Shipherd's Record fall 2013

FALL 2013

President’s

UPDATE

Dear Friends: As I considered my comments to you for this edition of Shipherd’s Record, I noticed an intersection between some of the most important public dialogues going on today related to student success and the value proposition associated with higher education, and the features in this issue. These include questions such as: What are students learning? Are students learning the right things? What’s the right balance between broad-based learning in the liberal arts and specific preparation for vocation? Does a college degree lead to an increased chance at a happy and successful life? Is the cost of college worth it?

These are big questions. Certainly, they are beyond our ability to grapple with in this brief communiqué. However, you should know and take some solace that at Olivet College we’re earnestly and successfully handling these and other big issues, particularly as they relate to Olivet College today, and to the Olivet College of the decades ahead.

This issue provides us with clues – some might say evidence – that we’ve had a history of affirmatively addressing these challenges, even as we work to ensure we continue to do so long into the future. First and foremost is the powerful story and testimony of Melinda and Steve Roznowski. In our cover story they discuss the impact of their Olivet College experience, one grounded in a vigorous core curriculum and an engaging campus experience. This helped them to develop and hone their love to learn while at the same time prepare them for not only their first job, but also their ability to evolve and adapt throughout highly successful careers as professionals and parents.

You’ll also notice the announcement and celebration of our Risk Management and Insurance Center students in Gamma Iota Sigma who outperformed all other programs in the country to take the coveted No. 1 ranking away from Temple University. The Olivet College program has won this award four other times and is consistently considered one of the superior programs in the country. This program exemplifies how excellence in professional preparation can effectively take place within the liberal arts education one can earn at Olivet College.

Finally, I also want to draw your attention to the feature highlighting the internship experiences of students Raquel Mazur, Carrie Jacob and Morgan Hall. These outstanding young women are exemplars for how Olivet College is successfully connecting students to vocation, helping them to bridge the gap between college and life beyond, and doing so in ways that develop not only job skills and experience, but advances effective communication, critical thinking and problem solving in “real life” situations.

I’m confident that long after this issue of Shipherd’s Record, we, as a college, and us, as a nation, will continue to explore and discuss the important issues of higher education’s relevance, value and effectiveness. The examples we provide here, along with other testimonies and examples of excellence you may find in our other publications, provide us with assurance that Olivet College is getting it right. Our plan for 2020 and Beyond, which has permeated our Shipherd’s Record issues for the past couple of years, has set the course for how we’ll continue to ensure that Olivet College does so for years to come.

I hope you enjoy this issue and learning more about what’s happening at this great college.

With best regards,

Steven M. Corey, Ph.D. President

Rebecca Gaarde ’13 and President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D.

Olivet College Shipherd’s Record Shipherd’s Record is named in memory of “Father” John J. Shipherd, who established Olivet College in 1844. The magazine is published twice annually for Olivet alumni and friends.

MAGAZINE Staff B.J. Hull Vice President for Advancement Shannon Tiernan Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications Molly (Reed) Goaley ’05 Director of Media Relations and Senior Writer Bruce Snyder Director of Publications and Web Services Marty (Mason) Jennings ’67 Alumni Relations Geoff Henson Sports Information Editorial Jackie Bounds Mitch Galloway Jennifer (ten Haaf) Hodges ’12 Sarah K. Smith ’13 Send change of address notices to: Office of Advancement 320 S. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076 Olivet, MI 49076 • (269) 749-7630 mkeene@olivetcollege.edu

6 COVER STORY

Beyond the Bandstand

Steve ’82 and Melinda ’ 82 Roznowski

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10 It’s Good to be Greek

12 Throwing a Line 16 In Step with Internships

Departments 2 Around the Square 19 Advancement 20 Comet Sports 23 Class Notes

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16 Olivet College is committed to the principles of equal opportunity and non-discrimination. The college, in its employment, student admissions, recruitment, and personnel policies and practices, will not discriminate against any individual on the basis of age, color, sex, gender identity, disability or disability status, height, weight, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, military or veteran status, or sexual orientation.

As you read through Shipherd’s Record, we invite you to look for the following graphic which represents key attributes of the strategic plan in action. For more info, visit www.olivetcollege.edu/about/2020_beyond.php

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Harper Addresses Student Success

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Shaun Harper, Ph.D., professor and director of the Center for the Study of Race and Equity in Education at the University of Pennsylvania, presented as part of the President’s Lecture Series Oct. 16.

During his visit, Harper engaged with students, faculty and staff on the topics of advancing black male student success and issues associated with Shaun Harper, Ph.D.

masculinity and college success. The college is currently exploring opportunities for continued engagement with Harper.

Harper is a tenured faculty member in the Graduate School of Education, Africana Studies and Gender Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. He is co-founder of the Penn GSE Black Male Grad Prep Academy and a faculty fellow at the Penn Institute for Urban Research.

Harper maintains an active research agenda that examines race and gender in education and social contexts, college access and achievement among undergraduate men of color, and college student engagement.

The Michigan Recital Project (l to r: Margot Rood, Emily Marvosh and Joseph Turbessi; michiganrecitalproject.com) performed as part of the college’s new recital series in October. Rood is the daughter of Robert Rood ’68 and Kathy Biemuller ex’71.

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Olivet Launches Nation’s First Business Analysis in Insurance Major The Risk Management and Insurance Center (RMIC) is now offering a Business Analysis in Insurance degree program, the first of its kind in the nation.

Students pursuing this major will take a mix of business, insurance and computer science courses at Olivet.

“Our insurance industry partners told us that there is a strong need for graduates with the skills and knowledge required for a business analysis position,” said Carol Breed ’98, J.D., professor and director of the RMIC at Olivet College. “The development of this major was truly a collaboration of the insurance business and academia.”

Rated as one of the country’s top 12 jobs to pursue last year by Money Magazine, analysts serve as a bridge between a company’s information systems department and other departments and are versed in insurance industry standards, policies, trends and news.

“There is an incredible amount of prospects for students who can manage the rigors of this curriculum,” Breed added. “This major is a perfect fit for the student who is interested in project management in a business that provides security, stability and growth opportunities.”

Top Michigan Musicians Perform as Part of New Recital Series In October, the Olivet College Performing Arts Department launched a series of lectures and recitals featuring the top musical talent in the state.

The recital series, made possible by a gift from alumni John ’70 and Penny ’69 Gear, is a 5-year program designed to provide Olivet College students with an exclusive educational experience, while also bringing exceptional concert opportunities to the community.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to host some of Michigan’s finest local talent at Olivet College,” said Timothy Flynn, Ph.D., Performing Arts Department chair and associate professor of music. “Not only does the series offer an excellent service to the community; more importantly, it provides a unique educational experience to our students and all audiences alike.”

The free series includes performances from the Lansing Symphony Orchestra string quartet and wind quintet, the internationally acclaimed Merling Trio, the Michigan Recital Project and more. In addition, each performance is preceded by a lecture from an Olivet College faculty member or guest about the featured music for the day. For a complete schedule, visit www.olivetcollege.edu/academics/performing_arts.php.

New Partnership Provides College Credit to Holt Students

Students Capture OC Experience Through Instagram Contest

In August, Olivet College partnered with Holt Public Schools to offer a unique opportunity to Holt High School students.

Participating students will complete specified courses at Holt High School; in turn, Olivet will provide college credit for the courses. These credits can be applied to the student’s transcript if he or she chooses to pursue an education at Olivet. There is no financial obligation to students who participate in this program.

“The goal of this collaboration is to strengthen and advance the culture of college-going behavior for Holt Public Schools’ seniors and to help them self-identify that a college education is attainable,” said President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D. “We will accomplish this goal by bringing the college experience to them. What they get in return are college credits for many advanced placement or college-prep courses they will take.”

Corey added that Olivet College has a long history of serving students from Holt Public Schools and greater Lansing.

“This is part of our ongoing effort to elevate and illuminate the academics in Holt Public Schools,” said Holt Superintendent Johnny A. Scott, Ph.D. “It is a value-added experience—students can earn college credit while in high school, while generating a post-high school tuition cost savings for families.”

The college launched its first-ever Instagram student photo contest at the beginning of the fall semester.

Students participated by posting photos of their Olivet College experience to the popular social networking app with the hashtag #howyouOCit. A total of 182 photos were entered; of these, the top five were selected based on creativity, originality and style, and posted to the college’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

Fans voted, and the three photos with the most “likes” won the top prizes – $100, $75 and $50 gift certificates to the Olivet College Bookstore.

Not only did the contest drive engagement to the college’s social media sites, it allowed students to share their unique perspective of a vibrant campus community.

Olivet to Field New Sports Teams The Comet Athletic Department plans to launch new sports teams in time for the 2014-15 season.

Men’s tennis is being reinstated after an 18-year hiatus.

Men’s volleyball and women’s bowling will be offered as sanctioned intercollegiate club sports, with plans of them becoming NCAA varsity sports in the future. In addition, boxing was added as a club sport this fall.

“With more than half our student body participating in intercollegiate athletics, we place a high priority on ensuring we remain a competitive force in the MIAA,” said President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D. “These teams make great additions to the Comet athletic program.”

With this announcement, Megan Merchant has been promoted to director of volleyball, while retaining duties as head coach for the women’s program. Casey Hilts, assistant coach to Merchant, has been named the head coach of the men’s program.

Loren Partlo ’89, who coached at the U.S. Military Academy, has been appointed the college’s boxing instructor.

A national search for the head coach of the men’s tennis program has been conducted.

Karine (Campbell) Walters ’06 has been named head coach for women’s bowling, which is slated to begin in the winter of 2014-15.

The top five #howyouOCit finalists: First place–Burrage Library Hallway, by Sam Daily, senior; second place– Opportunity, by Raquel Mazur, senior; third place– WOCR Love, by Jaime Cain, freshman; runnersup–Cheer, by Harley Hill, sophomore; Volleyball Victory, by Colleen Klimek, freshman.

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Faculty and Staff News and Notes Marcus Darden, assistant professor of computer science, was awarded a grant from the Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) for the purchase of a 3D printer.

The cutting-edge technology will allow computer science students to make durable goods as part of their classroom work, thus exposing them to small business opportunities, product marketing and boutique manufacturing.

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Terri Glasgow was named director of human resources. She comes from Lake Michigan College, where she spent 17 years as a human resources administrator. Glasgow succeeds Therese Wood ’07, who retired from the college in August after 18 years of service.

Bruce Snyder, director of publications and Web services, was recognized by Graphic Design USA for his work on the college’s 2012-13 Viewbook. Snyder received a 2013 American Graphic Design Award for the project.

Shannon Tiernan was promoted to assistant vice president of marketing and communications. Her new responsibilities include developing and managing the college’s marketing, branding and communications plan. She has also been appointed to the president’s Cabinet, the college’s senior leadership team.

