THE PRESIDENT’S STATE OF THE COLLEGE ADDRESS
ADRIAN COLLEGE 2016
“Small details spark big ideas. They’re not just my ideas; they’re our ideas to create a wonderful place.” - President Jeffrey R. Docking
REFLECTION FROM PEELLE HALL WATER FEATURE
Letter from the President of Adrian College
JEFFREY R. DOCKING, Ph.D. /// PRESIDENT, ADRIAN COLLEGE
The State of the College is an invitation - an invitation to which all are welcome to share in recent achievements, imagine new horizons and create a vision for our future. Over the last 11 years, we’ve learned that attending to the smallest details and embracing large ideas inspires creativity, engagement and opportunity. We have worked together to realize a remarkable transformation on our campus, but are not content nor satisfied. There is much more to be accomplished. Here, you will read about some of our latest efforts. Some culminate in feats as large as a medical clinic, while others have a scope as small and as personal as the human heart. When taken together, the impact they have upon the lives of our students is beyond measure.
“THE THING I LIKE BEST ABOUT THIS EVENT IS THAT IT IS OUR STORY… EVEN THOUGH IT IS CALLED THE PRESIDENT’S STATE OF THE COLLEGE, IT IS OUR STORY TOGETHER…DOING EVERYTHING WE CAN AS A COMMUNITY TO MAKE THIS COLLEGE GREAT.”
My sincere thank you to our faculty, staff, trustees, students, alumni, and friends for sharing your ideas and joining me in these endeavors. Be they large or small, your contributions are essential to the prosperity of Adrian College.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey R. Docking, Ph.D.
STAT E O F T H E CO L L E G E
2016
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Letter from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees
PATRICK FARVER
/// CHAIRMAN, ADRIAN COLLEGE, BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Dear Friends, Ten years have passed since I first became a member of Adrian College’s Board of Trustees. Through this decade of experience, I have witnessed this institution’s tremendous capacity for growth. My fellow trustees and I are honored to take part in the realization of this potential. For the purpose of bettering our College community, we offer a stream of innovative ideas and nurture discourse to serve our students. While we have played a hand in the forward progress of this institution, the credit truly belongs to our “boots on the ground”—that is, the students, faculty, and staff of the College. It is only through their involvement that new mentorships, scholarships, and partnerships come about.
“YOUR SUPPORT IS THE CORNERSTONE THAT WILL FOCUS IN ON SMALL DETAILS AND GIVE RISE TO BIG IDEAS.”
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The Board of Trustees thanks the Adrian College community for backing its institutional endeavors. Your support is the cornerstone that will focus in on small details and give rise to big ideas. Sincerely,
Patrick D. Farver
LARGE
NO DETAIL TOO SMALL no idea too
STATE OF THE COLLEGE ADDRESS Friday | April 8, 2016 | 12:15 pm ADRIAN TOBIAS ROOM Dr. Jeffrey Docking - President Jim Mahony ‘00 - Vice President for Development, Emcee
PRESENTATIONS
PRESIDENT JEFFREY DOCKING HAS TRADITIONALLY INVITED FACULTY, STAFF, STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO JOIN HIM IN DELIVERING THE STATE OF THE COLLEGE ADDRESS. THIS YEAR, THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER TO REVIEW “NO DETAIL TOO SMALL ~ NO IDEA TOO LARGE.”
