Defiance College Magazine - Spring 2011

Spring 2011

d l r o W The r u O s A

C

M O O R S S LA

Are you Making Plans for the Future?

There are many ways to plan for the future through your will or trust. A good plan will help you care for your loved ones after you are gone, plan for your own care or even make a gift to Defiance College.

If you would like to include the College in your planning, here are some ideas to help you achieve your estate planning goals.

Bequest

Make a gift to Defiance College and receive an estate tax deduction.

CharitaBle Gift annuity

Provide fixed income for yourself or a loved one and support the College.

CharitaBle remainder trust

Create life income for you and your spouse followed by a gift to DC.

CharitaBle lead trust

Pass property on to your family and help us sustain our mission.

Give us a call to discuss any of these charitable estate planning options or visit our website for more information.

Cindy Shaffer

Director of PlanneD GivinG 419-783-2306 www.defiance.giftlegacy.com

Copyright Š 2009 Crescendo Interactive, Inc. IN0309-158 Modified by Allison Clark Class of 2011

Defiance College The Magazine

Vol. 101, No. 1

Spring 2011

Visit the DC website - www.defiance.edu Editorial Board & Staff Kathy Punches ’96

Editor, Director of Public Relations and Marketing

Rev. David Plant ’73

Director of Alumni and Parent Relations

Michele Tinker

Director of Annual Giving

Features Opportunity --------------------------------------------- 2 The world as our classroom

Debbie Richard ’02, ’04 Assistant Director of Marketing

Speaking of---------------------------------------------- 7

Creative Design Manager

Imagine---------------------------------------------------12

Alumni share their unique learning experiences

Ryan Imbrock

An initiative to transform Defiance College

Board of Trustees

Joyce C. Anderson ’66 Randall Buchman II ’79 Edward Buhl ’73 Gary Cates Dr. William M. Finerty, Jr. Cheryl Hahr ’68 James Hamilton ’72 Eric Hench Thomas K. Hubbard Karl Ideman ’67 Dr. Rita A. Kissner Mark Moats

Rev. Dr. Roger D. Perl Gerry Prokupek ’67 Dr. Terrence W. Rettig ’68 Stuart F. Sakosits ’68 Mark Shy ’75 Barb J. Silvis ’72 Shaune M. Skinner ’75 William J. Small Steve VanDemark ’76

Honorary Trustees Dr. Edwin S. Charles Dr. Amos J. White

Legacy----------------------------------------------------14 Gordon and Katharine Dix leave their mark on DC

Going Solar----------------------------------------------16 Faculty and students forge a relationship in Belize

Open to All-----------------------------------------------18 President Gordon and wife, Anne, open their home to all

A Difference---------------------------------------------20 DC partners with the community to bring positive change

Excitement-----------------------------------------------22 Looking back on the 2010 Homecoming

Recognition----------------------------------------------24 Faculty and staff achievements

Trustee Fellows

Keith Bell, Sr. ’78 Thomas Callan ’66 Dr. Dean Colwell ’64 Ben Davis, Jr. ’67 Dr. Lillian Dunlap ’68 Dr. Somnath Dutta Dr. Allen Gaspar E. Keith Hubbard ’57 Charlotte Johannigman ’94

Welcome--------------------------------------------------26 Timothy Leuzarder ’67 Philip Mallott ’78 Margaret F. Mills ’67 Dr. Bonnie Sloan George Smart ’67 John W. Weaner Andrew White Michael Wolfe ’05

New Provost, Dr. Barbara R. Schirmer, begins duties in July

In Memory-----------------------------------------------27 Remembering former “First Lady” Ruth Ludwig

Meaningful-----------------------------------------------28 Project 701 offers students a higher level of service

Athletics--------------------------------------------------30 Updates on winter sports and the introduction of new sports

Class Notes-----------------------------------------------33 Alumni Executive Board Jan Craig ’69 Amy Daeger ’97 Jon Gathman ’96 Charlotte Johannigman ’96 Dr. Duncan Jamieson ’62

Jason LaBounty ’03 Mary Beth Royal ’98 Doug Short ’66 Jennifer Ziegler ’02

Spring 2011  1

opportunity

Opportunity

the world as our classroom

C

lassroom knowledge gets put to the test very quickly at Defiance College. As early as the first semester of their freshman year, students are engaged in real-world experiences both on campus and off. During the course of their education at DC, students not only develop professional skills, their coursework is road tested through internships, service, and research projects. These experiences are all part of a distinctive Defiance College resumĂŠ.

Whether it is a business major working with a local entrepreneur to develop a business plan, a social work student serving a family in crisis through the Family Justice Center, or a biology major assessing the health of an ecosystem through water testing in Central America, Defiance students are regularly called upon to apply their learning outside the classroom, often in locations across the country or internationally.

This edition of the Defiance College Magazine showcases just a few of the many extraordinary experiential learning opportunities provided by faculty. An accompanying article features several alumni recalling their most memorable academic experiences.

SPOTLIGHT ON

Attended a meeting of the American Criminal Justice Association in Philadelphia.

Traveled to a metropolitan area (Chicago, Pittsburgh, Richmond) to observe the work of urban law enforcement and criminal justice professionals.

Interned with the Columbus Crew professional soccer team.

Participated in trips to social service agencies in urban settings such as Detroit and Columbus.

Interned with the Tri-City Dust Devils, a minor league affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, based in Pasco, Wash.

Accompanied professors to the annual meeting of the Midwestern Criminal Justice Association in Chicago.

t

s a e h t r o N The

*

Since 2003, students and staff of the athletic training program have volunteered on the medical staff for the Empire State Games, an Olympic-style competition for citizens of the State of New York.

For DC staff and students, the trip provides experiences covering a variety of sports such as judo, ice hockey, field hockey and rugby. It exposes students to a wide variety of medical professionals and allows them to gain hands-on experience with these experts while managing acute injuries. Attending in 2010 were, from left: senior Matt Slattman, head trainer Kevin Tong, and juniors Erin O’Connor and Lisa Brophy.

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SPOTLIGHT ON

* Students majoring in criminal justice traveled to Richmond, Va., where they visited the Virginia State Crime Lab and the Richmond Police Department Command Center. They also met with a Defiance College alumnus who is enrolled in graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Interned with law enforcement agencies, adult and juvenile probation departments, correctional facilities, and private investigators.

Worked as social workers and support personnel at Medworks, a free health, dental and vision clinic in Cleveland.

Participated in GLISTEN, Great Lakes Innovative Service Through Education Network, monitoring water quality of the Maumee River, integrating water quality units into ecology, biochemistry and field zoology courses.

Traveled to Stratford, Ontario, with professors to attend the international Shakespeare Festival, viewing a performance of “The Winter’s Tale.”

Presented readings at the Society of Midwestern Literature Conference at Michigan State University in Lansing.

Traveled to the Art Institute of Chicago as part of “On the Road with Van Gogh.”

Assisted a correctional center in a tactical response team competition.

Collaborated to write a book for struggling and gifted readers. Setting the Stage for Struggling Readers: A Guide for Teachers will address the needs of K-3 students who find reading difficult or are struggling.

Created a strategic plan for a community federal credit union to increase community loans.

Taught Junior Achievement principles of free enterprise, business and economics to fourth graders.

Developed a four-year funding plan for solar panels for a school in rural Belize.

Participated in mock crime scenes such as arson or a mobile meth lab to learn first-hand the science of criminal investigation.

Concluded the project by taking part in a mock trial led by practicing attorneys and judges.

Wrote a strategic plan for a steel coil-slitting center.

The Criminal Justice department prepares a mock crime scene each year for students in Criminal Investigation. Assistance is given by local law enforcement and fire officials.

The project ends with a mock trial in the Defiance County Common Pleas Court in which top senior CJ students serve as attorneys. Freshmen students serve as jurors and local judges and attorneys volunteer their assistance.

In photo, Professor Steve Sondergaard talks with students at a mock meth lab crime scene.

Gave a presentation on the College’s forensic bullet trap and use of ballistic gel.

Attended the Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors National Conference (held in recent years in Phoenix and Atlanta).

Spring 2011  3

Spent a day in a wheelchair to increase awareness of structural, institutional and societal barriers.

Opportunity Provided credit counseling to freshmen and senior college students.

Presented research at the Ohio Psychology Undergraduate Conference.

Performed service projects at community agencies.

Completed an action plan for a board of developmental disabilities.

Worked with psychologists, psychiatrists, or social workers at a mental health agency.

Created “survival kits� for freshmen experiencing their first college finals week.

Worked side-by-side with registered nurse preceptors to observe leadership roles and community nursing.

Interned with Defiance Rehab Services.

Wrote a strategic plan for an internet service provider.

Participated in the Pay It Forward Student Philanthropy Project to determine a social need (hunger/food pantry needs), put out a request for proposals, and award grants based on proposals.

Repaired computers for local residents.

Conducted a research project on Maumee River stream quality monitoring of invertebrates.

Created a marketing plan for a restaurant.

Worked on active criminal cases ranging from drug dealing to child pornography.

Designed and conducted a project to explore impact that race and gender of a political candidate has on a voter.

Designed and conducted a research project on impact of DNA versus eyewitness testimony on the perception of guilt.

Created a marketing plan for a credit union to increase its customer base of college-aged individuals.

Designed and conducted original research on topics such as the relation between handedness and depression, factors related to attitudes toward the death penalty, and the relation between body dissatisfaction and risky behaviors.

Planned and implemented the annual Empty Bowls event to draw attention to hunger in Northwest Ohio.

Attended the Ohio Academy of Science annual meeting to present research findings on topics such as forensic toxicology and environmental chemistry.

Explored practices of faith and submitted ideas to writers of the United Church of Christ Faith Practices web-based congregational resource.

SPOTLIGHT ON

INS A T N U O M ROCKY *

Identified a policy issue to analyze and make recommendations for how to advocate for policy changes and gave formal advocacy presentations to local governing boards.

Conducted a vegetation survey and restoration plan for Riverview Memory Gardens.

To understand Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, assigned tasks to limited number of children and adolescents, drew conclusions on results of the tasks, and developed appropriate instruction.

Conducted a fish survey of Gordon Creek.

Researched the use of companion plants to deter insect pests.

4

Retrieved lost data from personal computers and digital cameras of area residents.

A student majoring in sport management conducted a semester-long internship at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. She spent much of her time with the U.S. Paralympics for persons with physical disabilities, taking part in the Paralympic Military Summit. She also spent several days working at the Paralympic Cycling Team Camp in Chula Vista, Calif.

Conducted a study of the control of teasel at Thoreau Wildlife Sanctuary.

Provided tax counseling and tax preparation services to elderly local residents.

Attended Toledo Symphony concerts at the Peristyle in the Toledo Museum of Art.

Interned with Leaps and Bounds Physical Therapy Services in Whitmore Lake, Mich.

Attended the spring Animarathon Conference at Bowling Green State University to view anime film, novels, and other visual and media formats incorporating literary themes.

Completed history internships with Sauder Village in Archbold, Historic Homes of Defiance, and Hale Farm and Village in Akron.

Attended a campus performance of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” presented by the National Players.

Sponsored a Constitutional Conversation on campus as part of Constitution Day activities.

Presented workshops to incoming freshmen and graduating seniors on spending habits.

SPOTLIGHT ON

Explored 20th century American culture through the folk music of Pete Seeger by writing a song.

Attended SwampFire Retreat in Larwill, Ind., to work on language arts, photography, and visual arts with faculty members.

Prepared and led a workshop for local church educators.

Created a business plan for a daycare center.

*

Led by Defiance College faculty, a group of students majoring in forensic science, digital forensic science, or criminal justice collaborate with the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office in Detroit to work on a cold case investigation.

The project provides a distinctive hands-on opportunity for students to utilize their education and training while investigating a real cold case.

In relating biology to the real world, learned to extract

DNA from materials at home.

Students take part in the many activities of the College’s annual Constitution Day event.

