HALF FULL The Adrian College Perspective
The President’s State of the College Address March 31, 2017
“Half full motivates us to continue to add to the glass — to believe there is room for more, and that we can achieve it.
— President Jeffrey R. Docking
WATER FOUNTAIN AT CASCADE CIRCLE
Letter from the President of Adrian College
JEFFREY R. DOCKING, Ph.D. /// PRESIDENT, ADRIAN COLLEGE
At the State of the College address, we come together to reassess the contents of our “glass” — that is, the past, present and potential future we share as members of our College community. Since initiating the Renaissance plan 12 years ago, we have been pouring a constant stream of updates and innovations into this glass. However, the glass doesn’t fill — it grows. As we achieve each objective, we set even greater goals, cultivating a future with endless possibilities. Among the accomplishments soon to be poured into our glass are renovations of Mahan Hall, an Institute for Sports Medicine, and intercollegiate crew at Devils Lake. Each of these feats invigorates our optimism, encouraging us to move forward.
“THE THING I LIKE BEST ABOUT THIS EVENT IS THAT IT IS OUR STORY… EVEN THOUGH IT IS CALLED THE PRESIDENT’S STATE OF THE COLLEGE, IT IS OUR STORY TOGETHER… DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN AS A COMMUNITY TO MAKE THIS COLLEGE GREAT.”
I’d like to thank you — the faculty, staff, trustees, students, alumni and friends of the College — for your contagious faith in our future. Let us continue working together to keep the glass half full. Sincerely,
Jeffrey R. Docking, Ph.D.
STAT E O F T H E CO L L E G E
2017
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Letter from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees
PATRICK FARVER
/// CHAIRMAN, ADRIAN COLLEGE, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dear Friends, When I became a member of the Adrian College Board of Trustees back in 2006, our institution’s resurgence into prosperity was only just beginning. None of us could foresee what the next several years would hold, but to attract more students, we would have to make significant improvements. Despite an unknown future, our administration remained optimistic — the College, after all, could only achieve what we believed it could achieve. Our “glass half full” culture served as our guiding light. Over the course of my past 11 years on the Board, Adrian College has doubled its total enrollment and tripled its endowment. I believe in this institution, and it is my pleasure to see its potential come to fruition.
“THIS INCREDIBLE SUCCESS STORY CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE UNDYING OPTIMISM OF THE STUDENTS, STAFF, ALUMNI, FACULTY, AND FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE.”
This incredible success story can be attributed to the undying optimism of the students, staff, alumni, faculty and friends of the College — and for that, you all have my sincerest gratitude. I hope this synopsis of Adrian College’s recent accomplishments will fill you with confidence in its ability to achieve its goals. We have poured much into this “glass half full,” yet there remains room for so much more. Sincerely,
Patrick D. Farver
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ADRIAN COLLEGE
HALF FULL
The Adrian College Perspective
STATE OF THE COLLEGE ADDRESS
Adrian College President Jeffrey R. Docking introduced the idea of “Half Full” at the beginning of the 12th Annual State of the College Address. His speech set the stage for a series of presentations delivered by faculty, staff, students and community members, each highlighting the College’s recent achievements and upcoming efforts.
Friday | April 7, 2017 | 12:15 pm ADRIAN TOBIAS ROOM Dr. Jeffrey Docking — President Jim Mahony ‘00 — Vice President for Development, Emcee
PRESENTATIONS
Mahan Renovations Zach Dunn — Assistant Professor, Department of Art & Design Alexandra Cavinee — Student Trustee Terrace Patrick Farver — Chairman, Board of Trustees Alexander Sadie — Student New Leadership Minor Dr. Tony Coumoundouros — Associate Professor, Philosophy & Religion
Docking’s introduction centered on a half-full glass of water, which he pulled out from under his lectern. “WE SEE OUR GLASS AS HALF FULL,” DOCKING SAID. “HALF FULL MOTIVATES US TO CONTINUE TO ADD TO THE GLASS — TO BELIEVE THERE IS ROOM FOR MORE, AND THAT WE CAN ACHIEVE IT. YET, WE ALSO CELEBRATE THAT WHICH WE HAVE POURED INTO THE GLASS TO MAKE IT HALF FULL.” “Everyone who works here and supports this place is our half full glass. Half full reminds our community of all that we have done over the last several years, and reminds us there is more to do to provide students an incredible education and experience.” Docking then played a video featuring updates of the topics presented at last year’s State of the College, including the fashion merchandising major, the IMPACT campaign, the Walden West property, the Conrail Adrian Partnership, Chicago’s Catalyst Maria School, and the Medical Clinic and Studies Building. “It is our hope that today’s program will fill your glass,” Docking said, “while celebrating all you have done to fill ours, and motivate you to contribute your talents to creativity, hard work and optimism in making us better.” Throughout the program, Docking returned to the stage to introduce and commend the upcoming speakers, whose presentations on the College’s recent and upcoming undertakings embodied the “half full” perspective.
