Franklin College Magazine Spring 2017 by Franklin College

Impactful Internships

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Winter Term internships provide career preparation Get a glimpse of how internship experiences impacted five students this January and learn about their plans for the future.

Faculty raise the bar Learn about the recent accomplishments of faculty members making an impact on Franklin’s campus and beyond through their professional endeavors.

Swimming and diving teams lap their competitors Read about the Grizzlies’ remarkable results from the 2017 Liberal Arts Championships and learn which swimmers qualified for national competition.

Educator earns grant to support butterfly studies, student engagement Catch up with elementary school teacher Missi Tinsley ’96 and read about her efforts to evolve with student needs and provide hands-on opportunities in science.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

Impactful internships. The two words on the front cover of this magazine resonate across our campus, as students continue reflecting on their Winter Term opportunities and sharing with their professors, coaches and other college mentors how they were transformed by their experiences. The enthusiasm, gratefulness and pride they express reaffirm the value of what Franklin College does for students, and why. At Franklin College, we recognize that when students have the chance to apply what they learn in the classroom in the real world, to transform their curiosity into creative problemsolving and to undertake collaborative projects that can help meet the leadership needs of our time, they are impacted in significant and lasting ways. Over the Winter Term, more than 140 Franklin students interned in a professional setting, working collaboratively with visionaries in the corporate and nonprofit sectors, exploring career options, building professional networks and gaining mentors that can help them accomplish their career goals. Many other students were involved in the field experiences required of their majors. Students majoring in health sciences completed rotations in a variety of professional settings to hone in on the best fit for their aspirations, and those majoring in education were active full time in classrooms across Indiana. Approximately 90 other students were involved in a different type of immersive learning in January, as they studied away in Europe, Africa and Central America. They engaged in service work such as coffee bean picking with indigenous farmers and papermaking with women and children learning to use handicrafts to rise out of poverty. Other students used their time of international exploration to delve more deeply into history they previously only experienced through books. Other Franklin students spent the month refining the scientific research results they will deliver this spring to panels of professionals and peers at regional and national conferences.

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magazine

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Published in spring, summer and autumn

Alumni News

Franklin, Indiana 46131-2623. Printed in the USA.

Spring 2017, Vol. LIV, No. 1.

by Franklin College, 101 Branigin Boulevard,

Send address changes to: Franklin College Office of Development and Alumni Engagement

ON THE FRONT COVER:

101 Branigin Boulevard

History major Jacob Troxell ’17 spent the Winter Term interning with the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis. He enjoyed involvement in several significant research projects and took full advantage of networking opportunities.

Franklin, Indiana 46131-2623.

Staff Editor: Amy (Kean) VerSteeg ’96

COVER PHOTO BY RENEE (KEAN) KNIGHT ’06

Director of Communications: Deidra Baumgardner Interim Sports Information Director: Rick Morwick

Contact Information

27 These hardworking students benefited tremendously from having their professors available for discussion in and out of the classroom. I am so proud of all the ways in which Franklin College provides a truly distinctive experience for students, and I am so grateful to the alumni and friends who make the work we do possible. Your engagement as donors, volunteers and community partners, funds and creates opportunities that support our liberal arts and sciences curriculum and help foster students’ propensity to lead and serve beyond their years at Franklin College. In short, you help give value to the Franklin experience.

(317) 738-8000 or (800) 852-0232 www.FranklinCollege.edu

Franklin College is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status or veteran status in any of its programs, offerings or employment practices in compliance with Title IX of the Federal Educational Amendments of 1972, of Executive

Please continue to partner with us, and join us for the next phase of innovation, as we prepare to break ground for the Franklin College Science Center. Groundbreaking is set for Thursday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. EST, and we invite all of you to join us on campus for the milestone occasion; those unable to attend may find event coverage on the college website. The summer issue of this magazine also will include a complete event recap.

Order 11246 and Revised Order No. 4 of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 as amended in 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

We are entering an exciting new era at Franklin College, and our opportunities to further promote intellectual curiosity, encourage innovation and creativity and foster purposeful living and learning are illimitable. Thank you for helping put the college on this path and continuing to believe in and support our remarkable students. Sincerely,

Thomas J. Minar. Ph.D. Franklin College President

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Spring 2017

AROUND CAMPUS

PASSERBY

AMBER RENÉ FAWN (AMICK) CUNNINGHAM ’07

1 4

World matters

JESSICA KAISER ’18

PASSERBY

The global community is an extension of the Franklin College community. Giving students opportunities to live and study around the world is key to enriching their academic experiences and helping them develop into well-rounded, informed, insightful citizens and leaders. Scholarships and fundraising projects were critical to helping the college send a record number of 92 Grizzlies and chaperones abroad for Winter Term. The travelers fanned out across the globe to immerse in other cultures, participate in dialogue with indigenous people, experience new customs, sample cuisine, learn to use foreign transportation systems, engage in volunteer work and explore new places and ideas. Their destinations included Greece, France, Guatemala, Uganda and Germany. Many of the travelers used their free time on weekends to travel to neighboring countries and further expand their global perspectives.

GREG POTTER

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SYDNEY STUCKWISCH ’18

PASSERBY

NIKI VLACHOU

SHELBY SPRINGER ’18

Participants in the course Drawn Together: Understanding Uganda Through the Arts visited villages in which handicrafts such as papermaking and beadmaking are helping families shed poverty and improve their health. After demonstrating tie-dye methods, several Franklin students circled their hands to create a rainbow symbolizing the beauty of diversity.

Participants in the Uganda travel-study course had the opportunity to tour a mosque and learn about the Muslim religion. In the front row are Emily Eveland ’18, Emily Stayer ’17, Novi Effendi ’17, Abby Stayer ’18, Keely Townsend ’19 and Kiara Patton ’17. In the back are Shelby Collier ’17, Adria Essex ’19, Gabrielle Arthur ’19, Darian Parke ’19 and Sydney Stuckwisch ’18.

Alexis Bullock ’17, Taylor Heideman ’17, Hannah Ross ’17 and Ryanne Wise ’17, a group of students studying the Holocaust within Europe, also found time to take advantage of the photogenic skyline in Hungary. Behind them is the Parliament of Budapest.

Ariel Halstead ’18 pauses to enjoy the view at Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert in southern France. She said, “This was my favorite place we visited. There were ruins, including this cross, throughout the mountains. I was in awe with how nature and history were intertwined to create such a powerful experience.”

While in Uganda, students and their chaperones enjoyed a guided safari. Here, Adria Essex ’19 leans out the window to capture the perfect photo of a wild elephant.

No trip to Paris would be complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. Gathered in front of the landmark are Meg West ’18, Juliette Lowry ’19, Natalie Strunk ’19, Alexis Varvel ’19 and Emily Pierce ’19.

Hannah White ’18 enjoys the view from Arthur’s Seat, an ancient volcano providing a bird’s eye view of Edinburgh, Scotland. She, Kelsey Baker ’17 and Jessica Baker ’18 were participants in the Holocaust within Europe course. They used some free time to visit their friend, Shelby Springer ’18, who is studying away in Scotland for the remainder of the academic year.

Agueda Formoso-Mayan, Franklin College lecturer of Spanish, a native Guatemalan woman and Katie Stancombe ’18 model traditional Mayan clothing. Stancombe said, “Our group traveled by boat to several small towns that surrounded Lake Atitlan. This photo was taken in Santiago, a town known for its exquisitely hand-embroidered bird motifs.”

Standing at the Parthenon in Greece in the front row are Lauren Harmon ’17, Jasmine Hanna ’16, Kelsey Brunsman ’17, Mallory Guess ’17, Audra Lane ’17, Megan Battles ’18, Madyson Elmore ’17, Sarah Hendricks ’17 and Kayanna Wolter ’17. Behind them are Brianna McClellan ’16, Cassidy Cherry ’17, Emily Day ’17, Elizabeth Stahl ’18, Jessica Thom ’17, Clare Lenart ’17, Taylor Tichenor ’16, Kathy Remsburg, director of athletic training, and Wayne Zamora ’99, O.D. Behind them are Caitlin Cherry ’17, Rachel Bowden ’17, Robin Hall, Madison Meador ’17, Jacqueline McGee ’17, Elyse Hoy ’17 and Wendy Shapiro, assistant professor of art and journalism. Behind them are Connor Shepler ’17 and Jeffrey Stanton ’17.

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Spring 2017

Internships support engaged learning By Amy (Kean) VerSteeg ’96 Editor

RENEE (KEAN) KNIGHT ’06

This past January, more than 140 students engaged in Winter Term internships with corporations, nonprofit organizations, medical facilities, schools and government entities across the nation. Internships enable students to earn college credit while connecting their academic preparation with hands-on learning in professional settings. Many of the recent internship opportunities were made possible through the college’s community partnerships, professors’ external contacts and the alumni network.

“Our internship partners are invaluable,” said assistant dean of students and director of career services Kirk Bixler. “In working side by side with students, our partners make a direct impact on their professional development and help build their capacity as future leaders.” To assist students in finding and applying for internships, the Office of Career Services offers workshops on creating resumes, writing cover letters and preparing for interviews. Students also have access to a career services library with free use of literature and office equipment. Additional services are available through the college’s

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Professional Development Program, which focuses on helping students polish their professional etiquette and personal conduct. Career and internship fairs are hosted on campus, and the Office of Career Services and the Professional Development Program work in partnership with the college’s Office of Alumni Engagement to involve students in skills-building and networking activities with alumni. “Activities that connect students and alumni can be mutually beneficial,” said assistant provost and dean of engaged learning Brooke (Wagoner) Worland ’99. “For alumni, networking events and career fairs open a pipeline

to a diversely talented hiring pool that can bring fresh ideas and new approaches to the workplace. For students, these activities are an opportunity to get advice and constructive feedback from professionals with relevant experience in specific career fields.” Bixler added that regardless of major, all Franklin students are required to complete an internship or significant undergraduate research experience prior to graduation. We recently caught up with five students who interned over the Winter Term. Keep reading for a glimpse of what they learned and how they may benefit in the future.

The engaged learning team collaborates with the directors of career services and professional development to plan various alumni and student networking events throughout the academic year. Learn more about upcoming activities via social media, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. To volunteer for mock-interviews and career panels or inquire about hosting interns, contact Kirk Bixler at kbixler@ FranklinCollege.edu or (317) 738-8803.

Jacob Troxell ’17 History major Jacob Troxell ’17 hoped and

motivated me because I really respect people

Proudest accomplishment: “Finishing my

prayed for one internship above all others,

who work hard. She had me involved in a

research on Bethel felt like a real accom-

the Indiana Historical Society in Indianapolis.

major research project on Bethel African

plishment because I knew it helped Wilma

It’s an employer his professors highly

Methodist Episcopal Church (Indianapolis’

get closer to her goals before retirement. I

recommended, an organization given rave

longest-operating African-American church).

also was proud of the work I did on some

reviews by previous interns and a place

I also organized a collection for Indiana

Civil War collection guides because it was a

where a Franklin alumna is a leader;

University-Purdue University Indianapolis

project that took a lot of time and effort, from

Suzanne (Crowe) Hahn ’94 is vice president

and wrote descriptions for items in the

the start of my internship to the end. The

of archives and library. Troxell’s prayers were

Madam C.J. Walker (African-American

scope of that project was huge and required a

answered, and he landed an internship over

female entrepreneur, activist) collection.”

lot of digging and deciphering, because some documents were in Bulgarian.”

the Winter Term. While the focus of his internship was on investigating the past, he

Best preparation: “All of my history classes

also found time to research how he should

were beneficial, especially the discussion-

Epiphany: “God blessed me. I was put in the

proceed in the future, to better prepare for

based ones with Dr. Meredith Clark-Wiltz

perfect internship situation, with amazing,

a career and graduate school. He benefited

(assistant professor of history and history

intelligent people. One of the most valuable

tremendously from the mentoring and

department chair). She teaches you how to

parts of the experience was meeting other

networking made possible by his internship.

make your argument clearly and respectfully

interns and networking. They gave me grad

and also how to listen to others’ points of

school advice, suggested resources and

Daily duties: “I went into it with an open

view. All the liberal arts classes also were

answered any questions I came up with.

mind, prepared to do whatever mundane stuff

helpful because there was so much emphasis

Those relationships are going to continue

might get delegated to an intern, but I was

on effective writing, and a big part of my

being helpful, I think.”

pleasantly surprised. The whole staff was

internship involved writing explanations

amazing; my favorite part of the internship

about the significance of items, and writing

What’s next: “I’m currently applying for jobs,

was working with Wilma Moore (senior

about them in a way that generally anybody

with the goal of finding an employer that

archivist for African-American history).

would understand.”

might help me go to grad school. Eventually,

She was on the verge of retirement and was

I want to get a master’s degree in history and

working so hard to get a bunch of projects

a certification in education so that I can

done before her last day. Her dedication

teach.”

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Spring 2017

RENEE (KEAN) KNIGHT ’06

Bryce Woodalll ’17 Bryce Woodall ’17 is coupling his major in public relations with business as a related field to help make himself more marketable upon graduation. It’s a strategy he hopes will make him appear well-rounded to prospective employers. As a junior, he completed a marketing internship with Complete Office Supply in Fishers, Ind., and this year he sought a position that would help him focus on public relations writing, a key piece in his professional portfolio. Through Ann Barton, Pulliam School of Journalism assistant director, Woodall learned that the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) in Indianapolis has a history of hiring Franklin interns. Woodall connected with a former intern to learn more about the experience,

Sarah Labra ’18 Sarah Labra ’18 majors in biology and double-minors in neuroscience and psychology. It’s a rigorous course load, but she is hopeful the hard work will help give her an edge when she applies to graduate school. She is considering a career in research or in patient care. Securing an internship with Indianapolis-based Lilly Research Laboratories, a division of Eli Lilly and Co., is a giant step in the right direction, no matter which path Labra ultimately chooses. Natural science division head Steve Browder, Ph.D., facilitated the internship by introducing Labra to Tom Baker ’91 at the college’s annual science alumni career panel. From there, they worked out the details for Labra to intern in the pharmaceutical giant’s cellular and molecular toxicology labs, which Baker, a senior research scientist in investigative toxicology, oversees. Daily duties: “Initially, I did mainly observational work, shadowing the lab technicians and scientists to get a glimpse of the research side and sitting in on meetings to get a sense of the corporate side. By the second week, though, I was assigned my own project. I had

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then he was inspired to apply. The NFHS

updating the database of records with statis-

Proudest accomplishment: “Getting published

works to improve the participation experience

tics about coaches and athletes. Beyond that,

in High School Today, the NFHS magazine.

for students, establishing consistent standards

I sat in on some meetings where they

It’s not Rolling Stone or Golf Digest, but it

and rules for competition and helping those

discussed rule changes and their potential

feels pretty cool to be included in a national

who oversee high school sports and activities.

impact on schools and how to communicate

publication.”

In total, the organization establishes playing

about them.”

rules in 16 sports for boys’ and girls’ competi-

Epiphany: “I liked the type of work I did at

tion and administers fine arts programs in

Best preparation: “All of my public relations

speech, theater, debate and music. Woodall,

classes were beneficial, but I learned the most

a job in the future where I can contribute

a huge sports fan, especially enjoyed the

from Service Learning in Public Relations. In

creatively through design, photography and

chance to delve into national news on high

that class, we provided pro bono work for two

writing.”

school athletes and coaches.

clients, one involved developing an awareness campaign for the Blues Jam at Franklin

Next: “I’m considering a post-graduate

Daily duties: “I did a little bit of everything,

College, and the other focused on branding,

internship focused on graphic design. I really

from answering calls at the reception desk to

creating a tagline and optimizing search

like the graphic design classes I’ve been tak-

writing feature stories for publications. I also

engine hits for Aspire Johnson County, a

ing, and I think it’s an area where I need to

wrote press releases about sports rule

public-private partnership focused on

build up my resume. Ultimately, I think I’d

changes that impact high schools and about

making the county a destination to work,

enjoy a sports information director career, or

milestones in athletics and other program

live and play.”

some other type of job in athletics.”

a smaller scale. The biggest difference was

supposed to behave as opposed to when they

stances that have to be considered and to

that we used actual neurons at Lilly, and

are damaged.”

both of my internships, but I’d like to find

to fulfill an experiment, analyze the results and write a summary. “The experiment involved testing glutamate levels in rat neurons (nerve cells). Glutamate is present in everyone’s body, but overproduc-

RENEE (KEAN) KNIGHT ’06

histories. Another one of my projects was

tion of it can lead to deterioration of neurons. High concentrations might be linked to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases. Research done today could help Eli Lilly make a drug to combat glutamate concentrations in the future.” Best preparation: “I’m involved in an ongoing independent research project with Franklin biology professor Dr. Sarah Mordan-McCombs, which proved to be really helpful because it was similar to the testing I did at Lilly, just on

yeast cells at the college. But, the work I

think about the possible effects over time. There’s so much more behind-the-scenes

did with Sarah is the reason I knew how to

Proudest accomplishment: “The glutamate

work than I ever realized before a drug is

use pipettes and other lab equipment, and

experiment because I never imagined I’d be

made available to the public.”

she taught me how to make conversions to

allowed to have my own, hands-on research

make solutions which I also had to do at

project. It was such a great opportunity!”

