Salem Alumni Banquet set for April 24

The annual Salem Schools Alumni Banquet will be held Friday, April 24, at 7 p.m.

The event, hosted this year by the Class of 2001 in recognition of its 25-year reunion, supports the Salem Alumni Association’s ongoing efforts to provide scholarships and gifts to Salem Community Schools.

Two alumni speakers will be featured, representing milestone classes. Luke Dean will speak on behalf of the Class of 2001, while Ted Fultz will represent the Class of 1976, which is marking its 50-year reunion.

Dean currently serves as associate superintendent at Salem Community Schools and has spent 19 years in public education. His career includes 13 years in the classroom and six years in administration. He also coached varsity football for 21 seasons, including 16 as a head coach. Dean holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Indiana University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Western Governors University, and is completing an Ed.S. in educational leadership at Indiana University.

Fultz, a 1976 Salem High School graduate, went on to earn a degree in civil engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology after receiving an Army ROTC scholarship. He later earned advanced degrees from Missouri University of Science and Technology and the U.S. Army War College. Fultz retired as a colonel after more than 30 years of military service, with assignments in multiple countries. He also worked more than 25 years as a licensed civil engineer with the Illinois Department of Transportation.

According to organizers, tickets for the banquet are $25 and can be purchased at LaGene Jewelers, through Venmo on the Alumni Association’s Facebook page, or by contacting Stacey Gilbert at 812-620-6029.

The evening will include dinner and remarks from both speakers.