Lake Erie College Magazine - Winter 2021 Issue

LAKE ERIE

COLLEGE MAGAZINE winter 2021

students sound off college in the time of covid alumnae authors then and now

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22

In this issue 3 4 6 8 9 10

A Letter from the Editor A Letter from the President Welcome New Board Members Inspiration Arena Complete Technology Upgrades in Garfield Hall Peter Gerhart - Remembering a Devoted

LEC Community Member

12 Marina Puhalj ‘21 - Graphic Design USA Winner 15 16

LEC Launches MPS Program

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19 Stillwagon Gift Creates New Scholarships 20 22 24 28 30

2020 Distinguished Alumni Awards

40 42

Class Notes

Alumni Spotlight - Brad Harmon Alumnae Authors - Then and Now Athletic Update Students Sound Off - College in the Time of Covid

In Memoriam

Faculty/Staff News and Updates

Editor

Angela DelPrete

Art Direction/Design Rachel Usmani

photographers

Tony Kellers Elizabeth Wheeler Dr. Bryan Depoy

On the cover

Photo by Tony Kellers (Studio Twelve3)

contributors

Wendy Burtt Anthony Fulgenzio

proofreader Jeanna Purses

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letter from the editor

I was given the opportunity to teach my first college course this past fall to a group of enthusiastic Lake Erie College (LEC) students. Having never taught a college class before, I was both excited and overwhelmed. With only three weeks until the class began, I saw this opportunity as an adventure as well as a challenge, forcing me out of my comfort zone. I accepted the offer, but was faced with the task of developing 15 weeks of course content.

Engaging my small business contacts, I assigned the students a final project allowing them the opportunity to apply the knowledge they learned through the course in a real-world situation.

The students gained experience working on a digital proposal for a real company and in turn, each company was provided with a marketing proposal outlining ways in which they could better reach their audiences through digital marketing. The project was beneficial for the students and the small businesses.

I also applied my passion for mentoring young professionals by engaging the students in a creative way. Revealing to my students what it is like to work in a marketing department, I facilitated conversations focused on using the resources around them, including myself, to learn and grow as a student and professional. I hope they gained as much from the experience as I did.

As I was teaching the course, I realized what a unique opportunity I had been given.

Because we are a small-sized institution, students, faculty and staff have opportunities to be leaders, try new things and present creative approaches to problems—something that is not possible at larger institutions. LEC students have the chance to start new student organizations, participate in one-on-one discussions with their professors and be guided to identify their strengths and passions and encouraged to accomplish their goals.

As Executive Director, I also have the privilege of nurturing and mentoring the staff of four marketing professionals within my department. I feel so fortunate to have a team of energized, creative, passionate and hard-working young professionals. Each of them brings their own unique talents, strengths and skill sets to LEC. Individually, they are successful in their own specialties, but when they work together as a team, even more exciting things happen!

As you read this issue, I hope you recognize all the ways Lake Erie College is a place where individuals are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and take risks, where a supportive spirit resonates within the community and where leaders are valued, nurtured and inspired. As 2021 unfolds, I’m hoping that we start to return to something that resembles normal—ideally with lessons learned—and a renewed sense of adventure.

Public relations & marketing staff Jamie Castle ’14, MBA ’17, Graphic Designer, Public Relations & Marketing Assistant Angela DelPrete, Executive Director of Public Relations & Marketing Benjamin Heacox, Digital Marketing Strategist Rachel Usmani, Associate Director of Creative Services Elizabeth Wheeler, Digital Media and Marketing Specialist

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A letter from the president Greetings Lake Erie College alumni, students and friends!

This COVID-infested year has been education, but I am very proud of to the challenge.

As I write this known on campus, despite rigorous

an incredibly challenging one the ways in which Lake Erie note today, we currently have PCR-level testing of students,

for all of higher College has risen zero active cases faculty and staff.

Despite the obstacles we have faced over the past year, the Lake Erie College spirit continues to thrive. The campus community has banded together to overcome challenges presented by COVID-19 and has demonstrated great flexibility and persistence in a time of uncertainty.

Our students have been incredibly adaptive in how they handle changes to class delivery and socialization from a distance and even in how they perform their day-to-day tasks.

Our feature story discusses the struggles and silver linings of attending college during the COVID-19 pandemic. Enjoy reading about how resilient students have been through it all.

In addition to our students being flexible, our faculty and staff have also demonstrated commitment and creativity during these uncertain times. I am appreciative of all the outstanding work my colleagues have done to help make this school year run as smoothly as possible while providing our students with valuable experiences and learning opportunities. The exciting new academic technologies in many of our classrooms are aiding our ability to conduct hybrid learning.

I am particularly proud to announce the launch of a new Master of Professional Studies degree. The only program of its kind in Ohio, this degree will help students develop soughtafter and marketable skills in areas such as organizational dynamics, leadership, negotiation and problem-solving. It is especially timely with the impact of COVID to be able to offer this distance leadership program. Additionally, a new role, Director of Graduate Studies, has been created to assist with all graduate programs in the areas of recruitment and admission.

We also continue to celebrate our alumni who are making a difference in the lives of others in both big and small ways. I am grateful for our alumni, donors and friends for their continued support of the College and their dedication to helping us provide an outstanding education to our students.

Brian D. Posler, PhD President Lake Erie College

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welcome NEW BOARD MEMBERS Eight new members have joined the ranks of the Board of Directors at Lake County’s only four-year-degree institution, Lake Erie College. The new board members will serve on various leadership committees which include finance and investments, buildings and grounds, enrollment and academic affairs. These members bring experience in a variety of fields and have expertise in diverse areas, from attorneys to general managers.

Casey O’Brien

is an attorney and partner with Ibold and O’Brien Inc. of Chardon, Ohio, and specializes in real estate, employment and corporate law.

Lisa Ward is the Vice President of Research and Development for Steris Corporation where she directs product strategy and new product development.

Mike Bryan

joins the LEC Board of Directors from Trane, a global leader in heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems.

Trane recently partnered with LEC on the new HVACR lab in the Garfield Center. Bryan is Title Area General Manager for the Cleveland area.

Carol Porter

is a retired attorney whose philanthropic and volunteer work is dedicated to promoting the arts and music in the greater Cleveland area.

Kevin Malecek is the Director of Economic Development and International Trade for the city of Mentor. Before joining the city of Mentor, Malecek spent several years working in a variety of roles in government, business and nonprofit organizations throughout NE Ohio.

Don DeCarlo, M.D. is President of University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center and has many years of healthcare leadership

throughout northeast Ohio. He is also the Medical Director for the Lake Erie College Physician Assistant Program.

Don Purtill

is the former Dean of Garfield Senior College at Lake Erie College and joins the Board after serving as a member of the business faculty at Cleveland State University. He is a former executive with Eaton Corporation and currently manages an investment advisory business.

“We are delighted to have such a variety of expertise among our newest Board members,” says Dr. Brian Posler, President of Lake Erie College, “Each dedicated to helping to move LEC forward and enrich the academic experience of our students.”

campus news Enhancing Strategies to Attract Students The Office of Admission has been busy implementing a new plan to attract students to the College. Enlisting the services of Credo, a consulting firm specializing in working with independent colleges and universities, the Office of Admission is finalizing a comprehensive strategic plan addressing efforts to increase enrollment amidst growing competition from both public and private institutions. Part of this process is hosting video sessions with the campus community to get feedback for the strategic plan. Topics to be explored will be the LEC value proposition, ways to build bridges internally, experiences of faculty and staff who have children in college, and conducting a session on strengths, opportunities and trends.

