accent magazine, summer 2012

A s h l A n d U n i v e r s i t yAccentmagazine

SUMM ER

2012

Fabricof Ashland University

The

2012 homecoming Information Inside

2 Accentmagazine

AshlandUniversity 3

Ashland University has made some major investments

in its facilities during the past several years and the cam-

pus from the sky looks much different today than just a

decade ago. The main campus now contains 45 build-

ings, including the new Dwight Schar Athletic Complex

that features a football stadium, a soccer and track sta-

dium, and end zone facility consisting of offices, locker

rooms, weight room and athletic training area.

In addition, many new academic buildings have been

constructed, including the Dwight Schar College of

Education, opened in 2006; the Richard E. and Sandra

J. Dauch College of Business and Economics, opened in

2004; and a renovation and addition to Kettering Science

Center, completed in 2006. Also, a new 110,000-square-

foot Recreation and Rybolt Sport Sciences Center was

opened in 2006.

Situated on a beautiful 135-acre campus with trees,

brick walkways and flower gardens, Ashland University

offers the advantages of an intimate campus experience

in a small-town setting. Deeply rooted in tradition, yet

always moving forward, Ashland University provides

unparalleled opportunities for students to learn, grow

and find their place in the world.

A different

perspective

Accent Magazine is published for alumni, parents, friends and donors of Ashland University. Compiled by the Communications & Marketing Department of Ashland University. Third class postage paid at Ashland, Ohio 44805. www.ashland.edu

Jan Bond Managing Editor Director of Communications & Marketing

Steve Hannan Associate Editor | Director of Public Relations

Jeff Alix ’01 Contributing Editor Director of Alumni & Parent Relations

Bill Anliker Contributing Editor Communications & Marketing Manager

Mike Ruhe Art Direction | Director, Graphic Design Services

Allison Hoover Photography | EagleEye Photography

Jeremy Slagle Photography | Jeremy Slagle Graphic Design

On the CoverMany students and professors are shown in many different aspects of Ashland University. They are all illustrated together in a quilt – The Fabric of AU.

Ashland University admits students with disabilities and those of any sex, race, age, religion, color and national or ethnic origin.

Several years ago, I visited an office complex that was featuring an exhibit of handmade quilts. I was not all that excited about seeing them, but as we walked through the complex, I was amazed at the beauty of the fabrics and designs displayed. At Ashland University, there is a similar weaving in the fabric of knowledge, intellect, wisdom, skills and responsibilities to help students as they grow and mature as “citizens aware of their global responsibilities.” Learning in the private college setting allows students the opportunity to discover the passion of vocation while at the same time developing into the person they were meant to become.

Life at Ashland is defined by a tremendous sense of community and caring – with abundant opportunities for leadership, service and fun. Accent on the Individual has become more than a slogan, it has become a philosophy of lifestyle. For 134 years, Ashland University has trans-formed students’ lives by the way it fully integrates its student life opportunities with out-standing academic programs.

Beginning in their freshman year, Ashland students are encouraged to get involved on campus in areas such as research, theatre productions, Greek Life and intramurals. More than 100 clubs and organizations provide students with countless opportunities to grow and mature beyond the classroom.

Ashland’s rigorous, relevant learning that integrates the liberal arts and professional stud-ies is complemented by hands-on research, internships, and innovative learning experienc-es with faculty. This combination reinforces the traditional teaching which fosters critical thinking skills. Our emphasis on global competency provides for enriching experiences in international engagements.

Ashland University believes that students are more likely to succeed when they receive in-dividual attention. That is why Ashland offers small classes, a nurturing environment and a focus on each individual student.

AU is a tightly woven fabric of thousands – faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors – who are passionate about each student and the institution as a whole. It truly is “The Fabric of AU.”

Dr. Frederick J. Finks

President’smessage

SUMMER

2012

Dr. Michael Hudson: Making a Difference

Follow Dr. Hudson’s journey to Ashland University.

Accentmagazine

8 realizing Potential An Ashland alumna reflects on

her journey from student to

administrator to author

10 Ashland – it feels like home Blair Olson ’73 reflects on his

time at Ashland

12 homecoming 2012 Schedule of events,

registration form

16 Academic news Nursing Building Update,

Grant to Provide More Nursing

Scholarships, AU Expands in

Healthcare Academics, Launch

of Revised Graduate Program,

News Center on the Web,

Commencement 2012

20 Athletic news Athletic team updates

and honors

22 Alumni news Class Notes, Future Eagles,

Weddings and In Memoriam

26 founders forum Ashland University’s guide

for financial planning

A s h l A n d U n i v e r s i t y

10

6

8

12#AUHC12

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Writer John McPhee once said “Rocks are records of events that took place

at the time they formed. They are books. They have a different vocabulary, a different alpha-bet, but you learn how to read them” and that is exactly what dr. Michael hudson began to do as an undergraduate attending St. Law-rence University in Canton, New York. Dr. Michael Hudson, who is commonly referred to as “Doc” by his students and some of his colleagues and associates, originally entered college with an interest in both pre-med and history/political science. After a year of pre-med courses he realized he preferred chem-istry, physics and math more than biology so he changed to be a math major. During his sophomore year as a math major he took his first geology course and discovered he liked the ability to apply mathematics, chemistry, physics, and history to the study of geology. This was the turning point that set the course for years to come.

“Mathematics, chemistry and physics are the foundations of the study of the geologic histo-ry of planet earth, and I found that I preferred applying those principles to geology rather than biology,” stated Dr. Hudson, plus he also bonded very well with the faculty, which so-lidified his decision to pursue geology as his major. “I developed close, mentorship rela-tionships with the faculty really fast that last-ed well past my graduation, ” said Dr. Hudson, and “I really got my feet wet as a geologist by working for mining companies for three sum-mers while I was an undergraduate.” This is the same quality experience that students at Ashland University have when they connect with faculty in their program of interest.

Dr. Hudson was also in the ROTC program to help pay for his education. After finishing col-lege he went into the Army as an officer but not before completing his master’s degree in geol-ogy at Indiana University where his specialty was the study of metamorphic rocks in ancient fault zones in the Appalachian Mountains of Connecticut. Upon completion of his master’s degree Dr. Hudson spent the following four years in the United States Army as a Captain in the field artillery, but he realized that his real passion was teaching, especially because he had the opportunity to serve as an adjunct pro-

Bill Anliker, Communications & Marketing Manager

fessor for two years at nearby Drury College, teaching introductory geology courses.

Dr. Hudson applied for and was offered a position to teach geology at Ashland Univer-sity in 1982. He accepted the position with the thought that this would be a temporary step-ping-stone for a few years only to enable him to reunite his true passion and desire to move back to the mountainous regions of the north-east. But that was not the case. In fact, it was shortly after then president of Ashland Uni-versity, Dr. Glenn Clayton coined the phrase “Accent on the Individual” that Dr. Hudson soon realized it was more than a catch phrase or slogan but rather a way of life at Ashland University. Largely because of this, he has re-mained here ever since where he currently teaches Physical Geology, Natural Disasters, Mineralogy, Igneous and Metamorphic Pe-trology, Structural Geology and Geochemistry.

During Dr. Hudson’s early years at Ashland he completed his doctorate degree at Miami University while continuing to teach at AU, specializing in the geochemistry and geo-chronology of fault zones in the Adirondack Mountains. He became actively involved in the Faculty Senate, which he has served twice as both vice president and president.

While Dr. Hudson is intimately engaged in a variety of department and university activi-ties outside of the classroom, he reiterates his

AshlandUniversity 7

true focus by stating, “All of us in general on this campus are committed to teaching as our number one priority.” This is why after Dr. Hudson modified the geology curriculum and organized the departments extensive col-lections shortly after his arrival, he then in-stituted field trips for students, some lasting up to two weeks, and began a long history of advising independent research projects for upper level majors, with both intended to fur-ther aid in the learning process and provide hands-on experience.

“It is important for students to see geology in the field. One-on-one relationships devel-oped in the laboratories and in the field are of paramount importance to our curriculum and the AU experience,” exclaims Dr. Hudson. He has also been able to pass on his passion for metamorphism by engaging most of his inde-pendent research students on projects related to his own research. This has resulted in nu-merous presentations by students at profes-sional meetings, and has certainly provided

“ We are a caring, passionate institution that is willing to spend

time, energy and effort on students to achieve all that they

possibly can.”– Dr. Michael Hudson

Associate Professor, Geology/Chemistry/Physics

assistance with graduate school acceptances and scholarships as well as jobs.

