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2014
Eastern, Fall 2014
Eastern Michigan University
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Recommended Citation Eastern Michigan University, "Eastern, Fall 2014" (2014). Alumni News. 261. https://commons.emich.edu/alumni_news/261
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the University Archives at DigitalCommons@EMU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Alumni News by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@EMU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Fall 2014 I emich.edu The magazine of Eastern Michigan University
...... u • • " ...... A CENfURr b-F PEASE<> AUDITORIUM
of Contents
FEATURES 16 / Celebrating a Century of Pease Auditorium Pease Auditorium has provided a window to the world for 100 years.Tra vel back in time with us as we review some of the building's memorable moments.
20 I Moments in Time A mysterious bundle of 40-year-old letters causes students to ponder how they communicate-and those who came before them.
24 / Applied Ingenuity College ofTechnology student Aaron Howard is helping to make the world's water cleaner.
.,t •1" • \ \ l
DEPARTMENTS 4 / Editor's Note
SI From the President
6-1 S / Around Campus • Real Madrid practices at EMU; Don Loppnow retires; EMU professor's anti-microbial spray may help reduce hospital infections • How much do you know about Special Education? Take our quiz! • Professor Jay Peterson talks about EMU's new physician assistant program in "A Conversation With ... "
DEPARTMENTS CONTINUED
28-38 / Alumni News and Class Notes • New Books: Gloria Ewing Lockhart; Charles Novacek • Remembering EMU baseball legends Ron Oestrike and Bob Welch
Cover illustration by Jack Carder Eastern FALL 2014 Editor's Note Vol. 11, Issue 3 EDITOR Darcy Gifford
CONTRIBUTORS Jason E. Brooks, Jack Carder, Patricia Cartwright, Words. Geoff Larcom, Randy Mascharka (BBA85), JeffMortimer, Katie Rogers, Jess J. Salisbury, Jeff Samoray, Hilary Simmet, Paul Vuocolo
Connections. ABOUT EASTERN Eastern (ISSN 2150-4679) is published three times a year by the Division of Communications at Memories. Eastern Michigan University 1215 N. Huron River Drive From old lettersto oldfriendships, Ypsilanti, Ml 48197-2351 All rights reserved. we look at the ties that bind The views presented are not necessarily can't remember the last time I wrote those of the editor or the officialpolicies I a letter by hand. I still mail thank of the University. you notes and invitations. But actually ADDRESS CHANGES writing a handwritten letter to give an 1349 5. Huron St., Suite 2 Ypsilanti, Ml 48197 update or share my thoughts? That 734.487.0250 hasn't happened in awhile. I call or text. [email protected] I Skype. I update biogs and social media. Send story ideas to: 15 Welch Hall While I don't oftenwrite letters, I absolutely cherish receiving letters in the mail. Ypsilanti, Ml 48197 [email protected] My mother still writes me handwritten letters, and I'm always excited to see her handwriting amid the ban·age of junk mail. I like seeing her paper choices or the perfect Eastern M,chigan University is committed to excellence in teaching, the extension card she's chosen. Theway her penmanship flows on the page. Thecharacter in how she of knowledge through basic and applied shares her thoughts and the enthusiasm that shows in the punctuation. How she ends research, and creative and artistic expression. with XOXOXO. It's a throwback and connects me to my past. Building on a proud tradition of national leadership in the preparation of teachers, we That's why I was so intrigued by a large display of letters fromthe 1970s at 111e maximize educational opportunities and personal and professional growth for students Undergraduate Symposium in March. The paper was faded, wornand frayed. from diverse backgrounds through an array The letters were obviously fromthe past, but the words were alive with hope and of bachelor's, master's and doctoral possibilities. Some writers were questioning their courses of study. Others were sharing programs. We provide a student-focused learning environment that positively affects thoughts on relationships. One letter was even written while its author was waiting the lives of students and the community. We forfood to arrive at Pizza Hut. The origin of these old letters remains a mystery. 111e extend our commitment beyond the campus questions they raise, though, are intriguing. If you sometimes findyourself thinking boundaries to the wider community through service initiatives and partnerships of mutual about relationships and the ways communication has changed over the past few interest addressing local, regional, national and decades, then I know you'll find"Moments in Time" to be an interesting read (p. 21 ). International opportunities and challenges.
Another poignant connection is the relationship between two EMU baseball icons coach Ron Oestrike and pitcher Bob Welch-who passed away within a month of each other this spring ("Two forthe Ages;' p. 36). Both are synonymous with EMU baseball. Upon hearing of Coach Oestrike's death so soon afterBob's passing, teammate Danny Schmitz said, "I guess they needed a head coach on Bobby's team in heaven:'
Thesestories and more are in this issue of EasternMagazine. Thanks forstaying Mixed Sources connected with us, and forbeing part of the EMU family. Prod1.1ct9roupf1om well-man.agrd loruts, tonlrolled sourcts.and -Darcy Gifford,editor reocyclcdwoodor fibN £jwww.fsc.org C•rl no. SCS-COC-00979 FSC 0 1996 Fo1l"Sl Sttw11dshlp(ourn:1I
4 E.,stern I FALL 2014 From the President
Celebrating Eastern's History
Special Education1 Pease Auditorium reach anniversarymilestones
astern's 165-year history is a treasure to Latson, soprano; S.T. Billows, countertenor; E be celebrated. MJ. Pease, tenor, and T.B. Sladding, bass. The inscription was not part of the original bell. As you walk across our beautiful800-acre campus, you encounter a wonderful blend But artifacts, bricks, windows and wiring of buildings. Some are modernand new, only tell a piece of om history.The other part while others are classic and historic. is what happens inside of our buildings-the wonderfulprograms and officesthat have There a.renew buildings such as the Science touched the lives ofhundreds of thousands Complex with its spherical, suspended of people over the decades. planetarium that also serves daily as a classroom, and lab rooms brimming with We are celebrating several milestones, technology; the spacious and well-designed providing a great opportunity for alumni Halle Library; and tl,esprawling, three and friendsto visit can1pus and support story, glass-sided Student Center that programs that were meaningfulto them. overlooks our fountain, ponds and acres The bell from Old Main has been We recently celebrated the lOO'h of green grass, perfect for a relaxing day of refurbished and now graces McKenny anniversary of our Special Education studying or leisure on a spring, sw11mer or Hall's east entrance. progran11 which is recognized as the fust fall afternoon. and oldest program of its kind in the cow1try. Then there a.rethe classic and historic-buildings such as We are also celebrating the l 00th anniversary of Pease Auditorium. McKenny Hall, Pease Auditorium, Roosevelt Hall, Scherzer and A yearlong series of events and activities are being planned to Welch. These buildings reflect our history and tradition. mark th.ismilestone, including special concerts and receptions in From residence halls to academic spaces such as Pray-Harrold which you can play a part. and Rackham, we are renovating older buildings, adding new The College of Business is celebrating its 50th year, and tl,e technology and more user-friendlywork and personal space, and Applied Drama forthe Young Program earlier th.isyear celebrated installing more sustainable, energy-efficientinfrastructure. 50 years of service to Eastern, the community and young people A wonderfultesta.n,ent to om history, the bell fromOld Ma.in, with a special event and theatrical perfonnance. can be foundin the ma.inhallway ofMcKenny Hall. Next year, we wilJ celebrate the 50th anniversary ofWEMU-our According to documents foundin the EasternMichigan National Public Radio station that serves Washtenaw County University archives, tl,e 700-pound bell was purchased by and beyond with a unique blend of national and local news and Michigan State Norma.ISchool (now EMU) in 1874. It was information, and blues and jazz to thousands oflisteners weekly. rediscovered in a basement storage area last year and refurbished, We invite you to join us over the next year as we mark our and now adornsMcKenny Hall as a reminder of Ea.stem'slong milestones-tl,ose that a.rereferenced here and those still to and rich history. be announced. Eastern's history is a treasme, and a great It is believed the bell was originalJy installed in the Conservatory reason for you to remain connected and involved ,'Ii.thEa.stern ofMusic building until 1915, beforebeing moved to Old Michigan University. Main, which was demolished in 1948 to make room fortl1e construction of Pierce Hall. A fa.intinscription carved into the bell can be read today. It reads "Conservatory Qyartetof 1889," and lists tl1e names of M.E. President
Eastern I FALL 2014 5 Powerful Reminder A 14-foot steel support beam from the World Trade Center rests on Eastern Michigan University's campus. The 6,800-pound beam, believed to be from the 74'h floor of the South Tower, was brought to campus in 2011 in recognition of the 1 Olh anniversary of 9/11. The beam is the focal point of a memorial in Pease Park. It rests on two six-inch concrete supports, which stand atop a graceful circular platform with steps. The site is situated in the low lying, southeast corner of campus and is partially shielded by trees and tucked into a hill-offering a place for quiet reflection. The University recognizes the anniversary of 9/11 each fall, and individuals pay their respects in unique and personal ways. In this photo from 2013, it's easy to see flowersand a photo frame leh by visitors.
