Gordon Institute History
The History of the Gordon Institute
The institute functioned in the exploratory and planning phase under the direction of Professor Bill Gordon, who was the institute’s visionary from its onset. Grace College president, Dr. Ron Manahan, officially announced and named the Institute during Commencement ceremonies on May 9, 2009 as the William P. Gordon Institute for Enterprise Development. At that time, Tim Ziebarth was named the Institute’s director. Tim served as director until he was named director of Online Education in August 2011. Then, Alan Grossnickle became the newest director of the Institute. The Institute has developed a strategic plan to support Grace College and the School of Business activities through 2018.
Strategic Goals:
- Student Engagement
- Community Engagement
- Alumni Engagement
Bill Gordon
Gordon Institute Visionary
Tim Ziebarth
Institute Director
Al Grossnickle
Institute Director
I. Student Engagement
- Internships – Facilitating and proctoring student work experiences.
- Applied Learning – Offering experiential learning opportunities.
- Consulting – Providing business expertise and acumen.
- Practicums – Facilitating project-based programs.
- Business Plan Competition – Cultivating enterprise development.
II. Community Engagement
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) – Providing free tax preparation for qualifying taxpayers.
- Executive Forum – Offering relevant forums on business themes.
- Renaissance Executive Forum – Facilitating executive thought and collaboration.
- High School Entrepreneurship Programs– Provide dual credit opportunities and business acumen.
- Kauffman Foundation FASTTRAC programs – Offering adult entrepreneurship opportunities.
- Financial Literacy – Providing financial understanding and accomplishment.
- Micro Enterprise/Lending – Providing small businesses and organizations with guidance.
III. Alumni Engagement
- Coaching – Providing workshops, practicums and mentoring.
- Collaboration – Facilitating opportunities for those with needs and those with resources.
- Connection – Enabling access to corporate and academic resources.
- Capital – Providing direction, expertise and resource availability.
- Convenience – Facilitating educational and enterprise development capability.
- Creativity – Providing internships, practicums and consulting.
Questions?
Email Alan Grossnickle or call (574) 372-5100, ext. 6091.