2017
WINTER
ALUM NI
J OU RNAL
President Daniel A. DiBiasio Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs Maria Cronley Vice President for Financial Affairs William H. Ballard Vice President for Enrollment Management William Eilola Vice President for University Advancement Shannon Spencer Vice President for Student Affairs Adriane Thompson-Bradshaw Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Juliet (Harvey) Hurtig, BSEE ’91 Executive Assistant to the President Ann Donnelly Hamilton, BA ’99, ACIT ’13 Executive Director of Communications and Marketing Amy Prigge, BSBA ’94 Alumni Journal Editors Josh Alkire, Senior Writer and Editor Annmarie Baumgartner, Director of Alumni Relations Sheila Baumgartner, Associate Director of Communications and Marketing Brian Paris, Associate Director of Communications and Marketing Laurie Wurth Pressel Art and Design Toma (Grothous) Bomser, BFA ’96 Nancy Burnett, Creative and Design Services Manager Photography: Trevor Jones The Washington Center Send Class Notes via email to: alumni@onu.edu POSTMASTER Send address changes to: OHIO NORTHERN ALUMNI JOURNAL 525 S. Main St., Ada, OH 45810-1599 OHIO NORTHERN ALUMNI JOURNAL is published by Ohio Northern University, 525 S. Main St., Ada, Ohio 45810-1599. Phone: 419-772-2000 Fax: 419-772-2932 OHIO NORTHERN UNIVERSITY was founded in 1871 and is a private, co-educational, student-centered institution of higher learning that offers quality, nationally ranked sciences, arts and professional programs in its five colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering, Pharmacy and Law. onu.edu
To alumni and friends, One of ONU’s great blessings is our good fortune that Henry Solomon Lehr stepped off the train in Ada, Ohio, more than 145 years ago. From that moment to the present, Ohio Northern has attracted many other great men and women who have made a big difference to the excellent University we have become. Last year, in 2016, we lost three great people who left us with unforgettable legacies – James F. Dicke Sr., Dr. Erv Pierstorf and Catherine “Kitty” Freed. While losing them all in one year is especially hard, celebrating their greatness is both comforting and inspiring. The Dicke name is well-known on our campus, and this past November, Jim Dicke Sr. passed away peacefully at the age of 94. The Dicke family, with Jim at the helm, built the world-class Crown Equipment Corporation in New Bremen, Ohio, and became exemplars of philanthropy for the public good – in their community, in the arts and in education. Jim’s kindness and caring were contagious, and Chris and I enjoyed spending time with him during our visits to New Bremen. His legacy and his family’s values can be seen everywhere on campus – in the James F. Dicke College of Business Administration, in the Dicke House where Chris and I live, and along the beautiful Remington Walk that winds through west campus. Jim and his wife, Eilleen, who passed away in January 2015, are truly ONU legends. Dr. Erv Pierstorf, a University life trustee, was often mistaken for an ONU alumnus. He passed away in August 2016, one month after his 100th birthday. Erv was a special friend of the College of Pharmacy, and he displayed genuine Christian thoughtfulness and love towards all. He became associated with Ohio Northern nearly 40 years ago, and over the course of those years, he established the Pierstorf Loan Program that has helped thousands of students earn ONU degrees, provided major funding for the Hakes-Pierstorf Family Pharmacy addition to the pharmacy building, and created the Pierstorf Pharmacy Museum. Erv’s friendship to so many on campus and his philanthropy are lasting legacies. Catherine “Kitty” Freed was the first lady of Ohio Northern University from 1979-99, and she passed away Nov. 25, 2016. At ONU, Kitty Freed’s name is synonymous with roses, exam treats and numerous expressions of kindness. At the celebration of her life, held on campus in December, many spoke of her charm and grace. Catherine Freed was a phenomenal woman, a true partner in education and in life to Dr. Freed. These three Northern lights illuminated our campus for so many years and in so many ways. While we miss them, their legacies will shine forever in the collective memory of our great University.
Warm regards and best wishes,
Dan DiBiasio | President
CONTENTS /2
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
/8 MEET KAREN ODELL
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TOTAL IMMERSION
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PILLAR OF LEADERSHIP
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CAMPUS NEWS
The many facets of Karen (Evans) Odell, BSEd ’66
Introducing ONU's new provost and vice president of academic affairs.
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THE CHEMISTRY OF DEFENSE
ONU’s field semester is the “extreme” version of undergraduate biology education.
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ONU alumna Dr. Richanne Mankey, BA ’82, named president of Defiance College.
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ONU HOMECOMING 2016
NEW FACILITIES
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ARRAY OF SUNSHINE
Ohio Northern University hosted its annual Homecoming Weekend from Oct. 21-23. David Rakestraw, BS ’83, is senior program manager for the Global Security directorate at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, Calif. Engineering alumna Jennifer Watters, BSEE ’04 oversees construction of a new solar field at ONU.
Big changes and improvements can be found all across campus as Ohio Northern transforms.
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CLASS NOTES
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REMEMBERING THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE
CAMPUS NEWS INTRODUCING THE NEW PROVOST AND VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS Dr. Maria Cronley is Ohio Northern University’s new provost/vice president for academic affairs (VPAA). She formerly served as the associate provost and associate vice president for academic affairs at Miami University in Ohio. “We are very pleased that Dr. Maria Cronley will be joining the Ohio Northern community in this important position,” said Daniel DiBiasio, ONU president. “Her exceptional experience as a teacher, scholar and administrator will greatly benefit ONU and advance the University’s academic mission.”
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A native of Marion, Ohio, Cronley earned her BSBA in marketing from Bowling Green State University and her Ph.D. in marketing with a secondary specialization in social psychology from the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business. The provost/VPAA serves as ONU’s chief academic officer and oversees the Office of Academic Affairs in supporting the work of the faculty as well as serving as a core participant in the University’s budget-development and strategic planning. The five college deans and the director of the University’s general education program directly assist the provost/VPAA in these endeavors. In addition to the overall academic program, the provost/VPAA is responsible for the following areas: University libraries, information technology, institutional research, athletics and the registrar. Cronley replaces David C. Crago, who recently retired after serving as provost/vice president for academic affairs since 2012.
THE ONU BOARD OF TRUSTEES WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS The Ohio Northern University Board of Trustees welcomed two new trustees this fall. Richard Patrick “Rick” Keyes III, BSPh ’92, and Mark White, BSBA ’85, will add their considerable talents to the stewardship of ONU. Keyes is the president and CEO of Meijer Inc. He and his wife, Jennifer (Yerkey), BSPh ’93, reside in Grand Rapids, Mich., and have two children, Elizabeth and Richard IV. White is the president of Vancrest Health Care Centers. He and his wife, Michelle, reside in Van Wert, Ohio, and have two children, Nick and Claire, a junior at ONU. Richard Patrick “Rick” Keyes III, BSPh ’92
Mark White, BSBA ’85
ALUMNI JOURNAL WINTER 2017
THE WASHINGTON CENTER HONORS MIKE SMITH
Photo courtesy of The Washington Center
Last September, The Washington Center honored retiring president Mike Smith, BA ’68, with the Pillar Award for Lifetime Achievement at Gala 2016: Leadership & Legacy. ONU President Dan DiBiasio was on hand to help present the award. The Washington Center also announced the naming of its Residential and Academic Facility to “The Michael B. Smith Residential and Academic Facility.” Building the facility was one of Smith’s signature achievements as president.
Smith was committed to Ohio Northern during his time as president of The Washington Center. Under his leadership, 132 ONU students gained invaluable experience through the Center’s internship programs, and The Washington Center enabled ONU students to attend the Republican and Democratic National Conventions in 2008, 2012 and 2016.
Ohio Northern University’s Center for Democratic Governance and Rule of Law has been awarded a $2 million grant from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the U.S. Department of State to administer the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition in Afghanistan for the next two years. The Jessup Competition is the largest international moot court competition in the world, with more than 550 law schools from 87 countries participating. Now in its 58th year, the competition is sponsored by the International Law Students Association as well as White and Case, an international law firm, which hosts the International Rounds in Washington, D.C., every spring. 5
Smith joined The Washington Center in 1976 shortly after its establishment and was named president in 2004. In the past decade under Smith’s guidance, The Washington Center increased enrollment by more that 20 percent while making an unprecedented commitment to diversity. Today, more than one-third of current students are first-generation college students, and more than 50 percent of the student body is female with more than a quarter hailing from countries outside of the United States.
CENTER FOR DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE AND RULE OF LAW RECEIVES $2 MILLION GRANT FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION
ONU will manage the Afghan competition, which will include 18 law schools throughout the country competing in the Afghan National Rounds in Kabul, Afghanistan, in early 2017. As part of the program, the winning Afghan teams will travel to ONU to continue to practice their advocacy skills before competing in the International Rounds in Washington, D.C.