Rickey Jackson ‘16 — Graduate Student 223 Corridor Troy Schmidli ‘02 — Dean of Student Life Dustin Krasny — Assistant to Representative Timothy Walberg Student Research Brendan Harvey — Student Morgan Wiza — Student MAB Video Award Amelia Berg — Student Robert Alexander — Student Institute for Sports Medicine Dr. John Goetschius — Associate Professor, Department of Exercise Science & Athletic Training
Devils Lake & AC Crew Dr. Frank Hribar — Vice President of Enrollment & Student Affairs Dick and Lynn Million — Special Guests 2017 Creativity Award Dr. Agnes Caldwell — Vice President & Dean of Academic Affairs Closing Story – Pay it Forward Kaylee Williams — Student
WATCH STATE OF THE COLLEGE 2016 REVIEW vimeo.com/216192675 STAT E O F T H E CO L L E G E
2017
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Presentation
MAHAN RENOVATIONS PRESENTED BY
/// ZACH DUNN — Assistant Professor, Department of Art & Design
ALEXANDRA CAVINEE — Student
The beginning of the end of “Renaissance II” is under way, thanks to a generous gift by the Sage Foundation. The donation will allow for the much-needed renovation of the Mahan Center for Art and Interior Design. Initial renderings of the building showcase both more modern architecture and a revamped art gallery, the latter of which would be moved from its current location in Shipman Library.
“HAVING A PURPOSE-BUILT GALLERY THAT IS ATTACHED TO THE ART BUILDING WILL ASSIST IN UNITING THE VISUAL ARTS, INCREASING STUDENT ACCESS TO THE GALLERY AND CREATING A MORE WELCOMING SPACE FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS.” — Alexandra Cavinee
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According to Alexandra Cavinee, “In addition to bringing the visual arts under one roof, having a purpose-built gallery that is attached to the art building will assist in uniting the visual arts, increasing student access to the gallery and creating a more welcoming space for prospective students.” As is the case with many capital projects, the precise details of the plan have yet to be finalized. However, President Docking has indicated that a two-story art gallery — one that replicates both the terrace and the rounded appearance of Peelle Hall and Shipman Library — may be a possibility.
TRUSTEE TERRACE PRESENTED BY
/// PATRICK FARVER — Chairman, Board of Trustees
ALEXANDER SADIE — Student
Take a walk through campus and you’re bound to see the latest campus beautification project — the Trustee Terrace at Phelps Garden. The garden is dedicated to Ma and Mickey Phelps, former staff members of Adrian College. The new terrace will provide a social gathering place, a photo area for weddings and reunions, and an option for professors who want to hold class outside.
“I believe this new terrace and garden will have a lasting effect on our campus community and our visitors,” said Alexander Sadie, 2017 senior class president. “They will be very impressed with the amazing transformation of the former garden area.” The rendition of the terrace was presented to the Board of Trustees at their spring meeting in 2016. The project is being funded by the board and other donors, as well as contributions made by the 2017 graduating class in the form of their senior gift.
“THE GARDEN IS EVIDENCE OF BOARD AND OTHER DONOR SUPPORT THAT IS COMMITTED TO THE ACADEMIC SIDE OF THE COLLEGE, AS WELL AS MAKING SURE THE GROUNDS AND FACILITIES ARE INVITING AND DRAW PERSONS TO CAMPUS.” — Patrick Farver
STAT E O F T H E CO L L E G E
2017
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Presentation
NEW LEADERSHIP MINOR PRESENTED BY
/// TONY COUMOUNDOUROS — Associate Professor, Philosphy & Religion RICKEY JACKSON ‘16 — Graduate Student
“Leadership and Ethics” is the latest minor that will be added to the Adrian College curriculum starting in 2018. The interdisciplinary program will require its students to take six courses. There will be nine new courses, including Leadership and Ethics, Ethical Organization and Leadership, and Social Movements and Leadership. Elective courses will sample from various departments, including history, business, sociology and criminal justice, and political science and communications.
