2009 Spring Edition by The University of Toledo Alumni Association

Toledo The University of

ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Play through! UT hosts NCAA Championship

Spring 2009

fore words

Spring has finally arrived with its annual feelings of optimism and opportunity, and we, along with the Alumni Association, are delighted to bring this edition of our alumni magazine to all of our alumni and friends. We believe that this year is special due to the upcoming NCAA Men’s Division I Golf Championship to be held from May 26 to 30 at Inverness Club and hosted by your University of Toledo. Hosting this event will provide many opportunities to showcase our University. The world’s finest amateur golfers will not only be experiencing the world-renowned Inverness course, but will have an opportunity to visit the UT campus and experience “Rocket Hospitality.” Not only is this a national event, but NCAA golf has become a showcase of the world’s finest amateur golfers. Past winners of this tournament include Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods. One of the unique aspects of this championship is the involvement of so many University of Toledo alumni. Co-chair Mike Miller was a member of the Rockets golf team from 1977 to 1980, and Jamie Mauntler, UT men’s head coach, is a former member of the UT golf team. Dave Graff, head golf professional at Inverness, is also a member of the Rocket golf family. We have had the pleasure of planning this event with Mr. Donnie Wagner of the NCAA, who graduated from UT in 1996. As you can see, Rocket golf has quite a history and legacy. The planning of this event has been under way for several years, and it is our hope that future tournaments come back to Toledo and the University. We’re confident that this event will showcase the excitement, organization and professionalism of The University of Toledo and that our University is truly “improving the human condition” in all ways possible. We wish you and your families a wonderful summer season and hope that many of you have the opportunity to attend the golf championships and visit the campus. We anticipate continued enrollment growth in the fall and look forward to a new era of Rocket football with new Head Coach Tim Beckman. We are both proud to represent your University of Toledo and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the tournament and on campus.

President Jon R. Dvorak MD ’80, ’83, ’86

Michael E. O’Brien, Executive Director for Intercollegiate Athletics

Toledo

Spring 2009 Executive Editor Cynthia Nowak ’78, ’80

Second Vice President Constance D. Zouhary ’81

Associate Editor Vicki L. Kroll ’88

Secretary David D. Dobrzykowski ’95, ’99

Contributing Writers Chris Ankney ’08 Laurie Flowers Kim Harvey ’89 Paul Helgren Andrew Smith Jim Winkler ’86

Treasurer Terri Lee ’92 Past President James W. White Jr. ’76, ’79 Executive Director Dan Saevig ’84, ’89 One-Year Trustees Stephen Bazeley MD ’74 Craig G. Burkhart MD ’75, ’83 Eddie Cole ’47, ’51 Dana Fitzsimmons** ’76 Randall King MD ’81 Robin Oberle* ’97 Jay Pearson ’91 Janet Schroeder ’89 Paul L. Toth Jr. ’88, ’01 Two-Year Trustees Thomas M. Brown PhD ’69 Pete Casey ’67, ’73 Jeff Joyce ’85 Rick Longenecker ’86, ’88 Jonathan Mondelli ’06 Mark Urrutia ’88 Don Warner ’76 Gene Zmuda ’81, ’84 Three-Year Trustees Marie Latham Bush PhD ’83, ’00 Elizabeth Davis ’97, ’06 Sharon Speyer ’85 Student Representative David Green (appointed by Student Alumni Association)

Spring 2009

Volume 56, Number 3

First Vice President Walter “Chip” Carstensen ’72, ’74

On the cover: Fore! UT fills NCAA scorecard. Photo (with David Graf ’83) by Daniel Miller

Go Rockets!

Lawrence J. Burns Vice President for External Affairs and Interim Vice President for Equity and Diversity

The University of Toledo Alumni Association Officers and Trustees

Graphic Designer Erin Lanham Photographers Jack Meade Daniel Miller ’99 Toledo Alumni is published three times a year in Fall, Winter and Spring by The University of Toledo Alumni Association and the Office of University Communications. Vice President, External Affairs/ Interim Vice President, Equity and Diversity/Publisher Lawrence J. Burns Associate Vice President, Alumni/Publisher Dan Saevig ’84, ’89

contents cover story Fore play

features where’s thy sting

10 14 16 22 28 33 34 37

regaining a place designer genes feasting venerable, vital SU nurse to doc taxing work uniform dedication others

2 8 32 40

traditional & un research class notes book reviews

Office of Alumni Relations Staff Ansley Abrams ’92 Amanda Schwartz Marcus Sneed ’07 Dianne Wisniewski Advertising Jack Hemple (419.450.7568) Recent Awards Pride of CASE V Awards Best Alumni/Institution Magazine, Gold Award Feature writing, Silver Award Crystal Awards Writing: “Take a Chance on Humanity” Writing: Spring 2008 Issue Send Change Of Address Information To: Toledo Alumni, Office of Alumni Relations, Driscoll Alumni Center, Mail Stop 301 The University of Toledo Toledo, OH 43606-3395 Telephone 419.530.ALUM (2586) or 800.235.6766 Fax 419.530.4994

The University of Toledo is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in education, employment, memberships and contracts, and no differentiation will be made based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, veteran status or the presence of a disability. The University of Toledo will take affirmative action as required be federal or state law.

RECYCLED PAPER

fore words

President Jon R. Dvorak MD ’80, ’83, ’86

Michael E. O’Brien, Executive Director for Intercollegiate Athletics

Toledo

Spring 2009 Executive Editor Cynthia Nowak ’78, ’80

Second Vice President Constance D. Zouhary ’81

Associate Editor Vicki L. Kroll ’88

Secretary David D. Dobrzykowski ’95, ’99

Contributing Writers Chris Ankney ’08 Laurie Flowers Kim Harvey ’89 Paul Helgren Andrew Smith Jim Winkler ’86

Spring 2009

Volume 56, Number 3

First Vice President Walter “Chip” Carstensen ’72, ’74

On the cover: Fore! UT fills NCAA scorecard. Photo (with David Graf ’83) by Daniel Miller

Go Rockets!

Lawrence J. Burns Vice President for External Affairs and Interim Vice President for Equity and Diversity

The University of Toledo Alumni Association Officers and Trustees

contents cover story Fore play

features where’s thy sting

10 14 16 22 28 33 34 37

regaining a place designer genes feasting venerable, vital SU nurse to doc taxing work uniform dedication others

2 8 32 40

traditional & un research class notes book reviews

RECYCLED PAPER

Toledo: traditional & un

Pounding pavement is pleasure for tour buffs

Surviving the economic downturn: presidential message to alumni What is the University doing to prepare for the next fiscal year? Jacobs: Our leadership team has worked proactively with all areas of the institution in creating a budget that addresses significant shortfalls. We spent several months considering reallocation scenarios; while we did not have to implement all reductions discussed, it proved to be a thought-provoking exercise that really encouraged critical thinking about how we utilize finite resources across the institution. We examined how each of our activities furthers the mission of The University of Toledo and will ultimately recommend a balanced budget to our board that not only fills the gap but also provides greater focus moving forward. What is the likely impact on tuition and fees? J: Gov. Ted Strickland has proposed a state budget that includes a zero-percent increase in tuition and fees in Fiscal Year 10, with a 3.5 percent cap in FY11. Here at UT, we are in full support of the governor on this issue. As you may recall, we announced a tuition freeze of our own in January 2007 for FY08. That announcement was mirrored statewide as the legislature passed a budget that froze tuition for FY08 and FY09. These actions are not simply symbolic. They actualize a commitment to keeping education affordable, a critical component of our work here at UT. What impact could we see around the campuses?

Along with many institutions of higher education, The University of Toledo is wrestling with the financial strains that grip our economy. As a state university, UT’s fiscal health is tied directly to Ohio’s economy. Fortunately for Ohio’s students and citizens, leaders in the state house have been vocal in their support of education, a commitment crystallized in the current version of the governor’s biennial budget. Only time, however, will show the actual impact. Here, UT President Lloyd Jacobs provides his thoughts on the potential ramifications of the economic crisis.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

J: Currently, we are moving forward with all projects and initiatives. It is our belief that we must continue working to advance our University, even during difficult times. Whether these advancements take the form of new construction and renovations or the development of new academic offerings, we will continue to work to build the institution’s stature and increase the value of our alumni’s University of Toledo degrees. What can UT alumni do to help? J: In the weeks and months ahead, the budgets of the University and the state will be finalized. It is imperative that you contact our leaders and impress upon them the value you place on higher education. We believe this nation and your University will weather this economic storm and emerge even stronger. By keeping our focus on long-term investments like higher education and scientific research, we can ensure a brighter future for our citizens.

www.toledoalumni.org

Frequent tour guides Judge James Jensen (right) and Judge Rolf Scheidel

From the frog in the floor of the Lucas County Courthouse to the four-faced street clock at Fort Industry Square to the storied home of the famed Mud Hens, downtown Toledo landmarks bridge the centuries. Making sense out of the area’s history is as easy as taking a walk, thanks to guided tours organized by the UT Urban Affairs Center and the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library.

James Jensen (Law ’69), a judge in the Lucas County Common Pleas Court, volunteers as a guide for the tour that includes the Lucas County Courthouse (dedicated, as walkers learn, in 1897 and designed by Toledo architect David Stine in the Beaux Arts Style).“It’s fun taking people through,” he says. “I started here as a clerk of courts, fell in love with the building and ever since I’ve been researching it.”

The schedule of summertime tours covers more than 50 buildings, bridges and architectural nooks of greater downtown, with experienced guides providing a running commentary. UT retiree Rosemary Schroeder and her husband, Harry, are two regulars who rarely miss the walks.“They’re just fantastic, sort of the secret nobody knows about,” Rosemary says.

For the 2009 tour itinerary, contact the UT Urban Affairs Center: 419.530.3591 or uac@utoledo.edu.

www.toledoalumni.org

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Toledo: traditional & un

Pounding pavement is pleasure for tour buffs

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

www.toledoalumni.org

Frequent tour guides Judge James Jensen (right) and Judge Rolf Scheidel

For the 2009 tour itinerary, contact the UT Urban Affairs Center: 419.530.3591 or uac@utoledo.edu.

www.toledoalumni.org

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Toledo: traditional & un

Half-century dialogue

Letter to the editor: Regarding the [Winter 2009] ethics article, I’d like to add that clinical ethics teaching in the College of Medicine is alive and well and, in fact, expanded. With physicians under increased media scrutiny, the public should be aware that UT medical students and residents receive ongoing ethics instruction throughout their education. For instance, third-year medical students on the internal medicine rotation receive a clinical ethics course as well as a weekly patient-centered ethics conference. Students learn the basics of sensitively giving bad news to patients by practicing with trained actor-patients. Overall, students must be able to apply the foundational ethics concepts they’ve learned to the ongoing ethical problems they will face. They receive regular ethical lessons in their other clinical rotations as well, such as the problems confronting patients with mental illnesses, severe neurological problems, etc. There is also a well-received clinical ethics elective available to fourth-year students.

Student-centered is no new paradigm for Lancelot Thompson PhD, professor emeritus of chemistry, who over his 51 years with UT faced challenging circumstances. Take the late 1960s, when he was vice president for student services.“I met with officers of the student body to give them my impressions of what students seemed interested in — and they’d tell me their side,” he says. “We had a dialogue, which is why I believe the University had very few problems in comparison to other campuses then. When black students occupied University Hall, we had a dialogue about what they wanted: more black faculty, a program of black studies.” Born in Jamaica, Thompson was hired at a time when blacks at the University were nearly non-existent. “There were only two,” he recalls.“Myself and the campus painter.”He remained unflappable even in the face of repeated pull-overs by Toledo police:“When I told them I taught here, they would say to me, ‘You’re lying — no black faculty works at the University.’”

People from the community send me articles about medical ethical issues and ask how they’re addressed in the college and the hospital. I am pleased to respond that, yes, our students are learning about these issues throughout their four years with us. — Joy D. Skeel, director, UT College of Medicine Ethics Consultation Service

Homecoming 2009! Oct. 9-11

First in the hearts of its patients. The gleaming signage — shown here in the company of Gina Keller, cardiology clinic manager, left, and Deborah Houck, access trainer — reflects what the new UT Heart and Vascular Center will mean for area health care. Opened in May, the facility is the community’s first and sole integrated center for patient care, education and translational research in cardiac and vascular diseases. Its nationally recognized specialists will have access to trials of new pharmaceuticals and medical devices for use in multiple specialty areas that include vascular and cardiac surgery, and cardiac rehabilitation. Unique to the facility are two initiatives: a research consortium that will aim at the cause, prevention and treatment of hypertension and heart failure; and a focus on women’s cardiovascular care that’s integrated with overall women’s wellness.

Event calendar at www.toledoalumni.org

“I didn’t let it bother me overmuch,”he says.“I had no problems with the students.” They, in fact, voted him Outstanding Teacher in the inaugural year of that program — so Thompson was dismayed when then-president William Carlson offered a vice presidency in 1968.“I told him, ‘I don’t think so,’”he recalls.“I told him that I had no experience as an administrator. “He told me, ‘I don’t need one; I need someone who can get along with faculty and students.’ So I said OK, as long as I could still teach.” He held the position for twenty-two years, also serving as assistant dean for undergraduate study in the College of Arts and Sciences, and dean of student services. He says,“I think a lot of people don’t realize that the first job of an administrator is being able to connect with all kinds of people, not just other administrators.” Then there’s the history, including the 2-mill levy presented to local voters in a 1959 special election. “It rained all day. I lost a suit and a pair of shoes working door-to-door in the black neighborhoods, getting people out to vote,”he says. The levy passed by a razor-thin margin of 144 votes:“If it hadn’t, there would not have been a University of Toledo in 1967.”

Thompson at home

Though retired, he remains involved in UT’s Mentoring Collaborative program — and snorts at mention of a legacy:“Just let it be said that I cared about people, especially students, so they had all the help available to them.”

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

www.toledoalumni.org

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Toledo: traditional & un

Half-century dialogue

Homecoming 2009! Oct. 9-11

Event calendar at www.toledoalumni.org

Thompson at home

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

www.toledoalumni.org

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Toledo: traditional & un

Former football coach among 2009 Varsity T Hall of Famers Lucretia LeGault, women’s basketball (1989-92). LeGault was a key member of the women’s basketball team that went 100-28 from 1989 to 1992. A MAC Freshman of the Year, she helped UT to the MAC Championship and NCAA Tournament appearances in 1990-91 and 1991-92. Mitch Maier, baseball (2001-03). A three-time, first-team All-MAC selection, Maier ranks as one of the greatest hitters in UT history. Drafted in the first round by Kansas City in 2003, he earned all-star honors in the Texas League in 2006.

Gary Pinkel celebrating 24-6 win over Penn State in 2000

Steve Morgan, football (1981-84). Morgan finished his UT playing career as rushing leader with 2,540 yards, a mark that still ranks sixth. He held first-team All-MAC and Most Valuable Player honors. After graduating, he was signed by the Seattle Seahawks, and later by the Arizona Wranglers. Bill Nagy, men’s tennis (1959-63). Nagy was a three-time MAC champion at No. 1 singles, winning three top league crowns, one of only two Rockets to achieve this feat. Nagy also won the MAC No. 1 doubles. Mike Parker, men’s basketball (1971-74). Parker, a two-time All-MAC player, scored 1,057 points in his three years on the court. As team captain his senior year, he scored 15.1 points and earned first-team All-MAC honors. During his three years, the Rockets went 53-26 and were MAC co-champs in 1971-72.

Mitch Maier playing for the Royals

Gary Pinkel, former Rocket football coach and now head coach at Missouri, was one of eight greats inducted into The University of Toledo Varsity T Hall of Fame in February. The lineup: Bob Aston, men’s basketball (1963-66). Aston was one of the top rebounders in Rocket history, ranking all-time fourth in career boards (10.9 per game) and tying for second in career rebounds in MAC games (11.7).

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Gary Pinkel, football coach (1991-2000). Before he left to accept the head coaching position at Missouri, he racked up the most wins in school history (73). He won a MAC Championship in 1995 when his team went 11-0-1, and won the Las Vegas Bowl. He also led his team to two MAC West Division titles. In his final season, Pinkel’s Rockets went 10-1, including a 24-6 win at Penn State. His teams ranked in the Top 25 in three different seasons (1995, 1997 and 2000). He was MAC Coach of the Year in 1995 and 1997.

