Contact Fall 2015

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Intrinsic Worth

ASA MAHAN RETURNS

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A New Era

A CAMPAIGN FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Gold Ambition

PAIGE MACHNACKI MEDALS WITH TEAM USA

THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE of ADRIAN COLLEGE

IMP T A C A M PA I G N F O R S C H O L A R S H I P S




ON THE COVER

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Introducing the faces of IMPACT: Transforming Lives through Scholarship Support. Learn more on page 14.

ACCENTS

Upcoming Events

6 Around the Mall 1 2 Development 14 Cover Story 1 6 Faculty Spotlight 1 8 Sports Roundup 2 2 Young Alumni 2 8 Class Notes

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BUILDING MOMENTUM

The 17,000 square foot addition to the Merillat Sport & Fitness Center offers expanded opportunities for fitness and conditioning.

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GOLD AMBITION

INTRINSIC WORTH

Asa Mahan returns to Adrian College.

LEAVING A LEGACY

Donald Kleinsmith and William Tregea retire.

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4 3 Parting Paws

AC Basketball shooting guard, Paige Machnacki, takes gold with Team USA at Deaf Basketball Championships.

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42 Legacy of a Bulldog


contact

t h e a lu m n i m ag a z i n e o f a d r i a n co l l e g e

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EDITOR Jennifer Compton | Director of Public Relations

ART DIRECTOR Hollie Smith | Media Designer

CONTRIBUTORS EDITOR’S NOTE //

If You Build It: A New Era at Adrian Begins “If you build it, they will come.” It’s a legendary statement that began with an impossible challenge: to take risks to build a bright future. Over the past decade, the College has committed to this goal through the construction of state-of-the-art facilities and more than doubling enrollment. With many brick and mortar enhancements complete, the next generation of dreams at Adrian begins. As the student debt load debate remains at the forefront, the greatest challenge facing many prospective students is the cost of their education: can they afford to pursue their goals and their degree? This is what the IMPACT campaign represents: a commitment to the future of this College and its students. The generosity of our alumni and friends make this new initiative reality. Bridging the gap in affordability is at the heart of making an AC education accessible to all. Growing scholarships will provide more students the opportunities to enjoy and benefit from a 21st century campus in turn making an extraordinary impact on the world. It all begins with you: together we can pave the way. We will, because we are. The future of this institution begins with every student that calls our campus home, but don’t take our word for it, we invite you to meet just a few of the faces of IMPACT on page 14. Because of you, their potential is unlimited. It’s a new era, are you ready to be a part of it?

Jennifer Compton

Kyle Bell ’18 Christina Butler ’14, Photography Julianna Docking Ryann Eff ’10 Marsha Fielder ’00

Hollie Smith, Photography Patrick Stewart Andrew Warren ’16 Connie Williams

LETTERS POLICY Unless noted as “not for publication,” communications to the editor are considered for print (often in a condensed version) when space is available. Include your name, address, phone number and limit your comments to CONTACT or topics mentioned in the magazine.

MAIL MAIL 110 S. Madison St. Adrian, MI 49221 EMAIL contact@adrian.edu FAX 517.264.3810 ONLINE adrian.edu/contact AC SWITCHBOARD 517.265.5161

CHANGE OF ADDRESS MAIL Alumni Relations | Adrian College 110 S. Madison St. Adrian, MI 49221 EMAIL alumniconnect@adrian.edu FAX 517.264.3331

Editor

CONTACT strives to keep alumni and friends up-to-date about the lives of their friends and classmates and the evolution of Adrian College. This full-color magazine is an illustrative link between alumni and their alma mater, therefore serving an informational purpose and is not intended for direct solicitation. Stories focus on the alumni, faculty and students that make Adrian College a dynamic campus community while examining current issues. The editor makes the final determination of suitability of published content in this magazine. Letters, articles and pictures which are questionable in content will not be accepted for publication. Wedding announcements will be published as long as it is recognized under the governing laws of the State of Michigan and is consistent with the policies of the United Methodist Church. Announcements that do not conform to these guidelines will not be considered. Please note, the views expressed in the publication are not necessarily the views of the staff, or that of Adrian College.

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Letter from the President In August I did something I’ve never done before. I met with the entire freshmen class during Welcome Week Orientation and talked to them about manners, professional courtesy, and how to conduct oneself as a young adult. I was not inspired to do this by any obvious lack of decorum on the part of our Adrian College students. In fact, I find our students to be very appropriate, gracious, humble, and well-meaning people. I continue to be wonderfully impressed by the cordiality and kindness displayed by our student body. We enroll terrific young adults. Instead, I was motivated by how important it is to outshine the competition during formal interviews, and to pay attention to small details and niceties that leave a lasting impression on employers. I also think it’s simply the right way to live one’s life. During my meeting with the freshmen we talked about table manners like waiting until everyone is served before starting to eat. We discussed placing one’s napkin on your chair—not the table—when you get up to use the restroom during a meal. I told the men to match the color of their belt to the color of their shoes and to avoid wearing loafers with a formal suit. I encouraged them to stand up when someone approaches their table to greet them. I suggested to the women to offer a firm handshake and to confidently look prospective employers in the eye when answering questions. I told them to be mindful of cell phone usage during interactions with others and in meetings. I advised the young women to consider a conservative approach in attire and heel height when in a professional setting. I told all the students to cover tattoos as much as possible during interview situations and to remember that their bread plate is on the left not the right. I confess that I vacillated often as to whether I should make this presentation. Maybe it is “beneath” a president, I thought, to talk to students about manners and decorum. Perhaps this is a message better sent by the Institute for Career Planning. We already host etiquette dinners on campus with our seniors, I thought. At the same time, by speaking to the students directly I wanted to heighten the importance of common courtesies, manners, and the importance of “getting the little things right” in our ultra-competitive world. They cost you nothing to display and the rewards benefit yourself and others. How was the message accepted by the 600 freshmen who sat through my mandatory session? I really don’t know. As all parents know, eighteen-year-olds are not known for being expressive and verbal when adults speak to them about manners. Perhaps a few things stuck with them, perhaps not. Whatever the case, if nothing else, each student received a free bookmark with basic manners printed on both sides, a gentle reminder tucked away in a book or notebook to rediscover once they’ve settled into college life. My hope is that as the years pass, graduates of Adrian College will be known as leaders who not only possess the intellectual and academic capacity to flourish in their chosen professional fields, but as adults of refined character and impressive manners. It all matters. As always, I’m interested to know what our readers think. Please feel free to share your thoughts with me at jdocking@adrian.edu. Sincere regards,

Jeffrey R. Docking, Ph.D. President

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SAVING SMALL COLLEGES President Jeffrey Docking’s plan to grow enrollment at Adrian College has been anything but secret:

But what forces motivated and inspired Jeff Docking to write Crisis in Higher Education: A Plan to Save Small Liberal Arts Colleges in America? It was personal responsibility, deep-seated passion and a profound belief in the value of liberal arts education. Q: When you visited Adrian College in 2005, what kind of potential did you see? A: As a prospective president, what I saw was a school that had roughly 900 students, an operating deficit and some deferred maintenance. But all of that was balanced by great upside potential because it had very little debt. More importantly, Adrian College had a lot of unused land. It allowed me to come in and to immediately put the plan outlined in the book into place. Q: Although you had conceived of the plan before you got here, did you end up altering your plan to fit Adrian College specifically? A: To mold my ideas to fit this specific school, I came to Adrian a couple of times and met with trustees, faculty and even current students at the time to discuss what their hopes were and what I wanted to do. The other thing that helped immensely was the fact that I had grown up in East Lansing, so I had an idea of the sports, activities and co-curriculars that would be popular here: one of which was hockey. With this knowledge, I knew that if we built an ice arena we could start men’s hockey, women’s hockey, club hockey, synchronized skating and all of these activities would grow quickly. When I combined these things, it really led me to create a plan that was not that difficult to put together.

➤ We know about the College’s growth despite massive recession. ➤ We know about the leveraging of extracurricular activities. ➤ We know he wants to help other liberal arts colleges struggling throughout the country.

Q: During Adrian College’s growth, at what point did you realize that you wanted to write the book? Why? A: I feel a great deal of personal responsibility to small liberal arts colleges all over the country and that’s what led me to want to write the book. I really decided to write it after the recession in ’08 and ’09. This [time period] hit small liberal arts schools particularly hard. I would talk to presidents at other liberal arts colleges who would say they were worried about the futures of their schools especially in relationship to enrollment growth. This was a valid fear because families could not afford to send their kids to colleges, let alone small liberal arts colleges. I finally decided I was going to write a book, put it all down on paper and let other schools use the enrollment growth plan if they wanted. I continue to maintain that small liberal arts colleges are not in competition with each other. If we simply look at trying to attract students that are going to enormous universities, but would do better at a place like Adrian College, we’ll be fine. Q: You said that you feel a great deal of personal responsibility for small liberal arts colleges. What do you personally think will be lost if we continue to lose more and more of these schools because of enrollment issues? A: Options. I’m a big believer that, more than anything else, colleges have to be the right fit for students. Since students are so diverse and so pluralistic in how they learn and the type of institution that suits their academic needs, it is very important that we continue to give them small, medium and large colleges to choose from. We must provide colleges that focus primarily on teaching versus universities

that primarily focus on publishing. If we lose small liberal arts colleges, if they’re not an option for students, we lose some of the great American institutions that have been so important. Students that need personal attention, small class sizes, an interactive classroom and a ‘teaching- first’ environment need the option of attending a small liberal arts college. Q: What is your ultimate goal for the publication? A: My hope for the book is that it becomes recognized as an important recruiting tool through the rough waters of the next several years. Secondly, I think that my goal is to continue to infuse accountability into higher education administrators. This is a business book about accountability, getting the job done and measuring the results of your success. I think that these things are important lessons in higher education, which traditionally struggle with accountability measures. Q: Finally, in a larger sense, what is your hope for the future of Adrian College moving forward? A: My goal for the future is that Adrian College will be seen as an institution on the leading edge of higher education. I hope when other schools are looking for new ideas and new ways to educate young people they will turn first to Adrian College and say, ‘they seem to be doing things pretty well over there; let's see if we can replicate some of what they’re doing to be successful.’

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COMMENCEMENT On Sunday, May 3, over

240

graduates received their diplomas during Spring Commencement.

As the sun sparkled across Commencement Plaza, honorary degrees were awarded to William Hall and Doug Kapnick. Each received their Doctor of Humane Letters. Hall also gave this year’s commencement address. Hall began by acknowledging that the graduates before him were graduating from “one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the United States.” “Remember that this first chapter in your book will end, but only when you finish it. Over time [your] chapters will merge together to form the 'Book of Your Life,' and I guarantee you that this book will be different from anything you can imagine today.” He left the graduates with one final question, “are you ready to graduate and start writing that first chapter?”

Student Spotlight

>>>Miles Masters-Clayborne<<< In April, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters Foundation (MABF) announced that Miles Masters-Clayborne, senior, was among those awarded the 2015 MABF Scholarship; a $1,000 scholarship granted each year by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. The scholarships were presented during the Great Lakes Broadcasting Conference and Expo in Lansing.

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>>>Devin Alexander<<<

>>>Carolyn Wirtz<<<

Adrian College senior, Devin Alexander was recognized in East Lansing, Mich., during the 19th annual Outstanding Student Service Awards Celebration. Alexander received the Commitment to Service Award, recognizing students for their community involvement and service experiences. Only 37 students in the state received this honor. Alexander received this award due to his commitment to Adrian College and the greater community. He currently serves as Student Government President, Resident Assistant and President of the Business Professionals of America local chapter.

When Carolyn Wirtz, senior, wrote her blog post entitled, “Being an Introverted Christian in a Loud- and-Now Church,” she never anticipated that her personal musings would be read all over the world. “While I can appreciate the loud, fun and exciting atmosphere of youth gatherings in the American Church, I wrote the post in hopes that someone would find it and have the power to make a difference,” said Wirtz. “You never realize how small you are until you consider that people across the world are reading what you’ve written." To learn more, visit: http://adrian.edu/ news/adrian-college-student-featured-byunited-methodist-church


BRAIN ON FIRE Acclaimed Author Susannah Cahalan Speaks to Campus

In March, Susannah Cahalan, author of "Brain on Fire," addressed the Adrian College community during the College’s annual Disabilities Awareness Week. "Brain on Fire" chronicles Cahalan’s fight against an obscure mental illness, (ultimately diagnosed as a newly discovered form of autoimmune encephalitis), that left her promising young life in shambles at twenty-four years old. "Brain on Fire" is a story of trauma, tragedy and glorious redemption. “One day, I woke up in a strange hospital room, strapped to my bed, under guard and unable to move or speak. My medical records — from a month-long hospital stay of which I have no memory — showed psychosis, violence and dangerous instability,” Cahalan writes. During her lecture, Cahalan not only discussed the path of her personal illness, but also spoke about her newfound interest in the broader subject of mental health and psychiatric care in the United States.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT

Sweetheart Prom

VIEW ONLINE https://vimeo.com/123238742

Dancing the Night Away:

The Third Annual Sweetheart Prom at Adrian The excitement of prom became reality when the Adrian College PRIDE (Promoting the Rights of Individuals with Disabilities Everywhere) group hosted the Sweetheart Prom. Together, with the HOPE Community Center the group created a magical evening in which faculty, staff, students and HOPE community members experienced the indescribable prom sensation. Parent Francine Warner wrote, “My son, who has cerebral palsy, had the time of his life on Saturday night. When we arrived to pick Andy up, I could hardly tell the AC students from the HOPE members. Everyone was smiling, dancing, wearing crowns and having lots of fun. These AC students gave their time and hearts to create lasting memories.”

Fathers and Daughters: Author Christine Brennan Speaks at Adrian College This is a story of a girl — a girl who grew up to love sports through the support of her father during a time when athletically gifted females were told sports were simply not for them. In March, Christine Brennan shared her story as part of the Jean Lok Freligh Community Speaker Series. Christine Brennan’s dad, a rock-ribbed Republican, became her own personal Title IX as Christine pushed to achieve new heights of success in a male-dominated sports world. Through his support, she not only pursued, but blossomed toward a career in sports. Now, Brennan has covered pro and college football teams, reported from the sidelines of the Olympic Games and addressed critical sports-related issues including: role models, youth engagement, steroids and other hot topics. For Brennan, her success is rooted in her childhood joy of loving sports with her dad. Her moving keynote celebrated the special bond between fathers and daughters and brought to light just how, with a dad’s encouragement, little girls can achieve big dreams.

2016

Disabilities Awareness Awards

Steven Piorkowski Scholarship Recipient Alisha Dell Pittsford, Mich. Student Disability Awareness Award Sarah Stoker Belleville, Mich. Faculty Disability Awareness Award Chris Stiver Director of Physical Plant Operations

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TOP DOG

“The momentum and continuous improvements inside and outside the classroom at Adrian College continue to garner national attention."

Adrian College has once again been recognized among the Best Colleges in the Midwest according to U.S. News and World Report. In its 2016 edition of America’s Best Colleges, U.S. News selected Adrian College as a “Regional Top College in the Midwest.” This is the fifth consecutive time the College has held this distinction. Adrian also received accolades as a “Best Value” school. The College landed 14th on the list of Best Value schools in the Midwest region. This calculation balances the school’s academic quality (based on its U.S. News Best Colleges ranking), as well as the 2014-2015 net cost of attendance. Only those colleges in or near the top half of their U.S. News ranking categories are included, highlighting a strong academic performance. The College has also been recognized as a “Best School for Veterans,” sitting 14th in the Midwest. This category recognizes Adrian’s participation in federal programs that aid veterans and active-duty service members to apply for, pay for and complete their degrees.

