Pacesetter Winter 2015

president’s message

S

pend a minute or two perusing this edition of Pacesetter, and you will encounter something new. Yes, Kettering College is practically bursting with new programs, new spaces, and new people — including yours truly.

The past 12 months have seen impressive facilities updates, including: • Renovated classroom and laboratory space for respiratory care.

• A newly renovated college bookstore, renamed the Campus Corner.

• Space and equipment upgrades for radiologic sciences and advanced imaging.

• A newly renovated facility in Greene County to house our new occupational therapy doctoral program.

It’s true: This year, Kettering College will begin instruction in occupational therapy, its first doctoral program.

Other clinical programs have moved to bachelor’s degree standing in recent years, including respiratory care and medical sonography. In fact, in April 2014, the College awarded degrees to the last class of associate degree students in nursing. At the same commencement ceremony, our first prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates received their degrees. This shift toward baccalaureate and graduate degrees is part of an intentional effort to enhance and elevate our programs in order to prepare our students for lifelong service in an increasingly sophisticated health care environment.

So far, the progress has been impressive.

Just how impressive? Over the past year, peer reviewers have visited our campus to evaluate our nursing, respiratory care, occupational therapy, radiologic sciences, sonography and physician assistant programs.

We have been praised and commended, certified and approved in every one of these visits. In one case, each member of a department was even hugged — hugged! — by a reviewer who was just that impressed with what she encountered at KC. Students of course appreciate the fresh facilities, the modern equipment and the relevant programs that we offer. But this is not the best of what we provide. Henry Rosovsky, former academic dean at Harvard University, likened these parts of a college to an institutional skeleton: “The flesh, blood and heart has to come from the rather unpredictable interactions between teachers and students,” he said.

Rosovsky’s words ring true at Kettering College. It is our faculty and staff who give life to our spaces and our programs. Through their service, they inspire our students to “make service a life calling.”

Many of our faculty and staff have been rendering that service to Kettering College for 10 or 20 years… or more. In 2013, Teresa Simmons, faculty librarian, celebrated 40 years at Kettering Medical Center and Kettering College.

Teresa’s tenure is truly inspiring — and for me, more than a little humbling. With all of the new faces and spaces, this lifetime of service to Kettering College and its students is emblematic of our learning community. As you experience Kettering College through this edition of Pacesetter, I hope you will find in it our passion to innovate as well as our commitment to extend the legacy of service, community and care that you know and love.

God Bless, Nate

1

Henry Rosovsky. The University: An Owner’s Manual.

New York: W. W. Norton, 1990.

Nate Brandstater, Ph.D., President

11

12

WINTER

20

departments 2 16 18 23 24

Campus Notes Alumni News Class Notes Partnerships Campus Candids

features 11

Photo by Jessica J.W. Beans

Pacesetter is published twice yearly by the public relations office at Kettering College for the alumni, friends, faculty, staff and students of the school.

Pacesetter Public Relations Office Kettering College · 3737 Southern Blvd. · Kettering, OH 45429 www.kc.edu · pacesetter@kc.edu

Opening Soon: Occupational Therapy Doctoral Program > Kettering College is in the final stages of preparation to launch its doctoral program in occupational therapy— one of only 14 programs in the United States

12

‘A Walking Miracle’ Colleagues and friends unite to support instructor and alumna’s recovery > After doctors said she would most likely not walk again, she stunned them all with her hope and determination

ON THE COVER Nate Brandstater officially started as Kettering College’s seventh president on January 31, 2014. With a year of service behind him and a contagious enthusiasm for what lies ahead, Brandstater says he is proud to be serving an institution with a rich heritage, a noble and inspired mission, and outstanding faculty, staff and students.

2015

the magazine of Kettering College

20

A Most Enthusiastic President > Since Nate Brandstater’s first day as Kettering College’s president, his enthusiasm for life and the people around him has been nothing short of energizing

EDITOR: Jessica J.W. Beans ASSISTANT EDITORS: Amy Moretta and Breana Soliday Haughton CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Leigh Wilkins, Jessica J.W. Beans, Breana Soliday Haughton, Nate Brandstater, Kathryn Keyes, Adrianna Larracuente, Rachel Moutoux, Amy Moretta PHOTOS: Jessica J.W. Beans, Louie Ferraro, Colin Gatland, Jay Herndon, Rachel Moutoux, Breana Soliday Haughton, Julie Walling. Photo from White Coat Ceremony submitted by Anisha Mathi. Photos submitted

by Nate Brandstater. AGI Studios. Photos submitted by Sheryl Bullman.

PRINTING: Mound Printing Co. Inc., Dayton, Ohio Kettering College, born out of Adventist faith, is a fully accredited college that offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in health science education. Upholding Christ, the College educates students to make service a life calling and to view health as harmony with God in body, mind, and spirit. A division of Kettering Medical Center, Kettering College is located on the KMC campus in a suburb of Dayton, Ohio.

Printer drop in reversed out logo innovation. superior graduates. passion for service and health.

pacesetter · winter 2015

1

campus notes

NEW FACES PATRICK DAHL

PAMELA STEVENS

PAMELA KELLER

LUCAS BEAGLE

Patrick Dahl, Recruiter – Bachelor’s in Business Administration, 2013, Union College Dahl loves meeting new people and making connections in a wonderful organization. He felt God calling him to Kettering College. In his free time, Dahl likes to golf, rollerblade, play tennis and coach gymnastics. He enjoys the company of his friends and family.

Pamela Stevens, Librarian – Associate’s in Architectural Technology, 1980, Andrews University | Bachelor’s in Architecture, 1985, Andrews University | Master’s in Library and Information Science, 2012, Wayne State University What led Stevens to Kettering College were the Christian Adventist culture and the academic outlook. In her spare time, she loves to read. She has been married for 30 years to Ernest J. Stevens, Ed.D., and has two sons, Kade and Nathan. Nathan took classes at Kettering College in 2010–11.

Pamela Keller, Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant, Certified – Master of Physician Assistant Studies, 2008, Kettering College Keller, a graduate of Kettering College, combined her knowledge of medicine with her concern and compassion to help the underserved. After working six years with Alaska Native people, she returned to Kettering to pursue a career in education. She continues traveling to engage in medical missions.

Lucas Beagle, Assistant Professor of Chemistry – BS in Biological Sciences, 2005, Wright State University | MS Chemistry, 2008, Youngstown State University | PhD Chemistry, 2012, University of Florida Beagle was drawn to his profession because of his interest in not just how things work, but why things work. He chose Kettering College because of the opportunity to be in a smaller environment, to share Christ and to focus on educational aspects of chemistry. He enjoys hiking, traveling, basketball, baseball and football. He and his wife, Judit Kovacs Beagle, welcomed their daughter on Oct. 21, 2014.

