president’s message Believing in Better The other night I stood before alumni and guests as they were tucking into their desserts, and presented the Kettering College Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni awards.
Pacesetter
the magazine of Kettering College of Medical Arts
FA L L / W I N T E R 20 09
One was for Joseph Konys, a 2002 physician assistant studies graduate; the other was for Gregory Henderson, a 1971 radiologic technology graduate. Konys, who received the Rising Star Award, had earned a nursing degree before he got to Kettering College. After leaving, he finished one master’s degree and the better part of a second, the latter in health services administration. Meanwhile, he’s worked his way up to business manager for the Center for Surgical Innovation at the University Hospital in Cincinnati. Whew!
"Students respond and succeed and go out into the world to
shine
like... well, to
shine like the
stars."
Gregory is this year’s Alumnus of the Year. He’s a fast-track kind of guy as well. He was a hospital department head within six months of his graduation. He went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in health care administration, hold leadership positions at several hospitals, and run his own consulting company. For nearly eight years now, he’s been a leader in the Kettering Health Network, first as an executive at Southview Hospital, and now as president of Greene Memorial Hospital.
I am elated at events like the one that honored these two graduates, just as I am when 250 students march in to receive their graduate and undergraduate degrees at a commencement service. At such times, the whole point comes through—the whole point, that is, of the work we do at Kettering College. Members of the faculty and staff conspire to equip students with skills, knowledge, and character appropriate to the workplace and to citizenship in general. In their turn, students respond and succeed and go out into the world to shine like … well, to shine like the stars. For nearly 10 years now, I’ve had the good luck to be at Kettering College’s helm. I’ve had the chance to take delight not only in what our students accomplish but also in the other signs of forward movement here. I’ve seen faculty and staff advance in education and skill. I’ve witnessed the makeover—not complete, but still astonishing—of the college’s physical plant. I’ve seen good teaching and good recruiting and a favorable economy lead to an enrollment that now approaches 900. When I look ahead, I imagine a school that will one day enroll 1,000 students. But most important, I imagine a school that never flinches from the challenge of becoming better and better at what it does. My wife likes to say, “Believe in Better.” Few sentences matter more. This could be an adage for anyone or any institution. I am responsible, with my colleagues, for leading a college you can be proud of. It’s fun to make the effort, and crucial, too. After all, the mission really matters.
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Campus Notes Alumni News Class Notes Partnerships Alumni Spotlight Behind the Scenes Campus Candids
On the Cover President CHARLES SCRIVEN celebrates 10 years at the helm of Kettering College. Pacesetter is published twice yearly by the public relations office at Kettering College of Medical Arts for the alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students of Kettering College. Pacesetter Public Relations Office Kettering College of Medical Arts 3737 Southern Blvd. Kettering, OH 45429 www.kcma.edu pacesetter@kcma.edu
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Mission, humility, maturity
In 10 years, an institution and its leader advance together
Kettering College celebrates opening of Staten Family Learning Laboratories Legacy of excellence
Kettering College tradition continues in two alumni families
Buildings, labs, traditions change, but the College spirit is the same English professor Jill Evans reflects on 27 years at Kettering College
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What it's like to have the heart of Jesus
Admissions counselor Tammy Erickson shares her experiences from a Kettering College mission trip EDITOR Mindy Claggett ASSISTANT EDITOR Cheryl Kennison CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tammy Erickson, Jill Evans, Kathy Keyes, Charles Scriven, Julie Thompson COVER Photo Lee Ann Yahle INTERIOR Photos Bella Photographics, Mindy Claggett, Sarah Dennull, Tammy Erickson, Colin Gatland, Jay Herndon, Cheryl Kennison, Christopher Kies, Jerry Mahn, Amy Moretta, Tiffany Osman, Susan Price, David Spindler, Amy Tenney, Julie Walling, Lee Ann Yahle. Photo of Charles Scriven and Rebekah Wang on page 5 provided by the couple. Photos in Class Notes section (pages 14-15) provided by alumni. Photos used in the story “Legacy of excellence” (pages 18-20) provided by the subjects. PRINTING Mound Printing Kettering College of Medical Arts, 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. Eighty percent of Kettering College graduates live and work in Ohio, with the majority settling in the Dayton area.
DR. CHARLES SCRIVEN, PRESIDENT
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Ponitz partnership aims for better diversity Now in its fourth year but with a new name, the Ponitz Pipeline Program is a college preparation and mentoring program coordinated by Kettering College professor Susan Price. The program was established in 2006 between the former Patterson Career Center and Kettering Health Network to increase the diversity of health care professionals in the Dayton community. Having recently moved to the new Ponitz Career Technology Center, former Patterson allied health students can use the Pipeline program to increase their college readiness. The Pipeline provides career counseling for Ponitz seniors, ACT preparation classes, job shadowing opportunities at Kettering facilities, mentoring, and college financial aid counseling for students and parents. It also includes an annual health career fair sponsored by Kettering College. “The goal of the program is to provide Ponitz allied health program students with the tools they need to become successful college students and ultimately successful health care professionals,” Price said. “By actively assisting Ponitz students with their health career goals, Kettering Health Network hopes to increase the diversity of our local health care work force, creating better health care for everyone.”
This year, the ^ 2008-09 Ponitz Pipeline students hold up certificates of completion. five seniors in the Pipeline Program have mentors on the KCMA faculty—Jill Evans, Alisa French, Vail McGuire, Susan Price, and Paula Reams. In October, the seniors and their mentors got to know each over dinner at El Meson restaurant. They also traveled in November to the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio, where they viewed a real-time surgery being performed at a Columbus hospital. That session included questions and answers designed for high school students interested in health care careers. In December, all 42 students from the Ponitz Pipeline Program attended a health career fair sponsored by Kettering College and coordinated by KCMA students.
NURSING DEPARTMENT CONDUCTS DISASTER SIMULATIONS
^ KCMA nursing student Janice Barrett treats “patient” Arielle Wilson during a disaster simulation in July.
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On July 6, the Kettering College Department of Nursing conducted disaster simulations for two groups of nursing students in the Anna May Vaughan Center for Nursing Education skills lab. The premise for each simulation was the collapse of a building under construction. Patients were sent to the KCMA skills lab for triage and treatment. The students had to set up a command station and triage a large group of patients, including many children who represented the wide range of injuries that can occur during an actual building collapse. One group of students came from Kettering College’s Wellness and Health Alterations in Children course; the other group was made up of Kettering Health Network’s “Nexterns.” “All nurses have the potential to feel the impact of a disaster at some time in their career,” said Amy Jauch, a nursing instructor at KCMA and coordinator of the Nextern program. “Disaster planning and care has been integrated into nursing curriculum to assist future nurses in understanding the professional nurse’s role in a disaster. The decision to have the students experience a disaster through disaster simulation or a disaster drill was a natural progression to increase the simulation that Kettering College provides its nursing students.”
