Trailblazer-Summer 2011

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SUMMER 2011

One for the Thumb ETTA EXPRESS WRAPS MAGICAL SEASON BY WINNING FIFTH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

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ark Williams ’11 had accomplished his goal—he was a champion.

However, he didn’t want to leave the baseball diamond.

Even though his family and friends were waiting to congratulate him on being a part of the 2011 NCAA Division III Baseball Champion Marietta Pioneers, Williams reluctantly took his next step.

Eventually he was out of room, and he had to go up into the stands of Fox Cities Stadium in Grand Chute, Wis. “I hugged my dad and then my mom, but I knew it was going to be the last time I ever wore the Marietta pinstripes,” Williams said. “It really hit me when we got on the bus to return to Marietta. You know the day is going to come, so I guess there’s no better way to end it.”

What a run the Etta Express enjoyed in 2011.

Marietta finished the season 47-4 after routing Chapman (Calif.) 18-5 in the championship game. With the win, the Pioneers claimed the program’s fifth national championship—a Division III record.

“This team did everything the coaches asked them to do and they did it with a smile,” said coach Brian Brewer, who also won a championship in 2006. “We work them hard and ask them to sacrifice a lot for the greater good of the team. The groundwork for this championship started immediately after we lost to Heidelberg last year in the regional.

These guys played in the summer, worked on their game and it continued when they arrived in the fall. This group of young men earned every bit of this title.”

All-American John Snyder ’11 said it was the coaching staff that set the tone all season and kept the players focused on the ultimate prize.

Now he’s honored to be included in the rarified air of winning a championship for the Etta Express.

“I came to Marietta for this moment,” he said. “There are only four other teams at Marietta to have accomplished this. That blows your mind, especially when you look at all of the records and all of the AllAmericans who have played here.”

After three consecutive years of getting ousted in the Mideast Regional championship game, Kyle Lindquist ’12 was trying to throw strikes in the final inning so the celebration could begin.

“We obviously sensed it, but you have to get through the final inning,” Lindquist said. “I was at the bottom of the dog pile, but it was worth it.”

All-American pitcher Brian Gasser ’12 said the returning players have a new goal for 2012.

“We’re going to have a great senior class and we believe in ourselves,” he said. “What better way to go out than to go out there again and do it again next year.”—TP

> Thank you alumni and friends for helping Marietta College reach its 2010-11 Marietta Fund $1.65 million goal.

Your continued support touches the lives of current and future generations of students, staff and faculty.

Learn more about The Marietta Fund in the brochure included in this issue of Trailblazer.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The Power of Giving – Dr. Jean A. Scott

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“The real impact of each of these gifts, whether for bricks and mortar, special projects, or operations through the Marietta Fund, is to change lives and help students realize their dreams.”

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arietta College has been sustained in the past by the generosity of alumni and friends. As public funds for education decrease significantly and Marietta strives to keep tuition as low as possible while offering a high-quality education, that generosity will become more and more important. Knowing the commitment that you, our donors and friends, have demonstrated time after time gives me great confidence in the future of Marietta College.

Your gifts have made an extraordinary difference in the life of this College, and in the lives of our students. Those gifts have built the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center, the Rickey Science Center, the Legacy Library, the Anderson Hancock Planetarium, the Beren Tennis Center, and transformed the Brown Petroleum Building, the soccer and softball fields, and Don Drumm Stadium. During the last decade, they have provided millions of dollars in student aid, made possible internships and study abroad, supported faculty and staff, beautified the campus, and even helped pay the electric bill. The real impact of each of these gifts, whether for bricks and mortar, special projects, or operations through the Marietta Fund, is to change lives and help students realize their dreams. I am deeply grateful to each of you who gives to Marietta College, and inspired by the philanthropic spirit you possess.

Although Marietta College’s donors are very different from each other in many ways, you have much in common. My conversations have given me glimpses into your motives for giving—the wellsprings of your generosity. You pay forward out of a sense of gratitude for what Marietta College has meant to you, to friends, to members of your family, or to the community. That was brought home to me when a donor, having asked a few questions about a major proposal I had presented, replied, “we need to give you this money.” Giving is fundamental to the character of our donors, a source of personal pleasure.

Marietta College’s donors give as partners with the College. One donor, visiting the campus to celebrate a project in which he had played a major role, turned to me and asked, “What are we doing next?”

Although surprised, I was able to identify the next major project, at the time only a gleam in my eye. It, too, is now a reality.

You are purposeful in your giving. You expect that your gifts will make a difference in the lives of students and to the future of the College. One alumnus explained he was making a major gift to Marietta College rather than to either of the research universities from which he also holds degrees because he knew the gift would mean more at Marietta, and that gift has transformed science education here. Another donor said he and his family have all they will ever need and he wanted to see the good his money can do for others. Some give without restriction to the Marietta Fund or the endowment, while others choose to give to specific projects such as buildings, faculty salaries, or scholarships—because these are the causes at the College that are closest to their hearts.

The trustees and administration of the College are stewards of the gifts you give, and it is both our pleasure and our responsibility to let you know what your gifts have accomplished. We told donors of gifts large and small that the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center would improve enrollment, and we have documented an increase in overall undergraduate enrollment of 22 percent since the building opened in 2003. We were confident the Legacy Library would enhance the intellectual climate on campus. Although that is difficult to quantify, the change is apparent to those of us who work with students. It was a thrill to tell a donor whose unrestricted gift helped finance the Legacy Campaign that we had been able to raise $40 for each $1 he had given, and to see the smile on his face. These are just a few examples of the power of the gifts you have made to Marietta College.

Maya Angelou wrote, “I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver.” Marietta College is truly fortunate to have donors whose souls are indeed liberated, who see yourselves as partners in work that will outlast all of us. You give out of gratitude for the difference Marietta College made in your life or in those of family and friends, and out of a desire to make the same opportunities available to future generations of students.

My work at Marietta College and my understanding of the human spirit, has been enriched by your genersoity.

Celebrating springtime on campus GOLDEN PIONEERS TREATED TO BLOOMING LANDSCAPE AND BEAUTIFUL WEATHER

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n early June, a special group of Pioneers converged on campus to celebrate a new chapter in their lives.

It has been 50 years since the class of 1961 called Marietta’s campus home as undergraduate students, but for three days in late spring, more than 60 alumni and guests enjoyed free range over the beautiful grounds of the College for the 2011 Golden Reunion Weekend.

Alumni in attendance ranged from the class of 1952 to the class of 1965, traveling from as far as Arizona, Washington, Florida and Connecticut. Many of them had not seen their classmates since the spring Commencement of 1961 and enjoyed catching up with friends while staying in Fayerweather Hall.

During the weekend, Marietta’s honored guests were treated to on- and off-campus events such as a planetarium adventure in the Anderson Hancock Planetarium, a tour of The Castle of Marietta, a dinner cruise on the Valley Gem sternwheeler, a trolley ride through downtown and a Special Collections open house event in Legacy Library.

“I really look forward to Golden Reunion Weekend,” said Ann Nicely ’03, Associate Director of Alumni Events and Services. “It is one of my favorite events and I am excited to see it grow and become more popular. It is a beautiful time of year on campus. The alumni have the luxury of being able to re-experience campus, stay in Fayerweather Hall, and visit and catch up with friends over a weekend in an environment dedicated solely to them.”

Nicely said springtime in Marietta allows returning alumni the time and space to experience campus in full bloom.

“Other times of the year it is a challenge to give the 50th Class, returning Golden Pioneers and alumni the attention they deserve and all the opportunities that we have to offer during Golden Reunion Weekend,” Nicely said. “The special experience has

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P R ESI D EN T’ S R EC EP TI O N Hedy Kotz Bauer ’61 and Ken Anderson.

motivated a number of folks to return year after year. The staff of Alumni Relations has enjoyed establishing a very special ongoing relationship with the Golden Reunion Weekend participants.”

Preparations are already being made for next year’s Golden Reunion, which will welcome the class of 1962 and contiguous classes to join with current Golden Pioneers for the special weekend. If you are a member of this group, mark you calendar for June 1-3, 2012, and make plans to enjoy a weekend on campus!—GS

Long Blue Lines Hub Burton, Associate Vice President, Alumni & College Relations

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’ve had some experience taking the long walk to face the music in front of the headmaster. So, when Vice President for Advancement Lori Lewis caught my eye during our May MCAA meeting to tell me the chair of the Board wanted to see me… well, you can imagine what ran through my mind.

Arriving on the third floor of the Legacy Library, I was certain I was starring in my own episode of “Dead Man Walking.”

Rows of chairs, lots of coats and ties, Grant Callery ’68 and President Scott, for goodness sake, were all in place along with Reggie Sims ’75.

Wait a minute. Reggie Sims? His Board term expired a year ago. But there he was, in the flesh, along with other good friends, family and members of the Marietta College community. Slowly, it dawned upon me that the room had more the feel of tribute than tribunal and that I’d been had for the better part of the last two months.