Best Regional College in the Midwest U.S. News & World Report: Best School for Veterans Best Value Colleges of Distinction: 2015 - 2016

Money Magazine: Best Colleges

Best Value Schools: Best Value Colleges For Criminal Justice

Military Friendly School: 2016 “The momentum and continuous improvements inside and outside the classroom at Adrian College continue to garner national attention,” said Dr. Jeffrey R. Docking, president. “With over $60 million in new facilities and 40 percent growth in the size of our faculty, we continue to find innovative ways to serve our students.” This is the eighth consecutive year the College has been featured by U.S. News and World Report. In its 2009 edition of America’s “Best Colleges” and again in 2010, Adrian College received top billing as the “#1 Up-and-Coming School in the Midwest.” The College has also previously received accolades as a "Least Student Debt Load" institution. “Throughout the past nine years, Adrian College has become a national highlight of small private colleges with its doubled enrollment and high retention rate,” Docking stated. “We are proud of the continued recognition as one of the top colleges in the Midwest.”

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Accolades Two New Graduate Programs Offered In August, the College announced the addition of two new graduate programs: a Master of Arts in Sport Administration and Leadership and a Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. The program offers a traditional two-year engagement for current students and an extended program for working professionals. Adrian College is at the forefront with the development of the Master of Arts in Sport Administration and Leadership program. This degree is among the first of its kind and is a vital asset to students interested in pursuing a career in this field. The Master of Arts in Sport Administration and Leadership program will build upon the success of the existing undergraduate program in sports management. The master’s program curriculum will enable students to learn from professors who have extensive experience in the field of sports leadership. The Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment program will introduce and cultivate the best researchbased educational practices to strengthen student knowledge of curriculum, design instruction, assessment, mentoring and coaching. In addition, this program will help students to fulfill the Michigan requirement mandating that all teachers renew their certification every five years.

Adrian College Makes a Million Dollar Investment into Downtown Adrian Adrian College made a million-dollar investment into downtown Adrian this year with its purchase of the Cornerstone Apartment building. The College repurposed this historic building, originally built in 1910 as the YMCA, to provide housing for Adrian College professional and coaching staff. The College made modest enhancements to both the interior and exterior façade prior to move-in. “I would like to thank Dr. Docking and the Adrian College Board of Trustees for their continued support and confidence in the City of Adrian. This significant investment in downtown housing will spark additional economic development and create the sense of vibrancy our community continues to build on,” Adrian Mayor Jim Berryman '69 said.

Adrian College Recognized by Consumers Energy Consumers Energy awarded Adrian College $66,000 for the College’s energy efficient renovations to the existing structure of Peelle and Jones Hall on campus. The multimillion-dollar renovation and construction project included significant upgrades: high-efficiency lighting and a new, state-of-the art heating and cooling system that monitors chemical fumes. The College also invested in an Energy Management System (EMS), allowing the institution to responsibly monitor its energy usage at all times. “As Adrian College evolves into a more robust and sophisticated institution, so too must we become more sensitive to the natural world,” said President Jeffrey Docking. “This check symbolizes our efforts to be more energy efficient and ecologically friendly.” Adrian College applied to receive the check through Consumers Energy’s New Construction Program. The New Construction Program offers rebates to institutions making strides to lower overall energy use. The College’s energy-conscious upgrades to Peelle and Jones Hall made Adrian a model recipient.

On April 10, President Docking and the Adrian College community came together to deliver the annual State of the College Address. This year, the campus recognized ten years of accomplishment in celebration of “The Power of Dreams.”

Now Online •••

The 2015 President's State of the College Address The Power of Dreams adrian.edu/soc15

➤ New Graduate Programs ➤ Grandparents Day ➤ Wrestling Returns ➤ The Production House ➤ Student Housing ➤ Bulldog Childcare Center ➤ Musical Opportunities ➤ Campus Convenience Store ➤ Student Research & Opportunity ➤ Community Service The event also recognized this year’s creativity award winner, senior Gabrielle Murashova '15, for her submission of a sculpture or globe on campus to recognize the growth of students throughout their college experience.

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SQUARE FOOT

addition to the south side of the Merillat Sport & Fitness Center offers an open floor plan with three primary weight/fitness areas. The expansion more than tripled the existing space, as well as offered additional equipment and better facilities for conditioning and strength training.

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Dear Alumni and Friends,

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This past decade has been nothing short of spectacular! Record enrollment, new/refurbished academic and athletic facilities, enhanced academic programs, masters degrees, bass fishing, a revitalized campus community and the list goes on. As you walk about campus, there are tangible reminders of the truly remarkable “Renaissance” that has occurred. Thank you for the role you have played in making the Renaissance dream a reality. As we move forward, our focus will shift to assisting our great students through scholarship support. Our next initiative is entitled IMPACT: Transforming Lives through Scholarship Support. The goal of the campaign will be to raise a minimum of $10 million and create an additional 200 scholarships that directly support our students. As the cost of higher education continues to rise nationally, we will continue to do all in our power to keep this liberal arts education affordable for our great students. With the launch and subsequent success of AdrianPlus (as featured in your 2014-15 Fall/Winter edition of Contact), the IMPACT initiative will continue to place our students first and foremost to help them achieve their dreams. Numerous conversations have already taken place with our alumni and friends, all of which have received positive acclaim for making an impact. Gifts to this initiative have come through newly created contributed scholarships (annual gifts), endowed scholarships (pledges/gifts of $25,000 or more) and newly documented estate gifts (planned giving). Many more conversations are happening now and we will continue to share these wonderful scholarships in the future. Scholarship support is nothing new to our alumni and friends. Many great gifts have been made to create new scholarships or add to already existing funds. Two scholarship funds that have made a profound impact on the lives of AC students have been the ASSIST Fund and the Arrington Family Presidential Scholarship. Together, these funds have helped close to 300 students, many of whom would have left AC without this support. Thank you to Amanda Meitz '72 and Dr. Robyn J. Arrington, Jr. '66 for creating these two funds and the hundreds of additional donors who have made an impact. We ask that you consider what kind of impact Adrian College has played in your life and what kind of impact you would like to have on the future generations of AC students. Please feel free to contact us at (517) 264-3168 if you have any questions or if we can provide any additional information.

ment

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Go Bulldogs!

What Legacy Will You Leave?

Jim Mahony ‘00 | Vice President for Development

The Office of Development is excited to announce its partnership with Kathryn Mohr ’84, a planned giving consultant and estate planning expert. If you have already included the College in your charitable estate plans or wish to discuss the impact you can leave, please contact the Office of Development at (517) 264-3168.

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The Viola Liuzzo Ethics Scholarship Would you be willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for something you are passionate about? Viola Liuzzo did just that in 1965 when she left her home and family in Detroit, Mich. and traveled to Selma, Ala. to participate in the march for civil rights. On March 25, 1965, Viola was murdered by four members of the KKK. “The strength and courage my grandmother showed standing up against the norms and beliefs of the time has motivated me since I've been a child,” said Josh Liuzzo ’03, who never had the opportunity to meet his grandmother. “Her story has such a profound place in history that I wanted to help preserve it at the very place I was inspired: Adrian College. The Viola Liuzzo Scholarship, started in 2011, is so much more than helping students with their tuition; it’s an historical lesson of sacrifice and inspiration.”

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This past April, the Liuzzo family traveled to Wayne State University where Viola was honored posthumously with an honorary doctor of laws degree. The inspiring events from that weekend increased the support for this new scholarship ensuring that future leaders can learn about Viola’s legacy. “It is my dream to secure her legacy to not only help students in need, but inspire young people to believe in themselves and know they can make a difference in this world,” Liuzzo added.


Making an Impact

Bill Bachman

BACHMAN deLESPINASSE KLEINSMITH QUINLAN

SCHOLARSHIP

for Business & Accounting You can be a part of honoring four professors

Doris deLespinasse

Don Kleinsmith

Patrick Quinlan

It’s always fun when classmates get together and tell stories of the old days. Without a doubt, conversations lead back to the important role the professors had in our lives. Bachman, deLespinasse, Kleinsmith, Quinlan … when you hear these names, you have a story. Each of us can begin a sentence with, “remember when.” As alumni, when we look back at our glory days, we have much more appreciation for the role each of these professors had in our lives. We are thankful for their contribution and respect their dedication. That’s how the BDKQ Scholarship idea evolved. When the Class of 1986 had a recent, impromptu get-together we were trying to figure out how to say “thank you” to our professors in a meaningful way. More than that, we wanted to create a way to recognize four influential professors who would have an impact on future business and accounting students. The idea seemed to catch on quickly and, after talking to business alums from the 80’s, 90’s and 2000’s, there was enough interest to make it happen. Think about it. How cool is it to be a part of starting a scholarship that will leave a lasting impact on our students? Just $42 a month for 24 months will help endow the BDKQ Business Scholarship. Not to mention, your name will be added to the Scholarship Founders plaque that will be installed in the Business and Accounting Department office suite. Whatever the amount, your gift counts. Be a part of creating a lasting legacy in honor of these extraordinary professors. Together we can make an impact. Gina Valentino ’86

AC First-Generation Scholarship As a first-generation graduate from Adrian College, I know the importance of a good education and how it is the gateway to success in life. My mom’s parents were immigrants who taught themselves how to read and write in ‘broken’ English. My dad’s parents were farmers who leased land from others to make a living. Both of my parents graduated from high school, a significant achievement at the time, at the top of their graduation classes. Neither went to college ­— my dad went off to WWII and my mom to work. My parents wanted more for me and instilled the importance of continuing my education. Both of my parents worked full-time yet, being low income, did not have the money to pay for my college tuition. I worked part-time and full-time jobs, from the age of 15, to save money for my degree. Upon graduating from high school, I entered community college, continuing to work until I was able to transfer to Adrian College my sophomore year. This was due to the

generous support of Adrian’s financial aid program, scholarships and continuing to work through my undergraduate career. I became the first grandchild to graduate from college on either side of my family, with my immigrant grandmother proudly in attendance at graduation. Over the years, my husband has come to know the AC community and is also a passionate advocate for Adrian. AC was a transformative experience for me, laying the groundwork for my future success in work, and in life. It is because of this journey, that we have endowed The AC First-Generation Scholarship and offer a $25,000 matching gift to provide potential students, who do not have the financial means, the opportunity to attend college. We know that Adrian will provide them with the academic knowledge for a successful career, as well as a foundation for life. What a great gift we can give to these first-generation students and their families.

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IMPACT

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These are the faces of IMPACT. These are the stories of how dreams become reality.

Mariah Kramer “Adrian has impacted me by giving me a home away from home and a family much like my own. Adrian provides professors I can connect with one-onone, as well as friends I know I will have for years. This is part of the reason I chose Adrian. Having visited numerous times, I fell more in love with campus every visit. I come from a small farm town with about 120 kids in my graduating class, so I knew I wanted to continue the small town/campus feel. With Adrian being a small, private school, I was hesitant that I would be able to afford to attend. I am paying for college on my own, and knew I couldn't afford the full tuition without assistance – no matter how much I loved the campus. The scholarships I received gave me hope and a chance at a future where I could make a name for myself. It took a tremendous load off my shoulders and, along with AdrianPlus, alleviates the burden of large loans and repayment. Adrian College has given me a fresh start to be who I want to be while still being successful. I am happy with my choice to attend Adrian College and am confident I will do well here over the next four years.”

Mariah Kramer, Freshman Portland, Mich. Major: Health Care Management 14

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The Adrian College IMPACT campaign is focused on creating scholarships that will grow and be sustainable for decades to come. Without the burden of debt, these students will be able to look forward, focus on their education and answer the big question of "what's next." The goal of the campaign is $10 million, which will provide for 200 scholarships annually. However, the real impact is the effect on the students, who each have a unique story to tell.

Jacob Davis "Adrian College has impacted me in a number of ways. I have made lifelong friends and met some of the most amazing people. Also, Adrian makes me feel like I matter. Each professor and the staff have guided me through the challenges of being a student. I am learning life skills that continue to leave an impact on my life and enhance my future in a positive way. Scholarships gave me an opportunity to pursue my dreams of being a studentathlete in college. I am able get my degree from a great place and make my future a good one." Jazmine Brown “If it were not for financial aid assistance I would not have been able to attend Adrian College. Without the scholarship support, I would not be where I am today: a senior, graduating in four years with a degree. This is something I am very proud of. In my time at Adrian College I have built relationships with faculty and thrived in the small class environments. My professors know me by name and on a personal level. I bonded with coworkers and staff members – even senior level administrators. These are opportunities a lot of students at large schools may not receive due to enrollment size. Adrian allowed me to experience more than just a 'small college campus,' it also afforded opportunity to study abroad for an entire semester. My junior year, I spent the fall semester overseas in Florence, Italy. It was life changing.

Jacob Davis, Sophomore Davison, Mich. Major: Business & Sport Management

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Jazmine Brown, Senior Port Huron, Mich. Major: Public Relations

Andrew Warren, Senior Phoenix, Ariz. Major: Political Science Minor: Philosophy


Adrian College is a small liberal arts school that pays close attention to each student as an individual. As cliché as it sounds, here you are not just a number. I’ve realized how big of a privilege this is and just how it has impacted me over the last four years.” Andrew Warren "Adrian College is practically a tradition in my family. My mother graduated from Adrian in the 70’s, my older brother in 2012 and my cousin in 2015. I never realized, until I was a Bulldog myself, what type of impact this school can have. When I graduate in May, Adrian College will be more than a bachelor’s degree in political science to me, it will be the beginning of a benevolent way of life. The community service and philanthropic opportunities that I organized and participated in gave me a unique experience that truly molded me into the citizen I am today. Adrian might be small but its impact on students is immense." Mary Kate D'Esposito "Almost four years ago, I had my first experience at Adrian College. I attended Bulldog 101 with the intent of going to another college in the fall. I applied to three colleges and had my heart set on one in particular. As my mom always says, 'we plan and God laughs.' Throughout high school I worked rigorously to be a well-rounded individual and was on track to becoming Valedictorian of my class. I felt as though other colleges did not appreciate or recognize the work I put into my grades -- until Adrian College. Other schools offered minimal scholarships, while Adrian rewarded me for my effort. They awarded me a full tuition scholarship that greatly lifted the burden of college debt. The impact of this scholarship has been immense. I was able to afford the experience of a lifetime to study abroad, receiving additional scholarship support to make this dream a reality. Adrian has taught me that my

Mary Kate D'Esposito ’15 Wauseon, Ohio Major: Business/Marketing

dreams are not too big and, with hard work and dedication, I can truly achieve anything. As I prepare to graduate in December, my professors have shaped me as a young professional ready to step off this picturesque campus and into the so-called real world. I feel prepared to go, but at the same time not ready to leave a place that has provided so much opportunity in just a few short years. I have a great sense of gratitude towards what Adrian has led me to be." Wallen Augustin "My way of getting to Adrian College was different from most. I had never been to the Midwest, much less the campus prior to move-in day. In fact, the closest I got to [Adrian] was the website when I started getting calls to play football here. Most people would get in a car with their parents to visit their prospective schools, but my family couldn’t afford this luxury. I’m not just from Florida; I am also Haitian and Dominican. I was raised by a single mother who worked three jobs just to provide for my five siblings and me. My journey began with one bag full of t-shirts and shorts (in hindsight, I probably should have brought jeans and a jacket). This was the start of my new life at Adrian College. That’s where my story is even more remarkable. The challenges that I have faced became my gateway for success. I have learned responsibility and I’ve come a long way to become the man I am today. AC helped me to reach my full potential. I like to think that I wouldn’t have learned as much without the investment others have made in this institution. This type of support is more than just signing a check …it’s paving the way for Wallen Augustin and other young students, like myself. This College, and the people here, believed in me before I knew how to believe in myself. I have a lot to be thankful for, and it all begins with Adrian College.”