KETTERING COLLEGE OF MEDICAL ARTS
MedKamp IV: A taste of Kettering College In late September, Kettering College hosted nearly 100 attendees for the annual MedKamp, which gives interested Adventist high school students and their parents or sponsors a taste of life at KCMA. This was the fourth MedKamp hosted by the College. Opening night on Sunday featured an introductory session, worship, and dinner. Kettering College’s trivia game show, called “MedKamp IV Jeopardy,” was the highlight of the evening, followed by recreational activities that included bowling and basketball. Monday began with several demonstraions, including one involving the state-of-the-art “SimMan,” an advanced simulator that provides realistic patient-care scenarios. After lunch, the group returned to campus for hands-on, interactive “career tours” of the academic departments and skills labs at the college. After the farewell meeting, several attendees left with prizes—iPods and gift cards from Barnes & Noble. See photos at www.kcma.edu/medkamp.
New Faces >> Following his passion for working with young adults, Jerry Mahn joined the Kettering College staff over the summer as the new associate director of student life and the Residence Hall. He also became a new minister of music at Kettering Seventh-day Adventist Church. Mahn came to Kettering College from Hamilton Community Church in Chattanooga, Tenn., where he had spent two years as Jerry Mahn worship pastor. Mahn > Associate director of earned his bachelor’s Student Life degree in religion and ministry of music from Southwestern Adventist College in 1990 and went on to receive a master’s in divinity from Andrews University in 1995 and a Master of Business Administration from Southern Adventist University in 2006. In his free time, Mahn enjoys music, golfing, skiing, and spending time with his family, which includes wife Rita and children Alex and Kaleigh.
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Kettering College sets enrollment record With 899 students enrolled for the fall semester, Kettering College of Medical Arts has posted its highest opening enrollment in the 42-year history of the school. The number eclipses the previous high of 823, set at the start of the 2008-09 school year. According to the school’s opening report, 563 full-time students and 336 part-time students were registered for fall classes—almost 100 more full-time students than in 2008. The area that experienced the most growth was the master’s degree in physician assistant. The department went from 52 students in 2008 to 92 for the fall. Kettering College had 510 students at the start of the 2000-01, academic year—the same year President Charles Scriven joined Kettering College. Since then, the school has jumped 43 percent in total enrollment and 44 percent in total credit hours. “Our numbers are up because we’ve really stepped up our recruiting efforts in the Columbia Union and in the greater Dayton area,” said Victor Brown, Dean for Enrollment Management. “We added a recruiter and increased the number of times we are visiting places. Also, the current economy is forcing people to retrain for other careers and is making them ask, ‘What kind of education can I get that will help me obtain a job?’ Health care is definitely an area that still is hiring.” The interest level at Kettering College was so high for fall semester that the college had to stop accepting applications for most departments in early August. The college anticipated an enrollment increase and added sections to several courses. Even so, high-demand classes such as basic English and mathematics were full long before classes began on Aug. 31. K E T T E R I N G C O L L E G E O F M E D I C A L A RT S
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Mission, Humility, Maturity
by JULIE THOMPSON
K
In 10 years, an institution and its leader advance together
ettering College President Charles Scriven’s office looks anything but presidential.
The small office is filled with nothing more than a large desk, a small table and chairs, and minimal artwork hanging on cinder-block walls painted beige. But for a computer and some personal photographs, the space hasn’t changed much since the 1960s, when the College opened. But outside the modest suite is a campus that has flourished since Scriven took office 10 years ago. The school has grown to include state-of-the-art facilities and a wide array of health care degrees, including complete bachelor’s and master’s programs. Perhaps the most impressive growth, however, is in enrollment, which reached a record 899 in 2009. That’s a jump of 76 percent from the 510 who started in 2000; total credit hours have grown by 43 percent since then. Scriven doesn’t give himself too much credit, and he confesses he thought of enrolling in a class himself just to reach the 900-student milestone. But behind the humble demeanor lies great pride in his school and high praise of his leadership team. Scriven came to Kettering College in an interim role after completing his tenure as president of Columbia Union College in Takoma Park, Md., outside Washington, D.C. His title lost the word “interim” soon after. Scriven recently sat down to reflect on the past 10 years. He also took the opportunity to share where he sees the College headed in the decade to come.
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Kettering College's administrative team is comprised of (left to right)
Dean for Academic Affairs W.G. Nelson, Chief Business Officer Jack Burdick, President Charles Scriven,
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Charles Scriven with his wife, Rebekah Wang,
Dean for Assessment and Learning Support Beverly Cobb, and Dean for Enrollment Management Victor Brown.
who is a medical director for clinical quality at Kettering Medical Center
various things. I have people on the leadership team right now who are really, really good at what they do, and I am good at trusting them. I don’t love to fret, and I don’t spend time looking over the spreadsheets.
"We want students to realize that when they look into any human face, they are looking into the face of Christ, and Christ is looking back at them." did you ever think that you would stay on as a president? I think I did. I think from the very beginning it crossed my mind that this would be a good place to be. And I was hopeful from the beginning that I would be able to continue to exercise my influence on this place. I took an immediate liking to what was called then Kettering Medical Center, and I was working for Frank Perez (president and CEO of Kettering Health Network), who I immediately took to be a gifted leader. WHAT WAS THE SCHOOL LIKE WHEN YOU FIRST ARRIVED? When I came here, there were no facilities that resemble the Boonshoft. The school, ^ Charles Scriven, staff and students from the gather around the cake at Kettering College's standpoint of 40th birthday party in September 2007. its physical environment, had been essentially the same since its founding in 1967. There was a dormitory that would hold around 90 to 100 students. Where the Boonshoft now stands, there was a tennis court and a parking lot. We were doing our teaching and our learning in spaces that had been modestly renovated but for the most part were the same as they were from day one. The school had begun as a two-year institution and had gotten to the point of offering a completion degree, but we didn’t have any other advanced degrees. Since I’ve gotten here, there has been a growth in the number of degree programs. We did not then offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing. We do now. We did not then offer a bachelor’s degree in human biology. We do now. We did not offer a master’s degree, and we now do. So from the standpoint from the physical 6
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facilities and the range of degrees we offer, there has been quite a bit of change. WHAT HAS LED TO THE KETTERING COLLEGE'S GROWTH IN THE PAST 10 YEARS? The economy has favored the development of health care. We have had a growing awareness of the aging baby boomers. We have a growing realization that health care is a vital part of the economy. We’ve had a growing awareness of the changing culture of Dayton’s work force and that you can’t count on having a really well-paying manufacturing job. So this has meant that a number of young people in the community have had an increased interest in pursuing health care careers. WHAT WERE YOUR HOPES AND GOALS FOR THE COLLEGE WHEN YOU BECAME PRESIDENT? In the very beginning, I was in my listening mode, but there was already a dream and some initial planning for the new facility on the table… I was interested in presiding over an institution that would grow in the number of degrees that were offered and continue the transformation from being a two-year institution into being a bachelor’s- and master’s-degree institution. Those projects were not only exciting, but they were within the domain of real possibility.