What’s next: “My internship solidified I’m

taken a cell biology course at Franklin

Epiphany: “Disease management and preven-

I’ll be looking into summer REUs (research

because it helped me understand the concepts

tion are so complex. A drug may help one

experiences for undergraduates) across the

I tested at my internship. I had a general

symptom but cause other side effects. It’s

U.S., then next fall I’ll begin looking for grad

understanding of how healthy cells are

fascinating to learn about all the circum-

schools.”

my internship. It also was helpful that I had

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heading down the right path. This semester,

Spring 2017

Emily Key ’18

the entire clinic. I spent several days training

in class that I can use to identify a situation at

in each area, reception, treatment, kennel,

my internship. Chemistry classes also have

phone, hallway, etc. Now that I’ve been there

been helpful because the lab work — using

Chemistry major Emily Key ’18 has a passion

almost one year I rotate between the areas,

the centrifuge, decanting, pipetting — are all

for paws, fur, feathers and scales. She loves

based on what’s needed each day. I often

things I’ve applied at the clinic. I also benefit-

animals and is pursuing the pre-veterinary

help with ultrasounds, X-rays and blood work.

ted from my previous internship with Poe

program at Franklin in anticipation of gradu-

I also help administer medications and track

Hamps Sheep Farm. It mostly focused on

ate school and becoming a doctor of veteri-

the patients’ care and progress on a white

reproductive science, and it was my first

nary medicine. At the recommendation of

board that the vets use as a reference to

experience being a scrub nurse. I observed

biology professor Alice Heikens, Ph.D., Key

update the owners on their pets’ progress.

embryo extractions, helped with artificial

reached out to Andrew P. Mills ’99, D.V.M., to

The newest addition to my internship is

insemination procedures and learned a lot

inquire about internships at Franklin Animal

surgery observation. So far, the spectrum

overall about livestock. I didn’t grow up on a

Clinic, where he is a partner and co-owner.

has included back surgery, ACL repairs and a

farm or spend a lot of time around animals

Coincidentally, Key is a client at the clinic,

gall bladder removal. Dr. Mills is really great

during childhood so it was a good foundation

which cares for her dog. After a successful

about explaining what’s happening during

for the very hands-on, patient-focused intern-

interview process, Key began interning there

the procedure and teaching about the tech-

ship I have now.”

in May 2016. She continues working there on a

niques and equipment needed to address the

weekly basis.

problems.”

Proudest accomplishment: “The present,

Daily duties: “The first few weeks were kind of

Best preparation: “Animal physiology class

even know how to fill a prescription. My

overwhelming because it was an overview of

has been helpful because I often learn things

confidence has built up over time and made

RENEE (KEAN) KNIGHT ’06

because when I first started interning I didn’t

10 F R A N K L I N C O L L E G E M A G A Z I N E

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me a better decision maker about knowing when to delegate, request help or do things on my own.” Epiphany: “Even after you graduate from veterinary school, you have to keep learning and growing professionally because the field is always evolving. There are continually new procedures, techniques and medications being invented, and you have to stay on top of them to give patients the best options possible. I’ve seen a shocking amount of changes just in the one year I’ve been interning.” What’s next: “I hope to continue interning RENEE (KEAN) KNIGHT ’06

until I graduate, and this summer I’ll begin applying to veterinary schools. I’ve been talking to Dr. Mills, my professors and alumni about their recommendations and experiences.”

Daily duties: “This internship was mostly

how professional and well-organized they

administrative. It gave me a close look at all

looked. He even asked me to convert them

the work involved in running an association,

into a PowerPoint presentation so they can be

The earliest memory Christian Bowling ’19

managing membership, coordinating events

shared more broadly.”

recalls is of his father playing guitar and

and maintaining records. I updated the data-

Christian Bowling ’19

Epiphany: “Communication is everything, and

singing to the family. It set the stage for

base of judges, organizations, certifications

Bowling’s own musical performances, begin-

and music publisher agreements. I also made

procrastination has a domino effect. Two-way

ning in pre-school, when he realized singing

name tags, gift bags, signage and flip charts

communication is important because an

and playing instruments made him happier

for an upcoming convention. One of my big

organization has a responsibility to communi-

than any other activities. His passion for play-

projects was to convert video archives from

cate appropriately about its services and

ing has grown into a love of performing, and

over the decades into digital files.”

events to help its members succeed, but the members also have to share their concerns

now he dreams of a career in which he can do both, as a music educator or nonprofit admin-

Best preparation: “LA 100, the liberal arts

and struggles to receive effective help. When

istrator. To help Bowling realize his dream,

seminar I took freshman year, because it

those things aren’t happening, there are

Casey J. Hayes, Ph.D., A.J. Thurston Chair of

literally covered everything. Dr. Sara Colburn-

consequences that have great impact on plans

Music, music department chair and director

Alsop (professor of Spanish) ingrained us with

and decisions. Timely communication can

of choral activities, helped facilitate an

the Franklin College values and emphasized

prevent a lot of problems.”

internship at the Indiana State School

the importance of integrity, respect and

Music Association (ISSMA) in Indianapolis,

accountability. They’re all things I’m mindful

What’s next: “I’d like to intern, again, possibly

where Chase Loyd ’18 (right) and Logan

of on a daily basis when I’m interacting with

in an educational setting the next time.

Thompson ’18 (center) also interned. The

anyone. That seminar also was an introduction

Currently, I have a work-study position as

association oversees music competitions and

to writing college-level papers, thinking

a music librarian under the supervision of

workshops for students and teachers across

critically and becoming proficient at present-

Dr. Hayes. I assist him with scheduling and

the state. The internship was somewhat of a

ing your opinion, all the framework for becom-

planning choir and ensemble events. I also

homecoming for Bowling, who is a former

ing a professional.”

make Excel spreadsheets for all kinds of

school vocal and instrumental solos. On top

Proudest accomplishment: “The visual aids I

stay organized. It’s a good fit for me.”

of rekindling his nostalgia, the internship gave

made for an upcoming conference. I got great

him plenty of insight to help guide his career.

feedback from my internship supervisor about

information to help the music department

multi-winning ISSMA gold medalist for high

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Spring 2017

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New center supports diversity, inclusion By Amy (Kean) VerSteeg ’96 Editor

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the Franklin College Center for Diversity and Inclusion took place on Feb. 6. The new space is located within the Napolitan Student Center, on the second floor, and serves as a hub for cultural and identity exploration for students, faculty and staff. College Director of Diversity and Inclusion Terri Roberts-Leonard indicated that while the center is new, the idea for one was conceived several years ago by a group of students who believed such a space would help the campus community members better connect and advocate for each other. The center is designed to support their original vision by providing a safe place for dialogues, programs and

workshops about issues related to social justice, gender identity, gender equality, race, privilege, disability and much more. Franklin College President Thomas J. Minar, Ph.D., said, “We recognize and value the different perspectives, characteristics, experiences and attributes of each individual in creating a campus community where we thrive on and benefit from our differences. A diverse culture optimizes Franklin College’s ability to provide a supportive, transformational liberal arts experience for every student.” For students such as Kiara Patton ’17, the center symbolizes hope. “I graduated from what I thought was a very diverse high school, and I thought I kind of, sort of knew what diversity meant, but after an intense freshman orientation session with Terri I realized there are many layers

under the umbrella of diversity, like disabilities, family values, gender roles, concepts of justice and socioeconomic roles.” Heightened awareness about these issues and how they impact our daily lives prompted Patton to become a student assistant in the college’s office of diversity and inclusion, where she works side by side with RobertsLeonard. Oftentimes, the position gives Patton the chance to meet with new and prospective students, whom she can educate about the college’s diversity programming. “It gives me so much joy to think about how much I’ve learned about diversity through my college experiences, such as traveling to Uganda over Winter Term, joining the BOSS Mentoring Program that paired me with Yolanda (Smith) White ’92 and having a role in the theatre production of The Vagina Monologues. It gives me great pleasure to share those experiences and to explain why diversity is so important,” said Patton. With her college graduation looming, Patton plans to take advantage of as many of the center’s resources as possible before she heads out into the real world. She is optimistic that the Grizzlies following in her footsteps will find the center beneficial. “I hope the new center will provide a designated safe haven for students, faculty and staff to come together to form a community that will forever embrace and cherish the differences in people,” said Patton. ■

RENEE (KEAN) KNIGHT ’06

After a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the campus community on Feb. 6, the Franklin College Trustees participated in a second ceremonious event on Feb. 10, the same occasion as their regularly scheduled meeting. Holding the scissors are college president Thomas J. Minar, Ph.D., vice president for student affairs and dean of students Ellis Hall, Kiara Patton ’17, trustee Susan Wohlmuth Williams ’67 and trustee Jim Napolitan, Ph.D., (HD ’12).

12 F R A N K L I N C O L L E G E M A G A Z I N E

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PHOTOS BY RENEE (KEAN) KNIGHT ’06

Edward Drews ’19, Austin Kitchen ’19, Christian Bowling ’18, Kinsley Castro ’19, Jess Leland ’17 and Taylor McElwain ’19 display their signs for the MLK Day march across campus. Kiara Patton ’17 (black T-shirt) delivers a speech to share her appreciation during the Center for Diversity and Inclusion open house.

Showing solidarity on MLK Day

Several alumni returned to campus for the Center for Diversity and Inclusion open house. In the front row are Natavia Howell ’15, Franklin admissions counselor Atama Abdourahmane ’16, Ann Gilly ’15 and Krystel Sloan ’14. Behind them, standing with arms clasped, are Kellie Todd ’12 and Terrell Parker ’11. Next to them are Montanea Daniels ’15 and Megan Leigh Hamilton ’15. Behind them is Franklin admissions counselor Trae Washington ’16. Wearing his signature bow tie is college president Thomas J. Minar, Ph.D.

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With sponsorship from Kroger, the college hosted its fifth annual MLK Day of Service. Across America, days of service honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have become a way of motivating communities to honor the civil rights leader’s teachings through volunteerism. Franklin College’s volunteers fanned across Franklin to help several nonprofit organizations with a variety of projects on the morning of Jan. 16. Later that day, the college held a chapel worship and prayer service that was followed by a march across campus. The symbolic march was conducted in memory of individuals who have worked tirelessly throughout history to earn the freedoms we enjoy today and to recognize those who still struggle to have their freedoms recognized, said event organizer Terri Roberts-Leonard, college director of diversity and inclusion. Participants in the march received free materials to make signs illustrating the causes most important to them. After the march, the college hosted the free public lecture “Listen, Amplify, Act: The Path of Solidarity” by community-building activist Rev. Hannah Adair Bonner. Lastly, the college hosted a showing of the 2011 film Boycott, which tells the story of the 1955–56 Montgomery, Ala., bus boycott. ■

Spring 2017

AROUND CAMPUS

Students’mathematics research impresses pros By Amy (Kean) VerSteeg ’96 Editor

A team of five undergraduate researchers, including Jacob Smith ’17, recently impressed professional mathematicians with their findings and earned one of 25 top prizes during the poster session at a national conference. After applying last spring, Smith, a double-major in pure- and appliedmathematics, was accepted into a competitive undergraduate summer research program at Purdue. The program paired him with peers from across the United States to work on characterizing the speed of a mathematics model known as excited random walk. The model consists of

a succession of random steps on some mathematical space in which the history of the walk plays a crucial role. According to mathematical theory, the price of a fluctuating stock and the financial status of a gambler can all be approximated by random-walk-models, even though they may not be truly random in reality. “Excited random walk is a theory created by experts in the field of probability about 10 years ago, and there’s been little done with it since that time. It was very exciting and motivating to be part of a team exploring a relatively new area,” said Smith. At this time, there is not enough known about excited random walk to be applicable in the real world, but

Smith and Owen Levin, one of the other researchers on his team, co-presented their findings about speed at the joint meeting of the American Mathematical Society and the Mathematical Association of America in Atlanta, Ga., Jan. 4–7. Event organizers reported that approximately 6,000 mathematics professionals and students attended, and the poster session featured more than 300 entries; only 25 of them were recognized as top tier. Smith said, “The judges didn’t tell us where our poster ranked among the winners, but it was an honor and very encouraging just to be recognized. For me, the poster session symbolized a huge professional step

Brody Perrine ’17

Fellowship paves leadership pathway for graduating senior By Sarah Ramon ’17 Pulliam Fellow

RENEE (KEAN) KNIGHT ’06

A Franklin College senior has received an Orr Fellowship, making him the first fellow from Franklin College in the 15-year history of the program. Psychology major Brody Perrine ’17 will begin his two-year fellowship commitment in June 2017. The Orr Fellowship is a highly competitive program operating in Indiana with the goal of helping develop future business leaders and entrepreneurs. With an average applicant pool of 1,000 and an

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Smith also appreciated the chance to become acquainted with faculty and expand his professional network at Purdue, where his research team worked under the supervision of associate mathematics professor Jonathon Peterson. “He was essential to my personal development and our team's success,” said Smith. Smith enjoys staying in touch with Peterson and his research-team peers. “We were lucky that we shared a strong interest in the research area and that we became such a cohesive team. They live all over the country, but we talk to each other every day,” said Smith. “My entire REU (research experience for undergraduates) was awesome! It taught me a lot about my potential and gave me great confidence.” ■

Jacob Smith ’17 was accepted into the University of Cincinnati’s doctoral program in mathematics and will begin there this fall.

acceptance rate of only 6 percent, the fellowship program primarily recruits from among the top seniors at Indiana and Ohio universities. Perrine is a first-generation scholar. His leadership roles at Franklin include serving three years as a Student Ambassador, two years as a New Student Mentor and one year as past president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, which also awarded him the Order of the Phoenix for extreme dedication and service. Additionally, Perrine is active in the Franklin chapters of the Alpha Society and Psi Chi, both academic honoraries. As a sophomore, he earned the college’s Lancers trophy, which recognizes one man each year for outstanding GPA and leadership exhibited in the freshman year. As a junior, he was named the top psychology major and selected to march at commencement as the junior marshal. Upon their graduation, Orr Fellows are placed with a dynamic host company and employed in a full-time,

salaried position with the promise of mentoring opportunities. Additionally, Orr Fellows participate in preeminent programming emphasizing skills development, business acumen and civic engagement.

me secure my spot as an Orr Fellow and that the liberal arts will help me succeed in my various roles.” Perrine’s professors in the psychology department encouraged him to apply for the Orr Fellowship. Amy

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RENEE (KEAN) KNIGHT ’06

forward because I had the chance to meet so many people who are involved in the work I want to be doing 20 years down the road.” Smith’s goal is to earn a doctorate in pure mathematics and teach at the collegiate level. “Ideally, I’d join the faculty at a small, liberal arts school like Franklin College,” he said. Smith is grateful that several faculty members in the mathematics and computing department at Franklin encouraged him to investigate summer research program opportunities. “The whole department is very supportive of students,” said Smith. “They are always accessible and happy to help in any way, from going over class material and talking about career goals to reviewing grad school applications and writing recommendation letters.”

