On June 23, Arden Bement Jr., director of the National Science Foundation, visited YSU's College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. "Students [at YSU] do graduate-level research and Ph.D.-level research [and are] energized and eager and so excited about what they’re doing. This is a real success story as far as I am concerned."
look who's talking . . . about YSU
Arden Bement Jr., Director of the National Science Foundation
“At many universities, undergraduate students don’t even get in the laboratories, let alone get close to the equipment. Here, they’re encouraged to do that and encouraged to participate in research.”
“NSF is proud to partner with YSU to promote discovery and innovation. With partnerships seeded by federal funding, a region can quickly build competitive research capacity that in turn sparks new companies, new jobs, and a more robust economy.”
On the
Cover YSU alumnus Carl Fisher (’75, Engineering) holds a hand-crafted polymer clay marble he created, featuring YSU’s Pete the Penguin. An engineer by profession and employed by the IBM Corp., Fisher has developed a national reputation as a contemporary marble artist. Read about him and other exceptional YSU alumni in Alumni Spotlight, Pages 44-50. ———————————
YSU President
David C. Sweet
Vice President for University Advancement
George McCloud
News Manager
Graphic Artist
Editor
Assistant Director
this
4
Rippling Muscle Research – YSU associate biology professor Gary Walker and YSU alumnus Dr. Carl Ansevin are working with students to research a rare neuromuscular disease. Twelve years into the study, their findings are getting noticed by doctors and scientists internationally.
6
YSU’s Next 100 Years – As YSU continues its Centennial Celebration, seven individuals with close ties to the university speculate on what’s in store for YSU’s next century. New Home for Williamson College – 10 ALooking ahead to construction of the new $34.3 million, state-of-the-art building for the Williamson College of Business Administration, with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for October.
Ron Cole Renée Cannon, ’90 Cynthia Vinarsky Jean Engle, ’86
Photographers
Bruce Palmer Carl Leet
Sports Contributor
Trevor Parks
Chief Development Officer
Paul McFadden, ’84
Executive Director of Alumni Relations and Events Mangaement
Shannon Tirone, ’94
YSU Board of Trustees Chairman Scott R. Schulick Vice Chairman Larry DeJane Millicent Counts Sudershan K. Garg Harry Meshel Dianne Bitonte Miladore John L. Pogue H.S. Wang Secretary Franklin S. Bennett Jr. Student Trustee Stephen W. T. Foley Youngstown State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. YSU Magazine is published twice a year by the Office of Marketing and Communications at Youngstown State University. Any comments or questions should be directed to Marketing and Communications, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown, Ohio 44555. Call 330-941-3519 or e-mail universitymagazine@ysu.edu for more information. Youngstown State University is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or identity as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era, in respect to students and/or to applicants for employment, and to organizations providing contractual services to YSU. 8-001
issue
in
Home Campaign Beckons Alumni Entrepreneurs – U.S. Rep. Tim 12 Grow Ryan rolls out the red carpet for alumni entrepreneurs willing to start or expand a business in the Mahoning Valley.
Campus – A comprehensive look at campus news, events 14 Around and programs. College – Four students earn associate degrees while still in high 34 Early school as part of the first graduating class of Youngstown Early College.
– The Penguin women’s track and field team38 Sports continues its dominance in the Horizon League, winning the outdoor title this spring.
Campaign – The largest fundraising 42 Centennial campaign in YSU’s history reaches two significant milestones.
Bethany Anderson
Spotlight – YSU Magazine introduces 44 Alumni “Alumni Spotlight,” a new feature profiling nine fascinating and
accomplished YSU graduates and a part of our expanded alumni news and feature section.
51
Class Notes – Updates and achievements of YSU alumni from the 1950s to today.
President’s Message
Looking Toward 2108, Creating YSU’s Future For centuries - from Nostradamus to Alvin Toffler, H.G. Wells to Arthur C. Clarke – the human race has had a fascination with predicting the future. What lies ahead? What wonderful inventions and technological advances are to come? What will the world be like for my grandchildren, and their grandchildren? In 1908, prognosticators of the day looked to the year 2008 and – quite correctly, it turns out – envisioned airplanes filling the skies with around-the-world flights, routine human organ transplants and people walking the streets talking on wireless “pocket” telephones. So what is in store for the next 100 years? What will the world – and, more specifically, what will Youngstown State University look like in the year 2108? In this, YSU’s Centennial year, we have had many occasions to pause and reflect on our proud past – from our beginnings at the YMCA in downtown Youngstown, through the hard work of David C. Sweet, President men like Skeggs, Wick and Jones, to the modern facilities and programs of today’s YSU. In this issue of the Youngstown State University Magazine, we look to YSU’s second century. We asked seven individuals, including Youngstown Mayor and YSU alum (1994, BSBA) Jay Williams, to write short essays on YSU’s next 100 years. Their musings begin on Page 6. We also look to the future with an article on the upcoming construction of a new, state-of-the-art building for the Williamson College of Business Administration (see page 10). Speculating on the future is a dicey proposition. As that famous prognosticator Yogi Berra once said, “It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” On the other hand, Peter F. Drucker, the Austrian-born writer and self-described “social ecologist,” once said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.” At YSU, we are creating a future that I believe bodes well for the university and for the Mahoning Valley in general. We recently received a full, institution-wide accreditation renewal from the Higher Learning Commission. The renewal, which specifically cited YSU’s growth in enrollment and diversity and the university’s commitment to partnerships with the community, positions YSU well as it enters the 2010s and beyond. We are closing in on the $44 million goal for the Centennial Capital Campaign, the largest fund-raising project in the university’s history. The effort will help assure YSU’s continued ability to offer top-notch academic programs in modern, 21st century facilities at affordable prices. We have already raised $13.2 million for student scholarships, nearly double the campaign’s goal. Also sure to have a significant impact on YSU’s future is the creation of a community college in the Mahoning Valley. Sparked by discussions initiated by the YSU Board of Trustees nearly three years ago, the state of Ohio hopes to begin offering community college courses in the Mahoning Valley as early as fall 2009. In time, the new college should increase college-going rates in the region, creating a higher-educated workforce that is better equipped to excel in the increasingly high-tech global marketplace. And speaking of high-tech, YSU this summer hosted a visit by Dr. Arden L. Bement Jr., the director of the National Science Foundation and the nation’s top science official. Dr. Bement’s visit was a celebration and recognition of YSU’s increased and successful research efforts over the past 10 years. Bement was brought to YSU by U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, who has played a significant role in YSU’s emergence as a research leader. Over the past five years, the congressman has helped secure nearly $10 million for a variety of university initiatives, including the Center for Transportation and Materials, the Center of Excellence in Industrial Metrology & 3D Imaging Research and the CyberEnabled Industrial Innovation Center. In the years ahead, as we build on these successes, YSU’s role in research and development and its economic influence on the Mahoning Valley and the entire Northeast Ohio region is sure to grow. Abraham Lincoln, whose actions created a future that we as a nation still enjoy today, once said that “the best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time.” Hour by hour, day after day, year to year, YSU has worked for the past 100 years to serve the educational needs of the Northeast Ohio region. We will continue to build on that proud past, creating a promising future for our students, the region and beyond. Sincerely,
2
Youngstown State University
David C. Sweet
L e t t e r s
t o
t h e
Editor
Dear Editor: Please keep YSU Magazine coming! It’s a great way to stay informed on what’s happening and learn something new every time I read it. My wife, Darlene, and I are both YSU grads. Our son, Jonathan, is now there as a Music Education major at the Dana School. His presence, and your publication, has given us good incentive to get re-connected. We moved out of town in 1986 to pursue other interests and had unfortunately lost touch with things in Youngstown. But, over the last couple years, I’ve been coming back more frequently for football games, concerts and music performances (and have enjoyed every moment on campus). I truly enjoyed the recent article on “The Evolution of YSU.” I remembered a little of that history but never knew it was once named the Youngstown Institute of Technology. Given the need for better programming on science and math skills in the K through 12 levels, it would be neat to bring the Youngstown Institute of Technology back as an outreach program for elementary and high school programs in the region. Thanks for listening. Keep up the good work. John M. Lischak, ’83 New Philadelphia, Ohio (Editor’s Note: Lischak is director of quality improvement and corporate compliance officer for Union Hospital in Dover, Ohio.)
Dear Editor: I am a YSU alumna and retired YSU employee. Your magazine is wonderful and I look forward to receiving it. I did notice an error on page 29 in the winter edition under information about President John Coffelt. If he was born in 1924 and died in 1988, that would make him only 64 years old (not 67). I first came to the university in 1968, when he was president. Thanks much and keep up the good work. H. Marlene Dailey, ’87 (AAB), ’90 (BS), ’96 (MBA) YSU employee (1968-2006) (Editor’s Note: Our sharp-eyed reader is right; Coffelt was not 67 when he died. Born in December 1924, he was 63, a few months from his 64th birthday, when he died in September 1988. Coffelt came to YSU in 1968 as Vice President of Administrative Affairs and was named president in 1973. Dailey was an administrative assistant to the Provost when she retired and earned all three of her degrees while working full-time at YSU.)
F rom
t h e
Editor’s DESK
Dear Editor: Thank you for your article about (YSU psychology professor) Dr. Stephen Flora’s book, Taking America Off Drugs (Winter Issue 2008). Two research studies, one at the University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Canada, and one with the city of St. Paul, Minn. Worker’s Compensation and Risk Management Division, showed that by using mental techniques with positive emotion, chronic “incurable” pain as well as acute pain can be substantially reduced or totally eliminated, safely, rapidly, and in many cases it’s lasting. Besides the obvious safety issues with drugs and surgery, these methods are financially fruitful in reducing healthcare costs. In 1998, using non-invasive techniques, St. Paul, Minn. saved over $1 million in worker’s compensation costs. This work was featured in an article published in The California Worker’s Compensation Endeavor. Another interesting note to this research was that it was observed that when the patients/athletes were shown how to control their pain by using their minds, empowering themselves, their behavior changed quickly, permanently and in a balanced, positive way. Although much more work and research is needed, the mental side to physical health appears to be very useful and very much under-utilized. I am glad to see an article of this nature. Keep up the good work. Dr. Raymond J. Petras, ’72 BE Scottsdale, Arizona (Editor’s Note: Dr. Petras is a performance and pain specialist and owns Pain Management & Elite Sports Performance in Scottsdale.)
Dear Editor: THANK YOU! Wow! I was so excited to see that the YSU Magazine was not “afraid” to publish an article regarding issues of drug use with ADHD, OCD, depression, and other psychological problems. With the drug companies and their billions of dollars spent on locating more people to drug, it's terrific to see someone not afraid to speak out. Cindy Garner Granger, ’81 Columbus, Ohio
It’s been six months since I joined YSU’s Office of Marketing and Communications, and working with the creative team on this, my first complete issue of YSU Magazine, has been an honor and a thrill. We hope you’ll like the changes we’ve made. I’m especially proud of our expanded, 13 pages of alumni news and features, starting off with profiles of nine exceptional grads in Alumni Spotlight (p.44). They make me proud to be part of YSU. Write and let us know what you think. Letters must include your name, graduation year, a telephone number or e-mail address for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit letters for space and clarity. Submit letters by mail to: Cynthia Vinarsky, Editor, YSU Magazine, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555; email to: cevinarsky@ysu.edu; or Fax to 330-941-1704.
Cynthia VinarskySummer , Editor 2008
3
Rare Disease Fascinates YSU Research Team Findings result in speaking engagements around the globe
Outside of medical circles, most people have never heard of rippling muscle disease. Very rare, neither crippling nor life-threatening, it’s never been a newsmaker. But a YSU biology professor and a Boardman neurologist just might change that. Their painstaking, 12-year research of the rare neuromuscular disorder has already caught the attention of medical doctors and scientists around the world. Gary Walker, an associate professor of molecular biology and microbiology at YSU, and Dr. Carl Ansevin, a 1971 YSU alumnus, believe they’ve discovered a link between one form of rippling muscle disease and myasthenia gravis, a serious and chronic neuromuscular ailment. Walker and Ansevin have chronicled the progress of their research in a series of published papers. They’ve been invited to present their work at scientific and medical conferences across the U.S. and in London, Rome, Naples and Norway. “It’s a recognized phenomenon now,” Ansevin said of their findings. “But when we started, people hadn’t seen it before. It was brand, spanking new.” Rippling muscle disease is generally inherited and causes involuntary skeletal muscle contractions that produce a visible rippling effect. “It’s not terribly disabling, just annoying,” Walker said. The YSU research team is studying an even more rare form of the disease, however, one that is not inherited and can be a precursor to myasthenia gravis. There is no known cure for myasthenia gravis, a disease in which the body’s immune system forms antibodies that disrupt nerve impulse transmission to muscles, resulting in symptoms such as drooping eyelids, problems with swallowing, talking and breathing, as well as weakness in the limbs. Ansevin proposed the research project in 1996 after one of his patients was diagnosed with a severe case of myasthenia gravis a few years after coming to him with rippling muscles. Ansevin, who is also an assistant professor at the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, recognized that the case was unusual. The patient’s rippling muscles were probably not genetically inherited, he theorized, because there was no family history of rippling muscle disease in any of the patient’s nine siblings. Ansevin and Walker agreed that the case suggested a possible autoimmune connection between the two disorders. Walker had been looking for a research topic since arriving at YSU the year before and he was intrigued by Ansevin’s proposal. “It was serendipitous that Dr. Ansevin came along
4
Youngstown State University
when he did,” he said. “I had some other ideas, but this one fascinated me.” Since then, Walker has been able to involve numerous undergraduate students, five graduate students and three doctoral students in the research team, capitalizing on a growing interest and emphasis on research in YSU’s new College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “Research is a great way to teach. It opens up a whole new world to students, knowledge that’s not in books yet,” said Walker. “It’s the acquisition of new knowledge, and that’s what science is all about.” When Ansevin published the first paper describing his patient with myasthenia gravis and rippling muscles, he received reports of two other patients with the same dual diagnoses in Munich, Germany. The German patients later agreed to assist in the research, as did Ansevin’s patient, by donating blood for the study. So far, the YSU study has identified the antigen protein associated with the non-inherited form of rippling muscle disease, isolated it, cloned it and infected bacteria with the protein to manufacture more of it. “Research is a slow process, and the knowledge is built in layers and steps,” said Walker, who earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Colorado at Boulder and completed his Ph.D. at Wayne State University. “There’s a practical angle now, but it took years to get to this point.” Studying a rare disorder instead of high-profile problems such as lung cancer or breast cancer can be advantageous for YSU, Walker remarked, because it usually means less competition from large, wealthy labs. There has been some competing research in this case, but Ansevin reported that clinical data “from Harvard to Germany and back” has supported the YSU lab’s conclusions. The work has already expanded the researchers’ understanding of myasthenia gravis, rippling muscle disease and healthy muscle function, and Walker said future research may lead to the development of intellectual property that could be of commercial value to the Mahoning Valley. For now Walker and Ansevin are eager to move from the theoretical to the practical by using the protein to create a diagnostic test for non-inherited rippling muscles, a procedure which may also help diagnose myasthenia gravis in its earliest stages. “Myasthenia gravis is quite treatable,” Ansevin noted. “If a diagnostic test can be developed, these disorders may be diagnosed and treated earlier and more effectively. That’s the goal the YSU team is working for.”
Dr. Carl Ansevin, left, and Gary Walker, associate professor of molecular biology, examine an electrophoretic gel used to study proteins in their research.
Summer 2008
5
Looking Ahead:
YSU's Next YEARS
The past two issues of YSU Magazine celebrated the university’s Centennial by recalling our proud past – from its beginnings at the YMCA in downtown Youngstown to the campus growth and expansion of the 1990s and 2000s. In this edition, we pull out the crystal ball to speculate on YSU’s next 100 years. We asked seven individuals, all with strong ties to YSU and the Mahoning Valley, to speculate on what lies ahead in Youngstown State University’s second century. Here’s what they had to say:
Jay Williams Mayor, City of Youngstown Having graduated from Youngstown State University in 1994 with a B.S.B.A., majoring in Finance, I distinctly recall a well-established tenet in the study of the financial markets which states in effect, “Past performance does not guarantee future results.” However, when applying that principle to the future of YSU, I would confidently assert that the university’s proud and inspiring past 100 years should unquestionably give rise to great expectations for an even more promising and exciting future. I was afforded the privilege of giving the commencement address at YSU’s Spring 2008 Centennial graduation ceremony. During the address, I reflected on attending a
Andrea Wood
President, Youngstown Publishing Co., Co-founder, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief, The Business Journal, Youngstown In the next 100 years, Youngstown State University transforms the Mahoning Valley into a center for education and technical innovation. Youngstown becomes a college town where students, faculty and professionals revitalize the city with vibrant residential and commercial neighborhoods and an eclectic arts and entertainment district downtown. Outreach programs and partnerships developed by the Williamson College of Business Administration in the last decade of the 20th century evolve into standard operating procedures for companies thriving in a regional economy that remembers steel as the historical turning point in its diversification. YSU graduates see opportunities to build their futures here, one of America’s new garden spots created with climate changes that place a premium on real estate in this oasis of learning and culture.
6
Youngstown State University
recent leadership conference in Europe during which the first participant, a man from Kosovo whom I happened to engage in conversation, was eager to make mention of YSU. His brother was a YSU graduate with a master’s degree in chemistry. (Ironically, we met before I’d had the opportunity to introduce myself as being from Youngstown. He had previously read my bio and made it a point to find me.) As a result of our conversation, I recounted to the audience how I was overcome with a greater appreciation of what a powerful force the graduates of YSU have been in our society over the past 100 years. As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, interdependent, and in need of effective leadership, the future graduates of Youngstown State are poised and prepared to make even more valuable contributions than ever before. This belief is reinforced often through my interactions with various YSU faculty, staff, students and alumni. I conclude, as did in my commencement address, with a quote from former President Bill Clinton who once said, “The future is not an inheritance; it is an opportunity and an obligation.” Because of the proud and triumphant preceding 100 years, prospective YSU students will forever matriculate with both the opportunity and obligation to ensure that past performance does indeed guarantee future results. Buildings on campus, such as the Williamson College of Business Administration now under development, are updated and then updated again to keep up with technology and instructional methods we can only imagine. Inside and outside the classroom - and yes, there will be classrooms - the one thing that will not change is how students learn. It will still come down to teachers’ lectures, just as it has since Plato’s academy, since the rise of universities in Italy in the 1300s.
•
Tom Shipka
Professor and Chair Emeritus Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies Had we lived in 1908, who among us would have correctly predicted that the next hundred years would see the Great Depression, two world wars, television, organ transplants, computers, 9/11, cell phones, space travel, or Viagra? It is inherently risky to predict the future but it is still fun to try. So, in fear and trembling, I hazard this forecast about the YSU of 2108: • Due to rising ocean levels caused by global warming, which brought an influx of millions of east coast residents to Ohio, enrollment at YSU will top 50,000. • Online instruction and other yet-to-be-invented technologies will reduce the number of traditional on-campus classes to a small fraction of the total.
