Alumni recognized for service, leadership during Homecoming

KOKOMO, Ind. - As a Kokomo elementary school teacher for nearly 40 years, Mary Ellen Harnish impacted the lives of hundreds of people.

Her reach extended beyond the classroom, however, as an active volunteer for Indiana University Kokomo and the Howard County Historical Society. During IU Kokomo's Homecoming festivities, the IU Alumni Association Kokomo Region recognized her contributions with its Outstanding IU Alumni Partner award. This honor is given to an IU alumna or alumnus from any campus who has made a difference at IU Kokomo through service to the campus.

The alumni association also presented its highest award, induction into the IU Kokomo Alumni Hall of Fame, to J.C. Barnett III, Kim LaFollette, Cathy Valcke, and Martha Warner.

Benjamin Liechty, director of alumni relations, said the Outstanding IU Alumni Partner award is "a testament to the incredible impact IU alumni from across the system can have on our campus," and that Harnish is a perfect example of that impact.

Harnish taught fourth and fifth graders at Lafayette Park Elementary, and science at Lafayette Park Middle School for 37 years. In 1984, her colleagues nominated her as an outstanding teacher in the Kokomo School Corporation, which led to her consideration as Indiana Teacher of the Year.

"Her impact in the classroom and on her students was profound," Liechty said. "Students who struggled found an educator who truly cared about their success, helping them to overcome obstacles and reach their highest potential. Her dedication, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to student success all contributed to former students remembering her fondly."

While she earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Master of Science in Education degrees from IU Bloomington, Harnish took classes at IU Kokomo when it was still in the Seiberling Mansion, now home to the Howard County Historical Society. She served as president of the historical society in the early 2000s, working to install climate control and transforming it into a designer show home. She was the first recipient of the Howard County Historical Society's Distinguished Service Award, which is now named in her honor.

At IU Kokomo, she is a member of the Women of the Well House - a philanthropy circle dedicated to funding projects that benefit IU Kokomo and the community - as well as the Elwood Haynes Society, which honors people who include the campus in their estate plans or make planned gifts.

Alumni Hall of Fame recipients include:

J.C. Barnett III
J.C. serves as executive director of the Carver Community Center in Kokomo. Prior to moving into this role, he was the VA-certifying official in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid at IU Kokomo and the director of the Black Student Center. For two decades, he devoted his time to the development of Kokomo youth by coaching football and basketball. His passion and love of basketball served him well when he founded the J.C. Barnett School of Jump Shooting, which trains young athletes to improve their skills and grow in confidence, character, and discipline. J.C. has volunteered for the Bridges Mentorship Program at Kokomo High School. He is also a talented artist, bringing history to life through his work by portraying countless African American historical figures that have contributed to the world and society.

In J.C.'s role at the Carver Community Center, he has greatly helped revitalize the Center through new initiatives and partnerships. He has provided a space for children and families in Kokomo to explore new opportunities and build hope. He has moved Carver away from the perception that it is only a place for recreation, but more of an institution of education.

Kim LaFollette
Kim is a senior vice president and director of marketing and business banking at Community First Bank of Indiana, where she has worked since 2005. She is the fourth-longest tenured employee of the bank, having been instrumental in its growth and success. She graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Colorado in 2018, exhibiting her passion for lifelong learning. She actively serves Howard County on many not-for-profit boards, being recognized for her efforts. When she volunteers her time and talents to a board, she develops an understanding of the organization's mission and needs, actively participating in achieving its goals. Kim is very humble, kind, and compassionate - her most defining characteristics. She is empathetic and encouraging to others. Kim has been a personal and professional mentor to countless women in the Kokomo community, quick to celebrate and recognize their achievements, while never seeking the limelight for herself.

Kim has an extraordinary ability to lead and inspire others. For the past 20 years, she has been dedicated to helping the people, businesses, and nonprofits of Kokomo build a better future through her roles at Community First Bank of Indiana. She has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to giving back to the community, and her leadership has been instrumental in the success of numerous initiatives.

Cathy Valcke
Cathy has a strong legacy at IU Kokomo and throughout the Kokomo community. She served on the board of directors for the United Way of Howard and Tipton counties for 10 years, serving as the treasurer and chairperson for events, the communications council, and the 90^th anniversary celebration. While an employee of IU Kokomo, she served in many roles, including the director of alumni relations and public affairs, director of human resources, and the director of external relations and public affairs. She led the annual Walk Into My Future event, which brought nearly 2,000 kindergartners to the IU Kokomo campus to experience what college life is like. Cathy served on advisory board for the Cougar Cupboard, a food pantry that has grown and expanded to serve the campus community. She was a vital figure in advancing the community through the State of Indiana's READI grant process, which secured funding for the creation of Innovation Hall at IU Kokomo. She was also part of the North Central Indiana Regional Planning Council, whose effort to pursue designation as an Indiana 21^st Century Talent Region showing a commitment to increasing educational attainment, raising household income, and growing the population.

Cathy's commitment to her community, her alma mater, and to students has been a guiding force throughout her distinguished career. Her impact and contributions have left a lasting legacy.

Martha Warner
Martha is known for building connections in everything she does. She is an entrepreneur, an educator, a philanthropist, a wife and mother, and a friend. She puts her heart and soul into every project or task she tackles. For the past eight years, Martha has served on the Indiana University Alumni Association Kokomo Region board of directors. She began her journey with the alumni board as an at-large board member, then became the board secretary, vice president and president. During her time on the board, she moved to Kentucky but chose to remain a committed alumni board member and leader, driving 4.5 hours one way most months for board meetings and alumni events. She is the type of person who leads by example because she sees the importance of leaders doing what they are asking others to do. Martha has done incredible work for her alma mater and her community. She served as Ivy Tech's United Way campaign manager, was the president of the NADE conference, served as the GEM conference committee coordinator, was a part of the Indiana Department of Education RISE Evaluation and Development System Evaluator, the College and Career Fair Transition committee member, the Phi Theta Kappa Chapter advisor, and was on the Kokomo Mayor's Youth Advisory Board for the Carver Community Center.

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.