Adrian College Alumni
Your Path To
Success
Mike Rogers ’85
U.S. Congressman
3
Osman Antwi-Boateng ’01
Doctoral Student, University of Delaware
4
Shelley Milano ’78
Executive V.P. and General Counsel, Starbucks
5
Jessica Hamner ’00
Attorney, Watkins, Bates & Carey, LLP
6
Robyn Arrington ’66
Chief Medical Director, Total Health Care
7
Paula Habib ’99
Physician, Ohio State University Hospital
8
Steve Wolfe ’71
Chief Financial Officer, Toro
9
Joel Jerger ’00
Vice President, Fifth Third Bank
10
Ron Batory ’71
President & COO, Conrail
11
Steve Goda ’93
Assistant Corporate Controller, Domino’s Pizza
12
Kurt Darrow ’77
President & CEO, La-Z-Boy
13
Melissa Murray ’06
Advertising Account Coordinator, Hart Associates
14
Virgil Bernero ’86
Mayor of Lansing
15
Laura Kruisenga ’04
Development Associate, St. John’s Home
16
Doug Hudgins ’86
Astrophysicist, NASA
17
Sara Vincke ’03
Physician Assistant, Hurley Medical Center
18
Keith Beck ’62
Professor, North Carolina State University
19
Amanda Spohn ’02
English Teacher, Onsted Community Schools
20
Geoff Pence ’00
Corporate Promotions, Dallas Mavericks
21
Tabitha Bradford ’01
Art Therapist, Foote Health System
22
A Message from Gary Valade
I
have been a member of the Adrian College Board of Trustees for 15 years, including several years as board chair. Occasionally people ask me why I made the choice to get involved in such a direct and personal way.
The reason why is because I believe in the values and opportunites offered at this College. I have found that the education available here is second to none, and that there is virtually no limit to the wonderful things that our graduates are able to accomplish once they have the chance to try. At Adrian, the focus is always on the students. I am proud to know that the educational opportunities we offer are contributing to a better future. Flip through these pages and I think you’ll begin to see just what a difference Adrian graduates are making in the world. Best wishes through your college decision process. Gary Valade Retired CFO, Daimler-Chrysler Member, Adrian College Board of Trustees
Mike Rogers U.S. Congressman Michigan’s 8th District, Brighton, Mich. Class Year: 1985 Accomplishments: Mike served in the U.S. Army, FBI, and Michigan Senate as well as serving as the Michigan Senate Majority Floor Leader before running for Congress in 2000. At Adrian he played football and worked as a DJ for WVAC. As an FBI Special Agent, he served on the organized crime and public corruption unit in Chicago. He is currently a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and travels extensively in the Middle East, especially in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan.
“During my time at AC, academics and a variety of campus activities strengthened my belief that public service comes in many forms and that no matter how small or large a deed or event, its influence can reverberate throughout a community, across a state and even across a nation. The entire faculty and administrative staff helped me understand that public service is an honor and an opportunity to make positive change in the lives of those we serve. My Adrian experience taught me the value of an attitude based on principles and commitment.”
Osman Antwi-Boateng Doctoral Student, Political Science and International Relations University of Delaware Class Year: 2001 Accomplishments: Osman was the first African to ever earn a master’s degree in Security Studies (International Security) from Georgetown University’s Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service. He also received academic scholarships to support his graduate studies at Ohio University-Athens where he earned a master’s degree in International Affairs (Development & Communication). “Coming to the U.S. from Africa for the first time, Adrian College helped me navigate the huge culture shock that awaited me by offering an intimate academic environment.”
Shelley Brown Milano Executive Vice President, General Counsel Starbucks, Seattle
Class year: 1978 Accomplishments: As a key executive and strategic business attorney, Milano has been on the leadership teams of several top corporations, including Honda of America and, most recently, Eddie Bauer. She was awarded the first-ever Excellence in Corporate Practice Award presented by the American Corporate Counsel Association. Why did you choose Adrian? I think a small, liberal arts school like Adrian is just about the best college experience you can get. It was definitely right for me. The personal attention and opportunities to grow were an excellent preparation for my future. I continue to value the guidance and mentoring I received from my Adrian professors.