^ Groundbreaking ceremony for the Boonshoft Center for Medical
When I got here, we had a solid team. At that time, my leadership was a meeting of three people. Over time, as changes happen or needs arise, we‘ve been fortunate in bringing in really good people. If I weren’t here tomorrow, they could run it without me.
Sciences, July 2004
WOULD YOU SAY BUILDING A GOOD TEAM IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF LEADERSHIP? Leadership is really about putting together a team of people who get the job done. My job in this role is precisely to make sure we have a great stable of great leaders and teachers. A teacher in every case is a kind of leader who has a community of students, and they are the leaders of those communities. So you have to have people everywhere who can inspire other people. I learned a lot by watching the leadership here at Kettering Health Network. Frank Perez focuses on strategy, but he also makes sure that he has colleagues and leaders who are really good at what they do.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? The part of the job I enjoy most is building a community of teachers and leaders who work together well. … And I like, as I think any president does, presiding over the wonderful events that occur every year. It is really fun to have an exciting commencement service. It’s always very meaningful to do those things. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB? Let me just say what I think people perceive me as not being good at. I tend to be the guy who likes ideas and am probably perceived by no one as the person who knows all the details. I’ve always been a leader who puts together a team of people who are good at
KETTERING COLLEGE OF MEDICAL ARTS
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE COLLEGE AS ITS MOVES INTO THE NEXT DECADE? I think there should be a continuation of what has already happened. There will be some need to consider new and revised educational programs to meet needs of the health care workplace and the industry. We also need to continue to build our faculty. There is still need for renovation. … And there are other things we need to continue to work on. The cost of higher education has again and again grown at a faster rate than the consumer price index. Whether that can be entirely reversed, I don’t know. In due course, education could be difficult for anyone to afford.
Society is not going to flourish unless we improve upon sectors that have had, for various reasons, a difficult time flourishing, including members of some minorities, all of whom are crucial to the success of health care in this country. We need to get a higher percentage of students from minority populations into the classrooms, and we need to make sure that they succeed. One of the ways to make sure they succeed is to have faculty and leadership who may come from their own neighborhoods. So that means increasing the percentage of minority faculty and staff and executive leadership. WHAT DO YOU HOPE STUDENTS CARRY WITH THEM AS KETTERING COLLEGE GRADUATES? The one thing that we hope will set us apart from similar institutions is that we are really passionate about the Judeo-Christian heritage of hospitality and ministry in healing. We want to keep that alive, and we want to instill in every student the idea that besides competence, there is compassion. There is the idea that healing is a vocation. It’s a call. It’s a ministry. We want everyone to understand that every human being is precious, including the ones who may have suffered from bad luck or sickness. We want students to realize that when they look into any human face, they are looking into the face of Christ, and Christ is looking back at them. So it is the underlying vision of compassion that is contrasted with the temptation we all have to make others a means to an end. That temptation is something that I wish every graduate would leave ^ here knowing that Presenting a diploma to Melissa Smith, a we had tried to the member of Kettering College's first Master's of best of our ability to Physician Assistant Studies class in December 2007 coax out of them. This is accomplished by keeping them mindful of the ideals of the ministry of healing, as well as the skills and the knowledge that you have to have to succeed.
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Kettering College Celebrates Opening of Staten Family Learning Laboratories New space provides state-of-the-art skills labs for physician assistant and medical sonography departments
^ Staten family members chat with PA faculty at the October celebration.
Instructor Kelvin Paulsen demonstrates the SmartBoard technology in the new Medical Sonography Learning Lab for administrators W.G. Nelson and Victor Brown.
^ Faculty member Jeb Sheidler demonstrates the PA lab’s new technology for guests at the October opening.
^ KCMA faculty members Margaret Rodenburg and Teresa Simmons with PA alumna Rohanna Deal and KMC Foundation staffer Dave McElwee at the opening celebration on Oct. 12.
^
John Staten (right) with Dr. Martin Clark, president of the Kettering Medical Center Foundation
On Monday, Oct. 12, Kettering College of Medical Arts celebrated the opening of the Staten Family Learning Laboratories in the Boonshoft Center for Medical Sciences. The event featured tours and a dedication by Charles Scriven, Kettering College president, and Martin Clark, president of the Kettering Medical Center Foundation. The Staten Family Learning Labs, in the space formerly known as the nursing hallway, include the physician assistant lab and a new skills lab for the medical sonography department. At a price tag of $550,000, the combined space features 4,700 square feet of teaching, learning and meeting area. The Staten Family Learning Labs were made possible by a gift from John Staten, chairman of the board at O’Neil and Associates in Miamisburg. His son Greg is a 2001 graduate of Kettering College’s physician assistant program. The Virginia W. Kettering Foundation also made a significant donation toward the project. The new PA lab’s exam rooms and simulated operating and emergency rooms feature leading-edge audio-visual
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monitoring and communications technology. A central teaching area enables group projects and demonstrations, and the infrastructure is in place for the eventual incorporation of a simulation mannequin. “A modern skills lab that adds realism to the educational experience is critical to what we do, and the ability to have simulation technology adds yet
KETTERING COLLEGE OF MEDICAL ARTS
another element of realism to PA education,” said Sue Wulff, chair of the physician assistant department. “We have designed this space with technological growth built in so that when future technology becomes available, we can adapt it to this space. We are so grateful to the Staten family for making this project a reality.” The medical sonography learning lab has seven examination bays with high-tech ultrasound equipment provided by GE Healthcare. These bays can be observed from a central control desk by video monitors that display the actual scanning being done. A central teaching and learning area has computer plug-ins and wireless technology.
^ The medical sonography faculty: Beth Maxwell,
department chair Joyce Grube, Rachel Moutoux and Kelvin Paulsen.
“Having a true state-of-the-art learning lab offers our sonography students the lab experience they need to match the quality instruction we aspire to every day,” said sonography department chair Joyce Grube. “I anticipate that ultrasound supervisors and other sonography educators might want to tour our new facility. The ultra-modern teaching and learning environment of the new lab is unmatched in any sonography department I’ve ever seen. The students love it already.” The sonography department had its own celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Attendees had the opportunity for a hands-on experience with the new ultrasound equipment.
