Rullman
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Loren Rullman was spared new job jitters when he took the helm at the Indiana Memorial Union in Bloomington on Aug 9. He was on very familiar turf.
A native Hoosier, Rullman succeeded Winston Shindell, who retired from the executive director post at IMU after 23 years.
“For me, this is a homecoming. I’m a graduate of IU, so is my wife, my father, my sister and brother-in-law. In fact, my wife and I met at a student organization meeting in the IMU,” said Rullman. “My values system aligns with IU. It is a unique and special place. I attribute its spirit to the legacy of Herman Wells, and so does my wife.”
Rullman’s 16-year-long career in college union management has taken him to two other Midwestern states—Missouri and Michigan—but it actually began at the IMU. “I worked here while I was in graduate school studying higher education. The odds of coming back into this job are pretty rare. I’m delighted it has worked out,” he said.
Prior to returning to Bloomington, he was director of university unions at the University of Michigan, where he was responsible for managing the operation of three unions, Michigan Union, Michigan League and Pierpont Commons. When asked if it was difficult leaving that esteemed Big Ten school and college town, Rullman replied, “We had a great life in Ann Arbor, but the IMU and the auditorium are a remarkable benchmark for IU. This is the place—they’ll have to drag me out of here.”
Rullman’s plans for Thanksgiving Day include bringing his wife and eight-year-old daughter to the Tudor Room for the traditional buffet. He noted that his predecessor, who still has an office in the IMU, will likely be dining there as well.
“The Tudor Room is such a point of identification for people at IU. The union—the Tudor Room—is where community is formed. On any given day, you can see the president, retired folks, visitors, faculty and students. It is a microcosm of IU’s Hoosier hospitality. One of the things I love most is that people know they are welcome here.”
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