“It’s effective when you have an outside voice that has some objectivity and expertise in the field. Will, our primary CREDO consultant, has dozens of years of experience as both a consultant and a higher education enrollment leader,” said Mike Brown, VP of Enrollment.

According to Brown, Credo performed an in-depth assessment and identified some immediate actions to recruit the class of 2020 and also gave the admission area about 70 short, medium and long-term suggestions for improvements on strategy, implementation, processes and collaboration. A significant part of the plan includes a new financial aid model, which entails applying scholarships more strategically to better attract more students.

Much of the plan addresses touch points for prospective students throughout the admission process. “We realize that there’s no quick fix or magic answer to increase enrollment. Instead, we aim to cultivate relationships with prospective students to increase their interest in attending Lake Erie College,” said Brown.

In addition to what Credo has suggested, the admission staff has furthered training in specific areas to better attract prospective students. “Admission counselors are building relationships with students and their families. Our goal is to help the students make a decision to attend Lake Erie College because it is the best fit for them,” said Brown.

lec.edu gets a makeover!

As you may have noticed, lec.edu has had a makeover!

We hope you are excited to see a cleaner design with a more user-friendly navigation structure. In conjunction with the new redesign, we’ve amped up our digital marketing efforts including implementing a search engine optimization strategy, maintaining the website as the hub of LEC’s digital presence and initiating a digital advertising strategy. Most importantly, our new approach to digital marketing fully embraces methods of continuous improvement — everything we are doing online today is measured, tested and will be improved upon. If you haven’t seen it in a while, please visit lec.edu. We think you’ll be pleased!

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Inspiration Arena Complete Lake Erie College completed construction on a new additional indoor equestrian arena, named Inspiration Arena. A ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication took place on August 14.

The new riding arena complements the George M. Humphrey Learning Center’s current indoor arena and sits just across the parking lot from the Learning Center.

The School of Equine Studies plans to hold western, dressage and therapeutic riding classes and team practices in the 248 ft. x 80 ft. wide arena. The project came to life with funding from generous donors of the College’s equestrian program.

Pam Hess, D.V.M., the College’s Dean of the School of Equine Studies notes, “This is the most transformational improvement in the School of Equine Studies since Laddie Andahazy envisioned and built this program in the 1970’s. The addition of 20,000 square feet of riding space allows our students to take more riding classes, enjoy more team practice opportunities and more personal riding time to improve their skills in both Western and English riding. We will also expand our community outreach for therapeutic riding, continuing to provide services through our PATH, Intl. Premier Accredited Therapeutic Riding Center for people who can benefit by being with our horses.”

Through the generous philanthropic support of many donors, the construction of the new equestrian riding

arena was made possible. The Triple T Foundation was the lead donor on this project, and so Theodore “Ted” Jones and Alison “Sunny” Jones have requested that the name of the new indoor riding arena be Inspiration Arena. A very generous gift from MJM Industries also made the project possible.

The Lake Erie College School of Equine Studies offers four majors: Equine Facility Management, Equine Business Administration, Equestrian Teacher/TrainerEnglish, and Equestrian Therapeutic Horsemanship.

Students may also pursue a minor in equine studies, a concentration in equine therapeutic horsemanship, and certification in equine massage therapy.

campus news

Technology Upgrades in Garfield Hall A generous $150,000.00 gift from Gretchen ’62 and George Smith to Lake Erie College has allowed for technology upgrades and modernization of one of the College’s main academic buildings, Garfield Hall.

Gretchen Smith of Longwood, Florida realizes the role that technology plays in the lives of both teachers and students.

According to Smith “technology is constantly changing and educators must remain on the forefront of those changes in order to provide effective education and to bring their students along.”

The gift from Gretchen and her husband George, provided technology upgrades and remodeling of the main lounge area one the first floor of the Garfield Center. Additional classroom equipment with smartboard technology, movable desks and tables, projection and sound system upgrades will help link LEC students with the rest of the world.

The gift could not have been timed any better according to Tony Fulgenzio, Vice President of Advancement at Lake Erie College. “The upgrades to the learning space will benefit our faculty and students and given the current pandemic, will help to create additional virtual academic offerings.”

Gretchen Smith earned a degree in education in 1962 from Lake Erie College. Her husband, George, is a graduate in Engineering from The Ohio State University, and a co-founder of Wharton-Smith, Inc., a Florida based construction company. The company builds academic facilities at various colleges and universities and works in many other areas of heavy construction.

EQ Transportation Van makeover One of the Lake Erie College vans received a makeover recently. Thanks to staff in physical plant, the College has designated one of the campus vans to transport students to and from the Equestrian Center and it’s not hard to tell which van it is!

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peter

gerhart Remembering

a Devoted

LEC Community

Member

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campus news

he College grieves the loss of a valued community member. As Case Western Reserve University shared, Peter Gerhart passed away on February 7th from a brain hemorrhage. He served as interim President of Lake Erie College from 2015-2016 and was most recently a member of the College’s board of directors. Gerhart was 75 years-old. He is survived by his wife, Ann, his children and grandchildren.

Gerhart was the John Homer Kapp Professor of Law and held a secondary appointment at the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. He received his BA from Northwestern University in 1967 and his JD from Columbia University Law School in 1971. He began his career as an associate at the law firm of Weil Gotshal & Manges in New York City before teaching for 11 years and serving as associate dean and interim dean at Ohio State University College of Law. After a national search, Gerhart joined the Case Western Reserve law school faculty as dean in 1986. He served in that capacity for ten years, until 1996. During his decanal tenure, he played a key role in developing the Frederick K. Cox International Law Center and the Milton A. Kramer Law Clinic. A talented and experienced higher education administrator, he served as the interim president of Lake first-year law students, stands out as one of his defining characteristics. By his own choice, he taught four different Erie College from 2015 to 2016. courses in the law school’s first-year curriculum, including Gerhart was a noted expert in antitrust and trade regulation torts, contracts and property legislation and regulation— and a specialist in international economic law and sometimes covering two of them in the same year. Moved globalization. He published dozens of law review articles by the recent spate of incidents of racial injustice, he in leading law journals at Duke University School of Law, devoted part of his fall 2020 sabbatical to designing a Vanderbilt University Law School and the University of course in structural racism and the law.

Pennsylvania Carey Law School, among others.

Dr. Bryan DePoy, who served under Dr. Gerhart, states Most recently, he focused on legal theory. His trilogy that, “while he served as the interim president for just a of acclaimed books published by Cambridge University year, his genuine kindness and sense of compassion left Press spanned the legal universe, including Tort Law an imprint on the Lake Erie College community that will and Social Morality (2010), Property Law and Social never be forgotten. We are a better institution because of Morality (2014) and Contract Law and Social Morality his leadership.” (publication forthcoming on February 19, 2021). Each book followed the novel approach he developed regarding legal reasoning, making the case that the doctrinal categories used to understand private law have only artificial boundaries.

While service and scholarship played a crucial role in Gerhart’s career, his passion for teaching, especially

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Marina Puhalj ’21 Named a Winner of the

57th Anniversary Graphic Design USA in the Graphic Design Award Competition Senior visual communication and graphic design (VCGD) major Marina Puhalj was recently named a winner of the 57th anniversary Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) graphic design award competition. The competition saw more than 10,000 entries this year, and only the top 10 percent were selected as winners.

Anthony Ezzo, Assistant Professor of Visual Communication and Graphic Design, submitted pieces created by VCGD students to the competition. Marina’s piece, “Furniture Show Conceptual Project,” came from a concept and design class project. Marina’s winning piece will be featured in GD USA’s Design Annual, to be seen by thousands of designers who receive their newsletter.

the house, one poster is based on the blue prints, another one is based on the sunroom in the house, and the last one is based on the outside of the house,” said Puhalj.

