Prof. Dave Berque Receives 2007 Mira Award

May 19, 2007

May 19, 2007, Greencastle, Ind. - Dave Berque, professor and chair of computer science and Tenzer Family University Professor of Instructional Technology at DePauw University, is the winner of the 2007 Mira Techpoint Award for "Education Contribution in Technology - Individual." Dr. Berque was honored at a gala last night in Indianapolis.

Now in their 8th year, the Mira Awards spotlight Indiana's most successful technology-driven companies. Nominees include information technology, advanced manufacturing, life science and logistic companies, as well as K-12 and higher education institutions.

“The fact is Indiana is home to severalof the world’s top research and technology institutions of higher learning, as well as a large cluster of outstanding technology-focused companies and entrepreneurs,” says TechPoint president and CEO Jim Jay. “The Mira Awards provide an important opportunity to showcase these assets."

Dave Berque was honored for his efforts to create the software that is now marketed as DyKnow Vision. The professor's work at DePauw led to the development of pen-based technology that is now being used in classrooms around the country. The system, which is manufactured and marketed by DyKnow, was demonstrated by the professor in a recent appearance on Indianapolis CBS affiliate WISH. In 1997, Berque's efforts earned him recognition as the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Outstanding Baccalaureate Colleges United States Professor of the Year. 

Berque was one of four finalists in the category. Another was Dennis A. Trinkle, a 1991 graduate of DePauw University, who currently serves as chief information officer at Valparaiso University.

Jeff Mohl '99 and his colleagues at Ball State University celebrated a Mira Award for "Education Contribution to Technology - Department/Program" for Ball State's Electronic Field Trip program.

Another finalist, in "Information Technology Gazelle Company (started in the last three years)" was Dynamic Knowledge Transfer, LLC (DyKnow) of Indianapolis, founded by 1975 DePauw graduate David Becker. DyKnow employs a number of DePauw graduates, and will add two members of the University's Class of 2007 -- Emily Young and Joel Dart -- following Sunday's commencement.

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