Over the years IU South Bend has produced several successful alumni. Hands on experience, knowledgeable faculty, and smaller classroom settings helped three former students achieve great accomplishments after graduation.
“Going into college I was planning to enter the seminary at Notre Dame to become a priest after graduating, but I got more into producing my own films and decided priesthood wasn’t for me,” said Tim Richardson, a 1996 graduate.
Previously, Richardson had started his own independent film company in 1990, Richardson Productions, LLC. He graduated from IUSB with a bachelor of arts in speech and theater and concentrated in acting and directing. There he received firsthand experience in a variety of aspects of play productions.
“I consider my job as a filmmaker to be my career, since it is my true passion. I’ve produced almost 30 films and received a number of awards,” he said.
He has even had the opportunity to work with professional actors like Kiran Shah from The Lord of the Rings.
Several of his films have had national and international distribution. In addition, he is proud to be the director of the River Bend Film Festival and president of the Mid America Filmmakers, a not-for-profit organization based in South Bend.
In fall 2009, IUSB hired Richardson as an adjunct professor in the Arts department. He began teaching introduction theater classes.
”IUSB has always felt like home to me, as a student, staff member, and now as faculty. It’s an inviting atmosphere and a great place to learn and ask questions,” said Richardson.
Likewise, David A. Bloss Sr. reaped the benefits IUSB has to offer.
Bloss chose IUSB because his parents were not able to afford any of his tuition. He worked third shift at a factory and struggled to stay awake during his 8 a.m. classes.
Bloss’ already hectic schedule became even more stressful after he was placed on academic probation in his first semester; which was followed by an industrial accident that took three of his fingers on a punch press. But luckily he didn’t stop there and continued to aim high.
Bloss graduated in 1973 with a bachelor of science degree in accounting and business administration. He recently retired as chairman, president, and CEO of CIRCOR International, Inc., a $675 million NYSE company.
CIRCOR is a leading provider of valves and fluid control devices for the instrumentation, aerospace, thermal fluid, and energy markets. With his help, the company now has 25 manufacturing buildings and 2,800 employees in North America, Europe, and China.
“Your education is the foundation upon which you can build a quality life for yourself. The things that you do and the sacrifices you make at this early stage of your life has enormous impact on the rest of the many years ahead of you,” Bloss said.
However, Bloss isn’t the only alumnus that knows the success of a business is only as strong as the people behind it.
Marsha Brook, a 1977 graduate with a M.S. in counseling and guidance, played a big role in the expansion and quality of the Madison Center in downtown South Bend. The influence and lives she has touched is substantial.
In 1978, Brook accepted a job at South Bend’s Mental Health Center as coordinator of Sex Offense Services. This included counseling abuse victims and sensitivity training for police, prosecutors, and emergency room personnel.
She gave an inspirational speech before thousands of people to increase awareness and help lower the occurrence of sexual assault.
Brook was promoted to associate director in 1986, and as the Madison Center grew, so did her responsibilities. She hired and managed hundreds of people and took part in the major expansion of mental health services to people of all ages.
She retired after 28 years in December of 2005.
Brook’s career consisted of a long list of accomplishments, one of which is the feeling she gets knowing people can and have received help through the Madison Center. She said it has also been a privilege to serve on a variety of board committees that serve the community.
She continues to be involved locally and received IU South Bend’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1992 for her accomplishments.
Brook said the education she received from IUSB was excellent, practical, and useful.
“You may not end up doing what you are majoring in. You may take a different path entirely, but your education will apply if you stay involved,” said Brook.
The power of an IU degree
Part of the J401 series on the history of IU South Bend
Published: Sunday, February 28, 2010
Updated: Sunday, February 28, 2010
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