“We are so very proud of Marina and are delighted that her talents have been recognized with this prestigious award,” said Dr. Jennifer Swartz-Levine, Dean of the School of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences. “She is an outstanding student in our program, which, under Professor Tony Ezzo’s leadership, has become known for its creativity and innovation. Marina’s winning of this award is not only a testament to her own excellent work “My posters are for a contemporary furniture show based but also to the leadership and vision of Professor Ezzo. off the EmilBach House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. How very proud we are to count them both as members One poster design is based on the windowpane inside of our LEC community.”

student news LEC Students Shine in Entrepreneurship Competition

Cameron Zona, ‘21

Autumn Herrera, ‘21

Sean O’Hearon, ‘21

Last semester LEC returned to the Entrepreneurship Education Consortium (EEC) comprised of 11 Northeast Ohio Colleges. Students were offered the opportunity to participate in a virtual version of ideaLabs 2020, a business concept competition held first locally at LEC. Two Lake Erie College finalists would participate in the Regional ideaLabs 2020 competition via a video depicting each student’s unique business concept. Cameron Zona’s ’21 idea, The Access Theatre Project, received an Honorable Mention Award at the Regional Finals. Autumn Herrera’s ’21 idea “Night Light” (a graphic novel) moved onto the Regional Competition as well. Sean O’Hearon ’21 also participated in the LEC local competition with his project about Grappler Landscaping & Tree Service.

Students Celebrate the Suffrage Centennial

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, Lake Erie College students had a chance to join forces with faculty, staff and local historians to organize a year-long celebration of the numerous Lake Erie College alumnae who fought for women’s rights and for the right to vote. Throughout 2020, participants in the Centennial Suffrage Celebration hosted events and contributed to research and opportunities to honor local suffragists. The class that accompanies this historical suffrage project is continuing in the spring 2021 semester and will produce new projects and the dedication of LEC’s first Pomeroy Historical Marker honoring Mary Evans, Principal of Lake Erie Female Seminary and first president of Lake Erie College.

Senior Alexandra Strawbridge ’21 worked as a student volunteer with Northeast Ohio Suffrage during the 2020 spring semester and over the summer. She wrote an article for their website highlighting Elizabeth Bartlett Grannis ’62, a Lake Erie College alumna, and her role in women’s suffrage and dress reform. Sophomore Kayla Clark ’23 presented a paper from the Suffrage Centennial at the National Social Science Association Conference. Her confidence and knowledge of the subject astounded the audience. For current Lake Erie College students, this has been a chance to connect with trailblazing LEC alumnae of the past.

New Minor in Applied Technology Gives Students Real-World Skills

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ake Erie College recently announced the addition of Applied Technical Skills (ATS) to its list of minor programs. The program will afford students an opportunity to add technical skill sets to their liberal arts education while addressing a growing need of industry employers looking for skilled professionals.

and, in addition to providing technical experience, will provide students an opportunity to earn certifications in areas like electrical theory or applications like welding.

“The landscape of higher education is certainly changing, and we are always looking for ways to increase the value of our academic offerings. This is an excellent example of how collaboration across our campus is providing novel Lake Erie College’s mission and vision encourages self- opportunities to our students and local communities while discovery, strong personal attributes and leading lives of staying true to our values as a liberal arts institution,” said personal and global significance. This program will provide Tedesco. students a unique opportunity to enhance the traditional liberal arts experience with hands-on, experiential Herb Dill, Executive Director of the LEC HVACR learning in courses related to technical skills and to program, agrees. “The creation of this minor is a natural apply those skills to their areas of interest. For example, extension of our welding and HVACR high school students pursuing a major in management would have an programs, involving Lake Shore Compact, Painesville opportunity to learn the skills that are utilized in regional City Local Schools, and Fairport schools, along with trade industries as they develop a better understanding our adult programs for welding and HVACR that are of companies at which they may be seeking employment already available.” The minor can coincide with any upon graduation, while a student pursuing a bachelor’s undergraduate program in which students are enrolled in fine arts could learn welding skills to aid in creating beginning the semester of Spring 2021 and will be open metallic sculptures as part of their showcase work. for high school students interested in earning College Credit Plus (CCP) credits toward a degree. For questions Lake Erie College’s Dean of the School of Natural Sciences or to learn more information about the program, and Mathematics, Johnathan Tedesco, Ph.D., describes contact Johnathan Tedesco at jtedesco@lec.edu. the minor as one that will allow students to gain relevant, real world skills while pursuing traditional liberal arts degrees. The ATS minor is open to students in all majors

academic news

LEC Launches MPS Program

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ake Erie College (LEC) announces the approval and launch of a new and unique online Masters in Professional Studies (MPS) degree whic is the first of its kind in Ohio. Designed to support a wide variety of professionals at various levels in their careers, this program will help students develop sought-after and marketable skills in areas such as organizational dynamics, leadership, negotiation and problem-solving.

Open to anyone with a bachelor’s degree of any type, the MPS program will be particularly appealing to working adults who seek to build specific skills to support and grow within their organization. The MPS degree will also appeal to those not currently in the workforce (e.g., those with graduate degrees looking for employment, individuals who are laid off, etc.) and to those who seek to broaden or develop their skills to support reentry or position transitions. Of the new degree, Dr. Bryan DePoy, LEC’s Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, says “the program is designed to be highly relevant to the skills needed in a broad range of companies and organizations, and the fact that it’s online means that it is accessible to a wide range of learners who seek to grow professionally.”

With skills development and outcomes related to communication, leadership, critical inquiry and ethics, the Lake Erie College’s MPS degree has three available

concentrations: Professional Communication, Organizational Behavior Management and an interdisciplinary track that allows students to customize a degree that aligns with their career goals and professional aspirations.

As the only degree of its type with a unique array of courses and concentrations, the Master of Professional Studies Degree combines Lake Erie College’s experienced faculty, partnerships with a wide range of companies and organizations, and emphasis on individualized learning to meet the needs of career-oriented students seeking a skillsbased graduate program.

The program is situated in the College’s School of Business, home of Lake Erie College’s successful MBA program, business dean Dr. Jenni Kinnaird states, “the Masters of Professional Studies is a wonderful new addition to the graduate degree options available at Lake Erie College. The degree provides both the opportunity to develop specific skills that employers are looking for and the flexibility for students to tailor and complete a degree that meets their specific needs and interests.”

For more information about applying for the program, visit lec.edu/mps. Questions about the MPS degree may be directed to Dr. Jenni Kinnaird, dean of the school of business, at jkinnaird@lec.edujkinnaird@lec.edu.

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LEC Names Executive Director of Student Affairs Kimberly Robare was recently named the College’s Executive Director for Student Affairs and Title IX Coordinator.

In addition to her tasks as the leader of the student affairs area, Robare has been instrumental in handling the College’s COVID response, leading LEC’s Emergency Response Team.

Most recently, she was the Director of Student Life and Title IX Coordinator for LEC. Her involvement with the College began in 2009 when she started as the Athletic Facilities and Game Operations Graduate Assistant and Resident Director. She has worked for the student life department since her time as Resident Director, as well as the athletic department, financial aid and accommodation support and counseling services office.

Robare’s role is pivotal to the recent restructuring that resulted in the combining of academic and student affairs, the point of which was to focus more on the holistic education of the student. According to Dr. Bryan DePoy, who now serves as the vice president for both the academic and student affairs areas, “Kimberly Robare has the range of experiences and a track record of commitment to excellence to guide and support the strengthening of the student experience. Her incredible work ethic combined with her deep love for Lake Erie College make her perfectly suited to this important leadership role.”