While Dr. Hudson would describe himself as “enthusiastic” he states that “Accent on the Individual” best describes Ashland Uni-versity. “We care about every single student. We are a caring, passionate institution that is willing to spend time, energy, and effort on students to achieve all that they possibly can. We earnestly strive to take people to the next level to improve them.” And having come from a family of teachers it is no won-der Dr. Hudson has such a desire and passion for teaching.

“I had fantastic family and teacher mentors when I was growing up who taught me the significance and wonder of daily learning. This is probably why I became a teacher, be-

cause I like passing on subject knowledge but also this same passion for learning. I like to see students get excited about a subject to the point where they want to talk about it, shar-ing enthusiasm with me and with others.” It is evident that Dr. Hudson clearly enjoys class preparation. “I like the presentation to a class and I love it when there are lots of good ques-tions.” It is this enthusiasm for a topic that ex-cites Dr. Hudson in his role as a professor. “I grade myself after every class and challenge myself to be the best I can be at presenting a topic, with my primary goal being to teach them how we know what we know.”

Every member of the campus community strives to make a difference in the many lives they touch and come into contact with on a daily basis. There is a common thread at Ashland University, a sense of pride and accomplishment.

“At every single graduation ceremony when I see students who I have worked with and mentored, in one class, as a major, or on an

independent research project, go across that graduation platform, knowing that they are prepared to go off to a job or graduate school to be successful contributors to society, the pride I feel for these students is no different than a parent has for their child.”

Dr. Hudson adds, “The person who walks across that stage is not the same one who en-tered this campus - we transform them. The staff, the programming here, extracurricular activities, combined with the classroom, the field, and the laboratory make them a differ-ent person when they walk out of here four years later. That is remarkably gratifying. We do make a difference here. And in my case, if they develop a passion for rocks and learn how to read them, that is a bonus!”

Realizing Potential: An Ashland Alumna Reflects on Her Journey from Student to Administrator to Author

T he first semester of my freshman year at Ashland University, I

walked into Dan Lehman’s office and asked for a letter of recom-

mendation. I wanted to transfer to the College of Charleston, where my

boyfriend and I decided we were going to move after we got back from

Australia in the spring.

I had been placed in The Modern Novel, an upper level English class

with Dr. Lehman, instead of the usual first-year English classes. I was

a no-nonsense freshman determined to read and write everything assigned, addicted to success,

and crazy about a guy I met the summer before going to college. He was six years older than me

and looking for a beach, and I was ready to follow him anywhere he planned to go. That is what I

planned to do, starting by skipping across the ocean to Australia for the spring semester to study

abroad, since that’s where he was going for four months beginning in January. After that, I would go

wherever he went, I said to myself and anyone else who asked.

When I asked for a letter of recommendation, Dan seemed disappointed. I don’t remember much

about our conversation, but probably he said how sorry he was to hear I was thinking about leaving,

asked why, and talked through the options objectively and with sincerity, and then wrote me a letter.

Stephen Haven and Joe Mackall, my Introduction to Creative Writing professors, did likewise after

similar conversations. I had changed my major when I discovered that you could major in Creative

Writing – a passion of mine since I was six and could hold a pencil properly. There wasn’t anything

in particular that drew me to the College of Charleston academically, but none of that mattered – I

was going to school to get my Mrs. degree, and if I came out with a B.A. too, well, all the better.

Besides The Modern Novel and Introduction to Creative Writing, I was enrolled in the Honors

class: Bushido and the Way of the Warrior, Analytical Philosophy, The Gospels, and an introductory

teaching field experience class my first semester. The faculty who taught each of these classes had

a deep interest in my success, inside the classroom and beyond. I sat in Dr. Rinehart’s Gospels class

like a dry sponge suddenly immersed in a bucket. Dr. Tiel’s Analytical Philosophy class pushed me

to think and then rethink and then think about that same way of thinking again. Even the Bushido

class that I disliked so much for challenging my budding belief in Christianity was, in hindsight, a

class that broadened my mind, pushed my analytical capabilities to a new level, and encouraged me

to always probe deeper into belief systems in order to find Truth.

Despite the faculty’s commitment to my success and the pride I felt at succeeding my first semester,

I didn’t plan to return to Ashland after studying in Australia. I thought for sure I would transfer

somewhere. But as my boyfriend’s plans continued to change and evolve, often without me in them,

I returned to Ashland the next fall. Gradually, my life began to revolve less around a boy and more

around the surprising realization that I might have been made for more than making babies; I might

be good at this writing thing.

This is the value of an Ashland education. Beyond syllabi and coursework, Ashland is an institution

invested in the well-being of the whole student. It is in the business of taking somewhat direction-

8 Accentmagazine

less 18-year-olds and developing them into people who realize some plan and purpose for their lives,

an identity and self-awareness crucial to surviving in a world easily swayed by opinions and trends.

The same is true for graduate education, which seeks to take individuals who already have a plan or

vocation in mind and helps them move to the next level on that path.

Some people are able to see the potential in a person, even when that person hasn’t realized it yet

themselves. The faculty and staff at Ashland have had that effect on me. The faculty always made

time for me, never gave up on me, read more than they signed up for on the syllabus, and pushed

me to see the possibilities in papers I had written beyond what I would have arrived at on my own.

The University keeps these types of people in mind when they are looking for instructors—hiring

committees look for academic scholars who are also exceptional teachers, passionate about the indi-

viduals they interact with every semester. Even when hiring administrators, the goal is to find a per-

son who is committed to the value of each individual, a person who will be personable, friendly, and

dedicated to treating every person with dignity and respect to help them meet their fullest potential.

When I interviewed for my current position back in 2007, I was seven months pregnant with my

second child. I was working in a field unrelated to arts administration with lots of ideas but not

much experience. Probably my resume wasn’t the most impressive submitted, but once more the

faculty saw in me the potential to thrive in a start-up program, and I was determined not to let

them down.

Over the course of the last five years, we’ve grown the low-residency MFA program in poetry and

creative nonfiction, River Teeth, and the Ashland Poetry Press together by leaps and bounds, build-

ing a thriving literary arts center on the foundation of the English department’s earlier successes.

And I’ve grown, too. Although I had continued to write in between graduating in 2003 and returning

as an administrator in 2007, it was in solitude, without much direction. Back in a world that values

literary pursuits, surrounded by others who are passionate about writing good stories, I began writ-

ing again with a purpose. The faculty and students in the MFA program and in the English depart-

ment provided a platform for growth that would have been harder to find elsewhere.

I feel that I write with purpose and a strong sense of identity that began to be formed as an un-

dergraduate. With the encouragement and support of the faculty at Ashland, my writing has been

sharpened and refined. The fruits of their investment are beginning to show—this fall, an essay I

published in Ascent, “Those Summers, These Days,” will be listed as a Notable Essay in Best Ameri-

can Essays 2012, and in June, my first full-length collection of poems, Pruning Burning Bushes, was

published by Wipf and Stock Publishers.

I continue to seek out the mentorship and support of the same faculty members I trusted as an

undergraduate, and they continue to find the time to talk over coffee, read what I’ve written, and

respond as if they fully believe in my potential to succeed. The faculty at Ashland possess this unique

capability: to see the promise in a young person and to help her imagine possibilities beyond her

limited scope of the future.

Sarah M. Wells graduated from Ashland University in 2003. She is the author of Pruning Burning Bush-

es (Wipf and Stock, 2012) and of the chapbook, Acquiesce (Finishing Line Press, 2009). Poems by Wells

have appeared or are forthcoming in Alimentum, Ascent, Christianity & Literature, JAMA, Literary

Mama, Measure, New Ohio Review, Nimrod, Poetry East, Puerto del Sol, and elsewhere. Her essays

have been published by Ascent and River Teeth. She serves as Administrative Director of the MFA Pro-

gram and Managing Editor of River Teeth and Ashland Poetry Press at Ashland University. Follow

Sarah at www.sarahmwells.com.

AshlandUniversity 9

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AShLAnD – It Feels Like HomeAs those who work in the Alumni and Parent Relations Office

speak with alumni throughout the year either at Homecoming or other events and reunions on campus, or in their travels throughout the country, one common theme tends to resonate when discussing Ash-land – “It feels like home.”

Maybe it’s because of the small, quiet city that Ashland University is situated in or the beautifully landscaped and welcoming campus or the friendly, attentive faculty and staff who each year try to make thousands of students feel like an important part of the Ashland University family.

Chances are it is a combination of all of these.

And these feelings do not necessarily leave these students upon graduation as alumni around the country, and even the world, enjoy reminiscing about their time at Ashland. Many speak fondly of a particular faculty or staff member who had a great impact on them and the life-long friends they made while on campus.

