RENSSELAER — U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita is on the St. Joseph's College Board of Trustees, but he isn't speaking about his involvement with the institution or its impending suspension.
The board voted last month to suspend operations at the private college for an undetermined period of time in response to its long-running financial issues. Rokita, who represents District 4, which includes Rensselaer, is one of more than 30 trustees on the board.
He declined an interview with the Journal & Courier, and his press secretary referred all questions regarding the board to Chairman Ben Sponseller or communications officials for the college.
Rokita, a member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, has served on the board for about a decade, according to financial reports the college is required to file with the federal government.
When asked about his involvement with the board, college officials said Rokita has a good attendance record at board meetings, according to Jennifer Young Dzwonar, managing principal at Borshoff, an Indianapolis-based public relations firm that is working with St. Joe's.
The Journal & Courier also asked whether Rokita voted for or against the suspension, but Young Dzwonar said the college does not release how each member votes on issues.