Shannon Tiernan

Emily (Mason) VanDorpe ’09 was promoted to associate director of admissions. In addition to her current responsibilities, her new role includes providing leadership to the academic enrollment staff.

Tori Vratanina-Smoot, Ph.D., was named assistant professor of psychology at Olivet. She boasts an impressive research and teaching record, having worked with primates as animal models for understanding psychology. In 2010 she received an Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award at the University of Georgia, an honor reserved for the top 10 percent of Tori Vratanina-Smoot, Ph.D. TAs at the university.

Marcus Darden (left) demonstrates the college’s new 3-D printer with senior Marcus Greathouse.

Timothy Flynn, Ph.D., Performing Arts Department chair and associate professor, had two original compositions accepted for publication by CanticaNOVA Music Publishers: “Tota Pulchra es, Maria,” for mixed choir a capella, and “Ave Verum Corpus,” for mixed choir and organ. Both of these works are dedicated to the St. Mary Cathedral Choir of Lansing and the Most Reverend Earl Boyea, fifth bishop of Lansing. Flynn’s scholarly edition of Claudio Casciolini’s “Sacrum Solemniis/Panis Angelicus,” for mixed choir a capella, will also be published by CanticaNOVA.

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Olivet welcomed Joy Wiseman as its new major gifts officer in September. She previously served as director of development for pediatrics and director of the Children’s Miracle Network at Sparrow Health Systems.

April Yost joins the college as Dole Hall director and student activities coordinator.

Her background includes prior experience as Joy Wiseman a college/university hall director, as well as positions in campus programming, student organization project coordination, and directing Greek life.

Student News Alpha Alpha Chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma Earns Top Honor Olivet College’s Alpha Alpha chapter of Gamma Iota Sigma, the international society for insurance, risk management and actuarial science majors, earned the Edison L. Bowers Award during the society’s national conference in Charlotte, N.C., Oct. 3-5. It is the highest honor given by the organization and recognizes Olivet College as home to the top chapter in North America.

Olivet College won the award in 1988, 1990 and 1998, and shared it with Temple University in 2000. With this win, the Alpha Alpha Chapter broke Temple’s 13-year streak.

Chapter president Christopher Watkins, a senior from Grand Junction, and president-elect Andrew Simms, a junior from Portland, presented the chapter’s accomplishments to a panel of judges comprised of GIS board members.

In addition to this honor, the Alpha Alpha chapter was named one of two Superior Chapters and won the chapter awards for management, alumni relations, community service, membership involvement and public relations.

Students Assist With Hurricane Sandy Relief A group of 16 students, along with President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D.; Mike Fales ’75, director of service learning and campus ministries; and Ian Peters, community service coordinator, traveled to Little Ferry, NJ, to assist with Hurricane Sandy relief in December.

For the past nine years, Olivet College students have given up part of their holiday break to serve in areas along the gulf coast still damaged from Hurricane Katrina. The college decided to focus its service efforts this year on devastated areas of the Jersey Shore, following Hurricane Sandy in October 2012.

While in New Jersey, students worked with Rebuilding Together and Habitat for Humanity to repair severely damaged areas of Bergen County. The college was awarded a grant from Mission and Outreach Council of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches to fund the trip.

Olivet College students worked with Rebuilding Together to restore areas of the Jersey Shore damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

The Society of Hosford Scholars provided more than 200 new books to elementary students during Literacy Night.

Society of Hosford Scholars Hosts Literacy Night for Elementary Students The college’s Society of Hosford Scholars, a student organization promoting academic success on campus, raised money for and purchased more than 200 books for Fern Persons Elementary School in the fall. The society members presented the books by hosting Literacy Night Oct. 28 in Burrage Library. The Olivet College students read to the children, and also organized games and activities for them.

Students Assist With Eaton Area Special Olympics Field Day Nearly 100 Olivet College students and employees assisted with the Eaton Area Special Olympics Field Day in Eaton Rapids this summer. Olivet faculty members worked with Kiwanis and Special Olympics in order to make the event possible.

Volunteers helped with a variety of tasks throughout the day, such as running events, partnering with the athletes, and setting up and taking down events. In addition, the volunteers were a key Nearly 100 students and employees component in the cheering volunteered during the Eaton Area section while the athletes Special Olympics Field Day. competed.

Psychology Students Present Research at State Conference Two groups of students from the psychology research methods course presented at the Michigan Undergraduate Psychology Research Conference, held at Calvin College in late April. Brook Leach, a junior from Clinton Township, Brittany Turner, a junior from Lansing, and Melinda Winnie ’13, of Marshall, presented “Emotions in Social Contagion,” and Sylvia Adsit, a junior from Muskegon, SoQuitta DeShazor ’13, of Flint, and Kassandra Weinberg, a junior from Colon, presented “Relational Aggression in Women.”

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Beyond Bandstand THE

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By Jackie Bounds

College memories hold a special place in our hearts. As college students, we can fondly remember the freedom to make choices – specifically, the choice to take a college experience and build upon it for a solid future.

Steve ’82 and Melinda (Strother) ’82 Roznowski have many great memories making music together before, during and after college. They have since taken those experiences to new heights in their roles as parents, professionals and alumni.

The Roznowskis were high school sweethearts from Lansing’s Everett High School. Attending Olivet College solidified their relationship. But it was playing in a college band that developed their leadership abilities and made them comfortable around people.

Steve and Melinda, along with classmates Erin (Allard) Gertiser ’82, Ed Dawson ’82, Stephanie Dugan ’82 and Terry Oosterhart ’82 formed the band “Take Five.” They played classics and Top 40 music at parties, wedding receptions and fraternity houses. The lower level of the Kirk Center, formerly known as

Steve Roznowski shown with Olivet classmates.

The Cellar, was the band’s favorite place to play because it had a stage and piano.

Take Five performed through college and later in the Lansing area.

“Being a musician and performer helped prepare me for the workforce more than any technical knowledge,” said Steve.

“As a band leader, I was comfortable leading people.”

Leading the band provided the framework for his responsibilities at The

Christman Company, a Michigan-based real Stuart Blacklaw ’82, on 89-FM,” she said. estate and construction firm, where he now “He loved working there, and I worked at serves as chairman and chief executive officer. the bookstore. We learned so much both Melinda is a homeschooling mother of five in- and outside the classroom. and a part-time therapist. The Roznowskis “One of our best learning experiences credit Olivet College for teaching them how was with Dr. Ernie Shelley, the psychology to learn, and they still share their passion for department head,” said Melinda. “Once per music. week he would take a van full of students “I know how to build to the Ionia Reformatory. We met with a company, but I can’t approved prisoners and build your deck,” admits learned how to talk with Steve. “I don’t have respect and dignity, and not any construction skills judge. I learned more about in my background, empathy during those prison but I do have a broad counseling sessions and knowledge base and how everyone deserves to be diverse experiences respected. because of my liberal “Looking back, those trips arts education from seem a bit reckless, but they Olivet College.” were educational,” she added.

Steve started as a music “I learned how to be the only major at the University of Michigan. But female in a room full of males, and now after just one semester, transferred to Olivet I’m not afraid of clients who are angry and to be closer to Melinda, who could not resistant to change in my therapy sessions.” stop talking about how much she enjoyed “Learning how to learn is what we did at meeting Olivet musicians. She studied Olivet,” said Steve. He shared those thoughts communications and psychology, and sang as the commencement speaker at their in the college choir. graduation in May of 1982. Steve recalled Melinda knew she wanted to attend a that those four years at Olivet College were small college. “I did not enter saying I will not only enlightening, but imparted the major in one thing,” she said. confidence he needed to “I wanted to explore music, enter the workforce. broadcast, radio, TV and social work.” She also wanted to know “I liked the ability to custom blend her professors.

“I needed a personalized my own education,” said Steve. “I education,” she said. “I wanted studied accounting and business, but to be able to meet with professors on a Saturday afternoon. David I minored in music, became fluent in and Audrey Heining-Boynton Spanish, played in the jazz band and were special to us as a couple.

David was my psychology advisor worked as a radio DJ.” and Audrey taught Spanish to Steve. Knowing each helped enhance our liberal arts experience.”

The couple was married in October of that “I liked the ability to custom blend my year. Surrounded by family, Olivet professors own education,” said Steve. “I studied and friends, they snuck into the band to play accounting and business, but I minored in at their own wedding reception. “I remember music, became fluent in Spanish, played in it like it was yesterday,” said Steve. “We woke the jazz band and worked as a radio DJ.” up the next morning and we had cards filled Melinda said the radio station was a huge with gift money in one hand and Melinda’s attraction for the college in the 1980s. “Steve student loans in the other… and that’s all we spent countless hours with his roommate, had.” continued next page FALL 2013

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After graduation, Steve started working for a certified public accounting firm in Lansing. After a couple of years; he realized he didn’t want to be an auditor; instead he wanted to join a business.

“The Christman Company was a client of the accounting firm, and I started learning more about them and took a job as a controller with the construction company,” said Steve. “After our first son was born in 1985, I grew into my responsibilities and construction was in my blood.”

“I watched our company build the historic restoration of the Michigan State Capitol building in Lansing,” said Steve.

“There is just so much pride that goes into our work. I realized that I could do more for Christman than just finance, so I talked with my supervisor about getting more involved. I managed construction projects during the day and acted as a chief financial officer on nights and weekends. We built the Golden Dome at Notre Dame, the Breslin Center in East Lansing and the Virginia State Capitol restoration.” The Christman Company was also involved in the design, planning and construction of the Riethmiller Blackman Art Building as well as Phase I of the Cutler Athletic Center at Olivet.

Steve, Melinda and Charles Blackman, Ph.D., cut the ribbon during the Riethmiller Blackman Art Building dedication.

Steve took on additional operations and business development responsibilities.

The Christman Company completed large institutional projects, hospitals, casinos, university science buildings and the historical preservation of national monuments.

In 2000, Steve was elected CEO and the fifth president in the company’s 117-year history. In 2008, he was named chairman and remained CEO, responsible for the company’s growth.

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“It is very rewarding for me to see the tangible results of people’s hard work,” said Steve. “Our company leads the process, which is like putting together a band. For example, when building a hospital surgery suite, we look for the right people who have the most talent to work together and focus on the same sheet music. The completed project is something we can all be proud of.”

And he should be. A well-managed construction project is a Christman Company core competency and a cornerstone of their success. The company is a leader in top construction management firms nationally and they continue to grow.

“Now things have changed financially for our family and we are blessed, compared to what we started with,” said Steve. “Because of our faith, we realize the money is not ours, and we have been given responsibility to use it wisely.

After some serious thought, we acknowledge that studying at Olivet College was a pivotal experience for both of us and much of how we got to where we are now.”

“Melinda and I started thinking about how we could help others,” said Steve. “We still have great friends and relationships with Olivet professors and alumni and we want to see Olivet succeed.”

