Otterbein Towers Fall 2024 by Otterbein University

WILLIAM “EDDIE” HARRELL JR. ‘94

From the President.

Dear Alumni and Friends,

What a spectacular Homecoming Otterbein celebrated this year! If you missed it, you missed a good one. Music, tents, activities for families, and conversation sprawled across Towers lawn. There was a new parade route with floats and entrants not only from our student organizations but from enthusiastic alumni groups, too. I loved seeing the Classes of 1974 and 1969 in the parade. I don’t think their reunion fun ever slowed down!

Somehow, the Offices of Engagement and Development partnered to help organize and host even more events this year — a full house for the Alumni Awards, a gala to mark 15 years of the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science, an ’80s Theatre Alumni Reunion, an Alumni Choir concert, and the Black Student Union’s All-Star Weekend. While much was new for the 2024 Homecoming, the constant was the spirit of Cardinals back home to celebrate the place that gave you lifelong friends, a strong start in life, and a host of memories.

I also had the chance to share my annual State of the University Address over the Homecoming weekend, which I did again online for alumni who couldn’t join us in person. What I shared with them and what I want you to know is this: while things are looking dire for a lot of higher education right now with college closures averaging almost one per week along with other schools experiencing painful cuts in faculty, staff, and academic programs and enrollment shortfalls — Otterbein is standing strong.

We were in the enviable position to have welcomed a large and diverse class of entering first year students to campus. (You can see the new class statistics on pg. 3.) While other schools gauge their exclusivity on their ability to deny students admission, Otterbein honors its role as a College of Opportunity. Not only

Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives

Jefferson R. Blackburn-Smith

Associate Editors

Jenny Hill ’05, Director of Communications

Gina M. Calcamuggio, Senior Director of Brand and Content Strategy

Dana Madden Viglietta ’96, Executive Director of Engagement

Creative Direction

Anne Meskey Elhajoui

Marcy Shultz, Director of Creative Services

Class Notes Editors

Becky Hill May ’78, Office of Engagement

Becky Olmstead Smith ’08, Office of Engagement

is it the right thing to do — we're seeing strong indicators in student success, retention, and persistence. Otterbein knows that creating diverse learning environments positively impacts the outcomes of all students.

We’re doubling down on the power of integrative and experiential education. We’ve already realized growth thanks to the addition of an Esports team, a women’s wrestling team (the fastest growing sport in the state), new recruiters for Equine and Nursing programs as well as for the Marching Band, and we’re planning the first all-campus READY Day as part of our four-year professional and career-readiness preparation program for all students. I always tell families if you want to watch life unfold — go to another school. If you want to DO — come to Otterbein.

Finally, we’re honoring our commitment to advance the common good. Our work in co-founding the Coalition for the Common Good is allowing us to serve new models of workforce development directly to employers in our region. We’re also expanding opportunities for Otterbein students with access to Graduate Early Admission Pathways, giving students a chance to shorten time and expense to a graduate degree. (See pgs. 12-13) It’s clear that there is power in the partnerships we’re building.

My whole update, along with thoughtful questions from alumni, is available online on the Alumni/Family Engagement website at www.otterbein.edu/alumni, as well as the online version of Towers at www.otterbein.edu/towers. I invite you to listen if you’re excited about the direction Otterbein is headed.

And if we missed you at Homecoming, I hope we’ll see you back on campus soon — for a game, a theatre or music production, a lecture, the Holiday Tree Lighting, or any other great Otterbein tradition. We're counting on your involvement and support as a proud member of our Cardinal Nation!

Sincerely,

John L. Comerford, Ph.D.

Contributing Writers

Jefferson Blackburn-Smith, Selethia Benn, Ed.S., Gina M. Calcamuggio, Stephen Grinch ’98, Jenny Hill ’05, Leesa J. Kern, Ph.D., Ava Liu, Ph.D., Maggie Nicol ’25, Brynley Preston ’26, Grace Sims ’25, Dana Madden Viglietta ’96, Harold “Rusty” Wilson

Contributing Photographers

Selethia Benn, Ed.S., Gina M. Calcamuggio, Catie Duzzny ’21, MBA’23, Stephen Grinch ’98, Jeffry Konczal, Chloe Martin, Hailey Owens, Jules Richter Photography, Maddie Sasfy ’21, Paul Vernon, Samuel Walker, Tony Wolfe

Digital Towers Editors

Gina M. Calcamuggio, Jenny Hill ’05

Digital Towers Design Nilesh Sharma

2024 ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS: Top Row L-R: Aaron Rhinehart ’14, James E. Prysock III ’09 MBA’19, Amanda Dakermanji ’14, Dee Hoty ’74, Melissa Briggs-Phillips ’95, Ashleigh Thornton Kraus ’17 Bottom Row L-R: Austin E. Knowlton Foundation President John Lindberg, Marsha Rice Scanlin ’74, Rebecca A. Carter ’15, John Reynolds. More on pg. 22.

feature stories

Historic Milestones in Changes to Board of Trustees

As one historic board chair retires, another rises to the occasion. Welcome to new Board Chair Eddie Harrell Jr. ’94 and thank you to Cheryl Herbert for her strong leadership.

Educating Students for Democracy

Otterbein is taking steps to educate student voters about the voting process and to remove those obstacles that might prevent them from practicing their civic rights.

Belonging

Otterbein University Mission Statement

Otterbein University is an inclusive community dedicated to educating the whole person in the context of humane values. Our mission is to prepare graduates to think deeply and broadly, to engage locally and globally, and to advance their professions and communities.

Cardy and Ted on welcome duty at the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Equine Science Gala held on Sept. 21. More on pg. 16.

100 Years of BAE at Otterbein

The Department of Business, Accounting, and Economics looks back at a century of educational excellence.

Coalition for the Common Good: Graduate Early Admission Pathways

GEAPs are a “game changing” undergraduate-to-graduate degree benefit for Otterbein students.

The Rike Center Turns 50

From being home to national championship teams to hosting national debates, we look back at the storied history of the Rike Center as it turns 50.

An Otterbein education is distinguished by the intentional blending of the liberal arts and professional studies, combined with a unique approach to integrating direct experience into all learning.

Otterbein Recognized for Promoting Civic Engagement

Otterbein has earned the Highly Established Action Plan Seal from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge for its nonpartisan democratic engagement action. Otterbein is one of 192 campuses that has earned this recognition so far for the 2024 election cycle. The seal recognizes higher education institutions with strong action plans to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement by promoting civic learning, political engagement, and college student voter participation.

At Otterbein, the plan is an institution-wide effort supported from the top down.

“It is the role of higher education institutions like Otterbein to encourage thoughtful civic and political engagement to model how to engage on these matters respectfully, and, hopefully, to listen, learn, and grow as a person from these experiences,” said President John Comerford. “The student leaders and administrators at Otterbein have always led by example, and this plan not only formalizes that behavior, but turns it into action.”

For his role as a champion of democracy, President Comerford was invited to join the College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, a unique consortium convened by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars. He joins 91 participating presidents who are dedicated to preparing the next generation of well-informed, productively engaged, and committed citizens; defending free expression, civil discourse, and critical inquiry as essential civic norms; and increasing thoughtful engagement and better understanding by students for the effective functioning of our democracy. The consortium was established in August 2023 with 15 members.

The participating presidents represent diverse institutions from across the country, but they all share the perspective that it is the responsibility of higher education to equip students with the critical civic skills to participate effectively in a democracy, engage in civil discourse, and express themselves responsibly. Learn more at: www.collegepresidents.org.

Read more about Otterbein’s ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Action Plan and voting statistics at www.allinchallenge.org/campuses/otterbein-university/.

Coalition for the Common Good Establishes New Graduate School

The Coalition for the Common Good named Diane White, Ph.D., as the founding dean of the Antioch Graduate School of Nursing and Health Professions. The creation of this school represents an important step forward in the collaborative efforts of the Coalition for the Common Good. It will be the future home of Antioch’s graduate Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner programs, as well as the Master of Science in Athletic Training, all of which will be transferring from Otterbein University. The Master of Science in Allied Health, which already transitioned from Otterbein, is enrolling students now. A new Nurse Anesthetist Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and a Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics are currently under development. Learn more at: www.antioch.edu/academics/graduate-school-ofnursing-and-health-professions

Professor Paul Wendel Named 2024 Model Citizen

Otterbein’s 2024 Model Citizen Award was given to Education Professor Paul Wendel in May. Wendel is known for setting an example for others through his sustainable living practices. He is a favorite among his students for his approachable teaching style using classroom experiments to help explain physics in fun and informative ways. This year on April 8, he made Memorial Stadium his classroom with the planning and implementation of a memorable solar eclipse viewing party for the whole campus. Wendel worked collaboratively with his students to create demonstrations to show the science of the eclipse to the campus community, while the Center for Student Engagement offered eclipse-themed treats and giveaways. It was a once-in-alifetime event, led by a Model Citizen of the Otterbein community.

Otterbein Professors Pitch in at Olympics

Otterbein might not have sent athletes to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, but two Otterbein faculty members were still in Paris for the action. Associate Professor of Equine Science Bruce Mandeville is a former Olympian and current chair of the selection committee for the Canadian Equestrian Team. Mandeville competed in the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Olympic Games, two World Championships (1994 and 2002), and two Pan American Games (1999 and 2003) as a member of the Canadian Equestrian Team. At Otterbein, he teaches equine business management courses, including sustainable practices, equine center design, and equine law, among others.

Faculty Emerita Denise Shively has been a longtime Communication, First Year Experience, Integrative Studies, and Senior Year Experience instructor. Her term as president of USA Artistic Swimming (formerly synchronized swimming) ended in September, but before then she traveled to Paris as the current president to cheer on Team USA. In previous roles as vice president of the U.S. Synchronized Swimming Board of Directors and as an international team manager, she traveled with Team USA to many World Championships, three Pan American Games, and the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

While he didn’t go to Paris, Otterbein Athletics Director Greg Lott was watching the gymnastics competitions from home, cheering for some athletes he knew personally – the British gymnasts. Lott spent summer 2023 in the United Kingdom working with British Gymnastics, where he led a coach development program and partnered with the True Athlete Project on work with British Gymnastics' leadership and gymnastic team members.

A Look at Otterbein's Newest Class of 2028

Above left, Bruce Mandeville, competing as a Canadian Equestrian Team member, and at right, lending Olympic insight with ABC 6 news anchors Sefenech Henok and Tom Bosco.