A New Look at Fashion Merchandising Jill Ouellette ’89 - Faculty Katrina Callus, Julia Samuelson, Kelvin Tye - Student Models TEAM USA Synchronized Skating Ashley Carlson - Coach Tricia DeFelice - Student Conrail Adrian Partnership Kory Johnson - Conrail • Ellyn Stanton - Student Medical Clinic Dr. Tina Claiborne - Faculty Joe Emens - Adrian Steel Dr. Julie Yaroch - ProMedica Scholarships Making an IMPACT Jazmine Brown and Michael Blumenthal - Students Chicago’s Catalyst Maria School Joe Van Geison ‘12 - Assistant Director for Admissions Angee Peralta - Catalyst Maria Student (video) Summer Research Dr. Jeff Lake - Faculty Olivia Herrera - Student 2016 Creativity Award Dr. Jennifer Ellsworth - Director of Institute for Creativity Segways Troy Schmidli ‘02 - Dean of Student Affairs Jane Schlievert, Sydnee Hubbard, and Erik Bruhjell - Students Trustee Mentoring Program Andrea Burt ‘02 - Executive Assistant to President Kathryn Mohr ‘84 - Trustee Hope Hornish - Student Closing Story – Saving Lives Jamie Fetter - Head Athletic Trainer (video) Krista Kennedy - Parent Clarence Kennedy - Student
“Welcome to all of our guests today for this, our 11th annual address,” Docking began. “Today is one of my favorite days where we, as a community, share the unique success stories of the past year and the exciting changes ahead.” President Docking went on to acknowledge that many tell this story, welcoming each as part of the community. “Our title this year ‘No Detail Too Small, No Idea Too Large’ encapsulates, in a single statement, this community’s efforts over the past several years. “We know that even the tiniest details make a statement about who we are as a community: the flowers must be watered and weeded, the grass must be edged around the sidewalks and the academic buildings must be spacious and inviting. “Small details must be balanced by big ideas that attract the best students, professors and visitors to campus.” President Docking went on to note the big ideas of previous State of the College addresses that seem to separate the enrollment and momentum of Adrian as compared to other institutions similar in size. He acknowledged the addition of a new science building, the expansion to Spencer Music Hall, the construction of Arrington Ice Arena, Rush Communications Center, state-of-the-art fitness and training facilities and the addition of Institutes and graduate programs. “What makes these changes special,” Docking said, “is these have not been my ideas, these are our ideas -- all of us working together.” The president then invited the presenters to the stage to share the small details that would become big ideas over the course of the next year.
WATCH STATE OF THE COLLEGE 2015 REVIEW vimeo.com/128888113
STAT E O F T H E CO L L E G E
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A NEW LOOK AT FASHION MERCHANDISING PRESENTED BY
/// JILL OUELLETTE ’89 - Faculty KATRINA CALLUS, JULIA SAMUELSON, KELVIN TYE - Student Models This fall, the College will begin a new major that existed on campus from the early 70s through the late 90s in the Art Department, with the re-launch of Fashion Merchandising. Under the esteemed leadership of Adrian College alumna, Jill Merithew Ouellette, the program will provide an opportunity to connect the designer with the consumer in the world of fashion. While the College is not launching a fashion design program, the collaborative process of fashion merchandising brings together organizations from throughout the world.
“THIS INDUSTRY MAKES FOR A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP WITH A LIBERAL ARTS EDUCATION BECAUSE IT IS PRIME FOR YOUNG, CREATIVE, AND ENTREPRENEURIAL GRADUATES FOCUSED ON BUSINESS, CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY, CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION WITH A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE.” - Jill Merithew Ouellette
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The Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Fashion Merchandising will include the study of industry development and innovation, textiles, strategy, planning and processes, marketing, product development and retailing. Graduates with this degree will be prepared for careers as entrepreneurs, or in marketing, retailing, wholesaling, management, allocation or merchandise buying.