“I believe that all of my experiences at Franklin have helped me secure my spot as an Orr Fellow and that the liberal arts will help me succeed in my various roles.” —Brody Perrine ’17

Perrine’s host company will be the Performance Assessment Network (PAN), which specializes in talent measurement solutions that help clients hire, develop and retain successful employees. Perrine’s initial responsibilities will include working with the client-services team in building, developing and implementing Q&A platforms for the assessments the company uses. “I’ve realized the adversity that I’ve faced throughout my four years at Franklin College has been worth it,” said Perrine. “I believe that all of my experiences at Franklin have helped

Bracken, associate professor of psychology, Ph.D., hopes his accomplishment will foster excitement about the program among other Franklin students. “Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, and Brody’s accomplishment demonstrates just how versatile and applicable our major is,” said Bracken. “The skills he has honed in psychology course work have allowed him to rise to the top of a talented field of future business leaders, and we couldn’t be prouder.” ■

Spring 2017

AROUND CAMPUS

The maker movement comes to Franklin By Laura Olivo ’17 Pulliam Fellow and

Amy (Kean) VerSteeg ’96 Editor

“Leaders are always delving into new areas and learning new skills, otherwise they would be followers,” says Franklin College Leadership Development Director Dale Rebhorn. To encourage leadership, creativity and innovation among Grizzlies, Rebhorn is finding ways to introduce the maker movement on campus. The maker movement is fueled by a

new generation of aspiring inventors, entrepreneurs and industrialists, people interested in technologies that support creativity and do-it-yourself innovation. The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that “maker spaces” are springing up at colleges and universities that take a multidisciplinary approach to education: The goal is to have aspiring engineers, artists, musicians, scientists, educators and physicians exchange ideas and collaborate to modify and improve existing inventions or roll out entirely new products.

“Advocates have hailed the spaces for their ability to liberate creative urges in a prepackaged world. A room of tools can teach young people especially about problem solving, teamwork, the virtues of failure and independence,” wrote Chronicle reporter Scott Carlson in an April 2015 article. To give Franklin’s maker movement momentum, Rebhorn secured an information technology grant in 2015, enabling the purchase of a 3D printer, which is housed in the Ruth Lilly Leadership Center within the Johnson

KELLY MARCELO ’17

Tori Klimczak ’17 demonstrates using the college’s 3D printer.

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Center for Fine Arts. With 3D printing technology, one can create designs or print models of virtually anything. A manufacturing business, for example, could print a broken machinery part, such as a screw, rather than ordering its replacement and waiting for it to arrive. Anatomical replicas for medical use, musical instruments and camera lenses are other examples of useful items some 3D printers can produce. The 3D printing process depends on the complexity of each project, explained Rebhorn. Making a small key chain can take as few as 10 minutes, and creating a birdhouse can take up to nine hours. The print-

ing material is a special type of plastic that Rebhorn purchases in bulk online. Additional resources such as electronic kits, paint, glue, clamps, industrial buttons and safety glasses can be borrowed from the leadership center. There has been a lot of interest on campus about the new technology, said Rebhorn. Professors from several academic divisions have brought their classes to 3D printer demonstrations to observe the technology and learn more about the maker movement. Mathematics professor Dan Callon ’77, Ph.D., involved his calculus class students in a 3D-printing exercise that turned mathematical formulas

into tangible objects. Professor of education Linda Airey, Ph.D., involved her students in a tutorial so they would be informed about the technology as they begin student-teaching and visiting schools that may have maker spaces. The 3D printer at Franklin College is for anyone to use, said Rebhorn. “All they have to do is drop me a note. We’re working on building a schedule and having a support staff in place.” He added, “The best thing about our maker space is that, by definition, we can make it anything we want. It’s a great opportunity for me to work with students and learn what their imaginations hold.” ■

Yes, she can! By Laura Olivo ’17 Pulliam Fellow

Journalism major Tori Klimczak ’17 recently joined the maker movement through an art project that united individuals from around the globe. Franklin College Leadership Development Director Dale Rebhorn heard about the project and encouraged Klimczak’s participation. The Digital Harbor Foundation (DHF), a nonprofit teaching center for youth in Baltimore, Md., teamed with We the Builders, a crowd-sourcing nonprofit team that recreates iconic images through 3D printing, for their fourth collaborative project this year. With help from Klimczak and others around the world, they are recreating a sculpture of Rosie the Riveter, the cultural representation of American women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II. With a 7-inch tall clay Rosie sculpture as their muse, the nonprofit partners commissioned a 3D scan and scaled the sculpture up to a 33-feet tall model to match the size of three previous crowd-sourced sculptures. They then divided the model into 289 www.FranklinCollege.edu

printable pieces, organized into four sets of color categories. After posting the project online, they invited makers from around the world to claim the individually numbered pieces and commit to making them. Klimczak chose a part of Rosie’s blue shirt, which took two hours to produce. “It was my first time using the printer, and I didn’t know what to expect,” Klimczak said. “It was cool to oversee the whole process and make one tiny piece of the giant puzzle.” After Klimczak printed her piece, she numbered and mailed it to the organizing team. It will become part of the final sculpture this spring when all the pieces are finally submitted. Check on the sculpture’s progress at www.WeTheBuilders.com. Klimczak is excited to see the final project unveiled and is proud she played a role in taking Rosie to a new dimension. “It was a little contribution, but to create something with all kinds of other people is meaningful,” said Klimczak. ■ Spring 2017

F A C U LT Y / S T A F F N O T E S

Tenure awarded to student-focused faculty members The Franklin College Board of Trustees granted continuous tenure and promotion to four faculty members at its February board meeting. The granting of tenure is a layered review process that incorporates multiple levels of evaluation. Consistent with practices at peer educational institutions, criteria considered when making tenure decisions include excellence in scholarship, teaching and service to the community. Tenure affirms a mutual commitment between the faculty member and the college. With tenure, a faculty member demonstrates a long-term career commitment to Franklin College and its students. Through tenure, the college acknowledges a faculty member’s contributions and achievements and strives to ensure continuity in serving students. The following

PHOTOS BY RENEE (KEAN) KNIGHT ’06

faculty members received tenure, effective this August:

Amy Bracken, Ph.D.

Meredith Clark-Wiltz, Ph.D.

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Amy Bracken, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology, joined Franklin College in 2011. She received her bachelor’s degree in biology from DePauw University and her doctorate in neuroscience from Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. In her doctorate program, she investigated the neurobiology of drug and alcohol abuse using animal models (rats and mice). She now uses that expertise to teach courses relating to psychopharmacology and behavioral science. Additionally, she regularly collaborates with other members of the psychology department on research involving pedagogy and student learning. Bracken said, “Engaging every psychology major in hands-on, original research is one of my favorite opportunities at Franklin.” Meredith Clark-Wiltz, Ph.D., an associate professor of history and the history department chair, joined Franklin College in 2011. She received her bachelor’s degree in history, political science and English from the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, her master’s degree in history from Bowling Green State University and her doctorate in history from The Ohio State University. Clark-Wiltz said, “What I find most satisfying about the work I do are those moments when I am

successful at helping students to understand better the complexity of their world or one’s past. These moments appear when the impassioned class discussions bleed into the hallways, when students connect material from my class to their other studies and when former students visit my office after graduation to reflect on their education.” She received the Arthur Wilson Champion of Diversity Award in 2014 and the Franklin College Faculty Steering Committee Distinguished Service Award in 2016. Kim Eiler, Ed.D., an associate professor of physical education, joined Franklin College in 2004. She received her bachelor’s degree in physical education from Biola University, her master’s degree in secondary education from Manchester College (now Manchester University) and her doctorate in education from Auburn University. Eiler has taught physical education and wellness at Franklin College since 2004. She currently serves as the chair and as an adviser for the kinesiology department. She also served as the head women’s basketball coach until 2012, when she decided to put that position aside and focus more on the pedagogy of physical education. However, she believes coaching

and teaching go hand in hand. “If you’re a coach, you’re still teaching. If you’re teaching, you’re still coaching. You’re motivating and encouraging,” Eiler said. For her, it’s especially rewarding when her work at the college can overlap with serving the community. She is proud to have initiated the Grizzly Grandparents program at Franklin College; last year the National Collegiate Athletic Association featured some of the participants on its website. Through the program, members of the women’s basketball team are paired with residents of the Franklin Masonic Home; they “adopt” each other as family. The Grizzly Grandparents wear special gold T-shirts demonstrating their pride at the women’s home basketball games and at select away games. Sometimes the students and the Grizzly Grandparents develop strong relationships that also involve sharing special occasions and keeping in touch well beyond the college years. Eiler is also pleased that Franklin College has a physical education program serving local home-schooled children. She said, “It benefits the children who get valuable exercise and it helps the college students who are learning how to teach effectively.”

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“The addition of our second master’s program is a very exciting moment in the college’s history.” —Franklin College President Thomas J. Minar, Ph.D.

Director named for master’s program

Allison Fetter-Harrott, J.D., Ph.D.

Allison Fetter-Harrott, J.D., Ph.D., an associate professor of political science and occupant of the Elmon and Lucile Williams Endowed Chair in Law and Public Service, joined Franklin College in 2011. She received her bachelor’s degree from New York University, her master’s degree from Butler University, her law degree from Indiana UniversityBloomington Maurer School of Law and her doctorate in education leadership and policy studies from Indiana University. Fetter-Harrott has spoken at national and regional conferences and published research on employment law, special education and constitutional questions facing public schools. Her proudest Franklin College contributions include leading the Mock Trial Team, serving on the Presidential

Search Committee that helped select Thomas J. Minar, Ph.D., organizing Constitution Day events and expanding pre-law program opportunities for students. Fetter-Harrott said, “I joined the faculty at Franklin College because I wanted to use my professional expertise to support students on their way into law school and other fields of public service. I focus my teaching on U.S. law and government, with special attention to civil rights and education law. My guiding principle is that learning should be a hands-on challenge. So in my classes, we think critically and engage with real-world problems. By doing this, students build the ability to be effective citizens in the world.” ■

College invites kids on campus Franklin College is the place where education meets excitement, and this summer kids entering first- through eighth-grade can experience what it’s like to be a Grizzly firsthand! Registration is open for our Kids on Campus summer programming. Every class is designed to be an engaging, hands-on learning experience. Camp dates are June 26–30 and are offered in half- and full-day sessions at the college, with extended care available. Register kids prior to May 23 for early-bird pricing and best class selection. Scholarships are available to Johnson County residents. Visit www.FranklinCollege.edu/KidsOnCampus or call (317) 738-8749.

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Spring 2017

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Kim Eiler, Ed.D.

Franklin College has named Thomas Meehan, Ph.D., PA-C, director of its Physician Assistant Studies Master of Science Program. The college currently is awaiting program approval from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education and expects the first cohort of graduate students to begin the program in the fall of 2019. Meehan comes to Franklin from Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, where he serves as an assistant professor and coordinator Thomas Meehan, Ph.D., PA-C of the Physician Assistant Program Assessment Center for Physician Assistant Studies. He also works as a physician assistant for Ortho Rhode Island – Blackstone. Meehan has seven years of physician assistant experience, as well as orthopedic urgent-care and orthopedic-surgery experience. Meehan earned a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and a doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Georgia and a Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Baylor College of Medicine. Franklin College’s Physician Assistant Studies Program is made possible by a nearly $1 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, awarded in 2014 as part of its Initiative to Promote Opportunities Through Educational Collaborations. It is the second master’s program launched at Franklin and will build upon a strong track record in science and pre-professional health programs. One out of every five Franklin graduates in recent years has majored in science or a pre-professional health program. Since 1981, approximately 83 percent of Franklin College graduates who applied to medical school were accepted, more than 1.5 times the national average. “The addition of our second master’s program is a very exciting moment in the college’s history,” said Franklin College President Thomas J. Minar, Ph.D. “Franklin is known for its excellent preparation of students in the health and sciences professions, and the addition of this new program helps expand upon the transformational and highly personal opportunities we offer our students. We are very grateful for the generosity provided by the endowment and by others supporting this endeavor.” ■

F A C U LT Y / S T A F F N O T E S

Artist exhibits work at international airport

This painting is one of six in associate professor of art David Cunningham’s exhibit, “Meditation,” currently at the Indianapolis International Airport. View more of his work and blog at www.davidhcunningham.com.

Traveling exhibit shines light on justice Franklin College is hosting the traveling exhibit “Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and the March on Washington, 1963.” The exhibit is designed to help audiences understand the relationship between these two historic events that resulted from Americans demanding justice. “It also highlights the work of social movements for advancing equality, the contested meanings of freedom in the U.S. and the life experiences and leadership examples of black Americans,” said Meredith Clark-Wiltz, Franklin College associate professor of history and department chair. Franklin College is one of 50 sites and the only site in Indiana to host the exhibit. It remains open for free public viewing in Richardson Chapel through May 3 and is presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of American History in collaboration with the American Library Association Public Programs Office. The exhibit tour is made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the Human Endeavor. Call (317) 738-8185 for more details. ■

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Franklin associate professor of fine art David Cunningham is one of four artists, all teachers, invited to exhibit work this spring and early summer at Indianapolis International Airport. The artists work in different media and styles that show a breadth and variety of contemporary Indiana art. The airport exhibits continue through July 16. Cunningham is well-known for his astonishing ability to reproduce the real world on canvas with nearly

Associate professor contributes to international award-winning film A romantic comedy for which a Franklin faculty member served as the production designer received a topjuried award at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) in February. The Good Catholic’s creative team, including Gordon Strain, Franklin associate professor and theatre department chair, earned the 2017 Panavision Spirit Award for Independent Cinema. According to the SBIFF website, its annual film festival attracts 90,000 attendees and offers 11 days of 200+ films, tributes and symposiums. The spirit award Strain’s group received is sponsored by Panavision, a lens and camera provider in its seventh decade serving the film and television industry. According to its website, Panavision is committed to planting the seeds of creativity among filmmakers. For Strain, the creative process germinated when he took a temporary hiatus from teaching at the college in

2015 to help on The Good Catholic. The film, produced in Bloomington, Ind., features veteran actors Danny Glover (Lethal Weapon, The Color Purple) and John C. McGinley (“Scrubs,” Platoon) as well as Zachary “Zach” Spicer, a Greencastle, Ind., native. The film was produced by Pigasus Pictures, a New York-based film company, co-owned and operated by Spicer and friend John Armstrong. Their friend, Paul Shoulberg, wrote the film, based on the true events of his parents’ love story. His father was a priest when he met and fell in love with his future wife. Strain met Shoulberg, Spicer and Armstrong while attending graduate school at Indiana University. “We all played poker together every week,” said Strain. Another tie the film has to Indiana is David Anspaugh, director of the iconic films Rudy (University of Notre Dame football) and Hoosiers (Indiana high school basketball). Anspaugh is

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photographic accuracy. His airport installation, titled Meditations, is a group of paintings of stones that not only call up memories of his boyhood, but also reveal the deep, almost spiritual relationship we as humans have with the earth’s ancient past. On his website, Cunningham shares, “I had spent hours as a boy collecting rocks, finding amazement in the variety of textures and colors. I have watched all of my children play with the stones in our flower garden with the same joy. One day I took my daughter to a special creek near our home to throw stones in the water. I brought my camera intending to capture a few moments of her childhood. It wasn’t long until I was looking at the rocks on the creek bank and photographing them.”

from the confines of time, fear and distractions. “I can describe this experience as nothing less than divine. In addition, I see painting as a process of self-discovery. Upon contemplation of the finished piece, I find that the work reflects my personality, my thoughts (conscious and unconscious) and my vision of the world around me. In this way, painting provides me with valuable insights into my psyche.” In addition to Cunningham’s paintings, the airport features the work of clay artist Lesley Baker, stone sculptures by Amy Brier and painter Lisa Sears, whose artwork pays homage to quilts and the role they played in the movement to allow women the right to vote. ■

“Two of the large paintings (in the Meditations installation) came from photographs taken that day. Since then I have been collecting stones, again, exploring combinations of shapes, sizes and colors. The possibilities seem endless. The finished paintings have a life of their own. They are meditative, calming yet intense, spiritual and yet decorative, ordered yet casual, volumetric and flat.” For Cunningham, painting is a form of meditation and a way to understand himself and the world around him. His website states, “The creative process involved in painting is a spiritual practice for me that engages my mind, body and spirit in a deep and challenging way. The complexity of painting fully captivates me, taking me into another dimension free

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Gordon Strain, associate professor and theatre department chair, and Ian Mullen ’16 work on props for The Good Catholic set.

The Good Catholic’s executive producer. Strain’s responsibilities as production designer for the film were numerous, including building set pieces, “dressing” film locations and checking for scene continuity between takes. He even prepared the food used during a dinner scene.