Below left, Faculty Emerita Denise Shively, at right, Otterbein Athletics Director Greg Lott.

Juneteenth 2024: Celebrate Freedom

Otterbein’s Office of Social Justice and Activism collaborated with WeRISE for Greater Westerville and the Westerville Queer Collective to bring Westerville’s Juneteenth celebration to campus this year.

Otterbein students (pictured below left to right) Zach Brinson, Racheal Idowu, and Joshua Goshay attended the event on June 24 at The Point at Otterbein.

Follow the Campus Center Renovation Online

Did you know you can follow the progress of the Campus Center renovation online? You can get up-to-date news and information and watch a photo feed that updates every few minutes at: www.otterbein.edu/CCrenovation

Otterbein Equine Teams Ranked Nationally

Otterbein University’s equine teams continue to dominate on the national stage, wrapping up their respective seasons with strong finishes. The Otterbein Dressage Team won its region to qualify for the Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA) national championships, where it was the defending three-time champion. This year, Otterbein’s IDA team secured a second place finish out of 11 teams at the national finals held in Tryon, NC, in April. Otterbein won the national championship in 2019, 2022, and 2023. (Competition was suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.)

Otterbein’s Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association (IHSA) Equestrian Team finished seventh in the nation after an exciting week of hunt seat competition in Tryon, NC, in May. Otterbein’s team placed higher than more than 400 teams and 10,000 riders throughout the nation to achieve this impressive result. The team won its zone and regional championships in order to qualify for nationals.

Academic Excellence Campuswide

In the latest U.S News Best Colleges rankings, Otterbein jumped seven spots to RANK 13TH AMONG 163 peers in the Regional Universities–Midwest category. It is in the TOP THREE REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES in Ohio. Otterbein was recognized as a Best Value School, Top Performer on Social Mobility, and for its Undergraduate Engineering Program View at: usnews.com/best-colleges

In its 2024 College Guide and Rankings, Washington Monthly ranked OTTERBEIN SEVENTH AMONG 589 Master’s Universities in the service category, which encompasses community and national service. View at: washingtonmonthly.com/2024-college-guide

Otterbein’s Mechanical Engineering Program has earned accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology), an internationally recognized agency that accredits programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology offered by American universities.

Otterbein’s Department of Education earned the Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The 21 recipients of the award provided evidence and data trends to achieve accreditation with no stipulations or areas for improvement.

Professor of Health and Sport Sciences Shelley Payne received the prestigious Malcolm Knowles Memorial Self-Directed Learning Award from the International Society for Self-Directed Learning

Men’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Tennis Travel Abroad

Some lucky Cardinal athletes found adventure and competition abroad over the summer.

Members of the men’s basketball team, along with coaches and families, traveled to Costa Rica for team bonding and exhibition games. In addition to victories over a pair of Costa Rica's top professional teams — Roswell (W 63-60) and San Ramon (W 78-74) — the team enjoyed whitewater rafting, zip lining, and saw a volcano and hot springs.

Members of both the men’s and women’s tennis teams, coaches, and relatives traveled to Italy for sightseeing and exhibition games unlike anything they have played before — on red clay courts, a surface that most Otterbein players had never been able to hit on before. (Clay courts accentuate spin and put a higher premium on both slice and topspin.) The group had free time in Rome, Vatican City, and Florence.

Celebrating

Otterbein’s Historic Leadership

ALUMNUS, MEDIA EXECUTIVE, SERVANT LEADER, AND FIRST BLACK BOARD CHAIR

engaged as Otterbein continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity in the lives of students. Everywhere I go, I try to weave Otterbein into the conversation. It is easy to talk about something you love.

Q: What challenges are facing higher education, and how is Otterbein addressing them?

The affordability of higher education remains a challenge across the board. The administration of Otterbein is working hard to fundraise, control expenses where possible, and model our financial aid to keep Otterbein affordable for generations of families to come. We are particularly committed to remaining an institution of opportunity for first-generation college students and students of color.

Another challenge is ensuring we are graduating students that are prepared for post-graduate institutions and industries that will be in-demand over the next couple decades. One way we are doing this is the development of the Coalition for the Common Good. I would encourage all alumni to learn more about this effort, as it allows us to focus on what we do best.

WILLIAM “EDDIE” HARRELL JR. ’94

Q: What areas of opportunity do you see for Otterbein?

We must continue to improve our physical plant and infrastructure. To remain competitive, we need to consistently improve our facilities to ensure our students have an environment that is conducive to living and learning. The Campus Center is an example. The upgrades we are making to that facility are going to benefit students for years to come.

Q: What are your priorities as Board Chair?

Remain student-focused on decisions we make as a board. Ensure we are making fiscal decisions that set up Otterbein for long-term viability and success. Strengthen our position in the undergraduate market as we leverage our efforts within the Coalition for the Common Good.

READ MORE OF THIS Q&A ONLINE AT WWW.OTTERBEIN.EDU/TOWERS

• Rev. John Edgar President of Columbus Housing Enterprise.

Our newest Board members Welcome

• Julianna Grubich ’26 (Student trustee).

• Jonathan Hargis ’79 Retired Chief Marketing Officer, Charter Communications.

• Sonya Lowmiller Higginbotham ’98 Senior Vice President and Chief of Corporate Affairs, Communications, and Sustainability, Worthington Enterprises (alumni trustee).

• Michael Hudoba, Ph.D. Associate professor and chair, Department of Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics (faculty trustee).

• Karin Yaffe Stump ’80 President, Yaffe and Stump Consulting.

Otterbein would like to thank the following Board of Trustees members for their service. We are grateful for the leadership and commitment they shared with the University.

• April Casperson ’03 (2021-24).

• Cheryl Herbert (2010-24).

• Yasmeen Khafagy ’25 (2023-24).

• Kathryn Felsenthal Stephens ’97 (2021-24).

• John Tansey (2021-24).

• Al Waterhouse ’82 (2007-23).

HERBERT’S Lasting Legacy

OTTERBEIN’S FIRST FEMALE BOARD CHAIR RETIRES

After 14 years of service to the Otterbein University Board of Trustees, with three of those as chair, Cheryl Herbert is retiring. She holds a significant place in Otterbein’s history, not only breaking barriers as the board’s first female chair, but also leading the University through the creation of the Coalition for the Common Good.

“It was a great honor to be elected as Board Chair at Otterbein, following in the footsteps of wonderful leaders that came before me,” she said, sharing credit for Otterbein’s continuing success with her predecessors.

President John Comerford praised Herbert for the progress Otterbein has made under her leadership. “Cheryl Herbert has been an engaged and forward-thinking leader, strengthening Otterbein’s position by focusing on its future stability and growth. Her ability to assess higher education trends and forecasts has allowed us to make smart moves that will continue to impact generations of students to come,” he said.

Herbert brought executive vision to the board, drawing from her experience as a senior vice president at OhioHealth who started her career as a nurse over 40 years ago. She also understands

the value of a private university education, having earned her bachelor’s degree from Capital University and master’s degree in business administration from Ashland University. Her background has given her insight into the need for an industry to innovate over time. “Higher education is going through significant changes and challenges. The Board and I wanted to ensure we faced those head on and positioned Otterbein for success well into the future,” she said.

That’s why her proudest achievement as board chair is an innovative partnership that addresses those challenges in a bold, new way – the Coalition for the Common Good, which Otterbein founded with Antioch University.

Thanks to Herbert’s leadership, Otterbein is ahead of its peers in making the bold, transformational changes that will define the future of higher education, while remaining true to the values upon which it was founded.

“In my time on the board, I developed great respect for the University, what it stands for, and how it conducts itself,” she added. “It was an honor to serve as chair.”

Education and D

According to the Fair Election Center’s Campus Votes Project, young adults historically have voted at lower rates than older cohorts. Why? They face many obstacles to voting, including frequent address changes, confusing voter ID laws, and lack of transportation to polling locations, among other things. That’s why there are efforts at Otterbein to educate student voters about the voting process and to remove those obstacles that might prevent them from practicing their civic rights.

Outreach

BY GRACE SIMS ’25 Sociology, Psychology, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies triple major; CardinalCorps Co-Leader of Raise Your Voice; and Democracy Fellow*

*Note: Democracy Fellows are selected by the Campus Vote Project of the Fair Elections Center. Democracy Fellows talk to their peers about registering to vote, educate them on election laws and what’s on the ballot, and make sure students at their campus are ready to engage with democracy. Fellows implement programs on each of their campuses that will remain long after they graduate and make an impact on students for years to come.

Civic engagement is not only our right as U.S. citizens, but also an essential component of our democratic process, and education is a crucial part of every person’s voting journey.

From local issues to state elections and, this year, the presidential election, voters will be presented with a lot of information in November. So it is essential that they submit their vote, confident that they understand their ballots. After all, our vote has a variety of real-world outcomes that impact everyone from college students to families and retirees.

These outcomes matter to young people, who have been making their voices heard in increasing numbers. Young voters had record turnout in the 2020 and 2022 elections and Otterbein students have been no different. In 2020, Otterbein students registered to vote and then voted at higher rates than the national average and at a higher percentage than previous classes at Otterbein. Raise Your Voice, Otterbein’s non-partisan, student-run, voter education group, hopes to continue this legacy and improve our registration rate and voting rate in 2024.

Raise Your Voice has hosted events throughout the semester including on national civic holidays such as National Voter Registration Day (Sept. 17), National Voter Education Week (Oct. 7-10), and Vote Early Day (Oct. 29) to bring students together to learn about and celebrate the voting process.

At past events, students have enjoyed casting a mock ballot with the Franklin County Board of Elections, Q&As with local politicians, and discussions with various community partners including the League of Women Voters and Rank The Vote.

As a Democracy Fellow and college student, I recognize the apathy and dispiritedness prevalent among my fellow college students when it comes to voting. It is vital for me to educate my peers on the importance of not only voting in November, but voting down the ballot in an educated, informed, and confident manner. You can see our action plans, awards, and voting achievements at allinchallenge.org/campuses/otterbein-university or scan the QR code to the left.

e mocracy

In the Classroom

BY LEESA J. KERN, PH.D. associate professor, Department of Sociology, Criminology and Justice Studies

Many students are like me when I was in college. Traveling home to vote was impossible. I didn’t know how absentee ballots worked. I didn’t know how to find useful information about candidates and issues — well before social media and the Internet. To combat this, in 2008 I approached a colleague in History and Political Science, and we developed a Senior Year Experience course, “High Stakes: The 2008 Presidential Election.”

