THE MAGAZINE OF OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY Fall 2016

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4 Write Like 20 Paradise 24 Muses 30 LAX HOF the Bard Preserved and Mentors Alumni enjoy a sunny evening at the Alumni Weekend Blues & Barbecue on the Stuyvesant Patio, May 13. Photo by Mark Schmitter ’12

See more images on Instagram @OhioWesleyan. 12

20 24 Features

12 Boom! When a tsunami called the baby boom generation began hitting Ohio Wesleyan in 1964, our University would never be the same.

20 Preserving a Paradise Lush forests, gorgeous blue sky, crystal-clear ocean, tropical birds—Amy Work ’04 is teaming up with OWU geography faculty and students to preserve Costa Rica’s rich environment.

24 A Launching Pad for Writers Prize-winning authors Amy Butcher, David Caplan, and Robert Olmstead lead Ohio Wesleyan’s creative writing program, carrying on a rich OWU tradition in the literary arts.

Departments

02 LEADER’S LETTER 10 COMFORT ZONES 36 CALENDAR 04 FROM THE JAYWALK 30 BISHOP BATTLES 37 CLASSNOTES 07 OWU TIMESCAPES 31 ALUMNI PROFILES 48 THE FINAL WORD 08 GIFTS AND GRATITUDE 34 ALUMNI HAPPENINGS

ON THE COVER: From 1964 to 1969, changes nationally and on OWU campus defined the emergence of the baby boom generation. Cover collage by Bill Walker. 2 | OWU Leader’s Letter

TIMES OF TRANSFORMATION IN ’60S AND TODAY New questions challenged campuses

n May of 1968 the Commission to Study topics of: in the campus culture between the Student Life Outside of the Classroom Barn parties (They will grow legally, if time of their matriculation and the Ipresented its report for consideration by permitted, illegally if not allowed.) time of their graduation. The lengthy the Ohio Wesleyan University Faculty, Deferred rush (Early rush splits the and comprehensive report of the Administration, and Board of Trustees. new student’s interest and attention Commission to Study Life Outside of the The commission, chaired by Professor between orientation to academic pursuit Classroom serves as a reminder that Libuse L. Reed, was appointed 12 months and Greek rushing.) this transformation did not happen in a earlier by President Elden Smith. For Campus dining (Recommend that dining vacuum, nor did it happen without deep a year, the commission worked in nine in the new hall be coed.) and careful reflection. While in places committees to explore every aspect of Attractive university housing and co-curricular life. furnishings (The current furniture situation has been “I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE described as ACADEMY’S COMMITMENT Early Ugly.) Visitation policy TO CIVIL DISCOURSE IN (Despite the motives WHICH THOSE WHO occasionally imputed to it by the adult DISAGREE VEHEMENTLY world, the pressure AGREE TO LISTEN TO ONE for men and women visiting in each ANOTHER.” other’s rooms is the language seems quaint to our 21st- probably rooted in century minds, the report addressed a simple plea for questions largely unasked prior to that privacy. How many time. engagements are Since the founding of the first made or broken in European institutions of higher learning the public privacy of nearly a millennium ago, the university a dormitory lounge?) campus has been a focal point for Discriminatory examination of and at times confrontation housing with the most pressing issues of the (Recommend that all time. Half a century ago those issues Rock Jones chats with Eilish Donnell '16 and Bhuneshwar Arjune '16. entering students be included a growing awareness of the I recently reviewed the full contents required to agree in writing to accept insidious impact of racial discrimination, of this report. It is a remarkable archive the initial assignment of roommate gender inequity, economic disparity, of this institution’s experience of the without regard for race or creed.) and international warfare. A generation dramatic and rapid changes that occurred Health and safety (Recommend hiring a was maturing in a time when technology, on college campuses across the country full-time clinical psychologist to provide mass communication, advances in health half a century ago. Perhaps the most professional counseling.) care, and an emerging popular culture lasting legacy of the commission was Alcoholic beverages (The committee is coincided with calls for freedom of the recommendation that the Board deeply sensitive to the fact that no more expression and self-determination, new of Trustees delegate responsibility for emotionally charged issue is before the tastes in music, and an entirely new sense student life policy away from a faculty University community than the issue of of fashion. committee on student life and to a newly liquor use by students.) Some saw this as a threat to the formed Council on Student Affairs (now And more. fundamental values that shape our WCSA) with a majority of its membership I often hear alumni who were society. Others saw it as the coming of coming from the student body. students in the late ’60s talk about the age of a people that sought to claim for The 1967-68 commission explored the dramatic transformation that occurred every member of society, not just those Leader’s Letter

THE MAGAZINE OF OHIO TIMES OF TRANSFORMATION IN ’60S AND TODAY WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY New questions challenged campuses

privileged by race, gender, or economic The discomfort of that moment is the station, the inalienable rights of life, price of a free and open conversation. But FALL 2016 | Volume 93 Issue N0. 2 liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. it is precisely that conversation that in the There is a sense in which history is end creates the opportunity for a more repeating itself half a century later. humane world, provided others respond www.owu.edu/alumni-and-friends/ Ohio Wesleyan Alumni Online Community Campuses across the country are appropriately. being challenged to think deeply and In this issue of OWU Magazine, we Vice President for University Advancement critically about the experiences of reflect on that time of extraordinary Colleen Garland

those who in one way or another may change half a century ago. Whether you Editor and Chief Communications Officer be marginalized in our society. Some have the years that give you firsthand Will Kopp are concerned that universities are memory of that time or you are sufficiently Director of Alumni Relations losing their sense of true purpose. And young to know this only as a chapter of Katie Webster in some cases, demands of students history, I encourage you to reflect on the may cross that line. But on the whole, idealism that captured that generation Managing Editor Lisa Lopez Snyder the issues attracting media attention and that led to such dramatic change. on campuses today (the experience And I encourage you to consider the Class Notes Editor of people of color, sexual assault, the ways in which today’s students reflect a Amanda Zechiel-Keiber ’09 [email protected] LGBTQ community, student debt and the similar idealism as they seek to make the loss of opportunity as a result of college world a better place. Designer cost, the exaggerated influence of big- I welcome your thoughts in response. Walker Design & Marketing time athletics in Division I, to name just Contributing Writers a few) are reflections of tensions that Mark Beckenbach, Jeff Bell, Kathy Lynn Gray, exist throughout our society and that cry Abby Hanson ’16, Cole Hatcher, Megan Pinto ‘14, Julia Stone ’16 out for careful examination and critical thought. Contributing Photographers I, for one, am grateful for the historic Rock Jones Sarah Blake, Lisa Di Giacomo, Spenser Hickey ’15, President, Ohio Wesleyan University Mark Schmitter ’12, Paul Vernon commitment of the American academy Twitter: @owu_rockjones to foster an environment where the free Editorial Board Colleen Garland, Emily Gattozzi, Will Kopp, and open exchange of ideas, even those Mike Plantholt, Nancy Rutkowski, Katie Webster we may find most offensive, is protected as a virtue not to be compromised. I am Office of University Communications (740) 368-3335 grateful for the academy’s commitment to civil discourse in which those who Alumni Relations Office disagree vehemently agree to listen to (740) 368-3325 [email protected] one another and where questions can be asked about our social structure and our Website: www.owu.edu commitment to equity and justice. OWU Magazine: http://magazine.owu.edu The Ohio Wesleyan Magazine At times, these commitments lead ISSN 0030-1221 me to a position of great discomfort. Sometimes the discomfort results from a challenge to my own position and the recognition that the challenge has a point worthy of my consideration and Printed on recycled paper perhaps even worthy of the changing of my mind. Sometimes the discomfort comes because I know the position being CORRECTIONS: In the Leader’s Letter, Spring 2016, the name of Arthur Sherwood Flemming, Class of advocated has no merit and perhaps no Elden T. Smith ’32, 11th President of 1927, was misspelled. We regret the error. basis in historical fact. Ohio Wesleyan 4 | OWU Letters From the JAYwalk

Round Robin Telling Our Stories In looking over Class Notes in the The current issue of the magazine Step 1: Get a quill pen most recent OWU Magazine, it was riveting to read, right to the occurred to me that a “Round Robin” last page. The magazine does a Step 2: Be a genius letter that began in 1951 might be most effective job of telling our To commemorate the 400th anniversary of of interest. The Pi Beta Phi grads of stories through excellent writing Shakespeare’s death, Ohio Wesleyan Associate the great Mid-Century Class started and colorful photography. Kudos Professor of English and Department Chair Zack this personal epistle, and it has to Larry Hamill for ‘Elliot Hall at Long designed a course with the goal of having continued to this day. Typically it Sunrise’ (how many of us would ever his students write a new Shakespearean play. has made “the rounds” in nine or 10 get to see that?), Rock’s ‘Leader’s “What can I do that would be fun, interesting, months, telling of marriages, births, Letter’, the piece on The Hamburger and even a little experimental?” Long thought. occupations, travels, deaths, and Inn, great coverage of Laurie The result—a cross between a literature class reunions, etc. The letter was lost two Anderson, and the timely article on and a creative writing workshop—was called times in this span of 66 years, but the Mock Convention. “How to Write Like Shakespeare.” it was always re-started and sent I am forwarding the article on on its way. Occasionally the news Coach Plantholt to my 12-year- In this course, Long says, rather than just was earthshaking, but more often it old grandson who is on a demonstrating their understanding of The told of everyday family happenings. Massachusetts Select Lacrosse Bard through an essay test or a critical paper, It always mentioned handsome/ Team to whet his appetite for students put theory into practice, writing their beautiful exceptional children who attending OWU! own plays employing Shakespearean themes might attend OWU! The picture of Jed Burtt made and methods. Current contributors are Joyce for an emotional moment. Thank Julia Stone ’16 says the class began by Bohyer Hildebrand of London, Ohio; you. reading Two Gentlemen of Verona and Othello, Mary Jo Jones Kennedy of London, Warm greetings, and students focused not so much on the Ohio; Mary Nouse Russell of Rocky – Kathleen Law Rhinesmith ’64 works themselves, but how the playwright was River, Ohio; Dorie Baker Blackmore Board Member, Life Trustee crafting his work. of Troy, Ohio; Janet Graham Jenkins of Mansfield, Pennyslvania; Peggy “It was definitely a different way of reading Bender Brick of Kennett Square, Shakespeare,” Stone says. Pennysvalnia; Kay Parker Jex of The students then broke off into two New Canaan, Connecticut; Eleanor groups—one decided to write a comedy about Rideout Melville of modern love and social media, and the other Owego, New York; chose to create a tragedy about Tom Riddle Dottie Turnbull of from the Harry Potter series. Long says the Roseburg, Oregon; and students’ choices were made in traditional Jane Williams Murphy Shakespearean fashion because Shakespeare of Salt Lake City, Utah. himself often took popular texts and used Originally the “Robin” them to write plays because they would be consisted of 14 Pi Phis. At present there are 10 lively “guaranteed hits.” “old ladies,” ages 87-88. Hannah Simpson ’16 says a big challenge When we entered college was using language from 1600, for instance, in fall 1946, campus was trying to figure out “where to use ‘you’ and growing and maturing. where to use ‘thou.’” Both groups also faced the The GI Bill was attracting Eight of the 14 Round Robin writers, Class of challenge of writing in verse. ex-military, married 1950, from left: Marty Sponsler Patterson, The Harry Potter group developed a plot students who were enrolled Janet Graham Jenkins, Mary Ellen Duis, outline and then wrote directly in verse, while and housed in neighborhood Joyce Bohyer Hildebrand, Dottie Turnbull, the social media group decided to write Vet Ville (Quonset huts), and Dorie Baker Blackmore, Mary Nouse Russell, “barebones scenes” in contemporary language baby buggies were actually and Mary Jo Jones Kennedy. and then translate them into verse. encountered on campus walks! — Joyce Hildebrand ’50 Students say the payoff was a new understanding about the techniques in the craft of creative writing. Nash Bonnema ’19 says he “definitely [has] a new appreciation of mechanics and tropes.” Share your opinions. Jordan Waterwash ’18 adds, “I just get it now.” Email us at [email protected]. Tweet to @OWUAlumni. Or send us a real paper-and-ink letter to OWU Magazine, Office of Communications, 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, OH 43015. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. From the JAYwalk FALL 2016 | 5

Students Love Summertime Classes To-Go Ohio Wesleyan University student Jessica “Dr. McCulloch and Dr. Sanford ’17 spent her summer working Eastman have been so full time as a political coordinator at the helpful,” she says. “They National Republican Senatorial Committee email the class often with in Washington, D.C. As if that didn’t keep clarifications and answers her busy enough, she also added a second to foreseeable questions. minor to her double major and completed Ruchi Kansal ’16 also her general requirements this summer by enjoyed her online class, taking two OWU online classes. especially the flexibility of Sanford enrolled in “Exploring the course times. Computer Science” with Associate “Even if you’re not Professor of Mathematics and Computer able to attend the Science Sean McCulloch and “Religions class online, Professor of the West” with Associate Professor McCulloch records it of Religion David Eastman. For the first so we can catch up time this summer, OWU offered six online easily afterwards,” says courses that could be taken from anywhere Kansal, a management in the world. economics major with a “Taking my two online courses through minor in mathematics. OWU has allowed me to pick up another Professors decide minor and to finish off my last science on the format of their online courses based on the content. Associate Professor of Zoology “Taking my two online Jessica Sanford ’17 at work full time in Washington, DC, this Shala Hankison ’95, who summer. She took two Ohio Wesleyan online summer courses. courses through OWU taught “Evolution” online, has allowed me to pick did not require class meeting times, but engaged with our students and to give them students had to be in contact through online the best OWU experience possible, even if it up another minor and office hours, online chats, or emails twice is in a different format,” she says. to finish off my last prior to each exam. “The best part is being able to do the “My favorite parts of the course are work at any time,” says Karis Lowrie ’18, who science credit.” when I have had email discussions or online took Hankison’s class. Lowrie, a zoology and — Jessica Sanford ’17 chats with my students,” says Hankison. classics major, said it was important to set “Because students are required to be in up specific times throughout the week for credit, so going into my senior year I won’t contact, I hear from all of them, and some schoolwork in order to stay on track. have to worry about general requirements students are really engaged and have a lot “Taking an online course has been anymore,” says Sanford, a politics and of feedback.” awesome. You get to do the work on your government and international studies major Hankison created short web lectures, own time and it helps to have the lectures with minors in French and religion. links to videos and documentaries, all online,” says Matt Maier ’17, a journalism “It’s surprisingly easy to take an hour computer-based labs and simulations, and major who took Eastman’s “Religions of the twice per week to log on to our scheduled various other assignments. She appreciates West” online class. lecture on Google Hangouts group,” she how students could tailor the online course “If you need to take a summer course, notes. “I also re-listen to lectures, and that to suit their needs, spending more or less I would definitely do it online,” he says. is when I take notes, as if I were in an actual time on certain sections based on their level “Everything you need is right in front of you, classroom lecture.” of understanding. so it is easy to do well.” Sanford says the engaging online The classes were a very popular choice lectures create an illusion of an in-person Mobility and motivation with students. Four of the six classes filled up class, and she appreciates how prompt her Hankison advised students to be self- in the first 15 minutes of the enrollment period, professors are at answering questions via motivated and to seek out their instructors and OWU had to open up additional “seats” in email. as often as possible. “We still want to be the classes. 6 | OWU OWU Timescapes From the JAYwalk

New Ross Director agreement that she’d be a perfect fit to Begins Dream Job continue the Ross’s The Richard M. Ross Art Museum has mission.” a new director. Erin Fletcher, formerly Fletcher says she the exhibitions coordinator for The Ohio is excited to continue State University Libraries and Billy Ireland the work begun by Cartoon Art Museum, joined OWU in her predecessor, August to lead the Ross Art Museum and Justin Kronewetter, the University’s Gallery 2001 and Mowry who retired after Alumni Gallery. nearly 15 years as the Fletcher will work with museum staff Ross Art Museum’s to oversee exhibits, coordinate lectures inaugural director. and other events, curate the museum’s “I am delighted to Chief among new Ross Art Museum Director Erin Fletcher’s roles will permanent collection of more than 3,000 join the OWU family be to oversee the leadership and direction of the museum, especially in terms of engaging the community on and off campus. artworks, help solicit gifts and grants as director of the to support the museum, teach courses Ross Art Museum,” Fletcher says. “It will Foundation for Women. related to her expertise (such as gallery be an honor to build on Justin’s legacy. She holds a Master of Arts degree in management), and provide leadership Academic museums provide a space for curatorial practice from California College in museum marketing and community exploration and innovation that is essential of the Arts, a Master of Arts certificate in outreach. to a 21st-century learning community. museum studies and education from John Susan McDonough ’74, chair of the It’s been my lifelong dream to work at a F. Kennedy University, and a Bachelor of Ross Art Museum’s National Board of liberal arts university, and I look forward to Fine Arts degree in sculpture and curatorial Advisors and a member of the search collaborating with OWU’s excellent faculty, practice from the University of Louisville. committee, says Fletcher has a history of engaging with the student body, and During the academic year, the Ross Art collaboration and success that will serve responding to the needs of the broader Museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and her well in her new role. community.” Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday from “Erin is smart, articulate, and used to Fletcher joined Ohio State in 2013 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m. to working in the college environment.” says and previously worked as a retreat and 5 p.m. It is closed Monday and Saturday. McDonough. “We were in unanimous residency coordinator for the Kentucky

Art project now rings on historic campus The OWU academic year begins and ends it was rung there for the first time at the with the ringing of OWU’s original class close of 2016 Commencement. bell. And now, a new bell stands in the Kelling, a native of Morrow, Ohio, center of campus as a symbol of peace researched bell-founding over the and as testament to the creative work of summer of 2015 before undertaking his OWU students. bell project last fall. He visited The Verdin Fine Arts and Botany major Owen Company, a bell foundry in Cincinnati, Kelling ’16, a member of the House of where he observed the casting of five Peace and Justice, designed and cast large bronze bells, each weighing about the bell as part of his senior project to 500 pounds. OWU Women in Science commemorate the 30th anniversary of Kelling says the bell celebrates the the P&J community. The 21-inch diameter, relationship between P&J resident 200-pound bell is the largest sculpture activists and the arts. “We all have this ever produced at Haycock Hall, setting deep connection to the peace our house a size record for iron casting at Ohio has fostered for years, the joy it has Wesleyan. fostered in all of its members. I see in University leaders decided to proudly my housemates the same latent drive to display the bell near Elliott Hall and change the world that brought me to P&J Merrick Lawn, the site of graduation, and in the first place.”