That’s how long my colleagues on the MCAA Board, in the office, around town, and even kin hanging from the family tree kept me in the dark. Surprise was complete shattering the myth that a college campus is a sieve when it comes to keeping a secret.

I have to admit at least a few of the kind words at the podium were lost as I sought to collect my thoughts. Gradually, my eyes moved from the podium and MCAA Chair Jodell Raymond ’84 to the table to her right where a small box invited my attention.

Holy smokes! I’ve seen a few of those.

Then, it hit me and moments later Jodell welcomed me into The Long Blue Line as an Honorary Alumnus. Now, my twins will tell you I can be a fairly tough customer, but such an award proved genuinely overwhelming and remains so even as I look back on such a special day.

To those colleagues on the MCAA Board and at Marietta College who made this incredible moment possible, I say a most sincere thank you. To all alumni whom it remains my pleasure to serve, it is my honor.

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Sky’s the limit LONG BLUE LINE GROWS WITH CLASS OF 2011

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van Merten ’11 has an interesting way of marking historical moments in his life.

Each special moment in recent years includes a photo of himself with a family member looking toward the sky. Joining The Long Blue Line with 259 other graduates during the 174th Commencement on May 8 in the Dyson Baudo Recreation Center proved to be the right time for one of Merten’s special photos.

“It was just something we all thought was funny, so on graduation day the three of us (brother Chase and sister Ally) had to take a picture like that,” Merten said. “But after the picture was taken, my little cousin Lily asked me if I could take a picture of her with her brother Jake doing the same thing. So as we were about to take the picture neither of them were looking up so I pointed into the sky to try and get them to look.”

Family and friends joined the Class of 2011 in the recreation center for an entertaining and educational talk by keynote speaker Dr. Arthur Levine, who was presented with a Doctor of Laws honorary degree—adding one additional graduate to the ceremony.

The top two graduates were Abigail Bogdan ’11 (valedictorian) and Cody Meglio ’11 (salutatorian). Bogdan said she’s still adjusting to the idea that she is now a college graduate.

“I thought by this time I would be winning Nobel Prizes—or at least be comfortable paying my own electric bills. Maybe by the time I’ve finished grad school,” Bogdan said. “I met some incredible people at Marietta—both students and teachers—and made great and hopefully lifelong friends. Being able to get to know them, work, travel, and hang out with them has been the highlight of my time at Marietta College.”

During Commencement, President Jean Scott presented degrees to both graduates and undergraduates.

Customary to all graduations that have been conducted inside the recreation center, almost all of the 2,000 attending Commencement congregated in the Kremer Amphitheatre and Fenton Court to celebrate with the recent graduates.

Many of them snacked on the hors d’oeuvres and exchanged hugs and well wishes for the future. There were others posing for photos and parents with video cameras.

Of course, there was one graduate marking another major milestone in his life.

“My four years at Marietta College were a great experience,” Merten said. “Making so many great friends over the years, it was everything I wanted in a college experience. … There was always something to do—intramurals, sporting events and College activities—always people to hang out with and always memories to be made that I will never forget.”—TP 4

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Another year, another Senior Gift record

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ou just never know what’s going to motivate a large group of students.

It appears a bunch of small pigs inspired Marietta College’s senior class during the 2010-11 academic year.

“We had a lot of fun planning this year’s Senior Challenge. We added a couple new elements to the challenge, like our Kiss-the-Pig Contest, which we hope will become tradition,” said Jennifer Kuhn ’11. “We were very successful in raising the largest student gift amount ever and we hope to see future classes compete with the standard we set.”

By the time of graduation, the senior class raised $4,653—$1,325 more than any other year since the program began in 1998. The total was matched by the MCAA and the College’s Board of Trustees matched every gift made at $20.11 or more.

Therefore, during the 174th Commencement, Brooke Exley ’11 and Kuhn presented President Jean Scott with a check for $12,307 from the Class of 2011.—TP

Jewett winner recalls personal and campus transformation

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f there was one person in the senior class who knows how to give a speech it was Scott Burnham.

When he gave his first-place Jewett Oration, “A True Transformation,” Burnham did not disappoint.

“College isn’t all classes, and it’s the relationships we’ve created outside of class with our peers that have perhaps shaped us most. Those who cried with us, celebrated with us, and stuck with us, even when we may have been making poor choices,” he said. “Slowly, over these years at Marietta, we have either adopted or rejected the ideas from our professors and friends. But without question, our views and beliefs have been impacted from our time with these individuals and our time on this campus.”

The Jewett Prize is given annually to the two members of the graduating class whose orations are judged most excellent in composition and delivery. Derek Ensinger finished second in the competition with his oration, “When in Doubt, Improvise.”—TP

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An act of kindness ALUMNA HONORED FOR LIFESAVING DEED

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R E C EIVING HER HON OR S te v e a nd J ill Cripp in at tended t he S outh Ca rolina Fire fig hters Associat ion Conv e ntion to w atch their daugh ter, Ni k i ’ 07, re c e iv e t he Me ritoriou s Service Aw a rd .

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iki Crippen ’07 had just said goodnight to her dad after dinner and was driving slowly out of a Myrtle Beach parking garage.

“I heard the ‘pop-pop’ and a woman screaming—I knew someone had just gotten shot. I looked at my dad, who saw a truck leaving the scene, grabbed my cell phone and called 9-1-1. I remember my dad saying, “Niki, there’s a gun over there…you can’t go over there.”

Crippen ran to help the woman, who had been shot in the neck and the chest. That’s when Crippen’s training kicked in.

Crippen is an EMT and firefighter for the Midway Fire Rescue Department on Pawley’s Island in South Carolina. Her parents, who live in Ohio, were visiting Myrtle Beach last September. She had driven to their condominium for the day to have dinner with them and was on her way back to Pawley’s Island when the shooting occurred. Crippen’s father jotted down the license plate number on a truck that was fleeing the scene.

Crippen, who majored in Health Science at Marietta, reached the woman and instructed the woman’s husband to get towels or blankets to help stop some of the bleeding.

“That’s when I learned that one of the accomplices was still there. The woman said he was probably hiding the gun. I knew the gun was around somewhere, but I wasn’t for sure where it was or if the guy still had it. I just knew I needed to help the woman—to help stop the bleeding and to keep her calm.”

Crippen asked the woman a series of questions to keep her conscious until paramedics and police arrived.

“All this time, my dad was keeping a watchful eye over me because, like I said, no one knew where the gun was. He was scared and nervous for me—he never really had seen me in a situation like that or seen me at work,” Crippen said.

Within minutes, help arrived and the woman was transported to a nearby hospital where she recovered. Crippen called her supervisor in Pawley’s Island just to make sure he was aware that one of his EMTs was involved in an off-duty situation.

“In her mind, it was no big deal, but as her supervisor and as someone who works in fire and rescue, I have to say that what she did was a big deal,” said Battalion Chief Jeffrey Pifer.

“What Niki did stands out, especially because she was off duty. She strikes me as the kind of person who would go out of her way to help someone in need. She is not reckless about running into dangerous situations. She is an excellent firefighter and EMT.” He submitted her story for recognition in the department and at the state level. She was bestowed the 2010 Midway Fire Rescue Medal of Valor Award and, on June 10, 2011, she was given the Meritorious Service Award by the South Carolina Firefighters Association.

“It’s been nice to have my story printed in the papers and to be recognized, but I really have never thought about doing this for the recognition,” Crippen said. “Firefighters and EMTs do this work because they want to help people. I was glad I was there to help. If it was my mom, I would hope that someone would be kind enough to help her.”

Shortly after her story hit the local papers, a fellow Long Blue Liner contacted her about meeting for lunch and the possibility of getting other alumni in the Pawley’s Island together. “I love Marietta College and I loved my time there. It would be a great network of friends to have here and I was so happy that he sought me out as a result of this story.”—GS

What’s on your bucket list?

EVAN BOHNEN, ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT

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imilar to the characters Carter Chambers and Edward Cole in the 2008 comedy-drama “The Bucket List,” we sometimes have to be nudged to consider what we value in life—what are our sustaining values—what do we hope to accomplish?

All of us work through our daily lives with goals and plans for all facets of our lives—our children, aging parents, friends, careers and community service. Our personal and professional goals and plans are accomplished with a myriad of tasks and “to-do” lists.

While you are accomplished and successful, your bucket list moves the context of life from the busy pace of your daily living to those discrete activities and accomplishments of lifetime significance. As you enter this phase in life, you begin to review your life’s successes and ponder how others will measure your achievements.

You will remember that Edward delivered the eulogy at Carter’s funeral and then discreetly crossed off “help a complete stranger for the good” from his bucket list.

For many of us, the current and future students completing their Marietta College education and preparing to join The Long Blue Line will be strangers to us. Through philanthropy and the simplicity and effectiveness of a charitable bequest, it is possible for each of us to significantly enhance the affordability and value of a liberal arts education for known and unknown generations of students. That is truly a bucket list item worth celebrating!