Bruce Beeghly
President of Altronic Inc., Girard, Ohio Member, Ohio Board of Regents Former Chair, YSU Board of Trustees As YSU enters its second century of service to the Mahoning Valley, many changes, challenges and opportunities lie ahead. In its first century, the university has had to serve as the access point to higher education for its region offering certificate, two-year and four-year degrees and professional graduate degrees. With the establishment of a public community college in the
Germaine F. Bennett
President, YSU Alumni Society Retired Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Youngstown City Schools The growth of Youngstown State University will be phenomenal. We will witness an expansion in all six colleges, with all of them offering doctorates and innovative degrees to meet the needs of the 22nd Century. Travel to space may become an event anyone can experience, and with that will come degree programs to fit our availability to the universe. The college of STEM, especially,
•
There will be no tenured faculty at YSU, as tenure will have passed from the higher education scene as part of cost containment and program flexibility. Due to a steady decline in state appropriations to YSU as a percentage of operating costs, YSU will have gone from statesupported to state-assisted to state-located. With the economic burden having shifted to students and their families, tuition and fees will exceed $100,000 a year.
immediate future, YSU’s mission will change. Most or all of the remedial and two-year degree programs will eventually become the province of the community college. At the same time, much opportunity awaits YSU in the new environment. Freed from the task of bringing students up to basic “college prep” status, the main YSU campus can concentrate on college-level instruction to students prepared for same, with program quality and faculty research receiving more attention. The opportunity for more specialized undergraduate and graduate level degrees will increase. Additional PhD programs will be possible. In the past, these have not always been welcomed from YSU in Columbus. But in the era just ahead, YSU is being challenged to become the driver of the region’s economy. The university will need to establish its priorities and areas of specialization and excellence. Those seeking advanced degrees are our best and brightest, and the future YSU will help retain more of them here in the Mahoning Valley by offering more such programs. This is essential to a rebirth of the local region in the 21st century knowledge economy. will undergo a huge metamorphosis in the departments that deal with science and technology. The helping professions represented in the colleges of Education, Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Health and Human Services will adapt their colleges to serve humanity with the use of technology and, of course, human contact. The Williamson College of Business Administration (continued on page 8)
Summer 2008
7
Promising Future A Proud Past A Promising Future A Proud Past A Promising Future Germaine Bennett, continued from page 7 will find itself entrenched in technology, working to meet the demands of the world and the companies that will exist. The College of Fine and Performing Arts will still focus on students’ artistic talents, but the entertainment will probably be delivered through some new and as yet unknown forms of technology. The campus itself will expand with new buildings, and YSU will also expand its outreach by adding satellite cam-
puses and online degree programs. Unfortunately, the classroom will look different because of long distance learning, online courses and perhaps even an instructor that may be a hologram. The computer was my generation’s big challenge, but generations to come will adapt faster and Youngstown State University will be there with a “Proud Past and a Promising Future” to assist them.
Tom Humphries
the university will establish even closer relationships with the health care institutions in our Valley. In that same arena, robotics programs that are gaining momentum in our local high schools are going to shift to become part of a core college curriculum that explodes with the possibilities of what that knowledge could mean in the operating room. Robotics is just now being introduced in our hospitals, but the field will become much more high profile and widely used as time goes on, and YSU’s students could lead the charge. Finally, U.S. Congressman Tim Ryan has shared his vision of a “Tech Belt” between Cleveland and Pittsburgh to spur economic development through shared collaboration. YSU will not only be a key partner in establishing this tech corridor, but the university will play an essential role in training the people who will generate new ideas and technology. It may be the next 100 years, but it’s only the beginning.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Over the next 100 years, it’s going to be hard to see where the campus of Youngstown State University ends and downtown Youngstown begins, because they are going to join to become one vital, dynamic symbol of the Mahoning Valley’s future. And as YSU expands in size, reaching further into downtown, more students will want to live on its energized campus. But the campus expansion is only the beginning. Undoubtedly, the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics that was founded just last year will develop into a program that other communities will want to emulate. And as health care begins to play a key role in the education system at YSU over the next century,
Erianne R. Raib
Former Student Member, YSU Board of Trustees, Spring 2008 YSU graduate We can observe Youngstown State University’s proud past with pleasure, and we can all be sure of its promising future. In the next 100 years, YSU will prosper, with students receiving a valuable, but affordable, degree. The value of YSU to its community will be utilized, striving to reach higher enrollment and graduation rate. My alma mater will continue to push the edge of innovation, providing modern and functional facilities and grounds. However, many of the hopes I hold for this institution for the next 100 years are already in place today. We are a prospering university. Our enrollment and graduation rates are reaching record heights. The university has up-to-date
8
Youngstown State University
classrooms and award-winning grounds. So, just as I hold high hopes for the future of the university’s ability to adapt to its community’s needs, I know that the tradition of YSU will still hold strong in the next 100 years. “The Rock” will hopefully still stand in the core of campus, with its peeling layers of paint, and the strength of meaning and purpose that I felt when I was handed my diploma will still be felt in the hearts of graduates to come.
e
J ones
howard
remembered
A
bronze sculpture of Howard Jones, YSU’s first president, was unveiled in May as part of the university’s Centennial Celebration. The sculpture is located between Tod Hall and Ward Beecher Science Hall at the entrance to the campus core. In photos above and at left, workers install the statue. Mary and Tony Lariccia of Boardman, standing in the photo below, applaud the new addition. The Lariccias and their daughters, Natalie and Dana, commissioned the statue. Below, left, Marilyn Chuey, Jones’ daughter, comments on the sculpture, while YSU President David Sweet reacts. “He lived his life for Youngstown University. He gave all of his energies to serving this university,” Chuey said of her father. “He really did love this place.”
Summer 2008
9
e A Proud Past A Promising Future A Proud Past A Promising Future A Proud Past A
Williamson College: Bridging Campus, Business Community
Imagine a business college that houses much more than classrooms - a regional business resource center where tomorrow’s business leaders cross paths daily with today’s executives and entrepreneurs. The new $34.3 million Williamson College of Business Administration building will be just that. Designed to bridge the campus and downtown Youngstown, the state-of-the-art facility is the centerpiece of YSU’s Centennial Master Plan and will be a cornerstone for the university’s second century. “The new building will provide the spaces, technologies and professional environment necessary to keep YSU competitive in recruiting and retaining the best students and faculty,” said Betty Jo Licata, dean of the business college. “It will enrich the teaching-learning environment and will support business services to the region.” A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for October, culminating the university’s Centennial Celebration. Construction will begin in January 2009, and the building is scheduled to open in June 2010. It is the largest single capital expenditure in YSU’s history, and nearly half will be funded through private gifts. Licata said the three-story, 106,000-square-foot building, located on Rayen Avenue on the far-south end of campus, will be about twice the size of the school’s present home on Lincoln Avenue. “We spent a lot of time talking about connecting the campus to the community, creating a building to be a resource for the community as well as our students and faculty,” said the dean, describing the collaborative planning process that involved students, faculty, campus and community leaders. “Every space is designed to further the mission of the college and to demonstrate our commitment to education, the professional development of our students and the economic development of the region.” The expanded emphasis on business community outreach will place YSU in a unique position among business schools nationwide, said Jeff Ziebarth of Perkins & Will, an international architecture and planning firm that designed the building in collaboration with Strollo Architects, Youngstown. “While community outreach efforts are becoming more prevalent for business colleges, YSU has more physical space dedicated to creating community connections than we typically see,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for YSU to enhance services to the business community and to give students greater access to business professionals,” Ziebarth added. “We think it will make YSU one of the best and most unique business schools
10
Youngstown State University
Betty Jo Licata Architect’s rendering of the new Williamson College building.
in the country.” Licata said the new classrooms are designed to support an interactive learning process, with the inclusion of small group meeting rooms to encourage teamwork and discussion. Three computer labs are planned, along with a financial services lab, a professional sales/communications lab and a student business incubator to encourage entrepreneurship. Hanna Kassis, who graduated from YSU in May with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, was among the students involved in the planning. He likes the first-floor location of the student organization office, which will house student chapters of national professional organizations. “We wanted that office to be very visible to encourage more students to get involved in networking,” said Kassis, now an associate accountant with Packer Thomas in Youngstown. Several of the college’s business outreach centers will also be on the first floor to allow for more synergy, joint programming and coordination of services. The Ohio Small Business Development Center, the Williamson Center for International Business, the Center for Nonprofit Leadership, Partners for Workplace Diversity, SCORE small business counselors and the Monus Entrepreneurship Center will all be housed there. Other amenities include a 200-seat auditorium and a four-room conference center for workshops, conferences, business meetings and presentations. A café with outdoor
A Promising Future A Proud Past A Promising Future A Proud Past A Promising Futur
seating, an industrial history gallery and a sky-lit atrium will make the WCBA an attractive meeting place for business professionals and students alike. The new building site takes up most of a city block bordered by Rayen Avenue, North Hazel Street, Phelps Street and Wood Street, strategically located to establish a strong physical link between the YSU campus and downtown Youngstown. “We’ve oriented the building on a diagonal because we’d rather have people walking through it than walking around it,” said Greg Strollo of Strollo Architects. “The idea is that business people, faculty and students can bump into each other there.” The design also includes numerous environmentallyfriendly features, noted architects Strollo and Ziebarth, to qualify for certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design U.S. Green Building Council Rating System. “YSU is taking a leadership role in meeting LEED criteria for a ‘green building,’ to their credit,” Strollo said. “As architects, we like to see public dollars spent that way. It’s the responsible thing to do.” Steven R. Lewis, chief executive officer of First Place Bank, said the Williamson College relates to two of the bank’s top priorities: education and economic development. The First Place Foundation contributed $500,000 to the Centennial Capital Campaign for the project, the largest corporate gift to date.
“We made that investment because we’re interested in Youngstown’s renaissance, and YSU is a key component in that renaissance,” said Lewis. “We keep hearing about the exodus of our young people. This building will be a tool to change that.” The new business college pushes YSU’s campus border closer to downtown Youngstown, and Garry Mrozek, a YSU business alumnus and area president of National City Bank, expects it to inspire more development of the surrounding properties. National City gave $300,000 for the project. Mrozek said the building will give YSU a competitive advantage with students. “We’ve got a great business school, and now we’re adding a state-of-the-art physical facility,” Mrozek said. “When students are choosing a college, that matters a lot.” YSU has committed $18.3 million in state dollars to the new building, with the remaining $16 million to be raised through private gifts as part of the Centennial Capital Campaign. To date, private gifts total more than $12.8 million, including a $4 million gift from campaign chairman Tony Lariccia and his wife, Mary. The new business building will be named in honor of the family of the late Warren P. Williamson Jr., founder of WKBN Broadcasting Corp. In 2006 the family announced its $5 million contribution to the project, the largest gift in university history.
Summer 2008
11
re A Proud Past A Promising Future A Proud Past A Promising Future A Proud Past A
Campaign Beckons Alumni Entrepreneurs
HOME
BRINGING YSU ALUMNI BUSINESSES TO THE MAHONING VALLEY
Come home to grow. That’s the message U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan is sending out to YSU alumni entrepreneurs living outside the Mahoning Valley who might be contemplating a business start-up or expansion. The congressman is spearheading a campaign called “Grow Tim Ryan Home,” in conjunction with YSU’s Centennial Celebration and in partnership with the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber. Its goal is to give alumni an inside track to benefits the Mahoning Valley can offer new and expanding businesses. “The Grow Home campaign is an effort to encourage successful YSU alumni to invest in their home community,” said Ryan. “I can’t tell you how often I run into people from Youngstown, now living in Miami, or Chicago or Cleveland, who stop me and say, ‘Yeah, I may live here, but Youngstown will always be my home.’ This is an opportunity for those people to play an active role in our future economic success and to reverse our community’s brain drain.” The Grow Home campaign dovetails with YSU’s commitment to advancing the regional and state economies, remarked George McCloud, vice president for advancement. “We’re hoping this partnership with Congressman Ryan and the Regional Chamber will inspire many of our alumni to investigate the business potential here in the Mahoning Valley,” McCloud said. “We want them to consider locating their companies in the Youngstown-Warren area, not just out of loyalty for their alma mater, but because there are real opportunities for them here.” YSU alumnus Gary Wakeford is a case in point. The president of Syncro Medical Innovations, a start-up medical equipment company that opened its world headquarters in downtown Youngstown last October, made location an issue when Norwich Ventures, a Massachusetts venture capital firm, offered him the job. “I told them I’d take it on one condition. The company had to be headquartered here,” said Wakeford, who earned his bachelor’s (’83) and MBA (’94) degrees from YSU.
12
Youngstown State University
That was 20 months ago, and while Wakeford stressed that Syncro is still an early-stage start-up, he said local, state and federal government officials have done their best to support its growth. For example, Ryan earmarked $500,000 in federal defense funds to expand military use of the magnet-guided feeding tube Syncro is developing for the treatment of very sick or seriously-injured patients. The state of Ohio awarded Syncro a $350,000 Third Frontier grant to fund clinical trials at three hospitals, including St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown. The Youngstown Business Incubator has been generous with business advice and grant assistance, Wakeford said, and the city is discounting the lease on Syncro’s spacious office suite. “The timing is right,” Wakeford said. “All levels of government are really pulling together to encourage companies to move here and helping them to succeed when they get here.” Alumni entrepreneurs can learn more about Grow Home by logging on to the campaign Web page, www. ysu.edu/growhome. The page is linked to the Regional Chamber’s Web site, with its database of available commercial and industrial properties and an array of project incentives such as tax abatements, tax credits and low-interest project financing. The Web page includes an e-mail reply form to connect alumni to the Chamber’s Economic Development Action Team. Its representatives will respond quickly to provide print materials, answer questions, arrange meetings or tours of available sites. “Many YSU alumni who left the community after graduation might not know about the positive economic news that is occurring as we speak,” said Walter Good, the Chamber’s interim executive director of economic development. “Grow Home is a great mechanism for us to get the word out.” Gary Wakeford
A Promising Future A Proud Past A Promising Future A Proud Past A Promi Centennial Spring Commencement
Celebrating YSU’s proud past…. and promising future Nearly 1,100 graduates received diplomas at YSU’s Centennial Spring Commencement in May. Photos clockwise from the right: President David C. Sweet presents an honorary degree to alumna Anu Shukla, chief executive of Offerpal Media. Shukla spoke at the graduate commencement in Stambaugh Auditorium. Alumnus and Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams addresses the undergraduate commencement ceremony in Beeghly Center. Williams and Shukla were presented Centennial Medallions, representing YSU’s promising future. Alumna Marilyn Chuey, the daughter of Howard W. Jones, the first president of Youngstown College, prepares for the ceremony. Chuey received a Centennial Medallion as part of YSU’s proud past. Janet E. Del Bene, chemistry professor emeritus and YSU alumna, carries the new YSU ceremonial mace into the graduate ceremony. The mace was designed under the leadership of Greg Moring, associate professor of art. And, in the photo below, alumnus Nathaniel Jones, retired judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati, receives the Centennial Medallion as part of YSU’s proud past. Presenting the medal are George McCloud, left, vice president for university advancement, and John Pogue, former chair of the YSU Board of Trustees.
Summer Winter2008 2008
13 13
Around Campus
NSF Director Opens Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Chemistry Lab
Around C
A
M
P
YSU campus and beyond
U
S
Arden L. Bement Jr., director of the National Science Foundation, visited YSU on June 23 to celebrate the university’s increased and successful research efforts over the past decade. And it’s fair to say he liked what he saw. Bement, the nation’s leading science official, met with faculty and community leaders at a breakfast in Moser Hall, made remarks to a standing-room-only crowd in Ward Beecher Hall, helped cut the ribbon on the new NSF-funded Analytical Materials Instrumentation Facility in the chemistry department, and spent about an hour viewing and listening to faculty and student research presentations, “Students [at YSU] do graduate-level research and Ph.D.-level research [and are] energized and eager and so excited about what they’re doing,” Bement said. “This is a real success story as far as I am concerned.” He added, “At many universities, undergraduate students don’t even get in the laboratories, let alone get close to the equipment. Here, they’re encouraged to do that and encouraged to participate in research.” Bement, accompanied on the visit by U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, visits only a handful of university campuses every year. Ryan, who has helped secure nearly $10 million in federal funds over the past five years for a variety of YSU initiatives, said the opening of the instrumentation facility and Bement’s visit are another sign of “our region moving from older industries to science and research based jobs.” YSU President David C. Sweet said Bement’s visit is a reflection of the strides YSU has made over the past several years in institutionalizing a culture that supports and encourages faculty and student research. “With the leadership of the NSF and Congressman Ryan, and the considerable talent we have amongst our faculty and
Forty education and community leaders from across the region are implementing a plan to bring community college education to the Mahoning Valley, the only metropolitan area in Ohio without such a college. The committee began meeting this spring in Youngstown, and Eric Fingerhut, chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, said he expects the community college to be up and running by fall 2009. Speaking at a press conference following the initial committee meeting, Fingerhut thanked YSU and President David C. Sweet for leading the effort to identify and understand the importance and value of providing a community college education in the Mahoning Valley. “This is probably the best news the Mahoning Valley has had in decades,” added U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan. He said the community college initiative is critical for the future economic growth of the region. The concept for expanded access to community college education in the Mahoning Valley started more than two years ago, when YSU began studying the feasibility and demand for such a program. The university completed several studies which demonstrate that citizens, employers and community leaders believe a community college will offer the type of education that will help rebuild the region’s workforce and economy. Fingerhut said the effort to bring community college education to the Valley must be a collaboration between existing institutions of higher education, including YSU, Kent State University and Jefferson Community College. “This commitment to raising the educational attainment for our citizens will not only help the Mahoning Valley, but will help the state of Ohio compete on a global scale,” the chancellor said. U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, left, and Eric Fingerhut, chancellor of the Ohio
Board of Regents, chat before a news conference concerning a new community college in the Mahoning Valley.
14
Youngstown State University
After two years of study and assessment, YSU this summer was awarded a full renewal of its accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. “This is a critical step in the academic future of the institution,” President David C. Sweet said. The purpose of the regularly scheduled, period renewal of accreditation is to reconfirm that YSU is operating effectively within its stated mission and goals. The Higher
staff in the sciences and engineering, we believe YSU can become a center of excellence in the area of molecular science, sparking educational and economic development opportunities throughout the region,” he said. Over the past five years, the NSF has provided $2.1 million to YSU’s mathematics, science and engineering research efforts, including $475,000 for the new Analytical Materials Instrumentation Facility. The visit by Bement was a highlight of a banner inaugural year for YSU’s new College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The STEM college, the first of its kind in Ohio, combines the engineering, technology, science and mathematics disciplines into one academic unit. Martin Abraham is the college’s founding dean. In January, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a $2 million grant to the college to create the YSU Center for Transportation and Materials Engineering. In April, NSF announced that the College of STEM would receive a $600,000 grant to fund STEM scholarships. And later in the spring, the Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program awarded $848,250 to the STEM college as part of a statewide
Learning Commission is responsible for accrediting colleges and universities in a 19-state region from West Virginia to Arizona. As part of the accreditation process, dozens of faculty, staff, students and community members participated in developing a four-volume, three-inch-thick report that outlines the university’s strengths and challenges in everything from enrollment and diversity to effective teaching and learning and engagement with the community. The process was led by Bege Bowers, associate provost; Janice Elias, professor and interim dean of the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services; and Sharon Stringer, director of assessment and professor of psychology. An evaluation team of 10 faculty and administrators from universities across the north central United States visited YSU in February as part of the accreditation process. The HLC’s Board of Trustees approved the accreditation renewal in late June. In addition to the accreditation renewal, the board approved a new doctor of physical therapy degree. It is
Around Campus
Arden L. Bement Jr., center, director of the National Science Foundation, is joined by U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, left, YSU President David C. Sweet and several students and faculty during a visit to campus in June.
mathematics preparedness effort. To top it off, the Ohio Third Frontier Commission announced in late June that the STEM college was being recommended for a $2.1 million award to establish a Center for Excellence in Advanced Materials Analysis. “These awards illustrate the role the new College of STEM is already playing in community outreach and regional development,” said Stephen Rodabaugh, interim associate dean.