photograph by Paul Vuocolo
6 Ea,ttrn I FALL 2014
Aroun
CR7 at EMU The Real Madrid vs. Manchester United showdown in Ann Arbor brought some of the biggest names in soccer to town including superstar forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who practiced with his Real Madrid teammates at EMU prior to the match. The EMU women's soccer team was able to take it all in firsthand,even getting a chance to meet Ronaldo, who is also captain of the Portuguese national team and widely considered one of the world's top players. -Photo courtesy of Adam Kuffner
8 E.1stern I FALL 2014 Seen & Heard
"I think about how many people are drawnto a place because of its natural environment, its climate, the beauty that is there. Yet, when they arrive, they are not expecting to have hundreds of other people on that beautiful secluded beach that they saw in the advertisement." -Dr. Kelly Victor-Burke, EMU geography professor, on geotourism and if tourism and the environment have a natural conflict; The Detroit Free Press
"People don't necessarily think about how digital and physical booksare evolving together,or the implications of contemporary artists' and designers' explorationsof digital, physical and hybrid book media." -Dr. LeslieAtzmon, EMU art professor, on the state of books today; The Atlantic
''Apoet must learnhow to become imprisoned in global life as a whole, and in each moment in particular." - Clayton Eshleman, EMU professoremeritus, English, discussing his book "The Complete Poetry: Cesar Vallejo" and lessons for poets today; Michigan Radio ArounJ!��
UNWAV ERING C m Don Loppnow's 40-year tenure at EMU marked by "boundless leadership, graciousness"
he ready handshake, the sincere smile, the easygoing manner, the lack of guile. Whatever the circumstances, it is always pleasant to meet Don Loppnow around the Eastern Michigan campus. TAnd I met and talked to Don-a lot-particularly during the fiveyea rs I covered Eastern Michigan University (2004-09) for The Ann Arbor News, and also in the fiveyears I've worked here since as director of media relations. The reason our paths crossed so much hints at why he's so widely respected on the Eastern campus. Don's 40-year career at EMU encompassed a remarkable variety of academic and administrative positions. Founder, professor and department head of the EMU School of Social Work. Interim president. Provost. Vice president of advancement and executive director of the EMU Foundation. And then a happy return to teaching again these past few years. Universities often go through times of change, and Don was there to step in and provide leadership when Eastern called. I can picture Don in a series of snapshots at crucial moments for the University, such as when he was introduced as EMU's interim leader for a brief period before Craig Willis was named interim president. Or when he led EMU the year before Susan Martin was named president. But, more than the myriad positions held, what lingers with faculty and staff at Eastern is Don's kindness, his intelligence, his empathy and his broad understanding of the University. And, for me, his honesty and accessibility. He was always available to talk and would return phone calls personally to an inquiring reporter. President Martin noted Don's devotion to Eastern in a message to campus in 2009 that announced that he would serve a year as vice president for advancement before returning to the faculty. "It is a bittersweet moment for Eastern Michigan University as we absorb the news that Dr. Don Loppnow has decided to transition back to the faculty and eventually to retirement after
10 EasternI FALL 2014 a celebrated and important career as a fa culty member, assist and work together with their colleagues and with the academic leader, and Interim President while Provost;' administrative leadership and staff of the University. President Martin wrote. "It really needs to be a two-way street, where we're working "His contribution to EMU in the year before my appointment collaboratively together. And I believe that will occur. It certainly in stabilizing and leading the University cannot be has been the history at Eastern:' overestimated. It will be an important part of his legacy and a My most recent handshake with Don came this summer, testimony to his love for Eastern ... I cannot thank him enough when I saw him crossing campus, again with that ready smile, for his counsel and support'.' and tall as ever. He described the joy and satisfaction of returning As much as anybody, Don understood what it was like both to teaching, of connecting with students - a perfect symmetry to to be an administrator and a faculty member at Eastern, a fact a career marked by service. he touched on during an interview I did with him in 2007 as he That conversation came around to the time Don was began a stint as EMU's interim leader. honored with a resolution by the EMU Board of Regents at its "I come from the fa culty. So I don't view the faculty as a regular June meeting. group of people different from those of us in administration;· The board noted Don's many roles at Eastern, his fundraising he said at the time. "I view them as my colleagues, people success and his extensive community work, expressing whom I respect highly." great appreciation "for 40 years of boundless leadership and Reaching out to them really involves listening to what their graciousness, and ... his extraordinary commitment to the concerns are, being responsive, and also asking them to institution." Ill - Geoff Larcom
Battling Bacteria Anti-microbial spray may help reduce hospital-associated infections
n EMU College ofTechnology "Our research group has developed a In 2013, the Michigan Initiative forInnovation faculty member is preparing to chemical formula that can be sprayed on and Entrepreneurship (MIIE) awarded grants bring a revolutionary new product hospital curtains;'Ghosh says."The formula to EMU to assist in commercializing the anti to the marketplace-one that may contains an anti-microbial agent that attracts bacterial spray, with Ghosh's project receiving haveA a major impact on the medical industry. and kills up to 99.9 percent of bacteria'.' $31,248. Subhas Ghosh, professor ofTechnology The spray can be applied to a wide range of "Eastern is continually involved in cutting Studies, has been developing an anti fabrics, including cotton and polyester. Unlike edge research that has immediate and microbial spray that kills bacteria on chemical formulations developed by other practical applications;'says Philip Rufe, EMU privacy curtains in health care settings. The researchers, Ghosh's fabric treatment can be Technology Transfer coordinator. "For many Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recharged after the curtains are washed. years, Eastern has been known firstf or its estimates nearly 1 .7 million hospital dedication to classroom instruction. This "Our sprays can withstand up to at least associated infections, from all types of research project shows that Eastern is also 50 wash cycles, and the microbe-killing bacteria combined, contribute to 99,000 very active in applied research that can have properties are just as potent as they were deaths annually in the U.S. Privacy curtains a broad impact on society'.' Ill after the initial application;' Ghosh says. can harbor and transmit potentially fatal - Jeff Sa moray "After completing further tests, we'll begin microbes to patients with compromised contacting different suppliers and companies immune systems. to commercialize the product:' by Jess J. Salisbury
"" ·fitx ••••••
12 E_, stern I FALL 2014 V\ 1. a.) This model, called the Zenith Super Royal T, was manufactured in 1953. 2. b.) These tests contain colored dots that fo rm an image visible to those with normal cc: color vision. I.I.I 3. c.) This test, used in 1964, required students to trace on the paper figures. 4. a.) This test was part of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children; this 3: particular version was used by the Wayne Intermediate School District in 1980. V\ 5. c.) This communicator was manufactured by Canon, the same company that may have made your camera. :z 6. c.) The training materials here consisted of filmstrips and cassette tapes. cs:: 7. b.) This hearing aid was also manufactured by Zenith, in 1958. 0 ..
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A Conversation with Jay Peterson by Jess J. Salisbury
With the authority to perform Eastern: Why do you think that PAs are more in demand recently? nearly every task a doctor does Peterson: We recognize that PAs can provide very cost-effective high-quality patient care. With with far fewered ucational more patients getting insurance under the Affordable Care Act, we expect that there will be a huge demand for PAs. hoops to jump through ( compare a two-year program It's expected there will be a 38 percent growth in the number of PAs over the next 10 years. PAs can work in any area of health care, which is nice. It's a very flexible type of position. with years of medical school and residency programs), Eastern: Do you think that an aging U.S. population has anything to do with it? physician assistants (PAs) are Peterson: I think the baby boo me rs definitelywill have an impact on the need and demand forPAs. expected to be in demand in We know that there are more people in general who have insurance, but certainly more of an older the upcoming decade. Jay population who will have health problems. Peterson, EasternMichigan Eastern: What are the advantages of being a PA over being a physician? University's head of the newly Peterson: I think it's a personal decision. Ifsomeone is interested in medicine, they can be a PA or a created physician assistant physician or a nurse or a nurse practitioner or any number of other tilings. These are all really good graduate program, explains professions. To me, one ofthe benefitsto becoming a physician assistant is the shorter period of training. PAs have a lot of job opportunities. There is expected be a lot of job growth. They get paid why the program and its pretty well, too. I think it's a great combination oftl1ings. students can expect to be at PAs can be making more decisions. TI1ey can prescribe tilings. TI1ey can order tests. They can order the top of their game. X-rays. They can order CAT scans-things like that. Theycan see a patient from the time they come into the emergency room to the time tl1ey're discharged. PAs can have flexibilityin healtl1 care, which nurses have, as well. I think it's really a personal decision as to what they want to do. How much medical decision-making do they want to have?
While you still get a lot of responsibility, to me it's reassuring because ... when you don't know the answer, you're supposed to ask your supervising physician. You always have someone to go to if you have questions. I think that's really helpful for patient care. We're also taught the importance of working as a team in healthcare.
Eastern: It sounds like there's a great deal of teamwork in the medical profession in general.
Peterson: The idea of the team is ilie epitome ofa successful health ca.reexperie nce. It really is teamwork.
