117th Commencement Services | Cafeteria Renovation | Aaron Melhorn Wins Steeplechase
COMPASSION Relieving the suffering of others
Summer 2009
Campus News
On May 9, 603 students became the Malone University graduating class of 2009, receiving bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, master of arts, master of business administration, and master of science degrees. More photos appear on pages 26–27.
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Campus News
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MA G A Z IN E
Volume 10 | Number 2
On the cover: Brianne Nightingale ’07 was teaching in a special education classroom when she became aware of the specialized needs of students with autism.
Feature: Compassion
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An Opportunity to Achieve
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Offering Hope in Difficult Times
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Dressed in God’s Wardrobe
Brianne Nightingale ’07 | has a heart filled with compassion for children with autism— and is achieving astonishing results with a new kind of school.
Terry ’89 and Trish ’90 McLaughlin | Hospice chaplain and oncology nurse: Terry and Trish offer compassion to hurting people during the most difficult times of their lives.
Colonel Paul Milliken ’70 (pictured above) | United Methodist minister/Air Force Reserve Chaplain of the 910 Airlift Wing: Pastor-Chaplain-Colonel Milliken has exhibited compassion to parishioners—and to our country.
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President’s Message
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Editor’s Note
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Pastor’s Pen
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Feature: Compassion
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Malone students and alumni demonstrate compassion as a way of life.
Compassion can be expressed in the smallest gestures every day.
A moving example of Christ-like compassion.
Three stories of compassion that are sure to inspire.
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Academic News
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Campus News
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Alumni News
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Athletics Update
Human Awareness Program at Malone grows into social work major.
Campus renovations, President Gary Streit awarded, a major gift, 117th Commencement, …
Class Notes, Future Pioneers, Weddings, Alumni Spotlight: Kelly Vrooman ’04
Athletics teams updates, Tim Walker named men’s basketball coach.
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President’s Message
President’s Message
After two years in this assignment, I must say that I am duly impressed with Malone University students and their abilities to carve out time from rigorous academic schedules to demonstrate compassion for those in need. Clearly, Malone students have their priorities straight. How can I make such a blanket assessment? What else would ignite a fire within three nursing students to plan and execute an event to raise awareness about the problem of child abduction and forced military service in Uganda?
Gary Streit
What could motivate a group of students to develop “Trayless Tuesdays”—conserving water and energy while practicing good stewardship of our natural resources, ensuring a better world for future generations? Malone University students routinely volunteer locally at soup kitchens, the humane society, in after school tutoring programs, and through numerous church-related activities. They sign up in record numbers to serve in areas of need on both the national and international fronts through service learning trips. They have not forgotten those in Mississippi and Louisiana still cleaning up from the now-years-old aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Nor have they neglected areas of critical need in Peru, Romania, Egypt, Ireland, Hong Kong, and the Dominican Republic, to name only a few, all while completing challenging course work and maintaining important relationships! It’s called compassion. Malone’s mission is to provide students with an education based on biblical faith in order to develop men and women in intellectual maturity, wisdom, and Christian faith who are committed to serving the church, community, and world. Is this not another way of saying that we are developing men and women of compassion? I hope you take pride—as I do—in the efforts of these exemplary young people, and in the fact that the lesson is not lost once one graduates from Malone. The following pages are filled with stories of compassion as demonstrated by students and alumni. Let us celebrate these efforts! And may we become even more inspired by them to respond with our own compassionate acts of service.
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Editor’s Note
MAGAZ INE
Editor Suzie Thomas sthomas@malone.edu Managing Editor Amber Balash ’00 abalash@malone.edu Designer Dave Yakley ’95 dyakley@malone.edu Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Deb Robinson ’76 drobinson@malone.edu President Gary W. Streit, Ph.D. Vice President for University Advancement Howard E. Taylor Printer Duncan Press, Inc. Canton, Ohio Cover Photography Media Arts Group Akron, Ohio Special thanks to Karen Warner for assisting with copy editing. Malone Magazine is published two times each year for alumni and friends of Malone University, Canton, Ohio, 44709. Opinions expressed are those of contributors and do not necessarily represent those of Malone University.
Editor’s Note
My grandmother had a beautiful china pattern. I have such fond childhood memories of special times with Grandma punctuated with lovely, delicate plates of orange drop cookies and jasmine tea served in bone china cups. When she died, my mother and aunt carefully went through each piece—they wanted to pass along at least one tea cup or candy dish for future generations to enjoy. But what they found was a collection of plates, cups, and saucers that had been completely used up. There was not a single piece that didn’t have at least one chip or crack in it. Grandma had shared her very best china with all—no matter one’s lot or position in life—serving up scrumptious treats at even the most “everyday” of occasions. From tea parties with her grandchildren to caring for someone sick in bed—every day was Good China Day in Grandma’s book. It is probably because of this practice that I now truly believe food actually tastes better on a fancy plate. There was once a woman who greeted Jesus by breaking her alabaster jar and pouring out all of the expensive contents to anoint His head. What a privilege to live a life like that, broken … poured out … giving our very best every single day for our God in service to those around us. Feeding his sheep. Caring for the sick. Reaching out to those in need. Putting others before ourselves. In other words: living lives of compassion. In this issue of the Malone Magazine, you’ll meet alumni living out lives of compassion in areas such as education, health, and justice. You will no doubt be inspired—as we have been in collecting their stories—by these selfless acts and how they are ministering to, uplifting, and making a difference in the lives of others … … like the woman’s alabaster jar … or my grandmother’s china.
© 2009 Malone University. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Malone University has established a policy of equal academic and employment opportunity. This policy is applied to all qualified students, employees and applicants for admission or employment, in all University programs and activities, without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or military or veteran status.
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Pastor’s Pen
Pastor’s Pen
Several years ago, the world was shocked to learn of a shooting at the West Nichel Mine Amish School in Pennsylvania. Charles Roberts, a troubled milkman, barricaded himself inside the school, ultimately murdering five young girls and wounding six others. He then committed suicide when the police arrived at the scene. What followed, however, became a case study in compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. This, perhaps, grabbed even bigger headlines! The Saturday following the murders, Marie Roberts, along with her two young children, was attending her husband’s funeral. They watched as Amish families—about half of the 75 mourners present—arrived and stood alongside them in the midst of their grief and guilt. Despite his heartless crime against their families, the Amish came to mourn Charles Roberts—who was also a husband and father. Dr. Donald Kraybill, professor at Elizabethtown College and an expert on Amish culture, has written that such actions are woven into the fabric of Amish faith. It was just the natural thing to do—the Amish way of doing things. Not only did they forgive the murderer of their children, but they also extended compassion to his wife, Marie, and his children. Compassion is not merely an emotion. It goes beyond empathy. Its root meaning is “to suffer with,” that is, literally to feel the suffering, pain, woundedness, or oppression of another … to feel it in the heart, in the gut. It prompts action. The Gospel writers mention frequently that Jesus was “filled with compassion” for people. In every case, “filled with compassion” was followed by a verb … he touched, healed, fed, taught. And, of course, he demonstrated ultimate compassion by giving “his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NIV) and offering himself “… for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT). Most of us will never be called upon to attend the funeral of one who has murdered a loved one. But we are called to exercise compassion when we encounter someone’s need for it. There’s a lot of suffering these days all around us. It could be there’s someone right next door who needs us. It may be our compassion that becomes a catalyst for growth and change in that person’s life. Compassion isn’t just the “Amish way of doing things.” It’s the “Jesus way” … the “Kingdom way” … the way for all of us who dare to bear his name! “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV).
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Feature
When Jesus was brought a group of children, He didn’t turn them away. He held them and blessed them. He was moved with compassion. When a hurting woman touched Jesus’ garment, He didn’t ignore her. He touched her and made her well. He was moved with compassion. When the centurion begged Jesus to heal his dying servant, He didn’t tell him to change his politics. He accepted the centurion’s faith and healed the servant with a word. He was moved with compassion. Jesus fed the hungry. He sighted the blind. He gave the deaf hearing. He gave direction to the lost. And He did more than just fix their problems— He gave their lives value and meaning. He was moved with compassion. We know the rest of the story of Jesus’ life—that He was so moved with compassion that He willingly went to the cross to die for our sins and arose from the grave so that we could have eternal life. When Jesus said, “Feed my sheep,” He asked us to show compassion to others. The alumni featured in these pages have done just that. And we know that they represent thousands more of you who are doing the same: loving and educating children, helping to heal the sick, ministering to the needy and lost and dying. They represent you—living like Jesus— who was moved with compassion.
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Feature
“Dragonflies have always shown up at significant times of my life,” says Brianne Nightingale ’07, when explaining the name of the school she founded in 2006 to challenge students with autism to be as successful as possible. “They are so unique in that they are all different … and all fly differently—a lot like our students.”
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Campus News
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Feature
I felt a calling that is indescribable, and I know that this is what I was meant to do. Brianne was teaching in a special education classroom in Green when she became acutely aware of the need for more specialized services for students with autism. That sparked her dream to found Dragonfly Academy. “I prayed a lot and spent many hours researching and doors just began to
open—from finding the school building to having experts known in the field nationally as our therapists as well as the amazing staff and board we are blessed to have at Dragonfly,” Brianne says. “I felt a calling that is indescribable and I know that this is what I was meant to do. God has guided me through this entire process and it’s amazing when He is leading you, all you can accomplish.” Dragonfly provides a quality education to 32 students from preschool through highschool, and has a staff of 15 intervention specialists and behavioral assistants who undergo an initial 90 hours of training. A full-time nurse is on staff, and the school also regularly offers occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech and language therapy. As autism affects many more boys than girls—three out of four children afflicted with autism are boys—only three of the 32 students are girls. There’s a long waiting list—more than 400 families are interested in the program because of the school’s reputation for exceptional care of students. Dragonfly Academy is the only school of its kind in the area. The mission statement of the academy reads: Dragonfly believes that student learning comes alive through interactive, hands-on, multi-sensory instruction in a motivating environment. At Dragonfly, students are given the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential, prepare for post-secondary opportunities, and experience success in the workplace.
