Month: March 2025

Senior Leadership Experience Offers Students a Retreat

By Noah Proffitt

Seniors and graduate students from PFW will have the opportunity, tomorrow, to network and prepare for life after college. This Friday, Mar. 28, the “Senior Leadership Experience” will take place at multiple locations in downtown Fort Wayne from noon to 8 p.m.

The annual retreat provides skills and advice as students prepare for the transition from the classroom to the workforce.

Participants meet with local professionals and PFW Alumni to learn about their businesses, while also receiving advice on finances, job search, workplace culture, and housing.

This year, students will meet with local PFW alumni Edwin Chow, who founded Summit City Climbing Co, a local rock-climbing business. They will learn about how Chow runs and creates his business, while also having the chance to test their rock-climbing skills.

After visiting Summit City Climbing Co, students will head back to Parkview Field where the rest of the retreat will take place. They’ll be able to tour the stadium, meet with a fan engagement coordinator and learn about the business of Fort Wayne’s local baseball team.

Among the community speakers scheduled for this daylong event are representatives from the Apartment Association of Fort Wayne, who will give advice on how to prepare and look for apartments to rent.

The retreat will end with a keynote and a video from Deans across colleges giving advice to students.

The event is organized by Student Leadership and will be led by Abbey Wang, assistant director of Student Leadership and Student Government Association.

“I want students to come and have fun,” Wang said. “And leave the event and be like, wow! I learned a lot and also had a great time.”

Wang mentioned several reasons to attend: “Number 1, it’s free; number 2, there’s free food; and number 3, it’s fun.”

Mikayla Hagerty, a senior and previous student body president, now works as a leadership assistant and will help spearhead the event.

“I’m excited to network with other soon-to-be graduates,” Hagerty said. “Looking into the next year, I’m looking at what would help me out as a senior.”

For this retreat, all the 40 spots are filled up. However, the Senior Leadership Experience happens every year, and there are additional opportunities for freshmen, sophomores and juniors too. Be sure to check out next semester for future retreats.

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Crafting Connection: Sunday Morning Solace at Swizzle

By Kendra Roberts

Late Sunday morning at Swizzle, a cozy cafe and alcohol-free bottle shop in Jefferson Pointe, a small group gathers for a calming creative escape. From 10 a.m. to noon, the store’s Sunday Morning Solace: Quiet Crafting event provides attendees a perfect way to connect with the community and offers a great way to unwind and recharge for the week ahead.

The event, hosted by Jennifer Kent, master knitter and owner of Tactile Elements, happens every other Sunday. The next gathering is on Mar. 30.

With a focus on bringing people together through creativity, the event allows participants to bring their current projects, whether knitting, drawing, or other handmade crafts, to work in a relaxed, low-pressure environment.

A Fort Wayne resident for eight years, Kent recognized a gap in the local crafting community and saw an opportunity to create the gathering she felt was missing. She launched this recurring event last November.

“The space is just very welcoming, and the idea of community is the goal,” Kent said. For Kent, a passionate advocate for creativity and community, Swizzle provided the perfect venue to make that vision a reality.

The event’s simple yet powerful concept resonated with attendees. Not only does it offer a calm, creative space, but it also fosters connections among like-minded individuals. Kent’s goal is to build a community that can come together regularly through shared interest.

Kent observed that attendance to this event has been steady, with five to six participants regularly joining. However, she noted that last month, icy conditions lead to a smaller turnout. 

“Unfortunately, the weather hasn’t cooperated too much,” she said smiling. She suggests that the snow and ice has prevented people from getting out, resulting in a small group number.

Living so close, the weather doesn’t discourage Kent from hosting, and she still encourages people to join if they can make it safely.

“You can either come or you can’t, but I’ll be here,” she said.

While the weather hasn’t stopped her from showing up, Kent also expressed her hopes that when the weather turns, there might be an increase in attendance.

“We’ve already had a few people stop in the store saying, ‘Oh we’ve been looking for a group!’” said Kent and better weather will hopefully increase this occurrence.

One of the key advantages of hosting the crafting event at Swizzle is its ability to welcome passersby into the group. The shop’s open atmosphere allows newcomers to feel comfortable, making it easy for them to join a session even if they haven’t attended.

Swizzle, which opened its doors in May 2024, has already become a beloved spot for local creatives and anyone looking for community-building activities.

This quiet crafting event is just one of many offerings at Swizzle, which also hosts book clubs, trivia nights, watercolor classes, and more. The store’s broader mission is to provide low-cost activities for people to gather, unwind, and connect.

