Shipherd’s R E C O R D The Alumni Magazine of Olivet College
Introducing the Gruen Engagement Center The one-time home of late chemistry professor Fred Gruen, Ph.D., will soon serve as the nucleus of relationships-based education at Olivet College. SPRING/SUMMER 2015
President’s
UPDATE Dear Friends:
Welcome to another fantastic edition of Shipherd’s Record. The College Relations staff spend months planning and producing each issue to provide you with an award-winning magazine. I consistently hear from members of the Olivet College community that this is one of their favorite publications and that they look forward to the inspiring stories and updates about one of their favorite passions, Olivet College. I think you’ll find this issue does just that. A number of the feature articles continue to highlight our plans and progress toward creating the stronger, thriving Olivet College of the future. This includes plans for our new Collegiate Center, a $15 million project that will include a new student center built in conjunction with an expanded Upton Recreation Center. This combined facility will become the heart and soul of a more vibrant campus life. This issue also includes a feature article on the effort to convert the historic Gruen family home into the Gruen Engagement Center. Through the generosity of the Gruen family and the philanthropic support of you, our alumni and friends, we hope to create a facility that allows faculty to host groups of students in a residential-like environment for academic enrichment in the afternoon, evenings and weekends. Many alumni in prior eras convey the special educational relationships they developed with their professors during similar experiences at the homes of the faculty who lived in Olivet. However, today is a different era where most of our faculty live in other surrounding communities, making these types of experiences difficult. The Gruen Engagement Center will change all of that, allowing for a home-like environment adjacent to campus, sustaining and advancing the relationship-based educational experience that makes Olivet College so distinctive, and so successful. Of course, these initiatives and the other projects featured in our strategic plan and throughout this issue require resources to bring them to fruition. Recognizing that a major comprehensive fundraising campaign is on the horizon, we initiated a pre-campaign fundraising initiative to “prime the pump,” and to address our most immediate needs. Starting as a $2 million effort, what ultimately became known as the 2020 Leadership Fund is now coming to a close, having raised more than $4.65 million and accomplishing a number of key programmatic and capital projects highlighted throughout this issue. Finally, no conversation about accomplishments and philanthropic support is complete without saying thank you to the hundreds of members of the Olivet College community who give each year. Whether large or small, your gift makes a difference. These accomplishments, and our plans for the future, can’t be successfully completed without your support. Thank you. As always, I hope you enjoy your issue of Shipherd’s Record as we bring Olivet College and our students a little closer to your world through this wonderful publication. Please know that you’re always welcome on campus, and I look forward to seeing you in Olivet sometime soon. With very best regards,
Steven M. Corey, Ph.D. President
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.
features 10
The Leadership Fund Success
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Coming Soon: The Gruen Engagement Center
The one-time home of late chemistry professor Fred Gruen, Ph.D., will soon serve as the nucleus of relationships-based education at Olivet College. (On the cover: Edward Speare, Ph.D., (left) former biology professor, and Fred Gruen, Ph.D., in front of Mather Hall)
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Big Experience
MAGAZINE Staff B.J. Hull Vice President for Advancement Shannon Tiernan Assistant Vice President for Marketing and Communications Molly (Reed) Goaley ’05 Director of College Relations Bruce Snyder Director of Creative Services Marty (Mason) Jennings ’67 Director of Alumni Engagement Geoff Henson Sports Information Director Editorial Mitch Galloway, junior Send change of address notices to: Office of Advancement 320 S. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076 Olivet, MI 49076 • (269) 749-7630 mwallenberg@olivetcollege.edu 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.
Inside Back Cover Awarding
Scholarship and Service
15 Turning Desire into Drive
Departments 2 Around the Square 14 Advancement News 15 Comet Sports 17 Class Notes
SPRING/SUMMer 2015
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Around the
SQUARE Financial Service Students Set Sail Ten Olivet College financial service students recently embarked on the learning experience of a lifetime aboard the Liberty of the Seas cruise line. The students spent Feb. 5-9 participating in the 2015 Financial ConNEXTion Educational Cruise to Cozumel, Mexico, an initiative offered through the Society of Financial Service Professionals’ (FSP) University Partners Program. “This trip was an extra special venue for students from various Olivet College financial service disciplines to meet peers and potential future employers,” said Lynda Neff, assistant professor of risk management and insurance and FSP. “As Olivet College’s financial planning major is growing in reputation, we are seeing our graduates filling in as the successors for a critical industry that stabilizes our monetary system. It is an honor to be able to showcase our students to renowned experts in the industry.”
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Olivet College Volunteers Assist with Special Olympics Olivet College continued its partnership with Special Olympics Area 8 in sponsoring the Special Olympics Track & Field Meet, May 15 at Sexton High School in Lansing. KayDee Perry, assistant professor of health and human performance, worked with Area 8 to coordinate volunteer recruitment efforts for the event. More than 1,000 athletes participated, with a number of Olivet College students, alumni and employees assisting. Volunteers from the college coordinated a bocce ball tournament, as well as facilitated the work of high school volunteers from Olivet and Charlotte. “The Track & Field Meet for Area 8 Special Olympics provides an excellent opportunity for our college students to be role models and form relationships with students in our immediate KayDee Perry (center) area,” Perry said. The mission of Special Olympics Michigan is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The athletes achieve their dreams with the support of caring volunteers, coaches, family members and staff.
President’s Leadership Institute Recognizes 2015 Fellows Olivet College recognized 19 students as graduates of the President’s Leadership Institute (PLI) during a ceremony March 25 at the Battle Creek Country Club. President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., and the founding faculty members of the PLI, including: Trustee Dave Labrecque ’84; Provost and Dean Maria G. Davis, Ph.D.; and Today’s Leader Partners Charlie Burnham and Mike Bivens, were on hand to officially recognize students as fellows of the institute for having successfully completed the eight-segment program. Margaret Dimond, Ph.D., president of Karmanos Cancer Hospital and member of the Olivet College Board of Trustees, was the event’s featured guest. Launched in 2013, the institute was established to develop top leadership in Olivet’s students, as well as enable them to become the principal professional and community leaders of the future. Successful institute graduates are designated as “Fellows of the President’s Leadership Institute,” and are invited to remain engaged in the activities of the PLI in support of future student leadership development, both while completing their studies at Olivet College and as successful alumni engaged in professional and community leadership roles. To view a full list of this year’s fellows, visit bit.ly/1KKeeLn.
Fayehun ’07 Delivers the Facts on Nigeria Decides This year as the college commemorated its 171st Founders’ Day, keynote speaker Adeola “Eunice” (Oladele) Fayehun ’07 delivered an enthusiastic speech to students about the impact of her Olivet College education. A native of Nigeria, Fayehun is a New York-based journalist reporting primarily on African politics for SaharaTV, The Nation Newspaper and other sources. Shortly after her visit to Olivet, Nigeria’s closely contested and fiercely fought presidential election took place, with Fayehun reporting from the sidelines. Here, she breaks down the need-to-know facts of #NigeriaDecides. Shipherd’s Record: What are the most important issues affecting Nigeria in this election? Fayehun: This election focuses on the issues of massive corruption among officials, the unemployment rate, and security – especially the 200 plus girls kidnapped by Boko Haram a year ago. Can you tell us in a few words the primary differences between the candidates, Muhammadu Buhari and the president, Goodluck Jonathan?