“I BELIEVE THAT TO BECOME A GREAT LEADER, YOU MUST ALSO GIVE RESPECT AND EARN THE RESPECT OF YOUR PEERS. THE VALUE AND SKILLS OF LEADERSHIP CAN BE LEARNED, AND I BELIEVE THE NEW MINOR WILL BE A GREAT ADDITION FOR AC STUDENTS.” — Rickey Jackson
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According to Tony Coumoundouros, associate professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion, “[The] Ethical Leadership [minor] is grounded in an understanding of questions fundamental to the meaning of life and human existence and the ability to think critically about complex issues.” The minor — which aids students in developing their leadership potential — draws on the liberal arts to advance the understanding of leadership, its relation to ethical challenges and its capacity for positive and effective social engagement.
223 CORRIDOR PRESENTED BY
/// TROY SCHMIDLI ‘02 — Dean of Student Life DUSTIN KRASNY — Assistant to Representative Timothy Walberg
After seven years of working with federal, state and local authorities, Adrian College has received approval to build a new entrance route into the College. The road will branch off of the intersection of U.S. 223 and Industrial Drive to connect at Michigan Avenue and Charles Street. “We have been happy to work with the good folks at Adrian College for some time, and know that this new corridor from the highway into campus will benefit both the College and the community,” said Dustin Krasny, assistant to Representative Timothy Walberg. The design is still in the preliminary stages, but President Docking intends to beautify the area, making it much more than just a road.
“THIS WILL BE A GREAT ADDITION TO CAMPUS AND OUR COMMUNITY, AND WILL PROVIDE MANY PEOPLE THE ACCESSIBILITY AND EASE TO ENJOY ALL THAT ADRIAN COLLEGE HAS TO OFFER.” — Troy Schmidli
“Ideally it will have a water feature, gardens and walking paths,” Docking said. “It will provide an opportunity for students who want to read, relax, study and hang out, but also provide a beautiful entrance to the College that would impress those traveling on U.S. 223.”
STAT E O F T H E CO L L E G E
2017
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“It is our hope that today’s program will fill your glass while celebrating all you have done to fill ours, and motivate you to contribute your talents to creativity, hard work and optimism in making us better.” 8
— President Jeffrey R. Docking ADRIAN COLLEGE
STAT E O F T H E CO L L E G E
2017
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Presentation
STUDENT RESEARCH PRESENTED BY
/// BRENDAN HARVEY — Student MORGAN WIZA — Student The capstone projects conducted by Adrian College upperclassmen demonstrate the challenge of a liberal arts education at Adrian College. Among this year’s most unique research endeavors were those undertaken by Brendan Harvey and Morgan Wiza. For his environmental studies capstone research project, Harvey worked with the directors at Sanctuary Home — an orphanage for children of India’s lowest caste — to implement a sustainable method for feeding its residents.
“THANK YOU TO DONORS OF THE AC SUMMER RESEARCH FUND LIKE ROD MACLENNAN, WHO HELP SUPPORT OUR RESEARCH AND PASSIONS.” — Morgan Wiza
“I am partnering with two Indian agri-grow companies to finalize a greenhouse-food production system to be built this year,” said Harvey. “Additionally, we are working with organizations such as Engineers without Borders and Adrian College to see the nutritional needs of the children met — to unlock the potential for all 160 of these young persons’ futures.” With support from a 2016 Undergraduate Student Research Summer Grant, Wiza transcribed and analyzed the 1865 diary of Major Hinckley F. Beebe, a union soldier in the Iowa 38th Volunteer Infantry. According to Wiza, “Through my research with the diary, three significant findings on food, communication and weather revealed these were very important issues in the life of a soldier.”