Congressman Robert Latta joined this year’s festivities on the campus colonnade. Dr. Michelle Tabit’s Integrated Social Studies methods class sponsored a Constitutional Conversation as part of Constitution Day activities.

Here, McMaster School Dean Mary Ann Studer and President Gordon escort Congressman Latta to the various stations.

Spring 2011  5

Opportunity

SPOTLIGHT ON

l

a n o i t a n r e int

Numerous students and faculty members from every academic division have participated in Learning Communities for Belize and Cambodia through the McMaster School for Advancing Humanity. The learning communities work with partners or community representatives in those countries on applied learning and research and service opportunities. In photo, Ashton Judis teaches CPR to a young girl in Belize.

Conducted service projects for adult and juvenile probation departments, juvenile detention centers, correctional facilities, and alternative schools.

Attended national and regional church educator events such as the Great Lakes Association of United Church Educators.

Participated in Youth Athletic Outreach, staging play days and mini-Olympics at local elementary schools.

Participated in leadership roles at the annual UCC Ohio Conference Fall Youth Event at Pilgrim Hills Camp.

Participated in leadership roles at the UCC Great Lakes Regional Youth Event.

I

n Forensic Science, student research in capstone projects enhances understanding of authentic experimental research and student-led inquiry experiences. Ohio Academy of Science’s annual meeting is attended by science undergraduates and senior high school students who present their research findings, working under the guidance of their advisors. These meetings provide opportunities for DC students to display their senior capstone experience and become more proficient in presentation skills through these opportunities. Dr. Somnath Dutta has attended these meetings for the past two years with DC students, providing an opportunity them to showcase their capstone experiences. Projects focusing on forensic toxicology and environmental chemistry have been quite rewarding for his students. Recently, a DC graduate who was hired as a forensic analyst at Great Lakes Crime Lab said that her employer was impressed with her knowledge about Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). GC-MS is one of the instruments DC purchased through a 2006 federal grant with assistance from the late Congressman Paul Gillmor. Pictured with Dr. Dutta is forensic science student Brittany Heaton.

SPOTLIGHT ON

the south *

Conducted internships in local church congregations.

Completed classroom observations in local schools and preschools and participated in field trips to preschools in Toledo, Fort Wayne, and Defiance.

Participated in a Project Wild program through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Created children’s games and lessons in support of projects for McMaster Scholars and Fellows to Belize.

Trained as peer mentors for the Hench Autism Studies Program, working directly with students with autism.

6

Led by faculty McMaster Fellows, several students selected as McMaster Scholars to the New Orleans Learning Community have conducted projects dealing with water quality, wetland restoration, delivery of services provided by Family Justice Centers, and local archival history. Pictured are former McMaster Scholars Amanda Zimmerman Hartman and Kasey Carlisle.

speaking of unique learning experiences DC alumni share (in their own words) some of their most memorable academic events

M

y most challenging and rewarding academic experience at DC was researching the garment industry in Cambodia and touring the Cambodian garment factories during my McMaster trip. Looking back on things, I almost can’t believe it was possible to coordinate meetings half-way across the world with a representative from the International Labor Organization as well as the United Nations Development Fund for Women.

I remember thinking it was going to be impossible, but Dr. Jo Ann Burkhardt reiterated the importance of being persistent. She was right! I learned the importance of practical and straightforward communication from the entire experience.

I am also grateful for my four-year experience of being a member of Students in Free Enterprise. The experience I gained giving presentations in front of large audiences and the skills I learned from managing projects have helped me in both my work life and graduate school. I remember the long hours of rehearsing our presentation while Dr. Buck (Buchanan) was looking at his watch timing us!

Renee Steffen ’07 Athens, OH

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hen I attended Defiance, our commitment to service was just beginning to take place, in and out of the classroom, and I was a member of the first group of Presidential Service Leaders, now called Service Leaders. We met weekly and were able to plan the future of the group, which was a great opportunity.

My most memorable experience at DC was when I learned our group would be going to Africa during my senior year to work at an elementary school. I didn’t know what to expect when we went, but I knew I was excited about going to another country and experiencing their culture. What I never expected was for that experience to shape my goals for the rest of my life.

It was during this trip that I realized I needed to be in a profession that was dedicated to helping others. After travelling to Africa, I realized there was a much larger purpose for us as students than just attending class. I have been working at Defiance College since graduation, and it has been awe-inspiring to see how much our college has taken the initial concept of service and applied it to so many people in need, not only here in Defiance, but throughout the world.

Brad Harsha ’99 Defiance, OH

Spring 2011  7

Speaking of

M

y favorite experiential learning moments at DC were during winter term. During my junior year winter term, I did a month-long internship with Camp Kern near Dayton for my recreation major. While I did whatever was needed, one of my jobs was working with elementary age students who were bussed from the Dayton inner city to the camp for two and a half days. We had two sets of students each week. For the students, the camp was a whole new world. Some had never been out of the city and had never been on a trail. It was an opportunity for them to learn about birds, camping, wildlife and all things nature.

My senior year, I completed internship hours at Good Samaritan School in Defiance for my physical education major. I worked with two young boys, Tim and Jeff, who needed extra attention. I attended classes with them and helped them learn some basic needs, such as tying their shoes. Both were great learning opportunities, and I will always look back on them as wonderful experiences.

Sally Bissell ’81 Liberty Center, OH

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y first winter term at DC: I was lucky enough to have parents who understood the uniqueness offered by DC, which allowed me to head west with Professor Randy Buchman on his archeological dig in Arizona. What a wonderful and truly remarkable month it was!

I recall we stayed at a local hotel called the Rio Rico Inn. It was located just outside of Nogales, Arizona, and sat on top of a small hill overlooking the Arizona desert, a beautiful location. We traveled out to Arizona in a station wagon caravan, about 20 people in total.

What a trip! Picture 16 or so college students off on an adventure, packed in four vehicles, headed to the southwest with minimal chaperones. Oh, boy!

The part that capped off the whole learning experience and made the trip unforgettable came in the last week we were there. As I was “trolling” in the site, carefully removing the layers of dirt, I hit a small piece of metal. We mapped the spot and continued to clear the dirt around the small metal piece and unearthed a Jefferson Davis cross sabers. This was an emblem found on early American military hats, and if memory serves me, from the mid1800s. This emblem had been on a hat, a hat worn by an officer, a person who lived 100 years ago and walked these same grounds that we were standing on and amidst this vast desert, it was found by me ….!

Ken Provost ’76 Warwick, RI

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ike many freshmen, during the second semester of my freshman year I still hadn’t decided on a major. I was taking a variety of classes, hoping to figure out what I would want to do with the rest of my life. Other than realizing I didn’t want to be a doctor (blood, open wounds, etc., definitely not my thing), I had not yet caught a vision for my future.

It was Dr. David Fred, my accounting professor, who helped me see my potential for a career in accounting/finance. I give Dr. Fred credit for being most influential in helping me identify my greatest gifts and putting me on a path to realize my potential.

Today, as a member of the Board of Trustees, I continue to be amazed by and give thanks for the caring Defiance College professors like Dr. Fred who see the promise in young people and so willingly take the time to provide them with encouragement, guidance, and support.

Phil Mallott ’78 Westerville, OH

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T

here are many fond memories from my years at DC, but thinking back on the academic highlights, I’m most grateful to Defiance College for instituting the 4-1-4 system and making available the unique Winter Term experiences during my junior and senior years.

In January, 1968, the first year of the 4-1-4 system, I took Mr. Arthur Churchill’s Political Science course on the United Nations. The 16 students in the class spent two of the four Winter Term weeks in New York City to visit the United Nations headquarters. During the first week in New York, we were given a tour of the UN, as well as briefings by various UN officials and delegations of such countries as France, China and the Soviet Union.

Each of us was to focus on a particular question, problem or an agency of the UN during our stay in NYC and write a report on it upon our return to Defiance. My roommate and I had chosen UNICEF, and we were allowed to spend some time with some of their officials.

We were allowed time during the second week to explore the city, and took in the sights such as the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall and New York City Library.What an experience this was – to be afforded an opportunity to observe the workings of United Nations firsthand, and to experience New York City! Even the bitter cold walks from the hotel to the UN headquarters, fighting against the sub-zero degree wind from the East River, are now fond memories.

Fumiyo “Cricket” (Sakai) Young ’69 (pictured with her parents on the DC campus) Haslett, MI

I

specifically remember a project assigned in Professor O’Toole’s Financial Accounting class. We were to take a company’s annual report and analyze it. Getting that annual report was the first time I stepped foot inside The State Bank and Trust Company. Because of that project, I ended up getting my internship and have worked for the company for eleven and a half years! I got an “A” on that project and a career I love!

Laura (Richardson) Kline ’01 Defiance, OH

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y favorite experiential learning moment at DC was when I was able to travel with the Defiance College Service Leaders to Jamaica for an international service-learning trip during my senior year. We travelled to Highgate, Jamaica, and worked with the young women at the Lyndale Home for Girls and the Swift Percell Boys Home. Our group successfully built a computer room onto a school high in the Blue Mountains in a remote area of Jamaica.

In Jamaica I was able to experience more than just the “food” and “fun” of a new culture.

As service leaders, we immersed ourselves into the culture by getting to know the dreams and way of life of the students we worked with and the locations we visited.

As a Communication Arts major, I was able to take communication courses and apply what I had learned in the classroom to the “on the ground” experience in Jamaica. Traveling to Jamaica turned me into a world-wide traveler and still to this day remains one of my fondest experiences of Defiance College.

(The attached picture includes Anika McCants Brown – also an 02’ alum – and a young boy that helped us build onto his school in the Blue Mountains in December of 2001.)

Mariah (O’Shea) Orzolek ’02 Defiance, OH

Spring 2011  9

Speaking of

I

n February of 1973, I was fortunate to play the part of “Syracuse,” a homeless person living in a camp with four others. The play, “The Place,” was written and directed by William K. Curtis, my professor of drama at Defiance College. Acting and playing a character role in this play was one of the highlights of my time at Defiance.

In high school, I was always cast in villainous roles because of my height and deep voice.

Playing the role of Syracuse was different as it was a character role played with empathy and support for others. The characters in the play were Frank (played by Rod Drummond), Shoe (played by Max McGrew), Jody (Lee Richards) and Eagle ( played by Rick Mellerup).

Interesting to note, Lee Richards’ role of Jody was originally written as a male part named Jimmy.The part was changed to a runaway girl named Jody, a somewhat controversial topic in 1973.

Rick Mellerup (left), as Eagle and Mark Shy as Syracuse in The Place

by Professor Curtis, 1973

Mr. Curtis said in an interview with Defender reporter Ginny Kennedy, that the “basic element of the human condition is needing each other. We all need to communicate.” Such was the theme of the play. Even though we acted as if we didn’t need each other, “The Place” was about staying together and caring for one another, no matter the circumstance.

For me, it was a real first look into a wider world view and social issues.

Soon after this play, we lost the venerable “Sisson Theatre” forever to an act of arson.

Mark Shy ’75 Columbus, OH

I

took an animal psychology course at Professor Bray’s winter term, just 2-4 weeks. He passed around lamb patties I think, some kind of meat, and I just couldn’t eat it. Nancy McDonald (now Mack) was with me taking the course. I think we both became vegetarians for a while. However, I learned a lot about how individuals involved with animal care process grief, and it was a very interesting class!

Chris Palmer ’82 Defiance, OH

I

would have to say that working on my senior capstone with Dr. Somnath Dutta and Dr. Spiro Mavroidis was one of the most beneficial and memorable experiences. In trying to detect paracetamol, which is the active ingredient of Tylenol, in the stomach content of fly larvae, Dr. Dutta, Dr. Mavroidis, and I had the opportunity to experience the life cycle of fly larvae firsthand and in doing so we caused a minor fly infestation in Tenzer/Rowe Hall.

