From the President Olivet College is in the middle of another great academic year. Enrollment has once again reached more than 1,000 students, and improvements are being made in all facets of campus life. The college has several state-of-the-art Smart classrooms that link to the Internet. In addition, the Natural and Physical Science Department is finishing major improvements and upgrades which will bring our science majors in line with those at other colleges and major universities in Michigan. The music program has also been making some much-needed improvements after receiving support from the Upton Foundation. We are excited about all of the positive activity in the areas of choir and instrumental music. Our Global Citizens Honors Program received a $100,000 grant from the McGregor Fund. This program will give students a chance to study world issues in an interdisciplinary way, further enhancing the college’s vision of Education for Individual and Social Don Tuski ’85, Ph.D. Responsibility. These academic improvements were made possible by the many supporters of our “Heritage Campaign: Responsible Liberal Arts.” Though we are appreciative of all gifts to the college, no matter the size, I especially want to thank J. Robert Gillette ’63 for spearheading many of these improvements through the Gillette Challenge. The new turf, lights, stands and press box at the Cutler Athletic Complex are also exciting additions on campus. I would like to give a special thank you to Dave Cutler ’65 for all his support in making this happen, and for his $2.5 million pledge toward a field house at the Cutler Athletic Complex.
Campus enhancements also include a cyber café in the library, which was made possible by Virginia Reeder ’49 in memory of her late husband, Milford Reeder ’41. Those who came back to campus for Homecoming this fall may have had an opportunity to see firsthand all these campus improvements. While the weather was not great for this big event, the alumni support was. I would like to thank all our alumni and friends who were able to make it “home” for the weekend. In addition to the academic and aesthetic improvements on campus, the college’s Lecture and Symposium Series was restructured this academic year. The campus community had the opportunity to listen to two excellent speakers this fall. During Homecoming week, Herman Boone (the coach portrayed in the movie Remember the Titans) spoke about the importance of teamwork and being responsible. It was our largest Lecture and Symposium ever, with more than 700 in attendance. Earlier in the semester, Al Swain ’78, shared his message about overcoming challenges and being accepting to others. He was very well-received and it was one of our most informative and entertaining symposiums to date. Please consider supporting our students through the Olivet College Annual Scholarship Fund. Last year, we distributed more than $6 million in internal financial assistance to our students. Many of you received some type of support while attending Olivet, so I hope you will return the favor for future Olivetians. Thank you,
Don Tuski ’85, Ph.D. President
Board of Trustees/Campus Administration Officers David T. Hayhow, Chair, Okemos George F. Francis III, Vice Chair, Southfield Carol Eichert Franck, Vice Chair, Orleans, Mass. David E. Hathaway, J.D., Secretary, Ada Kennard A. Kinzler, Treasurer, Bloomfield Hills Members G. Asenath Andrews ’72, Detroit Christine Arvidson ’78, Traverse City Richard A. Beyer ’80, Reston, Va. Charles A. Blackman ’46, Ph.D., Madison, Ind. The Hon. Judge William F. Bledsoe ’52, LL.B., Detroit Thomas Burke ’82, Carmel, Ind. Priscilla Upton Byrns, St. Joseph Dennis Daugherty ’70, Mattawan Elizabeth G. Dole, Grand Rapids Henry H. Doss, Traverse City Robert Ewigleben, Albion Jamey T. Fitzpatrick ’86, Grand Ledge William N. Healy ’79, Brighton Timothy Hodge ’83, D.O., DeWitt Thomas Hoisington, Lansing The Hon. Judge Denise Page Hood, Detroit The Rev. Mark P. Jensen, D.D., ’89, Farmington Hills Thomas E. Kolassa ’69, Battle Creek
Robert M. Lawrence ’57, Grosse Ile Dean Lewis ’55, Kalamazoo William Middlebrooks, West Bloomfield Martin L. Mitchell ’73, Ed.D., Coldwater George Pyne III ’65, Milford, Mass. Nancy Barto Rohde ’65, Petoskey The Hon. John J.H. Schwarz, M.D., Battle Creek Samuel H. Thomas, Ann Arbor Administrative Responsibility Team Donald L. Tuski ’85, Ph.D., President Barbara A. Spencer, Executive Assistant to the President Larry D. Colvin, Vice President for Administration Norma L. Curtis, Vice President and Dean for Academic Affairs Lynn Ward Gray, Executive Director for Diversity and Service Learning Alan L. Nagy ’68, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dave Price ’68, Director of Athletics Jerry T. Rashid, Assistant Vice President for College Relations Thomas N. Shaw ’88, Vice President for Enrollment Management T. Christopher Snow, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Features
Shipherd’s Record is published twice annually for alumni and friends of Olivet College.
Shipherd’s Record Staff
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Let the Music Play
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It’s never too late to come home again Thirty-nine years after graduating from Olivet, Carol (Chapman) Sigler ’65 is back where she started.
Jerry Rashid Assistant Vice President for College Relations Shannon Tiernan Coordinator of College Relations and Special Events Jackie Bounds College Relations Specialist Bruce Snyder Director of Publications and Web Services
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Geoff Henson Sports Information Director Contributors Marty Mason Jennings ’67 Molly Reed, senior Linda Jo Scott
Olivet College Mission Statement The mission of Olivet College is to make available to a diverse campus community, an education which will enrich lives intellectually, morally and spiritually. Having gained these qualities through the educational experiences at Olivet, our hope is that our graduates will embody the Divine art and science of doing good to others as stated by the founding fathers of Olivet College in 1844.
Eliminating racism through the power of books Idali Feliciano ’73 is a change-agent who promotes diversity to children through the written word.
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Send comments or suggestions to: Office of College Relations Olivet College Olivet, MI 49076 (269) 749-7657 jrashid@olivetcollege.edu Send change of address notices to: Development Office Olivet College Olivet, MI 49076 (269) 749-7625 pfrayer@olivetcollege.edu
Under the leadership of Tim Flynn, Ph.D., and Jeananne Nichols, Olivet’s music program is once again producing sweet sounds.
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End of an Era Twenty-one years after responding to a want ad, Ron Thatcher ’65 retires from Olivet.
Educator Extraordinaire Janet (Matheson) LaVasseur ’83 has transformed herself from a school librarian to an award-winning teacher.
Departments 2 Around the Square 6 Olivet People 14 Homecoming
16 Development 18 Comet Sports 21 Class Notes FALL 2004 1
Around the Square Environmental science class gets hands-on experience Illegal wildlife trade was the topic of a special hands-on program a group of Olivet students experienced at Battle Creek’s Binder Park Zoo in September. Leah Knapp, Ph.D., chair of the Natural and Physical Science Department, took her environmental science class there to learn more about what she called “a very lucrative business.” Students had the opportunity to see a variety of items and animal parts that had been confiscated by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service customs officials. According to Knapp, many of the items were recovered at airports during luggage inspections or from vehicles crossing U.S. borders. “The illegal wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar industry,” said Knapp. “Many individuals involved in drug trafficking have now moved into the wildlife arena because of the lucrative profits and the fact that punishments for this type of crime are usually very minimal.” Knapp hopes that students who attend this type of program will benefit in many ways. “This is a serious issue and I think it makes it more personal for them to see it up-close,” said Knapp. “I also believe this type of experiential learning helps to make science more user-friendly for the students.”
Olivet junior Deandre Lomax (left) and senior Mariama Wurie examine an elephant tusk during an off-campus educational program about illegal wildlife trade. Also pictured are junior Katie Edick and senior Jeff Jardine.
Students enjoy “Night on the Town” Olivet College and the Olivet Community Chamber of Commerce joined forces to sponsor the second annual “Night on the Town” Monday, Aug. 30. The event is designed to allow students the opportunity to learn more about the services and products offered around town. More than 30 businesses participated with coupon giveaways, free samples and prize drawings. The event also featured music and fireworks. Sodexho, the college’s food service provider, served a picnic-style dinner downtown to students and community members.
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Strong enrollment continues Enrollment continues to be strong at Olivet College, where the overall student population has surpassed 1,000 for the second straight year. With 345 new students, Olivet’s 2004 fall enrollment stands at 1,065, which ranks second-highest ever for the college. Olivet has experienced solid enrollment numbers in recent years. Last year, the college eclipsed the 1,000-student plateau for the first time in school history with an all-time high of 1,070 students, including a record 449 new students. The total enrollment for 2002 was 941. “Interest in Olivet College remains very high,” said Olivet President Don Tuski ’85, Ph.D. “Prospective students and their families are attracted to Olivet because of our responsibility theme, small class sizes, diverse student body and the opportunities we offer for getting involved on campus with a variety of curricular and co-curricular activities.” Olivet features one of the most diverse student populations of any small, private college in Michigan. The college’s minority student enrollment for the 2004 fall semester is 18 percent. The college also has 37 international students. Foreign countries represented include: Bulgaria, Canada, Columbia, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Moldova, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Sweden and Zimbabwe.
Community partnership at work Mia recently joined Olivet’s Physical Plant custodial team as a supported employment program participant. She works 16 hours per week as part of the college’s partnership with Peckham, a community rehabilitation organization based in Lansing. Mia assists the custodial staff with washing windows and cleaning floors in Blair, Dole and Shipherd halls. “Mia is a great worker,” said Chris Heisler, Physical Plant general services supervisor. “She is proud to wear her uniform and happy to work Mia at Olivet.” Peckham, in conjunction with its community partners, offers a wide array of programs which provide training, assessment or rehabilitation opportunities for persons with disabilities and other barriers to employment.
College receives Heritage Award The Eaton County Historical Commission presented Olivet College with a 2004 Eaton County Heritage Award in June. Each year, the commission recognizes organizations and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the preservation, restoration and public awareness of the county’s historical heritage.
Around the Square Four recognized at Leadership Dinner Four of Michigan’s finest leaders were recognized during Olivet College’s eighth annual Leadership in Individual and Social Responsibility Awards Dinner in June. The 2004 honorees included: Velma Laws Clay, Ph.D., retired director of the Equal Employment Opportunity Office at the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center in Battle Creek; retired Senator Harry Gast, who served the Michigan legislature for 32 years; Lynn Jondahl, executive director, Michigan Prospect for Renewed Citizenship and member of the Olivet College Leadership Advisory Council; and G. Asenath Andrews ’72, who serves as principal of the Catherine Ferguson Academy, Detroit Public Schools and is a member of the Olivet College Board of Trustees. Proceeds from the dinner totaled nearly $20,000 for Olivet’s Community Responsibility Scholarships, which are awarded to
Olivet College’s 2004 Leadership in Individual and Social Responsibility Award recipients (from left) Lynn Jondahl, Harry Gast, Velma Laws Clay and Asenath Andrews ’72, along with President Tuski and David Hayhow, chair of the Board of Trustees.
admitted students with a documented history of leadership and involvement in community service-based activities.
Fall 2004 Lecture and Symposium Series This fall, Olivet College hosted two Lecture and Symposium Series speakers who highlighted the college’s vision of Education for Individual and Social Responsibility. Al Swain ’78, associate director of the Capitol Area Center for Independent Living in Lansing, spoke about disability awareness, diversity and the importance of positive selfimage. “Life is about possibilities, not impossibilities,” said Swain. “I try to focus on the hundreds of things I can do, not on one or two things people think I can’t do.” Swain, a person who is blind and a wheelchair user due to multiple sclerosis, highlighted the “Ten Commandments” of communicating with people who have disabilities. He also shared his experiences as an Olivet College student and encouraged the audience to achieve their goals. Herman Boone, whose inspirational story was captured in the movie Remember the Titans, spoke about teamwork
and the importance of character. The movie, starring Academy-Award winner Denzel Washington, focused on Boone’s experience as Al Swain ’78 (center) received strong support from his the head football Adelphic fraternity brothers during his presentation. coach at T.C. Williams High School in racially divided Alexandria, Va., in 1971. During his presentation, Boone shared stories about coaching through the racial tensions and how he worked to mold angry young men into caring and responsible individuals. Boone also talked about the importance of respect and leadership. “Leadership is linked to character,” said Boone. “It is about understanding people and pointing them in the right direction. Leadership is also about listening and making a real connection with those you lead.” During Boone’s presentation Oct. 13, students from Olivet College and Starr Commonwealth, as well as high school students from Bellevue, Charlotte, Eaton Rapids, Marshall and Olivet gathered in the Upton Center along with individuals from surrounding communities to create a Lecture and Symposium Series record attendance of more than 700.