The virtual spin. Can’t find the time to revisit your favorite UT haunts? We may have the next best thing at the 360° tour of University grounds at www.utoledo.edu/campus/virtualtour/. Many buildings on the UT campuses get the panoramic treatment, allowing ample fingertip ambling.

Smashing good time. They lined up on a chilly late winter morning to hammer good-byes into the 40-year-old structure whose identity over the years varied — its longest incarnation was the Sociology and Anthropology Building — but whose notoriety as UT’s least attractive edifice grew with the years. To celebrate its demolition, organizers hosted an event that began with graffiti tributes and ended with a chance to put hammer to metal. “We invite you to come make a dent in the building that made such an impression on you over these many years,” said President Lloyd Jacobs, who was one of many wielding a sledgehammer.

Shantel Ransom, women’s track & field (1987-1991). The seven-time MAC Champion and two-time All-American in sprinting and jumping events holds nine school records. She represented UT at the National Sports Festival, and the United States in the World University and Pan American games. — Paul Helgren, Athletic Media Relations

www.toledoalumni.org

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Toledo: traditional & un

Gary Pinkel celebrating 24-6 win over Penn State in 2000

Mitch Maier playing for the Royals

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

www.toledoalumni.org

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

UT research on the edge The agony of the ecstasy

Chemical cocktail makes world greener

Disco biscuits — love doves — shamrocks: The cuddly street names for recreational

Plant growers know the value of copper; it fights

drugs ecstasy and methamphetamine mask a dangerous reality, according to researcher

Chillin’ with Mom Earth

Bryan Yamamoto PhD, chair of the College of Medicine’s Department of Neuroscience. In spite of the drugs’ reputation for quick highs, methamphetamine causes the brain to produce free radicals — molecules that kill brain cells — and both drugs exhaust the brain’s supply of serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters that moderate emotions and movement. The damage ecstasy and methamphetamine

Bridging the safety gap

cause to serotonin- and dopamine-producing cells, in fact, resembles mechanisms linked

The 2007 Minnesota tragedy underscored the

to free radicals and their association with

numbers: The United States has more than 575,000

Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases.

bridges on public roads; of that, some 112,000 are

“By understanding how those free radicals

now rated substandard. The problem of aging

are being produced,

bridges might find a surprising solution in plastics. A

maybe we can

fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) bridge that carries

understand the

traffic across a Huron River tributary in rural Fairfield

underlying causes of

Township, Ohio, is being studied by researcher

these diseases. These

Douglas Nims, associate professor of civil engineering,

drugs are providing

and his students. Sensors built into the 17-foot-long

a valuable tool to

structure provide information on the deflections

produce and then

and strains caused by the loads crossing it, plus

better understand

temperature changes caused by Ohio’s tough winters.

the damage,”

FRP bridges currently come with a higher price tag,

says Yamamoto.

Taking someone’s

effects, including inhibited growth. Researchers

temperature is a

to the rescue, led by Scott Leisner PhD, associate

straightforward

professor of biological sciences and director of the

procedure, but

UT Plant Science Research Center, and Jonathan

what if the patient

Frantz of the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

is planet Earth?

Using Arabidopsis, a cabbage relative with a known

You go global:

genome sequence, they’re exploring the use

GLOBE Surface

of silicon to alleviate the stresses caused by copper

Temperature

application. At this point, the pairing of silicon and

Research project

copper looks like an energy drink for the

— an international

leafy set, with roots and leaves buffing up to

effort of more than

display stronger growth. That’s potentially

100 countries in which students and teachers

great news for commercial growers of both

from elementary and high schools spend a

ornamental and edible

day in December collecting data on surface

plants. Leisner recently

temperature, clouds and snow depth. Thanks

traveled to South Africa for

to Kevin Czajkowski PhD, associate professor

an international conference to present on

of geography, and Janet Struble, program

the topic — a fertile field.

they initiated the program in the Toledo area — local elementary and high schools are able to take part in the hands-on exercise that helps students, teachers and scientists understand how the Earth’s temperature is affected by land cover. GLOBE (www.globe. gov) was started in 1995 as a joint educational

days rather than the weeks or months of traditional

program between NASA, NOAA and the

construction. Truly a bridge in time.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

In its wake, however, there can be unwanted side

coordinator of curriculum and instruction —

but they can be built in factories and installed in

fungus, bacteria and algae on growing green things.

National Science Foundation.

www.toledoalumni.org

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

UT research on the edge The agony of the ecstasy

Chemical cocktail makes world greener

Disco biscuits — love doves — shamrocks: The cuddly street names for recreational

Plant growers know the value of copper; it fights

drugs ecstasy and methamphetamine mask a dangerous reality, according to researcher

Chillin’ with Mom Earth

Bridging the safety gap

cause to serotonin- and dopamine-producing cells, in fact, resembles mechanisms linked

The 2007 Minnesota tragedy underscored the

to free radicals and their association with

numbers: The United States has more than 575,000

Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases.

bridges on public roads; of that, some 112,000 are

“By understanding how those free radicals

now rated substandard. The problem of aging

are being produced,

bridges might find a surprising solution in plastics. A

maybe we can

fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP) bridge that carries

understand the

traffic across a Huron River tributary in rural Fairfield

underlying causes of

Township, Ohio, is being studied by researcher

these diseases. These

Douglas Nims, associate professor of civil engineering,

drugs are providing

and his students. Sensors built into the 17-foot-long

a valuable tool to

structure provide information on the deflections

produce and then

and strains caused by the loads crossing it, plus

better understand

temperature changes caused by Ohio’s tough winters.

the damage,”

FRP bridges currently come with a higher price tag,

says Yamamoto.

Taking someone’s

effects, including inhibited growth. Researchers

temperature is a

to the rescue, led by Scott Leisner PhD, associate

straightforward

professor of biological sciences and director of the

procedure, but

UT Plant Science Research Center, and Jonathan

what if the patient

Frantz of the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

is planet Earth?

Using Arabidopsis, a cabbage relative with a known

You go global:

genome sequence, they’re exploring the use

GLOBE Surface

of silicon to alleviate the stresses caused by copper

Temperature

application. At this point, the pairing of silicon and

Research project

copper looks like an energy drink for the

— an international

leafy set, with roots and leaves buffing up to

effort of more than

display stronger growth. That’s potentially

100 countries in which students and teachers

great news for commercial growers of both

from elementary and high schools spend a

ornamental and edible

day in December collecting data on surface

plants. Leisner recently

temperature, clouds and snow depth. Thanks

traveled to South Africa for

to Kevin Czajkowski PhD, associate professor

an international conference to present on

of geography, and Janet Struble, program

the topic — a fertile field.

days rather than the weeks or months of traditional

program between NASA, NOAA and the

construction. Truly a bridge in time.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

In its wake, however, there can be unwanted side

coordinator of curriculum and instruction —

but they can be built in factories and installed in

fungus, bacteria and algae on growing green things.

National Science Foundation.

www.toledoalumni.org

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Making peace — and life — with death By Cynthia Nowak

Jerri Nielsen MD (MED ’77) has always been driven. “Totally,” she agrees. “Driven to experience, to feel, to know — mostly to feel. To really, sincerely, completely feel.” By that definition, her life’s been rich. She’s felt the pain of a marriage ending, the rush of an Antarctic midnight, the warmth of the intense friendships forged out of hardship. She’s even worn the starry mantle of celebrity. And death — the implacable guest at the table — is the experience she no longer fears. Her 2002 book, Ice Bound: A Doctor's Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole, details her first bout with cancer, while she was serving at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. The only doctor for more than a hundred hard-working people at the bottom of the world, Nielsen ran the aptly named Hard Truth Medical Clinic after a crash course in frontier medicine with no support staff — or even a functioning X-ray machine. Halfway into the winter season, she discovered a suspicious lump on her breast.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

www.toledoalumni.org

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Making peace — and life — with death By Cynthia Nowak

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

www.toledoalumni.org

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

“ I’m so fortunate because I’ve just had a howl of a life” “I didn’t tell anyone [at the station] for three months,” she says. “There was no way in or out. Why should I worry everyone?” Instead, she organized the clinic’s equipment and medications into plastic bags with detailed instructions for every possible emergency. “I taught two guys to be my assistants, but really I was training them to be doctors in case I were to die.” Pain finally drove her to share her condition. “Not because I wanted to be rescued, because I didn’t think that was possible, but because I was in such pain I thought I was going to die soon,” she says. “If I died, they wouldn’t have anyone. I wanted to have my assistants taken off duty to get medical training.” When a self-performed biopsy confirmed her diagnosis, she began chemotherapy, using drugs delivered to the station via its first-ever airdrop in the total darkness of the Antarctic winter.

Would she call herself a glutton for experience? The question brings a hoot of laughter. “I’m so fortunate because I’ve just had a howl of a life — depths of feeling and service and at the same time, really stupid mistakes. I’m not sure if it’s wonderful or horrible to just soldier along through life without anything happening!” Last fall, more happened: brain cancer. Shortly after receiving the news, she said, “It’s too early for me to have examined it, incorporated it. But pitiful is not me.”

Three years ago, it returned, this time in her liver and bones.

A day later she had an overflow audience of UT medical students mesmerized with her Antarctica experiences. Rumors of her illness had already been circulating and she didn’t duck the issue. “I have a brain tumor,” she told the riveted young people. “I’m on full brain irradiation and I will be dead soon. I wanted to tell you that not to be a downer, but because when I look at you, I see that I had an incredible life, and you are my children, you are my future.”

“My life has been full of surprises, both good and bad,” she says. “Some of the happiest times of my life have been since I got an expiration date. I got married to a wonderful man [Tom Fitzgerald] and got back into medicine.”

Irrepressibly, she pulled off her wig, her smile widening under the hairless ’do. “Thank you for making a big sacrifice to enter into one of the best things you will ever, ever know,” she told the next generation of physicians, who gave her a standing ovation.

When the tumor became resistant to the available drugs, Nielsen — now an unwilling international celebrity — was flown out by the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard. Following years of treatment — during which Jerri stopped practicing medicine — her cancer went into remission.

She also became a globe-trotting inspirational speaker — who learns more than she teaches, she says: “For example, a lot of people fear thinking in a new, global way. I try to bring that up in my speech when I talk about the need for hope and drive and community. You need to start your life over — many times.”

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

www.toledoalumni.org

Nielsen with medical students Amber Graham, Heather Martin, Rachel Foot and Amy Dannemiller

“Some of the happiest times of my life have been since I got an expiration date”

The sweetness of that moment lingers.

In the hospital where she’s receiving treatment, there’s a grease stain between two windows. “It has the shape of the Virgin Mary,” she says. “We have had thousands of people out in the parking lot. They leave candles, statues, flowers — it looks like those tributes to Princess Di.

but I see now that that’s not true. You can experience things through other people’s eyes, for instance, by talking with them, or reading literature. “I think it’s part of being human — when our bodies start failing, our soulfulness and our understanding of others improves. Maybe we start to see life more patiently.”

“It shows how starved we are for something to believe in. We all have to evaluate our lives and make sense of what we’ve been handed.”

Always impatient for experience, Jerri is still up for the ultimate. “I think it’s a shame when people miss that part of life.”

She adds, “I used to think you had to experience everything yourself to understand it,

www.toledoalumni.org

Toledo Alumni Magazine Toledo Alumni Magazine| |Spring Spring2009 2009

Three years ago, it returned, this time in her liver and bones.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

www.toledoalumni.org

Nielsen with medical students Amber Graham, Heather Martin, Rachel Foot and Amy Dannemiller

“Some of the happiest times of my life have been since I got an expiration date”

The sweetness of that moment lingers.

“It shows how starved we are for something to believe in. We all have to evaluate our lives and make sense of what we’ve been handed.”

Always impatient for experience, Jerri is still up for the ultimate. “I think it’s a shame when people miss that part of life.”

She adds, “I used to think you had to experience everything yourself to understand it,

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Toledo Alumni Magazine Toledo Alumni Magazine| |Spring Spring2009 2009

lva Bunker’s life was not unlike that of other disabled children in Toledo in 1917. Born with no hands and only one foot — which was deformed — he was kept at home by his parents. Society believed that the improper behavior of parents was the likely reason for a child’s deformities, and families such as the Bunkers felt shamed by these children, keeping them at home to preserve the family’s secret.

Faculty Essay

How one boy changed the world:

Toledo and the “crippled children’s movement” By Barbara Floyd PhD, professor of library administration and director of the Ward M. Canaday Center

Alva’s father, a laborer, was a drunkard who abused his family, and his mother was overwhelmed caring for the children. They lived in a hovel on Ontario Street. Alva learned to use his toes for functions usually performed by fingers and he moved around on a board attached to a roller skate. At the age of 14 he had never been to school, could not read or write, and could barely speak. Alva’s future looked bleak until Emma Roberts of the District Nurse Association brought his plight to the attention of the Toledo Rotary, part of the national philanthropic association of businessmen founded in 1905 with the motto “Service Above Self.” At the urging of Roberts, the Toledo club had begun assisting disabled children. When Roberts discovered Alva Bunker in 1917, it was clear that his situation was more dire than most. There was no place in Ohio to care for him, so the Toledo Rotary arranged for him to be transported to the Browne Home for Crippled Children in Detroit. Surgeons removed his deformed foot and fitted him with artificial legs and hands, and for the first time he attended school. When members of the Rotary visited him months later, he was learning to read and write. Three years later he returned to Toledo able to walk, and began supporting himself as a mechanic. What began as an effort to help one child in Toledo quickly evolved into a movement to help disabled children around the world. Alva Bunker’s success inspired the Toledo Rotary. As a newsletter article described it, “When a Rotarian who has been closely identified with this undertaking begins to talk about what can be done for cripples, his eyes shine with a new light, and you know that he has caught a new vision — the vision of unselfish service.” In 1918, Charles Feilbach, Toledo Rotary president, helped to establish the Toledo Crippled Children’s School, the first of its kind in the city. From just eight students, it quickly grew. The Rotary gave more than $1,000 a year to the school throughout the 1920s, sponsoring a Christmas party each year and buying essentials for the students. In 1924, following the death of Feilbach, the school was renamed in his honor, and in 1931 it moved into a new building located just off Cherry Street.

Photos of Alva Bunker courtesy of Toledo Rotary Club /Ward M. Canaday Center

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

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But the Toledo Rotary did not stop there. Working with the Elyria Rotary, the two clubs began what Elyria Rotary president Edgar Allen called the “crippled children’s movement.” At the statewide Rotary convention held in Toledo in 1920, the Ohio clubs created a new organization, the Ohio Society for Crippled Children. In 1921, the group pressed for the passage of two state laws that required the State Board of Charities to provide for the medical care and education of disabled children whose parents could

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not afford these services. The laws, approved by the Ohio legislature without a single dissenting vote, were described by Allen as “the foundation for the greatest piece of work for crippled children undertaken by any state in the Union.” After its success on the state level, the Ohio Rotary clubs took their cause to the national Rotarian convention, creating the National Society for Crippled Children to survey the care of disabled children in each state and work to pass laws similar to Ohio’s. In 1923, Rotarians created the International Society for Crippled Children, with Ed Kelsey, president of the Toledo Rotary, as a founding director. In Toledo, Rotarians continued helping disabled children by creating the Toledo Society for Crippled Children in 1920. With money from the Edward Drummond Libbey estate, the organization established the Opportunity Home in 1930, a convalescent center and school for severely disabled children, many with polio. The home operated until 1955 and the widespread use of polio vaccine. In 1974, the Toledo Society for Crippled Children changed its name to the Toledo Society for the Handicapped to reflect an expansion of its mission to include disabled adults. In 1989 it became the Ability Center of Toledo and a designated Center for Independent Living, with a mission to teach independence skills. The role of the Toledo Rotary in assisting disabled children is largely forgotten, despite the insistence of Rotary founder Paul Harris, who stated that “crippled children all over the United States would some day learn to look back to Toledo as a place where an idea was born that had brought them benefit.” Alva Bunker died in his home in Toledo 1979 at the age of 77. There was no visitation, burial was private, and his brief obituary made no mention of his role in starting an international movement for disabled children. Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Faculty Essay

How one boy changed the world:

Toledo and the “crippled children’s movement” By Barbara Floyd PhD, professor of library administration and director of the Ward M. Canaday Center

Photos of Alva Bunker courtesy of Toledo Rotary Club /Ward M. Canaday Center

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

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Protean proteins

There’s nothing intimidating about: Bioinformatics First in a series of de-mystifying articles on some of UT’s amazing academic offerings

The first lesson on bioinformatics is what it is not.

