IU Kokomo receives Seal of Prevention

Also, First Friday focused on COPD; Design a fire station; Broadband expansion in Miami County

Indiana University, including IU Kokomo, has received the 2024 Campus Prevention Network (CPN) Seal of Prevention. Presented by Vector Solutions, the CPN Seal of Prevention recognizes institutions of higher education that demonstrate leadership in the areas of student safety, well-being, and inclusion.

Each recipient of the CPN Seal of Prevention has taken action to create a safer, more inclusive campus through comprehensive, evidence-based digital prevention education on issues such as sexual assault, alcohol misuse, mental health, and discrimination. The CPN Seal of Prevention establishes guidelines for discerning quality online prevention education and implementation practices and positions prevention as central to key institutional outcomes.

“The CPN’s Seal of Prevention is a true recognition of the collective deep work our entire university community has put into the health, wellness, and engagement of our students,” said Julie Payne-Kirchmeier, IU vice president for student success. “When we focus our efforts and center our students, together we make meaningful change. Earning the Seal of Prevention for all IU Campuses is a testament to this approach, and our students are better for it.”

“At Indiana University, we are deeply committed to fostering a campus environment where every student feels supported, safe, and empowered to thrive,” IU President Pamela Whitten said. “This recognition underscores the meaningful progress we’ve made through collaborative, research-driven efforts that prioritize student well-being, and we will continue to invest in programs and initiatives that not only address critical challenges but also strengthen the sense of belonging and success for all IU students.”

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.

First Friday focused on COPD

Community Howard Regional Health invites the public to its March First Friday Lunch and Learn, a free healthcare seminar put on in partnership with Kokomo Family YMCA.

At its March 7 lunch and learn, Kaitlyn Jasmon, a Physician Assistant with Community COPD Care, will discuss signs, symptoms and treatment options for those living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The seminar will begin at 12:10 p.m. in the first floor gathering room at the YMCA, located at 114 N. Union Street in Kokomo. The event typically lasts 40 minutes and includes an opportunity to ask questions.

The event is open to the public, but registration is required. A boxed lunch will be provided to the first 60 who register before March 2, 2025. Register today at www.ecommunity.com/FirstFriday or by calling 800-550-1266.

For event information contact Lisa Holaday at 765-776-8593

Design a fire station

The 2025 Indiana High School Architectural Design Competition is officially open, AIA Indianapolis announced today. This year’s theme, "Igniting Change," challenges students to think critically about how the design of a building interacts with its environment and its community. The task: design a new fire station for a small historic downtown area.

Known as the “Architecture State Championship,” AIA Indianapolis has led this statewide competition since 1971 to inspire the next generation of architects. The program promotes the value of architecture and design, encourages young talent, and highlights the role that thoughtful design plays in building vibrant, functional communities.

“The Indiana High School Architectural Design Competition is a multi-dimensional program that engages students in creative problem-solving and architectural exploration,” said Brandon Farley, AIA, competition chair. “It’s an ideal challenge for anyone interested in art, architecture, drafting, or interior design. We know the talent is out there, and we look forward to seeing how our Hoosier students rise to the challenge.”

The three top winners will earn $1,000 in cash and scholarships. The student’s designs will be on display at the Indianapolis Artsgarden for two weeks leading up to the awards ceremony, which will be held at the Artsgarden on May 2at 8 p.m.

Student entries are due on March 28. The competition is open to all Indiana high school students and there are no fees to enter. Visit www.ihsadc.com to learn more.

The Indiana Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the voice of the architecture profession dedicated to advancing the profession, improving the built environment, educating the public about the importance of great design and advocating for safe, equitable, sustainable places and spaces within communities throughout the Hoosier state. AIA Indiana is a nonprofit organization created in 1892, that represents nearly 900 registered and associate architects, and affiliated design professionals.

Broadband expansion in Miami County

Thousands of Miami County residents and businesses will soon have access to faster, more reliable Internet with a joint investment from Comcast, the Indiana Broadband Office (IBO) and the Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs (OCRA).

The multi-million-dollar joint investment is the latest from Comcast under the fourth round of the Next Level Connections broadband grant program, and continues company efforts to build reliable, high-speed Internet access to unserved communities in Indiana.

“We are excited to work together to further Comcast’s presence in Miami County,” said Miami County Economic Developer Jim Tidd. “Access to high-speed Internet isn’t something we take lightly—we’re future-proofing Miami County’s economy and ensuring residents and businesses have access to the digital opportunities of tomorrow.”

Pre-construction work has kicked off in Miami County to provide more than 2,200 residents and businesses with access to the full suite of Xfinity and Comcast Business services—including built-in cybersecurity, free streaming devices, and affordable Internet plans.

“By closing the digital divide, we can better prepare Hoosiers in rural areas for economic opportunity, increase workforce readiness, and ensure families can participate in services like e-learning and healthcare online," said Joni Hart, vice president of Government Affairs for Comcast Indiana. “We’re bringing our best connectivity services to Miami County, and remain committed to increasing access to reliable, high-speed Internet in communities across Indiana.”