Volume Towers 1 • Otterbein 93 • Number • Spring/Summer 2020 • www.otterbein.edu Otterbein Towers PUBLISHED BY OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY SINCE 1926 SPRING/SUMMER 2020
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES | MAKING PPE | CARDINAL HELPERS | STUDENT VIEWPOINTS From the President.
Otterbein Family, MISSION STATEMENT Otterbein University is an inclusive We have been here before. No doubt the pandemic is unique, but community dedicated to educating so were the other crises that Otterbein has overcome — the Civil War, the whole person in the context of humane values. Our mission is to two World Wars, the Great Depression, and, yes, even the 1918 u. prepare graduates to think deeply e Tan & Cardinal documentation of the 1918 u has been especially and broadly, to engage locally interesting to read lately. and globally, and to advance their e spring semester did not end professions and communities. An Otterbein education is early (as it did in 1918), but it did distinguished by the intentional end di erently. Our remarkable sta blending of the liberal arts and and faculty transitioned all their professional studies, combined with a unique approach to integrating courses and programs to an online direct experience into all learning. format with a one-week notice. Our resilient students met Otterbein’s high academic expectations despite the challenges this transition caused. I could not be more proud PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY of what we accomplished together John L. Comerford, Ph.D. and we are featuring many of those VICE PRESIDENT FOR accomplishments in this special INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT issue of Towers Magazine, starting Michael R. McGreevey with “Leading rough Crisis” EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF President Comerford’s son, Garrett, helps film one of on page 5. en read about how ALUMNI RELATIONS his dad’s Twitter video updates during Otterbein’s Otterbein manufactured PPE at Steve Crawford response to COVID-19. The team is seen here at The Point recording a message to launch the Cardinals Care e Point on page 10. And learn ASSOCIATE EDITOR Emergency Student Fund. how students have experienced the Jenny Hill ’05, Director of Communications pandemic on page 14. We are far from done. While we deal with the daily updates and ASSOCIATE EDITOR Gina M. Calcamuggio, Senior changes, we must look towards the future. We have begun a new Messaging Strategist strategic planning process, the outline of which is on page 8. It is designed to be a bottom-up planning process, where any member of our CREATIVE DIRECTION Hannah Farley ’15, Multimedia community (including alumni!) with an idea to help accomplish one of Graphic Designer the goals can contribute. Marcy Shultz, Director of And with all our new technological know-how, you can now Creative Services
read Towers online and see related videos and other content at www. CLASSNOTES AND otterbein.edu/towers. MILESTONES EDITOR Becky Hill May ’78, Institutional Sincerely, Advancement Becky Olmstead Smith ’08, Alumni Relations
PHOTOGRAPHER Ed Syguda John Comerford, Ph.D., President CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gina M. Calcamuggio, Will Elkins, Kyle Forrester, Julia Grimm ’22, Jenny Hill ’05, Roberto Ponce, EDITOR’S NOTE: At the time this issue of Towers Magazine went to press, COVID-19 response was at the Ed Syguda, David Thomas ’69, forefront of this University’s work. We have, as an institution, responded to the tragedy of George Floyd’s Dana Madden Vigiletta ’96 death and the nation’s painful, continuing struggle for racial equality. Please visit Towers online to read the leadership’s statement and follow news of programming and plans. We believe that Black Lives Matter as do our responsibilities to lead and help heal as we move forward. Otterbein Towers VOLUME 93 NUMBER 1 SPRING/SUMMER 2020
COVER STORY 5 FEATURE STORIES
5 Leading Through Crisis President Comerford and others are leading the University through two unprecedented crises.
8 Framing the Future: Otterbein’s New Strategic Plan Otterbein’s leaders have been working with representatives across the campus to de ne the future of the University.
10 Otterbein’s Small Pieces of Armor e Point pivots to light manufacturing of PPE for the central Ohio community.
12 Highlighting the Helpers Cardinals step up to help others through the coronavirus pandemic.
14 A Di erent Viewpoint ree students share their unique stories within the shared experience of the pandemic.
EVERY ISSUE
2 Around the ’Bein
16 Philanthropy
22 Classnotes
28 Milestones 14 12 31 Alumni Matters
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Otterbein University is committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination. Otterbein does not discriminate on the basis of race, On the Cover. color, gender, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or veteran status in admissions, in access to, or in treatment within its educational programs or activities, in employment, recruiting, or policy administration. Photo by Brian McGowan, Unsplash.com
OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 1 Around the ’Bein.
Otterbein Named Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Campus Center Otterbein has been selected by the Association of American Colleges and Universities as one of 23 universities across the United States to host Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation Front, L-R: Valerie Cumming, vice mayor, City of Westerville; Campus Centers. Otterbein is the only institution in Ohio Rev. Vaughn Bell, board member, Westerville City Schools; to receive this recognition. As a Truth, Racial Healing and Elizabeth Brown, council member, City of Columbus; James Prysock ’09, director for the Oce of Social Justice & Transformation Campus Center, Otterbein will work with its Activism, Otterbein University; Cheryl Ward, director of own campus community as well as the Columbus City and emotional and student support services, Columbus City Schools. Back, L-R: John Comerford, president, Otterbein Westerville City school districts to create positive narrative University; Wendy Sherman-Heckler, provost and executive change about race; promote racial healing activities; and vice president, Otterbein University; Margaret Koehler, professor and chair of the Department of English, Otterbein erase structural barriers to equal treatment and opportunity. University; Kathryn Plank, director, Center for Teaching Otterbein leaders were joined by leaders from Westerville and and Learning and interim associate vice president for Columbus for the announcement on Feb. 19.◆ academic aairs and dean of university programs, Otterbein University; and Tanya McClanahan, supervisor of higher education partnerships, Columbus City Schools.
Student Voter Engagement Otterbein Oers Professional Courses to Re-skill and Earns Otterbein National Up-skill Workers
Otterbein University Recognition is partnering with coaching and consulting Otterbein University received a gold seal from the ALL IN firm ALLOY to oer Campus Democracy Challenge for achieving a student voting three new professional development certifications rate between 40-49% in the 2018 Midterm Election. The ALL that can be taken at the IN Campus Democracy Challenge is a nonpartisan, national university: Non-Routine initiative recognizing and supporting campuses as they work to Leadership, Business Analytics, and Strategic increase nonpartisan, democratic engagement and full student Brand Management. Ohio voter participation. The challenge encourages higher education Lieutenant Governor Jon institutions to help students form the habits of active and Husted attended the announcement of the informed citizenship and make democratic participation a core partnership held Jan. 15 value on their campuses.◆ at The Point. Otterbein’s partnership with ALLOY will help address Ohio’s workforce gap. Learn more at www.otterbein.edu/ professional-development 2 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Compiled by Jenny Hill ’05
Lecturer Discusses the Science of Sel es Dr. Jim Tanaka, a perceptual psychologist at the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada, came to campus in February as part of the George W. and Mildred K. White Science Lecture Series. In his public lecture on Feb. 13, Tanaka shared his ground- breaking research in the field of cognitive and neurological processes underlying object and face recognition. Tanaka works with children with autism, utilizing special technology designed to help improve their facial recognition abilities.◆ Dr. Jim Tanaka takes a selfie with Otterbein students (L-R) Morgan Mains, Katie Rosneck and Connor MacKenzie.
Former public servants Governor John Kasich, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger U.S. Secretary of State held a town hall to discuss climate change John Kerry addresses the March 8 at Otterbein, moderated by audience while (L-R) moderator Erika Alexander, Governor Arnold actor/activist Erika Alexander. Schwarzenegger and Governor The town hall, a collaboration with the John Kasich look on. Columbus Metropolitan Club, was the first public event of World War Zero, a new bipartisan initiative bringing together unlikely allies and people from all walks of life to help mobilize people across the country to tackle climate change and pollution.
OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 3 Around the ’Bein.
