Otterbein Towers Magazine Spring 2024

Campus Center: Phase One Complete

Phase Two: The Dining Experience

From the President.

Dear Alumni and Friends,

I’ve discovered the spot where the first shoots of green appear on campus. It always gives me hope that we’re almost through another long, gray Ohio winter. It’s also a reminder of renewal. The flowers grow back every year in this spot. They may grow a little differently, but they come back every year.

This is a reminder to me about life at Otterbein. Some things are constant, like Towers Hall. It’s always standing there. But like flowers that grow differently, the things that happen around Towers are also changing and evolving. Much like the news you’ll read about in this issue of Towers — some things are constant, and some things are evolving.

Faculty excellence.

• I know you’ll enjoy reading about some of our newest awardwinning professors who have been recognized by their peers and students (p. 8). I often hear stories from you about how one of your professors made all the difference. These faculty members are creative and impressive in how they are challenging and guiding our students.

• The tradition of sabbaticals is an idea rooted in renewal. Sabbaticals give faculty members time to focus their expertise and curiosity to test an idea, to create something new, to travel, or to enrich knowledge for their discipline or in new learning experiences for their students (p. 10). News of this kind of work will remind you why learning is different at Otterbein.

Student opportunity.

• Another Otterbein constant: our students. We’re always proud to recognize a small group of our graduating seniors. The Class of 2024 started here amidst a global pandemic, but they leave resilient and ready to do big things. Not only are they accomplished, they’ve benefitted from the scholarship support made possible by you (p. 14). I know I’m biased, but if you want to invest in doing something good for the future — you’ll never go wrong by investing in Otterbein students.

A more just society.

• Otterbein’s commitment to opportunity and equity was celebrated alongside the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. at our annual convocation. Shawn Harper, a former NFL athlete and our keynote speaker, challenged students to show leadership and courage in

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Michael R. McGreevey

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

Chloe Martin, Multimedia Designer

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

building the kind of community we all want (p. 6). As you’ll also read, Antioch University has joined Otterbein in the national work of serving as a Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Campus. I’m proud that Otterbein was the first school in Ohio to earn this designation in 2020.

You’ll also read about ways things are growing and changing that may look different than the past but are no less rooted in Otterbein values and traditions.

Renovations for the Campus Center.

• Plans for more renovations to the Campus Center are underway as Phase Two shifts our attention to the student dining experience on the second floor. While that means the space you remember will look different — the vision driving this work is to create a refreshed space that still brings students together. It’s a new dining program, a new flow, a new kitchen, and a new layout — but memories of students around the table laughing with friends or studying for class are still on the menu (p. 16).

The Coalition for the Common Good.

• Finally, we’re answering questions we know you have about Otterbein’s co-founding of the Coalition for the Common Good (p. 12). I’m eager to continue sharing more with you about why Otterbein is doing this, why Antioch University (not Antioch College) is the right partner, and how this allows us to focus on what Otterbein does best. We’ll keep on changing lives through a meaningful, residential undergraduate experience while our partner takes Otterbein graduate programs to a bigger audience of adult learners and professionals.

Spring is coming and I look forward to renewal and working together to grow all the possibilities that Otterbein inspires.

John L. Comerford, Ph.D.

Contributing Writers

Jefferson Blackburn-Smith, Gina M. Calcamuggio, Catie Duzzny ’21, MBA’23, Giselle Fead ’25, Jenny Hill ’05, Maggie Nicol ’25, Dan Steinberg, Dana Madden Viglietta ’96

Contributing Photographers

Catie Duzzny ’21, MBA’23, Stephen Grinch ’98, Jeffry Konczal, Chloe Martin, Hailey Owens, Samuel Walker

Digital Towers Editors

Gina M. Calcamuggio, Jenny Hill ’05

Digital Towers Design

Nilesh Sharma, German Vargas Ramos

President John Comerford with Shawn Harper, keynote speaker for the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation held on Jan. 17.

feature stories

A Healing Foundation

As the first Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Center in Ohio, Otterbein has spent the past four years working to change the narrative about race.

Teaching Excellence Spotlighted

Professors at Otterbein inspire their students through their professional journeys and mentorship.

for

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.

“Art can help open people’s eyes to what’s happening. Oftentimes people don’t want to listen, they don’t want to hear about the unfiltered truth that is going on, yet art doesn’t need one’s permission. The moment someone sees a piece of art, they are affected by it.”

– Phoebe Kraus ’26, (left) Studio Art major with Art History minor. Learn more on page 5.

Outstanding Seniors

Their first year was overshadowed by a pandemic, but the Class of 2024 is graduating with strength and resilience — and ready to take on the world.

Serving Up a New Dining Experience for Students

Phase Two of the Campus Center renovation will make the old-school “cafeteria” a thing of the past.

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.

magazine is printed by Freeport Press, New Philadelphia, Ohio.

2023-24 TEACHING AWARD WINNERS: Left to right: Provost and Senior Vice

President Wendy Sherman Heckler, Assistant Professor of Biology Bennett Grooms, Psychology Instructor Amy Karns, Associate Professor of Biology David Sheridan, Professor of Psychology Cynthia Laurie-Rose, President John Comerford. Read more on page 8.

PORTRAIT PROJECT

Around the ’Bein.

Signature Series Scholars Engage Audiences

Otterbein’s Signature Series packed the seats this spring, engaging audiences in discussions on some of the most relevant topics of the day.

What happens when the pharmaceutical drugs we take end up in wastewater? How do “forever chemicals” from consumer products end up in surface water? And what will we do about the emergence of “superbugs” that are resistant to treatment? Renowned environmental chemist Dr. Diana Aga answered those questions and more when she visited campus for the George W. and Mildred K. White Science Lecture Series

Aga is the Henry Woodburn Professor of Chemistry and a State University of New York (SUNY) Distinguished Professor at the University at Buffalo (UB). She also serves as the director of RENEW (Research and Education in eNergy, Environment and Water) Institute at UB.

On Feb. 21, Aga packed the seats at two special talks for STEM students before presenting her public lecture, “Free Drugs,” “Superbugs,” and “Forever Chemicals” in the Environment: Occurrence and Implications, that evening. Watch the lecture at otterbein.edu/sls.

On March 19, the Kathy A. Krendl Distinguished Lecture Series welcomed Lynn Pasquerella, president of the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), for a lecture about Educating for Democracy. Pasquerella is one of the country’s most prominent public voices and forceful advocates for the value of liberal education, the importance of access to resources and pathways, and the need for career training for jobs and citizen education for justice.

Her most recent book, What We Value: Public Health, Social Justice, and Educating for Democracy, examines urgent issues — moral distress, access to resources, and the conflict over whose voices and lives are privileged — and argues that liberal education is the best preparation for work, citizenship, and life. Pasquerella is a member of the board of directors for the Coalition for the Common Good and a pastpresident of Mount Holyoke College.

April is Minority Health Month, and to address the important issue of equity in the American healthcare system, Otterbein hosted Brian D. Smedley for the Vernon L. Pack ’50 Distinguished Lecture on April 4.

In addition to his public lecture, Place, Race, and Health: Addressing the Root Causes of Health Inequities, Smedley met with Otterbein students in public health, allied health, nursing, and other health-related majors to discuss what they can do as healthcare professionals to ensure equitable care for their patients.

Smedley is an equity scholar and senior fellow at the Urban Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, where he conducts research and policy analysis to address structural and institutional forms of racism that impact the health and well-being of people of color.

Learn more about the Signature Lecture Series at www.otterbein. edu/artscene/speakers

Lynn Pasquerella

Brian D. Smedley

Diana Aga

Global Scholars Continue Studies at Otterbein

Beginning in the fall of 2024, high school students who complete the Global Scholars Diploma program through the Columbus Council on World Affairs are eligible for a renewable $19,000 scholarship from Otterbein. Approximately 2,000 students from more than 20 school districts and private academies participate in the program, which develops globally competent students by building the awareness and skills needed to take action on global issues and to become responsible citizens of the world. Throughout the threeyear program, high school students communicate and

collaborate face-to-face with global community partners, businesses, civic leaders, and people of varying cultural backgrounds.

The Global Scholars Diploma is a not-for-profit, experiential learningbased program provided by the Columbus Council on World Affairs with the help of community partners, members, and sponsors. With the Global Scholars Diploma Scholarship, Otterbein not only recognizes the educational promise of students who participate in the program, but also makes it possible for students to attend a university and become part of a community that shares the values of the program. Compiled by

Mrs. Cochran

is going on an adventure!

Otterbein's portrait of our early 20th century benefactress Sarah B. Cochran left the Courtright Memorial Library on Feb. 12, 2024, to go on display at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. It is on loan for an exhibition celebrating women's history in western Pennsylvania, running from March until October of this year.

Learn more about this exhibit at: www.heinzhistorycenter.org.

Photo of the painting in its packing crate courtesy of Stephen Grinch '98, archivist, Otterbein University.

Provost Named to Columbus Women’s Commission

Provost and Senior Vice President Wendy Sherman Heckler has been named to the Columbus Women’s Commission by Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and First Lady Shannon Ginther. The Commission, first seated in January 2017, works to dismantle barriers and reduce gender- and race-based inequities to improve the economic position of women in our community.

“The Columbus Women’s Commission plays a vital role in advancing the strength and well-being of women across the city, from promoting pay equity to advocating for fair and just housing protections,” said First Lady Ginther. “Each of our new commissioners brings diverse experiences and expertise to the table, enabling us to continue serving the women of Columbus in 2024 and beyond.”

The Columbus Women’s Commission focuses on three areas that are key to women’s economic security in our community: gender equity in the workplace, affordable housing and evictions, and financial empowerment.