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“I worked closely with the director and the director of photography to make sure things looked good through the lens,” explained Strain. He also used the filmmaking opportunity as a way to engage students in learning. He invited broadcast journalism major Ian Mullen ’16, then a

student, to be his production design assistant, and he secured a non-speaking acting role for sociology/criminology and theatre major Kiera Shackelford ’17. Strain also enlisted the help of Franklin College General Trades Technician David Piland during the set design and received assistance from Director of Athletics Kerry Prather. All of them are mentioned in the movie credits. Strain said he was grateful for the college community’s participation and support. Strain noted that Franklin colleague Nick Crisafulli, assistant professor of theatre, graciously absorbed his classes for a couple of weeks, and Robin Roberts, associate professor of theatre, also offered assistance during his absence. “Film is so different than theatre. Designing is different. Acting is different. Even the way we schedule our days is different. I remember as a kid thinking that being a movie star would be so cool and easy. It’s not. Nobody on set has it easy, especially when you have a smallish budget.” ■

Spring 2017

ATHLETICS

ZOIE RICHEY ’17

Clare Lenart ’18 was one of four Franklin women’s soccer players named to the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference first team. She and eight teammates also received the Tom Bohlsen Academic All-Conference Award for maintaining a 3.5 or better GPA the semester prior to the athletic season.

Grizzlies wrap up fall sports season By Alexis Weidner ’18 Pulliam Fellow

Collectively, Franklin College teams and student-athletes enjoyed tremendous success, on and off the field, during the 2016 fall athletics season. Across the different sports, student-athletes showed why it is good to be a Grizzly. For example, 30 student-athletes were named to the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) All-Academic team. Several others received All-HCAC and Player of the Year honors in a variety of sports. Women’s Soccer The women’s soccer team had one of the greatest seasons in program history. Ranked in the NCAA Division III Top 25 for a substantial part of the season, the Grizzlies finished with a 16-4 record and were runners-up in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Tournament. The regular-season-champion Grizzlies were led by a strong junior class, two experienced seniors and a

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standout group of underclassmen. Audra Lane ’17, Clare Lenart ’18, Maddie Fleet ’19 and Lexi Short ’20 were all named to the HCAC first team. For the second consecutive year, Fleet was named the HCAC Offensive Player of the Year. Fleet, Lenart and Lane earned Academic-All District and Academic All-American honors from the College Sports Information Directors Association. They also were named National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) first

team All-Region. Fleet was selected third team All-America by the NSCAA and was also named to its All-Region team. In addition, nine players received the Tom Bohlsen Academic AllConference Award. To earn the award, athletes had to maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA the semester before their athletic season. The award winners were Kelsey Brunsman ’18, Lane, Lenart, Joanna List ’18, Katie Kavanaugh ’19, Bret Roberts ’18, Maddie Fleet ’19, Abigayle Stayer ’18 and Emily Stayer ’18. Football The Grizzlies achieved another strong season record in football. The team was ranked as high as No. 14 in the nation and defeated nationally ranked Thomas Moore. For the second straight season, quarterback www.FranklinCollege.edu

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ZOIE RICHEY ’17

Chase Burton ’18 was the HCAC Offensive Player of the Year. This marked the fourth consecutive year that Franklin has brought home the award. The Grizzlies had eight players named to the All-HCAC first team. Those players were Deontez Alexander ’18, Ty’Ronte Files ’17, Lee Wroblewski ’18, Samm Hayes ’18, Sam Burk ’18, Devante Ash ’17, Austin Day ’17 and Burton. In addition, seven players were named to the Academic All-Conference team. Those players were Ethan Bailey ’17, Adam Grannan ’18, Daniel Harris ’17, Stephen Colligan ’18, Charles Hill ’19, Joshua Holt ’19 and John Zemkewicz ’18. The Grizzlies concluded the season by winning their 12th straight Victory Bell Classic against Hanover. Their season finish was 8–2 overall and 7–1 in the HCAC. The team also was the 2016-17 NCAA

Division III national leader for passing yards per game. Volleyball The women’s volleyball team finished 15–12, securing its third consecutive winning season. Amanda Lelivelt ’18 was named to the AllHCAC first team. Ashley Bazier ’17 was an Honorable Mention selection; Kennedy Surface ’20 was named to the All-Freshman team; and Dena Dunn ’17 was named to the All-Sportsmanship team. On the scholastic side, Brooke Harvey ’18, Carrigan Peak ’18, Libby Stahl ’19, Bazier and Dunn were named to the Academic All-Conference team. Right-side hitter Jenna Spini ’20 goes vertical for the smash as teammates Amber Williams ’20 (14) and Libby Stahl ’18 (in blue) cover her. The team finished 15–12 for the season.

Spring 2017

RENEE (KEAN) KNIGHT ’06

The Grizzlies take the field at Faught Stadium for the annual Victory Bell Classic. The team defeated Hanover for the 12th consecutive year and kept possession of the bell.

ATHLETICS

Men’s Soccer The men’s soccer team finished with a 3–10–4 record and was seventh in the final HCAC standings. The young team is looking to build off of its 2016 successes for next season. Austin Storm ’18 was part of the Academic All-Conference team. Cody Graman ’11, who served the past three seasons as an assistant coach was promoted to head men’s soccer coach in February. Women’s Cross-Country The Grizzlies had a young team looking to find its footing this season. Women’s leader Sadie Spears ’18 earned All-HCAC honors when she placed 14th at the HCAC meet. The women finished eighth at the HCAC championship meet. Rachel Bowden ’18 was named to the HCAC All-Academic team. Nathan Higbie ’20 takes a swing during the Dick Park Invitational. The event is named in honor of Franklin College professor emeritus of mathematics and former head men’s golf coach for 31 years Richard “Dick” Park (HD ’02).

FRIDAY, AUG. 4

Men’s Cross-Country Led by Evan Vernon ’17 and Clayton Brumfield ’20, the Grizzlies enjoyed a strong season. Brumfield was named HCAC Freshman of the Year after an eighth-place finish at this year’s league championships. The men placed seventh overall at the meet. Vernon closed out his career with a personal best time of 27:55 in an 8K race and was named to the HCAC All-Academic team. Women’s Golf Paige Lundy ’17 earned All-HCAC honors with a fourth-place finish at the HCAC Women’s Golf Championships. Annie Rodgers ’17 tied for 10th at the championships, and Keely Townsend ’19 tied for 12th. Hanna White ’18 placed 14th. Hannah Sharkey ’19 and Rodgers were named to the HCAC All-Academic team.

A fundraiser for athletics. Sponsorships available. Call (317) 738-8042. 24 F R A N K L I N C O L L E G E M A G A Z I N E

Men’s Golf The Grizzlies enjoyed a number of top five invitational finishes, including winning the Wabash Golf Classic and securing a second-place finish at the Dick Park Invitational. Jackson

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Jessica Baker ’18 and her teammates finished second in the 2016–17 Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Athletic recognition plate updated

ZOIE RICHEY’17

Williams ’20 was the individual winner of the Wabash Classic. His teammate Colton Kuppler ’20 was runner-up. Women’s Tennis The Grizzlies finished 7–6 and were runners-up to Rose-Hulman Institute

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of Technology in the HCAC Tournament semifinal. Emily Helvie ’17, Megan Battles ’18, Brianna Hutton ’19 and Alexa Schofner ’19 were named to the HCAC AllAcademic team. In addition, the Grizzlies’ head coach Rusty Hughes,

The recognition plaque installed in the Spurlock Center this fall to show Franklin College alumni and coaches who have been inducted into the Indiana and national athletic halls of fame recently was updated with another name. John Buerger ’69, who was inducted into the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame, is now a part of the plaque. ■

who also coaches at Franklin Community High School, was inducted into the Indiana High School Tennis Coaches Association Hall of Fame for his history of success at the high school level. ■

Spring 2017

RENEE (KEAN) KNIGHT ’06

Cross-country runner Clayton Brumfield ’20 was named the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference's 2016 Freshman of the Year after an eighth-place finish at the league championships.

ATHLETICS

Champions celebrate life in the fast lane Not long ago, Franklin College did not offer a swimming and diving program. But in 2008–09, administrators saw potential and worked on building a program foundation. Swimming and diving rolled out as a sport for club teams, and the college hired Andrew Hendricks as the head coach. Under his continued leadership, the program has been steadily building a reputation for excellence since its inaugural 2009–10 season as a NCAA-recognized sport for men and women at Franklin. The program motto is “Bleed Blue. Swim for Gold.” And, this season that’s what they did. On Feb. 11, the Franklin men’s team capped off an amazing run by achieving its fourth consecutive win at the NCAA Liberal Arts Championships, and the women’s team won their first-ever championships title, securing a clean sweep for the Grizzlies. Eleven women’s teams and nine men’s teams participated in the championships and accounted for nearly 300 swimmers and divers. Swimming events began on the morning of Feb. 9, after the women

Head swimming coach Andrew Hendricks presents Regina Solik ’17 a first-place medal for the 100-freestyle. She provisionally qualified for nationals in the 50-yard freestyle.

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got diving kicked off the night before. Brianna Gunning ’19 finished 10th in the 1-meter competition to get Franklin on the board and later finished in sixth-place on the 3-meter board, breaking her own team record. In the first men’s swimming event, Franklin’s 200-freestyle relay team of Matt Western ’17, Ben Doss ’20, James Hone ’20 and Jordan Cermak ’20 qualified third. The women’s 200-freestyle relay team of Payton Thomas ’17, Sarah Taylor ’17, Amy McCormick ’18 and Haley Blaich ’17 qualified first. Both teams were set up for exciting finals that evening. Franklin’s men’s team won its firstever relay at the championships back in 2013 when the team of David McAfee ’17, Alex Bariyev ’16, Carney Gillin ’15 and Joel Foreman ’16 upset the field to win the coveted 400-freestyle relay. Since that time, the Franklin men have won 20 of the 21 relays and have been undefeated in relay competition since 2015. The streak stands at 19 consecutive wins. Franklin’s women’s team won its first-ever relay at the championships last season when McCormick and Blaich were joined by Karlee Demsey ’18 and Regina Solik ’17 to take gold in the 200-freestyle relay and 400-freestyle relay. The foursome would go on to repeat that feat at this year’s championships, and the team would add two more relay titles to its accomplishments as well. In addition, the 400-medley relay team of Mackenzie Dwyer ’19, Kaitlin Mans ’18, Demsey and Solik won first place, as did the 800-freestyle relay team of Dwyer, Taylor, Blaich and McCormick in new team-record time. “We have built a tradition around our relays at Franklin and take a lot of pride in that regard. The swimmers know how to step up and race big,” Hendricks said. “Unlike many teams, we take the time out of practice every week to work on the little things, including relay exchanges. Our

program isn’t about yardage. It is about swimming fast and fine-tuning the process to do things right. It is about inclusiveness, family and keeping our academic priorities in perspective.” Franklin uses its roster to its advantage as well. With 24 men on the team this year, Hendricks typically uses a different foursome in the qualifying heats than he does for the event finals. “Giving the younger swimmers a chance to step up and qualify the team is an important part of the process for us,” Hendricks said. “It also gives our swimmers a huge mental advantage knowing we come back with nearly a completely different group at night. The extra rest for our big guns doesn’t hurt, either. Other teams don’t necessarily have that luxury or strategy.” Franklin opened the evening session sticking to its process and strategy. With three fresh swimmers, the 200-freestyle-relay team of Hone, Sam Hall ’18, Bailey Willoughby ’17 and Artur Schneider ’17 won the event by nearly a full second with a time of 1:23.66. Schneider anchored with a blistering 19.9. By the end of the first day, Franklin was up 46 points. Schneider, then a two-time NCAA National Qualifier and two-time NCAA Academic All-American, would go on to win all three of his individual events (200-individual medley, 100-backstroke and 200-backstroke) and be named Liberal Arts Swimmer of the Year. This was the third time in four years Schneider won the honor. He qualified for NCAA Nationals this year based on his performances and represented Franklin on the national stage once again. He was ranked in the top 25 in the nation in three different individual events, 100-freestyle, 100-backstroke and 200-individual medley. This year, however, there was one distinct difference from Schneider’s last two qualifying seasons. His teammates on the men’s 400-freestyle relay team also qualified provisionally for www.FranklinCollege.edu

Artur Schneider ’17, then a two-time NCAA national qualifier and two-time NCAA Academic All-American, won all three of his individual events (200-individual medley, 100-backstroke and 200-backstroke) at the Liberal Arts Championships and was named Liberal Arts Swimmer of the Year. This was the third time in four years Schneider won the honor. In February, he also learned he qualified, again, for nationals.

PHOTOS BY MIKE SOLIK

nationals. Additionally, Solik became the first Franklin woman to provisionally qualify for the 50-yard freestyle with a time of 23.58. She also took gold in the 100-freestyle. “Our women’s team has been just as strong as our men’s team each and every year. It shows the balance in our program and the commitment we all share to one another,” said Hendricks. “I am very proud of Regina and all of the women, in particular, this season.” Overall, Franklin’s women won 10 of the 20 championship events and broke 12 team records. Dwyer, Demsey and Solik were all double-event winners. Dwyer took gold in the 200-individual medley and 200-backstroke. Demsey won the 100-backstroke and 100-butterfly. The results speak volumes, but Hendricks also has the hardware to prove the program’s success. He was named Men’s Swimming Coach of the Year for the third time in four years at the championships and also was awarded Women’s Swimming Coach of the Year for the first time. It’s the first time in recent history of the championships that a coach has been awarded Coach of the Year for both men and women. In all, the Franklin men’s team won 10 of the 20 events at the championships and broke 12 team records. In addition to Schneider taking home www.FranklinCollege.edu

the Liberal Arts Swimmer of the Year honor, Jacob Keener ’20 was named Male Diver of the Year and represented the Grizzlies at the NCAA Diving Regionals in March. He was the second diver to do so for Franklin in two seasons. Divers compete at regionals for a chance to move on to nationals, where they join the swimmers. Keener went to Denison University with Franklin head diving coach Dee Woods to compete on both the 1-meter and 3-meter board. Woods, a two-time Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) diving champion and IHSAA Hall of Fame member, was also named the Men’s Diving Coach of the Year. She believes Keener has all the skills to be a national-level diver someday.

Bailey Willoughby ’17, James Hone ’20, Sam Hall ’17 and Artur Schneider ’17 bite their first-place medals for the 200-freestyle relay at the NCAA Liberal Arts Championships.

Because of a rather complicated selection process, the swimmers who provisionally qualified for nationals had to wait to see if their qualification times held up across the country. “The first relay we won at the championships was the 400-freestyle relay back in 2013, so it is almost poetic that we sat waiting to see if our national hopes would come to fruition,” Hendricks said. “Artur and I have loved the experience of representing Franklin College on the national stage, but we loved more than anything having teammates join us this year in putting Franklin College swimming and diving on the map.” ■ Spring 2017

ALUMNI NEWS

Promoting science, beauty with butterflies SUBMITTED PHOTO

By Laura Olivo ’17 Pulliam Fellow

There’s no shortage of inspiring stories about ways in which people’s lives have been enriched by beautiful butterflies. These insects are the essence of nature, symbolizing hope, independence and majesty. Butterflies make people happy. Butterflies also play important roles in ecosystems, serving as prey for birds and bats and supporting parasites. They collectively help with pollination and pest control. Butterflies add value to human health, education, the environment, the economy (tourism) and countless other endeavors, and for an educator, like Missi Tinsley ’96, there’s tremendous value in sharing those facts with students. During the summer of 2016, Tinsley was involved in building a butterfly habitat at Northwood Elementary School in Franklin, Ind., where she teaches fourth grade. The popularity of the outdoor space has exceeded Tinsley’s expectations, and the opportunities it provides for students to engage with nature continuously remind her that the initial grant and supporting work were well worth the time and effort. “We planted our garden in July, but I put in a lot of physical labor during June. I tore apart the sandbox, pulled up the old landscape fabric, pulled out tons of weeds and hauled in around 40 bags of soil. A lot of prep work had to be done before we could plant anything,” Tinsley said. The success of the habitat recently inspired Tinsley and colleague Megan Greene to explore other ways to use butterflies as a teaching tool. The duo applied for a 10X Teacher Inspiration Grant, funded by Franklin Community Schools in partnership with Johnson Memorial Hospital. The grants are aimed at helping teachers rejuvenate by pursuing innovative ideas to

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Elementary school teachers Megan Greene and Missi Tinsley ’96 visit a butterfly sanctuary in Mexico.

