Photo by Annie Weissner IPFW’s “Bridge to the Future,” a pedestrian pathway, was formally dedicated in September, and now affords safety to walkers while allowing visitors to drive through the Fort Wayne campus, not just by it. The structure is only the second of its kind in the state and has been named the Willis Family Bridge. Other bridges to the future at IPFW include construction of a residence hall and a multi-year, fund-raising campaign. Photo by Jim Whitcraft Don and Doris Willis lead the future of IPFW—kids from the campus’ child-care center—across the bridge at the dedication ceremony. More than 100 people celebrated the bridge’s completion with a balloon release on the east side of the span.

that they decided to present IPFW with its largest ever donation: $3

million. The money will be divided equally into funding for scholarships, for the establishment of an endowed chair in entrepreneurship and for unrestricted use.

IPFW Chancellor Michael Wartell announced the gift Sept. 16 at the dedication of IPFW’s new pedestrian bridge See Home Pages, Oct. 3:

http://www.homepages.indiana.edu/100303/text/willisbridge.shtml

“In Fort Wayne and this region, invention and innovation are our inheritance,” Wartell noted in his remarks. “And as a public university, IPFW is continuing that trend. It’s entirely appropriate for this institution to take risks, to test the wind, to be a clearinghouse for the possible and a resource for the bold. And this bridge is a wonderful example of that. It is imaginative, exciting, distinctive—truly a symbol of what IPFW and education are. But it also symbolizes change. It is a new, fresh symbol for IPFW for Fort Wayne, and for this region. It signifies new ways of doing things, new ways of solving problems, new approaches to meeting challenges.

“Another symbol of change in Fort Wayne is the initiation of a new company—FourthWave, which prides itself on doing things differently, on being strategically responsive, on constantly re-educating itself. Don Willis, its founder and board chairman, is an ardent believer in this philosophy, as is IPFW; and so it is entirely fitting that this bridge henceforth be known as the Willis Family Bridge.”

At the close of the dedication ceremony, Don and Doris Willis led pre-school students from IPFW’s Child Care Center across the bridge in a symbolic “walk into the future.”

The Willis family isn’t giving only of its money. Don also gives his time. Willis is the first entrepreneur-in-residence at IPFW. He founded and served as CEO and chairman of Command Systems, Inc. in Fort Wayne, until its sale last year to General Dynamics, Inc. He is currently the chairman and co-founder of FourthWave Inc., L.L.C., where he is developing new concepts and uses for his networking technology created at Command Systems to enhance military, homeland security, industrial and commercial real-time management systems.

Each year, IPFW will invite entrepreneurs with demonstrated expertise to teach, advise and mentor. Entrepreneurs-in-residence will share insight and experience, and help students and faculty understand more deeply the process of entrepreneurship. Each will have an office in the School of Business and Management Sciences (SBMS), speak to classes and student organizations, and be available for discussions and mentoring. Throughout the academic year, the resident will invite additional successful entrepreneurs with diverse backgrounds to interact with students and faculty.

“This will provide IPFW students an opportunity to interact with successful entrepreneurs, to increase the relevance of classes on entrepreneurial issues, and to foster increased awareness of entrepreneurship among IPFW faculty members,” Wartell said. “The program’s inaugural resident, Don Willis, exemplifies what this program will offer. Don is the quintessential entrepreneur. He has always pushed for innovation with Command Systems, Inc. and FourthWave. He has worked to improve this community, and his acceptance of this residency reflects his ongoing commitment.”

“Mr. Willis epitomizes our mission here at the SBMS,” said John Wellington, dean of the IPFW School of Business and Management Sciences. “We strive to prepare students, primarily from northeastern Indiana, for professional business careers of increasing responsibility and leadership in a global society. This is precisely what Mr. Willis has done in his 43-year career, and his entrepreneurial experiences will greatly influence the education of our students.”

For more information on the Entrepreneur-In-Residence Program, contact Wellington at 260-481-6061 or E-mail: wellingj@ipfw.edu.