YSU’s second doctoral program. Sweet thanked Bowers, Elias and Stringer for leading the team that put together the self-study for the HLC team site visit. “All of us at the university are grateful for their commitment and hard work that have made this process a success,” he said. Sweet also thanked the dozens of individuals on and off campus “who served on committees, attended countless meetings and dedicated themselves to the preparation of the self-study report.” “And, finally,” Sweet said, “I want to thank every member of the faculty and staff for their honesty during this process and their continued commitment to the success of the university and its students.” More than 200 car enthusiasts and experts from around the nation came to YSU in late April for “The Automobile in Our Culture,” a symposium exploring the past, present and future of America’s love affair with the automobile. Part of
Summer 2008
15
Around Campus YSU’s Centennial Celebration, the event featured national, regional and local speakers and scholars. Martin Apfel, executive director of global manufacturing and planning for General Motors and former director of GM Opel Division Eisenach and Bochum plants, gave the keynote address. The symposium also included tours of the GM Lordstown plant and the National Packard Museum in Warren, as well as a Classic Car show on the YSU campus.
Joel Stigliano, a senior theater major, performs a song from the musical “Little Women” during a press conference announcing the 2008–09 season of University Theater.
University Theater Celebrates 45th Year From farcical comedy to tragic drama, University Theater’s 2008-09 season has something for everyone. “True to our stated mission, the 2008-09 University Theater season continues to present a wide variety of quality theatrical experiences, ranging from very contemporary issues of the Middle East conflict, to works based on literary classics, to broad improvisational comedy,” said Frank Castronovo, chair of the Department of Theater and Dance at YSU. The 2008-2009 season marks the 45th year of University Theater’s existence as a co-curricular theater producing agency on the YSU campus. Season tickets are available through the University Theater Box Office by calling 330-941-3105.
University Theater 2008-2009 Season September 4 -7, 2008 DEARLY DEPARTED, Comedy October 2-5 and 10-12, 2008 HOW HIS BRIDE CAME TO ABRAHAM, Drama November 13-16 and 21-23, 2008 LITTLE WOMEN, Musical January 22-25, 2009 ALMOST, MAINE, Comedy February 12-15 and 20-22, 2009 THE SERVANT OF TWO MASTERS, Farce March 26-29 and April 3-5, 2009 MISS JULIE, Tragic Drama April 16-19, 2009 THE TENDER LAND, Opera April 30 and May 1, 2, 2009 YSU DANCE ENSEMBLE
16
Youngstown State University
John DeWitt of the University of Arts in Philadelphia presents a session on “Hot Rods, Kustom Kars and High Art” during “The Automobile in Our Culture” symposium in April.
Fifty-seven pieces of art created by elementary, middle and high school students throughout the Mahoning Valley were unveiled during the Partners in Art celebration in April in Beeghly Hall, home to YSU’s Beeghly College of Education. “The idea of this project is to provide an opportunity for the university and the Beeghly College of Education and the schools to partner and collaborate,” said Alison Harmon, associate dean in the college. “It’s an outreach to the schools to get more involved in the college and to celebrate the talent of the students throughout the region.” Partners in Art dates to 1998, when Beeghly Hall was opened. With a brand new building but bare walls, the college entered into a partnership with school districts throughout the region to get students to produce artwork to hang in the building. In 1999, a celebration was held honoring the student artists, their families and their art teachers. The project was conducted again in 2000 and 2004. “We still have lots and lots of wall space,” Harmon said. So, in recognition of YSU’s 100th birthday, the college again launched the project, with nearly 60 pieces of art from various students throughout the Mahoning Valley, from first graders to high school seniors.
Around Campus Ohio State Sen. Ray Miller gave the keynote address at YSU’s first Diversity Leadership Recognition Celebration in April at the D.D. & Velma Davis Education & Visitor’s Center in Youngstown. The event, sponsored by KeyBank, celebrated and embraced diversity at YSU and in the community. Leaders were recognized in three categories: • Leader of Tomorrow: Christine Campf, president of YSUnity; Keith Logan, YSU graduate assistant; Carrington Moore, YSU urban intern student. • Campus Leadership: Jean Engle, assistant director, Marketing and Communications; Philip Ginnetti, dean, Beeghly College of Education; Brenda Scarborough, library media technical assistant; Rosa Maria Vega, student services counselor/Federal Work Study Program — Financial Aid and Scholarships. • Community Leadership: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Planning Committee; YSU Foundation; Germaine F. Bennett, retired assistant superintendent of human resources, Youngstown City Schools; Marilyn Montes, human resource director for Mirkin & Associates /dba Comfort Keepers; Vincent E. Peterson, officer in charge, Intensive Supervision Program, Trumbull County Adult Supervision. Ten Williamson College of Business Administration undergraduate and graduate students, three faculty members and one YSU staff member traveled to Sao Paulo, Brazil as part of the WCBA’s Emerging Markets Initiative. Their goal was to develop an understanding of the dynamic business environment in Brazil and to gain insights into the distinct business opportunities and challenges in this emerging market. During the 10-day stay in Sao Paulo, faculty and students attended lectures at the University of Sao Paulo and toured Brazilian-owned companies, the stock exchange and futures market, as well as offices of Brazilian and U.S. government agencies. The Emerging Markets Initiative is funded by a federal
YSU faculty and students pose at the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil. From left, in front row: Natalya Schenck, R. Pandian, Ying Wang, Linda Balogh, Bernadette Januszek, and Marcelo Felippe. Back row: Suhad Awad, Aamir Iqbal, Daniel Maamoun, Dare Oluwasen, Jef Davis, Ram Kasuganti, Dustin Kudler and Severina Dimova.
grant sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and the WCBA. Jef Davis, director of the YSU Center for International Studies and Programs, joined the tour to establish connections with other universities in the Sao Paulo area and to help recruit students to YSU. WYSU 88.5 FM, YSU’s public radio station, raised a record $102,058 during its recently completed spring pledge drive. Nearly 1,000 listeners contributed to the station during the drive, including 113 new members. “We had a lot of help,” said Gary Sexton, station director. “The concern for our continued success expressed by so much of the community inspires all of us. This great staff and I will continue to serve the wonderful region the best we can.” Corporate support for the drive was provided by Go Ahead Tours, Internet Data Management Inc. (IDMI.net), Butler Wick & Co. Inc., and The First Unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown, all of which provided partial matches during drive time pledge periods. Visit www.wysu.org.
Student Success Two YSU students have again won prestigious national awards. Tyler Drombosky of Boardman, a junior math major, received the Goldwater Scholarship, while Chad J. Miller of Poland was awarded a fellowship from the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. This marks the fourth consecutive Tyler Drombosky year that YSU students have received the Goldwater Scholar and the Phi Kappa Phi fellowship. YSU’s four Goldwater awards are the most by any public university in Northeast Ohio during that period. “Our success as an institution in these two awards is a tribute to the students at YSU and to the faculty who mentor and guide them along Chad Miller their chosen academic path,” said Ron Shaklee, director of YSU’s University Scholars and Honors Program. The Goldwater program was designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering. The award is $7,500 a year. “The faculty at YSU is truly incredible,” Drombosky said. “They are always there to help me and motivate me to be the best possible student. Without them, I know that none of what I have accomplished would have been possible.” Miller is among only 60 students nationwide selected to receive the $5,000 Phi Kappa Phi fellowship. He graduated summa cum laude from YSU in December 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and psychology and currently
Summer 2008
17
Around Campus is pursuing a master’s degree in chemistry from YSU. Shaklee said YSU’s recent string of successes with the Goldwater and Phi Kappa Phi awards is a reflection on the quality and commitment of students and faculty. “We have definitely been very successful in recruiting and retaining high ability, high performing students at YSU,” he said. “These students have both the necessary drive and intellect to make them competitive with students from institutions across the United States.” Adrienne Sabo of Youngstown, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, received the Arthur H. Barlow National Student Journalist of the Year Award. Former editor–in–chief of YSU’s student newspaper, The Jambar, Sabo received the award at the Society for Collegiate Journalists Biennial National Convention in Wilson, N.C. The Barlow Award, instituted in 1994, honors an SCJ student chapter member who has represented the spirit of the First Amendment by making an outstanding contribution to student journalism. Mary Beth Earnheardt, YSU assistant professor of journalism, nominated Sabo for the award. Earnheardt, who has a Ph.D. in communication studies from Kent State University and a master’s degree in communication from Clarion University of Pennsylvania, also was elected to a second term as national president of SCJ. The Integrated Marketing Communications Campaigns Team at YSU placed fourth in the District 5 American Advertising Federation’s National Student Advertising Competition in Lexington, Ky. AOL (America Online) challenged student advertising teams from across the nation to develop an integrated marketing campaign for their AIM Messaging and AIM Social Media products. The YSU class created the “What’s Your AIM?” campaign for AOL throughout the spring
semester, complete with market research, creative design, promotional strategies, and media plans. The presentation team consisted of Jessica Fraley of Lagrange, Kim Hanley of Oregon, Sarah Conklin of Wellington, Nicole Caravella of West Pittsburgh, Pa., Jordan Moore of Boardman, and Lou Liguore of Poland. Also making the trip to Lexington were Chris Bellino, Rob Bole, and Joe Foos. A team of YSU students won an Outstanding Award at the 2008 International Mathematical Contest in Modeling. Of the 1,162 participating teams from universities across the world, only nine were deemed “outstanding,” including teams from Harvard and YSU Mathematices team members, from left, Duke. The award placed Matthew Alexander, Erica Cross and David Martin. the YSU team in the top 0.77 percent of the teams worldwide. Members of YSU’s team were: David Martin of Warren, Erica Cross of Mineral Ridge and Matthew Alexander of Espyville, Pa. “They outperformed many prestigious universities and exemplify the quality of YSU students in mathematics,” said George Yates, YSU associate professor of mathematics and statistics. The students were advised by Yates, with assistance from YSU mathematics faculty members Angela Spalsbury, Paddy Taylor and Jay Kerns, and Hazel Marie, a faculty member in mechanical and industrial engineering. In the online competition, teams of students researched, modeled and submitted a solution to one of two modeling problems. YSU’s “outstanding” team worked on a problem that asked teams to develop an algorithm to construct Sudoku puzzles of varying difficulty.
Members of the Integrated Marketing and Communications Campaigns Team, from left, front row: Jessica Fraley, Kim Hanley, Sarah Conklin and Nicole Caravella; second row: Jordan Moore and Lou Liguore.
18
Youngstown State University
Around Campus YSU theater major Brandon Martin will be directing a play titled Lucasville: The Untold Story of a Prison Uprising at the prestigious New York International Fringe Festival this summer. Written by Niles attorney and civil rights activist Staughton Lynd, with co-authors Gary Anderson and Christopher Fidram, the controversial play suggests five prison inmates have been unjustly sentenced to death row for their Brandon Martin roles in a riot at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility at Lucasville, Ohio, 15 years ago. Martin, a Youngstown resident who graduates with a bachelor’s degree this summer, directed and played a small role in a three-performance run of Lucasville at Bliss Hall as his senior project in April. YSU Geology professor Ray Beiersdorfer, who acted as his faculty advisor, proposed that they try submitting a videotape and the script to the Fringe Festival, and it was accepted. Martin’s production, one of 200 acts to be staged at the 12th Annual Fringe Festival, was chosen from more than 800 plays competing for inclusion in what is billed as one of the largest multi-arts events in North America. The cast of 12 includes four YSU students, including Martin. Frank Castronovo, chair of the Department of Theater and Dance, said Martin’s place on the Fringe program speaks well of the YSU program. “It’s an indication that our students are learning their craft, and learning it well enough to do it in a professional setting,” he said. “We’re proud of Brandon for this achievement.” FringeNYC, as it’s also called, has been a launching pad for several successful theatrical projects, including the Tony Award-winning musical Urinetown. “The Fringe Festival is sort of a theater contest, so there will be judges and awards. You never know what could happen,” Martin said. “It’s a really good place to do theater.”
philosophy and logic, among other fields. He said the lengthy application was necessary to prove from a historical perspective why Quine was important.
An Ohio Historical marker celebrating the life of renowned philosopher Willard Van Orman Quine was dedicated in June thanks to the efforts of YSU student Chad Miller. The marker was placed at Oberlin College, where Quine earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and philosophy in 1930 before going on to receive a Ph.D. in philosophy from Harvard University in 1932. Miller, who graduated from YSU in December with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and psychology and is now studying chemistry as a graduate student, led the effort to get the historical marker approved by the Ohio Historical Society as part of his senior capstone project. “Quine is arguably the most important philosopher of the 20th century, and philosophers don’t get many monuments,” Miller said. “Acknowledging him makes us feel very proud.” Miller submitted a 330-page application to the Ohio Historical Society based on Quine’s contributions to
Faculty and staff
Students in YSU’s Williamson College of Business Administration placed first at the Midwest Regional Beta Alpha Psi Meeting earlier in Chicago. Beta Alpha Psi is the honorary student organization for accounting, finance, and information systems professionals. The team of Nicole Mraz of Austintown, Jaime Kudary of Mineral Ridge and Hanna Kassis of Girard placed first in the category of “Best Practices – Financial Literacy for College Students.” In all, students from 43 universities and colleges participated in the meeting. Raymond Shaffer, professor of accounting and finance and faculty advisor for the YSU chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, also attended.
Beta Alpha Psi team members were, from left, Jaime Kudary, Hanna Kassis and Nicole Mraz.
Ikram Khawaja, a member of YSU’s faculty and administration for 40 years, has been named provost and vice president for academic affairs. Khawaja has served as YSU’s interim provost since August 2007 when he replaced Robert K. Herbert, who died in July 2007. His permanent appointment to the Ikram Khawaja position was effective June 20. “It is with a great deal of pleasure and pride that I accept this position,” Khawaja said. “I have dedicated my professional life to YSU for four decades, and I look forward to continuing to move the academic division
Summer 2008
19
Around Campus
The following faculty members were recognized as 2007-08 Distinguished Professors at the 49th annual YSU Honors Convocation at Stambaugh Auditorium in April: For excellence in teaching Stephen W. Ausmann, Dana School of Music Jeffrey M. Buchanan, Department of English Tom N. Oder, Department of Physics and Astronomy Matt E. O’Mansky, Department of Sociology and Anthropology Kimberly A. Serroka, Department of Nursing David E. Stout, Department of Accounting and Finance For excellence in scholarship Rebecca A. Barnhouse, Department of English Paul R. Carr, Department of Educational Foundations, Research, Technology and Leadership Alina Lazar, Department of Computer Science and Information Systems Zbigniew Piotrowski, Department of Mathematics and Statistics Jane S. Reid, Department of Marketing Michael Theall, Department of Teacher Education For excellence in university service Stanley D. Guzell Jr., Department of Management Hazel Marie, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Salvatore A. Sanders, Department of Health Professions Raymond J. Shaffer, Department of Accounting and Finance Nancy A. White, Department of Psychology For excellence in public service Kevin E. Ball, Department of English Raymond E. Beiersdorfer, Department of Geological and Environmental Studies Carol Hawkins, Department of Human Ecology Alfred W. Owens, Department of Communication David H. Pollack, Department of Mathematics and Statistics Howard W. Pullman, Department of Teacher Education Watson Merit Awards The Watson Merit Award is given to outstanding department chairpersons for administrative performance. This year’s recipients were Gary M. Salvner, Department of English, and Jalal Jalali, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
20
Youngstown State University
forward and serving our students.” YSU President David C. Sweet noted Khawaja’s extensive and varied experience and called him a proven, respected campus leader. “His distinguished service and leadership during his term as interim provost makes him the most qualified candidate for this position,” Sweet said. Khawaja joined YSU’s faculty in 1968 and served 17 years as chair of the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. He was director of faculty relations from 1997 to 2000 and served as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from July 2001 to July 2002 before retiring in December 2002. He returned to YSU as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from July 2005 to July 2007. John Yemma, a YSU alum who has led YSU’s Bitonte College of Health and Human Services as dean since the college was created in 1992, retired in July with 37 years of university service to his credit. “All I wanted to do was to make a positive difference, and I think I did that,” Yemma said, noting that the Bitonte College has grown 60 percent over the last decade and is now the university’s largest college with more than 3,500 students and eight departments. John Yemma “We put in many new programs during this time, and I wanted to offer everything a student would need to get into the job market,” he said. “The university has always supported me, and we have a wonderful faculty. They’re so cooperative. That’s why we’ve been able to achieve what we have.” Yemma earned a bachelor’s degree in education from YSU in 1961, then went on to pursue a master’s degree in biology from Vanderbilt University and a doctorate in cytochemistry from Pennsylvania State University. He has published 36 scholarly articles. He joined the YSU faculty as a biology professor in 1971 and was the first chairman of the Allied Health Department when it was formed in 1976. He served briefly as dean of the former College of Applied Science and Technology before it was restructured, then assumed his duties as dean in 1992.
George McCloud
George McCloud has been named vice president for University Advancement. McCloud came to YSU in 1997 as dean of the College of Fine and Performing Arts and has been special assistant to the president for University Advancement since 2005, overseeing the university’s marketing and communications, development, events management, alumni and government relations
Around Campus functions, as well as WYSU–FM. “Under Dr. McCloud’s leadership, the advancement division has made remarkable strides in advancing the fundraising, public and community relations, and government relations functions of the university,” YSU President David C. Sweet said. “This change in title is an appropriate and deserved recognition of his efforts.” Prior to coming to YSU, McCloud was dean of the School of Arts and Communication at William Paterson College of New Jersey, director of strategic planning and executive counsel to the president at Eastern Michigan University, special assistant to the provost at Eastern Michigan, and dean of the Graduate School of Communications at Fairfield University.
Jim Tressel
Former head football coach Jim Tressel and the late Anthony S. Leonardi, a long-time member of the faculty at the Dana School of Music, received the Heritage Award at the annual YSU Faculty and Staff Awards Dinner in May. The Heritage Award is among the highest honors bestowed by YSU. Tressel was appointed YSU’s head football coach in 1986 and led the Penguins to NCAA Division I–AA national championships in 1991, 1993, 1994 and 1997. A native of Mentor, Tressel graduated from Baldwin Wallace with a bachelor’s degree in education and earned a master’s degree in education from Anthony Leonardi the University of Akron. He compiled an overall record of 135–57–2 and was a four-time pick as the Division I–AA National Coach of the Year before leaving YSU to take the head coaching position at Ohio State in 2001. Leonardi, who died in 2001, served on the faculty of YSU’s Dana School of Music for 22 years, teaching classical string bass and jazz studies, before retiring as professor of music in May 2001. Leonardi grew up in Syracuse, N.Y.,
In Memoriam William A. Wood, 56, professor and director of YSU’s School of Technology, died May 27 at his home in McCandless Township, Pa., following an extended illness. Wood joined YSU’s faculty William Wood in September 1988. He was named Outstanding Professor in the YSU School of Engineering Technology in 1997 and 2001. He held bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Cornell University and a Ph.D. and MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.
served in the military and attended Ithaca College in New York before launching his music career. From 1958 to 1968, he played in theater restaurants in New York for stars such as Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jr. In 1968, he enrolled in the Dana School of Music and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music. Prior to joining the YSU faculty in 1979, he was band director at Poland Junior High and Canfield Middle Schools. He was the first coordinator of Jazz Studies at YSU. Under his leadership, the YSU Jazz Ensemble earned numerous honors and made several recordings. Janet E. Del Bene of Howland, professor emeritus of chemistry, received the prestigious 2008 Morley Medal from the Cleveland Section of the American Chemical Society at a ceremony in May in Cleveland. Del Bene, who earned bachelor’s degrees in education and chemistry from YSU before receiving a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Janet Del Bene Cincinnati in 1968, is the first woman to receive the award. The award, established in 1966, is given annually to a chemist for outstanding contributions to chemistry made while residing in an area within a 250-mile radius of Cleveland. The award’s list of recipients includes two Nobel Laureates. Del Bene, who retired from YSU in 1999, is a theoretical chemist who is internationally recognized as an expert in the field of hydrogen bonding.