We then had the ultimate challenge of developing a method to test the extracted stomach content on the gas chromatography mass spectrometry. However, in running the multiple trial and error experiences, I had the opportunity to gain a true understanding of how the GC/MS works which has ultimately led to me being recently hired as a forensic analyst.

Then, after a year of hard work I had the opportunity to travel with Dr. Dutta, Dr. Mavroidis, and other science majors to Wittenberg University to present my project at the Eighth Annual Meeting of The Ohio Academy of Science. The skills I developed during the project and ultimately the opportunity to work side-by-side with Dr. Dutta, Dr. Mavroidis, and the entire science faculty were both very rewarding and beneficial.

Samantha Stegeman ’09 Valparaiso, IN

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I

had many memorable academic memories at Defiance College, but the event that left an indelible mark was when I finally understood what the true difference was between going to a small college like Defiance as opposed to attending a much larger college or university.

My senior year I had a Criminal Justice seminar which was at 7:30 in the morning, one of the required courses for all CJ majors. I had worked late the night before (I was a “bouncer” at an old night club named Route 66 which was a few miles north of campus, and I needed money like any other poor college student), so when my alarm went off at 7 a.m., I just turned it off and went back to sleep.

About 30 minutes later a younger fraternity brother was pounding on my door and yelling that I had a phone call. I got up after, I am sure, thanking him in a not-so-flattering manner, and trudged down the hall to the pay phone. I said hello, and I was greeted by Professor Don Knueve asking me where I was. I told him at the TKE House, and he said, “Well, everyone is at class and we are all waiting for you.” I told him I would be there.

I quickly dressed (the uniform of the day for most college students: sweats and a baseball cap) then walked the short but cold December walk up the street to Schauffler Hall. I remember starting the walk mad and agitated; however, by the time I got to the hall, my agitation was replaced with a smile.

Now it has been nearly 25 years since that cold December morning, and I still smile when I reminisce about it. I truly believe this event epitomizes my academic experiences at Defiance College. I too believe Defiance College and its academic mission are predicated on professors and groups of peers who truly care about each other and education. I know in my heart had I been at any larger institution of learning, that call from a professor like Dr. Don Knueve would have never come, and that is the spirit of Defiance College.

Dave Behrend ’86 St. Simon’s Island, GA

M

y favorite academic experience at Defiance College was the over-all experience I received from attending DC. Having transferred from a much larger university, I was introduced to a completely different academic experience when I first stepped on the DC campus. Not only were the class sizes smaller, but I was given the opportunity to really get to know my professors, the faculty, and staff. I developed lasting relationships, and can honestly say I remain in contact with the staff I was closest with to this day.

Today, I am truly living the dream with the education I received while at Defiance College; and it is through the help and guidance of faculty and staff members that I was given the opportunity to embrace my career as a television news producer. I strengthened my leadership and communication skills in the classroom, developed experience and a foundation through my on-campus position in the marketing department, and gained friends, authority figures and mentors in the process. Thank you to DC! Kate Steward ’10 Edon, OH

Spring 2011  11

Imagine...

Transform D

An initiative to

efiance

College

$3.5 million Financial Aid Initiative - $2.5 million

Defiance Model of Academic Excellence -

Imagine...

if every student who came to Defiance College had an opportunity to attend an opera, a symphony, and a ballet. And, to visit an art or science or history museum.

12

Imagine...

if every DC student had an opportunity to travel domestically with one or two faculty members to experience and learn more deeply about issues related to the student’s major – recapturing some of the magic of the popular Winter Term experiences of past years.

Imagine...

if every DC student had an opportunity to travel internationally and be exposed to different cultures and different experiences.

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hat if every student had an opportunity for an international travel experience or could walk into a campus classroom and have an international experience brought to them through the capabilities of today’s technology, learning directly from scholars and business leaders in other countries. President Gordon outlined these and other exciting initiatives during the Celebrate DC dinner at Homecoming 2010. The projects are the final phase of The Transforming Difference Campaign which began in 2007.

President Gordon announced that because the new field house and wellness center would cost $6 million less than was originally anticipated, there was an opportunity to explore additional priorities. “And what are those priorities?” he asked. “Put very simply, we need to enhance our academic excellence and give our students the financial assistance they need to take advantage of it. For all the talk about all the myriad activities on campus – and we are very proud of them – we always need to remember that academics is at the core of our mission.

“We want to challenge our students in the classroom. We want to open their eyes to new perspectives; we want them to open their minds to knowledge and different ways of thinking; and we want to help them raise their sights as well.”

President Gordon announced that the College will be raising $3.5 million in seed money to start a series of initiatives that will, he said, “put Defiance College on the map in a new way, with our distinctive model of undergraduate education.” The programs will be implemented over the next five years, and thereafter incorporated into the operating budget as ongoing educational opportunities.In addition, a financial aid initiative seeks $2.5 million to provide immediate assistance to deserving students. “There is no better investment to be made than helping a Defiance College student achieve his or her potential,” said President Gordon.

A CULTURAL/ARTS AND HUMANITIES INITIATIVE in which every Defiance College student has an opportunity before graduating to attend a wide range of mind-broadening cultural experiences: an opera in Detroit, a symphony in Cleveland, a ballet, a musical, art and science museums in Chicago, and more.

You’re invited to come along!

Do you wish you could be back at DC taking advantage of some of these initiatives? Well, you can!

That’s right, alumni are invited to come along, as we travel with our students to cultural events, and on domestic and international trips. All we ask is that for every trip you attend, you sponsor a student with financial need to come along. For more details on how to be part of these DC Edventures, please contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 419-783-2572

The Initiatives

DC TO D.C. - An initiative in which every Defiance College student has

an opportunity before graduating to experience our nation’s history firsthand, traveling to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, or other places of historical significance.

DC EDVENTURES - A Domestic Travel initiative in which every

Defiance College student has an opportunity before graduating to travel for 7 to 10 days domestically with a faculty member for an enrichment experience related to the student’s major. This initiative retools the traditional Winter Term experience for the 21st Century. It could, for example, enable students to accompany a faculty member on an archaeological dig, enable business students to meet entrepreneurs in different cities, or give education students an opportunity to tour different school systems.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCE - An opportunity for every DC student before graduating to travel internationally, building on the foundation already laid by the wonderful generosity of the McMaster Family.

GLOBAL CLASSROOMS - Today’s technology makes it possible for the world to truly be our classroom. We can wire our classrooms so that we can pipe into the classroom the business executive from China, the alternative energy expert from India, the Latin American literature scholar from Argentina, the scientist from Germany, the sociologist from South Africa, and much more.

DISTINCTIVE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES - DC students

should be able to enjoy the opportunity to engage in distinctive professional experiences in each major, experiences that will give them a real advantage in the marketplace. We have already created such an opportunity with our “Cold Case Initiative” in which students majoring in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, and Digital Forensics are investigating cold cases for the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office in Detroit. With your help, we can create similar opportunities in all our majors.

Spring 2011  13

Legacy

legacy

decades of support for defiance Gordon and Katharine Dix leave their mark on Defiance College with ongoing support of the tennis facilities

by Kathy Punches ’96, Director of Public Relations and Marketing

I

n a 1987 article observing the 100th anniversary of The Crescent-News, Defiance’s daily newspaper, retired publisher Gordon C. Dix reflected on the important role Defiance College plays in the community.

“Besides giving the area a boost in the economy, the college makes a big difference in the life and tone of the community …

Defiance is a much better place to live because of Defiance College,” he said.

Having lived and worked in four Ohio cities during his distinguished career in journalism – two with colleges and two

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without - Gordon clearly saw the difference an institution of higher learning makes in the environment of a community. It was so important to him and to his wife, Katharine, that they made a lifelong commitment of their personal and financial resources to support Defiance College.

Gordon died in 2005 at the age of 90, leaving a legacy at Defiance College that was rooted nearly half a century earlier. As a young newspaper publisher, he arrived in Defiance in 1952 when he and his brothers purchased The Crescent-News as part of the family business started by their father in Wooster, Ohio in 1897. The C-N’s former owners, the Tustison and Peters families,

wanted to sell the newspaper to a buyer who would have a direct interest in, and live in, the community. They couldn’t have found a better buyer than the Dix family.

Gordon and Katharine quickly became immersed in the life of the community. Even though Gordon was stricken with polio in 1954 (a year before the development and successful testing of the Salk vaccine), Gordon’s gritty determination and Katharine’s steadfast support enabled him to improve his condition, overcome the limitations of his illness, and walk with the aid of a single cane.

He remained active in civic life, his church, and Defiance College, where in 1963

Architect’s rendering of tennis courts in new Athletic Center.

he began a long association as a member of the Board of Trustees with encouragement from Ralph Peters and former president Kevin McCann. Gordon created The Crescent-News Internship with the College, a program that is still in existence today. The internship provides college students with substantial financial assistance and valuable experience in the newspaper business.

The affection that he and Katharine felt for Defiance College spread to their children as daughter, Penny, graduated from DC in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in education.

Eldest son, Steve, followed Gordon as the newspaper’s publisher in 1977 and easily stepped into the role his father played as a community leader. He served on numerous civic boards and was appointed to the Defiance College Board of Trustees. The Dix family and the community suffered a terrible blow in 1982 when Steve Dix died in a plane crash along with local businessman Ed Buhrer (son-in-law of former DC president Dana Hopkins).

After his son’s untimely death, Gordon stepped back into the role of publisher for a brief time, then retired in 1985. For the next 20 years, he and Katharine spent much of their time in Naples, Florida, but Defiance and Defiance College were never far from their thoughts.

Long-time Defiance College supporters Gordon (standing left) and Katharine (seated right) Dix are pictured here with friends Dr. John (standing right) and Elizabeth (seated left) Cameron and Ralph “Pep” and Margaret Stauffer.

In 1998, the Dixes funded construction of the E. Stevens Dix Tennis Facility at Defiance College in memory of son, Steve.

At the time of the dedication of the six courts, Gordon noted that the gift filled the College’s need for a top-flight set of tennis courts on campus to compete at the conference level. And, he said that he and Katharine “We very much appreciate the felt the gift “fit well with continuing generosity of the Dix two of Steve’s loves – Defiance College and family. We are thrilled that we will tennis.” now be able to upgrade the outdoor The Dixes’ philanthropic Dix Tennis Facility, and we look support of Defiance College has taken many forms. forward to the formal dedication of Whether it was support the new Dix Tennis Courts once our of the Annual Fund, construction or special new Athletic Center is completed.” projects, their emphasis was centered on a scholarship --Mark C. Gordon, fund, a lectureship, and the Defiance College President tennis courts, all named for son, Steve.

Katharine Dix now lives

Former DC president Dr. James Harris in Copeland Oaks, a retirement community in told The Crescent-News, “Two of the Sebring, Ohio, near son, G. Charles (Chuck) chief roles of a trustee are to serve as an Dix II of Hartville, Ohio. Chuck Dix is the ambassador for the institution and advise president of Dix Communications, which the president on broad issues concerning the operates newspapers in Ohio and Kentucky college. No one has been better at fulfilling and radio stations in Ohio, Maryland and these two roles than Gordon Dix. … I admire Florida. his sharp mind and quick wit and know that I

Current DC president Mark C. Gordon can always get a candid answer or a pep talk has had the pleasure of meeting and if needed.”

collaborating with Katharine and Chuck Dix. President Gordon reports that the Dix family plans to continue its endorsement of the E. Stevens Dix Lectureship. In addition, he says the Dixes recently pledged to fund not only resurfacing of the current outdoor tennis facility but also support for four new indoor tennis courts in the College’s new athletic center currently under construction.

“We very much appreciate the continuing generosity of the Dix family. We are thrilled that we will now be able to upgrade the outdoor Dix Tennis Facility, and we look forward to the formal dedication of the new Dix Tennis Courts once our new Athletic Center is completed,” says President Gordon.