Esports and Women’s Wrestling Gearing Up for Fall

Two programs announced last summer have been hard at work recruiting students and preparing for competition starting fall 2024.

Nevin Horne, the inaugural director of Esports, said interest has been strong among current and prospective students. “I have had students who have recently been admitted into Otterbein already reach out to me to find out how they can be involved in the program and tell me what they want to do,” he said.

Additionally, more than two dozen current students expressed interest on the social media platform Discord, the first week it was available. Horne’s goal is to have 30 students signed up by the fall.

Chris Kline, Otterbein’s first head women’s wrestling coach, has seen a lot of interest for the first collegiate program in central Ohio and expects a strong team of recruits next fall. “We have been able to bring in over 25% of the high school senior women wrestlers in the state of Ohio for campus visits,” he said. “Otterbein hosted our first women’s wrestling prospect camp on campus in January and had 37 wrestlers attend.”

Learn more at: www.otterbeincardinals.com

Wendy Sherman Heckler, provost and senior vice president

Portrait Project Illustrates Immigrants’ Stories

Otterbein students mingled with immigrant high school students and their families, talking, laughing, and admiring paintings at a reception at the Taylor Lounge in the Campus Center. One high school student introduced her entourage to her teacher, stating, “This is my father, my mother, and my artist,” with a huge smile on her face.

When Pablo Chignolli, a Spanish teacher at Westerville Central High School, approached the Otterbein Department of Art and Art History with an idea to recognize cultural diversity at his school, Associate Professor Louise Captein answered the call. Chignolli, a native of Peru, wanted to create a way for WCHS students from across the world to tell their stories in a creative and supportive way.

Captein, a native of the Netherlands, organized a group of 10 Otterbein students who volunteered to paint portraits of these “New American” high school students during their free time. Each Otterbein student was paired with a high schooler to work through a weeks-long process that included multiple sketches, photos, and finally, paintings. While the Otterbein students were painting, the WCHS students were writing their memoirs.

“It just reminds you how everyone has a story. Everyone is unique and has their own experiences and they may be completely different from your own. But at heart, we are all still alike — we are all

still human and want our voices to be heard.”

— Alina Baer ’25, (above) Art and Journalism and Media Communication double major

On Jan. 16, the portraits debuted with a monthlong interactive exhibition that included QR codes linked to the memoirs and a video about the project. Chignolli compiled the memoirs and art into a book available online, THE ONES AMONG US: Memoirs of Culturally Diverse High School Students in America.

Reflecting on the project, the Otterbein students said they gained more than new art skills from the experience, they gained new insights and perspectives.

“There is not a lot of representation in the media of immigrant people. Being able to see yourself in art is a way to boost selfesteem and confidence. When you see beautiful photographs or paintings of people you want to look for yourself in them.”

— Sarah Farmer ’24, (left) BFA major with a Painting concentration and Art History minor

Westerville Central High School students with Otterbein student portrait artists at reception held at Otterbein on Jan. 16, 2024.

Pablo Chignolli (left) with Louise Captein (right)

Building a Foundation for

e a l i ng

BY DAN STEINBERG

When Otterbein was selected by the American Association for Independent Colleges and Universities in 2020 as the first university in Ohio to host a Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Center, it challenged its community to begin the difficult work ahead.

Since then, the TRHT program has trained facilitators, hosted Racial Healing Circles and other programs, and completed an oral history project. Four student fellows, working with faculty mentors, recorded interviews with alumni of color about their Otterbein experiences. The Otterbein University Alumni of Color Oral History Project embodies the “Truth” component of TRHT in seeking to look honestly at the ways educational institutions have embodied racial hierarchy. The goal of the project was to assemble the fullest, most honest account of Otterbein’s history, because understanding its history is necessary in order to dismantle racial hierarchy and transform the culture of its campus and community.

Selethia Benn

serve even more people through collaboration.

On Jan. 16, 2024, the joint team held a day of coordinated conversations online, reaching 100 participants in Ohio and at Antioch’s campuses in Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Seattle, and Keene, New Hampshire.

“We held an all-day TRHT event in honor of the seventh National Day of Racial Healing that incorporated a number of faculty, staff and students participating in Racial Healing Circles from both Otterbein and Antioch,” said Otterbein’s Chief Diversity Officer Frank Dobson Jr., Ph.D. “That was a great 2024 starting point for more TRHT-related programming in collaboration with Antioch.”

Racial Healing Circles are discussions that allow participants to work toward equity and inclusion. The Coalition held Racial Healing Circles from morning to evening, scheduled to accommodate everyone who wished to participate regardless of their location.

Last summer, Otterbein’s co-founding partner in the Coalition for the Common Good, Antioch University, was named a TRHT Campus Center. With that addition, Otterbein’s TRHT team saw an opportunity to

“This experience allows community members to listen for understanding. In addition, healing circles — a form of restorative practice — serve as a safe space where individuals can freely express their emotions, fostering connection, empathy, and understanding among participants,” said Dobson.

“Racial Healing Circles serve as the foundational work to build upon Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging,” added Lemuel Watson, Ed.D., Antioch’s senior associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and vice provost for community engagement.

Selethia Benn, Ed.S., director of Otterbein’s Office of Social Justice and Activism, has worked extensively to plan programming around issues of TRHT, including Otterbein’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation.

This year’s convocation featured Shawn Harper, a former NFL offensive lineman and motivational speaker. Harper invites individuals to find their own purpose as they fulfill a calling to serve others.

“My encouragement for you today is to pick up the baton ... and lead this community with courage,” Harper told the campus community, holding up a baton to emphasize the importance of his sentiment. “I will not go with the flow. I will fight injustices and be a superhero. The darker the night, the brighter the light.”

Harper’s passion for helping others is a reflection of King’s legacy.

The 2024 Pack Scholar-in-Residence, Brian Smedley, also has connections to upcoming TRHT programming. April is National Minority Health Month, which coincides with the visit of Smedley, an equity scholar and senior fellow at the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C. He has studied unconscious bias and stereotyping among healthcare providers in the U.S., which lead to lower quality of care for patients of color.

“Pick up the baton and

continuing to explore these and other issues of social injustice independently and collabo ratively with Antioch University through Otterbein’s TRHT programs and initiatives, continuing the Uni versity’s rich history of confronting issues of equity dating back to its earliest days.

and Antioch University’s shared commitment to education for a more just society — including building and preserving democracy. “College campuses serve as the ideal setting for students to develop skills and connect with others from diverse backgrounds. Through active listening and understanding, students can create meaningful relationships and foster a sense of community that promotes healing and growth.”

At Otterbein University, where personal attention and mentorship is key, supportive instructors are preparing the next generation of scientists, teachers, leaders, and professionals to tackle the toughest issues with creativity and critical thinking. Through their own professional journeys, professors are showing students how to ask the right questions, look for the right answers, and work together to generate change — they are inspiring students to explore new ideas and build a better world.

National Fellow Inspires Students to Believe in Themselves

Chemistry Professor JOHN TANSEY, director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Program, has been named a fellow of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). His laboratory examines the role the PAT proteins play in lipid storage and disease — and the work is conducted by undergraduates under his guidance.

How would you describe your teaching style?

My teaching style is interactive. I like to ask students a lot of questions that get them to think. Biochemistry can seem like a list of hundreds of things to memorize, but finding patterns and recognizing how life uses and reuses these patterns is essential to success. I also like teaching in the laboratory. I’ve had nearly 50 students conduct longer-term research projects with me and I’m very proud of them and their accomplishments.

Tansey is the faculty adviser of the ASBMB student chapter at Otterbein, which won the Outstanding Chapter Award in 2023, 2018, 2014, and 2012 – more times than any other school.

How do you inspire your students to achieve their goals?

I think the main thing that students need to know is that while they may have lofty goals, they are attainable if they have a plan and work towards it. Advising students is key. Becoming a scientist, physician, veterinarian, or just about anything in life doesn’t happen overnight. There are many steps along the way. We help scaffold many of those experiences they need for success. It’s also important that people know they have someone in their corner. We believe in our students and their dreams. Sometimes it’s a case of getting them to believe in themselves.

How has your involvement with ASBMB helped you grow professionally?

My involvement in ASBMB has helped me develop a network of educators and scientists that has kept me on top of scientific advancements as well as shifts in teaching philosophy and pedagogy. My network has provided collaborators, but also access to experts who I can rely on if I have a question in the lab or classroom.

TEACHING AWARDS

Each year, Otterbein honors outstanding teachers for their impact on their students, colleagues, and the University. These dynamic and dedicated full- and part-time faculty contribute so much to the Otterbein community both in and outside the classroom. They help students find their calling and grow as young professionals; celebrate their colleagues’ achievements; and show their support for the staff who are often working behind-the-scenes.

New Teacher of the Year

BENNETT GROOMS

Assistant Professor of Biology

“When I teach a course, I view it as an opportunity to connect with future peers and colleagues. My teaching style is very discussion- and application-based. I focus on providing students opportunities to take what they have learned and use that knowledge in real-world scenarios tied to their career interests. I want my class to be a space of mutual learning, where I ask questions and have conversations to guide students into new areas of thought.”

Teacher of the Year

DAVID

SHERIDAN Associate Professor of Biology

“One thing I want my students to take from my classes is to be inquisitive and always keep learning. I always learn something new every time I teach a course.”

“Sheridan made his animal systems physiology class especially interesting and engaging by using a variety of teaching methods to discuss a normal and diseased state. He described asthma, gave a demonstration, and then had students simulate the experience by providing small straws to breathe through. It was obvious that he held the interest of all students in the classroom.” — from nomination

Excellence in Part-Time Teaching

AMY KARNS Psychology Instructor

“Teaching is more than the simple transfer of knowledge from one individual or group to the next. As a classroom leader, it’s my job to create a learning environment in which students belong — feeling valued and respected. A sense of classroom community is crucial to form a safe learning environment where students may consider other perspectives with growth, empathy, and kindness.”