Heather Grady, Swizzle’s store manager, shared, “Swizzle aims to be a welcoming spot for everyone to enjoy an alcohol-free cocktail, coffee, or tea and feel at home.”

The Sunday Morning Solace event aligns with the store’s mission to serve as a hub for both creativity and connection.

If you’re seeking a meaningful way to connect with crafters or simply find a way to calmly craft before a new week, Sunday Morning Solace at Swizzle offers a perfect place to begin.

For more information on the next Sunday Morning Solace: Quiet Crafting event or any other community events at Swizzle, check out their events page on their website or follow them on social media @swizzleafmarket. 

You can also call the store at (260) 207-4587 or stop into the store located in Jefferson Pointe.

Hope to see you there!

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Historic Old Fort Hosts Training Event for Reenactors

By Andrew Danielson

The Old Fort in downtown Fort Wayne was the scene of bustling activity as reenactors from the Midwest came for training and mentoring in the art and skill of historical reenacting.

On Saturday, Feb. 15, men and women of the War of 1812 reenactment community gathered at the Old Fort on 1201 Spy Run Ave. for the 1812 Officer & NCO Garrison event. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., these reenactors learned how to lead a military unit from the War of 1812, as well as how to guide other historical interpreters in military drills and practices from the period.

“This is an annual opportunity for the reenacting community here to knock off the rust of the off season,” Cory Balkenbusch explained. “There’s not a whole lot of reenacting over winter time.”

Balkenbusch is a reenactor currently living in Ohio. He’s no stranger to the historical recreation community. As a child, Balkenbusch and his mother, Jennifer Balkenbusch, attended many events at the Old Fort. A board member of the Old Fort noticed their interest and eventually asked Balkenbusch if he’d like to join them and do reenacting himself, an opportunity Balkenbusch snapped up immediately at the young age of 12.

“I’ve always loved history,” Balkenbusch said with a laugh. “My mother always brought me out to reenactments here as a kid.”

Balkenbusch’s enthusiasm for reenacting and his commitment to helping others get into the hobby was shared amongst the attendees of the event.

John Davis, who lives just outside of Marion, Indiana, is a veteran with many years’ experience in historical depictions. He leads a reenacting unit called Davis’ Company, Indiana Territorial Rangers.

Back in the early 1800s, Indiana Territorial Rangers assisted the fledgling United States military throughout the military campaigns of the War of 1812 in what has become the state of Indiana.

“The War of 1812 finished the Revolutionary War,” Davis mentions, as he leans back against his bunk in his quarters at the Old Fort.

Davis explained that the Indiana Territorial Rangers were considered the special forces of the US military at the time. Members of the unit fought guerilla style, shooting from behind trees and bushes, patrolling paths and roads, and acting as scouts for the military. Their uniforms were the color of earth or snow, providing them with camouflage throughout the year.

Davis’ Company member William “Bill” Blevins was a perfect example of the Indiana Territorial Rangers, with his white overcoat and white boots blending perfectly with the Indiana snow lying on the grounds of the Fort.

Blevins, a surgeon with the Davis’ Company, originally came into contact with reenacting as a Boy Scout leader, where his troop had frequent camping events in connection with historical reenactment camps. When the troop closed down, Blevins, an ardent lover of the outdoors, decided to continue his enjoyment of camping and the outdoors by joining the Davis’ Company.  

Standing near his friend Bill Blevens, David Taylor, another member of Davis’ Company, munched some authentic early 1800s chow – peas, bread and some cheese. Taylor came to reenacting via the influence of his father.

Taylor’s drab brown coat and boots provided a unique contrast to the white coat of Blevins, but their coats represent the many kinds of camouflage these early special forces soldiers had in the early 1800s, as the Indiana Territorial Rangers did not wear official US military uniforms.

With nearly 60 people registering for the event, there was a wide variety of historic uniforms and costumes on display throughout the day. Soldiers in green coats and trousers were chatting by the Fort’s flagpole, while other participants in dark blue coats marched through the front gates.

Balkenbusch, from Ohio, said that this particular event, organized cooperatively by various reenactment organizations including those at the Old Fort, had participants from across the Midwest region, including folks from Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and Kentucky.

Some attendees had come to the event to “brush up” on their skills in reenacting. However, some event goers had come for something specific – military training, such as that given to soldiers stationed in Fort Wayne during the 1812 War.

“The US Army is using three different drill manuals during the War of 1812, even up to four at one point,” Balkenbusch explained.

