Dicke Magazine Summer 2014 by ONU Communications & Marketing

DICKE M A G A Z I N E

HANDS-ON

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

HIGH-IMPACT

HIGH-IMPACT LEARNING FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE. LIVE CASE. SERVICE LEARNING. REQUIRED INTERNSHIP. SENIOR CAPSTONE.

DICKE M A G A Z I N E

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

SUMMER 2014

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN Alumni responsible for hiring new talent tell us the same story. They seek graduates who possess more than business knowledge and technical skills. They want graduates who can hit the ground running and who are team players, problem solvers, innovators, excellent communicators and hard workers.

EDITORS/WRITERS Josh Alkire Laurie Wurth Pressel DESIGNER AB Ignite Design Inc. PHOTOGRAPHY Kenneth Colwell

Dicke Magazine is produced by the Ohio Northern University Office of Communications and Marketing and published by The James F. Dicke College of Business Administration at Ohio Northern University 525 S. Main St. Ada, Ohio 45810 419-772-2000 onu.edu

The James F. Dicke College of Business Administration prepares students to become successful business and community leaders in a changing world. The college offers nationally accredited academic programs in five majors and five related areas of study. The integration of theory and practice and ongoing mentoring opportunities are hallmarks of this outstanding academic program.

This presents a challenge to those of us in higher education. Equipping students with professional skills for a business environment that is highly competitive, complex and often uncertain is no easy task. Yet we believe the Dicke College of Business Administration truly accomplishes this objective. In this issue, we’ll introduce you to a few of our high-impact learning strategies. Throughout their college careers, our students are given countless opportunities to gain real-world experience and develop professional skills. Our students do more than read about how to conduct a global research study; they actually conduct a study for a nationally known company and present the results to high-level executives. Our students do more than study the tax code; they become IRS-certified and file income tax returns for real clients in need of assistance. And, our students not only learn how to conduct themselves in a professional business environment, but also put these skills to the test during a required internship. Senior Jeremiah Skow shared with me: “My friends who attend other business colleges have not had nearly as many real-world experiences as I have. This is something that truly separates the Dicke College of Business Administration from other business schools in my eyes. ONU makes sure that their students have the necessary skills and experience to be successful.” Also in this issue, you’ll read about some of our outstanding alumni and professors. We announce our 2014 Pinnacle Award recipients, whose career achievements and support of the college and University are truly exceptional. We also salute our military veterans who bring to campus a unique set of experiences and a dedication to service that is an inspiration to us all. We hope you enjoy this issue – our biggest one ever – which celebrates the exciting happenings in the Dicke College of Business Administration. As always, we thank you for your generous support of our efforts.

Sincerely

James W. Fenton Jr., Ph.D. Dean and professor of management j-fenton.1@onu.edu

CONTENTS 2

A Message from the Dean

4 High-Impact Learning First-Year Experience. Live Case. Service Learning. Required Internship. Senior Capstone.

PAGE 4

ON THE COVER

Called to Serve

When Opportunity Knocks

Grooving to Accounting

College News and Events

Annual Scholarship Event

Hats Off to Success

Giving Students a Voice

Advisory Board

Jeremiah Skow, Senior, double major in business management and marketing

HIGH-IMPAC

FIRST-YEAR EXPERIENCE.

LIVE CASE.

SERVICE LEARNING.

Unless you graduated within the past 10 years, you may not be familiar with some of these concepts. They are “high-impact” strategies that prepare today’s students in the Dicke College of Business Administration for a complex and global business environment. High-impact learning puts theory into action, says Dr. Jim Fenton, dean of the College of Business Administration. It teaches students how to think creatively and critically, with abundant opportunities to solve problems, work on teams, communicate, and make informed and ethical decisions. Students graduate ready to make an immediate contribution in their workplace and in their community. “In simple terms, it’s learning by doing,” Fenton explains. “Professors provide a foundation of theory in the classroom, but if we stop there, the complete cycle of learning may not take place. When students apply the knowledge in real-world situations, it not only gives them a deeper understanding of the material, but also helps them develop professional skills that are so critical to success today.”

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ANDS-ON

IGH-IMPACT

EARNING

CT LEARNING REQUIRED INTERNSHIP.

SENIOR CAPSTONE.

This past October, University officials announced The Ohio Northern Promise – an initiative that lowered tuition rates by 20 to 25 percent and promised students that meaningful, hands-on learning would be a core component of their ONU experiences. Professors and staff in the Dicke College of Business Administration work diligently to fulfill The Ohio Northern Promise, says Fenton. “We have a curriculum that engages students in the learning process from the day they set foot on campus until graduation,” he explains. High-impact learning builds on the college’s strengths, which include small class sizes, personalized attention, caring and dedicated professors, and strong alumni support. These factors enable the college to offer students uncommon opportunities for growth both inside and outside the classroom. In this article, we highlight a few examples of high-impact learning taking place in the Dicke College of Business Administration.

OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Live Case Many business professors incorporate a “live case” into their course curriculum. Instead of working on a hypothetical case from a textbook, students test their knowledge by working on a real project for an actual client.

First-Year Experience First-year students have always received special attention at ONU. The transition from high school to college can be hard, so professors and staff take extra care to help students make the adjustment.

rigid structure of high school with considerable dependencies on teachers and parents to a lessstructured environment where they are treated as adults can be a difficult passage.”

The First-Year Experience, however, takes the indoctrination of new business majors to a new level. Through required courses and readings, students obtain a strong foundation in business that they can build on over the course of their degree program.

Maris and Govekar, who teach the required first-year courses, focus on getting their students to think and act like business professionals. “Teamwork and both written and oral communication are emphasized to prepare students to eventually assume responsible positions of leadership in business and civic organizations,” says Maris.

“We give incoming students a common, base-level understanding of business and the expectations that we have of them as students in the Dicke College of Business Administration,” says Dr. Paul Govekar, associate professor of management. The required courses, which are Business Ethics and Free Enterprise, prepare first-year students to learn and engage in new ways. Freshmen often arrive on campus unprepared for the demands of the college environment, says Dr. Terry Maris, professor of management. “In my 38-year career as a business professor, I’ve encountered thousands of young men and women who are beginning their first year of college business studies,” he says. “Moving from the relatively 6

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They also expose students to the breadth and depth of the business world by highlighting ethical behavior and the connection between all the business disciplines, says Maris. “We want students to begin to see ‘the big picture.’” “The First-Year Experience provides the foundation upon which their educational program will be built,” he says. “I’ve always thought of it as the first of two critically important ‘bookends’ in the undergraduate experience. The second bookend is the Senior Capstone, a rigorous, yearlong project that requires students to demonstrate their practical ability to synthesize all that they have learned over the past four years.”

This year, Dr. Susan Schertzer, associate professor of marketing, had students in her Global Environment and Personal Selling courses take on a challenging assignment for Eaton Corporation. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Eaton Corporation “is a global technology leader in power management solutions that make electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power operate more efficiently, effectively, safely and sustainably,” according to the company’s website.