Everyone has ilieir roles, ilieir attributes, the tilings they bring to the table, but it's important for every member of tile team to recognize who the oilierpeople are on the team and know what they can do to provide care. We do believe in the importance of inter-professional education, knowledge
14 Eastern I FALL 2014 about other professions, but have some students who are also working together and fresh out of their undergrad learningtogether is what our "Theidea of the team is the epitome career who have medical goal is. experience just as interns or of what is a successful health care doing rotations as a student. Eastern: Te ll me about the background of the current experience. It really is teamwork." Eastern: Where do you see the students going in students. Are they coming -Jay Peterson fromhealth profes ion the future? already? Are they recent graduates> Have they been Peterson: It's a good out of school for a while? question. We're still pretty early in the program; it's hard to say for sure. One of our goals, a basic part of our mis ion, is to create Peterson: We're very happy with the great mix ofstudents that ambassadors of the PA profession. We're not just seeking to we have, so one of the things with our curriculum model is we graduate our students; we want to graduate those who will then want students to be interacting, and we don't want them all to be become wonderful PAs. We want new graduates to be ones that cookie cutter, the exact same background. We have some students all the other people at the officeor in the hospital say,"Hey , where who have been medical professionals formany years, working as did that person go to school?" We want them to say, "Eastern, a nurse for instance, or athletic trainer or physical therapist. We of course:· I!
Eastern I FALL 2014 15 . . -:- ., ...... 6:7 ·- - J --- . JI • ...... • . • ., .. -· l. .. , lD ..
A AUDITORIUM by Jess J. Salisbury Illustration by Jack Carder
16 Easctrn I FALL 2014 sit enters its second century, Pease Auditorium still embodies the elegance of its era. From its Romanesque exterior, trimmed Ain carved marble, to the delicate arches, domed ceiling and 4,397-pipe organ inside, the building is a testament to early 201h century opulence. But to Eastern Michigan and the surrounding community, Pease is much more than a pretty face. Built in 1914 at the southern edge of campus, the auditorium was the largest performance venue in the city of Ypsilanti until the EMU Convocation Center opened in 1997. "Through it, we can really access a hundred years of history;' says Diane Winder, head of the department of music and dance. "If you could shake its walls, the greatest music and the greatest speakers of the century would fa ll out:' Eleanor Roosevelt spoke to a packed auditorium about the struggle between democracy and the rising power of the Soviet Union on a November evening in 1957. "The American people face a great challenge today;' she said. "We must prove that, with freedom, we can accomplish the same as the Soviet Union without freedom." Bobby Kennedy addressed an enthusiastic crowd from the steps of Pease one chilly October morning in 1966. "How many favor pulling out ofVietnam?"Kennedy asked. "Who's against escalation?" Almost every hand in the audience flewup in agreement. Legendary poet Maya Angelou spent an evening there in 1996 encouraging listeners to immerse themselves in poetry, to study the "rich and real"works of 191h and 201h century African American poets, as well as classics like Shakespeare and Poe, and writers of every demographic and background. The words, she said, are spendable currency. you could '' If shake · ts walls} the greatest 1nusic and the greatest speakers of the ce11turywould fa] '' -Oione Win der
EasternI FALL 2014 17 In 1923, John Philip Sousa led his band through Depot It's no surprise that a building as old and storied as Pease has Town and Ypsilanti to perform at Pease, which overflowed with spawned its share of urban legends. One involves a pair of music community members excited to see the March King in person majors whose romantic relationship ended in a jealousy-driven in their own hometown. murder. Another claims that the spirit of Frederic H. Pease himself, Musicians from the Te mptations to the Ben Folds Five to the building's namesake, lurks in the building. the Roots and the Drifters and Alison Krauss and Union A student named Timothy Harrower wrote a spellbinding Station have all appeared there, and so did renowned cult account called "The Ghost of Pease Auditorium"for the April 1 980 film director John Waters. edition of the former EMU magazine Spectrum. Despite being "It became a window to the world for the city of Ypsilanti and clearly labeled as historical fiction,its popularity helped establish the campus;· says Kristy Meretta, an emeritus professor who taught the spooky tale in campus folklore. oboe for 31 years. "A lot of people I don't even know kept coming up to me in the • When Pease opened, Ypsilanti was still a rural, dirt-road town, halls, asking me if it's real and if I've seen the ghost;' Harrower told and Eastern, then called Michigan State Normal College, had only a the Eastern Echo. "I've gotten a lot of reaction from it:· handful of buildings. It was a thriving social center for both city and Barbara Weiss, concertmistress of the college orchestra campus from day one, and classes would often be cancelled when in the late 1930s, definitely believed that Pease had an headlining acts arrived. unearthly resident. But Pease has been much more than a performance venue. "There is a ghost in there;'Weiss insisted in a 1995 interview The Department of Music and Dance's officeswere located for with the University. "I have definitely felt another presence on the many years on the second floor, just above the main entrance, stage. It's like the Phantom of the Opera, but this is a nice ghost:· and professors gave lessons in the teaching studios scattered Its supernatural dimension may be iffy, but there's no question throughout the building. that Pease has molded unforgettable memories for its patrons.
HOl'l-i.\ \\I) B.\\I) R"''"'" Go&1oti11i Hi1l
1910s 1920s 1950s 1960s 0 I/ I/ / I/ 1914 Construction begins 1923 John Philip Sousa 1957 Eleanor 1960 The organ is installed, on a new auditorium and his band Roosevelt made possible by a to replace the perform at Pease visits EMU, donation from emeritus Conservatory of after marching to gives speech faculty member Music Building the auditorium at Pease Frederick Alexander from the Ypsilanti U.S. Senator Robert 1915 Pease Auditorium train station 1966 is dedicated F. Kennedy speaks June 22 from the steps of Pease; he is in town 1916 Detroit Symphony campaigning for Orchestra performs Statewide Democratic at Pease candidates.
18 E.,s 1rrn I FALL 2014 "My eyes still fillwith tears as I remember my first experience at Pease Auditorium:'wrote Christine Rowley, sharing her SO-year-old memories in a letter to the Friends of Pease in the 1990s. Rowley, who attended EMU from 1937 to 1941, made her way to Pease through a blizzard to hear a symphony orchestra for the firsttime. Because of the storm and a power outage, the entire performance was candlelit and the audience was small. Nonetheless, wrote Rowley, "When the first notes of music filled the auditorium, the tears streamed down my face at its beauty:• "Past, present and future are really important to an institution:' says Elizabeth King, former Dean of Health and Human Services, who was a key player in the drive to renovate Pease in the early 1990s. "Our past is a foundation for our future:· "Pease Auditorium is made up of more than brick and mortar:' says emeritus professor Meretta. "Pease Auditorium is made up of experiences that came before and come with us and will come after us:· I!
1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s
1974 Cicely Tyson 1980 Count Basie 1993 Pease 2001 The Frederick graces the stage brings his Auditorium is Alexander Memorial for a speech electrifying renovated Organ is restored sponsored by performance the Officeof to Pease 2007 EMU begins campaign Religious Affairs Pease Auditorium to provide 120 Steinway 1984 pianos for use across 1979 The Detroit is placed on the Symphony National Register campus; many are Orchestra of Historic Places housed in Pease returns 2014 EMU celebrates 100 years of Pease Auditorium
E.i> tern I FALL 2014 19
.. oments
A mysterious bundle of 40-year-old letters causes students to ponder how they communicate-and those who came before them by Jess J. Salisbury en Eastern Michigan University student Garrett Stralnic came into possession of bundle of 40-year-old letters, he wasn't looking to make a profound statement Wbout the written word. But as he and three friends would learn, every interaction holds meaning. Stralnic and Alyssa Martinez, as part of their community projects and collaboration class, had teamed with Sean Ruona and Carrie Henderson, students in a mixed media course, on a group project whose goal was to demonstrate connection and community. The vagueness of that aim was making it a challenge to figureout how to accomplish it, until the letters turned up where Stralnic lives, the Renaissance Apartments near the east edge of campus. His roommate, a maintenance worker at the complex, discovered them in a plastic bag behind a basement ceiling tile. Fascinated, Stralnic and his friends began reading them aloud to each other. The letters, none of which are postmarked, were all from the 1970s, yellowed with age, and some had been crinkled up or ripped in spots. Many appeared to have been written by students, letters home