Owen Kelling ’16 sculpted and cast a new campus bell, rung for the first time at the 2016 Commencement. OWU Timescapes From the JAYwalk

1960

2016

OWU Women in Science Women studying science at Ohio Wesleyan have a strong microbiology major, holds a Ph.D. in molecular medicine and and proud history, from research in the lab (top) to work is an expert in neurodegenerative diseases at the University in the field (bottom). TheClass of 1949 chemistry majors, of California, San Francisco. alone, included Catherine Winkler Olds, Selene Elliot The next generation continues this success. Zoology Butters, and Lorraine “Lorry” Swatik Szabo, who enjoyed major Shannon Schlater ’17 (bottom), spent 10 weeks last a 38-year career at Standard Oil/BP and holds patents on year at The Rhino Orphanage in South Africa, where she Boron gasoline. OWU trustee and chemistry major Carol helped raise motherless calves. “With 1,215-plus rhinos Hilkirk Latham ’65 left BP to start her own company, poached in 2014 alone, we must realize our thirst for Thermagon, Inc. items such as ivory and rhino horn are driving wildlife into Amanda Matthews Woerman ’08, a botany/ extinction,” she says. 8 | OWU Gifts and Gratitude Gifts and Gratitude

LEGACY OF LETTERS he year is 1863. In a handwritten The Harveys recently donated T letter to his best friend’s what is now called The Paula B. and sister during the Civil War, Tom Thomas W. Harvey Collection to the Armstrong tells of his capture by OWU Historical Collection at Beeghly the Confederate Army. Writing from Library, where librarians are busy Libby Prison in Richmond, Virginia, preserving the correspondence and Armstrong details the grim and digitizing each piece for online access desperate conditions. and classroom study. The letter is among some “We’re excited about the way in 240 written between 1859 and which the letters are being presented 1866 by Armstrong—Tom’s great and preserved,” says Tom, president grandfather—his friend George and CEO of The Center for Ethics in Porter, as well as Armstrong’s brother Financial Education and a Woltemade and friends. The young men left their Center Board member. Zanesville homes in 1861 to fight for “They are beautifully written,” says the Union Army. Paula, who attended Ohio Wesleyan as The couple discovered the a French major from 1959 through 1960. letters in a wooden box in Tom’s The Harveys say “it made sense” parents’ house in 1994 soon after to make this an Ohio Wesleyan gift, as Tom and Paula Harvey helping them move to a retirement the University has long been central to community in Cleveland. At the time, both of their families. the box remained unopened, and Beeghly librarians are preserving Tom is working on a historical Tom’s parents had no idea what the Civil War letters, digitizing them novel based on the letters. “It’s a great was in it. for online and classroom study. retirement project,” he says.

A WINNING SPIRIT isha Sher ’00 fondly Despite the 3,000-plus miles M remembers his junior year as a separating Sher from his alma mater, Bishop soccer player. It was 1998 and he stays connected with OWU. He the team won the NCAA Division III corresponds regularly with his old national championship. He soaked it all coach Jay Martin—the winningest coach in. The cheers of his teammates. The in college men’s soccer history—keeps roar of the home crowd. an eye on the program, and contributes “It wasn’t just that we won,” he says. philanthropically to Team OWU. “It’s how we won.” “As time goes by you realize how What made it special were the special those years were, so to be many alumni from the soccer program able to contribute to the success of the in the stands. They all made an program is important to me,” he says. enormous contribution to the strength “Jay made everyone feel a part of it. and tradition of the program, he says. That experience of being a student- “You felt like you won it for everyone Misha Sher ’00 athlete served us well.” who came before us, not just the team.” Sher’s life wasn’t always in the That winning spirit has propelled Sher limelight. In 1991, when the U.S.S.R. was breaking up, throughout his career as a professional soccer “As time goes by Sher’s family immigrated to Minnesota from Kiev in player, financial executive, and now as head you realize how Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. After a short of sport and entertainment at London-based special those years time at the University of Maine, he transferred to MediaCom, a global leader in media and were, so to be Ohio Wesleyan where he majored in economics and advertising. He represents commercial interests minored in journalism. of some of the world’s most recognized athletes, able to contribute “I came to the realization that what I really wanted including soccer icon Pelé, while also advising to the success of was to be a part of a smaller, more intimate college multimillion-dollar companies such as Coca-Cola, the program is environment with a strong academic reputation and American Airlines, and Shell on how best to important to me.” an elite soccer program,” he says. “I met with Jay, and navigate the $60 billion sponsorship industry. the rest is history.”

The Tower Society | [email protected] | (740) 368-3078 Gifts and Gratitude Gifts and Gratitude FALL 2016 | 9

BENCH DEDICATIONS HONOR SCOTT SOMMER ’73, BRANDON BELL ’06 n recent months, friends of two Ohio Wesleyan Rich Kramer ’06 and friends dedicated a bench I alumni who have passed away honored the in honor of Brandon Bell ’06 at a private ceremony memory of their cherished former classmates with held during Alumni Weekend last May. Bell, who ceremonies dedicating benches in their name grew up in Akron, Ohio, passed away in January on campus. 2016. Jon Armstrong ’73 and friends dedicated a “Brandon was the most charismatic person I bench in honor of Scott Sommer ’73, who died ever met,” says Kramer, an economics management in November 1993 at the age of 42. A prolific major with a concentration in business management. novelist and screenwriter known for his tragicomic “He was super intelligent and could talk on any characters, Sommer was recalled as charismatic subject. Most important, though, he made you feel and as someone who “possessed a wicked wit.” like you were the only person in the room in the “Scott was one of the funniest people ever,” Scott Sommer ’73, novelist and screenwriter. midst of the crowd.” says Armstrong, a politics and government major After college, Bell, who friends called a “free from Sandusky, Ohio. He remembers meeting spirit,” took time off and travelled the world after Sommer, a philosophy major who hailed from New working for a company that developed medical Jersey, their junior year, when they shared a suite in devices. He was in Nepal in April 2015 during the Welch Hall. earthquake, and survived after being initially among Sommer went on to earn a master’s degree in a number of missing Americans. creative writing from Cornell, and then settled in Kramer says he, Brandon and Ben Bell (no New York City, where he wrote four novels and a relation) were friends and suitemates since freshman collection of short stories. He wrote the screenplay year in 2002. “We didn’t do the whole fraternal life,” for the film CrissCross, starring Goldie Hawn, and he says, “but we had our own social network.” his novel Nearing Grace was made into a feature Bell’s friends remembered him as someone film in 2002. who accomplished his goals, always encouraged his Armstrong, who worked in banking and finance friends, and whose curiosity and enthusiasm were in New York after earning an M.B.A. at Columbia, an inspiration. said the two saw or spoke to each other every day. Kramer, a golf team recruit, recalls Bell trying out “One line he used often in the late ’80s and for the golf tournament as a walk-on and making the early ’90s was, ‘The trouble with New York is team. everyone has bought a ticket to his/her own show.’” The bench, he says is a way he and Bell’s Armstrong says, “Bearing in mind that this was friends wanted to remember him and serves as a pre-Twitter, pre-Facebook, pre-Instagram, I always way to tell others that Brandon had an impact on thought he was rather prophetic with regard to other people’s lives. “He had this wisdom about today’s social media. Can you imagine what he’d him,” Kramer says. have to say about that?” “He really made me think about what I wanted to Sommer’s bench is inscribed, “Scholar. Novelist. Brandon Bell ’06 do in my life and the kind of a person I wanted in Australia. Teacher. Friend.” to be.”

Rich Kramer ’06 (left) and Ted Ottaway ’06, friends of Brandon Bell ’06, at dedication.

Friends of Scott Sommer ’73 at June 7 dedication. Front row (from left): Dave Gardner ’72, Professor Emeritus Robert Flanagan, Katy Flanagan, Kenyon Pike ’73, Paul Johnson '73, Jim Mendenhall ’73. Back row: Bobby Camilleri, Sheila Egan, Ken Pifer ’73, Mary Ellen Hart ’73, Jim Hart ’73, Jon Armstrong ’73.

The Tower Society | [email protected] | (740) 368-3078 10 | OWU Comfort Zones

Bob Gitter • Supplying Great Teaching Bob Gitter’s “comfort zone” at Ohio Wesleyan is Now, it’s Bob who provides the example of great a classroom full of students in Corns Hall, with a economics teaching. supply and demand graph on the blackboard. “I want to teach people how to make better The Joseph A. Meek Professor of decisions and to make things better in terms of jobs Economics, Bob joined OWU in 1976 after and income.” earning his Ph.D. in economics at the University He teaches courses in labor economics, his main of Wisconsin. In those early days, he says field of interest, as well as public finance, principles, he’d linger outside the classrooms of Uwe and econometrics. In 1999, he was recognized for his Woltemade and Norman Leonard, inspired and exceptional teaching with the Bishop Herbert Welch awed by their lectures. Meritorious Teaching Award.

1 Motor City 5 Economics Starts Here Bob grew up in Detroit, prompting a lifelong “The supply-demand graph is such a simple but love affair with the Tigers and a keen insight powerful model.” Bob says economics—more into the central role of economics in society. so than other social sciences—tends to rely on “Detroit has been in constant flux since I was a model to understand what’s going on with the born. I’ve seen all the changes in the city, and world. at the root, much of it is economics.” 6 Exploring New Knowledge 2 Old School “Good research complements good teaching,” Don’t expect to see a PowerPoint says Bob, who enriches his lectures with his presentation in Bob’s class. He says in some own research experiences. His scholarship is ways he’s an “old schooler,” always with his also making important contributions into the printed notes, which he’s constantly revising. field of labor economics. In 2002, his research “I’ve been teaching Principles of Economics on earnings and employment of American for 40 years, and I have to update my notes Indians on and off reservations was published every year. What are the issues of the day, in the premier economics journal, American and what do we know about them?” Economic Review. He also works one-on-one with many students as they dive into economics research. 3 The Power of Data Bob says the biggest change in education he’s seen has been the growing power of 7 Fantasy Wizard computers, which now allow students to Does an economist have an edge in a fantasy quickly access economic data that would baseball league? Bob uses statistical methods have required days of research in the 1970s. in economics to build his fantasy league “It’s mind boggling. The computing power I teams—and he’s won the league championship have on my phone exceeds the power Ohio eight times in 25 years. One of his best Wesleyan had when I came here.” bargains: Bob acquired Josh Donaldson for $1 before he became an all-star and American League MVP. 4 Starbucks Dark Roast “An economics professor is a machine that converts coffee into lectures.” Bob’s personal 8 Lasting Ties mug features photos of his six grandchildren. This gift from a student from South Asia is one His three children are Seth Gitter, Leah of many Bob has received from his students Gitter, and OWU psychology graduate Dan over the years. He’s especially grateful to have Greenleaf ’05. He and Liz Gitter have been taught some 30 students whose parents were happily married for 42 years. also in his classes years ago. “I’m really honored by that. It’s a great responsibility.” —Will Kopp 5 8

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Photo: Paul Vernon Come mothers and fathers Throughout the land And don’t criticize What you can’t understand Your sons and your daughters Are beyond your command Your old road is rapidly agin’ Please get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand For the times they are a-changin’

“The Times They are A-Changin’” – Bob Dylan, 1963

When the tsunami known as the baby boom generation came to Ohio Wesleyan, our University would never be the same.

By Jeff Bell

Photos courtesy of OWU Historical Collection, alumni, and other archives. FALL 2016 | 13

Come mothers and fathers Throughout the land And don’t criticize What you can’t understand Your sons and your daughters Are beyond your command Your old road is rapidly agin’ Please get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand For the times they are a-changin’

“The Times They are A-Changin’” – Bob Dylan, 1963

When the tsunami known as the baby boom generation came to Ohio Wesleyan, our University would never be the same.

By Jeff Bell

ive decades have passed since the day the first in their opposition to the established way of doing things. baby boomers (born in 1946) walked onto the Ohio “There was no in-between,” says Haddock, who was Wesleyan campus. But memories of that tumultuous student government president his senior year. “I’ve never been time for Ohio Wesleyan and the nation as a whole in a situation where there were such clearly defined value remain fresh for boomer Ed Haddock ’69. systems. It would not have been more conspicuous even if it F The Richmond, Virginia, native says OWU was an had been spray-painted on the wall in different colors.” “incredibly conservative place” when he first arrived on Students turned up the volume on just about everything campus, a reflection of 1950s-America. But that began to affecting their lives—Vietnam, the military draft, civil rights, change with the arrival of the baby boomers—Haddock rock ’n’ roll, drug use, and the beginning of the women’s among them—at the University. movement. And they got bolder in pushing for changes to The first baby boomers rolled onto the OWU campus, longstanding Ohio Wesleyan policies such as curfews for and within a short time, they had brought with them a new female students, restrictions on living off-campus, and zeitgeist. drinking at University-related functions. Some also pushed Much of it was due to the Vietnam War, which cast a cloud for an end to de-facto bans on minority students pledging over campus, especially during Haddock’s junior and senior sororities and fraternities. years. He says arguments over the war and changing social While not always successful in getting their way, Ohio values caused a deep divide between juniors and seniors with Wesleyan students in the 1960s established a lasting legacy at more conservative views and freshmen and sophomores vocal the University, says Tom Tritton ’69. 14 | OWU

“It served as a transitional period The Baby Boom Hits OWU Professor of Philosophy Bernard Murchland. The size of each class during the 1965-66 from the passivity of the ’50s to a much academic year, after the boomers began The book notes that student unrest more dynamic, open, and questioning arriving in 1964. related to the Vietnam War was just part society that continues to this day,” he of “a wide panorama of societal change” says. “It became permissible for students 841 in the late ’60s. It included the Civil Rights to challenge authority and confront Movement, the spread of rock ’n’ roll, and things they saw as wrong. That was the beginning of the women’s movement. 668 unlike past generations when you just With the influx of baby boomers, went along with the program and didn’t the ’60s became the polar opposite of 503 say anything.” 453 the tranquil ’50s, the book states, noting Haddock believes the baby boomers “traditions were scorned, rules were who followed his OWU class had a major SENIORS JUNIORS SOPHOMORES FRESHMEN perceived as superfluous,” and students impact on the University. no longer went along with the idea that “They brought to campus a very different culture than the University “should fulfill the role of rule-maker, enforcer, what had been there before,” he says. “It was led by the guardian, and protector of students.” Vietnam tsunami and swept across Ohio Wesleyan and Much of the acrimony was fueled by student demands campuses in the rest of the country. The impact was very for changes in housing policies, including elimination of profound.” the rule that forbad men and women from visiting each other’s residence hall rooms. OWU’s official but often-broken AGE OF AQUARIUS prohibition on alcohol at University-related functions was The changing times at Ohio Wesleyan in the ’60s are addressed under fire as well. in the book Noble Achievements: The History of Ohio Wesleyan Students also began to voice their concerns on the draft, from 1942 to 1992. Published as part of the University’s racial discrimination, and the Vietnam War. In 1966, 15 sesquicentennial celebration, the book was written by a students from the local chapter of Students for a Democratic number of faculty members and administrators and edited by Society protested a Selective Service qualifying exam in the

The Beatles make their first U.S. appearance live on The Ed Sullivan show on Feb. 9. On “Bloody Sunday,” March President 7, some 600 civil Lyndon B. rights marchers Johnson in Alabama are signs the Civil attacked on their Rights Act of peaceful civil rights into law. 1964 march from Selma to Montgomery.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. where he delivers the famous “I Have a Dream” speech. OWU - CHANGING TIMES Diane Peterson ’66 Female seniors pledges the Tri-Delts, 1964 integrating OWU sororities. are granted 1965 unlimited 1:30 a.m. curfews, but they are still required to sign out if they will be out after Guitar dorm-closing strumming hours. and folk music grow in popularity on campus. Here, OWU College Bowl team retires Pete Colket undefeated after five victories on TV leads the Folk quiz show. Gov. Rhodes proclaims Singing Club. “Ohio Wesleyan College Bowl Day.” FALL 2016 | 15

Memorial Union Building (now the flexible and liberal-minded faculty.” R.W. Corns Building). Later, pickets As a result, students were allowed protested campus visits by recruiters representation on the University from the Marine Corps and Dow Board of Trustees, and student boards Chemical Company, maker of napalm were taking part in evaluation used in U.S. attacks on targets in of instructors, “furthering the Dick Smith teaches a history class. Vietnam. democratic process in the governance The scale of protests soon escalated. In 1968, about 250 of (the University).” Ohio Wesleyan students protested the war by marching Several alumni from the late ’60s remember OWU through Delaware and sponsoring antiwar speakers on the administrators employing an even-handed approach in lawn of Gray Chapel. In 1969, students organized a march prior addressing student demands. to the Vietnam Moratorium demonstration in Washington, “They tried to manage the situation,” Haddock says, D.C. In addition, about 15 students staged a three-day “and were careful not to restrict our freedom of expression, “starvation strike” on campus in May that year, with a list of meetings, and demonstrations as long as they were not demands that included elimination of ROTC course credits, damaging anything.” passage of a student bill of rights, and elimination of social While its students certainly were engaged in the issues of restrictions. the day, Ohio Wesleyan was spared the upheaval and violence The unrest reached a tipping point in May 1970 (at seen at many other universities in the ’60s, says Professor the same time as the Kent State shootings), when some Emeritus of History Richard Smith. He joined the faculty 100 students took over the ROTC Building in protest of the in 1950, retired in 1986, and remains part of the University escalation of the war. They also took part in more marches and community. stepped up their demands for participation in departmental “There were no overturned cars, broken windows, or meetings and on faculty committees. riotous behavior,” Smith says. “Part of it was we kept them Noble Achievements says the student protests and working, writing papers and working in the lab. We demanded demands “caused serious but not insuperable difficulties for a quality from them.”

Stokely Carmichael elected president of Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).

The firstStar Trek episode is broadcast. The National Organization for Women U.S. sends ground (NOW) is founded. troops to Vietnam.

