IUPUI has been one of my favorite destinations in town for 25 years!
In 1993, I discovered that I could take classes at IUPUI as a graduate continuing non-degree student. I signed up for classes to help me at work, and classes for personal enrichment.
One class in particular that added immeasurable value to my life was History 113 with Dr. Wayne Cutler. From him, I learned some of the major events in human history that I had not known about before. Occasionally, I still go back and read the notes that I took in his class in the summer of 1993.
Another layer of my long relationship with IUPUI involves your world-class Natatorium. I have swum with a masters swim club in workouts and swim meets at the Nat, including in a couple of national meets where our club got to show off the beautiful facility to visitors from all over the country. It is an honor to swim at the IUPUI Natatorium.
I received tremendous support and guidance from my professors, instructors, teaching assistants, and advisors, which enabled me to participate fully in an academic environment that was out of my comfort zone.
Dana Scruggs, Continuing education student 1993-2008
Most importantly, IUPUI was there for me in 2005 when I needed to ramp up my education in order to remain gainfully employed. I work for myself as a German translator, specializing in patent translation in the fields of automotive technology and mechanical engineering. In my work, not only must I understand the German language, I also need to comprehend the material I am dealing with.
I had already taken classes at Ivy Tech and Indiana State University, which provided me with a basic understanding of automotive technology and mechanical engineering. The true deep learning started, however, when I enrolled in the School of Science at IUPUI, where I took calculus and physics classes for three years. Doing this difficult course work not only taught me the fundamental principles of calculus and physics, it also gave me the confidence and skills to work meticulously with highly complex material. This has greatly enhanced my expertise in translating German patents. My education in the School of Science at IUPUI has enabled me to secure work with top-notch clients.
One thing I really appreciated about studying in the School of Science at IUPUI is that I felt very welcome to be there. It was not a natural environment for me, a person who originally majored in a foreign language and had only ever taken classes with mostly words and very few numbers. I received tremendous support and guidance from my professors, instructors, teaching assistants, and advisors, which enabled me to participate fully in an academic environment that was out of my comfort zone. My experience in the School of Science at IUPUI will always be one of my favorite memories.
Happy 50th anniversary, IUPUI!
Story courtesy of:
Dana Scruggs
Continuing education student 1993-2008