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Dragonfly Academy believes that student learning comes alive through interactive, hands-on, multi-sensory instruction. photos by Media Arts Group
Brianne says that she finds deep joy in her vocation.
That is especially important to her because of the joy she feels in her work.
“Every day is different at DA and it’s so great to see the progress our students are making,” she says. “Children who had never talked are now saying words, others who never had friends are now hanging out together on the weekends, calling and e-mailing each other … the stories are endless!”
“Every day is a great reward coming to work —I feel lucky because not many people can say that,” Brianne says. But there are certainly many hardships as well—for the children and their families. “The most challenging part is seeing what our families have had to go through to meet their children’s needs. Autism is not covered by insurance in Ohio, so it is very difficult financially due to the intense services needed—and it makes it difficult emotionally as well. We are blessed with wonderful families and GREAT kiddos who we just love to have as part of our Dragonfly Academy family.”
She says that her hope for the children in the academy is that they will find purpose for their lives—that they will find something meaningful that they like to do and be able to do what they love.
Brianne chose Malone because, “I love that Malone has a strong Christian foundation—that was crucial in my decision-making process of where to attend graduate school. I met great friends, the professors were terrific, and I still keep in contact with my research advisor to this day. Everyone was tremendously helpful and knowledgeable.” For more information about Dragonfly Academy, visit www.dragonflyacademy.org.
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Feature
offering
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During the most solemn and darkest times of peoples’ lives, Terry ’89 and Trish (Berry) McLaughlin ’90 have been there to offer faith, skill, and compassion.
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Campus News
Terry and Trish McLaughlin credit their patients with teaching them what compassion is all about. photos by Media Arts Group
In addition to pastoring several churches in Ohio and Florida, Terry also served for many years as a hospice chaplain—and is in the process of working toward his longterm goal of beginning a ministry dedicated to men and their families. In addition to obtaining his psychology degree, he has since obtained a master of divinity degree from Ashland Theological Seminary. Trish graduated in Malone’s very first (BSN) class of nurses. She has since obtained a master of science in nursing from the University of South Florida and is an oncology nurse practitioner. Currently, she serves as a clinical consultant (an educator for oncologists, nurses, and pharmacists) in the oncology division of a biotech company and covers Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. They live in New Hampshire, with their daughter
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Hannah, who is 11. Trish has worked in the clinical setting as a nurse practitioner in a private practice, as well as in Phase I Clinical Trials—and has specifically worked with patients that have what are considered to be some of the most difficult to treat cancers: renal cell cancer (cancer of the kidney), melanoma, and pancreatic cancer. Trish lost both the brother-in-law (Roger) that introduced her to Terry and her father (Clarence Berry) to cancer close to and during the time that she was earning her master of science in nursing. That peaked her interest in oncology and research. The couple says that compassion is something they’ve been taught more than extended—both from the individuals who offered care during Trish’s father’s illness, as well as the patients they have each cared for.
Feature
They point to a leukemia patient both shared in Florida named Charles, who was a Presbyterian minister. Charles would come in for his treatments in a clown wig, just to make people laugh. He was kind to his nurses and doctors. He shared recipes for soup and coconut cream pie. And he was more concerned about his wife than himself when dealing with his illness. Trish had been taking care of him for several years, but his body built up a resistance to the treatments. As a result he was referred to hospice. When it came time for him to see Terry—the hospice chaplain—other hospice staff members questioned if Charles would even need the services of a chaplain. But when he found out that Terry was Trish’s husband, Charles welcomed his ministry—and made sure that Trish was making Terry the recipes Charles had offered! “Charles and his family trusted us as friends to walk alongside of them, and we were able to be part of their family,” says Terry, adding that Charles wrote his own funeral ceremony which Terry and Trish attended. “He ministered to others to the very end and wanted everyone to know that he knew where his eternal home would be—and he wanted it to be their home, too! He offered hope to everyone he knew.” Terry says he also learned an important lesson in compassion from a man named Henry who was in his 90s while he and Trish were in Phoenix, Arizona. Henry, a Holocaust survivor from Poland, was a retired tailor who had his numbers tattooed on his forearm, as a constant reminder of his past. “He was scared and angry, and he would hit people—and I couldn’t communicate with him well because he spoke mostly Yiddish and Polish,” Terry says. “I asked
I learned that the patients teach you what you need to do—even if it’s simply sitting in a room with them. God how I could reach out to Him, and I sensed Him telling me to just be there. So I would just sit with him, and stroke his arm to calm him down. With Henry, I learned that the patients teach you what you need to do—even if it’s simply sitting in a room with them.” “Just listening to patients is so important,” adds Trish. “It lets them know they’re valued, it establishes rapport with them, and it can also give them peace to know that someone is there just to listen to them and what is on their heart at that time.” She always offers hope to patients even in the midst of delivering bad news. “Whenever I share test results of any kind with a patient, I always state that even though your test results today may show something that we would rather not see we know who the ultimate Physician is and nothing is beyond His power.” I have found that “nursing is an art as well as a science—through my experiences I have learned to be myself with my patients and to be honest in my explanation of things as well as instill hope. “ The couple says they also learned compassion through their professors at Malone—a university that has been home to them and many of their family members even since its Cleveland Bible College days, when Trish’s dad, Clarence Berry, attended! Trish’s cousin, Pat Berry ’06, was in the
second class to finish his degree online as well as his daughter, Brittany Berry ’08, who graduated with her education degree and teaches special education in Barberton. Terry and Trish’s nephew, Ryan Eick, is currently a youth ministries major at Malone. Last but not least, their daughter, Hannah, also hopes to attend Malone someday. Terry points to Roger Barrett, Ph.D., (professor of psychology emeritus) who allowed him to make up a test after he was hospitalized in his last semester. Terry says that even though it went against Dr. Barrett’s policy of not allowing make up tests, the professor went against his own policy to meet Terry’s need and allowed him to make up the test. “He undoubtedly showed compassion to me in that setting,” states Terry. Martha Horst, (associate professor of nursing emeritus) was a mentor for Trish. “I can never forget those early mornings at Aultman Hospital with Martha meeting us prior to beginning our clinical days at 6:45 a.m., just to review our patient case with us and pray for us,” she says. “She was always patient with us as student nurses and showed compassion in all she did. Malone is a special place for Terry and me, and we are so blessed to see how the community here has continued to seek Christ’s Kingdom. We hope to be connected with Malone for years to come.”
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Campus News
Locally. Nationally. Globally. Paul Milliken ’70 has exhibited compassion—and service—to his parishioners and his nation through 3 ½ decades in full-time pastoral care as well as 20 years of service as a military chaplain. As an ordained United Methodist pastor, Paul has spent most of his career near his native Pittsburgh area—and last year moved 50 miles north to Grove City, Pennsylvania, to pastor Grace United Methodist Church, a congregation of more than 1100. As a chaplain, Paul’s deployments have taken him to Spain, Panama, Peru, Alaska, and—his last assignment before retirement in 2007—Kuwait and Iraq. The first hints of a divine calling, he says, occurred at a very young age. His parents, while not churchgoers, would drop him off for church school and services. When Paul was only six years old, his mother recalls him
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coming home from worship and saying he wanted to be just like the pastor when he grew up. However, as a young adult, his journey was a little more difficult. “I came to Malone after two years at a college in West Virginia,” Paul recalls. “I was really struggling with my studies and just trying to figure out my next step.” A man from his home church had contacts at Malone and arranged for an interview. An admissions counselor suggested Paul take a semester off, work, and come to Malone the next semester, with the understanding that he would maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
Campus News
photos by Michael Balash
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Feature
Even though I’m a United Methodist pastor, as a military chaplain I had to be prepared to minister to everyone.
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Feature
“With God’s help, I got my act together— and actually consistently made the Dean’s List,” says Paul, who quickly developed a passion for studying religion and Greek. “I had d some truly amazing and caring professors—Curly Curly Collins, Herb Dymale, Bob Hess, Archie Penner ennerr … Dr. (Robert) Buswell was the one having asked what I was going to do with my life following ng graduation. He told me he and the other professors in the Religion and Philosophy Department were convinced I had the gifts and graces necessary for pastoral ministry and encouraged me to consider going on to seminary—which I did.” Paul graduated from Asbury Seminary in 1973, and entered full-time pastoral ministry. He met his wife, Beth, at Asbury College, and they have two adult children and three ee grandchildren. In his early 30s, Paul says he also sensed being drawn into the military chaplaincy. Many members of his family—including his father and grandfather—had served honorably in the military, and he couldn’t shake the feeling it was something he needed to do as well. Paul acknowledges that sometimes God’s timing can be a little anxietyprovoking. The Air Force lost his paperwork twice, and he ended up taking the oath to serve the day before his 40th birthday—40 is the age limit to enter into service! His time in Kuwait and Iraq was among the most intense of his deployments—especially when it came to ministering to those in crisis and those entering into harm’s way, sometimes on a daily basis. During his tour of duty, the first female casualty in the Air Force, a member of his unit, lost her life, and he performed the funeral and ministered to her friends—even notifying them of her death. He also regularly prayed with flight crews before their missions, offering a devotional and prayer. Once, a confrontational crew member asked “Padre Paul” if he was going to pray his crew would have a successful mission and kill lots of Al-Qaeda terrorists. “No,” Paul answered. “But I will pray you and your crew members will return safely to our base and someday soon to your families.” During that 90-day deployment, Chaplain Milliken also counseled many troops—as many as 30 airmen—whose spouses waited until they deployed to Iraq and then emailed or phoned to say they wanted either a separation or a divorce. “Not all our folks were able to recover from that blow,” he says, but he was always there to offer a listening ear, a strong shoulder, and words of wisdom.