Wallen Augustin ’15 Palm Beach, Fla. Major: Communication

Demi Russo"I remember sitting in the admissions office of Manhattanville College with a deposit check in my hand. I was about to make the biggest commitment of my life. Then, I received an email from the hockey coach at Adrian telling me all about the program. The timing was uncanny. I was about to commit to another college and, now, suddenly I was unsure. I told my mom that I needed to visit Adrian before I made my final decision. We drove out and met with the hockey coach, professors, figure skating coach and the lacrosse coach along with an admissions counselor. I cannot put the feeling into words; I just knew this was the place I wanted to be. I left the campus with the biggest smile on my face knowing that, one day, I would be here: finishing up my senior year at Adrian College as a part of a nationally contending skating program and a nationally contending hockey program. I have made lifelong friends and memories that will last a life time. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to attend Adrian College and I am so grateful for the people who have helped me achieve my goals. They've allowed me to be in the best position possible for success. Adrian College is truly an amazing place that I look forward to visiting as an alum.” Michael Blumenthal "Adrian College is unlike any college experience that I have heard about or experienced. The personal attention from every faculty member, administration, vice presidents and President Docking himself speaks volumes about the quality of education we are receiving here. Adrian has provided me with the tools to grow as a leader, student and as a person. Walking around this campus makes you feel as if you are a part of something much greater than a college. The friendliness and relationships create a family of lifelong friends. The scholarships I received made it possible for me to be a part of the tradition here. This support granted me the opportunity to grow on a campus that feels like home."

Demi Russo, Senior Staten Island, N.Y. Major: Excercise Science Health Management

Michael Blumenthal, Junior Bloomfield, Mich. Major: International Business adrian.edu

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faculty

2014-15 Faculty Accomplishments and Highlights:

spotlight adrian.edu

Dr. Keith Christy (Accounting/ Business/Economics) elected Vice President of the Michigan Statewide Sports Management Assoc.

The Legacy of an English Professor “America’s future is written in our classrooms,” President Barack Obama said earlier this year at the annual National Teacher of the Year award ceremony. This future, full of promise, of potential and, most profoundly, full of hope is written across the country daily. From the lessons offered in the brick and mortar structures on historic campuses, to the testaments told upon computer screens, the educational future of America is a bold one. The future that begins at Adrian College is no exception. It is here that begins the story of a quiet professor and a life dedicated to impassioned learning. Forty-five years ago Don Kleinsmith joined the roster of highly qualified and passionate faculty at Adrian. Now, after four and a half decades of teaching English and business courses, Kleinsmith is stepping back from the head of the class. While Kleinsmith’s official retirement took place at the end of the 2014-15 academic school year, his “perfect retirement plan” consists less of relaxation and self-indulged leisure. The beloved professor opted to teach a couple writing courses at the College, as well as offer presentations to organizations and classes on soft skills; e.g. thank you notes, prepping emails and face-to-face communication. “I’ll remain a familiar face on campus for at least a couple more years,” Kleinsmith says with a smile. While much has changed across the campus during his tenure, the reason for his devotion to the art of teaching has remained consistent over the duration of time at Adrian: “students want to learn!” “My biggest goal has always been to help students become more knowledgeable

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citizens and prepare them for their real-world jobs,” the writing and business professor said of his experience. For more than 4,000 students who entered his classroom throughout his tenure, it’s clear he did more than teach these individuals how to write at a college level. He taught students skills and life lessons that have led to many successful careers. This is one of numerous reasons that Kleinsmith was inducted into the Adrian College Faculty Hall of Fame during Spring Commencement 2015 -- one of his fondest moments to date. Kleinsmith served as an advisor for the men of Theta Chi, as well as Mortar Board, and continued to make a memorable impact on the College: one that was recognized when he was named an Honorary Alumni. But the soft-spoken professor’s legacy extends beyond the classroom. For sixteen years, Kleinsmith was the official voice of Adrian College Football and Women’s Basketball. It was his natural interest in sports that drove him to the press box for nearly two decades and his passion for the Bulldogs that kept him coming back year after year. While he has stepped away from the mic, his legendary voice still echoes from the speakers. His gentle demeanor and his kind smile are fondly reminisced by the generations of students who perfected their writing and honed their professional skills at the hand of this celebrated professor. And yet, for Kleinsmith it was just another day in the classroom, another opportunity to create a lasting impact. It is his legacy: the quiet English professor who did more than shape the potential of Adrian College students; he molded the future.

Dr. Suzanne Helfer (Psychology) publishes “Affect and Exercise: Positive Affective Expectation Can Increase PostExercise Mood and Exercise Intentions” in The Journal of Behavioral Medicine. Dr. Cedric Heraux (Criminal Justice/Sociology) featured on TV WTOL, Toledo interview on court case of self-defense. Dr. Terry Jackson (History/ Art History) authors Network of Intellect: Western Studies and the Information Revolution in the Early Modern Period published by University of Hawaii Press. Dr. Beth Lamprecht (Mathematics) article published in the Michigan Academician “The Life of Mary Fairfax Somerville, Mathematician and Scientist: A Study of Contrasts.” Dr. Michael McGrath (History/ Art History) invited to write chapter in book The Cambridge World History of Violence. Rev. Dr. Chris Momany '84 (Philosophy & Religion) presented to a convening table during the 2015 Christian Unity Gathering of the National Council of Churches. Dr. Bill Tregea (Criminal Justice/Sociology) authors Prisoners on Criminology: Convict Life Stories and Crime Prevention, Rowman and Littlefield.


Faculty Notes Fall 2015 Faculty Teaching Awards and Recognition Ross E. Newsom Teaching Excellence Award Garin Horner Associate Professor, Art and Design

United Methodist Exemplary Teaching Award Terry Jackson Professor, History

Creative Activity, Research and Scholarship Garin Horner Associate Professor, Art and Design

Fall 2015 New Faces Donna Baker, CPA BAD/ACCT/ECON Christy Cole '98, Esq. THE GEORGE ROMNEY INSTITUTE FOR LAW AND PUBLIC POLICY Dr. Lisa Kaplan CORE Dr. Jakob Lauver '07 ESPE/AT Dr. Andrew Linden BAD/ACCT/ECON Dr. Bethany Mutter CORE

BEYOND BARS Professor Tregea Redefines Social Science and Personal Writing

For the last 12 years, William S. Tregea, a professor in the Sociology and Criminal Justice Department, has taught a nontraditional criminal justice class to a group of 16 students. To say that his students are “diverse” or “eclectic” would be an understatement; while approximately half of the class is comprised of Adrian College criminal justice students, the other half are inmates at a Michigan correctional facility. These students are prisoners. Every Tuesday during the eightweek course, Tregea drives a van full of Adrian College students to a regional prison to learn with their prisoner peers for two hours. On the first day of class, Tregea hands out an identical syllabus: the class completes the same assignments, read criminology texts, learn about criminal justice theories and write personal essays. But differences among the students become painfully apparent when they begin to read their essays to the class.

“The AC students talk about living in a safe neighborhood, playing sports, engaging in music and being encouraged to do activities,” said Tregea. “Whereas the prisoners are writing eye-opening stories about how, as kids, violence was their after-school activity. Crime was their sport.” Brian Lunn ’14, a past student in Tregea’s class received his masters in criminal justice from Adrian College. He believes that hearing these stories in such a cutting-edge, nontraditional setting is invaluable. “The interaction with the inmates allowed for a level of understanding of prisoners and prison life that can’t be duplicated in a classroom. When you are sitting next to real people, exchanging ideas and debating the merits of different theories, you gain not only an understanding of the material, but also of the life of the inmates." Dr. Tregea began teaching college courses in prison more than 30 years ago as a part-time adjunct professor at Jackson Prison in 1981 in the midst of the “Pell Grant Era.” During these years, Tregea traveled around the state, teaching prisoners anything from philosophy to business. But in 1994, 770 Pell Grant-funded prison post-secondary programs were stripped of federal and state support. Tregea's prison college teaching career officially ended in 2000 when the Michigan Department of Corrections terminated funding for the last remaining program. Drawing on these years of experience, William Tregea has written his most recent book entitled “Prisoners on Criminology.” Critics have hailed his work as a “refreshing and classroom-friendly book” that seamlessly links convicts’ lives with criminology theory. Above all, the book raises provocative questions regarding modern prison education, politics, media and the criminal-justice industrial complex. “Prisoners on Criminology” comes at a particularly pivotal moment in criminal justice history in America. In July, the Obama administration announced a pilot program that will give select prisoners access to federal Pell Grants for the first time since Congress banned prisoner eligibility in 1994. Presently, the number of incarcerated individuals nationwide remains at a staggering record high of 1.6 million. Thirty years ago, Tregea never could have anticipated that he would dedicate his life to the plight of prisoners. When he began his career, he simply wanted to be an adjunct professor and happened to find that opportunity in prisons. His journey did not originate with any existing empathy for convicts. Now, William Tregea passionately shares all he has learned while surrounded by four heavily guarded concrete walls. He says that after experiencing the prison system firsthand, the desire to change the system and reduce crime is “infectious.” “The world of criminal justice opens up to students when they see the actual prison facility,” Tregea said. “When they walk through the gates, visit the guards and encounter the prisoners, many start to think, ‘I could do this. I could work in the field of corrections.’” He added simply, “You feel needed.” Dr. William Tregea, now retired, currently serves as an adjunct professor at Adrian College. His books can be found on amazon.com. adrian.edu

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adrianbulldogs.com

There aren’t many NCAA Division III athletes who have an opportunity to hoist a gold medal as a world champion. Adrian College women’s basketball shooting guard Paige Machnacki can now make that claim. Reprinted with permission. Brooks Sutherland The Daily Telegram. Jul. 29, 2015

The Southgate native had a unique experience to not only travel abroad and compete in a world tournament, but her Team USA women’s deaf basketball squad brought home the gold medal at the 2015 World Deaf Basketball Championships in Taoyuan, Taiwan, this month. The Daily Telegram caught up with Machnacki to talk about her experience playing in a world tournament. Q: What was going through your mind after your team beat Lithuania 68-54 to become world champions? A: I was just so excited to win the world championship with my teammates. I had so many different emotions going through my mind, and I felt like our hard work through tryouts and practices had paid off.

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GOLD

sports

Q: What was your mindset heading into the tournament, and how did you use that to help your team ultimately win at the big stage? A: My mindset coming into the tournament was to give my 100 percent best effort when I was on and off the court. This helped me lend total support to my teammates in any way I could to encourage them through the mission of the gold medal. Q:When did you first start taking an interest in basketball? A: Ever since I was in middle school. I just fell in love with the game and played every day I could throughout junior and high school. In high school, I knew I wanted to continue with the game I love at the next level. Recruitment was fun, yet challenging. With my hearing loss, colleges told me a lot of stuff about college basketball. Adrian College women's basketball not only shared with me about basketball, but about academics and how they would help me succeed. They have continued to help me to follow my dreams by supporting my USA deaf basketball team and Adrian basketball teammates.


Q: What was it like to first meet your teammates from around the country with whom you would compete in an international event? A:The original 10-day training session in March was delayed and rescheduled into a five-day training camp at the California School for the Deaf in Fremont, California, at the end of June. This occurred just before we left for Taiwan. I knew some of the players from the tryouts in October at Gallaudet University in Washington D.C., so it was good seeing them again. I also met a few new girls, and we all became good friends.There is definitely a different environment separating the hearing and deaf culture. It was an interesting experience to be able to see a different view and acceptance of who I am with my hearing loss and how to communicate with coaching staff and teammates through American Sign Language. Even though some of my teammates and the coaching staff can talk and sign, some don't speak and just use sign language. Through it all we still found a way to communicate with one another. Q: What valuable experience did you gain from this summer that you can use to help your college team succeed? A: Even though I wasn't allowed to play with my hearing aids on court from the trip, it will help me communicate with my teammates in a better way and be able to view the floor better. The coaching staff was very intense on Team USA. They helped me work on defensive posturing and creating room for my shot. International basketball uses a 24-second shot clock. This faster pace will also help me get into Adrian's offense quicker in the future. Q: What is some advice you would share with young kids of the deaf community who also have dreams of pursuing a collegiate sport? A: I would tell the kids that being deaf should not hold them back. We may not have our hearing sense, but so what? Everyone should be able to do anything they choose, as long as they're willing to try and push themselves. If they have a dream of something that they have always wanted to do, go for it. Do not hold yourself back. If I can do it, then any deaf kids can do it, too. Just follow your dream and do not let negative people hold you back.

"Some say she has a disability. I think she has the ability. The first time I saw Paige play, I knew she would be a great fit for our program and Adrian College," says Kathy Morris, head coach for women's basketball at Adrian. "Through her confidence, intelligence and competitiveness -- the sky is the limit."

FUN DUK IAN

This sun-drenched photo captures the memorabilia of John Fundukian '64, who patrolled the secondary for the Adrian College football team and was a decorated sprinter for the Bulldogs in track and field. He was a 1963 All-MIAA defensive back and received a game ball for his performances. His cleats helped him notch four sub-10-second times in the 100-yard dash and he helped the 440-yard relay to a school and conference record. After receiving a bachelor's degree in physical education and English in 1964, Fundukian was also an honors student in receiving his master's degree in

Women’s Volleyball Travels to Costa Rica for Trip of a Lifetime The Bulldogs toured Costa Rica for six days in August to prepare for the 2015 season, taking in the breathtaking scenery, enjoying the local authentic cuisine, experiencing a new culture, participating in teambuilding, and, of course, playing volleyball against local club teams. In addition, the studentathletes gave clinics and signed autographs for children. The team saw some interesting wildlife that included alligators, monkeys, sloths and iguanas. They traversed rugged terrain and dense rainforests, drove along the Pacific Coast, visited numerous cities and villages, and went zip lining through the mountains.

educational psychology from Wayne State University in 1969. He then became a well-known professional educator who was a noted speaker, sport official, community activist, coach and athletics administrator under the auspices of the Michigan High School Athletic Association. That organization honored him with the 2000 Allen W. Bush and 2002 Charles E. Forsythe awards. A 2003 inductee of the Adrian College Athletic Hall of Fame, Fundukian retired in 2001 after a 37-year career at Novi Community Schools.

Perhaps the most memorable part of the trip was when the team visited a coffee plant. They were shown how to pick the beans, how it was brewed without a coffee maker, and tasted the coffee that came from the farm. The Bulldogs gained a greater appreciation for a cup of java after learning that workers harvest 7,000 plants from an average field of 2.5 acres, also known as a hectare, spending about 8-10 hours a day in the fields picking coffee beans from November to March. The student-athletes also learned about the indigenous people who live in Costa Rica, called the Malek, who are known for making beautiful pieces of artwork furnished from blocks of wood. After their first match, the Bulldogs exchanged phone numbers and Snapchat with their volleyball counterparts.

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SCORECARD BULLDOGS IN BRIEF

Morgan Brandt Hits Her Stride in Softball

Men’s Lacrosse Notches Another 10-Win Season

Junior catcher Morgan Brandt, who helped the Bulldogs go 20-16 overall, earned College Sports Information Directors of America/Capital One Academic AllAmerica® NCAA Division III Softball accolades for her performances both in the classroom and on the field of play. Compiling a 3.95 grade- point average as an exercise science major, Brandt had a strong year by hitting .431 with three home runs and 26 runs batted in. She led the Bulldogs in runs (32), hits (47), doubles (14) and stolen bases (9) while striking out only seven times in 109 at-bats.

The Bulldogs’ string of five consecutive conference championships ended in the spring at Albion, but not before Adrian enjoyed another 10-win season with an 11-5 mark overall. Senior attack Mitch Burgin, sophomore long stick midfielder Cody Schmitt and sophomore defenseman Max Groves were all named first-team All-MIAA after receiving second team recognition in 2014, and they were among seven Bulldogs tabbed allconference.