Olivet Earns Accolades Olivet College has once again been recognized as a top college on a number of national platforms. In 2014, the college was named a Best College by U.S. News & World Report and a Top 100 Baccalaureate College by Washington Monthly, as well as a member of the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, and the Military Friendly Schools List. To learn more, visit www.olivetcollege.edu.
Corruption has really thrived in Jonathan’s time, while Buhari has a record of being intolerant of Left: Adeola “Eunice” (Oladele) Fayehun ’07 corruption when he was Head of State. Nigerians believe if corruption is dealt with, everything else will fall into place. Now that the results are in and Buhari has been elected, what does this mean for Nigerians? Electing a new president means we now have hope of finally being on the path toward real development and dealing with corruption. It also means if the president is not doing well, the people can remove him from office. How has following this election from a personal and professional standpoint affected you? What do you foresee for your home country in the years ahead? Following the election showed me the power of social media in circulating information that influenced the decision of a lot of voters. I foresee Nigeria taking its rightful place as a leader in Africa, and subsequently in the world.
Olivet College and Vomberg/Trumley Foundation Partner for Scholarship Olivet College and the Vomberg/Trumley Foundation have recently announced a collaboration to benefit high school students from Eaton County. Through a new matching scholarship program, qualifying students could receive up to $2,000 annually to attend Olivet College. The Vomberg/Trumley Foundation regularly provides scholarships and financial aid to students from Eaton County who demonstrate need. Typical awards may vary from $500 to $1,000. Through the new partnership, Olivet College will match up to $1,000 annually for those students who choose to attend Olivet. “Olivet College celebrates and values Vomberg/Trumley scholars as exceptional members of its college community,” said Maria G. Davis, Ph.D., provost and dean of the college. “We are so pleased to partner with Vomberg/Trumley Foundation in matching the scholarship opportunities they provide to these deserving students.”
A Royal Flush The recent, mysterious arrival of a “Golden Throne” in the Square heralded the news to students of upcoming bathroom renovations in all three residence halls. In May, students learned of a $2.5 million renovation project that will completely modernize the bathrooms in Blair, Dole and Shipherd halls. The project comes in response to students expressing the state of residence hall bathrooms as a top priority during the development of the campus Master Plan. Like other Master Plan projects, the new facilities will contribute to enhancing the overall quality of student life at Olivet College. Construction began in the early summer and is slated for completion in September.
SPRING/SUMMer 2015
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Around the
SQUARE Three Students Honored With John W. Porter Scholarship In May, Olivet College awarded the John W. Porter Community Responsibility Scholarship to juniors Zechariah Jenkins, ReBekah McDaniel and Xavier Vance. Top left: John Wilterding, Ph.D., Phil Reed, Jenna Edwards, Nick Juday, Kirk Hendershott-Kraetzer, Ph.D., front from left: Shana Bush, Erin Sweeney, Chelsea Goodman and Sylvia Adsit.
Party of Five From left: Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., Xavier Vance, Zechariah Jenkins, ReBekah McDaniel and Maria G. Davis, Ph.D.
At the age of 38, Dr. John W. Porter was the youngest chief state school officer and the first black state school superintendent in the nation. In 1979, Dr. Porter served as president of Eastern Michigan University. From 1989 to 1991, he served as the general superintendent for Detroit Public Schools. During his tenure, the district went from having a $160 million deficit and unbalanced budget to a $35 million surplus. In 2001, Dr. Porter was awarded the Olivet College Leadership Award for his commitment to Olivet’s educational philosophy of individual and social responsibility. In gratitude, he established an endowed scholarship for current students who demonstrate leadership and community involvement.
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Every year, Olivet College recognizes its top five graduates and the professor whom he or she deems most influential with the Donald A. Morris Award. This year’s honorees include: Sylvia Adsit, psychology major. Adsit aspires to work with children, and hopes to one day open a daycare center. She selected Kirk Hendershott-Kraetzer, Ph.D., professor of humanities, as her most influential professor. Shana Bush, psychology and criminal justice double major. Bush is currently earning a master’s degree in social work and mental health from the University of Southern California, and is planning for a career in prisoner rehabilitation. She chose to honor Phil Reed, associate professor of criminal justice. Jenna Edwards, exercise science major. Edwards is pursuing a master’s in exercise physiology from Western Michigan University with plans to become an exercise physiologist and wellness educator. She selected Nick Juday, associate professor of health and human performance, as her most influential professor. Chelsea Goodman, biology major with pre-medical concentration. Goodman is pursuing medical school, with plans to become a doctor of internal medicine and pediatrics. She chose to honor John Wilterding, Ph.D., professor of biology. Erin Sweeney, criminal justice major with law enforcement concentration. Sweeney is pursuing a master’s degree in intelligence analysis from the University of Detroit Mercy, and is planning for a career in the intelligence field. She also chose Reed as her most influential professor.
We Did It! A total of 196 graduates were honored during Olivet College’s Commencement ceremonies May 16 at The Cutler Event Center. For complete coverage of Commencement, visit www.olivetcollege.edu. 2015 graduates Allison Ullrich and Brittany Turner
Students in the News
In March, six Olivet College students received Michigan Campus Compact (MiCC) awards for their dedication and commitment to community service. Senior Chris Eldridge and junior Jason Kibiloski received the MiCC Commitment to Service Award, an honor bestowed on only 31 students throughout the state. Sophomore Stephanie Robinson, juniors Jessica Doster and Casey Eldridge, and freshman Jacob Richards received the Heart and Soul Award, which recognizes their time, effort and personal commitment to their communities through service. The Olivet College Gruen Chemistry Society presented a poster on the “Successful Chapter” and received an honorable mention for their chapter activities during the American Chemical Society national meeting.
Herbarium Stems from Olivet College’s Roots Patrick Fields, Ph.D., associate professor of biology, recently undertook the project of restoring a long-ago abandoned herbarium housed in the college’s Natural and Physical Sciences Department. The collection of dried, preserved plants stems back as far as the 1860s and has been maintained by Olivet College science faculty intermittently throughout the college’s history. With some specimens beginning to show decay, Fields is working to move the plants to acid-free paper and folders, updating the taxonomy to modern usage, and organizing and storing the plants in a usable sequence. “I’ve found it’s like going back in time and seeing what past faculty were doing here at Olivet College,” Fields said. “For example, I have learned a lot about the late Ed Speare, former biology professor, just by seeing what specimens he collected, where he collected from, what he identified them as, and how his identifications stand up today.”
From left: Kamron Nault, Reighann Bodell, Taylor Thorn, Amanda Anderson, Ashley Partlo, Casey Lamp and Brandi Rimmer
Students traveled to Denver in March to receive the award. They include: seniors Amanda Anderson and Brandi Rimmer; juniors Reighann Bodell, Casey Lamp and Ashley Partlo; and sophomores Kamron Nault and Taylor Thorn. The students were accompanied by Susanne Lewis, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, who was serving as representative for the local Michigan chapter of the ACS, as well as an associate for Project SEED.
Faculty and Staff in the News Regina Armstrong, assistant professor of criminal justice, earned her Ph.D. in public safety leadership and criminal justice from Capella University in May. Timothy Flynn, Ph.D., professor of music, was selected to present his paper “An Introduction to the Classical Reverberations in the Life and Music of Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)” at the 12th conference of the International Council for Traditional Music Study Group on Iconography and the Performing Arts, Istituto per I Beni Musicali in Piemonte, in Turin, Italy in October. Given at the Archivio di Stato, Flynn was one of only three Americans selected to participate, with other scholars being drawn from prestigious Italian, Greek and Eastern European institutions. Frank Schumacher recently joined the college as director of the Physical Plant. He comes to Olivet with more than 30 years of experience, including serving as director of facilities at Western Michigan University and Marshall Public Schools.