Programming with DNA

It’s not about using computers to mutate human DNA.

From a Spartan office that looks stripped down for speed, Alexei Fedorov PhD, associate professor of medicine, writes some of the computer programs so essential for analyzing genetic sequences. Right now, he and his student-researchers need programs that identify protein patterns of the human genome associated with autism.

It’s definitely not about whether X-Men’s Wolverine could really exist. Robert Blumenthal PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology, and director of the Bioinformatics and Proteomics/Genomics Program, was once asked that last one by a reporter.

“Results can be obtained quickly with computer programs — in a matter of weeks,” he says. “I can write a program in a day or two to find what we’re looking for — a week for a very complicated program.”

In reality, Blumenthal says, “Bioinformatics is the intersection between biology and computer science.” It comes down to understanding DNA — that genetic code of all individual organisms from E. coli to manatees. Blumenthal compares DNA to the software on the hard drive of each organism’s individual cell: “It’s the blueprint for everything the cell needs for survival.

He’s also focused on Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), an incurable disease that causes children to literally eat themselves to death: “PWS has two stages: feeding difficulties and failure to thrive at birth, then a second stage when the child begins eating and it’s impossible to stop.”

“That involves specific molecules — proteins, for the most part — doing different jobs. One of the advantages of using this DNA coding system is that whether you’re talking about blue whales or bluestem grass, they all use essentially the same code.

One of Fedorov’s computer programs is a critical part of a study offering virtually conclusive evidence of PWS being caused when a particular gene (snoRNA) is suppressed. His program will identify snoRNA genes — the needles in the human genome haystack. “It should take me a month to run all my programs to find this target,” he says. Once the program is designed, though, it will find the treasure in ten minutes or less.

“If you read the DNA, you should be able to figure out what the cell is doing. In theory.”

Mysteries remain: determining when a particular gene is turned on and off, for instance, as in cancers, where cells grow rapidly because genes are inappropriately turned on. But finding solutions is becoming easier, thanks in part to the complete human DNA sequence identified through the Human Genome Project. As more such sequences are identified, bioinformatics extrapolates as much information out of them as possible. This is where powerful computers become partners in identifying DNA sequence patterns and tying them to particular cell behaviors. “Once patterns are noted, it falls to the biologist to find out what’s going on, using traditional lab procedures,” Blumenthal explains. His own specialty is bacteria: “Smaller and simpler than humans, genome-wise.”

Toledo Alumni Toledo Alumni | Spring Magazine 2009 | Winter 2009 16Magazine

Hu compares bioinformatics to two speeding trains — biology and computational science — running on parallel tracks. His team of biophysical chemists relies heavily on computational models to understand how ligands suppress cell functions. “We’ve done so many calculations that when we see certain motifs, we can make predictions as to how strongly a ligand will bond [in a way] that allows it to act as a suppressor.” In the future, Hu says, those predictions may allow researchers to “turn disease-causing molecules on and off like a switch.”

It’s not Franken-science.

Colleague Xiche Hu PhD, associate professor of chemistry, goes even more microscopic; he’s the program’s protein expert — a significant area, since proteins are involved in all aspects of cellular functions. In turn, he says, “The protein-bonding of a small molecule called a ligand is very important because it regulates the function of proteins.” The ligands can act as a stimulating or suppressing agent in a process like cell reproduction — wildly reproducing cancer cells are again a perfect example of lost cell regulation.

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UT student Lacey Strickler — who will enter the PhD program in science education after earning her master’s in biology — at the computer cluster in Bowman-Oddy, where videoconferencing technology will strengthen undergrad science classes. “Science education is so important,” she says. “The only way to understand science is to experience it.”

FIRE igniting students It’s hitting gold when John Gray PhD, associate professor of biological sciences, can open undergraduates’ eyes to the possibilities of bioinformatics. “Biology was moving on to ‘big biology,’ the large experiments, but our undergraduates were almost completely unaware,” he says. In response, he began to introduce bioinformatics to the undergraduate curriculum, in the form of molecular genetics and cell biology. “Some of the fastest supercomputers in the world were used to organize the Human Genome Project,” he says. “The reality for students is that the lab computer that you use to check your e-mail can be used to access this huge database of genetic information — that’s exciting.” His corn-genome research is the spearhead: “I call it fostering the integration of research and education: FIRE. Students learn to handle genetic information, in effect adopt a gene and compare it with existing related information. Their results are put into a research repository and made available to other researchers at grassius.org.” Economic developers, take note: As Gray says, “Bioinformatics is still an emerging area. The changing landscape of scientific jobs means many new careers are possible.” And UT winning one of the fiercely contested Choose Ohio First awards means eight full-tuition scholarships for in-state students taking masters’ degrees in bioinformatics. Toledo Toledo Alumni Alumni Magazine Magazine| |Spring Spring2009 2009

Protean proteins

There’s nothing intimidating about: Bioinformatics First in a series of de-mystifying articles on some of UT’s amazing academic offerings

The first lesson on bioinformatics is what it is not.

Programming with DNA

It’s not about using computers to mutate human DNA.

“If you read the DNA, you should be able to figure out what the cell is doing. In theory.”

Toledo Alumni Toledo Alumni | Spring Magazine 2009 | Winter 2009 16Magazine

It’s not Franken-science.

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Those ghost duffers might be shaken by the razor-competitive sport played when UT hosts the 2009 Division 1 Men’s Golf Championship, held from May 25 to 30 at Toledo’s storied Inverness Club. But they would recognize the level of talent crowding the field. “The NCAA is arguably the second most-prestigious amateur tournament in golf, with the first being the U.S. Amateur,” says David Graf (Bus ’83), PGA master professional at Inverness. “The NCAA Championship, because collegiate golf is so worldwide, has almost all the top amateur golfers between 18 and 22 competing. It’s always a tremendously strong field, held at prestigious sites. For amateur golfers, winning it is akin to winning the NCAA Championship in football or basketball.”

Greening Up for tomorrow’s superstars

Tiger Woods, in fact, is just one of the pros who over the history of the NCAA Championship hoisted the trophy, notes Lawrence Burns, UT vice president for external affairs and interim vice president for equity and diversity, who's co-chair for the UT organizing committee. Phil Mickelson and Jack Nicklaus are two others. [An appearance by Nicklaus, incidentally, crowns the after-play dinner held at Savage Arena.]

There’s an excellent chance that the crowds at Toledo’s Inverness Club will be seeing more than top-flight golf during six notable days this May.

Seems like old times It’s been more than a half-century — 1944, to be exact — since the championship was played in Toledo, again at Inverness. “Golf was entirely different back then,” Graf says. “Byron Nelson was the head professional here at Inverness; he was arguably one of top three golfers in the history of the game. In 1945, he won 11 straight tour events, which is still unequalled, and 19 in one year, something else not equaled.” The world of 1944 was different as well, he says, with WWII changing the home front in unexpected ways: “Because of wartime rubber rationing, players used old golf balls.” Jerry Lemieux, Inverness member and longtime volunteer USGA and NCAA rules official, notes, “It was just a month after D-Day. A lot of players were in the service, and many teams from around the country weren’t able to travel here because of gas rationing and travel restrictions.”

“The progression is real, from high school junior golfers who compete across the country to college players to those on the PGA tours,” Burns says.

They’ll also be glimpsing the future of the sport whose surprising — if desultory — practitioners have included Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain and even Mary, Queen of Scots.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

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Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Greening Up for tomorrow’s superstars

There’s an excellent chance that the crowds at Toledo’s Inverness Club will be seeing more than top-flight golf during six notable days this May.

“The progression is real, from high school junior golfers who compete across the country to college players to those on the PGA tours,” Burns says.

They’ll also be glimpsing the future of the sport whose surprising — if desultory — practitioners have included Oscar Wilde, Mark Twain and even Mary, Queen of Scots.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

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Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Hitting the sweet spot for Toledo

Inspiration by Tiger, sweat by buckets

Although there was periodic talk of another NCAA Championship, it took some stepping up to the tee to hit the idea out of the rough. Waterford Bank chair and CEO Michael Miller (Bus ’79, MBA ’80), the UT committee’s other co-chair, was already a golf booster when inspiration hit. A former UT golf team player and past president of Inverness Club, Miller helped create a fundraising organization (later the Top 100 Club) to support UT men’s golf. “Schools tend not to have the budgets for golf, so outside money for scholarships and equipment is crucial,” he says.

When the championships began earlier this year, 81 teams and 45 individuals entered play at six regional sites. Those were pared down to the top five teams from each site as well as each site’s top individuals; all advanced to the championship field of 156 players. It’s a process both familiar and perennially exciting for Donnie Wagner (Eng ’91), NCAA assistant director of championships. “The NCAA is all about enhancing our student-athletes’ experiences; that includes playing on great courses. This year Inverness, with its great history, is a part of that. When they step on that course, visit that clubhouse, they know they’ve entered something special.”

The close ties he maintained with former UT golf coach John Jasinski (A/S ’83), who's widely recognized for strengthening both the program and its support, started larger wheels moving. “Once we secured playing privileges for the UT team at Inverness, talk of an annual fall tournament naturally followed,” Miller says. “Then John brought up the idea of hosting an NCAA tournament. When we went to the Inverness Future Sites Committee with the championship idea, they were unanimously in favor.”

He’s had a great view of the Tiger Woods-fueled golf explosion and the roster of serious young players who aim at perfection. “You see these kids work hour after hour, day after day to get their games at the highest level of play and watch them hit shots that you could never manage.”

UT was every bit as unanimous about being a genuine presence this time around. “Every NCAA event has a host institution,” explains Mike O’Brien, executive director for intercollegiate athletics. “This year it will be The University of Toledo, which will mean international exposure for UT, for the community and the region. It’s a total win-win for northwest Ohio.”

Molding character is part of the NCAA experience as well, he says: “NCAA golf is different from the Masters or the PGA Championship because we have both the team and the individual component. “This year we have a new format with a stroke-play part of the event for the first 54 holes. Then the top eight teams will advance to the match-play bracket where the number one seed plays the number eight seed, two plays seven, four plays five and three plays six — head to head, one-on-one for a point, just like in the Ryder and Walker Cups.”

Jean-Hubert Trahan, UT sophomore from Montreal, competing in last fall's Ping/ Golfweek Preview

The one-on-one for a point, he adds, will make play easier to understand for non-golfers in the audience.

International appeal

UT team. NCAA tournament organizers — from right, David Graf, Michael Miller, Mike O'Brien, Jamie Mauntler, Lawrence J. Burns and Kelly Andrews, senior associate athletic director/SWA. Inset: Donnie Wagner

As the sport went global, so did UT. Graf recalls, “When John Jasinski and I played in the 1970s, college golf was very regional; Southern schools were head and shoulders above Northern schools. Recruiting was regional, too, so UT’s team was made up predominately of kids within an hour or two of driving time. Golf coaches were part-time positions. It was prior to the Internet, so if you grew up in Florida, you may never have heard of The University of Toledo, where now kids from the South come north.” In the 1980s, he says, Jasinski began recruiting top Irish players: “They were very much attracted; not only is UT a fine school, but Toledo is an outstanding golf town with very active amateur associations.” International recruiting remains a priority in the program, with notable results. In the latest, senior Ciaran McAleavey from Northern Ireland captured medalist honors at last year's MAC Championships. Call it one more winning shot in an overall great game, says Jamie Mauntler (A/S ’97), head men’s golf coach: “UT is a natural to host the NCAA Championship. The future of both the men’s and women’s golf programs is bright and getting brighter.”

check out page 41 for one golfer's brush with fate.

Winning 1944 Notre Dame team

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

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Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Hitting the sweet spot for Toledo

Inspiration by Tiger, sweat by buckets

Jean-Hubert Trahan, UT sophomore from Montreal, competing in last fall's Ping/ Golfweek Preview

The one-on-one for a point, he adds, will make play easier to understand for non-golfers in the audience.

International appeal

check out page 41 for one golfer's brush with fate.

Winning 1944 Notre Dame team

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

www.toledoalumni.org

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Feast for the mind Laughter is central to Parvin’s personality, part Persian poet/dreamer, part bustling evangelizer for the power of self-actualization. As he once told an interviewer, “How our consciousness is formed and manipulated has been a source of wonderment for me!”

Not without reason did he, in his novel-in-verse Dardedel, call himself an imp. “I am an imp!” he says. “I’m a troublemaker!”

“Yes, I am the same person then and now,” Parvin says. “You know, I could read books when I was three, and I was very daring. When I was four or five I pretended to be Tarzan. I had ropes set up all over the household and my parents couldn’t do anything about me swinging on them!”

Five alumni whose gifts are a banquet in tough times By Cynthia Nowak and Kim Harvey

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Along the way, he published, lectured and provided social commentary via TV and radio. He’s not any less feisty today. “In the novel I’m writing, I’ve created a new religion. It’s not based on faith; its Genesis is knowledge, evidence and science, which are dynamic, not fixed. We don’t promise a bungalow in heaven; heaven would be created on this earth, or on other planets, eventually.”

The exclamation marks are necessary; Parvin isn’t prone to understatement. During the present interview, he displays the same childlike enthusiasms that must have marked him as a child growing up in Tehran, Iran, during the tumultuous early reign of the last Shah.

Feasting

The life of the mind can be perilous. After all, “intellectual” usually isn’t a compliment in American parlance. But author, professor and oft-described-asa-polymath Manoucher Parvin PhD (Eng ’59) never lets that faze him. “I have been trying to translate myself into American society for most of my life!” he says with a gusty laugh.

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He still craves the rush, even as he admits that his hyper-active mind — four novels, multiple poems, short stories and numerous scientific papers to his credit — sometimes singles him out. But, he adds, “You can be marginalized and not resigned to it. It’s like getting a disease but fighting it out. ” That scrappiness includes years of service in social causes, plus teaching at Columbia University (where he completed his PhD in economics without ever having taken an undergraduate course in the discipline), at Hunter College in New York City and “a very big state university in Ohio.” (Today, he's near Cleveland.)

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He adds, more seriously, “We need people who are not afraid to engage in self-criticism or criticize society in a civilized way that helps us understand ourselves better.” And he reveres love. “That’s what attracts me about the historical Christ, who was brilliant, intuitive, a revolutionary. I learned from him about using love as a great force for change. This is also in Sufism and Buddhism, and it’s a good signal how they are becoming more popular again, as is Rumi [the 13thcentury Persian poet-philosopher who figures prominently in Dardedel].” As a husband and later a single father who, he says, “nursed my son through the suburban Ohio Public school system,” he had ample opportunity to take the measure of human existence. “What is important?” he asks rhetorically before providing the answer: “Love and truth. Those are the forces that have driven me most of my life. In my novels, I’m trying to heighten my consciousness on some important issues and perhaps if I’m lucky make some inroads, then share it with my readers. “And my best work is the one that hasn’t come out yet.” Check his Web site: www.mparvin.com.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Not without reason did he, in his novel-in-verse Dardedel, call himself an imp. “I am an imp!” he says. “I’m a troublemaker!”

Five alumni whose gifts are a banquet in tough times By Cynthia Nowak and Kim Harvey

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Feasting

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Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Feast for medical patients and students

Feast for the spirit Toledo as a hub of Christian-based entertainment? Holy Toledo is no mere pie in the heavenly sky for filmmaker Doug Dibert Jr. (A/S ’04) of Temperance, Mich. As he pilots his production company, Crossing River Entertainment, through shoals familiar to every young producer/director/writer, he keeps his vistas wide and his optimism unbounded. His first career goal was acting: “I acted in plays all through high school, so I got an agent and started auditioning.” The offers came in, but the roles were in movies, he says, that made American Pie look like Gandhi. “I decided there must be Christian movies out there. There were, but they were really poorly made, not with high Hollywood production values in storytelling and technical quality. That’s when I decided to change [at UT] from theatre to film.”

In October 2008, Wonderly received the Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence in Volunteer Faculty, bestowed by UT medical students.