Students in both classes learned about the natural gas industry and its products while developing comprehensive proposals on the company’s growth opportunities both in the U.S. and abroad. “It was set up to be a realistic project for an entry-level professional or a special project for an intern,” says Schertzer. “As such, students were given direction and then asked to run with it. The projects required thoughtful decision-making, creativity and persuasion.” Many students struggled with the ambiguity of the project. They wanted specific instructions on how to proceed and examples that they could model, but this was part of the learning process. Additionally, Eaton executives purposefully kept the project open-ended, because they were looking for new ideas that were unconstrained by existing knowledge.“Real-world

problems and opportunities are not always clear from the outset,” says Schertzer. “And I think many students discovered this during the project.” While live cases are a lot of work for the students and the professor, the end result is worth it, adds Schertzer. “You become a manager and coach as well as a teacher,” she says. “There is no greater reward than seeing students succeed and grow.” Dr. Jill Christopher, associate professor of accounting, also incorporates a live case in her master’s level course on business valuation. Business valuation is a discipline that assists privately held companies in assigning a value, or selling price, to their business. The valuation process combines accounting, finance, law and economics and uses both science (widely accepted processes and techniques) and art (professional judgment) in deriving a value for

a business, says Christopher. Each year, she identifies a company that needs a valuation. Past companies have included Kewpee Hamburger and Tracy’s Appliances, both family-owned businesses based in Lima, Ohio. She breaks her Master of Professional Practice in Accounting (MPPA) students into small teams and requires that each team conduct a valuation, write a professional valuation report, and present the report to the client company’s owners. “Students say that they end up taking away quite a bit from this project,” says Christopher. “They must works in teams, just as they will in business. Since almost half of the students are off-campus, they must collaborate virtually, another fact of life in the global business environment. There are deadlines, responsibilities, research and learning about how to combine skills in a way that they’ve not encountered previously.”

I created a business valuation for a local small-business owner. Jacqui Snyder Toledo, Ohio MPPA student

Her experience:

It is rare to do a class project that turns out to be so much like a work project. As students, we were exposed to some of the difficulties of working with clients to meet deadlines. The project also involved a field trip, the application of research, considerable spreadsheet analysis and writing skills. I enjoyed putting together the pieces of the project. By the time it was complete, my team had a relatively complex analysis on a

series of spreadsheets and a lengthy report that conveyed our results to the business owner. I felt a great sense of accomplishment realizing how far we had come from where we had started.

Impact:

I learned a lot about teamwork. The project required everyone to stay on task with many deadlines. One person’s part would rely on others almost every week, so we had to coordinate carefully to make sure everyone could get their work done on time. Everyone

was busy, so we learned to work together and cover for one another when we needed help. Personally, it was a good reminder for me to stay ahead of work. The project also gave me a base of understanding for the future. When working on valuations, I’ll understand the terminology, the steps and goals, and the right questions to ask to get the work done.

OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

We created a global research study and presentation for Eaton Corporation executives. Andria Beehler-Evans Bellefontaine, Ohio Senior Accounting major

Her experience:

I enjoyed working with a real company to solve a real problem. The project was meaningful because our team was working for people who could potentially hire us. We knew our work would be a reflection of who we were as students and future business people. We presented our conclusions and research to Eaton Corporation executives, and it was a great experience to see how a business meeting is conducted in the real world.

Impact:

I grew as a person and learned new things about myself throughout this project. I learned how to be an effective team member in order to provide Eaton with the information the company was seeking. As a professional, I improved my communication skills and gained confidence in working with higher-level executives.

Michael Hope Fort Wayne, Ind. Junior Management major, with a minor in international business and economics

His experience: I really enjoyed the chance to apply what I

have learned in the classroom in a real-world situation. It gave me a glimpse into what to expect after graduation regarding business culture and expectations. I also had the chance to use my creativity while planning and executing the entire project.

Impact: I refined my organizational and leadership skills. Being

assigned a long-term project, with little supervision throughout the span of the project, was a new experience and forced me to organize and enforce a task checkpoint agreed upon by my team.

The Eaton project also moved my career ahead at an extraordinary rate. Many recruiters have been interested in my experience on this project, because every student learns in the classroom, but only a few learn valuable lessons from an industry leader like Eaton. In fact, I believe it played a huge role in helping me land a sevenmonth co-op position in supply-chain management and quality assurance. I was able to speak the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s language and had an understanding of business culture. Projects like this definitely provide ONU students with an advantage. 8

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I interned at Marathon Petroleum Company for four months. Bradley Trentman Fort Jennings, Ohio Senior Double major in marketing and management

His experience:

I spent a small portion of my time traveling to surrounding states (Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky) to assess property conditions and the compliance of deed restrictions. I also created sales support materials and shadowed a variety of team members in the marketing area.

Marathon’s corporate culture values teamwork and employee empowerment. Everyone was extremely nice and helpful. I received great advice from all the team members with whom I interacted.

Impact:

My internship exposed me to what it’s like to work for a large corporation. It helped me mature as a business

professional due to realworld deadlines and expectations. I learned how to work on a team and how to ask for help when a project calls for specialized knowledge. I am looking forward to a career in the manufacturing industry in the area of product or operations management.

Required Internship The Dicke College of Business Administration requires that all business students complete a supervised internship before graduation. An internship gives students the opportunity to experience the professional work environment and learn from professionals in the field. In their sophomore year, students take a required course called Career Planning and Preparedness. This “how-to” course teaches students everything they need to know about securing employment, says Matt Lambdin, ONU’s director of experiential learning and developer of the course. “Students learn how to write a résumé and cover letter that stand out,” he explains. “We practice interviewing and negotiation skills

and discuss codes of conduct, professional dress and behavior.” Lambdin spends time uncovering each student’s career aspirations so he can match him or her with the perfect internship. Students complete their internships during their junior or senior year. While many students elect to intern at a company or nonprofit organization located in Ohio, some choose an internship site in another state or country. “We’ve had students intern in South Carolina, New York, Arizona, California, Australia, Canada, South America and more,” says Lambdin. Approximately 70 percent of the internships are paid, and many result in an offer of full-time employment upon graduation, says Lambdin. “I receive a lot of positive

feedback about our students,” he adds. “Internship supervisors report that our students have great futures ahead of them.” Students must produce an academic paper upon completion of the internship that summarizes what they’ve learned with a comprehensive overview of the industry where they worked, and its future challenges and opportunities. Finally – because the ultimate purpose of the required internship is to prepare students for life after college – students need to reflect on how the internship has impacted their futures. “The paper must include details on the student’s career preparation for the final stretch of their degree program,” says Lambdin. OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Service Learning Service learning helps students develop professional skills while making a difference in the community. Service learning is a win-win scenario, says Matthew Phillips, assistant professor of accounting. The clients for service-learning projects are nonprofit organizations or community groups that usually don’t have the budget to pay a professional. They receive quality services free of charge, and in return, students receive an invaluable learning experience. Phillips includes a service-learning project in his Auditing II class. He wants his students to master the

basic principles of auditing but not become bored by the tedious nature of the topic. “Auditing isn’t the most exciting subject to teach or learn,” he says. “Historically, it’s not a subject associated with hands-on learning, but that’s changing.” To keep his students engaged in learning, Phillips reaches out to local churches in need of auditing services. He has students break into teams to complete an agreedupon procedures engagement for a church client. Each team has to determine its client’s needs, plan the engagement, gather financial information, engage in testing procedures, and produce a final

independent report to present to the client. Throughout the process, Phillips provides oversight and guidance. Issues often arise during the course of the church engagements, and students bring these questions to class for analysis and discussion. For many students, working on a team proves to be the biggest challenge, says Phillips. “Students encounter personality clashes that aren’t pleasant, but the reality is they occur in the real world,” says Phillips. “So it gives students practical experience beyond the business pedagogy.”