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Kettering College Recognizes Outstanding Alumni
2009 Rising Star Award Joseph J. Konys Physician Assistant Studies ‘02
Gregory Henderson and Joseph Konys receive Alumni Association top honors Two outstanding Kettering College of Medical Arts alumni were recognized with Distinguished Alumni Awards at a dinner held in their honor on Thursday, Oct. 8, at NCR Country Club. Gregory C. Henderson, president of Greene Memorial Hospital, was named the Kettering College Alumnus of the Year. Joseph J. Konys, business manager for the University of Cincinnati’s Center for Surgical Innovation, received this year’s Rising Star Award. Among those present to support this year’s winners were past award winners, honorary alumni, College founders, and administrators of Kettering Health Network and the College.
^ Joseph Konys and Charles Scriven
The Distinguished Alumni Awards are the highest honors bestowed by the Kettering College Alumni Association. They recognize graduates for their professional achievements, contributions to society and support of the College. The ^ Gregory Henderson and Charles Scriven Alumnus(a) of the Year Award recognizes lifetime achievement and has been awarded to twenty-five alumni since 1987. The Rising Star Award recognizes recent graduates who have accomplished a great deal in a short amount of time and demonstrate potential. Started in 2006, it’s been awarded to five alumni.
2009 Alumnus of the Year Radiologic Technology ’71
^ Gregory Henderson with Fred Manchur (left), president of Kettering Health Network, and Dave
Weigley (right), president of the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
From 1977 to 1982, Henderson was director of diagnostic imaging. He established a health care consulting firm, Henderson & Associates, in 1982, and for eight years, he was the sole proprietor and principal consultant, providing strategies and concepts to leaders in health care and business. He also served as a trustee for six years on a hospital board. From 1990 to 1998 Henderson worked at San Joaquin Community Hospital, an Adventist hospital in Bakersfield, Calif., holding various leadership positions before taking the role of chief operating officer in 1996. In 1997, he completed his master’s in health care administration at the University of La Verne in La Verne, Calif. In 1998, Henderson once again opened his own health care and management consulting firm, the Henderson Group, in Denver. For four years, he continued to assist various physician groups and hospital 10
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His concentration in physician assistant studies was a significant change in course from his previous work; a decade before, he’d earned a bachelor’s in mortuary science, and he spent the next 10 years as a funeral director.
During that time, Konys had also earned an associate’s degree in nursing from James A. Rhodes State College in 1997. Since graduating from Kettering College, he has gone on to earn a master’s degree in physician assistant studies from the University of Nebraska and is in his final year of a master’s in health services administration from Xavier University. Joseph Konys with his wife, Shelly, and family. ^
^ Physician assistant department chair Sue Wulff, Joseph Konys, and Millie Roach, PA faculty.
networks in business, construction management, finance, and feasibility studies. Henderson served as senior executive officer of Southview Hospital from 2002 to 2009, providing leadership for all of Southview Hospital and Southview Women’s Center. He is currently the president of Greene Memorial Hospital.
Gregory C. Henderson
Greg Henderson graduated in 1971 with a degree in radiologic technology. Six months after taking his first job as a staff technologist in a 275-bed hospital, he was promoted to department head, a position he held for almost three years until he decided to pursue additional education. Continuing to work part time at a private hospital in Paradise, Calif., Henderson completed a bachelor’s degree in health care administration and education through Oregon Institute of Technology in 1977.
Joseph Konys graduated summa cum laude from Kettering College in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in health professions.
Henderson serves on numerous boards and committees including the National Conference for Community and Justice, the South Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Washington Township visual improvement program, and the Spring Valley Academy fundraising committee. He’s a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and has volunteered with the David Fulcher All Pro Sports Football Camp since 2005. He’s also the presiding head deacon at the Kettering Seventh-day Adventist Church. Henderson lives in Centerville, Ohio, with his wife, Rose. He has two children and two grandsons. His interests include golf, travel, hiking, family, hhvculinary arts, and motorcycles.
In 2002, after graduation from Kettering College, Konys went into the cardiothoracic surgery program in the surgery department of the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. His duties included assisting in cardiac and thoracic surgeries, as well as pre- and post-operative patient management. In addition to his clinical duties, Konys is a member of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center’s Professional Standards Review Board and the University Hospital credentialing review committee; he’s also an instructor for the clinical skills lab in the UC College of Medicine and a preceptor for Kettering College’s physician assistant studies surgical rotations. In 2007, Konys was selected manager for mid-level providers in the department of surgery, and in 2008, he was named the business manager for the Center for Surgical Innovation. Konys is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American College of Surgeons, the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the American College of Medical Practice Executives, and the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Joseph and his wife, Shelly Hodges-Konys, have twin sons, Evan and Trent, who are 22 months old.
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alumni news
alumni news Medical sonography department celebrates success at national conference
Nursing grads gather for fun, fellowship at Young’s Dairy
Kettering College garnered national attention at the 2009 annual conference of the Society of Diagnostic Medial Sonography in October. Department chair Joyce Grube took office as a director-atlarge on the SDMS board of directors; the Class of 2010 took third place in the student poster competition; and two alumni took high honors in other competitions. The conference, held Oct. 15-18 in Nashville, Tenn., offered workshops in a variety of issues relevant to the profession, including the latest in educational technologies and methods. It also offered a chance for Kettering College alumni to reconnect; the Kettering College Alumni Association hosted a reception Oct. 17, and 25 alumni, family, and friends of the program attended.
More than 130 Division of Nursing alumni, faculty, staff, and family members gathered for a picnic and a day of family fun at Young’s Jersey Dairy in Yellow Springs, Ohio, on Sunday, October 4. Sponsored by the Alumni Association, the event provided an enjoyable way for Dayton-area alumni to introduce their families to classmates and spend time with their fellow alumni. Activities included miniature golf, batting cages, a driving range, a corn maze, and a petting zoo.
Alumni Association events mark National Respiratory Care Week
^ Kettering Medical Center employee Mark Taylor with KCMA ^
The Kettering College Alumni Association and the respiratory care department celebrated National Respiratory Care Week Oct. 25-31 with two events. On Wednesday, Oct. 28, respiratory care students were treated to a breakfast and a gift — a keychain that contains a protective CPR face shield and looks like a portable oxygen cylinder. More than 30 alumni, friends, and current students attended an evening reception and conference on Thursday, Oct. 29, on campus. Sue Ciarlariello, director of respiratory care and transport at Dayton Children’s Medical Center, gave the lecture “Ethics for RCPs in Ohio.” Those in attendance received one hour of continuing education credit.
respiratory care student Jeni Woliver
Former and current respiratory care faculty members Sue Ciarlariello, Amy Cline, Hope Appelbaum, Nancy Colletti
^ Respiratory Care Week student breakfast 12
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Stephen Roller ’05 received a master’s degree from Ohio State University as a family nurse practitioner in June and accepted a position at Butler County Community Health Consortium in Middletown and Hamilton, Ohio. He and his wife, Lydia, welcomed daughter Addison LeeAnn to the family on Sept. 18, 2008. Stephen’s e-mail is roller.31@osu.edu.