The fossil (top) was discovered in Wisconsin Andrew in 1985. Upon examination, Wendru found the respiratory Wendru and circulatory organs (center) were near- Discovers identical to those of a modern- day scorpion (bottom). World’s Oldest Scorpion Fossil When it comes to fossils, Andrew Wendruff, an adjunct professor in the Otterbein Department of Biology and Earth Science, is a rock star. Wendruff, as part of his doctoral research at The Ohio State University, uncovered the oldest-known scorpion species from Read about Andrew Wendru, a collection of fossils the discovery adjunct professor, discovered 35 years ago. at www. Biology and Earth sciencemag Science The scorpion, which .org/news/ lived 436.5 to 437.5 2020/01/ million years ago, had oldest- scorpion- the capacity to breathe in known- water and on land.◆ science
Stories you can read, hear and experience.
www.otterbein.edu/towers
4 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 LEADING THROUGH CRISIS HOW OTTERBEIN IS BRINGING CERTAINTY DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES
by ROBERTO PONCE
OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 5 WHEN THE YEAR
BEGAN, no one could have imagined that a pandemic would define almost every aspect of our lives. Towers planned on talking with President Comerford about the University’s new strategic priorities. Instead, we found ourselves in a global health crisis that moved this conversation — along with classes, meetings and events — into a new virtual reality. What follows are insights about Otterbein leaders’ initial response to the COVID-19 crisis that kept learning at the PHOTOS BY ED SYGUDA (PAGE 5) AND AJ BROWN forefront. Right now, people everywhere are witnessing a catastrophe on a global protect the health of students, as faculty and staff are highly scale. We have learned about faculty and staff. educated individuals avid for how this novel coronavirus Overnight, the University involvement, independence, pandemic has destroyed jobs, found itself coping with two and entrepreneurship. On the ended lives, and affected the crises simultaneously — one contrary, a crisis demands global supply chain. From caused by a network outage decisions, clear direction and a the meatpacking industries to due to a cybersecurity incident top-down leadership style. manufacturing, the economic and another involved sending “In a crisis you need to impact of the pandemic has students home when Ohio move fast. There is no time to been overwhelming. Governor Mike DeWine meet with a committee and What is more, just gathering mandated universities teach take a vote, which is not the data about COVID-19 has online and work remotely, typical way you lead in higher been a colossal task. According transforming Otterbein’s education,” said Comerford. to the Pew Research Center, operation in days. “The key during these situations the organization is “struggling According to President is to be able to leverage the trust to adapt to a new reality” Comerford, there is a contrast in that, hopefully, you have built after suspending face-to-face leadership styles during normal by being inclusive, honest and surveys internationally to avoid times as opposed to exceptional transparent so people know that risking pollsters of contracting ones. Typically, higher education decisions are made with the best the novel coronavirus. fosters a very collaborative possible intention for everyone.” Similarly, Otterbein University environment. Leaders welcome Comerford immediately stopped in-person classes to buy-in, input and feedback convened his leadership
6 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 team, which has met almost and the CTL continue to online, he spent 80% of his time daily since early March, to prepare for the future,” said making sure that he was helping manage both the network Kathryn Plank, director, Center his colleagues. outage and coronavirus crisis for Teaching and Learning and “Luckily, I had taught online and provide direction and interim associate vice president before, so it wasn’t as large a strong communication to all for academic affairs and dean of leap as it might have been for stakeholders. university programs. other colleagues,” said Smith. Otterbein’s academic Plank said that creating “One of the greatest challenges leadership also implemented resources for the faculty was was reminding colleagues how smart decisions early on. very important as well. For it was like when they were first Gathering insight from instance, Associate Professor learning how to teach earlier faculty, communicating often, Jeff Smith produced two in their careers.” collaborating with partners instructional videos and The greatest challenge he said, on campus, and being able created other resources such is to deliver a unique Otterbein to transition into a virtual as LibGuides, which are digital experience so students can environment helped students guides hosted on a platform enjoy a sense of normalcy complete the spring semester managed by the Courtright during these turbulent times. from home. “To support faculty Memorial Library staff. He “Education is not only about as they worked to convert their was a critical partner to the touching a shoulder, but it is all classes to remote learning, Center for Teaching and about reaching the heart and the Center for Teaching and Learning during this crisis as mind of a student, and you can Learning offered hundreds of he supported the faculty by do it via distance learning,” workshops and one-on-one assessing their distinct levels of said Smith. sessions, starting March 11 and technological ability, meeting There is a sense of hope for continuing through the spring their needs, and building their the future. “Now we have a and summer terms. Although confidence. Even though Smith little more time and we can spring semester is over, faculty had to transition his own classes engage people to plan for our near future,” said Comerford. Otterbein’s summer term, delivered exclusively online, saw a 70% increase in undergraduate enrollment. Comerford also “ announced that Otterbein plans EDUCATION IS to welcome back students to campus this fall. NOT ONLY ABOUT “Traditional-age under- graduate students are still going TOUCHING A SHOULDER, to want to go to college. There is something about athletics, BUT IT IS ALL ABOUT fraternities, sororities, residence halls, and campus activities that REACHING THE a traditional-age student is still going to want,” he said. HEART AND MIND Comerford believes that the care and focus on learning will OF A STUDENT. guide Otterbein through the days ahead.◆ ”
OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 7 STRATEGIC PRIORITY
Improve financial and operational strength by enhancing student FRAMING enrollment and retention, identifying operational e iciencies, and growing a THE FUTURE: supportive donor base. OTTERBEIN’S NEW STRATEGIC PLAN FOUNDATION Otterbein leaders have been working with representatives across the campus on a strategic plan to define the future of the University. A solid foundation must be built Envisioned as a road map to help guide investments and operations, to withstand the shi ing environs. the unique times we are living in demand a strategic plan and is plan seeks to fortify this prioritization process that is as agile as it is responsive. These core principles have been used to guide our immediate needs in response institution’s nancial health, its to the pandemic’s e ect on our institution and higher education operational practices and one of its while still o ering a smart, meaningful forward focus. most valued resources – its donors – to provide a foundational level of support that ensures Otterbein stands strong into the future.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY
Provide a forward-thinking, quality education, which integrates an innovative general education program, disciplinary rigor, and professional preparation for all students that is inclusive, accessible and a ordable.
CORNERSTONE
e cornerstone is the rst stone placed – all other stones are set in accordance – meaning the cornerstone determines the location and speci c direction of a building. Otterbein’s commitment to educational excellence, a ordability, access and opportunity serve as the cornerstone of this institution. is plan recognizes the value of educational excellence and professional preparation and will use it to set the direction for what, how and why we build all that comes next.
8 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 STRATEGIC PRIORITY
Attract, retain and support a professionally active faculty and sta who STRATEGIC PRIORITY believe in our mission and values, put students first Enhance student and represent the diversity development through of our community. innovative, broad-based academic and co-curricular opportunities that build MORTAR campus connections and community. Our faculty and sta surround our students as teachers, mentors, guides and an ever-present support structure BRICKS to ensure each student’s potential can be realized. As your eyes measure In this plan, a commitment to a wall that has been able to reach developing each student can be its impressive height – the mortar appreciated like the strength is visible to the eye as the force and need of each brick. As that solidi es all possibilities. Our students build experiences and employees are equally as traceable understanding through learning, examples of Otterbein’s mission in they are able to realize more of students’ lives. their potential and place with con dence.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY
Build strategic partnerships to grow our reputation, build revenue and maintain relevancy to benefit students.
DOORS AND PATHWAYS
e doorways of a building give a clear STRATEGIC PRIORITY point for people to enter and to head back out. Partnerships, in their best Advance the public good form, provide a meaningful point for through intentional educational great ideas, leaders and opportunities programming and purposeful to enter Otterbein’s community where connections to community needs. they’ll nd strategic, collaborative, innovative experts and eager faculty CUPOLA and student scholars to assist. e work, realized ideas and new e cupola stands at the top of this opportunities will go back out to structure. It is used to o er not only advance the goals and objectives of a lookout point but also to serve as a the businesses, industries, schools, source of light. As Otterbein remains non-pro ts, government and health watchful and attentive to the needs of care agencies who smartly sought the immediate and global communities Otterbein’s help. it serves, the light from this cupola reminds us that the knowledge, intellect and compassion of our students, alumni, faculty and sta will guide us in serving Illustrations by Hannah Farley ’15 and supporting a greater, public good.
OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 9 OTTERBEIN’S SMALL PIECES OF ARMOR
Students and University helping. “As the situation continued leaders working to help the greater to unveil itself, we were looking on BUILDING community is nothing new to blogs, we were looking to some of our Otterbein. When a small team corporate partners, we were looking PPE TO of students rallied together with to our healthcare institutions — and e Point sta to build personal we were talking to them on a regular protective equipment (PPE) in basis to learn what they needed and PROTECT preparation for an anticipated central how we could help them.” Ohio outbreak of COVID-19, no one Bender said that the collaborative OUR was surprised. According to Erin approach informed better decisions Bender, executive director of e and a better strategy. “Rather than COMMUNITY Point, “it’s just the Otterbein way.” just making this or that, we went to “When we found out there was our partners and said, for example, a need in the community, the rst ‘OhioHealth — how can we best thing that the students and our lab support you? Here are the tools and BY manager asked was, ‘How can we things we have.’” GINA M. help?’” Bender said that even as the e community partners CALCAMUGGIO University was shi ing to working responded with their needs and asked PHOTOS BY from home, the team realized that the if Otterbein could help. So Otterbein ED SYGUDA tools and equipment at e Point’s got to work. Maker Space could be valuable in
10 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 PPE BY THE NUMBERS
Bender said that as the situation a patient’s room. is gives nurses was unfolding, some companies and doctors immediate monitoring of PROTECTIVE FACE SHIELDS: were making free designs for PPE ventilator operations without having available. e team tried a few and to be completely dressed in PPE to go found they weren’t good. Curtis inside the room every time. Otterbein Smith, the operations manager of the has made almost 300 of those pieces 3 hrs Maker Space and labs at e Point, as of May 1. to create on 3-D printer had a source in New Zealand. ey Bender said the team was also connected and Otterbein’s team asked to pre-emptively produce a started to hone in on a design to start component that would give hospitals 30 SHIELDS 3-D printing protective face shields. the ability to split ventilators to CREATED IN Soon a er, one of the engineering serve more patients if needed. students also came up with a great Otterbein’s team also recently started 2 HOURS design to use laser printer technology making ear-saving straps to alleviate with laser cutter to create even more face shields. discomfort by those wearing masks “We have ve students working for long stretches of time. OTTERBEIN’S on this project,” Smith said. “ eir Bender said e Point’s MORE majors range from engineering to organizing principles enabled them THAN 1600 education and we have some graduate to mobilize rapidly. “ e Point’s produced by The Point SMALL PIECES assistants as well.” nimbleness means that when we get Smith said the team is taking a call from somebody who needs precautions and that he’s keeping something, we can immediately BUSHINGS: OF ARMOR contact limited to just two people per discuss what we can do, how much shi to keep students safe. it might cost to make, and what Bender and Smith report that materials it might take.” as of May 11, the team has made However, she says e Point’s 2 80 more than 400 face shields that are real advantage comes from another bushings created already in use with the supplies source. “It’s the ingenuity of the for OhioHealth to make 1,000. “If there are other students that separates us from a lot organizations that need a face shield of places around town. In just a few protector, we’re happy to do that,” hours our students will come up with ALSO PRODUCED: Bender said. something that’s better. ey want e Point-produced PPE has to give back. Otterbein people don’t been donated to community partners think about themselves rst, we think including St. Ann’s Hospital, about how we can provide for our 70 Westerville City Police and EMS, partners.” ventilator Friendship Village of Columbus, Beyond the power of this crisis y-connectors Heartland of Westerville, OhioHealth, learning experience, Bender says DASCO Home Medical Equipment this work is something they’ll all and Otterbein’s own facilities team remember. “I think everyone feels 530 and janitorial services crew. like they’ve been able to contribute in iPad stand parts But Otterbein’s help doesn’t stop a bigger way. e small pieces we can there. e team at e Point is also contribute are a piece that someone making 3-D printed bushings for puts on every day as their armor OhioHealth. Bender explained that during this pandemic. To know that 1000 ear-saver straps this small piece means a critical piece we’ve been a part of that makes us of equipment can be kept outside of feel good.”
OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 11 Highlighting the Helpers.
Cardinals shine in difficult times — through their compassion, their generosity and their resolve to make a positive impact on the world. During the coronavirus pandemic, many people are experiencing times of need. These people are there to help.
12 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 In addition to the stocked shelf-stable foods, produce is grown at Lana Troyer ’22 the Otterbein Community In March, Otterbein made the di cult Garden. decision to take classes online and send students home to protect the campus community from the coronavirus. In the middle of adjusting to this new reality, The Promise House Team some Otterbein students stepped up Otterbein’s Promise House is a student-led resource center and food pantry committed to serve the central Ohio community to helping peers overcome socioeconomic barriers to student success. While many by o ering childcare for the families students le campus, the needs of the 63 students who stayed on campus and those of overwhelmed rst responders, with who live near campus remained. To address these needs, the Promise House moved the help of the Columbus Fireghters’ to a pre-packaged pick-up protocol to protect both shoppers and volunteers — and Union, Columbus City Council member even provides recipes for students using Elizabeth Brown, and Senior Instructor the shelf-stable food. e protocol Dan Steinberg in the Department of mirrors those being used by many Ohio Communication. pantries. Currently, the team is growing fresh produce in the hoop house at the Communication major Lana Troyer Otterbein Community Garden and was one of the students who stepped readying the landscape for the summer up. “My whole motto through During growing season to provide food for both this was help those who Otterbein students and neighbors. help others. If there was difficult anything big or small “Otterbein has a long- that I could do to ensure standing commitment of our first responders and times, caring for its community. It’s their families were being who we are. It’s what we do,” taken care of, that was my Cardinals said Melissa Gilbert, Otterbein’s associate priority,” she said. dean of experiential learning and director of the Center for Community step up to Engagement. “Students rely on the Promise House. As businesses close temporarily due to the state-mandated Opposite page: Lana Troyer’22 help others. Below: Winston Spiker ’20 health precautions, students are losing volunteering at Adamsville their jobs. ey’re worried. Supporting (OH) Elementary School one another is why students created the Promise House and why we’re stepping up our e orts now.” Gilbert said.
Winston Spiker ’20 e disappointment of missing out on the “We are providing weekly care packages of celebrations and camaraderie that mark the end food for the students that go to Adamsville of a student’s senior year could get some students Elementary, which is where I went to elementary down, but not Winston Spiker, a psychology school,” Spiker said. “Adamsville is a very major and o ensive lineman for the Cardinals’ tight-knit community of only 114 people, football team. Instead, he made the most of so when people are in need the town bands the situation by serving his community. When together and jumps in to help. The power his service-learning course was moved online, of community during times like Spiker moved his service from Westerville to his these is inspiring. I feel fortunate hometown and joined his mother, who is the head that Otterbein really instills those cook at Adamsville (OH) Elementary School, and values in us even more.” other volunteers to help food-insecure children. OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 13 A DIFFERENT VIEWPOINT WHILE THE PANDEMIC IS A pandemic is a shared experience, but many people have unique stories within that experience. Classes A SHARED EXPERIENCE, moved online, being separated from family and friends, losing the chance to compete at the national level. THESE STUDENTS’ These students each have a unique view on what it STORIES ARE UNIQUE. means to be a Cardinal during the coronavirus.
14 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 TOM GREENSALL ’20 MBA
A MBA student from the United Kingdom (which is only second to the U.S. in number of cases), Tom Greensall is balancing adjusting to online learning, being an ocean away from his family, and missing the opportunity to walk across the stage at commencement on May 2.
Still, in the midst of this JOHN POSEY ’20 international health crisis, he chose PHILOSOPHY to deliver Meals on Wheels as a volunteer, and is looking forward to It wasn’t an ideal situation for philosophy completing his capstone class this major John Posey to remain on campus summer. “When our new reality hit, DREW KASPER ’20 when residence halls were closed due to I wanted to help out in any way I the COVID-19 pandemic, but as a member could. I did some research and saw EXERCISE SCIENCE of the National Guard, he was one of 63 students who received a special extension Cardinals wrestler Drew Kasper did not to stay through the end of the semester. get his final chance to win a NCAA Division III national title, but he hopes his story WHEN OUR NEW can help the next student-athlete Despite the emptiness, Posey was accomplish that. sad to leave and valued the extra time he had on campus. Posey said REALITY HIT, I Kasper delivered a college record the decision to postpone the in- of 108-13, including a 62-2 mark person commencement ceremony WANTED TO HELP a er moving up to heavyweight as was no surprise to him. Even though a junior and an undefeated Ohio he wasn’t able to follow the senior OUT IN ANY WAY Athletic Conference record with tradition of walking across the stage two Central Regional titles. He was during graduation ceremonies, I COULD. ranked No. 1 in the country almost Posey is reminded that this is still a his entire senior season, but because time for celebration for all his Class of the NCAA shutdown during the of 2020 classmates. “I acknowledge that Meals on Wheels were being COVID-19 pandemic, his season these are unpredictable times, but inundated with requests from people was cut short. Kasper has battled I will always feel that Otterbein who needed their services — at times depression, a learning disability has helped me to challenge myself over 100 new applications a day. e and early career setbacks, but those beyond what I thought I could do, work with my internship had been things did not stop him — and this no matter where, when or how I was put on pause, so I decided to use pandemic won’t stop him learning. Otterbein taught me so this time to volunteer and do my either. Kasper will have much in terms of human interaction part to help.” a WWE tryout later this and personal growth. I feel those summer in Orlando, FL. lessons have made me a more well- “I did everything I was rounded student, job candidate and supposed to do,” Kasper individual.” is summer, Posey will said, “ but I hope and begin O cers Candidate School. know the future holds happiness.”
OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 15 Philanthropy.
What Your Scholarship Support Means to Me... IN THE WORDS OF OTTERBEIN STUDENTS
Each spring, Otterbein brings together our generous scholarship donors with the students they support. While safeguards required the cancellation of this year’s scholarship luncheon, Otterbein scholars were eager to share their gratitude in writing. We are sharing a selection of those letters here. Otterbein FERNANDA celebrates those who give — and those whose lives are changed — now and for the future. DE LA FUENTE ’22 Columbus, Ohio
MAJOR
Mathematics
DA’VIONA SCHOLARSHIP
FOWLER ’22 Norris Family Scholarship Columbus, Ohio “I would like to thank you for your generosity in MAJOR your donations. I am very honored to have this scholarship opportunity. I will be graduating early Public Relations and — this would not have been possible without you. Health Communication You have made it affordable for my parents and me, and I can’t stress enough how thankful we are. SCHOLARSHIP This semester I was able to pay for college without the help of my parents which is important for me Kaitlin Steinour ’15 because they can focus on my sister’s tuition; she is in Communications Endowed her first year at college and her expenses are higher Scholarship than mine. The fact that I can relieve my parents of the stress of my own tuition makes me happy. I am “When I was applying to go to school, I was always afraid that I would not motivated to do my best here at Otterbein and I be able to go to college to pursue my career. Receiving this scholarship has hope to make you and my family proud.” helped me tremendously and I do not have to worry about how I am going to pay for school. I am in the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and have visited places like L Brands and The Blue Jackets arena to see how public relations works behind the scenes. I have an internship in the The Otterbein community continues to ask how they can help. Office of Marketing and Communications at Otterbein and they are helping Thank you for supporting our me so much with getting real-world experience. By doing this, I can build up students through Cardinals Care. my resumé, so I can reach my goal to work for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. See page 26 for more information! I am very thankful for this scholarship and without it I probably wouldn’t be here at Otterbein University. Thank you so much for this scholarship!”