Somewhere between science and art, there’s a delicate concept called medicine. Dr. Mary Wonderly (MED ’01), a family medicine specialist in Fremont, often straddles the line separating the two. She advocates scientific evidence supporting the importance of good nutrition and regulating blood pressure. And yet … “I believe in giving a good hug when it’s needed,” Wonderly says with a soft smile. In a field where de-personalization is a criticism, Wonderly is a gentle maverick. She makes house calls, spends lengthy time with patients and introduces herself in the following manner: “Hi, I’m Mary Wonderly. I’m a nurse, a doctor and a mom.” Wonderly’s medical career began with a white cap, not a white coat. The Tiffin native recalls, “There were no female physicians in town when I was young. If you were good at science and wanted to go into health care, you became a nurse.” Wonderly married and had four children as she learned the ropes of medicine, beginning as a nurse’s aid and progressing to registered nurse. She cared for patients in the intensive care and medical-surgical units at Fremont Memorial Hospital before her promotion to vice president of nursing services. A profound thing happened as Wonderly transitioned from clinical to administrative nursing: “The higher I advanced, the more I missed contact with my patients,” Wonderly says.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

It proved a prophetic choice; post-graduation, he worked at local TV stations but felt the call to start his own production company. With the support of his wife, Jennifer, he took out a bank loan, a deep breath and a leap of faith. “The company name is based on Psalms 46:4 — ‘There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,’” he explains.

She embarked on a bold career change. Taking voluntary layoff from the hospital, she applied to medical school at the former Medical College of Ohio. Despite Wonderly’s extensive training, her application was rejected. Not once, but twice.

The river has proved fruitful. With several short films and a documentary miniseries to his credit, Doug feels ready to test the big leagues. “Movie executives in California are interested in tapping into the Christian audience because of the success of The Passion of the Christ and Chronicles of Narnia,” he says. What execs call “the Passion market” represents almost a billion dollars of revenue.

“After the second time, I drove to MCO, knocked on the door and asked, ‘What do I need to do to get into medical school?’ It turns out the second rejection was a mistake.” Wonderly’s perseverance would continue. Commuting daily from Fremont to Toledo and struggling to balance the demands of her family and medical school, she failed several exams. With a little family tweaking, Wonderly found her stride, eventually graduating with honors. She has operated her own practice and served as assistant professor in family medicine on UT’s faculty for six years.

There’s always the chance, Doug admits, that Tinsel Town will try to water down the message he wants to promote. “But [Hollywood] is finding that the [Christian] films they try to create on their own don’t have the same effect. On the other hand, two films produced by a church — Fire Proof and Facing the Giants — did really well.” In between planning future directions for his business, Doug’s readying his first feature-length film — a drama, Your Love Broke Through — with plans to follow it with a comedy. Does the big time seem like a long shot? He cites Jerry Seinfeld: “Someone saw him perform in a nightclub, thought he was funny and Seinfeld was created. Stuff like that happens.”

Medical students who rotate through her office often find a demanding yet compassionate mentor. “I expect a lot from them,” Wonderly says, “but they understand that I want them to learn.” She doesn’t mention her nursing experiences, but they are always on the periphery. “Nursing makes you communicate better, empathize better and pick up on subtleties you might miss otherwise,” she explains. “It’s fulfilling to help people through the processes of illness, healing and even dying. It makes you feel like you’re making a difference.”

He adds, “I’ve never regretted this direction, though there have been times when I’ve questioned it, especially when the monthly bills come due. But God’s always provided. The Lord’s definitely pushed me into this, and I want to be in exactly the place He chose for me.”

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His site: www.Crossingriverentertainment.com Toledo Alumni Magazine| |Spring Spring2009 2009 Toledo Alumni Magazine

Feast for medical patients and students

In October 2008, Wonderly received the Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence in Volunteer Faculty, bestowed by UT medical students.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

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His site: www.Crossingriverentertainment.com Toledo Alumni Magazine| |Spring Spring2009 2009 Toledo Alumni Magazine

Tw0 feasts for the taste buds For Greg Shepherd (Bus ’94), success is riding on a chip. That’s tortilla, not computer. “And not the dance, either,” says Greg, co-creator and co-owner (with his wife, Heather) of Stadium Salsa, a line of products now appearing on fine tostadas, chalupas and nachos near you — including Toledo’s Fifth Third Field, where it’s the Mud Hens’ exclusive salsa. “It all started in our kitchen as a way to use some of our tomatoes,” Greg says. “We took the salsa to tailgates and made recipe changes based on the feedback.” Given the positive buzz, going commercial seemed logical. When the couple sold their small Bowling Green carryout, they asked the new owners to give the salsa a spot in the deli section, since at that time the product was still fresh-packed. “That’s when the calls started coming in,” Greg says. Logistical demands mounted: More retailers to cover, more salsas to keep fresh until the expiration date. It was clear that the chilled product was getting hot — and ripe to make the leap into heat-pack jars. Time for Greg and Heather to enter the kitchen: the Northwest Ohio Cooperative Kitchen in Bowling Green, where new food-based companies can lease technology to bring their products to market. Large-scale production was hard work, but the Shepherds never compromised. “We still don’t use

preservatives,” Greg notes proudly. “Label-readers are very surprised to see that our salsa is very low in sodium, high in vitamin C. We don’t water it down with tomato puree; it’s 100 percent northwest Ohio tomatoes.” Today’s product line has eight varieties, including a new shelf-stable creamy avocado dip. How far will they grow? Stadium Salsa is already carried by Kroger’s, Wal-Mart and local independent grocers. Greg says, “I tell Heather that we have three choices: Stop what we’re doing, stay where we are or continue to grow. Her answer is always the same: ‘We’ve put so much work into it already, let’s make it grow.’” They never draw salaries; all profits go back into the company, and their plate holds more than salsa. Greg has a day job with a cancer research company, while Heather’s accounting degree puts her in charge of the company’s financials. They have three children under the age of 6 — all certified salsa enthusiasts. Their salsa heats up the community as well, via school fundraisers — including one with UT’s TECHS Program. “When we work with a school, we don’t take a piece of the pie. The cause is good and we want to give back to the community,” Greg says. “Really, our salsa’s a good, healthy product that’s usually on everyone’s shopping list, anyway.”

If there’s one thing Chef Oliver Hale (UTCTC ’87, UTCTC ’88) knows, it’s the good, the bad and the ugly of American-style eating. Consider the last two first: “We have too much food and we don’t utilize it like we should,” says Hale, a health-promoting culinary whiz who was twice voted best chef in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he’s lived and worked since 1989. Although he acknowledges that the healthy-food movement is more visible now, he adds, “The people who should be part of it aren’t. “So much comes down to kids: too many overweight kids. I worked with the Detroit Public Schools to deal with the problems, the obesity and Type 2 diabetes. It’s caused by the wrong foods and not enough physical activity.” Ride a bicycle, he advises, do some walking, lose the remote. There’s no need to cut out all snacks — Hale laughs about his own weakness for chili dogs — “but use moderation.” The incentive he offers is the food itself. The ready availability of high-quality food can inspire Americans to eat better — with a little prodding. Master prodder Hale has specialized in healthy cooking since his career began. “And it’s paid off,” he says. “Now I’m out of the restaurant grind and work just a few days a week.” Those days, though, are as full as a

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

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veggie-stuffed bell pepper, with seminars and presentations nationwide, plus his cooking show, Chef O’s Place. It’s as a chef for private parties, though, where he sees the immediate impact of mindful cuisine. “I take the salt and pepper shakers off the table first thing. Ninety-five percent of the people never ask for them,” he says. Instead, diners linger over the meals he flavors with garlic and wine. His trademark white wine syrup with orange zest, for instance, can dress up the humble parsnip or carrot so that even obdurate kids become enthusiastic eaters. Chef O’s gospel of healthy eating — real food, realistic portions and regular physical activity — carries a personal resonance; in 1985, he received a kidney transplant at the former Medical College of Ohio. His body rejected the organ in 2007. Now on dialysis, “I’m waiting patiently on the transplant list and doing the things I need to do to stay healthy,” says the recipient of the National Kidney Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award. That includes a cookbook in the oven, slated for a summer release. “It’ll be renal-friendly, diabetic-friendly, and anyone who picks it up will find tasty foods that will be life-changing,” he promises. Delectable details of his life are on his Web site: www.chefo.us.

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Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

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Toledo Alumni Magazine| |Spring Spring2009 2009 Toledo Alumni Magazine

Union:

of, for and by the students Yesterday’s students read by firelight, today’s work wireless. Back in the day, nickel candy was dispensed at “Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe,” now the toted Starbucks cups almost outnumber the backpacks. Chit-chat remains constant, whether in shouts, murmurs or silent texting. In all ages, the Student Union has been central to the UT experience — did a history lesson ever go down so easy?

^ The Candy Counter, now Starbucks ^

Bobby sox and crew cuts — it's still romance

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

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Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Union:

^ The Candy Counter, now Starbucks ^

Bobby sox and crew cuts — it's still romance

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

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Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

In 1955, a student committee ran a spirited campaign for a new Student Union. “Where can a T.U. student go for relaxation and fun?” the promotional material asked. “There is no place from 2 p.m. on, after our present Union closes, where a student, marooned on campus because of night classes, can relax between study periods.” Students subsequently voted to assess themselves each semester to build it. Summersession students contributed 50 cents per semester hour, evening students 25 cents. Overall, students contributed $105,000, with the remaining $900,000 provided through a federal loan. The current Student Union was dedicated in September 1959. A recurring color throughout the building was “moonmist,” a light blue-green. With Mad Men all the rage, the still-present hue is très retro. Gone, though, is the auditorium furniture, glowingly described in 1959 as “small armchairs and benches in avocado, turquoise and antique-white Naugahyde.” A new Union section adding 70,000 square feet was dedicated in November 1972. Although it was criticized as more being suitable for the sock hops of the early 1960s than useful to the tastes of its current users, then-President Glen R. Driscoll asked the audience to “catch the excitement” of the addition and UT. The Bookstore and the Rathskeller moved from Snyder Memorial to the Union by late 1975.

^ Libbey Hall was the site of the first Student Union, dedicated on May 11, 1935

as part of The University of the City of Toledo Visiting Day, when the public was “invited to inspect the libraries, laboratories, gymnasia and other facilities of the University.” The Union shared facilities with the women’s dorm; resident women moved to McKinnon in 1952, but the old building was still too small. Every entertainment amenity was included

More renovations came in 1994, with room for the expanded UT Bookstore, food court, conference and meeting rooms. Student organizations, a credit union and bank, even a balloon counter continue to match the changing tastes and needs of students — and color the history of a grand building.

^ Chillin’ on the river, circa 1959 Dancing in Union: Twist? Mashed Potato? Watusi?

^ ^ Rules and regulations 30

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Toledo Alumni Magazine| |Spring Spring2009 2009 Toledo Alumni Magazine

^ Libbey Hall was the site of the first Student Union, dedicated on May 11, 1935

^ Chillin’ on the river, circa 1959 Dancing in Union: Twist? Mashed Potato? Watusi?

^ ^ Rules and regulations 30

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class notes

Editor’s Note: Class notes submitted by alumni are not verified by the editors. While we welcome alumni news, Toledo Alumni Magazine is not responsible for information contained in class notes.

40s

Nathan Schwartz (Bus ’40) and his wife, Dorothy, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in September with their family. Retired from SSOE Inc. in Toledo, Nathan serves as CFO of J&D Core Supply. Paul Dexter (A/S ’48) who batted .397 while playing for UT, wants to hear from “some of the old ball players.” He lives in Oriental, N.C., where he competes in the Senior Games, so far winning 76 gold medals. He’s at pnjdexter@netzero.net.

50s

Melvin R. Bielawski (UTCTC ’53, Bus ’56), Alexandria, Va., retired from the U.S. Department of Defense, had a third book, The Corner: A WWIIEra Story of a Neighborhood, published by AuthorHouse. Writing the semi-autobiographical tale of Toledo’s Junction Avenue Polish neighborhood is part of his belief in “keeping physically and mentally active in retirement.”

60s

Larry Rochelle (Ed ’62, Ed Spec ’80) wrote an account of his volunteer time at two media outlets in Kansas City, Mo., during the events of 9/11. The book, Crazy Lil’ Media, includes firsthand interviews and e-mails to recreate the time of the terror attacks. It’s available at LuLu.com and rainydaybooks.com. William “Fred” Dais (Ed ’64, MEd ’69, Ed Spec ’77) retired as director of field experiences at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tenn., after 11 years as a college administrator. His career in education includes another 33 years with Springfield

Schools in Holland, Ohio. He and his wife, Lynda Dunn PhD, live in Genoa; Fred is a field supervisor in UT’s Judith Herb College of Education, also serving on the board of the Springfield Schools Foundation and playing clarinet in the Polish American Concert Band. Herbert Woodward Martin (A/S ’64), poet-inresidence and professor of English at the University of Dayton, was the subject of a documentary, Jump Back, Henry, which premiered in January. He also narrated a performance of William Grant Still’s Afro-American Symphony with the Dayton Philharmonic, and another with the Indianapolis Symphony. Stanley M. Krawetz (Law ’65), Sarasota, Fla., who has practiced law for 43 years, was honored with the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award in January, one of 22 lawyers recognized for their work on behalf of poor and indigent clients. The family mediation practitioner contributed more than 800 hours through Legal Aid of Manasota in the last two years. Diana “Dee” Talmage (MEd ’65), Ottawa Hills, was reappointed to the Owens Community College board of trustees for a six-year term by Gov. Ted Strickland. She serves as the board’s vice chair and chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. James A. Young (MA ’66), who teaches at Wilson College, Chambersburg, Pa., published two works: “Jeremy Rifkin” in American Radical and Reform Writers (Bruccoli Clark Layman, 2009) and “Aldous Huxley: Anglo-American Skeptic-Turned-Mystic in Search of the Moral Ground” in Morality and the Literary Imagination (Transition, 2009). He also serves as business agent for the Pennsylvania Social Services Union. Russell Johnson (A/S ’67, MEd ’69), now retired in Smith Mountain Lake, Va., was elected vice chairman of the Patrick Henry Community College Foundation board of directors. George Stockman (MEd ’67), Bryan, Ohio, was inducted into the Defiance College Varsity D Hall of Fame. The former member of the college’s 1953 undefeated football team worked in education for many years before going into insurance and finance.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

70s

Glenn O. Hall (Eng ’71, Eng ’80), who enjoyed a plant engineering career of 26 years with General Dynamics in Lima, Ohio, retired last year on disability. William S. Janna PhD (Eng ’71, MEng ’73, PhD ’76) had his book, Engineering Heat Transfer, 3rd Edition, published in January by CRC Press. John Fraas PhD (MA ’72), trustees’ professor, professor of business administration at Ashland University and former director of research for its Gill Center for Business and Economic Education, retired in December. Robert E. Krueger (A/S ’72) was named principal of the newly opened Monroe County (Mich.) Middle College, a joint project of the county’s Intermediate School District, Monroe County Community College and Mercy Memorial Hospital System. It combines high school and community college requirements. Mike Bartell (A/S ’73) retired in January from the Toledo Blade, where he worked nearly 37 years, most recently as night city editor. He continues as a part-time instructor in UT’s Department of Communication. Brent McGraw (Ed ’73), a 30year veteran teacher at Genoa (Ohio) Schools, continues to teach physical education at Brunner Elementary and to sponsor Field Day, a yearly athletic test that in 2008 saw 42 1st-graders among the 110 winners, a first for the school system. Alfred Connors Jr. MD (MED ’74), Charles H. Rammelkamp Professor of Medicine at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, Cleveland, was named chief medical officer at MetroHealth Systems, overseeing faculty and working with the school to guide the teaching and research of the MetroHealth medical staff. He was chair of the Department of Medicine at MetroHealth since 2002. Darrell Heckman (Law ’74), an Urbana attorney, was appointed to the Ohio Respiratory Care Board by Gov. Ted Strickland. Gerald (Jerry) Jakubowski PhD (Eng ’74, MEng ’76, PhD ’78) is leaving his position as president of the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Ind., to become provost of the California Maritime Academy in Vallejo.