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Michelle Ortman ’03 is a physician assistant with Digestive Care Inc. She lives in Dayton with her husband, Charles. Michelle’s e-mail is raftingveggie@aol.com.
Johnathan Peterson ’06 is a physician assistant at Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio, where he lives with his wife, Dawn. His e-mail is J_Dpeterson@yahoo.com.
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Christina Baugh ’03 lives in Portage, Mich., with her husband, Brad. They experienced the loss of son Samuel Garrett on June 14, 2009. Christina’s e-mail is photoprincess15@yahoo.com.
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Alumni
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PAC E S E T T E R Fall/Winter ’09
Babette (Beers) Anderkin ’02 lives in Urbana, Ohio, with her husband, James, and their children, Makayla, 2, and Wyatt, 9 months. She is an ultrasound technologist at Community Hospital. Babette’s e-mail is bajamawa@hotmail.com.
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^ Dennis Case ’80 with his wife, Becky.
M. Lyndon Dieter ’89 entered medical school in 2003 after completing his master’s in physician assistant studies from the University of Nebraska in 2002. He is in his third year of an anesthesiology residency in Chicago at the Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. After completing the residency in 2011, Lyndon plans to practice general anesthesia in a suburb or rural setting. He lives with his wife, Kimberly, and their four children, three boys and one girl, in Darien, Ill. His e-mail is padieter@aol.com.
Holly (Glunz) Cordes ‘01 works as a nurse in Rochester, Minn. Her e-mail is hglunz@hotmail.com.
Vicki Wilson ’09 is a nurse at Sycamore Medical Center. Her e-mail is wilsonv_rn@yahoo.com.
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William David ’88 received his master’s in nursing administration and works for Riverwood Center in Benton Harbor, Mich. He and his wife, Barbara, live in Bridgman, Mich., and have three children, Kayla, 21, Michael, 19, and Ryan, 15. William’s e-mail is bnbdavis1@msn.com.
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Jessica Jenkins ’09 is a nurse at Miami Valley Hospital. Her e-mail is jljnurse08@aol.com.
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Dennis Case ’80 retired from the Navy in 1997 after earning a master’s in physician assistant studies and earning the rank of lieutenant commander in 1990.
Andrew Bair ’87 was recently promoted from chief nursing officer to president and chief executive officer of Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, Wash., where he lives with his wife, Robin. Daughter Brittany graduated from Kettering College in 2008 with a radiologic technology degree. His e-mail is abair@samaritanhealthcare.com.
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Meghann Vowell ’09 lives in Fairborn, Ohio, and is a nurse in the cardiac step down unit at Springfield Regional Medical Center.
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Ben Baker ‘80 is an information technology compliance officer with nSpire Health, Inc. He and his wife, Ann, live in Aurora, Colo. Ben’s e-mail is kb0ubz@arrl.net
Heather Shields ’99 is a physician assistant at Wayt Healthcare in Glen Dale, W.Va. She lives in St. Clairsville, Ohio, with her husband, Eric. Heather’s e-mail is ehshields4@comcast.net.
Ryan Hoehne ’09 works for Sycamore Medical Center as a patient transporter. His e-mail is rlhoehne@email.kcma.edu.
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Benin Lee ’96 was recently elected to a two-year term on the board of directors of the Veterans Affairs Association of Physician Assistants.
What’s your story? To have your information included in future Class Notes, update your information online at www.kcma.edu/alumni; or, call (937) 395-8607. To include photos of special events in your life (births, weddings, etc.), e-mail photos to Cheryl.Kennison@kcma.edu.
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Patricia (Powell) Dimatulac ‘86 retired last year after working as a nursing supervisor. She lives in Hamilton, Ohio, with her husband, Conrado. Patricia’s e-mail is pdimatulac@cinci.rr.com.
Brandy Litzinger ’08 is a physician assistant with the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center. She and her husband, Charles, live in Johnstown, Pa.
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Belinda (Dickhaut) Schmidt ’77 lives in Alexandria, Minn., with her husband, Dean, where she works as a night charge nurse. They recently became “empty nesters” and are enjoying it for now. Belinda’s e-mail is lebelle1957@hotmail.com.
April (Campbell) White ’84 earned her BSN from Indiana University in 1990 and a master’s with a focus in anesthesia in 2008. She’s a certified registered nurse anesthetist at Mercy Hospital. She lives in Nashua, Iowa, with her husband, David, and their children, Kristin, 17, Morgan, 15, and Spencer, 12. April’s e-mail is aprilwhite@q.com.
Angela Mellott ’93 is a charge nurse at Dublin Methodist Hospital. She lives in Hilliard, Ohio, and has a 9-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son. Angela’s e-mail is miss-angie@sbcglobal.net.
Stephanie (Hanshew) Van Meeveren ’09 lives in Brookville, Ohio, and is an administrative assistant for STAT Research. She is considering a master’s in clinical psychology. Stephanie’s e-mail is biocheeeka@gmail.com.
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Janice Evans ‘77 is a respiratory therapist at Springfield Regional Medical Center. Her e-mail is flwstone08@aol.com.
Robert Campbell ‘84 lives in West Chester, Ohio, where he is an account manager for Philips Healthcare.
Deborah Evans ’07 lives in Lake Villa, Ill. She is a medical sonographer at Lake Forest Hospital. Her e-mail is gaslamp@comcast.net.
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Marsha (Powers) Taylor ’76 is a nurse at Florida Hospital Orlando with Orlando NeuroSurgery. She lives in Orlando, Fla., with her husband, Vernon. Marsha’s e-mail is tay2889@hotmail.com.
David Randall ’83 is a sales manager for InnoMed. He and his wife, Linda, live in Dayton. Daughter Alyssa Stec is a 2003 Kettering College nursing graduate. David’s e-mail is dhrdrum@hotmail.com.
Claudia Irvine ’90 works as a CT tech for Warren Memorial Hospital. She lives in Front Royal, Va., with her husband, Jeffrey, and daughters Rachel and Hannah. Claudia’s e-mail is redd34_2000@yahoo.com.
Susan (Bonfield) McIntosh ’09 was accepted into the internship program at Miami Valley Hospital following graduation and is now a clinical nurse on the surgical oncology unit. She and her husband, Donald, live in Dayton. Susan’s e-mail is hisjeepy@yahoo.com.