TEAM USA SYNCHRONIZED SKATING COMPETES IN MILAN PRESENTED BY
/// ASHLEY CARLSON - Coach TRICIA DEFELICE - Student WORLD SPRING CUP • MILAN, ITALY • PHOTO BY RANIERI PIAZZA
In recent years, Adrian College students have traveled to many places around the globe for academic and athletic purposes. When the Synchronized Skating Team received a bid to compete on behalf of TEAM USA in Milan, Italy, it was impossible to refuse the international opportunity. Following a long process and evaluation on past performance and competitions, monitoring by U.S. Skating officials, and proven readiness, the AC Synchronized Skating Team was selected to represent TEAM USA. “The experience lived up to every single expectation. The team showed not just U.S. Skating and our country, but the entire world that they were strong, were a team to be reckoned with, and they deserved to represent TEAM USA.” – Ashley Carlson
“THIS WAS THE MOST AMAZING EXPERIENCE. TO BE IN ITALY AND HEAR THE CROWD CHEER TEAM USA WAS AN AWESOME FEELING!” - Tricia DeFelice
VIDEO HIGHLIGHT
Spring Cup - Milan, Italy
To demonstrate the pageantry, beauty and elegance of the sport, the entire short program in Milan, Italy, was shared with the audience. “This was the most amazing experience. To be in Italy and hear the crowd cheer TEAM USA was an awesome feeling! It made us very proud to represent our country and Adrian College. We loved the exposure to another culture, the great food, bonding with teammates, and making international friends.” - Tricia DeFelice Upon the team’s return to the U.S., Mayor Jim Berryman awarded them an Adrian City Council proclamation for their strong showing in Italy.
VIEW ONLINE NOW
https://vimeo.com/158657912
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CONRAIL ADRIAN PARTNERSHIP PRESENTED BY
/// KORY JOHNSON - Conrail ELLYN STANTON - Student
The Adrian College Board of Trustees connects with students on numerous levels, often through unique projects and collaboration. Last fall, trustee Ron Batory ’71, president of Conrail was inspired by the student projects created through the Media Production House. He approached the College with a special project in mind: transforming the Conrail annual meeting on April 1 into a tech savvy and motivating event. Under the direction of multimedia specialist Mike Neal and Conrail Terminal Superintendent in Detroit, Kory Johnson, and with the financial support of Conrail, three students, Ellyn Stanton, Joslyn Hatfield and Joshua Smith, traveled to Philadelphia to complete the project. The result was an innovative, creative and unique program addition that provided the students with real-world opportunities.
“THIS INTERNSHIP WITH CONRAIL WAS AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE. WITH MUCH OF MY BACKGROUND IN SPORTS, BEING IN THE CORPORATE WORLD REALLY OPENED MY EYES TO A WHOLE DIFFERENT AREA.” - Ellyn Stanton
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ON-CAMPUS MEDICAL CLINIC PRESENTED BY
/// DR. TINA CLAIBORNE - Associate
Professor & Director, Athletic Training JOE EMENS - Adrian Steel DR. JULIE YAROCH - ProMedica
Dr. Tina Claiborne, faculty member and director of the Athletic Training program, had a heightened interest in elevating the quality of the College’s athletic training program following a trip in 2011 to Boston University. Claiborne understood the need for athletic training to be viewed as a health profession that works with athletes, rather than a sports profession that happens to practice medicine. She suggested that Adrian College should employ a medical model where athletic trainers answer to physicians rather than supervisors who are not medical professionals. “I shared my ‘small’ idea with President Docking and it soon became very large after our conversation. The addition of physician services could also provide a fantastic opportunity to create a campus medical center in order to enhance not only sports medicine, but to provide convenient care for students, faculty and staff.” – Dr. Tina Claiborne In spring of 2012, President Docking decided to pitch the idea of a medical director along with a campus medical clinic to the Board of Trustees and to ProMedica Health Systems. Trustee Dave Pilmore, president of Adrian Steel, strongly supported the idea to make the clinic a reality. With healthcare always at the forefront of business concerns, Pilmore envisioned a shared benefit for Adrian Steel employees and the larger community. As part of the agreement, the children of Adrian Steel employees and the employees themselves will receive a significant tuition reduction to earn a degree at Adrian College.