A number of them look at Homecoming as a great opportunity to revisit a special time in their lives while reconnecting with a number of friends and classmates. This is the case for Blair Olson, a bachelor of science in business administration graduate from the class of 1973.

Olson’s family moved several times when he was growing up and he lived in Washington, D.C.; a Chicago suburb and then a Minneapolis suburb before settling in the Cleveland suburb of Chagrin Falls for one year of junior high and four years of high school.

“As my senior year approached, I was starting the process of looking for a college. I wanted to stay fairly close to Chagrin Falls to stay in close contact with classmates and my family,” he said. “My folks and I visited several campuses, but Ashland`s homey nature and the beautiful campus ap-pealed to me. I chose Ashland because it felt like ‘home’...very welcoming.”

Jeffrey Alix ’01, Director, Alumni & Parent Relations

AshlandUniversity 11

Olson said Ashland’s basketball program un-der Bill Musselman also attracted him since he had played in high school and he was in-trigued by Musselman’s tough attitude toward defense.

“I was a walk-on,” he recalled. “Having not been awarded a scholarship, and because of that, I played sparingly my freshman year,” he said.

Olson said his fond memories of Ashland in-clude the fact that Ashland`s faculty members were “always very helpful and gave great detail to individual attention.”

Olson also remembers that it didn’t take long for him to find a professor who had a great im-pact on his life.

“My Psychology 101 professor, Dr. Giacinto DeLapa, really encouraged me to take on psy-chology as a second major to business and, as a result, I had him as a professor pretty much throughout my four years,” he said. “Dr. DeLa-pa and I hit it off right away in Psychology 101, and we had many conversations about adding psychology as a second major for me, as he

recognized that particular field as a strength in me.”

After his brief stint at basketball, Olson then dove headlong into fraternity life as a member of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.

“I actually became a better student once I moved into the house,” he said. “I am not sure how that happened, what with the craziness of that era, but it happened,” he said.

Olson said the friendships formed during those four years have stood the test of time as he still communicates with many of them.

“I enjoy catching up with old friends, espe-cially my Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brothers,” he said. “I’ve been able to reconnect with many of them and the story telling of our experiences at Ashland is priceless.”

This hasn’t always been the case, however. Now living in California, Olson admits that there was a time when he wasn’t as involved.

“I had not always been connected and engaged after graduation. I guess life and circumstanc-es got in the way,” he said. “I got reconnected

with the realization that I had to establish those old friendships, again. Life is, indeed, way too short.”

For Olson, Homecoming is now an annual trip from California. “I look forward to visit-ing campus at Homecoming. The memories, the old stories, the beauty of campus in the fall and, most importantly, the friendships – that is what draws me back,” he said.

It is evident that Olson cherishes the time he spent and the people he met while at Ashland.

“I’m proud to be an alumnus of Ashland. The well-rounded education and social experienc-es I gained, have served me well in life. My four years at Ashland remain some of the best four consecutive years of my life,” he said.

“No, I`m not the richest man in the world...far from it. But the richness I gained with life-long friendships, and the warm feeling I get when I come back to campus, are riches enough to sustain me, and I look forward each year to coming back and have the campus embrace me... and I to embrace it.”

AShLAnD – It Feels Like Home

For more information, visit www.ashlandspace.com and click on “Homecoming 2012.”

We encourage you to make your reservations online at www.ashlandspace.com so that you can check out who else has already reserved on the “Attendee List” for each event!

Not yet a member of AshlandSpace, visit www.ashlandspace.com, click on “First Time Login” and follow the prompts. You will need your AU ID #, which is located above your name on the mailing label of this Accent Magazine.

friend us on facebook at www.facebook.com/ashlandalumnioffice. follow us on twitter @ashlandalumni and join in the Homecoming conversation with #AUHC12

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SAturdAy, OctOBEr 135K fun run

8:30 a.m. | Registration begins

in front of the Recreation Center

9:30 a.m., Walkers | 10:00 a.m., Runners

Reservations required | $5 per person

Start off Homecoming with a 5K Fun Run. There will be a new route

this year! This event is open to everyone 18 years or older. The first 100

registrants will receive a free giveaway. Prizes will be awarded to the first

male and female runners to finish the race and all who participate will be

entered into a raffle for a prize pack. Official results will not be recorded.

Strollers will be permitted with walkers. Please, no pets. Participants are

able to utilize the Rec Center before and after the race, showers will

be available.

recreation Center – Open to Alumni9:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. | Cost: Complimentary

Pool: noon – 9:00 p.m. | Climbing Wall: 3:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Start off your day with a workout in our state-of-the-art recreation center!

legacy visit day 9:15 a.m. | Check-in at the Student Center Piano Lounge

9:30 a.m. | Admission Presentation in the Auditorium

10:15 a.m. | Interest Inventory/Career Coaching with the Career Services

Center (Student Center, 2nd floor near elevators)

11:00 a.m. | Campus Tour

Noon | Pizza, Pizza, Pizza Tailgate (Parking lot near Amstutz Hall)

1:00 p.m. | Football game (optional)

Reservations required | contact Megan at 419.289.5973 or by email at [email protected].

This event is designed for high school students who are legacies (chil-dren or grandchildren of Ashland alumni). It’s a great opportunity to take a casual look at all that Ashland University offers while participat-ing in Homecoming events! You will meet Ashland students on a group

FridAy, OctOBEr 12eagle emeriti & Class of 1962 reunion

Trustee Room, Upper Convocation Center

Doors open 4:30 p.m. | Dinner 5:00 p.m.

Free for Eagle Emeriti and Class of 1962

Guests $15 (reservations required)

Join your fellow classmates as we celebrate the 50th reunion of the class of 1962 as well as those who have already been inducted as “Eagle Emeriti.” Pinning ceremony to follow the dinner. Formal invitations will be mailed in August.

Jeff dye, Comedian Redwood Hall | 8:00 p.m.

$10 per person general admission | $8 faculty/staff*

$2 Ashland University Students with ID* | *Additional fees may apply

To purchase tickets, please contact the AU Box Office at 419.289.5125 after September 5.

Jeff Dye began his standup comedy career at the Giggles Comedy Club, in his hometown of Seattle, Washington. In 2008, Jeff took 3rd place in the 6th season of NBC’s Last Comic Standing and since then, he’s been living his dream touring clubs and colleges across the country. Jeff was selected for the prestigious “Just for Laughs” comedy festivals in both Montreal and Chicago and has been seen on “NESN Comedy All-Stars,” Comedy Central’s “Live at Gotham,” and on the TBS “Very Funny Show.” Since 2011, Jeff became a designer on “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” and most recently started hosting his very own show on MTV called “Money From Strangers.”

tour of our beautiful campus and learn more about Ashland’s programs and organizations. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore your career-related interests and experience career coaching with our Career Services team.

little eagle dayRecreation Center | Ages 4-12

Session 1 | 9:00 a.m. – Noon | Cost: $5 per camper (meal not included)

Session 2 | 12:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Cost: $5 per camper (meal not included)

Session 3 | Dive-In Movie | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Cost: $10 per camper (meal included)

First camper is full price, each additional camper 50 percent off

All campers should remember to wear athletic attire, gym shoes

and bring a swimsuit (Session 2 & Dive-In Movie only).

The Department of Recreational Services and the Alumni Office will again

be offering its annual Little Eagle Day. For a fourth consecutive year,

Ashland University alumni have the opportunity to drop off their children

at the Rec Center for age appropriate activities including swimming, the

climbing wall, and various sport activities. Three sessions will be offered

making Homecoming planning more family friendly. These sessions

include a morning session, an afternoon session, and then concluding the

day will be a Dive-In Movie in the pool. Make sure to take full advantage

of this fun opportunity and give your children a hands-on experience of

the excitement happening at Ashland University. Please see ticket order

form to RSVP. Maximum Participants: 50 campers per session.

Athletic hall of fame induction BrunchFaculty/Trustee Room, Upper Convocation Center | 9:30 a.m.

$20 per person | Reservations required

Contact Rachel Bixler at 419.289.5954 or email [email protected].

The following individuals have distinguished themselves in the field of

intercollegiate athletics at Ashland University and will be inducted into

the Athletic Hall of Fame:

Sam Hohler ’94 | Football - 1990-1994

Kristy Ritchie ’02 | Soccer - 1998-2001

James Runyon ‘62 | Baseball - 1958-1961, Basketball - 1958-1961

Tim Seder ’98 | Football - 1994-1998, Baseball 1994-1998

Scott Valentine ’85 | Football - 1981-1984

Robert Wendling ’59 | Instrumental in establishing the GLVC

Don Rinehart ’59, will be recognized with The Eagle Forever Award.