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Marsha (Miller) Coleman ’76 completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in social work. She lives in Mansfield, Ohio, and works for Richland County Children’s Services as a clinical director and child and family therapist. Marsha’s e-mail is colemm54@yahoo.com.
While retired, he continues to do medical mission work, some with the Christian media ministry organization Amazing Facts. When not doing medical mission work, Dennis likes to fly, skydive, scuba dive, and travel, especially river cruising. He and his wife, Becky, live in Sumner, Mich.
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Robert Hewes ’71 is medical director of radiology at Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center. He and his wife, Judith, live in Ormond Beach, Fla.
Dan Thorward ’06 works at Ohio State University Medical Center and is currently in nursing school. He and his wife, Jenny, live in Columbus, Ohio. Dan’s e-mail is rdthorward@gmail.com.
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partnerships
in the spotlight
Family’s gift shifts earning to learning by K athy K eyes
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by J ulie T hompson
The Staten family celebrates the lab opening with the Kettering College physician assistant faculty and staff.
Staten also shared that on Father’s Day 2009, he gathered his family to discuss the possibility of providing major funding toward the renovation of a space at Kettering College that would become the new physician assistant and medical sonography labs. With the family’s unanimous support, the lead gift for that endeavor was born. While a major influence in this decision was son Greg Staten, a 2001 graduate of Kettering College’s physician assistant program, the gift is a testimonial of the generosity of all members of the Staten family. John Staten joined O’Neil & Associates in 1966, and in 1988, he became its owner. He ushered it to great success, opening satellite branches in four states and providing employment for more than 300 people. With this economic driver, Staten was able to act on his philanthropic values and extend his generosity to Kettering College.
^ John Staten (far right), with his son Greg Staten `01
(far left) and daughters Stephanie Breeze and Cindy
Alumni Spotlight
Carol Brad ’95
During the Oct. 12 dedication of the Staten Family Learning Labs at Kettering College, the project’s major benefactor, John Staten, quoted Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
The gratitude of the faculty, staff, and students of KCMA is immeasurable and is in itself a confirmation of Churchill’s sentiment, as well as a tribute to and celebration of John Staten and his family.
Mazzaro at the opening celebration.
Physician Assistant Alumni Scholarship: Become part of the future of Kettering College of Medical Arts In recognition of the opening of the physician assistant department’s new learning lab, we are asking physician assistant alumni to contribute to the Physician Assistant Alumni Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will help students achieve the dream that you already have realized. For more information or to contribute, contact Kathy Keyes, director of
Most people don’t like to think about old age or death, let alone spend much time around those who are experiencing it. But for 1995 Kettering College graduate, it’s a passion. In fact, Carol Brad looks at it as her calling to serve those in a phase of life that is sadly disregarded by others. Brad discovered her love for the elderly and terminally ill after graduating from Kettering College. Her nursing degree was a personal triumph. She had returned to school at age 30 in hopes of getting a degree that would bring rewards her previous work as a legal secretary didn’t. She chose Kettering College because of its size and reputation for giving its students personal attention. It suited her well. After much hard work – balancing a full-time job as well as a toddler at home – Brad walked down to get her diploma, pregnant with her second child. Brad spent the first four-and-a-half years of her nursing career on Kettering Medical Center’s third floor. She loved the job, but she decided to move on when a friend offered her an opportunity to become director of nursing at a home-care agency. Brad regretted the move; a new corporate owner handed her a pink slip just a few months into the job. But the road led her to what she was meant to do. Shortly after losing her job, Brad accepted a job as director of nursing at Heartland Hospice, where she discovered her love for the dying. After three years at Heartland, Brad decided to continue her path in management, and in 2001, she purchased a homecare franchise called Comfort Keepers.
Comfort Keepers provides aid and companionship to those in the community who need extra care. The service does not include skilled nursing care, such as changing IVs or wound dressings, but Brad said her nursing background has helped her franchise succeed. Often, Brad’s job is much like a social worker’s: She helps clients and their families navigate through heavy issues like health insurance, estate planning, and long-term care. “I think having an R.N. behind your title helps them to trust you more as someone who knows what you are talking about,” Brad said. The education at Kettering College was what instilled the confidence Brad needed to buy a business and run it, she said. “My instructors had a really big impact on me and ingrained in my brain that you can do just about anything in nursing,” she said. “That probably fed my desire to be an entrepreneur and start my own business.”
"I love to teach people about the end-of-life process and to make it as comfortable as possible..." At KCMA, Brad said, she learned more than academics and critical thinking. She also developed a sense of mission: to follow her heart and to be a servant to those in need. Because of that, she recently turned the operational duties of her Comfort Keeper business over to her husband so that she could return to hospice care. In January, she helped open Hospice of the Miami Valley in Xenia. She serves as its executive director but is also doing nursing in the field, helping patients and families. “There are so many people who need assistance, whether it is home care or the end of their life,” Brad said. “I love to teach people about the end-of-life process and to make it as comfortable as possible, not only for the patient, but also for the family. It was a struggle at first with my home-care business, but it was the right time in my life and a calling to return to hospice.”
college development, at (937) 395-8607.
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Legacy of Excellence
by J ulie T hompson
Grads surprised and comforted by daughter‘s selection of Kettering College
Alumni couple‘s quiet wish comes true when daughter chooses Kettering College Dorilee Dalton Neufeld took up residence at Kettering College not because she left a home that was miles away, but because her home left her. Dorilee started her Kettering experience in 1973 on new footing. She and her family had always called Dayton home, but the year she decided pursue dietician technology at Kettering College, a career change sent her parents to North Carolina. The change proved to be a growing point. At Kettering College, Dorilee met and fell in love with Edward Neufeld. Edward, a biomedical student and lifelong Daytonian, provided the local family she’d lost and the future for which she hoped. They married in 1975. Over the years, Dorilee and Edward, who now live in Chatanooga, Tenn., have made their way back to the area for frequent family visits. This fall, they returned for a different reason. They crossed the Ohio border with a new Kettering College student – their daughter. Kristina Neufeld walked into her room in the Residence Hall nearly 35 years after her parents left theirs. Her dream to become a sonographer made her the first of the Neufeld 6 18
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children to leave home for a college degree. Kristina was excited about the adventure, but when she longs for home, she still has plenty of family in Dayton to call upon. The six-hour distance has been an adjustment for Kristina and her parents. Still, Dorilee has been pleasantly surprised at how her own Residence Hall experience enabled her to relate to her daughter’s situation. “It is comfortable for me because she is in the dorm,” Dorilee said. “Everything she needs is right there. I keep telling her that the first two months are the worst. It has been a little bit hard — but I have learned to text.” There is a lot of comfort for Dorilee and Edward in knowing their daughter’s surroundings. As alumni, they are familiar with the halls she walks and even some of the classrooms in which she sits. And while much of the campus has evolved in its appearance, they know the school’s foundation has remained the same. The solid education they received at Kettering College brought about success for Dorilee and Edward in the medical professions. They spent parts of their careers in Georgia, Mississippi, and Louisiana before settling in
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^ Dorilee Dalton Neufeld and Edward Neufeld
Tennessee. Dorilee said she tried her best to encourage her kids to become nurses. “You can go into so many different directions if you take nursing,” she said, “but they all informed me that was not their passion.” The Neufelds’ oldest son, Eric, became a welder, and their middle child, Andy, is working on his criminal justice degree at the University of Tennessee. Dorilee was certain that Kristina would become a physical education teacher because of her interest in teaching and her love for sports. But that all changed when she shadowed a sonographer at the hospital where her dad works. Then, Dorilee and Edward saw their former world and their present one come together. Edward quietly hoped Kristina would choose Kettering College after she’d narrowed her choices to two Adventist schools. His wish came true when KCMA offered Kristina a scholarship. “We weren’t prepared for that,” Edward said. “That is what pushed us over the edge. We were leaning toward Kettering mainly because we know the caliber of school that it is.” As Kristina prepares for the sonography program, the Neufelds are taking one day at a time, adapting to daily life without Kristina and watching their daughter’s own Kettering College journey unfold.