That military training was on full display, with soldiers practicing marching and military drill outside the Fort. Others soldiers stood guard at the front gate. One could hear orders being shouted, a drum beating out a military call to assembly, and officers passing along orders to their command.

Participants came to this event to do what they love – bringing history to life through reenactment. The event at the Old Fort is just one way volunteers can help showcase that history.

“There are so many different options to get involved here,” Balkenbusch said of getting involved with reenacting at the Old Fort. “We always like to say we have something for everybody.”

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“Everybody Say Love Dinner” Fosters Inclusivity at Purdue Fort Wayne

By Cincade Drudge

Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Q Center hosted its annual “Everybody Say Love Dinner” on Feb. 13, bringing together LGBTQ+ students, allies, and community members for an evening of food, music, and fun.

The event, which was held in the Walb Student Union, provided a space for attendees to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their friends and family while enjoying a free Mediterranean meal.

The dinner has been held annually at PFW since 2020, growing in size each year. The primary goal of the event is to create a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students, especially for those who may feel isolated during the romantic season of Valentine’s Day.

“It’s an inclusive Valentine’s event where anyone can bring their chosen family, friends, or loved ones,” said Mitchell Fiandt, program assistant for the Q Center. “It’s all about sharing a meal and feeling a sense of belonging.”

This year’s event featured catering by Smile More Catering, a business run by a former PFW student, Terel Lynn, who the Q Center has worked with for previous events.

“We always try to partner with people we trust, and Terel knows the campus well,” Fiandt said.

The Mediterranean-themed menu included pitas, naan, chicken kebabs, and rice dishes, appealing to a diverse range of dietary preferences.

The event’s popularity has surged this year, with RSVP numbers reaching capacity.

“Last year, we ran out of food, so we implemented an RSVP system this time,” Fiandt explained. “We have about 60 people signed up, and we might still run out.”

The growing attendance numbers highlight the desire for community and support among LGBTQ+ students on campus.

Attendees expressed their appreciation for the event’s welcoming atmosphere. Alexander Egonoza, a community member and part of the LGBTQ+ community, emphasized the importance of such gatherings.

“This event is a great opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals to enjoy themselves, especially given the current challenges our community faces,” he said. “Events like this show that PFW is a welcoming place.”

Korian Johnson, a PFW student and self-described ally, praised the event for bringing people together.

“It gives me an opportunity to talk with friends and have a good time,” he said. “It’s special because it provides a space for members of a marginalized community to share their experiences and bond over a meal.”

Beyond the meal itself, the Everybody Say Love Dinner aligns with Purdue Fort Wayne’s broader diversity and inclusion initiatives, with the event representing the melting pot of the PFW community coming together.

“We have international students, queer students of color, faculty, and even community members attending,” Fiandt said. “It’s great to see so many different backgrounds coming together in a safe and welcoming environment.”

With the backdrop of romantic music playing, attendees shared conversations, laughter, and a sense of community. As the event ended, it was clear that the Everybody Say Love Dinner was more than just a meal; it was a celebration of acceptance and togetherness.

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Horizon League Championship Game – Purdue Fort Wayne vs. Green Bay

By Sydney Graber

On Mar. 11, the Horizon League hosted its 39th Women’s Basketball Final Four in Indianapolis.

This event brings together top teams from the conference, with student-athletes battling it out for the championship title.

It’s a chance for these players to show off their skills, fight for pride, and secure their spot in the postseason March Madness tournament.

This year’s championship game featured the second-seeded Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons facing off against the top-ranked Green Bay Phoenix.

Looking into how Purdue Fort Wayne prepared for the championship, Horizon League Newcomer of the Year Lauren Ross said, “Our coaches prepared us by spending a lot of time watching film and walking through our opponent’s tendencies. This helped us to make sure we were prepared for every possible scenario that we could face in the tournament.”

Both teams are quite familiar with each other, as they split the in-season matchups and battled it out in overtime when they faced off in Green Bay.

Former player, now assistant coach Shayla Sellers said, “Preparing for the horizon league tournament involves a combination of strategy, preparation, scouting, and mental preparation. As coaches, we breakdown film and look for opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.”

Heading into the game both teams were eager to face off and settle who was the best in the Horizon League and who would punch their ticket to March Madness.

To start out the game and throughout the first half, both teams were scoring the ball at will and playing solid on the defensive end. Heading into the locker room at half, the game was tied 40-40. Both teams hoped to carry this energy into the last 20 minutes.