EasternI FALL 2014 21 Another letter, written from a Pizza Hut by an unknown author, was covered in doodles. "Did college ever make you feel boxed in?" One writer talked about how the apartment was thought to be haunted and noted that his dead hamster was buried in the parking lot. Another writer was a swimmer, and another played intramural basketball. One man wrote about his impending marriage to his fianceeand the social work courses they were taking together. Two messages, both from a writer named Mary Ann, were scrawled on postcards-one bearing a snowy scene with a bunny and holly berries. There was even a Holiday Inn envelope addressed to Florida among the cache. "We were all fascinated with these letters;· Martinez says. "We wondered why they hadn't reached the intended recipients, who the writers were, and even what language some were written in. The fascination led to the idea of the ways we communicate in society as a whole:' Letter writing is nearly a lost art in an age when text can be composed and delivered thousands of miles away in mere seconds. While such convenience may be necessary in today's fast-paced world, the charm of the written word is undeniable. As Stralnic puts it, "artistry in penmanship and narrative" tend . >,e'z� / �� to be lost in today's communication forms. And as the group discovered, putting ink to paper provokes a person to open up more, with the found letters typically being deeper and more ;,f personal than "Hey, how r u?" Stralnic now had a vision for the project: "to be a way to 4:>n spotlight and connect the stories of people in the past and A present in an attempt to create a greater sense of community:· � Hoping to replicate the spirit in which these letters were 4' 6� �� written, the group went door-to-door at the complex and encouraged current tenants to write letters themselves. The new letters were then displayed in the building alongside the older ones. "We had a get-together to welcome anyone and everyone, which helped further communication between people who may never have communicated at all;' Martinez says. When the display became a part of the Undergraduate Symposium, the circle widened. "After we explained what we did and why we did it, viewers' reactions were always positive;· Ruona says. "They would often engage us with personal stories about how that phenomenon of human interaction plays such a heavy role in their life, and through that we were able to make meaningful connections with everybody we spoke to." The purpose of the project was not to belittle modern and the importance of having substance in what you have to say communication, she says, but to demonstrate how people have with the people you care about:' come to take for granted the technology that allows them to Martinez's thoughts were similar. "Letter-writing is [valuable) keep in touch with distant loved ones. for the time and thought that goes into it;' she says. "When I am "Ironically, our communication has kind of devolved, now that handwriting something, anything, I think long and hard about we have the means to talk to someone even across the world, each letter turning into a word and then a sentence and then every day, instantaneously;' Ruona says. "In the times when you an idea that someone will read and interpret. Writing a letter had to handwrite a letter, you were very delicate about what you takes time, patience, and an appreciation for what someone is said, you were very delicate about the presentation, you really attempting to communicate:· chose what you had to say, and that gave it a real human feel, Stralnic found a connection that was more historical than which reminded us about the importance of human engagement literary. "I felt that I was awakened to the importance of exploring the history of places you live;' he says, "and that sometimes you can find very interesting connections in that exploration with your own experience:· To Ruona, the project was a reminder of the ephemeral nature of relationships. "We have so many different mediums to interact with people now that it's so easy;• she says. "I feel like people kind of lose sight of that and think, 'Oh, I could catch up with this person any time; but you know, the truth is ... nothing's really forever. Especially in these college years, we meet some people who may be our best friends for the rest of our lives, and some people we'll lose touch with after a year. If that happens, it's disappointing, but at the same time, you should really cherish that time you do share with them." lll
E.1 stcrn I SPRING 2014 23 APPLIIED•
COT students help make the world's water cleaner by JeffSa moray
or most Americans, bathing, cooking, cleaning, drinking-even washing the car or watering the lawn-happens with a simple turn of a faucet. Fresh, sparkling water is a given, especially for people in the Great Lakes region. Although we tend to take fresh water for granted, a water crisis is affecting the health, education and incomes of communities across the globe. About 783 million peopleF lack access to clean water, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientificand Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Reports compiled forUNES CO's 201 3 International Year of Water Cooperation note that 2.5 billion people live without adequate sanitation. About 1.1 billion people-or 15 percent of the world's population-still practice open defecation. This problem leads to illness. Every 20 seconds, a child dies because of poor sanitation. Water scarcity isn't due solely to drought and climate change. Water use increased more than twice the population over the last century. If the problem isn't solved, 1.8 million people will be living with absolute water scarcity by 2025, and two- thirds of the world's population could be living under water stress conditions, UNESCO says. While we can't turn deserts into lakes, innovative students from Eastern's College ofTechnology (COT) have teamed with the OHorizons Foundation to refine a process for creating the BioSand Filter (BSF), which turns contaminated water into safe drinking water. This example of applied ingenuity has the potential to impact thousands of communities that can only dream of having the fresh water we enjoy every day.
Photo by Randy Mascharka
24 EastcrnI FALL 2014 EMU graduate student Aaron Howard From plywood to fresh water tools and materials to make. Because BSFs are primarily meant to Eastern's involvement in the project began in April 2013. serve communities with limited resources, OHorizons turned to OHorizons, a nonprofitwith officesin Troy, Mich., and New York wood for molds, but the design lacked durability. City, contacted the COT to offer a student co-op for designing a "About 40 screws held the previous mold assembly together;· new mold for the BSF. Applied technology major Aaron Howard Howard says. "After soaking it with water and cement, you need (BS 14) jumped at the opportunity. to beat the mold to get it apart. The previous molds only lasted "I thought I could offer something OHorizons was missing;• 10 to 12 passes before they'd deteriorate beyond use'.' says Howard, 31, who returned to Eastern this fall to pursue Howard met the challenge head-on. a master's in Computer Aided Engineering. "They weren't "Originally, the co-op was part of my Learning Beyond impressed with their existing wood mold. No one had designed the Classroom Capstone project;' he says. "I've always been a mold that could build more than about a dozen filters.This interested in environmental sustainability and humanitarian limited the potential for providing clean water to communities. concerns, so the BioSand project was a natural fit.I liked it so OHorizons wanted someone to redesign the mold and make it much, I continued working with OHorizons through additional cost effective'.' cooperatives and independent study projects. I served as project The BSF is made of concrete and uses natural biological coordinator and engineer. Two Eastern graduate students processes, sand and gravel to make safe drinking water. Various provided construction management and quality assurance. Later, filter layers remove harmful bacteria and pathogens from impure two undergraduate volunteers helped with testing and analysis. water as it passes through. One BSF can supply up to 10 gallons of College ofTechnology faculty provided project advice and clean water per day-enough to meet a family's drinking needs. support:· To make a BioSand Filter, a concrete mix is poured into a At a designated shop on the Eastern campus, the students plywood mold and allowed to cure overnight. The concrete filter focused on mold bracing and design improvements. Rather than remains after the mold is removed. Internal components include relying on screws to hold the mold's wood panels together, the a diffuser, a biolayer of filtration micro-organisms, filtration sand, students chose bolts. separation gravel, drainage gravel, and a clean-water outlet tube. "Bolts allow the user to more easily disassemble a mold and BSFs work because they're efficient,reusable and easy keep the wood intact for many more uses;· Howard says. to operate. However, OHorizons struggled with the BSF Over more than 1,000 project hours, the students also manufacturing process. The steel molds used to cast BSFs were completed efficiencystudies to limit plywood waste and durable, but they were heavy, expensive, and required specialized devised a more robust formula for the concrete mix-all while considering local availability of materials. Howard also wrote an "The College of Technology is moving toward project-based instruction manual for the mold and completed a 3-D graphic and collaborative learning between majors. The BioSand Filter is a representation for a BSF video. perfect example of that. It's rewarding to see the joy the students The improved mold has many advantages over its had while working on the mold. They focused on addressing a predecessor. It's simple, lightweight, and easily built with basic human need. What they achieved can make a big difference locally sourced materials. At a cost of about $80, it's also far less in people's lives:' expensive than its $2,000 steel counterpart. OHorizons tested the OHorizons Executive Director Natalie Relich was very pleased students' technological improvements in Bangladesh, Ecuador with the project results. and Mali. The results were spectacular. "The students helped create a cost-effective mold that's easy "At least 50 BioSand Filters can be made from one mold;' to build and an instruction manual that's very professional;' she Howard says. "For every piece of plywood, you can give 250 says. "We're translating the manual now, but people without people access to clean water. This can have an astronomical strong English skills or construction experience have used effect on the clean water supply problem. It's just a matter of it to make a mold and filter with little or no supervision. In getting the knowledge out there." Bangladesh, more than 250 people have a BioSand Filter in their homes. Eastern students are playing a major role in making clean Making a splash water accessible to everyone:' Howard introduced the new BSF mold in March at Eastern's Howard says the project was more fulfillingthan expected. 34th annual Undergraduate Symposium. The display, which "The BSF project is a huge accomplishment for OHorizons, included a working BioSand Filter, generated a buzz among our team, and Eastern;' he says. "We're doing so much more than the attendees. Howard even drank water from the filterto improving a process for making dirty water clean. We're helping demonstrate its effectiveness. to change the lives of families, villages and entire communities. "Aaron's enthusiasm for the project is never-ending;' says Jim Knowing that the filter works and seeing people embrace it is Stein, EMU professor of construction management and a project very gratifying. I'm proud of the project, but I don't want my faculty sponsor. "He never got tired of explaining the BioSand name on it. It's simply the right thing to do:' I! Filter at the symposium. It was definitelyexciting. Photos of the wood mold in use in Bangladesh provided by OHorizons. Tolearn more about the BioSand Filter, visit ahorizonsfoundation.org. •
Sharon R. Ferraro (MS94) received the Daniel L. Becker --Kenneth C. Ingham (BS64) has Professionalism Award for Local published an autobiography entitled Leadership at the National Alliance "Feet in the City, Heart on the Farm; of Preservation Commissions which tells the story of a young conference in Philadelphia. Ferraro man's journey from childhood to was chosen for the award for her 13 late adulthood and all of the exciting years as the historic preservation points in between. coordinator in Kalamazoo.