25 YEARS OF WONB For 25 years, the WONB radio station has allowed Ohio Northern University students to find their voice. The station, an integral part of the University’s multidiscipline learning experience, marked its silver anniversary last fall. The first broadcast over the air took place at 9:49 a.m. on Oct. 18, 1991. The time was intentional to pay tribute to the station’s frequency of 94.9 FM. WONB fea-
tures a mix of music, news, sports and public affairs programming. It has launched several successful broadcast careers and contributed to the college experience for countless students pursuing an array of academic and career goals. “The radio station provides students who want to find a job in the radio industry with professional experience, but it serves a larger role by providing communication
experience for a range of students,” said Station Manager Nichole Tebbe, BA ’05. “In fact, the majority of students working at WONB are not communication or multimedia journalism students.” Beyond its contributions to ONU’s high-impact learning experience, the station has become a mainstay of the area. The station serves a 35mile radius and airs nearly 35,000 public service announcements
FA L L / W I N T E R 2 0 1 6 C A M P U S N E W S
annually, about 70 broadcasts of athletic contests yearly, and about 10 local and national newscasts daily. The impetus for WONB began in the early 1980s, with the launch of WONU, a carrier current station. The station did not broadcast over the airwaves, but was heard on campus and nearby locations.
ARRAY OF SUNSHINE 6
ENGINEERING ALUMNA OVERSEES CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SOLAR FIELD AT ONU.
ALUMNI JOURNAL WINTER 2017
chases electricity directly from the array without needing to invest capital in the array’s construction and maintenance. It is a beneficial deal for both ONU and AEP OnSite Partners – the University adds to a sustainability portfolio that already includes geothermal heating in many residence halls and wind turbines, and AEP OnSite Partners gets another opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of customer-sited solar.
Ohio Northern University President Dan DiBiasio signs a solar panel to mark the groundbreaking of the new solar field on Oct. 4, 2016. ONU and AEP Energy signed a 25-year contract to construct, operate and maintain a 2-megawatt solar array on 11 acres of University property located southwest of campus on Klinger Road. The solar field was constructed by GEM Energy.
“When this project came up and my superiors were looking at how they were going to assign it, I put in a strong request that I have it,” says Watters. “I was really excited and extremely proud to be working with my alma mater on this project.” The construction of a 2-megawatt, 18,080-panel solar array, which supplies the University with about 10 percent of its annual electricity needs, was completed in December 2016. Under a 25-year power purchase agreement, ONU pur-
It was Watters’ job to make sure that happens by seeing that the project was completed on time and on budget, and that it delivered the energy output stipulated in the contract. She worked with building contractor GEM Energy to keep things moving along through the construction and testing phases and maintained clear lines of communication with ONU. The short-and-sweet version is she made sure the project got done. For Watters, it’s all she’s ever wanted to do. As a high school student in nearby Lima, Ohio, Watters was encouraged to pursue a degree in engineering by her calculus and physics teachers. At ONU, she volunteered as a Camp GEMS counselor, sharing her passion for engineering with middle school girls – an age range she feels is vital for exposure to the importance of engineering. During her senior year, she completed her senior design project with a
A R R AY O F S U N S H I N E
“I saw my skillset more allied with the organizational piece, the communication piece, the making-sure-that-everything-fits-together piece,” she says. “I’ve always been better at that than sitting at a computer doing drawings or calculations day-in and day-out.” Watters has worked on solar projects before, most recently in Michigan and Indiana for AEP’s operating company, Indiana Michigan Power Company. She considers herself a solar energy advocate and “absolutely loves” working for a utility company. “When you work for a utility company, it’s all about being able to make a difference in someone else’s life. Electricity is not a ‘nice-to-have’ resource anymore. It’s become ‘needto-have.’ Our society has become so dependent on it. I love being able to work on projects where we can provide power to people in a way that’s green and emission-free.” AEP provides more to ONU than just leadership on the solar field project. The American Electric Power Foundation also supported ONU’s “Campaign for Engineering: Building Impact at ONU” by way of a $50,000 grant it gave the University to aid in the construction of a new 105,000-square-foot engineering building. Once completed, the new facility will enable even more students to follow in footsteps of engineers like Watters who are helping to shape the future we will live in. ◆
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As the project manager for AEP OnSite Partners solar field recently constructed on Ohio Northern University acreage in Ada, Ohio, Jennifer Watters, BSEE ’04, was in the enviable position of using her education to directly benefit the institution that provided it.
“Obviously, it’s a big deal for both sides of the equation” says Watters. “The vision and environmental leadership demonstrated by ONU on this solar project should be commended, and hopefully it will encourage others to become familiar with on-site renewable generation possibilities.”
team of electrical and mechanical engineering students in what she believes was one of the first projects to do so. These experiences helped shape her desire to not be locked into any one job.
Meet Karen Odell LEARNING AS A WAY OF LIFE
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One needs a certain resourcefulness to live in the remote expanse of western America known as “big sky country.” When the closest store might be 80 miles away and it is not uncommon to drive 30 miles before passing another motorist, it is not hyperbole to suggest that the key to one’s very survival may depend on knowing what to do in any situation. And while resourcefulness is a quality, the knowledge that goes along with it must be learned. Karen (Evans) Odell, BSEd ’66, took to those lessons early and hasn’t quit.
ALUMNI JOURNAL WINTER 2017
Meet Karen Odell:
RANCHER, PARAMEDIC Meet Karen Odell:
TEACHER
Odell’s first teaching job in Wyoming was something out of a Laura Ingalls Wilder book. She taught all the elementary grades together in one room and actually lived in the school building with her horse and her dog. When she wasn’t teaching, she helped neighbors round up sheep and cattle. In the years that followed, Odell moved on to various teaching positions in Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana. She enjoyed tremendous success helping her students achieve at a national level. She had a top-10 finisher in a national writing competition. She had a team of four boys place second in the nation in a spacecraft design competition. Another team of her students finished in the top 10 at a National History Day Competition in Washington, D.C. “Learning has always been an adventure for me, and teaching is the best way to learn,” she says.
She recalls a harrowing time in 1988 when the Yellowstone National Park wildfires reached them. One day the phone rang. A team of firefighters had been burned over in a valley, meaning that the fire they were fighting actually burned across their location. Firefighters carry NASA-designed fire shelters, which can keep them alive in such a harrowing situation, but the status of these firefighters was unknown. All that was known was that they needed the ambulance on the scene right away. “My husband was out fighting fire. I had no idea where he was. I was worried,” recalls Odell. “So I drove the ambulance to the school, which was the command center for the firefighters, and someone handed me a radio. He said, ‘Talk to this guy. He’ll tell you where to go.’ It was Charlie on the radio.” She still gets emotional telling this story today. She and Charlie got the firefighters out of the valley alive. In all, the Odells have endured two wildfires and a blizzard that left them snowbound for 12 weeks.
L E A RTNHI E NG FW LI N FE C RAAS FAT WAY O F BO RE G
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Odell’s lifelong education began shortly after graduating from Ohio Northern University. She taught kindergarten for a year and a half in Botkins, Ohio, before moving to Wyoming to teach at a country school. What she encountered there was a different world, and she’s spent nearly 50 years learning its ways.
Karen met Charles Odell, a Montana rancher and United States Forest Service worker, at a local dance. They married and raised four children together. Odell took some time off from teaching to raise her young children and build a log home with Charlie on 1,200 acres near Capitol, Mont., where they raised cattle and sheep. During this time, she somehow found time to complete training to become an EMT and ambulance driver.
Meet Karen Odell: TRACKER,
TRAINER
DOG
Odell spent the final 10 years of her teaching career at Sky Ranch for Boys in South Harding, S.D., a residence facility for court-ordered delinquent boys from across the United States. There she was the resource teacher, working with small groups of boys, many of whom tested four or five years below their age level in some subjects. Runaways were common, and in that harsh environment, it was very important to locate the boys before elements caused them any harm. She learned the art of tracking to help keep her students safe.
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“There was one boy from Chicago who ran away. Well, we found him, and he was okay. Later, when I was teaching a course on wilderness survival, I was talking about how important it is to find shelter because of how low the temperature can drop at night. Well, he blurts out to the class, ‘It sure was cold when they found me!’ He really helped drive that point home.” Odell is still active in tracking and gets called from time to time to help search for lost hikers and other missing persons. She also tracks with dogs and trains them to track by air scent, which is a departure from traditional dog tracking that requires that a dog keep its nose to the ground. Air tracking is done off-lead, and the dog is allowed free range in the wilderness, which is more conducive to the area she lives in. Meet Karen Odell: AUTHOR,
JOURNALIST
It was tracking, both man tracking and with dogs, that inspired Odell to write her first novel Search For Rescue. Told from the points of view of a tracker named Danette and her search-and-rescue dog Gwlym, the thriller showcases Odell’s knowledge of tracking and animal training and her talent for writing. “I started out just wanting to tell a story,” she says. “I thought, ‘I can do this if I work hard enough at it.’