(Above) Swain (center) with President Tuski and Jare Klein, wrestling coach emeritus. (Left) President Tuski welcomes Coach Herman Boone to campus. (Right) Senior Jaquetta Walton shares a moment with Coach Boone. She attended T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Va., where Coach Boone’s inspirational story was captured in the movie Remember the Titans.
Let the Music Play T Cover Story
by Shannon Tiernan
he sweet sounds of music are once again resonating through the Margaret Upton Conservatory of Music at Olivet College. Under the guidance of new directors, the college’s music program is three years into a rebuilding process that includes curriculum and ensemble restructuring and a resurgence of the marching band. The college’s goal is to create a program mirroring that of its earlier years. “Olivet was very much on the cutting edge of what was happening in music at one time,” said Jeananne Nichols, the recently hired director of instrumental studies and assistant professor of music. “When the music major was cut in the mid-’90s, interest fell away; you can’t sustain a program around people who just want to play for fun.” At one point in the ’70s, the program boasted more than 250 students. Under the leadership and vision of then President Ray Loeschner, Mel Larimer, former music department chair and director of the choral program, and David McCoy, former director of instrumental music, the Upton Conservatory of Music was built to meet the needs of the booming program. At the time, opportunities for students ranged from operas to orchestras and jazz ensembles to a marching band. According to Dan and Emily Byrens, music program faculty members from 1971 to 1991, the students and faculty were lucky to be a part of something truly vast and exciting. “Students had an amazing advantage at Olivet,” said Emily. “They had the opportunity to participate in such important roles as undergraduates; experiences that are usually only available to graduate students at larger universities.” Dan and Emily both agreed the program went through phases, with the ’70s reflecting the work of Pedro Paz, who led the program in the ’20s and ’30s. But it was never able to truly recoup after a change of personnel in the late ’70s. “By this time, other colleges and universities were beginning to recruit hard,” said Dan. “So students started going to other schools.”
Orchestrating the music program’s rebuilding process are Jeananne Nichols (left) and Tim Flynn, Ph.D.
Numerous years of fluctuating interest prompted the college’s administration to eliminate the program – a fate that wasn’t meant to last. Resurrecting, restoring and rebuilding President Donald Tuski ’85, Ph.D., said the college’s music program was resurrected after numerous alumni voiced their support. “Music is a part of Olivet College’s heritage and a strong part of our identity,” said Tuski. “The arts are important to the college, so we initiated the rebuilding process three years ago by recruiting strong directors who could lead the program.” For Tim Flynn, Ph.D., music program director and assistant professor of music, and Nichols, redesigning the curriculum and rebuilding the choral and instrumental ensembles are top priorities. “Because the college is really interested in building a strong music program, we are concentrating on the fundamentals where music is the focus,” said Nichols. “I want to see potential and promise fostered. I recognize this isn’t going to happen overnight, but I want it to happen as quickly as possible.” Since 2001, the program has grown from four to 21 students and now includes four areas of study – music business, music education, music performance and sacred music. In addition, Nichols has managed to assemble a 20-member wind ensemble this semester that joins a drum line, jazz ensemble and various choral groups. Over the next five years, she plans to build the program to include athletic bands that will play at home football and basketball games. In the classroom, Flynn and Nichols are working to meet the technological needs of today’s students by building a recording studio and music lab. With their hard work starting to pay off, Flynn encourages alumni to reconnect with the college by visiting the Conservatory or coming to a performance to experience the program’s renewed energy. “Come hear our choir perform, get excited about our new drum line and wind ensemble, participate in an alumni choir … just come back to campus,” encouraged Flynn. “To recognize the potential there is here, you have to reconnect with the program. I joke that we are the best kept secret in Michigan, so it’s important for our alumni to talk up the program.” The music program received a $100,000 matching grant from the Frederick S. Upton Foundation to purchase and renovate instruments, build a music technology program and implement two new degree programs. These are just some of the things Flynn says will help recruit new students and foster pride among alumni and friends. “We really want our alumni to know we’re building a quality program here,” said Flynn. “When people come back to campus and see all we’re doing, they’ll get a sense of pride and realize things are happening here again. I’m really proud we’re on the way back.”
It’s never too late to come home again
by Linda Jo Scott
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arol Ann (Chapman) Sigler has had a more than 40-year love affair with Olivet College, and the affair shows no signs of diminishing. Carol laughs as she explains that during one cold January weekend, 39 years ago, she finished her last college final on a Friday, married Irv Sigler ’65 on Saturday, graduated from the college on Sunday, and began her 35-year teaching career on Monday. And a long and varied career it was, teaching elementary school in Bellevue, Benton Harbor, Cheboygan, Concrete, Wash., Belding and Forest Hills. “Just think of all of the time I spent packing,” Carol quips. Somewhere in there she and Irv both earned master’s degrees in education at Central The Sigler family shares a moment on the Michigan University. college’s new Cutler Athletic Complex football field. And somewhere in there they had two sons, Irv Jr., also a teacher, and Scott ’92, a writer and computer whiz. Carol and Irv Sigler are both ‘65 graduates. Irv and Carol never forgot the college and actually came back to live just south of town in As if volunteering at the Oak Chest and part-time work at the 2002. Irv became head football coach, and Carol thought she’d settle in as a retired lady and active grandmother to their son Irv’s college weren’t enough, Carol also joined the Alumni Council and four children. heads its scholarship committee. “Well, that lasted about six months, and I got bored,” she Returning to their beloved college has proven to be a positive explains. At that point Carol started looking around for ways she experience for both Carol and Irv. “The campus is blooming with could get involved at the college. She began by volunteering at the ’65 to ’68 graduates,” Carol claims. “There are about 12 people who Oak Chest and joining the Women’s Board. graduated about the same time we did who are now on the staff or living in the area, just proving that ‘you can go home again.’ ” Soon she also began working in the Education Department, Yes, Carol and Irv Sigler have indeed come “home again,” and supervising student teachers. These days she oversees seven or eight elementary student teachers each semester and is gradually have found innumerable ways to give back to the college they have getting even more involved by helping find placements for teachers. loved for more than 40 years.
Music continued But don’t think Flynn is satisfied with the program’s current status. “It’s an ongoing process,” he added. “Once you think you have it set, you realize there’s a better way to do things.” Nichols agrees. “There’s a standard of excellence that we bring to bear in every outing, concert and class we teach,” she said. “We’re not just working toward good, better or best – we’re working toward excellent. We’re building this program to last.” A crescendo built to last Margaret Todd, a junior music education major whose freshman year corresponded with the arrival of Flynn, has seen this “standard of excellence” radiate throughout the music program – energizing her fellow classmates. “I’m seeing more and more dedication among students than when I started,” Todd said. “I believe the improvements relate
to the professors working to turn things around. I enjoy the learning process because of what they have done to help the program grow.” An exceptional group of adjunct professors join Flynn and Nichols, including Jonathon Gewirtz, clarinet, saxophone and jazz ensemble instructor; Courtney Gilson-Piercey, voice instructor; Ramona Kime Graessle ’80, Ph.D., piano instructor; and Roger Humphrey, guitar instructor. Armed with a list of goals and priorities, Flynn and Nichols agree the most important thing they need to do is recruit quality students. But this can only come after the induction of active ensembles and a solid curriculum. “It’s like a well-balanced wheel,” said Nichols. “All the parts need to be turning at the same time for this rebuilding process to work. I want the things we do for our students in the classroom and our friends in the audience to have lasting meaning.”
FALL 2004 5
Olivet People Eliminating racism through the power of books by Jackie Bounds
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dali Feliciano ’73 is using children’s books to help eliminate “Racism is very evident in our society,” she added. “I remember discrimination and racism. One way she does this is by sharing my father was denied buying a house because he was Hispanic.” stories about the issues. As director of Cambios, Inc., Feliciano After a few schools read the book White Socks Only by Evelyn coordinates the Reading to Eliminate Racism and Promote Coleman, Cambios requested permission from the publisher to play Diversity program. the video version of the book about segregation for Black History Cambios, which means “changes” in the Spanish language, Month. Another book, The Play Lady by Eric Hoffman, is very was established in 1997. The organization’s purpose is to work with special to Feliciano because Cambios ordered the book prior to teachers, parents and youth to address the issue of racism, and Sept. 11, 2001. work towards its elimination. Cambios has donated more than 50 “The book arrived Sept. 13,” she said. “It was perfect timing different books to 24 public and private schools in Lenawee because it’s a story about hate crimes and discrimination. An Asian County. The program’s focus is on reaching out woman lets children play in her garden, but to small children who are beginning to develop she is the victim of a hate crime. The children their attitudes and notice differences in people. figure out how to help their friend and heal “Research says that kids 3 and 4 years-old their neighborhood.” can tell the difference in people and start One of the goals of the organization is to discriminating,” said Feliciano. “By exposing bring authors into classrooms. Feliciano feels it children to other positive options, is especially important to sponsor people of discrimination can be unlearned.” color who can write well. Cambios has hosted Cambios was a finalist in the 2004 Japanese-American, African-American and Governor’s Service Awards for Exemplary Egyptian-American authors. Community Service. The award acknowledges In November 2003, Cambios and the importance of organizations or programs in Adrian College developed a partnership to community life. The nominees strive to make maximize resources and services to county communities better places to live by focusing educators. Adrian researchers conducted a on one issue of primary importance. pilot study to understand the value of the Feliciano plays a key role in finding books, Idali Feliciano ’73 displays some of the books she Reading to Eliminate Racism program. The securing funding for the books and distributing uses to educate children about discrimination and study showed that children in the program racism. them to classrooms. She searches for themes had better self-identity, engaged in such as multiculturalism, racism, discrimination and prejudice from discriminatory behaviors less often and appreciated differences a variety of publishers. Some of her favorite books include The more, specifically in regard to language. It also showed that the Legend of Freedom Hall by Linda Jacobs Altman, The Sneetches by students actually enjoyed the program, an element that the Dr. Seuss and Stellaluna by Janet Cannon. According to Feliciano, researchers view as a key part of effective education. some children’s books are bilingual. After children see these books, “Cambios is a labor of love,” said Feliciano, who also teaches they think all books should be that way. history and philosophy of education at Sienna “It is important that each book in the Cambios collection Heights University and multiculturalism education follows our mission to celebrate diversity and eliminate at Lourdes College in Ohio. “We depend on discrimination by providing educational programs and donations to pay for the books and volunteers to resources,” said Feliciano. “I am an advocate for children read to the children.” because I have been through it. I know what it’s like not to Funding for the books is provided by speak English, children would laugh at me for not Adrian Dominican Sisters, United Bank understanding.” and Trust and dozens of individual At age 7, she came to the United donors. Nestled in an 11’ x 13’ States from Puerto Rico unable to speak third-floor office on Adrian’s English. Because of this, she feels campus, Feliciano utilizes the she can relate to children in similar Cambios headquarters to align situations. volunteers to read to the children.
Feliciano and President Tuski at the 2004 Governor’s Service Awards banquet.