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Tennis Ranks Second in MIAA The Bulldogs reached program benchmarks last spring with a second-place finish in the MIAA and 19-6 overall record for a .792 winning percentage, reaching the conference tournament finals for the first time ever. Sophomore Joey Loselle and junior Michael Mertz both made All-MIAA as first and second team picks, respectively. On the women’s side, Adrian has established season-high win totals recently and last spring defeated Albion for the first time since women’s tennis became a conference sport in 1979.

Women’s Volleyball Shines with Postseason Awards Junior right-side hitter Jordan Brisson received second team All-MIAA honors for the second time in her career, leading the Bulldogs for the third year in a row with 263 kills. In addition, Brisson joined eight teammates on the conference’s all-academic team including senior Andrea Phillips, juniors Chelsea Jordan, Rachel Wathen, Nicole Motz, sophomores Olivia Bruck, Marisa Dion, Margo Joubran and freshman Haley Mellon.

Baseball Earns Fourth Consecutive MIAA Tournament Title The Bulldogs chalked up their fourth MIAA tournament title in a row with an 11-4 victory over Calvin in the championship game in May, earning the program’s eighth consecutive NCAA Division III Baseball Championship bid and 10th overall. Four studentathletes were selected to postseason teams by the American Baseball Coaches Associations and D3baseball.com, including senior Eric Schmidt and sophomore Ryan Dorow were named to the first unit of both organizations. Juniors Jeff Gertley and Jordan Frayer were both thirdteam D3Baseball. com, while Gertley also was named ABCA Second Team.

Men’s Hockey Reaches National Semifinals First-year head coach Adam Krug ’12 guided the Bulldogs to a sweep of the NCHA regular season and tournament championships during the 2014-15 campaign. Adrian posted a 243-3 overall record en route to the semifinals of the NCAA Division III Championship, finishing third in both national ranking polls. Krug coached a team-record three All-Americans (Kyle Brothers, Josh Ranalli and Ryan Gieseler), five NCHA academic allconference honorees and six Bulldogs who were cited on the allNCHA and/or all-rookie teams. Brothers, who was named the 2015 NCHA Freshman of the Year as a member of the all-conference first team, led AC with scoring totals of 24 goals and 25 assists for 49 points.


Men’s Volleyball Newest Addition to NCAA Sport Offerings

D Women’s Hockey Makes School History Adrian College had an impressive 2014-15 season and secured their first NCHA championship since the origin of the program. Their 20-2-4 campaign culminated with their first-ever undefeated NCHA regular-season at 15-0-3. Adrian was the last team in the country to get knocked from the ranks of the unbeaten, starting the season with a 21-game streak. The team’s strength was defense, led by sophomore second-team AllAmerican goaltender Jade Walsh. Kristin Lewicki and Kelsey Kusch were All-NCHA forwards while Lexie Tzafaroglou and Sydney Smith were named All-NCHA on defense. Chad Davis was honored as NCHA Coach of the Year.

Men's Volleyball has been elevated to varsity status after operating as a clubvarsity program in the past, and has joined the Midwest Collegiate Volleyball League. Adrian also received a $6,000 award from USA Volleyball as the grant will help the team in increased travel costs after joining the NCAA-sanctioned conference. The winner of the MCVL tournament will receive an automatic bid in the NCAA national championship beginning in 2017, but members are eligible to gain an atlarge berth in 2016. Adrian is proud to help promote the sport and providing increased opportunities for men to participate in varsity collegiate volleyball as only 80 institutions sponsor it at the NCAA Division III level. Michael Morici, a standout libero at Division I Indiana-Purdue/Fort Wayne, is serving as the program’s first varsity head coach.

Bass Fishing Achieves Top National Ranking One of the College’s youngest sports offerings, bass fishing has enjoyed meteoric success to the tune of a No. 1 national ranking by CollegiateBassFishing. com poll in September. That’s quite an accomplishment when you consider the program isn't even a full year into its existence. A pair of Adrian boats qualified for the 2016 Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) College National Championships to be held in March after strong performances at a regional invitational on Sept. 11-13 on Chesapeake Bay. Freshmen Nick Marsh and Jeff Morton placed fifth with a two-day weight total of 13 pounds, 12 ounces. Classmates Jarrett Martin and Jake Bayer placed seventh at 13 pounds and 6 ounces. “I’ve tournament fished for several years across the country, knowing what it takes to get results, pay attention to detail and realizing preparation is key,” Coach Seth Borton said. “The support of the College and community is great. It’s good to see supporters take a chance on us and see it play out, so that’s special."

New Faces Ben Carlson Takes Over Cross Country and Track & Field Programs Ben Carlson filled the role of head men’s and women’s cross country/track and field programs at Adrian in May. Carlson spent the previous year at Hamilton College, as assistant coach for cross country/track and field. He was an instructor of physical education classes, recruiting coordinator and hurdles/ steeplechase coach. Before joining the Continentals staff he spent seven years as an assistant coach at Wartburg College, his alma mater. A 2006 graduate of Wartburg, Carlson earned all-region honors twice as a member of the cross country team. A team captain, he helped the Knights to three top-10 finishes at nationals. He received a bachelor's degree in communication arts with a concentration in public relations in 2006. He earned his master's degree in health education from the University of Northern Iowa in 2011.

Jaclynn Gray Appointed Head Equestrian Coach

Ashley Marinacci Named Head Softball Coach

Before joining the Adrian athletics staff this summer, Jaclynn Gray has trained beginner, intermediate and advanced riders to success on the state, national and world competition level. In total, Gray has helped guide 35 overall High Point Championships/ Reserve Highpoint Championships in two years for both Hunt Seat and Western disciplines. Also included in her accolades are multiple Top 10 Oklahoma Quarter Horse Youth Association finishes, as well as a finalist at the NSBA World Show in Hunt Seat Equitation/Hunter Under Saddle. She has had an AQHA Youth World Show qualifier two years in a row and AQHA Congress Top 15's and Finalists in 2014 for English and Western. Gray obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Southern Nazarene University in 2012.

Ashley Marinacci comes to Adrian after a stint at St. Catharine College as an assistant coach for the 2015 season. She mentored two MidSouth Conference First Team and three Mid-South Second Team members at the NAIA institution based in Kentucky. Marinacci was an allconference standout at Bethany, where she occupies several top-10 statistical categories in the alltime record books. Marinacci joins the Bulldogs having earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Bethany College, Master of Science in Sports Management from California University (Pa.) and a Master of Arts in teaching from Bethany College.

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alumni

connect adrian.edu

L I FELONG

L EARN IN G

Matthew '97 Wiliford For Matthew Wiliford ‘97, having the chance to study music, play NCAA soccer and obtain his liberal arts degree is what brought him to Adrian College. It was the opportunity to get involved and shine in the spotlight that would lead him to ultimately discovering his professional future. “Adrian was a place that I could be a big fish in a little pond,” he says of his decision. A double major in music and theatre, Wiliford showed his love of the arts through his schoolwork, extracurriculars and dedicated performances. “My preparation and performance in music was the catalyst for me to consider many different professional roles in my career,” Wiliford adds. “Actors are encouraged to learn the craft -- it is not about being fake or make believe. It is about researching a particular role and getting to the substance of what it’s really about.” After graduating from Adrian College in 1997, Wiliford took his first job at the Croswell Opera House as their technical director. It would be the roots of a new passion in nonprofit administration. He went on to obtain his master’s degree in public and nonprofit administration from Grand Valley State University while working for Wayland Union Schools as their K12 technical director and auditorium manager, and later as director of adult and community education. Another opportunity arose and Wiliford spent the next eight years leading the College of Creative Arts adult education program at Interlochen Center for the Arts. Then in July of 2015, Wiliford was offered a new position. He would take the helm as the marketing and communications

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manager for Traverse Area District Library, a network of six library locations in Grand Traverse County. In this new role, Wiliford was able to combine a deep passion for his community, while setting up roots with an organization he cared for. “If you add value to your surroundings, you will always be in demand and others will seek you out.” While his professional aspirations may have taken priority for the AC alum, Wiliford hasn’t forgotten about his athletic pursuits. He currently volunteers as a coach for the Traverse Bay Area Youth Soccer league, connecting his family with a sport that helped him discover a future as a Bulldog. Though he’s remained busy with his community, Wiliford has also found time to hone a new passion—cooking. “I found that cooking is a creative outlet for me,” he said. “When you think about family gatherings, or tailgating at a sporting event, food is always central. It is a great way for me to be creative and share with my friends and family.” For this Bulldog, his passion in the classroom has developed into a rewarding career, which he credits to his time at Adrian. “The college experience is what you make of it,” he said. “Build relationships: face-to-face, in-person, non-virtual relationships. In this world of e-communication, text messaging and social media, the need for interpersonal communication skills is more relevant than ever. Learn to listen for understanding, not simply to prepare your response.” “You are not defined by what job you perform in life, only limited by the skills you possess. Apply the lessons learned in the classroom to add value to your life. Don’t miss the opportunity to demonstrate who you are and what talents you bring.” Wiliford resides in Traverse City, Mich., with his wife Angela, and two young children, Grant and Isabella.


Young Alumni C A RI NG

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Cherokee '96 HoaglandHyzer A small college atmosphere and ample opportunities, both in the classroom and on the athletic court, is what brought Cherokee Hoagland-Hyzer ‘96 to Adrian College. A collegiate basketball player, Hyzer was always trying to manage her time between sports, school and friends. Her favorite memory includes midnight snack runs to Meijer in her slippers.

Hyzer said her favorite part about Adrian College was the personal interaction she had with her professors and staff. “I was never a number,” she said, attributing her growth as a person and student to the environment on the College’s campus. Graduating with a dual major in chemistry and mathematics, Hyzer had her career pathway changed after receiving helpful guidance in her first couple of years in the workforce. “I had originally planned to become a high school math and science teacher,” Hyzer says. “My professors did not talk me out of that option but opened my eyes to other opportunities, such as researching my interest in chemistry.” Hyzer went on to grad school at Indiana University where she spent her time building ion mobility-mass spectrometers and doing research on small proteins and peptides. In 2001, Hyzer graduated IU with her Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, with a minor in biochemistry. A few months later, she was hired at Eli Lilly and Company, a pharmaceutical firm located in Indianapolis. At Lilly, she is a research advisor in the small molecule design and development area designing analytical control strategies and supporting formulation development of medicines. When asked about the most interesting aspect about her position Hyzer was quick to answer. “Constant learning. I seem to learn something new every day here at Lilly. You have to be extremely adaptable in the current environment and always be ready for what is thrown at you. The best part about my job is being able to see firsthand what medicine can do to help peoples’ lives,” she notes. “It makes what I do so much more meaningful.” Now entering her 15th year with Eli Lilly and Company, Hyzer could not be happier with her life. She believes it is important to work hard at what you are doing and despite setbacks, never give up. “Always look for an opportunity to better yourself as a person, athlete and student.” She adds, “it is so important to enjoy your college years, find who you are and, who you want to be.” She is quick to note that constant learning begins in the classroom but carries through life. The importance of being adaptable extends beyond the court, the class, and well into your career. “Work hard and things will fall into place. When they don’t, use it as a learning opportunity.” Hyzer, a 2007 inductee into the AC Athletic Hall of Fame, resides in Greenwood, Ind., with her husband Steve of 17 years, and their two children, Jezalyn (12) and Cole (10).

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a DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

YOUNG ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT

ALUMNI SERVICE

Award

Award

Award

Dr. Peter E. Nims ’60

Jay Overmyer ’95

David Van Geison ‘83

Troy, Ohio Retired Psychiatrist Private Practice

For an exceptional career in medicine and psychiatry, lifelong dedication to patients’ well-being, service and support of Adrian College, and to his community at large. Dr. Nims and his wife Nancy also helped open a nature center in a village near Nairobi, Kenya, that teaches environmental health, basic animal science and respect for nature, to children and adults. He is the son of the late Delbert Nims ’32. Despite his many accomplishments, Peter believes successfully raising three daughters, Lori, Julia and Annalee with his wife Nancy, has been the most rewarding of all.

HONORARY ALUMNI

Award Patrick Farver

Adrian, Mich. President and CEO Blissfield Manufacturing For his enthusiasm for the campus community as a mentor, friend, and ambassador of Adrian College and for furthering its mission in his role as chairman of the Board of Trustees.

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Stokesdale, N.C. Technical Lead for the Ecotoxicology and Risk Assessment Team Syngenta Crop Protection For his significant work in the field of environmental toxicology and astute collaborative research and study toward identifying solutions for the plight of the honey bee. Jay was featured in the 8th edition of Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, a publication that contains biographies of men and women leading today’s scientific revolution. He also finds time to positively impact his community by volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and Greensboro Urban Ministries. Jay and his wife, Amanda Robinson Overmyer ’94 reside in Stokesdale, N. C., and have two daughters, Gretta and Ava.

Battle Creek, Mich. Retired Educator Harper Creek Community School System For ongoing support, dedication, and extraordinary service to Adrian College athletics, as well as admirable embodiment of lifelong Bulldog spirit. David is currently the Arrington Ice Arena’s public address announcer, helps with stats and scorekeeping for the team and serves on the original board of the Gold Puck Club as webmaster. He lives in Battle Creek, Mich., with his wife Wendy. They have two adult children, Peter and Joe Van Geison ’12 who works for the Adrian College Admissions Department.

In addition to his career and service to Adrian College, Pat serves the greater Lenawee County community on several boards including United Way, Junior Achievement, Bixby Foundation, United Bank and Trust, Lenawee Now, Promedica, Lenawee Education Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of Lenawee. He and his wife, Debbie, live in Adrian and have two sons, Brett and Brandon, both of whom work alongside their dad at the family business.


2015 Alumni Awards

ALUMNI HUMANITARIAN

OUTSTANDING ALUMNI EMPLOYEE

Award

Award

Jeanine Mick Yard ‘79

Mike Duffy ’82

Danielle Massanari Ward ‘96

Award

Jackson, Mich. Americorps Senior Program Officer Michigan Community Service Commission For extraordinary dedication to counseling at-risk youth and adults, raising support for special causes, inspiring a love of volunteerism/service in communities, and for her personal commitment to Big Brothers Big Sisters and other helping organizations. Beyond her employment with the Michigan Community Service Commission, Jeanine has raised funds for breast cancer research, served meals at the Interfaith Shelter in Jackson, helped build houses and bike paths, participated in a Hospice Home beautification project, and assisted with disaster response efforts when floods ravaged Detroit. She has an adult son, Ryan C. King and she and husband, Clifford Yard ‘ 69 live in Jackson, Mich.

AC STEWARDSHIP

Hudson, Mich. Director of Athletics Adrian College For steadfast dedication to Adrian College, integrity, professionalism and talent in leading colleagues, students and athletic programs for over 30 years, and exemplifying a true Bulldog every day. Mike is a member of several professional associations including the American Football Coaches Association, the American Baseball Coaches Association and the National Association of Athletic Directors. He was inducted into the College’s Athletic Hall of Fame as a coach for both championship football and baseball teams. Mike lives in Hudson, Mich., with his wife, Rachelle Zink Duffy ’84, the College’s director of auxiliary services. Their son, Nicholas Duffy ’14, is currently in the sport administration and leadership graduate program at the College.

We Invite Your Nominations

Tecumseh, Mich. Assistant Director of Academic Services and Disabilities Specialist Adrian College For her ceaseless efforts to make campus a more welcoming, accessible place for persons with disabilities, for her outstanding work in helping students from all circumstances succeed at Adrian College, and for real-life preparation for their futures. Danielle also volunteers with Friends of the Tecumseh Community Pool, HOPE Community Center and the Lenawee Humane Society. She often links Adrian College students to community organizations in the area so they too can experience personal fulfillment through volunteering. Danielle and husband Jeff reside in Tecumseh, Mich., have two children, Veda and Soren and a cherished English bulldog.