Steve Mix (Ed ’74), Perrysburg, owner of the Steve Mix Basketball Academy and a 13-year NBA veteran, was named an NBA development league coaching consultant. He also worked 22 years as an analyst for the Philadelphia 76ers. John Downey (Ed ’75, MEd ’81, Ed Spec ’90), who led the Archbold High School football program for 30 years, stepped down after a 222-win career that put him 18th on the list of all-time Ohio coaching wins. He will continue to work as a guidance counselor at the school, where he will have 35 years of teaching this fall. Stephen K. Haller (Law ’75), Bellbrook, Ohio, was reelected as Greene County prosecuting attorney, having held the office since 2006. He serves with Michael’s House Foundation and the Wilmington College President’s Advisor Council. Judge Janet Boes (A/S ’76, Law ’83) was appointed judge of the 10th Circuit Court, serving Saginaw County, Mich., by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. William W. Harding (MBA ’76), CEO and president of Union Hospital in Dover, Ohio, was awarded the American Cancer Society’s highest honor, the St. George National Award. He’s been a Cancer Society board member at the county level for 28 years and 15 years at the state level. Robert A. Hall PhD (MEd ’77, PhD ’90), Napoleon, was appointed by Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland to a six-year term on the board of trustees at Northwest State Community College, Archbold. Randy L. Reese MD (MED ’77), Eugene, Ore., is practicing geriatrics and family medicine in rural Oregon after 10 years in emergency medicine. The coauthor of 1993’s Growing into Wholeness reserves enough spare time to play drums in a rock ’n’ roll band. Rick Chiricosta (Bus ’78) was selected as president/CEO of Medical Mutual of Ohio after serving as president of a subsidiary, Life Group for Consumers Life Insurance Co.

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Stephanie Dutchess Trudeau (A/S ’78), certified specialist in labor and employment law with the Cleveland-based law firm Ulmer & Berne LLP, received additional accolades when she made the Ohio Super Lawyers 2009 list. She was recognized as one of Ohio’s top 50 women attorneys and one of Cleveland’s top 25 women attorneys for the third year in a row. The list is a joint project of Law & Politics and Cincinnati magazines.

Patients love alumna’s ‘shocking’ medical innovation

Bryan F. Ohm (Bus ’79), president of Modern Portfolio Management Inc., an investment firm headquartered in Holland, Ohio, wrote a paper, “Women and Wealth Management,” aimed at those in the transition period before, during and after retirement.

80s

Michael Solomon (Law ’80) was named senior counsel at the Harrisburg, Pa., office of law firm Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman. Judy Didion (A/S ’81) was named dean of the School of Nursing at Lourdes College in Sylvania, where most recently she had been associate chair of undergraduate curriculum. M. Lance Weaver MD (MED ’81), along with two medical colleagues, established a new practice, Northern Area Surgical Associates — University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dave Monk (Bus ’82, MBA ’82) works for Spokane Falls Community College as coordinator of its Business Math Center, as well as instructor. He and his wife, Janice (Clark) (Univ Coll ’80, MBA ’84), have lived in Spokane, Wash., since 2006. Rod Walton (Bus ’83) was named vice president of private banking with First Federal Bank in Findlay. Lt. Col. Brian E. King (Bus ’84, MBA ’88) received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal from the U.S. Air Force for his support of Operation Enduring Freedom as deputy senior mentor, Afghan National Police, Officer of the Command Surgeon, Combined Security Transition CommandAfghanistan.

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Kaye Lee (NRSG ’97) may shrug when asked if she’s a trailblazer, but the facts stand. The independent medical practice she owns — Lima Family Care Inc. — makes the nurse practitioner (NP) one of a tiny handful of such Ohio entrepreneurs. “Prior to my degree, I was an emergency department nurse for ten years, doing management as well,”Lee says.“My plan was to work in a new urgent care clinic, but as I was going through my program of study, I fell in love with family care.” When the clinic failed to materialize, Lee began examining offers in family practices — with a singular goal in mind. “From the very beginning, I told physicians that I wanted to be a partner, just as with their partner-physicians. I would take calls, make rounds, do everything physicians do.” Not surprisingly, she says, the notion of an NP partner floored many physicians: “Most of them were shocked that I would even propose it. They wanted traditional RNs and didn’t understand what a nurse practitioner could do.” Ultimately, she found someone whose initial surprise gave way to acceptance.“If someone was willing to work as hard as he was, he was willing to take the chance,” Lee says. Their partnership became so successful that when the physician moved out of state, he sold the practice to Lee.

The practice thrives.“We have fourth-generation patients,” she notes. One patient, in fact, educated a specialist who told her she needed a “real” family practitioner. “She told him, ‘I have a family practitioner, I get good care and I’m listened to. If I need a specialist, she sends me there,’” says Lee, whose advocacy with the Ohio Association of Advanced Practice Nurses gives her a voice with legislators.“I tell them, ‘NP care is equivalent to that of MDs, our outcomes are equivalent to that of MDs, but we bring an empathetic, caring model.’ “Not to say physicians aren’t empathetic! But we all have to fight rushing patients through, and the nursing background creates a special niche.” That blazed trail means effort: “There’s a lot of personal expense and risk, a lot of extra dedication and time, and stepping outside your safety zone. I had the right background and a great staff, so the opportunity felt right.” To other NPs who call for advice, Lee offers the voice of experience: “Develop a business plan and be sure you’re financially secure, because there may be some lean times. Your reward isn’t financial, that’s all — the rewards come in many, many other ways. I love what I do and if I had to do it all over again, I would do the same thing.”

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

class notes

Editor’s Note: Class notes submitted by alumni are not verified by the editors. While we welcome alumni news, Toledo Alumni Magazine is not responsible for information contained in class notes.

40s

50s

60s

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

70s

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Patients love alumna’s ‘shocking’ medical innovation

80s

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Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

class notes

’Cause he’s the taxman. Yeeeahh, he’s the taxman

Bart Kulish (Bus ’84), most recently vice president and general manager for hospitality-industry manufacturer MTS Seating, was promoted to president in December. He’s been with the Michigan-based company since 1985. Robert J. Molnar (Bus ’85) was promoted to banking center officer in the Retail Division of Fifth Third Bank, continuing to manage the Alexis-Lewis Banking Center in Toledo. Thomas L. Steinemann MD (MED ’85), professor of ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University, was named to the FDA’s Ophthalmic Devices Panel, which evaluates the safety and effectiveness of marketed and investigational devices for use in the eye.

Patrick Heck (Law ’82) used to be a party pooper. OK, he didn’t come uninvited or empty-handed and he didn’t laugh at his own jokes, but just ask him what happened when he told people he worked for the IRS. “It was definitely a conversation killer,” Heck says. And while he won’t admit to the long-fabled dubious doings of the Internal Revenue Service, he acknowledges the nervousness people feel when the taxman comes knocking. “No one wants to pay taxes,” he says. “But I’ve spent my entire career trying to make paying taxes less taxing.” In his position as partner in the Washington, D.C., office of global law firm K&L Gates, Heck is doing just that. “I help taxpayers understand taxes and how to petition their government,” he says. “And I’m always thinking about ways to make tax policy clearer. The Internal Revenue Code is certainly not perfect and if I could rewrite a lot of it, I would.” Though that intent makes inspiring copy, the most party-worthy story from Heck’s career isn’t about how he is helping people pay their taxes. It’s about how he helped shape national policy with the future president of the United States. Heck’s work on Capitol Hill with thenSenator Barack Obama from Illinois and the U.S. Senate Finance Committee afforded him many opportunities to be front and center in the discussions that form U.S. tax policy.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

“All of this stuff you hear about tax geeks — it’s not true,” he says.“I’ve been places I never would have been and helped lawmakers understand how their policies will affect real people in the real world.” Seven years on the Senate Finance Committee (including four as Democratic chief tax counsel) and a previous working relationship with the current U.S. president gives Heck an interesting perspective on the economic turmoil facing the nation. “Time will tell if components of this economic recovery package will work,” Heck says.“But our president has the ability and energy we need to help get us through this. And as extraordinary as these times are, we’re going to have to be patient. We didn’t get to where we are overnight.” Staying informed and participating in nationwide conversations is the only way Heck says Americans can get their voices heard. “I believe that we’re going to witness the most significant tax debate in a generation. And it is a very important time for people to pay attention and stay connected to their representatives and participate in the debate,” he says.“Take it from me, to be part of those discussions, that’s never boring.” So, if you see Pat Heck at a party, don’t ask him about the IRS. He has cooler stories to tell. — Chris Ankney, Office of University Communications

Orlando Williams (Law ’85) was appointed by Gov. Ted Strickland to the Akron Municipal Court. He’s been managing partner of his own law firm since 2001. Scott Baxter (A/S ’86), Tampa, Fla., was named coalition president of Imagewear for VF Corp., the world’s largest apparel company, whose brands include Nautica, Wrangler and Red Kap. Paul Everett (Bus ’86) became vice president of finance – ferrous resources for Steel Dynamics Inc., the nation’s fifth largest producer of carbon steel products, with headquarters in Fort Wayne, Ind. Jeff Jensen (UTCTC ’86, Univ Coll ’91), a wealth management adviser with Fifth Third Bank, was promoted to vice president, securities, working from the Riverside Banking Center in Perrysburg. Bob Kneisley (Bus ’87), who founded wealth-advisory service Indicator Advisory Corp. after 20 years of brokerage experience, had his novel, The Wall Street Casino, published in January.

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Jerry Malek (Bus ’87), a vice president with Toledo commercial real estate brokerage firm CB Richard Ellis | Reichle Klein, was awarded the SIOR Industrial Specialist designation by the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors. He also holds the Certified Commercial Investment Member designation from the CCIM Institute. Maurine (Zsigrai) Weis (A/S ’87) was appointed vice president of patient care services/chief nursing officer at Bay Park Community Hospital. She’s also a faculty member at Lourdes College, Sylvania. Sandie (Sutter) Woodworth (MEd ’87) and her husband, Perry, Salem, S.C., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August. Eric Graber (A/S ’88), a faculty member at Owens Community College and the Toledo School for the Arts, opened Singcerely Studios and is giving voice lessons. Last fall, he performed in Modesto, Calif., with Townsend Opera Players as Tonio in I Pagliacci, receiving a great notice for his “deliciously wicked” character. Elizabeth (Meyer) Read MD (MED ’88) is practicing at Premier Women’s Health in Maumee, a new member of WellCare Physicians Group. Christopher Ingersoll PhD (PhD ’89) was named dean of the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions at Central Michigan University. He was previously chair of the University of Virginia’s Department of Human Services. Steve Matzinger MD, PhD (A/S ’89, PhD ’96), a general and vascular surgeon, joined the staff of Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Sara J. Sherick (Law ’89), Fremont, was appointed magistrate for Sandusky County Juvenile Probate Court. James E. Sturmi MD (MED ’89) joined the medical staff at Genesis HealthCare System, Zanesville, Ohio.

90s

Paul A. Dobson (Ed ’90, Law ’94), Bowling Green, was elected as Wood County prosecuting attorney for a four-year term beginning in January.

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Peter G. Knabe MD (MED ’90) of Lima (Ohio) Radiological Associates joined the radiology staff serving Wilson Memorial Hospital in Sidney. The board-certified radiologist specializes in musculoskeletal MRI interpretation. Debbie Lamb (A/S ’90) and her husband, Paul, Vallejo, Calif., had their self-published book for couples, Be a Better Partner, featured in an issue of Costco Connection magazine. Their site: www.BeABetterPartner.com. Deb Ortiz-Flores (A/S ’90, MPA ’97), executive director of Lucas County Job and Family Services, was honored in December with the Ohio Job and Family Services Directors’ Association Outstanding Director Award. Gabrielle Davis (Law ’91), clinical professor and director of the domestic violence clinic at the UT College of Law, was honored in March with a Jefferson Award, recognizing her public service to northwest Ohio. Karie Simpson (Ed ’91, MEd ’91) was hired as operations manager with the Northland Foundation’s Northland Assisted Living LLC, a senior housing initiative in northeast Minnesota. Keith A. Brady (Law ’92) left his practice of maritime law in New York City to become director, boat and yacht claims, with Travelers Insurance Co. at its home office in Hartford, Conn. Brett Gilbert (Law ’92), Urbana, Ohio, was elected judge of Champaign County’s new Family Court, serving a six-year term. David B. Levin (Law ’92) is a partner in the firm of Luxenburg & Levin LLC in Solon, Ohio. He and his wife, Karen, have two children, Zachary and Dina. Tracy Sharpnack (NRS ’92) joined Parma (Ohio) Community General Hospital as its new chief nursing officer. Matt Eberflus (Ed ’93) was hired as linebackers coach for the Cleveland Browns in February. The former Rocket and four-time letter winner was most recently associate head coach/defensive coordinator/ safeties coach for the Missouri Tigers, helping them to a Big 12 North Division championship. Jennifer M. (Burch) Grieco (A/S ’93, Law ’97) was named a shareholder with the

James Walczak (UTCTC ’69, A/S ’80) is not afraid of dirty work. In fact, in some ways it is his passion. “When I was five, my father took me to a Native American burial ground near Point Place in Toledo where I found arrowheads and other artifacts in the sand and earth,” says Walczak. Retired from the nuclear industry, the resident of Allen, Texas, has been getting dirty ever since. “My wife and I have dug dinosaurs and mammal fossils as well as Native American artifacts all over the country,“ he adds. In fact, he and his wife spent their first date digging for calcite crystals in the rain: “I knew right then that she would be the perfect wife.” With thousands of fossils and artifacts in his possession, he says, “Our house is bursting at the seams with all the items we’ve collected throughout the years.”Ancient sea urchins, fossil fish, dinosaur eggs and Native American pictographs are just some of the items in his collection; however, he says, no single item is more valuable than another: “Every period throughout history was special, and each left something behind for us to treasure.” Walczak’s passion for his hobby led him to present lectures about paleontology and archaeology at the Allen Public Library and give presentations to local Boy Scout troops.“Finding a fossil from millions years ago that is completely intact is incredible, and it’s great sharing these experiences,” he says. He’s working with city officials on a way to share his collection in a museum — much like the geologic periods he knows so well, Walczak is leaving behind his own treasure. — Andrew Smith, Office of University Marketing

Southfield, Mich., law firm of Maddin, Hauser, Wartell, Roth & Heller PC. She’s a member of the Defense Practice and Insurance Coverage Group. Jennifer A. (Davis) Walker (A/S ’93), Mentor, Ohio, was promoted to vice president with Landau Public Relations, a Clevelandbased firm where she’s worked for 12 years. She and her husband, John, have two children. Sister Leonor Esnard PhD (PhD ’94), a Dominican nun in Adrian, Mich., is one of the founders of the Montessori Children’s House in that city and now works with the school’s adult program after 17 years of teaching children.

Kevin Boyce (A/S ’95), Columbus city councilman, was selected by Gov. Ted Strickland as state treasurer, making him the first black Democrat to serve in a state executive office. Stephanie Matthews (A/S ’95), whose exhibition, “Children of Congo,” ran at UT this past winter, won The Ethel Walker School commendation award in the adult division of the 2009 Momentum: Images of Dance International Photo Contest. Her winning “everywoman” photo was displayed at Wesleyan University’s Center for the Arts.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

class notes

’Cause he’s the taxman. Yeeeahh, he’s the taxman

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

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90s

Paul A. Dobson (Ed ’90, Law ’94), Bowling Green, was elected as Wood County prosecuting attorney for a four-year term beginning in January.

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Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

class notes

Stephen S. Keller (Law ’99) of the firm of Weber & Sterling LLC in Maumee, was named a Rising Star in the State of Ohio by Ohio Super Lawyers Magazine, an honor going to only 5 percent of lawyers in the state. He practices in estate planning and probate.

00s

Steven Goris (Bus ’00) was named director of food and beverage for Lancaster County (Ohio) Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.