President Elden Smith announces More than 1,300 students petition for an end to current housing the decision of the Board of Trustees regulations. President Smith says change is not imminent. 1965to end compulsory chapel. 1966 The women’s lacrosse team, under head coach Mary Parker, plays Barry Clemens ’65 its first intercollegiate game. becomes the only Bishop player to win Fifteen students from the local Students for a Democratic Society the Dick Gregory chapter hold a protest at the MUB. They throw two eggs, but Award as Ohio otherwise, remain peaceful. Athletic Conference MVP in basketball. He finishes his career as the leading scorer in Ohio Wesleyan history and goes on to play 11 years in the NBA. 16 | OWU

He says Ohio Wesleyan students of “I wanted to be a social worker and that era continued to expect to receive change the world,” she remembers. “What a first-rate education as they pursued Ohio Wesleyan did for me was to make me their goals of launching careers in law, aware of what that meant.” medicine, government, science, and other Bussell took a social work practice fields. course with a field experience in which she “Their parents were behind them, worked with Delaware County families Student Action Committee members begin too,” Smith says. “Wesleyan was able to 3-day starvation strike in April 1969 in response living in poverty and an urban sociology stay on course.” to concerns about administration policies. course in which she and classmates spent a week in inner-city New York. YOU SAY YOU WANT A REVOLUTION In addition, the national events of the day, especially Ohio Wesleyan in the ’60s was still very much a place where the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert in loco parentis was the order of the day, says Jean Fitzwater Kennedy, sharpened her thinking about the future and Bussell ’69. That meant a curfew for women, a ban on visiting making a difference. the dorm rooms of the opposite sex, and no drinking on “There were so many things that happened while we were campus. at Ohio Wesleyan that have affected our culture since then “It wasn’t until the early ’70s that the University went and hopefully prepared us to deal with it,” says Bussell, who to a much more socially liberal set of practices on campus,” went on to a long, impactful career in social services. “It was she says. “The revolution took a little longer to get to Ohio an amazing experience.” Wesleyan.” As it is today, Ohio Wesleyan in the ’60s was a place where A CHANGE IS GONNA COME students received an education, both inside and outside the Alumni from the mid- to late-1960s say Ohio Wesleyan was classroom, which would prepare them to make a difference in not a diverse place then, with only a small number of African- the world. For Bussell, the four years at OWU helped her realize American and foreign-born students enrolled. It remained that a long-held dream—one held by many baby boomers. way through the end of the decade, with a brochure produced

In theaters: The Graduate and Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? On turntables: Sergeant Pepper’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Lonely Hearts Club Band. and Robert Kennedy are assassinated. Thurgood Marshall is sworn Green Bay Packers in as first beat the Kansas black U.S. City Chiefs 35-10 The musical Hair Supreme in the first Super Court justice. Bowl, known then as the AFL-NFL World Championship.

The theme for Monnett Day is “On Being and Becoming,” chosen to fit “the existentialist emphasis of the college.” 1967The football team goes 1968 undefeated for the second time in the 20th century, finishing 8-0-1.

Comedian Dick Gregory performs at Gray Chapel. FALL 2016 | 17

by the Student Union on Black Awareness episode,” she says. “I will never forget his (SUBA) in 1970 noting 97 percent of the student constant support, encouragement, and empathy.” body was white. His stand against segregation in OWU’s Greek Racial segregation in Greek life that system became so emphatic that he wrote to the prevented black students from pledging national offices of all sororities and fraternities Diane Peterson ‘66 (right) with fellow active at the University, demanding they adopt sororities was still in place at OWU in the early Tri-Delt sister Sarah Emler Straub ‘69. ’60s. That began to change in 1964 when Diane a nondiscrimination clause in their bylaws or be Petersen ’66, a black student from New Jersey, expelled from campus. pledged Delta Delta Delta at the urging of friends from her dorm But Petersen says OWU’s sororities still were slow to admit and classes. African-Americans and other minorities. “What happened to me “While some members of the sorority guessed that pledging was significant, but it didn’t mean the floodgates were open,” she an African-American might raise a few eyebrows,” Petersen says. recalls, “most never even thought about it. They simply wanted She also remembers rising awareness among students me as one of their sisters.” about the Civil Rights Movement during her years at OWU. That Unfortunately, officials at the Tri Delts national awareness continued to grow after she graduated when black headquarters in Texas did not see it that way. Nor did members students began to push for change on campus. of some chapters in the South, calling the Ohio Wesleyan A watershed moment occurred in 1968 when SUBA was chapter an embarrassment for pledging a black student. founded to support African-American students and enrich cultural Petersen says the national office began scrutinizing the understanding at the University. That was also the year when the Ohio Wesleyan chapter’s records, looking for reasons to put Student Committee on Race Relations presented 12 suggestions it on probation and prevent it from initiating pledges into to the administration on ways to improve diversity on campus. membership. But OWU President Elden Smith intervened on The requests, many of which eventually were adopted, included the chapter’s behalf with the Tri Delts national office, allowing a center for African-American social activities, a black counselor Petersen to be initiated in the spring of 1965. on the admissions staff, more black faculty members, an African- “President Smith was simply a prince through the entire American on the Board of Trustees, a black history course, and a

Feminists protest at the Miss America contest in Atlantic City.

Easy Rider comes to Neil Armstrong the Strand Theatre. becomes the first astronaut to step onto the surface of the moon. Stonewall riot in New York marks beginning of gay North Vietnamese launch rights movement. the Tet Offensive.

Trustees increase OWU fees to The Commission to Study $2,250 for tuition and $1,075 for The Wesleyan Council on 1968Student Life Outside the room and1969 board. Student Affairs (WCSA) is formed. Classroom recommends Students begin serving on faculty students should be free committees, and three students are to drink alcohol within the elected to the Board of Trustees. limits of the law. Greek participation declines to 62 percent of men and 48 percent of women. (In 1960, 87 percent of men and 72 percent of women were in OWU Student Union on Black the Greek system.) Awareness (SUBA) is founded. Some 250 students march Students organize a march for through Delaware peace and a silent vigil in front of to protest the the MUB. More than 150 students Vietnam war and travel to Washington, DC, for the sponsor speakers First-year student Jackie Rice ’72 is elected 1969 Homecoming Queen, the national Vietnam Moratorium on the lawn of demonstration. Gray Chapel. first black woman and freshman to win the title. 18 | OWU

“positive recruiting attitude” to increase futures and even their lives hinged on the OWU’s minority enrollment, according draft and student deferments to keep them to reports in The Transcript, the student from being inducted into the armed forces. newspaper. Tritton remembers having helped set up a group that counseled students on the R-E-S-P-E-C-T draft. He was also one of the organizers for The national women’s movement was in a Members of The Lyres band​, all Class of several peace demonstrations on campus, fledgling stage in the ’60s, but expectations 1969, left to right​:​ Erik Calonius, Charles and his name appeared in The Transcript as White, Tom Tritton,​ ​​and ​J. Russell Jamison. and opportunities for women were a spokesman for the Ohio Wesleyan Peace beginning to change, says Ann Tarbutton Committee, whose efforts included OWU’s Gerhart ’69. Students in the 1960s participation in an international fasting During her time at OWU, women established a lasting legacy movement against the Vietnam War. generally were not encouraged to go to law at OWU, moving from Tritton says his four years at Ohio school. But Dean of Academic Affairs Allan the passivity of the ’50s Wesleyan changed his view of the world Ingraham urged her to apply and even and led to an idealism that valued peace, called several law schools to help her gain to a much more open and nonviolence, fairness, justice, and equality admission. She accepted an offer from the questioning society that for all. It helped position him to embark on University of Cincinnati and went on to a continues to this day.” a remarkable career as a cancer researcher, successful career as an attorney. – Tom Tritton ’69 academician, president of Haverford College, Gerhart also received encouragement and chair of the OWU Board of Trustees. from her advisor, English Professor Libby Reed, and Mildred Part of Tritton’s outlook was shaped by the fact that he Newcomb, the Mortar Board advisor. In addition, Gerhart and his classmates watched nightly as network newscasts was especially inspired by two of her sorority sisters at Kappa reported on the escalating number of U.S. soldiers killed in Alpha Theta—Barbara Brill Brown ’66, who went to Thailand Vietnam and campus protests against a war whose purpose in the Peace Corps and then to law school, and Barbara was unclear to an increasing number of Americans. Hartley Schlachter ’67, who became one of the first women Haddock says he opposed the war and felt the United ordained to the Episcopal priesthood. States had no reason to be in the conflict. But he also “In a time when many young women were only beginning thought OWU was not the place for antiwar marches and to think beyond the immediate goal of marriage and family, demonstrations. role models were very important,” “My point was that’s not why Gerhart says. we were at Ohio Wesleyan,” he says. Petersen says cultural biases in Traditions Before & After “I felt we were there to become the mid-1960s still steered women equipped with a voice so we could to careers in teaching, nursing, and the Boomers have an impact on the world (after administrative assistant work. But WHAT’S OUT WHAT’S IN college) rather than to get bogged as the boomers hit campus and the Dances Rock Concerts down in rejecting the positive things number of female students grew, Freshman Dinks Guitars going on at our university. We were hope and encouragement also grew there to get on with our education for OWU women with big dreams. Dry Campus Barn Parties and careers and to change things that Petersen, for example, was inspired In Loco Parentis Student Freedom way.” by Professor Barbara Tull in the Serenades Folk Festivals Haddock has done that during a speech department. career filled with accomplishments Dorm Raids Anti-War Protests “She was a model for me as an attorney, business executive, in terms of what women could Discreet Alcohol Discreet Pot and cofounder of Full Sail University, accomplish,” says Petersen, who Single-Sex Dorms Coed Smith Hall which offers degree programs for the went on to a career as a physician Mandatory Faculty-Student entertainment industry, media, arts, and surgeon. “She showed me that Chapel Discussion Groups and technology. if you can conceive it and believe it, Tom Palmer ’69 remembers Beauty Contests SUBA you can do it.” his undergraduate years as a time Curfews Smokers when OWU students tackled issues, WHAT ARE WE Skirts & Slacks Jeans including Vietnam and race issues, FIGHTING FOR? Student Council WCSA in a questioning yet productive way While civil rights and women’s instead of “striking out” or dropping issues were gaining attention, the Pinnings at MUB out. Sulphur Spring Habit war in Vietnam was the biggest He also says the shift in how thing on the minds of most men Spring Fever Day People’s Concerts students viewed the world did not of the ’60s at Ohio Wesleyan. Their Bun’s Hamburger Inn Home Economics Whitey’s Nocturnal Fashion Show Bookstore FALL 2016 | 19

affect the tight-knit bonds they his broader experience at OWU have had with faculty members. Palmer served him well, including in his still speaks fondly of playing in a career as an attorney and civic leader basketball league with professors in Toledo, Ohio. For him, that’s the and the University chaplain and lasting legacy of having been among how faculty members challenged the first baby boomers to graduate students to think independently. from the University. “I wanted to be a social worker “I look at Ohio Wesleyan as GOOD VIBRATIONS and change the world. What Ohio having been a wonderful experience,” The ’60s at Ohio Wesleyan may he says, “because it gave me the have been filled with angst about Wesleyan did for me was to make opportunity to grow at the right pace Vietnam, civil rights, and feminism, me aware of what that meant.” and motivated me to continue to but baby boom students, like – Jean Fitzwater Bussell ’69 grow in life. I’m grateful for that and the students who preceded and regard it as a gift.” succeeded them, still made time for fun and games. Alumni Other alumni see it that way as well. from the late ’60s remember attending campus concerts by “For me, it was my liberal arts education and how that the Mamas and the Papas, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and prepared all of us so well for life,” Petersen says, “and then the Animals, riding cafeteria trays down the snowy hill by going back for a reunion and seeing how successful everyone Stuyvesant Hall, Homecoming in the fall, Monnett Weekend in was in their lives—and not just financial success.” the spring, sorority-fraternity dances, football and basketball Gerhart adds, “Every generation has had to deal with games, and socializing at “The Jug” in Delaware. changes, and our alma mater has held our hand the whole But most important, Gerhart says, were the enduring time. It has also grown and changed along with us. But the friendships made during those years. Indeed she still meets core values—intellectual curiosity, personal tenacity, service annually on Long Island with about 10 of her OWU friends. to others, and respect for all people—have remained.” Palmer says his interactions with faculty members and Jeff Bell is a freelance writer in Westerville, Ohio.

DespiteDespite thethe turbulenceturbulence ofof thethe ’60s,’60s, babybaby boomboom studentsstudents stillstill mademade timetime forfor fun.fun. AlumniAlumni rememberremember campus campus concerts concerts by by the the Animals Animals, and and the the Mamas Mamas and and the the Papas, Papas, riding riding cafeteria cafeteria trays traysdown down the the snowy snowy hill hill by by Stuyvesant Stuyvesant Hall, Hall, and and socializing socializing at at“The “The Jug” Jug” in inDelaware. Delaware. An Ohio Wesleyan alumna, professors, and students are teaming up and using high-tech geography in Costa Rica to help preserve a rich and wonderful ecosystem.

PRESERVINGBy Kathy Lynn Gray A Paradise THE OWU CONNECTION

By Kathy Lynn Gray

ooking out at the lush, vivid greenery around her simple A lofty sentiment, to be sure. But one she believes in so home in Costa Rica, Amy Work ’04 can scarcely believe firmly that she’s trying to pass it along to other OWU students her good fortune. The sky is a gorgeous blue, a crystal-clear by inviting them to visit—and learn—in her little piece of ocean is nearby, colorful tropical birds swoop overhead, and paradise. the sunshine is endless. Work’s life on the eastern coast of Costa Rica centers on It’s a far cry from her growing-up years in Westerville and something she was introduced to at Ohio Wesleyan: GIS— her college years at Ohio Wesleyan University, where weather geographic information system—technology. In its simplest tended more toward overcast skies and freezing Midwest form, it’s a way to display several sets of data on a single map winters. so users can see and analyze the relationships between each. “If you would have told me when I was in college that Accessed through computer software, the technology is used I’d be living in the tropics and working I would have said in fields ranging from archaeology to mosquito control to you’re joking, there is no way,” Work says. “Now I know that politics—anything that can use location as a factor. anything’s possible.” GIS technology was growing in popularity in 2000 when FALL 2016 | 21

An Ohio Wesleyan alumna, professors, and students are teaming up and using high-tech geography in Costa Rica to Working with Geoporter’s Amy Work ’04 (far left), the OWU team included (from left) Professor John Krygier, Olivia Lease ’17, Michael Durfee ’17, help preserve a rich and wonderful ecosystem. Christopher Pessell ’18, Luke Steffen ’16, Maddy Coalmer ’18, and Assistant Professor Nathan Amador.

Paradise THE OWU CONNECTION “Amy’s work shows that you can be successful and flourish with a geography major, and for her to have taken the same classes in the major that I’m taking meant even more.” — Madeleine Coalmer ’18

new paths based on the students’ work. “She’s one of those people who has a vision and can see the parts needed to make it happen,” Krygier says. “What Amy got in that class was that there’s a tool that can make Photo by Alejandro Orozco big, good things happen.” After graduating from Syracuse University with a master’s degree in geography in 2006, Work became an Work was an OWU freshman taking a mapping course taught education and GIS coordinator at the Institute for the by geology and geography professor John Krygier. Application of Geospatial Technology, or IAGT, in Auburn, “That class talked about how maps have helped us New York. Through her work there she met Anita and Roger understand the world over time, and at the end it talked about Palmer, founders of GISetc, a for-profit company that helps GIS,” Work says. A follow-up class taught her the nitty-gritty of educators learn to use GIS in the classroom. GIS and convinced her of its power. By the time she graduated Beginning in 2009, the Palmers began traveling to the in 2004 with a triple major in geography, urban studies, and Costa Rican coastal village of Bahia Ballena to introduce GIS environmental studies, she knew she wanted to pursue a to community leaders, in the hopes the technology would career centered on GIS. help the village transition from a farming-and-fishing Work was sharp, focused, and fully engaged in learning economy to a tourism economy. When it became obvious about GIS, Krygier says, especially in upper-level courses where the couple’s yearly visits weren’t enough for the project to students used the technology to help map potential pathways prosper, they asked Work to live and work there full-time. for future Delaware bike paths. Eventually, Delaware created That’s what she’s done since August 2012. She’s funded 22 | OWU

by Geoporter, a nonprofit organization set up by Work, the To spread the word about the success and encourage Palmers, and two Bahia Ballena community members. It’s others to embrace the technology, Work turned to her alma designed to send educators around the world to do exactly what mater. She contacted Krygier, who had first taught her GIS, Work is doing in Costa Rica: solve local issues with GIS. This is and his new colleague, Nathanael Amador, and asked: Would Geoporter’s first project. Ohio Wesleyan students be interested in working with A hallmark of Geoporter is helping communities help Geoporter? themselves, Work explains. “The community members are the The idea jelled when Work returned to the states in 2014 ones who are doing it,” she says. “The community has the goals to be inducted into the Ohio Wesleyan Athletic Hall of Fame and the objectives, and the focus is on getting community for her starring role on the Battling Bishops’ national title- members to use the technology themselves.” winning women’s soccer teams of 2001 and 2002. She talked Bahia Ballena leaders decided to tackle trash in the streets up her GIS project with Ohio Wesleyan President Rock Jones with the help of GIS. For a decade, trash had been picked up and by 2015, Amador, with Krygier’s help, was offering a curbside at homes, but in public places, residents tended to toss travel-learning course to Costa Rica. Such courses are a core it on the ground, Work says. As a result, trash ended up in local element of The OWU Connection, helping students connect streams and then in the ocean, reducing the area’s appeal for classroom learning with real-world practice in global settings. tourists. “I still feel such a connection to the students at Ohio Work suggested mapping where trash was coming from Wesleyan,” Work says. “I wanted them to see what I’m doing with my degree and to instill in students that you can apply your knowledge to anything and, if you have a passion, follow it.” “Life in Costa Rica The proposal had clicked with Amador, an assistant professor of geology and geography who’d revolves around begun working at Ohio Wesleyan in 2014. He was family, church teaching Environmental Alterations, a required class and soccer, so on for environmental studies majors, and added the Sundays the entire Costa Rica portion as an option for additional class credit. town shows up to “What Amy does embodies the point of watch the games. the course, which is how humans impact the And there were no environment,” Amador says. “And it ties together the trash cans near the whole idea of being at Ohio Wesleyan, which is that graduation isn’t the end of your involvement with soccer fields.” the University community.” —Amy Work ’04 By December 2015, five students, along with Amador and Krygier, were bumping along the mostly unpaved roads of Costa Rica. Each had as a first step. In 2013, she and community members collected completed an environmental project centered on the country trash at specific intervals on the road, counted the kinds of before their trip, and their 11-day visit expanded on those trash found there, and mapped the results using GIS. They projects. found a high concentration of candy wrappers outside grocery Madeleine Coalmer ’18 examined the effects of stores near schools, for example, from students buying candy on ecotourism, global warming, and climate change on water their way home. Soccer fields—popular community gathering supplies in Costa Rica. She wanted to find out what could be spots—had food wrappers and bottles. done in the future to reduce yearly water shortages during “Life in Costa Rica revolves around family, church, and the dry season. She soon realized that even her use of water at soccer, so on Sundays the entire town shows up to watch the home in Youngstown, Ohio, could ultimately affect the water games,” Work says. “And there were no trash cans near the supply in Central America. soccer fields.” “When my mom picked me up from the airport after An analysis of the mapped trash produced action within the trip, the first thing I told her was I’m going to be more the year: Trash cans with sections for recyclables and sections cautious of how much water I’m using,” she says. for non-recyclables were added where they would reduce the Coalmer also learned how much opportunity her chosen most trash, and an education program encouraged residents to major, geography, can provide. use the cans. “Amy’s work shows that you can be successful and Since then, trash in streams has diminished and more flourish with a geography major, and for her to have taken the is being recycled—exactly what Geoporter was set up to same classes in the major that I’m taking meant even more,” accomplish. Coalmer says. “It showed me that I could reach out to others FALL 2016 | 23