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End of an era by Jerry Rashid
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Thatcher, who majored in esponding to a want ad in the 1983 summer history, was the first member of edition of Shipherd’s Record changed Ron Thatcher’s his family to attend college. life forever. At the time, the 1965 Olivet College Following graduation, he graduate was working in Olivet and Potterville as a substitute worked as a social studies teacher in search of full-time employment. teacher with the Potterville With encouragement from his wife, Marcia (Simonds), Public Schools for four years. a 1966 Olivet graduate, Thatcher applied for the position of He also served as the associate director of admissions and financial aid at Olivet announcer at football games College. This past October, he retired from the college and worked the game-clock at following 21 years of dedicated service, including the last basketball contests. At the 19 as director of financial aid. request of his father-in-law, “I am going to miss working with the students,” said Thatcher left his teaching Thatcher. “Having them come in as freshmen, not knowing position and joined the family much of what’s going on, and seeing them mature and Ron Thatcher ’65 business, where he spent the graduate is an exciting thing.” next 12 years working as a manufacturer’s representative. Then, the A native of Beaver Falls, Pa., Thatcher was first introduced to business was sold, which forced him to look for new employment. Olivet by his childhood friend, Neal Rauchfuss, whose own two It was at that point he found Olivet College, again. friends, Bob Powell ’64 and Paul Bilsing ’62, were attending Olivet “Overall it has been a great ride,” said Thatcher. “I have and playing football and basketball, respectively. He also received a enjoyed the people I worked with. It was also very nice to have recruiting call from Al Gilmour, who was the dean of students and worked with people I went to college with.” He’s referring to director of admissions. individuals like football coaches Irv Sigler and Dominic Livedoti, “Al called me at home and asked if I would be interested in who both graduated with Thatcher, as well as Marty Mason coming to Olivet,” said Thatcher. “I came to campus sight unseen. Jennings ’67, director of alumni relations, and Al Nagy ’68, vice I arrived here riding president for institutional advancement. in the back of a During his last 21 years on campus, Thatcher assisted station wagon.” thousands of students with the tedious financial aid process, which That trip marked includes answering numerous questions, processing mounds of the beginning of what paperwork and filing state and federal reports. would turn out to be With all that behind him, Thatcher says he plans to begin a meaningful and working on a host of odd jobs around the house that were put aside long-lasting over the years and continue to assist his church with construction relationship between projects. He would also like to remodel the 100-year-old house he Thatcher and the Ron Thatcher (seated) was joined by family, friends college. For it was here lives in with Marcia, who is a first-grade teacher in Potterville. and colleagues at his retirement party Oct. 29. “When I look back at everything, Olivet gave me a chance to that he met Marcia get an education,” said Thatcher. “It was an opportunity that none she was pledging of my immediate family members ever had. I am pleased to have Sigma Beta while he was an active Adelphic. And it was here that been able to give something back to the college.” their three sons - Robert ’90, Rich ’93 and Ron ’94 - would also earn bachelor’s degrees.
Eliminating racism continued Eighteen volunteers, mostly middle and high school students, along with community members, serve as readers for the program this fall. Each volunteer spends 30 minutes per week in a classroom reading the books to elementary students. Feliciano’s warm smile assures volunteers that they will make a difference in the life of a child. Cambios developed a volunteer training program complete with reader guidelines and expectations. It also includes questions to ask the class and activities for students to complete after hearing the story. “I explain that children like to hear different voices,” she said. “We encourage volunteers to practice reading prior to going into
the classroom. It is our hope that the volunteers learn from the experience as well, and it increases their own understanding of diversity tolerance. “The Cambios concept is rather simple,” Feliciano said. “We saw a need and have resources available in the form of children’s books.” Cambios has developed an extensive Web site, www.cambios.com, which features lesson plans and resource materials for teachers. “I would like to encourage everyone to volunteer at some point in their life,” she said. “Even if it is for 30 minutes a week, so many kids could use a mentor.”
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Olivet People Janet Matheson LaVasseur ’83: educator extraordinaire by Linda Jo Scott
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nyone who knew Janet Matheson ’83 in college would agree she was one of the most energetic, positive, outgoing people on campus. After completing her English major and psychology minor at Olivet, Janet went on to earn a master’s degree in library science from Simmons College Graduate School in Boston in 1986. Over the years, she has gradually weaned herself away from being a school librarian toward teaching English. Not surprisingly, she is a highly successful, prize-winning teacher, serving at her old alma mater, Portage Central High School. Recently, she was invited to be honored at Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s Educator Recognition Banquet and was nominated to the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (2004). She has also received six Kalamazoo County Significant Educator awards. In the summer of 2003, she was selected to participate in a National Endowment for the Humanities summer grant. Through the grant, she attended a seminar at the University of Pennsylvania on The Arabic Novel in Translation. “It is so important that we teach about the Arabic world,” she explains. “There are so many false perceptions. When I was in school we studied American Lit, English Lit, Women’s Lit, but not Middle Eastern Lit or Arabic Lit. What I think matters is that I am changing my teaching to match what I believe my students will need to know to conduct themselves as citizens of the world.” Janet married fellow Olivet alum, Tim LaVasseur ’79 in 1986 and they have two children, Andrea, 15, and David, 14. Tim is a teacher and choral director at Delton Kellogg High School.
As though teaching and family weren’t sufficiently demanding for Janet’s high-energy level, she is also an outdoors woman extraordinaire. She has both studied and served as a volunteer instructor in Tom Brown’s Tracking, Nature and Wilderness Survival School (1994 to present) based in New Jersey. “As a result of my course work at the tracker school, I bring an understanding of nature and living in balance with the earth to my classroom and speaking opportunities,” she explains. She has taken her family and also her students on backpacking Janet (Matheson) LaVasseur ’83 and tracking trips to South Manitou Island and has also served as a volunteer tour guide at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary for the past 10 years. A natural public speaker, Janet has addressed various Rotary clubs and business groups in Kalamazoo and a state education conference. Janet and Tim are also active in church music at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Kalamazoo. In fact, she has been a member of church choirs since the fourth grade. Tim has directed various area church choirs and sang for many years with the Kalamazoo Bach Festival. One of Janet’s latest activities involves applying for a Fulbright Fellowship to take part in a five-week intensive travel program in South Africa and Botswana. And, together with her family, she is designing and overseeing the building of a new home in Augusta. On a personal note, I was privileged to be Janet’s advisor and professor for many of her English courses at the college. In her senior year, she gave a student scholar’s lecture on Anne Sexton’s poetry which was one of the finest student lectures I can remember over the past 25 years. She has stayed in contact with me and seems always to exude a positive energy.
The message on the door to LaVasseur’s secondfloor classroom at Portage Central High School speaks volumes.
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The Bishop sisters and their Olivet legacy O by Jackie Bounds
livet is a special place to thousands of graduates and the many generations of families who have attended the college. The legacy of the Bishop sisters, Marian, Dorothy and Margaret, unfolded when their children visited campus to relive the magic their mothers spoke about when they were growing up. The Bishop descendants wanted to see the historical buildings and walk under the oaks, just as their ancestors had done more than a century ago. They are especially proud to be related to Sara Anna Benedict Williams, one of three women in Olivet’s first graduating class in 1863.
Mary Jo Andrews Eakle (left), William Bishop Struck and Anne Louise Struck are children of the late Marian Louise Bishop Andrews ’28 and Dorothy Ruth Bishop Struck ’30. Marian and Dorothy were third generation Olivet College graduates.
Three generations of Olivet College graduates 1863-1933 Marian Louise Bishop Andrews Class of 1928, Soronian (1903-1940)
Dorothy Ruth Bishop Struck Class of 1930, Soronian, women’s debate team, (1908-2000)
Margaret E. Bishop Papworth Class of 1933, Soronian (1910-1996)
Parents Willis Thomas Bishop (1866-1947) Class of 1893, Phi Alpha Pi, editor of The Echo, Married in 1901. Mary Edith Marsh Bishop (1877-1950) Class of 1901, Soronian
Bishop Relatives Great Aunt Sara Anna Benedict Williams (1841-1919) One of three women in Olivet’s first graduating class in 1863. The ladies’ department offered studies in Latin, French, Bible, algebra, geography of the heavens and mineralogy; tuition was $5 per term.
Grandparents Anna Maria Benedict Marsh (1844-1940) Class of 1865, Soronian Henry Marsh (1842-1899) Class of 1870, Married in 1874. Uncle Emery T. Bishop (1882-1974) Class of 1907, Phi Alpha Pi, chemistry club, ran track, played basketball, baseball and football and was captain of the 1906 MIAA championship football team. In 1973, he was inducted into the Olivet College Athletic Hall of Fame.
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The fast and the furriest W by Shannon Tiernan
hile some students were sitting behind computers in typical office internships, Olivet College senior Stephen Kolomyjec spent five weeks this summer dodging cheetahs, soothing barbary lions and feeding wild animals. Kolomyjec, a biology student from Ionia, was one of eight students chosen from around the world to work at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre located on the Kapama Private Game Reserve in South Africa. The centre breeds and conserves cheetahs and other African species for reintroduction into the wild. He earned college credits while feeding, tracking and transporting animals. An invaluable experience he will use while pursuing a graduate degree in ecology and evolutionary biology or zoology. The following are excerpts from his journal: June 21 — Finally at the reserve and settled in. We went to the centre to eat … While waiting for our food, we watched four captive cheetahs playing together. After lunch we went back to camp, which is nice, although a little prison-like since we can’t leave except by vehicle due to large predators in the area. This evening was exciting. We went and saw the sick king cheetah, named Sebeka, being treated in the hospital. He had apparently just been treated for a tick-born parasite when he suddenly got very sick and started vomiting. They feared the grave prognosis of kidney failure. The death of such a magnificent specimen of a king cheetah – the first I’ve ever seen, and the first cheetah I have ever touched – would truly be a tragedy. He was in bad shape and needed to be monitored continuously. I volunteered to do so.
June 22 — At 1:30 a.m., I got up to go for my shift with Sebeka. My job was to keep him company while I watched his breathing, made sure he didn’t pull at his IV and kept an eye out for bloody noses. I also had to keep his eyes covered. For the first half of my hour-long shift he slept peacefully, so I lay down with him and cuddled his head. At the half-hour mark, the vet assistant came to check his temperature. Let’s just say that sore king cheetahs who are no longer anesthetized are NOT fond of rectal thermometers! He thrashed his head and kicked while growling angrily … Unfortunately, I had to finish my shift from outside the cage. June 23 — This morning we worked in the butchery for two hours cleaning fat from cuts of beef. After butchery … we split into two groups to feed the animals … The truck I was in went to feed a pack of wild dogs with puppies. Then we fed the adult cheetahs. Then it was to the teenage cheetah enclosure, which we drove through racing the young cheetahs. One particularly feisty cheetah even lunged at the truck tire, which I was sitting directly above. How cool is that? On a much sadder note, Sebeka died this afternoon. June 25 — This morning we went and assisted with the darting, capturing and translocation of two male nayla to prevent them from inbreeding. This afternoon we went on a game drive. We saw giraffe, zebra, a large herd of water buffalo, elephants and a bush baby. We also heard a lion roaring in the distance while we ate dinner. July 15 — This morning we darted and moved three barbary lions – a mother and two well-grown cubs. The cubs were placed in the quarantine camps where they will be tested for a wide variety of things before returning to new, separate camps. CC, the mother lion, was taken to the male, Gieppie, where she will hopefully breed. Gieppie is a rescue case from a neglected circus. He is at a minimum of 17 years-old! July 17 — Today is my last full day here. It is sad because I know it will be at least three years before I can come back to Africa, and that is only if I start my Ph.D. research in my third year of grad school. I really don’t want to leave here; I wish I could spend the rest of my life under the African sky. Stephen Kolomyjec, a senior biology student, spent a day touring the Drakensburg Mountain Range in South Africa. For 29 days this summer, he studied cheetahs and other African species as part of a summer work project.