I audited a church for a service learning project. Nick Kowalczyk, BSBA ’12 Columbus, Ohio Auditor for Plante Moran

His experience: My

service project involved obtaining financial data from a church and performing various auditrelated procedures to simulate a real audit. My team had to communicate with church personnel to obtain information and present them with our findings. Many times during class, I was learning the material but still had no idea what an auditor did once

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they had a client and actually started an audit. This project gave me an understanding of what actually takes place in an audit. Auditing is a tough subject to teach, because it’s really something you can only learn by doing. Every single new employee my firm hires complains that their school didn’t prepare them for the real world. Projects like this at ONU helped to prepare me.

Impact:

I developed time management, leadership and communication skills. As a team, we had to resolve a few issues and manage personalities in order to complete our audit on time. I served as the group leader and was in charge of assigning people work and reviewing it. This was a great experience to add to my résumé.

At the conclusion of the semester, Phillips’ auditing students not only fully grasp auditing principles, but also know how to apply those principles to real-life situations. “Students need to walk away with the confidence that they can be successful in the real world,” says Phillips. “This practical-learning project solidifies their confidence in performing a real audit.” Dr. Dexter Woods, professor of business administration, also views service learning as a powerful tool for student growth. He coordinates ONU’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, in which accounting and law students provide

free income tax assistance to elderly and low-income taxpayers.

VITA site operates three evenings a week from mid-February until the tax filing deadline in April and serves more than 150 clients, says Woods.

Through the program, students receive training and become IRScertified to help prepare basic and intermediate tax returns and identify special credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit and Credit for the Elderly.

Students who volunteer for VITA reinforce their practical knowledge of how to prepare tax returns, conduct tax research and operate tax software. They also learn how to communicate and interact with clients from different age brackets and backgrounds.

VITA volunteers include students in the Beta Alpha Psi, the professional accounting and finance honorary, and students in Woods’ Taxation class. Each year, senior accounting students act as assistant site coordinators, helping to efficiently and effectively market and operate the VITA site on ONU’s campus. The

Another benefit of service learning and the VITA program is that students discover the importance of giving back to the community. “They learn how satisfying it can be to help others,” says Woods.

I prepare income tax returns on a volunteer basis for the elderly and low-income individuals. George Wanhainen Westlake, Ohio Senior Double major in accounting and finance

His experience:

I’ve been involved with the VITA program for two years. The first year, I contributed 15 hours of service as a tax preparation volunteer. My second year, I committed 150 hours of service as the assistant site coordinator. I became involved with VITA to enhance my accounting education pertaining to taxation. VITA provided an environment for me to interact with many different people on a daily basis. I enjoyed being involved with a program

that aids so many Ohio Northern students and local community members. It was a privilege to give back to the community where I’ve spent my college years.

Impact: Besides

learning about the tax code and how to properly fill out tax returns, I greatly benefited from the leadership opportunity presented to me through VITA. As the assistant site coordinator, I was in charge of helping to train volunteers for the tax season as well as aiding them with issues they had with their clients’

taxes. I greatly improved my interpersonal skills through this process. I have grown a lot as an accounting professional through the VITA program. VITA has aided me in my decision to work in public accounting. Also, the program has reinforced the importance of perseverance. There were times during my tenure as assistant site coordinator that were difficult and stressful. However, the feeling of accomplishment greatly outweighed any of the challenges.

OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Senior Capstone Webster’s dictionary defines the word “capstone” as a “crowning achievement.” Indeed, many seniors view their capstone project as their crowning achievement – the culmination of four years of hard work. The yearlong project gives them the chance to showcase, as well as refine, the knowledge and skills they’ve learned at ONU. Capstone projects are team-based – usually four or five students with a mix of business majors. Each team tackles a complex and multi-faceted project for a real client. Projects

range from developing a business plan for a family-owned company to creating a marketing strategy for a Fortune 500 corporation. Students become immersed in their client’s industry. Past industries have included green energy, technology, retail and grocery, health care, and industrial manufacturing. Throughout the process, students not only draw upon the business principles they’ve learned in class, but also put their professional skills to the test. Teamwork, creativity, effective communication and problem-solving are all critical

components to a team’s success. In the spring – just weeks before graduation – each business team presents its final project to their client and professors during a formal presentation. Some clients even offer rewards or cash prizes for projects they deem worthy. Capstone projects challenge seniors and build their confidence, says Dr. Michele Govekar, professor of management. “Seniors graduate knowing they can do it – they can make a real difference in the business world.” ONU

I am working on a capstone project for a global, multibilliondollar company. Jeremiah Skow Tipp City, Ohio Double major in business management and marketing

His experience:

My capstone team is identifying potential market opportunities for a global, multibilliondollar company. I love the fact that our client gave us no restrictions or directions for this project. They wanted a fresh pair of eyes on the subject. I, along with my teammates, believe we are going to actually make a difference with this project. We are applying all the skills and knowledge we have acquired throughout our college careers. I personally feel like I have taken pieces from every single course I’ve taken and applied it to this project. I am working

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with an incredible team of students. We all pull our own weight and encourage each other to work harder.

Impact: I am

developing my skills in time management, leadership, communication, finance and analysis. The capstone project has really unlocked my creativity. My teammates and I are constantly thinking outside the box in order to help our corporate client gain a competitive edge. Before capstone, I was making decisions that affected my future. But now, I am also making decisions for a

multinational corporation. It is somewhat of a reality shock, because this is exactly what my life is going to be like a few months after I graduate. Our business program does an excellent job exposing students to the real world of business, and the capstone project is a tremendous accomplishment to put on your résumé. When our business students walk into an interview and share their capstone experiences with a potential employer, they have a higher probability of securing a position over other applicants. Capstone is a game changer!

Called

to SERVE They served their country with dedication and valor. Now the James F. Dicke College of Business Administration is dedicated to helping these military veterans make the transition to civilian life and achieve their educational aspirations.

OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY â&#x20AC;&#x201D; COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Ann Lewis Sophomore Management and Sport Management Double Major U.S. Army, Military Police Officer Five years active duty, 14 months in the reserves 10-month deployment, Operation Iraqi Freedom

When she was a little girl, Ann Lewis saw soldiers from her hometown, Mount Healthy, Ohio, on television and was awed by their regal bearing. She remembers thinking: “I want to wear a uniform someday.” Her fascination with the military didn’t fade with age, and she joined the U.S. Army right out of high school. “I trained to become a military police officer, which was a perfect fit, because I had also considered a career as a cop,” she says. The Army gave Lewis, a small town girl, the chance to see the world. Stationed at a base in Italy for two years, she explored Europe, with excursions to England, Germany and Switzerland. Throughout her military career, Lewis took on increasing levels of responsibility. While stationed in upstate New York, she even assumed oversight for her units’ ammunition supply, a job that required meticulous record-keeping. The Army then deployed Lewis to Taji, Iraq, where she served for 10 months as a prison guard overseeing the medical care and family visitations for prisoners suspected of killing or plotting against U.S. soldiers.

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After almost five years of active duty, Lewis served in the U.S. Army Reserve for 14 months. She enrolled at ONU in fall 2012 to pursue a bachelor’s degree with a dual major in management and sport management. “I had actually visited ONU when I was in high school, and I fell in love with the campus,” says Lewis. “I made up my mind then and there that I would return to ONU after the Army.” Serving in the military taught Lewis how to manage her time wisely, pay attention to details, and handle conflict and stress. These skills serve her well in college, she explains. “College doesn’t stress me out like it does some of my fellow students,” she says. “After being in Iraq, I’m not stressed by anything that isn’t a lifeor-death situation.”

Lewis, who’s a huge NASCAR fan, dreams of embarking on a career in the sports field after graduation. “The Army taught me I could do more than I thought I was capable of,” she says. “No matter where God leads me in life, I will have my skills and experiences from the Army to make use of the best that I can.”