I hope you will consider including philanthropy and bequest giving on your bucket list. To learn more about how easy it is to include a philanthropic bequest through will, insurance beneficiary, or estate to Marietta College and future generations of students/complete strangers, please contact me at evan. bohnen@marietta.edu, direct 740-376-4446, or tollfree 800-274-4704.

Making room WORK UNDER WAY ON NEW RESIDENCE HALL

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ust before students left for summer break, a familiar scene began unfolding on campus.

Fencing.

Not the kind that involves foils or lamé. It’s the fencing that signals the start of a major construction project on campus. That project is the new 105,000-square-foot residence hall, which will be located at the corner of Putnam and Seventh streets. Design Group of Columbus designed the proposed building and MilesMcClellan Construction/Hagerman, Inc., Joint Venture is the general contractor for the bonded project.

“By the end of summer, we will have completed the auger cast pile deep foundations, grade beams, underground utilities and floor slab,” said Fred Smith, Director of Physical Plant. “The exterior masonry walls, brick veneer and pre-cast floor planks will be a work in progress.”

Smith said the budget is $24.5 million—a cost that includes construction, design fees, furnishings, equipment, financing costs and the demolition of Parsons Hall once the new residence hall is complete in the fall of 2012.

“We received very competitive pricing in January 2011,” Smith said. “National economic conditions contributed to a delay in financing and bonding for the project. Construction started in late May 2011 and we must occupy the residence hall in August of 2012. To meet this accelerated schedule, the project guaranteed maximum price was increased to allow continuation of the exterior masonry work during the winter months under heated temporary enclosures. Because of very competitive pricing, this increase was covered by contingency funds within the original project budget.”—GS

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Obama Administration adopts entrepreneurial plan developed by Don Knechtges ’64

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or more than two decades, Don Knechtges ’64 watched the suffering in Northeast Ohio as jobs disappeared following the demise of the steel and auto industry.

Unlike many, Knechtges was prepared to help. In 1999, he was one of a few entrepreneurs in that region of the state handpicked by Lorain County Community College President Roy Church to develop a plan that could make a real difference.

After six months of brainstorming, the most important step that Knechtges and the others took was the creation of the Great Lakes Innovation and Development Enterprise (GLIDE). It started in 2001 through a partnership between the Lorain County Commissioners, the County Chamber of Commerce and the community college as the first business incubator located on a community college campus in the state of Ohio.

While GLIDE was ready to go, it needed funding sources to help aspiring entrepreneurs get seed money for a startup company. So Knechtges and his colleagues came up with another groundbreaking idea—Entrepreneurial Innovation Fund.

“We identified early on that one of the chief needs in starting a company is capi-

tal,” Knechtges said. “We knew from Day 1 that one of the keys is how are we going to give startup companies capital and hopefully free capital.”

Establishing the Entrepreneurial Innovation Fund took longer than anyone expected.

Setting up an investment fund is not unusual, but when GLIDE wanted it to be charitable and tax deductible, the Internal Revenue Service got involved.

“I think we went through four or five IRS examiners and three managers over four years,” Knechtges said. “We finally got a private letter ruling giving us the approval to give out the money to entrepreneurs.”

The program, which gives out as much as $100,000, has been a huge success.

Knechtges said of the 64 companies that have received funding, 62 are still in busi-

Gathered on the porch of the Strecker House on Butler Street are members of Marietta College’s Black Student Union. The group was organized in 1968, primarily through the efforts of Ken Oliver ’70 and James Mercer ’70. Its purpose was to provide black students with a social and academic environment that promoted unity and encouraged participation in campus affairs. Early projects included a series of publications and informative sessions presented by black students, as well as recruitment of black students to the College. For several years, the BSU sponsored a Black Awareness Week, the focus of which was black political, economic and cultural thought and entertainment.

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ness and thriving.

The success didn’t go unnoticed.

In February, President Barack Obama adopted the model established by Knechtges and LCCC for replication throughout community colleges nationwide. The program is known as Innovation Fund America.

“It is the only fund of its kind in the country and it’s the reason why the Obama Administration is fostering it,” Knechtges said. “It’s special to have been involved with it, and I haven’t stopped. I’m now working with SOAR (Strategic Operations of Advanced Resources). It’s basically the same thing but now for nonprofit organizations.”

Tracy Green, Director of the Lorain County Community College Foundation, said it was Knechtges’ vision and leadership that led the group to be recognized nationally.

“He approaches every opportunity with an innovative spirit,” she said. “It’s more than just the impact Don has made on this program, it’s also the dramatic contribution he has made to the entire community of northeast Ohio.”—TP

Meeting Yiayia STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITY ALLOWS SENIOR TO MEET GRANDMOTHER FOR FIRST TIME IN GREECE

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or 21 years, the only interaction Rene Nikolopoulos ’11 had with her grandmother Eirene in Greece was through phone calls and letters.

When a Study Abroad opportunity in Greece came up, the Human Resource Management major couldn’t pass on it. So in the fall, she got to hug her Yiayia for the first time.

“Being able to see her was like instant love.

It was very motherly,” Rene said. “I also got to meet my aunt, uncle and cousins. Now we’re all friends on Facebook.”

Rene even compared her study abroad experience to the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” but a better connection may be with “Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.”

No, she didn’t time travel like the characters in “Bill & Ted,” but Rene had the adventure of a lifetime.

Her journey included fascinating studies on the island of Paros at Hellenic International Studies of the Arts (HISA), a small college of less than 30 students. “As you can imagine, we got a lot of individual attention and help, which I loved.”

Rene was one of 14 Marietta students to study abroad in the fall. This spring, 28 students were abroad. Marietta College’s current strategic plan places an emphasis on offering and encouraging more students to take advantage of an international experience during their four years on campus.

While her adventures sometimes resembled a vacation itinerary, Rene was adamant her out-of-classroom experiences were as valuable as anything she has learned in class.

She mostly took art classes to help fulfill her general education requirements at Marietta. Her courses included black and white film photography, womens studies, historical sites, Greek 101, film studies and philosophy.

“It was really beneficial for me … not only did I get to learn a lot about art and culture, I was also able to broaden my horizons and step out of my bubble and work on my creative side,” she said. “I had a lot of fun, but I also learned a great deal of things I would have never had the chance to if I didn’t spend a semester away from Marietta.”

Her travels included stops at the Acropolis, Olympic Stadium, Naxos, Antiparos, Santorini, Mykonos, Delos and Samos. She also went on a 10-day trip to Turkey where she visited Ephesus and Selcuk.

“We also had the opportunity to fly to the mind-boggling city of Cappadocia, and then climbed to the top of Pamukkale and swam in the hot springs on our way down,” she said. “That was just incredible.”

Don’t forget the five days in Rome and a visit to Munich, Germany, and Salzburg, Austria. “I was able to drink beer in the first Hofbrauhaus built (in Munich) and go sledding down the Austrian Alps! I spent 3 1/2 months total in Europe.”

Rene will join the College on a trip this summer to Australia and

she hopes to join a follow-up journey to Ghana in the summer of 2012. “I am so glad the College allows alumni to join them on these adventures. This is a great way to see the world.”

Naturally Rene is an advocate for Study Abroad and is even a Student Ambassador for Athena Abroad, the program that helped her in Greece.

“I highly encourage students to study abroad while in college. Not only is it beneficial to students personally, but academically and with future employment as well,” she said. “It helps a student achieve a sense of independence and maturity, it allows you to earn college credits while traveling, and makes you more marketable to potential employers.”

And if you’re really lucky, you get to meet your Yiayia for the first time.—TP

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Connecting the past with the present ART STUDENTS DEVELOP FRIENDSHIPS WITH SENIORS

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kyler Hjelm ’12 walked into the O’Neill Senior Center arm-and-arm with Allen Brokaw, a member of the center, leading him to a set of paintings on the south wall of the building.

The sight drew an instant reaction from the gentleman.

The paintings were of a young man in an Army uniform, as well as a barrage of images from the young man’s life. The subject of the pieces was Brokaw about 50 years earlier.

During the spring semester, Hjelm and seven fellow students in Professor Jolene Powell’s painting class participated in a six-week project that paired them with members of the senior center. The students spent time with their new friends, learning about how their older counterparts lived life at their age— some were fighting in a war while others were busy rearing young children. The students were provided a black-and-white photograph of their new friends and, from that image, created a portrait using indirect glazing techniques. In late April, the students unveiled two of their paintings at the O’Neill Senior Center and reunited with their new friends.

“I really enjoyed learning about Allen’s life. We met once a week and he always took me out to brunch,” she said. “My grandparents were gone before I really got to know them so, through Allen, I learned a lot about their era.”

The students also created two additional paintings that depicted aspects of their friends’ interests and life experiences.

Hjelm’s second painting included a black Labrador retriever, a trumpet and a boat—all images dredged up from Brokaw’s past. The dog, Willie, was the family pet that loved to travel and would jump in the boat parked in Brokaw’s garage at the mere mention of Canada.