“Consistency is important. A student should be able to go into an office and feel supported and confident in the answer they are getting because employees have worked together to learn about other areas. I hope to start building a stronger relationship with others outside of Student Affairs who work directly with our students not only to improve the student experience, but the overall climate of Lake Erie College,” said Robare.

Robare is a graduate of Regis College and went on to receive her Master of Science in Education in 2011 from LEC. Her husband, Mike ’11, MBA ’16 also held positions at the College as the Assistant Director of Admission and was also part of the inaugural football team as a student in 2007.

faculty/staff news

Molly Hoffman has been named the Storm’s new Athletic Director. This move comes after Hoffman’s stint as interim athletic director, a position she has held since the summer.

“I am honored to be named the next leader of the Storm,” Hoffman said.

“I would like to thank Dr. Posler and the leadership of Lake Erie College for entrusting me with this role.”

In a year rife with unexpected challenges and adjustments across all 19 Lake Erie athletic programs, Hoffman navigated those obstacles and placed athletes, coaches, and staff in a position to succeed.

New Athletic Director Named

“Molly Hoffman, in her interim athletic director role, has done a great job under very trying circumstances this year,” said Lake Erie College President Brian Posler, Ph.D. “Juggling all of the changing schedules, COVID

testing, precautions and uncertainty about competition has helped show she is the right person as our Athletic Director. I look forward to seeing where the department further succeeds under her leadership.”

Prior to being elevated to interim Athletic Director in 2020, Hoffman served as the Senior Associate Director of Athletics for Sports Medicine. Before that, she had worked as the Lake Erie College Assistant Director of Athletics for Sports Medicine. She had also been the Senior Woman Administrator for the Storm since 2016. Hoffman has been employed by LEC athletics since 2009.

During her time as an Athletic Trainer she aided in the supervision, instruction and participation of the prevention, care and rehabilitation of athletic injuries for all 19 Storm sports.

As a 2007 graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College with a bachelor’s of arts in athletic training and exercise science, Hoffman was an All-Ohio Athletic Conference softball player for the Yellow Jackets. She is currently pursuing her master’s in education with a concentration in coaching.

“After working within the athletic department for the last decade, I am proud of the strides we have made within Division II,” she said. “I have an amazing group of coaches, support staff and, most importantly, student-athletes.”

Mary-Michelle Coleman-Walsh has been named the Director of Graduate Studies, a new position at the College. She comes to LEC from Notre Dame College where she served as Director of Academic Affairs. Previously, she taught as a Visiting Assistant Professor at both Gannon University and John Carroll University where she was also the coordinator of the Communication Management Program.

New director of graduate studies

She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from John Carroll University with a minor in Communication, a Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University, a Masters in Nonprofit Management from John Carroll University, and a Masters in Communication from Kent State University.

This position is a part of the college’s strategic focus on creating capacity and laying the groundwork for possible graduate program development, implementing the new Master of Professional Studies degree, and ensuring more logistical support for Lake Erie College’s current graduate programs. Dr. Bryan DePoy, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, says that “this position is vital to us looking to the future as it relates to providing relevant and in-demand graduate and professional education to a wide range of learners.” He also states that “Mary-Michelle Coleman-Walsh has the breadth of experiences and regional connections that align with key strategic goals of Lake Erie College. Also, her leadership and communication skills are an ideal complement to our outstanding and dedicated academic support team. We are fortunate to have someone with us with such an extraordinary professional background as Mary-Michelle.”

“Lake Erie College graduate programs are a pathway to career success. In my role as Director of Graduate Studies, I plan to grow our programs by bringing them to the forefront of the local, national and international communities. Our graduate programs combine established academic rigor with skill and experience to provide the best learning environment for careerfocused individuals to thrive,” said Coleman-Walsh.

reducing the clutter of so many non-profit organizations all vying for support in a single day.

Tony Fulgenzio, Vice President for Advancement at LEC commented, “This year, we partnered with Storm Athletics and created hourly contests among sports teams and alumni. The result was healthy team competition and plenty of fun.”

Adding to the excitement was College Board of Directors member, Steve Perry, an alumnus from the class of 1978 who offered a $25,000 match. Also stepping up was College President Brian Posler and his wife Christy, who offered a matching challenge in the final hour of the event.

Giving Green Day A Huge Success

Special thanks to the many Painesville area businesses like 1922 Coffee and Brew, Bada Bing Pizza, the Sidewalk Wednesday, October 21st, once again highlighted the Café and Clean Eatz that donated gift cards as donor generous spirit of Lake Erie College Alumni and friends incentives and prizes. Thanks to the various challenges as the 24-hour giving campaign raised nearly $31,000, from individuals and teams and a bigger social media presence, the 2020 effort was the most successful so far. surpassing the goal of $30,000.

Look for more fun and prizes in 2021.

Giving Green Day began back in 2016 as the College’s version of the national day of giving, GivingTuesday is If you are interested in donating prizes, offering traditionally held the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving as challenge dollars or helping with spreading the word a way of supporting the nation’s non-profit sector. The on social media, reach out to Director of Development, College instead holds this initiative in October as a way of John McCreery, jmccreery@lec.edu.

lec bookstore LEC Merch Textbooks Storm Dollars Gift Cards and more...

visit bookstore.lec.edu

alumni + advancement news

GIFT FROM ALUMNA AND BOARD CHAIRPERSON CREATES NEW SCHOLARSHIPS This past summer, Lake Erie College announced the Stillwagon Challenge, an endowment challenge offering donors of $25,000 or more to have a named endowment scholarship. Prompted by a $1 million gift from Board of Trustees Chair, Nancy Krehl Stillwagon ’70, the program will match each new endowed gift to the school, creating additional financial aid for students.

Stillwagon, a long-time supporter and alumna of Lake Erie College became the College’s Board Chair in October 2019. Graduating from Lake Erie College in 1970 with a degree in music and visual art, she will be celebrating her 50th reunion this year. In honor of her 50th reunion, a gift of $1 million will match $25,000 endowed scholarships.

“I urge individuals to follow their passion and trust themselves to realize their dreams. As Picasso said, ‘anything you can imagine can be real,’” said Stillwagon.

“Nancy’s Board leadership and generous gift is good business for LEC. Her gift will help leverage other endowed scholarships which will ultimately help students attain the dream of earning a college education,” said Tony Fulgenzio, Lake Erie College’s Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Stillwagon, a long-time advocate and alumna of Lake Erie College graduated in 1970 with a degree in music and visual arts. She went on to earn her Masters of Fine Arts degree at Kent State University and eventually a Ph.D. in American Art History from Case Western Reserve University. Stillwagon has been involved with the College since 1983 when she joined the National Alumni Board (NAB) as Vice Chair and became Chair for the organization in 1986.

Stillwagon’s love for the fine and performing arts remains her passion. She taught drawing, painting and printmaking at the Canton Art Institute and art history at various colleges including the University of Warsaw and John Carroll University. She is a student of jazz piano and plays professionally. In her free time, she also enjoys hiking, biking and gardening as well as international travel with her husband, Jon Stein.

To date, the Stillwagon Challenge has raised $115,000.00 in endowed gifts and matching funds For more information on contributing to the challenge, contact Vice President of Advancement, Tony Fulgenzio, at afulgenzio@lec.edu.