The chapel at the base in Kuwait seated more than 500 and ministered to those from all faith backgrounds, Paul says—even atheists met tthere. “Even thou though I’m a United Methodist pastor, as a military chaplain I had to be prepared to minister to everyo everyone. On the battlefield, I carried a series of fait faith-specific prayer cards so I could adequately p pray for a wounded or dying comrade in arms oof other beliefs,” he adds. “Many pastors would perhaps have had a problem with that, but in the military one has to be open to all faith practices and allow others the opportunity to express their freedom of religion.” Th That’s not to say he couldn’t offer hope in Jesus Chri Christ. At the funeral of the first female Air Force casualty— casualty—a woman of the Jewish faith and member of his unit—Paul indicated while he admittedly didn’t know her ultimate fate, others gathered there in the Chapel sanctuary could still make a choice of where they would spend eternity, and he was there to offer guidance! Before retiring from the Air Force two years ago, Paul achieved the rank of Colonel— and actually got promoted “out of” serving as the Wing Chaplain at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station in Vienna, Ohio. He finished his career serving as the advisor to the Command Chaplain, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, overseeing the work of nearly 500 chapel personnel serving across the U.S. But he continues serving faithfully as an ordained pastor—at a church whose ministries include feeding the hungry through an active community food pantry, children’s and youth ministries, supporting homeless ministries, a pregnancy support center, and ministering to the lost. (www.graceumcgrovecity.org/outreach. htm). Paul has enjoyed serving as a pastor—especially getting close to families and watching their children grow from infants into young adulthood. Colossians 3:13 (The MESSAGE) reads: “So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.” And whether Paul Milliken is wearing his clergy robe and stoles or his desert camouflage uniform, he continually strives to keep in mind the wardrobe God has chosen for him.
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Academic News
Human Awareness Program encouraged compassion Does compassion beget compassion? In the case history of the Malone University Department of Social Work, it certainly did. In 1972, James Stuckey, Ph.D., then an assistant professor of history and sociology, developed a program to raise student awareness regarding the needs of diverse groups of people around them, and to better equip students to help meet those needs. What resulted was the Human Awareness Program. Dr. Stuckey wrote that one purpose of the experiences was “to encourage in students a compassion for those in need.” The program ran from 1972 until around 1979, the same year he traveled to Hong Kong to teach for a year at Hong Kong Baptist University. Even before his departure, Dr. Stuckey organized a community
task force to discuss the possibility of the development of a social work major at Malone, which eventually replaced the Human Awareness Program. The Human Awareness Program was available to all students, regardless of major field of study. In a program description, Dr. Stuckey wrote, “A primary goal is to integrate academic training and field observation for as many students as possible, regardless of personal previous experience and vocational intentions.”A more specific objective included, in his words, “demolishing popular stereotypes pertaining to the plight of disadvantaged peoples.” The inaugural Cleveland experience, which ran in November–December 1972 included visits to the Urban Studies Center, Spanish
“A primary goal is to integrate academic training and field observation for as many students as possible, regardless of personal previous experience …” James Stuckey meets with young girls on a Cherokee Indian Reservation in North Carolina.
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Academic News
Social work celebrates 25 years of accreditation
American Center, Appalachian Center, The City Mission, Alcoholics Anonymous, Salvation Army, Spanish Catholic Mission, and the American Indian Center among others. This experience was followed by an Appalachia experience in November–December 1973, a Cherokee experience in December 1974, another Cleveland experience in 1975, and a Guatemala experience in November–December 1977. It was during Dr. Stuckey’s tenure as department chair that the Human Awareness Program evolved into the social work major with accreditation by the National Council on Social Work Education.
The mission of the Malone University program is to prepare students for entrylevel generalist social work practice with client systems of all sizes in diverse settings, both rural and urban, with individuals and groups of diverse backgrounds, ages, and life experiences in the communities where they live. Within this context, Malone’s focus is on encouraging students to develop a worldview that integrates the values and ethics of the social work profession with personal faith. 2009 marks the 25th year that Malone has been accredited to offer undergraduate social work training by the Council on Social Work Education. Last February, the program was reaffirmed by CSWE for a full eight-year period, and received an extremely positive report from the accreditation team which visited the campus. Throughout these years, the program has trained more than 150 graduates to “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly” (Micah 6:8). The program teaches students to turn their compassion for those in need into action that enriches and empowers the lives of others. James Stuckey, Ph.D., Paton Yoder, Ph.D., and Harold Walker, Ph.D. initiated Malone’s social work program. Beginning in fall 1977, part-time instructors taught lower-level classes and two upper-level classes were initiated in the 1978–79 school year. Field placements were first offered during the 1979–80 school year. The years have seen both change and growth. As of this writing, the program has the largest number of majors in its history and has constantly had graduates pass the Ohio licensure exam at rates higher than the national average. The program has hired a third full time, tenuretrack faculty member. Two of the three faculty members have completed Ph.D.s, and the third faculty member has begun her doctorial studies. And just this year, the
program began a chapter of Phi Alpha, the social work honor society with the induction of 15 students into the chapter. The founders of Malone placed great emphasis on human relationships and a concern for social justice. This heritage encourages an active application of the principles of social justice and charity to vulnerable people. The social work faculty and social work students believe such work is critical to a holistic education. They understand both the religious and secular roots of social work and seek to integrate the profession’s purposes, values, and ethics with concerns of faith. Students in the social work program are challenged to find ways to explore their spiritual beliefs and to utilize personal faith in ways that exemplify acceptance, concern, empathy, and empowerment for those outside of the mainstream of society. It is expected that students will be presented with knowledge, opportunities, and exercises by which they assess client need within the context of culture and environment. In addition, they learn to harness personal and community assets for the empowerment of client systems of all sizes. Malone social work majors are involved in community internships in their sophomore, junior, and senior years; but, the senior internship (450 hours over the course of a semester) is seen as a capstone experience and a stepping stone to either graduate school or full-time employment. By putting their faith into action, students exemplify the work of the University’s founders, Walter and Emma Malone. Jane Hoyt-Oliver, Ph.D.
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Academic News
Stoltzfus earns Fulbright Scholarship Malone University faculty member, Ken Stoltzfus, Ph.D., has been awarded a Fulbright Senior Scholar Award for the spring semester of the 2009–2010 academic year. Stoltzfus and his family will reside in Russia from mid-January until mid-June, 2010, while he teaches in the social work department at Russian American Christian University (RACU). In addition to teaching at RACU, Stoltzfus will be researching the role that spirituality and religion played in the development of the social work profession in Russia. He also plans to research the ways that Russian social workers integrate spirituality and religion into their social work practice. According to Stoltzfus, “In Russia, the social work profession did not exist until the early 1990s, after the fall of communism. Prior to that, the official communist stance was that there were no social problems, and thus, no need for social work. Because the profession is rather new to Russia, and because the profession began at a time when religious freedom was being reintroduced to Russian society, I am interested in looking at the role that spirituality and religion played—and still play—in the Russian social work profession.”
Faculty News Professor of music, Jesse Ayers, D.M.A., had his composition Dance of the Mountain Raindrops for piano and string orchestra broadcast on Serbia’s national televisionradio network, RTC. Associate professor of music, Jack Ballard, Ph.D., signed with Hartville Literary Agency to represent his book, Avenues of Vision, Characteristics of the Christian Artist and signed with Choirworks to publish his choir piece, Amen. Associate professor of English, Sean Benson, Ph.D., published the article, “The Resurrection of the Dead in The Winters Tale and The Tempest” in Renascence 61.1. Associate professor of biology, Christopher Carmichael, Ph.D., presented a poster at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Symposium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
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Associate professor of psychology Eb de Oliveira, Ph.D., presented papers at Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre/Brazil and in the XII Simpósio de Pesquisa e Intercâmbio Científico, in Natal, Brazil. His publication with Jennifer L. Braun ’08, was accepted for publication in the Journal of Psychology and Christianity. Associate professor of communication arts, David Dixon, Ph.D., and two former Aviso staffers Scott Finkelstein ’09 and Ruth Lang ’08 had articles published in the April newsletter of the Association of Christian College Media. Professor of psychology, David Entwistle, Psy.D., presented with Dr. Nathan C. Kraynack at the 22nd Annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference. Their summary was published in Pediatric Pulmonology.
Assistant professor of computer science, Jim Glasgow Ph.D., gave a presentation at an Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) meeting in Akron. Professor of business administration, Jack Harris, Ph.D., published Devotions for Outdoor Adventures: Devotional Thoughts from and for Backpackers, Hikers, Climbers, Canoeists, and Other Outdoor Enthusiasts, cowritten by Larry Wiggins and Amy Garascia ’96 and illustrated by Jack Ballard. Assistant professor of professional studies, Mary Quinn, D.B.A., had an article appear in the International Journal of Education Research. She also presented a paper at the Adult Higher Education Alliance’s 28th National Conference. Associate professor of biblical studies, Joel Soza, D.Th., wrote the commentary notes for the Book of Jeremiah and the Book of Lamentations coming out in the Wesley Study Bible published by Abingdon Press. Director of library services, Stan Terhune, received the 2008 Barbara K. Nelson Indexer of the Year award from the Association of Christian Librarians at the association’s annual conference. Professor of New Testament studies, Duane Watson, Ph.D., was recently published in Studies in Rhetoric and Religion by Baylor University Press in 2008. He was invited by the BBC Religion and Ethics department to take part in a documentary about the impact of Darwin’s theory of evolution on religion. Assistant professor of nursing, Lora Wyss, Ph.D., presented at the 34th Annual Conference of Transcultural Nursing Society in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Professor of finance, John Zietlow, D.B.A., had an article published in the May/June 2007 issue of Exempt magazine.