I didn’t set out to write about tracking or dogs or any of it, but that’s what came out, because that is a big part of me.” In addition to Search For Rescue, Odell has written three books about her hometown of Sugar Creek Township, Ohio, and contributes the weekly column “The Capitol News” to three area newspapers.
ALUMNI JOURNAL WINTER 2017
country bands over the years, and played guitar and sang in a duo called “Sugar and Spice.” But the one instrument she always wanted to learn was the violin. In fact, one of the possessions she brought with her when she first moved out west was her grandfather’s violin.
Meet Karen Odell:
Since retiring from teaching in 2012, Odell has remained intellectually curious. If anything, she has become even more so in recent years. At age 60, Odell began studying martial arts. At first she was just planning to keep her youngest son, Jeff, company on the long drives to and from the Tae Kwon Do studio, but soon she found herself on the mat sparring with students a fraction of her age. She liked Tae Kwon Do because it kept her active, but she had no plans to pursue it seriously. “I certainly never planned on testing,” she says, “But the instructor kept pushing this old lady on until I earned my black belt.” Odell has always loved music. She has played the piano and organ for her church, played bass guitar in a few
Meet Karen Odell: POLAR
BEAR
In many ways, her life is a continuation of her time at Ohio Northern. She’ll tell you that all of it – the teaching, ranching, music, tracking, writing, the resourcefulness, the curiosity – started right here. Odell was an active student at ONU; a member of the band, brass choir, touring choir and Women’s Recreation Association; a cheerleader; a sister in Alpha Xi Delta; and a music librarian. She even taught physical education courses. “My grades suffered the first year, because I joined everything,” she says. “I was only 17 when I came to ONU, and the world was an interesting place. ONU introduced me to the world, and it made me love learning. I guess I never stopped.”
L E A R N I N G A S A WAY O F L I F E
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MUSICIAN, MARTIAL ARTIST
Had she lived in a city where she had easy access to violin lessons, she would have learned years ago. But she doesn’t. She lives in a place where you take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves, because you never know if you’ll get another one. So at age 70, when she heard of a home-schooled 17-year-old violinist living on a South Dakota ranch who taught lessons, she seized the opportunity, meeting her at friend’s house in Buffalo, S.D., the midpoint between their two homes, for lessons.
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THE CHEMISTRY OF DEFENSE As a research chemist, David Rakestraw, BS ’83, has a love/hate relationship with the unknown. He loves being a scientist, figuring things out and explaining the unexplained. He hates the evil that sometimes lurks in the unknown. Rakestraw is senior program manager for the Global Security directorate at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, Calif. A multi-program national security laboratory, LLNL’s primary stated mission is to enhance the nation’s defense and reduce the global threat from
terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. Rakestraw oversees a group working to identify and then counter emerging explosive, chemical and biological threats. “Our job is to understand what those threats are and to ensure that the country is taking the appropriate steps to protect against them,” he says. “I can’t imagine working on a more important problem right now.”
or use of chemical weapons. “I just met with one of our staff who will be traveling to Iraq. He is part of a U.S. team that has been training Iraqi soldiers over the past year. We provide them with instrumentation, and we train them to use instrumentation and understand the results. The Iraqi teams are actively implementing their training and using the instrumentation for detecting chemical agents being used by ISIS.”
LLNL battles chemical threats by helping support international treaties associated with the production
Explosive threats include potential homemade devices that could be used to take down an airplane.
ALUMNI JOURNAL WINTER 2017
Rakestraw’s team is working to develop advanced detection technologies that can be used to identify someone attempting to bring explosive compounds on to a plane. They even study the internal structure of airplanes themselves to better understand where explosives might be placed and how much might be needed to take down an aircraft. “TSA restrictions that dictate that only quart-sized bags and 3-ounce bottles are allowed on airplanes came out of that type of work,” he says.
The area most important to Rakestraw, and to which he devotes most of his personal attention, involves biological agents. There’s a group within LLNL that works with the Department of Homeland Security to help understand future threats from biological agents and how advances in science and technology could change the nature of what a threat might look like. “We also develop detection methodologies that are based on detailed knowledge of the DNA signatures associated with potential biological threat agents,” says Rakestraw.
Rakestraw cites the deadly 1918 influenza pandemic, which infected 500 million people and killed between 50 and 100 million, as an extreme example of the potential damage a biological threat could inflict. He goes on to explain that, even though the threat of biological terrorism has not been a major issue to date, there is a concern that it will become more and more of a problem in the coming decades. This is because, as man becomes more and more advanced in its understanding of biology and its ability to manipulate living systems, the opportunities increase for smaller
And that’s why Rakestraw believes that his current work has the greatest potential global impact of anything that he’s ever done in his career.
“…as man becomes more and more advanced in its understanding of biology and its ability to manipulate living systems, the opportunities increase for smaller groups of people with limited funding to unleash something terrible on the world.” – DAVID RAKESTRAW, BS ’83
Rakestraw’s love/hate relationship with the unknown began as a chemistry major at ONU. He grew bored working on problems in textbooks that thousands of other students had already solved. He wanted to explore uncharted territory. “When I got to go in the laboratory and solve problems that nobody actually knew the answers to, that became very interesting to me,” he says. “And that experience was very important in setting my direction going forward.” His direction after Northern involved Stanford University, where he earned a Ph.D. in physical chemistry, and then 12 years at the Sandia National Laboratories location in Livermore, Calif. At Sandia, Rakestraw engaged in a wide range of research and development activities, such as developing laser-based diagnostics for studying combustion processes. Rakestraw’s experience with lasers lead him to a new area of research that used the high-sensitivity of laser-based detection to develop high-speed DNA sequencing instruments in collaboration with Beckman Instruments.
Then, a few years later in 2000, using technologies his research team developed at Sandia, Rakestraw co-founded a company that specialized in applying microfluidics for chemical analysis. That company was Eksigent Technologies, which became a leader in the field of high-performance liquid chromatography used for biochemical analysis. As an entrepreneur at Eksigent, Rakestraw soon learned that starting a tech company involved much more than research. Manufacturing facilities needed to be built, as were sales and marketing departments. He courted investors and even wrote patents for his inventions. “It was all very interesting the first time I did it,” he says. “But our investors wanted us to move to the next stage of operations, which meant a much bigger focus on the sales and marketing of the company vs. the technology development. And I was really more interested in the technology development.” So Rakestraw left Eksigent in 2006 and returned to his true
THE CHEMISTRY OF DEFENSE
love, research, at Lawrence Livermore. Consider it an altruistic calling, of sorts. “Throughout my career, I’ve always worked on problems that I thought were extremely important. And I like to work on things that will have the greatest impact and benefit for people.” Rakestraw’s job shows him the peril lurking in the unknown, but it’s not all doom and gloom. He is still hopeful. His optimism has a lot to do with good old-fashioned American ingenuity. The United States is home to some of the greatest research universities on the planet, all working to ensure that science and technology are translated into helping us have the strongest national security that we can. “I like to think that we have more smart people working on the positive side of defenses than there are working on the negative applications.” Thank goodness Rakestraw is one of the smart ones on the positive side. ◆
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Particular attention is paid to major events that draw large crowds, such the Olympics, the Super Bowl, the World Series or Inauguration Day. LLNL tries to understand, pre-plan and, if necessary, deploy detection systems to thwart potential terrorist activities.
groups of people with limited funding to unleash something terrible on the world.
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TOTAL IMMERSION ALUMNI JOURNAL WINTER 2017
FIELD SEMESTER TAKES ‘LEARNING BY DOING’ TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL
senior from Ada, Ohio, wrote a research paper that was published in the Ohio Journal
of Science, and she landed a coveted undergraduate research position at Oklahoma State University studying stream restoration. Yet when asked to describe her most memorable experience at ONU, the environmental and field biology major recounted, “It was wrestling a 6-pound carp, while covered in slime and water, in the middle of the night.”
T O TA L I M M E R S I O N
Intense, real, exhilarating – ONU’s field semester is the “extreme” version of undergraduate biology education. It’s a one-of-kind experience that takes students out of the classroom and off campus
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Stephanie Estell, a
It sounds peculiar to most people. But any ONU student or alumnus who has taken field semester totally gets it. “That night, I was so out of my element – I had only ever been fishing once before – but it was a blast,” says Estell. “We used head lamps and flashlights to ID the fish, and they were pretty gross – slimy, thrashing, and hard to pick up, and that made everything so fun. That experience made me feel like a real field biologist more than anything leading up to that point. I fell even more in love with field biology and science that night, and I think that’s why it stands out from all the other extremely cool experiences I’ve had at ONU.”