Summer 2008
21
Around Campus
Programs and Initiatives Expect to see more students and faculty in military uniform on campus this fall, now that YSU’s Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps has been restored to the host battalion status it lost in 1990. YSU’s Army ROTC will stand Michael Stull alone, no longer a partnership program of Kent State University as it has been since 1995. The change will mean more full-tuition ROTC scholarships available to YSU students and more ROTC staff. Army Major Michael C. Stull, officer in charge of ROTC on campus, said the battalion status comes with higher expectations. The program had 38 cadets enrolled last year and has commissioned 17 second lieutenants over the past three years. As a battalion, he said, its new goal is to enroll at least 60 cadets this fall and to commission 12 officers annually, beginning in 2012. “The Army has charged us with that mission, and it will provide us with the resources we need to do the job,” said Stull. YSU ROTC will offer eight full-tuition scholarships this fall, double the number offered last year, for students willing to make a commitment to military service after graduation. Reinstatement of the YSU ROTC battalion is a victory for members of the YSU ROTC Alumni Chapter who fought to keep the program when it was targeted for elimination in the early 1990s due to federal defense budget cuts. Alumnus Carl Nunziato, a retired bank attorney and disabled Vietnam War veteran, said he worked to keep the program in the 1990s because he saw the value of its leadership training, both for military officers and in the private sector. “One reason I was so anxious to help is that, in my experience in banking, I saw how ROTC training gives an understanding of the concept of leadership responsibility and dedication,” Nunziato said. “When I hired a young man or woman with ROTC or military training, I was never disappointed.” Stull said YSU was selected for reinstatement because of the support it receives from the university and the community along with the ROTC program’s propensity to commission more quality officers. The YSU English Festival marked its 30th anniversary in April with an array of authors, contests and a special dinner to celebrate three decades of spreading the joy of reading and writing. Among the guests was Eric Fingerhut, chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents. In all, about 3,000 junior and senior high school students
22
Youngstown State University
from a record 175 schools in Northeast Ohio and Western Pennsylvania participated in the event on the YSU campus. To participate, students must read seven books on the festival’s book list. At the festival, students hear lectures from the authors and attend workshops and labs on writing, poetry and journalism. Since the festival’s founding in 1978 by YSU professors Thomas and Carol Gay in memory of their 13-year-old daughter, Candace McIntyre Gay, nearly 80,000 students have attended the annual event, reading more than 350 books. “Over 30 years, the English Festival has become part of the academic fabric of the community,” said Gary Salvner, festival co-chairman. “It has been recognized near and far as one of the premier literature celebrations in the nation for young adults. We’re looking forward to another 30 years and more.” The U.S. Department of Education has awarded a $421,505 grant to YSU’s Rich Center for the Study and Treatment of Autism for Distance Learning Technology and Programs. The Rich Center for Autism is one of five institutions in Ohio to receive a 2008 congressionally-directed grant. More than 300 grants were awarded nationally. “We are very grateful to U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan for his belief and support of our programs,” said Georgia Backus, director of the Rich Center. “There is a critical need for increasing and improving services for individuals with autism and their families. This grant will establish the Rich Center for Autism as a benchmark facility nationally for teaching, serving, supporting and researching the syndrome of autism.”
U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan stands with the children and staff of YSU’s Rich Center for Autism to celebrate a grant for distance learning. The photo was taken at the entrance to the center in Fedor Hall.
Around Campus The Rich Center will use the grant to develop a distance learning course sequence incorporating web-based learning modules involving children with autism. YSU’s McDonough Museum of Art is seeking YSU art graduates to participate in the 2009 Alumni Exhibition. The juried art exhibit, set for Feb. 20 to March 20, 2009, includes $3,000 in cash prizes. The juror is Mary Antonakos, director of I space Gallery at the College of Fine Arts, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. The exhibit is open to all YSU Department of Art alumni. Eligible work includes painting, drawing, mixed media, prints, photography, digital photography, sculpture, installations, ceramics, textiles, glass, metalwork, graphics and multimedia. For information on submission deadlines and details, visit http://mcdonoughmuseum.ysu.edu/ or contact Robyn Maas at 330-941-1546 or remaas@ysu.edu. The U.S. Election Assistance Commission has awarded $25,278 to YSU to recruit students to serve as poll workers during the November presidential election. “This is going to be a monumental election, and we thought it was a great opportunity for our students to get more involved in the political Cryshanna Jackson process,” said Cryshanna Jackson, YSU assistant professor of political science. The award, through the Help America Vote College Program, was one of 27 made to colleges and nonprofit organizations from 18 states. In all, about 8,800 college students will become poll workers as a result of the grants. Jackson said YSU hopes to recruit and train 40 to 50 students to work the polls in Mahoning and Trumbull counties. “Recruiting, training and retaining poll workers continue to be a challenge,” EAC Chair Rosemary E. Rodriguez said. “The need for these dedicated Americans will be even more crucial in November, when we expect a record turnout.” YSU’s Respiratory Care Program received the Excellence in Respiratory Therapy Education Award from the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. CoARC is the national agency that recommends accreditation for two- and four-year respiratory therapy programs. The award is given to the respiratory care program that is a designated national leader, demonstrating excellence in respiratory care education. YSU’s program was chosen from among 14 finalists from across the nation. The YSU program was started in 1977 and has graduated nearly 500 students. Louis Harris led the
Cinco de Mayo Dancers perform at a Cinco de Mayo celebration in May in Kilcawley Center. It is one of many annual events on the YSU campus that recognize the diverse cultures of students, faculty and staff at the university and in the community.
program for 31 years before retiring this spring. “I am proud of the exceptional efforts of the students, the clinical facilities, the administrative support and the full- and part-time faculty that have served the program over the last three decades,” Harris said.
Campus visitors Artist Fred Wilson, whose installations have appeared at museums around the world, gave the Skeggs Lecture in March in Bliss Hall. Wilson’s work can be found in public collections nationwide, including the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Birmingham Museum of Art, Denver Art Museum,
Artist Fred Wilson chats with Stephanie Smith, chair of YSU’s art department, before Wilson gave the Skeggs Lecture in March.
Summer 2008
23
Around Campus the Jewish Museum in New York, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Established in 1966, the lecture series was started in recognition of Leonard T. Skeggs Sr., one of the founders of YSU. As part of the YSU Center for Working-Class Studies’ 2007-08 Lecture Series, Aaron Fox, director of the Center for Ethnomusicology at Columbia University, presented a lecture in April on “Real Country: Music and Language in WorkingClass Culture.” Fox is an associate professor of music and the director of the Center for Ethnomusicology at Columbia University. His 2004 book, Real Country: Music and Language in Working-Class Culture, was published by Duke University Press. The YSU Center for Working-Class Studies is a multidisciplinary teaching and research center devoted to the study of working-class life and culture. A group of journalists from South Korea visited YSU this spring to discuss the
U.S. presidential election. The journalists, whose visit was sponsored by the East West Center, held a series of meetings at the Butler Institute of American Art and at Youngstown City Hall. The delegation met with local journalists, political representatives, Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams and a citizens group led by John Russo and Sherry Linkon, co-directors of the YSU Center for Working-Class Studies. The journalists also participated in a discussion of campaign financing moderated by Sunil Ahuja, assistant professor of political science.
Members of a delegation of South Korean journalists attend a meeting in the Butler Institute of American Art as part of a visit to YSU and Youngstown.
Rachel S. Harris, director of Hebrew at State University of New York at Albany, presented “Jerusalem of Gold: Representations of Jerusalem” in April on the YSU campus. The program was sponsored by the Center for Judaic and Holocaust Studies at YSU. Harris discussed representations of the city of Jerusalem from ancient times to modern day. The program focused on depictions of Jerusalem in Jewish and nonJewish literature and was being offered in honor of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel.
On the Campaign Trail ...
The Mahoning Valley has drawn a lot of attention during the 2008 presidential campaign and is sure to draw even more as the general election nears in November. Nominees for both parties – Democrat Barack Obama, left, and Republican John McCain – visited YSU during the primary season. Obama’s rally was in Beeghly Center in February, while McCain hosted a town hall meeting in Kilcawley Center in April.
24
Youngstown State University
evidence
reveals
Forensics Enrollment Growth Prompts Department Name Change
Forensics scientists are making headlines—cracking high-profile “cold” cases, foiling terrorist plots – and the positive press has bolstered YSU’s Forensic Science degree Tammy King program. Enrollment has grown more than 400 percent in five years. Now the department that houses the major has been given a new name, the Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, to reflect its growing emphasis on the forensic science discipline. Tammy A. King, associate professor of Criminal Justice and former department chairperson, said 128 undergraduates were majoring in forensic science this spring, up from just 31 when the degree program was created in 2003. Overall student numbers for graduates and undergraduates in what was formerly known as the Department of Criminal Justice are also on the rise, totaling about 767 in the fall semester, its highest level since the mid-1970s. Faculty members are working with the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems to create a second baccalaureate forensic science major program, Computer Forensics. “It’s a changing world, law enforcement is becoming more technical and science based,” King said. “We’ve got to keep up.” Planners expect the new Computer Forensics program to be approved by YSU’s Board of Trustees, university administrators and the Ohio Board of Regents by Spring 2009, she
Criminal Justice major Eric Miller dusts for fingerprints.
said, but students interested in the major will be permitted to start taking coursework as early as next fall. Forensics typically involves working in crime labs, performing drug analyses and toxicological studies, comparing DNA, analyzing fingerprints, conducting ballistics tests and preparing courtroom evidence, she said. Computer forensics differs in that it deals with cyber crimes such as computer system hacking, child pornography, embezzlement and identity fraud. By collaborating with the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, King explained, planners were able to adapt some computer courses already offered to create the new Computer Forensics curriculum. Working together to utilize another department’s faculty, course offerings and equipment was more cost effective than developing separate courses and hiring additional staff exclusively for the Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences. Faculty used a similar strategy to create the program for Forensic Science majors, she said, forming partnerships with the Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Anthropology and Sociology and Health Professions departments to develop the appropriate curriculum without having to add many courses or staff. “It was a unique collaboration of five departments,” King said. “Most of the courses were already there.”
Summer 2008
25
YSU Sophomore completes
Ironman France
For YSU sophomore Kaleb Kaschalk, June 22 was a the hazards of swimming with a crowd of competitors; the physired-letter day. The Cleveland criminal justice major spent 15 cal strain of cycling a mostly-uphill course for seven and a half hours, 17 minutes and 29 seconds of that day pushing toward hours; and then, six hours of running in 86-degree heat. the finish line of the grueling Ironman France triathlon in “The bike course, by itself, was the most difficult thing I’ve Nice, France. ever done,” he said. “You’ve got to stay positive, you can’t think At 19, he was the youngest of 2,500 athletes competing about the pain, or how hard it is or how far away the peak of the in the contest, known for having more particimountain is.” pants than any other Ironman because of its Kaschalk traveled to France for the race scenic locales – a 2.4-mile swim in the Mediby himself – he took out a $4,000 loan just to terranean Sea, a mountainous 112-mile bike pay for transportation, lodging, Ironman fees route and a 26.2 mile shoreline marathon. and other expenses, so bringing a companion “It was a very long day, and finishing was out of the question. There were fans at the the race was emotional,” said Kaschalk, who finish line, but no friends or family. dedicated the race to his late grandfather. “It “I just hobbled back to my hotel room wasn’t just completing the Ironman, it was alone,” he said. “But I thought of my grandfacompleting a six-month journey of physical ther, especially at the finish line. Thinking of training and fundraising and talking about my him looking down, watching me, that was a experience with my grandfather.” powerful moment.” Kaschalk entered the Ironman in JanuKaschalk set up a Web site, ary as a way to honor his grandfather, Frank www.firstgiving.com/kaleb, and has raised Kaschalk, a retired LTV Cleveland steel$4,500 so far for the V Foundation of Cancer worker who died of cancer two years ago at Research, co-founded by ESPN and Jim Valage 78. He used the contest to raise funds for Kaleb Kaschalk trains on campus. vano, the late North Carolina State University cancer research and to build awareness about basketball coach. the disease that took his grandfather’s life. He’ll be working as a resident assistant at YSU’s KilcawThe student athlete trained vigorously for months, ley House this fall, and will continue to raise funds for cancer cycling and running across campus and in Mill Creek Park, research. “I’ve thought about swimming from Cleveland to swimming at the Beeghly Natatorium and working out on Canada,” he said pensively. “Maybe next summer.” stationary bikes at Lyden Hall. IRON WOMAN: YSU alumna Joni Moore, ’88, of Salado, Texas, will But there were challenges Kaschalk couldn’t prepare for: compete in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, this October. Read more in Class Notes, page 52.
26
Youngstown State University
Sunil Ahuja
Associate Professor, Political Science & Pre-Law Center Sunil Ahuja is the first faculty member ever at YSU to be selected to participate in the American Council on Education’s Fellows Program. The program is designed to strengthen institutions and leadership in higher education by identifying and preparing promising senior faculty and administrators for positions in college and university administration. Thirty-six individuals were selected in a national competition. Ahuja, an associate professor of political science, was nominated by YSU President David C. Sweet. “Dr. Ahuja’s steady leadership on campus, particularly as chair of the Academic Senate, and his accomplished academic record make him an ideal candidate for a successful career in higher education administration,” Sweet said. Ahuja said is honored to be selected. “I will represent YSU proudly,” he said. Also this spring, Ahuja’s latest book, Congress Behaving Badly, was published. The 175-page book by Praeger Publishers documents the rise, causes and consequences of incivility on Capitol Hill. Ahuja, the editor or author of eight books, earned a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1995 and served on the faculties of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and Seton Hall University before coming to YSU in 2002. He is the former co-editor of the Legislative Studies Quarterly, a leading international scholarly journal on legislative studies. He also is past president of the Northeastern Political Science Association.
Summer 2008
27
Recruiting Efforts Expand Student, Employee Diversity
YSU students, clockwise from top left, Fatima Alhadi, Aaron Logan, Dominique Price and Luis Esparra.
Ten years ago, diversity was a big concern for YSU. A Higher Learning Commission site team reported minorities were under-represented among students, faculty and staff, and campus leaders were brainstorming for solutions. But what a difference a decade has made. The number of minority students on the YSU campus has more than doubled since 1998, totaling 2,338 last fall – that’s 17 percent of the student body. Full-time minority faculty numbers and minority staff numbers have also increased substantially. “We’ve made great strides,” said Yulanda L. McCartyHarris, director of YSU’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity. “But we have to be careful about patting ourselves on the back. We still have many challenges to meet.” She said members of a site team for the Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools were impressed with the university’s vastly-im-
28
Youngstown State University
proved diversity numbers when they visited the campus this year. The commission awarded YSU full continued accreditation in July. University President David C. Sweet pushed diversity to center stage when he arrived at YSU in July 2000, making it one of his top three priorities, along with enrollment and community partnerships. Diversity is also part of YSU’s mission statement and the university’s Centennial Strategic Plan. “But besides all that, it’s the right thing to do,” McCartyHarris said. “You cannot build the leaders of tomorrow unless you build all the leaders. And in Youngstown, with its high concentration of minorities, it makes good business sense.” Admissions counselors in YSU’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions focus a good share of their efforts on minority student recruitment. They’re on the road from September through November, representing YSU at college fairs that target school districts with high minority populations across
Ohio, western Pennsylvania and tors and tutors. “It’s a collaborabeyond. tive effort,” agreed McClendon. “We’re the soldiers, but Other tools are being used to we’re also sales people,” said increase the number of minorMigdalia “Maggie” McClendon, ity faculty and staff. A Strategic assistant director. “We’re selling Hires Policy initiated by the an intangible product, education, late Provost Robert Herbert has the idea of a better lifestyle, that helped the university to add it’s doable, and what they have 12 minority faculty members, to do in high school to prepare.” McCarty-Harris said, in addition Many minority students to 15 minority faculty members are the first in their families to added recently through standard go to college, she explained, so hiring procedures. she likes to meet with them and YSU also advertises more their parents early, ideally when job openings with publications they’re freshmen or sophomores and agencies that serve minorin high school, so they can start ity populations, she said, and to prepare academically and firequires search committees to nancially. justify any But decision not college to interview Minority Representation at YSU fairs are a qualified Between 1998 and 2007 the number of minority students on the YSU campus more than doubled. just the minority The number of minority faculty and staff also rose. beginning, candidate. Here are the numbers: said Susan As an Fall Fall Davis, open-access YSU Campus 1998 2007 director of institution, Minority Students 1,162 2,338 Underincreasing Percentage minority 10.7% 17% graduate diversity Admisbrings some Minority Faculty 60 104 sions. Her unique chalPercentage minority 7.8% 11.4% office uses lenges for Minority Staff 92 128 online YSU, said Percentage minority 10.8% 13% tools such McCartyas blogs, Harris, such YouTube, as the need Source: Ohio Board of Regents Faceto improve book and e-mail to reach out to retention rates for minority prospective students, along with students and to increase profesa series of letters, postcards, sional development opportunities brochures and phone calls. and support for minority faculty “We try to get them on camand staff. pus,” she said. “It’s a beautiful She’s also focused on engagcampus, and a friendly caming the community in the diverpus, and even a lot of our local sity effort with initiatives such students haven’t been on a tour. as the communitywide Diversity The campus sells itself.” Leadership Recognition CelebraSeveral YSU offices partner tion, held for the first time at with Undergraduate Admissions YSU in April. “I think a key part to help minority students adjust of any initiative is awareness,” and succeed when they get here, she said. “We’ve got to think Davis added, including Student about diversity, talk about it, and Diversity Programs, the Office recognize people who are really of Financial Aid and Scholargoing out of their way to make it ships, and the Center for Student happen.” Progress, which provides men-
Center Aims to Boost International Student Numbers YSU enrolled 160 international students in 2007-08, bringing an array of cultural viewpoints to the classroom and adding diversity on campus. That number could triple over the next five years, said Jef C. Davis, director of the Center for International Studies and Programs, as his staff works to make the university more attractive to students planning to study abroad. International graduate student applications to YSU are already up 30 percent this year. “Bringing students from other countries into the college classroom gives students here an opportunity to understand how other cultures view the world,” Davis explained. “That’s especially important for students who don’t have the opportunity to travel abroad.” But there’s room for growth. He said YSU’s international student numbers average 1 percent of total enrollment, compared to 3.1 percent for the University of Akron, 4 percent for Kent State and 5.6 percent for Cleveland State. Central to the center’s expansion plan is the recent addition of a full-time international admissions/immigration coordinator to improve the way YSU leads international students through the admissions process. Students planning to study abroad often make a commitment to the first university that accepts them and issues the necessary visa eligibility documents, Davis said. Having a person on staff dedicated to speeding that process along is expected to increase the number of internationals enrolling at YSU. Looking ahead, the center staff also plans to participate in international student recruitment fairs and to send representatives to visit schools in other countries to promote YSU. Davis expects to see a response, as well, to an ad for YSU that he placed in the handbook used worldwide by students who want to take the standardized Test of English as a Second Language, a standard for most students who are considering study abroad in the United States. YSU is one of just 30 colleges represented in the handbook.