Pat Fields, Ph.D., is working to restore the college’s collection of preserved plants.
Bringing Writers to Life Olivet’s English and writing seminar students recently developed a series of posters featuring prominent writers who visited campus in the 1930s and 1940s. The students spent much of the spring semester creating the biographical posters, which are currently displayed in Mott Academic Center. Writers featured include Carl Sandburg, W.H. Auden, Gertrude Stein, Katherine Anne Porter, Robert Penn Warren and others.
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The Gruen Engagement Center The one-time home of late chemistry professor Fred Gruen, Ph.D., will soon serve as the nucleus of relationships-based education at Olivet College.
James Cash and Carol Gruen ’76 6
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Fred Gruen, Ph.D.
“I am excited about my parents’ home becoming a place where faculty will be able to meet with students outside the classroom. It is definitely a way to carry on the legacy of my parents and what they valued so much about Olivet.” -- Carol Gruen ’76
By Molly (Reed) Goaley ’05
This Old House By Molly (Reed) Goaley ’05
As a little girl, Carol Gruen ’76 loved growing up in the town of Olivet. It wasn't just because of its small, safe atmosphere, or because her family’s house had a huge backyard where she and her sister, Evelyn, could play. As the The Gruen family daughter of one of Olivet College’s most beloved professors, Carol had the advantage of being immersed in college culture her whole life.
“Olivet was a wonderful place to grow up, especially as children of one of the college professors,” she said. “The faculty members were very bonded, and the college did many things to enhance the feeling of community among its employees.” Some Olivet College professors gain legendary status during their careers. Carol’s father happens to be one of them. Fred Gruen, Ph.D., taught chemistry from 1951 to 1991, and during that time, he and his family lived in the
Gruen (front left) with students and Denny Baker, former professor (back right), in the Square.
big yellow house on Yale Street. It’s a place, Carol says, that will forever remain close to their hearts. “What I remember most about the house is that it was a place where my parents always loved to entertain. Most of that entertainment was geared around students and faculty,” Carol said. “My dad loved teaching and believed in relationships-based education. He was a people person and therefore loved to interact with his students beyond the classroom.” Because of Dr. Gruen’s exceptional ability to engage students in outside learning, many of his former pupils remember the home fondly as well. “Dr. Gruen wanted his students to do well,” said Stephen Burton ’68, M.D. “At the beginning of each semester, he would give all the students his home address and phone number. He always treated us as equals, and he was glad to talk about his philosophy of life and learning. “I worked hard as a student,” Burton continued. “But I am sure his encouragement and help were a large factor in my admittance to medical school.” In fact, Olivet College’s commitment to providing relationships-based education, still a rich part of its culture today, was fostered through the years by professors like Dr. Gruen, Prof. Ed Speare, Ph.D., Prof. Cecilia Campañá and many others. Dr. Gruen believed that learning took place in a social setting as much as in the classroom, and he was right. Research consistently indicates that outside student/faculty interaction has multiple, positive outcomes for both the student and the institution. These include improved retention and academic performance, personal and intellectual development, educational aspirations and overall satisfaction. continued next page
Fred Gruen, Ph.D., with students in the chemistry lab. SPRING/SUMMer 2015
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Relationships-Based Learning Dr. Gruen was himself a product of relationshipsbased learning – as a German, trilingual college student in Italy. In his memoirs, he recounts how socializing with his English instructor helped him sharpen his language skills. “My English teacher was highly refined,” he said. “And, as my English was very good, I was allowed to have tea and conversation with her and her mother.”
Building a New Legacy
Top: Fred (center) and Marian Gruen socialize with students. Bottom: Dr. Gruen’s chemistry class.
Eventually, those valuable learning experiences would carry over to his own teaching career at Olivet College. “The most positive aspect of my work at Olivet was the relationship between faculty and students,” he said. And so, as the years passed, the house where Dr. Gruen and his wife Marian loved to host dinner parties, and where students would drop by for extra help with their homework, would become as legendary as the professor himself. For decades it served as a beacon of the relationships-based education that Olivet College so strongly provides. “My heart is always warmed when I run into my father’s former students and they tell me what an influence he had on their lives,” Carol continued. “They have become doctors, dentists, optometrists and science teachers at all levels of education.
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“Students were frequently in our home not only for help, but for dinner, socializing and relaxing,” she said. “My mother also loved the interaction with the students and was always eager to have them, as well as faculty members, over for dinner or simply to chat. As I reflect back, I realize my parents even became close to students’ families. I remember many times having students’ parents in our home and also visiting their homes all over Michigan.”
The Gruen house would remain a cherished space for faculty, students and their families throughout Dr. Gruen’s tenure and his family’s residence. Today the house sits vacant, but soon current Olivet College students will have the opportunity to experience the nurturing environment that the Gruen family once provided in their home. Thanks to lead support from Carol and her husband, James Cash, and Evelyn (Gruen) and her husband, Ron Cortesi, as well as Dr. Gruen’s former students, Burton and Timothy Hodge ’83, D.O., The Gruen house the house will soon be restored to its original glory. As part of the college’s Master Plan, the Gruen Engagement Center will serve as a place where today’s students and faculty can collaborate in a social setting, while also serving as a lodging and hospitality space for visitors such as professors-in-residence, campus speakers and special guests. According to Carol, it’s just what her father would have wanted. “I am excited about my parents’ home becoming a place where faculty will be able to meet with students outside the classroom,” she said. “It is definitely a way to carry on the legacy of my parents and what they valued so much about Olivet. Having my undergraduate degree from Olivet and then going to a large university for my master’s degree, I can certainly see the advantages of a small liberal arts education. The type of personal relationships my father had with his students is incomparable.”
Help us Honor the Professors who Made an Impact on Your Life Fred Gruen, Ph.D., was one of many Olivet College professors who believed in the value of relationships-based education. Below is a list of other beloved professors that have been identified by fellow alums, faculty and staff for contributing to the culture of learning at Olivet and we would like your help in honoring them as well:
Bill Buchanan (English) Cecilia Campañá (Spanish) Joe Fleming (Physics) Richard Fleming (Biology) Leo Hendrick (English) John Homer (Business) Don Rowe (Visual Art) Ed Speare (Biology) Art Stevens (Political Science) Don Walker (History)
Here’s the challenge: The college would like to name rooms within the Gruen Engagement Center in honor of these professors. Simply make a gift to the center in recognition of the professor of your choice. The donations will be counted, and each faculty member from this list will be recognized with a room, according to the value listed on the right. For example, $35,000 in total donations in honor of Art Stevens would establish the Art Stevens Library at the Gruen Engagement Center.
This List is Just the Beginning Every alum from Olivet College has a professor or staff member who made a difference in his or her life – who’s yours? Even if your favorite professor is not on this list, you can still honor them with a gift in their name to the Gruen Engagement Center. Please include a note or small tribute to the professor of your choice with your gift.
Outdoor Front Stoop $10,000 Side Covered Porch $15,000 First Floor Entry (FUNDED!) $20,000 Reception $25,000 Dining Room $50,000 Library $35,000 Kitchen $30,000 Elevator $30,000 Second Floor Bedroom 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Gallery
$40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $15,000
Staircases Individual Stairs $ 2,500 (50 Available) To make your gift, simply use the envelope included in Shipherd’s Record, or contact Joy Wiseman, director of major gifts and foundations, at (269) 749-7162 or jwiseman@olivetcollege.edu.