Robert E. Piepenburg (BS64, MA6S, John Scott Reynolds (BS9S) is the MFA73) is a multi-award winning consulting producer and writer for artist with pieces in public and private the television show"The Following:• collections, including the Smithsonian The show is in its second season Institution in Washington, D.C. and the and airs on FOX. William L. Hendry (BBA83 and sculpture"Frieed" outside the Cadillac MS89) was recently promoted to Municipal Complex in Cadillac. Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin S. vice president of human resources at Thomas 0. Carney, Jr. (BBAB 1) Ringvelski (BS9S) is the commanding Peterson Farms Inc. in Shelby. Janice L. Grimshaw-Garrison has joined the National Automobile officerof the Security & Emergency (BS68) has been inducted into Dealers Association and American Services Battalion, Marine Corps Base Ronald R. Reed (BS86) was appointed Wyandotte Roosevelt High School's Truck Dealers as an academy Quantico, Va. president and chief executive officer Distinguished Graduate Hall of Fame instructor. of NWP Services Corporation. One of for her contributions to the lives of Sharyl D. Smith (BS96) is the vice the founders of NWP. Reed has been students in her 40-year career as a president of marketing, planning and serving full time on the board of public school educator. public relations for McLaren Health directors since 2005. NWP is a provider Care where she is responsible for of utility and energy management. Joseph P.Misi ewicz (BA68, MA70) marketing and advertising for Mclaren retired from Ball State as professor Macomb, McLaren Oakland and Kathleen G. Cabello (BS87) has been emeritus. He has accepted a full time McLaren Medical Group. named a member of the Indiana State position as president and CEO of the University Board ofTrustees. Indiana Broadcasters Association. Todd R. Thomasson (BS96) was named the regional director of Dave Brown (BS88) won the Robert R. Nix (BS68) was elected imaging services for St. Mary's of Trustees Award at the University Northville Township Supervisor after Michigan hospitals in Saginaw, of Louisville -the highest honor his retirement from Kerr Russell law Standish, and St. Joseph Health given by the trustees and one that firmin Detroit. System in Tawas. recognizes outstanding contributions to the student experience. Brown James D. Bowker (BS82, MS91 ), is a professor in the Department of is a research program manager, and Physics and Astronomy and also won Ernest F.Yo ung (BBA74) was named - his team received the 2013 U.S. Fish a Distinguished Teaching Award from -Rachel D. Brougham (BSOO)has Instructor of the Year 2014 at Baker been named assistant editor for and Wildlife Service Rachel Carson the university in 2013. College in Owosso. Young has taught ScientificExcellence Award for their the Petoskey News-Review, a daily in bothaccounting and developmental work that benefitsrecreational newspaper in Petoskey. education departments for 26 years. and commercial fisheriesand Jennifer Bugar (BSOO, MA07, restoration/conservation fisheries Catherine A. Cole (BS90) received SPA 12) has joined CookeSchool in Robert A. Ford (BBA75) retired efforts in the U.S. the Northville Public SchoolDistrict as after 36 years of service in the her master's degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from West program supervisor. financialdepartment at Detroit Diesel in Detroit. Virginia University in July 2014. Bryce T. Hoffman (BSOO)was named executive director for marketing and Mary J. Ribeiro (BS90), formerly an Monica L. Niznik (BS76) received communications at the University of educator and school administrator, Massachusetts Lowell. a Fulbright Scholarship to create has opened a franchise officeof a program for at-risk first-year Cory J. Anderson (BBA01, MA06) Seniors Helping Seniors, serving West students at the University of accepted a position as the associate Wayne County and East Washtenaw Limpopo, South Africa. director of regional alumni programs County. The service provides non· at George Washington University. medical home care and support for senior citizens.
28 F�isrcrnI FALL 2014 EMU Alumni
Jay P. Kennedy (BS01) has accepted Matthew D. Shoemaker (BBA08) Association Board a position with Michigan State has joined the Los Angeles Angels University as assistant professor in the as a pitcher. Shoemaker spent seven of Directors Center for Anti-Counterfeiting and seasons in the minor leagues as part of Product Protection and the School of the Los Angeles Halos before joining its Criminal Justice. Major League counterpart. President: Gregory A. Sheldon (BBA96) John C. Frame (MPA03) wrote and Ryan D. Cramer (BBA09) has accepted published "Homeless at Harvard� the position of commodity manager President Elect: Douglas Dynamic'sTrynEx Division While Frame completed his master's for Patrick Barry, Jr. (BS71, MA73) degree at Harvard he lived on the in Madison Heights. streets with the homeless and the Parliamentarian: book describes his experiences. Marques Thomey (BSOO) Dana R. Quick (BS03) has joined the Secretary: law firmof Bugbee & Conkle, LLP in -Brandon D. Bowdry (BSl 1) has joined Cheryl Swanson (MLSOS) is one of To ledo, Ohio as an associate attorney. the Otago Nuggets, a Development Matthew Mortier (BBA09, MA12) fiverecipients of Venue Today's 2014 League Basketball team in New Venues Today Women ofInfluence Zealand. Treasurer: Award. This award recognizes women To m Wells (BBA84) who have made a differencein Steven P. Diehlman (BBA 11J the sports, music and convention recently accepted the position of Directors: industries. Swanson is executive account director for Stratacomm LLC. Trudy Adler (BSOl, GRNCOl) director at Alerus Center in Grand Diehlman will focus on the planning Forks, N.D. and execution ofvarious strategic Chad Allee (BSW08, MSW09) communications and media relations Matthew F. Chesney (BS06) has been initiative on behalf of Nissan Patricia Andrewes (BA66) named principal of Canton Preparatory North America. Robin Baun (8575) High School, the firstcharter high school in the Canton community. Glenn R. Richards (BS12) earned his Amanda Bennett (BSOS, MA12) master of science in College Student Adam J. Herman (MA06) was Personnel Administration from the Ryan Buck (BS02) named director of the Kelley School University of Central Missouri and was Linda Edwards-Brown (MLS86, of Business Living Learning Center, hired as community coordinatorfor a a program for first-year students MSW95) Carrissia A. Holloway (BS04), a recent first-yearcomplex at Marietta College in Bloomington, Ind. Adam is also MSN graduate of Vanderbilt University, in Ohio. Thomas Charboneau, Jr. (BBA76) continuing his doctoral work in higher has accepted a position as a certified education administration and strategic Ruth Halsey (8$01, MBA12) nurse-midwife and family nurse management at Indiana University George Harrison (8567, MA72) practitioner with Heartland Women's Bloomington. Healthcare in Marion, Ill. Jasmine Lee (MSW09) Sarah J. Shaaban (BS06)has been elected president of the Chicago Area Matthew Mortier (BBA09, MA12) Alumni Chapter of Eastern Michigan Robert Murkowski (BS06) University's Alumni Association. Paul Nucci (8$94) Daniel M. Mathis (BS07) has been Don Reichert (B509) named associatedi rector for alumni engagement for Michigan State Niklaus Schillack (BBA98) University's Alumni Association. Mauricio Silva (MS03) The Honorable Donald E. Shelton Natalie M. Waleed (MBA 11)accepted Claudia Young (MBA02) (MA07) was appointed director of the the position of account manager with Criminal Justice Program and associate Federal-Mogul Corporation. Waleed professor at the University of Michigan Emeritus Directors: was also recently a featured speaker at - Dearborn. Judge Shelton, who also the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity William Malcolm (B576) has his Ph.D. in Judicial Studies, leaves and Inclusion's Healing Stories. Vicki Reaume (8591, MA96) Amanda M. Nellis (BBAOS, MSOS) has the bench after being Circuit Judge in been promoted to senior manager at Ann Arbor for nearly 25 years. A former W. Fred Roberts (BAS6, MA68) EMU Regent, Judge Shelton was an Rehmann, a CPA, wealth management H.F. (Bud) Schimmelpfenneg and corporateinvestigation firm.Nellis adjunct faculty member in the EMU ,s a senior manager with the Firm's tax Criminal Justice and Political Science (B568) department and has been in public Departments for many years. and private accounting for nine years.