29
“Museum ithout A r t
i n s t ruc t or
Art instructor Jack Carlton stands by as workers install his latest piece of “drive-through art.”
Jack Carlton stood at the curb near a busy corner in downtown Youngstown, craning his neck to watch as workers stretched a billboard-sized art print high across the brick exterior wall of an adjacent building. “This is one of the few drive-through art exhibits in America,” the YSU printmaking instructor and artist quipped, with a glance at traffic streaming by the work site. Carlton was supervising the latest addition to “Museum Without Walls,” a grassroots effort he launched in the mid1990s as a way to help revitalize the city’s downtown by exhibiting art in unexpected places. Workers spent several hours that April morning, attaching the 14-foot by 18-foot vinyl copy of “Tidings,” a modern collage by Romare Bearden, on a building opposite the DeYor Performing Arts Center. The new mural was positioned between two other large reproductions Carlton had hung in previous years – “Snap the Whip” by Winslow Homer and the baseball-themed “Minor League” by Clyde Singer. In all, Carlton said, he’s installed eight large vinyl artwork reproduction murals on building walls and hung hundreds of sepia-toned historic photos on vacant store fronts. “I love the idea of using art in alternative places where you don’t expect to see it. I just want to give people something to look at if they’re walking or driving by on the street,” explained Carlton, a Girard resident who grew up in
30
Youngstown State University
alls”
cr e a t e s
a
Youngstown. “That’s the joy of it. That’s the payoff.” The exhibition idea came to Carlton in the mid-1970s when he spotted a large mural, a Bearden reproduction, on the side of a building in New York City. The juxtaposition of art surrounded by the clutter of billboards and neon signs created such a contrast that it made a long-lasting impression on him. When he moved back to Youngstown two decades later in the early 1990s he was shocked and saddened to see that department stores and many of the small retail shops he remembered from boyhood were boarded-up and vacant. Carlton and his wife, Paula Jasper, who teaches art history and drawing at Allegheny Community College in Pittsburgh, decided to improve the landscape by hanging art and historic photos in some non-traditional places, like building walls and empty storefronts. Over time Carlton has negotiated with the Butler Institute of American Art, the Youngstown Historical Society, the Melnick Medical Museum, the Steel Museum of Youngstown and YSU’s McDonough Museum of Art, securing permission to copy images from their permanent collections. “The Murals Project: Museum Without Walls” is a nonprofit corporation, under the umbrella of YSU’s McDonough Museum of Art, and relies on grant funds to pay for the photo and mural production and installations.
‘A Small Miracle’
Spark Dialogue,Awareness F inorums Jewish, Muslim Communities Mustansir Mir, a Muslim and a native of Pakistan, and exists at all is a small miracle.” Helene Sinnreich, a Jew and a native of New Jersey, aren’t The existence of such a dialogue, which Mir and Sinnrefooling themselves. ich said is unique among universities in the United States, is a Mir, the director of the YSU Center for Islamic Studies, credit to the Islamic and Judaic centers at YSU. and Sinnreich, the director of the YSU Center for Judaic and The Center for Judaic and Holocaust Studies traces its Holocaust Studies, know that the political chasms that exist beginnings to the 1970s, when YSU was one of the first univerbetween some Muslims and Jews in the Middle East are not sities in the nation to offer a course on the Holocaust. Created easily bridged. under the leadership of now-retired Professor Saul Friedman They realize that the misunderstandings and distrust and the financial support of local Jewish families and trusts, the run deep. Center today publishes an academic journal, hosts a bi-annual “But the role of a university, first and foremost, is to academic conference, sponsors study trips and runs an annual spread awareness,” Mir said. “We just can’t bury our Jewish Film Festival. Sinnreich, who earned a Ph.D. from heads, throw up our hands and give up.” Brandeis University, joined the YSU faculty in 2005 and took That’s why, three years ago, leadership of the program. Mir and Sinnreich came together The Center for Islamic Studies to create “Studying the Jewish was created in 1995 through an enand Islamic Traditions,” a series dowment set up by the local Musof regular forums held on the lim community. Mir, who earned a YSU campus aimed at bringing Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from the together members of the comUniversity of Michigan, came to munity, faculty and students to YSU in 1996 to run the program. discuss the similarities and difThe Center publishes an academic ferences of the two traditions. journal, Studies in Contemporary Since then, Mir and Islam, and co-publishes a quarterly Sinnreich have led a dozen bulletin, Iqbal Quarterly. Mir said study forums on a variety of the Center also has launched a topics, including “The Story series of scholarly articles called of Joseph,” “Exodus,” “Rev“Youngstown Papers in Islamic elation,” “The Afterlife” and Religion, History and Culture.” “The Concept of Evil.” In each The Jewish-Islamic study session, the topic is sliced and forums are the first time the two diced from both the Muslim and Centers have collaborated, and Jewish perspectives, focusing both Mir and Sinnreich said they on specific texts hope for more joint efforts in the from the Qu’ran and Hebrew future, possibly even a new acaScriptures. demic course in Jewish and Islamic While there are no written traditions. ground rules for the discussion, For now, though, they are politics is avoided. “We don’t pleased with the forums, which talk about the state of Israel or attract as many as 35 to 40 people Mustansir Mir and Helene Sinnreich conditions in the Middle East,” per session, and they hope they Sinnreich said. “That’s not our purpose.” can continue to foster improved relations between Jews and “Anything we can do to help learn more about each Muslims. other’s religion is positive,” said Ramsey Ahmed, a YSU “I’m not so idealistic as to think that this is going to bring graduate now studying medicine at Xavier University who two worldwide communities together,” Mir said. “But the very has participated in the study sessions. fact that Jews and Muslims are coming together and sitting in “It’s a nice interchange,” said Rabbi Joel Berman of the same room and talking is progress.” Ohev Tzedek Congregation in Boardman, who has partici“The process of communities coming together is a pated in the study sessions. “Anything that opens up dialogue long one,” Sinnreich added. “We have achieved much in and builds pathways to discussion is good. The fact that it three years.”
Summer 2008
31
Ho s p i c e V i s i t s T e ac h S t ud e n t Nur s e s
Empathy, Compassion
Facing death. It’s a reality for everyone, but even more eight-hour Professional Nursing I course about 10 years ago so for health care professionals who inevitably encounter as a way to teach therapeutic communication skills. end-of-life issues as part of their workday. Students spend some classroom time studying death and Student nurses at YSU start preparing for that reality dying, the grieving process and how it relates to coping and very early, in their sophomore year, by partnering one-on-one stress before they start working with their patients. In one with critically ill patients who are under the care of Hospice classroom exercise the students write their own eulogies. “We of the Valley or MVI HospiceCare. bring a lot of Kleenex that day,” the instructor said. Each student is assigned to spend several hours weekly The students often form relationships with patients and as a companion to a hospice patient, said Pamela Schuster, their families, continuing their regular visits even when the professor of nursing. “One thing they discover is that hospice course requirements end. Many have attended the funerals of patients are like any other patients,” she said. “They’re just their patients and even offered to sing or speak at the funeral trying to make the best of every day.” services. Corey Velk, a student from Lake Milton, said her hospice “There’s a place for every type of person in nursing,” patient was a 61-year-old woman suffering from end-stage remarked Schuster. “But the ones with the most empathy and kidney failure who spoke little during their visits. Sometimes compassion are the ones who shine in this program, and they they would watch a game show or listen to the patient’s audio will be the shining nurses.” tapes of the Bible. Velk generally stayed two or three hours, Working with hospice patients also gives the students well beyond the required time. a chance to interact with other professionals, such as social “One day, as I was leaving, she said: ‘I know we don’t workers, chaplains and therapists. “They’re learning a trementalk much, but I really appreciate your company.’ That made dous amount,” she said. me feel it was all worth it,” said Velk. The community benefits too. YSU student nurses Students Jennifer Hunter and Melinda Maloney, both of contribute thousands of volunteer hours a year to health care Boardman, were companions to a grandmother in her 80s, facilities in the region, Schuster said, through the hospice proa nursing home patient. gram as well as through the community service components “We loved to gossip like a couple of teenagers,” said that have been incorporated into every course in the nursing Hunter with a laugh, describing the friendship that grew program. Nursing is one of YSU’s fastest growing programs. between her and the patient. “She didn’t like the food at the New admissions average 100 per year, more than triple the nursing home, so she was always after us to bring her food. I number of students enrolling in the program in 2001. like to bake, so I’d bring cookies; Melinda brought her spaghetti.” Matthew Bishop’s experience was much different. His patient was a woman in her 60s with an advanced case of Alzheimer’s disease who couldn’t communicate verbally, so he and a student partner would read her stories and poems. They knew that she had been an animal lover, so they’d tune in television programs featuring animals. “There wasn’t a lot we could do,” said the Struthers student, “but sometimes she’d look at me and just grin. I felt like I really did something to make her life better.” Schuster collaborated with a colleague, clinical faculty member Donna Bricker, to add Nursing students participating this spring in the Hospice companion program included, the hospice program to YSU’s from left, Melinda Maloney, Corey Velk, Jennifer Hunter and Matthew Bishop.
32
Youngstown State University
Building Bridges YSU engineering students designed, fabricated and constructed an 18.5-foot-long steel bridge capable of supporting 2,500 pounds as part of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2008 Ohio Valley Student Conference. YSU’s ASCE chapter sponsored the conference April 3 to 5, which brought more than 300 students from 14 Ohio, Pennsylvania and Kentucky colleges to the YSU campus.
Summer 2008
33
Early College Students Get Jump-Start on YSU Credits TaQuaesa Toney was an eighthgrader at Volney Rogers Middle School on Youngstown’s South Side when she first heard about Youngstown Early College. “It sounded too good to be true,” Toney said. Go to high school in a building on the YSU campus. Take a combination of high school and college classes. And, four years later, graduate with not only a high school diploma, but also an associate degree. “It was a great opportunity,” said Toney, whose goal is to attend medical school and become a doctor. “I couldn’t pass it up.” In the spring, Toney was among 40 students in the first graduating class of Youngstown Early College. In addition to receiving their high school diplomas, all graduates earned at least some college credits from YSU, with 13 students earning 25 college credits or more. Toney and three other students garnered enough college credits to earn associate degrees and participate in YSU’s commencement Four members of the first class of Youngstown Early College who also earned associate degrees from YSU are, from left, Misti Mraz, TaQuaesa Toney, Kristi Mraz and in Beeghly Center in May. YSU President David C. Sweet said Cherise Benton. the graduation was a historic moment for the Youngstown City School District and YSU. evidence that Early College High Schools can help young “The success of these students is a reflection of their people from all backgrounds succeed in higher education,” hard work and perseverance and the dedication of dozens said Chad Wick, president and CEO of KnowledgeWorks of educators who have committed themselves to making the Foundation, an education philanthropy that supports a netearly college concept work in this community,” he said. work of Early College High Schools across Ohio. YEC, opened in August 2004 as a partnership between In the 2007-08 academic year, YEC enrolled 240 stuthe city schools and the university, is a public high school dents. That number is expected to jump to about 280 next located in YSU’s Fedor Hall that is designed to provide a academic year. transition to college for city school students who might not John Wilson, formerly a principal in the Warren City otherwise seek a post-secondary education. Schools, was hired this past year as dean of YEC. And Alison Supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Harmon, former professor of teacher education and educathe KnowledgeWorks Foundation, it was the first school of its tional leadership at Eastern Michigan University, was hired kind at a public university in Ohio. as associate dean in YSU’s Beeghly College of Education, in Of the 40 students in the first class, nearly three-fourths part, to help oversee and improve the school. are expected to enroll at YSU this fall. The two have worked closely to help improve commu“Youngstown Early College represents what a united nication and collaboration between the school district and effort between a secondary school system and an instituthe university and to improve the transition from high school tion of higher education can do to accelerate the educational courses to college courses. achievement of students,” said Wendy Webb, superintendent “The Early College High School concept is new, and we of the Youngstown city schools. have had much success,” Wilson said. “We want to be even “The accomplishments of these first graduates are clear more successful.”
34
Youngstown State University
Cindy Martin
Head Coach, YSU Women’s Basketball Expect to see Coach Cindy Martin and her staff spending off-season weekends out in the community, tackling service projects arm-in-arm with members of the YSU women’s basketball team. Martin, appointed head women’s basketball coach in April, will be hosting weekly team study halls for the Penguins as well. It’s all part of what she calls Coach Martin’s Three C’s: Community, Classroom and Court. She and her assistant coaches plan to hold the studentathletes accountable in all three categories. “We want our ladies to develop in every aspect while they’re here at YSU, both on and off the basketball court,” said the Florida native. Martin initiated the “Three C” strategy at her previous assignment as head coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where the team completed 28 service projects in three years and achieved a three-season 70-23 win/loss record under her leadership. This spring, she was named the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s 2007-08 Division II East Region Coach of the Year after IUP won two back-to-back conference championships and made two consecutive appearances at the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament. The coach believes that working side-by-side on service projects builds unity among the teammates, helps the community and increases support for the university. “Working together out in the community is going to be a great experience. It’s important to teach our ladies to have a sense of pride about the area that we live in,” said Martin A 1999 graduate of the University of Florida, Martin holds a baccalaureate in exercise and sports sciences. Her coaching experience prior to IUP includes four years as top assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at West Virginia University and one season each at Santa Fe Community College and Seminole Community College, both in Florida. Martin’s coaching staff comprises: Bernard Scott, top assistant and recruiting coordinator, formerly assistant coach for the University of Arizona; and assistant coaches Jen Duhnke, former top assistant at IUP, and Shannon Sword, former graduate assistant at Ashland University.
Summer 2008
35
Faculty
BOOKSHELF
The Living Classroom: Teaching and Collective Consciousness, by Christopher M. Bache, professor, Philosophy and Religious Studies. State University of New York Press, 2008. The book explores the dynamics of collective consciousness in the classroom, combining scientific research with personal accounts collected over 30 years. The author examines the subtle influences surrounding teachers as they work, and one-third of the text is devoted to essays written by YSU students. Bache has written two previous books which have been published in four languages. Artisan Workers in the Upper South: Petersburg, Virginia, 1820-1865, by Diane Barnes, associate professor, History. Louisiana State University Press, 2008. The book rejects the notion of the antebellum South as a semi-feudal planter-centered political economy and provides abundant evidence that some areas of the South embraced industrial capitalism and economic modernity as readily as communities in the North. Barnes is co-editor of the Frederick Douglass Papers Series. One for Sorrow, by Christopher Barzak, fiction writing instructor, English. Bantam Books, 2007. An alumnus who earned his master’s and baccalaureate degrees at YSU, the author was teaching at the university part-time while writing the first draft of his first novel, a coming-ofage story set in the Mahoning Valley. The story is told from the viewpoint of a 15-year-old boy growing up in a troubled, working class family who is plunged into a haunted world when one of his classmates is murdered. Barzak’s second novel, The Love We Share Without Knowing, is scheduled for release by the same publisher later this year.
36
Youngstown State University
Judging Athlete Behaviors: Exploring Possible Predictors of Television Viewer Judgments of Athlete Antisocial Behaviors, by Adam C. Earnheardt, assistant professor, Communication. VDM Verlag, 2008. The book is based largely on the findings in the author’s doctoral dissertation, which explored fan perceptions of athlete behaviors, including the use of recreational and performanceenhancing drugs, illegal gambling, sexual misconduct, murder and more. Earnheardt’s primary research focus is on sports fans and the media. Sports Mania: Essays on Fandom and the Media in the 21st Century, edited by Adam C. Earnheardt, assistant professor, Communication, with Lawrence W. Hugenberg, retired professor of Communication and Theater, and Paul M Haridakis. McFarland and Co., 2008. Thirty of the leading scholars in sports communication tackle a wide range of subjects, including the ways in which people root for their teams, consumption of sports information and uses of technology to cultivate fan communities. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the collection explores modern fans, their motives and culture, and their identification with sports and individual teams. First Steps for Math Olympians, by J. Douglas Faires, professor emeritus, Mathematics and Statistics, and chair of YSU’s Center for Undergraduate Research in Mathematics. Mathematical Association of America, 2008. The book aims to promote interest in mathematics by providing students with the tools to attack problems posed
in mathematical problem-solving exams, leveling the playing field for those who do not have access to the enrichment programs that are common in the top academic high schools. General Psychology, Third Edition, by Psychology professors Steve L. Ellyson, Jeffrey T. Coldren, William Rick Fry; assistant Psychology professor Frank Ragozzine; professor and Psychology Department chair Vernon F. Haynes; Jane Kestner, associate dean, College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences; and the late Peter A. Beckett, former professor emeritus of Psychology. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., 2008. The 15-chapter introductory psychology text includes writing exercises and objective quizzes designed to demonstrate concepts through student participation, assess student knowledge, prepare students for larger tests and highlight important content. Everywhere at Once, by William Greenway, professor, English. University of Akron Press, 2008. The book is the ninth full-length poetry collection for the author and recounts a tragic period in his life when his wife fell seriously ill while the couple was on sabbatical in Wales. Greenway also published the book Twice Removed, Main Street Rag, 2006, a poetry collection relating his experiences during a year of dislocation while living in Wales, his grandfather’s native country.
Understanding the Islamic Scripture: A Study of Selected Passages from the Quran, by Mustansir Mir, professor, Philosophy and Religious Studies. Pearson Education, 2008. The book is a study of 37 passages from the Quran and includes translations, commentaries, highlights of literary features of the passages and, in some cases, discussion of Biblical comparisons. When Devon Met Oz: Helping Children Cope with Depression, by Don Martin, professor, Counseling & Special Education, with co-authors Magy and Erin Martin. New Horizon Press, 2008. This children’s book for young readers ages 4-8 uses the fictional story of a boxer dog and a young boy to provide reassuring advice and tips for children and parents who are coping with the problem of childhood or adolescent depression. NCLEX-RN: 1,000 Questions to Help You Pass, by Patricia McLean Hoyson, chair and associate professor, Department of Nursing, and Kimberly A. Serroka, BNS coordinator and associate professor, Nursing. Jones & Bartlett Publishers, 2008. A guide and review text for nursing students preparing to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination, the book includes review questions and rationales covering all subject areas, as well as guidelines for preparation, study skills and test-taking strategies.