This year’s election has already had its share of twists and turns, but in many ways the challenges facing new voters are similar to those in 2008. Today we have access to a great deal more information, but it is harder to know what is “good information.” Students can be wary of asking questions or sharing ideas in a climate where discussion can

The goal of my class is to help students navigate:  practical aspects of elections, like how to register to vote and where to go;  informational aspects, including where to find information about candidates and issues, and what the “down ballot” races are;  educational aspects, including what the electoral process is and how we get candidates; and increasingly  the relational aspects, talking with people who disagree with you and understanding where your own viewpoints come from. Students enrolled in my class will become involved in the process through a variety of ways, including volunteering at polls on election day, participating in a campaign, or working with a voter registration drive, for example.

In class, we will learn together how to talk about po l itical issues with respect and compassion.

If I’ve done my job right, they won’t be able to tell which candidate I have voted for. (In years past, I’ve been really successful at that!)

My hope is that they take away a new appreciation for the importance of participatory democracy. I hope they understand how their education allowed them to cultivate the skills to collect, evaluate, and use information. And lastly, I hope they aspire to maintain respectful dialogue and participation in any political setting.

BEL NG HERE

Building Community and Confidence through Mentorship

At Otterbein University, the sense of belonging is more than a feeling — it’s a mission. To that end, the Office of Social Justice and Activism (OSJA) created a new mentoring program for students from marginalized backgrounds and first-generation students, helping them carve out their place and flourish within the campus community.

Launched in fall 2023, Campus Compass is a tiered mentoring program that gives under-represented students the direction, encouragement, and strategies they need to overcome obstacles to graduation. Students benefit from an entire network of peer, professional, and community mentors.

BY SELETHIA BENN , Ed.S., director, Office of Social Justice and Activism

First-year students, who can be stressed as they acclimate to the challenges of the university experience — especially if they have not had a parent or sibling attend college before them — are paired with third- and fourth-year student mentors who can provide advice, support, and friendship as the new students become oriented, gain confidence, and make friends.

“I had an amazing time my first year at Otterbein but having Campus Compass made my first year much better . . . I didn’t have to stress or figure things out on my own,” said Nina Goodlett ’27. “With Campus Compass, college didn’t feel like I was thrown in with the sharks, but rather just getting my feet wet.”

The program is equally valuable to the student mentors, who are supervised by Otterbein alumni and develop the leadership and professional networking skills that will prepare them for life after college.

“The Campus Compass program has offered me invaluable opportunities for growth as a student, a person, and, most importantly, a mentor,” said Kelsy

Gibson ’23, who was key to the program’s success, both as an OSJA staff member and a mentor.

“I take immense pride in mentoring my incredible mentees,” she added. “I am grateful and privileged to assist them in any capacity and witness their transformations from high school seniors to fully engaged and successful college students.”

After a successful first year, Campus Compass is already expanding. In fall 2024, first-year students will become mentors themselves, working with pre-college students in Westerville and surrounding areas.

While Otterbein is a predominantly White institution (PWI), approximately one-third of its student body self-identifies as being from a different background, so the OSJA seeks to make certain that every Otterbein student — regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic — finds their community here.

At Otterbein, “Belonging” is not just a buzzword; it is a promise.

L-R: Dezmon Howard ’27, Demetrius Howard ’27, Jennatta Mensah ’25, Kelsy Gibson ’23

The Evolution of Business, Accounting, and Economics CELEBRATING 100 YEARS

As one of the largest departments at Otterbein University, the Department of Business, Accounting, and Economics (BAE) has a rich history that spans over a century.

The first mention of a business-related department at Otterbein was in 1864, but it wasn’t until 1924 that the Department of Business Administration was established, initially focusing on business fundamentals. Since 1930, the department has undergone a significant evolution with a greater emphasis on economics. Under the leadership of Professor Horace W. Troop, Class of 1923, who served as chair from 1924-1952, the department’s name was changed to the Department of Economics and Business Administration in 1938, reflecting its expanding scope.

The department briefly merged with business education from 1952-1961, when it changed course under the leadership of Bert Glaze and became a pioneer among liberal arts colleges by revising its curriculum to include more mathematics. A statistics laboratory was established in 1965. In 1990, Young Koo and Gerald Brown led the work to rename it the Department of Business, Accounting, and Economics.

The curriculum has continued to evolve to meet the demands of an ever-changing business world, expanding across disciplines such as accounting, business administration and management, business analytics, economics, finance, and marketing.

Today, the BAE department remains a cornerstone of Otterbein’s academic landscape. Committed to its legacy of innovation and academic rigor, it continues to shape the future of business education and nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs and business professionals as it enters its second century.

100 YEARS OF CHAIRS

Department chairs from 1924-2024

Horace W. Troop 1924-52

Ralston D. Scott 1952-58

Bert Glaze 1958-62

Stanley Hart 1963-1967

Young Whe Koo 1969-89

1924

The Board of Trustees approved the establishment of the Department of Business Administration under the first Department Chair, Horace W. Troop, class of 1923.

1963

Chair Ralston D. Scott (19521958) introduced courses in typing, shorthand, and commercial subjects when the department was housed in Towers Hall. Ralston D. Scott (195258), Business program brochure (1952 pictured above).

1973

BAE Society of Advanced Management

Gerald Brown 1990-94 (not pictured) Kamel Abdullah 1993-1997

Allen Prindle 1997-2000

Charles Smith 2000-08

Don Eskew 2008-16, 2019-23

Michael Levin 2017-19

Stephen Osborne 2023-current

For a look back at a century of memories and photos, visit www.otterbein.edu/business-accounting-economics

1993

BAE moved to Roush Hall in 1993. The MBA program earned accreditation in 1998. Career Jumpstart event in Roush pictured above in 2023.

2013

With the transition from quarters to semesters and the shift from business concentrations to majors, BAE continued its curriculum innovations. New majors and courses enhanced its interdisciplinary interactions with mathematics and computer science programs. Students in Business Analytics Competition pictured above.

Department faculty and staff 2024 (L-R): Kyriacos Aristotelous, Allison de Nijs ’96, Kristina Medvedeva, Don Eskew, Brian Weikel, Yiyuan (Ava) Liu, Maria Tarbell, Brian Day, Hyuk Kim, Sergei Chuikov, Takeshi (Mike) Tsuyuguchi, David Riepenhoff ’99, Stephen Osborne.

Top Left to Right:

BY JEFFERSON BLACKBURN-SMITH, executive vice president for strategic initiatives

n June 30, 2023, Otterbein University cofounded the Coalition for the Common Good (CCG) with Antioch University, a first-of-its-kind system of private, not for profit universities built around the idea of a shared graduate and adult learner program with a national reach. The past year has been an exciting whirlwind as we work with our Antioch colleagues to create something brand new in higher education.

In July, Antioch University announced the founding of the new Graduate School of Nursing and Health Professions, which will manage the expansion of Otterbein’s graduate Allied Health, Athletic Training, and Nursing programs to Seattle and Los Angeles. A number of Otterbein faculty and administrators are transferring to Antioch to support the transition of these excellent graduate programs. This is the first step on a long journey that will keep Otterbein setting the pace for higher education.

One of the questions we hear most often from alumni and friends of the University about the founding of the Coalition is: What do Otterbein undergraduates get out of it? The question makes sense, since we focus on graduate and adult learners when discussing the Coalition.

It is important to understand, however, that we have had the needs of our undergraduate students in mind from

GRADUATE EARLY

our earliest conversations about the Coalition.

In June 2021, Otterbein surveyed over 700 prospective undergraduate students about what benefits would be important to them from a strategic affiliation with other universities. Among the top three benefits that undergraduate students wanted to see was accelerated pathways to a master’s degree.

To meet that need, Otterbein and Antioch have developed 10 Graduate Early Admission Pathways (GEAPs) that allow students to reduce the time and expense of earning a master’s degree by taking up to nine graduate

Current Graduate Early Admission Pathways for Otterbein Undergraduate Students

Art Therapy

Athletic Training

Business Administration (MBA)

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Exercise and Health Science

Healthcare Administration

Human Services Administration

Individualized Studies in the Humanities

Individualized Studies in the Social Sciences

Non-profit Management

L-R: Graduate School of Nursing and Health Professions Dean Diane White, Ph.D.; Director of PMHNP Program Deana Batross, DNP; Founding Chair of Nursing Department Regina Prusinski, DNP; Chair of the Master of Science in Allied Health Gifty Akomea Key, Ph.D.; Chair of Athletic Training Allison Smith, Ph.D.; Chair of Master in Dietetics and Nutrition Nadiya Ali Timperman, MS, MPH, RDN, LD.

ADMISSION PATHWAYS

credits during the senior year of their undergraduate degree. Those nine credits — the equivalent of three graduate courses — count toward both their undergraduate and master’s degrees and are covered by the student’s undergraduate tuition.

Otterbein and Antioch faculty are currently developing several additional pathways to be launched later this year.

Meredith Frey, professor and chair of Otterbein’s Psychology Department, was instrumental in the development of the Art Therapy and Clinical Mental Health Counseling pathways. “The Graduate Early Admission Pathways are a game changer for our students and for the broader region,” she said. “We’ve always delivered an exceptional undergraduate education in psychology, but for many of our students, a bachelor’s degree isn’t enough to get them into the careers they want to pursue, where their talent and dedication are sorely needed.”

Frey’s comments demonstrate one of the most important reasons to develop Graduate Early Admissions Pathways. Many students develop career interests while they are in high school but have no understanding of the level of education required to be able to achieve their goal — or how to get there. Otterbein now has the ability to give students a pathway that is clearly defined and easy to follow to pursue their dreams.

Students apply to the Antioch graduate program the fall semester of their junior year and will receive conditional

admission to the program. During their senior year they take the three Antioch graduate courses along with their Otterbein courses. Students who successfully complete the Antioch coursework are then fully admitted to the program and can begin their studies immediately after graduation from Otterbein.

The GEAPs are another example of our commitment to serving the common good. “The Psychology-Clinical Mental Health Counseling pathway allows our students to get a head-start on their counseling career — without giving up their senior year at Otterbein — and, importantly, allows us to serve our greater community by providing more trained mental health practitioners,” said Frey.

Meredith Frey, professor and chair of Otterbein’s Psychology Department.