The Phoenix came out firing on both ends, and their First Team All-Horizon League guard, Natalie McNeal, was dominating the midrange game. In the third quarter, Green Bay outscored the Mastodons 20-13 and carried this momentum into the fourth.

Jordan Reid gave the Dons quite a lift coming off the bench going 5-8 from the field for a total of 12 points on the day. Despite the Don’s efforts, it was not enough to overcome the firepower of the Phoenix offense.

The final score was 76-63 in favor of Green Bay, and they awaited their fate on Selection Sunday to see who they would match up against in the round of 64 in March Madness.

The Horizon League Women’s Basketball Tournament is an annual postseason event for teams in the Horizon League, a NCAA Division I conference.

Featuring the top 10 teams from the regular season, the tournament is structured as a single-elimination competition, with higher-seeded teams usually enjoying a home-court advantage in the earlier rounds.

The tournament begins with the first round, where the bottom six seeds compete, followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals, and then the championship game. The winner of the tournament receives an automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The Horizon League Women’s Basketball Tournament is critical for teams hoping to make it to the national stage, as it’s often their only path to the NCAA Tournament.

The coaches of these teams, Purdue Fort Wayne specifically, spend the entirety of the year preparing for games in March in hopes of winning and advancing to the March Madness tournament.

Green Bay’s victory underscores the team’s dominance in the conference, having secured multiple championships in recent years. Their performance throughout the tournament, culminating in the championship game, solidifies their status as a formidable force in women’s college basketball.

The Mastodons, while falling short, showcased their growth and competitiveness throughout the season. Their journey to the championship game marked a significant milestone for the program, highlighting their potential in the Horizon League.

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A Window into Time – PFW Professor Dives Deep into Latin America

By Andrew Danielson

Revolution is breaking out on Purdue University Fort Wayne’s campus. Or, at least, the study of it.

Students taking Dr. Richard Weiner’s class on 20th Century Latin American Revolutions get to dive deep and analyze the complex world surrounding that region during the last century.

According to Dr. Weiner, a professor in the department of history, this course is offered only once every two years. Students in the class examine these revolutions from a global perspective as they seek to understand the big factors that influenced the context of the conflicts.

“During the Cold War,” Dr. Weiner said, “Latin America was much more on America’s radar.”

The poster taped to Dr. Weiner’s door describing his class on revolution in Latin America appears rather academic. A black text block at the top of the poster lists the web and social media info for the PFW history program. Slightly above the title on the poster is a listing of the semester and course number for the class, with a longer description of requirements the course satisfies.

But what really catches the eye of passers by is the stark photograph of a young Fidel Castro. Clad in military fatigues, a rifle slung over his shoulder, he is depicted in his jungle surroundings as he prepared to overthrow the Cuban government and establish what would become the communist dictatorship of Cuba.

“There’s always been someone coming from outside and trying to run the show in Cuba,” Dr. Weiner said as we discussed his class.

But Cuba isn’t the only focus for Dr. Weiner’s class. Countries throughout Latin America who have experienced revolution are also studied, including Mexico, Chile, and Nicaragua. Students taking the class dive deep into the circumstances of these revolutions and the varying results these countries experienced following the revolution.

The class takes the approach of analyzing these revolutions comparatively, seeking to understand what made each one unique and different from those in other Latin American countries.

Although the photograph on the poster helps promote the course to the random passerby, Dr. Weiner said he likes to use images while teaching his class, as they give students a sense of what was happening during those historic moments.

The poster on Dr. Weiner’s door may offer only a glimpse into one revolution of one country – a revolution that shook the geopolitical world for decades. But, thanks to opportunities like this class, Dr. Weiner’s students will take a wealth of knowledge and understanding with them to help form the foundations of tomorrow.

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PFW Hosts Open House at the Mastodon Career Closet

By Hannah Arnold

The Career Development Center is hosting an open house today from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m at the Mastodon Career Closet, located in Neff Hall, room 361. 

All current students are welcome to attend, and no registration is required.

The Career Closet is full of professional clothes suited for the workforce, such as dress pants, button ups, blouses, suits, ties, belts, shoes, and other items needed for business attire.

Students can choose one free outfit per semester.

With racks full of donated and new items, students can find an outfit to wear to a job interview, the upcoming Mastodon Career Expo, or learn what is considered appropriate to wear in the professional world.

Melody Monday, the Career Closet coordinator, will be there to help students find the perfect outfit and answers questions about professional attire.

If you are not able to attend today’s open house, the Career Closet is also accessible by scheduling appointments through handshake.

Stop by and shop for items to add to your professional wardrobe.

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