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MAB VIDEO AWARD PRESENTED BY
/// AMELIA BERG — Student ROBERT ALEXANDER — Student A 13-minute-long video created by two Adrian College students took first place in the mini-documentary category of the 2017 Michigan Association of Broadcasters Student Broadcast Awards. Students Amelia Berg and Robert Alexander created the film, entitled “Passion Project | AC Edition” for Michael Neal’s Digital Media Production II (COMM239) course. “Our assignment was to take an original video idea and go through the production process from start to finish,” Berg said. “We wanted to do something different and creative, and that is when we came up with the Passion Project.” Over the course of the film, students, staff, faculty and members of the local community candidly discuss what they are passionate about. According to Alexander, “When we set out to interview people on campus, it was our goal to talk to as many as possible — students, faculty and everyone in between. [...] What we came to realize was that no matter who we spoke with, they all spoke with great enthusiasm and joy about what made them truly happy.” The fact that this video prevailed over 600 other contest submissions — including those from bigger schools, such as Michigan State University and Central Michigan University — underscores the quality of Adrian College’s Communication Arts program.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHT
PASSION PROJECT
“WE CAME UP THIS IDEA BECAUSE WE NOTICED THAT WHEN PEOPLE TALK ABOUT THE THINGS THEY ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT, THEY SEEM TO LIGHT UP.” — Amelia Berg
VIEW ONLINE NOW
adrian.edu/passionproject
STAT E O F T H E CO L L E G E
2017
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Presentation
INSTITUTE FOR SPORTS MEDICINE PRESENTED BY
/// JOHN GOETSCHIUS — Associate Professor, Department of Exercise Science & Athletic Training
Adrian College is in the process of putting the finishing touches on the Medical Clinic and Studies Building, a project announced during the 2016 State of the College address. The combined efforts of this institution, ProMedica, and Adrian Steel have created a unique opportunity for students to work with the physicians on staff to accumulate hands-on clinical experience. To help facilitate these new learning endeavors, the College has created a new institute — the Institute for Sports Medicine — to be housed in the new facility.
“AS WE CONTINUE TO GAIN NEW INSIGHTS INTO THE CONSEQUENCES OF SPORTS INJURIES AND THE HEALTH CARE BENEFITS OF EXERCISE, WE ARE SEEING GROWING OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAREERS IN THE FIELD OF SPORTS MEDICINE.” — John Goetschius
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According to John Goetschius, associate professor in the Department of Exercise Science and Athletic Training, “The role of the new Institute for Sports Medicine will be to provide students with opportunities to explore the field of sports medicine outside of the classroom and alongside expert faculty and medical professionals from our local and global community. Students will be exposed to the practical and scientific aspects of sports medicine through unique educational seminars and conferences, professional networking, exposure to research, and clinical experiences.” The College expects the Institute to positively impact both the lives of those participating in sports and the lives of those planning to practice sports medicine. “With over 800 student-athletes on campus, there will be no shortage of real-life clinical and scientific experiences for our aspiring sports medicine practitioners,” Goetschius said.
DEVILS LAKE & AC CREW PRESENTED BY
/// FRANK HRIBAR — Vice President, Enrollment & Student Affairs
DICK AND LYNN MILLION — Special Guests Plans for an Adrian College crew team are coming to fruition. To this end, the institution is purchasing the property necessary to establish a Bulldog boathouse on nearby Devils Lake. According to Frank Hribar, “We have passed the first hurdles of a signed purchase agreement and re-zoning, and expect the completed closing on this property from the Millions.”
“AS THE ENTIRE CAMPUS REFLECTS, THE COLLEGE WILL ENHANCE THE BEAUTY OF THE LAKE PROPERTY AND BE SURE IT IS WELL CARED FOR.” — Lynn Million The boathouse will replace the Clearwater Resort and Motel, owned by Dick and Lynn Million for over 20 years. “Dick and I are honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of the project and the College and look forward to returning to watch the progress — and, ultimately, a regatta — on Devils Lake,” Lynn said.
STAT E O F T H E CO L L E G E
2017
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Presentation
BRITTNEY DULBS, NOELLE KELLER, TOM HODGMAN, MARTI MORALES, MADELYN TAPP, SIERRA JOHNSON AND ANDREA BURT ANDREA BURT
“I AM TRULY HONORED THAT THE LEGACY TREE WILL HAVE A PERMANENT PLACE ON ADRIAN COLLEGE’S CAMPUS FOR ALUMNI AND THEIR FAMILIES TO VISIT FOR YEARS TO COME.” — Andrea Burt
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2017 CREATIVITY AWARD PRESENTED BY
/// AGNES CALDWELL — Vice President and Dean, Academic Affairs Adrian College’s annual Creativity Award Contest is a campus-wide brainstorming competition — one which encourages students, staff, and faculty to submit their most creative ideas for enhancing the College. The contributor of the winning idea receives a $1,000 personal award, and the College sets aside up to $10,000 to fund their project’s realization. Previously implemented ideas include the campus bike-sharing program, the Ribbons of Excellence mosaic on the steps outside Caine Student Center, the “Hello Walk” leading up to the Terrace, the globe in the Dawson Auditorium lobby, and the Bulldog donation bank inside Caine Student Center. The committee received 144 submissions for the 6th Annual Creativity Award Contest. The finalists were selected via a blind review process. This year, each finalist received a $50 gift card to the Arrington Bookstore.