ALUMNI AWARDS adrian.edu/alumni/alumni-awards/ See web pages for criteria and nomination forms or email mfielder@adrian.edu

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Wendy Warner Danna ‘97

Stephan Pietszak ‘92

Lindsay Dale Phipps ‘02

Jeffrey Dropps ’97

SOCCER

FOOTBALL

VOLLEYBALL

FOOTBALL BASEBALL

Wendy lettered for four years, earned All-MIAA three times including first team in 1995 and was chosen Adrian’s most valuable player in 1995. She returned to soccer as a varsity girls’ assistant coach at Bullock Creek High School from 2007 to 2011 and head junior varsity girls’ coach from 2011-2012. She is currently an eighth grade mathematics teacher in the Bullock Creek School District. Wendy is married to Jon Danna ‘96 and they have two children, son Jon Jr. and daughter Jordan.

Stephan was three-time AllMIAA standout, helping the Bulldogs to two conference football championships from 198889 and he was a member of the 1988 NCAA playoff team. In addition, he was named Adrian’s most valuable defensive back in 1990 and 1991, a 1991 College Preview Magazine Preseason All-American and 1991 Small College All-Michigan First Team choice. After college, Stephan served as head track coach and assistant football coach at Monroe High School, contributing to conference championships for both programs. Stephan is a case manager for Monroe Community Mental Health Authority and is coaching football at Jefferson High School in Monroe, where he presently lives.

Midland, Mich.

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Monroe, Mich.

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Geneva, Ill.

Lindsay earned All-MIAA accolades three times. A twoyear team captain, she was the Bulldogs’ co– MVP in 2000 and won the award outright the following season. In AC career annals, she ranked ninth in attack percentage (.218), 10th in kills per set (2.14) and tied for 10th in solo blocks (45). Lindsay has coached volleyball at Adrian College, Walled Lake Central High School and AAU Volleyball. Lindsay, who earned a master’s degree from DePaul University, is currently a special education teacher at Southeast Alternative School in Naperville, Ill. She and her husband reside in Geneva, Ill.

White Lake, Mich.

On the gridiron, Jeffrey captained the 1995 squad, earned multiple team MVP honors, was All-MIAA and ranks 10th in AC history with 136 completions in a season. On the diamond, Jeffrey was a member of Adrian’s first MIAA Championship team in 1993. As a team captain in his senior year, he was first-team All-MIAA and named the 1996 AC Outstanding Male Senior Athlete. Jeffrey has coached basketball, football and baseball for over 13 years at the secondary education level. He is currently a teacher for L’Anse Creuse Public Schools in Chesterfield, Mich. He and his wife LeAnne Knee Dropps '97 have three children.


2015 Athletic Hall of Fame

Sherry Chapman Sill ‘82

John Jimenez ‘64

SWIMMING/TRACK

WRESTLING

Sherry earned eight letters in swimming and track & field. She twice captained the swimming team while setting five school records and being named the Bulldogs’ most valuable player for three years. She was the 1981 MIAA champion in the 50-yard butterfly. She also held the track and field program’s long jump record in 1981. After Sherry received her master’s degree from Indiana University, she has coached varsity swimming and track at the high school level and taught physical education for more than 20 years, presently at Penn Harris Madison School Corporation in Granger, Ind. She is married to Dennis Sill and they have three adult children.

John was a member of the first Adrian wrestling team in 1960. A two-time captain, he finished with a 51-9 career record and was the squad’s 1963 most valuable player as a senior. John had a career in education, coaching numerous sports. For 15 years, he was a Michigan State High School Athletic Association wrestling official, working numerous district, regional and state final meets. John, who earned two degrees from Eastern Michigan University, retired in 2004 after serving over 10 years as the superintendent for the Michigan Center School District. He and his wife, Patricia Thoman Jimenez ’64, have three adult children.

Edwardsburg, Mich.

Clarklake, Mich.

We Invite Your Nominations

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME adrianbulldogs.com/information/ HOF/index See web pages for criteria and nomination forms or email mfielder@adrian.edu

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Rev. Dr. Richard Cheatham ‘63 has given two lectures at the Golden ARC chapter of Kiwanis International (in their 100th year of service) at the invitation of Rev. Dr. Terrance Robinson ‘66, chairman of Human and Spiritual Values of the San Antonio Kiwanis Club. In April 2014, his topic was “Whose in Charge, Who am I?”-Transactional Analysis, and in Feb. 2015, it was “Psychological Archetypes.” Richard used his clarinet to emphasize major points of both lectures. Terry was a student in Richard’s freshman English class in 1962-63 at Adrian College.

1940s

Richard Griffith ’63 was elected president of the International Council of Community Churches at their annual conference in July 2014 in Omaha, Neb. The ICCC is a member communion of the National Council of Churches, the World Council of Churches, and other ecumenical bodies. Dr. Griffith resides in Southfield, Mich.

1960s

Pauline Renshaw Spangler ’45 and her husband, Dan, sent Valentine’s greetings from their new retirement village in Palm Harbor, Fla., where they have been since January. ▲

Friends and former classmates, Amy-Marie Hohn Stover ‘63 and Elizabeth “Betty” Carrier Newman ‘64 returned to campus for a nostalgic visit and were awed by the dramatic changes they found. Amy lives in Upper Montclair, N.J., and Betty in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. They enjoyed a golf cart tour and had lunch while in Adrian. ▲

Dr. Jan Hoffer Ferguson and husband Earl at the annual Sun City dinner gathering. Jan and Earl (who is 100 years young) arranged the get together for alumni and friends during Jeff and Beth Docking’s April trip to Arizona. Jan served several positions at the College during the 60s-70s, retiring in 1980 as vice president and dean for student affairs. Alumni and guests attending the event included Hal Craft ’60, John Fow ’61 and wife Claire, Deloras Stark Koehler ’65 and husband Robert, and Estelle and Gene Wade. ▲ Weimer Hicks ’62 was recognized for 25 years of volunteer work at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Weimer’s contributions included giving tours, assisting at the Indian market in early summer and at the fall western art sale. The museum is located in downtown Indianapolis on the grounds of the White River State Park.

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Gene ’64 and Judy Harder Montgomery ’67 spent several days in Europe last fall. They are pictured here in front of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland. ▲ Larry Tuttle ’66, retired Blissfield High School baseball coach, was one of the first 10 inductees into the newly created Michigan Baseball Hall of Fame, held in August. He was honored alongside five major league hall-of-famers and several retired major league players. Larry spends half of his time at his retirement home in Marco Island, Fla., returning in March for baseball at the high school, followed by a summer of coaching American Legion ball. Between those two pursuits, he has coached over 3,600 baseball games.


Joe Balsanek ’68 was reelected in April as commander of Post 47 Hastings American Legion (Minn.). Joe served in the Minnesota Air National Guard for 22 years in civil engineering during the Vietnam and Middle East Desert Storm wars, retiring from military service in 1992. His civilian career included an assistant professorship at Hamline University and a professorship at Inver Hills College, teaching production design and technical theatre over a 30-year period. Joe earned a master of fine arts degree from Ohio University. During that time he also wrote and published two plays and a public speaking textbook, A Speaker’s Journey, which is now in its fifth edition. Now retired, Joe lives in Hastings with his wife of 46 years, Betsy Blackburn Balsanek ’69, retired instructor from Eagan High School and professor at University of Wisconsin, River Falls. They have three grown children and six grandchildren.

Class Notes 1970s The ATO brothers and their wives gathered in Manassas, Va., for the Sept. 2014 ATO “Mom Sheid memorial” Adrian College 13th reunion. Pictured L-R: Bill Fusco ’71 and Cathy Fusco, Larry “Hal” May ’71, Dave McPike ’72 and Colleen McPike, Charlene Hyde Matheny ’71, Mike Matheny ’75, Mike Adler ’71, and Julie Adler. ▲

Rick Gurdjian ’68, president and CEO of Gurdjian Insurance Group Inc. in Adrian, was presented with the 2015 Parthenon Leadership Award at a May ceremony. The Athena Lenawee Leadership Awards honor individuals, relationships and values that support women’s leadership.

Pictured L-R: Beth and Ron ’72 June and Karen and Gordon ’72 Provenzano, who reconnected at the 32nd annual Florida Reunion in March. Ron and Gordon were roomates freshman and sophomore years (Feeman Hall) and are also SAE fraternity brothers. Gordon and his wife live in Saginaw, Mich., and Ron and his wife live in Clarklake, Mich., and Sarasota, Fla. ▲ Members of the Zeta Lambda chapter of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, also known as the Adrian College Pikes, were recognized at the Jan. 20 Adrian City Commission meeting when Mayor Jim Berryman ’69 presented them with the inaugural Mayor’s Community Service Award. Jim said the Pikes “came to us, called me and said ‘What can we do in the city of Adrian?’” Their community service activities included a fall cleanup, the Comstock Christmas Riverwalk, graffiti cleanup and the city’s food drive. Jim said the Mayor’s Community Service Award is something he plans to continue presenting on an occasional basis. ▲ Jim Jones ’69, ACSW, retired in September 2014, after leading Family Service of Northwest Ohio for 17 years as president and CEO. He earned his master’s degree in social work in administration and social treatment from the University of Michigan. Jim founded the Call Someone Concerned telephone hotline in Adrian in 1970. He served as executive director of that organization for 17 years until moving to Beloit, Wis., to lead Family Service Association of Beloit where he served for 12 years. He and wife Connie are enjoying retirement in Michigan.

Deena Boone Katz ’74 and husband Harold Evensky were featured in Texas Tech University’s Texas Tech Today magazine in May. Deena and Harold are personal financial planning professionals and teach at Texas Tech. They have been named to Investment Advisor’s 35 for 35 list, which recognizes people who have been influential in the independent financial advice industry. They reside in Lubbock, Texas.

Mindy Dygert MacDonald ’74 and Mary Cermak Betzoldt ’68, both instructors at Adrian College, supported their female softball students at spring training in March by watching the Lady Bulldogs play in Florida. ▲ Kim Cunningham ’81 has been employed as an assistant vice president in the human resources department of Pacific Life in Newport Beach, Calif., since 2011. She was recently promoted to vice president, HR business partner with the firm. Kim is a resident of Irvine, Calif.

1980s

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Mike Ayre ’82 is working at Wacker Chemical Corp. as the director of human resources. He began his new job in September 2014. Mike lives in Britton, Mich., with his wife, Therese Caldwell-Ayre ’83. [LinkedIn] Rev. Dr. Christopher Momany ’84, Adrian College chaplain, was invited to travel in January to Washington, D.C., to take part in a consultation of the social principles, which serve as the United Methodist Church’s central document about ethics and social justice. The General Board of Church and Society plans to update the Social Principles during the denomination’s 2020 general conference. In May, Chris presented at the National Council of Churches at the convening table on Joint Action and Advocacy. His theme revolved around the Adrian College abolitionist philosophy of intrinsic worth. In May, Chris was also awarded the Harold Stanton Social Justice Award, presented by the Detroit Annual Conference of the UMC, recognizing his contributions in the fight against human trafficking. Jim D. Thomas ’84 has returned to the Columbus, Ohio, area, where he is a partner and trial lawyer with the firm of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP. Jim has more than 25 years of legal experience, including as a former United States magistrate judge in the northern district of Ohio and, most recently, as the leader of the global litigation group for Squire Sanders Florida office. Jim serves on the Adrian College Board of Trustees.

Life

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Michael Novak ’85 contacted us with an update on life since Adrian College. He has five children and six grandchildren, and has spent 30 years as both a deejay in metro Detroit and youth minister in the archdiocese of Detroit. In 2007, Michael pursued his dream of becoming a writer and has published a novel, a collection of poetry and a collection of short stories (mljammsenterprises.org). Michael’s other goal was serving as a youth minister. Over his 30 years, he has created several successful programs, including Jammin’ With Jesus and Youthstock. Michael emceed three days of events at both World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, Australia, and World Youth Day 2011, held in Madrid, Spain. While a student at AC, Michael played basketball, setting two school scoring records and he continues to play basketball on a weekly basis with his grown sons and nephews. Michael and his wife, Jacque Linehan Novak ’86, reside in Warren, Mich.

1990s

Adrian College alumni teachers from Saline High School with four incoming 2015 Bulldogs. Back L-R: Olivia Tomlinson, Kiersten Knudstrup Gawronski ’92, Cyndi Koppelman ’93, Audra Young Lucas ’94, Jacob Keefer. Front L-R: Noah Teritas and Brandon Baldus. ▲

Mike Rogers ’85, former U.S. Congressman representing Michigan’s Eighth Congressional District, continues to help shape the national debate on a variety of issues. He joined CNN as a national security commentator in January and is also host of the nationally-syndicated “Something to Think About with Mike Rogers” on Westwood One. His experience and dedication in Congress, the U.S. Army, the FBI, and as a world traveler have provided him an insider perspective unlike any other. While a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, he chaired the House Intelligence Committee and was a member of the Energy and Commerce panel. Rogers built a legacy as a leader on cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and national security policy, and has worked with two presidents and countless foreign leaders, diplomats and intelligence professionals. Rogers will also host the new CNN Series “Declassified” airing in 2016, which will delve into true

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stories of America’s covert operations around the world. He is quoted regularly in major print outlets such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the Associated Press. Rogers remarked about life after Congress, “The perspectives I have gained from Adrian College to the FBI to being a member of Congress have all been life changing. I now have a national platform in radio and TV to share those hard earned experiences with millions of Americans across the country. It is an exciting new chapter for me.” Rogers was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws by Adrian College in 2006 and graciously authored the afterword in Adrian College President Jeffrey Docking’s book, “Crisis in Higher Education.” Rogers is married to Kristi Rogers and has two children.


Class Notes Jacque Snellenberger ’91 of Coldwater, Mich., was inducted into the Amateur Trapshooting Association’s Hall of Fame in August. Hall of Fame nominees are selected from two groups: competitors—shooters who have made impressive records in shooting on an ATA-wide basis for a period of 20 or more years; and contributors—those who have contributed to the growth of trapshooting or to the betterment of the sport, also on an ATA-wide basis. Jacque is a fifth grade teacher with Bronson Community Schools. Tim Mahiques ’92 was promoted last fall to senior sales manager-Mid Tier VAR-West, with Ingram Micro, a computer services firm located in the Buffalo/Niagara, New York area. [LinkedIn] Dan Spencer ’92 was elected as second vice-president of the Congress of Chiropractic State Associations (COCSA) at their annual convention on Nov. 8, 2014in New Orleans. The Congress is an “association of associations” that represents over 50 chiropractic state organizations. Dan is the owner of the Contact for Health Chiropractic Centers in Hudson and Reading, Mich., and serves as a member of the Hillsdale Community Health Center physicians’ staff. He also currently serves as chairman of the board of the Michigan Association of Chiropractors. Elizabeth Ruhl Quinn ’93, of Sunnyvale, Calif., is owner and founder of ERQ Consulting, focusing on life science and drug discovery companies as well as serving as a marketing consultant for Aragen Biosciences. She is also scientific program director for ELRIG (European Laboratory Research & Innovation Group) and coordinated a two-day conference on Advances in Cell-Based Screening in Drug Discovery held in Sweden in June. [LinkedIn] Dan Chalk ’94 and his wife, Tamara, announce the birth of their daughter, Meredith Beatrice, on July 30, 2013. Dan is a sports writer at Midland Daily News, and can be contacted at chalk@ mdn.net. In January, Frank Demers ’95 was officially named Public Safety Director for the city of Farmington, Mich., after serving a period of time as the interim director. Danielle Massanari Ward ’96 was promoted fall 2014 to assistant director/disabilities specialist at AC. She provides support for the STARS initiative in addition to her disability services duties. Last fall, Jeff Willet ’96, owner of Powerhouse Gym, won the outstanding exterior award for the business façade and nostalgic sign. His gym in downtown Adrian, in a building which dates back to the late 1880s, competed against more than 300 licensees in 39 states and 20 countries. In 2009, Jeff won the outstanding brand representation award from Powerhouse Gym International. Jeff, a professional bodybuilder who won the 2003 overall NPC Team Universe Championship, opened Powerhouse Gym in Dec. 2004.