“It has been a while since Kate has been back on campus, but her love of the College and of the community remains strong and warmly regarded,” he continues. “The Dix support of this educational community speaks to a tradition that is inspiring for our current students and something that will have ongoing impact for the future. It seems to me that it is how they have always operated – with a view to the long-term along with a timely investment in the present.”

Over the years, Defiance College has publicly demonstrated its deep regard for the Dix family, awarding Gordon Dix an honorary doctorate and its highest honor, the Pilgrim Medal. 

Spring 2011  15

going solar

Going Solar

a much-needed partnership

DC faculty and students forge a relationship with a small community in Belize to help address its needs

by Kathy Punches ’96, Director of Public Relations and Marketing

T

he San Carlos Government School is a three-room primary school in a rural village surrounded by rainforest in northern Belize. Two of its three teachers travel several hours daily to teach its 50 or so students. The school, until recently, had no electricity or running water.

That changed when a group of Defiance College faculty and students forged a relationship with residents of this remote area to work with them in addressing community

needs. The DC group is part of the McMaster School for Advancing Humanity which offers students and faculty opportunities to engage in research and service to improve the human condition while considering broader concepts such as freedom, liberty, and comparative political systems.

In the spring of 2009, Professor (now McMaster School Dean) Mary Ann Studer, two students, and three individuals from a Toledo-area firm specializing in design and installation of photovoltaic systems led the installation of solar panels on the school’s roof, providing much-needed electricity.

Defiance College faculty and students have been working with the 150 residents of San Carlos since 2005, partnering with this and other communities through Programme for Belize, a non-governmental organization that manages the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area. Their projects have mainly focused on water quality, development of sustainable agriculture, and education.

Studer, a physical science professor, conducted a solar power feasibility study for the San Carlos school after interviewing teachers and the principal. The school had

Installing solar panels on the roof of the San Carlos school in rural Belize were, from left: Professor (now McMaster School Dean) Mary Ann Studer, Lynn Witte, Ivan Gillett, Mr. Perez (San Carlos village chairman), John Witte and Alan Bowen. A plaque at the school (inset) dedicates the project to the late Harold McMaster.

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no access to power other than occasional supply from a diesel generator.

Studer and then-student Samantha Higdon of Waldron, Ind., explored fundraising efforts to purchase and install the system. In fall 2008, an anonymous donor stepped forward with $15,000 after hearing about the project. The gift was made in memory of Harold McMaster, inventor and physicist who was instrumental in the development of commercial-scale solar cell technology.

McMaster and his wife, Helen, and their children were the founding donors of Defiance’s McMaster School for Advancing Humanity.

Studer contacted John Witte at Advanced Distributed Generation, Toledo, for help with the system design and equipment needs. ADG representatives agreed to not only assist with planning but also to travel (at their expense) with the Defiance group to install the system. “It is easy for us who have worked with the people of San Carlos for the past five years to understand the necessity and impact of such a project,” said Studer, “but for ADG to commit their resources and expertise before ever being in Belize is nothing short of a miracle.”

Several months were needed to work out the logistics of the project. Ivan Gillett, Programme for Belize ranger, spearheaded construction of a battery house. Studer noted that without Programme for Belize and the help of others in Belize, the project would have been impossible.

In April 2009, Studer, along with students Higdon and Kaitlin Studer and ADG officials John and Lynn Witte and Alan Bowen flew to Belize to install the system. By afternoon of day three, there was light in the school. This is the only electricity in the entire village other than that provided by a single generator.

Studer and others from DC returned to Belize in December, and she reports that the system “is running great” with a cistern and plumbing added. “We are anxious to return and see the next step the school and community take with this critical piece in place,” she said.

“We’re indebted to the McMaster family for their foresight in creating a program which enables DC, its faculty and students to help communities help themselves in ways that can serve as real catalysts for even greater future improvements in their condition.” 

iNCREASING INCOME Ken Hahn has followed DC sports for nearly 50 years and creates a Charitable Gift Annuity

U

ntil his move to Ashland, Ohio in December 2007, Ken Hahn was visible at nearly every Defiance College sporting event. While not an alumnus of DC, Ken discovered many years ago that athletic activities were a great place to meet interesting people, and that is one of Ken’s favorite pastimes.

He remembers making friends with a basketball referee when he worked at a bank in Hicksville in the 1960s, who invited him to come along to games at Defiance College. While there, Ken had the chance to talk with coaches and other fans. He made many lifelong friends through his attendance at DC games, fondly recalling Marv and Ruth Ludwig, Dick and Carolyn Small, and Marv Hohenberger, among many others.

When he went to work at the State Bank in Defiance he joined the Purple and Gold Club at the encouragement of Ed Yoder and Rod Martin.

Although he didn’t especially care for the sport, Ken realized that a football game provided the same opportunity to make friends, and then in the spring and summer he and his wife, Della, would travel to American Legion baseball games. In addition to DC sporting events, the Hahns attended many area high school games.

Ken’s beloved Della died in 2003 following a battle with lung cancer, but Ken has continued to travel throughout the state to sporting events. He has a collection of sports programs covering most of those events. “They take up a lot of room in file cabinets and bookcases.”

During the summer of 2008, Ken had a conversation with Cindy Shaffer, director of planned giving for Defiance College. He was interested in a way to supplement his retirement income, allowing him to travel even more. Cindy explained how a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) might help him to accomplish that goal. Ken credits Cindy’s persuasive efforts and the endorsement of his financial advisor that helped him make the decision to enter into the gift annuity relationship with DC. “Cindy showed me a way to invest my money so I have a return,” he states.

The Charitable Gift Annuity is a combination of a gift to charity and an annuity.

A CGA is accomplished through a simple contract between Defiance College and the donor. Annuity rates are set and fixed for the duration of the contract based on the life expectancy of the annuitants (one or two people). The rates increase with age. A portion of the annuity payment is considered the tax-free return of principal.

The combination of partially tax-free income and the initial charitable deduction makes this gift option quite attractive. And after all payments have been made for the lives of the annuitants, Defiance College will benefit from the charitable gift.

Cash or appreciated property (stock) may be transferred to the charity in exchange for a gift annuity.

If you, like Ken, are looking for a way to make a gift to Defiance College and still need income, the Charitable Gift Annuity may be just the option for you. Cindy Shaffer can prepare an illustration using your personal information to allow you to evaluate the benefits. Please contact her at 419-783-2306 or via email at cshaffer@ defiance.edu to learn more. 

Spring 2011  17

Open to All

open to all

a welcoming place for students President Mark Gordon and wife, Anne, are proving that their home is the College’s home

by Michele Tinker, Director of Annual Giving

T

he home of the college president is about five blocks from the campus, but Mark Gordon and his wife, Anne, have worked to make it an intrinsic part of Defiance College by opening the house to students on a regular basis.

Study nights are a good example.

Monday through Thursday, 7 to 10 p.m., students are invited to bring their books and laptops and study at the president’s house.

This is a feature the Gordons started last year that is gaining in popularity.

Study nights at the president’s house have drawn many students, generally freshmen, and many of the participants are athletes who have mandatory study tables.

That means they can choose to study at the library or go to the president’s house. Not all the participants are athletes, however. Some are students who like the feeling of studying at home, being accountable “It’s another way to make and taking advantage of the President’s house a more the food always available at the Gordons’. And useful part of the campus. there’s always the We get to know the students opportunity for a bowl of as part of our family.” ice cream and a game of ping pong with President Gordon once you’re done --Anne Gordon studying.

Anne Gordon says the study nights give her

It also gives them and President Gordon a chance to know some a chance to see what of the students they might not have a chance classes are giving the to meet otherwise. While the house is usually students trouble and to lend a hand to set up for about 12, “We’ve had as many as a struggling student. Math is Anne’s forte over 20 a night,” Anne reports. “It’s another (she’s a structural engineer), and it is not way to make the President’s house a more uncommon for her to do some tutoring or useful part of the campus. We get to know help a student prep for a quiz. Plus, she adds, the students as part of our family.” the study nights set a good example for their own two sons.

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Anne Gordon, top photo, lends a hand to students, from left: Zach Joseph, Aaron Spence, Brian Arcario and Kevin Ferguson. Above, Brian Norris gets comfortable with a book on the couch.

Matt Coons, a freshman from Sadieville, Ky. (near Lexington), is a regular at study night at the Gordons’. He likes the environment of the president’s home for studying, and he likes having a chance to get out of the dorms. “His family is very inviting,” Matt adds.

“When I came to visit, President Gordon asked what he could do to help me succeed, and I told him I was worried about keeping up with assignments. The study nights help.” Matt has set aside Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 to 10. “The Gordons always have snacks. There’s been hot cider this fall, and frequently there’s ice cream, too,” which all the students know is a favorite with President Gordon. Are the study nights paying off for Matt? He reports his midterm grades were great, “What I was hoping they’d be.”

A self-professed geek, Matt says he is involved “in everything.” He is a service leader, in the honors program and a member of HTCIA – which is High Tech Crime Investigation Association, a group made up of mostly professionals in the business. Defiance College is one of the few colleges who participate in this professional organization.

Brian Norris, a football player from East Lansing, Mich., echoes Matt’s sentiments.

For him, the study nights are part of the personal attention students receive at Defiance College. His mid-term grade average was 3.6 – but his goal is 3.8. Brian is currently a business major.

One of the young women who participates in study night at the president’s house is Gretel Briand, a freshman from Oskaloosa, Kansas. A volleyball player who is studying athletic training, she calls studying at the president’s house fun. “I can get a lot of work done.” Study nights at the Gordons’ reflect the close family atmosphere of the DC campus, Gretel says, much different than the huge state university in Kansas where her mother works.

The Gordons have reached out to students in other ways as well. Anne has provided each incoming freshman with a coupon for a home-cooked meal, and some students have become real regulars for those meals. President Gordon is known for showing up at the dorms to collect students for an ice cream run. He and Anne extended an invitation to all students not going home for Thanksgiving to join them for a preThanksgiving dinner the Wednesday before the holiday. 

Let’s Collaborate A Defiance Hall classroom has been transformed into a lab that is both functional and comfortable

A

new Defiance Hall student workspace named the CoLab has been implemented in response to student and faculty interest in creating “open” student work spaces that facilitate collaboration on group projects. The CoLab is similar to the Pilgrim Library Learning Commons in both design and purpose in that it is a comfortable yet functional workspace.

Defiance Hall was a logical site for the CoLab since many adult, commuter, and graduate students have classes there and often have trouble finding a functional workspace between classes.

The CoLab has two independent PC workstations, two small group PC workstations, one large work group station, two large white boards, and four “soft furniture” independent work stations.

The CoLab is a great place to read or study between classes, finalize and print papers before class, or to meet for small group project development. The CoLab was designed

by Pilgrim Library Director Andrew Whitis (who came up with the CoLab name) and Interim Academic Dean Dr. Tim Rickabaugh, and thanks go out to Jim Coressel and the maintenance staff, Todd Harpest and the computer services staff, and Kathy Punches for the implementation of the project over the summer.

Dr. Rickabaugh commented, “I am sure that our students will appreciate the CoLab and use it on a regular basis. It is our experience, as in the recently developed Pilgrim Library Learning Commons, that students value these areas as their own space.” 

Spring 2011  19

a difference

A Difference

dc community comes together Defiance College partners with the community to help bring about positive change

by Michele Tinker, Director of Annual Giving

D

ff member and DC Chief Supermarket sta d an rd ffo Gi ke oo Br ce Day activities.

DC student part in Make a Differen k too 99 ’ el eff Ho tte alumna Anne

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efiance College participated in the 20th National Make A Difference Day on October 23, along with millions of volunteers around the world who used this special day to bring about real change in their communities and to their neighbors.

Throughout the weekend, Defiance College students, alumni, community volunteers and staff worked to demonstrate the power of people. On campus, the DC football team held a Pink Out for Breast Cancer Awareness. Fans wore pink shirts and the players demonstrated their support by sporting pink tape and laces on the field.