Math Cycles: Problems and Quizzes that Strengthen Math Skills, by Hy Kim, professor, Department of Teacher Education. Good Year Books, 2008. The text strengthens math concepts and skills for grades 3 and 4 and can be used for homework or review practice for tests. Each of the 12 concepts addressed in the book includes 12 math problems to reinforce the concept. Teaching the Selected Work of Robert Cormier, by Virginia Monseau, professor emerita, English. Heinemann Publishing, 2008. Drawing on the experiences of two high school teachers, the book offers classroom-tested ideas, lessons and assignments that enrich the study of Cormier’s works and encourage their inclusion in the middle and secondary school curriculum. Monseau joined the YSU faculty in 1986, where her roles included director of graduate studies for the English Department and coordinator of English Education. She retired in 2005. A History of Engineering at Youngstown State University, Second Edition, by Daniel H. Suchora, professor and chair, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, and Frank A. D’Isa, professor emeritus and chairperson emeritus, Mechanical Engineering, Youngstown State University, 2007. The text is a revision of D’Isa’s original 1996 history of the Rayen College of Engineering. The electronic version of the book is housed in YSU’s Maag Library.
Summer 2008
37
NEWS Penguin dominance To say the YSU women’s track and field team has been dominant over the past five years would be a huge understatement. Since 2004, the Penguins have captured seven Horizon League indoor and outdoor championships. The latest crown came in May, when the squad won the league outdoor championship, led by jumper Alisha Anthony, sprinter Breanne Romeo and thrower Bethany Anderson. Earlier in the spring, the team also won the indoor championship. The outdoor event was hosted by YSU, the first collegiate track meet on the YSU campus since 2001. It also was the first time that the Horizon League’s outdoor championship was held outside of Indianapolis. Head coach Brian Gorby was named the Women's Coach of the Year for the 15th time in his career.
Pole vaulter Stephanie Jarvis competes in the 2008 Horizon League Outdoor Track and Field Championships at YSU.
38
Youngstown State University
Sports
Freshman Named Horizon League Golfer of the Year
Katie Rogner
Freshman golfer Katie Rogner turned in a remarkable first year on the links. Rogner was named the Horizon League’s Golfer of the Year and Newcomer of the Year and won medalist honors at the 2008 Horizon League Championships. She posted a teambest 78.5 average per 18 holes for the season and led the squad in all 11 tournaments. She capped the year with a comefrom-behind victory at the Horizon League Championships in April. She was just the second golfer in school history to take medalist honors at the league championships.
Soccer Team Sweeps Caribbean Swing Caribbean beaches, island cuisine and a three-game sweep – what more could the YSU women’s soccer team ask for? The team visited the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago in May, on a nineday trip that combined competition with sightseeing. Head coach Anthony James, a Trinidad native, said the team accomplished two goals: arriving home undefeated and learning to win on the road. “By the end of the trip I felt we were even closer as a team,” he said. “We all had a tan and a lifetime of memories to enjoy.” The YSU squad first played San Juan Jabloteh, one of the island’s top private club teams. YSU won 3-2. The team collected its second win, 2-0, against the Trinidad and Tobago U-17 National Team. After a glass-bottom boat ride and snorkeling in the oceans of Tobago, the team picked up its third win, 3-0, over the Trinidad and Tobago U-20 National Team.
Beeghly Center Gets Floored Within hours of the conclusion of spring commencement, work crews started replacing the floor in the main gymnasium of Beeghly Center. It is the first time the floor has been replaced since the gymnasium opened in the 1970s. The project is expected to be completed in time for summer commencement in August.
Diedrich Sets New Marks for Home Runs, RBIs, Total Bases Erich Diedrich was one of the best power hitters in school history, even up to his final swing. The fifth-year senior ended his career at the Horizon League Baseball Championship in May by hitting his school record 27th career home run on the last pitch he saw as a collegiate student-athlete. Diedrich also retired as YSU’s record holder in career runs batted in and total bases; he ranks second in career hits. A three-time team captain, Diedrich led the Penguins in both home runs and RBIs for three years and is the only player in school history to have at least 75 hits in back-to-back seasons. Erich Diedrich
Summer 2008
39
30
Sports
Outlook Promising for YSU Football
The Penguins’ football team comes off an up-and-down season last year, battling through injuries and some heartbreaking defeats in route to a seven-win record. For the second consecutive year, this year’s season kicks off against Ohio State in Columbus. The 2008 squad features a wealth of talent – some experienced and others looking to step into key spots in the lineup. The biggest question will be at quarterback with the loss of four-year starter Tom Zetts. Three Penguins will contribute at the position: Todd Rowan, Brandon Summers and Paul Corsaro. In the backfield, tailbacks Kevin Smith, Jabari Scott and Brandon Nicholson return after combining for 1,302 yards and 18 touchdowns last year. The wide receiver spot features Ferlando Williams – 2007 Gateway Newcomer of the Year. Headlining the offensive line is 2007 second-team All-America selection Brad Samsa. He is joined on the line by fellow seniors Tyler Booth and Nhemie Theodore. On defense, the front line will anchor the unit, led by All-American Mychal Savage and Torrance Nicholson. On special teams, the placekicker, holder, snapper, punter, kickoff specialist, primary punt returner and kick returner all return from last year’s squad. Also new this season is the name of the league in which YSU competes. In the spring, the presidents of the Gateway Football Conference and the Missouri Valley Conference approved an initiative that changes the football conference name to the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Members of the new conference remain the same: Illinois State, Indiana State, Missouri State, North Dakota State, Northern Iowa, South Dakota State, Southern IlPenguins Football 2008 linois, Western Illinois and Aug. 30 @Ohio State Noon Oct. 11 @Missouri State 2:30 p.m. @South Dakota State 7 p.m. Sept. 6 Oct. 18 Southern Illinois 4 p.m. YSU.
40
Penguin football standouts include, above, No. 67, Brad Samsa, and left, No. 96, Mychal Savage.
50
Sept. 13 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4
Central State North Dakota State Liberty @Southern Utah
4 p.m. 6 p.m. 6 p.m. 3 p.m.
Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 22
Univ. Northern Iowa* @Illinois State Indiana State @Western Illinois
Home games in italics
4 p.m. 2:30 p.m. 1 p.m. 2:05 p.m.
*Homecoming
McKenzie Bedra Concludes Stellar Softball Career
Athletes of the Year
Senior volleyball player Jessica Fraley and senior football player Tom Zetts, 2007-08 YSU Vindicator Scholar-Athletes of the Year, accept congratulations from Rob Todor, center, Vindicator Sports Editor.
40
Youngstown State University
Senior McKenzie Bedra’s name is etched throughout the YSU softball record book. Bedra is the school’s all-time leader with 34 home runs, 119 runs batted in and a .619 career slugging percentage. She’s also tied for fourth place with a .333 career batting average, tied for fifth with 36 doubles and tied for sixth with 166 hits. In 2008, Bedra was named to the All-Horizon League First-Team for the second consecutive season. She is just the third player in school history to earn back-to-back first-team all-conference honors. Academically, Bedra turned in just as an impressive season. A 2007 Academic All-Horizon League selection, Bedra was named to the ESPN the Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-District Third-Team, boasting a cumulative 3.36 grade point average. Bedra is just the second softball player to earn academic all-district laurels.
Keeping Endowments
Foundation
F O U N D A TI O N G O A L :
“Significant” for Generations
Howard W. Jones set some Larger university foundations, such as Harvard, Yale ground rules when he and 37 other and Stanford, have been investing millions of endowment community leaders established the dollars in hedge funds and other high risk investments for Youngstown State University Founyears, Schmutz noted, and some have lost millions on the dation in 1967. Jones, YSU’s first gamble. The YSU Foundation is moving very cautiously. president, charged the foundation “You have to consider that 83 percent of our budget is with making sure that its endowscholarships, unlike other foundations that pay into things ments remained “significant” for like building and improvements, so our tolerance for risk future generations. is probably less than some other college foundations,” he Financial experts have a name said. “If we lose money, that means some students won’t Reid Schmutz for that principle today – they call get their scholarships, and we take that very seriously.” it “intergenerational equity” – and it means endowments On average, foundation-funded scholarships and should provide at least the same value 20 years or 40 years programs affect 3,500 to 3,800 students each year. Studown the road as they did starting out. dents must apply for assistance through YSU’s Office of YSU Foundation president Reid Schmutz said that Financial Aid and Scholarships. goal is still a priority. “We have scholarship endowments Looking toward the YSU Foundation’s future, that date back to our Youngstown College days,” he said, Schmutz said one of his primary goals is communicating “and we want to make sure that those to potential donors the great need for scholarships are still significant.” scholarship funds. “One of the hardBut intergenerational equity is est parts is making people understand If we lose money, tougher to achieve these days, he said, what today’s students go through,” that means for the same reasons that many househe related. “I see kids who work two holds are finding it difficult to get ahead: jobs and go to school, parents who some students investment earnings on stocks and bonds work two jobs to send their kids to won’t get their have declined, and tuition has increased, school. I think people would be more scholarships, and even though YSU has been recognized as generous if they realized the sacrione of the most cost efficient universities fices that some of our students make we take that in Ohio. to get an education.” very seriously. “How can you achieve an historic Most charitable gifts come to the payout and still minimize risk with the YSU Foundation in the form of cash, - Reid Schmutz foundation’s investments?” Schmutz but there are several other options. asked. “We’re asking that question all the Donors can realize a tax advantage time. How much risk do we want to take?” by donating securities, or they can make a planned gift With assets of $170 million, the YSU Foundation by including the Foundation in their will, by purchasing a invests its funds in government securities, corporate bonds, charitable gift annuity, or by creating a trust. common and preferred stocks. It administers between 350 Donors can establish a named scholarship with a and 360 endowment funds and distributes more than $5 gift of $10,000 or more, or a named University Scholar million annually, income generated from the principal, scholarship for a gift of $200,000. Naming opportunimost of it in the form of scholarships. ties are also available for department chairs, colleges and The foundation’s board of trustees, with an eye toward buildings. For more information, visit the YSU Foundadeclines in the value of financial standards such as the Dow tion at www.ysu.edu/ysufoundation/index.shtml or call and the S&P 500, gave the foundation staff permission in 330-941-3211. February to look into investing one percent of its assets in “alternative assets,” funds with more growth potential coupled with increased risk.
Summer 2008
41
Development
Centennial Campaign Doubles Scholarship Goal, Annual Fund Tops $1 Million YSU’s Centennial Capital Campaign reached two major milestones this summer – nearly doubling the goal for student scholarships and surpassing the $1 million mark in the Annual Fund. “I want to thank everyone for their continued generosity,” YSU President David C. Sweet said at a news conference to celebrate the accomplishments. “These two fund-raising milestones are reflective of the continued strong support for YSU and its mission.” Jacquelyn Daniel, Annual Giving Coordinator The $43 million Centennial Capital Campaign, started four years ago as a partnership between YSU and the YSU Foundation, is the largest fundraising effort in YSU’s 100-year history. A major component of the campaign is endowments for undergraduate student scholarships. The university initially set a goal of $7 million for scholarships. The total raised thus far is Scholarships $13.2 million. 29% “It is hard to adequately express our thanks to the donors,” said Reid Schmutz, president of the YSU Foundation. “With the economic challenges faced by today’s students, our job is not yet done. These gifts will help make higher education more accessible to thousands of students across the region.” The Centennial Capital Campaign Athletics 7% also set a goal of raising $1 million a year in the university’s Annual Fund by the end of fiscal year 2009. The campaign has reached that goal a year early, raising $1.07 million in fiscal year 2008, the highest annual total in university history. In the last four years, the amount of money raised through the Annual Fund has doubled, from
42
Youngstown State University
$535,104 in fiscal year 2004. Donors to the Annual Fund have directed their gifts to specific colleges, departments, programs, scholarships and a variety of university activities. “Our donors see the Annual Fund as a vehicle that has a direct and immediate impact on the lives of YSU students,” said Jacquelyn Daniel, annual giving coordinator. The Centennial Campaign is now entering its fifth and final year with all campaign components either on schedule or ahead of schedule. Key objectives for the final year of the campaign include a broad-based solicitation to all alumni and a direct appeal to YSU employees. “From the beginning, we have known that this final year would be the most important as we reach out to all of our alumni and employees with an invitation to participate,” said Tony Lariccia, a 1966 graduate of Youngstown University and chair of the Centennial Campaign. The largest part of the campaign is for construction of a new building for the Williamson College of Business Administration. Fund-raising on the WCBA component is on schedule with nearly 80 percent of the $16 million goal already received.
FY 2008 Annual Fund Distribution Area of Greatest Need 9%
Misc. Programs 16%
Williamson College of Business Administration 7% Beeghly College of Education 3% College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 5% College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics 13%
Bitonte College of Health and Human Services 2%
Fine and Performing Arts 9%
Development
Dr. and Mrs. Perry Create Diversity Scholarship Endowment Dr. Earnest Perry was just eight years old when he started given to students who live in the Mahoning Valley. working alongside his father in what he likes to call the fam“We’re not going to sit here and say the students have to ily’s “recycling business,” picking up other people’s discards have a 4.0 GPA,” Mrs. Perry said. “We want the scholarships and finding ways to reuse them. It was a to go to students who are really comsimple, honest living, and it paid Perry’s mitted to getting their education, and way through college and medical school. they’re struggling hard, but the finances Now chief of surgery at Forum aren’t there.” Health Northside Medical Center in Perry earned his baccalaureate in Youngstown and a YSU alumnus, Perry pre-med in 1959 from Youngstown hasn’t forgotten the sacrifices his father University and his medical degree from made to help him reach his goals. He’s Meharry Medical College in Nashville. determined to do the same for aspiring “It was very gratifying to see my dad in YSU students who can’t afford college. the audience the day I graduated from Perry and his wife Doris, a longmedical school,” Perry recalled. “He time teacher in the Youngstown City always wanted me to have better opporSchools, have established a scholarship tunities than he had.” endowment to benefit minority students A general surgeon, Perry has a priattending YSU. It’s the second endowvate medical practice on Youngstown’s ment for the Perrys – they created their North Side and is an associate professor first in 1997. at the Northeastern Ohio Universities “We decided to do it again for the College of Medicine. university’s 100th year,” Perry said. “To Doris Perry retired in 1988 after Dr. Earnest and Doris Perry 30 years as a first grade teacher in the whom much is given, much is required, Youngstown Schools, but she’s back in the classroom, teaching so you do what you can to help.” and mentoring other teachers. The couple has been married The Liberty Township couple contributed $25,000, 44 years. and the YSU Foundation matched their donation to create the A philanthropist in her own right, Mrs. Perry established Dr. Earnest Perry and Doris Perry Diversity Scholarship a nonprofit organization called Women Hand in Hand in 1986 endowment. which awards YSU scholarships to young mothers in financial Paul McFadden, YSU’s chief development officer, said the first scholarship will be awarded this fall. To qualify, an need. The program paid the tuition for three women attendapplicant must be a minority student attending YSU full- or ing classes in the 2007-08 academic year and she expects to part-time and maintain a 2.7 or better GPA. Preference will be double that number this fall.
Pollock Foundations Pledge $500K to Capital Campaign The William B. and Kathryn C. Pollock Foundation and the Pollock Company Foundation have together pledged $500,000 to Youngstown State University’s Centennial Capital Campaign and earmarked the funds for the Williamson College of Business Administration. The Executive Board Room in the new building will be named for the Foundations in recognition of the gift. “Having the Pollock Foundations join YSU in the construction of our new business school building is just another example of their commitment to the professional and intellectual renaissance currently taking place in Youngstown,” YSU President David C. Sweet said. The Pollock gift is part of YSU’s $43 million Centennial Capital Campaign, the largest fund-raising campaign in the university’s 100-year history, and brings the campaign total to $42 million. “The Trustees of the Pollock Foundations recognize Youngstown State University’s importance to the Mahoning Valley,” said Franklin S. Bennett Jr., co-trustee of the Foundations. “The Foundations’ trustees are pleased to continue the
Pollock family’s legacy of support to this most important institution.” A native of Youngstown and a graduate of Yale University, William B. Pollock II became president and chief executive in 1931 of the Pollock Co., an iron and steel equipment production company his grandfather founded in 1863. Pollock was active in the region’s business and civic communities and served on the boards of several institutions, including YSU. He died in 1990 at the age of 84. The Pollock Foundations are longtime YSU supporters and have contributed to the Andrews Student Recreation and Wellness Center, McDonough Museum of Art, Mad About the Arts and the Beeghly College of Education.
Kathryn C. Pollock
William B. Pollock
Summer 2008
43
Alumni potligh
S
Celebrating Accomplished Graduates
T
Around the world, across the country, and right here in Northeast Ohio, YSU alumni are making their mark. We profile nine of those exceptional grads, each with a fascinating story to tell.
Dance Played a Role in Her Career Success Kim Katsaras, ’89
Kim Katsaras
44
Youngstown State University
Kim Katsaras spends a good share of her workweeks driving scenic Pacific Coast highways, stopping off to inspect the women’s apparel displays at Macy’s stores in some of the nation’s top destination cities. The 1989 YSU alumna is West Coast Account Executive for the Suit Division of Jones Apparel Group, a leading fashion design and marketing firm. She loves wearing the latest in women’s business attire, checking out the suit collections at close to 200 stores and flying to New York City four times a year to meet with buyers. But every spring, without fail, Katsaras heads back home to the Mahoning Valley to participate in a family tradition: the annual Judy Conti Dance Studio recital. Katsaras’ parents are Dennis and Judy Conti Katsaras, and she’s been performing in her mother’s dance recitals at Stambaugh Auditorium since she was two years old. This year she came home in May to rehearse her part in “New York, New York,” a studio classic, then returned in June for the recital. Her husband, Myke Aaron, has also immersed himself in the tradition. The owner of SoundCubed Recording Studios in Hollywood, he’s been editing music for the studio’s recitals since the couple married six years ago. Katsaras sees a direct connection between her dance background and her career success. “My mother’s entire philosophy with the dance studio is that she’s not concerned about creating dance stars, but more about teaching discipline, poise and confidence, the ability to enter a room and speak confidently in front of a crowd,” she said. “I really feel that dance was a great foundation for my career.”
Alumni Spotlight Growing up in Campbell, Ohio, Katsaras was teaching dance at her mother’s studio by the age of 14, spent summers studying dance in New York City with world-renowned instructors and later danced professionally with the Youngstown Pride basketball team. She credits mentor Debi Novak Leo, a former Judy Conti dance teacher, YSU alumna and entrepreneur, with helping her land a life-changing internship with a New York retail group. “I did an accessory trade show,” she recalled, “and that’s where the retail bug bit me.” Katsaras earned a bachelor’s degree in speech communications and marketing at YSU and spent 12 years with Macy’s before joining the Jones Apparel Group as midwest account executive. Two years later she transferred
to Los Angeles to oversee a sales territory that stretches from Seattle to Las Vegas. Living in the Hollywood suburb of Los Feliz and spending 90 percent of her workweeks traveling comes naturally for Katsaras, she said, because of all the travel she did as a young dancer. The ethnic diversity of her hometown also helped. “Growing up in a culturally diverse place like Youngstown, I knew about wedding soup, pieroghies and spanicopita (a Greek spinach pie.) We’re not exactly country bumpkins here in Youngstown,” she said, laughing, “so it was an easy transition when I moved to L.A.”