“The life lessons I experienced at Adrian were just as important as the excellent academic education I received. Adrian provided opportunities and opened doors for me. It was through Adrian that I received the introduction to my first full-time job at Ford Motor Company. That first business position was the catalyst for my career. I am grateful for my Adrian experience.”
Jessica Hamner Associate Attorney Watkins, Bates & Carey, LLP, Toledo, Ohio Class Year: 2000 Accomplishments: At Adrian, Jessica participated in Alpha Kappa Psi and was the business department recipient of the Wall Street Journal Award. She majored in Business Administration and then went to the University of Toledo College of Law where she earned both a J.D. and an M.B.A. She practices in the area of litigation and business transactions. Why did you choose Adrian? Small class size, dedicated faculty and administration. “Adrian College prepared me to obtain my JD/MBA, to strive for excellence and be active in the community.”
Photo courtesy of Ohio State University Medical Center
Robyn Arrington, M.D. Chief Medical Director Total Health Care, Detroit 326 offices in southeast Michigan, 60 offices in southeast Florida
Class Year: 1966 Accomplishments: Robyn was the State Surgeon General of the Michigan National Guard throughout the 1990s. He also held a four-year appointment by President Bush to the National Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Health and Human Services. Why did you choose Adrian? Adrian had the personal touch I was looking for and I knew about its reputation for its graduates gaining admittance to medical school.
“Adrian had the personal education and instruction that helped me get into medical school. I was just as prepared for medical school as any graduate from around the country.”
Paula Habib, M.D. Physician (4th year of Residency, Radiology) The Ohio State University Hospital, Columbus, Ohio Class Year: 1999 Accomplishments: Paula served as the president of the American Medical Student Association at The Ohio State University and vice-president of the first year medical class. Former Governor Bob Taft (Ohio) selected her to be the graduate student trustee on The Ohio State University Board of Trustees. She is interested in health care policy at the national and global levels. “Pursuing a career as a physician is a rigorous and demanding endeavor. Adrian College provided me with the academic foundation necessary to succeed in such a competitive and stressful environment. All the while, I learned leadership skills and the importance of a balanced life.”
Steve Wolfe Chief Financial Officer The Toro Company, Minneapolis
Class Year: 1971 Accomplishments: Steve joined a team of eight persons that bought a small business (Wheel Horse Riding Mowers) in 1983. After building up the company, it was sold to Toro in 1987. In 1997, he became the CFO of Toro, a billion dollar public company. He also had the opportunity to ring the opening bell on Wall Street. Why did you choose Adrian? I felt I would be more comfortable at a school the size of Adrian – one that would provide individual attention and smaller class sizes without sacrificing the quality of education. It provided a controlled learning environment with strong ethical values and multiple chances to succeed, a range of extracurricular activities and a strong Greek system.
“Adrian College provided a strong general education that I have been able to build on over the years and put into practice in the real world. The small school environment reinforced the importance and value of building relationships and drawing on them in my personal life and business life.”
Joel Jerger Vice President, Commercial Treasury Sales Manager Fifth Third Bank, Toledo, Ohio Class Year: 2000 Accomplishments: Joel was a varsity basketball player and member of the SAE fraternity at Adrian. He graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in mathematics. “Adrian College provided me with a great opportunity to develop my academic, social, and teamwork skills through my involvement with Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and the basketball team. These experiences have played an integral part in my career, and prepared me to be successful in the corporate marketplace.”
Ron Batory President & Chief Operating Officer Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail), Philadelphia
Class Year: 1971 Accomplishments: Ron has pursued a long-term, satisfying career in a singular industry, while engaging in various philanthropic efforts.
Steve Goda Why did you choose Adrian? The reason I chose Adrian is because the educational environment and social values fostered there were amplified by its excellent liberal arts curriculum.