July 19, 1973

Groundbreaking. Suzanne Rike Kircher hands the ceremonial shovel to Board Chair Harold Boda, as President Thomas J. Kerr IV looks on.

June 1, 1974

Board Chair Elmer Funkhouser Jr. at the cornerstone laying ceremony

Rike Center

T U R NS

1975

The curved roof, which had already earned the building the nickname “Otterdome,” takes shape over top of the Rike Center.

May 22, 1975

The Danish Gymnastics Team presented the first public performance in the Rike Center as part of the events of the Rike Center dedication week

1975 to 1992

Elmer “Bud” Yoest ’53, P’77, P’80 served as athletic director. He taught and coached at Otterbein for 36 years. His push to make the Rike Center an open area, multi-use structure allowed the facility to grow to meet the changing needs of Otterbein students and athletic programs.

Coach Dick Reynolds ’65 Leadership Era

Coach Dick Reynolds ’65 guided the men's basketball team for 40 seasons from 1972-2012. Reynolds is the most successful basketball coach in the history of the Ohio Athletic Conference, with all but three years of his coaching under the Rike Center dome. In 2002, he led the Otterbein Men’s Basketball Team to win the NCAA Division III Championship. He also served as athletic director from 1992 to 2012.

1976

Otterbein “O” Club founding member Dwight “Smokey” Ballenger, Coach Dick Reynolds ’65, and athletic director Elmer “Bud” Yoest ’53, P’77, P’80 add the first championship banner earned in the Rike Center to the historic banners brought over from the old Alumni Gymnasium.

Contributors:

Stephen Grinch ’98

Jenny Hill ’05

Harold “Rusty” Wilson

When it was dedicated on May 17, 1975, few could have predicted the incredible stories that would be set at the Rike Physical Education Center. To celebrate its 50th anniversary with some exciting new updates, here’s a look back at the history of “The Rike.” Prior to 1975, men’s indoor athletics took place in the Alumni Gymnasium – now Battelle Fine Arts Center. But a lead gift of $300,000 from the Rike family of Dayton, OH, allowed Otterbein to build a new, $1.5 million, state-of-the-art athletics facility. Fondly called “The Otterdome,” the Rike Center was considered the envy of the OAC at the time of its dedication. It is now the home of women’s and men’s basketball, volleyball, and men’s and women’s wrestling.

ABOUT THE

Rike Family

David L. Rike served on the Otterbein College Board of Trustees from 1879-1895. His son, Frederick H. Rike, class of 1888, held the same position from 1906 to 1947. Susanne Rike MacDonald, class of 1890, taught music at Otterbein from 1894-1895. Generations continued their relationship with Otterbein through the establishment of the Rike Family Foundation.

May 17, 1975 DEDICATION DAY

Rike family members (L-R): Ralph Kircher, Suzanne Rike Kircher, Diana McConnaughey, Amanda McConnaughey Fred McConnaughey, David L. Rike, Margaret Rike. Next to the Rike family are Otterbein representatives: Athletic Director Robert “Moe” Agler, and President Thomas J. Kerr IV

Original architectural rendering

the facility to be adapted to address changing needs over the past 50 years, thanks to the open-area concept championed by former Director of Athletics Elmer “Bud” Yoest ’53, P’77, P’80. The Rike Center has hosted commencements, college fairs, and even the October 2019 Democratic Presidential Debate, presented by CNN and The New York Times.

For its 50th anniversary, the Rike Center received some upgrades, including two indoor golf practice facilities (a simulator and space for putting practice) and, most importantly, a new, state-ofthe-art floor.

The maple hardwood floor covers 12,200 square feet and has a 61% force reduction, which means that athletes using the floor absorb 39% of the impact, while the floor absorbs the rest of the impact. The new floor replaces the one installed in 1992, which was also maple hardwood, but only had a 40% force reduction. Tony Stalford, the president of The Final Floor, Inc., is also part of Rike Center history; he has installed every floor the Rike Center has had, starting when he was a teenager helping to install the center’s first floor.

THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE DONORS who have invested in the Rike Center over the past 50 years, including these leadership level donors who recently supported the replacement of the court floor and upcoming bleachers.

• The Vida S. Clements Foundation.

• Mark R. Thresher ’78, P’05 and Deborah Scott Thresher ’77, P’05.

• Roush Family Foundation.

• “O” Club Foundation.

• Elmer “Bud” Yoest ’53, P’77, P’80.

• Phil J. Susi ’05.

• Steve Moeller ’66, P’97.

1985

The Rike Center received a major upgrade when a new scoreboard was installed over the basketball court. Fall of 1996

Senator Robert Dole of Kansas spoke at Otterbein in the Rike Center while on the campaign trail. Over the years, Otterbein has played host to numerous national and international dignitaries.

2001-02 season

The most exciting Men’s Basketball season to date in which Otterbein won the NCAA Division III Championship. Though the final game was played in North Carolina, students were treated to a truly spectacular season at home in the Rike Center.

2002

Jeff “Mr. Incredible” Gibbs '02 led the Men’s Basketball Team to the championship. He averaged 23 points and 16 rebounds per game that season, and was named Division III Player of the Year for his hard work.

2008

Arizona senator John McCain joined the ranks of presidential hopefuls who spoke to Otterbein and Westerville under the Rike Center dome.

Photo by Lauren Rothermel McClor '10

2019

The Rike Center hosted the October 2019 Democratic Presidential Debate, presented by CNN and The New York Times.

2024

For its 50th anniversary, the Rike Center installed a new, state-of-the-art floor. The maple hardwood floor covers 12,200 square feet and has a 61% force reduction.

HOMECOMING& family weekend

Homecoming & Family Weekend 2024 was a celebration like no other, as the annual event shifted from the Campus Center grounds to the beautiful, shaded canopy of trees on the lawn of our iconic Towers Hall.

The Class of 1974 celebrated its 50th Golden Reunion as well as the Class of 1969 coming home for its 55th reunion milestone. In addition, several other alumni groups came back to the 'Bein this year, including the Alumni Choir, ’80s Theatre Alumni, Greek Alumni, Equine Alumni, and more.

The Class of 1968 celebrated the dedication of its 50th reunion legacy gift – the restoration of historic windows saved by Dean Joanne Van Sant from the old Association Building – which are on display in Roush Hall, where the "Sosh" building once stood. The Department of Communication celebrated the life and legacy of Professor Emerita Christina Reynolds (who also received Honorary Alumna recognition, posthumously) along with the 100th anniversary of the Speech and Debate program.

Eight exemplary alumni received awards from Otterbein this year, along with the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation receiving the university's highest honor, the Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to Otterbein Award (see more on pg. 22!).

To see more photos and videos visit: otterbein.edu/ alumni/homecoming

Otterbein Football played Marietta College

Fans Cheer on the Cardinals at Memorial Stadium

Alumni Choir Performance at Church of the Messiah with former Music Department Chair Craig Johnson H’12

Equine Gala 2024. Left photo: Industry Leadership honoree, Professor Emerita, Dr. Maria Calderone (left), with Dr. Sheri Birmingham (right). Middle photo: Philanthropic Impact Award honorees, the Plaumann-Wilson Family with President Comerford (left). Right photo: Distinguished Alumna, Rebecca Knopf ’15 (left), with Kari Briggs (right).

2024 Homecoming Court Royalty

Students in Black Student Union Parade Float

Marching Bandmates Reunite

Homecoming Parade TEM Float

Class of 1968 Stained Glass Dedication, Cathy Alspach Boring ’68

Class of 1969 55th Reunion Photo Class of 1974

FreeZone and Cardinal Pride

Wendy Roush ’71 and Elmer “Bud” Yoest ’53, P’77, P’80

Philanthropy in Action

Our sincere gratitude to these alumni and friends who have recently made generous gifts to Otterbein:

Donna Kerr H’71 contributed $18,000 to support students receiving the Thomas J. Kerr IV Scholarship. Alumni, friends, and family established this scholarship in 1984 in honor of Kerr’s service as the 18th president of Otterbein. Donna has worked tirelessly in support of the University and its students in her husband's memory. The residents of Kerr Hall look forward to every visit and care package from the benefactor of their hall’s namesake.

Susan Palmer Cordle ’70 and Christopher T. Cordle ’69, respectively an educator and a scientist, have completed a pledge to support Cardinals Care and Otterbein Fund Scholars Removing barriers for students is a priority for the Cordles, and their leadership in this area is inspiring.

Otterbein Trustee Mindy S. Phinney ’85 gifted $180,000 to support the Campus Center and the Otterbein Fund. This donation will positively impact students for generations.

Otterbein Psychology Professor Emeritus Robert Kraft made a contribution to help found the Kraft Lewis Sphancer Fun(d) for Creative Enjoyment. The retired Otterbein professor wishes to fund associate professors to pursue enriching and personally meaningful experiences that will inform their teaching.

Otterbein Trustee Emeritus

Mark R. Thresher ’78, P’05 and Deborah Scott Thresher ’77, P’05 gifted $190,000 to benefit the Campus Center, the Deborah and Mark Thresher Family Scholarship, and replacement of the floor and bleachers in the Rike

Center. This generosity is fueling the implementation of Otterbein’s priorities to benefit our entire campus.

Otterbein Trustee Emeritus William L. Evans ’56 and Sonya Stauffer Evans ’56, loyal donors, supported the Class of 1956 Scholarship Fund and the Department of Theatre and Dance with gifts totaling more than $30,000.

Elmer W. “Bud” Yoest ’53, P’77, P’80 gifted $30,500 to support the Otterbein Fund, new bleachers at the Rike Center, the University Archives, and the Yoest Endowed Award

Carolyn Swartz Royer ’60, P’85, P’88 established the Carolyn Swartz Royer ’60 Endowed Scholarship in Mathematics

Grants, Corporate, and Foundation Support

Grants help to provide essential funding for new programs, research, and other areas that directly impact our students.

Our faculty and staff have recently been awarded grants from several organizations, including those listed here.

Interfaith America

Advancing Pluralism Grant

AMOUNT: $15,000

The Interfaith America Advancing Campus Pluralism comprehensive strategic grant provides funding for pluralism activities on campus and provides an opportunity for training and to join a national movement and conversation on the importance of promoting collaboration on campus and ways to bridge divides of political, ideological, and religious beliefs. This project will further Otterbein's current

commitment to inclusivity by connecting the different efforts and groups on campus that focus on understanding and celebrating community members’ different political, cultural, social, and religious beliefs. This project will also work to include students who are not already involved in or aware of campus activities that teach the importance of understanding and appreciating the differences that can connect, instead of dividing, the community.