“I like the challenge of finding a new way of teaching a concept so it connects with them. It’s exciting to see the light go on when students understand a new concept and to see they finally understand something that has been difficult for them.” —Missi Tinsley ’96

increase their knowledge base and supplement student learning with new experiences and models. Tinsley and Greene submitted a proposal to visit renowned butterfly sanctuaries in Mexico, where they could gather data, photos and videos to bring back and share with students in the classroom. “We actually wrote our grant in four stages, like the life cycle of a butterfly,” Tinsley explained. “The egg stage was our introduction to recent changes in our teaching careers. The larva stage was our trip to Lawrence, Kan., to meet with Chip Taylor of Monarch Watch, to learn how to tag butterflies and our creation of a butterfly garden in the courtyard at Northwood Elementary. The pupa, or chrysalis, stage, was our relaxation time at the spa in Avandaro, Mexico. The adult stage, was when the butterfly emerged; Megan and I have come

full circle through these last two years of change in our careers, and we were able to celebrate a new beginning with our visit to the butterfly sanctuaries in Mexico.” Tinsley and Greene traveled to Central Mexico Jan. 15–20 and visited two butterfly sanctuaries, El Rosario Sanctuary and Sierra Chincua Sanctuary. National Geographic named both as places to experience “magic” in a 2009 article. “It was an exhilarating experience!” Tinsley said. “At El Rosario, we saw around 35 million butterflies, even though the entire colony was estimated to be between 50 to 55 million. That many butterflies flying actually produce sound.” That’s just one of the fun facts Tinsley has shared with students since returning. “Our students have been involved from the very beginning,” Tinsley said.

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“When I was at Franklin, the motto of the education department was ‘Be a caring, competent decision-maker,’ and those words have stayed with me through the years,” Tinsley said. Tinsley also remains grateful for the field experience she racked up as an undergraduate. Like all education majors who attend Franklin College, Tinsley had field-teaching experiences every Wednesday during her second and third year in the education program as well as two Winter Term teaching experiences. The collective experiences helped build her confidence before she began her first full-time teaching position at Break-O-Day Elementary in New Whiteland, Ind., and her second full-time teaching position at Northwood Elementary, where she has been teaching for 20 years. “Hands-on experiences are so important in education. There are some things that just can't be learned from books,” Tinsley said. “I’m very fortunate to be teaching in the Franklin school system. Had I gone to a different college or university, I most likely would not have ended up teaching at Franklin Community Schools. “I’ve had a lot of great opportunities within the Franklin school system and am so grateful it afforded me the chance to study butterflies in Mexico.”■

Missi Tinsley ’96 adds plantings to the butterfly garden she helped create at Northwood Elementary School in Franklin, Ind. SUBMITTED PHOTOS

“Prior to Megan and I leaving for Mexico, we had students study the culture of the country. We also read a lot about Monarchs and their migration patterns.” From their grant-writing process to the current implementation phase, Tinsley and Greene have maintained that the butterfly is an appropriate symbol of the hope they have for students to successfully mature, embrace change and be transformed by learning experiences. And, like a butterfly, each student journey is unique. “I like the challenge of finding a new way of teaching a concept so it connects with them,” said Tinsley. “It’s exciting to see the light go on when students understand a new concept and to see they finally understand something that has been difficult for them.” Connectivity is another value the butterfly habitat supports. Through the habitat, Tinsley remains connected with her college alma mater and meets new classes of Grizzlies. Franklin College typically sends a group of students to Northwood Elementary to help pull weeds, add plantings and refresh the habitat as a part of its Franklin Offering the Community Unselfish Service (FOCUS) Day, an annual service-learning program. “I think it's a great way for freshmen to get involved and become familiar with other organizations in their new community,” Tinsley said. Tinsley graduated from Franklin with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Spanish minor. She was a member of Tri Delta sorority and participated in a Winter Term trip to Israel and Jordan. She credits education professor emerita Diana Bartnick-Schmidt and Spanish professor emerita the late Alicia Pianca for being the most influential people in her college career and for helping her become more passionate about teaching.

Spring 2017

ALUMNI NEWS

Communications pro clever as a Fox By Laura Olivo ’17 Pulliam Fellow

While riding in a small airplane with a member of the North Dakota Highway Patrol KMOT-TV reporter Amy Fox ’12 investigates law enforcement’s efforts to crack down on speeding and seat-belt violators in Minot, N.D.

Since Amy Fox ’12 graduated from Franklin College with a degree in broadcast journalism and pursued her dream job as a TV news reporter and anchor, she has lived in two different states, adapted to waking up at 12 a.m. to get ready for 5 a.m. newscasts, navigated meeting tight deadlines while competing with colleagues for access to the technology and equipment required for the job and learned a lot about the reality of working in the industry. Now this clever professional communicator is using what she learned in the broadcast news industry and in college to broaden her career in a new way. Today, Fox is the public relations officer for the city of Carbondale, Ill. “I’m the first person to be the (city’s) public relations officer,” Fox said. With no blueprint from a predecessor to follow, Fox said one of her primary responsibilities is figuring

out how to best serve the city and its constituents. “The job comes with its own set of challenges because it’s a jack-of-all-trades position.” That means no day is ever the same as the one before it. Fox may produce a video highlighting a local business one afternoon, and the next she’s a participant in an ice water rescue drill with the fire department. Even though Fox is rarely in her office for long periods of time, she has daily duties to keep up with while she’s on the go, including managing social media accounts, promoting community events and programs, writing press releases, producing informational videos and serving as the liaison between the media and city staff. “I do a lot of the same things I did for TV,” Fox said. “I’m telling Carbondale’s stories, taking care of the city’s positive image and working as the face of the city. People often refer to me as the ‘cheerleader’ for the city of Carbondale.” Fox loves Carbondale, but it’s not

With Franklin College’s small-class sizes, engaged-learning opportunities and arsenal of broadcast technology equipment, Fox got the experience she needed to become competitive in the TV news industry and was able to realize her dream as an anchor at age 22.

Amy Fox ’12 previously anchored the morning newscast at WSIL-TV in southern Illinois.

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so unfair at the time, but looking back, it’s made me the person I am today.” Beyond journalism, Fox sampled courses from the liberal arts curriculum and eventually realized that adding a minor to her college plans could help make her more marketable after graduation. “To become a well-rounded journalist, I needed to be diverse,” Fox said. Ultimately, she chose a minor in political science to gain a solid understanding of government and its impact on multiple issues that she anticipated encountering as a reporter. The minor proved valuable as did the liberal arts courses. “I have enough general knowledge of different subjects to tell a good, well-balanced story,” Fox said. She also

“I can’t tell you how badly I wanted to graduate, but now I want to go back. There’s no place like Franklin College.” —Amy Fox ”12

From 2012 to 2014, Fox was an evening news anchor and a reporter for KMOT-TV in Minot, N.D. She then worked as a reporter and morning news anchor for WSIL-TV in Carterville, Ill,, from 2014 to late 2016. She is grateful for the college mentors who helped her prepare for becoming a professional communicator. “Kirk Bixler, assistant dean of students and director of career services, was a huge help in perfecting my resume and cover letter, and Ann Barton, assistant director for the Pulliam School of Journalism, always provided me with hands-on opportunities,” Fox said. Fox also recalled that journalism professors Joel Cramer and Ray Begovich taught rigorous classes that challenged her to work harder, to improve the quality of her work and to follow her dreams. “I remember Ray handing me back press releases, and they would have negative scores,” Fox said. “With Joel, I would get a B-plus or a B. It seemed

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SUBMITTED PHOTOS

her hometown. She was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Ind. Some of her fondest childhood memories involve making home movies with her family and even recording her own newscasts for the sake of telling a good story. “I knew I wanted to be a news anchor since third grade,” Fox said. “I still remember waking up early to eat breakfast and watch the morning news with my dad; it just seemed like a natural fit.” With Franklin College’s small-class sizes, engaged-learning opportunities and arsenal of broadcast technology equipment, Fox got the experience she needed to become competitive in the TV news industry and was able to realize her dream as an anchor at age 22.

credits internships with a variety of organizations for helping make her more marketable. Fox’s first internship was in the summer of 2009 with the marketing and promotions department of WLDE FUN 101.7, a radio station in her hometown. During the 2010 Winter Term, she, again, interned in her hometown at WANE-TV, and then she completed a yearlong internship with WTHR-TV 13 in Indianapolis. “I got a taste of life working behind the camera in a sound booth, built up TV reel (covering stories about Super Bowl XLVI), wrote stories and was challenged as a reporter,” Fox said. Beyond her internships, Fox benefited from hands-on opportunities on the college campus. She was the student media manager of the broadcast program “Inside Franklin” and also took on producing a news package of her own each week. Plus, she hosted a radio show on WFCI 89.5, the college station. Additionally, Fox was a student

Amy Fox ’12 suits up for an ice water rescue drill with the Carbondale (Ill.) Fire Department. As the city’s public relations officer, she must have firsthand knowledge of a variety of safety capabilities.

ambassador, resident assistant, Religious Life Team member, Student Congress representative and an initiate of Alpha Lambda Delta academic honor society and Omicron Delta Kappa leadership honor society. On top of her busy schedule, Fox found the time to go to New York City for a mission trip with the Religious Life Team in 2011. Every liberal arts course, engagedlearning experience and leadership opportunity at Franklin College was a piece in the puzzle that has helped shape and support Fox’s success in the workforce. Fox said one of her favorite quotes summing up her Franklin College experience comes from children’s author Dr. Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” She added, “I can’t tell you how badly I wanted to graduate, but now I want to go back. There’s no place like Franklin College.” ■

Spring 2017

ALUMNI NEWS

By Ann Kish Website administrator

Serving as an addictions counselor is as rewarding as it is challenging, according to Amber (Westerfeld) Hoff ’03, an employee at Tara Treatment Center in Franklin, Ind. Through her work, Hoff celebrates patient journeys each September when the center hosts an alumni reunion. “During treatment, individuals are often at their worst. At the reunion, we celebrate the hope that we are able to provide by helping them get through that time. I am so thankful that I can do this kind of work,” said Hoff. “Nothing compares to seeing individuals united with their families

and living happy, healthy lives.” Hoff began her psychology degree at Franklin College expecting to end up in school counseling. “I thought I’d get my master’s and become a therapist, but I didn’t know what options were available to me. Working in addictions was just not on my radar.” As they do for many Franklin students, Hoff’s internship experiences gave her a different perspective and opened her eyes to new possibilities. “I did an internship at Tara and learned about addiction treatment. Even though my internship only lasted a month, I connected to the field and to the mission of the center,” recalled Hoff. Subsequently, doors opened at Tara,

RENEE (KEAN) KNIGHT ’06

Counselor helps heal lives

Amber (Westerfeld) Hoff ’03 serves as an addictions counselor at Tara Treatment Center in Franklin, Ind.

and Hoff accepted an outpatient coordinator position. While working full time and raising a family, she added a master’s degree to her vitae.

Statistician helps identify student-retention solutions By Laura Olivo ’17 Pulliam Fellow For Bryan Bell ’02, hearing the stories of real lives that have been impacted by strategic data work is as important as devising the right tools to collect and analyze it. As a statistician and entrepreneur specializing in helping clients in the education field, he has found a way to do both. When Bell graduated from Franklin College with a bachelor’s degree in pure mathematics, he thought his career path was clear-cut, and that he would become a teacher. A recommendation from mathematics professor Dan Callon ’77, Ph.D., to consider graduate school helped Bell reimagine his future. While pursuing his master’s degree at Miami University of Ohio, Bell realized his passion was statistics. “I loved teaching, but my desire was to grow companies by uncovering opportunities in business data,” Bell said. “I wanted to be the storyteller of

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what the data was telling us and lead an organization in that manner. My career really took off when I pursued entrepreneurship.” Bell’s early career was in the database marketing industry; he developed algorithms and analyzed statistics to make sense of consumer behavior. Since his interest in education had not extinguished, he began exploring ways his statistical skills could be used in that field, and he honed in on consumer behavior in education. He realized student retention, understanding why students choose to drop out and knowing which circumstances most often present obstacles to their retention, could help higher-learning institutions as well as the students they serve. He also recognized the byproduct of that success could help the economy. In 2008, Bell founded Indianapolis-based Target Enrollment Group. Bell said.“I was able to drive the vision and provide insights to institu-

tions that helped them become more effective in their marketing and retention strategies.” After several satisfying years at the helm, Bell sold the company, but he continues to do consulting work on a project basis. He now serves as a managing partner for Aviso Retention, an educational technology company based in Columbus, Ohio. “The focus of Target Enrollment Group was taking analytics as a service and productizing it, but there’s no way to get there 100 percent without a software platform to facilitate the results for decision makers; that’s where Aviso comes in,” Bell said. Adding Target Enrollment Group’s retention analytics to the Aviso Retention platform has led to some great business opportunities. Recently, Aviso was invited to be part of the Carolina Works Validation Study, funded by a $9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s First in the World Program; only two

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ships I did not think were possible for me,” explained Hoff. Hoff also worked for The Franklin, the college newspaper. “It is good to have all kinds of experiences. Participating in theatre at Franklin also developed my confidence. I loved working backstage and seeing a play develop over time, from start to end.” In addition to her psychology major, Hoff benefited from minors in history and sociology. Hoff credits associate provost and professor of sociology Denise Baird, Ph.D., for building her awareness of different social issues, including welfare and, specifically, women on welfare. “The class material and in-class discussions helped me think outside the box when I started my master’s degree in social work,” said Hoff. A professor of psychology also was very influential.

such grants have been awarded thus far. The primary goal of the validation study is to increase student persistence at 10 North Carolina community colleges. The study will explore whether success coaching has a positive and significant impact on communitycollege students' retention and credential completion rates. Carolina Works will gather evidence through a randomized controlled trial relying on predictive analytics tools provided by Aviso Retention. Through the study, students will have a profile in Aviso and receive auto-alerts about attendance, grades, registration and achievement that may put them at risk. Success coaches also will receive the alerts. “Aviso’s analytics tools will help the success coaches identify, reach out and intervene with students at risk of dropping out of school,” explained Bell. While the results of the study can be directly helpful to the community colleges involved, there is a great opportunity for Aviso to implement

its technology on campuses across the United States. On a national level, improved persistence and completion could lead to more qualified individuals entering the workforce. The program funding the grant to support the study was awarded during Barack Obama’s presidency. While a new president is in office, the overarching goal remains true to the purpose described on the U.S. Department of Education website, “By addressing the challenges faced by students who are typically at-risk for not persisting (adult learners, working students, part-time students, students from low-income backgrounds, students of color, students with disabilities and first-generation students), the project can help contribute to America once again having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.” Obama’s vision was to reach the goal by 2020. Bell finds it exceptionally gratifying to be part of a team involved in work that could have such far-reaching implications. He credits his Franklin

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“In my research methods class at Franklin, the late Dr. Roger Thomas taught us how to document our learning, forging ideas and opinions that were separate from what we learned. I learned to work harder since more was expected of us, and it strengthened me for graduate school.” Hoff remains grateful for her influential professors and the ways they and her overall Franklin experience enriched her life. “Franklin let me explore many areas and have input from different faculty. Franklin’s professors are important in helping direct students’ careers from the beginning, from providing knowledge to help students make choices to writing recommendations to help graduates land the job they want or get into the graduate school of their dreams.” ■

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Today Hoff serves as Tara’s primary women’s program counselor, assisting up to 16 women at any given time for drug and alcohol addiction. The center offers men and women different levels of rehabilitation, from detox and residential care to outpatient programming. Individuals arrive at Tara as a result of varying circumstances, with some making the personal decision to get care and others receiving treatment as a result of legal decisions or family interventions. Hoff credits her college sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, with helping her become more comfortable with individuals and groups. “I started at Franklin with some social anxiety and ended up being the secretary of my sorority. Looking back, I see how this experience helped get me out of my comfort zone and develop relation-

Bryan Bell ’02

liberal arts background, the welldesigned mathematics curriculum, caring professors, a statistics internship at Maple Leaf Farms and leadership opportunities with the Grizzlies’ football team all for giving him the skills and wherewithal to succeed in college and beyond. “Franklin College changed my path,” Bell said. ■

Spring 2017

ALUMNI NEWS

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Globetrotting Grizzly serves as U.S. diplomat