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Olivet freshman named Michigan Soldier of the Year by Molly Reed, senior
W
hen T.J. Kinney was a senior at Leslie High School, he planned to join the Michigan Army National Guard (MIARNG). Influenced by his grandfather, a former Guard member, and the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Kinney joined after graduating in 2002. Now a freshman at Olivet College, Kinney is cutting a straight path to success. With his forthright attitude, bold competitiveness and desire to uphold American values, Kinney was named this year’s MIARNG Soldier of the Year. The rigorous competition measures a soldier’s knowledge of common tasks and abilities. He now goes on to regional competition. “A lot of the competition is common knowledge, for example, we must know what to do in a biological attack,” said Kinney. “Soldiers are given a common task manual outlining the categories.” Such tasks include military leadership and counseling, land navigation, reporting procedures, military justice and first aid. Kinney’s areas of expertise were especially prominent in the rifle range, his favorite category, and in placement of his uniform. “Judges will use rulers to measure how far off you are from code. I was right on,” he added. In addition to managing such tasks, soldiers are interviewed by a panel of judges covering topics ranging from oral expression and military
courtesy, to United States Army history. “About five sergeants will carry out the interviews, which are a strong deciding factor in the competition. You really have to impress them,” said Kinney. Kinney is looking at a promotion from his current title as specialist, and hopes to become a sergeant in the near future. Majoring in history and political science, he plans to establish a permanent career in the MIARNG after completing his education at Olivet. “I’m the youngest person in my unit, so I’ve gained a lot of maturity from the program,” he said. “It has certainly helped to prepare me for Olivet.” Kinney plans to use his success in the Guard as a stepping stone for acclimating to college. A little homework didn’t hurt much either. The competition’s required essay also helped Kinney adjust to the academic world. This year’s essay topic, “How has the war in Iraq affected you personally?,” was given to the soldiers the night before the competition. “Wartime creates a lot of mental stress nationwide,” said Kinney. “It’s a big deal whether or not we realize it. Possible deployment is also something I worry about. But I have always felt that everyone has a right to freedom, and everyone has the opportunity to preserve it. Without freedom, we have nothing.”
Specialist T.J. Kinney, a freshman at Olivet.
Students in the news Matt Powers, a junior from Kalamazoo, and Jeremy Cole, a freshman from Saginaw, represented Phi Beta Lambda in receiving an award from the Michigan Department of Transportation for 15 years of participation in the Adopt-AHighway program. Angela Boardman, a senior music major from DeWitt, won an audition to sing with the Royal Opera Canada in Toronto. She is performing with its professional chorus, as well as singing smaller roles with the company. Michael Davis, a senior from Eaton Rapids, was named the Intermediaries and Reinsurance Underwriters Association (IRU) Intern of the Year. After completing four-week internships in the intermediary and reinsurance underwriters sector of the insurance industry at Signet Star Re in Greenwich, Conn., and John P. Woods Co., Inc., in Jersey City, N.J., he wrote a paper about current issues in the insurance industry, which will be published in the winter 2005 issue of IRU’s Journal of Reinsurance. Siblings Matthew and Eunice Oladele, sophomores from Nigeria, have been awarded $15,000 for the 2004-05 academic year from the Avery Arthington Scholarship Fund of the United Church of Christ. This is the largest award received by Olivet students from the fund, which provides scholarships to students from Africa so they may better their country with completion of a college education in the United States.
Ashurina Chamoun, a sophomore from Warren, and Katrina Williams, a sophomore from Detroit, attended the Student Service Leadership Camp sponsored by the Michigan Campus Compact. It focused on community service, service-learning and civic engagement in higher education. As a result of attending the camp, Chamoun and Williams became members of Helping Hands, Olivet’s volunteer organization. Christina Pascale, a senior from Alpha, N.J., and Katherine Roesch, a sophomore from Lake Orion, participated in the Adopt-A-River clean-up program administered by the Ingham Conservation District. Targeting a 10-mile stretch of Lansing’s Grand River and Red Cedar River, Pascale and Roesch, accompanied by Nancy Van Hoozier, associate professor of HPERS, collected eight large bags of litter. Vialea Johnson, a senior from Clarendon, Jamaica, has been named president, and Angela Nowling, a sophomore from Kalamazoo, has been named president-elect of the newly formed American Marketing Association (AMA) on campus. The organization, comprised of 17 members, was started this year by Michelle Woodhouse-Jackson, co-chair of the Business Administration Department and assistant professor of business. The association prepares students for interviews, internships and professions in marketing. AMA members Emery Sievert, a junior from Carmel, Ind., and Stephen Parker, a junior from Stockbridge, have already received professional internships. continued on next page
FALL 2004 11
Olivet People Faculty News and Notes Wilson named associate dean for academic affairs Charlie Wilson has been named associate dean for academic affairs at Olivet College. He previously served as chair of the college’s Education Department. In his new role, Wilson supervises the college’s Academic Support Services Center, which includes career services, academic advising, the writing program, at-risk intervention and the honors program. He will continue to direct the college’s special education endorsement program and serve as one of Olivet’s athletic faculty representatives to the National Collegiate Athletic Association and on the Michigan Charlie Wilson Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s Board of Control. Wilson has also served the college as director of the master of arts in teaching program and athletics director. His professional background includes working as principal of the W.J. Maxey Training School and as assistant athletics director at Michigan State University (MSU). He earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in education from MSU. Leah Knapp, chair of the Natural and Physical Science Department and professor of biology, and John Wilterding, assistant professor of biochemistry and director of the chemistry program, are serving on the Consortium Advisory Board for Pierce Cedar Creek Institute for Ecological Education in Hastings. The board designs research and cooperative curriculum programs for undergraduate students from colleges and universities in southwestern and south central Michigan. The proposed programs will provide research and other opportunities for students in environmental science and biology as well as for pre-teachers in the sciences. Walker Beverly, assistant professor of education, presented at the Michigan Library Consortium meeting in East Lansing September 2004. Beverly shared techniques for capturing local history by conducting oral history interviews and also demonstrated this process to conference participants.
Students in the news continued Twenty-five Olivet College insurance students received a total of $48,000 in scholarships from the Westran Insurance Education Foundation. Forty-five insurance scholarships totaling $69,250 have been awarded to Olivet students so far this year. The insurance program also received a $10,000 donation from Amerisure to benefit the program. The Alpha Alpha Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma, Olivet’s insurance, risk management and actuarial science professional society, attended the 33rd Gamma Iota Sigma Annual
12 SHIPHERD’S RECORD
Susanne Lewis
John Miller-Purrenhage
Jeananne Nichols
Three new faculty members join Olivet Three new faculty members joined the Olivet College community this fall. Susanne Lewis of Marshall is an assistant professor of chemistry; John Miller-Purrenhage of DeWitt is an assistant professor of English; and Jeananne Nichols of Holt is the director of instrumental studies Lewis came to Olivet from Juniata College in Pennsylvania, where she served as an assistant professor of chemistry. She previously taught general chemistry at New Hampshire Community Technical College. Lewis earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Regis College in Massachusetts. She is working on a doctorate degree at the University of New Hampshire. Miller-Purrenhage joined the humanities department to teach introductory and upper-level American literature classes. He also serves as a faculty member in the first-year writing program. Miller-Purrenhage earned a bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College, a master’s degree from Michigan State University (MSU) and doctorate in literature from MSU. Nichols came to Olivet from Arizona State University (ASU), where she conducted concerts with the chamber winds, wind symphony, wind ensemble and concert band. She directed the men’s and women’s basketball pep bands and worked on the Sun Devil Marching Band staff. She earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Carson-Newman College in Tennessee, and a master of music in wind conducting from the University of Tennessee. Nichols is working toward a doctorate degree at ASU.
Management Conference in London, Ontario. They received eight international awards, including three black and gold awards for innovative ideas within the chapter and four awards for outstanding achievement in the areas of alumni and industry relations, chapter management, member development and public relations. They also received the prestigious Superior Chapter Award, which recognizes them as the best all-around chapter. Common Ground, Olivet’s sexual orientation awareness organization, fielded a team of 21 students, faculty members and alumni to participate in the 2004 AIDS Walk in Lansing. The group collected more than $387 in donations.
2004 Fall Service Day The Olivet College community embraced the 2004 Fall Service Day with a variety of projects, both on and off campus. Some of the projects included (clockwise): Members of the Sigma Beta sorority helped Larida Petersen ’31 (center), with yard work around her house on Green street. With the numerous oak and maple trees around campus, some students found themselves involved with raking leaves. Members of Phi Alpha Pi worked to beautify the landscaping around their house. Students, faculty and staff participated in the Empty Bowl fundraiser project. Once completed, the bowls were sold during a silent auction on campus and the proceeds were sent to the Food Bank of South Central Michigan in Battle Creek. Mike Fales (left), director of church relations and campus ministries, and members of the Adelphic fraternity presented Mary Barkley (front), principal at Fern Persons Elementary School in Olivet, with winter jackets and boots that were distributed to needy students at the school. President Tuski (top of the high ladder) and a group of students helped gave the Nu Gamma Xi house a facelift. Students and staff members worked at the Oak Chest resale store in downtown Olivet. Leah Knapp, chair of the Natural and Physical Science Department, along with several students, weeded around the Russell Mawby Michigan Native Plant Garden, on the south side of the Kirk Center.
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Nearly 200 alumni and friends attended the brunch to celebrate Homecoming and the successful completion of the Heritage Campaign.
Charlotte Whitney Stevens and Art Stevens, Ph.D., were each recognized with the 1844 Award.
Sarah (Engle) ’56 and Bob Lawrence ’57
President Tuski with Carol and Tom Nesbitt ’63
Nearly 200 Olivet College alumni and friends gathered to celebrate the success of the “Heritage Campaign: Responsible Liberal Arts” at a brunch preceding the Homecoming football game Saturday, Oct. 16. Representatives from the athletic, music and science programs testified to the many positive campus improvements made possible through the campaign. “Thanks to the generous donors who participated in the campaign, we now have a fully functional, state-of-the-art DNA laboratory which rivals that of any teaching lab at a large university,” said Maria Davis, biology program director and associate professor of biology. “Now our students aren’t just reading and hearing about “gene cracking” and genetic engineering, but they are able to actually do it in the lab.” Though many people contributed to the success of the campaign, the following were recognized during the program for their generous time, service or financial support: Rick ’80 and Cindy Beyer; Charles ’46 and Peggy Blackman; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; Jerry and Colette Coomes; Dave Cutler ’65; Stanley and Betsy Dole; Carol Eichert Franck; J. Robert Gillette ’63; David and Jan Hayhow; Thomas ’69 and Gayle Kolassa; Robert ’57 and Sarah ’56 Lawrence; Ilene Masters; Tom ’63 and Carol Nesbitt; Richard ’68 and Reva ’68 Parrella; George ’65 and Roseleen Pyne; Serene Strippgen ’43; the Frederick S. Upton Foundation; and Stephen and Elizabeth Upton. In addition to the campaign celebration, Art and Charlotte Stevens were honored. They have a combined 49 years of teaching at Olivet. Art served as professor of history and political science for 24 years and Charlotte taught art techniques for teachers for 25 years. In recognition of their lifetime of dedication and service to the college, Art and Charlotte served as the Grand Marshals in the Homecoming parade and were awarded the 1844 Award.
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Bob Gillette ’63 and Bob Ferguson ’61
Dave Cutler ’65 and President Tuski
Carleen Jones ex’79, Cindy (Wiekle) Heator ’79, Sue (Best) Morgan ’79, Ginny McLean ’79, Connie Grinage ’82, Sue Elmer ’79 and Julie Joppie ’79
The band Global Village, featuring Olivet professor Marcus Darden, performed at the All-Alumni party in the Upton Center. Larry Gaskins ’64 and Bill Saybolt ’64 Art Stevens and Charlotte Whitney Stevens served as the 2004 Homecoming parade Grand Marshals.
