Speakers

Mariah Pol, MCAS middle school teacher, will speak about her participation in the Oleander Initiative, which is a gathering of educators from around the world to focus on international peace.  It was held in Japan this summer and Mariah was selected to participate. She was one of only two chosen from the United States.  We look forward to hearing what she learned and is implementing in her classroom as a result!

Dr. Thomas L. (Tom) Keon has been Chancellor of Purdue University Northwest since its formation in July 2016, having successfully led the complicated merger of the two Purdue system campuses in Hammond and Westville, Ind.  As Chancellor, Dr. Keon’s leadership centers on positioning the university as a key player in Northwest Indiana’s economic development, educational advancement, environmental sustainability and cultural enhancement.  He is committed to cultivating, supporting, and strengthening leadership among students, faculty and staff.  An accountant by training and a supporter of civic engagement and the arts by design, Dr. Keon seeks to equip students with the training for successful careers as well as a deep appreciation for the responsibilities of citizenship.

Prior to becoming the first Chancellor of PNW, Dr. Keon served as Chancellor of Purdue University Calumet from 2011 to 2015, and Chancellor-Designate of Purdue University Northwest in 2015-2016.  Dr. Keon previously served as the Dean of the College of Business Administration at the University of Central Florida, leading the college through a 14-year progressive change from a teaching institution to a Ph.D.-granting College of Business.  During his 35+ year career in higher education, he has served in leadership roles at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, Florida Atlantic University and the University of Missouri, Columbia. Additionally, he has taught at the University of Notre Dame, Michigan State University and Southern Vermont College.

Dr. Keon is a longtime advocate of engaged partnerships between universities and local communities.  His primary areas of focus include economic development, culture and the arts, health care, K-12, and athletics.  In Northwest Indiana, Keon plays an active role with One Region; the Northwest Indiana Forum; serve as Chair of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana 2019-2020; La Porte Alliance for Regional Development; Legacy Foundation; La Porte County Strategic Planning Steering Committee; and the fiscal management board advising the emergency manager appointed to oversee the state takeover of the Gary Community School Corporation. He also actively supports the Crossroads, Duneland, Lakeshore, La Porte, Michigan City and Valparaiso Chambers of Commerce.

Maggi Spartz will provide an update on current happenings at Unity Foundation including their focus on education and workforce development as well as a review of the 2019 Annual Report to Community.  Since 1992, Unity Foundation has helped to make La Porte County stronger…now and forever.  In 2018, Rotary of MC received a grant from Unity for our Eyeglass Project and our Club also has a Fund with them!  Join us to learn more about OUR community foundation!