Campus News
Cafeteria renovation underway; Froggy’s moves to Centennial Center
President Streit honored by Higher Learning Commission Malone president, Gary W. Streit, Ph.D., was recently recognized with the Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Alumni, students, staff, faculty, dignitaries, and community members celebrated a Throughout his twenty-year involvement special day in Malone’s history as the school with the organization, Dr. Streit has became Malone University on October 3. served as an accreditation team member, most often as chair. He has also served Special guests included Cedric Rodney on the institution accreditation council,every ’58, who commuted from Cleveland on panels, to andCanton; as a dayvarious when accreditation Malone first moved trainer for team members. Dr. Streit Rebecca Coleman ’36 (via video), also who recently served the panel Bible responsible graduated fromonCleveland Institute; for formulating last review of II, C. Canton Mayor the William Healy Commission accreditation criteria. Todd Jones, president of Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of The purpose of the Association is to Ohio; and Senator Kirk Schuring. U.S. require its Commission members to Representative Ralph Regulaa was not have accrediting processes that foster able to attend, but wrote a special note quality, encourage academic excellence, to Malone: “As I end my tenure as your and improve teaching and learning. congressman, I am proud that one of my Furthermore, the Association encourages last official acts is to acknowledge that today and supports cooperative relationships the Malone family takes this time to reflect among schools, and colleges and and celebrate its next step.” universities that hold membership.
Hoover Dining Commons and Froggy’s Café are undergoing a transformation this summer. Fewer walls in the dining commons will make way for a more open floor plan. According to Keith Tyger, director of AVI dining services, the servery area is being expanded to relieve congestion and add two new food stations—a pasta station and made-to order sub station. Other nice additions include an expanded salad bar and bakery! According to an article appearing in the Malone student newspaper, the Aviso, “The renovations in the dining hall will allow students to enter directly into the dining hall, and the food stations will be dispersed throughout the room. The plans include adding more color, booth seating, and a lounge area. The fusion station and the pasta station will include café seating in which students can sit at the counter and eat while they watch the chef make the food.” In addition, Froggy’s Café will be relocated to the lower level lounge area of the Brehme Centennial Center with an expanded outdoor patio. Funding for the renovation project is being provided by AVI.
Major gift received toward purchase of Jewish properties The University recently received a lead gift commitment of $500,000 from an anonymous donor toward the purchase of the Canton Jewish Community Center and Temple Israel property. There is yet much to be done, but the old adage, “The longest journey begins with a single step” was never more applicable. Not only is this first major gift significant in its own right; it serves as an inspirational step for further financial support of this exciting opportunity for campus expansion.
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Campus News
117th Commencement services held
603 graduates are first to receive diplomas from Malone University Malone University held its 117th baccalaureate and commencement ceremonies on May 8–9. Ron Fowler, M.Div., retired senior pastor of Arlington Church of God, Inc., and Stan D. Gaede, Ph.D., president of the Christian College Consortium, served as baccalaureate and commencement speakers. The day was also a celebration of a couple of “firsts.” The first student to walk across the stage accepting a diploma reading “Malone University” was Adam Ables, a double major in accounting and business administration. “I had never even thought about it!” says Adam of his alphabetical good fortune, “It is quite an honor to be the first graduate of Malone University.” And although Malone has a longstanding tradition of exceptional international graduates, Barry McConnochie, of Glasgow, Scotland, became the first Scotsman to join the “clan” of Malone alumni. “I am extremely proud of my heritage and who I am,” says Barry. “My kilt (which Barry wore under his graduation gown) is Buchanan tartan, which is my mum’s family colors.” May 9 was also a big day at the Steer household. Steve Steer, principal at Hack, Steer & Company in Salem, and a member of the Malone University Board of Trustees proudly watched Laura, his daughter, receive a bachelor’s degree in English. Later that afternoon, Steve received a master’s degree in Christian ministries, with an emphasis in Leadership in the Christian Church.
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Campus News
Clockwise from top left: Commencement speaker Dr. Stan Gaede addresses a capacity crowd. Barry McConnochie receives his dipoma. Graduates show appreciation. I’m proud of my Dad! Jimmie Lever, Jr. celebrates with family. Mike Hale receives congratulations from senior, Michelle Alessandro.
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Campus News
Outstanding faculty and staff honored
Students organize events for “Invisible Children”
Outstanding faculty and staff awards were presented in chapel on April 6. Left photo (l–r): David N. Entwistle, professor of psychology (teaching); Jacalynn S. Welling, associate professor of history (service); Sean M. Benson, associate professor of English (scholarship). Above photo (l–r): Brenda L. Cassidy, support person, advancement (staff); Alex Yu, senior systems engineer, information technologies (administrative employee).
Worldview Forum: the emerging church
Alison Miller, Kelsey Moon, and Emily Woolf, nursing majors, organized a mock abduction and rescue to raise awareness of “Invisible Children,” (children abducted to serve as soldiers in northern Uganda), an event that coincided with a worldwide movement taking place April 25–26. Activities included a midnight showing of the film “Invisible Children,” a symbolic walk to downtown Canton for a prayer meeting, a letter-writing campaign to American leaders asking them to do something about obtaining peace in Africa’s longest war, and a sunrise prayer service. The event ended with a mock rescue operation by Thomas West, Canton city councilman, and members of the Canton Fire Department.
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Emerging or Diverging: In What Direction is the Emerging Church Movement Headed? with proponents Brian McLaren (pictured above), author, speaker, pastor, and activist; and Bryan Hollon, Ph.D., assistant professor of theology, Malone University; moderator was Suzanne Nicholson, Ph.D., assistant professor of biblical studies, Malone University.
Alumni News
From the Alumni Executive Board President
Greetings! It is with great pleasure that I begin my term as president of the Malone University Alumni Executive Board. At the same time and with sincere gratitude I extend my personal thank you to Tammy (Anderson) Miller ’91, our immediate past president, for her leadership and dedication over the past year.
Raymond Paquin ’05
For me it is both a privilege and honor to serve at such an exciting and significant time in the history of our wonderful University. We often reflect upon and cherish our wonderful past and at the same time admire our growth and transformation. With our name change and transition from Malone College to Malone University, it’s essential that we hold fast to our mission to prepare Christian leaders for service to the church, community, and world. The Alumni Executive Board has an immense passion toward making your alumni experience with the University more than ever before. As a team we want the connection to be more relevant and meaningful. We will be reaching out and looking for alumni who are interested in serving on the many committees and events taking place over the coming year. I believe strongly in following your passion. To me, the most important thing in life is to do what you love and to be that person you want to be. As alumni we also have an obligation to foster relationships with diverse apprentices, share experiential knowledge with future leaders, and nurture the passion we all have for this great institution. Bringing these passions together enhances our ability to foster the alumni connection. We have many exciting times ahead as we continue our journey. I invite you to come back and visit the campus, become active in local and regional alumni events, and take every opportunity to stay in touch with friends and classmates through our online alumni community. I look forward to serving you, and meeting many of you, over the next year. Sincerely, Raymond (Ray) Paquin ‘05
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Alumni News
CLASS notes 1950s P. Richard ’57 and Darlene (Broom) Kellerman x57 retired from their assignment at the Suzhou International Fellowship in Suzhou, China, and returned to the United States. They served in Taiwan and China for a total of 25 years—and also did ministry in the United States for approximately 25 years. They moved to Conway, Arizona, to be near to their son, Tim, who is a pastor.
1960s Marion L. Mazzarella ’64 is serving her second two-year term as president of the Beta Beta chapter of the Delta Kappa Gamma sorority. Marion is a retired teacher from the Canton City Schools and immediate past president of the Sons of Italy in America in Canton. A group of alumni who attended Malone during the years of 1964–66 gathered for a reunion in Raleigh, North Carolina. Those involved include Denny Goodwill x66, Denny Kretzinger x 66 and his wife, Alice; Jim Singhass x66 and his wife, Kay; Jim x68 and his wife, Marge (Bunny) Sandberg x67, and Jan (Mooney) O’Donnell ’68. Denny Goodwill writes, “We met at the Kretzingers’ home and had a great time refreshing our friendships, reliving old stories, and getting caught up on each others’ lives. It had been 42 years, and was as if it had been only yesterday that we had seen each other in the lounge or were in class together…. We talked about our other friends from Malone and what had become of them. If you went to Malone during that time
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period, please email Denny@goodwillinsurance. net, and I will forward the information on to the others. We would love to hear from you!” Carol A. Jenkins ’68, Ph.D., was named a Cross Papers Fellow for 2009 and also received the 2008 ASA Distinguished Contributions to Teaching Award. She is booking faculty development workshops and seminars for next year. The Cross Papers is released by The League of Innovation in Community Colleges. The title of her publication is Academic Integrity in a Multicultural Context: Implications for Teaching and Learning. Carol is professor of sociology at Glendale Community College in Arizona. The forward reads, “This monograph analyzes the complex issue of academic honesty, focusing especially on plagiarism, and argues that plagiarism be viewed as both an academic and a sociocultural phenomenon. She reminds us that ownership of knowledge is viewed differently by societies around the world, and, in our increasingly diverse institutions, by the many cultures our students represent. She describes how faculty in a multicultural classroom can help students recognize and avoid plagiarism in its Western context, and how they can identify plagiarism as a deliberate act of academic dishonesty, an unfortunate consequence of inadequate referencing skills, or an understandable result of cultural differences. She includes ways faculty deal with each of these scenarios, and points readers to additional resources.” The Monograph was introduced at the March 2009 international meeting of the League of Innovation.