Kettering College has been as much a part of Paul Thompson’s life as breathing. His Kettering story began in second grade, when his dad moved the family from Nebraska to work for the newly established college. With each passing year, he added a chapter to his Kettering life, including his years as a biomedical engineering student and later as one of its instructors. A sequel was in the works in 1984, when Paul married his college sweetheart, Tammy Meyer, at Kettering Seventh-day Adventist Church, and moved to Cleveland. This fall, Paul and Tammy traveled from their home in Colorado to drop off daughter Becca at Kettering College of Medical Arts. Becca hopes to graduate from Kettering College’s sonography program. Her love for the profession blossomed after shadowing Tammy on the job for a week, and her decision to get the degree at Kettering College came after attending the school's recruiting event, MedKamp. The sequence of events seemed like a whirlwind to Paul and Tammy, who never imagined either of their daughters would follow in their footsteps by going to Kettering College. “Colorado is just so far away that we never thought about it,” Paul said. “It’s not like we were grooming her or singing the KCMA songs to her.” Paul Thompson and Paul and Tammy walked onto a very ^ Tammy Meyer Thompson different Kettering College campus when they dropped Becca off. The well-worn tennis courts are but a memory beneath the Boonshoft Center, and the field across the street from the campus, used in Paul’s day as a makeshift sports field, is a parking lot for the school’s record enrollment. Tammy found her old room, which is now an office. Paul recognized an infamous ledge that guys would walk across like a balance beam to get a scare out of the girls sitting inside.
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perspectives
“At Kettering College...there’s just a real emphasis on quality.” The flood of memories comforted Paul and Tammy, who found it difficult to leave Becca behind. They knew the spirit of Kettering College hadn’t changed. “Kettering College really taught me to deal with people,” said Tammy, who graduated from the radiology department in 1983. “When you’re working with people above you like physicians, you can get really nervous. But my education really gave me the confidence to talk to a doctor about a case or a patient.” Tammy relied on Kettering College three years after graduation when she was unexpectedly dropped into a sonography position after a colleague left. She contacted the school, and they sent out clinicals for her to study in the two-week period she had to prepare. It worked, and she remains in the sonography field, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. Meanwhile, Paul continues to use his biomedical degree. After teaching at Kettering College for 10 years, he went to work at the
Buildings, labs, traditions change, but the College spirit is the same
~Paul Thompson, ’77
Cleveland Clinic and for different companies in Colorado. Through it all, he has seen the impact of his KCMA education, and he said he hopes Becca comes away feeling the same way. “I just remember early on being out and about and saying something about Kettering College and hearing it had a great reputation,” said Paul, who graduated in 1977. “There is just a real emphasis on quality.” Paul and Tammy miss their little girl, but they said they couldn’t be more pleased that she has chosen a future that includes Kettering College.
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Neufeld family ^ The The Thompson family
by J ill E vans , professor of English My entire life I have been the youngest. The youngest kindergartener, the youngest high school senior. And many years ago, the youngest teacher at Kettering College of Medical Arts. Twentyseven years later, I am an “old timer,” and not only because of my age. Far more telling than my gray hairs are the memories.
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Kristina and Dorilee Neufeld
Memories of what this place used to look like. In 1982 coveted faculty parking consisted of about 16 spots in front of the college – filled by 8 a.m. every day. And even then Frank Brewster was here early enough to snag one. Tennis courts sat in front of Polen Plaza, where on any given Friday, Margaret Rodenburg could be found smashing an ace or two. Inside the gym things look unchanged, but the shining floors used to lead to a stage where the drama class presented yearly plays: Steel Magnolias, Grammercy Park, and Twelve Angry Jurors. (You were expecting Twelve Angry Men at a college with our female population?) That stage got quite a workout, with dramas, bands, and speakers for our weekly assemblies, held every Friday at 9:30 a.m. The physician assistant students laid claim to the back row of chairs, and woe to the unsuspecting nursing or respiratory student who dared sit there. The programs, a mixture of inspiration and information, humor and community, brought us all together. Remember the first annual “Miss KCMA” contest? Well, the only Miss KCMA contest. Forever in our memories are the parade of contestants, the Surgical Gown Competition, and the showstopper, “She Works Hard for the Money” performed with bed pans. How about the faculty and staff talent show? Ed Pecce as
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Richard Simmons. Now there’s a memory few of us will ever be able to erase, even if we wanted to. The full gym stage is gone, replaced with a modern fitness center. Old timers, though, will remember when just getting to the weight room, a small area above the stage, was a workout. Radiology professor Rob Hoover was one of the then-students who climbed up that steel ladder to work out. Not so long ago, the center of life at the college was the lobby – the “old lobby,” redecorated about a decade ago. Brown carpet and ancient “grandma” furniture were replaced with the 90s shades of gray and mauve. We thought it was lovely. Today we have the Boonshoft with its stone fireplace and inviting atmosphere. The Boonshoft Center also boasts two new biology and two new chemistry labs, replacing the old chem lab so small it barely held test tubes, and a biology lab that was housed in the Cox building. Remember “The Tunnel?” If you travelled that long, echoing, underground walkway, you probably also remember bundling up in a parka and mittens. It was that cold. So here I am, 27 years later. Much has changed: facilities, programs, and enrollment. But when I look around this warm and familiar place, I mostly see what is unchanged. Students still complain that A&P or algebra is too much work. There’s still not enough parking. We still have our non-traditional students: single moms, men exploring new careers, students fulfilling dreams. Am I the same? I was young and single when I began here. Now I’m older, grayer, and (I hope) wiser. Like all people, I have regrets, actions I would undo, decisions I wouldn’t repeat. But I have never been sorry that I made Kettering College my home.