Manning 12 locations at Chief Supermarkets and Ray’s Stores in northwest Ohio, students and alumni bagged groceries for patrons while asking for non-perishable food items and gifts of cash for local food pantries. Their efforts resulted in a total of 233 bags of food and $1,837 to fight hunger locally.

That evening, A Night Without A Home took place on campus, an event educating the community about the realities of homelessness. Students set up and slept in a tent city representing the homeless families in Defiance County, as well as the 10,576 Ohioans who utilized shelters throughout the state this past year. For the first time, several youth groups from area churches joined the DC students in their overnight vigil.

Coach Kyle Brumett and the Yellow Jacket men’s basketball team headed for Columbus to make a difference, where they helped at the Special Olympics Bowling Tournament on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.

This was the team’s third year volunteering at this event, and they were honored by the Special Olympics Committee with a special plaque for their outstanding dedication.

On Sunday morning, the Defiance College Alumni Network of Columbus turned out to assist with the event as well, providing framed photos for all the Special Olympics bowling teams.

Make a Difference Day has grown each year, as more organizations join forces to bring about positive change in our communities. Alumni director Dave Plant encourages DC’s regional network of alumni to make plans for a Make A Difference Day event in each area. If you are interested in hosting a service event in your area, contact Lora Ripke, alumni network coordinator at 419-783-2316 or lripke@defiance.edu for more information. 

Social work professor Alesia Yakos-Brown ’86 (top photo) goes over details of Night Without a Home, where tents lined the campus lawn (middle photo). Dr. Marian Plant ’73 and Kim Bingham ’08 bagged groceries (left photo) at Chief Supermarket during Make a Difference Day. Pictured opposite page top: Assisting the DC men’s basketball team at the Columbus Special Olympics bowling tournament were alumni Lucas Gutierrez ’97, Scott Hundley ’06, Cindy Shaffer ’03 & ’09, Jeremy Ball ’04, Coby (Mealer) Boszor ’90 and sons, Fran Wahrman ’90, Krista Oberlander ’03, Leanne (Schlenker) Moninger ’01, Julie Steineman ’06 and Linda (Laughrey) Zelms ’71.

Spring 2011  21

excitement

Excitement

Homecoming 2010 a success Take a look back on how this year’s Homecoming truly did Defy the Ordinary

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Spring 2011 u 23

recognition

Recognition

faculty and staff achievements Promotions, awards, presentations, invitations, and seminars Matt Lydum, Assistant Professor of Education, received the Fred Wilt Award for Coaching Education presented recently by USA Track and Field at its annual meeting held in Virginia Beach.

The award is given to outstanding national leaders in the training of coaches. Lydum is director of the Instructor Training Course, the program that certifies new instructors for the Level 1 program. In 2010, he served as school director for the USATF Level 2 Youth Program and taught a number of Level 1 Schools throughout the country. In 2008, Lydum was project writer for the Human Kinetics text Coaching Youth Track and Field.

Dr. Doug Kane, Assistant Professor of Biology, presented on service-learning dealing with the Maumee River at the 54th Association of College and University Biology Educators (ACUBE) conference at Lourdes College in Sylvania. His presentation was titled “Making the Maumee River GLISTEN: Undergraduate Service Learning through Water Quality Monitoring at Defiance College” and included co-authors Associate Professor of Biology DR. Spiro Mavroidis, Biology undergraduate student Jessica Maxcy, and Sister Marya Czech, Assistant Professor of Biology at Lourdes College. For more information on the conference and the association please

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visit http://acube.org/. Professors Mavroidis and Kane were featured in an article in The (Defiance) Crescent-News about a servicelearning project they are working on dealing with Great Lakes’ water quality. A number of classes and several student liasions (Jessica Maxcy (Biology major) and Phoenix Golnick (Restoration Ecology major) have also been an important part of the GLISTEN (Great Lakes Stewardship Through Education Network) project that links colleges and universities with community groups.

Chief Supermarket’s Make a Difference Day. The donation went toward purchasing Thanksgiving meals for families in need identified by Sara’s House. The class also worked with CIA on Secret Santa Serves 4, a drive to collect new and gently used toys as well as a coin drive to help purchase clothing items. Both drives served families in Defiance County.

Dr. Somnath Dutta, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, volunteered his time to perform demonstrations for young scientists at an event hosted by the American Chemical Society (ACS), the largest scientific organization in the world. ACS celebrated National Chemistry Week, Oct 23, at Imagination Station in downtown Toledo. The event was hosted by the Toledo section of ACS. Dr. Dutta demonstrated “Polymerization of Liquid Latex: Bouncy Balls.” This is his second year of involvement with National Chemistry Week.

The First Year Seminar Class taught by Brad Harsha ’99 & ’02 and Jennifer Stark ’03 planned and hosted a Christmas Party for foster children in the Defiance County area.

The planning took place throughout the semester and involved making arrangements for food, entertainment, decorations, buying and wrapping gifts, and hosting the party. The class worked in conjunction with Amy Linebrink ’99 from Job and Family Services. In all, more than 85 people attended the event, and Santa delivered gifts to more than 35 children.

Dr. Sandra Golden’s First Year Seminar class collaborated with Citizens in Action (CIA) to collect food items and donations for Thanksgiving meals for families in need. The class hosted a Thanksgiving food/toy/cash drive at the Northtowne Mall.

They also walked the campus neighborhood to collect donations and received a donation of $500 from their involvement in the

Dr. Elizabeth Collardey and 13 service leaders and social work students from Defiance College recently traveled to Cleveland to work with Medworks, a free medical and dental clinic. Medworks and its community partners provide more than 2,300 appointments and services to uninsured and underinsured patients. The students worked with staff

and patients to provide assistance in many different forms, including learning the medical procedures and providing a substantial portion of the discharge planning during their time at the clinic.

Campus Happenings

The event teamed the group with 2004 alumni Rebecca Sanford and Jessica (Potter) Demaline who also assisted at the clinic.

Sanford currently serves as the president of the Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, and Demaline is the Region I director for the Ohio Chapter.

Working with Sanford and Demaline gave students a chance to talk to the alums about their experiences as well as debrief and process the students’ work at the clinic.

Defiance College’s first pinning ceremony for nursing students in the RN to BSN program was held recently. According to Kathy Holloway, MSN, RN, director of the DC nursing program, pinning is a tradition in nursing which honors graduates entering the profession. Recognized in the ceremony were: Gloria Arps, Defiance; Judy Thrasher, Defiance (DC’s director of the health center); Danielle Spring, Napoleon; Megan Fillman, Defiance; Christy Weiker, Weston; and Linda Burkholder, Wauseon.

Retired Col. Julius Jackson, a pilot with the famed Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, stopped by the Defiance College campus recently and met with members of the Life in Society class taught by Dr. Elizabeth Collardey. Col. Jackson, now 90, gave some memories of his days with the Tuskegee Airmen who were the first African American military aviators in the United States armed forces. He answered questions from the class, asked many of the students about their career plans, and shared some life lessons.

He said that he considered his greatest accomplishment to have been a pilot serving his country. 

Military veteran students on the DC campus now have a place to call their own, where they can relax or study between classes. On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the campus observed the official opening of the Veterans Resource Center located in the lower level of Defiance Hall, rooms 11 A and B. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by refreshments and an open house. After introductory remarks by Cathy Mikula ’80 and Dean Tim Rickabaugh, veterans in attendance introduced themselves and offered comments about their own military service. Here, student and veteran Nathan Slough, Bryan, prepares to cut the ribbon for the center.

Spring 2011  25

Welcome

welcome to the DC Community

Dr. Barbara R. Schirmer has been appointed provost/academic dean and will begin duties in July

by Debbie Richard ’02 ’04, Assistant Director of Marketing

D

efiance College president Mark C. Gordon has announced the appointment of Dr. Barbara R. Schirmer as provost/vice president for academic affairs and academic dean, effective July 1.

“Dr. Schirmer is a great match for Defiance College, and we are delighted to welcome her to our campus community,” said Gordon. “She is an accomplished scholar with significant higher education administrative experience, and she has a real commitment to service. I look forward to our work together.”

Schirmer comes to Defiance from the University of Detroit Mercy where she has served over the past seven years in the roles of professor, vice president for academic affairs, student affairs, and provost and special assistant to the president. At Defiance College, she will provide leadership and strategic direction for all academic programs. Schirmer will be responsible for the recruitment and appointment of faculty members; conducting annual reviews of faculty; and overseeing faculty development, among other duties.

“I am honored to be selected as the provost and vice president for academic affairs,” said Schirmer about her appointment. “I look forward to working with President Gordon and the faculty, students, staff, administrators, coaches, alumni, and Board of Trustees in achieving Defiance’s goal to defy the ordinary.”

A national search was conducted by a search committee comprised of a crosssection of campus personnel. “We had a remarkable pool of talented candidates from across the nation. We were looking for someone who would embrace our culture

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of engagement and understand service learning,” said Dr. Sandra Golden, assistant professor of education and chairperson of the search committee.

“We are pleased that Dr. Schirmer will be bringing her many talents and proven accomplishments to our campus community.”

Schirmer earned her doctorate in education and bachelor of science in elementary education from the University at Buffalo, State University of New York, and a master of education from the University of Pittsburgh. She has expertise in the area of special education with extensive specialization

“I look forward to working with President Gordon and the faculty, students, staff, administrators, coaches, alumni, and Board of Trustees in achieving Defiance’s goal to defy the ordinary.”

--Dr. Barbara R. Schirmer, New Provost/Academic Dean in education for deaf and hard of hearing students. Her work in the community has involved serving as a curriculum consultant for the Michigan School for the Deaf, board member of the Urban League of Detroit and Southeast Michigan, and as a member of numerous editorial advisory boards.

She also held positions as professor and dean of the School of Education and Allied Professions at Miami University; professor, chair of educational foundations

and special services at Kent State University; and associate professor, associate dean and registrar at Lewis and Clark College, Oregon. Internationally recognized for her research on the literacy development of deaf students, she is an accomplished scholar with numerous published articles, books, and book chapters. Dr. Timothy Rickabaugh has held the position of interim vice president for academic affairs and academic dean while a search was conducted to replace Dr. Catharine O’Connell who accepted the position of vice president for academic affairs at Mary Baldwin College in Virginia.

Gordon said, “We thank Tim for his service, commitment and dedication as interim vice president for academic affairs.

He has done an admirable job of serving in the position, and we welcome him back into the classroom as he returns to teaching in the fall semester.” 

in memory of dc’s former “first Lady” Ruth Ludwig played an important role as wife and partner to President Emeritus Marvin Ludwig

R

uth Marilyn BjorkmanLudwig, wife of Defiance College President Emeritus Marvin J. Ludwig, passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2010, at her home in Kalamazoo, Mich.

She was born in Highland Park, Ill., on August 13, 1929, the daughter of Alex and Alma Bjorkman. In 1951, she married Marvin J. Ludwig. Children are Marshall J. Ludwig (deceased), Robin Lovely and Rhonda Ludwig.

Ruth graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1952, majoring in music. Her work included the YMCA of Marion, Ohio, and the YMCA of Ethiopia. She was active at Defiance College where Marvin served as President for 19 years. She was most proud of her work in developing the food support program under the name of Mena Mahiber Supporting Organization for Ethiopia.

Surviving are her husband, Marvin; John and Robin Lovely; grandsons J.J. and Brendon Lovely; Marshall’s wife, Kathy Ludwig; grandsons Ryan and Shawn Ludwig; and Rhonda Ludwig.

A memorial service was held Nov. 27 at the First Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo. Memorials may be given to the Mena Mahiber Supporting Organization for Ethiopia, checks payable to Mena Mahiber, 2540 Hunter’s Bluff, Kalamazoo, Mich.

49048; or the Marvin and Ruth Ludwig Scholarship Endowment (please note on check) at Defiance College, 701 N. Clinton St. Defiance, OH 43512.