CREATIVITY AWARD SUBMISSION
FINALISTS
2017
BULLDOG LI-BEANERY
• Create a second Bulldog Beanery in Shipman Library where students can enjoy a Starbucks-like atmosphere, sip coffee and grab a snack in a quiet studying environment.
- SIERRA JOHNSON - Student
MONTHLY CLOCK TOWER RIBBONS THEME
• Create a beautiful drapery or lighting of the colors of the Ribbons of Excellence on the Herrick Bell Tower on a monthly basis, as a reminder of what each ribbon stands for.
- DR. MARTI MORALES - Associate Professor, Biology
ADRIAN COLLEGE LEGACY TREE: HISTORICAL ROOTS
• A large art piece in the shape of a tree where upon graduation, the name and class year of the legacy graduate is printed on a metal leaf and linked to the name(s) of other family members who have previously graduated from Adrian College.
- ANDREA BURT ’02 - Executive Assistant to President
RITCHIE PATIO REJUVENATION
CHAPEL STAINED GLASS LIGHTING
• Mount floodlights outside each of the chapel’s stained glass windows to illuminate them for late afternoon/evening events in the chapel. - DR. TOM HODGMAN - Professor, Music
“WHERE’S YOUR SPOT?”
• Using an interactive digital sign, create a program with AC campus locations/ landmarks where students and alumni can then mark the spot where they decided to choose AC and share their moment/story for others to view. - MADELYN TAPP - Student
CONNECTING THE PAST TO THE PRESENT
• Adorn the blank walls of the lower level Shipman Library corridor with the AC art of honorary alumnus William B. Cairns (1921). Cairns designed the College seal and put his siblings through school as an artist and photographer.
- NOELLE KELLER - Technical Services Librarian
• Rejuvenate the area by adding more inviting furniture and more shade to encourage greater use of the Ritchie Patio. - BRITTNEY DULBS - Sodexo Staff
WINNER ANDREA BURT ‘02
ADRIAN COLLEGE LEGACY TREE HISTORICAL ROOTS “The idea of the Legacy Tree adds to campus in many ways, being a point of pride and tradition, as well as another piece of art enhancing our already beautiful campus. Through this tree, the College will be able to represent its rich history of families who have attended Adrian College.”
VOTING MEMBERS
Matt Armentrout • Cindy Beaubien • Amy Campbell • Dr. Tina Claiborne Rachelle Duffy • Dr. Jennifer Ellsworth • Melissa Freshcorn • Dr. Oded Gur-Arie
Ex-officio Dr. Agnes Caldwell • President Jeffrey Docking
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
STAT E O F T H E CO L L E G E
2017
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PAY IT FORWARD PRESENTED BY
/// KAYLEE WILLIAMS — Student Kaylee Williams, a sophomore studying social work at Adrian College, had an upbringing much unlike the majority of her fellow Bulldogs. “I was adopted when I was 12 years old with my younger sister Jenna,” Williams said. “Together, we had moved between seven foster homes — from the time I was seven to age twelve — until we got placed in the lovely home we are in now, with our two adoptive parents and their family of eleven children, ranging from ages four to 34.”
“THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME KEEP AN OPTIMISTIC ATTITUDE THROUGH EVERYTHING, AND FOR ALWAYS THINKING OF THE GLASS AS HALF FULL. I KNOW THERE’S MUCH MORE TO LIFE — MUCH MORE TO FILL MY GLASS AND HELP OTHERS FILL THEIRS AS WELL.” — Kaylee Williams
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Williams credits her ability to attend college in spite of her unique situation to the College’s financial aid assistance and Mrs. Bet Godard, who funds the Godard scholars. “Now, I am in the social work program here, and it has been a dream for me to become a social worker who really makes a difference in helping children overcome the many struggles I had to growing up,” Williams said. “Adrian College has brought me this much closer to my dream, and I could not be more thankful.” “I have gone through many families throughout my life, and the one I have been blessed with here at AC is one I am lucky enough to add to the list.”
PEELLE/JONES FIRE FEATURE
“Perspective is a particular way of viewing things, and we choose to be optimistic about Adrian College and our future together.” — President Jeffrey R. Docking
ADRIAN COLLEGE
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