“Dr. Grooms is most likely one of the best things to have happened to the Zoo and Conservation program just because he is so passionate about what he is teaching. His attitude and devotion to animal work is contagious and makes me want to be a better student.” — from student course evaluation

“I would advise any student, psychology or not, to take this course because it really solidified my understanding of the topic of development, and it was a very fun and interactive course!” — from student course evaluation

Exemplary Teaching Award, United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education

CYNTHIA LAURIE-ROSE Professor of Psychology

“I’m inspired by seeing the satisfaction on students’ faces when they have worked through a complex set of ideas, and they suddenly show understanding. I can see the students gain confidence in that moment and I know that they will begin to trust their ability to understand concepts or complete tasks that they may have previously felt were too difficult.”

“It is staggering how dedicated she is to this high-impact practice of experiential learning. She does this work because research is essential for our students who wish to pursue graduate study, and Cindy wants to support them in that endeavor.” — from nomination

SABBATICALS

Sabbaticals can be a powerful tool in a professor’s toolbox. These semester-long leaves from campus are far from a vacation; they are a chance for professors to focus on research and creative work, develop new courses or programs, and acquire additional professional credentials and skills. When professors return from sabbaticals, they bring fresh ideas and concepts to share with their students.

PATRICIA FRICK Professor, Department of English

Frick’s spring 2021 sabbatical focused on 19th-century British women's travel writings, particularly the travel chronicles of the proto-feminist and polymath, Maria Graham (1785-1842).

I presented five scholarly papers on various aspects of Maria Graham's travel journals at national and international conferences (virtually). I also created a new course for the English Department on women's travel writing entitled "Wanderlust," which debuted in Spring 2023.

Another very exciting but unexpected outcome of my sabbatical was an interdisciplinary project that I co-curated with Janice Glowski, director of the Frank Museum of Art and galleries.

The project, Lands Real and Imagined, invited five contemporary women artists from each of the countries represented in Graham's journals to respond to her writings through original works of art. My sabbatical research project and the exhibition made their debut in Otterbein's Fisher Gallery in spring 2022. Then, to commemorate the 200-year anniversary of Graham's arrival in Chile, we were invited to take the project to Chile in June 2023, where the exhibition was presented, along with gallery talks and my research, at three distinguished museums in Valparaiso: the Museo Baburizza, the Museo del Grabado, and the Art Collective Casaplan. Building on this success, we have been invited to India in December 2024 to share the exhibition in several locations throughout India.

I think sabbaticals help our students understand the excitement underlying good research and why faculty love what we do. When we can share our passion for learning with them, it really makes a classroom sing! I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to "travel" with Maria Graham during the pandemic.

See more at https://otterbein.libguides.com/doors21

GRACE MCDANIEL Assistant Professor, Department of Education

McDaniel’s spring 2022 sabbatical focused on research and scholarly activities aimed at implementing a culturally responsive teaching framework in teacher education. As part of her work, she developed and co-facilitated educators of color teacher candidate networks across the state of Ohio.

I was able to pull from my research findings to create prompts, activities, and readings to facilitate the Teachers of Color Statewide Network . Otterbein education candidates of color have an opportunity to engage with other students, administrators, and educators across the state of Ohio.

There is a direct correlation between my revised syllabus and how I have incorporated culturally responsive approaches that meet the needs of my diverse students. Revising course readings, addressing cultural needs, supporting student stories, and allowing space for healing are just a few of the approaches that have been highlighted in my courses.

SABBATICALS

MICHAEL HOGGARTH Professor, Department of Biology and Earth Science

For his fall 2023 sabbatical, Hoggarth researched ecology and life history of freshwater mussels and water resource integrity (water quality, aquatic habitat quality, and biodiversity).

I have been re-sampling mussel communities in Ohio's Scenic Rivers that were originally sampled 30-40 years ago by myself and colleagues. Over the past several years, my students and I have sampled the mussel communities of the Little Miami River and the Olentangy River. The Stillwater River and Greenville Creek were only systematically sampled once before (over 25 years prior) by my colleague who had recently passed away, and I wanted to honor his initial survey and see if the dismal report he gave remained. The mussel fauna in both Greenville Creek and the Stillwater River is amazing today with increased number of individuals, expanding biodiversity, and the occurrence of rare species. A paper describing the remarkable comeback has been submitted and is in review.

Over the years I have used what I gained from my sabbaticals to inform my own teaching and to provide examples of a point I was trying to make in lecture or lab. I have included numerous students as research assistants working with me on projects that were either part of the sabbatical or resulted from work done on a sabbatical. Some of these students were co-authors on papers and/or abstracts given at scientific conferences. All of them gained experiences they would never have gotten from a textbook. And I am just one faculty member who does this at Otterbein. It is an enriching experience for the faculty and for our entire community.

MICHAEL HUDOB A Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Engineering, Computer Science, and Physics

In fall 2023, Hudoba began the development of a prep course for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam to be offered over summer to Engineering graduates in central Ohio. The FE exam is the first step engineering graduates can take towards earning their Professional Engineer license.

There are no longer any in-person prep courses for the FE exam offered locally. There are a lot of online options available, but the pandemic taught us that many students prefer the in-person learning experience. I thought this would be a great benefit for our Engineering students interested in taking the exam and help expand the reach and grow the reputation of Otterbein Engineering.

One unexpected outcome was that it gave me an opportunity to reexamine the content of my Otterbein Engineering courses. The FE exam is basically a collection of the expected knowledge of an engineering graduate. Studying those expectations has afforded me the opportunity to adjust my classes — adding content in some areas, removing in others.

for the Common Good

FAQs

By Jefferson R. Blackburn-Smith

Executive Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, Otterbein University, and Vice President for Communications, Coalition for the Common Good

Since Otterbein announced the creation of the Coalition for the Common Good (CCG) in August 2023, we have heard many positive comments, especially from the central Ohio business community, and a few questions and concerns. We’ve pulled together some of the most common questions to answer here. Before I jump into the Q&A, however, I want to address a few of the really wild rumors that we have heard as well.

It is important to understand that the CCG leadership isn’t reaping benefits through the creation of the system. All the CCG leaders, drawn from the leadership teams of Otterbein and Antioch Universities, serve as volunteers. No one is paid a salary or a bonus or any remuneration for their role in the CCG. Also, no faculty or staff positions have been eliminated as a result of the

Coalition and no academic programs are being discontinued. The Coalition for the Common Good has been created to generate enrollment growth for both co-founding institutions and for future members. Now let’s get to the questions.

Why is Otterbein doing this?

Higher education is at a crossroads. The public is losing confidence in higher education, both due to concerns about rising costs and a national media that thinks the 100 most competitive universities accurately represent higher ed in America. The pool of traditional age (18- to 22-year-old) students is rapidly declining, but the number of colleges is not; Ohio has 194 approved higher education institutions. The solution to not having enough traditional age undergraduates is to focus on adult and graduate learners, however Otterbein is structured to best serve traditional

The Coalition is truly something new.

A national system, unbound by geography, increasing access to a life-changing education.

undergraduates. Enrollment growth becomes possible through our work with Antioch and the Coalition.

The Coalition is truly something new. A national system, unbound by geography. The first system to align around a cause, increasing access to a life-changing education. The CCG will allow Otterbein to expand our excellent Graduate Nursing and Health and Sport Sciences programs to learners in California, Washington, and on the East Coast. It brings new academic programs to central Ohio, like Antioch’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program that helps to meet the growing need for qualified counselors in Ohio and provides additional mental health resources to our undergraduate students.

Another benefit presented by the CCG is the opportunity to use the resources and faculty expertise of two universities to meet the workforce development needs of central Ohio employers. The CCG can directly assess the needs of employers and respond with certificates and stackable credentials, undergraduate degree completion and advanced degree opportunities that can be offered in modalities that meet the needs of both the employer and their employees.

Additionally, all Otterbein alumni, faculty and staff receive a 15% discount

on tuition when they enroll in an Antioch University graduate program.

Why did you select Antioch University as your partner?

Antioch University helped develop the “university without walls” model of graduate and adult learner education, with expertise in offering classes as lowresidency, in person, or online. With campuses in California, Washington, Ohio, and New Hampshire, Antioch has a national footprint. Because of the complimentary nature of our curriculum – only the Master of Business Administration and Master of Education are offered by both schools — the CCG immediately offers enrollment growth opportunities as we bring existing programs to new markets.

It has been amazing to watch how the Otterbein and Antioch faculty have come together to plan for these growth opportunities. The faculty have shown deep appreciation of the expertise that their new colleagues are bringing to the work we do. The enthusiasm has been incredible to see.

Why is Otterbein getting rid of its graduate programs?

By moving our graduate programs to the Coalition to be operated by Antioch University,

Otterbein will be able to focus on the thing we do best: providing a lifechanging education to traditional-age undergraduate students. As mentioned above, this move allows Otterbein’s highly regarded graduate programs to serve students across the country rather than just in central Ohio. It is a mistake to think of these program transfers as “getting rid of” our graduate programs. The curriculum for Otterbein programs will remain the curriculum after the programs transfer. Otterbein faculty are likely to continue to teach in the programs after they transition, and in fact several Otterbein faculty members are joining Antioch University to run the programs once they transfer.

Antioch is investing in a new Graduate School of Nursing and Health Professions in order to offer these programs. They are also undergoing review by the Ohio Department of Higher Education and our accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, as well as any specialized accreditation required to offer these programs. The academic rigor of the existing programs will be maintained once they are transferred to Antioch. The alumni of our graduate programs will soon be able to call new alumni of these programs across the nation “friends.”