“He was my buddy for 14 years,” Brokaw said. “The painting is beautiful. This young lady has a lot of talent!”

Muse Betty Rhodes had a surprise in store for her new

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friend, Jamie Corwin ’14. He had painted a stunning portrait of a young Rhodes and an image from her past—a view of Front Street overtaken by the Ohio River.

Rhodes watched Corwin as he stood in front of her painting talking to people attending the art show. “He is quite the artist,” she said. “I’ve never had a painting done of me but I think his was really good.”

Corwin spent several weeks on the main portrait, which he gave to Rhodes.

“I built up the colors of the face, which was something I had to learn how to do,” Corwin said. “What really took the most time was the glazing. I have between 20 and 25 layers of paint (on the portrait). I learned how faces are formed and I had to guess the real colors of her hair because I worked from a black-and-white photograph of her. I also made the blouse blue because she said it was her favorite color.”

Both Rhodes and Corwin said they enjoyed interacting with each other during the course of the project and developed a fondness for each other. Rhodes smiled as she handed him a large gift bag containing her own handiwork.

“This is for me?” Corwin said, as he pulled a handmade afghan from the bag. “You made this for me? Thank you so much, it’s incredible.”

The large blanket, with its blue and white pattern, seemed to be a fitting gift for the student who brought new life to her decades-old photograph.

“I enjoy making blankets,” Rhodes said. “And I think this one will keep him plenty warm while he’s in college.”—GS

Smoke Signals 2001 GRADUATE BUILDING A REPUTATION IN BBQ COMPETITIONS

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s the competitors in the annual Brick Street BBQ began arriving in the parking lot in downtown Marietta, Brian Varani ’01 was just trying to get settled in.

His tents, tables and utensils were set up, and his offset smoker was still waiting for its first load of Maine Grilling Wood. Just minutes later, a short but hard rain pelted the entire area and a few puddles were starting to gather under and around the tents.

“You can tell we’re newcomers here,” Brian said. “Look at those guys over there. They knew where to set up…where there’s no puddles.”

Varani and his wife, Megan Lockhart Varani ’01, are sort of the newcomers to the national barbecue scene. After working his way up to Senior Director in Forensics and Litigation practice at FTI Consulting, Brian got hooked on his new hobby—competitive barbecuing.

“I’ve always loved to cook and that passion goes back a long ways,” he said.

At 14, he got his first job washing dishes at a restaurant in Absecon, N.J., that served breakfast and lunch.

“I was always into what I thought was barbecuing at the time, which I now know as grilling. I bought my first Weber smoker and I’ve been hooked ever since.”

He took it a step further by forming Big Mook’s BBQ and joining the Kansas City BBQ competition circuit (“KCBS”) in April 2010. In addition to enlisting many family members to help, there are also many members of The Long Blue Line who have joined the food prep line.

Six alumni joined the Big Mook’s BBQ team in Marietta. To make sure they didn’t miss returning to Marietta, Megan turned in the registration form in February.

“It’s great to be in Marietta and the campus looks amazing,” Megan said.

She said her husband’s hobby, which can cost them $600-$800 a weekend, is a good way to unwind and spend time together.

“I’ve also loved festivals since I was a kid. I used to make my mom take me to rib cook-offs when I was young and I still love coming to these.”

“We’re both accountants and we have pretty hectic schedules,” she said. Brian’s cooking schedule is pretty crazy as well. The day before turn ins, he tries to get a few hours sleep before cooking straight through the night until about noon the next day.

Big Mook’s is still perfecting its approach, but Brian is pleased with the direction of his team.

“It’s been a fun ride and I believe my food is getting better and better,” said Brian, who mainly competes in KCBS-sponsored events.

Brian and Megan have also started catering through Big Mook’s.

“We’re a fully functioning business. We got into catering this year to help offset the costs of competitions. But I love it B I G MO O K’ S MA R I ET TA B B Q TEA M Br i a n Va r a n i ’ 0 1 , Me g an L o ckh ar t Var an i ’0 1 , also,” Brian said. “We’ve done some decent-sized V i rg i n i a ( J i n n y ) Am u n d s o n ’ 0 0 , Sa r a h Sh e l l h o u s e ’ 0 0 , D a v i d an d H i l ar y (M abbo t t ) events. Right now we’re just seeing where this Sc h u l t ’ 0 0 , J o s h a n d L a u r a ( Sm i t h ) Sc h r a de r ’ 0 0 , T i m K e l l y ’0 1 , Kat y (Bu ckn er ) could take us. I’d love to hang up my calculator K e l l y, J a s o n Mo rg a n , J e s s i c a C l i n e ’ 0 9 , D a v e a n d Re b e c c a (D rexl er ) Bl ei vi k, F red one day and open a dive BBQ place and continue a n d Be c k y Sa m a rd g e catering. Am I ready to do that? No. It would be nice to win a few more trophies to get some more credibility.”

Coming home to Marietta helped with the credibility a bit. Big Mook’s earned its first prize money with a fourth-place finish in brisket.

“The third-ranked team in the nationwide KCBS standings finished sixth in brisket so, needless to say, I was in a bit of shock to hear our name for fourth,” Brian said. “See you next year Marietta, we’ll be back with our rain boots on.”—TP

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C H A MP S Page 12 from top to bottom: Tim Saunders, Aaron Hopper, Casey Levens. Page 13 from left to right, top row: Jordan Grilliot, Alex Toth, Kirby Becker, Austin Blaski; bottom row: Brian Gasser, John Snyder.

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Athletics welcomes two new head coaches

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arietta Athletics welcomed two new head coaches to its staff this summer.

Elke Reisdorph was tagged the head women’s soccer coach and George Evans will lead the Cross Country and Track & Field programs at Marietta.

“I am extremely thankful to (Athletics Director) Larry Hiser and the rest of the Marietta College community for offering me this opportunity,” Evans said. “I look forward to working with the student-athletes and helping them progress and achieve their goals, both athletically and academically. I hope to continue the success Coach (Derek) Stanley achieved and build upon Marietta Athletics’ strong tradition.”

For the past six years, Evans served as an assistant coach at Brown University. He also worked as the sprints and hurdles coach at Youngstown State University where, in 2005, the women’s squad won the indoor and outdoor Horizon League Championship under his guidance. As an undergraduate, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Lehigh University, where he played football and ran track & field.

Reisdorph comes to Marietta from NCAA Division I Cornell University, where she spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach.

“I would like to thank Mr. Larry Hiser for the opportunity to be the head women’s soccer coach here at Marietta College,” she said. “I feel that the academics, athletics department and the entire Marietta community provide an excellent environment that is supportive in building a successful collegiate program. I look forward to working with such an amazing and passionate group of young women, who will be the foundation in building an elite soccer program.”

In addition to being on the coaching staff at Cornell, Reisdorph also spent a season as an assistant coach at Binghamton University, a season with Hartwick College and a two-year stint at Kenyon College, where the women’s team won 10 games and advanced to the North Coast Athletic Conference tournament for the first time.

As an undergraduate, Reisdorph earned a Bachelor of Arts in Leisure Studies: Recreation, Sports and Wellness Management from Christopher Newport University, where she was a four-year starter and captain on the soccer team. She was a two-time All USA South First Team selection and a two-time All-South Region honoree. In 2005, she was named to the USA South Conference 25th Anniversary Team.—DM

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Reaching goals WOMEN’S ROWING CELEBRATES TREMENDOUS ACCOMPLISHMENTS

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elly Harris reached three major goals as head coach for the women’s rowing program this season.

“Our team philosophy is simple: make good decisions,” Harris said. “The adopted motto of O.A.R.S. (Ownership, Accountability, Responsibility and Self-integrity), that we typically shout over a hands-in huddle at the end of each practice or before launching for each race, has molded the way in which these young women conduct themselves both on and off the water, on the race course and in the classroom.”

Her first goal was to win the Mid-Atlantic Rowing Conference Championship. In late April, the Varsity 8+ rowed its way to that gold medal with a time of 6:31.7. This was the first time in program history that Marietta won the MARC Championship in the Varsity 8+, affording them the No. 1 rank in the conference and region.

The second goal was to secure a win at Dad Vails. On May 14, the Pioneers’ Varsity 8+ earned the fourth gold medal in the program’s history, covering the 2,000-meter course in 7:15.21.

Those two accomplishments led to Harris’ third goal—the NCAA Division III Championship. Just two weeks after taking gold at Dad Vail, Marietta’s women headed off to Gold River, Calif., to compete at the Sacramento State Aquatic Center. It was the first time the women’s program had reached that level since the championship split into divisions in 2002 and only second time ever.

“When I came to Marietta and began rebuilding the program in 2007, I set out to accomplish these goals in a five-year time frame,” Harris said. “With the tremendous work ethic, maturity, integrity and drive that the team has embraced, we were able to accomplish the goals a year ahead of schedule. The best part? We are still young. The Varsity 8+ contained four freshman, four sophomores, and one junior.