Pizza Pizza Pizza fan fest Amstutz Hall Parking Lot | 11:30 a.m.

Bring your family and join us at this complimentary, jam-packed tailgate.

Ashland pizzerias are going head-to-head to serve you your favorite pizza.

We’ll also have cotton candy, bounce houses for the kids (weather permit-

ting) and more!

Ashland University vs. Walsh University CavaliersJack Miller Stadium/Martinelli Field | 1:00 p.m.

$8 General Seating | $12 Reserved Chair Back Seating $3 Senior Citizen & school-aged children

Cheer on the Eagles as they take on the Cavaliers! Join us during halftime

at the Alumni tent, located behind the home stands. Football tickets can

be purchased at the gate or in advance by contacting Dana Freeman at

419.207.6163.

AshlAnd University | hOMeCOMing 2012

tickEt OrdEr FOrmWe encourage you to reserve online at www.AshlandSpace.com. If you do not wish to reserve online, you may complete the form below and mail to: Ashland University Alumni Office,

401 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio 44805.

Reservations must be received by Monday, Oct. 8, 2012.

Name: ________________________________ Class Year: _______

Maiden Name: ___________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

City: ___________________________ State: ______ Zip: _______

Daytime Phone: _________________________________________

E-mail Address: _________________________________________

events5K fun run No. of runners ____ x $5 = ____________

Names & class years (of runners):

Name: ________________________________ Class Year: ____________

Name: ________________________________ Class Year: ____________

little eagle day

Session 1 o | $5 for first camper | additional ____ x $2.50 = __________



Name: ____________________________ Age ___ Sessions: 1 o 2 o 3 o



Class reunions (’72, ’82, ’87, ’92, ’02) No. of people ____ no chargeNames & class years (if applicable) of guests:

Name: ________________________________ Class Year: ____________

Name: ________________________________ Class Year: ____________

Name: ________________________________ Class Year: ____________

Name: ________________________________ Class Year: ____________

All Alumni reception No. of people ____ no chargeNames & class years (if applicable) of guests:

Name: ________________________________ Class Year: ____________

Name: ________________________________ Class Year: ____________

Name: ________________________________ Class Year: ____________

Name: ________________________________ Class Year: ____________

total = _____________________

PAyMento Check Check No. _____________ payable to Ashland Universityo Credit Card

o VISA o MasterCard o American Express o Discover

Card No.: ___________________________ Exp. Date: __________

Signature: ______________________________________________

fOr AdditiOnAl QUestiOns And/Or reservAtiOns:Comedian (after September 5th) | 419.289.5125

legacy visit day/Admission event Megan Sherar | 419.289.5973 | [email protected]

5K fun run | Wes Bonadio | 419.289.6174 | [email protected]

Athletic hall of fame Brunch Rachel Bixler | 419.289.5954 | [email protected]

football game | Dana Freeman | 419.207.6163

All other events, contact the Alumni Office 419.289.5082 or 866.GoTuffy | [email protected]

SAturdAy, OctOBEr 13 (SchEdulE cOntinuEd)

Purple eagle silent Auction & raffleAlumni Room, Upper Convocation Center | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

In addition to 150+ items available for our annual Silent Auction, the

Alumni Board will be raffling off two OSU vs. Michigan football tickets and

$500 cash! For complete details, including a full list of items, visit www.

ashlandspace.com. Proceeds from the auction support the Legacy Schol-

arship Program and the Ashland Fund.

Class reunionsFaculty/Trustee Room | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Cost: Complimentary (RSVP)

Class of 1972 | 40th Reunion





Reconnect with your classmates while reminiscing about your time at

Ashland. Our award-winning catering department will provide the food!

Cash bar available.

All-Alumni PartyFaculty/Trustee Room, Upper Convocation Center | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Cost: Complimentary (RSVP)

Gather up your friends and join us as we celebrate your time at Ashland!

Our award-winning catering department will provide the food! Cash

bar available.

SundAy, OctOBEr 14fall Choral Concert

Jack & Deb Miller Chapel | 4:00 p.m.

rEmEmBEr tO rEGiStEr FOr EVEntSOn-line registration available at www.AshlandSpace.com or mail completed form (on the left) to

Ashland University Alumni Office 401 College Avenue Ashland, Ohio 44805

rEmEmBEr tO rEGiStEr FOr EVEntSOn-line registration available at www.AshlandSpace.com or mail completed form (on the left) to

Ashland University Alumni Office 401 College Avenue Ashland, Ohio 44805

SPEciAl EVEntSsigma nu fraternity founders reunion

Friday, October 12 | 6:00 p.m.

Top of the 10th Restaurant | Country Club of Ashland

Saturday, October 13 | 6:00 p.m. | Accent Room

Join your brothers of Sigma Nu during Homecoming weekend while we

enjoy the planned activities of the day. We will also get together for din-

ner Friday evening at the Top of the 10th restaurant at the Country Club

of Ashland and Saturday evening in the Accent Room on campus. For

more information and to RSVP for the dinners, please contact Howard

Akin at [email protected] or 440.233.7624.

Band reunion – len salvo CelebrationSaturday, October 13 | 1:00 p.m. | Football Game

Dinner | 6:00 p.m. | Country Club of Ashland

Come and celebrate Len Salvo’s 25th year directing the AU Bands! Join us

for a special Homecoming show at the football game honoring him, the

history and heritage to which you greatly contributed. After the game,

we will pay tribute to the man and the memories with an order off the

menu dinner reception. For more information and to make reservations,

please visit www.facebook.com/mrsalvo25thau or contact Marty Kral at

[email protected].

nursing Alumni BanquetSunday, October 14 | 1:00 p.m.

Ontario Events Center | Mansfield, Ohio

Nursing alumni are invited to the annual banquet at the Ontario Events

Center in Mansfield, Ohio as current nursing students are also presented

with scholarships for their clinical excellence. Formal invitations to fol-

low in the mail. For more information, please contact Becky Mangus at

[email protected].

Your alumni website has been updated and is now more fun and user-friendly than ever before! AshlandSpace is your key to staying connected to the University and your classmates! You can:• Update your contact information• Get details on upcoming alumni events• Submit wedding, birth and job promotion information in Class Notes• Play our new monthly trivia game,

“What’s Your AU IQ?”• Find former classmates in the Alumni

Directory and more

AshlandSpace Redesigned

Visit www.ashlandspace.com and click on “First Time Login” and follow the easy step-by-step instructions. You’ll need to know your AU ID #, which is located on the mailing address label on the back cover of this magazine.

AcAdEmicNEWS

16 Accentmagazine

It has been a hot and dry summer so far – perfect con-ditions for finalizing construction of Ashland Univer-

sity’s new 46,000-square-foot Dwight Schar College of Nursing facility located at the corner of Trimble Road and Marion Avenue in Mansfield. The new building is set to open for fall classes that start on Aug. 20, 2012.

“We are on schedule with the construction and are so excited that we will have students in this new state-of-the-art facility in about a month and a half,” said Ashland University President Dr. Fred Finks. “This new building has been a dream of a lot of people in the Richland Coun-ty area who are associated with health care.”

While fundraising for the new building has surpassed the initial campaign goal of $12 million, revised plans and increased construction costs have pushed the total cost of the building to nearly $15.5 million.

“We continue to raise money for the construction of the new facility and we are hopeful that we can reach this new goal by the end of the year,” Finks said. “We have a lot of proposals out there and are awaiting responses. This has been a team effort put forth by a lot of people.”

The groundbreaking for the new building was held on June 16, 2012, and a dedication ceremony is now planned for Oct. 12 at 4 p.m. at the new building located at the cor-ner of Trimble Road and Marion Avenue. The dedication ceremony will consist of a short opening program dedi-cating the facility followed by tours of the new building.

“This will be a very, very special day,” Finks said. “It is hard to believe that it was January of 2010 when this idea to acquire MedCentral began to take shape, and 2 ½ years later we will be holding classes in a new state-of-the-art building.”

The new facility will include a variety of clinical prac-tice labs, including the Center for Simulations, Health Foundations Practice Lab, Family Health Practice Lab, Adult Health Practice Lab, Complex Care Practice Lab, ICU/CCU/NICU Patient Room and Advanced Care Lab. Other spaces in the College will include traditional class-rooms, faculty/staff offices, student study and lounge ar-eas, and student support spaces.

“This facility will enhance our ability to meet the needs of our students in ways we have not been able to before and allow us to educate and prepare nurses who are ready to meet the health care needs of a complex soci-ety,” said Faye Grund, interim dean of the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

In August of 2010, Ashland University acquired Med-Central College of Nursing as part of its strategic plan to expand its health care program to meet the demand for qualified nurses in Ohio and the United States.