Jason Boisher ’97 is working as a continuous improvement manager with the Homer Donaldson Co. LLC, in Hudson. Jason began his new position in November 2014. [LinkedIn] In February, Erica Emery ’99 joined the practice of Hires Dental Care in Toledo as marketing manager. She is responsible for handling the practice’s marketing and advertising, including print, TV, radio, billboard, direct mail, promotions, donations, and special events. In January, Aaron Swiggum ’99 was named new managing partner of the William Vaughan Company, of Maumee, Ohio. Aaron leads the firm’s long-term strategic plan, growth initiatives and overall management for the future. Aaron lives in Adrian with his wife, Amanda Bailey Swiggum ’03, and two children. Aaron, president-elect of the Toledo Club, was cochairman of the club’s centennial celebration in June. Sara Saksewski Windjue ’00 was featured in November 2014 on the Friday Faculty/Staff Feature of the College of Natural Resources University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Facebook page. She is an energy science specialist with the Wisconsin K-12 Energy Education Program. She and her family reside in Plover, Wis.

2000s

Jessica Rath ’01 and Justin Purkiss were married Sept. 26, 2014, at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club in Arcadia, Mich. A reception was held in December at Cobblestone Farm in Ann Arbor, Mich. Attendees at the reception included Kristin Lukowski ’01 and Etenesh Brown ’01. The wedding was attended by Queenester Wyatt ’00, and Kevin ’98 and Jane Floyd Richie ’00. Jessica, an adjunct instructor at Adrian College, is employed at Independent Bank as a banking officer. ▲ Brian Martinus ’01 and his wife, Sara, announce the birth of their second child, Aubrey Adelyn, on Nov. 3, 2014. The family lives in Traverse City, Mich., where Brian is a Chaplain (MAJ) who works full time for the Michigan Army National Guard as a casualty operations and military funeral honors support chaplain at the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center. Brian served as a Chaplain for Task Force 1-119th FA on a combat tour to Iraq from 2010-11 Operation New Dawn. Elizabeth Tapp ’02 started a new job as an administrator with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago in January. She earned a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology in 2010 from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. [LinkedIn]

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Marc ’08 and Sara Morningstar Spicer ’08 welcomed a daughter, Evelynn Ann, on Oct. 11, 2014. Evelyn joins brother Bennett, 3. The Spicer family resides in Blissfield, Mich. Keith ’03 and Margo Michalkiewicz Coates ’05 are happy to announce the birth of their twin sons, Jack Hearold and Charles Lawrence, on Dec. 15, 2014. The family resides in Blacklick, Ohio. Aja Blackwell Russo ’03 lives and works in the Cleveland/ Akron area of Ohio, where she is a blogger and wealth building coach. Aja writes about the 6 Degrees of Debt, and her passionate journey to pay away debt and build wealth. [LinkedIn] Rachel Sherwood ‘04 wed Maria Idzior on July 4, 2014 in California. She is now Rachel Shior and the couple resides in Garden City, Kansas. Elizabeth Wilkinson ’04 was hired in October 2014, as an early childhood mental health consultant at Edgewood Center for Children and Families in the San Francisco Bay Area. She earned a master’s degree in social work, with an emphasis on community organization and advocacy, in 2006 from the University of Michigan. [LinkedIn] Alan Loncar ’05 recently opened Loncar Law PLLC, focusing on estate planning, probate and elder law issues. His main office is in Shelby Township, Mich., but he represents clients throughout the state of Michigan.

Matt Tingley ’08 and Mary Venturi ’07 were married at Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., on May 17, 2014. The couple resides in Northville, Mich. ▲ Tom ’09 and Erin Laske Pavlovich ’11 proudly announce the birth of their first child, Elijah Jerome, on Oct. 9, 2014. The Pavlovich family lives in Livonia, Mich.

In June, Melissa Murray Balsan ’06 was named vice president of marketing for Career Education Corp. She was most recently director of marketing for Colorado Technical University (Career Education Corp. is the parent company). Melissa, a new member of the Adrian College Alumni Association Board of Directors, presented at the last AC Education at Work day on campus. Melissa resides in Chicago. Jeff Strayer ’06, member of Adrian College’s Alumni Association Board of Directors, accepted a new position with Home Depot in January, as a transportation manager. Jeff and his wife reside in Haskins, Ohio. J.D. Elerick ’07 was named the 2014 Central (Ohio) District Head Coach of the Year for Division II Boys Soccer. J.D. is an instructional aide and head boys soccer coach at Independence High School, where he has been for the past two years. J.D. is in his 14th year of coaching high school soccer, previously at Walnut Ridge High School, his alma mater. He earned a master’s degree in sports management from the California University of Pennsylvania in 2009. Sarah Schweitzer ’08 began her new job as an administrative assistant with START-South Texas Accelerated Research Therapeutics in October 2014. She resides in San Antonio. [LinkedIn]

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Misty Williams Sumner ‘09 and her husband, Justin, are proud to announce the birth of their first child, Claire Elaine, on August 6. Misty is a veterinarian at Tecumseh (Mich.) Veterinary Hospital. The Sumner family resides in Britton, Mich. ▲ Zac Weaks ’09 of Ypsilanti, Mich., is working as a project recruiter with SC Novi, which he began in July 2014. [LinkedIn]

2010s

JaLisha Belle Cooper ’10 is employed with State Farm in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, as a property claims staff adjuster, where she has been since May of 2013. JaLisha is also an analyst with the Texas Army National Guard. [LinkedIn]


Class Notes 2010s

Ryann Waterstradt ’10 and Andrew Warner ’12 were married May 24, 2014, in Bath, Mich. Members of the wedding party included Grace Waterstradt ’15, sister of the bride, Daphne Hicok Mitchell ’81, Calie McLouth ’10, Steve Mauk ’11, and Tom Hanrahan ’12. Andy works for GreenStone Farm Credit Services and Ryann is employed by Jackson National Life Insurance Company. They reside in Mason, Mich. ▼

Amanda Fassett ’10 and Justin Johnson were married Aug. 31, 2014, in Greenville, S.C., attended by family and close friends including Mary Rinke-Bowers ‘10, Natalie Niblock-Saunders ‘10, and Valerie Smith ‘10 who were in the wedding. Mandy is a physical education teacher at Spartanburg Day School, and also coaches volleyball. ▲ Sarah Jackson Frost ’10 is employed as a clinic assistant at the University of Detroit Mercy, where she is working on her Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Sarah has been employed at UDM since Aug. 2012. [LinkedIn] Catherine “Calie” McLouth ’10 was promoted recently to marketing coordinator at Nichols Paper & Supply, in Norton Shores, Mich. Calie has been employed there since July 2012. Jennifer Perrin ’10 is currently an account manager at Anthem Worldwide in Kalamazoo, Mich., where she manages package design for Kellogg’s adult cereal brands. She was named to this year’s First 50 class as one of the emerging leaders in the region. The First 50 program, in its third year, is an exclusive coaching experience that pairs 50 experienced leaders with 50 emerging leaders in a year-long experience aimed at developing the next generation of Southwest Michigan leaders, who will shape the companies they work for along with the communities they live in. Jenifer Pettitt ’10 is employed with the Robertson Brothers Company (new home builder) as a project accountant, where she has been since February. She lives in Dryden, Mich. [LinkedIn] Kevin Totty ’10 has been named director of financial aid at Community College of Allegheny County-Allegheny Campus, where he has been employed since Nov. 2013. Kevin says he attributes much of his personal growth to his experience at Adrian College and the relationships formed. He and wife Brianna Davis Totty ’11, reside in Pittsburgh.

In November 2014, Jordan Barkey ’11 recited the lawyer’s oath and became the fourth generation of his family admitted into the State Bar of Michigan. He earned his J.D. from Wayne State University earlier that year. A music major at AC, Jordan is also an avid musician. Megan Boelstler ’11 graduated from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law in the spring of 2014. She is working as a legal fellow with George P. Mann & Associates PC, and is also a law clerk for the Police Officers Legal Council, which she began in Aug. 2014. [LinkedIn] Sam Costello ’11 has been employed as an analytical chemist with AkzoNobel, since July 2013. He resides in the greater Detroit area. [LinkedIn] Mariana DiGiovanni ’11 has been the head women’s lacrosse coach for the past three years at Adams State University in Alamosa, Colo., where she earned a master’s degree in human performance and physical education in 2014. [LinkedIn] Ashley Dixon ’11 and Raymond Platts IV ’13 were married July 12, 2014, at Adrian College. Ray is stationed at Fort Drum, in New York, and was promoted to First Lieutenant in Nov. 2014. They welcomed their first child, Raymond Eugene Platts V, on June 9, 2015. The Platts family lives in Watertown, N.Y. Ben Enser ’11 is working in Australia, where he recently earned his doctor of physiotherapy degree from the University of Melbourne. Ben reports that he is “living the dream!”

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Kyle Watson ’11 has been employed since November 2014 with the Okanagan Hockey Group, Inc., in British Columbia, as an account manager and head instructor. [LinkedIn] In January, Emily Alt ’12 received the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association) 30 under 30 award in Las Vegas. She was named one of the top 30 kitchen and bath designers in the U.S. under the age of 30. For the past two years, Emily has been employed at DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen in Comstock Park, Mich., where she is an interior designer and remodeling consultant. She also holds the vice president of academic relations position for the West Michigan NKBA Chapter and is the vice president of programs for 2015.

2010s

Erica Fracassa ’11 and Andrew Green were married June 14, 2014. Erica is employed as a tradeshow and event specialist with the Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau. The couple resides in Allen Park, Mich. ▲ Samantha Hoot ’11 began her job as a teller at Huntington National Bank in May. [LinkedIn] Megan Kipp ’11 is working as a staffing manager at Therapy Staff LLC, in Plymouth, Mich. She began her duties in January. [LinkedIn] In January, Sam Kuzyk ’11 was promoted to sales operations manager of Western Canada with Labatt Breweries. He has been with Labatt since 2011. Sam resides in Vancouver, B.C. [LinkedIn] Stuart MacDonald ’11 began a new job at Whirlpool Corporation in October 2014, as a senior training analyst in the Benton Harbor, Mich. area. [LinkedIn] Mike Miller ’11 has been employed as the community manager for the New York Code + Design Academy in New York City, since February. He received his master's of science degree in 2014 from New York University. [LinkedIn] In March, Dave Napieralski ’11 began working as a mortgage banker with The Federal Savings Bank in the greater Chicago area. [LinkedIn] In July, Scott Normandin ’11 was promoted to the customer management account representative for the MidAmerica region of Frito-Lay, making him responsible for all the convenience store chains in Michigan, as well as some in Indiana and Ohio. Scott has been with Frito-Lay since 2011 and resides in the greater Grand Rapids, Mich., area. Nicole Potter ’11 recently received her doctor of chiropractic degree from National University of Health Sciences. Peter Tomasek ’11 is working as a research attorney with the Michigan Court of Appeals in Lansing, Mich. Peter received his juris doctorate degree in 2014, from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. [LinkedIn]

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Since June, Stephanie Boehringer ’12 has been a system engineer intern for ITT Exelis Geospatial Systems/Harris Corp. She is also pursuing her master’s of engineering at the University of Michigan College of Engineering in the field of atmospheric oceanic space sciences. [LinkedIn] Brantz Brandenberger ’12 was appointed in June to the newly created marketing analyst position in the SPP NCA business team at Wacker Chemical Corp., in Adrian. Brantz has three years of experience at Wacker, having previously worked as a chemist in their industrial coatings segment. He is currently working on an MBA, with plans to graduate in early 2016. Brantz and his wife, Heidi Roberts Brandenberger ’10, live in Clinton, Mich., and have two children, Silas, 3, and Emma, 1. Lauren Dennis Bucholz ’12 graduated from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio in 2015 with a master’s of divinity and a specialization in feminist and womanist studies. Her husband, Kyle Bucholz ’11, graduated from MTSO in 2014 with a master’s of divinity. He began his duties as the associate pastor at Clarkston (Mich.) United Methodist Church on July 1. Kara Edgerton ’12, an interior design major now employed at Carpet One Floor & Home in Adrian, is part of a nation-wide program to help wounded service people with housing (in her case, the flooring). A representative from this program was at the local store in June to express gratitude and to present a piece of steel from the fallen towers of the World Trade Center in appreciation for efforts to build smart homes for America’s catastrophically wounded veterans. Emily Engel ’12 has completed her master of science in physician assistant studies at Shenandoah University. Samantha Hill ’12 is working as a solar ready communities intern with the Clean Energy Coalition, in the greater Detroit area. Samantha began her internship in May 2014. She earned a master’s degree of environment and sustainability in 2014 from Western University. [LinkedIn]


Class Notes 2010s

Jamie Brower ’13 is employed with Owens Corning in Toledo, as a Get Pink Agent/Warranty. Jamie is also a freshmen soccer coach at St. John’s Jesuit High School and Academy in the Toledo area. [LinkedIn]

Tom D’Andreta ’13 is working as a marketing associate with Synergy Computer Solutions, Inc., in Berkley, Mich. He began his position in March. [LinkedIn]

Brandi Mills ’12 and Sean Klein ’12 were married Oct. 3, 2014, in Tecumseh, Mich. Brandi is a legal secretary for Stimpson & Associates, P.C., and Sean is employed by Google, as an adwords strategist. The couple resides in Clinton, Mich. ▲

In June, Kyle Cordova ’13 was hired as a correctional officer for the State of Michigan Department of Corrections in Muskegon, Mich. He earned his Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Adrian College in 2014. [LinkedIn] After two years with Christ the King Service Corps of Detroit, Emily Cutler ’13 has been accepted into the University of Michigan Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program. Shantay Ernst ’13 accepted a position as administrative assistant for the Office of Student Affairs at Adrian College. She and husband, Toby Ernst ‘03, on staff at the Merillat Sport & Fitness Center, reside in Adrian with their family. Nakeyia Henagan ’13 accepted a position as a therapist with Catholic Charities of Lenawee, in Adrian, in December. She graduated from the University of Michigan Advanced Standing MSW program in 2014.

Heather Muylle ’12 and Neal Mossing ’10 were married Oct. 4, 2013. Alumni in the wedding party included Renae Blough St. John ’11, Sarah Muylle ’10, Hanna Hubbard ’12, Chelsea Bradish Iles ’12, Christine Jackson ’12, RJ Cichy ’11, and Rob Magyar ’10. Heather is employed as the communications coordinator for Old Town Commercial Association. Neal has been an IT manager for Jackson National Life Insurance Company since 2010. ▲

Eden Presland ’12 has been working as a customer service representative since August 2013, with Kotz Heating & Air Conditioning and Brinker’s Plumbing, in Waterford, Mich. [LinkedIn] Lauren Fabian Sawyer ’12 has been employed as a marketing manager with Middletons Mouldings in Coldwater, Mich., since October 2014. Amy Johnson ’12 will serve as the primary researcher for a new Lenawee County Museum Project entitled “Germans and Latinos of Lenawee County: Finding Home.” The Michigan Humanities Council awarded the Lenawee County Museum a grant of $18,000 to fund Johnson’s project promoting German and Latino history, culture and racial experiences within Lenawee County. Johnson previously interned at the Lenawee County Historical Museum during her senior year at Adrian College; her internship advisor was fellow Adrian College alum Ray Lennard (need year graduated). The museum project will involve oral interviews; exhibit building and the creation of a living museum. The final exhibit will be unveiled June 2016. Mitch Barnard ’13 has completed his second year of law school at the University of Alberta. Mitch has already been hired by one of the largest law firms in Canada, and will be based out of Calgary upon graduation in 2016.