“I think part of my passion for this is living through the students, letting them take advantage of these opportunities,” he says. “I was interested in getting students to really understand what it means to study this content outside of the classroom and to understand that people are employed doing what you’re learning in this class.” The January trip was the second time an Ohio Wesleyan student had visited Work. The first was a year ago, when graduate Christian Gehrke ’15 took a University drone to Bahia Ballena to capture a birds-eye view of the community. “It’s a good model. Our alumni are The new imagery updated some from 2011 and has a higher resolution. Work will use it to see changes in the environment spread out all over the world, and I’m over time. hoping other travel-learning courses “We don’t have the will take advantage of that.” resources to acquire a — John Krygier, professor of geology and geography drone,” she says. “But the student had the technology and have connections all over the world.” to help us advance what Chris Pessell ’18 of Cincinnati had studied the impact of we’re doing here.” African palm-oil plantations on the soil, water, animals, and Krygier hopes the plants of Costa Rica. African palms were brought to the country collaboration with after Costa Rica’s banana-growing industry shut down. While Work spurs similar they’ve helped the economy, native mangrove forests have been collaborations with OWU destroyed to make way for the plantations. alumni. Pessell’s view of the industry changed when he visited a “It’s a good model,” plantation on the trip. He realized he’d inflated its harm to the he says. “Our alumni are environment. spread out all over the “I assumed it was like a tree farm, but there was a carpet world, and I’m hoping other of plants under the trees and a ton of different bugs,” he says. travel-learning courses will As long as the plantations aren’t expanding, he says, it doesn’t take advantage of that.” appear they’ll do additional damage to the environment. In Costa Rica, the Pessell particularly enjoyed another trip project: testing link between alumni and water in the Bahia Ballena area to ensure clean drinking water OWU continues. Amador is available. After the trip, he helped map the data and hopes to visited this summer to take add more as additional testing is done periodically. more water samples, and “Development has encroached on the amount of water another OWU student took available,” Work says. “We’re mapping the water quality and additional aerial photos “We’re mapping the stream flow to understand what’s happening and to ensure with a drone. the water quality that our dirty water is taken care of.” Work appreciates the The work cemented Pessell’s plan to pursue a career in extra hands, the equipment and the stream water-quality testing when he graduates with his geography and the enthusiasm that flow . . . to ensure major. students and professors that our dirty In addition to the palm-oil plantation, students and bring to the Geoporter water is taken professors visited two national parks, a bat sanctuary and project, but she also sees a pineapple plantation; kayaked through mangrove forests; the collaboration as a way care of.” and took a whale-watching tour (but, unfortunately, saw no she’s giving back to the —Amy Work whales.) University. Interestingly, neither Work nor Amador had opportunities “I want to be able to share with students what the similar to the Costa Rica trip while they were students. University taught me,” she says. “It provided me with the Work’s plans to travel abroad were dashed by 9/11. Instead foundation to know that you can learn and do whatever you of traveling, she applied her GIS knowledge on local projects as a want to. It shaped me into what I am today.” student, such as the bike-trail project. Kathy Lynn Gray is a freelance writer from Columbus, OH. For Amador, plenty of opportunities for study and travel To learn more about the GIS project and travel-learning course, see existed at The Ohio State University where he obtained his flickr.com/photos/geoporter/ and geoporter.net, or contact Amy Work undergraduate degree, but he had no money to participate. at [email protected]. A LAUNCHING PAD forW By Megan ritersPinto ’14 FALL 2016 | 25

A LAUNCHING PAD

OWU’s rich history in creative writing has begun a new chapter, with a team of faculty authors mentoring a new generation of students hoping to launch careers as writers and explore the real final frontier—the human heart. forW By Megan ritersPinto ’14

A liberal arts education, at its best, For decades, Ohio Wesleyan has been enlightens us to our lived experience. How do we producing successful writers in a variety of make sense of ourselves and our lives? How do we genres. And creative writing faculty at OWU have make meaning? been inspiring students while also producing an impressive Such exploration lies at the core of being a writer, too. library of creative work. It’s a special program that epitomizes The best part about being a writer is that you get to The OWU Connection by encouraging students to think about explore this vast spectrum of life, blatantly and in great detail. big questions across the disciplines—and to put theory into Maybe today you’re trying to understand mass shootings. Or practice through workshops, travel-learning classes, and maybe you’re grieving the death of a friend. Or maybe you’re residencies where students write, write, and write some more. about to begin a great adventure. Or maybe you feel that The program has been on an extremely successful run you’re going nowhere at all. over the past few years, with graduates entering prestigious The liberal arts tradition at Ohio Wesleyan may be the M.F.A. programs and publishing their work—and with faculty perfect environment for exploring big and complex issues— earning national and international recognition (and even and for learning to become a writer. movie deals) for their creative output. 26 | OWU

THE WRITER’S CHALLENGE at some eight or nine unique essayistic forms—the personal A writer is an explorer of the psyche and the soul. essay, narrative essay, lyric essay, braided essay, collage essay, Robert Olmstead, Director of the Creative Writing Program, stream-of-consciousness essay, even multimedia essays that says he uses his fiction writing workshops to “challenge the employ audio and visual elements and animation,” says writer to find their own mind, find their own thoughts.” Butcher. “Reading is everything, and the last thing I want a “It’s the singer, not the song,” says Olmstead, “It’s ‘Who are student to do is leave my classroom on any given day feeling you?’ ‘What do you bring?’ ‘What is your pallet and what do there is only one way to write, or only one style, or voice, or your brushstrokes look like?’ You have to work hard to go down even form.” and find who you are.” While helping a student become a professional writer can Poet David Caplan, the Charles M. Weis Chair in English seem daunting, Olmstead says, “The three of us recognize it can and Associate Director of Creative Writing, says his goal is be an extremely long apprenticeship. We create that space, that to get students to be “extremely clear and expressive of the place where people can be inside of. It doesn’t have a beginning conflict they’re exploring.” and an end. It’s ongoing.” But how do they prepare students for the hard work of The faculty’s hard work pays off. They change lives. digging down and finding who they are? And how do they help Martha Park ’11, received her M.F.A. from Hollins formulate and articulate those discoveries into work that can University. She received the Melanie Hook Rice Award for move a reader? Creative Nonfiction, and her writing has been published in several literary magazines and on NPR’s On Being website. THE WRITER’S APPRENTICESHIP This past spring she was the Philip Roth Writer-in-Residence at According to Caplan, the creative writing department has two Bucknell University’s Stadler Center for Poetry. functions: “One, to teach and nurture the talent of the student; Park discovered her Hollins M.F.A. program “somewhere and two, to give the students exposure to the wider literary between reading Natasha Trethewey in Professor Caplan’s world by bringing in top writers.” He says many assignments class, and Annie Dillard in Robert Olmstead’s class. I knew “compel students to try different things.” wherever these women had studied writing was a place “My workshops with Caplan and Olmstead were critical I wanted to go, too.” She says, “The books and writers I in my development as a writer,” says Anni Liu ’13. “I had encountered at OWU, in both literature and creative writing deadlines, many readers, and engaged and available professors classes, were hugely important to me and continue to inform whose feedback I valued.” my reading and writing.” The newest addition to OWU’s creative writing faculty Anni Liu says she originally intended to study is nonfiction specialist Amy Butcher, a graduate of the Iowa neuroscience, but at the end of her first semester of poetry Writer’s Workshop. Her first book, Visiting Hours: A Memoir writing, “Professor Caplan asked me what I wanted to do with of Friendship and Murder, published last year, received praise my life, and I said what I’d always known but was afraid to say: and starred reviews from The New York Times, NPR, and many I want to be a writer. Or maybe, I said, novelist. And he asked others. me why I wasn’t signed up for a writing workshop.” Today, Liu Butcher, Assistant Professor of English, says the ultimate is an MFA candidate in poetry at Indiana University. goal, across all genres, is to expand students’ sense of what is Prize-winning poet Maggie Smith ’99 gained a vast possible within language, and for themselves. national and international audience earlier this year, when “In my introductory course, we study and try our hand her poem “Good Bones” was shared by thousands across

“In writing, it’s the singer, not the song. It’s ‘Who are you?’ ‘What do you bring?’ You have to work hard to find who you are.” — Robert Olmstead, director, Creative Writing Program, and award-winning novelist FALL 2016 | 27

the Internet after the Orlando massacre. The poem, which to late career, exemplify a diverse range of interests and begins “Life is short, though I keep this from my children,” aesthetics. was published online by the literary journal Waxwing shortly Following the success of her 2015 memoir, Amy Butcher after the Orlando shooting, and it quickly went viral as people published an op-ed piece in The New York Times that literally everywhere reflected on the tragedy. shook up one of the world’s largest corporate giants. In “Emoji Smith, who has published three collections of poetry and Feminism,” she hilariously lamented the dearth of positive three chapbooks, says OWU was the turning point for her. “I female role models in Google’s emojis. Within several weeks, was writing before I started at Ohio Wesleyan, but I think I Google introduced 13 new female emojis to better represent started becoming a writer at OWU—thanks almost entirely women in the workforce—and they credited Butcher’s article to the mentorship and encouragement I received from my for inspiring their new images of strong, professional women. professors, especially Robert Flanagan.” Flanagan retired in “My editor said that really never happens—that those 2002 after serving 32 years as director of creative writing, and who incite change cite the inspiration,” Butcher says. “So I was today, the Robert Flanagan Prize in Creative Writing is awarded really amazed and in disbelief.” annually to the student who submits the best original work in Butcher has received numerous prizes and awards, and fiction and poetry. one of her pieces was recently selected for inclusion in Best The prize was established in 1998 by Ann Neitzel American Travel Writing 2016. She is currently at work on a Yackel ’78, who publishes under the pen name Ann Heath. novel and a longer nonfiction narrative. A former student in Flanagan’s poetry workshop, she created David Caplan is currently working on his next collection of the prize to recognize Flanagan’s contributions to the creative poetry and writing American Poetry: A Very Short Introduction writing program and his exceptional teaching and student for Oxford University Press. He is a contributing editor to mentoring. the Virginia Quarterly Review and Pleiades: A Journal of New Smith has tried to carry on that tradition in her own Writing. He has written four books and has received numerous work teaching poetry to advanced writers. She emphasizes awards for his poetry and criticism, alongside twice serving as “the idea of poetic identity, asking students to consider—and a Fulbright Lecturer in American Literature at the University of to challenge—the subjects, styles, and formal choices they Liège. return to again and again. And thanks in no small part to my Robert Olmstead, the recipient of numerous prizes and experience at OWU, I focus on taking risks and trusting your awards, including a Guggenheim fellowship and an NEA instincts.” Grant, is currently at work on his fifth novel. And his fourth novel has him on the verge of reaching a massive audience. SETTING AN EXAMPLE Far Bright Star, came out in 2009 to wide praise by critics; the Students learn the craft of writing through practice and Boston Globe, for instance, wrote, “It’s the kind of novel that criticism, but they also learn through example. And OWU’s you will want to read once simply for the storytelling. . . . Then creative writing faculty provide their students with great you will want to read it again to let Olmstead’s prose wash “do-as-I-do” as well as “do-as-I-say” models. over you. It’s as muscular, sturdy, well hewn, and wise as the “I don’t hide how much this means to me,” says Olmstead, coal-black horse himself.” “I don’t ask them to do anything I don’t ask of myself. I torment Then late in 2015, Olmstead learned that the novel would them. I torment myself.” be made into a movie, directed by Casey Affleck and starring The three faculty members, ranging from early, mid, Joaquin Phoenix.

“One of the pleasures [of teaching] is that you get to know the students and watch them grow as writers and as people.” —David Caplan, Charles M. Weis Chair in English and the associate director of Creative Writing 28 | OWU

BEYOND THE teaching, she would read to her CLASSROOM students and see “mental light The faculty also regularly invite bulbs flashing on, a deepening America’s best writers to campus, understanding of the world, where they give readings and meet increased confidence, and greater with students. empathy. I saw how books offered “In my two years here, I’ve both escape and hope to students already had the opportunity to with rough home lives.” Shortly engage my students with New afterward, she began writing York Times bestselling authors and Richard North Patterson’s 22 novels include Eden in children’s stories. Winter, 2014. MacArthur ‘Genius’ grant recipients Leslie Jamison and Ta-Nehisi Coates, as well as Alissa Nutting, PASSIONATE ENGAGEMENT Traci Brimhall, Maggie Smith, Jennifer Percy, Adam Kirsch, and The secret sauce for OWU’s creative writing program is the Kerry Howley,” says Butcher. passionate engagement of both faculty and students. Students also are making connections out in the real Billie Paulus ’16, says Butcher is her closest mentor: “Both world, with University-funded grants. Kate MacLam ’11, in workshop and outside the classroom, she has taught me, currently an M.F.A. candidate in fiction at Minnesota State encouraged me, given me countless opportunities to have my University, Mankato, talks about getting “the real deal writing promoted and circulated, as well as the many hours experience” when she went on a writer’s retreat in Florida with she has spent talking about craft with me and my ultimate Olmstead and poet Denise Duhamel. writing goals.” Meg Deeter ’17 and four other students participated “It’s important for students to see an engaged writer,” in a joint Theory-to-Practice grant to attend the DisQuiet Caplan says. “If you’re writing and engaged and bringing International Literary Program in Portugal with Caplan this that knowledge into the classroom, then you’re showing that past July. writing is something you value.” He adds, “One of the pleasures is that you get to know the A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE, students and watch them grow as writers and as people.” ENGAGEMENT “I’ve been doing it for about 40 years now,” says Olmstead, All these recent successes carry on a long Ohio Wesleyan legacy “I get to go in and talk about books and writing with very of shaping the minds of great writers. committed, interested young people. There is something Richard North Patterson ’68, author of 22 novels, 16 about young people. My generation wants to pick on them, but of which were on the New York Times bestseller list, credits every semester, young people scratch out sentences on paper, English Professor Robert Marshall for setting an example by sharing those stories, trying to make them better and better. being both a published author and an engaged teacher. He It’s heartening.” fondly recalls that his OWU professors “were really there to Megan Pinto ’14 is an M.F.A. candidate in poetry at Warren Wilson teach. The level of intellectual engagement was very high.” College. Her play “Winter in Eden” will receive its world premiere at the Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, Michigan, in January 2018. Edith Hope Fine ’65, author of 18 children’s books, credits her liberal arts education for her career as a teacher. While

“The last thing I want a student to do is leave my classroom on any given day feeling there is only one way to write, or only one style, or voice, or even form.” — Amy Butcher, Assistant Professor of English FALL 2016 | 29

WEEP UP “I was writing Maggie Smith

before I started at It’s only technically morning. Not even the birds believe it. Ohio Wesleyan, From her crib my daughter tries to wake them, saying weep for wake. but I think I started Weep up, birds. What else could silence mean to her but sleep? We might be the first awake on our street, the neighbors’ breathing still becoming a writer regular and slow, all the porches lit and moths losing their minds at OWU—thanks in that light. Rising, spellbound in the blurry dawn, I become my mother. almost entirely to Twentieth-century sunrise was just like this—sad, soft-focus the mentorship and ocher like an overexposed Polaroid. The sun is just now brimming over the golden edge of the lawn, and dew begins to sizzle there. encouragement I In the dark I hear weep up, weep up, birds, until they do. received from my This will be the title poem of Maggie Smith’s next book, scheduled to be professors.” published by Tupelo Press in 2018.