The University then launched a fundraising campaign – “Compassion. Community. Commitment. Building a Healthy Tomorrow” – to fund construction of the new facility. The campaign received a $5 million lead gift from Ashland University alumnus and longtime supporter Dwight Schar.

The new building will replace the old MedCentral fa-cility on Glessner Avenue, which is being leased by the University as part of the agreement with MedCentral. Nursing students complete their first two years of the program on the Ashland University campus and then move to the Mansfield campus for the last two years of education and clinical studies.

Dwight Schar college of NurSiNg aND health ScieNceS BuildinG cOnStructiOn nEArS cOmPlEtiOn

The Dwight Schar College of Nursing building

is set to open August 20, 2012. The building is

located in Mansfield, Ohio.


Dr. Thomas Reed named Excellence in Scholarship Award Winnerdr. thomas reed, professor of music, has been named recipient of Ashland Uni-versity’s second University Excellence in Scholarship Award. Reed was awarded the University Medallion and a check for $5,000 during a Scholarship Luncheon. Dr. Reed provided the keynote address at that luncheon.

Reed is professor of music and chair of the Department of Music, where he has taught in a number of areas including applied woodwinds, music theory and jazz studies. He joined the faculty in 1986.

He is a member of the Akron Symphony (bass clarinet), Ashland Symphony (prin-cipal clarinet), and the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra (saxophone), and has performed on clarinet or saxophone with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Blossom Festival Orchestra, Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic, Youngstown Symphony, Blossom Festival Band, and the Jazz Unit.

Reed has been soloist with the Akron, Mansfield and Ashland symphonies and performs on CDs from the Akron Sym-phony, Cleveland Chamber Symphony, Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and the Paul Ferguson Jazz Orchestra. His clarinet CD “Mutually Inclusive” was released in 2008 on Capstone Records. He holds degrees from The Ohio State University, the University of Michigan and the University of Akron.

Ashland University’s Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences has received a $50,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).

The RWJF New Careers in Nursing (NCIN) grant will provide scholarships for five accelerated second-degree nursing students who were admitted to the college in May, according to Faye Gr-und, interim dean of the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

“Students who are considered underrepresented or disadvantaged are eligible to apply for the scholarships, which will be available in September 2012,” Grund said. “The recipients of the schol-arships may use the scholarships to pay tuition, academic fees and living expenses.”

Following an application process, five Ashland University Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences accelerated nursing students will each be awarded a $10,000 scholarship.

The students will join 400 other students from 55 schools of nursing across the country as recipi-ents of the NCIN scholarship. The students will participate in additional opportunities including a mentorship and leadership program, and students will be paired with nursing professionals who are experts in leadership, practice and service in the provision of care.

This is the first time the College has been awarded this prestigious grant, which is a collaborative program between RWJF and the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

Grund said the grant was established to assist underrepresented and disadvantaged students af-ford a second degree, promote development of professional leadership skills, alleviate the national nursing shortage and increase the number of nursing professionals from diverse backgrounds.

“We are very excited to have been chosen to receive this scholarship award and we appreciate the work being done by RWJF,” Grund said. “As a result, the College of Nursing and Health Sciences expects to increase diversity in its accelerated program and increase the number of enrolled stu-dents from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

Ashland University officials are expanding the University’s academic involvement in the field of healthcare related professions and have restructured some of its academic programs for fall semester of 2012.

“According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10 of the top 20 fastest growing professions are in the healthcare industry and this industry boasts more than 15 million jobs now,” said Ashland University President Dr. Fred Finks. “With advances in health and the country’s aging population, we see an ever increasing demand for health professionals across the board.”

Finks said Ashland University has restructured several academic departments and has renamed its college of nursing as the Dwight Schar College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Ashland University Provost Dr. Frank Pettigrew said it is through these health related professional preparation programs that the University sees growth and interest occurring for students. He not-ed that this interest will continue to have a significant impact for the University’s natural sciences programs as well.

For specific information regarding the restructuring of academic departments and programs, visit: news.ashland.edu/expanded-healthcare-classes.

Ashland University Receives Grant to Provide nursing Scholarships

AU Expands Academic Involvement in healthcare related Professions

18 Accentmagazine

AcAdEmicNEWS

The field of teacher education is undergoing some dramatic changes and Ashland University, an insti-

tution that has been recognized as a leader in the field for more than 30 years, has taken steps to refocus its gradu-ate education program.

“We see the changes taking place in education now and we recognize we need to make changes and develop new graduate programs that will allow us to offer more rel-evant programming for teachers,” said Dr. James Van Keuren, dean of Ashland University’s Schar College of Education.

Van Keuren said the Schar College of Education faculty and administrators worked to develop a new certificate program that will begin in the fall of 2012. These changes have been approved by the College of Education as well as the University’s graduate council and faculty senate, and some are now awaiting approval from the Higher Learning Commission and Board of Regents.

“It was clear to us that something needed to change,” Van Keuren said. “We established a graduate redesign com-mittee that included faculty, local educators and center directors and we looked at all aspects of the program and figured out where we should be going.”

Dr. David Kommer, professor of education and one of the faculty members spearheading the program changes, said that Schar College of Education is entering a new era in its graduate program as the College begins to issue

certificates that spell out exactly what knowledge and skills graduate students have acquired.

“To our knowledge no other competitor has this type of a certificate program in place. We are at the cutting edge and this idea is fresh and new,” Kommer said. “We see a real shift to a hybrid and online program, with students spending less time in a college seat.”

Dr. James Rycik, professor of education and one of the leaders in developing the changes, said those in the Col-lege of Education are excited about Ashland’s new gradu-ate structure. “The certificate program adds breadth and depth to what the graduate students are already doing, while the endorsement can take the student to another area. And the TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) can make them employable,” he said.

“The exciting thing about certificates is the different kinds of concentrations and it becomes a contract be-tween us and them -- we promise them they will have these skills after taking this certificate program,” Rycik said. “Then, they can take this to their employer and show that they have a definite set of skills.”

Both Kommer and Rycik believe a key element of the certificate program is that a candidate does not need an entire master of education degree. “We can market this certificate program to both candidates – those who do not want the master’s degree and those who already have a master’s degree,” Kommer said.

au to lauNch reviSeD graDuate Program focuSeD oN ‘tEAchinG And lEArninG FOr thE 21St cEntury’

The Dwight Schar College of Education

building located on Ashland’s main campus.


au to lauNch reviSeD graDuate Program focuSeD oN ‘tEAchinG And lEArninG FOr thE 21St cEntury’

Ashland University’s Public Relations Office has posted a News Center site (news.ashland.edu) on the Ashland University website. The News Center, which is a resource for media throughout the country, features current and archived news releases, a faculty experts directory and topics directory, and an “AU in the News” section showing how faculty and the University are featured in the media.

“It is our hope that the News Center will result in reporters, editors and producers using the new Ashland University News Center site as a resource for reporting needs and story ideas,” said Steve Hannan, di-rector of public relations at Ashland University.

“We want the media to use this site to get information about our faculty experts and the topics about which they can speak,” he said. “We have some top-notch faculty members who are doing some amazing things and this site will allow us to showcase those experts and their opinions regarding current events in the news.”

“It is really our hope that the News Center will provide the impetus for media professionals to contact us in order to arrange for on-campus or phone interviews with faculty, photo shoots, on-air programming and coverage of campus events,” he said.

The News Center also will be a resource for prospective students

“Ashland University has given you the necessary instruments to be good leaders in whatever endeavor you choose to engage. Use them in the best possible way with quality and integrity.”

That was the challenge that Ashland Symphony conductor and music director Arie Lipsky presented to graduates during his commence-ment address at Ashland University’s Spring Commencement ceremo-ny held on Saturday, May 5, at Miller Stadium in the University’s Schar Athletic Complex.

In his speech, titled “Amazing Grace,” Lipsky told the graduates that when they act with quality and integrity, success and prosperity surely will follow.

“Each of you represent the future and aspirations of America. Because of your AU education, you will each treasure and cherish these most fundamental, most American values,” Lipsky said. “But in the real world, do these ideals always hold? Whether they do or do not, will depend entirely on you.”

Lipsky told the graduates that he believes that good and evil, right and wrong do exist.

“This is a clear lesson of our history. We need to sing the praise of the good. We cannot be embarrassed to expose the evil nor be afraid to criticize the wrong,” he said. “These days we are too much surrounded

news Center Site Posted on Ashland university Website

Symphony Conductor Gives Advice to Ashland university Graduates

and their parents. “Prospective students and parents can go on the News Center site and see that we have some very impressive faculty members who are experts in their fields,” he said. “It also will show them that we have faculty here who are featured in the media across the country.”

by an atmosphere of political correctness. Sometimes, in an effort not to offend others in this multi-cultural world, we tend to play the wrong notes or the wrong rhythms.”