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The
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By Shannon Tiernan
Upon the approval of Charting the Course for Olivet College 2020 and Beyond, President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D., and BJ Hull, vice president for advancement, embarked on a $2 million fundraising initiative in support of several major programs outlined within the strategic plan. Nearly two years later, the 2020 Leadership Fund has accumulated more than $4.65 million. These resources directly impact all facets of campus, including academics, athletics and student life.
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$750,000 - Dole Hall Welcome Center The Dole Hall Welcome Center will serve as the college’s front door, welcoming all student prospects, alumni and friends to campus with newly renovated meeting rooms, offices and restrooms. $600,000 - Pyne Pavilion Significantly improving the game day experience for Comet football, lacrosse and track and field fans, the brand new Pyne Pavilion includes a team store, concessions andpresident’s gameday suite. $600,000 - Gruen Engagement Center For details on this project, see the story beginning on page 6.
Phase II, and up to an additional four new residence halls are included in this scope. $250,000 - Academic Faculty Grant Program In order to enhance the teaching and learning experience at Olivet College while also providing a significant positive impact on students, President Corey and Maria Davis, Ph.D., provost and dean, solicited strategic investment grant proposals from faculty. All or a portion of this particular gift will be used to fund these proposals. $185,000 - Football Locker Room Renovations Enhancements were made to the football locker room facilities to support a larger, more competitive program. $150,000 - Instrumental Music Program Investment Great bands are led by exceptional conductors. Jeremy Duby, director of bands, is a case in point. A portion of Director Duby’s salary, along with new music scholarships and other program enhancements, were supported via this donation and will work collectively to rebuild the instrumental music program at Olivet College.
Success $550,000 - Roznowski Learning Commons at Burrage Library This summer, the lower level of Burrage Library is getting a complete makeover. Renovations will merge the social and academic interests of students into a contemporary space that includes presentation, research and learning technologies.
$150,000 - Collegiate Center Design The keystone project of the college’s next comprehensive campaign, the Collegiate Center will serve as a hub for all things “student life,” including an enhanced late-night dining experience, gaming and casual seating areas, a multi-use event space, WOCR, The Echo, a spirit shop and the Office of Student Life. In addition, the new design will seamlessly connect this new facility to the Upton Recreation Center. Remaining Resources In addition to the initiatives outlined above, the college raised the resources needed to successfully launch its next comprehensive campaign, acquire property adjacent to campus and launch a number of new athletic teams. Stay tuned for more information as these exciting new endeavors continue to take shape.
$300,000 - New Student Housing Planning and Design Olivet College currently has capacity for 657 residential students. As we continue toward our enrollment goal of 1,800 students, Olivet must plan for and design new housing that meets the needs of future student populations. Gillette Student Village SPRING/SUMMer 2015
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Small Campus,
Big Experience By Molly (Reed) Goaley ’05
It’s perhaps the most exciting day on campus all year. Not just for incoming students, but for the entire Olivet College community. A swarm of red shirts bustle from one car to the next, unloading boxes and trekking up and down stairwells as new freshmen and their parents happily, nervously trail behind. It’s Move-In Day, and though the physical labor in the hot August sun is exhausting, the mood on campus is charged with excitement for the upcoming academic year. A collection of “firsts” await these unseasoned Olivetians – first night living away from home, first football game versus Albion, first Stand-Up. But for now, they will settle into their rooms and head to the Square to get to know their new classmates. For those unfamiliar with the ritual of Move-In Day, it’s a time for employees, trustees, students and alumni to come together in assisting new freshmen and their families with moving to campus. Most importantly, it’s the first true sense these students will get of the relationshipsbased experience Olivet provides. They will meet everyone from the dean to the college president, not to mention the diverse, inclusive community of friends who will surround them for the next four years. Whether new or old, traditions like Move-In Day illustrate what Olivet College does so well. Students arrive knowing they will become part of a small, inclusive environment while at the same time becoming exposed to a diverse group of peers. And while the Olivet College community will always pride itself on providing an intimate college atmosphere, it also knows that in order to continue offering the best experience possible, the student body has to grow. “Higher education is contingent not just on the input of faculty, but of students as well,” said President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D. “The peer-to-peer effect on each
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student’s educational experience is critical, as they learn from both their professors and the other students around them.” With more than 1,000 students on campus, President Corey says, those benefits are limited. But when the number of students living and learning on campus increases, so too does the critical mass of intellectual and social activity – and that results in a more robust college experience for all students.
A Richer Social and Learning Experience
With this in mind, the college’s strategic plan, Charting the Course for Olivet College 2020 and Beyond, calls for increasing overall enrollment to 1,800 students, with about 1,500 living on campus. “Olivet College has a wonderful history and ability as a small college to provide an intimate experience for students and faculty,” said President Corey. “Increasing enrollment to 1,800 students can be done while still maintaining the small student-tofaculty ratio and continuing to allow for the relationships-based education Olivet College is so good at.” And the benefits don’t stop there. More students living on campus means better resources and facilities, stronger support for quality faculty, and a richer social and learning experience.
Student Housing Busting at the Seams
Changes to the housing policy have already allowed the college’s residential population to expand. Soon, all four classes will be living on campus concurrently for the first time in recent history. As a result, capacity for the current residence halls is, essentially, busting at the seams. With an immediate need for additional and improved student housing, the college has moved forward on several Master Plan initiatives, including:
Rendering of Gillette Student Village Phase II
Design of Gillette Student Village Phase II Students provided architects with significant input on the design of the future complex, with construction expected to begin in the summer of 2016. Major renovation of Blair, Dole and Shipherd Hall bathrooms The project will result in all-new, modernized bathrooms in the current residence halls, and is expected to be completed in September. Final stages of Dole Hall Welcome Center The renovation, to be completed this summer, includes revamped public spaces on the first floor, an enhanced front entrance and expanded parking for both visitors and students. So the next time you visit campus, you may notice more students sitting in the cheering section at the Cutler Athletic Complex, or marching in the band. You may choose to take a campus tour and discuss living possibilities with your own future Comet. Or, perhaps you’ll want to lend a helping hand during Move-In Day. No matter what you choose, you’ll still find the intimate Olivet College you remember.
Photo of Xavier Vance
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Xavier Vance
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Acquisition of Oak Hill Apartments The Oak Hill Apartment Complex will provide independent living options for 70 students, and is expected to be ready for occupancy by fall.
“I definitely notice an increase in students since my freshman year. I lived in Dole last year and there were so many more people to get to know and interact with,” said Xavier Vance, who is entering her junior year this fall. “Living with so many different personalities has given me a greater perspective on how to get along with others and how to engage with them. Plus, I’ve made some new friends because of it! I was just telling a friend how excited I am for Gillette Student Village Phase II. I know it’s going to be such an incredible place for students to live. And the more students the better! I believe every student deserves to have the Olivet experience, and be not only in a place where they can receive a great education, but a place they can also call home.” -- Xavier Vance
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The Right Time to Give Retirement Plan Assets
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There are different ways for Olivet alumni and friends to effectively use retirement plan assets to make charitable gifts to the college. More and more donors have been making them during their lifetime, an option given tremendous impetus with the IRA Rollover provision (currently under debate in Congress for renewal for 2015 and beyond). Others, however, may not feel comfortable making a lifetime gift of assets they might need in the future. What other attractive and tax-efficient options are available? Your best choice may be a testamentary bequest. This can be an effective strategy for several reasons:
There is No Age Restriction
Regardless of your age, you can name a nonprofit organization, such as Olivet College, as a full or partial beneficiary of your retirement plan assets.