The National Alumni Board announces the winners of

the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Awards jean makesh mba ’00 Jean Makesh MBA ’00 was honored with the 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award for outstanding career. He is the founder and CEO of the Lantern Group. He designed a state-of-the-art award winning Alzheimer care facility in Madison, Saybrook and Chagrin Falls, Ohio. His fascination with and passion for the aging were the impetus to design and create a personality-centric rehabilitative care program that is one-of-a-kind in the country and in the world. Some of his honors include Entrepreneur of the Year and the Model Practice Award. Jean was featured in various local and international media.

Before establishing Lantern Group, he held various senior executive positions with a Fortune 500 company. During his tenure with that company, his day-to-day responsibilities included ensuring best operational practices and compliance to the highest quality of care.

He holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy as well as an MBA from Lake Erie College.

Jean designed and developed a patent pending, retro-virtual time capsule to nurture and facilitate memory and to promote functional independence. The care delivery model is the only care program in the world that is therapeutic in nature. The program utilizes the individual’s environment, learning and activities to activate repressed memories and stimulate newer learning.

Makesh is on a personal mission to support, educate and equip caregiver’s, family members, healthcare professionals and the elderly with knowledge and resources about Alzheimer’s disease, its prevention and treatment. His goal is to continue designing, developing and constructing state-of-the-art facilities and therapeutic care models in the U.S. and other parts of the world.

alumni + advancement news Ricky Volante ’12 Ricky Volante ’12 was honored with the 2020 Distinguished Young Alumni Award. He is Co-Founder of the Professional Collegiate League and serves as its Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the League, while focusing on business, operational growth and the benefits created for the athletes.

Additionally, Ricky is an attorney at The Volante Law Firm, LLC. He has primarily focused on legal issues related to professional and amateur sports, film and television, music, business formation and regulation, intellectual property, digital media and philanthropy within sports, film and music. Ricky also co-founded Sixth City Sports & Entertainment, a sport and film consultancy based in Cleveland, OH, and is an adjunct professor at Baldwin Wallace University.

Ricky graduated summa cum laude from Lake Erie College with a B.S. in Sports Management, and received the Class of 2012 Academic Excellence Award for the School of Business. Ricky completed his Juris Doctorate (J.D.) at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

denise molesch ’95 Denise Molesch ’95 is the 2020 Distinguished Alumni honoree for outstanding service to the College and community. One of the longest serving members of the National Alumni Board, Denise has served as National Alumni Board (NAB) president, representative to the College’s Board of Directors and in other officer positions under three LEC college presidents.

Volunteering with other alumni and the Lake Erie College community has been gratifying to her. Denise is an avid photographer who is active on the board of the Western Reserve Photographic Society.

Her photographic work highlights community cornerstones such as the College, Lake MetroParks and a local Senior Center, all of which have been featured in many publications and at many local art shows.

Earning a business degree with a concentration in information technology from LEC was extremely beneficial to her IT career at Progressive Insurance. Balancing classes while working full-time was a worthwhile experience which led to a lifetime of friendships and continued involvement with the College.

Denise is grateful to her alma mater for so many experiences through the years and hopes LEC continues to provide an excellent, inclusive and personalized education to future generations.

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Alumni Spotlight

brad harmon LEC Graduate Remains on the

Cusp of the Digital Age of Newsgathering Not many young people know exactly how they plan to spend their professional careers, but at age 12, Brad Harmon had a pretty good idea. The father of Harmon’s childhood friend helped lay the groundwork for an exciting career in the newspaper industry. “I was intrigued by his father’s profession as publisher of the Willoughby News-Herald. It was impressive, exciting and mysterious to me as a young boy.”

Dudley Thomas once summarized the newspaper industry for a young Harmon, “it’s a very complex world, but let me capsulize it in four words, we inspire, entertain, protect (the communities we serve) and grow businesses.”

Harmon earned his degree in marketing from Lake Erie College in 1989 and today serves as Midwest Regional President of Advance Local overseeing all of Michigan and Ohio. He also serves as President and Publisher of The Cleveland Plain Dealer and Cleveland.com as well as the Sun newspapers. “Our business is really four in one, we are journalism, marketing, manufacturing and logistics all in one.”

The industry has changed considerably since the summer of 1982 when Harmon served as circulation intern at the News-Herald. “The consumer is in the driver’s seat in every aspect of our world. We are now in a 24/7 news cycle, with intense competition for readers’ and advertisers’ attention and serving customers on multiple platforms.”

alumni + advancement news communities and lives such as COVID-19, social issues, politics, sports and everything local news.”

Consumers no longer rely upon print as they once did for their news and information— something Harmon sees as a demographic/ lifestyle shift. “The industry has made great strides expanding our audience across multiple platforms such as mobile, podcasts, email, newsletters, subtext and print. I tell my staff often, don’t focus on the platform: focus on our impact we make on the communities we serve. We are more relevant and our audience is bigger than ever…we are just delivering our content differently.”

What hasn’t changed over the years is the importance of credibility and remaining relevant. According to Harmon, The return back home has provided the opportunity for “the key word in “newspaper” is “news.” That will always Harmon and his family to become active within their be part of our DNA.” Concord community. Harmon sits on the Boards of both the Greater Cleveland Partnership as well as the That may be a tough order given the myriad of informational Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Rachel platforms all competing for readers or “clicks.” According have two boys, Grant (15) and Gavin (12) and when he to Harmon, Twitter, Facebook, Google have all changed is not at the helm of NE Ohio news and information, the news cycle forever. Before this digital revolution, the he enjoys reading, traveling and collecting rare sports news cycle was set but now the immediacy of the internet memorabilia. means news is in real time. “The ability to compete and deliver content that is relevant and accurate in a 24/7 Harmon encourages LEC students to make the most of cycle is mind-boggling and takes a huge investment in their time in College. “You have access to more tools, people and tech resources to stay current.” technology and talent than any generation before you.

Follow your passion, not a paycheck, and you will thrive The pandemic has disrupted various business segments in the future.” of the industry much like hundreds of other businesses across the world, while web-site audiences have exploded. “For example, readers are searching for credible sources on key issues that impact their

Brad Harmon’s love of news and telling a good story can be traced back to one of his favorite professors at LEC, Dr. Rob Citino. “His passion for teaching students and his storytelling ability were amazing, and he had an uncanny ability to connect with every student in a unique way. In short, he was BRILLIANT!”

Lake erie | winter 2021 | 23

Dawn Powell

Alumnae Authors: Then an Most reviewers, when speaking of Powell, will first point out her talent for satire and quick wit, to which Dawn Powell, novelist and playwright from Mount Gilead, her classmates could attended LEC from 1914 to 1918. During her time at testify. But Powell’s to capture the College she was a writer, journalist, suffragist, actor, ability and served in many other roles as the early 20th Century humanity went deeper seminary experience strove to produce well-rounded and than satire. Her prose well-educated women. Powell wrote and performed her looked psychologically first plays at LEC and entertained her classmates with an inward, as explained in anonymous publication about events around campus. a recent article in the New Yorker by Richard Two Lake Erie College Bachelor of Arts alumnae, one from 1918 and one from 1980, offer an outstanding embodiment of the liberal arts education promised by the College.

alumni + advancement news

Deborah Goodrich Royce ’80

nd Now Brody, “An Out-Of-Print Dawn Powell Novel Reveals her Bene. Those strange, new experiences inspired her to pen Misunderstood Art.” She could fill pages with insightful her first stories in the campus quarterly, the Lake Erie Record. introspection into her character’s minds.

With Midwestern life in Ohio a regular subject in her works, there is no doubt her experience at LEC influenced and enriched her art.