—Prize-winning poet Maggie Smith ’99

OWU Professor Inspires #Emoji Feminism

said, “Although it may seem a small and the importance in accurate and respectful seemingly insignificant slight, the lack of representation and, in that way, in revising diversity in our emoji vocabulary mirrors the everyday narrative.” the much larger issue within mainstream After the announcement, Butcher was When Google employees introduced 13 culture of a lack of strong female contacted by media outlets including the new emojis earlier this year, they credited representation, particularly as it pertains to London, England-based BBC Radio 5 live Ohio Wesleyan University faculty member industry and the workplace. program. Hear her BBC interview at bbc. Amy Butcher, with helping to inspire the “Considering emojis are used co.uk/programmes/p03v23mg. images of strong, professional women. primarily by young women, and at a rate OWU Associate Chaplain Lisa Ho Butcher decried the lack of such of over 80 percent by the younger said it was exciting to see the impact of electronic icons in a recent New York generation as a whole, it sets a problematic Butcher’s New York Times essay. Times opinion column titled “Emoji and tiring precedent that women are only “I seriously could not be any more Feminism.” In the essay, she described princesses, brides, or beings exclusively proud of this woman,” Ho says. “This is wanting to congratulate a coworker on interested in pampering. what it means to follow your passion and earning tenure and having to settle for “Women are diverse, dimensional, and change the world, even if it’s one emoji at a emojis of flamenco dancers and unicorns. now the majority breadwinners in American time! I can’t wait to use the new professor/ Upon learning of Google’s efforts homes,” she concluded. “It’s incredibly cool teacher emoji designed just for Amy.” to remedy the digital dilemma, Butcher and a great honor that Google recognizes 30 | OWU Bishop Battles Alumni Profile

LAX BISHOPS HEAD to the HALL OF FAME BUILDING THE FUTURE Mike James ’87 and former OWU women’s head coach Linda Strapp was inducted as an official. She served as Ohio Strapp were inducted into the Ohio Lacrosse Hall of Fame in June, Wesleyan’s head women’s lacrosse coach from 1992-99, becoming the 11th and 12th Bishops to receive this distinction. compiling an overall record of 61-50-1, including a mark of 44-22 James was an All-America attacker at Ohio Wesleyan. His against NCAC opponents. Her 1997 team set a school record with senior year, he was an honorable mention All-America pick and 11 victories, and during her eight seasons, Ohio Wesleyan had was a first-team All-Midwest Lacrosse Association and All-North only one sub-.500 record. Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) selection. As a junior, he won Ingles says, “Linda Strapp is a valued friend and colleague second-team All-MLA, and first-team All-NCAC honors, and his who after leaving Ohio Wesleyan as one of our top coaches sophomore year, he was an honorable mention All-MLA and in lacrosse history became one of the top collegiate lacrosse second-team All-NCAC selection. officials in the country. I am excited for her and appreciate her “Mike James is very deserving of this great honor,” says contributions to OWU.” Director of Athletics Roger Ingles. “He was a great player, athlete “Being a coach made me a better official, and being an official and even better person. I have been honored to know him as a made me a better coach,” Strapp says. “Trying to do both was player and as an alumnus. He is highly difficult at times, but the dual role made supportive of OWU and the OWU me better at both. lacrosse program.” “When I first came to Ohio Wesleyan, James compiled 139 goals, 63 Mary Parker was the head coach. The assists, and 202 points during his game was changing, and working with career, ranking fourth on Bishop career Parkie made me keep the perspective

Mike James credited “Being a coach made former Battling Bishop me a better official, and head coaches Jay Martin being an official made and Mike Pressler. me a better coach.” “[They] had a huge —Linda Strapp impact on my life.” lists for goals and points, and was of where the game came from. She selected to the North-South All-Star appreciated that the game was game. changing and never held me back in any “It’s obviously an honor to be in way, and I was grateful for that. I have Mike James ’87 and Linda Strapp at the Ohio Lacrosse the Ohio Lacrosse Hall of Fame after Hall of Fame induction. fond memories of hosting the national 30 years of coaching, playing, and tournament at Ohio Wesleyan—I was managing programs,” James says. During his acceptance speech, so proud to have teams from across the country come to Ohio James credited former Battling Bishop head coaches Jay Martin Wesleyan to play.” and Mike Pressler. Only three individuals were inducted this year into the “[They] had a huge impact on my life,” James reflected. “It’s hall, which is managed by the Ohio Lacrosse Foundation. The not just coaching, it’s working with people. I use [what I learned ceremony was held at The Golf Club of Dublin. from them] in coaching and leading young men, and I use that in — Mark Beckenbach ’81 business.”

OWU’s Ohio Lacrosse Hall of Famers Mike James (number 8) scores one of his 139 goals for OWU. The Joe Horn (coach) 1994 90-member Fred Myers (coach) 2001 roster of Bob Sargent ’76 2005 the Ohio Steve Meinsen ’77 2005 Lacrosse Richie Seiler ’72 2006 Hall of Fame Toby Boucher ’88 2007 includes John Hildebrand ’76 2008 12 OWU Charlie Blanchard ’88 2012 Bishops, Blair Morrison ’85 2013 listed at right with their year Dan O’Neill ’85 2015 of induction. Mike James ’87 2016 Linda Strapp (coach & official) 2016 Bishop Battles Alumni Profile FALL 2016 | 31

LAX BISHOPS HEAD to the HALL OF FAME BUILDING THE FUTURE Throughout his career, Randall “Rand” Griffin instrumental in raising funds for the Libuse L. ’66 has been a builder. Reed Endowed Professorship, announced in “I like to build things—companies, people. “The joy really has May 2003. I like to stretch their horizons,” he says. “The been implementing Griffin grew to value a liberal arts mentality, joy really has been the management of people strategy through the lifelong learning, and giving back to the and creating a strategy, then implementing community. that strategy—not individually—but through teams that you build, Throughout his career, and especially since the teams that you build, the leadership that the leadership that retiring in 2012, he has devoted much of his you provide, and the motivation that you you provide, and the time and talent to fulfilling that philanthropic encourage.” spirit. Griffin has served on numerous boards, His 34-year career included stints as VP of motivation that you including the National Aquarium, the Center Development for EuroDisney Development in encourage.” for Aquatic Life and Conservation, and the Paris and as President and CEO of Corporate —Randall “Rand” Griffin ’66 Maryland Business Roundable for Education. Office Properties Trust (COPT) in Columbia, He also is a commissioner on the Maryland Maryland, where he directed the development State Arts Council. of more the $3.8 billion in real estate assets. He Griffin was delighted to recognize many retired in 2012. faces when he returned to OWU for his 50th class Griffin says his proudest achievements as a builder reunion this year. “That is the beauty of a small school,” was “completing the non-theme-park portion of he says. EuroDisney on time and under budget, despite numerous During Alumni Weekend, he was awarded Ohio changes and challenges. The second was leading the Wesleyan’s Distinguished Achievement Citation, the Alumni combination of COPT and Constellation Real Estate from a small Association’s highest honor. A member of the President’s Circle obscure REIT, after our September 1998 merger, into a nationally and the Tower Society, Griffin was honored and surprised to recognized powerhouse.” receive the prestigious award. He says the foundation for his career as a builder was laid “I don’t think of it as necessarily my award alone,” he says. at Ohio Wesleyan, where he majored in economics and English. “It is as much an award for the people that have helped me He remembers challenging classes with faculty such as English along the way.” Professor Libby Reed. “She gave me the communication skills —Julia Stone ’16 that I still use in my business life today,” he says. Griffin was 32 | OWU Alumni Profile Alumni Profile

A GREAT DAY It was a great day to be a Bishop. Corns also acknowledges Professor of Evan Corns ’59 and his wife, Barbara, had a History Emeritus Richard Smith as an influential memorable Alumni Weekend this year, as he proudly “So much of what mentor. “At best, I was a very average classroom received the Alumni Award on the same stage as I am or ever hope student, but it was in the non-classroom sessions— four of his close friends: Bob Gillespie ’66, Mike to be I owe to Ohio notably coffee at the MUB—that Richard Smith Long ’66, Rand Griffin ’66, and Greg Moore ’76. impacted me the most,” he says. “To have received my award from David Wesleyan University “His tales of military valor and leadership, Livingston, longtime OWU alumni friend and the and to Ohio Delta generals who wore both blue and gray, inspired son of my ’59 classmate and great friend, Barry Chapter of Sigma in me a passion which I later translated to a Livingston, was very special,” says Corns. leadership/management style in my corporate The man who coined the catch-phrase “It’s a Alpha Epsilon.” endeavors,” he says. “Lessons in battle translate great day to be a Bishop” has remained actively —Evan Corns ’59 effectively to lessons in business.” engaged with the Ohio Wesleyan community Corns founded America’s Body Company throughout his life. He joined the Board of Trustees in 1976, and under his leadership, it became the in 1992, serving first as a Trustee-at-Large, then an largest business of its kind in the United States, Alumni Trustee, and now a Life Trustee. He and Barbara with seven facilities nationwide and annual sales of more are members of the Founders’ Circle, Tower Society, than $120 million. and President’s Circle. He retired from the company in 1998, but he continues Corns has created several endowments and donated funds to contribute his business expertise to OWU as a member of the to name the R.W. Corns Building in memory of his father. He also Alumni Advisory Board for The Woltemade Center for Economics, has been a strong supporter of Battling Bishop athletics and Team Business and Entrepreneurship. OWU. Currently, he hopes to do all he can to help Ohio Wesleyan “Ohio Wesleyan is my hobby,” says Corns of his life after achieve its goal of enrolling 2,020 students by 2020. retirement. After receiving a bachelor’s degree in history at OWU, Corns “As the plaque on our Founders Plaza notes: ‘So much of what earned his M.A. from the University of North Carolina. While at I am or ever hope to be I owe to Ohio Wesleyan University and Ohio Wesleyan, he was a leader in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) to Ohio Delta Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon,’” he says. “Ohio fraternity. William F. Bigelow and John Henry Reed played major Wesleyan made my life. Any financial success I have received has, roles in his Ohio Wesleyan fraternity experience. “Their leadership, to a large degree, gone to OWU as my way of saying ‘thank you.’” humanity, and love of fraternity made a lifelong impression on me,” —Julia Stone ’16 he says. Alumni Profile Alumni Profile FALL 2016 | 33

A GREAT DAY RAISING AWARENESS Meggie Feran Sexton ’06 undone.It’s okay to be human has struggled with disordered and to be imperfect.” eating (including anorexia, A journalism and bulimia, and over-exercising) psychology double major for almost a decade. Now, at OWU, Sexton this year she is in full recovery and is received the Ohio Wesleyan dedicated to destigmatizing Young Alumni Award. The eating disorders and raising award honors alumni who awareness. have graduated in the past 15 Sexton began struggling years and have demonstrated with disordered eating her significant or ongoing senior year at Ohio Wesleyan, commitment to extraordinary and this developed into full- professional work, research, blown anorexia while attending volunteerism, or service to the graduate school. She says University. through treatment, she has “To be able to receive learned that there are many the [award] is truly due to the others who struggle with eating support that I’ve had along disorders. the way, which is rooted in my “Now that I’m in active OWU family.” She identifies recovery,” she says, “I want to this family as her cross- share my experiences and help country and track teammates, erase the stigma that eating professors, advisors, and disorders are self-centered or Kappa Alpha Theta sisters. that they only affect caucasian, Sexton worked at OWU adolescent females.” She for three years as Assistant believes raising awareness Director of Young Alumni and about eating disorders in older Student Engagement, where women and pregnant women is she encouraged young alumni particularly important because to form volunteer committees these groups are less talked and give back to the OWU about. community. She also helped In 2013, Tate Publishing with senior programming published Sexton’s memoir and connected graduating To the Moon and Back—A “It’s okay to be students with young alumni for Daughter/Mother Journey human and to be networking and job searching Toward Eating Disorder imperfect.” purposes. Recovery. She hopes the —Meggie Feran Sexton ’06 Sexton currently works book will help others in full-time as a health systems similar situations realize they manager for the American are not alone. She wants Cancer Society. She says it is them to know that “eating both motivating and rewarding disorders are serious illnesses “to be a part of something rooted in low self-esteem, much bigger than myself.” perfectionism, even having —Abby Hanson ’16 a strong genetic component, but they can be untangled and 34 | OWU Alumni Happenings Alumni Happenings Alumni Weekend ’16 Highlights #owureunion | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram Alumni Happenings Alumni Happenings FALL 2016 | 35

This year some 800 alumni returned to campus May 13-15 for a weekend of fun and reminiscing. Weekend Alumni Weekend ’16 Highlights highlights included the 50th Reunion Welcome Luncheon for the Class of 1966, a Blues and BBQ Kick-off dinner and Reunion dinner, and a ceremony recognizing Alumni Award winners. To nominate individuals #owureunion | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram for 2017, see owu.edu/alumni-and-friends/alumni-awards and the envelope insert in this issue.

Sacha Negron ’91, Ron Stephany ’66 Gordon Smith ’54 and Helen Crider Smith ’56, great-great-granddaughter celebrates his 50th with Nina Carmichael-Tanaka ’19. Nina spent of OWU leader Frederick reunion in style. spring semester in Tanzania, where she visited Merrick, enjoys the festivities The School of St. Jude, which is supported by at the Class of 1991 reunion. the Smiths. 36 | OWU

CALENDARof EVENTS The following is a listing of OWU alumni events around the country. These events offer alumni, families and friends opportunities to network with fellow Bishops and to reconnect with OWU near your hometown. CLASSnotes To RSVP for an event, please visit www.owu.edu/alumni or call (740) 368-3325.

SEPTEMBER 2016 OCTOBER 2016 NOVEMBER 2016 September 10 | Columbus, OH October 6-7 | On-Campus November 2 | Columbus, OH Alumni & Friends at the Columbus Board of Trustees Monnett Club featuring Nikki Zoo Hildebrand Smith ’01 October 6-8 | On-Campus September 13 | On-Campus Alumni Board of Directors November 15 | Columbus, OH I-cubed Video Chats Central Ohio breakfast series October 7-9 | On-Campus September 16 | Sunbury, OH Homecoming & Family Weekend; November 28 | On Campus Team OWU Golf Outing Hall of Fame, Delta Tau Delta 150th Hudler Tree Lighting Anniversary, various Greek and September 16-17 | On-Campus athletic reunions, Celebration of DECEMBER 2016 Women of Ohio Wesleyan (WOW) Endowments/Scholarships DECEMBER HOLIDAY EVENTS September 20 | Columbus, OH October 15 | On Campus December 1 | Denver, CO; New Central Ohio breakfast series Dale Bruce Honorary Coaches York, NY featuring President Rock Jones Recognition December 4 | San Francisco, CA December 8 | Boston, MA; September 29 | Columbus, OH October 22 | Boston Philadelphia, PA Monnett Club featuring Professor Head of the Charles December 8 | Chicago, IL Amy Butcher December 14 | Columbus and October 22 | Boston Cleveland, OH Bishops in Service December 15 | Washington, DC FEBRUARY 2017 On the JAYwalk? In Beeghly Library? In class? February 11 | Naples, FL At your reunion or other alumni event? Red & Black Luncheon with President Rock Jones and Board of Did you meet your spouse on campus? Tell us your story and we might just Trustees select it for our issue featuring “Love Connections”! Email us by October 21 at alumni.owu.edu or send to: Alumni Relations Office, Attn: Katie Webster, Mowry Alumni Center, 61 S. Sandusky Street, Delaware, OH 43015. Honor Fellow Alumni Be part of an important OWU award tradition. Nominate someone you believe has shown a commitment to excellence post-OWU, and a significant or ongoing commitment to extraordinary work, research, volunteerism, or service to the University. See owu.edu/alumni-and-friends/alumni-awards for criteria, nomination forms, and previous recipients.

Don’t Be a Baltimore Alumni/Parent Chapter - [email protected] SAVE THE DATES Stranger! Bay Area Alumni/Parent Chapter – [email protected] Homecoming & Boston Alumni/Parent Chapter – [email protected] If you are Columbus Alumni/Parent Chapter – [email protected] Family Weekend interested October 7-9, 2016 in becoming Chicago Alumni/Parent Chapter - [email protected] involved in your FairChester (CT-NY) Alumni/Parent Chapter – [email protected] regional chapters, New York City Alumni/Parent Chapter - [email protected] Reunion please contact us Northeast Ohio Alumni/Parent Chapter – [email protected] Weekend 2017 at one of the Northern New Jersey Alumni/Parent Chapter – [email protected] May 19-21, celebrating the classes that end in following email Philadelphia Alumni/Parent Chapter – [email protected] addresses: “2” and “7” Rocky Mountain Alumni/Parent Chapter - [email protected] Washington, DC, Alumni/Parent Chapter – [email protected] #OWUreunion FALL 2016 | 37 of CALENDAR EVENTS CLASSnotes

Beverly Lane Koski ’52 was Ursula Parrish Daniels ’61 1940s recognized at the Jewish 1960s earned one of four “2016 Women Annettia Schumacher Lukas ’49 Housing Council’s “Eight Over Richard Winger ’60 is still in of Achievement” awards from was honored at the 109th annual 80” celebration for her significant politics and was re-elected to the Girl Scouts of Northern New banquet of the Radnor/Buckeye contributions to the Sarasota, FL, city council for the third time Jersey. Valley Alumni Association. She community. in November, after serving as was employed by the school mayor of Vero Beach, FL, for two Paul Schimmel ’62 was featured system for 27 years. Caroline Naumann Luhta ’52 years. He serves as chairman in Nature Medicine journal for was inducted into the Ohio of the Treasure Coast Council his work as a molecular biologist Elva Welday Newdome ’49 Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. of Local Governments, sits on and founder of aTyr Pharma, a was featured in Mansfield News the Indian River Beach and biotherapeutics company. Journal for her tenure with the Richard Jackson ’53 published Shore Commission, is the city Mansfield Symphony Orchestra. The Rules, a book of business representative on the Indian River Charles “Chuck” Smith ’64, of advice. Lagoon Conservation Coalition, Tipp City, OH, was appointed to 1950s and serves on the Florida the Ohio State Dental Board by Sara Bonnell Potsdam ’58 League of Cities Environment Governor John Kasich for a four- Judson Millhon ’51 was retired as full-time nursing and Energy Committee. He also year term. posthumously inducted into the supervisor at Canton-Potsdam serves on the Indian River County Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame on Hospital, where she worked for Republican Executive Committee. Peter Lee ’65 is starting his third May 21 for his achievements in nearly 29 years. year as a youth lacrosse coach basketball.

