About Me
My name is Bob Burchfield. I am Director of Academic Support Services in the School for Adult Learning (SAL) at the University of Indianapolis, where I've been a proud employee of UIndy for 25 years, since 1984. On May 8, 2009, the University held its annual recognition dinner for retirees and those who have completed 25 years of service. I received the traditional gold watch with the seal of the University embedded in the face:
Also, I teach computer classes at the University in SAL, including the Office 2007 Microcomputer Applications course and also the Web Design course. I am proud to have been named an Honorary Alumni of the University in June 2000 by the Alumni Association.
I'm also the Owner and Publisher of AroundIndy.com, a comprehensive Community Calendar containing day-by-day listings of things to do in Indianapolis and upcoming events in central Indiana and across the state. And I've also created and built Web sites for about 26 clients, colleagues, and friends from New York to Indianapolis to Nashville to Los Angeles to San Francisco.
IVCA Rose Award Honoree 2009
On Feb. 16, 2009, the city of Indianapolis and the Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association (ICVA) surprised me in my office -- with a film crew, no less -- and announced that I have been named a 2009 ROSE Award Honoree. ROSE stands for Recognition of Service Excellence. The ROSE Awards are presented annually to hospitality workers and volunteers who help make a positive impression on visitors to Indianapolis. Pauline Moffat, Executive Director of the Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival, nominated me for this award (without my knowledge, I might add!) based upon my five years of volunteer work as Web Manager for the IndyFringe Web site. I received a letter of congratulations from Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, and an invitation to attend the 18th annual ROSE Awards ceremony at the Indiana Roof Ballroom on March 4, 2009.
Anyone who knows me knows that I love Indianapolis. I think it is a GREAT city with GREAT people and lots of things to do. I was born in Indianapolis and I've lived in Indiana all my life--except the six years I was in the US Air Force after college. I'm honored and humbled and excited to have received this recognition, and I'm proud to do anything I can to help promote the city of Indianapolis! Thank you, Pauline, for this nomination!
On October 27, 2009, the Indianapolis Theatre Fringe Festival presented me with their Lifetime Achievement Award for my volunteer work as their Web Manager. I'm grateful to Pauline Moffat, Executive Director, for allowing me this opportunity, and I so appreciate the support and encouragement I've received from Tom Battista, Jill Ditmire, Gary Reiter, Nora Campbell, Wendy Harrison, Lee Dykstra, Noreen Pierle, Lori Kaplan, and Jeff and Becki Roach.
It was an educational and rewarding five years as the IndyFringe Web Manager, and so I deeply regret the circumstances that forced me to resign from this volunteer position.
Miss America 2009: Katie Stam
I'm proud to know Katie Stam, Miss America 2009, who is a senior at the University of Indianapolis where I work. She is one GREAT young lady, absolutely The Real Deal in every sense of the word! She is the epitome of femininity. She has grace, style, charm, poise, personality galore, unlimited talent, and an award-winning smile that is as natural and sincere as can be. Not only smart, but intellectual beyond her years, she is an award-winning student and the most articulate 22-year-old I've ever known. She is passionate for the causes she champions, including service to others and Zerosmoke, a campaign to get young people to stop smoking. And when she speaks, you know with certainty that it is coming straight from the heart.
She visited campus on March 5, 2009, for the first time since being named Miss America in January. She was gracious enough to allow me to take a picture with her:
Congratulations Katie! We are all so proud of you here at UIndy!
Web Design and Development
I used to build new Web sites for clients. I don't do that any longer. I am not taking on any new clients. Why? Because I've got a FULL plate maintaining nearly two dozen Web sites that I've already built for clients and for myself, teaching 5-7 university computer classes annually in Web Design and Office 2007, maintaining my pages on MySpace, FaceBook, Twitter and other social networking sites, working at my full-time job, enjoying my beautiful little grandchildren, and taking care of my family.
If you would like to contact me via e-mail, here's the address: bob [at] burchie [dot] com. Or check out my other Web page at: http://facstaff.uindy.edu/~burchfield.
My Favorite Band
Everyone has a favorite band. Mine is the mighty soul and funk band from Oakland, California—Tower of Power. The band was founded in 1968 by bandleader Emilio Castillo. Now in its 41st year, Tower of Power is still unparalleled by any other band I've ever heard. I'm honored and delighted to be acquainted with the guys in the band and to run Web sites for a few of the current and former members of the band. I've traveled all over America to see this band's live shows, and I can't wait for the next opportunity to see another show. Nobody does it better. Period.
My Domain Name
By the way: why "Burchie?" Burchie has been my nickname since I was in Little League baseball back in the day!