She herself described her arrival on campus as being “shot from a cannon into a strange wonderful planet,” in a campus publication, Nota

Sixty-two years later, another future author walked the campus of Lake Erie, gaining experience that would inspire her first novel. Deborah Goodrich Royce ’80 is best known on campus as the namesake for the Royce Hall for the Fine and Performing Arts, and perhaps for her recurring role on the ABC soap opera, “All My Children.” She established the Humanities Legacy Endowed Scholarship Fund at LEC to recognize students majoring in the humanities.

Lake erie | winter 2021 | 25

liberal arts education has served me every day of my life.

It has made me resilient enough to roll with the punches of life, and it has made me imaginative enough to recreate myself for the next chapter after I have received one of those punches.”

In addition to honoring her alma mater in her novel, Royce stays close with LEC by supporting the College through donations, her involvement in the fine arts and frequent visits to campus. During the 2019 Homecoming Alumni Weekend, the College honored her with a Distinguished Alumni Award. Royce joined in the Alumni Weekend festivities, including hosting a presentation and book signing for Finding Mrs. Ford. She regaled an audience with tales of the wonderful path to her novel and had everyone alternately rapt at attention and laughing with glee at her keen insight.

Jeanna Purses, Director of the Lincoln Library, led Royce and others on a tour of the recently renovated James F. Lincoln Library building. On the tour, Royce charmed staff and fellow alumni alike.

“Deborah Royce Goodrich was so many things,” said Purses. “Yes, she is talented, accomplished, famous and a delightful speaker, but what I noticed most when I met Royce’s career has included time as an actress in both film her was shining beauty from a life well-lived and with and television, a story editor at Miramax Films, and, as of a down-to-earth interest in people and their ideas. She June 2019, an author. Her first novel, the psychological listened to me as if what I said mattered, and she gave thriller, Finding Mrs. Ford, was received with rave reviews. generously as if she wanted to help however she might.”

Her second, Ruby Falls, is set to be released on May 4, 2021.

Readers can clearly see how Lake Erie College influenced These distinguished Lake Erie Alumnae showcase the Royce when they read Finding Mrs. Ford. She was drawn fruits of the liberal arts education decades apart. In to LEC by the study abroad program, and her experience their own ways, each author drew from her experience did not disappoint. The main character of Finding Mrs. in Northeast Ohio as inspiration for her writing. Both Ford is a Lake Erie College student, and Ruby Falls will feature references to her time studying abroad.

“I cannot overstate the influence Lake Erie College has had on every endeavor in my life. From my early career as an actress to my career as a writer, Lake Erie College has been foundational,” Royce explained.

“When I arrived and was able to major in my languages of choice, minor in dance, participate fully in the theatre, take a wide range of classes, learn, study, and travel all over Europe—my aspirations were not only fulfilled, they were exceeded. That core

had an appreciation for the theatre program. Royce’s acting career speaks for itself, and photos survive of Dawn Powell in what was described as inspired casting as Puck in Midsummer Night’s Dream. Though Powell struggled with grades, too occupied with all other aspects of college life, and Royce graduated summa cum laude, both received honorary Doctorates from the institution. Powell received a Doctor of Literature and Royce a Doctorate of Humane Letters. Their different paths to that honor prove that practical lessons learned at college are just as important as the letters attached to grades.

recognition, but much loved by those who know her best.

Powell is the epitome of LEC. It’s fitting that her legacy continues to inspire current students through the Powell Prize in Creative Writing.”

“The more I’ve looked into her life and work, the more I’ve come to realize that Dawn Powell is more than just an alum of Lake Erie College-- she’s quite nearly its embodiment,” said Adam Stier, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English and Director of the Honors Program.

“Physically small, but full of personality; accessible, yet intellectually invigorating all the same; deserving of wider

The 2020 entries to the Dawn Powell Prize are available on the Lake Erie College website. Those looking for new reading material can investigate those, in addition to preordering Royce’s second novel, Ruby Falls. Or maybe it’s time to check out some works by Powell at the Lincoln Library. Lake Erie College is proud to celebrate authors from our past, present and future.

Royce herself had a message to aspiring authors at LEC. “To the wonderful Lake Erie College students who are English majors and also to those of you who might be secret writers, I would like to tell you that there are so many paths along the way!” she said. “My best advice to you is to pick one path and follow it with all your strength and effort. Give it your best shot. And do that more than Lake Erie College students today are still inspired to write once. Keep after a dream as long as you can. And then, by the legacy of these alumnae. The Dawn Powell Prize sometimes, like me, if you need to reinvent yourself, do in Creative Writing invites students to submit original it. That is what liberal arts education is all about…being poetry or short fiction for prizes. 2020 saw the addition prepared (or being able to figure out how to prepare of a faculty and staff category in the competition as well. yourself ) for whatever life gives you.”

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athletic update There have been several staffing changes in the athletics department over the course of this school year. The new leader of the Storm is Molly Hoffman. Hoffman has been with the department since 2009, taking on the Interim Director of Athletics role in August of 2020. She became Director of Athletics in January of 2021.

This past year student-athletes have learned to adjust to a “new normal.” While having practices and beginning competition, they have been following many COVID-19 protocols in order to have successful seasons. “Every detail of sports competitions has been rethought and adjusted.

Things that generally come so easily during practice, such as high fives or even standing close to a teammate, needed Also in January, women’s head soccer coach Irenna to be changed,” explained Molly Hoffman. “Masks Lawrence was appointed the designation of Senior Woman are mandatory for all practices. Benches are spaced Administrator. In addition, Zachary Hoffman has been out during competition to allow for better distances promoted to Assistant Director of Athletics for Sports between teammates. Athletes are also regularly tested for Medicine adding to his head athletic trainer position.

COVID-19.”

Makayla Dull was also promoted from assistant coach to head coach of the men’s and women’s golf programs in the “I would say that it challenged us to adapt to the constant summer of 2020. changes, and we had to put extra work into not allowing it to overwhelm and tear us down,” said women’s soccer Two new interim director tags were put in place in the student athlete, Haley Scherer ’22. “We’ve had to focus Athletic Department. Dominique Maneice has taken on the good with all of the negative pressures surrounding on the role of Interim Director of Athletics for Sports us.”

Information and Steven Brown has taken the role of Interim Director of Athletics for Sports Operation. Both Although no fans are allowed to watch indoor Maneice and Brown joined the Storm and served as competitions for the 2020-21 year, LEC student-athletes Graduate Assistants in the fall semester of 2019.

athletic news

have been taking all the changes in stride. With all the uncertainty the pandemic has caused and with the loss of seasons last year, LEC student-athletes are just happy for the opportunity to be able to participate in the sports they love.

were pulled from games and practices and no longer had a season. Fall sports teams had their seasons delayed, substantially shortened and moved to the spring while the NCAA Division II postseason was canceled. Winter sports teams have also had their seasons shortened.

For a large portion of the pandemic and the stay at home orders in Ohio, coaches were only allowed to recruit.

They could not attend tournaments or high school games the way they do in a normal recruiting season, so much of the process shifted to a digital format. When club teams and high schools began competing again, coaches took advantage of live-streamed events to evaluate athletes’ abilities. In addition, on campus large visits were not permitted as they usually are in the fall. The department adapted by minimizing the number of visitors taking tours at the same time, allowing recruits to connect on a more personal level with our athletic department while showcasing the institution.

The downtime due to lack of competition in the fall of 2020 allowed for student athletes to get more involved in campus activities. We have had great participation from our student-athletes in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). The group raised $1800 so far this year toward the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Many athletes have also had the opportunity to join the Black Student Union. This group organized a peaceful march for social justice. Student-athletes, joined by the Lake Erie College community, walked through campus and downtown Painesville. Teams have also participated in socially distant volunteering, including the women’s soccer team, who organized a 100th birthday parade for a local veteran.