A CIRCLE OF FRIENDSHIP THROUGH THE DECADES These OWU ’46 classmates—shown here at their 1956 10-year reunion—shared a lifelong friendship that began as their freshman year unfolded in 1942. Phyllis White O’Reilly ’46 (left) and Joanne Lawrence Root ’46 (center) grew up in New London, OH, and then proceeded to campus together; Virginia “Ginny” Bagley Heischman ’46 quickly became an integral part of the trio. They were inseparable for four years and often reminisced about their OWU days in the years to come. Pleased and proud that their OWU connection had stood the test of time for nearly 75 years, Joanne planned to attend the 70th class reunion in May, but she fell ill in mid-April. The circle of friendship remained unbroken until May 22, when at, age 91, Joanne passed away peacefully in Norwalk, OH, with her best friends Phyllis and Ginny in constant touch with her until the end. Ginny, a widow, lives in Westerville, OH, and Phyllis, also a widow, lives in Austin, TX, near her family. Joanne is survived by her husband of 67 years, Thomas Root, son and daughter-in-law Thomas Root ’74 and Kathy Geer Root ’75, daughter Susan Root Moore and sons Steven and W. Todd Root.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS Neal Bozentka ’81 Chuck Nider ’07 Kevin Hinkle ’94 Keith Rozanski ’99 Denise Sabo Brenner ’00 Alumni Interfraternity Alumni “W” Association Lana Rucks ’95 Alumnae Panhellenic Council Representative Representative Council Representative Elizabeth Long Downey ’06 Martha Nunn Lewis ’83 Dan Sharpe ’06 Joni Manos Brown ’78 Vice President Anne Lynde ’78 Samuel Smith ’96 Sarah Bruno ’10 Fred Evans ’68 Ann Muenster-Nuiry ’73 Mary Beth Sommer ’88 Kristen Cemate ’06 Erin Flynn Jonathan Noble ’06 Sue Struna Subel ’69 Faculty Representative Thomas Tatham ’56 Vicki DiLillo Bob Gordon ’88 Hillary Panas Pember ’85 Faculty Representative Sheila Fagan Plecha ’84 Drew Thawley ’97 Candace Griffith ’09 President Bernie Vendlinski ’03 2 38 | OWU Class Notes

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1 | Fresh face of the OWU swim team 4 | State golf championship winner 6, 7 | OWU alumni work as White Proud grandmother Carolyn Hardin Kevin “Andy” Dunn ’00 was named House staffers. Smith ’56 is pictured with her the head varsity boys golf coach for The [Photo 6] Kyle Herman ’11 and Anna granddaughter, Maddie Penn, who will Westminster Schools in Atlanta, GA, in Cooper ’13 are pictured in front of the attend OWU in the fall, and Megan January. He had been an assistant in the White House, where Kyle is employed Downing Teeters ’09, Maddie’s swim program for seven years before being as an analyst, and where Anna was coach at Bishop Watterson High School. named head coach. His team won the associate director of technology and Maddie will be a member of the OWU state championship in classification 3A. operations for presidential personnel swim team. Andy’s wife of 8 years Jordan, five-year- until May. old daughter Ryan, and three-year-old son [Photo 7] Kyle (middle) was visited at work 2 | LA Supervisor Race Drew are all doing well. by Usman Javaid ’10 (right) and Sharif OWU board member Ann Muenster- Kronemer ’12 (left). The three men are all Nuiry ’73 (left) with Kathryn “Kathy” 5 | Lee-Churchill wedding former leaders of the Wesleyan Council Barger Leibrich ’83, who is running for Victoria “Tory” Lee ’09 was married to on Student Affairs, OWU’s student Supervisor in Los Angeles County’s Fifth Hugh Churchill on November 14, 2015. The government. District. couple lives in Royal Oak, MI. OWU alumni joining in the celebration were, from left: 8 | Glee Club alumni reunite on cruise 3 | Sorority sisters at Cleveland (front row) Caitlin Chesnut ’09, Juanita Former members of the OWU Men’s Founders Day Kwan ’08, Hillary Robertson ’11, Emily Glee Club gathered for a reunion cruise Members of Kappa Alpha Theta reunited Turner ’09, Britta Buchenroth ’09, Sally November 7-14, 2015. Aboard the for Cleveland Founders Day on February Born ’09, Tory Lee Churchill ’09, Ariel Emerald Princess, they visited Princess 20, celebrating Ann Tarbutton Gerhart’s Haytas ’09, Carolyn Scott Lee ’72, Laura Cay, St. Martin, Grand Turk, and St. 50-year anniversary of initiation. Wicker Hackett ’77, Mark Lee ’74; (back Thomas, gathering twice throughout Pictured from left are: (front row) row) Megan Morris ’05, Marie McNeely the trip to sing old Glee Club songs. Barbara Gelhaus Dellinger ’56, Laurie ’08, Michael Green ’08, Lee Schott ’09, Glee Club members pictured with their McGregor Connor ’77, Sarah Kieta Yaser Helal ’09, Claire Knight ’09, Nick spouses are, from left: (back row) Larry ’06, (back row) Trish Carleton ’83, Baker ’09, Charlie Hackett ’74, Pete Lee Plum ’68, Patsy Plum, Rich McCreery, Ann Tarbutton Gerhart ’69, Rachel ’75, and Tom Scott ’74. Sue Harrison ’62, (middle row) Chuck Spetrino McCoy ’11 , Ros Seabury Sowder, Ginny Goll ’69, (front row) Herb Collins ’52, and Colleen Kam Springer Kinney ’69, Sherry Kinney, Diana Smith ’70. ’69, and Steve Smith ’69. Class Notes SPRING 2016 | 41

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9 | Monnett Club gathering 12 | Chi Phi alumni reunite of Historic Places. Pictured during the Members of the Columbus Monnett More than 50 Chi Phi alumni gathered on presentation at a Centerville City Council Club gathered on April 26. Among the campus on April 30. Those in attendance meeting are, from left: Patrick Hansford, gathered group were, from left: Ginny included: Jeff Allen ’69, Neil Aring chair of the Landmarks Foundation of O’Grady Shipps ’70, Jan Thome Kisting ’69, Bob Bachman ’68, Dave Banks Centerville-Washington Township; Nathalie ’93, Marilyn Ellis Haas ’61, and Vickie ’68, Pete Bleckner ’68, Jack Brant Wright, the preservationist who wrote the Sheets ’72. ’69, Woody Clark ’67, Wayne Clark application; Martha Hibbert Boice ’53; ’68, Stu Clinton ’65, Harvey Cobb ’67, and Centerville Mayor Mark Kingseed. 10 | Golf Fundraiser for Military Heroes Randy Conklin ’67, Tom Connolly ’67, The magazine apologizes for the incorrect Dave Ferguson ’67, a Phi Delta Theta, Bruce Cook ’65, Paul Cummings ’70, caption that appeared with this photo in co-chairs and co-founded Holes for Ron Danielson ’66, John Deitz ’67, our previous issue. Heroes, a golf fundraiser to salute and Bob Egdell ’65, Fred Evans ’68, Josip assist wounded and recovering military Galetovic ’67, Kirk Hornbeck ’68, Dana 14 | Celebrating a treasured life heroes and their families at home and Jack ’69, Laurence Jacobsen ’68, Jon A group of alumni gathered to celebrate abroad. The 10th anniversary of the Jaffe ’71, Bill Jobson ’66, Jim Kanters the friendship and life of their dear OWU event, sponsored by the San Diego ’66, Tom Lange ’68, Ira Lapides ’68, friend, Gordon MacDougall ’79, who Downtown Breakfast Rotary Foundation, Bob Lohr ’69, Henry Lukas ’67, Ray passed away on April 25. Pictured from left will be held September 16 in Solana Luthi ’70, John McWilliam ’67, Jeff are: (front row) “Cal” Mark Johnson ’80, Beach, CA. Visit holesforheroes.org. Meeks ’70, Bruce Nichols ’68, John Tim Feldman ’80, John Mengel ’80, Grant Piastra ’70, Bob Pierce ’70, Jim Prosnit Whiteside ’79, Andy Hard ’80; (back row) 11 | Phi Gamma Delta pig dinner ’71, Dean Rushmore ’69, Mark Schiff Chris Kelly ’79, Jim Vandegriff ’79, John Fijis reunited March 19 at 2016 annual ’67, Jasey Schnaars ’72, Rick Schwarz Foley ’79, and Henry Chapman ’79. gathering. Among the 100+ who attended ’72, Walter Siegi ’63, Jim Souder ’65, are, left to right: Marv Frye (retired Saul Spigel ’69, Dick Stonberg ’68, 15 | Alumni connect on stage OWU track & field coach),Jim Goode Gene “Chip” Tiesler ’68, Tom Urban Two OWU alumni recently met while ’67, Barney Apel ’67, Bob Pfeiffer ’67, ’70, Jerry Walker ’70, Jim Whitman ’69, acting in a production of “Black Coffee” Lowell Vorpe ’67, Clendon (Jay) Parr Tom Wilson ’70, and Nate Wolinksy ’69. (an Agatha Christie mystery) at the Delray ’70, Glenn Bloomquist ’67, Gary L. Beach Playhouse in Delray Beach, FL. Smith ’67, and Mark Shipps ’70. 13 | Making history in Centerville Pictured second from left is Doug Moore Martha Hibbert Boice ’53 was influential ’75 as Constable Johnson, and third from in adding Erma Bombeck’s Centerville, left is Kevin Finneran ’90 as Inspector OH, home to the National Register Japp. 40 | OWU Class Notes Class Notes

volunteer with the San Luis received the Distinguished Phi Karl Ferchau ’80 transferred 2015. Laura will soon publish Let Obispo YMCA. His grandson, Gamma Delta (FIJI) Award at from Citigroup’s Operations Go Courageously and Live with Tobey (11), will be starting his the university’s Greek Awards and Technology Division to its Love: Transform Your Life with third year as a participant, and banquet. Finance Division in 2014 and was Feng Shui. Her passions include Raegan (9) will be starting her first recently promoted to senior vice writing, speaking, and consulting, season. In January 2016, Peter Tremper Longman III ’74 president within its Securities and alongside her love of running, was elected president of the 805 presented a lecture titled “Silent Exchange Commission Reporting biking, swimming, dancing, Youth Lacrosse Association, a Suffering: Encouragement in the Department. Karl specializes meditation, yoga, and spending 501c3 founded to promote the Midst of the Pain of Life from Job, in international reporting/ quality time laughing with friends growth of competitive youth Psalms, and Lamentations” at accounting system development and family. She lives in Columbus, lacrosse teams in San Luis Hope International University on for Citigroup and works in Long OH, and has two adult children. Obispo County. February 22. Island City, NY. He earned an You can visit her website www. MBA from the Simon School of cherishyourworld.com for Tips of Thomas Saunders ’66 is Lawrence Reddick III ’74, Business at the University of the Week and a monthly blog. the artist behind the “Crystal presiding bishop of the Eighth Rochester in 1982 and graduated Synergies” exhibit of abstract Episcopal District of the from Citicorp’s Global Institute of Amy Fenton ’85 directed the prints, which is presented in Christian Methodist Episcopal Finance in 1990. play “The Clean House,” a OWU’s Mowry Alumni Center and Church, delivered the 2016 Pulitzer Prize finalist that was Beeghly Library. commencement address at Paine Donna McCabe Schaeffer performed at The Theatre of College. ’80 was appointed to be an Western Springs in April. Nancy Beams Hoelzer ’69 is a associate judge on the Circuit printmaker and painter whose Carol Galante ’76 is now Court for Anne Arundel County, Richard Vandenburgh ’85 and work was featured in the Martha’s independent director of the MD, by Governor Larry Hogan in John Liegey ’86 are co-owners Vineyard Art Association’s Old board of directors for Ocwen December 2015. of Greenport Harbor Brewing Sculpin Gallery in Edgartown, Financial Corporation, a leading Co., a fast-growing brewery in MA. financial services holding Jennifer Wells Levine ’82 Greenport, NY. company. released a new novel, Summer Arthur Keown ’69 was Secrets, on May 4. Todd Fitch ’86 is now offensive appointed Alumni Distinguished Morten Arntzen ’77 has been coordinator and receivers coach Professor at Virginia Tech. appointed senior shipping Laura Staley ’84 inspires people for the Louisiana Tech University industry advisor at Macquarie to thrive in the spaces they football team. Susan Phillips Read ’69 is now Specialised Investment Solutions. live and work. After a flood of counsel at the global law firm of a finished basement in 2000, Craig Sutherland ’86, a seventh Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Nancy Grover ’77 published an Laura learned that she could grade science teacher in article titled “Injured Workers live with belongings she loved Newark, OH, received a Golden with Comorbidities May Be rather than hand-me-down Apple Award from WROC-TV in Ripe for ‘Gene’ Testing” on stuff she didn’t like. Trained and January. The award recognizes 1970s workerscompensation.com. certified by the Western School outstanding educators in the Stephen Penny ’70 delivered a of Feng Shui in 2004, Laura area, as nominated by their presentation titled “The Indians helps clients courageously let students. of Southern New England” to 1980s go of unwanted items, arrange the Vernon Historical Society in Alton Doody ’80 was the 2016 their spaces for optimal comfort, Peter Martin ’87 is president and Vernon, CT, on March 6. Schwebel Lecture Series speaker safety, and flow, and create lives founder of Testimonial Builder, a for Kent State’s Hospitality they love. She founded Cherish platform to showcase customer Dan DiBiasio ’71, president Management Program on April 14. Your World in 2004, and her testimonial videos. of Ohio Northern University, company became an LLC in July

AN SAE MINI-REUNION A group of OWU alumni took opportunity to reunite with John, as some of them hadn’t the opportunity to reconnect at seen John in more than 50 years. They shared memories Palos Verdes Estates in Southern about OWU, including classes, professors, friendships, California for a mini-reunion in classmates, and athletics. The years spent living together February. Pictured from left are at the SAE house in the early and mid-1960s, with sage Andrew “Sandy” Wellman ’63, advice from Chapter Advisors William F. Bigelow, John Steve Hughes ’65, John Teets Reed, and Coach Fred Myers, ensured that they would ’64, Pete Lee ’65, and current always represent Ohio Delta Chapter of SAE as “True OWU Trustee George Romine ’67. Gentlemen.” Having copies of the OWU yearbooks from John Teets, now living in Maine, has taken 12 annual 1962–1966 on hand helped the friends walk down memory transcontinental trips in his SUV to visit his five children and 13 lane. grandchildren who reside in the East, as well as one of his sons As John plans to make his annual trek to Southern and family, who live in Palos Verdes. California transplants, California in 2017, the brothers of SAE plan to gather again “Sandy” (Venice, CA), Steve (Oak Banks, CA), George (Palos at the “same time and the same place.” Go Bishops and Verdes Estates, CA), and Pete (Arroyo Grande, CA) had the Phi Alpha! Class Notes Class Notes FALL 2016 | 41

1990s work and music as a trumpeter Luther Vandross” at the Joburg Aman Narain ’99 is now CEO on June 14 at St. James Studio, Theatre March 31-April 3. for international markets at Kamal Saggi ’90 is now dean London. BankBazaar. of social sciences at Vanderbilt Elizabeth Royer ’98 is rugby University. Heather Ward Borland ’97 is coach for the Burlington, VT, Phillip Penix-Tadsen ’99, now student wellness coordinator community team and an assistant assistant professor of Spanish in Robert Rodgers ’91 is now CFO at Denison University. coach for the girls team at Essex the Department of Languages, of Unishippers Global Logistics, High School. Literatures, and Cultures at the LLC. Drew Thawley ’97 is now University of Delaware, published managing director for the Martin Forman ’99 was inducted the book Cultural Code: Video Matt Schrader ’91 is now Concrete Reinforcing Steel into the newly established Big Games and Latin America. managing director of strategic Institute Foundation. Walnut High School Alumni Hall accounts at INVNT, a global of Fame. Joshua Shade ’99 has joined brand communications agency. Kgutlisi Moloi ’98 was the star Opus Bank as managing of “Always & Forever: A Tribute to director, senior client manager¬– Elizabeth Kanne Miller ’92 was commercial banking, Arizona named deputy head of GEMS region. Nations Academy, a new school in Dubai, India. WATER FOR PEOPLE 2000s William Day ’93, a Boulder-based artist, recently partnered Keith Rucker ’92, a former Joshua Kessler ’00 served as a with the OneWall community art initiative in Denver to lineman for the National Football mentor playwright to high school League’s Arizona Cardinals, create an art installation on a 50-foot brick wall in downtown playwrights during MadLab’s Washington Redskins, Kansas Denver. The three-panel installation was commissioned by Young Writers Short Play Festival. City Chiefs, and Cincinnati Absolut Elyx luxury vodka company—but the installation Bengals for eight years, is now wasn’t intended to simply sell spirits. Instead, Will was Branden McGhee ’00 was defensive coordinator at Summit tasked with representing Absolut Elyx’s recent partnership promoted to district manager of Country Day School. with Water for People, an international nonprofit Atomic Credit Union in 2015. organization that works to bring safe water and sanitation to David Breslin ’93 is now head of those in need. Heather Hover Seddelmeyer school at Williamsburg Christian In September of 2015, Absolut Elyx and Water for ’00 has led the Rivals Basketball Academy in Williamsburg, VA. Club in Massachusetts for the People began a five-year journey to bring access to safe past seven years. James Bryant ’93 is now water to 100,000 people in the countries where they work, special teams coordinator for the according to Water for People. So far, their efforts have Jennifer Barnes-Gatzke ’01 is Colorado State Rams. helped nearly 13,000 people gain access to safe drinking now a realtor with Keller Williams water. Performance Realty in Cañon Shannon Leary Knall ’93 was Will’s piece focused on coppers and blues. City, CO. appointed to the Wisconsin “The real challenge was finding a relationship between Governor’s Council on Autism. the two colors because you really don’t see them together Jessica Mathews ’01 serves on Shannon currently serves as he says. It was about giving back and coming together.” the board of Transit Columbus in Autism Speaks Wisconsin’s Policy Will says the scale of the project inspired him. “It Columbus, OH, and is the creator Chair. of the organization’s PlaceMakes challenged me to express how we work together with colors initiative, which transforms public Brad Schwartz ’94 is a mixed- and a message that will impact people…The message isn’t areas like parking spaces and media artist whose work was about Will, but about all of us collaborating on a global low-traffic streets into communal featured at Trails End Gallery in vision that is sustainable, has integrity, and is making an destinations. Chewelah, WA, in June. impact; one that will change people’s lives.” Honorah O’Neill ’01, a painter Deborah Shatzer ’94 portrayed and sculptor, created an Elizabeth Campbell, a historical interactive solo exhibition titled Delaware, OH, resident, in a “Chimera,” which was featured dramatic presentation at the Big at the Trailer Box Project in Walnut Area Historical Society Danbury, CT. meeting on June 14. Leah Webb Schryer ’01 is now John Repenning ’95 was director of support services at featured in The Indianapolis Change, Inc. (Westminster, MD), Star on February 25 for his an agency that provides services work leading GreenCycle, a to adults with intellectual and central Indiana-based operation developmental disabilities. that produces organic mulch, compost, and soil blends from Timothy Stanos ’01 is now recycled food, yard, and wood managing director at Avascent, waste. a strategy and management consultancy serving government- Abram Wilson ’95 was driven markets. posthumously celebrated for his 42 | OWU Class Notes Class Notes

RESTORING THE “ROLLS ROYCE OF BICYCLES” Diana Johnson Galante ’03 is an objects conservator at “It was clear to me that this object was supposed to the National Museum of American History in be bright and shiny—I mean, it was so Washington D.C., which means she’s an expert elaborately embellished by Tiffany. It was at studying, preserving, and restoring three- like the Rolls Royce of bicycles, meant to dimensional art and artifacts. Her recent work distinguish its owner from all the other has included the restoration of a 1896 women’s women on their run-of-the-mill bicycles,” safety bicycle. she told the museum blog. Diana spent more than 200 hours cleaning “There are different motifs at different and restoring the Columbia bicycle, which went locations on the bicycle. There are rosettes on display in the museum’s Taylor Foundation and other organic Art Nouveau-inspired Object Project. motifs repeated throughout the frame, and Diana knew that the bicycle would be then the handlebars have a very different an exciting restoration project, though it motif—dogwood flowers with leaves.” would require significant work. Donated to For Diana, the bike’s intricacies tell the museum in 1950 by the son of its original a story that she hopes museum visitors owner, Mary Noble Wiley of Montgomery, will connect with, even if it takes a bit of AL, the bicycle stands out for it its intricate imagination. ornamentation, added by Tiffany & Co. “Something that I love about historical Diana began by documenting what she objects in this museum is that you can knew about the bicycle and photographing think about actual people using them. You it. She could tell right away that the bike had just have to think, she rode this, probably once had an impressive look to it. wearing a full skirt and fancy hat. She was stylin’.”