Bob ’61 and Rose Ferguson with Ilene Masters
Sophomore class royalty Katrina Williams and Hristo Kozhuharov John Ryan ’64, Bill Cassidy ’63, Dave Cutler ’65 and Charles McPhail ex’64
The 2004 Homecoming Queen, Dana Cole, with King, Keegan Robbins.
Reva ’68 and Richard ’68 Parrella enjoyed the Homecoming football game from the press box. The new press box at the Cutler Athletic Complex was made possible by a donation from the Parrellas.
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Development Cutler’s $2.5 million gift is largest in school history Dave Cutler, a 1965 Olivet College graduate, has given a $2.5 million lead gift for construction of an indoor field house at the college’s athletic and recreation facility, which has been renamed the Cutler Athletic Complex. The three-year contribution marks the largest single gift in Olivet’s history. The roughly $6.5 million field house will become the main venue on campus for a majority of the college’s indoor varsity athletic events, including men’s by Linda Jo Scott and women’s basketball, and volleyball. The facility will house a recreation track, locker rooms for men’s and women’s athletic teams, athletic training space, a strength and Dave Cutler ’65 (right) was recognized for his dedication and financial support to Olivet conditioning center and College during a private reception Oct. 14. offices for the athletic President Tuski presented Cutler with a administration and painting that depicts the new Cutler Athletic coaching staff. Complex. The artwork is by Pam Gleave ’99.
According to President Don Tuski ’85, Ph.D., the field house will also provide the college with a much-needed larger area to host commencement ceremonies, Lecture and Symposium Series activities, alumni gatherings and a variety of other special events. The initial phase of the facility, completed in 2000, currently includes space for locker rooms, athletic training, weight training and offices. “The Olivet College community is extremely grateful to Dave Cutler for his generosity and support toward the school and our athletic programs,” said Tuski. “The positive impact this first-class facility will have on our students, faculty, staff, alumni and surrounding community will be tremendous.” Cutler has also been a generous supporter of recent improvements at Olivet’s football stadium. During the summer, the college replaced the grass field with a new synthetic playing surface. Other stadium modifications include a new home grandstand with seating for approximately 2,000, new press box, installation of lights as well as additional fencing and pavement around the new field. While at Olivet, Cutler earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and was an outstanding quarterback on the football team. A native of DeWitt, Cutler is a noted software engineer and designer with Microsoft. He joined the company in 1988 and was co-leader of the team that developed the Windows NT operating system.
Reeder establishes cyber cafe`
Heator named planned giving officer
The Milford E. Reeder Cyber Café has been established on the campus of Olivet College. Located in the lower level of Burrage Library, the cyber café provides an educational study area that is convenient, comfortable and available to students, faculty, staff and community members throughout the day and evening. The café was made possible by Olivet resident Virginia Reeder, a 1949 graduate of the college, who made a donation in memory of her husband, a 1941 Olivet graduate. Virginia Reeder ’49 The cyber café is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to midnight, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It features three computers with Internet access and a lounge area for studying and relaxing. According to Dave Dobson ’87, general manager of Sodexho Food Service, the café serves items such as Starbucks coffee, cappuccino, latté, juice and tea, in addition to gourmet muffins, pastries and fruit. “Cyber cafés are a trend on college campuses across the country,” said Mary Jo Blackport, director of the Burrage Library. “We are happy to offer our students another service to meet their educational needs.”
Ed Heator, a 1980 graduate of Olivet College, has joined the Office of Institutional Advancement as a planned giving officer. Heator serves as a philanthropic planning advisor to donors, prospects and their counselors to produce planned gifts for the college. He also works with development personnel to create stronger Ed Heator ’80 ties with college priorities and develop opportunities for giving. Heator, who earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business, began his duties Aug. 2. Prior to coming to Olivet, he worked for 21 years as an insurance agent and then owner of Heator Insurance Agency in Union City. Heator and his wife, Cindy (Wiekle), a 1979 Olivet graduate, reside in Union City. They have two daughters, Shelby, a freshman at Olivet College, and Mackenzie.
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Development Olivet College receives two $100,000 grants The Olivet College music program and Global Citizen The McGregor Fund provided support to the college to Honors Program have each received a $100,000 grant. help implement a Global Citizen Honors Program (GCHP). The music program received its grant from the Fredrick The program is designed to meet the needs of motivated, S. Upton Foundation. Funding will enhance the vocal highly talented students by offering enriched and and instrumental music education curriculums, demanding curricular and co-curricular experiences. music performance and implement two new Students selected for the program will be asked to degree programs in sacred music and music investigate global, interdisciplinary issues using critical business. analysis, independent thinking and creative problem The three-year grant will be used to solving. The GCHP will have three distinct academic strengthen the music program through the experiences: honors class, honors option courses and purchase of instruments, technology for an honors project, along with co-curricular composition and recording capabilities, opportunities to provide a comprehensive and an additional rebuilt Steinway piano. experience. The foundation awarded $50,000 for “Olivet is committed to establishing our the first year, and then a $50,000 honors program as innovative and challenging, challenge grant ($25,000 per year for the as well as making it an important part of our next two years) provided the college responsibility focus,” said President Don Tuski. matches the funds. The program will “Students who become a part of the Global purchase strings, winds, brass and Citizen Honors Program will experience a wide percussion instruments necessary to variety of intellectually enriching activities, which support an instrumental music degree. are embodied in the liberal arts education. They The grant will also help to implement an will be well prepared upon graduation to excel as electronic music studio, attract talented career professionals and leaders.” students to the instrumental music The program will allow the college to be more Senior Dave Keeney practices on the music major/minor and create an Olivet competitive when recruiting high school students program’s new marimba, which was purchased College marching band. with potential for superior academic achievements. through a grant from the Fredrick S. Upton “We are extremely fortunate and Funding will allow the program to increase Foundation. excited to receive these funds,” said Tim participation to 100 students in four years. Flynn, Ph.D., music program director. “This grant The McGregor Fund, based in Detroit, is a will enable us to offer our students a state-of-the-art education private foundation established in 1925 by gifts from Katherine and in music technologies, and it will help us strengthen our curriculum Tracy McGregor. The foundation awards grants to organizations in in music education. This will be the first step in helping to human services, education, health care, arts and culture and public re-establish our music program as one of the finest in the area.” benefit.
Gruen Fund continues Olivet College alumni and friends have donated more than $17,000 to the Dr. Fred Gruen Memorial Fund. Gruen, a professor emeritus of chemistry, died in November 2003. The money, which benefits the Natural and Physical Science Department, will be used to enhance the curriculum through purchasing advanced equipment for analytical chemistry, biotechnology and microbiology. Those interested in supporting the fund may contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at (269) 749-7630 or via e-mail at advancement@olivetcollege.edu. Carol Gruen and Evelyn Cortesi (center), joined the campus community May 22, 2004 to dedicate the Gruen House in memory of their parents, Fred and Marian Gruen. Fred was professor emeritus of chemistry.
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Athletics Three new head coaches join the Olivet family by Geoff Henson
Kurt Soderberg joined the Comet coaching staff on June 1 to direct the men’s basketball program. He came to Olivet from Northland College in Ashland, Wisc., where he was the head men’s basketball coach for two years. He also served as the college’s athletic recruiting coordinator and was a member of the athletic advisory committee. “Olivet’s philosophy and my philosophy, I believe, are an excellent fit,” says Soderberg. “We have recruited student-athletes who exhibit great character and want to be a part of something special. Our program has a family-like atmosphere and it will be something the entire community can be very proud of.” Soderberg points to five pillars – care, collective responsibility, communication, selflessness and trust – of which the program is being built. These pillars are emphasized and guide the actions of the program. Prior to coaching at Northland, Soderberg was the head boys’ basketball coach at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, Wisc. During his five seasons there (1997 to 2002), he led the Hilltoppers to an overall record of 84-29. For the 1998-99 campaign, his squad went 21-3 and won the Greater Metro Conference Championship and Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Association State Championship. The Hilltoppers also won the conference title during the 1997-98 and 1999-2000 seasons. Soderberg was named the Greater Metro Conference Coach of the Year following the 1999-2000 campaign. A native of Marshfield, Wisc., Soderberg earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of WisconsinStevens Point in 1993 and a master’s degree in health, physical education and recreation from South Dakota State University in 1995. His family includes wife, Paula, and children Kennedy (6), Will (4) and Griffin (2). This fall, Olivet also welcomed two other new head coaches – Todd Hibbs and Joe Tousignaut, to its staff. Hibbs is serving as the men’s and women’s cross country coach. He is also the wrestling coach for one season. Tousignaut is the men’s and women’s track and field coach and serves as an assistant football coach.
“Remember The Titans” coach visits Olivet Herman Boone (far right) provided words of wisdom and inspiration to the Comet football team the Wednesday prior to its 2004 Homecoming game versus Adrian College. Olivet responded with an impressive 33-22 victory. Boone, who coached football in the early 1970s at T.C. Williams High School in racially divided Alexandria, Va., was portrayed in the movie Remember the Titans.
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Kurt Soderberg
Todd Hibbs
Joe Tousignaut
Hibbs’ coaching experience includes serving as assistant wrestling coach at Michigan State University (MSU), and as head wrestling and cross country coach at Wooster (Ohio) High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Mount Union (Ohio) College in 1989 and master’s degree from MSU in 1992. While at Mount Union, Hibbs was a two-time NCAA Division III All-American wrestler and two-time Scholar All-American. Tousignaut served five years as the defensive coordinator/ linebackers coach at Saint Joseph’s College (SJC) in Rensselaer, Ind. At SJC, he also served as an assistant track and field coach. He has also coached two different semi-pro football teams. Tousignaut earned a bachelor’s degree in 1990 from Albion College, where he played linebacker on the football team and participated in track and field.
“Adopt-a-Comet” program initiated Olivet’s head men’s basketball coach, Kurt Soderberg, has initiated a new fund-raising program titled “Adopt-a-Comet.” Funds generated from this endeavor are used to purchase uniforms, shoes and warm-up suits for every player on the team. Numerous alumni and friends have already donated a total of more than $3,600 to the initiative. In addition, Rod Hathaway ’81, provided the financial support necessary to purchase two pieces of cutting edge basketball equipment. “The Gun” is an automated rebounding machine that allows players to take more than 85 shots per minute. “The Defender” is a new machine that replaces the coach or player as a post defender, which allows the coach to instruct and the players to get the maximum number of reps. “The alumni have given us a chance to level the playing field with our competition,” said Soderberg. “The immediate impact of their generosity is a better experience for our student-athletes. The long-term impact is a great program.” Supporting the “Adopt-a-Comet” program include: Robert ’57 and Sarah ’56 Lawrence, Dick Powell ’60, Mike ’63 and Betsy Ann Foster, Ed Donaldson ’65, Max ’71 and Vicky Lindsay, Bill Newhouse ’73, John Nametz ’74, John Allen ’76, Curtis Webb ’78, Robert Mette ’78, Rod Hathaway ’81, Mark Blumberg ’99, Cloyce Dickerson and Amy Wiljanen.
Athletics Three inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame Ed Donaldson ’65, Gina (Hayward) Pliley ’94 and Dominic Shrewsberry ’92 were inducted into the Olivet College Athletic Hall of Fame at a ceremony Friday, Sept. 17 in Klock Commons. Donaldson was a four-year letterwinner on the basketball and baseball teams at Olivet. In basketball, he was a three-time AllMichigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) choice. After graduating from Olivet, Donaldson spent 28 years as an educator in the Brandon School District in Ortonville. He served as a physical education teacher for 12 years, athletic director for eight years, high school assistant principal for eight years and high school principal for eight years. Pliley played basketball and softball at Olivet. In softball, she was a three-time All-MIAA selection, including a first-team choice in 1994. Pliley ranks among the top five all-time in three Olivet softball career records with a .364 batting average, .471 slugging percentage and 13 doubles. In basketball, she was a MIAA coaches’ honorable mention choice in 1992-93. Pliley owns and operates a daycare center at her home in Olivet. Shrewsberry was a 1990 and 1991 first-team All-MIAA selection in football. In the single-season record book, he is tied for first with 12 touchdowns and 72 points scored. Shrewsberry works at West Bloomfield High School where he is a math teacher, head football and assistant track coach.