17th Century Painting Donated to Otterbein Collection

Donors, faculty, staff, and art enthusiasts from the community came together in June to celebrate the donation of the 17th century painting, The Tiger Hunt (after Peter Paul Rubens), to the Otterbein collection by Colette M. Masterson ’05. Masterson is the associate director of experiential learning in Student Success and Career Development at Otterbein.

The donated artwork will be preserved in the Frank Museum of Art and will play a significant role in future Integrative Studies (INST) courses, bringing the departments of chemistry and art together. Students in these courses will explore the intersection of chemical processes and artistic techniques, gaining a deeper appreciation for both disciplines.

The reception in June marked a promising start to this innovative educational journey and underscored the University’s appreciation for donors like Masterson.

Learn more about the Frank Museum at: www.otterbein.edu/art/frank-museum

Ohio Arts Council

FY25 Music Sustainability Operating Support for Public Programming

AMOUNT: $35,025

This grant supports the operating costs of music events for the public and the campus community, giving Otterbein’s Music Department the opportunity to bring in artists of various genres from around the country to perform in campus venues. The funds support artists fees and other associated costs, which also include the Westerville Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks and holiday concerts performed on Otterbein’s campus.

FY25 Frank Museum and Galleries Operating Support

AMOUNT: $5,612

This grant assists the Frank Museum of Art with operating costs associated with exhibits.

Franklin Park Conservatory

Otterbein Community Garden Support

AMOUNT: $2,049

This grant provides funding and supplies for Otterbein’s Community Garden as it provides local, nutritious produce for the Westerville and Otterbein communities. Otterbein students run the campus Farmers Market social enterprise to provide a sustainable framework for the garden and other activities. The crop share program supports food insecure residents and students and strives to ensure zero hunger on campus while encouraging healthy eating habits.

Above: The Tiger Hunt (after Peter Paul Rubens). Top right: Reception held at the Frank Museum with Colette M. Masterson ’05 standing at the side of The Tiger Hunt painting.

Continued thanks to alumni and friends who have recently made generous gifts to Otterbein.

The Roush Family Foundation donated $50,000 to support the Campus Center renovation project. The Roush Family Foundation is an early supporter of the effort, with gifts totaling $250,000 toward the complete renovation of the Campus Center that will impact current and future staff, students, faculty, and alumni.

The Westerville Otterbein Women’s Club (WOWC) once again donated the annual revenue from the Otterbein Thrift Shop to support WOWC Scholarships This year, $65,000 was raised by the volunteer-run, volunteer-led campus landmark. The shop at 177 W. Park St. is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Katelyn Tilley Willyerd ’05 and Scott D. Willyerd ’05 gave $10,000 to support the Otterbein Fund

Otterbein Psychology Professor Noam Shpancer and Mia Lewis supported the Kraft Lewis Sphancer Fun(d) for Creative Enjoyment and a new psychology endowment named the Mia Lewis and Noam Shpancer Endowed Scholarship for Psychology. The new scholarship is for first-generation American students who demonstrate financial need. The Kraft Lewis

Sphancer Fun(d) for Creative Enjoyment is an innovative approach to reward associate professors and enhance faculty teaching and was created in collaboration with Psychology Professor Emeritus Robert Kraft.

The Marcia A. Baer Trust gave $100,000 to equally support the Department of Health and Sports Sciences (HSS) and HSS scholarships.

William W. Davis and Ellen Gagne supported the Dr. William and Mary Davis H’01 Memorial Scholarship with a gift of $10,000. The Davises raised their family in Westerville and were devoted Otterbein supporters who traveled with the Otterbein basketball team to cheer them on at the NCAA Division III Championship game in 2002.

Otterbein received a donation of over $15,000 from Robert E. Woodruff ’67 to support the Campus Center renovation project, the Otterbein Fund, and the Library Belonging Endowment.

Dr. Adam Rothermel, M.D. ’06 graduated with a bachelor's degree in molecular biology and played on the men’s soccer team at Otterbein. This

Grants, Corporate, and Foundation Support

State Library of

Ohio

Program: Celebrating Ohio Book Award

AMOUNT: $600

The Courtright Memorial Library has been awarded a grant to purchase children’s books to serve as a resource for education majors to use while working with students in local schools.

Columbus Foundation - Johnstone Fund

Composure and Performance of a Left-handed Piano Piece

AMOUNT: $7,500

This grant from the Johnstone Fund of the Columbus Foundation provides the opportunity for Nick Ross, professor and chair of Otterbein’s Music Department, to compose a piece of music to be played specifically with the left hand. Ross will perform the piece for the public at a concert on campus.

year he and his wife, Kyleen, donated $12,000 to support the team that Adam once played for, fitting the 2024 men’s soccer team with new athletic apparel. They also made gifts to the women’s soccer team and Department of Biology and Earth Science

Former Otterbein Trustee and Chair Emeritus Cheryl Herbert honored Otterbein initiatives with a gift of $12,000 to support the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program and the Academic Affairs program as a whole.

Rohini Desai Mulchandani, a graduate of The Ohio State University and resident of Dublin, OH, has established a new Assistance Fund for Immigrant and Refugee Students with a gift of $50,000. Her generosity will support immigrants and refugees who choose to attend Otterbein.

Evelyn Widner ’49 bequeathed $1,297,598 to Otterbein after a lifetime of supporting the Otterbein Fund annually. She enjoyed visiting and walking on campus throughout her life, but she most enjoyed her time as a student and the lifelong friendships she made at Otterbein. For more information, call the Office of Institutional Advancement at 614.823.1305.

Franklin County Department of Health

Westerville CHAT

AMOUNT: $35,000

Two grants from the Franklin County Department of Health were awarded in support of Otterbein’s work with The Westerville Community Health Action Team (CHAT), a partnership between Franklin County Public Health and residents, seeking to build a healthier Westerville. The funds support health educational outreach materials and activities conducted by Otterbein's Health Promotion Team and Westerville CHAT at various events in Westerville.

FISCAL YEAR 2024 GIVING TOTALS

Total Commitments Pledged

$834,024

Otterbein Fund (Unrestricted Fund)

There were 6,622 gifts last year and more than half of the year’s gifts were designated for the Otterbein Fund!

Jerry Green Memorial Scholarship Fund

William D. Squires Endowed Scholarship

Dr. Michael S. Bridgman Mathematical Science Enhancement Fund

Robert F. ’49 and Evelyn Bender ’51 Vance Endowed Scholarship in Science and Education

Anonymous Endowed Scholarship for Students in Psychology

Cardinal Tribute Scholarship

Theresa A. Petch ’51 Endowed Scholarship

Round Robin Endowed Scholarship (Gerald ’49 and Miriam Wetzel ’51 Ridinger)

Carolyn Swartz Royer ’60 Endowed Scholarship

Weiler Family Fund for Student Success

Dr. Kim Fischer Memorial Endowed Fund Belonging Endowment Fund

DONOR LOYALTY

OFFICE OF ANNUAL GIVING

Led by the Office of Annual Giving, a new effort was created to promote philanthropy education and deepen the culture of philanthropy among the members of the 2024 senior class. The program culminated in an event on campus hosted by an exemplary donor, Marsha Rice Scanlin ’74. As a result

73 members

Donors

of the Class of 2024 donated to the senior class gift, a 62% increase over the donor participation count for the Class of 2023.

Current Otterbein parents donated an impressive $25,490 to the University in fiscal year 2024.

ENGAGEMENT BY THE NUMBERS

4,000 alumni, donors, families, and friends attended 48 events hosted by (or in collaboration with) the Office of Engagement in fiscal year 2024.

Alumni and Friends volunteered their time in service to support Otterbein via alumni councils, boards, and networks, and through the Otterbein READY program, Admission office events, and in-classroom experiences.

200+ MEMBERS

Otterbein’s Lifelong Learning Community exceeded 200 members in Spring 2024, its highest membership since the start of the program. OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY

Every fall, we recognize a special group of alumni and friends with the University’s top honors and awards. The 2024 Alumni Awards were conferred at Homecoming and Family Weekend in September and the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees were honored in October. Hats off to these amazing alumni and friends:

Distinguished Alumni Award

Dee Hoty ’74

Marsha Rice Scanlin ’74

Otterbein Alumni Award

Melissa Briggs-Phillips ’95

James E. Prysock III ’09 MBA’19

Rising Star Award

Rebecca A. Carter ’15

Amanda Dakermanji ’14

Ashleigh Thornton Kraus ’17

Aaron Rhinehart ’14

Honorary Alumni Award

Christina Reynolds (posthumously)

Mary B. Thomas ’28 Commitment to Otterbein Award

The Austin E. Knowlton Foundation

Congratulations 2024 Otterbein Award Honorees

> Nominate a peer for the 2025 Alumni Awards at: www.otterbein.edu/alumni/awards.

Virtual Lifelong Learning Community Memberships Available

You don't have to live near Otterbein to participate in our Lifelong Learning Community. Our virtual membership allows you to watch classes live from the comfort of your home. You can also access class recordings to watch when it's convenient for you.

Learn more and join today at www.otterbein.edu/lifelonglearning.

Dee Hoty ’74

Marsha Rice Scanlin ’74

Melissa Briggs-Phillips ’95

James E. Prysock III ’09 MBA’19

Rebecca A. Carter ’15

Amanda Dakermanji ’14

Ashleigh Thornton Kraus ’17

Aaron Rhinehart ’14

Christina Reynolds

at Otterbein

Knowlton Foundation President John Lindberg (left) receiving the Mary B. Thomas '28 Commitment to Otterbein Award with President John Comerford.

2024 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees

The 16th Otterbein University Athletics Hall of Fame class was inducted on Oct. 25. Honorees were introduced to the fans at the annual rivalry football game between Otterbein and Capital on Oct. 26.

The 2024 inductees are:

Laura Basford Cheyney ’14, Softball

Austin Curbow ’12, Track and Field

Julie Stroyne Nixon ’14, Tennis

Jack Rafferty ’08, MBA’11, Football

Bobby Weinberg ’02, MBA’04, Soccer

For more information, visit www.otterbeincardinals.com.