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where they get their hands dirty and have close encounters with plants, animals and microorganisms in their natural environment. “At other universities, students typically spend three hours a week in the classroom and then a couple hours in the field or lab,” says Ken Oswald, assistant professor of biology. “Here that concept is flipped on its head.” Estell’s story illustrates that field semester not only stokes a passion for learning, it yields incredible outcomes, explains Bob Verb, professor of biological sciences. “We go out and we do it. And for most students, that’s just a better way to learn.”
AN UNCONVENTIONAL FORMAT Verb is the mastermind behind ONU’s field semester. When ONU switched from quarters to semesters six years ago, Verb saw an opportunity to create an unconventional course format. A hands-on ichthyology course that retired biology professor Terry Keiser, BSEd ’64, taught for many years served as his inspiration. He got his biology colleagues on board, and together they devised an entire semester that emphasizes practical skills, field experience and research. Unlike a traditional semester in which students take several courses simultaneously, in field semester they spend three weeks on just one topic. Focusing on the aquatic sciences, field semester is comprised of four three-week modules (courses) on field botany, field invertebrate biology, ichthyology (the study of fish) and marine biology. Prior to undertaking the academic modules, students receive field skills training from ONU alumnus Peter Haase, BS '92, to ensure they can operate safely in nature.
A different professor teaches each module. The first week of every module takes place on campus, and the last two weeks are spent off campus. For three of the modules, students are based at ONU’s Metzger Nature Center, 160 miles from Ada, in Tuscarawas County, and do fieldwork across the state of Ohio. For the marine biology module, students spend two weeks learning at the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory. “To be able to study those courses with hands-on learning, without the distraction of other coursework, was something I couldn’t have gotten at any other university,” says Maggie Molnar, BS ’12, a scientist at Hull & Associates in Dublin, Ohio. “I loved being able to dive head first into one course at time and just become immersed in that topic.”
In the final four weeks of the semester, students learn about Environment Research Methods. Back on campus, they input and analyze the data they’ve gathered and prepare a research paper, presentation and poster. They submit their work to academic journals for publication consideration and present their findings at scientific conferences. “It’s a complete immersion experience,” says Leslie Riley, associate professor of biological sciences. “Students learn how research works in the field. They walk away with a practical skillset and an understanding of the scientific process and how to take a project to fruition.” INTENSE DAYS IN THE REAL WORLD For six weeks during field semester, students live and study at the Metzger Nature Center. Located in eastern Ohio, an unglaciated part of the state, it offers greater species diversity than Ada. With 70 acres to explore, the center has natural springs, streams, sandstone gulleys, mixed mesophytic forests and fields.
“You don’t just identify an insect, you notice what type of tree it’s on, and where that tree is located. You notice all these clues about its habitat and behavior that give you a really good perspective. I’m always amazed to see how much my students learn and retain in the field compared to a traditional classroom.” – LESLIE RILEY, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
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Up bright and early, students load the truck with equipment and head out the door by 9 a.m. every day, Monday through Saturday. For the next seven to eight hours, they wade through streams, slog across swamps and canvass woodlands, collecting and cataloging a wide variety of animals, plants and microorganisms. Unlike their contemporaries at other universities who examine textbook pictures or preserved glass-jar specimens, ONU students observe and handle live organisms in their natural environments. This type of multisensory learning helps students process information and make connections, says Riley.
“Being in the field provides context,” she explains. “You don’t just identify an insect, you notice what type of tree it’s on, and where that tree is located. You notice all these clues about its habitat and behavior that give you a really good perspective. I’m always amazed to see how much my students learn and retain in the field compared to a traditional classroom.” Sometimes fieldwork even leads to surprising discoveries. In 2011, ONU students on field semester identified a new species of red algae. After researchers confirmed the discovery, the students had the opportunity to name the species.
T O TA L I M M E R S I O N
organisms and analyzing data before retiring around 11 p.m. “It’s grueling but invigorating. The students feel pretty tired by the end of each week,” says Oswald. “We cover a lot of material in a concentrated time.” In addition to the Metzger Center, students spend two weeks in Florida experiencing a coastal and marine ecosystem. Florida’s biodiversity is vast compared to Ohio’s. For example, Ohio has around 185 different fish species, while Florida, with both freshwater and saltwater fish, has significantly more. On pontoon boat excursions, students encounter fish they’ve only read about or seen in an aquarium, including pufferfish, snapper, walking batfish, cuttlefish, sea stars and even small sharks. “The students may have vacationed in Florida in the past, but they’ve never had an experience like this,” says Katherine Krynak, assistant professor of biology. “They are blown away by the biodiversity of this ecosystem, and they learn how to adapt in an unfamiliar environment.”
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Field semester also equips students with the practical skills needed to become proficient field biologists. They learn how to operate and fix equipment, how to properly collect and catalog samples, how to withstand all kinds of weather and conditions, how to get along with different personalities on the team, and how to overcome the inevitable setbacks. “The unexpected always happens; that’s just the nature of fieldwork,” says Verb. “Equipment breaks, the state closes down a highway, or a member of the public stops to ask what you’re doing in the stream.” “Every day brought new adventures,” recalls Wade Boys, BS ’15, a graduate student at the University of Missouri studying fisheries and wildlife. “Fieldwork rarely goes as planned, and learning how to problem-shoot on the fly really helped me when I became a graduate student.” Around 5 p.m., students return from the field. After eating dinner, they spend several hours in the basement lab identifying
The rigorous schedule – living, working and studying together 24/7 for weeks on end – forges a powerful bond between classmates and professors, says Verb. Because field semester typically consists of a small group of between seven and 12 students, each student gets one-on-one guidance from professors. “The sense of community was one of the best things about field semester,” says Estell. “No part of field semester was an individual experience; it was always a team effort. I enjoyed having that core group of close friends while I was away from campus and home.”
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While in Florida, students also learn from and network with professors from the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory. They embark on field trips, such as going to Bald Pointe State Park for a night hike to observe nocturnal animals, and to Wakulla Springs to work with park staff to teach children from area schools about wildlife and the scientific method. Additionally, students discuss career opportunities in coastal and marine science with rangers, park biologists, land managers and interpretive staff, learning about their varied career journeys.
The rigorous schedule – living, working and studying together 24/7 for weeks on end – forges a powerful bond between classmates and professors, says Verb.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER After completing the last course module, students return to campus exhausted but exhilarated. They’ve accumulated an impressive amount of data, and they are now tasked with analyzing and applying that data to answer one of several research questions.
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Jay Mager, associate professor of biological sciences, teaches the Environmental Research Methods portion of field semester. Guided by the faculty members overseeing each research project, he spends four arduous weeks with the students helping them to produce a
OUTCOMES Field semester is a huge undertaking, and that’s probably why ONU is unique in offering this type of immersion learning. The biology professors who teach each module put forth herculean effort in planning, coordinating and teaching. But the outcomes make it worthwhile, says Verb. ONU students who participate in field semester stand apart from their peers at other institutions. Their practical field skills, subject knowledge and research experiences are unparalleled.
research paper, poster and presentation that adds to the body of scientific knowledge. According to Mager, the students often feel overwhelmed trying to sift through the mounds of data and narrow it down to key findings. In addition, they struggle with how to communicate their findings in an understandable and meaningful way. He expertly guides them down the path toward becoming competent researchers and communicators. “If students don’t have the ability to communicate effectively, then
it’s all for naught, and we’ve done them a big disservice,” says Mager. “Our goal is to produce a better scientist, one who can spur dialogue and interaction, one who can communicate their findings with the world.” Mager enjoys watching students experience an “epiphany” during the compilation process – a moment when they realize how the scientific process works and how their research can have an impact. “They become very confident in their abilities after that,” he says. “The world is their oyster.”
T O TA L I M M E R S I O N
“My boss has told me many times that field semester prepared me perfectly for the environmental consulting I do with Hull & Associates,” says Molnar. “I truly believe I would not have the job I have today if it wasn’t for field semester.” “Field semester helped me realize what career path I wanted to pursue, and it gave me the necessary skills to reach my goals,” says Boys. “I often find myself wishing I could do it all over again! It was my favorite time in undergrad, and I’ll be forever thankful for the opportunity.” ◆
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In the six years since ONU implemented field semester, ONU environmental and field biology students have had their undergraduate research papers published in academic journals. They’ve obtained competitive REUs (research experiences for
undergraduates) at large research institutions doing grant-funded research. They’ve been accepted into highly ranked graduate programs. And they’ve landed full-time positions doing what they love.
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RENOVATION
REVIVAL FRESH ON THE SCENE A college campus is a scene of constant change – new classes, new majors, new teachers, new students. Buildings and facilities come and go, too, but it’s hard to remember a period of physical growth like we’ve seen at ONU during the past 12 months.
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The WOW Café American Grill and Wingery, located in the former White Bear Inn space in McIntosh Center, provides students with a casual eatery where they can take a break from their studies. It serves the type of fare college students crave in a relaxed setting with largesized TV screens. The former location of McIntosh Center’s bowling alley has been revamped to become the Bear Cave, a general multi-purpose entertainment space complete with a permanent stage, lighting and sound system.