Investing

in Their

Olive Schnittker was set on medical school until they fell in love with organic chemistry. Their love of research followed during the summer between their sophomore and junior year. “If I wouldn’t have had the chance to do research, I wouldn’t have been able to discover what I want to do with the rest of my life.” Schnittker knows research is the focus of their future. “I’m extremely grateful for our donors, their support, and the awards that made it possible for me to do research.” They are the first member in their immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree and an advanced degree in the sciences.

OLIVE SCHNITTKER ’24, Chemistry and Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology double major Schnittker has already been accepted to four graduate school programs. They are deciding between a master’s degree or doctorate degree pathway with long term plans to join research and development industry work in medicinal or pharmaceutical chemistry. (Pronouns they/them)

These scholars have bright futures. Each admits to feeling a little overwhelmed right now, but mainly they’re just excited about the future. They’ll tell you their hopes to better their communities and to make a difference in their professions. Each will also explain how the support of donors helped them discover their passions at Otterbein and how that has made all the difference.

Congratulations to the Class of 2024!

“My work with the New Student Transition Team ignited a spark in me to help introduce others to the potential they may not see in themselves.” Angel Proehl said she’ll miss the relationships she established here. “They saw something in me. It meant a lot to know the staff had faith in me.” An advocate herself, Proehl also works to make sure more students know about Otterbein’s Opportunity Scholarship.

ANGEL PROEHL ’24, Criminology and Justice Studies and Psychology double major

Olive

Proehl will begin work on a master’s degree in Social Work at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. She plans to spend her career advocating for children in foster care and adoption services. (Pronouns she/her)

Angel

Future

Lily

Scholars and Scholarships are a bright pairing for these seniors from the

Class of 2024.

Lily Cowie says her Otterbein professors were spectacular. “They make me want to keep on learning.” She plans to work in a research position while she decides which graduate psychology program to pursue. Cowie also said were it not for all the scholarship support, she likely wouldn’t be here. “Thanks to our donors, I had an incredible experience.”

LILY COWIE ’24, Psychology and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies double major

In addition to her studies, Cowie is a trained and certified SARNCO –OhioHealth Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio Advocate and a Coordinated Community Response Team Member. She proudly served as the president of the Psi-Chi Honor Society and as co-president of Tri-Iota Honor Society. (Pronouns she/her)

“The experiences I’ve had really make you think how science rotates the world in a new direction. It’s enlightening to be around people who share the same goals.” Last year, Mason Nolan was inducted into the national honor society of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. This year, he’s in medical school. "I want to thank donors for giving us experiences, professional opportunities, and the chance to see things we ordinarily wouldn’t be able to see.”

MASON NOLAN ’24, Biochemistry

As part of the Early Assurance Program, Nolan will be finishing his first year of medical school at Ohio University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine around the same time he graduates from Otterbein. His 3+4 pathway is giving him an amazing experience and an early start on medical school. (Pronouns he/him)

Did you know?

626+ individual endowed scholarships = $1.4 million

Otterbein works to match students with scholarships that support individual educational goals.

> Read more on the impact of giving to Otterbein on page 21.

“There is nothing better than the smile of an athlete after their first game back following an injury,” Conner Ruff said. “It’s very gratifying.” Ruff’s proud of the work he’s done on his clinical rotations in area high schools and with Otterbein’s trainers. “I want to thank the donors for giving me the opportunity to do what I love. Without their support, I wouldn’t be here.”

Ruff will continue his studies at Otterbein to complete his master’s degree in Athletic Training. He hopes to return to his hometown to support his school’s athletic trainer who he regards as a vital role model. (Pronouns he/him)

The gift that continues ...

“Fourteen years ago, my family and I came to the United States as refugees from Nepal where we were living in refugee camps. All we had were some clothes and photographs. It feels unreal that I went from no hopes of finishing college to now having graduated with two majors. Today I am in my dream job. Donors don’t know how impactful they can be. Not only have they given me a life, they’ve given my family a life.”

BHAWANA

KHATIWADA ’23, Computer Science and Communication

Khatiwada graduated a year early. She is an IT programmer analyst at Denison University in her dream job. She says without Otterbein’s support she wouldn’t be where she is today. (Pronouns she/her)

CONNER RUFF ’24, Athletic Training

Mason

Conner

Bhawana

What’s ON THE enu?

Dishing up a NEW DINING EXPERIENCE for students

With Phase One complete, the modernization of the Campus Center continues. Up next: Phase Two and a new dining experience for Cardinals.

“We’re looking to make big changes to the dining experience – from the dining space to the kitchen layout and program offerings,” said Bill Fox, vice president for student affairs and Otterbein lead on this project. “We are exploring what we can do to make the Campus Center and the dining experience more inviting, more modern, and certainly a more meaningful space for our students and our community to dine, connect, relax, study, and make memories.”

An 18-member committee, which includes student leaders and Otterbein staff as well as external project architects and collaborators, meets regularly to share ideas and concerns and discuss.

Some of the biggest changes on tap include creating a new open-concept dining experience with multiple stations featuring a variety of food options along with a complete overhaul to the dining room. “Whether it’s the memories students make around a big table or a quiet place to study in between classes, we want this space to be a destination for our students and campus,” Fox said.

Fox said the goal is have a new dining experience ready for full use by January of 2025.

The Dining Room Experience

• Phase Two focuses in on 9,500-square feet of the Campus Center to create an open, welcoming university destination to bring Cardinals together.

• Fostering connection and community, the space will be flexible in its configurations to ensure a sense of comfort whether hosting a small group or a full-capacity event.

• A re-imagined 1847 Dining Room will offer unique space to accommodate from 12 to 40 people and enhanced event synergy in space that adjoins the Taylor Lounge.

The Flow

• As important for efficiencies and reduced lines, the use of food stations will also allow students the chance to see the variety of what’s offered.

• A variety of fixtures and furniture will create space that is aesthetically pleasing and warm while also meeting student use of space whether loud and happy meals with friends around a big table or a smaller table for quiet studying.

• Grab and go features will respond to student preferences and schedules.

Nutrition and Clean Dining Options

• Just as modernized space enhances efficiencies, it will reinvigorate the approach to student well-being.

• Awareness to food sensitivities translates to amplified attention to food preparation, selection, and quality to mind dietary and allergen considerations as well as cultural sensitivities.

Back of House

• The modernization of space will increase energy efficiencies and improve sustainability with improved building systems and new equipment.

• The kitchen staff experience will be

enhanced to further contribute to an improved student dining experience.

Blaine Bishop ̓25, a senator for Student Government and member of its Dining Advisory Board, said he’s excited about the improved nutritional visibility. “A clear listing of ingredients will take out a lot of the guesswork for students,” he said. Bishop said students are also looking forward to the updated facilities. “It’s all going to feel comfortable and more home-like.”

SHOWCASE YOUR OTTERBEIN LEGACY FAMILY

As part of Phase Two, we’re creating a unique opportunity to showcase our Otterbein Legacy Families by giving these multi-generational families an opportunity to make a lasting impact. For more information, please contact Stephanie Clark, senior director of development, at clark35@otterbein.edu or 614.823.1953.

“ Every design question, every hope or idea for the new spaces, and every bit of investment is intended to improve the experience of our current and future students.”

– Bill Fox, vice president for student affairs

Philanthropy in Action

The Otterbein Fund: New Ways to Support Your Passion!

Otterbein is now offering donors a new way to support the University. To be more responsive to the philanthropic passions of our donors, we have introduced new giving areas within our annual giving program.

You can now support the Otterbein Fund through these specific areas:

• ACADEMICS

Support for this fund provides the academic programs at Otterbein with resources to enhance the learning experience for our students.

• STUDENT LIFE

Support for this fund ensures that all students have a positive campus experience with access to essential services and facilities, leadership opportunities, and extracurricular activities that enhance their time as a student.

• ATHLETICS

Support for this fund gives all students – regardless of whether they compete in sanctioned athletic programs or participate in club and recreational activities – access to safe, clean, and state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and programming.

• SCHOLARSHIPS

Support for this fund makes it possible for the University to enhance student financial aid packages that can make a critical difference in a student’s ability to attend Otterbein.

• SPECIFIC ACADEMIC DIVISIONS OR KEY PROGRAMS

Support for academic divisions or key programs allows donors to give broadly to areas such as STEM education, arts and humanities, etc., or key programs that the University has identified for support.

No matter which fund(s) you support, all gifts make a difference for Otterbein students and community. Support your passions at www.otterbein.edu/give and make your selections under the “Designation” field. Thank you!

New Faces in Institutional Advancement

We’re extending a warm welcome to our newest team members.

These new colleagues are here to assist with development, events and conferences, and look forward to serving the needs of the campus, and our donors.

You can learn more about these new colleagues at www.otterbein.edu/ giving/contact-us.

Stephanie Bencic Gift Administrator and Bio Records Specialist

Kristen Pellington Wojdyla ’16 Director of Events and Conferences

Amy Griffith ’05 Strategy and Research Analyst

Taylor Shimp ’25 Graduate Assistant, Events and Conferences

Shannah Paddock Director of Development

Denise Walker Director of Grants and Sponsored Programs

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

Otterbein Trustee David W. Fisher ’75 and his wife, Beth J. Fisher P’11, made a generous gift of $10,000 to support the Otterbein Fund, which benefits the areas of greatest need at the University.

Robert “Bob” Weiler Sr., community activist and chairman of the Robert Weiler Company, made a generous pledge of $25,000 to establish the Weiler Family Fund for Student Success. This new fund will support students who are actively engaged in the multicultural community at Otterbein and who have applied for assistance.