The 2004 Olivet College Athletic Hall of Fame inductees (from left): Dominic Shrewsberry ’92, Gina (Hayward) Pliley ’94 and Ed Donaldson ’65.
Sports News and Notes
Junior running back Travis Sleight rushed for 84 yards and three touchdowns in Olivet’s 78-21 victory over Ohio Wesleyan Sept. 18.
The Comet football team opened the Cutler Athletic Complex Sept. 18 in grand fashion. Olivet rushed for a NCAA Division III record 670 yards. The previous record was 642 by Wisc.-River Falls on Oct. 14, 1989. The Fighting Comets won the game 78-21. The 78 points tied the school record from 1891 when they won 78-0 over Michigan Agricultural College, now known as Michigan State University. The women’s golf team moved up four places from a year ago with a secondplace finish in the final 2004 Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) team standings. Individually, sophomore Kristy Latimer (Battle Creek) and freshman Jennifer Lambarth (Saline) earned first-team All-MIAA honors. Latimer was third in the league
Kristy Latimer
Jennifer Lambarth
Mike Dinner
Steve Ross
standings with an 83.8 average and Lambarth was one stroke behind with an 84.0 average. As a team, the Lady Comet golfers broke the school record with a 322 team score at the Baldwin-Wallace (Ohio) Invitational Sept. 26. The record entering the 2004 season was a 354. Individually, Latimer holds the school record with a 78. The men’s golf team was third in the final MIAA standings. The Comets trailed first-place Hope College by 11 strokes. Individually, senior Mike Dinner (Oakville, Ontario) and junior Steve Ross (Rockford) earned first-team All-MIAA honors while freshman Joe Kiss (Battle Creek) posted second-team All-MIAA honors. Ross had a 74.7 average, followed by Dinner at 75.0 and Kiss at 77.0.
FALL 2004 19
2004-05 Winter Sports Schedules Women’s Basketball
Men’s Basketball NOV.
DEC.
JAN.
FEB.
Date 19 20 23 27 30 3 4 10 11 20 30 5 8 12 15 19 22 26 29 2 5 9 12 16 19 23-26
Opponent vs. Heidelberg (Ohio) Consolation/Championship game @ Concordia vs. Lake Superior State (@ Port Huron HS) @ Wayne State vs. Michigan-Dearborn Consolation/Championship game vs. Siena Heights Consolation/Championship game SPRING ARBOR CORNERSTONE @ Albion KALAMAZOO @ Alma CALVIN @ Hope @ Tri-State (Ind.) ADRIAN ALBION @ Kalamazoo ALMA @ Calvin HOPE TRI-STATE (Ind.) @ Adrian MIAA Tournament (Site TBA)
Time 6 p.m. 6/8 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 6 p.m. 6/8 p.m. 6 p.m. TBA 5 P.M. 7:30 P.M. 7:30 p.m. 3 P.M. 7:30 p.m. 3 P.M. 7:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 7:30 P.M. 3 P.M. 7:30 p.m. 1 P.M. 7:30 p.m. 3 P.M. 7:30 p.m. 3 p.m. TBA
NOV.
DEC.
JAN.
FEB.
MAR.
Opponent vs. Ohio Northern Consolation/Championship game MARYGROVE CONCORDIA NORTHWOOD SAINT MARY’S (Ind.) HOPE @ Aquinas @ Kalamazoo @ Spring Arbor UNIV. OF WINDSOR JUNIATA (Pa.) ADRIAN @ Alma @ Albion @ Calvin TRI-STATE (Ind.) KALAMAZOO @ Hope @ Adrian ALMA ALBION CALVIN @ Tri-State (Ind.) @ Saint Mary’s (Ind.) MIAA Tournament (Site TBA)
6 2/4 7:30 7 3 3 7:30 6 7:30 1 8 3 7:30 3 7:30 3 7:30 3 7:30 3 5 7:30 5 7:30 3
Time p.m. p.m. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. P.M. p.m. p.m. p.m. P.M. P.M. P.M. p.m. p.m. p.m. P.M. P.M. p.m. p.m. P.M. P.M. P.M. p.m. p.m. TBA
Men’s and Women’s Swimming/Diving
BOLD and CAPS denote home event.
www.olivetcollege.edu/sports
Date 19 20 23 27 28 4 8 11 15 18 28 30 4 8 12 15 19 22 26 29 5 9 12 16 19 21-26
OCT. NOV.
JAN.
FEB.
MAR.
Date 30 5 6 12 19-20 8 15 22 29 10-12
10-12 17-19
Opponent @ Hope vs. Saint Mary’s CALVIN CENTRAL MICHIGAN @ Hillsdale with Ohio Northern @ Wabash (Ind.) Invitational @ University of Chicago (Ill.) ALBION ALMA @ Kalamazoo MIAA Championships hosted by Hope Preliminaries each day Finals each day NCAA Division III National Women’s Meet hosted by Hope NCAA Division III National Men’s Meet
Time 1 p.m. 6 P.M. 11 A.M. 1 p.m. TBA 2 p.m. 1 P.M. 1 P.M. 1 p.m. 11 a.m. 7 p.m. TBA TBA
Wrestling NOV.
1974 football team reunites Members of Olivet’s 1974 MIAA championship football team returned to campus Sept. 18 to celebrate their 30th anniversary. The players included (back row from left) Chuck Hoge ’78, Aaron Ruehle ’76, Jim Crocker ’77, Rick Corser ’77, Tim E. Baker ’77, Jim Cherven ’77, Mike Williamson ’77, Larry Lethorn ’75 and Ed Guisbert ’77; (front row from left) David Poole ’75, Tim A. Baker ’77, Paul Kies ’78, Bruce Tichenor ’78 and Jim Chapin ’77. Robert Christman ’75 and Brigham Young ’76 also attended the reunion, but are not pictured.
DEC. JAN.
FEB.
3-4 11 8 14-15 19 29 5 12 17 26
MAR.
20 SHIPHERD’S RECORD
Date 14 20
4-5
Opponent UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (Ill.) COMET DUALS Baldwin-Wallace (Ohio), SUNY-Cortland, Lycoming (Pa.), Wabash (Ind.), Wartburg (Iowa), Wisc.-Platteville, Wisc.-Stevens Point @ Milwaukee (Wisc.) SOE Duals @ Ohio Northern Tournament @ Muskingum (Ohio) Invitational @ North Central (Ill.) Tournament @ Tri-State (Ind.) @ Wabash (Ind.) Duals @ Baldwin-Wallace (Ohio) Tournament Mid-States Conference Tournament @ Rose-Hulman (Ind.) MOTT CC & TRI-STATE (Ind.) NCAA Division III Regional Meet @ Manchester (Ind.) NCAA Division III National Meet @ Northfield (Minn.)
Time 3 P.M. 11 A.M.
6 9 10 2
p.m. a.m. a.m. p.m. TBA 9 a.m. 10 a.m. 9 a.m. 6 P.M. 9 a.m. TBA
Class Notes Update from the Director Homecoming 2004 was a huge success despite the rainy, snowy, windy weekend. Thank you so much to those who did return! If you missed out on the festivities, please mark your calendar for next year’s Homecoming on Oct. 8, 2005. During Homecoming, we dedicated the Cutler Athletic Complex – a state-of-the-art facility that all of us are so very proud to call home. If you haven’t seen the artificial turf field, the red stands or the new press box, you need to come back to Olivet just for that purpose. Thank you again to Dave Cutler ’65, Tom Nesbitt ’63 and George Pyne ’65 for what they have done to improve Olivet. And a very special thank you to Richard ’68 and Reva ’68 Parrella for their contribution that made the press box possible. In addition to our new football facility, Bob Gillette ’63 donated a 20’ x Marty Mason Jennings ’67 40’ red and white alumni tent. We have been using the tent, complete with “Welcome Alumni” signs, at all home football games as a central meeting place for alumni. Olivet has also spearheaded numerous academic upgrades. There have been improvements made in the residence halls; there are now Smart classrooms where students and professors have immediate access to the Internet. We are also looking at building a new residence hall.
1920s Vaughn Floutz ’26, Ph.D., celebrated his 100th birthday Oct. 4, 2004. Vaughn is a retired chemistry professor from the University of Akron. He has three children, nine grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren (the last one was born on his 100th birthday). Vaughn Floutz ’26
Thelma (Bowes) Pryor ’27 celebrated her 99th birthday in July 2004. She resides in Ann Arbor.
1930s Mildred Parrott ’32 resides in Maplewood of Marshall, an assisted living home. Elizabeth (Leslie) Seager ’36 was in England from Sept. 20, 2003 to March 25, 2004 with her daughter, Barbara. Thelma (Bowes) Pryor ’27
Please continue to support the Dr. Fred Gruen Memorial Fund, which provides for enhancements to the biochemistry lab. To date, we have raised more than $17,000. If you donate $2,000 or more, your name will be placed on a plaque in the Mott Academic Center. It is essential that all our alumni and friends contribute to the future of Olivet College. As I have mentioned before, with increased funding we become eligible for a number of grants and our odds of receiving corporate gifts are improved as well. Last year the college awarded more than $6 million in internal aid to our students; without your donations to the Annual Scholarship Fund, many would not be able to attend Olivet. I want to thank those of you who have contributed for your kind generosity. Please continue to support your alma mater. We are striving for 100 percent participation – so no gift is too small. Contact your classmates on our online community at www.olivet.onlinecommunity.com. Reconnecting with you continues to make my job exciting. Please stay in touch by contacting me at (269) 749-7644 or via e-mail at mjennings@olivetcollege.edu. If you are in the area, please stop by Dole Hall to say hello. Sincerely,
Marty Mason Jennings ’67 Director of Alumni Relations
Hester (Rienstra) Bonfoey ’37 celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends during a luncheon in June. Earlier in the year, Hester was honored as a 65-year member of the Three Rivers Woman’s Club. Grafton “Mac” Thomas ’37 participated in the Run for Funds 10K race July 3, 2004, in Northport raising about $500 for the American Cancer Society. He has competed in this race almost every year since 1979. George Krepps ’38 and Antonie “Tonie” (Olsen) ’39 attended the alumni social in Florida this past February.
1940s Martha (Turpen) Pasternak ’46 is living in Clarkston. Her e-mail address is Marpast@aol.com.
Class Notes Three honored with Distinguished Alumni Awards Olivet College Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented corporation finance, business law, probate and estate planning to Richard Brennan, Dean S. Lewis and John Nametz, O.D., sections of the State Bar of Michigan. Lewis is also a member of during Homecoming activities Saturday, Oct. 16. the corporation, banking, business law, property, probate and trust Brennan is a 1965 Olivet graduate and resident of Midland. law sections of the American Bar Association. He served as past He joined the Dow Chemical Company in 1966. At the time of president of the Olivet College Alumni Association, the State Bar his retirement in 1999, he was the of Michigan and the Kalamazoo County global product development director of Bar Association. He earned his law Dow’s superabsorbent polymers degree from the University of Michigan business and chairman of the board of in 1958. directors of the Institute for Polyacrylate Nametz, a 1974 Olivet graduate Absorbants, Inc. Throughout his career, and four-year letterwinner in basketball, he worked in research and development is a resident of Spring Lake. He earned on chemistry applications from rocket a doctor of optometry degree from The science to improved petroleum recovery, Ohio State University in 1978 and and electrical power generations to ultra began practicing optometry in Charlotte. dry baby diapers. He holds patents on In addition to his practice, Nametz was improved explosive compositions for the a staff optometrist for the Department mining industry, gas generating of Corrections and a clinic instructor at The 2004 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients (from left), Richard Brennan ’65, John Nametz ’74, O.D., and propellants for automotive air bags and Ferris State University College of Dean Lewis ’55. chemical cleaning compositions for Optometry. In 1982, he moved to his electrical utility equipment. Brennan present optometric practice in Spring received a master’s of science degree from Central Michigan Lake. He served as chairperson of the Spring Lake Central University in 1977. Business District, advisor to the Ottawa Area Intermediate School Lewis is a 1955 Olivet graduate and resident of Kalamazoo. District’s Michigan Model Health Curriculum and he is presidentHis private law practice involves estate planning and probate elect of the Grand Haven Area Chamber of Commerce. cases, as well as business and real estate. He is a member of the
1960s George Gullen ’61, Ph.D., made a presentation for Olivet’s Mathematics and Computer Science Department seminar Oct. 13, 2004. George is retired from teaching math at Henry Ford Community College in Dearborn. Lee Phillips ’62 is completing his doctoral work in American studies at the University of New Mexico. His e-mail address is HistoryProfRR@aol.com.