Education: A Lifelong Passion Martha Irene Bruce, ’51 Every Saturday the children came, crowding into Martha Bruce’s cement block-house in Nigeria for what she called Auntie Martha’s Story Time. At its peak the weekly story hour drew as many as 135 children and earned the 1951 Youngstown College graduate a nomination for the United Nations Literacy Prize. Those Saturday afternoons were a highlight of Bruce’s 57-year career in education, and she’s managed to keep in touch with some of her Nigerian pupils – including two pediatricians and a pharmacist. But Bruce, 79, doesn’t spend much time reminiscing. Retired from the Youngstown city schools in 1996, she now serves as its part-time Adopt-A-School coordinator. Students and staff alike know her as Dr. Martha. “I don’t think many people around here even know my last name,” she said with a grin. And the woman who’s presented academic papers in nine countries on six continents has found another way to reach out to young readers. She’s authored six children’s books, all with African themes and titles, and a seventh book is awaiting copyright approval. “I have a number of other story ideas in my head,” she added. “I just need some time to sit down and write them.” A native of Farrell, Pa., Bruce was stricken with polio at the age of 15. Since then her left hand and arm have been partially paralyzed, and more recently her right arm has also been affected. She credits the Shriners for accepting her for rehabilitation in their Erie, Pa., hospital in an era when few hospitals would treat African Americans. “The Shriners were wonderful and I’m so grateful. Without them, I would have just laid in bed,” she said. “They are in my will.” Determined not to let her disabilities control her destiny,
Martha Bruce
Bruce earned a baccalaureate in education from Youngstown College before it became YSU, and later added a master’s in education from Westminster College and a doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. A teacher, reading specialist and administrator in the Youngstown schools, she spent her Christmas vacation in Africa in 1976 and decided she wanted to live there. Bruce quit her job and accepted a position as an instructor at a teacher’s college in Nigeria. “I didn’t know anybody at all in Africa, but I just had no fear,” she recalled. Her neighborhood story hours began soon after she arrived, she said, and produced many lifelong friendships in the nearly seven years she stayed in the West African country. Travel is still her favorite hobby, and Bruce has visited 26 countries, most recently traveling to Thailand, Singapore and the Philippines. “I’d go back in a heartbeat,” she said, “But of course, I want to go back to everywhere I’ve ever been.”
Summer 2008
45
Brothers Make Their Mark in Banking Presley Gillespie, ’92, & Wesley Gillespie, ’92
Wesley Gillespie, left, and Presley Gillespie KeyBank, Cleveland, Ohio
46
Youngstown State University
Presley and Wesley Gillespie were just nine or ten years old, growing up on the mean streets of Harlem, when they made up their minds to be bankers. Identical twins, they’d tag along with their father on banking errands, and they liked what they saw. Wesley was impressed with the imposing New York City bank buildings and their striking architecture. “As a young boy in Harlem, working in a bank seemed like an unbelievable dream,” he recalled. Presley remembers the bankers, always impeccably dressed in business suits and ties. “They looked good, they smelled good,” he said. “I thought that looked like a good job to have.” The Gillespie brothers accomplished many of their goals together. They graduated from YSU in 1992, where both earned baccalaureate degrees in organizational communications, and now they’re both executives for KeyBank, one of the nation’s largest financial service companies. But their paths diverged for several years after graduation, long enough to develop distinctly different career objectives. Presley Gillespie is a vice president and community development lender for KeyBank, based in Youngstown and serving the bank’s Eastern Ohio District. Wesley works out of Key’s Cleveland headquarters and was promoted in January to senior vice president, area retail leader, managing 13 bank branches in that city’s southern suburbs. Presley started his career at the former Integra Bank and worked at a succession of larger banks until his brother recruited him to KeyBank in 2005. In 18 years of banking Presley hasn’t forgotten his urban roots. In fact, he’s dedicated much of his career to community development lending in economically disadvantaged areas, putting together financing packages for commercial construction projects in the urban core of cities such as Youngstown, Warren, Akron and Cleveland. “I grew up in those kinds of communities. I understand the challenges they face, how tough it can be to raise the
Alumni Spotlight capital for projects,” he said. “I decided early on that I didn’t want to be just another banker. I want to better the community. I want to help make things happen.” Presley said he has generated more than $40 million in commercial projects for the greater Youngstown area over the last five to seven years, including apartments, town home and condo projects in urban markets and senior citizen developments for low- to moderate-income families. For him, KeyBank’s size has been an advantage. “If you want to make a significant impact with community development, you have to find a big enough bank,” he explained. “Because KeyBank is so big, we have the ability to focus on projects that have a large impact on a community, multi-million dollar projects.” Wesley spent the first three years of his career at Bank One, completing the company’s management training program and working in branch management until he was recruited by KeyBank. “I spent the first five years with Key as a lender, hustling, looking for deals,” he said. Since then he’s moved up the management ladder, from
managing a lending office to managing managers. He spends much of his workday on the road, traveling from branch to branch. “My mission, my desire, is to help people be the best that they can be, in whatever organization inside the bank I’m running,” said Wesley. “I still have to hit my numbers, but what really drives me is helping people to excel.” Both brothers are married. Presley and his wife, Nora, have two school-aged children and live in Youngstown. Wesley is married to the former Desiree Irby, also an YSU alumna. They have a daughter and live in Cleveland Heights. The brothers still look alike, enjoy the same kind of music and entertainment, and share an unusual hobby – collecting designer watches. They talk a lot about the bond they feel as twins, and they seem to enjoy the stir they cause because of their identical looks. “We’re still as close as two brothers can be,” said Presley. “And when I go to visit my brother in the Cleveland office, it’s mass confusion.” Karen Conklin
Building a Home for the Animals Karen E, Conklin, ’70 For 16 years, Karen Conklin lived and breathed Girl Scouting. As executive director of the Niles-based Lake-toRiver Girl Scout Council, she was proud to say that the region had more active scouts during her tenure than ever before in its history. Then it ended. A scouting district reorganization eliminated Conklin’s position. “I’ve got to admit, it was absolutely devastating, but you pick up the pieces,” said Conklin, who earned her baccalaureate in business administration at YSU in 1970. “I knew I had all these skill sets, and there had to be somebody out there who needed them.” Turns out that “somebody” was the Humane Society of Greater Akron, and some 400 abused, neglected and abandoned dogs and cats that are packed in every nook and cranny of its shelter, built 50 years ago to house just a fraction of that number. Conklin took over as executive director of the nonprofit in October 2007, just in time to oversee construction of a new, $7 million animal shelter and to head up an ambitious fund-raising drive to pay for it. A philanthropic lender has agreed to front the money needed for construction so the project doesn’t have to wait. Workers broke ground in May on the 25,000-square-foot facility in Cuyahoga Falls, a “green” design that will accommodate 400 animals when completed, probably in early 2009. Conklin wishes it could be bigger, because the number of abused and abandoned animals keeps growing. She’s also working to increase the center’s pet adoption numbers and attract more volunteers. “I believe in the mission, but as the manager my job is to run the place like a
business,” the director related. Conklin commutes to the Akron center from the Liberty Township home she shares with her husband Gary E. Offerdahl and their two dogs, both “rescued.” The couple met pursuing a mutual avocation – she is Ohio’s only female high school wrestling referee, and Offerdahl is a 30-year referee veteran. They created a blended family with six children, now ranging in age from 16 to 32, when they married in 1998. Conklin is a member of YSU’s Alumni Society Board of Directors and sits on the Nonprofit Leadership Committee at the Williamson College of Business Administration.
Summer 2008
47
Keeping Vintage Planes Aloft Kenneth P. Perich, ’72, ’81
Kenneth Perich
Global VP Makes Friends Around the World Juliet Evans, ’93 Juliet Evans always packs her running shoes when she travels, and she’s tried them out in cities all over the globe. The 1993 YSU alumna is global vice president of people management for UTi Worldwide, a $3.5 billion global supply chain corporation based in Long Beach, Calif. She was recruited to create and operate a worldwide leadership training and development program for the company’s 20,000 employees in 65 countries. When Evans plans a leadership development seminar, it’s not the typical weekend retreat at a cushy hotel. She brings groups of 40 leaders together from several continents for intensive, two-week sessions in some unlikely places – a cabin in the South African bush country, for instance, or a monastery in Madrid where Spanish is the only language spoken. Just mixing management trainees from several countries is an education in itself, she said. “We have people from all over the world coming into a class – Europe, Mexico, Asia, the U.S. It’s hilarious. Our company looks like the United Nations.” Evans travels internationally for two weeks out of every month, on average, and often stays with friends – it’s a part of the corporate culture at UTi. In turn, she frequently has friends from other countries staying in her home. “Life happens when you travel globally,” Evans explained. “You miss flights, you get sick. You see people in a very human state. It’s comforting, when you get off a plane after a 20-hour flight, to know you’re going to be with friends.” Evans grew up in East Palestine, a small town in Columbiana County, and was one of a handful of students in her high school class to head straight for college after graduation. She credits YSU psychology professor Steve Ellyson with providing some crucial career advice.
48
Youngstown State University
Calling Ken Perich a good salesman is the ultimate understatement. He’s tallied an eye-popping $4 billion in sales over the last two years as a vice president for RollsRoyce North America Inc. – make that $10 billion since he joined the company 20 years ago. Perich, who earned his baccalaureate in business management at YSU in 1972 and his MBA in 1981, sells jet engines to the world’s largest aerospace manufacturers – a primary market for Rolls-Royce since it sold off its signature luxury automobile division in the early 1970s. The company was on a roll in 2007, finishing the year with a $47 billion order backlog, the largest in its history, but Perich is quick to share credit for the sales boom. “It’s Ellyson encouraged Evans to consider graduate school, helped her gain needed research experience at YSU, and recommended she look into organizational psychology, a discipline that uses principles of psychology in the workplace. “I took one course, and I loved it. I bet my whole career on that one course and Dr. Ellyson’s advice,” she recalled. She earned a YSU baccalaureate in psychology, a master’s degree in organizational behavior at Claremont Graduate University and expects to complete her Ph.D., also from Claremont, by year’s end. Prior to joining UTi she worked with Toyota, where she said her “claim to fame” was being the youngest female to be promoted to a junior executive position in the automaker’s financial service division. Evans and her husband, Steven Park, met in graduate school, and the home they share in Long Beach, Calif. is decorated with an eclectic mix of art from many nations. Besides sailing and spending time with their dog, Peanut, she also runs marathons. “It’s the one exercise you can do on the road,” she explained. “All you have to bring is running shoes.” Juliet Evans, Taj Mahal, India
Alumni Spotlight
not just me,” the VP stressed. “No one person can do billions of dollars in sales. I’m like a conductor of an orchestra. It takes dozens and dozens of people to make these sales happen.” When Perich wants to entertain his Rolls-Royce clients, he gives them an experience they’ll never forget: a bumpy ride in a World War II vintage airplane, complete with a fighter pilot’s uniform and an open-air machine gun turret. “Out of all the events Roll-Royce does – including the Master’s golf tournament and the Indy 500 – our customers’ favorite is flying in those vintage planes,” he said. Aerospace sales has been a dream job for the Warren native, who fantasized about flying since his father, a professional photographer, took him along on an aerial photo shoot as a small boy. Now a jet-rated commercial pilot, he started flight training at 16 and had his first pilot’s license at 18. For Perich, the Rolls-Royce position has opened doors to pursue another passion – preserving and showcasing vintage
aircraft, like the old World War II bombers. He’s founder and executive director of the National Aviation Heritage Invitational, held annually in Reno, Nev. to spotlight refurbished aircraft dating back to the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s. It’s presented by Rolls-Royce in partnership with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the Reno Air Foundation. The event has put him on a first-name basis with aerospace greats who share his passion, such as astronauts Neil Armstrong and Jim Lovell. “I look at myself, a kid from Warren Ohio, and I’ve had the chance to share the podium with a lot of aviation legends,” he mused. “I think it’s pretty cool.” Perich lives in Oak Hill, Va., with his wife, the former Judy Popovich, also a YSU grad (’74) with a bachelor’s degree in medical technology. So far, only one of the couple’s three daughters, Regina, has caught the flying bug. She’s business coordinator for the Cavanaugh Flight Museum, a nonprofit operation near Dallas that restores vintage aircraft.
Met Debut Gives Operatic Career a Boost
Lehman had recently prepared to serve as first cover for the same opera in Los Angeles, though he was never called on to sing the role there. Remarkably, the lead male singer and the first cover both became ill Gary Lehman on the same evening, and Lehman stepped in to sing the role. That same night the lead female singer also got sick and left the stage in the middle of the performance, to be replaced by an understudy. Lehman and his female counterpart received rave reviews for their performance of the five-hour opera before a Met crowd of 3,500. “I was in the right place at the right time, and I was prepared,” he said of that fateful night. Lehman’s operatic career has spanned two decades and included leading roles in cities such as Los Angeles, Boston, Orlando, Philadelphia, Dallas and St. Louis, as well as performances abroad in Germany, Finland and Montreal, Canada. He remembers taking some ribbing from family members in the early days of his career. “My parents would suggest I try teaching. They’d ask how I could expect to make a living just singing,” he recalled. “And it didn’t happen overnight.” Lehman met his wife, Susan Foster, a Cortland, Ohio, native and also an opera singer, when both were enrolled in a training program at the Chicago Lyric Opera Center for American Artists at The Lyric Opera of
Gary Lehman, ’87 Growing up in Niles, Ohio, Gary Lehman knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life. He’d join the Navy, and then he’d follow his father and brother to work at RTI Niles, a local titanium mill. But Lehman had a surprising change of heart. Encouraged by his high school chorus director and his YSU voice instructor David Starkey, he earned a baccalaureate in vocal performance from YSU’s Dana School of Music and set out to become an opera singer. Now the 1987 alumnus performs operatic roles around the world. His career reached a peak in March when he was tapped to perform the male lead in a production of “Tristan und Isolde” – one of the most difficult tenor roles ever written – at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Lehman said his debut at the prestigious opera house has given his career a major boost. “I’ve been performing all over the world, and I’ve been paying the bills,” he related, “but things have really started to pick up since my debut at the Met.” Lehman’s Metropolitan Opera debut was serendipitous. He’d been recruited to serve as a second cover, ready to fill in as Tristan, the male lead, if the first cover could not perform.
(continued on page 50)
Summer 2008
49
Alumni Spotlight
Carl Fisher
Making Magnificent Marbles Carl Fisher, ’75 Carl Fisher started collecting vintage marbles just to pass the time while his wife browsed for hours at antique shows, but the 1975 YSU alumnus couldn’t bear to pay hundreds of dollars for a single collectible marble. Instead, he started making replicas, not of glass but of polymer clay, to serve as “placeholders” in his collection. Now, just two years later, the civil engineering grad is building a national reputation as a contemporary marble artist, with collectors watching Internet auction sites for his ever-changing assortment of antique replicas and original designs. These aren’t the clear glass cat’s eye marbles that sell by the bagful at dollar stores. Fisher’s marbles, like the costly glass collectables they imitate, feature brilliant swirls of colors and intricate designs in a tiny package – most are just ¾ of an inch in diameter. What makes Fisher’s clay creations virtually indistinguishable to the eye from vintage glass marbles is a concoction the artist uses to glaze the finished marbles in what he calls his “top secret process.” His marbles are lighter, softer, warmer to the touch and much more durable than glass. “My motivation is to make affordable clay marbles that look exactly like the most expensive, most collectable, rarest marbles – there’s an antique marble on eBay selling for $800, I make a replica for $20,” Fisher explained. “I believe I’m the only one in the world making clay marbles at this level.” He started out duplicating collectable classics, but now about half the marbles he makes are his own unique designs. Fisher sells his work at antique and collectable shows across the Northeast, online auction sites, on Webbased marble collectors’ sites and at his own Web address, www.carlfishermarbles.com. Now living in Aurora with his wife Francesca, Fisher grew up in Youngstown, one of eight children – six of them are YSU alumni. He decided to study civil engineering at YSU because two older brothers were also engineering grads. “I had to pay my own way through college, and it was cheaper because they already had the books,” he quipped. Kidding aside, Fisher said he’s always had an affinity
for math, so engineering has been a good fit for him. He recently marked 22 years with the IBM Corp., where he designs and sells data storage systems for large corporations. “I always plug the engineering aspect of my marble making too,” he said. “There’s a lot of math and science in the process, and I document everything I do so that I can reproduce the marbles exactly, in the exact same weight and size every time.” Fisher said marble collecting has become more popular in recent years, especially in communities surrounding Akron – the city was considered the toy marble manufacturing center of the world 100 years ago, and vintage marbles are still being discovered in basements and attics across the region. “Six years ago, it would be rare to see a marble display anywhere,” he said. “I went to a Canton antique show this year and almost every other table had some marbles.” Fisher is counting on retiring baby boomers to help fuel the growth of marble collecting, but he’s working on designs that will allow him to market to other audiences as well. “I’ve got enough ideas to keep me going for years,” he said, grinning.
Gary Lehman, continued from page 49 Chicago. “We grew up 10 miles from each other, and I had to go to Chicago to meet her,” he said with a laugh. Both are self-employed, freelance performers, he said, so they move from company to company and often live apart for months at a time. They’re looking forward to this fall’s opera season when they’ll be together at their home on Staten Island and will be working together at the Met for the
50
Youngstown State University
first time. “We remember years ago, we would look at each other and ask: What are we doing? It was tough, not knowing when the next job was coming, not seeing your wife or your dog for great lengths of time,” he said. “I think things are happening for us now because we were just too stubborn to give up.”
Class 50s
notes
James R. Lewis of Warren, ’58 BS Education, was named to the Warren High Schools’ Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame in May. Lewis is retired after spending his career as a teacher and principal in the Warren City James Lewis Schools. He is also a former instructor in YSU’s Beeghly College of Education.
60s
David L. Quarterson of
Columbiana, ’62 BSBA, has retired as senior director of Laurel Mountain Partners LLC, a merchant banking firm based in Pittsburgh. Prior David Quarterson to joining Laurel Mountain, Quarterson was a regional vice president of Waste Management Inc. and chief executive of Florida Recycling Inc.
work, self-improvement, community service and distinguished service to humanity. A Struthers native, Lariccia is a vice president at Merrill Lynch and a generous philanthropist. He and his wife, Mary, have given more than $11 million to various causes in Mahoning and Trumbull counties, including $5 million to YSU.
John Sumansky
of Dallas, Pa.,’66 BA in Economics, has been named a Fulbright Scholar and will teach entrepreneurship and economics this fall to students in the Republic of Macedonia. Sumansky, John Sumansky chief information and planning officer at Misericordia University in Dallas, Pa., and director of its Center for Economic and Entrepreneurship Education, is one of about 800 educational professionals who will be teaching or conducting research in 140 countries under the Fulbright Scholar Program.
Anthony Lariccia
of Boardman, ’66 BSBA, was awarded the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in May by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations. The coalition presents the medals annually Anthony Lariccia to a select group of distinguished American citizens who exemplify hard
Center. Former chaplain and bereavement coordinator for Forum Health at Home Hospice, she has a master’s degree in theology and pastoral studies from LaSalle University in Philadelphia.
Patricia Selanik Meisner of Upton, Mass.,
’76 MA biochemistry, was inducted in May to the Warren High Schools’ Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. She was founder and chief executive of RedTail Solutions Inc., a software supplier that this year was named
Patricia Selanik Meisner
70s
Bert Dawson of
Calcutta, ‘63 Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, was named Urban County Engineer of the Year by the National Association of County Engineers. Dawson, now serving his 10th consecutive term as Bert Dawson Columbiana County engineer, is the longest serving county engineer in office in the state of Ohio. He earned a master’s degree in civil engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 1965. He is vice-chairman of the Ohio Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors and will serve as chairman of that board in 2009.
Class Notes
Alan Brass
Alan W. Brass of Toledo, ’70 BA, has been appointed to a 10-year term on the board of trustees for the Ohio State University. Brass is chief executive officer of ProMedica Health System, based in Toledo.