Several years ago, the Roznowskis assisted with funding for construction of the Riethmiller Blackman Art Building. More recently, President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., approached them about supporting the music program and the Burrage Library Learning Commons.

“Building up the music program is a natural fit for us,” said Steve. “We understand the focus of continuing a strong musical program with multiple ensembles and we are pleased to help. The renovations to the library will make it a more contemporary learning environment.”

“We believe in the college and the value of a liberal arts education,” said Melinda.

The Roznowskis even use a traditional liberal arts focus for homeschooling their children.

“When we learned we were going to have our second child, we decided that I would stay home full-time and care for our children,” said Melinda. “Even though

there is an 11-year gap between our first two sons, I started homeschooling the oldest. I also continued some therapy work in substance abuse.”

The couple later had a daughter and thought they were financially stable enough to adopt a child. “Being a social worker, I felt I needed to save the world,” said Melinda.

“While we were in the process of adopting a two-year-old girl from Guatemala, the case worker approached us about also taking a newborn boy. We decided this was a wise choice as two children from the same culture could share their similarities and bond together.”

The Roznowski family has grown to include Joshua, 28, Keenan, 17, Mara, 15, Naidalyn, 11, and Manuel, 9. The youngest four are homeschooled by both Melinda and Steve. Now that Keenan is a senior, they

Back row from left: Keenan; Steve and Melinda; Naidalyn; Mara and Manuel.

hear others ask him the dreaded question, “What do you want to do?” Their best recommendation is to concentrate on a balanced education, just like they received at Olivet.

“We remind our high school senior that we were not experts in our careers when we went to college,” said Steve. “Olivet taught us how to learn. I didn’t know how to build buildings and Melinda didn’t know how to give therapy to drug addicts, but we graduated from Olivet with confidence and the ability to learn anything.” That sound fatherly wisdom is exactly what makes the Roznowskis successful in their careers and together raising a family.

Launching the 2020 Leadership Fund

By Shannon Tiernan

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Olivet College is the sum of its moments, and so much more.

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9, 200 Ho 1,48 ur s

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For every hard-earned grade, friendship forged and emerging leader at Olivet College… there are countless more. For every student who befriends his professor and every coach who becomes her athlete’s mentor… there are countless more. For every alumnus and alumna who has his or her favorite memory, place or class… there are countless more.

For two Olivet College alumni in particular—Tom Kolassa ’69 and Dave Cutler ’65—it’s the desire to see these

moments continue that motivated them to each make a significant donation in support of the college’s strategic plan, Olivet College 2020 and Beyond, and subsequently, the Campus Master Plan.

“We have been in the ‘planning phase’ of the Campus Master Plan for just over a year,” said President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D. “Alumni, students, employees and friends of the college contributed to the plan, which in essence spells out the future of this campus we love. Dave’s and Tom’s generous support allows us to transition from ideas on paper to actual bricks and mortar.

“Their willingness to invest in Olivet College speaks to their confidence in the future of this great institution,” added President Corey.

Cutler’s and Kolassa’s gifts launch the 2020 Leadership Fund, which will provide the resources necessary to begin important projects today as well as prepare the college to enter a comprehensive campaign to fulfill the promise of our strategic plan. Resources from this fund will support the initial design work

for both a student center and Gillette Student Village phase II; venture capital for the initiation of men’s tennis, men’s volleyball and expansion of track and field; completion of the football locker rooms; and property acquisition. It also allows the college to begin work on the Library Learning Commons, Dole Hall Welcome Center and the Pyne Pavilion, which will be located at the Cutler Athletic Complex.

“My contribution to the 2020 Leadership Fund is minuscule in comparison to the funds future leaders will contribute,” said Kolassa. “In so many ways, Olivet College is making great progress. As an alumnus and chair of the board of trustees, I’m proud to play a role in this progress.”

The Campus Master Plan, which will be detailed in the Spring 2014 issue of Shipherd’s Record, contains a number of new buildings and renovations. Each playing an integral role in the college’s future.

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Invest in those who follow in your footsteps.

Continue your support by making your 2014 gift today.

Give online at www.olivetcollege.edu

to be

It’s Good Senior Sarah K. Smith

By Molly (Reed) Goaley ’05

It’s 3 p.m. on a Wednesday and Sarah K. Smith is wrapping up a class- and work-filled afternoon to meet with her Alpha Lambda Epsilon brother, Branden Dyer, in the Kirk Center. The two casually discuss making a trip to Meijer for supplies for an upcoming fundraiser at their Greek house. She tells him it will have to wait until after seven o’clock – she has a meeting with the National Organization for Women, a campus club for which she serves as president, in the evening. Like most Olivet College students, Smith is busy. But if you had asked her four years ago what she’d be doing as a college senior, she says she never imagined being so involved.

Smith’s story is not uncommon. She came to Olivet College not knowing exactly where she would fit in, what her niche would be, or whom she would befriend. During her sophomore year, she decided to pledge one of the college’s Greek societies. And being part of the Greek community at Olivet allowed Smith to discover so much more – about herself.

“Being part of a Greek organization prepares you for life situations in so many ways. It gives you the confidence to work

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with others and take on leadership roles,” she said. “I used to attend meetings, now I run the meetings. Before I joined Alpha E, I never would have had the courage to do that.”

Whether or not you were a member of a fraternity or sorority, chances are you have a strong opinion about them. The conversation about joining a Greek society can be a polarizing one among college students. But contrary to the negative stereotypes – that it amounts to little more than alcohol and Animal House – fraternities and sororities boast some impressive national data.

According to USA Today, graduation rates among Greeks are 20 percent higher than non-Greeks nationally. It is widely perceived that Greek organizations form the largest network of volunteers in America, with fraternity and sorority members dedicating more than 10 million hours of service annually. Since societies were formed in 1825, all but three U.S. presidents have been part of one. A whopping 85 percent of Fortune 500 executives were involved in Greek life. The first female astronaut was Greek. So was the first female senator.

In fact, 76 percent of U.S. senators were members of a fraternity or sorority.

Greek life produces no shortage of leaders and doers. Students involved in societies are constantly exposed to situations that build valuable life and career skills. This is especially true at Olivet, where the level of collaboration between various societies is exceptionally high.

“Most of the Greek students here are friends, no matter what society you’re a part of,” Smith said. “I know, for instance, that even though Alpha E isn’t directly connected to Phi Alpha Pi, I can still count on those guys to stand up for Alpha E’s.”

Whether it’s for a service project, a campus event or some other activity, the success of each society is largely dependent on all members coming together and doing their fair share. As part of Olivet’s 2020 and Beyond strategic plan, the college recently implemented an internal accreditation process for Greek organizations, further ensuring societies take responsibility for their success. That process includes a focus on academics, community service, managing a budget and maintaining the upkeep of their houses, for example. And the benefits of learning to work collectively toward a common goal transcend far beyond the college years.

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greek Greek Life by the Numbers 11

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Number of active Greek societies on campus.

Adelphic breaks ground on their house. It is one of the nation’s earliest fraternity houses.

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Th fou e yea to b nded. r Soro n e lite the fi It is be ian is rar lie y rst Un socie wom ved en’ ited ty s S tate in the s.

Consistent with national data, a large majority of Olivet’s Greek alumni are leaders in their communities and careers.

They are also more likely to stay connected to Olivet long after graduation. Greek alumni are Olivet College trustees, faculty and staff members, mentors and top supporters. Of those recognized by the college as Distinguished Alumni in the last 10 years, 75 percent are Greek.

The percentage of Athletic Hall of Fame inductees who are Greek in the last 10 years is also high, at 67 percent.

As the college moves toward achieving its Vision 2020 and Beyond, it will continue to focus on Greek life as part of a quality student experience for those who choose it. The entire Olivet College community can help societies continue to thrive by supporting their efforts and providing the resources they need to be successful.

Whether that includes future infrastructure such as a student center or meeting space, support for service trips, or opportunities for internships and careers, it’s nice to know there’s an entire network of brothers and sisters the college can depend on.

FALL 2013

11

throwing a line 3.1

New Recruiting Strategy Focuses on Personalized Student Experience

By Jennifer (ten Haaf) Hodges ’12

Crazy – it’s a word that can be defined in a million ways; but in August 2013, Olivet President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., used this popular definition: “crazy is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result.” Never an institution to shy from innovation, last fall Olivet College launched a unique recruiting strategy that altered the way in which the admissions office attracts and communicates with prospective students and their families.

Though entirely uncharted, the process is well received by faculty, alumni and all those who support the growth of Olivet College. What’s more, as President Corey indicates, “other colleges are watching.”

The rollout of the new recruiting strategy is another clear indication of Olivet’s continued commitment to bringing great students to campus, even if it means straying from the norm.

Similar to other colleges and universities across the nation, Olivet College historically recruited students based upon where they attended high school.

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SHIPHERD’s RECORD

Predominantly targeting Michigan students, the state was cut into five territories, utilizing county lines as hard separators.

Each territory was assigned to an admissions representative who recruited students from every high school within their territory. It was a broad recruiting system that worked. Olivet College has sustained consistent first-time freshmen enrollment over the past several years. In fact, as the most recent recruiting year came to a close, Olivet welcomed 372 new freshmen, transfer and readmitted students for one of the largest full-time incoming student bodies in institutional history.

What’s more, that population was made of great students with an average incoming grade point average of 3.2 and 21 ACT. However, charged with meeting the institution’s goal to increase full-time enrollment to 1,800 students by 2020, Melissa (Sobie) Casarez ’02, assistant vice president for admissions, couldn’t help but wonder – what if there is a better approach

to serving prospective students and their families? What if, from the very beginning of a student’s interactions with an admissions representative, we could begin the personalized experience we promise to students who choose Olivet College?

With this in mind, the 2014 Admissions Recruiting Strategy was born – and the college went from casting a net to instead throwing a very targeted line.

The first thing to change was territories – at least, geographic territories. The admissions representatives adopted a new title, “academic enrollment specialists,” as well as a new way of recruiting over the entire state of Michigan. No longer would county lines tell them which high schools to visit, but rather great programs, like an award-winning student newspaper, strong science Olympiad team or top-notch business class.

Per the new initiative, six academic enrollment specialists are dedicated to recruiting students for a specific academic department. Their job is to visit high school

classrooms connected to the academic department they represent. For instance, the academic enrollment specialist responsible for recruiting students majoring in humanities is encouraged to visit seniorlevel accelerated placement English classes, or perhaps meet with a high school’s yearbook or newspaper clubs.

The aim is to connect with students who have gone out of their way to participate in a class or club that indicates an interest in a specific subject. A student who writes for the school newspaper very likely has a long-term interest in journalism, and talking to him or her about the opportunity to study mass communications at Olivet College may initiate an interest that did not previously exist. And while a prospective’s extra-curricular activities may not always prove a true indication of one’s career goals, perhaps the ability to write for The Echo while pursuing a different academic major makes Olivet the right college fit. When the academic enrollment specialist visits the school’s newspaper club, the student is

introduced to a college experience he or she may not have considered before.