Board of Trustees Chair Cheryl L. Herbert generously gifted $13,000 to benefit the Golf Team, the Student Emergency Fund, and the Otterbein Fund.

Deborah Ewell Currin ’67 and William A. Currin ’67 have given a generous gift to support the Otterbein Fund, the unrestricted fund that benefits all areas of campus.

Through a generous $25,000 gift, Larry A. Kantner ’60 and Dr. Carl W. Morris created the Kantner/Morris Art Scholarship in 2021 for talented students pursuing a degree in fine art (studio and/or art education). Inspired by his art professors Lillian Frank and Earl Hassenpflug, Kantner went on to become a lifelong art educator who taught at Indiana University and the University of Missouri before his retirement in 2003. He also received an Otterbein Special Achievement Award in 2010.

Otterbein received a generous gift from Betty Neff and Roger H. Neff P’83, P’85 to further support the Roger H. and Betty A. Neff Endowed Scholarship, which they established in 2005 to provide support for undergraduate students with a preference for those pursuing international studies or studies that reflect a global perspective.

In support of the Class of 1973

Endowed Scholarship, Frank S. Bright ’73 honored his late wife, Linda Newlun Bright ’73, with a generous gift inspired by their 50th Golden Reunion in 2023. In his gift commitment to Otterbein, Frank noted, “she would have wanted to do this as much as I do. Thank you!” Frank also volunteered his time to serve on the Class of 1973 Legacy Reunion Committee.

Clara Liesmann Warren ’50 supported the Otterbein Fund and her family’s named endowed fund with a generous gift. Clara, the first in her family to earn a college

degree (followed  by her sister Anne ’54), established the Clara Liesmann Warren ’50 and Anne Liesmann Clare ’54 Endowed Scholarship in 2021.  Knowing that tuition can be a barrier for many bright and capable students, she was inspired to help future students.

Cardinal Couple and loyal donors

Pamela Hudson Dominici ’68 and Robert Dominici ’67 continued their impactful support of the Otterbein Fund with a $10,000 gift recently.

Pamela Hudson Dominici ’68 and Robert Dominici ’67

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

Mark Plaumann P’22 and Marilyn Wilson P’22, parents of graduate Mason Plaumann ’22, recently gave a benevolent $15,000 gift for their named fund to support the Equine program and the Otterbein Fund

Nadine Loop Vernon ’72 recently gave a generous second $25,000 gift to the Nadine ’72, Paulette ’60, and Clarence Loop Family Scholarship endowment. Her mother, Paulette Loop, began working at Otterbein in 1958, becoming a professor and teaching her native language, French, for more than 30 years. Paulette also encouraged students to further their language skills through study abroad opportunities in Strasbourg and Dijon, France, and beyond.

The Hargis Family Foundation recently made an additional $50,000 investment in the Otterbein READY program. Gretchen Freeman Hargis ’77 and Jonathan R. Hargis ’79, were pleased to support the launch of this initiative with their first ever donation from the family foundation in 2021.

The Roush Family Foundation made a gift of $50,000 to be allocated to the Campus Center Gift Fund as part of a very generous $250,000 pledge toward the renovation of our Campus Center.

Marsha Scanlin ’74 has continued her meaningful support of the Rice Family Endowed Scholarship in Nursing as well as the Otterbein Fund. Scanlinʼs class will celebrate its Golden 50th Reunion this year at Homecoming and Family Weekend!

Evelyn Bender Vance ’51, P’80 gifted an impactful donation to support scholarships in the areas of science and education for future Otterbein students. Both Evelyn and her late husband, Robert Vance ’49 (son of former Otterbein President Floyd Vance, Class of 1916), are members of legacy families, with multiple generations of graduates at the University.

Continuing her support of Otterbein for nearly 40 years, Grace Rohrer Rymer ’48 recently supported the Otterbein Fund, helping the University with its areas of greatest need.

Nursing emerita faculty member Mary Ann Bradford Burnam H’19 and her husband, Paul Burnam, have donated an additional generous gift to support the Dr. Mary Ann Bradford Burnam H’19 and Paul Burnam Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship, established in 2022. In addition, the couple are loyal supporters of the Lifelong Learning Community and LLC Scholars Program at Otterbein.

Alan R. Goff ’75 and Coral Harris H’23, generously supported The Promise House, The Lifelong Learning Community Scholars Award, The Lifelong Learning Community at Otterbein Endowed Program Fund, Library DEIB Fund, and the Friends of the Library Fund

Jae Ellen Benson Van Wey ’71, P’99 and Nathan Van Wey ’72, P’99 honored Otterbein initiatives with gifts that will benefit the track program, The Promise House, and the Otterbein Fund

Grants, Corporate, and Foundation Support

Grants help to provide essential funding for new programs, research, and other areas that directly impact our students at Otterbein. Our faculty and staff have recently been awarded grants from several organizations, including those listed below.

Department of Justice: Office of Violence Against Women

Sexual Violence Prevention in Central Ohio: Interrupting Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus, Continuation Grant

AMOUNT: $400,000

Otterbein, in collaboration with Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO) and

the Westerville Division of Police will continue to provide multiple approaches to combat domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking on campus. The grant continues funding for educational programming for students, and faculty and staff training on reporting requirements and victim-centered response protocols.

State Library of Ohio

Sensory Friendly Study Rooms

AMOUNT: $30,228

The Courtright Memorial Library has been awarded a grant to support the creation of three additional private study spaces that will include helpful items to offer additional support to students with sensory issues.

Your Giving Has Impact at Otterbein

MORE THAN 2,000 alumni, families, and friends make gifts to support Otterbein each year.

THE OTTERBEIN FUND provides nearly

$1 million in support each year to:

The generosity of our donors allows us to offer more than $2.6 million in endowed scholarship support annually, making an Otterbein education accessible and affordable for current and future students.

• Fund students pursuing their educational dreams and goals.

• Ensure that our campus is beautiful and safe.

• Support our faculty.

$3.3 million of Otterbein’s annual operating budget is funded by the University’s endowment, which currently stands at just over $118 million.

532 individual funds make up Otterbein’s endowment, many were established by a generous donor or group of donors who desired to make a difference for students in perpetuity.

FEATURED FUND: Dr. Shirine Tabatabai Mafi Student Emergency Fund

The Dr. Shirine Tabatabai Mafi Student Emergency Fund is dedicated to supporting Otterbein students facing unforeseen financial crises, and can be a lifeline for students in need, helping them overcome unexpected hurdles and continue their educational journey uninterrupted. Dr. Shirine Mafi taught in the Department of Business, Accounting, and Economics for 34 years, retiring in 2020.

If you would like to support Mafi’s fund, please visit www.otterbein.edu/giving and:

• Select “Make a Gift.”

• Under the “Designation” field, select “Other.”

• Input “Shirine Mafi Fund” and complete the rest of the giving form.

Ohio Department of Higher Education Mental Health Support

AMOUNT: $122,476

This funding will allow Otterbein to expand student mental health services by renovating the campus-based health clinic into a new counseling clinic. The renovation of space will allow for expanded staffing offered through our partnership with Antioch University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling faculty and graduate students. The facility renovation will create therapeutic spaces suitable for one-on-one and group meetings.

Martha Holden Jennings Foundation

NExT

Hub Year Four

AMOUNT: $35,900

Through connections with other community partners, NExT Hub connects teachers with other like-minded educators in the purpose of wellness and community. In this fourth year, the program continues to offer hallmark programs, such as professional development networks for educators, classroom exchanges, and Beyond the Book Clubs.

Mark Your Calendar for Homecoming & Family Weekend!

Save the date to come back to the “nest” for every Cardinal’s favorite weekend on campus! This year’s celebration will feature many of your favorite events and more, including:

• Class of 1974 Golden 50th Reunion.

• Class of 1999 25th Reunion.

• Alumni Awards and President’s State of the University Address.

• Homecoming Parade, OtterFest, Cardy Zone, and Cardinals Football.

Make sure you have the latest Homecoming details by updating your email at: www.otterbein.edu/ alumni/update-my-information

Homecoming & Family Weekend WORD SEARCH

Puzzle Word List:

The first five readers to send us your completed Word Search will receive Otterbein swag bags! Send to: Otterbein Office of Engagement, ATTN: Alumni Office, 1 S. Grove St., Westerville, OH 43081. *Be sure to include your address!

CARDINAL SURVEY:

Share Your Thoughts

To better serve our alumni, families, and community, the Otterbein Office of Engagement is conducting a 2024 Cardinal Survey

The survey is open to all Otterbein community members and contains questions about your Otterbein experiences, your feelings about the University, and more.

The survey will be open through early May.

You can share your feedback at: www.otterbein.edu/alumni/cardinalsurvey.

Join an Affinity Group

Are you looking for a new way to get involved with Otterbein? Consider joining one of these affinity groups!

• The Otterbein “O” Club has supported Otterbein University’s athletic program by contributing to capital campaigns and special projects since 1955.

Learn more at: www.Otterbeinoclub.com

• The Westerville Otterbein Women’s Club was founded in 1921 to raise funds for Otterbein and its students. It runs the Thrift Shop on campus at 177 W. Park St.

Learn more at: www.otterbein.edu/thrift-shop

• Founded in 1996, the Friends of Courtright Memorial Library supports the library and its constituents through events and fundraising.

Learn more at: otterbein.libguides.com/friends

Alumni Memories

Cardinals Connect on the West Coast

Alumni and friends in the Los Angeles area gathered in early March to network and hear an update from President Comerford at the Antioch University LA campus.

Next stop: Seattle in June 2024.

Visit our events page to let us know you’re interested in joining us in Seattle at www.otterbein.edu/alumni!

