Mark Fornefeld
Mark Fornefeld
By Samantha Cotten | Editor-in-Chief
Senior actuarial science major Mark Fornefeld is a familiar figure on the campus of the University of Indianapolis.
Although many have seen him ride through campus on his bicycle, few actually know of the challenges and successes Fornefeld has experienced during his four years at UIndy.
Diagnosed with autism, Fornefeld said that his first year at UIndy was a complete wreck. He struggled with his academic and social life for the majority of his freshman year before finally becoming acclimated to college life.
“I didn’t do too well in one of my classes. Luckily, I pulled it out in the second semester,” Fornefeld said. “It [freshman year] started out very messy, but then I learned to perfect it. It was like an art.”
According to Mary Cavanaugh, director of the Baccalaureate for University of Indianapolis Learning Disabled (BUILD) Program, Fornefeld has used his experiences with autism to support other students with learning disabilities.
“He [Fornefeld] has grown so much in his four years,” Cavanaugh said. “He is an advocate for students with learning disabilities. Mark truly used the BUILD program well.”
Fornefeld has participated with other autistic students in a study directed by the occupational therapy program. The goal of the study was to help UIndy professors better accommodate students with learning disabilities.
“I’ve noticed changes in the way that professors label their syllabi,” Fornefeld said. “Now, a lot of the professors have put the Americans with Disabilities Act section in their syllabi.”
Since his freshman year, Fornefeld has become an active part of the Catholic Student Association. As a self-proclaimed “cradle Catholic,” Fornefeld said that he thinks it’s important for students to continue to practice their religion on campus.
“I think religious organizations – any type of religion – helps students,” Fornefeld said. “Religion helps us with self-control and knowing when to stop.”
Although Fornefeld said that he has had several defining moments in his college career, his biggest and best experience will begin in just 15 days.
“I’m going to Paris, France, with Sister Jennifer Horner on a Taize Pilgrimage,” he said. “I hope to see how universal love is while I’m there.”
CSA President Scott Knust is looking to Fornefeld to help take the organization to the next level next year. Because Fornefeld won’t graduate until December 2009, Knust hopes Fornefeld can help CSA transition to new leadership.
“Mark [Fornefeld] is our No. 1 marketer,” Knust said. “He runs our Facebook group, and he always invites the most people to Bible study. He tells everyone on campus.”
In addition to working with the CSA, Fornefeld also enjoys doing anything with numbers, drawing maps, making up puns and watching the History Channel.
“I can recite area codes and the latitudes and longitudes of most major cities,” Fornefeld said. “I learned that by drawing maps in high school.”
Whether because of his friendly face, his dedication to religion or his unique talents, Fornefeld truly is one of UIndy’s essential people.
“Everyone knows him, and he’s always friendly,” Knust said. “Mark really does brighten everyone’s day.”