Changing the way the admissions staff meets with students and shares the personalized opportunities at Olivet may have been the biggest change to the college’s recruitment strategy, but the alterations didn’t stop there.

A requirement of the new model is total dedication to the assigned department by the admissions staff. The academic enrollment specialist works with faculty to gain a genuine sense of expertise for his or her respective department. The result: each prospective student has the unique opportunity to work through the admissions process with an expert in his or her chosen major.

A prospective student’s admissions experience was the motive for reevaluating the previous recruiting strategy – but the college’s vision to grow enrollment to 1,800 students was also a major factor. While the entire college is committed to attaining this goal, the admissions office drives the search

Academic enrollment specialists (clockwise from top left): Michelle Lang, Adam Wilson ’11, Emily (Mason) Van Dorpe ’09, Victoria Snyder, Richard Lehman ’12 and Jennifer (ten Haaf) Hodges ’12.

for the “right fit” student.

Students who choose Olivet College overwhelmingly acknowledge that their choice was made as a result of the individualized experience received from faculty. By initiating that process earlier, even as the student is still in high school, a confidence in the return on investment is created.

So while the college evolves in conjunction with the 2020 plan, the commitment to being a unique community of active learners and educators remains the same. Olivet seeks to throw a line, targeting those students for whom the college is a great fit, while continually strengthening the close-knit community that holds value in the hearts of every alumnus who has called this campus home.

FALL 2013

13

A New Wave of Success in teacher education

New Director, Enhanced Curriculum Help Advance Education Department

By Molly (Reed) Goaley ’05

If you ask Lisa Furman, Ph.D., how an academic department continues moving forward in times of reevaluation, she’ll tell you it’s the wisdom, commitment and hard work of the individuals who support its mission.

Lisa Furman, Ph.D.

For the last six months, Olivet College has taken major steps to advance its Education Department and teacher preparation program. In the years to come, the changes implemented will ensure the best education and training possible for future teachers.

One of those first steps was the appointment of Furman as director of education in July. “I was extremely interested in this position given my graduate school focus on teacher preparation, and the college’s interest in growing and developing the teacher preparation program,” she said. “I believed that my academic preparation, collegiate teaching experience and public school

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5.2

experience in the state of Michigan and collaborations between the college and uniquely qualified me for the position. surrounding community. “We are striving to Although my background is in the area expand our partnerships with area schools, of instrumental music education, teacher recognizing the value of providing our preparation and social related issues was students with internship experiences in the primary focus of my graduate work various school settings,” she said. “Students at the University of Michigan. Much need opportunities to observe differentiated of my coursework and early college teaching was devoted to examination of teaching pedagogy and assessment. It is an area I find intriguing and purposeful.”

With the support of the college’s dedicated education faculty, Furman applied that knowledge to setting new goals for the department.

These include expanding the program’s fieldwork component, moving toward a data-driven model and recognizing the value of assessment in teacher preparation.

“Assessment serves multiple functions: to guide curriculum and instruction, to ensure compliance on state and national levels, and to evaluate teacher preparation student preparedness,” she said.

“We will have an increased likelihood of success if the goals and strategies established for the teacher preparation program are based on Sue Settle and Tricia Mullins converse on a project. information gleaned from accumulated data. Information gathered will provide an answer to the instructional models, numerous experiences question ‘Is what we are doing working?’ in classrooms working with students with and will offer the opportunity for varied needs and abilities, and multiple continuous development.” opportunities to develop their pedagogical Another crucial step, Furman says, is skills.” recognizing the importance of connections The collaboration with local schools

opens the doors to guided fieldwork experiences – one of the most critical components of an Olivet College student’s education. “The main difference in the fieldwork experience this semester has been my role; I go into the class with them,” said Sandi Nelson, assistant professor of education. “This really provides us with a good basic foundation for discussion after the observations. Fieldwork is always valuable for students – it provides real teaching experiences that can’t be simulated in college classrooms. They are able to connect what they are learning on campus with what’s going on in the K-12 classrooms.”

Sue Settle, assistant professor of education, agrees that being in the classroom with her students provides a new level of instruction. “I am able to better meet the needs of each education student as we reflect on the experiences they are having in their fieldwork and relate it to the course content,” she said. “Faculty really get to know the students, not only in the college class environment but also in their K-12 classroom placement.”

While Furman and the Education Department faculty continue to evaluate the current processes and modify elements as necessary, data already indicates that Olivet College is well on the road to a new wave of success in teacher education. The program recently earned sevenyear accreditation status from the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. Olivet received a positive recommendation, allowing the college to receive the maximum accreditation term possible.

Feedback from current students regarding the revamped curriculum is equally positive. “The new implementations have allowed me to observe students in a more diverse population,” said Tricia Mullins, a senior from Charlotte. “The fieldwork component provides experiences in the classroom that I would not have had otherwise.”

A Natural Born Leader

By Molly (Reed) Goaley ’05

“United States Air Force Missile Operations Officer” was not on Matt Marquette’s list of likely jobs when he enrolled in Olivet College’s chemistry program. But during his sophomore year, this natural born leader found that military life was the best fit for him.

A Kalamazoo native, Marquette ’13 was drawn to Olivet by the possibility of continuing his high school swimming career. When he wasn’t in the pool, he studied diligently – hoping to make a comfortable living as a chemist at a large corporation someday.

Matt Marquette ’13

But during a spring break trip to Washington, D.C., his plans abruptly changed.

“My mom retired from the Air Force, so I grew up around it. Before college I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go into the military, but it was always in the back of my mind,” Marquette said. “She and I were taking the train into D.C. and passing all these monuments – the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, the Air Force Memorial – and seeing so many people in uniform. We were crossing the

Pennsylvania state border, and I turned to her and said, ‘Mom, I want to join the Air Force.’”

Marquette talked to a recruiter and learned he could join the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at Michigan State University while completing his degree at Olivet. He commuted to East Lansing once a week for aerospace studies and leadership laboratories, in which he and his peers led courses with supervision from the cadre, or active duty officers serving as teachers.

His leadership skills proved to stand out – Marquette was chosen by the cadre for the position of wing commander, overseeing the development of approximately 120 cadets, mostly from Michigan State and Western Michigan universities.

“Aside from the cadre, the wing commander is at the top of the chain of command,” Marquette said. “I was responsible for writing training programs and organizing the wing staff. Our number one goal was to train cadets to become effective leaders in the military.”

On May 5, just two weeks prior to receiving his degree from Olivet, Marquette commissioned to active duty officer – second lieutenant. He reported to Vandenberg Air Force Base in California in September.

As missile operations officer, he oversees surveillance, coordinates operations and maintains missile readiness. “Being the first line of defense against countries that pose a nuclear threat is a lot of responsibility,” he said, “but it’s a great honor.”

1.1

Susanne Lewis, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry; Matt Marquette ’13; Matt’s Mother, Debra Marquette; and Maria Davis, Ph.D., dean and provost of the college, at Matt’s commissioning ceremony.

FALL 2013

15

From left: Carrie Jacob, Raquel Mazur and Morgan Hall

In Step With Internships

By Molly (Reed) Goaley ’05

The fall 2013 semester culminated with a diverse array of student internships and fellowships – so many, that we couldn’t possibly list them all in two pages.

The three young women featured here, all of whom study the humanities, are but a small sampling of the work undertaken by Olivet students this year. With the help of their faculty mentors, these young women were able to land highly coveted writingand communications-based positions.

And each says it was the experience of a lifetime.

Reporting to You Live “If I could ever say ‘Reporting to you live from Studio 1A in Rockefeller Plaza,’ I would be so happy,” says Morgan Hall, a junior from Eagle.

At the rate this aspiring reporter is accelerating through her journalism classes at Olivet College, New York may not be

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SHIPHERD’s RECORD

so out of reach. “Ever since I was little I’ve always loved the ‘Today Show.’ I know it sounds dorky, but that would be my ideal career!”

Hall is already making waves in broadcast news markets throughout the state. She currently serves as assistant producer and reporter for “Michigan’s BIG Show,” a radio and television program aired throughout greater Michigan. She also served as a news anchor and reporter for HOMTV 21 in Okemos over the summer, and is an on-air personality for Olivet College’s WOCR-89.1 campus radio station.

Watch her résumé reel on YouTube and you’ll see why this potential star is loved by the journalists who have mentored her. Hall is as professional and personable on-camera as she is in real life. Unafraid of hard work and going after what she wants, she has already received full-time job offers. But despite sometimes working 60

hours a week in order to “get it all done,” she is determined to finish her degree at Olivet.

After years of working in retail, Hall, who earned an associate’s degree at Lansing Community College, decided to pursue her dream of a career in journalism.

She looked at colleges and universities as near as Chicago and as far as England, but chose Olivet for one simple reason.

“I loved Joanne,” she said.

Joanne Williams, associate professor of journalism and mass communication, made her feel like a part of the campus community before she even applied. “I wanted to see what was available close to home,” Hall said. “I thought I would just make a few calls, but Joanne was so accommodating. None of the other schools seemed to ‘care’ – I was just a number.”

Hall has found that one-on-one attention from faculty members doesn’t

stop with Williams. She says Gary Smith, assistant professor of journalism and mass communication, took the time to get to know her husband, a videographer, and even provided him with some freelance opportunities. “At Olivet, it’s about the people you meet,” she said.

The Young Lady Poet who Lived in the Woods When senior Carrie Jacob first told her professors she was interested in a nature-based writing fellowship in nearby Hastings, they joked she would become the old lady poet who lived in the woods.

“It turns out that I got to be the young lady poet who lived in the woods, and I got paid for it, too,” she said.

With help from her faculty mentor, Kirk Hendershott-Kraetzer, Ph.D., professor of humanities, Jacob submitted a proposal for the competitive Nature in Words Fellowship, offered by the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute for environmental education. The program provides an undergraduate student a unique opportunity to nurture and cultivate his or her writing abilities while living within the beauty of the institute’s natural setting.

In the spring, Jacob learned she was selected for the fellowship. She packed her bags after the college’s Intensive Learning Term and spent most of the summer living at the institute’s Meadow Lodge, writing and drawing inspiration from nature.

“My minor is global justice and ethics, so I wanted to incorporate that into my project somehow,” she said. “I decided that my overall theme would be happiness, and I would write about how people could be happier if they turned away from their human oppressors and observed nature.”

During the process, however, Jacob’s project took a personal turn.

“I was originally going to read British Romantic and American Transcendentalist poems for inspiration, and to understand how other poets constructed relationships between people and nature,” Jacob said. “I never got to that point. I read a few books that got me thinking about how important nature is, and I found another source of inspiration: the June ruling that claimed DOMA and prop 8 were unconstitutional.