Photo by Julie Napear-Wichern

Alum serves tasty books to nourish minds

An order of James Thurber, please, with J.K. Rowling on the side. Whatever the customer request, Pat Saine (A/S ’79, MEd ’86), owner of Blue Plate Books in Winchester, Va., is ready to dish up the read. With eager customers regularly checking out the store’s inventory of some 17,000 secondhand titles, Blue Plate Books represents a long-held dream for Saine, now retired from heading the ophthalmic photography unit at a New Hampshire hospital.“It was one of those things I always wanted to do. If you don’t scratch your itch, no one’s going to do it for you,” he says.“I did take a couple of years out of my life learning how to do this, working for minimum wage at Borders, which was a bit of a jump from wearing a tie and white coat.” Now playfully matching the store’s diner theme — “Our motto is ‘Feeding your need to read’” — Pat wears a blue apron to work and chalks the daily specials on a blackboard. Though he’s technologically savvy with his stock, he makes no apologies for the timeless appeal of non-virtual books: “Movies were supposed to kill radio, TV was supposed to kill movies, then the Internet was supposed to kill TV. Well, books are still around. People like stories. ” Have a taste at his site: www.blueplatebooks.com

Jason R. Bartschy (Bus ’96), Sylvania, was promoted to commercial real estate loan officer with Fifth Third Bank. Angelita Cruz Bridges (A/S ’97, UTCTC ’97, Law ’00), director of operations and general counsel for the Lucas County Auditor’s Office, received the District Community Service Award from the Ohio State Bar Association, honoring community contributions of attorneys 40 and under. Ryan P. Householder (Bus ’97, MBA ’01), Waterville, was promoted to officer in the Finance Department of Fifth Third Bank, working at its One SeaGate offices. Cyndi McMichael (A/S ’97, MEd ’07) is director of international programs at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Mich. Y. Sarah Cooke (A/S ’98) is the new manager of marketing and

public relations for the Allentown (Pa.) Art Museum. Justin Hage (Bus ’98) was hired by Karen Ruth Media Consultants Inc. in Marion, Ohio, as a planner/buyer. Robin Mis PhD (Ed ’98) received her doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Kent State University in December and accepted the position of assistant professor of middle childhood education at Heidelberg College in Tiffin.

Steven Haman MD (MED ’00, Res ’06) joined Paulding County (Ohio) Hospital as an orthopedic trauma surgeon available on an emergency basis, as well as conducting a weekly clinic. Joe D. Weaver (Ed ’00) was promoted to head football coach at Big Walnut High School in Sunbury, Ohio. Previously, he was the Eagles’ defense coordinator. Christine Kilman (A/S ’01) was promoted to director of account service with Gelia Wells & Mohr, western New York’s largest marketing communications agency, with whom she’s been employed for seven years in the firm’s Toledo office. Michael A. VanNiel (Law ’01), of the business group of Cleveland law firm Baker & Hostetler LLP, was elected partner in January. David Vensel (MEd ’01), principal of Jefferson High School in Monroe, Mich., won re-election to the Monroe Public Schools Board of Education.

Andrea C. (Csomos) Wall (A/S ’98, Law ’01) was elected to partner with the law firm of Baker & Hostetler, Cleveland, where she’s a member of the business group.

E. Mark Young (Law ’01) joined Cleveland law firm Benesch as an associate in the litigation practice group.

Amber Alm (Bus ’99) is girls volleyball coach at Lake Central High School in St. John, Ind.

Pete Norman (Law ’02) is legislative counsel with the Washington, D.C., office of Eisai

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Jennifer L. Benedict (Law ’02) was made a partner in the business law firm of Honigman, Miller, Schwartz and Cohn LLP of southeastern Michigan, where she practices in the Health Care Department.

Inc., a pharmaceutical subsidiary of health-care company Eisai Co. Ltd. Stephanie S. Risk (Law ’02), who is licensed to practice law in Michigan and South Carolina, joined Washtenaw Community Health Organization in Ypsilanti, Mich., concentrating on appeals. Nicholette M. (Malafa) Thiesing (A/S ’02) was appointed fiscal officer for Newton Township, Ohio, in Trumbull County. Previously, she was a financial representative for Fidelity Investments, Cincinnati. Steven Wanek MD (MED ’03) joined the staff of Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital. He also has an office in Medina, Ohio. Sarah A. Watkins (Bus ’03) was promoted to officer in Fifth Third Bank’s Commercial Banking Division at its One SeaGate office in downtown Toledo. Angela Patchett (A/S ’04), theatre and dance instructor at Fort Meigs YMCA, Perrysburg, directed a production of A Window for Murder at the Pemberville Opera House.

Business Banking Group. He’s a member of Oregon City Schools Board of Education and UT’s Ethics Advisory Committee. Vivek Jain (MEng ’07) joined IMS Engineers, a full-service firm headquartered in Jackson, Mich. Bret Schlosser (Eng ’07) joined Cincinnati-based architectural/ engineering firm Hixson as a mechanical engineer. Carrie L. Baker (HS ’08), senior ER staff nurse at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center in Toledo, was recognized as the 2008 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Student of the Year by the Ohio chapter of the profession’s national association. Clayton J. Crates (Law ’08) joined the firm of Arthur, O’Neil, Mertz, Michel and Brown Co. LLP in Defiance. Jean Feick RN (MNRS ’08) is coordinator of the Diabetes Education Department of Firelands Regional Medical Center in Sandusky.

Elizabeth Widman (Eng ’04), a civil engineer for Jones Stuckey in Columbus, passed the professional engineering exam.

Chad S. Fisher (Law ’08) joined the law office of Huddleston Bolen LLP in Huntington, W.V., practicing in commercial and personal injury litigation.

Timothy P. Allison (MBA ’05) was promoted to officer in the Finance Department of Fifth Third Bank, working at the One SeaGate office.

Venak R. Neelagiri MD (Res ’08) joined the staff of Halifax Regional Hospital in Virginia.

Bethany M. Harding (MA ’05) was awarded a teaching assistantship at Marquette University, Milwaukee, where she’s pursuing a doctorate in history. Gregory Hoover (HHS ’05) graduated from the University of Akron School of Law and passed the Supreme Court of Ohio bar examination in July. His oath was administered in November. James Meadows MD (MED ’05) joined the staff of Ironton Primary Care, affiliated with Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital. Kenny Schank (Bus ’05) is working as assistant director of compliance with the Big East Conference, headquartered in Providence, R.I., whose purview includes Notre Dame and the University of Cincinnati for basketball. Eric Heintschel (MBA ’06), vice president with Fifth Third Bank, was named team leader for the business development officers in the www.toledoalumni.org

The human (resources) face of military service

Sheila Solhtalab (A/S ’08), who is working on her master’s degree in holocaust and genocide studies at the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey, received a scholarship that honors several victims of the Holocaust. The college is the first to offer a master’s program in that field of study. Kyle Verrett (Law ’08) was hired by the Dayton office of law firm Freund, Freeze & Arnold. Colleen Wellington (MS ’08) is the new clean marinas coordinator with Ohio Sea Grant Extension in Sandusky, one of 11 such extensions funded by Ohio State University.

Marriages & Unions

Debere Worley (MEd ’90) & Raymond Heard. They’re both retired teachers, Toledo Public Schools.

www.toledoalumni.org

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Felix A. Figueroa, SOCSOUTH PAO

It’s just your average human resources job — and it’s anything but. Lt. Joyce Merritt (Bus ’06) has duties familiar to every HR professional: distribute forms, update files. The difference is that as reserve affairs officer at the U.S. Army’s Special Operation Command South (SOCSOUTH) near Miami,“I’m taking care of soldiers, making sure their awards are processed, that their annual evaluations go through, assisting with their financial situations,” she says. “And I make sure they get paid so that’s one less thing they have to worry about when they’re deployed to a new place. It’s rewarding when their finances are straight — then they’re the happiest people in the world.” Those in military service follow a career where the stresses are sometimes hard for civilians to understand; smoothing the bureaucratic road for people who include combat veterans means daily challenges for Merritt. What’s in her survival kit? “A lot of what I learned about time management, interpersonal skills and dealing with stress came from ROTC,” she says. She enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves her senior year of high school.“I wanted a challenge, to do something that people around me weren’t doing.” At UT, conversations with Lt. Col. Geoffrey Ovenden, assistant professor of

military science, led her to ROTC. That’s when the challenges — and rewards — really kicked in, she says. “You learn land navigation, for instance, using a compass and map to locate different points out in the woods. It’s hard, but once you learn how to do it, it’s almost like you have bragging rights.” Ditto for combat water survival training and rappelling. “It gave me a lot of confidence,” she says.“And I was able to handle a schedule different from other students who are still sleeping when you’re out doing your required run three times a week. The military changed me, gave me a direct path, taught me how to set goals.” The goal she set for herself was to apply her degree in international business and marketing to human resources. From where she stands, she wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.“I love my job, taking care of soldiers, talking and mentoring — the faceto-face is so rewarding. I don’t think I’d find anything so rewarding in a civilian job.” The support is another plus, she says: “When I came down here, I didn’t know anyone, but I felt at home fast. If there’s a hurricane scare, you can be sure you’ll be getting calls to make sure you’re OK. It’s so genuine.” Average job? No way.“There’s never a standstill,”she says.“No Groundhog Day here!”

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

class notes

00s

Steven Goris (Bus ’00) was named director of food and beverage for Lancaster County (Ohio) Convention Center and Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square.

Photo by Julie Napear-Wichern

Alum serves tasty books to nourish minds

Andrea C. (Csomos) Wall (A/S ’98, Law ’01) was elected to partner with the law firm of Baker & Hostetler, Cleveland, where she’s a member of the business group.

E. Mark Young (Law ’01) joined Cleveland law firm Benesch as an associate in the litigation practice group.

Amber Alm (Bus ’99) is girls volleyball coach at Lake Central High School in St. John, Ind.

Pete Norman (Law ’02) is legislative counsel with the Washington, D.C., office of Eisai

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Jennifer L. Benedict (Law ’02) was made a partner in the business law firm of Honigman, Miller, Schwartz and Cohn LLP of southeastern Michigan, where she practices in the Health Care Department.

Elizabeth Widman (Eng ’04), a civil engineer for Jones Stuckey in Columbus, passed the professional engineering exam.

Chad S. Fisher (Law ’08) joined the law office of Huddleston Bolen LLP in Huntington, W.V., practicing in commercial and personal injury litigation.

Timothy P. Allison (MBA ’05) was promoted to officer in the Finance Department of Fifth Third Bank, working at the One SeaGate office.

Venak R. Neelagiri MD (Res ’08) joined the staff of Halifax Regional Hospital in Virginia.

The human (resources) face of military service

Marriages & Unions

Debere Worley (MEd ’90) & Raymond Heard. They’re both retired teachers, Toledo Public Schools.

www.toledoalumni.org

U.S. Army Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Felix A. Figueroa, SOCSOUTH PAO

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

class notes

Ansley Abrams (A/S ’92) & Dean Frederick. She’s director of alumni programming with the UT Office of Alumni Relations. James Hancock (NRS ’97) & Judith Falter. He works for Parma Community General Hospital. Middleburg Heights, Ohio. Lisa Hagele (HHS ’02, MHHS ’03) & Matthew Gramlich. She’s a physical therapist assistant with Mercy Memorial Outpatient Rehab Center. Ryan S. DeSimpelaere (Bus ’05) & Alyson Darrah. He’s an operations supervisor with OzburnHessey Logistics, Toledo. Rodney Hess (Univ Coll ’05) & Jodi Wehrman. St. Henry, Ohio. Amy Mueller (HHS ’05, MHHS ’07) & David Tolson (Bus ’04). She’s a speech-language pathologist with Achieve Therapy Services, he’s in sales with Robert Half International. Charlotte, N.C. John Yaniglos (Eng ’05) & Colette Baldwin (A/S ’07). He’s a project coordinator with Toltest Co. in Maumee; she’s a manager at Gymboree in Toledo. David A. Vodhanel (Eng ’06) & Julie Roden. He’s an applications engineer with Laird Technologies, Cleveland. Christopher Byers (MA ’08) & Diana Blausey. Monroe, Mich.

Don’t let recession brake your future, says alum Economic freefall sinking your spirits? Five minutes’ conversation with Aly Sterling (Univ Coll ’97, MS ’99) might be a skyward boost. Sterling, founder of Architectural Philanthropy, a fundraising consultation firm for nonprofits, sees every reason to be upbeat: “There are a lot of good things still going on out there: great causes and great donors and volunteers looking to give back. That’s often the case during recessions.”Parlaying her ten years of experience in various nonprofits into her own business was a natural next career step, she says.“I saw a need to provide resources for nonprofits of all sizes. Most nonprofits tend to raise funds via trial and error, with internally organized efforts. We help them develop strategies that are consistent and focused. With so much turnover in nonprofits and staff wearing several hats, the one thing that tends to fall off the plate is donor cultivation. ”Using a create-the-infrastructure-first approach — thus the architectural metaphor in its name — her Maumee-based company is busier than ever, she says.“It’s nonstop work, but I love it. Just remember, the historic trends in giving are in nonprofits’ favor, especially the social service organizations that are filling the gaps left by the recession. When our economy turns around, people will be excited and ready to open their pocketbooks again. The organizations that have taken their time to prepare will be well-placed.” It’s a message to build on.

Births

Jeffrey Prudhoe (A/S ’92) and his wife, Kimberly, Bay Village, Ohio, welcomed their second son, Chase William, in November 2007, joining his brother, Trevor. Amanda (Everhart) (Bus ’02) and Benjamin Geletka (Eng ’08), Holland, welcomed their daughter, Audrey Elizabeth, in December. Sara E. (Martino) (HHS ’03, HS ’07) and Lenn Bassler (Univ Coll ’05), Toledo, welcomed their second son, Jacob Michael, in October, joining big brother, Andrew. Kym V. (Bus ’95) and Shelly (Smallman) Nielsen (Eng ’05), Toledo, announce the birth of their son, Tristan Alexander, in December.

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Lagger and mom, Lillian Lagger (Bus ’97)

Alleviating poverty enriches everyone, alumna says

Deb Lagger (MEd ’89) has a connection to Cambodia that won’t quit — as scores of rescued girls can attest. First and foremost are her daughters, Hannah Khim and Kalliyan Srey-Ry, both adopted from orphanages in desperately poor areas of the developing Asian nation. The debt, though, is all on her side where her girls are concerned, Deb says, noting that when Cambodian officials expressed gratitude for the adoptions,“we kept telling them, ‘We parents are the lucky ones.’” As director of workforce development with Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, Deb assisted in a larger mission: the creation of Goodwill Family Resource Center in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, which served a thousand people in its first nine months. When a change in Goodwill International’s leadership shifted the organization’s focus from Asia to Latin America and the Caribbean, the operation ended. The need, however, didn’t. To answer it, Deb founded USCAMFriends, an educational and occupational project with a mission of family and community empowerment, one job at a time.“We’re targeting the rural poor, people with disabilities, and girls rescued from the sex trade,” she says.“The first graduating class of such rescued young women finished janitorial training and now have their dignity back, working in respectable jobs that help support their communities. In addition to learning housekeeping and janitorial skills, they receive English instruction, making them much more marketable as Cambodia’s tourism trade increases.” She credits her family for setting an example of service: “My sister and I grew up seeing our parents, who volunteered a lot in the community and the church. I just look further, toward a global community.” In fact, USCAM’s ESL/ESP (English for service professionals) school is named after her parents. “People ask what drives me,” Deb notes.“Really, it’s effortless. We have a lot of people involved who are very excited: attorneys, educators — even an accounting firm that donated an office. You can’t put a price on the impact you can make.” Eight-year-old Kalliyan has expressed some interest in revisiting the country where she was born, Deb says, adding that the trip may be timed when she’s a teen and better able to absorb what her mother knows already: “When you work with people in developing countries, there’s a generosity and a dignity about them that make them rich. I can honestly say that working with the people in Cambodia makes my own life rich.” Visit the organization’s Web site at: www.uscamf.com.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

class notes

Births

Make it Rocket talk

What in the world are you doing?

