The First Decade of Excellence, the Indianapolis NSBE Alumni Extension Story

 The Indianapolis Alumni Extension was founded in 1989 by a group of dynamic professionals from Eli Lilly and Co., Indianapolis Power & Light Co, and AT&T Corporation.  That core group led by Kimberly Ennett, Stephen Lee, Kevin Shelby, and Karyn Williams drafted the original chapter for the charter and constitution in July 1990.  

Thanks to the strong vision of the inaugural chapter leadership, the early history of the chapter has been chronicled through past chapter newsletters. The first edition was published in May 1991 by Editors Denise Houser and Donald Woodward; that issue highlighted the entire years' events. The strong technical articles and dynamic editorials by President Stephen Lee clearly show the strong foundation that was laid. And yes, it is evident from reading the early newsletters that the Indianapolis Alumni Chapter (IAC) was a social & cultural epicenter for African American Technical professionals as well.

Originally called Indianapolis Alumni Chapter (IAC), the group maintained a strong theme of Technical development. TECH-TALK was one of the series hosted by the chapter along with networking opportunities such as INDY MIXERS for new engineers and computer scientists. With the numerous activities the chapter set the groundwork for our current Pre College Initiative endeavors with MEPI.

NSBE Indianapolis Alumni’s first regular meeting was at Eli, Lilly & Co, Bldg 98, meetings were held on Tuesday afternoons.  The 1991-92 board including Myron Hardiman, Kevin Shelby, Andy Crowe and Denise Houser, successfully grew the NSBE-Alumni Chapter beyond the walls of Eli Lilly.  AT&T's Corporation became the new meeting location and the dates were moved to the 3^rd Thursday of each month.  Long range goals for the chapter were established during this time.

Ms. Kim Ennett was elected as Region 4 Alumni Chairperson, the first of many IAE members who would serve NSBE at a national level.  (Kim’s two sisters, Gretchen Horne and Alessandra Ennett would also work for Eli Lilly and eventually hold prominent leadership roles in the chapter & region throughout the 90’s). 

The 1992-93 year was a period of decline for the chapter; many of the founding members had life changes, increasing career responsibilities and newfound opportunities outside the city.  Consequently, NSBE felt those effects and the chapter became inactive.

After a year of inactivity, Indy AE made a stunning comeback following the 1993 National Convention in Houston Texas.  Several representatives from the Indianapolis area attended and a renewed the spirit of NSBE alumni!  Four individuals who attended the National Convention set out to reestablish the chapter.  Chapter president, Reggie Horne wrote in a 1993-1994 newsletter “We met every two weeks for four months. The group's focus was to develop an annual plan of programs and activities for the 1993-1994 year. As we began planning, what started as four people tripled in number."

Later that year, more members began to see where NSBE was an asset in the community. NSBE members saw how what began as something burdensome, was now a positive impact on the community as a whole.  A more professional mindset took over the chapter. Members became more accountable for their actions and realized the linkage to the community they served.  A focus on personal development and social activities were emphasized.  The PCI programs success gave members a spiritual fulfillment to give back!  

As time progressed an influx of new members flooded the city's growing the local NSBE chapter.  These NSBE newcomers would take employment at Navistar International, Ford Motor Company, Dow Chemical, National Starch & Chemical, Cummins Corporation and many small engineering and consulting firms in the downtown area.