Following are excerpts from President Emeritus Ludwig’s personal tribute printed in the memorial program and reprinted here with permission:

“Our meeting and dating was as much

by chance as it was planned. We both were enrolled at North Park Junior College (now North Park University), Chicago, a school of the Swedish Covenant Church. … These were great years for me; this is where I met my future wife. In 1948, Ruth Bjorkman entered my life. Our head coach invited the football team to his home for the evening dinner party after our last game of the season with Wheaton College. …I was co-captain of the team, so I had to go and I needed to have a date. Time was running out! I was in trouble.

It was 5:00 pm on Friday when we got out of practice and I had no date.

“As I walked across campus, along came this beautiful woman. I had seen her in our Art History class. Time was running out so I asked this young lady if she would join me for a Saturday night dinner party at the coach’s home. There was a long pause. I outlined the program, apologized for being late in asking, and Ruth said, “I’m not sure.” I said, “I need to have an answer.” Then she said, “Give me about a half hour, and we will see.” We agreed to meet in the coffee shop across the street from campus. So I waited while Ruth went back to the dorm and did a character check on me with the other girls on campus.

Lo and behold, I passed the test! It was great; we were engaged a year later on Christmas Eve 1949. We were married on June 10, 1951, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waukegan, Ill. My dad married us. Having Ruth as a partner all these years has been a joy ever since that first date. Little did she know what she was getting into!

“Ruth took up the task of supporting me in my work. She kept me organized and worked diligently to help me be successful.

It has been her unfailing love and dedication that helped to sustain my career over these many years. For this I am eternally grateful!

Wow! What a patient, loving, articulate woman. I am a lucky guy; I had more than a wife; I had a partner. She has joined me in everything I have ever done.

“Ruth was a very gracious hostess. Our home was the destination for many special events, both in Ethiopia and at The Defiance College. People from all walks of life were welcome … Ruth was a great cook and was able to whip up some amazing homemade dinners. In Ethiopia, this was not the easiest thing to do as shopping was not as simple as running to a grocery store. Cooking at 9,000 feet elevation was not very easy or predictable. It did not matter who she was preparing a party for. It was always prepared with love and class.

“Ruth had a beautiful soprano voice. … she taught music in the Marion, Ohio, school system to junior high students. While in Ethiopia, she organized the International Choral Society of Addis Ababa. …The American Community put on a fundraiser for Ethiopian charities in Addis Ababa, and Ruth performed as one of the soloists for these productions. President Richard Nixon was invited to the American Embassy for dinner on his trip to Ethiopia. His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I was also in attendance. The American Ambassador had invited a few musically talented Americans to perform and sing for these distinguished guests. She felt honored to be a part of this group. Ruth loved music and sang in every church choir, as well as performances at The Defiance College.

The kids would always tell her, with big grins on their faces, ‘We heard you singing, Mom.’”  Spring 2011  27

meaningful

Meaningful

discovery and planning

Project 701, tied to the McMaster School, allows students the opportunity to be involved at higher levels of service

The Backpack Buddy project is one of the first approved initiatives of Project 701 at Defiance College. Staff member Ashton Judis ’10, left, service and leadership program coordinator, and student Kelly Coble of Cloverdale, Ohio, are among those involved in the project that provides 300 backpacks filled with food for qualifying local youngsters to take home every weekend.

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efiance College has taken service one step further than other colleges with a student-run nonprofit organization called Project 701. (Named for the College’s address on Clinton St.)

Students in Project 701 engage in the more meaningful discovery and planning of service projects, putting classroom knowledge to work as project managers and leaders, learning how to administer the business side of a service organization.

Project 701 was created during the 2009-10 academic year with Articles of Incorporation approved and signed by the Ohio Secretary of State. It resides under the umbrella of the McMaster School for Advancing Humanity and is governed by a board of directors consisting of students, administrators, faculty, staff and alumni.

Defiance College president Mark C. Gordon said Project 701 will provide a new type of community service and engagement in which service is fully integrated into the academic experience, providing both contacts and job experience. “Our students are receiving leadership opportunities that challenge them to apply their expertise in a professional manner in a real-world context,” he said.

Such experiences will enhance internship and employment opportunities. When applying for their first job out of college, students will be able to say that they already have personal experience serving as the director or financial officer or project manager of a

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nonprofit organization. Many will be able to show that they have created business plans, developed successful service projects, or managed and trained incoming students.

According to Tina Mohring, grants officer for Defiance College and chairperson of the Project 701 board, seven projects have been approved thus far to offer students real-life experience in their major areas of interest. They include:  A fair trade outlet. Students will develop a fair trade store on

campus after researching appropriate imported goods and the

logistics of locating a site and running a business.  A computer repair service run by students majoring in digital

forensic science. Services offered to the public will be virus

removal, limited data recovery, hardware upgrades and

repairs, data wiping and back-up services, and operating

system optimization.  The Backpack Buddy project, already in operation. Students

assist community organizations in stuffing backpacks with

food for local qualifying youngsters to take home on

weekends. DC students direct the weekly logistics of

ordering food, organizing and stuffing 300 backpacks to feed

450 children, and delivering them to Defiance Elementary

School.

 Free monthly health clinics. With assistance from Project 701 students,

local physicians will provide free services to community members in need.

Pre-med and nursing students will be able to shadow doctors at the clinic.  A micro-lending project providing micro loans to small businesses in

Jamaica.  A dance marathon held annually to raise funds for Mercy Children’s

Hospital.  A project to research the causes of Defiance County’s higher than normal

mortality rate from breast cancer. Students will develop a program to

address the causes and write a grant proposal for funding.

Student applications were accepted and reviewed for management positions, and it was recently announced that Brittany Michaels of Edgerton, Ohio, has been named executive director of Project 701. Lynn Haller, Antwerp, Ohio, has been named chief financial officer. Director positions for project development and project support are still to be named. Each individual project will have a project manager, assistant manager, and faculty or staff adviser.

The Project 701 board approved development of a grant writing work-group to seek out and submit grants for overall funding of the operation of Project 701 and existing projects. Mohring explained if any DC student wishes to start a new project, the group would look for grants to support it. It is a goal that all Defiance students be involved in a project sometime during their degree program. Students in a spring semester business course will be working on a 501 (c) (3) application for recognition of tax-exempt, public charity status.  Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner met with Defiance College students earlier this year to present them with approved documents establishing Articles of Incorporation for Project 701, a new, student-run nonprofit organization.

Pictured with Brunner are DC students Steven Switz, New London, Ohio, and Shanna Chueyane, Columbia, Md.

Construction has begun on the new Athletic Center

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ork has begun on Defiance College’s new athletic center. Since ground was broken in October, general contractor Mel Lanzer Company of Napoleon has begun construction at the site west of Webster Street and north of Grand Avenue.

The project calls for an 84,000 square foot facility of steel and masonry which will feature a six-lane NCAA approved track and an expanded fitness center that will promote campus-wide physical and social vitality. The facility will become the recreational hub of the campus, meeting the needs of Yellow Jacket sports and student fitness.

Construction of the new complex will catapult DC’s athletic facilities to a new level and will greatly enhance the experience for all students. The fitness and recreational benefits offered by the new center will make it a valuable asset in recruitment and retention of all students and will provide an outstanding venue for northwest Ohio athletic events.

Academically, the center will assist the academic programs of Athletic Training, Sport Management and Wellness and Corporate Fitness to achieve a new level of success.

Rich Pejeau, vice president for institutional advancement, notes that opportunities still exist for financial contributions to the project.

An enhanced version brings the projected cost to $4.2 million.

Pejeau says that the College currently has nearly $3.8 million in commitments.  Progress on construction can be followed by visiting the webcam at www.defianceathletics.com/facilities/fhconstruction.

Spring 2011  29

Athletics

athletics

update on your yellow jackets New sports coming, winter season highlights, and more

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he Lady Jackets made their second consecutive appearance in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament, thanks to a deep and talented senior class as well as a promising group of newcomers.

Defiance picked up its first home victory of the season by knocking off a nationally-ranked Brescia University squad in DC’s annual Pro Rehab – Hubbard Co. Tournament, and used the momentum to post a 10-7 record down the stretch, including a 6-2 mark in the Karl H. Weaner Center. Senior guard Molly Bateman was selected to the all-tournament team after averaging 18.5 points during the tournament and scoring a career-high 23 points in DC’s win over Brescia.

Courtney Schmersal (pictured inset with parents) became the program’s all-time three-point field goal leader on February 9, when she knocked down the 143rd three-pointer of her career in DC’s win

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over Earlham. Tasha Stucke ended her career on a high note as well, posting a career-high 10 points per game during the season as she extended her consecutive starts streak to 102 and moved into sixth place on the Jackets’ all-time assists list.

During a season in which Defiance celebrated the career achievements of its seniors, a freshman gave fans reason to look forward with optimism, as Erica King (pictured left) established herself as one of the premier guards in the HCAC. King led the Jackets with 10.8 points per game, placed among the top three in the conference in three-point shooting, and showed no hesitation to do the dirty work, placing third on the team with 3.9 rebounds per game.

Defiance was ousted in the HCAC Tournament Quarterfinals by the Manchester College Spartans, who avenged their quarterfinals loss to the Yellow Jackets one year ago.

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young and talented Defiance College men’s basketball team rebounded from a six-game losing streak late in the season to win three of its last four contests and salvage the fifth winning season on the planks for the Yellow Jackets in the past five years. Despite the 13-12 overall clip, DC failed to qualify for the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament. Defiance ended 8-10 in league play and tied for sixth place in the 10-team league with rival Bluffton University, missing out on the final tournament berth due to a tie-breaker.

Despite the disappointment of not making the HCAC Tournament, there were several bright spots provided by strong individual performances. No Yellow Jacket shone brighter than sophomore point guard, Logan Wolfrum (pictured inset), who was named All-HCAC, after leading the league in scoring and assists. The Defiance, Ohio native ended his second collegiate campaign with 540 points, 133 assists and 126 rebounds and was the first player in the program’s NCAA Division III era to log 500 points, 100 assists and 100 boards in a single season.

Defiance also saw junior Anthony Brown selected as an All-HCAC performer, after taking Honorable Mention honors for the second straight year. Brown set career highs with 371 points and 58 rebounds, while hitting 36.6 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc and ranking among the nation’s finest free throw shooters with a 92.5percent rate from the line.

While Wolfrum and Brown will be expected to lead the way on the perimeter once again in 2011-2012, Ryan Hicks should continue his emergence as the Jackets’ top scoring threat in the post. Hicks ended his standout rookie campaign third on the team with 8.3 points per game and second with 5.4 rebounds per night.

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efiance women placed fourth at the HCAC Indoor Track & Field Championships, and set several individual school records in DC’s first official indoor track and field season. Sophomore, Katie Heitkamp (pictured above), had a breakout season for the Yellow Jackets, tying DC’s indoor pole vaulting record before going on to break the record at the All-Ohio Championships, and improving upon it one week later at the HCAC Indoor Championships.

DC’s Ashlyn Howell was honored as an HCAC Honorable Mention selection after placing in four separate events at the conference championships. Howell placed second in the triple jump, third in the long jump, sixth in the 55-meter dash, and seventh as a member of DC’s 4x200-meter relay team.

The Jackets saw two athletes receive Indoor All-Ohio honors, as junior hurdler, Marlea Rolander, was tagged as an All-Ohio performer in the 55-meter hurdles for the second time in three seasons, while freshman, Addie Henricks, earned the distinction as a high jumper in her first season with the Jackets.

Get Stung on Facebook! cebook fan page The DC Athletics Fa e latest news and is updated with th ceAthletics.com. scores from Defian and search for om .c ok bo ce Fa to o G become a fan to cs ti le th A ce an Defi today!

Spring 2011 u 31

Athletics

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he Yellow Jacket men finished second at the inaugural Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships, and saw Austin Trivett (pictured right) honored as the HCAC’s Most Outstanding Field Athlete of the Year. Trivett earned individual titles in both the pole vault and high jump at the championship meet, and placed sixth in the long jump, giving him 23 of the Yellow Jackets’ 100 points.