Christy Seymour Sturtz ’01 Christopher Myers ’08 was focused on understanding how William Thieman ’13 is now the donated a copy of her book, featured on WeWork.com for his relatively benign brain tumors high school boys’ varsity tennis Just Try It, Georgie! to the New work in recruiting at Bespoke progress to malignancy. After coach at Bishop Watterson High Carlisle Public Library in Ohio. Search Group. graduation, Evan joined Vertex School in Columbus, OH. Pharmaceuticals in Boston as a Vincent McGinnis ’02 was Daniel Strumlok ’08 was research scientist to help discover Mason Espinosa ’14, former featured in Florida Today featured on syracuse.com for and develop novel therapeutics OWU quarterback, has been newspaper for his work as a his service as a veteran Marine for cancer, cystic fibrosis, and signed to the Billings Wolves. plastic surgeon. Corps infantry officer and for his other diseases. He also was named the Indoor love of his 1950 Chrysler Imperial. Football League’s Offensive Jason Dopoulos ’03 is now Tyler Cordell ’11 is now assistant Player of the Week in April. managing director at Lancaster Will Yoder ’09 is now a sports coach for the Columbia University Pollard. community leader at Instagram. women’s basketball team. Madelaine Mavec ’14 featured her abstract paintings and paper Brandon Bytnar ’05 was Martha Park ’11 was chosen as a products at an art opening selected as a “2016 Top 40 2010s spring 2016 Philip Roth Resident reception at the Gates Mills Under 40” trusts and estates Trevor Hawley ’10 is now leading in Creative Writing at Bucknell Library in Gates Mills, OH, on lawyer in Florida by the American enterprise software sales at University. March 3. She also exhibited Society of Legal Advocates. BetterWorks in San Francisco. “Escaping Reality” at the Guren Trevor was previously with Amanda Barker ’13, a member Art Gallery at the Cleveland Kaluhath “Kenneth” De Abrew Localytics, based in London of the OWU softball team, was Botanical Garden March 19-April ’05 starred in the play Guards at the past two years to launch inducted into the Granville High 24. the Taj at the Woolly Mammoth their European office, and other School Athletic Hall of Fame. Theatre Company in Washington, Boston tech companies, including Samuel Abbott ’15 is an English DC. HubSpot and Performable. Krishna Borhara ’13 completed teacher and head varsity baseball her master’s degree in geology coach at Reedsburg High School Kathleen Cooper Coughlin ’08 Colleen Brieck Yoder ’10 is now at Bowling Green State University in Reedsburg, WI. is now middle school athletics a first grade teacher at Palo Alto and will be starting her Ph.D. in director in Upper Arlington, OH. schools in California. the fall at Utah State University, Kristen Krak ’15 performed in working on fault mechanics with “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Elizabeth Davis ’08 is now Evan Bai ’11 completed his Ph.D. Jim Evans. Spike” in April with the CATCO director of international and off- in genetics at Yale University Theatre in Columbus, OH. campus programs at McDaniel and was awarded the Carolyn Leah Shaeffer Porrata ’13 is College in Westminster, MD. Slayman Prize for Outstanding director of education at Gulfshore Elaine Young ’15 has been Dissertation. His Ph.D. thesis Playhouse, a performing arts awarded the Harriet Evelyn theatre in Naples, FL. Wallace Scholarship from the American Geosciences Institute. Class Notes Class Notes FALL 2016 | 43

She is pursuing her master’s Elizabeth Davis Conway ’04 and Jill Murphey ’06 and her Hartley Geiger ’70. Dorothea degree at the University of her husband Devon welcomed husband Bryan celebrated the was a member of the OWU Tower California, Davis. son Maxwell Sulla Conway birth of son Everett Murphey Society and Gamma Phi Beta on May 8. Also celebrating is Johnson on March 24. sorority. Mark Mandych ’16 is the grandfather James Davis ’76. recipient of a Fulbright U.S. Melissa Herman Snow ’06 and Ruth McKinney Isaak-Lyle ’41, of Scholar Program grant, through Brenda Johnson ’04 and her her husband Michael welcomed Honolulu, HI, February 20, at the which he will be spending the fall husband Michael welcomed son daughter Isabelle “Izzy” Louise age of 96. She was a member of in Hamburg, Germany, teaching Nathan Brendan Champion on Snow on May 2. Also celebrating Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. English to high school students. April 8. is uncle Douglas Herman ’08. Valonia Rayfield Moore ’41, of Emily Snider Kagey ’04 and Elizabeth Walbridge Chapman Lexington, KY, February 4, at the Marriages Jacob Kagey ’04 welcomed ’08 and her husband Stephen age of 96. She was a member of their second son, Davis Graham welcomed son Hunter Thomas Delta Delta Delta sorority. 2010s Kagey, on March 26. Davis joins Chapman on March 8. Also Jacob Kohr ’11 was married to his big brother, Forrest Patrick, celebrating is great-aunt Susan Georgia Faith Noble ’41, of Mary Conley on May 28 in Terre born January 9, 2012. Walbridge Blake ’85. Santa Barbara, CA, March 18, at Haute, IN. the age of 96. She was preceded Eric Korn ’04 welcomed Rachel Jolly Janiak ’09 and in death by a sister, Mildred Faith daughter Layla Ann Korn on May Brian Janiak ’12 welcomed son Miller ’28, and was a member of Births 5. Also celebrating is uncle Jarod Ellis Finley Jolly Janiak on March Delta Gamma sorority. 1990s Korn ’06. 16. The family lives in North Quincy, MA. Also celebrating Margaret Brown Conger ’42, of Gina Marino Thawley ’98 and Amy Blinn Mosley ’04 and are grandfather Tom Jolly ’77 Asheville, NC, January 29, at the Drew Thawley ’97 celebrated Wesley Mosley ’04 welcomed and grandmother Jane Gumley age of 94. She was predeceased the birth of daughter Eleanor son Grant David Mosley on April Janiak ’78. by a sister, Wilma Conger Perrill “Ella” Mae Thawley on April 13. 13. ’35, and is survived by a nephew, Brittany Coss Pace ’09 and Kenneth Nitchie ’81. 2000s Leah Cressman Robertson David Pace ’10 welcomed son ’04 and David Robertson ’05 Connor David Edward Pace on Catherine Urton Dittrick ’42, of Jennifer Blair Hall ’00 and her welcomed daughter Stella Sophia March 18. Dublin, OH, March 27, at the age husband Randy welcomed son Robertson on May 31. of 95. She was predeceased by Daniel Franklin Hall on April 2. her husband, Paul Dittrick ’42. Colin Campbell ’05 and his 2010s She is survived by a daughter, Cindy Luth Nelson ’00 wife Tara celebrated the birth of Brent Pleiman ’10 and his wife Carol Dittrick Wolters ’73, a celebrated the birth of daughter daughter Alma Elizabeth Craft Shannon welcomed son Elijah nephew, Douglas Dittrick ’55, Cassidy Nelson on March 22. Campbell on March 10. Henry Pleiman on February 6. and a niece, Wendy Dittrick Harris ’66. She was a member of Michelle Uton Simpson ’00 and Jennifer Blystone Casper ’05 Jillian Ristau ’12 celebrated the Chi Omega sorority. her husband Ricky celebrated the and her husband John welcomed birth of daughter Helena Ristau birth of son Micah Lance Simpson son John Allan Casper on May 18. on March 22. Harriet Rittenour Smith ’42, on February 26. of Reynoldsburg, OH, March Whitney Richards ’05 and her 22, at the age of 95. She was Emily Motsay Welly ’00 and husband Seth celebrated the In Memoriam predeceased by her mother, Nicholas Welly ’00 welcomed birth of son Creighton Nance Olivia Roberts Rittenour daughter Caroline Frances Welly Wensinger on May 5. 1930s 1918, and her husband, Alan on April 13. Also celebrating are Mary Midden Humes ’39, of Smith Jr. ’40. She is survived uncles Burton Welly ’01 and Erin Eilbeck Sykes ’05 and Curt Delaware, OH, April 14, at the age by a daughter, Christie Smith Timothy Welly ’07. Sykes ’07 welcomed daughter of 98. She was predeceased by Bolender ’69, and a son, Alan Fern Luella Sykes on February 12. her husband, Harry Humes ’40. Smith III ’66. She was a member Hugh Boyle ’02 and his wife Also celebrating is aunt Katelyn of Delta Gamma sorority. Heather celebrated the birth of Eibeck ’12. 1940s son Edward “Teddy” McArtor Miriam Johnson Bruton ’43, of Boyle on April 12. Read Allen ’06 and Kathryn Arline Lennox Bingham ’40, Richardson, TX, April 12, at the Holick Allen ’06 welcomed of Simsbury, CT, May 5, at the age of 94. She was preceded Alison Drake Burciaga ’03 and daughter Elizabeth Robbins age of 97. She is survived by a in death by her parents, Ariel her husband Juan welcomed Allen on October 15, 2015. Also daughter, Evangeline Bingham Brooks and Geneva May Juan Burciaga III on celebrating are grandparents ’66, and was a member of Kappa Johnson, two brothers, Rolland February 11. He is the grandson Stephen Allen ’77 and Holly Alpha Theta sorority. Johnson ’39, Wilbur Johnson of Tim Drake ’74 and Sandi Boeckel Allen ’77. ’41, an uncle, Wilbur Johnson Aker Drake ’75 and the great- Dorothea Heckman Hartley 1909, and a cousin, Constance grandson of the late M. Richard Christina Burfeindt Brown ’41, of Lakeside, OH, February Murphy Devitt ’37. Miriam was a Drake ’43 and Nina Drake ’43. ’06 and Charles Brown ’03 22, at the age of 96. She was member of Alpha Gamma Delta celebrated the birth of son predeceased by her husband, sorority. Elizabeth Tullberg Bedford Henry David Brown on May 4. Richard Hartley ’40. She is ’04 and William Bedford ’05 Also celebrating is aunt Jennifer survived by daughters Doranne Margaret Arnott Cordes ’43, of celebrated the birth of son Elton Maxwell ’12. Hartley Coad ’67 and Sandra Glen Mills, PA, June 6, at the age Lloyd Bedford on May 25. of 94. 44 | OWU Class Notes Class Notes

Dorothy Ginn Keith ’43, of 91. She was a member of Alpha Patricia Breece McKinney ’47, Carol Fox Green ’51, of Grove Hendersonville, NC, March 28, at Delta Pi sorority. and two children, James Breece City, OH, August 26, 2015, at the the age of 95. She was a member ’74 and Anthony Breece ’77. age of 85. She was predeceased of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Joanne Lawrence Root ’46, of James was a member of Phi by her husband, Carl Green Norwalk, OH, May 22, at the age Kappa Psi fraternity. ’51, and was a member of Delta Beverly Wright Meister ’43, of of 91. She was predeceased by a Gamma sorority. Boone, NC, February 18, at the son, an aunt, Rena Fink Williams Carol Ballinger Gregg ’49, of age of 94. She was preceded in 1909, and a cousin, Emma Sage Fredericktown, OH, May 11, at the Theresa FitzGerald Kettler ’51, death by her husband, Herbert Van Brunt ’35. She is survived age of 88. She was predeceased of Buckeystown, MD, May 20, at Meister ’40, and is survived by a by a son, Thomas Root ’75, and by her parents, Lucille Carroll the age of 86. She is survived son, David Meister ’71. She was a daughter-in-law, Kathy Geer Ballinger ’24 and J. Kenneth by a daughter, Cathleen Kettler a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. Root ’75. She was a member of Ballinger ’23, and an uncle, Viets ’83, and was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. Please Robert Carroll ’28. She is Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Richard Peppler ’43, of Euclid, see a longer version of this survived by her husband, Robert OH, March 26, at the age of obituary online at owu.edu/ Gregg ’45, and a daughter, Floyd Mussard ’51, of Arroyo 94. He was predeceased by magazine. Susan Gregg Cunningham Grande, CA, March 19, at the his mother, Gwendoline Bond ’73. She was a member of Delta age of 90. He was preceded Peppler 1910, and a cousin, Bonnie Pergande Holby ’47, of Gamma sorority. in death by his wife, Helen Robert Adams ’41. Asheville, NC, February 26, at Hoffman Mussard ’51, and two the age of 90. She is survived by Patricia Baldwin Kilpatrick ’49, cousins, Anne Tryon McGrew Margaret Whiting Funsett ’44, a sister, Mary Pergande Haapa of Cleveland, OH, March 3, at the ’32 and Martha Tryon Yohe ’31. of Shaker Heights, OH, May 9, at ’39, and was a member of Alpha age of 88. She was a member of He is survived by a niece, Amy the age of 94. She was preceded Xi Delta sorority. Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Seaman Fredrick ’79. He was in death by a brother, Herbert a member of Delta Tau Delta Whiting ’38. She is survived James Kratt ’47, of Louisville, Elizabeth Erbach Lewis ’49, of fraternity. by a sister, E. Jean Whiting KY, February 21, at the age of Tecumseh Island, Indian Lake, Addison ’39, and a cousin, 90. He was predeceased by a OH, May 26, at the age of 88. Neil Bantly ’52, of Orleans, MA, Kathryn Shimmon Crowther brother, George Kraft ’41, and She was predeceased by her April 1, at the age of 85. He is ’43. Margaret was a member of Pi was a member of Delta Tau Delta husband, William Lewis ’51, and survived by a daughter, Amy Beta Phi sorority. fraternity. was a member of Chi Omega Bantly Stansfield ’83. Neil was sorority. a member of Phi Kappa Tau Cecily Maitland Wilkinson ’44, Caroline Watkins Pierce ’47, of fraternity. of Frederick, MD, March 28, at Tryon, NC, February 13, at the the age of 93. She was a member age of 91. She was a member of 1950s Robert Canright ’52, of Shelby, of Delta Gamma sorority. Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Ann Sirlouis Atherton ’50, of OH, March 4, at the age of 85. Norwalk, OH, January 31, at He was preceded in death by his M. Eleanor Anderson ’45, of Donald Fetrow ’48, of the age of 87. She is survived parents, H. Joyce Canright ’21 Missoula, MT, March 21, at the Chillicothe, OH, April 9, at the age by a daughter, Elizabeth and Helen Hiteshew Canright age of 92. She was preceded of 93. He was preceded in death Atheron Matthews ’79 and ’26. Robert was a member of in death by a brother, William by a cousin, William Rohr ’40, was a member of Alpha Delta Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Searles ’37, and was a member and is survived by a son, Charles Pi sorority. Please see a longer of Gamma Phi Beta sorority. Fetrow ’73. He was a member of version of this obituary online at Ronald Hood ’52, of Gibson City, Delta Tau Delta fraternity. owu.edu/magazine. IL, February 19, at the age of 85. Edward Morris ’45, of Tulsa, OK, He was a member of Beta Sigma April 30, at the age of 93. He was Darlene Walter Maurer ’48, of Charles Gregg ’50, of Mount Tau fraternity. preceded in death by his mother, Central Point, OR, May 8, at the Vernon, OH, February 7, at the Catherine Fissel Morris 1912. He age of 90. age of 90. He is survived by a Sally Atkinson Hudnutt ’52, of is survived by a sister, Carolyn brother, Robert Gregg ’45, and Elyria, OH, April 14, at the age of Morris Conarroe ’49; four sons, Elizabeth Kesling Smith ’48, of a sister-in-law, Carol Ballinger 85. She was predeceased by her John Morris ’70, Eric Morris Knoxville, TN, May 11, at the age Gregg ’49. He was a member of parents, George Atkinson ’29 ’73, Edward Morris ’83, and of 89. She is survived by a son, Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. and Kathryn Wilson Atkinson Christopher Morris ’81; and four David Kesling ’73, and a cousin, ’30, and her husband, Arthur grandchildren, Victoria Morris Eleanor Newcomb Rice ’46. Elizabeth Prugh Weldon ’50, of Hudnutt ’51. She is survived ’12, Sara Morris ’12, Marshall Elizabeth was a member of Delta Waxahachie, TX, March 23, at the by two daughters, Elizabeth Morris ’13, and Jennifer Morris Gamma sorority. age of 87. Hudnutt Adelsberg ’93 and ’14. Edward was a member of the Kathryn Hudnutt Allanmeyer OWU Tower Society and Sigma John Wunderlich ’48, of Aurora, Oneida Litsinberger Boerger ’80. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Epsilon fraternity. IN, March 18, at the age of 91. He ’51, of Marysville, OH, April 27, at Kappa Gamma sorority. was predeceased by his wife, the age of 86. Ellen Archea Berghamer ’46, of Joan Finn Wunderlich ’48. Milton Lenc ’52, of Grand Cincinnati, OH, May 17, at the age Corinne Latham Cooper ’51, Junction, CO, January 22, at the of 93. She was a member of the James Breece ’49, of New of Sarasota, FL, May 13, at the age of 89. He was a member of OWU Tower Society and Gamma Albany, IN, May 19, at the age of age of 86. She was preceded Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. Phi Beta sorority. 88. He was predeceased by his in death by her mother, Dana father, James Breece ’20. He Latham ’20, and was a member John Roberts ’52, of Kent, OH, Barbara Rothstein Clark ’46, of is survived by his wife, Roberta of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. April 14, at the age of 85. He was Powell, OH, May 7, at the age of Tewalt Breece ’49, a sister, Class Notes Class Notes FALL 2016 | 45