Alumni News
Eddie Lou (Vaughan) Meimer ’68 is president of the newly formed Farmer’s Market Management Network, Inc. (www.ocdc.osu.edu/farmersmarkets). She is the president of Marion Farmers Market (www.marionfarmersmarket.com) and also sells at two additional markets. She and her husband, Jim, produced more than 500 gallons of maple syrup from their farm. An article featuring Eddie Lou was published at http://ourohio.org/ index.php?page=1248. They own Pleiades Farm (http://www.pleiadesfarm.com/).
1970s Larry Grovemiller ’70 composed “The University March,” an original work to commemorate the transformation of Malone from a college to a university. It was performed at the April 25 symphonic band concert. Emily (Street) Hensel ’71 was instrumental in getting recognition for her friend Nellie Zimmerman, deceased, who attended Malone at the age of 71 despite being blind and deaf. For more information, read Emily’s blog at http://stanelle. xanga.com. Davis Baker ’76 is the coordinator of curriculum for North Union Local Schools in Richwood, where he is responsible for the district’s improvement efforts, which include the development of curriculum and course offerings. He also coordinates district testing, continuous improvement planning, the facilitating of professional development, grant initiatives, and federal programs direction. Scott Wilson ’76 earned a D.Min. in transformational leadership from Ashland Theological Seminary. Since 1988, he has served as senior pastor of Johnson United Methodist Church in Norton, but was appointed senior pastor of the Mayfield Church in Chesterland, effective July 1, 2009. He is married to the former Barbara (Babs) Beaver, RN/BSN ‘76. Carol Higy ’77, Ed.D., was promoted from chair, professional leadership, to associate dean for accountability and outreach in the School of Education at UNC Pembroke. She also is the MSA program director. She lives in North Carolina. Alphonzo Davis ’78 received a CPCU designation through the American Institute for Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters. He also has earned AIC and GCA designations.
1980s
1990s
Mike Powell ’80 is an insurance underwriter for Fairmont Specialty in Houston by day, and in his spare time is a Blues Brothers impersonator. He and his partner Steve, aka Jake Blues, were the featured performers in Houston’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, on the final float with Santa and four New York City Rockettes; were voted Best Performers at Houston’s Art Car Parade, and Best Entertainers at the Houston Marathon in January. They also won a lookalike contest, which allowed them to an invitation-only performance to Houston’s House of Blues to see Dan Akroyd and Jim Belushi perform. Mike is married to Karen and has three children, Aaron, Staci, and Matthew.
Jeff Butler ’90 is the pastor of family ministries at Ashland Worship Center in Ashland.
Brian Shoop ’80, was inducted into the Birmingham Southern College Sports Hall of Fame November 7, 2008. He coached baseball at BSC for 17 years. Presently he is the head baseball coach at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. John Williams ’82, a Wycliffe Bible translator, was mentioned in a letter sent out by Bob Creson, president of Wycliffe Bible Translators-USA to all Wycliffe-US members worldwide on February 22. The letter tells the true story of Sebastain, who invented his own alphabet and translated the Scriptures into his Mixtec language, in Oaxaca, Mexico. John wrote the story on which this excerpt is based and is mentioned in the story as the Wycliffe Translator who worked with Sebastian. The NT was dedicated in March 2008. Ken Simmons ’83 is the author of the book, The Shade Tree: A Bible Smart Ministry for Children, which was released April 28. For more information about the book, please visit: http://www. tatepublishing.com/bookstore/. Jane Mitchell Whitaker ’87 was named St. Lucie County, Florida 2010 Teacher of the Year. Jane teaches music at Allapattah Flats K–8 School in Port St. Lucie. She also serves as an adjunct at Indian River State College where she teaches humanities, fine arts, and directs the youth musical theatre. Jane lives in Fort Pierce, Florida along with her husband, Paul, and two children, Chase and Brooke. Tammy Heil Morris ’89 works with Stark County Department of Job and Family Services as a licensed social worker in the children’s services area as an adoption assessor and home finder. She is married to Mark Morris and has two sons, Shane and Nolan Kelly; and a daughter, Matilda Renee Morris. She is finishing a master’s degree at Malone in clinical counseling and will graduate in May.
Lori Graber ’91 graduated from Kent State University with a master’s degree in economics. Grabowski & Co., headed by Sue Grabowski ’91, earned five Gold and 6 Silver ADDY Awards at the 2009 Canton Advertising Federation competition. The company, which includes Daryl Dirham ’04, also garnered a Judges Award for the design of the Kimono As Art corporate invitation, created for The Timken Company. Grabowski & Co., located in Uniontown, celebrated its 12th year in business in March. Ross Keener ’95 is a major in the United States Air Force and is stationed in Colorado Springs. His wife, Dawn (Medley) ’94 is a registered nurse in the emergency room at a Colorado Springs hospital. They have a son, Tanner, who is 5. Anne Marie Niziolek ’97 was awarded a $3,000 Martha Holden Jennings grant for her project, “Backpacking through Math and Science.” She has also been awarded as a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar and was selected to attend a Jennings Summer Science Workshop. Leigh Ann Russell ’98 finished an MSN in Health Care Education through the University of Phoenix. She is the diabetes case manager at the Department of Veterans Affairs in the New Philadelphia VA Outpatient Clinic. Elisa Schleig ’98 is project director at The Committee for Academic Excellence in Riverview, Florida. Elisa lives in Tampa, Florida, with her husband, Shawn, and children Alex, Brandon, Christina, and Dvena. Claudia (Brogan) Lewis ’99 graduated from Ashland University in 2008 with a master’s degree in education. Shawn Campbell ’99, M.D., is in his second residency in anesthesiology at Tufts University. He also is a graduate of Wright State University School of Medicine. He is married to Maranda and the couple has two daughters, Arilyn and Addison. The family lives in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Jack Radcliffe ’89, Ph.D., was appointed adjunct professor of Christian education at Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tennessee.
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Alumni News
2000s Terri S. Bate ’01 (MCMP 134) is the director of funds development for the missions of the Presbyterian Church, USA. Jennifer (Roth) Borras ’01 is teaching eighthgrade science at Rockvale Middle School and coaching tennis. She has taught for seven years. She lives with her husband, Ethan, and her daughter, Reagan, near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Monica Schmucker ’01 received an MSN from the University of North Carolina in May 2008. She is a family nurse practitioner at a community health center in Prospect Hill, North Carolina. Lori Stokes ’01 was named to ystark’s list of 20 under 40. Read The Repository article online at: www.cantonrep.com/archive/x1465807613/. Lori works for the City of Canton and is married to Ron Stokes ’99. Doug ’01 and Amanda (Soladine) MacClements ’03 moved to Westerville, where Doug took a job with Quest Communications as a wireless fraud investigator. Amanda is the volleyball coach at Westerville South. The couple has a daughter, Adison. Kelly Agler ’03 is studying for a master’s degree in archeology of the Near East, Egypt, and India at the University of Durham in Durham, England. She also has a master of divinity degree. Aleta (Morgan) Jones ’03 is the station manager for WTHU 1450 AM in Thurmont, Maryland. Aleta and her husband, Richard Jones ’03 live in Walkersville, Maryland. Lonette Clinkscale Baity ’04 is the events manager at the Pregnancy Support Center of Stark County. She is married to Stephan, and the couple lives in Akron. Christina (Main) Collins ’04 earned a master of arts in elementary education from The University of Akron in December. Tiffany French ’04 is the marketing communications associate for The Pilgrim Press, a theological publishing company operated by The United Church of Christ. She is working on a master’s in communications from Spring Arbor University and expects to graduate in 2010, upon completion of her thesis about the role of new media in the success of the Twilight saga. She was a student contributor/reviewer for the book Understanding Evangelical Media: The Changing Face of Christian Communication by Quentin J. Schultze and Robert Woods, which was released in 2008 by InterVarsity Press. She lives in Cuyahoga Falls.
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Kristen S. (Heffron) Moore ’04 was hired by the law firm of Day Ketterer Ltd. Kristen graduated cum laude from The University of Akron School of Law with a certificate in litigation. Prior to joining Day Ketterer as a summer associate in 2007, Moore worked as a law clerk at Scanlon & Gearinger Co., L.P.A. While in law school, Moore was a member of The University of Akron’s prestigious, nationally ranked trial team. She competed in teams at the Buffalo-Niagara Invitational Tournament, the National Trial Competition, and placed second in the nation at the 2007 National Institute of Trial Advocacy’s Tournament of Champions. Active in the community, Moore serves as co-director of Kingdom House Ministries, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the mentorship of high-school and college-age youth. She recently accepted a position to serve on the board of directors for Second Chance Ministries. She is a legal advisor for the McKinley High School Mock Trial Team, and is a member of the Ohio and Stark County Bar Associations, and the Ohio Association for Civil Trial Attorneys. She and her husband, Tim Moore ’04, live in Canton. Jay Audino ’05 graduated from Campbell Law School in May 2008, where he also received an MBA. He works as an attorney in Greenville, North Carolina. He is married to Kari (Pitzer) Audino ‘05, who works as a grade 3–5 remediation teacher for Pitt County Schools in Greenville. Matt Genet ’05 was named “Employee of the Month” at Barberton Hospital in March 2008, then was selected as “Employee of the Year” in December, the youngest-ever recipient. One of his prizes was a special parking space, which he auctioned off, donating the money to the nursing scholarship committee at the hospital’s Tuscora Park Foundation that had given him several scholarships during his time at Malone. David (Groppi) Ivy ’05 is the children’s and youth director of Polaris Christian Church in Brunswick, and is interning with the church to become a pastor. Jaclyn (Schaefer) Ivy ’05 works for Digestive Disease Consultants in Medina, where she works with a team of four doctors at the outpatient endoscopy center. The couple lives in Broadview Heights. Emily (Pifer) Hess ’05 is visiting assistant professor at Ashland University in the history and political science department. She is also working on a Ph.D. in American history at Case Western Reserve University.