“Survey Says”: Cardinal Survey Results

We want to sincerely thank the nearly 1,900 Cardinal community members who completed our 2024 Cardinal Survey this past spring. With your help, we have gained valuable insight into how we can better tailor our work in engagement and fundraising to suit the needs and preferences of our diverse Cardinal family.

Some key findings included:

• Cardinals are generally positive about Otterbein and the current direction of the University.

• Our community feels we are effectively reaching them with our marketing and communications materials.

• There is strong interest in both virtual and in-person events to connect alumni, families, and students.

• Cardinals want to volunteer.

• Our community generally feels confident that their donations have an impact, and that Otterbein is a good steward of those investments. There were also some clear messages about how we should continue or improve our efforts:

• Continue to invest in Towers magazine as a primary method of telling Otterbein stories.

• Continue to explore ways to connect alumni with students for career assistance and guidance.

• Streamline volunteer opportunities and eliminate paths that currently lead to unsupported areas.

• Improve donation impact reporting.

Preferred Method of Communication

Towers Magazine

E-News emailed newsletters

Otterbein website

Classmates and friends

Social Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)

Printed mail

All Others

We look forward to incorporating these lessons and more as we plan for the months and years ahead, so be on the lookout for changes – large and small – to our events, communications, and volunteering opportunities.

We also want to congratulate our three drawing winners, selected randomly from those who entered after completing the Cardinal Survey:

• Shilah Alexander ’21

• Debbie Janakiefski ’84

• Iris Love ’96

Each received a $50 gift card to the Otterbein Bookstore.

Jack Rafferty ’08, MBA’11

Laura Basford Cheyney ’14

Austin Curbow ’12

Julie Stroyne Nixon ’14

Bobby Weinberg ’02, MBA’04

New Alumni Council and Young Alumni Board Members Tapped

Otterbein’s alumni advisory groups are comprised of a diverse selection of graduates who advise the Office of Engagement on topics related to the University, events, programming, and more. Their mission is to build and maintain meaningful, lifelong relationships that engage alumni and the University by creating new opportunities, fostering lifelong learning, building mutual support, and expanding the Otterbein experience.

ALUMNI VOLUNTEERS

We’re pleased to welcome the following Cardinals to the Alumni Council and Young Alumni Board:

New Alumni Council Members:

Danelle Entenman-Bardos ’94, MBA’00

Michelle Quinn Dippold ’13

Rob Gagnon ’87

Melica Niccole Hampton ’04

Sadie Bartholomew Ingle ’07

Adele Knipp Klenk ’71

Deborah Banwart Lewis '77

Chris McCall ’04

Mitchell W. Snyder ’17

Monty Soungpradith ’96

Helene Mundrick Wirth ’99, MBA’03

See the full Alumni Council and Young Alumni Board rosters on pg. 33!

New Young Alumni Board Members:

Phanawn Bailey ’21, MBA’23

Elijah McCutcheon ’22

Madelyn Nelson ’23

Kenzie Prickett ’24

Perry Reynolds ’15

Haylie Schmoll ’19

Maria Slovikovski ’17

Duncan Squillante ’21

For more information on our alumni advisory groups and these members, please visit www.otterbein.edu/alumni/volunteer-give.

Cheers! Otterbein alumni and friends were "tapped" to select the brews to be served at the 2024 Homecoming & Family Weekend. The group learned about brewing and packaging at Seventh Son Brewing. All enjoyed the tour and tasting. Join in the fun at upcoming Otterbein Cardinal outings!

Left to right: Danelle Entenman-Bardos ’94, MBA’00, Kenzie Prickett ’24, Tonia Dunson-Dillard ’20, and Phanawn Bailey ’21, MBA’23

Classnotes and Life Milestones.

In the Spring 2024 issue of Towers, we listed an incorrect name in the Class Notes section for Sara Chisnell ’02, chief assistant prosecuting attorney, Juvenile Division, in the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office. Our sincere apologies for the error.

1960s

James Hill ’69, P’95 is an industry fellow at Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI. James received his doctorate degree in business administration from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland in 2005.

Michael Leadbetter ’69, a retired plastic surgeon, launched a year-long, national Friendship Bus Tour on June 2, 2024, raising

awareness around the importance of friendship and connection for mental wellness. The trip is in memory of Michael’s wife of 49 years, Debbie. The couple had planned much of the trip before Debbie passed, with the goal of visiting friends around the country and highlighting the significant role friends played in their lives and

their mental wellness. For every friend he interacts with on his journey, he intends to donate $25 to Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason, OH, which offers a wide range of mental health services and treatments in an atmosphere that promotes long-term healing. He hopes the individuals he meets will contribute to the Center and/or mental health causes of their own.

1970s

Mellar Davis ’74, P’08 received the 2023 Distinguished Service Award of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer and the 2023 MD Anderson Cancer Center Award for his outstanding contribution to cancer pain management.

Dee Hoty ’74 married Sam Freed, Dec. 9, 2023. The couple was married in a chapel near the top of Overlook Mountain, in Woodstock, NY.

Jeff Yoest ’77, P ’13 met with members of the 1975 Otterbein cross country team in Florida on March 5, 2024. The team gets together every year to ride bikes and enjoy old friendships. This year the group included: David Brown ’76, Jeff Hunt ’77, Tom Bachtel ’77, Kyle Beveridge ’78, and Jeff Yoest ’77.

Kathryn Schuller ’79 retired from Toledo (OH) Public Schools as a physical education teacher.

Elizabeth Gibbs Whitaker ’79 is a blessed “Gammy” of two beautiful granddaughters, ages 5 and 2.

1980s

Karen Caldwell Elifritz ’82, P’15 married Darryl Hughes, Oct. 4, 2020.

Regina Vann Hickok ’83 received the 2023-2024 Special Recognition Award from the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University (OSU). She is the academic program manager for the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science, serving the department for more than 28 years.

In addition, she is an advisor for the Graduate Student Association, the internship coordinator for undergraduate students majoring in sustainable plant systems and sustainable agriculture, and an instructor. She received her master's degree in public administration from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at OSU.

Michele Burns '83 married Joe Betten, Dec. 24, 2002.

Dee Hoty ’74 and Sam Freed

Michael ’69 and Debbie Leadbetter and the Friendship Bus

Karen Caldwell Elifritz ’82, P’15 and Darryl Hughes

Michele Burns '83 and Joe Betten

Regina Vann Hickok ’83

Left to right: David “Turkey” Brown ’76, Jeff Hunt ’77, Tom “Wildman” Bachtel ’77, Kyle “Gomer” Beveridge ’78, and Jeff “Simon” Yoest ’77

Paul Wagner ’85 retired from JPMorgan Chase on April 15, 2021.

Timothy St. John ’89 celebrated his first anniversary with Allied Universal Security Services at Metallus Steel (formerly Timken Steel) in June 2024.

1990s

Debbie Buckles Welch ’90 retired from teaching sixth grade in Hilliard, OH, after 23 years. Moving to Maine to return to her broadcasting roots, she currently serves as news director at WNSX Star 97.7 in Ellsworth, where she goes by the on-air name Sonnie Shepherd. At the 2023 Maine Association of Broadcasters Awards, she took home four individual awards, more than any other newscaster in Maine. She received a first-place award for her series on the EMS crisis in rural Maine, after which she became a parttime ambulance driver.

Colby Kingsbury ’91 has been named chair of Women Forward, the committee dedicated to supporting recruitment, retention, advancement, and leadership development

of women professionals at the law firm of Faegre Drinker, where she has worked for two and a half decades. Kingsbury serves on Faegre Drinker’s pro bono committee and the boards of ACLU Illinois, the Chicago Bar Foundation, and Evanston Children’s Choir.

2000s

Matt O'Hearn ’01 completed his 23rd year in education and second year as principal at Hamilton Township High School, in Columbus.

Sara Chisnell ’02 was promoted to chief assistant prosecutor with the juvenile division in Licking County, OH, after serving one year as an assistant. She oversees all juvenile delinquency cases and advocates all abuse, neglect, and dependency child welfare cases.

Brian Knab ’02 is athletic director at Marvin Ridge High School, Waxhaw, NC. Under his leadership, the Mavericks won the NCHSAA Wells Fargo State Cup 4A for overall athletic excellence in the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years.

Katherine Miller ’04 married James Richards, Dec. 31, 2023.

Benjamin Garnett ’06 married Janett Franco, May 13, 2022, and welcomed a child, Samantha Jane. He and his family have returned to the U.S. following an 18-month deployment in Kanagawa, Japan, and are now in the greater Columbia, SC, area where he joins the 282nd Army Band at Fort Jackson.

Adina Haught ’06 received her master's degree in business analytics from the University of Mount Union, Alliance, OH, in 2023.

Adam Berner ’08 launched a nonprofit called Mindfulness for Life, which brings free, traumainformed mindfulness and meditation training to underserved communities. He recently completed the Moral Injury Certificate Program at the Shay Center of Volunteers of America. He continues his roles as Mindfulness Coordinator and Buddhist and Contemplative Life Coordinator for Denison University, Granville, OH.

Anthony Green ’08 was promoted to lieutenant with the Centerville (OH) Police Department. He now oversees the community relations division.

2010s

Garth Weithman ’11 was promoted to deputy chief executive officer at Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). In his new role, he will help oversee COTA’s transit operations, human resources, and information, innovation, and technology.

Right: Debbie Buckles Welch ’90

Colby Kingsbury ’91

Katherine Miller ’04 and James Richards

Top: Benjamin Garnett ’06, Janett Franco. Bottom: Samantha Jane. Garth Weithman ’11

Bob Arledge ’55: Going for the Gold

BY MAGGIE NICOL ’25

Redefining what it means to be an athlete and nonagenarian, meet Bob Arledge ’55, a 91-year-old pole vaulter who is making the most of his golden years.

Arledge began his pole-vaulting career as a high school student and carried his passion into college. Otterbein held some of his most treasured memories including meeting his future wife, Gail Bunch-Arledge ’56, being part of the ROTC, as well as pole vaulting all four years. Arledge took third in the Ohio Athletic Conference in 1952.

“I did 12-feet-3 using a bamboo pole and landing in a sawdust pit and cinder runway. It was quite a different event than today. We now have fiberglass poles and the rubber surface runways and the big foam pad to land in,” he said.

After graduation, he attended physical therapy school at the Cleveland Clinic. After completing school, he served in the Air Force as a physical therapist. He retired at 55 as a lieutenant colonel after 31 years of service.

