MERCYNEWS a Newsletter for the Alumni and Friends of Mercy College WINTER 2016
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
MERCYNEWS A newsletter for the alumni and friends of Mercy College WINTER 2016 Mercy Student Finds Inspiration in Music & Family Many at Mercy College of Ohio have heard piano music coming from the St. Joseph Chapel on campus. Most are surprised to learn the beautiful tunes are being played by Tramone Russell, a 2015 graduate of Start High School and current Mercy College student. While he has had some lessons in guitar and performs with his church choir, Tramone is entirely self-taught in piano, primarily by YouTube videos. To Tramone, “Music drives, motivates, inspires, encourages, and uplifts individuals in their lowest states of life. It has the capacity to combine words, Tramone Russell melodies, and rhythms to convey ideas and aspirations in a way that plainly talking to individuals cannot.” “Music drives, motivates, inspires, encourages, and While Tramone is a talented musician, he is even more uplifts individuals in their lowest states of life. It dedicated to his education. Greatly inspired by his grand mother’s battle with three different forms of cancer, has the capacity to combine words, melodies, and Tramone first focused on high school and then college. rhythms to convey ideas and aspirations in a way “My grandmother, Charlotte Stallworth, was my legal guardian and the spectacular woman who raised me. She that plainly talking to individuals cannot.” passed away in March 2016. Her greatest desire was to see me graduate from high school. I bettered my grades and Through his range of character to make sure I’d graduate – just for her.” community involvement Currently pursuing a certificate in Polysomnographic and musical talent, What’s Inside… Technology at Mercy College, Tramone is also taking pre- Tramone’s number 2 Meet Marc Adkins requisite coursework for the Bachelor of Science in Biology one passion remains program. After finishing the Polysomnographic Technology achieving his goal to 3 Summer in the City program, his ultimate goal is to complete the Biology practice medicine. “I 4 Scholarship program in preparation to attend medical school. And, have a deep interest in Reception Tramone is well on his way to achieving his goals with a 3.8 understanding the human 5 New Admissions GPA and placement on the Dean’s list. body, diseases, and Coordinator treatments. I genuinely In addition to teaching himself piano, Tramone is active 5 Alumni Recognition care about helping in the community. He is volunteering/shadowing at the others and encouraging 5 Alumni Association University of Toledo Medical Center at the Eleanor Dana them to pursue optimal $100,000 for Interest Cancer Center and works in Mercy College’s admission 6 health.” Free Student Loans office, helping with Orientations, Open Houses, and other events for prospective students. He is active in Student 6 Marcy Kaptur Visit Government and volunteers at Great Light Tabernacle 7 ANNUAL REPORT Church, stocking and distributing food to the community 14 Alumni News and helping with renovations. Meet Marc Adkins, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students for Mercy College of Ohio Marc Adkins, M.Ed. joined Mercy College of Ohio on July 25, 2016 as the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. The Division of Student Affairs focuses on collaboration with faculty and staff and assisting students in developing the requisite skills for success, including reaching their goals and enhancing their overall college experience. Marc brings to the College and this position, 20 years of higher education experience in academic support, student success, student services and student affairs. Prior to his arrival at Mercy College, Marc was the Director of Student Success at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. Marc and his wife of 12 years, Beth, have two children, Chase (7) and Carys (4). In his free time he likes to workout, play baseball competitively and spend time with his family. When asked what he is looking forward to in this position, Marc stated, “I very much look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with the great faculty and staff here at Mercy to enhance the student’s experience.” His office is located on the 5th floor Madison. Marc can be Marc Adkins with students reached at 419-251-1512 or [email protected]. Coaches from one of the biggest college football rivalries both born at Mercy Hospital A crew from ESPN spent the day at Mercy College in November filming for a segment aired during College GameDay on Saturday, November 26 before the University of Michigan / Ohio State University football game. The focus of the piece was on the head coaches of the football teams of The Ohio State University and the University of Michigan. Both were born at Mercy Hospital just six months apart from each other. A local news station did a similar story. 