By Laura Olivo ’17 Pulliam Fellow After graduating from Franklin College with a degree in journalismpublic relations and French, Rachael (Niehaus) Cullins ’06 had aspirations to serve her country and see the world. Becoming a commissioned member of the U.S. Department of State has enabled her to do both. Cullins began with the department as a consular assistant in 2011 and later underwent an examination process to become a foreign service officer, also known as a diplomat. Over the course of her career journey, she has traversed the globe, relocating from her then-home of Washington, D.C., to Dakar, Senegal, to Monterrey, Mexico, and presently to London, England. Moving to a new place is never easy and pressing “reset” on your life every few years — saying goodbye to and making new friends, learning to navigate a foreign city and learning the nuances of a new culture — is a challenge, but the rewards continue

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to outweigh the sacrifices, Cullins said. “When I learned I had passed the final step of the examination process, it was honestly one of the best moments of my life. I knew I was ready to pour my heart — and many moving boxes and changes of address — into this career and into serving the United States.” Living and working abroad has transformed Cullins’ life. She indicated she has a greater appreciation for the United States and its clean water, safe streets and reliable mail delivery, to name a few. Even though Cullins is thousands of miles away from home, there is a daily reminder of America, which helps reinforce her sense of purpose. During her commute to work, she passes through a wooded park, and through the trees she can see the American flag flying on the roof of the U.S. Embassy. “The flag reminds me every single day why I do this,” Cullins said. “The work we’re doing abroad for America is so important, diplomacy is so impor-

tant, and I feel really proud to be of service in this way.” Each foreign service officer has a “cone” (a specialty), and Cullins’ is consular work, which involves facilitating services for American citizens and working on both nonimmigrant and immigrant visas. Cullins mainly spends her mornings interviewing and evaluating people who want to go to the United States for tourism, to study or to work. “It’s a lot of fun,” Cullins said. “Visa work is a great way to talk to everyday folks where you’re living, and it’s a great way to talk to many kinds of people. I truly look forward to coming to work every day.” Cullins has encountered a few celebrities through her work, including actors Eddie Redmayne and Colin Firth, but she insists “the life of a diplomat is much less glamorous than it sounds!” “Most of the work is nose-to-thegrindstone, office-based work. We do get the chance to meet with foreign officials on bilateral or multilateral projects or to attend receptions as rep-

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resentatives of the United States,” she explained. While many people living in London are familiar with the United States, Cullins said she has to remind herself that she might be providing someone’s first and only interaction with an American. Her attitude can influence people’s opinions of the United States for the rest of their lives. “I can still be myself and express my opinions to my family and friends, but I have to remember that when I’m in any kind of work-related situation or even just out in public when I’m abroad, I’m there to represent my country,” Cullins said. “As foreign service officers, we do need to support and uphold the government, the current administration and its values.” Strong communication skills, especially in writing, are vital for a foreign service officer, said Cullins. “Part of my job involves reporting back to Washington, D.C., so I rely on the journalism class precepts I learned from Franklin College frequently,” Cullins said. Franklin College journalism professors Joel Cramer and Ray Begovich were big influences on Cullins, in terms of honing her writing and learning to craft clear, concise content. She also benefited from working on the student newspaper as a section editor and a sports editor. She was head of the student advertising agency, a Tri-Delta member and a softball player during her first two years of college. “Teamwork and time management — those skills are so important and made me a better employee right off the bat in my first job,” Cullins said. “As far as my career now, attending a small, close-knit school like Franklin helped teach me the importance of community.” While at Franklin College, Cullins had two internships, one writing for the National High School Federation’s sports magazine and another conducting marketing and events for the

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Greenwood (Ind.) Public Library. Cullins also participated in Franklin College study-away programs, including a Winter Term trip to Europe, with visits to France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany. She later was co-recipient of a journalism-travel scholarship and returned to Germany to learn about media in Berlin. While she is passionate about traveling and immersing herself in other cultures, Cullins has to find a balance between embarking on new adventures and meeting her everyday obligations. She still has to maintain a consistent work schedule, keep up with laundry, do grocery shopping and care for her dogs, Perry and Greta, who have been her traveling companions over the years. (Greta lived with Cullins during her senior year at Franklin and passed away in 2016, at age 14.)

“Sometimes, I just need to be American,” Cullins said. “I eat some food that reminds me of home and play a round of euchre with others from the Midwest, and there are plenty of us in the foreign service.” Cullins added, “My advice to any current Grizzly is to snatch up those chances to get out and see the world. You won’t regret it.” ■

Spring 2017

ALUMNI NEWS

HEATHER HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

Sign of the times

Erin Ashbrook Davis ’04 is the artist and creator of a “Love More” sign design that has earned fans across the nation.

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By Ryan O’Leary Daily Journal staff reporter and Amy (Kean) VerSteeg ’96 Editor

(Reprinted with permission) Over the past few months, signs featuring a rainbow sunburst and the words — “Love More” — have been popping up like spring mushrooms. The signs have been spotted in photos of rallies and marches on the Internet and in front yards in all corners of the United States. And it all started in Johnson County, Ind. Shortly before the presidential election, Erin Ashbook Davis ’04 had been noticing political signs and Confederate flags on her daily drive, which bothered her. When her oldest daughter, Wren, came home from a children’s painting party, however, Davis got an entirely different perspective. “She brought home a picture of a unicorn and a rainbow, which was completely opposite of my experience,” Davis said. Her daughter’s picture led Davis to design her own rainbow-themed image anchored by two words: “Love More.” Just before Halloween, Davis printed the design on 18 yard signs at her family’s business, Crystal Graphics, in Whiteland, Ind. “I was worried about getting stuck with them,” Davis said. Instead, the demand far outweighed the supply. The yard signs have spread across Johnson County and into Indianapolis, and Davis has shipped them all across America — New York, California, Florida, Montana and South Dakota. As of April, she said approximately 1,000 signs have been sold at $7 each. Word has spread organically, largely through social media. Her website, lovemoresign.com, provides a welcome stating, “Love More is a community-driven message using positive empowerment through inclusion, peace and kindness.” The website offers stickers and postcards. Davis

also recently responded to requests for T-shirts by offering a pre-sale, and the first run of 200 sold out. The sale of those T-shirts brought in $2,000, which Davis distributed to five different “love-assisting” charities on Valentine’s Day. All of the profits from her “Love More” products get donated to various causes locally and nationally, she said. Whom she donates to depends on what feels right, Davis said. For example, when Doctors Without Borders needed money, she gave some. “I’m always open to ways to creatively dispense our donations,” she said. As the love more movement has grown, more products have emerged, with canvas garden flags being a recent addition. Davis said, “The garden flags just happened out of necessity because a lot of people have HOAs (homeowner associations) that don’t let them put up signs. We found a way to work around that.” Davis said she is thrilled by how “Love More” has taken off — both in terms of the products and impact. “We made posters, just small posters for schools, and schools have them up, from my daughter’s school (Creekside Elementary) all the way to Franklin College,” Davis said. “I’ve heard teachers that say they’ve had so many big important conversations that have been sparked from that silly little sign — and that in itself is worth everything to me. All the time and energy. It’s making people have real conversations.” Davis plans to keep going with the movement for as long as possible. Any dips in sales or interest so far have proven to be temporary, she said. “Just as I think, ‘Maybe this is the end of the road,’ something happens and people jump right back on it, and it gets even crazier,” she said. Davis holds a Franklin College bachelor’s degree in journalism-public relations and resides in Franklin with her husband, Marcus ’02, and their two daughters. ■

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CLASS NOTES

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The ’90s Casey (Gragg) Smitherman ’93 earned a doctorate in educational administration from Indiana State University in 2016. She is the principal at Brown Elementary School in Brownsburg, Ind. Under her leadership, the school has been named a National Blue Ribbon School for six years and received an A-rating from the state of Indiana for four consecutive years.

Geoffrey H. Doughty ’72

Debbie A. (Hill) Davis ’86, Ph.D., was elected into the Public Relations Society of America’s (PRSA) prestigious College of Fellows. The PRSA College of Fellows includes more than 350 senior practitioners and educators from around the country, each of whom has left a significant footprint on the public relations profession. This designation is an honor awarded to less than 2 percent of PRSA members nationally. Davis joins nine other fellows who currently are members of the Hoosier Chapter PRSA. Davis serves as an assistant professor in the department of journalism at Ball State University. Her involvement in the PRSA Hoosier chapter includes serving on the Health Academy Executive Committee from 2008–2011 and as co-chair for the Health Academy National Conference from 2012–2013. Davis has also served as a Hoosier chapter assembly delegate for the past two years. She also is a previous Franklin College Trustee and Alumni Council member. Davis was elected by the PRSA 2016 National Board of Directors based upon recommendations from a selection committee consisting of current fellows.

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The ’80s

Geoffrey H. Doughty ’72 has published his 26th book, Chesapeake & Ohio Railway's Through Passenger Service. It details the story of Robert R. Young and his crusade to improve America's postwar rail passenger service and the confrontations he encountered with the investment banking interests, the rail industry and governmental regulators. In addition to publishing books and articles on railroad history, Doughty is in his 43rd season as broadcast announcer for the Portland, Maine Symphony Orchestra. He also is the director of safety for two trucking associations, working with state and federal law enforcement agencies in addressing regulatory compliance matters.

Debbie A. (Hill) Davis ’86, Ph.D.

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April (Horton) Moss ’96 in memory of an IHSPA founding member, recognizes outstanding contributions to scholastic journalism in the state of Indiana. Rev. Robert Winters Ater '98 and Gregory W. Baer, Ph.D. married on July 9, 2016, in the Siebert Chapel at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis., where Baer is an associate professor of modern languages (German) and chair of the modern languages department. Ater has served as associate pastor at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Milwaukee since 2004. His mother, Cynthia (Winters) Nowka '69, attended the celebration with many other family members and friends.

Tom Wiser ’95 recently began a new position as vice president of the Creative Marketing Program Kansas City (CMPkc). He oversees a niche marketing agency whose primary focus is health care. He, his spouse, Amy (Martin) ’96, and their children, Chloe and Andrew, have relocated to Parkville, Mo. April (Horton) Moss ’96, a journalism and English teacher at Pike High School in Indianapolis, received the Ella Sengenberger Adviser of the Year Award at the Indiana High School Press Association’s state convention on Nov. 11, 2016. The award, named

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The ’70s

Ted Madden ’95 recently transitioned from a 14-year career as a sports feature reporter for TEGNA8 to working as a video producer for the Mesquite Independent School District. He cited wanting to spend more time with family and have weekends free as reasons for the career move. In an interview with TV critic Ed Bark, Madden said, “Twenty-year-old Ted would punch 40-year-old Ted in the face for saying this, but I get no excitement out of covering the Cowboys, Mavs and Rangers. It’s honestly the least favorite part of my job. I love doing the high school stories, and I so appreciate the relationships I’ve developed with countless high school coaches. If I could be a high school beat reporter and work Monday through Friday, I probably would have stayed.”

Rev. Robert Winters Ater ’98 and his spouse, Gregory W. Baer, Ph.D.

Spring 2017

CLASS NOTES

Jeff Goedeker ’01, D.D.S., holds daughter Mckenzie, standing next to his spouse, Nikki (Osmanski) ’04, who holds baby Isabelle and stands next to son Brady and daughter Gabi.

Ashley (Cook) Bedward ’02 and spouse Rob

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Get social with Franklin College.

Watch us. Link with us. Look for us.

Natalie (Gray) Dilbone ’99 is serving as the retention programs assistant at Franklin College. She works closely with students to help address issues that may stand in the way of completing their degree. Her previous career primarily involved working in elementary education. She and her spouse, Jason, reside in Gosport, Ind., with their two children.

The ’00s Joe McGuinness ’00 recently stepped down from his elected position as Franklin Mayor to lead the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). Gov. Eric Holcomb appointed McGuinness as commissioner of the state agency. McGuinness was in his second term as mayor and had been heavily involved in advocating for permanent increased road funding for local governments at the statehouse. As mayor, he

negotiated with INDOT to have State Road 44/Jefferson Street turned over to the city and secured nearly $13 million from the state for rebuilding and maintaining the road. He worked devotedly to redevelop the city’s downtown and rebuild the eastside gateway into Franklin. Jeff Goedeker ’01, D.D.S., and his spouse, Nikki (Osmanski) ’04, are the parents of a daughter, Isabelle Grace, born on Dec. 29,

President Thomas J. Minar, Ph.D. and the Board of Trustees request the honor of your presence at

THE GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE FRANKLIN COLLEGE SCIENCE CENTER Thursday, May 18, 2017 5:30 p.m. Tent behind Barnes Hall, Franklin College, Franklin, Indiana

38 F R A N K L I N C O L L E G E M A G A Z I N E

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Jenny (Piland) Cataldi ’05, son Carter and spouse Dave Cataldi ’04

Ryan Begerman ’08, spouse Kayte (Russell) ’08 and children Randall and Juliette

2016. She joins three siblings, Brady, Gabi and Mckenzie. The family lives in Whiteland, Ind.

honeymooned on a cruise to Cozumel and are residing in Nappanee, Ind.

Amanda (Bishop) Ream ’01 added publisher to her role at the Nassau County Record in Callahan, Fla., last fall. Her new title is editor and publisher of the publication, which is owned by Community Newspapers. Ream lives in Callahan with her husband, Chad, and their son, Owen.

Dave Cataldi ’04 and his spouse, Jenny (Piland) ’05, finalized the adoption of their 3-year-old son, Carter, this spring. Jenny works as the Franklin College director of global education. Dave works as an ecommerce sales consultant at Angie’s List. The family resides in Indianapolis.

David Veleta ’01, son of Richard Veleta ’64, recently was named senior administrative law judge for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. David resides in Greenwood, Ind.

Kelly (Vance) Eckman ’04 and her spouse, Michael, are the parents of a son, Benjamin Michael, born Nov. 22, 2016. The family resides in Noblesville, Ind.

Joe Hougland ’02 and his spouse, Karle (Schaefer) ’09, are the parents of a son, Graham, born on Dec. 12, 2016. He joins a brother, Henry. The family resides in Franklin, Ind. Ashley Cook ’02 and Rob Bedward married on Oct. 22, 2016, in the Branigin Room at Franklin College. The bride’s brother, Ryan Cook ’05, was a groomsman and her sister-inlaw, Sara (Carew) Cook ’04, was a bridesmaid. Ashley is a kindergarten teacher at Chamberlain Elementary in Goshen, Ind. Rob owns Bedward Farms and Robsco Cut Branches and works at Challenger Door. The couple

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Clint Whitson ’05 and his spouse, Jennifer (Nebesny) ’06, are the parents of a son, Cale Lincoln, born on Jan. 2, 2017. He joins brothers Carter and Coen. Jennifer serves as associate registrar at Franklin College. Clint serves as assistant dean of student affairs at Marian University in Indianapolis. The family resides in Greenwood, Ind. Tim Fish ’07, a mathematics teacher at Whiteland Community High School, recently was honored for his work by being named the AP-TIP IN Math Teacher of the Year. Fish was praised for working beyond his own classroom by serving as an instructor and speaker at Saturday confer-

Clint Whitson ’05, spouse Jennifer (Nebesny) ’06 and sons Coen, Carter and Cale

ences meant to help students in their Advanced Placement courses. Teachers who earn the award are scored by a national panel of judges, who look at participation of students in their Advanced Placement program and the number of students who earn a passing score on their exam. Fish began student teaching at Whiteland Community High School while attending Franklin College. He joined the school as a full-time time teacher after graduating.

Ryan Begerman '08 and his spouse, Kayte (Russell) ’08, are the parents of a daughter, Juliette Quinn, born July 20, 2016. She joins a brother, Randall Charles, 2. Kayte works as a stay-at-home mother, and Ryan works as a registered nurse. The family lives in Indianapolis. Mike James ’08 moved to Los Angeles the day after he graduated with his degree in broadcast journalism and news editorial journalism from Franklin College.