Class of 1954 celebrates 50th anniversary
Louis Anderson ’63 retired from the Department of Defense Schools and lives in Carmel by the Sea, Calif., and Tokyo, Japan. His e-mail address is louis972@hotmail.com.
Members of the Class of 1954 reunited during 2004 Homecoming activities to celebrate their 50th anniversary. Those attending included (from left): Charles Phillips, Jim Thiese, Bill Jones, Dick Powell, Ann (Pepple) Andrews and Ken Carothers.
Bruce Beetley ’63, a professor of biology and coordinator of the Card Wildlife Education Center at Ferris State University, received one of eight civic achievement awards as part of the fourth annual Northern Lights Awards Show held September 2004. He was honored for his achievements in training and education. In 1992 he was the recipient of the Ferris Distinguished Teacher Award.
22 SHIPHERD’S RECORD
Class Notes 2004, Bill and colleagues released a combined X-ray/optical/infrared image of a 400-year-old supernova explosion that was originally observed in 1604. His e-mail address is wpbepha@jhu.edu. John Baker ’72 is in his 33rd year of teaching; this is his third year teaching 6th grade science at the Portage Central Middle School. John is also coaching middle school wrestling. For the past 10 years, he has been a Lay Missionary at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Portage. His e-mail address is GPackerFanatic@aol.com.
Honorary degrees awarded Charles McPhail (left) and Preston Ports (right) were presented honorary bachelor’s degrees by President Tuski during a special ceremony Oct. 14.
Robert Shegog ’74 coaches boys’ and girls’ wrestling in Prescott, Ariz. In March 2004, he took 15 female wrestlers, including two from his school, to the National Girls’ Wrestling competition in Lake Orion. Bob has been teaching special education and adaptive physical education classes since 1990. For the second year in a row, he has been nominated by his students to the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. E-mail Bob at azbearphx@aol.com.
Jane (Birdsall) Lander ex’69, educator, writer and nationally exhibited artist, is project manager and co-author of the St. Louis Public Art Curriculum Kit, a national model for object centered, integrated curriculum. Jane organized a consortium of 10 regional not-for-profit arts organizations that helped fund the project. The kits were distributed to local teachers and libraries, and to local and national arts organizations. Jane’s e-mail address is Landerjb@aol.com.
Cheryl (Mulvaney) Aponte ’77 is the director of philanthropy for the Nature Conservancy in Illinois. She and her husband, John, reside in Chicago.
Ed Retherford ’69 is running sport fishing charters on Lake Huron. His Web site is www.TroutScoutCharters.com and e-mail is troutscout@micharterboats.com.
Sue (Best) Morgan ’79 is working for the town of Castle Rock, Colo., as a human resources manager. She is a certified compensation professional through the World at Work Society. Sue and her husband, Bill, have two children, Nick and Kaitlyn. E-mail Sue at sjmorgan124@yahoo.com.
1970s Kathy (Butterick) Burt ’70 retired from the Grand Ledge Public Schools, having taught elementary students for 30 years. Kathy and her husband, Gary ’71, have two children, Emily and Evan.
Sue “Elmo” Elmer ’79 has lived in Wichita, Kan., since 1980. She is the vice president of community support services at the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation.
Charlene (Rarick) Dean ’70 retired after 31 years of teaching at the elementary level in Coldwater. She is pursuing her dream of helping develop a puppet ministry and a crafts program at a local church. Charlene has three sons. Constance Joy Sacca ’70 received the Goldin Foundation Award for Excellence in Education in May 2004. Joy has been an elementary educator for more than 30 years and vice principal at the Baker School in Brookline, Mass., for 14 years. Bill Blair ’71, Ph.D., continues to work at Johns Hopkins University and is the chief of observatory operations for the FUSE project, a NASA astronomy mission run through the university. His research uses many different facilities, including the Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes and the Chandra X-ray Observatory. In early October
A group of 1974 Soronians vacationed together in Branson, Mo., in June 2004. They include (from left): Vicky Kimling, Linda Allison, Cathy Ray, Catherine Sanders, Jan Armstrong and Kay Scofield.
FALL 2004 23
Class Notes Corl receives Young Alumni Award Frank Corl ’94 was honored with the Olivet College Young Alumni Award Saturday, Sept. 25 during a ceremony in Klock Commons. This award is given to recent Olivet alumni who demonstrate commendable achievements in their chosen career. Corl resides in Baltimore, Md., where he is a medical illustrator, research associate, author and faculty member at the Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiographic Science at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Corl is part of the Advanced Medical Imaging Laboratory that uses 3-D imaging and computed tomography to create medical and scientific illustrations for journal publications, books, scientific exhibits, and interactive medical education computer programs. While at Olivet, Corl was an art major and a member of the wrestling team.
1980s Chloe (Kaune) Tischler ’81, Ph.D., has relocated to Casa Grande, Ariz., where she resides with her two daughters. She worked as a professor of criminal justice at Radford University in Virginia. Her e-mail address is tischloe@yahoo.com. Brian L. Hughes ’82 was invited into candidacy for the doctor of music arts program in orchestral conducting at the University of WisconsinMadison. He will continue his teaching responsibilities at Loras College in Iowa. John E. Johnson ’84 joined the investment and insurance services of Community Financial to help members with shortand long-term financial strategies.
Reconnecting at the Indian River alumni gathering were (from left) Marty (Terhune) Day ’73, Beverlee (Ball) Byron ’61, Douglas Byron ’59 and Terry Day ’69.
Rodney “Rocky” Johnson ’85 was named the head men’s basketball coach at Bangor High School.
Frank Corl ’94 (center) received the 2004 Olivet College Young Alumni Award at a ceremony Sept. 25. Also pictured are Don Rowe (left), professor of art and director of Self and Community, and Gary Wertheimer, chair of the Arts and Communication Department.
Anne Marie (Davenport) ’85 and Kenneth Ortegel ’85 moved to Cedar Springs. Ken is teaching special education in the Grand Rapids Public Schools. Anne is working in the marketing department at Meijer. They have been married for 18 years and have one son and two daughters. Julie (Schultz) Arnold ’86 earned a master’s degree in social work in 1997. She is the supervisor for a pregnancy counseling/parenting and adoption program in Detroit. Julie’s e-mail address is jjddse@aol.com. Jamey Fitzpatrick ’86 was recently appointed interim president of Michigan Virtual University in Lansing. Jamey also serves as an Olivet College Board of Trustee member.
Jamey Fitzpatrick ’86
Paul Kehres ’87 was promoted to Ohio Valley regional sales manager for the Enesco Group, Inc. He and his wife, Colleen (Rose) ’89, have a son, Nathaniel. Their e-mail address is ckehres@enesco.com.
Class Notes Kirk Johnson ’88 moved to Wilmington, Del., and is on the economics faculty at Goldey-Beacom College. He earned a master’s and doctorate in economics at Michigan State University. Kirk’s e-mail address is johnsok@gbc.edu. Louise (Newton) ’89 and Doug Cook ’89 are living in Cincinnati, Ohio. Louise is the loss prevention director for the Great American Insurance Company. Doug is a database administrator for the Connecticut Community Technical Colleges. Their son, Aidan, is one-year-old. Louise’s e-mail address is lcook@gaic.com; Doug’s is cookd@commnet.edu. Robyn (Hallcomb) Kay ’89 is employed by the New Jersey Department of Education and is working on her Ed.D. at Nova Southeastern University’s Philadelphia campus. She and her husband, Charles, have two children, Alec and Katie. Her e-mail address is wissehkay@msn.com.
1990s Marlon M. Bailey ’91 has received a Dissertation Fellowship in Black Studies at the University of California-Santa Barbara for this academic year. Dr. Paul Stoetzel ’94 is the owner of Stoetzel’s Planet Chiropractic of Lemont, Ill. Paul’s e-mail address is stoetzelchiro@sbcglobal.net. Sherri Termolen ’94 works for OMD Chicago, an advertising agency that plans and buys media for clients such as McDonald’s, Dell and Wrigley. Sherri and her husband, Hugh Hoebbel, live in Chicago. Her e-mail address is stermolen@rcn.com. Chad Waterstradt ’94 is the financial sales manager at United Bank and Trust in Dundee. Prior to his new position, Chad was a mortgage specialist. He is also a volunteer fireman and an active member of the Dundee Recreation Commission. Geoff Widlak ’95 is managing the Fort Lauderdale office of the UnumProvident Insurance Co. His e-mail address is gwidlak@unumprovident.com. April Sue (Platt) McAndrews ’98 is working with the Ohio Campus Compact AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteer in Service to America) on the campus of Cleveland State University. She coordinates volunteer opportunities. April’s e-mail address is edandaprilsue@hotmail.com. Jason Thimm ’99 is an account executive for Arthur J. Gallagher of Michigan, Inc., in St. Claire Shores. His e-mail address is JThimm@comcast.net.
2000s Lisa (Wiegand) Johnson ’00 is a family teacher in Mooseheart, Ill., working for Mooseheart Child City and School, Inc., a large youth care facility providing education, social skill development and care to youth from birth to 18 years of age. Lisa’s e-mail address is renizzafied@aol.com. Sarah Kelly ’00 was awarded the 2002-03 Outstanding AmeriCorps Member award for the impact her service had on the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program (MGSP), her local Michigan State University Extension office and the citizens of Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties. Sarah served two terms with MGSP. Her e-mail address is cygnetgal@hotmail.com. Kristina (Youmans) Richmond ’00 and her husband, Dale, live in Belding. They have two sons, Zeke and Jackson. Heather Connell ’01 ran in the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in June 2004, which helped raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Heather is a Soronian who now lives in Vail, Colo. Her e-mail address is hjconnell@yahoo.com. Yeon-Jung Yu ’01 earned a master’s in East Asian studies from the University of Southern California this summer. She is now pursuing her Ph.D., at Stanford University in anthropological sciences. Her e-mail address is yunjung_yu@yahoo.com. Klorida Miraj ’02 lives in Chicago and works for Ernst & Young LLP in security and technology solutions. Her e-mail address is Klorida.Miraj@ey.com. Lenny Meschino ’03 is a loan officer at The Mortgage House, Inc., in Holland. He also serves as the head wrestling coach at Fennville High School. Lenny’s e-mail address is LMeschino@mortgagehouse.org.
Did you study under The Olivet Plan? If you graduated under The Olivet Plan, the college wants to hear from you. Olivet College sent surveys to recent graduates in order to find out how they are doing, where they live and how they feel about different aspects of Olivet College. The survey takes about 10 minutes and helps the college keep its programs and services distinctive and responsive to the needs of students . If you graduated in 1999 or more recently and did not receive a survey or misplaced yours, please call the Academic Dean’s Office at (269) 749-7618. Survey responses may also be taken over the phone between 9 a.m. and noon and 1 and 4 p.m., Eastern time.