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The Oscar J. and Judith D. Mifsud Collaborative Learning Center has completely transformed the first floor of Heterick Memorial Library. It’s a true step into the future of how libraries will support collaborative learning in the 21st century.
What used to be the faculty and staff dining area has become Klondike’s. This 1,800-square-foot campus hotspot has seating for 45 and room for plenty more to congregate or play a few games of pool.
N E W FAC I L I T I E S
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PILLAR OF LEADERSHIP ONU ALUMNA DR. RICHANNE MANKEY NAMED PRESIDENT OF DEFIANCE COLLEGE As an administrator at her alma mater through the mid-1990s, Richanne (Cunningham) Mankey, BA ’82, was promoted by then-president Dr. Debow Freed to his cabinet, and in that moment, became the youngest vice president in Ohio Northern University’s history. Last year, she made history again, becoming Defiance College’s first female president. Despite these “firsts,” Mankey will tell you she is not a trailblazer. She is just someone who is compelled to do her very best, all of the time. Consider any historical significance associated with her achievements to be a byproduct of her drive to serve others to the best of her abilities.
“I have a passion to make the place I’m serving the best that it can be. Leadership means setting the tone and paving the way for excellence,” she says. “I’ve never looked at my career in terms of ‘firsts.’ Actually, most recently I’ve drawn inspiration from an African proverb: If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. I never set out to go it alone.” Mankey’s career as a leader in independent higher education began at ONU in 1983 when she served as student activities director and director of McIntosh Center. After a year as assistant to the law dean for administrative services, she was away from ONU for three years in business at the A.E. Roby company. In 1991, she returned to ONU to serve as the director of residence life. She quickly proved herself to be not only a capable administrator, but also a rising talent among the administration. After only one year of service as residence life director, the responsibilities and title of assistant dean of students
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If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together
Ohio Northern University President Dan DiBiasio congratulates Defiance College president Richanne Mankey.
were added to her position. In 1996, she was promoted again, this time to vice president of student affairs and dean of students. In 2003, the Tiffin, Ohio, native left northwest Ohio for upstate New York to serve as vice president for student affairs and dean of students for Daemen College. At Daemen, her determination and drive led to significant institutional accomplishments.
She will be the first to remind you that such accomplishments are not achieved alone. “I was able to build a good team that worked well together and built the collaborative cross-campus relationships and systems necessary for an effective advancement office. Because of a good staff, good contacts and a president who was committed to fundraising, we enjoyed success,” she says.
Mankey’s career in higher education was born from relationship building. Of all the divisions within the administration of a college or university, student affairs is the one that is closest to the student population. Many of the issues that a college president will ultimately face can be traced back to an origin at the student level. “At ONU, I learned about student-centeredness. I learned how to support learning and development without coddling. I learned how important compassion can be in a difficult situation. I learned that having broad-based experience that includes all constituents of a complex organization – faculty, staff, students, alumni, community members and trustees – is helpful.” she says. “It is interesting that my vocation evolved from my avocation while a student at ONU. Who knew that becoming a resident assistant during my sophomore year would lead to a career in higher education administration?” To Know. To Understand. To Lead. To Serve. These are the four pillars that Defiance College is built upon. They also are the core values of its new president.
Mankey’s experience as an executive in both student affairs and advancement divisions has shown her how important relationships are to success. As president of Defiance College, she is seeking to build the relationships on campus, in the community, and state and nationwide that will advance the college. “It starts with people,” she says.
ONU ALUM DEFIANCE COLLEGE PRESIDENT
Richanne and her grandson, Dylan DeMuch, enjoy a moment together at her inauguration luncheon.
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Mankey chaired the college’s facilities master plan committee and led the extensive application process for the college to become a full member of NCAA Division II athletics. She was an active participant in the development of a doctoral program in health care professions. In her most recent role, vice president for institutional advancement, she led the college to two of its highest giving years, initiated and implemented a charitable gift annuity program, increased annual fund giving, raised funds to complete campus beautification initiatives, and secured more than $2.2 million in grant funding.
— African proverb
HOMECOMING 2016 Ohio Northern University hosted its annual Homecoming Weekend for alumni to return to campus from Oct. 21-23. This year’s theme, “Polar Bear State of Mind,” encouraged both students and alumni to capture the spirit of ONU. “We are always so pleased to see so many alumni and their families return for Homecoming. We hope it helps them remember what ONU means to them,” said Annmarie Baumgartner, director of alumni relations.
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Highlights from the weekend included the Homecoming parade in downtown Ada, a tailgate lunch in the King Horn Field House, reunion receptions, an activities tent outside of King Horn, and a thrilling Homecoming football game against Muskingum University at Dial-Roberson Stadium that saw the Polar Bears vanquish the Fighting Muskies 44-3. William L. Robinson Young Alumni Award recipients Tonya Hunter, BS ’02, JD ’05, and Chester Kaczor, PharmD ’06, were honored prior to the football game. Hunter and Kaczor received this award for their passion and loyalty toward their profession, community and alma mater. During halftime of the football game, Katie Seeco, a third-year pharmacy student from Boardman, Ohio, and Christian Theriault, a fourth-year pharmacy student from Cincinnati, Ohio, were named Homecoming queen and king.
Christian Theriault, right, and Katie Seeco, center, were crowned Homecoming king and queen.
President Dan DiBiasio, left, and Bill Robinson, right, present the William L. Robinson Young Alumni Award to 2002 and 2005 graduate Tonya Hunter and 2006 graduate Chet Kaczor.
Muskingum University assistant football coach Cody Cruzen, a 2011 Ohio Northern University graduate, is reunited with teammates.
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UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS: MARCH 4, 2017 MARCH 5, 2017 MARCH 9, 2017 MARCH 11, 2017 MARCH 17-19, 2017 MARCH 22, 2017 MARCH 25, 2017 APRIL 1, 2017 APRIL 23, 2017 APRIL 28, 2017 MAY 6, 2017 JUNE 2-4, 2017 JUNE 9-11, 2017
Venice Regional Alumni Luncheon Winter Park Alumni and Friends Reception Pittsburgh Club: Social Hour Atlanta Regional Alumni Luncheon Theatre Alumni Mentoring Project Columbus Club: Blue Jackets Game Chicago Club: Social Hour with the James F. Dicke College of Business Administration Carolina Club: Service Event (Bright Blessings) Cleveland Alumni and Friends Reception Columbus Alumni and Friends Reception Chicago Club: Food Tour Alumni Weekend 2017 BSU and BLSA Reunion Weekend
JUNE 24, 2017 SEPT. 22-24, 2017
ONU Cedar Point Day Homecoming 2017
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Robert McKinley of Southport, N.C., looks over yearbooks at The Inn with Lawrence Barrett of Solon, Ohio.
Sigma Phi Epsilon members hosted a reunion.
Marching band senior Paul Kreh walks with 5-year-old family friend Kaleb Runser of Wapakoneta, Ohio.
Jeff Gillson, a 1992 graduate, was given the Alumni Service Award from the Ohio Northern University Dicke College of Business Administration.
Third-year pharmacy student Shannon Leik runs in an inflatable ball on the Tundra at Homecoming.
HOMECOMING 2016 RECAP
CLASS NOTES 1964 Robert L. Gronlund, BA, Hon. D. ’09, CEO of Wood-Mode Corporation, was honored with the Adam Smith Distinguished Leadership Award by EconomicsPennsylvania on Oct. 27. Gronlund was chosen for his dynamic leadership on the boards of charitable and civic organizations in the Susquehanna Valley community.
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Elfreda Rusher, BSEd ’38
1938 Dr. Elfreda Rusher, BSEd, celebrated her 100th birthday on June 10, 2016. 1939 William Pigozzi, BSEd, celebrated his 100th birthday on Sept. 18, 2016. 1956/1957 Nancy (Finnical) Beckert, BSPh ’56, and her husband, F. Richard, BSPh ’57, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Sept. 2, 2016. They reside in Cadiz, Ohio. 1962 Dr. Clair Myers, BA, was named executive director emeritus of the Wayne Theatre Ross Performing Arts Center in Waynesboro, Va., after retiring in July 2016.
1967 William Gardiner, BA, retired from the U.S. Department of Defense in July 2016. He and his wife, Joan (Pais), BA ’70, reside in Indianapolis, Ind. 1971 Bill Blake, BSBA, participated in the 2016 Dayton Concours d’Elegance at Carillon Historical Park in September. He resides in Lewis Center, Ohio, with his wife, Kathy.