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Simplicity Counts
You can arrange the gift simply by naming Olivet College as the beneficiary of all or a percentage of the account. All you need to do is contact your fund administrator. Donating retirement plan assets can be a tax-smart strategy for your family. Remember, qualified retirement assets will be treated as taxable income to your heirs when received as an inheritance. On the other hand, most other assets can pass income tax-free to your heirs, as well as receive a stepped-up basis to current market value.
Example: Sue names her son beneficiary to $100,000 in her qualified retirement plan (IRA, 401(k), 403(b), etc.). She also leaves $100,000 in appreciated stock to her favorite non-profit organization. At her death, the organization receives the $100,000 gift free and clear. Her son is not so fortunate. He is surprised to learn that he will owe $35,000 in federal income taxes on his $100,000 inheritance because, under current law, qualified money is fully taxable when directed to any individual. Denise, on the other hand, leaves $100,000 to Olivet College upon her death by naming Olivet as the 100 percent beneficiary of her qualified IRA. She leaves her son $100,000 in non-qualified, appreciated stock. The result: in addition to Olivet receiving a valuable donation, her son receives the full, appreciated $100,000 value of her stock and owes no income tax. He is spared what would be a $35,000 tax if his mother had bequeathed him retirement plan assets.
The Bottom Line
For more information, or to make a charitable gift to Olivet College, contact the Advancement Office at (269) 749-7932.
When qualified money is given to Olivet College and other assets are bequeathed to family members, the heirs will have a lighter tax burden. Also, the heirs receive a stepped-up basis for the appreciated assets. So, should they later sell those assets, they pay capital gains tax only on the increase in value since the time they received the inheritance.
Celebrating Responsible Leaders Thanks to the following sponsors:
Kellie Dean
Sandy Draggoo
Carol Monroe
Olivet College recognized three of Michigan’s finest leaders during its 19th annual Leadership for Individual and Social Responsibility Awards Dinner May 13 at the Country Club of Lansing. An unprecedented 200 guests gathered to honor this year’s recipients, pictured above with President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D.: Kellie Dean, president and CEO of Dean Transportation, Inc.; Sandy Draggoo, CEO and executive director of Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA); and Carol Monroe, president of Eaton County Clothing and Furniture Center. 14
SHIPHERD’s RECORD
Program Level CSM Group Tom Kolassa ’69 Robert ’57 and Sarah (Engle) ’56 Lawrence
David Hayhow Independent Bank Dave Labrecque ’84 Wells Fargo Jeff and Beth (Larson) ’90 Wildern
Leadership Level Amerisure Insurance Barnes & Thornburg LLP CATA Chartwells Dining Services Maria Davis, Ph.D. Excellence In Action, Inc. Fifth Third Bank Rod Hathaway ’81 Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital
Event Level Abbott Road Center for the Family Air-Way Manufacturing Co. Eaton Federal Savings Bank Enterprise Fleet Management Maner Costerisan Robert J. Parrella ’68 Soil & Materials Engineers, Inc. Karen (Wilson) VanHentenryck ’81
Thank You
Comet
Turning Desire
Into Drive By Mitch Galloway, junior
He wasn’t the biggest football player. He wasn’t the smartest student. Just ask him yourself – he’d tell you the same thing. But what made Ryan Armstrong different from other players – from other students – was his desire to get better in every facet of life. “Ryan came to Olivet when the football program was struggling,” said defensive coordinator Warren Maloney. “It wasn’t easy for him. But he stuck it out, worked hard and good things happened for him and for the program. He bought in, not just on the field, but in the classroom. He became a better student and athlete. That is why he had such a standout season during his senior year. ” Through painful 6 a.m. workouts to challenging criminal justice classes, Armstrong, a senior defensive end from Rives Junction, became a student-athlete who embodied an entire school’s ideals. He took responsibility for his own learning and personal development, no matter how difficult it would be. Through hard work, the 6-foot-1-inch, 285-pound athlete became the best at whatever he laid his extra-large mittens on. “Desire. He wanted to be good,” Maloney said. “This isn’t about coaching. It is simply about a young man who wanted to be successful and who wanted to leave his mark. He did. Ryan had one of those seasons that will be talked about for years.
SPORTS
It will be the standard for defensive line play at Olivet College. Every player in the future who has a good season will be compared to the season Ryan had in 2014.” Armstrong didn’t have a good junior campaign of football. He had 30 tackles and four sacks, which he would more than double in both categories for 2014. Sparked by a will to win during his senior year, he gave his all to studying and training in between seasons. “My effort in the offseason, lifting weights and running, made me a better player,” Armstrong said. “I knew this was my last year of football, so I knew I had to make a statement one way or another. Some teams probably overlooked me because of the previous season. I just wanted to go out there and win games.” During his senior year, Armstrong compiled 61 tackles and 10 sacks in 10 games for the Comets. For his efforts, he was named to the 2014 American Football Coaches Association Division III All-America Team. He is the first player in school history to earn this honor. Armstrong was also selected as the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s Defensive Player of the Year, and to the D3football.com All-America third team and All-North Region first team. “I never was expecting to be an All-American this year,” Armstrong said. “My goals for myself were just to achieve first team all-conference. After the Kalamazoo game I knew it was a possibility just because of the game I had.” During the game versus Kalamazoo, Armstrong recorded three and a half quarterback sacks. Overall, he had 12 tackles – seven and one-half for loss – which “I knew I had to make a amounted to statement one way or another.” 44 negative yards on that – Ryan Armstrong October day. After the regular season, Armstrong competed Dec. 23 at the 2014 All-American Bowl, held at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas. He also competed in the Dream Bowl III in Virginia Beach, Va., on Jan. 19. A month later he received an invitation to play in The Conquistador Bowl in Cancun, Mexico. This bowl, though later canceled, was labeled as featuring the best American born draft eligible players from I-AA and lower institutions versus a team comprised of the best Canadian, Mexican and international born draft eligible players in any collegiate football institution. After an outstanding senior season, Armstrong’s college football career is now complete. He is done rushing Adrian quarterbacks, Alma running backs and Albion wide receivers. But he isn’t done with the game – just yet. “Athletically, I hope to play in the Canadian Football League or Arena Football League for a few years after graduation,” he said. “If not, I have my degree, which is a huge benefit.” Armstrong graduated in May with a degree in criminal justice, which he plans to put to work when his football career ends. He envisions himself working with inner-city youth and in probation. SPRING/SUMMer 2015
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2014-15 Sports Highlights
James Farnum,
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Head softball coach, wins 200th game
200 wins Nick Allen
Earns Academic All-District honors and competes at the NCAA DIII National Wrestling Championships
All-District
Jalen Weaver
Earns All-American honors in 800-meter run at 2015 NCAA DIII Indoor Track & Field Championships, and then wins the same event at the 2015 MIAA Field Day
All-America
Stefanie Lang
Finishes career with 1,208 points, 772 rebounds and 109 blocked shots
3-year career Cassie Ciaravino Becomes a three-time All-MIAA athlete in track & field SHIPHERD’s RECORD
1950s
1970s
1990s
Class Notes 1960s 1940s
2000s
1980s 2010s
1960s Tom Appel ’65 had an interesting travel year, visiting seven locations in the Middle East: Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kurdistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, in five weeks. E-mail Tom at tappel1864@aol.com. Dale Barber ’68 was recently appointed pastor of the Deckerville and Minden City Tom Appel ’65 United Methodist Churches. Dale also owns Barber Photography & Framing in Sandusky. E-mail him at dcbarber229@att.net. Laurie (Andreae) White ’69 recently coauthored a third book, “Coping with Behavior Change in Dementia: a Family Caregiver’s Guide.” The publication is intended to help families understand possible causes of common behavior changes, and learn new strategies to help cope with dementia. Laurie’s books can be purchased at whisppub.com. E-mail her at laurie@dementiaconsulting.com.