Left to Right: Mark Hower, Provost and CEO, Antioch University Los Angeles; John Comerford, President, Otterbein University, and President, Coalition for the Common Good; Tylina Burdell ’18; Erica Holmes, Associate Program Chair and the Director of the Psychological Trauma Studies Specialization in the MA in Clinical Psychology program, Antioch University Los Angeles; Alphonso Graves; Marcus Fowler, Director of Alumni & Family Programs, Otterbein University; Micheal Echols ’80; Sandy Lee, Chief Operations Officer, Antioch University Los Angeles.

As part of Otterbein’s 175th anniversary in 2022, nearly 1,000 alumni shared their most cherished memories about their time on campus.

“Many of my relatives went to Otterbein because it was a family school for us. The whole school had a sense of connectedness among students. The authenticity of the people, their openness to learning, and conversation made an impression on me. Otterbein was a basis for moving forward, learning, and keeping that learning continuous.”

– Lewis E. Frees ’58

“I chose Otterbein when I was a courier for FedEx. North Westerville was my delivery route. I used to say to myself, ‘If I ever go back to college, that's where I want to go.’ After 19 years, I had an opportunity to return to college. I chose Otterbein and never looked back. While I was a student at Otterbein, I earned a fellowship to attend Ohio State University for free, and I got my master's there. ” – Donna J. Williams ’99

1960s

David Hogg ’67 retired in February as a chaplain for the Westerville Fire/ Police Chaplains Corps after more than 20 years and with nearly 15,000 volunteer hours. He served as the senior fire chaplain for 15 years, and one year as command chaplain.

1980s

Darlene Steven ’82 sold her bluegrass horse farm, Darlene Steven Stables, Inc., Simpsonville, KY, in 2022 after 39 years. She is the pastpresident and co-founder of the American Shagya Arabian Verband, a horse registry and association that breeds the rare and endangered horse breed.

David Lowry ’84 is president and CEO of UNC Health Caldwell, an entity of the University of North Carolina Health Care System. UNC Health Caldwell includes Caldwell Memorial Hospital, Jonas Hill Behavioral Health Hospital, Prime Surgical Suites, and over 30 practices. He is board certified in internal medicine and hospice and palliative care.

Nancy Binzel Brown ’85 is the director of business development at Beyond Healthcare, Beachwood, OH.

1990s

Volkan Berksoy ’90 is a floor supervisor at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas.

Ash Reynolds Babbitt ’91 is now the deputy director of communications and marketing for the city of Dublin.

Weekend 2023. He also visited college friends in Charlotte and Durham, NC; Portland, ME; Ocean City, MD; Seattle; Denver; and Los Angeles.

Alena Miller ’92 and Robin Peterson Panzera ’93 are co-owners of Wyandotte Winery, Columbus. Wines are made on-site, and live music and happy hours are offered weekly. Be sure to ask for the “Otterbein discount.”

Shigeru Kamada ’95 traveled from Tokyo, Japan, to celebrate Eta Phi Mu's 100th anniversary at Homecoming and Family

Elizabeth Miller ’96 earned a master’s degree in practical theology in May 2023, from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. She adds this degree to her work as a yoga therapist.

Erin Stewart Miller ’97 was named vice president of programs and sustainability for American Municipal Power, Inc., in November 2023.

Kathryn Felsenthal Stephens ’97 is the executive director for Momentum Excellence, a non-profit that empowers children in central Ohio through dance, music, and performance to develop lifelong habits of selfconfidence, resilience, and teamwork.

Rebekah Wolf Doak ’98 moved to Myrtle Beach and is a training coordinator for Children's Trust of South Carolina, a non-profit organization focused on preventing child abuse and neglect.

David Tyree ’98 was promoted to director of student judicial affairs and academic integrity at the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice at Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

2000s

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

Rayshawn Wilson ’02 is the director of mental wellness for the African American Male Wellness Agency. He will lead the Real Men Real Talk Initiative

(Left to right) Robin Peterson Panzera ’93, David Panzera, Matt Greenwood, and Alena Miller ’92.

(Left to right) James Donovan '95, Craig Donovan, Melissa Douglas Donovan'94, Shigeru Kamada ’95.

Rayshawn Wilson ’02

Jennifer Jackson ’03 is teaching public relations and health communication courses in the Department of Communication at Otterbein.

Jason Jenkins ’04 received a Columbus Business First 2023 C-Suite award in September 2023. Determined by a vote of their peers, C-Suite award winners are the most admired executives in central Ohio. He currently serves as the chief diversity officer for the City of Columbus.

Al Bernardo ’05 is the social sciences librarian at North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND.

Lucas Buck ’08 is the director of life insurance and financial services with AAA Life Insurance. He oversees Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Jennifer Hill ’08 celebrated 13 years at The Ohio State University, now in her fifth position as the grants and contracts analyst for the College of Public Health Research Administration.

Stefanie Campbell Ragase ’08 works for Alight Solutions as an engagement solution, senior communications consultant.

Principal, Father, Filmmaker Makes Lasting Connections

BY MAGGIE NICOL ’25

Gary Tate ’02 has always focused on building lasting connections and making an impact on others in his life no matter where he goes — from the playgrounds of the east side of Columbus where he grew up, to Memorial Stadium where he competed with the Otterbein football team, and now the halls of the school where he serves as principal.

Tate grew up in the Columbus public school system and credits the “dedication and determination of my classroom teachers” with his future educational success. Now he is doing the same for others as principal at Rothenberg Preparatory Academy in the Cincinnati Public Schools system.

Although this is Tate’s first year as principal, he has worked in school administration for 16 years. “One of the most important parts of my role is you must be adaptive and empathetic. Being able to understand people allows you to know what they’re going through.”

In addition to being a principal, Tate is the father of six sons with his wife of 13 years. “Being a dad has allowed me to champion differently in my role as a principal. I can connect with families and allow them to share their stories as well as make decisions that are best for their child,” he said.

“Three of my boys are autistic and I believe they have made me a better educator as well as a better person. Having a special needs child teaches you a true sense of unconditional love,” he added.

Tate hopes to leave a lasting impact on his community by making relationships with his students long after they graduate. “You know you’ve made an impact on your students when they have the same respect for you that they had 10-15 years ago.”

While at Otterbein, he majored in elementary education and was an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha, African American Student Union, and the Cardinals football team. After Otterbein, he attended Grand Canyon University, where he earned his master’s degree.

Tate recently co-founded a film production company, Canaan Productions, LLC, and produced a documentary called Da Haven. He partnered with a sport management class at Otterbein to show his documentary at the International Sports Film Festival of Ohio, an annual event coordinated by the class.

The four-part sports documentary series is about the Brookhaven High School Bearcats. According to the website, “Da Haven follows the journey of a powerhouse inner-city football team from Columbus, Ohio, as they tackle challenges on and off the field and displays their drive and determination to obtain the first (and only) state championship title their city has ever seen.”

For the students he teaches and those at Otterbein, Tate offered this advice, “In college, find the things that you are most passionate about, enjoy every experience, and build relationships that you will cherish for the rest of your life."

Watch Da Haven at canaanproductionsllc.com/films.

Otterbein Experience Unites 10 Friends for Nearly Two Decades

Laura Norman ’09 recently held a reunion with nine of her best friends – all Otterbein alumnae They met on the first day of their first year at Otterbein in 2005 and have remained friends 19 years later.

All 10 women lived on campus for four years, starting in Clements Hall. They were part of the first group of students to live in DeVore Hall when it opened. They bonded over academics, too. They all took the same Integrative Studies courses as well as a class called “Your Otterbein Journey.” The woman had a variety of majors, including Public Relations and Communication, Psychology, Journalism, Education, and Nursing.

They were all very involved in student life — six of them were members of a sorority (TEM and EKT) and five of them were members of the Campus Programming Board.

Since graduating in 2009 and 2010, they have all gone on to have enriching careers and lives across the country and even around the world. Five have gotten married and four have become mothers.

“Otterbein gave us a sisterhood that has withstood so much, and we are forever grateful that we all made the decision to become Cardinals all those years ago,” said Norman.

Whitney Prose Bruno ’09 is the pastor at Little Current United Church Pastoral Charge in Canada. She is a regular contributor to The Gathering, a magazine of the United Church of Canada. She is also part of the Indigenous Right Relations Team, Affirming Ministries Team, PRIDE Manitoulin, and 4-H Canada; and a newly permanent resident of Canada. She credits the courses of two Otterbein professors, Tammy Birk and Suzanne Ashworth, for knowledge she uses in her work with her congregation.

Bryan Curtiss ’09 recently appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show with The Awesome Company, a custom screenprinting company located in Grove City, OH, that employs adults with autism.

Jim Dodderer ’09 was named one of The Newark Advocate's 20 Under 40 winners for 2023. He has been a social studies teacher at Licking Heights High School for the past 10 years. He was named Licking Heights High School Teacher of the Year in 2020-21 and helped create the Cultural Identity Club/Diaspora at Licking Heights.

2010s

Christine Kuester ’12 received her master of business administration degree from Rollins College, Winter Park, FL, in August of 2018.

Haley Snider ’13 was named one of The Newark Advocate's 20 Under 40 winners for 2023. She is the director of Youth Engaged in Service Club in Newark, OH, an after-school and summer program

(Second from left) Bryan Curtiss '09

(Left to right) Jessica Sheffer Dunkel ’09, Erin Thompson Powell ’09, Erin Glasser ’09, Beckey Sorensen Witterstaetter ’09, Laura Norman ’09, Kelli Wallenhorst Erdman ’09, Lauren Tibjash ’09, Katelyn Glasser ’09, Gretchen Truckor ’09, and Amanda Cramer Foraker ’10.

providing services and resources for middle- and high-schoolers.

