Blocher-Smith swaps roles with President Dowden
FOR RELEASE: Saturday, January 12, 2008
Huntington, Ind.-Today, freshman Ethan Charles Blocher-Smith served as president-for-a-day at Huntington University. He is a chemistry pre-med and mathematics double major and biology minor from Fort Wayne, Ind. Blocher-Smith was the winner of "Operation Switch with a President," a Student Senate fundraiser for the Fund Allocation Committee, a group that supports various student-centered events.
Student G. Blair Dowden keeps a watchful eye on the pool with lifeguard Michelle Kyler, a sophomore elementary education major from Columbia City, Ind.
Student Senate seeks to build strong relationships with the administration and faculty of Huntington University and to establish traditions on campus for the student population. This is the eighth time President Dr. G. Blair Dowden and the senate have partnered together to sponsor the annual "Operation SWAP."
Blocher-Smith spent his day meeting with key members of the local and campus community. His schedule was as follows:
7:45 a.m.
Huntington University Foundation breakfast
9 a.m.
Become acquainted with members of the Huntington University Board of Trustees.
10:30 a.m.
Meet with Dr. Norris Friesen, vice president and dean of the university.
Noon
Lunch with President's Office staff and friends
2 p.m.
Meet with John Paff, executive assistant to the president.
2:30 p.m.
Meet with Troy Irick, vice president for advancement.
3:30 p.m.
Meet with Jeff Berggren, vice president of enrollment management and marketing.
4 p.m.
Wrap up the day. Invite friends to stop by.
Dowden fulfilled a typical Tuesday in Blocher-Smith's life. He attended a math class at 8 a.m., biology class at 1 p.m. and swimming class at 3 p.m.
Blocher-Smith is the son of Dr. David and Carolyn Smith. He was a Presidential Scholar and has been on the Dean's List. Blocher-Smith serves as a chemistry lab assistant and as a tutor in the university's Learning Center. He graduated from the Lion of Judah Academy in Fort Wayne, Ind., where he was a member of the speech and debate team and Royal Rangers. In addition, he served as a teaching assistant for Latin. He also has passed the Federal Aviation Administration's written flight exam and logged more than 150 hours as a pilot. He plans to pursue a combined M.D./Ph.D. after graduation.
