Photo Caption: From left, Trine University President Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., Mark Music, Sarah Music, and Jeremy Goossens, director of esports at Trine. (Photo by Dean Orewiler / Trine University)

Photo Caption: Trine University President Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., speaks at the dedication of the Mark and Sarah Music/Ruoff Mortgage Esports Arena. (Photo by Dean Orewiler / Trine University)

ANGOLA, Ind. (10/01/2024) — Trine University's new Mark and Sarah Music/Ruoff Mortgage Esports Arena is about much more than competition, according to university President Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D.

"It's a dynamic environment where technology, creativity and community all come together," he said at the arena's dedication. "This place will be used for everything from competitive gaming to academic research and from community engagement to an experiential learning experience. This facility will serve as a living laboratory for students in areas like video production, event management, computer programming and cybersecurity."

The ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 28, during Homecoming, included Mark and Sarah Music, who were honored for their $250,000 gift toward the project, as well as other members of the Board of Trustees, representatives from Easterseals, community members and Trine alumni, faculty, staff and students.

"Mark and Sarah's impact is felt far and wide, from their contributions to Trine's growth to their involvement in various community initiatives across northern Indiana and our state," Dr. Brooks said. "We're proud to honor their legacy and grateful for the opportunities they have created for generations of Trine students to come."

Cutting-edge technology

The new 5,600-square-foot arena, located in Best Hall, is designed to accommodate growth in Trine's esports program and in its community partnerships.

The $2.1 million project transformed an auditorium classroom into a facility featuring 60 state-of-the-art gaming computers. The cutting-edge technology will cater to a diverse range of gaming preferences and skill levels.

The arena includes a spacious spectator area, dynamic competitive battle stage and fully equipped broadcast booth for live streaming and commentary.

"This marks a really exciting new chapter for us and esports as we formally dedicate this space and really raise the standard for us, and I think for a lot of institutions around us, in terms of what an esports arena looks like," Dr. Brooks said.

The new facility will allow the university to expand its esports partnership with Easterseals as well as local schools with esports programs.

Trine has partnered with Easterseals Northern Indiana as that organization has become a national leader with its esports program.

The national Easterseals organization shared its vision for an accessible, inclusive gaming community, dubbed ES Gaming, at a 2022 conference with affiliate leaders. Easterseals Arc CEO Donna Elbrecht recognized the tremendous potential of the initiative and knew Easterseals RISE in Angola was an ideal location to pilot an esports program before expanding it throughout northern Indiana.

Trine University, which has offered esports since 2017 and included an esports arena when it built the MTI Center, was a natural partner as Easterseals developed its program.

"Through the partnership with Easterseals RISE, this esports arena is being used to empower individuals with disabilities, offering them access to technology and training opportunities that promote inclusion and build valuable life skills," Dr. Brooks said.

About Mark and Sarah Music

Mark Music has been a member of Trine University's Board of Trustees since 2022.

Since arriving at Ruoff in 2007, he has led the company's growth from 18 employees to nearly 1,000, and one location in Fort Wayne to 74 lending centers.

He was named the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in the Financial Services category in 2017 and has been honored by INC 17 times as CEO of three different companies, including a current streak of 10 consecutive years for Ruoff Mortgage.

In addition to his role at Ruoff, Mark Music is founder and owner of Accucomp LLC and Centurion Land Title, Inc., both located in Fort Wayne. He is also principal owner of the Fort Wayne Football Club.

He serves as a governing board member for the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership and a member of the Board of Directors for the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. He also serves as treasurer for the Board of Directors for The Shepherd's House, a transitional living center serving veterans.

Sarah Music is chief executive officer of Ruoff Insurance, with more than 20 years of experience in the field.