All of the programs have experienced some sort of loss in their season. Last year winter student athletes ended their season during national championships. Spring teams

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students sound off college in the time of covid

Natalie Stokes ’22 “The biggest adjustment for me has been not seeing people in person. Before the pandemic I would have game nights with my friends or have dinner with my family. Fortunately, they are just a call or text away, and we can still spend time together online, but I miss being able to interact face-to-face.

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O

n January 21, 2020, the United States logged its first confirmed case of a rapidly emerging novel coronavirus. Since then, 80 million people across the globe have been sickened, and over 1.7 million have died from COVID-19. In the US, there have been 27 million cases and over 500,000 deaths. (New York Times) Lake Erie College has recorded 183 positive cases for faculty, staff and students since March 2020 but no deaths.

[Lake Erie College President] Dr. Posler’s commitment to safety balanced with our incoming students’ desire for inperson learning has contributed to the satisfaction of our students and overall campus morale. The faculty have done a great job making their classes accessible to everyone, whether they participated in-person or remotely.”

For students who choose to attend in-person, many report that the pandemic has affected more than just their college experience... “80 percent of students around the country The best efforts to control the spread of COVID-19 have say that COVID has negatively impacted their mental been masks, social-distancing and isolated quarantine for health, their spiritual health and their career aspirations” positive and suspected cases. In a college setting, these (PBS et al). At Lake Erie College, every student we spoke methods may diminish the college experience by limiting with reported similar experiences. sports, group activities and in-person teaching. As a result, many students delayed entrance into college last fall, and Graduate student Natalie Stokes ’22 in the PA program others chose to attend only virtually, negatively affecting reports, “Starting graduate school is already a challenge in college enrollment across the country. and of itself but adding a global pandemic into the mix makes it ten times harder. Because it’s recommended that Nationally, “more than 560,000 undergraduate students we stay at home as much as possible, it’s tough to stay didn’t enroll this fall compared to 2019” (PBS et al). Lake positive and motivated when you spend most of your day Erie College VP of Enrollment Mike Brown reports that in one room.”

Lake Erie College’s enrollment drop of 12% was on par with the national average of 13% (St. Amour). “It was Environmental science/equine facility management expected that we would drop due to the pandemic. But double major, sophomore Abbot Brandt ’23 agrees. “I think the most challenging thing has been keeping a positive attitude and good morale. It’s extremely easy to get down about everything going on around you, and I have caught myself doing exactly that.”

For communications sophomore Michael Cox ’23, the fear of the illness itself has been most concerning. “It has made things tough on me due to the constant threat that any day you could get so sick that you won’t be able to move from your bed for who knows how long.”

The news from Lake Erie College students isn’t all bad.

Academically, some report the online and hybridized learning helpful.

Equine teacher/trainer English freshman Lynnette Burg ’24 finds in-person classes draining. “[After an in-person class] I usually don’t have the energy to do much else, but I haven’t had to worry about that with online classes.

Luckily I’m thriving.”

Human resource management/business administration double major, junior Jaylen Johnson ’22 has found the effort needed to stay motivated and productive in virtual classes particularly beneficial. “I’ve actually had my two best semesters with the pandemic. I had to push myself

Abbot Brandt ’23 “I think the most challenging thing has been keeping a positive attitude and good morale.

It’s extremely easy to get down about everything going on around you, and I have caught myself doing exactly that. Though with some help and support from my friends, I was up and running again.”

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Michael Cox ’23 “I miss being able to meet new people every day. I am a tour guide at Lake Erie College and with the pandemic, I feel like I don’t really get to meet these people due to masks and social distancing.”

more to be motivated so it actually helped.” Nevertheless, “the stress of not knowing what will happen day to day, as far as cases on campus or moving to full online learning has been challenging.”

Executive Director of Student Life Kim Robare has led Lake Erie College in managing the college’s COVID efforts. “Our protocols are set to be strict so we can ensure everyone on campus remains as healthy and safe as possible. We never ignore a positive test and have multiple stages of quarantine including 24-hour symptom watch, 3-day quarantine, exposure quarantine (7-10 days) and positive quarantine (10 days). We remain consistent with every community member and all of this together has put us in a great place to be able to provide our students an education that aligns with our mission.”

In a survey distributed at the end of the fall 2020 semester, 75% of the College faculty approved of the College’s communication regarding COVID plans and the College’s response to the pandemic. Their number one concern: the need for more testing. Robare and her team responded quickly. “The fall posed issues regarding availability of testing and overall research about COVID-19. As more time was dedicated to learning about and fighting the virus, we have gained more information and available resources to add to our already diligent protocols.”

Before beginning the spring 2021 semester, the college administered well over 800 tests, screening every member of the faculty, staff and student body. Students took notice otherwise stay in their rooms, a policy which requires meal of the College’s efforts. delivery from the cafeteria to the student. “(The College did) a great job of making sure students in quarantine get “I feel like Lake Erie College has been successful in plenty of food!” managing the pandemic. I think they’ve always tried to stay ahead of the cases with the daily symptom screening, Vaccination is the big question on everyone’s minds these and there is [sic] always disinfectant wipes and hand days. The development of an efficacious vaccine and the sanitizer in our classroom so that we can prevent germ- successful implementation of a global immunization plan spreading as much as possible,” says Stokes ’22. offers the best hope for a return to normalcy. In Ohio, vaccines are currently available to those over 65, people Harrison Riggs ’21, marketing/business administration with underlying conditions and K-12 educators. How double major who graduates this fall also supports the confident are our students in the vaccines, and how soon school’s efforts. “I think the College has done a very good do they believe Lake Erie College will return to normal? job of upholding its Covid policies/protocols throughout the year.” Riggs, a Lake Erie College basketball player, Natalie Stokes ’22 feels positive. “Vaccinations will be experienced quarantine first-hand. “The two-week an important part of returning to LEC. I think it is vital quarantine was definitely a unique experience and a long that as many people get vaccinated as possible so that we time to spend alone without leaving my apartment.” can try and get to the end of this pandemic as quickly as Students who test positive and live on campus are possible.” quarantined in residence hall apartments with their own bathrooms. They attend their classes virtually and “It depends on how quickly the vaccines get out and

Lynnette Burg ’24 “The biggest lesson I learned during the pandemic is to adapt to the things you cannot change.”

As the semester progresses, the college will begin performing surveillance testing, randomly selecting 10% of the faculty, staff and student population for PCR tests.

Participation is not mandatory. The plan aims to monitor asymptomatic spread of the virus on campus and to “provide as much information as possible in regards to our protocols and safety measures,” says Robare.

For now, the College continues to hold in-person, experiential classes when possible and virtual learning, while everyone waits for a return to a pre-pandemic life.

“Heading into nicer weather will give us the chance to resume some normalcy in programming, traditions and daily activities in a safer way,” says Robare.

New York Times. “A Timeline of the Coronavirus Pandemic.” nytimes.com, New York Times, 10 January 2021, https:// www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-timeline.html.

Accessed 7 February 2021.

PBS, et al. “How the pandemic is impacting college students’ mental health.” pbs.org, 19 January 2021, https://www.pbs. org/newshour/show/how-the-pandemic-is-impacting-collegestudents-mental-health?fbclid=IwAR2xrYAOZuqQXii0Mr GHup4OtsmiU_HXUaXkDM8oXVeNdpiA2iawlpkAHdY. St. Amour, Madeline. “Enrollment Still Down.” insiderhighered.com, 12 November 2020, https://www. how effective they are. If both of those things go well I’m insidehighered.com/news/2020/11/12/enrollment-declinespretty confident that things will be a little more normal,” continue-national-student-clearinghouse-finds. Accessed 7 says Burg ’24.