Hannah Dixon Goodwin ’14 was honored to be named a winner of The Newark Advocate's 20 Under 40 for 2023. She is the finance director at the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

David Grimes ’15 was elected to Westerville City Council on Nov. 7, 2023, and was sworn in on Jan. 2, 2024.

William Sipe ’16 earned his doctorate degree at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, August 2023. He is currently teaching at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.

Maddie Hill ’17 is a carrier support specialist for Ease Logistics, Dublin, OH.

Will King ’17 is a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford University. He will receive his doctorate degree from Duquesne University in June 2024.

Ashleigh Thornton ’17 received her master’s degree in public health at Kent State University, August 2023.

Mariah Nevels ’19 is an operations manager at Mount Carmel Health System in Grove City, OH.

Steven Schroeck ’19 graduated from The Ohio State University with a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling and currently works as a school-based mental health clinician in Fort Mill, SC.

Rachel Wilson-Schroeck ’19 graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023. She currently works as a doctor of veterinary medicine at GoodVets in Charlotte, NC.

2020s

Tonia Dunson-Dillard ’20 is a regional coordinator, K12 partnerships, at Columbus State Community College.

Allie Aquino Hansen ’20 is an executive legal secretary at Squire Patton Boggs in Columbus.

Ashley Hansen ’20 was promoted from an environmental technician to an environmental scientist at Stantec, Columbus, an engineering consulting firm.

Jamie Kuder ’20 is a staff environmental scientist for T&M Associates in Dublin, Ohio.

Megan Masciola ’23 is an aquarist at Coral World Ocean Park in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. She cares for stingrays, sharks, and sea turtles.

Jacob Ware ’23 was promoted to fundraising events coordinator for the Reds Charity Foundation and the Reds Community Fund, which hold charity and other large events for the Cincinnati Reds.

Canadian Maritimes Tour, Halifax, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island Sept. 7-17, 2025

Otterbein alumni and friends of the University are invited to join our travel group for an unforgettable Canadian Maritime Tour. This trip will include Halifax, lobsters, a winery, gardens, and more.

You’ll take in these sights and experiences:

• Cabot trail.

• Canada Maritime.

• Ferry over Northumberland Strait.

• Green Gables.

• Lunenburg.

• Peggy's Cove.

• Prince Edward Island National Park.

• Shediac Bay Lobster Dinner Cruise.

To book your adventure, call our travel partner, Travel Warther at 330.556.4535 and mention Otterbein Canadian Maritime Tour. For more information visit www.warthertours.com.

Megan Masciola '23

ALUMNI TRAVEL PLANS

Bob (Muhammad) Lowe ’66 has self-published a spiritual memoir, My Journey Around the Sun, about divine intervention in his life. Lowe says coming to Otterbein in the fall of 1962 is one instance of divine intervention.

Robert Fortner ’70 has written a historical fiction novel about the settling and development of the state of Indiana, Road Apples and Waffle Frolics: A Saga of Settlement in the Wabash Valley 1815-1960

Scott Campbell ’76 and his sister, Tracey, published a book about their parents, From the South Pacific to the New River: A West Virginia Love Story. The book is comprised of more than 50 letters that their father wrote to their mother after the death of her then-boyfriend, Herbert. Herbert, their father’s brother, was a victim of friendly fire near Maui, Hawaii, during World War II in late 1943.

Richard DeVore ’80 published a book of short stories, Anna and Other Stories. In the book, he shares tales that reflect on a life in medicine, the experiences of youth, and a lifelong comingof-age journey.

Elaine Clinger Sturtz ’81 published her sixth book, Live Different Moments, about embracing change. It is a sequel to her previous book, Living in the Different. Kevin Wooldridge ’13 published his first book, Transcending Autism Through Yoga and Meditation: An Autism Owner’s Manual, a self-help book that tells the story of his diagnosis of autism as an adult.

Lisa Durham Fairchild ’ 79 recently appeared in the world premiere of the play I’m Proud of You, based on the book of the same name by Tim Madigan about his friendship with Fred Rogers, at Circle Theatre in Fort Worth, TX. She will be appearing in the regional premiere of Terrence McNally’s Fire and Air with Uptown Players in Dallas, in spring 2024.

Jonathan Bennett ’03 makes his Broadway debut in Spamalot as Sir Robin through the end of April.

Cory Michael Smith ’09 plays Georgie Atherton in the new Todd Haynes film, May December

Amanda Huxtable ’10 plays Carla on AMC’s Creepshow

Michelle Leibrock ’11 is currently a dresser for the Broadway production of Sweeney Todd Cameron Hobbs ’12 is performing with the national tour of Moulin Rouge

Rachel ‘Reh’ Heine ’13 is the first assistant stage manager on the first national tour of the Bob Dylan musical Girl from the North Country.

Shelly Vance ’14 is the operations coordinator at the Public Theatre Company’s Delacorte Theatre in Central Park, New York City.

Marina Pires ’14 made her Broadway debut in the new musical, How to Dance in Ohio, at the Belasco Theatre.

Caroline Kane ’18 made her Broadway debut as part of the original cast of Water for Elephants at the Imperial Theatre.

Trey Plutnicki ’19 was a contestant on Netflix’s new reality competition show, Squid Game: The Challenge, along with his mom.

Carson Zoch ’23 joined the newly reimagined national tour of Shrek the Musical as Pig #3/Pinocchio Understudy. The tour opened on Feb. 24.

Bob (Muhammad) Lowe ’66

Scott Campbell ’76

Elaine Clinger Sturtz ’81

Robert Fortner ’70

Richard DeVore ’80

Kevin Wooldridge ’13

Lisa Durham Fairchild '79

Reynolds Remembered as Teacher,

Mentor, Friend

The Otterbein community lost a teacher, mentor, advocate, colleague, and friend when Chris Reynolds, associate provost for faculty affairs, passed away Feb. 3, 2024, at her home following a brief illness.

Reynolds touched countless lives in her time at Otterbein. She joined the Department of Communication faculty as a professor on Sept. 1, 1990, and went on to serve as a department chair, division chair, and Senior Year Experience coordinator.

Countless students have benefited from Reynoldsʼ mentorship, support, and friendship, and cite her as the reason for their success at Otterbein and beyond. Dozens of her former students sent written and video messages of gratitude, which were presented to her in January.

Generations of Otterbein faculty and staff have looked to Reynolds for her advice, leadership, and her always firmly grounded perspectives. She was honored with Otterbein’s Master Teacher Award and supported teaching excellence at Otterbein as a new faculty mentor, teaching partner, and professional learning community facilitator through the Center for Teaching and Learning.

Reynolds was a central leader in efforts to reorganize the Academic Affairs Division, provide consistent expectations and support for academic department chairs, implement a new faculty compensation model, and redraft sections of the Faculty Manual. She also served on countless committees, including the Assessment Committee, Personnel Committee, the founding Senior Year Experience Committee, Immersive Term Task Force, Adult Learners Task Force, and the Academic Affairs Reorganization Committee.

In her three decades at Otterbein, she saw the institution and her colleagues through leadership transitions, curricular changes, and controversies of all shapes and sizes, and her exemplary service earned the admiration and thanks of her colleagues, students, and friends.

On Jan. 19, the Otterbein Board of Trustees passed a resolution honoring Reynolds for her years of service to Otterbein and granting her emerita status. The framed resolution was delivered to Reynolds, and she greatly appreciated the recognition.

Reynolds will be remembered as a force of nature who handled every situation with thoughtfulness, understanding, and diplomacy — as well as her signature sense of humor and contagious laugh — and will be missed by the entire Otterbein community.

Showcase Your Otterbein Legacy Family CAMPUS CENTER PHASE TWO Special Giving Opportunity:

Every

Otterbein

Family Has

a Story

Since 1847, generations of Otterbein family members have called our beautiful campus home. Otterbein Legacy Families hold a special place in the history of our alma mater, and a special place in our hearts, too. As traditions and pride are passed from generation to generation, every Legacy Family weaves its own unique Otterbein story.

What is your Otterbein Family Legacy story to share with future generations?

We’d like to help you tell your story. As part of Phase Two of the Campus Center renovation, we’re creating a unique opportunity to showcase our Otterbein Legacy Families by giving these multigenerational families an opportunity to make a lasting impact. In the same way that families provide love, support, and a sense of belonging, we are committed to providing these same ideals to our students at Otterbein.

For more information, please contact Stephanie Clark, senior director of development, at clark35@otterbein.edu or 614.823.1953.

Learn more at: www.otterbein.edu/ 21stCenturyCampusCenter

Marriages.

1 Tabatha Piper ’15, MAT ’19 to Damon Willer, Feb. 12, 2023. The wedding ceremony was officiated by the bride’s former Otterbein advisor, Dan Steinberg.

2 Anna Card ’19 to Jamie Benge, April 23, 2022. The wedding party included Amy Russak ’19.

3 Rachel Wilson ’19 to Steven Schroeck ’19, June 3, 2023. The wedding party included Anne Campbell ’19, Eileen Connon ’19, Amanda Sibert ’19, Lillian van Wyngaarden-Richardson ’19, Seth Hazen ’19, Jonathan Obenchain ’19, and Jeremy Paul ’19. Photography by Polly Sellers ’17.

4 Allie Aquino ’20 to Geoffrey Hansen, Nov. 5, 2023. The wedding party included Rachel Feltrin ’22 and Laurel Welsh ’19.

5 Amy Hodik ’21 to Matthew Huston ’21, eloped to Acadia National Park on Sept. 1, 2023.

6 Claire McCandlish ’22 to Jake Traxler ’22, June 17, 2023. The wedding party included Jordyn Traxler ’21, Loryn Renick ’23, Lindsay Chaney ’22, Megan Patterson ’22, Makenzie Morris ’22, Ashley Sneider ’22, Dylan Tesmer ’22, Andrew Brownley ’22, and Adam Swindell ’22.

