Awards
- Chancellor and Provost Medallion - 2011
- IPFW Chancellor's Medallion
- Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Presenter: Michael Wartell
About Kenneth J. Balthaser
Dr. Kenneth J. Balthaser was born Nov. 12, 1939, in Canton, Ohio, he was a 1957 graduate of Green Township High School. He completed a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at The University of Akron, in 1961. His graduate degrees included Master of Science in Education, in 1963; Specialist in Education, in 1965; Doctor of Education, in 1967 from Indiana University, Bloomington Campus; and Master of Science in Librarianship with Graduation Honors from Western Michigan University, in 1978.
Balthaser came to IPFW in 1966, and retired in May of 2003 with 42 years of service. He had served as Director of the Learning Resource Center, Associate Professor of Education, Associate Librarian, and Assistant Director of the Library for Special Projects.
Balthaser was awarded the title Associate Librarian Emeritus at the time of his retirement. He received a certificate of recognition in 1986 from the IPFW Chapter of Sigma Xi (The Scientific Research Society) for his behind-the-scenes facilitation of faculty research efforts. He was selected as a lifetime honorary board member of the Indiana University at Fort Wayne Alumni Association, in 1988. The College Cable Access Center presented a Certificate of Recognition for his assistance in producing television programs in 1990 and 1991. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., Fort Wayne Section recognized his valued services and contributions as a Site Coordinator of IEEE Video Conferences, in 1992. He received a Certificate of Appreciation in 1992 from the Indian Purdue Student Government Association for devoted and invaluable services rendered. he was recognized with a "Great Men Then and Now" award in 1993 for his support of the program and activities of IPFW's Multicultural Services Department. In 2003, he was recognized for his work on the Executive Committee for the first Northeast Indiana Regional Future City Competition, in 2002. He received the Paul E. Shaffer medal, in 2005, in recognition for outstanding service, leadership, and generosity to IPFW. In 2006, he was in the inaugural class of inductees to the IPFW athletics Hall of Fame. He was a life member of the Purdue University President's Council recognizing his loyalty and generous support in the pursuit of excellence. He was a member of Mensa and his recent community service included volunteering for WFWA-TV PBS 39. He was an active member of Plymouth Congregational Church, Fort Wayne; past member of the Board of Deacons; was on the reach.renew.rejoice! Capital Campaign Leadership Team and the Stewardship and Finance Committee. He provided technical support for the annual Boar's Head and Yule Log Festival for many years. After being one of the operators for the audio system for several years, he donated the equipment to establish the video ministry in 2002, and remained actively involved for the remainder of his life. He was recognized by the Deacons' Worship Committee as a "Good and Faithful Servant", in 2007, and was serving on the Audio Video Subcommittee and the Sweat Equity Task Force at the time of his death.
Balthaser passed away Saturday, January 31, 2009, at Parkview Hospice in Fort Wayne at the age of 69.