Spring 2017

Over the Winter Term, professor of English Richard Erable, Ph.D., and professor of French Kristin Wasielewski (right), Ph.D., chaperoned a group of students to France, where they led a course on the country’s culture and history. During their stay, they caught up with Brooke Davis ’15 (left), who currently resides in France. Davis was a creative writing major who traveled to France during the Winter Term of her senior year at Franklin College. The experience inspired her to return to France to continue to write and improve her French language skills. ■

He spent seven years there as a freelance filmmaker and cameraman. He was a member of the comedy collective 5 Second Films (5sf) and landed an assistant camera position on “Couples Therapy” hosted by Dr. Drew. The next year James released his first film, Open Mic Night After the Apocalypse. It tells the story of James and two other filmmakers documenting a music festival in the Mojave Desert. He had a budget of $10,000, and he wrote, directed and acted in the film. In 2015, came Dude Bro Party Massacre III, his first full-length film, in which he was a co-writer and co-star. A couple of years ago, James returned to Indiana to be near his family, and he is working as a cameraman for the home renovation program “Good Bones,” filmed in and around Indianapolis and aired on HGTV. He also is continuing to pursue filmmaking opportunities. Adam Dunigan ’09 recently rejoined the information technology department at Franklin College to serve as a program-

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CLASS NOTES

Roger A. Cochrane ’13 mer analyst. He began working in the department upon his graduation and transitioned to Angie’s List late last year before taking on his current role. Sarah (Zeigler) Plummer '09 and her spouse, Kurt, are the parents of a daughter, Brookelyn Elizabeth, born on Nov. 11, 2016. She joins a sister, Katelyn. The family resides in Pauling, Ohio. Patrick Hillenburg ’09 and Mary Stewart ’10 are the parents of a son, Knox Rayden, born on Dec. 30, 2016.

Carly (Mikulsky) Cory ’07 and her spouse, Devon, are the parents of twins, Patrick and Penelope, born on April 8, 2016. They join two siblings, Maddox (left) and Adeline. The family resides in Indianapolis.

Got a future Grizzly?

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Share your baby’s birth announcement or adoption details and receive a special gift from the alumni engagement office! There are two ways to submit your information: Go to alumni.FranklinCollege.edu and use the Class Notes submission form. With this method, you’ll have the chance to post your own photo. Or, email photos and information, including baby’s date of birth, your spouse’s name, names of your other children, your professions and your hometown, to aversteeg@FranklinCollege.edu. Photos will be published in the Franklin College magazine, as space permits. Call (317) 738-8188 for assistance. ■

40 F R A N K L I N C O L L E G E M A G A Z I N E

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Brittany (Wehmiller) Bales ’13 and spouse Joshua '13

The ’10s Kira (Angle) Fledderman '10 and her spouse, Alex, are the parents of a son, Matthew Carvin, born Aug. 8, 2016. Joshua Bales '13 and Brittany Wehmiller ’13 married on Oct. 24, 2015. They are the parents of a daughter, Zelia Mae, born Dec. 4, 2016. Roger A. Cochrane ’13, a current graduate research assistant in animal sciences and industry at Kansas State University (KSU) recently was awarded an international fellowship. He will research antibiotic replacements for pigs with E.coli. He will be stationed at Murdoch University just south of Perth in Western Australia. Cochrane will be working with John Pluske, a world-renowned swine-gut health scientist who was a Fulbright Scholar at KSU last year. Natalie Owens ’14 and Charlie Garrett married on Nov. 12, 2016, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Madison, Ind. The bridesmaids included Brianne (Steppe) Schneckenberger '13 and Courtney Sonner '17. The guestbook attendants: were Corinne Beyer '14 and Natalie Miller '14. Shannon Wilson '14 was a reader. The Garretts took a honeymoon cruise to the Bahamas. Natalie works as the tobacco prevention and cessation coordinator for King's Daughters' Health, and Charlie works as a multi-imaging specialist for Carroll County Memorial Hospital. They reside in Madison, Ind., with their dog, Maddie May.

David Laston ’15 recently completed the Notre Dame ESTEEM entrepreneurial program. He earned a degree in chemistry from Franklin College and went to work for the engine

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Left: Luke Snyder ’15 and spouse Emily (Thompson) ’15

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Emily Thompson ’15 and Luke Snyder ’15 married on Nov. 19, 2016. They reside in Indianapolis.

Above: Natalie (Owens) Garrett ’14 and spouse Charlie

manufacturer Cummins Inc. in Columbus, Ind., where he had interned, then started as a lab tech and moved on to research and development. After 18 months, he knew he wanted to retool his resume for business leadership. After completing the ESTEEM program, he landed a job at Fiat/Chrysler, where he is

part of a rotational corporate leadership development program that involves working with a variety of business units on different projects. ■

Spring 2017

OBITUARIES

The ’40s Elizabeth Joan (Wagner) Fritz ’40 died Jan. 5, 2017. She resided in Fort Collins, Colo. She earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Franklin, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority and a music trio called the 3Js; she was their pianist. She was the daughter of legendary basketball coach Ernest “Griz” Wagner 1912, who led the Wonder Five team from Franklin to a national victory in 1923 and for whom the college mascot is named. After graduating from Franklin, she attended the University of Colorado and completed a degree in nursing. She worked as a surgical nurse prior to getting married and raising a family. She was active many years in her community’s United Way agency and Meals on Wheels volunteer program. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale. They had four children, eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. John Buhner ’42, Ph.D., died Jan. 10, 2017. He was a U.S. Air Force, World War II veteran. He earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Franklin, where he was active in Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He later earned his master's and doctoral degrees from Indiana University, where he became employed and achieved the rank of professor of political science and public and environmental affairs. Franklin College awarded him an Alumni Citation in 1954 for his career accomplishments. He served five years as a commissioner for higher education with the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and he presided over the early development of Indiana University Northwest, becoming its first chancellor. He later was appointed the first vice chancellor and dean of faculties at the then-newly established Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus in 1969. He resigned in 1977 to return to fulltime teaching until his retirement

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in 1984. After retirement, the Buhners subsequently spent 27 years in southwest Florida, returning to Indianapolis in 2011. John was preceded in death by his wife, Betty (Bevis) ’42. They were members of the Franklin College Old Main giving society and the Horizon Society, having included the institution in their estate plans. Survivors include three children, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Edwin S. McClain ’43, M.D., died Feb. 15, 2017. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Franklin, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He went on to the Indiana University School of Medicine. He enjoyed 24 years in the private practice of obstetrics and gynecology. After his private practice years, he was appointed director of St. Vincent OB/GYN Hospital residency program, teaching residents and junior medical students. At his full retirement in 1991, Indiana University named him an emeritus professor. He enthusiastically followed all IU sports teams, especially football and basketball, Franklin College sports and any sport his grandchildren played. He was a member of the Franklin College Horizon Society, having included the institution in his estate plans. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Doris, and his wife of six years, Nancy. Survivors include three children, seven grandchildren and 16 greatgrandchildren. He resided in Carmel, Ind. LuAnn (Quigley) Farkas ’49 died Dec. 24, 2016. She held a bachelor’s degree in English from Franklin, where she was active in Delta Zeta sorority. She later taught English and Latin at schools in Mitchell, Ind., and Riverdell, N.J., where she became an assistant librarian. After her teaching career, LuAnn started serving as a patient liaison for St. Vincent Hospital in

Indianapolis. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Charles E. Jr. Survivors include a son, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Betty (Bowman) Green ’49 died Nov. 7, 2016. She held a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Franklin, where she was active in Delta Zeta sorority. She later worked as the office manager for a psychiatry practice, retiring in 1990. She enjoyed painting, cooking, entertaining and spending time with her family. Survivors include her husband, Bill ’50, one child, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son. She resided in Westfield, Ind. James R. Vandivier ’49 died Dec. 10, 2016. He was a U.S. Marine, World War II veteran. He held a bachelor’s degree in history from Franklin, where he was active in Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, basketball and track. He also attended Indiana University. After college, he joined the U.S. Department of State as a diplomatic courier. In that capacity, he traveled to more than 100 countries. He was promoted to a foreign service officer and served at embassy and consular posts in Norway, Russia and Germany. While assigned to Washington, D.C., he held the title chief of couriers. He retired after a 34-year foreign service career in 1985. He was a member of the Franklin College Wellhouse Society gift club. Survivors include two children and two grandchildren. He was a resident of Franklin, Ind.

The ’50s Thomas Palmer Jr. ’50 died Dec. 15, 2016. He held a bachelor’s degree in business from Franklin and worked as an industrial traffic manager for the former Grinell Co. and Heltzel Steel for almost 30 years before establishing his own business.

He owned and operated T&M Transportation, a freight brokerage firm, for 10 years before retiring in 1988. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having completed 44 missions with the 13th Air Force as a tail gunner on B24 planes. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Warren, Ind., and the Oakhurst Methodist Church in Seminole, Fla., where he and his wife of 66 years, Mary, spent their winters. She survives, as do three children, five grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. David W. Tharp ’50, M.D., died Jan. 8, 2017. He was drafted into service during his senior year of high school and served as a medic in the U.S. Army in the Pacific. Trained for the invasion of Japan, he was stationed on Saipan after the war ended. After returning to Indiana, he earned his degree in chemistry from Franklin College. He worked briefly for Kingan's Meat Packing in Indianapolis before securing a position with Eli Lilly and Co, where he worked as a chemist for 41 years. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 65 years, Martha Ann. They were generous members of the Franklin College President’s Club giving society. Survivors include three sons Rhett ’78, D.D.S., Gregg and Brent, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He resided in Indianapolis. Robert E. Lindsay Jr. ’51 died Oct. 7, 2016. He held a business degree from Franklin, where he was active in Phi Delta Theta fraternity and baseball. Survivors include his wife, Judith. His father, the late Robert E. Lindsay Sr. ’27, and a brother Rev. Davis S. Lindsay ’62, also attended Franklin. He resided in Fort Myers, Fla. Patricia (Hays) Barnett ’53 died June 14, 2016. She attended Franklin and was active in Pi Beta

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Phi sorority. She became the owner of Barnett Tour and Travel. She was a member of the Richmond Bridge Association and Shady Grove United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, James. Survivors include two children and one grandchild. She was a resident of Norfolk, Va. Sarah (Asher) Smith ’53 died Nov. 24, 2016. She earned a bachelor’s degree in speech and drama from Franklin, where she was active in Tri Delta sorority. She went on to be a homemaker and raise three children. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Warsaw and served on several committees. She was a masterful seamstress and made many clothes and accessories for family and friends. Survivors include her husband, Robert, three children and five grandchildren. She resided in Leesburg, Ind.

Rev. Robert J. Butler ’58, Ph.D. died Nov. 25, 2016. He earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and later retired as an analyst with the Social Security Administration. In addition to Franklin, he graduated from the Southern Baptist Seminary. His pastoral career included serving at several Indiana locations, First Trinity Baptist Church in Jeffersonville, Pleasant Run Baptist Church in Greensburg and First Baptist Church in Columbia. He also served as an associate minister at First Baptist Church in Elizabethtown, Ind. He served as vice moderator of the Zion District Sunday School and Baptist Training Union Convention. He was an instructor of the Congress of Christian Education for the National Baptist Convention USA. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Judith. Survivors include four children, 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He resided in Woodinville, Wash.

Margaret (Rice) Acher ’57 died Nov. 12, 2016. She attended Franklin College and was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, later serving as a chapter adviser. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the First Presbyterian Church of Franklin. She also belonged to two bridge clubs and loved cheering on the Colts, Pacers and her favorite NASCAR drivers. She resided in Franklin, Ind.

Cecile (Ambs) Marasco ’58 died July 27, 2015. She attended Franklin and was a member of Tri Delta sorority and the cheerleaders. She was a woman of strong religious faith and enjoyed growing flowers and playing music. Survivors include her four children and seven grandchildren. She resided in South Bethany, Ind.

Betty J. Powell ’57 died Jan. 31, 2017. She held a bachelor’s degree in education from Franklin and a master’s degree in education from Ball State University. She began her teaching career with the Logansport (Ind.) School Corp., then taught for the Carroll Consolidated School Corp. in Flora, Ind., retiring after more than 31 years. She enjoyed and excelled at oil painting. Survivors include one sister. She resided in Galveston, Ind.

Floyd Peyton ’59 died Dec. 23, 2016. He had a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Franklin, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He had been a real estate broker for 49 years, most recently at Dollens Real Estate in Greenwood, Ind. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Christian Church in Greenwood, Ind., where he resided, and the Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors. He enjoyed sprint-car racing and attending his grandchildren’s sporting activities. Survivors include two children, two

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step-children and seven grandchildren.

The ’60s Linda (Vandivier) Cummings ’60 died Jan. 5, 2017. She held a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Franklin and was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She was retired from United Mercantile Agency and was a longtime member of the Morton Memorial United Methodist Church, later joining Southeast Christian Church. She was a member of the Franklin College Blue and Gold gift club. She resided in Jeffersonville, Ind. Emma Justes ’63, Ph.D., (HD ’91), died Jan. 31, 2017. She held a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Franklin, where she was active in Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, FC Singers, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, student newspaper and campus radio. She then earned a bachelor’s degree in divinity from Colgate Rochester Divinity School and master’s and doctoral degrees in practical theology from Princeton Theological Seminary. She was the Emma Toussant Chair in Pastoral Theology at United Theological Seminary. In recognition of her distinguished career in theology; she received an honorary doctorate of divinity from Franklin College in 1991. She generously included the college in her estate plans. She was a single parent to two adopted sons, Kito and Micah. She resided in Englewood, Ohio. H. Terry Sanders ’63 died Dec. 7, 2016. He and his wife, Mary Jo, along with her father, Joseph, founded the Fire Adjustment Insurance Co. He also worked as a claims manager for Viking Insurance Co., as vice president of Circle Consolidated Insurance Co. and at several others over the years. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a 43-year member of Millersville Masonic Lodge #126,

where he served as the worshipful master in 1978. He also was an active member in the Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite, serving as commander-inchief, 1992–94, and was crowned a 33rd degree member in 1995. He resided in Franklin, Ind. Irvin L. “Irv” French ’64 died Jan. 21, 2017. He held a bachelor’s degree from Franklin and a master’s degree from Indiana University. He served in the U.S. Army Security Agency from 1957–60. He was an entrepreneur and former owner of Onsite Energy in New York and Onspot of North America in North Vernon, Ind. He also worked from 1964–71 for Cummins Engine Co. in Columbus, Ind., and was the owner of Cummins Metro Power in The Bronx., from 1972–91. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church at Four Corners and the Knights of Columbus Council 10422 at St. Joseph Church. His hobbies were fishing and playing golf. He remained a loyal Grizzly, serving on the Franklin College Board of Trustees from 1980-91. During his tenure, he was instrumental in bringing numerous East Coast students to Franklin College and for those efforts was awarded an Alumni Citation in 1983. He hosted alumni gatherings in New York; co-chaired the successful campaign to endow the E. Don Tull Chair in Business; and with his wife, Ingrid, established an endowed scholarship and provided other significant support of the college throughout his life. He was a member of the college’s Ambassadors Circle gift society. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Ingrid, three children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Bonnie (Farmer) Hollingsworth ’65 died Jan. 1, 2017. She held a bachelor’s degree in education from Franklin, where she was active in hall government and Delta Zeta sorority. She later

Spring 2017

OBITUARIES

earned a master’s degree in education from Ball State University and a master’s degree in divinity from Earlham College. She worked for the U.S. Department of Welfare for more than 20 years. Survivors include her husband, Daniel, and two stepchildren. Charles R. Bentz ’66, M.D., died Dec. 8, 2016. He graduated as valedictorian of his class at Franklin College, then went on to attend Vanderbilt University Medical School. He interned at San Bernardino County General Hospital in California prior to being drafted into the U.S. Navy. He was on active duty at Camp Pendleton, Calif., for three years, serving as a Navy doctor assigned to the Marines. After discharge, he had a private family-practice and emergency-medical practice. He led an active outdoor life and held an advanced black-belt degree in karate. Survivors include, his wife, Lynn, nine children and many grandchildren. He resided in Warren, Pa.

The ’80s Price Mullineux ’87 died Jan. 3, 2017, as the result of a sudden heart attack while skiing with his family. He attended Michigan Technological University and Franklin College. He graduated with honors as a registered nurse from Gogebic Community College in 2012. He worked in the emergency room and intensive care unit at Aspirus Ironwood Hospital. Survivors include two children. He resided in Ironwood, Mich.

Friends of Franklin College Joyce (Kelly) Allen died Jan. 11, 2017. She held a bachelor’s of science degree from Northwestern University and a nursing accreditation from Wesley Memorial Hospital. A lover of and advocate for the arts, she was a longtime symphony orchestra member and cellist.