FALL 2004 25
Class Notes Stay connected with Olivet College’s E-newsletter You don’t have to wait for Shipherd’s Record to stay up-to-date on what’s happening at Olivet College. Subscribe to Olivet’s free monthly E-newsletter. Developed with alumni and friends in mind, the E-newsletter contains news and notes about Olivet’s students, faculty, staff and alumni. This service is only available to those alumni and friends who subscribe, so sign up today by sending an e-mail to collegerelations@olivetcollege.edu.
2004 Comet Classic champions The winning foursome from the 2004 Comet Classic golf outing were (from left) Bob Halbert, Bruce Barea ’82, Tom Joslyn ’84 and Doug Chapman.
Visit the Olivet College Alumni Association Web site at www.olivet.onlinecommunity.com Your I.D. number is required to register. The number is located near your name on the address label.
Turn yourself in for Shipherd’s Record Class Notes Please detach (or copy) and send the completed form to the Office of Alumni Relations, 320 S. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076. You may also e-mail your Class Note information to mjennings@olivetcollege.edu.
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Class, or years attended: __________________________________ Major: ____________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________ (street)
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Check here if this is a new address. Telephone: ___________________________________ E-mail address: _______________________________ Spouse: ___________________________________________________________________________________ (first)
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Class, or years attended: __________________________________ Major: ____________________________ Your occupation, job title: ____________________________________________________________________ Class Note: _________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________ (job change, relocation, marriage, birth announcement, honor/award) Due to space limitations, please submit events that have occurred within the past year.
I certify that the above information is true and correct. Signature: ________________________________________ Today’s date: _____________________________ 26 SHIPHERD’S RECORD
Class Notes Marriages Dan Dinoff ’62 and Jean Theofil married July 25, 2004 at St. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Westland. Olivetians who attended the wedding were Martin Kennedy ’62 and Tom Nesbitt ’63. Cheryl Mulvaney ’77 married John Aponte Oct. 5, 2003 at Pops for Champagne in Chicago. They were married by Brian Mulvaney ex’82. Jean and Dan Dinoff ’62 Olivetians who attended the wedding were David Lange ’77, Chris Arvidson ’78, Tala (Plummer) Welch ’77 and Barron Evans ’77. Connie Laube ’77 married Mark James Callahan July 9, 2004.
to Jamey Fitzpatrick ’86 and wife, Nicole, a daughter, Mackenzie Colleen, born Sept. 22, 2004. to Steve Hummer ’86 and wife, Liz, a son, Trevor Steven, born Aug. 16, 2004. to Amy Prevo-Johnson ’90 and David Johnson ’88, a daughter, Ellie, born Jan. 9, 2004. She joins brother, Sullivan (6). to Lisa (Barroso) ’91 and husband, Jeffery Bachmann, a daughter, Isabella Maria, born July 17, 2004. Lisa’s e-mail address is daisy71669@yahoo.com. to Kimberly (Bosman) ’93 and Brad Rauchfuss ’94, a daughter, Alexandra Jane, born Feb. 2, 2004. She joins siblings, Rachel (6) and Dean (3). Brad’s e-mail address is bradley.rauchfuss@kraft.com.
La’Tisha “Tish” Lounsbury ’80 married James Hillebrand May 23, 2004 aboard the Carnival Victory Cruiseship, in the port of Miami.
to Tiffany (Chilver) Dykema ’94 and husband, Michael, a son, Chase Michael, born Feb. 15, 2003, and a son, Jaxson John, born April 28, 2004. They join Abbey (6) and Megan (7).
Jamey Fitzpatrick ’86 married Nicole Curtis Dec. 20, 2003 in Grand Ledge.
to Karri (Anderson) Shankel ’95 and husband, Doug, a son, Paul William Edsel, Jan. 24, 2004. Paul joins his brother, Hunter (5).
Teresa Bigelow ’90 married Tom Sturrus March 25, 2004 in Fremont.
to Geoff Widlak ’95 and wife, LeeAnne, twin daughters, Elizabeth Anne and Abigail Linette, born Sept. 23, 2003.
Frank Corl ’94 married Karin Horlbeck Oct. 23, 2004. Dr. Paul Stoetzel ’94 married Robyn Roehik Sept. 6, 2003 in Door County, Wis. Laura Schryer ’98 married Chris VonAllmen ’96 Sept. 18, 2004 in Florida. Bryant Keith Williams ’00 married Antoinette Bagwell Aug. 21, 2004 in Manitou Springs, Colo. Annie Deschoff ’02 married Gerry Eggleston May 8, 2004 in the Olivet Congregational Church. The wedding party included Sigma sisters Erika Hinga ’01, Katie Kelly, Stefania Perciballi ’03 and Kendra Mesecar. Also in the wedding were Kappa Sigs Larry and Jack Lingenfelter ’04 and Adelphic Mike Hall ’04. Annie’s e-mail address is deschoff237@hotmail.com.
New Additions to Julie (Schultz) Arnold ’86 and husband, Don, a daughter, Andrea, born March 15, 2004. She joins sister, Sarah (3). to Susan (Allen) Bernard ’85 and husband, Chris, a son, David Maximillian (Max), July 7, 2004.
to Holly (Fuller) Smith ’01 and husband, Jarrett, a son, Keagan, born Sept. 13, 2004.
1941 to 1950, a student perspective by Stan Vallender ’50 John Henry Vanderlind ex ’50 wrote in this space in the spring 2004 edition of Shipherd’s Record an introduction to his historical interpretation of the student strike of 1948, and the events leading up to this turmoil. In his concluding paragraph he states, “Many who were present during that time have reviewed my work and find it to be an accurate account of the events ... .” Since I was present during much of the period from 1941 through graduation in 1950, I have somewhat different recollections than Mr. Vanderlind’s; and a perspective that is politically light years from what is evident in his copyrighted pamphlet. For those interested in my writing on this subject, along with my open letter to Mr. Vanderlind, please contact me via e-mail at vivacats@dslextreme.com. You may also write to me at 41 Teloma Drive, Ventura, CA 93003-2154. For a copy of my nine-page reply (rather than an e-mail attachment) please include 23 and 37 cent stamps.
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Class Notes In Memoriam Helen (Bohnet) Walter ’30 died Sept. 22, 2004. She lived in Lansing and spent her winters in Florida. Helen was a Soronian. She is survived by sons, James ’56 and Gordon Walter ’59, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Margaret (Simmons) Stowell ’32 died Feb. 24, 2004. She is survived by a daughter, a son, a grandson and five great-grandchildren. Donald H. Stark ’38 died Aug. 27, 2004. He was retired from General Motors. He was preceded in death by his wife, Isabel. Donald had been a member of Adelphic Alpha Pi. He is survived by three children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Gretchen (Arndts) Votruba ’38 died Oct. 9, 2004, in Traverse City. She received the Michigan First Lady Award in 1987 and the Traverse Area Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Citizen Award. She enjoyed music and played in the Traverse Symphony and the Olivet Orchestra. She is survived by her step-children and her step-grandchildren. Dorothy Ella (Spencer) Evert ’39 died May 21, 2004. She retired in 1980 after having worked in the Union City school district for 37 years. She is survived by daughter, Mary Vahs ’81, another daughter, a son and grandchildren. Dorothy Elizabeth (Platt) Wood ’39 died Oct. 11, 2004. Her family requested that memorial contributions be sent to the Olivet College Annual Scholarship Fund. She had been a member of Soronian. She is survived by her husband, Donald, daughter and two grandchildren. Martin Clapp ’40 died March 17, 2004.
M. Richard Diehl ’40 died May 29, 2004. While at Olivet, he was Frank Ham’s ’40 roommate and lifelong friend. In 1976 he was inducted into the Olivet College Athletic Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lois, a daughter, two sons and 10 grandchildren. Roberta (Wells) Leidner ’40 died July 25, 2004. She was a Marine veteran from World War II and attended Olivet College on the G.I. Bill, and then went on to a political career in Madison, Wisc. She is survived by her husband, Milt Leidner ’48. Elmer White ex’40 died May 23, 2004. Elmer is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty, and three children and two grandchildren. Peter Henry Kracala ’53 died May 10, 2004. He was retired and lived in the Atlanta area since 1980. Peter was a member of Adelphic Alpha Pi. He is survived by three daughters, a son and three grandchildren. Frank Dickie ’54 died March 5, 2004. He lived in West Bloomfield. Frank is survived by a daughter, a son and a granddaughter. Jeanette “Johnnie” (Holland) Harkey ’56 died June 21, 2004. She is survived by her son, granddaughter, sister and brother. William “Jeff” Snarey ’63 died July 1, 2004. He was a retired teacher and coach from West Bloomfield High School. Jeff was a member of Phi Alpha Pi. He is survived by his wife and his brother, Mike Snarey ’66, two children and two grandchildren. Larry Lazenby ’67 died Sept. 25, 2003. He lived in Clarkston. Ivan Sheets ’69 died May 26, 2004. He was a lifelong Olivet resident, and a teacher and coach in the Olivet Community Schools with 33 years of service, receiving many awards for his accomplishments as both boys’ and girls’ basketball coach. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Champion) ’70, a daughter, son, brother and three sisters.
Former Faculty, Staff and Friends Memoriam Warren Armstrong, former professor of history at Olivet from the late ’50s to the mid-’60s, died Oct. 1, 2004, in Oklahoma. From 1983 to 1993 he was president of Wichita State University, a Congregational institution. He was an ordained Episcopalian minister. He is survived by his wife, Joan (Gregory) ’62, five children and nine grandchildren. Jane Roepke, longtime companion to Dr. Randall Root ’71, died Oct. 2. 2004. Anne H. White died May 9, 2004. She was the wife of Larry White ’35. Anne was an Olivet resident since 1978 and was a member of the Olivet College Women’s Board.
28 SHIPHERD’S RECORD
Community member doesn’t mind getting dirty to help the college by Jerry Rashid
For more than 30 years, Danny LaPoint has been digging up dirt around Olivet College. But don’t think of him as the townie who likes to gossip or spread half truths. The kind of unearthing he does involves shovels and backhoes. Following a stint in Vietnam, LaPoint joined the college staff in 1972 where he did jobs such as washing laundry and working with Danny LaPoint the grounds crew. Thirteen years later, he left the college to open his own business - D & J Excavating. “This is a great area to work in,” said LaPoint, a lifelong resident of Olivet. “There are a lot of good people here at the college. The college has been very good to me over the years.” And LaPoint has been good for Olivet College, too. Time and again, the college has called upon its reliable community partner to handle a variety of jobs. One of the more notable excavating projects he’s worked on was the Burrage Library addition in the early 1990s. More recently, he was involved with razing the old athletic field house to make way for the new athletic and recreation facility, which opened in 2000. This past
summer, he demolished the home stands at the football stadium and put in the pillars which support the new grandstand and press box. “I have been working with Danny LaPoint for nearly 12 years now,” said Larry Colvin, Olivet’s vice president for administration. “Danny has always been willing to show up on campus with his equipment at a moment’s notice, whether it is during the day or 2 a.m. I can’t count the number of emergencies (underground water and steam leaks) that he has helped the college handle. Danny knows the location of practically all of the utilities on campus, which saves time and money to locate during excavation work. Danny has been extremely helpful to those of us in the facilities area, as well as the community at large. He is a true friend of Olivet College.” When he’s not busy operating heavy machinery around campus and the community, LaPoint can often be found at Olivet’s fire department. He has served the department for 31 years, including the last 25 as lieutenant. LaPoint is also known around town as the mastermind behind the city’s ever-popular and growing Firemen’s Festival. Held each year on the last Saturday in July, the festival features a car show, games, parade, chicken barbecue and fireworks. Proceeds generated from the event help the fire department purchase needed equipment and supplies.
Olivet College Bookstore
To place an order, call (269) 749-7394 or e-mail bookstore@olivetcollege.edu.
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