1970s Doug “Stats” Winger ’71 retired in December. He served 32 years with the Midland Daily News, including 28 as librarian. E-mail Doug at dougwinger2@yahoo.com. On Nov. 13, The Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA) named Yvonne (Goudreault) Caamal Canul ’73, superintendent of Lansing School District, the 2015 Michigan Superintendent of the Year. A panel of distinguished judges from around the state selected Yvonne from a pool of highly qualified nominees. The selection of the Michigan recipient is part of American Association of School Administrators’ National Superintendent of the Year Program. As the MASA honoree, Yvonne also became a finalist for the National Superintendent of the Year Award. Since beginning her job as superintendent in 2012, Yvonne has played a key role in designing the district’s three-year “Bold Changes = Smarter Schools, Reset for Student Success” plan to restructure and continue the growth of Lansing schools. The plan focuses on the principles of child development and establishing a long-term instructional vision, and aims to improve educational achievement and financial stability. Before beginning her work as superintendent, Yvonne accumulated more than 38 years of educational experience. Raised in Latin America, she returned to the United States at age 15 and later received a degree in speech and theater from Olivet College, and a master’s degree in elementary education and racial and ethnic studies from Michigan State University. She was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, from Olivet College in 1997. Email Yvonne at ycaamalcanul@aol.com.
Rev. James Bruce Redner ’73 and wife, Ruth, are retired and living in Mandurah, Western Australia. Ruth is writing a book about her childhood in Papua, New Guinea; James has posted a novel, “After the Silence,” on Kindle. Son Ray Redner ’98 is a science teacher at Carey Baptist College in Perth. Carolyn Crowe ’76 was honored as National Career Woman of the Year in 2014, chosen from all nominating chapters of the National Association of Career Women (NACW). The award goes to a woman who goes above and beyond her work, volunteerism, mentoring, community involvement and personal self-improvement. She was also awarded Career Woman of the Year 2014 Port Huron. Carolyn raises and fosters puppies that will go to Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills for formal training. She Carolyn Crowe ’76 also has therapy dogs that visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes and libraries. Carolyn and one of her dogs are registered as a Therapy Dog Team with St. Clair County Homeland Security & Emergency Management. She is a fund development and foundation representative at St. Joseph Mercy-Port Huron and is also president of the Port Huron chapter of the NACW. E-mail Carolyn at leaderdogporthuron@comcast.net. Bradford Mellor ’76 retired in 2014 from the Ann Arbor Public Schools after 37 years of service as teacher, building principal and central office administrator. He and wife, Eva, recently moved to Midland to be closer to family. E-mail Bradford at bishquat@gmail.com. Barron “Barry” Evans ’77 relocated to Dallas in March from Indianapolis to accept a new position as vice president, customer strategy at the global Omnicom Group company, Targetbase. Targetbase is a strategic communications agency that provides marketing technology, business intelligence, analytics and creative services to its clients. Barry was previously affiliated with Omnicom Group companies Rapp and DDB in Dallas, Brussels and Chicago. He plans to continue his community work with Ronald McDonald House, the local PBS/NPR affiliate and mentoring. E-mail Barry at goodyboy@live.com.
Barry Evans ’77
Gayl (Sanborn) Dotts ’78 joined Olivet College as a customer specialist in student services. E-mail Gayl at gdotts@olivetcollege.edu. Richard Kamanu ’79, former minister of Kaumakapili Church in Honolulu, was recently called to be the interim associate conference minister for the O’ahu Association United Church of Christ of the Hawai’i Conference. E-mail Richard at kahukamanu@aol.com.
Richard Kamanu ’79
1980s
Lisa Barry ’81 joined Ypsilanti’s WEMU news team as the local anchor for NPR’s “All Things Considered.” Most recently Lisa worked at Detroit’s WJR-AM. She began her career covering the Michigan governor’s office and state capitol in Lansing, and then had stints with Detroit stations WXYT and WNIC, as well as WJR. E-mail Lisa at lisa_barry@hotmail.com.
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1950s
1970s
1990s
Class Notes 1960s 1940s
2000s
1980s 2010s
Greg ’88, Ph.D., and Lisa (Waltz) ’88 Cook are the owners of 4 Elements Winery (http://4elementswinery.com), a boutique North Dakota winery crafting high quality wines from northern prairie ingredients. Greg and Lisa purchased the property for the winery in 2012 and have been working on their dream ever since. Greg has been an avid home winemaker since 2000, labeling his craft as Cook Prairie Wines. He has a doctorate in organic chemistry and has been a professor of chemistry at North Dakota State University since 1996. The Cooks have embarked on building a dream winery to share the experience of North Dakota wines with everyone. 4 Elements Winery is located in Mapleton, N.D. It was licensed as a bonded winery in November 2014, and Greg and Lisa anticipate welcoming the public into their tasting room for limited releases this summer. Email Lisa at licook@gmail.com.
Kevin Jones ’86 is the athletic director and dean of enrollment management and marketing at Warner University in Lake Wales, Fla. E-mail kevin.jones@warner.edu. Tom Fleming ’88, in his second season as girls’ basketball coach at Homer High School, was named Citizen Patriot girls’ basketball Coach of the Year. Tom guided the Trojans to a resurgent season of 21-5, after last year’s finishing 10-11. E-mail Tom at tom@tailgatetouchdown.com. Elaine Ross ’88 joined the music theory faculty at Ohio University in the fall of 2013. She earned a master’s degree in music theory and a doctorate from Texas Tech in fine arts with a concentration in music theory/ composition. Elaine and Gayla Blaisdell were guest performers March 1 on Olivet College’s campus, performing works by Ross and other notable women composers. E-mail Elaine at rosse@ohio.edu. Loren Partlo ’89 just completed his second year as coach for a United States Intercollegiate Boxing Club at Olivet College. The Boxing Club is supported by the U.S. Navy Recruiting District. This year the team went to the Nationals in Ann Arbor and finished third in the nation; there were 11 All-Americans to National Belt Champions, two contenders, and three uncontested champions. In its first year, Olivet went to the National Championship in Miami, Fla., with four boxers. There were 12 students on the team with 19 bouts at its November competition during the 2014-15 school year. E-mail Loren at lpartlo@olivetcollege.edu. Loren Partlo ’89 (back)
1990s
Erik Larson ’93, executive director of Impression 5 Science Center in Lansing, recently accepted the award for “Attraction Star of the Year,” presented by Michigan Lodging and Tourism Association. He received the honor at the Governor’s Conference on Tourism at the Amway Hotel in Grand Rapids. E-mail Erik at erikdoty@gmail.com. Jean Van Effen ’82 (right)
Jean Van Effen ’82 retired from the U.S. Army after serving 29 years as an Army musician. She served at Fort McPherson in Atlanta, Ga., and Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Wash., and in Panama, South Korea and Germany. During her career, Jean served as musical ambassador, representing the United States and the United States Army. She performed in 28 states and more than 30 countries for heads of state, as well as military and civilian dignitaries, often being among the first Americans they had met in some remote regions. She has retired in Yelm, Wash., to her alpaca ranch, housing 14 alpacas, and she also continues to perform on horn in the Olympia Symphony Orchestra, the Olympia Chamber Orchestra and the Rainier Brass Quintet. She is on the Board of Directors of Cross Creek Alpaca Rescue. E-mail Jean at dbagshaw@earthlink.net. Dan Pantaleo ’85 has retired from working in the defense industry and is focusing on speaking full-time. Dan served more than 20 years with the United States Marine Corps, earning the rank of major, and spent 10 years with BAE Systems Land & Armaments. He and his wife have relocated from Virginia to Florida. Visit Dan’s website at www.danpantaleo.com, or e-mail him at danpantaleo@hotmail.com.