Jessica Nevergall ’05 graduated with a master’s degree in social work administration from The Ohio State University in June 2008. As part of her program, she completed an internship with Lima City Schools, Opportunities for Parenting Teens Center, where she was hired as a job developer. Through this position she is able to utilize her social work and administration background by assisting teenage parents to identify their career goals. She is also an active member of the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Task Force for Allen County. Garrick C. Di Salvo ’06 is director of the Rittman Recreation Center, along with Rebecca (Beery) Bowlby ’02, who runs youth programs; and Julia Wade ’08, who teaches adult fitness and cycling. Gary Heller ’06 passed the NCLEX exam and is a registered nurse in the emergency department at Aultman Hospital. David McGrath ’06 (MMP 201) is pastor of Living Hope United Methodist Church in Norton. Sandy Moeglin ’06 (MMP 194) was hired as a treasurer in Marlington Local Schools. John Regas ’06 graduated from Ohio University earning an MBA and a master’s degree in sports administration. He and his wife now live in Gainesville, Florida, where John is an administrator for the University of Florida Gators Athletic Association. Morgan Wagner ’06 is studying for a master’s degree in communication studies at Kent State University, where she also serves as a teaching assistant. She lives in Canton. Dan Ziegler ’06 works in government relations at The Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C. His responsibilities focus on building relationships with members of Congress and working on issues such as foreign and domestic policy, energy, international trade, immigration, and homeland security. Erin Brown ’07 directed a music video for the song “Courage Is” by the band The Strange Familiar which was featured on promotionals for the ABC Family show The Secret Life of the American Teenager. The commercial is viewable online on ABC Family’s website and on The Strange Familiar’s website and myspace page. The music video for “Courage Is” will be on the website soon. She also edited two music videos for a new artist that Universal Record Label signed, Bo Benton. The videos are titled “Queen of the Night,” and “I Know You Want It” and will be released in September.
Alumni News
Carrie Cole ’07 is an elementary school counselor in Rockwood, Tennessee. Elizabeth DeBellis ’07 had a quilt titled, “Self Portrait” accepted into the 2009 Quilt National Exhibit, a biennial, international juried exhibition that takes place in Athens (Ohio). Liz’s quilt is made of fabric that she printed using an original collograph plate. It is embellished with zippers and other found objects that serve as the metaphor for her self-portrait. Her work will be on display in Athens through September 7. Emily Farls ’07 is in her second year of working toward a master’s degree in school psychology at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. She helps coach the women’s tennis team. She lives in Wilmington, Delaware. Rick Palmer ’07 was named banking office manager for Huntington National Bank’s Girard office. Emily Sargeant ’07 is a Title I reading and math teacher for grades 1 and 4 at Frazer Elementary School in the Plain Local school district. Jake Thomas ’07 is a page at Paramount Studios, where he gives tours of the lot and serves as a production assistant for Doctor Phil and The Doctors. He also has performed “extra” work on television shows Desperate Housewives, Monk, Journeyman, Life, Samantha Who?, Bones, Brothers & Sisters, and 24; and movies Hancock and Bedtime Stories. He also does freelance video editing work.
this&that Welcome Class of 2009! Congratulations and welcome to the Class of 2009. You join the ranks of more than 17,000 Malone University alumni. As an alum, you are eligible to participate in alumni events, reunions and activities. Be sure to keep in touch and send us news about your careers, weddings, families, post graduate degrees and awards. Malone will always be your home, so please come back often. Call us at 330.588.ALUM for more information about the Malone Alumni Association.
Alumni Events Football Alumni Day September 12, Fawcett Stadium Football alumni are invited for lunch at the stadium and will be recognized on the field at halftime of the Malone Pioneers vs. St. Ambrose (IA) Bees game at 2 p.m. H Homecoming 2009 O October 9–10 R Reunions for classes ending in ’4 and ’9 and m many other alumni groups including Aviso staff; Student Senate; men’s tennis; baseball; nursing; social work; WMAL; soccer; history, philosophy, and social sciences; communication arts; Chorale; Women’s Concert Choir; cheerleaders; and marching band.
Ruth Lang ’08 is a business reporter for the Alliance Review.
Fes Festivities: Fine Arts Gala, Alumni Awards Banquet John Geib Seminar, Seminar BBQ in the Quad (with inflatables and many familyquet, friendly activities), Pioneer soccer and football games, Homecoming Court presentation, Hal and Barb Smith Celebration Banquet, and more. Watch your mailbox for the 2009 Homecoming brochure with all the details! Volleyball Alumni Night October 24, Osborne Hall All volleyball alumni are invited to return for the tri-match versus College of Wooster and Mount Vernon Nazarene University. We will be recognizing the members of the 2001 team whose 41-8 record tied for most wins in a season. Online Alumni Community Search for friends and classmates! www.alumni.malone.edu Search for friends and classmates, make new connections and update your contact information in our secure online community at www.alumni.malone.edu. This site is for Malone alumni only. Your information will not be accessible to everyone on the web.
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Alumni News
uture ioneers A son, Kevin Louis, to Neal ’91 and Melissa (Powell) Miller ’93 on June 3, 2008. He joins a brother, Owen, and a sister, Grace. Melissa teaches first grade at Buckeye Local Schools in Medina; Neal is an accountant for Ebner Furnaces, Inc., in Wadsworth. The family lives in Medina. A son, Benjamin Micah, to Scott “Moby” ’92 and Shannon (Harris) Dick ’94 on May 22, 2008. He joins a sister, Katey, and brothers Caleb and Aaron. The family lives in Massillon. A daughter, Kendall Joy, to Scott and Jan (Dorsey) Schaefer ’94, on November 29, 2007.
A son, Luke, to Mark ’97 and Marcie (Denny) Curry ’98 on July 22, 2008. He joins a sister, Anna.
A daughter, Lydia Magdalen, to Elizabeth and Keith Frase ’97 on January 4, 2008. The family lives in the Columbus area.
A daughter, Chloe Elizabeth, to Steve ’95 and Amhee (Hatfield) Heim ’97, ’01 on January 16, 2009. She joins brothers Connor and Kyle.
A son, David Edward, to Phillip and Shannon (Bobbs) Gillespie ’97 on J 15, 2008. The family lives July in Massillon.
A daughter, Ryleigh Grace Pruett, to Julie Steele-Pruett and Chris Pruett ’95 on October 25, 2008. The family lives in Playa Vista, California. Chris is the branch manager for Bank of America in Pacific Palisades.
A son, Coleson Ryan, to Jason ’99 and Nicole (Gray) Myers x97 on May 27, 2008. Jason is head chef at the Perfect Plate Catering Company; Nicole does medical billing from home. The family lives in Delaware. Proud grandmother is Janet Myers, the director of the student work program at Malone University.
A son, Brodie, to Krisi and Chris Gertz ’96. He joins sisters Mia and Paige. Chris works for Hummel Agency and has earned RHU, REBC, and GBA designations. A son, Caleb, to Eric and Deanna (Reynolds) Hamilton ’96 on September 18, 2008. He joins sisters Keturah and Ella. The family lives in Leetonia.
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A son, Liam Jason, to Jason ’96 and Amy (Messner) Saragian ’97 on October 25, 2008. Jason works for Owens Corning in Toledo as the media spokesperson for public relations. Amy works for Maumee Valley Country Day School in Toledo as the director of special events and publications. The family lives in Perrysburg.
A son, Samuel Kenneth, to Ken and Kristie (Radcliffe) Sigler ’97 on August 16, 2008. He joins a brother, Gabriel. The family lives in Asheville, North Carolina.
Alumni News
A son, Justin Michael, to Michael ’97, ’01 and Julie (Gingerich) Sopczak ’01 on July 12, 2008. He joins sisters Amber Monet and Morgan Grace. The family lives in North Canton. Twin sons, Jackson and Jaydon, to Matt ’97 and J Julie (Harrison) Varner ’97 on June 12, 2008. They join a brother, Jonathan. Matt teaches physical education at Dover High School and coaches middle school cross country. A daughter, Elizabeth Ruth, to Kevin and Melinda (Harper) Board ’98 on February 24, 2009. She joins a brother, Elijah. Elizabeth is also welcomed into the family by Malone alumnae, Grandmother Shirley (Gartrell) Harper ’67 and Aunt Melissa (Harper) Zifzal ’96. The family lives in Columbus. A daughter, Addison Joy, to Derek and Catherine (Elpiner) Marx ’98 on August 5, 2008. Addison joins a brother, Braden. The family lives in Louisville. A son, Walker Thomas, to Jim J and Emily (Johnson) Halsey ’98 on March 17, 2008. He joins a brother, Wyatt James. A daughter, Holly Goodman, to Liz and Chad Merritt ’98 on December 18, 2008. She joins two siblings. The family lives in Perry Township. A son, Clark Isaiah, to Eric and Rachel (Greegor) Quillin ’98 on December 27, 2007. He joins siblings Spencer, Moriah, Garrett, and Allison. Rachel is a freelance writer, and the family lives in Stonecreek.
A son, Elliott Michael, to Michael ’98 and Cindy (Harris) Sleasman ’98 on August 9, 2008.