fasttrnI FALL 2014 29 In Memoriam
Ruth (Breitenwischer) Randall (BS34) Florence J. (Ambrose) Wilson (BS56, MA59) Louis J. Gregory II (MA67) Ontonagon, May 20 Brooklyn, Sept. 29 Dundee, June 4 Bruce H. Grimm (BA67J Cheboygan, March 2 Wallace T. Cripps (BA39) Jacksonville, Fla., May l 0 Rosa Lou Wilson (BS59) Taylor, June l Frank Lozano (BME67) Helen E. (Finkbeiner) Mastromarco (BS41) Carol (Erpelding) Arntz (BS60) Walnut Creek, Calif, Feb. 18 Saginaw, April 10 Napa, Calif., July 21 Suellyn H. (Matevia) Sekulich (MA67) Eunice L. Hughes (BS43) Traverse City, Jan. 13 Alice L. (Goodall) Krupa (BS60, MA67) Dearborn, May 3 Elizabeth J. (Lawrence) Sparta (BA43) Williamston, April l 0 Kathleen (Wantin) Avallone (BS68, MA71) Lansing, May 20 Judith A. Lewis (BA60, MA63, MA65) Plymouth, July 26 Shirley A. (Westrick) Whan (BS43) Bonita Springs, Fla., March 21 Ernest C. Bevins (BA68) Pinckney, April 16 Athens, Ohio, April l Eleanor G. (Ziegler) Petty (MA60) David L. Caswell (MA68) Flint, March 26 Helen C. Pochodylo (BS44) Port Huron, July 25 Ann Arbor, April 2 Celia M. (Rose) Hill (BS68) Trenton, April 14 Aurabel R. Ward (BS44) Leesburg, Fla., May 12 Richard M. Ehrbright (MA61) Marilyn J.(Drozdow ski) Macleod (BS68) Winter Haven, Fla., April 9 Thomas P. Bowlus (BA47) Shelby, July 29 Pemberville, Ohio, July 11 Charles J. Sheets (MS61 ) Detroit, Feb. 19 Frederick D. Murray (BBA68) Lorton, Va., April 29 Patrick 0. Neering (BA48) Royal Oak, March 1 Judy Ann (Turner) Hurlbert (BA62) Mary I. (Mohler) Rowlson (BS68) Genoa, N.Y., April 25 C. Elaine Brite (BS49, MA65) Harrisville, July 1 Addison, April 25 Norma Jean (Taylor) Aro (BS62) Florence L. "Pat" Crouch (BS49) Betty (Sharp) Ooley (MA68) Newport, June 30 Madison, Wis., May 1 Brighton, March 9 Marjorie (Vonderhaar) Hayes (BA69) James T. Wallace (BS62) Ann Arbor, April 3 William G. Nederlanden (BS49) Cedar, July 28 Fort Lauderdale, Fla., May 12 Alfred E. Ifversen (MA63) Geirgia R. (O'Amicol) McDaniel (MS69) Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Feb. 21 Beverly (Eurek) Neitzke (BS49) Bay City, March 16 Plymouth, April 20 Dorothy T. (Katz) Newman (BS63, MA65) Clare E. Ebersole (BSSO) Mesa, Ariz., June 21 Michael F. Loeckner (BS70) Grosse lie, Feb. 28 Ann Arbor, June 6 Michael H. Orend (BS51) Crozet, Va., April 4 Dorothy (O'Conner) Robins (MA70) Patricia M. Odgers (BS64) Flint, April 29 Ann Arbor, July 11 Wallace M. Roeske (BA51) Rogers City, July 18 Harriet L. Cooper (MA65) Ann Arbor, Nov. 10 Gene C. Skidmore (BS70, MS89) William B. Bridges (BS52) Jackson, Feb. 25 Steven L.Lackey (BS65) Phoenix, Ariz., June 20 Wyandotte, April 21 Laurel S. Gurry (BA52) Detroit, March 13 Christ C. Opp le (BS65) Ann Arbor, July 3 James A. Blair (BS71, MA79) Jenny Romatowski (BAE53) Brooklyn, Conn., June 30 Palm Harbor, Fla., March 1 2 Leonard D. Schuneman Jr. (MA65) Ann Arbor, June 21 John E. Boone (BS71) Ann Arbor, March 1 Freda (Hopkins) Gores (BS56) Armada, March 5 Eric D. Sullivan (MA65, SPA68) Paul F. Henning (MA71) Holt, April 10 Yutha M. (Gannon) Hayes (BS56) Mechanicsburg, Pa., July 23 David 0. Lockhart (MS71) Chelsea, June 25 Swartz Creek, April 26 Ervin J. Delsman (MA66) Flint, March 8 Theresa (White) Mccrary (BA71, MA73) Ray 0. Peake (BS56, MA62) Adrian, July 28 Marjorie E. (Gleasure) Kl adder (BS66, MA 70) Gulf Shores, Ala., March 12 Richard W. Wendt (BS56, MA60) Traverse City, March 26 Janene A. Scovel (MA71) Charlevoix, July 10 Helen K. (Kovacs) Hundley (BS66) Walnut Creek, Calif., May 29 Ernest W. Jennings (BS57) Corunna, May 13 Richard A. Shanks (MA71) Ludington, May 1 Cottonwood, Ind., July 11 Marie (Dolly) Pleuss (BBE66, MA70) Nancy J. Cabana (BS72) Ypsilanti, May 17 Shirley A. Clancy (BSSSJ San Jose, Calif., Feb. 28 South Lyon, June 29 Billy B. Dabney (8572) Kaufman, Texas, June 4 Kenneth Weddle Jr. (BS59, MA68) Nelia (Prigun) Reedy (BS66) Ann Arbor, July 19 Newport, June 1 O Anne L. (Gudith) Davis (BS72) Robert S.Callis (MA67) Flint, May 1 Grand Blanc, April 28 Suzanne Walker-Royzer (BS58, MA70, MA71) Trenton, March 24 Janice E. Gage (BA67, MA73) Armada, July 1 3 Vijay L. Gupta (MA72) Glenview, Ill., March 1
30 EasternI FALL 2014 In Memoriam, Continued Faculty and StaffMemoriam
Thomas J. Deschaine (BS72) Westland, May 31 Coley E. Wright Jr. (MBAB 1) Marvin C. Anderson art professor retiring in Temperance, April 14 2004 after more than 40years at EMU. Ann John H. Fernbaugh (MS72) Arbor, June 1 To ledo, Ohio, June 13 Denise L.(Kehn) Christian (BAS2, MA87) Naperville, Ill., June 5 Franklin 0. Case emeritus faculty who taught Mary (McLeod) Henry (BBE72) in the English Department for40 years. He Frankfort, March 15 William A. Raglin Sr. (BSB3, MASS) Las Vegas, Nev., April 30 created and sponsored the EMU student literary Edwin L. Knopf (MA72) Port Sanilac, May 14 magazine Cellar Roots.His hard work developed Gary J. Gulick (MSS4) Ann Arbor, May 30 the Creative Writing Program in the English Diane (Kaul) McCord (BS72) Roseville, July 14 Sandra (Rusiecki) Webster (BS85, MA92) Department. Ypsilanti, March 31. Joseph F. Wehrer Sr. (BS72) Erie, Pa., March 11 Jackson, June 26 Gerald R. Davis Jr. worked asan audiovisual Janice (Bigelow) Bussler (BS73) Arthur B. Oake II (MAS6) Chelsea, May 2 technician for over 40 years, Ypsilanti, April 11. Kalamazoo, March 9 Carol A. Geib (BS87) Minneapolis, Minn., Feb. 21 Bonita Gehring worked as secretary to the Dorothy (Gilbertson) Miller (BS73) David B. Jodway (MASS) President of EMU for 17 years. Plymouth, May 22. Pentwater, June 22 Manitou Beach, March 1 Jane K. Hayes was a secretary in the College John A. Newman (BS73) Melissa (Drury) Poschel (BS88, MS94) of Education and also in the Physics and Englewood, Colo., Feb. 27 Howell, July 26 Astronomy Department retiring after24 years in Robert F. Reese Sr. (BBA73) Deborah (Wilcox) Alper (MBA89) 1986. Ann Arbor. July 26. Temperance, March 26 Baltimore, Md., July 13 Hebert M. Jones worked in the Graduate School Thomas M. Heinz (BS75) Muskegon, April 11 Jacquelyn A. (Butcko) Bliss (BS89, MA95) and the Education Department for22 years retiring in 1986. Ypsilanti, April 6. Dale W. Utley (MBA74) Denver, Colo., June 12 Ann Arbor, May 12 Lynne G.Cohen (MA69 Ottawa, Calif., May 13 Roberta A. Dean-Maue (MA89) Robert W. Kilpatrick (BFA75) worked 1 O years in Traverse City, March 21 university publications, Ypsilanti, March 1. John F. Scott (SPA75) East Peoria, Ill., May 9 Katie (Clavin) Kalinski (MA89) Clyde E. LeTarte retired Dean of the Graduate Linda (Hawkins) Engstrom (MA76) West Bloomfield,July 7 School. Whitehall, March 28. Lapeer, June 28 Russell L. Frever II (BS90) Springdale, March 30 Ronald E. Oestrike (BSS4) EMU baseball coach Sharon (Lancaster) Lowry (BS76) Barry R. Miller (BS90) Detroit, April 21 from 1965 until his retirement in 1987. Chelsea, April 1 O Ypsilanti, July 11.(See p. 36.) Mariza Martinez-Gay (BA.90) Jack J. Bauer Jr. (BS77, MAS6) Chandler, Ariz., April 1 Thomas M. Pakkala retired plumber from the EMU Ypsilanti, March 22 Randy S. Robertson (BBA.90)Canton, March 27 Physical Plant. Howell, April 8. Susanne M. (Hansen) Maguire (MA77) Ann Arbor, May 6 Charity L. Hicks (BS93) Detroit, July 10 Alberto Perales worked as a counselor forthe admissions officefor over 30 years. He was Bonnie J.Miljour (BFA95, MFA.01) Kathleen E. Shelton (BS77) Ypsilanti, March 6 actively involved with the Hispanic Student Ann Arbor, May 8 David E. King Sr. (BS7S) Tampa, Fla., Jan. 20 Community. Ypsilanti, April 28. Brian J. Moeller (MLS95) Port Huron, July 29 Carl N. Little (BS99) Jackson, June 23 Raymond E. Schaub retired emeritus professor in Amy A. Ahonen (BS96) Taylor, March 1 German language. In 2000 he was director of Joyce E. Weathers (MA7S) Flint, July 7 Laura A. (Koberna) Howell (BS96) World College. Petersburg, March 5. Paul E. Scheier (BS79) Lansing, July 6 Jerome, April 8 Kathleen Tinney worked at EMU for 38 years, Gregory B. Clark (BBASO) Grand Rapids, Feb. 4 Nancy A. Keeton (BS99) Ann Arbor, April 20 most recently as the associate vice president for university relations. Ann Arbor, July 1 7. Marla D. Carey-Pendell (MASO) George E. Kelly (BS01) Ann Arbor, April 28 Mount Pleasant, June 7 John F. Riordan Ill (BAOl ) Ann Arbor, Aug. 6 Jeane K. Wheeler was a secretary for24 years retiring in 1987. Plymouth, July 30. Linda F. (Hylko) Dorsch (BSSO) Camille M. Chamberlain (MSW02) Alexandria, Va., Jan. 12 Bowling Green, Ohio, June 30 Masanobu Ya mauchi chemistry professor for over 30 years, Ann Arbor, April 19. Stephen L. Landes (MBABO) Connie (Murray) Jenkins (MA03) Ann Arbor, March 24 Cos Cob, Conn., June 16 Michael C. Zahratka professor in the art department Richard A. Roe (BS81) Beaver, Ohio, May 10 Justin D. Bellmore (BSOB) Naples, Fla., July 14 forover 40 years. Lorain, Ohio, July 1.