Elizabeth Golba, Assistant Professor of Respiratory Care and Health Sciences – AAS with a Certificate in Respiratory Care, 1980, Sinclair Community College | BS in Education, 1989, University of Dayton | MEd in Higher Education Leadership, 2011, Northcentral University Golba, an adjunct faculty member from 2007 to 2013, enjoyed working with the current faculty and staff. She felt welcomed and quickly realized that this is where she wanted to be full time. She loves working for a Christian institution and a wonderful, caring atmosphere. She likes to read, sew and travel with her family. She is married and has two children.

Jessica Carpenter, Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and Assistant Professor of OTD – BS in Exercise Science, 2007, Ashland University | Occupational Therapy Doctorate, 2010, Belmont University Upon graduation from Ashland University, Carpenter’s grandmother encouraged her to observe her friend’s daughter, who was a pediatric occupational therapist. Carpenter had no idea what OT was before she observed it. She immediately fell in love with the profession and wanted to continue her education in OT. She enjoys Kettering College, saying it is a wonderful place to work. She loves spending time with her daughter and her husband and enjoys CrossFit and reading.

2

pacesetter · winter 2015

kettering college

campus notes

ELIZABETH GOLBA

JESSICA CARPENTER

KATRINA HILL

JESSICA J.W. BEANS

IRMA WHITLEY

BREANA SOLIDAY HAUGHTON

STEVE CARLSON

Katrina Hill, Admissions Director – BS in Psychology, 2005, Pacific Union College Hill originally came to Kettering College as the executive assistant in the president’s office. However, when the admissions director position became available, she accepted this role, which will begin May of 2015. She came to Kettering because of the Adventist mission of the school.

Hill enjoys running, cooking, eating, laughing and holding deep conversations with her 3-year-old daughter, Annaliese. She and her husband welcomed their new son, Richard David Oliver Hill, who was born on November 19, 2014.

Jessica J.W. Beans, Director of Public Relations and Marketing – BS in Public Relations, 2012, Southern Adventist University Beans has always valued and enjoyed being creative. Though she enjoyed her first major of graphic design in college, she didn’t like that she wasn’t working with people. She switched to communications and made graphic design her minor. She came to Kettering College because the job would draw upon her creativity and her people skills. She enjoys reading, spending time with her Boston Terrier, trying local restaurants, painting, drawing and DIY home projects. She also enjoys snowboarding and disc golfing with her husband, Michael Beans, a sports turf manager at a local country club.

Irma Whitley, Executive Assistant in the Office of the President – BS in Commerce, 1997, Adventist University of the Philippines | MBA, 1999, Adventist University of the Philippines Previously the assistant for the front desk and recruitment, Whitley recently accepted a new role as executive assistant to the president. She says her transition to Kettering College was a ‘God thing.’ Whitley enjoys that this job is closer to home and that it is an Adventist institution. She enjoys singing at church, taking > care of her son, reading and traveling.

Breana Soliday Haughton, Enrollment Services Counselor and Communication Specialist – BA in Communication, 2013, Andrews University Formerly the assistant for the front desk and recruitment, Haughton took on a new position, working in both recruiting and public relations and marketing. She loves working with people. She quickly recognized her passion for photography, design and creativity. She says she knows she’s in the right career when she can connect with people all day and express her creative side. She enjoys writing, playing guitar, knitting, and exploring coffee shops and restaurants with her husband, Kasper Haughton Jr., an associate pastor for media technology and youth at the Kettering Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Steve Carlson, Campus Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministries – BA in Religion, 2004, Union College | BS in Secondary Education, 2006, Union College Carlson has always enjoyed working with young people and helping them connect with God’s calling. Carlson loves creating a team of young people and enjoying the talents God has given them. He enjoys traveling, sports, camping, playing guitar and singing. Carlson has been to 50 states, 32 countries and every continent. He is married to Daisy Ornopia Carlson and has two sons, Ian Parker Carlson and Gavin Eli Carlson. kettering college

pacesetter · winter 2015

3

campus notes NEW FACES CONTINUED

LOREN AGREY

SHANESE L. HIGGINS

UNCHALEE ICE

RUTH ABBOTT

Loren Agrey, Dean for Academic Affairs – BEd in Elementary Education, 1984, Union College | MEd in Secondary Education, 1991, University of Southern Mississippi | PhD in Education, 2005, University of Alberta A doctorate enabled Agrey to transition to university administration from working as a teacher and administrator in the K-12 Adventist system. He chose Kettering College because of its excellence, the forward-thinking vision and mission, and the excellent cadre of educational and administrative professionals. He enjoys running, golfing, reading, singing and spending time with family and friends. He and his wife, Shelley, have four grown children.

Shanese L. Higgins, Assistant Professor of OTD – BS in Education and Allied Professions Pre-PT/Exercise Science, 2001, University of Dayton | Master of Occupational Therapy, 2003, University of Indianapolis | DHS in Occupational Therapy, 2014, University of Indianapolis Higgins loves the field of medicine, likes personal interaction, and loves the teaching-learning experience with clients and students. Higgins believes God led her to Kettering. She says the spirit of the organization and the opportunity to be a part of a new program are the answer to years of prayer. She likes music ministry, reading and spending time with family. She is married to Russell D. Higgins Jr. and has three sons, Russell III, Aaron and Jaalam.

Unchalee Ice, Assistant Professor of Nursing – BS in Nursing, 1989, University of Alaska Anchorage | MS in Nursing, 1992, University of Alaska Anchorage | PhD in Nursing, 2012, University of New Mexico Ice’s ultimate goal was to be a nursing instructor. She believes God has placed her in Kettering College’s nurturing environment. Ice likes to read and do yard work. She is married to retired Air Force physician Col. James S. Ice, who served 30 years in the Air Force. They have been married for more than 24 years and have been stationed in seven states. They have one daughter, Carolyn, 22, who graduated with a BS in biochemistry from the University of New Mexico.

Ruth Abbott, Dean for Academic Affairs - BS in Nursing, Wayne State University | MS in Nursing, Clinical Nurse Specialist, University of Alabama, | PhD Curriculum and Instruction-Higher Education, Andrews University Abbott is a doctoral-prepared nurse with a background in public speaking, product development, leadership and business. She has a passion for leading teams, creating and implementing changes, and achieving revenue goals. She chose nursing because she wanted a profession where she would be helping others. She had planned on working in a hospital, but when given the opportunity to teach, she thought she would try it. She has loved working with students and has been hooked on teaching ever since her first teaching position. She and her husband Glen have two sons, Glen II and Jeremy.