A daughter, Elliana Joy, to J Jefferson and Lisa (Bell) Ellis ’99 on September 2, 2008. She joins a brother, Zechariah, and a sister, Lucy. A daughter, Ashley Marie, to Rich and Shari (Cox) Hansen ’99 on January 19, 2009. She joins sisters Megan and Mia. A daughter, Madeleine Lily, to Kate and Joshua Harris ’99 on September 26, 2007. They own In The Round Design Group based in Canton. A son, Henry Walter, to Mark and Amy (Miller) Schlabach ’99 on August 13, 2008. He joins siblings William and Grace. The family lives in Berlin. A son, Owen James, to Jeff and Katie Kreitzer ’00 on May 25, 2008. He joins a sister, Aubrey Rose. Katie is the character coach for Canton Local Schools. The family lives in Canton. Twin sons, Jonathan Alan II, and Andersen James Arthur, to Jon ’00 and Angela (Scarpino) Swaino ’01, ’08 on August 10, 2008. They join a sister, Otoria Alyse. A daughter, Allison Sidney, to Matthew ’01 and Jennifer (Baker) Wolford ’01 on November 6, 2008. She joins siblings Isabella and Bo. Matthew works for WC Buildings in Newark; Jennifer teaches a multihandicapped class in Loudonville.
A son, Camden Gabriel to Andrew and Elizabeth Bojie ’01 on December 16, 2008. He joins siblings Morgan, JJared, and Elena. A son, Carter Scott, to Scott ’01 and Paula (Holmes) Calhoun ’01 on September 19, 2008. Scott is the junior high youth pastor at The Chapel in North Canton; Paula works in the Malone Admissions Office. The family lives in North Canton. A son, Justus James, to Rachel and Jared Detter ’01 on November 23, 2008.
A daughter, Elianna Grace, to David ’01 and Anna (Hughes) Rashley ’01on January 15, 2008. She joins brothers Joshua and Caleb. The family lives in Fredericktown. A son, Reid Aaron, to Justin ’02 and Tiffany (Roth) Jeffers ’01 on August 9, 2008. He joins a sister, Olivia. The family lives in Elk Grove, California. A son, Miles Gabriel, to Derek ’01 and Sarah (Myers) Nottingham ’01 on February 4, 2008. Derek is an accountant with Canton City Auditors; Sarah is a high school English teacher. The couple lives in Canton. A daughter, Kihanna Eslyn, to Troy and Jilliane (Wolfe) Mellanson ’01 on October 15, 2008.
A daughter, Cecily Rose, to Geoff and Meghan (Cale) Benedict ’02 on February 1, 2008. Meghan graduated from Loyola University in Chicago with an MA in Modern European History and a minor in East Asian Studies in December 2006. Continued on page 36.
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Alumni News
A daughter, Alexandria Marie, to Joe and Allison (Biery) Toren ’02 on December 5, 2008. Allison is an academic advisor in the Office of Student Services at Indiana Wesleyan University. A daughter, Jocilene Alexis, to Jim and Geri Lynn (Stockman) Cummings ’03 on January 31, 2008. Geri Lynn is in her fourth year of teaching secondary mathematics in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. A daughter, Morgan Taylor, to Paul and Amanda (Vance) Dale ’03 on September 1, 2008. Amanda is teaching third grade at Schreiber Elementary for Canton City schools. She also graduated from Ashland University in 2007 with a master of education degree in curriculum and instruction as a teacher leader. She has taught for Canton City for six years and is part of the district’s Growing Outstanding Leaders Daily (GOLD) program. She lives in Louisville. A daughter, Hannah Grace, to Chris ’03 and Cassie (McFarland) Reed ’03 on February 3, 2008. She joins a brother, Elijah David. Cassie works at River View Surgery Center in Lancaster as a registered nurse; Chris works at Lancaster Community Church. A daughter, Elizabeth Abigail, to Shawn and Stephany (Jenkins) Fanning ’03 on July 24, 2008. Stephany works in Washington, D.C. with federal air marshals after serving four years of active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a military police officer. A daughter, Madelyn Sue, to Jeff ’03 and Amy (Stiles) Jackson ’04 on December 8, 2008. She joins a sister, Elizabeth Grace. The family lives in Perry Township.
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A daughter, Gavyn Isabel, to Greg ’03 and Allie (McCarthy) Kozick ’03 on July 24, 2008. She joins a brother, Gage. Greg works as a systems support specialist at the Akron Summit County Public Library. Allie is director of social services for Hickory Ridge Nursing & Rehab. The family lives in Cuyahoga Falls. A son, Josiah Nathan to Shannon and Nathan Clifton ’04 on December 23, 2008. The family lives in La Habra, California. A daughter, Mia Rose, to David ’04 and Sara (Price) Renard ’03, on April 26, 2008. A son, Elijah Cole, to Kevin ’04 and Kari (Hill) Williams ’05 on July 26, 2008. Kevin is director of multicultural recruitment and athletic coordinator for Malone University’s Admissions Department. Kari works at Canton Montessori School. A son, Brady Patrick, to Stephen and Jennifer (Marlatt) McGraw ’06 on August 4, 2008. He joins a sister, Alyvia. A daughter, Riley Jane, to Ben and Megan (Turner) Eckstein ’07 on August 29, 2008. Megan works for Springfield City Schools. The family lives in Springfield. A son, Caden Michael, to Josh and Jen (Kurzen) Shimko ’07 on May 13, 2008. The family lives at Edwards Air Force Base in Edwards, California.
Homegoings Mary Adelle (Davis) Carpenter ’43 on November 21, 2008, after an eight-year-battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. After graduating from Cleveland Bible College, Mary taught at the McCurdy Mission School in Espanola, New Mexico. Raymond Eugene Huey ’52, Ed.D., on October 8, 2008, in Avon Park. His wife, Rhea x54, survives. After receiving a Th.B. from Cleveland Bible College, Raymond served in Japan for three years with the Oriental Missionary Society International in an Every Creature Crusade. He served in the United Sates Army during the Korean War. He earned degrees in English and history at Indiana Wesleyan University (B.S.); and English education (M.A., Ed.D.). During his teaching career he was employed by Shipshewana-Scott Schools, Taylor University, and Ball State University (Indiana); and Warner Southern University and Webber International University (Florida). Raymond was a member of Indiana State Teachers Association, The National Education Association, Phi Beta Kappa, The Asian and Japanese Societies of N.Y. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Winter Haven, Florida. John C. Bergert ’68 on February 17. He also graduated from The University of Akron. John served in the Ohio National Guard. He retired from Canton Local Schools in 1998 after 30 years as an educator. He was an active member of First United Church of Christ. Survivors include many Malone alumni, including his wife of 34 years, Margaret (Williams) x71, daughter, Megan Bergert ’01, and in-laws, John ’43 and Gerry (Osborne) Williams ’42. Cheryl A. Servant ’70 on December 1, 2008; her husband, John S. Servant ’70 died July 4, 2006. Cheryl was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in State College. Survivors include a son and daughter. Jeffrey Bennett ’80 on March 1, of Zoar, following a courageous battle with cancer. He also received a master’s degree in education from The University of Akron in 1984. He taught school for 29 years in the Brown Local school system. Jeff was a member of the Zoar United Church of Christ and a trustee of the Zoar Community Association; a member of the H.O.G. “Harley” Club; member of the Rivers, Roads, and Rails Coalition from Cleveland State University, Cleveland, Ohio; and a member of the Augusta Masonic Lodge #504. Survivors include his wife, Tamara, and two sons.
Alumni News
Alumni Spotlight: Kelly Vrooman ’04 Malone audiences may remember laughing to the onstage antics of Kelly Vrooman ’04. Kelly was actively involved in music and theatre throughout her college years, serving as president of the honor society, Alpha Psi Omega; as a founding member of the sketch comedy group, Yellow Light Runners; and as a member of both the Chorale and Chancel Players. Kelly is now host of The Sunny Side Up Show on Sprout, the first 24-hour preschool destination available on TV, aimed at children ages 2–5 and their parents and caregivers. Airing every weekday from 9 a.m.–noon ET, The Sunny Side Up Show is television’s only live program for preschoolers. Along with her sidekick puppet, Chica the chicken, Kelly interacts live on-air and online with preschoolers and their families across the country, as she shares daily birthday greetings, viewer-submitted crafts, fun facts, and weekly themes ranging from colors, numbers, and letters to manners, gardening, and pets. While a student at Malone, she also participated in the Council for Christian Colleges and University’s Los Angeles Film Studies Program. Over the last several years, Kelly has enjoyed a successful theatre and commercial career with leading roles in plays such as Romeo and Juliet and Fiddler on the Roof, and appearances in commercials for top brands like Comcast and Penske. She is also a member of the award-winning improvisational comedy troupe, Comedy Sportz.
Admittedly, Kelly was not sure exactly what she wanted to do when she began her college experience. “I jumped right in to as many organizations as I could, learning along the way about multitasking and time management,” she says. “Now, as an actor/artist, I may have a number of projects happening at once and these skills are essential.” She continues, “My life is often in transition but the people I met at Malone have remained a constant source of encouragement.” Malone University runs in Kelly’s family. Dad Ron attended, as did Mom Kathy, a 1977 graduate. Aunts Rita Vrooman ’75 and Connie Zehner ’74, as well as two brothers, Ryan ’08 and Rob ’08, have all shared the experience. “Truth is,” says Kelly, “everyday I’m influenced and helped by my experience at Malone. I’m constantly trying to make decisions that are good and true to what I believe. Malone helped shape my belief system and who I am more than any other single period of my life. Fortunately the professors, mentors, and friends I had at Malone were kind enough and patient enough to really care about my place as an individual on a journey.” Kelly lives in Philadelphia; in her “spare time,” she enjoys painting, dance, storytelling, and music.
