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Donna Walden earns Distinguished Alumni honors
May 13, 2003 | |||||
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KOKOMO, Ind.—Donna J. Walden loves school. Recipient of the IU Kokomo Alumni Association’s 2003 Distinguished Alumni Award, the Russiaville resident has spent her life as both educator and student. She taught elementary grades from 1967–1989 for Western School Corporation, became the corporation’s curriculum director for 10 years, and then spent another 3 years as its assistant superintendent. Beginning her studies as a non-traditional student when classes were held in the Seiberling mansion, Walden discovered a loved and talent for teaching while working as a classroom substitute. Her degrees include a B.S. and an M.S. both in elementary education, earned at IU Kokomo in 1970 and 1975, respectively; an M.S. in administration and supervision with school principal certification from IU Bloomington in 1986; and an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration with superintendent certification from Purdue University in 1994. Walden belonged to the first IU Kokomo class to earn bachelor’s degrees in education. Most undergraduate classes were lectures, with limited student interaction, she said. “There were no technology classes except one on learning how to operate a 16mm film projector.” She took about 30 hours of elective classes in psychology, convinced that, as a teacher, “It is important to have a good understanding of how children develop, what phases they go through, and what motivates them.” Memorable Division of Education professors Walden encountered included Bill Inskeep, Allen Maxwell, Harold Brinegar, LaVelle Fortenberry, and Lyndan Hill. State influence over education expanded dramatically throughout Walden’s career. “We needed to document and report everything to the state, and we worked together to meet the state’s new curriculum standards.” Walden helped Western School Corporation initiate state-mandated reforms in teaching special education and gifted students. Since retiring in 2001, Walden has kept busy with lots of volunteer projects, including helping the Howard County Partners in Education put on its annual “Welcome to the Real World” and “Living in the Real World” programs. “There’s something in me that says, 'You have to give back to your community,’ ” Walden said. An avid pianist, she plays for services at Main Street Christian Church in Russiaville, where she also teaches Sunday school and chairs mission work. She is active in the Kokomo Rescue Mission’s Open Arms Ministry for homeless women and children. She is a member of the Indiana Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Phi Delta Kappa. Donna Walden and her husband, Dan, have four children and ten grandchildren. Donna’s father, Richard Rea, spent 35 years with Western School Corporation as a principal and superintendent. Her mother, Virginia Rea, was an executive secretary and administrator for Haynes Stellite. “They were both very professional people, and they inspired me,” Walden said. The IU Kokomo Alumni Association presented its 2003 Distinguished Alumni award to Donna Walden at Commencement ceremonies on May 13. This award was established by the IU Kokomo Alumni Association (IUKAA) to recognize an individual who has distinguished him or herself with personal and professional accomplishments, community service and involvement with Indiana University and the Alumni Association as well as IU Kokomo alumni who have helped make the world a better place for future generations.
During the ceremony, Elizabeth Douglass, IUKAA president, noted Walden’s “long and fruitful career, she has earned four degrees, taught two generations of students, and proved a skilful administrator in a time of rapid change.” Walden
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