16 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 ALLISON “When I was accepted into the nurse anesthesia program at Otterbein, I CAUDILL ’21 did what any good graduate student would do to prepare: I paid off all New Albany, Ohio outstanding debts, made a budget and saved like crazy. After getting MAJOR accepted into the program, a family member fell ill, which added extra Nurse Anesthesia responsibilities onto my plate. The emergency funds I had saved were spent in only a few SCHOLARSHIP months after moving my parent in with me, and I wasn’t sure how we were going to make it work. Your scholarship David L. Davis money came just in time and went so much further than just HANNAH Nurse Anesthetist my tuition or school supplies, as it also gave me a little bit Scholarship of stress relief in such a chaotic time. Thank you for setting WRIGHT ’19 up the scholarship fund and for helping me be a successful Grove City, Ohio student, as well as a good daughter.” MAJOR NICHOLAS Public Relations and Health Communication HASSINGER ’20 Wadsworth, Ohio SCHOLARSHIP Kaitlin Steinour ’15 MAJOR SCHOLARSHIP Communications Endowed Scholarship Accounting Michael-LeMay Scholarship “Your scholarship impacted my journey in many different “Thank you so much for the opportunity KAERIS CICCHINO ’22 ways. I will start off by saying you have provided for me. Otterbein was Westerville, Ohio college probably wouldn’t my dream school as soon as I was on have been possible for me the campus. I plan to return next year to MAJOR SCHOLARSHIP without assistance, so I want finish my MBA and complete my CPA to say that I am beyond exams. I started the Wealth Management Business Michael-LeMay thankful. This scholarship was Club on campus to help teach students Administration Scholarship part of my great Otterbein personal finance and network with people journey, a journey that in the business field. I was also treasurer “I am a business administration and management made me who I am today: a of Alpha Sigma Phi. During the summer major with a French and marketing minor. This professional marketer, with and winter breaks, I have interned in the is my second year at Otterbein and it has been so much to look forward to. tax departments of multiple companies. nothing short of amazing. After this semester I will I graduated in spring 2019 Without the help of the Michael and have completed three internships, so I’ve gotten a and am a digital marketing LeMay families, lot of real-world experience. My goal while being specialist at a marketing I wouldn’t have here is getting the most out of every opportunity. and communication agency been able to I plan to study abroad in France in spring 2021, in Columbus. I am beyond accomplish all something I could never dream of if it wasn’t for passionate about healthcare of this. I wanted Otterbein. I fell in love with Otterbein and all that and being able to make a you to know I it offered me when I visited as a high school junior, difference for a patient or appreciate your but I never thought I could afford it or get in. family. Thank you for making support and have Because of generous people like you, I got a chance these dreams possible!” made sure it has to show Otterbein why I was right for them. Thank gone to good use.” you for giving me a chance to better my future as a woman in business, and the chance to get an education and make an impact on the world. Thank you for the contribution you’ve made on my life.”
OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 17 WE CELEBRATE OUR 1847 OTTERBEIN WAS THE SINCE 2017, THE FRIENDS OF Society members who include recipient of an undesignated gift of the Courtright Memorial Library Otterbein in their estate planning. more than $170,000 in February from have led the charge to combat a Planned gifts like these help secure the Trust of the late Cameron Allen major barrier to student success by the future for the University. ’47. Allen, who passed away Jan. 23, raising funds to create a Textbook 2017, established the trust during his • A bequest of more than $138,000 was Affordability Endowment. This lifetime. The Trust has gifted more received from the estate of Dorothy Textbook Affordability Endowment, than $1.84 million to the University Howard-Flynn, a devoted fan of once funded at the $25,000 minimum, to date. Previous gifts have benefitted Otterbein eatre for many years. will produce approximately $1,000 the Science Center Campaign, annually to provide access to high-cost • A very generous bequest was received the Otterbein FUND, The Point, course materials for students. We hope from the estate of the late Professor and other general support for the to secure the remaining funds for the Emeritus Roger F. Deibel, who taught University. endowment this year. future educators at Otterbein from 1965-1989, and his late wife, Dorothy, who was an educator in Westerville Public Schools for many years. • Cheryn Alten Houston ’73, a Notable music education graduate and member of the Otterbein band, has dedicated a $25,000 bequest that will one day Giving bene t the band program. News
O. H. “OZ” KOEPLIN OF HIGHLIGHTING Delaware, OH, has gifted $25,000 to GENEROSITY WITHIN advance Otterbein’s nursing program. OUR OTTERBEIN COMMUNITY. Koeplin served as Westerville city If you want to help, go to www.otterbein.edu/give, then manager from 1972-1977. This gift select “Textbook Aordability” will honor his late wife, Priscilla designation. “Cilla” Koeplin, a leader in the nursing profession who earned her master’s degree in clinical psychology Alan Goff ’75 AND CORAL supporting the work of Nadiya at Southeast Missouri State and a Harris have made a generous seed gift Timperman, a part-time faculty doctorate degree in nursing from to kick off the Rolling Green Fund, member and nutritionist in the the University of Alabama. She an Otterbein community effort which Department of Health and Sport was an associate professor emerita presents an opportunity for donors Sciences who addresses sustainability at the University of Missouri and at all levels to join forces to advance issues in her coursework. Goff and adjunct professor at The Ohio State sustainability innovation at Otterbein. Harris are also visiting presenters University. She authored six editions Goff and Harris are founders of in her classes. Their generosity to of the textbook Medical/Surgical the Alan Goff ’75 and Coral Harris the University demonstrates the Nursing and co-authored eight Outdoor Learning Laboratory and importance of supporting and worldwide editions of “Fundamentals Sustainable Water Feature at The advancing sustainability efforts across of Nursing.” She also funded two Point and members of the University’s our campus and our community. scholarships for Missouri and Lifelong Learning Community (LLC). Southeast Missouri State. They have recently made a gift
18 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Philanthropy.
COACH CONNIE RICHARDSON spent 28 years at the helm of the Otterbein women’s basketball program and collected 382 victories before retiring as head coach in 2019. On Jan. 25, 2020, during L-R: Coach halftime of the Cardinals’ 77-74 Connie’s son, Nick; mother, victory over Heidelberg, Richardson Marilyn Ball; was honored and given a standing daughter, Hannah; and ovation by fans from both sides of long-time the court. Otterbein recognized her partner, Clete. achievements at center court with the surprise launch of the Connie E. Richardson Women’s Basketball Endowment along OTTERBEIN IS SAD TO SHARE the All Star Corridor in Clements with the Connie E. the news of the passing of beloved Recreation Center, and they put in Richardson Locker Otterbein alumnus Wendell Foote place a bequest of approximately Support the Room renaming ’60 on Jan. 22. Wendell lived in $1 million to benefit Otterbein. In eort at www. Silverton, OR, for almost five 2009, the Footes received the Service otterbein.edu/give/ dedication. Her long- connie-richardson- time partner, Clete decades. He and late spouse, Judith to Otterbein Alumni Award. After womens-basketball- Lovejoy Foote ’58 endowment/ Richardson, donated , were lifelong Judith’s death in 2006, Wendell Foote the lead gift to kick Otterbein supporters. A Korean War remained a lifelong supporter of the off the endowment fund that will veteran, Wendell studied chemistry sciences at Otterbein and he and benefit Otterbein’s women’s basketball and biology at Otterbein. A member Judith were consistently the largest program. Coach Richardson tallied of the Otterbein football team, he annual supporters of the Otterbein 16 OAC upper-division finishes while met Judith in 1958. While a student, FUND. Otterbein proudly recognized guiding the Cardinals, leading the Wendell did full-time research at Wendell Foote in 2017 with The Mary program to a single-season record 23 Battelle Memorial Institute. He B. Thomas Award for Commitment wins during the 2003-04 campaign later worked in the pharmaceutical to Otterbein, the University’s and qualifying for the NCAA and chemical industries before co- highest honor for extraordinary Tournament in 2013. She remains on founding Specialty Polymers, Inc. philanthropic leadership, service, staff as Otterbein’s senior associate At Otterbein, Wendell served on the and the advancement of Otterbein’s athletic director. Fundraising for campaign committee for the Science mission. Wendell touched countless the Connie E. Richardson Women’s Center. He and Judith created the lives through Otterbein; he will be Basketball Endowment continues. Science Center’s Foote Atrium and deeply missed.