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What it‘s like to have the heart of Jesus A Guyana Journal by T ammy E rickson
Admissions counselor Tammy Erickson received this year’s Kettering College staff mission scholarship, which allowed her to be part of the Global Mission Experience in Cultural Diversity course’s trip to Guyana in August. She shared some of her journal.
Sunday, Aug. 9 And so it begins — bumped to an earlier flight, running to catch said flight, all to sit on runway for an hour or more. But everyone is in good spirits. I’m ready to be a missionary in Georgetown, Guyana.
Monday, Aug. 10 We arrive in Guyana airport after flying all night. Bedraggled, weary, hungry but excited, we hit the ground running. More than 100 people have been waiting in line at the Adventist church next to Davis Hospital since the wee hours of the morning. Our supplies have not yet arrived, so we pull together a plan. Did I mention it is hot with 100 percent humidity?
on some dock somewhere — we have to wing it again. We do, and quite brilliantly, I add. Other than meeting the locals’ need to see the doctors, one of the greatest tools we have with us is the ultrasound machine. The team works together very well in small areas in the oppressive heat. Some of us are already feeling the effect of different diet and water, but we’re not complaining.
Wednesday, Aug. 12
A one-hour drive through heavy traffic takes us to today’s destination, Dundee Adventist Church in Mahaicony. Each work space seems to be getting smaller. Our supplies Erickson, ^ Tammy have finally arrived. I am so proud of our admissions counselor student missionaries. They stay steady to Tuesday, Aug. 11 the job at hand, smiling, giving, loving, all through We’re sandwiched into two vans traveling to Grove sweat-soaked clothes, little sleep, some with excessive Adventist Church to set up another fair. Still without bites from unknown sources, but always letting others props, equipment, and handouts — everything is stuck see Jesus in their actions. 6 22
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Thursday, Aug. 13
Saturday, Aug. 15
We have earned a day of relaxation. We set aside our medical attire and are tourists for the day. Stepping into puddle-jumper planes, we fly over the rainforest to see a waterfall that is five times the size of Niagara Falls. It is worth all the drama of those teeny planes to see this beautiful natural wonder. No railings, no attendants holding you back — just us and the falls. We sat at the top, inches away from where the pounding water starts its descent. Breathtaking. The rest of the day, we are pampered, fed, entertained. All we do is laugh and enjoy each other’s company.
Sabbath rest is much appreciated. Fellowship with the locals, singing with gusto, preaching with pizzazz. And, lunch in air-conditioning. We spend the afternoon in the market area, a wild atmosphere teeming with people all wandering the streets. Last stop is the ocean and a beautiful sunset.
Friday, Aug. 14 Our last day of service begins early, crammed into now-familiar vans, toward Montrose School, East Coast, Demerara, where a huge white tent greets us along with a merciful breeze off the ocean, making the day more bearable. As RNs triage patients into groups, it is hard to find words for the compassion that flows through us as we try to give hope. For some it might just be a supply of pain reliever for the week. It takes so little to make others happy. What a thrill to experience what it’s like to have the heart of Jesus.
Sunday, Aug. 16 The home stretch starts at 2 a.m. on a bus to the airport. Landing in Trinidad and Tobago is the last thing that goes as scheduled. We miss our connecting flight and divide into groups of four or five, each taking a different flight to various places like Panama, Costa Rica, Texas and New Jersey. We definitely get our money’s worth, seeing more of the world than expected. We all make it home, safe and sound. I’m thankful for all the blessings we have had and am grateful for the missionary experience.
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campus candids
behind the scenes Who is
Frank
Brewster? Frank Brewster is a professor of radiologic sciences and imaging. He has been a member of the Kettering College faculty since 1981 and has been the RSI clinical coordinator since 1996. He also is a 1977 Kettering College graduate. What led you to the field of radiologic technology It was and still is the perfect blend of medicine and technology. I’m fascinated by both of them.
What do you most enjoy about your job? The people make it enjoyable. I have developed many friendships over the years. One of the greatest joys is having former students stop by and tell me how much they appreciated being in my class.
What is it like to be both an alumnus and a faculty member at Kettering College? It makes me very proud to be a part of Kettering College of Medical Arts. I have spent most of my life here. It’s a part of me.
If you could go back and change anything about your life, what would it be? Spend more time with my hobbies and my family.
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Whom do you most admire, professionally and/or personally, and why? My wife. She gives 110 percent to her duties as a hospice nurse, knowing that with few exceptions, all of her patients are going to die, and trying to make their last days as comfortable and meaningful as possible. It takes a lot of love and dedication.
What was the most fun you had in your career? Teaching body mechanics. It’s always great fun to watch students figure out how to get a person (classmate) with only one good leg from a wheelchair to a bed.
What would people be surprised to know about you? I collect oil lamps, especially Aladdin lamps.
What is the last movie you saw? National Treasure II
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r family, help from he With a little Tyler moves ica ss Je nt de nursing stu August. ence Hall in into the Resid Radiology gradu ate Tiffany Osma n poses with loc during the Vaug al children han-Beaven Servi ce Learning Ho Program’s missi nors on trip to Trinid ad and Tobago in May.
What’s in your car CD player right now? The Bellamy Brothers’ Just an Old Hippie
What’s the one food that will NEVER be found in your home? Sushi
What is the last thing you did for the first time?
Nicole Edminster, a student in the BSN program, picks up some watermelon at the Fourth of July celebration hosted by student life.
Paid for an oil change. It’s not that I usually drive off without paying — I have always changed the oil myself.
What talent would you love to have and why? I would love to be able play a wide variety of musical instruments well because I appreciate good musicians.
What was your favorite toy as a child? My Johnny Reb cannon. It was spring-loaded and shot plastic cannonballs. I would tell my sister to trust me when I asked her to look down the barrel. She never learned.
Arts and science s faculty memb ers Vail McGuire Ken Millard in and full regalia at the annual fall conv in September. ocation
nd from andez (seco nt Alida Hern de oll stu Kr s er ce th Arts and scien graduates Es l sonography ), along with ica ht ed rig m r d (fa an nz left) tie Le e golf course right) and Ka the miniatur (second from epare to hit pr , a’s id Al a friend of June. rsey Dairy in at Young’s Je
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