Ohio Northern participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which enables eligible military veterans to attend ONU tuition free for up to four years. Ben Cooper Freshman Management Major U.S. Army, Combat Medic Four years active duty One year deployment, Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn

the first medic to respond, and the sight and smells remain etched in his memory. The men who perished in this attack, and several others from Cooper’s company, never made it home.

One Veterans Day, Ben Cooper spent five hours sitting at the Vietnam Memorial in his hometown of Bellefontaine, Ohio. He felt frustrated and sad that no one else stopped by to pay their respects. “To most people, it was just a day off of work,” he says. Shortly after, Cooper put aside his misgivings and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Wanting to take care of others, he became a combat medic. “I figured if I could save someone’s life, it would be worth it,” he says. While stationed in the U.S., Cooper’s duties included maintaining medical records, keeping vaccinations current, and training more than 1,000 soldiers in combat lifesaving techniques.

Today, Cooper struggles with nightmares and anxiety triggered by his war experiences. The logical part of his brain knows he is safe, but sometimes he can’t shake the fear that something bad is about to happen. “In Iraq, we never knew who the enemy was,” he says. “It makes it hard to trust people.” In August 2010, the Army deployed Cooper’s company, Maddog, to Iraq to spearhead the end of Iraqi Freedom and the launch of Operation New Dawn. “We were a transition team with the main goal of security and reconstruction,” he explains. Cooper describes his tour of duty in Iraq as “surreal.” The intense heat and constant threat of enemy attack took a toll. On the front lines of the conflict, Maddog company encountered sniper fire, mortars, improvised explosives and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs). One day, a military truck carrying members of Cooper’s company took a direct hit from an RPG. Cooper was

Cooper enrolled at ONU and majored in business to set a new course for his life. He praises the professors and staff at ONU for their helpfulness and understanding. ONU even helped Cooper, a non-traditional student, find an apartment so that his young daughter could visit him on the weekends. “College has been a real blessing for me,” he says. “It offers a completely different pace with new projects and ideas.” After graduation, Cooper hopes to find a position in management at a technology company. “I’m a hard worker and very disciplined,” he says. “My plan is to keep putting my best foot forward.”

OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

James Gnau Sophomore Accounting Major U.S. Air Force, Postal Specialist Nine years, six months of active duty Four deployments to combat zones

James Gnau, from Richmond, Ind., enlisted in the U.S. Air Force right after high school, following in the footsteps of his dad, an Air Force veteran, and his grandfather, who served under Patton during World War II. The 9/11 attacks occurred when Gnau was in basic training. He had joined the Air Force during peace time, but now the country was at war. He knew this devastating event would define his military service. “I spent my entire enlistment during the Iraq War, from the initial invasion to the withdrawal of troops,” he says. Gnau received a special-duty assignment as a postal specialist. His responsibilities including sorting and delivering mail and dealing with customs authorities and international regulations. During his nine years in the Air Force, he was stationed at bases in Japan, Germany and Norway. Gnau was also deployed to combat zones four times. In 2003 and 2004, he served in Kuwait, where he once had to wear a chemical-protection suit for two straight weeks because of the threat of a chemical attack. In 2006, the Air Force sent him to Baghdad, Iraq, where he managed a mailroom in the Green Zone for an Army Forward Operating Base. For a time, he worked next door to the building where Saddam Hussein was facing trial.

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In Iraq, Gnau often flew in Black Hawk helicopters to deliver much-anticipated care packages and letters from home to troops stationed outside the Green Zone. “It was neat to be the middle man – that person who made sure soldiers received their packages,” he says. “We received a lot of support from families and organizations back home. Everyone was thankful and appreciative for that.” Gnau served his last deployment in 2008 in Qatar, where he unloaded and loaded shipments at the International Airport. While in the Air Force, Gnau became intrigued with finance and investing. He decided to pursue these interests by attending ONU and majoring in accounting. He describes the students and professors at ONU as “exceptionally kind.” “I haven’t had a problem fitting in, even though I’m a non-traditional student,” he says. After graduation, Gnau hopes to find a position in accounting or finance at a well-established firm. He also plans to continue to expand his worldview. “The Air Force taught me that there’s more to the world than what is outside the door or street where you live,” he says.

Business students who are military veterans receive guidance and support from professors who’ve walked in their shoes. Meet four ONU business professors with distinguished military careers and a wealth of diverse experiences between them.

Dr. Dong Hyun Kim Assistant Professor of Finance Retired Military Officer, Republic of Korea Air Force Three years of service

Born and raised in South Korea, Dr. Dong Hyun Kim had no choice but to serve in his country’s military. South Korea borders the unstable dictatorship of North Korea, and the two countries have a strained relationship. The South Korean government requires that every healthy male citizen complete military service. “My country believes that it is important to maintain a strong military force in case of invasion,” says Kim. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Seoul National University, Kim enlisted in the Republic of Korea Air Force. He was assigned to oversee 100 soldiers working in aircraft maintenance at a base in Suwon, South Korea. “I had a degree in business, and I didn’t know anything about aircraft maintenance,” he says. “It was challenging to learn at first.” Kim forged strong friendships with the soldiers under his command and still keeps in touch with many of them. He also developed a skillset that helps him today. “I learned how to effectively work on a team, and I improved my leadership and communication skills,” he says. “All these skills are necessary to be a good teacher.” After three years of military service, Kim worked for one year for a credit card company in South Korea. He then moved to the U.S. where he received a master’s degree in economics from Oklahoma State University and Ph.D. in finance from the University of Oklahoma. He began teaching at ONU in fall 2011.

OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

G.I. Jobs magazine consistently names ONU as a Military Friendly School, ranking ONU in the top 15 percent of universities and trade schools nationwide with policies and efforts in place to welcome military veterans.

Dr. Paul Govekar Associate Professor of Management Retired Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army 25 years of service

Dr. Paul Govekar spent the bulk of his career serving his country as a top-ranking officer in the U.S. Army. He was commissioned as an officer in 1967 during the height of the Vietnam War and retired 25 years later, in 1992. He only intended to serve for four years but found purpose in his work. “While it caused significant sacrifice for myself and my family, I felt like my work was worthwhile,” he says. His military career required Govekar to frequently relocate his family to take on new and challenging assignments. His service included stints in Vietnam, Germany, Minnesota, Georgia, and Washington, D.C., to name a few. During the Vietnam War, Govekar was military police company commander for the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Eagle in Vietnam. His duties included providing security for division headquarters and for USO shows, which afforded him the

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opportunity to meet Bob Hope. When the U.S. withdrew from Vietnam, Govekar was responsible for returning his MP company’s colors back to Fort Campbell, Ky. Several Army assignments placed Govekar in instructional roles. He taught officer training courses at Fort Gordon, Ga., and developed training courses for units that were transitioning from the M60 tank to the M1 Abrams tank. Another notable assignment was serving as the provost marshal – the top officer charged with developing and executing all policing policies – for the 32nd Air Defense Command in Germany. This unit sent Patriot Missile units to Israel to help protect them from SCUD missiles launched by Iraq during the Gulf War. In 1992, Govekar determined the time was right to retire from the Army. He completed his Doctor of Business Administration at Nova Southeastern University and decided

to pursue his love of teaching. He came to ONU as a “trailing husband” after promising his wife, Dr. Michele Govekar, professor of management, that he would follow her for the next 25 years. “I bring a different set of experiences to ONU that most faculty members don’t have,” he says. “I spent most of my career leading people and processes in the U.S. Army, which gave me a unique perspective on management and ethics.” Govekar enjoys guiding students – especially those who are military veterans – to success at ONU and in life. “The Army gave me the perspective that life is about something larger than yourself,” he says. “And I bring that viewpoint to my work at ONU.”