Nate Brandstater, President – AB in Chemistry, 1991, Occidental College | PhD in Chemistry, 1996, University of California at Los Angeles | MBA, 2002, La Sierra University Brandstater enjoyed science in high school and college and loved teaching and working in education. Brandstater was drawn to the distinctive qualities of Kettering College: the academic quality, the legacy of excellence and innovation, the mission-minded focus, the emphasis on service and the rich opportunities to collaborate with the Kettering Health Network. Brandstater and his wife, Ronda, Vice President of Patient Care Services at Grandview Medical Center, enjoy traveling, spending time outdoors, music, and sailing.

4

pacesetter · winter 2015

kettering college

campus notes

NATE BRANDSTATER

TERRANCE ANDERSON

DAVID SPINDLER

Terrance Anderson, Founder, Program Director and Chair of Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program – BS in Counseling Psychology, 1991, Columbia Union College | MS in Occupational Therapy, 1997, Towson State University | Occupational Therapy Doctorate, 2007, Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions When looking for graduate schools, Anderson discovered occupational therapy and was drawn to its practical, helpful, creative, and problem-solving aspects. He chose Kettering because of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to begin a doctorate program from scratch. He enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. He is married to Karen Vietz and has a son, Jaedon.

David Spindler, Housing Monitor – BS in Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2006, Wright State University Spindler’s wife, Holly Spindler, was working at Kettering College when they first were asked to take the position in 2008. Living in the Residence Hall was an excellent opportunity to shorten the daily commute. They left the position in 2011 to move out of the country and were asked to come back when they returned in March of 2014. They accepted it once again because they loved the relationships they had formed with the students and enjoyed assisting with all of the activities Kettering College provides for the students.

NOTEWORTHY MOVES Mary Guzman was named an admissions counselor in the physician assistant program.

Katrina Hill will be named director of admissions starting in May of 2015.

Tracie O’Connor was named an office assistant in nursing.

Breana Soliday Haughton was named a counselor for enrollment services and a communication specialist for public relations and marketing.

Sandra Tuttle was named an office assistant for respiratory care and sonography.

Irma Whitley was named an executive assistant to the president.

Clive Wilson was named chair of the Vaughan-Beaven Service Learning Honors Program.

Pamela Wilson was named a site office coordinator and academic advisor in the occupational therapy doctoral program.

RETIREMENTS Margaret Rodenburg, chemistry professor William Rodenburg, sciences and mathematics professor Carolyn Zangri, office assistant in sonography and respiratory care

kettering college

pacesetter · winter 2015

5

campus notes Runners raise $9,000 for Good Neighbor House during annual 5K event On Sunday, April 13, 2014, more than 600 runners and walkers — a record — laced up their gym shoes for the sixth annual Spring Into Health 5K, raising $9,000 for Good Neighbor House and the College’s Physician Assistant Student Professional Development Fund. Students in the physician assistant department have been the primary organizers of the event since its start.“It was an incredibly rewarding experience for our class to donate the funds to this cause,” said student Anisha Mathi, adding that the event is close to her class’ heart because of the Good Neighbor House’s commitment to offer medical care to those who cannot afford it.

Above: Physician assistant class of 2015 and Kettering College leaders present check to the Good Neighbor House staff

5k

Right: Runners at the starting line

Make a Difference Day: Staff, faculty, students pitch in to help local resident Kettering College students, faculty and staff participated in the city of Kettering’s annual Make a Difference Day, lending their muscles, energy and tools to help a local senior with home maintenance and yard work.

“I simply raked leaves and trimmed the branches on the trees around her house,” said Katherine Vicente, a sophomore human biology major. “It was such a small act, yet she was so incredibly grateful. It was amazing to see how much of a difference one person can really make in the lives of others by simply getting involved.”

Kettering College students, faculty and staff have participated in this nationwide service day for the past eight years.

Above: Human Biology student Katherine Vicente (left) and Nursing student Sydney Yendell (right) Far Left: Human Biology students Jacob Ringering (left) and Wes Jones (right) Left: A group of students and staff with the owner of the home they worked on during Make a Difference Day

6

pacesetter · winter 2015

kettering college

campus notes Kettering College

2014 graduates 46th class

On Saturday, April 26, Kettering College conferred degrees and certificates on 309 students at the school’s 46th annual commencement ceremonies.

The event, held at the Dayton Convention Center, featured keynote speaker Lisa Clark Diller, chair of the Department of History at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tenn., and board member for the One Project.

During the conferral of degrees, the College President, Nate Brandstater, granted 113 Associate of Science degrees, 52 Bachelor of Science degrees, and 13 Bachelor of Science in Health Science (completion) degrees.

The College commemorated its first graduating cohort of 64 Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. Twenty-three Bachelor of Science in Nursing (completion) degrees and 4 certificates were granted.

Also notable was the commencement of 40 students from the College’s graduate program, the Master of Physician Assistant Studies.

Class of 2014 during the graduation commencement ceremony

President Nate Brandstater speaking to the graduating class of 2014

Mikael Kirkham, BSN, and his daughter Emilia

bring state-of-the-art classrooms and labs to  Renovations respiratory care and radiologic sciences When classes started in the fall, students and faculty returned to renovated respiratory and radiology laboratories, classrooms and offices. The new facilities are larger, allowing the faculty to create more student-centered learning activities. The radiology labs received state-of-the-art equipment for students to have hands-on training. The respiratory classroom renovations include a ceiling-mounted projector for viewing videos and slides and a dedicated collaborative space for brainstorming and critical thinking exercises. Now, every program at the College has advanced laboratories and updated classroom spaces.

Above: Professor Nancy Colletti instructing respiratory students Jennifer Kellerman (left) and Joshua Isabell (right) in their newly renovated facility.

Right: LaShonna Gary, takes an x-ray with the new Top: inMaldonado duringfacility deployment to Iraq equipment the newly renovated Above: JR with his wife, Lindsay, and son, Jacob kettering college

pacesetter · winter 2015

7

campus notes

PA program celebrating 40th graduating class At Kettering College’s graduation ceremonies this May, the physician assistant program will graduate its 40th class.

Kettering College was the second institution in Ohio to establish a physician assistant program; it is now the longest continuously running PA program in the state. In the past year, the program received the longest accreditation cycle possible (seven years) and recorded a board passage rate of 98 percent. The department and the College will be planning several events to commemorate the anniversary.

Above: PA students reading the Student Ethical Pledge together at their White Coat Ceremony. The White Coat Ceremony celebrates the end of the didactic training of our PA students. Each student is coated with his/her new white coat in preparation for entry into the clinical portion of their training. This group of students will be the 40th graduating class in 2015.

Bookstore gets a new look and new name: The Campus Corner In August, Kettering College celebrated the grand reopening of the bookstore, now called the Campus Corner — or the Corner for short. ≥

Part of the renovation included new glass walls and a second entrance.