E.1 >tcrnI FALL2014 31 Enduring Words Charles Novacek's memoir, published posthumously, earns critical praise Charles Novacek's biggest challenge as a teenager was survival, as firstthe Nazis and then the Communists occupied his native Czechoslovakia. Novacek not only preserved his life but eventually reclaimed what he lived for, earning a master's degree in painting at Eastern half a century after the horrific circumstances of his youth had forced him to abandon it. Following his death in 2007, his widow, Sandra Novacek, edited and published the manuscript of what would become his memoir, "Border Crossings: Coming of Age in the Czech Resistance:' The book has won a number of awards since its publication two years ago, including a Gold Medal from the Midwest Book Awards and a Bronze Medal from the Independent Publisher Book Awards. It earned the praise of former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and is for sale at the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library. In 1939, when he was 10 years old, Nazi forces occupied part of his country under terms of the notorious Munich Agreement, a futile attempt by other European powers to prevent war by appeasing Hitler. Novacek's uncle and father became involved in the resistance early on, and he and his sister, having learned crucial survival skills from their father, joined the effort soon after. From the ages of 11 to 20, Novacek was active in the resistance, first against the Nazis, and then against the Communists who took power following World War II. The kids were taught to trust no one, and violence became an everyday aspect of life. "He had witnessed many people get shot;' says Sandra Novacek, a librarian and former English teacher. "He'd been at a barber shop and watched a friend of his get shot:' He aided the resistance by hiding Czech paratroopers, and "That was all to fulfilla childhood dream he had that was once stole a rifle from the Nazis and used it to shoot an enemy destroyed by Hitler;' Sandra says. Novacek married Sandra after his soldier planning to blow up a vital bridge. The Communists firstwif e died in 1994. Inspired and fascinated by her husband's eventually captured and tortured him until he was rescued and harrowing story, she helped fulfillanother of his dreams by escaped to the U.S., winding up in Detroit in 1956. helping his book reach publication. Painting was the youthful Novacek's passion, but one of Hitler's Getting its message to others was crucial to him, according to many depredations was closing Czechoslovakia's art schools after Sandra. "He wanted people, especially other Americans, to know the Nazis took power, so he had nowhere to pursue it. Coming to that it is important to be vigilant, that freedom is not guaranteed," America made that possible, too, and he was studying art at the she says. University of Michigan-Dearborn when a professor suggested he "My recollections pain me;' he wrote, "Still, they have made continue his studies at EMU. me who l am:' -Jess J. Salisbury
32 fustern I FALL 2014 Riding in Style How's this forriding in style? Jase Nowitzke, the one-year old son of Kalli (Williams) Nowitzke (BS09), gets around in a custom EMU wagon built by his great grandfather. But something tells us he will leave the wagon as soon as he can lace up his running shoes. Jase's parents were both standouts on the EMU cross country and track and fieldtea ms. In fact, that's how they met. His dad, Corey Nowitzke, was the top finisherat both the MAC Championship and the NCAA Great Lakes Regional in 2006. He finished30'h overall at the NCAA National Championships and was named an All-American and Academic All-American. Mom Kalli, meanwhile, earned All-MAC honors in 2006. Both parents are teachers; Corey in Ann Arbor and Kalli in Chelsea.
Helping EMU Grads Take Flight Thanks to Justin Patrick (BS 11), a firstofficer with ExpressJet Airlines, EMU aviation students have a better chance of landing a job after graduation. Patrick helped bring the Airline Pilot Pathway Program (AP3) to Eastern. Under AP3, Eastern aviation graduates in good standing are guaranteed interviews and have preferred access to available jobs. ExpressJet is a Georgia-based airline that operates as Delta Connection, American Eagle and United Express through capacity purchase agreements. It is the world's largest regional airline with more than 9,000 employees and more than 2,200 daily fl ights. l Patrick began taking flying lessons at EMU in high school and, impressed with the flight program, grew determined to attend the University. After graduation, he felt compelled to give back. Seeing that his company had bridge programs with 20 other universities across the country, Patrick initiated the process that would extend the same opportunities to EMU's aviation students. "Eastern Michigan is a fantastic and exponentially growing flight school, in a time where smaller flightschools are failing;· Patrick says. "The aviation education that EMU students receive is hard to match anywhere else:·
Easrcrn I FALL 2014 33 Game Changer Running at EMU helped Gloria Ewing Lockhart find herself "My childhood was scarred by abandonment, adoption, bullying, sexual abuse and, later on, by racism;' says Gloria Ewing Lockhart. "I had a reading teacher in high school who refused to touch black kids:· But she also fou nd a way out: ru nning, not away but competitively. "I had low self-esteem but I also discovered I was a great runner;· she recalls. "I could beat the boys. That was the turning point; that's where I found my niche:' In a sense, she created it, starting (insofar as a student could) a girls' track team at Sexton High School in Lansing, in addition to cheerleading and playing basketball. If it weren't for running, she probably wouldn't have gone to college at all, much less wound up at Eastern. "I went to Tennessee State because in 1965 it was the only school in America clubs. One of her club coaches, Jim Bibbs, who later became the that had a women's track team;' Lockhart says, but the coach firstblack head coach at Michigan State, "recommended Eastern there was focused on developing sprinters. When she developed because his college roommate and ru nning buddy was Coach a proclivity for distance ru nning, he offered her a scholarship to Bob Pa rk s. 'They don't have a girls'team; he said, 'but they have a be a trainer. progressive coach there:" Instead, she returned home to Lansing Community College to Parks had just begun his legendary 34-year career at Eastern's boost her academic credentials ("Northern schools back then did helm. In addition to winning meets and developing first-rate not accept credits from black schools") and compete for area track student-athletes, he had another item on his agenda.
34 E.'5ternI FALL 2014 Lockhart remembers their firstencount er. "It was like I was interviewing this man;' she says."'You're welcome to work out with the guys; he said. 'You'll be the only girl for now, but there's EMU Wherever I Go talk about there being a women's team. I want to make sure my daughter (Sue, who was 10 years old at the time) can go to a school that has a program for women: And that's why I went to Eastern Michigan:' "She was EMU's firstfe male runner, a real pioneer;' says Parks. "I gave her tips about running and workouts, and I would get stuff in the mail from meet promoters and tell her about them. I don't really think I did a hell of a lot for her other than letting her use the facility and being friendly. Nobody told her to get offthe track or anything. I didn't do that and our runners didn't do that:' It may not have seemed like much to the coach, but it was a game-changer for the athlete. In those days, simply allowing a female to use the"men's"facilities, rather than standing in her way, was fairly radical. "I'm still grateful to this day to Bob Parks;· says Lockhart. "I love him to death. Eastern allowed me to really blossom as an individual:' Events away from the track-far away, in some cases-had a lot to do with that, too. Those were turbulent times politically, and after National Guardsmen killed fo ur Kent State students who were Jennifer (Zalewski) Johnson (BS94, MA96), Julie Uranis protesting the U.S. invasion of Cambodia in May 1970, violence (MS09) and Angela (Johnson) Cyrbok (BS95, MA97) broke out on many of the nation's campuses, including Eastern's. showed they were TRUEMU when they visited the Colosseum Lockhart watched from her balcony as a friend of hers, racing in 2013. The trio stopped in Rome as a part of a cruise. Jennifer unsuccessfully to get to his dorm before curfew, was accosted and is a speech pathologist at Dexter Community Schools; Julie is beaten by police. director of distance learning and continuing and professional "It was just horrific;'she remembers, but it stiffe ned her resolve development at Western Kentucky University; and Angela is a speech pathologist in the Lincoln Consolidated School District. to effectsocial justice through more peaceful means. Early in 1972, Parks was forminga club team for women's track-four years before it did, indeed, become a varsity sport and Lockhart was on her way to graduate school at the University of Michigan. The master's in social work that she earned launched hare your news with us in a class note. We are excited a diverse career as a self-described "change agent": community S to announce that Class Notes organizer, agency leader, advisor to elected officials,consultant, are now open to wedding and motivational speaker and, with the publication of her memoir, birth announcements, as well as "Unmasked: A Woman's Journey;' in 2012, author. career changes or advancement MAIL TO: and award recognition. "Two Michigan schools turned my life around;' she says. "I Eastern Michigan University had professors at Eastern who taught us about radical social All Class Notes submissions Officefor Alumni Relations, 1349 S. Huron St., Suite 2, change, and I embraced social work at U of M. I could be me. should include your name, address, e-mail address, Ypsilanti, Ml 48 1 97, or use o I f und myself' phone number, degree(s) our online submission -JeffMor timer and year of graduation. form at emich.edu/alumni.