Dr. Terry Maris Professor of Management Vietnam War Veteran, U.S. Army Seven years of service

Dr. Terry Maris witnessed the best and worst of humankind while fighting in Vietnam. More than 40 years later, his experiences as a young Army captain during the war continue to impact his outlook on life. Maris dropped out of college to join the U.S. Army in 1966. He trained in the infantry and was selected to attend Officer Candidate School. He was promoted to captain on his flight to Vietnam for his first combat assignment. His excellent marksmanship led to an assignment as the officer in charge of the First Calvary Division’s sniper team. He was wounded two times, the first time from a Viet Cong sniper’s bullet and the second time from shrapnel from a rocket-propelled grenade that exploded near him. The second combat assignment Maris undertook proved even more dangerous than the first. A graduate of the Vietnamese language school, he was assigned to lead a special operations team embedded with South Vietnamese irregular forces. He and a team of four American soldiers participated in combat operations as advisors to a unit of “Ruff Puffs,” South Vietnamese Regional and Popular Forces that worked with the Provincial Reconnaissance Unit charged with the mission of neutralizing members of the Viet Cong Infrastructure.

For one year, Maris endured extreme physical and psychological stresses, embarking on nightly missions into the jungle, where he and his team engaged enemy combatants. He became convinced he would never make it home, and with good reason. Roughly two-thirds of the men who served in the Ruff Puffs died in action. “On just about every operation, we lost someone,” he recalls. “I became unafraid of death. It wasn’t bravery; it was a coping mechanism.” Wounded a third time by an enemy mortar round, Maris returned home to the United States. He describes his homecoming as a greater cultural shock than going to Vietnam. He struggled with nightmares and the public animosity that greeted servicemen returning from the unpopular war. Maris decided to end his Army career after seven years of service. “After Vietnam, I re-assessed my life and values and decided to go in a different direction,” he says. He left the Army with numerous awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal (for valor), the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star (for heroism), and the Combat Infantry Badge, to name a few. Returning to college, Maris obtained his bachelor’s degree, MBA and

doctorate from the University of Nebraska, focusing on the fields of management and organizational behavior. He embarked on prestigious careers in the business world and in academe. He came to ONU in 1990, serving for 15 years as the dean of the Dicke College of Business Administration before returning to a full-time teaching position. He plans to retire this spring. Looking back, Maris says he learned many valuable lessons in Vietnam. He became close to many of his South Vietnamese comrades – many of whom he suspects were executed by the Viet Cong after the war. They gave him the gift of openness to other cultures and experiences. He’s traveled to 70 countries in his lifetime and helped to recruit and advise international students at ONU. His bitter homecoming from Vietnam gave Maris a deep appreciation and empathy for military veterans. At ONU, he mentors and counsels students who are military veterans. He also makes a special effort to say “thank you” and “welcome home” to every person in uniform he encounters. Maris returned home from Vietnam, but he still mourns many friends who didn’t. “Vietnam moved me,” he says. “It gave me a fresh perspective on life and the value of life.”

OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Ohio Northern Veterans Organization is a student group that assists veterans with the adjustment to college life. The group also plays a role in planning veteran events on campus, including the annual Veterans Day ceremony. Dr. Paul Hartman Assistant Professor of Operations Research and Supply Chain Management Retired Major, U.S. Air Force 20 years of service Dr. Paul Hartman served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, playing a part in some of the most significant events in modern history, including 9/11, the Gulf War, the Iraq War and the War in Afghanistan. In 1987, Hartman’s fraternity brother at the Northwestern Oklahoma State University cajoled him into meeting with an Air Force recruiter. Hartman enlisted on a whim, while his fraternity brother decided against joining. “I had a great career, and I fell into it,” says Hartman. Hartman’s first assignment was on a B-52 bomber, and he spent seven years traversing the globe with his crew to places like Guam, Australia, Hawaii, and the northern regions of Alaska. Commissioned as an officer, Hartman spent the next 13 years rising to the rank of major. He completed his bachelor’s degree and obtained two master’s degrees while engaged in a variety of high-level assignments. When the 9/11 attacks occurred, Hartman was serving as the executive officer to the commanding general for the 1st Fighter Wing stationed at Langley Air Force Base.

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He played a central role in the day’s unfolding events as the 1st Fighter Wing sprang into action to defend the skies over the nation’s capital and the East Coast. “It was incredible to be in uniform on 9/11 and have a front-row seat as we deployed our war fighting capabilities,” he says. “I witnessed world-class leadership and decades of preparation and training come together with a singular focus.” Hartman also worked at WrightPatterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, in weapon-system development and acquisition. He commanded a unit based in South Korea, and he worked at the Pentagon developing supply-chain policies and procedures required to manage the Air Force’s $80 billion global supply chain. In 2007, after 20 years in uniform, Hartman decided to retire. “I had done and seen more than I could have ever imagined,” he says.

“I felt it was time to move on to something new.” Hartman became a global supplychain consultant for national corporations and obtained his Ph.D. from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He began teaching courses at ONU this fall. One of the most valuable lessons he learned in the Air Force, says Hartman, is that you can learn from others, no matter what their rank or background. “I hope to teach my ONU students how to problem solve and think critically in the real world,” he says. “But I know I will learn as much from them as they will learn from me.” ONU

When Oppportunity Knocks When opportunity knocks,

Judith (Monastra) Davis, BSBA ’81, doesn’t hesitate to fling open the door. And she encourages everyone – especially young women in business – to adopt a can-do attitude. “Just go for it!” she exclaims. Davis, executive vice president and chief legal officer at BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, shared her wisdom with ONU business students this fall. She spoke about “Finding Your Voice: Leadership in the Workplace” for the Carroll V. Lovett Distinguished Lecture. Davis grew up in Mansfield, Ohio. Attending ONU expanded her horizons. “There is magic at ONU,” she says. “I can’t quite put my finger on it, but the students are just a little different. They are really driven, and they see themselves as bigger than their small towns.” It was at Northern that Davis first realized the advantages of saying “yes” to every opportunity. She played violin and piano in the chamber music ensemble, joined the debate team, and traveled to New York City every year for Model U.N., where ONU’s team beat out competitors from Ivy League schools. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Davis obtained a law degree from the Moritz College of Law at Ohio State University. She then accepted a position as legal counsel at Lincoln National in Fort Wayne, Ind. Many of her law school friends snickered at her choice of the less-than-glamorous city of Fort Wayne, says Davis. But Lincoln National was a world-class company where she could grow her career. She volunteered for any assignment – large or small – that offered her a chance to learn something new. Her initiative landed her a spot on the elite mergers and acquisitions team, for which she played a central role in three acquisitions and five divestitures. Eleven years later, Davis felt ready for a move up the career ladder. She took a giant leap of faith in leaving the Midwest in 1995 to become the general counsel for BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. “The courage to try something new paid off,” she says. “Columbia turned out to be a really interesting place to live and work.” BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is a $4.5 billion revenue company with 12,000 employees across the U.S. The company boasts the third-largest IBM processing center in the world, handling approximately 25 percent of all Medicare claims and 100 percent of all U.S. military health insurance claims.

