You had to mention Don Fortner! Let me tell you a little bit about Mr. Fortner that most of you probably already know. He is a WONDERFUL man.

  He was my Printing teacher and a mentor. He was also responsible for me getting my first job out of high school while attending Ball State. I worked at the on campus Print Shop in the darkroom and making plates . . . etc. He talked to the owner (who has since died) and they created a job for me. I worked there for 3 years until I received a job in the computer field which was  my major.

  Mr. Fortner cared about each and every one of his students. He would offer help inside and outside of the classroom. He made every class fun. Who could have thought that 3 hours of the same class in one day would be so much fun. He is also one who should be in the Without Them section.

Crista (Allen) Pineau '87

  Don Fortner is a joy to be around.  He is genuinely happy and it shows.

  He knows how to present the knowledge he has even to some of the "oldies" who are working with him. At a time when so many teachers say they are too busy to contribute to various community activities and do not have time to work toward the improvement and revitalization of the City of Elwood, Don Fortner has assumed the position of chairing this committee to prepare a Memorial Book for Elwood.

  He is making sure that this is all done in an atmosphere of "FUN" and at the same time he is teaching all of the others on this committee the process of putting this book together.

  I have only known Don Fortner a short time but what I have learned is that he is indeed someone special. I can only imagine how his students feel about him. As for me, I wish I were in school again and could be in one of his classes. He is, as Christa Pineau says, a wonderful and special man. He is giving to this community in a very lasting way. His students are learning about this small town and finding that there are many things they can have pride in. I salute Don Fortner and join Christa in saying, what would we do "Without Him"?

Sharon (Benedict) Hurst '53