Richard L. Foster Jr. ’72 HAS DR. BARBARA ACHTER AND department chair and professor. Mort created a generous $25,000 pledge to Dr. Mort Achter H’00 have made a is a professor emeritus and was chair endow the Richard L. Foster Jr. ’72 generous gift to Otterbein to endow of the Department of Music from Veteran Award to benefit Otterbein a scholarship for nursing students. 1975-2000. The Achters have been undergraduate students who are Barbara worked with Dr. Mary loyal and generous friends of the military veterans. Foster, a U.S. Ann Bradford Burnam H’19 to University and recently supported Army veteran who served during the establish the Department of Nursing enhancements to Riley Auditorium at Vietnam War, attended Otterbein at Otterbein in 1977 and served as the Battelle Fine Arts Center in 2017. with help from the G.I. Bill.
OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 19 more than $52 million for the University. Jim Mary B. omas and Kathy were also key personal investors in that campaign. In 1997, Jim and Kathy established the Commitment to James A. and Kathleen C. Rutherford Endowed Scholarship, and they have continued to bolster the endowment so that more first-generation Otterbein Award students with financial need can meet their OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY HAS academic and leadership potential. “Kathy and SELECTED JAMES A. AND KATHLEEN I want these students to use their education to C. RUTHERFORD P’99 AS THE 2020 go out and do good things,” said Jim. “It doesn’t RECIPIENTS OF THE MARY B. THOMAS matter if they make a lot of money — we want COMMITMENT TO OTTERBEIN AWARD. them to be competent and leave the world a better place.” For more than two decades, To launch and help support the Where We Otterbein Trustee Emeritus Jim STAND Matters Campaign, the Rutherfords Rutherford and his spouse, Kathy, made a $500,000 commitment: a multi-year have been true leadership and service $250,000 grant to “raise awareness of the ambassadors for Otterbein. Jim is a University both locally and nationally to ensure first-generation graduate of Denison the University’s viability and competitiveness University where he received a in a challenging market environment” plus bachelor’s degree in economics. a $250,000 bequest. Their longtime annual He co-founded Goal Systems support for the University’s Otterbein FUND International, a computer systems shows they realize the impact of unrestricted software and information technology annual gifts. They are among the founding services company in Columbus in members of Otterbein’s Joanne Van Sant Society, 1976 and has served on the boards which honors donors who make annual gifts of of a number of public and privately- $1,000 or more each fiscal year. owned companies. He has also been “We’re helping deserving students lead a trustee of Nationwide Children’s successful lives,” Jim said. “When they become Hospital and Case Western Reserve successful, they can help others become University (CWRU). “Going to successful. To Kathy and me, that’s how college changed the trajectory of my philanthropy works.” life,” he said. The Rutherfords will be honored at an Jim and Kathy raised two sons: alumni awards ceremony during Homecoming Mark, a 1995 CWRU engineering celebrations in September.◆ graduate, and Keith, a 1999 business graduate of Otterbein. It was Keith’s experience at Otterbein that showed Jim and Kathy the impact of the Otterbein community and inspired them to begin creating opportunities for other students. Jim’s tenure as a trustee (2012-2018) saw the launch and successful completion of the Where We STAND Matters campaign, which raised
20 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Philanthropy.
Faculty and Sta Earn State Grants for Otterbein E orts THE FOLLOWING FACULTY AND STAFF APPLIED FOR AND WERE AWARDED GRANTS TO SUPPORT OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY INITIATIVES.
Dr. Michael Hudoba of the RECIPIENT Engineering Department, Barry Wittman shown holding associate professor the Otterbein flambeau. AMOUNT $272,661.48 RECIPIENT RECIPIENT Kristin Bourdage Stephen Grinch ’98 associate professor archivist, Courtright Memorial Library Associate Professor Barry Wittman chair, department of education was awarded a Choose Ohio First AMOUNT Grant of $272,661 from the Ohio AMOUNT Department of Higher Education $4,967.00 to provide computer science $41,387.50 scholarships to Otterbein students over ve years. Archivist Stephen Grinch was Associate Professor Kristin Bourdage, awarded an Institute of Museum and e primary goal of the scholarship chair of Otterbein’s Department Library Services (IMLS) Preservation program is to lower nancial barriers of Education, was awarded three and Conservation Grant of $4,967 for underrepresented students, Human Capital Strategies Grants from the State Library of Ohio, including women, low income totaling $41,387 from the Ohio Library Services and Technology Act students and students from urban Department of Higher Education to (LSTA), for the Otterbein Archives districts, to pursue a bachelor’s degree help fund partnerships with three in the Courtright Memorial Library. in computer science at Otterbein and local school districts. e Pathways With this grant, the Library Archives become part of the booming digital to Teaching Project collaborates purchased two specially designed economy in Ohio. e secondary with PreK-12 district partners to cases in which to safely store and goal of this program is to encourage strengthen district recruitment transport the Otterbein Academic existing Otterbein students to transfer e orts where there are critical teacher Regalia, including the current mace into these degree programs. Choose shortages. e grant partners are and ambeau (pictured above) as Ohio First (COF) scholars will form Olentangy Local School District well as the historic university seal; cohorts with annual orientations and ($17,377), Canal Winchester Local repaired and cleaned the 1879 Clock monthly mentoring sessions. Schools ($12,010) and Westerville that hangs in Courtright Memorial City Schools ($12,000). Library (Class of 1879 gi); and purchased archival supplies.
OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 21 Classnotes. Compiled by Becky Hill May ’78 and Becky Olmstead Smith ’08
believed to be the rst athletic Todd Alan Crain ’94 facility to be named for a guest starred on the new woman. Amazon Prime series Hunters as Bill Badger—the over- Jolene Thompson ’88 the-top, 1977 California was named American game show host for a very Municipal Power’s (AMP) “not safe for work” segment rst woman president and on the eighth episode of the CEO. She joined AMP in show. e show’s executive 1990 and has held several producer is Jordan Peele and leadership roles at the stars Al Pacino. organization, headquartered in Columbus, with more than Royce Wong ’94 received 170 employees. his master’s degree in computer science from Melissa McTygue Lutz Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA. ’90 works for Champlin Architecture in Cincinnati, Kris Young ’94 is vice as a principal in the rm. president, NIKE Direct She serves on the board Athlete Experience in of directors, directs both Oregon. marketing and business development initiatives and Katrina Seymour community engagement Metzler ’95 is the strategies. She was also executive director at the elected this year’s national National Energy and Utility Todd Alan Crain ’94 in George Liston ’52, past president for the professional A ordability Coalition costume and on set for president of the Ohio Art organization of the Society in Washington, D.C. She his guest star role on the was honored with the Amazon Prime Series, Education Association for Marketing Professional Hunters. and Distinguished Fellow, Services. She credits Champion of A ordability received the Honorary Otterbein for contributing to Award on Oct. 26, 2019, at Arts Educator Award from her success. the Blue Tie Ball hosted by Columbus College of Art the Washington Suburban and Design (Columbus) Andrew Tillman ’90 is Sanitary Commission Water in November. is award the chief operating o cer at Fund. e award is bestowed is typically reserved for its the Nashville Zoo, Nashville, to a person demonstrating alumni, although he is not a TN. outstanding commitment CCAD grad, he did take his to ensuring access for all Mark Curtis ’91 was re- professional training there. Americans to clean, safe, elected to a second four-year a ordable drinking water. Do you have news Marcia Baer ’66 was term as a member of the to share? honored when the Ontario Twinsburg City Schools Sarah Sphar Sheehan Submit your updates to (OH) Local School District Board of Education in ’95 is the content marketing [email protected] o cially designated the November. He was o cially manager at Within3 in middle school gym as sworn in on Jan. 8, 2020 and Cleveland, OH. the “Coach Marcia Baer elected to serve as president Todd Tucker ’95 received Gymnasium” in recognition for one year. the Tempe Tourism Spirit of her 30 years of service to Mark Becker ’93 is a of Hospitality Award while the school. She was a teacher, business analyst at Sabel working as the assistant coach and advisor during Systems Technology general manager at Residence her tenure, coaching girls’ Solutions, Beavercreek, OH. Life by Marriott in Tempe, AZ. sports before the OHSAA recognized them. It is
22 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 *Classnotes and Milestones as of Apr. 1, 2020
ALUMNI PROFILE Alumna Protects Communities through Wildfire Research
Jessica Miesel ’01 protects communities She worked for four years with the from wildfires, but she isn’t a typical firefighter. U.S. Forest Service, National Park As an assistant professor of fire and ecosystem Service, and The Nature Conservancy ecology at Michigan State University, her before returning to Ohio to earn expertise and research focuses on how wildland her doctorate degree in evolution, fires can restore forest health and positively ecology and organismal biology at impact soil, plants, and animals. She participates The Ohio State University. in fire suppression efforts on the ground and Today, she uses her classes in the maintains the same safety certification of Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial firefighters. Sciences at Michigan State Miesel came to to teach how proper forest Otterbein in 1997 to management can achieve study equine science, but greater fire resilience and a summer internship her biological diversity, as sophomore year with her ongoing research in the U.S. Forest Service northern California and ignited her passion for fire the Great Lakes region has ecology and soil science. shown. For the internship, she In her laboratory, the measured vegetation plots Miesel Fire and Ecosystem that were affected by the Ecology Research Group 1980 eruption of Mount St. analyzes soil samples from Helens in Washington. sites that have experienced Reflecting on it, she controlled burns or said, “I was nervous, wildfires, to investigate especially because I had to the microbial community memorize hundreds of new and carbon and nitrogen plant species that grow cycling. Fire influences the out West. But after seeing moisture and nutrients in how the concepts from soil, which serves as the Read more at www. my courses at Otterbein foundation of the entire mieselecologylab helped me to understand ecosystem. .org the environment, it brought the classroom to Miesel has published research in the Journal life. It also helped to give context to my studies of Geophysical Research, Geoderma, and the once I was back in the classroom.” International Journal of Wildland Fire. She Miesel graduated with a bachelor’s degree teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in life and earth science with a concentration and is an advisor for graduate research and in ecology, along with a chemistry minor. post-doctorate studies.◆
OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 23 Becky Tippenhauer ’96 Callie Firman ’06 is Community Schools, Center earned her BSN degree from employed as a leadership Point, IA. Xavier University in August development consultant Samantha Bickerdt LEADING 2019. She is now a registered at WellStar Health System Giving note. nurse at UC Health in in Atlanta, GA. Firman Shivener ’12 is the campus Cincinnati, OH, on the BMT/ relocated to Atlanta in 2017. minister at Jacob’s Porch Wendy Sherman Oncology/Hematology unit. Lutheran Campus Ministry, Heckler, provost and Mayme Moyer Kugler Columbus. senior vice president of academic aairs, and Paul Smith ’98 is the ’06 is the director of Patrick Conley ’13 is a spouse Andrew Heckler aviation budget o cer in the institutional research at have made a generous o ce of Aviation Forces at Hagerstown Community SNAP-Ed scal associate at pledge to create an Coast Guard Headquarters in College, Hagerstown, MD. e Ohio State University endowed fund to support Washington D.C. Extension O ce, Columbus. Otterbein students with Senchal Shaw Murphy financial need. Heather McLeish ’06 is the director of learning Jami Easterday ’13 is a Juzenas ’02 earned and development at e certi ed nurse practitioner recognition as a certi ed Kroger Company, Cincinnati, for Adena Health Systems in cooperative communicator OH. Chillicothe, OH. (CCC) by the National Janel Iden Blankespoor Joshua Hartley ’13 is a LEADING Rural Electric Cooperative consultant, communications Giving note. Association (NRECA). ’07 is the assistant women’s business partner at Cardinal e certi cation signi es basketball coach/director of Family, fellow alumni Health, Dublin, OH. standards of professionalism NCAA compliance/SAAC and friends continue to advisor at Wilmington make generous gifts in in communications and Holly Bruner ’14, area College, Wilmington, OH. memory of alumnus Col. competency in the electric coordinator for the honors Edward “Ed” Mentzer She received her master of cooperative industry. She residence hall and the historic ’58, longtime Otterbein education in higher education serves as communications horseshoe at the University supporter, volunteer administration and student and organizer of the manager at e Energy of South Carolina, Columbia, personnel from Kent State June Bug, who passed Cooperative headquartered in co-authored a featured University, Kent, OH. away on Feb. 24, 2020. Newark, OH. article in the Association These gifts support the for College and University Myers-Mentzer Memorial Sarin Arnholt Wilson ’03 Kyle Gehring ’07 is the Housing O cers-International Scholarship, a scholarship is a middle school science director of ticketing originally endowed by (ACHUO-I) September teacher at Pulaski County operations for HomeTown Ed and his wife Connie 2019. e article, Timing Schools, Somerset, KY. She Ticketing in Frisco, TX. Myers Mentzer ’60, is Everything, explores the which honors their multi- also earned her master’s Randi Hopkins ’09 is the topic of interim roles within generational Otterbein degree in teacher leadership, director of healthy living at the scope of housing and family legacy. a STEM certi cation, and the Sky Family YMCA in residence life. national board certi cation Bonita Springs, FL. from Morehead State Thea Kennedy ’14 is a University, Morehead, KY. Molly Metz ’09 is an graphic designer at University assistant professor, teaching School in Cleveland, OH. LEADING Art Todd ’04 is a manager stream, in the department of Giving note. at e Greentree Group, psychology at the University Katie McClain Shaw ’14 an IT and organization of Toronto, ON, Canada. is a manager of teacher Dan ’70 and Regina ’70 business solutions Bremer P’98 have pledged leadership development for $25,000 over five years to provider headquartered in Grace Wolf ’11 is the senior Teach for America Southwest increase the impact of the Beavercreek, OH. demand planner at Smith eld Ohio, Cincinnati, OH. Bremer Family Endowed Foods in Su olk, VA. Scholarship. Phillip Keck ’05 is an IT Eric Wol ’14 is the music support analyst at Applied Jill Humrichouse Fair ’12 publishing coordinator at Physics Lab in Laurel, MD. is a school counselor at e Walt Disney Company in Center Point-Urbana Burbank, CA.
24 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Classnotes.
ALUMNI PROFILE Alumnus Reflects on His Travels During the Pandemic* by David Thomas ’69 *Written April 21, 2020.
My wife, Susan, and I were on an international house- from Chiang Mai to Bangkok; then and pet-sitting assignment in Chiang Mai, Thailand, when Korean Air from Bangkok to Seoul, the pandemic really began to spread. We had arrived there South Korea; and Korean Air / Delta on Feb. 25 after having spent a week near the Gold Coast from Seoul to Los Angeles; then of Australia during which there was growing concern on American Airlines from L.A. to around the world about the impending crisis. Denver. After 45 hours of travel, five From Brisbane, we flew to Hong Kong and had a 32- airports, four flights, three countries, hour layover there. We took advantage of the situation and and an unknown number of times did sightseeing (we wore masks) by bus, ferry and train — our personal items were handled by we were either the only people aboard or there was merely others, we had come back home. a handful of other passengers. Local residents were staying We got to our house in Estes at home and many businesses were closed. Park, Colorado, at 1 a.m. on April From Hong Kong, we flew directly to Chiang Mai. We 7, and began our self-imposed Thomas on a walk with dogs Shirley Temple (left) and felt safe and healthy in Thailand, which had seen far two-week quarantine — “self- Countess Beth (right). fewer confirmed cases and deaths from the coronavirus imposed” because NO ONE directed than our home state of Colorado. We sheltered in place, us to quarantine. At LAX airport, most which was easy because we knew only one other person airport and airline personnel were not wearing masks, in Chiang Mai and we don’t speak the language. Our nor were the agents who received us in Immigration and temperatures were checked multiple times when we went Customs. No one checked our temperature, asked any to a supermarket for supplies, and everyone was wearing questions about our travels in Southeast Asia, or even gave face masks. All businesses except for grocery stores and us a self-diagnosis questionnaire like the one we had to pharmacies were closed. complete for South Korea. A dozen TSA employees at LAX We made a conscious decision to stay in Chiang security were chatting without masks as we, the only two Mai to wait out the pandemic, because it was much more people in line, went through. We were shocked that there dangerous to return to Colorado — facing health risks on wasn’t a more comprehensive procedure upon our arrival multiple flights. However, on April 3, we had to consider a back in the U.S., as we had anticipated being questioned different option. The U.S. Ambassador to Thailand urged and examined by CDC personnel. In reality, there was no all U.S. citizens to either leave the country immediately, or procedure at all. to face staying there for an undetermined length of time. The CDC operates a quarantine station at LAX; its Our original plan had been to return to the U.S. on jurisdiction includes Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and (part May 7, but that flight from Chiang Mai to Hong Kong had of) Southern California. Yet, we had no contact with CDC already been cancelled. All airlines serving the Chiang in Los Angeles. We had dinner in a restaurant within LAX, Mai airport were shutting down their operations, and all and none of the cooks was wearing a mask. After our airports in Thailand were closing down. If we didn’t leave experience in Los Angeles, I felt that the word “lax” was an soon, we could have been stranded in Chiang Mai for apt description of COVID-19 screening procedures at LAX several more months. So we made the difficult decision to airport. leave, which we saw as “jumping from the frying pan into Two weeks later, our state was among several the fire.” where protesters are insisting that the government lift We booked our flights, arranged for someone else to the restrictions designed to “flatten the curve” of the care for the two dogs and the house, and we left Chiang pandemic. Susan returned to work as a triage RN in our Mai on Sunday afternoon, April 5, on Bangkok Air’s last local hospital on April 22.◆ flight for the remainder of April. We flew on Bangkok Air
OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 25 Ashley Jungclas ’16 is Lindi McGaughy DNP ’17 Jordan Van Dootingh ’17
LEADING currently working on is an assistant professor of is the corporate Giving note. her master of business clinical practice at e Ohio communications coordinator administration degree at State University College of for the NBA Cleveland The Fotis family and Ohio Dominican University, Nursing Columbus. Linda Cavaliers in Cleveland, OH. friends have donated Columbus. earned her BSN ’02 and MS more than $32,000 ’04 from e Ohio State Ashley Beck to establish the Cathy Audrey Vrancken ’16 is Zimmerman ’18 is a “Kate” Fotis Endowed University, Columbus. Scholarship at Otterbein an executive assistant in the preschool teacher at the in memory of Cathy marketing department at Morgan Poczekaj ’17 is Ohio School for the Deaf Fotis, a history bu Washington Prime Group, a a marketing coordinator in Columbus. and longtime Otterbein real estate investment trust at M+A Architects in theatre fan who passed that invests in shopping Columbus. away in April due to heart failure. The Fotis centers and is headquartered Wesley Thompson ’17 family were Westerville in Columbus. Audrey also is neighbors and are serves as the alumni advisor a nancial business specialist advocates of Otterbein for Tau Epsilon Mu sorority at at Nationwide Insurance, and education. Otterbein. Columbus.