Today, Davis not only serves as the company’s chief legal officer, but also is the executive vice president in charge of three diverse business units: Companion Property and Casualty, Companion Life Insurance Company (both national insurance companies), and UCI Medical Affiliates Inc., a conglomerate of 72 urgent care clinics. It was a promotion she received after asking for it. Her business units account for approximately one-third of the company’s total revenue. The health care insurance industry provides a level of complexity and rapid change that Davis finds stimulating. She surrounds herself with smart and capable people and supports them with her words and actions. “I create an environment where people feel safe making those big decisions because they know I have their back,” she says. According to Davis, women account for approximately 75 percent of the workers in the health care insurance industry. Yet only a small percentage of top executives in the industry are women. She would love to see that statistic change. Toward this end, she mentors many young career women. Women tend to hold themselves back, explains Davis. They underestimate their abilities and never reach for opportunities. “I tell them to just hold their breath and jump in,” she says. Davis also is a passionate community advocate who works with local universities, the Chamber of Commerce, and economic development groups to attract new businesses and talent to South Carolina. One of her favorite groups is EngenuitySC, a public-private partnership that attracts entrepreneurs and exciting new technologies, like hydrogen fuel cells, to the midlands regions of South Carolina. In her address at ONU, Davis left the audience with a final piece of advice: “Say an enthusiastic ‘yes’ to opportunities, and use your leadership skills to improve the world around you. Live big, even if you live in a smaller community.” ONU OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Grooving Accounting

CAN be exciting

Matt Phillips proves to his students that accounting (contrary to popular opinion) can be exciting. The assistant professor of accounting gets his students in the right frame of mind with music. “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas opens up a lesson on depreciation. “Seasons of Love” from the Broadway musical Rent leads to a discussion on current and long-term assets. “Some songs are really good tie-ins, and others not so much,” says Phillips, with a laugh. But regardless, his strategy works. Students perk up and pay attention. And once Phillips captures their interest, he never loses it. In his third year at ONU, Phillips has already established a reputation for excellence and enthusiasm in teaching. Last year, business students voted Phillips “Professor of the Year” in the Dicke College of Business Administration.

“Accounting gets a bad rap for being boring,” he says. “And I really love changing that perception.” While Phillips’ classes may be fun and interactive, they also are challenging. He sets high standards for performance, expecting students to model in class the professional behavior required in the corporate environment. This includes being attentive, turning in exemplary work, and never being late or unprepared. Phillips, a former corporate executive, knows what’s required to be successful in the workplace today. He came to ONU from Barnes Group Inc., an international aerospace industrial manufacturer and services provider based in Bristol, Conn. At Barnes, he held several high-profile positions, including vice president of finance and chief audit executive. In these roles, he had responsibility or oversight for international finance and accounting teams that managed more than a billion dollars in assets. Before Barnes, he held senior financial and audit positions at several other organizations, including Big Four public accounting firms. After 28 years in the corporate environment, however, Phillips felt ready for a change of pace. “I traveled about 60 to 75 percent of the time,” he says. “And while it sounds sexy, it’s

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TO ACCOUNTING actually pretty exhausting.” In the back of his mind, Phillips had entertained the idea of teaching someday. But he never seriously considered making a change until his wife’s uncle and aunt, Dr. Leslie “Les” and Diane Thede, both retired from ONU, Dr. Michele Govekar, professor of management, and his former MBA professor at Penn State, all encouraged him to apply for an open position at the Dicke College of Business Administration. “What I loved most about my business career was developing people and helping them to succeed,” he explained. “I view this change in careers as just moving up the runway a bit.”

students be successful, first at ONU, and then in their careers after ONU,” he says. “I follow up with many of my former students, and I’m thrilled when I hear about their successes, including passing the CPA exam or a promotion.” Phillips’ research interests are in the fields of pedagogy (the teaching of accounting and auditing) and ethics at the C-level financial positions. He and his wife, Angie, recently moved to Ada from Cincinnati. Angie is an elementary school teacher, and the couple has two adult children: Brittany, a licensed speech language pathologist, and Nathan, a design and development engineer. ONU

Instead of mentoring employees, Phillips now advises and inspires students. He draws upon his vast network of former colleagues and business contacts to open doors for students. He’s brought successful corporate leaders – including CFOs, controllers, partners in Big Four firms and public company directors – to campus to speak. He’s established networking events and service-learning projects. And he’s worked his network to help ONU students land internships and job interviews. Even after his students graduate, Phillips remains committed to their futures. “I’m passionate about helping

OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

COLLEGE NEWS AND EVENTS

ONU INNOVATION TEAM CAPTURES SECOND PLACE Two business students were members of an ONU team that won second place and $1,000 at the Lawrence Tech Innovation Encounter in October. The ONU team was comprised of four members of the Collegiate Entrepreneursâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Organization (CE0) student group: Nathan Brune, a junior civil engineering major from Decatur, Ind.; Jake Cooper, a sophomore management major from LaGrange, Ohio; Aaron Schnipke, a sophomore electrical engineering major from Fort Jennings, Ohio; and Brad Trentman, a junior marketing major from Fort Jennings, Ohio. The group competed against teams from Lawrence Tech, Gonzaga University, Widener University, St. Louis University, Villanova University, Kettering University,

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and the University of Evansville. The Innovation Encounter competition presented a business problem to the student teams. With the clock ticking, they scrambled to redesign a mechanical bedframe to save on shipping and material usage costs. They had just 20 hours to develop a solution and present it to a panel of industry experts. The event connected entrepreneurial students from The Kern Entrepreneurship Education Network (KEEN) schools in both competition and celebration of entrepreneurship. The competition was punctuated by social activities, educational components, networking with entrepreneurs, and obtaining valuable feedback on skills developed throughout the competition.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM AMONG FINALISTS FOR NATIONAL AWARD ONU was one of four finalists for a United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) Outstanding Specialty Entrepreneurship Program Award and was recognized at the USASBE annual conference in Fort Worth, Texas. ONU made the top four from more than 50 nominations. Dr. Tammy Schakett, assistant professor of entrepreneurship at the Dicke College of Business Administration, attended the conference and nominated ONU. The three other finalists were the University of Maryland, University of Texas and University of Florida. The Outstanding Specialty Entrepreneurship Program Award is given to a college or university that has developed and currently still offers a high-quality and innovative program, the purpose of which is to educate and train future generations of entrepreneurs in a niche area. This award may be given yearly for an exemplary program that reflects innovation, quality, comprehensiveness, sustainability, depth of support and impact.

THREE HONORED WITH PINNACLE AWARDS

a Distinguished Alumni Award from ONU's Alumni Association.

Eugene A.

i Jo

The Dicke College of Business Administration honored three individuals with Pinnacle Awards at a banquet held March 14. This prestigious award, which honors individuals who have made the highest commitment to the business college, was given to Eugene A. Beeler, BA ’49, (posthumously), JoAnne Griffith Lipski, ACIT ’71, BSBA ’72, ACIT ’12, and Mark J. Palmer, BSBA ’79, ACIT ’93. “We wanted an avenue to publicly say ‘thank you’ to the people who have made significant and sustained gifts to the college,” said Dr. James Fenton, dean of the Dicke College of Business Administration. “Through their generosity, they’ve had a tremendous and transformative impact on our students and the business college generally.” Beeler served in the U.S. Army during World War II, then graduated from ONU with a Bachelor of Arts in accounting. He became a certified public accountant and founding partner of Howard & Beeler (now known as Lentol, Violet, Kienitz and

n e G r if f it h

Lip

Lipski is active in the community and has served as co-chair for Relay for Life in Perrysburg, co-chaired several school levy campaign committees and served as an officer in the League of Women Voters. She also is active in the First United Methodist Church in Perrysburg.