E»rernI FALL 2014 35 f OR THE Remembering Eastern baseball legends Oestrike and Welch, who passed away this year by JeffSa moray
The firstfa stball came in hard over the heart of the plate. The batter swung ferociously and missed, nearly falling over on the backswing. Reggie Jackson, New York's "Mr. October:· adjusted his Ya nkees helmet and dug back in the box. His opponent: Dodgers rookie right-hander Bob Welch, just 21 and one year removed from collegiate play at Eastern Michigan University. The stakes were high. Los Angeles inserted Welch to close Game Two of the 1978 World Series. Jackson, at the height of his Hall of Fa me career, batted with two ru nners on base. The Dodgers held on to a 4-3 lead. Jackson was the last man to get. The Dodger Stadium crowd roared when Welch's next pitch, a high inside fastball, knocked Jackson off his feet. He fouled off the next pitch, then two more. Jackson took another tight fastball before fouling yet another. The nine-pitch battle, which extended to a 3-2 count, ended when Jackson struck out swinging. Ecstatic teammates and fans rushed the mound to congratulate Welch, while Jackson cursed and threw his bat in the Ya nkees dugout. The nation had just witnessed one of the great pitcher/batter confrontations in World Series history. Ron Oestrike had to be smiling.
36 Eastern I FALL 2014 Oestrike developed many work on it himself to make it as an independent insurance young men into professional playable. He had no right to do agent in Canton. "It isn't so easy ballplayers during his 23 years that, but other schools enjoyed to play spring baseball in the as Eastern's head baseball his passion for the game:· Midwest. I recall a game when it coach. Welch, who went on to Eastern's baseball program was snowing pretty hard. I wore a 17-year major-league career, reached new heights in 1970, glasses at the time and couldn't was one of the most successful. when Oestrike led the team see from the outfield.Whe n I Just as his World Series to the National Association walked back into the dugout, strikeout remains imprinted of Intercollegiate Athletics Oak got mad and told me to on the minds of Dodgers fans, championship. Sharp recruiting get back on the field. He didn't so does Oestrike's legacy on over the next few seasons want any acts of God to ruin any brought Welch and left-handed EMU athletics. He made Eastern opportunity to play baseball:' starter Bob Owchinko (another a baseball powerhouse with Oestrike also drilled 657 wins, a national title and future major-leaguer) to the baseball fundamentals into consecutive College World Bob Welch team. Oestrike and his dynamite his players. He wanted them Series appearances. pitching tandem led the Eagles to understand his theory of Sadly, Eastern lost both of baseball coach and associate (then called the Hurons) to a hitting with runners on first these men earlier this year. professor. The following year, fihh-place finishin the 1975 and third and no outs, or how Welch died of a heart attack he took over as head baseball NCAA College World Series to best position infieldersin a on June 10at age 57; Oestrike coach, a position he held until and runner-up spot in the 1976 sacrifice bunt situation. died on July 11 at age 82 aher retiring in 1987. College World Series. "I didn't learn anything in a lengthy illness. But their "Oak;' as his players "Those years were the lower minor leagues that respective baseball legacies, affectionately called him, instrumental in putting Eastern o which flo urished on the soon became legendary f r baseball on the map;' Streeter I hadn't already learned in diamonds of Ypsilanti, will his passion for the game and says. "Recruits saw what we college;'Sheridan says. "Oak's long endure. dedication to playing "anyone, achieved with a limited season practice drills stuck with us. anytime, anywhere:' and bad weather. By the mid We didn't think about the Always Ready to Play "When the team went on the 1970s, we had sent a number of fundamentals during games "Oestrike was always road, it was like a barnstorming kids to the majors and minors. we just reacted. All of us had consumed by what he was tour;· Streeter says. "I remember Incoming players knew they great respect for Oak's massive doing and always thinking of one trip through Tennessee didn't need to go to Arizona or intelligence fo r the game:' when we played any little ways to get better;' says Jim California to findsu ccess:· Winners in Baseball- Streeter, retired EMU associate college we could find.If it Pat Sheridan, who played and in life athletics director for media looked like rain, Oestrike would nine seasons with the Kansas "Playing baseball at Eastern relations. "He wanted nine go to the opponent's field and City Royals, Detroit Tigers, San for Oak was one of the best guys on the diamond with his Francisco Giants and New Yo rk decisions I ever made;· says attitude. Maybe they weren't Yankees, was Eastern's center Danny Schmitz (8579), Hurons the most talented players, but fielder from 1977-1979. His second baseman from 1974- they'd outwork and outsmart father, Arthur, played baseball the opposition:· at Eastern with Oestrike in 1977. "My education, coupled Oestrike, a Flat Rock native, the early 1950s. When Pat with my baseball experience, played baseball and football graduated from high school in mapped out my life:· for Eastern from 1951-54 and 1976, Eastern was well-known The Yankees drahed Schmitz earned a bachelor's degree for its baseball success. So when in 1977 and he played minor in education. Aher a stint in Oestrike recruited him, the league ball in the organization's the Army, he coached several commitment was easy. farm system. Later, he managed sports at Trenton High School "Oak's record spoke volumes a Class A team in the Minnesota and earned a master's degree and the effort he put into Twins system. In 1987, he at the University of Michigan. playing games was great;' says returned to Eastern to serve In 1964, Oestrike returned to Sheridan, who ret ired from as an assistant baseball coach Eastern as assistant football and Ron Oestrike baseball in 1991 and works following Oestrike's retirement.
Eastern I FALL 2014 37 Since 1991, he's been the head 27-6 with a 2.95 earned-run Athletics. A photo of the three baseball coach at Bowling Green. average and won the American men together and signed by "Many of the drills and League Cy Yo ung Award. He's Oestrike has a place of honor in defenses we run at Bowling the last major-league pitcher Sheridan's office. Green are ones I learned from to win more than 25 games in "Oak has a wonderful broad Oak;' Schmitz says. "He also got a season. After retiring, Welch smile in that photo;'Sheridan to know his players personally became a pitching coach with says. "It's hard to feel that just and was a great motivator. the 2001 World Series champion yesterday both of them were He was the firstto give Arizona Diamondbacks. young and vibrant. We lost two encouragement, but he also Throughout his life, Welch really good men:' let you know when he struggled with alcoholism. He "I was devastated when I expected more:' chronicled his disease with co heard about Bobby's death;' Schmitz and Welch both writer George Vecsey in "Five Schmitz says. "I always grew up in Hazel Park and O'Clock Comes Early;' published considered him a dear friend. I attended the same middle and in 1991. By all accounts, Welch have so many memories of all high school. From an early age, overcame his battle with the the laughs we shared. it was apparent that Welch was bottle and stayed sober. "It was really tough to learn an exceptional athlete and "What I remember most about Oak's death. Oak was person, Schmitz says. about Bobby's career is his respected by everyone-he "Bobby never bragged about World Series strikeout of is EMU baseball. I'll always his athletic abilities-he just Jackson;' Schmitz says. "That remember his laugh and the had a drive to be the best;' says moment still gives me goose twinkle in his eye. He loved his Schmitz, who was a year older bumps. It made the guys who fa mily and he loved Eastern than Welch. "He also had an played with him proud to be baseball. amazing ability to make friends, Hurons:' "I'mvery blessed to have not just with his teammates, but Oestrike, who kept in touch known both of them, and it was with everyone. He was a great with his former players, came so hard to lose them within a teammate and a fun-loving guy:' to Tiger Stadium in 1988 to few weeks of each other. I guess Welch injured his pitching visit Sheridan and Welch, who they needed a head coach on elbow during his junior year was with the visiting Oakland Bobby's team in heaven:' I! at Eastern and missed most of the 1977 season. But that didn't hurt his reputation as a major Oestrike Stadium dedication: 1988 league prospect. Schmitz recalls Distinguished Careers droves of scouts who attended Dr. John W. Porter Distinguished Service Award:2000 Eastern games that year, mainly RON OESTRIKE (BSSS) to watch Welch throw bullpen EMU head baseball coach: 1965-87 sessions. BOB WELCH Managerial record: 657-508-8 "Bobby hardly pitched that EMU pitching record: 17-6 (1975-77) National Association of Intercollegiate season, but the Dodgers still Major League Baseball (MLB) amateur draft: Athletics (NAIA) championship: 1970 made him their top draft pick;' 1st-round pick (20th overall) in 1977 by Los Schmitz says. NCAA College World Series: 5th place, 1975; Angeles Dodgers runner-up, 1976 In his long and highly MLB pitching record: 211-146 (1978-94 with successful major-league Mid-American Conference (MAC) titles: 1975, Dodgers, Oakland Athletics) 1976, 1978 career with the Dodgers and American League Cy Yo ung Award: 1990 MAC To urnament championships: 1981, 1982 Oakland Athletics, Welch won MLB All-Star: 1980, 1990 NAIA Coach of the Ye ar: 1970 21 1 games, made two All-Star World Series championships: 1981 Dodgers, teams, and played on five NCAA Coach of the Year: 1976 1989 Athletics, 2001 Arizona Diamondbacks (as teams that reached the World American Amateur Baseball Conference Hall pitching coach) Series. He won titles with the of Fame: 1970 EMU Athletic Hall of Fame: 1998 1981 Dodgers and the 1989 EMU Athletic Hall of Fame: 1979 Athletics. Welch had his best season in 1990. He finished
38 bstcrnI FALL 2014 Also Available: A Taste of the South Pacific - March 16-28, 2015 To request a full trip brochure, call 734.487. 0250 or email o/[email protected] NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID EASTERN MICHIGAN EasternEastern Michigan Uni,-ersity UNIVERSITY 15 Welch Hall Ypsilanti, Ml 48197