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SHIPHERD’s RECORD
Andrea (Clegg) Corp ’94 wrote “Simple Goodness,” featured in June’s Bella Grace magazine. E-mail Andrea at andgirl4@hotmail.com, or visit her website at www.leapandtwirl.com. Grant MacKenzie ’96 earned recognition by the Great Lakes Region as coach of the year for the second consecutive year, for the National Collegiate Wrestling Association (NCWA) program at Henry Ford College. The team placed seventh in the Great Lakes Conference. Grant earned his master’s degree in public administration from the University of MichiganDearborn, and is a graduate of the NWCA/Fellowship of Christian Athletes Academy.
2000s Jayson Rumball ’01 was appointed by The Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools, in association with Central Michigan University, to the Greater Heights Academy Charter School Board in Flint. Jayson opened his own private law practice, Rumball & Wojtkowicz, PLC, with a close friend after 10 years of working in public practice. E-mail Jayson at jayson@rwlawplc.com. Katherine Reeves ’03 was named the Ida S. Baker Diversity Teacher of the Year for Walker Middle Magnet School in Odessa, Fla. She is the sixth grade reading and exceptional student education drama teacher. E-mail Katherine at kmreeves72@gmail.com.
Stephen Kolomyjec ’05 will be teaching organismal biology at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie in the fall. He formerly taught at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. E-mail Stephen at stephen.kolomyjec@gmail.com. Ahmad Zeaiter ’05 earned his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May. Ahmad is an associate brand manager for Proctor and Gamble. Wife, Janet (Stam) Zeaiter ’07, is a senior business consultant for Liberty Mutual Insurance. Email Ahmad at azeaiter@gmail.com and Janet at janetzeaiter@gmail.com. Ahmad ’05 and Janet (Stam) ’07 Zeaiter Craig Carpenter ’07 has received a promotion to open and manage the All Risks Ltd. Office in Denver, Colo. Craig formerly served as vice president of All Risks Ltd. In Phoenix, Ariz. E-mail Craig at ccarpenter@allrisks.com. Craig Jenkins ’08 earned his Master of Business Administration, with a concentration in strategic management, from Davenport University April 26. Craig is a risk analyst at Perrigo. E-mail him at craigajenkinsjr@ymail.com.
Serafin Llerena ’11 is the athletic director and supervisor of the physical education department at Jackson Preparatory and Early College. E-mail Serafin at serafin.llerena@jacksonpec.org. Jake Messner ’15 is the physical education teacher at Jackson Preparatory and Early College, as well. Kenneth Bedwell ’12 was selected as one of 213 quarter finalists for the Music Educator Award, presented by The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Foundation. A total of 4,500 music educators were nominated and submitted from 50 states. The winner will be flown to the GRAMMY Awards Show to accept the award and a $10,000 honorarium. Brenna Leedy ’12 earned her master’s degree in social work from Grand Valley State University in April. E-mail her at leedbre@gmail.com. Thomas Tobolic ’13 is property/casualty underwriter for J.M. Wilson insurance wholesaler in Portage. E-mail Thomas at ttobolic45@sbcglobal.net. Samantha Johnston ’14 was promoted to property/casualty underwriter at J.M. Wilson insurance wholesaler in Portage. E-mail Samantha at littlejohnston54@gmail.com. Jenna Edwards ’15 has accepted a graduate assistant position at Western Michigan University as she pursues a master’s degree in exercise physiology. E-mail Jenna at jenna14christine@yahoo.com. Jalen Weaver ’15 has been accepted into the physical therapy doctoral program at Wayne State University. Jenna Edwards ’15
Marriages Dennis Frank ’94 and Patrick Carroll, May 23, Chicago. The couple honeymooned in Europe. E-mail Dennis at dfrank@roosevelt.edu. Kyle Vanderlaan ’08 (third from left)
Kyle Vanderlaan ’08 helped fellow soldiers build a Habitat for Humanity Veterans Home with Team RWB in Grand Rapids. They were able to spend time developing construction skills and contributing to a great cause. E-mail Kyle at kyle.a.vanderlaan@mail.mil.
2010s Bristo Bell ’10 was sworn in as a police officer in Romulus in January. He had five years of prior police experience, having served with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department and the River Rouge Police Department. He is also a graduate of the Wayne County Regional Police Academy. Joe Cleveland ’10 is the head boys’ basketball coach at Gateway STEM in St. Louis, Mo. E-mail Joe at joecleve7@gmail.com. Megan Colby ’11 will graduate with her doctorate of physical therapy July 11 from Grand Valley State University. Megan plans to pursue travel physical therapy following her licensure. E-mail Megan at colbymn4@gmail.com.
Jason Fox ’99 and Cindy Wedlick, Jan. 31, Dade City, Fla. Olivetians in the wedding were Shelly (Burzycki) Phillips ’98, Nayal Maktari ’99, Roger Phillips ’99, Amy (Ellis) Maktari ’00 and Jeff Knight ’05. E-mail Jason at Jason.fox@wellsfargo.com. Eric Cole ex’06 and Kassie “KC” McClain, May 8, Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa, Antigua. E-mail Eric at eric.c.cole@gmail.com. Vance Orr III ’08 and Tiffany Grantham, Jan. 14, Amway Grand Hotel, Grand Rapids. E-mail Vance at vanceorr@gmail.com. Igor Rasula ’08 and Dragana Davidovic in Belgrade, Serbia, May 16. E-mail Igor at igorrasula@gmail.com. Bryan Dutton ’11 and Alyssa Sutter, April 18. St. Joseph Church, Kalamazoo. Kyle Henion ’10, Joel Kerns ’10, Andy Clark ’12, Joe Post ex’12 and Brandon Way ex’12 were in the wedding. Bryan is assistant men’s basketball coach at Kalamazoo College. E-mail him at bdutton@marqnet.com. Igor ’08 and Dragana Rasula
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Births DeWayne ’02 and Erin (Timmer) ’03 Reed, a son, Cameron David, Jan. 21. He joins brother, Owen, 4. E-mail DeWayne at dewaynereed@gmail.com and Erin at erinmariereed@gmail.com. Kristi (Barker) Koenig ’03 and husband, Jeff, a son, Trenton John, Nov. 2, 2014. He joins brother, Nate, 4. Kristi is a pathologist’s assistant at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids. E-mail Kristi at kristikoenig@yahoo.com. Louisa (Grill) Trott ’03 and husband, Ian, a daughter, Logan Margaret, Jan. 15. She joins sisters, Quinn, 3, and Emory, 2. E-mail Louisa at louisa.k.trott@gmail.com. Chris DeBoer ’04 and wife, Suzanne, a daughter, Emma Grace, Feb. 18. She joins brother, Trenton, 10. E-mail Chris at CDeboer1998@hotmail.com.