Pa M ark J.

Company) in Lima, Ohio. In 1997, Beeler established The Eugene A. Beeler, Herman and Nettie Beeler and Leota Beeler Endowment Fund at Ohio Northern to honor his parents and sister. This endowment fund created a scholarship for accounting students in the College of Business Administration. At Beeler’s passing in October 2006, he added to this fund by bequest. His foresight and gift planning in establishing the Beeler Scholarship have helped countless students attend his alma mater. Lipski is a certified public accountant who resides in Perrysburg, Ohio. She currently is a trustee of ONU and has served in that role for more than 30 years. In past years, she has served as chair or vice-chair of the Committee on Admissions, Enrollment and Financial Aid; the Academic Affairs Committee; the Audit Committee; and Honorary Degree Committee of the Board of Trustees. In 2011, she was honored with The James F. Dicke College of Business Administration Outstanding Service Award. In 2012, she received

After graduating from ONU (where he was an active student), Palmer went on to earn his Juris Doctor in 1982 from Rutgers University. He practiced law in Columbus as an associate with Chester Saxbe Hoffman & Willcox and then with Bricker & Eckler, for which he was made a partner. In 1999, he co-founded The Joseph Group Capital Management, an investment advisory firm, with his brother. Today, Palmer is the chief executive officer of The Joseph Group. In 2011, Gov. John Kasich appointed Palmer to the Board of Directors of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. He was reappointed to the board last year, and he serves as chair of the board’s Investment Committee. Palmer has served the Ohio Northern Board of Trustees for more than 25 years, first as student representative, then as president of the Alumni Association, and finally as a full member of the board, a position that he holds today. The names of this year’s honorees will be added to a fabricated sculpture on the ground floor of James F. Dicke Hall. The contemporary display, constructed of copper, aluminum and stainless steel, stands as a public and enduring testament to the individuals who have reached a pinnacle in their generosity and service to the college. ONU OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

THE JAMES F. DICKE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP EVENT 2014 James F. Dicke College of Business Administration Scholarship Golf Outing, Fishing Charter and Wine Tasting SUNDAY, AUG. 17, 2014 6 p.m. Join hosts Jay, BSBA ’81, and Terri (Henby) Molter, BSPh ’81, for a complimentary wine tasting at the Catawba Island Club. 7 p.m. Welcome dinner MONDAY, AUG. 18, 2014 7 a.m. Fishermen depart from Catawba Island Club. Continental breakfast available. 8 a.m. Golfers practice time available and breakfast 9 a.m. Shotgun start 2 p.m. Lunch and awards ceremony

ONU

RESERVE YOUR TEAM’S SPOT

August 17-18, 2014 Catawba Island Club 26

DICKE MAGAZINE

TODAY

by contacting

Dacy Wilcox at

d-wilcox.1@onu.edu or 419-772-4022.

HATS OFF TO

SUCCESS IN HIS 35-YEAR CAREER, ROBERT “BOB” SALTSMAN, BA ’75, JD ’78, HAS WORN MANY HATS – CPA, ATTORNEY, ENTREPRENEUR AND BUSINESS OWNER – WITH INCREDIBLE SUCCESS. “I’VE ALWAYS COUNTED MYSELF AS BEING VERY LUCKY TO HAVE SUCH A VARIED CAREER,” HE SAYS.

Photos by Scott Cook OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

An eager learner, Saltsman arrived on ONU’s campus in 1971 with an interest in exploring two subjects: business and law. Ahead of his time, he paired a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a law degree. Forty years ago, most pre-law students opted for an undergraduate major in political science or history. “My background ended up giving me a tremendous advantage in my work,” he says. According to Saltsman, his learning experiences at ONU have impacted him all his life. He lauds professor emeritus Roger Young for instilling in him a passion for the subject of accounting. “He gave students a solid foundation in accounting principles, and he made accounting interesting. That isn’t easy to do,” says Saltsman, with a laugh. He also credits his work experience as a residence hall director for teaching him how to communicate and resolve conflicts. Enforcing residence hall rules – especially the one that prohibited females from entering the men’s dorms – turned him into savvy diplomat. “As you can imagine, I was always dealing with problems,” he says. In Saltsman’s last year of law school, Ohio experienced one of the worst winters on record with the Blizzard of ’78. Walking across campus one day, Saltsman saw snow piled up to the top of a stop sign. He remembers thinking, “I need to get to a warmer climate.” After graduation, Saltsman moved to Orlando, Fla., a place he found appealing for its tropical air and tremendous potential. A booming metropolis today, Orlando was a sleepy little town poised for an explosion of growth in 1979 when Saltsman settled there.

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In Florida he embarked on a career as a certified public accountant (CPA) and attorney, and he continues in these roles today. He engages in the private practice of law, specializing in real estate, tax, and corporate mergers and acquisitions. He also is a member of Saltsman, Charlton & Associates P.A., a CPA firm that handles tax and estate tax compliance for high-net-worth individuals, partnerships and trusts. Early in his career, however, Saltsman realized he wanted more than a traditional job and salary. Then he met a fellow Orlando businessman and former Wall Street executive who felt the same. They hit it off and formed a partnership that led to numerous entrepreneurial endeavors. “On my own, I probably wouldn’t have done it,” reflects Saltsman. “But I had a number of fortunate relationships that allowed me to be an entrepreneur. I had always wanted to own my own businesses since watching my father operate his construction business growing up in Steubenville, Ohio.” Saltsman’s partner brought vision, optimism and financial contacts to the table; Saltsman provided analysis, pragmatism and execution. Together, they made a formidable team that could identify and capitalize on real estate opportunities in the Orlando area and business opportunities in various industries in the U.S. and internationally. Saltsman had the chance to be involved in the purchase and ownership of approximately 20 middle-market

companies. He and his partners acquired companies that exhibited a potential for growth. They kept the existing management teams in place and provided them with new business opportunities, strategic guidance, restructuring and financial engineering. In most cases, according to Saltsman, the companies grew in size and profitability. “If you throw 10 balls up into the air, you are going to drop some, but some will be a home runs,” he says. Saltsman hit a home run in 1988 when he and his partners purchased the coffee division of Coca-Cola Foods, which provided food service and retail coffee throughout the U.S. Coca-Cola wasn’t paying much attention to this small division, mainly because the company’s core product was soda, says Saltsman. “After we purchased the company, we took a more aggressive approach to growth,” he explains. Under new ownership, Maryland Club Foods Inc. rebuilt its management team, pursued new opportunities and greatly increased its profits. In 1989, Saltsman and partners sold the company to Procter & Gamble Co. at a substantial profit. From coffee products to citrus growing and packing, from car air-conditioning parts to ribbons and bows, Saltsman enjoyed diversity in his business interests. But he admits that each new venture required a steep learning curve. Rather than trying to become an industry expert in a short period of time – a nearly impossible task – Saltsman learned all he could and relied on each company’s management team to handle the intricacies. He provided an outside perspective and brought to bear solid business principles that apply to virtually every industry. Entrepreneurship is an adventure, says Saltsman. And it’s an adventure he has always found exciting, even when it has been scary exciting. “It definitely has its dark moments, when you literally believe you are on the precipice of financial ruin,” he says. “But I’m a solutions kind of person who never accepted defeat; I would throw myself in and try to solve the problem.”