8

pacesetter · winter 2015

Danae Still (left) & Becky McDonald (right)

kettering college

campus notes Sonography students lend a hand at local community center

Top right: The senior sonography class poses after working at the community center.

Above: Sam Farling (left) and Erica Larranaga (right) sorting and organizing canned goods

The seniors in diagnostic medical sonography completed their annual service project Oct. 31 at the Springfield nonprofit organization Family Needs Inc., the Second Harvest Food Bank of Clark County.

The facility, which serves at-risk communities, had to shut down in 2014 after record-breaking cold temperatures caused its pipes to burst and flood the entire building.

Even after many repairs, the organization still needed volunteers to help clean and reorganize the facility for its grand reopening on Nov. 3.

The students cleaned the industrial-style kitchen from top to bottom; painted the men’s bathroom; sorted, folded and shelved clothing; and organized canned goods. They also cleaned and mopped the center, removing the dusty remnants of the ceiling’s collapse. Ella Barnes, a frequent volunteer at the center said, “The group accomplished in four hours what would have taken the center’s volunteers two months.”

More than 300 customers visited during the opening days Aug. 22–25.

It has added services and is the hub for a virtual bookstore. Located in the tunnel between Kettering College and Kettering Medical Center, the Campus Corner provides services to students, faculty and staff of the College and to employees of Kettering Medical Center.

The Corner offers school, office and medical supplies, Kettering College gear, and food and beverages.

Stella Freeman, who has worked at the bookstore for 32 years, models the Corner’s new logo.

pacesetter · winter 2015

9

campus notes Accreditation regulations may impact tuition Kettering College directs attention to national issue

Kettering college students, alumni and employees recently conducted a call campaign to register their concerns about new Higher Learning Commission accreditation stipulations that may impact Kettering College’s eligibility to receive nursing education funding through the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The new requirement for hospital-affiliated nursing schools to be incorporated separately from hospitals could result in significant tuition increases and cost-cutting measures.

Callers urged lawmakers to support the Making the Education of Nurses Dependable for Schools Act (MEND), H.R. 5227, which would revise CMS requirements so that the agency could continue to support hospital-based nursing schools that re-incorporate independently to maintain HLC accreditation.

After the campaign, nine new cosponsors added their names to the bill, and the legislation has been included in the health care priorities for the House Ways and Means Committee.

Above: Instruction flyer for the 2014 call campaign Right: President Nate Brandstater and staff member Patrick Dahl support students Adriana Jones (left) and Audrey Renfrow (right) by participating in the Call Campaign.

Far Right: Abby Allen (middle) and Alexis Schmitz (right) making calls to local representatives during the Call Campaign.

Accreditation updates Respiratory care The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) has accredited Kettering College’s new three-year Bachelor of Science in respiratory care program, announced Nancy Colletti, respiratory care program director. The bachelor’s program will address a higher level of critical thinking skills and more extensive learning experience than the current associate degree.

“We’re a unique program that is striving to stand out by offering a different path of quality health care education by finishing in only three years,” Colletti said. The program will begin admitting students in fall of 2015.

In July, the respiratory care program received the Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award from the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

CoARC views the RRT credential as a measure of a program’s success in inspiring its graduates to achieve their highest educational and professional aspirations. CoARC announced the award during the AARC’s Summer Forum in Marco Island, Fla. 10

pacesetter · winter 2015

Sonography The sonography department has received a 10-year accreditation renewal from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP). This is the highest-level accreditation the commission offers; Kettering College is one of three baccalaureate sonography programs in the nation to receive it.

Physician assistant In March, the physician assistant program was granted seven-year continuing accreditation by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant.

This is the maximum validation cycle granted.

Nursing The Bachelor of Science in Nursing prelicensure program received full five-year approval from the Ohio Board of Nursing.

kettering college

Opening Fall of 2015: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DOCTORAL PROGRAM

Responding to growing demand for occupational therapy and a shortage of therapists nationwide, Kettering College is in the final stages of preparation to launch its doctoral program in occupational therapy.

It will be one of only 14 such programs in the United States, said its founding director, Terrance Anderson, who joined Kettering College in November 2013. An experienced educator and clinician with an OTD, Anderson has led curriculum development, accreditation efforts and faculty recruitment.

“The program is in its final phase of accreditation,” Anderson said.

“The last step is to receive approval from the U.S. Department of Education. This will allow students to receive federal financial aid. We are accepting applications now and expect to welcome our first class in fall of this year.”

The American Occupational Therapy Association has been encouraging institutions nationwide to develop entry-level doctoral programs like Kettering’s.

“Occupational therapists need a great deal of didactic instruction and clinical experience to become proficient, and it is difficult to fit all of that into a master’s program,” Anderson said. “A doctoral program also has the advantage of giving students extensive training to improve participation in clinical research, which will help them gain a better ability to provide evidence-based care.”

Anderson anticipates full enrollment for the first 18-seat cohort.

 PHOTO CONTEST The Kettering College Occupational Therapy Doctorate program is inviting all members of the community to contribute to a photo contest: Occupations – Meaningful Parts of Daily Life

“Our close connection with the 140 occupational therapists who work at Kettering Health Network hospitals will make this program stand out,” Anderson said.

“Another big draw is that Kettering College’s values of trustworthiness, innovation, caring, competence and collaboration mesh well with the values shared by occupational therapy practitioners.”

The OTD is Kettering College’s first doctoral program.

INFORMATION, APPLICATIONS ONLINE Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in a health, education or humanities field. Offered onsite only, the program includes five semesters of classroom instruction; a full year of field work; and the doctoral experience, which can include clinical practice, research, administration and other areas of training.

For more information, see kc.edu/otd. Applications will be accepted until March 2, 2015 at www.otcas.org. kettering college

Each participant may submit one photograph in each of the eight content areas:

> Activities of daily living > Instrumental activities of daily living > Rest and sleep > Education > Work > Play > Leisure > Social participation



Winning submissions will be displayed on the walls of the occupational therapy facilities in the Ollie Davis Center for Medical Arts and Education on Darst Road in Beavercreek.

DEADLINE for entries is

SEPTEMBER 15, 2015!

See kc.edu/otd-photo-contest for submission details.

Pictured top right: The new OTD facility Top left: Terrance Anderson, OTD, Founding director, joined Kettering College in November 2013

pacesetter · winter 2015

11

Learning “

how much I matter to friends and coworkers means so much,” says Sheryl.

“I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”

12

pacesetter · winter 2015

kettering college

Colleagues and friends unite to support nursing instructor’s recovery

Kettering College Nursing instructor and alumna Sheryl Bullman doesn’t remember the car accident that critically injured her on April 10, 2014. She can’t recall being airlifted to a nearby trauma unit.

She has no memory of the month she spent in a hospital.