Rocket Wireless can take what you talk, with Verizon, Sprint, Alltel and AT&T available. Most

deals of under $30 a month;

Please complete the information below and attach a brief description of your news.

payroll deduction for UT employees; smart phones

Mail to: The University of Toledo Alumni Association, Driscoll Alumni Center, Toledo, OH 43606-3395.

and easy-use models; and no sales tax, no monthly

NAME: Last

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switching over your old plan when you keep your

Phone: (

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service fees after sign-up, no termination fees for

Former

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carrier. UT alumni, students and employees can start

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Year of UT Graduation:

saving by checking out telecom.utoledo.edu, then

College:

calling Rocket Wireless (owned and operated by UT’s

Alums can now update, search and network in a flash. Check out the Alumni Online Directory at www.toledoalumni.org.

have family plans to fit all needs;

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

www.toledoalumni.org

Auxiliary Services): 419.530.7998.

www.toledoalumni.org

Lagger and mom, Lillian Lagger (Bus ’97)

Alleviating poverty enriches everyone, alumna says

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

biblio-files Woodrow Wilson: The Last Romantic Nova Science Publishers, 2008 Mary Stockwell PhD (MA ’78, MA’84, PhD ’84) In death as in life, Wilson — whose presidential terms spanned World War I, arguably the last romantic war — contends with a reputation as a failed crusader, a man too intellectual and too idealistic to have been effective, with his doomed efforts to promote the League of Nations cited as proof. Stockwell’s biography is a welcome alternative look at the dreamer who saw himself first as a man of the American people. You might call him our first 20th-century president: nervous but determined, self-doubting but sure of the rightness of a cause. With pundits telling us that an intellectual is once again in the White House, Wilson’s life and legacy are ripe for such fresh reconsiderations. — C.N.

Chicken Wings for the Beer Drinker's Soul COM Publishing LLC Bob Maier (Univ Coll ’73) This book’s spirited quotes, observations and sophomoric poetry blends well with its short stories.“Fourth of July,” for instance, centers on a 14-year-old boy’s maturing experience. My husband could not stop laughing at “Timmy the Tinkler,” about beer and its aftermath. What man can resist that? One of my favorites was the hilarious and surprisingly thought-provoking “Angel Hunting in North America.”With the fiction, Maier feeds you beer history and facts. Between chemical formulas and technical definitions, he tosses in quotes like Benjamin Franklin’s “Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.”There’s a chapter with suggestions on foods that complement beer, and the comedic artwork by acclaimed comic book writer Bill Messner Loebs is a perfect match. I agree with the author: This read is good food for the beer-drinking souls. — Laurie Flowers, Office of University Marketing

Still Going It Alone Hendrickson Publishers, 2009 Michele Howe (UTCTC ’84) The kids who were the center of my life have become adults — now what? “Ready, set, adjust.”That’s one of the mantras — paired with specific suggestions for accomplishing that adjustment — Howe employs between her many drawn-from-real-life examples of single moms entering the empty-nest phase of parenthood, in this, her follow-up to Going It Alone. Written from a Christian viewpoint, Howe’s commonsensical approaches to the emotional tangles of motherhood can speak to secular audiences, too, as she addresses financial planning, grandparenting and being a member of the “sandwich generation” as well as how to provide wise support to fledgling adults as they leave the nest. — C.N.

Client golf

and 4-play

by Eric Swierczek (UTCTC ’82, Bus ’85) (AKA Fred Dingle) This golf story with mystical overtones was written to give something back to all those who proudly toil under the magical hold of that incomparable game. Following my profession of financial planner, I have a client named John. John likes golf, so we arranged to play one morning on a course near his home in Boulder, Colorado. The weather — not too windy, 75 degrees and not a cloud in the sky — was worthy of a golfer’s paradise. (Actually, adverse conditions usually are better because they give golfers excuses.) We teed off and I knew immediately that this was going to be a special day for me. Now, I understand that the purpose of client golf is to make sure that your clients have fun and perhaps even allow them to be victorious in a side bet. Even if the client is terrible and you are more skilled, handicaps were created to allow golfers of varying skill levels to compete. But the habits of good client golf shriveled as I began to have the golf game of my life. Seven holes played and 2 under par. I could do no wrong. John changed all that by hitting his balls into the weeds on the eighth hole. Being a good friend and wanting to speed up my victory, I helped him look. I found a ball with a number 4 on it near his errant shot and asked for verification. John told me it could not be his ball because number 4 in Chinese culture signifies death and destruction, so is not used. I laughed, but quickly saw that he was quite serious. He’d lived in Singapore for years and was convinced that the story was true. Not being a person who believes in superstition or fate, I told him I would play the ball for the rest of the round to show him that the number was not unlucky. Needless to say, I went from 2 under to 30 over par and could never lose that darn ball. It would find holes, knee-high rough, sand traps too numerous to mention and curbside markers that would propel it even further into the worst-imagined places on the course. John smiled and said that in addition to being quite stupid, I now understood the power of the number 4. I await the rematch armed with as much of the number 4 as I can possibly use. A new 4-wood, a 4th wedge and a dozen new Pro V1’s with the number 4 are awaiting our rematch when the weather clears. Perhaps on 4/4? Incidentally, my nickname, Fred Dingle, came from often hearing my name ill-pronounced as I waited to be called for the first tee box. When I moved to Denver, where Polish surnames are a novelty, the pronunciations got so bad that I actually missed a tee time because I could not recognize the version called.

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Toledo Alumni Magazine Spring41 2009 Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring| 2009

Client golf

and 4-play

www.toledoalumni.org www.toledoalumni.org

Toledo Alumni Magazine Spring41 2009 Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring| 2009

in memoriam

Correction To cop a line from Mark Twain, reports of the death of John D. Henzler, class of ’47, formerly of San Diego, now of Visilia, Calif., are greatly exaggerated. He’s still hale and hearty, able to make laughter out of the condolence cards his wife received when we mistakenly (blame new alum-finder software) listed him in the obituaries. Our apologies, John, but at least now we have your current mailing address so you can receive the magazine and keep us on our toes.

30s

William R. Alexander Jr., Toledo, att. 1933 to 1937, Jan. 17 at 95. Wilma C. (Liffring) Drake (A/S ’33), Spartanburg, S.C., Feb. 1 at 97. On women’s basketball team. William R. Wyatt, Maumee, att. 1933 to 1935, Jan. 9 at 92. Sigma Beta Phi member. Audrey K. (Klute) Fisher, Toledo, att. 1936 to 1939, Nov. 12 at 90. Chi Omega member. Eleanore Jablinski (Ed ’36), Crossville, Tenn., Nov. 19 at 95. Glenn Cobourn (Eng ’37), Harbor City, Calif., Jan. 6 at 95. **Rose C. (Sturniolo) Lenga (Pharm ’38), Woodbridge, Va., Oct. 28 at 93. Cmdr. Carl Santti, Virginia Beach., Va., att. 1938 to 1941, Dec. 29 at 91. Donald A. Gratop, Toledo, att. 1939 to 1940, Oct. 22 at 88. Phi Kappa Psi member. Martha E. (Gaertner) LaCourse (Ed ’39), Perrysburg, Nov. 4 at 91. **Curtis E. Nash (Ed ’39), Mount Pleasant, Mich., Dec. 31 at 91. *Barbara C. (Collen) Nordholt, Tiffin, att. 1939 to 1941, Jan. 22 at 87. Phyllis A. (Witker) Rooney, Birmingham, Mich., att. 1939 to 1941, Dec. 12 at 87. Sidney R. Steele PhD (A/S ’39), Charleston, Ill., Nov. 7 at 90.

40s

James K. Allen, Sylvania Twp., att. 1940 to 1942, Jan. 8 at 86. William B. Boudouris, Sylvania, att. 1940s to 1950s, Nov. 22 at 86. *Shirley J. (Stewart) (Esterly) Ferguson (Bus ’40), Sylvania, Nov. 13 at 90. **Frances Knoke (Ed ’40), Toledo, Jan. 27 at 90. **Alice M. (Eaton) Kramer (Ed ’40), Port Charlotte, Fla., Jan. 20 at 90. William F. Tappen, Toledo, att. 1940 to 1942, Oct. 20 at 86. *Robert A. Wilson (Bus ’40), Naples, Fla., Jan. 17 at 91. Dorothy E. Loe (A/S ’41), Lambertville, Mich., Nov. 24 at 90.

Robert M. Cox (Assoc. Arts ’42), Columbus, Jan. 7 at 90. Alice (Marsh) Patterson (MA ’42), Sandusky, Oct. 19 at 95. Rosemarie (Mor) Shaffer, Toledo, att. 1942 to 1946, Oct. 10 at 83. Thomas R. Leonhardt, Lambertville, Mich., att. 1943 to 1945, Oct. 5 at 83. **Richard M. Poll, Perrysburg, att. 1943 to 1947, Dec. 6 at 84. Phi Kappa Psi member. **Richard C. Schaefer (Eng ’43), Brooklyn, Mich., Nov. 21 at 90. *Frederick C. Foshag Sr. (Eng ’44), Sunbury, Ohio, Dec. 29 at 87. Betty M. (Beach) Lenga, Lambertville, Mich., att. 1944 to 1947, Dec. 9 at 83. Galen C. Brown, North Baltimore, Ohio, att. 1946 to 1953, Feb. 18 at 84. **Barbara “Ann” (Huffman) Evearitt (A/S ’46), Toledo, Jan. 14 at 82. Phi Gamma member. Calvin P. Sorensen, Carmel, Ind., att. 1946 to 1949, Dec. 30 at 81. *Thomas P. McRitchie (Bus ’47), Fort Myers Beach, Fla., Oct. 6 at 83. Elise S. Connin (Ed ’48, MEd ’80), Toledo, Nov. 5 at 82. Charles C. Mohr PhD (A/S ’48), Medina, Ohio, Jan. 6 at 85. *William R. Conklin (Bus ’49, Law ’53), Frederick, Md., Oct. 20 at 87. Norman C. Klopping (Eng ’49), Bowling Green, Nov. 30 at 87. John A. Laird, Toledo, att. 1940s and 1950s, Jan. 18 at 79. Francis “Fritz” Lattin (Bus ’49, Ed ’52, MEd ’03), Perrysburg, Feb. 10 at 83. *James C. Lower (Bus ’49), Bowling Green, Feb. 10 at 81. Presidents Club member. Norman Shanteau (Eng ’49), Northfield, N.J., June 3, 2008 at 81. Max Veitch (Bus ’49), Toledo, Dec. 4 at 84.

50s

Neil R. Blaksley (A/S ’50), Northwood, Jan. 22 at 84. *James R. Goodrich (A/S ’50), Albuquerque, N.M., Feb. 7 at 81. Robert D. Stoner (Bus ’50), Toledo, Feb. 12 at 80. **Paul F. Stutz (Eng ’50, Law ’56), Tampa, Fla., Oct. 8 at 83. Darrell B. Watkins (Eng ’50), Toledo, Nov. 5 at 87. *Paul Wingart (Law ’50), Toledo, Oct. 5 at 87. El (Elvin) Myers (Bus ’51), Sylvania Twp., Dec. 1 at 83. Gilbert L. Paren (A/S ’51), Toledo, Oct. 9 at 81. Robert E. Senn (Ed ’51), Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Feb. 11 at 84. **Jack B. Franklin (Law ’52), Albuquerque, N.M., Dec. 21 at 85. *Donna L. (McClain) Snyder (Ed ’52), Sylvania, Jan. 27 at 78. Delta Delta Delta member.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Calvin C. Stover (Bus ’52), Temperance, Mich., Feb. 14 at 80. Shirley J. (Fair) Stretchbery (A/S ’52), Toledo, Jan. 10 at 78. Chi Omega member. Anthony E. Giraudeau (Eng ’53), Toledo, Nov. 3 at 96. John T. Grieselding (Pharm ’53), Fort Myers Beach, Fla., Nov. 18 at 79. Stephen F. Lupe (Bus ’53), Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Jan. 5 at 77. *Lt. Col. Philip A. Woolaver (Eng ’53), Plantation, Fla., June 22 at 78. Joseph Baker (Eng ’54), Walbridge, Ohio, Feb. 22 at 76. James H. Desmond (Bus ’54), Temperance, Mich., Feb. 18 at 77. Lettered in UT baseball 1953, 1954. *Nancy L. (Rogers) Lowe (A/S ’54), Toledo, Dec. 29 at 76. Sigma Alpha Omega, Chi Omega member. *David C. O’Neill (Eng ’54), Cincinnati, Dec. 11 at 76. Nancy M. Young (Ed ’54, MS ’66), Toledo, Nov. 28 at 83. John A. Bendlin, Detroit, att. 1955 to 1961, Nov. 6 at 71. Edna J. Blane (A/S ’55), Toledo, Nov. 23 at 85. Richard C. Sargent (A/S ’55), Tampa, Fla., Oct. 9 at 77. Thomas K. Treon (Bus ’55), Sylvania, Nov. 7 at 75. Mark N. Hanna Jr. (MBA ’56), Toledo, Nov. 4 at 83. Part-time UT marketing instructor. *Harold G. Waters (Ed ’56), Rossford, Nov. 15 at 75. James D. Griffin (A/S ’57), Grand Ledge, Mich., Dec 1 at 79. **Charles E. Shapler (Eng ’57, MEng ’65), Sylvania, Feb. 11 at 79. Tau Beta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Phi Epsilon member. **Robert S. Hunt (Pharm ’58), Tiffin, Nov. 27 at 73. Lettered in UT football 1954, 1955, 1956. Henry A. Lipinski (Bus ’58), Cherry Hill, N.J., Nov. 22 at 87. Eleanor (Underwood) Stewart (Ed ’58, MEd ’66), Toledo, Dec. 11 at 86. Nancy J. (Zerman) VanNest (Ed ’58), Bay Village, Ohio, Feb. 14 at 74. Alpha Chi Omega member. Sue Ann (Behrendt) Olsen (A/S ’59), Garrison, N.Y., Nov. 11 at 71. **Suzanne M. (Schlatter) Ritter (Ed ’59, MEd ’79), Newark, Ohio, Jan. 2 at 71. *Gerald M. Zlotnik (Pharm ’59), Pepper Pike, Ohio, Oct. 28 at 71.

60s

Leo M. Darmofal, Perrysburg, att. 1960s and 1970s, Oct. 21 at 74. Walter C. Nuzum, Toledo, att. 1960 to 1966, Nov. 25 at 66. Richard A. Piorkowski, Toledo, att. 1960 to 1962, Dec. 30 at 66. *Maxine (Beecher) Armstrong Schrader (Ed ’60), Perrysburg, Nov. 22 at 85. Kappa Phi Epsilon member

*Wilma R. (Oberlin) Urfer (MEd ’60), Bryan, Dec. 31 at 99. John L. Westenkirchner (Bus ’60), Opelika, Ala., Oct. 12 at 74. Richard J. Biery (Eng ’61), Grants Pass, Ore., Sept. 8 at 70. William G. Aliapoulos (Eng ’62), Toledo, Oct. 20 at 91. Harry Behrendt (A/S ’62, Law ’67), Whitehouse, Feb. 2008 at 67. Thomas H. Heywood Jr., Perrysburg, att. 1962 to 1966, Feb. 24 at 66. Patricia H. (McIntosh) Terry (Ed ’62), Venice, Fla., Oct. 6 at 68. Thomas L. Halm (Bus ’63), Newark, Ohio, Oct. 27 at 68. Norman J. Leck (Eng ’63), Port Clinton, Jan. 12 at 70. Lawrence J. Burok, Maumee, att. 1964 to 1966, Oct. 11 at 63. *Charles P. Domansky (Bus ’64), Toledo, Nov. 1 at 71. Michael J. Marley, Fostoria, att. 1964 to 1966, Oct. 19 at 62. Frederick A.R. Tiller (Ed ’64), Lafayette, La., Nov. 6 at 67. Pi Kappa Phi member, adviser to Beta Ionia chapter, which named him 2005 Distinguished Alumnus. David A. Drinkhouse (UTCTC ’65), Wasilla, Alaska, Dec. 29 at 64. Thomas L. Gibbs (MEd ’65), Toledo, Oct. 21 at 83. Judy A. (Perlaky) Christensen, Cedar Springs, Mich., att. 1960s and 1970s, Dec. 9 at 60. Deborah A. (Keil) Felton, att. 1966 to 1971, Oct. 26 at 59. Chi Omega member. Eugene I. Herman (Bus ’66), Fairfield, Conn., Dec. 20 at 65. Pi Kappa Alpha member. *Harry J. Rigdon (Law ’66), Bryan, Nov. 24 at 77. Mary Pat (Mallin) Dietzler (A/S ’67), St. Louis, Feb. 17 at 64. John H. Dowling (UTCTC ’67), Swanton, Dec. 25 at 78. Richard Hosman, Toledo, att. 1967 to 1969, Oct. 7 at 82. Martha (Murray) McFarland, Toledo, att. 1967 to 1971, Oct. 29 at 60. Mu Phi Epsilon member. James W. Penrod (UTCTC ’67), Delta, Oct. 14 at 90. Jean A. (Gruszczynski) Sheridan (Ed ’67), Sun City West, Ariz., Oct. 3 at 63. James E. Bryan (MBA ’68), Sylvania, Nov. 19 at 91. David P. Fahle, Elmore, Ohio, att. 1968 to 1970, Feb. 20 at 58. On Rockets football team. Donald L. Hoblet (MEd ’68), Archbold, Jan. 10 at 84. Richard E. Hoffman PhD (Ed ’68, MEd ’73), Perrysburg, Feb. 5 at 62. Virginia L. (Greene) Ware (MA ’68, Law ’75), Westminster, Colo., Oct. 12 at 73. Janet D. (Cooper) Abella (Ed ’69), Las Vegas, Feb. 18 at 61. Joseph H. Fenton (Eng ’69), Toledo, Dec. 27 at 65. Barbara E. (White) Herring (Ed ’69, Law ’84), Toledo, Oct. 13 at 62. www.toledoalumni.org

Millard Jackson (MEd ’69, Ed Spec ’80), Toledo, Nov. 2 at 80. Alpha Phi Alpha member. Lawrence M. Pidgeon (Law ’69), Manchester, Mass., Oct. 24 at 64. Vincent A. “Skip” Scamell Jr. (Law ’69), Hawley, Pa., Feb. 9 at 63.