Bill Weldon, BSEE, participated in the 2016 Dayton Concours d’Elegance at Carillon Historical Park in September. Weldon is retired and a docent at the Air Force Museum of the United States in Dayton, Ohio. He and his wife, Susan, BA ’70, reside in Enon, Ohio. 1973 Kathy (Langkamp) Bentley, BSPh, retired from Kroger Food & Pharmacy. She and her husband, Steven, BSCE ’75, reside in Marion, Ohio. Rodger Hill, BSEE, retired from Delphi Energy and Chassis Systems as a senior manufacturing engineer. He and his wife, Kaye, reside in Fairborn, Ohio.
1972 Diane (Smith) Deeter, BSEd, retired as executive assistant from Booz, Allen, and Hamilton Inc. She and her husband, Richard, BA ’71, reside in Bristow, Va.
Bill Blake, BSBA '71
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Bill Pigozzi, BSEd '39
Joseph Stadtmiller, BSEE, published The Nature of Man, Life and Humanity on Oct. 16, 2016. The book is Stadtmiller’s fourth, joining the novel American Bases and two engineering textbooks.
1974 Helen (Harris) Abrams, BA, retired from Dayton Public Schools in July 2016. She and her husband, William, reside in Centerville, Ohio. 1975 Richard Slone, BSEE, was promoted to engineer-consulting at South Carolina Electric and Gas in September 2016. Richard resides in Irmo, S.C.
Steven Culver, BA '78
Chris Saul, BSBA '80
1982 Theresa (Core) Dunnavant, BM, was named the director of class giving at Kenyon College in July 2016. The Dunnavant family resides in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
1977 Laurel (Chessin) Gillespie, JD, retired from Federal Service in February 2016. Laurel resides in Granby, Colo.
1980 Chris Saul, BSBA, was promoted to associate vice president at Ameriprise Financial and obtained his AMPA designation from the College of Financial Planning.
Josef Skemp, BA, welcomed a baby girl, Lucy Stella, born Sept. 5, 2016. The family resides in Canton, Ohio.
1978 Dr. Steven Culver, BA, was named associate provost for institutional effectiveness at Virginia Tech University. He resides in Blacksburg, Va.
1981 Donald Weeden, JD, retired in 2015 as senior felony attorney. He currently resides in Madison, Wis.
Laurel (Chessin) Gillespie, JD '77
Jeffrey Seward, BA '74, JD '87
1984 Ned Hark, JD, a partner at Goldsmith, Hark & Hornal, P.C. in Philadelphia, recently was a co-course planner and presenter for the 10th annual Family Law Institute presented by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. He was also a presenter for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute at its program, “The Intervention of Life and Estate Planning” in August 2016. 1985 Jeffrey Borowy, BSCE, was promoted to chief operating officer in the Charleston County School District, South Carolina’s second-largest school system. He and his wife, Deborah, reside in Mount Pleasant, S.C.
C L AS S N OT E S
Joe Skemp, BA '82
1987 Jeffrey Seward, BA ’74, JD, is the general counsel and chief compliance officer for a corporation that acts as a third-party administrator and handles special needs trusts for individuals nationwide. The Seward family resides in Apopka, Fla. 1990 Paul Carbetta, BSBA, was nominated to a part of the Barron’s Top-100 Independent Financial Advisors in August 2016. 1997 David Mitchell, BSBA, became the general manager of the Performing Arts Center at Kent State Tuscarawas in December 2016. He and his wife, Shannon (Odenweller), BFA, BM ’00, reside in Dover, Ohio, with their children.
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1979 Laszlo Bujdoso, BSBA, retired from Keystone Automotive, where he worked as director of category management. He and his wife, Lauren, BA, reside in Weaverville, N.C.
1976 Margaret (Weiss) Norman, BSPh, retired after a 40-year career as a pharmacist in September 2016. She and her husband, James, reside in Groveland, Fla.
Morgan (Baughman) Young, BA ’07 Jennifer (Roebuck) Bulanda, BA '01 Elizabeth (Gill) Buehner, BS '03
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Brent Pace, BSCE '98
James Leemhuis, BSME '05
1998 Brent Pace, BSCE, and his wife, Christine, were married July 1, 2016, at a surprise wedding in Las Vegas with 20 of their friends who thought they were coming for a combined stag and hen party. The couple currently resides in Charleston, S.C. 2001 Dr. Jennifer (Roebuck) Bulanda, BA, and her husband, Ron, welcomed a daughter, Abigail Claire, born Feb. 14, 2016. Abigail joins siblings Katelyn, 8, and Matthew, 4. The Bulanda family resides in Oxford, Ohio. Megan (Clausing) Spengler, BA, and her husband, Toby, welcomed a baby boy, Thaddeus, born Sept. 5, 2015. Thaddeus joins sister Adeline, 3. The Spengler family resides in Wauseon, Ohio.
Ashley (Baader) Davis, BSBA '08
2003 Elizabeth (Gill) Buehner, BS, and her husband, Kevin, were married Aug. 8, 2016. The couple resides in North Olmsted, Ohio.
Stephanie (Spirer) Crandall, BA, and her husband, Joel, welcomed a son, Carter, born Aug. 2, 2016. Carter joins brother Dakota, 2. The family resides in Fort Wayne, Ind. 2004 Sheryl Kuzmick McGaha, PharmD, and her husband, Christopher, welcomed a son, Lucas, born May 9, 2016. Lucas joins brother Logan, 3. The family resides in Simpsonville, S.C. Jessica (Linnert) Robertson, BA, and her husband, Anthony, were married April 9, 2016. Jessica is currently principal of Mary Queen of Peace School in Cleveland, Ohio, where the family also resides. 2005 Julianne (Nadolski) Gore, BFA, retired from Ohio Northern University in September 2016. She resides in Alger, Ohio. James Leemhuis, BSME, and his wife, Michelle, welcomed a baby girl, Sydney Marie, born Jan. 15, 2016. The family resides in Lexington, Ky.
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2006 Cara (Milligan) Lassus, BS, and her husband, Marco, were married Jan. 2, 2016. Cara is a product ambassador for The Kroger Company in Cincinnati, Ohio. Heather Westendorf, PharmD, started a new career in September 2016 as a medical science liaison specializing in nuclear medicine and oncology for Advanced Accelerator Applications USA Inc. after spending 10 years practicing as a nuclear pharmacist and nuclear pharmacy manager. Heather resides in Olmsted Falls, Ohio. 2007 James Libert, PharmD, and his wife, Melissa, welcomed a son, Jack, born June 10, 2016. Jack joins brother James, 1. The family resides in Canfield, Ohio. Jennifer (Samide) Roffey, BA, and her husband, Nicholas, PharmD ’09, welcomed a son, Zachary, born Aug. 16, 2016. Zachary joins brother Cameron, 3. The family resides in Cleveland, Ohio.
Stephanie (Hiser), BA '10, and Alan Bowsher, BS '10
Morgan (Baughman) Young, BA, and her husband, Robert, welcomed a son, Corbin, born April 25, 2016. The family resides in Goodlettsville, Tenn.
Timothy Heimann, PharmD, is chief pharmacy service at Louis Stokes VA Medical Center as of January 2016. He and his wife, Kathryn (Jagiela), PharmD ’09, reside in North Royalton, Ohio, with their children.
Bob Dippel, PharmD '10
Paul Lewis, BSCE, is vice president of policy and finance at the Eno Center for Transportation. Paul was named one of the Top 40 Under 40 by Mass Transit Magazine on Sept. 6, 2016.
Robert Onder, PharmD, and his wife, Erin (O’Toole), PharmD, welcomed a daughter, Ella, born July 8, 2016. The family resides in Macedonia, Ohio.
Rachel (Rufenacht) Moores, BA, and her husband, Andrew, were married June 11, 2016. Rachel teaches 10th- and 11thgrade English at Standley Lake High School. The couple resides in Westminster, Colo.
Nicholas Roffey, PharmD, and his wife, Jennifer (Samide), BA ’07, welcomed a baby boy, Zachary, born Aug. 16, 2016. Zachary joins brother Cameron, 3. The family resides in Cleveland, Ohio.
2010 Stephanie (Hiser) Bowsher, BA, and her husband, Alan, BS, welcomed a son, Lucas Walter, born Aug. 2, 2016. Bob Dippel, PharmD, and his wife, Abby, welcomed identical twin boys, John Patrick and Victor Robert, born June 16, 2016. Bob is a CVS pharmacist in Hudson, Ohio. The family resides in Aurora, Ohio.
Megan (May) James, BA ’08, and her husband, Mike, welcomed a son, Lucas, born March 14, 2016. The James family resides in Fostoria, Ohio. 2009 Arielle (Hord) Berletich, BSBA, and her husband, Joshua, welcomed a baby girl, Adalynn Michelle, born May 27, 2016. Arielle (Hord) Berletich, BSBA '09
Robert, PharmD '09, and Erin (O'Toole) Onder, PharmD '09
C L AS S N OT E S
Rachel (Rufenacht) Moores, BA '09
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2008 Ashley (Baader) Davis, BSBA, and her husband, Adam, welcomed a daughter, Addison, born Sept. 27, 2016. The family resides in Ashburn, Va.