“I SHARED MY ‘SMALL’ IDEA WITH PRESIDENT DOCKING AND IT SOON BECAME VERY LARGE AFTER OUR CONVERSATION.” - Dr. Tina Claiborne
The College acknowledges that without the additional support of ProMedica, the project might not have come to fruition. “We are excited about the growth of ProMedica in this region and bringing essential and advanced healthcare services to our consumers. Working with Adrian College has provided a unique opportunity for us to attract physicians to this area who can provide primary care services as well as practice sports medicine.” - Dr. Julie Yaroch This collaboration will serve the community-at-large and Adrian College students, faculty and staff. Two physicians, Dr. Eric Leikert and Dr. Aron Gornowicz, have already been working on campus, in the classroom and directly with student athletes. These two physicians will work directly out of the new medical clinic. “Adrian’s caring and nurturing environment is an expectation of parents and students who choose Adrian, and is central to success. The presence of Dr. Gornowicz and Dr. Leikert will not only enhance our existing student medical care, but the education of students interested in entering medical fields,” added Claiborne. “Moreover, this collaborative endeavor with Adrian Steel and ProMedica will bring a wonderful resource to Lenawee County.”
STAT E O F T H E CO L L E G E
2016
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“The best part of this unique facility is, what I call, the exciting unknown. For generations to come creative people will develop new and innovative ways to maximize this medical clinic so students and community members can learn and receive treatment far beyond anything we can imagine today.� - President Jeffrey R. Docking
MEDICAL CLINIC GROUNDBREAKING MAY 13, 2016 STAT E O F T H E CO L L E G E 2016 9
Presentation
SCHOLARSHIPS MAKING AN IMPACT PRESENTED BY
/// JAZMINE BROWN - Student MICHAEL BLUMENTHAL - Student In December 2015, Adrian College launched the IMPACT Campaign. This ambitious initiative has a goal of raising $10 million and creating 200 new scholarships to assist our students. Even though Adrian College already provides over 1,500 students with some form of financial aid each year, totaling more than $28 million, the College remains committed to finding ways to address the growing need for scholarship support.
“ADRIAN IS MORE THAN JUST A SMALL COLLEGE CAMPUS – IT IS AN INSTITUTION THAT INFLUENCES STUDENTS’ GROWTH AND ENGAGES THEM IN LEARNING.” - Jazmine Brown
Michael Blumenthal, “My sincere thank you, on behalf of all of the students, to those who have paid it forward by providing for student scholarships.”
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Vice President for Development, Jim Mahony ’00, reports to date, the College has received commitments of over $5.2 million and created over 40 new scholarships toward the IMPACT Campaign goals. He stated, “Adrian College alumni and friends were extremely supportive of our renaissance campaigns the past decade. When we launched the IMPACT Campaign we were met with many positive comments and some tremendous commitments very early on. We have a very loyal, supportive, and caring constituency that is committed to making an Adrian College education accessible to all.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHT
Raynise Mancha ’16
“The conversations we are having with our alumni and friends and the scholarship support received shows the passion our constituency has for an Adrian College liberal arts education and the students who attend this wonderful institution.” The IMPACT Campaign is a five-year initiative and will run through the year 2020. The campaign is focusing on the creation of new endowed and contributed (annual) scholarships, as well as support to already existing scholarships. New estate commitments directed to scholarship support from our alumni and friends will also be counted toward the campaign goals.
VIEW ONLINE NOW
https://vimeo.com/145901320
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CHICAGO’S CATALYST MARIA SCHOOL PRESENTED BY
/// JOE VAN GEISON ‘12 - Assistant Director for Admissions ANGEE PERALTA - Catalyst Maria Student (video) There are many school districts throughout the country that are located in areas of high crime and poverty, among other challenges that make these schools unattractive to new teachers. Teach for America enlists recent college graduates to commit to two years to teach students K-12 in these types of neighborhoods throughout the country. A non-profit organization, Project Intersect, connects Teach for America high schools to private colleges and universities in Michigan and provides high school students with an opportunity to attend private institutions at an affordable cost. Colleges that participate in Project Intersect are required to offer at least one full-tuition scholarship a year to a student attending their high school affiliate.