Seven members of DC’s squad were tabbed as Indoor All-Ohio performers, as Trivett, Tyler Anderson, Aaron Demecs, Joe Davis, Justin Perkins, Madison Murphy and Aaron Fraley each earned the distinction at the Div. III Indoor All-Ohio Championships at Kenyon College. Trivett and Anderson earned the distinction for their performances in the pole vault, while Demecs claimed the honor after posting the fourth-fastest 400-meter dash at the meet. Davis, Perkins, Murphy and Fraley earned the distinction as members of DC’s distance medley relay team, which broke the school record by nearly five seconds at the meet.

Defiance also saw school records broken in the 4x200-meter relay, 500-meter dash, 1,000-meter run and 3,000-meter run, as they established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the conference’s inaugural indoor track and field season.

new sports arrive on campus Swimming arrives Winter 2011

Lacrosse begins with club play

he Defiance College athletics department has announced that it will add men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs in the upcoming year. Tyler Dixon has been hired as the head coach and will be responsible for getting the teams ready to compete in a full varsity schedule during the winter of 2011-2012.

“I am thrilled that we will now be able to offer swimming and diving for our students at Defiance College,” said DC President Mark Gordon. “We very much want to expand opportunities for all DC students, and this is just one of the many ways in which we are doing just that.”

Dixon comes to DC from Ball State University, where he was a four-year letterman on the swim team while earning a bachelor’s degree in sports administration in the spring of 2009 and a master’s degree in information communication sciences in the summer of 2010. During his time with the Cardinals, Dixon excelled in the pool as well as in the classroom. The Jeffersonville, Ind., native was a two-time Mid-American Conference All-Academic selection and placed among the top 16 at the MAC Championships in 2007 and 2010.

Dixon envisions a similar level of success for future Yellow Jacket swimmers during his tenure with the Purple and Gold. “I am looking forward to this opportunity at Defiance College to build a team from the ground up. It is a unique and exciting challenge and my goal is to build these programs to start competing at a high level right away. There are some quality NCAA Division III teams in Ohio and I want to be able to compete and win against them.”

The DC swimming and diving teams will use the Defiance Area Y for practices and all home competitions.

he athletics department has also announced that it will add men’s lacrosse in 2011-2012, with a full varsity season slated to begin in 2012-2013. Marc Graham has been hired to start the team, which will bring the number of varsity athletic programs offered at DC to 21.

“We look forward to building a strong and successful program.

I am personally looking forward to attending the team’s home games and welcoming the new lacrosse student-athletes to our DC family,” said Defiance College President Mark Gordon.

The DC men’s lacrosse program will compete as a club sport throughout the 2011-2012 season, before joining the rest of Defiance’s 20 NCAA Division III sponsored programs for a full varsity schedule during the 2012-2013 year. The inaugural varsity season will be in the spring of 2013.

Graham will be charged with building the program at Defiance College, after spending over one decade as the head men’s lacrosse coach at South Windsor High School in Connecticut and the past five years working as the defensive coordinator and recruiting director for the men’s lacrosse program at Trinity College.

Graham coached five All-New England Small College Athletic Conference players during his time with Trinity and highlighted his tenure as the defensive coordinator by leading the Bantams to the top-ranked scoring defense in the NESCAC during the 2010 campaign.

For Graham, this is the challenge that he has been seeking.

“I will immediately begin seeking out student-athletes of high character, who are equally committed to achieving in the classroom and on the lacrosse field. I am focused on building a competitive program here at DC and can not wait to get started.”

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class notes DC Alumni

The 50’s Richard Nykerk ’50 and his wife, Barbara, celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary on September 19, 2010. They reside in Jacksonville, FL.

The 60’s Basil ’62 and Rosemary (Batt) Meyer ’62 celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 25, 2010, and marked the special occasion with a party given by their children. They have nine children and six grandchildren and reside in Bluffton, OH.

Janet (Heisler) Vollmer ’62 and her husband, Carl, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 12, 2010, with an open house for family and friends. They have three children, nine grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. The Vollmers reside in Edgerton, OH. Tim Gore ’67 of Athens, GA, became a grandfather to Kai Michael Hoffman born to Dominique Gore and Michael Hoffman. Kai’s grandmother, Kathleen Gore ’68, passed away in 2003.

The 70’s Ronald Wolff ’70 has been named 2010 Utah Superintendent of the Year. He has also served as the president of the Utah School Superintendents’ Association for both the 09-10 and 10-11 school years. Ronald has transferred from the Morgan School District to the Box Elder School District in Utah.

He and his wife, Susan, reside in Morgan.

John Decker ’70 retired as superintendent of the Miami County Educational Service Center in Troy, OH. He was in education 40 years with 26 of those as superintendent.

John has moved to Florida with his wife, Christy.



Mail in the form on page 35

Write a note on your Annual Fund 

pledge card

 E-mail us at alumni@defiance.edu

Ronald Zachrich ’74 and his wife, Linda, recently celebrated their silver wedding anniversary on July 6, 2010. At the end of the 2010 school year, Ron retired as the elementary principal at Ayersville Elementary School after 26 years of employment. Ron and Linda have three sons, Nathaniel, Jonathan and Matthew, and reside in Defiance.

Norma K. Hoffman ’76 of Fort Wayne, IN, is still enjoying retirement and is approaching Medicare eligibility. She is getting better at the clarinet but “will never be as good as Benny Goodman!”

Bev Nolt ’74 with Dr. Richard Nchabi Kamwi

David Rowland ’77 and Candy (Farr) Rowland ’75 celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on August 23, 2010. They marked the occasion with a trip to the World Equestrian Games, Lexington, KY. The Rowlands reside in Defiance and have three children: Joshua, Ben, and Robyn. They have one grandson.

Beverly Nolt ’74 has accepted a promotion to Deputy Director for the Global AIDS President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program in Gaborone, Botswana. Approximately 30% of the capital city (Gaborone) is HIVinfected. Beverly, her husband, Bob Witzerman ’75, and pets relocated to Botswana August 4, 2010 for a period of two to five years. Beverly Nolt is pictured above with the Namibian Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Richard Nchabi Kamwi.

Sue (Roughton) Dangler ’75 and her husband, Kevin, celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on June 7, 2010. Sue is currently employed as principal for the Hicksville High School. Sue and Kevin have two children and reside in Paulding, OH.

Bill McPhie ’75 and his wife, Barb, have retired from teaching in the Sheffield-Sheffield Lake School System in Lorain, OH. Together they taught 71 years in the same district, where Barb taught third grade (36 years) and Bill taught physical education (35 years) in the middle school and coached football, wrestling, track, and baseball throughout his career. They plan on doing some traveling, and will be babysitting for new grandson, Liam, and helping out with five-year-old granddaughter, Violet.

The 80’s

Walter Iliff ’79 and his wife, Rebecca (Bock) celebrated 30 years of marriage on October 11, 2010.

They live in Defiance and have two sons, Brian and Walter “Fred” II. They also have three grandsons and a step-granddaughter.

Kevin Miller recently accepted the position of superintendent for the Ottawa Hills Local School District.

Prior to this, Kevin served as the superintendent for the Hicksville Village Schools. He and his wife, Carla, reside in Toledo, OH. The oldest son of Richard L. Winbigler ’85, Richard III, recently graduated with a teaching degree in history and English from Central Michigan University.

http://alumni.defiance.edu/ Spring 2011  33

Alumni Class Notes Dr. Martin Miller ’86 was one of only 12 professionals from the U.S. invited to travel with Heifer International as part of a ten-day study tour to Tanzania in August 2010. The group visited some of the families and communities with whom Heifer works. The tour concluded with a visit to the game reserve in the Serengeti. Martin is the principal at Ayersville Middle School. He is married to Nancy (Wiseman) ’90 and they reside in Defiance.

Daniel Mix ’88 and his wife, Nadège, would like to announce the birth of their first son, Logan Prefontaine, on June 26, 2010. Logan has two older sisters, Amaya, 7, and Audray, 4. The Mixes reside in Hainesville, IL. Daniel is in his 23rd year teaching fifth grade at Ayersville Local School in Defiance.

Scott Anderson ’88 earned his designation as a certified treasury professional (CTP) in January 2010. Jill (Bucher) Anderson ’91 is a national board certified teacher, earning her certification as an Early Childhood Generalist in November 2009. Scott and Jill reside in Wauseon, OH.

The 90’s Paul Combs ’91 is an awardwinning illustrator, author and veteran firefighter and has recently published his editorial cartoons in a book, Drawn by Fire. Paul resides in Bryan, OH, with his wife, Sheryl.

Chuck Mack ’94 and his wife, Liz, celebrated their silver wedding anniversary on August 3, 2010. The couple has two children: Ryan and Jordan. They live in Defiance and are planning to celebrate the special occasion with a family vacation to the French Lick Resort in French Lick, IN. Rachelle Hammersmith ’96 announces her wedding to Eric Kistner on May 8, 2010. They now live in Troy, OH. She works for the West Central Juvenile Rehabilitation Center as a counselor.

Thomas Derricotte 95, graduated from the Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA program on October 30, 2010

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in Vallendar, Germany. The KelloggWHU program is a joint program between Northwestern‘s School of Business and the WHU-Otto Beisheim School of Management, a leading business school in Germany.

Tom was class president and graduated with honors. He lived in Germany for the last four years while working as the European Regional Manager of Audit for BorgWarner, a tier 1 automotive supplier. Tom and his wife have relocated to the Auburn Hills, MI area.

Lee Anne (Frazier) Sorto ’97 and her husband, Francisco O. Sorto, celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary on September 9, 2010.

They are the proud parents of four sons: Isaiah Alexander, 9; Joel Elliott, 7; Kevin Charles, 4; and Lathan Michael, 3. The family took a two-week vacation to Disney World to mark the occasion. Lee Anne completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio State University in June 2010. She is now attending the University of Cincinnati for her master’s in Nurse Practitioning, with a cardiac specialty. Lee Anne resides in Elida, OH. Eric Gerber ’97 and Melanie (Sisco) Gerber ’03 announce the birth of their daughter, Grace Suzette (Gracie), on September 26, 2010.

The new expanded family lives in Defiance.

Angela Schuller ’98 married Luis Sanchez on June 12, 2010. Angela notes that with this marriage, she now has five stepchildren and five grandchildren. Angela and Luis reside in Ottawa, OH. Gary W. Taylor II ’99 married Meagan Ainsworth on September 18, 2010. The ceremony was followed by a reception for 300 guests at the Defiance Eagles. A honeymoon cruise occurred in January. They live in Defiance, and Gary works at Stykemain Buick GMC in Defiance.

The 00’s Timothy Meienburg ’00 and his wife, Lori, announce the birth of their son, Lucas Henry, on July 12, 2010. Lucas has an older brother, Brody. The Meienburgs reside in Defiance.

Elijah Everett Warstler Shannon (Dunson) Warstler ‘00 and her husband, Ron, welcomed their first child, Elijah Everett on May 23, 2010 at 6:43 pm. He weighed 8 lb. 4 oz. and was 21 inches long. The Warstlers live in Auburn, IN. David Ike ’00 recently returned from his third tour in Iraq. He is currently on special assignment at Ohio State to get his MBA. He will return to a regular assignment around January 2012.

Megan (Stark) Dotson ’00 is currently a reading instructor at West Kentucky Community and Technical College in Paducah and resides in Benton, KY. She was incorrectly identified as an elementary teacher in the previous issue.

Erik Hassid ’00 and Megan (Connor) Hassid ’00 are now residing in West Chester, OH. They have two children, Emma, 4, and Nicholas, 2.