Megan (May) James, BA '08
Amanda (Fought), BA '10, and Kyle Simmons, BSME '11
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Amanda (Fought) Simmons, BA, and her husband, Kyle, BSME ’11, were married July 19, 2015. The couple resides in New Boston, Mich. 2011 Aaron Baker, BS, received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Michigan State University and is currently a visiting assistant professor at the College of Wooster. He and his wife, Jessica (Stemen), PharmD ’14, reside in Wooster, Ohio. Bethany Schreck, BFA, received the Outstanding Performer Award from the University of Pittsburgh’s Division of Student Affairs in September 2016.
Natalie (Clark) Yanos, PharmD '11
Cara (Schroeder), BS '12 and Nick Wolters, PharmD '14
2012 Andrew Korba, BS, and his wife, Allison (Talbert), BSN ’14, were married June 11, 2016. The couple resides in Cleveland, Ohio.
Cara (Schroeder) Wolters, BS, married, Nick Wolters, PharmD ’14, on Sept. 20, 2014. in Sidney, Ohio. Nick is working at Grandview Medical Center in Dayton as a clinical pharmacist, and Cara is working to complete her three-year family medicine residency through Wright State University.
Kristina (Ritz) McCandless, BSN, and her husband, Curtis, were married May 21, 2016. The couple resides in Findlay, Ohio. Kimberly McGowan, BA, head coach of the Olivet College women’s soccer team, was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s 30 Under 30 program.
Ariel (Heskett) Jongepier, BA, and her husband, Ian, welcomed a son, Emmerick, born Sept. 22, 2015. The Jongepier family resides in Lancaster, Ohio. Matthew McKean, BSBA, is a service manager for Gensuite in Mason, Ohio. Matthew resides in Morrow, Ohio.
2013 Emily (Trimble) Brown, PharmD, and her husband, Aaron, were married Sept. 19, 2015. The couple resides in Mount Carmel, Ill.
Angela (Grebetz) Parsons, BSN, and her husband, Zachary, welcomed a son, Trevor, born July 30, 2016. The Parsons family resides in Lima, Ohio.
Ariel (Heskett) Jongepier, BA ’13
Emily (Trimble) Brown, PharmD ’13
Kyle Simmons, BSME, and his wife, Amanda (Fought), BA ’10, were married July 19, 2015. The couple resides in New Boston, Mich. Natalie (Clark) Yanos, PharmD, and her husband, Bryan, welcomed a son, Evan Wesley, born Dec. 3, 2015. The Yanos family resides in New Castle, Ind.
Angela (Parsons) Grebetz, BSN ’13
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2015 Kathlyn (Johnson) Fenimore, BA, and her husband, Alex, were married Nov. 17, 2015. Kathlyn is the assistant director of law admissions and enrollment communications at Ohio Northern University. The couple resides in Bluffton, Ohio.
Rhianna Witt, BSBA ’14
Shelby (Ehemann) Gibbs, BSBA ’15
2014 Lauren (Stahl) Deitering, BA, and her husband, Tyler, BA, were married May 29, 2016. Lauren is a communications specialist for Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, and Tyler works as an assistant manager for Enterprise. They reside in Louisville, Ky.
Michael James, BSBA, and his wife, Elizabeth, were married Sept. 4, 2016. The couple resides in Troy, Ohio.
Rhianna Witt, BSBA, welcomed a baby girl, Arietta, born Jan. 26, 2016. The family resides in New Carlisle, Ohio.
Shelby (Ehemann) Gibbs, BSBA, and her husband, Jason, were married June 11, 2016. The couple resides in Jackson Center, Ohio.
Erica (Townley) Sturm, PharmD, and her husband, Zach, were married July 3, 2016. The couple resides in Grove City, Ohio.
Nicholas Holtom, BSEE, and his wife, Jenna (Bittner), PharmD, were married Jan. 16, 2016. The couple resides in Chandler, Ariz.
Nick Wolters, PharmD, married, Cara (Schroeder), BS ’12, on Sept. 20, 2014, in Sidney, Ohio. Nick is working at Grandview Medical Center in Dayton as a clinical pharmacist, and Cara is working to complete her three-year family medicine residency through Wright State University.
Kaylee (England) Jeffrey, BA, and her husband, Zach, were married May 30, 2015.
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Maria (Fricano) DiPietro, BM, and her husband, Anthony, JD, were married May 28, 2016. The couple resides in Lima, Ohio.
Brittane (McCann) Rose, BSBA, and her husband, Luke, were married May 21, 2016. The couple resides in Shipshewana, Ind.
2016 Jenna (Van Sickle) Nungester, BA, and her husband, Bradley, BA ’14, were married March 19, 2016. The couple resides in Harrod, Ohio.
Lauren (Stahl) and Tyler Deitering, BA ’14
Maria (Fricano), BM ’14, and Anthony DiPierto, JD ’14
Kaylee (England) Jeffrey, BA ’14
Brittane (McCann) Rose, BSBA ’14
Allison (Talbert) Korba, BSN, and her husband, Andrew, BS ’12, were married June 11, 2016. The couple resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Bradley Nungester, BA, and his wife, Jenna (Van Sickle), BA ’16, were married March 19, 2016. The couple resides in Harrod, Ohio. Andrew, BS '12, and Allison (Talbert) Korba, BS '14
C L AS S N OT E S
REMEMBERING THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE 1940 Charles F. Hanline, BSCE, Plymouth, Ohio, June 30, 2016. 1943 Kenneth R. Robinson, BA, Lexington, Ky., Sept. 26, 2016. 1949 Rev. Chester V. Chambers, BA, Toledo, Ohio, Oct. 4, 2016.
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Charles A. Fisher, BSEE, Freeport, Ohio, Jan. 15, 2015. Don M. Moore, BSCE, Evansville, Ind., Aug. 15, 2016. 1951 Ruth (Campbell) Kreitler, BSEd, Sun City, Ariz., March 20, 2016.
Anna Pearle (Zerbe) Dahling, BSPh, Highland Beach, Fla., June 3, 2016. 1954 Angelo John Minardi, BSPh, Irvine, Calif., Feb. 2, 2016. Ronald E. Palmer, BSPh, Dayton, Ohio, Aug. 13, 2016. 1956 Lester J. LeFever, BSPh, Smithville, Ohio, Sept. 7, 2016. Carl L. Price, BSPh, Zanesville, Ohio, Sept. 23, 2016. 1957 Charles R. Brading, BSPh, Wapakoneta, Ohio, Sept. 30, 2016. Clarence Earl Butcher, BSPh, San Antonio, Texas, Aug. 3, 2016.
Austin N. Musgrave, BSME, Toledo, Ohio, July 3, 2016.
1958
Howard B. Roush, BSEE, Cheboygan, Mich., July 28, 2016.
Dale E. Ault, BSPh, Camp Hill, Pa., June 20, 2016.
Richard Cory, LLB, Bucyrus, Ohio, Nov. 17, 2016.
Paul H. Cramer, BSEd, Kenton, Ohio, June 26, 2016.
1952
Lois R. (Lacy) Motter, BSEd, Anna, Ohio, July 27, 2016.
Donald L. Marks, LLB, Tallmadge, Ohio, April 2, 2015. 1953 Neil L. Allen, BSEd, ACIT ’98, Lakeside Marblehead, Ohio, Aug. 15, 2016.
Gene L. Shuttleworth passed away on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, at St. Rita’s Hospice in Lima, Ohio. Gene was the director of the Physical Plant/Maintenance at Ohio Northern University and retired in 1993 after 20 years of service to the University. He joined the ONU staff in 1973 and worked for Campus Security. After three years, Gene was promoted to custodial supervisor and became building and service supervisor in 1978. In 1989, he was promoted to director of the Physical Plant. Gene was a U.S. Navy veteran and served in Vietnam. During his time, he served on the U.S.S. Albany CA123, U.S.S. Brooke, U.S.S. Kiowa and U.S.S. Macon as a Navy deep-sea diver. Gene was involved in several organizations locally, including the V.F.W. and the Eagles Club.
Stephen M. Vidman, BSPh, Canfield, Ohio, Sept. 13, 2016.
John F. Kramer, BSPh, Bristolville, Ohio, June 20, 2016. 1963 G. Edward Wharff, BSCE, Yalaha, Fla., June 12, 2016. 1964 Thomas Michael Arnold, BSEd, Troy, Ohio, Sept. 28, 2016. 1966 Joseph R. Nocera, BSEE, Upper Sandusky, Ohio, July 11, 2016. 1967 David L. Butler, BSPh, Tipp City, Ohio, May 24, 2016. Nancy (Koch) Hansen, BA, Granville, Ohio, Nov. 10, 2014.
