Dear Readers of the of the South Shore Journal:
We would like to extend our sincere welcome to you in this 3rd Edition of the South Shore Journal. As in past years, this edition was supported by the partnership among the Indiana University Northwest Center for Regional Excellence (CRE) and the Quality of Life Council (QLC). It is our hope that the articles featured in this edition will provide you with a venue that celebrates the works of scholars and community leaders, providing a shared resource to continue the dialogue in our pursuit for a positive quality of life for all in the region.
The IU Northwest Center for Regional Excellence serves as the “Doorway for university and community engagement,” fostering research and teaching, experiential learning, and service through collaboration among faculty, students, and community leaders. As an open door, the CRE effectively eliminates previously perceived walls which could have separated the university from the community and instead fosters positive reaching out and reaching in between and among all constituents through strategic engagements in the region. The mission of the Quality of Life Council is to serve as a public/private partnership dedicated to the promotion of economic development, environmental well- being, and social equity in Lake, Porter, and LaPorte Counties.
This year the Editorial Board has decided to showcase scholarly and creative works that represent a broad range of academic disciplines, with topics inspired by the QLC regional quality indicators that include: a diverse community where residents are treated with equity and dignity, an economically thriving region, a region of opportunity, a region in balance with its’ environment, a region that facilitates learning and intellectual growth, a health community, a region of open neighborhoods, an accessible community, a safe community, a region that appreciates the arts and celebrates life, and a community of engaged and caring citizens.
We would like to extend sincere thanks to the 2009 Editorial Board. They made this publication possible through collaborative efforts among IU Northwest, Purdue University Calumet, Purdue University North Central, Ivy Tech Community College, Valparaiso University, and Calumet College of St. Joseph. We offer special thanks to the authors and readers of this edition. Your engagement in the regional discussion, necessary to promote an enriched quality of life for all residents in northwest Indiana, is greatly valued and appreciated.
Sincerely,
Roy Evans, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Civil Engineering Technology Purdue University Calumet Editor, South Shore Journal: 3rd Edition