“THESE STUDENTS HAD A CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE WHAT IT IS REALLY LIKE TO BE A BULLDOG.” - Joe Van Geison
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Adrian College and Project Intersect partnered with Catalyst Maria High School in the south side of Chicago to support the Teach for America program and to enroll students from underserved areas at Adrian. Last fall, assistant director for admissions, Joe Van Geison, went to Chicago to meet a group of gifted seniors who had been selected based on their grades and test scores. They asked questions and learned more about Adrian, as well as applied for admission. Not only were they all admitted, but each student in this exceptional group earned an academic scholarship. Joe remarked, “These students had a chance to experience what it was really like to be a Bulldog -- the Adrian College Bianco bus picked them up in Chicago and made its way to Michigan. The students joined our campus body in Ritchie Marketplace and WOW Wingery, got a full tour of campus, and even some recreational time in the Merillat Sport & Fitness Center.” The College announced their first full-tuition scholarship recipient, Angee Peralta, via video. Angee will be joining the incoming class of fall 2016.
SUMMER RESEARCH PRESENTED BY
/// DR. JEFF LAKE - Assistant Professor, Biology OLIVIA HERRERA - Student One of the hallmarks of a great academic program is the ability to provide collaborative research opportunities for faculty and students. The College is excited to announce a fully-funded summer research program that will take place this year with four faculty and five exemplary students. Participants were part of a competitive grant process that supports room and board for the students, as well as a stipend for both the students and faculty. An outgrowth of the Ribbons of Excellence Program, grant winners will be required to present at the annual Ribbons day next year.
FACULTY MEMBERS AND STUDENTS AT WALDEN WEST PROPERTY
“A bit over 20 years ago, I was fortunate enough to receive just such a grant to fund my research work with a biology professor at a small liberal arts college in Iowa. Without that opportunity as a student to work alongside faculty as they carried out their research, I likely would not be here today. I am fortunate to have two outstanding biology majors - Derek Gavelis and Olivia Herrera - working with me to carry out a botanical inventory – that is, an accounting of what plants occur – on Adrian College’s new Walden West Biological Preserve in the Irish Hills.” – Dr. Jeff Lake
“THIS IS EXACTLY WHY I WANT TO ATTEND ADRIAN COLLEGE INSTEAD OF A LARGE UNIVERSITY; STUDENTS HAVE THE ABILITY TO DO FOCUSED RESEARCH WITH THE PERSONAL GUIDANCE OF A FACULTY MEMBER.” - Olivia Herrera
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JORDEN YORK
“A RECORD NUMBER OF SUBMISSIONS FROM STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF SUGGESTED WAYS TO IMPROVE CAMPUS LIFE. SEVERAL OF THESE IDEAS WILL COME TO FRUITION AND REFLECT THE CREATIVE VITALITY OF THE ADRIAN COLLEGE COMMUNITY.” - Dr. Jennifer Ellsworth
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2016 CREATIVITY AWARD PRESENTED BY
/// DR. JENNIFER ELSWORTH - Director, Institute for Creativity The annual Creativity Award is a competition on campus for the best creative ideas to enhance the College in a variety of ways. The winner receives a $1,000 award and the College sets aside up to $10,000 to fund the project. Joe and Becky Wagley of the Wagley Group have supported the $1,000 for the third consecutive year. This year, with the addition of a second winner, Jim and Pam Van Doren offered to sponsor the second recipient with a $1,000 prize. The College received 128 submissions for the 5th Annual Creativity Award Competition.
CREATIVITY AWARD SUBMISSION
2016
BRUISER STATUE
• A statue of Bruiser carved from the wood of a fallen tree, or, alternatively, made of brass or stone.
THEMED MURAL
CIRCULAR FISH TANK
• A paint-by-numbers themed mural would be installed on the east wall of Shipman Library for a collaborated joint venture among students, faculty and staff. - SAM JOHNSTON - Student
- MORGAN PETRIKO - Student
• A giant bulldog statue installed near Caine or Ritchie to honor and recognize academic achievement on campus.
- VAL PALMIERI - Director, Student Orchestra • A circular fish tank would be installed in Caine Student Center where students can gather, and incorporate items from each department and club to represent them in the tank.
LIFE-SIZE RUBIK’S CUBE
FINALISTS
• A life-size, giant Rubik’s cube for the AC community to turn, relieve stress, and have fun.