After many grand slams as an entrepreneur, Saltsman today is content to focus on practicing law and running his CPA firm, although he still owns and oversees one company, MNC Stribbons Inc. As an attorney, he has developed a niche in representing clients that do business, or seek to do business, at the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA). He represents four major worldwide companies with concession contracts at GOAA, along with several smaller companies and minority contractors.

Entrepreneurship is an adventure... It definitely has its dark moments, when you literally believe you are on the precipice of financial ruin.

In his free time, Saltsman enjoys staying physically fit and spending time with his two daughters. He serves on various boards and committees for local nonprofits, including Lighthouse Central Florida, which provides services to people living with vision loss and blindness. He also served on the Ohio Northern Board of Trustees from 2008-12.

Reflecting on his success, Saltsman says it all began in the small town of Ada, Ohio. “From there, I had the chance to do business in most of the largest metropolitan areas of the U.S., such as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, as well as own businesses in China and Australia,” he says. “I have always enjoyed going back to Northern to see its progress over the years and to marvel at the humble, but grounded, place where I got my start.” ONU

OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Giving Students a Voice

They share opinions, suggest ideas and champion the college. Meet 17 of the Dicke College of Business Administration’s most vocal leaders.

The Dean’s Advisory Council is a special group of students that represents the voice of undergraduates in the Dicke College of Business Administration. “They provide me with a lens into the day-to-day experience of the typical student,” says Dr. Jim Fenton, dean of the College of Business Administration. “They advise me on a wide range of issues impacting the college.” The Dean’s Advisory Council is comprised of 17 students, four from each class and one international student. Students apply in their freshman year for one of the four coveted seats available. They must submit a résumé and letter of interest, then interview with the dean and current council members. The selection process is highly competitive and favors students with strong leadership potential and demonstrated excellence in academics. Students accepted for membership remain on the council until they graduate. When Eric Ambos first learned about the Dean’s Advisory Council during freshman orientation, his interest was piqued. The opportunity matched his

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professional goals, says the senior from Botkins, Ohio, who is majoring in management with a minor in political science. “Joining this group as a freshman both motivated and prepared me to take on greater leadership roles at the University,” he explains. “It allowed me to represent the voice of my fellow students while finding my own voice.” Through formal monthly meetings, members of the Dean’s Advisory Council provide input on topics such as the college’s strategic plan, program curriculum, and operational policies and procedures. They also participate in all the college’s alumni events, meet with prospective students and their parents, play an integral role in running the peermentoring program, and participate in the interview process for faculty candidates.

“It allowed me to represent the voice of my fellow students while finding my own voice.” “There are so many opportunities that this group provides,” says Sarah Lewer, president of the Dean’s Advisory Council this year. She is a senior from Indianapolis, Ind., who is majoring in management with a minor in Spanish. “I love being part of the selection process for new professors. I’ve been blown away by a professor’s interview, and then just a few months later, he or she is teaching my class.”

According to Fenton, his relationship with the Dean’s Advisory Council is based on openness and trust. He wants each member to feel comfortable enough to speak up about problems, concerns or opportunities. “I want them to realize that they are capable of thinking creatively and critically about important issues impacting the college now and in the future,” he says.

“The dean listens to our opinions on topics ranging from a broken light bulb to a new major,” says Lewer. “Last year, students didn’t have enough electrical outlets to charge their computers during class. We brought the concern to Dean Fenton, and at the start of fall semester, there were new floor outlets in every classroom.” Serving on the Dean’s Advisory Council comes with prestige and perks. Students not only develop professional skills – learning how to effectively communicate, participate on a team, problem solve, lead and network – but also have an impressive experience to add to their résumés. “I’ve gained invaluable experience as a learner and leader while broadening my networks across the University, state and country,” says Ambos. The satisfaction of making a difference, however, may be the biggest benefit of service, says Lewer. “The council has allowed me to take an active part in my education,” she explains. “I feel I can make an impact on the college, so I am motivated to work harder. It shows that the people in charge of my college truly care about the success of their students.” ONU

THE JAMES F. DICKE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

2013-14 ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS George Atkinson BSBA ’72 Senior VP and Managing Director TriVista Business Group 1208 Archer Dr. Troy, OH 45373

Darren Hart BSBA ’99 Vice-President of Financial Planning & Analysis Fossil Inc. 901 S. Central Expressway Richardson, TX 75080

Lawrence C. Barrett, CLU, ChFC BSBA’71, ACIT ’97, H of F ’04 President Independent Pharmacy Consulting Group LLC Sagemark Consulting 28601 Chagrin Blvd. Suite 300 Cleveland, OH 44122

David Haushalter BSBA ’92 Vice President of Sales Robinson Fin Machines Inc. 13670 US Highway 68 Kenton, OH 43326

R. Scott Bodie BSBA ’74 President Bodie Electric Inc. 1109 N. Main St. Fostoria, OH 44830 Shawn A. Bogenrief BSBA ’82 Partner/Director GARDNER & WHITE 5925 Wilcox Place, Suite D Dublin, OH 43016 Paul Carbetta II BSBA ’90 CEO/Private Wealth Advisor Comprehensive Wealth Partners/Ameriprise Financial 150 E. Wilson Bridge Road Suite 100 Worthington, OH 43085 Phillip Caris BSBA ’82 Vice President of Sales Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. P. O. Box 550 Findlay, OH 45840 Jeff Gillson, CLU, CFP BSBA ’92 Financial Services Professional New York Life 1336 Woodman Dr. Suite 100 Dayton, OH 45432

Julie (Badgley) Kasper BSBA ’84 Chief Financial Officer Hull & Associates Inc. 6397 Emerald Parkway Suite 200 Dublin, OH 43016 Carol (Applegate) Kline BSBA ’86 751 International Isle Dr. Castle Rock, CO 80108 Anmarie S. Gladieux-Kolinski BA ’94 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. 111 S. Wacker Dr., Suite 3400 Chicago, IL 60606 Rob Lydic BS ’97 President Layer 1 Design 903 S. Latson Rd. #228 Howell, MI 48843 Dr. Joy Maddox BSBA ’84 Skadden, Arps, Slate et al. 1440 New York Ave. NW Washington, D.C. 20005 Jay Molter BSBA ’81 Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales Glasstech Inc. Ampoint Industrial Park 995 Fourth St. Perrysburg, OH 43551

Deann (Fishpaw) Newman BSBA ’83 Partner Deloitte Tax LLP 200 Renaissance Center Detroit, MI 48243 Brian D. Smith BSBA ’87 Executive Vice-President Catholic Health Partners Northern Network 2749 Fort Amanda Road Lima, OH 45806

The Inn at Ohio Northern University

Sheri L. (Schweitzer) Stoltenberg BA ’81 President & CEO Stoltenberg Consulting 1013 Christine Place Bethel Park, PA 15102-2447 Dennis Stripe BSBA ’79 President & CEO OrthoHelix Surgical Designs Inc. 1065 Medina Road, Suite 500 Medina, OH 07401 Mark White BSBA ’85 President Vancrest 120 W. Main St. Suite 200 Van Wert, OH 45891

419-772-2500 or www.innatonu.com

OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY — COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

525 S MAIN ST ADA OH 45810-9989

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Leave it to Chance

New for 2014-15

Risk Management and Insurance major Ohio Northern Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dicke College of Business Administration offers an exciting new major in risk management and insurance. The major prepares the next generation of business leaders to help organizations mitigate risk and maximize profits. Explore a vital industry that provides opportunities to own your own business, earn a competitive salary and develop a pathway toward a solid career.

Learn more at onu.edu/rmi

Four Years of Real-World Business Education. A Lifetime of Putting Ideas Into Action.