Steve Oginsky ’09 and wife, Meghan, a daughter, Harper Rose, April 18. E-mail Steve at stevenoginsky@hotmail.com. Charlene Baker ’11, a daughter, Charleigh Ann Marie, Dec. 9, 2014. Sue (Rogers) Baker ’91, grandmother, was there to welcome the baby. E-mail Charlene at char_beanie@hotmail.com. Erik McCloud ’11 and Kayla Hanson, a daughter, Maci, April 21. E-mail Erik at cloudy.production@gmail.com. Brenna Leedy ’12 and Harold Ellison ’13, a daughter, Penelope Lee Ellison, Aug. 4, 2014. E-mail Brenna at leedbre@gmail.com.
In Memoriam Dorothy (Adams) Reid ’36, April 27. Battle Creek.
Ryan Fried ’04 and wife, Tara, a daughter, Olivia Paige, May 8. E-mail Ryan at ryanmfried@gmail.com.
Sigrid (Swing) Bengeyfield ’45, Nov. 17, 2014. St. Augustine, Fla.
Mike Storer ’04 and wife, Laura, a son, Nathaniel James, April 16. E-mail Mike at mtstorer141@aol.com.
Joyce Trate ’45, Jan. 1, 2014. Petoskey.
Jason VanLuven ’04 and wife, Erin, a son, Christopher, March 4. Pamela (Hollenbaugh) Antes ex’05 and husband, Zac, a son, Braylon John, May 8. He joins sisters, Whitney, 6, and Stephanie, 5, and brother, Zachary, 2. E-mail Pam at itybitty_pam@hotmail.com. Ashleigh “AJ” (Sutton) Boehnlein ’05 and husband, Chris, a daughter, Ella Sophia, March 4. E-mail Ashleigh at ashleighsutton@me.com. Jeremy Shephard ’05 and wife, Lindsey, a daughter, Annabelle, Jan. 7. She joins sister, Audrey, 2. E-mail Jeremy at jshephard@live.com.
Ella Sophia Boehnlein
Steven Critchlow ’06 and wife, Kalyn, a daughter, Taylor Kay, March 24. She joins Reece, 5, and Makinley, 3. Essence (Porter) ’06 and Troy ’08 Williamson, a daughter, Safiya, April 3. She joins sisters Sacred, 5, and Sabirah, 2. E-mail Essence at mrs.williamson1983@gmail.com. Jaysen Brandt ’07 and wife, Allie, a daughter, Liliana Grace, Jan. 7. She joins brothers Charlie, 2, and Maximus, 1. E-mail Jaysen at jaysen.d.brandt@gmail.com. Darren Hamman ’07 and wife, Amy, a son, Elliot Allen, April 26. E-mail Darren at dhamman@chubb.com. Chris Quackenbush ’07 and wife, Danielle, a daughter, Addison Lee, April 27. E-mail Chris at cquackenbush@ shumanjeep.com.
Elliot Allen Hamman
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Brice Grant ’09 and wife, Paige (Smith) ’10, a daughter, Amelia Mae, Jan. 20. E-mail Paige and Brice at thegrants3309@gmail.com.
SHIPHERD’s RECORD
Donald Far ’42, Nov. 9, 2014. Grand Rapids. Charles Scott ’47, Feb. 25.Grand Rapids. Survived by wife Andrea (Hallett) Scott ’46; son Robert Scott ’85 and granddaughter Hannah Scott, a current student at Olivet College. Richard “Bud” Ringe ’61, April 14, 2014. Chelsea. He is survived by brother, Gerald Ringe ’66. Suzanne (Kressler) Funderburk ’63, April 15. Englewood, Fla. Bob Hayn ’63, April 27. San Francisco. His brother Peter Hayn ’67 died in 1996. His father, Lloyd Hayn, had been dean of Olivet College during the 1960s. Dale Hill ’64, March 1. Fenton. Doug Kosley ’65, Jan. 25. Traverse City. Bill Corey ’67, May 13. Sunapee, N.H. Gene Malesko ex’67, Nov. 10, 2014. Shelby Township. Jon Sahli ’69, Jan. 31, Battle Creek. Survived by Nancy (Baugh) Sahli ’70. Damon Davis ’77, June 11, 2014. Southfield. Robert Corser ’79, Dec. 20, 2014, Tigard, Ore. He is survived by brother Rick Corser ’77. John Frederick ’79, May 27, St. Petersburg, Fla. Peggy (Miller) Hulburt ’80, Oct. 4, 2014. Elk Rapids. Catherine Cunningham ’81, Nov. 13, 2013. Lansing. Patrick Ashley ’94, Dec. 21, 2014. Baroda. He is survived by wife, Camielle (Hettig) Ashley ’94. Christopher Trommater ’97, Feb. 21, 2014. Lansing Beth (Williams) Rogers ’98, Sept. 10, 2013. Florissant, Mo. Marcus Bawol ex’10, March 10. Warren.
Friends Patricia Speare, Jan. 17, Harpswell, Maine. She coached the women’s tennis team and was the wife of Edward Speare, Ph.D., former biology professor at Olivet College. She is survived by her five children, including Hilary Speare ’75 and Nathaniel Speare ’76.
Awarding Scholarship and Service
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Each year the Olivet College Alumni Council awards a number of competitive scholarships to current students who are actively engaged in campus life – both in- and outside the classroom. Following are the 2015 Alumni Council Scholarship recipients:
Joan Johnson Wagner ’45 Endowed Alumni Council Scholarship – Colleen Klimek, sophomore, and Alexis Nichols, junior
From left: Alexis Nichols, Colleen Klimek, Leah Lupu, Allison Martin and Dallas James
Ellyn ’36 and Lane ’40 Breidenstein “The Alumni Council endowed scholarship benefits my Endowed Alumni Council Scholarship – experience at Olivet College in many ways. I am most thankful Leah Lupu, junior for the financial help because it eases the burden of college
David C. Pywell ’69 Memorial Alumni Council Scholarship – Allison Martin, sophomore To learn more about the Olivet College Alumni Council and its initiatives, visit www.olivetcollege.edu and click on “Alumni.”
expenses. The scholarship, instead, allows me to focus my energy on being successful in and out of the classroom. I look forward to becoming an alumna of Olivet College because I know the education I receive will give me an edge at becoming a successful professional in my career.
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Rev. Grafton ’37 and Ruth ’38 Thomas Alumni Council Scholarship – Dallas James, junior
Since I have experienced the benefits of alumni support firsthand, I hope I am fortunate enough to grant this opportunity to another future Olivet College graduate.” – Leah Lupu
Homecoming Spirit Day Friday, Oct. 2, 2015
Homecoming Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015
50th Class Reunion Luncheon in Klock Career Awareness Event Campus Tours Alumni Art Reception Awards Celebration Dinner
5K Under the Oaks Run/Walk Collage Concert Greek Open Houses Red and White Tailgate Adelphic Celebration – 125 years Phi Alpha Celebration – 125 years Olivet College vs. Adrian College football 1960s Casual Dinner Celebration
For more Homecoming information, visit us at www.olivetcollege.edu.
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Non-Profit U.S. Postage
PAID
Office of Alumni Relations 320 S. Main St., Olivet, MI 49076
Embarking on a New Journey
Faculty members Mike Fales ’75 and Patrick Fields, Ph.D., led students on a 12-day excursion through the stunning rainforests of Costa Rica during the 2015 Intensive Learning Term.
Lansing, MI Permit No. 975