- BETH HEISS - Director, Institutional Research
FLAGS OF COUNTRIES
• Add a giant American flag to the ones in the student center, and continue to add flags of countries representing all the countries where Adrian students live and call home. - KATLYN GREENAWALT - Student
THE GIVING TREE
ACADEMIC BULLDOG - JORDEN YORK - Student
THE FOUNTAIN OF GIFTS • Coins can be tossed into the fountain and extracted at the end of the year to benefit a scholarship.
- CASSANDRA RIGNEY - Student
RESTORE RIDGE
• A plan to restore the scoreboard in Caine Student Center from the former Ridge Gym into a usable clock for displaying current time. - NICOLE LAFLAMME - Student
• A live tree planted on campus to be decorated for the holidays with proceeds going to charity. - JONATHON SHIRLEY - Systems Administrator, Information Technology Services
WINNERS
Two students share this year’s Creativity Award
JORDEN YORK AND CASSANDRA RIGNEY The committee plans to combine these two ideas, resulting in an oversized, translucent bulldog “bank” that will live in Caine Student Center. It will provide a place to contribute coins or the occasional dollar, to be collected to benefit charity or a scholarship on campus.
VOTING MEMBERS
CASSANDRA RIGNEY
Matt Armentrout • Cindy Beaubien • Jennifer Compton • Dr. Tina Claiborne Rachelle Duffy • Dr. Jennifer Ellsworth • Melissa Freshcorn • Dr. Oded Gur-Arie
Ex-officio Dr. Agnes Caldwell • President Jeffrey Docking
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
STAT E O F T H E CO L L E G E
2016
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A NEW MODE OF TRANSPORTATION: SEGWAYS PRESENTED BY
/// TROY SCHMIDLI - Dean of Student Affairs JANE SCHLIEVERT - Student SYDNEE HUBBARD - Student ERIK BRUHJELL - Student When Adrian College announced the addition of Segways to campus in fall of 2015, the goal was to provide students with an option to move about campus and beyond. Following significant research, the College decided on four Segway units to be parked inside the Caine Student Center. To ride a Segway requires certification through a training process with proper safety protocols in place.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHT
Segways “I WAS SURPRISED AT THE ARRIVAL OF THIS VERY UNIQUE ADDITION TO CAMPUS…I NEVER EVEN THOUGHT ABOUT GETTING ON A SEGWAY. YOU MIGHT SEE THEM ON TELEVISION OR AT A GLANCE IN A LARGER CITY, BUT WE NOW HAVE THEM ON OUR CAMPUS!” - Jane Schlievert
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VIEW ONLINE NOW
https://vimeo.com/162544776
TRUSTEE MENTORING PROGRAM PRESENTED BY
/// ANDREA BURT ‘02 - Assistant to the President KATHRYN MOHR ‘84 - Trustee HOPE HORNISH - Student Adrian College boasts a talented and committed Board of Trustees led by Chairman Patrick Farver. The Board continues to offer their time to support not only the institution, but also its students. Andrea Burt, assistant to the President, was instrumental in the implementation of the Trustee Mentoring Program. The Trustee Mentorship Program was created to give Adrian College students yet another distinctive advantage amongst their peers. The College’s 33 dedicated trustees comprise many years of experience, professional careers and entrepreneurial vision – including accountants, attorneys, financial advisors, business owners, corporate executives, medical professionals and ministers. This unique advantage, of connecting trustees to students, would provide students with accessibility to successful professionals. In turn, the Trustees benefit through building these relationships and gaining insight on academic and campus life.
“BECAUSE OF MY EXPERIENCE, I AM ABLE TO HELP STUDENTS NAVIGATE POSSIBLE FUTURES BEYOND COLLEGE. FROM SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE, IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.” - Kathryn Mohr
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SAVING LIVES PRESENTED BY
/// JAMIE FETTER - Head Athletic Trainer (video) KRISTA KENNEDY - Parent CLARENCE KENNEDY - Student Sometimes, paying attention to small details can ultimately save a life. This is the story of a young man, just beginning his college career at Adrian, and how one decision would make a big impact. “As a parent, preparing to drop your child off at college is an emotional one. Packing them up, making sure they have all the comforts of home in their 220 something square feet of living space. Hoping they assimilate well, build life-long friendships, experience all that college life has to offer—you literally see your child cross over the threshold into adulthood before your very eyes. You want them to succeed, to thrive, and to make good decisions that will directly impact their future,” Krista Kennedy begins her story.