Amy Johnson ’13, with Ray Lennard ’99, was the driving force behind a Heritage Grant for the Lenawee County Historical Society. The project will focus on the immigration of the German and Latino populations in Adrian. They are working on bringing this community exhibit to the museum this year. Ray serves on the board of the Lenawee County Historical Society. Lee Schriber ’13, a student at Wesleyan Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C., recently met with Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow and shared with her Adrian College’s abolitionist history and Asa Mahan’s “intrinsic worth,” urging her to continue efforts to end human trafficking domestically and abroad. Chelsea Schwyn ’13 was recently hired as a design assistant for Nate Berkus Associates, in Chicago, Ill. Anthony Sergi ’13 is currently a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo., and graduated combat engineer school in June. The Army granted Anthony’s request in April to return to campus at the request of AC Baseball Coach Rainey. Anthony spoke to the baseball team prior to their games with Hope. Kevin Sunde ’13 was hired August 2014 as the new head coach for the Adrian College’s ACHA Black Hockey Team Div. III.

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Mitch Stefanski ’14 is now working as a test engineer for Autoliv in Auburn Hills, Mich.

2010s

Caitlyn Cookenmaster ’15 has been accepted into the M.D. program in the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University. Megan Vandekerkhove ’13 has been named housing coordinator for Adrian College. She is pursuing her master’s degree in Higher Education Administration at the University of Michigan. Russell Rodriguez ’12 accepted a position as an associate account specialist in May 2014, with Thomson Reuters. [LinkedIn]

In December, Greg Brannan ’13 began working at Lighting Supply Company of Ferndale, Mich., as an inside sales representative. [LinkedIn] Jessica Abbey ’14 began working as a marketing coordinator in December, for the Rudolph Libbe Co. in Walbridge, Ohio. [LinkedIn]

Leah Gavin ’15 has been accepted into the Michigan State University Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program. Katie Harms ’15 will study in the Ph.D. program in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Michigan. Nathan Hartline ’15, former Adrian College wide receiver, competed this past summer at the 2015 Detroit Lions rookie mini-camp. He is now a coaching intern for the Bulldog football program. Javon Jenkins ’15, a volunteer with Boys & Girls Club of Lenawee, was pictured in a May edition of The Daily Telegram, where a celebration was held for members graduating from 12th and 8th grades.

Jason Avromov ’14 was hired into the Wacker Chemical Corp. commercial rotation program in November 2014.

Joshuz Jerz ’15, Kelly Koskoszka ’15 and Kayla Publiski ’15 have all been accepted into the University of Michigan Advanced Standing Master of Social Work program.

Brian Diven ’14 has been employed with GM Powertrain as a tech analyst (DRE Support) since June 2014. [LinkedIn]

In May, Lynzi Miller ’15, started working for Sodexo at Adrian College as the catering office assistant.

Kellie Fisher ’14 is working as a bookkeeper at Bergen Office Furniture in New York City.

Grace Waterstradt ’15 began her duties as the residence life coordinator with the Office of Student Affairs at Adrian College in the summer.

Cameron Mitchell ’14 is employed as an ABA tech at Centria in Novi, Mich., where he works with autistic children. Marina Morris ’14 was hired in May of 2014, as a sales coordinator and technical coordinator of the channel team for iDashboards, located in Troy, Mich. [LinkedIn] Jarrett Patterson ’14 has been working as an admissions counselor at Adrian College since fall 2014.

CONNIE WILLIAMS Administrative Assistant Alumni Office at Adrian College 110 S. Madison Street Adrian, Michigan 49221

EMAIL cwilliams@adrian.edu

Submit A Class Note

Photos and information may be used as space permits. Digital images must be of sufficient quality. Due to internal deadlines, there may be a delay of up to two issues from the date of submission.

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Dr. Tina Claiborne, AC ESPE/Athletic Training professor, hosted a gathering of Adrian College alumni, current students and staff attending the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Symposium in St. Louis on June 25. Pictured at Hannigan’s - Front L-R: Heather Schuyler (AC faculty), Emily McCauley ’15, Sara Engle ’15, Amanda Antos ’15, Cara Harm ’15, Kaylee O’Neil ’15, Rachel Wright (former AC intern), student Renee Cantrell, and Katelyn Skoczyk, (ATP preceptor). Middle L-R: Brad Smith ’13, Spencer Dennison ’15, Jamie Fetter, (AC staff ), James Ruby ’15, Anthony Rossi ’14, (AC staff ), Jake Ladd ’15, student Jakob Adams, Andrew Andonian ’15, Braydon Starr ’15, Emily Borup ’15, and Victor Liberi, (AC faculty). Back L-R: Jim McNair, (AC staff ), Matt Salmen (former AC intern), and Tina Claiborne (AC faculty). ▲


In Memoriam

Sam Beal ’40, a resident of Adrian and former owner of Beal Supply Supply Company and later a hardware store in Manchester, Mich., died Dec. 20, 2014. Sam served his country in the U.S. Navy, and was a past president of Kiwanis. He spent many years of his retirement in the Gulf Breeze area of northern Florida. Surviving are two daughters, a son, eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Wilma Hochradel Fink ’41, a resident of Morenci, Mich., and retired teacher from Morenci Area Schools, died Nov. 3, 2014. She and her late husband, Charles Fink ’38, operated Fink Funeral Homes for many years. Surviving Wilma are two sons, a daughter, nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and three great-greatgrandchildren.

Emory Clippert ’50, a resident of Kennebunk, Maine, and Army Air Corps World War II veteran, died Aug. 15, 2014. After receiving his degree in chemistry from Adrian College, Emory taught junior high school science before taking a position with the quality control lab at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Mich. Emory relocated to Maine where he joined the staff at the University of New Hampshire in Durham. He retired in 1985 and moved to Florida with his wife, Ruth Eno Clippert ’52, who preceded him in death in 2013, after 62 years of marriage. Survivors include two daughters, two sons, 11 grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren and a sister. Warren “Bud” Enerson ’50, a resident of Hudson, Mich., died Jan. 30. Bud owned and operated the Gambles store in Hudson for more than 50 years, retiring in 1996. Surviving are his wife, Mary, two sons, two daughters, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Don Enerson ’57.

Edgar “Ozzie” Evans ’50, a resident of Adrian and member of the SAE fraternity, died Nov. 11, 2014. He worked for Prudential Insurance Company in Adrian, retiring with 30 years of service. Survivors include his wife, Midge, of 61 Madelyn Still Burkhart ’42, a resident of Adrian and retired from the Lenawee Intermediate years, two sons, a daughter (Liz Graham of Adrian College’s Academic Services), six grandchildren School District, died Feb. 19. Surviving are three and three great-grandchildren. daughters, two sons, 12 grandchildren, 15 greatgrandchildren, three brothers and two sisters. Clifford Wilcox ’50, a resident of Rochester, Mich., died March 5. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Murbach Miller ’43, retired teacher, Irene. died Nov. 6, 2014. Ruth taught school in Grosse Ile, Mich., Cleveland, Ohio, Metamora, Ohio, and Blissfield, Mich., retiring in 1976. She is survived by Donald Burkett ’52, a lifelong resident of Monroe, Mich., and avid supporter of the AC a son and four grandchildren. Hockey programs, died May 1. Don, a U.S. Army veteran and member of the ATO fraternity, was Robert Hines ’44, a resident of Adrian and member of the SAE fraternity, died Dec. 23. Robert a teacher for Monroe Public Schools, teaching retired in 1984 from Tecumseh Products, after more government at Monroe High School from 1967 than 30 years of service. Surviving are his wife of 64 until his retirement in 1986. Survivors include a years, Louise, three sons, including Bill Hines ’76, son, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and a sister. Don was preceded in death in 2010 by a daughter and three grandchildren. his wife, Glennie, after 44 years of marriage. Mary Lou Lutz Pellowe ’45, former member Donald Crumm ’52, a resident of Goodrich, Mich. of the Adrian College Alumni Association Board of Directors and a recipient of the Alumni Service and member of Theta Chi fraternity, died Sept. 20, 2014. Don graduated from Drew Theological Award, died March 22. Mary Lou was a resident Seminary (N.J.) in 1955, and retired in 2008 from of Adrian, a freelance decorator for many years, the Northwest Venice United Methodist Church. and a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma and Tau In early 2014, Don was awarded the Conference Delta sororities. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward C. Pellowe ’44, for whom Cane, given to the oldest ordained elder of the Detroit Conference who has at least 35 years of Pellowe Hall on campus is named. Survivors active membership. Don met his wife, Barbara include a daughter, a son, four grandchildren, Yunker Crumm ’51, at the first mixer in fall 1948 including Kiersten Knudstrup Gawronski at Ridge Gymnasium. She survives along with two ’92, and five great-grandchildren. The family of Mary Lou suggests contributions to the Edward C. sons, two daughters, 10 grandchidlren, two sisters Pellowe Scholarship Fund at Adrian College or the and a brother. Lenawee Humane Society.

Nell Townsend Howard ’53, retired educator and resident of Adrian, died Feb. 11. Nell earned her master’s degree from the University of Michigan. She taught at Albion Public School and then for 29 years at McKinley School in Adrian, retiring in 1983. Survivors include a sister and three stepchildren. Edward Winter ’54, a resident of Delaware, Ohio, and retired chemical and research engineer, died Jan. 30. Ed was a member of the ATO fraternity. He attended Purdue University, where he earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering. His career included working at the Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Wayne State University, Columbia Gas System, and contract work with Burns and Roe at the Dept. of Energy in Pittsburgh. Ed is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Evelyn Wangerin Winter ’52, two sons, six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and a sister. Janet “Jan” Harris Connelly ’58, former schoolteacher in Michigan Center, Mich., and resident of Naples, Fla., died Sept. 21, 2014. Jan retired in 2009 as an administrator with the First Unitarian Universalist Church. She was a member of Chi Omega sorority. Survivors include two sons, including Pat Connelly ’85, a daughter, 12 grandchildren, one great-grandson and a brother, Jack Harris ’62. Richard Dersham ’58, a resident of Richardson, Texas, and member of the SAE fraternity, died Jan. 21. He owned Pro Equities, Inc., where he worked as a fixed income securities broker. Survivors include his wife, Lenna, and three daughters. Gene Music ’58, a resident of Portage, Mich., and owner of Great Bay Engineering, died March 4. Gene had served in U.S. Naval Intelligence before receiving a degree from Adrian College in metallurgical engineering. Surviving are his wife, Phyllis, of 57 years, a son and grandson. Jim Silberhorn ’58, a resident of Adrian and retired educator, died Nov. 14, 2014. Jim received a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University in special education. He was a teacher at the Adrian Training School, retiring as principal in 1993 after 33 years in education. Jim is survived by his wife, Margarete, a son, a daughter, four stepchildren, two brothers and three stepgrandchildren. Joseph Pullen ’59, retired biology teacher, a resident of Adrian and member of the Theta Chi fraternity, died Oct. 12, 2014. He earned a master’s degree in biology from the University of Michigan, and taught for 25 years in the Adrian Public Schools, retiring in 1989. Joe led numerous Quetico and Boundary Water wilderness canoe trips for the YMCA, and for more than 40 years he hiked a portion of the Appalachian Trail each spring. Survivors include a sister and a niece, Christine Garno Tabor ’90.

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In Memoriam

Perry Foor ’68, a former Methodist minister and most recently a financial adviser with Summit Financial, died Oct. 9, 2014. Perry was captain of the Adrian College football team for two of his four years here, and also played baseball. He attended United Theological Seminary, earning a master’s of divinity degree in 1971. He served on many Sheilah Newell Anglin DeKroub ’59, a resident boards including the Board of Trustees at Adrian College, Hospice of Lenawee, and Lenawee United of Livonia, Mich., died Jan. 3. Sheilah was retired Way. Perry enjoyed singing with the Town and from the City of Adrian, where she was employed Country Barber Shop Chorus. Surviving are his wife, as a community development loan specialist. Sheilah was a member of Civitan International and Barbara, of 45 years, a son, a daughter and seven also served on the board of Lenco Credit Union in grandchildren. Adrian. Surviving are two sons, two daughters and Joan Heffelfinger McKown ’68, an educator five grandchildren. and resident of Lexington, Ohio, died Dec. 24. Joan Phil Wilcox ’62, a resident of Chelsea, Mich., and taught history, social studies and psychology at Lucas High School for 27 years. She is survived by retiree of AAA of Michigan after 39 years serving her husband of 47 years, Albert (Jim) McKown in sales and as a general agent, died Oct. 30, ’70, a daughter, a son, one granddaughter and 2014. Surviving are his wife, Bonnie, a daughter, two sisters. a son, Scott Wilcox ’95, two granddaughters and a brother and sister-in-law, Richard ’63 and Word has been received of the death of Shirley Carole Taylor Wilcox ’64. He had requested Bowers Vlasic ’72 on Jan. 23, 2011. She resided that any memorial contributions be made to the Philip H. Wilcox Memorial Fund, which supports an in Vienna, Va., and for 17 years she was a photo researcher for The World and I magazine and entrepreneurship program at Adrian College. also worked as a fundraiser and lobbyist for the Conservative Caucus. Audrey Masuda Hayashida ’64, a resident of California and former employee of the Northrop Charles “Chuck” Morrow ’75, a resident of Grumman Foundation, died Aug. 17, 2014. She is survived by a son, a daughter, three grandchildren, Adrian and retired from Aget Manufacturing in 2014, died Feb. 10. Chuck worked at Michigan a sister and a brother. Milk Producers as an accountant from 19651987. Surviving are his wife, Emily, a daughter, Helen Kishpaugh Gallup ’65, a resident of five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, his Jackson and former public school teacher at Waldron and Jonesville, Mich., Community Schools mother and a brother. for nearly 30 years, died Oct. 5, 2014. Helen was Judith Thomas Stentzel ’81, a resident of a class advisor and director for many theatre Clinton, Mich., and retired educator, died March 7. productions at Waldron Schools and the first Judy was employed by Adrian College for a period computer club advisor at Jonesville Schools. She before relocating to the University of Michigan, was a member of Alpha Phi sorority. Survivors include two daughters, five grandchildren, brother- where she was employed by the Center of the Education of Women, retiring in 2005. Surviving in-law and sister, John ’60 and M. Kathryn are her husband, David, two daughters, four Kishpaugh Wyler ’59, and a brother, Charles grandsons, three sisters and a brother. Kishpaugh ’62. Stanley Sasaki ’65, a lifetime resident of Hawaii and contract specialist for the U.S. Department of Defense, died Nov. 4, 2014. While a student at Adrian College, Stan was a member of the football team. Survivors include a daughter and a son. Chuck Vollmer ’68, an attorney and resident of Pittsburgh, died Feb. 12. Chuck, a former captain in the U.S. Army, was also a member of the SAE fraternity. Survivors include a daughter, a son and four grandchildren.

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Patricia Husband ’92, a resident of Adrian and wife of AC professor emeritus, Dr. Robert Husband, died May 21. During their 60 years together, Patricia often served as a research associate as she and Robert traveled extensively throughout the world. Patricia worked as secretary to the social science division at Adrian College for 20 years. After raising her family, she attended Adrian College, earning a bachelor’s degree, cum laude, in early childhood development. In addition to her husband, she is survived by three children, David Husband ’83, Linda Husband Psalmonds ’84, and Suzanne Husband ’84, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Contributions in Patricia’s memory may be made to Adrian College. Deborah Beagle ’98, director of financial services at Monroe Community College, died May 31. Prior to her work at Monroe CC, Deb had worked for Robertson, Eaton & Owen accounting firm, and Summerfield High School in Petersburg, Mich., as the business manager. She was also a former member of Zonta. In addition to her husband, Bruce, Deb is survived by two sons, two brothers and three sisters. The family has requested that those wishing to make a contribution in Debbie’s memory to consider Adrian College.

