Last modified: Thursday, September 12, 2002
Columbus doctor to lead Indiana University alumni
For nearly 40 years, Robert L. Forste has served Indiana University and its alumni association in various volunteer capacities, first as a student and, later on, while he practiced orthopedic surgery in Columbus, Ind. On Sept. 1, Forste capped off his career as a volunteer when he took office as the 2002-03 national chairman of the IU Alumni Association.
"Serving as chairman gives me the opportunity to visit our great alumni as well as friends and supporters of IU, work with the wonderful IUAA staff, and feel like a real contributor to the mission of the university," said Forste, who earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from IU in 1968 and a degree in medicine in 1971.
He said he hopes to leave the association stronger and more active, adding, "I want to carry the message of the importance of membership to alumni all over the country, and to enlist members' help in recruiting their alumni friends to join the IUAA."
Forste, who lives in Columbus, Ind., succeeds Lynn Vaught Lewis, a retired school counselor from Clarksville, Ind. He has served as president of the Medical Alumni Council, the Bartholomew County Alumni Club and the Dean's Council of the IU School of Medicine. He has been a member of the Well House Society and the Varsity Club for more than 20 years.
Other IUAA officers also beginning their terms are Thomas D. Rush, B.S. 1962, M.B.A. 1963, of Indianapolis, IUAA chairman-elect; P.Thomas Moore, B.A. 1969, Indianapolis, vice chairman; Donna Berry Spears, B.S. 1979, M.P.A. 1981, Bloomington, secretary; and Ingrid Miller Toschlog, B.G.S. 1987, Indianapolis, treasurer.
The Indiana University Alumni Association serves the university and its more than 440,000 living graduates through programs, services and communications. One of the nation's five largest alumni organizations, the IUAA strives to keep alumni engaged with their alma mater. For information, visit https://www.alumni.Indiana.edu or call 800-824-3044.