7 Stephen Troutner ’23 to Sarah Greenlee, Aug. 20, 2023. The wedding party included Travis Ell ’11, Nathan Craft ’23, Ben Stanhope ’24, Jonas Blake ’26, and Caitlyn Corrigan Strawser ’22.

NOT PICTURED

Evan Heintz ’16 to Rachel Coburn, May 20, 2023. The wedding party included Michael Highman ’17 and John Brandon ’17.

Reagan Nemec ’19 to Matthew Spiegel, Oct. 10, 2020. The wedding party included Kait Brooks Manny ’20.

Lindsay Cooperrider ’21 to Jonah Cunningham, Sept. 16, 2023. The wedding party included Chloe Aronowitz ’25.

1 Julianna Clair, born to Jennifer Meister Bruni ’05 and Joe Bruni.

2 Lennon Jewell, born to Kevin Crafton ’07 and Abby Crafton.

3 Madilyn Daisy, born to Abbey Hirt Hadlich ’10 and Jack Hadlich.

4 Amara Lynn, born to Sara Tevis Weeks ’14 and Jerry Weeks.

5 Reid Ross, born to Lisa DeWeese Harrison ’20 and Ross Harrison ’20.

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

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

1940s

Anna Mary Orr Fisher ’47, June 15, 2022

June Mugrage Hasty ’47, Dec. 27, 2022

Mary Mikesell Schar ’47, Mar. 4, 2023

Dorothy Engle Florian ’48, May 11, 2022

Bette Gallagher Gouveia ’48, Nov. 23, 2022

Mildred Cox Schafer ’48, Aug. 10, 2023

Joy Gustin Hassenpflug ’49, Jan. 31, 2024

Norma Kreischer Savage ’49, Feb. 8, 2023

1950s

Phyllis Dill McQueen ’50, Sept. 20, 2023

Gloria Stauffer Shiffler ’50, Dec. 6, 2023

Hazel Hockett Burkholder ’51, Jan. 7, 2024

Shirley Adams Detamore ’51, Jan. 25, 2024

J. Marvin Fauver ’51, Aug. 16, 2022

Jerald E. Jenkins ’51, Apr. 8, 2023

Anita Ranck Morris ’51, Jan. 15, 2024

Ethel Pitz Streb ’51, Dec. 20, 2022

Kathryn Hancock Burkins ’52, June 9, 2023

Eleanor Inks Sloat ’52, Feb. 24, 2023

Patricia Stauffer Taylor ’52, June 11, 2022

Alice Carlson Hard ’53, Apr. 8, 2022

William R. Kinsey ’53, Oct. 7, 2023

Roy G. Logston ’53, Feb. 22, 2022

Ralph E. Wileman Jr. ’53, Jan. 7, 2024

Artha Anne Hathaway King ’54, Jan. 23, 2024

Beverly Teeter Althouse ’55, Jan. 18, 2024

Donald L. Sullivan ’55, Jan. 23, 2022

Amy Zimmerman Baxley ’56, May 3, 2022

Kathryn Briggs Starcher ’56, Dec. 14, 2023

James T. Whipp ’56, Dec. 16, 2023

Virgil E. Christian ’57, Jan. 9, 2024

Thomas L. Hebble ’57, July 16, 2022

Marilyn McConagha Knicely ’57, Feb. 17, 2021

Remembering our Fellow Cardinals

Sterling R. Williamson ’57, Mar. 20, 2021

J. Barton Didrick ’58, Oct. 20, 2022

Sally Harrell Fitzgerald ’58, Sept. 20, 2023

Donald R. Hughes ’58, Jan. 19, 2023

Ronald Elmer Smith ’58, Jan. 16, 2023

Marilyn Harris Taggart ’58, Aug. 17, 2023

Kenneth R. Weber ’58, Oct. 6, 2022

Edwin C. Kienzle ’59, Oct. 15, 2023

Anne H. Rose ’59, Sept. 7, 2022

Nancy Rehm Stahl ’59, Feb. 11, 2021

1960s

John D. Evans ’60, Sept. 23, 2023

Walter C. Head ’60, June 29, 2021

Earl F. Kennedy ’60, Jan. 14, 2024

Juanita Walraven Rusk ’60, Dec. 9, 2022

Marjorie Ellen Beal ’61, Oct. 11, 2021

Judith Croghan ’61, Nov. 8, 2023

Don V. Grimm ’61, Jan. 5, 2024

Carol A. Thompson ’61, July 7, 2023

Robert B. Werner ’63, Nov. 10, 2023

Carol L. Leininger ’64, Apr. 27, 2023

Sharon Zundel Sundial ’64, Oct. 1, 2023

Michael T. Clay ’66, Dec. 20, 2022

Jim B. Miskimen ’66, Mar. 8, 2022

Barbara Richardson Smith ’66, Nov. 2, 2022

Susan Lindley Starkey ’65, Dec. 9, 2021

Frank B. Garlathy ’67, Aug. 25, 2022

C. Roger Harney ’67, Oct. 14, 2022

F. Thomas Sporck II ’67, June 29, 2023

Jennifer Lind Lautanen ’68, July 13, 2021

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

Kathy J. Heinrich ’69, Mar. 18, 2023

Beth Schlegel Eggers ’69, Jan. 1, 2023

1970s

Shirley E. Scott ’70, Feb. 11, 2023

Linda Ann Zimmerman ’70, June 14, 2023

W. Todd Graeff ’71, Aug. 2, 2023

Gloria Frank Bloomquist ’72, July 19, 2023

Ellen Hess Clemmer ’73, Mar. 20, 2023

Dawn Beaumont Main ’73, Sept. 29, 2023

Robert Gene Layton ’74, Apr. 11, 2023

Joseph A. Szima ’74, May 3, 2023

Scott R. Miller ’76, Feb. 27, 2021

Conrad A. Williams ’76, Oct. 15, 2023

Paula Bricker Erickson ’77, Oct. 20, 2023

1980s

Terry Jackson Pickering ’80, Apr. 8, 2022

Nancy Raye Pierce ’80, Dec. 7, 2022

William R. Rose ’82, Aug. 24, 2023

Betsy Wolf Eldridge ’84, Sept. 17, 2023

Giovanni M. Moscardino ’84, Dec. 26, 2023

Nancy Buck Morrow ’87, Nov. 2, 2021

1990s

Karl H. Theil ’96, Nov. 8, 2023

Jennifer Croskey Adams ’98, Jan. 24, 2024

Kristina Coffman Shannon MAE’99, June 26, 2022

2000s

Jenna Lynn Madama ’09, Dec. 28, 2023

Friends

Crystal Coulter, former parent, Oct. 20, 2023

Robert Heaton, former trustee, Oct. 27, 2022

Annbeth Sommers Wilkinson ’56 passed away on Aug. 23, 2023. Annbeth and her late husband, Bob Wilkinson ’56, whom she met at Otterbein, were loyal supporters who created the Robert and Annbeth S. Wilkinson Scholarship, and donated regularly to the Otterbein Fund and other initiatives, including a named room in Roush Hall which currently serves as former State of Ohio Governor John Kasich’s office. 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

Carolyn Boda Bridgman ’50, passed away on Oct. 10, 2023. She and her late husband, Dick Bridgman ’49, were familiar faces at Otterbein’s Homecoming and many campus events for decades. A special Cardinal Couple, they were married for an incredible 71 years and supported the University for 35 of those years.

Officers of the University

Chair Cheryl L. Herbert

Vice-chair William E. Harrell Jr. ’94

Assistant Secretary Theresa Harris

President John L. Comerford, Ph.D

Board of Trustees

Peter R. Bible ’80

Mechelle Buys du Plessis P’20, P’22

Rev. April Jones Casperson ’03

John L. Comerford, Ph.D.

Talisa Dixon, Ph.D.

David W. Fisher ’75, P’11

James L. Francis ’71

Daniel C. Gifford ’88, P’21, P’23

William E. Harrell Jr. ’94

Theresa Harris

Cheryl L. Herbert

Lisa L. Hinson P’17

Gregory Jordan

K. Christopher Kaiser ’77

Yasmeen Khafagy ’25

Susan Millsap, Ph.D.

Nevalyn Fritsche Nevil ’71

Mindy S. Phinney ’85, M.D.

James D. Shilling ’77, Ph.D.

Brant O. Smith ’95

Kathryn Felsenthal Stephens ’97

Karin Yaffe Stump ’80

John Tansey, Ph.D. P’22

Mahad Yusuf ’26

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, M.D.

Annette Harting Boose ’94

Bob Buchan ’76

Amy Trimble Burton ’98, P’18

Erin Sites Ensign ’08, Chair

Fred Glasser ’69

Leondra James Gonzalez ’13

Ben Hoeger ’07

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

Matt Lofy ’08

Holly Schutz McFarland ’78, Vice-Chair

Tammy Roberts Myers ’88

Bryana Anderson Ross, MBA’09

Kathryn Felsenthal Stephens ’97

Wesley Thorne ’96

Sheronda Whitner ’12

Kyle Williams ’07, Ed.D.

1 South Grove Street

1 South Grove Street

Westerville, OH 43081

Westerville, OH 43081

Otterbein Partners with Church of the Master to Support Faith and Spiritual Life

A new partnership will strengthen the long-held ties between Otterbein University and Church of the Master, as Rev. Lucy Kelly has agreed to serve in a shared position as associate pastor for the church, as well as Otterbein’s parttime director of faith and spiritual life. In addition to the shared role, the new structure of the partnership creates innovative opportunities to share mutual resources such as campus ministry funding and facilities use.

Read more about this partnership online at www.otterbein.edu/towers.

Lucy Kelly

Rev.