Cardinals Care. Cardinals are rallying together to show support and help take care of Otterbein students during these uncertain and challenging times.
Visit otterbein.edu/CardinalsCare to hear why your
opportunities for both taxpayers who itemize and those who don’t to take charitable deductions. To make a gift, scan the QR code below with your smartphone’s camera, visit otterbein.edu/CardinalsCare, return the envelope included in this issue of Towers or call 614-823-1472. Thank you! #SupportOtterbein
26 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Classnotes.
Entertainment Corner.
Correction: Robert Crosby Aaron Kerr ’91 published ’50 published a book, Encounters in ought: Memoirs of a Change Agent, Beyond Instrumental Reason. T-groups, Organization, He is an associate professor Development, and Social of philosophy at Gannon Justice, with Chris Crosby University, Erie, PA, and and Gilmore Crosby. Check chair of the Philosophy out his new free podcast at Department. He teaches robertcrosby.podbean.com. Sherri Mabry Gordon environmental ethics and Sean Billingslea ’02 ’90 has written nearly 30 has published in the areas of published his second book in non- ction books for middle- the philosophy of meaning the Arkrames series, Sabra and high-school students. Six in music, the sacred, the and the Amazon City. As an were published last year. Her ethics of technology and the avid fan of science ction books focus on hot topics contemplative life. and fantasy, as well as being and current issues and are a middle- and high-school designed to assist students in math and science teacher, his developing reports, debates books provide age appropriate and speeches on important adventure reading for teens. and relevant topics. Titles include: Internet Security and You, Weaponized Social Media, Getting to Know Apple Swi , Violence Against Women, Coping with Bipolar Disorder, and Everything You Karen Hoerath Meyer Need to Know About Smoking, ’65, published her ninth Vaping and Your Health. book this spring. Choosing She also writes regularly for Sides, historical ction for VerywellFamily.com and young readers, is set in VerywellMind.com on a 1875 during Westerville’s variety of topics including Shannon Reed ’96 will Temperance Movement. bullying prevention, have her rst book published parenting and relationships. by Simon & Schuster on June 30, 2020. Why Did I Get a B? Jen Knox ’07, published And Other Mysteries We’re Resolutions, a multi- Discussing in the Faculty perspective family drama Lounge, a book of memoir with AUX Media (March and humor about her 20-year 2020). A portion of the book teaching career. is set to be adapted to lm.
OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 27 Milestones.
Marriages included Justin Young ’10, Jack Brangham ’12, Sam Oakley ’15, Evan 1 Mark Becker ’93 to Hedrick ’14, Christopher Beth Becker, June 30, 2019. Dardio ’16, Tobias Ewing ’16, Sara Mason ’16 and 2 Nikki Boeshansz ’02 Jordan Abbruzzese ’15. to Stuart Meyer, Aug. 10, 2019. 8 Gina Heitkamp ’15 to Anthony Reinhard 1 2 3 Benjamin Garnett ’15, July 20, 2019. Otterbein ’06 to Sarah Satterly, June alumni in the wedding party 15, 2019. Otterbein alumni included Kaylee Cialella in attendance (pictured) ’15, Ty Compton ’15, were Matthew D’Oyly Devon Fitzgerald ’15 ’04, S. Ryan Davis and Scott Stornes ’15. ’03, Alyson Brown Bates ’04, Katherine 9 Erin Crist MBA’17 to Colburn Humphrey ’17, Adam Ingram MBA’17, Adam Humphrey ’06, 3 Oct. 13, 2019. Jonathan Stewart ’01, Ester Stinson ’02, Brian 10 Morgan Watts ’18 to Gray ’05 and Becky Gray Kyle Minyo ’18, Aug. 10, ’09. 2019. Otterbein alumni in the wedding party included 4 Jessica Rugh ’08 bridesmaids, Macy Yount to Michael Harding, Dec. ’18, Alexa Taylor ’18 and 6, 2019. Otterbein alumni Ashley Hall ’18 and best in attendance were Ellie man, Alex Scotton ’18. Brookings ’09, Kelly Fischer Berkshire ’08, 4 5 Joe Berkshire ’07 and Kelly Shoup McLeese ’07.
Molly Metz ’09 to William Ryan, July 28, 2018. In attendance was Ashley Shier Showalter ’09. 6 7 5 Kate Weale ’10 to Chris Panknin, Nov. 22, 2019.
6 Cody Green ’14 to Kayla ompson, Aug. 18, 2019.
7 Chelsi Campbell ’14 to Parker Ferguson ’15, Dec. 29, 2018. Otterbein alumni in the wedding party 8 9 10
28 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Births 7 Michele Shull Loudon ’09 and Adam Loudon, a daughter, Harper Ellis. 1 Ashley Palmer ’00 and Aaron Palmer, a son, Paxton 8 Kayla Sechler Luttrell Knox. ’09 and Thomas Luttrell ’09, a son, Eric Daniel. Art Todd ’04 and Calah Todd, a son, Judah David. 1 2 9 Marinda Roderick Fries ’10 and Andy Fries 2 Brooke Pearse ’05, a ’09 MAT’12, a son, Luke son, Beau Matthew D’Auteuil. Andrew.
3 Kacy Walton Bielozer 10 Devin Smith Byard ’06, and Matt Bielozer, a son, ’11 and Michael Byard, a Benjamin Matthew. daughter, Raina Michele.
4 Misty DeMichael 11 Caitlin Mulkie Kiger ’06 and Nicholas Lindemuth ’11, a daughter, 3 4 Kiger ’06, a son, Cameron Molly Ann. Nicholas. 12 Jayme Detweiler 5 Hilary Patrick Nichols Crowell ’11 and Ryan ’08 and William Nichols, a Crowell ’11, a daughter, son, Nolan. Fynlee Anne.
6 Erica Wilkins Trainer 13 Danielle Fabian ’08 and Todd Trainer, a son, Spencer BSN’11 MSN’17 Elias William. and Matthew Spencer 5 6 MBA’17, a daughter, Ava Jane.
7 8 9 10
Do you have a wedding or baby news to share? Please send news to [email protected]
11 12 13
OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 29 Milestones.
Long form obituaries can be found at: otterbein.edu/alumni/classnotes/obituaries In Memoriam If you would like a copy of an obituary, email [email protected] or call 614-823-1650.
’33 Elizabeth Zechar Wagner 03/11/01 ’50 Ellen Coleman Peters 08/23/18 ’58 Edward Mentzer 02/24/20 ’35 Robert Ball 04/03/12 ’51 John Hoover 01/06/20 ’59 eodore Hampton 01/06/20 ’35 Gwendolyn Williams Sullivan 02/20/11 ’52 Marilyn Barr Ball 09/02/18 ’59 Nancy Gallagher Macakanja 12/19/19 ’36 Anna Medert Haidet 02/03/20 ’52 H. Dale Rough 04/10/20 ’59 David Tobias 03/06/20 ’37 Louise Bowser Elliott 03/20/18 ’53 William Cain 01/15/20 ’59 Robert White 01/23/20 ’44 Robert Morris 12/01/19 ’53 Robert McMullen 04/10/14 ’60 Wendell Foote 01/22/20 ’45 Morton Woolley 12/11/19 ’54 Lloyd Lewis 04/21/19 ’61 John Reichard 12/20/19 ’48 James Duvall 10/19/19 ’54 Glenn Miller 04/05/18 ’61 Kathryn Krumhansl 03/24/20 ’48 William Tudor 10/16/19 ’54 Sally Bodge Wadman 04/20/20 Heidelberg ’49 Daniel Corcoran 04/18/20 ’54 Sara Lawton Winston 04/26/20 ’63 David Moser 02/08/20 ’49 Hallie Long Kennedy 01/09/13 ’55 Patricia Kaltenbach Ampe 05/24/16 ’69 Stephanie Brandon Yund 03/23/20 ’49 Winifred Robbins Riley 03/10/19 ’56 Frances Meyers Strong 04/24/20 ’89 Jan Waibel Jones 01/07/20 ’50 Richard Kirk 04/08/14 ’58 Raymond Cartwright 01/02/20
Otterbein Mourns Passing of Beloved Professor Otterbein shares with sadness the passing He was chair of the Department of English from of Professor Norman Chaney, who died 1992 to 1999. He wrote and presented scholarly peacefully at home on Wednesday, May papers following sabbaticals which took him as 6, surrounded by his wife, Freda, and far away as Canberra, Australia, and as close to his family. During more than 50 years home as Ohio’s Malabar Farm. He will be deeply at Otterbein, Professor Chaney taught missed by students, colleagues, and countless literature, creative writing, poetry, members of the Otterbein family whose lives Shakespeare seminars, and other courses he touched. and wrote three books: Theodore Roethke: To support a memorial scholarship being created, The Poetics of Wonder, Six Images of Human visit www.otterbein.edu/ChaneyScholarship and Nature, and The Appointed Earth. designate “Chaney Memorial Fund.”