Assistant Corporate Controller / Director of Financial Reporting Domino’s Pizza, Inc., Ann Arbor, Mich. Class Year: 1993
“In addition to gaining from the pure academic learning opportunities, the overall college setting afforded many beneficial experiences towards self-development of personal traits that I continue to make use of today.”
Accomplishments: Steve served as the captain of the 1993 MIAA-champion Adrian College baseball team. His first job resulted from a college internship - he was hired by Ernst & Young. He was selected to work on the team that completed Domino’s Initial Public Offering in 2004. As a result, he attended Domino’s first trading day on Wall Street at the New York Stock Exchange. “AC definitely prepared me for my career and helped shape the person that I am today. The interaction with professors prepared me to work with professionals in the business world. I developed excellent communication and leadership skills.”
Kurt Darrow President and Chief Executive Officer La-Z-Boy Incorporated, Monroe, Mich.
Class Year: 1977 Accomplishments: Kurt’s first job after graduation was at the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, which he received because of an AC student internship program with the Lenawee County Chamber of Commerce. In 1979, he went to work for La-Z-Boy, a $150 million company. He was appointed President & Chief Executive Officer in 2003 when the company’s volume had grown to approximately $2 billion. Why did you choose Adrian? I grew up in Michigan and wanted to attend an “in-state” school. I was also interested in playing sports at the collegiate level (golf / basketball).
“Adrian provided me a foundation of experiences to help me grow and determine my career objectives.”
Melissa Murray Advertising Account Coordinator Hart Associates, Maumee, Ohio Class Year: 2006 Accomplishments: Melissa took full advantage of every opportunity at Adrian, including two highly-competitive internships with advertising agencies. She was hired right out of college into her current position. “At Adrian, career development goes beyond the typical classroom experience. Under faculty direction, I learned about the ‘real world’ and planned how to put my degree into action. At graduation, I earned more than just my diploma. I walked away with a sense of maturity and preparedness that exceeds most employers’ expectations of undergraduates.”
Virgil Bernero Mayor Lansing, Mich.
Class Year: 1986 Accomplishments: Virg began his political career in 1990 when he was elected to the first of four terms on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners. In 2000, he won a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives representing south Lansing. He was elected to the Michigan Senate in 2002, and three years later was elected mayor of Lansing, Michigan’s capital city. Why did you choose Adrian? I had some friends there and was impressed with the friendliness of the campus community.
“I met my beautiful wife at AC, cut my political teeth serving in student government and graduated with honors. In other words, almost everything I know about life, love and politics, I learned at AC.”
Laura Kelley Kruisenga Development Associate – Special Events St. John’s Home, Grand Rapids, Mich. Class Year: 2004 Accomplishments: Laura was a Dawson Scholar at Adrian, an honor that includes a fulltuition scholarship for top junior and senior business students. She also received the Outstanding Business Student Award. Her business degree enabled her to almost double charitable event income in the first two years of her job with St. John’s Home. “I owe a lot to Adrian. One of the most critical things I gained was the help from my advisor in obtaining a good internship, which led to a job offer three months before I graduated. I can say without a doubt I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am had I not gone to Adrian College.”
Doug Hudgins, Ph.D. Program Scientist/Astrophysicist National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Washington, D.C. Class Year: 1986 Accomplishments: After earning a doctorate in chemistry at Cornell University and spending a few years doing astrochemistry research for NASA, he taught in Adrian’s chemistry department for three years in the mid-1990s. He is currently the Program Scientist for NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope. One of NASA’s three Great Observatories, Spitzer is an 85 cm space telescope designed to measure infrared radiation from throughout our universe. Why did you choose Adrian? I came to campus for a weekend visit and I immediately felt at home. The atmosphere was friendly and laid back, and everyone I met was very welcoming. After that, there was really no decision to make—I knew that I wanted to go to Adrian.
“My professors were more than just instructors—they were mentors and they were friends. They challenged me and inspired me to pursue my dreams—which I did! What could be cooler than being a NASA scientist?”