a member of Alpha Tau Omega Donald Patchin ’56, of Chicago, Elizabeth Gilchrist Cummings fraternity. IL, March 8, at the age of 81. He ’61, of Marietta, OH, February 1980s is survived by two sons, Darian 21, at the age of 75. She was a Jennifer Fyles Potthoff ’81, of Ruth Wilson Baker ’53, of Patchin ’87 and Dorian Patchin member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Cape Eliz, ME, March 8, at the Beachwood, NJ, February 2, at ’87. He was a member of Phi sorority. age of 56. the age of 83. She was preceded Delta Theta fraternity. in death by her husband, Mitchell John Flannery ’64, of New Elliot Warren ’81, of Wellesley, Baker ’53, and was a member of William Sumpter ’56, of Castle, PA, March 24, at the age MA, June 6, at the age of 58. Alpha Chi Omega sorority. Midlothian, VA, April 18, at the of 74. He is survived by two He was a member of Chi Phi age of 81. brothers, Harry Flannery ’69 fraternity. Nancy Rulketter Fairhurst ’53, and Richard Flannery ’64. John of Toledo, OH, May 10, at the age Charles Crawford ’57, of was a member of Delta Tau Delta Christopher Berking ’83, of of 85. She was predeceased Alpharetta, GA, May 5, at the age fraternity. Ipswich, MA, June 3. He is by her parents, Ruth Gammell of 81. He is survived by a sister, survived by a sister, Margot Rulketter ’27 and J.W. Rulketter Margaret Crawford Hevel ’55, Laura Robbins Torbet ’64, of San Berking Daigle ’85, and was ’25, and a daughter, Katherine and two brothers, A. Robert Miguel de Allende, Mexico, April a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fairhurst ’75. She is survived by Crawford ’53 and William 11, at the age of 73. fraternity. two children, Virginia Fairhurst Crawford ’61. He was a member Keller ’81 and William Fairhurst of Sigma Chi fraternity. Terry Talling ’66, of Casstown, Nicholas Van Taylor ’83, of ’79. She was a member of Kappa OH, February 24, at the age of Westminster, MD, February 28, at Alpha Theta sorority. Robert Lowe Jr. ’57, of West 71. He is survived by a brother, the age of 54. He is survived by Windsor, NJ, March 12, at the age Thomas Talling ’73, and was a his wife, Teresa Bradley Taylor Dan Martin ’53, of Wellington, of 81. He is survived by a sister, member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon ’85, and a brother, Samuel FL, December 14, 2015. He is Nancy Lowe Hancher ’57, and fraternity. Taylor ’79. Nicholas was a survived by his wife of 60 years, was a member of Sigma Alpha member of Tau Kappa Epsilon Dorothy DeMeo Martin ’56, Epsilon fraternity. Mary Patterson ’67, of New York, fraternity. as well as three sons and a NY, April 17, at the age of 70. She daughter. He was a member of Oliver Foster ’58, of Los was a member of Pi Beta Phi Evonne Shahid ’85, of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Angeles, CA, March 17, at the age sorority. Columbus, OH, April 4, at the age of 79. of 52. She is survived by a sister, Sarah Roberts Ahrendt ’54, Barbara Hartley Schlacter ’67, of Sonnetta Shahid-Sturkey ’83. of Hilton Head Island, SC, June David Huit ’58, of Marshfield, Iowa City, IA, February 17, at the 1, at the age of 83. She was MA, March 5, at the age of 82. He age of 70. She is survived by a Marilyn Sandusky ’86, of predeceased by her parents, was a member of Phi Delta Theta sister, Suzanne Hartley ’71, and Columbus, OH, February 3, at the James Roberts ’23 and Aline fraternity. was a member of Kappa Alpha age of 68. Pierce Roberts ’23, and an Theta sorority. uncle, Donald Pierce ’33. Judith Allen Foster ’59, of Susan Proctor ’87, of Potomac, She is survived by a brother, Columbus, OH, May 9, at the MD, May 15, at the age of 51. She James Roberts ’51, a daughter, age of 78. She is survived by her 1970s was a member of Kappa Kappa Kimberly Ahrendt Furnald ’80, husband, Sidney Foster ’58, and Beth Vereeke Crawford ’70, of Gamma sorority. and a nephew, Frederic Roberts two siblings, Janet Allen Esch Durham, NC, February 20, at the ’84. Sarah was a member of ’62 and Jerry Allen ’61. She was age of 67. She was preceded Mary Seymour ’89, of Wheeling, Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. a member of Alpha Chi Omega in death by her father, Edwin IL, June 4, at the age of 49. She sorority. Vereeke ’43, and is survived by was a member of Kappa Kappa Denver Newman ’54, of her husband, Jeffrey Crawford Gamma sorority. Portsmouth, OH, March 4, at the Patricia Tappan ’59, of Hobe ’70, and was a member of Alpha age of 83. Sound, FL, February 17, at the age Chi Omega sorority. of 78. She is survived by a son, 1990s Richard Treis ’54, of Douglas, Joseph Tappan ’85, and was a Selden McNeer ’71, of Stephen Kacir ’95, of Norristown, MI, May 22, at the age of 86. He member of Delta Gamma sorority. Chesapeake, OH, May 31, at the PA, March 22, at the age of 43. was a member of Beta Theta Pi age of 66. fraternity. 2000s 1960s Benjamin Edmonds ’72, of Linda Powell Artuso ’55, of Thomas Butters ’60, of Durham, Detroit, MI, March 11, at the age Kavya Krishna ’06, of Long Beach, CA, March 31, at the NC, March 31, at the age of of 65. Minneapolis, MN, March 27, at the age of 82. She was a member of 77. He is survived by his wife, age of 31. Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Lynn Evans Butters ’60, and Katherine Denman Black ’77, of a son, Bret Butters ’87. Tom Seattle, WA, March 4, at the age Nathan Jackson ’07, of Duluth, James McIndoe ’56, of was a member of the OWU of 60. GA, April 23, at the age of 31. Willoughby, OH, May 24, at the Tower Society, a recipient of age of 84. He is survived by his the Distinguished Achievement Blair Werthmann ’78, of 2010s wife, Sarah Phillips McIndoe Citation, and a member of Sigma Chatham, NJ, February 5, at the ’56, and was a member of Alpha Alpha Epsilon fraternity. age of 60. He was a member of William Stroud ’10, of Delaware, Tau Omega fraternity. Phi Delta Theta fraternity. OH, February 27, at the age of 72. He received an honorary OWU Alumnus Award in 2010 for 46 | OWU Class Notes

his loyalty and service to Ohio Feller, on April 14, at the age of Nancy Notley ’75 and Judy Not- Wesleyan. 94. ley Burke ’83 for the loss of their father, William Collier Notley of Christopher Newman ’11, of Eileen Seabright Smith ’46 for Gwynedd, PA, September 1, 2015. Lorain, OH, June 6, at the age the death of her husband, Carl of 27. Smith, February 15, at the age of William Nutting ’76 and Angela 89. Nutting Farwick ’82 for the loss Luke Gabbert ’19, of Lewis of their mother, Patricia Nutting, Center, OH, February 6, at the Marjorie Young Force ’51 and March 11, at the age 87. age of 19. Debra Force ’75 for the death of Frank Force, Marjorie’s husband Deborah Tavenner ’77 for and Debra’s father, December 12, the loss of her mother, Jean Faculty/Staff 2015. Tavenner, March 28. Edward “Jed” Burtt, 37-year Larry Green ’52 and John James Reichert ’78 for the death faculty member at OWU and Contributions in honor of Jed Burtt Green ’79 for the death of Bet- of his father, Douglas Reichert, internationally respected may be made to support the Ohio ty Green, Larry’s wife and John’s February 14. ornithologist, April 27, at the age Wesleyan Natural History Museum. mother, August 29, 2015, at the of 68. age of 82. James Barger ’78, John Barg- In Memory of er ’79, and Kathryn Barger Richard “Dick” Daake, who taught Professor Jed Burtt Clifford Cooper ’53 for the death Leibrich ’83 for the death of their at OWU for 36 years, May 3, at the of his wife, Lucinda Bangs Coo- father, Richard Barger, Janu- Edward H. “Jed” Burtt Jr., 37-year age of 69. per, January 17, at the age of 82. ary 17. faculty member at OWU and inter- nationally respected ornithologist, Peter Manicas, former OWU Thomas Stewart Haas ’56 for Lisa Bookman Mears ’82 for the died April 27, at the age of 68. professor, December 27, at the the death of her husband, Dennis death of her father, George Book- Burtt, Professor Emeritus of Zo- age of 81. Haas, January 18, at the age of 81. man. ology, filled his career with teach- ing, mentoring, and discovery. He William McAfee ’56 for the Jennifer Blair Hall ’00 for the joined the Ohio Wesleyan Depart- Friends ment of Zoology in 1977, where as Lynne Muskoff, of Columbus, death of his wife, Patty Wellman loss of her father, Millard Franklin McAfee, February 13. (Frank) Blair, December 28, 2015, professor and two-time depart- OH, and a member of the Ross ment chair, he impacted the lives Museum Advisory Board, April 13, at the age of 77. Katherine Boles Smith ’71 and of thousands of students and col- at the age of 78. She is survived leagues. by a brother, Lloyd Ferguson Carolyn Smith ’06 for the death of Katherine’s mother and Caro- “There is no higher calling, no ’62, and a nephew, William greater purpose in life,” he said. Ferguson ’92. lyn’s grandmother, Belle Morris Boles, May 5. “I hope that I convey to all my stu- The deadline for receiving dents my passion for the birds I Sympathy to Duncan MacGruer ’75 and Class Notes and Faculty love, and the science that pro- Amanda MacGruer Davis ’77 for Notes submissions for the vides me with boundless excite- Jane Moorhead Feller ’43 for the death of their father, Malcom Winter 2017 OWU Magazine ment, and the privilege I feel in be- the death of her husband, Lyle MacGruer, February 2. is October 5, 2016. coming a trusted confidant in their lives.”

The Final Word Cont’d from page 48 ran down to the guidance office and, of course, everybody was That guidance counselor is Carolyn Beeler, and the associate busy. This one counselor couldn’t have been more than 24 and director of admissions is Richard Payne. I remained in touch with him she called me over. I hurriedly explained my situation: that I had but I had long lost track of her despite my best efforts. missed the recruiters, had not applied to a single school, and About 13 years ago, we reconnected, and I asked her how I could skipping college was not an option. repay her for all she did for me. She simply said come to Beachwood She got my financial materials together over a few days, did and talk to my kids. I did, but that seemed hardly enough. the calculations, and called an associate director of admissions at Last year, I was inducted into a college hall of excellence in Ohio Wesleyan. With me sitting right there she talked about what Columbus and nothing pleased me more than having Richard Payne a great student I was, how I had made a mistake, and that Ohio and Carolyn Beeler there so I could recognize them publicly for Wesleyan would be happy to get me. When she hung up, she told changing my life. me I was invited to visit the campus. We did the formal application, I’m here to tell you that acknowledging the people and institutions and a couple of months later, I was accepted here. that contributed to your success is good for the soul. Forty years after graduating, I still get choked up by that story The journey ahead will be exciting. How you travel it is as important because I did not choose Ohio Wesleyan; Ohio Wesleyan as what you achieve. chose me. Class Notes FALL 2016 | 47

Burtt was recognized as the BOARD OF TRUSTEES AT OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY 2011 Ohio Professor of the Year OFFICERS OF THE BOARD by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Thomas R. Tritton ’69 | Chairperson and the Council for the Advance- John Milligan ’83 | Vice Chairperson ment and Support of Education. Among many other accolades, in EX-OFFICIO 2013 he received the Margaret Rock Jones | President, Ohio Wesleyan University Morse Nice Medal from the Wil- son Ornithological Society for life- John Hopkins time contributions to the field. Bishop, Ohio East Conference of the United Methodist Church, North Canton, Ohio Burtt delivered hundreds of Bishop Gregory V. Palmer presentations at national and in- Bishop, Ohio West Conference of the United Methodist Church, Worthington, Ohio ternational scientific conferenc- es, often in collaboration with un- dergraduate students. He wrote TRUSTEES AT LARGE LIFE TRUSTEES seven books, many research pa- Richard B. Alexander ’82 William E. Blaine Jr. HON ’89 pers, and received a number of research grants. His research into Nicholas E. Calio ’75 Jean Fitzwater Bussell ’69 the microbiology of feathers led Doreen DeLaney Crawley ’91 George H. Conrades ’61 to his new insights into the evo- Belinda Brown Fouts ’73 Patricia Belt Conrades ’63 lution of avian color and feather- Daniel S. Glaser ’82 Evan Corns ’59 maintenance behavior. Edward Haddock ’69 Clyde A. Cox ’59 A resident of Delaware, Burtt is survived by his wife Pam and Carol Hilkirk Latham ’61 Martha Lou Dowler Diem ’47 his children, Jeremy Bredon Burtt Jack Luikart ’71 Douglas H. Dittrick ’55 and Michelle (Burtt) Bauman. Todd D. Luttinger P’10 Andres Duarte ’65 At his request, contributions Kevin J. McGinty ’70 William E. Farragher ’49 can be made in support of Ohio Cynthia Halliday Mitchell ’61 Hal A. Fausnaugh ’48 Wesleyan’s Natural History Mu- seum. Please submit gifts to the Colleen Nissl ’72 Robert W. Gillespie ’66 William D. Stull Endowment Fund, C. Paul Palmer IV ’96 Maribeth Amrhein Graham ’55 Ohio Wesleyan University, c/o Thomas Palmer ’69 Michael Long ’66 Jodi Bopp, Mowry Alumni Center, Frank Quinn ’78 Jack McKinnie ’54 61 S. Sandusky St., Delaware, OH George L. Romine Jr. ’67 Phillip J. Meek ’59 43015. Please see a longer version Timothy Sloan P’13, P’16 Carleton P. Palmer III ’64 of this obituary at owu.edu/news- Katherine Boles Smith ’71 Kathleen Law Rhinesmith ’64 media/owu-magazine/. Thomas R. Tritton ’69 Helen Crider Smith ’56 Kara Trott ’83 James D. Timmons Sr. ’61, P’92

TRUSTEES FROM WE WANT THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION FROM THE OHIO EAST TO HEAR Jan Baran ‘70 CONFERENCE FROM YOU! Cathleen Butt ’91 Jeffrey Benton Jason Downey ’02 Rob Hickson ’78 Please email your news to [email protected]. Peter Eastwood ’91 You can also submit your Kamila Goldin ’13 From the Other news to: Aaron Lewis Granger ’93 United Methodists The Ohio Wesleyan Sally Christiansen Harris ’76 Conferences Magazine, Ohio Wesleyan Craig Luke ’85 Myron F. McCoy ’77 University, Mowry Alumni Center, 61 S. Sandusky St., Mike L. McCluggage ’69 Delaware, Ohio, 43015, Attn: John F. Milligan ’83 Class Notes Editor. Jacob Miller ‘14 Greg Moore ’76 Include your name and class Cindy O’Neill ’81 year as well as a daytime phone number, should we C. Paul Palmer IV ’96 need to reach you. Photos Anand T. Philip ’00 are welcome. Submissions Ibrahim Saeed ’15 may be edited for space. 48 | OWU The Final Word THE DAY AFTER Adapted from the May 8, 2016, OWU Commencement Address by Gregory L. Moore ’76

lass of 2016, these looking at yourself. Not just to C past four years were primp and boost your ego! But a chance for us to see how do you like the person you we did as parents; what you see? I once had a successful remembered from what we young businessman say tried to teach you. It was a that if someone was across chance for you to prove that from him in a negotiation you didn’t need mom and and was clearly out of his or dad telling you what to do. her league, he would take This diploma is evidence advantage of them without a that we passed the tests. second thought. I thought to So let’s talk about The myself, what about the mercy Day After. rule? Going forward, In the end, you’ll have to Mommy and Daddy get figure out what you would a lot less credit and lot do in situations like that. But less blame for what you karma is a real thing. do. You are responsible To the young men here, for what happens from remember you have mothers now on. Choose your and maybe sisters. Respect mentors carefully and be women and fight for them to intentional about what be all they can be. It’s been a you want to emulate. The Man’s World for a long time. most successful people I But that doesn’t make it right. know read a lot, drink very little, and take sleep To the young women here—and I have two seriously. “I did not young daughters—all I can say is demand respect Be a good citizen of the world engaged with and Girl Power! the issues of the day and not just focused on choose Ohio I can’t emphasize this enough: There are no achieving personal wealth and power. Try to live a Wesleyan; shortcuts in life. You get what you get by working truly integrated life, with friends of different races hard and being honest. Lying and cheating to and backgrounds. Ohio Wesleyan get over is the road to ruin. You will be caught. There are those who say the most important That one mistake will follow you for the rest of thing is not how many times you fall down in life chose me.” your life. There is the cliché that America loves a but whether you get up. Perseverance, of course, —Gregory L. Moore ’76 comeback story. That might be true in sports. is important. But for my money, if you’re falling But my experience is we live in a pretty down a lot, that means you’re having a hard time moving forward. unforgiving world. It shouldn’t be a question now of whether you can walk. It’s Finally, I want to urge you to make time for your friends and a question of balance. That means doing things in moderation, loved ones. The pace of life quickens as it gets more complicated. making good decisions and always weighing consequences Create memories with the important people in your life, especially before you act. You are going to hit walls, encounter obstacles, and the people you love in the crowd today. No matter who you stumble. become, don’t forget who you have been and who helped you But the key is to stay on your feet and try not to go all the way along the way. down. Let me close with one last personal story. Goals are very important. Be as clear as you can about where I had never heard of Ohio Wesleyan before I came here in 1972. you’re headed. I recommend establishing goals in five-year I was the first person in my family to ever go to college. I knew intervals. For example, you might start out saying I want to see nothing about the application process and, in fact, missed out some of Europe—or save 10 percent of what I earn and buy a completely when the college recruiters came to my high school. I small house. Not bad goals by the way. Be rigorous in making your thought you graduated from high school and during the summer dreams happen. applied to the college you wanted to attend. I recommend looking in the mirror every day. I mean really When I learned the truth at the end of the year, panicked, I Cont’d on page 46

What advice would you give the Class of 2017? Email your thoughts to [email protected] or tweet to @OWUAlumni. The Final Word

Adapted from the May 8, 2016, OWU Commencement Address by Gregory L. Moore ’76

Honoring Alumni

For nearly 50 years Ohio Wesleyan University has embraced a wonderful tradition of honoring alumni by annually bestowing alumni awards. These awards foster lasting connections with our most amazing alumni and recognize their lifetime achievements.

It is OWU’s unique way of saying “Thank you” to these outstanding individuals.

Be a part of this important award tradition by nominating an individual who has shown a commitment to excellence post-OWU, and a significant or ongoing commitment to extraordinary work, research, volunteerism, or service to the University. To nominate someone, review criteria, and view previous recipients see: owu.edu/alumni-and-friends/alumni-awards Non-Profit Org. US Postage 61 S. SANDUSKY STREET DELAWARE, OH 43015 PAID www.owu.edu Permit # 5419 Columbus, OH