The potential to defend these titles and see Marietta back on the NCAA race course next spring is very high.”—GS

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L A D Y C H A MP S F ro m f ro n t t o ba c k : Al y s e Mc N e i l l , Kat h er i n e Te d e s c o , Tr i s h a We n d e l , Ta r y n W i l s o n , N a t a l i e G r a v e l si n s, A n j a C u r we n , Abi g a i l K l i c k e r, K e l l i Ba r n e t t e , a n d Me g a n O xl ey

Householder ’12 and Bault ’12 finish as All-Americans at National Outdoor Track and Field Championship

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n his final day as Marietta College’s head track and field coach, Derek Stanley witnessed one of the most spectacular performances in program history as Ryan Householder ’12 became a three-time All-American to help the Pioneer men finish 29th at the 2011 NCAA Division III Outdoor Championship.

Marietta’s women finished in a tie for 60th place after Ashley Bault ’12 took sixth in the heptathlon earlier in the championship.

Householder began his historic day by anchoring the 100-meter relay to a seventh place finish. He, along with fellow runners Billy McCulloch ’13, Anthony Williams ’11 and Brandon Harrison ’14 earned All-America honors after crossing the line in 41.67 seconds.

“The men’s 4x100 did exactly what they were supposed to,” Stanley said. “What makes it more special is what they overcame to qualify. Coach (Jon) Graupmann made the adjustments to the zones and the guys executed well.”

Householder then turned his attention

to the 100-meter dash, where he picked up more All-America accolades by taking seventh with a time of 10.99 seconds.

After a short rest, Householder returned to the track and placed fourth in the 200-meter dash by posting a time of 22.24 seconds.

“House had the best meet any Pioneer has ever had in the history of the program,” Stanley said. “He might have surprised everyone but himself. What he accomplished today is nothing short of amazing.”

Bault, who earned All-America honors in both the pentathlon and long jump at the NCAA Indoor Championship, picked up her third All-America award of the year after posting a new school record of 4,748 points in the heptathlon. She set a school record in the 100-meter hurdles (15.36 seconds) and tied another in the high jump (5-04.25). She also compiled personal records in the shot put (33-00.25), javelin throw (113-02) and 800-meter run (2:29.79) while finishing just shy of personal bests in the 200-meter dash (26.73

seconds) and long jump (17-06.75).

“Ashley Bault had been killing it all year long and this championship was no different—something I always preached about championship meets,” Stanley said. “She is one of the toughest competitors I have ever coached and this meet is just another example of her ability. Coach (Ken) Ciolek has prepared her well for every big meet.”

With this year’s performances, Stanley ended his Pioneer coaching career knowing that every male athlete to compete at the national indoor or outdoor meet finished as an All-American.

The success of the track and field team, both indoor and outdoor, combined with baseball’s national championship and men’s basketball “Sweet 16” appearance helped Marietta finish 68th in the 2011 Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup Standings.

It was the Pioneers’ highest finish in the history of the Directors’ Cup, which began in 1995-96 and honors institutions maintaining a broad-based program, achieving success in many sports, both men’s and women’s.—DM

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Board of Trustees welcomes newest Alumni Trustee

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athleen Mitchell Murphy ’82 loved to give campus tours to prospective students and their parents while she was an English and Art double major at Marietta College.

“It was a wonderful way to see campus and to share what I loved about the College with others,” she said. As a student, she worked for three years in Office of Admission as a tour guide. “Every student wanted that job.”

Today, Murphy has a new role at the College as the newest Alumni Trustee on the Board of Trustees.

“The MCAA Board of Directors voted unanimously to elect Kathleen and is very excited to welcome her to her new role with her alma mater,” said Hub Burton, Associate Vice President for Alumni and College Relations. “Her background in association management and communications combined with her strong belief in the value of a Marietta College education render her a wonderful fit for the important work ahead.”

At Marietta College, Murphy was an active student and a member of the Chi Omega sorority.

Shortly after graduation, she put her liberal arts education to the test and began working in the trade association field.

“I worked for the National Sheriffs Association (in Washington, D.C.) as assistant editor and then for Bank One as a technical writer,” she said.

“That led to my first opportunity in banking trade associations as Director of Communications with the Ohio Bankers Association.”

She believes her education at Marietta, particularly the emphasis placed on developing good communication skills, has really impacted her success in the trade association management field. She is the President and CEO of the Maryland Bankers Association.

“Too often these days there is very little emphasis on having a liberal arts education, which emphasizes the importance of strong verbal and written communication skills,” she said. “In my position, I interact with a lot of recent graduates who are looking for work. What I have noticed is that the ones who have strong communication skills are the ones who rise to the top.”

Murphy is honored to be asked to join the Board of Trustees and looks forward to reconnecting with campus.—GS

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Learning to serve COLLEGE 400 STUDENTS HELP COMMUNITY MEMBERS

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his spring, seniors preparing to graduate participated in a major community service project that helped groups of community members—all in different stages of their lives—prepare for the next step. Marietta College students taking the College 400 course worked with high school students preparing for the college application process, displaced workers searching for full-time employment and senior citizens who were searching for work.

“My group worked with local high school students in assisting them with applying to college,” said Amber Davis ’11. “We worked to prepare helpful information with tips on picking a major, getting involved on campus, and how to compare colleges. Throughout the entire program, I wanted to talk about Marietta College and the rewarding experience I have had at the college. As a graduating senior, I want to make sure that prospective students are choosing the right college for them, and will get a similar experience that I have had, while making sure they take every opportunity that is presented to them.”

She and her colleagues gained valuable experience helping younger students prepare for college—and they also developed ideas on how to be a better community member in the process. “I can continue to give back to the community by offering advice, counseling and an ear to listen with peoples’ concerns. I have already contacted my high school and offered to come in and talk with students about the college application process and what life in college is like.”

Derek Ensinger ’11 and his team focused on displaced workers.

“Through the College 400 class, I was not only able to better prepare myself for the world of work, but also help out a few community members who were trying to do the same,” he said. “Myself and three classmates prepared an interactive presentation for a group of displaced workers meeting at Washington State Community College. Our goal was to share with them a few tips that we felt were important to consider when preparing for an interview. But most importantly, we wanted to focus on doing mock-interviews. Anticipating around a dozen attendees, we were surprised when only two made it to the presentation.”

Despite the turnout, Ensinger viewed the event as an opportunity to interact with participants in a more casual manner but also to focus on the needs of the two people in the audience.

“At the end of the day, I think we all took something away from the experience,” he said. “As a student, it helped me realize that I have retained a lot of the knowledge that I’ve learned pertaining to job-searching, and that if I can answer other peoples’ questions on the topic, I am ready to put that knowledge to use myself. I hope this is a project that continues as part of this class in the future.”

Tyler Leubner ’11 and his group helped members of the O’Neill Senior Center become better acclimated to using computers during the job-search process.

“After designing and printing our handouts for them, we were ready to present.

We used websites such as workforce50.com and AARP.com to help show some pointers and tools to help them effectively apply for jobs online,” he said. “To our surprise, the presentation turned into more of an open discussion. They were very excited and interested to hear everything we had to say, and it was an empowering scenario to help others, and still be able to apply some of the better application processes we learned in class.”—GS

Math professor named inaugural Associate Provost

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r. Mark Miller has been on Marietta College’s faculty for more than a decade. Now he’s ready to test the waters as an administrator.

As the College’s first Associate Provost for Academic Administration, Miller is excited to get his first extended look at how Marietta operates on a day-to-day basis.

“One of the things that will be interesting is I’ll get to see what the administrative wing of the College does,” he said. “The decisions that are made at the higher levels, I think, are much more nuanced and difficult than they appear to people who aren’t involved. What happens in the room must involve more finessing than the rest of us see. Though I won’t be in the room, I believe I’ll learn how to better support the College’s mission.”

Miller, who joined the faculty as an Assistant Professor of Mathematics in 1999, began serving a three-year appointment in this new role on July 1. Miller even did some preliminary work with Fraser MacHaffie and interim Provost Gama Perruci.

“Fraser MacHaffie has been very helpful explaining what he does, which many of the things I’ll be doing are related to what he has done,” said Miller, referring to MacHaffie’s seven years as the

Executive Assistant to the President and Provost. He retired in June.

“This is an opportunity to hone my administrative skills a little bit more (and) see how I can improve in the administrative aspects,” Miller said. “This is an opportunity to help me figure out what administrative strengths I have and if higher education administration is a good long-term fit for me.”

Marietta President Dr. Jean Scott is confident Miller will be successful in his new role.

“Mark Miller has 12 years of experience as a faculty member at Marietta College, and served for two years as Chair of the Faculty, the faculty’s highest elective office,” President Scott said. “He brings to his position deep knowledge of Marietta College, a commitment to shared governance, and the respect of faculty, administration and students. I am looking forward to working with him.”

Miller received his undergraduate degree from John Brown University and his master’s and Ph.D. in applied mathematics from the University of Colorado at Denver.