“I had already written a few lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender poems at

that point, but I wanted to steer away from those. The project wasn’t originally supposed to be all about me. But why shouldn’t I write about something I know?

As a member of the LGBT community, I decided my global justice theme would turn toward LGBT issues, as well as feminist issues.”

Jacob’s project culminated in a complete body of written work based on her theme.

Midway through the experience, she was tasked with reading some of her poetry aloud to members of the institute.

“I told everyone what I spent my time doing, and then I read one of my poems.

I was nervous, but it was part of the deal.

I had to read my poetry.

“When I was done reading, I waited for the friendly applause that was required from the audience. Instead, people were clapping as though they really enjoyed my reading. Two people even came up to me in tears and told me that my poem had truly moved them. A lesson came at this point: my words are more important than I had ever guessed.”

Turning a Good Experience Into a Grape One Senior Raquel Mazur says she knew she made the right decision in choosing Olivet after a professor’s advice helped her land an internship with the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council.

“I attended the college’s internship fair Raquel Mazur last semester and stopped to speak to the person at the State of Michigan table,” Mazur said. “I told the representative I was a journalism and mass communication major who was looking for something in public or media relations.

She said the Grape and Wine Industry was looking for interns.”

Mazur exchanged contact information with the representative and gave her a ` Later that day, she sent an email ` resume. thanking the representative for her time.

“Joanne Williams, who is my advisor, told my seminar a couple weeks before that it

is best to send a follow-up e-mail as soon as possible, so I did,” Mazur said.

After a couple of interviews and a writing evaluation, Mazur got the call that she was accepted for the position.

“I was ecstatic! Being a transfer student and new to Olivet and the journalism program, I was so proud that I was able to get an internship with the state before the end of my first full year,” she said. “It really solidified that I had made a great choice and I was headed in the direction I wanted to go in.”

Mazur’s first four months on the job were spent revamping the Michigan Wines website, www.michiganwines. com. She spent hours sorting through information, updating content and rearranging pages. “Once the site was up and running, it looked great,” she said.

Other responsibilities included assisting with special events such as the annual Michigan Wine Competition, writing and proofreading articles for Michigan Wine Country magazine, and updating the council’s media contacts.

“The experience overall has been a learning process,” Mazur said. “Seeing how professionals interact has given me a perspective of the workplace that I was unaware of previously – you learn business etiquette and gather new skills that you don’t get a chance to learn in the classroom.”

Mazur added that she’s thankful to Williams, associate professor of journalism and mass communication, for preparing her to step into a professional environment. “Interning for the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council has allowed me to grow as a professional and obtain skills that will give me an advantage upon graduation,” she said.

3.4

FALL 2013

17

A Passion for Painting

Stephanie Craw ’13

4.1

By Shannon Tiernan

Five years ago, Stephanie Craw ’13 was narrowing down where she would advance her significant artistic ability. It took one campus visit to determine Olivet College was a perfect fit for her.

“This was the right place for me,” Craw said. “I really love our art professors and can’t imagine having a better experience elsewhere.”

Craw hit campus fall of 2009 and became fully engaged with life as an Olivet College art major. Some of her favorite memories include the one-onone interaction with her professors, fundraisers with Art Alliance, annual painting all-nighters in preparation for final critiques and a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago. In her words, each experience was meaningful and impactful. But what has endeared Olivet to her for life is the relationship she forged with Professor Emeritus Don Rowe.

“Professor Rowe is a walking art encyclopedia – he’s so passionate about

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SHIPHERD’s RECORD

his work and supportive of students,” Craw raved. “He looked after us like a father. I consider him a mentor and a true inspiration as someone who continued to practice art while teaching others.”

Craw is proficient at deflecting attention. At every turn, she will transition questions about her experiences at Olivet College into opportunities to talk about Professors Rowe, Gary Wertheimer and Thia Eller, and the impact they made on her life.

But Craw is a truly gifted artist, and as such, represented Olivet College at the Florence Academy of Art this summer where she studied under master painter Daniela Astone. Though she was terrified of being the least developed artist in the cohort of painters, she soon realized her skills rivaled those of other participants.

“Though we were all at similar levels, we had such different styles of painting. It was really encouraging – we could feed off each other,” she added. “The experience was life

changing.”

Craw admits she has extremely high expectations, and puts a lot of pressure on herself to complete a painting “right.”

But Astone encouraged her to change her approach.

“I can still hear her saying, ‘The best paintings are the ones you enjoy making.’”

Craw said. “It’s not whether my painting is right or wrong, but rather did I learn something in the process? Emotionally, it was quite difficult; but I came out of this experience a much better painter.”

Craw completed her student teaching experience in the MarLee School District near Marshall last fall, and looks forward to a career teaching others about her passion.

As if she couldn’t emphasize the point enough, Craw reaffirmed her love of Olivet, “I wouldn’t have had this kind of experience if I had gone to college somewhere else, I know that now,” she concluded. “I’m intensely grateful.”

Is a Charitable Gift Annuity Right for You? Many of you might ask, “What is a Charitable Gift Annuity?”

The name says it all. It’s both a charitable gift and an annuity.

An individual, or couple, contributes property (often cash or appreciated assets) to Olivet College and receives back an annuity for life. It’s an uncomplicated gift, and one that is very popular because both parties — you and the college — benefit from the arrangement.

How Does a Charitable Gift Annuity Work?

Gift annuities provide fixed, lifetime payments to you and/or your designated beneficiary and therefore are not affected by changes in interest rates or the financial markets. Contributions to set up a gift annuity also qualify for major tax benefits. You can take an immediate charitable tax deduction in the year of your gift. At the same time, if you transfer appreciated property in exchange for a gift annuity, any capital gains tax liability will be spread out over your life expectancy if you name yourself the beneficiary. In addition, part of the annuity payments you receive will be tax-free until you reach your life expectancy as measured at the time you set up your gift.

Most importantly, a gift annuity may allow you the opportunity to make a significant gift to Olivet College you may not have thought possible – a gift that would have an important impact on the future of Olivet College.

Who Can Receive Annuity Payments?

You or any person you designate — within reasonable limits — can be the beneficiary of your gift annuity. Indeed, you can direct that the annuity be paid to one person for life and thereafter to a second beneficiary for as long as the second beneficiary may live.

How Your Annuity Payout is Determined The amount of the annuity payout is based on the age of the income beneficiary (often, but not always, the donor) and the cash amount or value of the property donated. Generally, the older the annuitant, the higher the payout rate.

In summary, a charitable gift annuity offers many benefits to you and Olivet College: • It provides an immediate income tax charitable deduction in the year the gift annuity is established • It pays a fixed sum for life to one or two individuals, which can include the donor, part of which is federal income tax- free until the annuitant(s) reaches their life expectancy • The payout from the gift annuity can begin immediately or can be deferred until some future start date • When appreciated property is transferred in exchange for a gift annuity, the resulting capital gains tax liability can be spread over life expectancy if the donor is the annuitant • It removes the transferred assets from exposure to the federal estate tax (unless there is a second annuitant) • It can be used to make a significant one-time gift, or a series of smaller, repeat gifts • It is easier to implement than other life income gift vehicles such as charitable trusts • The minimum gift amount is sufficiently low to make the gift annuity available to most people

If you can identify with any of the following statements, you may want to consider a gift annuity.

• You would like to receive fixed payments for life that are immune from the volatility of the stock market • You want a significant income tax deduction this year • You wish to give a friend or family member payments for his or her life • You would like to spread out some capital gains tax liability over your life expectancy, rather than paying it immediately in a lump sum • You wish to receive tax benefits now, but delay your payments until retirement • You have a modest amount of cash or property to give, but you want to make a significant gift • You would like an easy-to-understand, user-friendly way to help make a difference for Olivet College

Annual Annuity Payout for a $25,000 Single-life, Immediate Gift Annuity (Based on ACGA rates effective Dec. 1, 2013) Age of Annuitant

Annuity Rate

Annuity Payout

60

4.4%

$1,100

65

4.7%

$1,175

70

5.1%

$1,275

75

5.8%

$1,450

80

6.8%

$1,700

85

7.8%

$1,950

Contact us for a personal illustration that shows your charitable deduction and additional information.

If you would like additional information, or a personal gift annuity illustration, please contact the Office of Advancement at (269) 749-7630 or via email at advancement@olivetcollege.edu.

FALL 2013

19

Comet SPORTS

2.3

Q&A with David Sichterman: Olivet’s New Athletic Director Shares His Vision for the Future of Comet Sports David Sichterman began his duties as the director of athletics at Olivet College in September. He came to Olivet after serving as director of athletics and wellness at Marygrove College in Detroit for 13 years. He was also the head men’s basketball coach from 2000-07 and 2010-13. Sichterman recently sat down with Sports Information Director Geoff Henson to answer a few questions about his past experiences and his vision for the future of Olivet athletics.

Q:

What are you most proud of from your time at Marygrove?

A:

The thing I’m most proud of at Marygrove was introducing the institution to a new culture and changing peoples’ views about how intercollegiate athletics can have a positive impact across the campus.

Q:

When you heard about the director of athletics position at Olivet, what prompted you to apply?

A:

During my first job after college, which was coaching football at Kalamazoo College, I was introduced to the MIAA and NCAA Division III athletics. That experience set me on my career path of athletic administration, so it became a goal of mine to become an AD at an NCAA institution. When I heard the position was open, I almost didn’t apply. But I felt I could at least “test the waters” and see what might happen. Fortunately, things worked out. I feel so privileged to have the opportunity to lead this program!

Q: What impressed you most about Olivet?

A: From the phone interview through the on-campus interview,

the people are what impressed me the most. They made me feel really comfortable and have been so welcoming. When I left campus after my interview, I had a very good feeling about this place. I also feel there is a well thought-out plan about growing the institution, with athletics playing a major role in that growth.

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Q:

What are some of your short-term goals for the athletic department?

A:

My short term goals, not in any particular order, include filling our new sports’ coaching positions, building out the Comet Club, establishing a rapport between athletic administration and the student-athletes, enhancing the culture of leadership among the student-athletes, and developing a uniform method of promoting Comet Athletics through the dynamic social media world.

Q: And long-term goals?

A: Long term goals include ensuring our student-athletes have

the best possible experience the college can provide, to have all Comet teams consistently competing for MIAA championships, continuing to improve all on-campus facilities for all sports, and ultimately, enhancing the brand of Olivet College Comet Athletics.

Q: While at Marygrove, you coached men’s basketball. Have you missed coaching?

A:

I don’t miss coaching yet, especially the hours of scouting and film breakdown! What I will miss about coaching is the camaraderie of the team and the close relationships with the student-athletes.