“WHO WOULD’VE THOUGHT THAT THIS ONE LIFE DECISION – TO ATTEND ADRIAN COLLEGE WOULD SAVE MY SON’S LIFE.” - Krista Kennedy
This decision to attend Adrian College would have a lasting impression on the family of Clarence Kennedy. It was his initial interest in the new wrestling program and his connection with Chris Williams, Adrian’s wrestling coach, which first sparked his interest to attend Adrian. After visiting on scholarship day, Clarence was even closer to making a commitment. Then came the financial award package, and all of those years of striving for excellence in the classroom paid off. It was clear that Adrian would be his choice.
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What the family did not know—is that this choice, this one decision, would be the decision that would literally save his life. At the end of the first semester, Clarence expressed to his family he was very happy at Adrian. It truly was his home away from home, his family. Friendships had been formed, and faculty and staff had been so welcoming and sincerely interested in who he was becoming as a man and how he would someday impact his world.
“WE RESEARCHED AND FOUND THAT 80% OF ATHLETES WHO HAVE SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH HAVE NO SYMPTOMS UNTIL CARDIAC ARREST OCCURS AND THAT SUDDEN CARDIAC DEATH OCCURS THREE TIMES MORE OFTEN IN ATHLETES THAN NON-ATHLETES.” - Jamie Fetter
“Then we received ‘the phone call’ while Clarence was home on Christmas break. You can imagine our shock as we listened to the report - the results of his Adrian College cardiac exam showed that there was a problem - an abnormality in his aortic valve. The type of heart abnormality that is asymptomatic. It was surreal,” Krista recalls. “I can still remember trying to write down what they were telling me - phrases like - leaky valve, bicuspid heart, possibly enlarged, ‘athlete’s heart’ could cause ‘sudden death.’ You see, my son was strong, healthy and active. He has always been a year-round athlete, participating in football and wrestling since he was a little boy. Never had he displayed signs of chest pains, shortness of breath … anything that would indicate a heart condition.” The family quickly followed up with a cardiologist at Henry Ford Hospital. He explained that this is the kind of heart condition that gone undetected can cause sudden death in your 40’s and 50’s. For the Kennedys, it was the decision of the Adrian athletic department to run a full cardiac examination on their athletes that literally saved Clarence’s life. Clarence had open-heart surgery on March 9. He did not need a full valve replacement, as they were able to repair the valve. He is on the road to full recovery and looks forward to wrestling next season.
“Who would’ve thought that this one life decision – to attend Adrian College - would save my son’s life. Adrian College made the decision and the commitment to go over and above what is ‘standard’ care for their athletes – and lives are being saved because of this one decision.” – Krista Kennedy “It’s so great to be back home, here, at Adrian College,” Clarence said to a rapt audience. “Oh, the difference one year can make. A year ago, I would not have imagined that I would be a freshman at Adrian College, and to think, a year from now, I might not have been able to even stand and speak on my own, if it had not been for Adrian College. A leaky aortic valve could have made a huge difference in my life. “No one ever wants to receive the news that they have to have open heart surgery. Being my first year in college, I was worried about how I would finish out my semester and pass all of my classes. Thanks to the compassion and support of my Adrian College family, I am happy to say that I am back in classes and all caught up.”
READ THE DETROIT FREE PRESS ARTICLE HERE: adrian.edu/news/kennedyheartscreening
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PEELLE HALL DNA STAIRCASE RAILING
“We know that even the tiniest details make a statement about who we are as a community, and that small details must be balanced by big ideas.�
Â- President Jeffrey R. Docking
ADRIAN COLLEGE
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