Schererville resident, who was involved in many campus activities, gave "student response"

Purdue University Calumet student Jennifer Dinell of Schereville takes a break from all of the activities in which she is involved on campus.

Purdue University Calumet student Jennifer Dinell, who received her bachelor's degree in elementary education, was immersed in so many student activities that she was on campus from morning to night.

"I have really good time management," Dinell said. "I came to school at 7 or 7:30 a.m. and stayed until 9 or 9:30 p.m.

The 22-year-old Schererville resident presented the "student response" at Purdue University Calumet Commencement Exercises, May 22, at the Radisson Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville.

In the "student response," Dinell advised her fellow graduates.

"I challenge you to never stop learning and keep in touch with those who have made an impact on your life," she said. "Keep setting goals for yourself and strive to reach them. Walk out of here today and be proud to say that you are a graduate of Purdue University Calumet. Go into the world with confidence because you know you have the knowledge, ability, and skills to take you far in life."

Dinell was active in numerous organizations and activities and received various honors.

She served as Student Government vice president for student programming and chair of the Student Programming Board, through which she coordinated the university's homecoming festivities.

She was president of the Indiana Student Education Association, a student ambassador, a Purdue Alumni Association Calumet (PAAC) student delegate, a supplemental instructor, an orientation leader and a member of the Society of Success and Leadership.

"I got a lot of help along the way," Dinell said. "I have an understanding family, and my fiancé didn't complain when he couldn't see me as much."

According to Dinell, her father, who earned a Purdue Calumet degree in industrial engineering, inspired her to get involved at school.

"He's a role model," Dinell said. "He is never one to just do what is required. He believes in doing more."

Dinell is the 2004 recipient of PAAC'S Outstanding Student Award and the 2004 UPS Outstanding Student Leader Award.

Additionally, Dinell is a dance and tumbling teacher at Broad Street Dance Company in Griffith and is assistant director of the Indiana Youth Ballet of Griffith.

A dance student since age 10, she assisted in dance class at 12, and taught her own class when she was 15.

"I like dance but, I thought education was more of what I wanted to do."

Dinell said when she was a child, "I played teacher. That's all I ever did. I had a desk and a chalkboard in the basement and taught my brother who is four years younger than me."