For further information on the university or any items posted here, contact media relations director Scott Hall at (317) 788-3583 or schall@uindy.edu.

Abby Wilmes isn’t majoring in art at UIndy, but one of her works will be in wide circulation this winter.

Wilmes, who graduated this spring from Heritage Hills High School in southern Indiana, submitted the winning entry in the school’s annual contest to design the popular holiday “picture postmark” for the post office in the nearby town of Santa Claus.

Beginning Dec. 1, her line drawing of St. Nick in a winter setting will be used on several hundred thousand Christmas cards and letters funneled through the tiny Spencer County post office, according to news accounts. Postmaster Marian Balbach said customers around the world request the picture postmark each year, and some Midwesterners drive hundreds of miles to hand-stamp the cancellation on their cards.

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University of Indianapolis graduate John F. “Jeff” Whorley Jr. has been named president of StudentAid.com, a college planning and student-aid advisory service.

Whorley, a former executive vice president of Sallie Mae Corp., earned his MBA from UIndy in 2001. With former Washington Post reporter Claudia Deane, he has co-authored a book, Getting College Right, to be published next year.  From 1987 to 1993, the Tennessee native served as Chief of Staff for U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN).

StudentAid.com’s products and services include the Student Aid Estimator (TM), a customizable online net cost calculator to help colleges to meet the federal mandate of providing consumers greater cost transparency, and the College Cost & Planning Report (TM), which compares students’ specific aid eligibility and out-of-pocket costs before they apply to colleges.

“Wise decisions about going to college begin with prospective students and their families getting accurate, comparative information, especially about their true net cost of college,” Whorley said in a news release.

UIndy’s Center for Aging & Community played a prominent role in the creation and the content of a documentary premiering at 9 p.m. today (Nov. 19) on WFYI-TV20.

“When Did I Get Old? Reflections on Aging Today” uses examples from across Indiana to explore four key areas for individuals and communities to consider in regard to aging: perception, purpose, place and preparation. CAC partnered with WFYI Productions to produce the film, which features CAC Executive Director Ellen Miller (left) and Associate Professor Constance McCloy as panelists.

Other air dates and times include, 4 a.m. Friday, Nov. 20; 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21; 4 a.m. Monday, Nov. 23; as well as  8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, on digital channel WFYI-TV 20.3

DVD copies are available for use by schools and community groups. For information, call CAC at (317) 791-5930.

More information from WFYI

Hats off to the University of Indianapolis volleyball team, 2009 Great Lakes Valley Conference Champions.

The 35-1 Greyhounds, ranked ninth nationally by Division II coaches, claimed the title Sunday for the first time since 2003. As a result, they will host the NCAA Division II Midwest regional, opening at 7:30 p.m. Thursday against Michigan Tech.

Sunday’s victory is perhaps even sweeter because it came against the top-seeded Lewis Flyers, the team responsible for the Hounds’ only loss of the season.

Click here to see more about Coach Jody Butera and the team, including a video introduction.

The director of UIndy’s sports marketing program is noted in the latest issue of the American Marketing Association’s biweekly Marketing News.

Laurence “Larry” DeGaris, Ph.D., associate professor in the School of Business, is listed among a handful of “Marketing Academics to Watch” in the Nov. 15 issue.

The publication cites Dr. DeGaris’ ability to link theory and practice, as in his students’ projects for local pro franchises, as well as his professional experience, which includes serving as vice president of research for Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide.

UIndy graduate Ralph Reiff is featured in an Indianapolis Star story and video interview for his work as director of St. Vincent Sports Performance, which offers services to athletes ranging from middle-schoolers to Olympians and pros.

Clients have included Colts tight end Dallas Clark and world champion Olympic gymnast Bridget Sloan. Staffed by trainers, dietitians and other professionals, the operation now has two locations in the Indianapolis area and is continuing to expand.

Rieff, a licensed athletic trainer, graduated from UIndy (then Indiana Central) in 1980 with a degree in physical education. His wife, Brenda, and brother Mark are also graduates of the university.

Read or watch interview

As the Marion County Health Department faces the enormous task of vaccinating thousands of schoolchildren against the H1N1 flu, the UIndy School of Nursing is filling the gap with knowledgeable volunteers.

So far, nearly 50 nursing faculty and students are offering their time to administer shots or inhalable mist to children in the Perry Township schools. In the first three days of their effort this week, UIndy representatives gave more than 600 vaccinations at Clinton Young, Glenns Valley and Southport elementary schools. The work is expected to continue throughout the month.

The project is great experience for nursing students, said Assistant Professor Barbara Kelly, director of UIndy’s Koval Nursing Center and a member of the state’s pandemic task force. The health department and the Indiana Department of Education have been monitoring the process as a model for handling potential pandemics in the future, she said.

Known nationally for its high caliber and innovative degree offerings, UIndy’s nursing program is marking its 50th anniversary this year.

University of Indianapolis Head Football Coach Joe Polizzi is stepping down from his post after 16 years. Polizzi, who informed the team of his decision today, cited personal reasons for his resignation.
 
 “Coach Polizzi brought a much-needed disciplined approach to our football program,” said Athletic Director Sue Willey. “We thank him for his dedication and wish him the best.”
 
The university will work quickly to name a new coach, Willey said.
 
Polizzi became the 13th head coach in the UIndy football program on Jan. 26, 1994, and he departs with an overall record of 84-89-1.  He led the Greyhounds to eight winning seasons and owns the second-most wins in the program’s history. Bill Bless, who led the Greyhounds from 1972 to 1993, had 114 wins.

University of Indianapolis faculty member Barbara B. Kelly has been named president of the Board of Directors for the Indiana State Nurses Association.
 
An assistant professor in UIndy’s School of Nursing, Kelly was elected to a two-year term at the association’s annual member meeting in October.
 
ISNA is the professional organization for the state’s registered nurses, representing the profession and working to ensure quality health care through its leadership and advocacy on issues such as education, licensure and workforce development. Kelly has been a member for 31 years, serving recently as a board member and legislative district liaison.
 
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Ned Shannon, head athletic trainer and clinical instructor at the University of Indianapolis, has been named 2009 Indiana Athletic Trainer of the Year for the College and University setting by the Indiana Athletic Trainers Association.

In addition to his work at UIndy since 1993, Shannon also has participated in medical coverage for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, the Goodwill Games, World Police and Fire Games, NCAA Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships, Pan Am Games, U.S. Track and Field Trials and other high-profile events.

Nominators said Shannon’s leadership in the profession made him an obvious choice for the honor: “What is very impressive about Ned is his never-ending passion for athletic training.  Ned truly loves what he does and imparts this enthusiasm for our profession to our students.”