HONORING OTTERBEIN’S CLASS OF 2020
Until we can safely share in a commencement ceremony, we proudly recognize the grace, tenacity and determination that defines the Class of 202 0. To view a collection of celebratory messages, visit otterbein.edu/class-of-2020/
30 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Alumni Matters.
Alumni Programming Save these dates Exciting opportunities planned for the Cardinal family. Expands Virtually More details coming soon. CARDINALS NOW HAVE NEW AND EXCITING WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED WITH OTTERBEIN. Aug. 5 A Toast to Otterbein
Alumni Relations rolled out a new series of virtual Sept. 25-26 opportunities this spring. This new series provides Homecoming & Family Weekend unique insights in the Otterbein community, providing content that is both useful and entertaining. Here are the highlights:
CAREER TRANSITIONS Every other Tuesday, we post reflections from experts to help those impacted by the economic downturn. Please feel free to share these insights with your family and friends seeking ALUMNI TOUR TO IRELAND employment opportunities. Sept. 21 - Oct. 2, 2021 For those itching to travel again, Otterbein has tentative plans for MID-WEEK MINDFULNESS an alumni tour to Ireland. A regular series called Cardinal Fly-By: 5-minute More details to come. learning lecture will give you a condensed and informative insight into hot topics of the day. Look for sessions featuring faculty, sta, students, and alumni. We will occasionally post longer segments to give you a more in-depth look at topics.
INSIDE THE NEST On Thursdays, we oer a behind-the-scenes look at campus life. Look for stories from alumni, too!
We want to hear from you, too. Please let us know what topics you would like to see featured. To the Class of 2020 Just email us at alumniinfo@ Welcome to the alumni family! otterbein.edu. And don’t forget We look forward to celebrating with you to follow us on social media. in person and seeing you walk across the Find the appropriate links at stage in full academic regalia. You’ve joined otterbein.edu/alumni. an exclusive alumni community, and we are Steve Crawford proud to call you alumni. Go Cards! executive director Alumni Relations
OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 31 Alumni Matters.
COVERING THE CRISIS A new program hit TVs in Ohio in March and quickly became so popular it is the subject of international news articles, memes, t-shirts and even a song or two. That program is Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s daily coronavirus briefings, live every weekday at 2 p.m. Three Otterbein alumni have been actively involved in the program — Statehouse News Bureau Chief Karen Kasler ’89 and Statehouse News Reporter Andy Chow ’08 are on Ohio’s PBS and NPR stations every day with live coverage of the briefings; and Megan Wycu ’11 is deputy director for The Ohio Channel, the broadcasting arm of Statehouse News, which airs the daily briefing. Andrew Tobias ’08 also covers the Ohio Statehouse and Gov. DeWine’s briefings for Cleveland.com.
Pictured (left to right) is Andy Chow, Megan Wycu, and Karen Kasler in the studio of The Ohio Channel at the Ohio Statehouse.
SALUTING OUR Alumni on the HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND FIRST Frontlines RESPONDERS CARDINALS ARE OFFERING From nurses like Sophie Allen Wei ’19 ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO THEIR (left), who is caring for COVID-19 patients at Cayuga Medical Center in COMMUNITIES DURING THE Ithaca, NY, to researchers like Sophie’s PANDEMIC. husband, Derek Wei ’19 (below), a grad student at Cornell testing antiviral drugs against the virus, Otterbein alumni When Otterbein alumni graduate, they go are making a dierence in the lives of into their communities inspired to make people directly impacted by the virus. a difference. Today, alumni across the country are contributing to the fight against the coronavirus in many ways. From the healthcare providers, researchers or first responders who are working to overcome the virus to the teachers who are educating our children during the most difficult circumstances — and everything in between. Their service to the greater good is needed and appreciated now more than ever.
DRAWING WITH MR. J When Jonathan Juravich ’05 (left) was named Ohio Teacher of the Year in 2018, his passion for art education found a wider audience. Now his online series, Drawing with Mr. J, is reaching out to students wherever they are during this health crisis, engaging them in short, themed drawing challenges to promote social and emotional skills. wosu.org/classroom/drawing-with-mr-j/
32 OTTERBEIN TOWERS SPRING/SUMMER 2020 Board of Trustees. Peter R. Bible ’80 Jacqueline Gale PLANNING Haverkamp MSN’81, MBA’16 Kaitlyn Brooks ’20 Cheryl L. Herbert Rev. Larry C. Brown ’80 K. Christopher Kaiser ’77 John L. Comerford, Ph.D. FORWARD Meredith Marshall ’21 Deborah Ewell Currin ’67 Mary Navarro P’11 Jocelyn Curry ’78, MBA’09 Nevalyn Fritsche Nevil ’71 Joan Marie Esson, Ph.D. Mindy S. Phinney ’85, M.D. David W. Fisher ’75, P’11 Rebecca C. Princehorn ’78 James L. Francis ’71 Brant O. Smith ’95 Daniel C. Gi ord ’88, P’21, P’23 Mark R. Thresher ’78, P’05 William E. Harrell Jr. ’94 Alan Waterhouse ’82 Theresa Harris
Trustees Emeriti. Thomas R. Bromeley ’51 Thomas C. Morrison ’63 Michael H. Cochran ’66, P’93 Jane W. Oman H’96 William L. Evans ’56 Paul S. Reiner ’68 Judith Graham Gebhart ’61 Peggy Miller Ruhlin ’79 Mary F. Hall ’64 James A. Rutherford P’99 John T. Huston ’57, P’85, P’89 Wolfgang R. Schmitt ’66, P’91 These days, it can be Rev. Erwin K. Kerr H’02, P’91 Kent D. Stuckey ’79 John E. King ’68 dicult to anticipate what Alec Wightman John W. Magaw ’57 the future may hold.
O cers of the University. CHAIR SECRETARY Mark R. Thresher ’78, P’05 K. Christopher Kaiser ’77
VICE-CHAIR ASSISTANT SECRETARY William E. Harrell Jr. ’94 Alan Waterhouse ’82 VICE-CHAIR PRESIDENT Cheryl L. Herbert John L. Comerford, Ph.D Alumni Council. David Brown ’99 Barb Maurer Lindeman ’64 Chris Cargill MBA’16 Mike Mesewicz ’87 Mark Curtis ’91 Mary Logan So ’02 Icilda Watkins Dickerson ’88 Kathryn Felsenthal Stephens ’97 Maggie Ellison ’10 MBA’19 Nancy Case Struble ’79 Christy Boyd Farnbauch ’88 Jean Sylvester MBA’10 Eric Farnbauch ’90 Jae Benson Van Wey ’71, P’91 Susan McDaniel Gable ’80 Nate Van Wey ’72, P’91 For questions about The 1847 Society, Daniel C. Gi ord ’88, P’21, P’23 or to share your plans with Otterbein, Jack Whalen ’66 Sonya Lowmiller please contact us. Higginbotham ’98 Karen Persson Whalen ’67 Peter Klipa ’89, P’14, P’17 Rhonda Talford Knight ’96 Kathleen Bonte (614) 823-2707 Executive Director, Development [email protected] change service requested Nonprofit Org US Postage PAID Permit No. 21 1 South Grove Street Freeport, OH Westerville, OH 43081
A Life-Changing Perspective
In April, Monica Arce ’21, a senior nurse anesthesia student in the Graduate Nursing program at Otterbein, volunteered to work in the ght against COVID-19 as a frontline ICU nurse in New York City. Arce says a er working 12-hour shi s for 21 straight days, she was “honored to work alongside some of the bravest, most knowledgeable and inventive nurses I have ever met.” Visit Towers Online to read more of Arce’s heroic personal account and the Otterbein values that shape her. www.otterbein.edu/towers