He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2004. He was also a member of the Vision 2020 task force, and Chair of the Mission and Integrity subcommittee for the reaccreditation self-study.

“I think that I’m ready for a different set of challenges,” Miller said. “Working in the department has been a great experience and I’ve enjoyed being the department chair. We have some great people to work with.”—TP

Honoring a dynamic career MACHAFFIE RETIRES AFTER 29 YEARS AT MARIETTA

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fter nearly three decades of service, Professor Fraser G. MacHaffie is retiring from Marietta College.

Latterly Executive Assistant to the President and Provost, MacHaffie joined the Department of Business & Economics in 1982 as Assistant Professor of Accounting. He served as department chair for six years in the 1990s and was also Faculty Secretary from 1989 to 2006.

He enjoyed the opportunities and flexibility that comes with being a college instructor.

“It’s probably only folk who have had a 9-to-5 job who really appreciate the freedom that comes with the position. Within very broad limits, we teach what, when and how we want. The opportunities for creativity in a course are great. Alumni tell me they still remember the Harley Davidson project in the Production and Operations class and the airline analysis that we did in the Financial Management class.”

MacHaffie played a key role in establishing the College’s connections with Brazil and has been the “China desk” for the College’s non-recruiting activities in China. “It has been rewarding to see the campus become more internationalized and diversified with around 13 percent of the undergraduate students now coming from nine countries. Negotiating the introduction of learning communities in the curriculum was also especially rewarding,” he said.

“I have had the privilege of working with two quite different provosts, Sue DeWine and Rita Smith Kipp. Each brought different personalities and skills to the job, and they were both good fits for the challenges we were facing during their years at the College. I have also been struck by the leadership and professionalism exhibited by the academic support staff. They are a very strong team,” MacHaffie said. “When I learned of the departure of Provost Kipp, I decided that it was time to hang up my mortar board.”

MacHaffie’s work with Brazil has involved several visits to the country. “At 60 I began learning Brazilian Portuguese, and now at 70 I have started on Spanish,” he said. A couple of years ago, he and Richard Danford translated from Portuguese the book, Slavery and Protestant Missions in Imperial Brazil and another translation project is currently under discussion.

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CLASS NOTES

medals in only six meets. Proving that “70” is just a number, Larry won gold and silver medals in weight lifting, 100-meter, and shot put in the Arkansas and Texas State Senior Olympic games in 2010 and 2011. Larry is working to promote the Senior Olympics in the Marietta/ Parkersburg area.

Dean H. Haine ’62 and his Alpha Sigma Phi brothers from Marietta College have formed the Delta Alumni Association for all alumni of the Delta Chapter. They hope to renew and sustain the bonds of brotherhood they experienced while at Marietta. A June organizational meeting was held at the fraternity’s national headquarters in Carmel, Ind., attended by Robert “Bret” Ashton ’82, Dale L. Wartluft ’63, Elliott L. Thrasher ’62, Stacy A. Evans ’69, Dean, Paul O. Loub ’92, Kenneth J. Eickhoff ’60, Walter B. Stitt ’52, William F. Satterlee ’60, Robert P. Monter ’62, J. Gary Fitzgerald ’62, and Ronald A. Rulof ’64.

David A. Glatz ’68 and his wife Judy phased in semi-retirement with a trip to Europe this past spring. Dave plans to spend more time cycling, woodworking and playing with their six grandchildren.

Alice Glattstein Ahart ’54 (Alpha Xi Delta) traveled recently to Eichstaett, Germany, to visit her daughter, Shoshanna M. Ahart ’84 and her husband.

She also visited daughter Ariel C. Ahart ’86 and her family in New Delhi, India. She really enjoyed sightseeing and visiting family in both countries. Alice invites any Marietta College alumni traveling in the area to visit her in Cordova, Tenn.

Earle R. Nestmann ’68, after 23 years at Cantox, Health Sciences International, has set up his own consulting firm, Health Science Consultants. HSC is a consulting practice that provides senior scientific expertise in toxicology and risk assessment. Earle is enjoying some time on the golf course, also.

Mildred Kotlan Kolar ’59 (Alpha Xi Delta) and her husband Louis celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at a party in Cleveland, Ohio, in June attended by family and friends including three Marietta College classmates: Barbara Holmes Swasey ’59 (Alpha Xi Delta), Charles E. Scott ’60 and Nancy Ruhe Scott ’60 (Alpha Xi Delta).

Barbara Holmes Swasey ’59 (Alpha Xi Delta), with help from her family and friends, is adjusting to the loss last February of Warren, her dear husband of nearly 50 years. She is enjoying her community chorus and is traveling again.

Terry W. Stacy ’60 (Alpha Tau Omega) has retired as senior vice president of the American

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Marcia Davies Key, Nancy Coyle Porter, Margaret Brown Ewing (Alpha Gamma Delta) and Eleanor “Midge” Kloman Wallace, all class of 1967, returned to campus last November to reconnect with each other and their lovely alma mater. They walked the campus and about town, remembered it as it was in 1963-67 and marveled at its beauty of today.

Carl H. Tyrie ’66 (Tau Kappa Epsilon), after retiring in June from nearly 30 years of teaching broadcasting courses at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., decided to return to his former hobby of marathon running. However, after injuring himself on his first 10-mile training run, he has reconsidered and decided instead to buy a banjo and perhaps just stick to reading newspaper accounts of marathon runners.

Kennel Club and now lives in Chapel Hill, N.C. In February of 2012, Terry will be judging the sporting group at the Westminster Kennel Club.

Mary “Ginger” Durkin Kabala ’61 (Chi Omega) is still going strong with no plans for retiring.

She is busy spearheading a local community organization and helping her husband renovate

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their “new” antebellum home on the Ohio River.

Larry D. Bowser ’67, in his 37th year of marketing and designing commercial furniture, has no thoughts of retiring. Larry has become very involved in resistance training and enjoys competing in Senior Olympics.

He ran in his first meet at age 68 and has since earned 13

Mark K. Wiest ’68 (Delta Upsilon) is in his 29th year as judge of the Wayne County (Ohio) Common Pleas Court.

He currently serves as vice chair of the Ohio Board of Bar Examiners and secretary of the Ohio Common Pleas Judges’ Association. Mark and his wife Karin live in Wooster, Ohio, with their two children, Ben (13) and Luke (15). Mark also has two older sons, Will (37) and Gabe (36). This past spring, he enjoyed returning to campus to watch the Etta Express in the OAC tournament, and watching Marietta College play post-season basketball at Wooster.

Bruce D. McKeeman ’70 served a two-month assign-

CLASS NOTES

Robert S. Finkelstone ’70 (Tau Epsilon Phi) was able to reconnect with several classmates upon the occasion of his daughter’s wedding in Manchester, Vt. Among the six 1970 Marietta College graduates at the wedding were Richard G. Arnold (Lambda Chi Alpha), Bob, and Richard B. Annett (Lambda Chi Alpha).

ment for the Department of Interior International Technical Assistance Program this past spring. He and other team members assisted the Kingdom of Jordan with its national parks programs, particularly at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra. This is Bruce’s second International Technical Assistance Program assignment. In 2009, he served the DOI-ITAP in the Republic of Georgia.

John D. Foster ’74 (Delta Upsilon) was appointed chief executive officer of the North American division of Coutinho & Ferrostaal Inc. in September 2010. He was also elected chairman of the American Institute for International Steel this past January.

Peter L. Mandell ’74 (Alpha Tau Omega) was recently promoted from docent assistant to docent program supervisor at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, California.

Carole Wylie Hancock ’75 (Chi Omega) has joined the faculty at Marietta College as Associate Professor of Education.

Reginald E. Sims ’75 continues to be a local prosecutor in Newark, N.J., working in the

juvenile trial section. Reggie recently lost his mother, who suffered a stroke, after being her sole caregiver for two and a half years. Reggie says he is in transition now trying to reinvent himself and regain his life. He is hoping to return to freelance writing and wants to write about his caregiver experience.

A former member of the MCAA Board of Directors, Reggie made a surprise visit to campus in May to see his friend Hub Burton receive the Honorary Alumnus award.

Maria S. Foss-Rand ’87 received a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University with high honors in December 2010. Maria also has a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Hartford, and is currently in the process of opening a private practice in psychotherapy in East Hampton, Conn.

Robert M. Wertz ’87 recently accepted a position at PPG Industries in Pittsburgh, Pa., as audit specialist — data analytics. He was previously employed as data analytics specialist with Ernst & Young LLP. Bob and his wife, Deann, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary with their

Nicholas A. Gehlfuss ’07 (Lambda Chi Alpha) has landed his first Equity acting role as “Andrew” in the Westport County (Conn.) Playhouse production of Beyond Therapy by Christopher Durang. Elizabeth Thompson Miller ’73 (Alpha Sigma Tau) and company manager Bruce A. Miller ’70 (Delta Tau Delta) joined Nick at the opening night party.

children, Trey (19), Brandon (15) and Raychel (12).

