of the Year. The HCAC consists of10universities that compete in a conference championship at the end of each sport season. Byerly competed incrosscountry and bothindoor andoutdoortrack andfield his senior year at Manchester, breaking school records, receiving prestigious awards and dominating talented race fields. Byerly’s year-long reign started in Fall 2025 inthecross-countryseason, winning the HCAC Championship and earning MVP honors among all other athletes in the HCAC. Byerly then competed in the Great Lakes Regional meet, earning the Great Lakes Region Athlete of the Year, marking the first time in �鶹ԭ�� historythata runner has received this award. Byerly continued to thenational stage, competing among the best Division III runners in the nation at Spartanburg, S.C. Byerly earned First Team All-American, placing 39th in a field of 291 runners. Byerly carried his momentum to the winter season, winning the 800-meter run, 1 milerunand 3000-meter run at the HCAC Indoor Championship. His performances earned him Distance Runner of the Year for the conference and All-Region honors. Entering his final athletic season in the Spring semester, Byerly once again achieved three victories at […]

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�鶹ԭ�� professor emeritus named pioneer in social work

Chloe Leckrone — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 14:10:45 +0000

Dr.Brad Yoder,professor emeritus of sociology and social work,wasone of three Hoosiersrecognized as aPioneer in Social Workby the National Association of Social Workers Foundation(NASW)at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.in early June. Yoder was inducted into the 2025 and 2026 Pioneers program classes, created to honor social workers who have made significant contributions to advancing the profession. Yoderspent more than five decadesestablishingthe high standard to which social work can achieve when compassion is paired with courage, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Yoder’s career reflects a rare blend of visionary leadership, community engagement, and transformative teaching that has left a lasting impact on mental health care, criminal justice reform, social work education, and public policy in Indiana and beyond. Yoder taught sociology and social work at Manchester fornearly 40years, where heguided the social work program through continuous CSWE accreditation since 1978, developed a criminal justice major, and taughtcourses insociology and peace studies.He helped to create the Wabash County Habitat for Humanity Affiliate and the �鶹ԭ�� Habitat Campus Chapter. He led 31 Habitat Spring Break Workcamps in nine states. “Our Hoosier Social Work Pioneers reflect lifelong work and commitment to the social work profession,”statedBeryl Cohen, Executive Director, NASW-IN. “Because of their […]

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�鶹ԭ�� welcomes new College of Business dean

Chloe Leckrone — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:05:57 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� welcomesDr. Ron Lewis as the new Dean of the College of Business and Human Services.Hestarted atthe University on June 1, 2026. Lewispreviously servedas Assistant Professor and Program Chair for Marketing andSport Management at the University of Saint Francis, where he has led significant program growth, including developing one of the largest programs in the School of Business. In his leadership roles, he has overseen curriculum design, program assessment, faculty collaboration, and initiatives focused on student retention, progression, and career readiness. Throughout his career, Lewis hasdemonstrateda strong commitment to student success and access. As a formerTRIOStudent Support Services Project Director, he managed and implemented programs supporting first-generation and low-income students. His work consistently reflects a focus on removing barriers to student achievement and preparing graduates for meaningful careers. Lewis is also a recognized leader in experiential learning and community partnership development. He has designed innovative, applied learning models that connect students with real-world projects, employers, and community organizations. His extensive engagement across the Fort Wayne region, combined with his experience as a consultant and founder of a leadership development firm, underscores his ability to build strong external partnerships that enhance both student opportunities and institutional impact. Manchester thanksHeather Twomey,professor […]

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�鶹ԭ�� celebrates the Class of 2026

Chloe Leckrone — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 12:21:26 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� graduated 269 students at this year’s commencement ceremonies. In total, 286 degrees were awarded, including 186 undergraduate degrees and 100 graduate and professional degrees. Twenty-eight students earned honors distinction. This yearalsomarks the 10thanniversary ofthe graduation of Manchester’s inaugural pharmacy class in 2016. The program launched in 2012 alongside the opening of ManchesterUniversityFort Wayne. David Haist, a 1973 Manchester graduate, was this year’s commencement speaker and honorary degree recipient.He served as a member of the �鶹ԭ�� Board of Trustees for fiveterms andbecame an honorary trustee in 2025. The ceremonies highlighted several meaningful �鶹ԭ�� traditions. For the third year, some students were handed their diplomas by family members who work at Manchester, a tradition introduced by President Stacy H. Young in 2024. With the installation of the Manchester Chime in 2022, another new tradition was born: students wait until they graduate to pass under the Chime. As part of the commencement recessional, new alumni walked through the Chime’s pillars for the first time. Another longstanding tradition connects students’ first and final daysatManchester.As incoming students, all Spartans are given an acorn. After every graduation ceremony, when students have officially become alumni, they receive oak saplings from the Office of Alumni Relations,symbolizingtheir […]

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Journal Gazette publishes op-ed from Dean W. Thomas Smith

Chloe Leckrone — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:10:10 +0000