1960
Margaret Ann (Marchal) LeVert, BSPh, Dayton, Ohio, Aug. 19, 2016.
Mary M. (Williams) Howard, BSEd, Findlay, Ohio, July 14, 2016.
John C. Thorne, JD, Youngstown, Ohio, Sept. 22, 2016.
ALUMNI JOURNAL WINTER 2017
1968 William Donald Gardner, BA, JD ‘73, New Canaan, Conn., May 13, 2016. Jacqueline K. (Cox) Neat, BA, Taylorsville, Ky., May 1, 2016. 1969 Arthur A. Ames, JD, Dayton, Ohio, Aug. 14, 2016. Robert N. Gluck, JD, Greensburg, Pa., June 10, 2016. Judy (Hogan) Pullin, BA, New London, Ohio, Sept. 25, 2016. Gary Neil Spradlin, BSEd, Lima, Ohio, Aug. 17, 2016. 1970 Cheryl L. (Jones) Boatman, BSEd, Dunnellon, Fla., Sept. 11, 2015. 1971 Emma Ruth Whitney, BSEd, Lima, Ohio, Aug. 6, 2016.
1974
1984
Anthony J. D’Orazio, BSPh, Lorain, Ohio, Aug. 20, 2016.
Robin (Herbert) Scheiner, JD, Trenton, N.J., Sept. 6, 2016.
Cynthia McLaughlin, BSPh, Erie, Pa., June 10, 2016.
1985
Deborah L. Zechar, BA, Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 24, 2016. 1977 Gretchen Dee (Gierhart) Yonek, BA, Westerville, Ohio, Aug. 16, 2016. 1978 Penelope P. (Walker) Harrington, BSPh, Jamesville, N.Y., Aug. 27, 2016. 1980 Roger A. Moddes, JD, Kenosha, Wis., July 23, 2016.
William Jeffery Gordon, BSME, Dublin, Ohio, June 11, 2016.
1986 Michael Alfred Welch, BSCE, Delaware, Ohio, Aug. 25, 2016. 1987 Nancy S. Schramski, JD, Lima, Ohio, June 25, 2016. 1991 Dennis Edward Kelley, JD, Proctorville, Ohio, Sept. 10, 2016. 1994
2005
Steven K. Choy, BSPh, Galloway, Ohio, Sept. 1, 2016.
Zachary David Bushatz, BA, JD ‘08, Dayton, Ohio, July 11, 2016.
1995 Beth Ann Riewaldt, BS, Bowling Green, Ohio, Sept. 13, 2016.
Professor Emeritus Ronald E. Roll, 85, passed away on Friday, Aug. 19, 2016 at the Mennonite Memorial Home in Bluffton, Ohio. Ron retired in 1996 after 32 years as an associate professor of physics at Ohio Northern University. He enjoyed teaching and loved working with his students and colleagues. Ron earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in physics from Ohio State University and completed graduate work in astronomy. Ron was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Alaska from 1950-54 during the Korean War. During his time at ONU, and since retirement, Ron was an active member of the Ada community. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife, Janet, and son James.
Dale R. Feister, Rawson, Ohio, May 17, 2016. Phyllis C. Hall, Ada, Ohio, July 29, 2016.
Casey Douglas Jones, BSCE, Tarpon Springs, Fla., July 13, 2016.
Beverly A. (Jackson) Hawk, Lima, Ohio, July 23, 2016.
2011
Daniel R. Henley, Fostoria, Ohio, May 15, 2015.
Steilyn Gray Martin, JD, Saint Louis, Mo., June 23, 2016.
James Michael Ludwig, Dola, Ohio, April 30, 2015.
FRIENDS
Mary J. (Kelly) Maurer, Emmaus, Pa., July 13, 2015.
Beulah E. (Brunson) Arensman, Cridersville, Ohio, May 4, 2016. Frank W. Bennett, Winchester, Ky., June 10, 2016. Ty Christopher Cook, Kenton, Ohio, Aug. 8, 2016. Doris M. (Clausing) Cotsamire, Ada, Ohio, Sept. 13, 2016. Priscilla J. Ekdahl, West Chester, Pa., March 7, 2015.
IN MEMORIAM
T. Michael Arnold, Pawleys Island, S.C., Sept. 28, 2016. Betty Jane Plummer, Bluffton, Ohio, Jan. 19, 2016. Nick Runser, Lima, Ohio, Aug. 2, 2016 Stuart David Schakett, Columbus, Ohio, Nov. 30, 2015 Christine E. Stahler, Ridgeway, Ohio, June 15, 2016. ◆
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1981
Richard Lee Suffecool, BFA, Las Vegas, Nev., June 7, 2015.
Dale L. Wilhelm passed way on April 8, 2016, at Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, at age 89. A former professor of chemistry and vice president of academic affairs at Ohio Northern University, Dale was granted emeritus status by ONU in 1993. In addition to teaching at ONU, he also held faculty positions at West Virginia University and Cornell College. He held offices in the American Chemical Society, the Society of the Sigma Xi and Phi Lambda Upsilon. Dale was a U.S. military veteran, serving from 1945-46 in the Philippines and occupied Japan following World War II. In 2001, he and his wife Norma, BA ’76, established the Dale and Norma Wilhelm Scholarship Fund at Ohio Northern University. He was also a member of the Lehr Society. Dale had four children. His son, Kyle Wilhelm, BSBA ’83, also is an ONU graduate.
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James F. “Jim” Dicke, Sr., Hon. D. ’00, namesake of Ohio Northern University’s James F. Dicke College of Business Administration, passed away at his home in New Bremen, Ohio, on Friday, Nov. 11. He was 94 years old. The chairman emeritus of Crown Equipment Corporation was born Jan. 30, 1922 in Ilion, N.Y., and raised in Dayton, Ohio. He took classes at Ohio Northern University in the early 1940s before joining the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He considered both ONU and Culver Military Academy, of which he was an honorary graduate, his schools. After the war, Jim returned to Ohio and started Crown Controls Company Inc. in 1945 with his father and other family members. Today, Crown Equipment Corporation has more than 8,500 employees globally and is the world’s largest manufacturer/distributor of small electric forklifts. Ohio Northern honored Jim with an honorary doctorate in 2000. The Dicke House, located on campus, opened in September 2000 and serves as the official home of the University’s president. In August 2001, Jim and his wife, Eilleen, announced a major gift to ONU, earmarked toward the construction of a new facility for the business college. Construction began in fall 2001, and James F. Dicke Hall was formally dedicated on Sept. 13, 2004. After an additional major gift, ONU’s business college was officially renamed The James F. Dicke College of Business Administration on April 2, 2007, recognizing the Dicke family’s past and continuing support of Ohio Northern.
Catherine “Kitty” Freed, Hon. D. ’99, passed away peacefully at her home in Ada on Nov. 25, 2016. She was 90 years old. Catherine was first lady of Ohio Northern University for 20 years, from 1979 to 1999, when her husband, DeBow, served as president. She held a BA and BFA from the University of Texas, an MA from the University of Kansas, and an honorary doctorate from Ohio Northern University. After several years of meaningful military service in the U.S. and abroad, the Freeds chose to go into private church-related higher education in keeping with their commitment to long-time public service. That led to Debow’s deanship of Mount Union College and presidencies of Monmouth College, Ohio Northern University and the University of Findlay, for a total of five years as dean and 32 years as president. Catherine, meanwhile, was a full partner in this higher education service, contributed greatly to the successes of the institutions they served, and was very active in campus and community affairs wherever they lived. She taught at the universities of Kansas and New Mexico. She was a lay pastor in the Methodist and Presbyterian churches, and she was an elder and elected head of the largest Presbytery in the country at the time. The annual ONU Catherine Freed Award to a Senior Woman Student for Leadership and Service is named for her, as is the Catherine Freed Mortar Board chapter and the Freed Contemporary Christian Lecture Series at the University of Findlay. Catherine is prominently included in a room dedicated to the Freeds at West Point and in the book West Point Leadership: Profiles of Courage, which profiles 180 West Point graduates who are characterized as having helped to shape our world.
ALUMNI JOURNAL WINTER 2017
CORE SUPPORT Ohio Northern University’s highest fundraising priorities are student scholarships and financial aid. On average, 90 percent of ONU students receive some sort of financial support to offset the cost of attending college. If you are considering making a gift to Ohio Northern, consider supporting students through an endowed scholarship or a contribution to the Northern Now Scholarship Fund.
FOUNDER’S DAY
Save-the-date
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APRIL 12, 2017
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Last year you rose to the challenge to celebrate Ohio Northern’s founding. This year we hope you will do so again. Mark your calendars for the ONU Founder’s Day Challenge.
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HELP NOW — When you make a gift to the Northern Now Scholarship Fund, you immediately help make an ONU education possible for deserving students. LEAVE A LEGACY — When you establish an endowed scholarship, you ensure that your commitment to Ohio Northern helps students for years to come.
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