David W. ’93 and Dana Grammer Dwyer ’94 (Alpha Xi Delta) are relocating with their family, Garrett (13), Patrick (11), Larcey (7), Connor (5) and Moira (3), from Virginia to New York, where David has accepted a position as assistant professor of theater at Niagara University in Lewiston. After 24 days in ICU and two operations, their oldest son Garrett has fully recovered from the injuries he received in a bicycle wreck in November 2009. David and Dana want to thank all the many Marietta College friends who gave their support and helped Garrett achieve his goal of attending the 2010 National Boy Scouts of America Jamboree.

Jared M. ’97 and Aimee Weiss Lane ’96 (Alpha Xi Delta) welcomed their second son, Matthew Arden, on Aug. 15, 2010.

Big brother Ben (3) is enjoying having a little brother.

Tara L. Van Ho ’00 (Sigma Sigma Sigma) has been named Director of the Essex Human Rights Clinic at the University of Essex in Colchester, England.

Tara will balance the responsibilities of this temporary

Douglas M. Ferimer ’08 (Delta Upsilon) graduated in May from the University of Houston with his Master’s in Health and Human Performance with an emphasis in strength and conditioning training.

He will be working for the Greater Houston YMCA. His mother Suzanne Ferimer ’68 shared in the graduation celebration.

appointment with her continued pursuit of her doctorate in international human rights law. Tara has previously completed a Juris Doctorate at the University of Cincinnati College of Law and an LL.M in International

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Abigail Murphy Ruble ’09 and her husband Jerad welcomed their son, Jackson David, on Sept. 1, 2010. Jackson is thriving now after weighing less than 2½ pounds at a premature birth. The family lives in Parkersburg where Abbey is a data analyst and Jerad is certified title analyst for the family’s firm TLM Land Company, LLC.

Human Rights Law, also at the University of Essex.

James S. Kendrioski ’01, after three years as assistant director of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, has moved with his partner to Boston to join Babson College in Wellesley, Mass., as director of International Student and Scholar Services.

Angela M. Newcomer ’02 received a Master of Science in Leadership Development from Wright State University in March 2011.

Jennifer E. Rockhold ’11 (Chi Omega) shared her Marietta College graduation moments with her cousin, Carrie Hart Secrest ’01, her cousin’s husband Tad J. Secrest ’97, and their four children, Remington, Jaxton, Teagan, and Cayton.

Derek J. Pauley ’04 is happily married and living with his wife Paula in Dania Beach, Fla.

Class Receptions

Celebrate with your decade and honor the reunioning classes.

Whether you were in the class, a contiguous classmate, or friend, join the celebration!

Class of 1966: 45th Anniversary Celebration Class of 1971: 40th Anniversary Celebration Class of 1976: 35th Anniversary Celebration Class of 1981: 30th Anniversary Celebration Class of 1986: 25th Anniversary Celebration Class of 1991: 20th Anniversary Celebration Class of 1996: 15th Anniversary Celebration Classes of 2001 and 2006: 10th and 5th Anniversary Celebration

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IN MEMORIAM

IN > MEMORIAM Lillian Warburton Laughorn ’32 (Alpha Xi Delta) of Boone, N.C. (3/27/2011).

Dean E. Morgenstern ’48 (Lambda Chi Alpha) of Marietta, Ohio (5/15/2011).

Anne Creighton Fortunato Darnell ’52 (Sigma Kappa) of Fairfield, Calif. (3/29/2011).

Arthur R. Hedlund, Jr. ’66 (Delta Upsilon) of Canyon Lake, Texas (4/12/2011).

Harold V. Klare ’33 of Pine Plains, N.Y. (4/19/2011).

Ronald L. Clise ’49 of Parma, Ohio (5/1/2011).

Dorothy McCoy Graham ’42 (Alpha Xi Delta) of Tucson, Ariz.

(5/21/2011).

James H. Nelson, Jr. ’49 (Delta Upsilon) of Isle of Palms, S.C. (10/5/2010).

Edward S. Card ’53 (Lambda Chi Alpha) of Sherrill, N.Y. (5/10/2011).

Harry A. Thayer ’67 of Port Townsend, Wash. (6/19/2011).

Survivors include his brother Paul L. Thayer ’52.

W. Norman Baker ’43 (Delta Upsilon) of Marietta, Ohio (3/30/2011). Survivors include his son Joseph L. Baker ’70 (Delta Upsilon).

Ruth Simonson Noble ’49 of Norwalk, Conn. (2/2/2011).

Patricia Reynolds Haas ’43 of Marietta, Ohio (7/4/2011).

Jane Davis Humphrey ’43 of Louisville, Ky. (3/8/2011).

Geraldine Owens Morford ’43 (Chi Omega) of Parkersburg, W.Va. (3/25/2011). Survivors include her granddaughters Megan L. Vore ’07 and Lisa C. Vore ’06.

Phyllis Moore Murphy ’45 (Alpha Xi Delta) of Alexandria, Va. (9/6/2010).

Richard R. Hille ’46 (Delta Upsilon) of Williamstown, W.Va. (5/8/2011). Survivors include his grandson Aaron S. Hille ’01.

Virginia Medley Casey ’47 (Sigma Kappa) of Friendswood, Texas (4/30/2011).

Mildred Luzader Stancl ’49 (Sigma Kappa) of New Boston, N.H. (4/16/2011).

Robert E. Blankensop ’50 (Alpha Tau Omega) of St. Helena Island, S.C. (4/17/2011).

Survivors include his grandson Robert E. Blankensop III ’04 (Alpha Tau Omega).

Virgil L. Hughes ’50 of Marietta, Ohio (4/15/2011).

Carl E. Petty ’50 (Alpha Sigma Phi) of Marietta, Ohio (6/28/2011).

Thomas F. Schuyler ’56 (Delta Upsilon) of South Plainfield, N.J. (5/26/2011).

Edwin H. King ’70 of Westerville, Ohio (6/14/2011).

Sheila J. Summers ’58 (Chi Omega) of Houston, Texas (3/19/2011).

Richard L. Stone ’72 (Lambda Chi Alpha) of Brunswick, Ohio (6/27/2011).

Elizabeth Torreson Jones ’59 (Alpha Xi Delta) of Arlington, Va. (3/19/2011).

Ronald A. Burton ’74 of Williamstown, W.Va. (3/26/2011).

Survivors include his daughter Shelene Paige Burton ’02.

Martha Fetherston Angert ’60 of Marietta, Ohio (5/11/2011).

Ralph E. Cognion ’60 of Hurst, Texas (4/8/2011).

John W. Edwards ’60 (Alpha Tau Omega) of Gardnerville, Nev. (3/4/2011).

Robert E. Dunbar ’51 (Alpha Tau Omega) of Gardiner, Maine (3/29/2011).

David T. Hoff ’62 (Tau Kappa Epsilon) of Marietta, Ohio (6/28/2011). Survivors include his wife Carole Stacker Hoff ’65 (Chi Omega).

William R. “Bob” Lawrence ’51 of Asheville, N.C. (6/1/2011).

Survivors include his wife Barbara Young Lawrence ’53 (Chi Omega).

Phillip R. Apffel, Jr. ’66 of Tacoma, Wash. (8/13/2010).

Survivors include his wife Jeanne DePrefontaine Apffel ’69.

Richard G. Thomas ’75 of Marietta, Ohio (6/11/2011).

Survivors include his sister Christina M. Thomas ’78 (Sigma Sigma Sigma).

Karol A. Ballantine ’80 of Ojai, Calif. (6/22/1011).

Alex R. Miller ’07 of Oklahoma City, Okla. (3/25/2011). Survivors include his brother Nicholas J. Miller ’99.

Marietta mourns loss of caring administrator

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r. J. Michael Harding, who served as the Director of the Marietta College Counseling Center and a former professor of the Psychology department, passed away on July 2, 2011, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

A memorial service was held on campus on July 5, in the Alma McDonough Auditorium. His funeral service was held at the First Baptist Church in Oxford, N.C. During the memorial service, members of campus and the community who worked with and were friends of Dr. Harding shared their stories of the man who was a champion for student success and understanding others.

“I do not use the term lightly, but I believe that Mike Harding was a great man, one who had a passion for increasing understanding between people and for making the community better for all,” said Marietta President Jean Scott. “He was intellectual, learned and deeply passionate about the cause of social justice. We are all poorer today for his passing, but richer for having had him as part of our lives. I know you join me in offering our deepest sympathy to his wife, Dr. Brenda Jones, their daughter Jessie, and to all of his wide circle of friends and family.”

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A

L A S T I N G

T R I B U T E

THE FOLLOWING LIST RECOGNIZES DONORS AND THEIR HONOREES IN WHOSE HONOR OR MEMORY THEY HAVE PLEDGED GIFTS TO MARIETTA COLLEGE BETWEEN JULY 1, 2010 AND DEC. 31, 2010.

The list published in the winter edition of Trailblazer recognized donors and honorees who gave to the College between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010.