Photo courtesy of Maag Library
In Memoriam
Ronald A. Parise, ’73
Ronald A. Parise, 56, a space shuttle astronaut and the first YSU alumnus to fly in space, died May 9 at his home in Silver Springs, Md., following a three-year battle with brain cancer. A Warren native, he earned a YSU baccalaureate in physics in 1973, and in 1996 the university presented him with an honorary Doctor of Science degree. He also earned master’s and doctorate degrees in astronomy from the University of Florida. Parise was named a payload specialist for NASA in 1984 and flew two space shuttle missions, logging more than 614 hours and 10.6 million miles in space. The Parise family has established a scholarship in his memory for students pursuing physics or astronomy degrees at YSU. Preference will be given to students living in Mahoning or Trumbull counties. For more information, or to donate, call 330-941-1363 or write: University Development, Youngstown State University, Dr. Ronald A. Parise Scholarship, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555.
Margaret A. Kerrigan of Hubbard,
’72, BA in Spanish, teaches Spanish I through IV for the Brookfield Local Schools in Brookfield, Ohio. She earned a master’s of education in curriculum and instruction from Gannon University in 2001.
Margaret Kerrigan
Loretta K. “Lori” Pugh of
Youngstown,’75, BA German education, has been appointed director of mission integration for Humility of Mary Health Partners, based at St. Elizabeth Health
Loretta Pugh
Summer 2008
51
Lifelong athlete Joni (Covert) Moore
of Salado, Texas, ’88 BA in Psychology and Social Work, is training to compete in the Ironman World Championship, set for Oct. 11 in Kona, Hawaii. A U.S. Army veteran, she’s raising funds for the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund, a nonprofit that provides college grants and financial assistance to surviving children and spouses of U.S. soldiers who lost their lives in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. To donate, visit her Web site, http://www.elitefeat.com/. Moore has completed 10 Ironman triathlon contests and her sixth place finish in Ironman Arizona this year qualified her for the championship competition for the second time. She owns the Hodgepodge Massage Lodge, a massage therapy clinic in Salado. among the top 40 global innovators by Manufacturing Business Technology, and Boston Women’s Business named her among its “Five Women to Watch” in 2007. Selanik Meisner has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Kenyon College and a master’s in business administration from Case Western Reserve University.
Jeffrey Ferezan
of Ashville, N.C., ’78 BS, has joined Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College in the newly created position of vice president of college initiatives to lead collegewide new ventures. Jeffrey Ferezan Ferezan had been associate vice president for community and legislative relations at Northwest State Community College in Archbold, Ohio. Ferezan earned a master’s degree in business administration from Franklin University and is completing a doctorate in higher education administration with a concentration on leadership and systems from The Union Institute and University in Cincinnati.
80s
Melanie D. Jones
of Warren, ’80 BS in law enforcement, administration and sociology, was named to the Trumbull County African American Melanie Jones Achievers Association’s Hall of Fame. Jones is a licensed social worker, a certified family assessor
52
Youngstown State University
and a certified surrogate parent for students with learning disabilities. She is employed by Northeast Ohio Adoption Services as a permanency planning specialist where she was also named the agency’s Social Worker of the Year for 2008.
Maureen K. Grapes Yambar
of Youngstown, ’80 AAB, and ’93 BA, recently retired from YSU’s Payroll Office after 30 years of public service. Yambar started as a student office assistant in the office, and from 1996 until her retirement she was an administrative assistant, responsible for the payment and reporting for more than 4,500 employees.
James M. Kerrigan of Hubbard, ’81 Associate in Arts, has been the owner of Kerrigan Insurance Agency in Hubbard, Ohio, since 1982. David Gemmel
of Boardman, ’86 BA, has been named senior director of medical education and research for Humility of Mary Health Partners where he will direct the graduate medical educaDavid Gemmel tion residency programs at St. Elizabeth Health Center, Youngstown, and St. Joseph Health Center, Warren. Gemmel, formerly director of research for HMHP, has master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Akron and Kent State University, respectively.
Elsa Higby of Youngstown, ’87 BA in
speech communications and music, is the founder of Grow Youngstown, a new organization that promotes the growth of food, forage, forest and fuel in the Mahoning County region. Higby recently moved back to the Mahoning Valley from Manhattan, N.Y., where she was involved in a similar cooperative. Visit growyoungstown.org.
Sharon Rae North of Atlanta, ’87 BA,
presented a $400 donation to the American Diabetes Association Southeast Division office in Atlanta. She raised the contribution by donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of her CD, “The Way You Make Me Feel.” North also sang the national anthem for the July 4th celebration at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Ga. last summer. A popular performer in the Atlanta area, she has been invited to sing in Shanghai, Taiwan, Portugal and at Croatia’s Jazz in Lapidarij Festival.
Gary White of State College, Pa., ’88
BS, was awarded the 2008 Gale Cengage Learning Award for Excellence in Business Librarianship, presented annually by the American Library Association. White is head of the Schreyer Business Library at Penn State University in State College, where he is a Ph.D. candidate. White holds a master’s degree in library science from Kent State University, and an MBA from the University of Akron, has edited three books and published more than 28 journal articles. He is editor of the Journal of Business and Finance Librarianship.
Karen Cohen of
East Palestine, ’89 BSBA in accounting, ’90, MBA, was named the 2008 YoungstownWarren area ATHENA Award recipient in May, selected from a field of 32 nominees on the basis of her professional achieveKaren Cohen ments and community service. Cohen is a certified public accountant and partner at Packer-Thomas, a regional accounting firm with offices in Youngstown and New Castle, Pa.
Migdalia Diaz McClendon of
Boardman, ’89, BSBA, was awarded the Shero/Hero of Health Award by the Ohio Commission of Minority Health. The award recognizes her efforts to narrow health disparities for Migdalia Diaz McClendon minorities, her leadership in the ethnic community and her work with collegebound students and their parents. McClendon is assistant director of YSU’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions and a volunteer bilingual radio announcer for weekend programs on 1500 AM-WGFT the Gift and WYSU-FM. She is also a former volunteer board member for Organizacion Civica y Cultural Hispana Americana Inc. and the Mahoning County Treatment Alternatives to Street Crimes Inc.
Susan Moorer of
Susan Moorer
Austintown, ’89 BA in speech communication, was presented the Edna K. McDonald Award for Cultural Awareness in April, in recognition of her contributions to cultural diversity on the YSU campus. She also received her
Class Notes master’s degree in organizational leadership from Geneva College in May, and was a 2008 Athena Award nominee. Moorer joined the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity as coordinator of diversity initiatives in March 2006.
90s
Gary Hall of Youngstown, ’91 BA in
journalism, English, and speech/communications, was promoted in February to assistant vice president, field marketing director for Home Savings and Loan, Youngstown. He joined the bank in 1999, was named assistant vice president in 2004, and received the bank’s Chairman’s Award on three occasions. Hall also serves on the board of Second Chance Animal Rescue in Austintown.
Sheryl P. Gumino
of Howland, ’95 BS, has been appointed manager of radiology for St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center and St. Elizabeth Emergency and Diagnostic Center in Austintown. Sheryl Gumino Gumino also attended the Western Reserve Care System School of Radiologic Technology and earned a master’s degree from Geneva College. She was formerly employed as general manager and national operations trainer for NYDIC Medical Imaging.
Richard Tisone of Liberty Township, ’96
BA in law enforcement administration and business management, was named interim Liberty Township Police Chief in June. A 22-year member of the police department with a 25-year career in law enforcement, Tisone had achieved the rank of captain before the promotion.
Mary Maloney Toepfer of Howland,
’96 MA in English, has earned a doctor of philosophy degree in curriculum and instruction with an English education concentration from Kent State University. Toepfer also holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Hiram College. She started her teaching career at Ursuline High School in Youngstown.
Margaret Baker
of Lisbon, ’97 BS applied science, was appointed director of oncology services for Humility of Mary Health Partners, responsible for the Cancer Centers at St. Elizabeth,
St. Joseph and St. Elizabeth Boardman health centers. Baker also holds an associate degree in radiologic technology from Kent State University and a certificate in radiation therapy from Community College of Allegheny County. Prior to her appointment, she was manager of oncology services for HMHP.
Willis Marshall of Aurora, Col., ’98 BA
in advertising and communication, is now in his eighth season as a wide receiver and defensive back with the Arena Football League, most recently with the Cleveland Gladiators. While at YSU he was a fouryear football letterman for the Penguins and a member of three Division I-AA Championship teams. Marshall also played a running back on the silver screen, participating in the filming of Disney’s “The Game Plan” with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Fran Vitullo of McDonald, ’99 Associate
in Applied Science, office information systems, was named manager of patient advocacy for St. Elizabeth Health Center, Youngstown. She also earned a certificate in respiratory therapy technology from YSU in 1981 and is pursuing a baccalaureate in health administration from Warren National University in Agoura Hills, Calif. She previously was employed as a patient Fran Vitullo representative at St. Elizabeth.
Brett Miller of Silver
Spring, Md., ’99 BM, composed 45 concert etudes based on the works of R. Strauss, Mahler and Brahms which were reviewed recently by Dr. Jeffrey Snedeker, president of the International Horn SociBrett Miller ety. The review was published in the May 2008 issue of Horn Call, the Journal of the IHS. Miller earned a doctorate of musical arts from the University of Maryland in May 2007, and the etudes were composed for his dissertation. He is a hornist with the U.S. Air Force Band in Washington D.C. Fourteen of his original compositions Dan Lowry for various brass instruof Columbiana, ments and ensembles have ’91 BE and ’04 been published, and his MS, electrical Six Moods for Euphonium engineering, and Piano was featured on had a NADanny Helseth’s 2007 CD SCAR race release, “Snapshots.” named after Bonita Starkey of him when he Youngstown, ’99 BA won first place psychology, celebrated the in a marketopening in February of ing promotion her independent insurance by The Crown Royal Co. Lowry, a project engineer for office, Bonita Starkey InsurBechtel Plant Machinery in Monroeville, Pa., and an ance Services LLC, in the avid NASCAR fan, beat out more than 10,000 other National City Bank Buildcontestants. In his honor, the former Richmond 400 was ing, downtown Youngstown. renamed Crown Royal Presents the Dan Lowry 400. She is the first owner-agent Lowry was grand marshal for the race, held in May at in Youngstown for Farmers the Richmond, Va. International Raceway. “It was just a Insurance Group and was blast,” he said. “I got to meet all the drivers, guys who recently awarded the commake millions of dollars a year, and they were just like pany’s Blue Vase Award, anybody else, very polite, very down to earth.” recognizing her successful sales and life insurance awareness efforts.
Margaret Baker
Summer 2008
53
Class Notes
00s
Douglas A. Lindh of Belleville, Mich.,
’00 BA criminal justice, is a medical claims adjuster for Farmers Insurance Co. in Michigan.
Matthew G. Vansuch of Howland,
’02 BA in Political Science, received the University of Akron Law Alumni Association’s 2008 Alumni Publication Award for an article he had published in the Seton Hall Legislative Journal. Matthew Vansuch The article was titled “Icing the Judicial Hellholes: Congress’ Attempt to Put Out ‘Frivolous’ Lawsuits Burns a Hole Through the Constitution.” Vansuch is an attorney for the Warren law firm of Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell, Ltd. He is married to Deena DeVico, a 2002 YSU alumna, and earned his law degree from UA in 2005.
Christian Aleshire of Mineral Ridge,’02,
BA in telecommunications, was recently promoted to program director of WWIZRock 104, a Cumulus Media radio station in Youngstown. Aleshire also serves as program director for two other Cumulus stations, WBBW and ESPN 1240, where he’s on the air regularly. He fills in on the Y-103
morning show and is the play-by-play voice of the Mahoning Valley Thunder indoor football team. He joined Cumulus Media in 2003.
Laura Clark of Columbus, ’03 BS in
Biology, graduated in June from the Ohio State University College of Pharmacy with a doctorate degree in pharmacy. While a student at OSU, Clark was vice president of her pharmacy class, a two-time winner of the American Pharmacists Association/ Academy of Student Pharmacists Patient Counseling competition and went on to compete on the national level. She has accepted a pharmacist position with Kroger in Columbus.
Timothy N. Oberle of Salem, ’03 AB, Jennifer A. Snyder of Cortland, ’03 AB, Megan M. Graff of Youngstown, ’04 AB, Rebecca A. Royer of Canfield, ’04 AB and Elizabeth A. Nemes of Cuyahoga Falls, ’05 AB, earned their Juris Doctorate degrees in May from the University of Akron School of Law.
Megan A. Kerrigan of Hubbard, ’04 BS in
education, is a kindergarten teacher for the Slippery Rock Area School District in Slippery Rock, Pa. She earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Gannon University in 2005 and a master’s degree in library and information science from Kent State University in 2007.
Army Maj. George L. Hammar IV, ’95 BA History, was awarded the Combat Action Badge for combat operations in southern Iraq. Hammar, a maneuver adviser to the 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, was with a platoon of Iraqi soldiers and three other U.S. soldiers on Dec. 10, 2007, when the unit came under small-arms fire from insurgents. They returned fire, dispersing the insurgent force. “We were shot at all day, actually,” Hammar said. “Luckily, I was with a great group of Iraqi soldiers who did their job to the highest standards imaginable.” Hammar earned a master’s degree in military studies, land warfare and international studies from American Military University in 2007. He plans to move his family to Fort Carson, Col. and to join the 4th Infantry Division when he completes his service in Iraq this fall.
54
Youngstown State University
Charlene Arendas
of Columbus, ’04 BS in biology, earned a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine in June from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. In January, Arendas joined a group of American Charlene Arendas veterinarians who traveled to Peru to study a llama and alpaca research facility, and she later gave a presentation about the trip at the International Camelid Health Conference for Veterinarians. She hopes to return to the Youngstown area to establish her veterinary practice.
Jason Perry of
Orlando, Fla., ’07 BSBA, a former YSU football standout, is in his first year with the Arena Football League, playing as a defensive back with the Orlando Predators. A second-team All- Jason Perry American and firstteam All-Gateway selection while at YSU, Perry was a team captain his senior year and started 38 games during his college career.
got
good news?
Let YSU Magazine share it with your fellow alumni. New jobs, promotions, new business ventures, awards and other accomplishments are all welcome. When you write, please include your YSU graduation year and degree, city of residence and a contact phone number or email address. Email to universitymagazine@ysu.edu or mail to: Marketing and Communications, Youngstown State University, One University Plaza, Youngstown, OH 44555.
A
lumni •
N
e
w
s
Legacy Scholarship Winners Announced The legacy of children following in the footsteps of their parents or guardians to attain a degree from the same alma mater is a cherished tradition at Youngstown State University. The YSU Office of Alumni and Events Management has helped to keep that tradition alive and to foster strong relationships between graduates and the university by offering four $1,000 Legacy Scholarships to children of current Alumni Society members. To qualify, at least one of the recipient’s parents or guardians must be a YSU graduate and a member of the Alumni Society. Legacy Scholarship winners for the 2008-2009 academic year, listed with their YSU alumni parents, are: Nora Davine Campana of Canfield (mother, Mary Ellen (Walsh) Campana). Emily Devon of East Liverpool (parents, William and Susan Devon). Caitlin Glenn of Lisbon (mother, Deborah Glenn). Kyle Hoffman of Newton Falls (parents, Mark and Aprile Hoffman).
Sigma Tau Gamma Alumni Support All Alumni Reunion Alumni of Sigma Tau Gamma demonstrated their close ties to YSU with a recent $1,500 contribution to the All Alumni Reunion. John Africa, ’62, left, and Bill Kish, ’63, presented Heather Belgin of the Office of Alumni and Events Management with a check on behalf the Sigma Tau Gamma alumni. The Sigma Tau alumni sponsor a golf outing each July and are also active in other alumni events.
Red & White Game Penguin football fans enjoyed a sneak preview of the 2008 team during the Red & White Game in April, along with a visit with alumnus Ron Jaworski, ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback. Alumni and friends enjoyed an indoor tailgate party in Stambaugh Stadium prior to kick-off. Coach Jon Heacock presented this contest for the eighth year, as the culmination of the team’s spring drills.
Life Member Reception Draws Record Crowd A record crowd of more than 200 Life Members of the YSU Alumni Association and their guests celebrated the university’s Centennial with a reception in the Archives and Special Collections area of Maag Library. Following a buffet dinner, those in attendance took a behind-the-scenes tour of the archives reading room, processing room, manuscript and storage areas, and had the opportunity to view memorabilia and records from the university’s 100-year history. Life Members of the Alumni Society are honored annually with a reception recognizing their special dedication to Youngstown State University.
12
19
Ron Jaworski
Mar k Yo u r C a le n d a r
3 1 ✘
26
Half Century Reunion
20
21
Sunday, October 26 - 11:30 a.m. reception, noon luncheon, DeBartolo Stadium Club Graduates of 50 years and more are invited to attend this special event in honor of their milestone anniversary.
Terrace Dinners
28
Held 90 minutes before each home football game on the Stambaugh Stadium Terrace, weather permitting. (In case of inclement weather, held at Stambaugh Stadium). Join fellow Penguin fans for “civilized tailgating” before the game!
27
Call the Office of Alumni Relations at 330-941-3497 for more information.
Summer 2008
55
the All Alumni Reunion
Hundreds of YSU alumni joined the university's Centennial Celebration at the first All Alumni Reunion on the YSU campus July 12. Clockwise, from left: alumna Patricia Archer ('62) and her husband Donald, from Lakewood, Colo., visit with President David C. Sweet at the Alumni Dinner; a fireworks display and a live concert by the country band Ricochet were featured at Forte' on the Fifty; one young visitor checks out a snake exhibit at the Beeghly College of Education; alumni and family members enjoy displays and demonstrations in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and the Bitonte College of Health & Human Services.
56
Youngstown State University
n o e Com
! e m o H HOMECOMING 2008 Y O U N G S T O W N
S T A T E
U N I V E R S I T Y
Be part of the festivities at YSU’s Homecoming 2008.
Join nearly 20,000 alumni and friends at this annual campus celebration. WCBA Alumni Banquet, 6 p.m., Oct. 24 Homecoming Parade, along Fifth Avenue, 2 p.m., Oct. 25 Alumni Relations Terrace Dinner, 2:30 p.m., Oct. 25
Homecoming Game - YSU vs. Northern Iowa, 4 p.m., Oct. 25 Half Century Club 50th Reunion, 11:30 a.m., Oct. 26 More information about Homecoming 2008 will arrive in mailboxes soon. Contact the Office of Alumni and Events Management at 330-941-3497 or www.ysu.edu/ alumni for more information.
1968
“Humphrey Girls” 1968 was a significant year in U.S. history. The war in Vietnam raged, sparking the largest war protests in the nation’s history. Assassins gunned down civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy. Bob Dylan, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones revolutionized music. Hippies. Black Power. 2001: A Space Odyssey. The Mexico City Olympics. In the fall of 1968, Democrat Hubert H. Humphrey brought his presidential campaign to Youngstown, and there to greet him on the steps of Stambaugh Auditorium were a group of enthusiastic Youngstown State University students known as “Humphrey Girls.” Humphrey was accompanied at the rally by Chubby Checker, who performed his hit song, “The Twist.” Humphrey lost the election to Richard M. Nixon.
Non-Profit Org. US Postage
Office of University Development One University Plaza Youngstown, Ohio 44555-0001 change service requested
PAID
Permit 264 Youngstown, Ohio