Lipsky said the challenges in life sometimes seem so difficult that peo-ple allow themselves to think that nothing can be done.

“Not true. Apply your creative imaginations to everything you do. Nur-ture them always with the excellence and values taught here at AU,” he said. “Make these graces, excellence and values the foundations of your futures.”

20 Accentmagazine

I AM AN EAGLE.The 2011-12 academic year produced some of the most remarkable athletic achieve-ments in Ashland University history.

As a department, Ashland University finished third in the final Sports Directors’ Cup all-sports standings. This is the highest the Eagles have ever finished in the national all-sports rankings. AU was the highest ranked private school. The Eagles have been ranked in the nation’s Top 10 for five consecutive years.

Five programs – women’s basketball, men’s indoor and outdoor track and field, wom-en’s swimming and women’s outdoor track and field – finished in the Top 10 at na-tionals. AU recorded Top 20 performances at nationals in 12 sports.

The women’s basketball team ended the season with a 33-2 record and ranked sec-ond in the nation. AU advanced to the NCAA Division II national championship game in San Antonio. The Eagles had a 33-game winning streak, the longest in the nation by any Division II basketball team, men or women. Forward Kari Daugherty was the NCAA Division II national player of the year and the Honda national female athlete of the year. Head coach Sue Ramsey was the NCAA Division II national coach of the year. She also appeared on ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” program where she talked about women’s college athletics.

Defensive lineman Jeris Pendleton was drafted in the seventh round of the NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Pendleton is the first AU player to be drafted since 1972. Punter-kicker Gregg Berkshire was named a first team All-American by the American Football Coaches of America.

Thrower Ryan Loughney won a pair of national championships in track and field – one indoors and one outdoors. Loughney, who was named the NCAA Division II national field athlete of the year for the indoor season, ended his career with five national championships. He broke his own NCAA meet record in the hammer at the outdoor championships.

The AU women’s swimming team finished seventh at nationals. That was the third consecutive year the Eagle women finished in the nation’s top seven. Junior Julie Widmann won a national championship in the 100 backstroke. This is the third con-secutive year she has won a national crown, as a freshman and sophomore she was on the 200 freestyle relay that won a gold medal.

AU strength and conditioning coach A.G. Kruger, Loughney and former Ashland throwers Kibwe Johnson and Kurt Roberts competed in the United States Olympic Trials in track and field. Kruger, Loughney and Johnson participated in the hammer throw and Roberts was in the shot put. Kruger and Johnson qualified for the 2012 Olympics in London. This is the third time Kruger has reached the Olympic Games. He was third at the Trials. Johnson, who is going to the Olympics for the first time, finished first at the Trials. Roberts was fifth at the Trials and Loughney was 13th.

Current swimmer Tyler Remmel competed in the Olympic Trials in the 100 breaststroke.

2011-2012 Athletics WrAp-up


I AM AN EAGLE.Widmann was a first team Academic All-American and Remmel was a second team Academic All-American. Softball pitcher Emlyn Knerem was a third team Academic All-American.

Women’s basketball player Jena Stutzman won a GLIAC Commissioner’s Award. Those awards are presented based on exceptional performance academically and athletically. AU had 199 student-athletes earn Academic All-GLIAC or Academic All-Excellence awards in 2011-12. The cumulative grade point average for all AU student-athletes was 3.13 in 2011-12.

Both cross country teams advanced to nationals. That was the first time both teams reached the national championship meet since 1995.

In wrestling, senior Jacob Southwick finished third at 285 pounds and earned All-America honors for the second straight year. The AU wrestlers had the sixth best grade point average (3.269) in the country. The Eagles were 12-3 and finished 13th in the country.

In men’s basketball, junior forward Evan Yates was a second team All-American. He is the first men’s basketball player to receive All-America honors in 20 years. Yates averaged 20.8 ppg., and a school-record 11.3 rpg. Yates was also first team All-GLIAC and All-Midwest Region.

Women’s golfer Erin Misheff was a second team All-American. She earned All-Amer-ica honors as a junior and senior. At the 2012 NCAA Championships, Misheff finished 10th. Misheff ended her career as a four-time, first team All-GLIAC selection. Jay Ov-ery was the 2012 GLIAC men’s golfer of the year. The AU men’s golf team advanced to the NCAA postseason.

Senior Emlyn Knerem was the 2012 GLIAC softball pitcher of the year and was named first team all-conference for the fourth straight year. She was a second team All-American. Senior third baseman Alyssa Kelley was the co-GLIAC player of the year. The softball team advanced to the NCAA playoffs for the fourth consecutive season.

The volleyball team advanced to the GLIAC Final Four. The Eagles were fourth in the conference. The women’s soccer team advanced to the GLIAC championship game.

AU director of athletics Bill Goldring was honored as the 2011-12 NCAA Division II Northeast Region Under Armour Athletic Director of the Year. This is the second time Goldring has won this award. He was also recognized in 2005-06.

2011-2012 Athletics WrAp-up

For updates on AU athletics year-round, go to

goashlandeagles.com

22 Accentmagazine

AlumniNEWS

Dean R. Edwards ’59 moved to South Carolina to escape the Ohio winters!

Mary (Robertson ’60) Fetters and her husband, John, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year.

Barbara (Stahly ’60) Moore has three granddaughters who will attend Ashland in fall 2012.

Richard E. Allen ’65 has two brilliant grandchildren, Ian (11) and Emma (13). He still works with Norwayne High school (where he’s retired), helping to pass levies and upgrade facilities. He is “enjoying life.”

Gene Gleasen ’66 retired as executive director of Grace Brethren Village on Sept. 30, 2011.

Paul J. Volkmann ’67 recently pub-lished a book titled, “Off the Wall Favorites.”

Diane (Turcsanyi ’68) Bowman and her husband, Harry, spend their winters in Leesburg, Fla., and their summers in Kent, Ohio.

Kathy Shanklin ’71 is proud to announce the birth of her grandson, Lance Shanklin, born Dec. 21, 2011. Lance joins older brother Carter (3).

Anna Marie (Scharf ’72) Kocias and her husband Dale became grandparents to Tyler Robert on Feb. 20, 2012. He is the son of their daughter Cyndi and her husband Josh. Amy is recently retired and volunteers at Medina Raptor Center, rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing injured hawks, owls, falcons, eagles and other birds, as well as helping to present community education programs for the Center. She is a member of the Ohio Wild-life Rehabilitators Association.

David B. McCoy ’77 is pleased to an-nounce the release of his e-book titled, “A Short History of Hilton Head Island.” The e-book is available for purchase at both www.amazon.com and www.barnesand-noble.com.

Laura (Novak ’78) Hendricks and her husband, Gary, announce the birth of their second grandchild, Joshua Lee Webb, born Nov. 30, 2011 to their daughter, Jessica Webb and her husband, Sgt. Jared Webb, USMC, Kailua, Hawaii.

Christine Paxton ’80 will celebrate 10 years in dog training in January 2013.

Elizabeth Beck ’84 recently started a new job as an office administrator at Crown Services, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio.

Edward J. Molnar ’85 and his company, Molnar Outdoor, supplied props for scenes in the upcoming James Bond 007 movie, due out in Winter 2013, as well as props for Saturday Night Live skits last April.

Tammy (Smith ’88) Webb began working for Mid-Ohio Educational Ser-vice Center in August. She is the director of education and professional learning, servicing 17 school districts.

Joan (Keppler ’89) Hubler is retiring after 35 years of teaching (33 of which were at Clear Fork High School).

Angie Adrean ’91 was promoted to principal at Worthington Kilbourne High School.

Aretta (Casebolt) Baumgartner ’91 has been named the educa-tion director at Center for Puppetry Arts (CPA) in Atlanta, Ga. CPA is

the largest non-profit arts organization devoted to puppetry in the United States, and one of the most respected puppetry institutions in the world (the American home of Union Internationale de la Mari-onette, the oldest theatre organization in existence). Aretta recently performed in the Center’s Xperimental Puppetry The-ater Festival, in the Atlanta Fringe Festival, at the Strung Out Puppet Cabaret at the Cincinnati Fringe, and will soon travel to Lincoln, Neb. and Bahrain to present puppetry programs (at the International Thespian Festival and the Bahrain Sum-mer Festival). Aretta is a member of the Atlanta Area Phi Mu Alumnae.

Florence Murray-Jesrani ’96 recently accepted the position of partner at Murray and Murray Co. L.P.A., in Sandusky, Ohio.