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TRAILBLAZER

In memory of Kenneth P. Bogart R. Lester Anderson ’55 In honor of Dr. Dawn Carusi James H., III and Mabry M. O’Donnell In memory of Catherine Comstock Merri Neidig Hayes Todd ’70 and James A. Todd In memory of Michael J. Conte Professional Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning Inc.-Tammy and Jeff Nathanial Richard and Janet M. Hemphill In memory of Dr. Harold Dean Robert E. Dunbar ’51 In honor of Yiming Dong Newfield Exploration Co. In memory of Gene E. Epley Innovative Interiors Landmark Realtors DMD Corp.

ReMAX Properties of the Valley Douglas M. and Jean A. Bergen Robert W. and Carol A. Chase Frank L., III and Mary Lou Christy Jeffery S. Filkovski Paul D. Greig R. Nelson and Kirsten Griebel Carole Wylie Hancock ’75 and G. Whitmore Hancock Gary A., Jr. ’99 and Jennifer Martin Harvey ’99 Jay and Erin Marshall Roger L. ’62 and Mary Jo Patterson Joseph Saffron Terry and Patricia Stewart Albert Michael Vaccaro Anthony S. and Linda Winter Donald A. and Elaine M. Yannessa In memory of Frank M. Fenton Eric E. and Lynn F. Erb

In memory of Charlotte Gebhart Joseph H. Evelo Margo L. Ferrante Ruth Godfrey ’44 Robert E. and Frances V. Krone Adelaide E. Lloyd Betty K. Markley ’43 Carolyn M. Wickelhaus In memory of Jonathan D. Hamilton Cheryl Ecker Hohman ’70 and William H. Hohman Jay Marshall In memory of Dr. Hartel Janice L. Dowd ’69 In memory of Calvin J. Henderson Sarah H. Walther In memory of Glenn C. Jackson G. Robert Jackson ’65 In memory of Carl Knirk Frank W. ’67 and Rebecca W. Wright In memory of Ronald Loreman G. Robert Jackson ’65 In memory of Ann Manly Carolyn Sharp In honor of Carl W. Miller Carl W. Miller, II In memory of Phyllis Noland Peter B. Cannell & Co., Inc. Inge Bacon Cara Noland Lloyd Noland and Karin Noland In honor of James & Mabry O’Donnell Jean T. Linkous In honor of Victor Ostrower Gary B. Ostrower

In memory of Ralph Poulton Laurel L. Draudt ’97 In honor of Tomeka Robinson’s birthday James H., III and Mabry M. O’Donnell In honor of Dr. Alane Sanders James H., III and Mabry M. O’Donnell In memory of Stephen W. Schwartz Arthur J. and Mary A. Acton John N. Gardner ’65 and Betsy Barefoot In memory of William Sheppard Peter R. ’68 and Elizabeth Haning Sorensen ’70 In honor of David Smart’s birthday James D. and Karen L. Freiburger Susan J. Smart In memory of Robert R. Smith Peggy S. Smith In memory of James L. Stephens Garnet Wilhelm Stephens ’51 In memory of George E. Stewart Stewart Family Foundation Joann Stewart Bissell ’76 and Eugene V.N. Bissell In memory of Mark R. Ulrey A Salon Named Desire Richard G. ’70 and Yvonne Bromberg Arnold ’71 Daniel T. Burgess ’69 David and Debi Harlow Larry J. Hughes and Amy G. Hughes Tutt and Lois Lambert Cynthia Butler Lawson ’71 and David Lawson Ronald F. Rohe Jeffrey E. ’69 and Gail M. Watterson Robert Wirth and Philomena Wirth In honor of Suzanne Walker’s birthday James H., III and Mabry M. O’Donnell

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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

MARIETTA, OH PERMIT NO. 36

OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS 215 Fifth Street Marietta, OH 45750-4004

Return Service Requested

M A RIE TTA COLLEGE BOA RD OF T RUS T E E S Chair Barbara A. Perry Fitzgerald ’73 Vice Chair Cynthia A. (Cindy) Reece ’78 Secretary William H. (Bill) Donnelly ’70 Treasurer Daniel C. (Dan) Bryant Anna (Ann) Bowser Bailey ’87 Mark F. Bradley Robert M. (Bob) Brucken ’56 T. Grant Callery ’68 Joseph A. (Joe) Chlapaty H’10 Christopher Cortez ’71 Patricia G. (Pat) Curtain ’69 George W. Fenton Douglas M. (Doug) Griebel ’74 Nancy Putnam Hollister

John B. Langel ’70 C. Brent McCoy C. Brent McCurdy ’68 Marilyn L. Moon Kathleen Mitchell Murphy ’82 John R. Murphy ’63 Cathy A. Percival J. Roger Porter ’66 Leonard M. (Randy) Randolph, Jr. ’65 Ronald E. (Ron) Rinard ’72 Donald G. (Don) Ritter ’81 Toni M. Robinson-Smith Charlene C. Samples ’77 Frank M. Schossler ’86 Jean A. Scott Edgar L. Smith, Jr. Donald W. (Don) Strickland ’66 James J. Tracy ’79 Michael J. Salvino ’87 Dale L. Wartluft ’63 Patricia A. (Pat) Loreno Willis ’70

A LUMNI A SSOCIATION BO ARD OF DI RE CT ORS Chair Teresa Gilliam Petras ’88 Vice Chair Paula King Pitasky ’96 Alumni Trustees Kathleen Mitchell Murphy ’82 John R. Murphy ’63 J. Roger Porter ’66 Frank M. Schossler ’86 James J. Tracy ’79

Melissa Schultz Bennett ’91 James P. Brady ’92 Lori Oslin Cook ’82 Andrew Ferguson ’95 David E. Harmon ’54 Paula King Pitasky ’96 Jason C. Rebrook ’96 Jeffrey J. Stafford ’83 Matthew B. Weekley ’81 Jonathan D. Wendell ’70 Zhou Zhou ’02 Tracy L. Zuckett ’96

MA RI ETTA COLLEGE CON TACT S President Dr. Jean A. Scott | 740-376-4701

Editors Tom Perry, Gi Smith

Interim Provost Dr. Gama Perruci | 740-376-4741

Art Director/Design Ryan Zundell

Vice President for Advancement Lori Lewis | 740-376-4711

Photographers Mitch Casey, D3 Photography, Peter Finger, Tom Perry, Ryan Zundell

Assistant VP, Advancement Evan Bohnen | 740-376-4446 Associate VP, Alumni & College Relations Hub Burton | 740-376-4709 Director of Donor Relations Linda Stroh | 740-376-4451

Contributing Writers Hub Burton, Evan Bohnen, Christian Hudspeth, Dan May, Ann Nicely, Linda Showalter Class Notes Cheryl Canaday Contact Us trailblazer@marietta.edu

Alumna’s giving reaches new level

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nn Bailey ’87 wasn’t your typical student. “I was a grandmother when I attended Marietta College,” she said. “Earning my degree at Marietta was a wonderful experience and it was an honor to have Dr. (Bill) Hartel as my professor and advisor.”

Inspired by her experiences at Marietta and grateful for what the College offered her daughter, Matilda ’80, Bailey has been an active member of Marietta College’s alumni base since earning her degree in History. This year, Bailey reached a major milestone—her lifetime giving topped the $1 million mark.

“Ann is one of the most philanthropic people that I have had the privilege of working with,” said Lori Lewis, Vice President for Advancement. “She not only offers Marietta College her financial support but also serves with distinction on the Board of Trustees, graciously hosts events, willingly attends College functions, and constantly finds a way to make time for her alma mater. Ann’s extraordinary generosity has no boundaries; she supports a wide range of campus initiatives and programs that have significantly enhanced the Marietta College experience. I am deeply appreciative of all Ann has done and will continue to do to make a difference in the life of Marietta College.”

Bailey’s generosity and thoughtfulness toward Marietta College has been a constant force. “After I graduated, I began to think of how grateful I was to have Dr. Hartel as a history professor. I knew I wanted to honor him in some way so I called him and asked if he’d like specific history books for his students in the library.”

Hartel told her that he had always wanted to host a major performance on campus. “When I started the Perspective series in 1997, it was a tribute to Dr. Hartel.”

The first speaker was poet Maya Angelou and guests have included John Updike and the Columbus Symphony. “There have been incredible performances at Marietta College and I am very honored to have been a part of what brought them here.”

As a member of the Board of Trustees, Bailey said she has a good idea of what the College may need at any given time and tries to apply her gifts to fill that need. “Of course, I always speak with Dr. (Jean) Scott before I move forward with my ideas.”

Recently, she contributed to the Don Drumm Stadium renovation project to honor the memory of her late father Owen Bowser.

She has also remembered Marietta College in her estate plans.

“I don’t think anyone approaches giving in the exact same way…I know there are alums who have given of their time in doing jobs in the Advancement Office,” Bailey said. “No matter how much the amount, what counts is giving.”—GS