Taylor, Ambassador Partnership Will Help Determine the Future of the TUFW Property

Taylor University has hired advisors on how to dispose of the Fort Wayne campus. Here is a link to the story as it appeared on WANE-TV. http://www.wane.com/dpp/news/local_wane_fw_tufw_enlists_help_for_fw_campus_200903180930The text that follows is a Taylor University press release:Taylor University has entered a strategic partnership with Fort Wayne-based Ambassador Family Enterprises with a goal of determining the next steps for the property and buildings that comprise the Taylor University Fort Wayne (TUFW) campus. The partnership follows last fall’s announcement that the traditional undergraduate program on the TUFW campus will end on May 31, 2009. “Our first priority continues to be the faculty, staff and students who have been affected,” said Taylor University President Dr. Eugene B. Habecker. Habecker stated that the next priority is the effective use of the TUFW campus. “We believe the partnership with Ambassador helps us create a framework for determining the highest and best use of this historic property. We have long respected Ambassador’s expertise and connections to the Fort Wayne community and feel they will bring a valuable third-party perspective to this effort. We believe this partnership will benefit the Fort Wayne community and our Fort Wayne alumni and friends.” Ambassador Family Enterprises was founded in 2006 by Daryle Doden, former owner and CEO of Ambassador Steel Corporation. Ambassador Family Enterprises engages in investment and business operations while training leaders to develop high-trust, high-care, high-performance communities of excellence. “I am grateful for the leadership of Dr. Habecker and Taylor University and their dedication to being a community of excellence,” said Doden. “This is clearly demonstrated by their commitment to a collaborative process for identifying the highest and best use of the campus while taking into consideration the interests of the Fort Wayne community.” Representing Ambassador in this project is Ambassador executive and long-time Fort Wayne-area businessman Garrett Cooper. Cooper previously served Taylor University as a faculty member and as director of the Institute for Organizational Effectiveness. “Garrett’s background and leadership experience will ensure a good-neighbor approach toward community members,” Doden added. “I am looking forward to partnering with Taylor University’s leadership to establish the criteria that will help determine the future of the campus property. We have named this effort ‘Project Rudisill’ because of the historic significance of Fort Wayne’s south side and the neighborhood,” Cooper said. “I believe building on our shared values will contribute to an effective outcome.” Cooper said input from interested parties would be sought and that a report would be given to the Taylor Board of Trustees later this year. For information call Garrett Cooper at 260-487-4052 or e-mail at rudisill@afefamily.com--- from Taylor University press release