Jamie Messenger ’97 is on the Devel-opmental Board for Rosemont Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Kate (Vasko ’98) Kelly is a certified life specialist at Rainbow Babies & Chil-dren’s Hospital in Cleveland.

Carol Tisdale ’99 is spending time this summer studying neuroscience to take a position teaching neuroplasticity-based curriculum through the Arrowsmith pro-gram to help learning-disabled children.

Alexander Wilson ’99 wrote an award winning comic book titled, “The Time of Reflection,” which won an Eagle Award. The award was presented at the London Comic-Con in May 2012.

Colleen (McGannon ’02) O’Malley completed her doctorate in molecular ge-netics, biochemistry, and microbiology in 2009 at the University of Cincinnati. She married her husband Patrick that same year. The couple resides in New Mexico. They welcomed their son in 2010. Colleen works part time as the state data coordi-nator for the national non-profit Citizen Schools.

Lindsey (Gravatt ’03) Aldrich completed a Master of Public Administra-tion with a concentration in public and nonprofit management from James Madi-son University in Harrisonburg, Va. She was also recently selected to be the 21st Frasure-Kruzel-Drew Memorial Fellow for Humanitarian Demining with the U.S. State Department Office of Weapons Re-moval and Abatement through the JMU Center for International Stabilization and Recovery. This will be a one-year, paid fellowship with the State Department in Washington, D.C. working as an assistant program manager with global humanitar-ian demining programs.

’59

’60

’65

’66

’67

’68

’85

’88

’89

’91

’97

’98

’99

’02

’03

’71

’72

’77

class notes’78 ’96

’80

’84

Shawndra (Thompson ’03) Russell recently launched a Kickstarter to raise funds to publish her completed first novel titled, “Couple Friends.”

Ben Kepple ’09 was accepted to Ohio State’s John Glenn School to pursue a Master of Public Administration.

Michelle (Druso ’10) Koussa won various awards for teaching this year. She was chosen as the Plain Dealer Crystal Apple Award Winner, received the OMLA Regional Award for Best Middle Level Practices, and was also part of the Ohio Middle School 2012 Team of the Year.

Colin A. Chritton ’11 is a graduate student at Bowling Green State University.

Laura Emmer ’11 recently accepted her first full-time teaching position as a French teacher at Westlake High School in Westlake, Ohio.

Brittany (Piotrowski ’12) Mackey received her MBA from Ashland University in 2012.

Christopher Rutter ’12 was recently promoted to the director of human resources at CallCopy, Inc.

’09

’10

’11

’12

To submit an item for class notes, visit www.ashlandspace.com or email Jennifer Myers at [email protected] Please include your name (maiden name), class year and announcement. Photos are also welcome.Class notes submitted after June 29, 2012 will appear in the Winter 2013 edition of Accent Magazine.

Class Notes






Faculty/Trustee

Upper Convocation Center

6 - 9 p.m.

Check out page 14

for more details.

Homecoming

Class Reunions

AlumniNEWS

Future EaglesJennifer (Nowoczynski ’03) Michaels and husband Matthew welcomed a baby girl, Kenley Kimberly, into the world on March 21, 2011.

Amanda (Backensto ’03) Taylor and husband Matt welcomed a baby girl, Kelsey Eleanor, into the world on Sept. 13, 2011, weighing 8 lbs., 4 oz. She joins big sister Katherine (4).

Lora (Wisenbarger ’03) Walter and husband Matthew welcomed a baby girl, Elise Samantha, into the world on April 25, 2011. She joins big sister Eliana (5) and big brother Jacob (4).

Andrea (Mays ’04) Blanc and husband Jarrod welcomed a baby boy, Jackson Steven, into the world on August 21, 2011.

Lindsay (Milnac ’04) Davis and Zachary Davis ’03 welcomed a baby girl, Elle Victoria, into the world on Oct. 28, 2011.

Meredith (Price ’05) Worthington welcomed a baby boy, Simon Edward, into the world on June 19, 2011.

Allison (Lawrentz ’06) Barnett and Jason Barnett ’04 had a leap day baby girl, Clementine LaRue, on Feb. 29, 2012, weighing 9 lbs., 6 oz. She joins big brother Miles (3).

Candace (Beckel ’06) Thompson and hus-band Scott welcomed a baby boy, Broderick, into the world on Oct. 19, 2010.

Soni (Sweval ’07) Crist and husband James welcomed a baby girl, Abbigale Lee, into the world on May 15, 2012. She joins big sister Samantha (3).

Maggie (Roth ’95) Bruno and husband Sean welcomed a baby girl, Eva Katherine, into the world on Sept. 23, 2011. She joins big brothers Thomas (6) and Nicholas (2), and big sister Bella (4).

Michele (Caldwell ’97) Wendling and hus-band John welcomed a baby girl, Ella Ruthanne, into the world on June 29, 2011.

Allison (Bush ’98) Zapor and husband Jeff welcomed a baby boy, Victor Alexander, into the world on April 11, 2012.

Carrie Anne (Ritchie ’98) Huey and husband Douglas Huey are proud to welcome Ashland University and Delta Zeta legacy Avery Katelyn to their family, born March 16, 2012. She will be well protected by her three older brothers, Ethan and Zachary (4) and Jacob (2).

Kelly (Palmer ’98) Martin and husband Keith welcomed a baby girl, Rylee Ann, into the world on Oct. 6, 2011. She joins big brother Drew (6).

Nicole (Eldridge ’02) Cox and Clell Cox ’02 welcomed a baby girl, Collins Sophia, into the world on Aug. 21, 2011. She joins big brother CJ (6) and big sister Camyron (4).

Elizabeth (Masters ’02) Walters and husband Curt welcomed a baby girl, Aliya Helen, into the world on Oct. 17, 2011. She joins big brother Jaden (7), and big sisters Raya (5) and Shiloh (2 ½).

Jennifer (Hawkins ’03) Gooding and hus-band Chad welcomed a baby girl, Isabella Candice, into the world on June 13, 2011. She joins big brother Noah (4 ½).

InMemoriam

Richard Finley ’07 and wife Heather welcomed a baby boy, Jackson Richard, into the world on April 30, 2012, weighing 8lbs., 9 oz.

Jennifer (Rohr ’07) Schneider and husband Aaron welcomed a baby girl, Addilynn Rose, into the world on May 25, 2012. She joins big brother Owen.

Laurel (Callihan ’08) Dorsey and husband Chad welcomed a baby girl, Scarlett Rose, into the world on Feb. 1, 2012. She joins big sister Elizabeth (6).

Leah (Richard ’08) Heffner and Matthew Heffner ’09 welcomed a baby girl, Adelaide Leah, into the world on Aug. 23, 2011, at 8:39 p.m.

Mahima Rao ’09 and husband Madhu Gargesha welcomed a baby girl, Ammeya, into the world on Feb. 20, 2012, weighing 6 lbs., 15 oz.

Lisa (Kunze ’11) Lape and husband Christo-pher welcomed a baby girl, Katherine Anne, into the world on March 28, 2012. She joins big sister Rebekah (4) and big brother Timothy (2).

Help Ashland University Go Green

Want to receive the Accent Magazine in your

inbox instead of your mailbox?

Email [email protected] with your first name, last name and maiden name

(if applicable) along with your class year and you will have all

future magazines emailed to you instead of mailed,

helping the University save on printing and postage costs!


Kyle Creasy ’74 and Charlotte (Charlie) Creasy were married on Oct. 9, 2011.

Nicole Coatoam ’03 and Christopher Cioban were married in Cleveland, Ohio, on Aug. 6, 2011.

Dane Halle ’06 and Caroline Gonzales were married on Dec. 17, 2011.

Samantha M. Stroud ’06 and David Mealy were married in Hinckley, Ohio on June 11, 2011. Wedding party included AU Alums Jill Shrader Sadon ’06, Jill Mathias ’06, Bethel Scheifer ’06, Paul Carmany ’04, ’06. AU alums in attendance: Vicki Jones McGee ’06, Rachel Garverick Myers ’07, Lauren Calco Ham-mond ’06 and Morgan Polovick ’10.

Sara Mae Perry ’06 and Austin Trunick were married on Oct. 8, 2011.

Shannon Durbin ’08 and Christopher Gregory ’09 were married on June 18, 2011.

Melissa Ciacchi ’08 and Kaleb Hay were mar-ried on July 23, 2011.