The Comeback Comets Sophomore Quarterback Braden Black Relays Football Team’s Stunning Turnaround

By Mitch Galloway, sophomore

Sophomore Braden Black, of Battle Creek, rolled to his right and threw across his body, which is a no-no for a quarterback. He knew this.

It was the second quarter, right before

Braden Black

halftime during the Homecoming game Sept. 29, 2012, against Alma College.

Black rolled out and tried to make something out of nothing. He threw the ball across his body while a Scot defender blindsided him, causing him to fall.

As Black fell, so too did the Comets’ season. His wrist, dislocated in three places, would require surgery. Olivet would finish 0-10. Fractured. Broken. Dislocated.

“I came into a program that had only won a single game since 2009, so there wasn’t a lot to be excited about

in this community,” said Black, now a sophomore, who thought the fans in 2012 were just “bodies in the stands.”

“The stands were not full and were mostly taken up by supportive parents cheering on their sons. There wasn’t a lot of support from students or other members of the community,” said Black.

In the offseason something clicked for the Comets; they realized they had the players, the coaching and the facilities, but they didn’t have a sense of community— at least, not yet.

“In the offseason, I along with my teammates read to the children at Fern Persons Elementary in Olivet. Others spent a lot of their time at the Oak Chest downtown, and others even helped elderly individuals in the area,” said Black. “Because we reached out to the community, we saw a larger variety of people at our games (in 2013).”

The team was young, athletic and deep with numbers. The community did start to notice.

“Our hard work showed on the field this year and the vibe from the fans was 100 times better because they actually had something to be excited about,” he said.

And why shouldn’t the fans be excited?

The Comets rebounded from a 0-10 season to winning five straight games.

Olivet was perhaps the underdog story of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA), in part, due to Black’s resurgence, and the ability of the team to deflect criticism in developing the Comets’ first winning season since 2007 when that team went 6-5.

“We triumphed over negative views because we had nothing to lose and everything to gain,” said Black, who earned 2013 second-team All-MIAA honors.

“As a group, it didn’t matter what anyone else thought because we knew how hard

we were working – so if anything, all the negativity toward our team fueled the fire.”

Black led the transformation, breaking every single-season passing record at Olivet.

He was responsible for 2,897 yards of total offense with 27 touchdowns (20 passing and seven rushing), while accumulating a staggering 191 completions, 2,527 yards and 20 touchdowns through the air.

Black would say his teammates were the ones responsible for his breakout season, though. “I wouldn’t be able to perform on Saturdays if it wasn’t for my offensive line, receiving core and running backs. It was a total team effort.”

It is easier to teach a player who wants to learn, said Comet football coach Dan Pifer.

“He (Black) broke his wrist last year, but stayed the course and started lifting as soon as he could. It’s not surprising he broke some of the records because of what he did during the summer,” said Pifer. “He was lifting. He was throwing. He had guys coming in on Sundays and throwing on their own—he put the work in.”

Now that Black has recovered from a wrist injury, catching a once-plunging program, there is no reason the Comets couldn’t win it all next year.

“Anyone, along with myself, would be stupid not to pick us to finish on top of the conference next year,” said Black. “We didn’t get where we wanted to be this season and that also fuels our fire. We will work hard this offseason and put a product on the field next year that Olivet College can be proud of once again.”

“I’m hard on him (Black)… it’s an aggressive style, [but] I’ll challenge him a bit because I expect more,” said Pifer. “If you push his buttons a little bit, he will respond and play well.”

Olivet finished this season with a 6-4 record. Black is now healthy, and so are the Comets.

FALL 2013

21

Leading Ladies Coach Bill Maas ’89 Drives Success on the Course, and in Life

By Geoff Henson

Over the last 12 years, Bill Maas ’89 has built the Olivet College women’s golf program into not only one of the elite programs in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) but also among all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III schools.

The Comets have won six of the last eight MIAA Championships and advanced to the NCAA Division III National Championships six of the last

Coach Maas with Megan (Rimmel) Hessbrook ’10

seven years. Olivet rolled through the conference schedule this fall, winning the league title by 75 strokes. With that performance, the Comets are the favorite to capture the MIAA’s spring qualifier for the 2014 National Championships in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla. “We need to carry over our success

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from the fall into the spring,” said Maas.

“Statistically, it was the best season as we set a conference scoring record. We are going to work hard to earn that trip back to the national championships. That is the icing on the cake when you compete for one week against the best teams in the country.”

The success of the program is due to the quality of student-athletes on his squads.

Of approximately 20 golfers who were part of the program for more than two years, all except one have earned their bachelor’s degree from Olivet and have started noteworthy careers since leaving campus.

“The success of the program over the years has been due to the quality individuals we’ve recruited,” said Maas. “They were not only successful during their time at Olivet; they have gone on to be successful in life too.”

Seven golfers from the first MIAA championship team in 2006 have had outstanding starts to their careers. Kristy (Latimer) Barber ’07, the Comets’ firstever MIAA Most Valuable Golfer, recently moved from Baton Rouge, La., to Richmond, Va. While living in Louisiana, she was the marketing director at the Rabalais Law Firm.

“Coach Maas believed in me,” said Barber. “He knew when to push me and when to leave me alone. I couldn’t have asked for a better coach. We were successful because of the time and determination he had for our team and for each player. We all had talent, but were motivated in different ways.

“Golf was why I went to Olivet. As a freshman, my goal was to be MVP and go to nationals, and that is exactly what I

did. I can honestly say playing golf was the reason why I am successful in my life now.

It taught me patience, drive and how to be part of a team individually.”

Katie (Misko) Nieten ’09 graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in May 2013. Currently, she is a dentist in the United States Navy and is stationed at Parris Island, S.C. Nieten will be in South Carolina until August 2014 when she will transfer to Okinawa, Japan, for three years.

“My favorite thing about Coach Maas was definitely his ability to deal with me,” said Nieten. “He had a way of knowing how to handle my emotions on the course, which helped me improve as a player.”

Stephanie (Nicolai) Butler ’07 lives in Butler, Pa., and is a commercial insurance representative at the Nextier Bank. Lindsay Pipkin ’09, Olivet’s first female student athlete to be a four-time first-team All-MIAA selection, is a certified physician’s assistant at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. Megan (Rimmel) Hessbrook ’10 serves as a loan service representative at Firstbank in Ithaca.

“Coach Maas always put his team first,” said Butler. “What I remember most about his coaching style was we worked around the greens during practice. Putting and chipping are the toughest areas of golf. If you can’t do either, you won’t score well.”

Lauren (Campbell) Modad ’12, the 2011 MIAA Most Valuable Golfer, works at Resthaven Care Community in Holland, and plans to pursue a career as a physician’s assistant. Amber Conrad ’11, a four-time first-team All-MIAA selection, is a sales account manager for II Stanley in Battle Creek.

“Coach Maas was always willing to find a new strategy with us on and off the course, physically and mentally,” said Conrad. “He strived for excellence and expected no less.

Coach let us follow our own strategy on the course and always gave us advice when asked.

“Playing golf at Olivet taught me that dedication and hard work pay off,” Conrad added. It’s a strategy she’s been able to put into effect off the course as well. “Many people in the corporate world play golf.

In my job, I deal with a lot of customers.

Business discussions take place during corporate meetings but almost always the side conversations are regarding golf.”

Class Notes 1930

George Krepps ’38 celebrated his 98th birthday in July with relatives, friends and neighbors.

He worked for AC Spark Plug Division of General Motors for 43 years, retiring in 1983. He and wife, Toni (Olsen) ’39, who died in 2010, lived in Connecticut, New Jersey, Ohio and Wisconsin.

They moved to Florida when they George Krepps ’38 became reacquainted with three friends from Olivet who lived there.

E-mail George at getokrepps@webtv.net.

1940

Andrea (Hallett) ’46 and Charles ’47 Scott’s granddaughter Hannah Scott, a freshman, is the third generation of their family to attend Olivet College. Hannah’s Andrea (Hallett) Scott ’46, Charles dad is Robert Scott ’85.

1950

“Bob” ’47 Scott, freshman Hannah Scott and Robert Scott ’85

Gerald “Whitey” Weaver ’52 attends all spring training games for the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland, Fla. In February, Whitey was honored for being a season ticket holder for more than 25 years and received a bat from the Tigers. He has also been honored for his service as a fighter pilot in World War II.

1960

Gilbert E. Henry ’60 was honored by his alma mater, Morenci High School, during the annual Morenci Education Foundation Dinner and Auction in April. In high school, Gilbert participated in band, chorus, track, baseball and football. At Olivet he played football for two years.

Gilbert worked for a realty company, specializing in marketing farm properties, and in 1974 established his own real estate firm. He credits Morenci Congregational Church as having a lifelong impact on him.

Marilyn (Hodgins) Wickstrom ’64 recently retired from Pinellas County Schools in Florida where she taught the gifted program for 27 years. She is now painting and enjoying her two grandchildren.

Walter “Buzz” Luttrell ’67 was inducted into the Allegan High School Athletic Hall of Fame May 18. E-mail Buzz at luttrellb@juno.com.

Terry Donnelly ’68 recently published his second novel, “Unfinished.” It is the story of a young photojournalist in the 1960s and ’70s, learning his artistic trade and living on the edge. Just as in Terry’s first novel, “First You Hear Thunder,” Olivet readers will recognize much

of the setting and activities on campus from that time. “Unfinished” is available from Amazon.com in both print and Kindle formats, or contact Terry for an autographed copy. E-mail him at terryjdonnelly@yahoo.com.

Oliver Tuthill ’68 wrote the lyrics for “Say No to the R Word” for Shadowyze, a singer of Native American heritage. It references the name of the Washington pro football team. USA Today was the first national publication to write about the song. Oliver, who writes under the pseudonym William Running His Horses, says he hopes the song will bring more conversation to the issue. E-mail Oliver at owtuthi@earthlink.net.

W. David “Hoot” Gibson ex’68 returned to Olivet College to earn his degree in 1994, then went to Western Michigan University and earned a master’s in history in 1999. Now that he is retired, Hoot plays golf, assists in running an adult care facility and operates Tux Plus Inc., a company he owns with his wife. E-mail Hoot at wdgibson2@comcast.net.

1970

Jim Pyles ’70 recently retired from his graphics business in Minnesota and moved to a lake home in Wisconsin. E-mail Jim at jpyleco@yahoo.com.

Gene Gifford ’72 is the Mona Shores boys’ basketball coach. He previously served as the athletic director and men’s basketball coach (1981-2007) at Muskegon Community College and men’s basketball coach at Olivet College (2007-2012).

Jim Chapin ’76 is pursuing a master’s degree in family counseling at Liberty University. In April Jim was promoted to the rank of colonel in the Michigan National Guard. E-mail Jim at james.r.chapin2.mil@mail.mil.