Adam Kinney ’01 and his wife, Gretchen, welcomed their first daughter, Gabriella Anne Kinney, on December 18, 2009. Her brother Mason Adam, 4, is a great older brother. Adam was promoted to district sales manager for the state of Ohio with Lawson Producers, Inc. Andrew Fisher ’02 has started a new company, Blue Collar Wear, designing t-shirts. Andrew says part of the proceeds of one shirt designed to bring awareness to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill are being donated to the clean-up effort, “continuing the tradition of service learning.” Check it out at www.bluecollarwear.com.

Joseph James Gillespie Travis ’01 and Elizabeth (Barton) ‘02 Gillespie announce the birth of their son, Joseph James. He was born on May 10, 2010 weighing 9 lbs. 2 oz. and 21 inches long.

Travis is employed as the Offensive Coordinator at Allegheny College and Elizabeth works in Property Management. The Gillespies reside in Meadville, PA. Brittany (Sierer) Daeger ’02 and her husband, Brian, announce the birth of their son, Jack Theodore, born May 18, 2010. Jack has a brother, Max, 1½. The Daegers reside in Paulding, OH. Thomas Ort ’02 and his wife, Jamie, announce the birth of their son, Zayden Ryan, born June 15, 2010. Zayden has an older brother, Brennan, 5. The Ort family resides in Defiance.

Amanda (Rosebrock) Westrick ’02 and her husband, Kenny, announce the birth of their son, Grady Kenneth, born June 3, 2010. Grady has a sister, Haley, 22 months. The Westricks reside in Columbus, OH. Jennifer (McCoy) Ziegler ’02 and her husband, Donovan, announce the birth of their daughter, Kadence Jean, on May 12, 2010. The Zieglers reside in Archbold, OH, and Jennifer is employed by the Defiance Public Library.

Matthew Joost ’02 has achieved the RE/MAX Hall of Fame for his outstanding salesmanship in real estate. He is part owner of RE/MAX Realty of Defiance, Inc. with his father Brent ’74. Matt resides in Defiance with his wife, Kierstin, and two children, Rylee, 5, and Kasen, 3.

Kara (Jones) Miller ’04 and her husband, Ryan, announce the birth of their daughter, Kendall Ann, born June 11, 2010. Kendall has an older sister, Hannah, 2. The Millers reside in Napoleon, OH.

Elliot Geno ’03 was the recipient of the Site of the Day Award for his recent website design (http://www. thefwa.com/site/mark-bradford/ p=resource-interactive), chosen by Favourite Website Awards. FWA recognizes the very best in cutting edge websites. Elliott resides in Columbus, OH, with his wife, Amanda.

Nicole (Erford) Bockrath ’04 and her husband, Nicholas, announce the birth of their daughter, McKenzie, on November 13, 2010. Nicole is employed at Fifth Third Bank and resides in Ottawa, OH, with her family.

Nicholas Schappert ’04 and Cristin Flower ’04 were married on May 15, 2010 in St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Defiance. Nick is employed at GM Powertrain while Cristin is employed as a program administrator for CRSI and is a realtor with Butler Mohr GMAC. The couple resides in Defiance.

After two years of practice in Lima, Kristen (Gerity) Piper ’04 has opened her own dental office in downtown Columbus, OH. In addition to practicing dentistry and sedation, she has received her Botox and Dermafiller license. Kristen and John Piper ’04 reside in Dublin, and John is an athletic trainer in the Northwest Columbus area.

Joshua ’05 and Allison (Stehlik) ’04 Bowersock announce the birth of their first child, Scarlett Marie, on October 5, 2010. Josh is employed as a teacher at New Bremen Local Schools, and Allison as a social worker for Adriel. The Bowersocks reside in Wapakoneta, OH.

Aubrey (Wonsetler) Merkle ’05 of Dayton is now employed as an academic advisor at Wright State University. Aubrey will graduate with a master’s in Student Affairs in Higher Education Administration from Wright State in June, is president of the Student Affairs Graduate Association and is being inducted into Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society. She plans to present her thesis research findings on helping former foster youth have success in college at the March national conference for the American College Personnel Association in Baltimore.

Aaron Peter Schmidt ’05 with his wife, Marissa, announce the birth of their son, Kellen Wallace, on September 1, 2010. Aaron has taught health and physical education at Hilltop High School in West Unity, OH for the past five years. He is also going into his second year as the head varsity girls basketball coach as

Keep in Touch We’d like to know about your new job, recent marriage, new member of the family, new address, or other happenings in your life. For photos, please send those of Defiance College people only, identify everyone, and label the back with your name and address. If you are moving, please send this form in with your new address.

Name: _ __________________________________________________________________ Maiden Name: _ _______________________________________ Class Year:________ Address:__________________________________________________________________

well as his fifth year coaching the JV football team. The Schmidts reside in Wauseon, OH. Steven Szente ’06 announces his marriage to Ruthann (Cherry) Szente on June 20, 2009. Steven and Ruthann reside in Springboro, OH. Elizabeth Schoonover ’06 and Justin Weddington ’07 were married on May 8, 2010, in Grand Rapids, OH. Elizabeth is currently employed as an advertising designer at The Crescent-News. Justin works at First Federal Bank in Information and Technology. They live in Defiance.

Richard ’07 and Emily (Anderson) Palmer ’07 announce the birth of their first child, Dean Michael, on July 25, 2010. The Palmers reside in Yolee, FL. Nathan Fitton ’08 is now attending the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Nathan and his wife, Andrea, reside in Grand Ledge, MI. Matt Carr ’08 and Jaaci Bergman ’09 were married in Defiance on July 10, 2010. After a large reception, they honeymooned in Jamaica and now reside in Defiance. Matt teaches fifth grade math and history in Paulding. Jaaci is employed at Continental Local Schools as a middle school reading and English teacher.

Elaine Gerken ’09 was recently hired as the ninth and tenth grade English teacher at Hicksville High School for the 2010-2011 school year. Elaine resides in Fort Wayne, IN.

Phone:____________________________________________________________________ E-mail:____________________________________________________________________ News:_____________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________ Mail this form to:

Alumni Office, Defiance College, 701 N. Clinton St., Defiance, OH 43512, or email your news to: alumni@defiance.edu.

Spring 2011  35

Alumni Class Notes

Deaths Lucile Plassman July 16, 2010 – Defiance, OH Secretary to Dean of Students 1978 – 1984 Carolyn (Behne) Dunham ’37 August 5, 2010 – Defiance, OH Evelyn (Rundquist) (Seward) Bedell ’42 July 7, 2010 – Everett, WA Clyde Snodgrass ’46 May 5, 2010 – Toledo, OH Charles Newton ’48 July 18, 2010 – Frederick County, VA

Alice Elizabeth Ewing ’50 August 25, 2010 – West Hartford, CT W. Douglas Snyder ’50 May 22, 2010 – Hinsdale, IL Roger Smurr ’52 August 20, 2010 – Wesley Chapel, FL Ronald Ekberg ’53 October 1, 2010 – Englewood, OH Doris Johansen ’53 October 31, 2010 – Defiance Florice A. Penner ’55 June 10, 2010 – Defiance

William H. Grant ’59 September 18, 2010 – Dayton, OH

Moses L. Moody III ’74 June 15, 2010 – Defiance, OH

Don Allen Hornish ’56 September 15, 2010 – Kalida, OH

William “Jeff” Hawley ’74 May 6, 2010 – Greenville, OH

Mildred (Peoples) Ringer ’61 July 15, 2010 – Hicksville, OH

Bradley Beilharz ’81 December 2, 2010 – Bluffton, OH

Lloyd Miller ’62 May 18, 2010 – Valparaso, IN

Robert Marc Brindle ’86 June 1, 2010 – Toledo, OH

Judith (Horvath) Lewis ’63 May 14, 2010 – Orange, CT

Christa (Temple) Ernst ’98 August 4, 2010 – Minster, OH

Michael L Thomas ’67 August 7, 2010 – Clinton, OH

Juan Morales ’08 October 31, 2010 – Stryker, OH

Francis Szczebak ’68 September 18, 2010 – Winchester, VA

Faculty Award is Renamed for Stroede

I

Receiving AVD honors recently were, from left: Daniel Salinas, Dennis Scott, Tim Held and Brad Myers.

AVD presents annual awards

D

efiance College Alumni Varsity D presented its annual Coach of the Year and Honorary Letterman awards recently.

Receiving Coach of the Year honors were Timothy Held ’96, Cincinnati Moeller High School varsity baseball coach; Bradley Myers ’86, Wauseon High School women’s basketball coach; and Daniel Salinas ’ 97, Pickerington High School North varsity wrestling assistant coach. Dennis “Scotty” Scott was recognized as Honorary Letterman for 2011.

Held’s team at Cincinnati Moeller High School was 29-2 for the season, finishing first in the Greater Catholic League Championship and competing in the Division I State tournament.

Myers’ Wauseon High School Lady Indians went 21-4 overall and 8-0 in the Northwest Ohio Athletic League, earning both the NWOAL and district championships.

Salinas helped the Pickerington North Panthers earn the OCC Team Championship and sectional championship during the 2009-10 season. The team placed third in the district and 11th in the state. Six wrestlers qualified to compete individually in state competition, with three placers.

The Honorary Letterman Award recognizes individuals for their continued commitment and unselfish service to Defiance College athletics. Scotty is the owner and operator of a favorite local restaurant, Scotty’s 111. He is a current member and past president of the Purple and Gold Club.

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n honor of the late Dr. Richard Stroede, the Defiance College faculty has unanimously approved renaming the college’s Distinguished Faculty Citation. The annual award will now be known as the Dr. Richard W. Stroede Distinguished Faculty Citation. Dr. Stroede died in May 2010.

Defiance College has recognized a faculty member with the award each year since 1985.

This serves as the highest faculty honor and recognizes ongoing dedication to Defiance students as well as the academic mission of the institution.

Dr. Stroede retired as academic dean and vice president for academic affairs in 2004. At that time, he was recognized with the title Dean Emeritus and was also awarded the college’s Pilgrim Medal. Dr. Stroede began his tenure at Defiance College in 1964. He was a faculty member for many years and later was named associate academic dean before his promotion to academic dean and VP for academic affairs.

He also served as acting president during the summer of 2002.

“It is hard to imagine a Defiance College faculty member or administrator that has had such a longstanding and significant influence on maintaining the quality of our academic mission,” said Dr. Tim Rickabaugh, interim academic dean.

The next presentation of the award will be made during the College’s annual Honors Convocation to be held in April. Recipients of the award are nominated by their peers. Dr. Stroede was a recipient of the award in 1991.

Yellow Jacket CLASSIC

! s r a d n e l a c r u o Mark y June 11, 2011

DCHC

Auglaize Country Club Defiance, Ohio Tee time: 8:30am

DC Homecoming September 12-18, 2011

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ImagIne

Reunion groups are starting to build.

Those already confirmed are listed to the right.

Contact Dave Plant, Director Alumni Relations, if you have an interest in forming a Homecoming class or department reunion group. 419.783.2572; dplant@defiance.edu

Men’s Tennis: ‘71 Football: ’31, ‘01 Track and Field: ‘01 Men’s Golf: ’61, ‘71 Women’s Basketball: ’86, ’91, ‘01 Men’s Basketball: ’56, ’61, ’86, ‘01 Baseball: ’61 Conference Champions Softball: 30th Anniversary of Founding TKE, Tri-Sigma & Alpha Xi Delta

Non-Profit Org. U. S. Postage PAID Permit No. 265 Defiance OH 43512

701 North Clinton Street  Defiance, OH 43512

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Printed on Recycled Paper

McMaster Symposium Held March 30-31, 2011

The Question of Individual Liberties as Critical to Improving the Human Condition Over the course of this year’s symposium participants sought to examine the “individual liberties” concept from the perspective of a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to the fine arts, economics, political science, social sciences, education, peace and justice studies, communication arts, and the sciences.

Keynote Speakers: Dr. Yuri Maltsev

Professor of Economics, Carthage College

Amer Ahmed

Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, University of Michigan