But she does remember the kindness and care she experienced from family members, friends, colleagues and the Kettering College community. Now, almost a year after the accident, she is able to walk again, work—and reflect.

Life - Threatening Injuries

On the night of the accident, Bullman was driving a half-mile from her house in Centerville, Ohio, when, witnesses said, a car coming from the opposite direction crossed the yellow line and hit Bullman’s car head on.

by Leigh Wilkins “Paramedics needed almost an hour to extract me from the car using the jaws of life. My legs were crushed, and I was trapped.”

“Paramedics needed almost an hour to extract me from the car using the jaws of life,” said Bullman, 53.

“My legs were crushed, and I was trapped. I also was losing a lot of blood. In the time it took to fly nine miles to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, I received three pints.”

Bullman had a collapsed right lung, skull fractures, two brain hemorrhages, and multiple injuries to both legs. Bullman’s husband of 20 years, Doug, got a call at about 11 p.m. He rushed to the hospital; doctors told him Bullman might not make it through the night. kettering college

pacesetter · winter 2015

13

Prayers Begin

A ‘ Walking Miracle’

Cherie Rebar, director of the Division of Nursing, remembers exactly how she became aware of Bullman’s situation. It began, she said, with a strange sense of foreboding.

“I have a local news app on my cell phone, and the night of the accident, I received an update about a serious crash in Centerville,” Cherie recalled. “My heart just dropped into my stomach, and I thought, ‘That’s one of our people.’ I tried to shake it off—I’m not someone who gets a lot of premonitions.

But the feeling stuck with me until I went to bed. The next morning, before I even left for work, someone called to tell me about Sheryl’s accident.”

Rebar immediately urged her colleagues to pray for Bullman, an adjunct instructor at Kettering College for eight years and a nursing alumna from the class of 1983.

Bullman’s condition remained critical. As she stabilized, doctors told her husband she was likely to survive, but they gave little hope that her right leg could be saved. What remained of her right femur wasn’t enough to hold a rod in place.

Within 10 days of the accident, Bullman underwent five surgeries. The most dramatic was one her orthopedic surgeon had never attempted: He removed the fibula (the non-weight bearing shin bone) from her left leg and lengthened it by adding her own bone marrow and some cadaver bone. He then implanted the “new” bone to serve as her right femur.

Would She Walk Again?

Bullman’s sisters flew in to provide support, and the prayers continued. Bullman’s supervisor at Kettering College, Carolyn Gersch, associate director of the Division of Nursing, coordinated a schedule for people in the division to visit. Gersch and Rebar sent out updates by email and text, and weekly staff meetings began with prayers for Bullman’s recovery. Friends from Bullman’s other job as a triage nurse at Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center visited, too. All the support helped Bullman’s husband to return to work at the plant engineering department at Southview Hospital a couple of weeks after the accident.

Bullman became more alert as the days went by, but only two to three weeks after she was transferred to an inpatient rehabilitation center in Centerville did she become aware of what had happened.

“When I got to the rehab place, I couldn’t sit up or use my legs at all,” Bullman recalled. “Therapists worked with me for hours every day to help me walk again. It was difficult and sometimes painful, but I never got down in the dumps. All I had to do was look at the more than 130 cards and postcards I’d received to know that I wasn’t alone. I prayed all the time, and I knew that other people were praying for me. It made a big difference.”

Gersch visited Bullman at the rehabilitation center on Monday afternoons for months.

photo album

Sheryl’s goal for 2016 is to go on a medical mission trip led by two Kettering Health Network Physicians. The mission trip will be her third. Pictured above are some of her previous mission adventures in the Dominican Republic. Far left: Sheryl snorkeling the tropical waters. Above: Sheryl and her husband, Doug on the trail leading to a cave exploration. Opposite page right: Sheryl and Lauren Luther—the pre-op team responsible for prepping all patients for surgery. Far right: Sheryl at home today—walking, working, and never giving up. ‘A walking miracle.’

14

pacesetter · winter 2015

kettering college

“When I got to the rehab place, I couldn’t sit up or use my legs at all.”

“Sheryl, Doug and the rest of her family went through this ordeal in such a positive manner, and it was very inspirational,” Gersch said. “Their faith that God would take care of them is a true picture of who they are and who I’d like to become. Sheryl was determined to walk again and come back to work. She always kept those goals in mind, and God was beside her the whole time.”

Bullman is now working part time, going to rehabilitation therapy three times a week and taking daily walks in her neighborhood with the help of a cane. She plans to start driving again, and her goal for 2016 is to go on a medical mission trip led by two Kettering Health Network physicians.

The mission trip will be her third.

More Milestones

Bullman said she is thankful for the support and prayers she received—but also for knowing the lengths to which people were willing to go to assist her.

On Aug. 4, after 13 weeks of inpatient rehabilitation, Bullman was discharged. Although still unable to bear weight on her right leg, she began working toward her next goal: returning to work. A rehabilitation therapist came three times a week to work with her.

On Sept. 27, Sheryl took her first unnassisted steps, “I was bound and determined to get back to where I used to be.

So when my doctor removed all the restrictions, I took off!”

Bullman said.

Bullman came back to teach in September, first filling in as an online instructor for a Kettering College colleague who went on a medical leave. Then, on Nov. 3, she began working at the VA again.

“Learning how much I matter to friends and coworkers means so much,” she said. “I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

This experience also has reminded me of something I’ve always known: No matter what, God is watching over me.”

Gersch marvels at Bullman’s transformation from victim to survivor.

“Sheryl is a walking miracle that only God could have done,”Gersch said. “Our prayers for her were definitely answered.”

“The fact that I got back to work seven months after the crash didn’t surprise me or anybody who knows me,” Bullman said.

“But I do get worn out pretty quickly; it takes a lot of energy to totally recover.”

“Sheryl was determined to walk again

and come back to work. She always kept those goals in mind, and God was beside her the whole time.”

kettering college

pacesetter · winter 2015

15

ge Alumni Night

Dayton Dragons Kettering Colle

ed Alumni Night with In May, Kettering College celebrat the Dayton Dragons. biology graduate and a Megan Carr Bonk, a 2014 human threw out the ceremonial George B. Nelson Award nominee Heater and Gem joined first pitch. Dayton Dragons mascots and friends in celebrating more than 150 alumni, faculty, staff with the new graduates.

16

pacesetter 路 winter 2015

kettering college

alumni news

hip Alumni gather for fellows and fun at Young’s Dairy

s and friends spent a brisk More than 250 alumni, familie ng’s Dairy alumni event on fall day at the third annual You decade received recognition, Sept. 12. Alumni from each first nursing class of 1969. along with an alumna from the t-shirt, and the sale of Each graduate received a free eatshirts raised more than Kettering College hooded sw rship Fund. $300 for the Alumni Schola

kettering college

pacesetter · winter 2015

17

1970s

Pamela Jones Parks ’71 lives in Margate, Fla., and works as a legal nurse consultant for a medical malpractice law firm. Her email address is pamelaparks@att.net.

