Nobel peace prize laureate attends London alumni gathering

The honorable David Trimble (r) enjoys conversation with fellow Ball State alumni Michele Craig (l) and her husband Michael Craig (c) at a university reception London held November 6, 2006.

Nobel Peace Prize winner David Trimble joined a group of fellow Ball State graduates and current students at an alumni reception held in London on November 6, 2006. Trimble was recognized by the Nobel Foundation in 1998 for his efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Northern Ireland. He was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree from Ball State on May 4, 2002.

The reception guests included 15 current students in the university's London Centre study program and more than a dozen alumni employed in corporate management, photojournalism, public relations, international technology consulting, architecture and planning, and university administration.

Dr. Vaneeta D'Andrea, BS '66, spoke glowingly of the impact of professors Whitney Gordon and Hilda Gordon on her career as a university professor and academic affairs director. Industrial manufacturing executive Rod Clouse, BS '70, landscape architect Thomas Sudhoff, BLA '02, and 2006 graduate Alicia Mac Millan spoke to several London Centre students about internships in the U.K. Marketing executive Whitney (Ertle) Marx, BS'92, and NBC photojournalist Mike Terrel, '94, attracted enthusiastic questioning from students in information and media majors, as Carol Lavis, BA'96 and Bob Stine, BS '86, gave insights into banking administration and management consulting. Projects in Dubai kept 1987 architecture graduate Michael McGeady from attending the reception, but telecommuting to his work in Dubai made it possible for technology consultant Michael Craig, BS'93/MS'94, to accompany his wife Michele, BS'93, to the reception.

Dr. Rosalie Rohm, alumna of the first London Centre study group in 1972 and co-administrator with her husband professor Frank Sparzo, spoke to the group about the impact of study in London on her career. Her enthusiasm was echoed by emeritus professor Mort Rosenberg and his wife Linda, who both teach in the program.

On behalf of the London Centre students, history major Erin Hamilton praised Rohm and Sparzo for their personal interest in and involvement with the students.

The event was held at the headquarters of AngloAmerican Educational Services at Bloomsbury Square. The firm's founder, Mr. Peter Lowy and administrator Rocky Bhalla, were special guests at the reception in view of the firm's long association with the London Centre program.

Whitney Ertle Max (L) tells student Sam Rak about her work in

Whitney Ertle Marx (L) tells student Sam Rak about her work in the international public relations field.

Tyler Bohlman and alumna Carol Lavis enjoy a conversation about life in London.

London Centre student Sam Rak. Alumnus Rod Clouse, Anglo American Administrator Rocky Bhalla and London Centre student Erin Hamilton enjoy conversation at the November 6 reception.

NBC photojournalist Mike Terrell shares his post BSU experiences with London Centre students - (L - R) Mike Terrel, Tyler Bohlman, Nick Freda and Mike Charizopoulos.

Alumna Alicia McMillan tells London Centre student Emily Ortman about her work in London.