“I stayed in good shape while in the military. And when I got out, I quit exercising, and I started eating improperly. It took me five to six years to become good and start winning,” Arledge said.

Arledge has incorporated exercise and other healthy habits into his daily life. When he’s not competing, he still finds ways to get his body moving — from swimming in the pool, to using gymnastics equipment in his garage, to practicing pole vaulting with the local high school students. These daily activities have allowed him to maintain his competitive streak.

“I do 400 meters, which is like 1/4 of a mile. I swim in the state meet and in the in the National Senior Games,” he said.

In 2018, he won the World Championship in Malaga, Spain, in the 80-85 age group. Prior to this, Arledge attended various national competitions that turned into national championships, which allowed him to enter international competition.

“It’s all about perseverance and keeping at it. You can’t be sidetracked. You have to set goals for yourself and keep an eye on those goals,” he said.

Last June, he competed in the Pan American Masters Games in Cleveland, where more than 5,000 senior athletes from around the world attended. Arledge won the pole vault and took first place in the 50-meter backstroke. He was the only pole vaulter competing from the 90-94 age group. “I had to make the opening height, which I did. Now as long as I can do that, I'll keep taking the medals,” he said.

The five-time national championship winner will be attending the World Indoor Champion Masters in March 2025. The championship will take place at Florida University in Gainesville. “I’ve started to train for this competition. In January, I’ll kick it into high gear and really start working,” Arledge said.

Classnotes and Life Milestones.

From Friends to Family

BY BRYNLEY PRESTON ’26

A special friendship that blossomed between Linda Thole Zorich ’83 and Sonya Spangler Harle ’84 took root at Otterbein. Linda was already a secondyear member of the O-Squad Dance Team and Tau Epsilon Mu sorority when Sonya arrived on campus as a freshman. They met when Sonya tried out for the O-Squad, and their bond only strengthened when Sonya also pledged Tau Epsilon Mu, where Linda became her “Big.”

The two alumnae state that their favorite memories at Otterbein included those extracurriculars, as well as the “amazing” Education Department.

“Being a ‘Temmer’ (member of Tau Epsilon Mu), being on O-Squad — that was huge. And Otterbein is known for their Education Department, so that was a great foundation,” Linda said.

Sonya said her best overall memory was meeting her husband, Rick Harle ’82. Sonya and her family would eventually introduce Linda to her husband, David Zorich.

The two remained so close after graduation that their children also became friends. Years later, Sonya’s children, Taylor Harle ’13 and Alissa Harle ’15, became Cardinal legacies and graduated from Otterbein themselves. Linda’s children, meanwhile, followed in their father’s footsteps and attended Miami University and the University of Dayton.

After college, Linda’s daughter, Carissa, reconnected with Taylor, and their childhood friendship evolved into a romance.

“We made a vow that we’re not going to let this ruin our friendship. We were very cautiously optimistic,” Sonya said. Taylor and Carissa’s love story mirrored the strong connection their mothers share.

Taylor and Carissa were married on July 9, 2021. It was a beautiful day that further united the two families, and a reminder of the lasting impact of Linda and Sonya’s college years at Otterbein.

The family’s happiness grew with the arrival of a baby girl, Emerson Lynn, in June 2023. Linda and Sonya now share the joy of grandparenting together and see each other often, cherishing every moment.

The pair have their fingers crossed that they have a thirdgeneration Cardinal on their hands.

Watching their children’s love story unfold, Linda and Sonya have had time to reflect on their incredible journey from university friends to co-grandparents. Their story is a reminder of how lasting connections can take root at Otterbein – and sometimes grow into a family tree.

Leondra James Gonzalez ’13 and Christopher Gonzalez welcomed a child, Leonidas David.

Leonidas David

Corinne Munsch ’14 performed at the 77th Annual Tony Awards. She was also in Cabaret, which was nominated for Best Revival.

Ghazy Padmakoesoema ’17 is an enduser computing associate at McGraw Hill, Columbus.

Santiago Acero Bedoya ’18 received his doctorate degree in cancer immunology from the University of Chicago, supported by the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships Program and National Cancer Institute Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Fellow Transition Award.

Caroline Kane ’18 performed at the 77th Annual Tony Awards.

Morgan Wood ’18 made her Broadway debut in the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Hamilton on July 16, 2024. After six years performing in the hit musical across North America, she steps into the role of Eliza at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.

Nicole Gaydos ’19 married Chad Karnes ’19, Oct. 14, 2023

Nicole Gaydos ’19 and Chad Karnes ’19

Photos from Top to Bottom, left to right: Linda Thole Zorich ’83 and Sonya Spangler Harle ’84; Taylor Harle ’13 and Alissa Harle ’15; Alissa Harle ’15 and Taylor Harle ’13; Linda Thole Zorich ’83, Emerson Lynn Harle, and Sonya Spangler Harle ’84.

Rebecca Shera ’19 married Evan Huggins ’19, June 2, 2023.

Huggins ’19 and Rebecca Shera ’19

2020s

Taylor Rush ’20 married Mason Wamsley ’19, June 28, 2024. In attendance were Otterbein Epsilon Kappa Tau alumni Megan Wolff ’20, Madie Moore ’20, Kayla Daberkow ’21, Sarah Bertsch ’20, Megan Fraser ’20, Saige Picone ’19, and Laina Kannenwischer ’20

Mason Wamsley ’19 and Taylor Rush ’20

Evan Brandao ’21 is a real estate junior analyst at Novogradac, Columbus.

Christian Keener ’21 received a master’s degree in library and information science from Kent State University, May 10, 2024.

Katie Cahill Marcussen ’21 is a digital marketing specialist at the Red Roof Corporate Headquarters in New Albany, OH. She was part of the team that won a silver award in the digital – social media/social networking category at the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International’s 2024 Adrian Awards for the Red Roof TikTok campaign, #PeopleStayFree.

Elijah McCutcheon ’22 was promoted to program manager of the Work Readiness Training University at the Columbus Urban League, a nonprofit working to empower Black and underrepresented groups in central Ohio through economic, educational, and social progress.

Hannah Schmidt ’23 performed in Peter Pan at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, in July 2024.

Evan

Katie Cahill Marcussen ’21

Classnotes and Life Milestones.

Making the Arts Accessible

BY MAGGIE NICOL ’25

Deborah Banwart Lewis ’77 believes the arts are richer and more vibrant when everyone is included. That’s why she creates accessible spaces and opportunities for everyone to experience the arts.

Lewis is the president of Audio Description Solutions, a service for individuals who are blind or low vision which allows them to access the visual experience of live performances and events, exhibits, and/or film, either through live narration or a handheld device.

Lewis writes scripts that describe the actions, then reads and records the scripts to provide to the arts company.

“I like doing the audio description, but the part I love most is being in these theatres. I get the opportunity to be in some of the most prestigious theaters in Los Angeles. I get to sit in a booth high above everything and describe plays that are on stage to people who are blind. There is nothing better than that,” she said.

When attending Otterbein as a theatre major, her goal was to be an arts administrator, which would put her on the path to becoming a director. To enhance her skillset, Lewis took a variety of classes outside of her major and worked in the University’s public relations office with Fran Bay, the head of the office at that time.

In addition to working at Otterbein, Bay was involved in the local arts scene and worked with deaf theaters, which inspired Lewis.

“Fran was passionate about how people with disabilities deserved to have a place in the arts,” she said.

After college, Lewis went to work for an organization in Atlanta that specialized in helping people with disabilities. After a few years, she was in Ohio for a conference and reconnected with Bay, who introduced her to audio description and the equipment she would need.

“Fran encouraged me, she told me I was going to love it,” Lewis said.

Since that day, Lewis has had the opportunity to describe many events, including the Rose Parade. Recently Rutgers University contracted her company to create descriptions for the opera Don Giovanni for a student who is visually impaired.

“My job is perfect because ... our mission is to make the arts accessible,” Lewis said. In addition to her work, Lewis is a member of the Otterbein Alumni Council and a sustainer donor.

are committed to opportunity. Otterbein was founded on it.

Both of Otterbein’s founders were denied an education simply because of their families' financial situations.

This kind of story belongs in the past.

Today, Otterbein is proud to be the first school in the state of Ohio to meet the full cost of tuition for the state’s lowest-income students — without the use of loans.

From merit scholarships to financial need-based awards, Otterbein is committed to ensuring more families have access to a college education they can afford.

Opportunities thrive here. They always have.

Help us make sure more future Cardinals know Otterbein is the right place for their futures to take off.

To Support Scholarships: www.otterbein.edu/give

To learn more about establishing a scholarship, contact: Kathleen Bonte at 614.823.2707 or kbonte@otterbein.edu

ALUMNI PROFILE

Les Epstein ’83 published Teddy Orloff and the Three Onions: A Cooking Spiel, the third in an ongoing series of books based on Jewish folklore. These epic poems are full of wonder, laughter, and adventures.

Phyllis Magold ’88, MAE’96 published her third book, Veils of the Morning, which received the Colorado Independent Publishers Association (CIPA) EVVY book award in 2023. Named for CIPA founder Evelyn Kaye, the EVVY competition is one of the longest running for independently published books and books from small presses that are often overlooked in favor of big publishers.

Shannon Miller ’88 was the senior editor of The American Society of Addiction Medicine Principles of Addiction Medicine. This textbook has 2,046 pages, 380 contributors, 147 chapters and sidebars, and took nearly five years to complete. Worldwide, it is the largest, most read textbook on the subject.

Kim Steehler Garee ’98 released her first novel, Pressed Together, set during the summer after World War II at the pier amusement park at Buckeye Lake, the "Playground of Ohio."

Charles Salmons ’98 published his third collection of poems, The Grace of Gazing Inward: Poems in Response to the Art of Alice Carpenter, in April 2024.

Sarah Martindell Swandell ’98 was nominated for a PEN/Dau Short Story Prize for Emerging Writers for her debut short story Totality in The Hopkins Review, a quarterly review of literature and culture. She is thankful for her English professors at Otterbein.

Wes Jamison ’10 published a debut collection of essays, Carrion, in June 2024, which previously earned the 2021 Quill Prose award for queer authors. Jamison earned a doctorate degree in English at the University of Louisiana, Lafayette, and now teaches at Del Mar College, Corpus Christi, TX, as an assistant professor of English.

Caleb Myers ’15 published his first novel, Toxic, in January 2024. It is the story of a recent college graduate trying to navigate a toxic work environment, and it delves into corporate politics and questions the price of a paycheck.