Ronald Beck ’73 lives with wife of 37 years, Shelley, in Springfield, Ohio, and writes that he still enjoys learning new things. His email address is rbeck001@woh.rr.com.

1980s

Jeanine Williams Soliman ’83 and her husband, Nader Soliman M.D., live in Germantown, Md. She completed her master’s degree in nursing at the University Of Maryland in 2009. Her email address is jeaninesoliman@yahoo.com.

What’s

NEWS with

U ?

WE

WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU’RE UP TO!

Share and submit your events and photos to alumni@ kc.edu.

18

winter 2015

Henry Posada ’84 is a chiropractor with a practice in the Chicago area for more than 15 years. He lives with wife, Ivy, and two teenage daughters in Clarendon Hills, Ill.

1990s

Janet Harrison Bawa ’90 lives with her husband, Rohit Bawa, in Germantown, Ohio. Her email address is Ajane16@aol.com.

Michael Gilbert ’91 is a physician’s assistant deployed to Afghanistan. His email address is ciabaker@yahoo.com.

Steven Arentz ’92 graduated in May 2013 with his master’s degree in nursing and is a family nurse practitioner. He lives with his wife, Christy, 8-year-old twin boys Christian and Ashton, and a 3-year-old daughter, Olivia. His email address is MtnbikingRN@aol.com.

Aida Cazares Scanlon ’94 and Tim Scanlon ’97 live in Springfield, Ohio.

Angela Brandt Schlarman ’94 lives with her 10-year-old son in Coldwater, Ohio. Her email address is tobeangies@gmail.com.

Rae Townsend Norrod ’85 is a manager for Oncology Service Line at Kettering Medical Center and lives with husband, David, in Farmersville, Ohio. Her email address is rae.Norrod@khnetwork.org.

Deborah Haubert ’94 lives in Clemmons, N.C., with husband David ’94. She works for Novant Health in Winston Salem, N.C. Her email is phaubert@triad.rr.com.

Sheila Sollar Coleman ’86 lives in Spring Valley, Ohio. Her email address is sheilacoleman2@yahoo.com.

Kagan Howard ’95 lives in San Antonio and can be reached by email at hkaganpac@gmail.com.

Donna Mularczyk Morin ’86 has three sons and lives with her husband, Gregory, in Sterling, Mass. Her email address is kandleluvr@aol.com.

James Ravencraft ’96 lives in Russell, Ky., with his wife Sandy. His email address is jimravencraft@gmail.com.

Laurie Schmidt Stinson ’87 lives in Troy, Ohio. Her email address is lschmidt1@woh.rr.com.

Melinda Kitchens ’99 is a circulating nurse. She lives in Fairborn, Ohio. Her email address is mkitchens@woh.rr.com.

Ken Wright ’88 lives in Indio, Calif., with his wife, Ruth. He has three children: Matt, a web designer; Andy, a chef; and Becca, a full-time student. His email address is zyorel@gmail.com.

Joanne Bergen ’89 lives in Pittsford, N.Y., and works as a physician assistant in Rochester, N.Y. Her email address is joadrianna@yahoo.com.

Michael Martin ’89 is a respiratory therapist in Nashville, Tenn. He and his wife live in Whites Creek, Tenn. His email address is Martgbd@gmail.com.

Gregory Pritchard ’99 lives in Chandler, Ariz. His email address is gregorypritchard@gmail.com.

2000s

Jennifer Bennett ’00 works at Dayton Children’s Medical Center as a staff nurse and lives in Riverside, Ohio. Her email address is jenEferRN@gmail.com.

Colleen McCarty Rich ’00 and her husband, Darren Harvey, live in Dayton.

She is a case manager. Her email is ccrichnurse@gmail.com.

kettering college

Shelly Byington ’01 works at Premier Wound Care and lives in Liberty Township, Ohio, with her husband, Edward. Her email address is shellybyington7@gmail.com.

Matthew Truxal ’02 lives in Terre Haute, Ind., and can be reached through email at mltrux@yahoo.com.

Alyssa Randall Stec ’03 lives in Springboro, Ohio, and works at Kettering Medical Center. Her email address is alyssastec@gmail.com.

Datwana Helton Gaddis ’04 works at Kettering Medical Center and lives with her husband, Quintin, and 2-year-old son, Baron, in Dayton. Her email address is lajdot@aol.com.

Ruth Batson ’05 and her husband, Robert, live in Huber Heights, Ohio.

She works at Dayton Children’s Medical Center. Her email address is dolfan13m@aol.com.

Jason McNeese ’05 and his wife, Dawn, live in Germantown, Ohio, with their children, Owen, Kale, Zane, Evey and Esme. He completed his MPAS in 2011 and now works for Beresh Pain Management. His email is oakze5@gmail.com.

Stephen Roller ’05 is Chief Clinical Officer at Primary Health Solutions in Middletown, Ohio. He and wife, Lydia, live with their three children, Addison, Averi and Elijah, in Liberty Township, Ohio. His email address is roller.31@osu.edu.

Ashley Arndts Warren ’06 and her husband, Brian, live in Greenville, Ohio. She works at Good Samaritan Hospital. Her email address is Ashleywarrenrn@gmail.com.

Amanda Hertel ’07 lives in Bloomington, Ind. Her email address is amandachertel@gmail.com.

Brandie Moore Girmann ’08 and her husband, Jeremy Girmann, were married on May 26, 2012. They live in Middletown, Ohio. Her email address is itsme02_bvm@yahoo.com.

:)

SHARE YOUR STORY! STAY IN TOUCH. SEND US YOUR PHOTOS!

Sarah Thorpe ’09 lives in Beavercreek, Ohio, and works at Miami Valley Hospital. Her email address is sarahbeththorpe@yahoo.com.

Faith Kenney ’12 lives in Colonial Heights, Va., and is attending Liberty University. Her email address is faithkenney@yahoo.com.

Stephanie Van Meeveren ’09 is a lead clinical research coordinator at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. She lives in Brookville, Ohio, and her email address is stevievanmeevie@gmail.com.

Melissa Boyer Lehman-Wilson ’12 lives in Xenia, Ohio, with her husband, Shawn, and five children. She is a respiratory therapist at Kettering Medical Center. Her email address is mjlehmanwilson@gmail.com.

2010s

Katie Adkins ’10 works for Kettering Medical Center.

Her email address is Katie.adkins@khnetwork.org.

Leina Davis Trusch ’12 and her husband, Nicholas Trusch, were married June 14, 2014. They live in Canonsburg, Pa., where she is a registered nurse for HCR Manor Care. Her email address is leinaann@hotmail.com.