70s

Karen S. Chisholm (Ed ’70, MEd ’73, Ed Spec ’78), Maumee, Dec. 29 at 60. Arthur H. “Buck” Marquardt (Ed ’70, MA ’73), Jerome, Mich., Dec. 27 at 61. Mary E. Pendleton (A/S ’70), Toledo, Dec. 30 at 63. Larry Smith (Bus ’70), Longboat Key, Fla., Dec. 3 at 60. A Rockets basketball standout, he lettered in 1968, 1969, 1970, graduating as captain, Most Valuable Player and Senior Scholar Athlete. *James R. Black (A/S ’71), Toledo, Jan. 2 at 60. Tau Kappa Epsilon member. Ida B. (Fox) Dotson (UTCTC ’71), Toledo, Jan. 16 at 63. Marian B. (Richmond) Dotson (UTCTC ’71), Toledo, Dec. 13 at 81. *Franklin W. Skeens (Univ Coll ’72), Toledo, Jan. 6 at 69. Michael R. Zohn OD, Toledo, att. 1972 to 1975, Dec. 9 at 54. Peggy Jo (Walczak) Carey (Ed ’73, MA ’76), Herndon, Va., Nov. 14 at 57. Warren D. Collins (UTCTC ’73), Toledo, Oct. 16 at 56. *Janice E. (Cichy) Jaskowiak, Elk Grove, Calif., att. 1973 to 1976, Jan. 5 at 63. Jerry A. Jewett (Law ’73), Fremont, Dec. 9 at 64. Thomas E. Sheets (A/S ’73), Toledo, Oct. 1 at 59. Richard T. Kusner (Bus ’74), Rossford, Nov. 16 at 64. Lawrence A. Leo (MA ’74), Toledo, Jan. 12 at 84. Stephen J. Lintner (Bus ’74), Sylvania, Nov. 10 at 57. Catherine A. (Slusarski) Newby (Ed ’74, MEd ’98), Maumee, Jan. 4 at 56. **Charles “Rick” Romans (Univ Coll ’74), Oct. 26 at 58. ROTC member. Maj. Robert J. Shovar, Columbus, att. 1974 to 1976, Feb. 8 at 80. Doris R. (Harman) Augustine (MEd ’75), Perrysburg, Feb. 10 at 85. Donna J. (Metzger) Funk (MEd ’75), Toledo, Dec. 18 at 77. Robert H. Lab Jr. (Eng ’75), Kings Mills, Ohio, Jan. 10 at 56. John J. Niezgoda (Univ Coll ’75), Curtice, Nov. 21 at 58. A Rockets linebacker on UT’s famed 35-0 team, he accumulated 563 stops in 34 games. Started and lettered in 1969-1971 as well as

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making MAC Team all three years; named to Varsity T Hall of Fame in 1985. *Terrance L. Whitling (Law ’75), Oil City, Pa., Jan. 31 at 61. Corrine C. Gauthier (UTCTC ’76), Toledo, Jan. 9 at 82. Thomas D. Kitz (A/S ’76), Oregon, March 3 at 57. David L. Myers, Toledo, att. 1976-1982, Oct. 19 at 51. On Rockets football team. John H. Wright (A/S ’76, Law ’80), Dayton, Jan. 31 at 55. H. James Dear (Law ’77), Toledo, Jan. 23 at 63. **Bruce B. Kellow (A/S ’77), Ottawa Hills, Dec. 2 at 66. Sigma Alpha Mu member. Michelle L. (Pisano) Kowalski (Bus ’78), Belchertown, Mass., Feb. 3 at 52. Ursula (Coombs) McCloskey (Univ Coll ’78, MEd ’84), Toledo, Nov. 4 at 86. Dorothy (Clement) Emery (UTCTC ’79), Toledo, Feb. 5 at 64. Rebecca Sly-DuSold (UTCTC ’79), Crown Point, Ind., Nov. 13 at 50.

80s

Donald Holcomb (Univ Coll ’80), Amarillo, Texas, Oct. 2 at 56. Janette (Robinson) Jacobs (UTCTC ’80), Toledo, Jan. 30 at 60. Janet R. (Koehnlein) Roberson (MEd ’80), Toledo, Oct. 22 at 70. Chi Omega member. Judith Accettola (Law ’81), Waterville, Oct. 18 at 52. Michael Carmean (MEd ’81, Ed Spec ’89), Toledo, Feb. 20 at 59. Betty J. (St. Clair) Carrillo (UTCTC ’81), Toledo, Jan. 2 at 79. David K. Snyder MD (MED ’81), Greenville, N.C., Oct. 16 at 56. Emma L. Willingham (UTCTC ’81), Wauseon, Jan. 29 at 52. Harold L. Wood (Law ’81), St. Peters, Mo., May 2, 2008 at 61. Linda (Keifer) Besendorfer (A/S ’82), Monclova, Oct. 8 at 53. Timothy D. Dagg (Bus ’82), Maumee, Oct. 20 at 49. Joyce A. Smead (UTCTC ’82), Erie, Mich., Oct. 9 at 75. **Ruth (Herzberg) Franklin PhD (PhD ’83), Albuquerque, N.M., Oct. 21 at 84. Jerlene Sanders (UTCTC ’83), Toledo, Nov. 9 at 66. Mary E. Steele (Bus ’83, MBA ’88), Toledo, Dec. 6 at 52. Richard C. Adams (Bus ’84), Painesville, Ohio, Feb. 21 at 49. Evelyn L. (Emerson) Gallagher (UTCTC ’84), Toledo, Nov. 2 at 55. Irene A. Grabarkiewicz (Univ Coll ’84), Toledo, Oct. 6 at 60. Richard D. North (Law ’84), Toledo, Dec. 31 at 65. **Edith L. (Whitman) Rothenbuhler (A/S ’84, NRS ’84), Lakeside, Ohio, Feb. 23 at 64.

Lynne M. Hurdelbrink-Gates (UTCTC ’86), Toledo, Dec. 31 at 59. Beverly J. (Bishop) Szymanowski (UTCTC ’86), Jan. 18 at 74. MaryAnn F. (Gough) Rossi (A/S ’87), Perrysburg, Jan. 27 at 67. Trudy S. (Praet) Bischoff (MEd ’88), Angola, Ind., Feb. 11 at 55. Jerry L. Hinson Sr. (Univ Coll ’89), The Villages, Fla., Dec. 14 at 68. Carole A. (Broer) Tye (UTCTC ’89), Toledo, Jan. 24 at 51.

90s

Edward J. Pike MD (MBA ’90), Toledo, Jan. 17 at 73. **Robert J. Kuehn (UTCTC ’91, UTCTC ’94), Levering, Mich., Feb. 10 at 61. Eric M. Sawchuk (UTCTC ’92), Kaneohe, Hawaii, Feb. 1 at 41. Barbara J. Haffner (UTCTC ’93), Mason City, Iowa, Aug. 20 at 62. David C. Paczkowski (Univ Coll ’94), Toledo, Oct. 13 at 66. Robert A. Spitler (UTCTC ’94, Bus ’99), Toledo, Nov. 11 at 55. *Robert “Jack” Dorr (UTCTC ’96, Univ Coll ’00), Toledo, Feb. 15 at 94. He appeared in the Fall 1996 issue of Toledo Alumni Magazine as UT’s oldest graduate, earning his associate’s degree at 81. John T. Jacobson (MA ’97), Cleveland, Oct. 6 at 71. Dirk-Christopher Host (Hostetler) (Univ Coll ’98), Sylvania, Oct. 19 at 51. Laurie Wagner (A/S ’98), Toledo, Oct. 22 at 35.

00s

Donald A. Fall (Eng ’00), Sylvania Twp., Dec. 4 at 39. Jason J. Mutchler (Bus ’00), Dayton, Nov. 28 at 30. Raymond L. Candage III MD (MED ’04), North Canton, Ohio, Dec. 21 at 31.

Faculty, Staff & Friends Ida Alexander, Toledo, retired

since 1983 from MCO Hospital, Oct. 24 at 89. Helen (Nowak) Babcock, Toledo, a 30-year MCO Dietary Services veteran, Feb. 27 at 90. Paul F. Bricker, Toledo, an MCO electrician from 1973 to 1990, Feb. 27 at 80. Freda Brubaker, Waterville, who worked 18 years in Office of International Services and later American Language Institute, retiring in 1996, Jan. 2 at 95.

Charles W. Carter Sr., Toledo, UT assistant professor of public services technology from 1974 to 1984, Dec. 13 at 86. Named professor emeritus, criminal justice at his retirement. Michael J. Darrington, Sylvania, att. 1981 to 1988, former Medical Center paramedic, Feb. 27 at 45. Wilbert Daugherty, Toledo, MCO 25-year employee, retiring in 1999, Feb. 1 at 69. Marjorie I. (Heinze) Deters, Toledo, UT Bookstore clerk in 1980s and 1990s, March 1 at 79. Patsy R. Downey, Walbridge, Jan. 2 at 73. On UT staff from 1973 to 2003, retiring as public inquiries assistant in Facilities Management. Donald G. Ellerbush, Curtice, storekeeper in UT Facilities and Construction since 2008, Jan. 7 at 55. Charles R. Evener, Toledo, UT custodial worker from 1981 to 1996, Nov. 3 at 66. Gertrude S. Irmen Fetters, Toledo, UT veterans counselor in 1964, Feb. 1 at 101. Cheryl L. Franks (A/S ’73), Greenville, S.C., Jan. 2 at 61. Starting in 1991 as a Computer Services programmer/analyst, she later worked in Registrar’s Office until 1997. Carol Ann (Wilhelm) Hardt, Maumee, in MCO Department of Medicine from 1971 until her 1997 retirement, Feb. 2 at 71. Lela Hartsel, Toledo, former volunteer in MCO Cath Lab for more than 10 years, Jan. 12 at 81. Flora Ann (Nelson) Haynes, Toledo, UT custodial worker from 1974 to her 2004 retirement, Jan. 27 at 69. Frank H. Hinton PhD, associate professor of political science since 1975, Dec. 17 at 68. While at UT, he received Fulbright Lectureships to teach in Slovakia, Ukraine and Mexico. He served as director of Master's in Public Administration Program from 1980 to 1989, and was research associate of the Urban Affairs Center. John R. Hogan, Toledo, UT Athletics contributor, Dec. 14 at 91. Rhoda “Do” (Merriman) Jost, Toledo, in clerical positions with the colleges of Arts & Sciences and Business Administration from 1969 to 1981, Oct. 15 at 87. Severn Joyce, Toledo, coordinator, Technology Park on the UT Health Science Campus from 1987 to 1990, Dec. 18 at 81. He served on the former MCO Board of Trustees from 1977 to 1985 and 1987 to 1996. Ingeborg Karolak, Toledo, in UT’s Testing Center as clerk and monitor from 1962 until her 1990 retirement, Jan. 28 at 78. Thomas R. Kneisley (UTCTC ’95), Toledo, in UT’s Engineering Technology Department from 1993 to 2003, retiring as a project manager, Nov. 13 at 72.

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

in memoriam

30s

40s

50s

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

60s

70s

www.toledoalumni.org

80s

90s

00s

Donald A. Fall (Eng ’00), Sylvania Twp., Dec. 4 at 39. Jason J. Mutchler (Bus ’00), Dayton, Nov. 28 at 30. Raymond L. Candage III MD (MED ’04), North Canton, Ohio, Dec. 21 at 31.

Faculty, Staff & Friends Ida Alexander, Toledo, retired

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

in memoriam

Brenda K. (McClain) McCord, Toledo, UT library tech for 31 years who retired in 1998, Feb. 16 at 59. Bernard O. Moss, Toledo, volunteer at UT Medical Center/ MCO since 1987, Oct. 26 at 83. George Palade MD, Del Mar, Calif., Nobel laureate honored as one of the fathers of cell biology, Oct. 7 at 95. In 1974, MCO bestowed on him an honorary doctor of medicine degree. Neil M. Palmer PhD, Moscow, Idaho, professor emeritus of sociology, Feb. 22 at 83. He joined UT in 1967 as professor and chair of sociology. Two years later, he negotiated the department’s move into a temporary building on Main Campus that became known as the Sociology and Anthropology Building and later the Student Classroom Annex. Palmer was the first director of the UT Opinion Research Institute. He retired in 1995. James F. Paulson, Toledo, at UT from 1983 to 1991, retiring as stationary engineer, Dec. 20 at 81. Robert E. Porter, Northwood, UT carpenter since 1984, Dec. 8 at 60. Willard H. Rogers, Holland, Nov. 28 at 78. Hired in UT Maintenance in 1954, retiring as groundskeeper supervisor in 1983. Frederick Rudolph, Perrysburg, co-founder of Rudolph/Libbe Inc., Toledo construction firm whose projects included UT’s Center for the Visual Arts, Ritter Planetarium and UT Medical Center, Jan. 11 at 79. Member of Presidents Club and Heritage Oak Society. Judith L. Schroyer, Toledo, in the Finance/Bursar’s Office from 1983 to 1999, Nov. 16 at 66. Margaret (Gage) Schmertz, Toledo, registered nurse with University Health Services from 1969 to 1980, Oct. 28 at 87.

*Walter B. Shelley MD, nationally known dermatologist and MCO professor emeritus, Jan. 30 at 91. During his years there (1983 to 1997), he oversaw a dermatology clinic and conducted clinical research. The prolific author, researcher and publisher was given an honorary degree by the University in 2006. Arline M. (Yaekel) Sizemore (Ed ’43), Toledo, worked in UT Library from 1945 to 1951, last as chief catalogue librarian, Dec. 28 at 87. Doris (Bowe) Sabo Swope, Pemberville, MCO secretary/ accountant who retired in 1978, Feb. 28 at 94. Diane E. West, Holland, UT custodian from 2002 to 2008, Nov. 12 at 50. Dick Wilson (Ed ’61, MEd ’66, Ed Spec ’74), Franklin, Tenn., Dec. 31 at 75. The champion wrestler lettered in 1959, 1960 and 1961, winning MAC titles the same years. He competed on the U.S. wrestling team, which he captained, at the 1960 and 1964 Olympics. From 1967 to 1973, he was head wrestling coach at UT, taking his 1969 team to the MAC championship. 1980 Varsity T Hall of Fame inductee. Thomas R. Wolf, Sylvania, Feb. 13 at 57. He joined UT in 1985 as assistant professor of business technology at UTCTC, later becoming coordinator of business management programs. Salome “Sally” Zawierucha, Maumee, nurse’s aide at MCO 10 years, Nov. 11 at 103.

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The Blade and the University of Toledo Medical Center present the 17th Annual UT Alumni Association Outdoor Juried Art Fair 08444

* Member of the UT Alumni Association ** Lifetime member

Toledo Alumni Magazine | Spring 2009

Art on the Mall SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2009 FREE ADMISSION

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10 A.M. UNTIL 5 P.M.

original art, jazz, food and children’s area

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