Malone Magazine | Summer 2009 {37}
Alumni News
weddings Sharon Berry ‘96 and Paul D. Nagel on September 27, 2008. Sharon is an instructional systems designer in the E-Learning Division of SBI Technologies. The couple lives in Oak Hill, Virginia. Michael Ontko ’99 and Chandra L. Forshey ’01 on September 6, 2008. Michael is a systems engineer for Kinetic Networking in Caldwell. Chandra has her own law practice in Cambridge. The couple lives in Caldwell. Alisa Baumgardner ’00 and Scott Rochford on July 12, 2008. Alisa is a teacher. The couple lives in Mebane, North Carolina. Janis Bowdler ’00 and JJoseph Perez on October 12, 2008. Janis works for the National Council of La Raza, a Hispanic civil rights organization. The couple recently moved to southern California. Erin Nicholson ’00 and William Anthony on October 17, 2008. Erin is employed as an SSA for the Columbiana County MRDD. The couple lives in East Liverpool.
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Joshua Keller ’02 and Laura Burky ’03 on June 25, 2005. Josh works at Office Max in Jackson Township and Laura is a kindergarten teacher with Perry Local Schools. The couple lives in Canton. Elizabeth Youngman ’02 and Jason Tentler on November 1, 2008. Matt Carmany ’04 and Laura Wenger ’06 on September 6, 2008. The couple lives in Girdwood, Alaska. Tonya Lesh ’05 and Donnie Rosie on August 17, 2008. The couple is on staff at Miracle Mountain Ranch, a summer camp and retreat center in Spring Creek, Pennsylvania. Kimber Merrill ’05 and Nicholas Gorham. The couple lives in Akron.
Adam Clark ’06 and Ashley Nobles ’08 on June 7, 2008. Adam is an assistant store manager; Ashley teaches first grade for Wake County public schools. The couple lives in Cary, North Carolina.
Alumni News
Alumni Executive Board President Raymond J. Paquin ’05 President-Elect Victor W. Valli ’74
Lyndsey Ross ’06 and Daniel Begue on November 8, 2008.
Jessica Cory ’07 and Brian Horner on December 20, 2008. Jessica works at HOPE Academy in downtown Canton.
Charity Groves ’07 and Michael Robertshaw on July 19, 2008. Charity works for the Columbiana County Headstart program. The couple lives in Boardman. Chad Nicoletti ’07 and Meredith Valko ’07 on October 12, 2008. Chad is a senior credit analyst for Bank of America; Meredith is a graphic designer for Lake Metroparks. The couple lives in Painesville. Lena Bishop ‘08 and Jason Kompara on August 9, 2008.
Bethany Seyman ’08 and Thomas Solich on July 12, 2008. Bethany is a substitute teacher. The couple lives in Boardman. Carley Anne Williams ’08 and Jeffrey Barnes ’09 on June 7, 2008. Carley is a teacher at Jackson High School; Jeff is finishing his math degree. The couple lives in Canton.
Past President Tammy Miller ’91 Secretary Raeann R. Sanor ’95 Trustee Earl H. Bailey, D. Min. ’66 Members-at-Large Deron M. Boring ’01 Sheila D. Grate ’91 Rosalie F. Gregg ’69 Jeffrey J. Guilliams ’98 J. Robert Huffman ’64 Nichole C. Kelsey ’01 Lois A. McPherson ’56 Jane M. Miller ’97 A. Elizabeth Neuenschwander ’99 Keith A. Redmon ’88 Edward D. Roshong ’86 Rhesa M. Toth ’83 Robert E. Travis ’07 Jason D. Yost ’99 Tawney L. Cowen-Zaneders ’97
Young Alumni Council Officers President A. Elizabeth Neuenschwander ’99 President-Elect Ryan L. Barkan ’01 Past-President Rachel Krabill ’00 Secretary Charlann M. Glenn ’04
Malone Magazine | Summer 2009 {39}
Athletics
Athletics Update Baseball The Malone baseball team put together an excellent campaign this spring as the squad compiled a 47-16 overall record, marking the highest single-season win total in the program’s history. The team’s list of accomplishments included capturing the American Mideast Conference (AMC) regular-season championship and the AMC postseason tournament title in addition to earning a berth in the opening round of the NAIA National Championship. In addition, Adam Boudler, Scott McIlvain, and coach Tom Crank were named the AMC Pitcher, Player, and Coach of the Year, respectively. The squad recently concluded its season by claiming a runner-up finish at the ten-team NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) National Tournament which was held May 20–23 in Mason, Ohio.
squad captured the NCCAA AA national title and the AMC team championship onship this spring while the men’s team finished hed as runners-up at both the NCCAA national nal meet and the AMC meet.
Men’s Golf The Malone men’s golf team posted an impressive sixth-place finish ish at the recent NAIA National Championships onships in Silvis, Illinois, May 19–22. The Pioneers captured their sixth straight AMC title (and 22nd overall) to earn the automatic matic berth to the NAIA national event. Sophomore ophomore Justin Lower and junior Ben Smith, ith, who finished third overall at NAIA nationals, onals, both earned First Team All-America honors nors while junior Michael Strayer was named d Third Team AllAmerican.
Men’s & Women’s Track & Field Softball The Malone men’s track & field team, led by first-year coach Mark McClure, earned a sixth-place finish, its highest in recent years, at the NAIA Outdoor National Championships in Edwardsville, Illinois, May 21–23 while the women’s squad finished 25th. The men earned seven All-America honors at the meet including an individual national title in the 3,000-meter steeplechase by sophomore Aaron Melhorn, his second straight outdoor national title in the event. For the women, the 4x800meter relay team earned All-America status by finishing second. In addition, the women’s
The Malone softball team m completed its 2009 season with a 13-21 21 overall record and a 9-11 mark in the AMC. MC. Rightfielder Kristen Atzenhoefer turned d in an incredible freshman campaign for thee Pioneers as she was named an NAIA Second nd Team AllAmerican. Atzenhoefer, who ho also received several other postseason accolades, colades, is the first Malone softball player to garner NAIA All-America recognition tion in the 18-year history of the program. ram.
Record Breaker! Aaron Melhorn (right) raced to his second NAIA outdoor 3,000-meter steeplechase championship. Earlier in the season, he set a school record with a phenomenal time of 8:39.74 which, at the time, me, was the third-fastest time by any American athlete this year. {40} Malone Magazine | Summer 2009
Athletics Update
Men’s Tennis The Pioneer men’s tennis team, led by firstyear head coach Steve Moroney, posted a 6-9 overall record for the 2009 spring season and a 3-3 mark in the AMC, narrowly missing out on the three-team postseason tournament by just one match. The squad lost five of its nine matches this year by the slimmest of margins at 5-4 including three of the final five matches of the season. Sophomore David Cairns earned All-AMC honors in both singles and doubles while senior Kyle Bo Bowers was named All-AMC in doubles. St Up-to-date! Stay For schedules and Fo current stats, visit cu www.malone.edu/athletics. ww
Ashton Avery takes the baton. Avery helped lead the 4x800-meter relay team to a second-place finish at the NAIA Outdoor National Championships. photos by Andy Smith
Player of the Year: Scott McIlvain makes a play. McIlvain was named AMC Player of the Year as he led the Pioneers to the AMC’s regular season and tournament championships. Malone Magazine | Summer 2009 {41}
Athletics Update
Women’s Golf The women’s golf team competed in seven matches, including the AMC Championships in April. Although the Pioneers were unable to defend their AMC team title, the squad finished a respectable third among a seven-team field. Malone’s best finish this season was a runner-up finish at the Westminster (PA) College Invitational.
Women’s Tennis
Lining up his shot: Justin Lower concentrates on his putt. Lower and teammate Ben Smith earned First Team All-America honors at the NAIA National Championships, leading the Pioneers to an impressive sixth-place team finish.
the team won the program’s first-ever CCAC (Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference) tournament championship, finishing with an 18-15 record. Walker was named the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s NAIA Div. II Coach of the Year for his efforts.
Tim Walker named men’s basketball coach Malone University has tapped Tim Walker as the new head men’s basketball coach. Tim comes to Malone from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Illinois. He replaces interim head coach Henry Cobb, who filled in for longtime head coach Hal Smith for the 2008–09 season. Walker, 32, recently completed his seventh season as head coach at Trinity Christian, which is located about 20 miles southwest of Chicago. In 2004–05, he led the Trolls to their first NAIA national tournament appearance as
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Then, in 2007–08, Trinity posted a record of 23-13 which was only the second 20win season in the 36-year history of the program. The team finished fifth in the NCCAA national tournament. Last season, Walker directed his squad to a second-straight 20-win season at 23-9. After earning a regular-season cochampionship in the CCAC, the first in the program’s history, Trinity earned another appearance in the NAIA Div. II national tournament and lost a first-round contest to eventual quarterfinalist Indiana Wesleyan University 67-61. Walker’s overall record at Trinity was 111-107. Walker graduated from Cedarville University in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He earned a master’s of sports science in coaching at the United States
Although the Malone women’s tennis team finished with an overall record of 3-13, and a 2-4 mark in the AMC, the squad finished strong by winning three of its last four matches, including a 5-4 victory over AMC postseason qualifier University of Northwestern Ohio. In addition, Malone #1 singles player Alanna Phillips, a freshman, was named to the All-AMC Team in singles.
Sports Academy (AL) in 2001. Before going to Trinity, he served as an assistant coach at Calvin College (MI) and Cedarville University. “My wife and I are very excited about joining the Malone University community and leading the men’s basketball program,” commented Walker. “We were very impressed with the people that we met during our campus visit and we look forward to building on the tradition that Coach Smith and others have helped to build at Malone. We are also very excited to move back to Ohio. We feel very blessed to have spent the last seven years at Trinity, but we are also very excited about what the future holds at Malone. We are looking forward to getting to campus and beginning our work as soon as possible.” Walker was also an assistant professor in the Physical Education Department at Trinity. He and his wife Alison have three children, Emily, Grant, and T.J.
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