Chelsea Eaton ’10 works in the intensive care unit at Atrium Medical Center. She lives in Dayton, and her email address is chelseaneaton@gmail.com.

Candice Huff Chamblin ’13 lives in Springboro, Ohio, and her email address is candiceh70@aol.com.

Michaela Nixon ’10 works at Boehringer Ingelheim in Columbus, Ohio. Her email address is Nixon.michaela@gmail.com.

LaKisha Burger Smith ’10 and her husband, David Smith, were married on June 8, 2012. They live in Miamisburg, Ohio. LaKisha is a nurse supervisor. Her email address is lakishalb@gmail.com.

Katrina Huber ’11 lives in Kettering. Her email address is Katrina.huber@khnetwork.org.

Kate Snyder ’11 lives in Melbourne, Fla. Her email address is katenaba06@gmail.com.

Diana Altevers ’12 lives in Meridian, Miss., and her email address is djaltevers@my.kc.edu.

Houston Dean ’12 and his wife, Colleen, were married on July 2, 2011.

They live in Centerville, Ohio. His email address is hadean@my.kc.edu.

Joanne Fecke ’12 is a registered nurse case manager with CareSource and lives with her husband, Christopher, in Miamisburg, Ohio. Her email address is cballard854@aol.com.

Katherine Fierce ’12 lives in Grand Prairie, Texas, and her email address is kmfierce@my.kc.edu.

Anthony Passerallo ’13 lives with his wife, Allison, in Mentor, Ohio, where he works in an emergency department.

Noteworthy:

Tammy Pietrzak ’77 was named associate chief nursing officer/chief operating officer for Parkridge Valley Hospital in the Parkridge Health System. After completing her associate degree in nursing from Kettering College, she earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Miami University and a master’s in business administration from the University of Dayton.

Melissa Goode ’87 was recently appointed a clinical nurse manager at Kettering Medical Center.

Kevin Mollenhauer ’01 was a finalist for the Johnson & Johnson Amazing Nurse Award. His daughter, Chelsea, nominated him because of his compassionate care. He served on disaster teams deployed to New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy and to Haiti after its earthquake.

“I have watched as he calmed and comforted people in their most vulnerable moments,” Chelsea said. “This makes him not only an Amazing Nurse, but also an even more amazing Dad.” Kevin works for Sycamore Medical Center in Miamisburg, Ohio.

kettering college

In Memorium:

Judith Dale Engel Haygood ’76 passed away on March 15, 2014. She graduated from Kettering College with her associate degree in medical office assisting and went on to earn her master’s in English. She later taught English. She was active in various organizations and volunteered for the U.S. Air Force Officers’ Wives Club, Boy Scouts of America and church organizations.

Mary Luce McDonald Schwanekamp ’02 died on Aug. 25, 2013, at the age of 32. After graduating from the medical sonography program, she graduated from Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis and went on to work in the maternal-fetal medicine department at St. Vincent Women’s Hospital. She is survived by her husband, Brent Schwanekamp, and their son, Scott, 3.

Jared Tifft ’06 died on Sept. 21, 2014.

He was a registered nurse in the critical care unit at Kettering Medical Center.

He is survived by his wife, Kesta Pepa Tifft ’06, and his daughter, Alexi.

It’s now a reality!

Online access to yearbooks has been the No. 1 request made to the Kettering College alumni office. It’s now a reality.

Kettering College Pacemaker yearbooks from 1969 to 1996 are now available online at issuu.com/ketteringcollege (yearbooks were no longer produced after 1996). Past issues of Pacesetter magazine are available there as well.

In preparation for the College’s 50th anniversary in 2017, the alumni office is accepting digital submissions of photographs and stories from KC alumni. It’s an excellent opportunity to reconnect with classmates, faculty and staff. For information, go to kc.edu/alumni. Send pictures and documents via email to alumni@kc.edu.

pacesetter · winter 2015

19

By Leigh Wilkins

Since Nate Brandstater’s first day as Kettering College’s president, his enthusiasm for life and the people around him has been nothing short of energizing. This former professor, chemist and native Canadian officially started as the college’s seventh president on January 31, 2014.

Brandstater recalls being intrigued by a president’s position when he was an undergraduate. “I got to know the president of the college a little bit, and I remember thinking, ‘Wow! What a great job he has!’” says Brandstater. “I was right. I really love it. And Kettering College is such a special place.”

20

pacesetter · winter 2015

kettering college

ACADEMIA BECKON S In his years at UCLA, Brandstater began to establish himself professionally and develop career goals. He worked in a lab under the direction of a chemical engineer, whose focus was molecular spectroscopy—using lasers to create state-to-state chemical reactions.

Brandstater’s busy schedule also included attending classes, serving as a teaching assistant, playing on the UCLA ice hockey team and singing in a men’s a cappella group with friends from high school.

RURAL BEGINNINGS Brandstater and his siblings, Justin and Zoe, spent their childhood in Ontario, Canada, on their parents’ 26-acre farm.

“We cultivated three acres of land for vegetables, half of which was corn, and pretty much ate everything we grew,” Brandstater recalls with a smile. “Justin and I were in charge of the chickens, and had an egg selling business. And mom kept goats, so we used to say she spent all of her time with four-legged kids and two-legged kids.”

Farm life agreed with the Brandstaters, but when an opportunity arose to move to southern California, they took it. Nate’s dad, who in addition to being a farmer was also an academic physician with a clinical practice and teaching responsibilities at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, accepted a faculty position at Loma Linda University. Brandstater and his siblings attended Loma Linda Academy, a Seventh-day Adventist school.

Brandstater’s interest in science drove him to major in chemistry at Occidental College in Los Angeles. Just a day after graduation in 1991, he began a doctoral program in chemistry at the University of California at Los Angeles.

Through conversations with his father and other mentors, Brandstater recognized his passion for teaching.

After completing his PhD, he did a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at Occidental before accepting a faculty position in the chemistry department at East Carolina University, a large research institution in Greenville, North Carolina.

After two years at ECU, Brandstater had an epiphany: “Things were going fine for me at ECU, but I missed my life in California—my family, friends, all of it,” he explains. “I had thought I could build my personal life anywhere while I pursued my professional goals, but my experience in North Carolina showed me that my personal life needed to come first in order for me to be happy in my career.”

STATE BACK TO THE GOLDEN Brandstater returned to California in 2000 and began teaching chemistry classes at La Sierra University in Riverside, California. Soon after, the president of La Sierra asked him to consider working with the school’s new provost to prepare for an upcoming accreditation visit. This was the first of several positions at La Sierra that exposed Nate to “every nook and cranny” of university administration.