Friends Jack Germond, former associate of Adrian College and resident of Adrian, died Feb. 5. Jack joined Commercial Savings Bank in 1950 as a trainee, beginning a successful career in commercial banking that culminated in him becoming the president of the bank 20 years later, retiring in 1991. He is survived by his wife, Pat, four sons, a daughter, 10 grandchildren, two greatgranddaughters, a sister and a brother.

Dr. Richard Werstler, emeritus professor of Adrian College, died Jan. 2. Dick was a resident of North Canton, Ohio, and completed his post graduate work at University of Northern Dakota and Case Western Reserve. For over 20 years of his 44-year Lorinda Sheppard ’87, a resident of Fort Wayne, career in education, Dick served as chairman of the Ind., died Oct. 31, 2014. She earned her master’s teacher education dept. at Adrian College. After and Ph.D. from Michigan State University. Lorin retiring in 1985, Dick returned to Stark County was director of instructional design and clinical (Ohio) to serve as the executive director of the assistant professor at Manchester University School McKinley Museum of History, Science and Industry of Pharmacy for three years. Prior to that, she and the McKinley National Memorial where he was employed at Michigan Fitness Foundation in oversaw the restoration of the monument. He Lansing, Mich. Surviving are her parents, former was also a founder of Lenco Credit Union in Adrian College trustee Isaac Sheppard and wife Adrian. Dick enjoyed restoring structures; he built, Donna, and two brothers, including Christopher restored, or enhanced over 20 houses, and two Sheppard ’86. A gift in Lorin’s memory may be large farms throughout the years. Surviving are his made to the Sheppard Scholarship Fund at Adrian wife, Wilma, of 65 years, a sister, daughter Beth College or to a charity of your choice. Werstler Santell ’76, two sons, including Mark Werstler ’80, six grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.


Dear Friends, As a long-time alumnus and Bulldog, I have come full circle from my early days at Adrian College. As a graduate of 1961 and then Alumni Relations director under President John Dawson and Vice President Bob Brown, to my current role as president of the Alumni Association, I have been witness to the ebbs and tides of our beloved alma mater over several decades. As a student, a special affinity to this place grew within me and I have observed that many of our current students and recent graduates exude that same Bulldog pride. The vast changes in technology seem to reflect a less personal connection but it is indeed those we connect with faceto-face—fellow classmates, fraternity, faculty and staff, who help create a lifetime affinity and loyalty that will remain. Though we all move on to careers, families and lives beyond college, these formative undergraduate years impact who we are and who we become. Joining the board this year are five alumni: Melissa Murray Balsan ’06, Michael Bell ’00, Timothy Creech ’88, Wesley Tapp ’93 and Pam McGahey Van Doren ’75. Welcome new members and thank you to those who recently left the board: Brad Barrett ‘04, Jennifer KayRivera ‘03, Mindy Dygert MacDonald ‘74, and Nate Smith ’81. We appreciate your dedication. Equally important is a thank you to many other alumni: for your donations to the Alumni Association Scholarship and other projects, for offering internships for current students, for hiring new graduates into your place of business, for volunteering your time for activities and events, and for sharing your Bulldog pride from your own office, backyard or local school. These are but a few of the ways alumni make a difference. A special thank you, also, to the over 750 alumni who responded to the Alumni Connect Engagement Survey. Your feedback is valuable and will help the Alumni Board and the College better serve you and future alumni. It is my pleasure to serve in this capacity at such an exciting time in the College’s history. Record enrollment and tremendous improvements in academics and brick and mortar continue to preserve our history and create new paths for the future. On behalf of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, thank you for representing the heart of a true Bulldog wherever you reside. Sincerely,

2015-16 Alumni Board of Directors Melissa Murray Balsan ’06, * Brett Peters ’95, Mansfield, Ohio Chicago, Ill. Michael Bell ’00, * Hartford

Jeff Strayer ’06, Haskins, Ohio

Daniel Collins, Jr. ‘88, Plymouth

Wesley Tapp ’93, * Tecumseh

Timothy Creech ’88, * Brooklyn

Pam McGahey Van Doren ’75, * Tipton

Jim Culbertson ’63, South Lyon Bruce Diven ’77, Monroe Vice President

Amy Jo Young ’84, Woodstock, Md.

Ryann Eff ’10, Sylvania, Ohio

Andy Zerkel ’04, Ypsilanti

Paul Fenner ’98, Commerce Twp.

Kody Turner Ziegler ’10, Brighton

Danelle Perkins Gittus ’97, Hartland

*New Members 2015-16

Terri Willets Hamad ’94, Monroe Carrie Hartley ’04, Clayton Secretary/Treasurer Hanna Hubbard ’12, Adrian

Chuck McCallum ‘61 President | Alumni Association Board of Directors alumniboard@adrian.edu

John Imonen ’64, Livonia Patricia Anderson Leary ’76, Bloomfield Hills Stanley Legenc ’65, Tecumseh

… I invite all alumni to support the mission of the College by promoting it to prospective students, submitting a nomination for the fall 2016 Alumni Awards, participating in the Creative Alumni Program (CAP), donating to the Alumni Association Scholarship and through the many initiatives developed through our alumni relations.

Tracy Warrick ’92, Macomb

Alumni Trustees Ron Batory ‘71, Santa Fe, N.M. Jeff DeBest ‘86, International The Netherlands Richard Kibbey ‘75, Bradenton, Fla. Richard Sweebe ‘71, Memphis, Tenn. Steve Wolfe ‘71, Eden Prairie, Minn.

Chuck McCallum ’61, Benton Harbor President Cathy Charlesworth Mejia ’76, Kalamazoo

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accents

a ALUMNI CONNECT SURVEY results

750 PARTICIPANTS VETERANS 15%

ICE SKATING

Have Been Back To Campus Since 2010 for

BUSINESS FAMILY

CONNECT

AC

How do display your

STUDENTS➡ VE & COMM ➡ DS NDS/G I U

PROSPEC AGE N R U EO BOAR TI V NATEF O

➡ENC ➡ ➡ ➡SER O ➡ ➡ ➡D ➡

Your ideas to

MENTORING ADJUNCT TEACHING EVENT HOSTING VOLUNTEERING

GENERATION X 23%

550 CAMPS

MILLENNIALS 22%

BABY BOOMERS 40%

We asked alumni to tell us how they connect with Adrian College. This is what they said.

EVENTS

How do you

pride?

GIVE BACK?

➡➡S➡➡➡➡➡ TTEODS➡ O ➡➡➡

How do you keep up with Adrian College?

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Adrian College Alumni Notes

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1 2 3 #

CONTACT MAGAZINE

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EMAIL BLAST

Alumni Association Contributed Scholarship At their May board meeting, the Adrian College Alumni Board challenged one another to create a lasting scholarship for AC students. This challenge was quickly met, officially establishing the Adrian College Alumni Association Contributed Scholarship. This incredible opportunity allows alumni and friends to make an immediate impact and increase scholarship support to students for years to come. While the Adrian College Alumni Board has offered annual scholarships for a number of years, these funds were previously generated from operating budgets and special fundraising projects. Through donations, this newly created scholarship will refresh annually to support deserving students in pursuit of their college education. Preference will be given to legacy students; those who have a relative with an alumni tie to Adrian. For more information, please contact Ryann Eff ’10, Director of Development at reff@adrian.edu or 517-264-3189.

SOCIAL MEDIA

2016 Upcoming Events

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March 2016 Annual Florida Reunion

Detroit Tigers Spring Training Annual alumni and friends social gathering in Lakeland, Fla.

'16

Spring/Summer 2016 Area Reunions

See you in Traverse City, Indianapolis and other regions.

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September 23-25, 2016 Homecoming

Save the date!

alumni authors

John Bacon ’60 Science Fiction The End of Days johnbacon.com

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CO N TAC T

FA L L 2 0 1 5

Linda Husband Psalmonds ’84 Children’s Prayer The Adventures of Cowgirl Amy amazon.com

Patti Smith ’94 History Downtown Ann Arbor amazon.com

Jennifer Friess Stites ’98 Contemporary Romance The Wind Could Blow a Bug When You Least Expect It amazon.com


ADRIAN COLLEGE | ARRINGTON BOOKSTORE

Limited Edition AC Beads Due to popular demand, a second black and gold glass bead has been hand-crafted by Hager Studios expressly for Adrian College. Featuring sterling silver core and stamped caps to fit Pandora-style bracelets or on a necklace. Makes a great gift for a special occasion, remembering your AC years or for a new graduate.

May Tour 2016: Paris to London

order

$39.95 plus tax. Proceeds benefit the Alumni Association Contributed Scholarship fund.

arringtonbookstore.adrian.edu | 517.264.3185

Join students, faculty, family and friends for an 11 day tour of Paris, the beaches of Normandy, and London. Discover the romance and beauty of Paris and the French countryside. Climb the Eiffel Tower, cruise down the Seine, worship at Notre Dame and Chartres Cathedrals, reflect on the sacrifices of D-Day in Normandy and revel in the nightlife and excitement of London. Highlights of the tour include Notre Dame Cathedral, a visit to the Louvre - the world’s largest museum with its most famous resident, Mona Lisa, a tour of the palace of Versailles, Chartres Cathedral, Chateaus in the Loire Valley, St. Malo, the monastery at Mont St. Michel, a Seine River cruise, fish and chips in London, and a tour of the Tower of London, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. This epic tour, designed for Adrian College is set to begin May 6, 2016 and will run for 11 days. The cost of this tour for adults 23 and over is $3582. Price includes round trip airfare from Detroit, all ground transportation, entrance fees, tour guides, the river cruise and breakfasts and dinners. For full itinerary and booking information, go to: http://www.explorica.com/Bott-850. Reservations open until January 2016.

Connect alumniconnect@adrian.edu 800.264.9063

facebook.com/ ACAlumni

Search for “AC Alumni Group”

Find Adrian College Alumni & Friends

alumni.adrian.edu

adrian.edu

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Legacy of a Bulldog notes on a

SOUVENIR What began as an inquiry from Dr. William Richter on one Joseph Guy Varney, turned into a unique story dating back to the late 1800s.

Information provided by: William L. Richter, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Kansas State University Dr. Richter is a former classmate of Adrian College Professors Emeriti, Dr. Paul deLespinasse and Dr. Doris deLespinasse. Daniel R. Walter, The Varney’s Book Story, Volume 1, 2009; Custom Family Stories, Manhattan, KS; photos

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rompting Dr. Richter’s research was a string of events that began on August 16, 2014, when his wife purchased a souvenir collection of photos of Kansas State Agricultural College. The souvenir was mailed from a young man at KSAC to a woman in Mitchell, Kansas, with 2¢ postage and a postal date of September 16, 1907. Printed in the return address section was the following: Guy Varney, Publisher, Manhattan, Kansas. Through further research on Guy Varney, Dr. Richter first encountered mention of Varney's link to Adrian in an August 1902 story on a bicycle ride that summer. It said Varney had ridden to Adrian, Michigan, "where he had gone to school." Joseph Guy Varney, an 1889 graduate of Adrian College, followed in the footsteps of his sister, May Varney Cannon, who earned her bachelor's of music in 1885. The Varneys matriculated from South Canaan, Pa., but what brought them to Adrian is unknown. Their father had passed away when they were young and left each child a $1,000 inheritance for their education. Soon after graduation Guy joined his uncle, John Fletcher Swingle, in Kansas to establish a stationery and book business named Swingle and Varney Booksellers. Varney built his last bookstore in 1916. Varney’s Book Store remains a cornerstone of Aggieville, the student business district adjacent to Kansas State University. Records indicate Guy was married in 1893 to Henrietta "Etta" Savage and in 1894 they had a son whom they named Howard. In 1896 they had a second son, who lived only 4 1/2 months. Etta died the following year and little Howard died in November 1900. It was within a few short years that he took the long bicycle ride to Adrian. In 1904 Guy married Grace O’Brien and they had two children, a son named Theodore Roosevelt Varney, who would follow in his father’s footsteps in the bookstore business, and a daughter Ruth Varney. Varney’s ride was chronicled in the Salina Daily Republican-Journal (Salina, KS) 26 Aug. 1902: ‘”Manhattan Boy Returns from Long Bicycle Ride’ …Guy Varney, of Manhattan, has returned from a two months’ bicycle ride through the East…It took him nine days to come from Chicago to Manhattan. The best record he made was 103 miles in one day [measured by a cyclometer]. All told he rode his wheel 1,644 miles.” The ride was itself a significant journey most likely on his “safetie” bicycle (two wheels of the same size) from Manhattan, Kansas, to Chicago, to Adrian, to Pittsburgh and back, and several cities in between. Though no reason was stated for the trip, Guy was active and athletic often camping out, and at times he traveled by bicycle to sell Bibles door-to-door. It appears Varney had a long-time fascination with bicycles; he also had a big wheel “ordinary” bike, now in the Riley County Historical Museum. Varney died in September 1920 and his wife managed the bookstore for the next ten years, followed by their son Ted. Ted later took on Jon Levin as a partner and Jon's sons Steve and Jeff now run the store. From the notes on a souvenir, a life and a story have been uncovered, traveling by postcard, by bicycle and now, by email.


ASA MAHAN

RETURNS TO ADRIAN COLLEGE

n invaluable piece of Adrian College history was recently returned to the College following intensive conservation efforts in Browns Summit, N.C. A notebook written by Adrian College founder Asa Mahan, filled with outlines for sermons, lectures and books, was in deteriorating condition when it was sent to the ECS Conservation Group in April 2014. Many of the pages, estimated to have been penned beginning in 1840, were detached or riddled with water stains. The notebook’s binding was in poor condition, offering little protection to the historic writings inside.

Parting Paws Librarian Noelle Keller and College Chaplain Chris Momany discussed what needed to be done to preserve this important document and, with the help of Vice President for Development Jim Mahony, a donor was identified to bring these conservation plans to reality. Support for this preservation project came from the Julia M. & Everett L. Ridge Trust. This trust funds non-budgeted projects with high prioritization. The cost of the preservation project was about $4,600. Staff at the ECS Conservation Group mended tears, rebound the document and sewed detached pages. After months of preservation, the original manuscript, a facsimile and library copy were all returned to Shipman Library in impeccable condition. This manuscript most notably includes Mahan’s writings describing his, at the time, radical interpretation of the Constitution. Mahan differed from the majority of thinkers during the 1800’s by arguing that the U.S. Constitution, as a literal document, did not sanction slavery. Momany, a leading scholar on Asa Mahan, stresses the importance of the document.

“It illustrates the way intellectuals of the period were analyzing the human will, how they looked at the ‘moral law,’ and how they interpreted certain biblical material,” Momany said. The document will serve as a tool to freshman students as they take the First Year Experience “Core” class and take part in a debate regarding slavery and the interpretation of the Constitution. With preservation complete, students will have direct access to Mahan’s personal interpretation and can conduct research on slavery and the Constitution using this primary document. Librarian Noelle Keller agrees with Momany that this project will greatly benefit students’ research. “We have high quality copies now. If students want to do research using this document, they don’t have to put on gloves and be scared to flip through it.” She added, “I think taking on a preservation project like this shows a commitment to Adrian College’s history and a desire to link the founding principles of the institution to the work the College is doing today. Having a preserved copy of the manuscript, we are able to better carry the College’s founding traditions forward.”

adrian.edu

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ADRIAN COLLEGE ADRIAN, MICHIGAN 49221

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