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She also supported programs in visual arts and theatre. During their 50 years of marriage, she and husband Rich crisscrossed America in their motorhome and visited almost every corner of the world. After Rich's death, she continued traveling, joining group trips and taking grandkids on cruises. Survivors include six children, 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She resided in Lacey, Wash. Joyce was a member of Franklin College’s Old Main gift society; her ties to the college were extensive. Her father, Raymond D. Kelly ’23, attended Franklin and was active in Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and Pre-law Club. He received an Alumni Citation in 1958. Her mother, Enid (McCaslin) ’23, earned a bachelor’s degree in art education from Franklin. The couple generously supported construction of Franklin College’s Johnson Center for Fine Arts and established a namesake travel fund to help students cover costs associated with educational travel. They were members of the Founders Circle gift society. Her brother, Douglas E. Kelly, is a member of the college’s Ben Franklin Circle gift society. Her aunts, the late Esther Kelly ’27 and Mary J. Kelly ’33, were also part of the Kelly family legacy at Franklin College. Raymond M. Bragiel died Feb. 8, 2017, at age 90. He was a U.S. Marines veteran of World War II. He graduated from Kent State University, where he completed both undergraduate and graduate studies. After many years in private practice as a clinical psychologist, specializing in child psychology, he went on to teach at University of Indianapolis and Franklin College, where he retired in 1995. He was a member of the college’s Blue and Gold gift society. Long after his retirement, he made a tradition of returning to the college to march with faculty at commencement and wish the new graduates well in their future endeavors. He was a

huge, lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and was ecstatic to see them win the 2016 World Series. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue. Survivors include his children Carl and Carolyn ’87. He resided in Indianapolis. Vernon C. Gash died Jan. 21, 2017. He was an entrepreneur, finding a long and fulfilling career in the automotive industry. After working his way through the ranks as a salesman, he became co-owner of a new venture, Kenny Kent Toyota/Lexus. Bringing Lexus to Evansville, Ind., was the crowning achievement of his career. He served on many boards, but his favorite was being secretary/treasurer of the National Lexus Dealer Advertising Association for nine years. Giving back to the community was very important to him, starting with being a team captain in 1970 for United Way. He received the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Hope Award in 1997 for his work with the Tri-State MS Association. He also supported the Christian Life Center, the Evansville Boys and Girls Club, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Ronald McDonald House and others. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Jan, two sons, Ryan Gash and Justin Gash, Ph.D., an associate mathematics professor at Franklin College, a grandson and a stepdaughter. He resided in Newburgh, Ind. In lieu of flowers, he asked for gifts to be designated to the Franklin College Department of Mathematics and Computing. Michael D. Carter died March 9, 2017. He was an active Johnson County (Ind.) community member and a member of the Elks Club and the America Legion. He played a significant role in the Good Cheer Fund and was the founding member of the From the Heart Foundation. He also was a loyal supporter and donor to the Franklin College women’s basketball program. He gener-

ously provided many meals to student-athletes during breaks when the college dining hall was closed, and he often pitched in food for the football program’s Touchdown Club tailgates. Survivors include sons Derry and Bart. Julia (Lello) Lacy died Dec. 31, 2016. She left behind a legacy of selfless commitment and generosity to the Indianapolis community, having served as the chair of The Children's Museum and a board member of the Methodist Hospital Foundation, The Indianapolis Zoo and Day Nursery. She also served with the Denison University Board of Trustees, The Children's Museum Guild and The Junior League Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Andre Lacy. The couple were Franklin College donors. Julia’s ties to Franklin College also include her sister-in-law, the late Margot Lacy Eccles, an honorary college trustee. Julia’s sister-in-law, Katie Kruse, is a current college trustee. Further, Julia was the daughter-in-law of the late Howard and Edna Lacy, both honorary college trustees and donors. Alice (Spiers) O’Connell died Jan. 29, 2017. She was 102. She worked for several departments in the Kentucky state government culminating in the Kentucky Court of Appeals as a finance officer. She enjoyed playing golf and bridge and was a lifelong, avid fan of University of Kentucky basketball. Survivors include her son, William Bryan Martin, former president of Franklin College and the only chancellor, a stepson, Jack, three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She resided in Franklin, Ind. Rev. Gladys (Mosley) Peterson died Dec. 28, 2016. Peterson served for the Southern Baptist Foreign Missions as a missionary to Japan from 1950 to 1963. She later served and was ordained by the American Baptist association

www.FranklinCollege.edu

WAYS TO GIVE

and served as executive director of their foreign missions. She worked in Myanmar, India and Africa. Her career also included serving for a time as director of church relations for Franklin College. Survivors include two children, one grandchild and two great-grandchildren. She resided in Austin, Texas.

John K. Williams died Jan. 2, 2017. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He managed his own farm, served in the Shelby County (Ind.) Clerk’s office and was on the board of Second Mount Pleasant Cemetery. He also was a member of Second Mount Pleasant Church He was formerly the vice president of Marietta Volunteer Fire Department, past president of the Shelby County Republican Club, a Hendricks Township Advisory Board member and a Shelby County Alcoholic Beverage Commission member. He also volunteered with WFYI Indianapolis’ public radio, TV and news station. He generously included Franklin College in his estate plans. Survivors include several cousins. He resided in Franklin, Ind. ■

www.FranklinCollege.edu

RENEE (KEAN) KNIGHT ’06

Anne (Tosti) Ritteman died Dec. 5, 2016, at age 100. She holds a place in one county’s history, having served as the first dietitian at Bartholomew County Hospital in Columbus, Ind. She later volunteered for many years at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Franklin. She was married to George W. Ritteman, M.D., who preceded her in death and for whom she established an endowed memorial scholarship at Franklin College. Survivors include her son, Marc. She was a former longtime resident of Franklin, Ind., but last resided in Indianapolis.

Bernadette Kailie ’18 performs during the winter choral concert in Old Main’s Custer Theatre. Jan True provides accompaniment on the piano.

Generosity amplified through latest theatre gift By Brenda (Thom) Ferguson ’95 Communications Assistant

A $30,500 grant from the Clarence E. Custer and Inez R. Custer Foundation of Columbus, Ind., has equipped the college’s Custer Theatre with a quality sound-system, projector and screen capability. The new equipment will enhance vocal and instrumental concert presentations and aid professors who want to teach academic courses in the theatre or host guest-speaker programs. Installation of the new system is underway with completion targeted for early spring. “Due to the awarding of the Custer Foundation grant for improvements in the theatre, our students will now be able to have amplified sound on the stage with a state-of-the-art speaker system and a locked-control system that is mounted on the side of the stage,” said Casey Hayes, Ph.D., A.J. Thurston chair of music, music department chair and director of choral activities. “In the past, if we needed sound amplification, we relied upon an antiquated pair of speakers hauled in and plugged into a guitar amp mixer and a single microphone. The Custer Foundation grant allows for us to continue to give Franklin College students the performance experiences that they deserve with a quality sound system that not only records rehearsals and concerts, but allows for the display of audio-visual productions as well,” explained Hayes. Franklin College has maintained a long-standing collaborative relationship with the Custer Foundation representatives since its inception. Clarence and Inez Custer’s son, William Ruddick Custer, attended Franklin College in the early 1930s and the foundation has made generous gifts in his memory. The most significant was a grant awarded in 1988 after an accidental fire heavily damaged Old Main, the college’s central academic and administrative building. The Custer grant was used to construct a “jewel box” theatre. The beautiful space, featuring a dark wooden proscenium stage and seating for 226 audience members (including balcony seating) and historic floor to ceiling stained-glass windows, was named in honor of the Custer family. Today, the Custer Theatre is used as the recital hall for musical groups, the rehearsal venue for theatre performances and the experiential classroom for arts appreciation courses. “Custer Theatre occupies a prized location in the heart of Old Main, and in the hearts of the Franklin College community,” said Franklin College President Thomas J. Minar, Ph.D. “With space at a premium on a small campus, the college works hard to make the best possible use of each location. This gift will allow for this prime space to be meaningfully used during the day by our students and professors as well as enjoyed by our performers and our patrons during evening performances. The college is very grateful to the Custer Foundation.” ■ Spring 2017

WAYS TO GIVE

Branigin Foundation’s generosity advances student engagement

By Brenda (Thom) Ferguson ’95 Communications Assistant

A new grant of $100,000 from the Elba L. and Gene Portteus Branigin Foundation will support distinctive engaged-learning opportunities for Franklin College students, a key pillar in the college’s 2016–26 strategic plan. The Elba L. and Gene Portteus Branigin Engaged Learning Fund will enable students to pursue engagedlearning opportunities including but not limited to internships, research

programs, conference presentations and academic and professional competitions. Such opportunities help students build a bridge between their liberal arts education and its real-world applications. Further, these valueadded experiences create opportunities for students to engage with the college’s alumni, community partners and prospective collaborators, resulting in substantive learning and professional outcomes. “We deeply appreciate the Branigin Foundation’s generosity and commit-

A showcase of engaged-learning examples By Amy (Kean) VerSteeg ’96 Editor

Previous funding from the Branigin Foundation established the Branigin Engaged Learning Scholars Program, enabling Franklin College to support several transformational learning experiences for students last year. “I’m continually impressed by Franklin College students and the faculty who are supporting them in these high-impact educational experiences. I’m also very thankful for the Branigin Foundation’s ongoing support, which enables students to achieve their intellectual and professional goals as well as showcase their amazing talents,” said assistant provost and dean of engaged learning Brooke (Wagoner) Worland ’99. Three students who benefited from Branigin Foundation funding follow:

working in the United States. Agba, a native of Nigeria, said, “The program was very eye-opening because it allowed me to look at the OT (occupational therapy) profession through the experiences of professionals from around the world. At the start of the program, I was torn between OT and PT (physical therapy), but at the end I felt more focused. I feel like I’m more passionate about PT, and that’s where I can concentrate when I apply to grad school.”

Immersion program provides career preparation Chemistry major Stephanie Agba ’17 attended the 2016 Summer Occupational Therapy Immersion Program at the University of Southern California (USC). The four-week, lecture-based program is designed for international occupational therapists and occupational-therapy students who are interested in studying or

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Chikwanha Theodora Mildred, a lecturer and doctoral student pursuing studies in the field of occupational therapy in South Africa, Stephanie Agba ’17 and Samar Hassani, a practicing occupational therapist based in Kuwait, became acquainted during a professional development program in California.

USC is one of the places Agba will apply. “Through the summer program, I built a contact there who has offered to write a grad school recommendation for me,” she said. Networking was a huge benefit of the program, Agba said.

Internship supports dolphin conservation Biology major Laurin Holzinger ’17 realized her dream of working with marine mammals during a six-month internship in Bermuda last spring and fall. Holzinger interned with Dolphin Quest, a research and education organization that is committed to protecting the planet and inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards. Dolphin Quest provides financial and in-kind support of conservation efforts and university-level scientific studies generating hundreds of published scientific works that are helping researchers find solutions to the threats dolphins and whales face in the wild. Holzinger’s internship duties included managing the dolphins’ diets by sorting hundreds of pounds of fish and preparing individual portions to meet the daily special needs of each dolphin. She also gave educational presentations to the public, sharing ways to help conserve the species. www.FranklinCollege.edu

“Franklin College encourages its students to be engaged learners, rather than passive recipients of information. This type of grant enables students to put their liberal arts education to work in a positive and meaningful way.” —President Thomas J. Minar, Ph.D.

ment to higher education in Indiana,” said President Thomas J. Minar, Ph.D. “Franklin College encourages its students to be engaged learners, rather than passive recipients of information. This type of grant enables students to put their liberal arts education to work in a positive and meaningful way.”

“Engaged learning at Franklin College is significant because national data show that this type of high-impact learning is valued by employers and graduate institutions,” said assistant provost and dean of engaged learning Brooke (Wagoner) Worland ’99. “Furthermore, students and alumni are significantly impacted by engaged-

learning opportunities, such as internships, courses abroad and significant research projects, and they can speak to the ongoing affect these experiences have on their personal and professional growth.” Given the college’s student-centered focus and the faculty’s passion for engaged learning, the college’s strategic plan places engaged-learning opportunities at the core of the curriculum by ensuring that the curricular delivery model is focused on this teaching and learning philosophy. ■

Laurin Holzinger ’17 cared for and trained dolphins at a Bermuda conservation facility during her internship.

She said the most memorable part of the internship was helping train the dolphins and share their majesty with the public during swim-with-a-dolphin programs. “When you work with animals, there’s no such thing as a bad day at work,” said Holzinger. “Dolphin Quest was such a meaningful experience because it speaks to my heart. I really believe we are not doing enough to protect our oceans and marine mammals, and I’m so grateful for organizations like this one that are trying to make a difference.” Holzinger’s career goal is to rescue and rehab marine mammals. She has applied for multiple international, graduate-level internships that will help further her conservation knowledge and rehabilitation experiences. www.FranklinCollege.edu

At the recommendation of her academic adviser, Samantha Roberts ’19 looked into the AmeriCorps service-learning program last year and found an opportunity to be paired with a nonprofit group called the Maine Conservation Corps. Among other initiatives, the group focuses on helping economically-struggling towns use conservation projects as a way of promoting tourism and commerce. Roberts spent three months interning as a field worker with the group. Most of those days were in the wilderness, helping clear a nature trail and build a walking bridge on a tract of land recently gifted to the government from a private owner. “I’d never been camping before so learning to backpack everywhere was physically and mentally challenging, but it really made me look at nature differently and develop a greater appreciation for what’s around us,” said Roberts. In addition to providing physical labor, Roberts was involved in meetings with land owners and park rangers, helping ensure that the work taking place honored agreements and expectations. The meetings reinforced the importance of clear and constant communication, Roberts said. Another benefit of her servicelearning experience through this

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Service-learning promotes economic development, environmental stewardship

Samantha Roberts ’19 helped construct a walking bridge for a nature trail in Maine during her summer internship.

AmeriCorps program was the professional development component. “The program is designed to give participants a direction to go after the experience. We worked on cover letters and resumes and participated in mock interviews, all things that can help us pursue our careers.” Roberts double-majors in political science and religion and has special interest in exploring how religious beliefs impact public-policy making. Her goal is to practice law and eventually teach at the college level. ■ Spring 2017

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PAID 101 BRANIGIN BOULEVARD FRANKLIN, INDIANA 46131-2623 (317) 738-8000 OR (800) 852-0232 www.FranklinCollege.edu

When Franklin’s track and field coaching staff caught a glimpse of California native Alysia Funderburg ’17 on an athletic recruiting website, they had a hunch the talented runner with a bubbly personality would make a great addition to the Griz family. At that time, Funderburg dreamed of double-majoring in athletic training and broadcast journalism and hoped to become a sideline sports reporter. When she learned both majors were possible at Franklin, and that she could be active on the track team in her freshman year, she was ready to make the 2,000-mile move. A lot has changed since then. Funderburg, now a senior, majors in exercise science, and has transitioned from track to lacrosse. “Doors have opened for me in ways I never could have imagined,” said Funderburg. “Franklin College has allowed me to tailor my own path and add classes and activities that interested me. That flexibility has helped me learn about myself, grow my interests and get multiple internships.” She currently interns at the Marion County Coroner’s Office, conducting investigations on scene with the deputy coroner, completing administrative tasks and participating in observational pathology rotations. Her previous internships were with Quality Mill Supply Co. Inc., an industrial distributor in Franklin, TheStateHouseFile.com, the college’s student-powered political news reporting bureau, the YMCA and the Indiana Masonic Home, a retirement community in Franklin. “The benefit of a liberal arts education in any setting is that it makes you a well-rounded individual. Rather than think of the obvious, it allows for you to develop a sense of thinking creatively,” said Funderburg. Funderburg’s creativity is a key to her time-management skills. In addition to interning, she holds an off-campus job, participates in the Black Student Union and has leadership roles with the college radio station, WFCI 89.5, and the sports broadcast program, “GrizTV.” Funderburg is a past recipient of the college’s Ambassador and Discovery scholarships as well as a scholarship for out-of-state students. Your gifts to the Franklin Fund help students like Funderburg realize their college dreams and go on to make a difference in the world. Give online at www.FranklinCollege.edu/giving or call (317) 738-8040. ■

KELLY MARCELO ’17

Franklin Fund impacts students

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