Sara Vincke Emergency Room Physician Assistant Hurley Medical Center – Level 1 Trauma Facility, Flint, Mich. Class Year: 2003 Accomplishments: Sara earned a double major at Adrian College in chemistry and biology. She was also the second-highest scorer in school history for women’s basketball, a four-year starter on the team, and named to the All-MIAA Conference First Team. “Adrian College really helped me discover who I was on many levels, and more importantly, what kind of person I wanted to be. It showed me that a tireless work ethic will pay off. My career is a very intense, adrenaline-filled profession and my hard work in college prepared me for my job today.”
Keith Beck, Ph.D. Professor and Head of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science North Carolina State University
Class Year: 1962 Accomplishments: Keith earned his doctorate in organic chemistry at Purdue University. He received the 2006 Olney Medal, given in recognition of outstanding research in textile science by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists. Why did you choose Adrian? I grew up in a small, rural area and I felt comfortable at Adrian. I liked the personal attention, a lot of my friends were going there and I got a small scholarship.
“I had a professor who taught me I could shoot for things that I never thought possible, like graduate school. The personal attention and education that I received left me very prepared for graduate work at Purdue University. In addition, Adrian has a strong commitment to a certain set of values that I appreciate. I have fond memories of when my wife and I were married in the chapel.”
Amanda McAnally Spohn English Teacher Onsted Middle School, Onsted, Mich. Class Year: 2002 Accomplishments: Amanda earned a master’s degree in secondary education from Siena Heights University, completing a thesis project entitled “The Effect of Early Intervention on Kindergarten Readiness and Success.” She also created a student volunteer project at the Lenawee Humane Society. “Many of my professors showed a real interest in helping me. I had some truly inspiring role models that demonstrated some of the most important aspects of teaching. I learned to be a better thinker and learned to question the things that we always take as absolute.”
Geoff Pence Corporate Promotions & Events Manager Dallas Mavericks
Class Year: 2000 Accomplishments: Over my four years, I was able to get involved in community service projects, the art and design community, athletics, intramurals… all on top of meeting and learning with some incredible people, many of whom I am still in close contact with today. Why did you choose Adrian? Because it was the right combination of academics, extracurricular activities, and size. I wanted to be able to experience a variety of activities and the environment at AC allowed me to do just that.
“Working for an NBA team is a dream come true for me and I firmly believe that my background at Adrian College helped me fulfill that dream. I get to touch on so many different aspects of the business every single day—from game operations to on-court entertainment to corporate sponsorships to player relations. The liberal arts education I received at Adrian prepared me to think and work across different disciplines, while staying focused on the big picture.”
Tabitha Beers Bradford Art Therapist Foote Health System, Jackson, Mich. Class Year: 2001 Accomplishments: Tabitha earned a master’s of art degree in expressive therapies from the University of Louisville. While there, she won the Vija Lusebrink Award for Creativity in an Internship Placement and the Graduate Dean’s Citation Award. She has also received her registered art therapist certification. The Swanson Reed Gallery in Louisville displays and sells her work. “Adrian College started me on my career path by offering me multiple opportunities to explore the career I had chosen, art therapy. While at Adrian, I was able to work with three art therapists in a variety of settings. The people at Adrian made me feel that I could accomplish anything with enough hard work and dedication.”
Adrian College at a glance Location: Adrian, Michigan (45 minutes from Ann Arbor and Toledo, 90 minutes from Detroit) Founded: 1859 Enrollment: 1,300 Average Class Size: 15 students Housing: 2-person rooms, single rooms, 4-person apartments Placement: 90% of graduates find employment or enter graduate school within 6 months of graduation Off-campus Study: 59 programs in 27 foreign countries and 4 programs in the U.S. Athletics: NCAA Division III, member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Mascot: Bulldogs Colors: Black and gold
Adrian College 110 South Madison Street Adrian, Michigan 49221 1-800-877-2246 www.adrian.edu admissions@adrian.edu