February 2021.

Other students remain skeptical about the vaccines.

Abbot Brandt ’23 has serious doubts, believing the vaccines are too new. “Of course it makes people feel safer knowing there is a supposed vaccine, but we won’t really know if that vaccine works until a year or so down the road. I will still feel comfortable attending LEC, but I will continue to keep my distance and be aware of the virus that’s still around us.”

Jaylen Johnson ’22 agrees. “If more people stop showing side effects and more research is developed, I would feel more comfortable.”

Cox ’23 also has a skeptical outlook. “The thing about [the vaccines] is that we don’t know for sure what could happen down the road. There is an infinite amount of possible things that could come from receiving one.”

Lake erie | winter 2021 | 37

Jaylen Johnson ’22 “It’s been difficult to stay motivated and productive with all the changes due to COVID, but I’ve actually had my two best semesters during the pandemic. I had to push myself more so it actually helped.”

Harrison Riggs ’21 “It was definitely a unique experience to be quarantined for two weeks. It was a long time to spend alone without leaving my apartment. I would say it made me more appreciative of simple daily activities.

Lake erie | winter 2021 |39

Class notes 1950s

PAMELA JENNINGS GRELL ‘55

1960s

SANDY LANE CROSS ‘68

2000s

found out there is a school in Colombia named after Isolda Ichavarria. She deduces that Ichavarria’s mother set up the school after she passed away.

She was an especially lovely person and her death was a massive loss. She recalls Isolda was someone special.

has many happy memories of her friends and professors at LEC. She and her husband lived in the Netherlands for many years with their four children. She has been, and still is, very involved with the breeding and showing of my Saddlebred horses. At 87 she appreciates the happy journey CAROLYN KRATZ BORLO ‘69 my life has been. is the Treasurer of an educational foundation: www.thewilsonfund.org.

BARBARA ROSA D’ATRI ‘59 that gives funding for educational was browsing her 1959 yearbook, purposes to individuals — students and was flooded with fond memories. and educators — as well as She loved being a transfer student institutions. as a Sophomore (mid-term) and her memories center on past friendships s and her WTA studies in France. She still remains in touch with her roommate, Jo Ann Hale, and also Sally Firebaugh Devney, who was a wonderful friend when she lived in Phoenix, AZ. During the time there, she went to Florence, Italy, to study Italian language, Italian art history, Italian opera, and also took a wonderful cooking class series at a local restaurant. She also met a number of cousins in Bologna and her father’s first cousin who lived on the Canale Grande in Venezia. She has often wished she had studied the language of my heritage, but a few years ago in Denver she led a group at her senior JOHN WILLIAMS, PH.D ‘75 apartment building called “All Things Upon retirement after 40 years in Italian”. They loved the food and wine academia, Williams was promoted shared weekly as well as learning about to the rank of Emeritus Professor at the Italian culture and language.

Western Carolina University. He is now serving on the National Alumni Board for Lake Erie College.

1970

ELIZABETH TEKAVEC ‘03

Ashtabula County Juvenile Court Magistrate graduates from 2020 OSBA Leadership Academy.

STEPHANIE R. (JOEDICKE) FELDBAUER ‘07

married James M. Feldbauer on June 1, 2019. Fellow LEC alumni, Jane Roberts, Cassie (Stanz) Stronz and Erica Snyder-Masters attended.

2010s

SUSAN BEZEK ‘13

has been accepted and will be attending Northeast Ohio Medical School of Pharmacy program beginning this fall.

CHRISSY (DELANEY) AND JOE ALCHELE ‘14

Joe and Chrissy moved back to Ohio and started their family. Joe works for Ohio Wesleyan University and Chrissy works for The Sherwin-Williams Company. They currently reside in Delaware, Ohio and have 2 boys, Cole (2) and Patrick (7 months).

Lake erie | winter 2021 | 41

in memoriam We offer our deepest sympathy and well wishes to the family and friends of our beloved alumni and friends who have passed. Memorial gifts may be made in their name by contacting V.P. of Advancement, Tony Fulgenzio at 440-3757255 or giving@lec.edu.

1930s

JOYCE S. DUGAN ’39 Elyria, Ohio. June 9, 2020

1940s

MARJORIE BELL BECKWITH ’44 Mentor, Ohio. September 24, 2020 BARBARA JENKINS ’45 Johnson City, New York. December 19, 2020 MADELINE BUERGER ’47 Pittsfield, Massachusetts. January 4, 2021

1950s

1960s

RACHEL HENDERSON ’60 Bangor, Maine. December 30, 2020 DOROTHY W. BOTTOMLEY ’62 Hyannis, Massachusetts. September 17, 2020 DIANE TAYLOR ’66 Las Cruces, New Mexico. June 25, 2020 JOANNE K. SPEECE ’66 Willoughby, Ohio. August 3, 2020 DEBORAH DAVENPORT ’66 Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. December 27, 2020

BETTY SMITH THOMPSON ’51 Newport, Vermont. May 24, 2018

BARBARA J. KLECKNER ’68 Hearldsburg, California. May 7, 2020

CONSTANCE D. BOMMER ’51 Columbus, Ohio. August 28, 2020

JILL BYRD-BRETCH ’68 Columbia, South Carolina. September 10, 2020

JOAN HART ’51 Albuquerque, New Mexico. December 27, 2020

1970s

GENEVIEVE G. ANGELIDES ’53 Fremont, California. May 10, 2020 NANCY A. FIORE ’54 Warren, Ohio. October 7, 2020 MIA C. MILLER ’57 Akron, Ohio. September 4, 2020 EVELYN L. JACKSON ’59 Shelby, Ohio. June 28, 2020 MARY G. SMITH ’59 Cleveland, Ohio. September 28, 2020

RICHARD DROTLEFF ’70 Willoughby, Ohio. December 18, 2020 ANNE FEDAK ’70 Painesville, Ohio. January 4, 2021 PAMELA U. DAVIS ’71 Carbondale, Pennsylvania. September 4, 2020 WILLIAM IMKE ’71 Warren, Ohio. December 15, 2020 LAURA E. WILLIAMS ’73 Portland, Oregon. October 7, 2020

MAUREEN MCGOVERN ’74 Buffalo, New York. November 26, 2020 CHARLES IACOBUCCI ’75 Marion, Ohio. December 15, 2929 THOMAS W. CLIFFORD SR. ’78 North Royalton, Ohio. August 15, 2020 MARUERITE KOONS MSE ’78 Willoughby, Ohio. December 4, 2020 NANCY REGENSBURGER ’78 Mount Joy, Pennsylvania. December 24, 2020 ROBERT P. INCORVIA ’79 Painesville, Ohio. October 1, 2020

1980s

ELVIRA JANZ ’81 Willoughby, Ohio. January 2, 2021 MARIAN A. SPRAGUE ’83 Jacksonville, North Carolina. June 10, 2020 GEORGE A. RANCICH ’83 Euclid, Ohio. October 1, 2020 DEBRA L. CARY ’86 Ashtabula, Ohio. August 6, 2020

2000s

JEAN ARNOLD-EVANCHUCK ’04 Painesville, Ohio. October 4, 2020

Lake erie | winter 2021 | 43

391 WEST WASHINGTON ST. PAINESVILLE, OHIO 44077

2021 Homecoming Alumni Weekend

September 23rd-26th