Camille Lavey ’76 and Ammiel Najar ex’78 held the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. E-mail Camille at camille.lavey@gmail.com and Ammiel at ammiel@aol.com.

Candace (McPharlin) Williams ’76 is handling entertainment reporting and compiling calendars of events for the Petoskey NewsReview. Prior to her current position, Candace had been writing for the News-Review on a freelance basis. She also works as a home health aide. Candace and husband, Dennis, have six children and 11 grandchildren. E-mail her at cwilliams@petoskeynews.com.

Dana Potts ’78 recently spent time near Chicago with classmate Ed Heator ’80; they had not seen each other in 35 years. Dana is the owner of a financial planning practice.

He and wife, Julie, along with their children, Emily, 16, and Dana Jr., 18, live in Illinois. E-mail Dana at dana.potts@nm.com.

Dana Potts ’78 and Ed Heator ’80

Trudy (Pewe) Mohre ’79 is the director of admissions at Siena Heights University in Adrian. Trudy has more than 30 years’ experience in the field of student recruitment and enrollment management and has held admissions posts at McMurray University, Howard Payne University and Southwestern University, all in Texas. E-mail Trudy at tmohre@sienaheights.edu.

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Class Notes 1980

Christine (Dowding) Metts ’81 is CEO of Dowding Industries, Inc., manufacturer of stamping and sheet metal fabrication. The company was named #22 in Michigan’s Largest Women-Owned Businesses by Crain’s Detroit Business in May. After Olivet, Christine earned a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University. E-mail her at cdowding@dowdingindustries.com.

Rick Smith ’81 is a licensed professional counselor for Community Mental Health in Caro. He and wife, Linda, have one daughter and two grandchildren. E-mail Rick at ricksmith662@centurytel.net.

Daniel Arce ’84, Ph.D.

Daniel G. Arce ’84, Ph.D., was one of five faculty members at the University of Texas at Dallas to receive the 2013 Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award. Given annually, the awards are in recognition of faculty members who have demonstrated extraordinary classroom performance and dedication to innovation. Arce graduated summa cum laude from Olivet College with a degree in mathematics and Spanish. E-mail Daniel darce@utdallas.edu.

Randy Dokey ’85 was inducted into the Comstock High School Athletic Hall of Fame in April. Randy played varsity football, basketball and baseball and was the team captain in all three sports his senior year. While at Olivet he earned four varsity letters. He was assistant football coach at Howell High School for four years. He and wife, Jill, have three sons.

Don Tuski ’85, Ph.D., Olivet College president emeritus and president of Maine College of Art, was featured in Maine Magazine in July. He spoke about the influence of artists on the community: “I strongly believe that creativity is critical in all aspects of society and that artists are important contributors and leaders in organizations not directly related to art.” Don is helping to bring international students to MECA and providing extraordinary opportunities for Maine students, who make up half of the school’s Don Tuski ’85, Ph.D. population.

Audra Carson ’87 runs her own business, De-Tread, in Detroit.

Founded in 2008, De-Tread’s goal is to remove illegally dumped tires in Northeast Detroit and develop an eco-friendly product with rubble material. Visit Audra’s website at www.de-tread.com.

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Barbara Brown-Stasik ’88 is editor of The Yale Expositor, which she owns with her brother, James Brown ’77. Barbara is president of Yale Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Yale Lions Club. She was the grand marshal in the Yale High School homecoming parade in October, has been named Yale Citizen of the Year and founded the Yale Bologna Festival. E-mail Barbara at yalexpo@greatlakes.net.

Deb Turner ’89 is a reading paraprofessional at Climax-Scotts Elementary School, and enjoys spending time with her two children.

E-mail Deb at cometgirl85069@yahoo.com.

1990

Michael Everett ’92 earned his doctorate in community, agriculture, recreation and resource studies from Michigan State University in May. He is also a faculty member in the Department of Community Sustainability for the university. E-mail Michael at everettm@msu.edu.

Sherri Ter Molen ’94 was presented with the 2013 Wayne State University Department of Communication Graduate Student Research Award at the department’s annual Welcome Back Luncheon Aug. 26.

Each year, three graduate students among approximately 150 are recognized in the areas of research, teaching and service. E-mail Sherri at commresearch@me.com.

Bill Massey ’95 is the special education teacher at Cooke School in Northville. E-mail him at billmassey@hotmail.com.

Charlie Maricic ’99 is the environmental protection specialist for the U.S. Coast Guard. He is the Coast Guard’s point of contact for the National Environmental Policy Act, Environmental Compliance Evaluations, Environmental Education and Historic Preservation of all lighthouses with the Great Lakes and Mid-Atlantic States.

E-mail Charlie at charles.f.maricic@uscg.mil.

2000

Dan Smith ’02 and wife, Susie, are living in Georgia where Dan is account executive at AirWatch, a company specializing in enterprisegrade mobile device management, mobile application management and mobile content management solutions. E-mail Dan at dancsmith_51@yahoo.com.

Amya (Rudnik) Paige ’05 was a featured artist at this year’s ARTPrize in Grand Rapids. Amya worked on the engraving for a 14’ stone lighthouse that she co-created with artist Rod Davis.

Audrey Graham ’06 was inducted into Battle Creek Lakeview High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame Sept. 13, along with Travis Sleight ’06. Audrey was a standout in basketball and track at Lakeview. She holds the all-time record for points in a season and career, was named all-city three times and earned all-conference Audrey Graham ’06

honors two years. In track she holds three school records and finished as a three-time state champion. Audrey holds five single season records at Olivet in basketball and is the all-time career leader in free throw percentage; she is also the second in all-time career free throws made. E-mail Audrey at silkrose@aol.com.

Katie Reed ’06 received the Distinguished Alumni Award from St. Philip Catholic Central High School in Battle Creek in October.

A 2000 graduate of St. Philip, Katie now teaches social studies and geography at the high school. She also serves as senior class advisor.

Katie was recognized for her outstanding dedication to her students, as well as her keen ability to connect them with the teachings and traditions of St. Philip. She is the daughter of Phil Reed, director and associate professor of the criminal justice program at Olivet College.

Email Katie at kreed@bcacs.org.

Drew Reynolds ’06 earned his Master of Education from Grand Valley State University in August.

Travis Sleight ’06 was inducted into Battle Creek Lakeview High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame Sept.

13, along with Audrey Graham ’06. Travis excelled in football and basketball at Lakeview; in football he holds 13 school records, was named all-city three times, was a two-time all-conference selection, and earned all-state honors. He also is the all-time scoring leader at Olivet in a game, season and career. Travis set five school records in points and touchdowns and two MIAA records for points and Travis Sleight ’06

touchdowns. He is currently a teacher for Kalamazoo Public Schools and coaches football at Loy Norrix High School. Travis and wife, Leah, have a daughter, Ava, born this year.

Jean Paul Cortes ’09 worked as a park ranger in Sequoia National Park in California from April to October. E-mail Jean Paul at eagleboycortes@gmail.com.

Corey Jager ’09 moved to Colorado for a few months to work on a black bear-human conflict project. E-mail Corey at corey_jager@yahoo.com.

Mike Morman ’09 is assistant vice president, property and casualty producer, for Socius Insurance Services, Inc., based in Elgin, Ill.

2010

Paige Sedgewick ’12 is a newscaster for KCFW in Missoula, Mont.

E-mail Paige at pasedgewick@gmail.com.

Levi Stegeman ’12 hiked and climbed 2,000 miles of the Appalachian Trail from March to September.

Jordan Harris ’13 is studying as part of the Medieval History Program at Swansea College in Wales. E-mail Jordan at jlharris@olivetcollege.edu.

Mike Mette ’13 is the swim coach for Rockford High School.

Katelyn Van Meter ’13 is an administrative team intern at Southwest Michigan First, an organization of privately funded economic development advisors who serve as a catalyst for economic growth in Southwest Michigan.

Jordan Harris ’13

Kelly VanRyswk ’13 is the education manager at Kingman Museum in Battle Creek. Kingman is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to provide lifelong learning opportunities in natural history, universe and world cultures.

Distinguished Alumni Awards

Amanda Hergenreder ’07, D.V.M., is working at Caseville Small Animal Clinic, where she has started an equine portion of the practice.

She earned her doctorate at Michigan State University School of Veterinary Medicine in May. E-mail “Hergie” at aahergenreder@yahoo.com.

Jake Casey ’08 earned his Master of Arts in teaching from Olivet College in August. Jake teaches junior and senior English and language arts in Bellevue. He and his wife have two children.

Jaime (Morrison) Hilaski ’08 is the art teacher at Schoolcraft Middle and High School. E-mail Jaime at wjaimersw@yahoo.com.

Kate Strein ’08 went on a mission trip to Hyderabad, India for two weeks in July. While there she worked in orphanages, volunteered with community outreach programs and taught English.

Marvin Wheeler ’08 is a business banker with Chase & Mark and works as a fleet manager at National Bank.

Olivet’s Distinguished Alumni and 1844 Award recipients were honored along with the college’s Athletic Hall of Fame inductees during a combined ceremony at Homecoming. Pictured left to right: Athletic Director Dave Sichterman; AHOF inductees Travis Lehman ’03, Louisa (Grill) Trott ’03 and Bill Telling ’67; President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D.; 1844 Award recipient Dennis Daugherty ’70; and Distinguished Alumni Rose McKinney-James ’73 and George Pyne III ’65.

FALL 2013

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Class Notes Marriages

Myra Jones ’92 and Bert Tyler, Aug. 25; Kings and Queens Hall, Detroit. Rev. Jeffery Lang ’86 officiated; DJ was Ross Howard ’93.

E-mail Myra at jonestyler1257@yahoo.com.

Richard Craig ’99 and Margaux Wallace, June 8. Richard is assistant professor of communication at George Mason University.

E-mail Richard at richtcraig@hotmail.com.

Jeana Turcheck ’03 and Michael Rybski ex’04, Oct. 18, Heritage Park Church of God, Taylor. Greg Tacket ’97 was a groomsman; Melissa Chovance ’05 was a bridesmaid. Jeana is teaching first grade at Randall Elementary School, and coaches varsity softball and junior varsity volleyball at Truman High School in Taylor. E-mail Jeana at jlturcheck@yahoo.com.

Chris DeBoer ’04 and Suzanne Smith, Sept. 28, Holland. Both are members of Alpha E. E-mail Chris at cdeboer1998@hotmail.com.

Ryan Fried ’04 and Tara Kristina Perpich, Sept. 20.

Frank Barretta ’05 and Katie Edick ’06, July 13, Olivet. Mike Storer ’04 was best man; Lindsey (Struble) Bramlet ’09 was a bridesmaid. Pastor Jack Brown officiated.

E-mail Frank at fbarrettajr@gmail.com.