Mary Calhoon July 29, 2012

Rita A. (McManaway) Kilchenman Jan. 17, 2009

Marguerite (Duffy ’32) Wilcox April 2, 2012

Robert W. Barrow ’40 Jan. 20, 2012

Irma Louise (Seeger ’42) Dodds March 14, 2012

Margaret M. (Evans ’43) Kenyon April 19, 2012

Hazel E. (Betchel ’44) Fehlmann April 12, 2012

Vincent E. Barr ’47 May 13, 2012

Marilynn (Plank ’48) Rinehart March 13, 2012

Francis H. Berkshire ’49 March 31, 2012

Wilbur L. Booth ’50 Nov. 1, 2011

Richard Daughterty ’50 Feb. 24, 2011

Rev. Ralph Dovenbarger ’50 March 31, 2012

Iris R. (Jackson ’50) Lamborn April 6, 2012

Ray C. Snyder ’50 May 1, 2012

Frederick Saur ’51 May 4, 2012

Patricia Matthews ’52 March 28, 2012

George Olson Snyder ’52 April 19, 2012

Carl R. Blumenschein ’53 May 29, 2012

David L. Rambsel ’53 June 6, 2012

Lida (Eggerton ’55) Daubert Feb. 2, 2010

John B. Root ’59 April 25, 2012

Robert Lee Goff ’61 Feb. 26, 2012

Sanford Spotts ’62 Aug. 24, 2007

Rita D. Sayre ’63 Nov. 13, 2011

Katherine (Warnes ’64) Norris March 28, 2012

Patricia A. Tucker ’65 April 14, 2012

James L. Berry ’67 Dec. 23, 2012

Virginia Alexander ’70 March 25, 2008

Stephen Kruger ’72 June 6, 2012

Gail (Billows ’72) Long May 21, 2012

Diana (Holmes ’76) Marson March 19, 2012

Timothy Watkins ’77 April 2, 2012

Terence Doyle ’80 Nov. 1, 2009

John W. Postell ’84 April 12, 2012

Thomas W. Feick ’86 June 5, 2012

George A. Burich ’95 Nov. 3, 2008

Pamela J. (Vansickle’ 97) Craw-ford March 8, 2012

Beth A. (Denbow ’05) Jackson April 22, 2012

Kristie Charlton ’08 and Adam Ray were mar-ried on June 18, 2011. Kristie is the daughter of Tom ’83 and Jill Segrist ’82 Charlton, sister of Karie ’11 and Cooper ’16.

Molly Weisgarber ’10 and Nicholas Bellanco ’10 were married on June 25, 2011.

Kayla Neer ’10 and Logan Repp ’10 were married on July 9, 2011.

Alyssa Washburn ’11 and Pete Droll were mar-ried on July 30, 2011.

Emily Homoelle ’11 and Bradley Eustathios ’11 were married on July 9, 2011.

Ashley Gregory ‘11 and Brandon Bauer ’09 were married on Oct. 1, 2011, at the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio. While at Ashland both Brandon and Ashley were cross country and track & field athletes at the NCAA Division II national level. Ashley still holds the Ashland University school record in the indoor 5k. Brandon majored in management informa-tion systems, while Ashley majored in education. Brandon is currently a web content specialist for Nationwide Insurance. Ashley is a teacher at Eagle Academy of Columbus. Brandon’s groomsmen included AU Alumni Jason Oswalt ’07, Max Hiltner ’10, Jesse Armbruster ’10 Bachelor’s Plus, and best man Nick Rohlck ’09. Ashley’s bridesmaids included AU Alumni Lauren White ’11 and Justine Dams ’11.

InMemoriam And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings, bear you on the breath of dawn,make you to shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of His hand.

–refrain from On Eagle’s Wings by Michael Jonacs

WHAT is An EnDoWED GifT?Endowed scholarship funds continue to be the most attractive endowed gifts at Ashland University, Ashland Theological Seminary, and the Ashbrook Center. In fact, nearly 500 named endowed scholarships have been established since 1980. These scholarships benefit hundreds of students annually.

When a gift is “endowed,” the initial principal is invested and awards are made from the an-nual earnings. This provides a level of current support, while providing a reliable source of funds for the future. An endowed scholarship

is the gift that keeps on giving year after year.

Endowed gifts may be restricted for specific purposes such as scholarships, program sup-port, faculty development, student activities, etc. They may also be given unrestricted, which allows the University to use the annual earnings where the need is the greatest.

Endowed gifts make up the largest portion of the University Endowment Fund and hold the key to the future strength and vitality of AU and its programs.

EsTAblisH A nEW EnDoWED scHolArsHip ToDAy The minimum level for a new scholarship is $25,000. Ashland University can help you get to the minimum level faster! Create a new scholarship before May 31, 2013, and AU will contribute the final $5,000. For example, you can begin by pledging $4,000 per year for 5 years, when the balance reaches $20,000; Ashland University will commit the final $5,000 to begin supporting your chosen area of interest. This is a wonderful way to see your donated dollars working for you during your lifetime with the help of Ashland Uni-versity.

Contact Jason Miller at 419-289-5621 or [email protected] for more information.

legacy inews It only takes an e-mail address to check us out. Or, if you do not have or use e-mail, you may ask for a printed copy to be sent to you. Simply contact our of-fice. You will receive quarterly updates that we hope meet you where you are. We are targeting articles that we believe may be relative to issues you face and send them quarterly, on a rotating basis by age group. If you are uncertain we have your correct e-mail address, please let us know.

Have you “mined” our website for all

its treasures? www.ashland.edu/estate

Possibly the best way to get started

would be to “click” on “Planned Giving”

on the left hand side of the site. You may

also enjoy some of the stories of Ash-

land’s generous donors, located under

“Meet our Donors” in the left hand col-

umn. Please take time to look us up and

tell us what you think.

“Only rich people can create endowments.” Has this thought kept you from considering the creation of your own Ashland University endowment fund? If so, the following article may change your mind. You will discover that nearly anyone, with a little planning, can establish an endowment.

Right up-front, you need to know that Ashland University requires a minimum of $25,000 to create an endowment. This may seem like a lot of money, but remember Ashland University will help you reach the required minimum by contributing the last $5,000. Consider the following options:

HoW To fUnD yoUr EnDoWMEnT

Do iT NowSome folks prefer to establish their endowments now so they can enjoy watching them grow and benefit Ashland University.

1. Use Cash1. Finding enough cash to launch an endow-

ment can be challenging. However, some-times we receive an unexpected windfall through an inheritance or the larger-than-expected proceeds from the sale of a valuable asset.

1. It may also be helpful to know that AU permits a donor to fund an endowment with a five-year pledge of $4,000 per year.

Spreading cash gifts over several years may also have tax benefits for you.

2. Use Securities2. Do you have publicly traded stock that

is highly appreciated in value but low in dividend return? Why not use this to start your endowment? Since AU can sell your stock without incurring a capital gains tax, it may be the perfect funding method for you.

3. Use Tangible Property1. Almost anything of value – cars, boats,

gems, etc. – can be given to Ashland Uni-versity. We will sell the item(s) and place the proceeds in your endowment. Take a good look in your attic; you may find the makings of an endowment.

Do iT LAterWhile it may not be feasible to start an endowment now, your estate will likely have enough resources at your death. Consider these possibilities:

1. Use the Remainder of a Trust.1. Donors sometimes establish a trust during

life to provide themselves with ongoing income. When they are gone, whatever remains in the trust is distributed accord-ing to instructions in the trust document. This, of course, can include the funding of an endowment with AU.

1. Trusts are very popular as gift and estate planning tools and may provide you with an excellent way to establish or augment your endowment.

2. Use Insurance Proceeds.2. Do you have a life insurance policy you no

longer need for protection? You could sign part or all of the policy over to AU for the purpose of creating an endowment when you are gone.

3. Use a Bequest From Your Will.1. The most popular way to fund a future en-

dowment is to earmark a portion of one’s estate for this purpose. If you do decide to create an endowment through a bequest, be sure to talk with our planned giving

director to make sure your attorney uses our proper legal name and address.

4. Use your Primary Residence.4. You may give Ashland University your

home and retain the right to live in it for the remainder of your life. This is known as a retained life estate. Property is con-veyed by deed to AU and at your death, the property will be used to fund your scholarship.

5. Use a Retirement Vehicle.

Matthew harris Director,

Legacy Estate Programs

[email protected]

419.289.5090

eric schimmoeller Associate Director,


[email protected]

419.289.5072

Amy Clark Assistant Director,


[email protected]

419.289.5105

EsTAblisH A nEW EnDoWED scHolArsHip ToDAy

do you want to learn more about AU’s endowment program?Contact Matt, at 419-289-5090

or [email protected].

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located in the Jack Miller stadium/Martinelli field

open during events at the Schar Athletic Complex

Also visit the Ashland university Bookstore

located in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center 419.289.5336

or order items online at

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