2 Summer in the City Mercy College of Ohio’s Admissions Officer Kristen Porter and Records and Data Specialist Jay Hoying “It was a neat experience to were given the opportunity to be a part of Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce’s ‘Summer in the learn even more about the city City’ presented by Owens Corning. The program was designed to welcome interns and new hires to the I’ve grown up in; it was a whole Toledo area and show them what Toledo, Ohio has to offer young professionals! The summer was filled new perspective on Toledo.” with social events, business/networking breakfasts and opportunities to learn about the Toledo region. Kristen said “It was a neat experience to learn even more about the city I’ve grown up in; it was a whole new perspective on Toledo. I was happy I was asked to participate and look forward to my new adventures as part of EPIC (Engaging People, Inspiring Change), which I joined as a result of my Summer in the City experiences.” Summer in the City’s kick-off event was at Fleetwood’s Rooftop before a Toledo MudHens baseball game, the participants were provided dinner and a chance to network and meet “mentors” (individuals who are members of EPIC and veterans of the Toledo area) who talked about other places to visit and their own background of the city. Jay expressed, “Being able to sit down Kristen Porter and Jay Hoying and speak with our mentor, Rebecca Shope, was beneficial in many ways. She explained how she developed her successful career The EPIC organization’s motto is “It matters where as an attorney in the Toledo area and how the region you make it.” With that in mind Jay explained, “Overall provides many opportunities for young professionals I think the Toledo region has a lot to offer. There in every field. The Summer in the City program allowed are a wide array of career opportunities available in me to create even deeper ties and connections within such fields as healthcare, higher education, research, Toledo, which I am not originally from, that will assist in design, and technology. As well, there is a great my success here.” social scene downtown with shops and restaurants. Over the summer participants attended a variety of Some attractions such as the Toledo Metro Parks other events, such as the T-Town Dash - a scavenger and the Toledo Zoo have even been given national hunt around the Downtown Toledo Area. Participants notice. There is a lot more to do here than what were grouped together and texted clues to assist in you think.” Kristen added “I hope it brings more finding destinations where they would then participate young professionals to the Toledo area, I think it’s an in activities to be awarded points. These activities impressive city and this summer really showcased how included such things as playing checkers at the Toledo much fun you can have in the Toledo region!” Edison/Key Bank building or having a hotdog at Packo’s at the Park then posting their exchanges at the locations to social media. Another event was the Aerial Adventure Course sponsored by Mercy Health at the Toledo Zoo, participants were able to walk along the Skyway Bridge, do the challenge ropes course and zipline over the Africa exhibit. 3 Scholarship Reception In November, members of the College community gathered to celebrate the recipients and donors of the 2016-2017 scholarships awards. The annual scholarship reception took place at the Toledo Club with over 100 students, faculty, staff, and guests. Elizabeth Andrzejczak student Luther Gautche, Chair, Scholarship recipient Elizabeth Andrzejcza expressed speaker Mercy College Foundation her appreciation for the support from the College Board of Directors saying, “I was given just that much more motivation and opportunity to focus on my studies when a little bit of the financial weight was taken off my shoulders. I knew I had the support and encouragement from my school behind me." This year there were 259 qualified scholarship applicants, including current, new, and transfer students. Of these, 125 were awarded funding from endowed scholarship funds and institutional dollars designated for scholarships. Recipients were announced in early April. Susan Wajert, Mary Jo and Dr. Daniel Hanson, Andrew Pacheco New or current students with a 3.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need may apply. Students submit an essay of not more than one double-spaced type written page explaining the candidate’s choice of area of study and reasons for choosing Mercy College. Interested students may visit mercycollege. edu/scholarships to apply. Those interested in providing financial support for scholarships may visit mercycollege.edu/give or contact Michael Whalen at (419) 251-1824 or [email protected]. Jessica and Patti Bihn 2017-2017 Scholarship Recipients Some of the 2016-2017 scholarships donors Sister Rita Mary Wasserman RSM, Sharon Rudess and Cheryl Papenfus of the Mercy St.