Ann Marie Keisic ’07 and Art Dehnz, June 22. Samantha (Dyke) Dunham ’06 was a bridesmaid. Ann Marie and Art are living in Viriginia. E-mail Ann Marie at keisic1@illinois.edu.

James Lile ’07 and Kelli McKee ’09, Aug. 9. They honeymooned in Kauai. E-mail James at jameslile30@gmail.com and Kelli at mckee.kelli@gmail.com.

Jami Lingbeek ’07 and Jeremy Szymanski ’10, Nov. 22, in Florida. Jillian (Lingbeek) Cangealose ’06, Jami’s sister, was a bridesmaid. E-mail Jami at jlingbeek18@gmail.com.

Courtney Mich ’07 and Sean Wagner, June 22, Bay City. Kelli Roe ’08 was bridesmaid and Kristin Bloomquist ’07 read during the ceremony.

Evan Jones ’09 and Traci Kramer, June 1.

Lindsey Tarrant ex’09 and Joe Sanchez, June 1. E-mail Lindsey at lindst3@aol.com.

Jackie Taylor ’10 and Wesley Landon, May 25. Sarah Fitzpatrick ’09, Kelly Schulze ’09 and Erin Tramper ’09 were bridesmaids. E-mail Jackie at taylor.m.jac@gmail.com.

Sheri Cobb ’11 and Jeff Robotham, June 8.

Megan Dobbertien ’12 and Matthew Waun, May 25.

E-mail Megan at mmdobbertien@gmail.com.

Jennifer ten Haaf ’12 and Ryan Hodges, Aug. 24, Elberta, Mich.

Jennifer is an academic enrollment specialist at Olivet College.

E-mail her at jhodges@olivetcollege.edu.

Carrie Abbott ’06 and Christopher Carlow, June 29, Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse, Port Hope. Rev. Mike Fales ’75 officiated; Katie Katie Edick ’06 and Frank Barretta ’05 (Graebner) Ingraham ’05 was the photographer; bridesmaids were Marie Gouba ’06 and Margaret Todd ’06, who sang during the ceremony along with Becky (Gehrman) Hill ex’06. E-mail Carrie at cabbott48413@hotmail.com.

Steve Dastoli ex’06 and Annie Truesdell, May 25, First United Methodist Church, Kalamazoo. Kristin Bloomquist ’07 was “grooms-maid.”

Simone McSparran ’06 and Tim DeRoche, Feb. 23, Church of Angels, Los Angeles. Sigma sisters who attended the wedding were Alana Fox ’02, Stefania Perciballi ’03, Libby (Gibbons) Bonnell ’04, Gennesis (Kuhn) Boyd ’05 and Courtney Kuch ex’05. E-mail Simone at srmcsparran@gmail.com.

Kristin Bloomquist ’07 and Erik Nelson, July 4, on the beach in Traverse City. E-mail Kristin at kristinbloomquist@yahoo.com.

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SHIPHERD’s RECORD

Kellie McKee ’09 and James Lile ’07

Jennifer ten Haaf ’12 and Ryan Hodges

Births

Darryell Ettleman ’88 and Stephanie (Dixon) ’10, a daughter, Lilah Rose, March 25. E-mail Darryell at dettleman@rockmail.com.

Shayla Blankenship ’98 adopted a daughter, Sawyer Renae, born June 11. She joins brother, Griffin. E-mail Shayla at shayladb2003@yahoo.com.

Eric Pocan ’03 and wife, Amy (Yockey) ex’05, a daughter, Landyn Christine, April. E-mail Eric at epocan28@hotmail.com.

Louisa (Grill) Trott ’03 and husband, Ian, a daughter, Quinn, May 16. E-mail Louisa at lkgrill@hotmail.com.

DJ Celetti ’04 and wife, Heather, a son, Andrew Joseph (AJ), May 1. E-mail DJ at dceletti@westrope.com.

Jeremy Shephard ’05 and wife, Lindsey, a daughter, Audrey, Aug. 25. E-mail Jeremy at jshephard@live.com.

Allison (Shakinis) Grinnell ’06 and husband, Cory, a son, Connor, May 1. He joins brother, Dylan, 2. E-mail Allison at ashakinis@hotmail.com.

Steve Rumsey ’06 and wife, Kristi, a son, Evan Arthur, May 11.

Evan joins brother, Caleb, 12, sister, Emma, 10, and brother, Aiden, 1. E-mail Steven at rumseysteve@yahoo.com.

Tracey (Fix) Nofs ’07 and husband, Matt, a daughter, Taylor Elise, Aug. 7. E-mail Tracey at t.a.fix@hotmail.com.

Justin Smelter ’07 and Abbey Hammond-Smelter ’09, a daughter, Evelyn Elsie.

Anthony Hall ’08 and wife, Stephanie (Shepherd) ’08, a daughter, Sophia Jacqueline, July 19.

James Tanis ’09 and wife, Mikki, twin daughters, Amanda and Kailey, Sept. 9.

Chris Beal ’11, a daughter, Ariana, May 1.

Memoriam

Clarence Brunger ’40, May 16, Grand Ledge.

Lucien Burstein ’43, Aug. 20, Davis, Calif. He is survived by wife, Rose Anne (Kornblum) Burstein ’43.

Janet (King) Wild ’44, Sept. 15, Silver Spring, Md. Mary Joan (Sternlight) Miller ’45, Jan. 15, Guam. Husband, Richard Miller ’46 predeceased her in 2008.

Helen (Rounds) Rowan ’45, Nov. 19, Greenwich, N.Y. Virginia (Harss) Garland ’48, Oct. 24, Traverse City.

Virginia (Jones) Reeder ’49, June 27, Colorado. Husband Milford Reeder ’41 predeceased her in 2000.

William Crim Jr. ’51, Feb. 19, Saline.

Frederick Rouse ’51, March 18, 2012, North Canton, Ohio.

He is survived by wife, Barbara (Henry) Rouse ’52 and son, John Rouse ’87. Son, Stephen Rouse ’76, predeceased him in 2006.

Richard “Dick” Powell ’54, April 13, Bradenton, Fla. Stanley Fleece ’57, Aug. 11, South Bend, Ind. Nancy (Evans) Anderson ’59, March 30, Punta Gorda, Fla. Gordon Hamilton ’62, March 28, Angola, Ind. Genar Meservey ex’62, June 17, Marshall.

Robert Wepman ’63, June 20, Grand Rapids.

Jim Taggart ’68, Sept. 11, Flushing.

Brad Weddon ’69, June 29, Huntington Beach, Calif. He is survived by wife Kim (Lahy) Weddon ’71 and brother, Todd Weddon ’66.

Julia Kay Shaffer ex’78, Sept. 5, Lansing. She is survived by sister, Jean (Shaffer) Blair ’75 and brother-in-law Bill Blair ’75.

Mark Ritzenhein ’82, July 6, Okemos.

Brenda Fleming ’85, July 31, Olivet. She is survived by husband, Robert Fleming ’83.

Laura (Sewesky) Beach ’93, Sept. 30, Safety Harbor, Fla.

Olivet’s Regional Alumni Clubs Are you interested in helping shape the future of alumni initiatives? Would you like to help organize social and networking events for Olivet College alumni in your area?

Now is the time to get involved. Contact Alumni Relations at alumnirelations@olivetcollege.com for more information.

Teresa “Terri” (Dalzell) Bennett ’95, June 24, Marshall.

James Boehmer ’00, May 29, Olivet. His parents were both former employees of Olivet College. He is survived by brother, Earl Boehmer ’82, and sister, Mary (Boehmer) Gehrig ’76.

Former Employees

Pam Frayer, Sept. 19, Bellevue. Pam worked in the development office at Olivet College for more than 10 years.

Jane Rhodes ’72, Ph.D., July 2, Lansing.

FALL 2013

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A Fond Farewell to Dean Lewis ’55

O

Olivet College Trustee Dean Lewis ’55, who was also one of the college’s most beloved alums, passed peacefully Aug. 26 after almost 80 years of service, devotion, laughter and happiness.

Born in Sturgis Oct. 7, 1933, Dean was humbly raised there and met his lifelong sweetheart, Jeanene (Miller) Lewis at Sturgis High School. He treasured his time at Olivet College, graduating in 1955, and went on to earn a law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1958. On June 2 of that year, Dean and Jeanene were married.

Dean took a job in Kansas City, Mo., for one year before returning to Kalamazoo to establish his private law practice. Among his accomplishments, he is best known by those who knew him well as a devoted and inspirational husband, father, grandfather, friend and confidant. He is survived by Jeanene, his five children and his 13 grandchildren.

Dean demonstrated his commitment to the Kalamazoo area through his decades of community service. He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kalamazoo, serving as elder, deacon, trustee, counsel and clerk of session.

Dean was active in many local professional organizations and served on numerous boards of directors, including the boards of the Kalamazoo Rotary Club (president from 1992-93), the Kalamazoo Chamber of Commerce, the Kalamazoo County Red Cross, Shepherd’s Center of Kalamazoo and the Boy Scouts of America. He was president of the Park Club in 1982 and served on the Olivet College Board of Trustees at the time of his death. In 2004, Dean earned a Distinguished Alumni Award from the college.

Dean was most recently a partner in the Kalamazoo law firm, Lewis, Reed & Allen and devoted much of his career to improving the legal profession. Shortly after being admitted to practice, he became president of the Young Lawyers Section of the Michigan State Bar, eventually leading the Michigan Bar’s Young Lawyers Section to the American Bar Association’s (ABA) First Place Award for Achievement in 1968.

From there, Dean continued to dedicate himself to State Bar initiatives and was eventually elected State Bar president for the 1980-81 term. In 1984, Dean and other State Bar colleagues founded the Michigan State Bar Foundation Fellows Program which honors distinguished Michigan attorneys dedicated to the advancement of justice, public understanding of the legal system and support for legal services to the poor.

Later, from 1992-2000, Dean served as a trustee of the State Bar Foundation, for which he was named a life fellow.

Dean strived to improve the national legal profession through his tireless involvement in the ABA, including service as a member of the ABA’s House of Delegates from 1977-82 and his active participation in many of the ABA’s practice sections. Dean was a life fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, the American Bar Foundation and the American Judicature Society.

As quoted in a Michigan Bar Journal cover story about him, Dean implored young lawyers to “never forget to put some of what you take back into the profession . . . Where, you may ask, do the time and energy come for this task?

There is no easy answer. They simply must be found.”

Dean Lewis ’55, who was also one of the college’s most beloved alums, passed peacefully Aug. 26 after almost 80 years of service, devotion, laughter and happiness.

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Office of Alumni Relations 320 S. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076

Field of Study Marcus Wasilevich, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology, teaches class at the recently enhanced Kirkelldel Biological Preserve. The habitat provides a breathtaking outdoor classroom for courses ranging from environmental science, to painting, to photography.

Lansing, MI Permit No. 975