�鶹ԭ��’s Dean of the School of Pharmacy, W. Thomas Smith, was recently published in the Journal Gazette. His op-ed, which can be read below, discusses the growing need for pharmacists in the industry. The full Journal Gazette article can be found here. Need for pharmacists grows more complicated As Indiana’s population ages and chronic disease becomes more common, pharmacists play an increasingly important role in patient care in community pharmacy and hospital settings. Trained in medication management, drug interactions, immunizations and preventive care, they work in partnership with other health professionals. Yet, pharmacy closures and reduced hours are limiting access to care across the state, especially in communities with few nearby pharmacies. With many pharmacists nearing retirement, workforce needs will only grow. Indiana needs more students entering pharmacy school, but many families are asking a practical question: How can they afford it? Pharmacy remains a rewarding career, yet rising costs are discouraging talented students from pursuing it. Tuition matters, but so do rent, groceries and transportation. This fall, new federal loan limits will leave many students responsible for covering everyday living expenses out of pocket while completing rigorous coursework and clinical training. Pharmacy schools cannot ignore that reality. If […]

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�鶹ԭ�� offers youth esports summer camps

Chloe Leckrone — Thu, 28 May 2026 12:10:07 +0000

�鶹ԭ�� will host itsthird-annualesportssummer camp this June, open to community youth. Two camps, focused on Super Smash Bros., will be offered: a day camp for rising 3rdthrough 6thgraders on June27, and an overnight camp for rising 7ththrough 12thgraders on June26-28. Beginners are expected to join the day camp, while the overnight camp is targeted toward moderate to advanced players. The camps will include individualized Super Smash Bros. instruction from �鶹ԭ�� Esports coaching staff, head-to-head tournaments, andon-campusdining.All campersare required tobring their ownNintendo Switchcontrollers, and overnight campers must bring their own bedding. The cost is $40for thedaycamp, and $150for the overnight camp.Mealswill be provided. Sawyer, age13, who has attended the campsince 2024, said, “It’s a place I can go where there’s kids who like the same games I like, and it’s just really nice to go away to summer camp for a few days and play some Super Smash Bros. with other kids. I also like that there are other activities in between Smash Bros. tournaments.” Register for the day camphereand the overnight camphere.Registration closesJune 19. �鶹ԭ��’s thriving esports team has more than 100 members and nine Great Lakes Esports Conference championship wins. The University launched an esports management minor […]

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�鶹ԭ�� names Rick Espeset Staff Member of the Year

Chloe Leckrone — Tue, 26 May 2026 15:01:46 +0000

Rick Espeset, director of athletics and head baseball coach,has been named the 2026 Christopher W. Garber Staff Member of the Year at �鶹ԭ��. The award is named in honor of Chris Garber, who was Manchester’s assistant vice president for operations at the time of his death in 2015, and recognizes an employee who demonstrates steadfast commitment to �鶹ԭ�� and is a leader and collaborator who keeps the best interests of the University at heart. In the 30 years that he has served Manchester’s baseball program,Espesethas coached 16 All-Americans, sixConference MVPs, fiveConference Freshman of the Year, 52 All-Region honorees, and 186 all-conference honorees. He is a seven-timeHCACCoach of the Year recipient.He assumed the role of director of athletics in 2007. This spring,Espesetcelebrated700 career wins with �鶹ԭ��, making him the all-time leader. He was recognized at an all-colleague meeting on Wednesday, May 20. “Rick exemplifies the spirit of the Garber Staff Member of the Year Award through his everyday commitment to �鶹ԭ��,” said a colleague. “As athletic director and head baseball coach, he consistently puts the best interests of the University and its students first, offering excellent customer service to colleagues, student-athletes, and visitors alike. Approachable and friendly, […]

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�鶹ԭ��, CFWC hold groundbreaking for phase one of Manchester Mile

Chloe Leckrone — Mon, 11 May 2026 13:57:55 +0000

Representatives from �鶹ԭ��, the Community Foundation of Wabash County,JPR,and the ManchesterMilecommittee held a groundbreaking for the first phase of the Manchester Mile on Wednesday, May 6. The Manchester Milewill stretch from the corner of Wayne Street and College Avenuedown to Market Street, thentoMain Street,directlyconnectingcampus to downtownNorth Manchester. Phase one of theprojectwill begin in June and is expected to be completed by August.New sidewalks, lighting, seating,trash receptacles,and other facilities will be added. Phasetwo willfollowin 2028. This project isfunded byLilly Endowment Inc.’sCollege and Community Collaboration(CCC)initiative.ManchesterUniversityreceived $12.1 million in 2024 toincrease amenities, expand housing opportunities, improve cultural facilities, and offer a safe and attractive connection between the University and downtown. “This is literally the connector between the community and the university,” said President Stacy H. Young at the groundbreaking.“Our hope is that it will bring students downtownand expose them to more of NorthManchester,andbring morelocal businesses to campus.It’sgoing to open a lot of doors for collaboration.” For the media Contact the President’s Office atPresident@manchester.edufor more information. �鶹ԭ��, in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., offers vibrant and transformative student experiences. Learn more atwww.manchester.edu/about-manchester. Our mission and values �鶹ԭ�� respects the infinite worth of every individual andgraduatespersons of ability and conviction who […]

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