Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education to hold Commencement May 2

The University of Southern Indiana Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education will hold Commencement at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, in the Physical Activities Center (PAC) on the USI campus. Dr. Scott Gordon, dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education, and faculty from the College will join members of the USI Board of Trustees, USI President Linda L. M. Bennett, and other officers of the University for the program.

Harolyn G. Torain '71 is the speaker for the ceremony. While currently retired, she has over 32 years of educational administrative experience.

A graduate of USI, Torain completed her bachelor's degree in biology in 1971, when the institution was called Indiana State University Evansville. She later went on to receive a master's degree in secondary education from Indiana University in 1973. Her career in education has included junior high school science teacher, junior and high school science department chair, assistant director of high school evening division, and middle and high school assistant principal.

In her efforts to focus on students, Torain often supervised student activities including service programs, class meetings, cheerleading and senior honors nights. She created an academic honors program and a Saturday school program. She also served as administrator for special education case conferences.

As an administrator, she worked to develop and implement policies to help faculty and staff, as well as the school. Torain evaluated teacher performance, developed and implemented effective attendance policies, institutionalized performance improvement plans, and supervised clerical, clinic and department staff. Her role within the schools provided an organized approach to the Performance Based Accreditation and the North Central Association visitation.

Torain also has served as human relations coordinator, summer school principal, and supervisor of buildings, grounds, budgets and cafeteria operations. She created a computerized textbook rental procedure, inventory and budget procedure.

Following retirement, Torain has worked extensively with her church to make a positive difference in the lives of others. She draws people and cultures together through mission work in Guatemala and Okinawa, Japan, and through volunteer work as a docent at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

She also has been active in the community, serving on many boards and committees. She was the first USI alumni to serve as president of the USI Board of Trustees. Other organizations that have benefitted from her commitment include Phi Delta Kappa, Citizen's Commission for Indiana Courts, Kingsley Terrace Church of Christ, Association for Loan Free Education, Hoosier Association of Science Teachers, Indianapolis Association of Supervisors, Specialists, Consultants and the George Washington High School Evening Division.

Torain and her husband, Stephen, reside in Indianapolis. They have one son, Stephen, Jr. who resides in Cincinnati, Ohio with his family.

She will receive the David L. Rice Alumni Achievement Award in recognition of her positive impact on education. The award, a crystal soaring eagle representing the University mascot, personifies the vision held by USI's first president, Dr. David L. Rice, of the potential of USI graduates.

Also during the Pott College ceremony, Shelby N. Tarantino will receive the President's Medal, the highest honor the University presents to a graduate. Tarantino is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science, which she completed in three years, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and competing on the USI Women's Soccer Team.

Guests of graduates participating in the College of Nursing and Health Professions ceremony will need tickets. A reception for the graduates and their friends and families will follow the ceremony and will be held in University Center East.

Three other colleges at USI will conduct ceremonies on Saturday, May 2 according to this schedule:

College of Liberal Arts, 9 a.m.

Romain College of Business and Outreach and Engagement, noon

College of Nursing and Health Professions, 3 p.m.

A commencement ceremony for graduate students will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1 in the PAC.

Live video of each ceremony will be streamed in University Center East Conference Center (Rooms 2217-2220). The ceremonies also may be viewed online here.