Les Epstein ’83

Kim Steehler Garee ’98

Shannon Miller ’88 (pictured at right)

Charles Salmons ’98

Sarah Martindell Swandell ’08

Caleb Myers ’15

Phyllis Magold ’88, MAE’96 (pictured below)

Wes Jamison ’10

Read more about these special alumni and friends of Otterbein at www.otterbein.edu/alumni/classnotes/obituaries

Compiled as of October 2024.

Remembering our Fellow Cardinals

Otterbein honors the memory of the alumni and friends we have lost.

We care about our community. If you know of a Cardinal who has passed, please share this important news with us at AlumniInfo@otterbein.edu

1940s

Joanna Hetzler Hughes ’44, Feb. 24, 2024

Marie Anderson Murray ’49, May 4, 2024

Evelyn M. Widner ’49, Dec. 22, 2023

1950s

Virginia Bartlett Schreckengost ’51 P’71 P’73, May 12, 2023

Elnora Shaffer Dougherty ’52, June 30, 2021

Lowell D. Bassett ’53, Mar. 20, 2024

George W. Kreil ’54, Jan. 25, 2023

John M. Sanders ’54, June 3, 2024

Beverly Teeter Althouse ’55, Jan. 18, 2024

Vernon E. Feen ’55 P’79, Nov. 23, 2023

Graham Thompson ’55, Feb. 24, 2020

John K. Gardella ’56, July 12, 2023

Delbert R. Waggamon ’56, Dec. 3, 2023

Shirley Booher Gardella ’57, Mar. 9, 2024

Larry E. Rood ’58 P’04, Dec. 2, 2023

From the Archives.

The Otterbein University Archives has a file labeled "Unidentified Photographs" with images such as the photo to the right. Towers magazine needs your helps to identify the people in the photo and what the story is behind the image. Please contact us if you have any information about it. We will publish the answers in the next Towers magazine.

1960s

Ruth Robinson Carey ’60, Apr. 27, 2024

Nancy Werner Weiffenbach ’60, Apr. 5, 2024

Donald S. Ailes ’63, Jan. 17, 2024

Susan Morain Kunkle ’63, Apr. 9, 2024

William E. McDonald ’63, Dec. 6, 2023

Carol Simmons Shackson ’63, June 27, 2024

Brenda Wilson Waltman ’63, Feb. 19, 2024

Dale R. Smith ’64, Mar. 12, 2024

Jim Stott ’65, Apr. 28, 2024

Evonne Potts McFarland ’65, Apr. 13, 2024

Beverly Miller Wince ’65, May 12, 2024

Marcia A. Baer ’66, Jan. 12, 2024

Edward J. Bradel ’66, Jan. 23, 2024

Susan Hohnhorst Smolen ’66, May 20, 2024

James A. Bowers ’67, Aug. 4, 2024

George R. Andrews ’68, Nov. 8, 2023

Richard A. Bender ’68, Aug. 6, 2024

Sandra Garwood Kline ’68, Dec. 15, 2023

F. Hamer Campbell Jr. ’69, Dec. 19, 2023

Anita S. Heaton ’69, Aug. 23, 2023

Larry G. Rummel ’69, Feb. 13, 2024

Kathryn Cunningham Woodward ’69, Feb. 27, 2024

1970s

Robert N. Perkins ’70, Apr. 24, 2024

Ellen Joyce Andrews ’71, Feb. 25, 2024

Deborah Finlaw Wolfe ’71, June, 23, 2024

Peggy A. Malone ’73, July 15, 2024

Carol McDowell Webb ’74, Jan. 9, 2024

Richard L. Yutze ’74, Oct. 2, 2020

Wayne A. Muzzioli ’75, Nov. 5, 2023

Lauren Miller Loudon ’76, Nov. 16, 2023

Marsha Harting Niederer ’76, May 7, 2024

1980s

Jeffrey A. Myers ’80, Aug. 4, 2024

Rebecca Scheck O'Flynn ’80, May 25, 2022

Sally Schwartz Heiser ’85, July 28, 2023

1990s

James Michael Ashford ’93, Feb. 8, 2022

Jennifer Wollam Marshalek ’93, Mar. 5, 2024

David C. Kramer ’94, May 7, 2024

Jennifer Croskey Adams ’98, Jan. 24, 2024

2000s

Joan Marie Beitman MSN’06, Apr. 7, 2024

Thomas E. Martin ’13, May 25, 2024

If you can help with this information, please send an email to Stephen Grinch ’98, Archivist at sgrinch@otterbein.edu. CAN YOU HELP US SOLVE THE PHOTO MYSTERY?

Officers of the University

Chair William E. Harrell Jr. ’94

Vice-chair Theresa Harris

Board of Trustees

Peter R. Bible ’80

Mechelle Buys du Plessis P’20, P’22

John L. Comerford, Ph.D.

Talisa Dixon, Ph.D.

Rev. John Edgar

David W. Fisher ’75, P’11

James L. Francis ’71

Daniel C. Gifford ’88, P’21, P’23

Julianna Grubich ’26

Jonathan Hargis ’79

William E. Harrell Jr. ’94

Theresa Harris

Trustees Emeriti

Annie Bauman Ames ’86

Michael H. Cochran ’66, P’93

Michael E. Ducey ’70

William L. Evans ’56

Judith Graham Gebhart ’61

Terry L. Goodman ’70

Mary F. Hall ’64, Ph.D.

John T. Huston ’57, M.D., P’85, P’89

Rev. Erwin K. Kerr H’02, P’91

John E. King ’68

Doug Knight ’63, M.D., Ph.D.

Alumni Council

Carl Bates ’86

Annette Harting Boose ’94

Amy Trimble-Burton ’98, P’18

Michelle Dippold ’13

Danelle Entenman-Bardos ’94, MBA’00

Rob Gagnon ’87

Fred Glasser ’69

Leondra James Gonzales ’13

Melica Hampton ’04

Sonya Lowmiller Higginbotham ’98, trustee

Young Alumni Board

Shaquille Alexander ’18

Phanawn Bailey ’21, MBA’23

Ladan Barnes ’19, MSAH’21

Evan Brandao ’21

Kaitlyn Brooks ’20

Tylina Burdell ’17

Rain Carpenter ’20

Kiersten Curtis ’14

Tonia Dunson-Dillard ’20

Chelci Gardner ’10

Dassan Jefferson ’19, MBA’22

Joseline Martinez-Cortez ’22

Janelle Maur ’12

Elijah McCutcheon ’22

Megan McLain ’07

Secretary Mechelle Buys du Plessis P’20, P’22

President John L. Comerford, Ph.D

Sonya Lowmiller Higginbotham ’98

Lisa L. Hinson P’17

Michael Hudoba, Ph.D.

Gregory Jordan K. Christopher Kaiser ’77

Susan Millsap, Ph.D.

Nevalyn Fritsche Nevil ’71

Mindy S. Phinney ’85, M.D.

James D. Shilling ’77, Ph.D.

Brant O. Smith ’95

Karin Yaffe Stump ’80

Mahad Yusuf ’26

John W. Magaw ’57

Thomas C. Morrison ’63

Hon. Alan E. Norris ’57

Jane W. Oman H’96

Paul S. Reiner ’68

Peggy Miller Ruhlin ’79

James A. Rutherford P’99

Wolfgang R. Schmitt ’66, P’91

Kent D. Stuckey ’79, P’23

Mark R. Thresher ’78, P’05

Alec Wightman H’22

Ben Hoeger ’07

Sadie Bartholomew Ingle ’07

Adele Knipp Klenk ’71

Deborah Banwart Lewis ’77

Matt Lofy ’08

Chris McCall ’04

Holly Schutz McFarland ’78, chair

Bryana Anderson Ross MBA’09, vice chair

Mitchell Snyder ’17

Monty Soungpradith ’96

Wesley Thorne ’96

Helene Mundrick Wirth ’99, MBA’03

Madison Moore ’20

Kaelin Nelson ’19

Madelyn Nelson ’23

Mariah Nevels ’19

Josh Plichta ’18

Kenzie Prickett ’24

Perry Reynolds ’15

Kim Roseler '16

Haylie Schmoll ’19

Elise Schneller ’22

Grant Seredick ’17, MSAH’19

Maria Slovikovski ’17

Olivia Smith ’22

Duncan Squillante ’21

Jessica Wenger ’17

Q & A with Sustaining Donors How Their Gifts Make a Big

Difference for Students

Director of Annual Giving Jordan Helphrey asked these loyal donors important questions about giving to Otterbein:

DEBORAH BANWART LEWIS ‘77

Q: Why did you choose to make your gift a recurring one?

A: Giving on a monthly basis allows me to make a larger gift over time.

Q: How is the process simplified?

A: Making a recurring donation is hands-free and I don’t have to remember to make my gift.

KATHLEEN RYAN

Q: How do you envision your support making a difference in the lives of our students?

A: So much learning occurs both inside and outside the classroom. I hope my monies can be used to fund some valuable extracurricular activities.

SPENCER GIFFORD '21

Q: What aspect of Otterbein's mission resonates with you the most?

A: I am a legacy student, so Otterbein was ‘promoted’ to me to go there; I liked being around Otterbein, where you can see that people have a real care for the university.

Q: Why did you choose to make your gift a recurring one?

A: It was simple and straightforward to sign up and I know how to make changes to my giving.

Your gifts can make a big difference!

Contact Jordan Helphrey at: 614.823.1472 or helphrey1@otterbein.edu

New Cardinal Competitors: Esports and Women’s Wrestling

The Otterbein Esports team launched its season with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Sept. 27. Members of the Otterbein community stopped by to explore the new arena inside The Point, while teams from Baldwin Wallace and Ohio Wesleyan joined to compete in Super Smash Brothers.

The Women’s Wrestling Team's inaugural season kicks off on Nov. 3 at the Tiffin Invitational in Tiffin, OH. Pictured above, top row (left to right): Assistant Coach Leilah Castro, Marvet Hejazin, Grace Murphy, Olivia DaLuz, Emily Caton, Madison Sheehan, and Associate Head Coach Chris Kline. Bottom row (left to right): Izzy Samczuk, Hailey Hatfield, Kellie Kennedy, Rylee Touhalisky, Raegan Briggs, and Olivia Shore.

Pictured left to right: Head Coach Nevin Horne, Chance Daniel, Ben Sommer, Nick Hyatt, Sam Bourdess, and Damon Aubrey.