He served as director of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, director of Computer Information Services, assistant vice president for academic administration, and associate dean of the school’s College of Arts and Sciences. He also continued to teach, achieving tenure in 2012. kettering college

GE LOVE & MARRIA While Brandstater was at UCLA, he met Ronda, an undergraduate earning a double major in psychobiology and biochemistry. They dated for a time at UCLA, and when Brandstater returned to California, he invited her to lunch.

One lunch date led to another, and they married in 2002.

Nate and Ronda’s personalities complement one another: He is gregarious and spontaneous, while she is more of a planner. This balance was an advantage in their transition to Kettering College, Brandstater says.

CALLED TO KET TERING Brandstater had been a finalist for Kettering College’s presidency in early 2013; while the search committee was impressed with Brandstater’s credentials, it chose Alex Bryan for the position. Disappointed but not deterred, Brandstater went on sabbatical to undertake a research project in learning analytics, which can be used to predict academic success in student populations. “I turned in my grades from fall quarter, bought a new computer and was ready to go,” he says.

That’s when a phone call came from Kettering Health Network’s CEO Fred Manchur. “Fred explained that Alex Bryan felt led to leave his post and return to pastoral ministry,” Brandstater explains. “Alex had only been in the position for about six months, and the search committee hoped I would be interested in considering the job before they restarted the process.” pacesetter · winter 2015

21

BUILDING STRONG HERITAGE ON A

The timing was perfect, he says. With no immediate teaching responsibilities at La Sierra, Brandstater could transition to Kettering College quickly. But how would Ronda feel about the move?

In her own words: “Super excited.”

“Nate was so incredibly thrilled about this opportunity, and there was no way I would ever keep him from it!” she says. “I was apprehensive, of course— I had never lived anywhere else but California, and the thought of leaving my job was scary. But nursing is such a broad and exciting profession.

I knew that branching out and going somewhere new would make me a better leader. So I guess the best way to put it is to say my heart was scared, but my brain knew God was giving us a great opportunity.”

One of the best parts of that adventure, Brandstater says, has been the chance to get acquainted with the people who serve side by side with him at Kettering College. “The faculty and staff are top-notch professionals who live out their values in the classroom and in the relationships they develop with students,” he says. “They take their commitment to faith and service very seriously, inspiring students to show God’s love to humanity through their own work as well.”

Brandstater is focused on three goals that build on the school’s distinctive heritage. The first is to further strengthen Kettering College’s partnership with Kettering Health Network and its hospitals.

“These hospitals are invaluable to our students because they provide field training, mentoring, and access to state-of-the-art clinical care and equipment, giving our students a vision of what their future professional lives will be like,” he says. “On the flip side, the school is a workforce pipeline for network hospitals, providing future employees who are well trained not only in the practice of medical care, but also in the values that are common to both organizations.”

this is our newly established doctoral program in occupational therapy, which is one of only about 14 in the country.”

His third focus is at the core of the college: its spiritual identity.

“The Seventh-day Adventist church has a rich history and distinctiveness that is captured in three major spheres: evangelism, education and healthcare,” he explains. “As a health-focused institution of higher education that is also Adventist, Kettering College really is caught up in that history and legacy.”

Brandstater says he is proud to be serving an institution with a rich heritage, a noble and inspired mission, and outstanding faculty, staff and students. “Advancing our identity within that legacy is a wonderful opportunity,” he says, voicing his belief that the college’s future is full of possibilities.

Spending just a little time with this accomplished, enthusiastic leader makes it impossible not to feel the same way.

“The faculty and staff are The process moved quickly.

Brandstater visited the campus The second focus is on strategic top-notch on January 15, 2014—just 15 days innovation. before his first day as Kettering College professionals president. Ronda joined him about “To borrow a phrase from the great four months later, taking a job as Wayne Gretzky, we want to be skating Vice President of Patient Care Services toward where the puck is going to be,” who live out at Grandview Medical Center, one he explained. “This means continuing of Kettering Health Network’s seven to be strategically innovative—that’s their values in hospitals. She calls their move to really the legacy of Charles F. Kettering, Dayton the greatest adventure of and it is our desire to continue to be on the classroom their married life. the leading edge. One example of and in the “…my heart was scared, but my relationships brain knew God was giving us they develop a great opportunity.” »Ronda’s perspective with students.”

22

pacesetter · winter 2015

kettering college

H

partnerships

ONORING THOSE WHO GIVE BACK: Students thank scholarship donors at annual dinner

On Oct. 27, Kettering College honored its scholarship donors and recipients at its annual scholarship dinner. This year’s event, held at NCR Country Club, was the largest in its history, with 180 in attendance. As students met the donors who made their scholarships possible, they had the opportunity to share their experiences as well as their appreciation for their education at Kettering College.

Dr. Suzanne Coleman established the Margaret E. Benner Memorial Scholarship in honor of her mother.

“The opportunity to see the legacy of my mother’s indomitable spirit of caring live on in the students gives my heart such joy,” Coleman said. “I am so thankful to have the opportunity to pay it forward to honor my mother, who personified the heart of a student.”

Coleman’s legacy lived on when Tiffany Thompson, who received the Margaret E. Benner Memorial Scholarship in 2010, established her own scholarship for Kettering College students.

The Thompson Family Scholarship is one of two established in 2014. The other was the J.R. Frank Scholarship.

“This evening was a celebration of what Kettering College is all about: enabling individuals to make service a life calling,” said President Nate Brandstater. “It was a highlight of my first year as president of Kettering College.”

If you are interested in creating your own scholarship, contact Kathryn Keyes, director of development, at Kathryn.keyes@khnetwork.org, or call (937) 395-8607.

If you wish to contribute to a scholarship fund, you can give online at https://ketteringhealth.thankyou4caring.org. kettering college

Pictured top left: Roosevelt Florence, recipient of the Margaret E. Benner Memorial Scholarship, with Dr. Suzanne Coleman, who established the scholarship in honor of her mother.

Top right: Kwaku Brempong (far left), recipient of Rebecca Kronauge Scholarship with Guests Middle right: Allison Fay, recipient of the Carolyn Wheeker Memorial Scholarship, with donor Brian Wheeker Bottom right: Scholarship donors Tiffany Thompson (left) and Tom Thompson (right) with student Brandon Sharp, recipient of the Thompson Family Scholarship; Tiffany Thompson received the Margaret E. Benner Memorial Scholarship in 2010 and established a scholarship of her own in 2014

pacesetter · winter 2015

23

instagram

campus candids

24

pacesetter 路 winter 2015

kettering college

campus candids

@

#

Âť Tag us in your posts or use #ketteringcollege for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue! ÂŤ

Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage

PAID

Dayton, OH Permit No. 635 3737 Southern Blvd.

Kettering, OH 45429

www.kc.edu