Michael Koluch - Class of 2001
Michael Koluch is a CompTIAA and Microsoft Certified IT professional, skilled presenter/trainer, and proficient project manager for Arlington/Roe, Inc. in Indianapolis. Prior to moving on to a new career in IT, Koluch served in Higher Education since 2001 and most recently served as the Director of Academic Support for the Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MUCOM). Prior to moving to Indianapolis, Koluch served as the Assistant Dean of Students at Walsh University where he was responsible for creating, maintaining and assessing positive, student-centered, extra-and co-curricular programs and services.
When I first came to campus for a tour in 1997, Brother Charlie made a huge impression on me, especially since he was just being himself. It was at the beginning of our tour when he stopped and said he wanted me to meet two very important people on Walsh's campus - the snack bar ladies. Not the University President or a professor, but two people I would probably talk to every day of my four years here at Walsh. He knew them by name, and we stood chatting for several minutes. It was the way everyone treated each other with respect and kindness on campus that really made an impression on me. So much so, that I decided right then that this was the place for me.
There were so many fun times at Walsh living in Alexis Hall. There are a lot of things I miss …like pierogis in the cafeteria, hanging out with friends in Rannou in what can only be described as a "living room," playing guitar with Dr. Tom Freeland and other faculty members, and never ever climbing the bell tower.
One trip in particular stands out in my memories -- the Student Government White Water Rafting trip of 2000. I literally woke up one morning and decided it would be fun to organize a trip of students to West Virginia. I didn't think to run this past any administrators. I made up my mind to do it and got to work on organizing. I made some phone calls, got money from Student Government and it just seemed to snowball from there. As word got around, I should've realized the adults on campus might have a few concerns. I remember I was walking across campus one day when Dale Howard stopped me and said "Don't you think this is something we should talk about?" Looking back, I still smile when I remember my response "I know what you're thinking, Dale, but I can assure you, no one is going to die."
Though I was really trying to reassure him, as a former director of student activities, that kind of remark would make me very, very concerned. As I'm sure it did to Dale.
I'm happy to say the trip was a success! We had 35 students all together for the weekend with North American Runners in Hico, West Virginia. No one fell off the raft. No one got left behind. And we all had a great time together. I still have the VHS tape if anyone is interested.