LAKE JAMES — If you are a statistics junkie, you would have loved Mike Bock’s presentation at Wednesday’s Angola Area Chamber of Commerce annual luncheon.
The senior vice president from Trine University gave statistical data comparing some key numbers at the university from 2000 to 2016 that show unprecedented growth.
Bock said much of the growth was due to the excellent working relationship the university has with the city of Angola.
“We are just extremely pleased with our partnership with the city of Angola,” Bock said.
Of particular note, Bock pointed to the recently received Regional Cities Initiative grant for $2.8 million, which is being used to assist with funding of the development of the Thunder Ice Arena and MTI Center, the new, main sports facility being built on campus. Thunder Ice Arena opens this fall and the MTI in 2018.
Angola has provided material assets — streets and other infrastructure — and labor for a sizable in-kind contribution to the project, which was used as a match for the grant.
“We couldn’t have done that without our partners with the city,” Bock said.
What’s going on with the two athletic facilities and the recent addition and renovation to Best Hall punctuates a period of time that has seen marked growth at the university. The $6.5 million addition to Best Hall opened in January.
In the last 16 years of the institution that will be 133 years old this fall, Trine has grown from 1,300 students in 2000 to 4,998 in 1916, Bock’s data said.
The regional economic impact of the university is $100 million, up from $25 million in 2000, based on an independent analysis, Bock said.
Reflecting the growth of the Angola campus, the university has 38 buildings, which includes acquisitions and new construction, compared to 14 in 2000.
Full-time faculty has nearly doubled in the last 16 years. There were 98 ion 2016 compared to 52 in 2000. There are 685 faculty and staff members compared to 150 in 2000. Total employment at all operations is 1,128, of which 331 are full time and 797 part time.
The university’s operating budget has more than doubled, increasing to $53.4 million in 2016 from $22.5 million in 2000.
Reflecting Trine’s growth, the university’s total net assets have more than quadrupled. Net assets in 2016 were $112 million compared gtot $25 million in 2000. Similar numbers are reflected in Trine’s plant, property and equipment, which was $91.5 million in 2016 compared to $20.1 million in 2000.
As was announced earlier this week, Trine will have its largest graduating class in school history at the May 13 commencement with 978 students receiving degrees.
The university has grown from a teacher’s college in the 1800s to one that only offered bachelor’s degrees to one now that offers master’s and, the newest addition, doctoral programs.
Trine has nine branch campuses compared to three in 2000.
Another first this year will come with the university’s first-ever commencement on foreign soil. Trine has partnerships in China, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand and Malaysia, where the commencement will be held.
Bock explained that after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America, it has been difficult getting students into the United States. He said it often is easier to get faculty out to these countries than to bring students in. Trine has students from 33 states and 20 foreign countries.
Bock pointed out that Trine employees give numerous hours of volunteer time in the community, along with donations, which has a sizable impact. Also, students involved in Greek organizations provide numerous hours of time and money in the community.